(Plot Bunny "Sire's Right" Spike and Xander are involved, and the girls don't like it. While researching they run across mention of something called "Sire's Right" and believe it means that Angel can break up S and X. They get him to Sunnydale and force/convince him to declare it. Wouldn't you love to see their faces when they find out that it means that Xander now belongs to Angel? And that Angel isn't exactly unhappy about it? And what's Spike going to do to get his Nummy back? I'm thinking threesome here )

*****

"Come here, pet." Spike purred, leaning seductively back onto the bed.

Xander didn�t need to be told twice. Alone the sight of his lover�s pale body, almost glowing supernaturally in contrast to the black sheets made him feel hot all over. Sliding onto the bed next to the bleached blond vampire he ran one hand over the cool skin, smiling at the low moan he received.

As warm, moist lips followed the path the hand had taken it got too much for Spike to endure. Growling silently he pulled the boy into a passionate kiss, pressing against his lover�s deliciously warm body. Tearing his mouth away from Xander�s he trailed a line of tiny kisses and licks down the tanned throat, finally stopping right above the pulse point. Gently closing his blunt teeth over the tender flesh he tugged lightly on the skin before applying just a little more pressure.

In response Xander moaned, arching against the blond vampire, tilting his head to give the other better access to his neck. His nails dug into Spike�s shoulder�s, not quite drawing blood, but close to it.

The peroxide blond chuckled softly at that reaction while flipping them both over so he was on top of the mortal. Continuing his downward path he eventually sucked one of the boy�s nipples into his mouth.

The dark haired male whimpered with need, eagerly spreading his legs in response. He brushed his fingertips over cool skin, barely touching before raking his nails brutally down the pale back, causing welts to rise.

Spike groaned, rubbing his erection against Xander�s groin in reply to the rough treatment he received. After licking the slightly swollen nub again he blew some air over the moist flesh before turning his attention towards his lover�s other nipple.

Gasping the mortal wrapped his legs around the narrow hips, trying to pull the vampire closer while rubbing against the blond, seeking friction to ease his need.

Spike would have none of that. Resisting the human�s attemts he grinned down at moaning and whimpering boy. "Anything you want?" He asked innocently, chuckling at the annoyed growl he got in response. "Aw. I�m sure you can do better than this." He teased, giving a short, but promising rub against the mortal�s nether regions.

Xander gasped, wondering just how Spike managed to make conversation while having sex. "Please." Was all his pleasure-fogged mind managed.

"Please. what? Tell me what you want, pet." The bond went on with his little game. He enjoyed hearing his lover beg and since a little pleasureable torture was out of option. not that Xander would have complaint. but Spike rather didn�t want to test if the implant knew the difference between him simply hurting someone and exciting dominance games between two lovers. Anyway, since he couldn�t do something even more fun he settled to some light, verbal domination.

"Please. fuck me." Xander pleaded, becoming even more aroused. He loved their little game just as much as Spike did. Sometimes he even caught himself wishing the vampire wasn�t chipped so they�d be able to experiment some more.

"Such a good boy." The blond purred, feeling the shiver of anticipation that ran through the warm body underneath him. Reaching over to the nightstand he grabbed the lube, squeezing some of the slick substance onto his fingers.

Xander almost bucked his lover off as he arched off the bed, moaning and wiggling while cool fingers gently prepared him. He gasped as the blunt tip of Spike�s cock nudged his opening before slowly pushing into him.

The blond vampire took an unneeded breath as wet heat surrounded him. Holding the boy�s hips into place he started to thrust into incredibly tight channel, half growling, half purring at the sensation. Changing the angle slightly he aimed for his lover�s prostate, moaning as the ringed muscle spasmed around his throbbing cock in response.

The mortal was panting by now, a fine sheen of sweat covering his skin while he rocked against the vampire, eagerly meeting each thrust. He could feel his orgasm approaching as the head of Spike�s cock pushed against his prostate repeatedly. Knowing he wouldn�t be able to hold back much longer he clenched his ass around the hard flesh moving in and out of him, wanting his lover to come as well.

Growling low in his throat the blond sped up, the finger of one hand weaving into dark, shaggy hair as he pulled Xander into another passionate kiss, claiming the boy�s mouth, showing him who was in charge.

This was all it took to push the human over the edge, bucking wildly he came, spilling his seed over both their stomachs.

Feeling the now stretched muscle quiver around his aching member Spike came as well, shooting his load deep into his lover. He wished he could sink his fangs into Xander�s throat, but since the chip wouldn�t allow that he settled to sucking on the tender flesh, causing a blue-red mark to blossom.

Another moan was torn from Xander�s throat as the vampire�s mouth closed over his jugular. He almost yearned the piercing pain he expected the canines to cause as they would slide into his flesh.

The blond smiled at the tiny whimper that escaped the human as he finally pulled away to lie beside the other. It wasn�t long until the warm body was comfortably snuggled against him and only moments later he could tell the boy had fallen asleep. Running his finger through silky dark hair he closed his eyes and eventually joined his lover in sleep.

*****
Part 2:

Xander and Spike strolled through the cemetary, following Buffy as she patroled. Actually they where supposed to 'help' the her patrol, together with the witch who was currently by the slayer�s side, but it was pretty clear Mrs Summers�d rather like not having them around. She made no secret out of the fact she didn�t trust Spike and considered Xander and Willow more as a burden than anything else. Everytime before they went on partrol she�d start arguing with Giles, trying to convince him to let her go without backup.

The blond reached out, closing his fingers around his lover�s hand. There were other things he�d like to do at that moment instead of running after that stupid bint, but his Xan-pet insisted on backing Buffy up every night. And since a happy Xander was better than a pouting one. though he looked really kissable pouting. Spike decided to join in on the patroling. Despite of that he wasn�t about to let his Nummy get hurt by some lucky demons because the blond bitch was once again too busy with herself to notice the danger her friends were in.

Feeling cool fingers close around his Xander glanced nervously at Buffy and Willow. He had convinced Spike to keep their relationship a secret, not wanting his lover to end up as a pile of dust once Buffy discovered they were together. He didn�t think she�d understand. he wasn�t even sure Willow would. Thus he thought it was better to let them in the dark. However both the slayer and the witch paid no attention to them at the moment so it was fairly safe to hold hands with the vampire. The first time Spike had taken his hand he�d been rather surprised. He�d never have guessed the Big Bad was into such things. But after getting to know Spike better he knew the blond was one of the romantic sort. A fact that had Xander pleasantly surprised.

Observing the nervous glances the boy cast the slayer and Red he squeezed the human�s hand assuringly. It was too dark for the two girls to actually see the hand holding thingy. He wished he could pull his lover against him, resting his arm around the other�s waist, but he knew Xander didn�t want his friends to know about their relationship and so Spike did something he�d never done before. he was discreet.

Xander tensed briefly as a vamp attacked Buffy, but before the real fight could even start she�d already staked the creature. Seeing she wasn�t in any trouble he continued following her, still holding Spike�s hand since the slayer didn�t even bother to turn around to check if they were alright.

Spike almost sighed in relief as they reached Giles� place. This meant another night of patroling with this awfully self-centred bint was soon to be over. Running his thumb over the warm fingers in a soft caress he let go of his lover�s hand before they stepped out of the security of the darkness into the light as they followed the two girls to the front steps of the ex-watchers home.

After Buffy and Willow went inside Xander made up an excuse, not really feeling like hearing the slayer bitching around about how useless they were. It wasn�t hard to figure that was what she was doing at that moment. she did it every night. Ever since Angel had left Sunnydale she�d never been the same again. He�d never quite understood what had been so interesting about the broody vampire, but he knew breaking up always hurt. He�d experienced it first hand often enough. Therefore he didn�t really blame Buffy for her behaviour, though Spike asked him everytime why he allowed her to get away with it each time she sent another cruel remark into his direction.

As soon as they were out of sight Spike slipped his arm around the boy�s waist, pulling him close. A small smile played around his lips as his lover leaned against him for closer contact, unconsciously sighing in contentment. Sliding his hand under the rather colourful shirt he ran his fingers over the warm flesh of Xander�s flank and abdomen, causing the other to shiver slightly.

The dark haired mortal caught his breath at the unexpected touch, already feeling the arousal building up inside. Instantly the cool fingers started their journey upwards, finally brushing over one of his nipples, teasing it into a hard nub. "Spike."

His Xan-pet�s breathy whisper sent shivers down the vampire�s body. Suddenly the way back to their apartment seemed much too long. Without so much of a thought the blond pulled his lover into a dark alley. Pushing the mortal against the wall he slipped one leg between the other�s thighs, nudging the boy�s growing erection gently while claiming the warm lips in a passionate kiss.

Xander opened his mouth, allowing the vampire to dominate the kiss, while rubbing his hard cock against his lover�s leg, trying to increase the friction the gentle nudging created. One hand wove into the bleached hair as the kiss deepened while the other slipped under the vampire�s shirt, caressing the cool skin.

A low purr rumbled in Spike�s chest as he fumbled with the fastening of his lover�s pants. Managing to undo it without having to pull away from the heated kiss he moved his hand slowly downwards, his fingers running over the well muscled abdomen before moving past the open fly, cupping his lovers throbbing cock. "No underwear, pet?" He murmured, fingertips caressing the human�s balls. "Naughty."

Xander just moaned, spreading his legs a little more. The blond seemed to have gotten the hint, because the cool fingers moved past his sac, eventually probing and teasing his anus. Baggy pants definitely had their pros.

Spike pushed one digit past the tight ring of muscle, slowly moving it in and out, his arm simultaneously rubbing against his lover�s erection and brushing past the sensitive balls. Hearing his Nummy pant and whimper with desire he wanted nothing more but to rip the boy�s pants down all the way, turn him around and bury himself in the hot tightness of his lover�s body.

The sharp intake of breath coming out of the direction of the street they�d just left in order to have a little fun startled them both. Turning they looked to the spot where the sound had come from. The sight that greeted them caused Spike to snarl in annoyance. His anger increasing as he felt his lover pulling away from him, fear replacing the arousal in the mortal�s scent.

Xander paled, unconsciously moving away from the vampire. That was what he�d feared ever since. "Buffy." He whispered, not knowing what to say to the obviously enraged slayer standing in front of them.

*****
Part 3:

After the first shock had worn off Buffy saw red. How could the bleached annoyance dare to take advantage of her goofy, not all that intelligent friend?! Pulling her stake she stalked towards Spike, ready to dust him.

Lack of another option the vampire slowly backed away, inwardly cursing the Initiative once more.

"Buffy." Xander tried while refastening his pants hastily. "It�s not."

"It�s not what?" The slayer asked heatedly. "Not what it looks like?" She glanced at her dark haired friend. "Oh come on Xander. it�s pretty obvious what was going on here." She added, continuing to follow Spike, stake ready.

The peroxide blond came to an abrupt halt as his back met solid stone, blocking his way. "Can two guys not even have a little bit of fun?" He asked, wishing he could just kill her and be over with it. Sexual frustration never had caused him to make the smartest remarks. This time was no exception considering the fact the slayer was now face to face with him, the pointy end of her stake firmly pressed against his chest.

"Finally." She sneered, giving a little more pressure onto the wood in her hand, causing Spike to stiffen as the very tip of the stake sank into his flesh. "I never understood while Giles even let you in back then, let alone why Xander allowed you to stay with him. Well, it seems you�re quite good at manipulating people. all this poor little, pathetic vampire routine." She snorted. "Well, I never trused you and I think staking you is long overdue.

Xander felt a new wave of fear racing through his body. He didn�t know what to say. Not that words would have helped anyway. His mind searched frantically for something he could do to prevent his lover ending up as a pile of dust. This was exactly what he�d feared. almost like a nightmare that had come true. While his mind struggled uselessly for a solution his body acted on instinct. Spotting a rather large piece of wood on the ground he grabbed it, silently approaching the girl who was currently threatening his vampire. Xander still didn�t really know what he was doing as he bashed the makeshift weapon over the back of the slayer�s head as hard as he could.

Spike gasped in surprise as the blond bitch suddenly went down, revealing the sight of his lover standing in the middle of the alley, clutching a heavy piece of wood. Looking down at the unconscious slayer and back at his Nummy again Spike couldn�t suppress a feral grin. His Xan-pet had knocked the slayer out to protect him. Another glance at the girl. Yep, Bunny was going to have one hell of a headache. The clattering sound the wood made as it hit the ground made him look at the boy again.

Xander stared at the limp form on the ground in open mouthed shock, the wood slipping from suddenly nerveless fingers. Though he didn�t remember much of the past few minutes he knew he�d just bashed Buffy over the head in order to save Spike.

"She�ll be alright again." Spike soothed his lover, slipping his arms around the boy and pulling him close. He felt like cheering, but that would probably upset Xander and being the nasty, big, bad. domesticated vampire that he was, he didn�t want that.

The dark haired boy leaned against his lover, not telling the bleached blond he wasn�t all that shocked about Buffy lying unconscious on the ground but rather about the fact he wasn�t shocked because of that. He was supposed to feel guily and everything. so why did he only feel a great wave of relief because Spike was still amongst the undead. Looking at the still form again he could hear a dark part of his mind laugh evilly, pointing out no one was allowed to touch what was his.

The vampire rubbed Xander�s back in soothing circles, wondering when the first shock would wear off so they could get moving. Somehow he didn�t think it would be wise to be around the slayer once she regained consciousness. "I think we should better go now, pet." He said softly, waiting for the boy�s reaction.

Xander nodded his head in silent agreement as an inner voice screamed at him they couldn�t just leave Buffy like that. But did he really want to explain to Giles what had happened and even worse. face the slayer when she woke up? Another voice told him to just leave her where she was. she�d deserved it for messing with his lover anyway.

Oblivious to his Nummy�s inner trouble Spike took matters in his own hands, gently leading the boy away from the still unconscious slayer. Seemed like his Xan-pet hadn�t held back on the annoying bint. Doing a mental happy dance he led his lover further away, heading towards their appartment.

*****
Part 4:

"I�m not kidding here. He really did it!"

Willow looked at her friend doubtfully. She couldn�t imagine Xander being capable of what Buffy had just told her.

"And you�re absolutely sure about this? I mean."

"There wasn�t anyone else in that alley. I�m telling you, Xander�s completely under Spike�s influence." The slayer went on. "Some kind of spell or hypnosis or something."

"We have to tell Giles."

"Been there, done that." Buffy replied, shaking her head in quiet disbelief. "He said it must have been someone else." She shrugged. "I didn�t even start to tell him about the Spike and Xander nearly having sex in an dark alleyway thingy."

"But Xander..?" Willow had a confused expression on her face. Did she really know her childhood friend that bad? She could have sworn Xander wouldn�t be able to hurt Buffy in any way.let alone bashing her over the head from behind. And because of Spike of all people?! This was really strange.

"We have to do something." The petite blond said resolutely, shaking the readhead out of her thoughts.

"Do something?"

"Sure. I mean we can�t leave Xander under the influence of the blond menace." The slayer pointed out.

Willow thought about that. She didn�t like the idea of sticking her nose into Xander�s private life. but in this case it seemed like Buffy was right. Her friend would never ever be interested in another man. at least not out of his own accord. And even if he was gay. not that Xander was of course. but if. he�d surely not pick Spike for a lover. would he? Still not entirely sure what to think of all this Willow nodded eventually. "So what are we going to do?"

"Stake Spike." Buffy replied, well-duh face in place.

"But if Spike really has control over Xander. it might be dangerous for Xander if we just dust Spike. after all we don�t know what kind of power he had over him. if we dust him, it might kill Xander as well." The redhead pointed out, thinking of some spells that had such effects.

"Oh." Buffy said, pouting slightly since she didn�t get to dust her mortal enemy now. "So what else do we do?"

"We could look through some of Giles� books." Willow suggested.

Buffy nodded. "Come on then. I think Giles� not at home at the moment. I don�t want him asking any questions."

*

"I think I found something." Willow exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the page in front of her. "Here." She tipped her finger onto the right paragraphe as Buffy leaned closer to take a look.

"So you think this is going to work?" The slayer asked, reading the passage again.

"Well, it sounds like it. It doesn�t seem like we could get Xander away from Spike with him being under some spell. but we can try to get Spike away from Xander." Willow summarized. "Do you think he�ll do it?" She asked a little concerned, looking at the other girl.

"I�m sure he�ll help us once we�ve told him the entire story."

"So. when are you going to call him?"

"Once we�re back at the dorm. I don�t know how long Giles will be gone and I�d rather like not being interrupted when I talk to Angel." With that the slayer snapped the book she was holding shut and stood up, ready to leave.

*****
Part 5:

Spike was holding his sleeping lover close, gently brushing some strands of dark hair out of Xander�s face. He was really proud of his Xan-pet, the possessiveness the mortal had shown by knocking the slayer out cold made him feel all tingly inside.

Murmuring softly in his sleep Xander shifted closer to his vampire, snuggling against the cool body.

The blond smiled at being used as a snuggle bunny as he cuddled his Nummy closer.

*

"You want me to WHAT?"

Buffy held the receiver away from her ear, not hearing Angel yell anymore she put it back where it belonged. "Hey there. no need to get loud." She pouted.

A long, suffering sigh. "Sorry."

"So, are you going to do it?" She asked in a tone that indicated she wouldn�t take no for an answer.

"This isn�t just a tiny little favour you�re asking me for." The dark haird vampire pointed out, wondering what exactly was going on in Sunnydale to cause Buffy to ask. well, rather demand something like this from him.

"Angel. this is serious." The slayer told her ex-lover, sounding almost like she was talking to a child.

The ensouled vampire had to suppress a growl at being treated like he wasn�t quite right in the head. "So tell me. what is so serious that it�d convince me to agree to this?"

"What, you need more reasons?" Buffy was baffled. "I already told you Xander is with Spike. I�d assume that�s reason enough." She said, a slightly steely edge in her voice. She hadn�t expected Angel to contradict like this. She was giving him the chance to see her again. thus he should come running.

"You mentioned that, but I don�t see why you want me to interfere." It wasn�t like Angel liked the idea of his childe and the mortal being a couple, but if that was what both of them wanted.

"I want you to interfere, because Xander�s completely under the control of your wayward childe." Buffy pointed out through clenched teeth. "He�s using Xander for some stupid plan of his." She added.

"And you�re thinking that because?"

"I�m not just thinking it, I know it." The slayer replied. "I mean what else could be the reason for Spike hanging around with Xander of all people?"

She had a point Angel had to admit. It wasn�t like the brunette mortal was anything like Spike�s usual choice of lovers. But did that mean the blond was using the boy? Well, it was possible. With his childe not being able to hurt humans physically Spike might have settled to messing with their heads and emotions. In that case it was pretty clear why he�d chosen Xander to start his little game. Everything about the kid just screamed victim.

"Angel?"

"Yeah, I�m still here." He replied absently, lost in his own thoughts.

"So?"

"Hm?"

"So. are you going to claim your right?" Buffy asked, slightly exasperated.

Another sigh from the other side of the line. "Ok." Angel finally agreed after long moments of silence.

*

Spike snuggled against the warm body next to him, enjoying the feel of smooth skin and hard muscles pressing against him.

"Love you, pet." He whispered to the sleeping form, giving in to the sappy moment. It wasn�t like he�d ever told the boy about his feelings. and he didn�t plan on doing it in the future. Some parts of his Big Bad image had to stay untouched. But not telling his lover about his feelings for him didn�t mean they weren�t there. 'Cause they were, pretty strong actually. If he was ever going to loose Xander. If somebody would take his Nummy away from him. Shaking his head he decided not to follow that direction of thoughts, continuing to watch the sleeping human instead.

*****
Part 6

Spike walked through the dark streets, heading towards the watcher�s place. Though they hadn�t been separated for long he already missed his Nummy. Quickening his pace he continued his way as suddenly a very familiar smell hit him. Before he could really place it he found himself pinned against the nearest wall, looking into his sire�s face.

"What the bloody hell.?" He started, but was silenced as Angel tightened his grip around his throat.

"You just can�t stay out of trouble, now can you?" The dark haired vampire remarked, easing his grip just slightly.

Spike just stared at the other, wondering what was going on. Was Angelus loose again? No, a look into the dark brown eyes showed there was still enough underlying guilt to go with the soul.

"You couldn�t help yourself, but play your games again." Anger vibrated in the deep voice.

"What?" The blond forced the word past the pale fingers squeezing his throat.

"Xander." The older man growled. "You had to mess with his head, huh?" He shook his errant childe. "Oh, it�s not like I don�t understand why you did it." He went on. "His whole behaviour just screams 'victim'. Very tempting I�ll admit." Angel added, his gaze burning into Spike. "But I�d really thought you�d be smarter."

Spike continued to look at his sire, wondering if the magnificent poof eventually had lost the his last bunch of brain cells.

"Anyway." Angel went on, not really expecting an answer from his childe. "This little game of yours is over now. I�ll set and end to it."

The younger vampire�s eyes went wide as a thought crossed his mind. No, he couldn't. he wouldn�t.

"I am your sire. You belong to me as does everything you consider as yours."

Knowing where this would lead Spike started struggeling, shaking his head in denial.

"Since there is no other way to stop you I claim Xander as mine."

"NO!" With a roar Spike pushed Angel off him, going after his sire.

Angel couldn�t say he was surprised as his childe attacked him, though he hadn�t expected the brutal force.

Spike gave everything he had to defend his claim on Xander, but soul or no soul, Angelus had always been stronger than him and so it was only a matter of time until the older vampire had him on the ground.

"I claim my right as your sire and you�ll accept it." Angel growled, staring Spike right in the eyes until the blond turned his gaze away submissively. Letting go of his childe the dark haired vampire got up then. "Xander is mine now." He announced. "And you�re not allowed to get near him again." He added, waiting for Spike�s nod that showed the blond had understood. Not giving his childe another look he turned around and left, oblivious to the despair that shadowed the usually bright blue orbs and never seeing the silent tears that were running down Spike�s face.

*****
Part 7:

Xander spent the whole Scooby gang meeting glancing at the door. First impatiently and then with growing worry. Where the hell was Spike. He�d promised to meet him here. So where was the bleached wonder anyway?

Noting the blond�s absence as well Buffy gave Willow a slight nodded, indicating their plan had obviously worked. She�d have to ask Angel to be sure, but for now it seemed everything went fine.

Willow gave her friend a tentative smile, still not completely sure this had been such a good idea. But then again she really didn�t think Spike would have made such a fuss about Xander if he hadn�t been up to something bigger. Well, Angel had taken care of that now. So no more sneaky games for Spike.

*

More than just slightly worried now Xander made his way towards Spike�s crypt. He�d thought he�d find his lover at his apartment, but even after two more hours of waiting the vampire hadn�t shown up.

Missing a Scooby meeting because he had no intention of seeing Buffy was something the blond did sometimes, but he�d always be there when Xander came home. Afraid something could have happened to Spike the dark haired boy had made his way to the crypt Spike lived in. Officially anyway.

Hearing a heartbeat Spike�s head shot up and he hurried to wipe the tears away. Being dominated by one�s sire once again was bad enough, no need to show his weakness.

"Spike?"

Despite his efforts the blond nearly broke into tears again at the sound of his lover�s voice.

"Spike?" Xander asked again, stepping further into the barely lit crypt.

Not stepping out of the shadows the vampire looked at Xander, taking in every little detail, burning it into his memory. He had to fight the urge to go over and pull his lover into his arms, kissing him senseless.

"Spike." This time a statement ans the boy finally spotted the smaller man. "Why weren�t you at home?" He asked softly. "I was worried about you."

The blond had to blink several times in order not to cry. Taking a deep breath he steeled himself before he started what he had to do.

"Don�t get me wrong." He said, somehow managing to sound cold and uncaring. "But we had our fun and that�s it."

Xander just stared at him in confusion. What was going on now? And what the hell was the other talking about?

"What?"

"What I�m trying to say is: It�s over. we�re through and finished." Spike bit out, cringing inwardly. Hating himself as he saw Xander flinch.

"But I thought."

"You thought what? That we�d be a merry couple for all time?" The blond asked, his face an expressionless mask though inside he felt like dying.

"Spike. I don�t understand."

Brown eyes full of confusion and hurt turned to look at him and it was nearly his undoing. He felt even more disgusted with himself than he already had as Angel claimed his lover and he hadn�t been able to do anything about it.

"Look, we had fun and all, but what can I say. I get easily bored." He added, voice dripping with fake cheerfulness. Seeing the hurt in the choclate brown orbs he nearly told the boy the truth. But even though he�d always been the wayward childe he still respected the rules of the vampire community. Not getting near the boy included not letting the boy get near him either. And it was an unspoken rule not to tell a third person about the things between sire and childe. Thus he wasn�t allowed to tell Xander what was going on.

"Spike.?"

"You�re not very fast with your brain, are you?" He sighed dramatically, wondering how he managed to keep up his act even as tears started to run down his Nummy�s cheeks. "You�ve been a nice fuck. a nice distraction if you will, but only for some time." He shrugged nonchalantly.

Biting his lip until he tasted blood Spike watched the boy the boy leave, silent sobs shaking the body he knew almost better than his own. Once Xander had left he allowed his own tears to flow. "I love you, pet." He whispered into the otherwise silent crypt, wishing he�d gotten over his Big Bad routine and told Xander how he felt before Angel had shown up. Perhaps things would have gone different then. But it was too late for that now and regrets didn�t change anything. It was like it had always been. Everytime he allowed himself to love someone he lost that person. First Angelus, then Dru and now Xander.

*****
Part 8:

Willow watched her friend worriedly. Xander didn�t even seem to listen to what was going on, obviously lost in his own thoughts. Ever since Angel had taken care of the Spike-problem the boy had a sad and haunted look in his eyes. Buffy�d said it was probably only the addiction Spike had somehow caused. In this case Xander would return to normal at some point, but somehow Buffy�s theory didn�t entirely convince Willow.

"Sorry guys, but I�d better be going." Xander said, already making his way towards the door. Since no one made and attemt to stop him he walked outside, sighing heavily. He�d tried to continue like nothing had happened. Had tried to keep his happy Xander act up, at least around the others, but the hurt was too deep. He�d really thought he�d meant something to Spike, but like always he�d been wrong. It wasn�t like anyone could ever really want him. Thinking about it not even his friends thought he was good for anything but getting doughnuts.

Spike silently followed the boy, making sure nothing would happen to his Nummy. Seeing his lovers slumped shoulders and lost expression his already shattered heart broke some more, because he�d caused this. His mean words had done this to his Xan-pet.

Unbeknown to the blond Xander had another shadow. Angel watched the boy walking towards his new apartment, simultaneously keeping an eye on his errant childe. But he didn�t interfere, just watched as Spike continued to follow the mortal. He wondered what the blond was up to, but since he didn�t want to call the boy�s attention he couldn�t stop his childe in order to find out what Spike�s new plan was. He�d have to make sure the blond stayed away from the mortal though. Seemed like he�d have to take the boy back to LA with him. Much to his surprise he rather liked the idea of taking Xander with him.

*

"I�m not sure he�ll ever get over Spike." Willow remarked softly.

"Perhaps you�re right." Buffy agreed thinking for a moment. "I�m pretty sure Spike won�t give up that easily. And Angel can�t stay here forever to make sure the blond menace doesn�t get near Xander again." She pointed out.

"You still think he�s following some kind of plan?"

"Hey, we�re talking about Spike here." The slayer gave her friend one of her 'well due' looks.

The redhead nodded slowly. Buffy was right. it was just like Spike to give it another try once nobody expected it anymore.

"So. what do we do?"

"Hm. since Angel can�t stay here." The slayer�s face scrunched up as she thought. Suddenly her expression brightened. "Xander could go to LA with Angel." She said, proud to have found a solution for their problem.

"Do you think that�ll work?"

"Oh, I�m sure Angel will take him back to LA if I ask nicely."

Willow just nodded, not pointing out they hadn�t asked Xander for his opinion on the matter.

*

Xander hung up the phone, wondering what had just happened. Had he even agreed to leave Sunnydale or had Buffy just told him Angel would pick him up in an hour? He wasn�t completely sure if he�d been asked for his opinion at all. Probably not, but since when did his opinion matter anyway?

Looking around his apartment he sighed as his mind was flodded with memories of happier times. The whole place reminded him of Spike. He couldn�t even sleep in his bed anymore because it felt so cold and empty without the blond. Watching tv wasn�t even half as funny without the vampire�s snidy remarks. He�d even caught himself watching Passions once or twice.

But he had to face it. Spike didn�t want him anymore. And no matter what he felt for the vampire it was obvious the blond didn�t return his feelings. Perhaps he should be proud at being called a nice fuck. Might be the only thing he�d be ever good at.

Shaking his head sadly Xander went to his bedroom and started packing a few things. It was definitely time to stop the wishful thinking and face reality. Time to move on and he was pretty sure he wouldn�t manage to get over Spike with the blond being so close. So it seemed moving to LA. at least for some time. wasn�t such a bad idea.

After stuffing some clothes and other things he might need into a bag he zipped it up and sat on the couch, waiting for Angel to pick him up.

*****
tbc