The Arrangement

By Esmeralda

Part One

Xander was only paying half a mind to whatever it was Giles was babbling on about. The rest of his attention was firmly fixed upon the back of a bleached blond head; all he could see of the vampire currently stretched out across Giles' couch. Xander stared at Spike discreetly from beneath the bangs of his fringe and suppressed a sigh.

It had been three weeks since the 'incident' with the Oenan. Spike had kept his word and said nothing about it to the others. Xander was both grateful and frustrated by the vampire's reticence. Grateful because he *really* didn't want to know what they would make of what had happened. Frustrated, because the vampire had said nothing to him.

There had been no stolen kisses, no sly touches or secretive looks. Nothing, zero, zip, nada...and it was beginning to tell on Xander's nerves. It was as if it had never taken place. He had never been kidnapped by a bunch of crazed demons and dragged off to their underground layer; he had never been forced to have wild, hot sex with Spike, and they had never made that deal in the sewer tunnel afterwards.

The vampire barely even acknowledged his existence - though the lack of insulting remarks was in itself strange.

Xander was starting to wonder if it really *had* been some bizarre hallucination. Okay, he knew the Oenan part was real since everyone else had spoken about it, but the rest? Maybe he'd hit his head on that metal rung harder than he'd thought? However, if it was all a concussion induced trauma, it had certainly made for some disturbingly erotic dreams. Xander found he was fantasising day and night about cool, pale skin. The strange animalistic noises Spike made in the height of passion; and the incredible tightness of the vampire's body when Xander had taken him.

The youth absently touched the scar on his arm and sank further into his chair. One depressing thought had begun to torment him; maybe Spike was just messing with his head? Perhaps to the vampire this was no more than an amusing joke at Xander's expense, and that strange conversation in the tunnel was Spike's way of twisting the knife. Xander nibbled his lip unhappily, looking up as he heard his name mentioned. "What?"

"I really am sorry, Xander. If there was anyone else..." Giles trailed off awkwardly.

Xander stared across the table at the Watcher (Okay, what's going on?)

"But it isn't as though Buffy or Willow could really keep him in the girls dorm," Giles continued, apparently misinterpreting Xander's blank look and silence for a refusal. "And you would be doing me a very great favour. It really is only for a few days and I'm sure Spike will behave himself."

"Spike?" Xander croaked.

"Looks like it's just gonna be me and you again, pet." The vampire had stood up and wandered over to join the small group gathered around the table. Willow leaned away from Spike as he came up behind her.

Xander shook his head. "W-what?"

Buffy frowned. "Get with the conversation, Xander. Giles' 'friend' is coming to town. Spike needs to be re-housed for a few days. By virtue of your lovely basement apartment, you get to be the lucky guy."

(Lucky?....Well, maybe?) "Okay, sure." Xander acquiesced, a little *too* easily.

"Wh-what?"

"What?"

"Huh?"

Three voices chorused in joint bewilderment. Clearly they had been expecting more reluctance, not to mention several days of non-stop bitching.

Xander floundered. "I....I mean....Well okay. But only for a few days." He tried to sound put-out about it.

Was it just him, or was Spike smirking?

Part Two

Xander led the way into the basement. He'd waited until the early hours to avoid the likelihood of running into his parents. Xander's stomach knotted at the thought of trying to explain to them why he was sneaking a man into his room. He'd been on edge since agreeing to take Spike off Giles' hands, his initial delight fading into something akin to panic. Okay, so he was going to be alone with Spike for a few days in very close confines. (Is this a good thing?) he asked himself frantically.

For his part the vampire hadn't said anything, merely gathering up his coat and following Xander when the youth swung by Giles' after work to collect him. Xander listened to Spike's soft footfalls and suddenly realised he didn't want to turn round to face the vampire. He wandered over to the workbench by the wall and began to fiddle nervously with the tools laid across it. Some sixth sense alerted him and Xander spun around to find Spike standing immediately behind him, an unreadable expression on the vampire's face.

Before Xander could open his mouth to speak, Spike stepped forward, pressing him back against the bench.

"So," the vampire murmured softly, "is this what you want?" Spike moved even closer, driving himself up against the trembling youth.

Xander swallowed hard. He could feel the hard outline of Spike's body, the sharpness of those narrow hips, the smell of leather and something that was uniquely Spike - something timeless and inhuman, and sexy as hell. Xander suppressed a whimper. "I...I...."

Spike pressed a finger to Xander's lips. "Yes or no, pet." He dropped his hand away.

Xander blinked rapidly; he was already getting hard. "Yes," he breathed. The word had barely left his lips when Spike took them in a kiss that turned Xander's bones to water. The youth was unaware of being lifted and turned around - until the bed nudged the backs of his legs. Then he was tumbling backward onto it; Spike followed, never relinquishing Xander's lips for more than a heartbeat.

Clothes were shed with frantic urgency, sneakers and boots flung across the room, until finally they were skin-to-skin. Xander forgot all about his tortured uncertainties as he reached for Spike and drew the vampire hard against him. Spike gave a low pleasure-filled growl and rubbed himself along Xander's body. The vampire was murmuring something repeatedly and gradually the words reached Xander's desire-addled brain.

"Beautiful, pet. Sweet....so sweet. My pet..."

Xander lay stunned beneath the vampire's endless litany of endearments. Spike's soft, husky tenor murmured ceaselessly as he kissed his way down Xander's torso, and the youth forgot everything as cold lips suddenly closed around the head of his erection. "Ah...oh!" Xander exclaimed, his fingers knotting around the twisted bedsheets. Spike's skilful mouth worked its way up and down the rapidly hardening length, licking and sucking, swirling a cold tongue over the slit, probing it delicately. "God!" Xander cried.

Spike released him and looked up. "You might want to keep it down a bit, pet. Parents upstairs. Remember?" Blue eyes glittered in amusement. Then the vampire returned to his task. Spike appeared to be enjoying himself, he was making appreciative little noises which vibrated around Xander's erection. Xander was certain he would die from the pleasure and when Spike deep-throated him he thought for a moment perhaps he had. The vampire swallowed the youth down to the root, while his fingers gently teased the velvet sac beneath.

Xander shoved his own fingers into his mouth to stifle his cries as he came, spurting his hot seed down the vampire's throat. Spike continued to milk him until Xander began to whimper.

The vampire let the softening member slip out of his mouth, giving it one last loving lick before moving up to lie beside the youth.

Xander opened his eyes and weakly turned his head. "Wow," he offered breathlessly. Spike leered at him. Xander tried to move but found that his limbs refused to obey. He managed to wave an arm somewhat feebly in the vampire's direction. "Wh-what about you?"

"It'll keep, pet. Get your breath back." Spike's grin widened. "You're going to need it."

Xander's eyebrows shot up toward his hairline and he closed his eyes.

"You're going to kill me," the youth mumbled.

Spike laughed. "Fucked to death. Don't think I've used that one before."

Xander chose to ignore the less pleasant images that sentence conjured, and concentrated instead on the feel of Spike's cool fingers stroking his burning skin. He opened his eyes when the vampire's hand tightened around his forearm. Spike was staring at something, blue eyes narrowed in displeasure. "What?" Xander asked a touch nervously.

Spike turned Xander's inner arm to face the youth. "*That* was stupid."

Xander was confused and a little hurt. "Why?"

"Because, pet," the vampire growled. "That bloody bit of metal was filthy. It's a wonder you didn't catch some festering infection. Could have sent your whole bleedin' arm rotten." Spike was examining said arm as he spoke, peering at it closely.

Xander felt a ridiculous smile spread across his face.

Spike glanced up at him and glared. "What?"

"Hmm?"

"Don't play stupid with me. Unlike some of 'em. *I* won't fall for it. You're not half as dozy as you look."

Xander's smile widened. There had been a compliment mixed up in there somewhere.

Spike made a disgusted sound and pressed his lips to Xander's, kissing the youth fiercely. When he pulled back the silly smile had been replaced by a flushed, dazed expression. "Much better," the vampire said smugly, leaning in to continue the kiss. With obvious effort, Xander raised his hands and placed them again the vampire's chest, pushing ineffectually. Spike reluctantly allowed himself to be man-handled away.

"Bloody 'ell! Now what?" he moaned, clearly frustrated.

"Why...why haven't you said anything?" Xander demanded. "Is this all just a game to you?" He battled to contain the tears in his voice and sat up, dragging the sheet around him like a shield. The earth-shattering release had brought his emotions to the surface. The fears and desires that had haunted him, days and nights of despair and confusion. "For three weeks you don't even look at me! Now you're tearing my clothes off?! What am I supposed to think?!" he exclaimed.

Spike appeared bemused by Xander's escalating hysteria. "If you ask me, pet. You're not thinking at all." He regarded Xander mockingly. "What should I have said, peaches? Hmm?" Spike tilted his head, as though carrying out a conversation with an invisible Giles. "Excuse me, mate. I'm just taking Xander into the kitchen to shag his brains out. That's okay innit? " He paused, as though waiting for a reply. "What's that? - You want to watch???" The vampire pretended to be shocked, then he shrugged. "Oh. Alright."

"You could have said something to *me*!" Xander protested, his voice rising.

"You didn't say anything either." Spike pointed out.

Xander looked away, staring down at the bunched up sheets around his legs. "I thought you'd changed your mind," he mumbled.

Spike pursed his lips thoughtfully, then rolled over onto his back. "Not me, pet. Now you? How was I to know you hadn't decided to forget the whole bleedin' thing?"

"No!" Xander exclaimed sharply. He flushed as Spike looked up at him. "I...I mean I haven't. I don't want to." The youth's mouth twisted wryly. "I'm not sure I *could*, even if I *did* want to." Spike cocked an eyebrow at him. "Y-you're all I can think about." Xander confessed in a soft whisper.

Spike looked pleased. "Really?"

Xander nodded, his blush trailing down his throat. "I...I keep thinking about...about what we did, and how it felt...."

Spike sat up and grinned at the youth wolfishly. "Wanna do it again?"

"Now?!" Xander exclaimed. "I....I don't think-"

Spike cut him off. "You're young," the vampire rejoined, dragging the sheets away. "And hot," Spike added, crawling over to straddle Xander. Putting his face level with the youth's groin, Spike dipped his head and placed a long lick down Xander's quiescent length, eliciting a sharp gasp. "You'll soon get going. Should last longer now we've taken the edge off."

(Edge?) Xander's mind tried to grasp what Spike was saying (Hot? Me? He means *me*?!) Then he stopped thinking as Spike's cold mouth reclaimed his soft flesh, suckling gently. Xander was amazed to feel himself grow hard almost immediately. "Ahhh," he moaned.

Spike continued his skilful ministrations until Xander was fully erect then the vampire sat back on his heels grinning. "See," he declared. "Ready and willing." Spike stretched out on the bed. "So am I, so get on
with it." The brisk words were a command.

Xander's numbed brain obeyed them instinctively. Pulling himself up to kneel next to the vampire he stretched out an unsteady hand, stroking the ivory back that had filled his dreams. It was as perfect as he remembered, the skin like chilled satin, laid over lean muscle. He frowned when his fingers brushed a minor flaw in the tapestry and his eyes again followed the faint criss-cross pattern of scars marring the milk white flesh.

"W-what happened?" he asked softly, tracing one indistinct line with his finger.

"Hmph?" The blonde's head remained firmly buried in the pillows.

"You were whipped?" Xander guessed, his voice tinged with horror.

"Flogged," Spike mumbled.

"Why?"

Spike made an exasperated sound and turned over. "Do we have to talk about this now?"

"I...I'm sorry," Xander stammered, pulling his hands back.

Spike sat up and put his arms around the youth, nuzzling Xander's neck lightly. "I just meant, pet, it's not a very pretty story and I can guarantee it will kill the mood."

"I think it already has," Xander confessed a touch guiltily. His erection was rapidly wilting.

Spike shook his head. "Not bloody likely," he hissed, "I want you, *now*." The vampire lay back down, pulling Xander on top of him. Spike kissed the youth fiercely, his hands running over Xander's naked back, sliding them down to cup the firm buttocks. Xander tensed, then whimpered softly into the kiss. After a moment or two his hips began to undulate softly as he rocked against the vampire. The gentle thrusting increased and Spike turned them both over. Xander was fully hard again, his erection jabbing into Spike's belly.

Spike eyed it approvingly, and gave Xander another powerful kiss before releasing him and rolling over onto his back. He had an idea how they could do this without Xander getting 'distracted' by the evidence of his past.

Xander lay on his back blinking. "Wha-?"

"Come here, pet."

Xander obeyed blindly, moving over until he knelt between Spike's parted legs. The action seemed to restart his brain as he suddenly remembered something. "Hang on a minute."

Spike growled as Xander dived off the bed. The youth rifled around in a box beneath it, before scrambling back up beside Spike. He clutched a small tube of lubricant.

Spike's eyebrows rose. "You keep *that* under there?"

Xander blushed furiously. "Well...no....I-I kind of bought this after," he mumbled. Actually he'd almost driven into the next state to purchase it - and then left his money on the counter and fled; though he wasn't about to confess any of that to Spike.

Spike looked mildly impressed. "My, my. Xander, pet. You have unexpected depths." His eyes glittered. "Now get with the action."

Xander unscrewed the top and squeezed out a good sized amount. He hesitated, looking down on the vampire, uncertain how to go about this. Spike simply drew his legs up and waited. Xander swallowed hard, nonetheless he reached out, placing his fingers against the tight opening. Spike hissed as Xander slowly inserted one slick finger, easing it past the ring of muscle. "All right?" Xander whispered.

"Yess. Oh fuck," Spike groaned. "That's good."

Encouraged by Spike's comments, Xander let his finger sink deeper, before twisting it sharply.

Spike's hips lifted off the bed. "More, quick. More!"

Xander quickly added another finger, pushing it in to join its mate. Perhaps a little *too* quickly. Spike yelped, and an aghast Xander stammered an apology, "S-sorry."

"No, izst goood," Spike mumbled. Xander frowned worriedly, but didn't remove his fingers. "More." Xander's eyes widened. Spike lifted his head.

"Now," he ordered, glaring at the youth.

Xander shakily brought a third finger into play. This proved to be a *lot* harder going; Spike grunted as the slick digit finally slid past the opening muscle. Xander watched carefully to see if Spike was still okay and decided if the expression on the vampire's face was anything to go by he was doing all right.

As for Xander himself, he was more than happy. Spike's body closed around his fingers like a velvet vice. The slippery gel enabled him to slide them back and forth in a manner that quickly had him thinking of other things. It seemed Spike's thoughts were following a similar path as he leaned up and pushed Xander's hand away. He took hold of Xander's gel-coated fingers and used them to grease the youth's rigid flesh.

Xander gasped, his head falling back.

Spike's eyes lingered for a moment on the smooth column of Xander's exposed neck. Then the vampire growled and dropped back down onto the bed. Xander raised his head to look at him, slightly stunned.

"Do me," was all Spike said.

Still uncertain how this was supposed to work, Xander shuffled forward. His unspoken question was answered when Spike arched his body up, hooking his legs over Xander's shoulders. Xander caught on quickly. It was a little awkward, but he decided being able to see Spike's face as he entered him made the extra effort more than worthwhile.

Xander felt as though he was sliding in even deeper than before, diving into the cold tightness of the vampire's body. His hands clutched Spike almost desperately as he began to thrust. He was surprised when Spike's hands moved to cover his.

This encounter felt very different from their first frenzied coupling. That had been all fire and savagery; this was a slow intense burning. Xander felt closer to Spike in this moment than he'd ever felt to any creature in his entire life. It was bewildering, but perfect.

Xander looked down into eyes that changed from Adriatic blue to gold. Spike's face rippled and cold fingers threaded through his own, clutching tightly. Xander wasn't remotely alarmed by the emergence of Spike's vampiric visage, relishing his lover's true face. Spike seemed somehow vulnerable like this, raw and open. Xander began to speed up the rhythm. Spike's lips curled back revealing jagged teeth as he began to pant. Xander still found this strange. After their first encounter he'd wondered if it were some sort of lingering instinct left over from when Spike was alive. The vampire was beginning to make those soft grunts and growls that Xander remembered so well. Suddenly slow and easy wasn't enough, and he began to pound into the vampire with rough, almost brutal strokes.

Spike howled and released Xander's hands - grabbing a pillow and holding it over his face. Xander was frustrated, he wanted to see Spike. An idea presented itself and he grabbed the pillow off the vampire who glared at him startled. With a speed born of desperation Xander ripped off the pillow case, twisted it and dived forward - trying to gag Spike with it. The connection of their bodies prevented him from reaching, but Spike seemed to have got the idea. Grinning with approval he gagged himself, tying the pillow case behind his head. The golden eyes held more than a hint of mischief as Spike raised his hands above his head and crossed his wrists, as though they were bound by some invisible cord.

That was all it took to send Xander over the edge. Biting his lip to contain his cries, he drove into the body beneath him. Faster, harder, deeper. The bed squeaked and groaned in protest. Xander felt his release surging through him. Spike's yellow eyes rolled back as the vampire's body stiffened and shuddered. Xander gasped out, "Spike!" and collapsed forward over the vampire's chest.

He lay there shaking. After a moment he felt Spike arms move down to hold him. Xander wriggled slightly, feeling the chill of Spike's seed against his skin. His softening member slipped out of the vampire's body. When he looked up, Spike's face was still in its vampiric mask. The blond spat out what was left of the shredded pillow case.

"Don't think your mum's gonna be too pleased pet." Spike grinned, using a torn piece to wipe his sticky chest. "Though I have to admit it was an inspired bit of thinkin'." Spike sounded faintly croaky, as though he had been screaming hard into the makeshift gag.

Speech was something Xander's mind couldn't quite cope with yet. "Ghuzst?"

Spike kissed the top of the youth's head. "Go to sleep, pet."

"Mphmn," Xander mumbled closing his eyes as he snuggled against the vampire's chest. A contented, sleepy smile spread across his face as Spike began to purr.

Part Three

Spike's face slid back into its human mask as he gazed at the youth sleeping soundly in his arms. This was not supposed to happen. This was bleedin' stupid; not to mention suicidal if the Slayer ever found out. Somehow he didn't think 'her Buffyness' would take kindly to him boffing one of her friends.

However, he was powerless to prevent the purrs of sated contentment that reverberated through him. The heavy, sleepy warmth of Xander's body was draped along his. He was surrounded by the rich, silky odours of sex, and the crisp clean scent of Xander's skin and hair. Spike nuzzled the soft, dark waves and then 'tsked' himself in disgust.

He had been more than happy not to divulge what had gone on in the Oenan lair to the Slayer and her Watcher. Being staked for his part in the rescue attempt wasn't his idea of a satisfactory ending. Spike had waited to see if Xander would say anything, half expecting the youth to blurt it out over lunch. Certainly, the brat had seemed wound up about it.

After the Oenan had reluctantly released them, they had walked back to the Watcher's house in silence. Their arrival was greeted with a mixture of relief and amazement - the others clearly hadn't expected Spike to come through. He'd moved off to a discreet distance to allow for the inevitable hugs, and to try and avoid the equally inevitable questions.

Xander had done all the talking, basically saying that he was 'fine' and 'yes, Spike *had* rescued him.' The nitty gritty details of the rescue did not come up. Xander had glanced nervously at Spike once - over the top of Willow's head as the girl hugged the youth....*again.*

That had pretty much been it.

Afterwards, Xander avoided eye contact. In fact Xander avoided pretty much any kind of contact, shuffling away whenever Spike got too close. Spike had been bewildered and irritated. What was the bloody kid playing at? He might have put it down to a change of mind - Xander wanting to forget the whole thing. Accept, Xander appeared to be spending a lot more time at the Watcher's house - watching him.

Spike could sense it. He was a vampire for pities sake - he knew when he was being watched....and he was most *definitely* being watched. When Giles announced the imminent arrival of his 'orgasm friend'. Spike had observed Xander closely for his reaction and had caught the youth's pleased look. However, Xander appeared to be having second thoughts as they entered the basement. Spike had decided enough was enough. He'd only meant to ask the youth what the bleedin' hell 'e was playin' at, but pressed up against that warm and surprisingly muscular body, Spike soon had other things on his mind. He had given Xander a choice; though the vampire wasn't certain what he would have done if the youth had said no.

A bit of mind melting sex later, and here he was - with a warm snuggly Xan-pet draped over his chest. It felt disturbingly good. Spike wasn't solitary by nature; he'd spent more than enough time on his own when he'd been alive. Since entering his undead existence, Spike had rarely ever been alone. First he'd had the company of his Sire, then Dru and whatever minions he chose to surround himself with. When Dru had wandered off to pastures new - *again*, Spike had more-or-less 'adopted' Harmony. The girl wasn't bright enough to be scared of him, he liked that, though it could also be bloody irritating. Still, her constant prattle had kept him entertained.

Spike was self aware enough to recognise he needed, perhaps even craved, affection; however cruel and twisted the form might be. Angelus had raped, beaten and humiliated him for years, yet Spike had remained with his Sire, until the latter had himself disappeared one bleak night.

Dru's neediness pulled at him like a lure, he would have done almost anything for her and still would. Spike wanted to be touched and held and admired and - in the darkest, sickest reaches of his mind - some part of him even begged to be abused. Part of it was his demon. The rest had been shaped by a past he'd endured before the demon had taken hold. The past that had put the scars upon his back, and upon the soul he no longer possessed.

Since being crippled with the implant Spike had fallen into a pit of near total despair; hidden behind frivolous remarks and scathing comments. He was alone for the first time in too many years, and it dredged up memories of a life he would just as soon forget. Spike remembered only too well what it was like to be hungry and in pain - and that was not a past he cared to revisit.

Truth-be-told, Spike was lonely and uncertain. He would not admit to being afraid, even to himself. What if he was stuck with this implant for the rest of his unlife, unable to hunt or create others of his kind? Dru would probably be happy to take care of him, but even now she was stronger she was still hopelessly muddled. She would probably forget and toddle off for a few years, leaving him to starve.

Angel might take him in, but Spike wanted to be needed by his Sire, not pitied and looked upon as a helpless burden. Besides, he still hadn't got round to explaining the situation to Angel. The Slayer and the others had - amazingly - respected his request not to tell the older vampire. Now there was this youth, Xander. A young man who possessed both heart and courage in seemingly inexhaustible quantities. Xander, who had turned out to be surprisingly adaptable. At least he didn't seem particularly phased at taking a vampire into his bed, a male vampire at that.

Spike found he felt oddly contented around the whelp. Xander was wary of him, which fed his demon's ego, but at the same time acted as though Spike had some intelligence and feelings. As opposed to the Slayer, who either saw him as prey, or compared him to Angel - and found him lacking (Bloody cheek). Or the Watcher who viewed him with a sort of detached, scientific interest. Even worse the witch who clearly pitied him.

Xander didn't hate or pity him. Spike liked that. Hell he liked the boy, he wasn't ashamed to admit it. Plus the sex was good, bloody good considering Xander's inexperience, and the fact that he was a human. The 'human' bit was the part that caused Spike some concern, if you could call it that. Perhaps a slight 'niggle' would be more accurate. Xander could be hurt, both physically and emotionally. Something Spike was strangely loathe to see happen.

(So) he told himself (I won't let it happen) Spike continued to watch the youth in his arms, feeling almost......protective. Xander was his, just let the bloody Slayer or her cronies say otherwise. Implant or no implant, he was still 'William the Bloody' and no one was going to hurt the brat while he said so.

A small noise alerted him to Xander's reawakened state. A muzzy gaze peered at him from beneath a too-long fringe. "Is it morning?" a sleep roughened voice asked.

"No. Still night, luv. Go back to sleep," Spike murmured softly, tightening his arms around the youth.

Xander squirmed and Spike reluctantly loosened his hold. Xander moved away slightly and Spike felt oddly bereft without the solid warmth.

Xander was wearing an embarrassed smile. "This is seriously weird."

"Is it?" Spike managed to sound both bored and nonchalant.

Xander gave a small hollow laugh. "Well, let me see. I'm in bed with a vampire. A *male* vampire. Who, if my memory serves me right, has tried to *kill me* more than once."

"Haven't," Spike denied quickly. Xander raised his eyebrows. "Well you're still alive aren't you," Spike defended sulkily.

Xander nibbled his lower lip nervously. "So, you're not going to try and kill me again? I mean if you could," he added.

Spike flinched at the mention of his 'problem'. "Suppose not," he muttered peevishly.

"Really?" The youthful face bore a hopeful, puppyish look.

Spike had fallen silent. He was giving some serious thought to what was being asked of him, albeit unknowingly.

Xander clearly had no conception of what he had asked for.

Contrary to popular belief, vampires possessed a sort of sense of honour. Admittedly it was perverse, not to mention prone to changing at the drop of a hat, and they rarely extended it to humans. Nonetheless, if a Master vampire gave his protection it did count for something. If Spike vowed to protect Xander then he would. If he gave his word not to kill the youth now or in the future then he would keep that promise. Did he want to kill the youth? Right this minute - no. But what about later? - That was a little trickier.

Spike looked at Xander, "Will you try and kill me?"

Xander seemed taken aback. "No!"

Spike shrugged. "You would have done before. In a heartbeat," he added.

Xander looked uncomfortable. "That was then," he mumbled.

"So," Spike drawled. "A good hard shag and suddenly we're best friends?" His tone was scornful.

"I....I don't know," Xander confessed. He ran a hand through his thick hair, ruffling it up in all directions.

Spike could see the thoughts playing across the youth's face. Then Xander looked at him, jaw set, eyes determined.

"No. I *do* know. This...this *is* something. I don't know what, but it's something. And I won't kill you. Not now, not ever. You have my word." The young man ended his speech by holding out his hand with solemn ceremony.

Spike was silent. He hadn't expected *that* answer. This kid had hidden depths all right. He was shaken by the sincerity in the youth's liquid brown eyes. (Bleedin' hell. He really means it.) Slowly, Spike held out his own hand, wrapping slim, white fingers around Xander's. "You have the word of William the Bloody, I won't try 'n' kill you, Xander Harris. Not now, nor any time hence." He felt the warm fingers within his own tremble slightly. Then Xander's serious face broke into an ecstatic smile. Spike managed a half-embarrassed grin, before he pulled his hand free. "Enough with the mushies. What does a bloke do to get fed around here?"

A while later they were both sprawled comfortably across the bed. Xander had donned his boxers, Spike preferred to stay nude. The former was happily devouring cold pizza. Spike had a mug of blood - courtesy of Giles. Neither cared to look too closely at what the other was eating. When they'd finished they simply climbed back under the sheets.

After a moments hesitancy, Spike opened his arms. Xander nestled into them happily. "*You*, are a cuddler," Spike remarked, not sounding at all displeased about it.

"Suppose I am," Xander agreed yawning. "Anya used to push me away, said I made her too warm."

Spike sniggered. "Not likely to happen 'ere, pet."

Xander chuckled softly. "No, I suppose not." He lifted his head to meet Spike's steady gaze. "Do you feel cold? I mean on the inside?"

Spike gave him a look of fond exasperation. "If you mean do I feel like I'm cold? Then no. I don't."

"You're not really cold." Xander mused. "Just cool. It's kind nice really."

"That's because it's a balmy, Sunnyhell night. Just you wait until the winter, pet."

"I'll wear pyjamas."

"Not bloody likely."

Xander sniggered. "No PJ's? What about my fluffy bunny slippers?" Spike poked him. "Ow! You have really 'pointy' fingers." Xander peered under the blankets to examine his abused ribs.

"Come here," Spike offered. "I'll kiss it better." There followed muffled giggles and wet sounds as Spike licked and kissed and slurped along most of Xander's torso.

Eventually the youth moaned. "Please, no more. I can't manage it again."

Spike reluctantly crawled back up Xander's body to lay beside him. He stroked the slight bulge beneath the boxer's. "You sure about that?" he leered.

"Please," Xander gasped. "I'll never get up in the morning."

"So? Stay in bed."

"Can't," Xander confessed ruefully. "I have to run my Uncle to the doctors for nine."

Spike removed his hand "What? He can't go by himself?" He was aware he sounded petulant. He didn't care. Xander gave him a small miserable shrug. Spike growled quietly. He knew the young man's family was seriously lacking in most departments - namely the caring and parenting ones. How Xander Harris had ever turned out as well-balanced and compassionate as he had, was little short of a miracle.

Spike mused if Xander would let him kill them once he got this damn implant out. Probably not.

He turned over onto his front, arms folded underneath his chin. He was restless now the satiated after glow was leaving his body. It was night, his instincts called for him to be on the hunt. Beside him Xander gave a soft, breathy sigh. A hand tentatively reached out - stroking Spike's back gingerly.

Spike was instantly contrite. It was hardly the brat's fault his family were selfish and demanding. Nor could he blame Xander for the bunch of soldier freaks that had stuck this thing in him. He was about to turn onto his side to hold the youth when he felt warm fingers exploring the faint network of scars on his skin. "You still wanna know what happened?" he offered.

Xander looked at him. The youth's face seemed startlingly pale in the shadowed room, his eyes huge and dark. "Y-you don't hav-"

Spike leaned up and placed a quick kiss on the surprised mouth, silencing him. Then he dropped back onto the bed. "No, I don't *have* to. But I'm offering. If you want to hear?"

Xander nodded mutely.

Spike hesitated. "You know I was born in London, right?"

Another silent nod.

"Right, well. I suppose I should start there." Spike's eyes fixed on some point in the distance as he began. "I've no idea who my father was. Don't think my mother knew either." He glanced at Xander. "She was a whore," he explained before looking away again.

"Oh," said Xander in a small voice. "Look if you don't wa-"

"Shut up. Look, it was a long time ago, pet. It don't bother me anymore." That wasn't strictly true. However, somewhat to his chagrin, Spike realised he wanted to tell Xander about his life before he became a vampire. Xander had fallen silent again and Spike continued. "Her name was Sarah. She was young, least she was young when she had me. Which is probably how come she did, since she didn't know how to do away with me."

Unconsciously, his accent thickened as he lost himself in the past. "She never did this." Spike indicated his back. "She didn't have a whip. She preferred her fists or whatever was to 'and. She 'it me with a bloody skillet once, split me bleedin' head open." He stroked his fingers across the deep scar intersecting his eyebrow. "Blimey was she shook up about it. Thought she'd bleedin' killed me she did. Stupid cow was worried they were gonna hang 'er."

Xander's expression was aghast. Unbeknownst to Spike, the young man was remembering nights when he'd been forced to try and avoid his Uncle's drunken fists.

"When I was about ten she took up with a weasel-faced git called Georgie Barrows. He was a pimp." Spike shrugged. "Neither bad nor good as their sort go, but he had...'varied' tastes. She kicked 'im out once. He was gone for nearly a year, but 'e came back." His lips pursed, as though he had a bad taste in his mouth. "They'd go out drinking most of the time and be sleepin' it off the rest. They paid no mind to me. But then that changed."

Xander shivered. Something in the flat tone made him want to turn away, to leave while he still could. He stayed, held captive by a dawning horror.

"See, he'd decided I wasn't earnin' me keep. The few bits I nicked or scavenged weren't enough. It was time for me to join the family business." Spike snarled out the last few words. "He took to being nice to me, to try and win me round." He laughed coldly. "All it did was make me more bleedin' nervous."

Spike's voice lowered to a dull whisper. "So he bought some cheap drink and got 'er to get me drunk. Not too much, just enough so I couldn't slip away. He left 'er drinkin' the rest while he dragged me into the backroom. He bound me 'ands with a bit of rope and then 'e did me." Spike's eyes were glassy lost in the memory of that moment. "Fuck it hurt. I thought 'e was killin' me."

He shuddered and his gaze cleared. When he continued his voice was dry and bitter. "He said 'e was doing me a favour, considerin' how he could have got a better price for me before, but it would be easier now I was broken in." The vampire snorted and shook his head. "Bastard. He just wanted first go at me himself."

"Oh, god."

Xander's soft voice alerted Spike and he glanced across at the youth. Xander's face was drained and bloodless, his pallor at that moment rivalling the vampire's. "You alright?" he asked, concerned.

"Me?" It came out as a breathy whisper. "I...I think I might be sick."

"No you won't," Spike replied firmly. He pushed his memories further away and gathered the shivering youth into his arms. "I told you, pet. It was a long time ago. It's like...Well, it's like it happened to someone else."

Xander shook his head. "No. That's not true. You say that, but it's not true. I can see it in your eyes."

Spike felt his chest tighten, a peculiar sensation. He was sure if he'd had a living heart it would have beat faster. "You're a perceptive man, Xander Harris. Never let anyone tell you otherwise," he whispered against the youth's hair.

"W-was he the one who whipped you?" Xander asked shakily.

Spike shook his head. "No. He never got the chance." He paused. "Do you want me to go on? The rest isn't any prettier."

Xander raised his head to look at him. "I...I'd like to know, but only if you want to tell me."

Again, Spike felt a strange tightness. Did Xander understand how important it was for Spike to tell him all this? How could he, when Spike didn't understand it himself? However, he simply nodded. "Right well, don't say I didn't warn you." He knew his attempt at brevity hadn't fooled Xander; the youth's warm arms closed around him comfortingly. Locked in that living embrace, Spike surrendered himself to the pain of the past.

"It was rainin'. I could hear it runnin' down the roof. He'd gone. To get something to drink probably. I think I more or less crawled into the front room. Me legs wouldn't hold me up. She'd drunk herself into a stupor, passed out in the chair, snorin', I went out in the rain. It was cold, but it felt good. You know how people say the rain feels clean?"

Xander gave a minute nod.

"Well London rain ain't like that. It's full of muck and smoke and grime. It's more like slime comin' out of the sky. But that night? That night it felt like the purest, cleanest water I've ever known. I let it run over me for hours. Then I staggered down the side street and found a doorway to sleep in."

His arms tightened almost painfully around Xander, but the youth didn't attempt to move. Xander just stroked Spike's forearm gently, holding it even closer to his chest.

Spike carried on. "I didn't go back the next day. I stayed in that doorway. I was afraid to go to sleep in case he found me. I couldn't walk far." He shrugged. "When I tried I started bleedin' again. It was weird, I wasn't even hungry. You, well you couldn't understand how strange that felt. I'd been hungry every minute of my life since I was born. Someone walked past me eatin' a pie, I could smell it. Usually me insides would have been screaming for it." Spike gave a sad little laugh. "I threw up. The smell of it just turned me gut."

He seemed to realise he was in imminent danger of cracking Xander's ribs, and relaxed his death-grip a fraction. "I stayed hidden all that day and all the next night. Then, when it was gettin' light again, I went back. Walking hurt like 'ell, and it took an age to get there. The place was quiet as the grave, just like I knew it would be. I took a knife out of the drawer. It was a good one, with an ivory handle. I found it along by the river when I was mudlarking."

Xander frowned but didn't interrupt the vampire to ask what he meant.

"It was *my* knife. She took it, but it was mine." Spike's voice was eerily reminiscent of the twelve year old child he had been then. "I went into the back room. They were both laid out on the bed, sleepin' it off. He hadn't even taken off his boots. I stood next to the bed and looked at him. She was snorin but 'e was quiet, just breathin real soft. I could smell the drink on his breath. I took the knife and I stuck it in 'im." Xander twitched.

The eerie monotone of Spike's voice almost hid the violence of his words.

"I took it out real quick and stuck it in again and again and again. She woke up with the blood splatterin 'er. She screamed. There was so much blood. I'd never seen so much blood. It was like the room wos painted in it. She was screamin' and screamin'......."

Spike's eyes seemed glazed. "He never said a word, 'e never even moved. Too bloody drunk to know I'd killed 'im. I think it was 'er screamin' that did it for me. I saw what I'd done and I was scared then. I dropped the knife and ran. I ran all the way across the river bridge. I never went back."

Blue-gold eyes slowly regained their focus. "Maybe they hung 'er for killin' 'im." Spike sounded supremely indifferent to the possibility.

"Anyways, I stayed across the river. I thieved mainly, whored a bit when I was real hungry. Preferred to thieve though. Got caught once, climbin' in some fella's window. He decided to hand out his own justice and near enough took all the skin off me back."

"The scars." Xander's voice sounded hoarse. "That's where the scars are from?"

"Yeah. Soddin git. Still if he'd handed me over to the law it would 'ave been worse. To them we were gutter rats; animals to be killed or controlled."
Xander shook his head slowly, almost dazed. "I...I can't imagine..."

"No. You can't," Spike snapped, harsher than he'd intended. He felt awkward all of a sudden. What had come over him, getting all bloody maudlin and wittering on about his past to the whelp? "This stays between me and you, alright?" He tried to keep the anxiety out of his voice.

"I wouldn't tell any one!" Xander exclaimed indignantly.

Spike didn't answer and they lay, still and silent in the oppressive darkness.

Spike was trying to put the past back where it belonged - buried beneath several lifetimes of memories. Xander was trying to connect this Spike with the small boy who had stood, letting the rain wash away the blood and tears.

After a while Xander moved, so they were laying chest to chest. "Thank you," he said simply. "Thank you for telling me."

"I could be lying." said Spike, trying for a sly smile.

Xander gave him a tender look and kissed his lips chastely. "No. That was the truth. I'm 'perceptive guy'. Remember?"

Spike grumbled wordlessly. Then added, "You'd better get to sleep if you have to take that soddin' useless lump out in the morning." Xander made to move off the vampire but Spike held onto him. "Stay."

"I'm heavy," Xander protested.

Spike raised his eyebrows at him. "Not to me, pet. 'Undead vampire guy'. Remember."

"I remember," the youth mumbled. "You're nice and cold."

"So you keep saying." Spike didn't sound at all put out about it.

"Well you are," Xander muttered sleepily. He yawned loudly. "I really am glad you told me all that stuff."

"Hmm." Spike replied non-committally.

"Night," Xander whispered softly.

Spike waited until the youth's breathing softened out into sleep, then he murmured "Night luv." He placed a tender kiss against Xander's temple, before closing his eyes.

Part Four

Giles' 'friend' announced that she could stay for another week, Giles pleaded his case to Xander - a very classy bit of grovelling, Xander thought - and things rapidly fell into a surreal routine. He went to work on an evening, he did his chores at home, and he occasionally swung by the Watcher's to pick up supplies for Spike. The rest of the time was spent in bed with Spike....or on the floor with Spike....or in the chair with Spike and once, when his family were out, in the shower with Spike.

It wasn't all sex, though he was more than pleasantly sated in that department. Spike was also surprisingly good company. Sometimes, admittedly usually before or after sex, they just talked. Xander tried to steer the conversation away from 'who got killed and how', and onto less disturbing topics.

Spike had travelled extensively and had seen and done a lot in his one-hundred-plus years. For the first time in his life Xander was developing an appreciation for history. Colourful language aside, Spike could conjure up the past so vividly that Xander lost himself in the rhetoric.

Xander had made a reference to Spike's childhood once - the first morning after the vampire had told him. Xander needed to know how Spike could stand to - well 'do it' - after what had happened.

Spike went unusually thoughtful and serious, before finally saying that there was a world of difference between rape and sex. Xander could accept that, but he remained troubled by what he'd learned. Whenever any of the others made a dig or disparaging remark about the vampire, it was all Xander could do not to shout at them.

'You know nothing!' he wanted to yell. 'You know nothing about him!' He was actually spending less and less time with either Buffy or Willow. Xander made up excuses about being tired or having too much to do at home. Though he scarcely need have bothered, between college, witchcraft and slaying, neither girl really noticed his absence. As for Giles, the Watcher was too busy 'entertaining' his guest to do more than thrust a packet of blood into the youth's hand and say goodbye.

Spike, for his part, seemed more than happy to monopolise Xander. The vampire even started meeting the youth at the bar after work. They would walk home together, Spike pointing out places that had seen murder and mayhem, reminiscing fondly, while Xander listened in fascinated horror - before hurriedly changing the subject.

Xander was confused, no doubt about it. He was falling hard for a guy, that might have pressed more panic buttons were it not for the fact that the guy in question was also a vampire who had died sometime in the last century. Dating the dead kind of wiped the floor with any latent gender issues. Not only that, but a dead guy who saw humans as 'happy meals on legs'. Somehow he didn't feel this was the best scenario for a successful relationship. Maybe Willow was right and he *was* a demon magnet, only it seemed the attraction worked both ways.

Xander decided to do a little research, raiding Giles' shelves for a couple of books on vampires and scouring the local library for volumes on London and England in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He discarded Giles' books early on. Xander decided he already knew more than he cared to about vampire feeding habits, besides a lot of it proved to be in Latin which didn't mean anything to him. Far more interesting were the history books; now that he had a taste for it.

He devoured the first few volumes quickly and went back for more. The books were filled with sketches of narrow, dirty streets filled with hollow-eyed children and raggedly-dressed city dwellers. He read about rat-catchers and sweeps and poor houses, about cholera and the starving masses. He poured over the passages regarding prostitution and punishments, swallowing hard when he realised the number of unpleasant fates that could have befallen the vampire.

Xander felt he was gaining an insight into Spike's defensive nature and general hostility. Okay, maybe he was reading too much into it but Xander had an idea that the Spike they knew, had existed long before the demon took a hold. Buffy and Giles always insisted that a vampire had nothing in common with its human counterpart, that the two were, essentially, entirely different entities. Xander had never bought into that theory. When he had looked into Jesse's eyes his friend had still been there, albeit changed. Xander wondered if Buffy and Giles told themselves nothing of the host remained in order to make slaying easier? It would certainly be harder to shove a stake into someone if you saw them as a *someone* as opposed to a *something.*

Spike wasn't a something. Spike had emotions and feelings and not just the 'tainted with evil kind.' The vampire could laugh at bad jokes, cuddle in bed, flick blood at Xander because he knew it grossed the youth out and fret when Xander was late home. He bitched and moaned about having to drink pig's blood, made sly comments about Giles' 'orgasm friend' and got righteously indignant when Xander's parents made 'unreasonable demands' on Xander's time. During a heated-encounter, Xander had tried to offer Spike his blood and the vampire had insisted on dragging out the first aid kit to disinfect the blade first. Spike had watched him make the incision - golden eyes wide and unblinking - and had carefully bathed and bandaged the tiny nick afterwards.

Spike was...well.....in a word, complex.

Which was kind of fitting since this had to be the most complicated relationship Xander had ever been in. On the plus side it was also the hottest and most intense. Part of Xander was yelling - 'What the hell are you doing?! *Hello* Undead guy. Pointy teeth. Bad.' - The other part was telling him to sit back and enjoy the ride. He wasn't sure what, if anything, Spike thought about the situation.

The vampire had seemed both flattered and bemused when he found out about Xander's 'research'. Spike had immediately dismissed history books as - 'bollocks' - though that hadn't stopped the vampire demanding to see them and then reading them from cover-to-cover. Spike made it abundantly clear that normally books rated way down on his list of preferred entertainments. Somewhat petulantly, the vampire confided to Xander that he hadn't learned to read until after his 'death'.

Angelus, remarkably, had taken the time to teach him. Though the older vampire's attempts to further educate his wayward Childe were less successful. Boastfully, Spike claimed he could pick up any demonic language simply by hearing it. Which, as far as he was concerned, was a bloody sight more useful than knowing Latin, or who was shagging who in some bleedin' novel. Spike did confess to having read some novels, most, not surprisingly, in the horror genre. Anne Rice's books, the vampire smirked, were a riot; apparently her Louis could out whine Angel in the 'woe is me, I'm a poor little vampire' stakes.

Xander had begun to notice a distinct lack of hostility of late, whenever Spike mentioned his former mentor. The vampire still made scathing remarks but now they were spoken with something akin to affection. Xander thought it was exceedingly weird, but it gave him the nudge he needed to ask Spike about something that had plagued him more-or-less since they first met.

"What did you mean, when you said Angel was your Sire?"

"Hmm?" Spike's blond head remained bowed over his newspaper.

"At the school," said Xander. "When Angel offered me as an early evening snack. You called him 'Sire'. What's a Sire?"

"What did he say it meant?" the vampire murmured distractedly.

"He didn't. I mean, I asked him, but he got all closed mouthed and grim-faced about it."

That got Spike's attention, he looked up frowning. "Grim?"

"Well, tense."

"Silly sod," Spike muttered. "Gets all guilt stricken over any mention of his Childe."

"Childe?"

Grumbling, Spike put down his paper. "You know how vampires are made?"

"Sure. They drain a person and then make the person drink from them." Xander frowned. "Except, you know, that really doesn't work, because if they're dead they can't drink."

Spike raised his eyes to the ceiling. "We give them the blood just *before* they die. Only a taste. Vampire blood is very potent." Xander shuddered reflexively, but part of him was wondering what it tasted like. (Okay, we so do *not* want go there.) "So, then they're a vampire?"

"A minion."

Xander stared blankly.

"One bite, one drop, gives you a minion; a fledgling." Spike waved his arm. "In time they get stronger," his expression darkened, "if they last that long."

"I guess Buffy kind of reduces 'unlife expectancy'," said Xander artlessly.

"Yeah well, there's always more waiting in the wings, pet," Spike retorted nastily.

Xander glared at the vampire who stared back unrepentantly. Eventually Xander swallowed his irritation and sat down on the end of the vampire's chair; Spike drew his legs out of the way to make room. "You still haven't explained what a *Sire* is."

"I'm getting to it, if you'll bleedin' shut up," Spike grumbled. "A minion is just there to take orders or take a fall. They're cannon fodder. Most of them are thick as bricks and you end up staking them yourself. If you want something more by way of a companion, one who is bound to you by ties of fealty and obedience, you create a Childe. You 'Sire' one by giving them more blood, sometimes over days or weeks. It makes them stronger, more powerful. It also binds them to you."

"Angel sired you," said Xander, understanding. "He fed you his blood." Another thought struck the youth. "What made him choose you? Did you ask for it?"

Spike snorted. "Not exactly, pet. If I'd know then what he was, I'd have run the other bloody way."

Xander looked intrigued. "What happened?"

Spike hesitated; there were parts of his past he didn't care to revisit and this was one of them. There were too many conflicting emotions surrounding the memories of his soulless Sire. Angelus was one open wound Spike preferred to leave well alone, but Xander was giving him those puppy-dog eyes and the vampire could feel his reluctance wavering. He was half beginning to suspect that he was under some sort of spell.

"Soddin 'ell," he snarled. "Alright. Listen up and don't interrupt. It was late, I'd add a few drinks and I was out of funds, so I went out to get some. He wasn't my usual mark, but I was hungry." The vampire laughed humourlessly. "Trouble was, so was he. I trailed him down an alley. I was starting to have a bad feeling about doin' him, he walked like a ghost, not a sound; I half expected him to suddenly disappear. Then he turned round so soddin' fast I nearly fell on me arse. His eyes were glowing and I practically pissed meself. He grabbed me before I could run, threw me back against the wall. When he went to pick me up, I wasn't as out of it as he thought and I stuck my knife in him; for all the bleedin' good it did me." Spike's grin widened. "Mind you, it was worth it for the look on the pillock's face. I don't think he was used to his meals making much of a fight of it. He snatched me up, ready to snap my neck or rip my throat out," Spike's grin shifted into a sly smile, "but then he changed his mind."

"Why?" Xander had apparently forgotten he wasn't supposed to interrupt.

Spike didn't seem bothered; he smirked knowingly. "Let's just say he liked my face."

"Wha-? Oh."

"He tore open my shirt and ran his hands over me; checking out the goods I suppose. Anyway, I must have passed his little examination, because the next thing I knew he was sinking his teeth into my neck." Blue eyes widened, clearly thrilled at the recollection. "It's like all your senses burn down to one. All you can hear is your heart beating, getting slower and slower. You're waiting for it to stop, because you know you're dying. He puts your lips to his blood and part of you struggles, but the thirst has you, and you drink. You're cold, the chill of his body makes you ache, but the blood is hot, sliding over your tongue and pouring down your throat. You crave more of it and all the while you're listening to your heart beating, slower and slower. Until it stops and there's just this terrifying silence."

Spike's gaze grew distant. "Then he looks at you, and you know you belong to him." The vampire shuddered and snapped out of his reverie. "That's what happened," he said matter-of-factly.

Xander was still processing. "O h m y g o d," he said slowly. "You and him were...I mean you and...You and *Angel*?!"

Spike didn't say anything, he could practically see the thoughts turning over in Xander's head. (Come on, pet. You're a bright youth. Make that leap of faith.)

Xander had jumped to his feet and turned away, deep in thought. Suddenly he spun back round to face the vampire, stabbing a finger at him accusingly. "Y-you're doing it. You're doing it with Angel!" he exclaimed. "That's why you're alright with him now." Xander slumped back down onto the chair. He looked stunned. "This is....this is seriously whacky. I mean you...You and *him*." Brown eyes pinned the vampire with a penetrating gaze. "Was he with you when he was still with Buffy?"

Spike snorted. "Sure. Guilt youth was doing both of us. Use your brain, pet. Angel - cheat on Buffy? He'd have dusted himself first."

The anger faded from Xander's gaze. "Okay. I'll except that, but it doesn't explain how or why the two of you are suddenly so chummy."

Spike felt a flicker of delight at the jealousy in Xander's tone. "Pay attention, luv. I told you he's my Sire."

"Oh, yes," said Xander scornfully. "You 'belong' to him."

Spike's mouth tightened in annoyance. "Careful, pet."

"Why? What are you going to do? Bite me," Xander taunted.

Spike growled and pushed his legs out hard, sending Xander flying off the end of the seat. The instant his boots connected with the youth's legs a jolt of white-hot agony stabbed through his head and he howled in pain and anger. As the vampire fell back, clutching his head, he felt strong arms close around him. A soft voice was murmuring over and over, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry...."

"Xander," he croaked.

"Sssh. I've got you."

Spike realised he was sat on the floor with his head in Xander's lap; the youth's arms were wrapped around his shoulders, holding him. The pain was slowly fading to a dull unpleasant ache. He turned his head so he could look up into Xander's pale face. The youth looked unsettled and anxious; Spike could practically taste the aura of unhappiness surrounding him. Usually he would have exalted in it, instead he felt something uncomfortably close to remorse (Bleedin 'ell.)

"Are you okay?" Xander asked.

"Fine," Spike muttered tersely, feeling another guilty twinge as the youth unhappiness rose a notch. "Fuck." He sat up and turned his body to face Xander's. "Listen, what's happening between me and Angel has nothing to do with this," he grimaced, "with us."

Xander's eyes widened. Spike was vaguely insulted; okay, so he'd never talked about their relationship, that didn't mean he didn't acknowledge it. He hoped the youth wasn't going to make an issue of it.

"Us?"

(There's that hope shot down in flames.) He made a non-committal grunt, but Xander wasn't letting this go without getting some answers.

"There's an us?"

"Soddin' hell. You sound like a girl."

"I do not!"

"Oh, please. - ''There's an us?' " Spike said in an exaggerated falsetto.

The vampire fluttered his eyelashes and Xander's glare faltered as the corners of his mouth twitched.

"Idiot."

"Poof," said Spike and Xander thumped him on the arm. "Oi, no fair. I can't hit back."

Xander grinned evilly. "I know."

Spike answered him with a grin of his own. "You are wicked, my pet."

"Rotten to the core," said Xander cheerfully. Not meaning a word of it.

"Vicious," said Spike, moving in close.

"I'm a bad Xander." Xander agreed, laying back as Spike straddled him. "Punish me?" he whispered hopefully.

Spike's expression was one of undiluted pleasure as he teased the youth's throat with the tip of his tongue. Xander's heartbeat quickened and the vampire lowered his head to rub his cheek against Xander's chest. "I can hear your blood," he whispered, "it's rushing through your veins." Spike raised his head to stare into Xander's eyes, "I can sense it."

Xander swallowed hard. If anyone had told him a few weeks ago that this sort of talk would turn him on, he'd have laughed himself silly, but Spike's sibilant voice ghosted over his body, calling to him. "Drink from me?" Xander hated the plea in his voice, but he was powerless against the desire that gripped him.

Spike stood up and pulled Xander to his feet. "Take your clothes off." It was an order and Xander obeyed. His fingers felt stiff and clumsy as they struggled with zippers and buttons. Finally he stepped out of his boxers and stood naked, shivering with cold and anticipation. The vampire was fetching their blade from its hiding place. This wasn't something they had done often. Spike was oddly reluctant and Xander didn't want any questions raised about the cuts on his body. Spike found the knife and silently handed it to Xander, before hurriedly stripping off his own clothing. Xander watched, unable to tear his eyes away.

Spike was beautiful; it frightened Xander to admit it, but he could. The vampire's body was all pure hard lines and stark white skin, cold and perfect. A moving statue carved from unbreathing marble. Spike stepped forward to stand in front of Xander and the youth raised the blade to his chest. Xander kept his eyes fixed upon the Spike's face as he made the incision, watching the fierce hunger as it appeared. Xander took a deep ragged breath as the cold metal bit into his skin; it stung but there was no real pain. He kept the cut small, but enough that the blood would flow freely for a while. It was already rushing up into the wound, scarlet warmth dripping down his chest.

Xander looked at Spike who stood tense and waiting. The vampire wouldn't move until Xander lay the blade aside and summoned him forward. As the viscous fluid flowed over his nipple, Spike whimpered softly. Xander set the blade on the work bench and nodded. Spike shot forward grabbing Xander in an embrace so powerful the youth was lifted off his feet. Xander watched the vampire push his face into the tiny wound, nuzzling the folds of skin apart, lapping at the blood that had already spilt.

Dizzily, Xander felt himself being carried backwards until they both fell onto the bed. Xander wound his arms and legs around his lover, he shuddered and felt himself growing hard as a cold tongue delicately probed the wound.

"Careful," he murmured. It didn't hurt...yet, but he knew that any pain would trigger the implant. The voluntary cutting by-passed the device and Spike was safe so long as he didn't bite or gouge, or do anything other than lap up the blood as it flowed.

Even in the midst of his blood lust, Spike heeded Xander's warning and withdrew. The vampire meticulously cleaned up the blood from around Xander's nipple and then moved down his body. Without warning, Spike suddenly swallowed Xander's erection down to the root; Xander cried out, arching off the bed. He could feel liquid warmth swirling around his hard length as the vampire bathed it with a mouthful of blood.

Spike consumed the fluid, and Xander felt the coldness of the vampire's mouth return as the blood dissipated. Spike didn't release him but continued to suck vigorously while Xander writhed, clutching at the sheets, knotting them around his fists. Xander came with almost painful force, bucking up into the vampire's mouth as he emptied his seed down Spike's throat. The vampire drank greedily, consuming every last precious drop of the youth's fluid.

Xander whimpered as his sensitive flesh began to protest and Spike released him. The vampire came up to claim a kiss. Xander's tongue flickered out cautiously, tasting the familiar coolness of Spike's mouth and the strange salty warmth of his own seed. It was odd but not unpleasant. Spike kissed him hungrily, the vampire's passion not yet spent. Xander could feel Spike's erection nudging his belly and he pushed the vampire away. Spike allowed himself to be pushed back but he looked less than pleased about it. Xander swallowed hard. "Lay down," he said softly.

Spike raised his eyebrows, but did as Xander asked. Xander looked at the long, pale length of the vampire's erection and wondered if he could really do this. He positioned himself between Spike's parted legs and took hold of the cool, hard flesh in his hand. Then he took a deep breath and lowered his mouth to the head, not hesitating but taking it straight in. He felt Spike's whole body go rigid and heard a muffled curse from higher up the bed. Xander slowly accepted more of the satin hardness, letting it slip easily past his lips. He gave a gentle, experimental suck and was rewarded by Spike crying out his name.

Xander felt a strange exhilaration from knowing that he was giving Spike pleasure this way, coupled with the incredible intimacy of holding such vulnerability inside his mouth. Emboldened, Xander let it slide out just enough to enable him to swirl his tongue around the head. Spike chanted his name like a mantra. Xander could taste the fluid leaking from the tip, he lapped at it curiously, it was cold and bitter-sweet - essence of Spike. Never one for half measures, Xander shrugged off the last of his wariness and gave himself wholeheartedly to what he was doing. He gagged when he took Spike in to deeply, but quickly got the hang of how much he could manage, and began to slide his lips wetly up and down the length.

Xander used what he knew gave him pleasure, combined with a touch of trial and error. It seemed to be working. Spike had apparently lost the ability to form words and was now murmuring nonsensically, tearing at the sheets with clawed hands. Suddenly the vampire stiffened and tried to push Xander away. "Move.. going to come," Spike ground out, clearly struggling to hold back. Xander went completely still for a moment; then he began to suck again.

Spike released Xander's shoulders to snatch up a pillow. The vampire buried his face in it, trying to muffle his howls as he came. Xander choked a bit as his mouth suddenly filled with cold viscous fluid. He swallowed as much as he could, surprised that it wasn't actually that bad. Some escaped, trickling stickily out of the corner of his mouth. He released Spike when the steady pulsing stream finally stopped, and sat back, automatically licking his lips.

Spike was watching.

The vampire moved with supernatural speed, grabbing and kissing him with such bruising savagery that finally Xander squirmed and whimpered. Spike relinquished his lips but maintained the near crushing grip on Xander's arms. He was in full vamp face and Xander realised Spike was in fact holding back - or those fangs would have torn into his lips. "Mine," the vampire snarled. It took the stunned youth a moment to realise what Spike meant. When he did, he was shaken.

Xander had no real knowledge of vampire's ways and customs, but he recognised that Spike was declaring some sort of 'ownership'. Did he really want to belong to Spike? A once brutal killer who survived on the blood of his victims, and who would do so again in a heartbeat, of that Xander had no doubts. Xander looked into yellow-gold eyes and again glimpsed that peculiar vulnerability. He leaned back in and breathed his answer over the vampire's cold lips. "Yours," he whispered, kissing Spike gently. A stunned pause, and Spike's arms came around him. Still kissing, they lay back upon the bed.

Part Five

Xander's mind was tying itself in knots, half trying to imagine Spike with *Angel*??? - half trying very hard not to. He had woken guilty and panicked from one particularly erotic dream, in which Deadboy had played a less than passive role. What on earth did that mean?! Was he jealous at the idea of Spike being with Angel?...Yes...No...Yes He wasn't sure.

Xander was thoroughly confused, or rather, he was even more thoroughly confused.

Spike hadn't explained further about the Sire/Childe thing and Xander was left guessing as to what it actually entailed. Spike and Deadboy were intimate, he knew that, but he didn't think they were lovers in the lovey-dovey sense of the word. Xander returned to Giles' books to see if he could find out anything more, but it seemed that either the relationship between Sire and Childe was a closely guarded secret, or else it was considered unfit to print.

Xander wondered if Angel would be jealous of him, and where on earth did Drusilla fit into all of this?!

His preoccupation proved to be a problem at work, and after giving another customer the wrong drinks *and* the wrong change, his boss took him aside for a 'quiet word'. Tense and agitated, Xander responded with a smart-mouthed come-back that had him out of the door minus his night's wages....and a job.

It was getting late. Xander wondered it was too late to call on Giles. He wanted to pick up some supplies for Spike since it would save him from making the trip in the morning; Xander was already consoling himself with the though of an uninterrupted day in bed with Spike - or preferably several days....and nights.

Xander had left the vampire fiddling around with a broken stereo. Xander's parents had handed it to him earlier in the day, with strict instructions that it was to be working by the following evening. Spike had surprised Xander by offering to take a look at it for him while he was at work. Spike defended himself by saying that he had his own claims on Xander's time and that didn't involve the youth doing odd-jobs for scum.

Xander decided he would take a chance on Giles being in and not 'occupied' and he made his way over to the Watcher's house. When he arrived he knocked quietly. After a moment or two, the door opened to reveal a rather rumpled looking Giles struggling into a sumptuous dark blue robe. "Xander.. I...ah...wasn't expecting-"

Xander cut in quickly, "I know and I'm sorry to drop by so late but I need to pick up some supplies for Spike."

"Now?"

"I'm going to be busy all of tomorrow. I've got some things do at home." (Yeh, like Spike.)

"Oh, right, well come in. It's rather fortuitous that you've stopped by actually."

"It is?" Xander followed the Watcher through into the kitchen.

"Hmm, yes." Giles rummaged around at the back of the fridge and carefully withdrew a packet of blood. He handed it to Xander. "Unfortunately my.. ah.. friend has to return home tomorrow. So you can bring Spike over in the evening."

Xander struggled to hide his reaction to this unwelcome piece of news. He managed a terse nod and a mumbled affirmative.

Giles didn't seem to notice Xander's lack of enthusiasm. He gave Xander a brief smile, which faded as the older man glanced out into the main room. The Watcher's expression and the accompanying heavy sigh, suggested that Giles was as loathe to see Spike return as Xander was to have him leave.

--------------------

It was only the thought of getting back to Spike that tugged Xander's feet forward as he trudged home. This night was a severe loss on all fronts. (All I need now is to be attacked by some kind of green scaly demon.) Xander thought gloomily. He glanced around him nervously. (Not smart, Harris. Do the words 'tempting fate' mean *anything* to you?)

Fortunately all the green scaly demons appeared to be occupied elsewhere. Xander knew his parents were going to give him major grief over his job, but for once it didn't bother him. Sure, they would shout and scream and shove him about, but he could deal with it. What was really tearing him apart was the thought of losing Spike. Xander had tried and failed to come up with an excuse for hanging on to his houseguest; somehow he didn't think - 'he's teaching me how to deep throat' - would be a particularly good choice.

As his house came into sight, Xander felt his stomach tighten. He had been anxiously toying with the idea of asking Spike something. A 'something' that had him both thrilled and fearful. The realisation that this might be his last chance had pushed Xander into reaching a decision. Trying to phrase the question in his mind, Xander slowly descended the basement steps. The radio was burbling away quietly on the work bench. Xander frowned, if Spike had fixed it why hadn't the vampire come to join him at the bar?

The vampire in question was on the bed, laid on his belly - perfectly nude and seemingly asleep. Xander approached quietly and crouched down beside his lover. He scratched his nails lightly over Spike's shoulders. Spike shifted slightly. "Hmm, Dru baby," he murmured.

"Hey!" Xander pulled his hand back as though stung. Stumbling to his feet he tried to move away, but marble-white arms locked around his body and he was pulled forward onto the bed. Xander struggled fiercely. Cold lips pressed against his ear.

"Keep still, pet, you'll only hurt yourself."

"*Let me go.*" Xander hissed through clenched teeth. Recognising the futility of his struggles he stopped them and lay rigid, his whole body trembling with rage.

Spike nuzzled his ear. "I knew it was you."

"Yeh, right." Xander's voice was filled with hurt.

Spike turned him around easily and gave the youth a look. "I could hear your heart beat up the stairs."

Xander peered at Spike suspiciously from under long dark lashes. "It could have been some one else."

Spike snorted. "Oh please, who? We don't exactly have that many visitors. Anyway I know what your heart sounds like. Plus I can smell you."

"Smell me?"

Spike buried his nose in Xander's hair and inhaled. "Eau d'Xander."

Xander jerked his head away. "So why the pretence?"

"Duh, cos I'm an evil soulless vampire?" said Spike, with a look that said it should have been obvious.

Xander rolled his eyes. "You're a complete git."

Spike smirked.

"And I cannot *believe* I'm starting to talk like you," Xander moaned.

"I'm a bad influence," Spike agreed. Xander gave him an exasperated look.

"So, you still mad?" The vampire tried not to sound like he cared one way or the other.

"No." Xander relaxed a fraction, snuggling up against Spike.

"Well what's wrong? Something's put you in a pissy mood." Spike stroked a finger along the soft velvet of Xander's bottom lip. "Look at that. Worse than the bleedin' Slayer."

Xander glared at the vampire. "What's wrong? Well let me see. I've lost my job, which they are *not* going to be happy about."

Spike tightened his hold on the youth. He didn't need to ask who 'they' were. The vampire re-cursed the bloody implant that had crippled him. Without it he would be up there right now, ripping out their throats and painting the walls in their blood. The moment he got rid of the soddin' thing he was going to shred Xander's family into very small and very messy pieces, starting with that git-faced Uncle. A cruel smile played across the vampire's face as he considered some of the torments he could inflict. Angelus had taught him well in that regard and Spike had been a diligent student.

Xander was still speaking. "...then I called on Giles."

"Hmm? And what does his royal-watchfulness have to say?" Spike was distracted again - watching Xander's bottom lip.

"His friend's leaving," said Xander quietly. "You go back tomorrow night."

Spike stopped staring at Xander's mouth and let his gaze travel upwards to a pair of dark brown eyes swimming in misery. "Ah," he said.

" 'Ah'? - That's all you have to say?"

Spike's temper flared. "Well it's not like I have any say in where you wankers' put me. Do you think I want to shack up with his 'Stuffyness'? Have you any idea what it's like, living with that pillock?" The vampire did a cruel imitation of Giles' cultured tones. "Do keep you feet off the couch, Spike. Try not to put your blood next to the milk, Spike. *No* not that mug, Spike." The vampire ended his tirade with a muttered, "Git."

"You could say that you want to stay here," Xander suggested.

"Which wouldn't be remotely suspicious," Spike drawled sarcastically. "Seein' as how we're supposed to hate one another."

Xander extricated himself from the vampire's embrace and sat up. "So what?" he asked, "You're just going to go back?" He couldn't believe that Spike was being so blasé about this.

"Have to, won't I." Spike certainly sounded unconcerned. However, a closer look revealed the coiled tightness of his jaw and the deepening displeasure in cold blue eyes. Spike was not quite as indifferent as he might pretend.

"So this is our last night," said Xander softly, speaking more to himself than the vampire.

Spike answered him any way. "Looks like it," he muttered.

Xander fell silent for a moment, worrying his bottom lip with his teeth. Spike didn't notice the youth's agitation, he had rolled over onto his back and was staring up at the ceiling. Xander broke the silence finally.

"If....If this is our last night, then willyoudome?" The last part came out in a rush, the words running into one another.

"D o y o u?" Spike repeated slowly.

Xander blushed but his gaze remained steady. "You know. 'Take me'. I..I want you to take me."

"Ah," Spike looked troubled. "Slight problem there, pet. You see-"

"You don't want to," Xander interjected. The youth looked crushed but he was attempting to shrug it off. "Hey, no big de-"

"Will you shut up and let me finish," Spike snapped. "I would gladly nail you to the bleedin' mattress and fuck you senseless, but regardless of my talent in that department, I may have trouble performing through the bloody nauseating agony ripping through my skull." Spike tapped the side of his head.
"Wha-? Oh, the implant." Xander was confused. "Why would that....?"

Spike looked at him pointedly.

Xander flushed even deeper. "It might not," he mumbled.

"Believe me it'll hurt." Spike's gaze softened. "I'd be gentle, pet, but first times always twinge a bit." Xander's face was virtually scarlet. Spike found the youth's awkward embarrassment oddly endearing, much to his mortification.

Xander lay back down on the bed. An aura of misery surrounded the youth but Spike didn't try to hold him. Xander's entire poise said 'DON'T TOUCH ME' in neon letters eight feet high. Something else was now rattling around in that strange head. Spike was fairly sure he didn't want to know what it was. The vampire also knew he was probably going to find out regardless.

"What would you do-" (Bingo) "-if she came back?" Xander asked quietly.

"Who?" Spike feigned ignorance. Xander didn't even bother replying, the youth just waited for Spike to answer him properly. The vampire was determined to hold out but after thirty seconds he could feel his resolve cracking. "It's complicated, pet. I mean there's a lot of history to consider."

"I know that," said Xander softly.

"And, well, she needs me." A scowl appeared upon the vampire's face. "Except when she doesn't," he added.

"So you'd go back to her?"

"Haven't given it much thought, pet." Spike lied.

Xander turned onto his side and propped himself up on his elbow so he could look down on the vampire. "You'd leave me." It wasn't really a question.

Spike moved - a pale blur - and suddenly Xander found himself pinned back against the bed. "No," the vampire hissed, his face touching Xander's. "You're *mine*. I'm not giving you up."

Xander tried to suppress the rush of warmth he felt at Spike's possessive declaration. "I don't do threesomes," he insisted.

"So I'll do you, then I'll do Drusilla. Not a problem," said Spike.

The vampire's matter-of-factness was infuriating. "What if I don't want to share?" Xander asked.

"Getting possessive are we, luv?" Spike's eyes were shining. Evidently he liked the idea.

Xander felt his anger drain away as quickly as it had surged up. "I just...I just don't want to be a third wheel."

Spike kissed him then drew back. "You never could be," the vampire said simply. He kissed the furrow on Xander's brow with a tenderness that made dark brown eyes widen. "If it helps any," Spike added. "I've never told Dru any of that stuff. You know, what I told you, about when I was a kid." He shrugged a touch awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable with revealing this much.

Xander reached for the vampire and pulled him down for another kiss. His way of saying thank you without actually saying the words - knowing the vampire wouldn't want to hear them. Spike kissed him back, silently accepting Xander's wordless gratitude. The kiss began to heat up a little and Xander was extremely aware of the vampire's cold hard body pressing down upon him. Strange how erotic it was to have Spike's naked skin rubbing over his own clothed flesh. Chilled lips left his mouth to nibble along his jaw, an icy tongue tracing the whorl of his ear. Xander shivered with pleasure and closed his eyes.

"Let's go out"

Xander's eyes shot open. "What?!" He had barely expressed his dismay before the vampire had clambered off him. "Out? Why?" He couldn't keep the whine out of his voice.

Spike was hunting for his trousers. "Cos I said so and it'll be fun."

"Fun?" Xander repeated weakly. He was so hard he wasn't even sure he could stand up and Spike wanted to go out?

The vampire apparently was unhindered by his own arousal, tucking it into his jeans. "Will you shift your arse," he said.

Xander reluctantly got up and, as Spike shoved on his boots, allowed himself to be led up out into the cool night air.

--------------------

Sometime later an extremely agitated Xander paced back and forth beside his lover. Spike had already stripped off his shirt and boots and was now removing his jeans with the same casual grace.

"We can't do this," Xander hissed frantically. "Someone will catch us."

"Who?" Spike asked scornfully. "There's no security bloke and I've done the alarm."

Xander looked dismayed by the reminder. He had followed Spike across town, increasingly puzzled as to their destination. When Spike finally brought them both here, Xander had been bewildered. He'd protested quite vocally, in a near-panicked whisper, when Spike had proceeded to pick the locks and disable the alarm system. The vampire had ignored him.

"Take your clothes off," Spike ordered.

"No." Xander was vehement. "I am not skinny dipping in the town pool."

"Why? Who's gonna see you?" Spike spread his arms wide to indicate the distinct lack of spectators.

"I don't care."

"Suit yourself." Spike turned away and dived into the pool with an ease Xander instantly envied.

He waited until the vampire resurfaced to ask, "Where did you learn to dive like that?"

"Oh 'ere and there," said Spike. He grinned. "I've been about-a-bit, you know."

"Yeh, I know," Xander muttered under his breath.

"I heard that." Spike called out as he began to do a lazy back crawl across the pool. "Now will you quit your bleedin' whining and get in."

"I know I am going to regret this." Xander sighed and began to unfasten his jeans. The place was eerily silent, his every movement, even his breathing, seemed uncomfortably loud. The only illumination came from outside, shining in through the row of windows that ran the length of one wall. As Xander stood, shivering in just his boxers, Spike swam over and hauled himself up out of the pool.

A mixture of silvery moonlight and the stark yellow glare of the streetlamps gave Spike's skin an ethereal incandescence. By contrast, dark shadows played across the vampire's face, accentuating the severity of his cheekbones and the hard line of his jaw. Xander thought his lover had never looked less human or more otherworldly. His breath caught in his throat. "You're beautiful." The words escaped before he could think to hold them back and Xander cringed, flushing hotly. He dropped his gaze, waiting for the inevitable scornful retort.

It never came. Xander glanced up to find Spike was staring at him with a mixture of bewilderment and bemused pleasure. Silently, the vampire beckoned him forward. Xander came, one step in front of the other, slowly, until their bodies were almost touching. Spike reached out without saying a word and hooked his fingers into the waistband of Xander's boxers. The vampire slipped them off the youth's hips, ducking as he slid them down to Xander's ankles. Xander stepped out of them, swallowing hard, Spike looked up at him and grinned wolfishly. Then the vampire stood, kicking the boxers away before pulling Xander into his arms.

Naked, skin-to-skin, Xander gasped, feeling the chill of Spike's body seeping into his own. Spike smiled, not his usual smirk or grimace but a genuine smile that Xander felt down to his toes.

"Kiss me," the vampire said softly.

Xander obeyed gladly. The kiss was oddly tender; a sharp sweetness that stole his breath and made his body ache with longing. He pushed his hands up between their bodies, running them over Spike's chest - the nipples eager points rubbing against him. Spike arched into his touch, making a sound half way between a purr and a growl.

Spike broke the kiss much to Xander's dismay, but before he could voice a protest the vampire was tugging at him.

"Come on," was all Spike said as the vampire walked backward along the poolside; as sure-footed as a cat. Xander followed carefully, wary of the slippery wet surface. Spike stopped next to the kiddie pool at the far end of the building.

"Wha-?" Xander started to ask. Spike put his hand over his mouth silencing him.

"Not a whisper."

Xander's eyes narrowed but he closed his mouth and Spike moved his hand away. The vampire led them down into the water, at first Xander resisted, but a sharp tug and a warning look had him following the vampire down the steps into the shallow pool. The water was a pleasing warmth stealing up his legs as he entered and when Spike lay down Xander needed little encouragement to follow suit. The soft swell lapped against his chest and he closed his eyes and let his head tip back.

"Ever done it in the water, pet?"

Xander opened his eyes very quickly and stared hard at the vampire, whose face bore a wicked grin. "Oh no!" Xander exclaimed in a loud whisper. "We are *not* doing it in the kiddie pool." His stern gaze left Spike totally unfazed.

The vampire's voice could have coaxed blood from a stone. "Oh come on, pet. Where's your sense of adventure?"

"Read my lips N O, *no*. I don't care how mind blowingly good it is." Xander lowered his voice even though there was no one to hear him, "I am not, repeat *not* doing it here." He tried to stand up but Spike grabbed hold of his wrists.

"What?" the vampire murmured huskily. "You don't want me?" Spike's expression was one of mock hurt.

Xander grit his teeth and then shut his eyes as Spike writhed sinuously against him. The shower *had* been fun; a wet, slippery Spike was most definitely something to be savoured, but part of him balked at the thought of doing it here. What if someone did catch them? Breaking and entering, plus lewd conduct with a dead guy - was it still necrophilia if the dead guy could move and talk? - Xander's mind began calculating prison terms. Then Spike's blond head disappeared beneath the surface of the water and Xander's mind stopped calculating anything - except that it would seem there were definite advantages to having a lover who didn't need to breath. Though how Spike was doing 'that', without swallowing a good deal of the pool as well, was something of a puzzle.

The tiles were hard and smooth against his back, while the warm water continued to lap against his chest, teasing his nipples as they hardened. Every part of him felt hyper-sensitive, goosebumps peppering the skin that wasn't submerged, every tiny hair standing on end. "I am *not* doing this," he ground out tightly - then Spike did that thing with his tongue and, "Oh fuck." Xander gasped, his hips bucking up instinctively. He groaned when the cold mouth released him.

Spike re-surfaced and crouched over Xander, an expectant look on his face. Xander just lay beneath him, trembling, watching as jewels of water trickled down Spike's angular face. The tension was palpable and Xander knew there was no way he was getting out of this pool without submitting. "Alright, but make it quick." Spike looked affronted. "Someone might come," Xander pleaded desperately.

Spike smirked. "I bloody well hope so, pet." .

Xander groaned and tried to kick the vampire, who just chuckled throatily and tightened his grip on Xander's wrists. The youth yelped softly when it began to hurt. "Alright, alright," Xander agreed. "Slow, we'll do it slow. Now please let go, I think you're breaking my wrists."

Spike loosened his hold but didn't let go. He leaned forward until his lips brushed over Xander's in a not-quite-kiss. "You're easy," Spike taunted.

"Says you," Xander shot back, before devouring the vampire's lips in a hard kiss. After a brief moment he broke off gasping. "This...this is unsanitary."

Spike rolled his eyes. "Oh please. There's enough bleedin' chemicals in this water to sterilise a Waorog demon."

"They're dirty?"

"Disgusting. Now will you shut up?"

"Okay."

More frantic kissing, then Xander began to squirm, pulling his mouth away again. Spike growled, "Will you stop being so bloody difficult. No-one will see us, the pool is sanitised. Now will you just soddin' fuck me."

"I ju-just needed t-to breathe," Xander gasped breathlessly.

"Oh." Spike looked slightly contrite.

Something struck Xander as he recovered his breath. "We've no lube. "Spike smiled knowingly. Confused, Xander looked at him. "What?" The vampire released Xander's wrists and took hold of the youth's right hand leading it around his body. Xander quickly caught on and let his fingers brush the opening of Spike's body. It was slippery, very slippery.

"Ready and waiting, pet," said Spike.

"Wha-yo-uh," said Xander. His brain finally caught up with the programme. "You lubed yourself?" Spike shrugged. Xander's eyes widened. "And you call *me* easy?"

"Whatever," said Spike. "Now fuck me."

There was something about the vampire's bluntness that never failed to trigger a response in Xander. It was as though the words 'fuck me' in Spike's voice had burned themselves into his brain. Fortunately for them both, the response it triggered was pretty much a 'do Spike *now*'. Spike needed little encouragement to turn around, laying so his body was draped over the steps. It didn't look very comfortable to Xander, but the vampire's expression made it clear that Spike didn't want to wait any longer.

The water made them both slightly buoyant, which was both a help and a hindrance. The latter was most definitely in force until Xander managed to get a good grip on Spike's slender hips and, with a little difficulty, thrust forward - into instant bliss. Spike was cold and tight, his internal muscles clutching Xander's erection with a velvet snugness. The water bathed them in a warm, rippling, cocoon - cushioning their bodies. Building up a rhythm proved a test of skill and stamina, but Xander finally managed to got a purchase on the slippery tiles and he began to thrust in earnest. Spike was vocal in his appreciation and the vampire's grunts and growls soon filled the empty silence.

Xander was desperate to come but he was equally desperate to bring his lover to completion first. He couldn't touch Spike's erection, he needed both hands to maintain his slender purchase. Xander wasn't sure what made him do it - it was definitely more instinct than reasoning. Leaning forward over the vampire Xander lowered his head and, trying not to swallow any water, he bit down as hard as he dared. It proved to be pretty hard as the sharp coppery tang of blood filled his mouth.

Two things happened instantly - Spike went absolutely rigid, every muscle tense and drawn. Then the vampire threw back his head and howled. He bucked back against Xander with such violence he almost threw the youth off. Xander cried out as the muscles clenched around his member, ringing the release from his body. He came so hard he saw spots of light dancing around the edges of his vision. Spent, his erection slipped out of Spike and he felt himself falling backwards. He thought he heard a voice somewhere far off calling his name.

"Xander. Bleedin' hell, Xander. Come on, pet."

Xander blinked owlishly. "Hmphzzt?" If he had been more awake he would have seen the sudden rush of relief that darted across the vampire's face.

"About fuckin' time. A word of advice, pet. When you do it in water *don't* pass out afterwards. You nearly flamin' drowned, you soddin-"

"Hey," Xander protested weakly. "Insults are *not* welcome. Still bathing in the after-glow here."

Spike grumbled something else, then grinned. "It was bloody good." Xander nodded, his expression still slightly dazed. Spike turned his head, trying to look over his own shoulder. "You drew blood." The vampire's voice held a touch of marvel.

"I did?" Xander tried to think. "Oh, yeh. I did."

Spike turned himself half around to show Xander the bitemark. Xander stared at the twin rows of tiny puncture wounds dotted with drops of scarlet blood. Spike ran his fingers over them, smearing the blood across his skin. Fresh droplets flooded the tiny holes, but Xander could see that the wounds were already closing.

"I....I'm sorry," he wasn't sure what else to say.

Spike spun back around to stare at him incredulously. "Sorry?!"

"For the.. ah...bite," said Xander.

Spike shook his head. "Idiot," he said fondly. "You give me one of the best fucks I've ever had and then apologise for it? Don't be such a twat."

"Huh?"

"Why did you bite me?" Spike asked, slipping down to lie back in the water beside Xander.

Xander looked away. "It just felt....right," he offered helplessly. He wasn't all that sure why he had done it.

Spike drew Xander back to face him and then kissed the youth deeply. "It was," he said simply.

"It-it was?" Xander repeated.

Spike nodded. "When vampire's shag one another there's a lot of biting, a lot of blood. You understand."

Xander did and he was vaguely unsettled that the thought of it didn't disgust him - quite the opposite - he felt a stirring warmth in his groin.

Perhaps Spike sensed his response, whatever the reason the vampire looked somewhat smug and pleased. "You are something special, pet." He kissed Xander again. "Glad I never killed you before."

Xander had recovered his scattered wits enough to jab the vampire in the ribs for that last remark - even as his brain was still processing the first one. (Special? Spike thought he was something special?)

Spike straddled him suddenly, rubbing his groin against Xander's, making the youth moan. Spike growled. "*Fuck I want you,*" he hissed. "I want to bury myself so far inside you that you can taste me when I come." Xander shivered, Spike's words beginning to make him hard again. Spike pulled away just as abruptly and slammed his fist into the side of the pool. Xander jumped, staring, eyes wide with shock. Spike pressed his forehead against the poolside, gazing sightlessly into the water, his knuckles crushed and bleeding from the force of the blow. "Fuckin' soldier boys, when I get this thing out of me I'm going to rip their livin' hearts out and eat 'em." It was a promise, not a threat.

Xander silently hoped that whoever the commando-types were, they had the sense to stay out of Spike's way. He gently took hold of Spike's injured hand. "Come on. We'd better get this seen to."

Spike's gaze cleared and he looked at the youth. "It'll heal," he said gruffly.

"So, humour me," said Xander. "I like to decide when and where my lover bleeds."

"Is that what I am," Spike asked slyly. "Your lover?"

Xander had used the term without thinking, but he smiled an affirmative, his gaze a touch bashful. "I don't just do anybody in the kiddie pool, you know."

Spike looked surprised, then the vampire laughed. "Xander Harris, you are a constant source of wonder."

"I'll take that as a compliment, I think," said Xander uncertainly.

"Meant it as one," Spike confided and gave the startled youth a quick kiss before moving away to dress.

Xander shook off his surprise and went to help. Spike refused it, until it became apparent he wasn't going to be able to fasten either his boots or his jeans with a smashed hand. As they left Xander took one last look around him. "I still can't believe I had *sex* in the kiddie pool...."

Spike laughed at the slightly appalled tone in the youth's voice.

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