Healing

Part 43

"So, you're telling me that Spike was brutally raped by a bunch of college frat boys and Xander saved him?"

"Essentially yes."

"And this is how they became a couple?"

"As far as I know. There is more to the story of course, but they haven't exactly been open about sharing the details of their relationship. Nor would I expect them to be."

"Of course. But are you sure it isn't just Florence Nightingale syndrome?"

"I had thought that as well at first, but since having his chip fried, Spike has not only refrained from killing all of us, he has not killed to feed either. I have to trust Xander’s judgement in this matter."

"But his father..."

"Raped him from the time he was a boy. While I might disagree with Spike's actions, I do understand them. As Xander’s mate, he would feel the need to avenge him."

"Mate? I hadn't realized it was that serious. My God, Rupert. Does he know what he's gotten himself into?"

"I don't know if they are mated yet, I haven't had a chance to speak with Xander about this. As for knowing what he's getting into? I'd have to say yes. He knows Spike, better than any of us I'd guess."

"But to pledge yourself to a vampire, a soulless demon?"

"Pot and kettle, Wesley. That isn't Angel tied up my bath now is it? If this has proven anything, it is that Angel's soul, while it is a permanent fixture, is not fallible. His soul is there but the demon is very obviously in charge. Can you honestly say that the thought of waking up beside Angelus doesn't terrify you? Because I assure you, Xander knows exactly who he will wake up with in the morning. Can you be so sure?"

Wesley closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes he seemed to be in complete control of himself once again.

"My relationship with Angel is no ones business but mine and Angel's. I will not discuss it with you or anyone else for that matter."

"Fine. Speaking of Angel, is it not time to go feed his demon?"

"Yes I believe it is. Would you mind holding the crossbow?"

"It would be my pleasure."

It was no secret that Giles had never fully forgiven Angel for Angelus killing Miss Calendar or torturing him. Wesley was not at all comfortable with the other man pointing a deadly weapon at his lover's body while he fed him but he had little choice as they were the only ones present.

The vampire in the bathtub smirked as he heard the two former watchers approach. He had heard every word they had spoken, and he took a certain measure of glee that the soul had overheard as well. Wesley wasn't near as confident as he pretended to be and that hurt Angel very deeply. Angelus chided his soul for falling for a watcher to begin with. He would never understand why Angel would purposely seek lovers who knew exactly how to destroy him. First a slayer, now a watcher. Even Spike had better sense, at least his human fixed him.

There were so many things that Angelus wanted to say to the man who was crouched in front of him holding a mug of pigs blood. Unfortunately, those two witches had not restored his speech yet. Therefore he would have to resort to leering at the man and making subtle yet obvious gestures toward him. Remind him that he knew everything about the man... intimately.

Wesley was grateful to leave the bathroom and Angelus behind. There was nothing worse than looking at the face of the man you love and seeing a monster there instead. He wasn't sure he'd be able to face Angel again when this was over. How could this ever work when he hated Angelus as much as he loved Angel? Hadn't that been what drove him and Buffy apart? Suddenly, Xander’s life was looking enviable. At least he knew exactly who and what his lover was. Spike would never hurt Xander. But Angelus would surely tear him apart given the chance.

"I'm going to fix something for Ethan and then take it in to him. Would you care for more tea?"

"Thank you but no, I think I'll just turn in if it's alright with you."

"Of course. Uh, Wesley? What I said earlier, it wasn't because I wish to interfere with what you and Angel have together, it's just... I know from personal experience what Angelus is capable of. I don't want you to be hurt."

"Thank you Rupert, I understand."

Giles turned back to the stove and turned off the kettle. He finished preparing the tea and made a sandwich. Once everything was finished he carried the food up to his bedroom to feed his other reluctant houseguest. Come tomorrow, he would have the girls put a binding spell on him and then he would release him. He would be happy to never see Ethan Rayne again, the man was nothing but trouble.

Giles opened the door to his bedroom and went inside. He crossed the room to where his captive glared at him from the chair he was bound to.

"So, enjoying your time here in Sunnydale Ethan?"

Giles smirked at the wizard as he set the plate and the cup down on the table beside him.

"I brought you something to eat, it's liverwurst on rye bread. I know how much you hate it but it's all I have in the house at the moment. I assume since you haven't eaten for quite some time that it will do?"

Giles held half of the sandwich out to the man and then snickered when he looked at it with apparent disgust.

"Come on now, you have to eat after all."

Ethan bit into the sandwich and swallowed as fast as he could. He made a passable impression of Buffy's 'eeww' face and then nodded toward the tea. Giles took pity on him and held the cup to his lips.

"See there? Not so bad now is it?"

Ethan just glared at him and continued to eat the sandwich and drink the tea. He was not a happy wizard.

Once Ethan had finished his meal, Giles took the dirty dishes back down to the kitchen and put them in the sink. He was just about to turn in for the night when the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Giles? It's Cordelia. Is Wesley there?"

"Yes, I believe he's sleeping. Should I wake him?"

"No it's okay. I had a vision and I'm heading back to LA. Gunn, Fred and I can handle it but I didn't want to leave without telling him. Will you tell him in the morning?"

"Certainly. Are you sure you don't need any help? I'm sure Buffy or Xander would be willing to go with you."

"And spend hours in the car with Spike and Xander macking on each other? Uh uh. No way. As for Buffy, she's needed here. We'll be fine, we've done it with out Angel before."

"If you are sure."

"I am. Thanks Giles. I'll call in tomorrow and let you know that we're okay so you don't worry."

"Thank you Cordelia, I would appreciate that."

"Goodnight Giles."

"Goodnight."

Giles sighed and took off his glasses. He wondered when it was that his children had all grown up. Two of them were involved in same-sex relationships, one of them with a vampire, Buffy was caring for a teenager all on her own and Cordelia Chase just thought about someone else’s feelings. He suddenly felt very old and very tired. He wanted nothing more than to crawl into his bed and sleep for a week. Unfortunately, Ethan was in his room and the children would be by in the morning.

Giles laid down on the couch and pulled the throw over top of himself. He was tired enough that even the couch seemed comfortable tonight.