Fic: Thanks with Tears, Angel/Willow/Spike, 7/50
Title: Thanks with Tears, Chapter Seven
Info and disclaimers found here.
Previous Parts.
Chapter Seven
Angel paused at the door that led to where his Childe was sleeping. He knew how difficult it was to deal with a new soul. In all honesty, it was still hard. Everyday was just as hard as the first. Angel had just learned to control it. Being around humans was a torture in and of itself. Hearing their hearts beating and knowing all that blood was simply waiting for him, just under their skin, was enough to drive any vampire crazy. He couldn’t believe that Spike had stayed and help the Scoobies as long as he had. Sure, he had a chip that caused him incredible pain if he tried to bite someone, but he had stayed of his own free will. The fact that Spike didn’t come to him for help hurt Angel more than he could express.
Angel sighed, shaking off his internal musings. He raised his hand and gently knocked on the door. He waited a few moments, but never got a response. He knocked again and this time put his ear to the door. He could sense the other vampire inside, but there was no movement in the room.
“Spike,” he called through the door and still got no response. “Spike,” he called louder, hoping he was just sleeping.
Still not getting any response, Angel decided he needed to make sure Spike was alright, so he tried the door. It was unlocked, but the door would not open. Something was blocking the door. Angel pushed harder and tried to move whatever it was that was in the way. Slowly he made some headway and was able to open the door enough that he could get in the room.
Once inside the room, he was able to make out what was preventing him from getting inside. It was Spike. Apparently, he had slumped against the door after Angel left the night before and stayed there all day.
Angel slid down the door and sat next to the sleeping vampire. Looking at his Childe, Angel felt such pain through their bond. The worst part was the fact that he let him get away from him for so long. He should have gone to him earlier. He should have made things right. But how? It’s not as though Spike would have come running into his arms and say all was forgiven. Especially after what had happened with Angelus in Sunnydale.
The dark haired vampire sighed as he reached over and pulled his Childe into his lap. Recognizing the feel and scent of his Sire, Spike snuggled into the older man’s chest and inhaled deeply. Suddenly, he growled and sat up, fully awake.
“What?” Angel asked as he saw the accusatory look in Spike’s eyes.
“You smell of her,” he growled. “Moved on already, Peaches?”
“She needed some comfort, that’s all,” he replied, already knowing who Spike was referring to.
“And you were more than willing to give it, weren’t ya’. Give the girls what they need and leave Spike to his own designs.” He was crying now, not even realizing it. “Don’t need love, not capable of love, not Spike, he’s nothing more than a monster.”
“Will!” Angel yelled, stopping the ranting vampire short. “I am not Buffy! I am your Sire and I am here to help you. Let me help you.” Angel realized he was pleading with Spike, but he didn’t care. He needed Spike to know that he cared and wanted to do something to help him.
Spike seemed stunned. Like he really didn’t think Angel still cared or wanted to help. Like he expected Angel to do what he had always done, abandon him. He looked at the dark vampire and, with the saddest eyes Angel had ever seen, asked, “You’re not going to leave me again, Sire?”
“No, Spike,” Angel whispered, gathering the blond vampire back into his arms. “This time, we do this together.”
Angel sighed as felt Spike relax against him. It had been so long since he had held Spike, really just held him. It felt good. Angel leaned down to Spike’s head and inhaled. He smelled of sweat and grime. And now he had some of Angel’s demon goo on him too. “How long has it been since you’ve had a bath, Spike?”
“Don’t know?” he murmured. “Since Sunnydale, I guess.”
Angel quickly stood up and carried Spike into the bathroom. He sat Spike down and began to fill the tub with water. As the water began to rise, Angel started to shake. He didn’t realize he was still afraid of the water. It had been over two weeks and he could still taste the salt water in his mouth.
“You alright, mate?” Spike asked when he saw that Angel was shaking.
He knew he had to be strong for Spike so he turned and looked at his Childe and said, “Ok, let’s get you in the tub.” He got Spike to stand and started to help him out of his clothes. After he got the duster off, Angel noticed that Spike's t-shirt was torn and burned. He reached over to pull the shirt up over the blond’s head and noticed for the first time the scars covering his previously flawless chest.
“What happened to you?” he whispered. Angel couldn’t help but reach over and trace the cluster of cuts directly over Spike’s unbeating heart.
At the contact, Spike flinched from the fingers as though he had been burned. Staring at the ground, he whispered, “Tried to cut it out, but it won’t come out.”
Angel was fascinated by the younger man’s chest. Even through the marks covering his flesh, he was amazing. The dark vampire was entranced by his Childe.
“Um, Angel,” Spike interrupted the vampire’s thoughts. When Angel looked up into the questioning blue eyes, Spike said, “The tub. It’s almost full.”
“Oh,” Angel turned quickly and shut the water off. Turning back to Spike, he finished the job of removing his clothes and went to set the now naked vampire in the tub.
“No,” Spike said before he touched the water. “Will you…will you come in with me? You’ve got...goo.”
Angel froze for a moment. He and Spike had taken baths together plenty of times, but he didn’t know if he could get in the water. Everything was just too fresh in his mind. He looked at Spike and whispered, “I can’t.”
“What’s a matter, Peaches? Don’t wanna get naked with me?” Spike had a sad look on his face.
“No Spike,” he started. “It’s not that I don’t want to get naked, I can’t get in the tub.”
Suddenly Spike realized what the problem was. Angel was afraid of the water.
“Put me down, Sire,” he whispered.
Angel slowly let Spike down. Spike turned to him and stepped in the tub. “See, its ok, Luv. Can’t hurt you. Join me.” Spike held out his hand to the hesitant vampire.
“I can’t, Spike.” He felt as though he was going to cry. He couldn’t believe the feelings rising in him. He had tried to hide from the feelings but now they came up strong. “You don’t know what it was like. I couldn’t breathe or speak. It was like I was completely alone. I was completely alone. I don’t ever want to feel like that again.” By the time he had finished, he was shaking. It hurt to go through those feelings again.
Slowly, he realized that Spike was touching him. Gentle hands began to slowly remove Angel’s clothing a piece at a time. Angel looked down at the man who was removing his shirt. Spike was making soothing sounds as he touched each piece of flesh as it was exposed to him.
Satisfied with his work, Spike grabbed a very naked Angel’s hand and led him to the tub. The water was hot, just the way they had always liked it. The hot water warmed them, making him feel almost alive.
Watching Spike step into the water, Angel paused as he squeezed Spike’s hand. “I can’t,” he whispered.
“It’s alright, Pet,” Spike smiled at him. “I won’t let anything hurt you.”
Angel knew he needed to do this, for him and for Spike. He took a deep breath and slowly stepped into the tub. He had taken a quick shower or two since he had come back, but large amounts of water scared the shit out of him. As the hot water rushed over his foot, he gasped sharply. Spike slowly pulled the dark vampire further into the tub. .
He watched as Spike slowly sank into the hot water before leaning against the back of the tub, stretching out his long legs and enjoying the heat sinking into his sink. A pale hand reached out, entreating Angel to join him. It was almost more than he could bear.
“I won't,” he fought.
“Shhh, Luv,” Spike cooed as he pulled Angel further down into the water, forcing Anger to rest his back against the smaller man's chest. Angel was lying down, but he was still extremely tense. Spike began to scoop water in his hands and running them over Angel’s shoulders, stopping only to massage the tight muscles.
“See,” Spike purred in his Sire’s ear. “It’s only water. Can’t hurt you. Won’t let it hurt you.”
Slowly, Angel began to relax. He was starting to feel like an idiot. He had broke down in front of Spike, the person he was supposed to be helping. But he needed help too. Once he realized what Spike had done, he turned and faced his Childe.
“Thank you, Spike,” he whispered.
“Sure thing, Mate,” Spike replied with a shrug.
Angel switched places with Spike and began to wash him. Gently foaming up a washcloth, he cleaned the smaller body, making sure to be gentle around the cuts and still healing wounds. Once he was satisfied that Spike’s body was clean, it was time to work on his hair. Angel missed this old color when Spike was still his William. It was much darker, not quite brown, but certainly not blond.
Spike began to purr as Angel’s talented fingers buried themselves in his hair. Angel had loved to play with Spike’s hair after he was first turned. It was curly but surprisingly soft. Angel worked the shampoo into the mat of blond hair and used his nails to massage the grimy scalp.
Angel continued to wash Spike’s hair until the smaller vampire was almost asleep. He gently rinsed out the soap and lifted them both out of the tub. Wrapping a couple of towels around them, he carried his Childe to the bed. He pulled back the covers and laid the drowsy vampire under the sheets.
“Satin,” Spike whispered. “You’re such a poof.”
“You love them and you know it,” Angel answered back with a smirk on his face. “You need to feed. If I bring you some human blood, would you drink it?”
“Maybe.” Honestly, he didn’t know if he would or not.
“For now, I guess this will have to do.” Angel leaned down and offered his neck freely. At first Spike looking like he was going to resist, but then Angel said, “Let me thank you for helping me, Will. I need this.”
Instead of answering, Spike simply leaned up and pierced the offered neck with his fangs. As the blood ran freely, both men moaned at the sensations. But as quickly as he starting drinking, Spike stopped. His head flopped back onto the pillow as he licked his lips, removing the last of his Sire’s blood from his lips.
“Thanks, but I think I’m done for now,” Spike said through a stifled yawn. “Need to get some rest, if you think you can tear yourself away from me.” He was smirking that classic Spike smirk as his eyes traveled down the dark vampire’s body. Angel suddenly became very aware of his erection and stood to cover himself with his towel.
“Sleep well, Spike,” he said as the blond laughed at him. “I’ll come and wake you later, ok?”
“Promises, promises, Ducks,” Spike retorted before closing his eyes and falling into a seemingly peaceful slumber.
Angel watched for a few moments as Spike fell asleep. He always looked so gorgeous as he slept. Realizing that he was staring, Angel quickly pulled himself away from watching his Childe and went to retrieve his clothing. After he had dressed in the unsoiled clothes, he left the blond vampire’s room and walked to his room to change before heading downstairs to talk to Willow.
Tbc...
Chapter 8a
Info and disclaimers found here.
Previous Parts.
Chapter Seven
Angel paused at the door that led to where his Childe was sleeping. He knew how difficult it was to deal with a new soul. In all honesty, it was still hard. Everyday was just as hard as the first. Angel had just learned to control it. Being around humans was a torture in and of itself. Hearing their hearts beating and knowing all that blood was simply waiting for him, just under their skin, was enough to drive any vampire crazy. He couldn’t believe that Spike had stayed and help the Scoobies as long as he had. Sure, he had a chip that caused him incredible pain if he tried to bite someone, but he had stayed of his own free will. The fact that Spike didn’t come to him for help hurt Angel more than he could express.
Angel sighed, shaking off his internal musings. He raised his hand and gently knocked on the door. He waited a few moments, but never got a response. He knocked again and this time put his ear to the door. He could sense the other vampire inside, but there was no movement in the room.
“Spike,” he called through the door and still got no response. “Spike,” he called louder, hoping he was just sleeping.
Still not getting any response, Angel decided he needed to make sure Spike was alright, so he tried the door. It was unlocked, but the door would not open. Something was blocking the door. Angel pushed harder and tried to move whatever it was that was in the way. Slowly he made some headway and was able to open the door enough that he could get in the room.
Once inside the room, he was able to make out what was preventing him from getting inside. It was Spike. Apparently, he had slumped against the door after Angel left the night before and stayed there all day.
Angel slid down the door and sat next to the sleeping vampire. Looking at his Childe, Angel felt such pain through their bond. The worst part was the fact that he let him get away from him for so long. He should have gone to him earlier. He should have made things right. But how? It’s not as though Spike would have come running into his arms and say all was forgiven. Especially after what had happened with Angelus in Sunnydale.
The dark haired vampire sighed as he reached over and pulled his Childe into his lap. Recognizing the feel and scent of his Sire, Spike snuggled into the older man’s chest and inhaled deeply. Suddenly, he growled and sat up, fully awake.
“What?” Angel asked as he saw the accusatory look in Spike’s eyes.
“You smell of her,” he growled. “Moved on already, Peaches?”
“She needed some comfort, that’s all,” he replied, already knowing who Spike was referring to.
“And you were more than willing to give it, weren’t ya’. Give the girls what they need and leave Spike to his own designs.” He was crying now, not even realizing it. “Don’t need love, not capable of love, not Spike, he’s nothing more than a monster.”
“Will!” Angel yelled, stopping the ranting vampire short. “I am not Buffy! I am your Sire and I am here to help you. Let me help you.” Angel realized he was pleading with Spike, but he didn’t care. He needed Spike to know that he cared and wanted to do something to help him.
Spike seemed stunned. Like he really didn’t think Angel still cared or wanted to help. Like he expected Angel to do what he had always done, abandon him. He looked at the dark vampire and, with the saddest eyes Angel had ever seen, asked, “You’re not going to leave me again, Sire?”
“No, Spike,” Angel whispered, gathering the blond vampire back into his arms. “This time, we do this together.”
Angel sighed as felt Spike relax against him. It had been so long since he had held Spike, really just held him. It felt good. Angel leaned down to Spike’s head and inhaled. He smelled of sweat and grime. And now he had some of Angel’s demon goo on him too. “How long has it been since you’ve had a bath, Spike?”
“Don’t know?” he murmured. “Since Sunnydale, I guess.”
Angel quickly stood up and carried Spike into the bathroom. He sat Spike down and began to fill the tub with water. As the water began to rise, Angel started to shake. He didn’t realize he was still afraid of the water. It had been over two weeks and he could still taste the salt water in his mouth.
“You alright, mate?” Spike asked when he saw that Angel was shaking.
He knew he had to be strong for Spike so he turned and looked at his Childe and said, “Ok, let’s get you in the tub.” He got Spike to stand and started to help him out of his clothes. After he got the duster off, Angel noticed that Spike's t-shirt was torn and burned. He reached over to pull the shirt up over the blond’s head and noticed for the first time the scars covering his previously flawless chest.
“What happened to you?” he whispered. Angel couldn’t help but reach over and trace the cluster of cuts directly over Spike’s unbeating heart.
At the contact, Spike flinched from the fingers as though he had been burned. Staring at the ground, he whispered, “Tried to cut it out, but it won’t come out.”
Angel was fascinated by the younger man’s chest. Even through the marks covering his flesh, he was amazing. The dark vampire was entranced by his Childe.
“Um, Angel,” Spike interrupted the vampire’s thoughts. When Angel looked up into the questioning blue eyes, Spike said, “The tub. It’s almost full.”
“Oh,” Angel turned quickly and shut the water off. Turning back to Spike, he finished the job of removing his clothes and went to set the now naked vampire in the tub.
“No,” Spike said before he touched the water. “Will you…will you come in with me? You’ve got...goo.”
Angel froze for a moment. He and Spike had taken baths together plenty of times, but he didn’t know if he could get in the water. Everything was just too fresh in his mind. He looked at Spike and whispered, “I can’t.”
“What’s a matter, Peaches? Don’t wanna get naked with me?” Spike had a sad look on his face.
“No Spike,” he started. “It’s not that I don’t want to get naked, I can’t get in the tub.”
Suddenly Spike realized what the problem was. Angel was afraid of the water.
“Put me down, Sire,” he whispered.
Angel slowly let Spike down. Spike turned to him and stepped in the tub. “See, its ok, Luv. Can’t hurt you. Join me.” Spike held out his hand to the hesitant vampire.
“I can’t, Spike.” He felt as though he was going to cry. He couldn’t believe the feelings rising in him. He had tried to hide from the feelings but now they came up strong. “You don’t know what it was like. I couldn’t breathe or speak. It was like I was completely alone. I was completely alone. I don’t ever want to feel like that again.” By the time he had finished, he was shaking. It hurt to go through those feelings again.
Slowly, he realized that Spike was touching him. Gentle hands began to slowly remove Angel’s clothing a piece at a time. Angel looked down at the man who was removing his shirt. Spike was making soothing sounds as he touched each piece of flesh as it was exposed to him.
Satisfied with his work, Spike grabbed a very naked Angel’s hand and led him to the tub. The water was hot, just the way they had always liked it. The hot water warmed them, making him feel almost alive.
Watching Spike step into the water, Angel paused as he squeezed Spike’s hand. “I can’t,” he whispered.
“It’s alright, Pet,” Spike smiled at him. “I won’t let anything hurt you.”
Angel knew he needed to do this, for him and for Spike. He took a deep breath and slowly stepped into the tub. He had taken a quick shower or two since he had come back, but large amounts of water scared the shit out of him. As the hot water rushed over his foot, he gasped sharply. Spike slowly pulled the dark vampire further into the tub. .
He watched as Spike slowly sank into the hot water before leaning against the back of the tub, stretching out his long legs and enjoying the heat sinking into his sink. A pale hand reached out, entreating Angel to join him. It was almost more than he could bear.
“I won't,” he fought.
“Shhh, Luv,” Spike cooed as he pulled Angel further down into the water, forcing Anger to rest his back against the smaller man's chest. Angel was lying down, but he was still extremely tense. Spike began to scoop water in his hands and running them over Angel’s shoulders, stopping only to massage the tight muscles.
“See,” Spike purred in his Sire’s ear. “It’s only water. Can’t hurt you. Won’t let it hurt you.”
Slowly, Angel began to relax. He was starting to feel like an idiot. He had broke down in front of Spike, the person he was supposed to be helping. But he needed help too. Once he realized what Spike had done, he turned and faced his Childe.
“Thank you, Spike,” he whispered.
“Sure thing, Mate,” Spike replied with a shrug.
Angel switched places with Spike and began to wash him. Gently foaming up a washcloth, he cleaned the smaller body, making sure to be gentle around the cuts and still healing wounds. Once he was satisfied that Spike’s body was clean, it was time to work on his hair. Angel missed this old color when Spike was still his William. It was much darker, not quite brown, but certainly not blond.
Spike began to purr as Angel’s talented fingers buried themselves in his hair. Angel had loved to play with Spike’s hair after he was first turned. It was curly but surprisingly soft. Angel worked the shampoo into the mat of blond hair and used his nails to massage the grimy scalp.
Angel continued to wash Spike’s hair until the smaller vampire was almost asleep. He gently rinsed out the soap and lifted them both out of the tub. Wrapping a couple of towels around them, he carried his Childe to the bed. He pulled back the covers and laid the drowsy vampire under the sheets.
“Satin,” Spike whispered. “You’re such a poof.”
“You love them and you know it,” Angel answered back with a smirk on his face. “You need to feed. If I bring you some human blood, would you drink it?”
“Maybe.” Honestly, he didn’t know if he would or not.
“For now, I guess this will have to do.” Angel leaned down and offered his neck freely. At first Spike looking like he was going to resist, but then Angel said, “Let me thank you for helping me, Will. I need this.”
Instead of answering, Spike simply leaned up and pierced the offered neck with his fangs. As the blood ran freely, both men moaned at the sensations. But as quickly as he starting drinking, Spike stopped. His head flopped back onto the pillow as he licked his lips, removing the last of his Sire’s blood from his lips.
“Thanks, but I think I’m done for now,” Spike said through a stifled yawn. “Need to get some rest, if you think you can tear yourself away from me.” He was smirking that classic Spike smirk as his eyes traveled down the dark vampire’s body. Angel suddenly became very aware of his erection and stood to cover himself with his towel.
“Sleep well, Spike,” he said as the blond laughed at him. “I’ll come and wake you later, ok?”
“Promises, promises, Ducks,” Spike retorted before closing his eyes and falling into a seemingly peaceful slumber.
Angel watched for a few moments as Spike fell asleep. He always looked so gorgeous as he slept. Realizing that he was staring, Angel quickly pulled himself away from watching his Childe and went to retrieve his clothing. After he had dressed in the unsoiled clothes, he left the blond vampire’s room and walked to his room to change before heading downstairs to talk to Willow.
Tbc...
Chapter 8a