aufredpratt | Entries tagged with ats

Spike had been furious, never before had he been too slow, too weak? sometimes but never too slow. He had followed my captors as far as the road and noticed that the car they got into was entirely unmarked. No license plate, no company logo, no windows just a solid black shape. Going back inside the first person he had turned his anger on was Lorne but he soon found the demon passed out in the back room with a fairly large needle sticking out of his neck. Deciding that this was enough evidence to prove Lorne's innocence he plucked the needle out and pocketed it before turning his rage to the private room. As soon as he had seen who Angel was meeting with his fury had increased. With a full vamp face out he had forced her up against the wall spitting accusations of "wanting revenge".

The girl had looked like Eve but wasn't her. The thing that tried to take me over had to go somewhere so it chose someone desperate and lonely and filled with so much rage. Of course it had taken longer to get Eve so she was just now overpowering her own body. That's why she had wanted to meet with Angel. In trade for biting her and taking some of her power she would do the best she could to disrupt plans on the evil forces side. She also wouldn't contact us again and take Lindsey off our hands. Angel had just finished his side of the bargain when Spike had burst in. That's when she had explained the deal to him and had no idea that Spike or I were even out in the bar. Reluctantly he had let her go and Angel had suggested that they (meaning him, Spike, Buffy and Faith) go back to the place they were sheltered and tell everyone what had happened so they could track me down.

~~~

Darkness, that's all I saw, distant shapes danced just out of reach but something told me not to go to them. I couldn't move anyway. I had been ripped from him and it felt like an empty hole in my heart. But ,and I was filled with anguish when I realized this, I couldn't remember him. Who was he? Who was I? I choked and spat, a growl ripping through my throat. I didn't remember who anyone was but I knew these distant shapes had torn me from someone I was very close to and they would pay for it.

~~~

Spike had made sure his entering of our safe house was not quiet. He had wanted everyone to know I was gone. Willow had done her best to calm him meanwhile he'd given Wesley the vial he'd removed from Lorne for Wes and Cordelia to study. Kennedy was the one to suggest they make our bond visible, Willow had reassured him it wouldn't effect it. After convincing Angel that they needed to go right that instant they followed our bond which was now visible as a bright white light trailing from Spike out the door.

~~~

The bright white light broke my dark prison and flowed into me. I knew it had to do with him. It represented our connection our...our bond! Hope flooded through me. This was love yes! I clung on to that feeling, I could feel him growing closer. I knew once he reached me everything would make sense.

~~~

Spike had torn though the demons guarding the place. He had barely had time to shift into his vamp face as he had followed the bright white light emanating from him. Then he had reached the large central chamber where I had been held. Although he still found me pretty even when all "grr" something about this one still had given him pause. He said it was like I didn't see him, my now yellow eyes staring right past him.

~~~

The darkness had thinned then, I felt the light grow in intensity. He was here! My heart sang. My vision cleared to reveal..."Spike!" I cried, my vision widening and he laughed in relief. "I forgot you, forgot almost everything..." I choked on my words. It was just then as I went to touch him that I realized my hands were shackled behind my back.

He cupped my face "It's ok love, it's not your fault you forgot. Let's just get you back safe alright?" he kissed me tenderly wiping the tears from my eyes.

I nodded and he moved behind me to force open my shackles. Almost as soon as my wrists were free I collapsed into him.

"Easy pet," he cooed "Just hold on to me."

I nodded and clung to him as he carried me out.
(this one is still in progress)

I spent the rest of the night spacing out and trying to recover as much energy as possible. The last time I had drank as much blood as I had in a row was the morning of my turning. Every time I took another mug I made sure it was alright with Angel and Spike first. Spike's only concern was my well being and Angel only had one mug a day if he could help it. I think in total I had about 3 or 4 mugs, not a concerning amount but it made sense once you considered I hadn't drank any since before Spike and I's "Last Day".

As I spaced out I could catch snippets of different conversations happening around me. At this point I was back in Spike's lap and he seemed to be trying to recover energy as well. As we sat together I couldn't help but hear Buffy's voice cut through the conversation buzz.

"I just can't believe this is where my life is at." She was saying.

"What do you mean B? You knew you were destined to fight bad guys from the word go." Faith said in an affectionate tone.

I kept my eyes trained on the fire in front of me as to not give up the fact I was listening in, even accidentally.

"No, I mean like Romantically." Buffy paused for a moment "Not that you haven't been the greatest thing to ever happen to me."

"I better be." Faith's tone was teasing "But I get it, that bisexuality can sneak up on you." they both laughed at this.

I snapped out of my listening zone out and cleared my throat to get Spike's attention. He shook his head once to clear it before smiling at me gently "Something bugging you pet?"

"Kind of? When Cordelia mentioned driving around all day you and Dawn sort of shared a look. What was that about?"

He chuckled "That is an interesting story love, she tells it better than I do really." He looked around and spotted Dawn "Oy! Niblette!" he called.

Dawn startled and looked in our direction "What?" her tone half annoyed half amused.

"My girl here wants to know the story of our little road-trip." he smirked and motioned for her to come over to where we were.

Shrugging she crossed the short distance to us, taking a seat on the ground in front of us. She told the, quite convoluted, story of how a very powerful demon chased her and the old crew across the desert outside of Sunnydale. Spike filled in the parts she wasn't around for.

As she neared the end of her story I sensed Spike becoming a bit uncomfortable so I cut her short. "Thanks for helping pass the time and for filling me in. I'm sure the solution to it all was just as...complicated."

She shrugged "I guess." she was smart enough to pick up on what I was doing. My curiosity satiated I let her go back to whatever she was doing. I looked up and realized just then that I had never been more relieved to see the orange tint to the sky.

All of us managed to fit into the car somehow and the ride to our new place of shelter was quiet. Once we arrived I desperately needed a shower so I sequestered myself in the bathroom. I had to smell many different soaps before I found something to my liking. As I waited for the water to heat up there was a knock at the door. "Pet? Can I come in?"

I sighed in relief and let Spike in. He locked the bathroom door behind him and his lips found mine easily. I melted into him as his hands roamed up my body. I didn't even need to tell him we would need to be quiet and fast like our first shower escapade. Just one look between us said everything.

I didn't like putting on dirty clothes but it was better than not having showered. I carefully peaked out the door to make sure our path was clear before we exited and rejoined the group.

No one had noticed our absence as Buffy, Faith and Angel were talking quietly at the kitchen table. Dawn was curled up on the couch with a bleary expression on her face, staring off into space. Cordy and Wes had curled up on the floor and fallen asleep in each-other's arms. Willow, Kennedy, Gunn and Giles were absent from immediate view but I could hear muffled conversation from one of the bedrooms that told me Willow and Kennedy were in there. I took this time to look around the place, it had almost no doors except those for the bedrooms and the one bathroom. There were three bedrooms, one large one which I assumed Angel and his girlfriend used, and two much smaller rooms. One of them was the one Kennedy and Willow were sequestered in, the other one stood open. It wasn't a lot of room but more than I had thought given Angel's description. When he saw us he gestured us over to the table.

"So, Buffy, Faith and I are going to go over our plan. If you and Spike want to rest up in the other guest room that would be fine. Gun and Giles went to get more essentials and supplies." he paused and then sighed "and I do mean rest." he said firmly "I know you two have that bond but I hope you can be respectful of everyone else."

Spike made a mock offended face "I'm surprised you think so little of me mate." even as he said this he pulled me in by the waist, "I can, in fact, keep it in my pants."

Angel looked at him, frowning slightly.

"We'll do our best" I said with a small smile tugging Spike along to the room.

"No wonder the slayer likes him, neither of them can take a dirty joke." he rolled his eyes then smirked at me. I giggled as I shut the bedroom door behind us. It was defiantly a guest room, minimal decorations and all, thankfully the curtains over the only window were drawn shut.

"I'm sure no one would mind if we were to do our resting clothes off since they're so dirty." I bit my lip looking at him.

"You read my mind pet." he murmured with a smile, already removing his duster.

Just then the door was pushed open and Kennedy peeked her head in "Just wanted to let you two know that Willow and I just now put a sound muffling spell on all the bedrooms. It will have faded by sundown but we'd figured it would help everyone get more privacy and rest." She gave us a thumbs up and a grin and left. I called out a 'thank you' before the door was shut all the way.

"I do actually want to get some rest." I said stripping all my clothes off, "Not yet though."
(cue sex scene)

"Now we can rest properly." I panted, laughing gently.

He chuckled as he brushed my nose with his softly, "I love you pet."

"I love you too."

~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a knock on the door and it roused me from my sleep. Thankfully, vampires don't have very deep sleeps because we don't really need to sleep. I groaned and nuzzled into Spike's chest "don't wanna get up." I mumbled

I felt his chuckle roll through his chest "We have an important job to do love."

Pouting I looked up at him "Does Angel really need both of us when he's taking two slayers with him?"

Spike's eyes glinted dangerously for a moment and I felt a spark of satisfaction in getting the reaction I wanted, "I'd rather not piss him off." he purred and traced my jawline then over my bottom lip with his thumb. I half closed my eyes and he leaned in to tug at my bottom lip with his teeth before sucking on it briefly.

"What did I say before coming here?" came Angel's voice startling us apart.

"We weren't doing anything too much we just didn't want to sleep in clothes that we've been in for so long." I panicked "We just slept naked that's it.I didn't wanna get up and teased him a bit"

Angel sighed "I'm sure my girlfriend has something you might like, She keeps her old clothes in that dresser." he gestured at one in the corner of the room "stuff that still fits but she doesn't like anymore. Cordelia already raided her main closet. As for Spike I think I left some of my stuff here, I'll see what I can find." with that he left.

Regretfully I slid out of the bed and padded over to the dresser to rummage around in it. I managed to find something that was close to what I was used to wearing. The skirt I found hit above my knees and I was for sure not used to that. However, when I glanced over at the bed where Spike was he was watching me in rapt attention "you should wear shorter skirts more often." he murmured beckoning me over to the bed.

Blushing, I drew closer "I dunno I feel kind of exposed." the top I had found also dipped much lower than I was used to, not as low as something Cordy would wear just not as modest as I liked.

He ran his fingers up the back of my thighs and behind my knees, meanwhile he kissed at my neck then traced my neckline using his mouth. I tried hard not to melt into his attention, we had to stay focused.

Without warning, Angel had come back and tossed Spike some clothes "get dressed please." he ordered before leaving again.

Spike huffed but pulled away and reached back to pick up the clothes Angel had given him. He raised an eyebrow in surprise, "this is actually very close to something I've worn before." he smirked "maybe me an' Mr.Grumpy-pants aren't that different." Carefully he unbuttoned the shirt and put it on doing up all but the top three. Now it was my turn to be awed by him.

"We should get you more of those." I murmured, much less smooth than his response to me.

"When this is all said and done pet, we will definitely do some much needed shopping." he smirked at me. I couldn't help but reach forward to trace the little bit of skin his shirt revealed. He chuckled and took my hand, pausing for a moment to kiss my fingers softly before standing up, "come on then."

We exited the room and saw that aside from us, Angel, Faith and Buffy; everyone else seemed to be asleep. The group of us exited as quietly as we could and got into the very same car that had brought us here and had also brought the backup to our rescue. It was another quiet ride to Lorne's bar, though Angel seemed to be going over something in his head as he drove. We arrived and as we entered the bar I noticed that it was completely empty except for Lorne looking very...nervous? at the counter. He seemed to startle when he saw me but he waited until Angel, Faith and Buffy had gone into a private room for their meeting to say anything.

"Fred! I could have sworn, I thought Angel telling me you were ok and that you had been turned was just a drunken delusion I had." he looked down, clearly embarrassed. "Though when I saw our guest I had my doubts."

This caused a nervous knot in my stomach but I tried to ignore it. Maybe Spike had sensed my nerves because he sat at the bar and pulled me into his lap running his fingers up my bare arms. This motion instantly relaxed me and I decided to distract myself by telling Lorne exactly how Spike had saved me through turning and how I'd gotten my soul back. This seemed to interest him greatly.

"Are you sure I can't get you two to sing for me?" he leaned forward just a bit "I want to see the connection, I bet it's beautiful."

Spike shook his head sternly "Sorry mate, I don't sing."

Lorne huffed though there was still a playful twinkle in his eye "Is that just a vampire thing or just a you and Angel thing."

Before Spike could reply I cut in "I think it's a personal comfort thing." I gave them both a gentle smile.

Shrugging Lorne headed into the back "I'll be back here, You kids have fun and do whatever. Just don't break anything."

I glanced at Spike and he raised an eyebrow at me.

"He really doesn't mind." I murmured then giggled against his lips before he kissed me. Finally, I allowed myself to melt into his touches as he ran one hand up the inside of my shirt and one hand under my skirt.Though something still held me back "Do you think this is really a good idea we're supposed to be on guard duty." My thinking growing fuzzy.

"Lorne is right there love, we're fine." he murmured kissing my neck gently. With that I relinquished myself completely. He sat me up on the bar and pulled down my skirt, I had just enough strength left to hold myself up. Then everything was a blur, I was torn from Spike's grip faster and stronger than I had ever experienced. The last thing I remember is him swearing and snarling and calling out my name as he tried uselessly to keep up with my captors. Then, darkness.

~~The Girl In Question~~

This one I'm only including to note two very major differences. While my parents still visited W&H the struggle was hiding my vampirism from them. The other difference is that, surprisingly, when Spike and Angel went to look for The Immortal, Spike was the one trying to keep Angel from going after Buffy. I only heard this second hand from Spike, but the bigger confusion was what Buffy was doing since Cordelia had said that Buffy was pretty happy with Faith. Spike and Angel actually met up with Faith and she explained that it was a ruse to get closer to The Immortal. With all that considered, more or less the same events happened.

I will indulge in a tiny scene that happened at the end of my parent's visit. My mom had just said that I really should get a boyfriend and that Wesley seemed like a good fit. I responded that I had a boyfriend already and Wesley already had a girlfriend in Cordy. Who, just so happened to be walking past at the time. It gave Wes an excellent way to distract my parents because I had just heard Angel and Spike coming up the elevator. I ran as casually over as I could, they were arguing again. It was Spike's voice that had alerted me to their presence, I seemed to be able to pick him out of any crowd of noise now.

"You're a bloody nonce, you know that?"

"At least I got us out of there." Angel snapped back.

"Not before we were blown up." Spike huffed. He looked annoyed as the elevator doors opened but his expression changed the instant he saw me. "There she is," he purred only loud enough for me as I hugged him. "I missed you love."

"Missed you too." I murmured before remembering the task at hand "My parents are here!" I hissed to him gesturing over to where they were chatting with Cordy and Wes, "they don't know about the 'thing'" I tapped my neck where he had drained me during my turning, "and I don't think they should."

Spike looked at me and then over to my parents "I can play human for a bit."

I relaxed "Thank you."

Grabbing his hand I walked back over to My parents. I introduced them to my 'boyfriend' and they asked if they could take us out for a meal to get to know Spike better. Thinking quickly, I made the excuse that I was busy with work all day but they could take us to dinner. I'd even take them to my favorite taco stand. They loved the idea.

Later, once I was certain night had fallen, Spike and I met my parents just outside of W&H. During the walk over and the whole dinner Spike was insanely polite and aware of every comment he made and question he answered. I mentally chalked this up to his upbringing back when he was human. After we bid good bye to my parents, he and I made our way back up to our apartment. He commented that "playing human" was a lot easier with a soul. I couldn't have agreed more.

~~~~~Power Play~~~~~

Once again only two major differences from on screen canon. Wes and Cordy spent their "last day" together trying to be as domestic as possible. Doing all the little couple-y things they didn't have time for before.

Spike still read his poetry for his "last day", he didn't need any alcohol with me there, but they were mostly sappy love poems for me. As he read the last one he pulled me up on stage to read to me directly. When he had finished and the audience was applauding he kissed me in front of the whole bar. This got us a couple wolf whistles from the more drunk patrons in the back. I was still blushing from the experience as he helped me down from the stage and we made our way down into Angel's tunnels. We took a turn that I didn't recognize and Spike explained that he had asked Angel to make this passage just for us. I didn't quite know how that worked but I had learned not to question the thing that happened in these places.

We reached a step ladder and Spike paused in front of it. "It's not super nice yet but I made it look as best I could for today." He helped me up through the trap door and I was stunned. He had started the process of cleaning out the underground part of a crypt. Along the walls were a bunch of different sizes of candles that made the place glow with warmth. While, yes it was still rough, I could tell he had put as much effort as he could. "I was thinkin' when we get though all of this we could seriously make an effort to move in here." he smiled at me hopefully.

I smiled back at him eagerly "I love it!"

(cue sex scene)

~~~~~~Not Fade Away (and after)~~~~~~~

This is actually primarily after the end. A few things to note, however. While I still killed my target it was through trickery and eventually eating them, meanwhile Wesley and Cordelia faced their target together and Wes distracted him while Cordy just cut his breathing tube. No lives lost.

In case you're wondering where Lindsey was kept, it was under W&H where they keep their prisoners and where Angel's werewolf girlfriend spends full moons. I don't know what happened to Lorne, I hadn't seen him since my turning. Angel said he went into deep cover running his bar again.

The rest of this is after the on screen cannon ends.

Angel had successfully taken down the dragon and had made a small safe zone somehow using the dragon's fire. It seemed to work like those insect repellent candles a small dome that the rest of the evil forces didn't want to touch.

Spike and I were backed up against a wall and just slaughtered another short slew of demons. We didn't have much time to recover as the next horde was coming. I glanced over at him and he smiled reaching out his hand, I took it returning his smile. We braced ourselves to run into the next wave when suddenly the crowds in front of us parted. For the several unlucky demons that couldn't run out of the way they were crushed under the tire wheels of a quite large and darkly colored car. I could have never guessed who was inside it, however.

First out was Willow and Kennedy, they both gave us little waves before heading back to Angel's safe zone. A few moments later a blue-white light spread over the area pushing back the forces of evil. Dawn emerged next, she grinned at us as she passed, toting a very large backpack. My stomach tightened as Faith exited the car, she helped someone else out and my vision narrowed. As if sensing my anger Spike pulled me into him and my vision widened back to normal. I was still seething as I watched her get out of the car but Spike's arm around me kept me calm and made me remember the extremely strong bond between us.

Faith and Buffy approached us, though Buffy looked nervous. "Spike...I just wanted to apologize for how I treated you back then. You were right, I didn't love you, I don't think I ever did." She winced and finally looked at the two of us properly "I don't expect forgiveness." She looked down at her feet and Faith put her arm around her, rubbing her shoulder tenderly.

Spike shook his head dismissively "I have a new start here, real love too." He smiled at me, "I accept your apology, Slayer."

A fire inside me flared when he called her such a formal title. The part of me that was still primal found satisfaction in the way Buffy looked stunned at this. She nodded and took Faith's hand "That's the best I can hope for." they left to join the others.

I turned to Spike and suddenly felt all my energy drain from me, mostly out of relief but also exhaustion. He caught me suddenly panicked "Fred, love, you alright?"

Clinging to him I realized I was shaking "Just exhausted." I mumbled.

He looked at me, puzzled for a moment then something seemed to hit him "You didn't drain your target did you?"

I shook my head "no, I didn't wanna drink too much human blood."

Easily he lifted me up "That's a relief, you still need the energy pet." he murmured to me as I buried my face in his chest.

The next thing I remember was the smell of animal blood and sitting in a really cheap camp chair. Spike was directly in front of me holding a mug, "see," he was saying "she just needed some blood." I took the mug from him and drank deeply. Closing my eyes, I could feel the energy returning to me. Finally, when I felt better I glanced up and tuned back into my surroundings. Willow and Kennedy were in deep conversation with Wesley and Cordelia. Dawn had set up a mini fridge and was talking with Gunn, her backpack was open on the ground and I could smell the salt of dried meat coming from it even through the plastic packaging jerky was usually in. Buffy and Faith were also discussing something with Angel that looked very serious. There was one more person that I hadn't seen get out of the car. He must have gotten out when I had run out of energy. He was a much older man with glasses and a very stern expression. Spike noticed my alertness and smiled at me "Feel better love?"

I nodded draining the mug, "Yes, very much."

He grinned and helped me stand up, "I believe you missed Giles coming in." he nodded to the older man.

The man, Giles apparently, noticed us and nodded politely. I had heard Giles' name in passing, only the one time with the rogue slayer girl.

Just then Angel called us to attention and everyone stopped their conversations.

"So, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that Willow's shield will only last until morning. The good news is that most of the opposing army seems weak to sunlight as well. The other good new is that I was contacted by Lorne and he has found a contact that has high respect on the evil side." He glanced around pensively "They want to meet with me next sundown, so we have some time to plan."

"Did Lorne say who this contact was?" Wesley asked also looking thoughtful.

Angel shook his head, "No, he just said that I should probably bring backup." He took a deep breath "Which I have already decided. Fred, Spike you two will be my body guards. I'm taking Lindsey as a bargaining chip and Buffy and Faith will be my backup in the actual meeting."

Dawn raised her hand and Angel pointed to her with a slight grin on his face. "What about Team Magic?" she asked tilting her head a bit.

"Team magic?" Angel held back his amusement.

"Oh uh, I gave us names in my head based on who goes where." She flushed looking down briefly "Those of us staying here are Team Magic and those going are Team Vampire." She looked proud of herself.

I giggled to myself and would take up those names myself cus I found them amusing.

Angel coughed awkwardly "Right, While we're talking with the contact just take down the weaknesses of every demon you can find information on. Until next sundown we rest the best we can."

"Where will we stay during the day, we can't stay here or drive around all day." Cordy interrupted. Dawn glanced back at Spike with a smirk at this and he returned her smile. I made a mental note to ask them both about that.

"I don't think we can stay anywhere provided to us by Wolfram and Hart." Gunn said worriedly.

Angel stopped and looked thoughtful for a moment "My girlfriend's place! I'll call her and ask if we can stay there, since I had her fly out of the country for safety. She already sun proofed the place last time I was there too. We can leave just before sunrise." He paused and glanced at all of us "It's not that big so we're not gonna have room for anything personal." he said finally before Digging in his pockets and wandering away from the group to make his call.

Spike laughed to himself "Bossman is just mad that he can't get any right now." I giggled in response.

Suddenly realizing that we were both still alive, well technically undead but you get it, I sobered a bit pressing myself closer to him "We survived."

I felt his low chuckle as he combed his fingers through my hair "We did didn't we?"

I looked up at him just taking in his face and he pressed his forehead gently to mine. I closed my eyes and reached up so I could run my fingers along his cheek bones briefly before entangling my fingers in his hair, it was still slightly damp from the rain earlier. The rest of the world, and the others' conversations, seemed to drop away as he pressed a gentle kiss to me. Not being able to help myself I deepened the kiss.

"Hey Lovebirds! not the time!" the shout from Faith made us separate slightly. Spike and I were still holding each other as we looked over to where Faith and Buffy were sitting. Buffy seemed annoyed but Faith was slightly amused.

Willow glanced over "I warned you that they can't help it."

Faith rolled her eyes "Right the spell, isn't that just putting magic on what's already there though?"

"Technically yes but it makes the physical parts feel more important." Willow explained gently.

Faith shrugged "Whatever just keep it in your pants at least until we get to wherever we're staying."

Spike and both grinned at each other at that.

I was roused from my doze with the office becoming busy as morning came. Once again I was thankful for the magic glass as I felt a beam of sunlight fall over my face. That was one thing I was going miss was the warmth of the sun. I kept my eyes closed for a moment soaking it in as much as I could before I sat up.

"Must've dozed off." Spike murmured reaching up to stroke my cheek adoringly. I smiled softly at him taking in how good he looked in the sunlight.

"Good you two are awake." Angel was balancing three mugs again "Willow just called from the airport, they'll be here within the hour." he placed two of the mugs on a nearby table "I also made sure staff knows that there's another vampire to stock blood for. In the meantime, Fred, I think you should stay out of the lab until we have your soul back. I also have an errand to run later that I need some backup for I would like for you two to help." While it was phrased like an order but his tone if voice made it sound more like a question.

"'course I'm game, I wanna see what has boss-man worried enough that he needs backup." Spike smirked quirking an eyebrow.

Angel sighed "If you must know I need to talk to Lindsey and we need to go to the Hell dimension he's in."

I froze, I had gotten up to get my mug and bring Spike his own. At the mention of a Hell Dimension my stomach dropped and my vision narrowed again. Which reminded me of my new condition. I was stronger now, different, I could tear apart anyone who tried to keep me there, easily. At this my nerves vanished and my vision cleared. I took the other two mugs back and handed Spike his while settling into his lap. Taking a long drink, the first thing I tasted was the ocean and fish. We had only had butcher store quality blood at home, mostly cows and pigs. This was different, it had a more rustic taste almost wild.

"Fred, love you alright?" he squeezed my hand with his free one looking at me with a hint of worry in his eyes, "you had a 'grr' moment there, were you thinking of your past?"

I nodded "but I reminded myself that I could take down anyone there now." I smirked.

"That's my girl." he purred kissing me just long enough that I could taste the fact that we had got blood from the same creature.

I heard Angel sigh behind us and mutter "I'm going to have to get used to this aren't I?"

I giggled, just then the intercom on his phone beeped. "Willow and Kennedy are here." Harmony's voice came through.

He pushed the talk button "Thanks Harmony, go ahead and send them up."

There was a moment of silence but I could hear two pairs of foot steps climbing the stairs. I couldn't remember how i knew Willow but I remembered unleashing one of my rambles on her and she must have thought I was flirting with her. For the life of me I could not remember why she had come to LA to help, something to do with Angel's soul being gone? I shook my head wincing at the slight headache. The door opened and Willow entered looking, well I couldn't put my finger on what was different about her but she looked brighter? Maybe it was because she now spent her life doing her favorite kind of research with her favorite person in the world. Speaking of, I guessed the other girl with her was Kennedy. Willow greeted Angel with a one armed hug and then turned to where Spike an I were sitting. She gave Spike a small smile "So how are you guys?"

I nodded "doing well for having to regrow half my insides and now being undead." I laughed hollowly.

"Right, anyway Kennedy you already know Spike and you met Angel just now and this is Fred. She's Spike's..." Willow paused "I feel like girlfriend is too light now but Siree kind of misses the point."

"Life partner?" I tried flushing "partner is kind of your guy's thing though." I looked down at my hand still entwined with Spike's.

"I mean not really it's for everyone." She grinned "Besides Kennedy and I prefer the term Fiance."

It took me a minute to catch her meaning "oh! congratulations!"

She blushed slightly and Kennedy beamed "Yup we found a guy in Europe that would be willing to do a more traditional witch-y type thing."

Willow cuffed her on the shoulder playfully "It's traditionally pagan." she was still smiling.

My mood high I turned back to Spike and he looked slightly uncomfortable. My senses were immediately on high alert, "what's wrong?"

"if your wondering if you'll be invited of course you are, we wouldn't still be here if it weren't for you." Willow laughed softly.

"'s not that I just feel weird around wedding stuff ever since..." He looked more embarrassed now.

Willow blanched "Well if it makes you feel any better it's going to be very woodsy and rustic. The exact opposite of...what that would have been."

That heightened my curiosity, "What would have been?"

He sighed "A few years ago Willow managed to cast a spell that made everything she said come true."

Willow coughed "Yup and I may have sarcastically made a quip about Spike and Buffy getting married so they turned into this lovey dovey engaged couple. Only for a few hours, nothing too bad happened they were right back to being enemies after." she frantically finished.

I processed this for a moment my vampire instincts struggling against my human brain finally the word spell hit me and I laughed softly "Oh that's funny actually."

She looked relieved "In retrospect I guess." Kennedy rubbed her shoulder sympathetically. "Anyway, The spell is actually really simple, it just needs some major power behind it." she nodded digging in her back for a large book "All you really need to give us is some blood from both sire and siree and we have the rest. We just have to wait until sundown and perform the spell in like a cemetery or where the turning was performed. The cemetery would technically be more powerful." She glanced up at the rest of us "The blood needs to be fresh so just meet us at the nearest cemetery after dark." She grinned.

Angel looked awkward for a moment "Right, we have a thing to do so we'll see you both then."

Spike, Angel and I headed out meeting up with Gunn As we exited. He had handcuffed and gagged the kid from earlier who was now glaring daggers in Spike's direction. Before I could ask what the kid was coming along for Gunn spoke up. "We're gonna do a little swap out with Lindsey." he explained and the vampire instinct in me rose enough that I smirked.

We made our way down to the car lot, I didn't really question why we were here. I was just focused on keeping calm, I didn't have a good track record with hell dimensions.

The group of us got into a car and it was surprisingly able to fit all five of us. Gunn was in the front and had the kid buckled tight into the passenger side. Angel was sure to give Spike and I some room in the back. Still I pressed myself very close to Spike, more out of trying to keep calm than anything. Gunn seemed to notice this and cleared his throat "Don't worry Fred it's nothing like Pylia, I wasn't able to get too much info on it but I know for sure it's not like that place."

I felt Spike stiffen at the name "You didn't tell me it was bloody Pylia, pet. No wonder, I'm impressed you even survived." He pulled me into him as much as he could.

I laughed gently "I mean I went insane there but yeah." he ran his fingers down my arms gently and I closed my eyes.

"I'm not gonna let anything like that happen to you ever again love." He murmured just loud enough for me to hear.

When I next opened my eyes I was confused, it looked like we were in a suburban neighborhood. I sat up and got a better look outside and instantly got a strange eerie feeling. All the houses were identical, not just urban identical but like copies of each-other. "This looks pretty hellish alright." I said nervously.

He squeezed my hand "it's pretty unnerving."

Gunn pulled up next to one of the houses "This is it apparently."

Angel sighed glancing at the door "So we just run for it?"

Spike nodded with a determined set to his jaw. However my brain was working through something. Angel had been fine in Pylia, before I could say anything Gunn had popped open the side door causing both of the other Vampires to flinch. I giggled "Guys, alternate dimension remember? We're fine."

Angel blinked "Right."

Gunn shook his head "I was just about to point that out."

Spike looked embarrassed "You continue to be the smartest of us all pet." he smiled and kissed me quickly.

As we exited the car Gunn undid the gag on the kid's mouth "This is just so we don't look insane in there, you say a word to Lindsey and you're dead."

Gunn was checking a few things in the car and Angel had gone up to look at the front of the house, The kid turned to me and before he could say anything I held up the hand that wasn't holding Spike's "Before you say anything nasty the turning was my idea. I wasn't going to give up on life like that."

The kid's eyes flashed "You disrespect a loyal servant, I was only trying to prepare the perfect vessel and you had to go and taint it because you cling to life too much. She will have her revenge Ily-."

Before he could finish Spike had pinned him against the car, vampire face out in full "Don't you dare say that bloody name to her ever!" Spike growled "or I will let her eat you, no matter what Angel says."

I put my hand on Spike's shoulder and he lowered the kid down face returning to normal. Gunn stood up "What-" just as Angel strode over

"I leave you alone for 5 minuets."

Spike winced "Sorry mate, I just can't stand this ponce anymore. Especially when he's bugging Fred." he glared at the kid one last time before taking my hand again.

The group of us approached the house. Gunn holding the Kid by the arm in the back, Spike and I ahead of them and Angel leading. Angel knocked on the door and revealed an ordinary looking woman who greeted us kindly. Lindsey was sitting at a table with a child and stood up when he saw us. There was no recognition in his eyes. Anything Angel asked him seemed to go over his head, while they talked I noticed a pendant around Lindsey's neck that hadn't been there before. I pointed it out quietly to Gunn since he had the traitor kid by the arm. Then the woman asked Lindsey to go into the basement to get a light-bulb. Panic seemed to grip his face as he tried to reason with her but she was insistent. Gunn asked if we could help Lindsey out and she looked stunned for a moment then stumbled over a "sure, just don't get in the way."

We followed Lindsey into the basement and immediately the facade of this world was dispelled. Beyond the staircase there was a table surrounded by an unknown amount of torture and mutilation equipment. More than I had ever seen in my life, some I didn't even recognize. On the far end there was a giant roaring fireplace. Suddenly, Angel grabbed Lindsey's pendant and pulled it off. Turning to Gunn and the Traitor kid he quickly tied it tight to the kid's neck whose eyes quickly got that same glazed-over look that Lindsey's had. Gunn un-cuffed him and strode over to Lindsey who was still recovering. Quickly, he handcuffed Lindsey who barely had time to register what was happening. Spike and I barely had time to react as well. We heard the woman call down, but this time calling out to see if a "Knox" was finished with his friends. The kid put on a cheery smile and said we'd be right up. We took that as our cue to leave. I found it ironic that the last time I saw the kid was when I registered his name. Quickly I shrugged this thought off as we exited without incident.

As we were walking back down to the car Spike spoke up "What the hell was the point in us coming again? You looked like you had it handled."

Angel sighed "Can never be too careful here. If it helps I wont be needing you for the questioning aspect, we have more than enough of the means to hold prisoners."

Spike shrugged as we got back into the car and Gunn started it back up.

Turning back around we drove through a short span of the neighborhood before we were suddenly back in the garage of W&H. Gunn took Lindsey down to the cells below the offices, Angel went to follow them then paused and dug in his pockets "Here, the cars here have sun-proof windows. Make sure it comes back in one piece," He glared in warning at Spike.

Meanwhile, I beamed at Angel "You really are the best boss ever!"

He laughed at that "I try, I'll see you two at sundown."

Spike smirked "Thanks mate." his tone was genuine which took Angel by surprise. He gave us one last wave.

We got into the car and headed out the proper exit. I was momentarily surprised that Spike could drive but I decided it made sense since Angel could drive too. As soon as we got back to my place, it was a very short drive, I braced myself. I didn't know what burning in the sun was like. Spike looked over and took my hand smiling gently, "It's too short to do any real damage, Just run and it will be alright."

I took a breath and nodded opening the car door. It was almost instant, it felt like the worst sunburn I had ever had. Wincing as I left the car I ran for the awning that covered the entrance to my building. He was shortly behind me and almost instantly collapsed into his arms when he joined me. I was shaking with stress alone. Wordlessly he supported me as we made our way inside and into the elevator. During the ride up I glanced down and noticed that my arms and hands were already healing. My shaking stopped and I could stand on my own. "You alright now love?" he asked softly.

I nodded "yeah, it wasn't that bad like you said, It was just new."

He chuckled and took my now entirely healed hand.
~~~
(one sex scene later)

Taking a few moments to recover he helped me get dressed before putting his own clothes back on. Kissing me deeply yet quickly before taking my hand. We made our way back down and I was relived to see the area between the door and the car was in entire darkness. The plan was that we were going to drive the car down to the cemetery but Angel would take it back to W&H. It was a bit of a longer way there since the cemetery was on the edge of the city. Thankfully, traffic was much better at night.

Spike and I were there first and he glanced around the cemetery as we waited. "what are you looking for?" I asked trying to follow his gaze.

"A crypt or somethin' for us, I'd like to move back into one if we can." he smiled gently at me.

I returned his smile "I'd like that a lot, I can start making a list of stuff we would need."

We were distracted from the search by Willow and Kennedy's arrival. Willow had a much bigger bag with her this time. "We're just waiting on Angel right?"

I nodded "yeah he has to take the car we borrowed from him back."

Willow nodded "Well I also have a short spell I wanted to give him. It's actually really simple. It binds a soul to whatever it's currently inhabiting. Mostly used to trap demons and such to a much weaker body but I thought it would work."

"It might, that sounds really useful." it was all I could do not to ramble on about it's potential applications.

Thankfully, I didn't have to hold off for long since Angel approached us. Spike returned the keys to him. Willow made him wait outside the cemetery gate as the rest of us went inside. She said it would interrupt the flow of energy.

She wandered around for a bit then set her stuff down in a patch of grass and gestured for the other three of us to sit. We did so and she placed a few items in front of her: a knife in a sheath, a bundle of herbs and some white candles. "Alright, so a few things to go over. Firstly, I just need verbal consent that this is what you two want."

Spike and I both gave affirmation, feeling a bit awkward.

"Next," Willow opened her book and flipped to a certain page "I'll briefly explain what is about to happen. What I'm doing is using the connection to Spike as an anchor to bring your soul back. This spell is super specific to literally your situation. A souled vampire turns someone, not out of malice but to save their life. The two already have to have at least a little bit of a positive connection." she laughed to herself "I think the Romani* writing this spell wanted to think of the most absurd thing."

Kennedy nodded and I reached over to take Spike's hand.

"Don't worry this isn't going to ruin the bond, if anything it will make it stronger."

I heard Angel groan with annoyance somewhere behind us and I giggled gently.

"And finally, this is going to sound a little strange, but Fred you are going to have to take Spike's last name." Willow said, glancing up at us "Names are very powerful things. It doesn't have to be a legally just as long as it's used by at least you two."

"I'm alright with that." I said blushing now.

"Me too." he murmured smiling at me.

Willow then made us hold both hands then she lit the candles, setting them around us. She paused and looked at the open book "Chosen gods..." she murmured "What do you think Ken?"

Kennedy leaned in and whispered something in Willow's ear who smiled and nodded.

Willow stood up and took the herbs, crushing them in both hands she said something in a language I didn't know, though it was definitely western given some of the words sounding similar to ones in English. Suddenly, I could feel as if my blood were heating up. Finally she held out the knife to us "You are going to need to to cut each-other so that your blood mixes, I'll let you figure out how to do that."

I looked at him "this sounds kind of cheesy but maybe on the palms so it's kind of like when I brought you back." I murmured, my blush increasing.

He chuckled "I like how you think love."

Taking the knife I took Spike's hand and shakily made a cut. I handed the knife over and winced as he cut my palm. Quickly, I reached for his hand. As soon as our open palms made contact I gasped as something deep inside me burned with a pleasant yet intense warmth. Shutting my eyes at the intensity of it, I saw a white light even so. I opened my eyes and noticed that the world seemed warmer. I instantly felt even more guilty over my reaction to Harmony earlier. The vampire instinct telling me not to be guilty was still there but I was able to quiet it easier. I blinked "That did it." I grinned.

When he smiled back at me my heart warmed. He stood up and helped me up as well, maybe it was still left over energy from the spell but every touch from him left my skin tingling. We thanked Willow and Kennedy and met up with Angel. Willow handed over the spell she had found to bind his soul to him. Spike and I bid the others a good night and we made the long walk home.

*AN: She used the G term at the time, I'm just uncomfortable writing it now.