Title: The Love of the Bullied 6/?

Author: Forsaken2003

Pairing: S/X

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I own none, all belong to Joss Whedon

Comments: Always welcomed!

Summary: Life sucks for Xander but when Spike moves to Sunnydale will things get better or worse?

Warnings/Spoilers: None

Beta'd by: Unbeta'd

Note: I feel like this story is possibly over dramatic. Not what I really write but it just kind of went that direction.

Part Six

September and October passed quickly and Spike was still living his double life. He spend most of his weekends with Xander. The spare room had basically become Xander's room, the dresser held some of of his clothes, he even had a couple of his action figures there and a Lego replica of the Death Star he had built at Spike's one weekend. Xander would stay at Spike's place every weekend even if Spike had other plans. It wasn't often that he spent his free time with Larry and the others but if he wanted to keep his status in the school he had to make an appearance to the parties.

Xander would clean the apartment even though Spike told him he had a cleaner that came in twice a month but Xander was having none of it. Spike never let him pay for the food he ate and at least eight days of the month he crashed there, the least he could do was keep the place clean. It wasn't that Spike was messy per say but cleaning was definitely an after thought.

In that two months Spike saw Xander's walls slowly start to crumble. Xander was warming up to Spike and even occasionally he'd hold Spike's hand while they watched television. Spike never said anything afraid that it the hand holding would stop.

Keeping his word Spike never participated in any of the torment done against Xander. It was becoming harder for Spike not to intervene whenever Larry and his sheep bullied Xander but he promised his parents he'd keep his nose clean. In fact he went out of his way to make sure he stayed clear all together when he saw Larry and Xander in the same proximity. He was there for Xander to vent to about his day.

"Are you sure you're doing okay by yourself, Will?" Anne asked Spike over FaceTime. "You know you can always come home." It was their weekly chat.

Spike wanted to roll his eyes at his mother. Every time they talked it was the same thing. "Things are good, mum. And I told you I'm not alone."

"Yes, that Alexander boy," James remembered. He sat beside Anne. "Is he still staying there on the weekends?"

"He is. He hasn't said anything but I think he's have problems at home," Spike replied he tossed a piece of popcorn in his mouth.

Anne frowned. "Poor thing. I hope it's nothing serious."

Spike shrugged. "I've asked him about it a few times but he just changes the subject."

"All you can do is be there for him," James said. He patted Anne's hand. Even though they have yet to meet Xander, Anne had already grown fond of the boy. "Now when should we book your ticket home for Christmas break?"

"Last day of school is December twentieth. I can pack after school," Spike answered looking at his school calendar. "If there is an early direct flight on the twenty-first I could be home that night. I could fly back on the third. That'll give me a few days to deal with the jet lag."

James looked down at his phone. "I'll book the tickets and email them to you."

"First class?" Spike asked already knowing the answer. He saw his father sighed but nodded. He was such a spoiled brat. "Thanks, dad. I love being in America but I'm excited to come home."

"Just not too long, you don't want Alexander to get too lonely." Anne winked at Spike. She knew her son well enough to know that his feeling towards Xander were more than just friends.

Spike's head fell back and he prayed to the Gods that his mother wouldn't play twenty questions about Xander when he arrived home. "I have homework I still need to do. I'll talk you guys next week."

"Okay, Little Mouse," Anne said with a smile. "You have a good week."

With a groan Spike asked, "how long are you going to keep calling me that?"

"Forever," Anne responded. "You'll always be my Little Mouse."

James chimed in, "we love you, son. Keeping staying out of trouble and keep your grades up. Don't let us down," his tone turned serious. His parents may have been pushovers when it came to giving Spike what he wanted but when it came to his school work and future they were strict.

"I won't, dad," Spike promised. He'd do whatever he needed to, to make his parents proud and for his future.

Spike ended the call before flopping over on the couch. His parents spoiled him but when his father was firm about something there was no amount of whining that could get him to change his mind. Spike wasn't the best student, his grades would never make him valedictorian but the lowest grade he'd received so far this semester was a B plus.

Spike got a notification of a new text on his phone. He picked up thinking it was from Xander, instead it was a text from Harmony.

'Bronze tonight?' Harmony texted.

'Who's all going?' Spike wrote back.

'You and me.' Harmony responded adding a winky face emoji.

Harmony had been trying to go out on a date with Spike for weeks. She wasn't his type. Sure she was pretty but she didn't have a lot going on for personality or brains. Also she wasn't Xander.

'Sorry, I need to study for my science test that's on Friday. My dad said he'd take away my motorcycle if I don't get at least a B+.'

"OMG! How cruel! Okay, you study but you owe me a ride on your bike!'

Spike looked up at the ceiling asking God why he was being punished. 'Sure.'

When his phone rang he was afraid it was Harmony but it was Xander's picture what popped up. Spike sat up and answered. "Hey, pet!"

"Hey, I was doing my math homework and I thought I'd ditch that and call you instead," Xander said, as he laid on the floor of his room with his math textbook in front of him. "Have you talked to your parents yet? How are they?"

Spike's heart fluttered. Xander always asked about his parents. "They're good. I just got off from talking to them. They are busy with their jobs."

"I hope that they don't run themselves ragged," Xander said worriedly.

"Once I'm home they'll take a break. Dad's booking my tickets today to head home for Christmas. Mum is excited for me to come home but she doesn't want me leaving you too long. She's afraid someone else will come and try to sweep you off your feet."

"There is no one else I'm interested in." The words came out of Xander's mouth before he could stop them.

"What did you say?" Spike asked. Did Xander say what he has been waiting months to hear? Xander remained quiet. "Say it again." It came out bossier than he intended.

Xander breath came out labored. "I'm… interested in you." This time it was Spike who was quiet. "Forget I said anything. I thought you were actually into…"

"Come over," Spike interrupted Xander. "I need to see you now."

Xander was silent for a minute. "Okay," Xander answered before hanging up.