*****
Part 13:

Thursday 15 February

The Farmers Rest Inn

5.37 pm

Clothes grabbed and shoved into the last bag, Spike thought over just what had occurred in the last hours. The vampire had successfully completed his first ever schooling, certificate and all. His name was printed in large fancy pitch black letters.

Spike had never been to school before. All his education had been provided by his thieving mentor, once turned, Angelus. He could still remember the numerous beatings he had suffered through while learning how to read and write. The only thing he wasn't too keen on, was the name Lavelle. Where the Whelp had come up with that one from, the vampire had no idea. He wasn't actually too sure what his real surname was, his mother had never told him who his father had been and it was entirely possible that she hadn't known either. When he had lived with his mother, he had been known as Blue Eyed Will. Once a thief, he had been William the Bloody Light Fingered, shortened to William the Bloody after being turned.

The vampire had been using the surname given to him by the boy for a while but now seeing it in such important black lettering, he had realised that he had never bothered to wonder why that name. He was going to have to ask, it was just a little too foofy for his taste but he was sure the surname Bloody would draw more questions.

With all the stress of his trip to jail, the Initiative soldier and the turd Samuel, he had been unable to come up with something for his ten minute speech. Something he had thought about while waiting for Xander to get out of the shower that morning. The boy had woken up feeling a little better, privately the vampire thought that he still looked like a poster child for South African acid spitting zombies. Nasty buggers, they were! Lots of coughing later, they were both sitting in the classroom watching Megan give her five-minute talk on rainbows and flowers, her parents beaming from ear to ear. Mark gave his talk on how to tell the difference between numerous types of salmon and trout. Spike had been unable to hide a shudder, he hated fish and nothing was going to change his mind, least of all a homophobic dickhead. Carol slowly told the group how to cook a batch of cookies that were guaranteed to turn you diabetic with all the chocolate.

Finally, it had been Spikes turn after the morning break. Unable to think of a subject, he fell back onto what he knew. Demons. He had had them all spellbound as he told the group about a special Barbie like girl who was like David to the demons' Goliath. Sarah had had to eventually tell him to wrap it up as he had gone over his ten minutes. A glance at Xander and his undead heart had leapt at the look of nasally sniffling pride. Xander had been last but due to his being unable to keep up with the class, Sarah had just gotten him to recite the alphabet, sign everybody's names and a few of the courtesy phrases they had all learnt on day two.

Sarah had told Xander that if he was able to video a ten minute speech and post it to her, she would send him a certificate after viewing it. It was this that silenced the protests of Mark and Carol. They had started to harp on about the unfairness of Xander getting his certificate on the basis of him not doing his speech much to the annoyance of the rest of the class. A few twiddled thumbs later and a good bye to Sarah, the two males ignored, the family had left early after being handed their certificates. Xander, Spike and Sarah had taken the opportunity to have a few drinks in the student bar on the large campus. The afternoon had been fairly pleasant, the vampire thinking that Sarah would get on like a house on fire with their group of friends back in Pennington.

Eventually, Sarah said goodbye and after exchanging phone numbers with Xander, she had taken the opportunity to go home early. Spike and Xander had decided to walk the alcohol off by strolling around the various corridors, stopping to giggle at a dramatic arts class before being told to go away. They had stumbled onto the library and a whole section of shops specifically for the students so that they wouldn't have to venture into the central Fairbanks during school hours. Xander had pounced on the mobile communications shop, intent on getting the discussed beeper. Spike had wandered around the other shops aimlessly while waiting for the brunette to complete his purchase, the vampires mind on what to do about Samuel.

The whole car trip back once it got dark enough for the blonde, Xander had prattled on about how to use the beeper. Spike had had numerous pieces of paper shoved at him, the vampire barely taking notice as his panic had mounted about the native Alaskan. Sure enough, as soon as they had pulled up at the Inn and had gone inside, Samuel's head had popped over the lobby desk and he had greeted them both with a hearty smile and a wink for Spike once Xander wasn't looking.

Bag stuffed to the brim, Spike waited for Xander to finish his own packing before moving downstairs. Spike had a plan. Not a very good one but it was a plan nonetheless. Elevator taken, Xander leaned over and gave the vampire a soft kiss on the cheek that had the blonde grinning from ear to ear. Spike leaned in close and gave the brunettes neck a long sweep with his cool tongue, Xander moaning in delight. The vampire felt the first stirrings of his cock, something that was exciting until Xander sneezed, sniffled and grunted at the excess mucus in his throat. The two men looked at each other with matching grimaces, Xander telling the vampire that they would be taking it slow for the next few days. Nodding, Spike was in wholehearted agreement.

Spike knew that he was officially virgin tight again. It was going to hurt no matter how slow Xander was going to take it and he was more than likely going to bleed and tear for the next few days. The vampire was in two minds about if he should tell the brunette. On one hand, he wanted to tell the youth so that Xander would make sure that he did take it slow and gentle but he didn't want to tell the whelp because the vampire knew that his rebounding tightness would be used against him in the future. As soon as Xander got into one of his hissy fits, especially the slow to boil ones. Needless to say, Spikes stomach was roiling at the choice.

Xander took the bags from the vampire, carrying them out to the car after Spike gestured that he wanted to talk to Samuel. While up in the room, the vampire had spun a little tale that he had spent some time downstairs with Samuel while Xander had been sleeping with the flu. Xander had apologised for being sick and spoiling what could have been a fun week for them both. The bleached blonde had accepted the apology with a smile, hoping to god that the brunette never found out just how much 'fun' the vampire had had with out him. Once he was sure that Xander was occupied with the bags, Spike gave Samuel a smile and a 'come hither' look.

With a sniff, Spike could smell the increasing arousal from the native Alaskan. Drawing the other male down to the furthest end of the large lobby desk, the blonde quickly wrote a note that although Xander wasn't interested, Spike would be more than happy to give the desk jockey a blow before leaving. Samuel read the words quietly. It wasn't what he wanted and just as he looked up to snap his protest, he caught sight of the pale mans face.

Spike let his fangs drop and his pupils change as soon as Samuel lowered his head to read the note. He was hoping that the look of his demon eyes and the glint of his fangs would be enough to scare the man into keeping his mouth shut. His chip shouldn't go off, as he technically wasn't hurting anyone, and really not even threatening anyone. As far as his chip should be concerned, the vampire was letting his demon out for just a little moment.

Another sniff and the bleached blonde could smell the arousal come to an abrupt halt, the aroma of terror quickly filling the lobby. He smiled widely so that Samuel could see his razor sharp fangs. Placing a finger across his lips, the vampire gently shook his head as the other man opened his mouth to scream. Spike heard the desk jockey's jaw snap shut, Samuel nodded vigorously at the blonde�s gesture. Writing a note telling the other man to forget about the jail incident, Spike felt his knees go weak as Samuel continued to nod his head.

Spike gently patted at the other man's shoulder, ignoring the flinch of the slender shoulders. Thank god that he had at least some of his game face back! Now all he had to worry about was the Initiative soldier finding him.

*****
Part 14:

Spike and Xander�s cabin in Pennington

Friday, 16 February

10.43pm

~ Mmmmmm, right there! very nice Pet, please keeeeeep gooooiiinnng...ahhhhhhh ~

The scent of chocolate wafted through the warm cabin as the vampire lay on his stomach, his head supported upon his crossed arms. His half erect cock was being thoroughly mashed into the rumpled comforter beneath him, but for the moment Spike couldn't have given a toss. He was in heaven.

"Is that nice? Do you want me to go harder?"

~ Jesus Whelp, this is bloody perfect! ~

Large warm hands stroked slowly up and down the pale back, tracing the firm muscles that rippled just below the silky surface. Long sweeping strokes that started from the vampires nape, gently touching each vertebra as the oily hands reached the final destination of the perfect buttocks. The ripe flesh given total dedication for a few minutes, Xander shuffled himself backwards, ending up between the firm pale thighs.

"You do know that I'm going to have to lick this off you don't you?"

At the vampires strangled moan, Xander snickered, pouring a generous amount of chocolate massage oil over the blondes left thigh. He barely managed to catch the dripping lotion before it greeted the comforter, using both hands to work the oil down to the twitching knee. Firmer sweeping motions interwoven with occasional rolls of the pale flesh, Xander started on the slim calf muscles, ending up giving the sole of the foot a few feathery touches as Spike proved to be ticklish. Laughing, the brunette turned to give the other leg the same treatment.

~ Xannndderrr...soooo goooood! Love you ~

"I'm proud of you Spike, you did really well. I'm going to get the certificate framed after I send a copy to Willow and Tara."

Xander really was proud of the vampire. The blonde had put aside his fears, his resentment and embarrassment of being unable to speak and had put all his efforts into the course. The youth was still feeling guilty that he hadn't been able to keep up with the class. He knew how much it must have bored the vampire to potter around the Inn while Xander was in bed after each day at school. Xander was just thankful that boredom hadn't gotten Spike into any trouble. Anyway, the bleached blonde had been quite helpful a few times, carrying the youth into the bathroom when necessary. The massage was a small thank you, the chocolate massage oil however was a big bonus.

Hearing the vampire trying to smother his giggles as Xander reached the right foot, the brunette told the vampire to turn onto his front. Xander knelt back onto his feet, positioned in-between the blondes thighs. Annoyance settled over the youth as he saw the struggle it was for the vampire to relax in that position. He had apologised for the attack, he shouldn't have to do it again. Xander watched as Spike�s expression went from pure fear to defiance, finally settling on uneasy acceptance. It was a start, hopefully with enough time, Spike would smile willingly whenever Xander wanted the traditional missionary position, something that the youth was determined to enjoy again.

"X.a.n.d.e.r."

Xander was captivated by the way the long fingers made the intricate letterings for his name, the former annoyance sliding away as he realised something. From memory, it was the first time that the vampire had ever used his real name, the two toned grunt not even being considered anymore. Softly he whispered, "Again."

"X.a.n.d.e.r."

With a hand reached out, the brunette lightly touched the cool fingers as his name was spelt out, letter by letter. Spikes blue eyes were wide as he heard the heartbeat accelerate. The youths fingers felt like they were scorching his own as they ran over the vampires hands as he was signing his claimant�s name. The position was unsettling but he wasn't really paying attention as he took in the brunettes flushed face, the youths breathing getting a little heavier.

~ Sodding heck! The whelp is kinky for this signing shit! Strike me speechless, no..wait. That�s already been done ~

"C.l.a.i.m.a.n.t."

"Jesus Spike, say my name again. Say it in full."

~Whoa...I think this is new uncharted territory for kinkdom, not that I'm complaining. As long as he fucks me in a different position that is. ~

With a grin at the brunette, he moaned only a second later as a large warm hand encircled his hard cock. Eyes closed for just a moment, Spike snapped them open again at his claimants request, surprised to see that Xander had his other hand firmly around his own thick penis. Allowing his hips to thrust lightly up into Xander�s hand, the vampire racked his brains for the right sign for 'H'. Once found, he started the request.

"X.a.n.d.e.r H.a.r.r.i.s."

The speed picked up on the handjob, Spike couldn't help but wonder if Xander would jump him in the supermarket or out shopping each time the vampire signed. After a thought, the vampire was sure it was going to be a good thing. Eyes yellowing, Spike felt his fangs drop as the youth thumbed over the vampires weeping slit, using the pre-cum to lubricate the shaft.

"Alexander Lavelle Harris. Do it Spike, fucking say it!"

Both males were panting as Xander kept a firm grip on their respective cocks, his hands pumping as steady identical rhythm.

"A.l.e.x.a.n.d.e.r L.a.v.e.l.l.e H.a.r.r.i.s."

"Mmmmm. You�re talking to me..using my name, your hands...your face. Fucking beautiful."

~ So that's were the name came from. I really am his, he wouldn't give me his name if he didn't want me. ~

Harder and faster, the firming grip on his cock was driving Spike close to the edge and from the smell, Xander was just about to come. The vampire whined as the brunette let go of his cock, only to gasp as he found that the whelp had gotten more massage oil. The feeling was divine, his sensitive balls being touched every now and again by Xander�s large fingertips.

"Who do..do you b.belong to?"

"Y.o.u."

With a roar, Xander shot over Spike�s groin, both his hands and the vampire�s penis. As soon as he felt the warm cum coat his cock, Spike sliced his tongue on one of his fangs, letting the taste of his own blood tip him over the edge. Grunting as the brunette slowed down his actions, Spike found himself hauled up so that he was sitting opposite Xander. Gently, the vampire was kissed, a warm tongue probing inside his cooler mouth.

~ Well, if the signing turns him on so bloody much then its safe to assume no more broken fingers in the future. ~

Xander broke the long kiss, gasping slightly for breath. The sheer beauty of the language had been overwhelming. He liked it, he liked it a *lot*. It was just pure artistry. Finally, he was able to understand and speak a language. Pulling away from the vampire for a moment, he slowly did his own signing.

"S.p.i.k.e."

Rewarded with a hungry kiss, the two sated males sank down on the mattress, experimenting with various signs into the early hours of the morning. Laying spooned against each other, they succumbed to sleep, oblivious to the spilt massage oil leaking into the mattress.

*****
Part 15:

Monday, 19 February,

9.35 am

After having racked his brains for pretty much the whole morning since waking up, Spike knew that the only person able to help him was Lukas. The blonde vampire was still a little hesitant to ask the Kava demon, especially after the larger man had been so nosy regarding Spikes relationship with Xander.

Walking in the darkness towards the Post Office, he was unsure of how to ask for the other demons help. He really had no choice anyway. The bleached blonde needed a social security number, a birth certificate, and a life�s history background. Why? Simple really, he needed to get a current drivers licence, and the birth certificate and social security number were mandatory when applying.

The other thing he needed was a lawyer experienced in dealing with demons, someone that the Fijian was sure to know. If not Lukas, then the vampire�s employers would know someone. He just wanted this thing over and done with. The sooner it was dealt with, then the less chance of Xander ever finding out.

A hiss escaped him as he stumbled over a hidden tree root, the protesting muscles in his anus making themselves known. After a whole week of non-penetration sex, he had been virgin tight again, Xander ripping and tearing Spike as he had sunk slowly into a trembling vampire. The vampire had eventually told his Claimant about his rebounding virginity on the previous Saturday morning, just as Xander started to loosen the blonde up.

Xander had been puzzled as to why the vampire wasn't loosening up as usual. The brunette had been shocked at the very thought, and true to his word, the youth had taken the vampire as slowly as possible. Spike had clenched his teeth, trying not to let any of the small whimpers of pain get loud enough for the boy to hear. As soon as Xander had started to batter his way into the vampire, he had torn, each thrust ripping at his insides. Something that would continue until he was once again used to being sodomized.

The brunette had gently wiped at the blood and cum that had coated the white thighs, dabbing tentatively at the bruised anus with a warm washcloth, the vampire trying to hold back his tears as he knew that Xander would get angry if he caught the vampire crying. Spike had given the boy a blowjob as had been demanded after an hour, Xander giving him a brief respite. Later that night, the bleached blonde acknowledged that he had made the right decision not to tell the youth of how Angelus used to punish his youngest Childe, holding back from having sex with him until a week or more had gone by, then brutally raping the newly virginal flesh in the cruellest and hardest possible ways.

He loved Xander with all that he was capable of, but it didn't mean that he trusted the brunette and deep down, he knew that one day the youth would certainly follow Angelus' footsteps. The vampire knew that the boy liked to give it rough but if Xander waited until the blonde was used to it again, then he would be happy.

The Post Office looming in the distance, Spike found himself looking forward to seeing the other demon again. Lukas may be nosy but he was a fellow demon, someone who understood the intricacies of living amongst unsuspecting humans. As much as Spike liked his bosses, ultimately that was what they were, his financial superiors. Fellow demons as well but Spike and the owners of the Chinese restaurant were divided by employer and employee relations. Spike couldn't risk pissing them off during a drunken socialising and losing his job, he needed it more than ever now.

Feet wiped at the 'Welcome' mat, the vampire snickered. Even some demons didn't know about all aspects of vampire lore. Door pushed open, Spike walked to the counter and rang the brass bell. While waiting for the Kava demon, the blonde wondered just how much this was going to cost him and what he would have to do if money wasn't the answer.

"Hey Spike, good to see you. How was the course, you like Fairbanks? Want a beer or blood?"

"L.u.k.s.s.....L.u.k.a.s."

Frowning a little at his mistake, the vampire nevertheless got it right on the second attempt. He smiled widely as the demon correctly guessed that it was his own name that had just been signed. Arm grabbed, the vampire found himself being dragged towards the steps leading down to the large walk in fridge. Lukas babbled about what Steph had ended up calling her baby girl as he got out an assortment of blood bags. Moose, caribou, cow and something new. Taking a look at the light pink blood filling one of the bags, Spike arched his eyebrow at the taller man.

"Go on, taste it. I want your opinion, go on...don't be such a wuss."

~ It poisons me and I'll bloody well make sure that the last thing I do is rip your brains from your head via your sodding toenails ~

Spike gave the fellow demon a smile, wondering just what could produce such pale blood and not really sure if he should take the challenge. Only a second later, he thought that any free blood was good blood. A small tear in one corner of the thick plastic and the vampire took a whiff.

~ Never smelt that before, wonder what it is? ~

Actually that was a lie, he had smelt something very similar a few times before but he couldn't place where he knew it from, but he was sure that it was some sort of animal blood and not demon as he had first suspected. The bag given a roll in his hand, careful not to spill any out of the small slit, he was wary as he saw how thin the liquid looked.

"It won't hurt you, won't bite either. Its pretty much karked it."

~ Fuck off smart arse, it just looks really...um, what�s the word that Red uses...'icky'. ~

Bag held up to his mouth, Spike took a small sip. The fluid rolled around his mouth, the flavour strange but not entirely unpleasant even with it being cold. Another larger sip and he found himself surprised at how nicely the bloods flavour settled down. It was nice, it was cold but it was nice. A few gulps later and the blood was finished, the vampire patting his full stomach.

"You like it?"

At Spikes nod, the Kava demon happily told the vampire that it was salmon blood, mixed together with a little bit of cod blood. A second later, the vampire was running to the toilet, Lukas feeling a little confused, slowly followed. Shoulders shrugged at the retching sounds from the bathroom, Lukas proceed to wander down to the kitchen. Two beers gotten out, he popped the caps off both as he waited for the vampire to make his appearance.

Mouth wiped, the vampire now knew how the Whelp had felt after discovering what the Eskimo Ice-cream was made up of. He felt a flood of sympathy go towards the youth, it wasn't nice to discover something you like was ultimately made from truly vile things. He hated fish. All types of fish, the only ones he had a grudging respect for were the Great White Shark and piranha. Good kick arse fish. Cod liver oil, that was where he had placed it from, his mother had forced the occasional large spoonful down his throat as a child, supposedly preventing some sort of cough or cold. Another wipe with the toilet tissue, Spike flushed the remains of his breakfast. Hands washed, he ventured into the kitchen.

"I thought you liked it? Too thin, does it need bulking up?"

~ Gack! Its nice to taste but the reality of what it is will never convince me to take another sip. ~

Writing it down for Lukas to read, he wasn't amused when the other demon told him that the mixture was what Rhonda had come up with for a summer supplement. Apparently the other vampire was going to send a few of her minions up before summer started so that they could get her houses ready for when she came down in the next winter.

~ Ello, looks like next winter will be a lay low. Me and the Whelp staying right out of the way. ~

Tuned back into what the demon was saying, he was surprised to find that the fish blood supposedly took the edge off the summer grogginess. At his question, Spike was told that Rhonda had been working on something to help with the problem of 'vampire summer hibernation' for as long as she had been vacationing in Alaska. She was continually annoyed that her minions couldn't function properly during summer if left alone in Alaska.

With a nod, he agreed with Lukas that it would be good to find something that wouldn't make him continually groggy through the up and coming season. He listened to the other demon describe how last year, Rhonda had sent a month old minion, accompanied by one of her oldest, to Anchorage for the summer with the direct instructions of the new minion only to have the fish mixture with the older one having both human and the fish mixture. After hearing the reports, Rhonda had been happy to tell Lukas that although the minion was stupid anyway, it had still been groggy but no where as near as any others that had been subjected to the Alaskan summer. The older minion had apparently also been greatly improved.

~ So, still not keen on the idea of fish, no matter how nice it is. ~

With a sip of his beer, the vampire gestured towards the living room, letting Lukas lead the way. Spike ended up staying through the still brief sunny period, leaving just as it started to get dark. Around 4 pm. Walking home, he was pleased everything had gone so well. In two weeks, he would have a current birth certificate, a driver�s licence and a meeting with a lawyer at the Post Office. He had ended up laughing with Lukas as he had told the other demon of his escapades while staying in Fairbanks, looking at it now, he could laugh about his arrest.

He had however valiantly *not* thought about the abusive ex-soldier. When Diehl was going to crop up again, and no doubt he would, was anybody�s guess. What Spike was going to do when Diehl made his move, he really didn't know. The vampire just hoped that nothing of his arrest got back to the Slayer, she would tell Red and Mousegirl who would then squeal it down the phone to Xander. Hello broken bones!

His stomach beginning to twist at the mere thought, Spike picked up his pace, wondering if a few Mylanta tablets would soothe his stomach.

*****
Part 16:

21 Wednesday 2001

5.32 pm

"I can't fucking believe it! Can you?"

Pacing up and down, the tall brunette was gesturing madly to the smaller blond who was nestled into the couch. Head shaken at the question, Spike sat quietly as his Claimant rode out his anger.

"I mean, after all the complaints about him you would think that they wouldn't renew his contract again, but apparently there isn't enough people employed by the company for them to let go of such a, and I quote, 'valuable and experienced staff member'."

A resounding snort ricocheted around the room as the blond vampire realised just what he was hearing. Stan, the troublemaker of Xander's work crew, was staying. His contract had just been renewed for another two years, which meant the brunette would be coming home in a bad mood at least once a week. Even after the younger man had laid into Stan at Mac's party, the older Alaskan still baited Xander, making homophobic comments at every opportunity.

Since coming out, Xander had been somewhat supported by his workmates. As long as the brunette didn't get any ideas about touching one of them, then they were pretty much alright about it. Stan, however, continued to try and get a few of the more narrow-minded ones to stir up some trouble with the youth, Mac and Josesse putting a stop to any trouble straight away. Unfortunately, that only led to Stan commenting about Xander being favoured by the crew boss, creating even more tension between the two men.

Spike hoped that the angrily pacing youth would continue to try and ignore the comments that were directed daily towards him.

"And you know what? That fuckhead had the nerve to come up to me and tell me that because I had been *blowing* both Mac and Josesse, I couldn't have been that good because he was still staying. Apparently, my *Master Plan* of getting him fired by sucking up to the boss hadn't worked."

~ Bloody fuck! I'm with you Pet. Wish I had this sodding chip out, the prick wouldn't be a problem then. Few hours torture and things would be fine again ~

The vampire rubbed at his tingling scalp as the chip reacted to his thoughts. Not much pain, just a sharp slap above both ears, slowly disintegrating into a dull throbbing. It would go away in a few minutes, just one of the usual warnings from the chip. A deep purring echoed from the sleepy kitten curled up into his lap, Spike gently tweaking her whiskers.

"I don't think I can cope with another two years of him constantly hounding me. When my contract is up, I'm gonna seriously think about transferring to Anchorage or right down to Juneau."

Hand freezing in mid tweak, the smaller male was stunned as Xander flopped down onto the couch beside him, a warm hand resting upon his cooler thigh next to Twatcat.

~ But I don't want to move...I mean, it's Alaska, and it's always going to be a backwater interbred wanker State, but for the first time since this bloody chip and the crypt incident, I've got some sort of life ~

"S.u.r.e..p.e.t"

Rewarded with a deep, hot kiss, Spike moaned into his claimant's mouth as a protesting feline was pushed off his lap. The sudden coolness left by the kitten was quickly dismissed as Xander lay back along the couch, dragging the blond on top of him. The vampire smiled widely as he snuggled into the youth's warmth, his whole front feeling like he was lying on top of an electric blanket. Xander wrapped his arms around the smaller demon, decorating the pale face with delicate kisses as he tried to keep his mind off the totally unwanted news.

One hand making soothing circles on cool flesh, Xander allowed his mind to wander back to earlier on that day. As soon as he had gotten into work, he had known something was wrong. Both Josesse and Mac had called him over, and for a brief instant he had thought he was about to be fired. Once in the portable office, he had been stunned at first upon hearing the news. He and the vampire had both been counting down the days until Stan left the company, neither of them being able to stand the native Alaskan.

The two other men had explained the situation as calmly as possible and Xander had come to see it from the company's point of view. It was true, there wasn't enough skilled staff that wanted to stay with the company. The youth had quickly come to the same conclusion as the rest of his workmates. The men and women who came for two or three weeks at a time to work with the company, trying to experience the wilds of Alaska, were more annoying than helpful. He really couldn't blame the company for wanting to hang onto one of its longest-working employees.

Josesse had calmed the furious brunette by telling him that Mac was looking into getting Stan swapped with another employee from one of the company's other branches, but so far it didn't look like a viable option. Upon leaving the office he had had to restrain himself from beating a smirking Stan into a deep coma. As bad as the other man was, he had never made a single comment about Spike since the party at Mac's place after Xander had made it patently obvious that he would tolerate no-one touching or picking on the smaller blond. Xander however, was just waiting for the one little slipped comment that would justify his beating of Stan again.

With a giggle, he snapped back into the present as he found his neck being gently sucked on by a cool set of lips. The vampire's soft hair was tickling his chin, the small hands slowly creeping under his workshirt.

"Shower?"

"Y.e.s..n.i.c.e..s.h.a.g?"

~ Yeah pet, want a good shag in there as well, a hard wank too!~

"Yes Spike, a shag as well."

Hauled up, Xander laughed, feeling some of the previous tension slip away as he followed a leering blond into the cooler bathroom. Both men stripped off, their clothes thrown to the floor in a colourful display. Water turned on, Spike was helped into the pounding water, Xander grinding against the smaller man's backside with an achingly hard cock. Clasping the vampire tightly to his chest, the brunette rubbed his shaft between the perfectly formed buttocks, eliciting moans from them both.

Fumbling with the ever-present lube, Spike flipped open the lid, pouring a small amount into his pale hand. One hand reached around behind him, the vampire ran his lubed fingers slowly up and down the hot, thick shaft, grinning as Xander let his head thump down onto his shoulder. Once he was satisfied that his Claimant's cock was well prepared, he poured some more lube into his hand before starting his own preparation. With a grunt, he allowed Xander to take over for him, groaning as he felt a large finger brush against his prostate.

Xander gritted his teeth as he pulled his last finger from the tight, cool channel of his Adored. One last rub of his cock against the pale rosebud, he pushed firmly into the resisting flesh. With short, firm, thrusts, he soon found himself embedded to the hilt, panting with the effort of trying not to go too hard. He didn't want to hurt the vampire just yet, not until Spike was used to being fucked again. Just listening to the almost whispered grunts set his heart racing again, encouraging him to start a slow rocking.

Moving to meet every thrust into him, the blond braced himself against the shower wall, eyes rolling as he felt the thick organ pulsing steadily inside of him. He could hear the whelp's heartbeat grow faster at each little whimper the vampire emitted. With each thrust, he could feel the pressure increasing, his own hard cock being ignored. A hand reached down, he grasped his shaft in a firm hold, using the warm water for lubrication. Timing his fisting with Xander's thrusts, the two men set up a comfortable routine, each one enjoying the time out from the worries of the outer world.

Almost there, the brunette reaffirmed his grip on the slender white hips, his fingers indenting the pale flesh. Another thrust and Xander watched as the vampire came into the corner of the shower, signalling that it was time for his own release. Muffling his guttural grunts into the crook of the blond's neck, the youth held the smaller man still as he flooded the cool channel with his seed. Upon pulling out, he gently turned the vampire to face him, leaning down to nibble at the cool lips.

Arms wrapped around each other, the two men enjoying the mutual comfort being offered.

*****
Part 17:

23 Friday 2001

8.52 pm

Eyes downcast to the dirty concrete, Spike fiddled nervously with the dangling string of his apron. Nodding to the quiet words, he agreed to the terms the other man was telling him. At each pause, the vampire nodded harder, swallowing in fear. Stomach twisting, he wondered just how Diehl had found out where he worked.

Everything had been fine since returning from Fairbanks. Xander still didn't know about his arrest, Lukas had gotten the ball rolling on the vampires drivers licence and birth certificate and Spike had finally thought of what to get Xander for his up and coming birthday. Off to work he had toddled earlier that afternoon, walking as usual. The cold not really getting to him even though he did feel it, thankful for the thick jacket Joyce had shamed the others into buying for him.

Work had been great, one of the lower kitchen hands showing him how to carve onion flowers and carrot dragons for decoration. Everything had been fine up until a few minutes ago. Helen had answered a knock at the back door, calling Spike over after a few sharp words to the concealed person.

With his senses clogged with numerous heated aromas, he hadn't really picked up the visitors scent until a few steps away and then it had been too late. A large hand had reached out and grabbed him, dragging him from the safety of the kitchen and into the cold air. The door had been firmly closed, leaving the vampire pressed against the restaurant wall. Diehl had spat at him, slapping at the vampire as he had reached up to wipe at the spittle making its slow way down his face.

After being told not to move, Spike had allowed it to continue its journey, listening to the other man threaten Xander's life if the vampire didn't co-operate. How Diehl knew Xander was his boyfriend, he really didn't know but he did know that the ex-Initiative soldier was deadly serious about his threats. The vampire had known the other man was going to be a problem sooner or later but had been praying for later. Unfortunately life wasn't that kind. Now he was wishing Xander would put in for a transfer, maybe he could talk to him tonight?

A punch to the stomach brought him back to reality, Spike sucking in a lungful of unneeded air as his brutalized muscles protested.

"You fucking listen to me when I speak to you Bitch. You do as I say and no harm will come to that faggot you live with, got me?"

Head nodded vigorously, Spike wished for divine intervention of some sort. All he wanted to do was go inside and finish the onions he had started on.

"I'll be at your place next Friday. Don't fucking disappoint me, be there when I arrive or....."

Spike was nodding so hard and fast, he thought his head would fall off. He was going to be there. If that was what Diehl wanted, then he would be waiting. The demon was horrified by what the other man was suggesting, worried about how he had let the last sentence trail off, not even bothering with another threat. That the ex-soldier knew just how to play him. The vampire sniffed, his tears continuing to roll down his cheeks. He was scared, it was something he couldn�t deny.

"Don't cry Sweetheart, you won't have to do much, I promise."

Almost tenderly, the ex-soldier held the blonde's chin up, forcing the vampire to drop his eyes lower. Trembling in fright, Spike wished the other man would just rape or beat him, anything for it to be over. The taller man dropped an unexpected kiss on the vampires forehead, stunning the panting demon.

"See you next week, Bitch."

Chin released, Spike wobbled to the ground as Diehl strode away to his awaiting car. Rubbing furiously at his forehead, he waited a few minutes before trying to stand again. Why did everything have to stuff up on him? Were his previous crimes really so bad that fate had it in for him?

Eyes wiped, the vampire slowly rose once he saw the ex-soldiers car disappear from view. He was frightened of what the other man had promised to inflict upon Xander if the demon didn't co-operate. Bodily harm, beatings and even a gang rape, much like Spikes own. It was that threat that had made the demon choke, gagging on the rising bile.

The one that had made him the most frightened had been the threat to tell Xander about his escapades in Fairbanks. It had been a truly sobering moment when the demon had realised that he was more scared of copping the brunt of Xander's temper than he was of the ex-Iniative soldier. It was this that led him to his descion.

He was going to have to find a way to dispose of the soldier before next Friday. There was not a chance in hell that he wanted to tell Xander about Diehl, not with the whole stress about Stan. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see a way out other than to tell Xander the truth about Diehl and his involvement in the crypt incident.

Diehl was the one solder that Spike officially was an Adored to. The taller man was the first one to cum on the vampires face, completing the claiming ritual. A forced sexual encounter followed by the humiliation of having his face covered in cum.

It was a horrifyingly simple ritual. One would think that demons could come up with a more complicated ritual for picking sexual slaves amongst their own species but obviously not. When vampires initiated it, the Claimant usually broke enough bones to ensure the intended Adored was unable to resist much, pretty much like his own claiming in the crypt. After the initial claim, the Adoreds were usually 'claimed' again before the five year period was over unless the Claimant got tired of them and let them go.

The vampire was sure that once Xander found out who the previously unnamed soldier was, the younger brunette was going to go mental. Hopefully, the younger male would find out how to get rid of the soldier. Something that Spike had faith in.

*****
Part 18:

2 march, Friday, 2001

9.44 am

I can't do this anymore.

I'm sick and tired of washing dishes, chopping sodding vegetables for food that I will never be able to taste due to the high garlic content. Getting my jollies from bashing pieces of days old dead animals. Carving bloody carrot dragons. Waste of time, they just get eaten anyway.

I used to like walking to work every Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoon. Won't be able to do it for much longer, so I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts. The sun will be shining full force in about a month when its time for me to leave for the kitchen, that is if I'm not too affected by the "Summer Hibernation" that can disable vampires. Now I have this fear that my rapist will stop me along the way, on a deserted patch of road and offer to drive me the rest of the way.

What would he do if I said no?

More importantly, what will he do if I just get in the car with no argument?

I feel like I've been shoved back to Sunnydale, I don't want to venture out of the front door without Xander by my side. The small freedom I regained when we moved and I started work has shrunk as my fears have mounted again. I can smell Diehl�s scent over everything I touch. Logically I know its not there but I can't seem to wrap my mind around it. Last night when I was taking a shower, I squealed when Xander hopped in with me. All I could smell was Diehl, beer and sweat.

I pretended that my head hurt when Xander asked me what was wrong. Stood in the warm water and let my Claimant press kisses to my 'hurting' scalp. Had a fucking doozy of a nightmare last Friday night. Not one of the usuals, where Arseholes Inc. take turns to stomp on me or rape me but the whole event in the crypt, the whole nasty re-digitalised version.

I'm a Master Vampire and I shouldn't be nervous around humans, I shouldn't have the constant fear that I will one day unconsciously attempt to defend myself against a human and get a headache in return. I've raped, maimed, tortured and murdered my way across continents and islands. I still am technically one quarter of the Scourge of Europe. It's a name that still strikes fear into any demon. I should be sitting in a bar somewhere with my Dark Princess, opposite Angelus and Darla, whisky and beer whetting our appetites. Scoping out our next meals.

The fact that one of us is chipped, one souled, one dead and the last quarter of the Scourge is insane shouldn't be taken into account but it won't be long before even that smidgeon of respect is taken as demons lose their fear of me. What I'm about to do is going to make that decision for any demon really easy.

I'm William the Bloody and I'm about to let my rapist into my home.

I'm going to let him do whatever he wants to me.

I'm too scared of Xander's moods to tell him about Diehl, every time I came close, I would freeze.

In ten minutes, Diehl will be knocking at my door and I'm frightened by what is about to happen but realising that I'm more scared of Xander's moods makes me wonder if Xander is worth it?

I love him and I'm doing this for him. If it was just me, I would up sticks and fucking run but I don't want Xander to go through what I did.

Is he worth the beatings, the snarled putdowns? Should I have stayed after the rape and it was rape back in the kitchen, I'm not going to lie to myself anymore. Should I still take Lukas' advice and leave after I manage to deal with the ex-soldier?

If I leave before Xander officially claims me, I will be free. My heart will be breaking but in time it will heal...I think it will. I don't want to risk falling out of love with him if he continues to beat me, even if he does become my official Claimant.

I don't want to make these decisions...I don't want to think about anything anymore.

Diehl? He's at the door and he's early.

I suppose I should take a deep breath and just get it over with.

It's Diehl that's making me think like this. Once he's gone, these stupid thoughts will be no more.

*****
Part 19:

2 march, Friday, 2001

2.17 pm

Wiping his brow, Xander welcomed the small droplets of sweat that were forming across his forehead. It meant the warmer weather was definitely on its way. In the past few months, no matter how hard he worked, he had been unable to work up a decent sweat with out shivering from the intense cold a few seconds later.

Still, he was thankful that the current project was all indoors at the moment. With such a staff shortage, the work crew he was in had to do nearly all of the indoor carpentry and fixture installation as well as bricking the shell of the latest projects. The brunette liked the carpentry and the time spent indoors but he was looking forward to getting back outdoors and using his work time to just do the basic shell constructions.

Deep in concentration while measuring a length of Formica for a tabletop, he at first took no notice of the piping of his beeper. Only a few seconds later, he jerked upright as the tiny black box went into vibrator mode. Trying not to giggle as it vibrated against his ticklish left hip, Xander stared down at the number flashing on the lit screen.

137

His lucky number and the vampires. Unfortunately, it also meant that Spike was either in the process of having a 'flash' or had just experienced one. It meant that he had to get home as fast as possible. Heart rate accelerating beyond the realms of normal, he ignored the startled faces of his workmates as he pushed his way past them, towards Mac. He had already informed his boss about the beeper, putting the vampires 'episodes' down to after affects of the car accident. Both Mac and Josesse had sympathised with him, telling him that they hoped the young man's partner would never need to call.

"Mac, Spike just beeped me. I have to go, I'm sorry."

"It's alright, just go. You can make the hours up later if it's not too serious. Call me..tell me if everything is ok?"

Hand run through his hair, Xander tried to shove down the rising anxiety. With a distracted nod to his boss' question, he gave a halfhearted wave to Josesse while making his way to the car. A twist of the key, he threw the transmission into drive, not even bothering to let the car warm up like usual. Providing the roads were ok, it would only take him 20 minutes to get back home.

Hoping that the vampire was alright, Xander pressed his foot hard against the accelerator paying scant attention to the mild swerving of the old commodore.

==============================================

23 minutes later,

Car steering wheel wrenched into the locking position, Xander threw open his door while struggling with a seatbelt that was refusing to retract.

"Fuck! Bloody thing, just get off me!"

"Thank you."

Muttering the snarky comment, the agitated brunette took a few deep breathes before inserting the key into the lock. Things must be bad for the vampire, the door was usually flung open before Xander even had the chance to pull out his keys. The door pushed open slowly, Xander let his eyes adjust to the darkness of the cabin.

"Spike?"

Stepping into the cabin, the youth panned his vision over the main room, his gaze settling on a figure curled into a ball on the middle of the mattresses.

"Spike, I'm home now and everything is going to be ok."

A small whine greeted Xander's ears at the comment. A few strides took him to the vampire's side, the brunette sinking to his knees while scooping the shaking figure into his arms. With firm but gentle fingers, he raised the bleached blond's chin, noting the pale features were scrunched tight, tears rolling down the sharp planes of his cheeks.

"It's alright Spike, just relax. I'm here now...just relax."

Minutes passed as Xander rocked the shivering, whimpering male in his warm clasp, the vampire clinging to him. Humming a nonsensical tune, the brunette wondered just what had happened this time. What part of the vampire's game face had been affected, which part would be coming through next? He dared not run his fingers through the soft hair, afraid of causing more pain to the vampire. The minutes slowly ticked by as Spike's shaking finally started to calm down, his grip loosening a little.

"Ssshhhh, sssshhhh. Are you feeling a little better now?"

A small nod.

"Do you want me to call Giles?"

Slightly larger headshake.

Shifting slightly, Xander leaned back against the cabin wall, Spike moving to sit between the brunette's spread thighs. Pulled back against the warm chest, the vampire allowed his head to drop back, nestling into Xander's neck. Eyes closed, the bleached blond drank in the comforting scent of his Claimant, letting the familiar sound of the youth's breathing calm him further. What on earth had he been thinking of earlier? He was obviously so much safer when Xander was around despite the brunette's vile temper.

"You want a coffee?"

Small nod.

With a kiss dropped onto the soft expanse of almost white hair, Xander gently manoeuvred the vampire to one side. Stretching his protesting limbs, the brunette smiled down at the smaller male as Spike started 'talking'.

"T.h.r.e.e..b.u.g.a.r.s?"

"Bugars?"

A snort of frustration and a hiccup later, Spike was watching Xander getting out a packet of the caribou blood. Wiping his eyes, the vampire sniffled a small smile as he was made both a mug of blood and a coffee with extra milk and three sugars. He felt his heart swell with love at the gesture. True, it wasn't much but it was just one of the little extra's that had made him fall in love with Xander. His Claimant would take care of him.

"Are you sure you feel ok?"

"M.y..h.e.a.d..s.t.i.l.l..h.u.r.t.d..a..b.i.t"

"Yeah, but its better than before isn't it?"

At Spikes nod, Xander breathed a sigh of relief. He really hadn't known what to expect when he had come through the front door. The vampire could have been unconscious or still in the throes of the 'flash', Xander had obviously just come in on the tail end of one. The brunette thought the vampire was lucky he had been conscious enough to call the beeper. Kettle boiled, he poured the water into two mugs, milk added to both a moment later.

"Here you go Mr. Naptha...I really don't know *how* you can drink so much sugar?"

Scowling slightly at the name, Spike signed that he really didn't know how Xander ate so much chocolate. The brunette grinned at the comment, seating himself on the mattress, leaning back against the wall once again. Spike smiled a little as he snuggled back into Xander's larger frame, sipping from the blood and coffee alternately. The salty caribou blended nicely with the extra sugar in the coffee. They sat quietly together, drinking their coffees.

"Hey, where�s the cat?"

With that question, Spike felt his stomach drop.

He burst into fresh tears.

*****
Part 20:

2 march, Friday, 2001

4.35 pm

"Well, that's done."

With a shudder, Spike nodded as Xander stalked past him on the way to the bathroom. The sound of running water reaching his ears, the vampire gave one last sniffle and a snort as he gingerly touched his bruised cheek. It didn't feel too bad, just a little tender, like his upper arm did. His ribs were another story though. The two on his left side were more than likely broken and it was all his own fault.

After bursting into tears when questioned where Twatcat was, Xander had demanded to know what the problem was. So, in-between crying and signing, the bleached blond had told his Claimant about the other soldiers piss claim and this time, he didn't leave out Diehl�s cum claim. Xander had already known about the piss claim but he had steadily worked himself into a major hissy fit when told about the cum claim, being told about the vampire�s arrest hadn't helped at all either.

Spike had told the brunette about his time in jail, his newly established rap sheet and mug shots, informed Xander about Diehl threatening him while in jail. The vampire had watched the youths eyes turn pitch black while describing his deal with Samuel from the Farmers Rest Inn, he had also tried to deflect the vicious kicks that had accompanied the screams that had told the blond that he could no longer be trusted to be left to his own devices. Spike telling Xander about his up and coming meeting with a lawyer had done nothing to calm down the irate youth, instead causing the brunette to continue screaming at him.

All the while Spike had pleaded with Xander to stop hurting him, signing as fast as he could. Telling the youth that he had only let Diehl into the house earlier that day because of his threats against Xander. What had really set the younger man off had been when Spike had described what the ex-soldier had done to their pet cat.

The vampire had been forced to watch Diehl torturing the tiny black creature. Diehl had stood outside in the cool sunlight while Spike had watched from an open doorway, standing just out of the deadly shafts of light, waiting like he had been instructed. The ex-soldier had picked up the friendly cat after she had followed him outside, petting her a few times while she had purred in pleasure. Without warning, he had snapped the right foreleg while laughing as both the vampire and barely grown cat had squealed, one in fright and the other in agony. Twatcat had been tortured to death, the soldier taking great pleasure in telling the vampire that Xander could expect the same if Spike even hinted at refusing Diehl. Spike had been unable to stop himself from crying, nodding to each word the other man had said.

Once the poor animal had died, Spike had watched as Diehl had flung the battered and limp body as far as he could, the vampire shuddering when he heard the soft thump of her body hitting the ground.

Eyes lowered as Xander approached from the bathroom, Spike signed a quick thank you to the youth for collecting the body and burying it.

"Just be thankful I don't fucking well bury you. You know full well this is your fault. What have I told you?"

"T.r.u.t.h?"

"That�s right, just tell me the truth and you won't get into trouble but obviously you're too fucking stupid to remember that. Tell me why I bother with you at all?"

"B.e.c.a.u.a.s.e..I..b.e.l.o.n.g..t.o..y.o.u"

"Really? Because I'm thinking I made a great big whopping mistake...cut the tears out, no-one's interested...least of all me!"

"WHAT DID I JUST FUCKING SAY?"

Cringing into the corner as the infuriated brunette stomped closer, the blond closed his eyes and waited for the punches and kicking to resume.

~He's right! No-one else to blame but myself for this. Gotta stop the tears...oooff ~

Unable to stop the squeal of pain as his head bounced off the wall of the cabin, Spike wiped hastily at his eyes, hoping the small gesture would persuade the youth to start calming down. A kick to the small of his back and the vampire found himself trying to deflect solid blows away from his kidneys. He may not need to use the organs anymore but it still hurt like hell when hit there.

"You..punch..do..kick..not..go..slap.punch..anywhere..kick..without..me..punch."

Grunting and nodding as fast as he could, Spike was relieved to hear the phone ringing, Xander leaving him curled upon the floor while striding towards it.

"If I come back and find you still crying, so help me god, what I have just given you will be considered comfortable to what I will give you."

Phone snatched up in a trembling hand, Xander dimly noted that his knuckles were bleeding. A few breathes to calm himself, he answered the phone.

"Hello, Xander here."

"Oh hey Helen, how are you?"

"What, oh shit! Sorry, I should have phoned earlier. Spike's not well..he won't be coming in tonight or tomorrow night either."

"Yeah, I know...who would have thought vampires could get sick. Umm, I think that summer hibernation thingy is coming onto him early, he hasn't really been too well for the last week or so."

"Hmmm, what...oh, ok. Look, I think it may be for the best if he just finishes for the spring and summer until next winter...is that ok with you?"

"Great, I'll drop him around Tuesday night to collect the rest of his wages and he can explain it to you guys then...fantastic, that's great to know Helen, thanks so much. Spike and I really appreciate it."

"Alright then, I'll see you Tuesday....bye!"

Phone hung up, Xander turned around slowly, his gaze resting upon a still sniffling blond. He took in the dishevelled sight before him, noting the dark bruises marring the pale features.

"As you would have heard, that was Helen wondering where you were. You're not going to work anymore. I don't trust you. YOU blew that."

"I.m..s.o.r.r.y..X.a.n.d.e.r..p.l.e.a.s.e..d.o.n.t..t.a.k.e..w.o.r.k..a.w.a.y..f.r.o.m..m.e."

"You took it away from yourself, with your lies and deceptions. Not me, but you! We'll go to the restaurant on Tuesday and you can say goodbye to everybody then while picking up your pay."

"P.l.e.a.s.e..Xa.n.d.e.r?"

Flinching away from the brunette as he came to sit beside him, Spike whimpered as he was pulled into a strong grasp, his sensitive sinuses assaulted by the scent of anger, disappointment and the lingering scent of Twatcat�s blood. A whimper and he was dragged on top of the youth's warm lap, cradled like a child with a large hand stroking through his soft hair.

"If you prove to me that I can trust you again, then you can go back to work next Winter. Helen has already promised me that she will keep the job for you..BUT only if I can trust you and so far, it looks like I won't be able to."

~Thank you..thank you Pet! Helen, you're a bloody legend and I promise that I will NEVER let you down again, Xannny...NEVER!~

Faced with the loss of his job, Spike suddenly realised that although he did bitch and whine about it, the work got him out of the house and into contact with people that had become his friends. Something to be appreciated and valued, no matter how much he hated the menial tasks that had to be done.

With a hard nod, Spike ignored his aching ribs as he was blessed with a soft kiss to his mouth, Xander just slipping his warm tongue between the cooler lips.

"I really wish you wouldn't make me hurt you, let this be a lesson for you. Always tell me the truth..ok?"

"Y.e.s"

"Good. I don't want you to go ANYWHERE with out me and I mean it too Spike, I'm not joking here. If I have to chain you to the bathtub, I will. I'll fucking well break both ankles if you even try it."

"O.k"

~God Pet, please don't do it. I promise I'll do as you say, won't be stupid and wander like before..down to the park. Thick as ten planks I was that night. ~

"I don't want you opening the door or talking to anyone that you don't know. I'll get your blood from now on, I don't want you to wander around by yourself until I can trust you again and I sure as hell don't want that arsehole to find you alone."

"O.k"

"I'm going to put new locks on the doors and windows, only I will have the keys. I don't want anyone to be able to break in and hurt you, least of all Diehl. You said he was coming back next Friday?"

Nod.

"He's not going to find you here. Looks like I'm going to have to find another place for us to stay until I can deal with this. I wonder if Lukas can put us up for a few days?"

Shrug.

The two men sat in silence, the vampire relishing his Claimant's heartbeat and the comfort it offered. Xander continued to stroke his fingers through the bleached hair.

"She was a nice cat. Never had one before but I liked her, it's stupid but I'm going to miss her. Poor little thing."

"L.i.k.e.d..h.e.r..a.s..w.e.l.l"

"Yeah, I know. It wasn't your fault that fucking Diehl is mental, I'm sorry I said that it�s your fault Twat died."

"O.k"

~ It is actually. Everything is my fault, you're right pet. ~

"Let�s tape up those ribs."

*****