Title: Zeppo No More 8/?
Author: Forsaken2003
Pairing: S/X
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I own none, all belong to Joss Whedon
Comments: Always welcomed!
Summary: After being attacked by a demon Xander is on the verge of death. The only thing to keep him from being six feet under is for Spike to turn him.
Warnings/Spoilers: Season 7. No First or Potentials but the Initiative did remove the chip from Spike's head.
Beta'd by: Unbeta'd

Prompt #393 from tamingthemuse- Overwhelmed

Note: From now on most of my tamingthemuse stories will be named as the challenge.

Spike had told Xander that Buffy was coming over to drop them off some blood and that he understood if Xander wanted to remain down in their bedroom until she left. That he had no obligation to see her and that Buffy would understand. Xander simply nodded and wrapped himself in the half blanket he'd used to sleep.

After making sure that Xander was alright Spike made his way up to wait for Buffy.

Xander sat on the floor thinking. He couldn't just hide from his friends. Hiding wasn't his style. Xander knew he had to see Buffy, to prove that he was still more or less the Xander Harris she'd known for years. And if he got overwhelmed Spike would be there to help.

Spike. It was weird how much Xander trusted him now. Before they were friends… sort of. But now Spike was like Xander life line. He was the only thing holding Xander together. Xander didn't think there was any way for Xander to ever repay Spike. Maybe his loyalty would be enough?

Xander tilted his head when he heard Buffy open the door. He listened letting Buffy and Spike have some time to talk. He didn't need to be around constantly.

Spike took the cooler of blood from Buffy. "Thanks, ducks."

"No problem," Buffy replied as she looked around the place. "Do you want to tell me what happened?" She looked at Spike worried. "It wasn't Xander, was it?"

"No, I would have stopped him before getting this far," Spike said. We came home to this. Obviously someone I've pissed off knows where I live."

Whoever it was; was definitely pissed at Spike. "Are they going to be a problem?" Buffy asked.

"Nothing for you to worry about," Spike said with a smile. "I'll handle it. Though I could use your slayer strength to help get rid of this rubbish and move Xander's furniture here."

Buffy mock sighed. "You're just using my strength and ability to go out in the sun. I'm starting to feel used."

Spike grinned. "You know we appreciate everything you do."

"We do," Xander confirmed as climbed up the ladder. He looked worried but tried to hide it. "Hey, Buff."

"Hey, back at you," Buffy smiled. She had to stop herself from going over to Xander. It had to take a lot of strength to come up and see her. Her spider senses were tingling badly and she was used to it, she couldn't imagine what Xander was feeling. "Is Spike taking good care of you?"

Xander gave Spike a sideways glance. "Yeah, he really is. I wouldn't want anyone else as my sire."

Spike's eyes widened at that. It was strange that someone would want him as a sire. No one had ever wanted him as well… anything. He had to stop himself from moving over to stand beside Xander.

"Buffy, I just wanted to apologize for yesterday. I'd never want to hurt you or Dawn or Willow. I promise. I know I'm not exactly the same guy I was that I'm a demon now. There are going to be bad days but I want you to know I'll still be here. And I hope when I'm up for it that you'll let me help you continue to keep Sunnydale safe," Xander said, looking nervous. He was afraid that maybe Buffy wouldn't want his help. Maybe having two vampires around would be too much for her.

Buffy couldn't help it she rushed over to Xander and threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. It was a good that he didn't need to breathe because she would have probably killed him. "Xander, you are always going to be our friend. And when you're ready to be around all of us we'll be here for you."

Spike had to stop himself from growling. His protective instincts were kicking in. Xander was his! "Buffy…" he voice was low and slightly threatening.

"What?" Buffy asked letting go of Xander. She turned to see Spike barely holding the demon back. "What's wrong?"

It took all of Spike not to grab Xander and claim him. He shook himself. "Nothing. I'm just hungry."

"Oh…" Buffy wasn't sure she believed Spike but she didn't question it. "How about I come back tonight and help get rid of this junk and we'll go to Xander's to grab what you guys want?"

Spike nodded. "We'll see you tonight."

"Good. Make sure you guys eat," Buffy practically ordered before she left.

When she was gone Xander shot Spike a confused look. He didn't understand what upset Spike. Wasn't he happy that Xander remained calm with Buffy? With a shrug Xander decided not to worry about it. His stomach grumbled. Eating sounded like a good idea.