The Four

circa 2002-2003

Cowritten with Slaygaluk and Dove. To Swathi, Angel Jade, Jericho, CJ and Alan.
This fic is unfinished and will stay that way.

* * *

Prologue : The Four

I am an angel.

For years, I’d thought I was only a normal human being. A woman. Everything changed the moment, the exact moment, I turned 18. That's when I remembered. My body might be the one of a 20 year old woman, but my spirit is one of an ageless force. I am an angel. One of the *Four*.

Four angels that helped bring this world to life. We helped create the souls. We helped create heaven. The place where souls rest. We're the soul bringers, the soul searchers. Each one of us has a purpose. I am wisdom.

The others are Love, Life and Destiny. We designed the souls, giving them a part of each of our gifts.

Raphael, the angel of love, found a sister soul to each one of them, they are called soul mates. He never cared for human laws, or morals, he looked at the souls and not at the people bearing them. Male, female, young, old, the only thing he looked for was affinities. That's how love was created. When two souls complete each other seamlessly, they are soul mates. They are lovers.

Michael, the angel of life, created the seed of life. He brought life to every soul, breathing his gift in them. When life goes away, the souls are returned to heaven, where they wait for a new life.

Uriel, the angel of destiny, sees. He sees the futures. The ones that could and the ones that should. He creates each soul's destiny. He creates their purpose. Guides them through the path of life towards their ultimate destiny.

I am Gabrielle, the bearer of wisdom. I give wisdom to all souls that they may treasure the gifts given by my brethren, use them fully and wisely. Some receive greater wisdom that they may guide the warriors. Those who will fight against evil and protect this creation.

When a battle is to come, the *four* come together and see. They look for flaws, fears. If those are too great one of them is sent. This time, it was me.

I was sent to live a normal life. A human life. I had friends. I had love. My parents took it all away from me. I could feel. I could feel what the others felt. I was a freak.

I am an empath. It's not a disease. It's not a 'condition'. It's not a mental illness. It's what I am. It's what I was born for. I was born to help. Help through what I feel. Sometimes, the feelings are so strong, I can't seem to be able to distance myself from them. Human fears are the worst. Fear of the dark, fear of the unknown. I was an unknown. They feared me. They shouldn't have. When the day came, the memories of my former being, my purpose, were restored to me. Now, I am ready. They need me. I'm going to help them.

I will return to Sunnydale.

***

Chapter 1 : Revelations

Wesley was sitting in a comfortable chair, reading. A pot of tea by his side and gentle classical music playing in the background. His apartment was masculine but comfortable, warm and safe. The last safe place for him. But even that seemed to be leaving him.

As he tried to concentrate on the book his thought drifted to recent events. In particular Lilah.

He wondered why she had been able to manipulate him so easily. What was he thinking? Sleeping with her and letting her control him like that? Why had he succumbed to her when he found her repellent? 'Dear god, she was simply using me to achieve her own aims and I let her, just how much of a fool have I become?'

He thought back to the previous night. It had been good, great even, but so hollow, empty, like being with a mannequin. Oh she was warm, physically beautiful and extremely imaginative in bed, but there was no inner beauty, no soul. 'And she had the nerve to tell me I was losing mine'

He shuddered at the memories that were threatening to overwhelm him and drown him in misery. He steeled himself against the threatening tears, refusing to give in.

He glanced at his book again and sighed, God but he missed his friends... no... they were no longer his friends. Reaching out for his cup he was startled by the doorbell.

"Bloody hell" He swore softly as he slopped tea onto his trousers.

Looking at the door he wondered who could be on the other side He had asked them to never return and he knew they would listen to him, he could think of nobody who would be willingly seeking him out.

He walked slowly to the door and peered through the spy hole. He saw a red head and it took him a moment to realise who she was.

'Justine?' "What is *she* doing here?" He muttered under his breath.

He opened the door and simply stared at her.

She dropped her eyes on the floor. Not looking at him. After a moment, she glanced up nervously twisting her hands together.

"Wesley?" she said softly. "I really need to speak to you, there's something you need to know."

He stared at her, no expression on his eyes, not saying anything. Then, finally, he said with venom. "Then say your piece and leave."

This was the woman who'd slashed his throat, hell she was partly responsibly for the mess that his life had become.

"I... I'm sorry... I..." Justine stuttered.

"Look Justine, just say what you want to say then leave, I have no wish to speak to you."

"I know. I'm sorry. But... this is really important." She said, looking everywhere but at him. "Please, it'll only take a minute, can I come in?"

Wesley sighed heavily, he looked at her, then stood aside and gestured her in.

"What is it about?" He asked as he closed the door.

"Please... can I...?" She motioned towards the sofa and he looked at her, seeing her properly for the first time. She looked exhausted, only a step or two from collapsing. The strong women was now only a shadow of herself.

Broken, sad and tired.

"Yes, sit." He said, his ingrained manners coming to the fore. He caught himself before he offered her tea. 'This woman is the enemy.' He reminded himself.

He remained standing, watching her closely, he didn't trust this woman at all. What could she possibly want with him now?

She sat and stared at the floor, then spoke quietly. "It's... It's about Angel... and... and Connor."

Wesley was stunned, but didn't show it.

Justine began to talk, telling Wesley everything that had happened on the beach and the boat, her voice wavering at times and eventually breaking as she started to sob.

As he listened, Wesley grew more and more horrified. Angel's own son had committed this... this... atrocity against his own father. The Englishman had seen truly awful deeds in his time with the council and later as he worked with Angel, but this appalled him. It rivalled some of the horrors Angelus himself had inflicted.    The thought of what Angel must have felt as he watched his son seal the crate brought tears to his eyes.

When Justine had finally finished, he sat heavily in the chair unable to speak for a few moments, he took deep breathes and tried to calm himself. Even after what Angel had done to him, he couldn't bear to think of Angel suffering like this.

Eventually he looked up at Justine. "Why are you telling me this? Isn't it what you wanted all along?"

"I... I..." She stuttered. "I thought I did, and I hate Angelus... what he is... but..." She looked up in Wesley's eyes. "It's for Connor, he won't be able to live with what he has done, and believe me or don’t, but I do care about the boy." She looked back to her hands. "I don't want him to suffer the way I have."

Wesley looked at her disbelievingly. "You took that child from my arms and gave him Holtz and now you say you care?"

A spark appeared in Justine's eyes. "That was for his own good, he would have had a better life with us than with that... that... vampire." She looked up with venom in her eyes. "He would have destroyed his innocence... corrupted him."

"Don't you think the dimension where he was sent did that pretty well too?" Wesley asked, interrupting her line of thought. "Anyway, that's what I thought too. That he would be safer away. But I was wrong." Wesley told her looking down. "I saw them at the bar, fighting together for YOUR life."

She looked up at him, the fight gone from her eyes. "I know, I..I was wrong"

Eventually he looked up at Justine. "You will help me set this right"

"Yes... I'll do... whatever it takes"

Wes nodded, satisfied. "Good, I shall go to see Gunn, we're going to need all the help we can get, you wait here."

***

Chapter 2 : Realisations

'Oh Bloody Hell! That hurts! Must have been a demon. My head feels like it's been walked over a few times.' He tried to open his eyes and winced as a sharp pain shot through his body. "Bloody Hell!" He laid on his back and tried to relax.

Finally managing to open his eyes, he looked around from his position on the floor of the almost pitch black cave. Not recognizing his surroundings, he was instantly alert for any danger. He slowly pushed himself up and groaned as his body protested the movement, he looked around but could see very little.

He knew he was alone, but something told him he wasn't out of danger. Something was very wrong. A thought was niggling the back of his mind... something he should remember?

Suddenly, his head felt like fire and he took it between his hands. "Ahhhhh!"

Faces began to flash before his eyes... starting with the first life he took and moving through the years up to his last victim before he was taken by the Initiative. The feelings that accompanied each face were agonizing and he cried out in fear and sorrow as guilt hit him.

“No” He whispered. “What have I done... so many... what have I done?” He buried his face in his hands and began to sob brokenly. He thought about Buffy and how he had attacked her, of the two slayers he had brutally killed, of all the ones he had threatened and tortured. The remorse overwhelmed him.

"Stupid demon!" He screamed in anger and sorrow. "I didn't ask for my soul you stupid pouf."

For hours, he cried, his sobbing echoing on the walls of the cave. He cried for all those he killed, for all the souls he had taken. He cried for all those he watched Dru kill, for those that Angelus tortured, those he could've helped and didn't, those he loved to watch, and those whose agony he simply ignored

All those people who had died because of his actions or inaction, they all screamed in his head. How could someone live with all those voices in their head and not lose their sanity? He couldn't go on like this, the guilt was overwhelming. Too many voices, they were all screaming their pain and terror, their anger at him.

"What have I done? What have I done?"

He stumbled to his feet and began to run, he didn't know where he was going, he just knew he had to get away from the voices.

As he staggered into the dark night the voices followed him. They wouldn't leave him.

“Nonononono... leave me alone... please... I didn't... I wasn't...”

He walked all night not knowing where he was or where he was going. Trying to leave the pain behind. Finally, he felt dawn coming and contemplated greeting it. As he gazed at the lightening sky he felt movement behind him.

"I didn't grant you this gift so you could greet the sun."

Spinning round he stared at the shaman from the cave. "But I can't stand this... I didn't ask you for this."

"You can and you did vampire."

“Please... take it away? Make me as I was before this.”

"I cannot. The soul is there to stay. You are as you were before."

“Nononono... please..." He faltered... wasn’t that just what so many of his victims had cried at him? A fresh wave of guilt overwhelmed him and bloody tears fell from his eyes as he crumpled to the ground.

"You will learn to live with it. You're not alone. Someone else can help you."

Spike lifted his face and looked at the demon. "What do you mean, I'm not alone? All the people that know me hate me. Who... who can possibly want to help me? I'm nothing... I'm a murderer, a monster. All those things I did... Bloody Hell! It's just too much. Let me die. That's all I deserve." Misery overwhelmed him again and he wept.

The demon looked almost kindly at the distraught vampire sobbing at his feet. "No, vampire, you deserve more. You are not alone, you have more than you think. Your friends will help you. Find your sire. He won't turn his back on you. He needs you as much as you need him right now. Go."

With that word there was a blinding burst of light and Spike felt a jolt

As his sight cleared he realised he was in some sort of old warehouse or factory. He took a deep breath then climbed to his feet and looked around, spotting a window he stumbled over and rubbed at the dirt to see outside

Traffic, people... and bright sunshine... he flinched back and fell to the ground again. LA???? He was in LA??

As realisation hit him he remember the shaman's last words. Find your sire. He needs you. Maybe he wasn't worthless after all... maybe they could help each other. Now all he had to do was get to him.

"Find my sire? Where the hell am I suppose to find him?"

***

Chapter 3 : Where?

"Where is everybody?"

Gunn looked at Fred and shook his head. "I don't know."

Fred began to panic. "They wouldn't leave us, right? I mean, they wouldn't... go away without telling us, right?"

"I don't know Fred. I... Maybe they're just... having fun. Why don't we go bed and we'll see them in the morning. M'sure they're all fine."

Fred wrapped her arms around herself and slowly rocked on her feet. "Yeah, they'll be back, cause... they wouldn't actually *leave* us. They can't leave us. They wouldn't."

Gunn went behind her and wrapped is arms around her. "Shhh, it's gonna be all right. They'll come back. Now, up in bed girl."

Fred turned around and smiled. "Charles... you're so sweet. And yeah they're gonna be back, cause they need to, right?"

The next day...
"Charles!! CHARLES!!" Fred screamed in panic. "They're not here! CHARLES!" Fred was screaming frantically at the top of her lung.

Gunn ran down the stairs and took Fred in his arms. "Calm down Fred. Calm down." She was looking around frantically, trying to get out of her boyfriend's embrace so that she could look everywhere, yet again.

"They're not here." She kept saying that. "They're not here Charles! Where did they go? Tell me! where?"

"Listen girl." Gunn said firmly but tenderly. "They'll be okay. Angel can take care of himself, and Cordy??? She 's got the visions."

"But they left us. They left us! Charles! We're alone! All alone... all alone Charles..." Fred was desperate. "This is too much for me." She babbled. "I can't deal with that. lang=IT style='mso-ansi-language: IT'No I can't. This is too much... too much. Angel... where are you? Don't leave me alone. I can't... I can't... Please... I can't deal with that, it's too much." As she rambled, she was shaking her head in Gunn's embrace and hugging herself tightly, rocking on her feet.

"Shhh... calm down sweetheart, it's ok. I'm here... I'm here." Gunn said, hugging her more tightly to himself. As he was stroking her hair the phone rang startling them both.

*dring*

Fred lunged for the phone frantically. She pick it up "Angel??? Is that you? Angel?"

"Fred, sweetheart, is that you?"

Fred suddenly stopped screaming, surprised. Not receiving any answer, Lorne asked again. "Fred? Honey??? What is it? What's wrong?"

"Lorne?"

"I'm here sweetheart." Lorne said calmly. "Something's wrong there?"

"It's all of them. They... they left us! they're all gone!" She was sobbing.

"Honey? Try to calm down for me... and tell me. Who's gone?"

Lorne was worried. Fred just didn't freak out like this anymore. Something must be very wrong.

"Angel!! and Cordelia and Connor... They're all gone!"

"Fred... Fred... calm down honey, please. Is anyone there with you?

She was screaming in the phone. "They left us. They left us Lorne"

"Fred... listen to me sweetie... are you alone there?" Receiving only sobbing for answer, he asked again. "Is someone with you?"

"Gunn. He's here... but all... all..." She stopped. She was sobbing too much, she couldn't continue.

Gunn gently pulled the receiver from Fred's hand and folded her into his arms. "Lorne?"

"Gunn... what on earth has happened... Fred sounds hysterical" Lorne asked, clearly worried. He was standing on the balcony outside his very new apartment, looking at the busy city below him. He just loved the view.

"I'm not sure man, Angel went to meet Cordy... said he'd be back later, haven't been able to find Groo or Cordy... none of them are answering their cells"

"So Angel went to meet Cordy huh?" Lorne went on. "Knew those little love bugs would get together soon." Lorne's voice was filled with mischief and a hint of happiness. He was truly happy that Angel and Cordy had found each other. Finally.

"Lorne... focus... they're all missing!"

"What do you mean they're all missing?"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you man. They should all have come back yesterday... and they didn't."

"Oh. You're sure they didn't just... lets say... sleep somewhere else?" Lorne said with innuendo.

"I know Angel and Groo are freaked by technology, but Cordy would be answering her cell... something's wrong... really wrong"

"I don't know Gunn. They might just be... doing something else."

As Gunn was about to answer the door swung open and Wes walked in hesitantly

"Wesley!! You're here!!" Fred screamed pulling out of Gunn's arms and running towards the other man. "Wesley!! They're gone! You'll help us right? They're all gone!!"

"Fred... it's alright, I'm here to help." He looked at the other man and nodded "Gunn"

"Gunn? Who’s there?" Lorne asked worried and a little curious.

Gunn nodded back to Wes. "It's Wes." He answered Lorne, surprised to see the Englishman.

"What is HE doing there?" Lorne asked in shock.

"I don't know... but we need his help so right now I don't really care"

Fred was now wrapped into Wesley's arms and Gunn felt something rise in his stomach.

"Shhh, Fred calm down." The other man said softly in her ear.

Gunn dropped the phone on the counter and strode over to where his girlfriend and once best friend stood. Pulling Fred from his arms, he looked at the other man.

"Wes man... what brings you here?"

Wes looked up at him and got straight to the point. "I know where Angel is."

"Where? Where is he? Is he... is he alive? Or dead? or... no, he's already dead. I mean, he's still... unliving right?"

"What do you mean man... what did you... have you done something?"

On the other side of the line, Lorne look at the receiver a little shocked. ."Gunn??"

"No, you didn't! You didn't Wes. Right? You wouldn't?"

Wesley was a little hurt that they could believe he would hurt Angel.

"You couldn't hurt him right? I mean... he kinda almost killed you but... it was only because he was hurt... but you wouldn't? You wouldn't hurt him. I know you wouldn't." Fred was frantic in Gunn's arms.

No matter what had happened between them Wesley still respected the vampire. He would never want anything to happen to him

"No, I haven't 'done' anything to him." Wesley shook his head. "I have had a visitor though... who knows exactly where he is... and how he came to be there"

"How? Who? Where??? How do we get him back??" Fred was almost crying.

"Please, do calm down Fred... I'll tell you everything you want to know." Wesley took a deep breath and continued. “Justine came so see me, she told me it was Connor, Angel’s son...”

Gunn slowly lead Fred to the lobby couch and helped her sit down. Fred's head shoot up at Wesley's revelation.

"Connor? No, he can't... he was... he liked him."

Fred was looking at her hands. "They were almost friends and Angel and him were even training together. Angel showed him all..." Fred slowed down as realisation hit her."... his tricks... He showed him all his tricks! That's how Connor got to him!"

At this point, Wesley spotted the phone on the counter and while Gunn was fussing over his girl he went to replace it in the hook. As he lifted it he heard Lorne’s frantic voice on the other end

"Gunn! Gunn? Are you there? What's happening? Gunn?"

Wesley raised the phone to his ear. "Lorne? It's Wesley, I think you'd better come home"

"Wesley? What happened?" Lorne was a little shocked to be talking to him.

"It's Angel, he's going to need your help. Please, you must come now"

Lorne shook his head. 'I didn't even had time to settle here and they're already getting in the way. But I can't leave them when they need me.' "All right, I'll take the next plane to LA. I'll be there tomorrow morning at the most."

"Thank you Lorne, I'll explain everything when you arrive"

"All right. You take care of Fred. She needs the two of you now."

"I will. See you soon." Relieved, he replaced the receiver and looked over to his two former friends

Wesley went to Fred's side and sat down on the couch.

"Angel has been betrayed by Connor, Fred." He took her hand, glancing over at Gunn.

Gunn gave him an unreadable look then put his arm around the woman sitting between them.

"But... ok, Connor knew every trick and... and... they were training together... but Why?? why would he betray him?"

"I'm afraid it's rather a long story. I received a visit from Justine tonight and she had rather a lot to say."

Fred looked at Wes in shock. "Justine?? but don't she hate you?" She asked interrupting him.

"I don't think that matters anymore, she needed to tell us of what has happened and I was the easiest one to get to."

Gunn looked at Wesley his mouth wide open. "Man... you're telling me that little squirt managed to overpower Angel?"

"Yes, he had the element of surprise and apparently knew all of Angel's fighting techniques." He went on to tell them what he had learned all the while squeezing Fred's hand in reassurance. Fred squeezed his hand in return and settled into Gunn's arms.

By the end of his story Fred was sobbing openly, and both men moved to comfort her. Their hands brushed and both looked up in surprise at the electricity they felt. They looked into each other's eyes.

Wesley slowly backed away and Gunn drew Fred deeper into his arms, whispering in her ear... all the while looking at Wesley.

The older man couldn't take his eyes away from them, but the feeling he felt wasn't jealousy, but longing. He blushed and looked away.

"We should get prepared. I don't know what we'll need, but according to Justine, he's pretty deep. I give us a week maximum. After that... We need to move soon, anything could happen to him down there... in a week he could have drifted miles already."

***

Chapter 4 : Reconstruction

The Magic Box was quickly coming back to shape. In the last week, the Scoobies had cleaned up most of the mess and walls and windows had been repaired. The roof was still open, but the construction workers were dealing with it.

Dawn and Buffy were sitting at the table going through the books and chatting quietly. Most of the books were a complete loss, but others were still usable.

"Buffy, I'm just saying... there must have been a reason behind what he did."

"Dawn, I really don't want to talk about it. Can you pass me that book?" She asked pointing out a book by her sister's elbow.

Dawn did as she asked and tried again.

"I just don't understa-"

"Dawn...please" Buffy interrupted her again.

"But, you forgave Willow and she tried to end the world!!"

"That's not the same thing at all"

Dawn sighed. "But why not?"

"Listen Dawn, it's hard to explain ... it's not... something I wanna talk about just now. I just can't talk about it yet"

"Fine." Dawn sulked as she continued checking the books and Buffy just sighed. How was she supposed to explain to her teenage sister that the man... vampire she'd come to trust was the same creature who had attempted to rape her?

Giles walked into the room with a box of nails for Xan and smiled at the girls shaking his head.

He approached the busy young man and handed him the box. "There you go Xander."

"Thanks." Xander said smiling. His arms were high above him, holding the frame in place. "Can you help me though, this is really a two man job."

"Of course. What is it you want me to do?"

"Can you nail? or maybe you could hold the frame while I nail it."

"Perhaps it would be best if I hold it for you, I'm afraid I'm not very talented when it comes to carpentry"

Xander laughed lightly. "Yeah, you tell yourself that G-man, I'm sure you have some hidden talent you don't wanna tell us about." He said teasingly.

Giles laughed back. God he had missed the boy's teasing. And yes, he had some hidden talents, but he wasn't sure Xander would want him to tell him about them. Huh, where did that thought come from?

He held the frame in position and watched as Xander drove the nails home, admiring the muscles working in his arms

"What you looking at G-man?" Xander asked.

"Oh... er... nothing... just thinking." Giles blushed slightly. "I wonder how Willow is feeling today"

"I don't know." Xander said. "I think she's getting better and better, but she won't let us come near her just yet. I went by this morning, she was hidden in her room and wouldn’t come out."

Giles nodded. "She will be having a great deal of difficulty coming to terms with all that has happened. She needs your support now more than ever"

Xander nodded and looked down. "I just wish we could do more, you know... I feel helpless."

"I'm sure she appreciates everything you’re doing, I'm afraid it's just going to take time"

"Yeah. I get that. Time is key. But I want to do something for her... and I just don't know what."

Giles wanted to comfort Xander but was unsure of what to do. He looked up and seeing the frame would hold, he let go of it and placed a hand on Xander's shoulder.

"You are helping her, just by being there for her when she needs you"

Xander smiled, tears in his eyes. "I know. I'm always gonna be there for her." He sigh. "Sometimes, I just wish I could make it all ok... but that's impossible."

"Yes... I'm afraid it is, but things will get better, I can promise you that" Giles said warmly. "And you do make it better, just by being there."

Xander smiled and nodded at Giles. "Thanks. I needed that."

Xander look up at Giles and noticed how warm his gaze were... how comfortable he felt being there with him... his hand still on his shoulder. Xander got lost in Giles’ eyes. For a brief moment, time stopped.

As Giles looked back at Xander he felt something tighten in his stomach. His heart began to beat faster and his grip tightened on the young man's shoulder. It was the first time he'd felt this way around him.

Xander's eyes widened. For a brief moment he was sure he'd seen... no, it couldn't be...

Dawn dropped a book loudly on the floor and the spell was broken. "Oh. Sorry."

Xander turned around blushing slightly. What had gotten into him? Warm, fuzzy feelings for Giles? No way.

Giles cleared his throat and spoke. "Um...yes...well I think I'll make some tea...would anyone like some?

"Yeah... I'll take some dirty water. Thanks."

"Really Xander, if you'd rather something else all you need do is say so"

"Uh... You have beer? I NEED a beer right now, a really manly beer." Xander said babbling.

"Yes, I think I can accommodate you, there are some cans in the fridge I believe, I'll bring you one out."

Giles was grateful for the excuse and hurried out of the room

Xander turned and went back to his work.

Giles walked into the kitchen and leaned against the door trying to gather his thoughts.

What on earth had just happened out there? Xander was like a son to him. He had never thought of him any other way. But when he looked into his eyes he had felt... something.

Something very warm and completely inappropriate, he was the children’s father figure for goodness sake, he shouldn't be thinking this way. But as he thought back to the feel of Xander's shoulder under his hand and the look in the young man's eyes... No. "Rupert, get a hold of yourself." He said to himself sternly.

He prepared the tea, good very fatherly like tea and took a beer out for Xander. Xander, who thought of him as a father, an authority figure, and who was very not gay.

As Giles walked off to the kitchen Xander felt his cheeks burn. What the hell had just happened?

He had seen attraction in Giles' eyes... he was sure, and was stunned to realise it wasn't one sided. How could he feel like that? He wasn't gay. He'd never felt this way about any man... and look... Anya! Sex... almost marriage... so very not gay. But still, he'd felt something, and it felt good

His heart was beating wildly as he turned back to his work. He lifted the hammer again and realised his hands were trembling. He tried to shake the thought out of his head. 'Gotta concentrate here Xanman, no more bad thoughts about the G-man.'

Xander heard Giles come back and stared hard at his hammer, determined not to turn. He felt a tap on his shoulder and Giles handed him the beer.

"Thanks." Xander said, still shaking as he took the beer from Giles' hands. "Really need that now." He opened the can and gulped it down, draining almost half the beer.

"You were very thirsty. You should have said something sooner." Giles said amazed.

"Well, you kinda forget about those things when you lift heavy things and make repairs all day." Xander said smiling.

"Yes, I expect you would. I think it's wonderful that you finally found something you enjoy doing. After all the unusual jobs you’ve had."

"Yeah, the ones I couldn't keep more than a week. I know. I love working in construction. Repairing things. Building things. It's like a kid's dream, you know." Xander said smiling proudly.

"I am proud of you Xander, you do know that don't you?" Giles said gently.

"Yeah dad, I know." Xander teased. Giles rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Thanks Giles."

"What for?" Giles asked surprised.

"For coming back, for being there for us...and well...for just being you" Giles looked at Xander and suddenly realized that the young man in front of him had grown up.

"Oh Xander, I couldn't have left you all forever, you're my family" he said with a lump in his throat. "You do know I only left because Buffy needed to stand on her own two feet, I was holding her back"

Xander nodded. "Yeah, I know that, but Giles, the rest of us need you too"

Giles blinked back the threatening wetness in his eyes and swallowed. "I'm here to stay this time Xander...I promise you"

Xander smiled and couldn't contain himself. He reached for the older man and hugged him tightly. "We missed you G-man" He whispered in the older man's ear.

"Well, I hope so. If not, what would I have come back for?" And hugged the young man back just as tightly.

At that moment they were pounced by the two girls that had been watching silently. "We want hugs too!!!" Dawn squealed.

Giles laughed and put his arms around all of them...he'd missed this so much

"Okay...this isn't getting the shop repaired...how about you get back to work and I'll order us some food"

Xan grinned and extracted himself from the group. "Mmmm, pizza?" He said smiling dreamily.

While Giles ordered pizza, the girls returned to their seats and Xander walked out of the room to get the tools he needed.

***

Chapter 5 : Coming back

The door bell startled Giles and he looked up. A young women, not more than 20 years old was just coming in.

"Hello, I'm sorry young lady but we're closed for maintenance. If you come back next week, we should have reopened then." He smiled at her. She turned towards him and smiled back.

"I know, I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'm looking for an old friend of mine. I went to his parents and they told me I might find him here." She had her hands tangled in front of her and looked really shy.

"What's the name of your friend? I'm sure we can help you find him." Giles said really gently.

Before the young women could answer, Xander came back from the backroom and stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of the newcomer.

"Gabby? Is that really you?" He asked surprised. She nodded shyly. Dropping all the tools he was holding he ran to her and enfolded her in a bear hug.

"God, it's been so long! Where have you been? What brings you back? What happened?" He couldn't stop himself from asking so many questions at the same time. He had missed her so much.

"You haven't changed Xander." She said smiling warmly, then grimaced. "You're strangling me now." She was breathless.

"Uh, sorry!" He loosened his hold, but still had his arms around her shoulders. "It's so good to see you Gab! We really thought you were... gone." He had tears of joy in his eyes.

She looked over his shoulder and realised three people were looking at them, intrigued.

"Xander? Can you introduce us?" Dawn asked shyly. Xander turned around and looked at them smiling.

"Guys! This..." He said waving at Gabrielle. "This is Gabby!" He turned back to his friends. "Gabby, this is Dawn, her sister Buffy and that's Giles."

Gabrielle smiled at them and shook their hands. "Hi." She said shyly.

"Hi! It's great to meet one of Xander's friends." Buffy said smiling.

"Indeed." Giles said sincerely

"But how come we’ve never heard of you before?" Buffy asked looking at Xander. "We've known him for six years..."

Xander blushed. "Sorry guys... Gab was... is... kinda a difficult subject for me..." Gabrielle smiled softly. She could feel his pain at thinking of how she had left them. It must have been so hard on them.

"Yeah. I kinda disappeared without a trace nine years ago." She said. "I can understand how it would've been hard to talk about me... for them."

"Them?" Dawn asked curiously.

"Willow and Jesse... You know them right?” She glanced back to her old friend “Xander?" Xander dropped his eyes at the mention of his dead friend.

"We know Willow all right, but Jesse..." Dawn said. Gabrielle looked at her, she could feel Xander's sadness and it was overwhelming.

"Jesse... died six years ago." Xander interrupted. "He was killed." Gabrielle stared at him in shock and feeling their pain and despair, their overwhelming guilt and sadness was too much for her. She fell to her knees and wept.

Xander knelt beside her and took her in his arms. Giles gave the girls a look and they went back to their work, leaving the reunited friends to weep.

"Shhh, it's all right Gab." Xander said softly to his old friend.

"I can't believe he's dead. He was so... sweet... and funny and... and..." She cried brokenly, not able to stop. The young girl within her had loved the young man just as much as Willow had loved Xander. It was awful to think she wouldn't be able to see him... And to know he had already been gone for so long, when she had always dreamed of seeing him again.

"I remember how close you two were. I'm so sorry Gab. We tried to find you, Willow and I, but we never found a single trace..." Xander hugged her tightly to his chest. "You completely disappeared. And there was no way for us to find out where you were."

"I know, I wanted to get in touch, ring you or write you, but they wouldn't let me"

"Who they?"

"Well, it’s kind of a long story. You remember how I always knew what you guys were feeling?"

"Yeah... that was kinda weird but... it was cool too."

"My parents didn't think it was cool, they thought I had a mental problem...they took me to a doctor in Boston and he put me in a hospital"

"In a hospital? What do you mean?" Xander asked worried.

"A mental hospital Xander, my parents had me committed to an institution."

Xander's eyes widened and he looked into Gabby's eyes. "You're kidding right? Why would your parents do that?" He sat on the floor, his hands on her shoulders. "I mean... they were the most normal of all our parents together... It's something MY parents would do... not yours!"

"They thought they were doing the best thing for me I guess. I don't know, I just know it happened and that's where I've spent the last nine years of my life."

"Wow... I mean, not wow in the sense that it's great, but wow. I never believed that's what had happened... I mean, we thought... well that you were... your parents called ours and told them that you were really sick and that they were taking you to see a doctor. Then sometime later, they called again and said you... were not here anymore... they didn't say you were dead... but that's what we thought." Xander was almost crying. "How was it? Nine years... it's a lot..."

"Oh god Xander, it was so awful at first... surrounded by people that had so many problems, their feelings...I felt them all, you see that's my gift, I'm an empath...but I couldn't make it stop, I couldn't shut them out. I think for a while I really did lose my mind." She paused for a moment trying to control her emotions. "But eventually I did learn how to block them, how to only feel certain ones, the ones I wanted to feel... then it got easier, I lived there for so long that it really began to seem like home"

Xander was in shock. It took a time for all to register in his mind. "Huh. You're an empath?" He asked raising an eyebrow. "What's that?"

Giles came behind him. "It's a person that feels all of what others feel. They receive the emotions of others." He knelt beside Gabrielle. "It must have been awful for you to live around all those people for so long. I suppose you need calm more than any of us do."

"You mean she can feel all I feel?" Xander asked incredulously. "Huh. It's not that bad, but... well, I saw weirdest things around here... with this being the Hellmouth and all."

"Huh, Hellmouth?" Gabby asked.

Xander perked up at this. "Oh I know this one, the Hellmouth is a center of mystical convergence and evil is drawn to it, vampires, demons, you name it they love it. We got one here, under the remains of the school and every now and then some nasty tries to open it and we stop 'em." Xander leaned back and looked at Gabby, "Um... did I mention that vampires are real?"

Gabrielle looked up in shock. "Huh, what? Demons? Vampires? You hit your head Xan?"

She looked at Giles questioningly and he shook his head.

"I'm afraid he's quite serious Gabrielle, if a little unusual in his explanations. All those things, vampires, demons, werewolves, incubi, succubae they're all real... and drawn to the energy of the Hellmouth itself. We have in recent years fought a demon mayor, more vampires than I care to remember and even a Hell goddess. Yes, I'm afraid it's all very real. There's just one more thing I think you ought to know, Buffy here... well... she's a vampire slayer, the one girl in all the world chosen to fight vampires and prevent the spread of their evil."

Gabby looked over at Buffy, who grinned and nodded, then sat staring at Xander and Giles. She appeared stunned and Xander bounced a little. He'd missed her so much.

"Look, lets not talk about vamps and hellmouthy things. I want to spend time with you!! It's so great that you're here and I have so much to tell you and so many stories and then, we're gonna go see Wills, she'll be happy to see you too..."

"Oh, and maybe that'll help her to get out a little." Dawn said, interrupting Xander.

"Help her to get out? What do you mean?" Gabrielle asked looking at Xander. The young man looked away.

"Something... happened a week ago and she... hasn't been out of her room since."

"What happened?" She could feel all their pain and fears swallowing her and she shivered. "It must have been really bad..." She said looking at them. Then she caught Xander's eyes. "Oh and so sad!" Not able to distance herself, she began to cry again. "You're all so sad..."

"No Gabby, it's okay. It's been a rough few weeks and some really bad things have happened but honestly, everything'll be fine...please don't cry?"

Xander reached out and pulled her into another hug, he rocked her gently as she cried out all the pain she was getting from the others. After a while she calmed and looked up at him. She smiled at her old friend's attempt to comfort. God had she missed him.

"I'm sorry, it's just, I was receiving all your pain. All four of you... and it was too much for me. Please... tell me what happened. Maybe... maybe I can help her..."

"First off, she's gay." Xander said bluntly.

Gabrielle laughed lightly and nodded. "All right. She's gay. Huh... that's a change."

Xander smiled in triumph. He had made her laugh. "That's where it gets bad... She started going out with this girl two years ago..." Gently, he told her about Willow and magic and about Tara. Finally, he reached the end of the story. Buffy was gently rocking a sobbing Dawn in her arms, while Giles had his hand on Xander's shoulder, silently supporting the young man, his eyes damp.

Xander looked up at him over Gabby's head and tears welled in his own eyes. He had worked all his courage to tell the story, but now, it was too much. Buffy came over and knelt beside him, she touched his other shoulder and then took Gabby from his arms, rocking her gently.

As he stood Giles put an arm around his shoulder. That proved too much for the tenuous hold he had on his emotions and he broke down, Giles holding him tightly.

After a few minutes Xander calmed down. Feeling drained he reluctantly untangled himself from Giles' embrace and turned to the girls on the floor.

He reached for Gabby and dried her tears. "It's all right... Shhh, we'll go see her. I'm sure she'll feel much better after seeing you." He smiled lightly and she smiled back. She nodded.

"Yeah. I’ll feel better when I’ve seen her anyway." She looked around at the others kneeling on the floor. "I feel like I already belong here."

The others smiled. "Welcome to the family." Dawn said.

"Yup, another Scooby!" Buffy exclaimed.

Giles smiled at her enthusiasm and still feeling Xander's warmth in his arms, he stood up. "The more the merrier, they say."

Xander helped Gabby and both of them stood up, followed by Dawn and Buffy.

Giles looked around. "I think we won't get more done today."

Xander nodded. "Not really in the mood for more repairs. You said it G-man."

"Maybe you and Gabby should go home and look in on Willow. Dawn and I will clean up a little more." Buffy said looking at Xander.

"And me? What do I do?" Giles asked teasingly.

"Oh you... you just drink your tea and give us hugs. That's your purpose here." Dawn answered laughing.

Quickly the mood affected everyone and they laughed loudly.

Glancing over his shoulder and grinning at Giles Xander put his arm around Gabby's shoulder and they left the shop

***

Chapter 6: Truth

//One week. A whole bloody week to find this place. And damn if it's not the biggest fucking abandoned hotel in the whole city. Should've known the poof would choose something like this.// Spike thought as he stood outside the Hyperion's front door.

His face was filthy and streaked with dried tears, his eyes swollen and damp. As he looked at the door, wondering how he would be greeted the tears spilled over again, the memories of what he had done to the people inside unleashing fresh pain and sorrow on the already tortured vampire.

The door opened suddenly before the vampire and he took an involuntary step backwards.

"Then we'll meet them at the beach." Wesley spoke over his shoulder to Lorne as he opened the door.

He stopped suddenly as he saw the blond man standing there with fear in his eyes.

"It's all right, come on in, whatever it is we can help."

"You're English?" //Must be the other ex-watcher. At least I never hurt him, not directly.//

”Yes.” He smiled and led the way into the hotel.

Spike walked through the door and followed Wesley to a seat.

"I need Angel, I need his help."

"He's not here." Fred answered, coming from behind.

"I'm afraid he's... unavailable for the moment. I'm sure we can help you, we are his associates."

"No. I need my Sire. Not his pets."

Wesley jumped to his feet and backed away "Sire? You're William the Bloody?"

Spike lowered his eyes. "Looks like it." He muttered.

At this Gunn and Fred both pulled out stakes as Wesley produced a crossbow and quickly loaded a bolt.

"Kill me. It'll be better this way... At least..."

Lorne stared curiously at Spike for a few moments. "You're not here to hurt anyone... something is different about you."

Spike looked up at the green demon. "Yeah." He sighed. “You could say that.”

"Could you hum a few bars of something for me cutie?" The others watched Lorne, willing to follow his lead for the moment.

Spike looked incredulously at Lorne. "Are you bloody serious?"

Wesley spoke up. "Just do it vampire, this may yet save your life."

"You can't be worse then Angel. He's bad..." Fred began to babble, but stopped at the look Wesley gave her. She shrugged and wrapped her arms around Gunn.

Spike shrugged and softly sang a few words of one of his favourites "I wanna be sedated."

Lorne smiled and nodded. "You have a soul."

Wesley turned and stared at Lorne. "Don't be ridiculous, only Angel has a soul, this is William the Bloody, he rivalled Angelus in his violence and sadism. He’s currently restricted by a behaviour modifying chip in his skull but he is still a soulless vampire."

Lorne gave Wesley a look. "Have you ever known me to be wrong? Well ok I am on some things, but not when I'm reading someone."

Wesley shook his head and slowly lowered his crossbow. "How is this possible?" He turned to Spike. "Was it gypsies again?"

Spike snorted "Not bloody likely, we all learned our lesson about gypsies after the poof got his, no, this was my own fault." His face fell and he looked down again.

"I went to a shaman, wanted to be *what I once was* tried to get rid of the chip, but he gave me this living hell instead." He sighed. "I need Angel, he's the only one who can help me, and I think I can help him."

Gunn and Fred both put their stakes down as they carefully approached the vampire.

"You... you know about Angel? Do you? Something bad happened to him..." Fred babbled, shaking her head. "Can you help us rescue him?? We need your help, cause we have to hurry, he's been gone way too long and he might..." Fred broke off as Gunn put his arm around her.

Spike looked up at the sobbing girl. "What's your name lovely?" He asked sweetly. He may be miserable, but she looked so fragile and lost. She clearly needed reassurance.

Fred was weeping in Gunn's arms and couldn't answer.

"She's Fred." Gunn answered tenderly stroking her hair. "I'm Gunn. The green guy there's Lorne. Use to own a karaoke bar. 'til we accidentally destroyed it, then burnt it down... a couple of times."

Spike smirked. "Couple of times eh?" He asked looking at Lorne, and letting out a short laugh. "Sounds like you had fun."

"Well, fun's not really the word... more like we were lucky." Wes added.

"Lucky?" Lorne asked. "I don't call that lucky."

"Well, we're not here to talk about your bar, Lorne... even though, we should try to make up for it... but for now, we must leave."

"If you're going to rescue the poof from wherever he is then I want in"

Fred smiled at Spike. "We need your help... and I'm sure they all agree with me... don't you?" She asked looking around at the three other men.

The others looked reluctant. Then Lorne spoke. "We could use all the help we can get. This gorgeous hunk of vampire isn't here to hurt us, I say we bring him along"

Wesley looked at Lorne then at Spike. "All right... but lets get moving. We don't have much time left before sunrise..."

The all began to move to the door, gathering weapons as they went. "So ya gonna tell me what the poof's got himself into or do I get to guess" Spike asked.

"We'll tell you all about it on the way honey, I think I know just how you can help." With Lorne's words the door swung closed behind them and the Lobby was empty.

***

Chapter 7: Rescues

Xander and Gabby strolled down the darkening street, holding hands companionably. Xan was watching their surroundings for signs of danger, just as all those years as a scooby had taught him. Gabby seemed careless to the untrained eye, walking in the streets like nothing scary might come their way, but underneath this careless attitude, she was stretching her senses, aware of potential danger, but not wanting Xander to know. Both enjoyed spending this time together after so may years of forced separation.

"Is it still far away?" Gabrielle asked, breaking the silence.

Xander grinned at his friend. "No, it's just a couple of blocks away. Willow is gonna be so happy to see you, she really missed you, we all did." He fell silent as they both thought of their lost friend. Jesse would have been so happy to see her, he'd missed her so much when she left.

"I missed you all so much... just the thought that one day I'd see you again... that's what kept me going..." Gabby said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Xander squeezed her hand as they walked.

"But now... he's gone... and I..." She tried to hold her tears. "I won't see him again... it's...so hard..."

They stopped and Xander pulled her into his arms. They stood there for a while, just holding each other and thinking of what might have been.

In her mind, she knew she would be able to see Jesse's soul soon, but she couldn't go there yet, there was still work to be done here before she could bring in the others. Gabby wished she could bring Jesse back but knew it was impossible. It wasn't meant to be.

Xander pulled back after a while and looked at the face that had been pressed to his shoulder. He smiled and brushed the tears away with his hand. "We'd better keep moving, it's not safe around here after dark, not really safe anytime but, well, you know."

Gabby gave him a watery smile and visibly pulled herself together. "All right... lets go... I really wanna see Willow."

A few minutes later they were walking up the path to the door.

*****

"English, we're here." Gunn said stopping the car and pointing in front of him. They could see a ship in the distance, hopefully the one they’d hired to help them.

"Give them the signal." Wesley said to Gunn, turning towards the others. "They'll send a boat to get us... Most of them are demons... friends of Lorne's..." He said, nodding towards the green demon. "Don't worry" He added, looking at Spike. "None of them will try to hurt you, as long as you don't threaten them." He finished, glaring at the vampire.

"Don't worry mate. Not gonna happen." Spike said defensively. "Need my sire back, and if these chaps are the ones that are gonna do it, then I'm gonna accept it." He added whispering: "Don't wanna fight anyway."

Fred squeezed his arm, supporting him, and opened the door, as Gunn was signalling their presence with the car lights.

She got out, Spike and Lorne following her.

Wesley opened his own door, gathering all his papers and tools. Seeing as the watcher was overloaded, Spike went to his side. "Want a little help?"

Wesley looked at him in surprise then sighed. "Yes. Take that." He said, handing him the briefcase.

Finally, they all stood waiting on the beach.

"They're coming." Lorne said pointing out a little boat heading towards them.

Fred buried herself in Gunn's arms, shivering. "It's so cold around here... don't you think it's cold?"

Spike took off his duster and silently asked permission of Gunn. Gunn nodded and the vampire wrapped his coat around the shivering girl. "There you go lovely. All warm..."

Wesley growled silently, but forced himself to stop. Fred wasn't his to protect, if Gunn said yes to this, then he had nothing to complain about. And Fred did stop shivering... He shook his head. "Lorne, you really, I mean REALLY trust these friends of yours?"

"Don't worry sweetie, I'd trust them with my Sea Breeze, so I've no problem trusting them with Angel's life." Lorne grinned and winked at Wesley.

Wesley smiled, but it faded fast. "All right then..."

The boat finally reached them. The five of them climbed on and headed towards the bigger boat.

Fifteen minutes later, they were all aboard the trawler and heading towards the coordinates Justine had given Wesley before vanishing.

Lorne wander over to where Spike was leaning against a rail, smoking. "So how you doing gorgeous?"

"Not really good mate... these bloody memories... they're eating me inside." He paused, not knowing why he was telling the demon that. "I'm gonna be alright I s'pose, just want to get this over with." He gazed out over the water. "What did ya mean when ya said you knew how I could help?"

"You're going to be our radar, you can sense your sire when he’s close, yes?"

"Yeah, that I can. Can't feel him yet though"

Lorne smiled at the vampire. "You will, we just need to get you close enough honey. While we wait for the captain to do his thing, could I interest you in joining me in Las Vegas. With you on stage every night my new club would be a hit. There isn't a man, woman or demon who'd be able to resist that voice combined with that delicious body."

Spike looked at the demon in shock "You've gotta be kidding me. Sorry mate but no, need to be with me sire. Besides, not really up for that kinda thing anymore, it's just..." He trailed off, overwhelmed with feelings again.

"I know you're feeling a lot of pain right now. But you've got to keep in mind. It wasn't the soul that did those things, so no need for the soul to feel guilt. Will you think about that sweetie?"

Suddenly, Spike's head shot up.

"Angel, he's close"

Lorne looked at the blonde, "Can you tell where he is? How far?"

"More east I'd say." Spike said looking at the ocean. "Don't really know how far, not more than a mile away, but he's deep"

Lorne quickly told the captain to turn the boat then went back to Spike with the others. Spike was focussed inward, pulling on the link he felt with his sire.

Fred touched Spike's arm. The vampire turned towards her slowly, not wanting to lose the link he had with Angel. "Yes lovely, what is it?"

"Does... does Angel knows?? I mean... does he know we're coming to get him? He should right? If you can sense him... then he can sense you right?" She asked, twisting her hands in front of her.

"He knows I'm close, not that you're all here, but yeah. He'll be able to feel me gettin' closer, he knows"

Fred smiled. "That's good... right? He'll know you're here to help... right?"

Spike wasn't sure, but nodded nonetheless. "Yeah, lovely... he will..." 'At least I hope...'

Fred hugged Spike. "Thank you." She whispered. "He must feel so much better knowing he's not alone down there"

Spike turned back to the black water, concentrating on the distant sensation he was getting from Angel. It was getting stronger the closer they got. "Not far..." He said to the others without turning to them. "we're nearly on top of him"

Wesley nodded and went to see the captain. Lorne leaned on the rail. He was sensing something too.

They stood in silence watching Spike as he concentrated. After a few moments he gave a shout. "Here, stop now."

Gunn ran to the captain's cabin.

The boat slowly came to a halt. Wesley and Gunn came back to the others with the captain.

"He's right here, but deep." Spike said.

"All right." The captain said. "Bring up the crane!" He yelled to his crew.

Half a dozen big blue horned demons with three feet started running to their task. In about fifteen minutes, a large crane stood proudly in the middle of the boat. A long chain was attached to it, clearly what they intended to use to lift Angel out.

Spike looked at it and asked. "You sure you got enough length? And how're you gonna fix it to the coffin he's in?"

The captain walked to him. "We got swimmers... two of 'em." He said, waving to two demons that had stood aside during all the preparation. "They're... your fairy mermaids if you like..." He smirked.

Fred opened her eyes wide. "You mean mermaids are real?"

Gunn grinned at her. "Not really a surprise love."

Wesley smiled at Fred's innocence. Even with all that had happened to them, she hadn't lost it. He looked at Gunn. The black man was smiling at him and he couldn't help but return the smile. They were close to their goal. Wesley felt his stomach tighten. What would happen when Angel was back? Would he turn Wesley away again? Looking at Gunn and Fred, Wesley knew he really didn't want that to happen.

He looked at the captain and nodded. "Merrish... right?" The two demons nodded at him and Wesley felt a thrill run through him. They were really rare and quite impossible to study, and now two of them were helping retrieve Angel from deep under. "You should follow Spike's advice. He knows where Angel is." Wesley said waving at Spike.

The vampire looked at him, then at the two Merrish. "I should go too."

"WHAT?" Wesley exclaimed. "What do you mean?" He added more calmly.

"Don't need to breath, do I? and I'll be able to get to him faster... they follow me... I get 'em there... we're back in fifteen minutes... or twenty depending on how deep me sire is."

The Merrish nodded. Wesley sighed. "All right... do it your way."

The captain looked at them. "There two chains to attach. I don't know how this 'coffin' is made... but you should be able to do it without any trouble."

"What your name mate?" Spike asked him.

"Lprroogle." The demon answered surprised.

"Well 'Proo, thanks." The vampire said smiling. He took off his duster and shoes. He signalled to the Merrish and dived in the water. "OI! This is freezing cold!" He yelled.

The other laughed. The Merrish took the ends of the chains and went to follow Spike. The captain stopped them. "When you're ready, just press this button." He said handing them a small magical device. "It'll let us know you're ok."

The two demons nodded and dived in.

The three in the water looked up at the boat one last time then disappeared from view as they began to dive.

***** (part b)

Xander knocked lightly on the front door, knowing that Willow wouldn't be coming down anyway.

He opened the door and let Gabby in first. "So this is La Casa de Buffy... and Willow and Dawn and Giles for the moment... Seems like I'm the only one not living here..." Xander said smiling at Gabby nervously. "I think I should go upstairs and see how Willow is... you should wait..."

Gabby nodded and watched as Xander walked up the stairs. She heard him knock on a door and she felt his nervousness and Willow's fear. //Why is she so afraid of him?// She silently climbed the stairs and sat at the top.

Gabby strained to hears Xander's soft voice through the slightly open door.

"Hey Wills." He said calmly.

Willow looked up at him, fear in her eyes, but said nothing.

"Why are you scared of me Will? Please... tell me..." Xander asked, tears in his voice.

Willow shook her head and looked more closely at her friend. "I... don't know... I just... feel like it isn't safe..."

"What isn't safe?"

"To... care..." She said, tears flooding her eyes.

"Oh Wills..." Xander said gathering his sobbing friend in his arms. //I think I'm gonna have an overdose of tears tonight.// He thought to himself. "Shhh, it's ok Wills... Caring is good... it's always good..."

"But... I'll lose you if I care too much... that's what happens all the time..."

She sobbed. "And then... I'll... go crazy... and maybe even..."

"Shhh, stop thinking about that... I'm here... not leaving you, and I don't intend to die anytime soon."

Willow looked at him with tear filled eyes. Looking in his friend's eyes, Xander knew what she was gonna say.

"Every time... I have a very good friend... they die... Buffy... Jesse... and..."

"Stop right now... I'm not going to die... Buffy's here... and..." He said holding her face in his hands and looking into her eyes. "Gabby's not dead."

Willow opened her eyes wide. "How do you know? You saw her??? Where is she????" She asked frantically.

Overhearing this Gabby realized it was time. She stood and moved over to the door. Gently pushing it wide she entered the room and saw Xander sat with Willow in his arms. The sad redhead looked up and gasped.

"G... Gabby??? Overwhelmed, Willow dropped into a faint, collapsing into Xander's hold.

Gabby instantly rushed to her friend’s side. Crouching down beside the unconscious redhead she grabbed her shoulder and shook gently. "Willow? Wills come on, it's me Gabby. It's okay, it really is me."

Willow groaned quietly and shifted in Xander's arms. "Mmm...what happened?"

She slowly opened her eyes and gazed straight into her old friend's face. "Gabby? It's you?" She burst into tears again and pulled out of Xander's hold only to throw herself into Gabby's. They sat there like that for a long time, sobbing and rocking each other while Xander watched, tears streaming down his own cheeks.

******

Spike and the two Merrish dove for a long time, the demons helping Spike to swim faster, rather than leaving him behind. Spike could sense they were getting closer to his Sire.

He looked at the Merrish and pointed to their left. He could feel Angel and he knew his sire could sense him too. They finally spotted the rectangular, coffin shaped box and dove towards it.

Spike looked in the little window and smiled sheepishly at Angel. For once, the older vampire seemed really happy to see him.

The Merrish quickly attached the cables to each sides of the coffin and nodded at Spike. The vampire smiled at Angel and gave him a thumb up, securing himself to the coffin. He nodded back at the Merrish who secured themselves too and pressed the button on the device the captain had given them. Slowly, they could feel themselves being lifted from the ocean bed.

Spike continuously smiled at Angel, his eyes glistening with happiness. Good how he wished his Sire could understand it all just by looking at him. Angel's eyes stared back at him, filled with equal amounts of happiness and sadness.

Finally, they could feel the pressure easing and they knew they were near the surface. Spike nodded at his Sire and pointed up, willing him to look at the stars that were beginning to show through the water.

Angel looked up and sighed in contentment. Spike could feel his Sire's relief through their bond and felt the same. They were brought out of the water and lowered onto the bridge of the boat.

Fred, Gunn and Lorne ran to them and hugged Spike in relief. Wesley stood aside, while the three-legged demons were busy trying to open the coffin.

"LORNE!" Lprroogle yelled. "This thing is really well sealed... you have any idea how to open it?"

Lorne left Spike's side and waved at Wesley to follow him. "I don't know, honey... don't know how they sealed it... Do you Wes?"

"Justine didn't say anything about... damn her for vanishing!" He cursed. Angel had seen him and he could hear the vampire's growl through the casket.

Spike could feel his Sire's anger and left Fred and Gunn to their activities. "Hey Ponce!" He screamed towards the coffin. Lorne and Wesley looked up at him. "Not you twats! Him!" He said pointing at Angel in the box.

He leaned over and looked in his sire's eyes. "The ex-watcher here saved your undead ass. Dunno why you're getting your fangs in a twist, but keep 'em to yourself and stop growling."

Angel looked at him quirking his eyebrows. "And don't look at me like that... I know you understood me!"

Wesley and Lorne laughed lightly and continued to examine the sealed coffin. "I think I have an idea..." Wesley said looking up at the captain. "You and your men are extremely strong, do you think you may be able to remove the lid yourselves?"

"We can try..." The captain answered. "But... this is really well sealed..."

He yelled at his men and Wesley asked Lorne and Spike to step away. The seven demons took a grip of the lid and the captain began counting. "One... two... three... up!" And all of them pulled on the lid together. Nothing happened.

"Doesn't work mates." Spike said to the now sweaty demons, after their tenth attempt.

The demons looked at him and nodded. Spike could feel his Sire getting frightened. "Damn!" He exclaimed.

Wesley looked at him worried. "What is it?"

"He's scared... thinks we won't get 'im out..." Spike said shaking his head. He could feel tears threatening to fall from his own eyes. He felt so stupid and worthless. //Get him here and not even able to get him out!// He thought mentally slapping himself. He felt the growl start again. //What's he angry at?//

He stalked towards the coffin and looked in his Sire's eyes. Angel held his gaze and smiled tenderly. For the first time, in all Spike's many years as a vampire, Angel smiled at him tenderly.

Spike smiled back at his sire and steeled himself. There was no way he was going to let him down this time, he was gonna rescue Angel and his sire was gonna be damn grateful to him.

"Wesley?" He shouted, the beginning of an idea coming to him. "You can do spells right?"

"Erm, yes, I can perform simple spells, nothing particularly complicated though." Wesley answered, a little confused.

"Well can ya come up with something to get this bloody lid off then?"

"Ahh, I'm not.." Wesley stopped as a thought hit him and he smiled excitedly, why hadn't this occurred to him earlier? A simple release spell should do the trick in these circumstances. He ran to his briefcase and took a small book out.

Spike looked at Lorne. "Guess he has an idea then..."

Lorne grinned back and nodded. "He's so cute when he's excited!"

Hurrying back, Wesley began frantically leafing through the spell book he'd brought until he came to the right page.

He began an incantation, sketching out arcane symbols with his hands as he spoke. His voice rose steadily until he was almost screaming out the spell. On the last word he yelled "Release!" and a loud crack sounded as the lid of the coffin shifted.

Everyone stood still for a moment, stunned. Then Spike ran to the coffin and pulled the lid clear. The restraints that had held Angel motionless for all that time lay loosely around him.

"Sire." Spike whispered as he helped Angel to sit up.

Looking into deep blue eyes Angel opened his mouth and spoke his first word in a week. “Childe”

***

Chapter 8: Revenge

Somerset, 1570

The two brothers laughed companionably as they walked down the street arm in arm. They made a beautiful sight together, sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, tall with broad shoulders. They were identical in every way apart from the small scar on Nathaniel's left cheek, earned when he fell from a tree as a young child.

The moonlight glinted off their hair as they made their way home from the local tavern. They had had an enjoyable evening with friends but were ready to go home, the hour was late and the next morning brought hard work in the fields.

As the turned the corner onto the lane Thomas looked up. "Did you hear that brother?"

Nathaniel laughed. "Dear brother it is simply the wind in the trees, you are inebriated and imagining things, I swear you fear your own shadow at times."

"No... listen Nathaniel, do you hear that sound?"

Nathaniel cocked his head to one side and listened hard, then he frowned. He had heard the faint sound of a twig breaking as it was stepped on. "Is someone there? Show yourself and you will come to no harm."

A tall dark figure appeared on the track in front of them. "You cannot harm me child, but before this night is over you will be made anew." The strange man had an unusual accent, nothing like their own Somerset drawl.

Nathaniel moved closer to his twin and put an arm around his shoulders, subconsciously protecting him from this unnerving creature. “I warn you sir, my brother and I are quite capable of protecting ourselves, you will not hurt us and we will not hurt you. Now, step aside if you please and let us continue our journey, the hour is late and we are expected.”

The stranger chuckled and the sound sent a shiver down the brothers' backs. He stepped forward and removed the hood from his cloak. The young men both stepped back, gasping in horror. It wasn't human, it couldn't be. The face was deformed with strangely pronounced brows, yellow eyes and fangs. The eyes seemed to glow through the night as it approached them, growling softly.

Thomas began to whimper as the creature reached out a hand, but not a normal hand, the fingers were almost claws. The brothers couldn't move. The strange yellow eyes bored into theirs and seemed to wrap invisible ties around them, holding them still as the creature’s and stroked over the scar on Nathaniel's cheek.

"Pretty children, I will make you more, you will be mine. Come to me boy, give yourself to me."

Nathaniel moved forward into the creature's embrace in a trance, he didn't want this but at the same time, felt completed as the vampire enclosed his arms around him. He could hear his brother sobbing with fear as if from a great distance. All he could see was the face before him, the fangs approaching his skin. He tilted his head back and offered his neck to his new master.

Thomas watched as the fangs penetrated his beloved brother's neck, still unable to move. He felt sick to himself as he realised the sight was making him hard and attempted to look away. The yellow eyes looked into his appearing to read his thoughts and the creature made a strange sound. It almost sounded like purring. He heard Nathaniel groan and realized that his brother had been affected by this creature in the same way.

After a few moments the vampire withdrew his fangs from Nathaniel's neck and drew a claw across his own. Blood welled up in the narrow cut and thin white hands pulled the helpless human's lips to the cut. The elder brother groaned again as he felt the fluid seep into his mouth, it was almost as if the creature was pouring impure thoughts and feelings into his body with the blood.

As he gulped helplessly he felt his member swell and pulse and moaned loudly as he slid to the ground, no longer supported by the deadly embrace of his master. He crumpled to the dirt as the last of his orgasm coursed through his body, pushed by the final beats of his heart. Then, all was silent.

The Master watched as the boy at his feet breathed a final breath, then looked up at the other. "Now young one, you will become my childe as your brother has, come to me."

Thomas was terrified as he unwillingly walked those few steps into the embrace. As he looked up into that frightening face he whimpered.

The Master smiled. "Don't fear me little one, you will be reborn, you will be faster and stronger, you will live forever with your brother at my side. Come now, offer yourself to me." As he whispered these words he stroked his hand over Thomas' hair gently, as a parent comforting a child.

Thomas was overwhelmed by his emotions, terror, grief and a strange sense of anticipation. He felt those alien eyes compel him again and tilted his head back as the Master moved slowly towards his throat. The fangs slid silently into his flesh and he was surprised to feel no pain, just a slight tugging as his life's blood left his body.

The night seemed to darken as he got weaker and he could hear a loud thumping in his ears, becoming slower and slower. He felt the sharp teeth leave his neck and moaned in loss at the sensation, he was so tired and thirsty, he just wanted to sleep.

A voice came from far away and slowly penetrated his mind. "Drink my childe, drink and be with me."

Thomas became aware of liquid trickling into his mouth and gulped greedily, it was nectar, soothing his savage thirst. He could feel his master's presence in the blood and knew he was safe and loved.

Again he moaned his loss as his mouth was eased from the wound on his master's neck and he heard that beloved voice again. “Sleep now my childe, sleep and become strong." He slipped to the ground and slept.

Iceland, Present Day

"What?" Nathaniel exclaimed at the minion's words. "That bitch is back? You told me Angelus dusted her!" The minion looked down.

"I swear master, she was alive... Not... turned, alive."

"What else?" The old vampire asked angrily at his informer.

"She... dusted herself..." The minion said, waiting for the blow.

"WHAT?" Thomas put a hand on his brother's arm, trying to calm him. "You just told me she was human!" He said more calmly.

"Drusilla turned her back... and Darla got pregnant, with Angelus' child. She dusted herself so her child could live." The minion said hastily.

"Ok... this is just hilarious." Nathaniel burst in laughter. "You wanted to make me laugh didn't you? Now... tell me the truth, or you're dust." He said threateningly.

"No master. I'm sorry, this is the truth. Angelus and Darla have a child. The miracle child..."

"Dust him..." Nathaniel ordered one of his other minions who obeyed quickly.

"Mast-" And the minion was dust.

"Now... You!" He yelled pointing at another vampire. "Any news on our Sire?" He asked, squeezing his brother's hand.

"Master... I'm sorry, the news is bad." The minion said, walking reluctantly towards the twin vampires.

"How bad?" Thomas asked calmly.

"Very bad I'm afraid..." The minion bowed his head in fear. He knew that as soon as he had delivered the news, he would be dust.

Thomas waved at him to continue, while Nathaniel was doing all he could to keep a hold on his temper.

"He was brought back and he nearly succeeded in opening the mouth of Hell... but there was a slayer... He killed her, but she was revived and..."

"I'm sick of these bitches ruining things!" Nathaniel yelled.

"Calm down Nathan... let him finish." Thomas waved again. "Go on."

"She... she... defeated him. Closing the portal..." The minion didn't even have time to finish. Nathaniel stood by in his place while the unfortunate vampire’s dust settled on the floor.

The vampire roared. "Bloody fucking bitches!"

"Nathan! Calm down brother." Thomas went to his twin's side and squeezed his arm. "We'll have revenge." He said firmly, his eyes glowing yellow. "We will have revenge on that bitch slayer *and* on Angelus at the same time..." He turned towards the remaining minions and childer. "Start packing. We're going to California."

***

Chapter 9: Questions

Xander slowly closed the bedroom door and quietly walked down the stairs. The girls were still crying, at least, it wasn't hysterical anymore. They needed time to share the memories, so h e went to the kitchen and started to prepare a pot of tea. Giles would be back soon and he would certainly need his ever present cuppa. Xander could hear the click of the door as it was opened and then closed.

"Xander?" Giles called out quietly.

"In the kitchen Giles," Xander said, pouring the now-ready tea in two cups. Even though he didn't really like tea, a cup would be welcomed tonight.

Giles entered the kitchen and smiled warmly at the young man. "Thanks... that's thoughtful of you."

Xander smiled back. "I thought you might need one after the long day we just had... and you see," He said, holding up his own cup, "I need some myself."

Giles laughed lightly and sat at the table, holding his cup between his hands.

Xander sat beside the older man and stared at his cup. He knew the watcher had a lot of questions; hell he himself had a lot to ask.

"Are Willow and Gabrielle all right?" Giles asked.

"Yeah... crying their hearts out, but I think that's gonna help a lot... for both of them..." Xander answered, his eyes still fixed on the hot tea. "They were really close... as in, sister close. Sharing everything... even more so than me and Jesse... I remember asking who the Barbie I broke belonged to and they said it was theirs..." He shook his head. "Not Willow's or Gabby's, but theirs."

"Willow must have been devastated when Gabby was taken away..." Giles added, looking at the young man with concern in his eyes.

"She was... but she hid it... her parents... they were telling her she was acting like a baby, so she just kept it all to herself... sometimes, she would cry, especially when we were talking about Gabby... but mostly, she just... became shy and withdrawn... she threw herself into her studies and never had any other good girl friends until Buffy came 'round."

Xander felt the tears threatening again. He breathed deeply and looked at Giles, trying to smile. "But now that Gabb's back... I think it's gonna give her hope... at least, it gives *me* hope."

"Hope that she can forgive herself, you mean?"

"Yeah... that and that she can just let herself live again... and maybe she'll get rid of that fear of hers..."

"Which fear?" Giles asked kindly.

"She’s afraid she'll lose us all if she... lets herself care again."

Giles placed an arm around the young man's shoulder and brought him closer, as if on instinct. "If you believe Gabby can help her, then I will believe it, as well. I feel that your friend is somebody very important... I just can't find what... or who she is..."

"You think she's not human?" Xander asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

"No. She is human... just not what she seems... It's only a feeling I have... but I think there's something more to her than meets the eye."

Xander settled his head on Giles' shoulder. "Maybe you're right... I always felt like she didn't belong here... I can't explain the feeling... but she was always so wise... like her spirit was so much older than she was..."

Giles couldn't believe how he felt at that moment, with Xander wrapped in his arms. It felt good, so good. And right. But it couldn't be right... could it? He slowly withdrew his arm from behind Xander and went back to his cuppa. "Maybe I should try and talk to her... You think she'd trust me enough?"

Xander felt Giles' arm leaving him and he repressed a frustrated moan. //Why am I frustrated? It's just Giles!// "Yeah, I think she would..." He answered, shrugging. Not knowing what else to say, Xander concentrated on drinking his tea.

A little tension had settled between the two men, and it was almost unbearable. Not able to resist anymore, Xander worked up his courage and laid back his head on Giles' shoulder. The older man looked at him and tried to suppress a smile. //I shouldn't... Oh, Bloody Hell... I didn't force him.// He thought, finally letting himself enjoy the feeling. He put his arm back around Xander's shoulders and finished his tea with the other hand.

"I'm sure you have some questions to ask me... you seemed rather curious back there at the shop..."

Xander smiled. "Yeah... I'd like to know... what is an empath really? Ok, she can feel what I feel... but... is that all?"

"Well... I'm not really sure..." Giles said, playing with his glasses in one hand. "She can feel... all of our strongest emotions."

"Like what? Pain? Grief?"

"Not only the bad emotions... also the good ones... like love..."

"You mean, like I love her as a friend, she can feel that?"

"Yes, but I believe she would feel more strongly the other kind of love... er... two people in love I mean... or desire..."

"Oh... so if I was... lets say... lusting after her... she'd feel it?"

Giles felt his heart tighten. "Yes..." He said, his voice strained. //What is this? Am I jealous?// "I believe she would... are you?"

"What?" Xander asked surprised. "Oh! no... I'm not... she's like a sister to me... I would never... ewww, that's kinda disturbing, really..."

Giles chuckled. "Sorry... it's just..." He didn't really know what to say.

"It was only an example, G-man."

//I don't know why, but Giles seemed jealous there... um... and why am I happy about that?//

"Quite... quite... so... as I said, she'd feel strong emotions and probably the lesser ones too..."

"Giles?" Came a yell from the doorway.

"In the kitchen Buffy," Giles said, untangling himself from Xander's embrace.

Buffy entered as the two men were back staring at their cup, no signs of their previous closeness present.

"Giles... Dawn and I found someone in the cemetery tonight..."

"Someone?" Giles asked as a tall man entered.

Buffy stepped further into the kitchen, making sure to place herself within easy reach of the newcomer.

Xander turned and took a good look at the man. Tall, dark and built, he looked like an Angel clone. No wonder Buffy had brought him here. The young man stood up and extended his hand. "Hi, I'm Xander."

The newcomer grasped Xander's hand and shook hard, not noticing the wince that crossed Xander's face. "I am called Groo. It is very nice to make your acquaintance."

Giles smiled and stood. He shook Groo's hand too and shot an understanding look to Xander, who smiled in return. The man really had a firm grip. "What are you doing in Sunnydale, Groo?" The watcher asked, curious.

"I was looking for a great warrior that my princess told me of. She is called the Slayer. I believe this young woman, Buffy, is her." Hopefulness and a touch of sadness crossed his face as he spoke.

Dawn looked at her sister, then remembered why Groo was with them and left to get the first aid kit, while Xander poored more tea, handing the cup to Buffy.

Xander, Giles and Buffy looked at Groo questioningly. "Oh, and just who is your princess then?" The younger man asked, curious.

Groo nodded to Giles when a cup was passed to him and stood, unsure for the moment as to whether he should sit or not. "She is a great beauty, wise and strong. I was her mate for a time; but alas, she choose another."

Xander chuckled lightly. The poor guy really wasn't from around here. "What's her name?" He asked.

"Cordelia. She lives in Los Angeles where I have recently come from." Groo looked over at Xander. This man was nice and did not talk down to him like the others had. He found himself relaxing around these people. He took a sip of drink and was startled to see looks of disbelief and confusion cross their faces. Perhaps he had said something to upset them? He hoped not, but he was still getting used to this world and all of it's differences.

Xander choked on his tea. "Cordelia?" He burst out laughing. "Cordy was your princess?" He looked at Giles and could see the older man's eyes sparkling with silent laughter.

"Well, she was Sunnydale High's prom queen." Buffy managed to say.

"Is there something wrong with this?" He could feel himself tense up. It was true Cordelia was no longer his mate, but he still considered her his Princess. He would defend her honor if need be.

"No." Giles quickly answered. "There is nothing wrong with that. I assume she must have changed somewhat since she received the visions, but we haven't seen her in so long. It is quite..." Giles stopped, looking for the right words.

"Hilarious?" Xander helped him. "She was a bit... bitchy when she was in High school, the fact that I was her boyfriend not withstanding, she still helped a lot and she wasn't so bad."

"When you caught her on her good days." Buffy managed still laughing. "Which wasn't often."

Groo relaxed once more. These people knew who his Princess was and they spoke of her fondly, if slightly laughingly. He found himself smiling along with them and nodded his head. Then Xander's words penetrated his brain. Boyfriend? If he remembered correctly this was similar to a mate. He looked over at the young man again and considered him.

Dawn came bursting in the room, the first aid kit in one hand and the phone in the other. "Hold on." She said to whoever was on the phone and handed Buffy the kit. "There, patch mister saviour up, I'm going in my room." She said as she grabbed an apple and stormed out.

"Hey! Who's on the phone?" Buffy called back after her sister.

"Janice!" Came the answer.

"Don't talk for hours, ok? You need to go to bed."

"Sure, Buff!"

"Kids." Giles sighed, somewhat shocked at Dawn's energy.

Watching the young woman leave, Groo found his eyes drawn to Buffy. She was strong and beautiful, not unlike his princess and he had already begun to respect her.

Xander looked at him and shook his head. "We'll let you do the patch up Buff, since it seems Groo here needs it. We'll be in the living room."

Giles looked at Buffy. "Take care of your new friend here; then I'll want details on how patrol went."

Buffy nodded and turned to Groo. "Time to patch you up, big boy."

Watching the others leave and noticing the first aid kit, Groo removed his shirt and placed it on one of the bar stools. "I cannot reach the wound myself. Would it be possible for you to tend it for me?"

Buffy smiled and whispered. "Whatever you want, hulk," Before opening the kit and starting to clean the wound.

Groo furrowed his brow in confusion. Hulk? Thinking it was yet another thing he had to learn, he concentrated on the small hands patching up his back.

***

Xander collapsed on the couch, exhausted. "That was a rough day." He said as Giles sat down beside him more calmly.

"Yes, it was. Perhaps you ought to sleep, Xander. You do seem rather exhausted." The older man said, trying not to sound so worried.

Xander yawned and nodded. "Sure thing." He said, closing his eyes and leaning his head agains the back of the couch. Within minutes he had fallen asleep. Giles couldn't keep his eyes away from the young man's sleeping form. He tried to focus on the floor, but he always turned back to Xander. After a moment, he reached for Xander, unable to resist, the young man's head resting on the watcher's lap. Gently Giles stroked Xander's hair, brushing it lightly. The soft caresses were soothing, even for him, and the older man felt himself drift into a relax state. Not really asleep, but not completely awake either.

Buffy walked into the room a few minutes later, Groo trailing behind her. She saw Xander resting in Giles lap and furrowed her brow. That was unusual but she brushed the thought off and went to check on Dawn, Groo following close behind.

Groo looked at the two men on the couch before following the lady. “Are they close?” He whispered.

Buffy looked confused for a second. “Not particularly. Just... friends.” She answered as they reached the top of the stairs. She turned around just in time to see Gabby coming out of Willow’s room.

“Hey. Will she be ok?” Buffy asked gently.

Gabby looked up, her face soaked with tears. “Yeah she’ll be ok. She was so sad at first, it was overwhelming, but then I started to feel a lot of tenderness coming from somewhere else in the house. You...?” She trailed.

Buffy shook her head. “Nah, probably not me. I found Groo over there while patrolling, something else we need to tell you about. No tenderness here. You know, it’s really weird to have you around, knowing everything we feel and all that.”

Gabby smiled lightly. “You’re worried and embarrassed. It’s ok, don’t worry, I won’t intrude.”

“Nah, I’m not worried about that. Maybe you felt Xander and Giles, they’re asleep on the couch. And weirdness of all, Xander’s all cuddly. He’s never like that.”

Gabby smiled conspiratively and nodded. //Some things will change. I’m not sure if you are all ready for them.// She thought as she watched Buffy entering her room and closing the door. Gabrielle shook her head and looked down the stairs. “Love is hard to find; don’t waste it, or it’ll never come back for you.” She whispered, as if she was repeating a life-long lesson, before going back into Willow’s room.

****

Chapter 10: comforting souls

Spike turned back to the stuned humans. "Get some blood you pillocks." He yelled.

Lorne and Fred ran to the back of the boat, where their supplies were, while Gunn came to Spike's side and helped him carry Angel out of the box. "You ok Angel?" The black man asked, concerned.

Angel growled involuntarily at Gunn's smell. Pure, hot blood, calling to Angel's demon. "Gimme something to eat and I'll be ok." His eyes glowed yellow from his face and Gunn took a step back.

"Just stay away for a while, mate, don't want him to go feral on you." Spike said gently, so gently, it startled Angel.

"What happened to you?" He asked, as he lay his head on his Childe's shoulder, exhausted.

"Later, Pet. Let's get you taken care of first." Spike shrugged.

Angel nodded his head in acceptance and tried hard not to start attacking the humans surrounding him. In stead he focused on Spike, the smell of leather, cigarette's and the faint odor of something purely Spike keeping him grounded. He didn't notice that he had started to lick the long, pale neck in front of him until Spike gave a startled cry and pulled slightly away, a question hovering in eyes.

Angel jumped slightly at Spike's cry and met the younger vampire's eyes. "Can I?" He asked, whispering. Afraid that Spike would deny him this right.

Spike was dumbfounded. His Sire hadn't asked for his blood in more than a century. Did this mean anything, or was it only Angel's need talking? Spike shrugged the thought away, whatever it was, Spike didn't care. He could do something for Angel, here and now. Spike nodded and fell to his knees, taking Angel with him. He offered his neck, pulling Angel's head to him. "Drink Sire. Be strong again." He whispered, just as Lorne and Fred were coming back.

Everyone stood staring, shocked, as Angel let his game face slip and ripped into his Childe's throat. Spike's cry resounded off the water, echoing back to all in the boat as Angel lost control and feed deeply. His arms were locked around Spike's body and the younger vampire's eyes rolled in a mixture of agony and ecstacy.

Lorne smiled knowingly and tore his eyes away from the sight, he gently tugged on Fred and Gunn's sleeves to get them away from the two vampires. As the green demon went to do the same with Wesley, he realised the ex-watcher had disapeared.

Looking around Lorne spotted Wesley standing on the other side of the boat, hidden in shadows, the watcher's gaze firmly fixed on the two vampires. A look of pain, hurt, love, and shame crossed his features before he noticed the demon watching him and turned his head. Lorne shook his head and walked quietly over to the suffering man, resting a hand on a slightly shaking shoulder, ignoring the small flinch his action caused.

"Hey pancake. You shouldn't hide." He said gently.

Wesley shook his head. "I'm not one of them anymore. I made some unforgettable mistakes. I have no right to stand by their side."

Lorne sighed and leaned on the banister. "Sure you do. You're part of them. Making mistakes is something we all do, all the time. There's no way to avoid making mistakes."

"But what I did... It's not some sort of mistake that can be undone, or forgiven." Wesley replied. "It cost Connor is childhood, Angel lost his son, who now hates him with a passion. All that because I'm such a bloody pillock."

"Sweet cheeks, listen up. Yes, you took Connor but you did it for good reasons. Give Angel time to realize that. Give them all time to deal with that. Trust me, babykins, you are still one of them and in time you'll see that. Now, straighten up those gorgeous shoulders of yours and go out there. Just remember, Angel's past is much darker than yours. He will understand." That said, the demon patted Wesley on the shoulder and walked over to join Fred and Gunn, leaving a confused and somewhat relieved human behind.

"Fred and Gunn..." Wesley whispered, as he watched them talk with Lorne. "They hate me." A sharp stab of longing curled itself inside of him before he shook his head to clear his thoughts. Maybe they did hate him, but Lorne was right, even though it was all still so painful. He could only hope that in time, he could regain the trust and friendship he had lost.

Fred snuggled up in Gunn's arms as she watched the exchange between Lorne and Wesley. They couldn't hear what they were saying, but Fred still felt hope that Wesley wouldn't keep hiding from them. Sure they needed to talk, desperately, but he was so important to them all and he did just save Angel's life.

"Hey sweetcheeks." Lorne whispered in her ear, startling her from her reverie.

"Lorne! I didn't see you!" Fred exclaimed.

Gunn chuckled behind her. "Sure you didn't Fred, you were in another world." He smiled back at her. "Is Wes going to be ok?" He asked, turning back to Lorne. He surprised himself with his own question, noting the brief flash of understanding flash in Lorne's eyes before he answered the question.

"He'll be fine, sugarplum. It's going to take time but I think he'll be alright." Lorne pointed at the lonely man. "You and your girl should talk to him a bit." He added.

Gunn shook his head. "I'm not sure if we're ready. Preparing Angel's rescue is one thing, but now... not sure it's a good thing."

Lorne shook his head. "Pancakes, you need to talk to him. It'll do good, for you, for him and for Fred. He did what he did because he knew he had to. Let him explain. It'll be better this way."

"I guess you're right." Gunn replied, letting his eyes slip once more towards Wesley. He watched as the man stepped forward into the light and hesitate before making his way over towards them.

Spike was starting to feel lightheaded. It felt great to have his Sire feed from him, but he couldn't let him take too much. "Angel." He gasped. "Sire." He tried again. He didn't have the force to push the bigger man away, Angel wouldn't move. "Sire!" He yelled.

Angel's head shoot up at his Childe's cry and he tore himself away from the welcoming throat. "Spike. I'm so sorry." He whispered, as he gathered the younger vampire in his arms.

Spike was struggling for a breath he didn't need and collapsed into his Sire's embrace. "Don't be sorry, you needed it." He managed. "Just get me some blood and I'll be good, Luv."

Angel nodded and looked around them, finally spotting the cooler full of packs of blood, standing right beside them. He took one and opened it quickly, before pouring it down his Childe's throat.

Spike swallowed the blood enthusiatically, feeling his body warm slightly. He looked up when he was finished to see Angel gazing down at him, love and wonder shinging in his face. It had been a long time since Angel had feed Spike in any way and memories flashed thru Spike's mind before Angel's soft voice brought him back to the present. "Better now?"

Spike smiled. "Yeah. You ok?"

Angel nodded. "I feel much better, thank you. Still think I'll have a couple of these bags, don't want to attack any of them on the way home." Home. He had dreamed of home, the hotel, his family, for a week, a whole week that seemed so much longer.

Spike smirked. "Nah, they're bloody good ya know. The bunch of 'em. Watcher's the one that got you out, by the way, thought you'd want to know."

Shock crossed Angel's face before a cold, hard look formed in his eyes. He glanced up and looked at his friends gathered in a circle talking quietly. His eyes found the Watcher and an unconcious growl formed. It was cut off by Spike gently touching his cheek.

"It'll be alright, yeah? He's not bad that one."

Angel turned to Spike, stunned by the gently hand on his face. "Not bad?" He asked, not growling as much as he thought he should have. "He took my son away from me. Gave him to my ennemy. I lost my baby because of him. He ruined my family." His voice broke as he remembered. "It's not something that's easily forgiven Spike."

Spike frowned. Son? Ok, that's something he needed explanations on, but it would wait. At least until Angel was rested. "Maybe Luv, but he went through a lot to find you, hired all these people he did, he was desperate to find you."

The comment hung in the air between them as Angel fought his conflicting emotions. Love for the man who had become his closest friend and hate for what that man had done, warring with a thousand smaller emotions to cloud his mind. Shaking his face vigourously he looked down at his Childe and realized how tired he was. "Home?"

Spike nodded. "Just lay down a bit for now Sire, the boat's on his way back to the shore, we'll be home b'fore you realise it."

Angel closed his eyes and laid down on the hard floor of the boat, letting the soft sound of the waves lull him into slumber.

Spike gathered a blanket that a clever person, problem L'proogle, had left near them, and gently covered Angel with it. He brushed a lock of hair off his Sire's forehead before sitting down beside him, his eyes locked on Angel's face as the boat slowly made it's way to shore. Emotions rolled within him and he thought that this was the most peaceful he had ever seen Angel.    They had a long and twisted history and a shadow of doubt crossed his feature's before he shoved them away. That was the past and this was now. By the way he had been greeted by his Sire, he could only hope for the best.

The sight of the two vampires, one sleeping peacefully and the other tenderly looking over the first stunned Wesley. He turned back to Lorne, Gunn and Fred, who were chatting about nothing in particular and showed them the sight.

Lorne nodded and smiled. "They need each other more than most people can think. They're both lost."

Fred smiled dreamily. "You think Spike is the right person for Angel? I mean, he's so cute and look at how he takes care of him. It makes me feel all gooey inside."

Gunn kissed her forehead, his eyes drifting to Wesley. "Maybe you're right Fred."

Lorne grinned, realizing they were rapidly approaching the shore. He patted their shoulders before going to talk to the captain.

****

Spike gently picked up the slumbering form of his Sire before making his way down the gangplank onto the dark. The large form shifted a bit but settled down after a moment. Walking over to the waiting humans he nodded his head at Gunn before following the man to his truck. He climbed into the bed of the truck and settled down, holding Angel close to his chest while watching the others prepare to leave. The wind bit gently into his skin and he tucked the blanket surrounding Angel tighter while he thought of all the things he would now have to do.

Wesley waved at the crew on the boat, while Lorne shook their hands and thanked them profusely. Gunn and Fred settled in the truck, waiting for the other two to join them.

"Lets go home now." Lorne said, as he and Wesley climbed in.

Gunn nodded and started the engine. The ride was made in silence, all of them too mentally and physically tired to talk. All the stress of the rescue was now gone, leaving them completely exhausted.

****

The weary party trooped into the lobby of the hotel mumbling goodbye's as they each went their seperate ways.    Wesley hovered uncertainly before turning to go only to feel a hand on his arm stopping him. Looking up he saw Gunn standing behind him. "Listen, you helped us tonight. Why don't you take our couch. We need to talk in the morning. Okay?"

Wesley struggled to repress his smile. It felt good to have his ex-best friend's hand on his shoulder, it was oddly comforting. "Yes, thank you Charles, I..."

"No talking tonight English, sleep. We'll talk in the morning." Gunn replied, walking up the stairs, Fred by his side, grinning.

Wesley was shocked. Gunn had actually used his nickname. It had been so long since he'd heard it the last time. Shaking himself out of his stupor, he followed the couple upstairs.

Lorne grinned as he watched them before turning his attention back to Angel and Spike. "You should take him to his room, sweetpie. I'll show you."

Spike nodded. "Thanks."

Spike followed Lorne up the stairs to the second floor, all the while making not to jostle the sleeping vampire in his arms. Stepping thru the door into the room he looked around snorting to himself as he saw exactly what he expected. Walking over to the bed he set Angel down before padding back into the living room. "Thanks again." He said to Lorne.

"No problem, sugarlips. You take good care of him you hear?" At the slight nod he added hesitantly. "And honey, he will be able to help you." With that he left, leaving a slightly dumbfounded Spike looking after him.

Spike locked the door and then stepped in the bedroom, watching his sleeping Sire. Not sure he had the right to step in bed with him, Spike approached a chair near the bed and sat, his eyes never leaving the form huddled under the covers.

"Spike?" Angel whispered, wondering why Spike hadn't joined him yet. "What are you doing?"

The younger vampire startled at his Sire's sleepy voice. "Am watching over you." He replied, his voice low.

"Get in here. It's warm. It'd be warmer with you in."

Spike slowly complied Angel's request, stripping his clothes off to his boxers before sliding into the other side of the bed. He lay rigid, not knowing what to do now, but relaxed slightly when an arm was thrown around his waist and he was surrounded by the smell and feel of his Sire. He turned his face slowly and locked eyes with Angel, unknowingly taking a deep breath to further take in the smell of the vampire next to him. Long moments passed before Angel leaned up on his elbow and slowly lowered his head, grazing his lips across the soft ones beneath him. Both men moaned at the sensation and before he realized it, Angel's body covered Spike and their lips clashed together in sudden passion.

"I want you, I crave you." Angel whispered huskily in his Childe's ear. "I need you. Please, let me."

Spike shook with sudden desire as Angel's pleading voice drifted to his ears. "Take me, Angel. Make me yours again."

Angel growled, his game face slipping back on, forces regained by the light slumber he'd just had and the power of his Childe's blood. "William." He hissed, realizing suddenly what had changed in Spike.

"Yes." Spike replied, his hands working of their own will on Angel's shirt.

"Our souls..." Angel trailed.

Spike breathed deeply. "Our souls want a claim. Claim me, Angel, make my soul yours, like my demon is yours."

Angel growled loud and long at Spike's words and he leaned up straddling the slim hips beneath him. Reaching up he ripped off his shirt and threw it to the floor. Laying down again he took Spike's lips in a brutal kiss, tongues and teeth clashing, blood flowing from torn lips. Spike's gameface dropped into place as he tasted his own blood and his hands franticly tore at the fastening of Angel's trousers. Growling in frustration when they would not come undone, he pulled back slightly to gaze imploring into his Sire's eyes.

Seeing his Childe's need Angel raised up and quickly unfastened his pants barely having them past his thighs before Spike's fingers wrapped around his aching cock and began to pump slowly. Both men now were thrashing, energy and need pulsing around them. Finally, Angel removed the last of his clothes and in a burst of strength ripped Spike's boxers off. Slapping his Childe's hand away from his cock, he grabbed the slender wrists in one hand and pinned them above Spike's head. He claimed another kiss more brutal and hard then any others while he lowered his body to the small form beneath him.

Spike was lost in a haze of ecstasy, his demon and soul crying out in rapture as his owner claimed him. He moaned and howled into his Sire's mouth, needing to feel more of everything.

"William." Angel moaned. "I missed you. Fuck, I missed you so much, my childe. You came back to me."

Spike nodded, thrusting up, trying to get more friction. "Yes Sire, I came to you."

Angel ground his hips into Spike's, their hard cocks brushing together, causing intense pleasure to course through their bodies. For minutes they kissed and writhed together, before Angel once more reared up.

Releasing Spike's hands, Angel grabbed the blonde vampire's legs and pushed them up, revealing the pink opening hidden between Spike's cheek. Trembling slightly with the intense emotions, he gently stroked his hand up and down the perfect skin of Spike's thighs before grasping them in a bruising hold. Bending the younger vampire' body as he leaned over him, he whispered in his ear. "I'm going claim you William. Make you mine." With that said, he sat on his heels and urged Spike to take a hold of his legs, spreading them. Angel ran his fingers down the soft cleft and circled around the small hole. Spitting onto his fingers, he reached down and quickly plunged two fingers inside. "William." He hissed between his teeth in wonder. He couldn't wait to feel his cock buried inside the younger vampire's body.

Spike arched his back and screamed as he was suddenly penetrated. Fire raced along his spine and the exquisite pain heightened his pleasure. "Fuck, Sire! More. Oh please. It's been way too long. Angel!"

Hearing Spike's calls, Angel smiled to himself, before biting into his wrist. He let the blood flow onto his aching shaft, making sure it was well lubed. He placed the tip at the unprepared opening and with one sudden lunge he thrust inside to the hilt, revealing in the scream of the man below him. He paused for a moment, lost in the sensations before leaning over Spike's quivering body.

"Sire." Spike whispered, panting. "Move, please."

Angel grinned. "Childe. Feel me inside you, claiming you. It's a new start for you and I. Two demons with souls, I'm not going to let you leave my side, William."

Spike looked into his Sire's eyes. "I'll never leave your side, Angel."

The dark vampire smirked at his Childe's words before pulling out until just the tip of his cock was encased in Spike's heat. He paused, waiting, until he heard Spike whimper and plunged back in hard, using every ounce of his strength. The sharp slap of skin on skin echoed around the room as the two vampire's roared out their bliss.

Over and over again, Angel played with Spike, the blonde vampire panting and moaning, no longer capable of words. Then Angel let his demon slip free and his pace picked up speed, brutally slamming in and out of his Childe's tight hole. A snarl escaped Angel's lips as he claimed his Childe. Thrusting harder, he bent down and locked eyes with Spike.

It seemed like a lifetime, but was probably only a few heartbeats, before Spike turned his head to the side and bared his throat. It was all that Angel needed. With a final roar he sank his fangs into the tender neck and drank deeply.

As Spike felt his Sire's fangs sink into his neck, he let out a scream, his body thrumming in ecstasy. He bit his lip until it bled, trying not to return the bite before he was given permission. Angel briefly lifted his head and stared into Spike's eyes, dilated to black points in his pleasure. He turned his head, baring his throat before once more leaning down and beginning to feed.

Spike wasted no time, biting viciously into his Sire's neck. Tasting the powerful blood on his tongue his body exploded in mind numbing bliss and he barely felt it when Angel came inside him.

Feeling his Childe's seed shooting between their bodies and the tight clamping around his cock, Angel gave a few final thrusts and came, emptying himself into his re-claimed lover. It was a few minutes before he regained the strength to pull himself out of Spike's bleeding body and he rested on the still heaving chest before slipping off to the side.

Angel pulled Spike into his arms when the blonde vampire turned to look at him, eyes still glazed with pleasure. Pulling up the discarded blankets, he wrapped them around their bodies, falling asleep to the feel of his beloved William wrapped around him.

****

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