"Awww. They're so cute." Buffy said as she took another picture of Spike and Xander sleeping. "Ok, time for you to get up, blondie." She slapped Spike's arm.

Spike's eyes shot opened then he groaned. "Bloody hell, Slayer. How did you get in?"

"Xander gave me a key just in case something happened. Say cheese, Spike." She took another picture of Spike.

"I won't show, Slayer. Vampire."

"I know that, but you don't know about magic film. This kind can get a vampire. Almost have a full roll of you and Xander. It's good blackmail. You're so cute." She squealed.

Spike slipped into gameface. "First of all, I am not cute. Secondly, don't make so much bloody noise. The whelp needs to get some sleep. I don't want you and your way to perky attitude waking him up."

"I'm sorry." Buffy said, genuinely. "I was just joking around."

"Fine but do it in the other room until Nummy wakes up." Spike said, still mad.

"But we came over to see Xander."

"Tough. 'Cos the lot of yer can leave if yer think I'm gonna let yer wake him up just for your amusement." Spike held Xander protectively.

"Well then will, you come out and entertain us until he does? We're all dying for details and Anya and Giles won't tell us anything. We could just ask Xander if you don't." Buffy pouted.

"Fine. I'll be right out if yer promise not to bother Nummy while he's asleep. Yer promise?" Spike looked seriously at Buffy.

"Sure."

"I'll be right there." Spike said motioning towards the door.

Buffy nodded and walked out of the bedroom.

Spike pulled away from Xander and looked at his lover with concern. Xander looked better then he did a few hours ago. He seemed to be healing all right.

"That's right, yer get ta sleep while I'm set out to entertain your friends. You better appreciate this." He kissed Xander's forehead and got out of bed. He stood and walked out of the bedroom and waited for the gauntlet of questions to start.

"Hello, Spike. How is he?" Giles asked.

"He's fine," was all Spike replied as he walked to the kitchen; he was starved. He hadn't eaten since the night before. "He's asleep right now."

"May we see him?" Giles said.

"No, yer bloody can't. He needs his rest and like I told the Slayer, yer aren't waking him up." Spike got a packet of blood out and popped it into the microwave.

"Of course. We are just a little worried about him." Giles said.

"What? You think I can't bloody take care of him? Look here, Watcher. He's mine and I take care of what is mine. Understand?" Spike's eyes flashed gold but he didn't vamp out.

"No. Of course not. We know you can take care of him just fine, Spike." Giles smiled softly. He knew that Spike had just claimed publicly Xander as his and, from Spike's history, one knew that what he was saying was true. Xander was in no danger. Especially from the blonde vampire.

"What you smiling about, Watcher?" Spike glared at Giles.

"Me? Nothing. Nothing at all."

"Right." Spike snorted.

"Spike!" Dawn jumped on to Spike.

"Shhh. Nibblet. Xander is still asleep and I don't want him to wake up until he has to. He needs his sleep. Ok?"

"Ok. But you should see the dress I saw at the mall today. I mean I didn't really want to go because Xander was hurt and all but my friends made me. It's perfect. It's short and it's made of this really cool cloth. It almost feels like silk, but it isn't. Oh and it's dark so you can wear whatever you want."

//And they say teenagers don't know what is important.//

"That's good to know, bit. Hey, there's some junk food that Xander tries to hide in the cabinet all the way in the back. Could you get it for me?"

"Sure." Dawn got on top of the counter and reached in. She found the mother load. There were Twinkies, Hohos, Twislers, and many, many more. "Wow."

"Yeah and he thinks I don't know about it." Spike laughed. "Doesn't know I stock it most of the time."

He reached up and grabbed Dawn to help her down. "Just don't tell him. He'd feel guilty about it."

"Spike, where did you get the money?"

"Don't worry your pretty head about it." He hugged her softly.

"Nothing too dangerous."

"Of course not. Xander would have my hide."

"Ok." She looked at the Scoobies talking in the living room. "Do I have to share?" She said as she pouted at Spike.

Spike chuckled. "It's your choice. Now get out of here. I want to eat."

"Ok." An almost evil look came in Dawn's eyes as she left Spike still laughing in the kitchen and the look made him laugh harder.

//Just a few more months and she'll turn into me. I don't know if I'm scared or proud. That girl is pure trouble and boy do I love her.//

Spike took his blood out of the microwave and thought about how he lied to his Sire about why he hadn't been eating as much as he use to. It was true that he didn't want Xander to spend his money on Spike, but he also had no taste for it anymore. Bagged blood was not his thing. If he really wanted to, he could have spent his own money to get bagged blood and enough to really fill him up but without the hunt blood was just dead cells floating in water. The hunt. The hunt brought it all alive for him. True when he was just turned, he was disgusted by the idea of feeding on someone, but now he didn't how to survive without the feel of the victim in his arms. But he wasn't going to tell Xander that. The mortal would worry over nothing. Spike was still fine on what little he did drink. Yes, he was a bit weaker then when he was munching on humans, but that was almost another person. The pre-chip Spike was cocky. He charged in before he ever thought about what could happen. True, Spike still charged in, but now he knew what could happen. The people that he was protecting could be hurt. He could get hurt and then hurt the people he cared about. He could lose Xander. The last idea made Spike shiver. //I can't loose Nummy. Ever.//

"Hey, Spike, get out here." yelled Buffy.

Spike sighed. They wanted to know what happened, he would bloody tell them what happened.

Spike walked into the room saw the bunch was all paired up. Anya was leaning on Giles. Willow and Tara were sitting next to each other trying not to look at each other and blushing every time they did. And Dawn and Buffy were sitting on the floor in front to Giles and Anya, forming a circle. //They all have someone to lean on. Someone that needs them.// Spike looked back at the door to the bedroom. //God, do I want Nummy with me right now.//

"Hey, Spike. You can sit next to me." Dawn said moving closer to her sister.

"Ewwwww. No, I might get Spike germs." Buffy said.

"Have yer know that Xander happens to like me and me germs just fine." He said as he sat down next to Dawn who wrapped herself around Spike.

"Great! Now I am going to have images of Spike and Xander doing disgusting germ sharing stuff in my head. Ewwww. Get them out. Get them out."

"Oi, it's not as bad as the pictures of you and the poof dancing in mine. You have now idea how close I was to stakin' meself."

"That reminds me. What was Angel doing here anyway Spike?" Buffy asked completely serious.

"Wanted to get the bloody family back together, or so he says." Spike sneered.

"You think he's lying?" Giles asked.

"Don't really know. Just don't trust him anymore. Last time I did, he tried to take Dru from me and kill me too. I'm not going to let him destroy my life again."

"But that was Angelus." Buffy said.

"Yeah, that bastard wasn't my Sire back then, but neither is the winged poof from L.A."

"But you called him Sire." Giles said.

"The vampire at the Magic Box, that was my Sire. He's changed back. His soul and demon are one again. He is fully in power of both of them. He's different now." Spike gazed at his shirt instead of the Scoobies.

"That's it!" Buffy said.

"What's it, pet?" Spike said curiously.

"That's why Angel felt so weird. He felt more like a vampire then he usually does. He feels more demonic. Does that mean that the spell is gone? Do we have to worry?" She asked Spike.

Spike shook his head. "No, pet. He's no danger to you. He never will be if he stays like this. His mind is calm and he knows what he is doing. The demon that you called Angelus wasn't like that. He just wanted revenge. He wasn't calm, he was mad."

"Then why don't you trust him?" Buffy asked.

Spike sighed. "Because I loved him once, too. Then he left me. Now, I love Xander and I am not goin' to leave 'im. Xander's going to have to kick my undead ass out of his life and even then I might not leave. There is no way I am leaving just because of me Sire asks me to."

"Wow. You really love him, don't you?" Willow said.

"Yeah I do, Red. Is that ok with you?" Spike asked softly. Willow was Xander's best friend for years. Spike knew that what the witch thought of their relationship was going to affect his lover a great deal.

"Alright?" Willow gaped at Spike. "Of course, its alright. He's happy and you're happy and that makes me happy. Just so you know though you're going to wish I staked you if you so much at think of hurting him."

"As if I would hurt 'im." Spike snorted though he had a smile on his face.

"Just making sure you know the rules." Willow smiled back at the vampire.

Spike rolled his eyes. "Is there any other pearls of wisdom the lot of yer have?"

"No. Hurt him; we hurt you. Pretty much sums it up." Buffy said as she smiled.

"That's it. Little Bit, no treats for them." Spike said to Dawn.

"Treats?" Buffy said. "What treats?"

"Nope, only for those who don't threaten the chipped." Spike said and nodded his head.

"Probably wasn't any good anyway." Buffy sulked.

"Actually he has hoho's, twinkies, twislers, and so much more." Dawn said.

"Shhhhhh. No. Nibblet, or the Slayer might take them."

"HEY!!!! Keeping chocolate from a slayer is a capital offence!"

Spike growled at her, "And so is waking up Xander."

Buffy looked sheepish, "Sorry. I forgot."

"Yer better hope yer didn't wake him up." He glared. "Doc said he needs his rest and he's going to get it."

The room was slightly tense from the anger the vampire was broadcasting, until Dawn broke it.

"Hey, Spike, how did you and Xander get together?"

Spike smiled fondly as he remembered, "Got in a fight and got banged up the night the demon chit blow him off. Came here to get him to patch me up. He's bloody good at that sort of thing. Anyway, when I showed up he was totally plastered. He wanted to help and yelled at me til I let 'im. The poor sod felt sorry about yellin' at me so he said he wanted to kiss it and make it all better. Kissed me and passed out." Spike started laughing. "Was a bloody good kiss at that."

Dawn giggled. "Then what happened?"

"Well, got 'im all tucked in and took a little nap on the couch. When I woke up, he was gone. Don't know where he went. Smelled like the demon bint when he came back. Kissed him senseless when he came in. Been together ever since."

"That's.sweet?" Willow said.

"Yeah, it was. Yer just had ta--"

There was a knock at the door.

"Got to get that." Spike said as he pushed Dawn off of him.

Spike opened the door. "Sire?"

*****
Part 15:

"Hello, William." Angel said as he looked at his shocked Childe.

"Why are you bleedin' here?" Spike asked.

"Will--"

"Xander's hurt. Why else would he be here?" Cordy interrupted from behind Angel.

"Bloody hell, brought the pom pom queen."

"Nice to see you too, blondie." Cordy said as she pushed past Spike, followed by a large man who looked like he had less brains then a chicken.

"HEY!!" Cordy screamed which got a prompt growl and a very angery Spike in her face.

"Look here Cheerleader. I don't care how loud your can get those lungs of yours, but yer can't do that in my house."

"It's not your house." Cordy countered.

"Yeah, it is. It's also my mate this is laid up in the bedroom trying to get rest. So shut the bloody hell up." Spike growled out.

"You dare attack my princess!" Groo said as he moved towards Spike.

Angel called from the door. "Groo, he's right. This is his home and we are guests. We will stay by his rules."

Spike looked at his Sire, who seemed completely serious about what he said. "Right, like I said. Nothing loud. Yer can come in."

Angel stepped through the door followed by a green demon with little horns and red eyes.

"Is there anybody that you didn't bring?" Spike asked his Sire.

"Yes, Gunn and Fred. I thought they would be here." Angel replied.

Spike turned to the bedroom suddenly. "Thanks for waking him up, cheerleader."

"I'm sorry." Cordy said looking sincere, not that Spike cared.

"Yeah, whatever." Spike said as he walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

The L.A. group stood near the doorway not knowing what to do. Buffy finally stood up and walked up to them. "Don't worry about Spike. He's just going all crazy about Xander."

"Yeah, but isn't he over doing it a bit?" Cordy said.

"Yeah." Buffy nodded. "But it's Spike. He'll do that. Slightly obsessive. Anyway, I think Xander deserves a little TLC."

"Yeah, but this is Spike." Cordy said.

"And what is wrong with Spike?" Angel asked Cordy.

"Nothing if you don't mind evil soulless monsters." Cordy replied.

The Scoobies all started glaring at Cordy.

"What?" she said.

"First of all Ms. Chase, Spike happens to be chipped thus not a real threat to you, or anyone of us. Secondly, Spike is one of us. He has helped us on more occasions then I can remember. There have been times that, without Spike's help we would have been lost. Thirdly, he loves Xander and he treats him very well. So you will have to excuse him for caring for the one he loves. I don't believe I have ever seen Xander as happy as he has been lately, and I know that is because of Spike. And if you have any problems with any of that, I suggest you tell them to someone else, for I do not care to hear it. So listen to Spike or leave." Giles said to Cordy.

The other Slayerettes nodded their heads in agreement. Buffy watched for any sign of disagreement from Cordelia or her bodyguard.

"You trust him? He tried to kill you." Cordy said.

Anya spoke. "Yes, we do. And I wouldn't use the killing people thing as a meter stick. Just look at your boss."

Willow gave Angel an apologetic look. "Cordy, if you aren't going to nice to Spike, I suggest you leave."

"But I just got here." Cordy said.

"Right." Buffy said. "But fighting with Spike will get Xander upset and that will make Spike upset which will make Xander even more upset and he is suppose to rest. So if you want to bug Spike and make sure Xander is ok, it's not going to happen."

Cordy looked at the people staring at her. "Ok, fine. I'll be good. Happy?" She shook her head in disbelief.

The green demon nudged Angel. Angel looked at his friend and understood that he wanted to get rid of the evil glares in the room.

"Where are my manners?" Angel said. "Lorne, this is Dawn, Buffy, Giles, Anya, Willow, and.." Angel stopped as he looked at the blond next to Willow.

"Tara." Willow said as Tara blushed.

"Tara." Angel echoed with a smile. "Guys, this is Lorne. He helps us with cases and he's a aura reader."

"Charmed to meet you all." Lorne smiled brightly as he reached out and started shaking hands with all of the Scoobies.

"Ah, Yes quite." Giles said giving Lorne a questioning look as he shook his hand. "And who would you be?" Giles asked the man standing rather close to Cordelia.

"My name is Groo. I am the Groosalugg. I am the champion."

"Ok." Buffy said.

Lorne finish shaking everyone's hand and walked back to stand next to Angel. "Wow, these people are really a little intense, aren't they? They look like they are out to do something. To us."

Angel smiled at Lorne. "Don't worry. They only hurt evil demons."

"Then why didn't you say I'm not evil." Lorne looked back at the group in front of him and smiled uneasily.

"Just talk to them. Wow them. Um.I'm going to go check on Spike and Xander, ok?"

"Sure. Go on." Lorne smiled at Angel.

Angel smiled and went to the door leading to the bedroom, knocked once and walked in.

Lorne watched Angel disappear into the other room then turned back to the Scoobies.

"You can do this, Lorne." He whispered to himself then walked past Cordy and Groo and to the sofa. "So any of you know any good show tunes?"

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"You all right, love?" Spike said as soon as he entered the room.

"Spike?" Xander groaned.

"Yeah, love."

"You left me?" Xander looked up at the vampire that was standing next to the bed.

"Yeah, so?" Spike asked amused at his lover.

Xander grabbed the vampire's arm and pulled him on top of him. "You're supposed to take care of me, right?"

Spike nodded his head.

"How are you suppose to take are of me if you're in the other room?" Xander asked with a serious face but mischievous eyes.

"Don't know, Pet." Spike replied with a small smile on his face as well.

"See." Xander kissed Spike. "You're not supposed to leave the injured party and you left me all alone." Xander pouted and let out a small whimper.

"It's not me fault, Nummy. Your little gang came over and took me."

"You mean they're all out there?" Xander squeaked.

"Yeah." Spike kissed Xander trying to take some of the worry out of Xander's chocolate eyes. "Started asking questions about you and me, they did. Called us sweet." Spike said before he kissed his lover again.

"You mean they're not mad or anything?" Xaner asked a little shocked.

"Nope." Spike rolled off of Xander and sat on the edge of the bed while he watched as his mate's emotions play on his face. "They seem to be ok with it, actually. Bloody surprised me."

Xander froze and took in the fact that his friends didn't mind that he was with Spike. It almost sounded like they supported them Xander turned and yanked Spike back into bed but this time, he was on top of the vampire.

"You serious?" Xander asked with joy seeming to flow out of him.

"Oi. I wouldn't lie, would I?" Spike replied.

Xander gave him a sneer.

"Ok, so I would. But I am telling the truth. You have ta believe me, love." Spike said.

Xander smiled and kissed the man underneath him, hard.

At first, Spike was kissing Xander just as hard as he was being kissed but then he remembered his lover's accident and pulled away. "Pet, are you sure you should be doing this with your injuries and all?"

Xander kissed Spike again. "Listen, blondie. I'm a hundred and ten percent. Now either you can kiss me or I can find someone more willing." Xander smiled.

Spike growled and flipped them over til he was on top. "Mine," he said as he kissed Xander.

"Yours," Xander whimpered into the kiss then said, "Mine."

Spike stopped and looked at the brunette. He then kissed Xander again and said "Yours."

Xander moaned loudly with his lover's answer. He wrapped his arms around Spike's waist trying to get his lover closer to him.

Spike laughed lightly. "There's people in the next room, pet." He said as he started to kiss Xander's neck and earlobe.

Xander moaned. "Then maybe if we're loud enough they'll get the hint and leave."

Xander started to pull Spike back to his lips, when he heard a throat clearing at the door. When he saw who it was, he pulled Spike as close as he could and growled out, "Deadboy, what are you doing here?"

*****
Part 16:

Angel looked very uncomfortable standing there, trying to find an answer to Xander's question.

"Well?" Xander asked. The anger in his voice seemed to increase.

"Shhhh pet, Peaches is just here to check up on me and you. Was worried. That's all." Spike said. His lover looked like he was on step way from killing Angel right there in the bedroom. Not that Spike didn't enjoy the fact that he had a mate that was protective of him, but he didn't want his lover to stake his Sire. Especially since Xander could get hurt in the process.

"Deadboy, care? That's a laugh. No, why are you really here, Angel?" Xander's voice dipped with sarcasm as he said the older vampire's name.// He hates me. I have never heard so much anger in his voice before. I thought that he didn't like me, but he really does hate me.//

"Look, Xander I'm sorry for what happened...." Angel started.

Xander pushed Spike off of him and shielded Spike with his body. "Oh, really?" Xander cut off Angel's apology. "What are you sorry about this time? Are you sorry that you hurt Buffy? Are you sorry that you leaving Sunnydale almost destroyed her? Are you sorry that you almost killed her, or me, or Giles, or Willow, or all those other people? Are you sorry that you kill Ms. Calendar? Do you care that you ripped out Giles's heart? Or are you just sorry that your soul came back and that you feel guilty about it now?" Xander glared at Angel, and watched his face collapse.

//I apologized for what I did. I meant it too. I didn't want to hurt anyone. The demon was just, held in too long, went crazy. That isn't even normal for my demon. True, he does love to destroy and kill but he is more practical then killing everyone and he would never hurt people we care about. True, why wouldn't he want to help a Slayer but he was smarter then going against one. That wasn't me or even my demon anymore. We both are together and so it'll never happen again. It should not never have happened in the first place.//

Spike lay behind Xander listening to every word he said about the pain that Angel brought to him and his friends. He knew his Sire was an asshole but he was glad that Xander hadn't seen the worst of it. No, that Angelus reserved for him when he lost his soul. Spike shuddered.

Spike knew that Xander needed to get this out or it would just be eating at him until his Sire left Sunnydale. He knew he needed Xander to help when his Sire became the bastard he was before. He needed someone who could make what his Sire did and said feel less important. Someone who cared about him. He needed Xander by his side.

"Xander, it's not....."

Xander cut him off again. "I know that you 'feel' sorry for those things. I've heard it over and over again. 'Angel's sorry. He never really wanted to hurt anyone. He's a good guy.' That's bull. And I know your soul makes you feel guilty about it but is that just because we're humans? Have you ever felt sorry about all those nights of torture that you had with Spike? Wait, I shouldn't say with Spike. I meant, all those nights where you practiced torture on Spike. Small difference, isn't there? I mean, you beat him within an inch of his unlife and that is saying something but you didn't kill him because you wanted to do it again and again and again. Do you feel sorry for those nights? Do you remember his cries for you to stop? Do you remember his blood all over the floor? Do you remember how he was in a fucking wheelchair and he couldn't get away from you? Do you feel sorry that you didn't give him the blood that could have healed him? Or are you only sorry that you didn't hurt him worse so he couldn't mess up your plans? Do you feel sorry that you took Dru away? That you made her tell Spike how much she loved you and not him? Did you know it almost destroyed him? Do you feel sorry about that?"

Spike didn't like the change of subject. Sure, he didn't care what his Sire thought but there were some things that he didn't want Angel to know. The more his Sire knew the more pain he could bring him later. Spike tried to stop Xander before anything worse could come out, but his lover just continued as if the little noises and hints to stop were nothing. He even tried to pull on Xander's arm but the mortal resisted. Spike finally gave up. He knew that he couldn't stop his mate with anything short of a gag when he was mad. He had to let Xander keep going until he ran out of stuff to yell about and hope nothing too embarrassing came out. Spike turned and took out a cigarette and started playing with it as he listened.

Angel lowered his head. He couldn't face the attacks anymore. //I'm not the same. We're not the same.//

"It wasn't me" Angel whispered.

"Fine. You want to play that game? 'That's not me because I have a soul now?' Fine. I'll play. Do you feel sorry then, for leaving Spike when he was just coming in to his own? He needed his Sire, you were it and what did you do? You left. Not just left, you left him with Dru, who he had to take care of for over a century. Do you want to know why he stayed with Dru? He stayed with her because he loved you and wanted to make you proud. Do you know how many years he was looking for you? Do you know he didn't even eat some nights when you first left, because of you because he was so worried about his Sire?"

Spike was amazed. No one really knew or cared why he took care of Dru. When he was a fledgling, Angelus always had praised him about how wonderful a job he did with Dru. That he could actually control her a little. Spike lived for his Sire's praise back then, and took care of Dru because it pleased his Sire him. Dru loved that there was someone that wanted to play with her and her dolls. When just the three of them were together, they were family. Until Angelus left. The first few nights, he cried more tears then he could ever count. He had lost all track of time and just wanted to walk into the sun to loose the pain of not having his Sire. But Dru stopped him. When he tried to walk out the door, he heard Dru singing one of the songs that she liked to hum when the three of them were together in front of the fire. It stopped him. It gave him hope that Angelus would come back to them. That maybe he was just delayed.

That was when he started to really take care of Dru. He wanted to keep her well so when Angelus did come back, he would be happy that his family was so strong and powerful. All they needed was for him to come back to them. But as the years past and Angelus didn't show up, no matter how much they searched and how much they hoped, Spike slowly gave up on his Sire's return and turned to Dru for affection.

Yes, the small affection that Dru gave to him started him on his way to falling for the insane vampire. The only one that knew the pain of loosing their Sire. The only one like him. Slowly as he finally turned from the William that Angelus watched over to Spike the Master Vampire whom everyone feared, she was the only one who knew who he really was. She was the only one who always knew what he was feeling. The only one who could ever comfort him at night. And so he fell. He fell hard for the dark creature that Angelus left him with not just for her beauty but also because of what they had in common. A love for a man who was gone from their lives.

Spike pulled hard on Xander's shoulder, which caused him to stop yelling at Angel and turn towards Spike.

//Why does Nummy know all of this? Fuck the Poof. If he cares, let him try and get me. I've got people protecting me. My friends, my family and most of all I've got Xander watching my back. It doesn't matter that I still love my Sire. I can't trust him anymore. I don't care what he thinks. I have an unlife here with Xander and nothing that the Poof does or says can take that away from me. I love Xander too much to let it.//

//I didn't know. I should have known that it would have hurt William so much. He was so attached to me when he was a fledgling. Of course, William would have done anything to get me back. Of course, he didn't eat. He never ate unless I was with him. He loved hunting with me and found it stupid if I wasn't there. That time Darla called me away for that month, I came back and William was almost bones. The damned soul almost killed my family. How could I have let this happen? How can I make it up to William? Can I make it up to William?//

"Pet, how do you know all of this?" Spike asked, whispering the question in to Xander's ear.

"I know because I love you. I know because I love you so much I want to know everything about you, so I looked. I love you so much I want to know what is important to you." He said every word with the love that he was talking about and Xander lightly kissed Spike before turning back to Angel. Spike crooned slightly as Xander kissed him. //He loves me. That's why he did it. He loves me.// Spike smiled as his lover turned away from him. He peaked a look at his Sire who looked like he wanted to stake himself or something pouncish like that. //I almost feel sorry for the bastard. He never knew what he had coming when he went against my Nummy. Xander loves me and he won't let anything happen to me, just like I'm going to kick the Poof's ass if he ever hurts Xander or any of my family again.//

Angel looked up to see Spike and Xander whispering to each other. He didn't know what Spike asked but he heard Xander's answer. //Why have I been such a bastard to my Childe? He is just as much of me as my son. More because I raised him since he was a fledgling. Maybe I should let William and Xander stay together? It's clear that they love each other more then I can even try and try to understand. And I love them and want them to be happy.//

As soon as Xander saw looked back at Angel, his face went dark again. "But you didn't know all of that, did you? You were like a father to him and all you could do was turn away from him as soon as you got your soul. Did you even know about the chip or do you think he deserves it? Do you know he doesn't eat enough, that at times I'm scared he'll turn into dust just because of how skinny he's gotten? You know what? I bet you did know. I bet you didn't care. You complete bastard." Xander laughed dryly.

"I mean, the first time he saw you after a century you denied him his Sire, his father. Hell Angel, Angelus, the never been souled version, hurt him but at least he loved him too. Can you say that? Can you love your Childe like the unsouled 'monster' did before you came into the picture? Oh I know, about the shit that he did to Spike. I would love to have a really strongly worded conversation with him. Maybe even go a few rounds with him and some holy water, but at least the was Sire/Childe discipline. Harsh, but I know it's not unusual for vampires. You know what he tells me he remembers about that Angelus? Not the nights of torture but the nights where Dru, Angelus, and him, were a family. You know what he looks like when he talks about that man? He looks like a little boy talking about how awesome his dad was. How much fun they had together. How loved he was. Isn't funny that the unsouled version is so much better then the souled?"

Spike going crazy next to Xander. He couldn't believe what his love had just told his Sire. That was supposed to stay between the two of them and was so not information that he wanted his Sire to know. He knew that Xander was trying to get his Sire off his case but couldn't he have found a way that didn't make him could like a total wuss?

//That's it. Nummy's dead. Right after I kill my Sire and make sure no one else heard out. Nummy's dead.// Spike whimpered. //Next time, I fall for someone they are going to be a little more sane.//

"You know I read the journals about the two of you back then. That was pretty horrifying, but you know what scares me more? That for every part the bastard that you were back then, you were a hundred.no, a thousand times worse a few years ago. I can't imagine what you did to him then. Do you know he still has nightmares about those nights? The first time it happened, I was scared shitless. What could be so bad that it gives William the Bloody nightmares? You. You are the only person that he has ever been afraid of and he was so worried about what you would do next that he'd rather turn to his enemies then go back to you.

"That's why I want you dead. Not because of the hundreds of reason that you gave me before I met Spike, but because of his nightmares. His screams. His howls of pure pain. That's why. Because even after being a vampire for over a century, even though he's helpless against humans, even after the initiative, even after the torture sessions you put him through all those years ago, the thing that haunts him is the new unsouled you. And before you give me that bullshit, that it's not you, I'd rather have you dead in my dust buster in the corner then have the chance that you ever get your hands on him again."

Spike buried his face between the bed and Xander's shoulder. //Ok, so I am slightly impressed. And flattered that he wants to kill my Sire for me, but did he really have to say all of that stuff? Ok, just because he loves me don't make it right does it? Ok, so I wanted to kill me Sire for the stuff I heard about him and the Scoobies, so why wouldn't Xander want to kill my Sire after what he heard what Angelus did?//

Xander pulled Spike back on top of him and kissed that vampire so hard that their teeth clashed and his lips bruised.

//Ok, he's forgiven. Can't help it if the git makes me forget everything when he kisses me. Probably why more of his family isn't dead yet.//

When the kiss ended, Xander slipped him hands into Spike's soft and causing Spike to purr. He looked into Spike's beautiful blue eyes as he spoke to Angel.

"Look, deadboy. All I know is that you have tried to kill almost everyone I care about at one time or another. As far as I'm concerned, there are only two good things that you have ever done. Turned Spike and introduced me to him. And thanks for that but don't even think that it makes up for what you did. You yell at him, you touch him, you even look at him funny and I'll show you exactly how detailed the old watcher journals are and then give you a wonderful one-way ticket to hell. The only reason you are standing here right now is because I know that it would bug Spike if I killed you, but you do anything and I won't care anymore. You'll be dust. Do you understand me?" Xander's gaze flickered to Angel.

Angel nodded his head.

Xander looked back to Spike. "Get out, deadboy."

*****
Part 17:

�Hey, Angel. I kind of need your help in there.�

Xander looked at the door to see a green man that he had never met before. He groaned softly.

�Spike, is there anyone that you didn�t invite into the house?�

�Oi, it�s not my fault. He came with Peaches.� Spike said still laying on top of his lover.

�Why did you let Angel in in the first place?� Xander glared at Spike.

�Because the cheerleader and her pet were attacking me and the Poofter stopped her.�

�Wait Cordy�s here?� Xander groaned. �What is this? Xander Harris, This Is Your Life?�

Angel finally spoke up. �We were just worried about you and Spike, especially since you disappeared yesterday without telling anyone.�

Xander glared at Angel. �First, Angel, you probably don�t� give a flying fuck abou-.�

Lorne interrupted. �Hold that thought hot stuff.� Then he turned to Angel. �Hey, sugar bun, could you go out there? The natives aren�t too happy with Cordy right now and I don�t want to know what they want to do to me. I like my body attached to me so I don�t want to loose it again. Ok?� Lorne smiled sweetly.

Angel looked at Spike and Xander, nodded and left the room.

Lorne watched the vampire leave the room and gave a little sigh. �If that man ever finds out how good he looks, we are all in trouble.� Lorne heard a throat clear and turned towards the bed.

�Never mind. I think we have two very fine lookers right here. You two look so hot together you could probably melt, Angel.�

�Just one question pet. Who the Bloody hell are you?!� Spike said almost changing to game face.

Xander hit the back of Spike�s head. �Spike, manners. He got Angel out of here. He deserves some kindness even though we don�t know who he is.�

Xander turned to the man standing at the edge of his bed. �Umm�who are you?�

�Sorry, I totally forgot that Angel doesn�t have any people skills. We are working on that. My name is Lorne. You must be Spike from what Angel has told me about you. Handsome blonde with an attitude. He has been talking about you a lot lately. He misses you.� Spike sneered at Lorne. �It�s true.�

�Yeah. Whatever.� Xander said. �Deadboy really cares.� Xander rolled his eyes and was lightly hit by Spike.

�Owww.� Xander glared at Spike.

�Manners, pet. You mustn�t ever forget your manners.� Spike smirk.

�Last time I try to house break a vampire.� Xander murmured.

�Good.� Spike smiled.

Lorne watched the two. //How anyone can not see how much these two should be together is beyond me.//

�Well, you should have seen him with Connor. He was such a sweetheart with his kid. It almost broke him when Connor was kidnapped.�

�Whoa! Whoa. Wait. Angel had a kid?� Xander asked.

�Yeah. Sweet little thing. He was cute as a button nose. He had his father�s eyes.� Lorne looked away from the couple. He missed Connor as if he had lost his own son.

Xander looked at Lorne. He saw the sadness and the misery in the demon. �I�m sorry. Why was he kidnapped?�

Xander patted the bed lightly motioning Lorne to sit down. Lorne looked down at Xander and sat down.

�Are you alright?� Xander said softly.

Lorne nodded sadly and tried to smile. �It all happened yesterday. Wesley took him from his crib and gave him to Holtz.� His eyes were brimming with tears.

�Wesley? Are you sure it was him? I mean he doesn�t really seem like the type of guy that kidnaps babies. But maybe it�s for the best. Can you even picture how messed up Angel�s kid would be?� Xander shuttered. �Gives me the wiggins just thinking about it.�

�Pet, he was my sire for a while. Remember? He was half way descent most of the time with out the soul. Probably feels guilty about the mouthful getting a hang nail with the soul added in.�

Spike said as he moved off of Xander. Even though his lover said anything, he knew that him laying on Xander was causing the mortal some pain. �Spike?� Xander said worried. They didn�t talk about the fight with Angel and Xander was more then a little scared the Spike was mad at him for it. Spike saw the worry in the mortal�s eye�s. �Don�t worry pet. Not worried or nothing. Just your ribs are going to be aching if I stay on them like that.� He let a figure trace Xander�s cheekbones. �Just worried. That�s all.� �Hold me?� Xander pouted at the vampire.

Spike shook his head in disbelief. //Become a world class poofter. All he has to do is sign those puppy dog eyes at me and I�m done for.// ��Course, love.�

Spike sat up against he headboard and pulled Xander to him. He finally got a good view of the green demon. For some reason, Spike trusted him. His instincts told him that Lorne would not try to hurt him and his. That was all that was important. Anyway he felt kind of bad for the sod. The green demon was clearly mooning over his Sire. Spike knew that wasn�t pleasant. �So tell me about this Holtz charater. Peaches just said that he had it in for him and Darla.�

�Wait. Darla?� Xander looked at his lover then Lorne. �What does that bitch have to do with this?�

Lorne winced. //Wait, until he finds out that he might be her child. That is something that sugar buns can have the pleasure of doing.//

�Darla is actually Connor�s mom. She cam--�

�Oh my god. That kid is going to be so messed up. He has a bitch as a mother and a bastard as a father. Hold it. When did she have this kid? And how could a vampire have a kid? I thought that was impossible. And anyway, I thought she was dust.� Xander looked at Spike.

�Yeah, I thought so too.� Spike looked at Lorne and Xander followed his gaze.

Lorne sighed. �The long and short is there�s this evil law firm and they brought her back. Then Angel did the naughty with her. She left and came back a month later ready to pop.�

�And of course Angelus just let the bitch back in.� Spike sneered.

�Actually, he wanted to throw her on the street. Cordy stopped him.� Lorne said.

�Cordy stopped him from throwing a vampire out? The visions are really getting to her, huh?� Xander yawned.

Spike looked at his lover. �You ok love?�

�Yeah, and no I am not going back to sleep.� He glared at Spike. �I just woke up.�

Spike smiled at Xander indulgently. �Ok, love.�

�Damn straight.�

Spike snorted.

Xander smiled at him and pushed back on the blonde. �Maybe not so straight but anyway what�s going on with Cordy?�

Lorne smiled. //Pumpkin really must be blind not to see these two are meant for each other.//

�Well, apparently she had a problem with a demon that got her pregnant so she felt sorry for Darla.�

Xander snorted. �That�s something I�ll never do. She deserves whatever gets thrown at her. I hope she gets staked and sent back to Hell.�

�Actually, she staked herself to save her child.� Lorne said softly.

�Wow. You mean Darla actually loved somebody other then herself. This baby must be something.� Spike said.

Lorne looked at Xander, who looked like he was fighting sleep. �He just might be.�

*****
Part 18:

//Why is he looking at my Nummy like that? What does he know about him?// Before Spike could say anything, Xander interrupted him. �Hey, Spike. I think I should go out and talk to the gang. They�ll be seriously pissed if you keep me all to yourself. Buffy and Anya might try to do something mean to you.� Xander yawned and snuggled closer to Spike.

Spike snorted. �Like to see them try.�

�Come on, Spike. They�re your friends too.�

Spike mock shuttered. �Now, there�s a frightening thought.� Spike slipped out of bed and lifted Xander in his arms.

Xander grabbed on to the blond and started laughing. �Isn�t this a little over the top, Spike? I can walk.�

�Not a bloody chance. Doc said you should be resting in bed. And since you want to go out, you�re getting carried. Anyway,� Spike smiled. �Like carrying you around.�

Xander smiled. �Fine, Spike, have it your way.�

�Exactly.� Spike smirked. Xander started laughing again. When they got to the door, Spike turned to Lorne. �Could you be a mate and get the door?�

Lorne smiled. �Sure, sweet stuff.� Lorne got up and opened the door for the pair.

As soon as Lorne opened the door, Xander could see the tension. The L.A. group was sitting at the dinner table while the Scoobies were all in the living room and no one had noticed the now open door.

�Hey, Spike.� Xander whispered. �Maybe we should go back into the bedroom. It looks a little too dangerous for me in here.� Spike surveyed the room. �I think you�re right, love.� Spike half way turned back when he heard Dawn scream his name.

�Spike!!�

All eyes turned to the pair in the doorway.

�Hey, Nibblet.� Spike said as she came closer.

�I thought you said he was fine.� Buffy said following her little sister.

Xander laughed. �I�m fine, Buffy but if Big Bad wants to play nurse maid, who am I to stop him?�

Spike growled lightly which made Xander laugh louder. �Calm down, blondie. You know I like it as much as you do.�

Spike ignored his lover and looked at Giles. �Hey, Watcher could you and your bint move your arses off the couch so I can set the whelp down?�

�Of course.� Giles and Anya stood up and made room for Spike and Xander.

Xander looked over Spike�s shoulder and saw Cordelia sitting with another stranger. �Hi, Cordy and person I don�t know. How are you doing?� Spike laid Xander down on the couch and placed a pillow behind his head.

�I�m doing great. I want you to meet Groo. He came from another dimension to be with me. Isn�t he sweet, unlike someone I used to date?�

Xander smiled. He and Cordy had become friends after their break up. They called each other every month. Each time they called, they spent almost 2-3 hours on the phone each time. It drove Spike insane. As he put it, �more time yapping with the cheerleader means less time shagging with me.� Xander sighed dramatically. �Yes, I know. I was such a fool. I guess I�ll just have to make do with my vampire.� He then pouted.

Cordy looked Spike over. �I think you�ll be just fine. Umm�can you turn around Spike just to make sure?�

Spike glared at Cordy and walked up to her. �Blow me, cheerleader.� He then stalked to the kitchen.

�I thought that was Xander�s job.� Cordy said with a smirk.

�Hardie, har har.� Spike said. Spike could hear his lover laughing extremely hard. It made his anger melt a little. He loved the sound of it but he didn�t like that it was the cheerleader that made Xander laugh or that he was the butt of the joke.

�Hey, pet, you want anything to eat?� Spike yelled.

Cordy had taken Spike�s spot in front of Xander.

�Yeah, Spike. Could you make me some soup?� Xander said.

�Tomato or chicken?� Spike started looking for pans he could use.

�Chicken please.� Xander said in an ultra sweet voice.

�Sure pet.�

Spike could hear the group in the living room talking about old times and he was sure that Xander was having a grand time with his friends. Spike grabbed some chicken out of the refrigerator and tossed it into the microwave. There were all sorts of diseases humans from food. Spike turned to get a knife out of the drawer when he saw Angel in the kitchen staring at him.

�What?� Spike said a little uneasy under his Sire�s glare.

�What are you doing?� Angel said with shock in his voice.

�What does it bleedin� look like I am doin�? I�m making soup. Stupid poof� Spike grabbed the knife out of the drawer and placed it on the counter.

�You know how to cook? Since when?� Angel asked.

�Well, Xander can�t cook for himself with him getting hurt all the time and being all sore from work so I cook for him. Makes me feel useful. Anyway, you don�t want to taste what he cooks. Could probably kill you again.� Spike smiled.

�I heard that, Blondie.�

Spike laughed. �I know you did, love.�

Angel smiled. It was good to see his Childe so happy.

�So you just going to stand there or you going to help?� Spike said.

�Huh?�

Spike handed Angel the knife and some vegetables to Angel. �Start cuttin��

�Spike, I don�t know how to cook.�

�It�s easy. Pretend it�s the Slayer and you�re cutting her in two.� Angel and Buffy managed to chorus �Hey� while Xander chuckled. �Got you slayer.� Spike smiled.

�One of these days, Spike. One of these days.� Buffy said.

�Oi, keep talking like that and yer�ll get nothing to eat.�

�Spike? Making dinner?� Buffy shuddered.

�Actually, he�s quite a good cook.� Anya said.

�There�s a girl looking for seconds.� Spike smirked at Angel.

�So what is on the menu tonight Spike?� Anya asked.

�Just like Xander said. Chicken soup. Sorry ducks, that�s all we got tonight. Could send out for something if you want.�

�No, that�s alright Spike.� Giles said. �He makes chicken soup quite well.� Giles told the girls standing in front of him.

�Thanks, Rupes.�

The rest of the night was filled with talk and teasing. Spike taught Angel how to cook chicken soup and called for pizza in case there wasn�t enough food. Most of the group ate the soup in the living room but Lorne joined Spike and Angel at the diner table.

�This is really good. I need to get the recipe.� Lorne said.

�Nah, just get Peaches to make it for you.� Spike teased the demon.

Lorne looked away from him quickly, which earned a confused look from Angel.

�What do you mean by that Spike?� Angel asked.

�Don�t know Peaches. You should ask him.�

Angel turned to Lorne. �Lorne?�

�Wow, look at the time. I think it�s time for us to leave our hosts so they can get some rest.� Lorne said.

Spike smiled. �He�s got a point. Hey, pet, how are you doing?� Spike got up and walked to the couch.

�Fine.� He yawned. �Sorry, I�m just a little tired. The soup was good. Extremely yummy.�

�Hold it one second. Take your pills then you can go night night, k?� Xander nodded his head and Spike dashed into the bedroom.

�I�m going to help clean up.� Tara said softly.

�That�s a good idea.� Cordy said. �You know what? They are really cute together.�

Buffy turned to Cordy. �You have no idea but I have pictures.�

�And I want doubles.� Cordy said.

�Me too.� said Willow.

�You know Spike is going to be mad.� Xander said sleepily.

�Yeah, that�s half the reason I�m doing it.�

�Doing what, Slayer?� Spike came back with the pills in his hand.

�Nothing much. So what about you, Anya, Angel, Tara, Green guy?�

�Yes.� Anya said quickly.

�And me too.� Tara said shyly.

�Angel?� Buffy said.

�Yeah.� Angel said.

Buffy turned to Lorne. �You?�

�Of course.�

�So that is seven.� Buffy smiled.

�You forgot me and Spike.� Xander said popping the pills and drinking the water Spike brought.

�Ok eight. I can do that. Wow, it�s going to be expensive.�

�I�ll pay.� Angel said.

�Thanks Angel.� Buffy smile. She then heard a light snore and giggled.

�That�s it. The lot of you can bugger off while I put Xander to bed.� Spike picked him up slowly, making sure not to wake him up. He turned to the bedroom door.

�Night, Will.� Angel replied.

�I�ll talk to you later, Peaches.� He dropped his voice. �Night, Sire.� and walked carefully into the bedroom and closed the door.

*****