Wesley
=========

I can't belive that the descion of what to do with Spike has been taken completly out of Angel's hands. That bloody therapist, Barbara had the nerve to tell us that she has asked Spike to be Xanders carer. Nothing like going from the frying pan and into the fire. Oh yes, and if Angel doesn't pay him to do it, she's going to get him a fucking pension. Damn it! I don't say the F word very often but she has irritated me straight to it.

As soon as Spikes name was mentioned, I could see Angel tense up. Jaw clenched just a little tighter, hands shifting behind him so that no one noticed him clenching his fists. It had been just what was needed at that moment, the air in the kitchen was already tense. Barbara had given us all a talking to about leaving Christopher alone. Apologies all round and everyone declared that they had thought someone else was floating through the hotel and that Christopher wasn't alone. I certainly thought that Cordelia and Francis were in the hotel when Angel and I descended the steps to the boiler room. It was beside the point anyway, it was done now, no use in arguing about it.

Ever since rescuing these boys, I haven't been able to sleep properly at night. I'm feeling so run down. At first, my sympathies went out to all the young men, especially little Christopher. What he must have gone through is just unimaginable. Lately, every time Christopher starts throwing a tantrum or lays in bed screaming and crying, I can't help but get annoyed and think that it would be easier to just move out. Find someplace quieter, have a decent nights sleep. Thinking of renting a room at a cheap hotel just so that I can do that.

It's not just me. Angel is so tightly wound, I'm waiting for the coil to snap. That bastard, Randall, being found dead didn't help at all either. It took away all our chances to find out who was operating the slave ring. Cordelia and Doyle are beginning to look haggard, from both the extra time of looking after Christopher, and from the 'normal' duties of the agency. It's not that they don't like the little boy, I suspect that Cordelia is toying with the idea of adopting Christopher if he doesn't get glamoured out of childs form in the forseeable future, its that he has the stamina of a 30 year old man to fall back on when things don't go his way and he does throw a tantrum. In between Doyle�s visions, battling monsters and various demons and helping the boy at night, Francis is starting to get run down, his usual energy has been lacking in the last week or so.

Cordelia is almost beside herself due to the strain of shuttling both Xander and Christopher to Mrs Neal three times a week, Dr Sawyer when needed, and trying to restrain herself from scaring Xander with an abundance of emotion every time they talk. She has completly stopped going to the acting classes in order to rearrange her life so that she can help them both. I can hear both Doyle and Cordelia arguing sometimes at night, I don't think they realise just how loud they can both be. Before the boys came, they hardly ever argued. Now its almost every second night. I'm too embarrassed to say anything.

The thing that really gets me, is that I feel unable to show any sort of affection to Angel outside the bedroom in case we make Xander or Christopher uncomfortable. Seeing two guys making gooey eyes at each other after spending so long in a male based brothel, is really not the ideal show I'm sure. It's starting to wear thin with both of us. Inbetween my research into the various demons and the extra research to find any information about just what type of metal is around the boys' necks and wrists, the treks with Xander and/or Christopher to the library and Angel�s solo missions, we hardly have any time to just enjoy each other�s company outside the bedroom. I'm not even going to add the time spent with all of us battling hordes of demons and evil lawyer concoctions, excluding Spike of course.

I didn't realise just how much of a disruption to normal life the two boys would make. Even with Spikes totally innappropriate behaviour, before they came, life was easier. Don't get me wrong, I like them both. Christopher actually makes for quite a lovely child in between tantrums. He is so sweet and polite, adores Cordelia and Doyle beyond question. I have to laugh when I catch him making faces at Spike behind his back, the blond has no idea that it's happening. I know Angel has seen it a few times as well. It's not just 'Delia getting angsty for a child either, having him around is making me think of the possibility of having a family one day. Whether it will be with Angel, only the PTB know.

Xander is another problem entirely. All I can remember about him from Sunnydale is a goofy, smart arse kid who smiled the whole time I knew him and that included any time we were in danger. I used to marvel at his ability to joke about everything, unfortunatly at the time, I really didn't appreciate his talent. He is the biggest strain on us all. It's not that he is argumentative or has tantrums like Christopher, it's the extra effort we all try to put in. We try not to forget that he is there in the room with us, so easy to do though. I find it painful to listen to him talk. I keep having to restrain myself from trying to finish his sentences for him, something that he would just smile about no matter how much it hurt him. He walks around just screaming 'victim'. I used to think that I had dibs on that but after watching him cringe from people one day in the library, I realised that I would never be as victimised as that boy had been. No matter how horrible my childhood was.

It's hard to just get him to go the doctor or that twat, Barbara Neal. The car trips to and from the library with Xander are usually oppressive, the air of 'what do we talk about' surrounding us both. Whenever anyone strikes up a conversation after work, it's always with the guarded caution of keeping it demon and sex free. Unfortunately, those two subjects are the main topic of conversation before, during and after work. Needless to say, the chatter is very little until Xander leaves the room. I'm sure he knows how much the talking expands after he leaves, we just don't want to upset him. Cordelia is finding it hard to come to terms with how much he has changed from what she is used to. Doyle finds it easier to talk to him, he never knew Xander before rescuing the boy so its like making a new friend. Just one of the subjects the two argue about at night. I hope to god that Xander can't hear them, but I doubt he can hear anything over that crap Spike has blaring out of his stereo.

Which brings me right back to the starting point, Spike. Angel and I decided that we would see just how the blond was taking to Xander before doing anything rash. A descion totally null and void now but when it was explained by Mrs Neal, I had to admit that it might not be such a bad idea for Spike to help the boy socialise again. Angel isn't really the sociable type, Doyle and Cordelia need more time together plus they have Christopher to look after and I fear that I'm too high strung as it is to even contemplate forcing him into social situations. Spike really is the only one who has the time and the ability to wheedle anyone to do anything. Quite an amazing talent actually. The Watcher Diaries were full of chapters on just how caring and loving Spike was towards Drusilla, no one could really believe a vampire would be capable of that sort of emotion. When we were down in the boiler room, Angel told me that Spike was sometimes the only one stopping Drusilla from dusting herself.

Apparantly on more than a dozen occasions, Spike had run straight into direct sunlight in order to rescue Drusilla, something that made me feel a little pride that my lover had Sired such a brave and determined Childe. One of the fears we both have is that Spike will just take Xander one day and we will never see him again. Angel indicated that the blond was treated just like a guard dog, albeit with better fangs than the average doberman. Above all other instincts, even feeding, the drive to protect Drusilla was the highest. Another fear of ours is him trying to have sex with the boy before Xander has regained the ability to say no to any advances.

All last night, Angel and I nutted through various ideas and plans to restrain Spike if we found that he got too serious about the boy. The best one so far, is one that I don't think will even work. Angel is convinced that if he drains Spike almost to the point of dusting him and then reafirms the commands to protect but with a softer tone while feeding him Sire blood, that it will soften the savagness in Spike. I kindly pointed out that because he didn't know what type of person Spike was before being turned, we had no idea of knowing just how far the savageness went back. He could have been that nasty, rude and a killer while as a human. It might not be the commands that made him so protective of Drusilla. In the end, it was decided that we will just see how things are going.

The thing that has me most scared of what could happen is what Angel jokingly said before drifting into sleep last night. He said that in comparison to when he first sired Spike, the blond had mellowed some. If what is residing on the fourth floor is considered mellow, I have shivers when I think of just how out of control he must have been as a Fledgling.

*****
Part 10:

Water turned on and shower curtain pulled fully out of the warming water, Xander carefully stepped into the bath. A wince at the dull ache in his anus and he wondered just when the constant discomfort would start to go away. The operation had been successful, Dr Sawyer had been pleased with the results. He was now offically tight again. He shuddered as the word 'virgin' bounced around his head, a little sad that the surgeon hadn't been able to restore that. Oh well, the pain wasn't really that bad. After all, he had had a lot worse. Still, at least he could stop shitting himself if he didn't hibernate near a bathroom constantly.

The liquid soap started to foam as it mixed with the almost scalding water, little suds making their way down his arm and tangling with the silver bracelet. He often wondered why the metal didn't rust or at least tarnish. Spike had told him that he was now free from the brothel, it migh be true but until he got the silver chains off his neck and wrists, he and the other boys would always be slaves. It wasn't as if Angel, Wesley and Giles hadn't tried their best to get them off, it was that nothing had worked so far. Spells, incantations, sawing with a hacksaw, Angel trying to snap them in half, Spike and Angel pulling in opposite directions.....nothing had worked.

With a small smile, Xander realised that the facewasher was now totally free from any soap. He reached into the shower caddy and re-applied the vitamin E liquid to the wet cloth again, making sure to rub it over his body before it all disappeared down the drain. Once lathered with the soft smelling suds, he immersed himself fully into the pounding water, relaxing into the heat. His smile grew as the taut muscles in his body gave into the heat, unknotting themselves from yesterday's stress. Hair thoroughly wet, was shampooed and conditioned then rinsed.

Xander stood under the stream for a few minutes, wondering why Spike had really pushed him away before. It wasn�t as if the demon didn't want him. With the few strokes he had given the other male, he had definately felt hardening. Couldn't have been the crying, vampires loved to see him cry, most paying specifically for that. He knew that he kissed well, so it wasn't that either. Maybe it was just Spike being weird, both he and Angel weren't the normal vampire types.

The fact that Spike was holding him during his supposed nightmares didn't really bother him, it just confirmed the fact that the vampire did want him. Xander thought that the demon was clever to think of such an excuse as nightmares to justify his holding of Xander at night. He was flattered that the other man was interested in him, after all, he was used goods and pretty filthy. It just wasn't possible for him to go back to women now, all they would have to do was look at him and they would know that he was a whore. No woman wanted a man who had been used in such a way, no matter what Mrs Neal said. If Spike wanted him, then the vampire was going to get him.

Might have been what he said during his little teary episode? Xander chewed at his bottom lip, wondering if that was what had sent the blond away. He hadn't meant to scare the vampire away. A sudden wave of lightheadedness swept over him as he remembered that he had actually lashed out at the other man. But, he had apologised, surely that wasn't going to discourage the vampire? Xander felt himself starting to shake, was it possible that he had just turned off the only person interested in him? A sob broke through the steam as a tanned brunette sat himself on the bottom of the bathtub, knees drawn up to his chest. Rocking slightly, Xander wept into his hands, horrified that he had displeased the smaller man.

"Oh m..my God! I.I..I raised my v..voice. I'm s.s.sorry, so s.sorry. Pleeeassse..p.p.please, I'm sorry!"

Stomach gurgling, the brunette felt his abdominal muscles clench up. Dry retching, he continued to sob and apologise to the non present blond. He promised that it wouldn't happen again and that he would be more careful next time. More importantly, he vowed to make it up to the vampire. Somehow, Xander was going to make an apology of more than just words.

"I..I promise, I'll b..b.b.be good."

The water was starting to cool down as the hiccuping man wiped at his eyes. He wrenched the water off fast, hauling himself up carefully so as not to slip on the slick bath bottom. Xander slowly stepped on the cool tiles of the bathroom floor. Towel grabbed, he thoroughly dried himself, applying body lotion from head to toe. The brunette knew that Cordelia was astounded at how much sorbelene and glycerin he went through but he didn't feel clean if he went with out the lotion after a shower. He had tried to go without a few times but he had only lasted not even ten minutes before running back into the bathroom to complete his grooming routine. Xander hated that he felt so compelled to do it but it was just one of the things that made him feel nervous if he didn't do it right.

While the lotion was drying, he wiped at the steamed over mirror. Xander took in his reflection, studying his ever hairless face. From the day he had arrived at Eternal, he had never had to shave or get his hair cut again. Wesley had told him it was probably due to the jewellery, the magical properties were somehow warping his body and its natural functions. The brunette focused on the still pink scratches on his face. He didn't remember clawing at himself but if Spike said that he had done it, then it must be true. Spike would never lie to him, after all, the vampire had come back as he had promised. With those words, Xander felt a wave of guilt flow over him. He was ashamed that he had raised his voice.

He turned his head from side to side, relieved that there were only a few scratches and even those weren't too bad. Hair brushed, Xander turned fast, gasping at a flare of pain in his rectum. Berating himself, he walked slowly back into the bedroom and started to dress. Loose fitting navy pants went over white boxers, a grey marble long sleeved T-shirt clothing his upper body, his feet remaining bare. After not wearing any shoes for so long, he found that even runners tended to make his feet ache after a few hours. Christopher also hated wearing shoes, only doing so when Cordelia promised a treat.

Xander turned his lamp off on the way out, taking the stairs one by one instead of bounding down them like he usually did. He was feeling calmer now that he had had a cry in the shower. Down to the last few steps, the brunette wondered again as to why Angel wouldn't get the lift fixed. It had broken down again, something that it did about every second month apparantly. Too expensive probably he thought. Cordelia had been unable to stop laughing when describing the vampire�s face after the last bill, Wesley and Doyle just nodding along with big grins of their own. It was nice to be back downstairs, with no lift and order of no stairs for a few days, he had been basically confined to his room. Didn't really worry him anyway, he had just read or listened to the punk rock that shook his bedroom walls coming from the blond's room from across the hallway.

It was almost a novelty to listen to music again, the first time he had heard Spike�s radio, he had started to wail for Randall to come and get him. He hadn't been alone in that, the other boys had joined in as the music had drifted down the hallway. The only thing that had calmed them down had been Angel yelling at Spike to turn it down. Xander was still embarrassed at that memory, now though, he didn't care what the blond played as long as he could listen to it. Most of the music wasn't to his taste but it was so nice to have sound rolling around the upper floor.

He padded through the quiet lobby and into the large kitchen, suprised to see only Spike and Christopher sitting at the table. The vampire was obviously waiting Christopher to finish his breakfast, the blond was huffing and puffing as the young boy's spoon chased the last of the coco puffs around the bowl. A small smile at them both and Xander got out his latest batch of antibiotics, two boxes and a small brown bottle. So far, there wasn't a week that had gone by without him on some sort of medication. Amoxil swallowed, he put two weetabix in a bowl, smothering the cereal with warm milk. While he waited for it to turn into easily passed mush, he popped out the second lot of pills and gulped the Flopen down with a glass of water. The Tetracyclin had to be taken after food, something he would do after his cereal and a few pieces of fruit.

"About fucking time, now sod off and watch tv. Muppets or some bloody thing, I don't give a shit, just go."

Xander's face lit up in a genuine smile as Spike grumbled around the kitchen now that Christopher had dashed off after finishing his breakfast. It meant that the vampire could now have his own breakfast, if he hadn't already had it before the boy had come down into the kitchen. Both vampires were careful not to show their demon faces around the man/boy, they just didn't know how he would react and Angel was wary of causing any further trauma for Christopher. The blond whinged as he heated his blood, Xander just listening as he quietly ate his own breakfast. The brunette leant against the cool sink, watching as the vampire went into game face to drink the blood. Xander could barely remember when it had used to bother him. He tuned out to Spike�s continual complaining about how he was stuck looking after Christopher, or the brat as he was affectionatly known according to the blond vampire. Xander was more interested in how he was going to make it up to Spike.

================

Wolfram and Hart

================

"Yes, I know. It's just great, the site is perfect. Everything is going so much quicker than expected. I'm sure that you will find it to your liking"

Lindsay was trying to get free from the man on the other end of the phone call. He actually liked Randall but he just got a delivery of something of great interest to both himself and for the firm�s interest. A few more complimentary lines and he found himself released from the phone. He quickly dialed out to his secretary's desk, telling her that he didn't want to be disturbed for the rest of the morning. The dark haired man turned his attention to the couriers bag infront of him.

Ripping it open with his letter knife, he took out the three video cassettes. One chosen at random, he shoved it into his private video player, switching the tv on. The screen quickly filled with the actions of two boys barely into their teens giving each other handjobs. Lindsay grimaced slightly, the boys were a bit young for him but that wasn't the point. The three videos were master copies of some porn that Randall had shot before his place had been raided by the damned Kate.

All three videos were presently unreleased onto the market and judging by what he was watching, the demand underground for them would more than pay for the new prostitutes that would end up working at Sanity. He had finally persuaded the older man to buy some demon prostitutes as well as four more humans to work the bar/brothel. The sooner the new place was built, the better some of his clients would behave. He had so far spent a pleasant morning trying to avoid being dribbled on by a large grey demon. The demon had been trying to explain about god know's what, Tomas had barely been able to decifer the grunts and woofs in between the great bouts of saliva the demon had produced. This particular species tended to dribble less after a bout of sex, henceforth why Lindsay had always sent it to Eternal before a meeting. In the end, Lindsay and Tomas had had to send it to a demon clientle based brothel. The meeting rescheduled for the next morning.

His attention back on the two boys, Lindsay felt his heart start to beat faster as he concentrated on the 69 being displayed by the two blonds onscreen. Very nice indeed. Wouldn't be long until Sanity was up and running. The only problem now as how to get the boys away from the Slayer and Angel. The solution to that, was to kill every body. He loved that answer. Lindsay was going to go through the files on each of the people he suspected of abducting Randalls property just as soon as he had watched all three videos. The files were waiting on his desk.

*****
Part 11:

The agonised screaming filled the small office. Brilliant sprays of blood flew in every direction. The victim, twitching and jerking as much as his ravaged body would allow him. A snapping and snarling demon paused to survey its handiwork. Obviously pleased, it worked on the finishing touches to the abused body. Finally it was over, the demon sated and content, left the scene of his desicration. The dead boys image lit up the small screen for a minute more until Angel turned off the video.

Swivelling his chair so that he faced away from the fuzzy tv screen, Angel now knew just why Kate had been sick. The detective had one of the strongest stomachs for a human that he had ever come across, something that helped with her job but even he was feeling a little queasy after watching the video. The brunette vampire found himself wanting to hunt down and kill the demon responsible. He was going to get Wesley to identify the culprit, he was sure there would have been a bragging session after such a torture. There was no way the younger human was going to see the whole thing, just enough so that he could get a good view of the demon.

The main problem was getting Cordelia to identify the dead boy. There were a good few minutes footage that concentrated mainly on his face, unfortunately he was screaming and begging at the time. With a shake of his head, Angel was thankful the video had been shot almost a year before Xander had disappeared. The boy, David, was obviously from Sunnydale. The silver jewellry was a certain give away. What it was with males from Sunnydale, no one really knew just yet. He briefly wondered if there were any females from the town in the same situation as Xander and the rest of the boys had been found in. With a snort, he scowled when he realised that of course, there would be females in the same situation.

With all the unexplained disappearances in Sunnydale, when ever anyone went missing, it was almost always taken in ones stride. It happened, life goes on, would you like fries with that? Xander had been damned lucky that he belonged to the Slayer�s group of friends. One of the few reasons none of them had given up looking for him, was that if he had been killed or hurt by a demon, there would have been an immediate bragging session to all and sundry. Who would be able to resist taunting the blonde dynamo with news of one of her friends being killed. Evil humans just hadn't come into the equation. Who would have thought that with all the demon and supernatural activity on the Hellmouth, that it had taken a group of humans to throw a spanner in the works.

Angel sighed at the thought of just how much 'trauma' pay he was going to have to dole out to his favourite secretary. Maybe he should offer to babysit Christopher while he sent both Doyle and Cordelia out for a night alone together. Dinner, a movie and stroll through the park. Actually, he wouldn't mind doing it with Wesley. God, anything for a holiday. The brooding male wanted to spend some time with Wesley, not having sex but just sitting close enough to brush hands or have his thigh bask in the heat Wesley usually threw off without having to worry about how their closeness might upset one of the former prostitutes.

Chair turned around again, he leant over and turned off the tv. Angel turned his attention from his lover back to the tape labled 'David'. It had been a horrifying way to die. What the tapes purpose was, he had no idea but suspected that it might have been used as some sort of threat to keep the boys soft and pliable. He really didn't want to ask Xander if he had seen the tape but David�s promises of he would smile more was probably the reason all the prostitutes always had a smile plastered over their faces. Would pretty much convince him too thought Angel.

Rubbing one hand across his eyes, he was unsure of what to do. A groan saw him realise that there was very likely no demon in L.A. who would remember the torture being bragged about. Fuck! Another lead dead. Angel was frustrated beyond belief. The Scooby gang and the L.A. team had been pleased when it was found out that there were kidnappings twice a year in Sunnydale. However, it soon turned sour when it had been discovered that it occured on two of the loudest nights of the year. New Years Eve and the Fourth of July. Both nights every where in America were usually filled with parties and drunken hooligans, who was going to notice someone getting kidnapped? Even if someone did see it happen, they would probably put it down to some stupid pranks being played by teenagers. It also meant that the auctions each boy had mentioned, were held at least twice a year as well.

As much as the boys had been able to tell the vampire, all participants in the auction had been human. Wesley suspected that demons of any kind weren't allowed to attend and had already offered to go to one, posing as a buyer, if one was able to be found on time. The brunette wanted Wesley as far away from such things as possible, knowing that the ex-watcher could very likely become a sale item himself. Doyle's attempts at trying to go along with the idea of backing Wesley up at an auction had been shot down before even two sentences had been finished. Cordelia had been almost feral in getting the point across that he would fetch a pretty price himself with the Seer abilities. Angel had never seen the half demon fall so silent as the full truth of the statement came crashing into him.

The best idea so far, was to glamour Gunn, Wesley, Angel, Giles and even Riley and Graham into attractive teenagers in the hopes of gaining the kidnappers attention on the next expedition. Unfortunately the friends had missed the last due date, the fourth of July by only a few days. The next date would be on New Years Eve. They had everything pretty much planned. The glamoured men would have a tracker placed on their bodies, Riley and Graham actually suggesting an implanted one. Hopefully the kidnappers would take one as bait, the others being picked up once the bait was taken. The one who had been taken would be tracked by remote survellance. That meant Buffy and everyone else could descend upon the resting place like a ton of bricks, hopefully getting to kick some arse while breaking up the whore ring for good.

Another idea was something that was a bit more difficult. Doyle had compromised his wanting to help with the baiting by coming up with a suggestion of trying to get accepted into an auction. When that idea had been shot down by a clearly upset Cordelia, he had offered to put the word out on the street that he wanted a human for pleasure purposes only. The rumour had been started a few weeks ago and so far no takers with it but the L.A. group were hoping that one of the bidders from the auctions would come forward with the offer to act as an agent for the half demon, leading to the bigger players.

Unable to help himself, Angel felt another brood slip into place as he wondered just what the right thing to do was. Should he risk upsetting Xander by mentioning the video? How much screeching ex-cheerleader would he be able to cope with for an afternoon? How expensive was a suite at the Royal Haven Hotel for one night? He wanted Wesley to get some proper sleep, the high strung man was letting Christopher�s crying and screaming get to him at night. Angel himself really didn't hear anything once he was out for the night, he had always been a heavy sleeper, pretty much unable to wake in the middle of an earthquake or cyclone. Neither of them knew how Cordelia and Doyle had lasted this long with the erratic sleeping habits of the small boy. Damn, he was a man, not a small boy.

The brunette vampire had just about given up trying to talk to the boy like he was 30 years old, it was just easier to go with the flow. Less crying and not much cheek was given if they all went with the denial, Spike being the only one unwilling to do so. His head lifted out of his hands at the sound of his name being called, he absently reminded himself to talk to his Childe about what Barbara Neal had offered the blond. A sigh at yet another screech from Cordelia and the vampire knew a hard day was just about to begin.

===================================================

Cursing Barbara Neals name, Randall wanted her blood on his hands. How dare she tell Scott and Christopher that they were now allowed to express their emotions. He had been content to let the old woman continue to talk to them but after that little pearl from the withered lips of the therapist, something was going to have to be done.

Randall didn't want for his boys to become too free with their emotions again, it would just make retraining them all the harder. God only knew just how long it was going to take him to get them readjusted back into their jobs, and he didn't want stupid ideas to make it all the harder. The therapist in Sunnydale was just as bad, telling Mathew and Andrew that they were now free from any obligations to please their former captor.

Captor. It was a word that made Randall seethe, he wasn't their fucking captor, he was their rightful owner. The one who was worse than them both put together was the Slayer�s Watcher, whatever that was, Rupert Giles. If the former brothel owner had his way, the store keeper would be the first to go, and painfully at that. The moron was actually trying to get both Mathew and Andrew to feel fear whenever a demon approached them. The only good thing was that their training was strong and they were holding out nicely. Thankfully, the renovations had already started on the shell of what would soon become Sanity. Lindsay had already promised him that things would be taken care of and so far it was going along nicely.

The two therapists and the other older man were going to have to go before the new place was even half finished. In a snap decision, Randall wanted to get the boys out of their places as soon as possible so that the re-training could begin. He wondered if he could put the word out so that he could start to recoup on his losses by getting a few regulars to visit the new holding cells while Sanity was being built, prices lowered of course.

With a firm grip around the telephone receiver, he dialed Wolfram and Hart, reminding himself to thank Tomas for teaching him the spell that enabled him to see and hear any of the boys whenever he wanted. Hearing the line connect, he decided to play with the big boys and asked to be put through to Holland.

*****
Part 12:

August 5, 2004

She rolled over onto her right side, deep into a dream of a far-away land. Billowing white clouds slowly drifted across a deep blue sky, gently masking the tops of snow covered mountains. Rich fertile land was covered with lush vegetation, providing both cover and nourishment for the numerous species that relied upon the forest for survival. Smiling at the beautiful sight, Barbara Neal snuggled further into her bedcovers, unconciously trying to get away from the crisp cool air that dominated her dreams.

Such a lovely idea, a holiday. Bushwalking, canoeing, even just wandering around aimlessly would be nice. Be good to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just forget about everyone else�s troubles for a few weeks. Somewhere in the country, another state would be better, no one could disturb her if she was a few days drive away. With a snort and a half snuffle, the greying woman moved her legs into a more pleasing position as she dreamt of climbing one of the snowcapped peaks. God, if only to stand still for just one moment, nothing to harrass her for even a second. Another snort and the therapist started to wave goodbye to the quiet countryside as she left the world of R.E.M.

BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BE....

A moan drifted through the messy bedroom as Barbara wearily lifted a hand to turn off the persistant alarm beside her bed. Momentarily stunned that it was already time to wake up, she double checked with her watch that it really was 8.30am. For the last 2 weeks, she had been sleeping more and more but it seemed like it was never enough. Maybe she was just getting burnt out and needed some rest. All her dreams lately were of exotic locations far away from L.A. Her dream last night had been filled with crumbling stone temples and long balmy nights. The lure of Bali and evenings filled with outlandish cocktails was beginning to wear her down although going rockclimbing in New Zealand was equally appealing.

Bed covers thrown back, she sat up and swung her feet down onto the polished floor boards. An dry hand ran through knotted hair as the older woman contemplated a week of nothing but massages, spas and facials. A holiday, hmmmm? Yes..yes. She was going to do it. Where though? No matter, she would just have to go out during lunch and pick up some brochures. Something overseas was sounding really good, maybe a cruise around Fiji, The Isle of Pines and Tonga would do the trick?

Thankfully it wouldn't be that hard to re-shuffle her patients. She had taken no one new since Christopher and Xander so it wouldn't be like she was angsting out anyone just starting therapy. She would send Xander down to Father Scheider for the time she was going to be away, that way he could still receive some sort of therapy. The change of scenery would be good for him as well. Christopher might as well just stay at the Hyperion for all the good her sessions were doing. The man was hellbent on ignoring his years at the brothel and just enjoying his time morphed as a child, not that Barbara could blame him.

Stretching and popping her tired body, she scratched at her backside, pulling out the wedgie her pajama bottoms had decided to grace her with. Actually, she should get all the boys to visit the Christian order. Robin might still be a problem but knowing that all the other boys were going as well might just be the incentive the youth needed to step out into open air again. She would have to talk with Father Scheider, Mr Giles and the other therapist, Mr Hunt. Barbara was sure that they would agree to it, even if they didn't, she would still send Xander to the order with his support person. How a vampire was going to cope being in holy grounds, she didn't really know but something would be figured out. It would have to be, she was going to go on holidays for 21 days in just over 2 weeks.

She just wanted to run away from everything right now but she knew that everything had to be sorted out in L.A. before she could do that. Where she was going to go was really the most important question at the moment. Taking a few steps towards the bedroom door, the still sleepy woman didn't notice the dissipating mauve vapour swirling around underneath her bed. The same mist that had visited her each night for the last two weeks.

*****
Part 13:

25 August 2004.

Spike
=======

It was the bloody silence that first warned me that something was wrong. None of that bloody bints screeching, Wankley wasn't wafting around trying to impress Broody Bastard with his knowledge, I couldn't hear him prattling on. My Sire was in a mood, that went without even saying. I could feel the intense brood all the way up to the recently renovated library on the first floor. The itch started right around in my nape, and slowly crept its way down my spine, welling in the space just above my arse. Something was really wrong, and I wanted to know right there and then.

So, with a quick glance at the sleeping whelp, I carefully got up from the edge of the sofa he had fallen asleep on, hoping that he would be alright for a few minutes. I figured that he would be right for about ten minutes in between nightmares. Enough time to find out what was causing this itch and to grab a beer and mug of blood. Down the steps I went, into the deep silence of the lobby. I could smell salt tainting the air, the closer I got to the foyer. Tears and unhappiness reigned the darkness.

It didn't feel right to holler out a question of what was going on. I can't explain it, it just wasn't *right*. The itch was getting worse and with a hand shoved down the back of my pants for once, I both scratched and walked to the counter. Peering over the edge, I saw the Mincing Poof, Screams Like Woman and Slag sitting in complete silence. Nothing, no fuck off Spike or why did you leave Xander alone, nothing. Where the half breed was, I had no idea. With a another scratch and a few sniffs of the air, I could smell that the bint was crying. Why? I just had to ask, so I did. The answer I got was a surprise.

Car accident.

Drink driving.

Dead on arrival at the hospital.

Giles.

Fuck! The last person I ever expected to go out with a bang, literally. I always thought that he would be the last of the Scraggy Gang to go. Him just huddled over immense piles of mouldy books until he withered away into dust. How Cunty was going to cope with her lifeline gone, I don't know. Didn't even feel a smile come up with that thought. Just started worrying about how I was going to tell the boy that his 'father figure' was gone. Hell only knows that he didn't have another one to lean on. His birth father had carked it only about a year after he had disappeared, his dumb fuck of a mother had followed about six months after. Both useless alcoholics. Whelp�s better off without them anyway.

He hasn't even asked about where they are, I think he knows somehow. Probably been expecting it for years now. Never heard of them mistreating the boy but who the hell gives a shit now? Never liked the Watcher. Always in my way and a right fucking prude. No fun to be around except for the time at Eternal. Gives a great handjob, shame I never really took the chance to get up his arse about it. They say that when ever someone dies, you always have one regret that leaps out at you. Well, that is mine, not ragging on him for his 'handy' skills.

What doesn't surprise me though is the drink-driving. Everyone knew that he liked more than the odd tipple, more like a quarter bottle of whatever was handy each night. Grew to more than a half bottle when the boy disappeared. Wow, he really is gone! Stupid prick, didn't even bother to come and visit Harris since the other boys went back to Sunnyhell. Too fucking *ashamed* of the way he acted all woman like in the sodding brothel. Moron. Too late for regrets now, just have to wait until the whelp dons his own pair of white wings and goes upstairs for that son/father bonding chat they never got to have. After all that boy has been through, there is no fucking way he isn't going upstairs, all the sodding Scooby gang is going to meet up there.

Me? Straight into the depths of hell, might just have to mix it up a little and have a bit of fun. Angel? Who the hell cares? Probably get marooned on an island with Benny Hill and the old bald guy he was always slapping on the head. Hope he gets to listen to the fucking theme for all eternity. Only thing that put me off the show was that effing theme music, used to watch it without sound. Good bloody show too.

Just turned around, didn't comment, didn't say a word. No one was in form for a slanging match anyway. Would rather leave the barbs until either Skank or Prickface are able to answer back, more fun that way. Climbed the stairs again and sat back down on the new dark blue sofa that had arrived that morning. Whelp was still asleep, dark hair flopping across his eyes in a tangled mess. Gonna be a hard blow for the boy, Fat Barb is away on a sodding holiday. Burnt out apparantly. Too much fucking money, I reckon. Bloody cow is on a cruise around the Fiji Islands. How the hell are we supposed to contact her when the kid has a mental?

So, here I am. Sitting on the couch, itching my arms while I try to work out a way of how to tell Xander that one of the most important people in his life is gone. I think that I will get Francis to tell him while I'm nearby to help if needed. I don't know whether he is going to cry or just shrug it off like he did with the other kids dying, Theo. It's gonna hit him one day and bloody hard. It was easier looking after Dru. Hard fuck, few slaps and/or torture, new hairstyle or doll and it was alright again until the next time something set her off. Whelp is still trying it on with me. Crafty little bugger too. Jumped into the shower with me one morning, told me it was an apology for punching at me the day after his big crying fit. He told me all this as he slid down to his knees, all ready to take me into his mouth.

Would have let him do it too if the smile had reached his eyes. Poor bastard was scared shitless that he had displeased me. Had me stumped for a minute. Got him to promise me that he would start wearing splippers around the hotel instead of barefeet. First slippers, going on to runners and then soft ankled boots and finally, Doc Martins. Boy was a bit confused about the promise but at least it got him out of thinking that he had to make it up to me. I had to hold my laughter until he left the bathroom, boy has to get used to shoes if we are going to a mall or the supermarket. Gotta get the whelp into a decent pair of Docs before the useless actress that plays at secretary tries to improve his wardrobe again. She's never going to know this but some of the stuff she has gotten Harris is actually pretty good. There is this one long sleeved v-neck light knit jumper that Xander is yet to wear and I have to admit that I really want it myself. If the boy wasn't a few sizes bigger than me, I would bloody steal it, be buggered if I ask her Bitchiness where she got it.

Damn! Now the inside of my elbows are getting itchy. Jesus, is that a sodding rash? What the hell have I got? Wonder if there is any calamine lotion in the Ballerinas medicine chest? Looks like the boy is stirring, might just put him to bed and get the half breed to tell him tomorrow morning. Still have to ask him about that tape of David. Poof got me to watch it and if I'm right and the whelp has seen it, then that explains a hell of a lot of his problems. Actually it isn't David, it�s some kid called Jonathan. Bint cried all night when she identified him, turns out all the Scoobies had gone to school with him. Nasty way to go and that thing with the jaw, sheer brilliance. Loved it all. Mr 'I have no personality' Angelus got all shirty with me for liking it. I'm a bloody demon, of course I'm going to like it.

Boy's awake now, still a bit sleepy. I don't know what to say. I suppose honesty is the best way to go. Haven't lied to him since the day I saw him again in the brothel and I don't think that I will again. Don't know why, just doesn't feel right.

*****