Chapter 16

Xander and Spike stood back to back, fists up and ready to fight. They'd finally gone back to the local demon bar, and as usual, someone else had started a fight. The two vampires were more than ready to finish it, however.

Xander pressed his back lightly against Spike's in warning before launching himself into a back flip, soaring over his sire's head and placing himself in the perfect position to knock out two opponents at once. Spike smirked with pride at his childe's new moves before snapping the neck of the demon who'd started the whole mess, eyes glowing as he growled. The rest of his friends backed up slowly before returning to their half-finished drinks. Spike lit a cigarette and they returned to their booth in the back corner. Xander grinned wildly as he threw back the last of his whiskey.

Angel shook his head and Wesley gaped as the two vampires slid into their seats.

"Do you do this often?"

Xander smiled at Wesley's question. "All the time," he gloated.

Spike took a modest taste of his drink, before nudging Xander's shoulder with his own. He wondered if his childe would remember. Xander did not disappoint. As soon as Spike touched him, he barely tilted his head and focused his senses to scan the bar. The demon's friends had moved to clean up their buddy as soon as the vampires had sat down. Normal chatter was returning, and the bartender still looked bored. A typical Friday night.

"All threats vanquished."

Spike rolled his eyes but smiled. Angel stifled a laugh before engaging Wesley in a discussion about a new locator spell they'd found in one of their ancient tomes.

Xander watched Angel and Wesley talk for a few minutes, before butting into the conversation.

"We're here to have fun, Gramps, not discuss business."

Spike smirked at the nickname, while Angel rolled his eyes.

"So what do you suggest, Xander?"

"Next round's on you."

Angel frowned at Xander's cheek. "I've bought all the rounds so far."

"So, what's one more?" Spike asked.

Angel chuckled, signaling the waitress. He knew when he was defeated.

Wesley smiled indulgently at the three vampires, draining his glass. He wasn't sure why he'd been included in this guys' night out, but was very glad he had been. The easy camaraderie between himself, Angel, and Cordelia had been strained to say the least since Darla had shown up, and even more so since Gunn and Fred had joined the team. It was nice to just hang out like this. He wished Cordelia were here, but he supposed she wouldn't really enjoy this sort of place. Perhaps he'd suggest dinner somewhere nicer so they could all enjoy it.

Soon, when they'd all finished their next round, Xander suggested they go out to protect the innocent from the things that went bump in the night.

"You just want another fight," Spike accused good naturedly.

Xander flashed him a grin. "Of course."

Spike smiled fondly at his childe, happy that, for now, he seemed to be doing okay.

Angel envied the easy manner between the two of them. Spike hadn't taken blood from him since their discussion, but he had hope now, hope that his family was less broken than before.

The four of them left the bar, and stepped out onto the streets of LA. They stopped by the hotel so Wesley could pick up a retractable sword he'd recently purchased, before heading out again.

Wesley was surprised that he found himself so at ease with the vampires. When he'd joined the Watcher's council, he'd never expected to believe that vampires were anything but evil, yet here next to him stood three vampires who had willingly changed their lives. Well, Angel had only changed after he'd been placed under a curse, and Spike hadn't had a choice for a while, and Wesley was pretty sure they could both still be evil if they really wanted, but even Spike was choosing to be good for now, and that counted for a lot.

The fact that Angel seemed to brood less now that the younger vampires were here helped too. Wesley and Cordelia had spent a lot of time discussing whether the vampires should be allowed to stay or not, even more time discussing whether they should be trusted. Yet now it seemed they were winning everyone over. Even Gunn had finally let go of his prejudice against them – mostly.

Wesley grinned as they came upon a group of vampires. Yes, it was better that they had stayed.