Deeds and Service
Chapter Two
Sam was shivering violently when Spike managed to get the boy under the hot spray of the shower. The boy yelped in surprise at the heat but stayed under it as he continued to shiver less violently.
"Thanks," the young demon chattered leaning against the wall.
"Take your time," Spike said gently scooping up the drenched clothing. "I'll go see what I can find of Xander's you can wear."
Sam nodded and closed his eyes. Spike left him to warm up and went through Xander's things looking for something warm Sam could wear. He side stepped the drawer marked 'crosses' and quickly found a pair of sweat pants and a thick tee shirt. He grabbed a pair of boxers from another drawer and retrieved a sweat jacket from the front hall.
Xander arrived then with a stranger that didn't even ripple the wards on the door. Sam was the only other person Spike knew of that did that. It set the vampires mind at ease a little.
"Who's this and where's Buffy?" Spike asked looking the other blond boy up and down. What is up with tall blonds? If Xander swung that way I'd think that was his type.would explain Buffy but not Cordelia.
"Buffy's making sure Willow's ok," Xander said retrieving the arm crutches. Spike raised an eyebrow, "I wouldn't have fit in her car or Oz'. This is Riley, he helped me earlier at school and we just happened to meet at the Bronze. Where's Sam?"
"I put him in the shower, he's nearly ice cold." Spike said.
Xander took the clothes from Spike and hobbled down the hall.
"Friend of Xander?" Spike asked Riley after a moment.
The blond nodded. "You?"
"Father." Spike replied.
"Ahh," Riley said enlightened.
***
"Sam?" Xander called out opening the bathroom door to a wall of steam. He quickly moved in and shut the door to keep the heat in.
"Xander?" came the soft reply form the direction of the shower.
Xander put the dry clothing on the sink and walked over. Sam was huddled on the ground under the spray of water shivering.
"Oh God!" Xander exclaimed and shed his cloths down to his boxers then climbed into the shower as well gathered the young man to him. Sam was ice cold, colder then Spike ever got and it seemed he was getting colder by the minute. Xander knew Sam wasn't normally this cold; Sam's body had kept Xander alive a month ago.
"So cold," Sam whispered, "So cold, I can't warm up."
"Yeah," Xander said and reached up turning off the water. Immediately the air in the room got colder. "Come on, let's get you dry."
Xander left Sam wrapped up in the largest warmest towel sitting on the toilet seat. Quickly he dried himself off snagging last nights sleeping clothes from the hamper slipping them on. Just as quickly he got Sam dried and dressed into the borrowed clothes.
Riley was still there when Xander ushered Sam out into the living room. He and Spike were talking about gods know what; Riley alone on the couch, Spike on his favorite arm chair. Never in the arm chair, always draped over it.
"Dad a little help!" Xander called. Both Spike and Riley jumped up to help. "No, Riley stay seated please."
Riley looked confused for a second then noticed Sam shivering, eyes half closed barely standing. He nodded taking off his jacket before sitting.
"Damn, I didn't think of that," Spike said helping Sam sit. "Do you think we should take him to the hospital?" Xander stared at him silently giving him the 'Are you insane, he's not human' look. "Right," Spike said and pushed Xander down right next to Sam and Riley.
"Dad!" Xander protested trying to get up again.
"I'll get the blankets," Spike said sternly, "You sit here and stay off that leg." Xander looked at if he were about to protest, but dutifully stayed put. Spike vanished down the hall and returned with a pile of blankets from the linen closet. Without a word he started unfolding them and draped them one by one over the three young men.
Sam's eyes were fully closed and his shivering became less violent, but it was apparent he wasn't out of the woods yet. Spike fidgeted watching the boy wearily then went and turned up the heater.
"Hey Sam no slumber parties here," Xander said breaking the silence. "We don't have pajamas and movies yet."
Sam grinned a little slightly opening his eyes to look at Xander, "Always have to joke?" he asked voice strained.
"Will it keep you awake?" Xander asked.
"Will you stop if I do?" Sam asked.
"Hey!" Xander exclaimed. "My jokes aren't that bad!"
Sam laughed a little, "Says you."
"Be right back," Spike suddenly. He walked to the door, then spun around and walked back pointing at Riley, "Keep them here and- just keep them here." Then he was walking out the door shutting it behind him.
"What was that about?" Riley asked moving the blankets over Sam more.
"No idea," Xander said turning to watch the door, then grabbed the remote and turned on the T.V. no one watched it, but the sound was less of a strain on them.
"Can I ask the better question of what happened?" Riley asked shifting in the hot cocoon.
"Sure," Xander said, "But I have no idea."
"Something in the cemetery, it was like darkness. Sucked out all the warmth." Sam said still shivering, "How it find's its prey, kills without touching its victim. I felt it, its mind is. it hurt, and I ran."
"What?" Xander asked, "What touched you?"
"Methigh, it called itself Methigh." Sam closed his eyes again. "Can't touch, touch kill's, thoughts kill, hurts others, kills most."
"Sam stay awake," Xander said ignoring Riley's strange look, "What else about them?"
"Methigh," Sam whispered, "Methigh clorick, beshta ick lema ta tantic."
"What the hell?" Riley asked, "What language is that?"
Xander shook his head, "I don't know," he lied. He knew full well what Sam had said and aimed to discuss it with his father before the night was finished.
***
Spike ran down the hall to the stairs, then ran up them two at a time to the seventh floor and was at apartment 726 before he even slowed. Taking a deep unneeded breath he straightened himself up and started pounding at the door. Seconds later it was opened by an old lady dressed head to toe in pink.
"Yes?" she asked making a great show of squinting at the vampire. "William what's wrong?"
Spike inwardly cringed, Mrs. Dubest might look old and senile but he knew nothing got past her. He must look really bad. "Sorry to bother you mum, but I have a very big problem."
"Is Alexander alright?" Came her first question.
"No, but that's not the very big problem." Spike said, "The young one, Sam, he's sick. Colder then I am, he said darkness touched him."
Mrs. Dubest's eyes widened and she quickly vanished into the apartment and came back a moment later with what looked like a doctors bag. "How long has he been like that?"
Spike shook his head, "We found him a little over an hour ago, but I don't know how long he had been out there before that."
She nodded, "We?"
"The Slayer and I where patrolling," Spike said, knowing she happened to approve of him helping the Slayer. "She's making sure her friends get home alright. A mortal brought Xander home, he's still there."
Mrs. Dubest stopped. "William did you leave those children alone with a mortal that could get the wrong idea and hurt them?" she asked angrily.
"He didn't even ripple my wards" Spike defended, "Not even the witch does that."
The old demon nodded and pressed the button for the elevator. "What did you do to him before you came to me?"
"I put him in the shower thinking it was just the cold, Xander took him out when he got home- I had no idea it could be something else- he's got the three of them bundled under all of the extra blankets. But mum, the boy seems to be getting worse and.what if it had been Xander? Sam's full demon, what would have happened if that whatever touched Xander?"
The old demon patted Spike's hand motherly, "There, there William, everything will be alright. We'll help Xander's friend and see what we can do to keep Xander safe." Spike nodded helplessly. "You had a good idea with the hot water William, you make a fine father."
Spike smiled a little "Thank you mum."
They arrived at Spike's apartment a short time later, the T.V. was on for noise, but Xander and Riley were also busy keeping Sam talking least he fall asleep and not wake up.
"I can see what you meant about the mortal." Mrs. Dubest said to Spike then moved over to the couch. Where upon she was greeted with three yelps of surprise. Xander of having her sneak up on him, Sam because he wasn't completely awake, and Riley because her appearance would make most mortals run screaming.
"Mrs. Dubest!" Xander finally said breathing hard, "Please stop sneaking up on me, between you and my dad you're liable to give me a heart attack."
"Pish-posh Alexander" the old demons chide, "I highly doubt anything scares you on my end of the scale."
"Sure there is," Xander replied with a smile, "Just will never tell anyone what it is."
"Y-you're a d-demon." Riley managed and sank lower into the blankets.
Mrs. Dubest looked at Riley and winked melting into a more human visage. "That better for you dear?"
"Y-yes ma'am." Riley said though he still sank lower into the couch.
"Dad," Xander said trying to wiggle out of the blankets, "I need to talk to you."
Spike nodded and lifted Xander off of the couch carrying him to his bedroom, leaving Sam and Riley to be watched over by the talented Mrs. Dubest.
"What is it?" Spike asked once the door was shut.
"Sam said who attacked him, if you can call it that." Xander started, "He said it called its self Methigh. That it kills its prey by making them go into hypothermic shock I guess. He said it kills with touch and mind, that its darkness and that not all die."
Spike nodded, "Did he say anything else?"
Xander nodded, "He said 'Methigh clorick, beshta ick lema ta tantic'"
"Methigh hunters, sacrifice unworthy find ultimate prey." Spike said as Xander spoke, "That doesn't make sense"
Xander shook his head, "It does when you add filler words," he said then translated, "The Methigh are hunters, they sacrifice the unworthy to find their ultimate prey."
Spike gave his son an odd look, "When did you learn Bashtekl?"
Xander shrugged, "I don't know, I just know I know all of them. Read it once even just a few lines and I know the whole language. Surprisingly Riley knows a lot of them too."
"Hmm." Spike worried his lower lip, "Better run this by the Watcher, I don't much fancy calling the poof just to use his library. Don't much fancy him running down here demanding you go back with him like he's likely to do."
"He is trying to find cause to claim Sire's rights?" Xander asked concerned.
Spike nodded, "He could without reason, but he's giving me a chance, first time I screw up he'll be the first one down here."
"I won't go just because you screw up Dad," Xander said then frowned, "Is this why I'm getting the eggshell treatment?"
Spike shook his head, "No. not all of it.we'll talk about that when Sam's better alright?"
"Yeah," Xander said and stood, Spike moved toward him, "Pick me up and I'll scream. I can walk in my own home."
Spike smiled, "You are your fathers son aren't you brat."
"Damn right," Xander said proudly and hobbled out of the room Spike close behind.
Riley seemed a little less jumpy when they returned and Sam seemed better. He was still pale and drained looking, but the shivering had stopped and his skin held a hit of normal color. Mrs. Dubest was instructing Riley on proper ways of holding a person with hypothermia for maximum body heat, explaining while Sam's condition was more sever the only way he was going to survive the night was by staying warm.
It was amazing how the little demon could put the mortal at ease by acting both professional and motherly.
Xander crawled back under the blankets next to Sam who smiled a little in his sleep. Riley gave him a questioning look, but stayed silent instead turning his attention back to whatever was on T.V.
Mrs. Dubest walked over to Spike and steered him into a corner. "Be gentle with the mortal," She warned, "he could become more then dangerous if he thinks you're a threat. If you're good and kind like I know you are William you will make a good ally." Spike nodded and put the thought at the back of his mind to process later. "Now, when they fall asleep put Sam and Alexander in the bed together. Alexander will more then keep Sam warm all night and I think they both need a little security as well. Leave the mortal in the couch; he will be needed in the morning. I do believe you'll be paying the Slayer and her crew a visit?"
"You do know my son is a part of that crew?" Spike asked a little worried at the tone of the old demons voice.
Mrs. Dubest smiled. "Of course, that's why I think this Slayer is alright. The others would have killed the boy, friend or not." She collected her things and headed for the door, "If something happens call me."
Then she was gone.
***
An hour later all three young men were fast asleep- Spike suspected Mrs. Dubest's doing- in a tangle of blankets. They were an interesting trio; a demon, a half breed, and a human all sleeping peacefully together like friends. Spike almost didn't want to break them up.
But Spike had orders and Xander couldn't remain like that all night. Dutifully the vampire picked his son up out of the tangle and carried the sleeping boy to his room. He returned for Sam and laid him in Xander's arms tucking them both in tightly. Spike watched them for a moment then leaned down and kissed Xander's forehead like William's father had done when he was a child.
With a sigh Spike returned to the living room with a pillow. He moved Riley to a prone position leaning down to take off the young man's shoes and resting a blanket over the sleeping form.
"You're cold." Riley said drowsily half awake.
"Poor circulation," Spike said automatically still arranging the blankets.
"You're a nice vampire," Riley mumbled, "Good guy.good dad."
Spike stared at Riley for a long moment. Did he just say he knew Spike was a vampire?
***
When Riley woke he was mildly surprised to find himself sleeping on a couch in someone's living room. He was surprised however to find it well past noon. Never in his had he slept this late, this place must really be as comforting as he thought.
Xander's father was already up sitting in the kitchen reading a newspaper well out of the light from the open window. Riley remembered his half aware statement that the man was a vampire; the statement must have been true. Although that raised a whole new level of questions. Did explain the motherly demon though.
"There is coffee in the pot if you're interested." Spike suddenly said, even though Riley had shown no physical indications he was awake. "Xander and Sam are still asleep and I think you and I should have a talk before they wake."
"Why?" Riley asked childishly still on the couch.
"Because I said?" Spike asked logically, "And you're a guest in my home?"
Riley groaned and got off the couch walking slowly to the kitchen. Spike watched the boy carefully taking a drink from his mug which was gratefully filled with coffee. Riley sat down across from the vampire watching him carefully but not wearily.
"What do you know about vampires?" Spike asked without looking up from his paper as if they were talking about the weather.
"The basics," Riley said, "Burn in sunlight, fear crosses, killed by a wooden stake."
"And they are cold heartless monsters?" Spike asked, "One on this planet to kill and corrupt?"
Riley blinked, "Well the ones I've read about seemed more sympathetic."
Spike put down his paper and folded his arms over his chest staring at the boy. "And the ones you've met?"
Riley shuttered and looked down at the table, "Cold heartless monsters." He finely agreed. Then he thought about that, "Well actually. they seemed like they had gone insane, I mean from what I know the blood is a way to live, but the killing seems more of a side affect of insanity."
Spike smiled a little, then chuckled, then out right laughed. "Well I have to agree, the majority that you find are insane from one level to another. Don't get me wrong they are evil and there are very few who can even be trusted. The older ones they are the ones to look out for. Not because they kill but because they are cunning and conniving."
"You're one," Riley said rather then asked "But you're not evil."
Spike snorted, "I am evil and don't you forget it, but I also know the difference between friend and food. I don't make a habit of biting my son's friends, and I long ago gave up just killing innocents like others of my kind. I'm not the only one out there, just the only one you're likely to meet." He smiled a little, "Less you come around at Christmas."
"Xander's grandfather?" Riley asked.
"Oh yes, the big bloody poof," Spike sneered. "He has a soul, been fighting the darkness for a good long time."
"I am confused," Riley said, "Xander's not a vampire. How is he your son?" Spike raised an eyebrow. "He has a pulse, he breaths, I felt the warmth when I help him earlier and if you needed Sam to be warm you wouldn't have let him sit with Xander."
Spike nodded, "He is human," he agreed, "His mother was a woman I loved and married. She was a fiery human with a spirit that out shined the sun if she had been given the chance."
"What happened to her?" Riley asked
Spike frowned, "She died after Xander was born. I didn't know about him until a few months ago. I knew him but I didn't know he was my son."
"Why?"
"She didn't know what I was, what I am. I died and had to leave. I didn't know she was pregnant and I couldn't bear to keep track of her if I couldn't be with her." He sighed, "A year ago I found Xander's school records and thought it would be fun to hang that bit of information over his head, they said he was adopted so I looked them up. I had no idea what I would find."
"Must have been a shock" Riley observed, "I don't know what I would do if I found out something like that."
Spike nodded, "Even worse since I had been spending most of my time trying to kill him. Least now I know why I couldn't all those times I thought I could." He smiled a little, "Funny how the sub-conscience works."
"The mind has a funny way of knowing what we don't, and seeing what we can't" Riley said logically, "At least that's what my grandmother used to tell me."
"Smart woman," Spike said. "I'm going out for a while; can I trust you here to watch them? Make sure they are safe? Xander has a reputation of getting into trouble without looking for it."
Riley nodded, "I have absolutely nothing to do today."
Spike smiled and picked up the phone as it started ringing. "Hello? Oh hey Watcher I was just headed over there. No he's still asleep.well I don't see what." Spike dropped the phone.
"Spike? Spike! Are you there?" could be heard from the floor.
"What happened?" Riley asked.
Spike picked up the phone and put it back to his ear. "I'll be there in a little while," he said and hung up.
"Dad?" Xander said walking into the kitchen with a look of fright on his face. "I saw.I saw.he was.there was nothing left and I."
"Xander." Spike whispered and wrapped his son in his embrace and the boy started crying. "It's alright Xander; nothing's going to hurt you."
"He was dead," the boy whispered.
"Who Xander? Who was dead?" Spike asked.
"Him." The boy replied.
Riley could see Spike's eyes widen and mouthed a name. Riley's eye's widened as well. He had just seen the man in question last night, alive and. well.drunk, but alive. Then he realized why Spike had dropped the phone earlier. Who ever had called had reported the same death.
Xander had seen the death of Frank Harris.
Chapter Two
Sam was shivering violently when Spike managed to get the boy under the hot spray of the shower. The boy yelped in surprise at the heat but stayed under it as he continued to shiver less violently.
"Thanks," the young demon chattered leaning against the wall.
"Take your time," Spike said gently scooping up the drenched clothing. "I'll go see what I can find of Xander's you can wear."
Sam nodded and closed his eyes. Spike left him to warm up and went through Xander's things looking for something warm Sam could wear. He side stepped the drawer marked 'crosses' and quickly found a pair of sweat pants and a thick tee shirt. He grabbed a pair of boxers from another drawer and retrieved a sweat jacket from the front hall.
Xander arrived then with a stranger that didn't even ripple the wards on the door. Sam was the only other person Spike knew of that did that. It set the vampires mind at ease a little.
"Who's this and where's Buffy?" Spike asked looking the other blond boy up and down. What is up with tall blonds? If Xander swung that way I'd think that was his type.would explain Buffy but not Cordelia.
"Buffy's making sure Willow's ok," Xander said retrieving the arm crutches. Spike raised an eyebrow, "I wouldn't have fit in her car or Oz'. This is Riley, he helped me earlier at school and we just happened to meet at the Bronze. Where's Sam?"
"I put him in the shower, he's nearly ice cold." Spike said.
Xander took the clothes from Spike and hobbled down the hall.
"Friend of Xander?" Spike asked Riley after a moment.
The blond nodded. "You?"
"Father." Spike replied.
"Ahh," Riley said enlightened.
***
"Sam?" Xander called out opening the bathroom door to a wall of steam. He quickly moved in and shut the door to keep the heat in.
"Xander?" came the soft reply form the direction of the shower.
Xander put the dry clothing on the sink and walked over. Sam was huddled on the ground under the spray of water shivering.
"Oh God!" Xander exclaimed and shed his cloths down to his boxers then climbed into the shower as well gathered the young man to him. Sam was ice cold, colder then Spike ever got and it seemed he was getting colder by the minute. Xander knew Sam wasn't normally this cold; Sam's body had kept Xander alive a month ago.
"So cold," Sam whispered, "So cold, I can't warm up."
"Yeah," Xander said and reached up turning off the water. Immediately the air in the room got colder. "Come on, let's get you dry."
Xander left Sam wrapped up in the largest warmest towel sitting on the toilet seat. Quickly he dried himself off snagging last nights sleeping clothes from the hamper slipping them on. Just as quickly he got Sam dried and dressed into the borrowed clothes.
Riley was still there when Xander ushered Sam out into the living room. He and Spike were talking about gods know what; Riley alone on the couch, Spike on his favorite arm chair. Never in the arm chair, always draped over it.
"Dad a little help!" Xander called. Both Spike and Riley jumped up to help. "No, Riley stay seated please."
Riley looked confused for a second then noticed Sam shivering, eyes half closed barely standing. He nodded taking off his jacket before sitting.
"Damn, I didn't think of that," Spike said helping Sam sit. "Do you think we should take him to the hospital?" Xander stared at him silently giving him the 'Are you insane, he's not human' look. "Right," Spike said and pushed Xander down right next to Sam and Riley.
"Dad!" Xander protested trying to get up again.
"I'll get the blankets," Spike said sternly, "You sit here and stay off that leg." Xander looked at if he were about to protest, but dutifully stayed put. Spike vanished down the hall and returned with a pile of blankets from the linen closet. Without a word he started unfolding them and draped them one by one over the three young men.
Sam's eyes were fully closed and his shivering became less violent, but it was apparent he wasn't out of the woods yet. Spike fidgeted watching the boy wearily then went and turned up the heater.
"Hey Sam no slumber parties here," Xander said breaking the silence. "We don't have pajamas and movies yet."
Sam grinned a little slightly opening his eyes to look at Xander, "Always have to joke?" he asked voice strained.
"Will it keep you awake?" Xander asked.
"Will you stop if I do?" Sam asked.
"Hey!" Xander exclaimed. "My jokes aren't that bad!"
Sam laughed a little, "Says you."
"Be right back," Spike suddenly. He walked to the door, then spun around and walked back pointing at Riley, "Keep them here and- just keep them here." Then he was walking out the door shutting it behind him.
"What was that about?" Riley asked moving the blankets over Sam more.
"No idea," Xander said turning to watch the door, then grabbed the remote and turned on the T.V. no one watched it, but the sound was less of a strain on them.
"Can I ask the better question of what happened?" Riley asked shifting in the hot cocoon.
"Sure," Xander said, "But I have no idea."
"Something in the cemetery, it was like darkness. Sucked out all the warmth." Sam said still shivering, "How it find's its prey, kills without touching its victim. I felt it, its mind is. it hurt, and I ran."
"What?" Xander asked, "What touched you?"
"Methigh, it called itself Methigh." Sam closed his eyes again. "Can't touch, touch kill's, thoughts kill, hurts others, kills most."
"Sam stay awake," Xander said ignoring Riley's strange look, "What else about them?"
"Methigh," Sam whispered, "Methigh clorick, beshta ick lema ta tantic."
"What the hell?" Riley asked, "What language is that?"
Xander shook his head, "I don't know," he lied. He knew full well what Sam had said and aimed to discuss it with his father before the night was finished.
***
Spike ran down the hall to the stairs, then ran up them two at a time to the seventh floor and was at apartment 726 before he even slowed. Taking a deep unneeded breath he straightened himself up and started pounding at the door. Seconds later it was opened by an old lady dressed head to toe in pink.
"Yes?" she asked making a great show of squinting at the vampire. "William what's wrong?"
Spike inwardly cringed, Mrs. Dubest might look old and senile but he knew nothing got past her. He must look really bad. "Sorry to bother you mum, but I have a very big problem."
"Is Alexander alright?" Came her first question.
"No, but that's not the very big problem." Spike said, "The young one, Sam, he's sick. Colder then I am, he said darkness touched him."
Mrs. Dubest's eyes widened and she quickly vanished into the apartment and came back a moment later with what looked like a doctors bag. "How long has he been like that?"
Spike shook his head, "We found him a little over an hour ago, but I don't know how long he had been out there before that."
She nodded, "We?"
"The Slayer and I where patrolling," Spike said, knowing she happened to approve of him helping the Slayer. "She's making sure her friends get home alright. A mortal brought Xander home, he's still there."
Mrs. Dubest stopped. "William did you leave those children alone with a mortal that could get the wrong idea and hurt them?" she asked angrily.
"He didn't even ripple my wards" Spike defended, "Not even the witch does that."
The old demon nodded and pressed the button for the elevator. "What did you do to him before you came to me?"
"I put him in the shower thinking it was just the cold, Xander took him out when he got home- I had no idea it could be something else- he's got the three of them bundled under all of the extra blankets. But mum, the boy seems to be getting worse and.what if it had been Xander? Sam's full demon, what would have happened if that whatever touched Xander?"
The old demon patted Spike's hand motherly, "There, there William, everything will be alright. We'll help Xander's friend and see what we can do to keep Xander safe." Spike nodded helplessly. "You had a good idea with the hot water William, you make a fine father."
Spike smiled a little "Thank you mum."
They arrived at Spike's apartment a short time later, the T.V. was on for noise, but Xander and Riley were also busy keeping Sam talking least he fall asleep and not wake up.
"I can see what you meant about the mortal." Mrs. Dubest said to Spike then moved over to the couch. Where upon she was greeted with three yelps of surprise. Xander of having her sneak up on him, Sam because he wasn't completely awake, and Riley because her appearance would make most mortals run screaming.
"Mrs. Dubest!" Xander finally said breathing hard, "Please stop sneaking up on me, between you and my dad you're liable to give me a heart attack."
"Pish-posh Alexander" the old demons chide, "I highly doubt anything scares you on my end of the scale."
"Sure there is," Xander replied with a smile, "Just will never tell anyone what it is."
"Y-you're a d-demon." Riley managed and sank lower into the blankets.
Mrs. Dubest looked at Riley and winked melting into a more human visage. "That better for you dear?"
"Y-yes ma'am." Riley said though he still sank lower into the couch.
"Dad," Xander said trying to wiggle out of the blankets, "I need to talk to you."
Spike nodded and lifted Xander off of the couch carrying him to his bedroom, leaving Sam and Riley to be watched over by the talented Mrs. Dubest.
"What is it?" Spike asked once the door was shut.
"Sam said who attacked him, if you can call it that." Xander started, "He said it called its self Methigh. That it kills its prey by making them go into hypothermic shock I guess. He said it kills with touch and mind, that its darkness and that not all die."
Spike nodded, "Did he say anything else?"
Xander nodded, "He said 'Methigh clorick, beshta ick lema ta tantic'"
"Methigh hunters, sacrifice unworthy find ultimate prey." Spike said as Xander spoke, "That doesn't make sense"
Xander shook his head, "It does when you add filler words," he said then translated, "The Methigh are hunters, they sacrifice the unworthy to find their ultimate prey."
Spike gave his son an odd look, "When did you learn Bashtekl?"
Xander shrugged, "I don't know, I just know I know all of them. Read it once even just a few lines and I know the whole language. Surprisingly Riley knows a lot of them too."
"Hmm." Spike worried his lower lip, "Better run this by the Watcher, I don't much fancy calling the poof just to use his library. Don't much fancy him running down here demanding you go back with him like he's likely to do."
"He is trying to find cause to claim Sire's rights?" Xander asked concerned.
Spike nodded, "He could without reason, but he's giving me a chance, first time I screw up he'll be the first one down here."
"I won't go just because you screw up Dad," Xander said then frowned, "Is this why I'm getting the eggshell treatment?"
Spike shook his head, "No. not all of it.we'll talk about that when Sam's better alright?"
"Yeah," Xander said and stood, Spike moved toward him, "Pick me up and I'll scream. I can walk in my own home."
Spike smiled, "You are your fathers son aren't you brat."
"Damn right," Xander said proudly and hobbled out of the room Spike close behind.
Riley seemed a little less jumpy when they returned and Sam seemed better. He was still pale and drained looking, but the shivering had stopped and his skin held a hit of normal color. Mrs. Dubest was instructing Riley on proper ways of holding a person with hypothermia for maximum body heat, explaining while Sam's condition was more sever the only way he was going to survive the night was by staying warm.
It was amazing how the little demon could put the mortal at ease by acting both professional and motherly.
Xander crawled back under the blankets next to Sam who smiled a little in his sleep. Riley gave him a questioning look, but stayed silent instead turning his attention back to whatever was on T.V.
Mrs. Dubest walked over to Spike and steered him into a corner. "Be gentle with the mortal," She warned, "he could become more then dangerous if he thinks you're a threat. If you're good and kind like I know you are William you will make a good ally." Spike nodded and put the thought at the back of his mind to process later. "Now, when they fall asleep put Sam and Alexander in the bed together. Alexander will more then keep Sam warm all night and I think they both need a little security as well. Leave the mortal in the couch; he will be needed in the morning. I do believe you'll be paying the Slayer and her crew a visit?"
"You do know my son is a part of that crew?" Spike asked a little worried at the tone of the old demons voice.
Mrs. Dubest smiled. "Of course, that's why I think this Slayer is alright. The others would have killed the boy, friend or not." She collected her things and headed for the door, "If something happens call me."
Then she was gone.
***
An hour later all three young men were fast asleep- Spike suspected Mrs. Dubest's doing- in a tangle of blankets. They were an interesting trio; a demon, a half breed, and a human all sleeping peacefully together like friends. Spike almost didn't want to break them up.
But Spike had orders and Xander couldn't remain like that all night. Dutifully the vampire picked his son up out of the tangle and carried the sleeping boy to his room. He returned for Sam and laid him in Xander's arms tucking them both in tightly. Spike watched them for a moment then leaned down and kissed Xander's forehead like William's father had done when he was a child.
With a sigh Spike returned to the living room with a pillow. He moved Riley to a prone position leaning down to take off the young man's shoes and resting a blanket over the sleeping form.
"You're cold." Riley said drowsily half awake.
"Poor circulation," Spike said automatically still arranging the blankets.
"You're a nice vampire," Riley mumbled, "Good guy.good dad."
Spike stared at Riley for a long moment. Did he just say he knew Spike was a vampire?
***
When Riley woke he was mildly surprised to find himself sleeping on a couch in someone's living room. He was surprised however to find it well past noon. Never in his had he slept this late, this place must really be as comforting as he thought.
Xander's father was already up sitting in the kitchen reading a newspaper well out of the light from the open window. Riley remembered his half aware statement that the man was a vampire; the statement must have been true. Although that raised a whole new level of questions. Did explain the motherly demon though.
"There is coffee in the pot if you're interested." Spike suddenly said, even though Riley had shown no physical indications he was awake. "Xander and Sam are still asleep and I think you and I should have a talk before they wake."
"Why?" Riley asked childishly still on the couch.
"Because I said?" Spike asked logically, "And you're a guest in my home?"
Riley groaned and got off the couch walking slowly to the kitchen. Spike watched the boy carefully taking a drink from his mug which was gratefully filled with coffee. Riley sat down across from the vampire watching him carefully but not wearily.
"What do you know about vampires?" Spike asked without looking up from his paper as if they were talking about the weather.
"The basics," Riley said, "Burn in sunlight, fear crosses, killed by a wooden stake."
"And they are cold heartless monsters?" Spike asked, "One on this planet to kill and corrupt?"
Riley blinked, "Well the ones I've read about seemed more sympathetic."
Spike put down his paper and folded his arms over his chest staring at the boy. "And the ones you've met?"
Riley shuttered and looked down at the table, "Cold heartless monsters." He finely agreed. Then he thought about that, "Well actually. they seemed like they had gone insane, I mean from what I know the blood is a way to live, but the killing seems more of a side affect of insanity."
Spike smiled a little, then chuckled, then out right laughed. "Well I have to agree, the majority that you find are insane from one level to another. Don't get me wrong they are evil and there are very few who can even be trusted. The older ones they are the ones to look out for. Not because they kill but because they are cunning and conniving."
"You're one," Riley said rather then asked "But you're not evil."
Spike snorted, "I am evil and don't you forget it, but I also know the difference between friend and food. I don't make a habit of biting my son's friends, and I long ago gave up just killing innocents like others of my kind. I'm not the only one out there, just the only one you're likely to meet." He smiled a little, "Less you come around at Christmas."
"Xander's grandfather?" Riley asked.
"Oh yes, the big bloody poof," Spike sneered. "He has a soul, been fighting the darkness for a good long time."
"I am confused," Riley said, "Xander's not a vampire. How is he your son?" Spike raised an eyebrow. "He has a pulse, he breaths, I felt the warmth when I help him earlier and if you needed Sam to be warm you wouldn't have let him sit with Xander."
Spike nodded, "He is human," he agreed, "His mother was a woman I loved and married. She was a fiery human with a spirit that out shined the sun if she had been given the chance."
"What happened to her?" Riley asked
Spike frowned, "She died after Xander was born. I didn't know about him until a few months ago. I knew him but I didn't know he was my son."
"Why?"
"She didn't know what I was, what I am. I died and had to leave. I didn't know she was pregnant and I couldn't bear to keep track of her if I couldn't be with her." He sighed, "A year ago I found Xander's school records and thought it would be fun to hang that bit of information over his head, they said he was adopted so I looked them up. I had no idea what I would find."
"Must have been a shock" Riley observed, "I don't know what I would do if I found out something like that."
Spike nodded, "Even worse since I had been spending most of my time trying to kill him. Least now I know why I couldn't all those times I thought I could." He smiled a little, "Funny how the sub-conscience works."
"The mind has a funny way of knowing what we don't, and seeing what we can't" Riley said logically, "At least that's what my grandmother used to tell me."
"Smart woman," Spike said. "I'm going out for a while; can I trust you here to watch them? Make sure they are safe? Xander has a reputation of getting into trouble without looking for it."
Riley nodded, "I have absolutely nothing to do today."
Spike smiled and picked up the phone as it started ringing. "Hello? Oh hey Watcher I was just headed over there. No he's still asleep.well I don't see what." Spike dropped the phone.
"Spike? Spike! Are you there?" could be heard from the floor.
"What happened?" Riley asked.
Spike picked up the phone and put it back to his ear. "I'll be there in a little while," he said and hung up.
"Dad?" Xander said walking into the kitchen with a look of fright on his face. "I saw.I saw.he was.there was nothing left and I."
"Xander." Spike whispered and wrapped his son in his embrace and the boy started crying. "It's alright Xander; nothing's going to hurt you."
"He was dead," the boy whispered.
"Who Xander? Who was dead?" Spike asked.
"Him." The boy replied.
Riley could see Spike's eyes widen and mouthed a name. Riley's eye's widened as well. He had just seen the man in question last night, alive and. well.drunk, but alive. Then he realized why Spike had dropped the phone earlier. Who ever had called had reported the same death.
Xander had seen the death of Frank Harris.