Part One

Xander had been exhausted ....slumped over his seatbelt ,it was the only thing keeping him upright as he slept through state after state , days went by .....maybe ...he didn't really know ....he thought he remembered seeing sun ....then later stars ..but then maybe he had imagined it ....he couldn't focus ....he had memories of a hamburger shoved in his face .....being told to eat up ...... cool liquid had been poured down his throat ,splashing over his lips ...down his chin to escape under the collar of his t-shirt soaked up by the fabric....then maybe that too had been another fantasy .....he so wanted to dream about sweet liquid heaven sliding down his oh -so- dry throat .......as if a call from above had answered his silent plea ....cool liquid poured over his parched lips ....... hell no ..... it was icy cold .... freezing ....

Xander's eyes flew open with this intrusion . *Gasping for air , blinking he tried to control his senses ...he tried to scrunch up his body to escape the freezing water....yes cold harsh water that was cascading over his entire body ....the shock of it , bringing him out of the stupor he'd been floating in....he couldn't move ...furiously blinking back the curtain of water from his eyes ...he could see he was tied with manacles and chains to hoops in the ceiling ..... flinging his head forward out of the direct spray of water he could see his legs were tied similarly to his arms .....water still continued to pound upon his back ....it stung....the coldness....his mind remembered it all.... he was captured ....a prisoner of William The Bloody ....a slave ..... he knew his torture would be long and incredibly painful ....had read Giles watcher books ....knew of Spikes past ...knew how he revelled in torture that would last for days.

Xander silently began to cry ...his head bent ....he stared at his feet ..... his tears mixed with the water falling over his eyes.

"Thanks, it was good to chat again ...get to know you all "

Cordelia slid out of the backseat of Willows car and onto the pavement outside Xanders Apartment ....adjusting her skirt ...she looked fondly up at the tower of windows infront of her.

Buffy stuck her head out the window " Ummmm yeah it was good ...to catch up .....as we have never really ever ...done that before "

Cordelia smiled " Thats so true.... but i think we have all changed just a little from those school days ...well, I Know I have grown up ...a little bit anyhow. " turning... she again looks up at the apartment calculating in her mind just where her and Xanders apartment is situated .... completely dark ..no lights on ....she frowns looking back at Buffy.

" I've got to check on Xander , see if hes okay "

Buffy nods " yip , sure thing ...give him a hug from us and tell him that the blonde menace really isn't worth worrying over ...I'll threaten him with a good staking and he'll stay clear."

Cordelia smiles and waves , bending to wave goodbye to Willow who is sitting behind the wheel .....the girl wasn't even paying attention.

Actually Cordelia realized Willow hadn't said much all night , either had her girlfriend but she'd been told by Xander that Tara was a little shy. Willow though had hardly said a word, always deflecting the conversation to demon hunting , or comparing Los Angeles to Sunnydale ...which of course had sent Buffy and herself into shopping ...and comparing fashions and the like .....hours had floated by and Cordelia had never felt so at home being back on the Hellmouth ..... they had laughed ...even Giles had joined in ....although Cordelia had carefully made sure she didn't let any of the conversation come around to Angel ....she knew it was still a sore point and thus not worth the aggravation right now ....she would wait till Buffy brought it up....she was so comfortable surrounded by old friends she didn't want to start any fights.

Then conversation had gone around to talking about Xander and how they had got back together.... then Buffy mentioned the fight with Spike and what on earth was that about. Willow then piped up and said maybe that Cordelia should check on Xander .....Cordelia was stunned she'd almost forgotten about the whole Xander/Spike incident ...she asked if Willow could drive her home ....and this is how she ended up here.

Cordelia watched Willows car go around the corner before stepping off the pavement , walking up the grass and into the brightly lit entrance way ..using her keys to open the door , she stepped into the coolness of the Lobby. The lift arrived and she pressed the 11th floor , riding the elevator up .....the images of Spike and Xander both Bloody from fighting entered her mind , the look of utter terror on Xan's face when he had entered the shop...how could she have dismissed that ....i mean he had never talked of being scared of the vampire...hell if anything he pissed Xander off because he was annoying but relatively harmless because of the chip.

Panic surged through her body....alarm bells went off in her brain...she couldn't will the lift to arrive on her floor any faster. The soft ..*ding* and she was there...hustling her key in the door trying to force it open at the same time. Throwing the light switch she tore around the apartment ..throwing open doors...screaming out his name.

Nothing...he wasn't there.Not a single sound.

Sitting herself down into the couch ....she tried to tell her brain not to panic....as her fingers fumbled for the phone ..pressing the speed dial for Giles ...... she waited for him to answer wishing she could make a vision come at will ....that she could see that she was going to pieces for nothing and that Xander was fine ,cruising the streets,scoffing down chocolate bars by the pound ,milling through his problems...alone.

Giles answered on the 4th ring . Cordelia breathed deep to steady her nerves

" Giles..its Cordy ..Ummm you wouldn't have by any chance seen Xander ....he has your car right ?"

" Cordelia ....Yes he does have my car still, no I haven't seen him ......hes still not back , thats a bit odd not like him to be out so late "

Cordelia couldn't keep the rising terror out of her voice " Some things happened to him...I know it has ....and I think hes with Spike ? "

"Why would he be with Spike ....did you have a vision "

" No.....call it intuition ....I just know there together "

Giles rubbed his eyes ...sighing " Look I'll ring Buffy and Willow see if they can go around to Spikes Crypt see if hes there "

"Tell them to come around here and pick me up "

" Cordelia that might not be a good idea , I'm sure Xander will be home any minute now "

Cordelia got up and started pacing " No hes not coming home ...Spike has him. I'm going to ring Angel we need his help "

" Angel....? Do we really need his help yet, its only been a couple of hours ..I'll ring Buffy tell her to pick you up and we will all go and check Spikes Crypt together "

" Okay.... hurry up " and with that she hung up and continued to pace ...tying her jacket tightly around her body she opened the main door , locking it ,she descended the stairs quickly to the lobby.

Xanders head was wrenched upwards as someone had a grip of his hair and was forcing his face into the water . Xander spluttered momentarily then closed his mouth to take deep breaths through his nose , his eyes were closed , he didn't need to see to know who it was that was gripping his hair painfully.

Suddenly the water was gone . The hand was still firmly grasping his hair ...but the stinging , freezing water had ceased to beat upon his naked body. Xander slowly opened his eyes , dark lashes blinking back small droplets of water.

Looking up into the human face of Spike ...leering at him . Before he could even think of some biting retort Spike had crushed his lips to Xanders. Bruising the red flushed lips with his cool ones ....Spike took Xanders pulsing bottom lip into his mouth...sucking on it gently.....a smile playing on the vampires lips he bit hard on that ruby bit of flesh ...Xanders warm blood flowed into his mouth . Spike stifled the boys scream with his tongue and his insistent sucking as Xander bucked into him trying to get away from him . Spike just rode the writhing boy as he was suspended there....not going anywhere soon, there for Spikes pleasure.... ahhh sweet sweet pleasure.

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Part Two

Spike abruptly stopped sucking ...stepping back from the boy who was swaying with the chains that held him captive. Spike wiped the blood off his lips with the back of his hand . Stepping towards Xander....he laughed ,low in the back of his throat when the boy tried to evade his touch..... the utter terror wafted off Xander in waves. Stepping closer Spike brought his blood streaked fist towards the boys face " taste it " he demanded .

Xander stared....level with piercing blue eyes ringed in gold .....Spikes blood covered fist thrust into his face....his blood covering the flesh . He could do this ....don't let this vampire get to you....breathe Xan...come on . Xander tentatively let his tongue taste the blood . He'd tasted his own blood before,I mean who hasn't sampled their own blood....cut a finger popped into your mouth to stop the flow..the sting. Was this any different .

Spike brought the hand closer , he smeared the wet blood across Xanders water bruised lips ....the distinct differences in hue..mixed...its seductive scent pulled at Spike...the colour...magnificent...his vision swam in crimson....fushcia.... .drove him forward on to those lips ...the siren call of blood .....the soft breath escaping through the boys lips only heightened his desire for more ....life beating ...drawing him nearer. A strangled whimper from his lips .....he wanted so much more .

" So , Spike you have a thing for me huh?? "

Those self assured words dropping from Xanders mouth only caused Spike to backhand the boy across that treacherous mouth .

Changing into Gameface he roared in Xanders face.

" Only for your blood, boy !!...only for that precious fluid as I drain your delicious blood down my throat.... you will always be remembered as my first ...after the drought " he gnashed his teeth in the boys ear as an extra threat , that he remind him just exactly who it was he was taunting.

Cordelia is impatient....where the hell were they...come on ...we have to find Xander . As if her prayer had been heard from above , Buffy came zooming around the corner . Willow was sitting in the

passenger seat still rather sullen . Giles swung the door open ushering her inside the back seat. Doors were slammed and they were moving .

Ten minutes or so later they arrived at the cemetery where Spikes crypt was situated. Buffy barged in, the rest followed quickly behind her.... nothing ...Spike wasn't at home . Cordelia scanned the murky room .

" Does Spike actually own anything ...because theres nothing here at all ...no clothes ...nothing "

Buffy frowned .....Giles looked uneasy ,Willow burst into tears .Buffy hugged Willow to her side ,not wanting to alarm anyone but she was starting to worry .Spike did indeed have things ....television ..bed ...he did have stuff . The fact that he had obviously split , didn't mean he had gone far..he could have moved crypts...or just left town...though that seemed highly unlikely...like she would ever get that lucky....still where the hell was he.

" Look ...this doesn't mean anything , he probably just up and moved to annoy us ....I'll go ask Willy where he is ...he knows all the gossip with the demons in this town ....lets go " She grabbed the still weeping Will with her ..the rest forced to follow.

They all trudged back into Giles apartment . No luck with Willy either ...the man hadn't squealed a thing ..if he did know something he was bribed well ...the threat of destroying his bar did nothing but have him begging at the slayers feet that he didn't know anything about Spike ..that he hardly even ventured into the bar with the demon population after his blood and all.

Cordelia went straight for the phone ...she dialed Angel , talking in hushed tones she pleaded for his assistance ...he told her Wesley, Gunn and himself would be there as soon as they could. She hung up ...she had never wished for a 'vision' but she sure as hell was going to now ....closing her eyes as she concentrated on Xanders face ....please please i must know where he is goddamn it.

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Part Three

Xander hung there....god knows where he was ...about to die ....What the hell!!!....what on earth had he been doing...open your mouth Xan and only stupidity flows forth . Hoping for a quick death...some mercy... Damned if you'll get any now ...stupid stupid stupid !!! He scowled at himself ...taunting a vampire...especially a chipless one like Spike was just asking for limbs to be ripped off .

Xanders face stung ...Spike had smacked him good ...yip his lip was bleeding again .....yeez , it wasn't like that was the least of his worries. He had his head bent forward , his eyes squeezed shut ... like that made what he said any better. He could still feel Spikes stare drilling into his head.

The boy almost laughed....he had actually been sarcastic to his executioner .... Okay..so he had seen Lust plainly in Spikes Eyes....those pupils huge ....those blue eyes so dark .... hypnotic...they spoke of frantic fire ....unquenchable.....he had been drawn into them....was this the 'thrall' so talked about in every vampire movie..every book ..... cos Xander had felt himself drowning..... he actually had started to feel like he might not get himself back ...desperate he clutched at the only thing that came ....sarcasm....have to make him mad, break the link....for fuck sake...just to get him to blink .... cos this was worse then any torture ....this was addictive...and seductive....feelings crawling under his skin ..worming into his soul ....settling....making itself a home in his body ..his mind ..his heart.

Now Xander was faced with a pissed off Master Vampire.... he almost longed for that 'thrall' or whatever 'that' had been . His arms were tired....sore....he so wished he could rub them ....maybe more words, more sarcasm could get him dead quicker....at least it would be over...a relief.

Cordelia paced ......and she never paced ...hell that was her bosses occupation ...well her former boss. Where the hell was he....Angel .... Xander too...of course ...she had concentrated on Xanders face...willing herself to get a premonition..vision ... nothing , nada, zip. What the good of this damned 'gift' (and use the term very lightly) if it couldn't help you....when you really needed it. The only consolation being that he must be safe .

Willow had gone home with Tara...wrapped around each other ...inconsolable...whimpering about how this was her fault. Buffy felt awful... and useless...frustrated and angry she was busy scratching with the sharp end of a stake into Giles wooden coffee table. Giles winced at the fate of his table but didn't utter a word in its defense. He was exhausted ...sitting at the dining room table rubbing his eyes and downing large tumblers of scotch neat ..... quarter of a bottle and the warmth spreading through his body still hadn't touched his heart. He felt cold dread for the boy he had felt was a son to him.

There was a knock ...all eyes turned towards the door. Cordelia let out a painful breath as she lunged for the handle

" Thank god ...its about time Ang...."

But it wasn't Angel ... it was the police standing in the door frame...

Cordelias face crumbled into instant despair... that can only mean one thing... they have found his dead lifeless body .... she couldn't breathe...she could only stare at the man in front of her..all the colour drained from her face.....she couldn't stand to hear it..... no..... she wanted to scream but nothing came out of her mouth....no sound ....her ears were ringing .

The policeman stepped forward, concern in his eyes...he made to grab Cordelia

" Miss ?? Are you okay ...you look ill, can I help you to a chair " he looked wildly around at the other people in the room , finally settling on Giles " Excuse me sir , Are you Rupert Giles ? ''

Giles stumbled forward , straightening his glasses....he had got up from the table when Cordelia started screaming in obvious distress , but he had been momentarily frozen when the officer had made to grab for Cordelia ...now he was being addressed...he could do this...he was the adult here..the responsible one ...he could take the news the officer had to tell him with a little maturity and dignity... he could break down later and weep for the boy and kill Spike ...render the vampire limbless...pull out his fingernails whatever it took to appease Ripper who was wallowing inside him.

The officer came forward , when Buffy took Cordelia from him ...her arms encircling the brunette...hugging her tightly as she collapsed in the slayers embrace...tears streaming down her face.

" I'm sorry to visit you so late ....but , we found a blue Citroen abandoned on interstate fifteen it was registered in your name .... Did you even know it was missing because there was no report on it being stolen "

Giles mouth went dry as he exchanged looks with Buffy ...she could only stare back at him blankly and hug Cordelia tighter as the ex cheerleader burrowed deeper into the slayers shoulder her whimpers hitched as the news was confirmed that he was indeed lost to them .

'' I didn't know it was missing... I leant my car to a friend tonight and we were all worried when he didn't come home "

The officer looked sympathetic but quickly changed , stiffening into professionalism " Sir , would you like to fill out a missing persons report ? "

Spike started to circle his prey ..... it was similar to pacing....brooding...that only angered him more for that reminded him of Angelus...and he was damned if he be compared to that Irish powder puff.

He lunged for the boy as soon as Xander looked up at him .......he grabbed hold of each side of Xanders face and came up nice and close to the boy . Right in Xanders face ...he challenged the boy with a sneer not to lose eye contact with him as he morphed into Gameface .

Spike hissed at Xander ... Xanders eyes screamed absolute terror at him ....he was surprised the boy hadn't pissed in his pants. Oh....that was right! The boy didn't have any pants on .....the boy didn't have a stitch on . He smiled evilly ...he stepped back slightly ..his eyes skimmed over the boys goosebumped skin....he admired the nice tan Xander had ....all those taut muscles just itching to be caressed.....

Xander naked before him ....a banquet laid out .... all pretty and pink.... the smell of his blood just as enticing as the vision of the boy panting in his face.

Fuck!!!!!!!!!...

He was panting..... Spike grinned at that ....sure that Xander wasn't even conscious that he was doing that. His breath ghosting across Spikes pale flesh....shit....this just wasn't right....he was supposed to be killing this manchild.... not getting all hot because the boy was panting..looking all delicious and lusting his vampire ass.

He couldn't believe he was falling for this human shit..... theres just noway he was going to touch this boy .... not Xander.... no way..it wasn't going to happen...

Spike just wasn't listening to that inner voice ....as his trembling fingers glided across soft...supple.....dear god!!! ....his skin is beautiful....so damn inviting... all that alluring warm skin....so much of it ....so close ......

Fucking scorching my fingers

Fuck

Now he was panting... this is just ridiculous

Fucking hell i just want to ravish him ...... if you start fucking drooling I'll stake myself

Damn he was a goner.

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Part Four

Okay...so he had stopped himself in time from drooling on his docs.......but it didn't help that Xander was still looking all tasty ...hanging before him swinging gently...other appendages were also swinging..or was that a twitch.

Bad boy.

Spike almost smacked himself....who was he kidding ...he was a Bad Ass Motherfucking ...Dope. *Sighing* he reached above the boys head to release Xanders wrists from the cuffs ..... the boy was obviously exhausted as he flopped forward onto Spikes shoulder .... his breathing sounded strained ...Spike winced , he had done that to him...his eyes flickered over to the cruel slashes on Xanders hands, the dry blood flaking off onto his shirt....he wanted to hug him so tight...but he remembered , it was he who had hurt this boy ....no way was he going accept the vampires sympathy. So Spike gulped back the bitter taste in his mouth and bent to unshackle the boys feet.

Xander was sleepy ..... he couldn't pretend to even be slightly brave in Spikes presence anymore.

Did he even have to...I mean Spike must be able to smell his distress .... it was that that was getting the vampire all jumpy and excited . Horny....Spike definitely looked horny for his blood...that was it.... told Spike once he was tasty....didn't actually think he would ever be in the position to be this vampires Nummytreat.

Xander flinched when Spike touched him .....

Spike laid Xander on the floor on top of his duster....he curled an old ratty blanket around the boys body, carefully tucking it under and around him till only his head was left uncovered. He didn't want to touch his warm skin....he was careful he didn't do that.

Spike then wandered over into the opposite corner ......squatting down he leaned sideways against the cool rough brick . The feel of that wall against his skin felt like blessing .....he was unhappy when he should be ecstatic....rejoicing...painting the walls with this scoobies lifeblood ....but he wasn't ...at all....he was miserable knowing he could never have this boy...and he really really wanted him ...he so wanted him ...he truly ached for him...it was physical pain...eating at him.

The chip had stopped working ....well actually he had kinda coerced Willow into making it stop working. He knew she was lusting after him ...and he made a deal with her ...he would fuck her..till her toes curled and she couldn't walk ...if she would find a spell and get rid of this chip. He was actually a bit disgusted with her when she agreed to help him. Red must have known he would kill again and most likely they would be first on his hitlist..... That had really disturbed him that she would turn her back on the "fighting for the good of the innocent'" ..just so she could have the pleasure of being fucked by him. Not to say he wasn't a fabulous lay.... he admitted a hundred odd years had made him a mindblowing fuck. But it was all just so wrong.

In the end he hadn't slept with her...Xander had witnessed their kiss (they had planned to meet that night after the meeting) and then everything got shot to hell. It was best...he really didn't want to touch her..the thought actually made his skin crawl...he shivered...nope Red had been elevated on to the top of his ''slag'' list....above even Buffy (even she would never have stooped that low for him) and that was saying alot.

Spike turned to face the boy ....even in the murky darkness he could see that Xander was staring at him...probably trying to figure him out ...wondering why he wasn't dead yet . He could smell the fear....and Spike didn't know how he could make Xander feel safe. That is, without letting him go ....that wasn't an option.... No...Xander was not leaving his side .

What to do !!!...... he knew he was in for the long haul .....how much time did he have though till the others in Sunnydale figured out he had Xander ...and came for him .....by themselves they would never find them ...but with his Sire helping them.....

It wouldn't be long till Angel tracked his scent.... Bloody Hell!!! they could be halfway here by now. Spikes eyes darted into the corners as if he was being watched a low whimper escaped between his lips....

Damn it!!!...Stop this!!...theres no no one there but him and the boy ....don't start to fall apart and panic yet....he combed a shaky hand through his greasy hair and hugged his arms around his bent legs...he caught Xander watching him and peered back at him miserably, he was trembling ever so slightly.

Xander frowned, he propped his head on to his hand and openly stared at Spike. God!!!....he looked scared out of his mind. What was going on ?.

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Part Five

'' Spike!! ''

A whispered '' yes....''

'' Is something wrong ...because..... '' .Xander didn't know what to say. If he said what was on his mind.. that he thought Spike looked terrified ...he probably wouldn't get a good result ..... but then again what was he waiting for...the waiting...the hoping that he would let him go .... the violence....the kidnapping.... was he going to hurt his friends with his bruised and battered body on their doorstep or what..??. Was Spike having second thoughts??...or just playing with him??... the waiting ...that was what was eating him up inside.

Spike pushed off the brick wall....and then he was looming over the boy at his feet.

Damn...how did he get here so fast *gulp*

Spike could smell it.... it was just enough 'pity'...'sympathy'...'concern'... in Xanders blood , to make him angry again. Its what he needed...the drive to kick start his demon again .

He grabbed Xander around his forearm and yanked him to his feet. Xander stumbled...he hadn't been prepared for it , the blanket pooled around his legs.

Spike walked out of the abandoned gas-station dragging Xander behind him. Nothing was said and who was he to argue with the vampire.

Xander let Spike pull him along (like it was even slightly possible that you could stop him ,mate!)

Around the back of the building ..Spike then dropped his hand. Opening the door to the DeSoto , Spike sat behind the wheel ...closing the door firmly behind him.

He was supposed to get in the car with him...wasn't he ? Xanders eyes flickered over the darkness surrounding him... No...he wasn't going to run . What would be the point .

The door slammed and Spike looked over at Xander as he buckled up in the passenger seat...his face expressionless ...again nothing was said as Spike started the car and they were once again on an endless road , darkness and silence blanketed them from all sides.

Buffy held on to Cordelia, not just for the girls sake...but for herself too. She needed the comfort of another person ....even if that person was Cordelia, someone she had never exactly got along with.

Shared pain ...Xander... a true friend , someone who always helped out ....even though he didn't possess any of physical strength or the magical abilities of her other friends...he was always there to help out , well he had been. No...she couldn't think of Xander as if he was already dead... she wouldn't think like that till she knew for certain.

Buffy had always been scared it would be Xander who would be the first to die (besides herself that is)..something about him *she smiled in light of the situation*..something about Xander made him a magnet for trouble....where ever he was ...he always seemed to attract evil. That included Spike.

Buffy clearly remembered how Angelus had taunted her that she better disable his Childe William before he turns your 'whiteknight'...*and oh how Angelus had chuckled at her stunned expression*..."yup think my Will would definitely like to bed the dork , those puppy eyes and those lush lashes who the hell wouldn't want to take him". Buffy had never known if he was just being the arsehole that Angelus was or if he was truly serious .... but after that she had always been extra careful with Spike...watching him, watch all of them . He never gave him self away directly but she suspected it was true .... little things..like his inability to kill Xander before the chip and his deliberate screwing with Giles head to get to stay with Xander after the chip had been planted in his head.

He never exactly stopped insulting Xander or any of them for that matter. Then she had clued into their bickering and realized just how close it was to .... eight year olds pulling each others hair and then running away. Maybe because they were both male.... maybe that was the reason they acted like brats when they were in a room together. You almost felt like you weren't even there....that they were in their own world.

She had to say it...at least to herself , she liked Spike. See that wasn't hard *groan* okay...so she had known she had liked him for sometime. She could take his insults...and she dished back as good he gave. Perhaps not as good as Xander.*grin* Buffy was putting up a front .....thats right. Keep her anger towards him....she acted up a storm ....I'm sure hes never guessed.... it was all fake . Because? Well she was the slayer and that was her job to threaten , and tease the demons of this world . She was their executioner....the one that gave their lost souls peace. She could never really kill Spike...I mean don't get me wrong he was and will always be a world class jerk ... but killing him , that would be so sad ...although on occasion she had tried too.

Buffy actually dreaded the day Spike found a way to get rid of his chip. Thank god Adam had failed to live up to his promise to do just that. She felt bad for him in that state....it was so un natural to cage a creature like him . Buffy had been pissed and really confused when Spike had admitted to her that he was in love with her. Not that she wasn't flattered but she didn't believe him for an instant. Spike was only being Spike. The vampire had been jealous of Anyas hold on Xander , and of his obvious affection for her in return.

Buffy had felt awful for him ....but she wasn't going to show him that. She had wanted to hug his hurt away, but she couldn't for he might feel he could hook up with her and forget Xander entirely. The thought of sleeping with Spike actually did make her feel icky (she could never see him in that way...that wayward spell of Will's and the kissing, like ewww ..kissing a relative ) No way would she start something with Spike....not just the ewww factor but if that happened ..Xander would never see Spike as anything but the former Big Bad ..who now was a fluffy bunny with bad teeth. Not someone he could love and would always love him back . If she couldn't be with Angel .... she was going to make sure Spike got his man.....somehow.

There was a knock at the door, Buffy disentangled herself from the cheerleader on the couch to answer it. She knew who it was before she even opened the door ...sensed him, the tingle of his presence .

"Buffy...... "

She smiled slightly up at him ....without uttering a word she ushered him through the door. Angel breezed past her only to be attacked by a near catatonic whirlwind of Cordy . He wrapped his arms about her. Buffy frowned at the familiar bond between them ..... it made her a little depressed to see them ... to know what she could never have again.

Gathering Cordy to his side ..he turned back to Buffy as his former secretary sniffed into his jacket.

" If we are going to find Spike ...we have to move now , my crew are in the van .... grab some weapons, we have to cover alot of ground before sunrise "

Buffy nodded at him and turned to Giles ...helping him pack stakes...axes...holy water. She kept going over in her mind ....

Please , please Spike don't fail me ... if I'm right and you have indeed lost your chip , don't hurt Xander. I'm trusting you ...you undead bastard that you will not kill him .... I know being with us has changed you ...I know it. Don't turn back to your murdering ways and slaughter the one you love. Please don't do that Spike.

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Part Six

An hour or so into there journey and not alot of conversation had passed between them . Xander had observed that Spike seemed to be deep in thought ...frown lines marred his face , his eyes rarely left the road infront of them.

Xander, although still scared as to what was going to be his fate .... his overwhelming curiosity of where they were going , why he was still alive ...and just the plain confusion he was feeling about Spike in general , seemed to be overshadowing his initial fear.

He had managed to utter out a plead for some clothes ...although it was a warm night ..being naked next to Spike was seriously making him nervous...and he'd lost his only cover from the vampire when Spike had hauled his ass out of that gas station. Xander had been sitting there so very close to Spike...starkers and desperately trying to sit and look relaxed and yet cover his manhood at the same time.Near impossible.

Then Spike had stopped the car and turned towards him.

'' Get in the back seat ...there are some clothes in a bag under my seat "

Xander hadn't known what to say ... a " thank you '' stumbled out of his mouth as he unbuckled the seat belt and turned , scrambling into the back from between the front two seats. His bare thigh grazed along Spikes arm ....he had to bite back a gasp as they touched. Twin flames of red appeared on his cheeks. Xander quickly dived under Spikes seat to retrieve the bag.... his head deliberately bent, he took his time thoroughly inspecting the contents.

The bag...yup..bag...clothes Xan...thats what your looking for.... don't you start going crazy now and start thinking your feeling something when theres no something. Wow..man you suck at lying to yourself...OOooo look no underwear...oh perfect... bugger...!!!! ..jeans.... yup right.. you can wear a pair of Spikes tight clingy black jeans...because if he can't smell your aroused now !!!..He'll be able to see the evidence when you slip into these babies *holds them up admiringly before his face crumples into silent groan of frustration and disgust for even having the thoughts in the first place* Damn your an idiot Alexander *buries his face in the bag in shame*...oh nice .... yum.... smells like Spike....

Yum? did I even think that word ...clearly nuts ...its the tension of being nearly dead that is getting to me *he leans forward into the bag , deeply inhaling Spike scent* missing sex... with women...Cordelia in his bed all cozied up in his thick blankets...all soft n' alluring.

Unwittingly he had brought one of Spikes black t-shirts up to his face and he was nuzzling into it ,rubbing his face in it provocatively . Xander opened his eyes to catch Spike intently watching him in the rearview mirror, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

With another silent groan Xander quickly shoved the t-shirt over his head. The scent of Spike so strong...overpowering in an entirely too pleasant way.....it surrounded him . Xander pushed his head through the top ...pushing it down his stomach...the material firm against his muscles... hugging him...clinging to him intimately with the scent of Spike .... it was permeating his breathing space ....and making him pant .

He caught Spikes eye in the mirror ..... the vampire looked so hungry for him. Xanders heart beat went through the roof, terror clouded his vision.

" Just do it.... Kill me.... Now ...Please??? I can't stand this waiting anymore " Tears formed in Xanders eyes . Spikes expression changed , eyes flecked with gold , he trembled with anger as he glared at the boy ... he so very much needed to act upon his fury, but didn't.

Spike sped up , his fingers gripping the steering wheel hard as the scenery whipped by,his lips held tightly in a straight line ....his eyes turned entirely gold as he surveyed the darkness with a predators stare.

He slammed on the breaks, skidding in an arc across the deserted road...dust circled the car as Spike threw open the door and stormed off into the night. His rage and passion entwined into a living , breathing organism ....... he needed to kill..... now!!!

Angel was furiously driving ..breaking many a speed limit, his hands clung to the wheel with a strength that could easily have shattered it , if he wasn't so controlled.. Endless blackness outstretched before him. He could feel his blood out there.... could sense Spikes presence ahead. Not close, but close enough to make him hell bent of finding him soon. Angel was persistent , he would reach his errant childe eventually. Spike was smart ...but he was smarter.

Willow was driving her car behind the L.A gang . Tara was sitting quietly beside her ....Buffy and Giles were jammed into the back ...surrounded in blankets and bags of groceries ( not knowing how long it would take to retrieve Xander or Spike they decided that it would be wise that they were prepared).

Willow was intently staring at the bumper of Angel's van ...how the tail lights made the chrome gleam ..her tiny reflection shone back at her .....Oh god..!!!! This is my fault, I've killed Xander...hes dead at my hand ...if I hadn't kissed Spike...if he hadn't seen it...this...this wouldn't be happening. NO!!! you aren't going to cry , your going to find him and then place some horribly disfiguring spell on Spike ...beg for forgiveness from Xan and then Tara will never be the wiser .

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

Part Seven

Xander was struck dumb , he didn't have a clue what to do. Only minutes before he had told Spike to kill him and the vampires reaction had not been good. Not that he had really expected it to be , actually he was counting on a quick clean death. When Spike had put his foot down on the excalerator he had thought that the vampire had chosen death by 'fireball of mangled metal' for him. Xanders reaction had been to forget about searching for suitable clothing and immediately attach himself in a seatbelt.

Human survival instincts I guess just kicked in no matter the hopeless situation.

Spike had slammed on the breaks half a second later . Xander had been thrown forward ,the seatbelt pressed into his skin painfully as the car squealed in protest with the sudden change of direction. Wheels shuddered as the car spun across the road sideways. Doors were slammed and Spike was gone.

The keys swung from the ignition , they almost sent him into a trance with their hypnotic sway.

He could leave now ....

Go back to Sunnydale, tell Buffy everything....*they beckoned him*

So why was it that he was just sitting there ?

He moved swiftly away from the car , duster billowing about him .Closing his eyes , a sigh of relief when the demonic ridges of his true nature fell into place. A low growl that was gradually increasing in volume came from his chest.

A snarl that spoke of frustration....annoyance....blind rage....and self pity. Why was he so cursed ? He had lived so long , his entire existence without anyone to really love . He had been doomed to walk this world ...alone. Bitterly alone in the truest sense of the word.

Spike knew what it was like to have family , to have friends , to care for someone and also to love someone. But to have that love given back , to have that love answered....returned , that was the elusive dream ...that remained just that for him.

He hissed , drew back his lips to reveal razor sharp fangs , his eyes darted over his prey with a lightening reflex he seized his snack with one clawed hand. Ripping the screaming creature in two he bit deep into its flesh. The warm tang of fresh blood flowed over his tongue and down his throat.

The act in it self only mildly appeased his demon , but it was enough to calm him. He really had to get back to the car before the boy took it in to himself to leave.

He had opened the back door and slipped out onto the road. Standing there ...he turned and pulled out the pair of jeans from the bag he had only minutes ago been fantasizing clinging to Spikes taut thighs. Slipping into them ...they slid over his hips roughly. Sucking in his stomach he managed to heave the zipper up.

Whoa ... he wasn't going to be able to sit in these without tearing a seam , let alone breathe. Wow...very snug indeed.

Closing the door , he took two steps till he was aligned with the drivers side door. Hesitating he ignored the impulse to glance into the cloying darkness , he opened the door,sat down behind the wheel , reaching forward he effortlessly turned the engine over, looking over his shoulder just incase of on coming traffic he slowly backed the car till it was aligned properly pointing away from Sunnydale and towards wherever it was that Spike had been previously heading for.

Xander didn't inch forward ..... he sat there peering into the night visible through the painted black windscreen. The Desoto's engine purred at him gently as his mind screamed at him to floor it and leave the vampire in the dust.

He slowly shook his head , blinking he continued to stare ahead. A face suddenly appeared at the drivers side window. Xander jumped as he spun his head to watch Spike watch him. Blood trickled from the side of Spikes mouth. He morphed back into his human visage as he stared intently into Xanders eyes. Xander blinked , let his eyes wander towards the road again ....his last chance....

He slipped into the passenger seat and leaned his head against the cool glass of the sidedoor and closed his eyes. The drivers door opened and closed , the sound of leather squelched as someone sat behind the wheel got comfortable.

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

Part Eight

He hadn't left him .

He must have thought about it though , because he was behind the wheel , engine running.

But he didn't ..... he just sat there.

What does that mean?

Did he actually think that I would be able to catch up to him on foot?

No. ...of course not ..

So why was he here ?...he had ample time to leave him ....

Spike gently moved his body sideways in the drivers seat so that he could talk to the boy. He needed to talk to him , there had been too many hours of silence behind them . Now was the time to get through to Xander... somehow.

He observed Xanders body language. His eyes were closed as he lay his head against the glass of the side door, his body pressed against that door as far from him as he could get. Was he asleep...as if....far from it...his body was so very tense, his heartbeat erratic at best ....but it was smell of his fear that threatened to engulf Spike ,that was the reminder that Xander would never be able to sleep in his presence , even if the boy was ready to drop from the tension this night had been for him.

Okay .... so come on Will ...think of something to say to him. Something that might make him relax , just a little. No words of comfort to assure the whelp your not going to paint the desert sands with his blood. Think Bloody Hell!!! it can't be that difficult .

His eyes closed , he so wanted to sleep and to forget that he was here with this killer. But he couldn't...his ears were trained on every squeak of leather , every soft sigh . He knew that Spike had turned towards him and he could sense that the vampire was going to say something.

He had questions of his own just burning for answers , but he refused to disturb this moment. It was rare that Spike ever Spoke to him .... and he needed to hear his voice. Its familiar patterns,the warm honey like quality of his accent . The times in the past he had heard the remembered passion of some long ago memory in his voice .... those times his voice cut through Xander like his fangs could never achieve .... that voice directed at him just held him in awe..... be it a sarcastic remark laced with venom or dreamy ghostly memory of a night with his dark princess. It had all just fascinated him .

Xander turned towards Spike , so that they faced each other . His hand nervously drew invisible circles on his jean clad thigh ... He hadn't even been conscious of what he was doing until Spikes eyes drifted from his face to his hand caressing his thigh. Xander noticed how his eyes dilated a fraction and some of that hunger returned fleetingly before the vampire pushed it back down. Xander was so confused with Spikes behavior.... he needed to ask .

Spike chose that moment to start to talk.

'' You okay? ''

'' I guess , as okay as I'm going to be ''

" We need to get going , because Angel is closing in on us ''

"Oh.... umm How do you know that ? ''

" Its a Sire / Childe thing , very annoying I can tell you ....especially right at this moment '' Spikes attempt at lightening the mood as he briefly smiled at Xander . Xander reached up and gently swiped away the trickle of blood on Spikes chin. Spike flinched just a tad when Xander touched him , unsure if it was an attack . There eyes locked for long drawn out second then the spell was broken.

Xander half laughed and responded to Spikes words '' Guess it would be annoying , like having a tracer under your skin , Daddy always knowing where you are at all times ''

" yes, like the chip "

" which you don't have ''

" oh I have it *taps his head* its still in there, just not doing its job any longer ''

" How? For how long? "

" You don't want the answers to that question , pet ''

Xander nodded '' I do ...tell me ''

Spike decided to use another tact '' You wouldn't like the answer ''

Xander squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them again as he breathed out " Willow "

Spike didn't say anything , but Xander could see the truth in his eyes ....the vampire had been correct he didn't like the answer or wish to know anymore than that. Willow had betrayed him .. all of them , his childhood friend was lost to him now.

'' So ...Angels pretty close huh ? ''

Spike unconsciously flickered his eyes up to the rear view mirror as if his sire would materialize out of the darkness behind him .

" Yes ... Most probably with the Slayer and all your little friends in toe "

'' Shouldn't you be going now then? ''

Spike smiled at him , turning around in his seat ...revving the engine they lurched forward , travelling along the highway at a decent speed .

Then there was a shuddering , ear splitting explosion as dense smoke poured forth from under the bonnet of the DeSoto , Spike was losing control of the car ...he wildly braked as they came to rest on a low sand bar.

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

Part Nine

Buffy was now driving , Willow had shifted into the back seat to curl up with Tara . Giles was sitting next to his slayer, pouring over maps that were spread across his lap. Buffy was watching the sun rise on the horizon to her left. She glanced at her watcher, a permanent scowl etched on his features since they had started on this rescue mission.

They all knew it was pretty hopeless to follow a map when they had the blood hound nose of Angel up in the car infront of them. Giles was so used to looking up demons and prophecies ....that researching was the only way he knew how to deal with a situation, and map reading was definitely some kind of research. At least his brain was working and his hands were busy and he so needed that.

Buffy was worried, she felt helpless , at least she was driving..doing something. She had practically pounced on Willow when she could see her friend was exhausted behind the wheel. Driving at least was calming some of her nerves.

Buffy watched the dawning of a new day as the suns rays finally hit the car. Something about that bright cheerful light gave her hope. Somewhere out there was Xander and Spike. She knew it in her gut that Xander still lived ...she had to , to think of any other conclusion was unthinkable. Spike just wouldn't harm him ....she was positive about that. Pushing any doubt right out of her mind.

Hours before hand , she had followed Angels van off road , only to end up at some abandoned gas station in the middle of nowhere. They had all poured out of the vehicles to surround the building. Angel and herself had gone in first. Twenty minutes of thoughly searching every inch of the place they had come up with nothing. Except Xanders clothes that was , enough to send Cordelia and Willow in to hysterics. Blood was on his clothing and Angel confirmed it to be Xanders. It disturbed her to see her ex boyfriend sniff at her friends jacket , even in the murky light she could see the hunger in his eyes. She had been so blind to it when they were together. He still craved the human blood , stupid of her really to think he was a saint when his past was plagued with so much death and violence.

They had all spread out in a fan around the grounds surrounding the building. Nothing was found. Angel wandered off alone , his vampiric speed making it impossible to keep up with him . He announced to the group on his return that Xander wasn't here. So even if he had been killed his body wasn't here. Buffy was a little taken back with his attitude , she had thought that with all his time spent around humans (the living kind) he would have developed a little tact , apparently not. Buffy quickly bundled a wide eyed and shocked Cordelia into her arms ...as she hustled the cheerleader into the back of the van and away from the innocent (what the hell did I say) look that graced Angels face..

The moment the car settled into the sand Spike spun in his seat to check on Xander. His long fingers brushed over the boys body , the vampires senses attuned to any damage, any injury at all.

Xander nudged the vampires cold hands off his skin. Damn... his head killed ...maybe thats because he smacked it into the side window when Spike lost control of the car and was thrown sideways.

Spike immediately unbuckled his seat belt as his hands flew to the exact spot where he had hit his head . Damn, its like he read my mind or something as he struggled to get those fingers away from his scalp. Not that those cool digits weren't welcome on his throbbing head. Its just his head was swimming and Spikes ' all concerned ' behavior towards him was not helping. Spikes distress that he might be hurt penetrated its way into Xanders brain. Turning a stunned expression on the vampire when he finally realized that Spike had no intention of harming him at all.

This bit of news was just too much for him to take , he needed to file it away for future perusal.

'' Spike ...? ''

'' Yes ..pet ''

'' Think we should get out of the car ...just in case '' Xander indicated out the window , as the smoke was still billowing from the bonnet .

'' Okay... stay there I'll get you '' Spike turned was out the door and around the car to Xanders side , just as the boy was opening the door and had stretched his right leg out to pivot his body into standing up.

'' Didn't I just tell you to wait there '' Spike scowled at him . Xander ignored him as he braced his hands on either side of the door so that he could stand. His head swam and he clutched onto the frame to stop him from swaying to much. Spike grabbed him around the waist and hauled him upright. Xander fisted his hands in Spikes t-shirt as he forced his mind to steady and not to think of the close proximity of this man. A second ticked by and with a deep breath and a supreme effort on his behalf he pushed the vampire away from him. Spike stumbled backwards.

Xander growled at him '' I'm not an invalid , I'm quite capable of standing alone , been doing it for a number of years now "

Spike looked apologetic which threw Xander into a spin , how could he have misjudged the vampire so badly . Then anger flashed across Spikes face , eyes flecked with gold as he growled in return.

'' Yeah well you bloody humans are fragile creatures, besides don't want you leaking all that lovely blood all over my upholstery "

Ahhh now that's better *Xander smiled * that was the vampire we all know and love. Love !!!! Damn.... had he said that ?, he'd thought it ...which was just as bad in his opinion.

Xander refused to acknowledge any more thoughts of that nature as he walked around to the front of the car.

'' Pop the bonnet would you Spike , want to look at the engine ''

Spike did as he was told but not without a small growl .He was back at Xanders side moments later.

Xander reached for the bonnet so he could access the damage , he had inclined his head so as not to choke but forgot to protect his fingers.

'' Ouch ... Bloody Hell , damn it "

Spike grabbed his hand drawing the injured fingers into his mouth. Xander sighed as his burnt fingers were caressed by soft cool tongue. His whole body was relaxing into that insistent but gentle touch . He instinctively clutched onto Spikes shoulder with his other hand , leaning against the vampires chest, even the throb of his head seemed to cease as he looked dreamily up into surprised blue eyes.

Xander blinked, pushing away from Spike as he came to his senses , straightening his shoulders he tried to ignore the pounding in his head that decided to make itself known again. Xander stared at his fingers , glistening with Spikes saliva . He pushed those feelings deep down ....those feelings that were telling him to wrap himself around this vampire and not let him go.

He turned back towards the engine , it was dark and he couldn't see a thing .

" I don't suppose you have a torch , somewhere in that car? "

'' No... but I have this '' and Spike flicked his lighter , a tall flame flickered by Xanders face. Xander swiftly swiped the lighter from out of the vampires hand and threw it across the sand .

'' Are you insane ? ... you could have blown us up '' Xander screamed at him .

Then Xander noticed how light it was getting , he could actually see the annoyed expression on Spikes face as he retrieved his discarded lighter.

He swung his head around to see the first rays of sun peak over the horizon . Snatching at Spikes arm he pulled him towards the car .

" The suns rising ..you have to get in the car NOW !! ''

Spike could see that he was correct as he dived into the open doorway and Xander slammed the door shut behind him. Stupid Will .... that was so close .... you were so busy checking on the whelps health that you just about got yourself dusted. Xander just saved you *smiled * maybe there was some small chance after all. He frowned ...then again hes out there tinkering with your bloody car , he could stall till Angel was practically on top of them and theres not a damn thing you could do about it. Spike loathed his inner voice , although he knew it was probably true.

Xander jumped into the car , careful to close it quickly thus a sliver of sunlight burnt the vampire. He grinned up at Spike .

" Try the engine .... think I got it "

Spike hesitated frowning at the boy , shrugging he tried the ignition. A couple of splutters and the engine revved . Spike grinned back at Xander as he backed up to align themselves back on the road.

One quick thought raced through his mind ... Yes.... maybe there is a chance . He turned towards the road once more , the sun lit every shadow as it rose in the sky , he could feel that warmth even though it didn't touch him through the dark paint. He had hope.

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

Part Ten

Wesley was behind the wheel. He felt awful , moments ago he had been caught whistling a Cat Steven's song "Matthew and Son". He couldn't help it , it was so nice to be out of L.A ...all that smog and traffic. Angel had glared hard at him and glancing in the rearview mirror to see Cordelias watery eyes peering at him was even worse then his employers glare. Stumbling out an apology ....he really didn't think an explanation was going to make what he had done seem any less hurtful .

He decided silence was best , don't argue back ....just continue to keep driving , hoping they would find this childe of Angels soon. William the Bloody...oh yes , he'd been skilled up on that vampire by the Watchers council , a particularly nasty piece of work .... he pitied the boy who had found his fate with that vampire. He wasn't going to voice his opinion , as he really didn't know Xander that well but he was sure he was dead . He remembered the boys mouth .... Yeah, probably didn't last two minutes with the un chipped Spike.... would have pissed him off very quickly with that smart mouth of his.

Wesley peeped at Angel beside him , tried to gauge the vampires mood . Angel was watching the road ahead, his face stony ...this was definitely not a good time to ask him anything so he let the silence engulf him again . He could feel his mind sinking into a slight coma with the sheer frustration of this complete and utter noiselessness. Strange to think he now wouldn't mind the distraction of some traffic , a car horn beeping...something but the incessant rumble of rubber on concrete , he even contemplated whistling again just to have Angel yell at him .

Arms from behind him , suddenly clutched his chair , shaking it vigorously , he had to brake to stop from losing control of the wheel as the person behind him was now digging their nails into his forearm. Cordelia..... at the height of some painful vision was whimpering just above his ear as she held on to him with a death grip. She collapsed back against the seat. Wesley let out loud sigh of relief while he mouthed the word 'Ouch' to no one in particular as he rubbed his arm .

Gunn was immediately there with a flask of water and some aspirin he dug out of his back pocket. Cordelia was beaming and really didn't seem bothered about her head trying to split itself open right at this second. Angel had spun around in his seat ....she turned her dazzling smile on him.

'' Hes Alive " she breathed as tears silently slipped down her cheeks.

" Whoaaa !!!! What are they doing up there? '' Buffy nearly careened into the back of Angels van when they suddenly braked , skidding to a stop practically in the middle of the road.

The scowl on Giles face deepened as all the doors on the van were thrown open and Wesley and Gunn helped Cordelia from the van ...she seemed to be in a great deal of pain although she appeared to be smiling.

Giles turned to the slayer and they almost said at the same time.

'' Vision? ''

Buffy nearly tore the door off its hinges in an effort to get to the three who were making there way over to them . Cordelia wiggled out of Gunn's grip as she encountered the slayer. She threw her arms around Buffy's neck .

" Hes Okay ... Buff, hes alive .... hes with Spike though ....we need to find him quickly . ''

Giles sigh of relief at her words... the boy was alive , those words had to be the most wonderful things he'd ever heard. Tears formed and he hurriedly lifted his glasses to wipe them away. Wouldn't do to break down now ...they hadn't got Xander back yet. Willow had her arms wrapped tightly around her Tara... great weeping sobs were shaking both of them as they gripped each other fiercely . Buffy just smiled raising her head skyward she whispered ''Thank you ''.

The van suddenly revved its engine , clouds of sand swept into the air ....everyone had to shield their eyes from the stinging particles. Then the vehicle was gone ....leaving a stunned group of people with mouths open watching the glint of the rear bumper disappear around the corner.

Buffy was the first to find her voice " Angel , what does he think hes doing ? ''

The rest looked at her not knowing what to say . It was Wesley that eventually came back with some kind of an answer.

'' Spike is his childe, I guess he feels this is his fault because he placed the vampire into this world ,he trained him to be vicious and knows exactly what his weakness's are , hes the only one to take Spike down ''

Buffy was instantly terrified for Spike . Angel would indeed bring down a tremendous wrath on his childe . She needed to find them before Angel destroyed Spike .... she couldn't let that happen until she had spoken to him first.

" We need to go after him "

Her watcher stared at her with confusion in his eyes. " Buffy let Angel do this alone ''

" No .... this could be dangerous for him ... with no backup ...I'm going to find him ''

Buffy jumped behind the wheel . Giles grabbed the door before she had a chance to close it.

" Theres not enough room for everyone in the car ''

Buffy just didn't have time for this.... she needed to get going if she was going to have any chance of getting there in time.

'' You'll have to wait for a car to come by so you can flag it down ... Giles I really have to go. '' she looked annoyingly up at him ...if she had to deck him to get him to move , she would.

Giles took his arms off Buffy and opened the back door sliding into the seat " Your not going anywhere without me '' .

Cordelia rushed forward to join Giles in the back of the car. Willow turned to Tara an unspoken question past between them as Tara nodded and gave her girlfriend a quick squeeze. Racing around the front of the car , Willow settled into the front passenger seat. Bottles of water and snacks were passed out the back window by Giles into the waiting arms of Wesley. Buffy started the engine and they too were gone ...Sand rained down on the three remaining would be rescuers ,abandoned in the middle of no where.

The day had seemed to zoom by , not alot of talking had actually happened but the atmosphere had certainly improved from the day before. Spike was ecstatic , yes quite gleeful indeed not to have sensed a whiff of fear from Xander all day. He knew that they had both crossed some invisible line...neither of them had discussed it. He had let down his defenses with the boy , shown him although he wasn't living he did have a heart.

Spike knew that Xander wasn't stupid .... he now knew without a doubt that this vampire wouldn't hurt him ...let alone kill him. Where to now was anyones guess.

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

Xander was feeling good , which was odd I guess since he was sitting next to one of the most terrifying Master vampires in history. He glanced at Spike who seemed to be rather pleased with him self watching the world flit by outside the windscreen. What was he thinking? As if to answer Spike turned his attention on Xander and that look sent a deep rosy blush up the boys neck to fan across his cheeks. He really needed to crack open a window, get some air in his lungs but knowing Spike had a slight allergic reaction to sun light he thought better of it.

Reaching a hand out to turn on the air-conditioning , he encountered cool fingers who were obviously there to do the same thing he was. Spike was always reading his thoughts , that in it self was disconcerting ....dealing with cool fingers against his heated skin on top of that was just a little too much for his brain to wrap around.

He knew that he had beginnings of feelings for this man that he couldn't understand. Because he could swear they weren't there yesterday. Were they? Was Spike aware of his feelings? He was a vampire and they did sense every emotion through the blood Was he playing with him? So where back to that, huh whelp ? Forever doubtful of others affection for you , and what of Cordelia? Cordelia ... he had stolen her out from under the nose of Angel . Did he still want her ? Had he ever really wanted her? or had he been just lonely .

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

Spike bit his lip as he narrowed his eyes at the boy. Xander was thinking , seriously thinking. Like you could stop that mate! Probably starting to doubt his being here , wondering why he didn't ditch your sorry white ass in the desert when he had the chance or leave you in your fucked up automobile to be dragged into the sunlight by a pissed off Slayer. Any moment now your going to be overwhelmed by that familiar acrid scent of his fear as it chokes you.

But ...that moment never came.

Night came and Spike switched positions with Xander. He had the wheel , yes, thank god ....he could concentrate on driving and not the texture of the vampires skin when he had touched him. Not that wet mouth as it enclosed his fingers in velvet coolness . Not those lips ...such a succulent shade of kiss me red ... or that voice ...or his long elegant...strong fingers.... arms.... thighs .... OH HELL ...driving wasn't helping at all.... the thrum of the powerful engine under his control .....damn every thing was just making him think of sex . He was an over-sexed twit.... he felt ashamed of his feelings , of his behavior.

Spike was battered with the intensity of Xanders arousal as its tempting allure sang through out his body. Not alot was keeping him from pouncing on the boy and ravishing this beauty. Not alot...except maybe the wave nausea and bitter shame that immediately followed it.

'' Stop the car Xander '' he growled...

'' Is something wrong ''

He turned a feral gaze on Xander '' I'm hungry ''

Xander squirmed slightly in his seat , trying desperately not to be afraid as he pulled the car over to the shoulder. ''Oh '' the only word he felt secure in uttering.

Spike leapt from his seat , stalking off into the darkness. Xander watched him go ...knowing full well it was he who had angered the vampire and he instantly felt regretful.

Xander too got out of the car , it was so good to stretch his legs ...long days of sitting was getting to him even if he was with the most desirable creature on the planet.

'' Spike ''

he called out .... damn vamps ..can't see a thing out here, he stretched out his hands spinning in a circle, knowing Spike was probably stalking close by him.

" Spike ....I'm sorry ...its just '' he called again

'' Just what , pet ? ''

Xander jumped, his eyes wide when he caught sight of some dead rabbit clutched in the vampires hand .. he ignored that ... happy it was a rabbit and not himself.

'' damn don't do that stalker thing on me '' he lightly poked the vampire in the chest.

Spike just grinned at him cheekily . Then he stepped forward placing his hand across Xanders mouth.

'' Angel '' he breathed ...letting go of the struggling boy when he realized what he was doing.

'' whhaat did you say ? " Xander gulped.

Spike dropped the dead carcass in his hands and took a step towards the car ......

" He's here ! ''

The headlights of an approaching vehicle came around the corner. The black van came into plain view as it stopped behind the DeSoto . One mightily pissed off Sire exited the vehicle , leather duster twisting around his legs as he walked towards them , stake in hand. Xander dove around Spike to face Angel.

Xander grinned at him '' Dead boy ...you here to rescue me ''

Angel looked Xander up and down , satisfied that he was unharmed " Your okay , Harris ? ''

Xander painted a look of total perplexion on his face '' Oh course...why wouldn't I be , with my buddy here ... doing some driving ... perusing the sights '' Xander smiled looking innocently up at him.

" With Spike? ''

'' Yes of course ... why not, he and I are friends '' ( unlike you and I -he thought)

Angel was almost laughing. " With Spike ? '' he asked again.

Angel went to go around Xander to get to his childe , Xander placed a hand on his chest to stop him . Knowing full well he didn't have the strength to actually stop him but was relying on the souled vampire not to hurt him.

'' Leave him alone Angel , he didn't hurt me ..... let him leave ''

Angel looked like he was considering it for a moment .He looked past Xander to glare at his childe .

'' So , Spike this true.... you'll leave and never come back to Sunnydale ? ''

Spike growled at his Sire and then he looked at Xander , his expression softened and Angel witnessed the look between Xander and Spike ....and now he understood everything.

" Yes.. I'll leave Peaches , whatever the boy wants " Spike growled as he knew he was defeated. Slayer would hunt him down . But he'd find a way to get Xander back,somehow. Then again maybe it was best...no chip to stop him ..he really couldn't be trusted with a human. Yes this was best , Xander would have a better life without him..he would just mess that up for him.

'' Okay then.... leave NOW .... before the Slayer arrives . Buffy I doubt will be so lenient ''

Spike turned towards the car.He couldn't look at Xander too scared what he might see in the boys eyes. No Goodbyes were best.

Like lightening Angel whipped a baseball bat from underneath his duster and swung it at Spikes head. Xander had just enough time to call out a warning , Spike turned just as the wood collided with a sickening wet thud against his temple. One shuddering look at Xander and he was unconscious at Angels feet.

Xander launched himself at the brunette vampire as Angel grinned eerily down at Spikes crumpled body .He ducked before Xander actually touched him , back handing the youth with one powerful arm. Xander sprawled at his feet, blood streamed down his face from the force of the blow. He felt dizzy as he peered frighteningly up at Angel .

Angel grabbed him roughly dragging him to his feet ..... with long , noisy licks to Xanders face he cleaned up the blood. Humming to himself as he plastered the boys tight body against his and squeezed Xanders groin viciously through the denim.

'' Nice look on you Xan..... all that black, tight material... shows off every delicious little curve , Iám so going to enjoy taking you '' Pressing his hard erection into the boys struggling body.

Xanders heart nearly gave out with the strain....This wasn't happening ...he was shaking with blind panic '' Oh god '' he whispered .

Angel just grinned at him insanely licking his lips of Xanders blood " Oh yes ..... your mine NOW ''

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

Part Eleven

Xander stirred , his eyes fluttered open to squint up into the face of Angel who was hovering above him. Angel was here ?. He was momentarily confused and then everything came rushing back. Angel hitting Spike over the head, his awful icy hands pressing intimately into his body, those possessive words spilling from Angels mouth .... dripping with sexual intent .

Fear flooded his brain and he let his eyes close tightly . Yes... block out the devil standing over you ...that'll work.

Xander took a deep breath to calm himself , a whisper of cool flesh ghosted across his cheek. His eyes wide as he recoiled away from those fingers that were suspended above him. Powerful deadly fingers the weapons of his imminent death . Xanders eyes followed the length of the hand, along an arm and continued upwards till he reached that face. Some said he resembled an Angel (this vampire) but this was one human who knew better.

" Angelus " murmured Xander as he attempted to sit up. His face throbbed from the gash Angel had made across his cheek .

The vampire had moved away from him to open up the back of the van . He turned casually to glance at Xander , an easy smirk graced his features.

He grinned at the boy obvious pain. " If it makes you more comfortable .... call me Angelus '' and he shifted back to heave a large parcel from the back seat over his shoulder.

Xander was having trouble breathing again .... NOT Angelus .... what does he mean , call me Angelus? My god is that a body ?

'' Whats that '' he stammered.

Angel tsked , shaking a finger in his direction , grinning from ear to ear .

'' Hold your horses.... its a Surprise '' he lay the body draped in plastic on the sand at Xanders feet. Who in turn took a involuntary step backwards .

Terror wrenched its way through his body.... he wanted nothing more than to scream and scream. Xander didn't want to know who it was... Buffy... Willow ....Cordelia .... Oh god ... NO !!!! this just isn't happening .

Angel sighed with over exaggeration and barely repressed glee that positively sizzled just under his skin . Added with those waves of terror from the boy almost made him swoon with joy. He unwrapped his present with a careful hand , peeling back the plastic to reveal the body to the moonlight.

Xander squinted his eyes closed when Angel unwrapped the final layer. Face this Xan !! His inner voice called to him . Give your friend some dignity .... swear you will not let this death go unpunished somehow you will avenge the death of ....................

Xander leaned forward over the body a frown on his face.

'' Who's that ? ''

Angel shrugged '' Don't know , but I searched all day for him and I can tell you it wasn't easy , in the sun and all , nearly got myself toasted several times... but it was worth it , don't you think ? "

Xander peered up at him , clearly confused " ahhhh I guess ''

Angel bent over the body , picking off lint from the dead mans jumper , gently straightening out his clothes .

'' Looks a bit like you , same build , same chocolate coloured hair , about your age ...so very perfect ''

Xander was really really confused now .... he was thinking kinky sex games with him , Angel and this dead guy and the scenario was absolutely freaking him out .

Angel beamed at Xander who was slowly backing away from him . Angel stretched and stepped over the body as he wandered over to the boy , thrusting his hips forward as he walked ,a lascivious grin graced his lips.

'' Hmmm .... I guess I should explain ''

'' That would be nice '' Xander increased his pace when Angel licked his lips , one hand trailed down his chest seductively to cup his own groin through his leather pants. Xander walked backwards so that the vampire was in his sights at all times.

'' Hes a decoy .... a red herring '' he purred at Xander , flashing him a predatory smile.

'' A decoy ? ''

Xander had been backed up against the side of the Desoto , next to the unmoving body of Spike. He almost forgot the horny vampire stalking him as his eyes wandered over Spikes lifeless form. He wasn't dust ..so he couldn't be dead . Xander was so very thankful for that. Angel sensed his distress at Spikes condition.

'' Something between you and my childe , isn't there ? '' Angel grabbed him harshly by the chin . He insinuated a leg between Xanders thighs as he plastered himself against the boy. Pushing his hips into Xanders for emphasis . Grabbing Xanders face with both hands ...he gently tilted the boys head back till he lay back against the cold metal of the cars roof. With a primal roar of unquestionable desire his human visage fell away , ridges hooded golden eyes and fangs slashed deeply into soft warm skin. Xander screamed hoarsely , flailing his arms to try and push Angel away from him . Angel withdrew his fangs and licked at the small wound till the blood ceased to flow.

'' Just a small taste '' Angel smiled dreamily. He could sense in Xanders blood that he had not been taken by his childe....anything else there was irrelevant. Angel stepped back , and Xander uneasily slid around him , he started to bend down to look at Spike .

'' Get back , don't you dare touch him '' Angel growled in his ear , the vampire dragged him away from Spikes crumpled form and back towards the van before he released him. Xander fell into the sand , he refused to look at Angel.

'' It would never have lasted , he may have cared for you for awhile but in the end your still food ''

Xander glared daggers at Angel . The vampire leered back.

'' Oh stop that !!! Your turning me on Harris ...and theres so much to do and so little time in which to do it ........ * striding towards him * But if you insist , a quick one maybe , dying to thrust my cock into all that tight heat '' .

Xander quickly pulled himself to his feet and stumbled backwards '' You'll be dying alright '' he mumbled at the vampire .

Angel just threw back his head and laughed loudly. '' Oh Xan ..... not yet , but you maybe " he flashed his yellow eyes at the boy.

Xander gulped but didn't let his eyes waver from the vampire. Angel sighed and let it go for now. He leaned over the dead man once more as he began to talk.

'' My brilliant plan is to place this man in Spikes car and set it and the car on fire ..... when Buffy turns up eventually * he peers up at the boy and winks at him* all that will be left will be a crispy burnt human ....who of course they will think is you "

Oh god . They would think it was me. Angel could do anything to me and they would never even think of rescuing me because I would already be dead in their minds. But what about Spike ? He'll wake up eventually. What will happen to him ?... He would look for me , wouldn't he? , He would tell Buffy?.

She would probably stake him before he said a word. She wouldn't believe him anyway .Not Spikes word over her beloved Angel. Oh God Angel must know that.

'' What about Spike ? ''

Angel glared over at his childe's unconscious body '' What about him .... he'll be dead . I'm going to lay his body out there in the sand so when the sun rises in an hour he'll become dust ''

Xander looked horrified '' You can't do that ...he hes your blood , You created him ''

Angel snarled '' Yes ..well I'm un-creating him . He knew you were mine when he took you , he made that stupid fatal mistake and he now pays the consequences for that oversight ''

Xander closed his eyes , tears streamed down his face '' I'll never be yours '' he whispered.

Angel wrapped the boy in his arms as he gently licked at the boys tears '' You were born to be mine Xander , its your calling in life ... If Spikes lucky he'll never awaken and his death shall be quick and painless ... that I can offer him ".

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

Part Twelve

Spikes entire body started to spasm , a full body shake that radiated from his toes up to his head. He was mewling and screeching in frightening bursts of animalistic sound. The sand around him flew into the air as if disturbed by the wail of this creatures agony.

The vampires eyes instantly opened wide , only to be engulfed in bright gold as the demon came to the fore. Spike painstakingly leaned forward till he was sitting , his knees bent , his arms ferociously hugging his knees to himself , head resting on his legs.

Someone had bloody well bashed him over the head. Definitely his Sire!! . It wasn't the whelp, no way would he have been that callous. No Angel had crushed the side of his head and left him to die . Bastard . Okay, so why was he even surprised by this .... although it just didn't seem like a 'soulboy' thing to do . Angel threatened him plenty of times and there was always alot of posturing from his Sire ..but never any real attempt to end his unlife.

Getting up on shaky legs, he knew he had lost alot of blood. Then the smell hit him .... the scent of burnt flesh , he started to run towards the smell.

Over a small dune and there it was. His Car , the Desoto ...thick dark smoke poured out of the windows but it was practically a burnt out shell. He came closer to investigate the human scent of burnt flesh , when he noticed the sun out of the corner of his eyes. He pivoted towards the first rays , seconds past and he remained frozen to the spot watching the beauty ....knowing his final death was so very close now , it was a strange relief to know it was all ending .

Then the human scent wafted through his mind,waking him from the spell the sun was casting over him. Not Xander... its Not Xander ....No time to think....must get out of the sun . He scrambled away from the car .... Must hide .... must hide .....oh no.... nothing but sand ...panic set in and he had never been so terrified as he was at this minute .... the peace in near death he had felt only moments ago had turned into a fully fledged nightmare ....because he knew with unwavering clarity that Angelus had Xander .

''Xander'' he whispered. Unbelievable heartbreak wrenched deep inside him , to think he wouldn't be able to save the boy from his Sire. Spike lost his footing and tumbled down a sand dune ....he ended up splayed at the bottom as the sun inched its way higher .... so close to him now.... nearly over ...

NO.... not going to happen. On hands and knees he desperately clawed at the sand as it sunk in between his fingers ..............

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

The sun had dragged across the sky. Buffy wasn't even sure she was even going in the right direction anymore. Could she track Angel properly inside a car. She felt a slight buzz of vampire awareness up ahead and its what kept her driving forward, but what if she couldn't get there in time to save Xander or Spike.

Damn...if hes hurt Xander in anyway ...it would be her privilege to kill the blonde nuisance...but Angel well he'd probably kill him just because he can and because Spikes evil and chipless and he better not harm a hair on Xanders head .

Giles had attempted to coerce , bribe and even wrestle Buffy for control of the car. She stubbornly refused ,she needed her mind to be focused on more than just sitting there twiddling her thumbs. Slayers just didn't know how to stay still.

The day past ....and then night came . Everyone in the car was getting antsy . Buffy had only dared stop to fill gas in the tank and hurtle some snacks in the back seat...just so the rest of them would shut up and leave her to stew. She was stewing and fretting every fifteen over whether Angel had turned left or right at this junction,or if he went up hill ,down hill , around the hill...under the hill ...through the damn fucking thing.

Frustrated and way beyond pissed off , her hands gripping the steering wheel so tight it was definitely going to leave little indentations from her fingers. Rounding a bend , she smelt the stench of something burning before she actually saw it. A car just up ahead , parked some what off the road ...on fire.

As they neared the vehicle Giles recognized it. '' Thats Spikes car, his Desoto ...I'm sure of it ''

Buffy gave her Watcher a scared look. She veered off the road to drive across parched desert ...stopping and not waiting for the others she stepped from the car and walked determinedly towards the smouldering wreckage.

It was definitely Spikes car ....then she saw it. A blackened body in the front passenger seat ...it had to be human ...it hadn't exploded in to ash ..... it had to be Xander.

One step , two, three steps back from the car and she sunk to her knees. No sound , no tears streamed down her face ... just an all consuming ache in her chest , her body numb it just neglected to breath. Her face pressed into her hands .....she heard Cordelia and Willow and Giles move past her to survey the wreck .....she heard the gasp....the screams...the sobbing .... but it just didn't register . Strong arms came around her shoulders .... wet tears pressed into neck .......

All there was ...was.. Blame.... hers.... her doing that he was dead. She had led him to this short life. Because she was the slayer , she wasn't supposed to have friends. This was her fight , she didn't have a choice ...they did.

There was a thrumming ...a buzzing....Demon....Vampire....

SPIKE!!!!!!!

Goddamn it he was still alive .

She started to sprint in the direction , her senses were screaming at her to stop. At the edge of a dune she stopped, surveying the entire area she could see nothing. But she knew he was down there...somewhere and she would find him.

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

Part Thirteen

Buffy stood panting on the perimeter of the sand dune.

Sliding on to her bottom she slowly made her way down the steep side of the dune. She switched directions slightly as she descended ....the sand was so loose under her fingers. She would have to take it carefully or she could easily bury herself in an avalanche of sand.

At the bottom Buffy turned to her left , every nerve ending twitched its warning bell at her. Spike was close . He must have buried himself . She stopped moments later over the hot spot and bent over the sand , the sun at her back she effectively blocked the suns rays with her body. The place Buffy started to dig with her hands was shrouded in shadow.

He wasn't very deeply buried ......hell if there had been a decent breeze he most probably would be dust by now, there was still time!.

She brushed the sand back from his face. She almost stepped back when she saw the side of his head had been caved in...but thought better of it. Seeing him there even if he was motionless and injured ...just made her so angry when her friend was dead...but she had questions to be answered. A whole lot of cloudless bright sky lay waiting there for him afterwards,when she was satisfied with the answers.

'' Spike ? ''

His eyes remained closed but he managed to rasp out '' Buffy ? .... Kill me please ''

'' You killed him?....you bastard ..and I trusted you '' silent tears slipped down her cheeks.

'' Angel took Xander ... its my fault though ...just kill me ....do your job slayer!! '' the last bit almost reminded her of the old Spike. Not this broken and dying creature who lay before her.

" No.!!! Xanders body lies burning in your car ... but you know that " she whispered to him

Spike opened his eyes... small sliver of hope shone in those blue depths. '' Thats not Xander in my car.... I woke up after being hit over the head by my bleed'in Sire ...and I saw the car and the body but its not Xander... I know it isn't him....I don't know who it is ...but its not him . ''

'' Its not Xander? " she looked doubtful but she so badly wanted to believe him.

'' I know you don't want to know this..but '' Spike looked up to her...knowing this was the defining moment , the moment that either signed his death warrant or changed there relationship forever.

''but ....''

''Angelus took Xan ...hes always wanted him...he used to plan in detail what he would do to the boy ..He wanted to turn him and have him slaughter the rest of you and basically take over the hellmouth and then...... ''

''Enough.....'' she screamed at him . She didn't want to make sense of this. Angelus back? How...?

"How did he become Angelus again? "

" I honestly don't know ''

Just then there were shouts from above and three familiar faces poked their heads over the edge of the dune.

'' Buffy , are you alright ? ''

'' Yes. Giles can you grab all the blankets from the car and come back here ''

'' Whats going on ? " Giles was furious...seems Ripper wanted a piece of the vampire.

'' We need Spikes help to track down Angelus and Xander ''

Collective gasps from above and it was Willow who spoke

'' Angelus?...how? We were only with him a day ago , how did he lose his soul so quickly ?.You can't trust anything that comes out of his mouth ...He kidnapped Xan , drained him and then tried to burn the evidence , Besides hes turned on us before Buffy ............"

The entire conversation Buffy watched Spike intently ...she had made her decision.

'' I trust him .... Will ...... He will help us track Angelus ''

Spike didn't think he could be more stunned .

'' Thank you Buffy '' he whispered.

'' Welcome ... Do you think you can stand ? ''

'' Doubt it Pet. Lost too much Blood ....Don't suppose you bought any baggies with you? ''

She gave him a small smile '' No but...I got something better '' and she offered her wrist to him.

Spike blinked up at her thoughly confused '' Helluva good of you to offer...but the chip ! ''

Buffy stared unblinking into his eyes for several seconds before she whispered. '' I know you don't have the chip anymore ''

Spike was wrong.... this was the defining moment... the most craziest mixed up ,god damndest weird ass moment ever... Buffy, The Slayer was offering him her blood ....to him.... the Big Bad ...with no chip to stop him from killing her.

Before he could contemplate the magnitude of that offer , she had whipped out a stake from her waistband , his eyes grew wide, she had changed her mind. Spike watched in fascination as she dragged the sharp end across her wrist.....the blood flowed immediately as it dripped on to Spikes dry lips ....his demon came to the fore. The sand parted next to her thigh and one powerful hand latched onto her wrist drawing her closer to his mouth. Fangs pierced her soft skin, Buffy drew in a quick breath as the agony swept her body, it was replaced with his sucking on her blood hungrily and a small smile of satisfaction came to her lips just before she began to feel slightly dizzy.

Then it was over........... and he was peering innocently up at Buffy with her blood painting his lips. She felt sleepy but somehow even more trusting of him now that she had given him her blood to save him. A dreamy smile flickered over her face before she shook her head violently to wake herself up.

"Ummm Sorry , got a little over exuberant , been awhile since I had Slayer blood '' he smiled cheekily at her.

She didn't answer...just watched the deep wound in his head start to repair itself.

'' Powerful blood you have Buffy... Slayer blood is Deeelicciooouuuss !! ''

She just gave him a small laugh for his bastardization of a Scoobie Doobie Doo line.

Giles and Cordelia arrived with a handful of blankets between them. Giles saw the entry wounds of the fangs in Buffy's wrists but said nothing. Cordelia looked like she wanted to throw Buffy aside and have the sun destroy Spike... but nothing happened . They bent over the vampire and proceeded to wrap him up in the blankets. All of them knew in this position anyone of them could kill Spike ...but nothing was said and nothing happened as the three of them struggled up the dune and towards Willow who was sitting in the car, not looking in there direction.

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

Part Fourteen

Xander awoke with a start , he had been dreaming that he was being choked by Angelus. Xander lifted his hand to wipe his sweat soaked locks away from his eyes but ,found he couldn't move his hand.

Soft deep laughter tickled his ear,he flinched as he instantly recognized it . Xander tried to fold his body into a fetal position but, found he couldn't move his feet either.

A match was struck , the flames glow shimmered across the face of his captor. Angel..Angelus it was all the same to him. The vampire lit a series of candles dotted around the room. A sumptuous bedroom decorated with thick red wine coloured velvet drapes, four poster bed entwined in fine black lace...which he was tied too... bookshelves full of old dusty books.... ancient marble writing desk , tapestry padded chairs .....so beautiful to be seen as unreal up against the reality of the Cheshire cat grinning vampire ...with just as many wicked teeth, staring at him.

'' Angelus '' Xander hissed at the vampire.

A grin plastered across the vampires features. he slid onto the bed next to Xander , he reached a hand out to the boy to absentmindedly glide his fingers across Xanders bare skin. Yep...he was naked again...bound hand and foot again...and again he was faced with the hungry eyes of a predator. Except ....this was so much worse ........this time there was no chance of ever being saved ....and it was Angelus he would be a fool not to be terrified out of his mind ,the man lived for torture.

Angelus watched his hand dip into the small hollow between the top of the thigh and the pubic area... all those thick wiry curls... he was itching to comb his needy fingers through them. He felt the blood sing just below a thin layer of skin. A small taste test was called for about now. It had been hours of driving and not taking that had fueled his need into a raging inferno. No!!! Must savor him .... don't want make him scream till I've stoked the flames a little.

Angelus went back to stroking that warm flank infront of him, he tucked his deeper desires away for now .

'' Guess theres plenty of time for other stuff ..... seems its story time now ''

Xander was but a little relieved to know his torture and rape had a tiny reprieve . Angel as if sensing Xander lessen the knot of fear in his stomach ...wrapped one large hand around his cock and pulled it sharply. Rubbing his thumb roughly against the veins on the underside and up over the tip. Digging his nails threateningly just around the rim .... Xander highly sensitive there shot his pelvis off the bed in protest. The vampire had an cruel smile twitching on his lips. Fear and loathing in equal amounts pelted off the boy and onto Angelus . Can't be a bad day for a vampire when you get this reaction from your future mate.

'' on with the story now '' he went back to stroking Xanders thigh, happy in the knowledge that his boy was hyper aware of his every move and the wave of dread just made it all that much sweeter.

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

Spike was sitting between the pissed off cheerleader and an even angrier Ripper. His unlife wasn't looking very good. At least he had the slayer on his side. It was her honey that he told her nabbed Xander ....the fact that he was still alive amazed and shook him to the core, let alone even contemplate the reasons for giving him freely her blood to heal him. Truly a bizarre set of events, maybe he would wake up in his crypt to find it all a impossible dream. What he would give for that to be so ...for Xander to be safe.

Spike tried hard to concentrate on following his sires scent and not to wallow in the hatred the two humans were firing into his skull. He had an idea.. it was mean and evil *shrugged* but thats what he was.

Concentrating on the back of the slayers head for courage he inquired

'' Buffy , you know I lost the chip but did you know exactly how that happened? ''

He gave a quick glare to Red ...he could see her back stiffen but she said nothing.

Buffy's eyes never left the road ahead... thank god for no traffic cops because she would have mowed them over and kept going. Nothing was going to stop her now. '' No..but I'm guessing your going to tell us ...just spare us the gruesome details ''

'' Alas nothing gruesome unless you call betrayal gruesome '' he flickered his eyes in Willows direction..nothing she was holding out , betting he wouldn't tell them.

'' Betrayal ? ..okay Spike I'm biting ''

'' Oh really because i would just love that pet '' he leered at her. she snorted as she rolled her eyes at him through the rearview mirror .

'' Seriously though .... This is going to be another one of those....you are not going to like the answer stories ''

'' Oh for gods sake just tell us , so you can fucking shut up . Buffy may trust you but I'd rather wind this window down and see you take your chances '' Ripper growled at him .

Ignoring the watcher , Spike turned to glare hard at the back of Willows head. Daring her to tell them first...and knowing she never would.

" Red .... was the one who got the chip out of my head ''

There was a scream of brakes. The car came to fullstop. Buffy spun around in her seat . '' What did you say ? ''

Spike looked at her, saddened momentarily that he was the one to destroy a six year friendship ....but he had to tell her the truth , no matter the painful result.

'' Hes a liar .... hes an evil piece of shit ....how dare you tell her absolute lies ..take it back ''

He roared at Willow '' How dare you ..theres nothing to take back ''

Seems Willows outburst had totally shaken Ripper right out of The Watcher because he turned back into his shocked , and stuttering self '' Willow you didn't? Why would you ? '' he rubbed his glasses, force of habit rather than them actually being dirty.

Buffy just looked at Willow in disgust and betrayal. She squinted her eyes and turned to look back at Spike . " Why would Willow do that? ''

Spike was embarrassed but he had told himself that he would tell the truth ...so he will. '' She wanted to sleep with me ....sex........''

Willow yanked the door open .... '' I can't believe you people were my friends. You choose an evil vampires word over mine. I'll walk , find my own way home thank you. '' and she stormed from the car.

Spike flinched back from the remaining sunlight that flooded in the door. He dived under his blankets, hugging them closer to his body. Buffy stared after her friends retreating back. Closing her eyes for a minute to regain some of her strength , she turned the engine over , floored the accelerator and left her former friend in the dust.

Willow turned around to see the car disappear around the corner. Digging her hand into a pocket she dragged out her cell phone. Number One on her speed dial. She waited for an answer to the incessant ringing , kicking at a stone viciously.

'' Hello ? ''

'' There coming...there close ''

She hung up , placed the phone back in her bag and started to walk in the same direction as Buffy and the rest of them.... a sly smile lit her innocent complexion.

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

Part Fifteen

Angelus placed the cell phone on his marble desk. Turned and looking somewhat annoyed. His plans were being systematically squished by the slayer and her persistent band of do-gooders.Damn ...and he had so wanted to play for awhile....oh well ..Cie La Vie !!!

The vampires lips curled into a wicked grin as he watched his boy from across the room. His tongue flickered over those lips .... the thought of what to come was causing him to have a severe erection problem. A problem so easily solved ..hmmmmmm.....

'' Time is a wasting ..... and I so want to taste you now '' running fingers through his hair , he stretched and proceeded to unbutton his tight leather pants. Desperate to be free ..his cock bobbed to attention. Angelus stroked the thick firm meat in his large hand, all the while his eyes never left Xander. Long languid caresses from base to tip ....smiling at the fact that Xander couldn't keep his eyes off him .... Oh god he was so very very excited.

Ahhhh and there was an abundance of fear... so delicious coming off his mate . He sauntered forward....towards Xander , in seconds he had positioned himself beside the bed. Wrapping an arm around a railing of the four poster bed he hoisted his naked body into a standing position on the bed. Arms thrust up to the ceiling his fingers trailed in an ancient web of lace entwined across the tops of the posts. Suddenly Angelus grasped the lace in his fist , swirling the fragile material in his hand he ripped it from its ties.

The bed dipped and bounced as he positioned his body over Xander. The boy remained strapped down to all four posts ...his legs were spread apart ,his eyes wide, heartbeat wild with terror ,his lips quivered with silent pleas for quick death.

Xander knew what was going to happen, he wasn't stupid it wasn't like the vampire hadn't telegraphed his intentions from the start. Now.... that it was happening, I guess he thought it would never come to that part. Angelus had told him the story and he was rather desperate to discuss this with him.

" So... ummm you haven't been Angel since coming back from Hell ? ''

Angel smirked at him .... knowing the boy was stalling, admired him for the try....but nothing was going to stop him from taking this morsel spread eagled before him.

" Angel....Angelus... what does it matter. If you want to get all technical that would be correct ''

'' I don't believe you... I mean you would have firstly murdered us all...Buffy's death was all you could talk about last time ''

'' Well I kinda tried that ....and besides as I've already told you , I was bored.... every hundred or so years I've got to spice up my routine...can't have people thinking I'm predictable .... Oh hes bad , big on the torture thing, the stalking thing, drive them insane gig... kill everything in sight ... I mean i was thoughly bored with my image- its all been done before. Needed to try something fresh and do the I'm soooo very virtuous it hurts to be me fixation. I mean I did help alot of people...its beside the point that I ate them after it was all over. The pretense , the restraint ..now that was something to behold''

Angelus let the lace trail over Xanders chest in the lightest