Xander had been sitting, curled up on his sofa for hours staring at the TV flickering in front of him. Occasionally the voices from the television penetrated his brain 'would you like to have beautiful, more touchable skin...total gym gives you a faster workout for a fraction of the time...turbo tiger it sucks... ' but mainly it was just static. He refused to shed another tear as his white knuckled fist clutched at the letter in his right hand. Leaning into the giant stuffed Winnie the Pooh that Will had bought him recently. Pressing his nose into all that dazzling yellow fur he took comfort from the plump softness of the toy. She could seriously fuck up and almost send this world down the gurgler, but he would always love his Will's. This thank you gift meant the world to him. She still remembered his childhood obsession with the bear and felt he needed some hugs from the one naked male that would never let him down.

Closing his eyes he rubbed his face into the fur, relishing the gentle caress... his right hand crushing the letter into a plaything for the long neglected Miss Kitty Fantastico. The letter spoke of regret and that was one subject Xander knew all too well.

Stretching long limbs, he finally stood up from the cocoon of blankets he'd been nesting in. Xander stumbled, grimacing at the pins'n'needles making itself known in his right foot. He limped one step and turned to watch Pooh nose dive into the carpet. Scooping him up with a smile, he carried the bear into the bedroom and threw him on the unmade bed.

Flexing his foot to ease the pain, he sat on the floor arranging more clothes into a pile. He had already started packing yesterday, but the letters arrival had distracted him. The pain of reading Giles carefully chosen words, their meaning devoid of any emotion. His dismissal and goddamn regret that had positively oozed off the crisp white counsel paper. That impeccable script that choked the tiny spark that had been lit, just by recognizing the sender. Whatever had been... was now over.

Placing the clothes in the suitcase he zipped up and wandered off to the bathroom to shower. Twenty minutes later he forced himself to leave the warm haven to dress and hunt down his companion.

Xander had taken a weeks vacation off work and he intended for once to use his time wisely. Pick up Spike from the bowels of Sunnydale High and drag him screaming to LA and Angel. There was not a chance in hell Spike was going to come willingly, so he had brought a leash and a water blaster filled with holy water for added incentive. Ridiculous props, but they had made him laugh and he had needed that. Besides... they may just work.

Parking the company car in the empty teachers lot, he used his keys to open the staff entrance to Sunnydale High. Passing the darkened classrooms he made his way to the basement door. He could hear the soft whir of an industrial polisher somewhere down the corridor. Selecting the correct key he turned the lock, fumbling for the light switch. This was the one area of the school that gave him the creeps, it was a virtual maze of dead ends. Obviously the Hellmouth had claimed this as it's domain...honestly he was an idiot for coming down here, alone. It was very possible that the Hellmouth would try and stop him from nabbing Spike, but for some reason the fear was having the opposite effect on him...it only made him more determined.

Fifteen minutes of opening and shutting doors to no avail. Turning from yet another dead end he walked smack into the insane vampire. Spike quickly ducked his head and flinched away from Xander's touch. " Excuse me, but It's simply not allowed. You must be presented with an invitation before entering... " he abruptly stopped, his eyes wide with fear, shivering he shrank back into the gloom. " I know why you're here " he whispered. Xander could see Spike's eyes in the shadow, it was all he could see of the vampire. He inched forward and the eyes suddenly vanished, he heard the crash of a body backing into the wire mesh fencing of the cages that lined the wall behind him.

Blindly he reached out his hand, closing his fist around the cotton of Spike's shirt, he yanked the vampire to him. " I'm not going, I won't, he'll only stake me and I can't face him like this, not like this... " Spike wailed, the weight of his remorse was imprinted on every inch of his skin. Xander felt the pity well up inside him and he shoved it back down angrily. " Too bad Spike because right now I have an itch to see Angel and I've decided you're coming with me. Not only do you need family right now, you need Angel more than I do. You're a borderline psychotic and there's only one other demon that can relate...if you weren't so stubborn and proud you would agree with me."

Spike shook off Xander's hands and stood directly under the overhead bulb, glaring at the man before him. " Oh really, you know so much about me and what I need " he scoffed. His eyes flickered over Xander...as if he was sizing him up and finding him seriously lacking.

" How do you intend to persuade me to come with you ? "

Xander grinned at the vampire, his white teeth gleamed in the harsh lighting from above. Reaching into his jacket he brought out the long silver chain from his pocket, it dangled from his fingers, swinging like a pendulum, mesmerizing the vampire before him. Next he brought out the thick leather dog collar adorned with tiny silver spikes ( He just had to have that while walking past a pet shop, it screamed 'Spike').

Spike's eyebrows rose at the implication " Xan, I never knew you had it in you "

Xander looked away from the devilish glint in Spike's eyes, he almost preferred him when he was barely lucid. Spike was now laughing at him " Aren't you the naughty boy, oh I'm wondering how long you have been wanking off to this scenario "

Xander took out his final prop, his brightly coloured 'super soaker'. Spike's laughter died in his throat at seeing it. He glanced at Xander before being drawn back to the gun clasped in a firm grip. Xander fastened the collar to the chain and slung it over his shoulder before taking the water gun in both hands and aiming it at Spike's head. With one hand he pumped the gun full of air, the pressure building as his hands slid up and down the barrel, slow and even, filling the chamber. Spike's mouth fell open and Xander was pleased at the reaction...he must be aware that the gun was full of holy water and there was nowhere to run. The release of this baby was incredible, long range and to the vampire...deadly fast.

Spike just crumbled, the entire basement rang with his laughter as he clutched at his chest wildly. "Oh god Xander, stop it you're killing me " he braced himself against the concrete wall as he cracked up anew just by looking at Xander's expression. That confused look, so innocent...the boy had no idea of the very suggestion of his performance... Oh he hadn't laughed this hard in a good while. The release was freeing and he was finding it very difficult to stop. 

" Oh please, please...I'll go with you, anywhere you like, just put that dick back in your trousers, you're making me hard just aiming it at me you sadistic boy "

Xander finally bought a clue and dropped the weapon as if had scorched him. When Spike still hadn't calmed down, he glared threateningly at the vampire...that only had the effect of making Spike laugh harder.

Xander gave up and started to prod at the vampire " Lets go Spike. "

Spike squirmed out of his reach. " Oi, no touching " he scowled at the Scooby, backing away from him.

Xander held up the leash " Do I have to use this ? "

Spike smirked back at him " You have a muzzle pet, you know I have a tendency to bite "

Xander raised an eyebrow in a perfect imitation of the blonde vamp " Oh I don't know Spike, I think you're already set there...what with the chip'n all. "

Spike growled.

" What no bark ? "

" Sod off wanker " he spat

Xander grinned, trailing behind Spike as the vampire led the way out of the basement. Once they got to the main school corridor Xander took over the lead, keeping a wary eye on the vampire sauntering along beside him.

Spike's eyes slid hotly over the tight arse swaying before him. Xander had really filled out recently, all that construction work was good for the body.

Once outside the school Xander pressed a little button on his key ring, a sharp beep and the doors automatically unlocked as the cars alarm disengaged.

Spike was impressed. "Well look whose got the swanky new wheels then"

Xander grinned despite how annoyed he was with Spike's teasing. " Perk of the job. " and he let Spike pass so that he could get into the vehicle. Xander was a little hurt when Spike chose the back seat for the journey. His reaction did not pass unnoticed " I have to get some sleep luv, need all the bloody strength I got left if I have to face him "

Xander nodded his understanding, then turned to start the engine. Creeping forward he kept the headlights off till he had cleared the school grounds...he wasn't sure why, it just felt like the wisest thing to do. The drive from Sunnydale to Los Angeles turned out to be a silent one. He had been tempted to turn around and look to see if Spike was really asleep, but he resisted. Using Willow's scribbled instructions he made his way across town to the Hyperion Hotel.

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Part Two

He had been parked outside the Hyperion for a good ten minutes and counting. Xander was certain Spike was awake, although the vampire wasn't talking...he just had this distinct impression that he was being watched. Maybe in the two hours of mind numbing silence from Sunnydale to L.A...he had forgotten how to use his tongue. Okay that was doubtful, but still he considered it...if anything, the thought was a way to pass the time while he regrouped his initial reasons for driving here in the first place.

He was here for Spike...because Spike needed his kin, his daddy...or whatever Angel was for the vamp. Xander had no intention of thinking too much about that relationship. Hell no...not when his own relationship with the man was just as volatile. Spike was his excuse, his reason for turning up at the Hyperion...because honestly the real reason was too pathetic.

Giles had left him for the second time, opting to go back to working for the counsel then be with him. The heartbreak had lessened, but only because he had concentrated all his thoughts on Angel. Why Angel? He was Xander's first major crush which sounds incredibly naive because what the hell did he think Angel was going to do about it. Nothing...absolutely nothing. Why would he? Xander meant nothing to him, but this annoying teenager who bumbled around pissing him off. To Angel he was that pesky little mosquito, droning in his ear...mildly irritating, but not enough to bother with.

What exactly did he think he was going to say 'Oh hi Angel...how's it been? Mind if I move in and oh, I have this major boner every night when I think of you. You don't know how much it would mean for me to chain myself to your bed and rub up against you while you're asleep...you know just for the gosh-darn-thrill-of-it.'

Xander sighed, whispering to himself " Oh yeah Harris you are a classic case, an oversexed would be predator " with a final glance at his reflection he turned in his seat to face Spike. A vampire who was wide awake and watching him with interest...a smirk on his face. "Damn" Xander mouthed, his eyes dropping to the plush deep blue of his drivers seat cover.

" Right, so are we going to leave this car anytime soon...because as much as I'm enjoying the insight into the mysteries that is Xander Harris, I kinda want to get this over and done with. Things to do, people to... " he stopped. He was channelling a vamp that didn't exist any longer and even more horrific than that...he'd actually let Harris drag him here to the one place he would never be welcome. Oh yeah...he was 'Whipped'.

The drivers side door slammed shut before he even realized that Xander was no longer with him. "Bloody cheek..." he hissed before sliding across to open the door closest to the pavement. Two hours watching Xander constantly fidget he was almost glad to be finally in L.A. He stretched, running his palms down his thigh's to somehow will the creases out of his jeans. Fingers smoothed over his chest, pulling at the taut material as if it wasn't a perfect imitation of a second skin without his help. Once he had hurriedly dragged a hand through his blonde locks, he closed the passenger door and went after the annoying Scoobie. Spike moved with an illusion of calm so flawless that even he was fooled. Sidestepping around Xander he pushed open the main lobby doors and entered Angel's domain.

Spike squelched the urge to yell 'honey I'm home'...oh, but it was tempting, would so rile Peaches. Although Angel's scent permeated the lobby, he couldn't sense the man nearby. Probably out saving the world per usual...damn him, he really didn't want to wait...he needed this part over with. As Spike moved down the steps to the main floor, he could hear the door swing shut behind him. Immediately Xander's scent mingled with Angel's...he had to grin, the boy had no idea how much they complimented each other. 

Reaching the reception area Spike went to lean over the edge of the desk, when Gunn and Fred came out of the back office. Gunn seemed immediately edgy " I'm sorry man, but Angel Investigations is temporarily closed " his eyes never left Spike.

Spike took a step towards the bald man, but thought better of it and turned to look at Xander instead. Since it seemed that the boy was not going to add anything useful to the conversation...he guessed it was up to him.

" Closed you say. Why? Where's Angel ? Is he brooding off in one of these here rooms? " Spike moved towards the stairs then spun to face Gunn " How many rooms are there exactly? Nevermind. It's important we speak to him "

Before Gunn could answer, Fred had made a move towards Spike " Angel is not here at the moment, he should be back very soon though. Can I..." but before she could finish those bewitching eyes swung towards her and rendered her silent.

" Can you... help? Is that what you were going to say? " his voice like silk as he moved to face the young women. Fred could only mutely nod as an answer to his question. Spike was enjoying this way too much to pay attention to the fear he read in her expression. Not when the air was breathlessly alive with restrained tension. Gunn was holding back and Spike could scent the need to unleash hell off every pore of that body. He itched to give the man an outlet, it wasn't healthy to bottle up that much rage...besides he was spoiling for a fight and Angel wasn't about to satisfy that particular call.

So he turned on the charm and baited his hook.

In one smooth movement he was there at Fred's side...holding out his hand to her. " I'm William, an old friend of Angel's. Is he alright, nothings wrong I hope ? " He could have gagged at his own stellar performance.

Fred immediately reacted in the way he'd hoped... by leaning towards him and grasping his hand firmly. " Oh no he's very well. " Her other hand closed over his, trapping his cool skin between her warm palms. " He has been under a lot of stress " Spike sensed that she was lying or perhaps it was her elevated heart beat and slightly clammy skin that gave her away.

" Angel's taken some time off to work out some personal issues " she frowned and closed her eyes briefly. Not even she believed a single word that had tumbled out of her own mouth and if the raised eyebrow was anything to go by...either did the man before her. Fred giggled nervously, her gaze darting to Xander and then lastly too Gunn.

Gunn finally snapped when Spike placed his other hand over hers and stroked his thumb over her knuckles. He moved to confront Spike and it was with an elegant fluidity that he took hold of Fred's arm and swung her protectively behind him. Such a graceful shifting of feet akin to that of a trained dancer, for he had successfully manoeuvred Spike away from the women he obviously adored and the vamp was sufficiently awed by the performance, that he had yet to retaliate.

Xander was impressed and had an urge to laugh, but he didn't think it would be appreciated. Instead he stifled his amusement and came forward. Perhaps he should do the talking, Spike could never keep his big mouth shut...besides he was obviously spoiling for a fight and Gunn was that dangling carrot waving temptingly before him. Although technically Spike had strictly carnivorous appetite...oh eww, he had no intention of going there.

Coming between Spike and Gunn (effectively cutting off the glaring contest between the two) he introduced himself, hoping he could defuse the situation before they got physical. Images flashed seductively through his mind...goddamn it, what was going on with his brain today. It was with a forceful shout that he started to speak (he immediately got the attention of all) as he thrust his hand out toward one bald man, who now seemed to be considering him as the bigger threat.

"Xander Harris all the way from the gorgeous Hellmouth "

Gunn looked disdainfully at his out-stretched hand, no way was he shaking this dudes anything, not before he had a little more information.

"Donut boy, Scoobie, demon magnet extraordinaire '

More blanks looks and half a step backwards.

" Did Angel tell you guys anything about his life before L.A ? "

He got a pointed glare for that little comment.

" Nothing... not Sunnydale,  good friend of 'The Slayer' "

Xander grinned when he finally got a hint of recognition from both Gunn and Fred.

" Ahh... so he has told you about me " ever hopeful.

Gunn eased up on his retreat across the lobby to answer " I have no idea who the hell you are, but The Slayer I know of...chosen one, with the powers to slay the evil that lurks on every street corner..."

" You read comics huh ?..." Xander interrupted with a snort, eyebrow lifting in extreme amusement.

Gunn marched forward into Xander's personal space "What did you say ? " he scowled, his eyes flaring at Xander's comical expression.

Xander immediately sobered, his eyes flickered nervously to the floor before taking step back away from the man glaring down upon the top of his head " Sorry, bad joke " Damn, this was a tough audience, he'd only wanted to lighten up the conversation, but this guy needed to chill.

It was of course Spike that rescued the situation in his own unique way. At least the sub-zero temperature that had sliced through the air was rapidly dissolving, and the focus had whip lashed back to the man who definitely deserved that type of scorn.

" Hey, so baldy...who's the kid tied up in the office " he grinned at a pissed off Gunn that had spun around to face him, shocked at Spike's sudden appearance behind him. " Angel hasn't gone and swapped over to the other side has he ?" Spike hesitated for effect " Or have you... in his absence? "

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Part Three