Title: Vamp for Rent 5/18

Author: Forsaken2003

Pairing: S/X

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I own none, all belong to Joss Whedon

Comments: Always welcomed

Summary: After Anya dumped Xander he has become the fifth wheel. The girls start to notice he isn't hanging out with the gang as much so Buffy and Willow decide to do something about it.

Warnings/Spoilers: Season 5 No Dawn, No Anya.

Beta'd by: My Sister

Note: One chapter each week.

Part Five

When Spike joined Xander he handed him the sword. Xander was hesitant to take it. "We don't have all night." Spike took Xander's right hand and wrapped it around the hilt of the sword.

"Wow, it's bad when you are pitying me," Xander commented but kept a grip on the sword.

"Not just pity. If we're going to keep getting paired up I need to know you are capable of having my back." Spike said logically. "So I will be training you to use it properly since the rest of the lot are clearly incapable."

That did make sense. While Xander always gave it his all it would be even better if he wasn't always counting on a stake to protect him and Spike. "Thanks."

"It's more for my benefit. As much as I hate this chip I'm not ready to be dust in the wind." The more Spike thought about the situation that took place the more he felt bad for Xander. He knew what it was like to be the black sheep of the family. Darla, Angelus and Drusilla went on so many massacres without him. Too many for him to count.

Xander's lips twitched not really believing that. "Right."

"It is." Spike scowled.

"I agreed with you," Xander defended himself.

It was kind of nice to banter with Xander where Spike wasn't wanting to kill him. "You're humouring me."

"Yeah," Xander said nudging Spike's arm with his own with an actual smile.

Spike couldn't help but smile himself. Maybe Xander wasn't so bad.

The rest of the week Xander and Spike didn't show up at the Magic Box. Instead Xander went to the crypt after work so Spike could help him learn to use a sword. The first night Xander had come by for training he had been disappointed because Spike didn't actually give him a real sword but instead a plastic one. He complained because Spike let him have a real sword on patrol. Spike replied that it had been under special circumstances.

By Friday Xander was using a real sword. Xander was sure it would take him longer to learn but Spike was a good teacher. Amazingly patient as well. "I honestly thought you were gonna be a hard ass."

"Would that have made learning easier on you?" Spike asked as he took a sip of his blood. He was on his chair while Xander sat on the concrete floor.

It probably would have made it a million times harder. "Not really," Xander replied.

"Than it would have been a waste of time for both of us."

Xander looked at Spike. "I really appreciate all of this. I've asked Buffy and Giles but it wasn't a priority for me to learn."

"Wankers," Spike muttered. "Anything else you want to learn come to old Spike. I'm better than them combined."

"Well... some hand to hand combat probably wouldn't be bad to know." Xander wasn't sure if Spike was being genuine but if he was Xander would be an idiot not to take up the offer.

Spike nodded, happy that Xander was wanting to learn from him. "We'll start once you're all moved in to your flat."

"Ugh." Xander stood up raising his arms above his head to stretch. "I should go home to finish packing." The others were heading out of town after classes tomorrow but promised they would stop by the new place when they got home on Sunday. "Want to come by on Saturday for pizza and beer?"

Xander didn't ask for help to move. He just mentioned that a friend from work was letting him borrow his truck to move all the boxes. It wasn't like he had a lot of personal belongings.

"Throw in a bag of blood and if I don't have anything else going on I might stop by." Spike was trying to act like he had a lot of things going on in his unlife when in reality besides when he's with the Scooby's, or just Xander the only other thing regular thing he did was his weekly kitten poker game and that was on Sundays.

"I guess I'm ordering garlic balls." It was fun annoying Spike without any real malice.

Spike narrowed his eyes. "Do it and I'll tan your hide."

"How did you know I liked being spanked?" The words fell out of Xander's mouth before he could stop them. His hand slammed against his mouth. What the hell was wrong with him?

Spike leaned forward in his chair, his elbows on his knees. "Really? I thought you were as vanilla as they came."

Becoming defensive Xander said, "I'm so far from vanilla, buddy!"

Now Spike was intrigued. He licked his lips. "Tell me more."

Xander went in front of Spike, placed his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned in so close Spike could feel his breath.

Spike's eyes were focused on Xander's lips. What the hell was happening?

"Spike?" Xander whispered his name.

Spike's eyes flew up to look into Xander hazel eyes. "Yeah?" he croaked out.

A smile appeared on Xander's lips. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He backed away with a little laugh. "I'm gonna head out. I'll see you Saturday!"

When Xander was gone Spike sat there absolutely gobsmacked. He adjusted his jeans. "What the hell just happened?"