Angel: (gracing her cheek with his hand she looked at him, into his gorgeous brown eyes) We�ll see each other again. If I have to, I�ll track you down once a week and visit you.

Shasta: (giggling) You mean it?

Angel: (kindly, softly) I said it didn�t I.

(The music in the distance became a waltz and she looked back at him. Nodding they began to dance again. He spun her around and she laughed, causing him to laugh, letting the music guide them, losing themselves beats and the rhythm of the dream like melody. He swung her out then pulled her in again. They swayed closely and then he dunked her to finish the song, going down slowly she dunked her neck and then came back up.)

Shasta: (face to face) I don�t know what just came over me there. It was like we were back in the old days. It was like a dream. I can�t believe what just happened.

Angel: (Softly and slowly) Neither can I. That was amazing.

(Looking deeply into her eyes he began leaning in to kiss her. There was a flash of light in the darkness of the surrounding trees. Looking to the darkness to try and spot the culprit they regained their sense of reality and looked at each other again. Still in the position of barley locking lips she pulled away)

Shasta: Lets finish our walk shall we?

Angel: (recuperating Angel watching her walk a little onward) Ya, lets.

(Walking further on they both noticed a dark figure walking toward them. Shasta felt a hot surge of energy swoop over her body at the figure walked closer and closer to them. They became cautious. Angel gripped her hand tight. Stopping in front of them it caused the two to stop as well. The strange thing was he was bony and about five feet tall drenched in a dark lavender cloak.)

Wiseman: Shasta you are? (creaked the man, pointing his long crooked finger from under his cloak as he slowly paced toward her. Angel looking suspicious at the man.)

Shasta: Who are you?

Wiseman: The concern is non of yours. But, deliver a message I was to do. Your past I was to show you. A secret I know, of the deepest and darkest. Turned you the one, know that I do. Quiet and calm the night was, like this it was much.

(Touching her forehead, flashbacks of the night she was bitten were running through her mind as if she was re-living it again.)

Wiseman: The dark was lurking a creature, coursing through his veins evil was. Prey was it waiting for, you �twas to be. Blind you were, to not know. Best-friend to him now you call. But your attacker was HE!

(She turned to look at Angel, staring back at her, she looked terrified. Then a blue surge of energy left the man�s finger and into Shasta�s brain. She gave a heart wrenching scream of pain and agony. Angel moved closer, but slowly the man raised his hand exposing his palm toward Angel, freezing him in his place unable to move or speak.)

Wiseman: (looking at Angel then back at Shasta) To her what you did, see she must. Stay there until done the deed is.

(In Shasta�s memory she was looking up at the clear starry night, the old fashion lights around her, feeling the blood drain from her body she laid limply. Leaving her there her blood leaking onto the ground she caught a glimpse of his face, the minute she did the Wiseman let his grip go on the both of them.)

Wiseman: Know now you do, sever now you must with your blade. Water your mouth does with revenge.

(With his last words the man began to walk away. Blinking a couple of times, Shasta took a few steps backward breathing excitedly, her hand over her mouth.)

Shasta: (Faintly) You.

(Still trying to move Angel looked at her)

Angel: (confused) What?

(Turning her eyes toward the man she began to walk faster and faster. Slamming her hand down on his shoulder.

Shasta: What the hell are you trying to pull?!

(Quickly turning around, he sent a jolt of energy sending her backward into Angel. She quickly looked in time to see the man�s cloak drop to the ground as if he wasn�t there to begin with, as if air or a ghost had taken the shape of a man�s body for a short while. She could hear a soft brief voice.)

Wiseman: The truth now you know. Believe it you don�t want to. Hard it is to face. But know you do.

(She turned to look at Angel who was confused.)

Angel: What happened what did he say to you?

Shasta: He showed me who bit me.

Angel: Who?

Shasta: (Looking hesitantly then angry) You.(She transformed into her vampire self looking disgusted and pissed.) You bit me and then left me to die.

Angel: (Smiling) What are you talking about. (She began to draw her sword from her back) Woe, hey. I don�t remember that, he also said that evil was coursing through my veins if it was me. When I was evil I was all about killing. I didn�t care who or why I only knew I had to. Then Buffy sent me to hell and I changed. I�m sorry. I didn�t know what I was doing.

Shasta: YOU TURNED ME INTO A MONSTER!

(She ran at Angel with great speed. Suddenly she took air and did a flip landing with the blade on the front tip of his face not cutting so much as a tiny hair.)

Shasta: (whispering into his ear as a tear fell onto his cheek) I hate you.

(Taking a few steps backward she placed her sword back into it�s scabbard she looked into his eyes, then she ran off into the distance. Hesitant and wide-eyed, Angel stood up from his place. He ran after her. She was a blur, slowing down and then to a stop he screamed at the top of his lungs.)

Angel: SHASTA!

( Hearing him she just kept going. About a half and hour later she was still jogging, tears were flooding down her face continuously as if there was a broken pipe in her tear ducts. With her back on a building, she beat her fists on the brick. Looking around she noticed she was in a dead-end alley way. Still looking around she saw a rusted door hidden by garbage, walking toward it she pushed it open and disappeared herself in the darkness)

(Running back into the party, Angel spotted Cordy and walked quickly over to the laughing mob.)

Angel: Cordy! Have you seen Shasta?

Cordy: No, not since you guys left an hour ago why?

Angel: We had.... a fight.

Rob: (Jumping from his seat he grabbed Angel�s coat, twisting it between his fingers, his teeth clenching with anger) What do you mean you had a fight? Did you hurt her. Man, I swear if you laid one finger on her I�ll kill you.

Angel: (Removing Rob�s grip) We had a fight. I didn�t touch her.

Cordy: Stop it you two! This is pointless we should just go and look for her. Knock it off.

(Leaving they went on the search)

(Walking further into the building only small fragments of light could be seen through the roof of the tattered beaten up old warehouse. Looking around her eyes began to adjust with the light. She saw mattresses stacked high as if it was housing the homeless, there we power tools everywhere. She could hear moving in the distance.)

Shasta: (drawing her sword quickly and hissing at the object) Who�s there?

Voice: No need for violence luv. You look tad narked. The hero zeroes are looking for you.

(Walking out from the darkness she could see who it was. He was a tall man with nearly white hair, wearing a long black trench coat which ended at the top of his large boots, under his trench coat, he wore a red flannel, and under that was a plain white T-shirt. He was a dashing man with beautiful features. Shasta felt her knees begin to give way.)

Shasta: (Putting her sword away) Spike?

Spike: As if you didn�t know.

Shasta: How did you know I was in here? Have you been following me?

Spike: You could say I heard through the grapevine that you were in town. So, I took it upon myself to keep tabs on you.

Shasta: Oh. (Looking at him nervously) It�s good to see you again. (Her knees growing weaker and unstable.)

Spike: (Noticing her knees trembling) Do I really strike that big of a cord with you?

Shasta: (locking her knees, with an unsteady voice) Um. What do you mean?

Spike: Never mind. It isn�t safe for you here. I imagine that the group of losers will be looking in here soon. I have a safer place for you and I.

Shasta: Why are you doing this for me?

Spike: Because I�m lonely and your cute.

(Hearing the door creep open she saw Angel peek in. Seeing her in an instant he began to run faster and faster.)

Spike: Here, Take my hand QUICK!

(Placing her hand gently in his palm he gripped it hard and began to run off dragging her behind. Hardly keeping her balance all she could see were the beams of lights bouncing off of her and the floor, and the bottoms of Spike�s boots. Angel was hot on their trail. Shasta could hear the giant pounds on the ground from his shoes.)

Angel: Shasta! Wait!

Shasta: (Looking back at him as she ran along side Spike.) Give up Angel! Leave Me alone! You took away my dignity, at least let me live how I am now in peace!

Angel: I�m sorry!

Shasta: Leave me Alone!!!

(Pushing the door open, Spike continued his dash into the darkness with Shasta�s hand still embraced in his own. With one last look back the two left Angel in the dark with only the small amount of moonlight to keep him company.)

(Reaching another alley way cloaked with ebony they stopped to watch their backs.)

Spike: That was close eh bird? You know he won�t stop looking for you. I�ve learned that about our little masked avenger. I have a place under ground we can hide out for a while at least so you can get some kind of rest. Because lord knows if your still on the surface he�ll spend every waking moment looking for you so that he can poor his putrid goodie-goodie heart out on how sorry he is. But we have to go now. That is if you trust me. Do you trust me?

Shasta: (Weakly) Yes.

(Taking her hand they began to walk off. Coming to a secluded spot where a man hole could be found he stopped and let go of Shasta�s hand. Bending over he placed his fingers under two holes on each side and pried the lit from the cement street.)

Spike: Now comes the tricky part.

(Jumping down inside he was lost in the pit.)

Shasta: (almost frantic) Spike?

Spike: (From below) Down here. Climb down.

(Doing as she was told she placed her hands on the ladder bars and began to climb down. Grabbing onto her hips he helped her down to the sewer floor. Taking his hands off her she looked at him.)

Shasta: (Into his eyes) Thanks

(Walking down the long empty corridor they reached a passage hidden away by darkness.)

Spike: Down here.

Shasta: I�m scared.

(Looking back at her he smiled and then took her trembling hand, leading the way. Reaching a last door he creaked it open and allowed her in first. The smell was musty at first but then turned into a smell of blood and Spike. Looking around the room she saw a bed draped in silk bedding, a desk with chair in the corner, and a fire in the fire place burning beside the bed. She was in awe.)

Spike: You get the bed and I get the chair.

Shasta: Are you sure?

Spike: Ya.

(Walking over to him, Shasta closing her eyes she quickly kissed his cheek, her hand caressing the other. Pulling away she slowly opened her eyes.)

Spike: (amazed) What was that for?

Shasta: For everything. For helping me. For giving me a place to hide out in, when you didn�t have to. For everything.

(Walking over to the bedside she took off her dress so all she was wearing was a bra matching panties. Spike glanced over at her every once and a while watching her strip each piece of clothing from her body.)

Shasta: (Noticing him look at her) Does this bother you.

Spike: No.

( Taking the blankets off of the pillows she slipped one leg in and then the other. Covering herself she let the warmth from the fire soothe her rough night. Looking over at Spike she saw him strip his shirt off to reveal his delicious pale skin. Noticing her look at him he nearly allowed himself to smile.)

Spike: Does this bother you?

Shasta: (Quickly looking back into the fire.) No.

(Letting out a breath of relief he sat comfortably in the chair. Rocking himself to sleep again and again. Then he turned to look at Shasta fast asleep in her little Cajon some locks from her hair fell across her cheek. Getting up he smoothed them away, moaning she looked at him, smiling.)

Shasta: (Eyes barely opened) This bed is big enough for two. I can scoot over so we have a safe distance between us.

Spike: (Looking hesitantly) Alright.

(Shasta scooted to the left side of the bed allowing enough room for Spike to sleep and so they would not have any body contact what so ever.)

Spike: (Starring at the back of her head) Do you love him?

Shasta: (sighing a truthful sigh) Yes, well I did. At one point on our friendship I did, But he found Buffy, falling in love with her while I was alone every night we used to spend together. He hurt me more deeply than I could ever have been, because he knew of my feelings toward him. That�s the main reason I left Sunnydale, because I couldn�t take the pain.

Spike: Oh, well you might as well get some sleep, then we can go to the surface so that you and I can get something to eat.

(Closing his eyes he let himself fall into a trance of sleep.)

(The next ugly cold night Shasta had gone out to get cloths and food. Spike sat alone in the little room, fire barley burning he sat twiddling a pencil between his fingers. Turning around to his long dark coat he pulled out a picture that had been folded in fours. Unfolding it he looked upon it with a sexual feeling. It was a picture of Angel and Shasta

dancing. Studying Shasta�s features, the smile on her face, and the gleam in her beautiful eyes. Spike was filled with lust. He heard a creek in the door and quickly folded and placed it back into his coat pocket. Looking up cautiously he saw Shasta�s head poke in. Noticing Spike was there she pushed the door open more. On her side she carried a hefty bag full of the black clothes that draped out and in her other hand she was holding a large black coffee mug. Spike noticed the mug and became drawn to it.)

Spike: What�s in the mug?

Shasta: A surprise for you. Drink it.

(Handing the mug to him he grasped it tightly. Screwing open the lid he peered in at the dark, thick liquid inside.)

Shasta: You looked thirsty.

(Thinking it was pigs blood he gulped it slowly. Realizing it wasn�t he took the cup away from his lips. Giving her the biggest grin he continuing to drink she watched lovingly.)

Shasta: Surprise. Fresh squeezed before I drank.

Spike: This is the best thing I�ve had in months. It�s so fresh and tastes so pure.

Shasta: (Winking) Like I said, freshly squeezed before I drank. Since that chip in your head stops you from drinking yourself, I decided to do it for you.

(Taking another drink, Spike closed his eyes to enjoy every last bit of the sweet, copper liquid.)

Spike: (Looking at her strangely) Thanks. I think I�m going to like having you around. Want a drink?

Shasta: No thank you. That is all yours, besides I had my share, I�m full. This is kind of my way in a long line of deeds of saying thank you.

(Finishing his dessert, Spike began to finger out the remains of his delightful treat until only a drop was left on his finger. Shasta placed her bag down on her side of the bed and then returned to her spot, standing watching him enjoy his treat. Standing with the red ooze still on his finger tip he stood face to face with Shasta as the fire blazed in the background. With his finger in front of her lips.)

Spike: (Softly) Please, drink this little bit.

(Bringing his finger to her lips she barley opened her mouth. Slipping his finger inside, Shasta began to suck on it with the kind of passion and force that would drive any man wild. Tonguing away the taste Spike brought his face closer to hers. Removing his finger he pressed his lips to hers. She almost wanted to pinch herself to see if this was real, but she didn�t. Placing her slender silky hands on his cold bare chest she wanted nothing more than to ravage him like a wild beast. But she stopped herself pushing him away with one hand, he looked at her as if bewildered.)

Shasta: (Looking at him.) If we�re going to do this we�re going to do it my way.

Spike: ( Looking intrigued and excited with lust.) Oh, dominant are we? I like it.

( They made love that cold and dark night surrounding their passion for each other in a blanket of warmth and sexuality. Laying in the bed gripping one another closely Spike gently kissed her hot sweaty forehead. though they were exhausted they could not breath, they were dead. Closing their eyes the two lovers slipped into a well deserved sleep.)

( Back in the �Angel Investigations� building every one sat edgy and with anticipation. Rob kept glaring at Angel with every word he spoke. Cordy was looking at everyone worried but yet with an anger.)

Cordy: (Looking at Angel) Angel? Didn�t you say she left with someone.

Angel: (Looking at the floor then to everyone) Not just anyone. She left with Spike.

Cordy: ( Eyes growing wider with a sigh) Well, that made our work just a tiny bit tougher.

Angel: (Looking at Cordy then to the floor) Well, I�ve caught Spike before, I�m pretty sure I can do it again.

Cordy: (Sarcastically then worried) Ya, and the last time you caught Spike you were almost killed!

Angel: (to Wesley) Did you find anything out?

Wesley: (Sarcastically) Oh yes I know everything about Spike and his disgustingly gruesome hangout spots. Come on we have nothing to go on. I mean, you, of all people should know how unpredictable Spike is.

Angel:(Looking at the floor sadly) Yeah (Getting from his chair and walking to the window) I guess your right.

Cordy: (Walking over to his side. Placing her arm comfortably and safely on Angel�s back she began to pat him soothingly) We�ll find her Angel. And we�ll get Spike.

Angel: (Looking at Cordy) No. We can�t touch Spike.

Cordy: (Confused) Why?

Angel: (Looking at everyone then back out the window) She loves him. And if any of us try to lay a finger on him she�ll kill us without the slightest bit of pity. She may look sweet and act nice but she has this side of her like she�s a slayer. She kills and she doesn�t feel bad about it. That is why we have to be careful if we plan on hurting Spike.

( Back in the lair the fire was ablaze, heating the already warm room. Shasta lay with her head on Spike�s chest, trying to hear the pitter-patter of one heart beat or the comforting motion of his rising and falling, unfortunately because they were dead she would never get that. Though she loved him all the same. Starring at the fire he questioned her.)

Spike: Did you ever make love to him?

Shasta: (Maneuvering so that she could gaze into his delicious blue eyes she giggled.) Your not serious? (Noticing he was, the grin slipped from her features.) Once. It was a cold night. Rain had been pouring all day and all I wanted was to see Angel. (Having flashbacks) He must have been late because I had fallen asleep. Then I heard a noise and I woke up to see him standing there, at the foot of my bed dripping from the rain. I climbed out of bed and hugged him, then I took his coat which was soaked. After I came back he had taken off his shirt. I was amazed at his body it was like I was overcome by passion I took his shirt and hung it in my shower to dry. I came back and hugged him again. I felt the heat from his body. Looking into his eyes he traced my cheek, began to kiss me and we made love.

Spike: Was I as good as him?

Shasta: (Grinning she pulled herself to his lips and released again.) Better.

Spike: (Playfully) Well, that�s a good sign.

Shasta: I am hungry though. Do you want to come with me.

Spike: Your forgetting something darlin�. The chip in my head.

Shasta: I bite you drink. Besides when is it that you and I ever get out together.

Spike: It�s definitely a date then.

(Back in �Angel Investigations� everyone sat quietly. Then Cordy gave cries of pain. Coming out of her vision she looked at everyone frightened.)

Angel: What happened. Cordy: (Hesitantly) Shasta. Spike. Both of them feeding. We have to go.

(Reaching the park they saw Shasta attacking a couple. Angel ran over with the rest of the group behind him.)

Angel: Shasta! What are you doing?

Shasta: (Percing her lips) Well, if it isn�t Wonder Boy. (Spike walking over and kissing her cheek, getting a bit of blood on his own.) I got hungry. So Spike and I decided we wanted take out. Only (giggling) We were the ones taking them out.(Angel walked over and punched Spike in the face. Shasta watching him hit the ground, she growled and hissed with anger.) HOW DARE YOU HURT HIM!

(Drawing her sword from her back she thrust it into Angel�s stomach. Listening to him scream in pain his friends ran to his aid. Pulling the sword back out of his stomach, his knees hit the cement, then his chest, moaning in agony he saw Shasta grab Spike�s hand and they ran together, into the distant darkness. The rest of them helped Angel back home.)

(Under a dark tree Shasta stopped.)

Shasta: Spike. Are you aright? (Touching his cheek then kissing it she could feel the heat as it throbbed.)

Spike: (Hissing at the pain then gently taking her hand.) I am now. Bloody hell! That�s going to leave a mark.

Shasta: (Worried) I�m sorry. I didn�t mean for this to happen. I just wanted you to come out with me. It�s my fault. I�m so sorry.

Spike: It�s fine. Some ice, a bed buddy and I�ll be alright.

Shasta: (Kissing him again slyly this time) We better get you into bed then, and I�ll play nurse. (Holding her Spike kissed wildly. After a few moments they left together.)

( Back at �A.I.� Rob and Charles lay Angel on the couch. Dressing his wounds he still intook breath heavily. Astounded at what had happened to him his eyes closed slower and slower. Cordy ran to his side trying to keep him conscious.)

Cordy: Angel. (Whispering into his ear, his eyes opened slowly) You have to try and stay awake. We have to change your dressing, your bleeding right through it. She really got you good.

Angel: I know. (Hissing as he moved) I can�t believe she stabbed me.

Cordy: Well, you said she would if any of us touched Spike. I don�t think she stabbed you, She ran you through. (Pulling an envelope which read �Angel� she handed it to him)

Angel: (Looking confused) What�s this?

Cordy: We found it wedged in the door when we came back. Read it

Angel: (Peeling open the envelope and reading the message as Cordy changed his bandages:

Angel,
Meet me in the Warehouse,
Come alone.

Spike