Title: A Meeting Of Immortals

Date Posted:

Author: Buffywatcher

Feedback: Constructive comments always welcome: deepkori@hotmail.com

Pairing: Primarily Angel(us)/Spike, Other pairings (I’m not giving away the plot lol)

Rating: R Possibly a bit of romantic NC-17’ish circumstances.

Spoilers: None this story takes place in AU in Crossover mode with Highlander the series.

Disclaimer: Just borrowing them for a bit of harmless fun. All characters, recognisable likenesses are retained by their owner and accredited license holders.

Writer’s Notes: This story takes place post-Buffy finale and in the current season of Angel with one exception, Spike and Anya were not killed. Sunnydale has been rebuilt and most of the Scooby Gang still makes that their home. Spike has moved to LA and is currently under contract to Wolfram & Hart as a Special Consultant (Okay fancy name for a mercenary Demon hunter). Some prior knowledge of Highlander will likely make this story much easier to read. For those that have never seen the show just email me and I’ll send you some background bios on the characters along with some pictures J. This story will mention the death of a Highlander character. As always thanks are going out to GF my most excellent Beta/Editor.

Distribution: If I’ve already been given permission to archive my work please consider it yours if you want it. If I haven’t and you would like to archive it please do, all I ask is that you email me and tell me where it’s going so I can visit J.

Summary: Closely guarded secrets from the past have a way of returning to the present.

*

The full moon looks down on the weeping man; kneeling with a gleaming sword in his hands, clutched so tightly that his crimson blood runs in rivulets down the polished surface. A keening cry rips through the air as he slumps forward to press his forehead to the unforgiving ground, his tears soaking into the hard packed earth for only seconds before they are absorbed and gone. Here and then just as suddenly…gone. Like his gorgeously beautiful wife of fifty years; a bright flame that drove the darkness away and now just…gone.

“Vengeance I call forth. I will have blood for blood spilled in innocence.” His voice is rough with tears and inconsolable sorrow.

He feels someone kneel behind him, hands curving over his shoulders to pull him back to rest against a powerful chest; powerful arms close around him to cover grasp the blade of the sword. As he’s watching the hands slowly tighten until rivulets of bright crimson blood join his own in trailing down the blade.

“The call to vengeance I do answer. I will have blood for blood spilled in innocence. I will have blood for tears shed in pain without purpose.” The second voice is just as rough but the steely determination doesn’t bode well for someone’s continued well-being. “We have to find the Cub, this course too is his to chart and the rite of vengeance his as well to ride. We loved her truly and in that love she will be avenged. I swear to you.”

“Aye it is time, we have left it too long I fear. I do not know where to find him now.” He relaxes against the strong chest and sighs. “Where do we even begin to look? He’s almost as hard to find as YOU are, Methos.” Duncan McLeod says with a grimace. “Not like we’re running in the same circles these days. You are right though; it is his right to avenge her as much as ours. I’ve missed him so much. I don’t think she ever forgave us for agreeing to let him leave.”

Methos shakes his head and leans his face against Mac’s shoulder, unashamed to accept the comfort of his strong warrior’s body. “We’ll have a look through Amanda’s things, Duncan. She was always rabid about keeping tabs on the Cub. She was afraid something would happen to him without us there to look after him.” Methos stands, pulling Duncan up with him, before wrapping his arms around him once more. “Let’s go old friend, we must find him before we seek our vengeance for the life of our Mate.” He pulls him close and the pair slowly walks away from the waterfront, carrying the sword between them like a silver lifeline.

Methos and Duncan pull into the small town in a shiny, new BMW that looks to be barely older than the shiny, new town.

“What could have possessed the Cub to come here? I cannae see him being happy here.” Duncan mutters as he looks around at the postcard allure of this cookie cutter little town.

“From what I understand, this town use to be built over a Hellmouth, supposedly that makes it attractive to demonic types but from the last report that Amanda got about the Cub seems he may have had other reasons for coming here.” Methos says quietly.

Duncan notices he doesn’t elaborate on what that reason could be; his hands tighten on the steering wheel; that can mean only one thing. Duncan watches as a strong but slender hand covers his hand and squeezes lightly and he shakes his head with a wry grin; as the muscles of his hand relax automatically under the soothing touch; then the hand is gone. “Do you think he’s still here Old Man?”

“If not I’m sure we’re likely to find someone that can give us a clue as to where he is or at least where to go next. That boy can’t go anywhere without being noticed for long.” Methos says with a wry grin; that Duncan echoes; as he opens a thick file on his lap. “We’re looking for a business…NightWatchers is the name. According to this report, the Cub had some associates there…there it is on the right corner there.”

Duncan pulls over in the first available spot and parks with the ease of long experience and finds that he’s eager to find the Cub. He and Methos glide out of the car, gathering their coats around them like Matadors of old and all but sprint to the small unassuming shop and hurry inside.

The atmosphere of the shop is quiet and subdued with rows upon rows of various magical paraphernalia and no small collection of books. Several customers are milling about the aisles but the pair has little interest in them as they stride to the counter where an older gentleman is engrossed in reading a thick book and hurriedly jotting down some notes. They clear their throats to get his attention and his head flies up with comical quickness and he stutters an apology as he pushes his thin-wired glasses up with a fingertip.

“Oh I say; my apologies. Is there something I could help you with?” The man nonchalantly closes the book and tucking his notepad on top is quick to move them out of sight and under the counter.

“Ays guide to the Nether Realms is rather a rare book. You’re lucky to have found a copy.” Methos hides his smile as the man becomes slightly flustered and repeats his earlier question. “We’re hoping you’re Rupert Giles.” After a few seconds the man glances around the shop nervously then nods reluctantly. “Excellent. We’re looking for someone and we were told you were acquaintances and we were hoping you would know where we could find our…old friend.” Methos says smoothly.

The man glances around nervously once more. “Who….who is it you are looking to find; perhaps I can help.” His voice clearly shows his reluctance to share information as the perhaps he can’t part of that statement can be clearly heard even without being spoken.

“His name is William…William McLeod.” Duncan says quietly. The man’s stare is blank of any recognition of the name. “He’s a very striking young man, trim but rattlesnake fast, all attitude and right hooks and unless he’s changed; he has the bizarre tendency to make you want to kiss him then strangle him all at the same time.” He laughs and hears Methos echo him.

The glimmer of recognition sparks in his eye but the man remains silent for several moments. “I’m sorry I did know someone that fit that description vaguely but he hasn’t lived here in almost four years.”

Methos can see the dull cloud of a lie deep in the man’s eye and decides to press him. “My name is Adam Pierson Mr. Giles, my companion and I mean the boy no harm. We bring important news about a mutual acquaintance that he will very much like to hear. He will find no danger from us. Truth be told Watcher, we’ve pulled him out of more scrapes than we care to tell you about in an effort to keep his skin intact. We have no intention of changing that now.” He feels Duncan’s hand curving over his shoulder in silent solidarity. “We’re staying the night here; at the Bed & Breakfast on the corner of Reese and Tupelo; the blue suite. If you could by some chance arrange a meeting; we’ll be happy to meet anywhere at his request.” He says quietly and departs, Duncan trailing in his wake, out of the shop and into the afternoon sun.

Giles watches the strange pair until he’s sure they’ve gone before hurrying into the office and startling Anya and Xander as they’re unpacking a new shipment.

“Is something wrong Giles?” Xander asks concerned as the older man dives for the phone dialling quickly.

“I’m not sure Xander. A couple of men were here asking about Spike.” Giles says agitatedly, he taps his foot impatiently as he waits for something. “Yes, this is Rupert Giles, Harmony. I need to speak to Spike right now. It’s very important. Yes, yes I’ll hold.”

“Do you think these guys are bad news Rupert?” Anya asks anxiously and Xander is kneeling by her side as coiled as a spring ready to snap.

“When is anyone asking about Spike a good thing?” Rupert says worriedly; as the 2 younger people share a look of shared concern before they explode into action. Xander runs for the other phone; to let Willow and Dawn know what’s going on; while Anya streaks for the files cabinet to pull their insurance file and make sure it’s up to date.

*

Angel is having another one of his endless arguments with Spike over his unwillingness to follow office procedures when the intercom’s shrill clanging interrupts. “What is it Harmony? I said I didn’t want to be disturbed until further notice.” Angel growls; quite literally; at Harmony and his supremely annoying Grand-Childe who has perched on the corner of his desk, with his feet on the arm of his chair; with his usual air of impertinence. He scowls darkly and knocks his feet off his chair with sweep of his arm.

“Mr. Giles is on the phone, he says he needs to speak to Spike. He said it’s very important.” Harmony’s voice trembles slightly betraying the nervousness she still feels toward her intimidating boss.

“Transfer it up to my office, Harmony-Pet. I’ll take it up there.” Spike says; his demeanour suddenly sharp and business-like as he stands.

“Alright Blondie Bear.” Harmony says quickly, grateful to be off the intercom with her crabby boss.

“Lecture 2063 will have to wait, Peaches.” He says with a wink; as he turns and sweeps out of the office without so much as a by your leave and up the staircase to his own office.

Angel feels the muscles in his cheek twitching as he jerks his hand off the intercom button, growling low in his throat as he grabs a pencil and snaps it in half while he chants “Serenity now.” Saying it over and over again in his head; trying to calm his temper. His desk is literally a forest of broken pencil parts when he’s stunned to watch Spike practically fly down the staircase and hitting the elevator button as he strides to Harmony’s desk and has a brief conversation before she tosses him some keys and he enters the open elevator. It’s all so sudden that he doesn’t react right away but then he snaps out of it and jabs his finger on the intercom button. “Harmony, where was Spike going in such a hurry?” He demands.

“Sunnydale I think…he seemed almost giddy, it was a little strange. He asked if he could stay at my parents’ old house since it was empty I said sure that’d be…” Angel disconnects the intercom, cutting off Harmony’s rambling in mid-sentence. He’s able to hold out a whole ten minutes before he angrily grabs the phone and dials a number with angry pokes of his fingertip.

“’Ello Peaches something tells me you’re not calling me phone to breathe heavily so wot do ya want?”

Angel clenches his hands into fists at the insolently annoying tone of his pain in the ass Grand-Childe. “Where. Do. You. Think. You’re. Going? You do remember you work for me now?” He snarls.

“Check the calendar and your clock Peachy One. You’ll see it’s after quitting time on Friday. I’m not due back until moonrise Monday as per our agreement, BOSS. As for the where I am going, SIR, that is my affair.” Spike says calmly closing his phone and turning it off. “Bloody Wanker.” He revs the throttle of his motorcycle and screeches out of the tunnel from the parking facility and rockets towards Sunnydale.

Angel takes a deep breath and calmly hangs up the phone and methodically cleans off the shatters bits of pencils from his desk and spends a good five minutes straightening every thing on his desk until it is perfectly and exactingly neat before he calmly stands up and grabs his jacket. He locks his office and stops by Harmony’s desk. “I have some…personal unfinished business to…attend to. I’m going to be unavailable for the next few days Harmony. Reschedule all my appointments or have Wesley or Gunn take any you can’t move. I’ll have my phone with me but unless it’s the yearly Apocalypse scare I don’t want to hear from anyone; is that clear?” His voice is calm, his features almost icily composed but his eyes are blazing with rage and something deeper and darker than anything that can move in a human soul.

She takes one look at his face and snaps to attention, and keeps her eyes lowered. “Yes Sir.” Harmony says quietly. She doesn’t bother to ask questions just instantly begins to do what he ordered her to do and she’s relieved as he leaves after a moment, appearing to be pleased by the small smile curving his lips. Frankly it is the smile that scares her most of all. When her Blondie bear comes back she’ll have to thank him for teaching her how to survive on her own. Without a Sire, her road to independence could have been a very short one, she thinks with a shudder. She forces her mind back to her work, knowing it’s the height of unwise to anger a dominate Vampire of Angel’s reputation. She spares a millisecond to silently thank Spike in her mind and shudder for whoever is going to be on the other end of that unfinished business her Boss is looking to settle.

In the parking garage Angel throws himself behind the wheel of his Viper and roars after his recalcitrant Childe. He has forgotten the order of things and it’s time for a reminder.

*

Giles looks around the shop and spares a moment to feel nostalgic for the old days when this group of young people and himself made a quiet difference in the world. The last five years have been one of quiet retirement for them all which has been a pleasure to be sure but sometimes it’s been pretty boring too he can admit to himself. His eyes flick one by one on each of the young people that have come to be his only family.

His eyes land on Willow and Xander; sitting as always next to one another, their hands clasped tightly on the top of the table. When Kennedy decided to leave California for Ohio to take her place as the guardian for that Hellmouth, willow was devastated and heartbroken. Xander was there to help her through the pain and slowly but surely they rediscovered that their feelings for each other had been reawakened, and to the joy of everyone, they became the first of the group to marry. And also they would be the first to bring life from the pain of their past, he thinks as his eyes flicker over their twin toddler daughters Elizabeth and Willa.

His eyes land on Dawn next; as she sits on the floor playing with the twins. She has grown up into a lovely young woman, almost ready to begin college. Her beauty and courage are undeniable and that more than anything marks her as Buffy’s sister. Her attitude, confidence, unshakable loyalty and fighting prowess are just as undeniable, traits surprisingly garnered from her time as the doting protégé of the most paradoxical Vampire on the planet. When Buffy made the decision to live overseas in London and run a training centre for the awakened Slayers, it was Spike more than anyone that helped to take care of Dawn. Surprisingly her strange upbringing is a perfect example of the old adage about it taking a Village to raise a child. Each of them in their own ways has contributed to raising their precious charge; but they all know as strange as it seems it is Spike that has become almost a Father figure in her eyes.

Giles eyes soften as he gazes to his right at Anya, as she strokes her hand slowly over her swollen belly, as though to soothe her unborn child. He slowly reaches over and covers her hand with his own and leans over and presses a soft kiss to her temple; missing the soft looks that the other young people send each other at the precious sight. If anyone had told him that one day he would marry a centuries old, former Vengeance Demon, he would have laughed or worried if they were possessed. He is hard pressed not to laugh at the thought for he surely has been possessed; by love for this remarkably complex woman that shares his quiet life and is soon to give him a child. There is only one person missing from there little get together and as if he had conjured him out of thin air, the purring roar of a Motorcycle pulls up outside the shop.

Dawn is already on her feet and moving for the door as Spike strides in, looking for all the world like the perpetual bad ass he’s always been.

Spike laughs as he catches a flying armful of Dawn as she leaps at him and sweeps her into a bear hug. “Hey there Big Bad Daddy.” She squeals happily as she clings to him laughing as he picks her up easily and swings her around in a dizzying circle before setting her down.

“Hey there Lil Bad Nibblet.” Spike picks up his girl for another hug before setting down; listening to her talking a mile a minute; catching him up on the details of her life since they last spoke.

The others all hang back and let the pair have their few moments together as Spike hasn’t visited in almost a year; this is the first time most of them have seen their old friend in quite a while. They take the opportunity to observe the animated pair and the changes in Spike are clear to see though in some ways very subtle. His Vampire physiology has frozen him forever in full bloom of his perfection, as he was almost a century and a half ago, so he will be in four centuries hence. His hair is still the same shock of white blonde but it is a little longer and not so severely swept back. Soft honey blonde and golden red highlights dance through the strands highlighting the soft wavy texture of his hair; giving it a softer and not so harsh impact. An earring dangles a small spike-shaped charm from his left ear and a simple silver hoop piercing through his scarred brow lend him a roguish air that only seems to reinforce his strange juxtaposition of beauty and razor-sharp edginess. He’s gained a bit of weight in all the right places, softening the sharp angles and planes of his body without sacrificing his tautly muscled warrior’s body. His taste in clothing has changed somewhat; no doubt due to having occasionally put on a show for a client in the corporate world. The well worn jeans have been replaced by tailored black leather and the broken in boots replaced with newer shinier ones. Having left his old Duster to Dawn when he left Sunnydale, he now sports a new black leather coat; its lines are a little more tailored, its a-line design causing it to flare out like wings behind him when he strides. A simple dark bluish grey shirt is neatly tucked into the leather jeans and the buttons done up a little over half way giving the illusion of modesty as the neckline alternately reveals and conceals his impressively muscled chest. A stylishly simple leather, choker-like collar is fitted loosely around his throat, displaying a curious charm that looks like a cross between a railroad spike and a small sword. The overall effect is one of opposing styles that somehow end up working together to create an unforgettable presence that simply is Spike.

As they look on Spike smiles and then laughs quietly at one of Dawn’s anecdotes and they collectively inhale wonder. When he smirks he can drive a person to violence; when he turns his lips up at one corner and looks beneath his lashes; he’ll make you forget your name; when he snarls in the thrall of his demon half he is heart-stopping; when he laughs he is simply…breathtaking.

Spike hugs his Dawnie once more and strides in to greet the rest of his friends, with all the confidence and attitude of a man with the world at his feet. He opens his arms to catch the headlong rush of a Willow shaped projectile and gives her a bear hug as the twins scramble over to try and climb up his legs. He releases a giggling Willow and sweeps up his two precocious goddaughters; letting his game face morph out and pretending to nibble on them. They laugh and bounce excitedly in his firm hold for a moment before his features melt back into their human perfection and he sets them down with a kiss. He chuckles as Willow and Dawn look offended and stick their own cheeks out stubbornly; silently demanding a kiss which he happily provides. He rounds the table and laughs as Xander starts to look worried as he stops behind his chair before slowly bending over and growling, causing Xander to jump and slap at him laughing at the old game. Giles finds himself swept up into a surprisingly affectionate hug before he kneels and kisses Anya’s cheek, asking a silent question with his eyes; she gently guides his hand to her swollen belly. After a moment he feels a fluttering of movement and gently shifts his hand to rub gently and the movements quiet.

“It never amazes me how you can do that.” Anya says with a laugh. “Not even born yet and you’re charming my child!” Everyone laughs as Spike rises to his feet and looks around at his extended family.

“You’re all looking marvellous; retirement must agree with you.” Spike says happily. “Everything’s been quiet here I trust?” He asks with a raised brow. Willow and Anya giggle at the familiar gesture.

“The few remaining demons behave themselves for the most part. The birth-rate is actually higher than the mortality rate this year, go Sunnydale!” Xander cheers to everyone’s laughter. “Seems the Demons are under the impression that they should watch their step around us or some big nasty will kick their ass. Wouldn’t happen to know anything about that now would you Blondie?” The enigmatic smile on spike’s face says he knows quite a lot about that. “Things are quiet here for the most part, we rarely have to patrol these days. Thank you, Spike.”

“A Gent always has the right to look after the things that matter.” Cerulean eyes gleaming; he leaves that statement to be taken as they will. “About these Gents looking for me Rupert; any details?”

“They were quite the unusual pair. Very striking looking, almost exotic I would say. Mr. Pierson said they would be staying at the old Crawford at the Bed & Breakfast on the corner of Reese and Tupelo; in the blue suite.” Giles recites from memory, a little startled by the hand Spike rises to stop him and the astonishing grin that suddenly curves his lips and sets his blue eyes ablaze with some unnamed emotion.

“Pierson…Adam Pierson?” Spike asks eagerly; hardly daring to believe it after all this time.

“Yes I believe that was his name.” Giles says as he removes his glasses and cleans them with the ever present cloth he keeps in his pockets. “I didn’t get the other Gentleman’s name but I’d say with that accent of his he’s straight from Scotland. Oh I say are you alright?” He asks as Spike almost thrums with excitement.

“Could you do me a favour please Rupert? Could you call them and tell them that I’ll meet them at the Park off Main? If they want me they’ll have to find me.” Spike’s grin is pure wickedness given physical form. “Good ear by the way Rupert; he is from Scotland….from the Highlands to be exact. I’m going to go drop my things by Harmony’s place then hunt up my friends for a bit of a chat.” The smile on his face and the fiendish glint in his eyes; so reminds them of the old days; that they cannot help but feel a bit of that old pulse of excitement; no little longing for the adrenaline rush that accompanied it.

Spike has noticed the silent longing; a silent sniff of the air softens his grin into an understanding smile as he detects the traces of something more than just nostalgia in the air. The glimmer of an idea begins to form but he pushes it aside for the moment to concentrate on other matters. He circles the room; kissing cheeks and foreheads or passing out hugs. “Don’t worry a bit about those two reprobates that are in town looking for me. They’re old…friends of mine.” He chuckles. “Some VERY old friends.” He chuckles as he leaves the store through the side entrance. He feels like a bit of a warm up before his meeting and a bit of roof running should fit the bill as he climbs to the roof of the three story building with relative ease.

He walks to the edge and braces a boot there as the cool night air brushes over him causing his duster to wrap around him as tightly as arms in a brief pseudo-hug. He laughs as he backs up and leaps over the edge easily sailing over to the next roof and setting a pace of running and leaping that quickly has him running out of buildings as the downtown area gives way to quiet residential areas and he makes his way to street level and a familiar tingle across his nerve endings has him instinctively slinking back into the deep shadows of the building; as a familiar black Viper slowly prowls by. “Bloody Tosser followed me.” He peeks carefully around the corner and silently groans at the sight of the powerfully car paused in the middle of the empty street. “And he knows I’m nearby.” Another silent groan as he considers his options. Suddenly he smiles and acting quickly he climbs back up to the roof. Staying low to the roofline he slides his arms out of his coat; slowly pulling his shirt free of his pants he unbuttons it and slips it off rubbing it hard against his skin before leaving it pooled on the rooftop. Grabbing his jacket he leaps back over the roof edge and backtracks until he can safely make his way back to ground level and detours around the Poof’s car.

Spike has to laugh with malevolent glee. The shirt will cause his scent to linger strongly in the area but the height of the building will make it a chore to track to its exact location. Despite the hunting skills of the Great High Poof it should take him a while to realise he’s been decoyed, which is all the time he needs.

Suddenly the chuckling turns into outright laughter as his mind suddenly clicks on just what that building actually is. He’d noted the name but had pushed it aside as just incidental information and he realises that Angel could well assume that he’s gone inside. “Well I’m sure that’s not the first gay bar you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting ya Nit. Hope you find yourself a lot of nice company cause they are just gonna LOVE you, Peaches.” He can’t stop laughing as he shrugs back into his coat, closing two buckles low on his abdomen, fitting the jacket to his torso, creating a vaguely Pasha’s robe like effect. He turns on his heel and runs into the night, his laughter drifting teasingly through the night air, echoing down the sleepy streets.

Deciding it would be folly to try and reach Harmony’s parents’ home he decides to head right for the park instead, using every shadow and speck of cover to remain concealed. Somewhere out there an angry Grand-Sire is on his trail and if his more than a century of life has taught him anything; it’s to never underestimate his doggedly determined fellow Vampire.

*

Methos sits down on the park bench and watches as his long time companion and best friend walks over to join him a long black case carefully balanced in his arms. Duncan carefully sets the sword case down and sinks to the bench beside Methos. Despite the heartbreakingly sombre reason for the visit, part of him is excited as well; it has been quite a few decades since they last saw their Cub.

“You know…this town doesn’t seem very…Hellmouth’ish if you know what I mean.” Duncan says looking around.

“Well according the reports Amanda had commissioned this place was quite literally Hell on earth.” Methos says with a shrug. “It seems at one time our Cub was one of the leading reasons for the high mortality rate until he suddenly seemed to change sides and helped to undo the damage he’d done.” His grin is one of accepting humour. “That boy never could seem to make up his mind if he was a Demon or a Hero.” He and Duncan share the quiet laughter.

“We should have kept him with us. He never lost his way with us. He was happy and he was loved. More than those so-called “Sires” of his ever did for him.” Duncan says; scowling darkly.

“He’s a Vampire, Duncan.” Methos says quietly; as though that is the only explanation necessary; which in truth it is. For almost forty years they had the pleasure of a most unique individual’s company but it was inevitable that eventually the lure of his Dark Princess and his own kind would call to him.

“I think I may have spoken a little too soon about this town.” Methos looks at Duncan and follows his line of sight and his eyes widen. Unless he is very much mistaken; a trio of very unpleasant looking brutes is headed their way. “Am I seeing things…or are those ANTLERS?”

“Yes those are definitely antlers.” Methos says amazed. In all his long years he cannot recall having seen anything quite like those disgusting things. “Judging by their expressions I don’t think they’re here to welcome us to their town.” The pair shares an amazed look and then they have to laugh at the expression on each other’s faces. “Perhaps it would be prudent to move and wait somewhere else?”

“Not sure it’d be wise to turn on backs on this lot.” Duncan say quietly, slowly sliding his hand inside his long black coat and closing is hand over the hilt of his sword. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Methos mirror the motion. They force themselves to relax and chat back and forth as though completely unconcerned by the approach of the strange individuals; which is quite a feat as the closer they get, the larger they seem to be.

“This is our Park Humans and we don’t care for your kind of trash littering it up!” The largest and ugliest of the brutes snarls as he steps away from his companions; much to the disgust of the two men forced to endure the overpowering stench that is wafting off of him.

“Well pardon our intrusion then, we’ll just be moving along.” Methos says starting to stand, deciding to try the peaceful solution but the vile smelling creature pokes him in the chest shoving him back onto the bench. Duncan is hard pressed not to cut the bastard’s hand off for that offence but he sees the slight shake of Methos’ head that stills his strike.

“We say when you leave Human. We own this town and…” The beast pokes a pudgy finger hard into Methos’ chest for every word. “…Don’t Like Your Kind On OUR Turf.” Methos tightens his hand on his sword but a quiet voice freezes him in place.

“Now is that anyway to treat visitors to our lovely Town?”

The brute swings around at the sound of the soft English accented voice and backs up so quickly he trips over his own clumsy feet. “Sp…. Spike; we didn’t know you were back in town.” The brute’s two friends quickly back away, darting to hide behind their friend with comical speed.

“So I heard.” Spike keeps his voice, soft and utterly calm as he stands a few feet away, smoking a cigarette and observing the scene. The disturbing glint in his eye has the trio backing up nervously but Spike makes no move to advance and typically that makes them do something incredibly stupid.

Emboldened by the support of numbers the big brute darts forward swinging a huge beefy paw at Spike’s jaw.

Spike calmly reaches up in almost a casual manner and catches the fist; stopping it dead in the air and twisting it violently, smirking at the sound of cracking bones; driving the demon to his knees until he is kneeling at his feet. To the watching Methos and Duncan the whole thing happens in a mere blink of an eye and they stare on; amazed by the sight of the almost delicately built man with the comparatively gigantic demon utterly cowering at his feet.

“I think you’ve forgotten what I told you before I left, Gravlox. I have to say I am extremely disappointed at having to repeat myself.” Spike tightens his grip for each word he says, deliberately mimicking the Demon’s own earlier actions. “This Town Is MINE. Everything And Everyone In It Is MINE.” A cold smile curves his lips at last as he feels the demon’s bones cracking and re-cracking under his grip. “As far as you are concerned whether I am here or away, I am standing right next to you and you will act accordingly. Am I understood?” A second cruel twisting emphasises his point as the demon begins to whimper an apology over and over, chorused by its companions. Spike releases the Demon’s hand and it jerks it back in relief; only to scream as Spike calmly cups its face and savagely breaks its neck while staring at the remaining pair. “That didn’t sound very sincere to me.” His voice is pure ice and malice and the pair start whimpering their own apologies, lowering their eyes and backing up submissively. “Is there some reason why you two are still here?” Realising Spike is giving them the chance to leave peacefully the pair start to scramble off, grateful for their lives.

Spike calmly flicks his cigarette to the ground and smothers it with a twist of his boot. “’Ello, Cuties.” Mere seconds before striding forward and hooking a hand behind each man’s head, pulling first Duncan and then Methos to him for a deep; hungry kiss before backing up with a wink.

Duncan and Methos are frozen; wheeling from the passionate kisses for several seconds before both men lunge off the bench in tandem and sweep the smaller man up between them; hugging him as tightly as they can; burying their faces against either side of his neck.

Angel clenches his hands into fists from the shadow strand of trees where he’s been concealed watching the proceedings with stunned amazement. The paralysis passes with a vengeance as he watches Spike greeting the strangers so passionately and getting swept up in a clearly possessive two-way hug.

“Put him down; NOW!” The growling voice has the pair reacting instinctively before they realise what they’re doing and Angel is there forcing Spike behind him; glaring at the strangers with a dark scowl on his face. “Who the hell are you and what do you want with my Childe?” He demands.

“Angelus I presume; as you most assuredly aren’t Drusilla.” Methos says dryly.

Duncan calmly shoulders Angel aside and lifts his arm; he smiles as Spike strides past his Grand-sire to snuggle against his side; one of his hands coming up to rest on his chest; as he lowers his arm protectively around his shoulders. Angel growls again and takes a step forward only to find the second man in his way; with the cold tip of a sword pressed against his neck. He backs off warily; having little choice in the matter; his expression promising retribution for this affront to his dignity and coming between his Childe and himself.

“Who in the fuck are you?” He snarls with unaccustomed profanity; crossing his arms over his chest and glowering at the strangers while he stares down Spike.

It is Spike that answers. “Angelus, Master of the order of Aurelius, out of Master Darla, Sire in blood to Drusilla, she whom is my Sire in blood, Sire in lore to I, William the Bloody, I formally present Duncan MacLeod of the Clan Macleod and Adam Pierson.” He pauses for a heartbeat. “They are my bound Mates.”

Angel is dead silent for several seconds before his roar of rage can be heard for blocks. “You’re WHAT?”