Chapter Eleven: Wedded Shadows
Summary: The price must be paid
Rating: PG
Silence filled the room and Xander found himself glancing between the other occupants, wondering why the tension had skyrocketed. Sitting up carefully he brushed a hand over Spike’s shoulder, getting the vampire’s attention.
“S’okay, luv,” the blonde reassured him. “Peaches and his pet have to get married.”
Xander’s eyes grew large, shock written all over his face. He looked around in confusion, not understanding what was going on. When Spike said nothing further, he reached out and snagged the end of Dru’s dress, pulling her closer. He continued pulling her until she was seated beside him.
“It’s all right, Kitten,” she crooned. “Daddy was bad and the old ones are punishing him. Round and round until the sky explodes, bound by blood and magic.” She giggled and snuggled into Xander. “I’ve got the best present for them.”
He stared in shock and horror at the two men seated on the other side of the room. Angel looked defiant, ready to fight what was happening while the shorter man at his side seemed resigned to his fate.
“That’s Doyle,” Dru whispered in his ear. “The stars sing for him too. But his stars are naughty and they hurt him. Bad, bad stars. We’ll make it better.” He nodded and sat back to watch the drama play out in front of them.
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Spike wrapped his arm around his boy, tangling his fingers in Dru’s hair on the other side. Everything was right in his world again. He had his boy, Dru and to top it all off, the over-gelled poof was stuck paying the price. Life was good.
“We shouldn’t have to do this,” Angel protested, standing toe to toe with Robin. “He’s Spike’s, why should we have to pay?”
“Oh, that’s easy, Peaches,” Spike drawled. He waited until the older vampire turned to look at him. “If you hadn’t fucked up in the first place and handed my boy over, none of this would have happened. Hell, we would probably have been out of the city already. But your playing hero put a kink in my plans.”
“This is all your fault,” Angel snapped. “If you hadn’t been in the city-”
“If I hadn’t been here, then Xander would more than likely be dead,” Spike replied coolly, tightening his grip on Xander’s shoulders. “They were well on their way to killing him in there, it was only a matter of time. I saved him, and I claim him. You, fuck things up like always. You fucked up as Angelus and now you’re fucking up as Angel. You’ll never change.”
The larger man lunged for the blonde, stopped only by Robin’s grasp on his arm. He turned shocked eyes on the legendary man and stumbled back at the fury in them. Spike sat up slowly, easing away from Xander and preparing to move as Robin seemed to expand, growing larger in the small room.
“Who’s at blame is not the issue here, though you are without a doubt guilty of causing the child harm. The issue is the price that must be paid,” Robin’s voice rumbled through the room. “The Elders have decided and whether you like it or not, they do hold power over you. Their decision stands. You will be bonded to the seer within seven days. Not even death will free you from your obligation.”
Angel sank to the ground stunned, and for a moment Spike felt pity for him. Only a moment though before common sense intruded. He glanced over at Doyle, taking in the sad look that the seer was giving the vampire. It hadn’t taken much to convince Spike that the half-demon deeply cared for his GrandSire, even if Angel didn’t return the feelings, and this utter horror that the vampire was showing had to be hurting the other man.
“The first part of the bonding will take place in two days. Do not try to run, you will not like the results. Spike,” he turned to the blonde vampire. “When I return I will bring protection for your boy as well as the address.”
The vampire nodded. He didn’t want to wait to avenge his boy, but he knew it was better to have protections on Xander first before enacting any of the plans he had made. He glanced up as Robin seemed to shrink down to normal size, seeming smaller and paler than before.
“I must return home for a spell,” the green man said. “I will be returning. Do not leave this hotel room. I have placed shielding spells on it. They are to keep those who may be searching from finding you.”
They all jumped as he disappeared with a pop, leaving them staring at the space where he had been standing. Spike looked down as Xander tugged on his arm, pointing to the spot with a look of confusion.
“Forgot to introduce him, didn’t I?” he laughed. “Have you ever read Shakespeare?”
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A scream tore through the quiet of the room, startling everyone. Wide eyes turned to look at the writhing figure on the floor, caught in the grip of a vision. Xander eased out of Spike’s arms and inched closer to Doyle, reaching out a shaking hand to touch him. Just before he made contact, the seer’s body stopped trembling and his screams fell silent. A moment later Dru moaned low in her throat, her hands grasping handfuls of hair.
“No no no no no no no no,” she muttered. Xander stood and went to her, pulling her over to where Doyle still lay.
“Dru?”
“Doyle?”
The two vampires glared at each other before turning their attention back to the two psychics. I’ve spaced these lines but ignore me if you wanted them all on one line
“Something bad’s coming,” Doyle managed to say. He lifted tear filled eyes to look at Angel. “Both parts of the bonding must be done when Robin gets back.”
“Why?” Angel asked.
“Because we need to be bound before the first day of the Virgin month.”
“Virgin month?”
“Mid August to mid September,” Spike said softly.
“That’s in three days time,” the older vampire whispered. “Why must it happen before then?”
“Because if we don’t, the world will end.”
Chapter Twelve: Wandering Silence
Summary: The Wedding takes place and someone wanders off
Rating: PG
Spike woke with start, noticing the warm body that normally slept beside him was missing. Cracking open his eyes, he glanced around the room, noting Dru having a tea party with Angel of all people. Turning to look at the other side of the room, he saw Xander and Doyle sitting together playing cards, a wicked grin on the younger man’s face. Rolling off the bed, he made his way over to them.
“Your boy’s a card shark,” Doyle accused when Spike got close enough. The grin on Xander’s face grew and he laid out his hand: a full house, kings full of aces. “See what I mean?”
“At least I know who to take with me to the next game of kitten poker,” Spike laughed. “You doing okay?” he asked Xander. The boy looked up at him and nodded, his eyes still haunted but slowly clearing. “Gonna check on Dru, I’ll be right back.”
Crossing the room, he had to bite back a laugh at the pained look on Angel’s face. The large man sat on the floor across from Dru and her doll, a teapot and china cups sitting between them. Spike listened carefully as Dru instructed her Sire on proper tea etiquette as she poured him a cup. Angel lifted the fragile glass with a look of distaste but took a sip of the bitter brew anyway, knowing that it was best to humour the insane woman at this time.
“May I have a cup, Dru?” Spike asked as he folded himself down on the floor next to them.
“Of course, Spikey,” the vampiress laughed. “Everyone should have a cup of tea, but we do not have enough glasses.” She pouted at him.
“S’okay, luv,” he soothed. “The other’s can have some later, okay?”
She smiled and nodded, turning to tip one of the cups to Miss Edith’s seam of a mouth. Spike noticed Angel watching her with sad eyes and shook his head. The older vampire would never understand, she may be insane but at least she was having fun.
“Dru,” Spike said suddenly. “Why don’t you bring some of the little cakes over to Xander and Doyle. There’s enough of those for them.”
“What a good idea, Spikey,” she smiled, piling several cakes onto a plate. She stood carefully and brought them over to the two playing cards, leaving the two vampires alone.
“You’re an idiot,” the blonde stated, staring hard at his GrandSire.
“Why is that?” Angel asked wearily.
“You’re being handed something precious on a sliver platter and all you can do is bitch that you’re being forced into marriage.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Bullshit,” Spike snapped. “I’ve been stuck with Dru since you took off eighty years ago, and as much as she might drive me crazy I’ve never complained about it or her, or denied my feelings for her.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. What feelings?” Angel blustered.
Spike tipped his head to the side and stared hard at his GrandSire. “I never figured you for a coward. And since you’ve become all soul-having, I never figured you for one to hurt someone needlessly. Yet here you are, running away and hurting someone who loves you more than life.”
“Why doesn’t the boy talk?” asked Angel suddenly, desperate to change the subject.
Smiling ruefully, Spike allowed the change. “Don’t know. Dru said something about the shadows taking his voice. Not sure what she meant, and Xander doesn’t want to discuss it either.”
“How do you manage to communicate with him?” This time Angel was truly curious.
“Dru and pen and paper,” Spike shrugged. “It’s sad, we’ve been here almost two days and you’ve just gotten around to asking that.”
“I haven’t been able to get near you to talk to you,” the older vampire replied. “You’re always with the boy and he’s still scared of me.”
“Do you really blame him?” Spike growled. “Whatever happened to him was bad enough that he won’t tell me, and neither will Dru.”
Angel opened his mouth to reply but a loaded crack filled the air. Turning they watched as a portal of swirling lights appeared and Robin stepped through.
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Xander watched as Robin stepped out of the swirling lights with fascination. He couldn’t help but stare at the tall man, wondering if he could see Puck’s mischievousness in the man’s somber face. He stifled a smile as one bright green eye winked at him before turning toward Doyle.
“Are you prepared?” Robin asked the seer.
“I am.”
“Are you prepared?” he turned to the dark vampire.
“No,” Angel answered. “I still don’t think we should have to do this.”
“What you think is of no matter,” Robin told him seriously. “I ask again, are you prepared?”
“No.”
“Then this will be done by force,” the green-tinged man sighed. “I had hoped you would be mature and reasonable about this. It will happened regardless of your feelings on the issue.”
“Force?” Angel squeaked.
“Simple spell that will make you do as I command,” Robin informed him. “I would rather not use it. I prefer you doing this on your own.”
“Just do it, Angel” Doyle sighed, laying his cards down and standing up. “Nothing’s gonna stop it.”
The vampire looked around the room, whether for escape or help, Xander wasn’t sure, but no reprieve was found. “Fine, let’s do this.”
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“Good. I need both of you to come here,” he gestured, pointing to the spot in front on him. The seer and the champion made their way over, both fidgeting as they stood before Robin. The green man pulled a dagger and a chalice out of thin air. “The seer first.”
Doyle stretched out his hand, giving it into Robin’s keeping. Nodding his thanks, the green man made a quick cut on the small man’s hand, letting the blood flow into the chalice. Robin then turned to Angel and waited for the vampire to put his hand forth. When he did, Robin made a similar cut, once again letting the blood drip into the waiting vessel. He let the chalice hang in the air for a moment, leaning forward to snip off a bit of each of their hair, dropping the combined hairs into the cup. A tap to the side and a cloud of smoke rose from the chalice, fading quickly in the air. Robin handed the cup to Doyle, letting him drink before handing it over to Angel, watching with bright eyes as the vampire reluctantly lifted the cup to his lips.
“Now a kiss,” Robin said softly, moving close and brushing his lips over Doyle’s. The seer gasped as magic flowed through him and he couldn’t help but lick his lips as Robin moved away. He watched as Robin kissed Angel, almost seeing the magic that moved across the vampire’s body. “Now thekiss.”
Nodding in understanding, Doyle turned to Angel and pulled the taller man down for a kiss, feeling the magic in both of them meet and combine, changing and binding them. He pulled away reluctantly, refusing to meet his friend’s eyes, not wanting to see the loathing that would be in them.
“You must finish the binding as soon as possible,” Robin informed them, tossing the dagger and chalice into the air where they disappeared. “You are both still vulnerable to outside influence until you do.”
“Finish?” Angel asked, confused.
“He means sex,” Doyle muttered, knowing the other man would hear him.
“I can’t, we can’t, I mean. . .” Doyle didn’t wait for him to finish, he turned and fled the hotel room, trying to blink back the tears that wanted to fall.
“I think I’m gonna throw you a parade,” Spike sighed from across the room. “You deserve it for being the biggest idiot in the world.”
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The half-demon stalked through the streets almost blinded by his tears. He had what he wanted at his fingertips and yet it was still so far away. All he wanted, from the time he’d first talked to Angel was to have the souled vampire as his own. Now he had him, but he would never have him. And that simple fact hurt.
He was jerked from his thoughts as rough hands came out of the darkness and grabbed him, pulling him back into the dark. He felt handcuffs snap around his wrists and cursed his impulsiveness. He hadn’t even taken his lockpicks with him.
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Robin’s eyes grew distant as he stared at Angel with contempt. Spike watched as the tall man’s face darkened with anger and he turned that fury on the dark vampire. Angel went flying through the air, guided by some invisible force, hitting the far wall with a loud thump.
“I warned you,” Robin snarled, stalking toward his prey. “You were being commanded to do this by the Council of Elders, and still you balked at your duty. That alone would be enough to have you punished, but you compounded your guilt by hurting the one who holds the key to your unlife in his hands.”
“What?” Angel gasped.
“Your lives are bound together, life and death,” the tall man informed him. “Together you would have been unstoppable. The pain of his visions would have diminished and the two of you would have spent your lives together helping those in need. Now the other side has him, and they know he helped free the boy. They are not pleased.”
Robin stepped back, letting the large man fall to a heap on the floor. He turned to look at Spike, silently asking the blonde vampire for help.
“He risked himself for me and my boy,” Spike nodded. “S’only fair I repay the favour.”
“Thank you,” Robin said sincerely. “To sweeten the pot, I suppose I should inform you that your prey has him.”
A savage smile curved Spike’s mouth and his eyes filled with unholy glee. “Two birds with one stone, mate. This just gets better and better.”
Chapter Thirteen: Stricken Silence
Summary: It’s Doyle’s turn to be tortured and rescued
Rating: R for violence and torture
Everyone was tense, anger and hurt flowing around the room, wrapping around Xander and making it hard for him to move or breathe. Spike and Angel were snapping at each other, both blaming each other for Doyle’s abduction. Dru sat humming in the corner, Miss Edith on her lap, as she sharpened a wicked looking knife. The mysterious Robin was on the far side of the room, waiting patiently for everyone to quiet down. Hesitantly, Xander made his way over to the green man, stopping before him and meeting his eyes squarely.
“Can I help you, young one?” Robin asked.
Xander stared at him hard, putting all his feelings into his gaze. He needed Robin to know how much they needed everyone on this mission.
“You want to come with us?” Xander nodded sharply, his eyes never leaving Robin’s. “You need protection first.”
“Protection?” Spike asked, moving away from Angel and over to Xander. “You found something to protect him?”
“Yes,” Robin answered. He glanced away from Xander and met Spike’s eyes briefly. “I have something that would help protect him.” He pulled a necklace out of his pocket and handed it over to Spike.
“What’s this?” the blonde asked, turning what looked like a mass of melted rock over in his hands.
“Rocks from sacred spots around the world, charmed to protect and hide,” Robin smiled. “The Vatican, a temple to Bacchus in Greece, Ayer’s Rock, Ancient Babylon, etcetera, etcetera.”
“How does it work?” Xander stepped back as Angel moved closer, eyeing the charm.
“The protection charms will keep most harmful spells from affecting him, as well as blocking some physical wounds. The charms to hide him are the special ones. They will keep any scry spells from locating him, and they will keep those with less than honourable intentions from finding him. With the right keyword, it can also make him less noticeable, except to those that are keyed into it,” Robin finished, taking the necklace from Spike and carefully tying it around Xander’s neck. “You must wear this at all times. Do not take it off for anything or anyone.” Xander nodded, tracing the odd bumps and whorls in the rock.
“So what now?” Spike asked.
“Now, we retrieve our lost Seer.”
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Trent smiled down at the defiant green eyes, laughing softly as the bound man struggled. While he’d had fun torturing Xander, there was something a little more satisfying about having your toy scream for you. With a happy little shiver, he placed the edge of the knife against the half-demon’s skin and watched as the flesh parted beneath the blade. He laughed again as the seer screamed in pain.
“I really like this new toy,” he commented to the shadowed corner. “Pretty, pretty screams.”
“Remember you only have him for a short period of time,” a dark voice rumbled. “He must be dead by midnight tonight.”
“Yes, yes,” Trent rolled his eyes. “He’ll be gone as soon as I’m done here.”
“Good.”
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Spike watched his boy walk, sandwiched between Dru and Robin, smiling at whatever the vampiress was babbling about. He kept his eyes on the trio, ignoring the tall vampire walking beside him. He didn’t like the situation they were walking into, but he refused to leave Doyle to the other side’s mercy, not after the seer had helped rescue Xander.
“Spike,” Angel said from the side. “We need to talk.”
“No we don’t,” the blonde replied. “You need to get your head out of your ass and all of us together need to go and get Doyle. But we don’t need to talk.”
“William – ”
“Don’t call me that,” Spike snarled, turning to face the older vampire. “William died a long time ago, or don’t you remember? You helped kill him. And now with a soul, you’re doing the same thing to someone else.”
“I’m not killing anyone!” Angel shouted.
Spike stopped and stared. “Yes you are. And the pathetic part is you don’t even realize it.” He started walking again. “Let’s go, we have to get Doyle back.”
The blonde walked a little faster, pulling even with the trio. Smirking at Robin, he slipped between him and Xander letting the warmth of the boy calm him. There was silence for the rest of the trip, but Spike didn’t mind, it let him hear his boy’s heartbeat more clearly.
“Here,” Robin said suddenly, coming to a stop.
“It’s a bar.”
“Yes, but there’s an apartment below it. That’s where they are.”
“You’re sure?” Spike asked.
“Yes,” the green man nodded. “Are we ready.”
“Yes,” Angel answered.
“Let’s go then.”
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Doyle watched as his torturer lifted the knife to lick the blood away from the blade. The seer had been cursing himself since he was grabbed. He couldn’t help but wish things had been a little different, or even that he had thought before he walked out. Rash thinking only got a person hurt in the end. He was proof.
“Hmm, guess the demon blood does make it taste a little different,” the standing man remarked as he finished licking the blood off. “Still sweet though.”
Doyle opened his mouth to reply, but a loud noise from the other room stopped him. He watched in fascination as the door flew off its hinges, hitting the far wall with a loud bang. Three blurs rushed into the room, one dark, one light and one green, all headed for the man with the knife. Two figures followed them in, walking more calmly, but still quickly. Doyle sighed with relief when Xander smiled down at him as Druscilla snapped all the restraints. Sitting up carefully, he turned to look at the massacre happening across the room.
Angel and Spike were ripping into the defenceless body, snarls of rage falling from twisted lips. Standing over them, Robin chanted something, the language strange but beautiful. An arm went flying across the room accompanied by a wail of agony and the other three could hear Spike’s chuckle of satisfaction. A sudden flash of light filled the room and when it cleared the ruined mess of the man could be seen on the floor, lying in a pool of blood. There was another flash and he was gone, leaving them staring.
“He’s been sent to the Elders,” Robin answered the startled looks. “He will live in pain in a hell dimension until the Elders are satisfied that he has suffered enough. At that time they will kill him.” He walked over to Xander. “He will never harm you again.”
“Thank you,” Doyle said, for himself and Xander.
“You are one of us, Seer,” Robin smiled. “And we protect those like you. As for the young one, he is a puzzle and the Elders love puzzles.”
“Are they going to come after him?” Spike asked, coming over to wrap his arms around Xander.
“No, they are leaving him to find his destiny,” Robin answered. “And so must I. I will leave you now. Remember to keep neutral until he is ready to decide.”
Spike nodded. They watched as a portal opened behind the green man and he stepped back with a smile, disappearing from sight.
“Let’s head back to the hotel,” Spike said to Xander, leading him from the blood soaked room. “We’ll pick up our stuff and then head out of town.”
“No,” Angel disagreed. “I wasn’t joking when I said we needed to talk, Spike. Go to the hotel and grab your stuff, but meet us back at my place.”
“Meet you back at your place,” Doyle interjected. “I’m going with them.”
The souled vampire stared at his friend for a moment and nodded. “Fine. Just be there.” He turned and left the room, not waiting to see if the others agreed or not.
“Come on,” Spike sighed. “As soon as we finish with him we can leave this city. I’m starting to think it’s cursed.”
Doyle laughed at that. “Hell, I’m starting to agree with you.”
Chapter Fourteen: Spoiled Shadows
Summary: A parting of ways
Rating:
The streets were still dark as Spike guided the car through town. He had the sudden urge to turn and head out of town, taking Xander, Dru and even Doyle away from Angel’s reach, but he knew realistically that it wouldn’t work. If Angel didn’t track them down, then the Elders would and the punishment would be swift and painful. He pulled the car into a parking spot and looked over at the dark-haired man sitting beside him. Doyle stared back at him, green eyes dark with suppressed emotion, then he sighed and slipped out of the car heading for the door to Angel’s apartment.
“Let’s get this over with,” Spike said, exiting the car. He held a hand out to Xander as the young man closed the car door and followed Doyle to the door, knowing that Dru would be right behind them.
Despite the darkness of the main room, Spike could clearly see the older vampire sitting with slumped shoulders. Angel didn’t look up as they entered, didn’t even flinch at the sudden illumination when Doyle flicked the light on. He just sat, staring down at his hand clasped loosely between his knees.
“I really fucked up this time, didn’t I?” he said softly.
“Yes,” the voices answered and Xander nodded.
“I thought I was doing something right,” Angel laughed bitterly. “Some champion I’ve turned out to be. Get an innocent captured and tortured, get my seer, my friend captured and tortured. Can’t seem to do anything right.”
Spike felt a brief wave of pity at the dejected look on the older vampire’s face. He didn’t want to feel sorry for the sod, but sometimes it was unavoidable, and this seemed to be one of those times. The souled vampire was trying, they all knew that and that fact was the only reason he wasn’t a pile of dust on the carpets. Angel’s efforts in rescuing Xander were the only reason for Spike sparing the vampire’s unlife.
“Angel,” Doyle began softly, moving to stand beside seated man. “Angel, look at me.”
The dark haired vampire lifted his head to meet Doyle’s eyes and even Spike could feel the charged emotions in the air. Angel grabbed the smaller man and pulled him close, burying his face in Doyle’s shirt. Spike could clearly hear the muffled sobs from across the room.
“Okay, enough of this,” spat Spike, striding over to knock some sense into the older vampire. “I want to get out of this town, soon preferably. That means the talk you want to have has to happen now.”
“You’re right,” Angel sighed as he pulled back and wiped his eyes. “Take a seat, everyone.”
Spike grabbed Xander and Dru, pulling them over to the couch away from the dark-haired man and the seer. He sat on one side of Xander and sat Dru on the other side of the boy, keeping the vulnerable one of their trio safely between them.
“One by one, two by two, little soldiers behind you,” Dru sang softly. “Night and day, clean, clean, clean.”
“Dru?” Spike questioned.
“Family matters,” she replied.
“Angel?” the blonde turned to look at the dark vampire.
“She’s right,” Angel answered. “I’ve been thinking since this whole damn thing started. Doyle and I are okay working alone, and we will do what’s right, but we might not always do what’s right. We need someone who’s willing to see the other side of the situation and make sure we do what’s truly right for everyone.”
“So you want me to stay?”
“Yes.”
“What about my boy and Dru?” Spike asked. “Would you let them stay as well?”
“I figured that you were a joint deal,” Angel said ruefully. “It would mean more protection for Xander as well.”
“Give us a minute,” Spike said. He turned and looked at the two at his side, meeting both sets of dark eyes. Xander nodded, smiling slightly and Dru giggled, winking at him. “Guess that’s a yes then.”
Angel let out a sigh of relief. “We’ll need to find you some place to stay though. Unless. . .” he trailed off.
“What, Peaches?” Spike smirked. “Unless we stay with you? I don’t know, you are on your honeymoon.”
“Spike,” the dark vampire said in warning.
“You can’t stand me, why would you want us to live with you?”
“Like Dru said, family,” Angel answered. “Even when you’re driving me crazy, you’re still family, William, and I want you near.”
“Okay then, what’s the boundaries?” Spike snorted at Angel’s hurt look. “I know you, you won’t let me cry havoc or run around unchecked. So what’s my leash?”
As Angel opened his mouth to answer, a tightly rolled scroll popped into existence on the table before him. Glancing around the room with startled eyes, he met equally startled gazes. He reached a shaking hand for the scroll, wary about any trap that might be laid on the innocent looking parchment. When his fingers touched the ribbon holding it sealed a bright flash of light lit the room and the scroll lifted into the air and unrolled.
Reminder from the Council of Elders, sounded through the room. Seer Doyle, Champion Angelus, your bond must be consummated by the first fingers of day. A suitable punish shall be found if our commands are not met. Let this be your warning.
Angel flinched at the name used for him, but met a blushing Doyle’s eyes squarely. Doyle nodded and then looked away, his face still red. The vampire wondered briefly if Spike had been right about Doyle and the whole situation. While in Sunnydale he had begun to fall for the blonde, perky Slayer and her death at the hands of the Master hurt almost more than getting his soul. The thought of facing a similar situation with Doyle had kept him from acting on the attraction he felt for the seer. He didn’t want to loose anyone else. But Robin had said they would be bound forever, until one dies at which time the other would too. Confused, he turned his attention back to the scroll.
William the Bloody, you are charged with keeping the mortal, Alexander Lavelle Harris, safe and neutral. To complete your task, you must meet a balance between the light and dark side of your nature. We will leave the method to you.
Druscilla, Immortal Seeress, Mad Witch, to you we charge the task of teaching the Seer Doyle to control his gift. Use what means you deem necessary, but do not harm him.
Alexander Lavelle Harris, Mortal, to you we say learn. Strive for knowledge until the time comes for you to use your gifts.
Remember, we will be watching.
The scroll disappeared as it had come, leaving them looking around at each other in shook.
“Guess I won’t need a leash then,” Spike laughed.
Chapter Interlude: Silent Duty
Summary: Consummation of the Bond
Rating: NC-17
A/N: This is Angel and Doyle’s Wedding Night
Doyle avoided looking at the bed, instead focusing on the other furniture in the room. A large wardrobe stood on one side of the room, its doors open to show the dark clothes hanging inside. A low dresser sat next to it, the top covered in hair gel and books. Across the room was an armchair, big and plush and definitely not something he thought Angel would have. Glancing around he noticed there was nothing else other than the bed. Swallowing nervously he turned to look at it and the vampire sitting there.
“Doyle,” Angel started, staring hard at the still standing man. “Are you okay?”
Doyle met dark eyes, noticing that there was fear and uncertainty reflected back at him. He wondered exactly what Angel was so worried about; the vampire was getting the short end of the stick being stuck with him.
“Doyle,” Angel said again, a smile gracing his lips as he startled the seer out of his thoughts.
“Sorry, kinda got lost there,” the seer apologized, running a hand through his hair. “How do you want to do this?”
“Doyle,” the vampire said a third time, a note of exasperation creeping into his voice. “Can we talk first, please?”
“What’s there to talk about? Who’s going to be on top?” snorted Doyle, anger coursing through him at the vampire’s stall tactics.
“Please, let’s just talk about everything,” sighed the seated man. “We need to work the details out before we go on.”
“We don’t have the time to talk,” Doyle reminded him. “This all has to be done before dawn. Might as well get it over with and talk after.”
“I don’t want-” Angel begun.
“I’m well aware that you don’t want me or this,” Doyle snapped. “But we haven’t been offered a choice in the matter. So let’s just fuck and finish it!”
“No!” Angel surged to his feet. “There’s been a lot of misunderstanding around this whole situation. Now come here and talk to me for a few minutes. Please.”
“Angel,” Doyle sighed, all his anger rushing out. “I was serious. We don’t have the time to talk. Dawn’s not that far off.”
“Just for a moment,” the vampire pleaded, reaching out for his friend, no, his husband.
Doyle stepped closer letting the larger man pull him near. He sat on the edge of the bed gingerly, a strange fluttery sensation starting in his stomach. He tried not to flinch as Angel sat down beside him, the vampire’s eyes fixed on the floor between his feet.
“Do you care for me?” The question broke the accumulated silence. Doyle turned shocked eyes on the man beside him.
“Of course I care for you,” the seer assured his companion. “You’re my friend.”
Angel laughed. “Not quite what I meant.”
“Oh.” Doyle felt the red wave of his blush creep up his neck and into his face. “You mean, do I care for you.” He paused. “Yes, I do.”
“I care about you too,” Angel told him, lifting dark eyes from the floor to meet stunned green.
Doyle opened his mouth to ask for clarification but a pair of cool lips interrupted him. They settled over his own warm ones for a few moments before Angel pulled back, a slight smile gracing his face.
“Dance with me,” the vampire whispered, leaning across Doyle to flick on the radio.
The seer stood at Angel’s urging, listening as the soft strains of music filled the room. He raised an eyebrow as the song registered and couldn’t help but smile at the sheepish look on Angel’s face.
“I like this song,” the vampire apologized, stepping into the smaller man’s space. “Hello darkness, my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again, because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping, and the vision that was planted in my brain still remains within the sound of silence,” he sang softly.
They swayed together to the music, bodies briefly brushing. Nervously Doyle moved closer, letting his body rest fully against the taller man. A shiver ran through him, part from fear of rejection and part arousal. Angel wrapped long arms around him and lowered his head slowly, giving Doyle the chance to move away. Doyle didn’t though, instead he tilted his head up and met Angel’s lips with his own, tasting the other man’s mouth. The taste of fear, desire, regret and need all jumbled together with a taste that was pure Angel. He lost himself in the kiss, letting the larger man control it. He blinked dazedly when Angel pulled away but quickly regained his thoughts when Angel began to pull off their shirts. The sight of Angel’s bared chest made him uncertain and left him feeling small and pathetic next to the pale, muscled frame.
“Beautiful,” Angel murmured, running a hand down Doyle’s side. “Just beautiful.”
“I’m not,” he protested, reaching out to touch the pale expanse of perfect flesh.
“Yes you are,” the large man corrected. “Beautiful and mine.”
Their lips met again in a fierce kiss, tongues battling and teeth clashing as they tried to devour each other. Doyle wrapped his arms around Angel’s neck, pressing himself into the cool skin. He could feel the hard length of Angel’s erection against his stomach and ground his own against a muscled thigh. Their moans met and merged, filling the air around them.
Gasping, Doyle shivered as fingers plucked at the fastenings of his pants, deftly popping the button before slowly lowering the zipper. His breath caught as Angel’s larger hands pushed against the fabric, helping gravity lower the loosened pants. He stepped out of them at Angel’s urging and turned his attention to Angel’s belt. Quickly he divested the other man of his slacks, moaning as their naked skin met.
“On the bed,” the vampire ordered quietly, pushing away.
Blushing, Doyle climbed up and laid down, resting his head on the pillows. He watched wide-eyed as Angel rummaged around in the drawer of the night stand, coming up with a small jar. Brown eyes met green and held them mercilessly as Angel crawled up the bed stopping crouched over the prone figure. The larger man lowered his lips to Doyle’s neck, placing soft kisses on the delicate flesh. He trailed his lips down, over the collarbone and across Doyle’s chest. Doyle gasped as Angel’s cool mouth closed over one nipple, drawing the quickly hardening flesh in. The vampire moved over to the other one, giving it the same attention before moving further down to dip his tongue into the shallow dip of navel.
“Angel,” Doyle breathed as his lover continued downward, brushing his lips over the straining flesh of Doyle’s cock.
“Let me.”
The seer surrendered, letting his body go limp. Angel’s mouth and hands started an assault on his groin, licking, sucking, and caressing him into ecstasy. He moaned as his cock disappeared between cool lips and a finger pressed between the cheeks of his ass. Spreading his legs, he let Angel explore the tender flesh and managed to refrain from flinching as the finger worked its way into his hole. He moaned as the mouth on his cock sucked hard for a moment before Angel pulled away.
“Please,” he whimpered as he stared at the pale perfection. To him Angel looked like a marble statue come to life, all hard planes and white skin.
“Shh, I’m not going anywhere,” Angel promised.
He reached over and snagged the jar he had placed on the bed, unscrewing the top and dipping his fingers in. Doyle watched as those fingers pulled back, coated in a shiny substance. He spread his legs as Angel moved back into position and moaned as two fingers worked their way into his body. Twisting and thrusting, they stretched him slowly allowing Angel to push a third in. Doyle winced at the momentary pain but relaxed as Angel began to carefully move them. A sharp gasp left him when the thrusting fingers brushed over his prostate and his eyes closed on the wicked smile on Angel’s face. The next thrust of Angel’s fingers scored directly on the sensitive bundle of nerves and Doyle shuddered at the intense pleasure.
“No more, Angel,” he begged, reaching out for his lover. “Now, please.”
Angel removed his fingers and slathered the lube over his own straining erection before taking his place between the splayed legs. He held Doyle’s eyes as he pressed into the welcoming body, connecting them in the most primal way. They moved together, soft sounds escaping both of them as the pleasure climbed. Doyle pulled his lover down for a hard kiss, pouring all his feelings into it as the need became overwhelming. Their movements became more frantic and Doyle cried out as his orgasm hit, tumbling him into darkness. Angel followed a few moments after, closing his eyes against the intense pleasure. Neither noticed the flash of light signaling the formation of their bond.
“Angel?”
“Shh, we’ll talk in the morning.”
Chapter Fifteen: Routine Silence
Summary: The crew looks for a place to live
Rating: PG
Spike watched Angel walk off with Doyle, hoping the over-gelled vampire didn’t mess up the perfect situation he had been given. He glanced over to Xander, noticing the worried look on the young man’s face.
“Xan? What’s wrong?” he moved closer to the trembling youth.
The boy’s eyes flickered between him and the door the newlyweds had left through. Spike wrapped his arms around his boy, wondering what had Xander so spooked.
“Red, red, red. Rain and pain drowning the world,” Dru whispered as she glided over.
“Oh pet, it’s not like that,” Spike promised. “They’re not going to hurt each other.”
Xander shook his head and burrowed deeper into Spike’s arms. The vampire held him tightly, wishing he could assure the young man that Doyle and Angel would both be safe with each other. The boy’s only experience with sex was at the hands of that torturer, skewing the boy’s views totally and making it hard for Spike to explain the situation.
“Soft and sweet like cotton candy melting,” Dru hummed, cuddling close to Xander. “Trip to Heaven’s Gate to greet St. Peter with a smile.”
Intent brown eyes lifted to meet serious blue ones and Spike nodded at the silent question. Tension ran from the thin body and Spike tightened his arms as Xander sagged in his grasp. He steered the boy and Dru over to the couch, easing them down and following. Xander stayed close, the aftermath of his fear leaving little tremors racking his body. Spike sighed and tucked the dark head under his chin, meeting Dru’s solemn gaze. The seeress smiled softly before lying against the boy and singing a quiet lullaby, encouraging the boy to drift off to sleep. The blonde waited until the thin body had relaxed totally and the boy’s breathing had deepened before he slipped off the couch and started pacing, thoughts racing through his mind.
“Should we stay?” he asked Dru, voicing his topmost thought. “Robin didn’t say we needed to, just that we had to stay neutral.”
“Daddy needs help,” she whispered. “There’s too many angels for him to save alone.”
He sighed. “So you think we should stay.”
“Yes,” she nodded.
“All right then,” he said, stopping to look down at them. “We’re gonna have to find a place to live. Some place nice for the boy.”
” Ask the eyes that peer into the dark,” suggested Dru. “He knows many things.”
“Yeah, good idea. He’s already shown he has contacts in the city,” he said as he knelt in front of the couch. “I’ll ask him when they come up for air.”
“That may take awhile,” Dru said with a sly grin.
**** **** **** **** ****
Cool bodies on each side of him greeted Xander as he rose from the depths of sleep. Yawning, he stretched contently and moved further into the arms around him. Opening his eyes, he smiled up at the pale face looking down at him. Dru smiled back and brushed a lock of his hair back. The body behind him shifted and he turned his head to look into brilliant blue eyes.
“Awake there, pet?” Spike laughed.
Xander shook his head and closed his eyes, pretending to go back to sleep. His mouth opened in silent laughter as Dru’s fingers attacked his sides, tickling him until his breath caught and tears leaked from his eyes.
“Having fun?” Doyle’s voice broke through their fun and Xander glanced up to see the half-demon standing beside the couch holding out a plate of food. “I made breakfast since we’re the only ones that eat.”
“Hey, I eat,” Spike protested.
“Okay, we’re the only ones who need to eat,” Doyle clarified.
Xander accepted the plate with a smile and eased into a sitting position, still pressed against Spike. The food was heavenly after the horror of the past couple of days. He savoured each bite, letting the simple flavour of bacon and eggs fill his senses. Scraping the last bits off the plate he offered Doyle another smile of thanks and brushed away the other man’s hand when he reached for the now empty plate. Reaching out a quick hand, he snatched Doyle’s plate and stood, heading toward where he had noticed the kitchen the night before.
“You don’t have to do that,” protested Doyle, trying to take the dishes back.
Xander shooed him away with a gentle smile and started washing up the dirty dishes, glad to have something to contribute. He could hear the others talking quietly over the sound of the water, their voices winding around each other in soft murmurs. He had some curiosity about their conversation, but he trusted Spike to do what was right for all of them. Once the dishes were done he dried his hands and moved back to the living room, stopping when he saw Spike and Angel standing toe to toe, both growling lowly. He glanced over at Doyle who was pale and Dru who was more than a little angry.
“Always trying to control things,” spat the blonde. “Can’t let someone make their own decisions, live their own lives.”
“Hate to point it out, but you don’t have a life, Spike, you’re dead!” Angel hissed back.
“That has nothing to do with it, stop trying to change the subject,” Spike smirked. “We’re not talking about my life or unlife. We’re talking about control, remember?”
“I have the control and you’re staying here where I can keep an eye on you,” commanded Angel. “I’m not letting you run around town.”
“Already promised I wouldn’t go around randomly attacking the population,” Spike reminded the older vampire. “Was going to ask your husband if he knew any nice places to crash.”
Xander noticed the minute flinch Angel gave at the word husband and shot a quick glance at Doyle, seeing the pale face and shaking hands. He moved closer and touched the other man’s arms, bringing the green gaze to his face. Doyle gave him a sad smile and patted his hand before turning their attention back to the argument.
“Besides,” Spike shrugged. “You don’t have enough room here for all of us.”
“All of us?” Angel asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“You, Doyle and the three of us,” Spike said slowly. “You don’t think they’re gonna let you two live apart do you?”
“Didn’t really think about that,” the older vampire admitted absently. He glanced around the room. “Maybe I should get a bigger place.”
“I know a couple of places,” Doyle said quietly. “Some apartments and such. A house or two.”
“Can you make some calls?” Angel asked. Xander blinked at the soft tone and the warmth in his gaze as he looked at his husband. Doyle flushed and nodded, hurrying out of the room.
“You want to stay, pet?” Spike asked, crossing the room to stand beside Xander. “Can you live with them? With Angel?”
Xander looked carefully at Angel, seeing the regret and remorse in the dark eyes. He turned and looked up at Spike, nodding slowly. The blonde sighed and rolled his eyes.
“Fine,” he sighed. “We’ll be one big happy family.”
**** **** **** **** ****
“Not bad,” Spike said, eyeing the house Doyle led them up to. “How many rooms does this place have?”
“Six bedrooms, four bathrooms, state of the art kitchen, a living room, a family room, an attic and an attached garage,” the seer said proudly.
“Does if have a basement?” Angel asked.
“Yep.”
“How much?”
“Only 20.”
“Why so cheap?” Spike was suspicious.
“Well,” the seer started, licking his lips nervously. “About two years ago a family lived here. Guess the wife snapped one day and killed everyone in their sleep.”
“You want us to move into a house where murders took place?” Angel asked. “Something like that leaves a taint.”
“Scratching, whispering, shadowed in the dark,” Dru said softly, running a hand over the door. “Baby cries, never dies. Mama wants it to stop.”
“Okay, fine, maybe this isn’t the right place,” Doyle sighed. “But you guys have shot down all the other options.”
“Are there any others left?” Spike turned to look at the smaller man.
“Just one, but it’s worse.”
“Where?”
“The old Hyperion.”
Spike watched out of the corner of his eye as the souled vampire stilled, his face blank. “The Hyperion Hotel?” Angel’s voice was soft.
“Yeah, well I considered it ’cause we’d need some place that we wouldn’t be on top of each other, and it’s got a lot of room,” Doyle justified.
“What’s wrong with it then?” the blonde asked, glancing between the two.
“I’m not quite sure what happened,” the half-demon admitted. “Just that something bad went down a couple of decades ago.”
“Daddy,” Dru called softly, moving over to stand next to the still frozen vampire.
“Angel?” Spike questioned curiously.
“The Hyperion’s perfect,” the old vampire said finally. “We just have to kill the demon living there first.”
“Demon?” Doyle squeaked.
“Why do I have a feeling there’s a long story there,” Spike sighed. “Oh well, at least I get some violence out of it.”
**** **** **** **** ****
The building stood before them, large and intimidating. Xander felt a chill skitter down his back as he looked up at the darkened windows. He could tell something wrong, something evil resided within the walls of the old hotel, calling them forward. With fear settling into his bones he began to back away from the brick monstrosity, only stopping when his back met the solid wall of Angel’s chest. He tipped his head up and looked into the taller man’s face, his fear of the vampire eclipsed by his terror of the building.
Angel’s eyes looked down at him, full of understanding and compassion before the vampire gave him a little nudge toward Doyle.
“I think Doyle and Xander should stay out here,” the vampire said, looking over at the two other undead. “It’ll be safer for them.”
“Yeah,” Spike agreed. He turned to look at Xander. “You okay with that?”
Xander nodded and settled into a spot next to Doyle, watching as the three vampires strode into the building, repressed violence shimmering off them. He shot a look sideways, seeing his own fear and worry shining back out of green eyes. The whole situation left a bad taste in his mouth and filled him with dread. Something was really wrong in the building.
They sat in silence as they waited for their vampires to return and each minute that passed increased Xander’s worry. About an hour later his head snapped up and his eyes locked on the flickering light he could see behind the drawn blinds of one window. He stared intently at the light before surging to his feet. Grabbing Doyle’s arm, he pulled the seer with him into the hotel, bypassing the elevator and racing up the stairs. Reaching the floor he wanted, he ran down the hallway searching for one particular door. Finding it, he burst through, startling the old woman and the demon leaning over her. Without a second thought he threw himself between them, putting his back to the demon and burying the woman’s face in his chest. He shuddered as he felt the demon’s hands brush against his back. He heard Doyle enter the room and felt the air rush past as the seer tackled the demon, raining blows down upon the startled monster. Moments later Dru, Spike and Angel rushed into the room, joining the seer in the destruction while Xander checked the old woman for injuries.
“Are you okay?” He looked up into Spike’s eyes as the vampire rose up from the now dead demon. Smiling, he nodded and threw himself into the strong arms, letting his vampire protect him.
They watched as Angel spoke softly with the woman, everyone aware that the woman’s time on the Earth was nearly over. Xander smiled at the tenderness the older man showed, seeing a part of him that sparked some more trust.
“Seems we got a new home,” Spike said later that night, strolling around the dust covered lobby. “Lot of work though.”
Home, Xander thought wistfully, leaning against Dru, that sounds very nice.
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