Dedication: For Ashley, it was her bunny.



**Part One**


She eventually dragged him out of the basement, kicking and screaming he was. He was afraid to leave. It didn't like it when he left. It was always so much worse when he came back.

He didn't know how she managed to drag him all the way to her house, but manage she did. Locked him the basement for the first week, to keep him from going back, she said. Not that he cared now, he was getting better after all.

William’s bouts of insanity were less frequent now that he was away from the evil presence in the school. It gave Spike more freedom to assert himself. That's what he was doing tonight, asserting himself.

When he got to the Bronze, it was still early, no one around, so he snagged a pool table and racked up the balls. By the time he'd finished his second game, the place was starting to fill up. He saw Xander come in and take a look around, none of the others were there so Spike waved him over.

"Fancy a game?"

"What are the stakes?"

"Whatever you like, I ain't got no money though."

"Kay, I win . . . you help me move my new bedroom suite in tomorrow night." "Alright, an' if I win, you pay me to help ya."

Xander looked at the vampire in confusion. Pay him to help? Did that mean Spike would have done it if he had just asked him to help? Spike watched as realization hit the boy, he chuckled.

"Would have helped ya anyway, got nothing better to do, and hello? Soul here." "Right. Okay, heads I break."

Xander won the coin toss and took the first shot. Unfortunately for him Spike won the game, so he had to pay the vampire for his moving assistance the following night.

"You want to play again?"

"Sure pet, what you wanna bet this time?"

"Let me think about it, why don't you get us a couple beers, on me."

Xander pulled out his wallet and handed some money to Spike who took it without so much as a nod and headed for the bar. The vampire decided he knew what he wanted to bet, he was tired of staying in the slayer's basement. She didn't want him, and William was to guilt ridden to even look at her so being there was no fun at all. Even the lil' bit couldn't stand him anymore. Yep, he had a plan, an evil plan at that. He was gonna live with Xander.

Spike returned to the table, bottles in hand and handed one of them to his soon to be flat mate.

"So, ya think of anything yet?"

"Yep, you?"

"Yeah. So?"

"Let's just see how the game goes. Winner gets their prize."

"Daring move, didn't know you liked to play high stakes."

"I left a vengeance demon at the altar, Spike. Nothing scares me anymore."

Spike and Xander shared a laugh at that. Spike took the first shot and the game was on. It was close this time, but being around for over a century teaches you a few things, like how to play a good game of pool. Not to mention how to make it look like you don't play so good.

"Tough luck there mate. It was close though wasn't it?"

"Yeah, I thought for sure I had you."

"Well, it's been a fun night an' all but if I'm not back at the slayers place by midnight she gets a bit put out. So, I'll be around tomorrow night just after sunset. That good?"

"Yeah. Uh, Spike?"

"What?"

"What did you just win? I mean you are going to tell me aren't you? Cause otherwise I'm likely to come up with all sorts of scary scenarios. Possibly involving leather and I'd rather not go there."

Spike laughed. A real genuine laugh, maybe he should get to know this man a little better. The leather thing had possibilities.

"Nah, no leather. Well, 'cept me duster of course. I don't go anywhere without it. Er, 'cept Africa of course."

"Spiiike! Tell me, please?"

"Oh right, that. See, I don't like living in the slayer's basement and you have an extra bedroom and no demon-girl around anymore so I'm moving in with you. See ya at home tomorrow pet. Have a good evening."

Spike whistled as he strode out the door and into the night. Yeah, he might be souled, but he was still an evil demon.


**Part Two**


Spike had a hard time falling asleep that morning. William was feeling guilty for manipulating Xander into letting him stay there. Spike was ready to tear his hair out. He was so frustrated.

"Bloody hell! Do you actually like it here you pathetic git? You can't even be in the same effin' room with her, not to mention how the bit treats us. Harris' is better than this. Sides, if it'll shut you up, we'll earn our keep then, right? Now, can I bleeding well GET SOME SLEEP?"

The soul fell silent and eventually the vampire slept. Spikes dreams as always were filled with the anguished screams of his victims. He replayed every murder, every torture, over and over again. When he woke up screaming, William was to the fore, just as he always was after the dreams.

William wouldn't eat, he refused to drink the blood that Buffy would bring him, preferring to starve out of some sense of guilt. Eventually the slayer got the hint and left him alone. Spike would feed when he was in control, which thankfully was more often these days. Insanity could be fun an' all, but not when it's happening to you.

Eventually, William let Spike take over. The demon had promised to help Xander move his furniture tonight and the soul would feel guilty for breaking a promise. Spike went upstairs and fed, when he was finished he went back down to the basement and picked up the duffle bag of his belongings. He looked around the room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything, nope all packed up.

Spike scribbled a quick note for Buffy letting her know he was moving out, and at the souls' insistence, thanking her for her hospitality. He stuffed the remainder of the blood bags into his bag and left. Oh yeah, it was good to be leaving.

Xander spent most of the day wondering how he got himself into these situations. He was now going to have an undead room mate, an undead room mate who wouldn't even pay half the bills. Not that that was a problem, he made more than enough money. With Anya out of his life he figured he was saving a small fortune so having Spike around might not be so bad. Besides, Buffy was miserable with him living there, and Dawn wouldn't even look at the vampire anymore, and they used to be close.

By the time Xander got home from work that evening he was pretty okay with his current situation. Sure Spike was a vampire, but he did have a soul now and he'd be doing Buffy and Dawn a favor by taking him in. This way they could still keep an eye on him, and yeah if he was totally honest with himself, Xander would admit that he'd like the company. With Anya gone it was just too quiet. He'd never lived alone before, even his first apartment had been in his parent's basement.

By the time the delivery guy got there Spike and Xander had moved the old furniture out of the master bedroom and into the spare room. They unloaded the truck and took the new stuff upstairs. The old bed was being picked up in the morning so they just left in the living room for the night.

Exhausted, Xander flopped down on the couch and turned on the TV. He was glad Spike was there to help, the furniture was heavier than it looked. After catching his breath, Xander turned to the vampire standing in the hallway.

"Well don't just stand there Spike, come in and sit down."

"Right, good idea."

"So, what do I owe you for the muscle?"

"I dunno, what do you think is fair?"

"Uh, well it would have cost me an extra fifty bucks to have the delivery guy bring everything up so I guess it's only fair you should get the same."

"Sounds good, should keep me in blood for a bit."

"Oh, about that. How were you feeding before?"

"Buffy was getting I guess."

"I actually meant before, when you were living at the high school."

"Oh. I wasn't really. Couldn't bring myself to eat. Felt sick just thinking 'bout it."

Xander decided to drop the subject, it was a bit more personal than he wanted to get into. This new souled Spike was throwing him off, and he didn't know how to act with him. With the old Spike it was easy, they traded insults and played pool. Xander wouldn't go so far as to say he liked him. Tolerated would be a better word. But this new souled version, he kinda liked him; not the insane babbles part, that reminded him too much of Drusilla, but the quiet soft-spoken part, and the Spike he remembered without the nastiness. Perhaps this living together thing would work out after all.


**Part Three**


Xander had been living with Spike for a week now. It was better than he thought it would be. He was only woken by the screaming a couple of times, after that it had stopped. He was concerned at first but then Spike explained that he, the soul, felt safer here, no big evil near by, no slayer upstairs. Xander felt warmth spread through his chest at that statement, he made Spike feel safe. And how weird was it that he liked that feeling? Besides that Spike actually helped out around the apartment. He did dishes and laundry and would vacuum if it needed to be done.

"Honey? I'm home!"

“How many times I gotta tell ya Harris? M'not yer honey!"

"Jeez Spike! Watch TV much? I Love Lucy? Ring any bells?"

"Yeah, but you ain't no hot Latino, and I am not a woman."

Xander chuckled and headed for the shower, he was rank after being out in the sun all day and he knew the smell bothered the vamps keen senses.

"You want a pizza or Chinese food tonight pet?"

"You pick, just no sweet and sour pork if you go with Chinese!"

Spike laughed as Xander made an 'eeewww' face. The last time they had ordered Chinese food Spike told Xander how much the sweet and sour pork looked like Dhermythia demon droppings. Then he went on to say that this being the hell mouth and all they very well could be. It was fun living here, even though he had to help out to keep William happy, besides it kept him from getting bored during the day. It was much better than the school or staying at the slayers.

Xander had thrown up for almost an hour. He was very pissed about it too, but when Spike, or rather William had apologized he accepted it. He was getting very adept at telling when Spike was more in control and when it was William he was looking at. Sometimes, it seemed to be a combination of the two. That was the one Xander liked the best, though he wouldn't admit that to Spike.

Xander had been thinking a lot about the vampire in the past week, and it was somewhat disturbing to him. He was beginning to get warm fuzzy feelings for him. The last time that had happened, with a guy, had been Jesse and Xander never told anyone about that. Nope, he just drove head long into his pursuit of the elusive Buffy Summers.

Xander stood under the hot water and released the tension from his sore muscles. Today had been tougher than usual, one of the work crews from the temp agency didn't show up so he spent the entire day hauling lumber so they wouldn't fall behind schedule. One of Anyas massages would be perfect today, but he screwed himself out of those the day he left her at the altar. Actually he screwed himself out of a lot that day.

Xander was still in some amount of discomfort when he walked back into the livingroom. He had opted for a loose pair of sweat pants and no shirt. The air conditioning was acting up and it was a bit warm inside.

"So, oh roomie of mine? What did you decide on?"

"I took pity on ya an' called fer pizza. Meat lovers, no garlic, extra cheese."

"Mmm. Sounds good."

Xander walked slowly to the sofa and eased himself down. Spike watched him with a frown on his face.

"Hurt yerself at work today?"

"We were short one crew, hauled lumber all day."

"Ah. So what? Yer back's acting up?"

"A bit. It'll work itself out, but I'm gonna bail on patrolling tonight."

Spike sighed and walked over to the couch.

"Scoot forward."

Xander looked at him in confusion.

"Huh?"

"Scoot forward. Are ya deaf?"

Spike gave Xander a gentle nudge and without thinking Xander complied. Spike sat in behind him and began working the tension out of Xanders muscles. Xander sighed in relief, Spike was very good at this. His cool hands felt wonderful on his heated flesh. He melted into the touch.

By the time Spike was done massaging his back Xander was a big mess of contented goo. He had never felt so good after a massage before. Spikes hands were capable of amazing things. Xanders mind started filling with images of other things Spikes hands could be doing. By this point Xander was getting aroused, he didn't want to be aroused, not by Spike!

Spike sensed the mortals sudden panic. He wondered what had set him off all of a sudden. They he caught it, the faint hint of arousal in the air. Spike smiled a truly wicked smile. He just thought of something else he could do to keep himself from getting bored. Time to play 'entice the human' yeah this was much better than the slayer's basement.


**Part Four**


It had been a week, one whole week since the 'back rub of doom', which was how Xander mentally referred to it. He had been avoiding any touchy situations with Spike since then. It wasn't helping though. Spike had taken to wandering around in an old pair of Xander’s jeans. They were too small for Xander but still too big for Spike and they barely stayed on his hips. Add to that the still broken air conditioning and Xander was in hell.

This morning he had accidentally walked in on Spike getting into the shower. Spike never showered that early in the morning, hells he was usually sleeping at that time. He said he'd spilled blood on himself and wanted to get cleaned up. It sounded reasonable, but heck, he could have said he was getting ready to meet the Queen for tea and Xander would have just nodded along. He couldn't get the image of Spike standing there naked out of his head.

He kept playing the image over and over in his mind all day long. By the time work was finished he was half hard and half insane. He didn't know whether he could go home or not. Part of him wanted to strangle Spike and the other part, well the other part was not allowed to speak anymore. Strangulation was good. Much better than doing naughty things to male vampires.

Spike was quite satisfied with his progress, he couldn't rush Xander into this, nor could he let the boy know he was being set up. William was not happy about the idea, but he liked Xander and wouldn't be opposed to a relationship with him. He was just too painfully shy to suggest such a thing, and if Spike wanted to do the pursuing he would stay quiet about it so long as Xander wasn't hurt. Walking around all week in those low hanging jeans was a nice touch as well. A fluke really, he had thrown them on one day so he could take his things down to the wash. The reaction he got from Xander though was enough to make him keep wearing them. That and they were really comfortable.

Thinking back on that mornings bathroom incident, Spike smiled. He had planned that perfectly, all he had to do was stand about naked in the bathroom until he heard Xander stumble out of his bedroom. He gave the rehearsed 'I spilt blood on myself' speech but by the look on the boys face he could have said he was getting ready to go shag the watcher and he would have just agreed and walked off. Yeah, he was sure the image of him in all his naked glory was permanently etched in the boys mind.

It was time to up the ante a bit, pull out the big guns. Tonight, Spike was going to cook dinner. He had heard the old saying about the way to a mans heart being through his stomach. In Xanders case that was probably true, the boy loved to eat.

Xander headed home with a feeling of dread in his gut. He just knew that Spike was going to find out that he'd been thinking naughty thoughts about him. It was wrong, so very wrong. Spike wasn't gay, and he was very much in love with Buffy before the whole 'soul' thing. Before that it was Dru, and there had been Harmony as well. Then again, Xander wasn't gay either! He had always like girls, girls with their nice curvy bodies and soft round breasts. Not men, with hard lines and well-defined muscles, whose hands felt so good on his heated skin . . .

"Aaarrrrrggggg."

Xander stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and glared at his building. He just knew Spike would be in there, sitting all innocent like in front of the television. As if he weren't flaunting his nakedness in front of him, trying to seduce him with the sight of all that pale silky looking skin. Xander shook his head. No, not with the soul, Spike with a soul wouldn't play him like that. It wasn't an act, it was innocent. Spike was just reacting to the heat that was all.

Xander headed inside and took the stairs up to his floor. He unlocked the door and stepped inside, it smelled good in there, really good. He went back out into the hallway and looked at the number on the door. Yeah, it was the right one. He went back in and closed the door. He sniffed. It smelled like roast chicken. He could definitely smell chicken, and he was sure he smelled potatoes and carrots as well.

"Spike?"

"Yeah pet?"

"You . . . cooked?"

"Well, yeah. I can cook you know."

"Oh. Uh, why?"

"Just felt like it. 'Sides, you eat crap, you know. All that fast food isn't healthy, should eat something good for ya more often."

Xander was too confused to have this conversation. Spike cooked? Spike cared about his health? It was too much.

"I'm going to shower."

"Alright, supper should be ready by the time you finish."


**Part Five**


Xander walked into the dining room to find the table set and laden with food. Spike had really done a really good job with dinner. Roast chicken, potatoes, carrots, fresh baked bread and a bottle of wine. Xander wasn't too fond of wine but since Spike had gone to all this trouble, who was he to complain?

He sat down where Spike indicated and they enjoyed a pleasant meal together. That in itself was strange enough, but the fact that they had also had a nice conversation, one that had nothing to do with demons, or the scoobies, or anything hell mouth related was enough to throw Xander for a loop. Spike was acting like a . . . person. A person Xander found himself more and more attracted to. By the time the meal was finished and they had washed and dried the dishes, Xander had almost forgotten that this was Spike he was having such a good time with.

Spike lead Xander into the living room and sat him on the sofa. He then turned on the TV and joined him. He could tell that Xander was confused by what was happening, that was exactly what was supposed to happen. It would be easier to seduce the boy if he kept him off guard.

William was becoming unsure of this course of action and it was all Spike could do to keep the soul from screwing the whole thing up. He had worked too hard this week to let it all fall apart over a little guilt. He wasn't trying to hurt Xander, just bed him.

Xander sat and watched the TV not really paying any attention to what was on the screen. He was still trying to figure out what was happening between him and Spike. A thought suddenly occurred to him.

"Uh, Spike?"

"Yeah pet?"

"Does it bother you, being called Spike?"

"Why would it?"

"Just . . . Angel doesn't go by Angelus now so . . ?"

"M'not Angel, am I? I have a soul, but I'm not cursed, I know what I am, and I know what I did. Can't change any of it though can I?"

"Oh. So then you're okay with being called Spike? You don't want me to call you, I don't know, William?"

"Nah. William's a poncey name. I didn't like it much when I was human so I sure don't want to be called that now. You could call me Wil, if you want."

"Wil. Hmm. Yeah, I like that. So, Wil. What the hell is going on here?"

Spike chuckled and then gave Xander a lascivious grin.

"Thought that was pretty obvious pet. I'm trying to seduce ya."

Spike couldn't help but chuckle at the look of confusion on the boys face. He could tell Xander was trying to figure out if he was messing with his head. It was a fun idea, but he was growing impatient with the games. He wanted the human, and he wanted him right now.

While Xander was still busy trying to figure things out, Spike leaned over and pressed his lips to Xanders. It wasn't much of a kiss but it was a start. When he pulled back and Xander didn't automatically hit him or start yelling Spike smiled. He gave William a big 'told you so' and leaned in again.

This time the kiss was more persistent, and Xander wasn't caught off guard. He saw it coming and welcomed it. He decided that he could over analyze it to death later. Right now he just wanted more of those soft lips on his.


**Part Six**


Spike was surprised that Xander was not only allowing the kiss but wholeheartedly participating in it. He wasn't expecting things to go this easily and hadn't planned on doing more than getting his foot in the door so to speak tonight. Give Xander something to think about. This was unexpected.

"Xander, pet. Slow down. Don't ya think this is moving a bit fast?"

Spike couldn't believe he'd just said that. Had to be Williams influence, there was no way he would have said anything to stop what was happening.

"You want to stop, Sp - Wil?"

"Yes, er no! I just, I don't want to push you. This seems . . . Sudden."

Xander chuckled, if only the vampire knew how much he had been thinking about doing this all week long. He cupped Spikes face and gently kissed him again.

"Not as sudden as you might think. I've been wanting to do this for a while now."

"Really?"

"Yes. But if this is too fast for you, we can slow down. Or stop. What do you want Wil?"

Spike stopped and looked at Xander, really looked at him. This wasn't a game to him, not to Xander. He was really asking what Spike wanted. He was thinking about his feelings, trying to make sure he was comfortable with how things were working out. Damn. Is this the way he was with Anya? This gentle and caring? No wonder a vengeance demon who had spent thousands of years hating and punishing men had fallen for him.

White Knight wasn't a title for Xander, it was a life style. It was who he was, and Spike was beginning to realize that he liked that. He wanted that. This wasn't like what he'd had with Buffy, this was reciprocated. Xander actually cared about him, his feelings, his wants.

"I want you, Xander."

"I'm right here, Wil."

"I can see that, but what is this to you? Do you want me Xan? Me, Spike? I am still a demon, I have a soul but I'm not Angel, I can't be like him."

"Thank God! I hate Angel. That whole brood-vibe he puts out gets on my nerves. I know what you are, and I still want you."

"Well, I'm right here. Have at me."

Spike leered at Xander who cracked a smile before kissing him again softly. Spike moved to straddle Xander’s thighs while continuing the kiss. He was fighting to keep control, William was trying to assert himself and Spike did not want to give up his position. He would be damned - again - if he thought he was going to go through all that hard work and planning just to let William get the benefits.

Xander sensed something was distracting the vampire and pulled out of the kiss. He watched as Spike seemed to concentrate for a minute before opening his eyes. Xander looked into those blue eyes and could see Spikes soul. Literally.

"You okay?"

"I'm not sure. I - he - William is being a bit of a prat."

Xander smiled.

"A prat? Why?"

"Bloody Victorian, thinks we're moving along a bit fast. Seems to think we should slow down and get to know one another. I guess he doesn't trust my intentions."

"Ah, I see. Uh, what are your intentions? I mean is this just . . ."

"A quick shag? No. I like you, Xander. I want you. I don't know where this is going but I'd like to find out. I'm not using you. I wouldn't."

Xander could see the truth in the vampires eyes. It was almost painful to look at.

"I'm tired of chasing after people who don't want me. I'm sick of being convenient. I want to be with someone who wants me, who isn't using me just to feel alive, I want someone to care about me. Do you understand that Xander? Do you know what I'm saying here?"

Xander nodded his head and gave Spike a sad smile.

"Yeah, I know. I've been there too. I was used and tossed aside most of my life. I was never first choice, never the 'one', always just runner up. I don't want to be used anymore either. Maybe William is right, maybe we should slow down."

"Is that what you want?"

"No."

"What do you want Xander? Do you want me?"

Xander looked up at Spike and saw the raw need in his eyes. Oh yeah, he wanted. He wanted very much.

"Want me Xander, please want me?"

"I do. I really do."

Their mouths met half way and then they were kissing like there was no tomorrow. Xander stood, taking Spike with him. Spike wrapped his legs around Xanders waist and held on as he was carried into the master bedroom.


**Part Seven**


Xander deposited Spike onto the bed and then crawled up the length of the vampire’s body until they were face to face. He studied the gold tinged blue eyes, the slightly open mouth, heard the panting breaths from a creature that had no need to breath.

Was this the right thing to do? The sane thing to do? He wasn't so sure, but he didn't think he could stop now if he had to. Here was the very object of his week long fantasies draped across his bed panting and almost game-faced. It was even more of a turn on than he had expected.

Spike lay watching Xander watch him. William was sure that this was where the human would realize what was happening and put a stop to it. Spike was hoping that for once, William was wrong. He wasn't sure what he would do if Xander stopped. He was too close to getting what he wanted, what he needed - someone who truly cared about him.

Xander shook off his doubts and just let himself go. He wanted Spike - William - Wil, whatever. He wanted the vampire and he was sure that the feeling was mutual. He leaned in and kissed those tempting pink lips again.

Spike groaned with satisfaction when Xander kissed him again. He could feel Williams surprise and delight that they had not been rejected. He pulled gently at Xanders shirt, untucking it from his trousers. Xander returned the gesture and soon they were both naked and still kissing and touching each other.

Having never done this before, Xander wasn't sure what the next step was supposed to be. Who was going to do what? Just as he was about to ask he felt cool hands cup his bottom and pull him closer. He felt his cock brush against Spikes and he groaned. It was like nothing he had ever felt before and he liked it. He thrust against him again and felt Spike shudder.

Spike wasn't going to push Xander into anything tonight. He knew this was virgin territory for the boy and didn't figure he was prepared for it. A nice bit of frottage would do just fine. He gently maneuvered Xander into position and pulled him flush with his groin.

Xander picked up on the idea almost immediately, it felt good and took the pressure off of the whole 'who did what to whom' debate. He continued to thrust against Spike as the vampire matched his pace. Before long they were both gasping and moaning.

Spike felt William coming closer to the surface, he was too far gone to try and suppress the soul from emerging. He was surprised when instead of pushing him away, William seemed to wrap himself around the demon until they were one entity, simultaneously enjoying the pleasure that was being to them.

Xander was close. He wanted to let go so badly but he never wanted to stop either. The sensation of having another man beneath him, another cock rubbing against his, was so intense that he couldn't hold back any longer. He buried his face into Spikes neck and sucked on it hard as he came.

Wil - the essence of Spike and William combined - felt Xander’s hot mouth on his neck and then hot spray on his stomach and chest. He let go with a howl, and his cool seed joined the mess that was already between them.

Xander rolled to the side and pulled Spike with him. He kissed him again gently.

"That was. . . wow."

"Yes it was. Are you okay?"

"Okay? Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know, just that you had sex with a vampire, a male vampire. Isn't this the part where you scream and run off?"

Xander chuckled. This was so much like William that he had to laugh. He knew it was Spike, but it was the Spike that he secretly liked the best. The Spike that was equal parts demon and soul. He hugged the vampire to him and kissed his forehead.

"I'm not running, or screaming. I knew what I was doing, who I was doing. I told you, Wil. I want to be with you."

"We - I want to be with you as well Xander."

"Good. Now lets get cleaned up before we stick together."

Xander watched the vampire get out of bed and walk toward the bathroom before following. He wondered if he was even aware of the fact that he was slowly becoming one with the soul. That he was less 'Spike' and 'William' and more 'Wil' every day.

In the bathroom Spike stood under the shower watching as Xander came in behind him. He still felt William wrapped around him and decided that it wasn't an altogether unpleasant feeling. Perhaps he would stop fighting his souls presence and they could be at peace together. They did have something in common after all, Xander.

Having made the decision, Spike felt the soul seep into his being. He gasped at the prickly sensation as they merged together. He felt Xander reach out for him and hold him close. He wrapped his arms around the warm body of his lover and just allowed himself to be held.

"Hey, you alright?"

"Yeah, just . . . different."

"The soul?"

"Yes and no. We've joined, we're one."

"So, no more schizophrenic vampire? Just you?"

"Yeah, you okay with that?"

"Me? I'm good. I just want you to be happy. Are you happy Wil?"

"Yes, for the first time in a very long time I'm happy."

Xander kissed Wil and then they washed off and went back to bed. As they were drifting off to sleep, wrapped in the others arms they both felt complete, like they had found what they had been searching for their entire lives. Xander smiled as he thought about the reason they were here together. A simple game of pool had changed his life. Maybe it was coincidence, maybe it was fate. In Sunnydale you could never be sure.

Across town at the Bronze, the eight ball rolled slowly across the pool table in the dark club. Tara picked it up looked at it, then rolled it back across the table to her companion.

"We did a good thing, right Joyce? They're where they belong now right?"

"Yes, they are. Now we just need to get Buffy and Willow together."

The two spirits linked arms and walked out into the night. They had their work cut out for them on their next project.