Chapter 6:
Rome, Italy: Date Unknown -
Spike sneezed for the first time in one hundred twenty-one years. Under different circumstances he would've found it fascinating. With a bored sigh, the Englishman rolled over to face Xander, burying his face in the dark-eyed man's neck.
The three new gladiators had been brought to Milo's house after the auction. One of Milo's slaves had shown them to a small room with three cots set up and delivered them dinner. He explained to the trio that they would remain with Milo for the night, and then begin training in the morning.
Against Xander's wishes, Spike remained awake. The memories of his past killings continued to flicker through his mind, and sleeping only made the images more vivid. Normally, Xander's scent and rhythmic breathing would send the blonde to sleep, but now he resisted it.
Xander stirred against him, eyes fluttering open. The younger male groaned softly, automatically shifting closer to his mate. "Will?"
"Here, Xan." Spike slipped a leg between Xander's, bringing his body flush against the other male's larger frame. He brushed his lips against Xander's in a loving kiss that grew more passionate as the Californian wakened.
A disgusted snort from the Egyptian interrupted the lovers' groping session. Spike reluctantly pulled away and glared at his fellow slave. He opened his mouth the challenge the other man when Xander bit down on his collarbone, turning any insults into a soft moan. With some effort, Spike managed to push the American away.
"Not here," the Brit panted. Xander pouted and reached for him again, but Spike firmly held the larger man back. "I know, luv; want you too, but not here. Not like this."
"When we're home?"
Spike smiled and trailed his fingertips down Xander's cheek. "When we're home," he agreed.
~*~*~*~
Morning came far too quickly for Xander. He wanted nothing more than to remain in the cot, to stay in the warm tangle of limbs. His arm tightened reflexively around Spike's waist as the blonde attempted to get up. It took a squeak of discomfort from his lover to make Xander remember just how much bigger than Spike he was. Back in Sunnydale, Xander's larger frame had never been an issue; Spike could easily take his mate's weight on top of him as they slept. Here, however...
"Xander!"
The younger man blinked and loosened his grip. Spike sat up, narrow chest heaving as he panted. "You don't know your own strength, mate."
"Sorry. I forgot you weren't dead anymore."
Spike rolled his eyes. "Wanker," he muttered.
Xander grinned. "Captain Peroxide."
"Git."
"Moron."
"Poof."
The Egyptian man looked at the other men, obviously confused by their good-natured raillery.
At that moment, a young Italian woman entered their room. She had long, curly, black hair and ice blue eyes. Even though she wore the plain tunic of a slave, she carried herself with an air of confidence.
"Salve," she said with a smile. "Ego sum Maria."
The Egyptian man said nothing and Spike glared at him. "Salve, Maria. Ego sum Spike. Hic," he gestured to Xander, "est Alexander."
"Potestne dicere Latina?"
Spike shook his head. "Minime." He turned to Xander "She wanted to know if you spoke Latin."
Xander relaxed and grinned at Maria. Leaning against Spike, he rested his head against his lover's shoulder. "You really need to teach me Latin." Spike smirked and ruffled Xander's hair.
As Xander spoke, Maria brightened. "You're from Britannia!" she exclaimed. "I speak Celtic, and I'm one of the only gladiators here who does."
The Californian looked up sharply. "You're a gladiator?!" Then, "wait, what do you mean, 'Celtic?' I don't know Celtic."
Spike chuckled. "That's what you're speakin', luv. English doesn't exist 'ere."
Maria grinned. "You two are gonna be interesting. And yes, Alexander, I'm a gladiator."
"Just 'Xander,' please. I thought only guys were gladiators."
The Italian shook her head. "Nope. Women are, too. We fight two men, each armed with a heavy sword and one arm tied behind their backs." She grinned. "It's a lot harder than it sounds."
An angry voice shouted from down the hall. "Ancilla!"
Maria glared in the voice's direction. "Istoc accede!" she shouted. "Apologies," she said as she turned back to the men. "Milo isn't exactly the most patient man in Rome, but he can be decent to good fighters."
"We can hold our own," Spike said wryly.
"I had a feeling you could. Here," Maria handed Xander and the Egyptian two tunics. "Wear these during your training. They're tight, but lightweight." She repeated herself in Latin for the Egyptian's benefit. Then she turned to Spike. "I couldn't find a tunic small enough for you, unless you wish to wear a woman's."
Spike scowled. "I'll pass, ducks. I'll just go without."
The woman nodded and turned to leave. "Oh, and Xander?" Xander looked up, tunic draped over his shoulder. "Plan on Spike and me teaching you Latin tonight after third meal." With that, the gladiator left.
Xander pulled his tunic over his head. Picking idly at the thin material, he spoke. "What do y'think of her, Will?"
Spike grinned and threw an arm around Xander's broad shoulders. "We might have some hope in gettin' outta 'ere alive after all. I think we just found a new ally."
A/N: Sorry. I'm really bad with posting up new chapters quickly. ::smacks hand:: Bad writer! Bad! Anyway, thanks to Bree for letting me run ideas by you. Oh, and the Egyptian slave really has no point in this story; he will never speak or do anything significant. I just like having a random character in there to torment. ^_^
