Family Bonds
by
Kimalis
Part Fifty-Two
Xander was thankful for their private, circular booth at the Lion, open enough that they could watch the pool games and follow the match on Tom’s television, but secluded enough that no one batted an eyelid when either of them felt the need for some reassuring contact.
“Can we start this evening over?” Xander gave Spike a lingering kiss. Nothing but Spike, smoke and whiskey. He smiled. “Hi honey, how was your day?”
Spike snorted. “Enlightening. Yours?”
“Same actually.”
Spike sat up a little straighter and cocked an eyebrow. “Yeah? What did the witches have to say?”
“The spell is mostly gone but it looks like the demons might still be able to keep tabs on me.” He explained the symbols and Tara’s findings and mentioned how the girls were going to try and block the locator.
“No point worrying about it love; you said it’s not functioning. If the witches can neutralise it then well and good. If they can’t then not to worry, you’re useless to those demons now. They can’t usurp a claimant and you’re mine. They’ll have a hell of a fight on their hands if they try and honestly, I’d be surprised if they did.”
“Yeah that’s basically what Buffy said too. Even though it’s not even active, I’d still feel better if this whole thing was over with you know? No traces at all.”
“Course you would, so would I.” Spike ran his fingers through Xander’s hair. “I’d be more than happy to get on with things without having some bloody slayer or demon trying to do one of us in.”
“You know Buffy is okay now right? She’s not going to have anymore psychotic episodes around me or try to dust you every time you open your mouth.”
“Might be a different story if she finds out I offed a few humans last night.”
Xander flinched just slightly at the lingering feelings that stirred up. “I won’t be telling her Spike. There’s no need for anyone else to find out about that.”
Spike sighed and pulled Xander to him. “I’m sorry it hurt you love. I had no idea how it would be.”
“Yeah I know that. It’s okay, really.” Xander relaxed as Spike kissed an apology. It was definitely helping to be able to taste him with no hint of blood. He inhaled deeply to add Spike’s scent to the mix; they would be fine.
“You’re a good bloke Harris and you’ll be a great consort.” Spike pulled away and smiled at him, then settled back with a shot glass in his hand. “So, nothing else happened when you went to see the witches?”
“No, nothing much. We had a chat, it was nice, there was food. Oh and we organised a patrol for tomorrow night.” Xander thought about that for a moment. He’d not been on patrol for a while, so really he had no idea just how much he’d changed since Spike had claimed him. “Is that okay with you? I kinda want to try out the new me, see if I’m any faster or stronger, you know.”
Spike slid across the seat and slipped his hand under Xander’s shirt to run up his side. “That is more than okay. You have no idea how much I want to see that. I want you to wear something tight and black, no coat. Big weapon.”
“You been working on that image for a while Bleachie?” Xander laughed. “No problem finding something tight. I’ve hardly patrolled at all these last few weeks, haven’t been at work either, just laying around with the man vamp eating junk. Sadly the regular and very enjoyable bedroom athletics isn’t enough to stop me getting a bit squishy.”
“If you want more regular and more athletic I can arrange that for you love.” Spike’s hand ran over Xander’s chest and stomach and he nuzzled at his neck. “You look fine Harris, more than fine. You want to go out the back and I can show you just how fine I think you are?”
“No, but keep that on the burner, we are not having sex in a men’s room. I’m sure Tom and Rose would be able to hear everything.”
Spike snorted a cold breath against Xander’s neck. “That’s half the fun love.”
“Not fun!” Xander slapped his arm. “Maybe strangers, but not the Joudels. That would be like having your parents listen.”
“You know love, for a vampire’s consort you’re a touch shy.”
“I’m not shy Spike.” Xander argued. “You’re an exhibitionist. You would have had me over the car last night and not thought twice.”
“You’re not shy mate?” Spike’s hand slid down to the button on Xander’s jeans, flipped it open and slid the zipper down. “Are you sure?”
Xander held his breath as Spike’s teeth scratched over his claim and his hand sunk deep into the front of Xander’s jeans. A cool draught from the open front door reached Xander and he realised how exposed he was. “You are evil,” he said pulling Spike’s hand away and fixing his clothes. “Pure evil demon. Get thee behind me, vampire.”
Spike laughed and shook his head at Xander’s mistakenly implied invitation. “With pleasure love, you just say when.”
“Damn you!”
“Evil, like you said.” Spike downed another shot. “Besides you walked right into that.”
“Will I never learn?”
“Hope not mate.” He took Xander’s face in his hands and kissed him. “Love you just like this.”
~*~*~*~*~
Xander could have sworn Rose had some kind of radar that helped her appear at just the wrong time. “So did I hear someone laughing at last boys? That makes a nice change for tonight,” Rose said, slapping her hands down on the table and giving them a stern look. “One day you’ll come to visit me and it won’t be a big drama, it will just be my boys, happy and content. Do you have yourselves sorted out again now?”
Xander looked at Spike who just shrugged.
“You want to talk about it?” Rose asked. “Share a problem with a friend?”
Spike’s eyes turned on Xander, seeming to weigh it up. Xander trusted Tom and Rose and knew that the Joudels had not steered them wrong in the past and had in fact helped get them back on this track when their own pig-headedness may well have been the end. He tried to share his feelings for Rose with Spike. He assumed it must have worked when Spike sighed and nodded to him.
“That Fewoi demon last week shorted out my bloody chip. We found out the other day. Last night I went out and fed off some humans. It was fu-, ah, damn good and so I went out again tonight. Turns out it was a bloody terrible idea and it’s not something I ever want to do again. Not sure how to feel about that.”
Rose took a moment, but only a very brief one, to process this and all it meant. Her forehead creased, the light rippling attractively over her scales with the movement. Her eyes immediately went to Xander’s neck, then to Spike’s. Rose’s face lit up with a broad smile. “My boys are mated? Oh that’s wonderful.” She waved her hands at Xander and he slid out of the booth and into a warm happy hug. “Congratulations Chooky.” Spike made all the expected noises of protest but also went to Rose for his congratulatory hug when she beckoned. “William, you are not as big an arse as I sometimes think. Congratulations my darling.” She gestured them back into the booth and slid in opposite. “So you’ve claimed each other and I assume, knowing you William, that you saw fit to forego the ceremony and ritual and get to the heart of things so to speak?”
“That I did Rosie. And if I didn’t know my boy here would die of embarrassment, I would tell you all.”
“Good god Spike, don’t you dare talk about that,” Xander said, horrified that Spike might even consider sharing.
“Settle, love. Wouldn’t give that away to anyone. No offence Rosie.”
“None taken,” she said cheerfully. “So then, William. You’ve claimed Xander, in that, ah, rather intimate way, then gone out and tried to bite humans? I imagine you felt unfaithful, yes?” When both Xander and Spike nodded uncomfortably she smiled. “One of the things I love about you William, is that you are so unique. Such an unusual mix of vampire and human; almost as though your soul tried so hard to hold onto you that it’s left it’s mark.”
“I don’t have a bloody soul Rosie. If I did I wouldn’t have killed those humans last night.”
“Oh now I know you aren’t naïve enough to suggest that in all honesty. What are the jails full of if not souls? But no, you don’t have one that’s true. Interesting though isn’t it, that you feel guilt for those acts yesterday?”
“Rose don’t get me wrong. I feel like all kinds of hell for how it made my boy here feel, but I have no guilt about killing those people. None at all. I’m a vampire, we live off humans, so no apologies there. But I’m also a master and what I did made me feel adulterous and made my consort unhappy. That’s what I didn’t expect and that’s what I regret.”
Xander took Spike’s hand and threaded their fingers together. “Its okay, we just didn’t know.”
“Doesn’t change the fact though does it?” Spike said.
“The consort bond can be so very fluid like that.” Rose told them. “One never knows exactly what form it will take, especially with your beloved being a human and you being you.”
“Me being me. That’s the rub. I am still a master Rosie. Just a soddin’ defanged one again.”
“Oh don’t be silly William. You still have a very impressive set of fangs I’m sure and if you needed to you could drain any number of humans. You aren’t defanged, or leashed, or restrained in any way. And no doubt if a human were to push you far enough or threaten Xander, you would attack without compunction.”
“Course I would but that’s completely different. I’m talking about everyday feeding. It’s what vampires do. If I can’t do that one basic thing what am I?”
Rose laughed, then stopped and sighed when she saw Spike’s genuine confusion over his position. “Xander, humans, specifically human males, before taking a mate can be rather liberal with their physical affections yes?”
Xander wondered where she was going with that, but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. “Ah, sure Rose. Rampantly liberal in fact.”
“And that’s their nature, it’s what they do. Now when those rampantly liberal young men mate for life, they focus their need in only one direction correct?”
“Unless they want their balls handed over on a platter, yeah,” he agreed.
“And again that’s considered normal?”
“Of course.”
“And they are no less a man for being loyal to their mate?”
“No, not at all.”
Spike sighed. “I’m not a bloody human male Rosie.”
“Oh really William? Thank you for pointing that out.” She patted his hand. “I know I’m simplifying things a touch, but my point is that you’re no less than what you were because you’ve chosen to give up something that was as natural to you as breathing is to Xander. The capability hasn’t gone, just the desire. I know that while you were chipped you satisfied the need for violence quite well didn’t you?”
“That’s one of the reasons I stayed with his lot. Always guaranteed a nasty to kick around.”
“And since Thomas has been delivering decent blood, you are strong and healthy yes?” Spike nodded. “So you are a master vampire at full strength and one who is regularly demonstrating his power over the violent and lethal demon population of a Hellmouth, while the other vampires settle for the humans, which I imagine are relatively easy pickings. Excuse me for being blunt Xander.”
Xander waved her apology away. “It’s just the truth Rose, no problem.”
Rose turned back to Spike. “You are a vampire who is constantly reinventing himself . From William to Spike, from a new childe to, as they say, the slayer of slayers. Now you’re the master who chooses to remain faithful to his consort. You are the master who is so strong and powerful that you are able to protect your consort by dominating the demons that would threaten him. And might I just ask, aside from yourself at this moment William, who on earth cares if you get your blood from a bag rather than run around killing humans and risking the slayer’s wrath? You have a consort to take care of; what will happen to him if next time you annoy her she doesn’t miss?”
Xander protested “I don’t want to jinx us, but I’m not useless, I can take care of myself. I have been for twenty one years now.”
“I know you can love.” Spike squeezed his hand. “You’re more than capable.”
“You’re a consort now Xander,” Rose told him. “Things are very different.”
“What? How are things different,” he asked, looking from Spike to Rose.
Rose appeared to glance uneasily at Spike before a flicker of understanding crossed her face. “Oh, well, by that I mean that, ah, you being master and consort, you aren’t just free and easy single men anymore, you have someone else to think about now. You both need to consider the impact of your actions on the other. If Spike feeds, he risks both of you.”
Xander noticed Spike give Rose a small nod in what he assumed was agreement. “You have a point there Rosie. The slayer seems to have a bag of stakes with my name on them. I don’t want to be giving her real reasons instead of excuses.”
Rose smiled kindly at Spike. “William I do understand all your worries. But I think those are solely your own. I doubt Xander would see any weakness in you. I certainly don’t. As for others, I know that among demons, the master and consort bond is highly respected, as is any action that is undertaken for the sake of protecting the consort.”
“You don’t leave a bloke much room to argue do you?” Spike shook his head.
“Boys, there are so many ways you could look at this situation, in the end, together you will come to a conclusion you are both happy with. For what it’s worth that was just the simplified opinion of an old woman who only wants to see you both happy.”
“Oi. Less of that ‘old’ business, eh Rosie?”
“We are happy Rose and we’re well on the way to being sorted out I think.” Xander glanced at Spike who nodded his agreement. “We’re going to throw the expectations out the window, along with the rule book and just take whatever comes and sing c’est la vie.”
Spike snorted at Xander and shook his head. “What he said but without the singing. You should hear him. No consideration for vamp hearing.”
“Hey!” Xander laughed and shoved Spike.
“Ah, that’s what I like to see,” Rose said with a happy smile.
Xander felt the vibrations through the floor and knew that Tom was on his way over. “You fellas kissed and made up yet?” His deep booming laugh rang out as Tom thumped two full dinner plates down on the table. “Our Rosie’s got a bit of a thing for-.”
“Thankyou Thomas, that will do,” Rose’s voice carried her mortification “You are the most indelicate creature I’ve ever known.”
Xander battled to stifle a laugh and tried not to let Rose see his struggle.
Tom’s eyebrows waggled comically. “Yep, I get good mileage when you boys make up.” Tom ducked Rose’s swing at the back of his head. “So everythin’ okay here now? I fancy a nice bit of how’s your father.”
“Oh good lord Thomas, you don’t know when to stop do you?” She grabbed a laughing Tom by the arm and dragged him away telling them over her shoulder, “I’ll leave you two to eat in peace while I have a quick word with my husband.”
“Now, now Rosie, I’ve got customers to serve, we haven’t got time for a quickie.” Tom chuckled.
Rose’s voice floated back to them from the kitchen doorway. “A what? Get in the kitchen now Thomas Joudel! How dare you-.” Her voice was muffled by the door that slammed closed behind them.
Xander let out the laugh he had been suppressing and Spike joined him. He felt a little guilty for laughing at Rose’s embarrassment, but Xander soon realised how much they both needed it as he felt the tension leaving him and felt Spike relax more too.
Spike gathered Xander in his arms and planted a sound kiss on his lips. “We’ll be okay mate. A little rough patch every now and then is nothing.”
“We’re good here Spike.” Xander agreed. “And I’d really love to talk more but, well, food, and it smells great and I am starving so-.”
“Eat love. I’ll help you work off the meal later yeah?”
Xander made happy noises of approval around a mouthful of steak.
~*~*~*~*~
Before they left, Xander and Spike joined Tom for a few drinks at the bar. Rose popped out every now and then, giving Tom a stern look and making sure he was getting on with his job. At the sound of the door opening, Tom snapped to attention and grabbed stacks of glasses or polished the bar top, but as soon as she returned to the kitchen Tom would give them a wink and chuckle and resume his conversation.
Xander enjoyed the quiet time, leaning back on a stool with Spike’s arm around him, sipping on a coke and listening to them arguing over English soccer and Rugby teams. When the talk turned to cricket however, he decided enough was enough and excused himself, to use the bathroom. On his way back he dodged the pool cues and sidestepped a couple of long tails that snaked from under a table of demons, waving an apology to the owners for the near miss. As he neared the bar a cool draught reached him and he automatically glanced at the front door. A frown creased his forehead as he saw the tall man leaving the pub. A sense of familiarity came over him, but there was no way to identify the person under the heavy coat and baseball cap. As the door swung shut Xander climbed back into his seat.
“Hey Tom. Did you see that guy that just left?” he asked.
“Yeah, strange bloke that one. Pops in every now and then, asks if there’s any poker games he can get in on. Sometimes has a few drinks, other times just leaves. Never talks to anyone, just watches the crowd.” Tom shook his head. “He’s never any trouble and his money is as good as the next fella’s, but like I said, strange.”
You know his name?”
“Know sod all about him mate, sorry.”
“Something wrong love?” Spike asked.
“No nothing wrong, just looked familiar is all.” Xander picked up his coke. “Nevermind, maybe it was just the long coat. I kinda have a thing for one particular guy in a long coat.”
Spike tossed the remains of his drink back in one go then slid off his stool. “Right then. I have a thing for you too mate, let’s get home and I can show it to you yeah?”
Spike dug in his pocket and handed a pile of notes over to Tom. “For the food, the bottle of Jack and a few more weeks of blood.”
“Cheers mate.” Tom waved them off as Spike dragged Xander out the door.
Out on the street, Xander had a quick look for the person he’d seen leaving but there was no one else around. The almost familiar man was soon forgotten as Spike pushed Xander in the car and gave him a detailed explanation of exactly what he was going to show him when they got home.
Part Fifty-Three
Xander fidgeted and chatted all the way to the cemetery, checking the car’s clock, checking his watch in case the clock was wrong and generally causing Spike to roll his eyes every few minutes. “The girls might already be there, Spike. I hope we’re not late, do you think we are?”
“Be a sport love and tell me exactly how many times in one day you think I’d have to shag you before you’re too tired to talk? Today obviously wasn’t enough.”
“Dunno, with my amazing consorty powers of rejuvenation, it could be a whole lot. You want to try and find out tomorrow?” Xander grinned and his hand automatically went to his neck where he’d only just healed over again and was still a little sensitive. He buzzed with the small amount of Spike’s blood running through his system, which for Xander had the effect of having consumed roughly a metric tonne of sugar, without the heavy crash at the end.
“You think you can sit still long enough?”
“Depends where you want me to sit.” Xander’s eyes and hand went immediately to Spike’s lap.
Spike shifted Xander’s hand and gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Enough of that now love. If you want to have a night out patrolling with your friends you’ll keep it in your own bloody pants and out of mine. Otherwise I turn this car around, take you back home and throw you over the new hamper.”
Xander laughed. “I love you Bleachie. Did I remember to tell you today?” While the exchange of blood hit Xander like a top quality amphetamine, he well knew that for Spike it had the opposite effect. For the next few hours, while Xander would be bouncing off the walls, Spike would be quietly basking in a heated flow of love that coursed freely through him. It was this warm rush that Xander was prodding him to share.
“Yes mate, you did tell me. Many times.” Spike smiled and shot Xander the burst of affection he had been angling for.
“Oh yeah, that’s the stuff.” Xander sighed and twisted in his seat to look at Spike. “Does this ever feel weird to you? That we can do things like that?”
“No love it doesn’t feel weird. It feels right.”
“Yeah it does. I’m glad you agree. Would have been a little on the awkward side of uncomfortable otherwise.” Xander leaned over and nuzzled Spike’s neck.
“Oi, knock it off Harris, you’ll only get yourself all worked up again; me too. And you’ll never let me hear the bloody end of it if we miss this patrol.”
Xander bit his neck, none too gently, then sat back on his own side of the car. “Sorry, master.”
Spike shook his head and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You’re a fucking tease, Harris.”
“But you love me anyway.”
Spike gave a resigned sigh as he pulled the car into the cemetery’s parking lot. “Lucky for you mate or you would have died a very slow and excruciatingly painful death by now.”
Xander looked over his shoulder, sizing up the rear of the car. “Is it wrong that that just made me want to fuck you in the back seat?”
“It’s the blood love, maybe you took a little too much that last time. Give it another hour or two to settle down a bit.”
They climbed out and Spike opened the trunk, smiling appreciatively as Xander collected his axe. He’d done as Spike asked and was wearing a comfortable but snug pair of jeans and a black T-shirt that clung to the softened outlined of his torso. He finished it off with his favourite black leather boots and belt; his coat had been left behind. Combine the outfit with his long unruly hair, and judging by the expression, Spike was in visual heaven.
Xander handed Spike his favourite weapon, grabbed up some stakes and then slammed the trunk closed, slinging his axe over his shoulder. He laughed as he found himself with his arms full of leering vampire.
“You look incredible love.”
“Eyes of the beholder, which must also be wearing rose coloured glasses.” Xander pointed to his middle. “Squishy”
“Don’t care.” Spike ran his hands over Xander. “You really have your heart set on patrolling?”
“To quote a wise man- Oi! Knock it off.” Xander kissed him briefly then stepped away pointing to the car approaching. “Look, here be girls. And they come bearing fresh watcher and chips.”
Spike frowned in his long suffering way. “It’s going to be a long night isn’t it?”
“Hope so!” Xander shot back happily and headed over to the girls’ car to help unload the trunk.
Spike shook his head as the girls and Xander exchanged hugs, examined the supply of snack foods and weapons and began talking in that rapid fire way that few could interpret. Was it a patrol or a bloody party? Didn’t really matter, he supposed, as long as the consort was safe and happy. Going by the broad smiles and indecipherable turns of phrase he easily fell back into, Xander was very happy. Spike just thanked the powers that be that Xander rarely spoke like that at home and kept well clear of the nauseating Scooby-love vibe oozing from him.
He tensed as Giles also avoided the raucous group and, carrying a short sword, made his way to Spike’s side.
“Spike.”
“Rupert,” he said warily.
“Xander appears very happy.”
“Because he is.”
“Hmm.”
Spike waited. Obviously there was something the watcher wanted to say, but it would be in his own time, not before.
“Have you made Xander fully aware of the implications of his status?” Giles asked eventually.
Spike answered carefully. “He knows what he’s gained.”
“Hmm.” Giles nodded slowly.
Patience. Not high on Spike’s list of skills, but one which he knew he best get a handle on if he were to be dealing with these people more often. This watcher was a deceptive man; outwardly calm, maybe even serene. Inwardly though, a different picture. Spike was fully aware of the man’s capabilities and though he enjoyed taunting him, he also had a healthy respect for the inner Ripper.
Giles stared directly at Spike. “But does he know what he stands to lose?”
Spike held the watcher’s gaze and didn’t lose his neutral expression. “He will soon enough.”
“You’ve yet to tell him what it all means.” Not a question but a statement reflecting his concern. “Xander deserves to know everything that may affect him.”
“And as soon as I’ve made arrangements, he will.”
“If something should happen in the meantime?” Giles pressed for more.
Spike wasn’t sure if he would have answered or not. He was saved from the decision when a warm and cheerful consort appeared at his side, kissing his cheek. With a final glare loaded with a warning for silence, Spike turned away, ready with a smile and a kiss.
“Come on then love. Let’s find something to swing at, yeah?” He wrapped a possessive arm around Xander’s waist and steered him off to the main entrance.
~*~*~*~*~
Xander was pleased with himself. More so with his amazing consorty powers of detection, which was how he and the girls insisted on referring to it, much to Spike’s annoyance. The darkness wasn’t an issue, nor was the distance between him and his friends, he could keep track of the individual conversations going on around him quite easily. Spike pointed out that there was more to his skills that advances in socialising, but Xander soon made it clear that for him, this was a night out on the town with his friends, not a military sortie.
After an uneventful hour of wandering the darkened paths, Xander had talked himself out and now was more than ready to expend more of his energy on a good fight.
“So, where’s the bad guys?” Willow asked.
“I dare say they heard you coming and have taken cover,” Giles said. “As far as stealth goes, you are sorely lacking.”
“Hey! I’m as stealthy as the next gal.”
Giles gave an exasperated sigh. “And as the next girl is even more verbose than you, I rest my case.”
~*~*~*~*~
With some discussion it was decided that rather than split up, they would proceed with more care and less noise. With stealth mode engaged, they soon came across a small group of vampires heading for the exit.
Tara, Willow and Anya stood well back sharing a small bag of M&Ms as they watched Buffy, Spike and Xander take care of the vampires. The fight was rather unevenly matched and it soon became obvious that the vamps were fledges and Xander’s skills were slightly more developed than before the claiming. Spike and Buffy quickly dusted their share then stood back, evaluating his technique, as Xander took care of the last remaining vampire.
“Ooh, he shouldn’t swing like that, he’s gonna pull one of those whatsit muscles in his shoulder.”
“Yeah but look how bloody quick he is with that back swing.”
“He’s never gonna make that. Huh! What do you know?”
“If he can get around the other side now-, there, that’s my boy.”
“His balance is all out, look he’s on the wrong foot.”
“Yeah, he could do with a few pointers alright. Swing it now love! Good work Harris.”
Xander stood amid a shower of dust with a huge smile on his face. He shook his hair off then strode over to Spike.
“Excuse me Buff,” he said and grabbed Spike’s coat pulling him into a quick, hard kiss. “That was fun, let’s find some more and do it again.” Xander looked from Buffy to Spike. “And did I just hear you guys having a conversation that didn’t involve the baiting or killing of one or both of you?”
Spike and Buffy looked at each other, lips curled. “No you bloody well did not.” “Not a chance”. Both spoke at once before Buffy quickly retreated to Giles’ side.
Xander just smiled at Spike. “You were chatting with Buffy.”
“Shut up, git.”
Xander laughed and wandered off to join Willow, Tara and Anya, accepting a handful of chocolate and their congratulations on his fighting efforts. With his arms slung around Willow and Anya’s shoulders, he followed Giles and Buffy further into the grounds.
~*~*~*~*~
“Do you think now that my spell’s not active, there’re less demons around?” Xander called to Giles after they’d walked another half hour without any action.
“No Xander, there is probably the same number of demons as there was previously, the difference being they are not all drawn to you anymore.”
“So where are they all then?”
“They are around, I assure you,” Giles said.
“They’re pretty damn good at hiding then,” he said, looking around into the dark. “Maybe one of us should go be the worm on the hook and draw them out. I’ll go.” The resounding chorus of ‘no’ and one ‘fucking hell no’ stopped him in his tracks. “Why not?”
“Harris you are not going out as bait again,” Spike said. “Don’t you go getting all cocky now. There’s still plenty of things out there that are a mite tougher than fledges. Any one of them would give you a good seeing to.”
“And there’s probably only one demon allowed to give him a good seeing to, right Spike?” Anya asked with an inappropriately large grin.
Only Xander heard the noise Spike made, a mix of low growl and angry swearing and he shot Anya a look that clearly told her to back off.
“Let’s move straight to the older crypt section,” Giles suggested, with a frown in Anya’s direction. “There were reports from mourners of monsters terrorising burial services and attempting to destroy caskets. The groundskeeper thinks there was someone residing in some of the more spacious crypts several days ago, they may still be there.”
“Well why didn’t you say so G-man? We could have gone there first.”
“Do not call me that and no we couldn’t. We were being methodical and performing a routine sweep first. However, if finding something to fight will stop your endless questions, then I am prepared to forego the plan.”
“Oh, thank Christ for that. Point the way then Watcher.”
“Hey, Bleachie, you’re meant to be on my side,” Xander said. “You’re supposed to love my endearing inquisitiveness.”
“Yeah Harris, love it to pieces. Now pick up your weapon and lets move.”
“Geez, can’t a guy be happy to be out with his best friends? It’s a nice night, I have a little excess energy, there’s things to kill, I can kill them. Where’s the problem?”
“No problem love. I’d just rather be doing the fighting than talking about it.” He took Xander’s arm. “Now let’s go.”
Xander waved back at the girls as Spike pulled him into the darkness, sprinting towards the crypts. Before they got to that section however, Spike dragged him off the path and into a thick stand of trees.
“What the hell Spike, where are we going?” Xander asked, then his eyes widened and he smiled as a burst of lust washed over him through the bond.
“Right here,” Spike said, stopping when they could no longer see the path and immediately he undid both their belts and jeans, kissing Xander urgently all the while. “The energy you’re giving off tonight love, it’s bloody amazing. Didn’t know how happy it made you doing this kind of thing with your mates.”
“I got energy to burn tonight and yeah, I am happy. More than happy,” Xander told him. Spinning Spike around, he pushed him against a thick tree. “You might want to hold on to something Bleachie.”
Spike shoved his jeans down and spread his legs as much as he was able then braced his hands against the tree. “Come on do it. I’ve got to be slick enough from before, just get in me love.”
Xander wasted no time; he spat in his hand, swiped it over himself and taking Spike’s word for it, plunged in. He held Spike’s hips as he slammed himself forward, taking no time for slow and steady, but both of them benefiting from his hyped up state with a hard and fast fuck.
Leaning in close to his back, Xander thrust his forearm against Spike’s mouth. “Bite me,” he panted, then reached forward and latched on to Spike’s neck, still pumping his hips. As soon as Spike’s teeth sank in, Xander was biting, but not taking any blood. He came in a hard rush, triggering Spike who bit harder into Xander’s arm and moaned as he pulsed cold fluids onto the ground.
Xander pulled his arm away from Spike, then turned him around and kissed him hungrily, his tongue tasting his own blood in Spike’s mouth. There was the tiniest flash back to his worries of the previous night, but then that was gone and it was just Spike and Spike’s mouth on his and Spike’s body pressing into him. Then he was hard again and Spike had him against the rough surface of the tree, thumping into him, pulling hard on his cock and bringing them both off again in less than a minute.
Needs satisfied, albeit temporarily, they straightened their clothes and jogged off to the crypts, ensuring they still arrived before Giles and the girls.
Spike and Xander stalked quietly along the row of crypts, listening at the entrances and moving on to the next. Xander heard the sounds at the same time as Spike and they both knew they’d found what they were looking for. From inside a relatively large vault, came a combination of snuffling and grunting. Distinctly different sounds were discernable from inside, enabling them to place the number of demons at around three or four.
Beckoning with a tilt of his head, Spike drew Xander away from the crypt and gestured for him to be quiet until there were a fair distance away.
Spike kept his voice low as he spoke. “There’s a few in there love, we can’t go bursting in without knowing what they are and what weapons they have.”
“So we get them to come to us right?” Xander said with a smile. “We ring the bell and run. Done that before.”
“We wait for the slayer before we go leaving any flaming bags on their doorstep love. Meantime we can go and see if there’s any other way in or out of that crypt. I doubt it, but there might be a window around the back.”
They quietly moved back to the crypt, and together did a circuit of the building. As they thought, it showed no other entrances or windows other than tiny ventilation slots near the roof. Spike waved a hand and they checked the rest of the vaults coming up empty at each one. Moving back to the end of the row to wait for the others, Spike gave Xander some instruction on his weapon and taught him some basic moves.
Xander learned quickly, aided by the new speed and agility- No, Harris you can not call it your bloody consorty powers of nimbleness- and encouraged by the pride that showed in Spike’s face when he got something right. Also the fact that he could see Spike’s renewed lust and appreciation whenever he flexed his muscles didn’t hurt either. They were sparring together light heartedly without their weapons when the others emerged from the darkness.
“Cool Xan, when’s it my turn?” Buffy asked.
“Whenever I’m feeling dumb enough that I would deliberately let you kick my ass.”
“Yet you’ll fight with me and let me kick your arse. Git.” Spike smiled and cuffed him over the head.
“Yeah but I like the way you do it.”
“And before this goes any further, yet again, perhaps one of you would share what you have found here,” Giles said impatiently.
“Why must you insist on cutting him off?” Anya demanded. “He may have had a very valid point to make.”
“Thanks Ahn,” Xander said. “But I think we all know where that conversation was going-, and suddenly I get that that’s your point isn’t it? Stupid me.”
Anya gave him a grin and a shrug. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”
“Can do some damage to a girl if she doesn’t stop trying,” Spike mumbled.
“Okay then, Spike,” Xander said, slinging an arm around Spike’s neck and surreptitiously stroking his fingers over the claim. “What say we fill them in on the situation down here?”
“Demons, eighth crypt along. Estimate puts their number at maybe four. No visuals.”
“I see. Well it seems the witnesses were sufficiently traumatised that they were unable to give enough description to identify the demons, so we are going in cold I’m afraid. Willow, Tara, some basic defensive magic might be required, perhaps something generic as we are unaware of the species. Anya, you can arm yourself and stand guard while they work. Buffy, Xander, Spike, offensive positions.”
“Watcher, if you recognise those things when they come out be sure to share the facts yeah?”
“And you Spike. I’ve no doubt you are aware of as many demon species as I and we need to ensure everyone remains as safe as possible.”
Spike nodded sharply and Xander noticed a harder look than usual pass between them.
“Right then,” Giles said. “One of you will need to be by the door.”
“I’ve got it,” Buffy called, but seeing Xander’s disappointment, quickly offered the place to him.
“No Harris,” Spike said firmly. “It’s too soon for you to take a risk like that and we’ve no bloody idea what’s in the crypt.”
Xander thought about arguing that, but decided Spike was probably right and everyone else’s safety was more important than his pride. “You guys have all the fun.”
“Yeah soddin’ great lot of fun it will be when something huge and hungry comes out looking for the nearest thing to dismember and you’re it.”
“Alright, alright. Buffy can do it,”’ Xander conceded.
Buffy gave him a wry smile. “Thanks Xan, feeling the love.”
“Hey you’re the card-carrying member of Club Chosen, off you go,” he waved her away with a grin.
Willow, Tara and Anya stood a good distance away. Spike, Xander and Giles were evenly spaced opposite the crypt’s entrance, but concealed behind trees to give them an opportunity to identify the demons before being spotted. Everyone held their positions and waited with quiet anxiety for Buffy to draw the demons out.
Part Fifty-Four
Xander watched Buffy simultaneously pound on the metal door with her fist and foot, then sprint for cover while the sound rang out over the cemetery. He hoped it wasn’t loud enough to wake the dead, the last thing they needed right now was zombies as well as demons. As they expected, the door was thrown open and two demons emerged, cautiously looking around for the source of the banging.
Not especially large but quite solid with some obvious muscle, the demons almost resembled a human but for the large tusk-like teeth curling from their bottom jaw, the long thick orange hair and their hide, a blend of colours like a palette of exotic ochres. The demons scented the air, glanced around with jerky movements of their heads, then retreated back into the crypt, slamming the door.
Xander felt the tension from Spike immediately and heard an uncharacteristic curse from Giles. “What? Spike, what is it?” he asked quietly.
“Fucking Naidah.”
“Okay no clearer. Giles, Naidah, clue me in here?”
“Vampire killers. Not immune to magic, but near enough that Willow and Tara will be of little help casting against them.”
“Vampire killers? Why are they vampire killers?”
“The Naidah carry a racial memory,” Giles whispered. “A millennia old imprint from a time when they were involved in a vicious territorial war with vampires. Even though the battle is long over and they lost, these demons are, for want of a better term, holding a grudge.”
“That would be why they’ve been here disrupting the funerals,” Spike said. “They’re getting rid of the vamps before they’ve even woken up. Probably why those fledges were running for cover.”
“So how do we kill these things?” Xander asked.
“Nothing special Xander. You’ll find most creatures are rather fond of their heads, very few can survive without one; these included.”
“It’s their soddin’ leather battle dress that gives you the most trouble, not the easiest thing to cut through. But if you can manage it, a blow to the mid-section, they’re pretty fond of keeping their guts on the inside, like most of us.”
“Okay, just let me at ‘em,” Xander said eagerly.
Spike put a calming hand on Xander’s shoulder. “Harris you’ve been a consort for three days. Think about what the watcher said. These things fight vampires. You’re a consort, so not as strong as me, nowhere near as strong as your slayer over there and not a patch on a lot of demons. Fledges are different.”
“Well, will you take a look at my wind-free sails,” Xander said flatly.
“Love, you get in there and fight, but you keep your head. You’re still on a bit of a blood high and I want you to be safe. Just focus for me yeah?”
“Ah, Spike I do believe it is just as important for you to be safe during this,” Giles said pointedly. When Xander looked curiously at him he added, “Oh, as it is for all of us, not just Xander, that was, ah, my point.”
“You sound a bit nervous G-man,” Xander said. “Are these demons really all that bad?”
“They are relatively strong and vicious fighters. Not as strong as vampires or they may well have won the original battle. They will however, single mindedly target Spike.”
“So if they’re after vampires and Spike is right in front of them, why haven’t they come back out to make with the vampicide and why were there only two when we heard more?”
Giles glanced over at the crypt and the closed door and frowned. “Both good questions.” He looked across at Buffy who was coming out of her cover and heading back for the door raising her hands in question at Giles. He shrugged and motioned her forwards, but as she shifted her weapon, preparing to bang again, the heavy door flew open, catching her shoulder and knocking her away.
~*~*~*~*~
Through the open doorway two demons charged out, now wearing heavy leather clothing decorated with symbols and patterns and wielding large clubs. Buffy jumped to her feet as Spike, Xander and Giles broke cover and ran to meet the demons in the open pathway.
“Where are the rest?” Xander shouted.
“We’ll deal with these two and I’ll watch for them,” Giles called. Keeping his eye on the demons, he shouted over his shoulder to the girls who were standing well back. “Willow, Tara, your magic won’t work against them, Anya stay there and keep your eyes open for more.”
Xander and Spike fought together against one demon, Buffy and Giles paired against the other. It was less of a fight for them and more of a distraction attempt as the second demon seemed intent only on reaching Spike. It deflected their blows, dodging and running for the vampire every chance it could. Its strikes were not as strong as Buffy’s, but its ability to duck and weave was quite impressive.
Xander was having the same difficulty; the demon was only interested in Spike and Xander found it was easily able to avoid his swings and position itself in direct line to do battle with the vampire.
Giles’ voice was rough and panting already. “Buffy, you need to protect Spike.”
“What? No. We need to kill the demons Giles, Spike can take care of himself,” Buffy shouted while again trying to block and hit the demon.
“Buffy you will do as I’ve said and protect Spike. If you won’t do it because your watcher ordered it, then do it for Xander’s sake.”
“We will so talk about this later Giles,” she said angrily between swings, but moved to a better position between the demon and Spike.
Spike was swinging and connecting with his weapon, but finding it difficult to get through the leather covering the demons had put on. With the Naidah focused entirely on Spike, Xander had gotten into a position where he was able to hit the demon as it dodged away from Spike’s blows and was gradually managing to cut through the bindings on its leather. Small pieces began to fall, as the cords that held the patchwork garment together gave way.
Buffy and Giles’ demon was determined to get by their blockade and join its partner in attacking Spike; it weaved and swerved but found itself hemmed in. It tilted its head back and gave a loud frustrated cry, the sound coming from its throat in a dissonant combination of pitches.
They all winced in pain at the sound, Xander and Spike yelping as their sensitive hearing took the brunt. “There’s the other bloody demons love,” Spike said between blows. “All those voices we heard were coming from the one mouth.”
“That can only be good,” Xander said as he ducked under a swing from the club and brought his axe swinging up to connect with the last bindings on the demons back. “These are the only ones then.”
As the vest-like leather fell away, this demon gave an angry shout, even louder than the other. The high pitched screeches rang out over the simultaneously emitted deeper pitch and for a split second, Spike flinched and made to cover his ears. In that moment, as the demon took advantage and swung its club at Spike’s head, Xander finally noticed that the handle end of the club had been sharpened into a deadly stake.
“Spike!”
At Xander’s cry, Giles spun and left Buffy to deal with the second demon. While Spike fell to the ground, knocked down by the club’s impact with his head, Giles stood between him and the demon blocking its attempt to flip the club and stake the prone vampire. Xander took the opportunity to step behind it, then swung at its now exposed back. His axe cut cleanly through the demon, now that the leather coverings were gone, and it fell to the ground in two distinct pieces. He registered the splash of body fluids and ruined flesh against his clothes but ignored it.
Spike shot to his feet, still shaking his dazed head and joined the other three as they, and now Anya, hacked at the leather bindings. The demon, even though surrounded, still tried desperately to reach Spike, but was beaten back with each step. As the last piece of its leather collar fell, Giles swung and embedded his short sword in the demon’s neck, stepping back as it crumpled to the ground.
~*~*~*~*~
“Okay,” Buffy said with a harsh tone. “This patrol is officially over. Giles. Answers now.”
“Buffy, I don’t think that is particularly approp-.”
“Look carefully and see how much I don’t care Giles. You had me defending a vampire. You ordered me to protect Spike.”
“I’m on team Buffy this time Giles,” Xander said. “What the hell is going on? Not only did I hear you order her to guard Spike, but you left her to fight alone and went to Spike’s rescue.” Xander turned to Spike. “And you, you didn’t even say a thing about it. One of you tell me now, cause this is falling on the insane side of normal.”
“Rupert is right love. Now is not the time or the place. Let’s just go-.”
“No! Something is going on and I want answers. Giles you tell me what’s going on.” Xander turned an unwavering stare in Giles direction, waiting for an explanation.
Giles slammed his sword point-first into the soft soil, effectively cleaning off any demon residue. “That will do!” he shouted. “I will not be spoken to in such a way by either of you. Buffy you are my slayer and if I give you an instruction you will follow it. I do not expect to receive an argument in the midst of a battle.” Giles then rounded on Spike punctuating each of his shouted words with a step closer to Spike, a finger pointed in his face. “And you. You. Tell. Him. Tonight. If you don’t then I will.”
“Tell me what? Spike what in the hell is going on?” Xander wore a mix of anger, confusion and hurt and his gaze shifted between Spike and Giles. “Goddamn it, someone explain.”
Willow and Tara had come running as soon as the demons were slain. Now they stood in shocked silence as Spike pushed Giles away from him and Buffy threw herself between them.
Anya took Xander’s hand and squeezed his fingers. “Xander you need to calm down. There’s something Spike needs to talk to you about. I can guess why he hasn’t, but you will understand. Go home and get it sorted out okay?”
Xander pulled his hand from Anya’s. “Why is it that everyone knows something about me and I don’t? How did you let that happen Spike?”
“Hey, I’m in the dark here too Xan,” Buffy said. “My watcher demands I protect an unchipped vampire? I’m looking for some straight up answers.”
“Right, how about this then,” Spike interrupted. “None of it is any of your bloody business. Any of you. I’m taking my consort home and you, Watcher, can clean up this soddin’ mess you made. It was not for you to say anything.”
~*~*~*~*~
Spike took Xander by the arm and turning his back on the others and ignoring their protests, marched him back down the path towards the gates. When they were out of sight and earshot, Xander pulled and twisted to get free of Spike but was no match for a determined vampire.
“Spike let me go, you can’t just drag me around like this.”
Spike stopped and sized him up. “If I let you go will you come home with me?”
“Stupid question. Of course I will,” Xander shook his head. “But you should know that I am completely pissed at you, because it looks like you’ve held something back from me that Giles and Anya seem to know about. If I go home with you will you tell me?”
“That’s my plan love,” Spike nodded.
“Fine. Let go of me then.” As soon as Spike dropped his arm, Xander pulled away and headed for the parking lot, not speaking to Spike.
As they climbed into the car, Xander searched and tried to feel something, but Spike had managed to shut down any interaction between them.
“Now you’re hiding yourself from me too? This isn’t looking good Spike.”
“I want to explain it properly. I don’t want you getting half-baked ideas and jumping to conclusions.” Xander gave him a wary look. “I love you mate, don’t doubt that.”
“I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be angry with you.”
“Yeah and I don’t doubt you’re going to be even angrier shortly.”
“Save the hints Spike, just drive. Get us home and clear this up okay?”
~*~*~*~*~
When they reached the apartment, Xander excused himself to take a shower and rid his body of the Naidah’s sticky brown blood, while Spike went into the kitchen and heated a bag of blood.
He knew Xander would be a while; pissed off Harris usually equalled long hot showers that calmed his nerves and delayed confrontations. As soon as he heard the water start in the bathroom, Spike picked up the phone. It was answered after only two rings.
“Hello Angelus.”
“It’s Angel, Spike. What have you done?”
“Oh right. You immediately assume I’ve done something wrong. Can’t a fella just phone and pass the time of day with his sire?”
“No. Spike, what have you done.”
“Bloody ponce.”
A heavy sigh came down the line. “If that’s all you wanted-.”
“I took a consort,” Spike said in a rush before Angel could hang up on him.
“So that’s what I could feel.”
“You felt something?” Spike asked, not sure whether he should be pleased that a connection so obviously remained between them.
“Yeah, just a twinge, didn’t know what it was.” Angel paused for a moment and Spike could almost hear the light bulb ping. “A consort? Spike what the hell?”
“Yeah, well, it just happened you know, thought you might want to know about the addition to the family.”
“Minions not enough for you now Spike, you have to make one of them a consort?”
“Ah, well, here’s the thing Angelus-.”
“Angel-.”
“I took a human consort.”
“A human?” Spike was a little glad Angel was so far away, judging by the tone, he was not impressed. “Why on earth would you claim a human?”
“Cause I love him you great poof. Why do you think?”
“Him? You’ve mated with a human male?” Spike fancied he could hear the gel crackling as Angel ran his fingers through his hair. “I leave you alone for a few years-.”
“You left me for a lot longer than that mate,” Spike reminded him less than kindly. “And you know as well as I do, him or her is irrelevant. Love is love isn’t it?”
Angel sighed. “I didn’t even know you were with anyone. You were still alone the last time I saw you. How long have you been with him.”
Spike debated whether to be completely honest. If he was going to ask Angel’s help then perhaps the truth would be best. Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound. “Funny you ask that, its three weeks tonight since we first had a bit of a snog. Wonder if he remembered?”
Spike held the phone away from his ear. “THREE WEEKS?”
“Yeah three weeks, but there were circumstances see?”
"I don't care about the circumstances. You’ve taken a consort after three weeks? Are you insane?”
He laughed. “That’s been the general consensus for the last hundred-odd years.” Angel was silent except for the unnecessarily hard breathing. “Angelus?”
“You claimed each other? You both have the mark?”
“Yep.”
“You didn’t force him in any way?”
“Nope.”
Another heavy sigh.
“You’re happy?”
“Fuck yes.” Spike grinned to himself. Oh yes, he was more than happy.
“I can hear you smile.”
“Yeah, it’s fun. You should give it a go once in a while. Make sure you’ve got someone there to catch you when you pass out though. I hear it can be hard the first time.”
“Shut up Spike.”
“So you’re a grandsire-in-law.”
Angel gave a light chuckle. “And you’re a consort’s master.”
“Yeah. Funny that. It’s not half as hot when you say it.” Spike registered the sound of the shower turning off.
“Big responsibility Spike. Are you up to it?”
“More than capable mate. Got myself a bloody brilliant consort. He’s quick, smart, funny, honest as the day is long and you want to talk about stamina? He’ll give any vamp a run for his money.”
Angel used his sire tone, the one that meant he was trying to pull rank on Spike; the one that rarely if ever worked. “Spike believe it or not I do not want to talk about your consort’s stamina.” Then Angel’s voice softened. “I know what you’re going to ask me.”
“Yeah, it’s why I phoned.” Spike’s voice became quieter, more respectful, if not exactly friendly. He needed his sire’s promise for this and wanted it freely given.
“Does he know you’re asking me to do that?”
“Spike sighed. “I’ve told him everything but this. I just didn’t know how.”
“Spike I know you, you are always going to be putting yourself at risk. He deserves to know he could die without you doesn’t he?”
“So how do I tell him? Oh by the way love, if I die, you die. Slowly and painfully unless you let Angelus take over the claim. Something like that? Gonna go down real well.”
“Angel. And Spike don’t be ridiculous. You’ll find the right words.”
“Yeah I know. Just wish I hadn’t put it off. He’s picked up a few hints tonight and he’s well pissed off with me at the moment.”
“Knowing you it wouldn’t be the first time.”
“Poof. So you’ll do it then?”
“I’ll do it. You have my word. Make sure he knows, make sure someone else knows too.”
“I’m going to tell him everything as soon as I hang up.” Spike heard the door open and Xander came out, wearing only a pair of black track pants and scrubbing his hair with a towel; he gave Spike a cautious look. “Hello love, feel better now?” Xander only rolled his eyes at Spike and shook his head. “Want to say hi to your new grandpa?”
Xander snatched the phone out of Spike hand and spoke into the mouthpiece. “Hello Deadboy.” He thrust the phone back at Spike then went into the living room and threw himself down on the couch, flipping on the television.
Spike held the phone at arm’s length, yet clearly heard Angel’s voice as though he were standing in the same room. “XANDER HARRIS? Was that Xander Harris?”
“Tell him he can go fuck himself if he has a problem,” Xander yelled, clearly having heard Angel just as well. Apparently Xander’s shower had not been the calming solution Spike thought it would be.
Spike put the phone back to his ear, ready for the tirade. “Spike? Spike? Tell me that wasn’t Harris.”
“That wasn’t Harris.”
“Liar. That was Xander Harris. You claimed Xander Harris as a consort? You have mated for life to Xander Harris? You are clearly insane.”
“Maybe, but that’s how it is. I love him, he loves me, we’ve claimed each other. End of story.”
“No. Not end of story. End of story is what you just had me promise.”
“Ah yeah but you promised see? Can’t take that back. Wouldn’t be setting a good example for the newest member of the family would it?” Spike said smugly. The self-satisfied smirk vanished from his face as soon as he saw the look Xander was giving him. Damn consort hearing; it was nearly as good as his own, so obviously Xander was able to pick up Angel’s end as well and was now aware something was going on.
“Angelus, I’ll leave it there, I have something important I need to do.” Spike switched to his most deferential voice. “Thankyou sire.”
“He’s family Spike. We look out for family, even if it is Xander Harris.” Spike heard Angel’s mood change. No doubt he would be spending some quality time in his favourite brooding chair very soon.
Spike snorted and hung up the phone. He quickly downed his mug of lukewarm blood and headed for the couch to sit with Xander and explain what he should have done long ago.
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