Shadowlands Chapter 13
Jul. 26th, 2005 09:37 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lunabee34Title: Shadowlands Part 13
Email: lunabee34@yahoo.com
Rating: NC-17 (overall)
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Disclaimers: The Buffyverse and all its characters belong to Joss Whedon & co. The story is mine.
Summary: Set immediately after the Ats ep "Damage." Xander finds out Spike is alive and comes to L. A. to see for himself.
Beta:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kitty_poker1 Thank you especially for all the encouragement you gave me in this part. You are such a lovely person, and I value our friendship deeply.
Previous Parts go to the Faulkner conference and reenact the "branch scene" HERE
I know this has been slow going guys; I started out with a bang, and now the parts are coming more and more slowly. But we are nearing the end, and I promise to try to update in a more timely fashion.
Shadowlands Part 13
Xander buckled his seat-belt and pushed back the screen that covered the oval window at his left elbow. Through it he could see the tarmac, a washed out expanse of concrete and machinery, the colorless after-image of brilliant light. In the mid-day sun, heat lines blurred the air above every available surface. Xander looked at the long stretch of runway and counted the dips that seemed to be filled with water. ‘Angel bright; life in death; get off this road; don’t suck my breath.’* He watched the sun refract through the line of tiny bourbon bottles Spike had arranged on his fold-down tray; the light ran through the amber liquid and made patterns on Spike’s bare arm.
“What’s with the booze fort?”
“A man can have a drink if he wants.”
From his seat across the aisle, Angel countered, “He’s a little nervous. Spike’s never flown before. Neither have I, actually. Too risky without this necro-tempered glass.”
“I’m not afraid. Just doesn’t seem right for a bloke to hang in the air with jackshit holding him up.”
“There, there.” Xander grinned and patted Spike on the arm. “You drink your manly teaspoons of liquid courage, and don’t worry your pretty head about it anymore.”
“Shut up, Harris,” Spike replied, but the corners of his mouth threatened to turn up and his tone was affectionate.
Angel seemed in good spirits as well. Breaking the memory spell had gone much better than he’d anticipated. Xander didn’t know exactly what they’d all said to each other in the meeting, but no one had threatened to leave or said anything terrible they’d later regret. In fact, every member of the AI team had been at the Wolfram and Hart airport to see them off. Xander was glad that the rift between Angel and his friends was healing; if anyone deserved a break, Xander thought Angel was that guy.
The pilot instructed them to fasten their seat belts, and the plane rumbled beneath them as it geared up for take-off. Spike clutched his armrests tightly, pale knuckles turning even whiter with the force of his grip. Xander leaned over and whispered, his breath warm and wet against Spike’s ear, “You know, I can think of a few ways to take your mind off flying.”
~ ~ ~
“Are you sure this is it?” Xander asked. He didn’t know what he had expected, but this thoroughly modern and expensive looking townhouse hadn’t been it. He’d figured on a villa, some artfully cultivated grape vines, maybe a peasant or two leaning against the earthy bricks for good measure—not sleek glass and the cold glimmer of steel.
“Yeah. This is the address Andrew gave you.”
Xander knocked on the door and listened. He could hear the sound of approaching footsteps, and then the door flung open and a very enthusiastic Andrew was hugging him.
“Xander! Hola, mi amigo. It’s been too long.” Andrew rested his head on Xander’s shoulder for a long moment and then squeezed his forearm in the age old manly-grip-of-emotional-camaraderie-too-deep-to-express-in-words. “And Spike! Good to see you again. Enter. Enter. Mi casa es su casa. Well, it’s not actually my house, but I’m sure Buffy and Dawn would say the same.” Andrew motioned them inside with a flourish of his hand.
Wow, Spike’s restraint is impressive. Only one eye roll so far.
Andrew bustled around the sitting room, sweeping Dawn’s fashion magazines into a tidy pile and plumping pillows on the couch. “Sit, sit. Can I get you something to drink?”
Oh god. I haven’t seen him this nervous in forever. Not since he got his first Council assignment. I mean, he’s standing way over there instead of sitting on the couch beside me, and he hasn’t asked any inappropriate questions about me and Spike.
“I’m good, mate,” Spike replied politely.
Xander laughed. “You should be. You drank the whole mini-bar on the plane ride over, even the sorority-girl issue white zinfandel. I, however, am dying for a beer. Somebody was stingy.”
“Okay.” Andrew disappeared into another room. He called back to them over the clinking of glass, “Hey, where’s Angel? I thought he came with you guys.”
“He’s at the Italian branch of Wolfram and Hart. Something about warring factions and a head and a twenty-four hour deadline. I kinda stopped paying attention after Angel said he would take care of it,” Xander said as Andrew re-emerged, carrying three beers. Spike raised his eyebrow when Andrew handed him one.
“Thought you might change your mind,” Andrew explained before sitting down in an armchair adjacent to the couch.
“Ta.” Spike took a long swallow of the beer, tilting his head back slightly as he did so. “But you know Xander told me why you acted so bloody stupid in L.A. Don’t have to walk on eggshells around me; I get it. You were caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Xander watched Andrew watch the play of muscles in Spike’s throat as he swallowed. By the time Spike’s speech had gotten to hard places, Andrew was blushing slightly and looking at the tile floor. Oh, yeah. That’s Spike. He can turn the most innocent conversation into something dirty; I don’t even think he realizes he’s doing it half the time. Xander almost giggled when Andrew finally looked at him; he could tell from Andrew’s guilty expression that he knew he’d been caught ogling Spike. Spike himself looked slightly confused but covered that up by lighting a cigarette and blowing a thick, obscuring mouthful of smoke into the air.
“Thanks, Spike. It really means a lot to me that you understand. You’re, like, my hero, and I . . . am shutting up now. Dawn’s been working with me on the whole knowing when to quit thing. So, new topic. Okay, Xander. ‘Fess up. What did you do to Giles? He’s been moping around to Lynard Skynard and refusing to mention your name.”
“That’s part of what I have to talk to you about, but I only want to tell the story once. Where are Buffy and Dawn?”
Andrew shrugged. “Tal took them to the gala opening of some swanky new boutique. Like those girls need any more shoes. Imelda Marcos would call them obsessive. I have no idea when they’ll be back. Those things have been known to go on half the night.”
Fuck me. Xander tried to signal Andrew with his eyes to can the Immortal talk, but to no avail. Usually, he and Andrew had going what Xander had called once over pizza and Heineken “this crazy-ass symbiosis thingie,” but Andrew was too busy peeling the label on his beer to notice Xander’s warning.
Spike leaned forward, an alarmed expression on his face. “Tal? You mean, the Immortal? Out with Buffy and Dawn?” Spike thought for a moment. “He’s not coming here, is he? I really could do without seeing that wanker again. Ever.”
“Nah,” Andrew answered. “He never comes over now that I’m staying with the girls. He tries to steer clear of the Council, stay as much under the radar as he can while still dating a Slayer.”
“What?” Spike whispered. “Buffy’s dating the Immortal?”
Shit, shit, shit!! I can’t believe I forgot to tell Spike about Buffy and the Immortal. Xander Harris, you are the biggest dumbass of all time. It’s like you WANT to screw up this thing with Spike.
Andrew set his beer down on the coffee table and made a placating gesture with his hands. “Oh, god, Spike. I’m sorry. I thought you knew. Especially since you and Xander are, you know, ummm . . .” His voice trailed off.
Spike turned to Xander, who sat next to him on the couch. “You knew.” His words were not a question.
“Yeah. I knew. But I wasn’t keeping it from you on purpose. Okay, at first I was. But then, everything just started happening so fast, and I kinda forgot I hadn’t told you.” Xander held his breath and waited for Spike to respond.
“Relax, Harris. I’m not pissed off at you. I get why you didn’t tell me. Not like you start something new by dwelling on the old.” He shifted closer to Xander on the couch and rested his hand on Xander’s thigh. Xander slid his hand under Spike’s and threaded their fingers together. “Just don’t know what Buffy can possibly see in him.” He took a long drag and muttered on the exhalation, “Angel’s gonna love this.”
The last time Spike thought I was keeping stuff from him, he went totally bat-shit about it. I really hope he’s not just saying he understands ‘cause he doesn’t wanna fight in front of Andrew. Guess I’ll find out soon enough.
Just then, someone knocked on the door. “Speak of the devil.”
Andrew opened the door. “I invite you in, Angel. As a sign of friendship, I part my threshold.”
Angel did a double-take, but quickly recovered and stepped inside. Xander squeezed Spike’s hand, hard, in order to keep him from laughing. By the time Angel had seated himself next to Spike on the couch, Andrew was already pressing a beer into his hand.
“Listen, Angel. I’m really sorry for the way I acted in L.A. I didn’t mean—“
“Don’t worry about it,” Angel interrupted smoothly. “Xander explained everything. We’re cool. And thanks for the beer.”
Andrew sat back down in the armchair, a warm glow suffusing his face. Xander decided to change the subject, quickly, before Andrew began waxing poetic about the gallant overhang of Angel’s brow or the valiant gleam in his soulful eyes. Andrew had changed significantly since the Sunnydale days, but his tendency toward hero worship had stayed with him.
“That didn’t take long,” Xander said.
“No,” Angel agreed. “I think the Senior Partners are just giving us busywork, something to keep us occupied while . . . “ He stopped before his comment revealed any of their plans.
“That reminds me, Andrew. Can you set up some wards in the house? We don’t want anybody listening in. Oh, and if you can get them to cover the phone, that’d be great. I guess I have to talk to Giles before this is over.” And, boy, am I looking forward to that conversation.
“Sure. Let me get some supplies together.” Andrew opened a wooden chest on the far side of the room and started measuring an assortment of herbs into a metal brazier he brought from the kitchen. Xander thought he looked confident, in his element. He found the change from Andrew’s previous insecurity a welcome one.
Spike let go of Xander's hand to lean across him and poke Angel in the chest. “Guess who Buffy’s dating now.”
Angel sighed. “The Immortal.”
Spike looked dumbfounded. “How’d you know?”
“I’ve kinda been keeping tabs on her,” he admitted.
“Okaaaay. Stalkery much?” Xander commented. Angel just shot him a long-suffering glance and drained his beer bottle.
Across the room, Andrew said something in Latin and a bright green light shot from the brazier and painted all flat surfaces of the room in strange, scrolling symbols. Xander looked at Andrew and said, “I can go on vacation . . .”
“ . . . and finally BE ABLE TO RELAX!!!” Andrew finished, laughing.
Angel turned to Spike. “Your boyfriend is weird.”
Spike nodded. “Sometimes it’s endearing,” he offered.
Wooo hooo! Public endorsement from the in-laws! And Spike did not shoot down the boyfriend comment. Does that mean we’re boyfriend and . . . boyfriend now? Or what? This is so much more confusing than my other relationships. Cool, but confusing.
Andrew took a purple drawstring bag from the box. “While I’m working the mojo, may as well take care of this, too.” He reached into the pouch and grabbed a handful of something, throwing it over Angel’s head and chanting in a language Xander didn’t recognize. A golden, glittering cloud descended on Angel, adhering to his skin before working its way in and disappearing.
“What the hell?” Angel stood up and brushed at his clothes frantically.
“That, my friend, is one happiness clause rescinded. Your soul is now anchored. So make with the happies all you like and no more Angelus.”
Angel looked stunned. So did Spike, for that matter. Xander was sure he was wearing a gobsmacked expression himself.
“This is your doing, isn’t it, pet?”
“It was my idea, but obviously Andrew’s magic guy. I didn’t think he’d be able to find a spell so soon, though.”
“Thank you. Thank you both. So much.” Angel sat back down slowly. “But how? I don’t understand. I didn’t think the magic existed.”
Andrew grinned. “It exists. You just have to have the right contacts.”
“Who do you know that Rupert doesn’t, Andrew?” Spike asked suspiciously.
Andrew took a sip of his now warm beer and refused to meet anyone’s eyes. “Well, it’s really a mutual acquaintance.”
Xander felt a sudden pang of unease. “That Giles couldn’t ask? Who is it?”
Andrew sighed and mumbled into his beer, “Ethan Rayne.”
Xander was across the room and shaking Andrew by the shoulders before Spike or Angel even had a chance to register his initial movement. “Have you gone slap nuts!? You have got to be kidding me, Andrew. You’ve heard the stories. You know that guy is bad news. He tried to kill us, more than once. How can you trust the spell’s any good?”
Andrew stepped out of Xander’s grip. “Chill, Xander. I had the coven in Devon check out the magic. It’s sound. Angel’s soul is forever now. And anyway, it’s not like people can’t change. Look at me,” he said softly. “So he tried to kill you. I actually did kill somebody. Ethan’s different. The Initiative really messed him up. Did experiments and crap on him. They even forced him to influence global politics—magically start uprisings, mojo the Senate into voting for a certain bill, that kinda thing. He can’t work with Chaos anymore; the Initiative made him call on Janus so many times, so close together . . . It’s kinda hard to explain, but it’s like he blew a fuse.”
“So Ethan can’t call on the forces of darkness anymore. That doesn’t mean he’s out shopping for white hats.”
Andrew narrowed his eyes. “That’s really unfair. What about me, Xan? You think I gutted Jonathon and ran into the Scooby folds ‘cause I was sorry? ‘Cause I wanted some redemption? That stuff came later. At first I was just scared; also the keeping me hostage helped, but mostly I was scared. Cut Ethan some slack. Or else you better ask yourself how you can sleep next to someone who did far worse things than Ethan ever dreamed of doing.”
Angel and Spike stood up, both clearly intending to mediate the argument. Before either could say anything, Xander’s jaw dropped, and he pointed a finger accusingly at Andrew. “Oh My God! You slept with him!”
“Ummmmm . . .” Andrew bit his lip and looked at the floor.
Before anyone else could speak, Xander heard a car pull into the drive. A key scraped in the lock, and Buffy and Dawn came inside, both girls hidden behind tall stacks of shoeboxes.
“Andrew!” Buffy called out. “A little help, please."
Andrew took the stack of boxes from her arms, and Buffy surveyed the room. “Angel? What’s wrong? Why are you here? With Xander and . . . oh god . . . Spike?”
TBC
*paraphrased from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Email: lunabee34@yahoo.com
Rating: NC-17 (overall)
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Disclaimers: The Buffyverse and all its characters belong to Joss Whedon & co. The story is mine.
Summary: Set immediately after the Ats ep "Damage." Xander finds out Spike is alive and comes to L. A. to see for himself.
Beta:
kitty_poker1 Thank you especially for all the encouragement you gave me in this part. You are such a lovely person, and I value our friendship deeply.Previous Parts go to the Faulkner conference and reenact the "branch scene" HERE
I know this has been slow going guys; I started out with a bang, and now the parts are coming more and more slowly. But we are nearing the end, and I promise to try to update in a more timely fashion.
Shadowlands Part 13
Xander buckled his seat-belt and pushed back the screen that covered the oval window at his left elbow. Through it he could see the tarmac, a washed out expanse of concrete and machinery, the colorless after-image of brilliant light. In the mid-day sun, heat lines blurred the air above every available surface. Xander looked at the long stretch of runway and counted the dips that seemed to be filled with water. ‘Angel bright; life in death; get off this road; don’t suck my breath.’* He watched the sun refract through the line of tiny bourbon bottles Spike had arranged on his fold-down tray; the light ran through the amber liquid and made patterns on Spike’s bare arm.
“What’s with the booze fort?”
“A man can have a drink if he wants.”
From his seat across the aisle, Angel countered, “He’s a little nervous. Spike’s never flown before. Neither have I, actually. Too risky without this necro-tempered glass.”
“I’m not afraid. Just doesn’t seem right for a bloke to hang in the air with jackshit holding him up.”
“There, there.” Xander grinned and patted Spike on the arm. “You drink your manly teaspoons of liquid courage, and don’t worry your pretty head about it anymore.”
“Shut up, Harris,” Spike replied, but the corners of his mouth threatened to turn up and his tone was affectionate.
Angel seemed in good spirits as well. Breaking the memory spell had gone much better than he’d anticipated. Xander didn’t know exactly what they’d all said to each other in the meeting, but no one had threatened to leave or said anything terrible they’d later regret. In fact, every member of the AI team had been at the Wolfram and Hart airport to see them off. Xander was glad that the rift between Angel and his friends was healing; if anyone deserved a break, Xander thought Angel was that guy.
The pilot instructed them to fasten their seat belts, and the plane rumbled beneath them as it geared up for take-off. Spike clutched his armrests tightly, pale knuckles turning even whiter with the force of his grip. Xander leaned over and whispered, his breath warm and wet against Spike’s ear, “You know, I can think of a few ways to take your mind off flying.”
~ ~ ~
“Are you sure this is it?” Xander asked. He didn’t know what he had expected, but this thoroughly modern and expensive looking townhouse hadn’t been it. He’d figured on a villa, some artfully cultivated grape vines, maybe a peasant or two leaning against the earthy bricks for good measure—not sleek glass and the cold glimmer of steel.
“Yeah. This is the address Andrew gave you.”
Xander knocked on the door and listened. He could hear the sound of approaching footsteps, and then the door flung open and a very enthusiastic Andrew was hugging him.
“Xander! Hola, mi amigo. It’s been too long.” Andrew rested his head on Xander’s shoulder for a long moment and then squeezed his forearm in the age old manly-grip-of-emotional-camaraderie-too-deep-to-express-in-words. “And Spike! Good to see you again. Enter. Enter. Mi casa es su casa. Well, it’s not actually my house, but I’m sure Buffy and Dawn would say the same.” Andrew motioned them inside with a flourish of his hand.
Wow, Spike’s restraint is impressive. Only one eye roll so far.
Andrew bustled around the sitting room, sweeping Dawn’s fashion magazines into a tidy pile and plumping pillows on the couch. “Sit, sit. Can I get you something to drink?”
Oh god. I haven’t seen him this nervous in forever. Not since he got his first Council assignment. I mean, he’s standing way over there instead of sitting on the couch beside me, and he hasn’t asked any inappropriate questions about me and Spike.
“I’m good, mate,” Spike replied politely.
Xander laughed. “You should be. You drank the whole mini-bar on the plane ride over, even the sorority-girl issue white zinfandel. I, however, am dying for a beer. Somebody was stingy.”
“Okay.” Andrew disappeared into another room. He called back to them over the clinking of glass, “Hey, where’s Angel? I thought he came with you guys.”
“He’s at the Italian branch of Wolfram and Hart. Something about warring factions and a head and a twenty-four hour deadline. I kinda stopped paying attention after Angel said he would take care of it,” Xander said as Andrew re-emerged, carrying three beers. Spike raised his eyebrow when Andrew handed him one.
“Thought you might change your mind,” Andrew explained before sitting down in an armchair adjacent to the couch.
“Ta.” Spike took a long swallow of the beer, tilting his head back slightly as he did so. “But you know Xander told me why you acted so bloody stupid in L.A. Don’t have to walk on eggshells around me; I get it. You were caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Xander watched Andrew watch the play of muscles in Spike’s throat as he swallowed. By the time Spike’s speech had gotten to hard places, Andrew was blushing slightly and looking at the tile floor. Oh, yeah. That’s Spike. He can turn the most innocent conversation into something dirty; I don’t even think he realizes he’s doing it half the time. Xander almost giggled when Andrew finally looked at him; he could tell from Andrew’s guilty expression that he knew he’d been caught ogling Spike. Spike himself looked slightly confused but covered that up by lighting a cigarette and blowing a thick, obscuring mouthful of smoke into the air.
“Thanks, Spike. It really means a lot to me that you understand. You’re, like, my hero, and I . . . am shutting up now. Dawn’s been working with me on the whole knowing when to quit thing. So, new topic. Okay, Xander. ‘Fess up. What did you do to Giles? He’s been moping around to Lynard Skynard and refusing to mention your name.”
“That’s part of what I have to talk to you about, but I only want to tell the story once. Where are Buffy and Dawn?”
Andrew shrugged. “Tal took them to the gala opening of some swanky new boutique. Like those girls need any more shoes. Imelda Marcos would call them obsessive. I have no idea when they’ll be back. Those things have been known to go on half the night.”
Fuck me. Xander tried to signal Andrew with his eyes to can the Immortal talk, but to no avail. Usually, he and Andrew had going what Xander had called once over pizza and Heineken “this crazy-ass symbiosis thingie,” but Andrew was too busy peeling the label on his beer to notice Xander’s warning.
Spike leaned forward, an alarmed expression on his face. “Tal? You mean, the Immortal? Out with Buffy and Dawn?” Spike thought for a moment. “He’s not coming here, is he? I really could do without seeing that wanker again. Ever.”
“Nah,” Andrew answered. “He never comes over now that I’m staying with the girls. He tries to steer clear of the Council, stay as much under the radar as he can while still dating a Slayer.”
“What?” Spike whispered. “Buffy’s dating the Immortal?”
Shit, shit, shit!! I can’t believe I forgot to tell Spike about Buffy and the Immortal. Xander Harris, you are the biggest dumbass of all time. It’s like you WANT to screw up this thing with Spike.
Andrew set his beer down on the coffee table and made a placating gesture with his hands. “Oh, god, Spike. I’m sorry. I thought you knew. Especially since you and Xander are, you know, ummm . . .” His voice trailed off.
Spike turned to Xander, who sat next to him on the couch. “You knew.” His words were not a question.
“Yeah. I knew. But I wasn’t keeping it from you on purpose. Okay, at first I was. But then, everything just started happening so fast, and I kinda forgot I hadn’t told you.” Xander held his breath and waited for Spike to respond.
“Relax, Harris. I’m not pissed off at you. I get why you didn’t tell me. Not like you start something new by dwelling on the old.” He shifted closer to Xander on the couch and rested his hand on Xander’s thigh. Xander slid his hand under Spike’s and threaded their fingers together. “Just don’t know what Buffy can possibly see in him.” He took a long drag and muttered on the exhalation, “Angel’s gonna love this.”
The last time Spike thought I was keeping stuff from him, he went totally bat-shit about it. I really hope he’s not just saying he understands ‘cause he doesn’t wanna fight in front of Andrew. Guess I’ll find out soon enough.
Just then, someone knocked on the door. “Speak of the devil.”
Andrew opened the door. “I invite you in, Angel. As a sign of friendship, I part my threshold.”
Angel did a double-take, but quickly recovered and stepped inside. Xander squeezed Spike’s hand, hard, in order to keep him from laughing. By the time Angel had seated himself next to Spike on the couch, Andrew was already pressing a beer into his hand.
“Listen, Angel. I’m really sorry for the way I acted in L.A. I didn’t mean—“
“Don’t worry about it,” Angel interrupted smoothly. “Xander explained everything. We’re cool. And thanks for the beer.”
Andrew sat back down in the armchair, a warm glow suffusing his face. Xander decided to change the subject, quickly, before Andrew began waxing poetic about the gallant overhang of Angel’s brow or the valiant gleam in his soulful eyes. Andrew had changed significantly since the Sunnydale days, but his tendency toward hero worship had stayed with him.
“That didn’t take long,” Xander said.
“No,” Angel agreed. “I think the Senior Partners are just giving us busywork, something to keep us occupied while . . . “ He stopped before his comment revealed any of their plans.
“That reminds me, Andrew. Can you set up some wards in the house? We don’t want anybody listening in. Oh, and if you can get them to cover the phone, that’d be great. I guess I have to talk to Giles before this is over.” And, boy, am I looking forward to that conversation.
“Sure. Let me get some supplies together.” Andrew opened a wooden chest on the far side of the room and started measuring an assortment of herbs into a metal brazier he brought from the kitchen. Xander thought he looked confident, in his element. He found the change from Andrew’s previous insecurity a welcome one.
Spike let go of Xander's hand to lean across him and poke Angel in the chest. “Guess who Buffy’s dating now.”
Angel sighed. “The Immortal.”
Spike looked dumbfounded. “How’d you know?”
“I’ve kinda been keeping tabs on her,” he admitted.
“Okaaaay. Stalkery much?” Xander commented. Angel just shot him a long-suffering glance and drained his beer bottle.
Across the room, Andrew said something in Latin and a bright green light shot from the brazier and painted all flat surfaces of the room in strange, scrolling symbols. Xander looked at Andrew and said, “I can go on vacation . . .”
“ . . . and finally BE ABLE TO RELAX!!!” Andrew finished, laughing.
Angel turned to Spike. “Your boyfriend is weird.”
Spike nodded. “Sometimes it’s endearing,” he offered.
Wooo hooo! Public endorsement from the in-laws! And Spike did not shoot down the boyfriend comment. Does that mean we’re boyfriend and . . . boyfriend now? Or what? This is so much more confusing than my other relationships. Cool, but confusing.
Andrew took a purple drawstring bag from the box. “While I’m working the mojo, may as well take care of this, too.” He reached into the pouch and grabbed a handful of something, throwing it over Angel’s head and chanting in a language Xander didn’t recognize. A golden, glittering cloud descended on Angel, adhering to his skin before working its way in and disappearing.
“What the hell?” Angel stood up and brushed at his clothes frantically.
“That, my friend, is one happiness clause rescinded. Your soul is now anchored. So make with the happies all you like and no more Angelus.”
Angel looked stunned. So did Spike, for that matter. Xander was sure he was wearing a gobsmacked expression himself.
“This is your doing, isn’t it, pet?”
“It was my idea, but obviously Andrew’s magic guy. I didn’t think he’d be able to find a spell so soon, though.”
“Thank you. Thank you both. So much.” Angel sat back down slowly. “But how? I don’t understand. I didn’t think the magic existed.”
Andrew grinned. “It exists. You just have to have the right contacts.”
“Who do you know that Rupert doesn’t, Andrew?” Spike asked suspiciously.
Andrew took a sip of his now warm beer and refused to meet anyone’s eyes. “Well, it’s really a mutual acquaintance.”
Xander felt a sudden pang of unease. “That Giles couldn’t ask? Who is it?”
Andrew sighed and mumbled into his beer, “Ethan Rayne.”
Xander was across the room and shaking Andrew by the shoulders before Spike or Angel even had a chance to register his initial movement. “Have you gone slap nuts!? You have got to be kidding me, Andrew. You’ve heard the stories. You know that guy is bad news. He tried to kill us, more than once. How can you trust the spell’s any good?”
Andrew stepped out of Xander’s grip. “Chill, Xander. I had the coven in Devon check out the magic. It’s sound. Angel’s soul is forever now. And anyway, it’s not like people can’t change. Look at me,” he said softly. “So he tried to kill you. I actually did kill somebody. Ethan’s different. The Initiative really messed him up. Did experiments and crap on him. They even forced him to influence global politics—magically start uprisings, mojo the Senate into voting for a certain bill, that kinda thing. He can’t work with Chaos anymore; the Initiative made him call on Janus so many times, so close together . . . It’s kinda hard to explain, but it’s like he blew a fuse.”
“So Ethan can’t call on the forces of darkness anymore. That doesn’t mean he’s out shopping for white hats.”
Andrew narrowed his eyes. “That’s really unfair. What about me, Xan? You think I gutted Jonathon and ran into the Scooby folds ‘cause I was sorry? ‘Cause I wanted some redemption? That stuff came later. At first I was just scared; also the keeping me hostage helped, but mostly I was scared. Cut Ethan some slack. Or else you better ask yourself how you can sleep next to someone who did far worse things than Ethan ever dreamed of doing.”
Angel and Spike stood up, both clearly intending to mediate the argument. Before either could say anything, Xander’s jaw dropped, and he pointed a finger accusingly at Andrew. “Oh My God! You slept with him!”
“Ummmmm . . .” Andrew bit his lip and looked at the floor.
Before anyone else could speak, Xander heard a car pull into the drive. A key scraped in the lock, and Buffy and Dawn came inside, both girls hidden behind tall stacks of shoeboxes.
“Andrew!” Buffy called out. “A little help, please."
Andrew took the stack of boxes from her arms, and Buffy surveyed the room. “Angel? What’s wrong? Why are you here? With Xander and . . . oh god . . . Spike?”
TBC
*paraphrased from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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Date: 2005-07-27 02:50 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-27 02:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-27 04:42 pm (UTC)I really didn't plan for this to go in this direction; it's like my subconcious forced this relationship out of me. I got to thinking about what I perceive as a lot of parallels between the two characters. We don't really get to see a lot of Ethan on camera. He only appears in a handful of eps. Andrew we get to see more of, but his character is not developed to the point that the others are. I have NEVER written Ethan, so I'm wary of my ability to do so. I'm gonna be coming to you for help on that one, if you don't mind, when I get to that point.
Glad you're still interested, even if a bit nonplussed. LOL
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Date: 2005-07-27 04:53 pm (UTC)...it's like my subconcious forced this relationship out of me...
*hee* Ethan's kinda pushy that way.
I'm gonna be coming to you for help on that one, if you don't mind...
Eep! You know where to find me, and I'll gladly do what I can. *gulp*
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Date: 2005-07-28 03:02 am (UTC):)
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Date: 2005-07-27 03:11 am (UTC)Love the dynamic between Xander and ANdrew. They're so cute. And Spike not blowing a gasket is always of the good. Gotta say though, that The Girl In Question is one of my favorite eps, simply because of the snark and dialog b/t S and A. Not sure you can capture that in this, but then your aren't trying to write the Girl in Question, so no biggie. I really do like this story and where you've taken the characters.
Looking forward to more updates.
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Date: 2005-07-28 03:04 am (UTC)I'm glad you liked this update. I promise a faster turn around on the next. :)
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Date: 2005-07-27 03:27 am (UTC)It's back!
Yay, Andrew!
Ethan is so cool.
:)
*bounce*
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Date: 2005-07-28 03:05 am (UTC)Heeeeee....
:)
Ethan IS cool.
:)
Thanks, sweetie!
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Date: 2005-07-27 03:36 am (UTC)So cute. And OMG! Andrew and Ethan? That's some scary slash! *g*
I'm glad Xander didn't freak (though you do have Spike letting go fo Adrew's hand at one point instead of Xander's, and that probably would freak him out, especially as Andrew was on the other side of the room. *g*)
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Date: 2005-07-27 03:46 am (UTC)You're absolutely right. That woulda stopped ole Andrew's little Spike!fanboy heart. LOL Thanks for catching that mistake.
Heeee.....don't worry. Not gonna show any Ethan/Andrew in this fic, but *is totally planning a sequel*
Glad you're still reading after SL's huge hiatus.
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Date: 2005-07-27 03:42 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-28 03:06 am (UTC)*scurries off to write Buffy's reaction*
:)
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Date: 2005-07-27 03:47 am (UTC)SO glad to see this back! lovely flow of dialogue in this chapter, too, no time when I felt the wings of the exposition fairy fluttering to near.
I'd be much more effusive but apparently my brain is shutting down for the night.
Julia, really love this story!
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Date: 2005-07-27 06:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-27 06:47 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-28 03:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-28 03:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-28 03:08 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-27 02:17 pm (UTC)Andrew opened the door. “I invite you in, Angel. As a sign of friendship, I part my threshold.” LMAO!!!!!Is it just my dirty mind or did that sound *really* dirty?
This was a great chapter. I love to read Angel, Spike and Xander interaction where they all get on. I think it makes for some interesting conversations. And you write Angel really well; that is a huge compliment because I think Angel is a hard charcter to write, and write *well*.
Glad to see more of this, hon. It was fantastic.
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Date: 2005-07-28 03:12 am (UTC)*melts all over the floor in a pile of Lorraine!happiness*
Thank you so much, sweetheart.
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Date: 2005-07-27 04:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-07-28 03:13 am (UTC)I'm evol. LOL
Glad you liked, sweetie. :)
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Date: 2005-07-27 07:33 pm (UTC)This really was such a good part. Roll on more!
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Date: 2005-07-28 03:15 am (UTC)And you'll be pleased to know, I really am working on this next part and have a good few pages already! Wooooooooooooo!
Thanks so much, Kitty. You are a class act.
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Date: 2005-07-27 09:30 pm (UTC)btw did you see James Marsters is gonna be in Smallville this season? About time he got his arse... er face back on the small screen. :)
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Date: 2005-07-28 03:16 am (UTC)Thanks for reading, sweetie!!!!
I DID NOT know that JM was gonna be Smallvilling it. Thank the heavens. I've missed his cheekbones. LOL
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Date: 2005-09-05 06:02 pm (UTC)Hee hee! Good for her.
So, um, Andrew and Ethan? That's certainly one for the record books ... curious to see if you ever develop it!
I'm glad everyone's taking Spike and Xander in stride. It seems quite reasonable that they would, it's just good to see, y'know?
And now, Buffy's reaction. Oh my. ::runs off to read next part::
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Date: 2005-09-05 11:49 pm (UTC)I wanted this to be a fic where no one was mightily against the Spander. I like fics where the original friendships remain.
Thank you so much!