Title: The Thanksgiving Catastrophe

Author: Forsaken2003

Pairing: S/X

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I own none, all belong to Joss Whedon

Comments: Always welcomed!

Summary: Xander hosts his first Thanksgiving and he gets in over his head.

Warnings/Spoilers: Post NFA

Beta'd by: Unbeta'd

Xander was a very, very stupid man. It was the first Thanksgiving Xander was going to be in Scotland, last year he was in Africa. So he decided that he wanted to cook the Thanksgiving meal to show his appreciation for finally being brought home to his family. When he came back to Scotland after collecting slayers Xander was surprised to be greeted by Spike.

There was a quick rundown from the events of the last year in L.A. It was a lot for Xander to process. The loss of Cordelia hit him hard. He hadn't even known about the mystical coma she had been in for almost a year. The loss of her made Xander want to appreciate his friends even more than he already did. Hence the offering to make the Thanksgiving meal.

It took him a week to plan the meal because the number of people who were going to be joining them kept changing. It finally came down to nineteen people. The Scooby's, seven slayers, four watchers and two in house counsellors. That was going to be a lot of food.

Spike had helped Xander bring in all the groceries, on the councils dime of course. "Pet, are you sure about this?"

Two months ago Xander and Spike started dating. It wasn't some romantic story. A night of pool, some alcohol, and insults that somehow led to kissing and then a date. Again not really romantic but it was their story.

"Oh yeah, this is everything. I checked the list three times while I was at the store," replied Xander distractedly as he was trying to figure out how to fit a twenty pound turkey into the full fridge. Was he really going to have to carry it down to the basement to the extra refrigerator? That would be a Spike job.

"That's not what I'm talking about." Spike took the turkey away from Xander knowing it was never going to fit. "You barely cook for the six of us how do you plan on doing it for nineteen?"

Xander wasn't surprised that Spike was concerned. It was a little much for one person especially someone who's idea of cooking was throwing a frozen pizza in the oven. "It's going to be fine," Xander reassured. He had a look of absolute confidence.

Stupid Xander.

Thanksgiving Day didn't start off the way Xander had hoped. He forgot to set his alarm for six o'clock so he didn't wake up until just after nine. Accidentally kicking Spike on his way out of the bed. He wanted to take a shower before starting the turkey and now that was out of the question.

"Bloody hell, Xan. Can't a vamp sleep?" Spike didn't open his eyes.

"Sorry," Xander apologized as he hopped on one foot trying to get clean boxers on. "I forgot to set the alarm."

Cracking one eye open Spike saw the time. It was looking like it was going to be a late supper. "Are you sure you don't want to ask the girls for help?"

"No, no. It's all under control!" Xander fell on his ass trying to get his joggers on.

Spike knew nothing was under control and that disaster was inevitable. "The fire extinguisher is under the kitchen sink."

Xander threw his brush at Spike.

The smoke alarm was wailing as Xander sprayed the turkey and oven with the fire extinguisher. Smoke coated the entire kitchen and was escaping into the hallway. Xander didn't stop until the extinguisher was empty. He coughed and sputtered trying to catch his breath as he leaned against the counter.

"Who could have seen this coming?" Spike asked from the entrance.

"Shut up," was all Xander said. He grabbed a kitchen towel and started to wipe the foam off the turkey.

Spike watched feeling bad for Xander. "There is no salvaging it, pet."

Xander ignored him as he kept cleaning up the mess. He knew it wasn't edible but he didn't know what else to do. Everyone was going to be here soon, hungry for turkey.

"Still got the stuffing," Spike helpfully said.

"It's in the turkey."

"Oh." Spike thought for a minute. "Gravy?"

Xander shot Spike a dirty look. "I was going to use the turkey juices for the gravy." He suddenly cheered up. "The mashed potatoes!" He grabbed a small spoonful, put it in his mouth and immediately spat it back in the pot.

Spike could see Xander was close to a breakdown. "What's wrong."

"I used sugar instead of salt." Xander threw the pot into the sink and banged his head against a cupboard door. "You were right. It was too much for me."

"This was one of the few times in my long life I was hoping I was wrong," Spike offered. He rubbed Xander's tense shoulders. "You gave it your best try."

Xander laughed at Spike's sad attempt to make him feel better. He turned around and hugged Spike. "Thanks, Spike."

"Dear lord, what on earth happened?" Giles asked from the doorway. Buffy, Willow and Dawn were with him.

"So... how do we feel about pizza?" Xander asked looking over Spike's shoulder at his friends.

The End