Suki Blue Fiction

From Out Of Nowhere Series

Graphic by Saifai

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Surprise, surprise, another creature of darkness was loose in Sunnyhell.

“You’d better stay out of this one, Xan.  It’s too dangerous.” Xander wondered why he had even bothered attending the Scooby meeting.  It seemed like his friends had it all under control. Nobody needed the Xan-man.

With a frustrated sigh, Xander slouched further back into the couch. This sort of treatment was becoming a bit of a habit these days. They never seemed to need him anymore. Well, why would they? It wasn’t like he had any special powers, strengths or fighting skills. Not like the others. Tara and Willow were witches; Giles, a Watcher; Spike, a Master Vampire and Buffy, of course, was the all powerful Slayer.

No, they were right.  He wasn’t needed.  It’s not like he had even been listening to the evening’s ramblings, anyway.  He had been far too busy trying not to look at Spike in his tight, black denim jeans. Yum, yum.   Oh well, end result was, he wouldn’t recognize this demon if it came up and bit him on the backside. Ewwww, disturbing mental image. Delete.

Xander heaved himself up off the couch and mumbled a quick goodbye to the others. He glanced quickly in Spike’s direction, but the vampire was too busy staring at the ceiling to notice him.   Don’t be an idiot, Xan.  Why would Spike ever notice *you*?   Xander gave one last heavy sigh and slipped out the door.

**

Hmm, Xander seems down tonight. What’s up there?

“You’d better stay out of this one, Xan.  It’s too dangerous.”

Ahh, there it is. Thought that might be coming. Bloody Slayer.  Doesn’t she realize how much it hurts Xander when she pushes him away like that?   Spike sneaked a look at the said human.  They just don’t see how much they need him. They treat him like he’s useless, incapable. That ain’t right. He has many talents, so much to bloody offer.  Firstly, he’s a decent fighter. Comparable to an excitable ferret, maybe, but it’s the end result that counts. Secondly, he has some great ideas.  Okay, so perhaps his suggestions aren’t to the Watcher’s liking, but I for one can definitely get down with his ‘let's just go get `em’ attitude.  He’s brave.  He’s loyal.  And fuck, he’s got a nice arse.
 
Spike put aside the mental checklist and frowned as Xander closed the door on his way out.

“Hello! Spikey!  Any one in there? I said, which do you want, the sword or the axe?” Buffy was waiting impatiently with her hands on her hips.

“Neither, thanks, Slayer.  Don’t really fancy a beastie hunt tonight. I hear there’s a bar somewhere that needs propping up.”

Spike was fighting every instinct to not grab Buffy by the throat and tell her exactly what he thought of her attitude towards Xander.  He figured his nice-guy mask would soon slip, so he forced a cocky grin in Buffy's direction and swaggered out the room.


**

Xander stepped out from the coffee shop and trudged dejectedly down the street.  He held his head held firmly down and stared at the cardboard cup in his hands. They were right. He was useless.  He had no talents, no strengths and somehow he always managed to get himself into trouble.  He was a liability. He sipped at his coffee, winced and frowned. 

Fabulous, can’t even drink a hot beverage without painful injury.

*Thlump*

“Hey, look at that. I didn’t spill a drop!” Xander’s delighted smile faltered as his gaze drifted from the coffee cup, up towards the latest reason he had re-visited the floor.

“Err, sorry about that…my bad…coffee? Still hot…it's decaf…only the one sugar…I-I think I’ve got a cookie here somewhere,” Xander babbled as he desperately scrabbled backwards along the sidewalk. 

Xander’s panicked gibbering seemed to be having a positive effect on his situation. The demon had stopped snarling and had cocked its head to one side as it tried to puzzle out the weird human.

Hmm. Strange.  Humans normally scream. Perhaps this one warrants further investigation.   The demon nodded its head in sudden decision, grabbed Xander’s arm and hauled him down the street.

**

A low growl escaped from deep within Spike’s chest. *No-one* touched his Xander. He shifted into gameface and followed the demon.

Spike knew this demon well. A Bauldonian Fire Demon.  They were big, strong, determined and *very* deadly.  He’d nearly had a heart attack, if that were possible, when he’d turned the corner and seen his pet being dragged to his feet by the demon. Spike had sensed Xander's fear.  The boy was terrified.

Spike wanted to run down the street, screaming like a banshee. He wanted to rip the head off the disgusting creature and spit down its neck.  But he held back.  The demon hadn't killed Xander on sight, which was very unusual, but had taken him instead. Xander was safe for now; his captor obviously had plans for him. Spike didn’t want to attack while Xander was still in the demon’s grip. It would be far too dangerous.  No, Spike was the clever one. He would follow and wait and when the opportunity arose, he would strike.

**

Okay, so this would be what? More trouble? Yup. Nice one. Way to prove a point.   Xander stumbled along the path, his feet barely touching the ground . He glanced sideways as he was dragged, and got a better look at his abductor.

Oh, gods.  The creature was at least nine feet, if not ten feet tall, bright red with scales, slime and very ornate, curly ‘ram’ horns.  It radiated blistering heat and Xander wondered if perhaps it breathed fire.   No, now don’t get carried away with those silly ideas again. Well, what a predicament.   If only he had a weapon.  Xander almost laughed when he realized that the only ‘weapon’ he was holding was the now half spilt, half cold, cup of coffee.

His thoughts quickly returned to reality when the creature released his elbow and painfully gripped his shoulder, steering him in another direction.  Ouch! List sharp claws with previously mentioned attributes.

Fantastic.  And now we’re in the cemetery. Oh gods, *definitely* should have seen that coming.

The demon stopped and pushed Xander down to his knees. Its voice rang out like a…like a…well, like a fairly nasty, unholy creature from hell. What else?

“Eju fumy upi dvtrsq?”

Xander closed his eyes and craned his head as far away from the demon as he could.

“Eju fumy upi dvtrsq?” The demon tightened its hold on Xander’s shoulder and shook him, demanding an answer.

Xander tried to shut his eyes even tighter, praying for blessed unconsciousness.   Shit, hurts. Definitely had enough of this.  Getting kind of old. Make it go away now. If only it would just knock me out and kill me after. Okay, maybe if I concentrate hard enough, I could just black out by myself.  Please pass out. Please pass out.  Please pass out.

The creature roared in anger. “EJU FUMY UPI DVTRSQ?”    Why won’t this damn human just answer me?

The demon let go. It gripped its horns and thrashed its head about in a frustrated gesture that could have meant: “Fuck!, a sale on at Bloomingdales and I damn well missed it!”

Spike, always the opportunist, seized his chance. He charged at the demon with vampiric speed, his shoulder connecting with the demon’s stomach with a satisfying squelch. The idea was to bowl the Bauldonian as far away from Xander as possible. It worked, and the demon flew backwards by at least twenty feet. 

Spike spun himself around to look briefly at his friend.  Xander was bleeding heavily from his right shoulder, but Spike could hear that his heartbeat was strong and going like the clappers.  Satisfied that Xander was in no immediate danger of death, he turned back to the task at hand.

The demon, now even more enraged, staggered to its feet and stared down at the intruder.  Its claws unsheathed further as it puffed itself up to its full height. Then in one swift motion it lowered its head and attacked. Ten feet of fire exploded from its mouth.

Spike was ready. He dropped to the ground and rolled to the left, out of range. He flipped himself back onto his feet and charged again.

The two combatants fought furiously. Spike roared and screamed profanities as his hands ripped into hard, red flesh. The demon spat short bursts of fire and clawed desperately at him as it shrank down to its knees.  Ooops, pissed off a Master Vampire. How did that happen?

Spike backed off and pulled a gleaming sword from his duster. “Okay, mate. Bored of this, now. Time to say goodbye.”

The demon, sensing it was crunch time, quickly got to its feet and took an unfathomably large step back. It puffed itself up again and shot its flame at Spike’s face.

“Bloody hell!”

The flame never touched him. Spike felt himself being shoved to the ground and, as he looked up, he saw one Xander Harris flinging himself on top of him.

As nice a sensation as it was to have Xander’s warm body pressed against him, he knew he had to act quickly.   Fuck, not quick enough.   Xander was wrenched from his grasp and thrown back across the cemetery. Spike watched in horror as Xander flew backwards through the air and landed in a crumpled heap against a gravestone.

“You utter bastard!” Spike grabbed his sword and charged for a third time. With furious strength and speed, his sword cut through the air and lopped off the demon’s head. “That’s what you get for messing with what’s mine. Now fuck off!”

The demon staggered to its feet, picked up its head and ran blindly into the night.

Spike made his way quickly to Xander’s unconscious form. He knelt down and began checking out the damage. Heartbeat slow but strong.  That was good. He ran his hands gently but firmly over Xander’s body. Head had taken a blow, bleeding but no fracture. Right shoulder cut and dislocated. Ribs bruised slightly but, again, no breaks or fractures. Okay, nothing that couldn’t wait in the short time it would take to deliver him to Spike’s apartment. Hospital was not an option.  Xander hated hospitals. Spike gathered him into his arms and ran towards home.

**

Spike near enough kicked in his own door and hurriedly made his way to the master bedroom. He set Xander down as gently as he could and left the room. He returned seconds later with a well stocked first aid kit.   First things first, got to pop that shoulder back in. Might as well do it while he’s still unconscious.   Spike braced against Xander’s shoulder and gave his arm a sharp tug. Xander moaned slightly, but remained unconscious.

Next he set about cutting Xander’s shirt off. As the torn flesh was revealed, Spike fought the urge to look away. He should have finished that bloody bastard of a demon off for this.  But no, that would have taken too much time. The only way to kill a Bauldonian was to remove the heart.

The cuts on Xander’s skin were deep and Spike was worried about infection. The only thing he didn’t have in his first aid kit was antibiotics. So he made a decision. He leaned forward and carefully licked along the line of the first cut. The taste of Xander’s blood sent shivers of ecstasy up and down Spike’s spine and he swayed as the taste nearly intoxicated him. He felt his face twitching to shift into his demon form and it took all of his strength to prevent it. The last thing Xander needed was to wake up to ‘Vampire Spike’ mouthing at his body.

Ten minutes later and Spike had successfully licked clean Xander’s shoulder and forehead. The ribs would take care of themselves. He removed Xander’s jeans, boots and socks and settled him under the covers.  Xander would just need to sleep now.  Spike considered going into the other room and watching some late night television while he waited for Xander to wake, but decided against it. He would feel much better if he stayed close and monitored Xander’s heartbeat. He curled himself up at the end of the bed, closed his eyes and listened. *Thump, Thump* *Thump, Thump* *Thump, Thump* Five minutes of studying Xander’s sweet heartbeat and Spike was asleep.

**

Xander prized his eyes open a little further and made another attempt to focus.  Ah, there we go. Ceiling. Totally worth it. Hang on.  No damp patches. Clearly not my ceiling, then.   The previous night’s events suddenly flashed through his skull and Xander felt a small panic attack coming on. He quickly pushed himself up onto his elbows and was forced to suck in his breath sharply as red hot pain shot through his chest and shoulder.  Eeep, bad sign.

“Easy there, pet.”

Xander felt firm hands holding his arms, lowering him back onto the bed. He squinted again and was more than a little surprised to see Spike leaning over him with a concerned expression. “Spike?...What…?”

“Ssh, pet. Just lie back.  Take it easy. You’ve been hurt, luv. You need to rest up.” Spike smiled kindly and ran his fingers gently through Xander’s thick brown hair.

Xander gave a small shaky smile back.   He helped me. He risked his un-life for me.  Maybe he really does care about me?

Spike and Xander had grown a lot closer these last few weeks. They often hung out in Xander’s basement, drinking beer, eating pizza, and watching old horror flicks. The reason for the sudden turnaround in their relationship was anyone’s guess. It just sort of happened. But Xander was glad that it had.  He’d hoped that Spike was a friend now and not just another person who would use him and spit him out. Well, the incident last night was a definite reassurance. Spike was his friend.

“Thanks, Spike…oh god, are *you* ok?!” Xander shot back into a sitting position, the sudden realization that his friend might also be injured hitting him squarely between the eyes. He cried out as another bolt of pain took hold of his body.

Spike darted forward and held Xander firmly against his chest, smoothing his hands back through his hair.

“Easy, pet.  Now that was a daft move if ever I saw one. Don’t worry about me, luv.  Un-dead, remember?” Spike kept a tight hold of Xander’s shaking body with one arm and reached around him with the other to rearrange the pillows.  Slowly and carefully he pulled his treasure up the bed and lowered him back down.

“There we go. If you’re gonna insist on adopting the sitting position, we might as well make sure you’re comfortable, eh? Right. Err, what next? Oh yeah, I’ll put the kettle on. No coffee, I’m afraid, but I do make a stonking cup of Yorkshire Tea.” Spike stood proudly and marched into the kitchen. “One sugar, yeah? I’ll see if I can find something for you to eat, too, pet.  You must be bloody starvin’.”

Xander closed his eyes and concentrated on Spike’s deep and seriously sexy voice. God, he wanted to just wind the clock back a few minutes and lean back into Spike’s cool embrace. He would give almost anything to hear and feel that beautiful voice whispering into the back of his neck, to feel those gentle fingers working through his hair.   Okay, cool it, man.  You’ve got it bad. Here you are lying in bed, *Spike’s bed,* with some pretty painful injuries and all you can think about is how sexy Spike is! Well, he is! Yes, okay, of course he is, but that’s not the point here.  How do you even know whether Spike would return these feelings?

Spike bustled around the kitchen, dunking teabags and buttering toast. He tried to fight the urge that was creeping around him, trying to taunt him into submission. Pointless. He gave up and let a smile light up his face. How could one person be *so* sexy and *so* sweet at the same time? Well, his Xander could. When Spike had woken that morning he had spent some time studying Xander’s face, learning every inch of it. His eyes were so beautiful.  How he’d longed for the moment that Xander would wake so that he could fall into them. Sure enough, the time came and Xander had begun to stir. He’d let out a small groan and frowned. Spike had watched intently as long, dark lashes began to lift, revealing two deep brown glistening orbs…

Okay, cool it, man.  You’ve got it bad. Here you are trying to take care of your friend, who has been seriously injured in case you’d forgotten, and all you can think about is how sexy he is. Well, he is! Yes, okay, of course he is, but that’s not the point here. How do you even know whether Xander would return these feelings?

**

Xander had finished off his toast and was making the time to get to know his tea. Spike had served it in a jumbo sized Snoopy mug.   Spike has a Snoopy mug? Spike, the big bad? What else? Tigger PJ’s?   He felt a hysterical giggling fit coming on and he battled with it for a few seconds. Laughing? Very bad for the angry ribs. Time for a change of subject.

“So what happened last night? I mean, I know what happened, I was there, it’s just that…I don’t really know *what* happened. That demon had plenty of opportunity to kill me, so why didn’t it?”

Spike brushed toast crumbs from the bedspread as he spoke “Well, firstly, that demon was a Bauldonian…”

“A Bald what?”

Spike spoke the name more slowly “Bauldonian. You, pet, were very lucky. They despise humans, and normally kill ‘em soon as look at ‘em.”

“Oh, good for me. Why didn’t it kill me, then? And please don’t tell me that it *liked* me.  I am *so* the demon magnet.”  Xander shot Spike a desperate ‘why me?’ look.

“Well, not quite. You just confused it. You see, Bauldonians absolutely hate the sound of a human screaming. Drives ‘em nuts. It’s like how a human would react to fingernails on a chalk board.  Get it, pet?” By Xander’s scrunched up face, Spike guessed that he did.  He continued, suddenly seeing an opportunity to bolster Xander’s confidence a bit. “You were brave enough not to scream, luv, and it saved your life. If you had screamed, that git of a demon would have shut you up pretty damn quick.”

Xander saw straight through Spike’s attempt at making him feel better, but he was still touched by the sweet gesture.  

Hey, I do feel better. Nice one, Spike.   “Okay, so I get why I didn’t get maimed on sight, but that doesn’t explain why it dragged me off and threw the world’s biggest temper tantrum.”

Spike edged closer and placed a comforting hand onto one of Xander‘s. “It dragged you away to try and work you out.  It didn’t understand why you were talking and not screaming. You were an enigma, pet. It was trying to ask why you weren’t screaming. The fact that you wouldn’t answer its question just bloody frustrated it.” Spike sat back slightly and grinned, satisfied by his expert explanation.

Xander sat in silence, churning everything over in his mind. Something niggled slightly. Now what was it? Ah yes, there it is. How did Spike save me? Shouldn’t he have been at the Scooby meeting? Did he follow me, maybe knowing that big ugly bald thing was on the loose and also knowing that I tend to attract demons like a fly to a pile of shit?    He smiled and turned towards Spike.    What have I got to lose? Um, pride, dignity, confidence, shall I go on?      “How come you were there, Spike? Did you follow me?”    Okay, you have definitely had a bang on the head; what the hell possessed you to say that, you idiot?!

“Well, I knew you didn’t have your car at the moment, so I figured you’d be walking…alone…and in the dark.” Spike sat up straight and took a defensive pose. “And I was-was, well, you know, sort of worried.” He glanced up quickly, eager to gauge Xander’s response.   Does he think I’m taking the piss? Or is he just gonna laugh in my face?

Xander was still smiling. He looked down to where Spike had placed his hand and turned his own over, linking their fingers together and gripping tightly. “Thanks, Spike. I owe you *big*.”

Spike unclenched his body, relieved that his revelation had gone down well “'S no problem,” he said casually. “But hey, I owe you too, luv.  You saved me from a fiery fate. And that, pet, I *will not* forget.”

**

Xander and Spike spent the rest of the day just talking. They discussed many varied topics, none of them remotely serious. What was better, Passions or Days of Our Lives? Freddy or Jason? Alien or Aliens? They did, however, manage to establish that Xander was going to spend the next night, at least, at Spike’s apartment. It made sense, as Xander was going to be sore for a while. He would recover quicker if he could just rest and let someone else do the running about. Xander protested for all of 30 seconds. He didn’t want to admit that he needed more help from Spike, but at the same time he did not want to go back to his dingy basement. It was the chance to spent quality time with Spike that had clinched it for him.

**

Xander carefully opened his eyes and squinted at the object next to him on the pillow. He sat up, let the world come into focus and glanced back down at the object. A note. He picked it up and read: “Gone for milk, tea and blood. Don’t you dare get up. Will be back soon. Love S.” Xander held the note tightly in his hands and stared.  He had never seen Spike’s handwriting before and he was surprised at how ornate and grown-up it looked. He had always figured Spike for a scruffy writer. He hovered on the word ‘Love’ for a few moments before he threw back the covers and got up. Okay, so Spike had said *don’t get up*. But what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. Xander had grown stiff just laying there all day.  He needed to get up and stretch his legs. And while he was up he thought he might as well check out Spike’s pad.

So far Xander had only viewed the bedroom and the bathroom opposite and so far he had been *very* impressed. The bedroom could only be described as pure luxury, with tall ivory walls and thick burgundy carpets. The bed was huge and was covered in a gold and burgundy quilted bedspread that was fit for royalty to sleep under. The bathroom was fairly plain with white marble and gold fittings, but in the corner was an enormous oval sunken bath. That was very nice.  Hmm, room for two?

Xander opened the bedroom door and peered out into a short hallway. There was another door next to the bathroom, but it was closed. He decided to leave it that way. He wasn’t a snoop.

The colour theme continued through the hallway and into the main living area. Xander stood in the middle of the room staring in amazement, his mouth as wide as a tunnel. Everything was so plush and so comfortable.  It was certainly a far cry from the crypt Spike had previously inhabited.

“Close your mouth, pet.  Bus is coming.” Xander jumped and smiled sheepishly.

Spike was quick to notice that Xander was only wearing his boxers.  Dear fuck.  Either he covers up or I’m gonna have to bend him over the sofa right now!

Spike disguised his sudden lust with concern. “*You’re* supposed to be in bed, young man.” He immediately regretted the stupid, fatherly tone.

“Sorry, just got curious. This place is great! Mind if I sit out here for a while?”

“Sure, pet.  Curl up on the sofa and I’ll get you a blanket.” Spike disappeared and returned with a thick black fleecy blanket. He knelt in front of Xander and wrapped it around him. He stayed kneeling on the floor and the two men stared at each other for what seemed like forever. Something unspoken passed between them and Spike reached forward to brush a stray curl away from Xander’s eyes.

Reluctantly, Spike stood. He crossed the room and scooped up the shopping bags he had dumped by the door a few minutes earlier. “Right, pizza okay for dinner? It’s a Meat Feast.”

Xander nodded hungrily. “Did you get Coke?”

Spike pulled a large bottle of Coke from one of the bags and held it up proudly. He clattered around the kitchen for several minutes, putting away his shopping and discreetly stashing the bags of blood at the back of the fridge. Lastly he produced a rented DVD of Monsters Inc. 

Spike continued his clattering, cooking pizza, pouring drinks, putting on the film and continually asking Xander if he was warm enough/wanted more Coke/needed anything else. Xander didn’t mind Spike’s fussing. It definitely wasn’t something he was used to, but he found that he enjoyed it anyway. At last someone was making him feel as though he was worth fussing over. Spike settled on the couch next to him and they tucked into their feast.

Spike had always thought Xander was sex on legs and over the last few weeks he had also grown quite fond of him.  Last night he had realized that his feelings were so much deeper.  The thought that Xander could so easily have died terrified him. He pushed the sickening feeling away, slung his arm over the sofa and chanced a sneaky look at Xander.

Xander put his plate on the floor and curled his legs up underneath him, leaning slightly towards Spike.   Is Spike staring at me?

The movie had been on for half an hour and Xander was watching it intently. Spike continued to observe him. His face was as bright as sunshine, his eyes big and sparkling and his smile wide and innocent.

Xander turned and looked into eyes that swam with thought. “What?”

“What?” Spike answered back, cursing inwardly at himself.  He’d been caught out.

Xander thought hard.   He’s staring at me. He likes me. Well, I guess that’s obvious now. That moment  we shared earlier said it all.   Xander considered shuffling further along the couch and into Spike’s arms, but his ever present paranoia stopped him and glued him to the spot.

Spike concentrated on the mixture of emotions that swept across Xander’s beautiful face. He was pretty sure now that Xander had the same feelings for him; that moment they had shared earlier had said it all. Never before had Spike expressed so much emotion without words. And those emotions had been reflected right back at him. But now Spike could see fear and doubt creeping across Xander’s face. It was no wonder.  Spike was well aware that Xander had been treated like shit for most of his life. He had so much love to give but it had always been thrown back in his face. His parents were the main culprits, but that was an issue for another time.

Spike knew he was going to have to make the first move. A small move, though, nothing too drastic. He didn’t want Xander to run screaming into the night.

Xander almost trembled. He wanted so desperately to be held in Spike’s arms. To reach out, grasp him and never let go. But he couldn’t do it. What if Spike laughed at him or rejected him? It would be too much to take.

The soulless, cold blooded, killer vampire moved slowly and carefully towards him. Xander felt two cool arms wrap around his waist and he felt himself being gently pulled back against a firm chest. Xander let out a long breath that he hadn’t realized he was holding. This was what he had wanted but was too scared to initiate. Thank the gods, Spike had balls of steel. Another weird mental image entered Xander’s brain. He shook his head slightly to get rid of it and relaxed into Spike’s embrace.

The film had long since finished and the TV had shut itself off. But the two men stayed tightly locked together, reluctant to part for even a second. Xander leaned his head back into the slim neck behind him and he felt Spike nuzzling gently through his hair. His last thought before he drifted off to sleep was:  Since when do vampires purr?


**


Spike woke first, squeezing Xander gently as if to make sure he was real. Xander stirred and squeezed back. They were still on the couch, but they had shifted themselves around in the night and they were now just a mass of tangled limbs. Spike ran his hand up and down Xander’s back. “Morning, luv.  Sleep well?”

Xander tilted his head up and smiled. His voice was soft and sleepy. “Mmmm, great. You?”

“Perfect.”

“I’m hungry.”

“You do surprise me, pet.” Spike rolled Xander underneath him, lightly kissing his forehead. He lifted himself from the couch and made his way over to the kitchen area. “Scrambled eggs do you?”

“’Kay.” Xander sat up and watched Spike busy himself in the kitchen. He loved to watch him scutter about, cooking, cleaning and fussing.  Spike was quite the domestic goddess. Perhaps he could buy him a little white frilly apron. Xander stifled a small laugh and directed himself towards the bathroom.

Spike waited until Xander had disappeared from view before he punched his fist into the air “YES!!!”

Spike did a little victory dance before cracking the eggs into the pan. He was ecstatic. Things with Xander were definitely going in the right direction and at a nice pace too. It had felt good to sleep with his Xander wrapped around him. They hadn’t actually *slept* together yet; hell, they hadn’t even kissed yet. But that was fine. Good things come to those who wait.

“Spike?”

“Yup?” Spike glanced up from his eggs and was alarmed to see Xander’s worried expression. He rushed to his side. “What’s up, pet.  What’s wrong?” he asked, running a concerned hand over Xander’s cheek

“The scratches on my shoulder and my head, they’re nearly gone. What the hell is going on, Spike?”

Spike stared at him, waiting for more. He suddenly raised his eyebrows in realization. A wound as bad a Xander’s had been should take weeks, if not months, to heal. No wonder Xander was confused. He swallowed hard and prepared to give an explanation.  Oh god, how is he gonna react?

“Err, well, your wounds were deep. I was bloody worried. Bauldonian cuts are dangerous, they can get infected really easily…sooo…I…cleaned you.” Spike chewed on his bottom lip and waited for the fallout.

Xander eyed him suspiciously. “You cleaned me? Explain, please?”

“Well, you may not know this, but vampire saliva is really good for…”

Xander interrupted. “You licked me?”

Spike nodded with a look that said, ‘I’m guilty as hell’.

“I see. Spike? You were worried about telling me?”

Spike looked up and was greeted with a warm smile. “Well…”

Xander interrupted again. “Well, don’t worry. And thanks. I just wish I’d been awake to enjoy it.” Xander’s smile turned mischievous and he planted a small kiss on Spike’s jaw.

Spike was stunned. Xander never ceased to amaze him. Spike pulled him into a tight hug and Xander squeaked in protest. “Careful, Spike.  Ribs still hurt and I doubt very much that you can lick *them* better.”

Spike laughed happily and went back to his eggs.

**


The day had passed too quickly. Sundown had come and the two men were in Spike’s car, travelling towards the Magic Box. Xander was pretty much all fixed up and he thought he should probably put in an appearance with the Scoobies and at home. The plan was to meet the gang at the shop and do a little patrolling. Spike would take Xander home afterwards.

“Do we bloody have too?” Spike had finished sulking and had opted instead for whining.

“For the fifth time, Spike, *yes*. Look, I would rather be in front of the TV too, but while demons still walk the streets of Sunnydale we have to go fight them. And besides, the guys are gonna start wondering if we don’t show our faces soon.”

Spike knew Xander was right, but he was still unhappy about it. He sighed reluctantly. “Okay, but you stick close to me tonight, pet. I don’t want you getting into trouble again.  Bloody humans and your breakable bodies,” Spike muttered as an afterthought.

The car was parked up and Spike and Xander strolled towards the Magic Box.  The gang were waiting outside, standing like soldiers in front of the van.

“At last! Move out, people!” Buffy looked stressed as she ushered the Scoobies into the vehicle.

“What’s up, Buff? What’s with all the tension?”

Xander was near enough catapulted into the back of the van.

“Well, if you and Spike had actually bothered to show up on time, then you’d know, right?”

Spike growled in Buffy’s face. “Give it a rest, Slayer. We don’t have to be here, you know. So just tell us what the deal is, or me and Xan walk.”

Buffy stared at Spike for a few moments before backing down. “I’m sorry, guys, it’s just that, well, I think we may have a problem. Giles? Tell them.”

Giles gripped the steering wheel a little tighter and glanced worriedly at the others in the rear view mirror. “We believe that Talzar and his minions are in town.”

Spike needed no further explanation.  He suddenly felt sick to his stomach, a panicky feeling washing over him in violent waves. He swallowed hard, as if he were literally consuming the fearful emotions. “Fucking shit. That is *not* good news. Well, I hope we’re packing the heavy artillery.”  He tried to sound casual but Xander caught the slight shake to his voice.

Talzar was an ancient vampire who, over many centuries, had earned quite a reputation. Talzar kept to the shadows, living like a myth or fairy tale. Very few had ever even seen him and those that had would have most certainly met with a grisly, violent death. He was feared by demons and vampires alike, and for good reason. Talzar had never been defeated. His minions were just as dangerous, far more powerful than an average minion. They killed on sight, not to feed, not to play, just to kill.

“We’re hoping *not* to run into the vampire mafia *just* yet.  At least not until me and Tara have perfected a couple more spells.” Willow started bobbing up and down excitedly in her seat. “There’s this one spell…”

Spike held his hand up to her face “Very interesting, Red.  What’s the deal with tonight, then?” He directed the question at Buffy.

“A little bit of detective work. The plan is to patrol as normal, two teams, one in the cemetery and one in the woods behind. Grab some vamps, rough them up, see who knows what. We need to find out why Talzar is here. Get a heads up.”

The others all nodded in agreement and Buffy continued. “One thing, though. You all know this guy is tough. If any of you run into him *or* his minions…run like hell.”

The van stopped at the side of the cemetery and the group split into two. Buffy, Tara and Giles headed towards the distant tombstones and Spike, Xander and Willow followed the path to the woods.

**

“Does any one feel particularly…wiggy?” Willow shivered and glanced nervously around.

Spike and Xander replied in unison “Uh-huh.”

“There’s a surprising lack of, um, vamps?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And, um, demons?”

“Uh-huh.”

“And, um, other hellish creatures of the night?”

“Yeah, okay, Wills.  We get it. Hellish creature lackage.” Xander shifted uncomfortably and both humans looked at Spike for an explanation.

Spike rolled his eyes. “Well, I don’t know, do I?” As he spoke they heard a small rustling in the bushes behind them. Spike signalled for Xander and Willow to stay back. He lifted a small hand axe from his duster and stalked towards the noise.

Willow and Xander pulled out their stakes and stood defensively.

Spike nosed through the clump of bushes.  He turned to his friends and lifted his arms up in defeat. “Nothing, not a bloody…”

The vampire sprang from his hiding place and charged in a blind panic, knocking Spike face down into the ground. “Shit.”

“Oh, shit!” Xander and Willow watched wide eyed as the adrenaline pumped vampire ran straight at them. Xander pushed Willow out of the way.  He side stepped the vampire, grabbed him by his shirt and swept his feet out from under him. The vampire fell awkwardly and crashed to the ground with a sickening crack.

Spike had long since got up and was already at Xander’s side, towering menacingly over the fallen fledgling.  He took a moment to nod into Xander’s grinning face. “I’m impressed, luv.”

Willow was slightly bemused by Spike’s affectionate name calling but, given the current situation, she shelved her thoughts for later.

Spike reached down and yanked the hysterical vampire to his feet. The fledgling held his head at a strange angle and Spike realized with pride that Xander had broken the bastard’s neck.

“Right, calm it. NOW! Give me answers or I will fucking dust you.”

The vampire shook uncontrollably and Spike continued. “What do you know about Talzar and his minions?  Where is he and what does he want in Sunnydale?”

“Talzar? I don’t know any Talzar…”

“Don’t give me that, wanker. Everybody fucking knows who Talzar is. Now tell me what I want to know or I stake you right here and right fucking now.”

The vampire eyed Spike defiantly “I’m telling you. I know nothing…”

Spike lost his temper and grabbed his hostage by his family jewels. “Spit it out, shit face.  Spit it out or you lose ‘em.” Spike squeezed in demonstration.

Xander winced in sympathy and took a step back.

“Okay, okay!! I give up. I never saw Talzar, though.  I swear it! Just his minions. They were all over town, killing anyone they came across, demons and vampires.  I got away before they saw me, but my gang, they weren’t so luck…”

Spike cut him off. “Yeah, whatever. Just demons and vamps? What about humans?”

“I didn’t see them kill any humans.  I don’t know.  I don’t know anything else, I swear.  Just hide me, please. Don’t let them find me. I don’t want to die like that!”

Spike realized that they were not going to get much more out of the fledgling. Also, he was bored. “Then die like this.” He grabbed Willow’s stake and plunged it into the other vampire’s heart. The dust was still falling as the group walked away. “Wanker.”


**

The two groups had gone back to the Magic Box after patrol and Willow had relayed their jump and grab experience. Buffy’s group had nothing to tell; they hadn’t come across any vampires, not one. They didn’t have much to go on. They agreed to meet up again the next evening and concentrate on some serious researching.

Spike drove Xander home and walked him to his door. He needed no convincing when Xander invited him in for coffee.

**

“This guy is really dangerous, pet.  Promise me?”

Xander blinked at Spike’s attempt at ‘puppy eyes blackmail’. “Alright, already.  I absolutely, definitely will not go out alone and in the dark. Now stop with the ‘me' impression.” His mock-annoyed tone was ruined by a wide, amused grin.

Spike moved closer and cupped Xander’s face in his hands. “I’m serious. Please, baby.”

Xander’s grin faded when he saw the worry and concern in Spike’s expression, “I promise.”

Spike felt the time was right for another first move. He slipped his hands down to Xander’s neck and slowly leaned forward, tenderly pressing their lips together. Xander moaned and Spike pulled him into his arms, licking lightly along his bottom lip, causing Xander to open his mouth with a sudden gasp. Spike seized the opportunity to gently slip his tongue inside the warm mouth.  Both men groaned as their hands wandered and caressed and their tongues stroked and explored.

Reluctantly, Xander broke the kiss.  He pulled away only slightly and stared into questioning eyes. “Stay with me, Spike. Stay with me tonight?”

Spike smiled and nodded. “Thought you’d never ask, pet.” He knew Xander wasn’t ready yet for the next step, but the thought of just being able to just hold and kiss him again all night long warmed his heart. He was content.   

**


The next evening was a complete washout. It was nearly ten o’clock and they had been sitting around the table at The Magic Box for nearly three hours. Giles, Tara and Willow had run out of genuine ideas, Buffy had run out of puns, Xander had run out of funny and badly timed remarks and Spike had run out of insults. In short, the conversation had died.

“This is no good, Buffy.” Giles shook his head as he spoke. “There is nothing in any of these texts to indicate an upcoming event, ritual or apocalypse. Perhaps we should patrol again. See what we can turn up. Perhaps a visit to Willy’s would be in order.  I really think that… XANDER! For the last time, would you please put that thing away!!!” Giles banged his fist on the table and everybody jumped.

Xander had reached terminal boredom approximately two and a half hours ago. The books he had been given to read were in strange demonic languages and the pictures were extremely uninteresting. <i>No naked ladies here.</i> Not that ladies were the first choice in eye candy these days.  For a while Spike had dictated the translation of a demonic language to English to him but, as nothing seemed relevant, the note taking had not lasted long. After an hour of this Xander had firstly resorted to making a rubber band ball and secondly to fashioning a small catapult out of two pencils, two of the remaining rubber bands and some crunched up paper for ammunition. Much more fun.

“Sorry.” Xander looked suitably guilty and he pushed the catapult and the collection of small paper balls across the table and away from him.

Spike snorted and Giles glared at him. “Problem, Spike?” Giles fixed him with an icy stare.

Spike wanted to punch the Watcher until he saw stars.  How dare that pretentious bastard snap at Xander like that!   He kept his thoughts to himself and played a different angle. “I’m tired of sitting here doing a great deal of nothing. We all know there’s nothing in these bloody books.  I say we do our research out there.” Spike motioned towards the door with his head.

Giles relented. “Yes, Spike, I do believe you have a point.” He looked over at Xander and smiled apologetically before turning back to face Spike. “How do you fancy a quick trip to Willy’s?” Spike nodded a yes and Giles continued. “Buffy, let’s patrol the cemetery again and the rest of you stay here and keep ploughing through the books.  There could still be something we have missed. Talzar and his minions are here for a reason. We must re-double our efforts to find out why.”

Xander looked depressed again and Spike thought quickly. “I’m not bloody well going on my own.  It’s not like I’m man of the month at Willy’s, you know. I want back up.”

“The big bad wants back up?” Buffy folded her arms and smirked. Spike whipped out the icy glare again and Buffy backed down. “Okay, Spike, okay. You want to take Willow, or maybe Tara?”

“Nah, I’ll take fidget-arse, here. Report back in, what, an hour?”

Everybody nodded in agreement and Spike grabbed hold of a grateful Xander on his way out the door.

Willow watched suspiciously as Spike and Xander left.  She turned to Tara and spoke to her lover in a hushed tone. “What do you think…? Actually…never mind.”

**

“Stay close to me, pet, and try not to make eye contact with anyone…or anything.” Spike held on tightly to Xander’s hand and steered him over to the bar.

Xander glanced around at his surroundings, careful not to look at anyone directly.  The place smelled like old feet and Xander was sure that he must be the only human present. No other human in their right mind could surely stand the stench long enough to even knock back a single shot.  As they approached the bar, Xander noticed a group of large, blue demons in a corner booth.  They looked up at him and each smiled a wide, sleazy grin.  Xander was shocked at the size of their teeth and he quickly looked away, moving closer into Spike’s side.

Spike felt Xander move in. The boy was obviously feeling uneasy and who could blame him?  Shit! Clarac demons.       What were the odds? Spike hadn’t seen a Clarac for months and now there were five of them, sitting in the corner and grinning nastily at his pet. Spike let go of Xander’s hand and threw a protective arm over his shoulders instead.

“SPIKE! My old friend, my old bud…”

Spike let go of Xander and quickly reached over the bar, grabbing Willy firmly by his neck. Willy was notorious for being a talker, or a snitch, to be more accurate. But Spike was not in the mood for Willy’s chatter. He wanted Willy to spill his guts nice and quick so that he could get Xander out the door and away from the Claracs.

“Whatever, Willy.  Listen up or you’re gonna see what the inside of your neck looks like! What…?”

Xander gasped quietly and Spike quickly looked over his shoulder.    Bugger.    The Claracs had risen from their seats and were beckoning to Xander. He turned back to Willy and quickly continued. “Why is Talzar here? And don’t bullshit me, you worthless piece of shit.” With his free hand, Spike pulled a rather impressive knife from his duster and held it up to the bartender’s throat.

Willy’s eyes widened and he decided immediately that tonight was not the night for his special brand of chit chat. “I don’t know much, Spike, except that he’s been in town for a while, several weeks maybe. The word is that he’s searching for a chosen one. I swear I don’t know why, where or who. That’s just the rumour.”

Spike believed him. Willy may be many things but his information was *always* reliable.

“Um.”

Spike felt Xander tugging at his sleeve. He dropped Willy back over the bar and spun around to face three cocky looking Claracs. Spike stepped forward, pushing Xander behind him and getting up close and personal with the demons. “Back off,” he sneered.

The Clarac in the middle laughed loudly and spat a globule of yellow fluid at Spike’s feet, his face turning into an expression of pure disgust. “Vampire! Filthy, disgusting vampire!”

It was clear that the demons were goading Spike, challenging him into a fight. Spike was not keen to start a brawl, not with Xander near. “Get out of my way,” he demanded through gritted teeth, his patience rapidly running out.

The middle Clarac spoke again. “That’s a pretty little human you’ve got behind you.   Can we play?”

Spike knew it was a demand and not a request. He mentally prepared himself and pulled a nice sized battle axe from his coat. “He’s mine. You will not touch him.” Spike felt Xander grip hesitantly to the back of his duster, deciding whether he should get involved or let Spike do his thing. “Back off now and I’ll let you live, but say one more word or make any move towards him and I’ll be the one spitting.  On your fucking corpses.”

The three demons lunged together. They had no weapons, they didn’t need them. Their strength, teeth and claws were all that they needed. Two of them made a grab for Spike. They pulled him away from Xander and knocked him to his knees. They were joined by their other two comrades, who had been patiently waiting in the corner booth, and the four of them pounded vicious blows onto Spike’s crouching body.

The fifth Clarac seized Xander by the throat and lifted him into the air. Xander struggled and kicked wildly as he fought to get air into his lungs. The demon lifted him closer, and Xander found that they were nose to nose. “Hello, poppet. I know you want to play with us. We will have such f…Ack.”

Xander mustered all the strength he could and struck out with his foot. The demon dropped him and doubled over, muttering an incoherent demonic curse. Xander turned back to the bar and lifted a bottle of Jack Daniels. The Clarac never saw it coming. Xander brought the bottle down over the demon's head with surprising force, splitting open its scalp in several places. Xander did a quick check to make sure the demon was definitely out for the count before he spun around to grab another bottle. He had to help Spike.

Spike finished off the last Clarac with the minimum of effort. He pulled his axe from its head and turned quickly to kick some more demon ass and save his love. Instead he got an armful of Xander.

“Shit, Spike, oh gods, are you okay?”

Frowning, Spike hugged him hard before letting go and running his hands over the Xander’s body.  His frown turned into a satisfied grin as he realized that Xander wasn’t hurt. His grin grew wider when he spotted the bottle that Xander had a death grip on. Spike eased it from Xander’s hand, took a large swig and looked over at the unconscious blue figure on the ground behind them. He pulled Xander back into his arms and planted a firm kiss on his forehead. “You never fail to amaze me, pet. Even the Slayer would have had trouble with one of those critters.”

Xander blushed and shrugged casually. “I just got lucky, is all.”

Spike smiled kindly, sensing Xander’s uneasiness. He took Xander’s hand and led him back out of the bar. “See ya, Willy.  Sorry ‘bout the mess.”

**

Outside Willy’s Bar, a dark figure stood concealed in the shadows. He sniffed the air and looked towards the door, his face contorting into an evil sneer as he watched Spike emerge into the ally.

Well, well, if it isn’t William the Bloody. It’s a small word, after all.

He observed with interest that William was not alone. A human walked by his side.

A nice, succulent, tasty human. Now this was a turn up. William, socializing with humans?  Now this is what happens when the family is not around to supervise.


**

Spike and Xander bustled back into The Magic Box. They were still on an adrenaline high from their encounter at the bar but the sight that met them as they stepped through the door stopped them in their tracks. The shop had been turned upside down. Shelves pushed over, glass cabinets shattered, merchandise scattered all over.

“What the bloody hell happened here?” Spike asked Tara.

“They c-came for B-Buffy.” Tara started to cry and Willow pulled her into a soothing hug.

“Ssh, baby, it's okay.  It’s all over now. Buffy’s okay, see?” Willow turned Tara around and pointed at Buffy. Tara nodded tearfully.

Buffy sat on a chair by the table, wrapping a bandage around an injured wrist. She addressed Spike and Xander without looking up. “Big ol’ bunch o’ vamps, that’s what happened. Stomped in and stomped on us. Sooooo, I stomped on them.”

Giles rolled his eyes at Buffy’s explanation. He walked over to Spike and Xander and spoke in his extra serious voice. “They came in ranting about an *Order of the Pure* and how the Slayer must be disabled. One can only assume that they want her out of the way. ‘Disabled’ before they carry out whatever evil deed they have planned.”

Xander wrinkled his nose. “Order of the Pure? That sounds so lame.  Nazi much?”

“Agreed, but however lame the name sounds, we still need to consider them a major threat. The minions we just encountered were very strong indeed, and we know, of course, that Talzar is behind this somewhere. Right now we must concentrate on finding out *exactly* what their agenda is. Spike, did you have any luck at Willy’s bar?”

Spike righted a bookcase and headed over to the table. “Not much,” he sighed. “Willy just said that Talzar is looking for a chosen one.” Spike shrugged at his own short answer and patted down his coat, looking for his cigarettes.

“Hm, a chosen one. Well, that narrows it down,” Giles said sarcastically.

Xander joined the others at the table and shook his head discreetly at Spike when he saw him pop a cigarette into his mouth. “I really think our thinking is far too, err…” He stared at the ceiling as he searched for an appropriate word. “Textbook.”

Spike stared at Xander attentively. “Go on, luv.” He cursed inwardly as several pairs of eyebrows twitched slightly.

Xander was oblivious to the slip and he continued to share his thoughts. “Well, who says it has to be written in some dusty old book and who says that this is some ancient order? Like I said, they sound like total Nazis.  Perhaps they want to eradicate an inferior race? Like some demon race or like us!” Xander sat up a little straighter, pleased at the imaginary light bulb that had gone on over his head. “They’re just extremists! Extreme versions of ordinary vampires. You know, instead of kill the humans, kill the humans, it's kill *all* the humans, kill *all* the humans. As far as we know, Talzar’s minions are only killing demons and other vampires. So perhaps they want the Slayer out of the way. *Disabled* so they can start eradicating humans?”

Buffy stood abruptly and nodded her approval. “I’m buying it. I say we find the source and eradicate *that*.  Kill Talzar and hopefully his so called *Order* will crumble away.”

Giles agreed and Xander beamed. “What do you think about this *chosen one,* though? How does that fit in?”

Giles considered the question for a moment. “I really have no idea.  I think our best bet would be to try to capture one of the minions and just simply beat it out of him.”

 

“At last,” Spike growled. “A plan I can really get down with.”

“It’s late now. Shall we meet tomorrow evening?” Willow looked hopefully to Buffy; she was keen to get Tara home.

“Sure, but let's meet at Giles’ house. We don’t want to show any kind of routine by meeting here every evening.”

“Yes, very well. We will meet at my place at six o’clock.  Best get an early start.”

The Scoobies said their goodbyes and headed to their homes.

**

Spike stared down at his feet and leant against his car, waiting for Xander’s response.

“You’re right, it is kinda dangerous at the moment.” Xander suddenly found his own feet quite fascinating. “Maybe it *would* be safer for me to stay at your place.”

Spike looked back up and smiled. With a sudden wave of desire he pulled Xander towards him, capturing his mouth in a long crushing kiss.

Both aware of how exposed they were out in the open, they reluctantly pulled apart.

“Let’s go, pet.”

**

William the Bloody has taken a human lover? This is worse than I ever could have imagined.  Humans are not for love. They are for feeding, for playing, turning and raping.  I think it’s time Angelus saw what his childe is up to. Together we will show our William exactly what that young human is for.

Talzar watched Spike and his filthy human drive away before retreating back into the sewers.

 

**



The journey to Spike’s apartment had been made in relative silence.  Spike was concerned; he had a really bad feeling that something wasn’t right. He’d felt a presence earlier, before they had got into the car, and it had filled him with dread.  The need to get Xander into the car and back to his apartment was nearly overwhelming.

Xander had been a little confused during the drive to Spike’s apartment.  He’d snatched a few hurried glances at Spike and tried to work out what was wrong.  His expression was one Xander had not seen too often.    Is he…worried?   Spike didn’t look like he wanted to discuss it, so Xander wisely decided to let it go for now.


**


Spike and Xander sat facing each other on the bed. Spike held one of Xander’s hands and was tracing small circles on his palm. He hadn’t yet been able to look at Xander directly.

“What’s wrong?”

“'S nothing for you to worry about, pet.” Spike finally looked up and forced a smile.

Xander simply stared back, his expression not changing. He did not find this an acceptable answer. “Look, Spike, I know you’re not used to all this sharing and caring stuff, but if we are gonna be, you know, *together*, then you’re gonna have to learn to talk to me.  So please, cough it up, blondie.” Xander suddenly smiled and Spike’s own make-believe smile turned very real.

Spike leaned back into the pillows and held out his arms. Xander nestled into Spike’s body, wrapping his arms around his waist and laying his head against a cool shoulder.

“I’m scared, pet. I’ve gone through my life, I mean my unlife, not giving a buggery bollocks about anything or anyone. But suddenly, here you are.” Spike paused briefly to stroke Xander’s hair. “Now I’ve got a reason to care, a reason to fight, a reason to *live* and you know, luv, I’m shit scared. Shit scared I’m gonna fail, shit scared Talzar is gonna make an appearance and take you away from me, shit scared of being alone…again.”

Xander could hear Spike choking over his words and he felt a small pang of regret that he had forced Spike to confess his feelings.  He was pleased that Spike’s feelings for him were strong enough to produce these new emotions but he knew Spike would probably have difficulty understanding and coping with them.

“Why do you think Talzar would take me away, Spike? He’s just another vamp, okay, a powerful one, but look what Buffy did to The Master. And you, you’ve killed two Slayers! You two can dust this guy easy.”

Spike closed his eyes as if to shield himself from his own words. “He’s no ordinary vampire, sweetheart.  He’s more powerful than The Master was, ten times over. To make matters worse, he’s also a bloody sorcerer. It’ll take more than me and super Barbie to bring this guy down. And there’s something else too…”

Xander sensed something big was coming. He twisted around in Spike’s arms until they were face to face. “Go on.”

“You know that Angel is my Sire?”

“Yup.”

“And you know that Darla is Angel’s Sire?”

“Yup.”

“Well, she isn’t. Talzar is.”

Xander searched for some words but found that someone had taken them. He blinked instead.

“Talzar sired Angel and Darla.  It’s not in any history books, 'cos no-one outside the family knew. Talzar liked to keep to the shadows, to be almost non-existent. He rarely took a Childe, but when he did he did it very discreetly.”

“Oh. So I take it that you’ve actually met this guy, yes?”

“Yes. He took me under his wing, showed and taught me many wonderful things. But then I began to defy him. I couldn’t stand being told what to do all bloody day and all bloody night. In the end I despised him and he despised me. He’ll come, pet. I know it. He’ll find me and he’ll take you away.” Spike grasped his lover and tugged him into a tight embrace. “I can’t lose you.”

Xander pulled back sharply. “Who are you? This isn’t the Spike I know. The Spike I know would be threatening bloody murder, no matter who it was! You *won't* lose me. You’ll fight this guy and you’ll win, ‘cos that’s what you do. You need to tell Buffy about your connection and call Angel, get him here to help.”

Spike was suddenly enraged. “I’m not calling that bloody poof! I can handle Talzar by myself.  I’ll rip his fucking head off, fucking piece of fucking shit…” Spike realized with sudden clarity that Xander had just played him. He grinned a wicked smile. “You clever little rat bag.”

Xander put on his best *who me?* face. “I don’t know what you mean.”

**

Xander tried his best to listen to the conversation in the next room. Under much protest, Spike had gone into the living room to call Angel.  The first five minutes of silence, except for the rhythmic clumping of boots across carpet, had confirmed Xander’s suspicions that Spike was more than anxious about having his Sire’s involvement. Xander wondered why this was. Spike had explained that he was on fairly good terms with Angel, so what was all this about?  Xander wandered over to the closed bedroom door and pressed his ear against it.  He frowned at the realization that he still couldn’t hear a thing. He gave up and dropped heavily back onto the bed.

The bedroom door swung open and a ruffled Spike strode through. “Bloody poof!” he spat, throwing himself onto the bed and nearly springing Xander off the other end. Spike made a quick grab and steadied him.

“So what did you say? What did you tell him?”

“Just the basics, that Talzar was here.” Spike shrugged and reached in his pocket for his cigarettes.

“Is that all? You didn’t tell him about us?” Xander tried his best to ask the question in a matter-of-fact sort of way, but he couldn’t hide the look of hurt that crept across his face.

“No, pet, I didn’t tell him about us.” Spike gently took hold of Xander’s chin, and guided the boy’s gaze back up to meet his own. “I thought it would be better if I told him in person.”

Xander couldn’t help but crack a small smile.

“I did say that I had something else to tell him, but that I didn’t want to do it over the phone,” Spike continued.

“So he’s coming then? Soon?”

“Tonight. Should be here in a few hours.” Spike over-exaggerated an annoyed huff.  “*Apparently* I should do my best to stay out of trouble.” He threw his arms up in exasperation and Xander shot him a mischievous grin. Spike eyed him cautiously. “What?”

“Sooo, we need to keep you out of trouble, yes?” Xander crawled across the bed on his knees until he was pressed up against the curious vampire.

“Yeah.”

Xander stroked under the top of Spike's shirt and undid the first button with one hand. “And you’ll be needing to stay out of trouble until Angel gets here?” A second button popped undone and Xander leaned in to claim a small kiss.

“Yeah?” Spike looked Xander up and down, fighting every urge he had to just throw his boy down and ravish him to within an inch of his life.

“Which will be, what, a few hours?” Xander placed small feathered kisses along Spike’s collar bone while he worked on a third button.

Spike moaned his appreciation before remembering to answer the question. “Three or four, pet, yes.”

 “But Angel didn’t say that you couldn’t perhaps enjoy a little…” Xander fixed Spike with a sensuous stare and chewed at his own bottom lip as he fake searched for the correct word. “Mischief?”

Spike's mouth widened into what felt like the biggest and brightest smile of his life. “Mischief it is, then, luv,” He growled, suddenly capturing Xander’s mouth in a bruising kiss that sent bolts of electricity through them both.

When Spike pulled back to let the boy breathe, he was taken aback by the beautiful human in front of him. Xander was radiating lust, love and an edge of fear. Spike circled his arms around him and held the now trembling boy in a protective but almost crushing grip.

Xander understood that the unspoken gesture was meant as a reassuring one. He looked up to meet Spike’s intense gaze and ran his fingertips down the exposed ivory chest. “Touch me, Spike. Touch me and show me.”

The vampire dived into Xander’s neck, kissing and sucking firmly on the warm tanned skin. Xander moaned loudly at the sensation and, with an overwhelming feeling of desperation and passion, he ripped open the rest of Spike’s shirt, pinging tiny black buttons in all directions. Spike gasped and pulled back to watch Xander smooth and caress his bare torso. He gently grasped the back of Xander’s head, lovingly stroking the sable locks and guiding the boy’s mouth to his chest.

Xander licked slowly at the cool skin, stopping to lap at a pert nipple and inhale deeply at Spike’s scent.

“God, Xan.” Spike pulled him back up and caught his lips in another searing kiss.

Spike was first to break the kiss again, but only for a few seconds as he quickly lifted and removed Xander’s t-shirt, tossing it aside in one fluid motion. Spike’s hands latched onto Xander’s hips, holding him firmly in place as he pressed himself against him. A cool tongue worked its way back into Xander’s waiting mouth, tasting and exploring as though it was the first time they’d kissed.

Xander started to pant.  He felt impossibly hard. Spike was rhythmically grinding against him and restricting Xander’s own movement with powerful hands that were still at his hips.

“Spike!”

Spike grinned mischievously, knowing how much he was tormenting his pet. He ground his hips almost violently into Xander’s one last time, making sure that their hardened cocks rubbed firmly together. Xander let out a startled cry before plundering Spike’s neck with vicious nips and kisses. Small droplets of blood rose to the surface and Xander lapped hungrily at them.

“Xan…luv…so good…fuck.” Spike brought Xander face back up for another deep kiss, his tongue swirling franticly around, seeking and finding the taste of his own blood.

Spike held Xander’s face in his hands and he fixed him with an impassioned gaze. “More.” It was definitely an order and Xander wasted no time in diving back into Spike's neck.

Spike was mirroring Xander’s frantic panting.  He was close now. Xander’s continued attack on his neck and shoulder were driving him into a frenzy. He glanced down at Xander’s smooth neck and longed to taste the blood that pulsed heavily beneath the thin layer of skin. He felt the urge to shift into gameface and fought against it with all the strength he had.

Xander looked back up to meet Spike’s strained gaze. He ran his fingers over Spike’s lips and kissed him softly. “Let go,” he whispered.

Spike didn't need to be told twice.  He relaxed into his vampire visage and smiled gratefully at Xander.

“Spike? Please, touch me now. I need you…Soon, Spike…soon.”

Spike understood the need and he clawed desperately at the fastenings on Xander’s jeans. Warms hands brushed passed his and repeated his actions on his own jeans. Two cries filled the room as they finally found each other. They both knew how close they were and the need for relief was now the only thing that mattered in the whole world. Spike whispered words of encouragement as he stared into two glistening but unsure eyes and slowly and steadily they began to stroke each other.

Xander stared down to look for the first time at the hard straining length that he held in his hand. It was beautiful. He pumped it harder and faster and felt the pleasure grow inside him as Spike did the same for him. They couldn’t hold back any longer. 

Spike took hold of both cocks with one hand and pumped frantically, his other hand on Xander’s hip to steady him.

“Spike, oh god, Spike, *please*.”

Spike looked into Xander’s pleading eyes.

“Do it, Spike…*please*.  I know you can.” Xander’s voice came out in a gasping rasp and he tilted his head back, exposing his neck to show Spike what he wanted.

Spike wasted no more than a second before he dived forward and sank his fangs into the delicate flesh of Xander’s neck.

Xander let out an ear-splitting cry as his orgasm rippled violently through his body. He grabbed at Spike’s arms for support and the vampire released his neck, unsure whether he had hurt his pet. Xander quickly leaned in to a cool shoulder and bit down hard.

Spike released his own earth-shattering cry as a powerful orgasm was ripped from his body.

Spike held tightly onto Xander’s trembling form. The arm that was circled around Xander’s waist was the only thing that kept him from slumping bonelessly onto the bed. Spike’s other hand ran soothingly up and down Xander’s warm, damp back. They stayed like that for what seemed like an aeon before Xander could muster the strength to wrench his head from Spike’s shoulder. When he did, he found concerned blue eyes fixing him with an expression of worry.

Spike lifted shaky fingers up to the bite mark he had left on Xander’s neck. It was deep and still oozing blood. “Are you okay, luv? I’m so sorry…”

“Hey, don’t.  Spike, it’s okay. I wanted it. And it didn’t hurt.  Well, actually, that would be a complete lie.  It hurt like hell.”

Spike’s eyes widened in horror

“No, Spike, it was a good hurt. I liked the hurt…” Xander frowned at his own inability to string together a sentence that actually made sense.

Spike chanced a small smile. “I think I know what you mean,” he said, lifting his fingers to the love bite Xander had just given him. “You, baby, bite bloody hard.  I like that."  Spike grinned and looked down at the blood still trickling from the wound at Xander’s neck. “Can I?” he asked.

Xander nodded his approval and Spike tumbled them sideways into the bed.

Spike carefully licked the wound clean and helped Xander out of his jeans and under the covers. “You look tired, pet, why don’t you try to get some sleep? It’s late.” Spike brushed his hand down Xander’s cheek as he spoke.

Xander’s eyes started to slip shut as he replied. “No, Spike.  Need shower.  Angel…”

Spike hushed him with a soft kiss. “We have a couple of hours, luv. Sleep while you can. I’ll make sure you’re up and ready for when Angel arrives.”

Spike didn’t get a reply; Xander was already asleep. The vampire spent a few minutes petting Xander’s hair before he headed for the bathroom.  He stopped at the bedroom door, lighting a cigarette and turning back to face Xander. It was going to be a long night.

**


Spike sat on the couch, busily chain smoking the best part of a whole packet of cigarettes. He had a hundred thoughts travelling through his head and was having a great deal of trouble plucking one out to analyze and deal with. What the hell were they going to do about Talzar? What was Angel going to do about it? What if Talzar took Xander? What was Angel going to say about him and Xander?

Spike cocked his head to the side and listened intently to the shower spray coming from the other room.  Spike had woken his lover to tell him that Angel would probably be arriving soon. After a lengthy kiss, Xander had peeled Spike off him and had gone to shower.

Another question popped into Spike’s head. How did Xander know that the chip wasn’t working? As the thought entered and swirled around his brain, a small tap resounded from the apartment door.  Spike stubbed out the half smoked cigarette in the ashtray and started toward the bathroom to warn Xander to get dressed.  He stopped when he heard bare feet pattering madly on the tiled floor and he couldn’t hold back a warm chuckle as a half naked Xander dashed out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. Clearly, he’d heard the knock.

Spike sucked in an unneeded breath and answered the door.

The two vampires regarded each other warily.

“William.”

“Angel.”

“So, how have you been, Will?”

Angel wanted to make an effort to keep things as friendly as possible. Although they were on speaking terms now, it was still so easy for a blazing row to erupt. Angel was surprised at the eager reply he got, rather than the rude, blunt one that he’d expected.

“Oh, me? Yeah, I’m great, really, really great. And you?”

Angel’s expression stayed as deadpan as ever, only one eyebrow lifting in slight surprise. Spike was clearly nervous about something.

Angel’s bewilderment was suddenly forgotten when he noticed a figure walking nervously towards them. “Xander? What are you…?” Angel stopped and stared at Xander for only a second before he rushed forward.

“Hey!” Spike called out. He knew his Sire would never hurt any human without reason, but he was still indignant that Angel was breaching Xander’s personal space.

 
Angel gripped the tops of Xander’s arms and stared with disbelief at the two puncture marks on his neck. “Xander? Are you okay?  Tell me what happened.”

"Nothing, Angel.  It’s not what you think…”

“Jesus, Spike, what have you done?” Angel said, his temper flaring at a rapid rate. “When did you get rid of the chip? Do you know what Buffy will do to you when she finds out that, not only are you feasting on the population again, but you’re feeding on her fucking friends?” 

 

Spike snorted at the ‘friends’ reference and Angel misinterpreted it as a snort of indifference. Angel growled and turned back to Xander. He pulled the boy toward him and sniffed. 

It was Spike’s turn to start growling. “Angel,” he warned.

Angel stiffened.  The boy smelt nice and clean, the scent of coconut shampoo layered through his hair. But Angel smelled more.  He smelt sex.  He kept one hand gripped firmly on Xander’s arm and whirled around to face his Childe. “How could you? You disgust me! How dare you touch him!”

Xander groaned in pain, squirming to release himself from Angel’s agonizing grip.

“I know what you’re thinking, but…” Spike paused as he noticed Xander’s increasing distress. “Oi, let up, will you…”

Angel misinterpreted him again and grew angrier, his voice bellowing around the apartment. “Is this why you brought me here? Did you want to share your *prize*? What do you think I am?”

Xander’s struggles became frantic as the pain from Angel's crushing grip shot up and down his arm like a bolt of lightening. “Angel! *Please*, this isn’t what you think!”

Spike was most displeased at his Sire’s accusations, but he couldn’t really blame Angel for thinking the worst. His situation with Xander was a little unlikely. And an un-chipped Spike had a violent track record with humans. But what was really pissing him off was his Sire’s inability to realize that he was causing Xander pain.

Spike shifted into gameface. “Back off, Angel.  You’re hurting him.”

Spike’s deadly stare stopped Angel in his tracks. It was very rare indeed that Spike would look that way at him. Sure, he would shout, stomp his feet and perhaps smash a few things. But Spike had enough respect for his Sire to not give him the ‘I’m going to rip out your entrails and make a soup out of them’ look without good reason.

Spike thinks *I’m* hurting Xander. What the hell is going on!?

Xander’s indignant cries of pain finally got through to him, and Angel quickly released the squirming boy. Unfortunately, Xander had picked this moment to try one last time to wrench his injured arm free. As Angel let go Xander pulled violently away, flinging himself backwards. His head hit the stone wall first and his body followed in a close second. He groaned and slid slowly down the surface, pretty coloured stars flashing in front of his eyes.

“You bloody idiot!” Spike yelled as he rushed to Xander’s side.

Spike squatted down quickly and turned Xander’s head to face him. “Luv? You okay? Luv?” Spike shook him gently and Angel noted the slight panic in the other vampire’s voice.

“Spike?” Xander rubbed at his eyes with his fists, an action that Angel thought was very childlike, yet strangely endearing.

Angel was sorry that he’d hurt Xander. He certainly hadn’t meant to. He had just been so grief stricken to think that his Childe could have done such terrible things. Yes, years ago the unruly vamp would quite happily have ripped the guts out of any human that crossed his path.  But rape? That wasn’t Spike. But when he’d smelt the sex on Xander, he could think of no other explanation.

But now, looking at them together, Xander leaning into Spike’s body for support, Spike stroking his hair and whispering soothing words, Angel could see and believe that there was something between them.

Xander leant forward, clutched the back of his head and grimaced. “Owww. Who hit me?” he complained.

Spike carefully studied Xander’s face and decided he was okay. “The wall did,” he replied in a monosyllabic tone.

He slid an arm around Xander’s waist and helped him up. Angel followed them and watched as Spike led Xander to the couch. He moved forward and sat next to Xander, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Spike glared and emitted another warning growl. Angel ignored him. “Xander, I’m sorry about what just happened. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just jumped to the wrong conclusion. Can you ever forgive me?”

Spike rolled his eyes at Angel’s ‘I was evil and must be punished for all eternity’ performance.

“Sure.” Xander nodded. “But if it happens again, I will have to get rough with you.  Just try not to be such an asshole next time. Don’t automatically think the worst.”

Angel moved to sit on the couch opposite them.  Yeah, he probably had just acted like an asshole. He tended to do that now and again. “How long have you two been together?” he asked.

Xander looked to Spike to answer the question. “Not long, Peaches. No-one else knows and we would prefer to keep it that way for now, just ‘till we know what we want and what we’re doing.”

“What does that mean?”

“You know, where we’re gonna live, here or a new place, Sunnydale or somewhere else.”

Spike was well aware that this was not something they had discussed, but Xander’s pleased face was enough to assure Spike that they *would* be having that little discussion soon enough. “Plus, we really ain’t been together long. Be nice to spend some time getting to know each other and just, you know, enjoy each other without the Slayer and her band of idiots interfering.”

“You two might want to re-think that plan, considering who else is wandering the delightful streets of Sunnydale.” Angel spat the last word out. He got up and walked around to lean on the back of the couch. “If Talzar knows you’re here, and you can bet he does, be sure that he’s been watching you. And if he’s been watching, then no matter how discreet you think you’ve been, he will have seen you with Xander, a *human*. Talzar will not tolerate it. Spike, Xander is in great danger. We should tell Buffy and the others what is going on; they can help protect him. Either that or we need to get him out of town." Angel stood up straight and put his hands in his pockets, awaiting a reaction.

Xander turned to face his lover. “I am *not* leaving town, no way. I’m not leaving you.” Xander sat back and folded his arms. Determined eyes said not to bother arguing.
 
“Fuck. So we have to tell the Slayer? Shit. She’s gonna love this. Hey Buffy, you know that Talzar guy you’ve been trying to find out about? Well, he’s kinda my Grandpappy. What? Why didn’t I mention it before? Oh, I couldn’t be bothered. Oh, yes, and by the way, I’m also shagging one of your best friends.”

Xander cringed. “She’s gonna be mad,” he said to no-one in particular.

Angel approached cautiously and put his hand softly back onto Xander’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you. I’ll explain how you both feel about each other…”

“How the hell do you know how we feel about each other?  You’ve only been here five minutes!?”

“Because, Xander, I can see how Spike looks at you and I can see how you look at him. You’re clearly falling in love.”

Xander’s jaw dropped and Angel turned quickly to pick up his bags and walk away. Spike, however, caught the smirk that was plastered all over his face. “Bastard,” he muttered.

**

“How long has the chip been out, William?”

Under advice from Angel, Xander had gone back to bed. Angel wanted to be sure that Xander would be fully rested. The situation with Talzar could so easily spiral out of control and it was imperative that Xander be alert and ready to run if need be.

“Six months, give or take.”

Angel nodded slowly. “How did it happen?”

“No clue, Peaches. Woke up one day and I was all fixed.” Spike held his arms up in a *Da Daaa* gesture.

Angel was dubious. “Will,” he warned

Spike looked offended. “No lie! I really can’t explain it, Angel. To be truthful, I don’t know how long it was deactivated before I noticed. And it was a total accident that I found out."

Angel motioned for Spike to go on.

“Some twat ran straight into me outside The Bronze, and the berk wasn’t even bloody sorry! Called me all the names under the bloody sun, he did. And well, you know me, I lost my temper.  I’d had a bad night and I wasn’t in the mood. So I risked a mind blowing migraine and punched the bastard. Was a good punch too! Wasn’t ‘till I was halfway home that I realized my lack of cranial agony.”

Angel leaned forward, his face a contortion of puzzlement and bewilderment. “Will? You haven’t killed anyone.” It was not a question.  Angel could feel a difference in his Childe.  Whether that was because of Xander or just a mixture of unknown reasons, he wasn’t sure.

Spike tried to sound casual. “Nah. Why would I? Got it pretty good here, haven’t I?” He flapped a hand in the air. “I’d be stupid to risk it all.”

“So I assume, by the fact that you’re not living in an ashtray, that Buffy doesn’t know?”

Spike shook his head vigorously and Angel continued. “And Xander, how long has he known?”

Spike shrugged. “Dunno. I only realized he knew tonight.”

Angel frowned. “He asked you to bite him?”

“Very perceptive, petal.”

 “Be careful with him, Will.”

 “Yeah, I know! He bit first, you know!”

**
 

It was Xander’s turn to wear a hole in the carpet. He’d been pacing for the last hour while the two vampires discussed what they knew about Talzar and put together the finer points of their plan to rid the world of him. “I still don’t see why I can’t go with you,” he interrupted.

“NO! Look, we’ve been over and over this!” Spike softened his voice when he saw the familiar hurt steal across Xander’s face. “I just can’t risk it, pet.  Talzar will hurt you to get to me, then he’ll hurt me. You don’t want that, do you?”

Xander looked shocked. “Of course not! I just want…want…I just want to be with you,” he finished sadly.

Spike and Angel both understood, but it was Angel who spoke first. “I know, Xander. But it won’t be for long. Between Buffy, Spike and me, we’ll make short work of Talzar but we need to be sure that you’re safe. We won’t be able to concentrate on the kill otherwise. It’s either this or we bundle you into the trunk of my car and drop you somewhere out of town.”

Xander ignored the joke and focused on a new question. “Are you really gonna kill your Sire?”

Angel’s countenance barely changed. “I don’t have a choice. He’s evil incarnate. And someone needs to stop him.”

Spike felt that a change of subject was needed before Angel got all broody again. “So, they’re definitely at Giles’s house now?” he said, referring to Buffy and the rest of the Scooby gang.

“Yep, I called and said you have some info on the bigger bad.  They’re all there waiting,” Xander replied.  He turned to Angel. “I kinda didn’t mention that you were on the scene. I hope that was right.”

“Yes.”

"Yeah, pet, might as well save *all* the shocks for when we get there,” Spike said with mock cheerfulness.

Xander groaned and leant his head on Spike’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry.  They’ll get over it.” Spike rubbed gently at Xander’s newest bump.      “How’s your bonce, babe?”

 “Headache.”

“Sorry,” Angel said.

“I told you.  It’s okay. Forgotten already.”

“Right then.  We all fit?” Angel and Xander stared at him blankly and Spike shook his head in exasperation. “Are. We. Ready. To. Go?”

“Not just yet.” Angel reached into his bag and pulled out a long wooden box.

Xander eyed it with suspicion. Mysterious boxes were often not of the good.

Angel carefully opened the box and produced an old, brass coloured syringe.

Xander’s eyes widened and he took a large step back. “Whoa, Angel, man, what the hell is that?”

“It’s a syringe.”

Xander laughed nervously. “I can see that. What’s it for?” He looked to Spike for an answer.

“It’s for you, pet.” Spike grabbed him quickly, seeing that Xander was about to make a second date with the wall. “It’s Gritash blood.  Its *real* bad for vampires.”

“I don’t think I like where this is going.  Please tell me you’re not gonna stick me with that,” Xander said, pointing unhappily at the syringe.

“Oh no, you don’t! Put those kicked puppy-dog eyes away. It’s. not. Going. To. Work.” Spike quickly shut his eyes and turned his head away before it did start to work. “Angel. Tell ‘im.”

“It’s not harmful. It will stay in your system for about twenty-four hours. If the worst happens and Talzar finds you, he won’t be able to drain you.  Can I?” Angel reached for Xander’s arm and waited.

Xander nodded a sullen approval. “Why me? Why do these things only happen to me?”

“They don’t, pet. They happen to me too.” Spike rummaged through the pockets of his duster, his face twitching in sympathy as he watched the needle sink into one of Xander’s veins. When Angel was done, Spike turned Xander to face him. “Take this, luv.” Spike said, holding out a long, shiny knife.

“Shit, Spike. You could take someone’s eye out with that thing…Oh, kinda the point, I guess.”

Spike handed Xander the weapon. “It’s my lucky knife. This beauty’s seen me through a few scrapes, I can tell you.  It’s just in case, babe. Keep it safe.  I’ll be wanting it back.”

Xander knew this was Spike’s way of saying ‘*please* be safe’.  He flung his arms around his vampire, hiding his smile in Spike’s neck.

“Bloody hell, pet. Careful. You really will take someone’s eye out with that thing.”


**

“This *has* to be some sort of spell.” Buffy looked like she was on the point of a nervous breakdown. “Either that, or I’m asleep. Yes, that’s it, I’m still asleep. I’m in my bed, having a nice cosy nightmare, and *this* is so not happening.”

Angel spoke firmly. “It is happening, Buffy. And we really need you to deal. Any opinion you might have about Spike's and Xander’s relationship, keep it for later. We have bigger problems.” Angel turned to Giles for support.

“Err, quite right, Angel. If what you say is indeed correct, then we need to take steps to ensure Xander’s safety. And we need to act now, while we still have the upper hand.”

“While Talzar is unaware of Angel, you mean?”

Giles waggled a finger. “Precisely, Tara. If I’m not mistaken, Talzar will be unaware of Angel’s souled condition.”

Willow chipped in. “He thinks Angel is still Angelus.”

“Exactly. My guise as Angelus will allow me to get close to Talzar.” Angel gestured with a stake. “This is all it will take, just like any other vampire. We just need to be sure he doesn’t see it coming. Buffy, Spike, Willow? I want you with me. Back up in case we develop a problem. Giles and Tara, I need you to stay here with Xander.  The protection barrier Willow put up will keep you safe.”

“Okay, let’s get this over with now, ‘cos I got a bleached vampire to interrogate tonight.” Buffy grabbed a huge troll hammer and hauled it over her shoulder. Angel walked with her to the door and they waited for Spike and Willow to follow.

Willow gazed into Xander’s worried eyes and smiled cheekily. “I *so* knew you guys were doing it.” She elbowed Xander lightly in the ribs and went to join Buffy and Angel.

”Come ‘ere, pet.” Spike said, closing his arms around Xander. “Don’t worry, it’ll all be over soon. We’ve just got to get through tonight.” He smoothed a hand through Xander’s hair and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead. “I love you. I know it all seems fast, but I do.  Can’t help myself.”

Xander tightened his grip around Spike’s waist and looked deeply into the vampire’s eyes. “I’m glad you that you can’t help yourself, because I love you too.  I think I always have.”

Spike leant in and captured Xander’s warm mouth for a brief, tender kiss before joining the others at the door.

Xander called after him. “Don’t come back dead.”

Spike whirled around at the door. “Not sure how I’m gonna manage that, pet. Already dead!”

Xander frowned at the vampire’s humour. “Okay, so don’t come back in a dustpan then!”

**

Xander, Tara and Giles sat at the dinning room table discussing Xander’s love life.

“It’s most unconventional, I must say.” Giles had witnessed the tender moment the new lovers had shared earlier and he had felt quite moved. Naturally, though, he was still concerned. “If this is what you really want, then of course we will*all* endeavour to support you.”

Tara nodded in silent agreement.

“What about Buffy?” Xander asked.

Giles put a supportive hand on Xander’s shoulder. “She will come around, in time. Please don’t forget that Buffy’s experiences with Angel have made her very wary indeed. Try not to worry too much, Xander. Things will work out.” Giles was doing his best to reassure the boy, but he still felt he needed to deliver an appropriate warning. “We will, however, be keeping a very close eye on the pair of you. If we think for a moment that Spike has become a danger to you, then be very sure that we *will* intervene.”

Xander instinctively touched the, now nearly healed, puncture wound at his neck. He had needed to borrow a shirt with a collar to disguise it. Now would definitely not be the time to advertise that he and Spike had dabbled in blood-play. Giles locked eyes with him and continued “Contrary to what you might think, you are our most beloved friend and, I might add, a valued and trusted member of the team. We will not stand by and see you lost to the dark side.”

Xander smiled happily.  They do love me. They do need me.   “Thanks, G-man. That really means a lot. And just for the record, Spike isn’t as evil as he makes out. He’s a big pussy cat.”

Giles adjusted his glasses. “I’m sure he is, Xander, but remember, even nice pussy-cats sometimes bite.”

Xander swallowed a laugh and walked into the kitchen. “I know.”

**

Angel was tracking Talzar. He hoped he could deal with his Sire without any of the others becoming involved. All the while Talzar thought he was Angelus, he stood a chance of getting close. Close enough to slide a stake in and finish this before something really bad happened. Spike and Xander had only been together for a very short time, but Angel knew that Spike had already fallen hard. If something happened to Xander now, his Childe would be destroyed.

Angel’s second concern was this so-called Order of the Pure. So, take out Talzar and hopefully the Order would be disbanded.

Angel turned down another dark ally, his vampire senses on full alert. He caught the scent of an ancient vampire and changed direction.  Talzar.

**

Spike stuck close to his Sire’s scent. As much as he loved a good round of kickass action, he secretly hoped that Angel would find Talzar first and finish him off. He just wanted it over. He wanted to take Xander back to his apartment and make love to him all night long and in the morning he wanted to cook him eggs again and maybe watch some TV with him. He wanted to do all the things that normal couples do. He did not want to be wandering the dark streets of Sunnydale, wondering whether or not Xander would make it through the night.

The trio had mostly walked in silence, Spike and Willow in deep thought and Buffy still fuming about an untrustworthy vampire hooking up with her best friend. She let out a loud huff that brought Spike back to reality.

“Give it a rest, Slayer.”

“What? I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t need to. I can feel you glaring daggers at me. Fuck, I can feel ‘em going through and out the other side.” Spike stabbed at his temple in illustration. “Just get over it. Finally, I’ve found someone. The right someone. The only someone, and I’m not gonna let *you* bugger it up.”

“Is this about me?”

“Oh, you really are so self involved, aren’t you? No. This isn’t about you. There is no conspiracy. I am with Xander because I love him, *not* because I hate you or want to piss you off.  Get it into your thick skull, Slayer, not everything is about you.”

“You’re a pig, Spike.” Buffy tried to storm away but Spike quickly grabbed her and looked at Willow.

“We have to go back.” Spike released Buffy’s arm and began striding back the way they’d come.

Willow protested. “But Angel said…”

“Fuck Angel.”

“What’s going on, Spike?”

“Something’s wrong, Buffy.  I can feel it. I have to get to Xander.”

Something in her own Slayer blood told her that something was definitely up. She called to Willow as she rushed past. “Find Angel.”

**

Tara shifted shyly in front of Xander. “So…y-you two are in love?”

“Yeah, I guess we are,” Xander replied, smiling at the ground. His vision suddenly blurred and he looked up sharply to meet Tara’s worried gaze.

 “A-Are you okay, Xander? You look a l-little pale.”

Xander suddenly felt light-headed and he struggled to pull a shaky breath into his lungs.

Giles noticed the abrupt change in Xander’s breathing and he quickly rushed to his side. “Xander? Are you quite alright? Do you need to sit down?”

Xander couldn’t answer him. The air around him felt so much thinner than normal, as though all the oxygen was being siphoned away. He struggled again to breathe and he swayed unexpectedly as a wave of dizziness hit him.  What the fuck?

Tara and Giles made a grab for him before he fell and started to guide him over to the nearest chair. As they moved, they heard a loud fizzling sound. 

“G-Giles! The barrier! It’s being breached!” As Tara spoke, a tremendous and almost deafening crack resounded above them.

The barrier had failed.

Xander never heard the barrier give way and he never saw the flashes of blue lightning that streaked across the room, striking his friends and knocking them to the ground. As his senses were pulled away from him, he only saw the room blacken and tilt before the floor rushed up to meet him.

**

They all spoke at once. “WE ARE THE ORDER OF THE PURE. THE SLAYER MUST BE