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Blonde head burrowed into the broad chest of the brunette demon, and the larger man instinctively pulled him closer. In sleep, their bodies joined, in dreams, their memories met.
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Angelus' face swam in front of him.there was laughter in those eyes. and something else. Something which did not bode well for him. Trying to contain himself, Will growled out a low, "Sire."

The tall dark figure merely circled him, appraising his current situation. As he came around to his boy's face again, he merely said, "William."

It was more than he could take, "Angelus! Get me out of this!" his anger causing his upside down suspended form to sway from the branch of the high tree. The leather binding his legs creaked loudly, but only pulled tighter with his struggles.

There was a devious sparkle in those dark chocolate eyes, "Now, why would I want ta be doin' that, lad? Yer all trussed up like a lovely present.did ya think it was me birthday, boy? Are you me gift, then?"

More kicking from the trapped boy, "I'm not yer soddin pressie - now get me out of this Angelus!"

A flash of anger from those deep eyes, "Keep a civil tongue in yer head, boy, or I'll pull it out for ya. Ya'd do well ta remember yer place." The gaze softening into downright amusement, "'Course.yer bound to stay in place if I leave ya like that, aren't ya William?"

More twitching as the brown-haired youth tried pointlessly to free himself. Pointless because the trap had been well set, and built for someone at least his size, and built to keep him held fast. Beginning to plead now, "Sire.they'll be comin' for me.surely ya won't let them take me. If ya let someone else cut out my tongue.then I won't be able ta put it in your - mmppph" he is silenced by Angelus' hand over his mouth.

"No lad, I'd save the pleasure of cuttin' ye for meself. But not to worry, you have at least," and he pulls out an elegant pocket watch, "2 hours afore sunup." Blue eyes narrow in fear, "That's right lad.the trap was set for one a' us.and ye'll jest be left here to vanish inta dust when the first ray of dawn hits ya."

His Sire's eyes darken as they bore into him, "Ya disobeyed me in goin' out huntin' on yer own, and this time ya were the hunted, and ya got caught. Ya underestimated yer prey, ya got too cocky. It's a fatal lesson ta be learned, Pup.harder than any ya've learned at my hand!" Real fear in those blue eyes.so young.filling with tears. Gods, he's biting his lip to hold them back. Even upside down the boy is beautiful. An he thinks I'd actually leave him here. There's more schoolin' to be done with this one.

Before another instant can pass, the knife is out of Angelus' boot, and he is up the tree with preternatural speed. With one slice of that fine blade, the precious bundle drops to the ground below with a dull thud. "Ow! Bleedin' hell, Angelus, did you 'ave to - " His Sire lands beside him in a graceful leap, and before the boy can fumble with the noose around his feet, he is hauled part and parcel over those broad shoulders..

The perfect ass next to his face wriggles in an attempt to break free, and Angelus smacks it hard with one hand, his own cock twitching as he feels the boy grow hard against his shoulder. "Quiet boy, we're goin' home.and ya'd best hope to hell that Darla doesn't stake us both over this!"

His head is banged unceremoniously against the doorjamb as Angelus lowers him down onto the floor none too gently. Darla looks up from her writing, her calm eyes taking in the sight of her Childe smirking at the struggling and bound form at his feet. "Angelus." Her voice is musical, but her tone is firm, "What is the meaning of this?"

The half smile vanishes from the dark man's face, "The boy got himself caught in a trap, and a' course I had ta rescue him."

Will ceases his squirming and turns innocent eyes to his grandsire, "I didn't know, Darla.no one - " a pointed and wounded look at his Sire, "no one ever warned me! An' then he left me tied up.wouldn't even let me walk home meself!"

Angelus' movement to cuff the boy is stopped by a gesture from the blonde woman, "Nay Angelus. The boy's right. If you're not able to properly train him, I'll take his education over myself." Her Childe's protests are cut off by the twinkle he sees in her eye. Elegantly, she stands back from her writing desk and moves towards the boy still on the ground.

Thinking he has succeeded in his play act for pity, Will has begun trying to undo the rope still binding his legs, but is stopped by her slippered foot pressing on his hands. "No lad, if you're going to be schooled by me, you'd best leave that on!"

Half in fear he looks up into her smiling eyes. Ah.he knows how to play this game, "Y-yes, Mistress!"

She removes her foot and laughs prettily at him, and then turns to Angelus, "You see? He behaves himself around me. Perhaps it is you who needs to be schooled again, Childe." Angelus laughs and pulls her into his arms, placing a rough kiss on her mouth before releasing her. He lowers his head in mock salute and mimics his Childe, "Yes, Mistress!"

The three are interrupted by Drusilla's delighted shrieks and they turn to watch her tumble across the parlor carpet, limbs akimbo, and white gown flying about her. "Look!" She demands, "Did you see? I did a summersault!"

William laughs as she crawls over to him and lies down in his lap. His hands move in her hair, trying to smooth the tangled black locks, "Yes, Pet.we saw.ya'll be ready to join the jugglers an' tumblers any day now.'Ave ya considered fire breathin' too, Princess?" She turns and looks up at him; her dark eyes wide with wonder, as her mouth forms a delighted, "Oh!".

"Shhh, William!" Darla chides, "Don't encourage her!"

Will grins and forces Dru to sit up so he can finally remove the rope from his legs. She stands with him and they move over to the open hearth where Penn sits sharpening his favorite blade. Will sits Dru down on the sofa, settling her down with one of her dolls who she coos over and whispers to him, "This is my favorite you know.she told me all about you to."

The sable haired boy raises an eyebrow, "Really Dru.what did your toy tell ya?"

She giggles, "That you were my quick little brown fox.and you'd been caught in a lazy trap."

Another eyebrow follows the first, "You sure, Pet?"

The dark head nods earnestly, "But I wasn't scared, William. I knew Daddy would save you!"

Will's attention is caught by the laugh from Penn, "What?"

Penn's grey eyes look mischievously at him, "So.Sire saved our fox from the trap." he moves over on the low bench, indicating that Will should sit beside him. When the boy sits, he puts his tools down and runs a strong hand down Will's back, who shivers into the touch. Penn smiles seductively at him and leans his mouth over to the boy's ear, "But who will save ya from Angelus, lad?"

William wraps an arm around his brother's waist, pulling him closer, "I'll tell ya a secret, Penn." The brunette brings his head down to the boys lips, "I don't want ta be saved from him."

Penn pulls back and laughs softly, "Is that true? Do ya think he knows?"

Blue eyes turn serious, his voice still low, "No.I don't think he does.wanker can be right blind." cerulean eyes widen as he notices his brother's gaze move up, over his shoulder, behind him. "Bugger, Penn.why didn't ya tell me? He's right behind me, isn't he?" No answer, just a nod from Penn whose body is shaking now with silent laughter.

William finds himself being pulled off the bench by the back of his collar and spun to face his Sire. "Boy.yer learnin' is sadly lackin' - an' I'm about to set that to rights." He glowers down at the figure before him. "Upstairs. Now!" William moves quickly, for to disobey that voice would mean a beating he wouldn't get a chance to enjoy. Before Angelus turns to follow, he allows Penn a sly wink, and then he is gone up the stairs to his bedroom.

The blonde shivers under the gaze of the dark demon, quickly casting his eyes to the ground. He knows this won't go well, knows he has disobeyed the rule of hunting alone. Knows punishment must follow. With unsteady hands he lifts the heavy leather belt from its' hook by the door, handing it to his Sire.

"Readyin' yerself for punishment are ya lad?" The larger man accepts the leather strap.

Trying to keep his voice from shaking, "Yeah...disobeyed orders didn't I?"

"And what were those orders?"

"Not to hunt alone" daring to raise his eyes, making it only to chest level of the man in front of him, "But ya let Penn hunt alone!"

Angelus' voice is strangely quiet; "You're not Penn."

Will's face frowns at the ground, this is far more conversation than he had expected. "Yeah, I'm reminded a' that little fact right regular."

"What d'ya mean, lad?" There is a low growl to his Sire's voice.

"Not like anyone rubs my face in it....an' I love Penn....but he's so good at everythin'....him and you....yer like a couple o' gods....ya do everythin' so perfect....an I.....an I get hauled ass over tit in a human trap...'at's what!

A long sigh, his Sire sounds almost.patient, "Pup....how long have been here with us?"

Kicking at the dark wool rug, "Dunno....'bout 6 months...seems longer....I'm havin' trouble rememberin' before."

Angelus moves to a large chair, seating himself comfortably, "Six months is it? Twasn't too much older than you when I turned Penn....an' that was over a hundred years ago. I was too young to be makin. childer, and Darla was furious...but she couldn'a resist those grey eyes any more than I could. So Penn was almost my brother through that time. Almost....A hundred years, Pup....we've had some time to practice.

William's eyes grow wide and his gaze darts to his Sire's "A hundred years together? What ya need me for, then?"

A brief smile flits across dark features, "We were lookin'....we found ya....simple as that"

William's eyes move back to his scuffed shoes.

"Ya broke tha rules, lad."

"I know...."

"But do ye know why it's important not ta break my rules, Childe?"

Will allows himself a mischievous grin "'Cause it'll hurt like bloody 'ell when ya beat me?"

A nod from his Sire, "At's an incentive.yes...but do ye know why the rule exists?"

Feeling more confident, Will retorts, "Lemme see....'cause ya don't want me to 'ave any fun?"

Angelus looks sharply at the boy who is still fascinated with the floor; "I'm serious boy!"

The youth is wearying of this talking, almost wishing that his Master would get on with it, so he goads him further, "Ya seem ta know the right answer....why don't you tell me?"

A warning growl lets him know he may have gone too far as his Sire quickly stands from his chair, "Come here, lad." The younger man complies, walking slowly to the larger man. Angelus places strong hands on his shoulders, "My rules exist ta keep ye safe....ta keep ye strong....ta keep ye with me. An' by breakin' them, you're tellin' me ya want none o' that - that ye care so little fer yer new family an' yer place here that ya'd throw it all away.

Blue eyes blaze into brown, "That's not true!"

Angelus holds his gaze, considering, "Aye, I can see it's not. Then tell me what it is ye want here."

Will lowers his gaze and mumbles something unintelligible, Angelus laughs, "Speak up lad!"

Still na�ve enough to blush at his words, but fierce enough not to stutter, "You. I want you. There - are ya bloody well happy? Ya got me feelin' an' talkin like some soddin' nonce!"

Angelus grabs his chin and forces his Childe to face him, "You're supposed to want me Will, I'm yer Sire...there's na shame in that. Why would ye think I wouldna want ye too? I chose ye!"

Looking into brown eyes, Will cannot lie, "Penn...I see the way ya look at 'im...when we're together....it's you an' Penn....ya fight as one....ya fuck" the blush suffuses his face, "as one....only Penn can get close to ya."

Dark eyes crinkle with laughter, "Is that it? Are Penn an' I makin' ya feel left out?"

A spark of devotion in blue eyes, "Not Penn..."

Angelus nods in understanding, "No, not Penn....my boy's generous to a fault sometimes....So, I've na been payin' enough attention to ye, is that it?"

Will immediately regrets his words, "N-no...it's just..."

"Spit it out lad, ya've always spoke yer mind freely in front of me before."

Struggling to give voice to his thoughts, "We're usually with Penn....an I love him like life....but I'll never be as good as him....he's always goin' to be the eldest....an I hate bein' second best"

Angelus leans in and claims Will's mouth in a hard kiss, "Ye're not second best....ye are William, Childe of Angelus....an everyone but you in this house seems ta know ye are the favored Childe."

Still reeling from the heat of that quick kiss, "Favored?"

"Aye lad, so I'm thinkin' yer schoolin's been sadly lackin' somewhere, an I'm about to remedy that."

"Schoolin'?" Will says the word with obvious distaste, "Never was much a one for school."

Angelus laughs, holding the smaller man at arm's length, his eyes raking over his Childe, "That'll change....yer goin' to be me prize student! An' William.yer studies begin now."

William stands stunned as his Sire runs surprisingly gentle hands over his body, only gathering his wits as he realizes the darker man is undressing him. As his hands fumble to assist, they are batted away, "First lesson, Pup.ye'll only move when I tell ya to!" The youth swallows and nods, standing still as he is stripped, then stares as his Sire slowly removes his own clothing.

What can he do but stand and marvel as his Master's form is slowly revealed to him. Pale torso solid with muscles, bending to remove his breeches, exposing more skin, all perfect and firm. Will smiles slowly as his Sire stands and he sees the familiar site of Angelus' cock, already firm, jutting from its' nest of black curls.

The large man catches the smile, "This what ya' been wantin' then, Childe?" He is rewarded by the eager look in the boy's eyes and a tongue darting out to wet dry lips.

"Ah, but yer getting a little ahead of yerself lad, there's still that punishment ya were expectin'.go get me m'belt."

Shock and hurt are in the lad's eyes as he moves to pick up the belt were Angelus had left it by his chair. As he hands it to the larger man, he finds his wrists grabbed, and swiftly but loosely bound.

"Good, Will." The voice almost gentle, "Now go lay yourself down on me bed." The youth moves obediently onto his stomach, "Nay lad, turn yerself 'round, put yer hands over yer head. Gods.now that's a sight. I could sit and draw ye fer hours." William is squirming in this exposed state, his eyes pleading. "Ah, Pup.can't 'ave ya lookin' at me like that.'ere." Angelus moves to pull a kerchief from his dresser, then bends to tie it around his Childe's face, hiding his eyes.

Will protests the makeshift blindfold, "Angelus..please!"

He can hear the smile in his Sire's voice, "This is what ye asked fer lad.Ya have me.an' that's all yer goin' ta feel this night.my hands," Will shivers as fingers ghost over his raised arms, "my mouth," a moan escapes the boy as a wet mouth fastens on his shoulder, he can feel the tongue moving down his chest, "my teeth," blunt sharpness tugging at one nipple, hardening instantly. A low laugh as Will feels the mouth move from one nipple to the next, his body tense and waiting, "Be careful what ye wish for, boy."

He didn't wish for this.couldn't have imagined it. This is so overwhelming he is lost in the sensations of suction and pressure all over his body. Not being able to see, he never knows where his Sire will strike next, his body stilling, waiting for the next onslaught and then thrashing at the contact, his sensitivity increased tenfold. And it isn't just the blindfold. More has been removed than sight. Before Penn had always been with them. No grey eyes to drown in, no gentle guidance here.only surrender.

His skin is so alive, he can feel each trace of movement, almost more intensely than the actual contact. And he only craves more, the aching flesh between his legs forcing him to buck upwards, trying to gain contact with the form he knows is looming over him. But Angelus hovers over him, leaning in to suckle, kiss and bite his Childe's over sensitized flesh.

Then hands - the rough pads of fingertips gliding over his torso, just a touch.a tease.a promise. Back arching as fingernails drag across his skin. Eyes clenched shut, and he can see the design being etched on him, feel the fiery trails of whorls stinging across chest and abdomen. Lungs heaving with desperate breaths sucked in as a smooth tongue traces over what must be angry scroll work on his white flesh. Slick wetness soothing his artfully savaged skin.

Angelus rocks back on his heels, surveying his artwork, his beautiful Childe. Arms still bound over his head, the boy could move them, but he knows he won't. Body stretched beneath him like some young martyr in carnal sacrifice. Muscles clenching and relaxing, tongue darting out, neck straining, his whole being anticipating the next onslaught of sensation. The demon delights in the whimpers and moans issuing from the boy below him, revels in the control he has over what that body feels. His Will. And suddenly, the teasing contact is not enough for him either.

The youth inhales sharply as the heavy form of his Sire settles on him, his legs shifting out and around heels pulling that weight closer, still not daring to move his hands. Blissful cool skin pressing into him, hard cock sliding next to his, foreskins dragging against eachother in such sweet agony. The younger man's head falls back into the pillow, his moaning interspersed with long breaths.

"Ye know ye don't need to breathe anymore, Will." His Sire's voice calm, underscoring the lazy thrusts against his boy.

"I.know.but it.feels.good!" His last word swallowed as Angelus' mouth moves over his, pulling Will's tongue into his own mouth, suckling and pulling back.

"Aye lad.ye feel very good ta me." Tongue teasing along his throat sending tremors through his body, "An I'll see if ye taste good as well."

And that tongue tastes him, laving its' wicked way across his body. In his minds' eye he sees his Sire as a huge cat, licking him and the laughter over that image burbles up in his throat, ending in a strangled cry as the tongue becomes fangs grazing along his hip. Strong hands hold his hips steady as the twin points of ivory trace their way down his thigh, nipping at tender skin, eliciting a loud yelp from him, and a low chuckle from the demon.

Angelus lies between the trembling legs, his eyes moving up his boy's body to arms tensely pressed over his Childe's head. Then the perfect and pale cock next to his cheek twitches, demanding his attention. As he drags one fang lightly up the length of throbbing muscle the whimpers falling from the lad's mouth increase, falling silent as the dark man envelops the flesh in his suddenly fangless mouth.

There is something about the total surrender of his wild boy to his ministrations that sends all thoughts of lengthier torture flying from Angelus' mind. Sucking his Childe down to the root, one hand moves to stroke and then pull roughly at his sac. He drags his mouth slowly up to the tip, tongue flicking at the slit, smiling at the way the boy's head is jerking in frenzy on the pillow. This time on the downstroke, he slips in a finger, drawing down the foreskin, pushing with his tongue. He draws the finger out and presses it against Will's puckered opening. The boy's legs part further, hips tilting up, begging for further intrusion which his Sire grants by thrusting the digit past the ring of muscle. As the dark head moves in increasing hunger over the boy's flesh, his hand keeps a steady pace. His body wracked with sexual tension, Will bucks into his Sire's mouth, spilling his seed down the willing throat as his muscles clench around the digit still pressing into him.

Angelus holds the boys' softening cock in his mouth, smiling at the whimper of near pain as his tongue moves across the still tender flesh. He pulls the finger still moving inside the quaking body out just far enough to add a second, slowly tilting and scissoring their movement as they plunge deeper. Using this as a distraction, he suckles gently again on cock still held between his lips, delighting as blood pumps back into the flesh.

Will is so far gone, past the point of remembering his own name, all he can do is pant and murmur, "Please.please.please.." but he is no longer sure what he is pleading for. And then he knows. As that torturing mouth finally releases his reawakened shaft he feels his Sire's erection, heavy with blood and slick with precum dragging along his leg.

The blindfold is torn from his face and his Sire is over him, eyes dark with lust and hunger. Lips wet and full growl out their need, "Can't wait, Pup.want ye, Childe." Strong hands pulling his legs up to broad shoulders, that huge cock pressed against his empty hole. "Need ta be in ye, boy. Want ta bury myself so deep ya will always feel me." Will's never seen such fierce desire for himself in those eyes, flickering to gold, devouring him. Without doubt he knows everything his Sire had said is true, he is the center of this world. "Want ye.need ta fuck ye now, Will." The slick tip pushing into him, the larger form forcing his body to fold, dark face buried in his neck, "Let me in, lad.let me have ye." And he is filled, the hardness buried in him, as cold fangs pierce his skin. That cock splitting him open, driving in deeper, as fangs slice in and the hungry mouth draws out his blood. His whole existence is this one circuit of his Sire thrusting into him, and sucking him back out through the achingly sweet wound. He is worshipped, he is devoured. His world is nothing but this man's cock and fangs both claiming him, owning him.

Will mewls in protest as the sucking mouth moves from his neck, but the sense of loss is obliterated as his Sire pulls back and then rams his whole body down. An explosion of ecstasy rips across his being, the pain of the fierce thrusting wraps itself around the pleasure of vicious contact with that point inside him that his Sire is now hitting with unerring accuracy. He can feel the physical rapture building in a tight bundle of energy in his body, his muscles clenching in silken heat around his Master's shaft. A breathless cry escapes him as Angelus' hand grabs him roughly around the base of his own cock, cutting off his impending release. Eyes go wide as the rhythm changes, one leg being pulled down to rest at his Sire's waist, thrusts slow and shallow. He struggles to move the lower half of his body, impale himself more surely on that splendid cock, but his Sire holds his hips firmly, smirking at his boy's efforts at control.

"Nay, lad.remember.ya'll move when I tell ye to.have ye forgot tha first lesson already?" Then one deep thrust, and Will's slick cock pulses in the heavy fist.

"Please, Sire!"

Suddenly Angelus moves, their chests pressed together, his lips hovering, barely touching Will's, "What lad? I'll give ye anythin'.everythin'.just ask."

Overcome, startled blue eyes flash up into brown, "You!"

Lips pressed to his, almost tenderly, then a mouth at his ear, "I'm here, Pup." A push of his hips, moving in the boy, eliciting a groan, "Want me?"

"Gods.Yes!"

Another, rougher thrust, "Need me?"

Voice raw with craving, "More than anythin'!"

"Then drink.take me in."

This wasn't happening. He hadn't fed from his Sire since that night.the night he'd tumbled into their lives. Didn't think it was done. Hadn't dared asked. Yet here was the strong neck, bared before his mouth, and before he could blink, instinct kicked in, and his fangs sank down and his mouth was filled with a gush of thick power. And he swallowed, and he sucked, and the roar of his Sire was filling his brain, the pounding cock filling his hole, blood like wine filling his body. He could feel his orgasm roll over him, as his Sire's come pulsed into him, felt his own semen splashing between them, but all of it was covered with the awareness of the essence his creator was allowing him to draw in past eager lips.

Sensing the passing of the almost sacred moment, Will's sucking becomes a gentle lapping, and then just a cat-like nuzzling at the larger man's neck. He knew that fingers were unfastening the belt around his wrists, that his tense muscles were being kneaded back to life, but none of that mattered. All that mattered was that he had found himself. He knew who he was, and knew where he belonged.. There would never be a need to question that again.

Slowly Angelus eased his body down, lying next to his lad on the bed, pulling him close. Strong arms wrapped around the smaller body as it melted into his own with happy sighs of contentment. The dark head leaning down to press lips to pale forehead. "Yer home, William."

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In sleep, Penn moved away, curling up on himself, he'd been alone for so long, that reality was the dream, and the dream, the memory, was reality.

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It was a weakness...he hated it, but he acknowledged it...tried not to let it exert too much control over him. But there were days when the brilliant Italian sun did not beat its' way through the wooden shutters of his windows. Instead of hot and sticky, the wind blew cool, whispering to him as he slept, it spoke of clouds that dreamt of rain. And then it would come. Torrents of cold drops obliterating the grey sky. Almost like home. On those days, he could open the cracked shutters, fling them wide...no fear of daylight, let himself be engulfed in the wetness. Eyes as grey as the sky looked out on the populace below, as they moved like frantic bugs scurrying for shelter. And he afforded them as much consideration.

What caught his gaze was the way the water pooled in certain places on the ground, pockets of mirrors reflecting bits and pieces of the surrounding architecture and scudding clouds - images constantly shattering as more rain pelted down. Bits and pieces of the world. Bits and pieces of his life. Reflected in his mind like shards of glass and cutting just as painfully. A glimpse of blue eyes, sharper than the sky behind the looming clouds, a sudden crack of thunder, smell of sulphur, triggering a memory of a beloved face contorted in anger and pain...pain he had helped cause. The cause driving him from his home to this placed soaked in sun and religion. Gods, he hated it here. Hated that he waited here. Waited for word from home.

There was one messenger. James. Brown-hair like his sweet boy. James had come to him smelling of Angelus, of English fog, and comfort. Penn had tried to find the memories, resurrect them in the arms of a stranger that his Sire had sent to him. Found only a reflection of his own lust. It wasn't enough. In the end, James left him with nothing more than his Sire's word: wait. So he would wait. In this hot stinking city he would wait. Letting his need accumulate like the rare thunderstorm. Desire that ate at him, and filled him. Hope that the end of this solitude was near. Salvation at hand. Angelus had promised. He would come. In the meantime, Penn would keep his control, never letting the ache get too strong. Not permitting himself to remember too clearly what it had been like to not always be in control. Those ghosts remained deep beneath his composure. To recall those shades, visions of surrender to his Sire, lost in a power greater than himself.that was a luxury he would not allow. Instead he fed his hope. Sire sent word to wait.he would. His Master had promised he would come. He would. And where Angelus was, there would be his Will. And ultimately, it was William he would wait forever for.

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Penn shakes himself out of the dark dream, stiffening at first when he remembers the other figures in the bed. Pulling himself up, he sits, running a shaking hand through his hair, trying to calm himself, banishing the years of loneliness. But they cling to him, refusing to let him reclaim his composure. He knows his face is a mask of misery as Angelus opens sleepy eyes, and he drops his head. A large hand covers his, "Outside, Childe." Penn nods, quietly pulling on his slacks and following his Sire to the balcony.

Shoving his hands in his pockets Penn draws out the battered photograph of Riley Finn, handing it to the larger man.

Angelus looks at him curiously; "Did you find him?"

"Yes."

"Is he dead?"

Penn allows himself a small smile, "Yes." His mind flashes back to the surreal moment, the soldier looking at him without fear and telling him, "I know what you are." The vampire could smell the lust rolling off of the boy, detecting the taint of other's fangs on his skin. Before sinking his own into the human's neck he had whispered, "And I know what you want."

Troubled by Penn's far away look, Angelus asks, "Did he put up much of a struggle?"

"No.he wanted it."

"That isn't what's bothering you, lad.it's something else.what is it?"

Penn hesitates as the feelings from his dream threaten to overwhelm him; "I was alone for so long."

The larger man stands still, the words hitting him like a fist, but he knows this is not an accusation.

Penn continues, "I've been in control for so long. I have been the Master. And William needs that part of me.but sometimes.it's so hard."

Angelus nods slowly, "You missed your William."

Grey eyes shining, "More than anything.but I missed other things too." Silence hangs heavily as he forces himself to say the words; "You never came."

"No Gem.I didn't. I was never the best of Sires to you. I was too young when we met, and you had to grow up with me."

Penn's voice feels small in his throat, "I know."

Angelus reaches out with one hand, fingers brushing his Childe's jaw, tilting that face up to his, "But there were times.there were nights.I was your Sire."

Grey eyes close on the images burned into his brain, "I remember."

Another hand reaches out, pulling the willing body towards the larger one, "You're so strong.you always were, but Gem.even a Master can break for his Sire."

A shudder breaks through Penn's body before he pulls away, "I need." he visibly shakes himself, "Let's go back inside."

*****