Splinter

"Need everything you have about Vampire Claiming," Spike said the second they entered the English man's office.



Wesley froze in his tracks before nodding silently and moving towards the book. Slowly and a not a little sheepish at his sudden outburst, Spike closed the door behind him and tried some other way to word his real request.



Wesley turned around with the book held in his hands and went directly to the point of the matter. He confronted Spike by saying, "I knew what you wanted vaguely before we even came here, Spike. You require texts that revolve around the situation you have with Master Hrafen." He also mentioned that he had been over it with Cordelia, Gunn, Lorne and Fred and that he could give Spike everything he knew concerning the subject if the vampire wished.



Spike shook his head. "If I wanted that…"



Wesley smiled. "You would've asked him to explain, I understand. You can have full access to the books and its contents as you please." He indicated to the large book in his hand and the full library to the side.



Spike shuffled on his feet and crossed his arms around him in away they began to connect to Spike when he was feeling vulnerable



"Yeah, uh, thanks for that, Per—Wesley." He grinned. "I wouldn't mind if you'd give me your view on this whole thing, though."



The ex-watched practically grew several inches and Spike would swear on a holy book that the man's chest puffed up like a very pleased rooster.



"It all seems quite normal to me, giving into account that this rarely happens of course." He raised his eyebrows in thought. "Though Angel's – uh, attitude," he chose his words carefully when he distinctly saw the blond vampire's defenses build up. "Regarding the whole thing is rather unconventional, I might say, but the process itself has nothing to do with him after Raven made his claim known. The rest falls back on the Vampire Society."



Spike groaned.



Wesley chuckled. "I take it that is not the best of news?"



Spike snorted. "Well, mate, I killed my kind long before the bloody chip and soul and rarely, if ever mind you, followed the damn herd. Yeah, I'd be welcomed back with open arms and warm brew." He rolled his eyes.



"Yes, but none would dare show you disrespect. Master Hrafen is one of the oldest and most powerful vampires and his Line is feared and respected on every continent," Wesley pointed out trying to reassure him. "It has been written in the Diaries that they only sire and claim into their Clan the strongest and wisest… even fledglings of Hravolen are near the strength of young Masters."



Spike smirked. "Ray isn't as conventional as other vampires… he's sort've like me that way. But he's a stickler to the Lore of Siring. Only the best of the best… and even then fledge vamps, other than Childer, have to fight to stay on till their inauguration into the Line when they're presented to their Court."



Wesley wiggled his glasses more into place. "That's quite interesting. You mean Aurelius doesn't?"



Spike shrugged. "In Childer, yes, used to do that to the dot, and go over the top at that. But as far as I remember, fledglings are no more than cannon fodder and servants… you want more minions, you make more, nothing to it."



"What do you mean over the top?" Wesley tilted his head fascinated. "I remember that Aurelius didn't have that many 'True Childer' and even then, not many survived long to become Masters in the Line. Was it the Presentation to the Court or the Choosing of a Childe itself that led to that?"



"Both but mostly meeting the Master, friggin' white bat," the three words were mumbled with distaste.



Wesley's eyes widened and he felt the watcher awaken. "I assume you speak from experience."



Spike had a distant look in his eyes before chucking when he came back. "You're practically drooling, Wes." He walked around the desk. Wesley followed the vampire until he stood by the window looking at the bright day outside. "Well, let's say I wasn't yet up to the par, and Angelus refused to present me to him and leave it at that."



Of course, that was never going to happen with someone like this. Wesley gasped. "You mean you were never accepted into the Line?"



Spike laughed at the human's stubbornness but amazed himself by still opening up to him. "Oh, no, mate. I was. That cow Darla saw to that. After Romania that is." The vampire didn't need to elaborate that sentence since they both knew that he meant the gypsy curse.



"And then when she had her fill with His Soulfulness in China… I figured out why he'd always said I wasn't ready." He turned to look at the brunet, his face illuminated, in more than one way. "See, he was more my sire than Dru ever was. He trained me, made me what I am. That's mostly why Peaches hates the fucking sight of me." He smiled a smile that held more than a couple of conflicting emotions as he recalled the first time in a long time he and Angel let it all out. In both words and fists. All for a measly bogus Cup. Spike was never happier to see Lindsay get what he deserved for that prank.



"But then it wasn't enough. Even though I had made a name for myself as William the Bloody and Spike, part of the Scourge of Europe… I was still *too human*." A dark look passed over his face. "Well, to keep this bedtime tale less gory, let's say Fruit Bat took a fancy to me and didn't stake me on the spot… sort of speak." He chuckled darkly. Wesley felt his blood run cold. "But he made sure even if I didn't beat the humanity out of me that I hid it well. If it weren't for James and Elizabeth…" He recalled with sadness the blond vampire and his mate.



James had understood him better than anyone. He, as well, had the curse of love but he was lucky to find someone who returned his affection. The two lovebirds helped get both Spike and Drusilla out of the Master's Layer in London and away from the Master's wrath. To Scandinavia.



They hadn't gotten word about the Master or Darla. Spike guessed that that was when they headed off to the New World but he never made sure … or in reality never gave a damn. Before long, Drusilla had gotten bored with him and found herself a new plaything soon after James and Elizabeth departed to their own path. That was the last he saw of them. No thanks to…



His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath and finally looked at a white faced Wesley in the eyes. "Now you were saying about meeting the Orders?"



The human, who had never felt more so out of sorts in his life, bobbed his head silently noting the unspoken demand for a change of subject.



He continued with what he was saying before, "It needs to be done in front of a Court of various Line Elders. Several conditions are needed for it to be complete, especially since it would be with a powerful Master such as Hrafen in the midst of his influence in the Vampire Society. But you meet all of them… more so with your reputation as…"



"Slayer of Slayers," it was said expressionless, with thoughts still dreary at the loss of a couple of creatures that he genuinely cared for and who cared for him in return.



"Furthermore, I'm speculating that it needs to be done on the night of a full moon," Wesley said, his tone pressing for more, unaware of the vampire's thoughts.



Spike frowned, confused at that. First with the Society then with the moon, that wasn't what happened the last time. "But when Angelus…" he didn't need to finish, Wesley knew what he was talking about.



"Yes. But I take it that Raven intends to extend the Rule under you as well, am I right? For that, it needs to be done in that particular night to be unyielding as well as the Vampire Society accepting it falls partly on that. I knew you came to me more about the taking part of the Rule than the Claim." The human was a little smug as he watched the vampire's reaction to his words.



Spike was shocked into silence before nodding to the question broadcasting his own inquiry with his eyes. He wondered how Wesley had guessed his real reason of coming to him.



Wesley rested his hands on his desk and leaned into it. "According to Lorne's 'people' … Hravolen had been in hiding for several years. It appears that they had ceased siring for nearly as long as that. Lorne's reports say the Clan had been in wait for something… or his theory, which I agree with, for someone."



"Fairly the gossip monger he is." Spike didn't contradict what had been said but wondered loudly, "Speaking of Green Jeans… haven't seen him in the Scooby greeting."



Wesley scrunched his nose. "Well, he ran off when Angel growled at him," he said absentmindedly.



Spike chucked. "Wonder what brought that on?"



His fellow Englishman shrugged agreeing. "Cordelia would surely fill in the missing pieces." Then he looked with narrowed eyes at the man in front of him. "You plan on telling me anything that I don't already know, Spike? I told you all I have… is there something… else you wish to share with me?"



Wesley was being very professional though Spike could detect a bit of concern from his friend.



"You know that I would give you all the answers I have but you must've also known that I will ask my own, such as, why you came to me for one thing." He pulled himself up tall and looked straight at the leather clad vampire in front of him.



Spike sighed. "I thought as much… I mean, you're the Head Book Boy after all, and Rupes is way over there-" He moved his hand in a far away gesture. "-in the mother land, so I thought I'd better come to you for insight, besides ol' Ripper tried to kill me… and after I went to all that trouble fighting for my soul! God only knows what the wanker'd do to me now that I've saved the world. It's preposterous, I tell ya!" Wesley groaned at more than one thing in that sentence while Spike gave him a sucked in grin.



The blond's face turned somber after a few moments, eyebrows knotting. Wesley had to blink at the vampire's ever changing moods. "You see its not that I don't trust Raven, it's just…" He waved his hand in a loss of words.



"You wish the facts unblemished," Wesley supplied.



Spike grinned glad that he didn't need to explain his situation.



"It's perfectly understandable, Spike." Wesley shifted from the desk to place the heavy book in his hands in its place, still talking, "It's clear how much he values you even from my only meeting with him, and dare I say, even care for you greatly." He locked eyes with curious blue ones. "Even on an unconscious level, seeing as he wishes you to accept, he might abstain from mentioning some factors or embellish them. Not deliberately, of course," Wesley's tone conveyed more than one the one opinion he projected.



Spike moved his jaw faintly; a far look in his eyes as well as something Wesley couldn't identify, for it disappeared as suddenly as it appeared. With determination, he recalled with as much objectivity as he could what Raven had told him the night before. Not going into details of their activities much to Wesley's relief.





Flashback to Raven's lavish apartment…





"This is some fancy digs you got here, mate." Spike whistled in appreciation at the entrance hallway as the door clicked shut behind him.



Raven shrugged, placing his keys on the mantle. "When you're a multi-millionaire, they tend to indulge your wants."



"So your Porsche says." Spike raised an eyebrow. "Thinking that would impress me?"



Raven smiled confidently. "Doesn't it?" He pointed his gaze towards the vast living room. Spike followed with his eyes, which soon widened in wonder.



"Damn right it does! Is that a fully equipped entertainment center?"



Raven grinned. "I do indulge in my love for the motion picture. It appealed to me from the day it was released to the masses. I knew that for certainty, when I realized that I didn’t feed in the theater. Well, not counting those who ignore all manner of courtesy and ruin the experience."



"Yeah, hate those necking buggers myself." Spike snickered. "And I'm not even pretending to know who painted this." He pointed at a large painting covering the upper half of the wall.



Ray laughed at Spike's honesty. "Good. Because it would be dreadfully embarrassing to try and distract you from the answer I will be unable to provide you."



Spike gave him an open mouthed grin. "We-ll, look at the all knowing vampire, admitting ignorance in face of the artistry he alleges to love."



The black haired vampire raised his hands in acceptance. "One must maintain appearances."



"I don't." Spike sniffed confidently.



"You present yourself to the world as if nothing can bring you to your knees." He smirked. "At least not permanently. And most of the time, it's true."



Spike dropped his head with a groan. "I detect the foul scent of Memory Lane stench."



Raven chuckled but ignored the comment as he took in the curve of Spike's lowered neck with admiration. "I still remember this young vampire so eager to learn, to prove himself of being the greatest, even though he had already made a name for himself as Spike the Slayer Killer. So hungry for life, I could only make a presumption, more so than when he had his warm blood pumping in living veins."



Spike raised his head surprised. He was expecting a recollection of all those times the Master vampire and he had fought, and the same number of times the younger man was defeated and was brought to his knees.



"With beauty to rival the Greek Gods themselves." A pale hand traced the expanse of his face from a distance as if he was a priceless fine art in a museum looked upon with appraisal.



The gray eyes were half closed as they gazed at Spike's face, as if trying to visualize his memory into the one in front of him, his voice deep yet in a whisper.



"You have been released from all restraint— a true representation of all that is Vampire. Yet. The power of love could still reach through your oh so human attributes."



He took a step closer but Spike was frozen in his place unable to move, unsure if it was a Thrall or that he truly wished this.



"Your perfection was flawed in the most perfect of ways." His nail grazed the scared eyebrow and hissed in satisfaction when Spike shivered. "A work of art." That was how Raven saw perfection… in what set it apart from others… what made it unique.



Spike gulped when Raven started to walk around him as he spoke.



"You hold in you the best of Vampires and Humans with such ease one can not look away. Helpless but to look at you in wonder as the many colors of fire fight within you desperate to touch," he said coming to stop once more in front of him, raising his own hand as such. "That or seek the challenge of tainting such perfection in all means possible… or more possibly fear the burn, enjoy the warmth while they can and run away like the cowards that they are." Bright gold flashed as the last sentence was growled out with such enmity that Spike felt himself withdraw, as if the spell was broken, and evade the touch.



Raven's eyes returned to their blue-gray tones and he watched Spike move to the other side of the wide entrance. "I yearned for you when you crossed my path that night inebriated with ale and sorrow for the loss of your simple minded companion to her lusts."



Spike tried not to flinch at the mention of Drusilla and failed miserably. Raven noted his displeasure from the tension of his back. However, he continued, "I needed to possess you and you…" Spike could hear the other vampire's grin in his voice. "You had no fear of dying battling my minions and yet, you would not yield."



The older vampire smiled in relief when Spike sniggered and faced him once more. "You were pissed off coz I was snackin' in your territory."



They shared a grin. "That was the reason at first, it's true. But the way you fought even in your state … it was pure artistry." The older vampire leered. "And as a patron of the arts, or at least one alleges to be," he said mockingly throwing Spike's words back at him and rewarded with a snort at his attempt. "… I knew I had to have you."



Spike raised his head defiantly, tongue in a defiant way against his teeth. "But then you got to know me." One eyebrow was up. "Guess I made a better impression than I'm usually told." The head tilt.



Raven's eyes turned a shade darker. "After that night, I never possessed you… even with chains around your limbs … you fought with a ferocity that reminded me of a Lynx facing a pack of wolves."



The blond smiled pompously but with an air of uneasiness. "I've always seen myself as a cat vamp," he tried to play off the joke.



It obviously didn't work since Raven wasn't deterred from his approach or train of speech. "You possessed me, even then. You could ask – no, demand of me what you pleased and I would've gifted you with the barest of hesitation. You only needed to forget about… him."



Spike flinched at the venom seeping out with the last word.



"And yet, you have gifted me, even with your adamant refusal to remain with me fully; in every sense of the word. I had in my possession something most of our kind would loath – the ability to love." Spike felt his skin crawl and had this instant urge to be elsewhere, fearing that the Elder would punish him for such a transgression. God knew Angelus did when he came back in Sunnydale. Perhaps this was what the claiming obsession was all about… a simple way to cast his revenge with no one being able to stand in his way. Spike would be his in all sense of the word to with as he pleased.



"It was as if you infected me with it with only your presence." Raven shook his head in wonderment with no hint of anger, continuing unaware of his companion's jumpiness. "If I were anyone but myself then I would've condemned you to death in a way that would have had you begging for it to finally end."



Spike was ashamed to admit that he had breathed a sigh of relief at that sentence. It had been too much of a Déjà vu to his liking. Thankfully for him, Raven was too wrapped up in explaining his point of view that he didn't notice any of the thoughts flashing behind his eyes.



"But with age came longing for something new- or something lost. I would lust and I would always hunger and I would always have what I wanted in time." That moment he looked straight into Spike's eyes. "With you, I loved. In a way I dare say I never felt even when the sun's harmless rays would fall on my flesh. Still, with you I could not reach my goal."



Spike's eyes dimmed once more as they gazed down at the points of the fancy leather shoes Cordelia had insisted he wear. "That's why. I knew there was a reason for all this. Why all this is happening." His head snapped up. He glared angrily. "Coz I'm bloody unattainable?" Another voice rung in his head, it was a feminine one, claiming that his love was only due to him wanting what he could not have. Irony had it, that they were both held back by the memory of the same man.



Raven scoffed. "That thought itself is ludicrous! I have already explained my intentions. I will not even dignify that with more of a response." And yet he kept on going, Spike thought a bit amused. "If that was the true reason, I would claim you and not make you my mate to share my Rule."



Crossing to his side, the long haired vampire caressed Spike's features with tenderness that he couldn't help but lean in to with a purr. Raven felt warmth flow inside him at the trusting gesture this wild and beautiful creature, that knew no bounds, had bestowed upon him.



He knew that if Spike knew his thoughts, he would laugh at their sentimentality and wave them away with a joke or a change of subject. Raven wanted to do just that, only to show Spike how much he knew him by pointing out that over-romanticizing was a trait they both shared. More so for Spike, seeing as Raven had only him as an object of affection. However, in the last moment he decided against that, since that would only serve to open up old wounds for his beloved, or in his case, pour salt in ones that had never had the chance to heal.



"I believe in you. In the greatness you can bring." Raven smirked trying to lighten the mood. "And I plan to bask in it with you at my side and in my bed. You will be my equal. Always my Leif." With that he leaned in and pressed his lips to Spike's. There was a short resistance before the lips against his relaxed and participated. That was all the temptation he needed, not that he required any in the first place.



Raven felt the moan as much as heard it as he flicked his tongue against Spike's upper lip. His own moan followed, filled with glee as he felt Spike's teeth sink gently into his lower lip, pulling him closer in, and letting go to the passion they shared earlier this same night. His tongue brushed over Spike's lips before entering the open mouth, teasing his tongue.



Spike slid his hands around Raven's waist. The other vampire responded by pushing him against the wall. Spike mentally grinned as he felt the large painting he was viewing before tilt at the intrusion to its space.



Raven's legs framed Spike's narrow hips as he leaned in, rubbing suggestively against the younger vampire, never dwindling with his attack on his lips. He finally broke the kiss only to slide along Spike's striking jaw with tiny bites and licks, ending at the shell of his ear. He massaged the tempting flesh with his lips and tongue, enjoying Spike's breathless gasps before sinking his sharp teeth in the lobe electing a sharp intake of breath but finding no resistance to go on with his assault.



Spike felt his eyes roll back when he felt a gentle sucking on his lobe, knowing that the other vampire was learning his taste. Something Spike had denied him all those years ago in fear that if the Master tasted him he would be tempted to take a bite. However, now Spike had no stand or qualms to refuse. He didn't think he even wanted to.



Raven ground his hips into Spike, causing their hard erections to rub against each other. Spike growled deep within his chest and pulled him down for another passionate kiss, both fighting for dominance in equal ground, which only served to intensify Spike's arousal.



Raven laid his forehead against Spike's. He closed his eyes and dropped his voice to a rough whisper, due to the earlier passion or what he was saying, Spike wasn't sure, "You never denied me all those years ago, Spike, all but one. I never resented you for that. And I never forced you to give it up. I do not want to force you now… but I will not release you. That I promise you."



Spike head's dipped and he pulled back feeling his erection soften due to the feeling of rejection the subject brought back. "I know. But…"



Raven stopped him. "Listen to me."



Spike thought for a moment, he had been listening all night, he was finally having some fun but HE had to bring that up, before he shut his mouth letting the other vampire continue.



"Not only am I doing this to keep you at my side… but I wish you to see it as a means for protecting you." He narrowed his eyes, conveying the seriousness of the matter. "You were always reviled by the underworld but no one dared attack you with intent on your person as they feared you to be the Claimed of Angelus, the most feared and ruthless vampire." He couldn't help but roll his eyes at that. No one could ever mistake Raven for liking either side of the vampire. "Now they would wish to posses you due to the rarity of you being soul-ed …" He snickered. "Well, that and see you pay for all the 'good' you have done. Have I ever mentioned how your escapades always amused me?"



Spike shook his head in amusement. "I'll keep that in mind," he referred to the new information about now being all but open to grabs for anyone. Or he would have been if Raven hadn't already placed his claim. And if Spike knew the vampire, and he did, word would be out in all that are interested in the world and underworld… and selected dimensions. In thoroughness, Raven rivaled Angelus. Spike's name and Hrafen's approach of him would be on everyone's tongue, or whatever stood for it in some demons. Spike was surprised that his ear wasn't ringing his brains out.



"So… tell me, since you're feeling all the bit nostalgic … how's Juliana?" He pursed his lips eyes at a classy glass stand.



Raven blinked and caressed the photo Spike was looking at. "She left."



Spike tilted his head. "When?"



"Soon after you departed." At Spike's questioning gaze, he sighed with platitude. "Well I *may* have encouraged her to leave seeing as her presence only reminded me of what I didn't have anymore. Not that I ever had it in the first place."



Spike groaned and rubbed the back of his head. "God damn it, Ray! Are you thick in the head?!"



"I beg your pardon?" Raven might love Spike but even that wouldn't allow the younger Master to disrespect him, at least not until they were fully mated.



Spike pointed his finger at Raven who looked at the digit as if asking what to do with it.



"Thanks to you… she teamed up with the Immortal and had me sent to prison for tax evasion! She bloody set me up and now I know it's all thanks to her Daddy having kicked her out coz of me!"



Raven blinked at Spike before exploding in a gale of laughter. The glass stand rattled as he leaned onto it to keep standing. "I always hated that over confident Italian. But I have to give him points for his creativity!"



Spike pouted. "It's my experience that women get the creative ideas. The trotter was only with 'er in it coz he likes to make my life a living hell." His jaw clenched. "And you know how long it takes to get out of a 1950's Italian prison? Pretty damn hard! I got home to Dru with my hair sun crisp… to- to find all three..." Spike growled and couldn't finish the sentence in his anger.



"Concurrently?" Raven frowned. "She never let us do that."



Spike huffed and waved his hand exuberantly. "I know! He had a spell put on them I tell ya." He grumbled recalling the same situation with Darla and Drusilla some years before that. "And all I could hear for months after that was 'Oh, she had pretty fiery hair' and 'ooh he tastes like sunshine', harlot!"



Raven grasped on that straw of Spike smearing his Dark Princess' name. "They say if you love something, let it go and if it comes back to you then you know its worth. I let you go back to that crazy bitch you call a sire but she never knew your worth – neither did he." He couldn't help adding the last part.



Two honey blond eyebrows rose and a blond head shook in disbelief, was he ever that petty? He wouldn't be surprised if he was, remembering the names he continually called Angel when he was with the Scoobies or alone with Buffy.



A soft giggle then escaped Spike as he recalled something. "I don't know about you mate… but the ladies don't like our Italian nemesis for his goods." He wiggled the meaningfully. "I caught an eyeful…" He paused in thought. "Or not 'so' when I walked in on them."



Raven sneered. "Is that so… some of my rather 'bigmouthed' acquaintances might be interested to hear that." Spike would bet by tomorrow no woman … or man … would be falling for the Immortal. Spell or no spell. He smirked back.



"As for Juliana… I must question her sanity to be associated with him. Perhaps I should've not sent her away." It was said as a joke but obviously the other occupant of the room didn't see it as that.



Spike lowered his face. "Sorry." The soul seemed to be working over time if he was feeling guilty about a soulless vampire being released to the unsuspecting world. On second thought, it might be worth a bit of guilt or two.



"Not your fault," Raven reassured him.



"Isn't it?" He raised his face and voice in anger. "Liana was your favored Childe! Your heir! She had been with you for centuries! And you sent her away like she was nothing."



Ray's eyes flashed. "Dare not say that! She will forever be my favored little one! She was my first and thus she will always remain." He drew closer to Spike, his voice low as he stroked the razor-sharp features. "But she was never my beloved… I cared for her… but I never gave her my heart… she knew that… she was merely being resentful … I had reserved it till the night I came across you."



Spike sucked in his lip and shook his head causing the hand to slip away. He moved deeper into the room. "So you keep telling me."



Raven narrowed his eyes at that and followed him slowly.



Spike stood by the large window over looking the city under the cover of the night. "Necro-tempered?"



Raven started walking towards him, a smirk in his voice as he answered, "Of course."



Spike wrapped his arms around him and felt a sense of Déjà vu overwhelming him. He had stood in a similar position only a few months ago, yet he wasn't really him, a manifestation… a ploy in the endless game between good and evil. He was batted from left to right, here and there, no one wanting him but all using him the same. He was a convenience and it was only a matter of time before Raven realized that as well. It had taken Angel over 500 years, give or take a few centuries in Hell, to come to terms with Spike's worth.



Strong arms enclosed around him and pulled him against a strong chest. Spike bit back a whimper as he had another flash from the past, a further one… one that led him to cling at a hope of something more. The question rang in his mind no matter what he did to try and push it away. WHY did Angelus claim him if it meant nothing. If it was so easy to cast him away.



Raven began nipping at the side of his neck electing encouraging whimpers from the younger vampire. It had been forever since anyone paid attention to his pleasure first. But not forever, it was only a century ago. In France, Paris to be exact. And that bumbling idiot Harmony wondered why he hated even the mention of that place. Sodding France!



"I should go back." Spike said looking out. It would be soon dawn. He had a few hours though. He needed to think something over. He already knew who he needed to talk to.



"I'll drive you…" Raven started with a sigh. He took a deep breath to take in Spike's scent, squeezed him meaningfully before pulling away. Spike turned and looked at him apologetically.



"No, I think I rather walk… you know, do some thinking… kill a couple of baddies."



They shared a smile. Spike felt a little lighted headed and his chest was tight but not in a bad way. This might not have been a bad thing after all.



"It had been a while since I have been in a formidable fight." Raven crossed his arms significantly.



Spike snorted. "Believe me, Ray. You won’t find 'em in Los Angeles. Now Sunnydale…"



Raven ran his eyes over Spike sensually, causing the recipient to shiver in anticipation of the promises the gaze held. "It is such a shame that I never indulged in my desire to visit the Hellmouth."



Spike shrugged. "Well, you know there's another in Cleveland…" He started moving away. He needed to think without the distraction of Raven's looks and touches.



"William… if you need me to explain my proposition. I know you know about the claim but the other concerning the Rule…"



Spike frowned. "I know. I need to think about it, Hrafen."



"I can supply you with answers to all your questions," Raven started.



"I know… though you already burned my ear with the Slayer/Vampire alliance in the car … but I gotta do this my way."



"You always did follow your own path, Will."



"Yeah, I've been told that's my worse quality. I rarely fall in line." Spike's feet dragged him to middle of the room.



Ray drew closer all of a sudden, vampire speed shocking the blond vampire himself. He pulled Spike in for a passionate kiss. "Their loss is my gain for I find it one of your most admirable qualities… never a dull moment."



Spike found himself entranced by a pink tongue tracing over a sharp fang. He shook his head to clear the daze.



"You don't say?" He smirked.



Ray returned the smile. "Oh, yes, one of the many reasons I have presented you with my proposition…"



Spike raised his head seriously and pulled back towards the door. "I hope you really don't take this the wrong way… but I do bat for the white hats now… I have to make sure this won't change me in a…" he trailed off remembering his and Raven's 'never dull moments' a century ago. He wondered if the Watchers Diaries recorded any of them. He had to admit, they were fun. When he was evil, which he wasn’t now. It was strange how the soul seemed to have its own mind. But maybe William had a sense of humor he kept for situations like this to muddle with Spike's mind.



Raven nodded, though not a little sullen at Spike not staying the night and finishing what he started. Okay, what Raven started but Spike had a big hand in that, though not in the literal way he wanted. And just the thought of that helped in the worse of ways.



"I understand. You do what you need to do. I will await your answer."



Spike looked up at him, confused for a moment. Then the look turned appreciating when the words finally registered in his jumbled mind. Raven was letting him do this for the sake of him needing to do this because he knew it gave Spike a sense of control which he in all reality had none about the Claiming. Also, he was a little warmed at the notion of the other vampire waiting for him.



~ Great, I'm turning into a teenaged pansy. ~



Before Spike exited the door, a question stopped him.



"You don't intend to do battle in that attire, do you?" The amused question reached him from inside the apartment.



Spike looked down at his clothes and chuckled before locking gazes with amused gray with a conspiring gleam in his azure eyes. "I'm sure you'll help me fend off Cordelia if I break in my tux."



Ray slowly sauntered predatorily over. "There are better ways of breaking the tux in … ways I'm sure Ms. Chase would approve of."



Spike laughed out loud while drawing back teasingly. "I'll make sure to tell her that. She'll appreciate the thought." As the hand behind his back was slowly turning the handle, pulling the door open, Raven crashed Spike back into it causing to door to slam shut before thoroughly kissing the elated blond.



After some time of showing Spike what he was missing by leaving and making sure that he wasn't the only one left with something to take care of, the soulless vampire he was, Raven pulled back. The dazed look in his eye matched Spike's as he pushed him out the door.



"Have fun killing things," he winked and closed the door.



Spike looked, confused at the expensive wood before a large smile found its place on his lips and he turned on his heels and walked away whistling.



~ And they say I act immature, hah! ~









When Spike finished retelling the *informative* facts of the night before, mostly the things Raven told him at the party and in the car about the treaty bringing peace between the Slayers and the Vampire of Hravolen and any other Order that wished to participate, the two men were found lounging on the couch, a bottle and two glasses lay abandoned on the table. While Spike was sprawled, his neck against the back of the couch, Wesley was leaning forward in concentration digesting the unbelievable things that had been revealed to him. He raised his head in the direction of the window. Or tonight. Time had passed too quickly.



"I know that this is uncalled for… but are you sure you want to do this?" He indicated the shared Rule and his responsibility to mediate and guide his kind. It was a great task to ask of anyone.



"It's not like I have any choice, now do I?"



"If he does care for you, he mustn't force you," Wesley said with vigor. Though the watcher in him wanted that to happen, he did not want to see his friend with such a responsibility. He could see it everyday in Angel since he had gone against the Senior Partners and taken L.A.'s Wolfram and Hart from under them. This was asking a great deal of Spike.



"Wes, as unconventional in Vampire terms as Ray is… he still doesn’t have a soul. I know he cares for me… but giving me a choice now that I don't have any right to is pointless. If Raven doesn't then someone else will."



"I beg your pardon." Wesley turned to look at Spike who was now leaning forward.



"You know as well as I do that Angel isn't liked by almost all the demon world and that's in this dimension. Claims aren't only vampire territory, demons can take part. Claims in the underworld are done not for the sake of love or position but more of dominance."



Wesley felt his blood run cold. He couldn't believe how dim-witted he was to forget such a thing. He knew where Spike was heading with this.



Spike was speaking in a monotone voice as if retelling a story he had repeating a hundred times, yet something in Wesley told him it was actually the first time Spike said this. And perhaps that was reason enough to let him say what he as an ex-watcher and demon researcher should have known before hand.



"Some would do it to irk Angel and some for Angelus as well… he wasn't more liked than the broody poofer. Others would do so to acquire and… well take pleasure in breaking an 'abomination' in the sinful world of demons. Seeking ones soul is taking a big leap…" For the first time he turned to look at Wesley.



"I'm not gonna mollycoddle you, Watcher, you should know better than that. This thing is done… Angelus has first claim over me, no matter what. Bloody don't know why the fucker laid it in the first place! He can stop it even if it's half underway if he wishes, but he doesn’t."



Wesley was shocked at the sudden urge that filled him to catch up with Willow and ask her to make Angel into the rat he was. If he told her what Angel had done he knew she would do it in a heartbeat. He just couldn't believe why his good friend couldn't see that Spike was always following him, in evil and then in good. Always making the effort to reach out but only getting ridiculed and pushed aside.



The Englishman still recalled the recent incident with the splinter that almost took Spike's life. Wesley actually thought he saw Angel showing some emotions, too deep to be cast as a sense of guilt. But Angel turned around and all but threw Spike out for every soulless creature to declare torment on him if they won the Claim not soon after Spike almost died! Wesley could confidently say that he could write a thesis on Angel and how he behaves in his sleep. But ask him to explain how the soul-ed vampire thinks and you would be better off asking the vampire himself.



"What I want is to what venturing in Rule territory would do. Coz that's the only thing I have a vote in. I can refuse it if I wish but I'm still under Ray's claim and not to mention his protection. I'm not a fool, Wesley. I have contacts. I couldn't leave to Europe and be with Buffy and the Bit unless I wanted to be jumped by half the demon populace…"



Spike's words snapped Wesley back into reality. If Wesley hadn't taken his glasses off, Spike might not have noticed how wide his eyes can become.



Wesley spluttered before finally finding his voice. "You… you knew!" It was short of an accusation. "You knew that Angel's claim no longer held worth all along."



Spike looked away with a ting of sadness. "The word had been out on my claim for years. But I was with Dru before she found more interesting company…" His nose crinkled in disgust. Wesley gave him a sympathetic smile but Spike shrugged it off as he continued counting on his fingers.



"Then I kept close to the Slayer… then Glory, Willow, even before she got batty – which I regrettably missed."



"I think she would understand your absence with you busy fighting to the death for your soul," Wesley stated baldly.



Spike laughed out loud and punched him lightly on the shoulder. Wesley laughed quietly and rubbed at where Spike's fist hit him.



Spike rolled his eyes.



"You might have one on Rupes for being a funny bloke but you're as sissy as the whelp." Before Wesley could protest on being compared to Xander, whom he only knew as a teenager in Sunnydale, Spike continued his list.



"Of course, we can't forget the First… none dared make a move. The First all but claimed me and Glorificus was half way there, she didn't give a damn about the Master Lore being a God and all… 'lucky' for me she had other things on her mind, what was there was of it that is, and just before Raven came, none dared as long as I was in Angelus' town and working with him. Especially since he had made a rep for himself taking over Wolfram and Hart and turning it 180. But even before then, I had Angelus’ unspoken claim… then it was as if he forgot to reestablish it. But now the world knows."



"He did it on purpose," Wesley whispered in astonishment. He wondered if Willow would make Angel a rat with no tail. He heard that way the animal died in a painful and slow way.



Spike frowned. "Huh?"



"Angel knew," Wesley sounded incredulous. Remembering the looks shared with the vampires when Hrafen first arrived before Spike stormed out in anger. And Spike knew that Angel knew. There was no way Angel had forgotten about it. And yet even if he had, he was given a chance to reinstate it, even if he did not intend to consummate it, if only to protect Spike. But he did not. Wesley wondered if Xander would like to stomp on rat-Angel.



Out of nowhere, Spike and Wesley jumped up in alarm at the scream that followed an angry roar.



"Harmony!?!"



"Dear Lord!" Wesley exclaimed frantically. He then shook his head sympathetically when he heard the screeched, "B- but I waited until nightfall! Maintenance doesn't usually work late hours… I didn't know you slept at your desk!! "



"Poor Harmony."



"What in the world got to him?" Spike asked at the same time moving towards the door. A hand stopped him. "What, mate?"



Wesley shook his head. "You don’t want to go in there."



"Why the Hell not?" Spike asked, worried about Angel. He would know that roar anywhere.



Wesley couldn't hold in his grin. "Well, as much as Cordelia's admirable effort in trying to cover for Angel, I noticed his foot stuck in the concave of his desk." He smiled wider. "And if I'm guessing correctly… the maintenance had come in to change the office desk once more." Maybe it wasn't being turned into a rodent but it was better than nothing. He had to ask Harmony to describe for him every detail.



For a few seconds Spike's face was completely unreadable then all of a sudden he burst out laughing.



He nodded barely pulling himself together. "Well good!"







Angel growled at Harmony ignoring her explanation. With a snarl he pulled away from his desk and limped towards his elevator punching angrily at the button. Without looking at the gaping faces, he rode up to his penthouse.



Harmony turned to look at the maintenance men who were frozen in fear and pouted. "Cordy didn't need to tell me not to go in… I'm a vampire," she said in unneeded emphasis. "I could sense Angel unfriendliness from outside. It's not my fault that when it finally faded and I let you guys in to replace the desk he was taking a nap at his desk." She sniffed. "He didn't need to yell at me!" She twisted her lips. "And besides, I really think it's unbecoming of the Boss to walk around with only one shoe on, don't you?"