Honorable Sons

by rngrdead1

The final battle came at a terrible price. Can our boys recover some of what they’ve lost? Do they want to? MM slash ... AS ... FB welcomed

2. Chapter 2

Fic: Honorable Sons

Author: josieh

Pairing: Spike/Angel

Rating: NC-17

Parts: 7 to 15 ?

Summary: The final battle came at a terrible price. Can our boys recover some of what they've lost? Do they want to?

Spoilers: Post end of S5 AtS so Minor if any

Author's Note: Don't own the characters etc and bow down to their original creators Joss, et al., plus all the wonderful online writers who continue to give them life.

Ch 7

Spike came to, head cradled on Willow's warm lap and the witch's gentle hand stroking his forehead rhythmically.

A soft female voice said, "Hey there sweetie…" while the hand continued to pet his temple.

After a few minutes of simply lying contemplating his position, Spike tried to sit up but was held down by a firm hand.

"No, no, don't do that yet… Drink this first honey… then we'll think about you getting up."

Spike felt a warm wrist pressed against his lips. He looked up at the witch in stunned amazement.

"I think you'll find essence de wiccan is pretty potent stuff so…. and anyways the blood order won't come for an hour or two, if it is like the other day. I figure if you just have a little then no harm done and you can help Angel if he wakes before I finish off the next batch."

The stroking hand and proffered wrist were too much and two tears trickled from either corner of crystal blue eyes. Spike nodded his thanks, took the wrist reverently in both hands, looking at the witch with deep gratitude as he let his fangs drop.

Spike laved the area first, never breaking contact with Willow's emerald stare, then slid his incisors into the offered flesh. His eyes rolled back as he felt the blood laced with the magick and power of a senior witch flow into him.

He pulled off after three long drafts. Nowhere near what he needed to recover on a normal basis but so infused with ancient energy that he felt like he could fly.

Dazed blue eyes now stared up in adoration at the wiccan as he released his mouth, laving and healing the wound.

"Oh god…ess…. Willow…." Azure eyes fixed on her with wonder, "Thank you, thank you…"

Spike fell back into a light and untroubled slumber.

He jolted awake some ten minutes later, feeling refreshed and rested in a way that had not occurred for many months. Sitting up abruptly, he planted a platonic, but no less loving, chaste kiss on his 'lady's' lips, then stood to attend his Sire. Willow smiled and retreated to complete yet another 'batch' of the serum.

The blood order arrived just as Spike began to feel his Sire's consciousness returning through the link. He answered the door and promptly downed two of the bags straight from the box.

Game face to the fore, he heard a hoarse cry for "Will?... Will!... Spike where are you?" coming from the sick room.

He was at Angel's side momentarily and relieved to see the instant recognition in beloved brown orbs.

"Oh Sire!" Unable to move his elder due to the traction bed, he satisfied himself with leaning over and baring his neck, petting the much loved torso and waiting. Angel recognized his Childe's scent and submission, and bit down to drink long and slow. He felt Spike's hand move to assist his arousal at the feeding and waited as gentle bliss took hold, then he released a tiny amount of cool seed but twice onto his torso… He slumped back, satisfied yet aware that his normal climax was somewhat subdued at the moment.

Releasing his bite and falling back into his normal face, Angel stared into his child's beautiful eyes.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Nearly two days, Sire."

"Oh"

"How are you feeling?"

"I've had the strangest dreams. Are you real…. I mean, are you real now?"

"Yes Sire, Oh hell yes, I am real." As if to prove a point Spike pulled down again and hugged his elder, then released him.

"Wait here for a sec. I'll be right back."

Spike raced to the kitchen, a spring in his step, and began rummaging in the fridge for more blood. He pushed three bags of AB pos into the microwave, and turned to take stock of the proceedings at the stove. His face fell. Another four vials rested in the test tube holder and a pot bubbled away, readying the next batch. Willow looked up from her stirring appearing drawn and tired.

"Oh Willow, can we just have a night to rest? Just one night?"

"Um I guess so sweetie. Is he awake now?"

"Yeah"

"I'll come and help, a few hours out of traction is not going to hurt too much, I don't think. Just hang on I'll ring F'Iaid and check, OK?"

Willow handed the vampire her wooden stirring spoon and speed dialed her mobile.

"Hi F'Iaid? Hey. It's Willow Rosenberg – you know William and Angelus…. Oh … yeah of course. Me too."

Spike watched as the witch blushed deeply and scented… arousal! And then grinned Good lord! The witch really is suffragette material! That dark doctor bint was bloody gorgeous, so why not!

"I was wondering if it's OK if we take Angel out of the traction brace for a while?" Spike could not hear the other side of the conversation.

"Yup….. Ah huh…. Yes definitely….. Tomorrow… Oh Goddess…. Yes… Yes!… It was pretty hard the first round. Oh Goddess yes!"

Spike's felt a cold chill as Willow cast a sympathetic and sad look in his direction after the last statement. In that moment the dread was shared. There were four treatments to go.

Willow hung up, then turned to face her vampire friend. She couldn't help but note the return of the strained countenance and distinctly crestfallen look.

"Oh Sweetie. We both knew there was more to come, but already we're on the way, aren't we? We're on the way to getting better?" She smiled in an effort to cheer the blonde. "Why don't you both have a bath and a lovely sleep in the big bed, okay? I'll be your waitress for the night" Willow flicked her hair and did her best to look like a saucy, pub barmaid. Failing dismally at the charade she was pleased to see her tense friend smile and relax just a little.

"You just don't have the 'front' for that sort of caper luv." Spike winked and headed back to the sickroom, warm blood bags in hand and with the intent to release his Sire. He downed the bags as he walked to the room, discarding the 'empties' in the small waste paper basket by the door.

Spike smiled as he entered the room, though he knew Angel could smell the anguished feelings of the previous 'treatments' conversation with Willow. He walked to the head of the bed and released the tension on the traction device. Angel arched then relaxed as he did so.

"Oh G…. Spike!"

The younger vampire caught his partner as the brace released, he cradled the beloved head to his chest and lifted the wasted figure into a tight embrace, whispering into his hair, "Let's you and I have a bath shall we?"

He sat on the edge of the large tub watching the water run and cuddling the older vampire to his chest, rocking a little and enjoying the feel of the brunette purring with quiet relief. Eventually he lowered them both into the hot water and supported his crippled partner between his knees. He noted the raw marks where the brace had chafed as fevered thrashing had seen the agonized body work against the restraints. He winced as he gently brushed over the savage slashes that were the reopened dragon marks, though thankfully could see the beginnings of some healing with a slight lessening in the purple of the scarring. Perhaps it was worth the pain. Spike's hand paused in his ministrations as he pondered the agony still to come. He pushed the thought away and spent the remaining time it took for the water to start to chill, to pet and stroke and minister to his beloved.

He left the bath first, lay the usual towels on the ground, lifted his Sire out and wrapped him lovingly then carried him to the large bed, where they both settled naked under the covers with dual sighs of relief.

Willow continued her brewing while Spike tended to his charge, though upon hearing the two males quietly retreating to the bedroom, heated two mugs of blood and brewed a pot of tea. She set the hot items on a tray of tea cups along with petit fours, sliced lemon, milk and sugar. Then proceeded to do as promised and serve the gents their supper in bed. She set the tray down on a side table and sat on Spike's side of the large bed watching transfixed as Spike drank both mugs of blood, opened his wrist and fed his Sire.

Shaking herself from her stare, she began to pour the tea then giggled at the bizarre picture they made. A powerful wiccan with her hair trussed up out of the way by two strategically placed chopsticks, wearing an old Tshirt and pink overalls with orange fuzzy pockets and pouring tea for two vampires, one of whom was currently feeding, and the other trying to hide the effects of the feeding by a strategically placed long cushion over the tenting bedcovers with the excuse that 'the tea could be hot, so…"

Angel eventually released the wrist and lay back on the pillow, a little dazed as was always the case after feeding from his Childe. Willow handed Spike his tea along with Angel's and proffered the tray with the tray of 'extras', then watched the blonde take up the little milk carton.

"I thought for sure you would be a lemon man?"

"Strictly milk and sugar luv. Lad can never have enough sweetness in 'is life..." Willow would have sworn she saw Spike look a little embarrassed after he added the last bit apparently automatically. But felt a tug of sympathy for a lost son as he looked up at her, then gave a rather sad smile, "Least that's what mother insisted."

He added the milk and sugar to his own, then Angel's and took two tiny biscuits for himself, but left both cups on the plate as he rolled the other way. He then proceeded to push two extra pillows behind his Sire, then lifted him onto them, allowing just enough angle to drink from a cup.

Angel sighed back into the softness and took the teacup in slightly shaky hands. He turned and gave Willow a weak but no less genuine smile accompanied by, "Thank you."

The three sat and talked amicably about nothing for a time… the view, the apartment, the watcher's academy, Willow's lack of partner (which had Spike suggesting a certain doctor at which Willow blushed profusely). Angel had only occasionally contributed, but all three gave in to the veneer of contented conversation, until the inevitable chill fell as Willow brought up their reason for being together.

"I talked to F'Iaid. She thinks it's wise to continue with another treatment tonight… are you OK with that?" Willow looked from Angel to Spike. The blonde felt his stomach tighten with dread, realizing there would only be a few hours of this relief before… he turned his head toward his Sire, closed his eyes and let silent tears drop onto the pillow.

Angel lifted his hand to caress his beautiful Childe's face. "It's fine Willow. We have to do it so…" Willow nodded, then took the remains of 'high tea' and let the two have some private time. As soon as she departed, Spike curled up to his elder and simply stayed there in silence. He began caressing the torso, then stroking his sex to arousal, and finally brought his Sire and then himself to gentle relief. He carefully caught both climaxes in one of the discarded fluffy towels he had left beside the bed. He flicked off the light and they fell asleep, Spike holding his partner close.

Part 8

All too soon, Willow was stroking Spike's forehead and coaxing him to consciousness. F'Iaid was standing at the doorway ready to assist.

"What's your dark princess bloody doin' here?" Spike's words brought a blush to Willow's face, but she shifted to 'business' mode quickly to cover her very real attraction to the ebony beauty watching them.

"She's here to help with the traction bed, and also to assist with the next treatment."

At the last statement, Spike immediately went into game face, sat up to shield his Sire from the dark woman's gaze and growled. "She's not bloody coming near Sire in anytime! No F#$ing way! Don't care who she is… Queen of bloody Sheeba, she doesn't come near! Not while he's feverin'!…You hear me Red!... I help Sire, it's mine to do… No one else!" The game face melted away and the posturing ceased as Spike shrank back with tear-filled blue eyes, and in every passing second thereafter, resembled the thousands of other carers of critically ill family members worldwide… all desperate to do whatever was needed to see their loved ones healed, clinging to slivers of hope, and defiant to the last, foregoing their own needs regardless of extreme circumstances.

"It's OK Spike…. It's OK! F'Iaid will only come in if needed, and otherwise she is going to help me with the antidote, you know, so we can do this more quickly…. Spike, please honey!… This is going to be hard enough as it is, without you going all 'Grrrr'!"

Spike looked at the ceiling, closed his eyes and shed a blood tinged tear of sheer frustration with the 'whole damned business', then stormed off the bed to the sanctuary of the en suite, slamming the door hard as he sought privacy for a few minutes in order to regain his composure.

Willow and F'Iaid exchanged a patient look and retreated to the kitchen to chill that night's antidote ready for use. Then they heated the blood Spike was going to need so desperately if he was to get through the next few hours relatively unscathed.

Willow looked across shyly at her fellow wiccan, who had begun to seek the ingredients in cupboards for batch number three, "Thank you for staying."

"You are mos' welcome esteemed mistress." Said the elegant medico.

"Ooh I am not so esteemed! You are much wiser and stronger than me… and older? You must be. I can feel you and your aura is … gold!"

"As is yours to me, Willow. We are kindred spirits." F'Iaid's voice dropped to a whisper, "After all dis, let me show you why…" She smiled, the brilliant white teeth and green eyes contrasting the rich black of her skin. Willow took on the appearance of a deer caught in headlights, then smiled back.

Spike chose that moment to appear at the end of the kitchen bench, towel firmly tied around himself and thankfully more the blue eyed Childe than the demon of the previous argument. "So what's the plan?"

"More of the same sweetie…" Willow dropped her gaze to the floor and her tone along with it… "Are you OK with that?... 'Cause you know we can…"

"No! I'm doin' it.Saved the bloody world at least twice, and I can do this!"

His eyes flashed yellow again "It's family witch! It's me and me Sire, and it's family! So let's get started." Spike spun around and returned to the bedroom to collect Angel.

The older vampire was awake when Spike entered. "Hey pet you're up." The trademark smirk and eyebrow wiggle had Angel lifting his head to note that, if he hadn't quite managed a morning erection when Spike entered, he certainly had one now!

"When we get over all this, I swear….!"

Spike dropped onto the bed and gave his Sire a long, passion filled, and exuberant kiss. As he pulled away Angel looked a little puzzled.

"You said when pet…. You said when…" Spike fixed the older vampire's chocolate stare with a blue one, filled with such adoration and love that Angel reached a weakened arm up and pulled him into a close hug, whispering, "For you Spike, all because I love you… Not gonna leave you, never again…"

They held the hug for several seconds until Spike pulled away with a loud sniff and a simple, "Right, let's start gettin' to that 'when', shall we?"

Spike slid his hands under his Sire's hips and shoulders, and gently lifted the invalid. Cradling Angel to his chest, he felt the tension rise as they approached the 'sickroom', so whispered to him, "Just imagine what we can do on that mahogany desk when you're well… promise I'll be the one leanin' on it." Angel lifted his head momentarily and saw the lascivious grin, returned it with a slight smile and, more importantly, relaxed a little.

Willow had delivered the blood and medicine to the room already. F'Iaid dutifully hooked up the paralyzed body to the traction as Spike drank his fill, then she withdrew. After that, Spike was left to repeat the process of three days ago.

He paused.

"Just do it Spike… please… just… no precursors this time just bite and do it!" The desperation in Angel's voice, such a contrast to the previous relaxed hours, almost undid the blonde.

He took an unnecessary breath and opened his wrist for his Sire. As the older vampire began to drink, he plunged forward biting hard and deep into the dragon wound, then swiftly poured in the anti-venom. Angel had pulled off the feeding immediately. Spike, agonized by the pain through the link and the sight of the tortured loved one in front of him, ignored the screams of his Sire, and continued to wash the wound with the pain inducing liquid until every vial was empty.

As his Sire retreated from pain into unconsciousness with the last vial, Spike's legs gave out. He curled up on the floor in a fetal position, sobbing and rocking himself a little. Willow found him an hour later, still on the ground, all cried out but continuing to chant a desperate mantra… "Three to go, three more to go. Oh God in heaven, let it work. Please! Three to go, just three more to go."

Forty eight hours passed much as before. Spike rallied and tended to his Sire. Four hours respite as Angel regained his lucidity, a bath and a short nap, then the whole thing was repeated. F'Iaid stayed, Willow appreciated, Spike… survived.

The third time. They removed the still unconscious patient from the bed and bathed him, but returned him directly to the sick room to ready him for another 'round'. Spike kissed his Sire sadly and bit the torso yet again. They rode out almost fifty hours of hallucinations, screams and desperate crying… more often than not, Spike joining his Sire in the tears.

The forth time. Angel had a sponge bath, remained unconscious and was not even moved. Eventually he woke to see the Childe he was feeding from appearing almost wraith-like with black rings around desperate eyes. Smiling as best he could to the begging blue orbs observing him, he muttered his 'Thanks', then gave in to the blackness as yet another treatment began.

Willow and F'Iaid determined that the recovery time was stretching longer and longer, so applied the final treatment to Angel even though he had not regained full consciousness after number four. Spike did his part by biting as he had done so many times before, but then curled onto the floor, chin on his knees and withdrew to one of the dark recesses of the room sobbing, "I can't… I can't … please don't make me… Oh Guuhhh… I can't… Sire I've failed you… Oh Sire… Sire."

Willow administered the antidote, realizing as Angel arched in agony with each successive vial, just what Spike had endured for the last two weeks. She and F'Iaid tag teamed with Spike through the final round of fever, but the final twelve hours were exclusively the blonde's.

He had held Angel in a tight embrace for the last few hours, growling loudly in full game face when either of the women approached. He held tight, despite the violent dreams and extreme convulsions. Finally his Sire had calmed, and Spike slept awkwardly, perched on the narrow bed as close as he could manage to the older vampire despite the traction harness.

"Pins and Needles." Spike jolted awake and as a direct result, unfortunately fell off the bed.

Full game face to the fore, he stood up "Bloody Hell!... What?" Yet he saw the wonder and excitement in Angel's face, and dropped immediately into human guise.

"Pins and Needles… I've got them in my feet… oh… G…. it's… Oh Spike!... I can feel them! It's only a tiny…but…"

Spike stood and wandered to the end of the bed in a daze. With tears streaming down his face, he gently cupped the previously inert feet in each hand and gave them a squeeze.

He was rewarded with a tiny movement of toes on each, and yelled for the witches to attend, through tears of sheer joy and relief.

#9

The following days were filled with joy and frustration. Pins and needles were one thing, but the traction had to remain for another few days according to F'Iaid. Thankfully the patient was released at the end of day four and moved back to the 'big bed'. Angel still did not have the vampire healing rate of old but he was definitely improving.

Willow rang Giles to give him the good news, then rebooked her flights to remain with 'her boys' for another month.

Spike took to drinking three and four bags of blood at a time, then feeding his sire until the whole volume had been siphoned off. Repeating the process over and over until he felt like a 'milk machine'.

With Angel drinking Childe's blood almost continually for more than a week, one wonderful Friday afternoon, he pushed himself up to a sitting position unassisted.

"Spike! Spike!" The blonde was at his Sire's side in an instant. He paused and realized the posture and position. His darling Sire was leaning back on the bed head and had been able to sit up and bend his own knees up, admittedly he did not have the strength to keep them upright and they had fallen open, but it was more than Spike could have possibly hoped for during the last nine months.

"Oh G…. Sire!"

Angel was rewarded for his efforts with a passionate kiss and joyful embrace as Spike called to the witches and celebrated another little recovery with the lovely ladies who were so instrumental in the same.

A day later and Spike had begun the now familiar pattern of feeding his Sire; massaging the spent limbs and torso; manipulating and working the joints; then feeding the older vampire again. The difference, post antidote, was that his Sire did not cry out in pain, and he knew he could feel the improvement every time the cycle was repeated. Each day he watched the emaciated frame put on a little more weight, the knees that on the first day were unable to stay upright, by the seventh night were able to weakly grab an arm laid between them.

Some days were still spent in traction but for the most part they were in the 'big bed. On the twentieth day after the last treatment, Spike awoke to… 'Please let me stand up today Spike… please… I know I can."

With a smile that spoke his own joy, Spike sat up and faced his Sire.

"Well, it's just you and me pet, so how's about we give it a quiet go now." With that he moved to the other side of the bed and grabbed his partner's still wasted legs, shoved the elder vampire ninety degrees and helped him to a sitting position with legs dangling over the side of the bed. He knelt down near Angel's knees and whispered "Lean forward luv and let's you and me dance shall we?"

Spike leaned forward to hold under his Sire's arms. Angel closed his eyes and concentrated hard on feet and limbs that were still in the early days of awakening. Leaning forward and with demon to the fore, he allowed Spike to aid the shift to standing, then fell back into human guise as shaky legs, that still did not feel like his own, supported him for almost thirty seconds until he sat back down with a triumphant 'humph'.

Thrilled, tear filled chocolate eyes met Spike's own brimming blue gaze. After nine months of anguish, Spike's reward was the near joyful set of words that defined the moment. " I did it! Oh G…H! Will, Spike, I stood up!" Beaming as if he had just won an Olympic marathon, the elder vampire pulled his Childe back onto the bed and into a passionate kiss. Spike simply grinned and succumbed to the celebration.

Pulling away momentarily Spike managed a, "Yeah, yeah, ya old ponce!" trying to keep up the image of the 'big bad' but failing dismally as he returned to the joyful embrace.

F'Iaid visited daily, though more and more it was to spend time with the other witch rather than to check on Angel or Spike. Both witches had adopted a cautious approach around the pair acutely aware of Spike's near obsessive protectiveness intensifying with the blood bond as Angel increased his feeding from barely two, to drinking from his Childe five or six times a day. Spike had increased his own blood intake to a point where F'Iaid pushed a large delivery box containing a variety of bags of the red liquid through the front door almost every time she arrived.

When his Sire began to sit up comfortably by himself, Spike had pulled out the long neglected wheelchair and afforded the older vampire a measure of independence. His standing was much stronger and tentative steps were practiced daily with the aid of a hand rail and Spike, but it would still take time to regain full use of his legs and even longer for his vampire speed and stamina to return. Until then the wheelchair helped.

At F'Iaid's suggestion, Spike had taken to wheeling Angel down to the private indoor pool in the apartment block every day and letting the warmed water provide a weightless environment in which to build his muscles. The first time had been the hardest with Angel reluctant to go out in public and Spike never really having taken to swimming of any description. Both vampires had dressed in the black boxer shorts Willow had bought and covered up with a shirt for the short journey to the pool. Arriving poolside their fears evaporated. There was no one else using the facilities and the pool itself was quite shallow at one end – there was little need to be able to swim so long as one stayed in that end.

After Spike helped his Sire into the surprisingly warm water, the older vampire reveled in the feeling of moving his limbs against the resistance of the water. The sensation of walking across the width of the pool where the depth was chest high was made all the sweeter as Spike and he took to 'racing' each other across and back, Spike deliberately staying in the shallower section until familiarity after the first week allowed him to bravely step deeper.

Stripped and in the swimming pool, Spike grinned as he noticed Angel's muscles had definitely filled out again and smiled at the thought that his own were looking more 'well fed'. It was coming up for a month after the final treatment and Angel had walked seventeen steps unaided that morning and was able to get himself from the chair into the pool. Stepping out again had proved difficult, but the sense of accomplishment was still there. Sadly Willow would have to leave them soon, but Spike suspected that she might return in the fairly near future for her own reasons.

"Think the witch has the hots for our dark lady doc pet." Spike was supporting Angel under the arms, hands caressing his partner's torso and occasionally touching the erection obvious through the wet shorts. The recuperating vampire had his head on Spike's shoulder and continued to gently kick his legs in a breaststroke action, working his knees and inner thigh.

"Hmm, I'm fairly certain the feeling is mutual, s' nice."

"What? This?" Spike repeated the stroke up and down his Sire's member.

"That too, but I meant it's nice that those two are enjoying their time. Have you noticed they go out every single day together and always come back smiling."

"You think Red's getting some then?"

"Nahh we'd smell it"

"S'pose." Spike shrugged and began to pay very deliberate attention to the hardness under his hands.

One rather awkward side effect of the frequent feeding had been that both vampires sported almost constant erections and were coupling at least four and five times a day. The activity itself was approved of by the doctor for psychological and physical reasons, but the noise from the pair as they reached ecstasy over and over, drove both witches to a regime of long walks and excursions out of the apartment and beyond earshot. F'Iaid had proven a witty and generous companion as the two women explored the city and discovered their deep friendship.

During one particularly long walk along the shoreline, Willow felt their hands brush against each other, then was thrilled to feel F'Iaid's slim, elegant hand slide into hers and squeeze.

"I hope you do not mind," the low, dulcet tones of the dark witch had an element of hope that set Willow's heart aflutter.

"No, no! Not the minding wiccan here, in fact just the opposite of minding, you could say I'm definitely un-mindy, um…. Oops…. babblefest… sorry."

F'Iaid laughed aloud at her friend's little outburst.

"Ah, lady. I do like listenin' to you when you are flustered." She squeezed Willow's hand again and they continued on their walk.

Willow had been fascinated to learn of F'Iaid's global travels, of her wiccan and medical studies and of her African heritage. She had indeed been borne in the very south of Ethopia. Her father had been a local elder and witch doctor. Both women had giggled at the idea of her 'following in daddy's footsteps', though F'Iaid's look of old grief crossing her dark countenance as she talked more of her father, silenced Willow's chortles.

"My father was killed by army soldiers – our country was always wit civil war. My mother has da gift of seein'. She is part T'imj'ikk demon. We left our country after da killin'." F'Iaid flashed an emerald look in Willow's direction and gave a sad smiled.

"But what of you, lady?" and so that afternoon and many to follow had proceeded, each woman sharing more and more of themselves, until late on the afternoon three days before Willow's departure for England, they also shared a kiss.

#10

Spike had wandered onto the balcony for a smoke when he heard a loud crash in the bedroom and flew inside.

He saw Angel sprawled on the floor next to the bed and out of habit was about race over to lift him up. He was surprised and pleased to catch sight of Angel rolling onto his hands and knees then gradually pushing himself up to standing.

Spike rushed to his Sire's side and hugged him as the older vampire stood tall, feeling the growing strength and residual weakness embodied in one simple touch. The words undid him as they kept hold, "Soon Childe… Soon I will protect you, and love you, until we are both dust."

Angel could sense the tears of relief at his shoulder but was unable to respond properly as his legs threatened to give way, instead he whispered, "I've gotta sit down Will."

At that point his Childe held on and, in a well practiced maneuver, eased his elder to a sitting position on the bed. Spike took his place alongside his Sire and accepted a loving touch as Angel continued to pet and stroke his boy until the tears receded. For the first time in literally years Angel deliberately opened his own wrist for his Childe, smiled at Spike's look of amazement and joy, then watched with pleasure as his boy bit down and drank deeply.

As he pulled away it was Spike's turn to groan and thank his partner.

On the afternoon before Willow's departure, Angel walked, semi-independently using the wheelchair for a little confidence and support, all the way from bedroom to front door to the balcony and back to the lounge. He grinned as he stood to accept both Willow's and F'Iaid's warm embrace, then found thankful relief as he eased himself into a 'comfy chair'. Spike had been hanging back, not wanting to steal Angel's 'moment', but also ready to intervene should legs falter or joints give. The seated vampire reached out to his Childe, squeezed the hand that was always there to offer support, then smiled at the witches.

After applauding Angel and his solo journey into the room, F'Iaid wandered over to the blonde, who had moved to stand, semi-casually, leaning against a door jam, leaving Willow to chat to Angel.

"He will always need you, master Will."

Near tearful blue eyes snapped up to meet the black orbs of the speaker, "Wha..?"

F'Iaid had been the first to sense the darkening of Spike's aura, Willow saw it too. A piqued level of self doubt and an aching concern of expected loss and terror pertaining to the cessation of a relationship of a love and understanding, and rooted in angst that spanned a hundred and fifty years – not just the last nine months. Both witches felt they knew the reason for Spike's angst. Like so many carers of the recovering critically ill, along with the joy of the loved one's recovery, came a niggling fear of lack of 'being needed' once the person was fully well. For Spike it went further, he would no longer being wanted or loved.

Willow had to leave, but vowed to return as soon as was practical, for Spike's sake, rather than Angel's. Angel had been so ill that much of the ordeal of the previous eight months seemed part of a 'bad dream' as far as he was concerned. Now all Angel saw, was his Childe's excitement at his return to health, and really did not consider the full implications of the recovery for his blonde savior.

As Angel's physical strength returned, Spike's general demeanor seemed to diminish. Willow knew that Spike had a history which easily explained his fear of abandonment, of being redundant, of being 'passed over' for another. He had been loyal and loving to the possessive and charismatic Angelus for twenty something years; then besotted and devoted to the beautiful but deadly and insane Drusilla for more than a century; and finally obsessed by, abused and used by, then finally friends with the Sunnydale slayer, Buffy…; and lastly there was Angel. He had been loyal to the point of willing to die alongside his Sire against the Senior Partners, then had protected him through eight months of running and finally nursed him back to health. The pattern was all too clear as far as Spike was concerned – his Sire would become well, and everyone would be pleased for Angel… and Angel would leave him.

F'Iaid whispered to Willow, "Mistress you must talk to him before you go."

"Who Spike?" Willow looked over to Spike as he finished feeding his partner from his own wrist, then held the wheelchair while Angel stood and eased into his wheels for the evening and a trip to the pool.

"Perhaps it is best wit de Sire."

"Oh." Willow looked up at her friend, acknowledging her wisdom.

"He must know dat it will soon be his turn to bring someone to health. He can begin now and ease de process. If they can travel de path together it will be better."

Willow gave her dark friend, and fast becoming mentor… and more, a look that spelt deep respect, love and hope. "You will be here if they need you?"

"Of course lady, they are your friends… therefore mine. I will take care of them in your absence."

Willow stepped into her statuesque friend's personal space and put her arm around the slim waist. "Thank you…..You are wonderful, and oh gahh….!" Willow rolled her eyes and went to step away but was pulled closer by her fellow wiccan, "What am I doing going back?... I don't want to!… And I need you to know that I don't want to….. Not just because of them… because of you!"

"Your sentiments are returned, but I will be here in three month… and you will find me willin'." Willow was graced by a perfectly white toothy smile, and sparkling green eyes, made all the more obvious by the beauty of the woman in front of her. Where is a 'catwalk' when you need one! Oooh and she is my special friend!

"Three months? What's in…? Willing? Oh, oh! Oh that's… Oh!" Willow pulled her friend down for an excited and passionate kiss. Breaking off again more quickly than she intended, Willow could hardly contain her excitement, "So you…you can see that? Can you see us? Oh … that may not be good…" Her countenance dropped and she continued in plaintive tones… "Is it good?"

"Oh yes lady I believe so… we have much yet to do together."

A shiver went down Willow's spine as she channeled her inner Xander and imagined a private 'Snoopy dance' of joy.

"Go find your friends, I will attend to our needs." Willow squeezed her dark goddess closer, planted a chaste kiss on the full lips and almost skipped off to find 'her boys'.

Willow wandered down to the pool, she had not been there previously when Spike and Angel 'worked out', and simply stood at the door admiring the scene.

Spike as usual, had Angel on his back, but of late had found that his senior was able to propel them both with his kicking. Spike, the non swimmer, had opted for the 'swim noodle' conveniently left behind by someone else in the building. The long tube of foam was able to support his recovering Sire, front or back, while Spike simply walked in front and encouraged.

"C'mon ya ponce! You can beat me in a heart beat! Geez! Harris can kick harder than that!" Spike was still walking backwards behind his partner's enthusiastic efforts.

Angel rolled to his front and grinned, "Yeah but I'm hoping for a reward for my kicking!"

Willow watched as Spike allowed Angel to 'catch' him, then pulled the dark vamp into a passionate kiss.

She was startled out of her reverie by a loud.. "Oi witch! If you'd told us you wanted to join us!" And an accompanied wiggle of an eye brow over Angel's shoulder, as the two males continued to embrace.

Willow blushed crimson and began to excuse herself.

"C'mon Red! Nothin' t' worry about here… Why don't ya join us? Sure they wouldn't mind if ya skinny dip." Spike shot Willow a wicked grin, making her blush all the more.

"Oh! Oh, I'm so sorry… I just… oh, it doesn't matter." Willow turned and made a swift escape.

Spike pulled his Sire around in a full circle, letting him feel the swish of water across all his limbs as he relaxed back onto his Childe's chest, "Me'be the girl's not one for a dip…" Spike grinned and continued to enjoy the watery time with his significant other.

#11

Willow and F'Iaid were watching a program on the 'Stones of England' as Spike and Angel came back to the apartment, both still dripping from their swim. It was almost midnight and the witch was leaving the following day.

F'Iaid squeezed her friend's hand, Willow had very mixed feelings regarding her departure making talking to her dark friend awkward. They had both continued to wait for the 'right moment' to have a very personal conversation, but now the vampires were back and Spike wandered through for a feed, it seemed that they would have to wait a little longer. Willow returned the friendly hand squeeze and moved to join Spike in the kitchen.

"Can I have a moment to say goodbye to Angel tonight sweetie, 'cause I'm fairly sure he'll be asleep when I leave…?"

"Hey pet." Spike pulled her into a warm hug and purred into her hair, "Sure… he's awake now. By the way, you know we're both struggling to know how to thank you!...What you've done!... You are so special to us, you know that don't you luv?…" Spike pushed the witch away enough to lift her chin and stare into the watery green gaze.

"Hey pet, none o' that. We know you're gonna come back for your dark princess, so the worst y' should do is blush!" At which point Willow did just that… "And next time I promise! … Queen of bloody Sheeba treatment for you. And good as your dark lady might be, she'll never hold a candle to you in my book luv!"

For the first time ever, Willow was graced with the unguarded, blazing smile and leveled gaze of azure blue eyes that spelt utter gratitude and adoration from her friend, William the Bloody. Spike then pulled the wiccan back into a firm hug, put a chaste kiss on her forehead and either cheek, then pressed a tiny box into her hand. "To remember us by, and remind you that you also have a home with us, whenever you feel the need."

Willow looked up at Spike, and opened the gold box carefully. Settled on the tiny pink pillow inside was a pendant with a single enormous brilliant cut, white diamond, set in a simple rose gold clasp on a fine gold rope.

"Oh Goddess! Spike! It's… Oh… It must be two carats! How?"

"Two and a half luv, and it's nothin' compared to what you've done for us." He handed her an envelope, whispered, "Open it on the plane pet." He let Willow go and turned toward the refrigerator to retrieve his blood.

Willow felt honored and light headed in equal measure, and staggered back into the lounge to collapse into the arms of the waiting F'Iaid. "Oh thank Goddess, F'Iaid!"

She hugged her friend. "I'm so glad you will be here. The boys are very lucky. I will be back as soon as I can."

"I know my lady."

"Am I yours?"

"If you truly desire it…"

"Oh yes! And… I will be back! But…" Willow paused with a sudden pang of guilt.

"Tara's spirit will be always respected."

"Wha..? But I haven't?... How did you?..."

"Another day, dear friend. Be well… I will see you in da mornin' for a trip to de flight yes?"

"Oh? You'll drive me? … Oh, that would be lovely!" Willow kissed her friend and F'Iaid made her way to the door.

Willow watched her regal friend depart, and noticed that Spike had taken to the balcony for a smoke, leaving Angel in the bedroom by himself.

She knocked on the bedroom door.

The side table lamp was on and Angel was reading. She took the time to note that he looked very much like the Angel of old, though the longer hair was new, and there was a contented calm to his demeanor that she could not remember from Sunnydale. She wondered if somehow his recent helplessness, then struggle to recover had enabled him to find some sort of resolution and a focus on the future.

"Hey there." Willow stood at the door fiddling with the new diamond adornment around her neck.

Angel looked up and patted the bed beside him as an indication to sit down.

"Umm, I came to say thanks…. This is truly beautiful."

"Can I see?"

"Oh, I thought… but then of course, it would have been Spike who… Oh I'm sorry Angel…"

"No, we both picked it out, it's amazing what Spike can do online!" Angel said the last part with such wonder in his voice that Willow giggled. She knew that Spike had always kept up with the times, and had a lovely visual image of Spike patiently trying to explain to Angel the intricacies of surfing the web, buying on Ebay or playing online games.

She sobered and looked into Angel's dark eyes, "Do you trust me as a friend, Angel?"

There was no hesitation in the answer, "Of course! Why do you ask that now, have I…?"

"No, no nothing it's just…" Willow took a long breath, "You need to take care of Spike."

Angel answered automatically, "Of course! I get better every day soon I'll be able to…"

"No sweetie, I mean really take care of him."

Angel looked puzzled.

"He is hurting honey… He's worked so hard and so long, for months now, protecting you and caring for you, doing everything for the two of you… He has even grieved for you… And now you are becoming well again… And he is so happy that that is happening – and I know you know that."

The dark vampire smiled at that and replied, "We've both enjoyed the 'getting better' part."

"But Angel, he is really hurting a lot." The older vampire's smile quickly became a frown.

"But…?" Willow took up Angel's hand and began to pet it as she spoke quietly.

"Oh dear…. um… honey, I am fairly sure that he'll be feeling what most people feel when the desperately ill person they've cared for becomes well… He assumes you won't need him after you are fully healed, and for Spike, that means you will reject him, or he'll wake one day to you gone."

"What! How could he….? Oh Willow! No! I couldn't…. not now!" Willow felt the older vampire becoming tense and upset, and knew that it wouldn't be long before Spike felt a ripple of the same through the blood-link, and came in to check on his companion.

"I know it's probably not true – but sweetie you need to help him heal too, he's been so strong for you and adores you more than life itself… Please let him know that you need him for more than his nursing abilities. I know you love him, I can see that, so please tell him… can you do that? Tell him every day how important he is to you. You guys are so good for each other, so beautiful together… Can you promise to look after him while I'm away?"

By the time she had finished Angel's chocolate gaze was brimming with unshed tears.

"Oh… Oh honey! – I didn't mean to upset you." She grabbed his hand and held it tight.

Angel squeezed his eyes shut and let two tears track down his cheeks, then looked into Willow's green gaze and began to stroke his thumb over the back of the petite hand holding his. He said in almost a whisper, "I really thought he'd know… I thought he knew… How can I prove?.. I'd never leave him! Not now, not ever! Oh God, if something happen to him now! I love him so much, he's my beautiful Childe, and I love him so much…" Angel trailed off and simply caressed the hand he was holding.

"Oh I am so sorry to have messed this up!" It was Willow's turn to look upset as she played with Angel's fingers. She failed to notice Angel's gaze shifting from her to the door.

"You haven't messed anything up, pet." Willow spun around to see the blonde leaning against the door jam.

Spike walked over to her and squatted down in front of the witch, putting a hand on either knee.

"You're just trying to help luv, we know that." Spike looked up at her with such gratitude and love that Willow blushed a deep crimson, then gave a small smile through her worried frown.

"Have I? Have I helped?" Willow's voice sounded small and uncertain.

"C'mon Red. Course you have, in more ways than you know. 'S like I said when we gave you the pressie." Spike stood up and kissed her on the forehead. "Now I reckon you've got some packin' to do, and me and me ol' sire here need to have a bit of a chat."

"Oh, of course. I'll just…"

Willow made to move from the bed but Angel kept hold of her hand, forcing her still while he kissed the witch gently. "Thanks Willow… for everything."

She smiled, squeezed his hand then released him, wandering back to her room for some serious packing of bags. This left the two vampires staring at each other.

Angel looked up at his partner, then gestured for him to join him on the bed. "Willow's right, I need to look after you." He pulled Spike into a possessive hug. "You are so special to me, I can't begin to tell you. I do love you but I really thought you knew, I can't promise you anything I haven't already Spike." Spike looked crestfallen at this. "Except that I will always need you. I need you to be my partner, and I've been waiting to ask you… as your Sire… if you feel… Look, will you do me the honor of formally sealing our partnership in the ritual when I am well?"

Spike pulled out of the hug and moved to the edge of the bed, ready to leave again, "Oi, listen if you're only doin' this because Red reckons I'm balmy then…"

"No! Spike!... No… nothing like that…" Angel reached out and grabbed his friend's wrist. "Please Spike!... Childe…, William…, my savior….. my lover… will you just think about it… please will you?"

Spike's voice became husky and he remained seated on the bed but faced away from his Sire, "Yeah… 'course."

Angel continued to look distressed. "I will always need you Spike, but not just caring for me, I need you to share my life and I thought…" He trailed off as he smelt salty tears and felt a strange jolt of emotions coming through the blood link.

"Spike? Spike please…"

A tear burdened whisper came, "I said yes ya old poof, I said yes… I just…"

Angel pulled him down into his arms again and his Childe began to cry in earnest. The older vampire rocked them both, much as Spike had done countless times in the past months. As calm returned, he sat them both up and tilted his head giving Spike access to his neck. "Drink…"

"Only if you…hic… take mine too Sire," The younger vampire gave a heavy calming sigh and tilted his head also, at the same time leaned in to Angel's neck, dropping his fangs ready to bite.

They bit simultaneously, each feeling the blood being drawn from their own neck just as they took it in, a circle of reassurance and love. Minutes passed and the feeding continued until Spike was sure he was now taking his own blood back for the third or fourth time. Angel eased his bite and they both pulled off reluctantly.

Spike looked up dazed, the blood link tenfold more intense than it had ever been. When Angel began a passionate kiss, Spike felt a depth of love and adoration that was all but overwhelming. Already extremely aroused by the feeding, he could wait no longer.

"Need you in me Sire, please! Now!" He pulled the bed covers from Angel's naked form, exposing a rock hard erection awaiting his attention, and tore off his own clothes in one swift move.

Angel grabbed some lube and squeezed it over his hardness, but barely had time to recap the tube when Spike impaled himself in one swift move.

"Oh Gahh… so tight… so beautiful… hmmm… Spike!"

Spike sighed his own appreciation, stilled, then began to move. Angel let the younger vampire do as he had done since the dragon, riding his Sire and pleasuring them both. But this time, after a few minutes, he halted his Childe's movement, and flipped their positions. Still embedded deep in his beautiful boy, the look of surprise and delight on Spike's face reinforced the emotions coming through the link.

"Oh Sire! Please… please move… please!"

"Legs up a bit lad… that's it." The words, the now filled out form, and the long hair of his Sire were so reminiscent of Angelus and his own, wonderful, early fledge days, that the blonde almost whooped with glee, but instead gasped as Angel drove deep into the cool channel and hit Spike's prostate dead on.

Angel used his weight as much as his strength to make passionate, hard love to his partner. He used his tongue to reinforce the action of his groin, tongue kissing his boy as he hit Spike's prostate so many times that the younger vampire thought he would go quite mad with pleasure.

After many minutes, Angel pulled away a little, reached between them and fisted his partner's weeping erection, then whispered into Spike's ear before piercing the single lobe with a fang. "Come with me. Come with me, Will." At the first sting of his Sire's bite Spike came hard, followed instantly by the feeling of jet after jet of cool seed flushing into him.

Angel collapsed on top of his partner, utterly exhausted from the physical effort and completely sated. Without shifting the weight resting on the length of his body, Spike reached for the bed covers and threw them roughly over their combined form.

A sleepy Angel managed to whisper, "My beautiful boy… How could you doubt that I need you forever? My friend, my Childe, my everything."

They slept, slightly sticky but uncaring, until a soft knock on the bedroom door roused them.

"Hey guys, F'Iaid's here, I'm gonna go soon… umm."

Both vampires woke to the knock, but it was Spike who answered. "Hey Red, give us a tick pet."

Angel rolled off him and Spike rose to find a pair of his Sire's sweat pants and quickly covered the remains of the night with his own black t-shirt. Angel simply rearranged the covers and sat up.

"K Red, we're semi-decent."

"I wanted to say goodbye before…. eeee!" Willow was grabbed by her blonde friend and flung onto the bed where Angel hugged her soundly until Spike joined them. Eventually Willow's plaintive breathy cry of, "Breathing… an issue for the human… guys?" led them to release her.

She sat up still grinning and both men kissed her soundly, then all three turned to a bemused demon doctor standing at the door. Willow stretched out her hand and F'Iaid moved to take it. Then the redhead turned her best 'resolve face' on Spike and Angel.

"Now you two have to listen to F'Iaid while I'm gone, 'cause I made her promise to look after you and…" Spike was grinning and leaned forward to kiss Willow on the cheek.

"What?"

"Sounds like you're coming back pretty soon, pet, just wanted to get a kiss in before your lady friend here has the rights."

Both women looked slightly sheepish, but it was F'Iaid's turn to speak "Don't you get too cocky Master Spike, Willow has given me permission to keep you in line if I have to." She grinned revealing her perfect set of 'pearly whites' and squeezed Willow's hand.

Spike couldn't resist… "So I take it Mistress Willow, you are leaving the riding crop and cuffs behind?"

F'Iaid looked confused and turned to Willow with a quizzical expression.

"Wha..! Oh! Oh Spike! You are still evil… I just knew it!" Willow grinned and poked him affectionately in the side.

The two women made their exit soon after, leaving Spike to strip and snuggle into his partner's side to sleep the day away.

#12

The following afternoon was the first time the two vampires had awoken alone for over a month. Spike took the time to stretch and appreciate the quiet.

After some minutes, he rolled toward his Sire, only to be confronted by a pair of unseeing amber eyes and a full game face. Spike realized too late that his sire was still in the throws of a violent dream, and that the vampire was at near full strength, at least in upper body, making him more than a match for his slimmer partner.

Angel moving with his preternatural speed of old, pinned Spike's arms and pulled him into a death hold. He sank his fangs viciously into his Childe's neck, taking draft after draft of rich fluid from the dead veins. Spike was caught between the blessed feel of his Sire drinking from him, and the knowledge that, if his elder did not stop soon, he would be drained beyond survival. Just before darkness took him, Spike jerked his knee up to connect with Angel's groin in a last ditch effort to break the suction, then succumbed to unconsciousness.

At the sharp pain in his groin, Angel roused from his dream state and reeled away from the body beneath him, only to recognize it as his drained Childe, who had a grey white pallor and was sporting an open and vicious bite to the neck.

Initially confused, he interpreted the scene as one of an outside attack on their tiny family scanning the room for the assailant, then realizing the taste in his mouth. An anguished cry was followed by the tearing open of his wrist, as he placed the dripping limb over his Childe's mouth, stroking his neck to encourage a swallowing motion. Salty, blood stained tears began to flow, joining the wet offering dripping into the blonde's slack mouth.

"C'mon Spike, Will… Oh G…. Please, please… I didn't know… I didn't mean… Oh Will… Please drink… Please!" Angel continued to massage the neck and stroke the face of his lover in a desperate effort to revive the younger vampire.

Close to half an hour later, Spike's eyelids fluttered open to the relieved and teary gaze of his Sire. There was still no recognition in the blonde's dazed stare. "Oh God…. Will… Will… I thought … Oh…" Angel at first began to bury his face in his Childe's chest, but realizing the need, he lifted his head and stretched his elegant neck, inviting Spike to drink properly. The younger vampire was drained to the point where only instinct remained. He bit without hesitation.

Spike returned to coherence slowly, with a strong hand massaging the back of his neck, and the teary face of his Sire looking down at him.

"F#! What happened?" Spike still felt 'fuzzy' and there was a tingly, leaden feeling permeating all his limbs, but he just could not understand why. Spike gradually realized he could taste Angel's blood on his tongue and felt the pain of a bite on his neck. "You..? Why?"

"I don't know! I was dreaming and then I wasn't and… Oh Spike I nearly…"

"But you didn't…" Spike stared at his elder's distressed features then lifted his apparently overly heavy hand, petted his Sire's jaw line gently, then let the limb drop exhausted back onto the bed. "Do you remember what the dream was, luv?"

"Blood… it was all blood and… it was Hell… and they made me… Oh Spike! Why now? Why am I having these dreams now… just when I'm becoming stronger…"

"Maybe it's a kick back from all the mojo we did on you to get you well? Or perhaps you just had a bad night. Or maybe someone is messin' with you… who knows"

"No! It can't be an outsider… why would anyone bother?"

"C'mon pet, consider the history! You… Champion for the whatsits. Disappear for however long, now turn up in the City of the Golden Gate… Money in hand… Not tryin' to be paranoid luv – just throwin' up possibilities. Reckon that dark bint o' Willows might help with some answers in the mornin'."

"What if it happens again? What if it's something more than that? What if…"

"Shhh pet, I don't know – but how's about we ask that dark witch when she visits next… figure she'll have a clue or two."

Angel collapsed onto his back, Spike snuggled into his side and immediately fell into an exhausted sleep.

The following hours were fraught with tension. Angel deliberately remained conscious. Though he knew that sleeplessness would hinder his healing, he was unwilling to risk Spike again. Spike seemed to sleep only lightly as though watchful of his partner's dreamscapes. Violent nightmares had been constant companions in the months after the addition of their souls for both vampires, but neither had sleeping companions at the time. Angel brooded. There was more than adequate history that would evoke killing dreams, but he was still puzzled by the sudden vicious manifestations. Particularly that he had attacked his Childe.

Spike's eyes fluttered open again. He saw Angel's worried countenance, "Penny for your thoughts pet."

"Wha…? Oh…. Just worried… I mean, I am hardly even mobile…. F#$ Spike! I have only just gone for the 'I can make it to the kitchen and back shuffling' celebration and now this?" Angel's face fell…. "You'll have to leave… it's not safe! If someone has tracked us, or I'm just out of control, OH Guhhhh… please Spike! You'll have to … Go to Willow or anywhere…. I can't …"

Spike was done with running for months, and with the last month of terrified worrying over Angel's recovery, so he let go and turned to his true nature. He fell into game face and pounced on his unprepared Sire. In less than a heartbeat, the younger vampire sank his fangs into the waiting jugular of his maker and took three long and meaningful drafts. Spike pulled up in full face, licked the remaining blood from the elongated canines and managed to grind out, "Not goin' anywhere! C'mon Peaches… I'm in for the long haul. Simple as that"

Angel answered quietly, "Not if I drain you one night you won't be."

"If it makes you feel better I can sleep on the couch. Or we just add a couple 'o manacles to the nightly sleepin' arrangements – never bothered you in the past." Spike wiggled an eyebrow provocatively but his eyes belied the possible seriousness of his Sire draining him again.

Angel sat up slowly, placed his feet on the floor and leaned forward to grasp the hand holds on the nearby wheelchair in an effort to stand. Spike moved to stand and help his Sire but was overcome by a wave of dizziness courtesy of the recent blood-loss and was forced to find the bed before the floor caught his face.

Angel's pained look as he viewed his Childe's struggle said it all. The long term invalid of the pair made his way slowly around the bed and out to the kitchen, walking all the way using the chair for support but collapsing into it as he retrieved and heated a feast of blood for both vampires.

Spike was snoozing by the time the dark vampire rolled back to his Childe's bedside. Angel smiled, reached over the tray of heated bags and twin mugs, and brushed away a lock of blonde hair. Spike blinked slowly, azure blue eyes meeting brown with such a look of adoration, coupled with a similar charge of love through the blood link, that the older vampire took an unnecessary breath in an attempt to quell the urgent need to ravish his Childe. "Hey… thought you might need dinner…"

The sleep filled reply came… "Jus' need you luv, jus' need you."

Wishing there was more they could do together at that moment, Angel shrugged the thoughts off. He needed to feed, as did Spike. He split the bags one after another, methodically consuming the contents at such speed that he hardly had time to notice the quality of the human blood so lacking since their days at Wolfram and Hart. Still licking his lips of the last of the precious fluid, he locked the wheels of his chair and despite his legs' continued unwillingness to provide easy propulsion, pushed himself to standing. He was so focused on the task, that he gave a small yelp when a pale hand grasped his wrist and levered him over the top of the other body to land on the opposite side of the bed with a bemused 'hummffph'.

Even though his strength was returning, Spike still had a sickly pallor, and had been looking on with his demon rising as his Sire consumed the blood. Angel lay back, drew a sharp nail over the nipple closest to his Childe and gently reached for his companion. Spike rolled to his Sire in full game face, licked the seeping liquid, then bit deep and suckled. Angel initially petted and caressed his Childe, but as the intimate act progressed, he simply lay back and enjoyed the sensation of Spike's tongue gently working the wound while sharp fangs held fast and suction continued. Eventually the suction ceased and Angel felt Spike shiver and the game face disappear. He wasn't sure how long the gentle licking continued for, but as it too stopped, he realized his Childe had fallen asleep on his chest.

Angel pulled the covers over them both, but remained wakeful, fearing another dream.

As midday approached Spike rolled away and Angel took the opportunity to phone first F'Iaid, then Willow explaining the worrying dream development.

#13

F'Iaid was on their doorstep before Spike had even stirred. She rang a second time, then waited without regard for time, suspicious that it might be her patient attempting to answer the door, rather than the somewhat drained carer.

Sure enough, an obviously stressed dark vampire stood (courtesy of heavily leaning on his wheelchair) before her. "Thanks for coming at such short notice…"

"Dis is serious, so I came." Her matter-of-fact manner somehow calmed Angel as he ushered her through to the lounge and happily sank onto the couch. F'Iaid noticed the vampire's worried glance toward the bedroom and the careful placement of the wheelchair next to the seat, apparently ready for immediate use.

Angel took an unnecessary breath and felt a prickling sensation through his spine as the dark witch turned her full focus on him.

"Why have you not contacted your… son…?"

"What? But Spike…"

"Your son not your Childe. Dis is a mos' critical matter. He is very close and now you are becoming well, it may be he is reaching for you."

"Connor is here? But he… we… to protect…" Angel's voice faulted, "He's… he's at Stanford and… Oh God! He doesn't know we survived!" The stress channeled through the blood-link pulled Spike to consciousness. "What's wrong? I mean… they haven't got him… they could have… Oh Guhh! Is he OK?"

Spike wandered into the room nude, but for a low slung pair of ill fitting boxers. He stood leaning against the door, absently scratching his midriff. Vampire hearing had allowed him to take in much of the previous conversation.

"So you're sayin' that me ol' Sire's brat needs help? That's what this is?"

Angel turned to stare at his Childe, "You knew?"

"Course I bloody knew – what? You think Wes 'n the rest of 'em kept schtum on that sort o' info?"

"But you've never… and I thought if you knew!... Oh Will, I never meant to…"

"Oh get a bloody grip mate! You were so banged up, I was 'ardly gonna bring up the wonder lad. 'Sides I figure he got out an' he's safe, 'n he's family so… One more for the Aurelians, eh pet."

Angel was overwhelmed. His Childe had known about Connor and the history that came with him, not only known, but had accepted without mention. He may not have understood all the details – even Angel doubted his own ability to do that! But the fact that his stunningly beautiful, faultlessly loyal, fearless lover had respected the need for silence on such a sensitive and hurtful personal matter, left Angel bereft of any normal response. At that moment, the love and respect he felt for his Childe was so profound that it hurt to his core. Angel inhaled unnecessarily, and on the exhale, slid into game face and let all the exhaustion and emotion of the past few hours, days and months, flood out along with the flow of silent, bloodied tears from the golden eyes.

F'Iaid watched in respectful silence, aware that this was a pivotal moment in Angel's healing process that had seemed hitherto all too slow in her opinion.

Spike moved to kneel between his Sire's knees and grasped the larger hands in his own, kissing the back of each in turn. "You are my Sire. You are my everything. If we need to find the lad, then let's do it, and quick smart. If you ever doubted my loyalty or my love for you and our clan then…" Angel's passionate kiss cut him off completely. He pulled his mouth away and tugged his Childe up onto his lap, grasping him in a tight hug. The two intertwined their limbs then locked teeth onto each other's neck. They sucked, kissed and licked age old marks whilst rocking gently, instinctive reassurance of family fealty. Both vampires were apparently oblivious of their dark observer.

Finally Spike pulled away, wiped the tears from his Sire's face and slapped his arm affectionately. "Yah daft ol' bugger! Anyone'd figure you're a chit, the amount ya bin sobbin' lately."

Angel smiled weakly and replied with a hint of mirth in his words. "Yeah well, seem to remember you've been doing most of the fainting!" Spike growled with mock annoyance then turned to their, thus far ignored, onlooker.

"Right, so give us the where to's for us to sort this. Why's me ol' Sire havin' blood drenched dreams n' gettin' all fang happy all of a sudden? This jus' about the kid or…?"

"I believe the son may be in some difficulty, it may or may not be physical. There is a bond between you all, yes?"

"Blood bond between me and the Sire – but don't see as that would apply to the boy. He's a pure blood but I don't reckon the boy has snacked on 'is dad of late – if ever?" Spike looked at Angel and saw the head shake indicating it had never happened.

F'Iaid answered as best she could, "As you say he is pure blood. Even with no exchange of life fluid, a bond will manifest when harshest emotions arise, or life is threatened. He is simply calling for family… I believe dat your proximity and Angel's recovery may have renewed de connection."

Angel's look of anguish said it all.

"So what? We find the pup and all's well?"

"It might be so yes. Or it may be that he needs your help."

"Oh bloody hell!"

F'Iaid looked genuinely sympathetic, "I can perform a locator spell if you need it."

Angel looked up knowingly. "As I said he's at Stanford… Palo Alto… studying… at least he was last year, that's some sort of a lead and if you say he's close then…"

"Right well" Spike stood abruptly and headed for the study. Angel shifted into his chair, and rolled after him, F'Iaid moved to walk quietly alongside.

Angel and his regal companion entered the former 'sickroom' to observe Spike. The one hundred and thirty something vampire booted up the computer and did a quick Net search for Stanford and related files. "Can't hack the records without Red, but I reckon all we need is some sort of fraternity - should give us an address, or ideas of what 'e does for sport n' such."

Angel looked on with awe and pride as Spike spent the next half hour cross referencing Connor's given name with accommodation files, student publications, lecture times and notes, university magazines, sporting teams and clubs, and fairly quickly, despite not 'hacking' the database, had a fairly accurate picture of where Connor should be on a day to day basis. He hit print, then looked up from the keyboard with a mildly smug grin, "Kid's done well pet – here." With that, Spike handed Angel a page containing a near perfect profile of Connor's university lifestyle.

"Suggest you ring 'is Uni digs first pet, Lambda Nu… number's there. Figure he's livin' in from the varsity mag. 'parrently he's a bit of a high achiever. Got 'is name all over the thing. Sure he's really yours, pet?… Don't recall you saying you were too flash at your studies!" Spike had delivered the message with a wink and a smile, and Angel realized the 'windup' for what it was, so didn't take the bait.

Angel, who had been staring at the proof of Spike's statement on the page he was holding, finally looked up and smiled.

"Ring 'em pet. It's only 6.30 at night, they're probably all just about at the dinner hall… just ask for the tutor on duty."

"You never cease to amaze me Spike – how do you?..." Angel stopped mid sentence, "Oh… of course you and Cambridge and…"

"No not Cambridge, you git! That's a real bloody university and we ate in our rooms most times! Red 'n your golden girl, soldier boys, USC Sunnydale, you know, just figured 't would be the same here…"

Angel looked suitably sheepish, yet again he had overlooked his Childe's long history with Buffy's group. He picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello? Yes I am looking for Connor Reilly? Oh OK… yes, I'm one of his older relatives, just wanted to make contact as I'm in town… Of course… Liam Aurelius… It is sort of important, can you ask him to ring my home number 510 642 1425… Thanks… Um, Sure… Bye"

"Wanna go chase him pet?"

"Not yet."

F'Iaid had been observing the proceedings from her position leaning against the traction table, "I believe you might need to wait for a time. Can I perhaps proceed with a review of your progress."

Almost two hours later, Spike was standing in the kitchen heating a snack for them both. F'Iaid had departed and Angel was exhausted but happy.

F'Iaid had been pleased with his progress and acceleration of healing – despite his recent lack of sleep. Angel had done several laps of the hallway without assistance, and completed a number of somewhat successful attempts at a flight of stairs in the fire exit. 'Somewhat', because it seemed odd that going down somehow seemed harder than going up. Spike had chosen to stand ready during the ascent in case the muscles shaking with strain had failed. But Angel had made it without his Childe needing to assist. Going down was the problem, each time a foot left a step, his remaining knee felt too weak to support him, and he found himself gripping the rail so hard that the metal occasionally buckled. Yet he had made it to the bottom again – then determinedly repeated the exercise another two times.

"See pet, another week or two of this and you'll give me a run for me money in that trainin' room downstairs."

Angel, though again sitting in his wheelchair, smiled in anticipation, knowing the goal had been set, but was prevented from answering by the shrill ring of the phone. Spike darted into the study to retrieve the call.

"Hello?..." Spike walked out toward his Sire.

"Yes, I'll just get him." He handed Angel the phone then stood beside the chair and placed a supportive hand on the shoulder of his partner.

#14

"Hello?"

"Um, Hi. My name's Connor Reilly. I think you rang?"

"Hi Connor. It's um… it's Angel."

This time Spike felt the surge through the link and watched his Sire go into game face, so grabbed the phone.

"Hey Connor, you OK mate?"

Spike heard a hitched sob through the headset.

"Uhhh.. Um… not really… but… "

Using his most conciliatory tone, Spike almost purred his answer, "Hey... c'mon 's OK. Angel just wanted a chat."

The almost whispered reply came, "But they were all… he… you… Who the f#k! are you!"

"Spike. Worked with Angel in LA… stood at his right shoulder on the day… He's me Sire see? He got hurt… bad… Been lookin' out for him since that night."

"But… that's months and they said everyone died! He told me to run and then I… and then I heard… Gunn and Wes and the alley… Oh shit…!"

"Hey pet breathe…"

Spike looked over at his maker. Angel's eyes were flashing yellow but still begging for information.

The hitched voice on the other end of the phone said "Why now?"

Spike decided to cut to the chase, "Our ol' Da was hurt real bad. He's on the mend now, but his doc thinks he needs to see you. We're jus' in Berkeley… If I send a car could you…?"

"God!... It's all so weird! How will I know… I mean … not feeling a lot of trust here!"

"What if Angel is in the car?… Would you at least talk?"

There was no answer, though Spike thought he heard a hitched sob at the other end of the phone. The surprise came when he looked over at his Sire to see feral yellow eyes and a channeled, savage rage and upset reminiscent of the previous night's dream.

"Connor? Connor! Can we come to you? If we are there within the next couple of hours, can you be there?"

"Umm…. Sure… I guess…. God! Angel's… I'll be here.." The phone went dead.

Spike immediately called for a car. Not wanting to push his luck, he ordered a limousine and moved Angel to the front of their building in the chair.

After he lifted his charge into the car and stowed the wheelchair, the trip to Palo Alto was spent in 'brood mode. Spike noting in particular that Angel had taken his Childe's hand in a tight grip as they started and did not relinquish the hold for the entire trip.

As they pulled up outside Lambda Nu, Spike left Angel in the car and knocked on the front door. A short redhead answered, asked him to wait and called Connor via an ancient intercom.

Connor came to the door. He had only ever met Spike in a brief meeting at Wolfram and Hart – as he went toe to toe with Illyria. Now the boy spent time admiring the longer dusty blonde locks framing refined facial features; also noting the slender athleticism, and warmth and concern in blue eyes he instinctively knew belonged to a vampire. He could not help but show his wide eyed fascination.

"Evenin', I'm William Aurelius, but usually go by Spike..." Spike held out his hand. It was received with a strong grip and a nod, "Connor."

Spike was surprised by the slim build, rakish hair and quite androgynously beautiful face on the boy. He gave the worried boy a friendly smile, "Good to see another relative with blue eyes mate – was beginnin' to feel lonely." What he didn't mention was that he saw in those eyes a wisdom borne of pain and life experiences well beyond the norm.

Connor was trying to look behind Spike to see Angel, "You said he would be here?"

"He is mate. Just give him a mo'. Come to the car and we can…"

"Look I know my Dad sired you and I need to trust you, but…" At that moment the door of the limousine opened and Angel stepped out, cautiously standing and leaning on the door of the car.

Spike saw Connor's eye's brighten, "That better, pet?"

Connor ignored him, instead pushing past and calling out, "Dad?"

Spike knew the boy had vampire speed, but was unprepared for the grounding jolt through the link that accompanied Connor's panicked flight to the car. He recovered in time to see Connor catch Angel as the older vampire released the car and lurched forward toward his son.

As he approached the two, Spike was overwhelmed with the emotions running through his own bond with his Sire. Mixed in with the relief and joy was a vague feeling of sadness and abandonment. He struggled for a moment, trying work out whether the feeling came from himself or his Sire or Connor.

Connor was near hysteria, "Oh God! They said you were dead! Everyone said you were dead…. And I went back… I was in LA for college, and I went back… and… the hotel's been sold. There were demolition notices… You know they pulled it down, right?"

"Shhh Connor… Shhhh…. Spike and I… we just had to run – I'm sorry, I'm sorry… We couldn't tell you... And I was so injured, and we didn't know if I'd …" Angel shook himself, kissed Connor on the forehead and held him tight, at the same time reaching out his hand to his Childe. "Spike saved me, Connor. I had dragon poison in me, and a broken back, and lord knows what else, and Spike… saved me…"

Spike received and squeezed the proffered hand – appreciating the sentiment behind the words, but also aware that there was a father/son link that needed to be reaffirmed, so he stood quietly aside.

Eventually the boy pulled away from the hug and Angel collapsed back into the plush leather of the limousine seat, relinquishing the hold on Spike's hand in preference to resting taxed muscles.

"So… If you're convinced that this is your old Da, can we head home for a while? Happy to send you back in the car later if you need to be here…?"

Connor was still wiping a few spent tears from his cheeks. He sniffed hard, "Sure, um… sure," then climbed into the car.

As they arrived at the apartment Connor stepped from the car, looking curiously at the apartment block, while Spike quietly paid the driver, then pulled the wheelchair from the trunk of the vehicle.

Angel was just about to lever himself from the car and into the chair, when Connor's shock at seeing the wheelchair caused yet another wave of emotion to flow through the link, reinforcing Angel's invalid status instantaneously. The older vampire collapsed into the backseat of the car, yellow eyes again to the fore.

"Bloody hell, luv!" Spike swung around the door to pick up and aid his Sire into the chair. "C'mon let's just get you inside hey? 'S been a long night!" He pushed the chair clear of the car but then reached for Connor, and giving the boy's hand a squeeze, flashed a reassuring smile and handed him the task of pushing.

Once inside the apartment, Connor relinquished the task of pushing the chair to the blonde. "Go have a look around, I can recommend the balcony and the pool and gym" Spike said with a wink and a light hearted tone that was far more jovial than he was feeling.

He pushed Angel into the lounge, settled him into a comfortable chair and quickly fixed a mug of warmed blood, then went to find his 'little brother'. Connor was on the balcony staring into space.

"Can I get you anything? Beer? Coffee? I even do a mean hot chocolate… favorite friend back in Sunnydale gave me her secret recipe one time."

Connor spun around to stare intensely at Spike. "What happened to him? I mean… I thought vampire healing and… not that I'm not happy you're alive! God!... I have been so… umm…" Spike could see that tears were threatening, wanted to offer a hug, but was also aware of his odd status with the boy, so settled for placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.

"Like I said, pet, we didn't know who was friend or foe and just had to keep runnin'. As to what happened… your ol' man took out a dragon, got 'imself raked by the talons in the process, then landed under a six ton carcass. We survived because the blue chit - you remember Illyria? Anyway, she took out the army – not sure what happened to them or her exactly, on account of bein' unconscious at the time. Found me ol' Sire still alive but in a right mess. 'part from not being the most popular vampires on the Senior Partners' roster, the dragon poison is usually fatal. We ran for 'round eight months before we just had to stop and pull in some drastic measures."

"Why..?"

"Old boy was dyin' slowly. And I would have gone with 'im too but we found some witches with powerful mojo. Rest's history really."

"I guess…" Connor trailed off.

"Anyway, enough of the moping, you have some reacquaintin' to do and I have hot chocolate to make." With that, he grabbed Connor by the hand and led him in to the lounge where a well fed Angel was looking decidedly better and smiled as his two 'boys' entered the room.

#15

Angel stared in awe as two beautiful men, his family, hand-in-hand, stood and returned his smile. One his Childe, the other his son, both precious for different reasons, both lost to him and now returned.

He momentarily feared the curse. If there was ever a moment of happiness this was it… but then he remembered Willow's whispered admission before she returned to England. "I hope you don't mind sweetie, but this whole healing ritual has also bound your soul, so it's permanent. Spike figured you would be OK with that… umm you are OK with that, aren't you?" Angel had answered by simply tugging her down into a heartfelt embrace, kissed her soundly, then smiled as the rather flustered, but pleased, blushing witch excused herself from his presence.

Now, the overwhelming rush of emotions pouring from his son at such close proximity, coupled with the concern and love running through the link from his Childe, began to take their toll. Angel fell partially into game face, and even though he was sitting down, obviously swooned a little. Spike was instantly at his elder's side holding him, his Sire's head resting on his shoulder. Connor moved to kneel at his father's feet, hands placed gently on the vampire's, still overly slim knees, rubbing small soothing circles. Both Childe and son observed their maker closely with concern and love.

"You OK pet?"

Angel sat up straight, sniffed hard, then let out a deep breath, "Yeah, thanks." Angel then looked to his Childe and son in turn, " My Will… Connor… just that the link was…", he shrugged and struggled for words, "Well you felt it too."

Spike intertwined his fingers with his Sire and squeezed a reassurance. Conner noted the interaction with interest, the act included a familiarity and intimacy he had not seen months before at W&H, and watching the pair further, he drew some of his own conclusions. He smiled as he realized the love that was not only apparent from the touches, but implicit in the feelings he was now receiving through the odd emotional connection he seemed to have with his true father.

Spike gave his partner's hand a final squeeze then stood abruptly and turned to Connor, "Right well, what's your poison? 'Cause me ol' Sire here is on a bit of an abstinence diet, so you an' I gotta drink alone… I'm thinkin' beers and sommit to munch on is the go… You like nachos?"

Connor was thrown by the easy manner of Spike – so much more like his 'frat buddies' than the quiet parental figure of Angel… and yet… his father's partner? He decided to simply 'go with the flow'.

"Yeah sure that would be great, but I can do without if you.."

"No problem mate," Spike leaned over and kissed Angel lightly on the cheek, speaking in low tones, "You OK with me gone for a bit?" He received a nod, smiled knowingly at his maker then grabbed the long leather jacket as he 'left the building'.

Connor and Angel remained, now alone. Conner raised himself up and swung around to sit beside his father. Not yet prepared to face Angel's intense gaze, he leaned forward, elbows on widely spaced knees, and turned to look vaguely in the vampire's direction.

"So…"

"So."

"You and Will… Spike?"

Angel's voice was barely above a whisper and a tear tracked down his cheek as he leaned forward and stared at his own hands.

"He's my Childe, Conner. He is a master vampire with a soul and…."

"And your rescuer, and your nurse and if I'm not too far out of line your… lover?" Connor watched and felt a combination of regret and love reflected in the vampire's face and through the link. "What? You think I'd be freaked or something?... Always figured you might swing both ways… did a bit of reading, you know after LA and…"

"I'm sorry.."

"For what? For surviving, 'cause gotta say not upset about that. Or for Will? Seems like he's good for you…. Besides! It's your choice isn't it… and yeah I get the vampire thing. And hey dad? Even if you weren't a vamp, the gay thing is cool, OK."

Angel stared at his son, realizing in that moment what it was to feel truly accepted by one you love. He whispered, "You are so special to me … I'm sorry for dragging you back into this mess of my life and well, for…. everything. I really didn't think I'd get a chance to tell you… but I am so proud of you. You are everything I could have hoped to be, or hell, hoped for in a son. And I am so sorry that I caused you pain." Tears were tracking down the dark vampire's cheeks again. He leaned back and put his hands over his face.

Connor reached up to tug one of the hands away, "Dad. Dad! Stop… OK? Just stop beating yourself up… I'm fine… well sort of…"

Angel looked into blue eyes he had not seen properly for almost a year. The same eyes he looked into in the sports store as the knife came down; the ones he had seen as he said his farewells again when Connor departed for his own family after the Cyvus Vail incident; the eyes he locked on as he begged his son to leave Wolfram and Hart as the building shook around them; and then...

"I love you Connor. I never meant to hurt you."

"I know that. And it's OK… really."

"But you're hurting. I can feel it through the link. What's wrong? Is it me? Can I help?"

Connor's demeanor suddenly changed, he turned to stare at the door and dropped his voice… "Nothing you can help with…. Unless you're into miracles."

"What? Please Connor what's wrong?

"Life sucks is what!" The young man continued to look away, but Angel smelt the salty tears, and his eyes flashed gold again as the anger and pain flowed from Conner to his father.

"First I get told that you were dusted, and I don't believe it. But I went to LA with the rowing crew last week and I go visit your old hotel, and it's gone. Then I come home and find out that Mom's got lymphoma… you know cancer, and it's serious and they don't know if… and Dad was crying… I mean he never cries and… and… I'm living in the best frat house and I'm having fun and thinking life is all great, and meanwhile Mom is dying.hic …. And they didn't tell me 'til it was really bad and …. I know she's not really my Mom, but she is… and then … And then suddenly I… there's all these dreams about you hic… and then there's a phonecall, and God I should have stayed on that day. I should have stayed!... And then you wouldn't hic have had to … for eight months and now… and you're still… and Spike (?)… I know he's… and it's cool and … I just wish… " Connor failed to continue, finally giving in to a series of hitched sobs.

Angel pulled his son into a tight hug. There was a sensation of strong comfort and true belonging embodied in the embrace, but Connor still noticed the overly slender nature of his real father's limbs, at least compared to what he recalled from L.A.

Angel saw his son's gaze brushing over the residual atrophy of his physiology, and felt sadness that he was not at his best. He continued to hold his boy in a silent, loving embrace for a time, then ventured, "Can we do anything for your mother?"

Connor's reply was almost inaudible. "No, not really. She's on chemo at the moment and then there are some other options they will try but um…"

Angel anticipated the jolt of grief and hopelessness through the link with his son, and was able to send loving support back before he felt overwhelmed by the feelings. The hug continued for some time until Connor finally sat up and gave Angel a small smile, "At least you're 'on the mend' now…" They continued to talk quietly covering all manner of topics and realizing that the night would probably be the first of many friendly visits.

Spike returned with the promised beer and nachos some forty minutes later to find Angel leaning heavily on the door of their bedroom closet, apparently searching for something.

"Hey pet, somethin' amiss?"

"Connor wants to see the pool so I… um… shouldn't we have an extra?..."

Spike saw the strain on his Sire's face. It was obvious that pride had meant he had left the chair in the lounge and walked, and that the evening had been a tough one. "Here let me luv." Spike set down the food and drinks and moved in beside his partner. Snaking his arm around the larger vampire's waist, he took the weight off tired legs and moved Angel to sit on the bed. He then quickly located a pair of suitable swimming shorts, picked up his purchases and with a curt nod to his Sire, took the lot through to Connor.

Connor was busy flicking through television channels with little interest as Spike entered the room. "Here you go whelp. You want to swim before food? I'll cover the nachos and keep 'em hot if so. Here." Spike threw the shorts and a beer, watching as Connor displayed all the speed and grace of his vampire parentage as he snatched both easily from the air without even looking up

"Swim first sounds good…You don't have cable?"

"Yeah well… We've been kind of preoccupied, and your ol' Da always did prefer classical music and a bit of reading over the box."

"I remember…" Connor twisted the top off the beer, "Shouldn't drink 'n swim I guess."

"Not much one for lifesaving mate, but I figure you'll be right for a bit of a paddle, so long as you just have the one, mind. Besides, you'll need to cool your heels for a few minutes while I sort some dinner for the wobbly bloke in the bedroom."

"Oh, sure." With that Connor returned to channel surfing and Spike continued through to the kitchen. He placed the remaining beers in the fridge , nachos in the oven, then quickly heated and drank two packs of blood, taking an extra mug full back to the bedroom in case he needed to 'top up'.

Angel was lying down with eyes closed as his blonde companion entered the room.

"Hey Luv, you need me to take wonder-boy for a paddle while you rest?"

Angel answered without opening his eyes, "No, no, 's fine. I just… Bit tired that's all."

"Not surprised, all the gallivantin' you been doin' lately – not to mention a few nights of no sleep… So…" Spike settled himself on the bed beside his maker, with his left arm tucked behind his partner, then swiftly opened his right wrist and offered it. Angel looked up in surprise, having assumed the mug of O pos was for him.

"Did a bit of an overeating - care to help me keep me svelte figure here? 'N don't go all puppy dog eyes and wait, 'cause I'll get it on the covers!"

As Angel took the wrist and began to draw on the precious fluid. Spike looked up to see Connor standing at the door, quietly observing the intimate scene of a Childe feeding his Sire. Engrossed in the sensation of being fed from, the blonde vampire simply smiled and nodded at the foot of the bed as an invitation.

Connor was struck by the tender embrace, noting that Spike's free hand was rubbing small reassuring circles on his father's shoulder, while Angel caressed the back of the arm he was feeding from. He moved quietly to sit on the end of the bed and continued to watch as Angel released his mouth, fell back into his human guise and began to lave the wound closed.

"Do you always…?"

"No pet, but today's been a big day and you ol' Da here needed a bit of a pep up. My blood's stronger than that bagged stuff, master vampire and Childe of his lordship here – bloody well should be stronger!""

"I've always kind of thought vamp feeding was kind of… well gross really. But that was really… umm… well actually, nice."

"Yeah well some folks think breast feedin' a kid is gross… but it's natural innit, same as this." Angel's eyes fluttered open just in time to see Connor flash a broad grin at Spike.

"You're good for him, I can really see that."

Spike reached his 'bitten' hand out to the boy and lightly patted him on the leg. "Oh I reckon he'd argue with you on that point some days…"

Angel gave his partner a squeeze with the arm that was lying across Spike's torso "No, Connor's right, you're perfect for me."

Spike winked at Connor then kissed his Sire passionately on the lips. Breaking it off, the smaller vampire sat up abruptly, clapped his hands and declared, "'K well now we've got all the mushy stuff out of the way, let's us have ourselves a bit of a paddle shall we?"