While out on patrol, Xander walked behind Willow and Buffy as they talked about classes. Xander tried not to feel like he was a third wheel as they giggled together. Why did he bother to go, if they were just going to ignore him?
Xander sighed, "Hey, Buff, I think we're done with this cemetery."
"Yeah, Xan, I think you're right. Hey, lets hit the Bronze," Buffy suggested. "Well, just as soon as I deal with this vamp."
Spike was leaning up against one of the larger tombstones, smoking, when Buffy came around the corner of this cemetery's obligatory mausoleum. Before Spike could defend himself, he was looking over Buffy's shoulder and locking eyes with Xander, "Xan…" then Spike dissolved into dust.
"NOOOO….."
Xander shot upright in bed, his chest heaving, heart pounding.
"Where is it? I'll kill it!" Spike exclaimed, jumping from the bed, naked and in game face.
Despite the fear still coursing through him, Xander couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle that Spike made.
Spike looked around, then at Xander, his demon fading back. "What's wrong, Luv? Was it that dream, again?" Spike asked, ignoring the laughter. Spike could still smell the fear rolling off Xander. Climbing back into the bed, he sat with his back against the headboard, and pulled Xander into his arms. "Talk to me, Xan."
That was all the encouragement it took to have the words tumbling from Xander's mouth. "It felt so real; it felt like it did back before that night. It was the same dream, but… not. I was patrolling with Willow and Buffy, and I said the patrolling was a bust, and Buffy suggested that we go to the Bronze, just as soon as she dusted a vamp. Well, that vamp turned out to be you…you looked right at me as you turned to dust," Xander said, voice quavering with suppressed fear. "I'm tired of having the dreams, Spike."
Spike held Xander closer to him, gently rocking them. "Shhh…its alright, luv. 'm right here, just fine, only a nightmare, Xander. Just dreams, luv, they're not real."
Xander curled against Spike. "Sure felt real, Spike."
"I know, luv. Try ta go back ta sleep."
"K," Xander said, closing his eyes and did as Spike suggested.
"Xander, we really need to deal with this," Buffy snapped.
Xander dropped his head onto the book that he was meant to be reading, when Buffy started in on him again about Spike. "Buff, we are not having this conversation."
Slapping her hand down onto the book, Buffy insistently replied, "Yes, we are having this conversation. Xander, there is something wrong with you, let Tara look at…"
Xander shot to his feet. "Don't you dare finish that sentence, Buffy. I love you, but you are coming very close to pissing me off."
"Fine, then I'm calling Giles, and he can deal with you!" Buffy snapped, stomping off to the office to use the phone.
Xander sighed, and sat back down, closing his eyes in resignation. "Was it too much to hope for her to accept this?"
"I'm sorry, Xander," Tara said quietly.
"So am I. I just don't get it," Xander said, pushing the book away.
"She is still adjusting, I think," Tara replied.
Xander smirked a Spike smirk. "No, she isn't. She can't wrap her mind around the fact that Spike and I are a permanent deal."
Tara and Xander both turned toward the office door, as they could both clearly hear Buffy yelling. "Seems Giles told her to just deal," Dawn commented, as she sat down at the table, placing a Coffee Shoppe carrier tray down. She pulled a Frap from it and took a sip.
Anya walked up to the table and slammed three more books down on the table. "This is a place of business. I allow you and your friends the use of my store to research, but nowhere did I say that you may scare away my customers."
"Pretty sure Buffy doesn't care all that much," Dawn replied.
Anya glared at Dawn, and then went to the office. Ignoring Buffy, Anya yanked the phone cord from the wall. "I bought the remaining shares of the Magic Box from Rupert, which means that I pay the bills. It does not mean that I pay for phone calls that are pointless," Anya said, walking right back out of the office.
Buffy followed right behind Anya. "You can't tell me that you're happy about this!"
Anya rounded on Buffy. "I am very happy for Xander. Spike makes him happy in ways that sex and orgasms don't. Just because you lost your chance with Spike, does not mean you have to make Xander feel bad for your stupidity," she snapped out, turning around and disappearing into the back room.
Buffy looked over and saw Dawn, Tara and Xander watching her. She looked guiltily at Xander, then, without a word, Buffy turned and left the Magic Box.
"Xander, she is trying," Dawn said.
Xander still looked at the door. "I know, Dawn; only I'm not sure she's trying hard enough," he replied, shaking his head. "Doesn't matter right now anyway. I've got a vampire to pick up." Standing from the table, he nodded to Anya on his way out of the store.
It had been a year since the night that Xander liked to call, 'That night'. Giles had taken Willow back with him to England, to a coven in Devon, where she was getting the help that she could not have gotten on the Hellmouth.
Tara had stayed in Sunnydale to give Willow time to learn without having a reminder of what she had done. Tara had stayed in contact throughout Willow's rehabilitation, and she passed on any and all information to the rest of the gang.
Xander, for his part, was supportive of Willow, and hoped she did get the help she needed, as well as the knowledge and understanding of the craft she used.
Willow had wanted to make it up to Xander, for being the worst best friend. So, she had sent Xander a phone number and address in LA; a place that might be able to help Spike remove the chip. It had taken the doctors there some time to figure out a way to remove the chip without causing any undue damage.
Everyone had been told of the plans to remove Spike's chip; all but Buffy had agreed that it was a good idea. Buffy still believed that Spike would go on a killing spree, once it was out.
Buffy was not completely better. The spell had done damage not just to her soul, but to her mind as well. There was stress there that Buffy just did not know how to handle on her own, so once a week, Xander would drive her up to LA to a psychiatrist who was knowledgeable of the supernatural and the like.
To all accounts, Buffy was getting better, but some things take more time than others. Xander loved his girls, and would do almost anything for them, but giving up Spike was not one of them.
Xander parked the truck outside his apartment; the sun was just beginning to set. He knew Spike would be up and ready to go. They had an appointment with the Doctor who was going to do the surgery to remove the chip. They would be staying in LA for the next week, giving Spike time to heal before coming home to Sunnydale.
If anyone had asked Xander how he felt about Spike getting the chip out, they would be equal parts shocked and understanding. He was not really afraid that Spike would start killing again, nor was he afraid that Spike would turn him. Xander knew full well that if anything happened to him, Spike would turn him in a heartbeat. He was afraid, though, that Spike would no longer want to be with him. ~no reason to with the chip gone~ he thought, as he unlocked the door.
Spike stood in the living room, two bags at his feet. Looking for all the world like he was trying not to bounce out of his skin. "Ready, luv?"
Xander smiled, his nerves settling down. "Yeah, just let me change first. You wanna load the truck for me?" he asked, kissing Spike hello.
"Git, but be quick, yeah?" Spike replied, and bounced out the door, both bags in his hands.
"Someone had the special stuff," Xander commented, as he went to their room to change.
Since 'that night', the Demon community had been making regular donations for Spike. They refused to allow Spike to have pig blood again, citing that a Master Vampire does not eat inferior food. Not when a ready and willing donor was available.
Xander found Spike to be quite entertaining when he was 'rushing' on Demon-Human blood. When the nurse had said it had a kick, she really meant A Kick. Spike was literally like a six year old on a massive sugar rush. Demons had a tendency to steer clear of Spike when he was on the special blood. Mostly because Spike had a tendency to play with a kill first, rather than just finish the job immediately.
After changing, Xander came out of their room, and walked the apartment one more time. Before leaving for so long, he wanted to make sure everything was off and locked. Walking out the main doors to the street, Xander saw Spike talking to one of their neighbors, who was letting his dog out. Xander shook his head, because he didn't need super hearing to know that Spike was more than likely talking a mile a minute with the only other British resident in all of Sunnydale.
Walking up to them, Xander discovered he was right. Spike was talking about an English writer and uneducated Americans. Smiling, he just stepped up behind Spike and wrapped his arms around him. "Hey, Mr. Browing. How've you been?"
Mr. Browing was an elderly gentleman, with a full head of gray hair, the most striking green eyes, and who always seemed to be smiling. He was also a man who liked his tweed. "Ah, Xander, I have been very well, thank you for asking. William here, tells me you both are off to LA for the week," he said, his accent like Giles' but with a flavor all his own.
"Yup, a friend is coming home next month, and we wanted to get away before she arrives. Otherwise, we'd never get the chance once she was home," Xander said with a smile, holding Spike just a bit tighter.
Mr. Browing nodded his head in understanding. "Ah, yes, I can understand completely. My dear wife's sister was the same way."
"Well, we must be off, if we want to miss the traffic," Spike said.
"Do drive safely, and I shall endeavor to keep the evils of the world from your home, while you both are away," Mr. Browing said, as he walked them to their truck.
"We'll pick something up for Bitsy, while we're there," Xander told him, as he climbed into the vehicle. Bitsy, a very large Great Dane, barked at her name, sat down next to her master, and watched them drive away.
"Such good boys, Bitsy. I do hope everything is alright," Mr. Browing said to her while he petted her.
They had made good time getting to Angel's hotel. A two and a half hour drive with very little traffic out.
"Woulda been faster if you'd let me drive," Spike pouted, as he got out of the truck.
"Nope, not happening, Bleachy. I like to reach places in one piece and sane," Xander replied, grabbing their bags from the back seat.
Spike scowled at Xander. "Prat."
Xander just laughed as they walked up the stairs and into the Hyperion Hotel.
This was not their first time visiting Angel, nor was it their first time staying in the hotel
Their first visit had been after a huge fight with an evil law firm. The battle had left Angel and Wesley as the only survivors. Angel became more moody and morose, as well as becoming violent on some occasions. Wesley had grown tired of Angel's behavior and had called Xander. He'd told Xander what was going on, and said that if things didn't change, Angel would be left to fend for himself.
So, Xander and Spike had shown up to help. Wesley, it turns out, was better than either of them had expected. Wesley had a back-bone hidden under all those brains, and he wasn't afraid to stand up for himself anymore.
It was during that visit that the dreams had started. Four months after helping Giles and Tara save Buffy and Willow, Xander started dreaming about Buffy dusting Spike. The first couple of times, he didn't tell Spike what he dreamed. After seeing and hearing how Angel was taking the loss of his humans, though, made Xander think that maybe he should.
After spending a week helping Wesley to get Angel to come to terms with the after-effects of the battle, Angel, at Wesley's prompting, had grudgingly thanked Spike and Xander, offering them a place to stay if they ever needed to get away from Sunnydale, and Buffy. Wesley of course said that they should call if they ever needed help in the future.
Wesley was sitting at his desk, going over some paper work from a previous case, when Xander and Spike walked into the hotel. Looking up with a small smile as they appeared, Wesley stood. "Ah, Xander, Spike, you made good time."
Spike snorted. "Not fer lack of tryin'," Spike replied.
Xander just shook his head at Spike, "Hey, Wes, same room?"
After putting the papers away, Wesley walked around the counter to stand next to them. "No, I'm afraid that there was an accident and many of the rooms on that floor were damaged. So if you would follow me, I've put you two on the fourth floor."
Xander and Spike followed behind Wesley. "Where did Peaches get off to?" Spike asked.
Wesley sighed. "Finishing up a case." He sounded angry at Angel about it, but came to a stop before they could pursue it. Pushing open the second door on the fourth floor, Wesley revealed a large suite. "The windows are necro-plated, so there will be no fear from the sun. Now if that is all, I have to finish this case."
Xander followed Wesley with his eyes, confused at the abrupt departure. With a shake of his head, he closed the door, and then looked over the room, realizing Spike was missing.
Spotting a trail of clothes that lead to the bathroom, Xander followed it. He found Spike already submerged in hot steamy water. "My crazy vamp," Xander commented, and striped down to join Spike in the bath.
They spent the rest of that night and part of the morning reaffirming to themselves that they were still whole and in one piece. Neither spoke out loud, or mentioned that once the sun was down, they would be in a doctor's office, and Spike would be having his chip removed.
Xander still had his fears of Spike leaving him once the chip was gone, but he was also afraid for Spike. The doctors who would be performing the surgery had told them that it was a very tricky and delicate procedure. The doctors were confident that they could do it, but they still cautioned that success was only 50/50.
Spike, for all his bravado, was a might nervous. He didn't like the idea of people cutting into his head again, but if it meant the chip was gone, then he would do it. Spike knew Xander was scared, Spike wasn't too sure about what, but Spike also wasn't crazy. ~can't go back ta killin', not if I wan't ta keep Xander~ was a thought that kept repeating itself in Spike's mind.
Spike also planned on claiming Xander as his consort, as mate; ~MINE~ the demon snarled. Xander was consort already; he was just lacking the mark, the claim to tell one and all that Xander belonged to a Master.
It was a plan that Xander knew nothing of. When Xander left for work every morning, Spike would leave their nice warm nest, and call Angel. Spike spent the last three months mending his relationship with his Sire. Spike needed Angel to agree and accept Xander into the Aurelius line.
~and hopefully the bleedin' dreams will, stop~ Spike thought, as he looked upon a sleeping Xander, gently brushing hair away from Xander's face.
Stretching, Xander smiled at Spike as he curled up against the cool body. "Been up long?" Xander asked, mumbling into the vampire's shoulder.
"Not long, luv. How did you sleep?" Spike asked, giving Xander a brief kiss. "No dreams?"
Xander hmm'd. "Nope, no dreams," he said and looked at Spike. "I'm a little nervous about tonight, though."
Spike rolled on top of Xander, covering him. "Nothing to be nervous about, luv. It'll work out just fine, yeah?" Spike replied, with a trust of his hips, sliding his hard cock along Xander's slowly awakening one.
Xander moaned as his hips lifted to meet Spike's. "God, Spike, 'm only human here."
Grinning, Spike nibbled along Xander's neck. "Mmm…and such a warm, lovely human too," Spike commented, leaning up onto his hands and looking down at Xander.
Xander wrapped his legs around Spike's waist, his face flushed with pleasure, eyes half-lidded and glazed with lust. "Spike…please," Xander begged.
Spike shifted back onto his knees, hands gliding along Xander's skin. Xander lifted his hips as two slicked fingers circled his entrance, then slid into him.
"Beautiful," Spike said, as he quickly stretched Xander open. Impatiently pulling his fingers free, knowing Xander could take it, Spike lined himself up, then leaned down to kiss Xander while he slid deep into his lover with one smooth thrust.
Xander arched up into Spike, using his legs to force the vampire deeper into him. "Spike…fuck…" Xander breathed, as Spike hit his prostate dead on. His hands gripped Spike's hips, then slid them up the strong muscled back. Wanting even more of a connection, Xander caressed Spike's shoulders, then down the arms held taut. Looking up into Spike's eyes, Xander slid his hands under Spike's and twined their fingers together.
"Luv," Spike groaned out, as a vise gripped his erection, Spike's eyes bleeding gold as Xander did it again. With a smirk, Spike pulled almost all the way out, leaving just the head of his cock inside Xander, and then slammed back in, angling his thrusts to hit Xander's prostate each time he surged in.
"Spike…" Xander whined, hands tight on Spike's. His legs slipping down, he planted his feet flat on the bed, and thrust his hips, catching Spike hard. "Harder…"
Spike gave in and let his Demon go. "Fuck," Spike groaned out. Gripping Xander's hands more tightly, he gave Xander what he wanted, and fucked him harder. "Not goin' ta last, luv."
Straightening his arms, bringing Spike down to him until they were chest to chest, Xander touched his forehead to Spike's brow, and looked the Demon in the eyes. Xander bit his lip hard enough to bleed. "Yeah…" he said, and then kissed Spike, pushing his lip into Spike's mouth.
Spike groaned at the taste of his mate in his mouth. Gently, oh so gently, he let his fang nip Xander's lip, bringing more blood up. "Xander…" Spike said, pulling back once he had sucked away all of the blood there.
Xander grinned, and then bite into Spike's neck, causing Spike to cry out, his movements stuttering, and then Xander came, pulsing hot cum between them as he felt Spike's cool essence wash inside him.
Spike collapsed atop Xander, trying to catch his nonexistent breath. He laid his head in the crook of Xander's neck and shoulder, right where Spike would bite Xander when the chip was out. "Luv…that was…"
Xander lay there with a small smile on his face, smug at getting Spike to lose control. Xander knew that Spike didn't like to let the Demon out to play too much, for fear that Xander would be hurt and in turn so would Spike. "Come on, Spike, we've got an appointment to keep."
Spike leaned up and kissed Xander, and then very gently pulled out of Xander, a smirk on his face as Xander shivered at the feel. Spike then climbed out of the bed, and sauntered off to the bathroom to shower.
Xander watched Spike with an amused expression on his face, and rolled out of bed to join his vampire in the shower.