New Order

A/N: I know, I know...I'm pokey. Here's the next chapter. Please review and let me know what you think...



Xander slithered from their bed a few hours later and when Spike opened his eyes, Xander told him he was going to check on Willow and Faith. Spike nodded and scooted closer to Angel.



He knocked gently on the door and heard Faith’s mumbled ‘come in’ before he entered. Xander wasn’t surprised to find the two women sharing a bed. Willow didn’t like to be alone while sleeping anymore and Faith didn’t seem to mind her snuggling.



Xander moved to the bed and slid in behind Willow. He curled around her, much like Spike liked to do to him, and she was pressed between his body and Faith’s. “Mornin, Xan.” At her words, Willow rolled over and wrapped her arms around him.



Faith chuckled at the picture they made. Both of them, curled together like little puppies or something. She moved from the bed and headed for the shower. Xander watched her go.



Willow pried her eyes open and looked at her friend. He was so handsome. It was hard to match this man with the boy she grew up with. The boy was long gone though, but in moments like this, she was glad she knew him back then.



“We’ll figure this out Xan. I know you’re worried. But if something is wrong here, we’ll figure it out and find a way to fix it.”



Xander was reassured by her words. His Willow was a problem solver. If anyone could figure it out, it would be his best friend. Faith returned from the shower to find them in the same position as when she left. “Come on, get moving. We’ve got work to do.” Willow uncurled from Xander and headed for the shower herself. Faith stepped over to the bed and sat down with her back to the headboard.



Xander moved so that he was propped up next to her. She reached out a hand and grabbed his. Xander was so glad that Faith changed after her time in Sunnydale. This woman was nothing like the scary Faith that tormented them all back then. Xander knew that Angel had a lot to do with her change, but really it was Faith who fought her way back from the darkness.



Knowing that she could do that, find her way back, gave him hope. Even if this all ended badly, Faith gave him a reason to hope that things would work out in the end. “Thanks for coming, Faith. I’m really glad you’re here.” The words weren’t much, but he hoped she understood just how much he meant them.



Faith simply squeezed his hand a little tighter and they continued to sit quietly, waiting for Willow. When she emerged, they headed downstairs for the kitchen. Faith kept a close eye on the demons around the lobby, watching to make sure none of them made a move towards Xander.



While they were eating, Willow began making a list of things she would need. There were some things you just didn’t bring through customs. Xander didn’t really have any resources here but hoped that one of the minions would do what he asked. Sleeping with the boss did have certain privileges.



He settled Willow in Angel’s office and she began to work. Stretching out her senses and opening herself to magic, she felt the echoes of other spells here and began to sort them out, looking for anything that could be causing the problems Xander was describing.



Faith and Xander stood guard, watching for Angel and Spike, and making sure none of the minions or other demons entered the office. It didn’t take Willow as long as she thought it would.



With a sigh, she closed herself back up and cleared her throat. She really didn’t want to have to tell Xander this. But she really didn’t have to. When he turned to look at her, she could see in his eyes that he already knew.



“I’m not imagining it, am I? They aren’t really themselves.” Xander felt like he was outside of himself, looking in. The pain of the truth was so much harder than he thought it would be.



“It’s definitely a spell. It’s weird though because it doesn’t seem to be malicious at all. Basically, it seems to be letting Angel and Spike be whatever you need. I didn’t probe too deeply yet because the spell affecting them is very delicate. It doesn’t appear to be affecting you though, Xan.”



That much was a relief. At least he knew that his feelings were real, even if his lovers were spelled to feel the same way about him. “So what can we do to break it?” The words were hard to speak but he forced them out anyway.



“Are you sure that’s what you want, Xan?”



Xander looked at her, shocked. “Of course it’s what I want, Wills. I can’t have them spelled to care about me, spelled to want me. It’s wrong. As much as I want them, I won’t have it like this.”



Faith stepped up. “It’s okay, Xan. It’s just that Willow and I can both see how much you care about them. We know it will be hard to give that up.”



“It’s going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it’s the right thing. So let’s get going.” Xander accepted the list Willow prepared and headed out to the lobby. It was nearly dusk and Angel and Spike would be up soon.



Xander found the nearest minion and handed him the list. He used his most commanding voice, mirroring the way Angel spoke to them. “Go find a magic shop and bring me back these items. Do it quickly and get back here as soon as you can.”

The minion hurried to obey. If the master’s claimed needed something, it was their duty to provide it.



Xander turned to find the Kor’Chuk demons watching him curiously. He remembered that they were sensitive to magic and wondered if they knew that Angel and Spike were spelled.



He approached them carefully. “You knew, didn’t you?” He somehow knew that he didn’t need to explain.



“Yes.” The single word was enough. Another demon spoke. “We weren’t sure how to tell the master. This is a very sensitive magic. His reaction couldn’t be predicted.”



Xander understood their reluctance. He wasn’t sure what Angel’s reaction would be either. “My friends and I are going to fix this. I may need for you to get Angel and Spike out of here for a while. Can I count on you for help?”



“Yes. We are sure that our master will understand once the spell is lifted. We will provide a distraction.” The Kor’Chuk demons moved together then and spoke in their own language. Xander moved back to the office. There was one more thing he needed to take care of.



He picked up the phone and dialed the well known number. When the phone was answered, he spoke. “Giles, I need your help.”