Healing

Part 54

It had taken a great deal of effort to put Angelus back in his cage. The demon was not happy relinquishing control back to the soul. After it was finished, Angel was exhausted.

Wesley watched his lover struggle to overcome his demon with worry and anticipation. He had missed Angel terribly and the things he had said and done only made him all the more eager to have his lover back so they could talk. Speaking to Angelus was one thing, but Wesley wanted to tell Angel to his face how sorry he was.

Xander was still clenching the bow in his hands. If Angelus made another move toward his mate, he was going to regret it. The last time had been to close, if it weren't for the interesting new abilities he'd developed, Spike could have been seriously hurt, or killed. He wasn't taking any chances.

Spike started to come around after the shock of seeing Xander move like a vampire. He hadn't expected that to happen, at least not this soon. From what he knew, it took years to develop the bond to that point. Hell, if things were moving along this quickly, he might see the sun sooner than he thought.

He was momentarily distracted by the thought of seeing Xander in the sunlight. Watching the golden rays highlight the boy's hair, running his hands along the warm sun-kissed skin. He wanted to strip him down and make love in the heat of the afternoon sun. It was a nice fantasy, but one better left for another time, he thought, as Willow's voice broke through his lust addled mind.

"I think it worked. He's stopped howling."

The others all turned to look at the dark haired vampire, some with hope and others with fear, some with indifference. Angel lifted his eyes and sought out his lover's face. He smiled wearily at him and then hung his head back down. Tara whispered the spell to allow him to speak again and everyone waited.

"Wesley."

Just one word but to the bearer of the name it meant so much. He knew it was Angel that had spoken his name, and not Angelus. Before anyone could interfere he was at his lover's side and pulling him into his arms.

Angel leaned into the embrace and soaked up the love and comfort that was given to him. He had truly missed this closeness that they shared. All he wanted was to go home, tumble Wes into bed and stay there for a week. He hated this town, it had brought him nothing but trouble.

Willow and Tara went to the kitchen to make tea, dragging Buffy with them. They wanted to give the men some time to work out their issues. Willow wasn't sure what was going on but she could clearly see that there was a lot of hostility in the room. A few moments later, Giles - not wanting to deal with Spike - joined them.

In the living room, Xander was still holding the crossbow and watching Angel warily. He still didn't trust the vampire, and wouldn't feel secure until he was out of Sunnydale and back in LA. Knowing what Angelus had in store for Spike just gave Xander more reason to dislike Angel. Although, he wasn't too impressed with these Powers That Be people either. How the hell could they just let something like this happen to their champion?

Angel remembered everything that Angelus had said and done while he had possession of their body. He was thankful to Tara for the silencing spell, or things might have been a lot worse. As it was he was surprised Wes was still there with him, and that Xander hadn't simply killed him. Although, he wasn't so sure Xander still wouldn't.

"Xander, we need to talk."

"I don't think so Dead boy. I think you need to get your things, go back to LA, and stay the hell away from Spike and Sunnydale."

"I know what he did to your father and Uncle."

"Yeah, and I know what you did to those lawyers back in LA. What's your point?"

"Xander, he's a demon. A monster!"

"No, he's my mate. My lover, my friend, my eternity."

Angel shook his head in exasperation as Xander turned his head and kissed Spike softly on the lips. He couldn't understand why this was so difficult to explain to him.

"Xander. He killed your family."

"Angel, if you know what he did, then you know why he did it. Tell me Angel, did any of those lawyers rape their own kids? Did they beat them and fuck them and leave them for dead? Did they use their bodies to pay off drinking debts to their brother-in-laws? Well, did they?"

Angel didn't have an answer for that, he honestly didn't know, but he didn't think so.

"Probably not, right? But you still left them to die by the hands of your family. Tell me Angel, who's the monster? 'Cause when I look at Spike, I don't see a monster, I see a man who loves me enough to do anything to make sure I'm never hurt again. He killed the monsters, just like I do every night. Having a soul doesn't guarantee that a person is good, just like not having one doesn't guarantee they'll be bad."

Spike wrapped his arms around Xander and kissed the side of his neck, right over his mark. He loved this man more than anything in his life, more than he'd ever loved anyone or anything. Hearing him defend his actions to Angel with out remorse or the slightest regret made him wish they could just go home and be alone together. He wanted to wrap himself around his love and hold him close.

"One other thing, Angel."

Xander disengaged himself from Spike and crouched down beside the dark haired vampire. He smiled apologetically at Wesley and then glared at Angel.

"If Angelus gets loose again, he better not come anywhere near Spike. I know what he wants and I'm warning you that I will kill him, no regrets, no hesitation. Spike. Is. Mine. Angelus lays one finger on him and I promise you it will hurt for days before I kill him. No one will stop me."

Xander stood and went back to Spike. He pulled the blonde into his arms and kissed him possessively. He was delighted when Spike melted into the kiss and held him tighter. He needed Angel to understand what they meant to each other, that his threats were real.

Wesley understood Xander’s position, in his place he would no doubt have behaved the same way. All the same he still felt that it was high time he and Angel headed home. He was desperate to get out of this town and away from the problems attached to it. LA was no picnic but at least he was on his own turf there, and Angel wouldn't have to look at these people who Angelus had hurt so badly.

"Angel, do you feel well enough to travel? I'd like to head back home as soon as possible."

Angel nodded his head and allowed Wes to help him to his feet. He had no desire to stick around either. Home sounded good. He just wanted to say goodbye to Buffy and Willow before he left.

After saying goodbye, the souled vampire and his lover were headed back to LA. Xander finally put his weapon away and let out a breath of relief. If he never saw Angel again it would be too soon for him.

Giles was still avoiding Spike like he was the plague. He released Ethan, giving him a bus ticket and telling him to stay away from Sunnydale in the future. He was looking forward to sleeping in his own bed tonight. If only he could convince the rest of them to get the Hell out of his flat.