*****

"You have no idea about this thing, Giles? Just it's mission? No idea of its motives?"

"No. None, really. Just the basics."

"Basics, Watcher? And what would those be?"

Giles looked at Spike and gave a sigh. The vampire, no matter how helpful he was, was beginning to wear on his nerves. "To kill the slayer."

Spike grinned. "Well, I think I like this demon! I think I like it a lot! We shouldn't be interfering with the natural order of things. Come what will. Slayers die what will. All that rot."

Buffy sent a glare towards the other bleached blonde in the room. "Oh. So you no longer care for the blood the *slayer* lets you drink, eh Spike? You aren't happy with the whole shelter that saves you from turning to ash from the sun the *slayer* provides for you, hum? The *slayer* can just let you die now? Just like the *slayer* has wanted to for what seems like for *ever*? Is that right, Fangless? Let's let nature have it's way."

"I'm getting all that from the brain and the moron! I mean, from the good kind hearted *Xander*, here." Spike thrust his head towards Xander. "And me turning to dust is *not* the natural order of things! Okay, maybe *you* dusting me is *natural* but yer lover boy and the rest? Lower animals on the food chain, sweet slayer."

Xander didn't look up from his magazine. "I do it cause Buffy asked me too, Spike. I'm more than willing to let you go to dust come next sunrise. Oh! Looky here! Those god-awful platform shoes are on the way out!" Xander dropped the COSMO he had been reading onto the coffee table. "Can't be too soon for me! I'm tired of all the women being taller than me!" He looked at Giles. "So what do I have to do, G-man?"

"Stop calling me that. And take Spike to LA and get an object from Angel that we need."

"What?!" The collective shout echoed around the room.

"Why can't *I* go? I'm-"

"Are you sure we should let *Spike* go to LA? -"

"Good plan. No need for Buffy to go to LA-"

"Is this th-the ri-right idea-"

"Why the hell do *I* have to go?!"

"I am *not* going to the pouf for *anything* let alone something that will save the life of the *slayer*! *What* have you been tippin' back along with yer tea, Watcher? And why haven't you shared it? I thought we were mates, now! You've been holdin' back on the good stuff!"

"Spike needs to go because the object we need can only be held by the living dead. Xander, you go because you have the time to go. Buffy, you can't go because you aren't *dead* and well, because I wont *let* you go. Willow and Tara, you two are both alive and I need you two here to help me, anyway. Riley. Well, Riley, I'd send *you* but I think Spike would find some way to kill you despite the chip." Giles looked at the group and smiled. "I hope that's all settled. Xander? Spike? Please be careful. I'm almost sure you'll be followed. Try to ah, loose the tail if you can. Once you reach Angel you should be fine. He's expecting you and will have taken proper precautions. Oh, and please do say hello to Cordelia for me. Give her my best." Giles clapped his hands. "Well, then. We're all set. Xander and Spike, you are to take my Honda. Crash it if you find that to necessary. I find it most tiresome to drive." He looked at the group staring blankly back at him, each and every one of them. He sighed. "Well! Off with you!"

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

"*My* turn!" Xander declared with glee. He turned off the radio and popped in a CD. The two had made a reasonable treaty. One hour of music each. Was it Xander's fault that Giles new Honda came with a CD player but no tape player and Spike had come loaded down with cassettes? Nope. Not his fault at all.

Spike clenched his teeth, prepared to listen to an hour of the BackDoor boys or some other such nonsense. He was pleasantly surprised when Scott Strapp's deep voice came blasting out through the speakers. "Ah. I *like* this. Creed. Do'ya have the new one?"

"Yes." Xander told him, a bit peeved at not having pissed the vampire off.

"Really?" Spike looked pleased, grieving Xander more. "What else 'ave you got with you?"

"I brought all *new* bands!" Xander told him. He had hoped that Spike would only want to listen to *old* music, and not care for anything modern.

"New bands. Fine. *Who*?"

"Um." Xander fumbled his CD wallet open, reading the names. "Third Eye Blind, Matchbox 20, Stained, some other stuff."

"Spike glanced in the rearview mirror and asked, "What other stuff?"

"Oh, um, Nine Inch Nails, Bush, Limp Bizkit, stuff like that. Korn."

Spike switched lanes, keeping his eyes at the rearview mirror. "Bush! I like Bush! And Korn! Well who doesn't like Korn? Play that next would you? Even matchbox 20 is okay for a pop band. Better'n the Spice Girls." Spike chuckled.

Spike being amused kind of creeped Xander a bit.

Xander slumped down in his seat. He *knew* he should have brought some of his mother's Broadway show sound tracks. But no. He couldn't have tolerated them, even if they did piss off Spike.

Spike swerved into the right lane abruptly, causing Xander to shift in his seat. "Slow down, deadboy, jr.!"

Spike said nothing, but cut across two lanes of traffic without signaling. He kept his eyes on the rearview mirror most of the time. "I think the brain was right about the tail."

Xander craned his neck, turning in his seat to look back. "Really? You think so?"

"Yes I think so. I also think that all the good James Bond movies, that I'm *positive* you've watched, gave a clue about *not* turning and waving a bloody hello to the tail!"

Xander turned back to the front and smiled. "You're right. My bad. What are you going to do?" Xander asked as Spike cut across to the left lanes without signaling. "Besides kill us?"

Xander felt his heart speed up as Spike turned the car towards the familiar DO NOT ENTER signs. "Spike! You *can't*! It's an exit!"

Spike grinned and gunned the engine, picking up speed. "Yeah, but it's night. Shouldn't be much traffic."

Xander clutched at his seat. "It's California! There's *all* ways traffic."

Spike swerved the car, ignoring the blaring horn of the car that had been speeding towards them. "Yes. Why is that? Can't you bloody Californian's stay home?" Spike weaved his way between three more cars, horns blaring, and quickly turned the little Honda into highway traffic. "See? Now we're all set! Just a couple of blokes driving the night away."

Xander's heart still felt as if it was trying to push it's way out through his stomach and throat. "You could have *killed* us!"

Spike spared Xander a glance. "Nah, pet. I could have killed *you*. I would have walked away just fine, most likely!"

"Oh, sure! Now all we have to deal with is all the calls 911 reporting us!"

"Huh?"

"I'm sure each and every car we passed has a phone. They've all called 911 and the highway patrol on us!"

"Oh, right." Spike grinned at Xander and pulled the car to the shoulder. He got out and Xander watched him as he bent over the front of the car and then the back of the car. Spike seated himself back into the driver's seat and tossed a bundle into Xander's lap.

"What's this?" Xander asked.

"Our *old* license plate numbers. Lets be truthful, here Xander. I made a *damn* cool move. We don't have a tail any longer; the cops aren't looking for us, and best of all? It was fucking *fun*! Fun is good, boy, or didn't the slayer and watcher let you learn that?

Spike shot out into the moving traffic, not giving any signal or warning. The car behind them blared its displeasure. Spike held up his middle finger. "Fuck you too, mate!" Spike reached over and turned up Creed so that the band was blaring out of all five speakers at a deafening level.

Xander turned down the volume. Just a bit. He looked at Spike, grinning his way through traffic. "I have *never* liked you, Spike. *Never*.

Spike spared Xander a grin, before cutting across three lanes of fast moving traffic. "Ah, that hurts me deeply, boy. Cause I have always, deep down in my heart, cared for you. Really I have." Spike chuckled and reached down, turning the music up even louder. "Ah, come on, Xander, sweety! This is an adventure! Adventures are good! Really they are!

*****
Part 2:

Spike slammed his fist against the horn. "Just what makes these blokes think they *own* the road?" He sped up, passed the semi, and moved in front of it, slowing down.

Xander worked his imaginary break and gas pedals. "I think it's the fact that they weigh several tons and can crush us like bugs!"

Spike snickered. "Xander! I expect better from you. You should know size doesn't matter, pet!" He patted the boy's thigh before punching in the cigarette lighter. "Wheres'me smokes?"

Xander had turned around, wanting to see the semi as it ran over them. Morbid, yes, but he couldn't help himself. He quickly turned back to face Spike when the vampire started to grope his crotch. "*What* are you doing?"

"Looking for my smokes! I asked you where they are!"

"The are *not* in my pants!"

"Good thing, that. Thought maybe they were in your *seat*, though, luv." Spike quickly switched lanes again, buying himself time to look. "Hold us steady." Spike let go of the steering wheel and ducked down. Xander's heart stopped again but he grabbed the wheel.

Spike came up with a grin and a crushed pack of cigarettes.

Xander didn't speak. He couldn't. He was choking on his heart again. The damn thing kept either stopping or getting lodged in his throat. At least they were no longer in front of the pissed off trucker.

Spike rolled down his window and flicked his lit butt out. Xander followed the glowing tip, watching as it arched, got caught in the wind and was swept into the driver's side window of the car behind them. He watched, enthralled, as the driver began to frantically beat at his head. The driver, his head now smoking, began to swerve. Horns blared as the driver crossed over into the next lane. The driver, his hair now on fire, over corrected and was hit by a fast moving SUV as he careened into its lane. The smaller car, its driver furiously beating at his flaming head, was sent spinning and crashing into the sidewall. Xander let out the breath he'd been unaware of holding, when the hair-on-fire driver stepped out, looking, well, if not too happy, at least alive. He smiled when the man finally put out his hair.

Spike glanced in the rear view mirror, muttering about the crazy drivers. "Gimme the phone, Xander."

"Huh? Did you just see-"

"The phone, pet! Give me the bleedin' phone!"

"Oh! Right! Good idea!" Xander fumbled around until he came up with the cell phone they had with them, handing it to Spike. Of course they should call and report the accident. He didn't think of. It had all happened so fast!

"Like a bloody lunatic! *That's* how he's driving! What do you mean, where am I? I'm on the bloody highway about to be killed by one of yer soddin' great trucks! Hold, on, yeah." Spike sped up, weaving in and out of traffic until he was on the ass of the semi again. "All right, then, the license plate number is. . ."

Spike rang off with an evil snicker. "Here, pet." He held the phone out to Xander. When the mortal made no move to take it, Spike looked his way. "Xander! What are you doing? Are you hyperventilating? For chrissake, boy! What's wrong with you? Do you mean to suck every bit o' fun out of this trip? It's only right that I reported that driver! That's why they *have* the bloody HOW AM I DRIVING numbers! I should've brought the slayer with me! Bigger knackers than you, that one is sure to have. Here! Have some fresh air!"

Spike rolled down the windows and cranked up the music.

"You! You!" Xander began, gasping.

"Me? Me? What?"

"You!"

"Yes *me*! Very good. Me *Spike*. You *Xan-der*. Can you say that with me? Xan-der."

"You set a man on fire! You caused a wreck! You're trying to *kill* me!"

"What are you blathering on about, whelp?"

"You. Set. A. Driver. On. *Fire*!"

"What?"

"On fire! Back there! You set him on fire!"

"Now, just how did I do that?"

"With your cigarette! You threw a *lit* cigarette out the window and it landed in someone's car! They wrecked!"

"Really? And I missed it? Why didn't you *tell* me! You *are* trying to suck all the fun out of this trip!"

Xander made a strangling noise. Spike reached into his coat and came out with a silver flask. He held it out to Xander with a grin. "Here, Xander sweety. Have a nip. You've lost all your color."

Xander took a gulp, coughing. He took a few more, gasping. "I don't like you, Spike."

Spike chuckled and patted his thigh. "Why don't you sleep the rest of way, hum, pet? Won't be long now an' we'll be at the Pouf's, grab the goods, rest up, and be back on our way, home to good ole' Sunnyhell!"

"*I'm* driving back, Spike."

"Um, yes. *That's* going to happen."

"I *am* driv-"

"Sleep!"

Surprisingly, Xander did. Or maybe he just passed out from all the Scotch he'd downed.

*****
Part 3:

Spike maneuvered the car into the slow lane, dropping his speed to 80 mph, steering with his knees. His hands were busy searching for the cell phone he had dropped earlier; at least *one* was, the other was holding the map across the steering wheel, and most of the front window, obscuring his view. He was loath to wake Xander. The boy could try the nerves of a Saint, and Spike was *no* Saint. His hand latched onto the phone and he pulled it from beneath Xander's ass with a triumphant grin. He batted the open map down in time to see the car ahead of him practically *stopped*. He slammed on the brakes, his arm going out to hold Xander in place. Hell! Couldn't *any* one drive anymore?

"Non drivin' lunatics!" He hit the horn. "Drive! We're on the bloody highway!"

He punched in the numbers, one handed, and put the phone to his ear, cradling it with his shoulder. His hand went to punch in the cigarette lighter and fish out another smoke. When he heard the greeting he replied in a sibilant voice, "Have you checked the children?"

"Peaches! How'd ya know it was me?" Spike snickered into the phone, lighting his fag. "What? That movie is a *classic*. He's calling from the house! I loved it! So where ya at? Um. Yes. I know it. Don't suppose I've time to cruise through Beverly Hills, eh? Yeah. The sun. Oh, very funny. If I go poof while driving, little Xander might be a bit upset. What? He's sleeping. No! Terrible passenger! He's *fine*. I'm looking at him right now! No, I do *not* have his head in my lap and his body in the trunk! All though, that does-Oh! What? I'm a *brilliant* driver! Never had an accident! Ha! Say, I know this area! Isn't this where I had you tor-um, so? Got a good price, did you, then? Peaches? You there? Angel? Um. Yes, well. Won't be long now. Must ring off. Not safe to drive and talk you know." Spike hit 'end' and tossed the phone into the back seat. He crumpled the map up and tossed it over his shoulder as well. Time to watch for his exit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Xany." Xander ignored the sing song voice. "Xaaannderrrr."

"Um. No. Don' wanna wake up."

"Come on, Xany. Wakey, wakey."

"Umm, It's a teacher conference day, no school."

"Xander."

"I'm on the late shift."

"Xander!"

"I've been fired. Don' have to get up."

"*Xander*!"

Xander's head lifted with a jolt. "What? Shit! What?" He looked over at a grinning Spike. He'd never seen the vampire grin so much, and damn if it wasn't starting to give him the creeps. He blinked his tired eyes, and yawned. "Oh. Right. So. Are we there yet?" He looked out the window at the unfamiliar and dark streets.

"Just about, pet. And all in one piece, too. Reach back there and hand me the phone, will you, luv?"

"I don't wanna take off my seatbelt."

"Oh fer chrissake! Look about! Not a car insight! Get me the phone!"

Xander checked the streets for cars and pedestrians and stray animals and potholes. Thoroughly. He undid his seatblet, reached over, snagged the phone and buckled himself back in with lightning quick moves. He held the phone out to Spike. "Here."

"Xander! I don't believe I've ever seen you move so quickly!"

"Yeah, well, my life was in danger."

"I've seen you in mortal danger, pet; I've *placed* you in mortal danger, and still, I've never seen *those* moves." Spike chuckled, taking the phone and hitting redial.

"Can you feel me? I'm close." Spike whispered into the phone. "I feel *you*. You're so close."

"Do we *really* have time for the phone sex thing?" Xander asked.

Spike turned the corner and the car headlights picked up Angel, standing outside a darkened building, phone to his ear.

"Oooo, I *see* you. All sexy-like, in your leather. You know I like leather, don't ya baby?" Spike pointed at Angel and turned to Xander. "Look, up ahead, in the distance, in the black, it's BATVAMP!" He went back to talking into the phone. "You know what *I'm* wearing, sugar? Hum? What do you want me to wear?"

Angel closed the phone and put it in his pocket.

Spike pulled up beside him, still talking into the phone. "Sugar? Baby? I think my batphone died!" Spike parked and Xander jumped out of the car, running to greet Angel.

"Deadboy! Good to see you!" Xander wrapped his arms around Angel and gave the surprised vampire a hug. "Angel!" He yelled out. He placed his mouth close Angel's ear and whispered. "Don't make me get back into the car with him, please don't! I'll do *any*thing! Just don't make me get back in the *car*!"

"Xander, uh, hi." Angel put his arms around the boy, patting his back awkwardly.

Wesley stepped out of the building and Xander pushed away from Angel, going to the ex-watcher. "Wesley! Wes, my man! How've you been? How's things?" Xander gave Wesley a hug also, startling the man into a stumble. "Wes, what say? Can I borrow plane fare home from you? Pay you back, swear." Xander whispered into his ear.

"Xander! You slut! Quit throwing yerself at the hired help! I'll get jealous!" Spike said, coming from the car. He walked up to Angel and held out his arms. "Give us a hug, then, Daddy."

*****
Part 4:

"Oh, come on! Don't be shy!" Spike stepped close and wrapped his arms around his Sire. He lifted him up and planted a smacking kiss on Angel's cheek, before dropping the older vampire back on his feet. "*Gosh*, but I've missed you Angel!" He kept has hands on Angel's shoulders and stepped back. "You've *grown* so, sweets! So, um, *broody* and *wide*!" He slapped Angel's shoulders. "Oh, but wait. You've been broody and wide for awhile, now, haven't you? Not that that's not working for you-the whole broody, wide thing, I mean-looks good on you, too!" Spike winked at his stone-faced-closed-mouth Sire. "Well, then. It's the hair, right? *Much* more spiky than usual, isn 't it? Is that for me, then, pet? Cause you *know* I love spikes, don't ya, pop?" Spike again winked at a speechless Angel, reaching a hand up to pat Angel on his heavily gelled hair.

Angel batted Spike's hand away, stepping back from Spike with a frown. "Spike. Glad to see you made it."

Spike placed a hand to his forehead and the other over his heart. He bent his knees, pretending to swoon. "Angel! Stop! You'll *slay* me with such talk!" He simpered, his voice a high falsetto. He glanced over at Wesley and Xander.

"Hey! You! Defunct-watcher! Get your hands off my Xander! What's with you?" Spike shouted.

"Oh!" Wesley pulled away from Xander, stumbling again. "I- I'm sorry! Didn't mean to offend."

Angel cocked his head at him "*Your* Xander?"

Xander glared at him. "*Your* Xander?"

"Yes! What? Have you all gone deaf? *My* Xander!" Spike stepped away from Angel and went to Xander, engulfing the young man in a hug.

Pulling away, Spike reached over and pinched the flustered boy's cheek. "I feel all responsible like towards him. Protective, even. I plan to keep him safe, I do." He wrapped an arm around Xander's shoulders and grinned at Angel.

"Sun's coming up boss, are they here yet? Xander! And Spike! Spike and Xander wrapped in each other's arms. Oh. What's up with that? No one told me *that* was something I'd have to see! A little *warning* would be nice, people!"

Xander pulled away from Spike. "Cordy! Good to see you!" Xander began.

Spike all but shoved the flustered boy from his arms, as he dashed to Cordelia, wrapping her in his arms. "Cordelia! Pet! You look *fabulous* Ab-so-lut-ly fabulous! Well, yes, you do look a bit thin. Don't waste away on me, pet!"

"Oh! Um, Spike! Hello!" She pulled back to look at him. "You can't bite now, right?" She looked to Angel. "He *can't* bite now, can he?"

"No, pet. More's the pity. I'd just love to sink my, um, fangs into you, sweetling."

"Oh! Well!" Cordy gave the blonde vampire a not-too-close hug, smiling. "Do you really think I'm too thin?" She grinned, greatly pleased with that concept.

"Less of you is less for me, pet. But as always, a special treat for the eyes."

Cordy giggled. "And Xander! Xander. How've you been?" Cordy held out her hand. Miffed, for reasons he didn't want to think about, Xander grabbed her up into a bear hug, burying his face into her neck. "Oh!" Cordy yelped, wiggling her feet and giggling. "Xander! Cut it out. Put me down!"

"Yes, Xander, do put her down." Spike snarled.

"Well. Hugs all around. Hellos said. Sun's coming up. I suggest we get inside." Angel intoned.

Spike snatched Xander's hand, pulling him close. "Lead the way, Sire."

Angel walked into the building, followed by Wesley and Cordelia. Spike stopped Xander when he made his way to follow. "You know, pet, Angel has always fancied you. He might just be thinking now's his chance to have a go at you."

Xander laughed. "What? Are you nuts, Spike? What the hell are you talking about? Angel has always been in love with Buffy. Even *you* know that!"

Spike snorted, waving away that argument with a dismissive arch of his hand. "I didn't say his was in *love* with you, did I? I just said he's always *fancied* you. There *is* a difference, pet. Him lovin' the slayer wouldn't stop him from wantin' to *shag* you! He *is* a vampire, you know, soul or no. He wants you, pet. I can tell these things."

"No." Xander gulped. "You-you're wrong! Angel doesn't want me. You *are* nuts!"

Spike sighed, dropping his head and shaking it. Actually he was biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. When he was sure his grin wouldn't break through, he lifted up his head to look into Xander's eyes. His face and tone were grave when he continued. "Yes, pet. He wants you. Always has. Good Lord, but the plans he had for you back when he was Angelus! Lets just say his ideas were *not* suitable for younger audiences!"

Xander gulped. Spike bit his lip this time.

"Really? You're not just messing with me?"

"Pet! Why would I do that? What would I have to gain?" He patted Xander's shoulder. "Tell you what. I'll help you out, just to keep myself in shelter and blood and all that, you know, you can put in a good word with Giles and the slayer, let them know I helped you out in your time of need. We'll just pretend to be a couple. You'll be safe, then. Angel is *much* too souled and goody goody to poach on another man's, uh, man."

It was Xander's turn to snort. "Oh right! After the whole 'O, Cordy, you're almost to thin for me to fuck!' routine, I doubt he'd believe *we* are a couple!"

Spike snickered. "Don't be jealous, pet!"

"I am *not*-"

Spike cut him off. "Angel knows I'm an incurable flirt. It's all part of my irresistible charm."

"You are *not* irresistible, Spike."

"Humph! Am too! I've yet to be resisted."

"No. Really, you are-" Xander was cut off by a heavy hand upon his shoulder. He turned to look into the concerned eyes of Angel.

"Xander? Are you okay? Is Spike bothering you? Come inside with me now." Angel slid his hand down Xander's shoulder to grab his upper arm and draw him inside. He didn't notice how Xander stiffened.

What was this? Did Angel's hand *linger*? His thumb was *rubbing* his arm! Maybe Spike was right! Xander's brain worked out the horrid possibilities of Angel *wanting* him.

"What? No! Spike and I were just talking. He was-"

"Oh, go on and tell him, pet! Xander was a bit upset with me flirting with the beauty queen. So jealous, this one!" Spike said, following the pair into the building.

Angel's hand tightened on Xander's arm, causing the boy to panic and pull away. He grinned at Angel, nervously. "Yeah! I was. Jealous, I mean. But it's nothing!" He wrapped his arm around Spike. "I know my little Spikey-poo only has eyes for me."

Angel gasped and Spike sputtered.

Angel stopped walking, turning to face Xander. "Xander? Are you and Spike, uh, um-"

"Yep! We're a couple. Lovers. My little *Xany-poo* is quite possessive, he is."

Soul-full brown eyes looked upon Xander. "Xander?" Angel questioned.

Christ! Were they disappointed? Those eyes were disappointed! Jealous? Envious, maybe? Oh, god. Spike was right! Xander's brain was working over time.

"Do the others know about this? I can't imagine them being-"

"No!" Xander yelped.

"No!" Spike shouted. "Not yet anyway. And don't you be thinking you need to run off and *tattle* to them, Sire. I've enough to deal with, what with my little Xany-poo, here, being shy. He's not ready for his little friends to know about us, are you Xany?"

Xander kept a watchful eye on Angel. "Nope. Not yet. But soon." Xander leaned back against Spike. He was leaning away from Angel, really, but with Spike behind him, grinning and wrapping an arm around Xander's waist, giving his Sire a silent snicker, it *looked* like a lover's snuggle.

Angel shook his head again. "No. I won't be telling anyone. Come on."

Xander let the dark haired vampire walk a few steps ahead of them before following. He turned his head to give Spike a wide-eyed look.

"I *told* you, pet." Spike whispered. He gave a face splitting grin when Xander turned away and followed Angel. He even skipped a bit. Oh yes, Spike was going to have *fun* this trip!

The two followed Angel until they were in the large main room, where Cordelia and Wesley awaited them.

"So then." Spike began. "Where's our, uh, *thing*?

"What?" Wesley, Cordelia and Angel asked.

"The *thing*! Where's it at? We're supposed to pick up the slayer-saving thing and go home! So, come on, give it!"

Angel cracked a smile. An evil one. "It's not here, Spike. We have to go get it."

"Well, fine. Go get it. What? You have it squirreled away in your mattress with your cash, pet?

Again with the evil-Angel smile. *Not* a pretty sight, that. "No, *pet*, it's in the middle of a nest of Bleathvore demons. You and I have to go and get it." Angel crossed his arms over his chest and smiled at Spike. The evil smile.

"What? Call my Watcher, this instant! He didn't say *any*thing about any Bleathvore demons!"

"Your *watcher*, Spike?" Angel snickered.

"What's a Bleathvore demon?" Xander asked, taking a seat.

"*Nasty* things, pet! Slimey! Long reaching tentacles! *Stinging* tentacles! Stinging, blood sucking, tentacles. Most godawful shade of green you've ever seen! Smelly as hell, too! I am *not* messing around with any Bleathvore demons to save a bleeding slayer!"

Xander looked over at Angel. "Do *I* have to help go get this thing?"

Angel gave Xander a smile.

Just what the hell kind of smile *was* that, anyway? Melting? Indulgent? *Melting*. It was melting! Xander's brain worked out.

"No, Xander. It's too dangerous for you. I want you to stay here, where it's safe."

Ack! Concern. *Way* too much concern!

"I'll just take Spike with me. We'll be fine, I'm sure." The evil-Angel smile for Spike.

"Um. This will be tough? Scary, maybe? *Deadly* possibly?" Xander asked. Xander had stopped thinking about Angel's lust for him as he began remembering his car trip. Car trip with Spike behind the wheel. Spike behind the wheel trying to kill him.

Angel chuckled. "A little scary, sure. Deadly? Well I hope not."

Xander smiled at Spike. "Well, then. Sound's like an *adventure* for you Spikey-poo. You go enjoy yourself. Slay lots of demons. Have fun. I'll miss you. Bye, now." Xander sat back on the sofa, placing his feet on the coffee table.

"*Spikey-poo*?" Cordelia asked.

"Yep. My little Spikey-poo. We're an item. He's going off to slay the demons while I stay here and watch TV with you and Wes. It'll be an adventure for him. He likes those. What's on anyway? Got a TV Guide? Got any pop corn?"

*****
Part 5:

Cordelia moaned and clutched at her head. Angel and Wesley rushed to her side, leading her to a chair in the nearly empty room.

"Is it a vision?" Wesley asked, worried.

"Yes! I just got a visual of Xander and Spike together! I don't feel well! Ack! I need a happy place to go to!"

"Oh. Yes, well, how about the beach? On a lovely warm day? Humm?" Wesley offered.

Cordelia removed her hands from her face long enough to mutter, "Oh, nice. Naked Xander and Spike doing nasty things to each other and *me* with skin cancer."

Xander glanced over at her. "How about the mall?" He offered.

Cordelia continued to clutch her head. "Better! The mall, yes!"

"The shoe store!" Angel threw out.

"30 to 70 percent off the entire stock!" Xander chimed in again, getting into the game.

"Oo. Yes. Nice. Getting better."

"*You* in nothing but stiletto heels, between me an' Xan, and we're all *naked*," Was Spike's offering.

"Aaagh!!!! Bad! Bad!"

Angel slapped Spike across his head. "What? Now *that's* a *happy* place!"

"Just go back to the shoe sale, Cordy." Angel told her, rubbing her shoulders.

"Ah, Angel?" Xander was looking away from the distressed Cordelia and towards the wall in front of him. And then to all the walls around him. The *empty* walls. He was comfy, happily seated on the sofa, already ignoring Cordelia, but where the TV should be was.nothing! "Where's the TV? Watching TV is a happy place."

Cordelia lifted her head and removed her hands from her eyes, to glare at Xander. "Okay! It's *my* happy place! *You* go find your mental mall!" Xander told her.

Angel settled Cordelia and came to kneel before Xander, placing a hand upon his knee. "There's no TV, Xander. We lost everything in the explosion. We're, well, starting over. A TV wasn't really on the top of my list of things to rush out and replace."

Xander pulled his knee from beneath Angel's hand and scooted over a bit. "So what you're saying is, there's *no* TV. Is that right?"

Angel smiled. "Yes. Sorry."

"Oh! Well great! I don't suppose you have any *popcorn* either?"

"Um, no. We have popcorn. Cordelia likes it."

"Um, yes. I have a case in the kitchen, next to the microwave." Cordeila told them, seemingly having found her happy place.

"You bought a *microwave* before you bought a TV? What's wrong with you people?" Xander demanded, truly astonished. "Fine. I'll go slay demons with you and Spike!"

"Xany? Babe?" Spike simpered.

"What, Spikey-poo?" Xander gritted.

"The sun's up! *And* I'm tired! Had a long drive. Need rest. The effin' Bleathvores will just have to wait. Peaches? Got a room for me and my Xany-poo?"

"Um. Well, no, I don't."

Spike looked around and threw his arms out wide. "There is no room in this entire bleeding city block big ass warehouse you have here? Not a one, peaches?"

"Couch is fine!" Xander began, "If fact, wh-"

"Not *one* room?" Spike demanded, cutting Xander off.

"Plenty of rooms, Spike. Just no furniture in the rooms." Cordeila told the irate vampire.

"Don't need furniture; just a *room*!"

"I thought maybe we could get some research started. I know where the Bleathvores *might* be, but I'm not certain. Plus, I think we need some more information on them before we confront them. Cordy, why don't you check the Internet."

"Oh, and of *course* you have a computer all set up, eh? Shall we surf on over to bleathvore dot com? Visit their website? Check out the links on how to kill and steal from them? They *are* scavengers and pack rats. Maybe they have their stock listed on the website, eh? Is that the plan?"

"You got a *computer* before you got a TV?" Xander asked.

Angel rolled his eyes and gave Spike his evil smile. He ignored Xander. "Spike, there is a lot of useful information on the Internet."

"Yeah. Weirdoes, perverts, and creeps. I'm sure they post *lots* of useful information on their Bleathvore sites. Where's the phone? *I'll* ring my-*the* bleedin' watcher! *Giles* will have the information we need! He has *books*!"

"Good idea, Spike. Why don't I run out and get you a TV, Angel? You got room for a 50 incher in here, at the very least. Cordy? What say we hit the mall, help your boss out while they do the research thing?"

Angel looked at Xander with pained eyes. "I'm not sure I want something that big, Xander."

"Ah, come on! The bigger the better!" He blushed. "Um, I mean, when it comes to TV's! Big is good. For a television."

"Well, I guess you and Cordy could-"

"Get me the bleedin' *phone*! Why can't I get a phone when I want one! I left my batphone in the car!"

"Come with me, grumpy." Cordelia led Spike into what he presumed to be the kitchen. It had a sink, a fridge, and a microwave. And maybe that thing in the wall was an oven. Could be. Oh, and a case of microwave pop corn on the counter. Yep. Kitchen.

He snatched up the phone hanging on the wall and dialed Giles' number.

"Sneaky fuck, you! You didn't say there would be Bleathvores! Oh, yes, I guess you *did* forget that part! We made it fine. Sorry, maybe I'll crash on the way home. No. Not a scratch! Shut yer gob about that! Gimmie everything you know on the bleedin' Bleathvores! Peaches wants some more info on the slimy devils. Well, sure. Ocean. Yeah. Collectors. I *know* that! *Stinging*, watcher! They have *stinging* blood sucking tentacles, ya daft fool! No! I'm calling just to hear yer pretty voice! Yes! I want your help! Hey! You want *my* help! The bloody slayer can get all gobbled up for all I care! No need for threats! I'm here aren't I? Ready to lend my dead hands! Uh, huh? Yeah. Really? *Really*? Well, I've never heard that one before! Um, yes. Uh huh. Interesting. Yeah. Hold on." Spike placed his hand over the mouthpiece and called out for Cordelia.

"What?"

"Got a pad and pen?"

"Sure, wait a sec." Cordy came back with the requested items.

"Watcher? Repeat all that, slowly, so's the beauty queen can take it all down." Spike handed her the phone. "Here ya go, luv. He's lots of good stuff for you. Be a pet and write it down, wont you? I need to get back to my Xander."

Cordy glared at Spike's retreating back. "Giles? Yes. Hold on! Wait, how do you spell that?"

*****
Part 6:

"Cordelia is gettin' the information from Giles. *Real* information." Spike told the others. He gave Angel a stern look. "Now I want a *room*." He smiled. Beautifully. He walked over to the couch, picking up Xander's hand. He sighed. Dramatically. "I want to sleep. I need my little Xany with me." He leaned down, giving Xander a bussing kiss on the lips. "I just can't sleep without the boy anymore. Call me crazy, but I'm in love." He fluttered his eyelashes at Angel.

Xander choked on his breath. "Ah, *honey*." Xander gave Spike's hand a hard squeeze. He'd have broken bones had it not been a vampire's hand; Spike just smiled down at him and raised their clasped hands to his lips, kissing Xanders'. "I was going to go out and buy Angel a nice TV. You know I love my TV, *sweetums*." Another hard squeeze, useless as the first.

"He can buy his own TV on his *own* time. We're here to get the, um, *thing*. Whatever the bloody hell it is. An' seeing as how I'll have to battle Bleathvores for it, I need some rest. No time for telly, pet."

"Well," Wesley stood. "I've a perfectly good room here, *with* furniture." He smiled. "Well, a bed and chair, at least. You two are more than welcome to it. I won't be needing it any time soon. I'll have to see to the research and such. I'm not certain the type of weapons needed to vanquish Bleathvores, but I'll look into. See what Giles has to say."

"Wesley, you don't have to give up your room to Spike." Angel stated, standing big and wide, arms across his chest. "Spike can help with the research."

"Wes, you don't have to-"

"Splendid!" Spike cut Xander off and ignored his Sire. "Can't quite put you to all the horrible things I've heard about you, mate. You seem a fine chap, really. Show us to your room." Spike gave a smile Angel's way and pulled Xander up.

"Spike, really. I've known you to be up for *days* at a time. Why this sudden need for rest?" Angel asked.

Spike waggled his brows, grinning and holding up his and Xander's clasped hands. "I *need* some *rest* Peaches!"

"Well, I'm not tired at all, and I think Angel *needs* me to go buy him a decent television!"

Spike sighed and rolled his eyes. "Still so innocent, despite all I've done to and taught him!" Spike turned, slid his hands into Xander's hair, cupping his head, and kissed him. He thrust his tongue into Xander's open mouth. Spike moved his hands to Xander's shoulders and pulled the boy close as his tongue slid along Xander's, reaching up to tickle the roof of Xander's mouth. He pulled back to smile at the dazed boy. His smile went to Wesley. "Lead on."

"Um. Yes of course. Follow me." Wesley started and Spike followed, leading Xander along by his hand.

"Here you are. Perhaps I should get some fresh sheets-"

"No need. Thanks so much. We'll strip the bed. Bye." Spike pulled Xander into the room and shut the door in Wesley's face.

"Well, *that* one is perfect company for Peaches!" Spike took off his duster and threw it on the chair.

"You!" Xander gasped, finally finding his voice.

Spike sat on the bed and began unlacing his boots. "Yep. *Me*. This again, pet? Me Spike, you Xander. Thought we covered this already." He stood, bootless, and began undoing his jeans.

"You!"

"Yep, me." Spike drew his shirt over his head and pushed down his jeans, stepping out of them. He lay on the bed, naked, and patted the spot next to him. "Lay down, Xany."

"You *kissed* me! And now you're *naked*! Why the *hell* are you naked?"

"I'm seducing you, Xander. Get with the program, pet." Spike patted the spot next to him again. "Come, on. Be a luv and lay down. Oh, yeah, take off yer clothes first. That be quicker."

Xander giggled. He *started* with giggles and quickly made his way to full on guffaws. "Spike! Cut it out! We're alone! Game's over."

Spike gave a very put upon sigh. "Fine, Xander. Make it hard on me." Spike rolled off the bed and walked to Xander. He stood before him and looked into his eyes. "I *am* going to have you, pet." He waggled his eyebrows, causing Xander to start giggling again.

"What?! Spike! What's wrong with you? Spike?"

Spike pressed his naked body to Xanders and kissed him again. Hard. Nothing tentative about Spike's kiss. His tongue thrust in, claiming Xanders, as his hands went to Xander's jeans. Xander was unbuttoned and unzipped before he could catch a breath. He jeans and boxers were pushed down and over his ass, falling to gather at his knees, and Spike was cupping his naked ass in seconds, pulling the boys pelvis against his naked hardness. Spike moved his mouth from Xander's mouth to his ear, biting and suckling at the earlobe. "Come on, Xander. Just a bit o' fun for us. Fun is good." Spike whispered into Xander's ear, reaching down and taking hold of Xander's flaccid cock. He began rubbing it as he suckled Xander's earlobe. Spike trailed his cool tongue from Xander's ear to his throat, stopping to suckle at the juncture of neck and shoulder. He pulled away to quickly pull Xander's T-shirt over his head, tossing it over his shoulder. Spike reached back down to Xander's growing erection. "Just all part of the adventure, sweets."

"But-," Xander began.

"Shh." Spike maneuvered Xander to the bed, pushing him down upon it.

"I don't want-"

"Shh." Spike knelt down and removed Xander's shoes. He pulled the jeans off and pushed Xander down, coming on the bed and astride Xander. He smiled down into Xander's confused eyes. "You'll be fine, pet. Don't *think* anymore. Just feel, luv. Open your mouth"

Xander did. Open his mouth. To vocalize his adamant protest, he was sure, but Spike's tongue was in his mouth and down his throat before he could get a word out. And his hands! His hands were doing all kinds of horrible-*wonderful*-things to his body and they robbed him of his ability to speak. To protest. To shout out "no!" And he would have. Of course he would have, but how could he talk when Spike was sucking and biting at his nipples like that? And Spike's finger was in his mouth and he was sucking on it, drawing the digit deep into his throat, and loving the feel of it as it pressed down on his tongue. And Spike's hand-that evil, demonic, *wonderful* hand, was working at his cock like a dream come true, and Spike's mouth was sliding cool fire down his chest to his navel and suckling it! Swirling his tongue around it! So, really, all he could do was moan and thrust his cock into the hand that held it, and *GOD* now into the cool mouth that engulfed it! *All* of it, and Jesus, *yes*. But that felt so *good*! Xander could only whimper in protest when the mouth left, but it came *back*, and a cool hand was holding on to and cupping so sweetly at his balls and JESUS, but a wet finger was sliding into his ass now, and oh my God, what was it *doing*? Don't *stop* doing that, please don't stop. Hands, and mouth, and murmurs, and, God! It all felt so good! And then Spike was over him, smiling down at him, and he felt a burning and a tearing and a pushing and it hurt but it felt *good*, so good, and Xander was pushing back against it and still it hurt but hurt so good and *more*, please. More, oh yes, fuck me, fuck me. And God yes! And the cool hand still working at his cock, and the fullness thrusting into him and now a cool mouth and tongue working at *his* mouth. *With* his mouth. Tongue sliding in and taking over. Xander's hands went to Spike's shoulders, holding the vampire close as he was fucked and licked and jacked. Xander was mindless with pleasure, whimpering, moaning, begging, and clawing at Spike's back. And then he was cumming. *Too* soon, shooting himself across their stomachs, sealing them together, wrapping his arms and legs around Spike, thrilling in Spike's shout of completion and the cool jetting of Spike into his depths. Xander kept himself wrapped tightly around the cool body of the vampire over him, listening to his soft purrs, for several minutes-hours. He didn't know.

And then he was breathing again. Panting, really. Dizzy, because he hadn't taken a breath since that mouth had taken his cock all the way down into its cool tight depths, he was sure. Had *any* thing ever-in this world-felt so wonderful? Had *he* ever felt so wonderful as he did right now? Jesus! *Spike* had made him feel like this! What should he say? What should he do? What did this make him? He placed his still shaking hands on Spike's shoulders.

"Spike?" He whispered, tentatively.

Spike snuggled his body closer. Xander heard a soft snore. The vampire was asleep.

*****
Part 7:

"Spike?" Xander whispered a little louder.

Not even a snore. He really was *asleep*. Xander pushed at the vampire's shoulder. He was rewarded with a snore this time. Soft, sure, but a snore none the less.

"Well, hell!" Xander was *bubbling* with energy and confusion. He wanted to talk. He wanted to hash this out. He wanted to. . .

He wanted to do it again!

How could you have mind blowing sex and just fall asleep?! He wondered.

Should he wake him?

No.

Yes.

*Yes*, Xander thought.

He'd wake him.

He'd go get a drink of something and *then* he'd wake him.

Yep. Good plan. Xander pushed the sleeping vampire off of him. Spike rolled over, lying flat on his back, but didn't flutter an eyelash. Xander gave a disgusted snort and sat up. Water. He was thirsty. Mind blowing sex will sometimes do that to you. He reached for his jeans and shoved them on. He gave the sleeping vampire a dirty look and headed towards the door.

Once opening it he ran into Angel.

"Xander." Angel placed a hand on Xander's shoulder, squeezing it. Doing that *thumb* thing again! "Are you okay? You look- well you look-"

"'Well and thoroughly fucked' is the phrase you're looking for, Angel, and he does." Cordelia chimed in, coming down the hallway. "And can I just and a heartfelt 'yuck'? 'Cause, *yuck*! It's *not* I sight I'll be putting in my happy places and sites to revisit, let me tell you!" She narrowed her eyes at Xander. "Where's grumpy?"

Xander blinked. "Um, Spike is asleep."

Cordelia snorted. "Yeah, I bet. *We're* researching like crazy and you two are doing nasty naked things to each other. Fairness is lacking, here."

"Spike's tired! He hasn't slept-" Xander began, defending the vampire he was pissed off at.

Angel squeezed Xander's shoulder again, moving his body in front of him. Close.

"But are you okay, Xander? He didn't, um, he didn't *hurt* you did he?"

Xander coughed, backing away. "Um, no! Of course he di-"

"Oh, Angel, please. If *that* look is hurt, then sign me up for some of that kind of pain! And forget I just said that! Come on! I've found something." Cordelia began pulling Angel away, but the vampire's eyes stayed on Xander's, concerned. "What was it you needed, Xander? Can I get you anything?"

"Um, no. I'm fine. I was thirsty, but I'm not. Um, I'm not anymore. I'm okay. You go on."

Angel raised his eyebrows as Cordelia continued to pull him away. "We have juice. Would you like some juice?"

"No! No. Really, I'm fine. I need to talk to Spike, anyway. We'll be out, soon."

"Well, let's *hope* so!" Was Cordelia's parting shot, as she led Angel down and out of the hallway.

Xander backed up; keeping his eyes on Angel as his hand went behind him and opened the door.

Man! He really had it bad for him, didn't he? Xander's brain surmised.

Xander went back into the room, closing the door behind him and turned to look at Spike. He walked to the bed and plopped down upon it. He scooted his body close to Spike's and slammed his fist down upon the vampires' chest.

Spike's eyes opened. He blinked, coming awake. "You just hit me, pet?"

Xander glared down at Spike. "Yes."

"Um, thought you might have." Spike rubbed the spot where Xander had socked him. "You know, it says a lot about the affection I hold for you that I'm not trying to rip your lungs out."

Xander continued to glare down at him. He snickered. "Not really. You *can't* rip my lungs out, remember?"

"Um, yeah." Spike reached a hand up to rub across his eyes and down his face. "True, pet, but I didn't even *try* did, I?" He yawned. "So what's this about, then, you hitting me as I slumber? And don't think I'm not *wanting* to rip yer lungs out about it." Spike grinned, belying his words.

"You!" Xander sputtered.

"Damn it, Xander! We've *done* this! Me Spike, you Xander! I want to slee-"

"You went to sleep after we, uh, after we-"

Spike grunted. "Shagged, pet. After we *shagged*. And a good shagging it was, eh?" He grinned up at Xander.

Xander sputtered and brought his fist down again. Spike grabbed it and rolled them over, coming to rest over the flustered youth. "*What's* got yer knickers in a twist?" Spike asked, truly confused. "What? We had a good shag, right? Now we sleep!"

"No! Now we have to talk! Now I have to know what you were doing with me! Now I have to know if you're-"

Spike placed a hand across Xander's mouth and nodded his head. "Ah. I get it. You-"

"And I went out to get a drink of water and Angel was all over me!"

"*What*? What? Angel was all over you?"

"Yes!" Xander told him. "He wanted to know if you hurt me and if I was oka-"

"If I *hurt* you? What does the pouf think I'm doing to you? Oh! He thinks he can just move on you, once I've got you all primed! He can just think a-"

"Huh?" Xander asked.

Spike blinked. "Um, I mean to say, he's just hoping to catch you at a vulnerable moment, pet. And you go off all half-cocked 'cause I'm sleepy. How does that look?" Spike leaned down and kissed Xander. He thrust his tongue into the dark eyed boy's mouth and swept it in, tasting and tantalizing. He pulled back, pleased to see the eyes looking back at him, dazed. "I *like* you Xander. You are important to me. You're special." Spike kissed Xander again and then lay his head down on Xander's chest, hoping to go back to sleep.

Xander socked him in the head. "Oh, very nice. That would make me feel *much* better *if* I was still a freshman in high school and you just stole my virginity!"

Spike groaned but didn't raise his head. "What? It's not universal? I like you. You're important to me. I won't tell my friends. I won't tell your friends. I want to see you again. Besides, pet, while I might have *snacked* on, or *killed* you, I certainly wouldn't have wanted to *shag* you when you were a freshman! I'm not Angel, Xanpet."

Xander bit down on Spike's shoulder. He drew blood.

Spike chuckled, truly amused. He lifted his head. "What?" He smiled down at Xander. "Come on, Xany, can't we sleep? I really *do* have to battle Bleathvores, you know. I need to rest up for that. And the shagging really was important to me. You're mine now. All mine, sealed with bodily fluids." Spike rocked his body against Xander's.

"Yes, but, I-"

Spike sighed and cut Xander off with a kiss. He reached his hand down to Xander's jeans and undid them. Spike looked at Xander. "Note for future reference: If I put you to bed naked? *Stay* naked." He told the boy, shoving Xander's jeans down.

"Oh! You can't just start fuc-"

Spike reached down and pulled out Xander's cock. He held and caressed it, kissing Xander's responsive mouth. "Um, maybe you can." Xander mumbled as Spike pulled away and thrust a finger into his mouth, sliding his body down, and engulfing Xander's hardening cock into his cool mouth. Spike took all of Xander down his throat and began running his tongue across Xander's already tightened sac.

"Oh, god, Spike. Yes! I'm sorry. What ever I said to you, I'm sorry and i take it back!"

Spike grinned around his mouthful of Xander. He let Xander's cock fall from his mouth and raised up. He shushed the boy's protests and pulled Xander's jeans from him, tossing them to the floor, coming up and laying next to the youth. "Kiss me, pet." Spike commanded, softly.

Xander did, placing his lips tentatively to the vampire's cool ones. Spike's mouth opened and Xander plunged his tongue inside, thrilling at the taste. Xander's hand went to Spike's face, cupping his cheek and holding him still, as his tongue and lips explored and savored Spike as he would a particularly good piece of chocolate. His hand began to roam across Spike's chest, his thumb stopping to rub at a nipple. Xander moved his mouth from Spike's, sliding down his cheek to his neck, leaving a wet trail. Xander suckled and nuzzled, licked and bit his way down Spike's body, until he was able to draw a beaded nipple into his mouth.

"Nice, pet." Spike murmured as his hands came up to slide into Xander's hair.

Xander let out a incoherent sound and continued to lick his way down Spike's body. When he reached the vampire's erection, he took it in hand and ran his tongue across the weeping head, savoring the taste of Spike. Spike let out a moan, and Xander took the tip into his mouth, running this tongue around it.

"Good, pet. More."

Xander nodded his head, Spike still in his mouth, and pushed the cock deeper inside of him. He let his tongue cup the underside of Spike's cock as he bobbed his head, sucking and tasting. Xander gripped Spike harder, his thumb running along the thick vein, as he continued sucking the vampire deep into his mouth.

"Ah, yes, pet. Lovely. More."

The slurred, pleasure filled words, thrilled Xander and he increased his pace.

"Umm. I'm gonna cum soon, luv"

Xander nodded his head vigorously, wanting to taste Spike.

"Pet-"

Xander placed his unoccupied hand across Spike's mouth and sucked the vampire's cock deeper into his mouth. Spike sucked two of Xander's fingers into his mouth and matched Xander's sucking rhythm. Xander would have grinned if he could have, instead, he continued sucking and jacking Spike into the hot depths of his mouth. Spike gave a shout and came. Xander paused, tasting, savoring, and finally swallowing. He held Spike in his mouth and hand, sucking softly as the vampire's cock softened.

He looked up, grinning at Spike.

"Liked that, did you, pet?"

"Yes." Was Xander's unabashed and enthusiastic reply.

"Sleepy?" Spike asked, a little hopeful.

Xander shook his head like a wet dog. "No!"

Spike grinned. "You're a horny thing, aren't you?"

"It would seem so." Xander gave his best Giles impersonation.

Spike laughed. *Really* laughed, greatly pleased and pleasured. He reached down and grasped Xander's shoulders. He pulled Xander up and then tossed the boy down, flat on his back, swooping down, he swallowed Xander's cock whole. In minutes Xander was gasping out in completion and pleasure, thrusting into Spike's talented mouth.

Spike crawled up the bed, coming to lie next to Xander. He thrust a hand under the boy and pulled him close, placing Xander's head on his shoulder and his chin resting on Xander's silky head. "Sleep, now? Please?"

"Um, yeah. I could sleep now."

Spike gave a contented sigh and closed his eyes.

"Spike?"

Spike bit back his moan. "Yeah?"

"I like you. You're important to me."

Spike smiled against Xander's soft hair. "Won't tell your mates?"

"Not if they don't ask."

Spike sucked in a mouthful of Xander's hair and pulled at it.

All he got in reply was a soft snore. Xander was asleep.

*****