Spike stared at him a moment, then shrugged. "Sure, pet. My crypt may not be too cozy, but it'll do 'til we find somethin' better."

Xander gave the vampire a strange look. "Um, hello? Not your crypt, bleach boy. I mean my house."

Spike's jaw dropped as he struggled for words. "What!? No way in *hell* I'm lettin' you go back there!"

"Geez, what's your problem? Just take me home already! I'll be fine."

Standing abruptly, Spike began to pace the room. After a few tense moments, he rounded on the boy. "Fine? You bloody well don't look fine to me! An' if you think I'm taking you back where your bastard of a father can get his hands on you again--" he broke off abruptly as he saw Xander's face go even paler as the mortal started to tremble.

Xander shook his head. "H-H-He won't be there. He never is right after--" He cut himself off, then began again. "I mean, he's supposed to be out of town this week. There won't be anyone at home."

"What the--? Xander, I'm bloody well not taking you back there! Not where he can--"

"No! He didn't do anything! He just got mad and hit me a little, that's all. No biggie." Eyes wide, he started breathing faster as he rocked gently back and forth, still shaking his head. "Didn't do anything. Didn't do anything. I'm ok, nothing happened." The tuneless chant was repeated softly, and Spike just stared at the boy in disbelief.

Not knowing what to do now, Spike chewed his lip in indecision. Finally, he stepped back to Xander's side, patting a shaking hand. "Xan? I'm...gonna go talk to the doc for a sec. I'll be right back, ok?" He waited, but Xander just kept on whispering softly, continuing his litany.

Spike backed out of the room, turning and nearly bumping into Dr. Fredericks. "Geez, mate! Warn a guy!" He tossed a glance over his shoulder as he closed the door. "Look, something's wrong with him. You gotta fix it. He's trying to act like nothin' happened!"

Dr. Fredericks nodded sadly. "I thought he might."

"What!?"

"He's disassociating himself. Distancing the event in his mind so he doesn't have to deal with it. If he doesn't think about it, doesn't acknowledge it, then it never really happened. It's not unusual in cases like this." He sighed. "It's something I wanted to talk to you about. This is a defense device, but ultimately, it will end up hurting more than helping. Eventually, he's going to have to face what happened so he can begin to heal. His body will recover quickly, it's his spirit that's going to need the most help."

A hard glint appeared in the doctor's eyes. "Someone certainly did their best to break him. People like that are the reason this clinic is even needed." He snorted. "You know the saddest part? Almost every single one of our patients comes here because of humans. Most of them never even provoke the attacks, but just because they're different..."

"The slayer," Spike muttered. "She'll go after anything that's not human. But you give her someone 'human' like Xa--William's dad, and she's blind." He looked at the doctor with something akin to desperation in his gaze. "He wants to go back there. I can't protect him, and he wants to go back to that bastard. I...I don't know what to do."

"You mean you know who William's attacker is and he's still alive?"

"I *told* you, can't do no damage to humans. No biting them, no maiming them, no ripping his fucking heart from his chest and feeding it to him." He snarled, eyes burning as pain began to build in his skull. Wincing, he tried to calm himself.

"Because of the...chip?" A nod in response. "How exactly does this thing work?"

"Don't know much, just that it zaps me with some major head pain if I hurt a human, or even seriously *think* about hurting one."

"I'm assuming it's some kind of microchip? Implanted directly in your brain?"

Spike nodded sharply.

"Christ! Who would do such a thing?"

"It was a lovely present from some psycho group called the Initiative."

The doctor sucked in a breath. "I've...heard a lot of stories about them. Thanks to them, we've had an serious rise in the number patients over recent months." His jaw tensed angrily. "Now *there* is a bunch the oh-so-exalted slayer needs to take down."

"Hardly, mate. She's too busy shagging one of 'em."

That earned Spike a surprised look. "Know her personally, do you?"

The vampire hesitated a moment, then made a quick decision. "She's a 'friend' of the boy's." He hissed in anger. "Some friend. Never even knew what was going on with him. Never cared enough."

"I...see. Well, if you want my personal opinion, you should get your human as far away from his father *and* the slayer as soon as possible."

"How can I if he doesn't *want* to go? I can't make him!"

Dr. Fredericks sighed. "That's up to you. You've claimed him, he's your responsibility now."

"Yeah, don't I know it."

"Ah please, *think* about getting him to a therapist. If you need, I have some names. They're very good, and they genuinely care about the people they're helping."

"I'll do what I can. Doc...um, thanks." Spike shuffled his feet, not used to being grateful to a human.

The doctor simply nodded. "Look, whatever else happens, just make sure you keep him still and medicated. Start with the antibiotic pills and salve tomorrow night. Pills once a day, salve every 12 hours, and don't skip!" He handed Spike a card. "That's the number here, and my cell phone. Any emergencies, don't hesitate to call. I'll see you in a week." With a brick nod, he turned and left.

Spike stuffed the slip of paper into a pocket, then turned and re-entered Xander's room. He could hardly believe he was looking at the same person. Xander seemed so...in control.

Calm brown eyes regarded the blonde. "Spike, can we go now? I don't like hospital type places much."

"I'm not taking you back there, pet."

"Spike, don't be ridiculous--"

"Don't bother arguing. I'm. Not. Taking. You. Back!"

~~~~~~~~~~

"I soddin' well can't *believe* I'm taking you back there! How'd you talk me into this?" Spike gripped the steering wheel so hard he was almost surprised it was still intact.

"Don't be so uptight. I told you, no one's home." Xander grimaced as the car hit a pothole, jostling him.

"Sorry, luv." Spike slowed the car down, not exactly eager to reach their destination.

"I'm ok. It's not like I'm gonna break or anything."

Spike just flicked him a glance in the rearview mirror and kept on driving.

From his position reclining in the backseat, Xander was afforded an interesting view of Spike's DeSoto. He frowned at the floor. Was that--? "Spike? Why is there *grass* growing from your floor?"

Spike shrugged. "Ambiance? And don't change the subject."

"I'm not changing the subject, it died. It gasped out its last breath and gave up the fight for life. Even had a lovely funeral, you should have been there."

The vampire ground his teeth as Xander joked, for the first time noticing how the boy tended to use humor to cover his true feelings, his pain. "Xander..." He slowed the car, making one last turn before parking it. He stared at the empty house. //Well, the fucking bastard ain't here. Least the boy was tellin' the truth about that.//

"Great, we're here." Pulling himself upright, Xander bit back a moan as he went to open the door.

Spike vaulted from the front seat, snatching the back door open just as Xander reached for it. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Um, getting out?"

"Not bloody likely. Doc said you don't move, then I'm bleedin' well gonna make sure you don't!" Carefully, he reached in and removed the human, hoisting him gently as he kicked the door shut. He carried Xander inside, the boy protesting the entire way.

"Spike! I'm not a girl, put me down!" Xander pushed at Spike's chest, complaining until he was finally set down.

Spike stood over Xander's bed, glaring down at him. "Don't. You. Move."

Xander subsided, pouting.

Satisfied, Spike took his duster off, slinging it over the back of a chair after he removed one of the papers the doctor had given him. "You hungry, pet?"

Xander shrugged, then winced, hissing slightly.

Spike rushed over, concern etched on his face. "What happened? You ok?"

Xander rolled his eyes. "I'm fine. Just moved too fast."

"Yeah, well I told you not to move." He watched the boy carefully, then slowly moved away. Paper in hand, he walked up the steps. "I'll get you something to eat, then." Before he went through the door, he glanced back. "And Xan? Just a couple of days, then we're out of here. Got it?"

Sighing, Xander nodded. "Yeah, fine. Whatever."

Leaving the door open, Spike made his way into the kitchen, flicking on the lights. He consulted the list, then began to search the cupboards. Eventually, he pulled out a box of chicken soup mix.

//Noodles. Don't see noodles on the list.// He frowned, then shrugged. //Well, just won't feed him the noodley bits.//

He read the instructions on the box, then put a large bowl of water in the microwave, waiting for it to boil. Once it had, he added the mix, then turned the microwave on again. A few minutes later, he had a bowl of steaming chicken soup.

//Hey, that was easy!// He ladled some of the broth into a smaller bowl, trying not to get too many noodles, then placed the bowl and a spoon on a tray he'd found. Opening the fridge, he pulled out a carton of orange juice, sniffing it. It smelled all right, so he poured a glass of it, placing it next to the bowl.

Picking up the tray, he balanced it so none of the soup would slosh over, and slowly made his way back down to the basement.

He reached Xander, who seemed to be resting comfortably, if seeming to be a bit bored. He looked around the room quickly, glad he'd been able to clear up most traces of the...incident the night before.

Xander sniffed the air. "Food? Smells pretty good." He began to sit up, stopped by a warning yelp from Spike.

Setting the tray down, Spike grabbed a few pillows and used them to gingerly prop Xander in a more upright position. He sat next to him, holding the tray in his lap. Dipping the spoon into the soup, he blew on it.

"Um, Spike? What are you doing?" Xander watched the vampire curiously.

"Feeding you. What's it look like?"

"Actually, I can feed myself. It's a talent I picked up as a child, comes in handy when I get hungry."

"No moving, remember." He tested the liquid with his lips, making sure it had cooled off enough.

"I seriously doubt the good doctor meant you had to spoon feed me."

Spike just stared at Xander, not giving in. Eyebrow cocked, he raised the spoon to Xander's mouth.

For a moment, Xander considered refusing. But... //He's...coddling me. It's...kinda nice, actually. No one ever took care of me when I was sick before.// He sighed, then opened his mouth.

Grinning triumphantly, Spike fed him the soup, pausing occasionally to give him sips of orange juice. Soon, the meal was gone, and he took the dishes back upstairs, dumping them in the sink without bothering to wash them.

Downstairs again, this time carrying a glass of water, he got out a couple of the pain pills, which Xander gratefully swallowed down.

Spike dug out some blankets and a few more pillows. He fussed over the bemused boy, tucking him in. Then he pulled a recliner over to the bed, making up a sleeping place for himself. //Really would like to share the bed, but I don't think he's up for that.//

Lights off, he did his best to make himself comfortable. He wasn't really planning on sleeping, but he might as well be cozy while he kept an eye on his human.

Xander closed his eyes, drifting as the medication made the pain recede. As he slipped off to sleep, he murmured, "Thanks, Spike."

Waiting until the boy's breathing had evened out, Spike leaned close and brushed a kiss on his cheek. "You sleep good, Xan. I'll watch over you." Eyes glowing in the darkness, he once more kept vigil.

*****
Part 13:

Spike stretched, working the kinks out of his back. He'd spent the entire night in that bloody uncomfortable chair of Xander's, but no way was he going to move. At every toss and turn, he'd tensed, ready to calm the boy if he'd gotten too restless and begun to strain his injuries. At about 5:00 a.m., he'd awakened the human and coaxed two more of the pain pills into him. He could probably have waited for Xander to awaken, but he figured this way, they wouldn't have to wait for the drugs to kick in.

He squinted at the clock. 8:43. //Should get some breakfast ready, I suppose.// With a last glance at the still-sleeping boy, he quietly tiptoed upstairs, taking the tray and dishes with him.

The remaining soup from the night before still sat on the counter, and Spike grimaced at the sight of it. //Right, gotta stick that stuff in the fridge.// Gingerly, he dumped the bowl and its contents into the sink.

Another search through the cupboards yielded a can of tomato soup and some canned peach slices. //Shop much, people?// He snorted wryly. Looks like a trip to the grocery store was in order.

Since the orange juice was just about gone, Spike poured a glass of water and added some ice. He placed this on the tray after depositing the dirty dishes in the sink.

Hearing a small yelp from the basement, he dashed back down the stairs. Glaring at Xander, who was now sitting on the edge of his bed wearing a pained expression, he crossed his arms and tapped a foot. "And just where do you think *you're* going?"

Xander grimaced, tossing Spike an annoyed look. "Bathroom. Must pee. It's a quirk we living people have."

"Yeah, well, you better not be planning on walking there, mate."

"I see. And how else am I supposed to get there, hmm?"

Spike rolled his eyes, then walked over to the bed. With little effort, he scooped the human up, cradling him gently in his arms as he made his way over to the bathroom. Once there, he stopped. //Now what? Doc kinda forgot to tell me 'bout this part.//

Xander winced slightly as Spike set him down. "Yeah, well thanks. I think I can take it from here."

"Pet, you can't exactly stand. I mean, the knee, and the ribs...how you planning on , you know?"

"I'll manage." This through gritted teeth, and accompanied by a petulant glare.

"Sure? I mean, I can help." //Someone tell me I didn't just say that.//

"That's...ok."

"Right then. I'll just...wait outside."

"Yeah. You do that." He arched an eyebrow at Spike until the vampire backed completely out of the bathroom, then swung the door shut.

Spike stood right next to the door, ready to bust inside should Xander have any difficulties. Shamelessly, he tuned his hearing in on the room, listening closely to the boy's every movement. When the toilet was flushed, he waited a few seconds to allow Xander the chance to get himself 'decent', then opened the door partway. "Xan? You done?"

"Just gotta wash my hands."

Spike entered the room, helping the limping boy over to the sink. "Lean on me, mate. Don't want you messing up that knee again." Once Xander had finished, Spike carried him back to his bed.

"You know, you don't have to do this, Spike. I can manage."

Spike just snorted and continued with tucking the covers back in around the human. Fixing Xander with a serious look, he admonished the boy. "Now, you stay here. No more moving, got it?" He waited for the exasperated nod, then went back upstairs to finish fixing breakfast.

He looked once more at the two cans he'd left on the counter. Not that there was much food in the place to begin with, but that was all he could find that the doctor had included on his list. //Not exactly appetizing.// Oh, well, he'd make do.

Following the instructions on the can of soup, he mixed it with some water and heated it up. A clean bowl was found, and some soup ladled into it. He covered the remainder with plastic wrap and stuck it in the refrigerator, along with the can of peaches.

Another careful trip downstairs, and the tray was set down by the bed. "Xan? Breakfast."

"What is it?"

"Soup. Tomato." He shrugged. "Sorry, it's about all I could find."

"Not a problem. I should have remembered the lack of food around this place. We could always order a pizza." His eyes widened hopefully.

Spike narrowed his eyes, thrusting Dr. Fredericks list in front of the boy. "You see pizza on here, pet? 'Cause I sure didn't."

Xander pouted. "Oh, fine." He hesitated, then obediently opened his mouth for the spoon that was now edging closer.

Spike glanced up from a book, surreptitiously examining Xander. The human had been unusually quiet the entire day. Not that he seemed withdrawn, just...not talkative. Introspective, maybe. He'd answer when spoken to, occasionally toss in a few acerbic comments, and, less frequently, ask for help with some mundane task. But for the most part, he'd either spent his time watching television or reading one of his many comic books.

The vampire was worried. Not that he'd ever admit that, but he somehow didn't think this behavior was indicative of Xander coming to terms with his assault. Really, it was just plain...weird.

"Would you stop that?" Xander glanced up in semi-annoyance.

"Stop what?" the vampire asked in all innocence.

"Staring. I'm starting to feel like a bug or something. I'm *fine*. Give it a rest."

Spike sighed deeply. "Sure, pet." He turned his eyes back to the pages in front of him, shuffling through them idly. Once he heard Xander flip a page of his comic, he resumed his perusal of the boy.

"Spike!"

"What?" //Bloody hell, he's not even looking at me!//

"I can *feel* you staring at me! Cut it out already!" Xander set his comic book down and crossed his arms as he glared at Spike. "Look, why don't you go, I don't know, shopping or something. It's almost dark, and I need food anyway. And you should stop by the butcher too, pick up something for yourself."

"I dunno. You think you're up for an outing?"

"Who says I'm going anywhere? I'm gonna stay in bed like a good little patient. Doctor's orders." He grinned, snickering under his breath.

Spike growled softly. "I ain't leavin' you here alone, pet."

Xander sobered. "Look, Spike. We need to eat. And I'm not supposed to move. Try to be logical about this." He rolled his eyes. "I promise I won't go anywhere. But you get to change the sheets if I wet the bed."

"But--"

"Food! Hungry. Feed me!"

After a few more minutes of hedging, Spike finally capitulated. He spent the next half-hour fussing around the basement, making sure Xander had everything he could possibly need within reach. Then he stood uncomfortably by the door, thumbs hooked in his pockets. "Right then, I guess I'll be off. You sure--?"

"*Yes*, Spike. Go. I'll be fine. Oh, and uh, maybe you should see about getting a change of clothes." He cast a significant glance at Spike's shirt, the same bloodstained and punctured article of clothing he'd been wearing since the incident with the Vithrell demon.

"Yeah, ok. Um, guess I'll be off then. Won't be too long." He stalled, waiting for some sign that he should call off the trip, but Xander just stared at him levelly. Finally, he heaved a sigh, and left.

As he drove, Spike drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. He was not at all comfortable with having left his Num---Xander home by himself, but the boy was right. They did need food. //Right then. Quick in and out job at the store, snag some blood for me, swing by crypt for some clothes, then back to the boy.// He nodded decisively. No problem.

The first stop was an all night grocery store. He quickly made his way down the aisles, consulting the doctor's list and tossing every item that fit the criteria into his shopping cart. Lots of soup, soft fruits, juices, and a few boxes of Jell-O. He thought about the popsicles, but figured they'd melt before he managed to get them to a freezer. //'Sides, watching Xan eat 'em would give me ideas, and now is *not* the time for that!//

After only 20 minutes, his cart was full, and he proceeded to the checkout line, using his ill-gotten gains to pay for the food. Once the bags were loaded into the trunk of the DeSoto, he sped off to purchase his own dinner.

A short drive later, and he pulled into the parking lot of the shop where he normally purchased his supply of blood. A butcher's shop/convenience store to most people, a select few were privileged enough to be allowed...special orders.

"Earl!" He taped a foot a bit impatiently, waiting until a balding, portly older gentleman came out of the back.

"Spike. I was expecting you. The usual?"

"Nah, got some extra dosh to blow, gimme the good stuff."

Earl nodded, then disappeared into the back once more. Spike could hear him rummaging around in his walk-in cooler, uttering soft exclamations of satisfaction when he found what he wanted.

"Here you go. A dozen human, assorted blood types. Even packed 'em in a carton with dry ice for you."

"Thanks, mate. What'll it be?" Spike pulled out his wallet.

"For you? Well, you don't often shell out for this stuff. How about...$200 for the lot?"

Spike whistled. "Quite a deal there. You usually charge $25 a packet for these."

Earl grinned. "Well, maybe once I get you hooked on buying my best, I'll jack the price up."

"You would." Spike just shook his head in amusement, extracting the money and handing it over. As an afterthought, he also purchased a few packs of cigarettes and some matches, adding the requisite amount of cash to the pile on the counter. "Be seein' you, Earl." He dropped the cigarettes into various pockets, and picked up the carton, hefting it easily.

"Later, Spike. Don't get dusted."

Spike pulled up outside the cemetery. He left the car, walking quickly over to his crypt. Once inside, he rummaged through his things, stuffing his few articles of clothing into a duffel bag that he'd nicked a few days previously. He took a last look around the sparsely furnished place, not seeing anything else he really needed. //I can always come back for the rest some other time.//

Back outside, he pulled the door to his crypt shut, then walked back to his car. Idly, he glanced down at his watch. //Under an hour. Not bad.//

He climbed back into his car, revving the engine and tearing off into the night. He had almost made it back to Xander's place when he spied something sharp-looking in the road. Cursing, he wrenched the wheel around, swerving into the opposite lane, but still managed to hit the object. Shortly thereafter, the dull 'thump, thump' of rubber slapping against pavement sounded as the car jerked to the right.

Growling, Spike pulled off the side of the road and stopped the car, flinging the door open and walking around to the other side. He glared down at the offending tire. "Bloody hell!" He snarled, kicking the tire repeatedly. Finally, he sighed, rubbing his forehead tiredly. He looked at his watch again, then glanced up the street.

He was only about half a mile away. He could change the tire in under 10 minutes, and be back on the road. No big deal.

//Fuck.// Something was gnawing away at him, and he was feeling extremely uncomfortable. Sure, he didn't want to leave Xander alone for too long, but what was a few more minutes? He shuffled his feet. //Aw, shit.// Something was wrong. He knew it. He had to get back, *now*.

Barely even taking enough time to lock the doors to the DeSoto, he was about to take off running when he heard a rustling in the bushes nearby. Stalking over, he pulled out the vampire hiding there, shaking him. An idea struck. "You know me?"

Eyes wide, the other vampire nodded. "You're S-S-Spike," he gasped out.

"That's right, mate. And that there is my car. See it?" He twisted the fledgling's head around as he pointed at the DeSoto. Another frightened nod was his response. "Good. Now, you're gonna do me a favor, see? *you* are gonna make sure no one touches my car, got it?" More nodding.

Spike grinned. "Great." He let go of the vampire, setting him down and dusting him off. "What's your name, anyhow?"

"Um, it-it's Thomas."

"Well, Thomas. You take care now." He turned, then paused. "Oh, and if you screw up, I'll chain you down and shove sharp pieces of wood into every available inch of your skin, then leave you screaming in agony to await the dawn. " He flashed another grin, then took off.

Thomas watched the blonde vampire go, still trembling. //Why me? I just came out for a bit of dinner, and *this* happens.// Sighing, he settled down to keep watch over Spike's beloved DeSoto, hoping with all his might that the slayer didn't choose this time to show up.

Spike reached Xander's house in record time. If he'd been human, he would have dropped dead from sheer exhaustion. As it was, he was almost panting anyway. Utter panic, or as close to it as a master vampire would ever admit to coming, gripped him when he saw the vehicle parked in the driveway. //Shit, *no*!//

Darting around back, he tore the door open, racing down the stairs. The scent of fear assailed him, and he felt himself shift into gameface in an automatic response to the threat against the one he'd claimed. He let out a snarl of pure rage at what he saw.

Xander lay cowering in his bed, cringing back from his father, whose hulking form was straddled over him.

*****