Splinter

Xander pointed his finger, shaking from rage or shock, he wasn't sure. "You!" he accused.

They had only been presented -reminiscent of the old aristocratic times- not more than ten minutes ago as they had arrived ‘fashionably late’ to their own assembly, as Master Hrafen of Hravolen, his future claimed and consort William the Bloody of Aurelius, and guest, and already Harris was causing a scene. Spike let out an audible groan, for not only were they late, something Raven -who was a stickler to schedule- detested, but Xander was reaffirming his position in Raven’s opinion as nattering meat. Spike inched closer to the boy when Raven's eyes narrowed. Cordelia’s ire to not being invited would increase if her new/old boy-toy got damaged, and Spike would be helpless on the receiving end.

Spike should do something. He wondered if it was offending to smoke, or would it only assert his position as an insurgent.

All curious eyes had turned to look at the one eyed human, confused at his outraged yell. It never ceased to amaze Spike how such powerful creatures were utter gossips. He kept a watchful eye on Raven –it was always the quiet ones you had to heed- and concentrated on what was unfolding.

"You!" Xander repeated taking a couple more steps closer to where he was gesturing, but not too close. "Buffy said she dusted your thrally ass!"

Dracula tilted his head and blinked. "Do I know you, boy?"

Xander screeched. Spike winced. Raven’s face darkened.

"No, no, no! You do not get away from making me eat *bugs* then freaking forget who I am!"

Raven looked at his longhaired friend, half wondering if the Transylvanian had gone absolutely mad and half asking himself why he let Spike talk him into bringing the loudmouthed human along. He had only spent a few minutes in his presence when he had they had first met and he could barely stand him, if the boy didn’t have his intricate place in it all, he wouldn’t be standing there.

However, reminiscent of what Raven had said to Spike the night before when Spike insisted that they return to his small housing, never in his existence had he nearly fallen victim to an uncontrollable force to teach the human boy some meager of respect. Perhaps tear his tongue out as well. He had then pointed out that it amazed him seeing as he survived being around Spike, even when he was completely inebriated. Spike was a little miffed at the jab but he retorted that Xander Harris made everyone feel like that and that he should ask Angel for brooding self-restraining pointers. Raven spent the rest of the night on the decrepit couch with the blond, trying to wipe away the memory of having anything in common with that ruffian, only to be interrupted by a call from the loudmouth human’s equally loudmouthed maiden.

"You had made this boy your follower?" he asked bewildered, elegantly pointing at Xander whose fists were clenched hard.

Spike barely suppressed his grin, maybe this would be fun after all. No one was looking at him like they expected him to fall short of some unwritten test at any second. Harris was one damn good buffer. Even a few demons he had a run in with him in the past were too distracted to continue whispering idiotic plans for getting even.

"I must've been pressed for time." Dracula shrugged, seemingly bored with all of the events.

That caused Xander to snap and he lunged at the dark-haired vampire pulling a stake from behind with ease. You do pick up a thing or two after playing cheerleader to a slayer for seven years.

None of the observers moved, they were merely content to watching what might transpire, especially since their host and his odd claimed did nothing.

Dracula waved his white hand at the human, in a bored gesture.

Xander glared when his feet froze to the ground. "Hey, that's not fair! Mr. puffy shirt thrall using pale asse-…" He didn’t even notice when Spike casually relieved him of his wooden weapon.

"Silence."

"Yes, master," Xander instantly replied. "Damn!" he groaned dropping his head.

Dracula twisted his lips and looked at Raven. "Now I remember him. He was the slayer's fool… quite easy to manipulate… he became my emissary on the Hellmouth." He looked Xander up and down with a frown. "I wished to have the fallen Anyanka but I found that he was the easiest to sway… I did not even venture a taste."

"Hey!" Xander said indignantly, because it was the only thing he could do, given that there were low laughs coming from the scattered audience that pretended not to look. "I'll have you know I'm moist and delicious!"

Spike mumbled with a smile in his voice, "Oh, yeah, whelp is a right nummytreat."

Xander nodded enthusiastically and waved his finger frantically. "You said it, buddy! And don't forget you not holding your end on the child of darkness blah blah blah blood thing!" He then did a double take. "What the Hell am I saying?!"

Dracula raised an eyebrow. "You remain strange and off-putting… but I have no human companion here. I think I shall keep you."

Xander eep-ed. "I'm not being a bug-eater again!" He tried to inch away but he was still frozen to the spot due to whatever whammy the caped vampire had placed on him.

The Count narrowed his eyes at him.

"Sorry, Master," Xander replied quickly. His hand slapped over his mouth a second too late. He settled for only glaring at the tall man.

Spike and Raven snickered. Xander shot them a fierce look but for fear of saying something else humiliating they would hold over him, kept his mouth firmly shut.

Dracula approached Xander and tilted his head in appraisal with a long nailed finger. Xander's angry look at Spike turned pleading. The blond vampire rolled his eyes and sighed. Forget Cordelia. It wouldn't bode well for Buffy to find out that he was back from whatever beyond he was in by coming across her friend's dry body, or worse, his undead one. Spike still remembered Anyanka's drunken babble about ‘crazy-alternate dimension-vamp-Xander’, although the prospect of him being ‘quiet and gloomy’ was appealing. Besides, the young man was right decent to Spike since he arrived in L.A. and clearly decided to stay in attempt to rekindle the flame with Cordelia – in an effort to mix current business with pleasure, which should provide the actress with some distraction away from Spike.

"My money for Xander."

By now several eyes were at the four, waiting to see what would transpire next.

"You owe me and by now the interest rate itself would be more than half of what you have procured through the years." Spike smirked. "You didn’t think I spent my time with Charlie-boy only drinking and playing the town now, did ya?"

Dracula clearly didn't understand the last sentence but Xander did. His eye held an impressed look in its depth. But more importantly it screamed, 'Get me out of here!'.

"I have heard that you have relations with Los Angeles’ Wolfram and Hart," Dracula noted with interest.

"It's called AI & Co. now, Vlad.” He didn’t know why he was defensive, soon enough they will be part of his past. And that was a strange ache in his chest. “Still do the lawyer bits, a little too much pen and paper for my liking but all 'round white hats now. Cheerleader and her Powers that Bark had seen to that." Spike was still a little pissed at the PTB, believing that they were responsible for bringing him back as a ghost and almost getting sucked into Hell thanks to Pavayne. Even though later they had discovered after Cordelia had awoke from her coma that it was in fact Lindsey that had planned the whole thing. Apparently, the Kansas Kid was all hard up for his grandsire, and attempted to distract Angel from his plans, ones that had failed when the Fang Gang regrouped and became stronger with the returned presence of Cordelia.

Dracula nodded to Spike.

"Very well, my debt for the puny mortal. The human is yours." With a wave he released Xander and turned to Spike, his head lowering a little. "It would be a pleasure for my Order to attest to the agreement post your claim, when you complete the ritual for the Rule of Hravolen with Master Hrafen.” He had a look of revulsion on his face. “Slayers had been quite a nuisance lately, and you know how to handle them. I lost one of my brides to them."

Spike nodded and Dracula inclined his head respectively to him and Raven before elegantly sweeping across the room, awed whispers rose.

Raven laid his hand on Spike's shoulder pleased at the smile that graced Spike's lips.

"You have handled that admirably. You demanded his respect priding in your manner and no other, and he acknowledged that… others shall follow his path and yours, and by your hands a semblance of peace will reign."

Spike titled his head. "I did handle that well, didn't I?" He grinned wider. He then turned to look at Xander, barely catching the eye rotating upwards at their actions. "See that, Harris. Jot that down on your report for ol' Ripper. Results even before the there's a done deal."

Xander shook his head but couldn't help a small smile at Spike's obvious glee with himself.

"Sure, Blondie, that'd impress him alright." He sighed exaggeratedly. "Though I don't know how to tell him the bad news." He frowned.

Spike and Raven shared a confused look. "What bad news?" the both asked simultaneously.

Xander's grin slowly grew into a devilish smirk. "Well, Giles was really into Count Bad Breath's – and how cool is it that I don't say ‘Master’ any more?! – blood sucking groupies … he'd be devastated to hear that a slayer junior dusted one of them," it was said in over-exaggerated cheerless tones.

Xander gasped in shock when he found himself in a strong - if he might say - one arm hug from a chuckling vampire. Spike squeezed him but when he loosened the embrace he didn't let go.

"You’ve got a nasty streak on you, pet. I'm gonna keep you."

Raven shook his head at the two's antics but couldn't help a smirk of his own. He locked eyes with Spike and his smile softened when the blond held his eyes, a look of rare happiness in his blue eyes.

"Whoa," Xander gaped, nudging Spike at the side, unknowingly breaking the heated gazing. "It's like right out of a Star Trek episode."

Spike turned his attention from the dark haired vampire and looked where Xander’s gaze was locked.

Walking in their direction from the entrance was a creature that could only be described as exotic – he vaguely recalled an interdiction, a royal one. She was long limbed and slim, skin of dusted emerald, eyes wide, pure gold and hair flowing from a high braid to her gold heels, barely touching the marble floor in luminous dark locks short from being night blue. Her garments covered her long neck, chest and long legs, giving view to only her flawless arms. They were a darker shade of jade offering it's wearer a somewhat majestic outlook.

She stood in front of him and her eyes never wavered from his, and it felt like she was looking inside him. He blinked and jerked startled when her eyes flickered silver for a millisecond. Her gaze soon dismissed him as she looked to his side.

Spike followed her gaze but did nothing more. He didn't notice when the other vampire sided up to him.

Raven inclined his head but didn't bow like one would expect from him towards such a woman who held herself to be greeted like royalty. She raised an eyebrow, causing Raven to smile lightly before lowering his head to kiss the back of her hand.

"Mistress Meralda."

She nodded back. "Hrafen."

Spike snorted, lowly, "Figures."

When Xander finally got his mouth closed and did a double take. "Huh?" he sounded confused but kept his voice down not wanting to interrupt. Pretty didn't mean harmless. One look at his past could explain his caution.

"What do you learn at that Watcher Council of yours?" Spike scoffed. "It's Latin, mate … for Emerald." He gestured back at the woman who was now looking at them, amused.

"Right. Like short for Esmeralda, with that dude who rings the bells. I saw the Disney movie." Xander didn't even question his decision to inch behind Spike. Never had a woman looking at him with amusement led to anything good.

"Should read the book, Alexander. Much better ending," Raven murmured as he grinned sharply at the young man.

Xander ignored him. "WC didn't teach me anything, I'm an honorary member," he said with pride, standing behind Spike.

"Meaning they tried to jam all that knowledge in your noggin but nothing stuck." Spike said amusedly glancing back at Xander but still keeping the human between him and the new arrival. He didn't trust anyone in this hall, other than the two men near him. "Better off you know, mate. Ignorance is sometimes a bless, look at Charley-boy… almost got his gray cells fried in the process of juicing up and all he gets now are mounds of paper."

Xander started nodding in agreement before something registered. "Hey, who are you calling ignorant?!"

"Your jester is amusing, William," Meralda cut in.

"It's Spike now." He shot her a sharp look. Very few people called him William. And she was not one of them.

"Oh, yes, so I've been told. Forgive me." She smiled showing a row of perfectly white sharp teeth. "May I ask, why the alteration?"


Flashback

"William. You know, you really should find a new name for yourself. It just doesn't strike the right note of terror."

End Flashback


Spike shrugged and wished for his duster back. He must have been on something to give it away. "New name to fit the new me is all."

Out of nowhere, a long black nails curved short from touching his sharp cheekbone. "You have been touched by many with power… but none possessed you. Only one."

It was a statement. It didn't need any confirmation. She was scanning him with those eyes of hers, he just knew it. He looked behind her to see Raven standing there grimly.

"They have left their trace on you." Her hand dipped to his neck as she continued speaking, "Master Vampires," then up to his face, "Slayers," down his arms, "Humans," over his head, "Magic wielders, Demons, a God," to his chest, "Primal Evil itself." A delicate dark eyebrow rose and her dark ruby lips pressed thoughtfully. "You have been around haven't you?"

Even though she hadn't laid a hand on him, Spike still felt chills where her hand passed over, as if she could read his flesh. Nevertheless, Rupert Giles would soon confess his undying love for him before he showed vulnerability in front of a stranger. It was a lost cause with those who really knew him.

Spike smirked. "What can I say, I'm irresistible."

Xander snorted. He clumped his mouth shut when the woman narrowed her eyes at him.

"Your pet is entertaining but you must not allow him to disrespect you like that."

"Pet? Spike’s Pet? Me? Yeah right." Xander glared from his safe place behind Spike.

Before Meralda could interject, Raven guided her away with her arm, respectfully. "Come now, your Highness, many wish to delight in your company. The boy is still under training. You mustn't let him upset you."

Xander could hear her indignant voice as she allowed Raven to slowly walk away but not before shooting him a disgruntled look. "I wished to make you a prepossession to turn over your initial Claim for William to me with sufficient imbursement. He is quite extraordinary in sight and being."

She stopped all of a sudden, her eyes flashing silver causing Spike to bite down his hiss. She looked at Spike while talking to Raven, “Don’t you expect to deceive me, Master Hrafen, I know you well. This ‘feelings’ you project might be genuine, but you had always rivaled my collections. And your egotistical ambitions had never been veiled by my eyes.”

She narrowed her eyes at Xander before turning away, “But ‘Spike’ seems taken with his pet, and I cannot perceive a second of peace with its presence. You have my respect for undergoing this in such circumstances.” There was some underlying to her tone; it was too mysterious to unravel.

Xander was about to say something but a sound caught his attention. He walked around Spike and was shocked to see the vampire fighting tears he was laughing so hard.

"What?"

Between chuckles Spike pointed at Xander. "You ran off one of my… ‘suitors’." He clapped Xander on the shoulder and picked them up a couple crystal glasses of something Xander hoped was red whine of a tray a passing waiter was holding up, presenting one to the confused human. "You're good for something after all, Xander."

Xander refrained from sticking his tongue out at Spike.

"You mean you're not upset that that gorgeous uh - woman wanted you?" Xander asked skeptically. "That I --- okay, apparently drove her away? You rather have Raven? Yeah, right. Why don't I believe that?" He chuckled.

Spike wanted to answer that Raven wasn't the one he wanted, but that would serve no purpose. So he leered at Xander instead. "If you knew how a good shag Ray is, you wouldn't say that."

Xander choked on his drink and pulled back coughing. “Funny. Ha ha, almost got me there.” He wiped at his mouth. "You said that on purpose. Jeez, now I need to raid your bleach storage for my brain."

"Vlad and emerald gal were right. You’re very entertaining, ‘pet’." Spike looked at him pointedly. "Pet or not pet, hands off my stuff or you lose them, I'll show you some discipline," he warned.

"Cut it with the 'pet' already," Xander pleaded looking around worriedly. "Someone might hear you and want a taste or... or throw a stick to see if I fetch it, and it could be some traditional demon law thingie and I would insult their people if I don't and I'll be the one who busts this not you."

That caused Spike to roll his eyes as he gulped back his whole drink, depositing the empty glass on a moving tray without even looking.

It was Xander's turn to roll his one eye. "Show off." He noticed with nervous glance that no one was paying anymore attention to him than usual, unlike a few minutes ago, their eyes and attention were more centered on someone else.

"I really don't see why they're all looking at you like a piece of meat. I mean me, I can figure out… I'm dinner, but you?" Xander shook his head mystified. "I'm stomped."

"I'm with ya, mate." Spike chuckled. "It's understandable, it's not like I'm strong and mysterious, sort of compact but well-muscled." He mouth turned slightly up in one side.

Xander spat his rest of drink and began coughing again. It was clear that he wasn't going to have a peaceful drink tonight. He placed down his glass with a last glare at the crystal, as if it was responsible. "Where… who- who told you that?" he spluttered while his brain began pulling out dirt on everyone who was present at that moment of his humiliating declaration, as ammo for revenge.

"The Bot." Spike said as he patted his back. "She quoted you frequently, saying that she heard you when Anya sent her to change, it just took her a while to join the conversation about 'the beauty that is me' ‘cause all of the clothes were too big… I'm thinking she walked into the Nibblet's room by mistake." He snickered at Xander's red face.

"Well, I only said that to get Buffy to confess," he mumbled in feeble defense.

"Sure you did," Spike snorted.

~ I knew I should've told Willow to dismantle the Buffy-bot! ~ Xander thought dourly. ~ So much for my Watcher respect. ~

"Well, this is getting really boring." Xander sighed when people only watched them but didn't approach other than Raven who was half way across the room. "Am I going to drive the Ferrari on the way back?"

"Don't start this again." Spike groaned.

"I'm just saying. Unless you're leaving with Captain Crow for a night cap in his Porsche, meaning that the Ferrari would be without a driver… except I'm here!"

"Bloody hell. Shut up!"

"Make me," or that was what Xander thought he has said. But nothing had come out. He looked at Spike who was sharing him in the shocked expression, though the vampire's face slowly had melted into a satisfied smirk.

"Not again," Xander mouthed and Spike chuckled

"At least this time it is my fault." Xander gave him a ‘huh?’ look. "Seems Vlad gave me a bit of Thrall control over *my pet*. Maybe I should ask her majesty back for a demonstration of discipline.”

"You wouldn't dare," lips said soundlessly as they moved clearly.

Spike blinked when a bright bluish pixie appeared barely blocking his gaze from Xander. She was no bigger than his fist. And she was grinning.

He blinked again when a finger poked at him. He turned to see Xander giving him the big doe eye he clearly perfected from the Summer girls. Spike sighed.

“What?”

Xander grinned. “Is she a tinker?”

The pixie turned an interested eye on Xander. She placed a gentle hand on his patch. “Le Premier.”

“I know that, The First?” Xander nodded gravely he pretended not to see the stunned look on Spike's face. “One of his henchman, the head-honcho henchman. Buffy cut him in two.” He smiled brightly.

The pixie giggled. “You are endearing.” She turned to Spike. “Human’s are amusing creatures, no, Maître Spike?”

She seemed to be French. Though she didn’t look the least bit French, if that was even relevant to her species. Spike was wary of all things French and the fact that she was a female was even more warning to take caution, although, this one seemed more harmless than the human who was gaping at her in wonder.

She didn’t wait for him to answer. She appeared to be in somewhat of a rush. And if how her eyes followed the waiter who was passing around sugary delights that Xander had sampled a handful, it was a sugar rush. Spike winced when he remembered Dawn, and this was a little thing. Caution indeed.

“I asked Maître Hrafen where his Aimé was, and here you are. He was with Madam and others telling them about you and the Traité. Oh, it is so exiting, no? You and your favori are very populaire this evening! Oh, Vevette will be so envious that I’ve met you and…?” She indicated to Xander.

Before Xander could reply, Spike beat him, “Alexander.”

“Oooh, Alex!” She giggled as if it was funny. “Now I must go, but je and my people are grateful for what the tranquillité you will bring.” She did an impressive bow in the air. “But not very much, I’d be bored. I must say adieu now! Messieurs.” And she was off in specks of dust.

Xander was pointing at thin air. “I’m not one to judge, but was she a fake French-tinker?”

Spike shook his head, exasperated. “Pixies, fairies always high on something. And might be not that far off. They’re a mischievous bunch of minxes. I’m surprised that they’re riding on this Treaty.”

“Heh, I would’ve thought the ‘high’ and ‘mischievousness’ is what you live for, ex-fangless.” Xander hid a frown. Now Spike had a soul, and had no chip, the only thing he could take a piss at was his bleached head. And Spike could stop whitening his hair now that he was a big shot!

~ Man, scary thought. Unless Willy had curls. Maybe girly sandy curls? The adorable kind that girls coo at… ~

Xander brought his head closer to inspect said blond hair.

“Oi, off me, ya poof.” He pushed Xander away and raised his hand when Xander was about to protest. "Silence. Go get me a fresh drink," Spike ordered in a baritone similar to Dracula’s, bouncing on the ball of his feet when Xander left to do so with a dismal look on his face.

Raven returned soon after. He had mingled enough. He wrapped his arm around Spike’s waist in clear possessiveness, not liking the looks the creatures milling around were giving him. He noticed Spike's lightened expression.

"What had brought you such glee, Leif?"

Spike turned his grin towards Raven, placing his face in front of the dark vampire’s close enough to kiss. It was a clear public show of affection and he could feel eyes on them. However, what would’ve taken Raven's breathe away –if he had any- wasn't the closeness but how literally beautiful Spike was when he was happy. He would do well to make sure that happened more often.

"Dracula lent me his wammy on Xander."

"Ah, and now you're having fun." Typical it was the human aberrant who had amused his beloved.

"Bet your outdated accent I am!"

"Don't open a door which cannot be shut, William," Raven said warning, hinting at Spike's own accent.

Spike ignored him turning his attention elsewhere. "Oh, look my boy is back."

Raven noted with interest as Spike took a couple steps away from him.

~ Ah, the child doesn't know. ~

At the mean time, Xander was glaring fireballs at Spike.

Spike took a sip from the glass. "Mmm, Otter." He raised an eyebrow at Raven's direction. “He anticipates my likes too.”

The other vampire seemed uncomfortable. "Well, it wouldn’t bode well for a gathering attended by a ‘representative’ of the Slayers to find fresh virgin blood." Raven couldn’t refer to Xander without wondering why he was initially there. He had tried to get an honest answer out of Spike to why this child was sent instead of someone else, who wasn’t Xander Harris. All Spike had to say was that the Council had a big blowout, literally, and they were short of hand. Besides, Xander was with the slayer for seven years, and worked with the junior slayers, he was the best man for the job. Raven recalled how they both had winced when he said that.

~ Ah if the pieces didn't fall into their place in the puzzle… ~ Raven glanced at Xander.

Spike rolled his eyes. "Virgin blood is overrated. I like more stimulated blood myself," he said playfully ignoring Xander's voiceless gags. He looked at Raven through half lidded eyes. "That was mighty thoughtful, luv."

There was so much a Master vampire can take, even if he ruled his own Line. He pulled Spike into a passionate kiss. Licking his lips as the kiss ended, he said, "Besides, Otter has its merits."

Spike heard stomping but only turned around with a hiss when something poked him. Xander was looking at him wide-eyed and shocked. Spike looked at him somewhat sheepish.

Raven smirked. The boy was fully informed now.

Xander was pointing at Spike then at Raven then making hand gestures that one assumed were kissing. Then he flicked his fingers over his head like he finally got something he was missing then at himself like he was crazy, to which both vampires readily nodded, Xander ended his show with exaggerated gagging.

Spike forced an eye roll. “Yeah, yeah. Finally got the bloody newsletter, whelp?”

Xander looked at him incredulously as if to say ‘how the Hell would I have known?’

Raven chuckled. “Yes, he is a true watcher.”

“You’re the one who sees all right.” Spike scoffed.

Xander pointed at the eye patch as if that explained everything.

“Master Hrafen, Master Spike,” a short scaly demon addressed both vampires. “It was an honor to be invited tonight.”

Spike nodded curtly while Raven did his thing. If he were human, he would have been the best PR person. Spike, on the other hand, was bored with the formality of the night that they faced head on when the first entered. Xander’s scene with Count Dracula eased the swarms of arse-kissers somewhat. He pretended to hear what the demon, D’or, was saying, while he was in fact counting how many hairs he had on his head. He lost count due to poking in his side. He brushed it off and started again.

Spike snarled when Xander continued poking him. "Oh, go tap-dance or something!" He turned around only to see the demons black eyes looking astounded at something behind him, so he turned around and bit back a laugh.

Xander had his lips pressed in a grim expression while his feet did a soundless dance, his feet moving over the ornate floors.

An assorted of demons and vampires slowly moved closer to observe the show.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Angel stood in the far end of the exuberant ballroom and had a chilling sense of déjà vu as he saw the ‘couple’ openly display their affection, no doubt causing even more whispers to rise at their continued unorthodox actions within the community. He distinctly heard a mix group of demons and vampires, clearly young, mention that perhaps it was time for change if they were expected to survive the brewing army of slayers. Angel pursed his lips, knowingly. Raven didn’t need to make a formal announcement of his -and by relation- Spike’s intentions; the demon underground talk took care of that.

He had seen several powerful demons, heads of clans that Wolfram and Hart used to have dealings with before he took the reins, scattered about the room. Angel could feel eyes boring in his back, but he knew that if he turned around he would see nothing.

It was a mistake to have stayed quiet. He would have a say in this matter. He should have had one from the beginning; he didn’t know why he let his judgment get clouded. Gunn was right. The least he could do was show his support and concurrence not a disownment that gossips were clearly speculating as he stood there alone. He was part of this, no matter how much he wanted to keep as far away from it as possible...

… Him and Angelus both.

Spike was the only person to provoke such emotional attachment in Angelus. It had never been love, but it was the closest the demon could ever get with anyone. Angelus would never allow any being to dominate him and be pleased about it. But as strong handling he was with Darla, as much as he called the shots, said she was HIS woman, when Darla made a decision, it was the one to take. She was his sire, and as such he had never fully let down his guard around her. She would come to his aid, yes. But she would sooner leave him to save herself. She was a true vampire, like she bred him to be. She was the Master's favored for a reason.

Penn was too much of a perfectionist, Angelus didn't need a mirror to see himself, he would need only to look at his first childe and he would see his reflection. Darla's childe, a vicious killer that would do his sire's bidding, he was predictable, he was boring. Penn was a bad companion, and it didn't take long for Angelus to set him loose on his way.

Drusilla was easier to be around, but even clingier than Penn. Angelus was thrilled when she expressed her desire to make herself a companion of her own, and watched as she failed again and again. He had watched Drusilla break from his and Darla’s company to follow a tearful human boy, leaving the stench of weakness and salt in the air. He watched as she sunk her teeth in his flesh, amazed at how the air was nearly free of his fear, even after seeing her vampiric form.

Angelus had kept a close eye on his youngest childe to see that she did the turning right. It seemed that he had kept a too close eye on the process, because after he observed Drusilla bury the body –a stickler to tradition his girl was – he faced Darla's fury. When she found out that Drusilla was lying in wait for her 'baby' to wake up, and that that body had belonged to the weeping man that had bumbled in their way, she demanded to know why he allowed such pitiful human to be turned. Then accused Angelus for some reason of wanting the boy for him own company since he hadn't snapped his neck when he ran into him. It was an absurd notion in itself. He had only just seen the human that very night. But Darla thought herself all knowing, and after she punched him across the room, she announced that she was departing, saying with a superior air that her darling Master asked for her presence (demanded more likely), and there had better not be a sorry excuse for a vampire in their home.

He had tried to explain to his sire that if the human were weak then most likely the vampire would be easy to control. He was speaking the truth. But also, he was intrigued to see why Drusilla finally chose this one. He knew his second childe was no fool. She was insane but held the sight nonetheless. She sought the others for food, but she saw something in this one. It was not that much later that Angelus found out what.

It didn’t take time before Angelus had to show the youngling who was the head of the household. And before he knew it, he realized that there was something as the perfect companion as he envisioned for himself. He would never be bored with this little fire brewing underneath the guileless façade. And he would rejoice in breaking him and delight in watching the fledgling put himself back together, stronger but never ever stronger than Angelus.

Angel observed as Spike threw his head back and laughed at the antics of one Xander Harris.

However, Spike had bested Angelus, had bested Angel but it was the same thing. And Angel could feel the burning inside of him on each occasion he saw Spike. Sometimes it was all he could do not to attack him, demanding that they have a rematch, so he stuck only to verbal onslaught to relieve the strain. But it was Angelus that didn’t accept it. Spike was safer away from Angel and Angelus’ bent up wrath.

Angel had done his deed for the night; he had saved a young woman’s life. He had watched as she safely got into a cab. It felt good, like going back to his roots. He wanted to patrol all night, feeling the stress of the last few days, weeks fade away to a light almost forgotten ache. It was then when he had come to the conclusion. He needed to be involved again. It was what he did. He couldn’t stay behind a desk. He had people to handle the paperwork and he could take on the delicate matters. When Cordelia returned he had immersed himself in the work even more, wanting to accomplish what was expected of him. But it seemed he had forgotten one something important. He was a champion. His place was within the fight, facing it head-on, not over it.

And with that new thought, he had headed back his penthouse to change into his black suit, choosing a dark red shirt, casually leaving the top button open. He easily bypassed his coworkers, especially Cordelia, and drove more confidently to the scheduled meeting.

He chose to sneak into the large hall, rather than have them present him. He wanted it to be on his own terms. He chose to be as discrete as possible, even though he noted some gazes that recognized him, inching away from his space as casually as they could, never catching his direct sight. It felt good to be respected and feared once more. He somewhat missed this.

Angel’s eyes narrowed when Spike’s cheerful voice rose again. He watched as Raven placed his hand on Spike’s shoulder, and no one else might have noticed, but Angel saw Spike comfortably give a light push into the hand before giving the vampire at his side a delighted smile.

Something chipped at Angel. He tried vainly to recall when he last saw an honest smile on Spike’s face, free of any mockery or restraint. A flash to a night in front of a hearse had him chugging back a drink he swiped from a passing try and disposing it onto another.



*~*~*~*~*~*

“Something the matter, Will?” Raven asked as they reached a far corner that he directed them to when he noted the strain in Spike’s back.

“No, yes.” Spike laid his hand against his forehead. “I have no bloody idea. This itching… like someone’s watching me.”

“Everyone IS watching you.”

“No, not like this. It’s like I felt at that Dead Fest of a Hollywood shindig,” Spike said in faint remembrance.

“Have you sensed it at any other time?” Raven’s cool voice caused Spike to straighten his back.

Really calm Ray only meant trouble. “Yeah,” he said carefully. “Well, our movie night,” Spike said when Raven continued to look at him expectantly.

Raven smirked. “And now you feel it? Don’t you think it could be me?”

Spike frowned with uncertainty. “Yeah, I guess, maybe.” He shrugged. “You’re right. I’ve been over-analyzing something that could just be my blood recognizing you being there.”

Spike’s eyes were half silted when Raven’s hand began caressing his face, then moved to that special spot at his neck.

“Alexander.”

Spike’s eyes snap open at Raven’s dry greeting and when the hand moved away. He saw Xander making a silent barfing face with over the top gestures since he was still under Spike’s command of silence, his feet still tapping away.

“I need a drink.” Spike said feeling the strain but found himself roll his eyes when Xander’s face turned stricken. “Oh, hell. Stand down, wank---” He stopped when Xander sat on the floor. “I mean, bugger, act like I didn’t tell you to do anything already.” He growled.

Xander stood up, finally in control of his motor functions, he opened his mouth, but instantly closed it when he saw Spike’s warning look. Instead of the accusatory comments that he had prepared, he said, “There’s a bar over there.”

Spike nodded and moved with Xander but stopped for a moment when he heard Raven say, “I’ll follow you. I have something I need to see to.”

Raven watched as Spike headed in a straight line to the bar, was intercepted several times but handled it as well as to be expected from him. Raven let out a small laugh when Spike flashed a bit of fang at the head of the Crevol black-market demons that was clearly propositioning the interesting human.

His smile melted when a figure appeared next to him. Without looking, he said, “Keep our unexpected guest comfortably busy away from him.”

The figure nodded and was gone as quietly as it appeared.

Raven walked towards the specially made ornate bar with leisure. Professionally greeting old faces and few new ones, mostly vampire elders, but never stopping in his path to Spike and Xander, who were chatting of all things with the bartender. No one directly asked about the claiming, the insertion of Spike into his Rule or the Treaty. This was merely front, a way for the investors –in a manner of speaking- to see what and who they were placing their trust. And so far, it seemed to be moving according to plan.



*~*~*~*~*~*

“Your weaknesses to fair haired blue eyed beauties is well-known, Angelus. I’m afraid I fall short of one attribute.”

“You’re confidant of yourself for a Hravolen minion.” Angel smiled courteously at the beautiful green eyed, long haired, blond woman.

“The Order of Hravolen is very selective, Master Angelus, I am a Master myself.” The unspoken warning was clear.

“Raven sent you to keep an eye on me.”

She pressed her lips together prettily and crossed her arms over her amble chest. “I was disrespectful, forgive me. I forgot to introduce myself.” She raised one delicate eyebrow. “I am Cleo of Hravolen, childe of Juliana, childe of Hrafen.”

Angel gave her a gracious bow and kissed her hand. “I guess we both resemble each other in decent. I take it your sire was your Master’s favored?”

An amused smile graced Cleo’s lips. “In a way.” Her eyes for a barely unnoticed movement flickered, but Angel could guess to whom she was referring.

Angel was about to move away, when a strong hand held him. Cleo looked back at him calmly. “It is a lively night out, Angelus.” He allowed her to direct them out to the gardens, his only response as the night engulfed them was, “It’s Angel.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Spike watched as Raven ordered some his favorite old scotch while Xander chatted away with the bartender. He stood up and it wasn’t more than two steps before he heard Raven asking him, “Where to?”

Spike turned with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, brandishing his pack of cigs and lighter, chuckling when Raven winced.

“Don’t wanna stench your garbs. It wouldn’t look all that high society of me to puff some fags, and I need some clean air from the stuffiness.” He moved his hand as he needed to breathe.

Xander made a move to follow, but changed his mind when Spike gave him a look. Instead, he caught Raven’s attention by asking, “Why is your hair long? And why do you tie it in a MacLeod ponytail and not let it out all girly flow-y like Dracula? Can I drive the Ferrari?”

Spike snickered as he walked. He wasn’t worried that Raven would hurt Xander, not much at least. He might not say it out loud, but Xander Harris was an alright bloke. Even if he continually asked Spike if it was some sort of sick demon bet to have him kiss Raven. However, Spike was sure there would be some serious questions to be answered soon, according to the serious look underneath the jesting promised by Xander’s expression.



*~*~*~*~*~*

Spike sucked in a deep breath and let out rings of smoke, watching it rise slowly into the silent air of the night. Silent, if the sounds, lights and movement behind him inside the large building were to be ignored.

He took another drag, and let it out in words, “Is that vampire remains on you?”

Angel casually slapped lightly at his jacket, sitting down next to Spike. “I needed to do something, but I got sidetracked.”

“Raven didn’t think you’d come.” Spike looked down at the reddened tip. “But I knew Cordelia better than that.”

Angel smirked and took the offered cigarette, inhaling the warm air. “Had to show my support.”

"I’ll be sure to let Ray know you’ve given your… blessing." He watched as Angel sucked in another breath watching as the flame brightened. "You wouldn’t want to come back in after staking one of the attendees."

“All for the cause, *if* it’s true.”

“Bet you looked at every angle.” It wasn’t said with malice. Spike continued with barely hidden interest, “Found anything?”

Angel took one deep drag before returning the cigarette. “Nothing. Not even Willow could.”

Spike chuckled. “She told you that?”

“She would’ve if she did.”

The blond head bobbed in concurrence. “Got some sort of 'epiphany', did ya?”

Angel’s stunned eyes shot to the side to see Spike looking amused out at the night. “Forget me and your crew are buds. Exchanging tales of your mishaps is a good conversation starter.”

“I’m glad to be of service,” Angel said with no trace of anger.

Spike opened his mouth to say something, but he gave a little shrug before throwing down the cig butt and unnecessarily grinding it to the wet ground. He stood up.

“So, you’re happy,” Angel recited the rehearsed statement, this time he was the one gazing at the darkness.

“As I think I’ll ever be.” Spike looked cautiously at his sitting grandsire--- for now at least. All would change after the ritual. “He understands me.”

Angel nodded. “So, I’ll finally get you out of my town,” he said a bit jokingly, in reference to a repeated discussion he and Spike used to have.

Spike lowered his head and smiled. “The Gathering for the ritual claim and consorting will be here.”

“Figures,” that word was said with resentment. Come full moon the Heads of many Vampire Orders would be gathered in his city. “Must be fun.”

“You’re gonna get an invite,” Spike cajoled, he was beginning to forget why he continued to do that.

I’m popular all of a sudden, Angel thought dryly. “That, I will not attend.”

“I know,” Spike breathed out, letting out a sad small smile.

When he was faced with the back of the blond head, Angel whispered, “Be careful. Watch your parameters like I taught you.” The ‘I’ was clearly stressed.

“Angel,” Spike talked as he moved away. “He really cares for me in his eccentric way, I tried to deny it for some reason… but for the first time,” he spoke more to himself than to the vampire behind him. The crack of tightening jaw was heard before the large figure stood as well. “---it is about me.”

TBC
I would like to thank everyone who had feedbacked either here or on my email/LJ. Your feedbacks keep pushing me to write more even if life is pushing right the other way. THANK YOU ALL! I know full well where I'm going with this and how it ends, it's just the 'how' to get there is still foggy for me, so every FB is helpful *wink* Oh, and those wanting fast updates will find it in my livejournal as usual, sometimes under flock till it's betaed. And for those who don't know my LJ and asked *wave* it's the same as my ID here! *grin* I like to keep it simple, emails, sites, blogs etc. Hope you enjoy! Under request I might post my other fics here, but I need to find the time*