The boys are still in Alaska. This takes place a week before Christmas. To all those who asked and begged, Spike will not be regaining his voice. Remember this is a Darkfic, if you don't like the content, don't read.

*****
19 December 2000

They were officially snowed in and had been for 4 days so far. Xander and Spike were both bored beyond belief. The tv was on almost constantly as was the wood heater. Even though the main room was warm, the temperature in the two bedrooms and bathroom was noticeably colder. It had been a mutual descion to swap the couch for the two mattresses, the couch now being in the first bedroom. They were out of milk, bread and vegetables and starting to run low on the instant noodles. The only one who had a good selection of food was Twatcat.

The two males had just sunk to a new low. They were playing Snap while sitting on the bed. Xander couldn't even bring himself to pretend to enjoy the game anymore. He was feeling tired and grumpy almost constantly now, in direct contrast to the boundless energy displayed by the bleached vampire. Cards dealt for another round, the brunette sighed and gathered up his stack as the blond leered at him. Xander knew with just one more minute in the vampires company, he could finally be labled crazier than Drusilla. It was taking all his effort right now not to punch the other male.

A month ago, he had broken some of the blonds bones in an attack that had left the vampire cowering from him for days. The brunette had gone so far as to break a promise to the blond as well. In a fit of pure rage, Xander had virtually raped the other male in the very position that he had promised never to try. The rage had been a combination of things. Anger that the blond had tried to run from him again, disgust at learning what Baxter stood for, embarrassment that he was considered naive by his work mates and determination never to be made the butt of other peoples jokes again.

He had blindly thrust into the pale body with absolute no regard to preparing the male and had rammed as hard as he could with each thrust. The brunette had set a punishing pace and hadn't taken any notice of the whimpering beneath him. It was only when he had pulled out and noticed the blood on his penis, that it had hit him that this time an apology wasn't going to make it all better. He had stared open mouthed at the abused ribs, they had taken only moments to bloom into huge black and purple swirls, matching the numerous other bruises dotted around the pale body.

Xander had sat back on his heels, jeans still around his thighs. The vampire's hand taken up, he winced as he tried to pull the horribly bent finger straight. He had kicked at the hand while Spike was trying to protect his already damaged ribs. The blond had just looked up at him with big blue eyes, full of tears. With a washcloth, he had cleaned the cum and blood from the torn anus all the while trying to ignore the vampires cringing. He just hadn't known what to say, sorry being so inappropriate for what he had done.

The brunette knew that he had a vile temper but it had gone beyond a simple slapping and into Riley territory. Once he had bandaged the vampire up, he had helped the other man into bed, slowly walking across the cabin floor due to the heavily bruised thighs. It had taken almost three days for the blond to stop cringing from him whenever he approached. Xander had been surprised that Spike hadn't suffered from any nightmares during that time, the blond had refrained from touching him in bed and the brunette had felt too guilty to push it.

Xander had been ready to almost cry in relief when he had woken up on the third morning with the blonds head nestled firmly on his chest, the rest of the cool body, clinging like normal to his own larger frame. They had taken it slow that morning and again in the night, Spike iniating for it to go harder the following days. It had been a fight between himself and Stan over a mouldy patch of wall that had made him lash out at the blond again, a week ago. He had come home cranky and annoyed that the dark haired man was blaming him for the wall not being dried properly before being smoothed over. Spike had playfully slapped at his hand when he had grabbed a carrot stick from his plate before the dinner was fully ready.

In less than a second, the brunette had found himself standing over a vampire that was cowering on the floor. Fist raised, he had given the blond a few more solid punches to the back and had stomped off to bed, telling the vampire never to slap at him again and demanding a blow job. It had been expertly delivered as usual, the tension had just flowed out of his body. With arms wrapped around the other male, he had apologised for the beating.

Snapping back to reality as the blond won the game again, he pulled to smaller male towards him. He was soft but it wouldn't be long before he was cuming down the cool throat. A blow job was just what he needed to relieve the boredom, he might even give the vampire a hand job later on that afternoon.

*****
Part 2:

25 December 2000

RING

RING

RING

RING

"Aaahhh!" yelled Xander. Half stumbling, half rolling out of bed, he made his way towards the phone. Receiver snatched up, he bellowed an annoyed hello at the person on the other end of the line. The brunette winced as squeals of 'Merry Christmas' came from Willow. With a hand run through his thick hair, he waited until the red head gathered a breath before attempting to answer her questions.

Watching the brunette talk on the phone, Spike wished that Xander had been able to finish the hand job before answering the phone. He was lying on his back in the middle of the bed, legs spread, arms crossed above his head. The blond didn't dare move from the instructed position, it would only make the youth more cranky than usual. Ever since the snow had started and the days had gotten shorter, Xander had been in an almost constant state of annoyance. The vampire was the complete opposite, energetic and when he wasn't getting a slapping, happy.

The vampire wasn't happy at being on his back but he had decided that it just wasn't worth the effort anymore. After Xander had laid into him in the kitchen and then 'raped' him, he knew that he could no longer trust the younger man not to do it again. He loved the brunette but he was saddened by the fact that he didn't trust him. It had taken a few day's thinking about why he loved the youth, only to find out that he really didn't know. He was grateful for being taken in, was full of pride when he saw Xander defend him and whenever the brunette smiled at him, he was full of soft glowy feelings that came straight from the bottom of his stomach.

He was also embarrassed to be classed as disabled, horrified that he deffered to a human and humiliated to be used as a punching bag by someone other than his Sire or Claimant. It seemed that the more he was beaten, the further he was falling into love with the youth. He was a Master Vampire in his own right and by any laws and traditions, the only one who had any right to lay into him was his Sire or Claimant. Until the former soldiers claim wore off and Xander did the claim properly, he was really just getting laid into by a human. A human that he was in love with.

~ I love him. My own fault that he smacks me around anyway, if I thought instead of doing first, then he wouldn't need to do it. ~

With a big grin at the youth coming back towards him, Spike thrust his hips up in anticipation. He desperate for his hard on to be dealt with. Still lying in the required position, he closed his eyes as a large warm hand wrapped around his cock.

~ God, this is just great. Keep going Pet. ~

Small grunting sounds filled the main room of the cabin as Xander thumbed the tip of the white penis, sliding his fist up and down the solid length. He still was hesitant about giving hand jobs but the youth was definitely turned on by the way the vampire reacted every time he received one. Smiling down at the squirming male beneath him, he took in the lush dark lashes that fluttered onto the smooth white skin. With his one hand pumping the panting vampire, he reached a hand up to one of the finely chiselled cheekbones, gently running a finger along the length.

Spike snapped his eyes open as he felt the hot digit run along his face. He smiled up at the youth, who was getting flushed and breathing heavily himself. The vampire wished that he could tell the boy to go harder, he wanted more pressure on his cock and a faster wank.

~ Beggars can't be choosers. Damn lucky that I get this from him...Aaahhhh! Good, better, great ~

*****

Spike snapped his eyes open as he felt the hot digit run along his face. He smiled up at the youth, who was getting flushed and breathing heavily himself. The vampire wished that he could tell the boy to go harder, he wanted more pressure on his cock and a faster wank.

~ Beggars can't be choosers. Damn lucky that I get this from him...Aaahhhh! Good, better, great ~

A harder grip on his cock had any thoughts leave his mind, letting him concentrate on the pure pleasure of cuming over himself and Xander. He eagerly licked the thick residue off the boys fingers, careful not to slice a digit with one of his fangs. Almost finished, he was surprised to see Xander suck the rest of his cum from his index finger. With a quiet snicker, he smirked at the expression of slight distaste on the brunettes face.

~ Bit different from just kissing with it to actually taking a gob full, vamp cum is tasty compared to your crap. Be glad you don't have to swallow that ~

Fingers shoved quickly back into his mouth, he proceeded to give the large digits a few swirls of his tongue to clean them. Sniffing, he could smell how aroused the boy was and wondered how it would go this time.

"I want you to sit on me, facing me."

Spike nodded as he moved over so the brunette could lie down on the bed. With a swift movement, he threw a pale leg over the youths hips and settled himself on the toned abdomen. He could feel the erect cock nudging his backside and reaching behind him, he gave the thick organ a few strokes with a cool hand. The vampire bent down towards the other mans face, showering the flushed skin with small chaste kisses.

Thrusting his hips upwards, Xander grabbed the back of the blonds head and drew him close into a hot wet kiss that had both males groaning. Their tongues danced and wove their way into each others mouth, the brunette claiming dominance over the vampire. Slowly, Xander allowed the cool tongue to slip from his hot mouth. Delicately he traced a trail of heated touchings along each perfect cheekbone with his tongue, laughing as it made the bleached blond squirm on top of him. With a fumbled motion, he grabbed the lube from beside the bed and placed the tube into the cool hand reaching out for it and waited impatiently for the vampire to prepare himself.

~ Almost empty again, gonna have to start buying this stuff in bulk. Randy little sod ~

"Spike, if you don't hurry, I'm going to cum anyway!"

A nod and the blond sped up his preparation, swirling two fingers inside of himself in an effort to spread the cool gel throughly. Shifting backwards, he got a firm grip on the massive thickness, running a wet finger around the hot head. Smirk firmly in place, he leant forward for a moment before rising slightly. Once he felt the heat just outside his puckered entrance, he slowly started to push down onto the thick rod.

"Jesus! Go slow, go slow. Sooooo good."

Xander moaned as he felt the coolness envelope his cock. He never lasted long with the blond in this position. Another swear bounced off the walls as the vampire sat fully on the brunette, the full length firmly inside. The youth raised his knees to give the blond some support for his back. A firm grasp on the slender hips and he indicated for the other man to start moving.

~ Hate this fucking position, not as bad as the other one though ~

Gently, Spike slid himself up and down the hard shaft.

The blond knew that it would only take a few minutes until the younger man came hard up into him, it was about the only good thing he could find about this particular position. With a gasp, he opened his eyes and looked down to see a large hand playing with his hardened nipples. The brunette was getting more adventurous with exploring the pale body, something that the vampire was really enjoying. He let out his own grunt/swear as the circling fingers were taken away only to be replaced with wet ones. Spike could feel himself getting hard again as his slow bouncing motions ensured that his prostrate was hit each time.

One hand gripping tightly to the slender hip, Xander traced his wet fingers around the pale nipples. He was delighted to find that they became hardened nubs with only a few touches. The brunette was finding that he wanted to touch more and more of the cool body that belonged to him. At first, it had been only about sex but he was genuinely attracted to the male vampire now. He found himself kissing and licking more of the cool skin as the weeks passed by. Xander wondered if getting rimmed was as good as he had read about. The whole idea was still a bit icky but after gathering up enough courage to get another gay porno, he had read a subscribers letter that extolled the virtues of getting a tongue around the back entrance.

This time, he hadn't hidden the magazine and both males had lay in bed one morning and had jerked off together in between breakfast and coffees while going through the articles. He had told the vampire of his interest in rimming and had been relieved when he had gotten a huge smirk and a few sentences that told the brunette that it was as good as it sounded. Xander was still not sure that he wanted to receive it but one day he was going to get the vampire to do it.

"Almost....keeeep going! Yes Ahhhhh, god yes!"

Screamed the brunette as his cum gushed up into the blond. Leaving the hardened nipples, he grabbed the hard cock that was leaking onto his tight stomach. With firm swift strokes, he jerked the vampires pale length. Thumbing at the weeping head every few strokes, he told the blond to place his hands on his head, well away from his cock.

~ Damn! Good grip, harder.....harder, faster. Please?~

Spike was panting for all he was worth. His own hands were tightly wound through his ungelled hair as the tugging was getting faster. Tongue run over his fangs, he sliced the pale skin. He swallowed the tiny trickle of blood as he squirmed on top of the brunette, still with the flaccid cock buried deep inside of him. Giving his tongue another deeper slice, he gave a booming grunt as he cam hard over Xanders muscled chest.

Told that he could remove his hands, Spike dove down and kissed the brunette deeply. The two men leisurely ran their hands through each others hair. With a few thrusts of his hips, Xander told the blond to get off him. The vampire reached behind him, rising slightly as they both moaned when the spent cock slipped from the tight confines. Xander lay his legs back down on the bed, spreading them slightly.

The happy vampire spread himself along the exhausted boy, letting his legs slip in between the longer ones. Chest to chest, they continued to kiss and nibble at each other until in one swift movement, Xander rolled them over. Spike was now underneath the brunette, his knees nudged apart until he was in the very position he hated the most. Tensing, he lay rigid as the youth continued to lick and nibble his way along the vampires collarbone.

Xander felt the blond stiffen as he lay the other man in the traditional missionary position. The brunette still harboured guilty feelings over the attack but he couldn't deny that he had liked the feel of the position. He wanted to try it again but without scaring the blond, he just wasn't too sure how to go about it. Hopefully with enough incentive, the vampire would eventually give up resisting it.

"I want to do it this way again. I know I promised you never to do it but I will go gently next time, ok?"

Looking up into the serious chocolate eyes, Spike felt himself nod as his heart broke a little more. He didn't really have a choice anyway. Even though the thought was repulsive, there wasn't much he could do about it. He couldn't fight the other man off and he was too afraid of ruining the brunettes good mood by indicating his unhappiness with the idea. Ever since the phone call from Willow over an hour ago, the youth had been noticeably happier and that was definitely a good thing. If he closed his eyes when the time came, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

~ Yeah, sure whatever. I don't fucking trust you not to hurt me. Sodding well addicted to you though. ~

"I'm sorry but I can't keep my promise, not when it feels so good like that"

Another nod and the blond was kissed deeply for being so good. A discarded t-shirt was plucked from the floor, allowing the brunette to wipe at both of their sticky chests. Standing up, Xander told the vampire to shower first as he made a few calls to Giles, Buffy and Cordelia before showering himself. They had been invited to Mac's house for the day and were due to leave in just over an hour. A slap to his buttocks while passing the brunette and the blond made his way to the mildly warm bathroom.

Hearing Xander connect with the ex-watcher and making sure that he wasn't looking towards the bathroom, Spike allowed the first tears to pour down his face. He just couldn't believe that the brunette would be so heartless as to deliberately ignore a promise he had made to the vampire. Ordinarily the blond would be able to cry properly in peace while in the shower but after running from the younger man over a month ago, the brunette had out done himself by removing not the lock on the door but the whole door itself. The door in question was now residing in the spare bedroom along with the vampire's correspondence course on woodwork. With the cold weather, they hadn't been able to get any timber until the wood mill opened again in early February. The leaflets and instructions were neatly stacked to one side, the bathroom door leaning beside them.

*****

The only privacy he got these days, was to turn his back to the open door way and hope that the brunette didn't catch him crying into the stream of warm water that flowed over his body. He was thankful that Xander seemed to be in a better frame of mind than he had woken up in but if the past was anything to go with, that would probably change without warning. The vampire was just going to have to play it carefully and try to ensure that the good mood lasted as long as possible. Once again, his hopes for being able to resume trusting the younger man had been dashed.

Letting the tears flow, he quietly sobbed into the warmth as he rinsed off the chamomile shower gel that they both favoured. He jumped in fright, almost slipping as a warm body moulded itself to his back.

"You're upset with me aren't you?"

He hesitated before nodding, his head rubbing against the toned shoulder of his protector. Spike waited for the slapping to begin. Instead, gentle hands ran themselves over his tense back, kneading at the knotted muscles. He let himself relax into the comforting motions, listening to Xander say that he was sorry for all his beatings, apologise for the attack in the kitchen. The blond stood underneath the water and just took it all, not believing a word of any of it. If it made Xander happy to apologise and kept him in a good mood, then the vampire was happy to accept it.

"You do believe me don't you? I like you, I like you a lot. It's not love but it's more than just.... I don't know. I can't explain it"

Spike felt his dead heart lurch. Was there a possibility for the brunette to ever love him? Beatings be damned, if it was possible for Xander to fall in love with him in the future then he would put up with it all. Once Xander did fall in love with him, the brunette would probably stop the slapping anyway. He wouldn't hurt what he loved, would he?

Turning around in the embrace that had enveloped him during the brunettes words, the vampire hugged the youth tightly, head buried in the crook of the neck. He was crying but now it was in happiness, so far it was the closest declaration of love he had ever received and he was going to grab at it with all he had. Xander ran his hands down the pale back, trying to soothe the sobbing male in his arms. It was true, it wasn't love but it was way past plain like. His feelings were lust, possessiveness, pride that he owned such a beautiful male intermingled with his need to show dominance and discipline. He was fearful that the Scooby gang would find out about their relationship but after coming out to his work mates and basically the whole of Pennington, it wasn't such a big deal as it once had been. Giles had been understanding and that had been a big help in letting him deal with his feelings towards another male.

Xander let go of the grinning blond so that he could lather himself up only to start laughing when the gel was snatched out of his hands. He stood with arms spread wide, letting the vampire rub his small hands all over his well muscled body. The brunette groaned as a soapy hand gently teased his twitching penis. After a minute of soft stroking, he had to tell the blond to stop as they were going to be late to Macs as it was. He swooped down into a hard brutal kiss at the pout displayed on the other mans face. Xander pulled the vampire hard against him, grinding his cock into the cooler one a few times before gently shoving the man out of the shower.

The brunette rinsed the last of the foam off him, turning the water off. Towel grabbed, he ran from the bathroom while trying not to slip, towards the wood heater. Jostling for room with the vampire, the two men made sure that they dried themselves off thoroughly. The brunette hoped that he had done the right thing by telling the blond about his feelings and judging by the smile that was yet to disappear, he had. With one hand, he grabbed at the slender male, pulling him towards him for a deep kiss. Towels flung over the two bar stools so that they could dry, the men started to dress from the pile of clothing that surrounded the bed.

"It's cold out there, a flanny will probably be the best way to go"

~ Great, hillbilly Christmas here we come! Bet we get roast Spam and tinned cranberry jam. ~

The youth knew how much the vampire hated the flanlette shirts they had both resorted to wearing in an effort to keep warm. He loved to tease the blond about if he just grew a goatee, the slender man would truly belong to the white trash society. Telling the pouting blond to wait on the bed, he strode across towards the spare bedroom and opened one of the duffel bags stored in one corner. Brightly wrapped packages were taken from the dark green bag and carried back into the warm main room.

Spike stared at the gaudily wrapped that the youth dumped onto the bed. He knew that Xander had gotten him one present but he wasn't expecting the rest. The vampire had only gotten the brunette a few small things while shopping in the Mall two days before. They had battled their way through the crowds. The place had been full of desperate people trying to shop for last minute presents before getting snowed in again.

"These are from Joyce and Giles. A couple from Willow and Tara as well. Buffy sent the card with the money order a couple of weeks ago, you know we bought the cd player with it."

A few wrapped presents were shoved at a startled vampire. He hesitated before ripping the paper off a bright green one. Giles had sent him a cd that featured the best of British punk rock.

~ All right! Crusty's not too bad with the present giving, wonder what I got from Joyce? ~

The vampire picked up a solid heavy package that was undoubtedly a few books, ripping off the paper, he let a huge grin cross his face. One book on woodwork that featured how to carve words and pictures into wood as well as how to make chairs and tables. The other had detailed boxes and gift items. The Slayers mother had included a note hoping that he would find these to his liking. Spike made a mental note to write back as soon as possible thanking her. He was surprised to find that he actually cared that Joyce liked him and thought it was a pity about her daughter.

Concentrating on his own unwrapping, Xander discovered a cd from Giles and Anya. The best of the 90's rock, Willow and Tara had sent him a selection of photos that featured the Scooby gang and instructions to get some good photo frames with the money included. He was touched that they had gone to the effort to include a photo of Xanders old work mates. Barney had sent him a few tins of Nescafe for Christmas as well as a box of Freddo Frogs in various flavours a few weeks ago. As much as he was starting to settle in Pennington, he still missed everybody from Sunnydale. Cordelia had paid for a whole year's subscription to an internet cafe that had just been set up in Pennington's Mall. He would probably have to call Willow for her address before attempting anything.

A glance at the quiet man beside him and he saw that the vampire was pretty well off as well, something that he was pleased with. He unwrapped his own present from Joyce, a book on touring Alaska. How he was going to be able to that with a vampire in tow was beyond him but it was the thought that counted. He was shaken out of his ponderings by a gasp from the vampire.

With a gasp, Spike looked down at the voucher in his hand. It was from Willow and Tara, a voucher that entitled him to attend a sign language course at Fairbanks major college once winter was over. Looking over at Xander, he waved it in front of the grinning brunette who explained that he had already organised the time off from work so that they could both attend. It was a four day intensive course that went from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Thursday each semester. Xander happily told the vampire that they were booked into the first one in Spring. He had already called the college and informed them of Spike's phobia and they were willing to organise a windowless room for the class.

The vampire flew across the bed, enveloping the laughing brunette in a cool hug. They spend a few minutes kissing before getting back to the rest of the presents. Xander opened his from Spike, the ripping of gaudy paper revealed an assortment of white chocolate. He moaned in delight as he saw the brands unwrapped. Lindor, Nestle, Guilyan and Red Tulip. None of these were cheap and he hoped that the other man hadn't spent too much of his pay on him. His other present was a bottle of chocolate flavoured massage lotion and strawberry lube.

"Very nice, maybe we should try this out now?"

Xander leaned over, licking a hot trail from the pale collar bone to the delicate ear lobe. Sucking on the cool flesh for a moment, he pressed a soft package into the vampires hands before leaning back to allow the other male to unwrap his present. Spike tore at the gold and silver paper. Wrinkling his nose, he held up a flanlette shirt in solid red. With a look to Xander, he gestured at it in puzzlement.

Laughing, the brunette told him that he had to get it dyed especially as they didn't come in solid colours. Two more packages were thrust at him, both revealing more solid coloured flanlette shirts, one in a deep blue and the other a plain black. Spike was happy with that. He liked the warm feel of them but he hated the look of the hideous shirts and only wore them out of sheer necessatie. They were about the only shirt that kept the cold out. He was feeling all glowy and warm that Xander had gone out of his way to get them dyed for him. Ripping off his red and white chequered shirt, he pulled on the red one, doing up the buttons with a huge grin on his face.

As he finished, he found one more small present pressed into his hands by a serious brunette. Slowly he unwrapped the small item. Underneath all the layers of paper was a jewellery box. Once opened, it revealed a silver chain. It was shorter than normal. Spike sat down beside the quiet male and gently kissed him on the cheek, holding it out so that Xander could put it on for him. The vampire was stunned, he knew that the chain wasn't cheap. He had been eyeing it off for a while now but hadn't been able to afford to even put it on layby. Every cent he had was to go towards his blood for the Summer. It was one of the new types of jewellery for men that was just starting to come into Alaska. The chain was the silver type that was seen mostly on heavy metal bands and surfers, it was not as chunky as most but still thick enough to be considered tough and grungy. It was pretty plain with no pendant but Spike was overjoyed that the brunette had taken notice of his wanting it.

The clasp firmly done up, the vampire turned so that Xander could see him. Smirking at the brunettes approval, he wished he could have a mirror just for once.

"Still the trendiest vamp in Alaska. Quick, blood for you and then we go. We're late as it is"

Xander dressed as the vampire heated up his breakfast. They were late already for Mac's lunch but he figured they wouldn't be the last to show up. Both Spit and Fitzy were going to be the last arrive, they were almost always an hour or so late to everything. The only exception was the yearly woman auction. Lucas and Josesse were going to be there as well as Stephanie and the two Chinese demons and partners.

He put on his thick check jacket, thankful for the fleece lining. Fridge opened, he quickly fed Twatcat as the vampire finished his drink. Jacket grabbed, Spike shrugged on the coat noting that the red on both the jacket and shirt matched. He was almost beside himself with happiness. It had almost been a shit day but everything was just perfect now.

*****
Part 3:

26 December 2000.

4.32 am

The vampire gently stroked the exhausted boy's hair as the brunette snored. Xander had finally succumbed to the lure of deep sleep. It had been a really good day for them both, Spike had actually enjoyed the lunch at Macs, as had the youth. They hadn't been the last to arrive, Spit and Fitzy staying true to their nature and arriving almost 40 minutes late for the lunch. Mac hadn't worried about delaying the meal and waiting for them to turn up, he had just set aside two heaped plates covered with foil and kept them in the oven until they had arrived. From the lack of apologies, the vampire had figured that they did it each year.

It had been a quick round of greetings and discussion about what everyone had received that morning first up. Xander had blushed furiously when the blond had wrote Stephanie about the lube and massage oil, quietly grunting along to the laughing and whoops of 'You go boy!' that had erupted around the table. A quick look at the brunette before joining in the laughter and he had been reassured by the non appearance of anger, encouraging him to start grunting. The only uncomfortable moment had been when the vampire had noticed Lukas watching him intently during the little exchange.

Lukas had been distracted by Mac thumping a huge roast turkey onto the table in front of him, closely followed by large pots holding buttered potatoes, roast pumpkin, mixed peas and beans as well as cauliflower in cheese sauce. Everyone on the table began to dribble at the same time, the smell had been almost divine. Nothing else was said about the two mens bed habits as each person shovelled down what they could from the generous spread. Spit and Fitzy had turned up just as the last dishes were being cleared away to make room for dessert. The two men had plonked themselves down next to the chinese demons wives and in between eating and swigging on their beer, had regaled the table about the results from the latest dog sled race they had participated in.

Spit was a slender brunette, about five inches taller than Spike himself while his brother, Fitzy, was more like the usual Alaskan male. Tall, dark headed, built like a wall and with a grizzly Adams beard. Both men were professional racers, handling one of the largest dog pens outside of Fairbanks. While waiting for dessert, Helen and Ling Mai had the best way's to guide a dog over thin ice explained to them. Xander had rolled his eyes at the vampire who had almost been in hysterics himself. Truly a Deliverance dinner he had thought. A few loud swears from the kitchen admist breaking glass, had everyone retire to the living room as Mac told them dessert just wasn't an option for the moment.

The two brothers, restraunt owners, Josessi, Spike and Xander had sat and watched some sledding videos of various dog races while playing cards. The women had claimed the couch and along with Lukas, they had discussed how Stephanie's pregnancy had been progressing. The vampire had been tempted to join in on the conversation, the videos had been that boring. It was when the tapes had been replaced with a few more ice hockey videos that he had pepped up and had sat with his eyes glued on the tv screen, almost whining at the thought of being able to inflict violence again. He had ignored everything until a large hand had tapped his shoulder, Xander indicating for him to return to the table.

Spike had taken a seat next to the youth, grinning madly as his upper thigh had been squeezed, crotch delicately brushed against. A glance at the male sitting next to him and he had seen that the beer had loosened some of the brunettes concerns about touching in public. Not really the whole "lets fuck to an audience" thing but a huge step for a tipsy youth. Xander usually only drank extra light beer, having a few of the full strength ones was catching up to him really quickly. A swig of his own beer and he had almost leapt out of his chair in an effort to get at the plum pudding. After pouring a huge amount of brandy custard on the dessert, he had been in 7th heaven as he had slowly eaten the pudding. The one human food he loved the most and it was plum pudding. Freshly made, half baked, tinned or old fashioned recipe, he didn't care.

He had had two massive servings of the favoured dessert, waggling his eyebrows at a slightly swaying brunette. After dessert had been done, the women had started the dishes, shooing Mac out of the way in the process. Told to sit, the red head had brushed aside everyones thanks for a great dinner and had started to teach the vampire a new card game, Canasta. It hadn't been really easy until the blond had just read the rules and instructions rather than listen to Mac's ramblings. Once he had gotten the hang of it, he had really enjoyed the game. The vampire had made sure to thrust the box cover at the laughing brunette on the couch, Spike wanted a set of the cards.

Later in the afternoon, Spit and Fitzy had drunkenly acted out Mary and Joseph's trip to the stable. Tears had run down the blond's face as the bearded Fitzy had gone into labour all the while keeping a tight clutch of his beer. Helen and the rotund Ling Mai had gotten in the spirit, pretending to be the two Always Right Wives, and had gifted the newly born pillow with the ability to grow a decent beard, a life time supply of flannel and the wisdom of how to open a Spam can. He had glanced over at the brunette youth, only to see that Xander was also weak with laughter. More beer all round and the festivities had continued. Mac had invited the brothers, Xander and Spike to come with him when he next went to Chena Hot Springs resort.

Intrigued by the opportunity to see some sights outside of Pennington and Fairbanks, Xander had agreed for them both, Spike just nodding along. He wouldn't mind the opportunity to get around as well. Stephanie had been the first to leave after a quick flurry of gift giving, everyone had exchanged small token gifts. Chutney, jams, jars of peanuts and other various items had been handed around. Josessi had also taken the opportunity to leave stating it was now time to call his family back in Nadi, Fiji. After seeing them off, Mac had broken out the heavier alcohol, pouring scotch for everyone. That had been the cue for the Chinese demons to be dragged out by their wives. More waving and that had left Mac, Fitzy, Spit, Lukas, Xander and Spike. The conversation had drifted onto ice fishing and where the best site was at the moment.

Spike had grown bored again quite quickly, he hated fish in all forms, the only ones he had any respect for were the great white shark and pihrana. He really hadn't cared how to cut a decent hole into the thick ice along the banks of the Tanana River. The whelp had looked just as disinterested and had asked Mac more about the hot springs during a lapse in conversation. The talk had turned to how hot they were, the whole conversation had been clean until Spit had piped up with just how many girls he had done in the hot tubs. From there, the conversation had turned into a dirty comparison of who had done what and where.

The vampire had just sat back and watched as the brunettes face had gotten redder and redder as more crude language and descriptions had flowed on around him. Time had flown by as the topics had ranged from sex to hunting deer and to the upcoming wedding of Cyril to Amanda. A glance at the clock during that topic and Spike had been shocked to see that Christmas day was technically over. Lunch had been around 2pm, dessert had been later, almost 5.30.

With a gaze at the brunette almost asleep on the couch, he made the descion to go. He had gathered Xander up, shaking him to wake him up. It had been a case of too much beer and a hot house. Lukas had promised to call around the next day, Mac had also told them that he would make a booking for the hot springs. A quick goodbye to everyone and with Xander placed comfortably in the passenger seat, Spike had roared off down the road. He had been forced to go slow after almost skidding off the road due to the clumps of ice scattered across it. Once home, he had prodded the boy awake again and guided the half drunk, tired youth into the cold cabin.

After dumping him on the bed, he had raced around to the woodpile and started the wood heater going again. The vampire had been asked if anyone had called for him. A glance at the answering machine and he had shaken his head at the brunette. It had been then that Xander had started to sob, startling the blond. With his arms around the weeping boy, Spike had listened as his claimant spouted off at how he should have know his parents would never call. Apparantly the boy had eventually sent off a few letters with his address and phone number, a Christmas card as well.

Sighing, Spike looked down at the slumbering male. He was disappointed for the youth, he knew that even though Xander tried not to be upset about his parents, he still held out hope that maybe one day they would give him a phone call or even a letter. Unfortunately tonight he had just gotten his dreams crushed again. Xander had confessed his dislike of his parents and uncle numerous times but deep down inside, he was still a little boy seeking a kind word or even a hug from them. From what he had gathered from snippetts of conversation and from actually hearing the fights overhead when living in the basement, he knew that such things had been rarely given. Not all of his bruises had been caused by patrolling, something that the brunette had taken great lengths to hide from the others.

The vampire had held onto the drunk boy until he had cried himself to sleep. The display had frightened the blond, he was meant to be the weepy one, not the brunette. He only hoped that things would be better for the youths birthday but he doubted it. It was going to be up to the demon to make it special for Xander. How? He had no idea at the moment but he would think of something.

*****
Part 4:

~ Oh my God! How humiliating. ~

Spike sat and stared at the brochures Lukas had left for him. The other demon had stayed true to his word and had come over for coffee that morning while Xander was out getting another load of firewood with Spit. Lukas hadn't minded dragging out the couch from the front bedroom so they could sit down. The vampire and Kava demon had talked about the various going ons in the local demon world, the black man telling Spike that the Veronkif's were due back any day now. Aparantly their yearly ritual of challenging each other to snog a polar bear was almost finished. The vampire had been in hysterics when the taller man had described that usually only half of the pack came back each trip, the bears maiming and eating the clumsier ones. With the weaker males culled out, it inevitably lead to major fucking and pregnancies all round for them.

Lukas had laughed when he told Spike that the Veronkif's were hermaphrodites and that without fail, each one produced an offspring each year even though they referred to themselves as males. The blond had been flabbergasted at the thought, thanking god that he couldn't get pregnant, although there was probably a spell or two out there that would be able to knock him up. He had told Lukas that he would give his testicles to see his Sire pregnant, prompting a fresh round of laughter. The other man had heard stories of Angelus from Rhonda and said that he wouldn't mind seeing that as well, although losing a testicle would be a bit too much for him.

More coffee and tinned plum pudding later, Lukas had turned serious and had pulled a few bits of paper from out of his trouser pockets, thrusting them at a curious vampire. Spike had sat there, horrified by what was being suggested. For a few minutes, he had done nothing until he had finally fanged out and had written for the other demon to leave. Lukas had complied, telling him that he was there to help if Spike needed any. With a shake of his head, the blond had slammed the front door, leaving Lukas to walk to the car himself.

~ No fucking way am I a 'battered woman'! ~

~ Just who the fuck does he think he is? What gives him the right to stuff around and make assumptions about my life and the whelp�s? ~

Pacing up and down the main living room, he swooped down to pick up Twatcat, pressing her against his cool chest. The purring kitten soothed his emotions, allowing the tears that threatened to fall, to stop pricking at his eyes. He just couldn't believe that someone he considered almost a friend would try to interfere in something he had no idea about. None of those brochures applied to him. He wasn't a woman. He wasn't even human. Only humans got into stupid relationships like that, not vampires, not him.

With the cat snuggled firmly against him, Spike strode into the kitchen and pulled a beer from the fridge. Cap firmly placed between his teeth, he gave the bottle a twist before spitting the cap into the sink. He smiled as he rembered the first time that the brunette had seen him do that. Xander had been worried that he was going to chip a tooth and had started harping on about how their weren't any vampire dentists in Sunnydale. Actually there had been but she had been drained after a vampire had been unhappy with his new braces. Willy's had been almost shaking with the amount of laughter that had gone on after the demon population had found out about a vampire trying to get his teeth straightened.

He leaned against the cold sink, Twatcat now draped across his shoulders, her warmth soothing the tension that had built up in his neck. Shaking his head Spike wondered if he could convince the whelp to start buying blood from somewhere else.

~ My own fault the brat hits me anyway, don't think enough before I do something stupid. Bloody claimed me, he had every right to or least he will when it gets done proper. ~

Taking a swig of the cold beer the vampire smiled to himself as he thought of the day he would be free from the soldiers� claim. That would be soon, only a few years away now. Nothing to an almost immortal being. The cat chirped at him as he gently tugged at the flapping tail that was tickling his neck. A glance around the small kitchen, Spike frowned as his gaze fell upon the brightly coloured brochures again. Better get rid of them before Harris got home.

Twat placed on the floor, the vampire immediatly missed the furry warmth of the small creature. He walked over to the couch, picking up the embarassing forms. In one swift movement, he opened the grate on the heater and threw the offending articles inside. Spike stood and watched as the paper smoked along its curling edges before bursting into flames, closing the grate when all evidence was gone.

~ Not going to hit me for much longer anyway. He's going to love me soon, just have to make sure he will. ~

~ No one hits what he loves. ~

Sitting on the couch, Spike bent to haul up the climbing kitten only to gasp when a familiar flash went off behind his eyes. Not even a millisecond later, he was lying sprawled on the floor between the bed and the couch, out cold.

*****
Part 5:

FLASH

The blond collapsed onto the floor again, not quite out of it this time. His head was groggy, stars were floating in front of his vision. Whining, Spike desperatly begged for Xander to come home. Twatcat was rubbing up against him, meowing at him to move or something. The vampire wasn't sure what the hell was going on this time, he had only been unconcious for about ten minutes that last time, judging by the time on the clock. A good deal less than the hours he had been out of circulation last time. He had woken up on the floor beside the couch, feeling nauseous. Spike had waited for a few minutes before getting up but he was on the floor once again.

~ Pet, please. Please come home. I need you, want you. ~

Laying completly still on the hard floorboards, Spike had no idea just where he had been trying to stagger to. Was it the bathroom, kitchen or even one of the empty bedrooms? On his back, he stared at the ceiling, taking in the cracked paintwork and flaking chips that were yet to start falling. Idly he wondered if they were frozen like the icicles hanging of the guttering. A few minutes of panting, and he felt a little better, not as nauseous as before.

~ Ok, just slowly Billyboy, easy does it. ~

Spike slowly turned onto his side, resting for a moment, afraid of setting off the flashing again. When that didn't do anything, he carefully got onto his hands and knees, again waiting for a minute before moving.

~Fuck Whelp, where are you when I need you? ~

Guilt rose quickly much to his distaste. Xander might beat him but he *had* saved his arse twice already. With a sigh, the vampire shook off the revolting feeling and prepared himself to stand. On his knees, he swayed a few times, the stars getting brighter. One swift movement and he was standing in the middle of the common room. If only he could just talk to Giles about what was currently happening. The ex-watcher may be a sodding git but he was the closest to a vamp doctor he had.

Taking a step, he headed towards the bathroom. A shower would get rid of the grogginess. Two steps into the open room and he felt a pressure around his head, hard as if it was being squeezed in a vice.

FLASH

The vampire rubbed at the sides of his head frantically in an effort to somehow relieve the agonising hold on his skull. Sliding down onto his knees, he started sobbing in fright over what was happening and the fact that his claimant was no where close. Squeals of agony reverberated through the small cabin, bouncing off the walls.

~ Aaaahhh! Gotta do something...ooohhhh, this hurts. Hurts so bad... ~

Hands clenched almost into fists, rubbed firmly into the blond hair as the squealing continued.

~ Neighbours, a million quid for nosy neighbours. For fucks sake, someone find me. ~

Spike let himself fall completly to the floor, not even noticing the thud of his chest onto the hard wood. Rolling onto his back, he circled his hands in opposite direction to each other as the stars danced before his eyes. A few minutes of trying to ignore the piercing pain, and the blond found that its edge was lifting, allowing him to quieten his squealing.

~ Xanny, I need you, please just hurry. ~

He knew that it was going to be hours before the other man was going to be home, but that didn't stop him from begging. The vampire was ashamed to be so helpless and dependant on another, even if it was someone that he loved. Minute by minute, the pain was drifting away. Spike didn't know if it was from his rubbing or from something else and he really didn't care as long as it went. Fuck, the only person he could actually call for help was Lukas but he sure as hell didn't want the other demon in the house again. Laying on his back, the bleached blond acknowledged that he was both exhausted and plain terrified.

~ Gotta call Crusty, he'll know what to do. Gotta be somthing in those sodding books of his. ~

A bitter laugh/grunt went through the cabin as he thought of just how the hell he was going to do that. Have to do it bloody fast, was the thought. Heaving himself up on shaky legs, he looked around the room to see if there was anything around the room that would help him. The sobbing started again as he realised that there was nothing that was going to help him. Dizzy, he made his way back to the couch and sat heavily, ignoring the kitten patting at his thigh.

~ What the fuck do I do until the boy gets back? Watch tv or listen to the wanky cd and hope that next time I sodding well wake up? ~

Tears pouring down his face, Spike wondered if a few loud chorus' of 'God save the Queen' by The sex Pistols would cheer him up. One of his favourite songs on the cd the old ex-librarian had gotten him for Christmas, a british punk classic. He was still suprised that he had even been thought of by the other man.

~ More like God save the useless vampire. ~

~ Maybe I should just play that and grunt down the phone at him and hope to hell he hasn't had all his brains shagged out by the demon bint just yet? ~

Actually, that wasn't such a bad idea he thought. Watery smile breaking through the streaming tears, the bleached blond hesitantly made his way to the cd rack, fearing another flash at any second. With each step, he panted a little harder, it wasn't easy navigating his way around the multitude of stars that were swimming infront of his eyes. Cd's grabbed, held at odd angles and then tossed onto the bed, he hoped he had the right one in his hands. Looked like the right colours, black and red with newspaper print all over the cover. Once it was shoved into the cd player, he fumbled his way over to the kitchen bench. Portable phone in his hand, he tried to remember which speed dial the older human was listed on.

~ Shit! Just press anyone I suppose. If Cunty gets it, hanging up pretty much says it all. ~

Button pressed, he hoped it was the right one. Spike listened to the ringing at the other end of the line, praying that the big mouthed slag wasn't going to answer the phone, for Anya to start in with her attitude was all he needed at the moment. As it rung, he realised that the song wasn't even playing. Grunting in frustration, he made his way to the cd player, slipping over the slick cd covers strewn over the bed. He jabbed at the 'play' button on the second hand stereo, thankfull for all the midnight fumblings that both he and the whelp had put into practice over the few weeks since they had gotten it.

~Why the hell can't I see straight? This had better not keep up, bad enough being sodding well mute. ~

He groaned as the dial tone rung out on the other end, pushing the hang up button, he punched the next button for auto-dial numbers. Spike jumped as the Pistols launched into a deafening rendition of their best known song, hurridly turning it down so that he could concentrate on the ringing of the phone.

"Ah, hello. Rupert here"

~Thank fuck for that! ~

"Ack, grrngt, cough"

Spike held the phone to the stereo for a moment before putting it back to his ear only to hear the ex-watcher demanding to know who was on the phone. The vampire grunted into the phone again before holding it to the stereo. He held it there for a few seconds. Once again he held it to his ear only to hear a dial tone instead of a pissy store keeper.

~ Sodding well damn it! ~

He stopped the song and pressed what he hoped was the redial. After two rings it picked up, the annoyed voice on the other end declaring that he wasn't interested in crank calls. Spike felt his tears forming again as he grunted down the line, his sobs breaking free as the music started up. He couldn't help himself, he really wanted his claimant to come home so that he could just cuddle into the strong warm arms. The vampire barely listened to what the other man was quietly hissing down the phone.

"Is that you Ethan, because if it is, you know I've told you not to bloody well call here or the frigging shop "

"Wheeze, sob, sob, acrk...snuffle "

"Ethan, I'm going to beat the living daylights out of you, you almost had me believing your crying. Look, I've got Anny around at the moment, it's just sheer luck that she hasn't picked up the phone yet. I'll call you, ok?"

Spike could feel himself start to panick, between the dancing spots and the worry over what was causing the bright flashes, the nausea rising once more. He tried his yes and no grunts in a final attempt to get the man to recognise him. As the cd changed songs, he could hear the other man prattle on about meeting up later on that week.

~ I don't care who your shagging Rupie, just use your sodding noodle for once and LISTEN! ~

There was silence on the other end as Spike repeated his trade mark grunts for all he was worth, throwing in a 'Xander' grunt for good measure.

"Ah. Um. Oh dear, is that you Spike?"

" 'Yes grunt' sniffle, accrgk, sob, 'Xander grunt'"

"Good lord! Is Xander alright, whats wrong? Sod it, hang on, I'll ring you back in about 15 minutes alright?"

"'Yes grunt' snork, sniffle"

Almost swaying with relief, Spike pushed the hang up button and waited by the stereo for the other man to ring him back. He listened to the thumping music in the hopes of distracting himself from worrying too much. The vampire sat counting the minutes until he would get a phone call from the ex-watcher.

*****