Hey everyone, sorry for this being so late. The new term is a lot harder than I thought it would be with A&P, and my daughter's really sick. No worries though, I'm almost finished with the chapter after this one, then I'll start working on the others right after. Hope you enjoy this! Also, I wanted to again thank everyone who has reviewed. It makes me feel good about finally posting my work, and I'm so glad you all enjoy it!
Note: (recalled moments or memories)
Warnings: No real warnings. Some language, and a small bit of fluff at the end.
Disclaimer: I do not own BTVS nor do I make any money from writing this.
After the small fist fight Angel and Spike got into at the apartment, they were now sitting on opposite sides of the room in silence. Spike was still really pissed about his door getting kicked in, even though he had called and had it fixed over half an hour ago.
"Well Peaches, say what you have to say so you can get the fuck out and let me get back to my pet." Angel scowled, not liking how Spike felt it was okay to down talk him at every turn.
"We may not get along or see eye to eye, but you will respect me." Spike sent him another death glare, grabbing a bag of blood out the fridge before tossing it in the microwave.
"I don't respect anyone who looks down on me. Sire or no Sire." Angel sent him another glare back, crossing his arms over his chest.
"I don't care how pissed you are at me, or me being here; this is a serious situation that needs to be handled before anything falls out of control. Everyone is at risk." Spike tore into the bag with his fangs, draining it.
"If you even think I'll let you get away with threatening Xander, you're mistaken. Anyone thinks they can lay their bloody hands on him will have to deal with me first hand."
"I believe he can take care of himself." Angel mumbled angrily, remembering how Xander had man-handled him. Spike grinned, knowing exactly what he was talking about.
"He's a good pet, takes care of what's his."
"So then why hasn't he dealt with Buffy?" A heavy silence filled the air after Angel spoke. They refused to look at one another.
"…I won't let him." Angel looked at him finally, slightly confused.
"Why not? Like you just said, he takes care of what's his. How is this any different?" Spike grabbed a beer from the fridge, downing some before slamming it on the counter.
"It's different because the Slayer would rip him to pieces before I could even think to protect him. Won't let that happen. In case you forgot, I don't abandon those who need me." Spike said, old feelings settling on him and making him feel heavy. Angel felt a small pang of regret fill his chest, before pushing it away.
"You really care about him, don't you?"
"Of course I do you git. He started taking care of me before I even realized it. Now the little wanker thinks he can take on the world now that he's got a demon living on the inside a' him, but it doesn't work like that." Spike fumed, finishing off his beer before tossing it into the trash. Making his way over to where Angel sat, he stared him down.
"I won't let you touch him. You can't even change what's happened, so don't even think about trying. What you can do is use your wonder powers to keep the bint off my back; and his." Spike paused, thinking if he should bargain it.
"If you do, I'll start respecting you as your title demands…Grande Sire." Spike spoke softly, old feelings once again trying to consume him. Unknown to him, Angel was having the same feelings well up inside.
"Alright, I'll do it. Only because if I don't; Rex will. If that happens, we're all screwed." Spike nodded sharply, looking away from Angel.
"We good; for now at least?" Angel asked after a moment of silence. Spike stood there for a moment before nodding.
"Yeah Peaches, we're good."
Buffy walked up to Xander's house, knocking on the front door. Everyone was keeping something from here. After the Bronze, she had gone back to Spike's crypt to get some answers; only to find it empty. Anger had taken over and she had destroyed everything in sight. She hadn't seen one glimpse of him since; or Xander for that matter. Something just didn't seem right, and she knew Spike was doing something with Xander. Suddenly the door opened, jerking her from her thoughts.
"What do you want?" The man snarled nastily. Buffy held back a sneer, and smiled her most innocent smile.
"I'm sorry for bothering you so late, but is there any way I can speak to Xander? I knocked on the basement door but he didn't answer me." The man only seemed to become more aggravated at the mentioning of Xander.
"The damn boy isn't here. He leaves all hours of everyday and only comes home when he feels like it. I have no idea where he's at." Buffy frowned slightly, an idea forming in her mind.
"Really? That…kind of worries me. You see, there was this blonde guy I saw Xander hanging out with a few times. Not to be nosy or anything, but I heard the guy is really into drugs and stuff. Xander is such a sweetheart and I don't think he'd do anything like that…" She ran off, giving off vibes of being concerned. The man's expression darkened in a vicious manner, clenching his fists in anger.
"He's been hanging around a druggie, huh? Thanks for the tip off. I'll let him know you came by." Buffy suddenly smiled, clapping her hands together.
"Oh! No need to do that, I just wanted to check up on him since me and Willow haven't seen him in a few days. Thanks though." Without another word, she left; a smirk falling across her lips.
'Let's see you try to get out of that one Xander.'
Back at the Magic Box, Xander, Giles, Wesley, and Willow were all taking a break from the books. They hadn't found anything very useful, and anything that could be done would have to be done by Angel. Xander was becoming anxious, wondering when Spike was going to be back.
'He's ok, Spike can take care of himself.´ 'He better be ok, or his Grande Sire will have something explaining to do to my claws.' Xander held in a small chuckle, trying to brush his nervousness off. After their discussion, Giles had become more relaxed. It was understood that Xander was still Xander; only now he was half-demon and mated to a Vampire who was over a century old.
"Don't worry Xander, they'll be back soon. Hopefully before Buffy comes around." Xander nodded with a smile to Willow, knowing she was only trying to look out for him.
"Of course, I know. I just can't help but have a bad feeling. I'm not sure what it is, but something is gonna happen." Willow frowned, keeping her hand on top of Xander's in support.
A knock sounded at his door before it opened and shut quickly after.
"What is the progress of the situation?"
"The Slayer has been to his house. I saw her there, talking to Xander's father. The man looked very angry. Afterwards, I saw her talking with some man. It seemed like she was having him take something to Xander's home to leave there. Did you want me to go gather it and bring it back to you?" Rex looked up from his desk in contemplation, shaking his head.
"No, don't do that. Let me know when Xander gets home immediately. You're dismissed." The demon nodded his head before leaving right after. Rex tapped his fingers on the desk, glancing out the huge windows from his office.
'Just what are you going to do now Slayer…'
Spike and Angel arrived back at the Magic Box, surprised to see everyone just sitting around the table.
"Everything ok?" Angel inquired from Wesley, not liking how close he and Giles were sitting together.
"Yes Angel, no one has been by. We've only been researching stuff, trying to figure out why all of this happened to Xander."
"And?" Angel would never admit he was nervous, but if there was some way to end the mating…
"There is nothing that can be done. It seems that the demon has become a part of who Xander is. It's become a sort of natural component to his DNA. It was inactive because it was not needed. Which meant that he could have gone the rest of his life without the demon ever coming out for any reason; certain situations of course do not fit under that category.. Spike biting Xander called out to the demon, showing it that there was a powerful demon who reached its standards for a life mate. Yes, hyena's mate for life. In a really sick and twisted manner, it was almost like fate had planned for Spike to bite Xander." Angel felt his stomach drop, but nodded.
"I see. Good job Wesley." Wesley smiled brightly at Angel, looking back at Giles when he started to speak to him again. Angel fought off the irrational jealously before looking over to Spike and Xander. They stood near the door of the Magic Box, faces close. Spike had his hands on Xander's hips, Xander's own hands resting on Spike's chest as they spoke quietly. It looked as though they fit perfectly together. It made Angel nauseous.
"Everything is ok pet. Peaches is gonna deal with the Slayer, there's nothing to worry about." Xander took a deep breath, his nose brushing against Spike's,
"No more hiding?" He sounded hopeful and Spike didn't have the heart (pun intended) to crush it.
"No, no more hiding love. I'm all yours and the world can know it." Xander felt giddy, happier than he'd felt in days. Even his problems at home couldn't dampen his spirits. Leaning in, he purred at the gentle kiss turned possessive by Spike. Clinging to him, he moaned softly into the kiss when their hips brushed. Angel looked away, a small flush making its way to his cheeks.
"I really hate to go, but I need to get home. My parents need me to clean up the yard tomorrow. I promise I'll be back tomorrow." Spike's brow furrowed, but he nodded his head.
"Yeah, alright pet, sounds good." Xander placed one more chaste kiss on his lips before turning to everyone else.
"Hey you guys, I'll see y'all tomorrow. I have some things to do."
"Ahh ok, bye Xander!" Willow called out, Giles and Wesley also acknowledging him before he left. Angel noticed how Spike refused to let go of Xander's hand until he walked right out the door. He could still hear the last part of their conversation in his head.
("See you tomorrow, right?" "Yes love, tomorrow." "I…miss you already.") Spike's smile at Xander's statement could rival the sunlight. Scowling but staying silent, he observed everyone doing their own thing. He couldn't keep his eyes, or mind off the fact that Wesley and Giles seemed a little too close.
Again, sorry for the wait. Let me know what you think! -R.F.