Title: Conflict, Resolution
Series: Changed 5/?
Disclaimer: Joss, ME, and many others own everything but the story. No copyright infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Fanfiction.net All list archives. Anyone else who wants it can have it, but please let me know where it is going, so I might visit it.
Feedback: Yes please, always much appreciated. Makes me write faster too. Thank You.
"I'm hungry." There was need in that voice. No other emotion just need. Xander was a new vampire and had to have blood quickly.
"I know, Xander. You'll eat soon." Spike softly reassured him. while Angel prepared the blood bags for Xander.
"Xander, here, I want you to drink this." Angel handed him a glass filled with blood. It was cold, but heating it would have meant them moving to the kitchen, and Angel didn't want to risk it. Xander obediently took the glass and swallowed the entire contents in one gulp.
"More. Now, please" Xander was still hungry. Angel prepared another glass of blood for him. This continued until Xander had drank nearly the equivalent of the blood in a full-grown human's body. Then Spike went to him again.
"Xander, I want you to drink from me." Spike remembered that drinking from your sire, strengthened the bond. He also knew that part of the need was the desire to rip at flesh, and blood in a glass didn't take care of that need. Xander however looked hesitant. He wanted too it was clear, but he didn't know if he should. "It's okay Xander. You can't hurt me. I want this." To prove his point he moved a little closer, and tilted his head back exposing his neck. Xander watched him for a moment before pulling him even closer and sliding his fangs into that exposed flesh. He was almost overwhelmed at the first taste of his sire's blood. There was strength to it, that had been missing from the bagged blood. He drank for a long time, before he felt himself being gently pulled away by Angel's hands.
"That's enough Xander. Spike is still weak. He needs the rest of his blood." Angel spoke as he would to a child, which is essentially what Xander was. What he would be for a few days at least.
"It's alright Angel. He didn't take too much. You did fine Xander." Spike's tone was meant to reassure both Xander and Angel. It seemed to work with Xander, but it was far too low and breathy for Angel's comfort.
"Spike, you seem to have a habit of overindulging your childe's need for sire's blood. I don't want to see you hurt. Make him take a little less next time okay." Angel was truly concerned. He felt like Spike would have let Xander drink until he was nearly drained, before he would have stopped it. Spike had to control Xander.
Spike ignored Angel, turning to Xander, "Xander, what can you remember?" He needed to know how much to talk about. Xander would eventually remember his whole life, but most vampires woke up remembering very little.
His need sated, Xander's human features slid back into place. "I remember, I was fighting. Vampires lots of them. You were with me. A woman she tried to kill me. We weren't out there to fight the vampires. We were supposed to be fighting something else, helping a girl, Buffy. That's all." Xander seemed confused, disoriented. He knew there was more, but he just couldn't make that information come.
"It's alright Xander, you'll remember. It will just take a little time is all." Spike reassured his childe. Turning to Angel he said, "I think you should go down and talk to the others. Between the memory and his thirst, I don't think it's a good idea if he sees them tonight. Maybe in a few days." Spike spoke quietly. He didn't want to scare Xander, or make him think there was anything wrong with him. He also wanted Angel gone for a little while. He needed to bond with his childe, and didn't want his own sire looking over his shoulder.
Angel nodded, and went to the door. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Spike's voice call to him, "Angel." He turned and looked. "I won't say this again, so you better listen the first time. Thank you." His words seemed strained but genuine.
Angel smiled just a little and answered, "You're welcome." He then turned and went downstairs to speak to the humans in this group.
When Angel walked into the living room he was met by 5 pairs of expectant and rather anxious eyes. Wanting to quickly reassure them he spoke. "He's awake. He's going to be okay."
Before Angel could continue Buffy was on her feet, heading towards the stairs. Angel reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Let go of me Angel. I want to see Xander." Buffy sounded annoyed that Angel would restrain her. The girl was used to getting her way, always.
Angel did not release his hold on her, but he spoke gently. "Sit down Buffy. We need to talk. You can't go up there right now."
"I can go wherever I damn well please. I'm going to go see Xander now." Buffy was angry now. She wanted to see her friend with her own eyes, verify that he was indeed awake and doing fine. But still Angel would not let her go.
Instead he nearly flung her at the couch. He was angry now. The other's could see his eyes flickering with gold. His control was tenuous at best. "I said to sit down, now." He turned to Giles who was sitting there stunned. "Giles, would you please tell her what an average fledgling is like, considering she obviously doesn't want to hear anything I have to say. Maybe she'll listen to you."
Cordelia almost laughed at that, "I guess there could be a first time for everything." Buffy shot her glare that made most people back down, but Cordelia merely smiled at her.
"Yes, of course Angel. Buffy, everyone. I should tell you as Angel said, what a fledgling is like. When they first wake they are consumed by the hunger the need. It's all that matters. There is never another time when the demon is as close to the surface as it is immediately after the change. They have no control over it at all. They are a raging mass of flesh. They also tend to have very few memories of the life they left behind. Those memories rebuild themselves in a matter of weeks, sometimes months, but they aren't there upon waking. Many fledgling vampires don't even know their own names." He spoke using an academic tone, again distancing himself from the fact that Xander a young man, he'd grown to love as a friend, was the vampire in question. If nothing else though his words had the intended effect on Buffy. She was now sitting quietly on the couch.
"Thank you Giles. Now that I have everyone's attention, let me tell you what's different about Xander. First let me tell you why anything is different about Xander. It isn't the soul not yet. The Hunger is too powerful for the soul at this stage. No, Xander is different because of the way Spike sired him. He gave him a lot of blood. More blood than was really necessary to make Xander a childe. The side effect of that is that Xander has more characteristics of Spike already. First, he's better able to control the demon than many older vampires. Spike always had amazing control, and it seems he passed that on to his childe. Second, He has a good portion of his memory back. He remembers what he was doing when he died. He remembers that he was helping Buffy. That's significantly more than anything I've seen a new fledgling remember. And finally, he's much stronger than most fledglings. He's as strong, physically as Spike. These things make it a bad idea for you to go see him now. Yes he has better control than most, but the hunger is still the strongest thing right now. Yes he remembers you Buffy, but if you go up there now, his instincts will kick in. You are the slayer. He will try to kill you, and you will have to kill him to stop him. The hunger makes him even stronger right now, like a human with an adrenaline rush. Spike made Xander feed from him. Spike would have allowed Xander to drain him. I had to pull him off, and it took every bit of my strength to do it. Xander is dangerous now. You have to give it some time." Angel's voice regained that steady reassurance he had used earlier. His anger drained out of him. He was surprised when it was Willow who spoke next.
"Okay, Angel. I understand, he has to grow up a little bit. Giles, Buffy I think maybe you should go home. Get some rest. We have everything under control here. Anya, I hate to ask you to leave, but I've done my share of reading too. I know that the hunger and lust are very often tied together, I think maybe it would be a good thing if you weren't around just now. Cordelia, maybe you should go with her. Take care of her. Anya needs a friend right now. I can do a spell that will mask my heartbeat, even from a vampire's ears. He won't know I'm human, won't want to feed from me. Angel and Spike will stay here to look after Xander." Willow slipped easily back into the tone of command she had used the night before. This was all hitting Buffy way too hard, for her to be in charge. Giles was still in shock, and no one seemed to trust Angel enough for him to be in charge. Well somebody had to be.
Angel just stared at her. He had heard from both Spike and Giles that Willow had taken command last night, but he couldn't really believe it. Now he saw it, and saw why his Childe loved her. To command took a fire, that few people had, Willow did. When she harnessed that, people did as she told them. Angel knew that if her words had been directed at him, he would have unquestioning done as she asked. Everyone but Buffy, seemed to be doing this. Anya and Cordelia gathered up their things. Giles stood and looked ready to go. Buffy however just stared at Willow as though she had grown a 3rd head. "You want me to leave you in this house alone with three vampires. It's not going to happen Willow."
"Buffy, just go. Two of these vampires have souls. Angel is well in control. Spike can't hurt me because he has the chip. I already told you I can shield my heartbeat. I don't think Xander will attack something without a heartbeat. Even if he does, I can restrain him with my magic. You'd have no choice but to kill him. You can't be here right now. Go, I'll keep you informed." Willow had upped the level of the command in her voice. It was not gentle guidance anymore, this was an order pure and simple. Even Buffy responded to it this time.
"Fine I'm going, but don't expect me to just sit around and do nothing. You call me if anything happens." Buffy was going. She wasn't going to fight, but she wasn't going to make this pleasant for any of them either. She turned and for the second time that day stormed out of the Rosenberg house.
Willow turned back to the others and her voice softened, "Please everyone. It's been a long day. I know I need some sleep. I imagine the three of you do as well. I promise I'll call if there is any change here."
Giles nodded and left without another word. Anya also left silently, but enveloped Willow in a tight hug, before walking out the door. Cordelia was the only one who spoke. "Wow, looks like you left the shy little mousy girl I knew in high school behind for good. I'm proud of you Willow. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Cordelia's voice held awe and genuine pride for her friend. It was amazing to Willow how much both of them had changed since high school.
Angel looked at Willow in amazement for a moment longer before speaking again. "Thank you Willow. That was effective." He trailed off not knowing just what to say.
"I never knew I could do that until last night. Kinda scary actually, but I like it. I like the way I feel, when I'm in control. I'm going to get some sleep Angel. I'm taking my parents room tonight. You can have the guest room. Spike can stay with Xander or you, whichever he prefers. Goodnight Angel." Willow gives Angel a swift hug, and walks upstairs before Angel can respond.
In barely a whisper he answered her words, "Goodnight Little One." Again his thoughts were swirling. Spike had accused him of being in love with the girl, and he had denied it. Still he couldn't deny that her display of power tonight had effected him. He was definitely attracted to the girl, but he loved Buffy, even if he didn't like her very much this trip. Angel sighed and went back upstairs to face said childe again.
"I could hear what happened. My Red sent them all home. She did good. Do you thing this spell idea of hers will work?" Spike's pride in Willow was clear, but he was concerned about her.
"I think so. She should be able to make it appear that she has no heartbeat. Xander has enough control, that he won't attack just because she looks human. If he didn't he would have attacked me instead of asking you for food. You did a good job Spike. You made a strong and beautiful childe. Willow offered me the guest room, and I didn't get much sleep before, I'm going to go sit and read for a little while then go to sleep. You're welcome to share the room, but I thought you might want to stay with your childe." Angel's voice was deep and soothing. Reassuring Spike that everything was going well, that they would all be okay.
Spike nodded, "I'm going to try to get him to sleep. It's been a rough night for him, and dawn isn't that far away." Spike was still concerned about his childe's well being. He wanted him to be okay, really okay.
Angel knew that Spike wanted to be left alone, so he did exactly as he'd said he'd do. He went back to the guest room, read for a while about hunting packs, something about that attack still bothered him, and finally drifted off to sleep, just as the sun was rising. Maybe an hour later he heard a soft whimpering sound. It woke him up, he'd always been a light sleeper. He got up to investigate, and realized that the sound was coming from Willow's room, the one that Spike and Xander were currently occupying. He went and opened the door. Spike was quite obviously dreaming again, but the sounds were not coming from him. Xander was lying in the corner of the bed whimpering. Spike had somehow scared him with the dreams.
Angel tried to calm and quiet Xander, but nothing was working. He realized that until Spike was calm Xander would remain scared. He knew it was a bad idea, knew it even as he slid onto the bed next to Spike, but what else could he do. He had to calm Xander down, and Xander needed his sire calm to calm down himself. So, for the second night in a row Angel gathered Spike up in his arms and gently stroked his hair and back until the dreams went away. Xander then crawled up next to them and slid his own arms around Spike, the presence of his now peaceful sire soothing him. Angel fully intended to get up and go back to his own bed, but he was so tired. He hadn't really slept for nearly two days now. He drifted off to sleep before he could make his body obey his mind.
At nearly noon the next day, Willow woke up again. She quickly chanted the spell that would mask her heartbeat and went to check on Spike and Xander. When she opened the door to her room she was surprised to find all three vampires asleep in her small bed. They were wrapped around each other as though holding on for dear life. Willow smiled at the sight. They looked so innocent in sleep, and yet each of their personalities were evident. Angel was the grand protector. Somehow he had managed to get his arms around both Xander and Spike. It was as though he was shielding them from anything bad. Spike was wrapped possessively around his childe needing to prove even in sleep that Xander belonged to him. Xander did not hold onto either of them but snuggled into their embraces basking in the fact that others cared about him. Poor Xander had been denied the normal love a child was given, he craved caring now. She didn't know how they had all ended up together, and was quite frankly rather amazed that they hadn't fallen out of her rather small bed, but they seemed to have found what they each needed. She stepped back out of the room and gently closed the door going downstairs to get herself some breakfast.
Series: Changed 5/?
Disclaimer: Joss, ME, and many others own everything but the story. No copyright infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution: Fanfiction.net All list archives. Anyone else who wants it can have it, but please let me know where it is going, so I might visit it.
Feedback: Yes please, always much appreciated. Makes me write faster too. Thank You.
"I'm hungry." There was need in that voice. No other emotion just need. Xander was a new vampire and had to have blood quickly.
"I know, Xander. You'll eat soon." Spike softly reassured him. while Angel prepared the blood bags for Xander.
"Xander, here, I want you to drink this." Angel handed him a glass filled with blood. It was cold, but heating it would have meant them moving to the kitchen, and Angel didn't want to risk it. Xander obediently took the glass and swallowed the entire contents in one gulp.
"More. Now, please" Xander was still hungry. Angel prepared another glass of blood for him. This continued until Xander had drank nearly the equivalent of the blood in a full-grown human's body. Then Spike went to him again.
"Xander, I want you to drink from me." Spike remembered that drinking from your sire, strengthened the bond. He also knew that part of the need was the desire to rip at flesh, and blood in a glass didn't take care of that need. Xander however looked hesitant. He wanted too it was clear, but he didn't know if he should. "It's okay Xander. You can't hurt me. I want this." To prove his point he moved a little closer, and tilted his head back exposing his neck. Xander watched him for a moment before pulling him even closer and sliding his fangs into that exposed flesh. He was almost overwhelmed at the first taste of his sire's blood. There was strength to it, that had been missing from the bagged blood. He drank for a long time, before he felt himself being gently pulled away by Angel's hands.
"That's enough Xander. Spike is still weak. He needs the rest of his blood." Angel spoke as he would to a child, which is essentially what Xander was. What he would be for a few days at least.
"It's alright Angel. He didn't take too much. You did fine Xander." Spike's tone was meant to reassure both Xander and Angel. It seemed to work with Xander, but it was far too low and breathy for Angel's comfort.
"Spike, you seem to have a habit of overindulging your childe's need for sire's blood. I don't want to see you hurt. Make him take a little less next time okay." Angel was truly concerned. He felt like Spike would have let Xander drink until he was nearly drained, before he would have stopped it. Spike had to control Xander.
Spike ignored Angel, turning to Xander, "Xander, what can you remember?" He needed to know how much to talk about. Xander would eventually remember his whole life, but most vampires woke up remembering very little.
His need sated, Xander's human features slid back into place. "I remember, I was fighting. Vampires lots of them. You were with me. A woman she tried to kill me. We weren't out there to fight the vampires. We were supposed to be fighting something else, helping a girl, Buffy. That's all." Xander seemed confused, disoriented. He knew there was more, but he just couldn't make that information come.
"It's alright Xander, you'll remember. It will just take a little time is all." Spike reassured his childe. Turning to Angel he said, "I think you should go down and talk to the others. Between the memory and his thirst, I don't think it's a good idea if he sees them tonight. Maybe in a few days." Spike spoke quietly. He didn't want to scare Xander, or make him think there was anything wrong with him. He also wanted Angel gone for a little while. He needed to bond with his childe, and didn't want his own sire looking over his shoulder.
Angel nodded, and went to the door. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Spike's voice call to him, "Angel." He turned and looked. "I won't say this again, so you better listen the first time. Thank you." His words seemed strained but genuine.
Angel smiled just a little and answered, "You're welcome." He then turned and went downstairs to speak to the humans in this group.
When Angel walked into the living room he was met by 5 pairs of expectant and rather anxious eyes. Wanting to quickly reassure them he spoke. "He's awake. He's going to be okay."
Before Angel could continue Buffy was on her feet, heading towards the stairs. Angel reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Let go of me Angel. I want to see Xander." Buffy sounded annoyed that Angel would restrain her. The girl was used to getting her way, always.
Angel did not release his hold on her, but he spoke gently. "Sit down Buffy. We need to talk. You can't go up there right now."
"I can go wherever I damn well please. I'm going to go see Xander now." Buffy was angry now. She wanted to see her friend with her own eyes, verify that he was indeed awake and doing fine. But still Angel would not let her go.
Instead he nearly flung her at the couch. He was angry now. The other's could see his eyes flickering with gold. His control was tenuous at best. "I said to sit down, now." He turned to Giles who was sitting there stunned. "Giles, would you please tell her what an average fledgling is like, considering she obviously doesn't want to hear anything I have to say. Maybe she'll listen to you."
Cordelia almost laughed at that, "I guess there could be a first time for everything." Buffy shot her glare that made most people back down, but Cordelia merely smiled at her.
"Yes, of course Angel. Buffy, everyone. I should tell you as Angel said, what a fledgling is like. When they first wake they are consumed by the hunger the need. It's all that matters. There is never another time when the demon is as close to the surface as it is immediately after the change. They have no control over it at all. They are a raging mass of flesh. They also tend to have very few memories of the life they left behind. Those memories rebuild themselves in a matter of weeks, sometimes months, but they aren't there upon waking. Many fledgling vampires don't even know their own names." He spoke using an academic tone, again distancing himself from the fact that Xander a young man, he'd grown to love as a friend, was the vampire in question. If nothing else though his words had the intended effect on Buffy. She was now sitting quietly on the couch.
"Thank you Giles. Now that I have everyone's attention, let me tell you what's different about Xander. First let me tell you why anything is different about Xander. It isn't the soul not yet. The Hunger is too powerful for the soul at this stage. No, Xander is different because of the way Spike sired him. He gave him a lot of blood. More blood than was really necessary to make Xander a childe. The side effect of that is that Xander has more characteristics of Spike already. First, he's better able to control the demon than many older vampires. Spike always had amazing control, and it seems he passed that on to his childe. Second, He has a good portion of his memory back. He remembers what he was doing when he died. He remembers that he was helping Buffy. That's significantly more than anything I've seen a new fledgling remember. And finally, he's much stronger than most fledglings. He's as strong, physically as Spike. These things make it a bad idea for you to go see him now. Yes he has better control than most, but the hunger is still the strongest thing right now. Yes he remembers you Buffy, but if you go up there now, his instincts will kick in. You are the slayer. He will try to kill you, and you will have to kill him to stop him. The hunger makes him even stronger right now, like a human with an adrenaline rush. Spike made Xander feed from him. Spike would have allowed Xander to drain him. I had to pull him off, and it took every bit of my strength to do it. Xander is dangerous now. You have to give it some time." Angel's voice regained that steady reassurance he had used earlier. His anger drained out of him. He was surprised when it was Willow who spoke next.
"Okay, Angel. I understand, he has to grow up a little bit. Giles, Buffy I think maybe you should go home. Get some rest. We have everything under control here. Anya, I hate to ask you to leave, but I've done my share of reading too. I know that the hunger and lust are very often tied together, I think maybe it would be a good thing if you weren't around just now. Cordelia, maybe you should go with her. Take care of her. Anya needs a friend right now. I can do a spell that will mask my heartbeat, even from a vampire's ears. He won't know I'm human, won't want to feed from me. Angel and Spike will stay here to look after Xander." Willow slipped easily back into the tone of command she had used the night before. This was all hitting Buffy way too hard, for her to be in charge. Giles was still in shock, and no one seemed to trust Angel enough for him to be in charge. Well somebody had to be.
Angel just stared at her. He had heard from both Spike and Giles that Willow had taken command last night, but he couldn't really believe it. Now he saw it, and saw why his Childe loved her. To command took a fire, that few people had, Willow did. When she harnessed that, people did as she told them. Angel knew that if her words had been directed at him, he would have unquestioning done as she asked. Everyone but Buffy, seemed to be doing this. Anya and Cordelia gathered up their things. Giles stood and looked ready to go. Buffy however just stared at Willow as though she had grown a 3rd head. "You want me to leave you in this house alone with three vampires. It's not going to happen Willow."
"Buffy, just go. Two of these vampires have souls. Angel is well in control. Spike can't hurt me because he has the chip. I already told you I can shield my heartbeat. I don't think Xander will attack something without a heartbeat. Even if he does, I can restrain him with my magic. You'd have no choice but to kill him. You can't be here right now. Go, I'll keep you informed." Willow had upped the level of the command in her voice. It was not gentle guidance anymore, this was an order pure and simple. Even Buffy responded to it this time.
"Fine I'm going, but don't expect me to just sit around and do nothing. You call me if anything happens." Buffy was going. She wasn't going to fight, but she wasn't going to make this pleasant for any of them either. She turned and for the second time that day stormed out of the Rosenberg house.
Willow turned back to the others and her voice softened, "Please everyone. It's been a long day. I know I need some sleep. I imagine the three of you do as well. I promise I'll call if there is any change here."
Giles nodded and left without another word. Anya also left silently, but enveloped Willow in a tight hug, before walking out the door. Cordelia was the only one who spoke. "Wow, looks like you left the shy little mousy girl I knew in high school behind for good. I'm proud of you Willow. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Cordelia's voice held awe and genuine pride for her friend. It was amazing to Willow how much both of them had changed since high school.
Angel looked at Willow in amazement for a moment longer before speaking again. "Thank you Willow. That was effective." He trailed off not knowing just what to say.
"I never knew I could do that until last night. Kinda scary actually, but I like it. I like the way I feel, when I'm in control. I'm going to get some sleep Angel. I'm taking my parents room tonight. You can have the guest room. Spike can stay with Xander or you, whichever he prefers. Goodnight Angel." Willow gives Angel a swift hug, and walks upstairs before Angel can respond.
In barely a whisper he answered her words, "Goodnight Little One." Again his thoughts were swirling. Spike had accused him of being in love with the girl, and he had denied it. Still he couldn't deny that her display of power tonight had effected him. He was definitely attracted to the girl, but he loved Buffy, even if he didn't like her very much this trip. Angel sighed and went back upstairs to face said childe again.
"I could hear what happened. My Red sent them all home. She did good. Do you thing this spell idea of hers will work?" Spike's pride in Willow was clear, but he was concerned about her.
"I think so. She should be able to make it appear that she has no heartbeat. Xander has enough control, that he won't attack just because she looks human. If he didn't he would have attacked me instead of asking you for food. You did a good job Spike. You made a strong and beautiful childe. Willow offered me the guest room, and I didn't get much sleep before, I'm going to go sit and read for a little while then go to sleep. You're welcome to share the room, but I thought you might want to stay with your childe." Angel's voice was deep and soothing. Reassuring Spike that everything was going well, that they would all be okay.
Spike nodded, "I'm going to try to get him to sleep. It's been a rough night for him, and dawn isn't that far away." Spike was still concerned about his childe's well being. He wanted him to be okay, really okay.
Angel knew that Spike wanted to be left alone, so he did exactly as he'd said he'd do. He went back to the guest room, read for a while about hunting packs, something about that attack still bothered him, and finally drifted off to sleep, just as the sun was rising. Maybe an hour later he heard a soft whimpering sound. It woke him up, he'd always been a light sleeper. He got up to investigate, and realized that the sound was coming from Willow's room, the one that Spike and Xander were currently occupying. He went and opened the door. Spike was quite obviously dreaming again, but the sounds were not coming from him. Xander was lying in the corner of the bed whimpering. Spike had somehow scared him with the dreams.
Angel tried to calm and quiet Xander, but nothing was working. He realized that until Spike was calm Xander would remain scared. He knew it was a bad idea, knew it even as he slid onto the bed next to Spike, but what else could he do. He had to calm Xander down, and Xander needed his sire calm to calm down himself. So, for the second night in a row Angel gathered Spike up in his arms and gently stroked his hair and back until the dreams went away. Xander then crawled up next to them and slid his own arms around Spike, the presence of his now peaceful sire soothing him. Angel fully intended to get up and go back to his own bed, but he was so tired. He hadn't really slept for nearly two days now. He drifted off to sleep before he could make his body obey his mind.
At nearly noon the next day, Willow woke up again. She quickly chanted the spell that would mask her heartbeat and went to check on Spike and Xander. When she opened the door to her room she was surprised to find all three vampires asleep in her small bed. They were wrapped around each other as though holding on for dear life. Willow smiled at the sight. They looked so innocent in sleep, and yet each of their personalities were evident. Angel was the grand protector. Somehow he had managed to get his arms around both Xander and Spike. It was as though he was shielding them from anything bad. Spike was wrapped possessively around his childe needing to prove even in sleep that Xander belonged to him. Xander did not hold onto either of them but snuggled into their embraces basking in the fact that others cared about him. Poor Xander had been denied the normal love a child was given, he craved caring now. She didn't know how they had all ended up together, and was quite frankly rather amazed that they hadn't fallen out of her rather small bed, but they seemed to have found what they each needed. She stepped back out of the room and gently closed the door going downstairs to get herself some breakfast.