~On his knees, kneeling before me. Damn. Perfect ass. Strong back. Legs parted. Heavy sac swaying slightly with each movement of his hips. Beautiful boy.~

"Beautiful ass you have there, William. Anyone ever tell you that?"

"Yeah. you, poofter."

~Oh? I think he'll like this.~

"Are you speaking, boy? I don't recall instructing you to speak."

~Hand goes to his cock. I knew he'd love it.~

"You like that, Will?"

"Yeah."

~Mmm. I can't get enough of that breathy 'yeah'. ~

"You want me that way?"

~Run my hand down his back, softly caress the nape of his neck.~

"Yes."

"Alright, sweet boy. we'll do it the old way."

~Where's the oil? There. Pour some in my fist, slick myself down, push against his backside, press forward, just the tip. Watch his shoulder move with each stroke of his cock. Oh God. How many times have I seen this, and it never loses its' effect on me. ~

"What do you want me to do, Will?"

"Fuck me."

"That's all?"

"Ahh. Angel. deeper. please."

~Move. just a bit. Place my hands on his backside, part him more, just the tip in. Sweet tightness. Pretty boy.~

"Is that enough for you, William?"

"No. God, no. More."

"How much this time?"

"All. the way."

"I think you only need a little."

"Fuck. no. I need more."

~Press in further, small thrust, slip my still slick fingers around his entrance. Massage his hole around my thickness. Listen to him moan. Must be working his cock fast, his shoulder shifts back and forth in rapid little movements.~

"That much?"

"Angel."

"Yes."

"Please."

"How much do you need it?"

"So much."

"Is this what you think about. when you're home. when you're alone."

"Yes."

~Ahh. gentle confession. It's okay, boy. I do the same thing.~

"In your bed. you wrap your hand around it."

"Yes."

"You get in this position?"

"God. yeah."

"On your knees?"

"Yesss."

"That beautiful ass of yours in the air. waiting. wanting. needing. aching to be filled."

"Angel."

"Is that what you do, boy?"

"Yes."

"Ahh. God. You stroke your cock, and think of the way I opened you."

~Fuck. this is hot. Deep useless breath. Give him what he wants. Give him anything he wants. I can just see him, on all fours, alone in his room. oh that sweet ass. inviting. I couldn't have held back if I found him that way. No way, could I have held back. ~

"Yeah. Angel. that's what I do."

~God, boy. you're killing me.~

"You imagine that, pump your fist around your shaft and imagine me thrusting into you."

"Yes.yes."

"Do you rock back on your knees, boy? So I can feel it, too. feel how much you want this cock inside you."

"Yeahhh. I do. I do."

"When you close your eyes. you can almost hear me slapping against you. the sound of flesh hitting together. the sound of my moans calling out your name, can't you, William?"

"Angel. fuck me, please. please."

"Ohhh God, Will. You want this?"

~Slam inside. back arching towards me. grip your hips. piston mine against you. watch your body shudder with each thud against your spot. see the wave of flesh move every time my body hammers into yours. feel you. fuck Will. feel you.. All that time. all that time you wanted. ached for this. If I'd have found you this way. this is what I'd do. Yes. you're tight. fuck that perfect hole of yours. feel you beg. feel you moan. feel you move. feel your body roll back to meet my thrusts. Oh God Will. God.. Yes, feels so good inside of you. so God damned tight. I'm fucking you so hard, boy. it feels so good. grab your shoulders. pull your body flush against mine. fucking you so hard, Will. sharp, angry jabs into that incredible tightness.love your body. join my hand with yours around your cock. so hard, Will. So hard.~

"Love you Will. Love you so fucking much. God. love you."

"Angel. yeah. hard. like this. love you. harder. fuck me harder."

"Yeah, boy. Fuck you harder. you like this?"

"God yeah. so good. love this. love you."

"Can't get enough, Will. so good. so tight."

"Yeah. love. good . fuck."

"Tell me you're gonna come, boy. wanna see. "

"Ahh. gonna come Angel. come for you. come."

"Love you, Will. come for me."

"Watch me."

"Ohh. God. coming in you. see you. fuck. watch you come. fill you. "

"Aaaahngel."

~Falling forward. collapse on top of you. Oh my God. That was so good. Oh my God. Everytime it's better and better. Slide down beside you. love you. Just lie beside you. perfect smile. ~

"Let Angelus out to play a bit, eh?"

"You didn't seem to mind."

"Mind? Why the hell would I mind? I was lovin' it. Nice to be a demon every now an' again, innit?"

"Nice to have someone around who understands that."

~It really is.~

"I do, ya know."

"I know you do."

~And I do.~

"Reckon we're a lot alike now... Two creatures - can't be what they are... Various reasons, of course."

~Suppose so.~

"By choice or by situation... doesn't change what we are."

"That why yer not shaggin' Slayer's brains out about now?"

~ I need him to understand this.~

"She deserves more than I could ever offer her. But you're really asking if I still love her... The answer is yes. I always will. The same as you'll always love Dru. Doesn't mean that feeling ever dies... it just *is*... I guess I reconciled... with the Tibetan Monks..."

~I have to laugh. Strange time for Cordy to pop into my head.~

"Tibetan Monks?"

"Nevermind... long story... I'll tell you over drinks.

"So this... with us."

~He's gesturing between us. because he can't find the words to describe this. the question is. can I? ~

"I don't want you with me out of convenience, Will... Buffy's not the only one I've ever loved... she's not the only one I've ever pined over being separated from... separated... for reasons beyond our control..."

"Darla?"

~He knows... but still looks a bit hesitant~

"Comparing yourself to Darla?"

~That should fix it.~

"Dru told me she made her again. Told me about LA, the lawyers... all of it."

"Listen to me, Will... Darla chose me... *I* chose *you*. Clear yet?"

"Crystal."

"I just... I don't want all of this resurfacing... destroying everything... after it should be dead and buried"

~He seems content with that.~

"You miss her?"

"Yes... I won't lie... I miss her, miss Dru, miss Penn... But you?.... Fuck... I don't even have the words."

"You don't need 'em. I already know."

~Run my finger over his cheek.~

"When did you become so perceptive?"

~Can you smell the retort coming? I can.~

"Always been... you've always been too self-absorbed to notice."

~Gives me a cheeky grin.~

"I noticed."

"I know."

~He does.~

"You do, don't you?"

"Yes."

"This will happen, won't it? We'll be together, I mean..."

"Yes."

"How close are we?"

"Anyday."

*****
Part 10: Spike's POV

~Pub... Dark... Beer... Birds... Lot's o' birds... Bikini tops, shorts, bare legs, sandals... Angel checkin' out the blonde... me... jes' checkin' 'em all.~

"Fancy the one in red?"

~Lil' looker, that one.~

"Pretty girl"

~No getting' around that.~

"Nice rack."

~So we're sexist. We're allowed. Couple o' bloke's, out for a drink an' a laugh. We're allowed.~

"Agreed."

"Ask her to dance."

~Wouldn't mind watchin' 'im work. like the old days. only - the old days, we'd 'ave seduced 'em an' drained 'em.~

"No..."

~Don't be a wanker. nothin' wrong in chattin' up birds.~

"Go on... She's lookin' over here."

~Lil' encouragement.~

"Yeah... she is."

~Now for the challenge.~

"Pity for you... she's lookin' at me."

~Sidelong glance. heh. that got 'im.~

"Not a chance, boy... she's looking at me."

~This is fun.~

"Blind, too. Senility's really hittin' ya hard. Can Vampires get Alzheimers?"

~Ha!~

"You're just full of witty quips, aren't you?"

"Yes... Your point."

"No point... just stating the obvious."

~Here comes the bird. all tarted up in red.~

"Hey there, I'm Liz... Tourists?"

"No, pet. Born an' raised right here in sunny Santa Barbara."

~She's gigglin' an' grinnin'. First - ya make 'em laugh.~

"Yeah... you sure sound the part."

"I could do, if I wanted... could say 'ohmigawd... you like totally have a cool pub here'... howzat sweetness?"

~Next, ya make 'em laugh again. cute lil' thing. not my type, tho'.~

"You're too much!! You have the cuuuutest accent!!"

~Ooh. first time I heard that.~

"Do I now? Well, my mate here's from Gallway, Ireland... Ya like the way Mick's talk, too?"

~Kickin' Angel the ball. let's see what he does with it.~

"I dunno... let's hear... "

~There's the set up.~

"An' what would a darlin' lass like yerself be wantin' ta hear, then?"

~He kicks.~

"Oooh Gaaaaawd... I Love it!!"

~He scores!!~

"Like an overgrown leprechaun, inn't he?"

"Oh, it's sssssooo pretty!! It's like music! CHERYL... C'mere" ~Waving her arms to her pretty lil' brunette friend~ "You *have* to hear this guy talk!"

~Now *she's* a bit of alright. Dark hair, dark eyes. Nice!!~

"Hey Liz... Hear who talk?"

~Don't bother showin' 'im to yer friend, luv. He fancies 'em blonde, like you.~

"The big one... say something pretty again..."

~Yeah, Angel. say somethin' pretty.~

"Ahh... but ye are a sweet thing... Could spend an eternity drinkin' in yer beauty. An' what would ye like ta hear me say?"

~Heh, heh.~

"How adorable!! What's your name?"

"M'name would be Angel, lass, an' ye would be Cheryl, now wouldn't ye?"

~Oh. work it! Look at her blush.~

"Gawd that's pretty..."

~She's whisperin' to her friend now~

"He's so cute"

~Nudgin' Angel, an whisperin'~ "Yer soOO KEWT!" ~He's laughin'~

~Lil brunette Cheryl regardin' me.~

"Do you have an accent, too?"

~Please.~

"'Course I don't have an accent - Your bloody lot's the one's with the accent..."

"It's really sexy."

~I know. glad ya like it, luv.~

"Is it now? Well then, yeah... reckon' I do have me an' accent."

~Go on, then. keep smililn' at me. haven't lost me edge, now, have I?~

"What's your name?"

"Spike."

~You know you want me. Everyone wants me. Bloody gorgeous, I am.~

"Are you in a band?"

"Yeah... 'course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

~Angel's bitin' the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing, heh. a band.~

"Both of you?"

"Sure... why not?"

~Convincin' ain't I?~

"What's the name of the band?"

~Ha! Gonna bugger up Angel's cha-cha now.~

"Er... The... uh... Magnificent Poofs"

~He's starin' at me like 'What the fuck are you doing?'. heh!~

"Uhm... weird... What's a poof?"

"He is"

~Point at Angel~

"What?"

"Nevermind, pet... inside joke."

"So are you the singer?"

"No... no... Hair boy there, that's the one with the pipes... Go on, Angel... show 'em what ya got."

~Sounds like a dyin' cat, he does.~

"Will..."

~Answer him with a smirk.~

"I thought you said your name was Spike."

"Stage name, luv."

"Ahh... So why do they call you Spike?"

"Want me to show ya?"

~Give her the trademark eyebrow lift an' grin.~

"You are *so* bad!"

~Yes, I am.~

"Yeah luv, I'm a bad rude man."

"While William here's regalin' ye with tales, I'll be takin' Liz here to the dance floor..."

~He smiles at me. ooh, love to bugger 'is arse about now. Wanna see 'im work, though.~

"You wanna dance too?"

"Why not, luv... Sounds like a brilliant plan."

~Move out on the dance floor... we have the girls doin' some swayin'... Can see 'im over her shoulder. She looks like a toy in his arms. Cor', he's enormous. I brush the hair off my girl's neck, he does the same with the blonde. this is effin' great. He smiles, I smile. move my mouth to her neck, lock eyes with Angel. he's smilin'. then does the same with the blonde. Oi! Bloody erotic, innit?. Run me tongue up her flesh. he's mirrorin' me. she shivers in me arms, can smell her arousal. intoxicatin', that. Can see the blonde shudder. Ya haven't lost yer touch either, mate. Turn her a bit more, give 'im a good view o' this, bite down soft. an' jes' suck some. an. ~

"THAT'S MY GIRLFRIEND, YOU PRICK!"

~Woah! What's this? Quarterback looks mad. like he wants ta rip me throat out. Make a good vamp, he would~

"Oi! Watch it, ya nonce!"

"Tyler!! Oh my gawd!! Don't spaz... we were just dancing!!"

~Yeah, you tell 'im, pet. Jes' dancin'. Now bugger off, an' let me get back to givin' Sire a chubby.~

"Yeah... dancing with his mouth on your neck! Your ass is mine, limey freak!"

~Bloody effin' soddin' stupid fuckin' arsed up chip. Bathe in yer blood, I would! Was a time.~

"Tyler!! Quit acting like an ass... leave him alone!"

~Hey now. Angel's hand around his throat. this could get interestin'. I can't do it. he'll do it for me.~

"Yeah Tyler, leave him alone... Ye don't want to be startin an international incident, now do ye?"

~Chokin' an' squawkin' about somethin'.~

"This is between him and me... Not you!"

~Ohhh. Angel lookin' at 'im like he farted on 'is best suit. Wouldn't wanna be in his shoes about now.~

"Oh, beggin' ta differ with ye... What concerns him, concerns me... a great deal. From the looks o' things, I'd venture ta say that yer lass there was enjoyin' herself... very much. Mayhap ye wanna take that up with the lady... Not some random bloke."

~Stone cold fucker. love me Sire. Knew there was a reason. biggest wrinklies on the planet.~

"Fine... He walks. Let go of me..."

~Angel releasin' his neck~

"Don't let 'im go Angel, rough 'im up some."

~Grins at me.~

"Ye want me to?"

~Sadly, a waste o' time. Not like we're gonna get a bite after.~

"Nah... nevermind. No worries, mate... C'mon - place reeks of tossers."

"As ye wish."

~Angel makin' to walk away, then turnin' back. Whatcha doin'?~

"On second thought..." ~Oi! An uppercut. Wager *that stings a bit.~ "Ye had that comin', unfriendly to immigrants... tsk tsk."

~ We're grinnin' an walkin' out now, can hear Cheryl sayin' "Gawd Tyler! Could you *be* more of a dick?! Now your nose is broken... AGAIN!" ~Ha! Bloody fun!~

~Walkin' out on the boardwalk now, start laughin, now Angel starts laughin'. Slap 'is back. good on 'im!~

"Bloody Hell Angel!! Ya cold cocked the pillock. Can't believe ya did that!!"

~Throwin' his arm around me shoulder.~

"You know I always got your back."

*****
Part 11: Angel's POV

~Lying on the sand, I can hear the waves gently lapping at the shore. Will's head on my stomach, staring up at the sky, my hand softly stroking his hair. He loves the stars. I used to spend hours lying with him in the gardens as he'd ask endless questions about constellations and the mythology behind the names. ~

"Tell me about Scorpion."

"Scorpius."

"Yeah. him."

"Scorpius was responsible for the death of Orion, the great hunter. The scorpion stung Orion in reply to his claim that he could defeat any beast. He was placed in the opposite side of the sky from Orion, to avoid any further conflict."

"I like him."

"I know."

~He pulls out a cigarette and exhales a long puff of white smoke. I'm watching the soft breeze carry it away.~

"Whatcha thinkin' about?"

"Nothing."

"Not frettin' again, are ya?"

"No. Just looking at the sky."

"Me too."

~There's a man on a unicycle, wearing a rainbow wig, riding down the strand. That's odd.~

"Will, look at this guy."

"Where. Oh. heh. got himself a good look goin' there."

~Will's head turns as the man nears us.~

"Nice night for it."

~The man nods at him and rides away.~

"What the hell was that about?"

"Don't know, but ya gotta admire a bloke that'll take a fashion risk like that. Got a set o' stones on 'im."

"Or he's off his meds."

"Six of one."

~Lie back down, look for Orion's belt. I feel him moving up my body to lie on top of me. Pretty blue eyes.~

"Hi."

"Hello."

"Fancy meetin' you here."

"We keep bumping into eachother like this, people will talk."

"Rumors? About us? I'm shocked. I'm livid. I'm mortified, even."

"Don't worry, they're all true."

"Oh. Right, then. Reckon we should snog, or somethin'."

"That might be an advisable course of action."

~His head dips, his lips gently brush against mine, my own part to receive his tongue. Softly, we caress eachother, pull his bottom lip between mine, suck tenderly on the bit of dampened flesh. he sighs quietly, I feel the cold exhale against my face. Run my hands up his lithe form, pull him in tight, his fingers caressing my cheek. This kiss is so smooth, so forgiving. The waves on the shore break with a muted sound, they seemingly wash away what was, and bring in what is. Supple, moist lips. opening for me, tongues lap delicately together in a timeless dance. Moving slightly. soft kisses traveling along my jaw, wetness dampening my ear. ~

"I love you, Angel."

~He whispers faintly, the puff of air against the moisture sends shivers through me.~

"I love you too, Will."

~Staring into my eyes now. Yes, Will. I do. But you already know this. You've always known this.~

"I've missed you."

~Oh God. I can't help it. I close my eyes, feel a knot forming in my throat. So much time lost. I can't respond. I can't find the words.~

"Hey. open your eyes, love. Look at me."

~Open my eyes, see his, gentle, caring. The knot getting tighter in my throat. Long elegant fingers cupping my face. Still quiet, my throat aches. ~

"Don't run off."

"I'm not."

"Feel it."

"I do. I don't want it to end."

"It won't."

"Let's stay here. Relocate. Leave everything behind. Start new."

~He's smiling at me. I know it's ridiculous, but still.~

"We're needed where we are, pet."

"Fuck 'em."

"Angel!"

~It was worth it to get that grin.~

"What?"

~I'll do my best to try looking innocent here. He's much better at this than I am.~

"Cheeky monkey. what's gotten into you?"

"You."

"Ahh. Ya have a point."

"Every now and again."

"So. I'm a bad influence, then?"

"The worst."

"Right then, I apologize - unreservedly for any negative stimulus I've been a party to."

"Noted."

"Documented?"

"Of course."

"Won't hold up in court. No witnesses."

"Oral agreement, I may have a case."

"Now you've opened the door to the innuendo. You know you've got it comin'. Shall I even bother?"

"No. it's too easy. Beneath you."

"'Course it is. Everythin's beneath me. I'm Spike. William the bloody. World class shag, an' all that rot."

"And humble, too. You forgot humble."

"It was included in the 'an' all that rot' afterthought."

"My mistake. Always adding the all inclusive caveat."

"Cover your perimeter. Old friend o' mine taught me that."

"Yes, I did."

"Straight away, always did me right. Never forgot it."

"Good to know I had some positive influence on you."

"Some. not much, though."

"Little shit."

"When you've resorted to name callin', ya know you've lost, dontcha?"

"Yes. Punk."

"S'alright, luv. bein' an ol' geezer, like ya are. well, it's no wonder ya can't manage a simple declarative sentence."

"This old geezer's about to turn you over his knee and spank your ass."

"Kinky."

"What was that about one word sentences again?"

"If I answer in more than one word, am I gonna get the spankin'?"

"Probably not."

"Right."

"Right, what?"

"Hand."

"Ha! You never stop making me laugh."

"Good."

"Come on, let's get the kids their gifts."

~Move to get up.~

"Oi! What about me spankin'!!"

"The faster we buy the presents, the faster we're back in the room, Will."

~He's standing now. Looking like he's about to say something very obnoxious.~

"Right."

~I was wrong. he's about to *do* something very obnoxious. His hand at the top button to his jeans. Open. God. Turning. sliding them down. Fuck. Never, in the history of the world. has there ever been a more perfect ass. Little shit. Baby rhinoceros is back. It'll be a blast shopping with him. Grr. He's really got this coming. He doesn't hear me running at him, I'm sure he smells me. Tackle that sweet little fuckable ass, pin him to the ground. Perfect.~

"So it's a spanking you want, eh Will? Want me to cherry up that pretty little ass of yours?"

"Uh-huh."

"One word sentences too much for you? Relying on grunts now?"

"Mmm-hmm."

~Raise my hand and bring it down hard against his backside. Sweet smack, right on the fleshy part of that pale, perfect globe. Again. Again. Pretty little boy, grunting everytime my hand cracks against his skin. I can't wait to take him home with me. Slap. Again, again. Can't wait until we're in *my* bed. not some fucked flat mattress in a holiday resort. Grab it hard, and squeeze before I raise my hand again. Come down hard. Again. Again. When he's with me. When he's by my side. I don't care what I'm doing, he'll come first. We're chasing after demons, he wants to fuck. pull him into the nearest alley and drop trou. Can't wait. My boy. Crack against that skin. He's groaning so loud. shooting straight through me. My boy.~

"Had enough?"

"No."

"Turn over."

"No."

"Turn over, you spoiled little brat."

"No."

~Bring my finger to my mouth, bite down, yes.. Slip my hand between his cheeks, finger pushing in.~

"Ahh."

"I said 'turn over'. "

~Reluctantly turning onto his back. Pouty face. look at that. so sweet.~

"Will."

"What?"

~Still with the pouting. I have to grip myself, relieve some of this. tension.~

"I know you don't want this to happen here."

"No. reckon I don't."

"Listen. we go, we find the kids presents, we go back to the room, and I fuck you until your eyes cross. Deal?"

"Deal."

*****
Part 12: Spike's POV

~So we're here. Little souvenir shop. Crystal dolphins. Buddha on a surfboard. Palm tree wind-chimes. Oh yes! Half price on sno-globes! What they got? Let's see. Betty Boop on a sunchair with an umbrella, no. nobody wants that. what else? Ahh, here's one for Xander. Shaggy up a palm tree with a ghost standin' underneath. brilliant! Okay, what else? Yeah. one for Red. Halloween witch, complete with red hair an' warts. lovely. Now for Peanut. Some boyband kid. right, he'll do. Anya. Oh. Here's one with shredded dollar bills inside. alright, that'll work. Watcher. what the hell do ya get him? Naked bird. shake her some, her dress flies up. Right! She's a natural blonde. Watcher's gonna like her. Heh. What's this? Little bloke grabbin' his head. why? Shake it up. Oi! Locusts! It's the apocalypse! Bloody brilliant, it is! Perfect for Slayer. She'll love it. Okay, shoppin's done. Back to the room. Go shag. Where's Angel? Oh. Over there. Lookin' at T-Shirts.~

"What size do you think Cordy is?"

"Mate, if ya get her the right size, she'll blacken yer eye."

"Well, what if it doesn't fit?"

"Alright, but it's your arse. don't say I didn't warn ya."

"But she's. busty."

"Yeah. got a nice rack. She'll still beat yer arse."

"Point taken. I have no idea what to get them."

"Half price on Sno-Globes over there."

"What have you got?"

"These."

~Lift me basket to show him. Of course he picks up Xander's.~

"Let me guess."

~Ooh. that was drippin' in sarcasm.~

"Don't bother - it's for the whelp."

~Long sigh. Bloody hell.~

"I still can't figure out what to get."

"C'mon then, I'll help ya."

"Alright, what should I get for Cordy."

"Don't reckon they have Versace here, so yer gonna have to find somethin' a bit more impersonal."

"Like these?"

~Showin' me some surfboard earrings. Oh. He's hopeless.~

"No, pet. Those won't do."

"This is hard."

"So am I, so hurry yer arse up."

"What, then?"

"What about this, silver bracelet with dolphins on it. It'll do."

"Alright. Cordy's done. Fred?"

"What's he like?"

"She."

"Whatever."

"Uh. quiet. Bookish. Hides a lot."

"Okay. what do ya get the girl with all the issues? Let's see. how about. this?"

"Silver pen and pencil set. Alright. Gunn?"

"Saw some gun keychains by the register."

"Nice ones?"

"Yeah."

"And Wes?"

"Letter opener. there. with the palm trees."

"You're good at this."

"I'm good at lot's o' things, Peaches."

"Agreed."

"So, we're done, then?"

"No. I need to get one for Lorne. I'll pick it out. If you want, you can go pay for your things now."

~Right. Gonna get me somethin'. I already know. Actin' all guilty. What the hell's he gonna buy me in here? Nothin' here I want. No problem in it, I'll go find him somethin', too. Look around. What to get the poof. hmm. Lava lamp? Nah. Buddha on a surfboard? Tacky. Lick on tattoo's. this has potential. No. somethin' else. Wait half a mo'. what's this? Little pewter griffin. like on his back. Right. Found it. Go an' pay the old mare, an' then off to shag Angel.~

"Hello young man, did you find everything you needed?"

"Yeah. I did, thanks."

"My, but you have interesting hair. You kids today."

~Shakin' her head an' smilin' at me. Bugger off ya old bint. I'm old enough ta be yer granfather's grandfather. Or, whatever. jes' bag the goods before the poof sees the griffin'.~

"Right. always up with the new trends, I am."

"On vacation from England."

"Yeah."

~What is it with these people? Act like they never met an outta towner before.~

"I went there with my husband Russell once, God rest his soul."

~Moved any slower an' she'd be in reverse. no wonder Russell cashed it in.~

"Lovely place. What's the damage?"

"Oh. yes. that'll be sixty eight dollars and seventy two cents."

~Highway robbery. Couple o' trinkets an' I'm almost tapped. She oughta be ashamed. Hope a vamp got Russell.~

"Break a hundred?"

"Oh yes. Thank you, and come again."

~Come again? What? Ya want me shirt, too? Bloody thief.~

"Right, yeah. thanks."

~Here comes Angel. Good timin'. Smilin' at me. Alright. turn away, so I don't see his little trinket for me. Big Oaf dropped his wallet. Pick it up for him. Bugger. Oh God. It's us. a picture of us. The family. In the plastic liner. There's me, an' Dru, sittin' next to Darla, Penn an' Angelus standin' behind us. Oh God. Oh God. Not some bloody ponce. not gonna cry. My insides are twistin'. all of us. back in the day. Happy. Feels like I got a burnin' ember in me chest. Know I'm breathin'. can't stop, though. Bloody hell. This is killin' me. He's kept this. old picture. edges all tattered with age. Kept it with him. Big hands. takin' the wallet from me. Look up in his eyes. My jaw must be on the floor. Must look like a soddin' kid about now.~

"You alright?"

~What to say? No, I'm not alright. I can't believe you've kept this all this time. I wanna crawl in yer arms an' remember everythin' we were. Can't believe you kept this, Angel. Thought you hated us. Missed you so bloody much. Why didn't you jes' come home?~

"I haven't seen that. in a long time."

~Feel his hand on me shoulder. He looks deep in me eyes, then pulls his hand away.~

"I have something else. if you want to see."

"What is it."

~Oi! That was croaked out, wasn't it? He's reachin' behind the flap an' pullin' out a folded up piece of yellowed paper. Corners got tape on 'em. looks old. He's openin' it. Oh fuck. It's me. His sketch of me. On his bed. In the house, the one with the stable out back. Me. Fuck. I remember that. Remember lyin' still while he took his time. God. I dunno what to feel. I dunno how to respond.~

"You remember?"

"Yeah."

~Cor! With my voice! Soundin' like I swallowed a frog.~

"Will. look at me."

~Look up.~

"I'll just pay for this, and we'll leave for the room right now, alright?"

"Right now."

"Yes. wait for me outside. go have a smoke. collect your thoughts."

"Right."

~Knees feel like they're made o' rubber. I wasn't expectin' this. Push through the door. little bell rings behind me. Lean against the window. Pull out me smokes. Bloody hell. What's this? Long drag. what to do with this? Can't bloody well get me mind wrapped around this. Jes' hurry, Angel. I don't wanna talk. Jes' get back to the room. Gonna make love to him tonight. Not gonna shag. Gonna show him.~

"You ready, Will?"

"Yeah."

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah."

"Turn around."

~Pulls me in close, presses his lips to mine. God. wish we weren't here. Wish we were in the room. Soft an' deep, slow an' sensuous. showin' me. an' I'm showin' him. Pull away. put our foreheads together.~

"You okay to walk, Will?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. let's go."

*****