Xander trailed behind Oz as they walked into the shop. Oz was obviously a frequent and well-liked customer here. All the employees -- and not a few customers -- greeted him by name when they caught sight of him. Occasionally, Oz paused to exchange a few words with someone. When this happened, Xander shrank behind Oz, using the smaller man's body to deflect any glances or comments that might be directed his way.

Finally, though, they were left alone to browse, and Xander let out a relieved sigh. He'd had to fight the urge to flinch away every time someone had walked by too closely. It was wearing down his nerves.

Oz laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, it's ok, man. They'll chill out soon, they just get a little friendly sometimes."

Xander nodded shakily. "Yeah, um, it's cool." Still, he peered around as if expecting to be jumped. "Look, can we just get this over with?"

"Sure, no prob." Oz led the other man to a deserted corner of the shop, pointing out some shelves that held a collection of oddities. "Why don't we start here?"

Xander scooted in front of Oz, placing the man between him and the rest of the store. With half his attention devoted to keeping himself firmly ensconced in this position, he began to pick through the assorted items.

Oz watched him, unconsciously giving off an air of protectiveness. With a level stare, he warned off the few people who drifted over to that side of the shop. After a while, he noticed that Xander seemed a bit more at ease, humming softly as he pondered over the items on the shelves, unable to decide what Spike would like the most.

Xander froze, as if the slightest movement would cause the treasure he'd just uncovered to vanish. Holding his breath, he reached out cautiously, picking up the jumble of leather and metal with reverent fingers. He smoothed his hands over it, laying it out flat on his lap as he crouched beside the lower shelves.

"Find something?" Oz squatted next to him.

"Maybe. I think so." He rubbed a bit of dust off the leather. "If it all cleans up good." He looked up at Oz, worried. "Do you...think he'll like it?"

Oz quirked an eyebrow at the set of ebony-colored throwing knives and spikes that were visible inside their leather casing. "Looks like his kinda thing."

Xander ran a finger over the stylized 'S' etched into the leather. With a look of intense concentration, he removed one of the knives, scraping a bit of grime off to reveal a similar engraving on the thin handle. "They're perfect," he breathed. "Like they were made for him."

Oz smiled gently as he watched Xander caress the metal. "I can help you get them cleaned up, sharpened. If that's what you want to get."

Xander just nodded, still awestruck by his find.

"Cool. I know a guy. We can drop by his shop if you like?"

"Yeah. Ok." Xander stood, holding onto the weapons as if they were the most fragile items in the world. He bit his lip. "What if they're...too expensive? I don't have a lot of money." In all actuality, he had barely any. Just what Spike had managed to appropriate on their flight from his old home. He'd insisted on splitting that with Xander, but the human had refused any further offers of money from Spike's most recent...earnings.

Oz shrugged. "I can get it." Seeing Xander about to protest, he added, "You can pay me back. It's cool."

Xander hesitated, but another look at his find, and he gave in. "All right. But it's just a loan."

"Got it." He held out his hand to shake on it, and Xander took it with a grin. "Guess we're done here then." He prodded Xander toward the front of the store where the checkout was.

Xander paid, pleasantly surprised by the low price; he was easily able to afford it. Out of the store, he kept grinning at the bag he now held, unable to wipe the satisfied expression off his face.

"So, you wanna get 'em fixed up now? Mel's place is close by, just a few shops down."

Xander thought about it. He would have liked to hurry back home, but he *had* to get Spike's present all fixed up, and he really didn't want to have to come out again. At least not any time soon. With a sigh, he agreed, then followed Oz down the sidewalk and into a dimly lit, unmarked shop.

"Yo, Mel. You here?"

A huge, burly man with a cross expression and a seemingly permanent scowl plastered on his face popped out of a back room. "Oz," came the growled acknowledgement.

Xander gasped, cringing into Oz, ducking his head to hide his face.

Oz gave his trembling arm a reassuring pat, then took the bag from his hand and transferred it to Mel's. "Need these fixed up. Can you do it?"

Mel emptied the contents of the bag onto a counter, poking at them with a thick finger. He grunted. "Yeah. Take about an hour, hour 'n a half." He looked up again. "Nice work, these. Shame to see good blades treated this way." He frowned, hearing Xander's quick panting as the boy started to hyperventilate. "Your friend all right?" He watched as Oz immediately turned toward his companion, murmuring to him in a low voice. "Molly!" he bellowed, making Xander flinch as if hit.

A petite woman, as tiny as Mel was large, bustled out, glaring at Mel disapprovingly. "Land sakes, plumcake. I ain't deaf, you know."

Mel grinned sheepishly. "Sorry Molly-m'love. You know me."

"Well, after being married to your cantankerous self for the last 34 years, I should hope so!" came the retort. Still, her green eyes twinkled merrily as she shook her head, sending soft waves of red hair that show just the smallest hint of gray bouncing about her shoulders. "Now, what's all the fuss about?"

Mel pointed out the two young men. "Think that young fellow might be sick or something."

Molly looked over, giving a delighted squeal when she saw Oz. "Sugar!" She hurried over and gave him a hug, clucking her tongue in disapproval. "You're too skinny. You're a growing boy, you need to eat more," she admonished.

"Sorry, Molly." Oz tried to appear contrite, but knew he didn't fool the intuitive woman. He stepped to the side, revealing a still-shaking Xander.

"Oh dear, you do look a right sight, don't you?" Hands on hips, she studied him, then stepped forward to link arms with Xander, coaxing him into the room she'd just appeared from. "Nothing a bit of milk and some fresh baked chocolate chip cookies won't put to rights, I'm sure. Come, come!" She soon had Xander planted in a chair, a glass of ice-cold milk and a plate of steaming cookies in front of him.

Breathing easier now that he was away from the hulking man that seemed to put him in mind of his father, Xander let out a shuddering sigh. "Sorry," he whispered, embarrassed about having made a scene.

"Nonsense. Now you just dig in like a good boy, and I'll go have a word with that big lummox about scaring customers." She beamed, patting his cheek fondly. "Now, those cookies better be at least half-gone by the time I come back in here, you hear me young man?" She gave him a stern look, and Xander nodded, hand already creeping across the table to snatch one of the cookies.

"Good." She eyed him until he took the first bite, moaning happily at the sugar rush. With a chuckle, she left him to carry on. When she got back to the main area of the store, she glared at Mel. "For heaven's sake, what did you do to scare the poor child so? He's in a state, that one is."

"I didn't do anything!" Mel protested, hands held up in protestation of his innocence.

"Uh-huh." Molly's foot began tapping as she narrowed her eyes in disbelief.

"No really, he didn't," Oz came to the man's defense. "Xander just has some...issues. I think Mel's...size may have startled him, I didn't think to warn him."

"Issues? With...large men?" Molly frowned, then gasped, eyes brimming with sympathetic tears. "Oh, the poor dear. Who could hurt such a lovely child?" Tsking softly, she went back in the room, determined to mother the boy while he was here.

Mel eyed Oz. "Issues, huh?" He nodded in understanding. Then, clearing his throat, he got back to business. "So, a regular customer like yourself, I can give you a good price on this."

"Right. And that would have nothing to do with Molly...ahem, taking you to task if you tried to overcharge us like you do those other naive customers of yours?"

Mel grinned, laughing heartily. "Nothing whatsoever."

"I liked Molly," Xander admitted as they left the store a while later. In one hand, he held the bag with the newly restored weapons for Spike. In the other, he protectively gripped a tin of leftover cookies that Molly had insisted he take.

"She has that effect on people," Oz agreed.

"She makes really good cookies." Xander blushed slightly as he said this.

"Mm-hmm. Try one of her pies sometime."

Xander's eyes glazed over as he tried to imagine. "That good?"

"Oh yeah." Oz was smiling, glad to see the return of at least some of the old Xander. Taking a chance, he casually said, "You know, there's a pretty good clothing place across the street. Wanna pick anything up while we're out?"

"Um, I dunno." Xander stopped walking, looking across the street at the shop Oz was pointing at.

"We can just grab some of those pre-packaged t-shirts, maybe some underwear. Won't take more than a few minutes." He shrugged. "They gift wrap, too. Maybe we can talk 'em into wrapping Spike's present."

"Oh. I didn't think about that." Xander took a deep breath, then nodded. "Ok. Just for a few minutes." He followed Oz over to the store, letting the other man lead him over to a rack of shirts. With a little coaxing, he was soon browsing the selection of clothes, not even noticing the passing minutes as he happily picked out new shirts, pants, socks and boxers. He even managed to find a couple pairs of shoes, another thing he desperately needed.

Oz watched this bundle of energy, wondering when Xander had changed into some sort of shopping maniac. He snorted, just glad that the brunette was sticking to plain, subdued colors rather than the riotous outfits he usually wore. Gamely, he made a stack of Xander's chosen purchases, making sure to keep a watchful eye on the bag and tin that had been left in his care. He was straightening the pile when a scent tingled at him. Brow furrowed, he turned.

"Oh!" Tara dropped the dress she was holding, gaping at Oz. "O-O-Oz!" she squeaked. Blushing, she hastily bent and scooped up the dress. "I-I... W-Willow didn't say you w-were in town again."

Oz blinked. "That would be because she doesn't know."

"Oh." Nodding, the witch looked around frantically. Her eyes settled on something behind Oz, and she gasped. The dress landed on the floor again. "Xander!"

*****
Part 24:

Xander froze, eyes going wide. He took a step back. "Um...Tara." He licked his lips, glancing nervously at Oz.

Oz closed his eyes momentarily, groaning softly. This was just turning out to be a fantastic day! Calmly, he hefted the pile, dumping everything into Xander's arms. "Why don't you take these up to the register? I'll be with you in a sec."

Xander's glance darted between Tara and Oz, then he backed away and moved quickly to the front of the store.

Oz watched him go, then turned back to Tara, who was following Xander's departure with wide eyes. Once he was out of sight, those eyes were directed to Oz again. He lifted an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest.

"That was...Xander." Tara looked very confused, with just the barest hint of being upset.

"It was."

"I don't...I don't understand. We've all...Willow and everyone, we've been looking for him."

"Have you?"

"We all thought something...bad...had happened to him."

"Did you now?"

Her forehead crinkled. "Willow's been so worried about him."

"That's Willow for you."

Tara took a deep breath. "Is he...is he ok?"

"You could say that." Oz just continued to stare at her, not even attempting to be helpful.

Shaking her head, Tara once more picked up the discarded dress. She made as if to step around Oz. "I have to go. I have to tell Willow--"

"No!" Oz grabbed her arm, eyes narrowing. He jerked her back, hissing, "You can't say *anything*! Not to anyone."

Tara tried to pull away, but was unable to break his grip. Wincing as fingers dug into her arm, she quit struggling. "But she's his friend," she protested. "She needs to know!"

"She needs to know what *Xander* chooses to tell her! And if he wanted to talk with her, he would have. *You* are going to forget you ever saw him."

"I...I..." Tears welled up in her eyes, and she slumped. "I *can't*," she said weakly. "You don't understand. I *can't* lie to her. You don't know how she's been; I *have* to tell her."

Oz finally released her, and ran a hand through his hair. He sighed heavily. He knew that sooner or later, Willow and the rest were bound to find out where Xander was. It would probably be best if he could figure out a way to get them to meet on Xander's terms. "Look," he told her firmly, "I'll talk to Xander, see if I can convince him to call or something. But..." and his eyes took on a hard glint. "We do this *my* way. You say *nothing*, not until you get the go ahead from him. Am I clear?"

Tara gulped at the menace being directed toward her. "Ok," she whispered, nodding her head shakily.

Oz took a moment to determine the sincerity of her agreement, then nodded back. "Fine." Turning his back, he dismissed her and went looking for Xander.

Xander looked up warily at his approach.

Oz grinned at him reassuringly. "No prob, Xan. Let's check out, ok?"

~~~~~~~~~~

Willow glanced up from her books as the door opened. "Oh, hey Tara. How'd your shopping go?"

'Um, good I guess." Head down, she walked past her girlfriend, heading for the closet where she began to put away the clothes she'd bought.

Willow frowned. "Are you alright? Did something happen?"

"N-no. Wh-why would you think that?" She tried to hide the shaking of her hands as she pulled out some clothes hangers.

"No reason. You just seem, I dunno, upset."

Tara forced a smile. "I'm fine, Willow."

"Oh. Ok then. Because, you know, you could tell me if anything happened. Because if someone was mean to you or something, I could put a whammy on them. Of course, so could you, because you're just as good a witch as I am, and you know I love you, right?"

Her smile genuine now, Tara walked over to Willow and gave her a quick kiss. "I know," she said quietly. "I love you too...babble and all."

"Well, good then." Willow watched her girlfriend for a moment more before returning to her reading.

~~~~~~~~~~

Spike looked from the television. Smiling when he saw Xander coming through the door, he stood. "Pet! You're back! Have fun on your little trip?"

Xander nodded, giving the vampire a tiny grin. "Got lots of new clothes," he told him.

"Good. Your other things were wearing a mite thin." He looked at the tin that Xander was holding. "What's that?"

Xander opened it, offering its contents to Spike. "Cookies. Oz took me...um, to this shop, and the lady there had made them and let me have some."

"Oooh, chocolate. Nummy." He took one, groaning in bliss as the taste exploded across his tongue. "Bloody hell!" he gasped around the mouthful. "These things are fantastic!"

Xander nodded in agreement. "I know. I ate about a dozen myself."

Spike polished off the rest of his cookie, eyeing the tin lustfully. With a chuckle, Xander handed it to him. As he devoured the cookies, Spike watched Xander carry an armful of bags into their bedroom. Oz also had a package, which he quickly stashed in his room before reappearing.

"We need to talk," he informed the vampire.

"'Bout wha'?" Spike mumbled, mouth still crammed full.

"Xander and I ran into someone today. You might know her."

Spike swallowed, a heavy feeling growing in his stomach. "Who?" he asked shortly.

"Oh, blonde, witch, dates Willow. Tara?"

Spike set the remaining cookies down on the coffee table, flopping onto the sofa. "Bloody hell," he muttered darkly.

*****
Part 25:

"No!"

Oz glared at Spike. "We've been having this argument for the last two days. It doesn't matter what you think; it's Xander's decision."

"Bloody hell it is!" Spike paced the room angrily. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette.

Oz leapt up and snatched it away. "Not inside," he told the vampire firmly.

Spike growled. "Y'know, you ain't human. I *can* hurt you!"

"Try it."

Lunging forward, Spike pulled himself to an abrupt halt at Xander's appearance.

"What's going on?" Xander asked.

"Nothing," Spike gritted out.

Oz rolled his eyes. "Xander, Tara knows about you. I don't think she'll be able to stay quiet for long. I just thought it would be best if maybe you called Willow or something."

"No!" Spike rushed over to Xander. "Don't listen to him, pet. You don't have to talk to the chit if you don't want to."

Xander bit his lip, eyes downcast. He flicked a glance at Oz. "T-Tara said Wills was worried, huh?"

Oz nodded.

"I didn't...I didn't even think about, you know, what they'd do. I guess...they're probably wondering about me, huh?"

"Willow's been your best friend for years, Xander." Oz shrugged, leaving the decision up to him.

Xander gave a tremulous grin. "Yeah. So...I guess I should...call."

Spike threw his hands up, stalking over to the couch. He sank down, glowering. "For the record, not that anyone seems to care, but I think this is a fucking *insane* idea!"

Oz just sighed and picked up the phone, handing it to Xander.

Xander stared at it as if would bite. "Um, could...could you call, Oz?"

With a small grin, Oz dialed the number that Xander gave him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tara paced, nibbling at her nails. She couldn't do this any longer. She couldn't! //I'm telling her. As soon as she gets out of the shower, I'm telling her about Xander.// Decision made, she sat down at the counter.

The phone ringing startled her, and she jumped. Composing herself, she picked it up. "Hello?"

She straightened. "O-Oz? Wh-Why are you calling?" "Oh!" "No, I h-haven't said anything." "No!" "Oh. Ok." "Uh-huh" "Are...are you sure?" "What time?" "Sure, I'll have her there." "No, I understand." "Ok. Bye."

She hung up the phone, sitting silently until Willow finished her shower and came back out.

"Hey babe, whatcha doing?"

Tara looked up. "Willow? I have something to tell you."

~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm gone." Oz picked up his keys and walked to the door.

Xander's fingers tapped nervously on the table. "Just them, right? No one else is coming, are they?"

"Nope. Just the witchy duo. I'll pick 'em up, be back in a few."

"Right." Xander took a deep breath. "Ok."

Spike lounged against the wall, glaring at the both of them. "This is a stupid idea," he muttered for about the 47th time.

"Spike. Get over it." Oz shook his head at the vampire's stubbornness, then left.

Spike growled, kicking the wall behind him.

"Spike?"

Spike stopped with a sigh, walking over to Xander. "I don't like it, pet. They'll try to take you away from me."

"Spike, Willow's like my bestest friend. I need her to know that I'm ok."

"Are you?"

Xander shrugged. "Gettin' there. Besides, oz said he'd make sure they wouldn't know how to get here so we don't have to worry about them showing up unannounced, or telling anyone else where we are."

"Yeah. But I *still* don't like it!"

~~~~~~~~~~

Xander was hiding in his room when Oz returned, two witches in tow. The second Willow got inside the apartment, she began looking around frantically.

"Where is he?" she demanded, close to tears.

Spike sauntered into the room, sneering at her. "Red. Fancy meetin' you here."

"You." The word was laced with venom. "What did you do to him?"

"Me? Saved his life most like."

"Wills?"

Willow's head snapped around, and she stared at Xander. "Xan," she breathed. She stood for a moment, frozen, then flung herself toward him. "Xander! You here! And ok! And alive!" She pulled back a bit. "You are alive, aren't you? You look alive. And you're breathing and have the whole warm skin thing, so you're not a vampire. And why aren't you a vampire? Not that I *want* you to be one, but we saw you with the bitemark and the blood and see, you still have a scar from it. And I'm so happy to see you!" She hugged him tight, gulping in air. Then she lightly smacked his shoulder. "Don't you *ever* worry me like that again!"

Xander endured all this with a smile. "Missed you to, Willow," he said softly. "Guess we need to talk, huh?"

And so they talked. Xander made a few confessions about his former home life. Not everything, nowhere near everything, but enough. He explained that Spike had saved his life, and the vampire was helping him, and no, he *hadn't* been turned so stop checking for a pulse, thank you. He then attempted to convince Willow that none of it was her fault, and she *wasn't* a horrible, rotten friend for not noticing what was happening, because Xander hadn't *wanted* anyone to know.

He let her know that he was happy (well, mostly) where he was, and extracted her solemn vow not to tell another soul about any of this. Or un-souled person, for that matter. He also promised to call, and caved in to her demands that she and Tara be allowed to visit again. He managed not to burst out laughing at Spike's background commentary on the stupidity of humans in general, and a certain whelp in particular. He was used to the vampire's insulting complaints, knowing that he didn't mean half of what he said.

Once Xander found out about the search for him, he also requested that Willow see if she could tone things down a bit. He didn't want Buffy to stumble on to their hideout, especially after the redhead admitted that the Slayer was hell-bent on dusting Spike, dragging her boyfriend along with her on her quest for vengeance. And so it went. The Willow-surround sound went a long way toward making Xander feel more at home than he had in a while. It was almost as if things were back to the way they were when they were kids. But with a vampire added. And a werewolf. And some witchiness.

After hours of talking, though, Spike finally lost patience and practically herded the witches out, practically shoving Oz after them. He could see that Xander was tiring, a side effect of one of the prescriptions he was still on, and didn't want anything to go wrong with the boy. Especially not with his follow-up appointment at the clinic the next night. And then...there was silence.

"Damn, that Red can chatter! How does she manage to say so much without breathing?"

Xander shrugged. "It's a Willow talent."

"Yeah, I guess. Now you -- sleep!"

"Mmmm." Xander yawned sleepily. "Wow, didn't know we were talking that long."

"Whatever pet. Bed. Now." He fondly watched the boy shuffle away, then made himself comfortable on the sofa.

He was still there when Oz returned from dropping the girls off. He fixed the werewolf with yet another glare. "So help me, if those two spill the beans, *you* are gonna be the one I come after. Got it?" He tried to sound as threatening as possible.

"Yeah, yeah." Oz rolled his eyes, not in the least bit intimidated. With a shake of his head, he walked past Spike. "Oh, while I'm remembering. I'm going out of town for a few days next week. You handle the place while I'm gone?"

"Sure. Can do."

"Cool." With a yawn of his own, he headed for his own room. "Full moon tomorrow night," he reminded Spike. "You know what to do if I loose control."

"Right. Tranq gun in the closet. Just like last time. I'm not stupid, y'know."

"Right." Oz smirked, then quickly ducked into his bedroom.

*****
Part 26:

Oz and Xander made it back to the apartment just before sundown, only to be met with an anxious vampire.

"What took so bloody long?!" Spike demanded. "It was only s'posed to be a check up, you barely made it back before the moon came up!"

Oz raised an eyebrow. "Nice to know you're so concerned," he remarked. He quirked a grin at the two, then headed for his room. "Don't forget--"

"Yeah, tranq's in the flamin' closet, I know!"

"Right. Well, I'll just go meditate then." The door clicked shut behind him.

Spike snorted, then helped Xander over to the couch. "Well? How'd it go?"

Xander tried not to laugh as he was fussed over. "Doc said I'm doing great. Ev-Everything's healed fine, and I only have to keep taking a couple of the medications until they run out. Then I'm free." He yawned. "Good thing, too, I hate being so tired!"

"Yeah, well, a bit of rest ain't gonna kill you, pet. Do you good." He pulled Xander close to him, stroking the mostly-healed scars on his neck. "That all he say?"

"Well, he asked if I'd thought about going down there with Oz sometimes, help out with the clinic."

"And?"

"Told him I'd think about it." He looked up at Spike. "Would you come with me?"

Spike gave a noncommittal grunt. "Might do, luv."

"Mmm, 'kay." He yawned again.

"You wanna rest up some?"

Xander shook his head. "Not yet. Um, wait here." He got up and hurried to the closet to retrieve the package Oz had snuck him earlier. He walked hesitantly back to Spike, holding it out awkwardly.

Spike frowned. "What's this then?"

"Um, well, O-Oz said it was your birthday coming up, and so I got you a p-present." He shoved the package at Spike, then backed off.

"Oh." //So that's how he got 'im to go out. Wondered how he managed.// He studied the package, then carefully set about unwrapping it. Tossing the paper aside, he looked at the leather casings. //Nice work.// Curiously, he opened them. Pulling out their contents, he grinned, looking up at Xander delightedly.

Xander smiled back somewhat timidly. "D-Do you like them?"

"Like 'em? Love 'em, pet! Bloody perfect they are." He brandished one of the spikes, chuckling to himself.

"They have your initial and everything," Xander explained, coming closer.

"They do at that, don't they?" Carefully, Spike set the weapons aside. He pulled Xander down to the sofa, hugging him. "Thanks, luv. Best present I ever got."

"Really?" Xander's eyes were shining with happiness.

"Really." //An' I know just the bloke I can try 'em out on...bloody fucking little rapist, like to rip 'is--ow!//

"Spike? What's wrong?"

Spike gave a rather sickly smile, covering up the pain. "Nothin', pet. Guess I got a bit overexcited, had a bit of a chip incident."

"Oh. Sorry."

"Not your fault. Don't worry 'bout it."

Xander nodded, and yawned yet again.

"All right, that's enough. Sleepy time." Spike stood, dragging Xander with him. "Into bed with you. I'll keep watch for the mutt."

"Sure. Night, Spike."

"Night, Xander."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Spike, where'd you put my spare set of chains?" Oz crept back out from under his bed.

"Hall closet, why? Ain't that time of the month again, that was just last week." Spike walked out of the kitchen, observing Oz curiously.

"Going away for a while, remember?"

"Uh-huh. And you need chains why?"

Oz gave him a grin that was positively wolfish, and waggled his eyebrows for emphasis.

"Oh, *that* kind of vacation, is it? Gotcha." Spike smirked as he watched Oz root through the closet.

"Hey Spike, this yours?" Oz emerged with a rusty lockbox.

"Oh, yeah. Picked that up when we ditched Xander's old place. Thought it might have money inside, but when I finally got it opened, there was nothin' but a bunch of legal paper or somethin' like that."

"Oh. Lock's broken."

"Yeah, said I opened it, didn't I? Not like I had a spare key."

Oz shrugged and set the broken lockbox back on a shelf. He shoved a box aside and came up with the chains he was looking for. "Right, that's it." He stuffed them into his duffel bag. "I'm off them. Say bye to Xander for me when he wakes up."

"Right. Hey Oz!"

Oz paused in the doorway, looking back

"Don't do anything I wouldn't."

Oz gave a snort. "Just let me know when you think of something for that list, and I'll make sure I don't." With that retort, he left.

Spike chuckled. "Have fun mate. At least one of us is gettin' his leg over."

~~~~~~~~~~

Four days later, Oz returned, wide grin plastered firmly on his face, practically reeking of sex.

"Damn, man must be an animal!" Spike whistled as he circled Oz, taking in the man's ragged appearance. "Didn't he let you sleep none?"

"Spike, we hardly see each other. Why would we waste time sleeping?" He dropped his bag, and it made a clunking sound on the floor. "Where's Xander?"

"Just got out of the shower."

"Good. I call it, because *man* do I need one!"

"You're tellin' me. You reek, dogboy!"

Oz shot a bird at the vampire, then disappeared into the bathroom.

"Lucky dog," Spike muttered.

Xander came out into the living room, toweling his hair dry. He noticed the bag. "Oz is back?"

"Yeah, he's showerin'."

"Cool. I'm gonna make a sandwich or something. You want one?"

"Nah, just ate."

"Hey, when Oz comes out, ask him he'd mind picking up the girls again tomorrow. Willow wants to visit again."

Spike grimaced, but knew he'd do what Xander asked. //Can we way whipped?//

"And Spikie?" he added in a singsong voice.

"Yes, Xannie?" Spike answered with oozing sweetness.

Xander laughed. "Be nice to them, ok? Willow's my friend. Besides, I know you really like her. Otherwise you wouldn't deny it so much."

"I bloody *don't* like her!" Spike protested weakly.

"Uh-huh. Sure."

"Oh, sod off!"

*****
Part 27:

Spike ignored the ringing of the doorbell, figuring whoever it was would give up and go away eventually. However, when the ringing switched to relentless knocking, he sat up in annoyance. //If it's one of those bloody door-to-door salesman, I'll rip 'is lungs out -- sod the flamin' chip!//

He got up and stalked over to the door, wrenching it open. A man stood outside, hand raised, a shocked expression on his face. Spike looked him up and down, sneering. "Well?" he demanded. "What the bloody hell do you want?"

The man stepped back with a frown, as if uncertain that he was in the right place. He cleared his throat. "Um, I'm looking for Oz?"

Spike snorted. "Yeah, so?"

"I'm...sorry. I guess I must have gotten the wrong place."

"Well, maybe you did." Then Spike frowned and leaned forward, sniffing deeply. The man stepped away, taken aback by this odd behavior. Spike grinned wolfishly. "Hey, you're that bloke Oz was shaggin' last weekend, aren't you?"

"I don't -- how did you know?"

"Oh please," Spike scoffed. "The mutt came home with your smell all over him! Who the hell else could you be?"

"So...Oz does live here?"

"Yeah, sure. Didn't tell us he was expectin' you, though."

"Us?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, if we'd have known, we'd have fixed you dinner or something." He paused, cocking his head. "Actually, no we wouldn't have."

"You...live with Oz?"

Spike rolled his eyes. "At the risk of sounding like a bloody teeny-bopper or something...duh! You're not a real quick one, are you?" Then he gave the man a look that was frankly appraising. "Then again, with looks like that, why would you need to be?" Spike laughed at the man's angered expression. He stepped back, gesturing expansively. "What are you waiting for? Come in already."

The man glared at Spike, but accepted the invitation. Once inside, he looked around the apartment curiously. "So, where is Oz?" he asked.

Spike shrugged. "Out," he replied. "Dunno what he's doin', but chances are, he'll bring back a bit of dosh." He waved a hand at the sofa, waiting for the man to sit down. "Make yourself at home, mate. I'm gonna go fix m'self somethin' to eat." He left the room without a backwards glance.

Xander woke, stretching with a grunt. He yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Crawling from the bed, he stood and dressed quickly. He stretched again, then shot an irritated glare at the rumpled covers. //Man, gotta stop taking all these naps. I'm not a baby!//

Sighing, he pulled open the door and left the room. Judging from the noises in the kitchen, he figured Spike was in there making himself dinner. //Or lunch. Or whatever meal this is for vampires.// He decided to go see if he could help.

He stopped abruptly, noticing the man on the sofa. "H-Hi," he said, backing up slightly. he wasn't used to them having visitors, just Willow and Tara on occasion.

The man looked up at him, a flash of something -- irritation? -- flickering in his eyes. //Great, *another* one!// Aloud, he asked, "And who might you be?"

Xander swallowed, his eyes darting around the room. "Um, I'm...Xander." He licked his lips nervously.

The man nodded. "Xander. And...I suppose you live here too?"

"Yeeeah," Xander replied. Then he straightened. "Well, who are you?"

The man snorted, coming to his feet and moving to stand in front of Xander. "I'm Lindsey," he said, holding out a hand.

Looking at the hand without taking it, Xander wondered about the thin scar running its circumference.

Lindsey let out a bitter laugh, pulling his hand back. "Ok. Guess not."

"W-Why are you here?" Xander asked.

"Thought I'd drop in on Oz," was the reply.

"Oh. I didn't know Oz was expecting company."

"He wasn't," Lindsey answered abruptly.

The tone of his voice made Xander swallow nervously. Warily, he inched around the man, heading for the vacated sofa. He flinched imperceptibly when Lindsey followed, sitting down next to him.

"So, you and your...'friend' live here with Oz? He didn't tell me he had roommates."

"Yeah. He's, uh, he's letting us crash here for a while."

"Huh." Lindsey studied the young man, noticing how nervous he seemed in his presence. Hoping to reassure him, he reached a hand out, pulling it back when he noticed the flash of panic crossing Xander's face. "Sorry," he offered. "Didn't mean to startle you."

"No, um, that's ok." Xander twitched uncomfortably, wishing Spike would come out. His hands fiddled with the hem of his shirt, stretching out the fabric. Beads of sweat popped up on his forehead, and he wiped at them with a trembling hand.

A noise from the kitchen captured their attention. After a moment, Spike sauntered out, carrying a full glass in his hand. He frowned at the close proximity between his human and the newcomer. Noticing Xander's distress, he set his glass down on the coffee table and sat between the two, forcing Lindsey to scoot down. "You all right, pet?" he asked softly, stroking one of Xander's hands.

"Yeah," he answered quietly, then cleared his throat. "H-How long has Lin-Lindsey been here?"

Spike lifted an eyebrow, turning to the other man on the sofa. "Lindsey? That your name? Kind of nancyish, don't y'think?"

Lindsey was only half-listening to him, eyes locked on the glass of dark, ruby liquid in front of him. "Y-Yeah, sure," he answered, distracted. "Um, is that--?"

Spike picked up his glass. "What, blood?" He took a long sip, then flashed crimson fangs at Lindsey. "Course it is, mate. What else you expect a vamp t'be drinkin'?"

"Shit!" Lindsey jumped up off the sofa. //What *is* it with me and vampires!?//

"Oh, relax!" Spike scoffed. "I'll only bite you if you ask me *real* nicely."

Shaking his head in confusion, Lindsey stammered, "But-but Oz--"

"What, you're worried 'bout the mutt?" Spike grimaced. "Please. Can't bloody *stand* the taste of werewolves."

Lindsey backed up slowly. "This is...this is just *too* weird." He'd almost made it to the door when it suddenly opened.

Oz walked in, kicking it shut behind him. "Hey Lindsey," he said absently as he walked across the living room toward his bedroom. "Hey Spike, Xander."

He came to a sudden halt. Turning back slowly, he stared at the man by the door. "Lindsey? What are you doing here?"

"Long story. Quit my job, had to leave L.A."

Spike snickered. "Sounded short enough to me!"

Oz quirked an eyebrow at the vampire. "Shut up, Spike." He heard a pained groan, and again turned his attention to Lindsey. The man seemed to be extremely shaken up. "You ok, Linds?" he asked.

Lindsey just dropped into a chair, gazing at Spike with a sort of pathetic horror. "Spike?" he repeated dazedly. "Spike!?"

Smirking, Spike preened just a bit. "Heard of me, eh?"

Lindsey covered his face with his hands, whimpering softly. "Someone...hates me," he muttered. "Someone really, *really* hates me!"

Oz frowned. "Ah, Linds? You have a hand. How'd you get a hand?"

"Most blokes are born with 'em, you know," Spike interjected.

"Shut...Up...Spike," Oz said. "Linds?"

Lindsey laughed somewhat hysterically. "Yeah, a hand. I've got a hand. It's an evil hand, but it's a hand."

Spike perked up at that bit of news, and opened his mouth to inquire further. However, he wisely decided to refrain from commenting when Oz shot one of his 'annoyed glares' his way.

"Part of that long story?" Oz asked.

"Oh yeah."

Oz nodded. "You want a drink or something?"

"Sure, whatever."

Oz moved toward the kitchen, pausing briefly. "Spike, you wanna come with me?"

Spike thought about protesting, but gave in when the werewolf just continued to stare at him implacably. He grudgingly followed the smaller man, and again Xander was left alone with Lindsey. He wasn't quite as nervous this time, though, as he realized that the other man seemed even more jittery than he.

Lindsey practically quivered with nervous energy and, unable to remain seated, he soon got up and began pacing across the room. Without really noticing, he snagged the pencil and pad of paper that were kept by the phone, tapping the pencil against his thigh as he walked.

Xander watched. After a few minutes, he let out a brief chuckle. "Um, gettin dizzy here," he offered in an attempt at humor.

Lindsey stilled. "Sorry." He let out a sigh and sat down again. His right hand, still holding the pencil, lifted and began absently doodling on the pad of paper.

Oz walked back into the room, trailed by Spike, who appeared to be suitably chastised. The werewolf came to stand beside Lindsey, and his brow wrinkled. He cleared his throat. "Ah, Lindsey?"

The lawyer looked up at him. "Yes?"

Leaning over, Oz took away the pad of paper, staring at the scrawlings curiously. Spike peered over his shoulder at the shaky handwriting. One word, 'KILL', littered the surface, occasionally underlined as if for emphasis.

Spike snorted. "Frustrated much?" he muttered softly. "Ouch!" He rubbed the ribs Oz had just elbowed.

Oz didn't even bother turning to look at the vampire. "What's all this, man?" he asked Lindsey calmly.

"Shit. I'd hoped that had stopped."

"I'm assuming this is part of that evil hand thing you were talking about?"

Lindsey closed his eyes exhaustedly. "You could say that, yes."

"You look like shit, Linds," Oz commented.

That got him a bark of laughter from the lawyer. "God, I just love it when you whisper sweet nothings to me."

Oz's lips stretched into a grin. "At this point, you'll just have to settle for the offer of a bath and a bed."

"Does that offer of a bed include you?"

"It could happen."

The lines on Lindsey's face softened, and he reached out to take hold of Oz's arm. "Missed you, baby," he murmured softly.

"Ditto." Oz leaned over and kissed him lightly on the lips. "C'mon, let's get you settled."

Xander watched, wide-eyed, as the two disappeared into Oz's room. "Spike? Oz kissed him. Why'd he do that?"

Spike blinked. "Well, that's his boyfriend and all, you know."

"But he-- I didn't know-- Oz isn't...is he?"

Shrugging, Spike replied, "Nothin' wrong with it, y'know."

A haunted expression stole across Xander's face. "It's bad," he whispered, sniffling quietly.

Spike frowned, sitting next to Xander and pulling him close, holding him against his chest. "Doesn't have to be, luv. Not when both blokes are willin'."

Xander looked unconvinced. "He...he doesn't hurt him?"

Sighing, he squeezed Xander tight. "Luv...there's so much you don't know about this sort of thing. What...happened to you -- that's not the way it always is." Spike struggled for the words to express himself. "With the right person, at the right time, it's...intense. And...*sexy*." He let out a wry chuckle. "It can be the greatest thing ever. It's not always about...pain, or power. Sometimes...sometimes it's about--" Spike took a breath and swallowed hard. "Sometimes it's about love," he admitted.

Xander laid his head on Spike's shoulder, tilting it to look the vampire in his eyes. "Have you--" he started to ask, then stopped.

Spike gave him a sad smile. "Both ways, luv."

"Oh." Xander's hands tightened around Spike's waist. "I'm sorry."

"S'ok, Xan."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, then Xander yawned. Spike grinned. "Come on, to bed with you."

"Mmmm, not sleepy," Xander said through another yawn. Spike just raised an eyebrow. "I just got up!" came the protest.

"Uh-huh." Rolling his eyes, Spike stood, pulling Xander to his feet. "Well then, best get you fed I suppose."

The boy's stomach growled in approval of this suggestion, and Xander followed Spike into the kitchen, smiling.

*****
Part 28:

A freshly showered Lindsey walked out into the living room wearing a clean pair of pants and nothing else. He noticed that Xander was absent again.

Spike whistled. "Well Oz, certainly can't fault *your* taste."

Oz sighed, shaking his head bemusedly. He handed Lindsey a glass of soda. "Don't have anything stronger," he explained when Lindsey stared at the beverage curiously. "Xander--" he flicked a glance over at Spike, then continued, "Xander feels more secure if we don't keep any alcohol in the house."

"Huh." Lindsey nodded, then sipped cautiously at the drink.

Oz took a seat on the sofa, motioning for his boyfriend to join him. "So...wasn't expecting you."

Lindsey laughed briefly. "Yeah, I think we've covered that."

"You've looked better, Linds," the werewolf remarked bluntly.

"I imagine so," came the tired response. Then Lindsey lifted his right hand, twisting it back and forth as he stared at it with a mixture of revulsion and gratefulness. "But hey, at least I can play my guitar again!"

Oz reached out and captured the newly attached limb, fingers massaging gently. "Wanna talk about it?"

A sigh. "Sure, why not?" But he stared somewhat nervously at Spike.

Nodding, Oz stood, pulling Lindsey up with him. "C'mon." He pulled the other man to his bedroom, and the door closed gently behind them.

Spike sniffed. "Well, a bloke knows when he ain't wanted." With a roll of his eyes, he got up and went to join Xander in their room. He paused in the doorway, smiling at the sight of the boy, long limbs sprawling across the bed. With a fondly exasperated sigh, he walked over and pushed an arm aside, making room for himself. Stripping, he pulled on a pair of clean sweats, then climbed in beside Xander. He smiled as the boy automatically snuggled in close to him.

~~~~~~~~~~

Giles sighed as he hung up the phone. He supposed he should be thankful that no one matching Xander's description had as of yet turned up at the morgue, but it would be nice to get *some* sort of lead on the boy's whereabouts. Of course, Buffy was still firmly convinced that Xander had been turned, and was dead set on staking Spike...and Xander if need be.

Giles wasn't so sure, though. Something told him that Xander was alive. And that Spike's involvement in Xander's disappearance wasn't some part of a plot to get at Buffy like the Slayer thought. God knows, he loved Buffy like she was his own child, but sometimes the girl could be so...obtuse!

At least Willow appeared to be coping better. He'd thought for a while there that she was going to fall apart at the seams. Then suddenly, a few weeks ago, she'd simply...calmed. Of course, the two girls had taken to disappearing for odd intervals, becoming remarkably 'unavailable'. He was reluctant to chalk it up to hormones.

Giles frowned as he stared across the room at the two witches, who were chatting softly as they leafed through one of his many books. Actually, now that he stopped to think about it, those two had become remarkably reticent to speak about Xander lately. It was if...they knew something. Something that they weren't sharing. About Xander perhaps? But then, what reason would they have to keep it a secret? Although, if Willow *had* heard something about Xander, it would tend to explain the way she'd tried to tone down their ongoing search for the boy.

Perhaps those two were now involved in keeping him hidden?

Giles shook his head, clearing it of all that idle speculation. He had no proof of anything of the sort. Still...

He studied the girls once more, making a mental note to keep a close eye on them.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Wow." Oz blinked in a manner that conveyed his deep awe. "Heavy."

"Tell me about it."

They sat on Oz's bed in silence, Lindsey staring at his hand as he prodded the skin.

Oz watched for a bit, then chuckled. "So," he said suggestively, lying back on the bed. "Why don't you show me what your new hand can do?"

Lindsey's head shot up, taking in Oz's pose. He grinned, crawling up the smaller man's body. Straddling his slim waist, he leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Pulling away, he whispered, "Well, I can do this..." Both hands grasped the fabric of Oz's shirt, ripping it apart violently.

Eyes dilating with extreme arousal, Oz arched his back, grinding his body up into Lindsey's. He reached for his shoulders.

"And then there's this." Lindsey grabbed his hands, pushing them up over Oz's head and pressing them down. He kissed Oz again, smiling as the man began to writhe under him, trying halfheartedly to break free.

When his lips were finally released, Oz murmured, "Both of which are good things, I agree."

"Oh, you ain't seen nothin' yet, sugar." He almost snickered as he said that in a lilting tone, managing to catch himself and instead apply his new hand to the task of stripping them both out of the clothes they still had on.

Once he had Oz naked under him, he simply stared. There was something about the other man's body; so smooth and lean, hiding his deceptive strength. He licked his lips; and it was all his...

Scooting down, he lowered his head to Oz's lap, engulfing the erection he found there. Oz let out a strangled shout, clawing frantically at the bedsheets.

Xander woke, frowning at the strange noises coming form the other end of the apartment. There was a steady 'thump, thump' beating its rhythm on the wall, and it took him a moment to place the sound. When he did, he stiffened.

"Luv, you 'kay?" came the groggy question from his bedmate.

Xander didn't answer, instead listening wide-eyed to the moans and muffled shouts drifting into their room.

Spike came fully awake. "Xan?" A rather loud yell caught his attention, and he suddenly figured out what it was Xander was listening to. //Bugger it. Couldn't they bloody keep it down?// He sat up carefully, pulling Xander to his chest. "Wanna talk about it?" he asked, unconsciously mimicking Oz's earlier words to Lindsey.

Xander took a deep breath. "They're...um..."

"Shagging, yes. An' bein' bloody loud about it, too. Damned rude of 'em if you ask me."

"You...you're sure he's not hurting him?"

"Positive, luv. They're just havin' a bit of fun."

Xander continued listening until the sounds drifted off. He shifted. "Spike?"

"Yeah, pet?"

"That look Lindsey gave Oz before he kissed him..." his voice trailed off.

"Yeah?" Spike coaxed.

Ducking his head, Xander traced random lines across the vampire's chest. "You...you look at me like that sometimes," he whispered.

//Hell.// Spike cleared his throat nervously. "I do?" He cursed at the slight squeak in his voice. He felt Xander nod. "Oh. I can...stop if you like." //Yeah, like maybe if someone rips my eyeballs out.//

Xander shrugged. "It's ok." He seemed to struggle for more words. "Spike?"

"Uh-huh?"

"Do you...do you wanna...kiss me? Like that?"

Spike sighed. "Doesn't matter what I want, Xan. I won't do anything to you unless you want me to. Ok?"

"Ok." Silence, then, "But Spike?"

The vampire stifled a groan. "Yes?"

"You want to, don't you?"

//Just tell him, y'coward!//

{Sod off! You and your bossy ideas. Liable to get a vamp in trouble.}

//Tell him. Please?//

Spike squeezed Xander gently. "Wouldn't mind," he admitted softly.

"Oh."

Spike was somewhat surprised the Xander didn't pull away from him then, but he wasn't going to argue. Instead, he scooted them back down until they were once more lying in bed.

"Night, Spike."

"Night, Xan." He stroked the boy's hair for a moment, then grew still. He had almost fallen asleep again when he felt Xander pull out of his arms. He forced himself to let go.

His eyes flew open with shock, however, when he felt a warm pair of lips brush softly across his own. It lasted the barest instant, then Xander resettled his head on Spike's chest.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to sleep again for a while, Spike was content to hold Xander as the boy drifted off. He stared up through the darkness at the ceiling. //God...or whoever's listenin' up there...don't you fuckin' let this be a dream!// He glared. //Amen.//

Listening to Xander's even breathing, he smiled. //Love you, Xan. Maybe...just maybe, we got a chance.

Finit