*****
Prologue

Xander looked around what was now his apartment. Granted it wasn't much but all that mattered that it was his. Xander managed to resist the urge to jump and down with joy, instead bouncing on his heels as he considered his plans.

The first step would be to tell the gang about his change of address. "Not that they really care!" A part of his mind answered but Xander ignored the voice, not wanting to face the fact that he was alone once again. The second step would be to tell everyone about his breaking up with Anya, who had declared that a friend of hers was going to help her become a demon once again. He was happy for her but also angry and sad that she had chosen to become a demon instead of spending her life with him.

"Is it me?" Xander asked himself, "Am I just destined to spend the rest of my life alone?" Xander asked aloud, jumping in surprised when he heard someone groaning.

Turning, Xander gasped in shock and horror at the sight of Spike. The vampire looked like he was close to being unconscious, there was blood pouring out of his body and pooling on the floor.

"Spike, what happened? Come on in." Xander whispered as he rushed over to reach Spike's side, acting on instinct. Xander scooped Spike into his arms as the vampire started to fall towards the floor.

Xander carried his precious cargo into the small Spartan bedroom, gently placing the vampire on the bed as he rushed out of the room searching for supplies.

"Ok what do I need? Lets see erm.water, cloths, bandages.what else?" Xander said to himself as he opened the bathroom cabinet, placing the bandages and the antiseptic in a bowl he had grabbed from the kitchen. "What else do I need?" Xander thought to himself as he searched for a sewing kit to seal any wounds, finding one he placed it in the bowl before waking into the kitchen.

Grabbing the recently boiled kettle, Xander returned to the bedroom, his arms full of supplies. His eyebrows knitted together in worry as he saw that Spike hadn't moved. Xander placed the supplies on the bedside table and poured some water into the empty bowl. Looking around for something to clean the wounds, Xander spied a white t-shirt.

Xander quickly ripped the top into strips, placing each one into the hot water. Wincing in sympathy, Xander grabbed the knife from Spike's boots to cut the vampire's top away from the pouring wound.

Once the top was out of the way he quickly used the strips of material to clean the wound, which looked remarkable like a stake. Who would try and stake Spike? Xander asked wondered as he cleaned the wound. His suspicions were confirmed as he spied small pieces of wood inside Spike's chest. The only option was to remove them but Xander knew that it would be painful.

Opening the sewing kit, Xander quickly took out a pair of tweezers. He placed the tweezers in the antiseptic, wanting to ensure that there would be no chance of infection. The only thing was that it would really hurt when he used them to remove the splinters.

Spike started growling soon after the tweezers were placed inside the cut, patting the vamp's face Xander ignored the growls, and continued to work. After around twenty minutes all the pieces of wood were out. The next step was to sew up the cut then to deal with everything else.

Carefully threading the needle with a white plastic thread Xander bent his head over the wound, realising that he would have to use small stitches to stop the vamp from getting a scar. Luckily or not depending on how you looked at it, Xander had plenty of experience with stitching up wounds so that they didn't scar. He pushed the thoughts away, knowing that it was not the time. The only thing that mattered was to get Spike healthy. Soon the cut was sealed but Spike still hadn't opened his eyes.

Spike needed blood to heal and according to what Giles had told them, human blood was the best. Xander guessed that the best blood would be that of a Slayer but he couldn't imagine Buffy donating her blood to save Spike. The Slayer would probably just laugh and watch him die.

Making a decision Xander went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife, while locking the door with the four deadbolts; he didn't want anyone to get into the apartment while he was taking care of Spike.

Xander walked back into the bedroom determined, he knew that the rest of the Slayerettes wouldn't approve but they didn't matter. All that mattered was that Spike could die and Xander had the power to help him. Lying down on the bed next to Spike, Xander brought the knife up to his wrist and quickly sliced the vein open. With the other hand he placed his wrist at Spike's mouth hoping that instinct would take over and that Spike would drink.

All seemed to be lost for a few minutes, when all of a sudden Spike started to suckle hungrily at Xander's wrist moving a hand to hold the boy's arm. As the vampire drank his blood, he could feel a darkness approaching, as the effects of blood loss started. Xander surrendered to the darkness, secure in the knowledge that Spike was safe.

*****
Part 1:

Spike woke to find himself on a bed and holding someone. Scenting the air Spike wasn't surprised to find that he was with the boy. After the event of the previous night he had run to the only place he felt safe, which was in the arms of a mortal. At this thought Spike growled quietly making the figure next to him move fitfully.

Spike opened his eyes to see that he had Xander's wrist against his mouth that the boy was holding there. Why was the mortal giving him his blood? Hadn't the Watcher taught them anything?

Moving the wrist from his mouth, Spike looked at the bedside table that thankfully held some bandages and a sewing kit. Within seconds Spike had successfully untangled himself from the mortal's grasp and held the needle in his hand.

The only needle he could find was the one the Whelp, no Xander had used on his own cuts. With a shrug, Spike started to move the needle efficiently through the cut, a wave of shock going through him when the chip didn't go off. After a couple of minutes, the cut was sealed but the boy was still pale.

"That's the problem with mortal's, they are so fragile!" Spike thought to himself as he thought about a solution. He couldn't get the boy to a hospital, or Slutty and the others would find out and he'd be dust.

Maybe he could call in a couple of favours, until then he could give the mortal some of his blood, not enough to turn him but enough to keep him alive. Making a small cut on his wrist, Spike unknowingly mimicked Xander's earlier movements as he held his hand against the mortal's wrist.

A smile graced Spike's face as Xander started to drink the blood with a grimace. Removing his wrist from the mortal's mouth Spike quickly left the room, looking for a phone. The phone was located in the kitchen next to the fridge. Picking up the phone, Spike dialled a number from memory while looking in the fridge, surprised to find a bag of blood. If there was blood, why had Xander given his own blood to him? Spike wondered until a voice drew his attention to the phone.

"Hiya, Reef, darling. Could you do me a favour? I'll pay you." Spike drawled, lighting a cigarette.

"It's been too long brother. What is it this time and how much?" The husky female voice asked.

"I need a doctor for my human. Ask him to bring some blood, whatever human's need." Spike replied, surprised to find that he considered the mortal his.

"Your mortal? You'll have to tell me all the gossip. I'll send Tomas, don't worry you can trust him. I'll have to met this mortal", Reef answered.

Spike gave the address and put the phone down, promising to take Xander to see her.

*****
Part 2:

Spike paced the apartment filled with worry for the unconscious boy and for himself. If anyone discovered that he had fed from the boy, he would be dust and there was that little problem of Reef. Spike had always prided himself on being a good judge of character and knew that his sister would delight in torturing him about his feelings for the mortal.

Suddenly Spike stopped feelings for the boy, since when had he cared for any mortal, least of all the Slayer's White Knight. Mind you, Xander did have those wonderful eyes, that dark hair and the delightfully sarcastic wit of someone who knew about pain. Spike growled at the direction his thoughts were taking him. Spike found himself gazing at Xander, using the moment to take in the sheer beauty of the man.

Spike jumped as a loud knock echoed in the dreary apartment. On the way to the door, he grabbed a large knife from the kitchen and smiled. He may not be able to hurt humans but that didn't mean he couldn't scare them just a little.

"Sorry man, I'm really not going to cause any harm to your friend. My name is Thomas and I'm a doctor. Reef said that you have an injured mortal. Just how bad is it?" The short blond man said as he walked into the apartment.

"How do I know I can trust you?" Spike asked watching the man suspiciously; he wasn't going to let anyone see Xander until he was sure they were safe.

"You don't but do you honestly think I want to make you or Reef angry with me?" The man replied honestly, walking towards the bedroom.

With a shrug, Spike realised that the doctor was right. Even though he couldn't technically hurt humans Spike had plenty of people that owed him favours. Reef on a vengeance trip was more than enough to make even the bravest man quake in fear.

"Oh just a case of blood loss, from the way Reef described it I thought it was worse. I'll set up a couple of blood transfusions and give you some iron tablets. Make sure he takes them for a couple of days. " Thomas said as opened a black bag.

Spike opened each bag of blood given to Xander who lay motionless on the bed. After the fourth bag, he was pleased to see that Xander was beginning to stir. Quickly Spike grabbed the bag from the floor and hustled Thomas out of the apartment, promising to make sure that Xander took the tablets.

*******

Xander woke to the feeling of eyes watching him but it was strangely comforting. Opening one eye, he found himself staring into the clear blue eyes of Spike. Deep inside Xander knew that he should feel afraid or nervous that Spike was so close but all he felt was safe, at home.

"Hello Pet, it's only me. Don't worry you're safe, I'm here." Spike whispered into Xander's ear, causing the mortal to shiver in a mix of arousal and anticipation.

"Spike, you ok? Do you need something?" Xander asked quickly as memories of the previous night came back.

"Thanks for last night, luv. I'm great but I'm afraid we're going to have to move. You've got to be at the Watcher's in ten minutes." Spike replied with a look at his watch.

Xander lay back on the bed, watching as Spike stretched, revealing just a glimpse of the toned pale stomach. Biting back a groan, he moved out of the bed, surprised to find that he was dreading the thought of leaving Spike.

"Can you come with me?" Xander whispered the request to Spike, hating how needy it made him sound, expecting the vampire to laugh at him.

"Sure Pet but I don't think they're going to like it too well." Spike replied a smile on his face as he considered the expression on the Slayer's face.

******

Ten minutes later they were finally ready to leave the apartment, Xander having changed into a long sleeved top, to hide the cut on his wrist. The pair walked in a companionable silence, so close that their shoulders brushed.

With a growl, Spike held out his hand to grab Xander's hating how weak he was. He, William the Bloody was walking through the Sunnydale acting like a lovesick puppy. The smile on Xander's face soon changed his mind, Spike realised for the first time that he was beginning to fall for Xander Harris.

As they approached, the Watcher's Spike let go of the boy's hand realising that it would be suicide if the Slayer saw him. With an unneeded breath, Spike opened the door, allowing Xander to follow behind him. The unconscious move was Spike's way of protecting the boy from the people who had caused his Xander nothing but pain.

As soon as the group saw Spike silence descended, each one wondering just why the vampire was there. There was nothing special about the meeting; it was only research for any possible prophecies.

"What are you doing here, Spike? No demons to pester?" Buffy asked the question that was foremost in everyone's mind.

"I asked him to come, Buff. I figured he might have some info he could give us." Xander quickly answered for Spike, realising just what position he had put the vampire in.

"Are you alright, Xander?" Willow asked with concern, sensing that something was slightly wrong about her friend.

"Anya's left to become a demon again." Xander replied, hoping that they would buy the story, leaving him and Spike in peace.

"I suppose that makes sense, I'm here if you need to talk." Willow replied with a small smile as she returned to her books, not seeing the look of anger on Xander's face at her comment.

Xander was seething at what Willow had said, like she was ever there for him. She hadn't been there for him in years why would he turn to her now? Xander sat down on the Sofa, pulling Spike to sit next to him. They were sitting so close that their legs brushed together, causing each one to tremble. Xander picked up one of the many books, strewn on the floor and started reading, content to simply sit next to Spike.

Spike fetched the blood from the fridge not really needing to feed but to make Slutty and the others believe his excuse. The microwave pinged to signal that the blood was ready. Walking into the lounge Spike delighted in the look of disgust on the mortals' faces at the marshmallows floating in the sea of blood.

Spike took his seat next to Xander and stared until Buffy looked away, the others having returned to their books. He watched transfixed as Xander licked his lips as sweet scent of blood filled the air.

Xander growled sub vocally at the smell of the blood, making Spike look up in a mix of desire and amazement, the sight that greeted him was enough to make the vampire exclaim in shock, "Bloody Hell!"

The shout caused all eyes to turn towards the pair on the sofa, each pair wondering what had Spike so upset. Xander was eyeing the blood hungrily, a Xander with fangs and yellow eyes.

"You're dust." Willow shouted at Spike as she reached for a stake.

"You turned him!" Buffy cried hysterically as Spike curled his body protectively around Xander.

"Sit down NOW! Xander is not vampire but I think I know what has happened. I'll have to consult my books but you can't hurt Spike or you'll hurt Xander." Giles' voice bellowed through the room, cold and hard like steel. It had the desired effect as Buffy and Willow sat down quietly.

Spike ignored the glares directed his way as he stroked Xander's face in an effort to calm down the terrified mortal. He was so absorbed in his task that he didn't notice the worried frown that passed over Giles' face.

"It's alright, I'm here. No one will hurt you, I'll protect you." Spike chanted into Xander's ear as he held the boy close to him. He felt an overwhelming urge to take the boy and hide, away from Slutty and her group.

Xander slowly stopped shaking under Spike's calming touch, he didn't understand what had happened but he knew that he needed Spike. All that mattered was Spike and if the vampire said he was safe then it was true.

*****
Part 3:

Giles returned and sat down facing the sofa with an angry scowl on his face. He knew just what had happened but even he didn't know how to deal with the problem. Opening the large book he had received only a week ago from the Watcher's Giles cleared his throat.

"If a vampire and a mortal freely exchange blood there can be unusual side effects. In most cases, it causes a slight change in the senses and strengths of the mortal due to the bond it creates between the pair. It is possible that the hellmouth made this bond stronger so that Xander now has some of the vampire traits as I imagine Spike will have some of the human strengths." Giles said, stopping to swallow and give one last glare to Spike before continuing. In response, Spike tightened his hold on Xander.

"There appears to be a protective and emotional link between the pair. Given their reactions the only conclusion is that this bond is permanent. Neither one can harm the other; they need each other too much. If they separate they will spend eternity feeling incomplete, becoming a shell of their former selves."

"Spike would never hurt me. He's my friend." Xander said into the now silent room, feeling the eyes of his former friends on him.

Spike stood, determined to take Xander somewhere safe. The apartment would be fine for a couple of hours but what then? Inspiration struck as he remembered his earlier promise to Reef. They could go to Reef's and no one would find them. Spike reached for Xander's hand and directed the mortal towards the door, keeping himself between Xander and the stunned Slayerettes.

*****
Part 4:

As soon as they stepped outside, Xander moved closer to Spike wanted to feel the vampire's arms around him, needing to feel safe and protected. As if noticing the boy's feelings Spike opened his arms, gripping Xander in a tight comforting embrace. They stood in silence content to simply feel safe and loved for the first time in their lives.

"Luv, we have to move, come on, Pet." Spike whispered into the night, his voice low to avoid scaring the mortal.

"Sure, you're coming with me, right?" Xander asked, at the same time hating how much he needed the vampire.

"Course I am. We just need to go and see a mate to mine. We'll have to go to your place first for some supplies." Spike replied, leading Xander down the street towards the small apartment. Ten minutes later they arrived at the small apartment that Xander now called home, the one place he hadn't told the fellow Slayerettes about.

"What are we going to do now Spike? Just stroll up to the nearest hotel and ask if they would mind hiding a Master Vampire and his erm.mortal bondmate. I really don't see that being too successful and we are not going LA. The last person or person type creature I want to see is Deadboy."

"Don't worry about it, luv. I'll take care of everything can you pack what you need for at least a week? " Spike replied walking over to the fridge, taking out the bag of blood.

"Yeah, I haven't got a lot of stuff anyway. Are we going to call by the crypt?" Xander replied as he walked into the bedroom, taking a large black holdall from under the bed.

"No need to Pet. All my stuff was trashed last night. We're going to go to a friend of mine. You stay here while I get the car." Spike said, his tone making it clear that he would accept no arguments. Walking to the door Spike wondered just how he was going to get to his car and back without running into any of the do*gooders. He knew they would be out in force, determined to rescue Xander regardless of what Rupert had told them all.

Xander packed quickly, just grabbing all his clothes and stuffing them into the bag. His wardrobe was mainly black, a necessity for slaying and fighting. While he packed, Xander took stock of the situation, in an attempt to understand his feelings for Spike.

The reaction of the hyena was the simplest to understand. Spike was a member of his pack, a pack member who would make a good mate. The hyena screamed inside his mind that Spike belonged to him, that the vampire was worthy of being its mate. The soldier recognised Spike as a brother at arms, a comrade. Spike would give his life to save Xander, just as Xander would for him. This made the vampire a true fighter and friend, someone who could be trusted above all else. The man inside Xander was having the most difficult reaction to understand. There was a connection with the vampire that called to his very soul. Xander was unsure if Spike would love him as he loved Spike. Did the vampire feel true love for him or was it simply an effect of the bond?

"You ready Xan? We really need to get moving." Spike's drawl beside him drew Xander out of his mind and back to reality.

"All set, you going to tell me who we're going to see?" Xander replied, curious as to who Spike trusted so much, jealously flaring up.

"Just an old friend of mine, don't worry nothing will happen to you." Spike whispered into the mortal's ear as he dragged the boy out of the apartment to the waiting car. Throwing the bag in the back, Spike opened the passenger door, anxious for Xander to get inside the car, so they could get out of Sunnyhell.

Xander quickly got inside, fastening his seatbelt without a thought, as he took in the darkened out windows. Looking at Spike's hand he wondered just how the vampire would react if Xander held his hand. With a shrug, Xander slowly reached out to take Spike's hand in his own, marvelling in the pale, cold skin.

"Why don't you go to sleep, Pet? I'll wake you when we get to Reef's." Spike suggested to Xander, realising how tired the mortal looked. Xander just nodded at him and burrowed himself further into the chair.

While Xander settled into sleep, Spike kept one eye on the mortal, just to make sure the boy didn't get into any trouble Spike replied to the voice trying to tell him that he was in love with the mortal.

Reef would be more than willing to put him up at least for a couple of nights. The only problem being keeping Reef from telling Xander all his secrets, not that he wanted to keep anything from the boy. Seeing that Xander was completely asleep, Spike started the car and pulled away.

"If the boy finds out everything I've done he'll leave. He can't leave, he belongs to me." Spike thought to himself, his demon howling in protest at the possibility of being separated.

*****
Part 5:

Xander looked up in surprise as Spike pulled up outside what appeared to be a small shop. Who lived here that Spike apparently trusted so much? More importantly, at least to him what was the relationship between Spike and whoever lived here?

"Come on, Pet we need to get out the car. This is the home of my friend, I promise nothing will happen to you." Spike said in a calming voice, seeing that Xander didn't want to go inside.

With a half hearted smile, Xander released Spike's hand and got out the car, taking his bag with him. Walking to Spike he gripped the vampire's hand tightly as they walked to the door.

The door flew open to reveal a woman with black shoulder length hair wearing a pair of black jeans with a green top that perfectly matched her eyes. On seeing the pair she smirked in a way that reminded Xander of Spike when the vampire got his own way.

"Spike, great to see you brother. Who's this gorgoues man?" She said her voice full of humour.

"Good to see you too, Reef. This is Xander, he's mine. Can we go inside?" Spike replied, not liking the way Reef was looking at his Xan.

"Don't worry I won't hurt him. Come inside and tell me everything." Reef said as she led the way into the shop.

*******

Looking around the shop, Xander recognised a number of magical books and ingredients due to his experience with the Scooby Gang. The main thing that gave the shop away as a magic shop was the protection runes on the inside of the doorway.

"This is a nice shop. It's a magic shop isn't it?" Xander asked Reef as she led them through a small door into the back room.

"Yes it is but this isn't you're run of the mill magic shop. Here we cater only to non-humans, mainly because it is difficult for many of us who aren't human to get supplies. Do you know anything about demon culture?" Reef said as she motioned for everyone to sit down.

"No, on the Hellmouth we mainly focus on how to kill demons. I take it that not every demon is trying to take over the world?" Xander asked as he took the seat next to Spike, his curiousity getting the better of him.

"Hardly, many of us are trying to get on with their own lives. I see you're tired, Xander. Spike why don't you take him up to your room. I'm sure the two of you don't mind sharing." Reef said, making it clear to Spike that she wanted to speak to him alone.

******

Spike came downstairs ten minutes later after waiting for Xander to fall asleep. Taking a seat opposite Reef he allowed her to see how afraid he was for himself and for Xander.

"What happened? Don't try lying to me, Will." Reef said her voice stern.

"He fed me some of his blood and I gave him some of mine. Now we're got some kind of connection. I'm feeling protective for him and I think I love him. The Watcher said it was because we willingly shared blood. The chip didn't go off when I drank from him." Spike said worry, anger and fear colouring his voice.

"I can explain what happened but I don't know if you will like it. Its pretty rare but it has happened before. When a vampire finds their true mate, the one they are supposed to be with something unusual happens. If their mate is human then the pair share the demon. The best I can figure is that it's the demon's way of protecting its mate but that's not all, the vampire gains a resistance to holy water and crosses." Reef said, avoiding Spike's gaze.

*****