Title: All Men Are Animals, but Some Make Better Pets

Author: Soft Princess ( sofy_slashnuts@hotmail.com )

Feedback: Please? I'm begging for it.

Website: www.buffybrotherhood.com/theisland

Date: December 19, 2002 

Pairing: Spike/Xander

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: set sometime in season six, after Hell's Bells, but before Seeing Red. Spike never tried to rape Buffy or to come back together with her and Xander's not with Anya anymore, but isn't still mopping around.

Disclaimer: Spike and Xander aren't mine. They belong to Joss Whedon and his crew, as well as all the tv companies that have a claim on them. 

Summary: Xander wakes up the morning after, but Spike is no where in sight. 

Author's note: this is my entry for the Secret Santa, it's for Arrie. Here is your Christmas story lovely, I know, it's not set during Christmas time, but *shrug* the guys are cute and hot ANYTIME. You wanted fluffy/funny S/X, you got it. With a little, little bit of angst thrown in, cause I'm the angsty fluff goddess… or so AJ says *smile*. Have fun reading. 

*** 

Xander slowly woke up, relishing the feeling of peacefulness that spread through him as he became aware of his surroundings. Last night had been beautifully exhausting and Xander felt a slight twinge of pain in all the right places as he spread his arm in search of his lover's body. 

When he encountered nothing but slightly cold sheets and an empty bed, Xander's eyes shot open and he sat up the sheets spilling around his waist. //He's not here.// He thought and the reality sunk in. //He left.// Slowly, Xander realized he had been played into bedding a vampire, and his first reaction was to scream; he didn't. He didn't want to taint what was the most memorable sex of his life with such a thing as anger. For him, what they had shared had been beautiful and sweet. Xander's hand twisted in the sheets covering where Spike had lain. A wave of desperate longing and most of all, failure swept over him. He mustn't have been good enough if his lover had already left him. 

As a tear streaked down his face, Xander remembered what had happened, trying to find anything he had done wrong.  

*flashback* the night before… 

Xander struggled with his key, trying to find the lock, as he couldn't stop laughing. Spike was standing beside him; his face wrinkled as he himself was caught in a burst of laughter. 

"I tell ya Pet, she was screaming and yelling at me, thinking I was the one that did it." Spike continued, trying to restrain his laughter. 

Xander couldn't believe it. The night had gone so well. After he and spike had realized they were both attracted to each other, both men had decided to start their way up by doing a bit of male bonding. 

So, they had agreed to meet at the Bronze to play some pool and have a few drinks. As the night passed, they had let go of their pool cues and sat down on one of the couches, talking and joking. When closing time arrived, they were tossed out of the club and with nowhere to go, they had walked the darkened streets of Sunnydale. Without realizing it, they had talked their way back to Xander's apartment, where the young man had spent almost 2 hours getting ready what seemed like ages ago. 

Finally, Xander unlocked his door and opened it, standing in the doorway. Spike looked away at the hall, knowing it was time to say goodnight and head back to his crypt, but he couldn't find it in himself to say the words. For the first time since he had been turned, he had gone through a whole night of chatting and bonding with a human and he felt so happy and content it was almost frightening. Except that nothing should frighten the big bad, not even the idea that he was falling in love with a human. A male human. A young, friend of the slayer, not gay, male human. Sure, Xander had said he found the vampire attractive but that meant close to nothing. "Do you want to come in Spike?" Well that could mean something, the vampire thought, his eyes locking with those of the young man in the doorway. He smiled and walked over, stepping inside. "Sure Pet. Got anything to drink?" 

Xander grinned as he quickly shed his coat, inviting Spike to do the same and sit down at the table. "I'll have some coffee, I think I need to sober up a little, what will you have?" 

"If you got beer, that would be great, though I wouldn't say no to some red liquid either, bloody starving." 

Xander shivered as he took in the tone of Spike's voice. "Really sorry Spike, but I don't have any blood. And even if I had, it would probably be stale by now. But I do have some beer and maybe I could cook up something… would that help?" 

Spike smiled at Xander's obvious care. "Beer'll be good, don't worry 'bout me, I'll be fine. Though I could take a nip…" He trailed off, looking directly at Xander's neck in mock seriousness. 

Xander shook his head playfully and turned back to the refrigerator. "That'd be a big no, Spike. No touching of the Xanman's neck. Ever." 

Spike looked down, smiling lightly. "I know that Pet, wouldn't do that to you, ever." He finished, almost whispering, just loud enough for Xander to hear. 

Xander's heart skipped a beat as Spike's words registered. He took a deep breath and retrieved a beer from the fridge before starting coffee. Spike took his beer from Xander's hand and went to sit down at the kitchen table, sure that this time, he had blown it. 

Watching Spike from the corner of his eyes, Xander realized the vampire seemed lost in his thoughts and every once in a while, he would look, worried, at the windows. Without thinking, Xander offered him: "Dawn's coming, maybe you could have the couch for the night. I have heavy drapes we can put over the windows and the couch is pretty comfortable." He stopped, as the implication of what he'd just said sank in. 

Spike looked at Xander in shock. He couldn't mean, not after what the vampire had just said. But, even though Xander seemed as shocked at the proposition as he himself was, Spike could find no regret in the young man's eyes. He nodded, looking back at the couch. "M'sure it'll be fine. Why don't you tell me where the drapes are so I can put 'em up while you finish your coffee?" 

Xander smiled and walked out of the kitchen, carrying the drapes back into the room. He had bought them some time ago, on an impulse. He had had no idea what he would be doing with them, just somehow knew he'd need them. "There you go." He said, handing them to Spike. 

The vampire grinned back, curious as to why Xander had such drapes, but not feeling bold enough to ask. Which was a weird thing for the vampire. He always felt bold enough. But not in that particular moment. 

Xander went back to his coffee as Spike started hanging the drapes over every window. "Nice apartment you got here Pet." He said, trying to make conversation. 

"Thanks." Xander answered, sitting down at the table, his cup of coffee in one hand. Spike joined him and soon they were back to their easy chatter of earlier in the night, the tension all forgotten. 

As the sun started to light up the awakening city, Spike stopped talking and only watched as Xander babbled about some thing or other. Spike didn't hold that much interest for the subject of the conversation. He was just happy that Xander was talking. The way his lips moved and how he smiled and chuckled at his own words. Just the sound of his voice. 

Not able to stop himself any longer, Spike leaned in and silenced the babbling human by pressing their lips together. Stunned, Xander stopped moving, just long enough for it all to register, before he started to respond to Spike's kiss. He couldn't believe it. Spike was kissing him. Actually kissing him. 

And it felt so damn good. 

It was the first time that Xander was sharing a kiss with a man. And kissing had never felt that good. Which is why, when Spike's tongue started urging him to open, he did it, welcoming the searching tongue inside his mouth. 

They kissed for what seemed like hours, finally standing up and walking to the couch, before sitting down, their lips still glued together. They sat side by side, their shoulders touching, their hands gently caressing each other's cheeks. Xander felt suddenly shy and he withdrew a little, his head resting on Spike's forehead. 

"You ok Pet?" Spike asked, suddenly scared that Xander would reject him. But as the young man made no move, the vampire relaxed. 

"Yeah, I'm ok. I just…" He stopped, panting slightly. He took a deep breath and went on. "It's the first I've ever been kissed by a man and I… really don't know what to do now. I don't… I've never…" 

Spike smiled tenderly at Xander's obvious shyness. "S'ok luv, no need to go further tonight. Could always just do the dating thing first." He finished whispering, not really looking forward to keeping his hands off the beautiful boy before him, but knowing that if that was what it took for him to be able to be with the young man, then he would do it. 

Xander shook his head. "I think if we wait… I'll… I'll chicken out or something and avoid you for the rest of my life." He chuckled. "After all the fun we've had tonight, I'm not really sure that would be for the best." 

"Is that so Pet?" Spike asked, grinning. 

"Yeah." Xander replied breathlessly, his lips almost touching Spike's. "But… you have to guide me tonight. I'm… first time here." He finished, chuckling nervously. 

"Sure love. Gonna be all slow and loving for you. Gotta show you," He chastely kissed the warm and puffy lips before him. "how good," Another small kiss. "it can be." 

Xander chuckled. "Who would've known the big bad was such a romantic vamp." 

"Just you and me Pet. Just you and me." 

Xander smiled and, suddenly feeling bold, he reached for Spike's shirt and tugged on it, trying to get it off the vampire's body. "Want to see you." 

Spike happily complied and shed off his shirt, tossing it to the other side of the living room. "My turn now." He said, taking the hem of Xander's shirt in his hands and dragging it over the young man's head, before the piece of clothing joined the other on the floor. 

Xander hadn't even registered the tossing of his shirt as he kept staring at the beautiful chest now uncovered. He shyly reached a hand and pressed it to Spike. 

"Oh Fuck!" The vampire moaned as he felt the burning hand on his chest. 

"Sorry," Xander whispered, jerking his hand off and dropping his eyes. 

"No!" Spike reached for Xander's hand and with his own free hand lifted the brunette's chin. "Your hand is so hot love, just startled me is all. T'was a good feeling." 

Xander looked in Spike's eyes, shyly, before putting his hand back and gently caressing the white marble flesh. "You're so beautiful." He whispered, the sight of the vampire's body left him breathless. 

"So are you Pet. Gotta love construction work." 

Xander chuckled and leaned in, initiating the kiss for the first time. As they kissed, Spike gathered Xander in his arms and carried him over to the bedroom, their lips not once parting. Spike laid the young man on the bed and draped his body over him, lost in the feeling of the kiss. 

It felt like a fire was burning through them both, fusing them together. They couldn't let go of their lips. 

As the kiss went on and on and on, the clothes started flying and when both of them become once more aware of their surroundings, they were both naked, their hands settled on each other's hips, not moving. 

"You ok, Pet?" Spike asked breathlessly. 

Xander nodded. "I'm good. This is weird, but so good. You're so beautiful." He let his gaze wander over the other man's body, stopping at the hard flesh that was poking into Xander's stomach. The young man gulped. 

"Not gonna let you wear clothes from now on Love. You really are a nummytreat." Spike said, as he caressed the boy's hips gently, his hands wandered over the young man's back, almost reaching his buttocks. 

"Told you so." Xander chuckled as he pressed his lips to the vampire's neck, kissing and nipping. 

"Oh yeah, that feels good Pet." 

"Gotta love a vamp with a neck fetish." 

Spike laughed lightly and gently dragged his palm over the warm ass cheek. Their hands seemed to move off their own accords, as they caressed each other's body, tenderly mapping every square inch of naked flesh. 

Spike gently pushed Xander down on his back and kissed his lips, before trailing down the young man's cheek to his neck, before moving further down and catching a nipple between his lips. He moved to the other nipple before continuing his trail down Xander's chest, dipping his tongue in the young man's navel, his hands resting on Xander's hips.

Xander moaned loudly and started trashing, overwhelmed with lust. He grabbed Spike's head in his hands and brought it back up to kiss the vampire's lips. His hands wandering over his new lover's back, settling over the vampire's ass. Suddenly all became blurry as the two men starting rocking against each other's body, slowly, tenderly, sweetly, drawing out their orgasms. 

They moved for hours, just relishing the feeling of the other man's body on their own, their mouths fusing together, their hands caressing and just 'feeling'. 

As their orgasms began to build, both men opened their eyes and looked into each other, shuddering and panting and moaning as they coated their bellies with their cum. 

Panting needlessly, Spike collapsed on top of Xander, immediately moving beside the young man and wrapping his arms around him. Without a word, they snuggled together and fell asleep. 

*End flashback* 

Xander could feel the tears strolling down his face, gently, as he remembered the night before and how beautiful it had been. But now, Spike was gone. Vowing to himself that he wouldn't regret the beautiful night they'd had and ruin it with anger, he dried his tears and stood up. He gathered up some clothes and made is way to the bathroom where he quickly shaved, before settling for a long warm shower. 

He lathered up his body and washed away the sweat and cum of their lovemaking. Because no matter what, it had been love. It didn't matter that Spike had left him alone in the morning, that he would probably tell all his friends, or even blackmail him. No, it didn't matter. Because the night before, for the first time in his life, Xander had been made love to.  

He stopped the running water and stepped out of the shower, drying himself before putting on his clothes. He took a quick look in the mirror and walked out of the bathroom. 

As he walked back to his room to make the bed, he could hear noises coming from the kitchen. His heart skipped a beat before his years of Scooby training came kicking in. He quickly grabbed the nearest weapon, an old baseball bat he kept hidden in the hall and walked over to his kitchen area. 

"Boo." 

Xander jumped and turned all at once, falling down on the floor. His attacker quickly grabbed him preventing the fall. 

Suddenly, Xander dropped the baseball bat and a big genuine smile plastered itself on his face. "Spike." He whispered reverently. "You're still here." Extremely relieved, the young man launched himself into the vampire's opened arms, closing his eyes as he was hugged tightly. 

"Sure thing Pet. Sorry, had to leave b'fore you woke up, cause I wanted to do something for ya. Didn't think I'd left you did ya?" He took a good look at Xander before answering to his own question. "You did. Silly git." He muttered tenderly and lifted the young man's chin, looking directly into Xander's eyes. "After last night, don't think I'll EVER be able to leave ya alone Pet. Hope you're aware of that, 'cause now you're stuck with an undead evil lover." 

Xander chuckled. "I really don't mind. But next time, just leave me a little note, please? I'm…" 

"Very insecure." Spike finished for him. "We'll have to work on that, won't we?" 

Xander nodded, leaning over and grasping Spike's lips with his own. They kissed gently and tenderly for a few minutes, before Spike withdrew cursing. 

"Bloody Hell." He exclaimed turning around and heading straight for the kitchen. 

Xander stood there, not moving. Had he done something wrong again? He must have… 

Sensing that his lover wasn't following him and realizing what he must have been thinking, Spike turned around and came back to Xander, kissing him quickly before leading him to the kitchen. "Not you, silly, just the pancakes. Don't think you fancy burnt pancakes." 

"You're cooking." Xander said in wonder, the smell of burning pancakes finally drifting to his nostrils. "For me." 

Spike smiled and turned to the young man. "Thought you'd be hungry 'fter last night, so I went downstairs when I woke up and bought some stuff at the store." 

"But, it's day…" Xander started, suddenly realising he hadn't even looked at the clock. 

Spike laughed and shook his head. "S'almost 9 o'clock pm luv. Ya slept for more than 10 hours straight." 

"We stayed up ALL night?" Xander asked, shocked as he sat down at the table.

"Yeah, got home around 5 in the morning luv. Sun came up and we were kissing right there on the couch for couple hours 'fter that. Then there's the sex in the bedroom…" He trailed on, leering at the young man.  

Xander blushed, but didn't look away. He smiled tenderly. "Great sex that was." He whispered, his eyes locked with Spike's. 

The vampire licked his lips before rolling his eyes and going back to his pancakes. "You sit there Pet, and I'll bring you breakfast." 

"More like dinner." Xander added, smiling. 

Spike grinned. "Almost done Pet." He placed the almost burnt pancakes on a plate and poured two cups of coffee, before gathering everything on a tray and bringing it over to the table.  

Xander smiled tenderly at Spike, as the vampire sat down and unloaded the tray, placing the food in the middle and the cups before their respective 'drinkers'. Xander reached for the pancakes and took two, putting them on his plate and spreading some syrup over them. Spike watched him, entranced by the focus the young man was putting into his task and secretly not willing to miss the look on the young man's face when he would… 

"Hey, that's a new cup." Xander managed to say as he chewed on the delicious pancakes. 

Spike smiled and took a sip of his coffee. Xander swallowed his mouthful and reach for the cup, turning it around. "All men are animals, but some make better pets." He read aloud. He turned to Spike, a little confused. "You bought it?" The vampire nodded and upon seeing him, Xander's face lit up. "Is that your way of telling me you like me? I mean… the breakfast, the cup… all of it. Especially the cup. And may I tell you that you are an amazing cook. Those pancakes are excellent. Haven't had ones as good as those in forever. And you even bought the good kind of syrup. So, is it?" The young man finally stopped babbling and moving at the same time, his eyes fixed on Spike. 

The vampire shook himself out of the haze he had been sent in by the youth's babble and stare at Xander. "Is it what Pet?" He asked, confused. 

"Is this your way of telling me you like me?" Xander asked again, holding up the cup in his hand, careful not to drop coffee on the table. 

Spike grinned. "What do you think," He paused to add some effect. "Pet?" 

Xander giggled and carefully placed the cup down on the table. //He likes me, he just said it. He likes me.// He kept repeating in his head, like a mantra, over and over again. Grinning like the happy man he was, Xander leaned over the table and grabbed the back of Spike's head in his hand and pulled him over. "I like you too." The young man whispered before pressing maple flavored lips to the vampire's. 

The end.