Title: Sirens' Song
Author: Sinayah
Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from Buffy, Angel, or Xmen. They belong to very rich people who don't appreciate them as we fanfic writers do.
Disclaimer 2: The Chapter Title and Lyrics belong to Enya.
Authors Note: Many heartfelt thanks to my muse Zenura, without her I wouldn't have had the guts to write. If you like this story please review or send me an email, I'd really appreciate hearing what you think. Enjoy!
Chapter 13: Hope Has A Place
"if such a love is meant to be; hope is home, and the heart is free…"

When you have access to a jet that can do mach five, the world becomes a much smaller place. It didn't take long for the weary warriors to return to their home outside New York City. Logan forced the craft to hover over the tennis court long enough for Kurt to teleport Serena and Spike to the ground before directing the plane around to the rear hangar. Professor Xavier met the trio at the door and cordially invited the vampire into his home.

"Well Serena, I see you've accomplished your errand, despite the happenings while you were there. Is everyone alright?" The telepath asked, wanting to take a look at her memory of the events but unable to because of her defences. Serena nodded and opened her mind to the older man, giving him access to some of her memories of their trip.

"The kids are a bit bruised but there were no serious injuries. They did very well Charles, as you just saw. This is Spike by the way. Spike this is Professor Charles Xavier, he owns this place and can boot your pale arse out so be nice to him." Serena replied.

Scott and Jean wandered down from the second story of the mansion, having heard the jet return. The laser eyed boy came forward and introduced himself and the redhead. "Hello, I'm Scott Summers and this is Jean Grey. How was your trip?" Spike shook the boys hand and then looked over to the petulant redhead.

"Call me Spike. Trip was fine, glad to be out of Sunnyhell. You won't get anything trying to read my mind Red, telepathy doesn't work on vampires." The blond replied. He'd seen the girls' concentration and felt the probing. Vampires had a natural immunity to telepathy and empathy; as with their bodily reflections in mirrors, their thoughts created no reflection to a telepath. Buffy had found that out for herself the previous year.

Serena shook her head regretfully. 'Nice way to introduce yourself Jean.' She thought, carefully keeping the rebuke from the girls mind. The remaining team members came into the entryway before she could respond and greeted their mentor and the other two teens.

Pietro walked slowly over to his old friend, wishing he didn't have to go back to the Brotherhoods boarding house. "I better go home 'Rena. Thanks for letting me come on the trip, it was fun." The snowy haired boy turned to say goodbye to the others but Serena took hold of his arm. He turned back to her and saw her gentle smile.

"Stay a while Ptichka. Call Lance and the others and invite them over here for dinner. I'm sure they'd like to hear about our adventures." The raven haired woman offered, not wanting to let her friend go back to the dismal place he called home. The others echoed Serena's offer and Pietro happily accepted. Evan offered to show him where the phone was and the boys went off down the hall.

While the returning team put their bags away and changed into more comfortable clothing, Serena went into the kitchen and began frying meat and chopping vegetables to create a large taco salad for the group. Storm spelled her in the kitchen so that the hypnotist could put her things away and change clothes as well. The two women conversed for a few moments before Serena left the room. Ororo had noticed that her nephew seemed more mature after this trip and since he was unhurt, the weather witch complimented her friend on a successful trip.

Spike was still in the entryway talking to the professor when Serena passed by. The vampire excused himself from his conversation with the telepath and followed his friend to her bedroom. He shut the door behind himself and addressed a large, to his mind anyway, problem. "Nymph, did you think to have someone stock some butchers blood for me? That human blood you got for me at Willie's was gone before we left the watchers and I'm a bit peckish around all these humans."

The small woman smacked herself on the forehead for forgetting the small detail of feeding her friend once they got him home. "Shit, I knew I'd forgotten something. You'll have to drink from me tonight and I'll get some animal blood in town tomorrow."

"Forgetting the chip Luv, I can't bite you without getting a sodding migraine." Spike replied, wanting nothing more than to sink his fangs into his little nymphs' neck and take a sip of the ambrosia that was her life's blood. The amber eyed woman had fed both he and Dru occasionally over the last ten years, so he wasn't surprised in the least by her offer.

"Crap, I'm just forgetting everything today. Wait here a second while I change and we'll get you taken care of for the night." Serena gathered up one of Logans flannel shirts that she'd stolen and a pair of lycra pants, then went into the bathroom to change. Returning quickly she had the vampire follow her back downstairs where she quickly gathered the professor and pushed his wheelchair towards the elevator.

Rogue saw the trio as she came out of the rec room. "Hey guys, what are you doing?" Spike shrugged, not knowing what Serena was up to, only that she planned to get him dinner somehow.

Serena turned to the girl and explained her errand. "Just a little blood transfusion. I forgot to have someone pick up some butchers blood while we were gone and Spike's hungry. Can you run into the kitchen and tell Ororo I'll be there in about fifteen minutes to finish making dinner?" Rogue nodded and turned toward the hallway that led to the kitchen, her emerald eyes clouded in thought. The girl relayed the message to her older team mate and then wandered back to the rec room where her friends were sitting.

She walked over to one of the couches where Evan, Pietro, and Kurt were sitting and leaned over the back to talk to them. "Hey guys, Serena is down in medical having some blood drawn for Spike. I'm gonna go down and give some too, you guys want to donate?"

All three thought about it for a moment before agreeing and getting up. Kurt reasoned that giving some blood was a good way to say thank you to the vampire for allowing him extra time with Willow earlier. Evan and Pietro were a bit more selfish in their reasons, thinking that if they helped feed him maybe Spike wouldn't tell everyone what he'd caught them doing in the watchers kitchen.

As the others got into the elevator Logan asked what they were up to. "Got a little food drive going for Spike. We need to go down to medical so the professor can take some blood from us." Evan explained.

"Tell Wheels I'll come down to have a few pints drawn after the brotherhood gets here. I can spare more than any of you little twerps." Logan relied, knowing his healing power would replace the lost blood instants after it was taken. First he wanted to get the boys settled and make sure they wouldn't start a fight.

Serena was sitting back on one of the hospital beds with a tube coming out of her arm, talking with Spike and the professor when the four teens came in. She looked over to them and asked, "What are you three doing down here? I told you I'd be back in a little while Rogue."

The kids moved close to the bed and Kurt spoke for all of them. "Rogue told us what you were doing and we wanted to donate too. It's our way of saying welcome to the team." As Serena and Spike thanked the teens the professor removed the needle and tube from the small womans arm and set up another IV for one of the kids.

"That's very kind of you children. Whoever wants to go first get up on the bed with Serena. I'm beginning to think we need a larger medical room." Charles said, his admiration for his students growing as they willingly offered their blood. Pietro rolled up the long sleeve of his black shirt and sat on the bed next to his old friend. The dark haired woman took his hand and he smiled back at her as the professor slid the needle into his arm. "This should only take about ten minutes a person, and you'll each need to rest for a few minutes afterwards before going upstairs." The telepath explained.

While the white haired teen had his blood drawn the professor set up another two transfusions at the second bed. Evan and Kurt took their places and Charles quickly got them started. Serena squeezed Pietros' hand and left the bed carefully, making her way over to the other boys to thank them again. She left the room a few moments later to take over the dinner preparations.

Spike was amazed at the group of children his little nymph had hooked up with. The teens had only known him for a day, yet here were the majority of them, having their blood drawn to feed him. Feeling a bit like a ponce, he offered an awkward thanks to each of them and sat between the beds through the procedures.

When Pietro had finished his donation, Rogue sat down beside him so that the professor could take her blood. The snowy haired teen only stayed in the bed a minute before getting up and leaving the room, hoping to meet his team mates when they arrived. Spike ambled over to the girls' side and sat in the vacant place. The vampire had caught a small whiff of fear coming from the girl and wanted to reassure her. "You don't have to make a donation Spitfire, I'll be fine. I'm bloody surprised you all offered in the first place." The vampire commented.

"It's alright Spike, I just don't like needles much. I don't mind giving you some blood, but I think I'd rather have you bite me to get it. Needles freak me out." The redhead replied. Her foster mother Irene had been diabetic and needed insulin shots every day, and Rogue had never gotten over the creepy feeling she had whenever she saw the blind woman inject herself.

Spike gave the girl one of his trademark smirks before wrapping a leather clad arm around her shoulders and squeezing gently. "Trust me Luv, I'd rather bite you to get it too, but that won't be happening any bloody time soon, and there are about a dozen of your friends upstairs that'd stake me for trying." As he was talking, he met her emerald eyes with his azure blue orbs and held her attention while the professor began the blood withdrawal.

Rogue looked closely at the vampire beside her, distracting her mind from the needle in her arm. The redhead had seen beautiful men before, but Spike topped them all in her mind. His deep blue eyes were rimmed with long dark lashes any girl would kill for, pale skin made his prominent cheekbones and firm jaw look even more chiselled. The scar bisecting his left eyebrow gave him a rakish look.

Not a hint of the other face was visible, and the girl looked closely, trying to find even a hint of the ridges and yellow eyes. "Yeah, Logan would take your head off, he's overprotective. So umm, how do you like your new home?" She asked, wanting to have an actual conversation with the blond.

Charles kept an ear open to the dialogue between Rogue and Spike as he finished Evan and Kurts' donations. The two boys relaxed for a few minutes before going upstairs, and when they left the telepath wheeled himself to the redhead's side and joined in the light chatter. When the girl had finished with her withdrawal he quickly removed the needle from her arm and put all five sealed bags of blood in the small refrigerator that was kept in the room.

"Well Ducks, you're all done here. Would milady like a ride back upstairs?" Spike asked, teasing the girl gently. Rogue blushed around her smile and held her arms out to be lifted and carried back upstairs. The bleached blond executed a courtly bow before picking the teen up as if she weighed nothing and striding out the door with her. The professor chuckled out loud at the antics. A moment later Logan entered the medical room and the telepath saw that his old friend was also quite amused.

Logan sat back on the hospital bed and kicked his long legs up, holding out his arm for the professor. "Go ahead and take a few pints Chuck, we might as well keep a stockpile for the vamp. Chatty says he needs human blood on a regular basis to stay healthy, so we'll have to schedule some regular donations."

The professor set up the first bag for the transfusion and replied, "Yes I suppose we should. Serena mentioned something similar before the children came in. She had planned on having a pint drawn every few days. If you and the students are willing to make donations as well we should be able to simply take a pint from all the volunteers once a week." Though Charles was happy to see his Ukrainian friend so joyful he still wanted to have a long talk with the vampire soon.

"What do you think of this creature old friend? He seems to be a pleasant character, but I'm wary of him. Serena was quite honest about the fact that he is a murderer. She showed me some of the things he's done, and it was horrible to watch. Her memories also show that she is herself quite capable of performing similar atrocities, though she focuses her more violent episodes on demons rather than humans." Charles continued. During the history lesson in the ready room, the raven haired woman had been completely honest in both thought and word. Some of the things she'd shown him were so hideous they'd kept him up that night for fear of reliving the images in his dreams.

Logan pondered for a few long moments before answering, "I like him Wheels. He may be a mass murderer but you should have seen him in Sunnydale, especially with Chatty and the kids. He adores her and was great with the brats. The way Rogue and Mr. Giles told it, he saved their asses in a big way last night. I think we should trust him for now, but keep an eye on him until we're absolutely sure about him. Right now he can't hurt anyone, but Chatty'll be wantin whatever they did to him fixed. Before the chip or whatever it is comes out I think we should get a few promises from him."

The two oldest members of the Xmen continued to talk quietly as three pints of blood were drawn from the big mans arm. They agreed to trust the vampire, to honestly give him the chance that Serena had asked them for, but they would watch him closely for a while, until he'd proven himself worthy of their trust. When the three bags of blood were sealed and placed in the refrigerator with the others Logan took the back of his old friend's wheelchair and the two men rejoined their charges upstairs.

* * * * * * * * * *

When Logan and the professor exited the elevator they deduced quickly that everyone had adjourned to the dining room for dinner. Serena had set up a buffet style arrangement so that the group could serve themselves. The dark haired woman motioned for them to sit and quickly prepared their meals. "Well hey there you two, you certainly took long enough down there." She greeted with a smile as she set the bowls of taco salad in front of them.

"Yeah well it takes a while to draw three pints through a little needle Chatty. Spike should be set for a day or two. When it runs out I'll go down with you and have some more taken." Logan said before taking a bite of the salad. Serena kissed the big man on his heavily stubbled cheek and thanked him. After making sure everyone was settled down to enjoy their meal she gestured to Spike and the two retired back to the medical room.

Returning a few minutes later, Spike was noticeably calmer. The vampire had taken only two of the bags, but the rich human blood had sated his demon and he could now relax around the large group of humans without the demon roaring in his head to feed. The vampire sat back at the table with a cup of tea and listened to the pleasant conversations around him while his Nymph and her friends ate.

After dinner everyone retired to the common room to listen to a more detailed version of the mission. Spike was introduced to Lance, Todd, and Freddy and everyone watched as first Lance, and then Todd shook the vampires' hand. Neither boy tried to act superior by trying to break the vampire's fingers, and the Xmen teens waited, knowing that they'd leave it up to Freddy to show the blond who had the biggest pair.

Serena had a smirk very similar to the blonds on her face as the enormous teen approached her friend. Though Spike was considered rather short and slender, she knew he had more than enough strength to prove himself in this universal male superiority contest. As expected Freddy took the vampires' slender hand and crushed it in his massive palm. But instead of swearing in pain, Spike merely gripped back with his nearly broken fingers until the super strong mutant winced.

Willing to be gracious, Spike released Freddy's hand and patted the shocked teen on the shoulder. "Word of advice kid, that never works on a vampire. You could make mincemeat out of my hand and I'd still just keep bloody tightening it til you backed off." Freddy was starting to get angry and was about to lift his meaty fist when something stopped him.

Serena had started giggling from her place on Logans' lap and told the group at large, "He would too, the stubborn bastard. I've had to set his broken fingers a few times because he wouldn't give up. Don't get mad Freddy; you can get even with him sometime." The strongman looked over at the giggling woman and realized she wasn't laughing at him, that she was making the whole thing into a joke at the vampires' expense. A smile turned the boy's angry scowl into a pleasant expression and the group sat down to listen to whatever story the returned team had to tell.

The brotherhood boys mixed well into the Xmen group once their nervousness wore off. The fact that Pietro seemed so comfortable, sitting between Evan and Kurt helped them to be at ease, as did Kitty and Serena's smiles and overtures to include them in the conversation. They listened attentively as the five teens who'd gone on the trip detailed their adventures.

About mid way through the account Serena did something that set her on a pedestal in Todd 'Toad' Tolansky's heart. The slimy teen had been eyeing a fly that was buzzing around the room, longing to let his tongue out to catch the insect but afraid of being ridiculed and hearing the disgusted sounds of the group if he did.

The raven haired woman had seen his predicament and without hesitation she'd begun to wave her hand around her head, as if shooing the insect away; though it was buzzing around Jeans head at the time. Catching his grey green eyes with her golden gaze she'd said, "Todd would you please catch that fly? It's annoying the hell out of me." The teen had done as she asked, and no one had made any derisive comments about his actions.

An hour after the fly incident Logan had called a halt to the impromptu party. The big man had stood and plopped Serena down in his vacant seat and said, "Ok twerps, time for bed. You've got school tomorrow and I doubt Mystique is too happy with five of you missing classes yesterday. You can finish your story telling at school or this weekend after your 'anger management course.'"

The group had grumbled for a minute but said goodnight and goodbye to the brotherhood boys under his stern glare. While the six Xmen teens went upstairs to get ready for bed Serena had escorted the four boys to the front door. "Well then, this has been a fun night. I'll look forward to seeing you all bright eyed, bushy tailed, and on time Saturday morning." She said as she opened the front door.

Pietro approached her first and replied, "We'll try 'Rena, but don't count on it. Thanks for letting me go to Sunnydale with you, it was fun." He'd shyly opened his arms for a hug; wanting at least a small part of the bedtime ritual Evan and Kurt would be getting and not caring if it made him look silly in front of his friends.

Serena had held him tightly and softly kissed his cheek, then shooed him out the door with a playful smack to his backside. "Thank you for coming Ptichka, you were a great help, even if you are a thieving little brat. You did very well in California, I'm proud of you." She graced him with one of her pretty smiles before turning to the other three boys who were waiting to say goodbye.

The trio approached the small woman and Lance acted as their spokesperson. "Umm, thanks for inviting us to dinner, it was really good. We'll try to be on time Saturday, but like Pietro said, don't count on it. We're uh, we're glad you got your friend back; he's pretty cool for a walking corpse." The other two boys nodded their agreement with their leader and they started to walk to their jeep.

The dark haired woman held out a hand to stop them before they crossed the threshold. Wanting to give the three lonely boys a friendly hug, but not offend them she teased, "What, you don't think I'm going to let you tease my Ptichka for getting a hug and kiss do you? You come here and get the same treatment." Not giving them a chance to do more than stare at her in shock, the little woman hugged and kissed first Lance and then Todd.

Pietro laughed as his friends blushed, and then watched in amusement as Serena looked Freddy up and down, trying to figure out how to embrace the teen. Her head barely reached his chest and there was no way she could get her arms around him. She backed up a step and considered the problem a moment before holding out her arms and demanding, "Well then, pick me up Freddy. I'm just too short to reach you." The large teen had made a strange noise in his chest and his face became bright red as he lifted the woman up so that she could give him a hug. The other boys thought Freddys' face would explode with embarrassment when she bussed her soft, full lips over his cheek.

Serena had to whisper to the teen to put her back down when he didn't do it right away. The four boys walked down the steps and piled into their jeep, and waved at her as they drove off. Serena sighed, her shoulders slumping. She wished they didn't have to go, that they would choose to stay in the mansion. Logan and Spike were both waiting for her as she closed the door a minute later.

Spike told her that they would come around, given time and in Freddy's case, more of her cooking. Logan pulled her into a half embrace before saying, "You're doing your best Chatty, and it's working. You made them all feel real good just then. I doubt any of em can remember the last time someone gave them a hug; let alone a kiss. And Hoppy has a huge crush on you now because of that fly thing. Spike's right, just give em some more time and a lot more home cookin."

"I know, but I hate seeing them go back to that dismal place. They're just boys Wolvie; they need someone to take care of them." Serena replied, thinking of the run down boarding house Mystique had them living in. She'd driven by the place a few times and thought it needed to be condemned.

Forcing herself to remember that she still had six children who were waiting upstairs for her to come in and say goodnight, she moved out of Logan's embrace and headed upstairs, continuing as she went, "I'm going to put the kids to bed. Why don't you two find out if Charles has a room in mind for Spike and make sure it's sun proofed."

* * * * * * * * * *

While Spike and Logan were checking out the suite Charles had had prepared for the vampire, Serena said goodnight to each of the kids. She wanted to get them all tucked in bed quickly so that she could retire to the kitchen for her nightcap with Logan, but the teens had other ideas.

The visit to Jeans room was, as normal, brief and to the point. She knocked softly on the door and waited for it to open. The young redhead was in bed and greeted the older woman, "I picked up my stuff and my alarm's set, goodnight Siren." The dark haired woman said goodnight and shut the door behind her.

Her visit to Scotts' room was also brief, the laser eyed teen thinking himself too old for the attention she lavished on all the students. He allowed her to sit beside him for a moment, and kiss his forehead, but he looked after his own belongings. They spoke for a few minutes, about the trip and Spike, and then Serena left the boy to sleep.

Rogue and Kitty were sitting on their beds talking when the older woman came in. Unlike Jean and Scott, the two girls were more than happy to let their friend take care of them. They conversed enthusiastically about their trip while Serena tidied their room and put their duffel bags away. The raven haired woman had to promise to tell them about her travels with Spike and Dru the next day before the girls allowed themselves to be tucked in and kissed goodnight.

Kurt was in a buoyant mood when Serena came in to visit him. He'd emailed Willow earlier and the redhead had already sent him a reply. The blue furred teen lay back on his bed and talked with the hypnotist about his new love. He told her about their mutual attraction, and about the embrace they'd shared in the hotel room, though he didn't go into detail on the make out session. Serena had shared his enthusiasm, happy that her surrogate son had found someone who cared for him despite his abnormal appearance. She talked with the boy for a good fifteen minutes before finally making him close his eyes and go to sleep.

Evan's room was her last stop for the night. Ororo had already been in to talk with her nephew and the dark skinned boy was fast falling asleep. Noticing that either the boy or his aunt had gotten the room in order, she simply sat down at the boys' side and said, "So Evan, what's going on between you and my Ptichka eh? You two got awfully cosy in Sunnydale, and don't think I didn't hear quite clearly what Spike was muttering about as you left the kitchen."

The teen stared at Serena, shocked into speechlessness. His thoughts whirled, trying to find a viable excuse for what he had been doing with Pietro. The new feelings he had for his old nemesis were still confusing to him, he didn't know how to explain them to the older woman. "Umm, I don't know what you're talking about?"

The sentence came out as a question rather than the denial Evan was trying for. Serena chuckled softly and gave him one of her all knowing smiles. "Of course you do. You and Pietro were making out in the kitchen if I'm not mistaken, and Spike caught you. You find you actually like him, but you don't know why, or how to explain it yes? You just know you want to be with him, be his boyfriend. And I'm guessing you think you have to hide it from everyone, because some might not understand, or accept the two of you; am I right?"

Evan looked closely at his friend, seeing nothing but love in the golden eyes. "You understand me better than I do 'Rena. It just happened this morning. We woke up together and umm, accidentally kissed. After that things just kept going, and we ended up making out before we woke you guys up. It's so weird, I never thought I'd umm like another guy that way, and I really never thought I'd be having feelings for Pietro. How did you know anyway, besides Spike I mean, you were giving us weird looks all day." A blush darkened the boys chocolate skin and he couldn't meet the womans eyes.

Serena patted Evans' cheek gently and replied, her accent becoming heavier as it did whenever she spoke of the past. "My Ptichka, he always wears his heart here," she gestured to her shirt sleeve, "out in the open where everyone can see. When he was a boy, it was natural for him to show and tell how he felt. But the years, growing up, he thinks he has to hide himself away. His heart is still there on his sleeve, but now he does this." Serena crossed her arms defensively over her chest.

"He covers his heart, acting like a brat, being the bad boy. It is his defense, to keep from being hurt. But I know him well, and I can see. He cares for you deeply Evan, but he's scared to tell you, afraid you are playing with him. His father, I met the man once; is a cold, unfeeling bastard. He hurt Pietro, denied the boy his love, and he tried to make the child into a younger version of himself." The dark haired woman shook her head to clear the painful memories away. When her darkened amber gaze met the teens, she saw that he understood.

"You really love him don't you? Pietro I mean. Look, I'm not sure what's going on between us, but I won't hurt him 'Rena. Not on purpose anyway. I like him, especially when he drops the badass act. Just umm, just don't tell anyone about this, please? The others would go ballistic, I know it." Evan took her hand as he spoke, his eyes as well as his words pleading for her to keep the secret. He'd seen the way Scott lectured Kitty for her friendship with Lance, and could imagine what the team leader and the other Xmen would say and do if it got out that he was involved with Pietro.

Serena squeezed the teens' hand and gestured for him to lie back down. "Most of them already know there is something going on. Rogue knows as much as I do, I'd bet. Kurt and Kitty both know that Pietro has feelings for you, but not that you return them. I won't say anything to the others for now, but they will find out eventually."

"Neither of you are very good at covering your feelings around each other; and you live with two telepaths. I think Charles would be fine with the two of you seeing each other, but Jean is another story. I will show you both a few tricks I know to keep her out of your heads. I should do that with all of you kids anyway. Now go to sleep, you have a busy day tomorrow, planning on how to get my Ptichka alone and kiss him senseless." The hypnotist smiled brightly as Evan blushed, but obediently shut his eyes.

She crossed the room and opened the door, but the teen's voice made her turn, "What does his nickname mean? The sound of it suits him, but I don't know what you're calling him." Serena smiled again, knowing that the pet name she had for the snowy haired boy suited him in more than just sound.

She clucked her tongue and chuckled before replying, "Ptichka, he would have my head if I told you. You want to know, you ask him. Goodnight Evan." She shut the door on the boys' quiet laughter and made her way back downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * *

In the kitchen Serena found the other adults sitting at the table chatting over cups of tea and coffee. Storm had started the dishwasher earlier, which left the hypnotist free to sit with her friends and join the conversation. She sat between Logan and Spike, and asked the vampire, "Did you find a room to sleep in? We'll have to hang some blankets over the windows tonight, but I'll get some blackout curtains tomorrow."

Spike smiled at his thoughtful friend and replied, "No need Nymph, your professor thought about that. The room he gave me already has heavy curtains, and only southern exposure so I should be fine during the day. Right down the hall from your room it is, and a few bloody steps higher than being chained in a bathtub, I'll tell you. Gotta thank you for that again Professor, I appreciate you letting me stay with the Nymph."

Charles nodded and replied, "No need Spike, we all agreed to let you stay. Serena assures us that you'll be a great asset to the team." The telepath was anxious to talk with the vampire, both about what he and Logan had discussed, and about Spikes long and adventurous life. He decided he would give the blond time to adjust to life at the mansion before asking his questions, just a day or two so that he could organize his thoughts.

"Right, I don't know how much of an asset I'll be with this bloody chip in my head, but I'll do what I can. Already promised the blue kid some growling lessons. I could probably give the rug rats some pointers on fighting too." Spike replied. He's only seen one of the teens fight, and had been impressed, but he knew a few tricks that could help them with their style.

Serena wanted to help her friend fit in, and she spoke up, "Spike is great in hand to hand combat. He trained me, and even Wolvie was impressed with my fighting when I first came here. Logan, you ought to show him the Danger Room, he could help you design all the new training courses you want to make up for the kids."

The five adults conversed for a while, but eventually called it a night. They all had things they needed to do the next day and were tired. Ororo took the back of Charles wheelchair and pushed the telepath to his room before adjourning to her own. Logan left next, heading for his room and a hot shower. Serena walked slowly with Spike to see the room the professor had set up for her friend.

The lavish suite was at the back of the house, on the second floor with the kids, herself, and Logan. Though it was simply decorated, Serena was sure Spike would make himself at home in no time. "I have all the stuff from New Orleans down in the lower levels Spike. We should go through your trunks and see what there is to decorate the room with. All your books, weapons, and mementos would turn this place into a museum."

Spike nodded absently, his mind on other things. He was a bit shell shocked over the group's easy acceptance of him. All the kindness was bringing out the remnants of William the Bloody Awful Poet that still existed inside him. It was unusual for the vampire to feel grateful, and he thought he'd acted like a nancyboy all night. He sat down on the huge king sized bed and gestured for his old friend to come to him. "C'mere Nymph."

Serena sat in her friends lap, the seriousness of his tone making her worry. Spike wrapped his arms around her slender form and held her close, delighting in the warmth of her body. "I don't know how to tell you what I'm feeling without sounding like a bleeding ponce Luv. When I found you in that alley and Dru said we had to help you, it was easy for me to just pick you up, take you home, and take care of you. We both waved off your thanks, it didn't mean anything that you were grateful to us for saving your life, it was just something we did."

The woman raised her honeyed eyes to meet his and started to speak, but Spike pressed his fingers to her full lips to silence her. "I know Luv, you don't have to thank me again. What I'm trying to get out is, bloody hell. I want to thank you. Sunnyhell was like that alley ten years ago; you picked me up, brought me home, and you're taking care of me. I don't suppose you want my thanks any more than I wanted yours, but I had to say it. You and your friends, I owe you all a lot. I'm not used to feeling grateful, especially not to humans. I won't mess this up Nymph, you have my word, I won't make you regret caring enough to come and get me."

"You're right Spikey, I don't want your thanks, and you don't owe me anything. I love you, you silly vampire. I would've gone to you come hell or high water. When I told the others about you, I didn't think they'd volunteer to help. I was prepared to leave the life I made here, all my friends, to rescue you. I almost cried when they decided to help, and let you stay here with me. They're good people Spike, and I know you'll like them as much as I do when you get to know them better, and you won't mess this up because you like them." Serena replied, hugging her vampire friend, the man she called saviour.

Spike pressed a kiss into her sweet smelling hair, and said, "I love you too my little Nymph. You and Dru are the best things that could've happened to me, besides Angelus turning me that is. Have to take you to see that prancing pouf soon, I bet he'd just love to see you again. Now piss off and go to bed, let a vamp get some sleep, I'm sure those kids you love so much will be waking you up early to get em off to school."

Serena laughed at the vampires' comments, and got off his lap. She kissed his cheek lightly before leaving him to his thoughts and rest. Her smile stayed with her as she passed each of the boy's rooms on her way to her own. 'Charles is a genius, he's got this floor planned perfectly. Wolvie and Spike at each end and me in the middle. There's no way the kids can sneak out without one of us hearing. Well other than Kitty and Kurt that is.' She thought idly.

The grandfather clock downstairs began chiming the midnight hour as Serena opened the door to her bedroom. She made her way to the adjoining bathroom without noticing the surprise waiting in her bed. Logan was lying on his back, an amused grin on his face as he waited silently for her to come out of the bathroom and notice him. Soon enough she did, exiting the bathroom after brushing her teeth and tying her hair back. "Ack! What're you doing here Logan? I thought you went to bed a while ago."

"Only long enough to shower Chatty. Come get in bed, I'm gonna sleep in here tonight. Can't believe I slept with ya two nights in a row and wake up right at least once. Tonight I'm gonna fall asleep holdin you and wake up the same way, with my voice." Logan explained. The big man wanted to talk with Serena too, but that would wait for another time. They'd started something in California and he fully intended to keep it going. Having the little woman sit on his lap, and bestow friendly hugs and kisses wasn't enough any more.

Serena gave him one of her smiles, though she was exhausted and just wanted to fall into bed and sleep. She climbed under the thick comforter and curled herself against Logans body, saying sleepily, "Too tired to argue with you. Gimmie kiss and go to sleep." She lifted her head to receive the gentle press of his lips, then closed her eyes and sighed in contentment as his arms wrapped around her. The pair was asleep in moments, soft smiles on their faces, their dreams sweet. 'Home, sweet home.' Was the last thought that projected itself to Professor Xavier and he listened with his mind to the sounds of the house settling itself.