Disclaimer: characters all belong to Joss Whedon (The Man)

Summary: AU "The Wish" With no slayer to protect them how did Xander and Willow become the vampires they were? What were their first experiences and what brought them together?

Chapter 1

Rats. Rats and sewage and mold and oil, that's what he smelled when he first awoke. It was like birth only everything was different, felt different. He was free. Jesse could remember his old life, his human life like a dream. Now he was stronger, faster, and hungry. He woke with a hunger that could pierce a nation. His mouth dry and thirsting for one taste, his stomach yearning for one thing to feed it. Thick, fresh, and red, red human blood.

He's become accustomed to that hungry pain which plagues him every night. It was that blonde chick who turned him, Darla. She took him to new levels and introduced him to his new savior, the Master. He serves him loyally, waiting for the day that the Master can rise up and take control. Until then he's an errand boy, hunting down meals for the all powerful Master. There are rules too. Jesse was anxious to get out in the world and revel in his power, to be a sire, but the Master discouraged it.

"First you must wait" He commanded. "I don't want just any bum to be part of us. Learn your new way of life, fulfill my wishes and you'll get your chance to turn someone, make them yours. It's a bond that lasts for eternity. Believe me, I know." The Master eyed Darla as he said this and she smiled back slyly and knowingly.

Jesse stayed loyal, did as he was told, and fed the Master, so it wasn't long before he was granted permission to sire someone.

"Go out into the world. Make your choice then bring them to me." The Master told him.

"Oh, I will." Jesse answered with a bow.

That very night Jesse took to the Bronze as hunting grounds. There'd be lots of fresh meat and he had one particular delicacy in mind. He entered the club at a slow strut and paid everyone no mind. He went straight to the dance floor and stopped at a pillar at the edge. His gaze enveloped one person. She was tall, lean, voluptuous with long dark hair, beautiful skin. Cordelia. She was his prize for loyalty. In death she will be his, something she never was in life. Jesse walked right up to her, dancing with her friends.

"Care to dance?" He asked with barely any inflection.

"Ew, no!" She exclaimed, turning her back on him.

Human Jesse would've walked away, but he was dead. Jesse quickly grabbed her wrist and turned her back around to face him. It was forceful but not forceful enough to be construed as violent.

"Dance with me." He stated. He didn't ask.

Cordelia wore a look of bewilderment before muttering a "Sure." She let him lead her to the middle of the floor. He held her close to him, their bodies moving against each other. Jesse inhaled deeply, her scent, ohhh her scent. It was a drug for him.

They danced the next five songs together, neither one suggesting doing anything else or stopping. After the sixth song Jesse pulled Cordelia close and whispered.

"Let's go outside, take a breather. It's getting hot in here."

"Definitely." She replied following him into the alley.

Jesse had her pinned to a wall but not violently, not yet. He was enjoying a human vice first. They kissed or made out rather for a long time. He reveled in it, feeling her. The smell was getting to him and he was hungry. They'd have eternity together so he may as well get it started already. As he kissed her neck his face changed, fangs grew in. He then bit into her neck hard, making her scream.

"What are you doing?!? You creep! Get off of me!" Cordelia tried to shove him off but her strength couldn't compare. He drank, draining her blood, filling him up.

"Now the main event." Jesse said with a smile as he bit into his own arm to draw blood. He reached to make her drink but something slammed him to the ground.

Cordelia ran like hell, her high heels echoing through the alleyway. "Who the—" Jesse stood up to find himself facing Angelus, or rather Angel now. "That was my meal. I was going to sire her!" Jesse yelled, like a little kid throwing a tantrum.

"Aw I went and spoiled dinner?" Angel asked mockingly. "Sorry!" He said as he kicked Jesse into a wall.

"Get out of here. You don't belong! When the Master gets a hold of you you're going to wish you were dust."

"That's if he gets a hold of me. You're out of your league kid."

"I'll take you, and that's brother by the way." Jesse retorts. "Darla sired me too."

"Well, she gets around. Didn't you know she's a whore by trade?"

"Enough! Cordelia was supposed to be mine!" Jesse lunges at Angel.

They throw punches. Angel is clearly more experienced at fighting. In the end Jesse bolts to avoid getting staked. He'd been warned not to take on Angel alone. Once he gets enough distance between himself and the bronze he takes a walk through the residential area. He's not watching when thud. He bumps right into Xander.

"Hey Jess!" Xander greets him with a smile

"Hey buddy."

"Haven't seen you in a while, are you all right?"

"Getting better. I was sick for a bit but I'll be back soon. You heading to the Bronze?"

"Yep, meeting Willow there now."

"You know since it's been a while why don't we hang out—if you don't mind giving Willow a rain check."

"Sounds like a plan, my man!" Xander says with a laugh, leading the way. Jess follows with a resolved look on his face.

"Lead the way." Under his breath Jesse whispers to himself, "This'll work fine."

To Be Continued…

Feedback is appreciated.