Continued...

Part Twenty-One

The boy had hit him, tossed him across that room like a goddamn rag doll. Spike continued to lay there, slumped against the door he had collided with...he wasn't moving anytime soon.

Spike massaged his chest, pouting at the carpet... not that it actually hurt, his chest, more his ridiculous pride that had been stomped on.

Ever since he had been turned he loathed any other creature that professed to be stronger than him. Angelus he could tolerate, barely being an elder and all...but anyone or anything else, watch out. He was known as the vampire very much inclined to erupt without a moments hesitation.

A human though, well that was unthinkable...even if he was a rather attractive human, that he could quite possibly have some kind of feelings for in the uh... future. Then again Xander probably wasn't human any longer...

Spike continued to rub at his 'injury'...prolonging the actual moment he did have to look at Xander. Not wanting to know if that beautiful face was now marred by horns, pustulous boils or any other such appendage.

Apparently his waiting was over when Xander jerked him to his feet, his eyes meeting the humans. Apart from the obvious rage, he appeared to be just as before, plus that humiliating strength of course, but we won't speak of that.

" You turned me ...didn't you ? " Xander spat, hauling him close, his eyes like ice as he searched for the truth in Spike's azure depths.

" No...I bloody did not mate, I'd never do such damn stupid thing " gold swirled at the corners of his irises, peeved at the accusation.

Xander flinched slightly, releasing the collar of his shirt and taking a step back. " I don't believe you, I've known you for awhile Spike...this is exactly something that you would find amusing. Make me one of your minions so I can bumble around after your ass...."

Spike took that step forward so that he was the one getting in Xander's face. Snatching the boys hand in his fist while Xander was momentarily flustered with his nearness. Taking Xander's fingers and pressing them into the boy's own chest.

" Oh really... tell me does this feel like you're a vampire, PET? " concentrating on that steady thump that vibrated through Xander's warm hand and into his cool one.

Xander flushed crimson when he realized he was indeed feeling his own heartbeat, but soon his short lived relief returned to a scowl  " Then why do I feel so different and my strength its ..."

" Not human " Spike sighed " Kind of noticed that me self " he answered with one of his familiar smirks " Pet, I don't know what it means " he turned to glare at the doctor who had struggled to his feet, but was still leaning heavily against the wall. " Only he can tell you the truth, he's the one that fixed ya up ".

Xander turned to face the doctor, slowly making his way over to the man. The doctor watched his progress warily. Spike swore the man would have burrowed into that there wall if he could of possibly managed it, he scoffed that the bloody human seemed terrified by what was essentially- his creation.

The doctor dragged his eyes from Xander, bristling with barely contained outrage at the humour written clearly in the vampires face. Taking a deep breath he pushed off the wall to face the young man he had saved. Stretching his arm out, if not a little shakily he introduced himself.

" Mr Philip Wordsworth, I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance Xander. I've been an apprentice wizard at the Academy of Lord Clausen for a number of years and have yet to concoct any potions worthy of the one I performed tonight, I'm so absurdly pleased that it has worked out so well in your favour....."

Spike stepped into his path " Hey, you're a ... "

Philip couldn't help but smile briefly at the vampires frown, contented that he had managed to knock the arrogant demon off his pedestal for a moment.

" Wordsworth. Yes I' am and yes we are related, second cousins to be precise, it was an awfully dismal day for the family to learn of your decent into the demon world, we were very saddened for your mama "

Ignoring most of what Philip had said he bounded over, clapping the man on the back heartily " Well I'll be damned... " shaking his head " Small world ain't it ? ".

A rather pissed off Xander shoved himself in between the two men " Excuse me, as much as I'm happy for the two of you and this twisted family reunion...this is about ME " he cried out.

Spike laughed, sweeping his arm forward in an overly grand gesture " Why you have the floor, Sir " raising an eyebrow at the passable growl he received in return.

" Of course " Philip muttered " It was inexcusable for me to be distracted by such an inconsequential event "

" Hey..." Spike grumbled

" When you indeed require knowledge of the transformation that has taken place.." Philip coughed ignoring his deceased relative.  " May I have a glass of water before I speak of the matter ?"

He looked up to see three pairs of eyes glaring at him, three slightly contrasting growls disrupting the stillness of the room.

" Or perhaps not " he gulped. Forcing air into his lungs he began.

" Well lets see ...I mixed the blood with an assortment of common herbs...oh yes, the toenail from the right hind leg of a Nafus Gingus, they are prodigiously difficult to contend with. You have to sing to them you see, in their native tongue of 'mala'... all those extra vowels makes one quite nervous, a mouthful for anyone to accomplish. Oh but that's not all, you must pry apart their enormous feet moments before they collapse, plummeting into a heavy slumber. If you do not transplant their feet before they pass out ...well they will fall asleep with their feet tucked neatly under their bellies, then you really are in a bind. " Philip winced, oh my how he remembered the time that exact... 

He glimpsed at his audience, noticing all three were glaring at him in a rather threatening manner.

" Yes...well there is the mucus from the nostril of a Lossil, oh the drama of such an extraction, a fascinating journey into ...."

Spike growled into his ear and Philip froze immediately turning to stare directly into golden eyes, he flinched at the closeness.

Xander intervened before things turned decidedly ugly. Easily restraining Spike from tearing the man to pieces for the sheer pleasure of it.

" Okay, okay no more details...just tell me, am I still human, Am I changing into something else " almost pleading, he was tired and it had been quite a day for him already, he just needed the truth, laid out so he could see everything for what it was, no more bullshit.

Philip watched Spike a moment, hesitant about answering the boy but knowing he had little choice in the matter. Although he could lie, he was so bad at it that attempting to make something up now would be pointless. Not only would the two vampires know just by scent, Xander would read the lie just by gazing in his eyes.

" Uh... to be frank and honest there has never been a documented case of the results of this incantation. The elders have spoken of various...uh should I say, reactions. The consequence depending upon that of the creature whose blood is used for binding the incantation to the sufferer.

Xander looked up sharply at this " Whose blood did you use ? "

Philip nodded at the vampire " William ...I mean Spike's " after said vampire snarled at him.
" I used the blood from his heart because it is there that is the most potent. "

Spike was hurt by the look of genuine horror and disgust that fell over Xander's features at Philip's words. The blow to his self esteem like a jagged fragment of glass worming it's way agonizingly slow into his gut.

" Does this mean I will eventually take on his charming personality ? " beseeched Xander. Oh god no ...what could be worse.

Philip laughed but stopped abruptly when it seemed no one else was amused " Uh No , you may share some of his strengths for awhile, again I'm not sure how long that will last "

Xander sighed, greatly relieved. Okay so maybe he had been acting kinda insane to think a spell utilizing Spike's blood would actually turn him into a clone of the vampire, then again what was he thinking he had lived on the Hellmouth his entire life...anything was freakishly possible in his experience. Oh, like that was comforting.

" Okay so I won't get horribly obsessed with one era that I will forever be bleaching my hair and wearing the same set of clothes for the next thirty years, have a sinfully wicked repertoire of foul language and a mouth that refuses to shut up. Oh yes will I become a vicious killer that slices up people for kicks, sipping on their blood while driving railway spikes brutally through their dying bodies. "

Philip stuttered, gazing at the unflinchingly cold eyes of one Xander Harris. " No...it's not like that "

Xander's eye twitched " Oh and how do you know that when you just admitted to me that you had no fucking idea " he screamed.

Philip was silent, he wasn't sure how to respond. The tension in the room was a thick molasses of denied emotions, there was more to all this anger but it wasn't his place to uncover the where's and why's of this boys life. He did kinda have the desire to survive this encounter alive and intact...he wasn't willing to mess with what was none of his business.

Spike was fidgeting, needing to say anything in his defence. Noticing Angelus standing there staring distractedly at the patterned wallpaper he rounded on him.

" How could you have found a goddamn novice!!. What with all your so called influence you can't find some one who knew what the hell they were undertaking with this bone-headed spell ? " he hissed, circling Angelus...less a threatening move, rather a need to act on his sudden restless state.

Angelus snorted at the attack, the corner of his lip curling into a knowing smile. Spike knew the instant Angelus's hooded gaze fixed on him, that he was going down.

" It's not like I had a lot of time to be choosy, didn't see you doing anything but mope and cry over the death of a human you had so obviously fallen in love with "

Spike gulped, instantly shrinking back from the smirking Angelus. He was embarrassed and Xander was staring shocked. He could feel the boys eyes drilling into his head, most probably nauseated that a vampire could have such feelings for him.

Xander gave up trying to get Spike to look at him, instead took his frustration out on Angelus." Don't you dare criticize him , I have issues with you " poking the vampire in the chest. 

Angelus grounded his teeth together, smacking Xander's hand away from his chest and looming over the boy in his fury.

" No, you have issues with a future me I know nothing about " brandishing his own finger at Xander. " and from what information I know, he must be insane. So don't blame me for exploits I haven't done yet. Besides you're alive aren't you, should be grateful, goes against everything I stand for " he almost stamped his foot he felt that outraged with the boys behaviour.  

" Uh...can I say something ? " Philip muttered.

" No " the three of them roared.

Angelus began to pace, kicking at the bed when it impeded his path, spinning on the balls of his feet he marched back the other way, tossing a snarl at Spike before turning once more towards the bed. Spike followed Angelus with his eyes, but his head...well that was somewhere else entirely.

Xander contemplated the two vampires, he had reacted harshly to Angelus, his original fear and loathing of the demon didn't exist any longer. His knowledge of Angelus was contradictory to actually facing the man himself. He was desperately confused and Spike...Oh god Spike...What the hell was going on there ?. With Spike anarchy was king and he was merely the fool, stumbling along, blind to what direction he must follow.

" Excuse me... " Philip began.

" What  ? " growled Angelus, swinging around to clasp his hand around the mans throat, squeezing gently.

Philip nodded with difficulty at something behind Angelus. The door slammed shut and the vampire shoved Philip towards the bed.

Angelus and Spike stared at each other " Goddamn it " they both exclaimed, preternatural speed hurling them out the door after Xander.

" So I'll just stay here then ? " he shouted after the two vamps.

Philip perused the room, snatching up his bag from the foot of the untidy bed, he had an urge to straighten up the sheets, make the room seem a little more respectable.

Like hell. He wasn't staying a moment longer.

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

Part Twenty-Two

Xander darted into the hall, his head furiously shifting from side to side. 'Pick a direction and move your ass' he scolded himself...but which way ?

He had only seconds before they realized he was gone and went after him. He'd fight them if he had to, if it came down to that...he hoped it wouldn't come down to that.

Swinging to his right he pounded down the hallway, no point in being quiet, stealth was not going to be his friend here. He would have stopped, checked out this exceptional gift of enhanced speed he had been awarded, but as it was...vampires were on his tail and he barely had the time to smile, let alone preen at the new improved Xander.

Maybe, just maybe he had a chance of getting away from them. Bolting down the corridor he could see the stairs clearly at the end, he could make it, couple more inches.

" Xannnnddderrr " .

His name roared down the corridor, the raw wounded quality of that voice struck harshly at Xander's heart. How could a single word convey such an distressing array of pure emotion. He was hopelessly drawn to the call, totally unfair that Spike could reel him in this easily.

Xander had hesitated for an instant, a moment where he foolishly believed in the impossible. In his distracted state he had misjudged the stairs, sucking in a painful breath as he slipped, twisting his ankle. The persistent throbbing, tearing a agonised howl from his throat.

" Xander ! Oh god, are you alright ? " Spike shouted, the stress evident in his voice even from this distance.

Closing his eyes tightly, Xander bit down hard on his lip and reached out stubbornly for the handrail...refusing to look back. 

No way was he giving in to this temptation, he didn't know why...he just couldn't. Xander had no idea where he was going, he was just going. His life had turned completely around, he hadn't the vaguest idea what to do about it...just knew he needed some time to think all this through.

He had run away from Anya, from a relationship, a marriage that terrified him, from friends he felt alienated from...that simply couldn't understand him. Hitched a ride to L.A and joined up with Angel Investigations. Instantly he had felt connected again, worthy of his existence in this world. He was finally among people that gave him a family, just when he had needed it the most.

Now he was running again. Life made very little sense to him.

With the handrail for support he zipped down the first flight of stairs, although it appeared his ankle was all but repaired, thanks to the vampires blood pumping around in his heart, Spike's blood. The sudden awareness of that fact made his body tingle...No, not happening. Denial be thy ruler.

Impulsively he opened the door and entered the hallway of the floor below the one he had just been. Something clicked, this was the right thing to do...he hoped.

Quickly he moved along, knocking on each door. " Come on, come on, some one please be home " just when he began to panic, a door across the hall creaked open. Xander pounced, forcing his way in, he found a very frightened young lady cowering in the entrance way. Her eyes wide, tears threatening to fall.

" I'm sorry, I won't hurt you, promise. I just need the sanctuary of your room till the sun comes up " Xander tried to make himself look as harmless as possible.

The lady trembled and she was about to scream.

Before Xander even realized what he was doing, he had wrapped his arm around her waist drawing her back against his chest. " I'm sorry, I'm sorry " he muttered in her ear, his other hand clasping over her mouth tightly.

She began to fight him, struggling helplessly. He dragged her backwards across the room, away from the doorway. Xander sank to the plush carpet pulling her down to the floor with him.

Hopefully they thought he just carried on down the stairs to the bottom, raced off into the streets. Sunlight would have soon impeded their hunt for him and both of them would have to abort their search till darkness fell once more. All he had to do was wait out here till he knew they were back in their rooms...then get the hell out of here.
 

Angelus and Spike leapt into the stairway together, Spike nearly tripping over his grandsire in an attempt to pass him by. Swearing loudly when Angelus laughed at his 'effort' to overtake.

Angelus's snickering ceased once he realized that Spike was no longer behind him. Having to turn and trail back up the stairs, not pleased that Spike had intervened in his little bit of fun. Trekking up another floor before he found his errant grandchilde, staring starry eyed at the goddamn door.

Angelus rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh " Spike ? "

No response whatsoever from the young vampire.

He growled, smacking Spike across the back of the head. As if in a trance Spike slowly pivoted his head to gaze at a rather pissed off Angelus. Blinking furiously, he snapped back to reality, aware that he had just been hit.

" Ow!!"

Angelus shook his head " You do realize that the sun will be up shortly and if we don't fucking move we'll lose track of him completely " he spun and started to prowl down the stairs once more, mumbling obscenities under his breath when he sensed Spike was not following him. again.

" What is it ? What the hell is wrong with you, you,... " he seized Spike by the shoulders and shook him brutally.

Spike just grinned back " He hasn't left the building "

Angelus let his arms drop to his side, his mouth open " Are you sure ? " Spike just smirked at the other vampire and nodded his head.
 

Xander was extremely uncomfortable, he had been sitting there a good two minutes and something painful was gouging into his back with devious efficiency, but he dared not move to check what it was.

An overwhelming sense of danger forbade him from taking his eyes off the door, not even for a second. He squirmed but it wasn't remedying the matter. At least the ladies struggles had ceased, although the continuous whimpering was not helping his already nervous disposition.
 
This had been the best plan of action right ? If he'd been out on the street they would have found him soon enough, both vampires knew the layout of the city better than him, unfairly they could sniff out his whereabouts also, even with the rising sun against them he was doomed. His chances of escape were preferable here, ensconced in this room with an innocent. 'Oh God', this was a potentially disastrous situation for her if they chose to search the hotel instead.

Oh shit, when he realized just what he had said. Xander stiffened 'how could he have overlooked such a simple thing' ? They could scent him.

The door exploded inwards, tearing off its hinges it slammed into the floor. When the proverbial dust settled ...there stood Angelus and Spike in the doorway.

Xander scrambled to his feet, dragging the shrieking women with him...back towards the window. He held the women out in front of him, 'oh god' like she was a hostage. He almost gagged that he could even think for fraction of a second he would sacrifice an innocent for his lousy life. How the hell was he supposed to save her ?

'Of course' Xander sighed shakily taking the necessary steps. Loosening his hold on the women he spun her to face him. " I'm letting you go, whatever you do don't leave this room, you have to believe me when I say they can't come in here unless invited, okay ". The lady looked terrified, glancing from Xander to the two men in her doorway and back to Xander, she gulped nodding her head in understanding.

Assured she wouldn't try to leave her room, she may not believe him but two hostile looking males on her doorstep seemed just that more threatening than he did.

Xander twisted to face the two vampires. He could do this, he had no other choice in the matter.

Angelus and Spike stepped over the boundary and into the room.

Xander's eyes widened in fear, throwing himself backwards he whirled around, his first instinct to protect the women. ' oh god, it was a public place, that's why they must be able to pass through the...'

A set of five claw like fingernails gouged into his cheek, the shock and the searing pain forced him to reel back, away from those deadly hands. Xander lost his balance and skidded onto the floor.

Not letting the agony in his cheek slow him down, Xander rose to his feet once more, ready to fight ...no way would he go down easily, not when someone was depending on him. Looking up into the golden eyed glare of one spitting, hissing bundle of enraged female vampire.

What the Hell !!! Xander lurched away from her wildly swinging arms as she attempted to swipe at him again with her claws.

The demon transformation made her face virtually unrecognizable under all those lumps, but the clothes gave her away instantly. He had been about to protect a vampire, how ironic that he should run to the one creature he had been trying to evade.

" Josephine ? " Angelus hissed. His arms tightened around the unruly minion struggling to get at the human.

Spike in his fury broke the leg off a chair and plunged it into her chest viciously. She screamed, writhing in Angelus's arms, but before she bursts into dust ...Xander's blood is ripped from her nails and floats merrily through the air towards a petrified Xander.

Xander gasps, stumbling back, away from the alien globules drifting towards him.

Angelus growls at Spike's impetuous behaviour " How dare you destroy a valuable minion, Spike you have no such right "

Spike spat " She dared to touch him, she hurt Xander and no one touches what is mine " his eyes flashing possessively.

" Oh for gods sake, like Jo knew Xander was yours " Angelus bellowed. " Not like the boy can sustain any kind of a claiming mark without it healing in such a dramatic fashion " indicating Xander who was still ducking and weaving from the blood trying to re-enter his body. 

" She was a minion that chose the wrong human to snack on. " Spike smirked " What can I say her fate was sealed the moment Xander knocked on her door. "

Angelus snorted " That maybe so but... "

" You should have instructed her better " Spike interrupted.

" It's not like I didn't... "

" She should never have had a room to herself in any case, mate " Spike butted in, pulling a small woven mat over the pile of ash on the floor, smiling at his own initiative " She was obviously not responsible enough to handle such an honour "

" I'll have you know that... "

" Yes Angelus, do tell " Spike heckled.

" If you let me finish " Angelus spluttered " She saved your worthless ass..."

" A minion Angelus, you are losing your composure over a minion "

Angelus was fuming, gameface falling in place he snapped his teeth at Spike. Who laughed hysterically at his elder in return .

" Oh god please stop " Xander stood there, slack jawed, shaking his head at the pitiful soap opera being played out in front of him. " You are supposed to be master vampires "

Spike puffed his chest out at being called a 'master'.

Angelus and Xander just frowned at him. Xander shook his head vigorously to clear his head of thinking Spike looked childishly cute, all insanely proud that he had been referred to as a master vampire. He had to remind himself that this was a vicious killer he was having mushy cuddly feelings for, he closed his eyes, taking a deep cleansing breath to regain his control .

Xander's eyes flew open and he screamed, arching his back as the blood flowed back into his injured cheek, the torn flesh knitting together, the wound healing, the scar fading until unblemished smooth skin returned once more.

He touched his cheek in shock and amazement, panting wildly he realized he had completely healed.

" Are you alright, luv ? " Spike grinned " I'm guessing that might come as quite a shock to you. After the first time I doubt anything will faze me ever again " shuffling closer to the boy, oh he wanted nothing more than to caress and hold him but he knew he would have to restrain himself for now.

Xander tried not to panic, what the hell had that been, he felt invigorated, mildly euphoric. His need to escape, to brood away from distractingly beautiful vampires...  came back tenfold.

Leaping at the window, the glass exploding upon impact, he sailed through the chilly morning air, tumbling to the street below. Rolling onto his back, the rain-soaked cobblestone seeping into his pants. The bare skin on his chest raised in goose bumps, as he reached back to extract a sliver of glass embedded in his shoulder. Gritted his teeth at the wrenching intensity of the pain, sending every nerve into the stratosphere.

Angelus and Spike rush to the window, gazing in astonishment as Xander gathers his shattered body to his feet and disappears around a corner.

" Aww bloody hell, why did he have to go and do that " Spike growled, jumping out the window, landing gracefully on the street below. He crouched, his eyes trained to the blood left behind on the wet pavement. Even now the molecules were detaching themselves from the water, he would follow their progress to Xander.

Angelus leaned on the broken window frame, debating on whether to follow. Sighing he leapt from the third floor window landing softly beside Spike. He grinned at his grandchilde instantly aware what they were waiting for. " You know Will you have it bad, don't you ?...this is an insanely obnoxious idea of yours "

Spike just grinned at Angelus, his eyes never leaving the blood frantically collecting into small puddles. " Don't call me Will...Liam "

Angelus snorted, brow raised as his eyes also fixed on Xander's blood.

Suddenly the stillness was interrupted by the  shouts of an angry mob of local people " That's them, they killed my beloved Cecilia, my sweet child was defiled by those evil fiends ".

Angelus and Spike shot to their feet, it didn't take long to realize they were surrounded, backed up against the wall, literally, as the mob of humans inched bravely closer.

" I saw that one drink the blood of a whore, her soul may have been damned but not even she deserved such a grisly death ". The men cheered on one boys demand to have them hanged on the village square. They all raised pitch forks and knives into the air, deranged with the need for vengeance.

Spike and Angelus hissed at them, their eyes flashing a deadly yellow at any who dared come near, fangs snapping at the air in warning.

A priest pushed his way through the crowd, pressing a large wooden cross into Spike's face viciously. He instantly howled as the holy symbol burnt his flesh, his hands flying to his smouldering skin, momentarily crippled by the sheer agony that his touch produced.

Spike roared, hurtling himself at the smugly simpering bastard, clawing wildly at his face. The rising sun hit his outstretched hand and he screamed as it immediately blistered, catching on fire. Angelus swiftly lifted Spike out of the sunlight, dragging him back into the shade of the wall looming above them.

" Did you see  ? " one man shouted over the others. " The blessed sun did scold his tainted flesh, we shan't have to kill. The lord, our savour has given us his mightiest weapon so that we shall not be soiled by these wretched creatures. They cannot hide themselves any longer, they have no means of escape, we shall wait till those golden rays but turn their sinful existence to ash  ".

Many heads nodded at this truth. They had only to wait.

Oh god, he was right, even now the precious shade Angelus and Spike were relying on, was diminishing. They had barely minutes till beams of sunlight sent them both to hell in a blazing inferno.

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

Part Twenty-Three

Xander hid around a corner, he had wanted to run but he found he couldn't. It wasn't the deep wound in his shoulder, although that ached like a son of a bitch...no it was Spike. He knew instinctively that it was the vampire, Spikes blood racing around in his body, invading his mind, slowing him down, pulling him back to where he belonged. He wasn't strong enough to fight 'the need' but he was damned if he would make it easy for him.

So here he was basically across the road from the one place, that inhabited the one person, creature, he was running from in the first place. Xander dared to peek around the corner, shouldn't Spike have found him already?. He could have sworn Spike would have leapt out of the window after him...where was he, goddamn it?

Sunlight hit Xander squarely in the face as he poked his head out to look for the vampire. The intensity of the light made him reel back, he felt the dizziness hit him and the urge to gag was strong but he forced the queasiness back down. Okay so Spike's blood obviously made him a little sensitive to the suns rays, not going to burn him but definitely going to make him sick as a dog.

Judging quickly the distance to the next available patch of shade, he ran for it. He should just get inside one of these buildings but something was terribly wrong. Where was Spike? He should be here.

Xander smacked into the brick wall, grazing his cheek but not at all concerned as he revelled in the coolness of the surface against his face. All of a sudden he lurched forward clutching his stomach in agony, dry heaving onto the pavement. His vision blurred and his knees buckled out from under him, down on all fours he groaned into the damp cobblestone.
" Oh please please please " it felt like someone had repeatedly punched him in the tender softness of his belly. Clenching his teeth, he panted through the pain ...even more determined to get to his feet and find Spike so he could smack the vampire around a bit.

Damn him for doing this to me. Where is he ?

Slowly dragging himself upwards, Xander embraced the wall, closing his eyes tightly he concentrated on the rough cold brick and not the fuzziness in his brain threatening to force him into an intimate relationship with the ground once more.

Blinking Xander turned around till his back rested against the brick, from this position he could squint up and see clearly the window he had jumped from. A few jagged splinters like gleaming teeth were still attached to the frame, the sunlight highlighted their razor-sharp deadliness, mesmerizing him with the precision with which they could kill. Completely disturbed by that thought, Xander closed his eyes tightly against the shocking discovery that  Spike's demon was indeed corrupting him. 

Xander's eyes flew open as he gasped. His abandoned blood had found him " Oh god!! " he breathed as the blood flowed back into his ruined shoulder, the flesh knitted, the skin closed over. He knew he would never be able to get used to that sensation. He shivered, taking deep breaths he opened his eyes again.

There was no one on the street but Xander could hear voices, many voices. They must be coming from around the next corner, he couldn't see anyone. Something was pulling him, wanting him to follow those voices.

" Xander "

He stopped, darting his head to the right ...nothing. Hesitantly he peered behind him, from where he once came ...nothing.

" Yes " he answered timidly. No one was there and it was freaking him out.

Minutes passed and he hadn't heard a thing, he had almost convinced himself that the breathy desperation in that voice had been his own fears manifesting themselves. 

" Hurry...Xander "

Xander practically jumped out of his skin, his heart beating fast " Fuck!!! " Wildly spinning on the spot, nothing...no one...damn it. " What's going on ? "

He sped up as he continued to walk towards the corner, still huddling in the shade of the building. Xander reached the end knowing he would now have to run diagonally across a large space of full sunlight. He dreaded the idea, his stomach rolled in sympathy. Did he really have to move out of this blessed serene patch of gorgeous shade, no he could stay here, where it was safe and his stomach didn't feel like it was being used as a washing machine.

" Please...hurry Xan "

Damn it  " Spike ? " It was Spike, the vampire was in his head. Suddenly the shade felt too cold, bitter cold and he forced himself to move.

" I'm coming Spike, I don't know where you are, but I'm coming " he whispered. Pushing off from the wall he sped across the street, halfway and he tripped but managed to remain upright. Stumbling to the corner he sank into the tiniest sliver of shade, he breathed deeply against the maroon brick wall.

The sun was rising higher in the sky, something in his soul told him to haul his ass around that corner. Waves of extreme nausea were making him sway dangerously on his feet. He had to keep moving, it was of deadly urgency that he not stop, he had no idea why but it had everything to do with Spike, he knew that at least.

With a shuddering breath Xander slipped around the corner of the building, he could instantly make out a group of thirty or so people gathered around a far wall. They were all shouting but he couldn't make out any of the words. It was important he get closer, with single minded determination Xander ignored the sun beating down upon his head, making his world spin.

As he got closer fragments of what the people were cheering became recognizable.

" Spawn of the devil... "

" the blessed sun shall cleanse this earth of these vermin... "

" may they share the torment a thousand times of which they have inflicted.... "

" Burn them, destroy them... "

For Xander it was as if the world had slipped on it's axis and it was rolling about aimlessly, each step was miracle in which he was amazed he was still standing. When the full impact of  what was happening hit him, it was like a morphine shot to the brain, The knot in his stomach seemed to loosen, adrenaline like a lifeline, dragged him out of the murkiness with which he had been drowning.

Then he screamed and he didn't stop screaming as he tore through the shocked crowd. The brave who came near him were sent flying as he cleared a path towards Spike and Angelus. The vampires, trapped by the angry towns people and the golden sun overhead.

Xander panicked, his eyes meeting Spike's. The absolute fear in both the vampires eyes, oh yes how they spat and how they cursed at the humans gathered around them...but the fear, oh god the terror reflected in their eyes was so helplessly raw. The awful debilitating horror of knowing what was to come and where they were being led.

Spike and Angelus had flattened their bodies against the wall and Xander knew he was defenceless to help them as the sun crept ever higher in the sky. He knew they were here because of him and that knowledge broke him apart inside.

A low keening of desperate sorrow, of what he had done, swept through him. His bones felt impossibly heavy in his skin and he could no longer hold himself upright. Sinking to his knees, tears streaming down his face, he sobbed into his hands, ashamed that his cowardice was the cause of their demise.

Spike reached out his hand, urgently trying to grasp, to comfit the man who lay broken at his feet. The sun struck his outstretched hand, ignoring it he clenched his teeth as his flesh blistered, smoke rose as his limb caught ablaze. He screamed as the pain seared into his brain but still he tried to reach despairingly for the boy.

" No " Xander howled, jumping to his feet he shoved Spike back towards the wall, smothering the flames as their chests pressed against the other. Xander's hands came to rest gently on Spike's face. " No " he whispered.

The dirty tracks of spent tears, the red swollen eyes... nothing diminished the beauty that was his Xander, Spike ached that he would not get to know this beautiful boy more, but such was his existence.

Xander let his fingers trace lightly over the indentation of a cross burnt into Spike's otherwise flawless skin. The fear and loathing ate him up inside, he wanted nothing but to hold this man till the hateful sun claimed him, then he would kill them all for this.

Leaning forward Xander crushed his lips to Spike's. The vampire moaned at the contact, it was everything he wanted, he could taste the tears of his love on his tongue and the knowledge that here and now was all they had left, throbbed cruelly in his brain.

Xander ran his tongue over Spike's dry lips, nipping on the corner of his mouth, he beseeched the man to open up to him. Spike responded immediately, tasting the boys mouth as he let Xander in to his own. Pressing Spike firmly into the wall he swept his ravenous tongue into Spike's mouth, attacking him with all the pent up passion he had stored away for the many years he had desired the vampire.

Angelus smiled at the two beside him, it warmed his blood to see them together, almost jealous that Spike had found his mate ...although he could have snorted at the timing of it all.
Angelus's head jerked forwards at the snorting of what, wasn't him ... he almost giggled at the unquestionably extraordinary timing of one Philip Wordsworth.

Two magnificent stallions burst through the crowd, coming to rest in front of a startled Spike. Xander had passed out on him and he held the boys unconscious body to his chest possessively.

" Well, seems like I'm here just in the nick of time, I might say ? " Philip smirked down at the master vampire from his perch behind the reins of the horse driven carriage he had recently stolen.

Angelus just grinned, shaking his head in disbelief. He never presumed a human would ever come to his rescue and save his worthless behind.

Philip's smile turned into a frown as he caught sight of the unconscious Xander " Is he
alright ? "

Spike held the human tightly " Yes, his heart still beats strongly...he just passed out with all the strain."

Philip nodded, squinting into the sun he realized the townspeople initial fear of being trampled to death was not holding them back as he had hoped. Even now a couple of men swung their pitchforks angrily at the horses. Both stallions reared up on their hind legs, Philip grasping the reins harshly to try and get a handle on them.

" I think it would be a good idea if we got out of here " Philip shouted. 

Angelus was already moving , twisting the handle of the carriage he threw open the door and rushed inside. Turning he watched Spike cross the short distance of sunlight, tendrils of smoke billowing from his hair and clothes in his wake. Passing a sleeping Xander to Angelus  he too charged into the dark confines of the carriage.

As soon as Philip heard the carriage door slam shut he guided the horses out of the square, not exactly aiming for the men that had tried to attack them but unfortunately they got in his way, what could he do.

The horses tore down the street, their hooves echoing loudly against the cobblestone, the sun glaring brightly down on Philip's balding head. Inside Spike gathered Xander on his lap,  ignoring the sting of charred burnt flesh on both his arms, his concerns were with Xander...as his fingers fluttered over the boys face and hair. Xander stirred in his sleep, mumbled something but did not wake.

Spike smiled, hugging him tightly " Sleep luv , you're safe " rubbing his fingers across Xander's cheek he whispered " Thank you for hearing my call and coming back for me ".

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

Part Twenty-four

Angelus watched, mesmerized as Spike held Xander to his chest, one arm supported his head while the other drew a series of complicated designs over his forehead, across his throat, down his arms. Even he was beginning to relax as Spike drew him into a hypnotic state. Together with the steady thunder of hooves over dry, solid dirt...monotonous and unchanging it was just the lullaby to pacify the demon within.

It only took the slightest shift in the mechanism for Angelus to leap out of his daze...alert and braced for danger.

Spike had lulled himself into a trance with Xander's steady heartbeat and he too was shaken from his reverie...possibly from his giant oaf of a grandsire 'standing on his foot' rather then what had made Angelus so wary.

Spike stopped petting Xander to growl at Angelus. Xander stirred, rubbing his face into Spike's abdomen, stretching lazily. Moments later he was blinking furiously and scrambling off Spike's lap. Leaping up Xander thumped his head on the roof, lost his footing as the wheels under them hit rocky terrain, but Spike's reflexes had Xander scooped up in his arms before he hit the floor.

Xander found himself in almost the same position he had began with, snuggled into the vampires lap. Clearing his voice he attempted to sit up but Spike was holding on tight.

Angelus rapped on the little door that separated them from Philip, it didn't take long for the man to slide the door across, sunlight streaking across the floor. Both vampires darted out of the way.

" Damn...sorry I forgot " and Philip promptly shut the door.

Angelus recovered from slamming himself against the carriage wall and came back to the door, satisfied that Philip would not try that again.

" Is everything alright, noticed we're slowing down ? " he snarled through the closed door.

It was several silent minutes before Philip responded " The horses are exhausted, I'm afraid they won't last much longer. I know of a barn that you can hide out till the sun goes down. " there were several whispered curses as the man coaxed the wary horses onwards " I'm taking a short cut across a field, should be there soon " he told Angelus " With any luck, come on girls, you can do it " he whispered to himself.

Angelus satisfied all was well, turned back to the two love-birds across from him, hurry horses...pretty please.

Xander smiled shyly at the vampire petting the matted hair out of his eyes. " Hi " he whispered, taking in the man's appearance.

Spike grinned back at him " Hi yourself luv, how you feeling ? " fingers continued to card through his hair.

Xander wrinkled his nose " Okay, little achy but good " he wriggled in Spike's lap finding a more comfortable arrangement for his cramped legs. " So I'm guessing we were rescued at the eleventh hour and we still live " he laughed.

Spike grinned, Xander's laughter was infectious, it made his whole being ache in a pleasant but insistent fashion   " Well you may live, but for me .... " he trailed off

Xander smiled, lost in the intensity of Spike's eyes " yeah...vampire, I remember you " he whispered, bringing his hand up to stroke his fingers across Spike's brow. Spike let his eyes close and he sighed into his love's touch, nuzzling the warm hand caressing his cool skin.

Xander had the insane need to giggle, god he was so cute like this, so attentive, so sweet...he couldn't even imagine the Spike of his time acting like this. No, the vampire of his time thought of him as a nuisance, pathetic and rather useless...not to mention the glaring fact that he was in love with one Buffy Summers.

His whole body just soaked up the vampires affection...but doubt-the vicious tigress, she made him question Spike's actions, the way the vampire watched him. Xander desperately wanted to believe he was the something exceptional Spike had been hunting his entire existence for, but was Spike settling for tainted goods just because he amused the vampire. Was he a source of interest because he possessed the knowledge of Spike's future and when the blonde grew bored of him would he become a handy snack like all other humans were to a demon.

Xander stopped the acidic breath of reality invading and poisoning his love, he blocked out the taunts, the distrust. Xander refused to listen as the snarky voice fucked with his self respect. He only craved the sweet oblivion of Spike's every caress, to drown in his heady desire, to be possessed by this vampire alone.

He was shaken out of his thoughts by a painful hiss as Spike flinched away from his wandering fingers. At first he was stung by Spike's withdrawal but then he realized why the vampire had recoiled. Xander gasped as he caught sight of his arms, the skin, charred flesh blackened by the hateful sun, this was his doing, he had caused this to happen. Spike had reached for him, risked his life just to comfit him in his pitiful meltdown and now Spike suffered for the unforgivable sin of loving a human. 

Silent tears trickled down his cheek, he tried not to, to hold them back but it was useless...he was right back to thinking that any type of romance with Spike was doomed.

Spike crumbled at the sight of Xander's tears, it tore at his unbeating heart to see his pet in such pain.

Angelus turned his head away from what looked like an intimate moment between the two. There love would not be an easy one, he only hoped Spike took it into himself to turn the boy soon...because as soon as Darla caught up to them she would destroy Xander if he still remained human.

Oh damn it ...do they have to look at each other like that. It made him shiver in disgust at the abundance of lovey-dovey sweetness. Oh, he'd take a walk outside if it wasn't for his slight allergy to the sun. He was grouchy and starving... did this mean he'd be forced to eat pigs or sheep, because the thought seriously made his stomach roll.

Suddenly the carriage came to rest. Oh yes...here at last.

" Thank god I thought I'd be sick...the two of you need a separate room or at least a       stall " Angelus jumped to his feet, itching to get out.

Spike smirked at his grandsires back, untangling his limbs from around Xander he grinned at the boy, holding his hand out to pull Xander to his feet.

" Lets go pet " squeezing his hand gently.

" Ohhh yes lets get out of this sweltering box for godsake Philip " Angelus growled.

Two seconds ticked by and footsteps could finally be heard coming closer, stopping outside the door.

" Stand back unless you want a repeat of before " Philip called out. Angelus grumbled, hiding behind a sweep of velvet curtain. Xander manhandled Spike behind the same curtain. Spike winked provocatively at his love " Oh honey...can't you wait till we get inside... " he virtually purred while Angelus rolled his eyes " Oh please " he sighed.

Turning his back from Xander's blush and Spike's obvious lust " What is the bloody hold up, Philip get us out of here " he huffed in his corner.

Philip suddenly threw open the door, sweat was pouring off his face as he peered into the carriage.

" Hold ya horses, I was just trying to find some cloth to hide you from the sun. Couldn't get as close as I liked...seems in these parts there wary of strangers stealing there sheep or such nonsense, rightly inconsiderate of them " he was exhausted and just that bit peeved to be yelled at, especially after he had saved their hides. He held up the sacking he had found.      " Here ya go...come on then " he growled.

Xander flinched back into the shadows, somehow he'd forgotten his own aversion to the sun as he dove into Spike's chest to escape, dizziness soon warred for dominance over his consciousness. Spike caught him but not before he shoved Angelus who was behind him, further back into the wall.

Angelus roared, his patience was at an end. Seizing a handful of both Spike and Xander he hurled them both out the open doorway into a startled Philip. All three went crashing to the ground. Xander without a moments thought for himself, scrambled to his feet, quickly draping the sacking over Spike's head and guiding him towards the open doorway of the barn.

Angelus disregarded the offering of sack cloth still dangling from Philips hand... instead he pounced from the doorway, both hands landing hard on Philip's shoulders. The alarm flooded Philip's body as he found himself propelled backwards against his will. Angelus's growl drew a cold fear that slid over his soul with icy deadliness, making his heartbeat flutter before pounding furiously in his ears.

Once through the opening and enclosed in the blissfulness of deep shadows, Angelus released Philip to close the door soundly behind them.

Philip let go of the shuddering breath he never knew he was even holding. Angelus whirled around, demon to the fore. Like lightning Philips shirt was wound tightly around the vampires fist. The yellow gaze of death shone upon him, the false breath ghosting across his throat, the aching seconds of absolute horror stretched forever onward...

then he was gone, torn from him. The gasp of panic that had come too late and the incessant sobbing as Philip collapsed to the dusty floor.

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

Part Twenty-five a)

Angelus glared at Xander, his eyes never wavered from the boys as he picked himself up from the ground. A Floorboard protested from under foot...other than that no sound disrupted the tension in the air.

Philip had hastily parted after Spike had thanked the man for his help and quickly pushed him out the door... lest there be more trouble.

****************************************

Xander had coolly stood his ground, shadowing Philip while the man composed himself. He had caught snippets of his conversation with Spike while the great Angelus silently fumed in the background. The vampire obviously livid at being struck by a human, that was a piece of information he was sure the 'scourge of Europe' was still trying to digest. 

" You have to leave, now " the inflexion of Spike's voice brooked no argument. He meant right now.  

Philip nodded, pulling the remnants of his shirt tighter around him. His gaze never quite met the blonde vampires eye as he stood hunched in his corner of the world, as far as he could manage from Angelus. " I have every intention of leaving " he whispered hoarsely.

" Good... Go now " Spike stated, firmly nudging the frightened man towards the door.

Philip flinched but let himself be manoeuvred towards the safety of the sun, the one place Angelus could not follow. Spike shrank back as Philip threw open the door and took his first step outside.

" Thank you ... it has been my honour to know you " Spike called out to his retreating back.

Philip turned and stared back at his cousin " and I you, Spike ... Good Luck " and with that he turned around and walked away. Xander closed the door with a silent 'thank you' to the heavens and a relieved sigh. Honestly he had no clue as to his continued strength over  Angelus. He figured it was his surprise attack that overwhelmed the vampire so he was able to save Philip from being eaten.

Angelus could have charged at him at anytime, the fact that he had only paced like a hungry panther seemed to boil down to simple luck. He was just glad Spike had understood that Philip might not be so lucky next time and hustled the man out of there swiftly.

Now it was just the three of them, alone with no place to run....Oh boy!

Xander felt the presence before Spike's arms slid around his waist, tugging him gently back into the vampires arms, his back resting against Spike's chest. He relaxed minutely in the mans embrace, still he was aware of Angelus's every movement, the ripple of danger still clung heavily in the air.

Minutes ticked by in frustrating silence, Xander wanted anger, his life to be threatened, his mother to be insulted, something, anything but this. Angelus of course knew that it was the silence that was the perfect tool to driving him crazy...smart man.

It was Spike in the end that groaned " Oh for gods sake it's like being in the presence of a stubborn wilful child "

" Well, I'm still waiting for my apology " Angelus finally muttered in a petulant, slightly whiney voice. He growled, his hands swiping down each trouser leg, ridding the material of stray invisible dust...because hell he knew what he really wanted to do with his hands. Wring the ruddy boys neck. He wouldn't, but it never hurt to fantasize.

Xander snorted " Well you'll be waiting a very, very long time for that "

Angelus sneered, beginning to pace once more...to be trapped in here with a human when he was " Starving "

" Yeah...so bloody what, so am I " spat Spike " Doesn't make it right to eat him. Saved us he did, should be goddamn grateful "

Angelus spun in his tracks, glaring at the other vamp " Oh I'm very grateful ...but 'hello' evil demon here, not supposed to care about those things "

" Oh that's a piss poor excuse and you know it mate " he scowled back at his Grandsire. Spinning towards Xander who was staring at the pair of them " Mind you Xan...he has got a point "

Xander gave him a disgusted look "  What would that point be then, do tell me because I'm itching to know what your valid excuse is "

" Demon mate...its in our nature " Spike stated while Xander just shook his head sadly. Angelus narrowed his eyes at the boy, tilting his head on an angle.

" No Spike, you see he isn't attacking us and our demon nature...this is personal he doesn't like me "

Spike snorted " Can you blame the bloke ...probably tried to eat' im. Humans tend to get a bit testy when you try and chew on them " he dragged his fingers through his greasy hair, his eyes taking in Xander's rigid posture.

Angelus inched closer to Xander and the nearer he got the more his smile broadened. He had to applaud his own instincts, the boy virtually radiated loathing, this was more than simple fear of the cat that had cornered the canary a number of times.

No this was something infinitely worse...

" You never did tell us how you know us so well ...seems we have a few hours to kill. I think Spike would agree that he is as fascinated as I, on how you managed to survive in our company and learn so much about us ...when I can't imagine we were friends. " facing Xander he waited to see if the boy would respond.

Xander gritted his teeth, yeah he owed them an explanation. It was okay to talk about the past, well actually it was the future but to think about it like that was just too confusing at the moment. Finally he sighed and wandered over to pile of straw heaped up in one corner, might as well be comfortable for this.

He sat, curling his feet under his crossed legs and looked over at Angelus." You're right, we were never friends " he answered solemnly. Spike had followed the boy over and even now he made himself at home on the straw next to him.

The tension that had seemed to make the air crackle, was gone. There was a quiet sadness in Xander's tone that spoke to Angelus. He had a consuming need to understand his obviously complicated relationship with this man. Mimicking Xander's stance he sat himself in front of this strangely appealing, but rather annoying human.

" Tell me ... " he whispered, it was the intimate tone that drew Xander to really look at the vampire before him. 

" It started with... Buffy " he murmured, his eyes locking with Angelus.

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

 Part Twenty-five b)

" Buffy " Angelus repeated. Not sure if the name should mean anything and then shaking his head, unaware of his curious audience 'why would it, this Buffy was a women he was yet to meet, someone in his future, so the name of course meant nothing to him.'

Xander watched intently the emotions flicker across the mans face. He couldn't believe he was going to admit to this, but he really liked this demon Angelus over the souled version...how fucked up was that. The man had passion and emotions that were desperately alive and not just reigned in like his Angel had been. Oh don't get me wrong, he was explosive and ruthless not someone to turn your back on, but at least you got a response from him when attacked and not a pitiful show of desolation, as if he deserved every abuse cast upon him. This was not a man resurrected in granite, where his own flawless perfection was his only true company. 

It was Spike's shifting around beside him that drew Xander from Angelus and back to the blonde. Spike tilted his head to the side to look at his pet, his eyebrows arched, enthralled at Xander's contemplation of Angelus. The boy obviously had issues with the vampire, he couldn't wait to hear more.

" Buffy " he drawled " Perfectly ghastly name if you ask me ...typical that Liam here should be so enamoured of her, a rake such as himself " Spike snickered.

Angelus threw him a mock glare and proceeded to inform Xander of Spike's illustrious past    " Yes let me tell you about dear William here, such a sensitive soul ..."

" Don't you dare... " Spike looked mortified.

Xander only laughed at the playfulness of Angelus and the horror on Spike's face, that his kin would 'out' him so cruelly.

" Oh I know about William ...poet wasn't it. Apparently you were ridiculed for your ' bloody awful' poetry. You were turned after being rejected by Cecily the love of your life " Xander watched as the previous amusement deserted Spike's face, he instantly felt ashamed for ever opening his mouth. He was an idiot to mention it ... the Spike of his time would have made some nasty snarky comment, but this was Spike of only two years turned, the memory of rejection so callous must be fresh in his mind.

Angelus went to touch his childe but Spike jolted out of his embrace. " Don't ..." he growled.

" I'm so sorry Spike, I shouldn't have ... " Xander stuttered, distressed that he had caused the vampire such pain.

Spike turned to him, could see the truth of Xander's apology and all the anger bled out of his wounded heart. The boy had not meant to hurt him, he could deal, hell he was a demon 'buck up boy, she paid for her mistake, let it go'.

" That part of me is over and done with, I shouldn't be so sensitive...its just I'm surprised that I would have told you such a thing about myself, we were friends then, you and I ? "

Xander hesitantly reached out and grazed his fingers along Spike's leg before snatching his hand back like it burnt to touch him like that. " Uhh no we weren't friendly and it wasn't me you told, it was Buffy " his eyes glued to the dusty floor, he could hear the vampire squirming beside him.

" Oh " Spike whispered. So they weren't even friends, that disturbed him because he was hoping that they were more.

" Buffy again " Angelus snarled, he already had a dislike for the women that seemed to be upsetting the boy.

Xander's head snapped up at the way Angelus had said 'her' name, like a curse not the women who was his soulmate. He felt absurdly pleased, although the vampire had no idea how much this women would come to mean to him. 

" Yes Buffy ...you were both in love with her " he stated, waiting for the reaction.

" What ?? " they both cried. Spike shot to his feet and started to take over from Angelus's previous frenzied pacing. Xander watched him go with quiet amusement. Angelus just stayed where he was, gazing at Xander with the most profound expression of self loathing he had ever seen on anybody but himself.

" Let me start at the beginning " and Xander waited as Spike threw himself down on to the hay next to him again, he seemed to radiate anger, it was in every unneeded breath that escaped through his lips.

" Please..." Angelus implored. Xander turned from the agitated blonde to that of Angelus. For a moment they stared at each other, then Xander closed his eyes, took a deep breath and began.

" It was at the start of our sophomore year that we met you... " 

Angelus frowned, not grasping the meaning. Spike looked equally confused.

" It was 1997 and we were sixteen and at high school "

" We ?  " Angelus asked. 1997 and he still existed, how wonderful.

" My friends and I ... Willow , Buffy. Oz , Cordelia...okay maybe not Cordy but the rest of us, we were a gang of sorts, later we called ourselves the Scoobies " and Xander had to smile at the memory. 

" and Liam here tried to slaughter you lot , right ? " Spike laughed, although I guess that wasn't as funny to the humans.

Angelus growled " You will not refer to me by that name "

Xander smiled and Spike instantly sobered " Not exactly, Angel was not like he is today "

Suddenly Spike latched onto his bicep in a punishing grip " This is what you tried to say to me before, I'd forgotten, you mentioned your friend being the slayer ...it was Buffy that was her name. I'm right aren't I ? "

Xander was silent for a moment " Uh yes..." Spike interrupted, dragging Xander to his feet. " I'm not in love with a Slayer, a goddamn Slayer of my kind , Am I ? " He didn't wait for Xander to answer before he released his hold and again began to pace.

Angelus got to his feet and obstructed Spike's path, both hands seizing the vampire by the shoulders. " Stop this Will " his voice stern, not something to be trifled with.

Spike shrugged at the hands possessing his person " Why are you so darn calm, I think that he said you were in love with a SLAYER also " he spat.

Angelus flinched, his hands dropping to his sides. He was right. Spinning towards Xander he beseeched the boy to tell him it was all a joke...but he got no such reprieve from his expression.

Xander kept his distance " Angel and Buffy were very much in love and you could say they were soulmates " he saw the horror of such a match flicker across Angelus's face " But ... but there are circumstances behind their union. Angel has a soul, or I should say you have a soul. "

" What ? " Spike freaked, gaping at his grandsire with betrayal stamped on his face.

Xander shook his head furiously " No , no...not now but in the future he will. To be precise in 1898 Angelus will be in Romania when Darla will gift you with a young girl, a gypsy. Later they will hunt you down as she was a favourite amongst her clan, the Kalderash clan. Their punishment is to curse you with a soul. The weight of your guilt is so horrendous that you cannot bare the thought. Darla will throw you out and threaten to stake you if you ever return. Spike, Drusilla and Darla proceed to kill every member of the clan in retaliation for their act. "

Angelus quickly loses the use of his knees and collapses to the floor, shock hardly registers as an accurate description of how he felt. Xander without even thinking rushes to help him. Angelus holds him back with an outstretched hand. Xander halts and turns to look at a bewildered Spike.

" This is all a little too much for you too take, but its the truth, I swear it " Xander breathed.

Angelus raised his head to stare at Xander, he stared and said nothing for long, long seconds " I believe you " he croaked and released him to stare at Spike. The vampire seemed heart broken and he dropped his eyes to his own hands in despair.

" You hate me? " Angelus asked, his eyes still fixed on his empty unblemished hands, never did a days work while he was alive...just a no good drunken lout, whoring his way across the small Irish town he hailed from.

Xander had thought he was speaking to Spike but no, his eyes were now fixed on his. Before he could answer Angelus added " Don't lie to me now, tell me it all... "

Xander nodded " Yes I hated you "

Angelus snorted " Hated ...as in you don't now ? "

Xander waited as Spike silently sat beside him once again before speaking " You are not what I expected, no I don't hate you "

Angelus nodded " But him, you loathe him "

Xander sighed " I did yes ...for the longest time. Just before I came through the portal with Holtz, I was living with you and your crew in Los Angeles and I was beginning to feel like a part of your new family. With Wesley... Buffy's ex -watcher, Cordelia my ex and classmate from high school in Sunnydale, Gunn the street toughened saviour of every homeless teen and Fred a girl your gang rescued from a hell dimension. Quite the demon exterminating team you have there. " he grinned, remembering their camaraderie and saddened that he would never get to be a part of that again.

" The reasons are many, many. From the fact that you had Buffy... " Xander started to say.

" When you loved her, but she chose me, a vampire, the one creature she was sworn to kill over you " Angelus answered for him.

" Yes exactly... " he barely whispered.

" I'm sorry " Angelus sighed.

Xander frowned at the vampire before smiling " It's okay...it was such a long time ago and hardly your fault. I was a teenager and things have most certainly changed. I love her as a friend, we have been through so much together "

Angelus nodded understanding completely.

" and me, pet...how did you meet me ? "

Xander shifted to face Spike. At that moment the vampire did not look at all like the master vampire he had come to know in Sunnydale. He seemed so small as if afraid of his fate but at the same time intrigued by the lure of the unknown.

" You blasted into town in your beloved Desoto, with girlfriend Drusilla at your side " he grinned.

" Desoto ? " Spike asked.

" Umm a type of car, oh never mind you wouldn't understand. Its a contraption that will eventually take over from the horse and cart " Xander tried to show Spike by drawing with his finger on the dusty floor. He was completely taken by the innocent look of confusion on Spike's face and couldn't help but smile warmly at the demon.

" I see " Spike answered, he really didn't, but he wasn't going to appear stupid in the eyes of his luv.

" It was in the same year as Angel made himself known to us, but much later in the year and we had all become juniors by this time. Over the years you tried to kill us plenty of times but we always seemed to foil your every plan. " Xander laughed and was glad when Spike genuinely smiled back at the gentle ribbing.

" So how is it that you got to know me so well then...oh and please don't say that I was cursed as well with a damn soul? "

Xander's face lost all the humour he only seconds ago had flaunted. Spike gulped, oh damn this was not good, what could be worse then a soul.

" In 1999 a group of soldiers and scientists set up shop in Sunnydale. They called themselves The Initiative and began rounding up demons to experiment on. " waiting for this to sink in and Spike to ask him the evitable.

" I was captured ? "

" Yes " Xander bit his lip at the look of acceptance on Spike's face.

Spike wasn't sure he wanted to know anymore but curiosity got the better of him. " Go on ..."

" You escaped but not before they placed a chip...umm a small piece of machinery in your head that stopped you from harming a human in any way. It gives you a nasty, debilitating jolt, not unlike an electric shock that radiates across your brain and through your body.

" Barbaric " Angelus growled.

Spike looked paler then Xander could have ever imagined. Apparently there was something that was infinitely worse then a soul. Spike cringed, he wouldn't be able to feed with such a thing in his head.

" What did I do " he murmured.

" You fought it but you had no choice but to throw yourself at our mercy. We took you in "

Spike laughed bitterly " Oh that must have been just dandy, welcome me in with open arms did you? After I had tried to eat the lot of you "

" No, there were times... "

" Oh I bet and this was when I fell in love with the Slayer ? " he really didn't want to know anymore, this was enough information to process.

" Yes... It wasn't a sudden thing. You reluctantly helped us at first, later you became part of our gang, perhaps slightly on the peripheral but definitely included...we couldn't have managed without your strength many times. You were so hopelessly in love with Buffy and she, she spurned your love "

" Oh she did, well that's great " Spike seethed. How dare she, who the hell did she think she was, stupid bint. It was Cecily all over again...

Xander could see the pain in the vampires eyes. He didn't even know this women yet, still he was devastated by her rejection of him.  Xander held his breath as Angelus took the  sullen vampire into his arms, at once Spike tried futilely to escape the comfit. " Don't ..."

" Spike...William " Angelus purred. Spike fought him but the man was stronger.

" I know...she told me " he whispered. " She told me. She told me that I'm yours and not hers"

Angelus sighed, stroking Spike's back as the vampire calmed to his touch. " She was not able to help you cross over, my sweet child came to me in such agony for she didn't want to lose you, it was her blood, you couldn't swallow it and your body was dying fast. She begged me to turn you and I couldn't deny her. "

" My sire " Spike whispered into Angelus's neck. The vampire in turn closed his eyes to the gesture.

" She still is yours, she belongs with you " Angelus said the words but even he didn't believe them...even now he was sure there was another.

Spike lifted his head from Angelus's neck and smiled " No, she has never been but a companion, there is someone else in my heart... " Angelus smiled back, nodding his agreement. With the connection of Sire and Childe established they let go of each other and Spike quickly turned to face his love.

but Xander had gone.

" Oh ... not again " Spike groaned.

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Part Twenty-six a)

Xander released a shuddering breath as he finally stopped running, which wasn't far...he was not doing this again. He refused to runaway from his feelings, okay so he was hiding. Just a little break, a reprieve, time to think. Oh god please no more thinking. It was the thinking that was making him want to run.

Dragging his fingers through his hair, he wrinkled his nose in disgust as they caught in the knotted strands. He ached, his bones ached, his hair was greasy and matted with something he didn't want to even think about. Tired, so very tired and he ached. Oh yeah, he had said that already. As pitiful as it sounded...he truly ached for the vampire, for Spike.

The sun was slowly dipping behind the trees, he was thankful for that because it still made him feel queasy. Dappled light filtered through the pine needles and even Xander had to acknowledge the exquisite beauty of his surroundings. As he walked across the field and further away from the barn the memory of Spike in Angelus's arms haunted him. Pretty silly really, to be jealous of what was most probably just a sweet bonding moment between the two vampires. Xander groaned, it was hopeless he was envious, if only for the ease within which they could comfit the other. All he felt was awkward with Spike, clumsy and getting the distinct impression that he would lose the vampire if he didn't simply relax in his presence.

Tears ran down his cheek and he swiped at them angrily, goddamn it he didn't cry. Letting his head drop to his chest he breathed deeply, forcing himself to calm down. With a panicked cry he scrubbed violently at his eyes, obliterating the tears with the sleeve of his shirt. Absorbed in his own wretched sobs Xander misplaced his footing, slipped, losing his balance he stumbled over his own feet and crashed face first into the wet grass. Oh god... how humiliating, how pathetic and he screamed out his frustration, his distraught wail echoing back at him through the gathering breeze. Xander struggled wildly to his feet, with renewed determination he picked up his pace, staring ahead, his mind blanked out everything around him.

It only took the fractured reflection of the sun shining off a nearby lake and into Xander's eyes, to jolt him out the trance he had blundered into. Shielding his eyes and swallowing down the nausea from the sun... he inched towards the water.

The breeze skimmed across the surface creating delicate ripples. The deep blueness of the lake lured Xander closer. He could take a little dip, clean the gunk out of his hair and finally be able to feel human again. Perhaps after he was purified again he could breathe and come to some kind of a decision about his life.

***************************************

Spike was jittery, he felt the pinprick of the suns proximity glide tantalisingly across his skin. This time he wasn't waiting for Xander to come to his senses. He'd had enough of this dance, this would end right now.

He had abandoned the sheet of sacking that had helped him cross the field, from the barn to the bottom of the hill. Once there he could safely move, following the peripheral of the pine forest that covered the entire hillside. It was here Spike could move more quickly across the breadth of the field, as the shade afforded him the luxury of speed without the hindrance of peeking out from under a smoking cloth, just too see if he was even running in the right direction. With Xander's borrowed supernatural gifts...he needed every advantage to get to the boy before he escaped. He remembered all too well the speed at which Xander had taken flight from the building after Philip had resurrected him.

Spike almost used the mind link to contact his...his..."damn him" he growled. With his anger came the demon, allowing his face to transform. The yellow eyes that screamed predator seemed to glint in the rich darkness of the trees. Their clean woodsy scent never once overwhelming the scent of Xander...nothing would stop him from having what he wanted, nothing.

The sun had almost dipped behind the crest of the hill, shadows loomed over the open field, he could afford to move into the clearing now. Xander's scent intensified and Spike found himself bounding over the tufts of coarse grass under his feet, he was so close.

Bursting out of a clump of bushes he came to an abrupt stop at the edge of a lake. His eyes instantly skimmed around the edge. Xander was here, he could smell him. Where the hell was he?

A little way from where Spike had stopped was a small mound of something, as he came closer he realized it was a pile of crumpled clothing, Xander's to be exact...the scent was unbearably comforting. The tension bled out of Spike's anger and his face slipped back into his human features...he hadn't runaway after all, well not far anyhow.

His eyes lifted to the water as he scanned the surface for movement. He gasped, swallowing with great difficulty at the sight towards the middle of the lake.

Xander with his back to him, even in the fading light he couldn't believe he hadn't instantly been drawn to him. His hair was wet, slicked back against his head. His torso was bare, he seemed so relaxed and Spike was almost loathe to disturb him in this moment, but how could he resist such a gift.

Spike never let his eyes stray from Xander as he silently removed his shirt, shucked off his boots and lastly wriggled out of his pants, all with slightly trembling hands. Easing into the water, he flexed his toes, making sure he made no sound. Spike didn't want to inform Xander of his presence until he was much closer.

He was instantly surprised at the temperature of the water, rather sultry when he had expected it to be biting. A soothing breeze stirred the lake as it lapped at his skin, exciting every nerve ending as he moved in deeper, submerging his body slowly into the wet darkness around him.

From this distance Spike could now make out the droplets that cascaded over Xander's back, that honey warm skin so pale in the fading light. If this was the vision before him now...what would remain of his control once the moon's silvery touch had transformed him. So beautiful, so innocent, so his for the taking.

Spike found himself mesmerised by those sinful beads escaping down Xander's back, merging into the surface. A velvet curtain of water that seemed to cling hopelessly, moulding to his form like a possessive lover.

Almost there, almost. As if Xander had sensed his intoxicated state...he suddenly turns toward him. Spike tensed, waiting for the boy to run, so relieved when he didn't.

Part of Xander wanted badly to flee but the other half thought he was an idiot for even thinking it. Damned if you do and damned if you don't...and so he stayed. Utterly immobile, he couldn't breathe because he wasn't sure if he was going to be drained or kissed or both.

The closer Spike got, the more Xander wanted to step back...as if sensing his hesitation Spike sealed the distance with a burst of supernatural speed. He was just suddenly there, pale arms wrapped around his waist, crushed against Spike's naked chest. Their skin brushed against the other, a slow tease that had a devastating effect to Xander's libido.

To his embarrassment his cock stirred, just a little excited, it brushed Spike's thigh with a gentle nudge. The vampire pulled back, stepping away from Xander's heat. He leered at the flush that had suffused Xander's cheeks, his eyes gliding like molten lava over the equally blushing expanse of his throat. Spike began to circle Xander, just out of the boys reach. He would have said Spike 'prowled' but the act implied getting down on all fours like some giant cat and that was not something Xan could envision him doing.. Still Spike's intention was clear, the sheer volume of carnal pleasure was etched into every inch of his naked body. God, okay Spike was naked and Spike wanted him.

Yes he was an idiot, he'd thought Spike's attraction was based on a game, the object being 'freak the bloody human out and watch him run'. He was wrong...this was serious.

Xander found himself turning on the spot, the surface churned in his wake, caressing him  under the ribs. His eyes never left the vampire pushing effortlessly through the water, forever circling him. At first his gaze was glued to Spike's face but the predator gleam was making him feel like a doe in headlights. Quickly his hungry stare darted over Spike's chest, dipping into each hollow, over muscles and silky skin he itched to touch.

Just when he thought the dizziness was going to overwhelm him if Spike didn't stop, he did just that. Xander weaved for a minute, blinking he tried hard to concentrate, to gain back his equilibrium.

He was panting hard when Spike, arching one eyebrow, opened his mouth and snarled

" Open up to me "

Xander spluttered, frowning " Now ? " he asked incredulously. Spike's timing was really awful. Okay yes they needed 'the chat' and yes he had issues and there would be a time to discuss them but now. Why now of all times. Because ....

He had been shaking his head and he'd taken his eyes off Spike for just a second and now the vampire had vanished, damn him. He couldn't have waited till he had explained, I mean how rude was that...

Suddenly Xander screamed, nearly jumping out of his skin, something had brushed his leg, some creature in the...

He threw his head back, squeezing his eyes shut as a broken moan pushed through his lips.

"Oh god... " he gasped, wildly searching the blackness below him when...

Two firm hands pressed insistently into each of his thighs, his flesh yielding to that fierce grip, fingers branding his all too human skin. Xander allowed his legs to be pushed apart, hell...he eagerly complied with anything Spike wanted because...

" Oh yesss " he hissed, arching his neck once more. " Oh hell...oh God  oh pleaasseee " he breathed. Xander shivered at the exquisite tremors flooding his body. Oh ...oh, his legs were going to give out, hurry.

When Spike had said " Open up to me " he had no idea this was what he meant.

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 Part Twenty-six b)

Spike had been so prepared for an escape, every muscle had been coiled, primed for the moment Xander would bolt. Except he hadn't run, although from all appearances the boy had been seriously wrestling with the need to take flight.

Still he hadn't.

Now... he had his hands on that soft skin, between those long legs, stroking the tornado of concealed passion, coaxing the tempest to the surface. Wanting the savagery of caged emotion he could smell on the boy. A need that scraped the surface of his psyche, unleashed in him such terrible hunger. Because Spike knew he would surrender, he would plead, if it was denied him. 

He had not known Xander long, scarcely a day, yet already he felt like kindred. Xander hid from the world, as he had. Correction...as William had. Contrary to what was drilled into him by Ms self-appointed queen bee 'Darla', the demon may appear to rule the roost so to speak, but the relationship with the human inside is very much a symbiotic one. Without his humanity intact, the only thoughts would be of mindless violence, of killing, eating and of fucking, there was little middle ground in the demons thinking. At his 'turning' it had been difficult to get through to the demon that had taken up residence in his body...months of endless wheedling on his behalf. Finally they had come to some kind of a shaky understanding and the demon accepted his views. Because honestly it was William who had gotten them out of many a close call. Not to say there weren't times when the demon broke loose and defied every warning William screamed at him, not unlike a stubborn wilful child, but in the end the demon pouted and let the human have his way. Usually after they had come inches from death.

Xander knew Spike in the future, over a century from now. That meant that he had survived and the demon was forced to conclude that it was the humans inner strength, an overt intelligence, an insight into the behaviour of others, that had kept them alive. Of course it didn't hurt that Williams strengths naturally complimented the demons outer strength...its ability to kick some serious ass. Theirs was an existence that relied on complete duality, the yin and yang...ahhh whatever. Together they are 'Spike' and there is no other vampire quite like him.

The demon wants Xander for its own, it whispers seductively in his ear of turning the human, of making him Childe. William has learnt to choose his battles and for the moment he is firm, Xander will not be made a vampire. He craves the warmth, the frailty, the desperate longing of need and protection that he reads in Xander's eyes, he wants to hold on to that humanity a little while longer. The demon argues with him but seems appeased by the fulfilling of have, want, need...now.

The one thing the demon excels at above all others, is enthralling its victim. While Xander remains in his sights, absolutely nothing will get in his way. With possession the demon is truly master.

Spike sinks deep into the darkest most seductive blue. The caress of warm water seems to seep into his bones and he flows with it, letting it take him to Xander.

He hears the shouts above, calling for him. The sound muffled, it's almost a growl, the delectable tone sending an involuntary shiver of lust to run the course of his spine. Desire so pure flares in Spike and he surges forward. Like a throbbing beacon in his veins he instinctively swims through the molasses like lake towards his love.

The merest hint of a touch across Xander's knees and it isn't enough. Circling Xander's figure he manages to evade the searching hands sifting through the water. Sweeping his long fingers down one taut leg, marvelling at the clench of muscle as the boy above succumbs to his advances with a heady moan.

Reaching forward he latches each of his hands onto Xander's calf, steadying the boy as he goes in for the kill. He scrapes his teeth across the back of one leg, nipping the tendons at the hollow behind Xander's knee. The boy suddenly bucks into him. Spike's grip tightens so that Xander doesn't squirm of his reach, while he rides out the boys initial flash of desire.

Each moan from above zero's in on Spike's libido and he begins to groan, fighting hard the demons yearning to just bite him.

Spike settles on the lake floor, giving Xander a moment to think, wind-up that lovely tension into a fever pitch, while he contemplates his next move. Besides it was nice to sit back and enjoy the perfect view from down here. Oh yeah he could do this forever if it weren't for the almost painful need to cum.

Spike lay back, snaking his hands over each of Xander's feet he began to nudge them persistently apart. He sighed as the boy got the idea and was finally able to position himself between Xander's opened legs. A passing thought of how wonderful it would be to have the boy just sit on his face, but no, that wasn't going to happen without some serious encouragement and time on his behalf. No... if he wanted a taste, he was going to have to get it himself.

Ghosting his fingers up both of Xander's legs as far as he could reach before sitting up and rubbing his head against Xander's inner thigh. The boy damn well vibrated with such repressed passion. To get through that wall Xander had built around him, he was gonna have to stun the boy enough that it would knock any thought or reason on its ass, till there was only total submission. The sheer volume of images that blasted through his brain at the mere idea of such a surrender...had Spike's cock twitching and his control completely evaporating.

With his knees grinding into the coarse sediment of the lake floor, he slid each of his hands to Xander's butt. Kneading the instantly hard mounds of flesh under his fingers, before grazing a nail between those firm cheeks. The force of the gasp from above only drove Spike further.

With an arch of his neck, his mouth came in contact with Xander's skin, so gorgeously smooth under his lips. Applying the lightest suction, he tasted Xander for the first time there, so different from those beautiful lips, yet just as addictive. Still he craved more as Xander yielded, opening up for him.

Grabbing his hips roughly, Spike tilted his head sharply for better access, all remnants of his merciless tease gone.

Spike attacked Xander, not holding back, he held him fiercely against his mouth. A deep bruising purchase that brought the demon out to play.

Quickly Spike jerked back an inch, violently shaking his head to rid himself of the gameface. Once under control, he plunged back into Xander's ass. His tongue stabbed at the boys entrance, sucked at the puckered skin. Xander soon became slick with his saliva and the low mewling from above was really driving him over the edge. Spike closed his eyes tightly, keeping the demon at bay by sheer fucking will. All his senses howled for blood, but he resisted, as this after all was for Xander.

He wanted the boy to scream for him, scream his name.

Moments later Xander didn't hesitate as every cell in his body cried out.

" Spikeeeeee..."

Blood rushed in his ears and his heart felt like it was trying to thump out his chest.

Oh god did he scream, oh how he screamed... he was stunned that an orgasm could be this intense, that such an incredible wave like a brush fire singeing, fuelling his emotions into fever. That just letting go for once...

that it could be like this...

Oh god he had the most embarrassing need to sob, he felt so joyously happy. 

Spike burst out of the lake in a shower of water and he couldn't help but jump at his sudden appearance. Xander refused to look at him as he panted into the night sky, a sky full of tens of thousands of twinkling stars.

His legs were weak, he felt his face flame as he sensed the vampires eyes on him. Then Spike was there, crushed against him, humping his leg, growling...and yes, kissing him, devouring him with mouth and tongue and especially teeth. Xander's brain melted and the world grew dark. He had actually blacked out for an instant and the fact brought a frisson of fear down his whole body.

Spike must have sensed his fear because he stepped away from his body, he ached at the sudden loss.

" Look at me " Spike growled.

Xander couldn't, he just could not find the courage to face him, that perfect moment was disappearing as quickly as it had come.

" Damn it Xander , Look at me " Spike hissed low in his throat. Xander didn't comply, if anything he shrunk further into himself. Spike stepped back into the boys personal space, at least he got a reaction as Xander scrambled backwards away from Spike. Flinching as if the vampire would strike him. 

So they matched step by step, inching across the water, it was ludicrous, but Spike maintained the game, guiding Xander back to the shore. Oh... this wasn't over, this had just begun. 

As Xander neared the shore and the level of the lake diminished, so did that of his ability to hide his body in the dark water. Extremely self conscious as he felt the burn of Spike's gaze on his naked body. He tried to reach his clothes so that he could hide once more, but Spike reached him before he got even partly there.

Spike's hand clamped down on his own, the strength behind that grip was insistent, just shy of painful. The tugging of his arm towards Spike's body was in direct conflict to the force in which he was held. Took Xander by complete surprise, so much that he finally looked Spike in the eye and the love that radiated there made him forget about his shyness as he followed the vampire into the meadow.

The cool sponginess of the grass under his feet, a balm to his jumbled nerves. Spike's all consuming stare never once left his body, his skin hot in the wake of such intense scrutiny. He never even hesitated when Spike indicated he should sit. His butt colliding with the grass and he couldn't help but sigh as his over-sensitized skin was stroked by wet blades of luscious green.

Spike dropped beside him, instantly reaching for him, he dragged him close. Gently pushing Xander to lie back on the grass. He shivered as the dewy blades lashed at his bare skin, excited every nerve as Spike straddled his hips. The first touch of his erect cock with Spike's had him gasping, thrusting his hips off the ground as he arched his back, his head thrashing from side to side...he was so ready for this.

Spike rode out Xander's reactions, echoing the boys previous gasp...like he really needed the breath, but a habit of a lifetime is hard to break. The moons silvery light illuminated Xander's arched neck and he had to lunge forward and taste his skin. Licking over the Adams apple the moan of appreciation humming under his lips. Spike simultaneously pushed his hips into alignment with Xander's

Thrusting hard he rotated his hips on the down stroke.

Xander cried out, but he transferred his need into ambushing Spike's mouth instead, his tongue swiping the vampires boldly, licking over his teeth with a fierce need for more, oh god more contact.

" Now " he breathed into Spike's mouth " now Spike...please " he gasped as Spike bit sharply into the fleshy part of his lip, not enough to pierce his skin but enough to send a jolt directly to his groin.

Spike gentled the kiss, sliding his lips over and over Xander's, friction so agonizingly sweet. With a deep unneeded breath he memorized the scent of Xander, the smell of wet grass and of earth. " Are you sure ? " he whispered.

Xander lifted his hips off the wet ground and bucked them into Spike's groin. Oh yeah he was very sure.

Spike kissed him hard, then scooted backwards, his cool hands immediately wrapped around Xander's hard flesh. Xander in turn froze, squeezing his eyes shut as a strangled groan came through his tightly pursed lips. " Please...Spike stop...STOP " he pleaded " Inside me...now Spike want you inside "

Spike's mouth fell open for a second before he growled " It's going to hurt "

Xander's eyes snapped open and they held the vampires " Don't care, want you so much, want to feel you...please Spike "

William was helpless to say no, the demon was clawing through his head to get at the boy. Together they wanted him so bad. Sliding his hands down both of Xander's legs he lifted them into the air, resting them against his body, the boys feet dangling either side of his head. His mouth was actually salivating at the body opened wide for him, at the thought of possessing Xander. Gameface falling into place he purposely stared at the boy, gauging his reaction to the demon. His yellow eyes burnt in to Xander's chocolate ones...there was only lust and quiet desperation reflected there.

He continued to watch Xander as he brought his arm to his mouth, fangs sliced through his wrist and blood gushed out, rivulets cascaded down his stomach as he reached for his own cock, quick sure strokes as he coated his erection. Bloody handprints decorated Xander's honeyed perfection as he moved the boy closer. Fingers eagerly rubbed over the entrance, slipping inside a tight, slick hole. His earlier attention had made Xander ready for Spike's cock.

Xander knocked Spike's exploring fingers out of the way as he gripped the vampires cock in his hand, yanking him forward and attempting to impale himself. Spike bit into his lip to gain back control, but was at a loss when he met Xander's eyes " Please...oh god please Spike, just do it... I can't stand the teasing."

Spike moaned as the sensitive head of his cock nudged into Xander's entrance, it took all his will-power not to just thrust into that heat. Inch by fucking inch and it was unmitigated torture. Xander didn't have such self control as he rammed back into Spike's dick.

Every muscle screamed at the burn and Xander forgot to breathe for a moment...then he did nothing but ...as he panted through the intrusion splitting him apart. Spike began to move...

" oh... oh... oh " as the painful burn began to change, as it sparked a deep primal urge to just go wild. Xander found himself pushing back, matching Spike's excruciating pace, rotating his hips off the ground, begging for the friction.

Spike abruptly sank into a deep plunge, grunting out his pleasure as the boy under him quivered at every jab into his prostrate. Xander cried out at the euphoria sweeping over him, his voice only growing louder as he started to mimic every growl that emanated from the vampires throat. Spike gripped Xander's cock and pumped him hard and fast, it wasn't long before Xander was screaming out his second orgasm of the night, while Spike rode out the series of shivers wracking the boys body. He was coming too, as Xander's muscles had clamped down on his cock, squeezing him mercilessly and he jerked back his head as the demon came to the fore and the once human like growl merged into that of the predator.

Xander swallowed at the howling vampire above him, pale skin arched to the moonlight,   rippling under contracting muscles...god he was so beautiful like this and it happened, it just came out of his mouth before he could stop it. " Oh how I love you Spike ".

Immediately his legs were detached from Spike's shoulders and he was forced into a sitting position. Golden eyes so very close to his wide pupils...then he blinked and it was okay he could give something back to Spike.

Xander tilted his head to the side, the honey expanse of his throat bared to the vampire. Spike was touched that Xander trusted him and was so willing to give him this but as much as he desired it, with Xander's current 'self healing' state the idea was not an attractive one, not if what he heard of Dru's screams was anything to go by. He shook his head at the boy and Xander had realized what he had offered. He immediately felt stupid, for he'd forgotten about his temporary powers in the heat of the moment. Spike could see the regret and the shame in the boys face " I can wait Xander, we have lots of time "

Spike curled his body around Xander's warmth and proceeded to lick him clean of the boys cum and his blood...such a tempting combination. He stroked his finger's over Xander's hair, pushing an uncooperative strand out of his eyes, rubbing his thumb across those kiss bruised lips.

There was a clearing of a throat somewhere behind him and Spike didn't even flinch as he asked calmly " Yes Angelus, can I help you ? "

There was a shuffle of feet as the elder vampire came closer " As much as I don't want to interrupt, I will, as I'm starving and I'm betting from the screams that echoed round the valley that you would be up for a bite to eat " Angelus answered, the humour in his words so very apparent.

Spike continued to look into Xander's eyes until the boy was compelled to let the vampire go " Spike go get something to eat...I'll meet you back at the barn " The vampire hesitated but then finally nodded his head " Alright luv, you'll be okay? "

Xander grinned and quickly kissed the vampire which just as quickly sank into slow sensual merging of heat, they couldn't get enough of each other. Spike pried himself out of Xander's embrace, regretfully and Xander nodded as the vampire turned and gathered his clothes.

" See you soon and be careful, okay? " 

Spike grinned back " of course luv, always " He watched the two vampires as they disappeared across the field.

Turning, Xander moved over to his clothes and started to dress, he wanted to get back to the relative safety of the barn, living on a Hellmouth had taught him to be forever wary, especially at night.

Just as he was finished tying his shoelaces...Angelus burst out of the bushes to his right. Alarm quickly fell over his features as he noticed he was alone. " Angelus...where's Spike, is he okay ? " 

Angelus looked around, his eyes darting into the forest, over the lake...he definitely appeared to be on edge " Yes...Spike he's fine. Nothing wrong with Spike " he answered, his voice though was one of distraction and Xander was instantly wary.

" Come, we must go Xander... " and he grabbed at Xander's hand but the boy jumped back out of his grasp.

" I don't think so, tell me what the hell is going on ? " he yelled. Something was really wrong, prickles of stone cold dread were racing down his spine.

Angelus reached into his coat and this is the moment Xander realized that the vampire was dressed in completely different clothing than what he had been wearing... only a minute ago.

Xander's head shot up to the vampires as he extracted a small pouch from his pocket. Avoiding the boys questioning gaze he sprinkled a handful of powder from the pouch into the air in front of him, the powder froze, suspending itself in midair . " We don't have much time " the vampire muttered before chanting some spell in what Xander guessed was a  demon language.

" Angel ? "  he croaked.

He grinned at the boy " Yes its me...I've come to bring you back "

Xander's reaction to this was swallowed up by the boom that shook the ground around them. Angel grabbed Xander around the waist and hurled them both through the portal that burst open from where the powdered crystals had once floated.

As the two figures disappeared through the hole, the portal closed once more behind them. Leaving an empty meadow behind, the moon casting shadows over the landscape, the stars twinkling from far above the earth.

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Continue to parts 27-30