AmendsChapterNineteen
Amends Chapter Nineteen
“Samantha is it?” Xander asked and the vampire nodded. “Take a hike.”
“I don’t take orders from humans.”
“Didn’t ask, did I? Get lost.” Xander twirled his stake, his brown eyes flashing. Samantha tried to rise but Spike put his hand on her leg, pushing her back down and stroking it for good measure. Just because he didn’t want the bint didn’t mean Xander had to know that.
“Don’t worry about him, luv. He’s annoying but his bark is worse than his bite.” Samantha and some of the other vampires laughed at Xander who was giving Spike a dirty look.
“Spike, let me pay Willy, you can grab your JD and we can get the hell out of here before you do something you might regret later.”
“Not going anywhere, especially with you, you sodding wanker. And anything I do I will not regret.”
“Not if you do it with me.“ Samantha cooed, running her hand along Spike’s thigh up to his cock. Her eyes grew wide as Xander’s stake entered her back, dusting her. Several vampires and demons growled but Spike gave them a warning look before turning back to Xander.
“What the bloody hell are you trying to prove?“
“Nothing. But no vampire is going to touch you like that and get away with it or they’ll end up just like that.“ Xander pointed at the pile of dust on the floor.
“You don’t tell me who or what can touch me, got that? Especially after what you’ve done.“
“Look, Spike, I’ve been following the trail of trashed bars for the last hour and my feet hurt. Can we please just take this argument elsewhere.”
“Why were you in demon bars alone?” Spike growled. He may be angry and hurt but that didn’t mean he wanted anything to happen to Xander.
“Checking out the atmosphere.” Xander snarked. “What do you think? Looking for you, you dumb ass. And also killing a few vampires along the way. Working off some aggression issues like I was taught.”
“How many?” Spike asked, feeling oddly proud and upset at the same time.
“Ten, I think. Couldn’t keep count at that last bar because I had to make a run for it. Seems I killed this guy’s pet…” Several vampires growled again and Xander glared at them. “Hey, it’s not what it sounds like. I wasn’t out joy-killing vampires….although it was kinda fun.“ Three vampires stood up, tired of this boy and not caring whose pet it was.
“Hey, in my defense, they started it.”
“Try anything and you’ll be dust on the floor before you can raise a finger.“ Spike’s blue eyes flashed amber and the three sat down, gulping. Okay, maybe they did care after all. Spike turned to shake his head at Xander.
“You’re one stupid git. Do you realize what you did when you killed that vampire’s pet? What you’re doing now, bragging about it in here? And what’s with all the macho bullshit?” Spike grabbed Xander by the shoulders, practically shaking the boy’s teeth out of his head. “Go away before you get yourself killed.”
“I was trying to find you.“ Xander defended himself, pulling away from Spike and crossing his arms stubbornly. Spike knew he wasn’t going to like what was coming. “And I’m not leaving without you.“ Yep, he didn’t like it.
“Does this look like a good time to talk?” Spike gestured around the bar.
“We wouldn’t be airing our differences to the world if you had come back to Angel’s, so it’s your fault.”
“My fault? You have the nerve to try and turn this around on me when you were the one that…..oh, bloody hell, just leave me alone. Quit following me and get the hell out of my unlife.”
“You know, even though I’m pissed as hell that you were here in a bar letting another vampire feel you up, it doesn‘t surprise me. How many other vampires have you fucked in the last two bars, huh?”
“None of your business.” Spike answered, knowing he hadn’t fucked one. Oh, sure there had been drunken flirting but he wouldn’t…..couldn’t let it go past anything more.
“Okay, while that hurts thinking of you being with God knows how many other whatevers, and it seems to be a pattern with you, I might can get past this if you’ll come with me so we can talk this out.“ Spike mirrored Xander by stubbornly crossing his arms across his chest. “So you’re just gonna throw away everything we have because you’re not only stubborn and dumb but you can’t keep your dick in your pants!” The other demons gasped at the audacity of Xander‘s words while Spike slammed Xander into the wall.
“I’m not the dumb one, mate. That’s you. And as far as not being able to keep my dick in my pants, you have room to talk.”
“Who are you trying to kid!“ Xander pushed Spike away. “I may have kissed wrongly but I’ve never been with anyone else but you!”
“Was the slayer that unforgettable seeing as how you just fucked her tonight?”
“I wasn’t with Faith…not like that! Nothing happened, I told you that already. I was there helping with her shoulder because it was dislocated and there was this whole big misunderstanding….an accident.”
“Lame.” Another vampire tsked, taking a drink of his beer. Xander and Spike glared at him, both speaking at the same time.
“Stay out of this!”
“Just saying…..” Spike’s warning growl shut him up. Spike turned back to Xander.
“First of all, Xander, it’s not like you tripped and fell into her. And then out of her and then into her again.“
“There was no tripping of any kind!” Xander defended himself. “She was all wound up after the fight and she thought we were going to….that’s where the hickey comes in…..but I stopped her. I told her that I wouldn’t do….what she wanted to do….because I love you. Then I left. “
“Nice little story. Been practicing that long?” Spike sat back down at the bar and turned to Willy. “Set me up with another bottle.”
“Spike….”
“Just do it, you little weasel.” Spike poured himself another drink, totally ignoring Xander, or trying to at least. When Xander tapped him on his shoulder, Spike refused to look at him. He wanted so much to believe Xander but he was too hurt to go through this right now. “Thought you’d gotten the message and left.”
“First of all, I didn’t practice any speech because if I had there wouldn’t have been all that stuttering. Secondly, I’m not leaving until we settle this.” Spike sighed, knowing that all eyes were on them. He had to get Xander out of here. He couldn’t afford to have all the demon world knowing a human boy had Spike wrapped around his little finger. Not only would it be bad for his reputation but they could use Xander as a way to get to him. Besides, he was still pissed with the boy.
“Look whelp. In case you haven’t figured this out already, I don’t want you around. I don’t want your big mouth yapping at me any longer, don’t want to see your face so be a good little boy and toddle away before you piss me off and I end up grabbing you by the ankles and redecorating this bar with your head.“ The demons nodded their head in approval while Spike played the room.
Xander stared at Spike, his pain at those words so bad that he did what he always did….he turned it into anger….anger like he had never known before in his entire life. Sure, he had been stupid about how to handle the situation but he had hoped that Spike had calmed down enough to listen to him. That Spike would love and trust him enough to at least forgive him for not telling him but that wasn’t happening. And okay, Spike had been hurt a lot in love but so had Xander. So maybe a year with Cordy wasn’t equal to centuries with Dru but still…. Spike was his. They had made promises that were supposed to last forever, not a few months or until Spike got pissed off at him.
“I’ve fought vampires for almost three years now and while I’ve hated them, I’ve never hated one as much as I do you right this minute!”
“That’s not what you’ll be saying when I have your legs in the air and I’m pounding you into the mattress.” Spike covered his hurt at those words by turning to the nearest demon. “Humans are such sluts.”
“Don’t I know it.” The demon agreed.
“Slut, huh? We’ll see how long, if ever, it takes for you to get my legs into the air again! And you know what else, Spike? I don’t have any where to go thanks to you so you know what? I think I’ll just pull up a stool way down here and have a few drinks. “ Xander walked to the other end of the bar and motioned for Willy to come serve him. Willy looked nervously at Spike and after hearing the vampire growl, he turned to Xander and shook his head no. Xander rolled his eyes and stood up.
“Hey demons!” All the demons in the room were now looking at him. “Willy here doesn’t want to serve me,” Xander hitched a finger in the bartender’s direction. “Can you believe that?”
“Well, duh, you’re one of the Slayer’s humans. You kill us. Why should he serve you?” A Ruksha demon asked, coming forward. The demon was 7 feet tall and a bright orange and Xander turned a smile up to him.
“Because he’s Willy."
"I do not understand that answer."
"Come on, when have you ever known Willy to turn down a buck from either a demon, the slayer, or her crew because of his principles, huh? He’s an equal opportunity snitch and bartender. Face it. He plays both sides. I can kinda respect that. Even a sleaze like Willy has to make a living. But what I don't respect is a coward and that's what he's being. Willy isn't serving me because he's scared of Spike, plain and simple. And if there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a coward. Are you scared of Spike?” The Ruska demon glanced at Spike who raised an eyebrow. “I respect him. He is a Master Vampire. But my kind knows no fear.”
“Hear that Willy? He knows no fear.“ Xander gestured at the orange demon. “He’s not a little chicken shit like you!“ Xander made clucking noises while flapping his arms, while every demon in the house sat, mouths open in shock. Spike groaned and put his head in his hands. The boy was completey nut raving starkers. He looked up in time to see Xander clapping the orange demon on the back. “So buy me a beer?”
“After what you just said, I wouldn’t sell you a beer if you were the last demon or human on this planet.” Willy huffed. He started polishing the bar and was shocked when Xander stalked over, grabbing the him by his collar and pulling him over the bar. Willy got his bearings and looked up to see Xander’s eyes flashing in anger.
“I’m in a reaaaalllly bad mood tonight.”
“I can see that.” Xander began to choke him.
“Don’t interrupt me! I’m talking here! Got it?” Willy shook his head and Xander took his hand from his neck, mockingly smoothing down his collar. “As I was saying, I’m having a bad night. I’ve fought zombies, Sister of Jhe demons, killed a few vampires, diffused a bomb, been ignored by my friends and been treated like shit by the one person I thought I could trust more than anyone in my whole life. In fact, my life pretty much sucks beyond the telling of it right now. Beginning to think that life just isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.” Spike flinched at those words and turned to see the same expression on Xander’s face that he had seen when he was talking to Jack in the basement. A cold, resigned smile, no emotions in his eyes. “So I think I deserve a drink right now, don’t you?” Before Willy could answer the Ruksha demon gestured at a table where 5 other Ruksha sat waiting.
“Come to our table. You may share our libation.” Xander threw Willy to the side and stuck out his hand.
“You're a gentleman and a scholar."
"No, I am Gravin, head of the Ruksha clan."
"No, see that was just a human saying that means you're a nice guy. My name is Xander.” The Ruksha shook hands with Xander before following him to the table, letting the boy take a seat before sitting down next to him. Xander held out a glass, pointing at the bottle on the table.
“Fill it up with libation, please?” One of the demons began to fill the glass while Gravin cocked his head and studied Xander before laughing.
“You are definitely a strange human.”
“I’ve been told that over and over again.” Xander shot a glance over at Spike, who was now thoroughly pissed. The vampire rose as if to put a stop to the goings on but several demons and vampires, along with Willy pulled him to the side, talking.
“Spike, you can’t be serious. Taking on 5 Ruksha demons by yourself is suicide. You know they have the claws that shred and speed that is faster than any vampires I‘ve ever seen.”
“Except me and Angelus. We’ve taken on Rukshas in the past and won.”
“Okay, you and Angel did, man. This is just you.” One of the vampires pointed out and Spike stared at him. “Oh, hell, no. I‘m not getting shredded over your little pet.”
“Besides, they seem to have taken a liking to him.” The other vampire pointed at the table where Xander was talking and drinking with the Ruksha.
“Too much of one.” Spike growled, watching the Ruksha put an arm around Xander and pat him on the shoulder before removing it and taking a drink.
“Spike, they aren’t going to try anything with the kid. Ruksha are clan like demons. They have never, ever mated with a human or any other species other than their own. And Xander is just trying to get under your skin. Don’t let him.” Willy said.
“Guess you’re right.” Spike grumbled, taking a drink of his beer as he listened and watched. Xander was now back to goofy Xander mode, telling jokes and just being the witty Xander he always was and the Ruksha were hanging on every word. Spike had never seen Rukshas take to a human, much less one as quickly as they were with Xander. They were mostly loners and Spike was shocked. He looked around the bar and noticed that almost everyone else was staring as well, evidently thinking the same thing Spike was. Some of the other demons were even listening and laughing along with the Ruskas at Xander’s stories. Spike shook his head and grumbled. “Always was a demon magnet.”
“Look, Spike, I know you’re mad at the kid over something bad, but he does have a kind of personality that draws people or demons to him. He’s got a sense of humor and a kind of contagious, uh, niceness about him but you can tell he’s got a darker side to him and that makes….” The vampire trailed off when Spike began to growl again, “Just pointing out his good qualities to remind you. I know he’s yours and I would never try to touch him but if you ever decide to give him up….”
“I’ll give you a call.“ Spike put his arm around the vampire and walked him towards the door.
“You will?“
“No, you daft git! The boy is mine! The only reason I'm letting you leave with all your body parts intact is so that you can spread the word that if anyone ever touches him, I will hunt them down and they'll be begging for death within minutes. Now get out of my face before I bloody well stake you.” Spike threw the vampire out the door and walked back to the bar, taking another drink of his JD. The vampire rolled onto the sidewalk and got up, checking for breakage. He looked back at the bar but decided not to go back in for the rest of his drink. It wasn’t worth it. He knew not to mess with a Master Vampire when he was pissed. He bumped into someone and vamped out.
“Why don’t you watch….Oh, hey, Angel how’s it hanging. And the Slayer. So good to see you both…”
“Cut the act, Manny.” Angel grabbed the vampire by the collar. “Answer our questions and we won’t hurt you.”
“We won’t?” Buffy crossed her arms and stared at Angel.
“We’ll get more information out of him alive than dead.”
“Technically, I am dead, but you’re so right, Angel. A bunch of dust can’t talk. I’ll tell you whatever you need to know, I swear. Won‘t even charge you.”
“Oh my God, he’s a vampire version of Willy.” Buffy laughed as Angel began questioning Manny.
“You seen Spike tonight?”
“Yeah, yeah. Matter of fact, I just got through talking to him.”
“He the one who threw you out?” Angel smiled, noticing the way the vampire reacted to Spike’s name and seeing the way he had exited the building.
“No…oh, that, I just tripped….” Manny saw that Angel wasn’t buying his story and started spilling his guts. “Okay, so Spike got pissed off just because I pointed out that his pet had a sense of humor and a niceness but yet a darkness that drew people and demons to him. You know…..aaaah!” Manny struggled as Angel tightened his hold. “That speech is getting me nowhere tonight.”
“So the smart thing to do would be to quit repeating it. But we both know you're not the brightest crayon in the box so let me give you a warning. Quit looking at Xander. Quit thinking about Xander because he’s Spike’s.” Angel growled, dumping Manny onto the ground while Buffy watched.
“Xander is a pet now? Since when is Xander a pet?”
“It’s a vampire term, Buffy.” Angel looked down at Manny. “And Xander is more than a pet to Spike. He’s his mate.”
“Damn, no wonder he got so mad when I said I’d take him if Spike didn’t want him anymore.” Again Manny was grabbed and held up by Angel, staring into the vampiric face.
“It’s a wonder Spike didn’t stake you on sight for saying that. Why didn’t he stake you on sight, Manny?”
“Uhm, well for one thing he and the kid had an argument so he wasn’t real happy with him. Told the kid to leave but he wouldn’t. Ended up at the other end of the bar demanding drinks from Willy but Willy wouldn’t serve him….”
“Let me guess. Because Spike told him not to?” Buffy asked.
“Yeah, that’s right. But then after Spike’s pet…
“His name is Xander.“ Buffy interrupted.
“Xander. Okay. After Xander called Willy a chicken and dragged him over the bar….“
“Xander dragged Willy over the bar and I missed it?“
“Would you quit interrupting me? Please?“ Manny hurried to add off of Buffy’s glare. “Some Ruksha demon came over, decided he liked him and now they’re all sitting in there at the table like they’re ready to make him a part of their clan while Spike is getting more pissed by the minute.” Angel dropped Manny, who took off running and Buffy stared at her startled boyfriend.
“Angel, what is it? Are these demons dangerous?”
“Not unless they’re pissed off. Long talons, very fast. Can cut you to ribbons in seconds.”
“Oh, God, we have to get Xander away from them. Why didn’t Spike….Angel let go of me.” Angel had pulled his girlfriend back.
“No, you’re not getting it. Ruksha’s are a clan type demon. They don’t like any other demons, much less humans. For one to approach Xander…..man, the kid is a demon magnet. And talking to them without getting killed….wow.” Angel shook himself out of his reverie. “Let’s go inside and find Spike.”
“Hell with that. I’m getting Xander away from those demons.”
“Buffy, please, just for once let Spike and I lead the way.” Buffy snorted. “Okay, let me lead the way. You don’t know demon ways and I think if what I’m hearing is true, everything will be fine as long as someone doesn’t try to take Xander away from them until they’re ready for Xander to leave or Xander wants to leave himself.” Buffy was about to open her mouth, but Angel stopped her. “Please. I don’t want a blood bath and if there’s 5 in there, Xander could get hurt before we could get to him. I’m guessing that’s why Spike hasn’t…..fuck, Spike. We have to get in there before he does something really, really stupid.” They entered the bar, finding Spike within seconds. He was just about to go after the demons when Angel and Buffy stopped him.
“What are you doing here, Slayer? Nice to see you, SLAYER!” Willy raised his voice, trying to warn the other vampires and demons that the slayer was in the house. Some of them left, but most of them were still sitting, listening and laughing along with Xander and the Ruksha demons.
“Just where did you think you were going, Spike?” Angel asked.
“Where do you bloody well think? The boy’s gotten himself into trouble all because he wouldn’t just leave when I told him to.”
“Xander’s in trouble because you're a stubborn asshole who won't get his head out of ass long enough to listen to what he has to say.” Buffy told him. “He just wanted to tell you the truth about what happened tonight between he and Faith.” Spike’s head snapped up at that and he growled.
“Xander’s been airing our dirty laundry not only to the whole demon community but to you two as well? Has he called Red or the Watcher as well? Taken and ad out in the Sunnydale Gazette?”
“We nagged Xander into telling us. Besides, we’re your friends so…..”
“Don’t bloody well say that in here, Slayer. And quit your yammering. I have to figure out a way to get Xander away from them.”
“Let’s just stay cool, let them have their fun and see where it goes. There’s a possibility that Xander can just tell them he’s tired and leave.” Spike gave Angel a look that clearly said he didn’t agree. “I said a possibility.” They turned their attention on the table. Xander hadn’t seen his friends enter. In fact, he hadn’t been paying much attention to Spike in the last 10 minutes. It was nice to be able to talk and crack jokes and actually have someone listen for a change and appreciate his wit even if they were a bunch of orange demons. To say Xander was eating it up with a spoon would have been an understatement. He was definitely playing to the crowd.
Xander thought a moment before talking in a Chinese accent. “Virginity like bubble. One prick all gone. Man with hand in pocket feel cocky all day. Man who buys many prunes get good run for money. Baseball is wrong. Man with four balls cannot walk.” The demons had been laughing until that last one and then the room got quiet. Xander had a confused expression on his face. “What?”
“I have four balls and I can walk.” A large demon stood up, ripping down his pants and showing Xander. Buffy and Xander made an ew face while Angel and Spike prepared for the fight they thought would come but never did. Instead, Xander said, “Confucious never met you. I’m sure if he had he would have been very impressed.“
“So you are impressed?” The demon asked Xander, who nodded.
“Very. I mean, hell, it’s hard enough for me to take care of two balls much less…never mind, very impressed.” The demon stood smiling at Xander, who waved his hand at him. “You can pull your pants up now. You’re making me feel like less of a man.” Feeling vindicated the demon pulled up his pants and sat down while the others laughed. Xander breathed in a sigh of relief and took the time to look over at Spike, seeing Buffy and Angel with him. He jumped up and smiled at the Ruska demons. “Hey, guys, some of my friends are here. It’s been real. Keep in touch.” Gravin grabbed his arm and Spike growled.
“Wait.” Angel warned.
“Gravin, what….”
“Thank you for entertaining us. We are a rather serious, single minded demon clan who doesn’t make friends very easily. We now consider you a friend.”
“That’s….great. Very nice. I’m honored but I didn’t really do anything unusual. That’s what I always do...entertain.” Xander bowed and turned just as the door opened and 10 vampires, along with some demons entered the bar. Everyone turned to see who the newcomers were and Xander’s eyes widened as he recognized the face of the vampire he had run away from.
“Yes, you are definitely entertaining. It’s taken us a long time to find you boy.” Before Gravin, Spike or any of Xander’s friends could react, three vampires had grabbed Xander and were holding him. Gravin and the rest of the Rukshas stood up, Spike, Angel and Buffy stepped forward but the lead vampire tutted, shaking his finger at all of them. “Make another move and my friends will snap his neck in two.”
“Snap his neck and all of you will die a very, very painful death.” Angel said as he and Buffy took another step forward. They were surprised when Spike stopped them.
“Xander’s my boy and this is my fight.” He approached the lead vampire. “Let him go.”
“Can’t do that, Spike. Your little playmate came into the bar where my pet and I were having drinks. Having smelled your scent on him, I decided to be courteous and allow him to join us but he declined by killing Lucas and staking me in the shoulder. He started a brawl, trashed the place and then ran. We’ve been following him for quite some time.”
“And why is that?”
“The way I figure, your pet killed mine and as a gesture of good faith, you should give him to me to replace my own.” Anthony ran his hand down Xander’s cheek. “I’m just grateful that you have such good taste.”
“Yeah, I do and get your hand away from Xander before you lose some body parts.“ Spike looked at Xander. “What happened, Xander? Why did you dust his pet?“
“Why are you asking me, Spike? You don’t believe anything I say. You’ll just take his side.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Yes, you will.”
“No, I….damn it Xander, quit playing children’s games with me. Now is not the time…..”
“Fine. I walked into the place searching for you and they came over to me. Started giving me these corny pickup lines….”
“I never…..”
“Does…Is there a mirror in your pants because I can see myself in them ring a bell?” Xander glared at Anthony. “Or how about If you and I were squirrels I’d store my nuts in your hole?” Spike began to growl while the demons behind him laughed at Xander’s words. “My God, where did you learn such awful lines anyway? That’s almost as bad as Cindy Jenkins telling me if I were a booger, she’d pick me first back in third grade.”
“You said that to my boy?” Spike’s eyes flashed amber as he stepped into Anthony’s personal space. Before the demon could respond Xander spoke up.
“That wasn’t what made me stake his whatever. After those lines didn’t work, that Lucas guy had his hands in bad places. And then he rubbed against me and suddenly, the hands not the only problem if you get my drift.”
“They were looking to….”
“Screw me? Fuck me? Have their way with me? That would be a big yeah.” Amber eyes turned to face Anthony who held his hands up innocently.
“Again, your pet misunderstood our intentions, Spike.”
“Misunderstood huh? Guess that’s why I felt something saluting at full mast against my thigh. Hell, Boy Scouts could have set up camp in your pants. But I dealt with it, Spike….which is exactly why I guess he’s here.” Spike grabbed Anthony by the throat and lifted him up.
“You smelled my scent on this boy and yet you and your pet dared to touch him inappropriately? Sounds to me the right and proper thing to do would be to send you to hell to join your pet.” As Spike pulled out a stake to kill Anthony, two large Nagrom demons stepped in front of him, while the vampires yelled they would carry out their threat on Xander. Spike hesitated, but before he could answer, Gravin and the Ruksha demons had already snuck up behind the vampires holding Xander and killed them. All hell broke loose as Buffy and Angel joined the fight and soon, all of the demons and vampires from the other bar were dusted or dead. Willy shook his head at the damage and dead bodies lying on the floor.
“Why me? I just got through cleaning up the joint after those Sister of Jhe demons trashed it and now this. Why does this shit always happen to me?”
“Karma?” Angel pulled out some cash and stuffed it into the man’s hand before joining Buffy, Spike and Xander.
“Everyone okay?”
“I am now. Thanks for the help.“ Xander turned to the Rukshas. “and you guys, too.”
“As I said earlier, you are our friend now and will be safe around us. “
“Thanks. Hey, can I ask you something?” Gravin nodded and Xander led him off to the side. “Where do you guys sleep? Generally speaking. Like in a cave or a sewer or….”
“We would never lower ourselves to sleep in a sewer.” Gravin sniffed. “We have a dwelling. Why do you ask?” Gravin looked over at Buffy, not wanting the slayer to know.
“Oh, I’m not trying to find out where you guys hang because of Buffy if that’s what you’re thinking. It’s just….well, I got kicked out of the place I was staying and I really don’t want to go back to my parents house and I was wondering if I could stay at your place until I found something.”
“Only Rukshas are allowed in the dwelling. Not even friends are welcome.“
“Oh, okay.“ Xander started to leave but Gravin stopped him.
“However, we may know of an abandoned house where you can stay. It doesn’t have all the comforts humans like such as furniture, food and clothing. There are some blankets, though and it has running water. If you want us to show you….”
“He doesn’t.” Spike interrupted, he and Angel each grabbing one of Xander's arms, leading him out the door. “Ta, anyway.” And with that they were out the door.
*******************************************************
Chapter Twenty
“Hey, stop it.“ Xander pulled himself away from Angel and Spike with Buffy’s help. “You can’t tell me where I can stay and where I can’t. You told me to be gone from the mansion by the time you got back,” Xander pointed at Spike before whirling around, pointing his finger in Angel’s direction. “And you seconded the motion so….”
“Listen, Xander, about earlier, I apologize for jumping to conclusions, making judgments and….”
“Hurting my feelings?“ Xander interrupted.
“And taking up for Spike?” Buffy added.
“I‘m not apologizing for taking up for Spike. He‘s family. But I should have tried to stay more neutral and waited for Spike to come home so you two could talk.”
“You took up for me?” Spike turned to Angel with a grin on his face.
“Like I said, you are family, Spike.” Spike couldn’t believe how much those words warmed his heart. That is until Xander’s words sunk in. “You actually kicked my boy out of the house!” Amber eyes glared at a stunned Angel.
“No. Yes….hell, from what I heard you’d already done that yourself. So, I thought if you didn’t want him there…..”
“No one has a right to throw him out of the house but me, Angel.”
“Which you did at the library.” Xander interceded. “And don’t be so pissy with Angel when he was just doing what he felt was best. You two have been together for centuries so naturally your friendship is going to mean more than mine.”
“Angel bloody well knows how I am when I’m all worked up. Saying things I don’t mean because I’m hurt or angry. He should have kept you safely at home until I returned and then asked me what I wanted to do instead of just tossing you out the door.“
“He didn’t physically toss me out the door.”
“Who the fuck do I look like to you? Kreskin? Is there no pleasing you?” Angel was pissed at Spike now.
“Evidently I did for a while but now Spike’s tired of my yammering and he doesn’t want to see my face anymore so I’d appreciate it if you would both quit following me.” Xander turned and pointed at Angel and Spike. “Buffy’s the only one I feel like talking to right now.”
“And I’m taking him to my house.” Buffy looked at the others before she and Xander began walking away. “Spike actually told you that he didn‘t want to see you anymore?” Xander nodded sadly and Buffy‘s hand tightened around the stake she was holding.
“I had to. The boy came into the bar acting all macho and trying to boss me around.” Spike’s voice came from behind them and they turned to face Angel and Spike.
“Your point being?”
“We were in a room full of demons. Demons who would use Xander against me if they knew how much he means to me. I couldn’t let that happen.”
“Who are you trying to kid, Spike? You were just worried about your reputation.” Xander began walking, the others following.
“Well, yeah that too.”
“And I’m fairly certain I said I didn’t want anyone around but Buffy.”
“Xander, what the hell were you thinking going to those demon bars without waiting on me?“
“I wanted to find Spike and I didn’t want to wait around all night while you and Angel kept arguing about who was right and who was wrong. Hell, if I can take out Jack O’Toole, his three zombie buddies and diffuse a bomb, I can certainly handle going into demon bars alone. Besides, with Spike’s scent on me, most of them leave me alone.”
“Hold up. Did you just say you fought a bully, three zombies and diffused a bomb?” Buffy couldn’t believe her ears.
“That’s right, Slayer. Oh, by the way, Jack O’Toole won’t be in school anymore.”
“Hey, Spike, you really are a poet.” Xander grinned, Spike returning it until they remembered they were pissed at each other. “You’re supposed to be going away now.”
“Tell me you didn’t kill a human, Spike.”
“Relax, Slayer. He was a zombie. Oz got out of his hideaway and ate him.”
“Gross. And good….about you not killing anyone human because we all know where that would lead.”
“Yeah, you’d have to try and stake me good and proper and then I’d have to make you my third….”
“I could take you, Spike. There’d be no trying to it.”
“Want to put a wager on it.”
“Shut up!” Xander yelled, making both of them jump. Even though they were being serious, they knew it would never come to a fight between them. At least they hoped not. They loved Xander and Angel too much to cause them any heartache.
“Xander, it’s okay.”
“No, it’s really not! It’s my worst nightmare! You think I haven’t thought about it before?”
“I know you have, Xander. You said so earlier….”
“Not just tonight, Buff. Lots of nights, lots of times.”
“But why would you? I promised you I wouldn't kill any humans and I keep my promises.”
Spike was offended.
“I know that. It's just...I’m a Harris. And for the first time in my life everything was going great….until tonight. And that‘s not supposed to happen. Harris‘ don‘t get a happily ever after. I thought maybe I could break the cycle. That just once….but it’s never going to happen. I screwed up like I always do, only not, you know? It wasn’t my fault but I made the wrong choice because I didn’t want to lose anyone that I loved. And the irony of it all is that I ended up hurting and chasing down the one person I love more than anyone in my life only to have him tell me he doesn’t want me anymore. I lost in the end, anyway.” Xander tried to walk in the other direction but Spike grabbed his arm.
“Don’t walk away from me. Stay.“
“Why? So we can say more mean and hurtful things to each other? Make each other more miserable?”
“No, so we can clear this up. I never went to Faith’s tonight. I couldn’t. And as far as there being anything going on in the bars there wasn’t.” Xander snorted. “Okay, a little flirting but as mad and as hurt as I was, I couldn’t betray you.”
“And I didn’t betray you.” Xander took a deep breath and looked into Spike’s eyes. “I have to tell you the truth because I see now that even a little ommission, even if it’s because I’m trying to keep things from getting out of hand, is a lie. It only comes back to bite you on the ass in a big way.” Angel looked around, noticing they had made it as far as the edge of the park. It was empty.
“Maybe we should let you two talk in private.”
“No, Angel, I’m thinking we need you here.” Xander said and Spike stared at him in confusion.
“Why would we need them to sort this out?”
“Because you’re not going to like what you hear, Spike. But you have to promise me that you’ll listen all the way through before you move from this spot.” Spike was wary but nodded, and Xander told him the whole truth. Spike stood still, clenching and unclenching his fists, his jaw twitching in anger, as he tried to control himself long enough to hear everything that had happened. The bitch was going to pay.
“Why did you cover for Faith, Xander? Does she mean more to you than our relationship?”
“Of course not! Don’t you get it?" Spike shook his head. "I don’t want to see the man I love and one of my best friends fight to the death over a bitch like her and that’s what will happen if you kill Faith!“
“Don’t you care about what she did to Xander?” Spike turned on Buffy.
“Of course I care! You think I don’t want to go over there and beat her to within an inch of her life for what she did to him?”
“Good, let’s go then.” Spike started forward but Xander and Angel stopped him.
“Buffy said she wanted to. Didn’t say she would.” Angel told him.
“Because Faith is human?” Spike scoffed.
“Exactly.”
“If you ask me half the people you white hats fight to save are worse than most of the demons you slay.”
“Maybe so, but we’ve sworn to protect humans. It may not always be pretty but it’s what we do.”
“Don’t give me that, you poof. You may fool yourself and the slayer with your grand speeches about doing good, but when all is said and done you’re still a vampire with vampire instincts. You know if Faith did anything to the Slayer, you would rip her heart out and dance on her grave.“ Spike stepped up, staring Angel down, daring him to deny it.
“Angel?”
“Buffy, Spike’s right. If Faith were to hurt you in any way, I would feel the same way Spike is feeling right now.”
“But you have a soul.”
“Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t kill anyone who tried to harm you.”
“Glad we have that settled then.” .
“Nothing’s settled.” Spike looked at Xander in surprise. “If Faith had killed me tonight, I could understand the wanting to get revenge and my ghost self would be cheering you on. But here I am, alive and in the flesh.” Xander gestured at himself. “Sure, I was humiliated because I was stupid enough to fall for her ’help me out’ line and for almost getting….”
“Raped?!” Spike shouted.
“If you want to put it that way, Mr. Technical.”
“And how would you put it?”
“I’ve seen Faith after fights. She’s like a wild thing. She told us when we first met her that slaying always made her hungry and horny, remember Buffy?”
“Yeah, she did Xan but that’s no excuse for what she did.”
“I’m not making excuses for her, Buff. Faith should have taken no for an answer, but I think she was just worked up and couldn’t believe that anyone would turn her down. Spike, you yourself said she propositioned you in the library after the fight with the Hellmouth beast. I think that’s just her M.O. Fight and fuck, repeat as needed with whoever’s closest, regardless of the consequences.”
“She needs to learn the consequences of touching what is mine.” Spike growled.
“I know that but couldn‘t you wait until you‘ve calmed down and then give her a stern warning.”
“I doubt if I’ll ever calm down and vampires don’t give stern warnings. They take revenge.”
“Spike, is getting revenge worth more than our relationship?“ Xander’s voice stopped Spike and he turned around, walking back over to his lover.
“Don’t throw my own words back at me, Xander.”
“Why not? Do you think you’re the only one worried about our relationship?”
“No, it just pisses me off.” Spike gave Xander a wan smile and tentatively reached out for Xander who pulled away. “I’m so sorry for being such a wanker, luv. It’s just…I love you so much. More than I ever loved Dru or An..yone else.” Spike cast an eye at Buffy, but luckily she hadn’t caught the slip or hadn’t heard. Angel had though and he lowered his head in shame, knowing that Xander had been right about Spike’s trust issues being partly his fault.
“That’s not true.”
“It bloody well is!”
“Like I told Angel earlier, you never left Drusilla even though she fucked everything that walked! You loved her so much that you followed her all over the place begging for her to take you back! You were even crazy enough to try a damn love spell on her just to get her back! But me…..it took you all of five minutes to throw me out of your life and walk away. And then even after I realize that my love for you is greater than my pride I find you in a bar with a girl vampire who just so happened to look a little like Dru! And still I love you so much I try to get you to listen to me only to have you say all those mean things to me and tell me to leave again! And now that you’ve finally figured out that I didn’t have sex with Faith you’re ready to get all lovey-dovey?”
“Lovey huh?”
“Kiss and make up! Act like nothing happened! Do you just expect me to forget everything and fall back into your arms?!”
“Yes?”
“Oh, that’s right I forgot. You think humans are sluts.”
“Hey!” Buffy yelled but they both ignored her, Xander still ranting.
“That as long as you’ve got my legs in the air and you’re pounding me into the mattress…..”
“That’s our cue to leave.” Buffy grabbed Angel’s hand and dragged him away.
“But what if…..”
“They’re big boys. Besides, we’ll be over here close enough to watch what happens but far enough away not to hear anything.”
“Speak for yourself.”
“I am.”
“And you said you hated me, Xander. Did you mean that?” Spike’s quiet words stopped Xander, neither of them noticing Buffy and Angel’s exit.
“I hate how much you can hurt me with just a few words.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“No, I don’t hate you.”
“And I don’t love Drusilla more than you.” Xander tried to turn away but Spike caught his chin, turning his face back so they were looking into each others eyes. “I love Dru because she’s my sire and that’s all. I’ve never loved anyone like I love you.”
“If that’s true then why didn’t you give me the same…..”
“Because our love is not the same as what Dru and I shared. We had a sire/childe love. A bond that can never be broken because she was the one that gave me immortality. William the human was a poncy, virgin poet. Drusilla turned me into the confident, sexy vampire that you see before you.” That got a smile out of Xander and Spike felt a little relief. Maybe he hadn’t totally destroyed their relationship. It had never occurred to Spike that Xander would compare how Spike treated him to how Spike treated Dru. He had to make Xander understand. “Xander, the reason I forgave Dru and chased after her even after all the things she had done to me was because of the bond. I was with her for almost a century. Taking care of her, having wild, passionate sex, bending to her every whim and desire no matter how jealous I was of her flirting and her trysts. Got used to it after a while. I thought that’s what love was….how it was meant to be.”
“Not helping yourself by talking about the wild, passionate sex.” Xander tried to move away, but Spike wrapped his arms around the boy.
“Quit squirming and listen to me. Really listen.” Xander stopped and looked at Spike again. “That’s all it was. Just sex. I didn’t realize that until after I met you, fell in love with you and took you to bed for the first time. Do you remember what it was like?” Spike whispered into Xander’s ear and the boy shuddered with lust.
“How could I forget? I had and still have nothing to compare it to, but I would bet my life if I were to have sex with everyone on this planet, no one could compare to you.“
“Got that right. And if I have my way, you’ll never have anything to compare it with.” Spike leaned back till he was staring into Xander’s eyes. “That’s part of why your supposed betrayal was so much worse than anything Dru had ever done to me.”
“Because I was a virgin when we got together?”