Begin A New Day
Chapter 3
Carefully, Buffy washed the battered face. His nose was broken, angled to one side, and one cheekbone was crushed. Angelus whimpered softly, in pain despite being unconscious.
Wringing out the dirty washcloth in the water, she turned back to find the chocolate eyes open. “Hey.”
“Hey.” He said softly. “What’s with the chains, baby? I’m not really up for that kind of fun.”
“How are you feeling?” She leaned over and carefully kissed his bruised lips.
“Like shit.”
“If it’s any consolation.” Buffy ran the wet rag along his throat. “You look like shit.”
“Just need a little lovin’, sweetheart.” He smiled as much as he was able. “Some of that sweet Slayer blood will get me going again.”
“Sorry, Angel, you’ll have to settle for the non Slayer vintage.” She looked up as Wes came into the room carrying a large glass. “And here’s your waiter now.”
The scent of blood, warm and fresh, made Angelus lift his head. Ignoring the pain of his torn muscles and flesh, he strained upward as Wes handed the glass to Buffy.
Carefully supporting his head with one hand, Buffy held the glass to Angelus’ lips with the other. After the first cautious sip, he gulped greedily, wincing as his face morphed to his true face.
“Soup du Giles.” Wes watched in wonder as the cuts and burns on Angelus’ body began to heal. “Simply amazing.”
As his broken cheek and nose began to heal, Angelus howled in pain, choking on the blood he was trying to swallow.
“Easy, easy.” Buffy lifted the glass as blood trickled down his chin and onto his neck.
Gasping, he cried out again. The bones mending hurt almost as badly as breaking them. Growling, he turned his head, searching for the glass. Only more blood would end the pain.
“Here.” Blinking back tears, she held it to his lips again. This wasn’t the first time she’d held a glass of blood and helped him feed. The ceremony to restore Dru’s strength had left Angel weak and helpless for several days. But that was nothing compared to this.
She could hear the bones crunching and grinding as they knitted and slid back into place. His body jerked and twitched as it healed, causing him to moan and cry out even as he gulped down the blood.
“I’ll get the ah… next selection on the menu.” Wes touched Buffy's shoulder gently before leaving the room.
“It’ll be okay.” Buffy tipped the glass up so that the last of the blood dripped into his mouth. Sliding her fingers around the inside, she let him lick them clean as well.
“Oh, Jesus, that hurts like a bitch!” Panting, Angelus let his head loll back on the pillow. “What took you so long, baby? Huh?”
“I thought you were dead.” She leaned down to kiss him again. This time the kiss was hungry and desperate, her tongue sliding past his fangs to push into his mouth.
He whimpered as she kissed him. As much as he wanted Buffy's kisses, his face still hurt and his head was pounding. Helplessly, he lay still as she kissed and touched him. When she gentled the kiss and pulled away, he sighed in relief.
“Rest.” She picked up the wet cloth and began washing him again.
“More…” He hated to beg, but he was starving.
“It’s on its way.” Leaning down, Buffy kissed the ridged forehead. “Rest, baby.”
Wes came back in with another glass. “Here we are.”
“We’ll need more.” She gently massaged Angelus’ scalp while he gulped the blood.
“It’s on the way.” He nodded and left the room again.
This time, he felt stronger, but the pain of bones and flesh healing had him gasping for the air he no longer needed to breathe. Eagerly, he licked the last of the blood from Buffy's fingers once again.
“Better?” The two large glasses looked to be just short of a pint apiece. Not nearly the amount a vampire normally took when they fed.
“Much.” The pain was down to a dull roar. The deep wounds and thick bones had yet to mend, and his broken hip throbbed. “Give us a kiss, sweetheart.”
“You must be feeling better.” With a laugh, she kissed him again, sucking the cool tongue into her mouth. He tasted coppery and salty, and it frightened her that the taste didn’t repulse her.
“Nice… so sweet…” He sighed as she pulled away. A tang of fear drifted from her, and he wondered what she was scared of. “Take the chains off, lover, so I can show you how much I missed you.”
“No can do.” Buffy got up to empty out the basin of dirty water.
“Come on.” Tugging at the chains, Angelus winced at the pain in his shoulders. He was better, but not completely healed by any means.
“They’re tight; don’t bother.” She set the basin of clean water on the bedside table. Dipping a clean washcloth into it, she began washing his chest.
“That feels good.” Closing his eyes, he shifted and sighed again. “I missed your touch.”
“Did you?” The majority of cuts and bruises had healed, and she carefully skirted the deeper wounds that remained. “Sure you’re not just saying that because they were poking you with sharp sticks?”
“Let me touch you.” Opening his eyes slightly, Angelus watched her through his eyelashes. “I need to touch you, Buffy.”
“Behave.”
“Please…” He let his voice trail off huskily.
Shivers raced through her at the sensual tone. Turning she found his eyes were closed and his lips parted slightly as if waiting for her kiss. “No.”
“Buffy, please…” The golden eyes opened slowly, and he arched up into her touch. “Let me touch you…”
Lowering her lips to his, she kissed him, nibbling and sucking on his full bottom lip. Gently she traced the strong cheekbones with her fingertips. “Purr for me, Angel.”
A soft purr rumbled up from Angelus’ chest to tickle her lips. Lapping at her, he thrust his tongue into her warm mouth to play with hers.
The door opening made her pull away. Rubbing a thumb over his moist lips, Buffy shook her head. “I can’t.”
Handing another glass of blood to her, Wes watched as she once again cradled the vampire’s head and held the glass to his lips. “Giles and I have a bit of a wager.”
“Let me guess.” Buffy arched an eyebrow. “Can he tell who’s who?”
“Exactly.” He watched, once again amazed as Angelus’ body healed before his eyes. “We’re curious if there’s a difference in the blood types, or in male or female. Purely in a scientific sense, of course.”
“Always with the research.”
“It passes the time.” Wes agreed amiably. “You can disqualify Lorne, of course, and our new friend Leo. Though he was quite eager to donate, you know.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She chuckled.
“We finally sent him on his way once we convinced him that vampires find no nutritional value in demon blood.”
This time, Angelus was able to let his game face slid away to hide behind his handsome human features. Resting his head back on the pillow, he smiled. “Fred – and she was frightened. Um… so scared… so tasty.” He licked his lips. “And you’re using a knife.”
Buffy bit back a giggle at Wes’ surprised expression. “Hope you didn’t bet anything you can’t afford to lose.”
“My book on Netherlevel demons.” He took the empty glass from her. “He looks strong enough now.”
“Almost.” She rolled up her sleeve.
“Oooh… saved the best for last?” Angelus smirked.
“Buffy, I’m not sure that’s wise.” The former Watcher didn’t care for the gleam in the vampire’s eyes. He appeared, if not perfectly healthy, not far from it.
“The last time, the spell knocked him to his knees and he wasn’t hurt.” The sword fight flashed through her memory. “Not really. Not like this.”
“I’ll be back in a moment then.” Wes started toward the door.
“Hey, Jimmy the Greek.” Angelus called after him. “She’s AB negative.”
Muttering under his breath, Wes left the room.
“Okay, give.” Buffy leaned on his chest. “The fear and the blood type I know you can taste. But gender?”
“Nah.” He lifted his head and stole a quick kiss. “It was so sweet with fear it had to be Fred. Giles was the first one and Wes didn’t have a cut on his arm, no way Queen C is giving up her blue blood for me, so Gunn had to be the second glass.”
“And the knife bit? You know that’s the only way to get that much blood on short notice.”
“Wonder how long it’ll take Research Boy to figure that out?” Chuckling at Wes’ gullibility, Angelus stretched and tested the chains binding his wrists once again.
“You’re not getting up, so stop it.” She held her wrist over his mouth.
Running his tongue along the delicate veins, he purred a breath over the wet trail. “This would be so much more fun if my hands were free, lover.”
“For you maybe.” Shivering, she pressed her wrist to his lips. “This is it, take it or – oh!” Pleasure chased the pain away as Angelus slid his fangs into her. Panting, Buffy rested her forehead on his. Her free hand tangled in his hair as the flames licked through her belly and breasts, and she cried out as it exploded within her.
Reluctantly, he let his face change, his fangs vanishing, to lave at the wound with his tongue. With no way to feed Buffy his blood, he didn’t want to drain her. Yet.
“Oh, God.” Gasping for air, she lifted her head to look down at him.
“Like that did you, baby?” Her eyes were green and heavy lidded, her cheeks flushed, and her scent was laden with sexual satisfaction.
“Tell you a secret – I really like it when you bite me.”
“Tell you a secret – vampire bites are addictive.” He smirked at her startled look. “The rush. The thrill. The orgasms… um…”
“Shut up.” Sitting up, she ran a shaky hand through her hair. She should have known that. Spike had taken her to a place where people paid to let vamps feed from them. Like junkies.
“Don’t be mad, Buff.” He shifted suggestively. “It’s good for both of us.”
Before she could stop herself, Buffy looked to where his erection was clearly outlined by the sheet covering him. “Ooh! You’re evil!”
“Um… yeah.” He agreed with a laugh. “Your point?”
“That was pretty much it.” Unfortunately, Angelus had her beat in the smart ass department.
Pulling on the chains, he grunted when they didn’t give. “Let me loose, baby. Come on, we can have such fun.”
“No.”
“Aw… but baby… my cock is aching…” He wiggled his hips again.
“Ignore it.” She forced herself not to look.
“I know what’s wrong. You’re worried about your friends. I can understand that.” He frowned. “Well, actually I can’t. But – tell you what – we’ll go away.”
“Away?”
“Sure.” He nodded. “Somewhere that’s miles away, where it’s safe to turn you. We won’t bother killing your friends if you don’t want to.”
“I’m not going away with you, and I’m not letting you turn me.” She rubbed absently at the scar on her throat. “I have responsibilities.”
“Yeah, yeah. Chosen One and all that.” He snorted. “Let Faith get off her ass and take over the job.”
“Faith is in prison. Little hard to slay from in there.”
“Whatever.” He strained against his bonds again. “Think of it, Buffy. No more responsibilities or worries. No more burden of being the Chosen One.”
“It’s not a burden – “
“Always taking care of them.” He said softly. “Let me take care of you…”
“I can’t – Dawn – “
“Giles will take care of her, you know he will.” He assured her smoothly. “He’s been a father to you all these years.”
“Willow and Xander need me – “
“If you’re not around, they won’t be in danger anymore. Buffy…” A soft purr crept into his voice. “You’ve destroyed your life for them…”
“I like my life.” She lied softly.
“You look tired, baby. So tired…” Angelus let his voice drop to a whisper. “Imagine it. Feeding… hunting… with a mate who worships and adores you…”
“No…”
“Eternity in my arms… would that be so bad?” Buffy was wavering; he could see it in the faraway look in her eyes. “I’ll never leave you, Buffy. I’ll give you everything he can’t – endless hours of passion and pleasure… and love…”
His silky voice painted a picture and the chocolate eyes mesmerized her. She could see it. The two of them together forever, free to do whatever they wanted.
“Buffy.” Wes’ voice broke the spell. “He’s lying, and you know it. He’s not capable of love.”
“Shut up!” Angelus snarled at him.
“Or what?” Wes raised an eyebrow. “You’ll snarl me to death?”
For a moment, the vampire was silent, and then he laughed. “Good one there, Wes! Guess even you get lucky sometimes. Look at how you bagged Lilah.”
To her horror, Buffy found her hands on the chains binding Angelus to the bed. “I – I – wasn’t – “
“Of course you weren’t.” The former Watcher said soothingly. “And of course you couldn’t wait for me to come back with the knife and a glass.”
“Oh, well… “ She flushed guiltily. “It just seemed quicker, you know?”
“And infinitely more pleasurable, no doubt.” Wes set the knife and glass down on Angel’s dresser. “We’re ready to do the spell now. You need to come downstairs.”
“No. I want to be here.” She shook her head. “Tell Willow to come in and get started.”
“We’re going to do the spell downstairs.”
“Downstairs?” The spell had worked from the other side of Sunnydale the last time, so Buffy had to assume that downstairs wasn’t an issue.
“It requires intense concentration.” Wes explained.
“Is the Wicca wannabe scared of me?” Angelus laughed.
“All that snarling might prove a distraction.” He said dryly.
“I’m going to stay here.” Buffy told him. “I don’t want him to go through this alone.”
“Buffy – “ He sighed. From his short term as Buffy's Watcher, Wes knew it would do no good to argue with her. “Stay back. Don’t touch him. The spell is old and very powerful.”
“I can do that.” She pulled a chair over by the bed. “How’s this?”
“A little too close.” He frowned and sighed again. “Humor me.”
Scooting the chair back, Buffy held her hands up. “Better?”
“Slightly.” Wes turned toward the door. “Please, Buffy – “
“I know.” She crossed her arms. “No touchee.”
“Be a good girl.” He smiled slightly. “And afterwards I’ll give you a cookie.”
The door closed and Angelus tugged on the chains again. “Come on, baby. You want to go back to your crappy life?”
“My life’s not crappy.”
“Yeah, sure.” He growled as he strained against the chains. “That’s why you’re so thin and pale – so damned bitter.”
“I am not!” That stung.
“We can have it all!” His voice rose in anger. She was infuriating. “For fucking forever!”
“No.”
“You still want him? Soul Boy?” He barked a bitter laugh. “Mr. Fucking Broody? Mr. I’m-so-guilty-I-have-to-suffer? Huh? He’d rather abandon you than see you happy!”
“Angel is – “
“Angel is going to hate you!” Angelus turned on her with a snarl. “You fucked me, baby, and you loved it! He’ll never forgive you!”
Buffy had her own worries in that area, but in her heart she knew Angel would no doubt be too consumed with guilt over Connor’s death to be angry at her.
“I’m going to get loose again, Buff!” He rolled off the bed and jerked at the chains. “Oh, you just wait!”
Getting up from the chair, she backed out of reach. As she watched, the metal bed frame creaked and bent. It held, and she wondered if it was a coincidence that Angel had bought furniture that sturdy or if he had anticipated the need to be chained to his own bed.
“He’ll fuck up one day! And I’ll be free! And you’re going to regret this!”
“You’ll turn me, I know.”
“Eventually.” He laughed. “After you’ve suffered and you’re screaming and begging for it.”
Angelus was telling the truth for once. Buffy knew that next time he’d hurt her. “So much for loving me.”
“Oh, I love you, baby.” He laughed again. “But you need a lesson. And you’ll get it!” He jerked the heavy bed a few feet towards her. “You’ll bleed and you’ll scream.”
Her skin crawled, and she backed farther away from him as the bed moved but didn’t break. They had made a mistake in not chaining his legs down. Changing tactics, he began hammering at the metal frame until it began to bend back in the other direction.
Angelus stiffened suddenly and cried out. A glow enveloped him, and he began to scream in agony.
Despite her promise to Wes, Buffy ran to him and reached out to touch him as he twisted and cried out in the throes of the spell. With a sharp snap, she was flung across the room.
Angelus’ body arched up, and he screamed again. The glow disappeared, and he fell limply to the bed.
“Angel!” Staggering back to the bed, she sat next to him and stroked his hair and face. “Angel! Angel, please!”