Family Bonds
by
Kimalis
13
Xander tossed the keys and the fresh herb paste on the table and pointed to the refrigerator. “More blood Bleachie. I’m going to have a shower then we’ll organise another lot of Rose’s goop for your gut there.”
“Pretty sure I can reach my own stomach Harris.”
A small frown wrinkled Xander’s brow. “Right, of course you can.” Xander headed off to the bathroom, leaving Spike alone in the kitchen. He collected fresh sweatpants and a T shirt from the drawers, then after some thought, left another set on the bed for Spike.
In the bathroom, Xander shaved, then stepped into a pounding spray of hot water. He tilted into the water, letting the heat soothe and clear his head. He’d had an unusual week and a strange twenty four hours. His normal sleep pattern had been interrupted and he’d been feeling thick and slow. Xander let the water run over him as he took stock of himself.
It was such a short time ago he’d been standing in this room, fresh from a week away, and wondering if Spike would be interested in someone like him. Problem solved. Spike was very interested. Why? He had no idea and ‘gift horse’ sprang to mind very quickly. That was something that could be dealt with later. At the same time he’d been looking forward to catching up with his friends. New problem. He really had no desire to catch up with Buffy in the near future and he didn’t yet know how he was going to act with Spike in front of Willow and Tara. Damn it, he didn’t know how he was going to act with Spike in five minutes time.
Why was Spike here? Because he’d needed help. And the last thing he’d said? I can reach my own stomach. So where did Xander stand now? If Spike didn’t need him would he leave? His injuries were healed, all but that one, so no reason to stay. What did Xander want anyway? Certainly he wasn’t ready for Spike to be moving in, they’d only been on decent speaking terms for one day. But it had been a hell of a day and Xander wasn’t quite ready for it to end yet.
He recalled the time they’d spent earlier in front of the TV, Spike’s English football in the background. It had been a nice, lazy hour just kissing and touching but Xander had been in a daze and it had passed so quickly. He dwelt on the kiss they’d shared a little later that led them to going out. That one had nearly been the undoing of his vow to wait until Spike was healed and Spike’s personal promise not to jump in too quickly. Flashes of images and feelings assaulted his mind and he felt himself growing hard. Spike’s cool soft lips, the firm planes of his back and chest, the long strong, muscles of his legs, the taste of his skin, all like nothing Xander could have imagined.
Xander wrapped his hand around the length of his now hardened shaft and began a firm, fast stroke. If felt good but something was off. The warmth of his own hand was clashing with the memories of Spike’s cool skin. Xander let go of himself and pressed his hand against the cold tiles of the shower. A shudder wracked his body as he again gripped his cock with a now cool hand. Yes, better. He let his mind wander through the growing collection of images as his hand worked faster. It wouldn’t be long, couldn’t be long until this was Spike’s hand and he wouldn’t need to draw on the memories. He felt his body tensing and tightened his grip, increasing his pace. Spike kissing him. Spike touching him. Spike wanting him. Spike hard for him. That’s not the remote you can feel. Xander bit back a cry as he came, the warm jets washed away by the shower.
~*~*~*~*~
Spike watched Xander walk away and shut the bathroom door. He’d done something wrong. Xander had not looked happy. Spike thought back. The only thing he’d said was he could treat his injury himself. He would have thought Xander would be pleased he was getting better. That would mean they didn’t have to be so careful and if the boy was ready, they could progress from kisses- very good kisses and not to be scoffed at- to something more, anything more, just more. So why the frown? He was upset that Spike was looking after himself. Did that make Xander feel useless? Had he maybe been feeling like he was playing an important role having Spike here to help? There. Spike connected. If he could tend his own injuries then why was he here? Xander was pissed off cause he thought Spike would be leaving now. It gave him a good feeling to know that was what Xander was angry over. Not good that Xander was upset, but good that it was all about him. Good for the ego. So what to do about it?
Yes, he could tend this wound himself. But that was only one part of him being here. This wound was painful. And for someone who had spent a great deal of time both and inflicting and enduring pain, that was saying something. It burned, it stung, it ached and throbbed. Choose a kind of pain and it was there at some stage. But not just the wound itself. Deep inside too and all the areas around it. When Spike tried to straighten up after sitting down, the stabbing pains ripped through the whole of his side and made his head spin. He had more trouble getting in and out of chairs than he let on. If he went back to this crypt he would be stuck upstairs, sleeping on a slab or some old piece of furniture, definitely not a warm soft bed. His clothes, pretty much everything he needed were down the ladder and there was no way known he was going to be able to get himself up and down that thing.
He was staying here as long as he needed and would have to make Xander aware of that. He had some concerns of his own too. He wasn’t pleased about kicking Xander out of his own bed for a second night. He understood Xander’s reluctance to share, Spike’s side hurt enough when he moved, if he got a stray arm or leg in it, the pain would be excruciating and the poorly healing wound would likely open up again. Now that he had only the one bad spot left, there was no reason he couldn’t swap with Xander and take the couch. It was plenty comfortable and with a couple of blankets and pillows, Spike was sure he’d sleep quite well. He’d have to convince Xander of that though and he doubted he would be able to. Xander seemed to have made it his mission to care for Spike.
Obviously it was not a secret to either of them any longer that there were feelings developing between them. The question of why still popped into his head from time to time. Why was he, a master, having these feelings for a human? Spike decided to shut that one down straightaway. He didn’t know and didn’t care. Everything he had experienced with Xander so far had been great, so, as he had done in the past, Spike decided to follow his heart. But that led him to the next question. What was it that made the boy change his anti-demon stance? Spike wasn’t sure that he even cared why. His acute senses were able to pick up subtle fluctuations in human body chemistry and he was not able to detect anything insincere in Xander. He would just accept it for what it was right now. And right now it was getting interesting. They were becoming more at ease with each other, more like mates and that was a good place to be starting from. Spike well knew from experience that sex could be great without even liking the other person. This time it would be different, there would be something solid behind the passion. Already it was different. Spike had never been kissed like that by anyone, and certainly someone who was just out for a bit of gratification wouldn’t be putting their heart into it like that.
Spike set to work treating his side and considered the evening he’d had. He’d basically taken a back seat and let Xander steer events. And Spike couldn’t say he was disappointed with Xander’s driving. Surprised, definitely yes. He’d not expected Xander to be so forward. Actually he’d not had many preconceptions at all. Xander was a work in progress. The lad was building himself up, finding his adult feet. New job, new clothes, new attitude. Spike hoped he was right when he guessed Xander would have more surprises in store.
He heard the shower turn off and quickly, before Xander returned, he located the remote, flipped through the channels, finally settling on an old episode of Fawlty Towers, then stashed the remote back in its hiding place. No point putting himself through the torture of American television. Not unless the soaps were on. Not long after, Xander reappeared in the kitchen looking decidedly more relaxed; fresh clothes, damp hair, slightly flushed. Spike breathed in the scent of soaps and shampoos, hot water and-, oh. No wonder he was looking relaxed. Spike felt a stirring in his own groin. Again. Damn, no chance of relieving that at the moment, not without some significant agony and blood loss.
Spike smirked at him. “Feeling better now mate?”
Xander took a minute to register the expression on Spike’s face, then blushed. “Oh, you’re kidding me. Do I have no privacy at all?”
“Little to none, if you have a vampire in your house.”
Xander looked at him with a mix of confusion and relief. “I kinda thought you might not be here when I came out.”
“Yeah I guessed that. But here I am.”
“You don’t need me to help you anymore, I thought-”
“I can take care of this myself.” Spike told him indicating his freshly bandaged side. “But I still need your help. I can’t go home yet, can’t manage the ladder and the upstairs isn’t set up well enough to live in.”
“You’re staying?”
“Unless you want to move into my crypt, carry me down the ladder and be my nursemaid till this is healed?”
“You’re staying!” Xander told him with a grin.
“For now.” Spike headed for the bathroom. “Gonna go have a quick tub myself, then you and me, we have some details to sort out.”
~*~*~*~*~
Xander fiddled around in the kitchen, cleaning up the bandages, packing the meds from Rose into the refrigerator and washing up the odds and ends of the day’s snacks. He’d just finished the last of a coffee when Spike came back out. A slow grin spread over his face. He’d not ever seen Spike’s hair without the tons of gel he applied daily. As it was naturally, Spike’s hair fell in gentle, soft-looking curls.
He smiled and waggled a finger at Spike’ hair. “Very cute.”
“Piss off Harris, we masters are not cute.”
“Masters are also not good house guests talking to the host like that.”
Spike held up a finger. “House guest on one condition though mate.”
“What? You’re putting conditions on staying in my house, as my guest. Conditions?” Xander shook his head. “Is this some kind of crazy vampire reasoning?”
“No, just being fair. I take the couch tonight, you get your bed back.”
“Oh, no, no no. No. The end.” Xander went into the living room and lay down on the couch, spreading himself out to take up the full length and width.
“You know Harris, you play a mean game of pool, you’re a handsome devil and you’re a fucking brilliant kisser but sometimes mate, you’re a daft bugger.” Spike laughed and walked into the living room, laying down on the second, identical couch. “Lay on that one all you like Harris, I’m quite comfy over here. Look, funny program’s on telly.”
Xander shook his head and groaned at his own lack of foresight. “You can’t distract me with talk of TV, Bleachie. There’s no way I’m going to let you sleep-.” Xander sat up pointing at the TV and shouted, “What on earth are you making me watch now? This isn’t television. This is British.”
“Classic British comedy. You’ll like this one. Look Manuel thinks it’s a Siberian hamster but it’s a rat and the Health Inspec-.”
“This is not comedy. I’ve seen comedy. This is not what comedy looks like.” Xander climbed off the couch and stripped the cushions away. “What have you done with my remote? This is so not cool. You don’t go into a man’s house and mess with his Saturday night TV viewing.” Xander stopped and pointed at Spike. “And no, I am not distracted. You are not sleeping there. And we are not watching your choice anymore.” He resumed his search, unzipping covers, shoving his hands down the back and looking under the couch itself. All fruitless, bar a handful of coins and some candy wrappers.
Spike, meanwhile, was trying hard not to laugh. Not to spare Xander’s feelings, but to spare himself the pain of the stress on his abdomen. “Harris, give it up. You are not going to find that machine until I am good and ready for you to find it.” Spike sat up, held his arm out and waved his fingers, beckoning Xander over. “Now, c’mere.”
“There? There’s not such a good idea if you remember. There leads to the dark side,” he said as he began rebuilding the couch.
“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad. I do have some self control you know.” Xander stared at him with an incredulous expression. “Oh sod it, how about you just come and lie here and keep me warm then while we watch telly for a bit. You’re like a big hot coal you are.”
“Alright, but no more of your devious vampire ways, I’m on to you now mister.” Xander grabbed the blankets, arranged the pile of decorator cushions and lay down against the back of the couch his head on the armrest. “I don’t want to hurt you though.”
Spike lay down and pushed himself back against Xander’s body, wrapping both the long warm arms around himself and dropping his head back on Xander’s shoulder. “Now, you stay right there Harris and no one gets hurt.”
“Still one problem though Bleachie. Your taste in TV pretty much sucks.”
“Nah, you’re gonna love it. I plan to educate you mate. No more of that mass produced rubbish you colonials watch. You liked that football match didn’t you?”
“I liked that game because for half of it you had your tongue down my throat and your hand up my T-shirt. But I guess if that’s how you plan to teach me the ways of the BBC, who am I to complain? I can make the sacrifice. Learn me good, vamp.”
Spike chuckled then groaned. “Don’t make me laugh Harris, hurts too much.”
They both lay back and relaxed. Spike soaking up Xander’s warmth behind and around him and Xander enjoying the feel and heavy weight of Spike’s hard, lean body under his hands and pressing back into him. Xander tried his hardest to follow the show Spike had chosen but even after a few different episodes, British humour was still apparently lost on him. Spike seemed to be enjoying it, even though he had to hold back from laughing at his favourite scenes. Xander was content to watch and smile at Spike acting in such a laidback and unguarded way. It was an unfamiliar Spike and one that Xander was glad he had the opportunity to see. It was a good feeling, Xander knew Spike would be unlikely to show this side of himself to anyone else. It was something just for him. He pressed his lips to Spike’s forehead and tightened his arms around his chest. After a sleepless night and a day of interrupted naps, a content Xander soon drifted off.
~*~*~*~*~
Spike registered the slacking of Xander’s grip around him and the deeper slower breathing and knew the boy was asleep. Xander had left the pile of blankets over the back of the couch and Spike grabbed the largest, spreading it out to cover both of them. The pain in his side had worsened a little and he wasn’t going to be able to sit up again without a bit of help, but there was no way he would wake Xander just for that. Better to let him sleep; the couch was comfortable enough and besides, if Spike were to be honest with himself, it was more that he’d rather not give up this chance to curl up and sleep with Xander holding him. That was what he missed the most, having been on his own for so long. He wasn’t worried so much about Xander accidentally bumping him; it wasn’t like a bed where there was plenty of room to be rolling about. Spike had his arms and legs entwined with Xander’s and even though he was injured, he was still considerably stronger. Xander would not be moving until Spike was ready for him to let go.
Taking care not to disturb Xander, Spike reached into the side of the boxers he was wearing and took out the remote. Not usually one for underwear, Spike had decided that it was only polite seeing as he was wearing borrowed sweatpants and Xander had left them out with the fresh clothes. He turned off the television, stashed the remote under the edge of the couch and settled himself back against Xander. Spike sighed. He could very easily get used to this. It wasn’t long before he too was lulled into sleep by the combination of the rhythmic breathing and warmth of the body behind him and the sedative in the fresh batch of Rose’s medication.
14
Xander woke up just after midday, sandwiched between Spike and the couch. He tried to move, to stretch his stiffened muscles but was held tight. Resigned to staying put till Spike woke up, Xander relaxed and closed his eyes. No good. It was the urgent message from his bladder that had woken him and it wasn’t going to wait much longer. He managed to free one hand and tapped Spike’s chest.
“Hey buddy, I really need to move.” When he got no sign of recognition from Spike, there was that split second panic he had been feeling since Spike had been injured. When Spike slept, he was no different to a corpse. Even though Xander knew that if Spike were truly dead he would be dust, there was still that brief moment before his good sense kicked in. He tried again and poked a little harder. “C’mon Spike, wake up, not kidding.”
“Christ Harris what kind of hour do you call this? Go back to sleep.”
“Spike, unless you want to sleep in the wet patch, and not in a fun sexy way, it might be a good idea to let me up pretty quickly.” That worked.
Spike opened his eyes and turned to stare at Xander, wrinkling his nose. “Bloody humans.” Spike loosened his arms and legs and leaned forward so Xander could climb over him and race to the bathroom. Spike rolled himself back and lay in Xander’s warm spot, pulling the blanket up over his head to keep in the delicious heat and dozing off again.
~*~*~*~*~
Xander returned shortly, smelling of toothpaste and soap and looking refreshed. He kneeled on the floor next to Spike, reaching across the couch and peeling the blanket back off Spike’s face. “Lazy vampire.”
“Oi, you’re letting all the warm air out you git.”
“Can’t have that,” Xander said, grinning. He leaned in and pressed his lips to Spike’s pulling the blanket back over both of them. “Better?” he asked.
“Getting there.” Spike wrapped his arms around Xander’s neck pulling him down and caught Xander’s mouth in a more insistent kiss. He nipped and licked at the warm lips, dipping his tongue in and out of Xander’s mouth.
Xander slid a hand under the blanket and wound his fingers through Spike’s soft curls. He deepened the kiss, moaning at the feel of Spike’s tongue moving against his and rested his other hand on Spike’s hard chest. Oxygen soon became an issue for Xander and he regretfully broke the kiss, throwing the blanket back.
“I’m starving, you want food?” Xander said, kissing him once more before standing up and stretching.
“Not the food so much as I need the blood. Didn’t have any during the night. Come to think of it I haven’t put any of Rose’s muck on for a while either. Best get that all taken care of.”
“Well get your ass up and we can sort that out.” Xander turned to go to the kitchen.
“Yeah, slight problem with that idea mate. I can’t actually get up. That’s why we ended up sleeping here.”
“Well why didn’t you wake me up? I could have helped you sooner.” He took the blanket off and threw it over the back of the couch.
“Now why would I do that?” Spike asked. “Best sleep I’ve had in years.”
Xander slid an arm under Spike’s shoulders and lifted slowly. When Spike was upright, Xander helped him swing his legs around. “You know what? You stay here, I’ll get your blood.”
“Don’t need you babying me Harris, I can get it.” Spike tried to stand but sat down heavily when the effort was too much. “Bloody hell. I suppose I’ll just wait here then.”
“Spike shouldn’t it be getting better not worse?” Xander asked with a worried frown.
“Course it should, but I went all night and half the day without blood or meds so it’s bound to be a bit worse this morning innit? Let’s just wait and see how it goes now yeah?”
Xander propped Spike up with pillows, helped him get his feet up on the coffee table and covered him back over with the blanket. Spike laid back and closed his eyes while Xander went into the kitchen.
~*~*~*~*~
Spike was dozing again when he returned with two mugs. Xander sat carefully on the couch, his movement causing Spike to stir. He handed Spike the blood and as soon as the mug was empty took it and gave him another. When both mugs were finished, Xander went back for everything he needed to treat Spike.
“Let’s get this done, and then you can just rest while it all kicks in.” Xander waited while Spike pulled his shirt up. He quickly but gently cleaned the wound out with the milky fluid then packed it with the herbal paste, covering the site with a fresh bandage. He was pleased to see that there was no sign of fresh blood but disappointed that there was also no sign of healing yet. “Anything else you need?”
“Nah, thanks mate. That stuff Rosie sends really packs a punch. I’ll need to sleep that off. I’ll just have a bit of a lie down while you go and eat. Should be okay in a bit, soon as that blood does its thing.”
“Why don’t you let me help you into the bedroom? You’ll be much more comfortable, it’ll be a bit quieter too.”
Spike patted the pillows. “No need, the couch will do me.”
“If you go back to bed I’ll turn the electric blanket on for you,” Xander gave him a questioning smile.
“You play dirty Harris. Fine I’ll sleep in your soddin’ bed then.”
Xander raced off to switch the blanket on so the bed would be warm by the time Spike managed to walk in there. Back to the couch and he almost lifted Spike to his feet, pretending not to hear the small sounds of pain Spike made. It was a long slow walk across the room and through to the bedroom and Spike collapsed gratefully into the warmed sheets.
“Tuck me in then go eat, I can hear your insides complaining.”
Xander pulled the covers over Spike, sat on the edge of the bed and kissed him soundly. “You know it’s kinda gross when you listen to my guts.”
Spike snorted, “You don’t need to tell me mate.”
“Sleep. Stay there as long as you like. I’m going to eat, do some laundry and get some paperwork done. Have to go back to work tomorrow and I’m not even close to prepared.”
“Sounds thrilling, glad I’m gonna sleep through it.”
Xander headed for the door. “Call me if you want something.” At Spike’s raised eyebrow he clarified. “Call me if you want something and you know the answer won’t be ‘hell no’. Sleep tight.”
Spike lay back and sank himself deep into the warm bed. Going such a long stretch without blood hadn’t been the greatest idea, nor had missing a few doses of Rose’s meds. He was feeling the effects of both of those things now. The blood he’d had was doing its work, but its energising effect was being dulled by the sedatives in the freshly applied cream. He gathered the blankets around his head and was asleep again in a few short minutes.
~*~*~*~*~
Xander cooked himself some eggs and toast, washed it all down with several glasses of cold juice, then got to work on some odd jobs. He constantly resisted the urge to go and check on Spike, knowing the vampire would just accuse him of being a nancy boy again. He couldn’t help but worry. There was still a small part of him that felt guilty over the extent of Spike’s injuries, although he had given up mentioning it anymore. Something didn’t look right in that last wound, but Spike seemed to think it would be okay with some blood and rest. Xander hoped he was right.
To distract himself, Xander made a pot of coffee and settled in with his paperwork. As the site manager, he had more responsibility than he’d ever had, but that also meant he often brought work home. This lot was all updated progress reports he’d collected on his way home from the beach on Friday. Hopefully the reports would catch him up with everything he’d missed during his week away. There was a good couple of hour’s worth of reading and when he next looked up he realised Spike had been asleep for more than three hours. Rose had said medicate and feed often, so he threw a couple of blood bags in the microwave, noting there were very few left.
With the two mugs and the herb paste on a tray, Xander cracked the bedroom door open and brushed aside that tiny instant of dread before he noticed Spike’s eyes were open.
“Did I wake you up?”
“In a roundabout way; I heard the microwave beeping.” Spike pushed the blankets back and pulled himself into a sitting position with only a small grimace. “Hey, did you see that? Told you it would be better.”
“Yeah, yeah, show off. Here, drink your blood like a good vampire.” Xander put the tray down next to Spike then went around to the other side of the bed and lay down, stretching and yawning. “Got all my work done and we have a couple of hours to kill before Sunday night Magic Box meeting.”
“Magic Box? You are joking right?”
“Nope. They’ll be expecting us. You think you’re up to it?”
“Meeting yeah, patrol no.” Spike waved a hand at his side. “Feels better but I’m not ready for a big action scene quite yet.”
Xander rolled onto his side and gave Spike a grin. “Oh no, no action of any kind for you pal. Not until you can give as good as you get.”
“Cheeky bugger.” Spike laughed as he finished both cups of blood and went off to the bathroom with Rose’s medications. He was almost standing upright and was moving with much more ease than he had on the way into the bedroom.
Xander climbed under the covers and curled up in the warmth. It was a little hotter than he would have had it but still more comfortable than he’d been sitting at the table for the last few hours. He heard Spike running the shower and settled down into the pillows while he waited. Tonight they would have to go back to their normal routine. He would have to deal with Buffy and probably questions from everyone else about why Spike was still staying here. He didn’t really want to go into how Spike got injured. He’d mentioned to Willow that demons had been after him but she’d been more interested in hearing about him and Spike socialising. He guessed it was just old news. Xander had a run in with a demon. Big deal, tell me something I don’t know. It was probably just as well. With the exception of Willow and Tara, no one at the shop would care one way or the other what happened to Spike, so they wouldn’t even need to discuss it.
Also on the do not discuss list would be anything relating to the growing relationship between himself and Spike. A bit early to be calling it that, but both of them knew it was becoming something. He was surprised but pleased to discover how well they got along just hanging out. Sure they were kind of forced into close proximity at the moment with Spike’s injury, but even so, their conversation came and flowed easily, their silences comfortable, not awkward or loaded. Xander felt no inhibitions when it came to kissing Spike, he held back only because he knew it was too soon to let go completely, both for Spike’s comfort and his own state of mind. If he was to be building something with Spike he wanted to know it was based on more than just a physical desire. He wanted to know that Spike was sure of that too. For those reasons he initiated contact much less than he would’ve liked. He’d noticed Spike taking a back seat and sticking to his promise of restraint. Xander knew it would be very unvampire like to hold back so much and he appreciated the care Spike was taking.
Lost in his thoughts and with his senses dulled by the heat of the bed, Xander didn’t hear Spike come back into the room until he felt a weight in the bed behind him. Spike slid himself under the covers and wrapped himself carefully around Xander’s back, pressing his lips into the nape of Xander’s neck.
“Mmm, you are so warm.” His hand slid around Xander’s waist, his finger’s interlocking with the boy’s and pulling him closer.
“And here was me thinking how strong you were, now look where you are Mr self-control.”
“Not doing anything. I could smell you baking in here and it seemed a shame to waste all that body heat.”
“Do you get cold? I mean you’re always on the cool side, but do you feel the cold?.”
“Yeah a bit. But I’m a sucker for the heat. Can’t retain it myself so it’s nice to be able to soak it up.”
Xander twisted himself around to lie flat so he could see Spike. “You’re in my bed. I have Spike in my bed.”
“Been in your bed for a while now mate.”
“Yeah but I wasn’t here too. This is pretty cool you know?”
Spike laughed softly. “You and words Harris. You don’t have a close relationship do you?”
“Hey I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Don’t need to give a whole big flowery speech to do it. You, plus my bed, equals good. You, plus my bed, plus me, equals great. You, plus my bed, plus me, minus ouchies, equals mind-blowing. See? Simple, direct and to the point.”
“Mind-blowing you say? Good to know you have no expectations.” Spike gingerly propped himself up on one arm and traced light lazy patterns over Xander’s chest and stomach.
“No, see? Just the idea is mind-blowing for me. That something that’s been in my head for so long is maybe about to happen.”
Spike’s hand stilled. “I’ve been in your head? So this isn’t a new idea for you? You’ve been mulling it over for a while have you mate?”
Xander flushed and nodded. He’d not meant to say that, not so soon anyway. He looked at Spike warily, wondering how that would go down.
“Well, it seems we’re of the same mind.” Spike smiled.
Xander looked at him astonished. “Really?”
Spike nodded. “And don’t be embarrassed mate. I’d find me pretty hard to resist too.”
He laughed, glad that Spike had bailed him out. “Yeah, you know, I think it’s your modesty that I just can’t pass up.”
“Oh yeah, it’s just one of my many selling points.”
Xander rolled over again so he was face to face with Spike. “Well you’ve sold me.” Xander tapped his lips with a finger. “Plant one on me vamp.”
Spike wound his fist in the front of Xander’s T shirt, pulled him closer and took Xander’s bottom lip between his teeth, sucking it into his mouth. He ran his tongue along it then let go and quickly took Xander’s mouth with his, kissing him hard. His tongue thrust into Xander’s mouth, running across his teeth and the sensitive ridges behind. He wound his tongue around Xander’s drawing it back into his own mouth. His knee slid up between Xander’s legs and Spike became aware of the stirring there at the boy’s groin; it was immediately reflected in his own and Spike knew they were about to go too far again. He ended the kiss and sighed with something just this side of frustration.
Xander slowly opened his eyes and grinned at Spike. “Well you certainly don’t do things by halves.”
“Yeah, a job worth doing, and all that.”
Xander looked over Spike to the bedside clock and groaned.
“Not looking forward to going mate?” Spike asked.
“Can’t actually say as I am this time. I know I won’t be able to just go, get an update on the local evil and come home. There’s going to be dealing and confronting and, your pain and discomfort aside, I have had a great weekend; I’m not too happy about the way it’s going to end.”
“So we go, you deal, we come home and end the weekend however you like, yeah?”
“Yeah, but this is so not gonna be fun.” Xander fidgeted a little, trying to think of how to word the next thing he wanted to say. “Spike don’t get pissed or anything but I don’t want them to know about any of this, about us. Not that there’s much of an us yet, but there will be won’t there?”
“Yeah mate there will. But did you think I would be racing out to tell them? In this condition I couldn’t outrun the slayer and her stake when she found out I’d touched you. You tell your friends when you’re good and ready.”
Xander sighed and threw back the covers. “Sun’ll be down soon. Let’s get it over with.”
15
Xander pulled his car up a few doors away from the Magic Box. They weren’t expected at the store just yet and on the drive over, they had decided to grab the pizza Xander had been craving since Friday night. Just two blocks away was a pizzeria, so they parked and walked while Spike was feeling up to it. Both had been cooped up for most of the weekend and while neither was complaining about the company or proximity, they were glad to be out and about in the fresh air.
Xander chose a table far from the front windows where they could not be seen from the street. It was unlikely that the girls would even notice he was in here, but he was a little on edge about seeing Buffy again and wanted to spend the next hour alone with Spike fortifying himself for the coming evening. Spike went to order with instructions for something large, lots of meat, minimal vegetable matter and obviously, no garlic. Spike returned with a jug of coke and a couple of glasses.
“Never took you for a coke kind of vamp.” Xander said as Spike poured two glasses.
“I’m not,’ he said, winking as he pulled a hip flask from his back pocket. “Thomas put this in the bag with all my gear, bless him.” He tipped a shot into his coke, then offered the flask to Xander.
“No thanks, I’m fine with this.”
“Not much of a drinker then mate?”
Xander considered this for a moment before a ‘what the hell’ expression crossed his face. “Not much no. My dad makes up for it though. He started drinking a fair bit when I was young, it was never much fun when he was tanked; it was enough to put me off.”
“He was a mean drunk?”
“I guess that depends on your take on mean. He never hit us, if that’s what you’re asking. He was kinda all over the shop. Sometimes he would be angry at us, or at himself and shout, yell, scream, whatever, until Mum and I got out of his way. Other times he would be maudlin and just sit and cry. Or there was the days he’d not talk to anyone, just down glass after glass then go to bed.” Xander stopped and thought for a moment. “I guess he’s just a guy who shouldn’t pick up a drink, it never ends well.”
“Like you said mate, not much of a role model for you.”
“I guess not. I don’t mind a beer now and again, but that’s enough for me.”
“You know just cause he can’t hold his drink, doesn’t mean you’ll go the same way.”
“Yeah I know. It’s just not a risk I want to take. I don’t want my friends and family to be, well, not scared but nervous? Tense? I don’t want them to feel like that about me.”
Spike raised his glass to Xander. “Cheers mate, you’re a stronger man than I.”
“Nah, but thanks,” he said as he touched his glass to Spike’s.
The pizza arrived and they both fell silent for a time. Xander managed to demolish half the slices while Spike picked at one or two.
Xander pointed at the slice Spike was picking bits of sausage from. “Not a pizza kind of guy either?”
“No, I don’t mind pizza, I’m just full of blood. Had a couple of bags before we left so those meds of Rose’s wouldn’t knock me around too much.”
“Feeling okay?”
“Better than I was earlier. Still hurts like all fuck and it’s still not healing but at least I can walk by myself now.”
“Maybe we should go let Rose take another look.”
“Nope, not going to bother the Joudels. They’ve done enough.”
“Well, make sure you take it easy tonight. I have to go back to work tomorrow and I don’t want to spend the day worrying about you because you picked a fight with the slayer.”
Spike snorted at him. “Don’t be a soddin’ nancy Harris. Don’t need you to worry about me.”
Xander grinned at him and laughed. “Maybe, but you know you like it.”
Spike downed his drink. “You, mate, are a smart arse.”
“Yeah, and you like that too.” Xander told him matter of factly.
“Alright before your ego gets any bigger, finish that up and let’s go. The sooner the meeting starts and finishes, the sooner we can get out of there.”
“I’m done, let’s do it.” Xander stood and shook his head at Spike’s fake hopeful smirk. “One-track vampire.”
~*~*~*~*~
It was only a short walk back to the Magic Box, but Xander tried to draw it out. They walked slowly, Xander telling himself that it was because Spike was still not in top shape. He couldn’t kid himself completely though and recognised it as the less than subtle delaying tactic that it was.
“You know it’ll be okay don’t you? You stand your ground, just like you did last time.” Just two doors from the pizzeria, Spike grabbed Xander’s arm and stopped him.
“Yeah I know, I just don’t like confrontation, not with my friends. You want to go home? Let’s go home.”
Spike looked around then pulled Xander back into an alcove in a store front. He gripped the boy’s shoulders and shook him gently. “Pull yourself together mate. That bloke who took no crap on Friday night? You’re letting him go. That’s a shame, I liked him, he had balls enough to tell the slayer to jam it.”
“What if that was just a fluke?”
“Nah, no chance, I’ve seen him plenty of times. Now get a grip on him and let’s go.”
Xander straightened himself up and took a deep breath. He nodded his head sharply. “Okay, getting a grip.” He reached up and put his hands on either side of Spike’s head, kissing him hard and long. “Got, it, now we can go.” He grabbed Spike by the arm and pulled him back out onto the sidewalk.
Spike smiled at him. “And he’s back.”
They’d gotten only a few feet further when Spike stopped. “Can you hear that?”
Xander listened. “No, what is it.”
Spike looked around. “Demon, somewhere close, can’t tell where, the sound’s echoing too much. I can hear it breathing though. Definitely not human breathing.”
“Ok well the shop isn’t far let’s just get inside. It’s probably nothing.”
“I’ve got a hole in my guts mate, Murphy says it’s gonna be something.” He clapped Xander on the shoulder. “But yeah, let’s get to the Box.”
They were less than a block from the Magic Box when a large brown mass dropped to the ground in front of them. It was around six foot tall, broad and thickly muscled. It had a thick pelt of tawny hair growing from its forehead and spreading down the back of its head to its waist. At first glance at its face, Xander was reminded of pug, a large, hairy pug. Its lower half was clad in roughly cut, tanned, leather leggings, its feet wrapped in something similar. It carried no weapons, but from the length and thickness of its arms and the long sharp talons, it probably didn’t have much need.
The demon didn’t move, but stood stock still, blocking their path and scenting the air, turning its nose from Spike to Xander.
“What is that?” Xander asked in a whisper.
“Can’t think of the name just now, but that is a she. No hair on the front, it’s a female.” Spike was edging himself closer to Xander and at the same time forcing Xander to move towards the street, but each time they took a step, the demon followed suit and swiped in their direction with a heavy arm. “Name’s not important, this lady is bigger than us, stronger than us but slow. And I mean slow in the head too. Not the brightest crayons in the box these demons. Those muscles are for swinging and hitting, too heavy to get any speed up. But watch those arms, she has a long reach.”
A low growl rumbled out of its chest when it caught a closer scent of Spike. It turned away from the vampire, focussing on Xander and taking a deep breath. A harsh guttural sound came with its exhalation, “Djuurahk ahl.”
“What did it say?”
“How the fuck would I know? I know Fyarl and a bit of Latin and French. She’s speaking none of the above.”
The demon growled again. “Djuurahk dohl.”
The demon still moved with them, step for step, but was also positioning itself closer to Xander, swiping vaguely at Spike in a defensive move. “Harris you can outrun her. Go, run for the shop.”
“What? No! You aren’t sidelining me again.” Xander looked at him incredulously. “We both go, or we both fight.”
“I can’t run. Not fast enough to get past her.”
The demon was keeping itself between them and the shop. Each step they took she matched, repeating the same phrase over and over. She moved no closer to them but neither did she move away. She seemed to be fixated on Xander but growled and cast an occasional wary glance at Spike.
“Spike my car is just up ahead and I have a weapons bag in the trunk. If we can get to the side of her I can run and grab something, bring you back a weapon.” Xander was nodding his head towards his car which was parked just a short distance away, between them and the shop.
“If she follows you, there’s not much I can do. I might be able to catch up to her, but I doubt I can take her down. You got your cell? We could call up the troops and get them out here.”
Xander looked at him sheepishly. “It’s in the car.”
Spike sighed and shook his head. “Git.”
They continued to inch their way up the road, mirrored every step by the demon.
“I’m going for the trunk.” Xander surreptitiously checked his pockets for his car keys. Okay, left front, easy to get out, press the remote, trunk pops, armed fun for all.
“You’ll easily outrun her. Just a matter then of whether she follows you or dismembers me.” Spike stopped and thought for a moment. “Harris when I say go, take a big slow step away from me then stop. I’m having a bit of a theory here. Okay, ready? Go.”
Spike and Xander both took long sideways steps and put a greater distance between themselves. As they moved, the demon let out a low keening wail and swayed back and forth between the two. It didn’t move its feet and appeared confused.
“And there you go,” said Spike, slowly moving back to Xander’s side. “Thick as a plank. It can’t make up its mind. Typical for a bloody wo-”
“Hey. Focus vamp. I’m going for the car, if you start moving the opposite way, and it’s still Special Ed demon, I should be able to get there, grab something sharp and heavy and get back to you before it makes a decision.”
“Alright then, on three. One, Two, three.” Xander tore off to the left while Spike, significantly more slowly, dodged to the right and began to back away.
The demon wailed again, its words shouted into the air. “Djuurahk ahl.” It swayed on the spot, just as before, scenting the air in both directions and howling and swinging again at Spike. It stood still for a moment longer, shaking its head and twisting its body towards both men alternately. Spike heard the beep as the trunk opened and heard Xander rummaging through heavy clunking metal objects. Unfortunately so did the demon and it lumbered off in his direction.
“Harris, heads up its coming.” Spike shouted and started after the demon.
Xander spun around from the back of the car, two large, heavy axes in his hands. He left the car open and ran straight for the demon, dodging around it at the last minute, well out of reach of its arms and headed for Spike, passing over a weapon. Now that they were both back together, the demon had no decision to make. It put its head down and charged.
“Split!” Spike yelled shifting into his own demon’s face. He pointed Xander to a position behind it, while he stepped directly in its path.
The demon swung it massive arm, the talons protracted even further. Spike pulled back, hissing with the pain of the movement as the hand skimmed past his stomach. He hauled the axe back over his shoulder and let fly at the demon. Even with his injury, he was marginally faster than the large, heavy creature and the axe took half its hand away. Thick, foul smelling brown blood oozed from the ruined appendage drawing another wail from the demon. It didn’t slow, however, just spun and made for Xander.
“Djuurahk dohl.”
Xander swung his axe at the same time the demon was reaching for him with its still-intact hand. His axe connected taking the arm off above the elbow. He cringed at the howl from the demon. “Sorry, Ma’am, but you are trying to shred our guts here.”
“Harris, down!” Spike shouted, hefting the axe in his right hand, his left pressed against the wound in that side. When he saw Xander hit the ground, he growled long and loud and swung. The axe sped in a long arc from the ground, through the air and continued on into the demon’s neck, passing out the other side. Its head and body dropped to the street, sluggish fonts of viscous fluid pumping from both cut ends of the neck.
Xander looked over the pieces of demon and saw Spike doubled over, leaning on the handle of the axe. “Spike you okay there?” He got back to his feet and hurried over to the vampire’s side, trying to prise his hand away. “Show me, let me see.”
“Don’t fuss Harris, its fine. Just hurts.” Spike pushed his hand off and shook his demon face off.
“Hey, you want the bloke who takes no crap? Well this is him. Now shut up, move your hand and let me look at this.” He shoved Spike’s hand away and lifted the edge of his shirt. “There’s no new blood, but this still isn’t healing over. You should see Rose about it.”
“Not bothering Rose again. Just give it time.” Spike pulled his shirt back down.
“You’re a vampire, you shouldn’t need any more time. This should be gone by now.” Xander waved at his side, an impatient expression on his face. “Don’t tell me you’re happy not being able to get in a decent fight. I know you well enough to know that’s not true.”
“You’re nagging me Harris. That’s not attractive.” Spike pointed a finger at Xander and headed towards Xander’s car.
“Yeah and I can see your entrails, that’s not exactly a turn on either.” Xander picked his axe up and followed Spike.
Spike was at the trunk, wiping his axe on an old towel before putting it into the bag. Xander handed him the other axe to clean and pack. “Why won’t you go to Rose?”
“Will you let it go?”
“Not any time soon, no. No crap guy here remember?”
“Fine, I’ll go see Rose tomorrow if it’s not any better. Happy?”
“Why not today?” Xander asked.
“Oh for fuck’s sake. I am not going to see Rose today. That’s it, let it be now.”
“Okay, let me think. Hmm. No. You give me a good reason or I throw you in the car and take you kicking and screaming to the Lion and you can argue with Tom.”
Spike stared at him with a dark expression. “You are pushing me boy.”
Xander held his gaze with equal anger. “First? Never call me boy like that. Second, make your fucking mind up. You want me to stand my ground or not? Or maybe you meant with everyone else but you. If I’m not taking shit, then that includes yours. Third? You are no good to me or yourself like this and you know it; that demon should have been a walk in the park for you. And you know damn well that wound is getting worse. Hell I could probably kick your ass right now.”
“Would you be saying all this if I wasn’t chipped?” Spike asked in a low voice, hints of gold flashing in his eyes.
“Yes.” Xander answered without hesitation. “Why? What would you be doing without your chip right about now? Would you bite me for telling you the truth? For caring what happens to you?”
Spike’s face softened as he considered this man. Ballsy. Doing exactly what Spike had said he should. Sticking up for himself, not backing down. Caring what happens to him. It’d been a long time since anyone cared and the one person who did, that Spike actually gave a shit about, was asking if he would be killed for calling it like it is. Nice move idiot.
“No Harris, I wouldn’t hurt you.” He shook his head. “Anyone else would be fair game though.”
“So, when are we going to see Rose?”
Spike gave a wry laugh. “And you call me one-track. Alright, we’ll go after the meeting. Okay?”
“Okay.” Xander stepped closer to Spike behind the open trunk. He laid one hand at the small of Spike’s back, the other on his cheek and kissed him lightly. He pulled away and looked Spike directly in the eyes, pleased to see they were clear blue again. “As hot as you are when you’re bad, we won’t get far if you vamp out and threaten me each time we have an issue.”
“I didn’t mean-” Spike gripped his arms, looking apologetic
“I saw your eyes, I heard what you said.” Xander told him. “It wasn’t a direct threat, but it’s no different to me waving a stake at you. And that’s something I don’t plan on resorting to.”
“Point taken Harris. But I am what I am; sometimes the demon is a reflex. You have to know what you’re getting into.”
“I’m pretty clear on that. But save the big dramatic reactions for a decent fight okay? Not when you’re just being a whiney baby who won’t see the doctor.”
Spike laughed. “If you’ll save the preaching and nagging for something more important.”
Xander held his hand out. “Deal. Shake on it?”
Spike looked at his hand in mock contempt. “Your words mate. Shaking’s for manly men. And you’re a big poof, so no, that’s not how we do it.”
“A hundred and twenty something and you resort to name calling. Real mature.”
“Still waiting for you to seal the deal, pansy arse.”
“Are you now?” Xander ran his thumb across Spike’s lips, his other hand still on Spike’s back pulled him in closer so they were pressed together, at thighs and groin. He leaned in and blew hot breath across Spike’s mouth, wrapping his hand lightly around Spike’s neck and scratching gently with his nails. “Bad luck for you, vamp.”
Xander backed off with a smirk that rivalled any of Spike’s and headed for the Magic Box. “I have a meeting to go to.”
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