Father of Mine
Chapter Three
Xander stared at the teen in silence for a few panicked filled seconds then sat up a little to get a better look.Hey I know you. "David?"
The teen smiled, "Glad you remembered Xan, and I only dated you throughout high school."
Xander sighed in relief, "Sorry man you kinda scared the crap outta me. I mean I was running and the chase and the icky and .why are you out here anyway?"
David lowered his head and looked a little embarrassed, "I'mkindahuntingdemons." He mumbled.
Xander couldn't help but smile, "You're hunting demons? You David are hunting demons?"
David looked confused, "Well yes."
Xander started to giggle, and then chuckle, then out right laughed. David frowned for a second then thought about what he said; he smiled with a slight chuckle and offered a hand up.
"Thanks," Xander said still smiling. "So you really did what you wanted huh? That's cool."
David's smile changed, "Yeah, just wish you had come with me."
Xander smiled sadly, "Yeah well you know I had a responsibility here. You know not everyone can become a famous Demon Hunter."
David pulled his ex-boyfriend into a tight hug, "Don't talk like that Xan, you do a good job to keep this place safe, I'm just sad you didn't tell me until I was leaving."
Xander truly smiled and returned the hug, "Missed you too Dave,"
"Xander!" a familiar voice called form the distance. "Xander! Where are you?"
Xander pulled away and searched the darkness for Angel and Spike, movement in the distance told him they weren't long in finding him.
"Who's that?" David asked looking where Xander was.
"My real dad," Xander said, "The irony of it all is that he's one of those that we've been fighting forever."
"What do you mean?" David asked.
"You'll see," Xander replied and started waving his hands "Dad, Grandpa over here!"
Moments later Spike and Angel came running up to them materializing from the darkness. Spike stopped right in front of Xander and started looking him over for anything broken. Angel stared at David as David stared at Angel.
"Dad I'm fine," Xander protested as Spike found his sprained ankle.
"Your ankle is sprained," Spike said bitterly, "That not fine." He looked at David, "Who's he?"
Xander gestured to David, "Dad, grandpa this is David Grandshawn, my ex- boyfriend."
"You know technically we never broke up," David commented.
"You didn't write or call for five months," Xander retorted, "I think that counts as a break up."
"Ex-boyfriend?" Angel asked, "I wasn't aware you were dating anyone let alone a guy."
Xander smiled, "That was the point," he said "do you have any idea what HE would do if he found out I was dating a guy? I so would not have survived it,"
"Yeah, well you'll never have to worry about that again," Spike said with a nod to David, then picked up Xander, "Common lets go before our unwelcome guests come back for more."
"Do you have to carry me?" Xander asked, not really protesting his ankle was starting to throb.
Spike just smiled and turned to David. "Your welcome to come, just don't take offence if the house doesn't let you in." Xander made a face at Spike and David just shrugged.
"Sure anything to torment Xan the only way an Ex can," David said with a smirk. Behind Spike Xander flipped David off. David laughed "Love you too Xan."
"He ever meets Cordy I'm going to kill myself," He whispered to Spike, "After I kill them."
Spike just held Xander tighter as they made their way back to Angel's car.
***
Sam frowned at the crushed foliage around him. The boy's scent was everywhere as well as another's that Sam had been avoiding for a week. That wasn't good. That made his job harder. However it did mean the kid would be easier to find. Theoretically, finding a half breed while another was hiding the scent had not been tested in over a hundred years.
Sam sniffed the air again. There were two of the boy's family with them, Angel and Spike if he remembered right. Drusilla, Spike's sire and the boy's real grandmother was off in Brazil, and the great-great grandmother was dead by her childe's own hand. What a family. So they were the father and the great grandfather. That worked, Sam could work with that, now all he had to do was find the boy and get the others away from him long enough.
***
"Giles?" Willow asked tentively from the stack of Old and Dusty books scattered around Giles' apartment.
"Yes Willow?" Giles asked looking up from his own book.
"Do we know what this demon looks like?" She asked, "I mean I've found five different entrees on the Mro'nic'ta and none of them are even the same."
Giles put down his book and walked over to Willow, he looked at the books she had open to the same demon and frowned. "Most peculiar."
"What is?" Buffy asked walking back into the living room with two sodas in her hands.
"Willows found some interesting information on our demon," Giles said, "It seems that no one can decide what this demon really looks like."
"How so?" Buffy asked looking over Giles' shoulder, "Looks like an icky monster to me."
Giles ignored her, "What if this demon isn't a demon at all, but a hired assassin. It would make sense as the why they seem to be so hard to kill."
"So you mean someone hires the biggest of the Big Bads and they do all the grunt work?" Buffy asked, and then shrugged "Sounds like a plan."
"So we don't know what this demon really looks like?" Willow asked, "Other then that they work alone?"
Giles nodded, "That's correct."
"Shouldn't someone warn Xander?" Buffy asked walking over to the phone, "He's with Angel right?"
"Yes quite," Giles said, "We should give Angel and Spike our findings then I suggest a patrol for anything out of the ordinary."
"Compared to what?" Buffy asked, "How did I know you were gonna suggest a patrol?"
"Your ever so keen Slayer skills?" Giles asked innocently.
The Slayer snorted, "I think someone's been hanging out with Spike to much."
Giles stuttered, Willow giggles, and Buffy just rolled her eye's and dialed Angel's cell phone number.
***
"So you guy's are Vampires huh?" David asked looking around the apartment.
"So you're a demon hunter are you?" Spike asked in echo as he lay Xander down on the couch and checked over his ankle again.
"Yeah," David admitted "But you know, not all demons are bad, I just go after the ones that are."
"That's good to know" Xander said and winched, "Ow that hurt."
Spike smirked, "Broken legs usually do lov."
"But you said it was a sprain!" Xander argued.
"And I changed my mind," Spike shot back taking a first aid kit out of a cupboard. "We'll wrap it up tonight and take you to the hospital tomorrow. Get you fix up right like."
Xander groaned and threw his hand over his eyes mumbling something.
"What was that son?" Spike asked sitting on the couch taking Xander's foot in his hands gently.
"I don't like hospitals," Xander said again, he looked up to see Angel leave the room to answer his phone. "Even before my other dad became an abusive bastered I hated hospitals," he shivered, "And needles, always really hated needles."
David smiled slightly, "Xander you complain too much," he commented, "you complain more then we dated."
Xander flipped him off again. "Ha, ha tell another one."
David kissed air at him, "When and where baby."
"Does your mother know you talk with that mouth," Xander asked.
"You never complained when my mouth was on your-"
Xander sat up, "Don't you dare!"
"- mouth," David finished smoothly, he grinned, "Why Xander, you didn't think I would say something bad would you? In front of your dad?"
"Yes," Xander answered simply. He looked at Spike who was still wrapping his ankle. "And you're not helping any!"
Spike shook his head chuckling "Oh no, you're getting yourself in enough trouble without my help." He looked at David, "By all means continue."
David pouted, "No fun if you approve."
Spike smiled, "I'll pretend to be offended truly."
David smirked.
"Kill me now please," Xander muttered for Spike's ears only. Spike just smiled. Xander groaned and threw his arm over his eyes.
"We have a problem," Angel said returning from his phone call, "Spike can I talk with you in private?"
Xander looked up as Spike headed for the kitchen, "Is it that bad?" He asked. Both vampires ignored him, moving out of human hearing range, but not vamporic hearing range.
"What do you think that's all about?" David asked serious moving to sit next to Xander on the couch
Xander shook his head, "I don't know," He said getting more comfortable, "Maybe one of his contacts called about this demon."
"What demon?" David asked leaning forward getting close to Xander as if they were still together.
Xander shrugged shifting a little, "This demon Mro'nic'ta or something is after me. I'm not exactly sure why, but I know it wants me dead so anything Angel or Spike find out about this demon they take very seriously."
David frowned, "Why didn't you tell me before Xan? I thought you trusted me enough to tell me things like that."
Xander smiled sadly, "I do trust you Dave. I just didn't think anyone else needs to get involved. My friends are even uninvolved directly so they stay out of danger as much as possible."
David nodded, "I thought you said one of your friends is the Slayer. Shouldn't she at least try and help?"
Xander blinked and then nodded, "Yeah, Buffy. Angel, he feels this is a vampire deal or something so you know, Vampire Slayer might not be the biggest help right now."
David smiled, "Its good that your real family is doing everything they can to help you."
Xander smiled back, "Yeah kinda makes me wish I was nicer to them before I found out I'm related to them." He laughed a little "Always knew that would come back to bite me sooner or later."
"They seem alright," David said and rested his head on Xander's shoulder.
Xander's grin was big and sappy as he leaned his head on David's and got comfortable, "Yeah they are alright aren't they?"
***
"What's up Peaches?" Spike asked, keeping in hearing range of Xander and David.
"I really wish you'd stop calling me that Spike," Angel said rubbing the bridge of his nose. He sighed. "There's a problem with the demon."
Spike immediately went on alert. "What is it?"
"They discovered a glitch in its identification." Angel said.
Spike frowned, "What is it?"
A way of recognizing someone or something, Angel's lips quirked trying hard not to retort with that line. Now was not the time to be funny, "They don't know what the demon looks like."
Spike frown deepened. "But they had a description in the Old and Dusty books the Watcher has."
Angel nodded, "That was before they found five other descriptions of the same demon. Giles said it might be that the demon is really hired help to take out a target. No one really knows who's behind all of this. And I think that's why no one has survived a hit they never know what's coming."
"So what do you think we should do?" Spike asked. He turned his head slightly at the pause Xander gave to one of David's questions.
"Yeah, Buffy. Angel, he feels this is a vampire deal or something so you know, Vampire Slayer might not be the biggest help right now."
Angel looked at Spike, "I never said that."
Spike shook his head a little, "You think that means we should get Buffy and do another patrol?"
Angel looked at a loss, "I think it's a good idea anyway. I'll call Buffy."
Spike nodded, "How do we expect to find this demon if we don't know what we're looking for?"
Angel took out his phone, "I don't know, but we better stick close, just in case it slips past us."
"I got a way to keep Xander safe in here and anything else out." Spike said, "Told you this place is safer then Fort Knox."
"Alright," Angel said and dialed Giles' number.
***
"You figured out how you feel about Spike being Xander's father yet?" Willow asked as they walked down the street toward the address. There was no need to hurry; Angel had assured them that as long as Xander stayed in Spike's apartment he would be safe.
"Well I'm kinda happy for Xander," Buffy said fiddling with the stake in her hand, "I really said that didn't I?"
Willow nodded, "I know it's weird." She looked around, "Not that there is anything bad about Xander being happy.its just."
"I know," Buffy said, "Its Spike."
"Yeah," Willow agreed.
"But Angel did tell me Xander's in good hands, and you know how Spike has been for the last year. I kinda trust Spike to be the good guy in this scenario."
Willow nodded, "I've noticed that in Spike too, but did you notice he was acting like that before you made that deal? I mean to Xander. Did you notice he was all nice and stuff to Xander when he thought we weren't looking."
'I noticed," Buffy said, "I never understood it, but I noticed."
"I wonder if Spike knew before he told Xander," Willow asked. "And was just waiting for proof before telling him."
"Maybe," Buffy said and looked behind her. She saw and felt nothing, but couldn't stop wondering if someone had been behind them a moment before. "I think we better hurry."
Willow nodded looking behind her as well. "You get the feeling someone's following us?"
"Very," Buffy said. She scanned the area looking for possible followers or any other sign something wasn't all right with the world. "You think Spike's ok?"
"Yeah," Willow said nodding. "My gut tells me we can trust Spike and my gut is usually right, when it's not all rumbly."
"Very wise gut you have Wills," Buffy smiled, and looked down at the piece of paper she wrote down Spike's address on. She looked up at the high priced apartment building and whistled, "Oh wow. How do you think Spike affords this?"
Willow shook her head looking up at the high-rise building, "Maybe he has money put aside, you know being old and all."
"Yeah," Buffy agreed and rung the buzzer next to Spike's assumed name.
"What is it?" A British voice crackled over the speaker.
"Spike?" Buffy asked into the comm. "It's Buffy and Willow."
The buzzer on the door sounded and Buffy and Willow walked into the lobby of the nicest apartment building they had ever been in. They got on the elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor.
***
Outside a shadow slipped in behind the two girls unseen. It waited until they got on the elevator then moved to the stair well swiftly moving from floor to floor waiting to hear the 'ding' of the elevator opening. On the fifth floor it stilled and listened as the two girls got out of the elevator giggling and watched through the glass pane as they walked down the hall and stopped in front of one of the doors. It waited until they were admitted into the apartment by one of the vampires then slipped out into the hall.
Sam walked up to the door and listened intently. Behind the door he could hear the boy talking to the two girls and the other hunter that judging from the sound sat very close to the boy. He listened as the father told the boy how to keep everything out of the apartment with some words and gushers only the boy knew and could only unlock from the inside. The others made plans to go on a patrol for the boy's would be assassin.
Quickly Sam memorized the apartment number and slipped back into the shadows. The other hunter would be staying with the boy as the boy's friends and family went hunting themselves. Sam snorted as he watched the four exit the apartment and make their way to the elevator.
Little did they know.
***
"Ok Xander I need you to listen carefully," Spike was saying catching the boy's full attention. "When we leave I need you to lock the door behind you, the door wards will recognize your essence and will only unlock by your hand."
Xander blinked and made a face, "That seems too simple. No offence, but it does."
Spike smiled, "That's 'cause it is pet," he said teasingly, "But it's a special ward and is only attuned to you when you want to leave." He winked. "You'll be alright I promise."
Xander nodded. "Yeah I'll be just fine. I'll be me sitting in front of the tube reminiscing with an old friend. Like with Buffy."
Spike looked at Xander oddly, "Just stay safe," he said, "You'll be alright."
Xander nodded again. "Go and patrol Dad, nothings going to happen to me while I'm here."
Spike smiled then stood, "I got food and stuff in the fridge if you get hungry, and the spare rooms down the hall in case you need to lie down, just be weary of the weapons closet."
With that the two vampires, the Slayer, and the young witch left the half breed and the demon hunter in the safest apartment in Sunnydale. Alone.
Xander hobbled over to the door and flipped the lock feeling a tingle run though his fingers. He turned and cast David a smile, "Want something to drink?"
"Sure," David said from his perch by the window.
Xander eyed David for a second then hobbled over to the kitchen in the other room. From his position he could see David from under the shutter that separated the kitchen counter from the living room bar. He knew the exact moment the others vanished into the night from the way David shifted and turned from the window. Xander leaned into the open fridge and grabbed two sodas jamming the knife he found hidden under the jello into the folds of the ace bandage on his ankle. Before David could walk into the kitchen Xander pulled down his pant leg to hide the top of the knife and hobbled into the living room with the sodas.
"So what have you been doing with yourself?" Xander asked sitting so his bandaged leg was in easy reach without being obvious. "I mean other then the demon hunter thing?"
David smiled. "Oh, well I went down to New York and did some work with this agency. They take out contracts on demons that cause them problems. It was very good work, I still do some work for them sometimes."
Xander nodded, "That's cool. Is that what brings you here?"
"Yeah," David said, "I was sent here to find this demon that's called the Link of Ages or something. He's supposed to be this big shot demon in the future or something."
"Interesting," Xander said, "Did you find him?"
David smiled, "In fact I did, not long before I met you."
Xander eyed David. "So the demon is dead now?"
David shook his head, "No, but he will be soon."
Xander smiled and laughed. David smiled and laughed with him.
"You know Dave," Xander said after a minute, "I never told you I know the Slayer. Let alone that she's my friend."
David's smile faded and he sighed, "I thought you wouldn't catch that little mistake Xan."
Xander shrugged, "I'm smarter then I think," he laughed, "You know you being a demon hunter and all you probably figured it out when I told you I help hunt demons, huh?"
David smiled faintly. "Yeah something like that."
Xander stopped laughing and got up checking the door and looked out the peephole, hand on the lock.
"Xander what is it?" David asked making his way to the door.
Xander turned and hobbled toward David before he could get within a foot of the door. "It's nothing Dave. Just had to check the lock."
"Why?" David asked concerned, "Do you think someone's out there?" he started toward the door again.
Xander blocked his way, "Nah, just shadows, nothing out to get me."
"Well that's a relief," David said with genuine concern. "I wouldn't want anyone to get you now that I've found you."
"Of course not," Xander said pulling David into a hug slapping his back loudly. "That would take away your fun wouldn't it?"
David pulled away from Xander startled. "What do you mean Xander?"
Xander smiled sadly and sat down on the couch. "Well you see, I was always wondering how these Mro'nic'ta demon's know, not only where I was, but how they were able to track me by smell. I mean only someone who had intimate contact could smell the vampire in me. You see we have this werewolf in our little club and even as a human he can smell the difference."
"I don't understand," David protested.
"When did you become one? Before or after you left? Or is that why you left?" Xander accused. "You are a werewolf right? I mean how else would you have been able to hide so well and move so fast, let alone find me in the middle of the night."
David growled, "I don't know what you're talking about!"
Xander smirked, "You see? You always got that way when I called you in a lie." He slipped the knife from its makeshift sheath. "And you know something else David? I never told you I help hunt demons, we never discussed demons when we were together."
David's eyes grew cold and he casually pulled out a gun. "You know Xan, I was just going to turn you so my contract would be valid, but you just had to push it didn't you?" He asked coldly, "You had to pick at old wounds and remind me that I left because I couldn't stand you as a mate. Well its ok you know? You're only eighteen, I pop a bullet into your head right now all my problems are over and I can go home."
"Right," Xander said sarcastically, "If you really meant it your safety wouldn't still be on."
David started and looked at his gun. Xander flipped the knife in his hand and threw it hitting David in the shoulder incapacitating the arm holding the gun. Before David could react Xander was off the couch and at the door.only to find it locked again and he couldn't get it back open.
"No!" Xander yelled just as the cool metal of the gun pressed against his head and he heard the click of the gun being cocked.
Xander stared at the teen in silence for a few panicked filled seconds then sat up a little to get a better look.Hey I know you. "David?"
The teen smiled, "Glad you remembered Xan, and I only dated you throughout high school."
Xander sighed in relief, "Sorry man you kinda scared the crap outta me. I mean I was running and the chase and the icky and .why are you out here anyway?"
David lowered his head and looked a little embarrassed, "I'mkindahuntingdemons." He mumbled.
Xander couldn't help but smile, "You're hunting demons? You David are hunting demons?"
David looked confused, "Well yes."
Xander started to giggle, and then chuckle, then out right laughed. David frowned for a second then thought about what he said; he smiled with a slight chuckle and offered a hand up.
"Thanks," Xander said still smiling. "So you really did what you wanted huh? That's cool."
David's smile changed, "Yeah, just wish you had come with me."
Xander smiled sadly, "Yeah well you know I had a responsibility here. You know not everyone can become a famous Demon Hunter."
David pulled his ex-boyfriend into a tight hug, "Don't talk like that Xan, you do a good job to keep this place safe, I'm just sad you didn't tell me until I was leaving."
Xander truly smiled and returned the hug, "Missed you too Dave,"
"Xander!" a familiar voice called form the distance. "Xander! Where are you?"
Xander pulled away and searched the darkness for Angel and Spike, movement in the distance told him they weren't long in finding him.
"Who's that?" David asked looking where Xander was.
"My real dad," Xander said, "The irony of it all is that he's one of those that we've been fighting forever."
"What do you mean?" David asked.
"You'll see," Xander replied and started waving his hands "Dad, Grandpa over here!"
Moments later Spike and Angel came running up to them materializing from the darkness. Spike stopped right in front of Xander and started looking him over for anything broken. Angel stared at David as David stared at Angel.
"Dad I'm fine," Xander protested as Spike found his sprained ankle.
"Your ankle is sprained," Spike said bitterly, "That not fine." He looked at David, "Who's he?"
Xander gestured to David, "Dad, grandpa this is David Grandshawn, my ex- boyfriend."
"You know technically we never broke up," David commented.
"You didn't write or call for five months," Xander retorted, "I think that counts as a break up."
"Ex-boyfriend?" Angel asked, "I wasn't aware you were dating anyone let alone a guy."
Xander smiled, "That was the point," he said "do you have any idea what HE would do if he found out I was dating a guy? I so would not have survived it,"
"Yeah, well you'll never have to worry about that again," Spike said with a nod to David, then picked up Xander, "Common lets go before our unwelcome guests come back for more."
"Do you have to carry me?" Xander asked, not really protesting his ankle was starting to throb.
Spike just smiled and turned to David. "Your welcome to come, just don't take offence if the house doesn't let you in." Xander made a face at Spike and David just shrugged.
"Sure anything to torment Xan the only way an Ex can," David said with a smirk. Behind Spike Xander flipped David off. David laughed "Love you too Xan."
"He ever meets Cordy I'm going to kill myself," He whispered to Spike, "After I kill them."
Spike just held Xander tighter as they made their way back to Angel's car.
***
Sam frowned at the crushed foliage around him. The boy's scent was everywhere as well as another's that Sam had been avoiding for a week. That wasn't good. That made his job harder. However it did mean the kid would be easier to find. Theoretically, finding a half breed while another was hiding the scent had not been tested in over a hundred years.
Sam sniffed the air again. There were two of the boy's family with them, Angel and Spike if he remembered right. Drusilla, Spike's sire and the boy's real grandmother was off in Brazil, and the great-great grandmother was dead by her childe's own hand. What a family. So they were the father and the great grandfather. That worked, Sam could work with that, now all he had to do was find the boy and get the others away from him long enough.
***
"Giles?" Willow asked tentively from the stack of Old and Dusty books scattered around Giles' apartment.
"Yes Willow?" Giles asked looking up from his own book.
"Do we know what this demon looks like?" She asked, "I mean I've found five different entrees on the Mro'nic'ta and none of them are even the same."
Giles put down his book and walked over to Willow, he looked at the books she had open to the same demon and frowned. "Most peculiar."
"What is?" Buffy asked walking back into the living room with two sodas in her hands.
"Willows found some interesting information on our demon," Giles said, "It seems that no one can decide what this demon really looks like."
"How so?" Buffy asked looking over Giles' shoulder, "Looks like an icky monster to me."
Giles ignored her, "What if this demon isn't a demon at all, but a hired assassin. It would make sense as the why they seem to be so hard to kill."
"So you mean someone hires the biggest of the Big Bads and they do all the grunt work?" Buffy asked, and then shrugged "Sounds like a plan."
"So we don't know what this demon really looks like?" Willow asked, "Other then that they work alone?"
Giles nodded, "That's correct."
"Shouldn't someone warn Xander?" Buffy asked walking over to the phone, "He's with Angel right?"
"Yes quite," Giles said, "We should give Angel and Spike our findings then I suggest a patrol for anything out of the ordinary."
"Compared to what?" Buffy asked, "How did I know you were gonna suggest a patrol?"
"Your ever so keen Slayer skills?" Giles asked innocently.
The Slayer snorted, "I think someone's been hanging out with Spike to much."
Giles stuttered, Willow giggles, and Buffy just rolled her eye's and dialed Angel's cell phone number.
***
"So you guy's are Vampires huh?" David asked looking around the apartment.
"So you're a demon hunter are you?" Spike asked in echo as he lay Xander down on the couch and checked over his ankle again.
"Yeah," David admitted "But you know, not all demons are bad, I just go after the ones that are."
"That's good to know" Xander said and winched, "Ow that hurt."
Spike smirked, "Broken legs usually do lov."
"But you said it was a sprain!" Xander argued.
"And I changed my mind," Spike shot back taking a first aid kit out of a cupboard. "We'll wrap it up tonight and take you to the hospital tomorrow. Get you fix up right like."
Xander groaned and threw his hand over his eyes mumbling something.
"What was that son?" Spike asked sitting on the couch taking Xander's foot in his hands gently.
"I don't like hospitals," Xander said again, he looked up to see Angel leave the room to answer his phone. "Even before my other dad became an abusive bastered I hated hospitals," he shivered, "And needles, always really hated needles."
David smiled slightly, "Xander you complain too much," he commented, "you complain more then we dated."
Xander flipped him off again. "Ha, ha tell another one."
David kissed air at him, "When and where baby."
"Does your mother know you talk with that mouth," Xander asked.
"You never complained when my mouth was on your-"
Xander sat up, "Don't you dare!"
"- mouth," David finished smoothly, he grinned, "Why Xander, you didn't think I would say something bad would you? In front of your dad?"
"Yes," Xander answered simply. He looked at Spike who was still wrapping his ankle. "And you're not helping any!"
Spike shook his head chuckling "Oh no, you're getting yourself in enough trouble without my help." He looked at David, "By all means continue."
David pouted, "No fun if you approve."
Spike smiled, "I'll pretend to be offended truly."
David smirked.
"Kill me now please," Xander muttered for Spike's ears only. Spike just smiled. Xander groaned and threw his arm over his eyes.
"We have a problem," Angel said returning from his phone call, "Spike can I talk with you in private?"
Xander looked up as Spike headed for the kitchen, "Is it that bad?" He asked. Both vampires ignored him, moving out of human hearing range, but not vamporic hearing range.
"What do you think that's all about?" David asked serious moving to sit next to Xander on the couch
Xander shook his head, "I don't know," He said getting more comfortable, "Maybe one of his contacts called about this demon."
"What demon?" David asked leaning forward getting close to Xander as if they were still together.
Xander shrugged shifting a little, "This demon Mro'nic'ta or something is after me. I'm not exactly sure why, but I know it wants me dead so anything Angel or Spike find out about this demon they take very seriously."
David frowned, "Why didn't you tell me before Xan? I thought you trusted me enough to tell me things like that."
Xander smiled sadly, "I do trust you Dave. I just didn't think anyone else needs to get involved. My friends are even uninvolved directly so they stay out of danger as much as possible."
David nodded, "I thought you said one of your friends is the Slayer. Shouldn't she at least try and help?"
Xander blinked and then nodded, "Yeah, Buffy. Angel, he feels this is a vampire deal or something so you know, Vampire Slayer might not be the biggest help right now."
David smiled, "Its good that your real family is doing everything they can to help you."
Xander smiled back, "Yeah kinda makes me wish I was nicer to them before I found out I'm related to them." He laughed a little "Always knew that would come back to bite me sooner or later."
"They seem alright," David said and rested his head on Xander's shoulder.
Xander's grin was big and sappy as he leaned his head on David's and got comfortable, "Yeah they are alright aren't they?"
***
"What's up Peaches?" Spike asked, keeping in hearing range of Xander and David.
"I really wish you'd stop calling me that Spike," Angel said rubbing the bridge of his nose. He sighed. "There's a problem with the demon."
Spike immediately went on alert. "What is it?"
"They discovered a glitch in its identification." Angel said.
Spike frowned, "What is it?"
A way of recognizing someone or something, Angel's lips quirked trying hard not to retort with that line. Now was not the time to be funny, "They don't know what the demon looks like."
Spike frown deepened. "But they had a description in the Old and Dusty books the Watcher has."
Angel nodded, "That was before they found five other descriptions of the same demon. Giles said it might be that the demon is really hired help to take out a target. No one really knows who's behind all of this. And I think that's why no one has survived a hit they never know what's coming."
"So what do you think we should do?" Spike asked. He turned his head slightly at the pause Xander gave to one of David's questions.
"Yeah, Buffy. Angel, he feels this is a vampire deal or something so you know, Vampire Slayer might not be the biggest help right now."
Angel looked at Spike, "I never said that."
Spike shook his head a little, "You think that means we should get Buffy and do another patrol?"
Angel looked at a loss, "I think it's a good idea anyway. I'll call Buffy."
Spike nodded, "How do we expect to find this demon if we don't know what we're looking for?"
Angel took out his phone, "I don't know, but we better stick close, just in case it slips past us."
"I got a way to keep Xander safe in here and anything else out." Spike said, "Told you this place is safer then Fort Knox."
"Alright," Angel said and dialed Giles' number.
***
"You figured out how you feel about Spike being Xander's father yet?" Willow asked as they walked down the street toward the address. There was no need to hurry; Angel had assured them that as long as Xander stayed in Spike's apartment he would be safe.
"Well I'm kinda happy for Xander," Buffy said fiddling with the stake in her hand, "I really said that didn't I?"
Willow nodded, "I know it's weird." She looked around, "Not that there is anything bad about Xander being happy.its just."
"I know," Buffy said, "Its Spike."
"Yeah," Willow agreed.
"But Angel did tell me Xander's in good hands, and you know how Spike has been for the last year. I kinda trust Spike to be the good guy in this scenario."
Willow nodded, "I've noticed that in Spike too, but did you notice he was acting like that before you made that deal? I mean to Xander. Did you notice he was all nice and stuff to Xander when he thought we weren't looking."
'I noticed," Buffy said, "I never understood it, but I noticed."
"I wonder if Spike knew before he told Xander," Willow asked. "And was just waiting for proof before telling him."
"Maybe," Buffy said and looked behind her. She saw and felt nothing, but couldn't stop wondering if someone had been behind them a moment before. "I think we better hurry."
Willow nodded looking behind her as well. "You get the feeling someone's following us?"
"Very," Buffy said. She scanned the area looking for possible followers or any other sign something wasn't all right with the world. "You think Spike's ok?"
"Yeah," Willow said nodding. "My gut tells me we can trust Spike and my gut is usually right, when it's not all rumbly."
"Very wise gut you have Wills," Buffy smiled, and looked down at the piece of paper she wrote down Spike's address on. She looked up at the high priced apartment building and whistled, "Oh wow. How do you think Spike affords this?"
Willow shook her head looking up at the high-rise building, "Maybe he has money put aside, you know being old and all."
"Yeah," Buffy agreed and rung the buzzer next to Spike's assumed name.
"What is it?" A British voice crackled over the speaker.
"Spike?" Buffy asked into the comm. "It's Buffy and Willow."
The buzzer on the door sounded and Buffy and Willow walked into the lobby of the nicest apartment building they had ever been in. They got on the elevator and pressed the button for the fifth floor.
***
Outside a shadow slipped in behind the two girls unseen. It waited until they got on the elevator then moved to the stair well swiftly moving from floor to floor waiting to hear the 'ding' of the elevator opening. On the fifth floor it stilled and listened as the two girls got out of the elevator giggling and watched through the glass pane as they walked down the hall and stopped in front of one of the doors. It waited until they were admitted into the apartment by one of the vampires then slipped out into the hall.
Sam walked up to the door and listened intently. Behind the door he could hear the boy talking to the two girls and the other hunter that judging from the sound sat very close to the boy. He listened as the father told the boy how to keep everything out of the apartment with some words and gushers only the boy knew and could only unlock from the inside. The others made plans to go on a patrol for the boy's would be assassin.
Quickly Sam memorized the apartment number and slipped back into the shadows. The other hunter would be staying with the boy as the boy's friends and family went hunting themselves. Sam snorted as he watched the four exit the apartment and make their way to the elevator.
Little did they know.
***
"Ok Xander I need you to listen carefully," Spike was saying catching the boy's full attention. "When we leave I need you to lock the door behind you, the door wards will recognize your essence and will only unlock by your hand."
Xander blinked and made a face, "That seems too simple. No offence, but it does."
Spike smiled, "That's 'cause it is pet," he said teasingly, "But it's a special ward and is only attuned to you when you want to leave." He winked. "You'll be alright I promise."
Xander nodded. "Yeah I'll be just fine. I'll be me sitting in front of the tube reminiscing with an old friend. Like with Buffy."
Spike looked at Xander oddly, "Just stay safe," he said, "You'll be alright."
Xander nodded again. "Go and patrol Dad, nothings going to happen to me while I'm here."
Spike smiled then stood, "I got food and stuff in the fridge if you get hungry, and the spare rooms down the hall in case you need to lie down, just be weary of the weapons closet."
With that the two vampires, the Slayer, and the young witch left the half breed and the demon hunter in the safest apartment in Sunnydale. Alone.
Xander hobbled over to the door and flipped the lock feeling a tingle run though his fingers. He turned and cast David a smile, "Want something to drink?"
"Sure," David said from his perch by the window.
Xander eyed David for a second then hobbled over to the kitchen in the other room. From his position he could see David from under the shutter that separated the kitchen counter from the living room bar. He knew the exact moment the others vanished into the night from the way David shifted and turned from the window. Xander leaned into the open fridge and grabbed two sodas jamming the knife he found hidden under the jello into the folds of the ace bandage on his ankle. Before David could walk into the kitchen Xander pulled down his pant leg to hide the top of the knife and hobbled into the living room with the sodas.
"So what have you been doing with yourself?" Xander asked sitting so his bandaged leg was in easy reach without being obvious. "I mean other then the demon hunter thing?"
David smiled. "Oh, well I went down to New York and did some work with this agency. They take out contracts on demons that cause them problems. It was very good work, I still do some work for them sometimes."
Xander nodded, "That's cool. Is that what brings you here?"
"Yeah," David said, "I was sent here to find this demon that's called the Link of Ages or something. He's supposed to be this big shot demon in the future or something."
"Interesting," Xander said, "Did you find him?"
David smiled, "In fact I did, not long before I met you."
Xander eyed David. "So the demon is dead now?"
David shook his head, "No, but he will be soon."
Xander smiled and laughed. David smiled and laughed with him.
"You know Dave," Xander said after a minute, "I never told you I know the Slayer. Let alone that she's my friend."
David's smile faded and he sighed, "I thought you wouldn't catch that little mistake Xan."
Xander shrugged, "I'm smarter then I think," he laughed, "You know you being a demon hunter and all you probably figured it out when I told you I help hunt demons, huh?"
David smiled faintly. "Yeah something like that."
Xander stopped laughing and got up checking the door and looked out the peephole, hand on the lock.
"Xander what is it?" David asked making his way to the door.
Xander turned and hobbled toward David before he could get within a foot of the door. "It's nothing Dave. Just had to check the lock."
"Why?" David asked concerned, "Do you think someone's out there?" he started toward the door again.
Xander blocked his way, "Nah, just shadows, nothing out to get me."
"Well that's a relief," David said with genuine concern. "I wouldn't want anyone to get you now that I've found you."
"Of course not," Xander said pulling David into a hug slapping his back loudly. "That would take away your fun wouldn't it?"
David pulled away from Xander startled. "What do you mean Xander?"
Xander smiled sadly and sat down on the couch. "Well you see, I was always wondering how these Mro'nic'ta demon's know, not only where I was, but how they were able to track me by smell. I mean only someone who had intimate contact could smell the vampire in me. You see we have this werewolf in our little club and even as a human he can smell the difference."
"I don't understand," David protested.
"When did you become one? Before or after you left? Or is that why you left?" Xander accused. "You are a werewolf right? I mean how else would you have been able to hide so well and move so fast, let alone find me in the middle of the night."
David growled, "I don't know what you're talking about!"
Xander smirked, "You see? You always got that way when I called you in a lie." He slipped the knife from its makeshift sheath. "And you know something else David? I never told you I help hunt demons, we never discussed demons when we were together."
David's eyes grew cold and he casually pulled out a gun. "You know Xan, I was just going to turn you so my contract would be valid, but you just had to push it didn't you?" He asked coldly, "You had to pick at old wounds and remind me that I left because I couldn't stand you as a mate. Well its ok you know? You're only eighteen, I pop a bullet into your head right now all my problems are over and I can go home."
"Right," Xander said sarcastically, "If you really meant it your safety wouldn't still be on."
David started and looked at his gun. Xander flipped the knife in his hand and threw it hitting David in the shoulder incapacitating the arm holding the gun. Before David could react Xander was off the couch and at the door.only to find it locked again and he couldn't get it back open.
"No!" Xander yelled just as the cool metal of the gun pressed against his head and he heard the click of the gun being cocked.