Title: Facing Their Pasts 6/9+Epilogue
Author: Forsaken2003
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I own none, all belong to Joss Whedon
Comments: Always welcomed!
Summary: A Sequel to 'Imprisonments'. The past comes back for both boys.
Warnings/Spoilers: Human verse and OOC
Beta'd by: Whichclothes
Part Six
By the time four o'clock rolled around William was exhausted. He helped Xander cook dinner and make sure every surface of the apartment was clean, and he talked Xander off the edge at least three more times, promising he wasn't going anywhere and that if Xander didn't get that nonsense out of his head he was going to lock him in his bedroom for the rest of the day without any dinner. Xander pouted and complained about being treated like a child but did stop worrying. At least out loud.
"Damn, we didn't pick up any wine. Does your dad drink wine?" Xander asked. "Maybe I should run to the liquor store?"
"We don't need wine, pet," William stated but smiled at the fact Xander was willing to go out on a Saturday to a liquor store, where it would most likely be crowded with the weekend rush. "But thank you." He pulled Xander into his embrace and kissed him. The only reason they broke apart was there was a knock on the door. "Show time."
William made his way to the door a smile plastered on his face. It wasn't necessarily a façade, he was happy to have his father visiting. He just didn't want it to be the last time he saw or spoke to him.
"Hey, Dad," William welcomed his father. He was shocked when Elliot wrapped his arms around William, pulling him into a hug.
"Hello, William," Elliot said as he pulled away. He saw Xander standing awkwardly near the kitchen door-way. "Hello, Alexander."
Xander gave a timid smile. "Hello, Mr. Pratt. I'm glad you could make it for dinner."
William took his father's coat. "Dinner will be done in a few minutes. Xander's made a roast with potatoes and carrots and garlic bread."
"That sounds wonderful," Elliot responded, followed William into the kitchen, and sat at the small dining room table. For several minutes there was an uncomfortable silence. "I suppose Xander told you I came for a visit yesterday."
"Yeah, he mentioned it," William answered while he gave Xander a supportive smile. "I don't really appreciate you going behind my back."
Elliot had the grace to look guilty. "I'm sorry, William. I just wanted Xander to understand what I think is best. I thought it would be better to not wait until today and make him feel… ambushed."
William couldn't help the snort that escaped. "Well you failed at that. You had him absolutely terrified!" he exclaimed as he sat down. "Especially since you decided not to mention your 'plans' to me."
Xander kept his mouth shut as he pulled the food from the oven and began to cut the roast. He knew William and Elliot needed to talk and he needed to let that happen without him intervening.
"I do apologize for that. I should have talked to you first. I was just hoping Xander would see that you coming home would be best for you," Elliot explained. He didn't notice Xander's grip on the knife tighten until his knuckles turned white.
"Dad, I am home. My life is with Xander. Nothing is going to change that," William told his father. "I know it disappoints you that I'm not the son you wanted. I've made a lot of mistakes that I have to live with, and I can. Xander accepts me for who I was and who I am."
Elliot sighed. "I understand that is how you feel now. But what about a year from now? Do you honestly see yourself still living in this apartment? Still working as a mechanic?"
"No, I don't. I hope that one day when we can afford it that we'll move into a bigger place maybe even buy our own house," William said, shocking Xander. He had never thought of leaving his apartment, it had been his home and sanctuary for so many years. It surprised him that the thought of moving didn't terrify him as much as he thought it would. "And as for my job I am hoping to one day be a teacher. But for now working as a mechanic helps bring in some income. It's good enough for me."
Xander stood behind William, his hands on his shoulder giving him the support he needed. "I love your son, Mr. Pratt. I just want him to be happy. I promise to take care of him."
Elliot looked between them, for the first time really looking at them together instead of individually. He had to admit they both looked… happy. As much as he wanted his son to come back with him he knew it would never happen. "You'll visit though?"
"We will," William said smiling at his father. Elliot might not agree with his life-style but he was trying to be supportive of it. That was all William could ask for. "Xander's never been outside the States before. He needs some culture in his life."
"I'd love to come visit," Xander replied as well, sharing a real smile with Elliot since he first came to their home. "I'd like to see where Will grew up."
When Elliot smiled it seem genuine. "I'm sure William and I could show you all his as he would say 'hang outs.'"
William and Xander both grinned.
That night William and Xander lay next to each other. "Dinner wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be," Xander commented.
"I told you there was nothing to worry about." William said and turned to look at Xander. "Nothing is gonna drive me away from you. Not even you and your bloody insecurities."
Xander blushed but it was too dark for William to notice. "I know, I know I've been an idiot. But insecure Xander is no more!"
William chuckled, Xander was an idiot but he was his idiot. "I love you, pet." He moved closer to Xander so his side was plastered to Xander's.
"Love you too, Will." Xander kissed William's head. The moon shone through the windows and Xander saw that he'd have to let William know that it was time for another bleach job. He hoped this time he wouldn't have to be the one to do it.