Backfire - Spander Files

maintain the goodness that has leaked into their hearts. That’s what gives them
power. Every day that they get up and go to work and play sports and love their
family is another day that good wins its battle over evil.
“People do this every day, and they don’t even know it. But creatures like Angel
and you and me…we know. And Angelus, he isn’t fighting any more. Angel did.
More than anyone else. But Angelus gave up. And I think that means one of two
things. Either he’ll die, or he’ll kill us all.”
Xander glanced over at Spike and saw a look of wonderment on the vampire’s face.
It made him smile. He lifted up slightly and began to lean in for a kiss, when a
shadow darkened the dimly lit doorway.
“It will be dark in a few hours,” Giles announced softly. “Would you mind joining
us out in the living room again? We have some items to discuss.” He then turned
quickly and disappeared down the hallway.
The two on the bed faced each other again, and Spike asked with utter seriousness,
“Can I eat him?”
Xander grinned. “No.”
Spike shrugged. “Pity, that.”
They climbed off the bed and left the room to join the others.
*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*
It was five minutes after sunset, and everyone sat watching the door expectantly.
Angelus did not disappoint. The rap at the door was amicable and very Angel-like.
Knowing that pretending no one was home was rather pointless, Giles opened the
door to the visitor, but just stood and glared, mouth tight and crossbow at the ready.
“Hey. Can Xander come out and play?” Anyone who had met Angel in the past
would know instantly that the figure in the doorway was not their friend. The voice
was wrong, tone and inflection, the eyes were wrong, wider and more playful, and