Part One

Eddy rubbed at his stomach with knobbly fingers, scarred from many a bar-room brawl. Throwing his arms out to stretch out the kinks in his back, the t-shirt emblazoned with "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wasn't for women your thing would rust! " inched up over his beer gut. Bending over to snatch the jack hammer from the back of the truck, pants straining against his backside ,the peak of hairy butt cheeks definitely scaring anything living in the vicinity.

Spitting a wad of something vile on the dirt at his feet, he looked back to glance at his partner.

"So what , you mean we now have to knock the whole thing down?"

Jason peered up at his partner through a mass of curly tangled hair. He could see Eddy becoming more furious with every step they made into the graveyard. Jason loathed Eddy , he freakin scared the bejesus out of him. When Eddy got mad broken bones were sure to follow , the only thing you could do was get the hell out of his way. They had been partnered up together for this job and  there was nothing he could do about it but get this day over with as quickly as possible.

"Ed, there paying us a real nice wage for this, and its too damn hot for arguing " Jason momentarily wiped the trickle of sweat threatening to drip off his nose  " Hey, I'll buy you a beer after this "

Jason with false cheer clapped Eddy on the back, instantly regretting it. He'd wanted to show companionship ...you know in a blokey- 'pat- you- on- the- back- way' ....Jason had almost psyched himself up for the first blow ...but.. all he got was a hot tempered glare in return.

Seconds ticked by before Eddy finally turned and stomped towards the crypt of the 'Brackwell Family'

Jason let out the breath he was holding and followed him.

................

"Jesus, there isn't even a lock on this thing, anybody could come in here....shit , kids could come in here and mess around with the bones and shit.... ahh what the hell do I care anyway.... damn I care if I'm the one who has to clean it up '' Eddy was ranting on as he leaned his weight against the heavy stone door ,it finally gave in with a soft whoosh .

Eddies ranting continued as they both stepped inside the crypt the sunlight from the open door only provided a murky light to penetrate the interior. Then Jason wasn't listening to Eddy anymore because he was to busy gawking at the man ...no he corrected himself ..the pale beautiful god of a creature who was sleeping ..no draping his gorgeous body on top the central tomb. He was only slightly aware that Eddy had stopped cussing and must have been staring at the man also .

Jason thought how sad it was that some breathlessly handsome man was that much down on his luck he'd take to sleeping in a crypt when he could be sleeping in his bed, he quickly obliterated that fantasy from his mind , squaring his shoulders just as....... Eddy roared

" What the fuck do you think you are doing here man , this is not a home , how dare you suppose you can live in here you filthy waste of life " bounding over to the man who was oblivious to the two men around him, one looking at him adorably the other about to kick his ass. Eddy hooked his beefy arms around the mans and hurled the peacefully sleeping man onto the dusty floor.

Spike had been having a brilliant dream " groggily he got to his feet thinking '*fucking fabulous the first decent sleep I've had in weeks and the " SLAYER...." he growled " wakes me up whining as usual"

Blinking furiously as he realized it wasn't the Slayer at all, or any of her droopy little followers. "Get out " he screamed at them '' this is my goddamn home ''. Spike morphed into Gameface knowing a bit of canine action would scare these two humans who dared enter his domain .

Eddy didn't see Spikes face distort to that of the enraged demon as he blindly grabbed the mans blanket off the tomb and hurled it at the vampire like it was diseased . Shoving him towards the crypt door with his massive body. Eddy's fist grasped the front of Spikes t-shirt, with his other hand he swung the door wide and flung the vampire outside.

" and damn well stay out ..ya good for nothin bum " he spat at him.

Spike glanced at the midday sky as smoke started to rise from his sun-drenched hand.

"Bloody hell of all the bleedin times for this to happen " he howled, diving under his blanket for cover from the warm rays of death beating down upon his exposed skin. Spike hauled ass before he turned into a burnt and crispy vampire fritter .

Jason watched the blonde vampire dart through the cemetery, hugging the shadows. Unlike his partner he'd seen the mans face change and distort to something he knew as not human. He'd lived in Sunnydale his whole life and he knew of the creatures that roamed the streets at night, snacking on humans . He himself was only one of three people left from his senor class, he had always been very aware of the evil that lurked in Sunnydale. It excited him no end to actually see one of those creatures in the flesh and so ravishing a monster he couldn't deny . He only wished he had the guts to follow him . Sadly he turned towards his partner, his fellow workmate that was sneering at him, like he knew his every thought.

" What are you looking so depressed about? "  Eddie laughed cruelly " Oh don't tell me, you wanted him, you desperate mummies boy poofter?"

Shaking his head in disgust .... not waiting for an answer Eddie turned his back on his pathetic excuse for a work mate and gunned the jackhammer.

...............................................

Dodging pedestrians and cars alike under a smoking blanket, it was a good thing Sunnyhell humans were so thoroughly dense as he glided into every shadow he could find while his brain kept up the mantra " Where do I go, where do I go ... shit ....shit.... no safe havens ...watcher hates me, Slayer will pound on me "

Suddenly he stopped, looking up to see where he was exactly, sighing painfully in recognition. "Why am I here??.... of all places"

Looming over Spike, baring down on him, almost like it was laughing at his predicament... was Xander Harris's apartment complex .

Spike stooped lower as if the buildings presence had the power to force him into an act of  contrition. He slid slowly into the cool dark recesses of the main lobby . He'd been invited only once into the apartment and was doubtful if he still had an open invitation but there was no where else to flee.

The last time he had been here was when he had managed to beg an invite from Red to Xander's 'freedom from the hovel that was his parents basement' party. Unfortunately that had turned into a disaster when he managed to spill half a mug a cows blood on the whelp's brand new beige couch ...to say the boy had been angry ...well was moot really when he'd been chased down the stairs with a stake wielding human at his heels.

But he was hopeful still that perhaps Xander hadn't deemed it necessary to get Willow to perform the un-invite spell. Climbing the stairs, savouring the darkness and the safety the stairwell provided him, he cursed again his inability to defend himself against his food.

Reaching Xander's door he knocked. In his head a battle was raging *why am I knocking , 'the big bad' doesn't knock he just waltzes in, he wants , he takes ....he doesn't knock for god sake* Nodding as if agreeing with someone who wasn't there "Damn'' he said out loud '' I'm turning into me own dark princess, is there no end to the torment ''. Placing his weight against the door he easily broke the lock with a satisfying crunch. Well it seems he was still invited after all..

" Ahhhh " he sighed quietly '' the whelp is just gonna have a cow when he sees what you've done to his front door , you'll find he's un-invited you next time if there is a next time, mate " shrugging his shoulders with cool indifference " let him throw me out ...I'm evil I don't need an excuse to be nasty, its in me nature. Yeah right ! You just want to savour his touch when he grabs you to fling your ass out of his life ". Spikes internal battle raged, so much it took him a full minute to realize that there was a noise in the apartment that wasn't him,  instinctively crouching into a fighting stance he quickly relaxed again when he recognizing the sound as the shower being utilized .

That meant that Xander was home, he'd hoped he wouldn't be home, knowing he should have been at a construction site, that was his job after all. Did that mean that Xander had been fired yet again. As Spikes brain kept up a virtual monologue of all of the whelps many and fleetingly employed history, a deep, earth-shatteringly throaty moan reached his ears. His knees started to shake 'he didn't need this' . Only moments ago he'd been thinking of those strong arms forcing him out of the apartment, so moans of pleasure from the one human he desired, were just something Spike couldn't take right now . He tightly gripped the edge of the sofa bed in an effort to control his emotions.

He really didn't need to hear and smell Xander masturbating in the shower right at this moment.

Just as he felt himself recover from that soft, yearning cry which had made his insides turn to aching mush, there was an over powering, smack you in the face waft of pheromones and an unmistakable breathy sigh of his name drifting out of the bathroom.

" Oh god " breathed Spike crashing back into the sofa bed and burying his head into a pillow to control his suddenly unsteady nerves.

...but that pillow ...... yikes....

."God this smells like Xander had sex on it '' tossing it aside in abject horror as he groaned his pleasure at the scent that was overwhelming him .

The pillow knocked over a lamp which shattered with earsplitting effect all over the wooden floor.

Sending a disoriented, wet and importantly naked Xander skidding into the room .

"Spike" he squeaked.

Spike just stared at the gorgeous man, dripping water on the parquet flooring. Shocked he backed up against the main door to the apartment, his eyes glued to the naked man staring back at him. He watched as Xander started to move towards him, his skin gleamed from the tiny rivulets of water sliding down his muscled body sending Spike into new a wave of crushing desire which made his mouth dry and his borrowed blood sizzle in his veins.

Yanking the door open, Spike fled down the stairs as fast as his wobbly legs could take him.

Spike made it down two flights of stairs before sinking to his knees. Crawling into a corner on the landing he began to rhythmically slam his head into the wall.

Everything just came pouring out of him, every thought, all his insecurities washed out of him.

" Oh, my god.... I heard him......he said my name........no he didn't.....you imagined it mate........he did say my name , he said ...Spiiikkke...that was unmistakable.... I heard him breath my name ......oh my god ......so what if he did mate, what are you going to do about it?  forget it ....... your an evil soulless killer and proud of it, what would any white-hat human want with you .......what you think he loves you do you....... no......maybe.....no......maybe he wants you but nobody mate will ever love you, your unlovable ! ...........

A trickle of blood made its way down his forehead only to collide with a solitary tear . Together they mixed dripping off his chin and onto the cold concrete floor . That soft splat shook Spike to the core. It sounded so lonely , a sad echo in the stillness of the stairwell reverberated in his silent heart.

"Spike!"

Scrambling to his feet, wiping the back of his hand across his face to obliterate the tears there he turned towards a now dressed Xander.

Raising his chin in defiance '' What do you want Whelp ?''

Xander observed Spikes stance and every bit of courage he'd had only a moment ago, when the bleached wonder had sobbed on his stairwell, deserted him.

He felt angry, no, FURIOUS.

Okay sooooo...Spike had heard his declaration in the shower, oh god, he knew the vampire would taunt him with it, maybe even use it to bribe stuff out of him. Ignoring this thought for now, he wanted to concentrate on being enraged with this man.

Spike took a threatening step towards Xander, he curled his lip and snarled at him, yellow flecks engulfed twin blue irises only amplifying the menacing look.

Xander was not going to be deterred, he knew darn well that the chip was well in truly still in place.

Stepping forward into Spikes personal space and snarling right back at him .

'' You broke my door , you arsehole. What were you thinking ? Oh that's right, you don't think as the bleach has leaked into your brain rendering you incapable of performing the simplest function ....like knocking " Xander fumed.

Spike desperately wanted to keep up the indifferent front, but that was becoming increasingly difficult with this hot-tempered boy breathing over his face in the most tantalizing way. All wide eyed, deliciously flushed cheeks ....and oh hell, what was that smell ?. Pure Xander...chocolate....warm chocolate like his eyes....oh shit he was channelling William. .

Spike shoved Xander away from him which immediately set off the chip a buzzing in his brain sending him crashing to the floor as intense pain sliced through him.

Spike just couldn't bear another second in Xander's presence, he had to get out of there fast, he needed to think .

Staggering to his feet he continued down the stairs till he reached the lobby. He stopped before the main glass doors of the apartment building

" Perfect " he whispered

Thrusting the doors wide he strode out of the building , shoulders back.... Damn it he had pride .

Stepping onto the pavement ...a dozen steps at most......absolutely drenched , blonde wisps of hair plastered to his face, cold harsh rain dribbling down his neck sending tremors up his spine as the thunder boomed around him.

'' Fuck this.. " he snarled.

Swirling his duster around his body tightly he quickly took off towards home. He wasn't aware that a certain Scooby was now following his progress across town .

Xander sure didn't know what he was doing ... but something was up with Spike and he just had to know .

As Xander carefully followed a certain annoying vampire through Sunnydale he contemplated what he had overheard in the stairwell.

He'd been so furious with Spike finding him in his apartment, his beloved Spiderman lamp, a childhood gift from the only one of his relatives that ever gave a damn about him. Gone, shattered into pieces by a careless fiend .

But... he didn't really believe that .That Spike was careless, not really. He knew Spike was evil, a demon, only a chip keeping him from wallowing in all their blood. He couldn't help it, that was his nature, he was a vampire. Hey that's what they did, eat people like him ...Xander liked him all the same, hell he might as well admit... he really liked him and that was just about the most scariest thought ever. Worse then any prophecy, so scary that it was easier just to face him as an enraged Scooby on his tail, threatening him with the duster buster.

He'd heard Spikes needful cries of anguish, that he... Xander could never love him...that the vampire thought of himself as unlovable .....

Xander stopped dead .

'' Damn ''

His internal battle had distracted him and the vampire had vanished from his sight. Looking around he realized exactly where he was, the cemetery where Spikes crypt, his home stood.

Relaxing he let out a breath he'd been holding since losing site of his vampire.

His Vampire ... yikes, had he actually said that out loud ..... no .... he'd thought it though which seemed to him to be just as bad . Bad Xander.

As Xander continued through the graveyard becoming mindful of trouble as night was approaching. His mind wandered back to the stairwell and that look of utter despair on Spike's face before he made his presence known. The mournful keening that made him want to wrap the vampire up in his arms, caressing that face with assurances that he...Xander would keep him safe , Yup that would happen....Duh!!

Just as he started to brood over the disturbing news that he had profound protective feelings towards the former The Big Bad .

He rounded the corner ...careening into the crouched Spike. Who was staring at nothing.

Nothing at all , no crypt ...nothing . It was all gone, the ground was cleared, in the semi darkness it was as if the crypt had never been there at all. Instead...someone had planted a series of tiny rose bushes.

A soft cry broke Xander out of his frozen state. He leaned down to gather the limp vampire into his arms. Burying his head into the crook of Spikes neck, deeply breathing in the scent of stale tobacco and wet leather... enticing was his only thought. His hands brushed wet blonde curls out of Spike's eyes, snuggling closer he let his fingers trail through sleek hair, down his long neck to massage comforting circles on his back.

Spike sighed. Letting his eyes close, he only wanted to feel this man washing all his tension away with one simple touch. He didn't want to explore what that meant or even if this was real... right at this moment. He just wanted to crawl into Xander's skin, he couldn't get close enough.

Xander could feel Spike's desperation as he clawed at his body, trying to get closer to him... he knew he was fighting the same sensations.

Dragging his head up from that ...temptingly soft skin....pale white in that moonlight inviting him with its unearthly glow. Xander thread his fingers through Spikes wet tresses tilting his face up so the moon captured those eyes, irises so dark with desire.... they engulfed Xander whole as he swayed closer to that tempting mouth. Heavy lidded he let his nose rub against Spikes cheek....as he breathed against that cool skin .

Spike knew he didn't have to breath but he found himself to be panting while Xander created havoc with a soft rub of his nose against a cheek .... a jaw.....his own nose even, as he breathed chocolate breath in tantalizing and ever maddening circles over every inch of his face and neck. Just when he thought he couldn't stand another second of these fleeting touches... Xander's lips hovered over his mouth, god he's so ready for this, but he couldn't do anything this was Xander's move to make.

Xander let his tongue moisten his own bottom lip in readiness to attack Spike, slowly he sucked on the fleshy part biting it in sudden nervousness.

Did he really want to start something here?

This was just to much for Spike to handle he let out a loud moan of frustration and need, throwing his head back and arching his back. This action sent his groin in direct contact with Xander's making them both moan deeply.

'' and then do you know what he did next, oh it gave me the Wiggins, honestly he's so gross, he winked at me like I'd ever even consider going out with him "

Spike and Xander gulped and flew apart

"Shit........Slayer " they squeaked in unison .

Who should come round the corner at that very second but Buffy with Willow in toe looking very much like she was being dragged out there unwillingly. Seeing Xander and Spike though she perked up immediately.

Willow was so darn happy to see Xander right at that moment, oh and Spike also of course.  Anything to distract from Buffy’s incessant prattle on some poor demon that had chosen the wrong girl to chat up at The Bronze.

Demons were of the bad though, I mean this was the Hellmouth and she did love her friend, but sometimes your heart just went out to those unfortunate demons who crossed paths with the 'chosen one'.

Sometimes especially of late she could understand where Spike came from as he ripped into her mentally (cos he sure as hell couldn’t physically) with his razor edged wit.

Willow noticed the guilty looks on Spike and Xander's faces and the way they seemed to be avoiding each other. She knew instantly that they had just about been caught doing something naughty but ….what exactly ?

Willow quickly hid her grin as she moved towards Xander. With her back to Buffy she mouthed to him ‘Help Me’ adding a pout for extra emphasis before saying to him .

"What are you two doing, are you demon stalking? Because if you are I'm ready and willing to help you do that, I'm willing Willow …you know, who wants to help "

Xander just smiled gratefully at Willow, he could always count on her to avert any attention from him with some much needed deflective babble.

Buffy had missed those glances between Xander and Spike but she did notice Spike's casual saunter away from them. She misread his intentions as trying to get away from her as she snorted at him .

" Don't you be wandering too far ‘Ol Impotent One ’ we are in need of your services "

Buffy could tell Spike was itching to add something scathing to her remark but she got there before him.

" There will be killing involved and isn't that what you live for after all ? ’’ she smiled sweetly at the vampire.

Spike held his tongue and ignored her, he knew that would bug her more than any insult he could think up to throw at her. He concentrated on trying to hear the conversation between Xander and Red to no avail, his vampiric hearing couldn’t reach the distance considering they were intimately whispering to each other.

" So, ummm what's up …..what are you doing out here alone with Spike hmmm?’’

Xander looked down at his feet, very obviously avoiding looking Willow in the eye.

" uhh….nothing …." he murmured

Looking up but still avoiding eye contact.

" Spike's Crypt is gone "

" What ?" she said out loud, momentarily forgetting about grilling her friend. She turned looking sadly at Spike.

" What happened to your Crypt?  "

Before Spike could respond the Slayer chimed in

" Oh my god that is so funny …they’ve demolished it (laughing) you'll have to go back to living with Xander "

Xander and Spike both looked at each other, the implications of that flickering through both their minds. Xander tying him to a chair just didn’t seem as innocent as it once was... Gasping they both turned away from each other.

Spikes chin rose and he turned back towards the Slayer

"’ Hey…Shut up !…. I lost all me possessions when they flattened me home "

Xander And Willow both looked at him painfully while Buffy continued to stare at him with contempt.

" You’re the evil undead don't expect me to feel any pity for you, you haven't gotten half of what you deserve"

A stake hidden up her sleeve appearing in her hand only to advance toward him with intent .

" Did I miss anything ? because I can always go back to the shop if I'm not needed? ’’

An out of breath Anya came around the corner, fortunately separating Buffy and Spike as she breezed past rudely to get to Xander. Stepping in front of Willow so as to smooch her boyfriend, she wrapped her arms around his neck and asked him quite piercingly as she gazed determinedly up at him

" Xan…derrrr, honey you don’t really have to be here …Buffy can do the patrolling on her own as its her job and not yours. We could go home and we could scrub each others back in the bath, I’ll use that Raspberry scented bubble bath that makes you go all wild animal on me ….pleeease gummy bear?’’

Xander blushed as he peeked at Spike through unruly locks of hair spilling over his eyes. Spike was peering back at him as he read the jealousy in the vampire’s eyes. Sheepishly he looked back at his girlfriend and was about to say something when....

A lone vampire walked up behind Xander and Anya throwing an arm around both of them.

"Well looky, looky gotta be a real good day for vampire to find a Slayer and her gang of groupies just waiting for us, its kinda a pity we couldn’t hunt ya all down and spill all those pretty intestines around Sunnydale …but hey a guy can’t complain when he’s real hungry "

The vampire morphed into game face, grinning down at Xander. He turned to lick a path up the side of Anya’s neck while leering at her.

A whirl of black leather and the vampire was sent flying over a tombstone; a sickening crunch could be heard as the vampire’s head connected with concrete.

Said vampire propelled himself towards his attacker. Grabbing him by the shoulders painfully.

" Fuck that hurt !…… Oh and don’t think I’m not right pleased that your here Spike , a damn limey traitor of your own kind, your ashes will make a lovely compost for their (sweeps his hand towards the Scooby's) fucking memorial rose bushes.

The Slayer casually saunters over, she has an air of confidence that unfortunately the Scooby's don't share.

" Ya see, this is where I have to disagree with you. There’s only one of you and even though I may look cute and all girly to you ……I’m gonna kick your ass so many times my two inch pumps will make permanent imprints on your lily white butt …uhhh that is until the wind scatters your ashes like so much garbage that you are " she screams at him.

" ahhh ya see Slayer …I didn’t come alone , did I …boys???? " he grinned cockily around his fangs.

Appearing out from behind gravestones and crypts came hordes of vampires. From all sides effectively boxing in the Scooby's. Maybe forty of them, all in Gameface. Growling and spitting in answer to their leader.

" Shit shit shit ’’ mumbled Buffy, her bravado was slipping a tad at the mess they all were in.

" Umm Will... you know that fairy dust stuff you were talking to me about the one that makes the baddies go bye bye "

Willow dug into her bag " This stuff you mean.? " (holding up an old jelly jar)

Spike shrank back …not from the threat of the vampires but from the very possible threat of Red’s magic.

" Damn it girl …. You stay the hell away from me with that soddin stuff okay, I remember the last time you used your teen witch skills "

Xander watching the three vampires closest to him .

" Will…. Your keeping your spells in jelly jars now….ahh remind me not to come and have breakfast with you and Tara …okay?

Spike smirks at that.

" What is with these guys, they waiting for an invite.. ….’’ she almost stamps her feet at having to wait.

Before Buffy can even finish her sentence all hell breaks loose (yip literally)

She backhands a vampire coming at her head on …sending him flying into two others, they all end up sprawled on the ground.

Xander whips two stakes out from under his coat …one gets staked in the heart spraying dust over his shirt, the other gets it in the neck which only serves to piss him off more …and charges Xander who only just manages to duck. He grabs Anya and runs in the other direction.

Spike getting the pointy end of the stick (no pun intended) has no less then seven vampires clambering after his scrawny self. Even a master vampire can’t fight off that many demons.

Buffy comes running over to Willow when she finds she’s out of blood suckers to kill.

" Will…. give me some of that fairy dust I can get all of them in one go "

She indicates all the vampires attached to Spike. Who’s doing rather well considering he’s so out numbered.

" No , Buffy …you’ll get Spike also "

Buffy grins Evilly. " hmm, I know. Can’t be helped, I’ll tell Giles he was a casualty of war "

Willow tries to take the jar out Buffy’s hand but the Slayer shoves her away and runs over to where Spike and three vampires are still attacking each other. She lifts the whole jar into the air.

Xander sees what she's doing and hurtles over to them …Screaming at the top of his Lungs

" Noooooooooooooooo Buffffyyyyyyyy …………..Spike!!!!! runnnnn "

Xander gets near and viciously tosses the other vampires out his way, pouncing onto Spike causing them both to roll over onto the grass.

They both turn to hear an ear splitting scream and then nothing.

Buffy, Willow and Anya look on in utter horror …..the three nameless vampires had vanished (thank god) but so had Spike ........and Xander.

Willow screeches in heart breaking pain as she collapses to her knees and scratches at the bare dirt in agony of the loss of her childhood friend.

Anya turns toward Buffy and howls out her anger for the Slayer by grabbing fistfuls of her golden hair and screaming murder

" I’ll kill you Bitch" .

Xander remembered Spike looking up at him, shock painted on his face. Blood freely flowed down Spikes cheek, he knew he wanted to but he didn't know if he did actually touch that cheek just to see if the vampire was okay.

He'd heard the scream ....Willow screaming and then the sound just kind of washed away to nothing, the looks of anguish on their faces as an unusual light came from behind the figures of his three friends....the white light intensified till it washed all traces of colour and substance, the figures of his friends became a blur of nothingness.

Then all in a rush sounds came back, loud...hell it was deafening. Then the world returned.

except ...

Where in the hell am I ????

School

Sunnydale High school

Oh my god ..its standing . Its here still...

Its day... what happened to the night , when did it the sun rise? Oh God what about Spike.

Spike?

Xander stood on the pavement across the road from his old high school ........

In absolute utter, jaw-dropping awe

This was extremely wiggy.

A car, convertible, dodge viper  in a nice deep blue squealed past him...the driver blasted his horn at him and grinned cheekily.

Xander shook himself alert and wandered across the street, up the path and into the main school building. Just as he entered the building ...it hit him, with such force, the guy in the viper. He knew him or he did once....John...yip that was him, just another bully from school , a rich kid with a hard-on for violence.

What on Earth is going on here

Is this Hell

My own personal hell, packed full of the nasties from my school days ... Oh Great.

" Hey " (Xander called out to no one in particular) " I wasn't this bad in my life ...I deserve a better deal than this ...I want a refund "

The students close to him...yip....were looking at him like he was the craziest nut around . Sheepishly he shrugged

'' ahhh what can I say ...dunked too many Twinkies in my morning coffee and I'm enjoying the buzz "

Students smiled, shook there heads and moved on .

That was when Xander noticed just how many faces he recognized in the crowd, it was like he was back at school, maybe this was some weird time warp thing ...like that show 'Sliders'.

Walking upstairs he wandered along the corridors . It was like looking through some ones diary or through his own yearbook ...but with moving pictures and sound. This was so way cool, he just couldn't conceive this as being 'hell' .

He never would have even thought it ....ever.... but he really did miss the simplicity that school life had to offer, not that he really wanted to go back ...permanently...but it was nice to visit. God he hoped this was a visit and not his life now...or unlife as the case may be.

Coming to the end of the corridor, he rounded the corner to go back downstairs .

No...... it can't be, but it was .

Cordelia ....unmistakable looking as impeccable as ever.

She was walking down the stairs in front of him , nearly on the landing for the ground floor. Xander hung back on the stairs, he didn't know why but it just seemed like a bad idea to let her know he was there. As he watched her glance down the hall and stiffen then grab a guy as if in desperation , he couldn't make out the conversation with John Lee ....hey...it was that viper guy again .

Yes siree definitely hell.

Cordelia was flashing her teeth at him moving her head from side to side and he was mimicking her. Xander couldn't help but laugh out loud, she was acting like she was possessed. Then he saw the look on her face change to shock and humiliation and he stopped laughing because he knew from his own experience with rejection, that she had been jilted by this guy and he instantly felt guilty. He had never really forgiven himself for what he'd done to Cordelia Chase in the past .

Lost in the past he didn't see her move out of his sight. Sighing sadly he continued to the bottom of the stairs turning the corner he saw her talking to the one person he never expected to see with his ex girlfriend the cheer-leader .....

his current girlfriend the ex-vengeance demon ... Anya.

What is Anya doing here...and why in gods name is she talking to Cordelia .

Xander walked a safe distance behind the two women, he listened to what they were talking about and found out the topic of conversation was him .

Xander stopped, he was so confused. Then all the voices started to become muffled and he lost track of Cordelia and Anya's conversation, colours started to swim and refocus, then lose shape altogether as a blinding white light dominated his field of vision once again.

Spike had been Lov'in it, adrenaline and the thrill of the kill. The scent of copious amounts of red delicious blood permeating his senses was making him supremely horny. A smirk was plastered to his face as he tore into yet another vampire who was stupid enough to grab him by his hair .

'' Aaahhh...We have a poofy- girly- fighter in our midst ''

Snarling ... as he viciously dug his nails into the mans forearm till he scraped bone making his victim scream in absolute agony.

"Mmmm ...dig that sound baby!! "

Then his prey was savagely snatched away from him .

Growling He turned to maliciously insult who he knew, could only be the fucking Slayer that had dared to interrupt his bit of fun .

Only instead he was faced with...Xander.

A Xander who was charging into him at a ferocious speed, not even he could stop the man from barrelling into him, both of them were sent crashing onto the dirt, together they rolled a distance away before stopping with Xander spread-eagled on top of him...Panting.

Spike just couldn't wipe the shock from his face or his mind, as Xander pressed his heavy warm weight into him. Spike did manage to bite back a moan just as Xander's scent assaulted him again, flashes of that almost kiss swam across his fantasies as a tentative human hand reached out to touch him.

Then the air was blasted with a scream of torment and pain so debilitating he could only turn towards it in fear. It was Red who was screaming, what the hell was going on???

As if in a vacuum all the sound and colour began to leech out of the world. He could see the anguished looks on the Slayer, Red and Anya before they became unfocussed. In the distance white swirls of light impregnated the world till nothing else remained but that blazing white glow...

Noises...

Sound ...music

Blaring loudly in his brain ...images flashed...pulsing light. Figures like ghosts came out of the brightness only to focus and ..... Spike was back in the world again .......

except ...

" How did I bloody well get here ? "

He was standing outside on the pavement next to ' The Bronze ' .

Spike paced up and down the main drag, watching as the humans passed him without a second thought...he turned till he was outside the 'Bronze once again. He realized it was Reds magic dust...it had sent him here. Grinning to himself, well at least I'm not lusting after the damned Slayer bint, maybe this is of the good. I'll just pop in here, see if I rustle up some cash at pool tables, have m'self a little drink ... could do with something after tonight.

Pushing open the front door he sauntering up to the far end of the bar ( he really didn't need a fight with any humans tonight) finding an empty stool, he sat down with a sigh of contentment as he waved over the bartender.

Relaxing with his drink he spotted the curved ass of some luscious babe at the other end of the bar flirting with some moron. She was almost wearing the tightest red dress he'd ever seen. Shaking his head in disgust, don't Sunnydale residents ever learn, you just don't go out here at night looking like a vampires plaything, minions are hard enough to keep in line without enticing them with this!!!.

He was still shaking his head when she turned around and his jaw almost hit the floor in amazement when he realized who the red dressed seductress was ....Cordelia.....

Spike didn't really know her all that well. Even wiping his eyes with the back of his hand he knew what he saw was real. From eavesdropping on conversations between Red and Xander, he knew she used to date the whelp and was now working for his poofy Sire in L.A, but what was she doing back here in Sunnydale?.

Before he could even work out why the cheerleader would be back in town ...he heard it, laughter, very loud and definitely fake, but it was ....Xander..... he knew it was him. He couldn't see him, but god that voice could send his pulse a racing, as if that was even possible.

Sliding off his stool he peered around the bar only to see The Slayer, Xander and Red sitting on a couch under the stairs intimately chatting. He quickly sat back in his stool dumbfounded.

How did they get here so quickly???

Something was wrong.

He glanced suspiciously at the alcohol bottle, then the barman and proceeded to push the bottle far away from him.

Slipping out of his stool once again, he inched a little further out onto the dance floor to see them without them seeing him.

Something wasn't right.

It was them.

But it wasn't.

That didn't make any sense, yet it did. He just couldn't figure it out as yet.

What is this ??

Red has long hair...

They look

Spike smacked his forehead then growled at another patron who was daft enough to give him a dirty look for it.

They look somehow younger, the Scoobies.

Yes, much younger.

That was it.

Staring back at them, he was shocked too see all three of them were smiling insanely out into the crowd toward him... then there smiles faded and they appeared glum.

With all the freakishness around him ... ' those darn smiles ' ..all of it....just set him on edge and before he knew it he'd tripped over some guy who was doing a very bad imitation of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever and was now sprawled on the dance floor .

His jeans torn .... ripping the seam between his butt cheeks.

" Fucking Fantastic that is "

As he wasn't an underwear fan he thanked whoever that he was still wearing the duster. As it was he was embarrassed without adding nakedness to the mix.

Scrambling to his feet and attempting to regain his dignity as the ..........ahhhhh..........Slayer was walking in his direction. Damn it.

Diving around patrons ...he threw open the doors to the club and stormed outside.

"What the hell is going on?? Someone answer me??"

He growled towards the heavens, blinking as the stars appeared to brighten and zoom in on him, sound became muffled .

" Shit not this again'' and he was gone.

Buffy came rushing out immediately crouching into a fighting stance, seconds passed,  nothing. Relaxing, she mumbled to herself  " could have sworn I saw Spike flash past me...I guess it must have been the chocolate rush ...confused the old' Slayer senses"

Town of Sunnydale, a pleasant place to raise the kids and walk your dog. Days full of boundless sunshine and plenty of time to gossip with a neighbour over iced tea and pecan pie.

Town of Sunnydale, home of the Hellmouth and every unpleasant nightmare creature just waiting to devour your flesh, wallow in your blood and very possibly gnaw on that cute dog of yours as an appetizer.

Its early evening in Sunnydale, outside the Sun cinema in the centre of town. The gentle breeze catches a discarded beer bottle as it tumbles across a deserted main street.

A street light flickers then bursts forth with intensity till every shadow is uncovered. An explosion of glass rains down onto the pavement.

From under this destruction appears Xander.

He groans, his eyes darting to the glass crunching under his feet, he doesn't dare look up ..yet... he just doesn't want to know what is out there waiting for him.

" Oh god ...where am I now, will this fun ever cease .... I could do with a chocolate rush rather badly right now (glances around notices that none of the stores are open) of course nothings open because that would be something cheery and nice and (grits his teeth) this is hell after all. "

He spins toward approaching foot steps.

'' Cordy "

Cordelia stops suddenly, blinking up at him she is shocked then angry.

" Is this some kind of a sick joke , Harmony told me you were dead? "

Xander walks up to her, grabbing her and hugging her tightly, so ecstatic to see someone... even an ex girlfriend whom he treated shabbily.

" I'm a doofus, a jackass, I'm really sorry (stops hugging her when he feels her stiffen in anger, placing his hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eye) I heard about you working with Angel, so how is Deadboy does he still spend more time preening then you do? We still have Deadboy jnr with us, well we did until I got hit with Will's fairy dust and (sees her blank expression) and and ...you really have no idea what I'm talking about, do you.........? "

Cordelia shakes her head and goes right on talking as if he'd never said a word.

" We have to find Buffy. She'll figure out a way to save us. She was supposed to be here, and as much as it kills me to admit it ....things were better with her around. "

Xander's turn to look at her blankly.

" What do you mean Buffy's not around? Where is she, cos if she's taken off again... "

Cordelia looks sheepishly (if that's possible for her) at Xander.

"Umm I... might... of... got... rid... of ....her, you know she was the cause of you getting all kissy face with Miss mousy brainy box, (she sees his glazed expression )Willow and you making out when we all thought your lives were in danger, what a mistake that turned out to be "

Realization dawned on Xander and it wasn't pretty, as he took a step away from Cordy, his eyes darting in all directions .

He squeaked only one word . " Anya ?? "

Cordelia took a step towards him .

" Yes ... how did you know that ? (almost wistfully) It was funny she was this normal looking girl one minute and then poof she was like all wrinkly and sullen like she needed a tub of concealer. Then I ended up here in this Sunnydale and its major weird, everyone racing to get home like they'll turn into pumpkins or something..."

Xander continued to back away from her as she waffled on.

" Anya granted your wish... oh god ... (flustered, shuffling his feet) that means ...The Masters alive, oh shit and Wills she's a ...and I'm a... oh bloody hell.

Cordelia's choked whisper '' Xander... Xander ... (gasping) No...no...it can't be ''

Xander looks up at Cordy, she's petrified and she's peering at something behind him  (gulping) he knows what it is ...who it is ...he can feel that creeping up his spine, he doesn't want to look, the thought of looking at ...

" Xander, Xan is that you "

Xander turns slowly " Spike ?? "

Standing just inches from him is Spike, slightly dishevelled ...but definitely Spike .

" Spike ... (he comes closer then thinks better of it , just in case ) Spike ...as in fighting big old gang of nasty vampires ...I grab you and we all get the Willow- fairy- dusted -poofy- thing-Spike ? "

Spike smiles at him warmly . " a-ha... and your Xander, the same human that nearly kissed me, if the bloody bint hadn't come and interrupted us we'd be shagging on your floor by now... Xander ''

Xander blushed as he beamed at him. He was actually here in this world with him ...things just got a little better he wasn't alone in this world that also contained...

Appearing out of the darkness behind Cordy.

" Well, whadaya know, Cordelia Chase ..... and .....well ,well ,well.... a second yummy surprise for me (spotting Spike looking gob smacked at him ) and Who is this? "

Xander turns, his tongue jams to the roof of his mouth, he can't seem to form a single syllable, a voice he knows as well as his own, because he's confronted with ...well, himself .

Xander confronts...Xander. A Xander sheathed in black leather, like a panther on the prowl, the promise of rough sex oozed like a tangible substance on his skin, in his bedroom eyes and in his walk... that is until he noticed Xander. He actually flinched as if he'd been hit, he  stormed over to him.

" What's this? This a joke? Who are you ? " He jabs a finger into the stomach of his mirror self.

Spike slides up to the two of them, forcing them apart, smirking at his Xander he reaches out a hand to casually glide a finger across the chest of this other Xander ....his hand travels down, marvelling at taut muscle till he finds what he's been drooling over ....still smirking at his Xander as he gently massages and squeezes , dragging his nails teasingly across the a tight leather encased crotch.

" Ahhh Xander , what happened here .... you were young and you had taste , then what? you shagged the cheerleader for a while and she sucked all the life outta ya and it spewed forth onto that stuff you call clothes mate? " (indicating by nodding at his bright orange and lime green Hawaiian shirt.)

" Not exactly .....Spike " says his Xander nodding in his counterparts direction.

The other Xander growled throatily in Spikes ear as the bleached wonder looked up at him in surprise . Spike quickly backed away when he encountered a Xander in full Gameface hissing at him.

" Fuck ....."

His Xander scoots backwards his eyes never leaving the vamp Xander

" yup .... I'd second that ... only thing is Spike, in this world I'm not the only one whose a vamp '' he walks into a soft body that instantly wraps its arms around his waist.

" Bored now .... Xan . I need to play "

Xander cringes as he feels sharp teeth graze along his jugular . " Willow ?? " he manages to whisper.

The soft feminine body spins him around toward her. The cold eyes of a dangerous predator stare up at him from the face of his childhood friend . This Willow he'd met before , still it unnerved him to see his friend like this . She pushed him away violently and clung to her Xander obviously disturbed by the sight of a human version of her mate.

Xander nervously confronted the three vampires staring at him.

" I think I should explain ,huh...umm well... .... hey.. where's Cordelia? , she can explain this better than me. "

All three vampires shift apart to reveal a crumpled Cordelia on the pavement .

Xander rushes over to her .... " What happened to her?"

Spike steps forward " I'd say she's definitely out of it ,mate ... saw your demon self and just keeled over "

Xander...'' she fainted ..?"

A van comes screeching around the corner , stopping right next to Cordelia and Xander. Giles jumps out of a passenger door wielding a large cross in Xander's direction .

" Giles ?? You gotta help Cordy she's fainted ...and "

Giles brings the cross close to his face " stay back blood sucking fiend , I'm not afraid to use this "

Xander grabs the cross and yanks it out of his hand " What's that gonna do to me I'm not a demon , Giles its me Xander.... ( turns to his counterpart , who's glaring at the watcher ) ohhhh.....okay I see why your waving the big crucifix thingy at me ...but ...."

...Giles is so stunned that Xander's hand isn't burning that he stumbles over his own feet . The vampire Xander and Willow pounce only to be brought to their knees, by a furious Spike and an agonizing pain across both their cheeks as they are scalded by the cross Xander has attacked them with. .

Oz has a crossbow trained on them from the drivers seat of the van . He shouts orders

" Larry , Nancy... get Giles and the girl , now !! "

A sliding door opens and out steps two Sunnydale high residents Xander recognizes immediately. They're both holding stakes and crosses as they battle Cordelia into the van while still keeping an eye on two very pissed off vamps snarling at their heels . All four of the white hats frown at the two Xander's as they hastily back into the van , doors slamming as they speed off .

Xander listens till he can no longer hear the engine of the van and then he turns towards the three vampires.

'' Well this has been so much fun , catching up and all , but I kinda feel I've out stayed my welcome, you know I'll just grab my pet vamp and we'll be outta your hair then "

Xander reaches for Spikes arm and drags him backwards with him. Spike shakes his arm away from Xan and slaps him sharply across the face .

" I'm not your pet anything , luv. The Big Bad is especially not fond of being dragged anywhere..... I'm the alpha male ... I'll drag you ( and proceeds to shove him down the street)

Xander turns and punches him in the stomach .

" Oi !!! You have no claims on me , ...... and my memories are quite good cos I seem to remember you simpering after a certain Slayer like a little wimpy puppy!!! ''

Spike flashes his golden eyes threateningly at Xander as they begin to circle each other.

" Whose the puffed up man , when he can't keep a ex-demon girlfriend in line who hasn't been human in a thousand years and still whines about the lack of creativity in the sack ......and you know that whole in love with Buffy thing (shivers in disgust) was an after effect of that damn love spell from that ditzy witch . "

Xander leaps on Spikes back and proceeds to pull at his blonde locks

" ahhhhh... don't you ever attack Willow she means more to me then you ever will ....and you know I'm a darn good lay ., so there ...hell , I'd have you bare-assed , spread -eagled and panting for a single touch of my hands on your skin "

Spike hurls him over his shoulder , Xander lands on the road the wind knocked out of him.

" Don't count on it mate ...you seem pretty damn sure of yourself for an inexperienced wimp like yourself "

" Oh ..I'm very sure of myself .... just try me Blondie " says Xander who's sprawled at the vampires feet , he smirks up at him. Reaches up his hand for Spike to take.

Spike takes his hand but Xander lashes out with his leg , tripping Spike onto to his ass with a crunch

" Fuck that kills ... hey be careful where you keep that darn cross mate , I'm a little sensitive "

Xander had forgotten about Giles cross which had been tucked securely into his pants . Spikes fingers had grazed the edge of the cross on his descent into intimacy with the concrete .

" Oops.... forgot about that little thing " and tosses the huge freak' in cross (a cross even Madonna would be drooling over) into the Gutter."

A deep primal howl on either side of them .

Spike glances at Xander.... Xander stares back at Spike .

" Uhhh...Mate ... That wasn't such a brilliant idea to get rid of that ''

Xander blinks taking only a second to understand what he means when his vision is filled with the golden eyed , Game face of his vampire self ....a fist flying into his face then all was blackness.

Part Eight.

Xander woke up and immediately knew something was wrong . The world was moving and although he had been punched in the face before, he never remembered the world moving quite like this. Throbbing- yes, moving, swaying, bouncing and all of the above-Never! He felt like he was walking on his head or was that just the pounding in his ears. Oh god- his brain hurt, it was awful, how could he not have noticed. He was going to be sick if it all didn't just stop this instant. Damn it, if only he could pry his eyes open.

Then a voice like an annoying insect slicing through the demented symphony in his brain. He couldn't make out the words ... the voice had his full attention, but the words just confused him. Very slowly he concentrated, good god I think that made the pain worse. He willed the other noises to shut the hell up and it worked, sort of, at least he could make out the words if not the owner.

'' Don't even bleedin think of making a sound pet, just go right on sleeping it off ... going to need you functioning when I execute my plan ''

Spike shifted the weight draped over his shoulder. He glared at the two vampires walking a short distance in front of him. What was his goddamn plan ... he had no clue. All plans counted on Xander being able to run like hell and that just wasn't possible right at this moment. Taking these two on seemed a tad too dangerous, besides killing this vampire Willow and Xander wasn't something he wanted to resort too.

'' What plan ? '' the groggy voice floated up from over his left shoulder.

Spike gritted his teeth, bloody whelp had no sense '' shut up '' he growled low in his throat, increasing his grip on the back of Xander's thighs for extra emphasis. But the boy was never good at grabbing a clue .

'' Owww!!! stop that, put me down ''

Well that's done it, any hope now of somehow escaping was now moot. As the vampire version of his human baggage had whirled around and was heading back in their direction. Spike curled his lip and snarled at the knowing smile on the vampire's lips. Standing his ground he didn't even flinch when Xan crossed over his personal space and whispered in his ear.

'' Put him down would you '' a voice like honey dipped in nitrate, so coldly polite.

There was something so disturbing about a vamp version of the Scooby, it was even more unsettling then a vampire version of sweet, geeky Willow. Letting the boy slide off his back and onto the pavement. Xander was unsteady on his feet yet he still managed to struggle out of Spike's firm grasp. His brain was still a little muddled and it took a good couple of seconds to recognize his captor, but by then he had managed to shake loose from Spike's hold and make a dash for it.

Xander managed only a handful of steps before strong arms wrapped around him from behind, lifting him into the air and walking him back towards an annoyed looking Spike and a skanky looking version of his best friend. Everything fell into place and he remembered where he was and who he was with.

He was placed in front of Spike, his feet once again on solid ground, but the arms remained locked around his waist. He knew he was shivering with pure terror as he stared helplessly at Spike. His pupils grew wide and he shrank into himself when he felt sharp teeth on his neck. Closing his eyes he waited for the pain ...his lids fluttered open when a moment later he felt no fangs puncturing his flesh. What he felt were wet trails of a tongue on his skin, sucking and nibbling at his goose bumped flesh. He arched his neck so the vampire had better access although he could have smacked himself for being such a needy dumbass.

What was it with vampires and him lately. Oh my God!!! He was swooning all over himself... damn how disgustingly perverted and narcissistic was that.

The vampire Xan continued to nuzzle at his human self, skin so soft and alive, all that heat so close, so alluring. As he sucked at the flushed skin, he gazed under his lashes at the blonde vampire watching them. He read the flash of anger in that golden stare, but what thrilled him most of all was the intensity of the hunger swirling in those depths.

Spike continued to stare although he should have been furious but knew he wasn't. Perhaps a little miffed that his pet was being fondled without his permission. He watched mesmerized by Xander's reaction to his vampire counterpart. The arch of his neck, the breathy sigh of pleasure from his moist lips. In that precious moment his only thought was too see how far the two Xander's would go, then he caught the look ...the tiny flicker of disgust that passed across Xander's face, the feelings of loathing at being aroused by his vampire self.

Spike didn't attack, knowing that would only cause Xan to strike out violently...he couldn't risk Xander getting hurt. It was obvious that this whole performance was for his benefit, so he did the only thing that he knew would create an immediate stop to this show. He foreigned boredom and simply walked away.

Of course as soon as Spike stepped around the pair and left the scene, Xan let go of Xander and went after Spike. Its exactly what Spike had counted on, getting him as far away from his Xander as he could. The young vampire was playing into his hands and it was hard not to smirk at the power he had over him. This boy was no minion and all his senses screamed at him to be wary of getting too cocky.

" I think we both know who you really want here, mate " fixing the vamp with a smouldering look. He waited for the comeback, as vampires were notoriously proud and do not like to be told what to do, especially a childe...oh and Xan was most definitely a childe.

Raising an eyebrow he waited patiently for Xan to take on the challenge and deny Spike's claim, but instead he did the opposite. Xan slid into Spike's personal space and whispered in his ear.

" Yes... you're right, I do want you." He edged closer, rubbing his crotch over Spike's thigh " I want to break you, drag you to your knees and have you beg me for it. I'll have what I want, you know that "  he pursed his lips, flashing his golden eyes at Spike. " Is that the answer you so desired, or did you hope to distract me long enough to get your pet out of here "

Spike didn't let his eyes wander from Xan's...he was being challenged and he would be damned if let this punk think that he was in anyway petrified for his friend. A cold smile spread across Xan's face and his short laugh froze the blood in Spike's veins. Nodding his head slowly, he tilted his head to sweep his eyes over the delicious blonde package before him. Xan hungered for the touch of this man, but he knew it would be his finest challenge to date " You win, for now. I won't touch your human " and he turned from Spike to gaze at his beautiful Will and this boy that threatened to wreck his plans. Addressing Willow  " My sweetness you will not harm even the tiniest hair on his precious widdle head "

His words may have been mocking, but Willow recognized the tone as deadly serious...she would curve her need to maim him and bow to his command. He was her mate and she had little say on such matters, but that didn't mean she couldn't pout about it.

Willow turned towards this human, oh my how shiny and such a pretty thing too. She sniffed the air appreciatively...he smelled just like Xan yet so gloriously alive. What a pity she couldn't just take a little teeny bite, a sip of that fine ambrosia. Will grinned all feral like and stalked towards him. Xander backed up quickly in alarm as she increased her pace. She pounced, gripping Xander by the shoulders painfully and morphing into gameface " Boo !!! " she growled.

Xander screamed long and loud while she burst into riotous laughter, moaning at the small amount of pleasure his screams gave her, drinking in the scent of his absolute fear of her. She didn't need a shrink anymore to work out her frustrations at being tortured and dominated by her mate. No, now when things got too much, she could summon the scent of her mates fear to soothe her. Besides she was sure she could persuade Xan to give her this human as her plaything, later when he has tired of the blonde vampire. She could then listen to those beautiful screams over and over till he could not bare another torment. Oh the thought of turning him and having two identical lovers as her mate, the pleasure would be indescribable. Her blissful thoughts were interrupted by a growl from her Xan

" Willow...I will not tell you again "

" I was only playing with him my love, I'm so bored " she pouted.

Xan smirked. He knew she would never disobey him, but it gave him a thrill to see the way Spike jumped at his pet's distress. He had to admit to being a little jealous of the devotion he had for this boy, but then this boy was him so how could he fault the vampires taste. Spike's love of the human was his weakness and he would hold his life over Spike till the blonde vampire was entirely his, only then would he have him kill the human boy for him... because he had wished it so.

" Oh I appreciate your humour, he does look so sullen...perhaps you can introduce him to 'pet'. he has been so neglected tonight. We will meet you there... soon " he grinned at Xander, seeing the anger in his eyes, that he was taking away his protector.

Willow danced on the spot " Oh yes, I'd forgotten about my sweet naughty pet... how I have missed his delicious cries of agony. I'll introduce you to him and if you are very good I'll let you play  " slamming her claw like fingernails over his wrist she tugged at Xander's hand,  dragging him towards the 'Bronze' and away from Spike.

Xan laughed as Xander struggled with Will as she marched towards home. She was utterly determined now, no human was slowing her down. Her strength could easily overpower the boy...he had no alternative but to stumble after her.

Spike would do everything in his power to see Xander wasn't hurt. Even if it meant to seduce this vampire into thinking he would actually choose him over the human.

Part Nine

How could he have misread the vampire so badly, Xander had wanted Spike to love him for all his inadequacies. Ridiculous hoping that Spike was attracted to his goofy charm and almost complete uselessness when it came to fighting evil. If he was honest with himself they were poles apart, even if they did share a certain talent for incisive humour...it would never be enough.

Not that Spike couldn't love because Xander had witnessed the love, the devotion he had for Drusilla. No, Spike couldn't love him, not after he had been devoured by his evil twin. Because now Spike had what he desired most, his face, his body and voice all wrapped up in a lethal, sexually driven demon with none of the pathetic human frailties that he carried. Finally Spike had an equal or at least a worthy mate.

It tore Xander's heart into worthless chunks of cold flesh to see Spike leave with his mirror self. He wanted to break down, to scream out his pain, but he remained silent. He would not give them the satisfaction. He burned, the rejection shredding at his self-worth. 

Anger consumed him, but even in his fury he still cared and wanted Spike. Xander clung to the hope that he was an idiot and all his fears were for nothing.

Willow discreetly dropped Xander's arm as they neared the entrance to the 'Bronze', indicating for him to proceed ahead of her. The large demon manning the door ushered him ahead of the others lined up outside. Immediately there was a rumbling through the crowd, growls of outrage that someone had the balls to jump the queue.

Three vampires proceeded to shove others out of their way, just so they could get to complain personally for the indignity of having to wait. Xander, who was sharply tapped on the shoulder, spun to face the trio. The vamps previous bravado quickly vanished on coming face to face with Xander. Their snarls that had called for blood, silenced. Eyes that had once flared with cold fury, now dipped to the pavement. They quietly stepped out of the queue, mumbling their apologies for being so insolent. Never had Xander seen the like...demons were cowering from his presence, unbelievably terrified of him.

He couldn't help the grin that crept across his lips, as the three took off down the street. It was nice to have the power for a change. He watched as they disappeared around the corner before turning back to face the entrance...a fire had stirred in his belly. If Spike could play, why couldn't he. Obviously his vampire self was a force not to be trifled with...that fact was certainly something he could work with. Undoing the top three buttons from his shirt, Xander carded a slightly shaky hand through his dirty hair. He caught sight of his trembling hand and let his arms fall loosely to his side. With a lift of his chin he stretched out his fingers while taking a deep calming breath.

Xander pushed open the door...not even checking to see if the evil incarnate of his best friend was following him into the building.

He slipped too easily into a facade that flirted outrageously with danger. It was his own adaptation of Spike's own persona and he was fairly confident he could pull this off. With his first real look at what had happened to his once favourite hangout...came the cold fear. Humans suspended from the ceiling in cages. Live entertainment, like somebody's demented version of 'go-go dancers'... there to fuel the patrons needs. They were just containers of warm blood swinging gently above him, ready to be picked at random and drained.

He was their food also, and a little more accessible on the ground. Easy pickings for any of them. What was he doing? So,  he looked like family...with their enhanced senses it wouldn't take long for one of them to get suspicious. Then why did he feel reckless, prepared to taunt, to play with the fire.

Yes, Spike had hurt him, abandoned him for a more acceptable companion. Who could blame the guy, they had a lot more in common then he ever did with the vampire. So as much as it crushed him, as angry, as confused by this power he shared with his other self ...survival was most important. He had no idea how, but there must be a way back home and all he had to do was remain calm and survive this moment.

Willow was weaving around the crowds, in front of him. He watched as she glided a hand over a shoulder, stroked over a cheek or pinched someone's behind. Xander couldn't imagine his Willow being that bold. Silently he followed her, like an obedient lapdog at her heel. Still, a huge part of him was revelling in the fact that the crowd parted at their approach...he almost didn't mind.

One vampire gained his attention when all others had promptly moved out his way. This man had glanced over his shoulder at him, snorted and then went right on reciting his tale to a less than enthusiastic audience. Xander had been deliberately snubbed and unfortunately this is the moment he chose to do something really idiotic. Common sense deserted him as he responded with a fairly good imitation of an animal growl, spinning around to face the man who was oblivious to Xander's intent.  He was busy rocking on the balls of his feet, laughing at his own joke, while his companions peered uncomfortably over his shoulder at Xander's stony expression. Before Xander could even stop himself, he'd picked up a bar stool and hurled it at the man's back.

Xander lacked the supernatural strength of a demon, yet it was sufficient a blow for the startled vampire to end up sprawled, face down over the grimy floor. Before the man could even react to being attacked, Xander had ripped a damaged leg from off the broken chair and lunged on the vampires back. Driving the splintered wood down in an arc, while the struggling demon gave him the bucking bronco ride of a lifetime.

It wasn't long before the body under his finally ceased to jerk. Xander slid off his back silently, only to find a fist slammed down on his throat.

His eyes watered, a strangled gasp for breath and he was pitched forward. A bone crunching jolt as his knees impacted with the hard concrete floor. Willow bent over him in an instant, hiding him from the prying eyes of the other vampires. Hordes  had surged forward in the hope of witnessing a little bloodshed.

From under the concerned embrace of one red headed demon, Xander captured a pair of yellow eyes that were drilling unflinchingly into his pained ones. Knowledge flared in their hideous depths, but it came too late, as those same eyes crumbled into ash before Xander... the rest of the body followed soon after.

'He'd killed one of those blood sucking fiends. Ever since Jessie, any vampire he'd been lucky enough to dust was some small conciliation for having killed his best mate.' A tiny smile lifted the corners of his mouth. 'For you Jess, wherever you are now'.

Xander was jolted out the past by an agonizing scream that he only just managed to stifle. "You foolish human, my Xan will crush you for this insult." she hissed in his ear. Wickedly sharp nails dug viciously into the tender flesh of his inner arm. "You have no idea what you have done" Willow muttered. Corkscrewing her talons into his soft human limbs.

The yelp that forced its way out of his throat was swallowed up by the commotion around them. Voices shouting at each other, snarling, the sounds of broken glass and possibly the destruction of other furniture. Xander wasn't sure, all he knew was that he was whisked away from the scene and found himself in an empty hallway.

Willow didn't stop for long before she was dragging him along with her as she headed down the long corridor to the right. Xander recognized that they had passed many numbered doors