Honourable Sons

-------------- #10 -----------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“He will always need *you*, master Will.”

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

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

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

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

F’Iaid whispered to Willow, “Mistress you must talk to him before you go.”

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

“Perhaps it is best wit de Sire.”

“Oh.” Willow looked up at her friend, acknowledging her wisdom.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

------

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

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

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

Angel rolled to his front and grinned, “Yeah but I’m hoping for a reward for *my* kicking!”

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

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

Willow blushed crimson and began to excuse herself.

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

“Oh! Oh, I’m *so* sorry… I just… oh, it doesn’t matter.” Willow turned and made a swift escape.

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

------------- #11 ------------------


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh Goddess! Spike! It’s… Oh… It must be two carats! How?”

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

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

She hugged her friend. “I’m *so* glad you will be here. The boys are very lucky. I will be back as soon as I can.”

“I know my lady.”

“Am I yours?”

“If you truly desire it…”

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

“Tara’s spirit will be always respected.”

“Wha..? But I haven’t?... How did you?.....”

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

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

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

She knocked on the bedroom door.

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

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

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

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

“Can I see?”

“Oh, I thought… but then of course, it would have been Spike who… Oh I’m sorry Angel…”

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

She sobered and looked into Angel’s dark eyes, “Do you trust me as a friend, Angel?”

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

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

Angel answered automatically, “Of course! I get better every day soon I’ll be able to…”

“No sweetie, I mean *really* take care of him.”

Angel looked puzzled.

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

The dark vampire smiled at that and replied, “We’ve both enjoyed the ‘getting better’ part.”

“But Angel, he is really hurting a lot.” The older vampire’s smile quickly became a frown.

“But…?” Willow took up Angel’s hand and began to pet it as she spoke quietly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Have I? Have I helped?” Willow’s voice sounded small and uncertain.

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

“Oh, of course. I’ll just…”

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

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

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

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

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

Spike’s voice became husky and he remained seated on the bed but faced away from his Sire, “Yeah… ‘course.”

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

“Spike? Spike please…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh Gahh… so tight… so beautiful… hmmm… Spike!”

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

“Oh *Sire*! Please… please move… please!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Hey guys, F’Iaid’s here, I’m gonna go soon… umm.”

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

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

“K Red, we’re semi-decent.”

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

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

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

“What?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

----------------- #12 ------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I don’t know! I was dreaming and then I wasn’t and… Oh Spike I nearly…”

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

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

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

“No! It can’t be an outsider… why would anyone bother?”

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

“What if it happens again? What if it’s something more than that? What if…”

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

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

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

Spike’s eyes fluttered open again. He saw Angel’s worried countenance, “Penny for your thoughts pet.”

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

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

Angel answered quietly, “Not if I drain you one night you won’t be.”

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

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

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

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

The sleep filled reply came… “Jus’ need you luv, jus’ need you.”

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

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

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

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


------------ #13 ------------

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

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

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

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

“Why have you not contacted your… son…?”

“What? But Spike…”

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

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

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

“So you’re sayin’ that me ol’ Sire’s brat needs help? That’s what this is?”

Angel turned to stare at his Childe, “You knew?”

“Course I bloody knew – what? You think Wes ‘n the rest of ‘em kept schtum on that sort o’ info?”

“But you’ve never… and I thought if you knew?!... Oh Will, I never meant to…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angel’s look of anguish said it all.

“So what? We find the pup and all’s well?”

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

“Oh bloody hell!”

F’Iaid looked genuinely sympathetic, “I can perform a locator spell if you need it.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Wanna go chase him pet?”

“Not yet.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Hello?...” Spike walked out toward his Sire.

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

------------------ #14 -------------------

“Hello?”

“Um, Hi. My name’s Connor Reilly. I think you rang?”

“Hi Connor. It’s um… it’s Angel.”

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

“Hey Connor, you OK mate?”

Spike heard a hitched sob through the headset.

“Uhhh.. Um… not really… but… ”

Using his most conciliatory tone, Spike almost purred his answer, “Hey... c’mon ‘s OK. Angel just wanted a chat.”

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

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

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

“Hey pet breathe…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Umm…. Sure… I guess…. God! Angel’s… I’ll be here..” The phone went dead.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“He is mate. Just give him a mo’. Come to the car and we can…”

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

Spike saw Connor’s eye’s brighten, “That better, pet?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Why..?”

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

“I guess…” Connor trailed off.

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

--------------- #15 ----------------------

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

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

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

“You OK pet?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“So…”

“So.”

“You and Will… Spike?”

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

“He’s my Childe, Conner. He is a master vampire with a soul and….”

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

“I’m sorry..”

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

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

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

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

“I love you Connor. I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know that. And it’s OK… really.”

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

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

“What? Please Connor what’s wrong?

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

“Hey pet, somethin’ amiss?”

“Connor wants to see the pool so I… um… shouldn’t we have an extra?...”

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

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

“Swim first sounds good…You don’t have cable?”

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

“I remember…” Connor twisted the top off the beer, “Shouldn’t drink ‘n swim I guess.”

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

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

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

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

Angel answered without opening his eyes, “No, no, ‘s fine. I just… Bit tired that’s all.”

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

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

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

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

“Do you always…?”

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

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

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

“You’re good for him, I can really see that.”

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

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

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


------------------------ #16 ----------------------------

They had sent Connor back in the limousine solo at close to one in the morning, having paddled (as Spike liked to put it), eaten nachos and talked for hours about nothing in particular. There was a commitment to meet again within the month, and a promise of contact on a regular basis, particularly if Connor ‘needed to talk’. Spike had empathized deeply with the young man, having lived with his mother dying from what he now knew to be tuberculosis. The connection, and the support from ‘his family’ would hopefully prevent more of the horrendous killer dreams that Angel had been channeling of late.

The two weeks following Connor’s reentry into their lives had seen Angel’s recovery accelerate incredibly. Spike continued to feed his Sire at least once a day, but in the second week admitted quietly to F’Iaid that it was more for their mutual comfort than ongoing need. F’Iaid had smiled enigmatically at the confession and encouraged Spike to continue his fine efforts as carer.

The wheel chair had given way to a general ‘walker’ for longer distances; which after four days, was relinquished in favor of dual walking canes; and by the end of the second week, Angel found that only a single cane was needed.

The convalescent had walked to the pool unaided for the last two nights, including taking the stairs. Spike felt a prick of pride as his Sire turned with a wide grin at the milestone achievement of walking all the way back to the apartment door unaided for the second time in a row, even after his exercises in the pool.

As they entered the apartment, Spike threw the keys on the side table in the hall and made for the kitchen to heat up some blood for both of them. “You right to shower solo pet?”

Still slower than his partner, Spike was well out of sight before Angel shut the door, so he called out, “Sure, but still rather share.”

Spike belatedly realized the tone and the implication. His Sire really *was* getting better, but Spike was beginning to realize something new. This was somehow a less broody ensouled vampire than pre dragon; this was a Sire who now apparently saw his Childe as unlife companion; who seemed to consider ‘his Will’ an equal in every way. For Spike it was, in equal measure, the most frightening and exciting thing he had ever discovered.

Arousal was not necessarily piqued by the blonde’s musings, however standing in the doorway observing his nude Sire step into the shower signaled instant arousal. Spike gazed lovingly at the figure, rounded pale buttocks and slim but increasingly muscular legs, the broad chest and now defined muscles in his arms. Angel stood under the jet of water, face into the heated cascade, the steam giving the impression that he was standing amongst the clouds. Spike groaned and stripped with preternatural speed.

Angel knew his Childe was in the room, but was still surprised when strong arms on his thighs while his chest leant across Angel’s back. His significant other’s hand stroked Angel’s manhood to swift arousal and he slid down to caress the treasured muscular cheeks of the backside with his tongue. He smiled at his Childe’s concept of joining him for a wash.

Along with the caresses from his kneeling Childe, Angel could just make out the continuous faint purr and the occasionally sighed word… “Sire.”

Angel was grateful for the wall as Spike’s ministrations continued. The older vampire closed his eyes and rested his forehead against his arms, now crossed on the shower wall. He pushed his backside against the onslaught. Spike breached the tight ring of muscles once, then removed his mouth and hands, and stood. He gently cupped his Sire’s chin and turned the elder vampire, kissed him passionately, then waited for permission to go further, with eyes down submissively, as was vampiric custom for a Childe.

“Please Will… Just…! Need you inside, please!”

Spike looked toward the bedroom, silently questioning the brunette as to whether he needed physical relief by shifting their activity to a more horizontal venue. Angel simply whispered “I’m OK. Please… Just… Please!!!”

Permission granted, the blonde maneuvered Angel to face the tiles again, grabbed the conditioner, and squeezed a liberal amount over his fingers. Spike’s chest rested on his Sire’s broad back and he reached around to take his lover’s hardness with one slicked hand.

Angel leaned against the wall again, water cascading down his back and groaned. Spike whispered “I’ve got you… I’m gonna love you ‘til you scream… Just relax luv, just relax,” then breached him swiftly with two fingers. Angel pushed back, encouraging the third finger and enjoying the renewed feeling of confidence in his strengthening body. The tip of Spike’s middle finger ran over his prostate, pressing into it in time to the renewed rhythm of the hand on his hardness. Angel arched a little, pressing back further onto the intruding hand.

“You ready for me, Sire? OK to stay here while I take you?” Continuing to stroke Angel’s rock hard shaft, Spike withdrew his fingers from the hole and waited.

Angel pushed back as the hand withdrew and began to beg. “Oh God Will! Just do it, please. Please! Now… Please!”

Spike took the conditioner again, this time slicking his own rock hard erection and sunk in with one swift movement. Watching his marble hard shaft pushing into the tight rear almost caused him to come on the spot. The older vampire hissed his approval, waited momentarily to adjust, before pushing back enthusiastically and growling, “Please… deeper… harder.”

After months of gentle loving, this rigorous move from Angel was unexpected but thoroughly welcomed. “Hold on Sire, we’ll get there yeah… let’s just…” Spike flung his free arm around the larger vampire’s waist taking some of the weight and began slow powerful thrusts, gradually increasing the speed and intensity. Angel lost himself in the exquisite sensation, groaning and panting his approval in time with the blissful penetration and stroking.

Spike’s grip tightened around his partner’s erection and he sped up even further, the tingle in his own groin signaling the beginning of release. He whispered “Come with me, Angel, come on lover…” then bit deep into the shoulder in front of him. Angel screamed his release and washed the wall in front of him with jet after jet of cool seed. As Spike felt the muscles around him spasm and squeeze impossibly tight, his own orgasm erupted and he joyfully filled his Sire. Spike slumped forward, wrapping around his partner’s back as they both came down, then began to lick the skin under him in a gentle caress.

Both sated and relaxed, they stood up in the now cooling shower. Angel turned off the water, eased around to accept a passionate kiss from his lover then smiled as Spike reached for a large fluffy white towel, wrapping the older vampire in it before grabbing his own. “C’mon pet, not sure how your legs are holding up, but I need a decent snuggle and snooze to get over that…”



Spike woke under soft covers to the sensation of a hand stroking languidly down his cheekbone and cool legs beginning to entwine his own. His azure blue gaze met affectionate dark chocolate, as eyes fluttered open. He reciprocated the loving smile he saw there, snaked one arm under his Sire’s neck and flung the other over the hips in front of him. He pulled Angel close for an adoring hug, and they both smiled with satisfaction as reciprocal happy purrs began.

Spike eventually broke the embrace to look at the time. “You hungry?”

Angel blinked slowly then gave his lover a seductive smirk, “For what exactly?”

“You couldn’t possibly! After last night?! Thought you were a bloody invalid?!” The incredulous tone didn’t quite match his actions, as Spike snuggled closer and felt his partner’s hardening member pushing against his own hip.

“Haven’t buggered you for… ever Will. Now that I am almost healed, will you do me the honor of letting me take you, making us one?”

Spike snorted and was just about to give a disgusted retort regarding his own impaling of himself on his sire just nights before, when he realized the question. This was not a simple discussion of ‘who topped whom’. A tight feeling in his chest and sudden burn in his eyes accompanied his next question, “Are you asking what I think…?”

Angel began to stroke the blonde’s face again. “I want to be in you Will, I want that now. But I think you know that I am asking for more than that.” Angel looked up hopefully, “I’m asking you to partner with me, to declare us mated, according to vampiric lore.” When Spike said nothing, Angel continued with his justification. “I will be well enough for the ceremony in a few weeks… Spike? And… well, Willow will be back by then, and I can ask Connor for his approval tonight,… if you agree, that is.”

Spike took an obvious breath in and a tear tracked across a well defined cheek, “Course I will you bloody idiot, did you think you needed to ask?”

“I’m not talking Sire and Childe, Spike, I want you as lover, as friend, as partner, confidant,…” Angel began accompanying his words with gentle kisses across Spike’s forehead and down to his willing lips, “As paramour, mentor, my darling, my love match… my soul mate, my only… my beloved…” As he trailed the kisses below the blonde’s jawline, Spike arched his neck back, inviting confirmation of the words in blood. He was rewarded by the searing pain of a bite and ultimate pleasure as several drafts were taken, then his Sire’s neck was offered in reciprocation. The truth was in the blood. Angel was almost healed. Angel was happy. Angel wished to mate with him formally, as vampires did.

------------------ #17 -----------------------------------

Despite Angel’s recovery Spike had prepared himself and insisted on beginning the encounter with a gentle coupling lying on their side. His back against his lover’s torso, the blonde welcomed the straining member of his Sire into his body with a sigh, and let Angel take control.

Once embedded, Angel paused for a few seconds to let his partner adjust and felt down to grasp Spike’s sex. He slowly licked and nipped up the back of Spike’s neck, finally settling his mouth over the ancient siring mark as he began to move his hips at a leisurely pace. The hand on Spike’s member was caressing and stroking in time with the relaxed thrusts of the bigger vampire. Spike began a mantra of heavy sighs and ‘I love you’ s timed to match the rhythmic touches.

Almost an hour later found Spike desperate to increase the pace and the pressure. Angel had discovered the perfect angle to touch his partner’s prostate with every slow stroke, some time in the previous half hour, and was gradually sending the blonde insane with need. “Please, Sire. Please go harder if you can… please!”

Angel pushed his partner onto his front, Spike bending his knees slightly and spreading them wide. “C’mon pet, finish me off… please…” After the lengthy, loving warm up, Angel had no trouble thrusting back in. He re-established the best angle, then took Spike’s manhood in hand again. Spike began to meet each thrust with equal force as the pace sped up. Angel looked down and watched as the hard shaft entered and withdrew repeatedly. For the first time in over a year, Angel felt truly powerful, and adored the beautiful vampire he was coupling with even more. As climax approached, the pace became erratic, and he leaned forward to bite hard at the juncture of neck and shoulder. Spike arched in ecstasy, spilling his seed on the bed beneath and tipping his Sire over the edge. Spike felt the flush of cool liquid in his bowels, seconds before they both collapsed onto the bed.

Some time later, Spike’s eyes fluttered open to the sensation of a large body covering him and a semi hard member still deeply embedded in his rear.

“You OK luv?” When no answer was forthcoming, recent history kicked in and Spike became concerned. “Pet?” Still no response. “Please Sire… You alright?” This time Spike felt the body above him shift a little. “Sire?”

Angel groaned a little, then slid out as he rolled off his partner. “Wonderful... Ahh Will… Perfect… Just… I love you so much…” Angel finished his speech by claiming Spike’s lips and snuggling until they were completely wrapped around each other.

The only reply from Spike was, “Love you too.”

With that, both fell into a satisfied sleep that lasted over twelve hours, well into the mid afternoon.

Spike woke first, lying for several minutes simply enjoying the sensation of being spooned by the larger body behind him. Eventually the arm over his hip squeezed him tight, and a happy purring from behind began to vibrate them both. Spike smiled and turned a little toward his partner, “Afternoon pet.”

His healed wound from the previous night was licked lovingly before a sleep roughened voice replied, “Hey lover.”

Spike melted back into the embrace until a shrill, persistent ring-tone forced him to answer the phone.

“Dad?”

“Hey Connor, I’ll just get him.”

Spike handed over the phone and watched as Angel rolled onto his back and took the call.

“Hi… Yeah… Oh a lot better, really good workout last night.” Spike wiggled his eyebrows and stroked his partner’s sex, receiving a knowing grin, then a silent plea to cease and desist.

“How’s your mom?... Oh… well, that’s good right?... That’s great… so umm… would you like to go out and we can celebrate? Spike and I have something to tell you too… No!... Of course not, we like it here… OK… say 7.30 for dinner? Seafood OK?... Right, well, I thought Farallon, Union Square?... You OK to get a cab and we’ll meet you there? Don’t worry about the cost - our treat.”

Arrangements were finalized and Angel had only just finished the call when the phone rang a second time.

“Hello? F’Iaid! Something wrong?... No, no, sorry… So?... Oh!... When?” Spike, listening in, was initially worried, but as Angel smiled with the conversation, he relaxed and snaked his arm around the brunette’s waist again.

“Do you think she will be up to a meal out?... No, tonight with Connor – something we’d like to share… Farallon at 7.30…That would be great! Even if you get there late,… booking will be under ‘Aurelius’… terrific, hope to see you… You too.” With that, Angel hung up and turned to kiss his partner soundly.

“Any clues pet?”

“Willow’s back”

“Already!? The dark witch must really be something!” Spike gave a wicked grin, but knew that they both felt genuinely pleased by the fact that Willow had found someone special.


A few hours later, both vampires had eaten prior to leaving and were dressing. Angel had already spent a great deal of time getting ready. So much so, that Spike had begun to mutter insults that harked back to their days in LA. This all ceased when Angel pulled out two beautiful silk shirts, thanked Spike sincerely for purchasing them for him, then asked his Childe to choose his Sire’s outfit.

Another smile was evoked when they both realized that they had dressed with matching black ribbons tying back their, now long, locks. Spike leaned forward and whispered, “Just like old times, ay Sire?” Angel simply stroked the soft blonde curls below the ribbon and answered, “No. Better.”

Angel left his cane at home for the first time and was standing unaided at the door of the atmospheric restaurant with an air of accomplishment, as Connor joined them.

“Hey.”

“Connor.” Angel smiled and shook his son’s hand.

They were led to their table, Connor noting the elaborate decor, chandeliers in the shape of giant jellyfish, intimate sea colored arches, sea themed sculptures and original art on every inch of wall space. Just as they were settled, Spike, who was facing the entrance, stood, smiled broadly and nodded his head in acknowledgement. Seconds later, F’Iaid and Willow were ushered over to join then.

Both Angel and Connor also stood as they greeted and reintroduced.

Dinner and wines were ordered, Angel taking charge of the latter. Two bottles of Veuve Clicquot vintage arrived on the table promptly and orders for the remainder of the night were dealt with swiftly. The dinner was a mixed affair – all parties preferring to share their fare, rather than order large solo meals. In the end, the helpful waiter ‘Georgio’, suggested then provided, a veritable feast of finger food platters to share. Angel noted the amiable young man’s willingness to assist, well above and beyond what would normally be expected. He determined to thank him generously later.

They caught up with Willow’s news first. Connor had not seen the witch since the LA/Angelus encounter some three years earlier, and was still in awe of her power and composure. Angel held the floor as he explained the happenings in San Fransisco since Willow had left, squeezing Spike’s hand as every harsh memory was relived. Then reaching to Connor, to reassure his boy as Willow was reminded of the very recent nightmares and their cause.

F’Iaid had hardly spoken all night. She finally squeezed her partner’s hand and leaned forward conspiratorially to Spike. “You must tell them!” The others heard and stopped the conversation.

Suddenly in the spotlight Spike paused, “Right… Well…” He reached over and took Angel’s hand, found approval in the adoring eyes and cleared his throat.

“We’ve decided to go through with the ceremony… to mate… according to lore… and… well… we’d like your approval Connor… as a member of the Aurelian clan we need that… And we would like your blessing witches… if you are willing.” Spike paused, looking hopefully at their fellow diners.

Connor was the first to speak, and surprised all present by answering with a formal vampiric statement of fealty, love and familial approval, “I acknowledge you William, as Childe of my father and soon to be his beloved chosen mate. I bow to your seniority and your place in the clan and congratulate you father, and you William, on your partnership.” With that, Connor kissed both his father and Spike on their left cheeks, whispering “I love you, I trust you, just be happy OK?”

As dessert and coffee were ordered, the date was set for a week hence, the ceremony discussed and the venue fixed - F’Iaid’s abode easily the best choice.

The remainder of the evening was pleasant, to the point where none of the group saw the tall figure approaching as they waited at the entrance for the final taxi to arrive. Angel was just about to reach for the door of their ride, when a tall figure stepped in front of them menacingly, “Vampires…!”



-------------------#18 -------------------



It was Connor’s turn to feel fear through the link. He had only just shut the door of his taxi when the jolt through the blood bond caused him to stop the driver and jump from the vehicle.

The Witches were in the cab directly behind, and did likewise as they witnessed Connor’s act.

Within seconds, Connor had pushed Spike and his father aside and had the assailant’ who seemed to be threatening the pair, pinned to the car, twisting his weapon arm behind his back until the hand dropped the stake it was carrying.

A female form skidded to a halt at the rear of the taxi. “Rob… Angel????” Angel frowned then recognized the grinning brunette as she stepped from the darkness. “Faith?”

“Geez Big guy! How?? Man ‘s good to see you! Andrew said you got taken out. Last big battle that sort of thing.” She then nodded at Connor “See you still haven’t got junior there a muzzle. Might have one at home you could use. You mind lettin’ go my other half there…. Connor wasn’t it?”

Angel nodded at him. Connor gave his charge a final threatening push, then relented, released his captive and moved over to stand by his father.

Spike stepped forward from the shadows to join his Sire.

Faith stared in amazement. “You too??? What? You guys got a permanent revolving door on the whole death gig or what? Nice t’ see you blondie – and gotta say… the matching hair ribbons? Very San Fran.”

The man Connor had been restraining looked a little taken aback by Spike’s emergence, but acknowledged the vampire, “Spike.”

“Wood.” Spike folded his arms around himself protectively.

Angel looked confused, as did Connor, but both felt the tension through the bond, so stepped back to flank the blonde.

“Heard you were dust.”

Spike’s eyes narrowed. “Yeah well, sorry to disappoint. Shouldn’t always believe everything you hear.”

Faith stepped in front of her partner. “C’mon lover, play nice.”

Spike noted his Sire’s legs beginning to falter and snaked a supportive arm around the slim waist, then turning to Connor gave a brisk, “Gotta get our ol’ Da off his pins, can you get the door?”

Connor moved toward the taxi, Faith and Robin stepped aside to let him open the door. He gave the driver curt nod, “You’ll be paid for your time.”

Spike led Angel to the car and eased him into the back seat just as Willow and F’Iaid joined the group.

“Wills? Geez the gang’s all here! Thought you were slayer training with Giles? ‘Sup?…” Faith stopped mid sentence as the regal figure of F’Iaid came into full view, “And I thought I’d cornered the market on tall, dark and beautiful! I am assuming…?”

Willow blushed and smiled knowingly at Faith.

“Well, you go girl!!” The dark slayer stepped forward and offered a handshake, “Hi, I’m Faith and this is my ‘sig’ other, Robin.”

F’Iaid graced the woman with a stunning smile, took the offered hand and squeezed it slightly, “F’Iaid.”

Faith then turned back to the cab where Spike was crouched between the knees of a seated Angel, hands in his, kissing each in turn whilst whispering reassurances. Connor stood only inches away looking concerned. Faith had heard of the vampire relationships between Sire and Childe, yet was struck by the devotion and adoration apparent in Spike’s actions, and by the loving reciprocation from the brunette. She shook her head a little, and began to look at Angel more carefully. Seated, it was clear he was far thinner than she remembered, certainly a far cry from the imposing form of Angelus during their Los Angeles encounter.

Spike turned to the group. “Listen folks, me ol’ Sire here is a bit knackered. We’ve got a nightcap and floor space, if you’re inclined come with. But, I’m takin’ the old bloke home.”

Willow was looking equally exhausted. She touched F’Iaid on the arm, then answered for both of them. “I would rather if we visit in a day or two. Nice to see you Faith, Robin…”

Connor leaned into the car and kissed his father on the forehead. “Sleep well, Dad. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He nodded to Faith as the three moved to find transport.

Faith smiled briefly at Robin, then turned to the vampires. “Guess that’s our cue. So… you guy’s got a cell or somethin’?”

Spike borrowed a pen from the somewhat bemused cab driver and scribbled their number onto Faith’s arm.

“’S been fun, blondie. Talk soon, yeah?”

Spike grabbed the dark slayer’s hand and squeezed it affectionately, “Cheers luv.”

Little was said on their way home, Spike content to simply hold his Sire’s hand, as the exhausted elder shut his eyes and rested. Recognizing his partner’s limits, the blonde carried him from the cab to their bed, refusing the weak pleas for independence in favor of expediency. Having settled his partner comfortably, he downed three bags of blood in quick succession, then opened his wrist and let his Sire suckle until they both succumbed to slumber.

The days following their evening out and the impromptu reunion comprised a strange combination of high’s and low’s.

The high’s were easy. Connor rang twice on the first day. The first time to check on F’Iaid’s address, followed by another call to excitedly report his results for the previous semester - all high distinctions. He rang again mid-week to ask if his two college friends would be able to come over to meet his ‘real Dad’. Angel was thrilled beyond measure. There was a definite low that accompanied the high however, as Angel drove Spike almost mad with his obsessive attention to the appearance of the apartment, insisting that everything be just ‘perfect’ for his son’s visit.

A definite high occurred mid-week, coming in the form of Willow and F’Iaid. The two enamored witches graced the vampires with their combined calm presence almost every day, and quietly advised and assisted with all the details for the mating ceremony that was to occur at the weekend.

Faith also phoned mid-week. She and Robin had been called away for a few days, something about helping out at the Cleaveland Hellmouth for a short time. Spike told her of the coming ceremony, then practically heard the wicked smirk through the phone as she wished them well, then asked if they needed a sisterly chat regarding honeymoons and nuptial expectations.

One low was harder to cope with. Angel continued to struggle with his still recovering body, acutely aware of his limitations as he and Spike increased their training and began sparring. His body remembered fighting moves, but residual muscle weakness meant his balance was still unreliable. The lack of speed left him with little choice but to defend more often than attack, and absolute fatigue saw him beginning to shake uncontrollably toward the end of a mere half hour of light sparring on the first day. They both knew his full strength was returning, but it still did not stop him from sulking for several hours the afternoon Spike pinned him to the mat with three easy moves.

One night later, Spike had left their bedchamber in a huff after Angel refusal to hurt him, despite repeated requests, along with the far too timely appearance of an elegant, hand-crafted, black leather riding crop, and antique ivory handled boning knife. They had not broached the issue of pain/pleasure needs in vampire love-play as their own coupling had begun again during recovery, but Angel recognized the issue as one that would need to be resolved before the weekend – even if only with a promise.

Another high occurred toward the end of the week. Connor stopped on Friday evening with his two college friends. They were on their way to a party somewhere in Berkeley, as Connor called from his cell phone to ask if the timing was appropriate. Spike had his doubts about pulling Connor ‘back to the fold’ but Angel was so pleased with the thought that Connor was including him in his ‘real life’, that the blonde could not refuse.

The soft knock on the apartment door announced the arrival of the trio – Connor, John and ‘Shorty’ (alias Anthony). The latter had apparently been the smallest student in the class entering the first year of junior high. Now he measured just shy of six foot six inches, with a substantially broad chest and thick muscles to match, yet somehow the name had stuck. John, on the other hand, was slender, more of Spike’s stature, and reminded both vampire’s of Wesley in a way – the blue eyes, the slight build, the dark hair and studious looks.

All three students were struck by the affectionate welcome Connor’s birth father and his partner Will, afforded them. Both vampires smirked as they stood in the kitchen fetching drinks for their guests and listened in to the hushed conversation out on the deck.

It was Shorty’s baritone that was most audible, “Man he must’ve been young when he had you! Seems pretty cool about the whole ‘out’ and parent thing now though, right?

Connor had not given an answer before the voice continued, “Have they always been… you know, he and Will… Not that I wouldn’t if I was a switch hitter….God! Did you see those blue eyes, and the lashes!”

Connor interjected, “’S been good to find him again now mom is sick. And he kind of gets it ‘cause he’s been out of action for almost a year too, had a bad accident. Will nursed him back,” Connor went silent for a few moments. “Anyways, he and Will are tying the knot Saturday… kinda cool that.”

It was John’s turn to speak, “So you gonna have an adoptive dad, a birth dad and a step dad! Man that’s kinda weird, I mean not bad just… San Fran really isn’t it.”

Angel heard Connor’s good natured muttering, “Oh you don’t know the half of it,” and smiled to himself… no they really didn’t.

-------------- #19 -------------------


Spike was fidgeting again, fussing with his wallet and complaining about flawed cab driver etiquette for the fourth time in as many minutes (apparently a generic population group as far as the vampire was concerned). So it was up to Angel to knock on F’Iaid’s door.

Angel’s face lit up when it was Connor who answered.

His son pulled him into a warm hug, then turned to Spike with a wicked grin and thinly disguised fake-shocked expression on his face. “Hey Dad… Thought you weren’t supposed to see the bride before the ceremony?!”

Spike’s eyes narrowed, then flashed gold, “You watch who you’re bloody well calling the bird in this scenario mate… could be your ol’ Da here wears the skirt! God knows he’s got the whole cleaning thing down pat.”

“Yeah, yeah…” Connor pulled the blonde into the hug and smiled as Spike relaxed easily into the embrace, then gave him a ‘manly’ peck on the forehead for his trouble.

“Thanks for bein’ here pet.”

Willow was almost bouncing in the doorway of the lounge as they stepped inside. “Well…. Come on… Oh Goddess, I am *so*… just… Well… we’re all ready and…” She ushered them into the room with a series of gestures and half finished sentences.

It was F’Iaid who took control of the proceedings.

“If you are ready, we will begin.”

Both Spike and Angel stilled instantly, then reached for the hand of their, soon to be, mated other.

“You will remove your clothes, wash and put these on. You must kneel in the circle – we have marked your place. You must cleanse your bodies alone to begin... Who is to be first?”

The two vampires noted the pentagram of salt with a circle at its centre on the floor of the room, and also the fifty or so strategically placed candles. F’Iaid handed them both what appeared to be oversized, black, button-down shirts with no collar, and indicated the door to their left. There was a shower room and space to change.

Spike deferred to his elder – habit of the last year dictating his thoughts that the less time Angel needed to stand, the better. Regardless of Angel’s recovery, it now seemed Spike’s perpetual roll to be ‘concerned’. He need not have worried, after only minutes, the water turned off and he was the one washing…

Returning to the ceremony room, the vampires knelt side by side facing the north, a position marked by one of the points on the pentagram. The shafts of light from the carefully placed candles smacked of an accuracy that would have made even the most finicky of a Feng Shui masters proud.

F’Iaid, Willow and Connor approached them with a large polished grey marble bowl. Both vampires breathed unnecessarily as they smelt the combined blood of the three in the ground out hollow of the vessel Willow was holding. The ceremony had begun.

The three began to chant.

“We bless you both with the Blood of family. Nos beatus vos utriusque per Cruor of prosapia.” Connor held up his still dripping wrist.

“With the Blood of a friend. Per Cruor of amicus.”
Willow exposed the cut on her inner elbow.

“With the Blood of a healer. Per Cruor of a vigoratus.”
F’Iaid revealed the deep slice across her palm.

All three wounds dripped their precious fluid into the bowl.

“Please, acknowledge our blessing. Commodo , agnosco nostrum bona”
The three knelt before the vampires just outside the circle.
“And join our beloved brothers in blood. Quod suo nostrum carus frater in cruor.”
Willow held out the bowl, Spike took it and placed it just in front of Angel and his own knees.

“For all time and in all dimensions, acknowledging these two as one for all to see. Pro totus vicis quod in totus dimensions, agnosco illa duos ut unus pro totus video vidi visum.”

With the last words Spike held his wrist up to his Sire’s mouth and a reciprocal action was played out. They bit down simultaneously with razor sharp fangs then held their dripping wounds over the bowl. As the first two drops of combined vampire blood mixed with the contents of the bowl, the effect was near explosive.

A swirl of light came from the liquid mixture, spiraling upward and engulfing the two ancient creatures in a blaze of light.

Inside the circle, Spike and Angel were almost oblivious to the stunning light show being witnessed by their three onlookers.

Utterly engrossed in each other, each took their counterpart’s dripping limb in hand and laved it until healed. Then instinctive urges began to drive their movements. Urges stronger than any either had experienced anytime previously, overshadowing the bloodlust, instinct, or even the fealty to Sire on their night of emergence from turning. They moved toward each other in full game face, each lifting their left hand to caress the ridges and trace the feline like features from forehead to razor sharp canines. Fingers pricked by the incisor of their ‘other’, light trails of blood were traced from mouth to navel.

Spike pulled them both down until they were lying side by side facing each other within the confines of the pentagram. Spike face to crotch with Angel.

The smaller vampire sighed heavily at the musky scent, then gave in to instinct and bit hard into the femoral artery exposed by the simple act of lying ‘sixty nine’ fashion. As he did so, the artery of his own inner thigh was pierced and the cycle of blood began.

Both vampires felt their erections fly to instant hardness as the blood was sucked rhythmically from so close to their sex.

Spike reached around to take his Sire in hand at the same moment as the blood began to flow. His own hardness was taken by a strong fist at the same moment, and a pumping began as he felt sharp pain of arteries breached and the circle of blood completed. They sucked in time with the action of their hands.

As they both approached completion, fangs withdrew and words in the demon tongue of their ancestors sprang forth instinctively. Moving with synchronized precision, the two vampires shifted until they were lying side by side, facing each other, still within the sacred space. Both faces now bore the blood markings of recent familial feeding.

Spike spoke first. In a husky whisper he managed to grind out, “I offer you all that I am. I offer you me, your Childe. Me, your lover. Me, Master vampire of your own line, and master of the line of Aurelius. I am blood of your blood. Everything I have is yours. Everything I am, I give to you. I wish to join with you for all time. When you die, I wish to perish with you. If you accept me, then from this moment forth you are the north for my compass, my partner in unlife, my savior, and my god. This is my vow. I commit myself to your being, in essence and in soul, from this day forth. If you accept, then I am yours totally, an ownership that cannot be undone.”

Angel repeated the phrases, simply replacing ‘Childe’ with ‘Sire’.

As he concluded the vows, He felt the tortuous white agony of his soul being torn from his being. His screaming form arched and writhed, matched in pain and action by the vampire next to him. The witches and the son watched in horror as the two forms in the circle contorted in excruciating pain, then gave up that which both had held so precious… At that moment Willow realized what F’Iaid already knew, and placed a magically strengthened hand on Angel’s son before he followed his instincts and broke the circle in an effort to ‘rescue’ his father.

White light rose from each of the writhing figures, followed by a stream of vivid blue, and finally a combination of red and deep gold. Each stream of power seemed to intertwine with its counterpart of the same color then flow through both writing bodies only to rise again and eventually explode and shower the couple with sparks just above their heads.

As the gold shower finished, the two figures became inert. Willow continued to restrain a now openly weeping, Connor.

As the witnesses watched, the vampires began to move. Connor was relieved as he observed the two bodies move toward each other, kiss passionately, then begin to move in unified rhythm, their lower hands obviously being put to good use as they ground together.

Like two magnificent beasts of prey they growled their climax as joint fangs descended, took reciprocal drafts of familial blood from their mate’s neck, and completed the ceremonial circle of sex and blood.

Too caught in the joy and amazement of his fathers’ joining, Connor realized rather belatedly that he should have been horrified by the scene before him. Rather than feeling repulsed by the blood and sexual exchange, he felt utterly thrilled and somehow at peace at last. He shrugged off the ‘Dr Phil’ moment in favor of simply appreciating the beauty of what he had just witnessed, and the sense of sated completeness it brought at the most instinctive of levels. He knew through his entire being, that what he had just been a part of, was something so profound in ancient lore, that he, the pure blood son, was now one of a mere handful of beings in thousands of years of vampire history to share a small part of such a profound bond.

Without further thought, Connor lay his head in Willow’s lap as she and F’Iaid collapsed onto the cushions, thankful that the dark witch had thought to place behind them, prior to the ceremony.

They all slept.

------------

Angel woke an hour or so later limbs still intertwined with those of his mate. He wriggled a little and was assaulted by an unexpected and erotic set of images of possible couplings from that moment on. Instinctively recognizing them as Spike’s thoughts, he snaked out a tongue, licked the pale shell of the ear in front of him and whispered, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Spike received the reciprocal images and sat up abruptly to slap his companion. “Bloody hell! You dirty old man… there are ladies present!”

Angel gave a hearty laugh, sat them both up and kissed his partner firmly on the lips.

For the first time… ever… Spike felt love and contentment permeate every cell of his being. His demon was joined with its Sire. His soul was intertwined with the soul he had come to adore. And his essence was married to the essence of the being he loved. The world had not changed, but they had. He felt strength and confidence at a level that he was sure he had never attained before. He looked into the beautiful eyes of his mate and saw a realization of the same phenomena dawning there too. The darker vampire picked up his mate’s hand, and looked with wonder into his beloved’s eyes, then began kissing each finger in turn.

Willow’s voice broke the moment.

“Umm… We’re going out for coffee… and umm… a cold shower!” She fanned herself with dramatic flourish accompanied by a wide grin. “Anyway, F’Iaid says the guest room is through there. Ummm there’s some blood in the microwave…” The mated vampires refocused and looked up lovingly at the three figures standing outside the circle.

Spike was the first to speak, and in a voice rough with previous activities said, “Hey Red, Pup, F’Iaid… just… Thank you…”

Angel turned to them also, and gave a smile of pure, almost innocent joy, “My mate has said it for us… Willow, F’Iaid…. Connor… We are forever in your debt.”

As the trio retreated, the mated pair stood and made their way to the guest room to consummate their partnering further. Afterward they would in the safe haven of each other’s arms.