Title: Murmurs In The Darkness
Author: RogueSpike
Rating: R
Pairing: Wesley/Spike, Angel/Fred, Xander/Buffy, Giles/Willow.
Summary: Sequel to Not Happening! Spike's been hearing things; voices in his head, whispers in the dark outside his window. Then things start to show up, strange beings that are after Spike. He's captured along with the twins. He's impregnated again, but not by Wes. This summary sucks, sorry.
Disclaimer: They are not mine.
Warnings: Mpreg and an attempt at rape.

Spike sat bolt upright in bed. Worried eyes darted around the room before he realized he'd just been having a nightmare. He fell back against the pillows again.

"Spike?" Wesley murmured sleepily. He lifted himself up on one elbow. "Are you okay?"

Spike nodded. "Nightmare. Had a nightmare."

Wesley frowned worriedly. He scooted closer and put one arm around Spike, cuddling up close to him. "That's the fifth nightmare this week. What's causing them?"

Spike shook his head. "I don't know." He scooted down and curled into Wesley's safe embrace. "I don't know. But...it's always the same."

Wesley reached down and stroked Spike's hair. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Spike shuddered, but he nodded. "There's this voice. Like a loud whisper. Usually I can't understand what it's saying, but sometimes it calls my name. Sometimes I'll see fleeting glances of things. Faces, usually. The faces always look like they're in pain, or look like they're mourning something." Spike paused and shuddered again. "Then I see a black pit in a room made of stone. And something, I can never see what, is holding Will and Kara over it..." Spike squeezed his eyes shut at the image.

Wesley kept stroking Spike's hair as he leaned down and kissed the top of his head. Spike shivered. "It's terrifying," Spike murmured.

Wesley nodded. "You're probably just scared of loosing the kids. That's probably why you're having the nightmares."

Spike looked up at Wesley and smiled, then he frowned again. "But...why that dream? Why that scenario? Why the..."

Wesley put two fingers over Spike's lips. "Our imaginations can come up with some strange things, my Spike."

Spike sighed. "I know. I just...I hate that dream. And I can never make it to them. I'm always held back or bound or something."

Wesley leaned down and kissed Spike. "It'll go away."

Spike rested his head on Wesley's chest. "I sure hope so."

Wesley curled a little more around Spike and held him more firmly before he allowed himself to fall asleep again. Spike layed there and enjoyed Wesley's warmth and comfort.

*Spike*

Spike tensed. What, now he was hearing things?

*Spike*

Spike lifted his head. The voice...it was like the loud whisper from his dream, only hissing, drawing out his name. He looked nervously around the room, then sniffed. Nothing.

He waited a few more seconds, then started to relax when the voice did not come again. He felt Wesley's grip tighten. Spike shuddered. He felt like he had back when he was three and had always hid under the covers because he was afraid of the dark.

Wesley woke up again, sensing Spike's nervousness. "What is it now?"

Spike shook his head. "I don't know. I think I'm hearing things."

Wesley chuckled. "When did you start to get paranoid?"

Spike started to relax again at Wesley's joking way of looking at it. "You're right. It's probably just left over from the dream."

With that thought in mind, Spike finally fell asleep.

-------------

"See you later, Spike," Wesley said as he opened the door to leave for work.

Spike came running around the corner. "Wait, wait, can you pick up some more milk on the way home? Will loves it too much, I think he drank the whole bloody thing in three days."

Wesley smiled and gave Spike a quick kiss. "I'll remember. Bye."

Spike shut the door behind him, then glanced at the clock. 9:00.

"Will! Kara! Time to wake up!" Spike yelled up the stairs. He heard a thump as Will rolled out of bed, but didn't hear Kara get up.

Will came tearing down the steps a minute later, still wearing his pajama bottoms. Spike caught him at the bottom of the stairs.

"Will, what did I tell you about running down the stairs?" Spike scolded. "You can run up them, not down."

Will did his little pout. "But it fun, daddy!"

"It's," Spike corrected. "And I know it is, but you're going to fall and then you'll break your neck."

Will stuck his tongue out at Spike. Spike laughed and picked Will up. "Come on, gonna get you some breakfast."

"Yay!" Will let Spike sit him down in a chair. Spike quickly got some cereal for him, then ran up to see what Kara was doing.

He opened Kara's door. "Kara? Time to get up."

Kara was in a lump under the covers. "Don't wanna!"

Spike sighed. Then he grinned. He walked over and yanked off the sheet, then started tickling her. Kara shrieked in laughter and rolled off the bed. Spike laughed as she bounced back up and tore out of the room. Spike chased her to Will's bedroom, then grabbed her.

"Gotcha!" Spike said as he whirled her around. Kara squealed, then tucked her head down on Spike's chest. Spike chuckled and carried her downstairs.

"Alright, you, let go of me," Spike tugged Kara off and got her some breakfast before he went to sit down and watch a little TV. He'd positioned the couch so he could see the table.

A moment later Will got up and hopped onto the couch with Spike. Spike put one arm around him so Will could curl against Spike's side.

Spike watched Kara get up and then run back up to her room. He looked back at the TV.

"Wha's this?" Will asked.

"It's a TV show," Spike answered. "Kinda like your movies."

Will grinned. Spike grinned back, then turned to the show again.

After a moment Spike switched the channel to cartoons. "I want you to stay here, okay?"

Will nodded. Spike knew he wouldn't move; he loved his cartoons.

Spike got up and walked outside on the porch. He still got a little thrill every time he went out in the sunlight.

Spike looked at the chain link fence he'd put up around the yard. Now he could let the kids out to play without having to keep an extremely close eye on them. He'd never thought he'd do anything as domestic as put up a fence. Spike smiled in amusement at the thought. He sat down on the porch step.

*Spike*

Spike jumped, startled. He looked around the yard, but didn't see anyone.

*One we need*

Spike jumped to his feet, eyes narrowed. It was that loud whisper again, but this time it sounded like several voices overlapping each other.

"Who's there?" Spike said softly.

*Have to find*

Spike tore back inside the house. He locked the door behind him and leaned on it for a minute. His eyes darted nervously around the house before he quickly checked on the kids. Kara was now sitting with Will, watching cartoons. Spike sighed with relief, then grabbed the phone and left the room so they couldn't hear him. He quickly dialed Wesley's number.

"Hello?"

"Wes? It's me," Spike said into the phone. His eyes darted over the house again.

"Hello. Did you forget to tell me something?"

"No...Wes, you remember last night when I said I was hearing things?"

"Yes."

"I just heard something again."

There was a pause, then. "What? What did you hear?"

Spike glanced around again before answering. "It sounded like the loud whisper I told you about, only this time it was like several voices overlapping each other. It said my name first, and then something about needing someone and needing to find it."

"Spike, are you sure you're not imagining things?"

Spike made a frustrated noise. "I don't know, I just don't know. I was certain I heard something..."

"I'm coming home, okay?"

"No, you don't have to," Spike said.

"No, I think I do. There might actually be something going on, and you sound a little scared."

Spike looked at the twins, then answered. "Okay. You believe me, don't you?"

"Of course I believe you. I'd just like to know why you're the only one that can hear it."

"Okay. See you soon."

Spike hung up the phone, then went over and sat down with his kids.

A few minutes later he heard Wesley open the door. Will and Kara leaped up and ran over to him.

"Hey guys!" Wesley picked up both of them. "I'm home early."

Spike walked up behind them. Wesley put them down. "Why don't you guys watch some more cartoons?"

They ran back to the couch. Spike walked up to Wesley.

"Okay, where did you hear the voices?" Wesley asked, his tone sounding concerned.

"On the porch," Spike answered. "I was thinking about how funny it was that I'd gone from a big bad scarey vampire to a normal old dad when I heard it."

Wesley nodded. He put a hand on Spike's arm. "Lets go back out."

Spike nodded. "Will, Kara, stay in the house."

Spike let Wesley lead him back out onto the porch. Spike sat back down on the porch step and Wesley sat down next to him.

"Anything?" Wesley asked.

Spike shook his head. "No." He sighed. "Maybe I really di..."

*You must come to us*

Spike jumped. "There! Did you hear it!"

Wesley looked confused. "No. I heard nothing."

*Come to us, bring the small ones*

Spike's eyes widened. "Kids."

"What?" Wesley looked even more concerned.

"They mentioned the kids!" Spike leaped up and ran back inside the house. Wesley followed, looking confused now.

"Spike, I don't understand," Wesley said as Spike sighed with relief that Will and Kara were still there. "Why can you only hear this voice? Why can't I or the kids hear it?"

"You're asking me?" Spike shook his head. "You're Mr. Booky."

Wesley laughed at the nickname, then came up from behind Spike and wrapped his arms around Spike's waist.

"I'll get right on the books. This could be a prank, I've read of things like this happening to people, only in the end it just turned out to be a mischivious witch or sorcerer."

"That would be nice," Spike said, feeling a little more relaxed. "Then I wouldn't have to worry so much."

Wesley nodded, then walked over to the gigantic book shelf. "Come on, you can come snuggle with me while I look."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Spike grinned and followed Wesley into the room. He curled against Wesley's side as Wesley opened the book and started looking.

A while later Spike heard muffled sounds through the door. Glad he had his vamp hearing, he got up with and opened the door.

"Will! Kara!"

Will came around the corner covered from head to toe in peanut butter. Kara ran around the corner a minute later, also covered in it. Spike started to laugh.

"Wes!"

Wesley came over and burst out laughing. "I hope you weren't planning to do anything with that peanut butter!"

Spike laughed as he gently took the container from Will. "Nope. You guys shouldn't have done that, but I'll let you get away with it this time." He looked at Wesley. "Can you keep looking while I give these bloody trouble makers a bath?"

Wesley nodded, still grinning. Spike grinned back, then shooed the kids into the bathroom.

An hour later Wesley knocked on the door. "Spike? You alive in there?"

There was a muffled sound before the door opened. Both the kids came flying out, wearing just pajama bottoms. Spike stepped out next, soaking wet.

"They got frisky," Spike explained, looking more amused then annoyed. He looked at the clock. 12:00. "Can you put them upstairs for their nap? I've gotta take a shower." He gave Wesley a look, then closed the door again. Wesley grinned. He quickly put the kids to bed before he came back downstairs and went into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

"Was hoping you'd get the message," Spike grinned at him from where he was trying to get his soaking wet black jeans off. Wesley knelt down and helped him, then stripped off his own clothes.

"Shower or bath?"

"Shower," Spike said. He turned it on, then gestured for Wesley to come in. Wesley stepped in behind him and wrapped his arms around him. The fangs he still hadn't gotten used to came out.

Spike grinned. "It's still weird seeing a human with fangs."

Wesley smiled, then slid said fangs into Spike's neck. Spike moaned.

By the time they got out of the shower, the water had turned icy cold. Wesley dried off as he watched Spike run a hand down his stomach.

"It's nice to have my abbs again," He said, grinning.

Wesley smiled. "It is."

Spike peered around the door to make sure the kids weren't there, then ran to their bedroom and pulled on a pair of sweats. Wesley grabbed another pair.

"Sweats look funny on you," Wesley commented.

Spike laughed. "I know. But I'm not going anywhere, bloody slayers aren't bursting in on me anymore, so why not be comfy?"

Wesley smiled. He pulled Spike to him and kissed him, then slipped a hand down inside the back of the sweats. "Very easy to get into, also."

Spike laughed, then gasped as Wesley slipped a single finger into his still slightly slick hole.

"Okay, can't now, kids gonna..." Spike's argument was cut off with a kiss.

Another half an hour later Spike ran out of the room before Wesley could grab him again. Wesley ran out after him, laughing.

"Okay, stop!" Spike said around his laughter. "The kids are going to wake up soon!"

Wesley tackled Spike onto the couch. Spike let out another laugh even as he tried to stop Wesley.

"Bloody hell, when did you get this horny?" Spike asked.

Wesley chuckled. "Right around the time I met you."

Spike grinned. "Okay, but we have to stop now."

Wesley pretended to think it over. "Oh alright."

"Goof," Spike accused as he shoved Wesley off of him.

Wesley just laughed.

Spike went into the kitchen. He pulled something out and smiled.

"Hey, Wes, you like brownies?"

Wesley came in. "Is there someone on this planet who doesn't?"

Spike smiled, then looked down at the recipe in his hands. "This was my mum's. They actually taste as good as they smell," Spike looked at Wesley. "Wanna help me make 'em?"

Wesley laughed as an image popped into his head of Spike covered in flour and other baking ingredients. "Okay."

Spike grinned.

*

"You did that on purpose."

"I did not."

"You did so."

"Did not."

"Did so."

"It's not my fault I tripped and spilled the flour all over you!"

Spike looked down at himself. He was now covered from head to toe in flour and melted chocolate chips. The brownies were finally in the oven. Wesley had a suspiciously smug look on his face.

"You did it on purpose," Spike said again.

Wesley gave him an innocent look again. "No I didn't."

"I'm certain you did," Spike said. "You probably thought it'd be funny to see me in cooking ingredients!"

Wesley started to laugh. "I will admit, the image did pop into my head, but I didn't do it on purpose!"

Spike just rolled his eyes.

*Spike!*

Spike jumped. Wesley stopped laughing.

"What?"

Spike groaned. "Just heard the damn bloody voice again."

"Ah. Well, remember, it could be a prank."

Spike nodded.

*Spike*

"If it's a prank it's very convincing," Spike muttered.

Wesley put a hand on Spike's bare flour covered shoulder. "Come on, lets clean up. Maybe you'll trip and dump flour all over me."

Forgetting the voice, Spike grinned and held up the pan with the left over chocolate in it. "I have a better idea."

*Spike.*

Spike paced in front of the door, waiting for Wesley to get home. The kids were in bed, and Wesley wouldn't be back for another hour because of some stupid meeting.

*Spike.*

Spike covered his ears with his hands even though he knew it wouldn't block out the voice.

Three hours ago it had started up again, and it hadn't stopped. Spike hadn't been able to get ahold of Wesley, so he had nothing else to do but pace.

*We will find you*

"Shut...up," Spike growled. "You're a prank. Nothing else. Just a bloody prank."

*We are close now*

Spike suddenly realized he was breathing hard in his panic and tried to slow it. "Just a prank, just a prank, just a prank," He chanted over and over again.

Half an hour early the door opened. Spike flew at Wesley before he even had time to put his bag down.

"Ooof! Spike! What's wrong?" Wesley dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around Spike.

"It's gettin' worse," Spike mumbled against Wesley's chest.

Wesley pulled Spike away from his enough to look at him. "Were you hearing them just now?"

*Spike*

"No. I'm hearin' 'em right NOW," Spike said, still a little shaky. "Wes, I don't think this is a prank."

Wesley slowly shook his head. "No. Neither do I. I was hoping it was, but by this time it would be over."

Spike shivered. "Okay, so now we have more bloody research to do. Got it."

Wesley lifted a hand to Spike's face. "Why are you so scared? I don't understand, from what I heard you were never afraid of anything."

Spike sighed. "Well...dunno why, really, but a lot of it is scared for Will and Kara."

Wesley nodded. "Lets go to bed, then we can worry in the morning, okay?"

Spike groaned. "I don't want to go to bed, if I go to bed I'll have that bloody dream again!"

"I know, but...you have to sleep. Come on, I'll hold you really tight and maybe the dream won't come."

Spike smiled slightly. "Okay."

The dream didn't come that night. Spike woke up in the morning feeling a little better and a little squished. He tried to move his arms, but Wesley had too tight a grip on him.

"Wes? Wes? Wake up, you're squishing me."

Wesley woke up slowly. "Oops!" He loosened his grip. "I'm sorry."

Spike laughed. "That's alright, luv. Just a good thing I don't need to breath."

Wesley snuggled down farther into the blankets. "I don't have to go to work today."

Spike smiled. "Good."

Loud thumps sounded from upstairs and Spike groaned. "No, kids, go back to sleep." Spike yanked the blanket up over his head.

Wesley laughed. "I'll take care of them, you stay here and sleep."

"Okay," Spike was not up to arguing. He felt Wesley get up and heard him get the kids they're food.

He must have dozed off, because later Wesley was shaking him awake. "Okay, sleepyhead, it's almost 12:00."

Spike grinned and ducked under the covers. "Don't wanna get up!"

Wesley laughed. "Well you have to!" He dug his hands under the blankets and started tickling Spike. Spike tried to hold back his giggles as he rolled away from Wesley and fell on his ass on the other side of the bed.

"Ow," Spike commented as he got up. Wesley chuckled.

Spike quickly got dressed and went out to the living room. Kara and Will were sitting on the floor, playing with little cars and trucks. Spike smiled, then got himself some blood.

That day Spike didn't hear a single voice. By the end of the day Spike was beginning to relax completely.

Once he'd put the kids to bed and snuggled in with Wesley, he was just thinking it must have been a prank after all.

Then he heard a murmur just outside of the window.

Spike tensed. He tried to hear what was being said outside.

"...in there. We must..."

"No. Not yet. We must show ourselves to him first."

Spike shook Wesley. "Wes!" He hissed.

"What?" Wesley yawned and looked up at him. "What's wrong?"

"Listen!"

Wesley listened and was just able to hear bits of a converstion outside of the window.

"Who's out there?"

"I don't know. I think it might be them!"

After a while the murmurs stopped. Spike tried to fall back asleep like Wesley did, but he couldn't.

Slowly, so he wouldn't wake Wes, he got out of bed and went out into the living room. He turned on a small lamp and looked around the room.

Suddenly his vamp senses went on full alert. Spike tensed and sniffed, then slowly turned around. His eyes widened.

"What the...!" Spike stumbled backwards and landed on his back on the couch.

The creature in front of him stared down at him, aparently not quite sure what to make of Spike's reaction. Spike took in the very long, pointed ears, very tall, very thin frame, almost midnight bluish skin and the eyes. They were completely black. There were no whites or irises, just black.

One long fingered hand reached toward Spike and Spike sprang into action. He leaped off the couch and went into game face. He snarled at the thing before he raced toward the back of the house, trying to lead the creature away from his children.

The thing followed him. Spike stopped and turned again, snarling the best snarl he had at the thing.

"Peace, young one, I will not harm you," The creature suddenly spoke.

Spike's snarl was cut off in surprise. The voice was right between deep and high. It sounded almost normal. Spike growled again.

"What the bleedin' hell are you!" Spike growled.

The creature looked as though he almost didn't understand what Spike had just said. He frowned, then answered slowly. "I am a Salarian."

Suddenly another growl, even louder then Spike's, sounded in the room. The creature turned to find Wesley, fangs bared in a snarl, growling with everything he had. Spike darted around the th...Salarian and ran over to Wesley.

"Get out," Wesley snarled. "Now."

The Salarian did something like a sigh, and then vanished. Spike waited tensly for a few minutes, then burried his face in Wesley's chest. Wesley pulled Spike tightly against him and bit him. Spike made a funny noise in his throat.

Wesley let him go a minute later. "What was that?" He asked as his fangs vanished.

Spike shook his head, getting rid of the game face, before he answered. "He said he was a Salarian, or something like that."

Wesley frowned. "Salarian...that sounds vaguely familiar. I'll research tonight, I don't think either of us are going to sleep again."

Spike shook his head. "I'm deffinately not."

Wesley grabbed a few books and sat down on the couch. He lifted one arm so Spike could curl against his side.

An hour later Wesley looked down at Spike and saw he had fallen asleep. He smiled and kept researching.

*

Spike munched on a brownie as he boredly flipped through a book. It had been three days since the 'Salarain' had invaded the house. It had also been three days since Spike had heard any voices. He had heard more murmurs outside the window, but nothing else.

He heard Wesley come in and snag a brownie. "Any luck?"

Spike shook his head. "No."

Will and Kara came downstairs suddenly. Spike got up and handed them each a brownie. Will grinned at his but smelled it for a good five minutes before he ate it, making Spike laugh. Kara shoved hers whole into her mouth.

"Kara! That's not how you eat a brownie!" Spike shook his head. "You eat it slowly, like Will's doing."

Will grinned a chocolate covered grin at his dad. Spike grinned back, then grabbed a dish cloth and whiped Will's mouth clean. "There. Go play."

Will and Kara both ran for the trucks they'd left in the living room. Spike smiled, then grabbed another brownie.

"You sure made a lot of these," Wesley commented.

"They're too good to make in little bits," Spike said around a mouthfull.

"I agree," Wesley grabbed another one and sat down next to Spike.

Kara came running back into the kitchen suddenly and climbed up on Spike's lap. Spike laughed.

"What are you doing?" He asked in his baby talk voice as he helped Kara sit up on his lap.

"Will busted car!" Kara said with a little pout.

Spike chuckled. "He did, did he?"

Kara nodded, then curled up on Spike's lap. Spike left one hand on her so she wouldn't fall off and went back to his book.

A minute later Will came in and climbed up on Wesley's lap. Wesley did the same as Spike, holding on with one hand while researching with the other.

After about an hour Wesley shut his book with an annoyed sigh. "Nothing."

Spike shut his book, shaking his head. "Nope, me neither."

Spike looked down at Kara, who had fallen asleep, sucking her thumb. He smiled, then carefully picked her up and put her in her bed. Will came next. Spike watched them for a minute, then went back downstairs.

That night, Spike couldn't sleep again. Again he crept from the room.

"Okay," Spike said softly. "Where are you?"

Spike turned very slowly in a cirlce. He finished at the door as this time two 'Salarians' appeared.

"Get...out," Spike growled.

Spike noticed a difference in the other one. This one had long, flowing silver hair and was a head shorter then the other one.

"We wish that we could," the shorter one, seemingly female, said.

"I don't give flying fuck what you wish, just get the bloody hell out!" Spike yelled.

Again they seemed a little puzzled at what Spike had said.

"He is getting troublesome. We should do it now," the female said.

"No," The male said. "Not now. His mate is near."

"Wes!" Spike yelled.

Wesley was suddenly in front of him, growling again. The two backed off a bit.

"Get out," Wesley growled.

This time, instead of backing off, the male approached. Wesley snarled in warning, but the male suddenly darted around Wesley and touched Spike's forehead quickly. Spike snapped his head away and stumbled back a few paces. Then he realized they were solid. He growled again and leaped at the male, but it was too quick. It darted away again.

"Come on, fight me," Spike growled.

"I do not wish to fight you," the salarian said. "I cannot fight you."

Wesley had stopped growling, Spike suddenly realized. He backed up until he felt Wesley's arms go around him.

"What?" Spike murmured.

"I think I might know what's going on," Wesley answered.

Wesley let go of Spike and abruptly lunged at the two. They vanished as he did so. Wesley came back to Spike.

"I don't know why, but I think because I'm your...mate? they can't harm me," Wesley put an arm on Spike's shoulder. "Come on, I think I know what's happening now."

Spike let himself be led back to the room. Wesley made him sit down, propped up agaist the headboard, before he grabbed a book. He sat down with Spike and quickly flipped through pages.

"Here it is!" Wesley pointed to a spot on the page. "The Salarian's are a race that's been around since BC. They used to mingle with humans, they have healing powers, they are usually very gentle and they have some magic abilty."

"So why are they after me?"

Wesley glanced across the page. "It says here that there were a large group of huamns who didn't like the Salarians and thought they should be separated from the human race. The Salarians tried to resolve the problem peacfully, but the end result was that they ended up hating all humans. They rebelled against them and killed off an entire city."

Spike shuddered, then nodded. "Okay. But that doesn't answer the question."

Wesley nodded and looked down farther. "Ah, here it is. There was a sorcerer in that time. He cursed the Salarians. They were banished underground to an old stone city. And the only way to lift the curse is to do something...it's scratched out, but something must be done to the sorcerers direct disendent." Wesley paused, then looked at Spike. "You must be that him."

Spike groaned. "Bloody...hell. Just beautiful. Why now, though?"

Wesley shook his head. "Perhaps they finally regret what they did and now want to help the human race again, but they can't leave their stone city. It would also explain why they had a hard time understanding you. They probably have only spoken like they do for thousands of years, hearing you speak like that would be confusing to them."

Spike nodded slowly. Then his eyes widened. "Stone city...Wesley, my dream! I always see a stone city!"

Wesley nodded. "Yes, you're dream must be connected to the voices. But I can't read what they have to do to you."

"Well, they aren't gettin' out, cause they can't have me," Spike said, crossing his arms and looking determind.

"I'll do everything I can to make sure they can't get you," Wesley assured him. "Right now, though, I think we need to go to sleep."

Spike nodded absently. Wesley put the book away and started peeling off clothes. Spike slipped out of his own, then slid under the covers. Wesley spooned up behind him.

"Wes?" Spike murmured.

"Hmm?"

"Can you..."

Spike's words were cut off by a kiss. He heard Wesley search for the lube and then felt Wesley slide into him.

They collapsed a few minutes later. Spike snuggled back farther, making sure Wesley was still inside him before he allowed himself to fall asleep.

Wesley paced in his office. He grabbed the phone, then put it down again. He paced a bit more, then again grabbed the phone. Again he put it down.

Angel walked in. "Hey...Something wrong?"

Wesley groaned and sank down into his chair. "No...yes. Something..." Wesley trailed off and looked up at Angel. "Spike's been hearing voices for nearly a month now, and just a week ago these things, Salarian's, started breaking into our house."

Angel's eyes widened slightly. "Why didn't you tell me? I can help."

Wesley sighed. "I know, but...I truely thought it was a prank for a while. Then the Salarian's started breaking in and I just didn't know what to do." Wesley sighed. "Spike's terrified. I've never seen him like this before. He's started sleeping upstairs with the kids, too."

One eyebrow arched. "Spike, scared?" Angel said. "That doesn't sound right."

Wesley chuckled. "I know. That's what I said. But he is. I think most of it is for the kids, but I think for some reason, somewhere in him, he's afraid of these things and he doesn't know why."

Angel nodded. "Have you done research and found out what they are?"

"Yes. They were a race that used to walk amoung humans. But they're cursed. They have to do something to Spike to get out, I just don't know what." Wesley glanced at the clock. "I think I have to go home."

Angel nodded. "Alright."

*

"Daddy?"

Spike looked at Kara. "Hmm?"

Kara put her little hand on Spike's cheek. She seemed confused. Spike knew she could sense and see the fear, but she didn't know what to make of it.

"What wrong?" Kara asked.

"What's," Spike corrected. "Nothing's wrong."

Kara frowned. Spike bit the inside of his lip, then pulled Kara to him in a hug.

Will came wandering into the living room a minute later and crawled up on the couch with Spike and Kara. Spike shifted Kara and pulled Will into the hug. Will snuggled against Spike.

<Spike>

Spike growled, startling the twins. Will looked up at him with a scared look on his face.

"It's okay," Spike murmured. "Thought I heard something."

Will looked away.

<Spike>

<SHUT UP!> Spike yelled in his head, knowing the voice wouldn't hear him.

<Ah, it worked.>

Spike nearly jumped right out of his skin.

<You can hear me?> Spike thought.

<Yes, young one, I can.>

<Well what the bleedin' hell do you want!>

There was a pause, then <To be free. But this is not possible without the direct dissendent of the Sorcerer who cursed us.>

<So, what, you gonna kill me or somethin'?>

<No, we would not kill unless it were absolutely nessicary. Nor would we hurt you. Or your children. That voice you heard talking to you of your children was one of our more mischevious younger ones.>

Spike looked down at Will and Kara. Kara had fallen asleep, but Will, who had been more observent and aware then Kara from the start, kept watching Spike's face with a strange look on his face.

<What are you planning on doing, then? 'Cause it won't work. Wes won't let it happen.>

<Ah, your mate. We will find a way around him, young one.>

The Salarian must have sensed Spike's panic, because he spoke again. <We will not kill your mate or harm him in any way.>

Spike closed his eyes. <Fine. Just shut up.>

The voice did not speak again.

Spike heard the door open. He carefully put down the twins. He heard Wesley talking to somebody, then heard...Spike had to grin.

"Xander?"

Xander and Wesley walked around the corner. "Hey, Fangless," Xander greeted, grinning at him.

Spike rolled his eyes at the old nick name. "Not so fangless anymore, remember? And Wesley's got some of his own, now."

Xander turned to look at Wesley. Wesley grinned a little sheepishly and showed his fangs.

"Weird. But...you're not a vamp?" Xander asked.

Wesley shook his head, getting rid of the fangs. "No. Angel had to go through this thing to give Spike to me, and in the prosess I gained a few things."

Spike walked closer. "Where's Buffy and Willow and all them?"

"Here in L.A. We never split up, even after you blew sunnydale to hell," Xander grinned at him. "Buffy decided we should come here and help Angel. Then I bumped into Wesley on the way home, and he mentioned you and how you guys were together and everything," Xander shuddered slightly. "You, gay. Really weird." He glanced at Wesley. "Some how you being gay isn't weird."

Wesley chuckled.

Xander suddenly noticed the two twins. They were both asleep now, and they were curled up against each other.

"You adopted kids?" Xander walked closer. On instinct Spike jumped in front of them and growled at Xander. Xander took a step back.

"Whoa, whoa, down boy, just looking," Xander held his hands up in front of him. Spike cut off the growl.

"Sorry," Spike muttered. "Been out of sorts."

Spike walked over and picked up Will. "This is Will. The other one is Kara. And we didn't adopt them."

Xander frowned. "Well then how did you get them?"

Spike glanced at Wesley, then at Xander again. "They came from me."

"What? That doesn't...." Xander stared at him. "You mean, you...you...you were..."

Spike laughed. "Pregnant? Yeah. See, Angel noticed Wesley and I were pining over each other, so he got a guy to do a spell on us. But the guy had an extremely warped sense of humor. He made me pregnant in the prossess. So these kids are really ours."

Xander looked like he was going to faint for a second. Then he started to laugh. "Are you sure we aren't on another hell mouth?"

Wesley laughed. "There's only one, and Spike caved it in. This is just like Sunnydale, though, if you look at it from that point of veiw."

Spike suddenly noticed something. "Hey, you're eye...."

"Is back?" Xander grinned. "Cool, huh? Willow did just one last spell that gave it back. Notice something different about it, though?"

"Yeah," Spike nodded. "It's just a shade darker then your other eye."

Xander nodded.

"So, you still got those little powers of yours?" Spike asked.

Xander grinned and nodded. "Yup. Don't use 'em much, though. Right now, anyway."

Spike nodded. "How's Buffy?"

"Buffy? Is, surprisingly, awesome. After we left Sunnydale she started to get better, and now she's her old cheeful self. Willow's back to normal too. Giles came back from England, so the whole origanal scooby gang is back."

"Ni..." Spike trailed off.

"What?" Wesley suddenly walked up.

Spike glanced outside. "Dark," He said. He glanced at Wesley and Wesley nodded.

"Huh?" Xander said.

Wesley looked over at him as Spike picked up Kara. "Spike's been hearing voices and these creatures, Salarian's, have been breaking into the house. They tend to come after dark."

"Oh," Xander looked around, suddenly looking nervous. "Should I vacate?"

Spike walked over to Wesley. "I can respond now. I think that's what that one did when he touched my forehead."

Wesley nodded slowly. "Did you talk to one?"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. Almost jumped right outa my skin."

Wesley chuckled. "I'm going to walk Xander back to Wolfram and Hart, that's where the others are. He doesn't know how to get there, that's why," Wesley explained when Spike gave him a funny look. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Are you going to sleep upstairs again?"

Spike nodded. "Yeah. Will you come up later?"

Wesley nodded. He kissed Spike, then turned to Xander. Xander had an 'ew' look on his face. Spike rolled his eyes.

As soon as Wesley and Xander had gone Spike locked all the doors and windows. He carried his twins up to bed. He had them in the same room so he could keep an eye on them. They snuggled up together. Spike smiled slightly, then curled up on the floor nearby.

--------------------

Spike woke abruptly to voices downstairs.

"You are too soft, Emlyn. I am going to do this now."

"But, Semyen..."

"No. We will do it now. His mate will be delayed long enough for us to get him."

Spike tensed. He crawled up onto the bed and rested over the twins on all fours. Neither woke up. Spike watched the locked door nervously.

After what seemed like forever something appeared right inside the room. Spike growled at the Salarian. This one was different. He was even taller then the other one, and he had a silver beard as well as black hair. His eyes were midnight blue.

Spike's growl increased in volume as the Salarian walked closer. Will suddenly woke up and looked over at the Salarian. He didn't cry, but a fearful look crossed his face, making Spike growl all the louder.

Kara woke up a second later. Spike gathered them both into his arms, somehow knowing there was absolutely nothing he could do.

The Salarian stopped. Spike continued to growl, desparately hoping to keep the thing at bay until Wesley got home.

Then, abruptly, the whole room was filled with a strange sort of light. Spike's growl was cut off in surprise. He heard the twins start to cry and held them tighter as he closed his eyes.

When he opened them he was in a large room made of stone. The Salarian was still standing nearby. Spike looked up at him.

"Where am I?" He growled.

"The Stone City you have seen in your dreams," The Salarian answered.

The female that Spike had seen the second time the Salarians had come stepped forward. "I am Emlyn. This is the Elder Semyen."

"Don't give a fuck," Spike snarled.

Will looked at Emlyn with a sort of fascination. His tears had dried up and the fear was now replaced by curiousity. He tried to move toward her, but Spike held him tighter, preventing any movement.

"No, Will," Spike shook his head. "Bad people."

Emlyn looked a little sad. "We are not bad people, we just do not have any other choice."

Spike snorted. "Sure you do. Leave me the bloody hell alone and stay locked in this city."

Emlyn shook her head. "You do not understand, young one."

Spike stood up and backed away. Kara burried her face in Spike's neck and Will did the same on the other side. Spike felt his back bump a wall.

"You cannot have your children in here for a while," Semyen spoke up. "Unless you want them to witness their father having something forced upon him."

Spike growled. "You're not forcing anything on me, you ponce."

Semyen sighed. He made a motion, and suddenly two more were in the room. They walked toward Spike. Spike let out an all our roar at them, but it didn't stop them. They grabbed Spike by the shoulders. Spike growled and tried to get away. Kara kicked out at one, but Spike didn't even have time to be surprised.

Then the kids were being taken from him. Spike let out something like an anguished cry and looked up. Emlyn had both the kids. She was holding them more tightly then Spike ever would, but Spike saw why. They were trying to get away and back to him. Both were calling for him.

"Will! Kara!" Spike struggled harder, but the Salarians wouldn't let go.

"Daddy!" He heard Kara yell.

Then Spike was being let go. He wasn't even aware of the Salarians leaving. He saw Semyen leave, but he took no notice as he lunged at the door. He kicked and scratched and beat at it until his hands bled. Tears streamed down his face as he fell to his knees.

For a moment Spike rested his head on the door. Then he scurried backwards until he was sitting against the wall.

Spike closed his eyes. He could still hear Will and Kara screaming for him. The sounds were ringing in his ears.

In a fresh attack of rage Spike leaped at the door again, but his hands were hurting to much to beat at it anymore. Again he fell back against the wall.

Slowly, carefully, the door opened again. Spike growled as another Salarian entered. This one had shoulder length silver hair and normal black eyes, but he was a good head shorter then most of the others. He took a nervous step toward Spike. Spike snarled at him.

"Peace, Little One," The salarian held his hands up in front of him. "I wish to speak with you."

Spike stopped snarling, knowing it was useless. He frowned slightly instead. Somehow, being called Little One wasn't as infuriating as being called Young One. He stood up.

"Where'd they take my twins?" He asked, sounding defeated and tired now.

"In a room with plenty of toys and food and such," The salarian assured him. "I tried to convince the Elder to bring them back, but he insists that they stay there."

Spike frowned. "Why did you do that?"

The Salarian smiled a little nervously at him. "Because I am not like the others and I do not agree with forcing something on anyone. I cannot help you escape, however, and I cannot bring your children back, so all I can do is offer you my friendship." The salarian slowly held out a hand.

Spike stared at it for a minute, then decided to take a chance. He slipped his own into it.

"My name is Elanor," The Salarian said.

"Spike," Spike answered. He pulled his hand back.

Spike went over and sat on the large bed nearby. Elanor stood there nervously, unsure of what to do. After a moment he came over and sat next to Spike.

"Do you know what they're going to do to me?" Spike asked.

Elanor nodded. "Yes."

"Can you tell me?"

Elanor winced. "If you wish it. But I would rather not."

Spike sighed. "just tell me?"

"Alright," Elanor took a deep breath. "They are going to....well, you are going to have another child."

Spike's eyes widened.

"Not through your races customary way, Salarians have other ways of doing this."

"So...so I'm going to have a half human half Salarian?" Spike groaned. "Great. Just great. They couldn't just kill me, could they?"

Elanor winced again.

"Why do they need a half and half?"

"I do not know. But they do." Elanor sighed. "I will not be able to answer all of your questions, Little One. I was born centuries after the war with the humans."

Spike frowned. "How old are you?"

Elanor smiled slightly. "I've lost count of the years. Around a few hundred thousand or so."

Spike's eyes widened. "Wow. I'm only 130."

The door opened again. Semyen and a few other gaurds came in.

"Elanor, what are you doing here?" Semyen asked.

Elanor stood. "I am sorry, My Elder, I just..."

Semyen smiled at Elanor. "You are too soft, Elanor. You must leave now, we are going to..."

"Wait," Elanor interupted. "May I stay? I..." He trailed off.

Semyen frowned, then nodded. "Alright."

Elanor looked at Spike apologetically.

<I am sorry I cannot help you,> He said to Spike in his head.

Spike looked up at Elanor and saw that he really was.

<I know.> Spike said back, closing his eyes.

He felt his arms grabbed by the gaurds and took a deep breath. At the first touch of Semyen he started to fight. He knew he wasn't going to win, but he wasn't going to sit there and do nothing.

After that it was all a blur. Spike was pinned down to the bed as Semyen did some sort of chant and pressed at hand to his stomach. And still Spike bucked and fought against the restraining hands the held him. He felt a strange senstion in his stomach, then he was let free.

Spike collapsed on the bed, panting needlessly. He turned his head to glare at Semyen. Semyen didn't look at him as he walked out of the room. The gaurds left with him.

Spike closed his eyes and clenched his teeth to keep back more tears that were threatening to spill.

He suddenly felt a hand on his face. A thumb brushed away a stray tear that had escaped. Spike opened his eyes and saw Elanor sitting there, looking down at him with a sad/concerned look on his face.

"I am sorry," Elanor murmured.

Spike sat up and without thinking curled against Elanors side. Elanor put an arm around him.

"Did they hurt Wesley?" Spike asked suddenly.

"No. Wesley is safe at home now, though he is very worried about you." Elanor sighed. "You miss him already."

Spike nodded.

Elanor gently pulled Spike away. "I am going to try to sneak your children in," Elanor winked at him, making Spike smile slightly.

"Okay," Spike agreed.

Elanor disappeared. Spike fell back against the bed and closed his eyes again.

Spike looked up as the stone door opened. Elanor slipped in, and two gleeful twins came racing over to Spike. Spike sat up and scooped the two into his arms, hugging them tightly.

"You guys okay?" Spike asked worridly.

"Yeah!" Kara said excitedly. "Got lotsa toys! But wouldn't let us see you,"

"I know. It's gonna be like that a lot for a while, but I'll see you whenever possible, okay? Will? How are you?"

Will smiled his little baby smile. "Got trucks! Big trucks!"

Spike laughed. "Yeah? Can you ride in them?"

Will nodded. "Can get in and turn somethin' on an' they move!"

Spike smiled. He saw Elanor come forward, smiling.

"I have only seen your children for moments and already I adore them," Elanor said. Spike smiled.

"Can't help it, huh?"

Elanor shook his head.

"What's he?" Will asked.

Spike looked down at Will. "He's a Salarian. Only he's a nice one."

Elanor smiled again. Will looked at him. "Emlyn nice too."

Elanor nodded. "Emlyn is nice. She is very young, so she has no choice in this matter. Otherwise she would be in here helping you right now."

Spike sighed. "Okay, so maybe Emlyn is nice, but I don't like that...Semyen or whatever the bloody hell his name was."

Elanor sat down next to Spike. "Semyen is...strict. He does not like your kind, human or vampire."

Spike frowned. "Why did you call him Elder or whatever before?"

"It is the customary name for them in public, though they never said anything about what I may call him privately," Elanor smiled.

Spike moved Will and Kara so they were snuggled up against each other on the bed. He pulled his knees up and rested his chin on them.

"How long till I get out of here?" He asked.

Elanor shook his head. "I do not know. I do know that you will carry this child a full year rather then nine months, and after he or she is born I do not know if they will let you go or not."

Spike ran a hand over his stomach. "I wonder if they realize. They just gave me another child. I'm not going to let them have it."

"Somehow I think I knew you were going to say that," Elanor said.

Spike smiled wryly.

A while later a gaurd came in. "Why are the twins in here?"

Elanor hung his head. "It is my fault. I thought perhaps Spike would feel better with them near."

The gaurd frowned, then sighed. "I suppose they may stay, but they must leave later." The gaurd swung the door open further. "You may wander as you please."

Spike stared at the wall as if he were fascinated by it. The gaurd remained a minute longer before he left.

"Elanor, can you...can you watch my twins for a bit?" Spike asked.

Elanor nodded. "Certianly. If they wake and want you I will mind tell you."

Spike nodded. He got up and walked out the door.

The city was just like in his dream. The faces, he realized, where the Salarians themselves. Not all looked sad, though. Some of the younger ones looked perfectly normal.

Then he walked into a large room. In the very center was a black pit. Spike shuddered, remembering the kids being held over it. He suddenly wheeled around and sped back into the room.

Elanor was still sitting there. The twins were still asleep. Spike came over and sat down.

Kara woke up and crawled into Spike's lap before falling asleep again. Will remained where he was. Spike sighed.

"Thanks," He said to Elanor.

Elanor nodded, but he didn't leave. Spike looked up at him.

"If you do not mind, I will stay for a while," Elanor said.

Spike smiled. "Okay."

Elanor reached over suddeny and stroked long fingers down Spike's hair. He had a funny look on his face.

"You are so small," Elanor murmured. He looked embarrassed a moment later. "I'm sorry."

Spike smiled. "That's okay. Actually, I'm kinda small for humans, too."

Elanor smiled. "You do not mind me calling you Little One, then?"

Spike shook his head. "It's actually kinda...well, I don't know. Neat?" v Elanor chuckled. "Cute?"

"Sort of," Spike laughed.

--------------

Angel and the Scooby gang watched helplessly as Wesley tore up his office. Papers were lying everywhere, and Wesley looked like he was trying to break his desk as well. Finally Angel stepped forward and grabbed his arms.

"Wes, tearing up your stuff isn't going to bring Spike back," Angel said in a calm voice. "All we have to do is find out where they are and then go get him. Easy as that."

Wesley took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright. I'm calm." He took another breath. "I hope they're alright."

Angel nodded. "I know. But right now we have to research."

"Aw damn," Xander groaned. "I thought we'd escaped this!"

Buffy patted him on the shoulder. Xander looked over at her with a funny look. Angel sniffed, then started to laugh.

"What?" Buffy and Xander asked at the same time. Both of them had a guilty look on their face.

"You guys? Jeez, Buffy, I didn't think you'd go for Xander in a million years," Angel said teasingly.

Buffy blushed, then laughed. "Me either."

"Can we shut up and start researching!!!" Wesley yelled. Angel jumped, then nodded.

"Okay, okay," Angel led the way toward his office.

*

Spike stared at the callender on the wall. He wasn't sure why the Salarians had a callender, but they did.

It had been two weeks since he came here. The sickness had started, but it wasn't quite as bad as it had been with the twins. Elanor had told him that was because Salarian's pregnancies were much milder then humans, so he wasn't getting the full blast.

Spike sighed as Elanor came into his mind. Elanor had been his only friend since he had arrived. Elanor's nickname for him had changed in the past two weeks as well, going from just Little One to My Little One. Spike liked the name, so he hadn't commented.

From just roaming around the large city, Spike had found out several things about the Salarians. Most of the older ones seemed to be a lot like his Sire; broody and boring. But he had learned that Salarians were much more open with their emotions. They could like and love more easily then any human or Vampire Spike had ever met. Much more easily.

Spike sighed. He glanced around his bare room. All that was in it was the stupid callender, the large bed, a nightstand and an empty desk.

The door opened and Elanor came in. Spike sat up as Elanor came over to sit on the bed with him.

"How are you?" Elanor asked.

"Just peachy," Spike said sarcastically. Over the two weeks Elanor had somehow begun to understand Spike more easily then the others. It was funny watching Elanor translate what Spike said to the others when they were in his room. Spike smiled slightly at the image.

Elanor reached out and touched Spike's hair. "I am sorry."

Spike sighed. Elanor took his hand away.

"Elanor?" Spike said suddenly.

"Yes?"

"Can you leave the city for a while like some of the others can?"

Elanor nodded. "For a short time during the night, yes. Why?"

Spike looked at him. "Can you get me a few things?"

*

"What is this thing?"

Spike laughed. Elanor had gone to Spike and Wesley's house, and now Spike had his pictures of Wesley, his stereo, his CD's, his TV, his DVD player and all his DVD's.

"It's a stereo. It plays music."

"Oh. I like music," Elanor picked up a CD. "But I have a feeling this is very different music."

Spike smirked. "That band's the Sex Pistols. This one's Kid Rock. This one's Gun's and Roses. They're all rock bands. I've got some 80's stuff in here too."

Elanor nodded. "Kid Rock? Odd sort of name."

"What, Sex Pistols isn't?"

Elanor smiled slightly. "Oddly, no."

Spike laughed. He grabbed his pictures of Wesley and taped them on the walls. "There. Much better."

Elanor nodded. "I have five million different things in my room." He smiled slightly. "I hate to say it, but I'm a...what do humans call them? Pack rats?"

Spike smiled. "Pack rats. Maybe I can see your room?"

Elanor nodded and stood up. "Certainly."

Spike followed Elanor out of his room and down several corridors. Elanor opened a door and Spike walked in.

"Wow," Spike laughed. "You've got enough stuff in here to make any pack rat jealous."

Elanor laughed. He closed the door behind him and walked around. "I am not truely sure of what half of my things are."

Spike picked up a light blue ball of fluff. He nearly dropped it when it squeaked at him. Elanor laughed and picked it up, and it suddenly uncurled into what looked like a soccer ball sized cross between a small dog and a cotton ball.

"What is that?" Spike asked, looking more closely at it. It was very cute once you got over to weirdness of how it looked. It squeaked at him again and tried to lick his face. Spike smiled.

"It's a dog," Elanor said as if that were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Really," Spike said in amusement. "Doesn't look like any dog I've ever seen."

Elanor laughed. "Of course not. Your kind doesn't have this type of dog anymore. I asume they aren't blue or green or pink anymore, either?"

Spike nodded. "Yup. No blue or anything. Just brown and orange and white and all those wonderful colors."

Elanor nodded. Spike picked up something else, a chain with a pretty milky white orb at the bottom.

"That's a moon stone," Elanor said. "I have a thousand of them."

"I've seen these in pictures before. It's kinda neat," Spike put it around his neck for fun. It went down to the center of his chest.

"Keep it," Elanor said. "As I said, I have a thousand of them. "

"Thanks," Spike left it on as he keep picking through things.

After a while Spike managed to make it out of the room and back to his own. Elanor followed him back. On the way there Elanor sneaked out Will and Kara. They raced back to Spike's room with them.

"Daddy, got more trucks!" Will said excitedly.

Spike laughed. "You and your trucks. What do you have, Kara?"

"Cars," Kara answered happily. "And clay!"

"Clay?" Spike glanced at Elanor with a mock horrified look on his face. "That can't be good."

Elanor chuckled.

Spike managed to put the kids down on the bed. Will looked up at him and tugged on his sleeve.

"What?" Spike asked.

"Where other daddy?" Will asked.

Spike closed his eyes to hold back sudden tears. "Your other daddy is back home. We'll see him soon, okay?"

Will nodded and went to play with Kara. Spike clenched his teeth. He felt himself pulled against Elanor.

"Thanks," Spike murmured.

Elanor brushed his fingers over Spike's hair. "You're welcome."

Elanor suddenly slid a hand over Spike's stomach. Spike looked up at him questioningly. Elanor had his eyes closed and looked like he was concentrating.

He opened them a minute later and pulled his hand away. "I was checking on your baby."

"Oh," Spike smiled. "Neat."

Elanor laughed. "Yes, it is."

A salarian walked in. Elanor stood.

"If you are here to check the child I already have," Elanor said.

The salarian shook his head. "No. Semyen wishes to speak to Spike."

"Tell the bleedin' ponce he can keep on wishin', cause that's all he's gonna get," Spike snarled.

Elanor smiled. "Spike said that Semyen can keep wishing because that is all he will get."

The Salarian glared at Spike. "You will defy the Elder?"

"Yup," Spike said smugly, smirking at the salarian.

Semyen suddenly walked in. "You are very stubborn, my friend."

"I'm not your friend," Spike spat.

Semyen nodded to the Salarian, who disappeared. "Ah, Elanor, I see you are still taking interest in Spike?"

Elanor did something very close to a glare. "I am his friend."

Semyen looked at Spike. "How odd. You will take Elanor as a friend, but not the rest?"

"Well, so far Elanor hasn't tried to force anything on me," Spike said cooly, slowly shifting back into the big bad he had once been.

Semyen glanced at Elanor. "Leave."

Elanor faultered.

<Go> Spike said in his mind, making it so only Elanor could hear him. <I'll be fine>

<Are you sure?>

<Yes>

Elanor cast one last worried glance at Spike before slipping away.

Semyen sat down in a nearby chair. He glanced around at the things around the room.

"What are these?" He asked.

"Pics of Wes, my stereo, my TV and my movies, what's it to you, mate?" Spike asked boredly. He was a little surprised at how easy it was to slip back into his old self.

"Mearly curious. I have not seen the human race in a long time, I would like to know how they have progressed."

"Why should I tell you?" Spike layed back and threw his feet up on the headboard. "Got no reason far as I can see."

Spike glanced over at him and was pleased to see Semyen was started to get irritated.

"Would you tell Elanor?" Semyen asked.

Spike shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

Semyen smiled suddenly. "I see what you are doing, young one. You seek to hide behind an old past."

Spike looked over at him and yawned. "Really? That's nice. You goin' to leave any time soon?"

"I will leave when I wish."

"mm," Spike looked up at the ceiling and starting humming a Kid Rock song. He moved on foot lazily to his humming. It took all of his strength not to grin when he saw Semyen get up and storm out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Elanor came tearing in a minute later with a huge grin on his face. "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" Elanor almost fell on the bed in his hurry to get to Spike. "I was listening outside the door, I couldn't help myself."

Spike noticed that in his excitement Elanor's good grammer lapsed. He grinned and sat up. "I just put on the old Big Bad," Spike told him. "I used to infuriate people like him for fun."

Elanor laughed. "Nobody's stood up to Semyen in a long time, he's probably fuming!"

Spike laughed. "So, no wonder you can understand me better, 'cause you're speakin' like me right now."

Elanor smiled slightly. "I know. I get excited and my grammer lapses. It used to infuriate my parents. They told me always to use good grammer."

"How'd you learn the other kind?"

Elanor looked sheepish. "I used to sneak out at night. I still do, once in a while."

Spike grinned. "Rebel. Neat."

Elanor laughed.

*

"Nothing," Wesley slammed the book closed. "Bloody fucking nothing!"

"Whoa," Buffy raised an eyebrow. "When did you learn how to swear?"

Wesley glared at Buffy. "For your information, I have always known how to swear. And I feel that this is an excellent time to use it!"

Buffy smiled slightly. "Yeah, for you I guess it is."

Wesley stood up and grabbed something out of his cabinet. They had moved to his and Spike's house a while ago.

"Uh, Wes?" Angel said. "Getting drunk isn't going to help Spike."

Angel watched, a bit impressed, as Wesley took the bottle of JD and swallowed half the bottle down. He put the cap back on and put it away. "At least now I'll feel a bit better."

Wesley opened another book. In the two weeks Spike had been gone he hadn't been able to find a damn thing about an underground stone city. He was about to go insane from frustration. He had to keep reminding himself that he couldn't go insane, he had to help Spike and the kids.

"I hate this," Wesley muttered darkly.

"That's obvious," Xander commented.

*

One month. Spike rubbed his head as he stared at the ceiling. He'd just made a run for the bathroom. Surprisingly Salarians had regular old bathrooms. Spike was glad of it. He'd taken advanage of all the hot water and the huge bathtub in the bathroom he had. Spike grinned slightly, remembering the bubble bath he'd found and used for the kids. He had been washing bubbles out of his hair for nearly an hour after that.

Kara shifted on his stomach at the same time Will tucked his head farther into the crook of Spike's arm. Spike put his other arm down from his head and stroked Kara's blond hair lazily. As they grew Spike had suddenly had time to see the parts of Wesley and him in the kids. Kara looked mostly like Spike; almost white blond hair, exactly the same blue eyes. But Spike already knew that Kara was going to be taller then him, and she had Wesley's nose and chin. Will was a complete mix of the two; blue eyes like Wesley's, hair brown on the bottom and lighter on top, Spike's cheek bones. Spike sighed, suddenly realizing their third birthday was coming up and they wouldn't be able to have party.

Elanor slipped into the room.

"Hey," Spike said.

"Hello," Elanor sat down next to Spike. He had a hand over his mouth and he looked like he was trying to supress giggles.

"What?" Spike asked.

"Semyen. He is STILL raging about how you are the most stubborn and impudent thing on the planet," Elanor smiled. "It took all my self control not to burst out laughing."

Spike nodded, but didn't smile. He almost found he couldn't, he missed Wesley so much. He forced himself to when his kids were awake, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it much anymore.

Elanor sensed Spike's depression. He got up and sat back down on the bed next to Spike, then leaned down and kissed Spike's forehead. "Do not worry, My Little One, I am still trying to find a way out."

Spike smiled. He wasn't quite sure when Elanor had started kissing his forehead. He'd been a little nervous about it at first, but he'd found out it was one of the Salarians ways of showing love or comfort or things like that to a person they liked as a brother or son or something. After that he'd relaxed.

Spike got up and put a CD in.

"What's that?" Elanor asked.

"Disturbed."

Elanor frowned. "I do not think that is something I would listen to that often."

Spike sighed. "Right now it fits my mood."

Elanor smiled.

Kara woke up and Spike flipped the music off. "You weren't suppose to wake up yet," Spike told her.

Kara yawned and fell back asleep.

Spike sighed. "I miss Wesley," He said for the millionth time.

Elanor stood up and walked over to Spike. Spike leaned against him as Elanor put his arms around Spike in a hug.

"I know that, My Little One," Elanor said. "You say it everyday."

"Sorry," Spike murmured. "Can't help it."

"That is alright. I would to, if I were in your position."

Spike sighed. He wrapped his own arms around Elanor as he wondered what Wesley was doing at that moment.

*

CRASH!

"Wesley!"

CRASH!

"Wesley! Stop it!"

CRASH!

Angel groaned. "Buffy? Help?"

Buffy laughed and the two of them lunge at Wesley at the same time. Both grabbed an arm and pinned him, preventing him from grabbing any more glass things and shattering them.

"Let me go!" Wesley yelled, fighting against them.

"Wes! We have to keep looking." Angel suddenly nodded to Buffy to let go. She did and Angel pulled Wesley back against him. He put both his arms around Wesley's waist, pinning Wesley's own arms there. Wesley kept struggling, but it was half hearted now. Angel leaned down and whispered in Wesley's ear.

"Wesley, if you keep throwing fits we are never going to find Spike and your kids. Is that what you want? I know you miss them and I know you're worried sick about them, but you can't keep doing this. Spike needs you. Will and Kara need you. And here you are drinking and breaking things. Not much help, hmm?"

Wesley stopped struggling and let out a small sob. Angel turned him around and hugged him. Wesley cried softly on his shoulder.

After a while he managed to control himself. He pulled away from Angel and whiped at his eyes.

"I'm sorry," He whispered hoarsly. "I just...I lost control."

Angel nodded. "I know. Now come on, we have to keep looking."

Wesley nodded and sat back down. He pulled a book to him and opened it.

*Please be alright, Spike.*

"No."

"We have to..."

"No."

"Then how are we supposed..."

"Elanor can do it."

"Elanor is not here."

"Then bloody go get him!" Spike snarled at the Salarian, who was trying to check on the baby like Elanor had.

"fine." The Salarian stormed out of the room.

<Elanor?>

<Yes?>

<Need you to come check on the baby>

<I will be there soon.>

Elanor came in a minute later. He sat down next to Spike and checked on the baby.

"It's fine."

"Can you tell what it is?" Spike asked.

Elanor shook his head. "I can only tell if it is healthy or not."

Spike nodded and looked at the callender. One month and two weeks.

"I hate this place," Spike mumbled. "I miss Wesley."

A stray tear trailed down Spike's face. Elanor sat back against the wall and Spike crawled between his legs and curled up against him. Elanor wrapped his arms around him and stroked his hair.

"I am surprised this does not make you nervous," Elanor said suddenly.

Spike looked up at him and smiled. "Why? I know you're my friend and nothing more."

Elanor nodded. "Yes, but some people would still be nervous."

Spike shrugged. "M'not."

Spike snuggled his head back down on Elanor's chest, then asked a question that had been bugging him for a while.

"Elanor, why do the Salarians love so much more easily then humans?"

Elanor frowned. "I am not quite sure. Maybe we are more open. Maybe we are not as insicure. I really do not know."

Spike looked up at him again. "Do you love me?"

Elanor looked down at him and smiled. "Yes. I love you."

Spike smiled. "Good."

Elanor laughed. "Not quite the answer I was expecting."

Spike snuggled his head back down. "As a friend, you love me, right?"

"Yes."

Spike nodded. He decided not to say anything more, still not sure of what he thought of Elanor that way. Luckily, Elanor did not seem to expect an answer.

*

Angel put a hand on Wesley's shoulder. "Are you alright?"

"Do I bloody look alright?" Wesley asked dully.

Angel sighed. "Wesley, we will find him, do you hear me?"

Wesley nodded slowly but didn't move from Spike's chair. His chair. This was his favorite chair. Wesley was pretty sure it had something to do with the fact that Spike would sit in Wesley's lap while he was in it.

Angel squeezed Wesley's shoulder, then left the room. He saw Xander standing not far away.

"Is he okay?" Xander asked.

Angel shook his head. "No. He's not. And until we at least hear from Spike, he'll be like this."

Xander nodded.

Angel walked out into the kitchen. Books were spread all over the table. Buffy had fallen asleep across one. Willow and Giles had left a little while ago. Xander walked over and shook Buffy awake. Angel could help but smile when he saw them kiss and saw the giddy look on Xander's face.

"How's Wesley?" Buffy asked.

"Not good." Angel answered. "Not good at all."

Buffy nodded.

Wesley came into the kitchen suddenly. "If the kids were here Spike'd be putting them to bed right now."

Angel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then he opened them and walked over to Wesley. He put his hands on his shoulders. "Wes? Look at me."

Wesley kept his eyes where they were, downcast.

"Wesley?" Angel said gently. Still Wesley didn't look up. Finally Angel said sharply. "Wes! Look at me!"

Wesley slowly lifted his blue eyes to Angel's brown ones. "What?" He nearly whispered.

"You're acting like Spike's dead. He's not. He's out there, waiting for you." Angel suddenly looked angry. "Damn it, Wesley, I didn't make you Spike's Sire so you could abandon him! I love him too, you know. I trusted you to watch over him, and help if something like this did happen!"

Wesley didn't hear the last words. He was stuck on the 'I love him too.' "How do you love Spike?" He almost growled.

"I used to love him like you do. Now I love him more as a son." Angel suddenly shook Wesley hard. "I know you love him, Wes! So why are you sitting on your ass and letting yourself get depressed! Depression won't help Spike! So snap out of it!"

Wesley stared at Angel. Tears welled up in his eyes and spilled down onto his cheeks. Angel sighed.

"Tears aren't going to help either." Angel said, more gently this time. "You HAVE to keep looking."

Wesley nodded and bit his bottom lip. Angel let him go and Wesley slowly walked back over to the table.

*

One month, two weeks. Spike ran silently down the old, unused stone passage way he'd found in his explorations. It lead to two places; One, a back room to his kids playroom, and two, a small room where the Salarians couldn't find him. He slipped into the room. Elanor didn't know about it yet, but Spike decided to tell him now.

<Elanor>

<Yes, My Little One?>

<Wanna show you something. You know the main hall? Go down there and push on that loose stone>

Spike waited a few minutes, then heard <I never knew about this! Where does it lead?>

<Just to a small hidden room and a back way to my kids. Go all the way down the hall and open the wooden door.>

<Alright>

A moment later Elanor slipped into the small room. "Are you hiding in here?"

Spike nodded. "The others can't find me here."

Elanor nodded. He glanced around the small room. There was almost nothing in there but an old warn out bed and a small lamp. He sat down on the bed next to Spike. Spike curled on his side and hugged the pillow. Elanor smiled.

"You look cute like that."

Spike laughed softly.

"You're smiling and laughing again," Elanor said. "Why?"

Spike smiled. "Because I know someone loves me. And Wesley'll find me. So I don't really have anything to worry about."

Elanor smiled. "Good. Besides, Your child would not do well if you were depressed all the time."

Spike nodded. He turned around and used Elanor's lap as a pillow instead. Elanor chuckled.

Spike suddenly had an idea. "Elanor?"

"Yes?"

Can you get a letter to someone?"

*

Angel brought in another stack of books. Wesley was banging his head on the table. Angel looked at Buffy questioningly as he put the books down.

"I don't know," Buffy said with a shrug.

"Wes. Stop it."

Wesley sat up. "Sorry."

Suddenly a Salarian stepped into the doorway, looking extremely nervous. Wesley leaped to his feet and bared his fangs, but Angel held up a hand.

The salarian cringed, but held up his hands. "Peace. I am Spike's friend."

Wesley immediately stopped growling. "Spike? Is he okay? Where is he? Are my children alright?"

"Spike is fine, though he misses you very much. Your children are fine."

"Who are you?" Angel asked.

"I am Elanor." Elanor stepped forward and pulled out a letter. "Spike asked me to give this to you."

He held it out. Wesley snatched it so fast he nearly took Elanor's hand with it. He didn't even see Elanor leave as he ripped open the letter.

"Dear Wesley.
I'm fine. I knew you needed to hear that first, so...there.
The kids are great. They miss you a lot, but they've got so many bloody toys it's ridiculus. Will's in heaven, he's got those big trucks you can drive in. And Kara's going to be an artist. She's got a bunch of clay, and she can make anything perfectly out of it. She even made Emlyn (She's their nurse, I guess)
If Elanor comes again, don't be hostile to him. He's my friend.
He's been trying to help me escape since I got here.
Do you have any idea where I am? I miss you so much, you have to find me!
Say hi to the poof for me.
Love, Spike.
P.S. I have something extremely important to tell you, but I have to tell you in person.

Wesley looked up. There was something odd in his eyes, a strange sort of fire. He folded the letter and put it in his pocket.

"Spike says hi," He said to Angel before sitting down and grabbing a book. "Well, why are you all standing there? We have research to do!"

Angel smiled.

*

Elanor slipped into Spike's room. "I thought your mate was going to attack me."

Spike winced. "I'm sorry."

Elanor smiled. "That is alright. The minute I said I was your friend he stopped growling at me."

Spike chuckled. "I told him in the letter not to be hostil to you."

Elanor nodded. He sat down on the bed.

"So..." Spike said slowly.

Elanor smiled. "So...? What?"

Spike shrugged. "What do we do now?"

Elanor shook his head. "I don't know."

Elanor reached over suddenly and slid a hand onto Spike's stomach. Spike held still until Elanor removed it.

"That is one healthy baby you have," Elanor told him.

Spike smiled. "Good."

Spike sighed. "Bored."

Elanor smiled. "I know."

Spike got up. "I'm gonna go wander around. See you later."

Elanor nodded. Spike walked out the door.

He wandered down the main hall. Several Salarians turned to look at him. Spike felt small, almost tiny. It was odd, because he always felt it was normal for Elanor to be taller.

"You should not be wandering at this late hour."

Spike sighed. "'Lo, Semyen."

Semyen came around to look at Spike. "Has Elanor checked your child?"

"Mm-hmm. It's fine. Go away." Spike started to walk again.

Semyen walked a small ways behind him. Spike started to get irratated.

"Look, mate, just go away!" Spike turned and yelled.

Semyen gave him a cool stare, then turned and started to walk away.

He stopped again suddenly. "Spike, I would watch out for Lycan."

"Who?" Spike asked.

Semyen pointed. Lycan appeared to be a fairly young Salarian, though he was even shorter then Elanor. In fact, this Salarian was only about one and half feet taller then Spike. His hair was black and pulled back in a pony tail. His eyes were silver. Those silver eyes were looking over Spike with keen interest. Spike stiffened and quickly turned away.

"Lycan has taken a liking to you," Semyen said almost gleefully. "He has always had a thing for humans, or vampires, with blond hair and a slim build."

Spike stiffened farther. "Did you make him like me or somethin'?"

Semyen laughed. "I'm not capable of it. He just does."

Semyen flashed Spike a cheerful smile and walked off.

Lycan approached.

*

Wesley put another book down with a heavy sigh. Angel, who was sitting next to him, reached over and squeezed his shoulder in comfort.

"This is not good," Wesley groaned. He pulled out Spike's letter, read it, stuff it back in his pocket and went at the next book.

Angel smiled. "I'm sorry."

Wesley nodded absently. Then, suddenly he slammed the book shut. "Idiot! I've been looking for underground cities! What if this city wasn't underground however many years ago?"

Angel frowned, then nodded. "That's possible. Lets take a look."

Wesley put away the books they'd been using and brought out new ones.

He suddenly realized that everyone had left except Angel. He sat back down on the couch next to Angel and looked over at him. "You don't have to stay."

Angel nodded. "Yes I do. In a way I'm still Spike's sire, and besides, you need help."

Wesley nodded. "Alright."

Wesley sighed. "Angel, can I...do something, in a friend to friend sort of way?"

Angel nodded.

Wesley leaned against Angel's shoulder. Angel lifted his arm and put it loosely around Wesley's shoulders.

"I'm glad you trust me enough to do that," Angel murmured.

Wesley nodded. "Spike has a friend. You've always been mine, but...I never trusted myself to do anything."

Angel nodded. He tightened his grip for just a moment, then went back to the books.

*

Lycan walked up to Spike. "Hello."

"Hi," Spike said shortly. He kept walking.

Lycan didn't get the hint. He kept walking along side Spike. "I am Lycan. I already know your name is Spike."

Spike got the impression that this was the punk of the Salarians. "You speak like me?"

Lycan grinned. "Sure. I can get out sometimes."

"How?" Spike asked. He might as well ask his questions.

"Well, the ones that were born after the war can get our pretty much whenever we want, but it's forbidden. The old ones can only go out once in a while, and only at night."

"Mm." Spike glanced at Lycan. "How old are you?"

"200."

"Only 70 years older then me, then," Spike said absently.

"Nice."

Lycan reached out suddenly and brushed a hand down Spike's face. Spike tried to move, but Lycan grabbed his arm and held him.

"Let me go!" Spike twisted his arm, but Lycan's grip was strong.

"Hold still, now. I just wanna feel your skin. It's so different from another Salarians," Lycan continued running his hand along Spike's face and neck. "It's even smoother. And yours is so much cooler." He dipped his hand into Spike's shirt and Spike again tried to get away. "Wonder what it feels like all over?"

Spike twisted again, then kicked Lycan in the leg. Lycan yelped and let go. Spike ran for his room. Just as he got there Lycan shoved him in, then closed the door and locked it. Spike stared, horrified, at Lycan and the locked door.

<ELANOR!> He screamed in his head.

"Alright, you don't even know me," Spike said slowly.

Lycan grinned. "Come on, I know you humans and vampires don't even know the others NAME sometimes."

Spike sighed. "Okay, yeah. But I have a mate."

"So? Not here, is he."

Spike vamped out and growled. "Bugger off, you can't do anything to me."

"Oh yes I can. I'm stronger then you."

Lycan approached.

<Little One?! What is wrong?>

<Lycan. You know Lycan?>

<Oh god I will be there in a moment!>

Spike kicked out at Lycan again, but Lycan avoided it and grabbed Spike's wrists. He pinned them above his head in one hand. He slipped his other hand up under Spike's shirt. Spike started to buck and writh, but he couldn't dislodge him.

"You have very nice skin," Lycan practically purred.

There was a shout from the other side of the door. Lycan turned, then shrugged and continued his exploration.

"Lycan!" Elanors muffled voice carried through the door.

"Go away," Lycan called.

Lycan moved his hand downward. Spike's writhing became desparate.

"Don't!" Spike yelled desparatly. "Don't! Please don't!"

A part of Spike was appalled by the begging, but Spike decided if it got Lycan off of him it would be worth it.

"Now now, don't be like that," Lycan purred as he slid his hand over Spike's denim coverd leg and down to his inner thigh. "I wonder what your skin feels like here?" His hand slid toward Spike's fly. Spike did a twist that only a vampire could acomplish, sat up, grabbed Lycan's hand and bit it with his fangs. Lycan cried out in pain as Spike twisted his head from side to side, ripping the skin. Lycan yanked his hand out and slapped Spike. Spike reeled back and fell.

"Now, come on, I just want to play a little, no need to get rough." Lycan said.

CRASH! The door hit the wall and Elanor flew in. He tackled Lycan and pinned him easily. Lycan scowled.

"What do you want?"

"Lycan, leave him alone," Elanor snarled. "I know you like to do that, and I also know your partners are always willing! Were you really going to rape him?"

Lycan shrugged. "My bussiness, not yours."

"No, Lycan. It is my bussiness." Elanor got up. "Now get out."

Scowling, Lycan stormed from the room. Elanor rushed over to Spike, how had rolled onto his stomach and was crying into his hands. Elanor pulled Spike into his lap and cradled him against his chest.

After a while Spike calmed down, though he didn't move.

"that was so close," Spike whispered.

"I know, My Little One, I know." Elanor sighed. "Lycan is what humans call a...slut, I think."

Spike laughed. "That's usually a term directed toward women, but yeah."

Elanor smiled. "He is also bisexual. But I have never seen him take an unwilling partner before."

Spike shuddered.

Spike slid back down on the bed a minute later. Elanor leaned down and kissed his forehead. "I love you, My Little One."

Spike smiled, and to Elanor's surprise Spike murmurd. "I love you to."

Elanor smiled. "Do you now?"

Spike nodded. "As a friend, of course."

"I did not expect anything more." Elanor reached out and touched Spike's hair. "Nor do I want anything more. It would be very disappointing if you turned away from your mate."

Spike shook his head. "I'll never do that. Ever."

Elanor nodded. "Would you like me to bring Kara and Will to you?"

Spike nodded. "Please."