Xander walked into that Scooby meeting feeling good...damn good. Life was sweet ... and juicy ...and well he just couldn't keep the smile off his face .

Construction had been a bust ...the manager was doing a little sneaky bookwork on the side...ran off, with all people ...Anya... (Xander had introduced her to his boss at the last Christmas Bash ....he should have known from the look that passed between them that something was up ...but of course ol'donut boy was the last to get a clue .... Anya and Blain ...yes you heard that correctly Blain *sounds like one of those god awful names they give daytime soap studs*. Seems my gal and my former boss met at the late night laundry ...got to know each other over lost socks entwined with black stockings . They fucked on that first night during the spin cycle. She masterminded the collapse of Morris and Sons Constructions . Took off with Blain to who knows where.

At the time he'd been right pissed ... crying on Willow and Taras shoulders for weeks on end . Then he did something Alexander Harris said he would never do again .... he up and drove to Los Angeles and begged , slobbered at the feet of his ex ... yep... Cordelia .... and she said yes (a girl can only wait for vampire for so long ,they may have eternity but she certainly didn't).

Xander had entered Angel Investigations knowing he would definitely be shot down by the cheerleader but a mans got to try anyway ...when she had said yes to his proposal of getting back together he had been momentarily stunned . Not quite as stunned though as it seemed Angel was... the man looked like he positively was going to faint (was that even possible...you know..no breath..fainting). Xander took his chances, while the crew were still speechless ,to take Cordelias hand and lead her away ...and back to Sunnydale.

The Xanman was ecstatic .... Cordy and him had arrived back a couple of hours ago .... they had talked and it had been great , they had changed ... perhaps they truly had grown up just a little in the couple of years they had been apart. Xander got a call in the middle of their first hot and heavy make-out session ...it was Will's inviting him to come to the scoobie meeting tonight ..8pm . Xander neglected to tell his childhood friend about Cordelia...he really wanted to do this infront of everyone at the meeting. That they were back together...and they were going to be living together also.....wow ... he even couldn't believe he had moved so fast .... living with someone.... lots of responsibility there. *gulp* yep.

An hour of talking with Will's on Kitty Fantastic and her daily adventures had nearly put Xander into a coma ...that was until a sleek, sculptured beauty in a black thong and her hands discreetly placed over her breasts shimmied up on the bed . Xander made his quick see you laters and licked his lips ..leering at his girl ...getting ready to pounce...

Brrrrring Brrrrrrring ...yep the phone .... Xander let the machine pick it up as he crawled up Cordys body .

" Xander Harris this is Stewart Michaelson ...we are so pleased to inform you that you have indeed been chosen as our new representative of McKenna Toys . You mentioned you could start immediately so we like to see you in the main office at 9am Monday . Welcome to the world of.........."

Xander had been shocked .... it took him a couple of seconds to answer the phone ...... he was blushing with happiness ..... kissing Cordy he leaped off the bed to have a conversation with his new boss. Fifteen minutes later he hung up the phone ... a smile plastered on his face . He had got the job ...un-fucking-believable..... he just had to say it. He screamed and hollered...whirling Cordelia around the room ..... he had got the job... a dream job ....man this was his lucky day.

The most perfect job in the world for him... yep he was feeling very corny ( and hungry...corn chips ...i know i have some of those somewhere) Sitting cross legged on the floor ...dragging Cordelia down to the carpet with him ... he dug into a gigantic bag of spicy corn chips and a tub of salsa he found at the back of the fridge .Xander made a face ...the salsa tasted gross...spitting it into his hand he washed his mouth under the sink .... he knew what he'd found... it was blood...meaning only one thing... Spike had been breaking into his place again to watch his telly while he had been at work... well that was going to stop ..he would get Willow to place the uninvite spell back on his door that would stop the bleached menace .... scowling at the offending container as if it were the vampire, he hurled it into the garbage disposal.....clearing his head of all thoughts concerning Spike he turned to tell Cordy about this job . That it was a salary... no more paid by the hour slave labor for him...nope...this was a job that he was born to do ...... just like Tom Hanks in 'Big' he was going to get paid to ....well essentially.. Play..... He would test the new lines of toys...critique them , inform them of any possible problems, improvements ..etc... He was just going to love this job. An actual job that ..... he couldn't wait to get up in the morning and start .....how often in ones lifetime does that happen?.

Cordelia was excited.... the possibilities of her fixing up this place ...you know add a splash of colour ( he didn't mention that he had only just painted it a month back ) ... definitely a new couch (but this one was his favourite it had that little spring in the corner he liked to scratch his feet on after work ....the whole couch molded to his shape so snuggly ..it was his cosy nest ) but i guess he could do with a new one to go with his new life .... Xander was getting the feeling he was being pussy whipped without actually seeing any pussy. The promise of sex that had been lingering in the air before was now forgotten as 8pm began to roll around and Cordelia and himself left the apartment to stroll on over to Giles Magic shop for a spot of demon hunting.

Xander grinning , giggling with his girl as he opened the front door of the magic shop ...a small tinkle of the bell above his head letting anyone know that someone was in the store. This included a very embarrassed and red faced Willow who had been kissing ...........

....Fuck... she had been kissing SPIKE'!!!!!!

What the Hell!!!!!!!.

The job , Cordelia , the total happiness he had felt... just flew out the window. What was going on ...... What did Willow think she was doing? Where in the hell was Tara?

As if to answer... Tara glided around the corner , she smiled shyly at Xander before ducking up behind her Willow and twining her fingers with her lovers. Spike slowly slid backwards....his attempt at slipping into the background may have been successful if it hadn't been for Xander glaring a hole into his skull.

Cordelia waltzed around the rigid Xander who was still giving death rays at the vampire trying to disappear in the corner..... she came up to Willow and Tara ...a smile lit her face .

" Willow hi.... its good to see you again. You must be Tara... Xan told me alot about you two...and that your a couple and i think thats .....just super" leaning forward she gives both of the girls a tentative squeeze.

Willow looks up at Cordelia .... not wanting to face Xander right now .... she was mortified that he had caught her kissing their arch enemy Spike ..... i mean he did help with a little bribery ...but he still was essentially of the bad... and with that small kiss she had effectively cheated on Tara... but he was so irresistible ..... dangerously sexy .....it was so exciting to kiss him ....boy...can he kiss....wow... tingles shot down to her toes just thinking about it.

" Cordelia...wow your back here in Sunnydale....come to visit?... Angels okay right? ...Come on back and say hello to Buffy and..ahh Giles hes back there too...the usual prophecy demony things going on..." Willow linked hands with Cordelia before she could even contemplate answering any of her questions and was ceremoniously pulled into the back of the store.

Xander and Spike...

Found themselves alone.

Spike drew in a deep un needed breath, stuck his chin just a little bit higher....he was fucked if he was going to be intimidated by the likes of Xander. Pushing off the wall he stalked towards the boy . Xander in turn walked determinedly towards the vampire.

Spike and Xander squared off.... both growling in each others faces.

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

Part Two

Xander sneered at Spike , the vampire was grinning cockily at the boy in turn. Not exactly a smart idea...since he was chipped and not able to attack Xan without a great deal of pain ..... but you can't tell a master vampire that when hes so used to being on the top of the food chain. Spike was pretty certain ....that the whelp was going to back off ... he knew the boy had a certain amount of bravery tucked away there (he'd have to ,to face the amount of demons nightly that the scoobies encountered) but when it came to him ....Spike knew that he could still strike fear in the boy .... he could smell it , a sweet bouquet that enticed his senses...every fucking time. He could smell it now ...that sweet aroma just kept that grin on his face. Spike was waiting for the barrage of empty death threats that was about to pour forth from Xander. Any moment now.

But what he wasn't prepared for was Xander ramming into him and pummelling him with his fists. Xander was one enraged human ..... he punched Spike in the face ..repeatedly ... blood started to gush from the vampires damaged nose. Still Xander didn't stop as he shoved him up against the store counter ....slammed his fists into Spikes stomach. Spike managed to thrust out one arm into Xanders chest .....sending him sailing backwards , landing on his ass .

Spike was clutching his head as the chip gave him jolt of energy that had sent all his nerves into shock.

Buffy followed by Giles, Cordelia , Tara and lastly Willow hustled into the front of the shop . Buffy immediately stepped in between the two men ...forcing them apart.

" What is going on here? " She had directed the question at Spike, glaring at him ...knowing he was the cause of whatever this was.

Spike spat on the floor ......rolled his shoulders back, adjusting his duster ..he was seething ....so close to gameface ....eyes glittering with barely controlled anger ....flecked with gold . Reaching a hand to swipe at the blood oozing from his nose .... he brought his hand towards his mouth. Staring intently at Xander ( as if the Slayer hadn't even spoken ...as if no one was in the room but him and the boy).

Spike morphed ..... yellow eyes stared into brown as his tongue swept across his own hand tasting his own blood ... his eyes never left Xanders. He was a dangerous predator ..... Spike was imagining the blood in his mouth was the boys. Xander wanted to stand his ground but a coil of terror was welling up from deep inside him ..... he had to get out of here now...but still retain some of his dignity.

Turning away from that hypnotic stare he faced Buffy.

" Buf , this is a fight between Spike and myself ....I'd really rather everyone stay out of this " his eyes flickered over to Willow who steadfastly avoided looking at him.

Turning back to Spike '' Outside !! NOW ...Spike!!''

Not waiting to see if the vampire would follow him ....knowing he would . He opened the door .the small bell tinkling signalling his leaving the safety of the store. The possibilities of hiding behind Buffy ...was he mad ..... ? Xander was scared... terrified ...even the chip didn't make him feel anymore secure .... but he had to do this . Seeing Spike kiss Willow had been the most horrifying thing ever. This was far worse than the vampire falling in love with Buffy and simpering after her like a lost puppy.He just knew Buffy would never go for him in return..no fear there ...but.. but... this was Willow ..his friend since forever ...betraying him by kissing Spike. She was willing participant he'd seen the heated passion in her eyes , the small smile they had shared. No way was Spike ever going to touch Willow again... he'd kill him first before that ever happened.

Spike wrapped his duster around his body and whirled out of the store . Xander heard the soft tinkle of the bell again...knew it was Spike . He continued to walk down the centre of the street .....it was only about 9pm but completely deserted. Seems Sunnydale residents had finally clued in to actually staying inside after dark as being better for their continued health. His back to the shop ....Xander kept walking ... sensing that Spike was behind him even though he couldn't hear anything but his own echoing footsteps and the soft hum of the street lights above him.

Xander came to the end of the block and paused wondering where to go . Then he felt it...the unmistakable presence of something ... then the low growl in his left ear that sent prickles of utter panic radiating down his spine.

" I should rip your head off for that "

Xan slowly spun around .... Spike was in his face. They were mere inches apart ...the vampires yellow eyes pierced though the last remnants of Xanders anger and he started to shake uncontrollably in front of Spike .

" So you should be scared. Slayer didn't even follow me out of the store ..so sure that you were going to finish the job shes been hoping to do for months. Thought you were safe because of the soldier boys chip in my head ..... but ya see..... the chip just up and stopped working a couple of days ago.... and you gave me the perfect excuse to kill your sorry ass ....not that i need a reason. "

Like a cobra Spike sank his fangs in Xanders neck ...... Xander had to rush of adrenaline he managed to head butt Spike .... he knew it wasn't much of a reprieve. Spike was only momentarily distracted...shaking his head at the boy. Xander backed away slowly from Spike ..facing the vampire the whole time he started to head back towards the magic store. He wasn't going to run ...knew Spike would easily catch him.

Spike sauntered towards him at a leisurely pace " tsk tsk ..... that really wasn't very smart Xander " he drawled at the boy " not smart at all " .

Buffy came running up the road . Giles had held her back when Spike had left the store to go after Xander. Sighting that this was a male to male argument and that Xander wouldn't appreciate her help . Spike was chipped ... if anyone was going to get seriously hurt it was the vampire . She got no back up from the other girls either . Cordelia agreeing with Giles ....Willow just seemed to be avoiding making any kind of comment at all. Still being the slayer just meant she was instantly protective towards her friends and five minutes of stalling ....she hauled ass out of the store to find the two.

" So have you two sorted out your differences now ....can we go slay some real demons now (eyes flickering onto Spike) ...can we pack away the testosterone for the moment "

Xanders relief was short lived when Buffy had come to his rescue... because he momentarily had forgotten that Spike had told him that he didn't have a chip any longer. That he had almost drained him only a second ago... that he had nearly died.

" Yup Buffy ... its over " Xander stared at Spike who had morphed back into human features ...he was standing directly behind Buffy. Xander knew full well that Spike could easily pounce and kill her from this position ..but he still didn't say anything to her, and Spike didn't attack Buffy. Actually Spike turned and walked back towards Giles magic shop . Buffy followed ...Xander lagging behind , he was debating if he should tell her ..he had to tell her that the big bad was back...while she had a good chance of killing him from this position...... but again Xander said nothing .

Buffy held the door open for him as he walked back into the store. Giles, Cordelia, Willow and Tara all waiting there , concerned looks on their faces . The bell tinkled and Spike entered just behind Xander ..he deliberately rubbed his thigh against Xanders as he headed into the store to perch himself against the main counter.

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

Part Three

Cordelia gasped upon seeing the blood on his face , she rushed over to his side . Xander winced as she stroked his cheek ...looking for injuries " Where is all this blood coming from " .

Before Cordy or anyone noticed the puncture wounds in his neck courtesy of Spike.... he pulled up the zipper on his jacket till it effectively covered the bite. Taking Cordelias hands in his own , he calmly looked her in the eye.

" Cordy ...I've really got to get some fresh air, take a walk, sort some things out "

" I don't understand ....you were so happy , the job and everything ...next thing your trying to murder Spike (scowling at the vampire) not that he doesn't deserve a little death, for all of this...but what happened to make you so upset "

Xander didn't say a thing .....he didn't know what to say.

Spike just smirked back at her and flipped her off for her snide comments. Bracing his arms on the corner of the counter he slipped off , to lean briefly against the wood before pushing off .

" Well .....as usual this has been a complete waste of my time....my time is precious and if you gits aren't going out to kill something then i'll go alone "

" yeah why don't you go and do that " added Buffy ..... she had definitely had her nights worth of his presence .

Spike just ignored her " Then again the whelp said he needed to take a walk ..... so what you say Xanny want to take a walk with ol Spikey ....I'll make sure you get safely home afterwards so no baddies can eat ya on the way " He grinned evilly at the boy.

Xander regained a little of his courage....then again maybe it was just his death wish resurfacing. He stepped up to Spike ..lifted his chin just that insy bit higher ...he peered into blue eyes

" Okay Spike... lets go "

I don't know who was more stunned Spike or Xander.... Spike was immediately disturbed by Xanders behavior...he narrowed his eyes at the boy ..he was sure he was up to something . Xander couldn't believe he was even contemplating going anywhere with the blonde. Spike had tried to kill him and surely would finish the job once they were away from the rest of the gang.

Spike circled Xander slowly ...watching him eagerly...waiting for him to take it all back. The boy had to know he was safer around the slayer ... that one step out into the street and he'd be his. So Spike did something even he himself couldn't believe came out of his mouth .... he gave the boy opportunity to back out gracefully...pride intact.

" Changed my mind got better things to do then save your tail " and he swept quickly out the door.

Xander watched Spike go ....knowing the vampire had actually let him out of whatever the hell he thought he was going to do.There was no way he could stop Spike from killing him . Spike always talked about bathing in our blood as soon as the chip was out ... its not like Spikes a patient vamp..hes always a ball of nerves energy. What in the hell was he waiting for.

Making up his mind he turned to his friends " I'm going to go take that walk "

Buffy stepped infront of him barring his way " I don't think thats such a brilliant idea "

" I'm fine ...I won't go very far "

Giles tossed him his keys . Xander smiles at him " gosh to the G-man mobile ..thanks ..guess i can think and drive "

The watcher just scowled at the boys sarcasm.Xander waved a quick goodbye ...after Buffy told him that she'd take Cordelia back to his place after they all did some catching up .

Xander hustled outside and around the back of the store ....he knew where he was going..crazy or not he needed to talk to the vamp . Unlocking the door .... he felt it ..... that presence .... he knew who it was before soft voice crooned beckoningly in his ear

" Hmmmmm.... so where you going .Pet ? "

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

Part Four

Xanders heart pounding in his chest he turned towards the vampire. Spike arched an eyebrow ..smirking at him.

" Was just going to look for you "

Spike leaned in close to Xander , he braced his arms against the car door on either side of the boy till he had effectively boxed Xander in . " Now why Pet would you go and do a thing like that.... hmmm? "

Xander gulped , he peered up at Spike through a lock of hair that had fallen across his eyes

" I really don't know .... maybe i've gone insane because your going to kill me now , right? "

Spike just continued to stare at him , a slight smile on his lips " maybe " he whispered in Xanders ear.

Releasing his left hand from car door frame to run his fingers over Xanders chocolate coloured hair , hooking those stray pieces behind the boys ears. Xander looked up into icy blue eyes ..so close to his ... they just stared at each other.... Xander slightly taken back by the sweet gesture ..... he couldn't move as he was pinned by those hands and those eyes .

The soft tinkle of a bell broke the spell and Spike was opening the car door and shoving Xander into the drivers seat, the vampire crawling in beside him.

'' Lets go ....we need to chat "

Xander looked over at him " Where to "

Spike threw him an annoyed look " Just start driving "

Xander turned the engine , pulled away from the curb and they were off ..... down the main street. Not a single soul on the streets.

" I know you said drive... but in what direction, your crypt , my Apartment ??"

Spike glanced at him ..not really looking at him as he was deep in thought. " Out of Town !"

" Out of Sunnydale ?"

Spike grinned at him " exactly whelp "

" Are we going to L.A ''

Spike scoffed " yeah right, like I'd want to go anywhere near the bloody Pouf.!!!... go toward the desert "

" ummm why there? "

Xander was having visions of being let of the car in the middle of open desert to be hunted down and drained , dying alone away from his friends ...perhaps his body never to be recovered .... animals picking at his bones....this just wasn't right... what the hell is wrong with me .... Spike had always hated him ...just waiting for that perfect moment to get him ..all of them... he had been crazy to think just because we helped him when he had been desperate...that when the time came and the chip had ker-plunked that he would spare our lives. But then again we taunted him, threatened him with pointy sticks and tied him to chairs and bathtubs ....but then we did feed him and save him from other demons.... but then again he is evil and always said he'd turn on us if given the chance .... and now it was official donut boy Alexander LaVelle Harris was a dumb schmuck who just followed the serpent into its lair . Xander was hyper ventilating ...smacking his head with one hand while the other hand remained on the steering wheel advancing towards his certain death.

Be a man he thought...slam on the breaks demand to be killed here right now. Xander quickly glanced at Spike who was picking at his chipped nails to even be bothered that the boy beside him was going to pass out and they would all die in a ball of raging fire when he crashed the car. Spike chose that moment to look up at him a smile playing on his lips

" Breathe Harris before you do yourself some damage "

Xander turned towards the road again...gripping the steering wheel in both hands ..he forced himself to breathe deeply ...he tried to block out the vision of his death and Willow mourning his disappearance ..Cordelia dressed in the height of fashion at his funeral ....the burying of an empty coffin ..his parents not even bothering to turn up .... he stared into that endless road stretched out in front of him ...maybe...hopefully it just went on and on ...forever...

As if Spike was reading his thoughts he heard that voice .... like warm honey in his ear.

" Stop the car ... Xanderrrr " it was almost a purr....no definitely a purr. He wouldn't start crying...no...he could face this ..knew he would die young ..pursing his lips together so as not to pout...not a single whimper...not even a plea left his lips.... he could face this evil right in the eye .

Xander slammed on the breaks ...lurching forward in one swift motion he had his seat belt unfastened and had jumped out the door ...running into the pitch black night of the surrounding desert... clouds of dust following him in his wake. Sounds of the night ..all around him ... crickets or bugs of some sort ....maybe other creepy crawleys.

As if the vampire had read his mind once again he heard the distinct accent of Spike... close by ...taunting him ... knowing that he really didn't have a chance of getting away.

" Xan... I'd be very careful the countryside is full of predators ...like snakes and scorpions "

Xander momentarily slowed down in his running. " Think I'll take my chances with those predators rather than you "

" Oh really ....."

God how did he get so close .... Spike was breathing silkily in his ear... his cold arms wrapped tightly around the boy his cool body flush against his hot one . Xander was shivering ...he couldn't stop the uncontrollable shaking in his body ....he was going to die now

" I'm flattered that you would choose your death at the hands of them ....instead of me "

Xander struggled " Not without a fight you won't Spike "

He could feel Spike smiling in too his neck...he could feel the ridges on Spikes forehead against his bare skin....knew what was coming next ...closed his eyes to it even though he couldn't see a thing.

" Ohhh Goody .... do love a struggle "

Then Spikes head wasn't touching his neck...there was no painful prick of teeth ....no he was being dragged across the ground ..his side still plastered to Spikes ...he was being dragged over to some huge dark shape he could just see in front of him. As they got nearer he could see it was a large boulder....no....it was a cave in the middle of nowhere.... Spike dragged him up to the entrance .

Stopping he spun Xander till he faced him ... his yellow eyes glowed in Xanders face...he was transfixed " Don't move boy ...I'll be back in a minute " .

Xander didn't move ...he was tired...he couldn't fight ..anymore. He started when he heard the gun of an engine then bright white light blinded him sending him stumbling backwards into the sand. Inching out of the cave was Spikes old Black Desoto .

Spike rolled down a window " Xander ... get in here now !!" Xander scrambled to his feet , opening the passage side door he slid in next to the vampire . Spike revved the engine a few times...wheels spinning for traction on the sand ..lurching forward they were off .... bounding over ground ...landing back on the highway again with squeal of tires ..... drove past Giles abandoned car and off into the night. Sex pistols blaring into the air .... the tiny red light of a cigarette being flicked out a window ...its angry glare lighting the night ...the only evidence of their presence ....quickly extinguished leaving no trace as the discarded butt is sent rolling across the road in the light breeze . Silence ...only the night remains.

This story is continued in " Embedded Within ''.