Collective Experience

by Josie

Copyright © 2005

josie_h@yahoo.com

Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters nor make any money from stories etc, and bow down to their original creators Joss, et al., plus all the wonderful online writers who continue to give the Buffy/Angel verse characters life.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse: http://mysticmuse.net
http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=rngrdead
Feedback: Very much appreciated.
Spoilers: Post series.
Author's Notes: Sequel to New Year's Resolution. If you don't like boys together, don't play here!
Pairing: Xander/Spike

The flight had been delightful in the end. The reunited couple quickly becoming favorites for the crew as the lovers' good spirits permeated the cabin. Somewhere over Kansas (or Illinois) the champagne was replaced by an apparently endless supply of fine cognac, coffee and a selection of chocolates. Xander was relieved to note that they had followed sundown, and at the terminal were able to 'exit the building' without concern.

The trip from the airport to 'home' had been strangely quiet. Xander worried that his newly established lover might not approve of…whatever it was people disapproved of in these circumstances…his job, his home, the 'working day' rather than the 'holiday Xander' of the last few days. As he pushed open the pale solid wood door and invited his guest in, the worry intensified to panic.

His apartment was exemplary – for an upwardly mobile, successful, very single (and now confirmed gay) guy in Sacramento. Devoid of the detritus usually indicating loving habitation, it was neat to the point of being a magazine feature.

"Bloody hell Xan you're worse than me sire! Do I need to take off m' shoes at the door or should I just stand here 'til you de-louse me so's I meet your approval!"

Xander's back was to his friend when the statement came, but fortunately heard the mirth in the voice. When he turned, the friendly grin and customary snort from Spike was all Xander needed to confirm that he was worrying about the wrong things. Spike had come to be with him, and was probably the least likely person to care about the sterile, or otherwise, state of his abode.

Almost to emphasize this point, what followed was a progressive 'de-clothing' and consequent 'untidying' of the apartment as Spike launched himself at his tense partner and proceeded to kiss and undress him as they made their way to Xander's neutral tone bedroom.

A short time later, lying on the large bed, spooned by his smaller companion in a haze of 'coming down', Xander smiled contentedly – making a silent wish to whoever might be listening, that the emotional roller coaster ride of the last few days – and particularly the angst in the past twenty four hours - would be an aberration and not indicative of a pattern for the rest of the year.

The next morning did not start too smoothly. Xander had woken to Spike's yelp of pain, the smell of singed flesh and a vampire scrambling over him to the relative safety of the dark corner near the side table.

Both of them had checked the curtains the previous night but failed to notice that though Xander's south facing picture windows were well covered, the rising eastern sun had crept through a tiny crack caused by a discarded piece of clothing at the very end of the track.

Xander sprinted to shut out the lethal sunshine, then turned to his cowering friend who, he noted, was currently in game face gently licking the burnt hand and arm in an effort to both calm himself and accelerate healing.

Xander raced to the kitchen, threw some ice into a towel and returned to sit beside the injured vampire, handed him the cool towel then pushed his wrist under Spike's nose. Spike pulled back with a look of embarrassment in the golden eyes, and mumbled a hurt "'ll be alright."

"Drink…please…God Spike…you have to. I've got no blood in the house until I can come home with some at lunchtime – and you need to heal." The human pushed the limb forward again. This time his partner nodded, laved the wrist first, then pressed the razor sharp canines against the flesh so gently that when they slid in Xander hardly felt anything beyond the sensuous licking and sucking that drew the precious liquid. All too soon for Xander, the wrist was returned and a near inaudible "Thank you, Xan" came from his now blue eyed lover.

Xander reached over, took the injured arm carefully, stroking the skin that had remained in tact and leaned over to kiss the still sleep tousled curls, then rested his cheek against their softness continuing to pet and comfort his lover.

"I'm so sorry Spike…I'm so sorry. If I'd woken earlier I could have checked…I mean…Geez! What if…"

"Stop it luv…stop it" He turned to lock blue eyes on the guilt filled brown one, "Not your fault…master vampire remember – century and a half under me belt, you reckon I shouldn't 'ave realized? This is nothing pet, had far worse runnin' in and outta your mobs' homes under that bloody blanket after the bloody chip." Instead of the relief he had predicted the reaction was one of horror. Oh Bollocks, not the right thing to say.

"Oh G…Spike…I never…and I was all 'Fangless' and you were…Oh I am so, so sorry!…How can you even…" Spike cut him off with a swift kiss.

"Not the point luv, just sayin'…and Xan?…Please look at me pet…?" Spike waited until he had the full attention of his distressed companion, ""s the best breakfast I've had for ages." Accompanied by an infectious grin, Xander could do little but relax and hug his partner to him. Spike felt the smile against his collar bone…Another 'crisis' over

After some coaxing, and much reassuring and checking of window drapes, Xander had departed for work, Spike slept until just after three then rose to begin his day. True to his word Xander had dropped off a few days' supply of animal supplemented by four bags of 'ABpos' but had not woken his sleeping companion. He had stood watching his friend sleep motionless for a time. Pondering the strangeness of seeing someone without breath, sleeping. He also wondered at the innocent and stunningly beautiful face, as always appearing younger in its repose.

Spike had woken slowly, 'supped' fitfully then written uninterrupted for almost three hours until a key in the door signaled the arrival of his 'some't better to do!'

Pleasuring his friend was almost effortless. Xander was progressively stripped from the door as he entered from work until he was pressed into the bed without protest. Spike had never had a more responsive or willing human partner, certainly none that could be described as lovers. He had waited until his human fell into a sated sleep, snuggled for a while then returned to his writing. He slipped back into the bed as he felt the heartbeat speed up, capturing his lover in a cool embrace as though he had been present all night. And so a pattern was set…

They had stayed in the first night; on the second 'did' a Korean restaurant and movie then returned; on the third they ordered out and watched DVDs 'in'; on the fourth Xander was caught in a meeting with clients until late, but came home to a very nude Spike cooking classic Italian cuisine clad – for his own protection - in a small hand towel that he had somehow fastened around his hips with the aid of a long piece of 'multipurpose kitchen tie' and a good deal of ingenuity.

On the fourth night Xander stopped to consider.

In just on two weeks, their lives had gone from tumultuous scenes of long lost lovers in a frantic holiday romance, to domesticated nudism, queries about pasta preferences, and sleepy video evenings (not that certain post movie activities weren't 'of the definite good'…)

Xander had three problems on his mind – the first originating from the apparent ease and swiftness with which their 'couple-dom' had evolved. The second, the fact that he had let two of his closest workmates know of his 'switch hitting' a while back but was celibate at the time, and now he really did need to 'come out' if only to acknowledge Spike. And the third and most difficult problem, a sickening sense of impending crisis as 'Xander and friend' were invited to his CEO's birthday on Sunday – an evening barbeque no less – compulsory attendance.

Xander stumbled through the door late Friday evening, over tired and rather cranky, suit jacket over his shoulder and tie askew, briefcase and three tubes containing building plans clamped rather precariously under one arm. He had all but forgotten he had a guest when he tripped over the large mail delivery that had apparently come while he was at work.

"Oh for f@#k sake! Spike!!!'

His house guest arrived seconds later, leaning against the bedroom door jam, bare-chested, top button of his jeans undone, and appearing relaxed and pleased to see him. Xander took several seconds to process the centerfold-ready picture his lover presented and was left with a combination of annoyance at his partner's good humor, and pleasure at finding someone who might counter his bad mood. He sighed heavily, dropped the accoutrements of the day, moved to his vampire and pulled him into a tight hug that spelt tired adoration.

"Hey sweetheart. 'Cha been up to today?"

"Until now? Only been up a couple 'a hours."

Xander groaned his envy at this statement…

"Writing mostly – logged on, had a chat to a few folks, uploaded me next chapter, read some…That sort of thing. Oh and I had to do a bit of money stuff – figured you wouldn't mind, I used your land line for a few calls…"

Xander put his head down on his partner's shoulder and just held on for a moment, licking and nipping gently at the base of his neck.

He stilled, answered, "Nahh 's fine", then went back to his ministrations. Spike arched his neck back to allow more access to the sensitive spot, and at the same time snaked his arm around his partner's hips and pulled him closer.

The vampire rocked them both gently for a moment then gave a lust filled, "C'mon lover let's you 'n me find something more interestin' to do, than standin' in the entrance hall." He wiggled an eyebrow suggestively, pushed a knee between Xander's legs and pressed his hardness against his partner's hip. He then squeezed the backside one more time and pulled his tired partner toward the bedroom.

Xander let out a loud 'umph' as he was pushed back onto the bed. His shoes and socks were removed before he struggled determinedly and sat up, protesting that he needed a shower.

"No"

"What no!?"

"I smell bad…let me shower…"

"Like you the way you are luv…c'mon…missed you…"

"C'mon Spike, stinky boy here."

"Nah pet, you just smell like you…all lust and salt, musk and male…" As if to prove a point, he slowly tugged his partner's shirt from its tucked position, buried his nose in the flesh, sniffed loudly then licked around the exposed belly button.

Xander stopped his amorous partner mid suckle, pushing the tongue from its task, closed his eyes and determinedly stated, "Spike!…Stop!…sorry…just stop…I need to…just…No…No!!" Spike reeled back with surprise at the final 'No', memories of a certain blonde many years earlier salting an old wound. In truth, Xander's demeanor was one of self disgust not annoyance with his significant other as he pushed away, but his lover was long gone by the time he reopened his eyes. Oblivious of the level of hurt incurred, he shrugged off the rest of his clothes and wandered to find the welcome jet of hot water.

Xander had half expected company in the shower but as he emerged from the bathroom, rubbing his hair with a towel, he saw the door to the study pulled almost shut and heard the furious tapping of computer keys. Deciding that Spike must have resolved to do some writing, he wandered into the lounge, noting that the fish tank needed cleaning again; that he really should do some laundry; and that his work gear was still lying in the entrance hall and needed retrieving. Instead of following the innate urge to tidy, he grabbed a large cushion from the recliner and lay nose down on the soft leather of the four-seater to ponder the 'crappiness' of his day.

He and his team had spent months on the tender, a multi-million dollar contract with seventeen key sites across California, a government project no less, and only days away from signing when he went away. But a change of the governor's staff and intervention by lobbyists over the Christmas-New Year break, had seen the project disintegrate into a political quagmire of epic proportions. They had finally been told today that there was "a possibility of re-tendering in a year or so…after we re-evaluate the changing needs of all stake holders." Right…that makes me feel so much better! His boss had been careful to point out that Xander's team had done nothing wrong per se – indeed was most complimentary, but it still left Xander feeling flat and upset and uncannily like Xander the Zeppo of Sunnydale…And yet…

Turning to face the balcony window, he spotted the flare of a lighter followed by the glow of a cigarette in the dark. He realized Spike had again been left unattended. And the award for the worst host in the world goes to… He stood, rewrapped the bath towel to Roman approved toga standard and headed outside.

Spike was facing away from him as Xander pulled open the sliding doors. He flicked a glowing butt over the balcony and continued to stare into the night.

"What."

It came as a demand not a question.

"Just came out to spend some…"

"No." This time the answer was an emotion filled growl.

Spike still had not turned to face him, and Xander felt a sinking sense of real fear and rejection as he stared at his partner's tense shoulders and white knuckled grip of the balcony rail.

"Spike, wha…" He was cut off by a hand thumping the rail hard.

"You said no, so that's it…I wasn't even…You know I wouldn't! Never have…Couldn't…ever…Even when I didn't…But you said no…so…" There was a pause and heavy sigh into the night. The voice dropped to almost a whisper, "Always a bad man…just thought…knew it was too good…but for a few days…thought for a moment…but always the bad man…" the words trailed off.

Xander suddenly realized the gravity of the issue, and was acutely aware of his role in the present and the history – his hatred of the blonde vocalized even after they were reluctant partners in 'Buffy's wake'; the condemnation that endured after the soul; all recalled and distilled by his simple 'no' this evening. That 'no' borne of fatigue and frustration had nothing to do with Spike or the past, yet was a direct hit of depth charge proportions to the vampire's hope for their blossoming relationship. That single, simplest of words had rekindled memories of the harshness and insanity of the chipped years, the sadness, the hunger and errors borne of desperation.

"Oh…God…Spike! Sweetheart…I am so sorry…I didn't…"

"You don't get to do that…" the voice was flat, low and without emotion.

"Do what??? Spike I was just tired – tired and pissed off…but not with you…Not with you! Do you understand…Come on Spike…Please understand?!" Xander walked up behind his partner and pulled him into a spooned hug, but the vampire's head remained down and there was no effort to show love in return. The self loathing was running far too close to the surface to contemplate letting anyone else 'in'.

"No." Spike remained firmly facing away from his friend and pushed out of the embrace to flee to the other side of the small balcony.

Xander was at a loss, the women he had dated were always so articulate when it came to any of his errors, and defined their needs very specifically as to how he was to 'fix things'. Yet now he was faced with a male vampire, golden eyes shedding blood tinged tears, as taciturn as his broody sire, and currently refusing to look at him.

He did the only thing he could think of and walked into the study, noted the laptop on screen saver and hit the space bar. A document opened,

"No one to tell
No one to tell
Century and a half
Not a fast study
E'en now
Hurt the boy

Broken, defective, ce moi
Teacup with no handle
Repugnant, despicable, contemptible
Was it always thus?
Demon eyes drip blood
Silent markers on marble cheeks

Eternal hatred
Damned to solitude
The soul bleeds
The soul bleeds"

There was no rhyming, no pentameter, no rhythmic imperative…just the overwhelming evidence of pain.

Realization hit hard. Spike was in Sacramento because of Xander. Yet had been left on his own, all day, every day, and borne it without complaint. Whenever his host was present Spike had been attentive and loving, and yet Xander had repaid that by rejecting him in the cruelest possible way…reminding him of the event that drove him to regain his soul in the first place.

Oh My God…Omygod! Xander flew outside in time to see the swish of a duster as it disappeared over the third story balcony, though heard no sound as the vampire landed and sped away.

He had hoped for a quiet 'makeup' snuggle with his undead partner but seemed to have badly miscalculated Spike's level of hurt. He contemplated searching for the vampire, quickly deciding that there was little merit in trying. One thing vampires excelled at was disappearing into the night…

Xander watched his way through two of the three Lord of the Rings extended versions in his collection before falling into a dissatisfied sleep, balcony door still wide open to let in any errant partners.

He was woken around daybreak with the warble of various birds; the pain in his back from a number of misplaced cushions on the couch; and an overall feeling of cold.

He pushed up and went to the bedroom with the vague hope that he would find his friend in bed asleep, but Spike had not returned…

Saturday was supposed to be about lying in with his guest; about fooling around and snoozing afterwards; about pondering what they might do that night. Instead Xander was left with a sense of dread. This wasn't like losing a puppy, one couldn't put an ad in the local drug store window or on the back of a milk carton 'Lost one vampire – answers to the name 'Spike''!

He checked the underground garage of the apartment twice, then stared into and called repeatedly down a sewer entrance in the next street, all to no avail.

By nightfall he was frantic, alone and beginning to grieve for the friend he was convinced had gone for good. He could do nothing. The sheer powerlessness and the not knowing too reminiscent of other times…Times of war and loss and grieving…and the Sunnydale Xander.

He jumped online on his own computer, hoping in vain that Spike might have somehow sent a message…then logged off again almost immediately, frustrated by his own stupidity. He rang a work colleague at 8pm, hoping that the distraction of a club or at least a beer and a movie might be on offer. The answering machine chirped a promised call back and hoped he had a good night. If only that could be true.

He wasn't stupid enough to go wandering to look for his friend in the gloom of the evening, too many years on a Hellmouth left him with a self preserving avoidance of such activities, though he was sorely tempted to do just that. Instead he poured a full glass of the JD that had been purchased specifically for his missing friend, forewent the ice, and sat in front of the absentee's computer for the third time that day.

There was mail in the inbox this time, and Xander opened it.

Your devoted reader
Max"

Xander sat staring at the screen until he realized that he too was splashing large salty droplets onto the letter 'n'.

He flung himself onto the couch and began to weep in earnest.

Sometime around 3am, he woke enough to grab a much needed glass of water, divest himself of clothes and bury his person miserably under the covers of the bed that, until his error, had been filled with a wriggling vampire who in sleep had alternated between starfish and limpet, either of which would have been unbelievably welcome now. He grabbed a pillow hugged it tight and fell back into an uneasy slumber.

Rising again around seven Xander pulled on a t-shirt, sweat pants and headed out to buy a paper and hopefully find a bakery open. Depression called for donuts.

Opening the door resulted in a very drunk, very injured vampire collapsing into the entrance hall floor.

"Oh sweetheart!! Oh thank god! Oh Spike"

He dropped to the ground, cradled the beloved, now blood covered, head in his lap and pondered what to do next.

His donut mission forgotten, Xander gently stroked the vampire's bloodied blonde hair and carefully ran the other hand over the rest of the body, examining for more serious wounds. He gingerly lifted his near comatose friend, carried him to the bathroom, placed him on the mat and began to run a bath.

He stripped his lover, noting the deep bruising on the torso that even vampire healing rates had only just begun to address. There was a puncture wound in his shoulder that appeared as though something sharp and very pointy had penetrated.

"God Spike! What happened? Who did this?"

Spike whimpered as one of Xander's hands slid under the badly injured shoulder and pain heightened as he was lifted no longer protected by the leather duster. The human heard his partner begin to breathe in an attempt to pant through the pain. As Xander settled the vampire into the heat of the bath water and knelt along side, he heard his lover grind out "Slayer."

Xander paled and felt instantly cold…

"Oh god Spike. Who? Not one of the Sunnyhell crew surely…Oh geez Spike, I could have lost you…I could have lost you! And it was my fault, all my fault."
Spike's eyes fluttered open for a moment as he whispered, "Nahhh pet. New bint. No one's fault. Just happened. 'Sides, Slayer of Slayers…'member?" The statement would have seemed far more convincing had Spike not flinched with pain at that moment.

Xander carefully cleaned the blood from Spike's hair – relieved to find the crimson fluid had all but come from a simple cut on his hairline.

Of more concern was the puncture wound near the collar bone. Xander sluiced it with clean water from the tap then a little disinfectant. He stood and watched his friend for a moment as an exhausted head fell back onto the bath edge and eyes fell shut. Xander left him to rest, headed for the kitchen, briskly heated two bags of blood, poured them into a large soup mug and carried it back to the bathroom.

Spike opened his eyes as he smelt the food.

"What is it with you and feedin' me in the bloomin' bathtub pet?"

"C'mon Spike – hardly the same is it?!"

"Dunno, you might enjoy a bit of cuffs 'n chains action these days." Spike wiggled his scarred eyebrow a little, but accepted the blood with no further comment, downing it in one go, then leaned back once more with a heavy sigh.

Xander replenished the hot water and let his injured friend soak for another fifteen minutes.

He picked up the blood soaked t-shirt and filthy jeans, throwing them into the wash basket. He slung the duster onto a good wooden hanger and pegged it to the edge of the cupboard, then returned to retrieve his now slightly rosy partner from the bath. Spike looked significantly improved, but still allowed the human to lift him to the bed.

Xander took particular care not to bump the injured shoulder, gently easing the vampire down to a semi reclining position and tucking up the covers. As he moved to stand however, his companion smiled knowingly and pulled him back down. "Hey luv, stay a while?" then added a "Please?" the word along with the somewhat shy smile, far more effective than any physical force he could have applied. Xander complied, lying on his side and stretching a hand over to caress and pet his friend.

"God Spike, I thought you had gone for good! I was so scared that you had gone for good!"

"Oi, some credit here whelp! Harder to get rid of than that, pet. Just got a bit caught up is all." He looked pointedly at the bruised knuckles on his left hand.

"So what happened Spike – what were you doing taking on a Slayer – that's no you any more?! And drunk as well?!"

"Course it's not bloody me. And just for the record – got drunk after, well mostly! Anyway, stupid bint caught me doin' a little recon around McKinley Park. She must've seen me in game face when I took on a couple of 'charmers' who were hasslin' some old homeless bloke behind the community centre. Think she misinterpreted the situation a mite. I felt the tingle of her I guess, but was a little preoccupied at the time…"

"Jesus, Spike, didn't you explain who you were?!"

"Well…No!…Not exactly much point was there! Shall I do the full rebuttal for you, or just go for the summary?!…One: I am supposed to be dead – accordin' to the watcher records – three times, if the bint had bothered to study…which I doubt – given her lack of banter, obviously not the sharpest pencil in the box."

"But you only died twice! You survived the fight with the senior partners!"

"And only me sire an' me knew that…and now you o' course. Anyway…Two: kind of busy fending off 'Ms Wannabe Electra" slayer's bloody messy fighting style – don't know what they're teachin' them these days but I swear I could have put a third notch on me belt without even tryin' if I'd bin inclined."

"But she staked you in the shoulder!"

"Do you honestly think that would have stopped me, were I fightin' for real?!…C'mon mate, bit o' credit…I wasn't trying to kill her…if the daft bitch had taken two seconds to sort the situation, she would 'ave seen that too!"

"Shit Spike, we have to let the guys at Watcher HQ know you are around…How the hell did you live in Boston for so long without being found?"

Spike raised a disdainful eyebrow and didn't bother to qualify the question with a reply.

"And thirdly: I hardly think that the 'No really, I'm a 'good' vampire with an investment portfolio and web based literary career' is a particularly compelling argument mid fight yeah!"

"And again I marvel at the focused debating skills, maintained by the scholar from prehistory"

"Oi!!!" Spike, this time pulled away looking quite indignant.

"Hee hee, come on Spike! I get it OK! I just think that it's time you let Giles or Willow know you survived. I mean…Both of them really cared about you."

"Watcher bloody didn't! Complicit in a daft plot to have me done in by the Slayer's boy. Not t' mention a number of nasty bathtime incidents post chip!" Spike cocked his head and waited.

"OK, but not after you saved them all! Giles knew that…And not after the 'mysterious funds' came to the Watchers Council – he must have known it was you." Yet as he said it, Xander realized, all the money had apparently flowed from Angel. And if they had known of Spike through Andrew, all of the money flow predated the two master vampires' apparent demise in the final battle with the Black Thorn and the Senior Partners' army.

"God, Spike they really don't know do they?"

"No, an' you're not bloody telling them!"

"But…Just Willow, at least tell Willow! She liked you Spike. She went through stuff and she understood the darkness and what you did to make it right…"

"Listen pet, I may be beaten and tired, and still a little pissed off with you for bein' such an f'ing prick the other night…but let's keep our heads down for a bit longer, aye mate?"

Xander stroked down the defined cheekbones then placed his hand on the back of Spike's neck, caressed Angelus' claim mark with his thumb and leaned forward to kiss his partner. "OK sweetheart, when you're ready though…OK…but no more outdoor adventures without me at your back while you're here – agreed?"

"Hopin' to have you at my back in more than one fashion in the very near future 's a matter o' fact…or me at yours." The lascivious grin defined the end of the argument, signaled that the vampire was recovering rather quickly, and marked the beginning of an hour of heavy petting, and general fondling alternating with the 'who's at who's back' game.

It was almost five when Xander awoke from a sated snooze, his limpet friend firmly attached to his side, and suddenly remembered the work party.

"Geez Spike get up, c'mon shower and get up…we've gotta go in an hour!"

"Oh, Bloody Hell!"

Spike sat in the lounge watching a muted game of soccer on cable and tapping his foot. He'd waiting for his dinner partner for more than twenty minutes.

"Bloody hell Harris, how long does it take you to put on a shirt?!!"

His partner answered from the en suite, "It's alright for you and the not worrying about the reflection! But these are my colleagues and I kinda need to…"

"Oh Please! You sound like me bloody sire! Just get your cute derrière out here and let me fix the rest!"

Xander appeared at the door, a shirt in either hand and a sheepish look on his face.

Spike didn't even look up. "The Mambo button down."

"Wha…?? How did you…?? OK. Stop right there – How did you…?"

"Just put it on, you know I'm right." Spike stood and stalked toward the door.

Xander could not help but admire his partner's penchant for seeming 'larger than life' regardless of his attire. Spike was effortlessly beautiful. He was dressed in a black ruffled shirt, obviously expensive dark grey pants and an almost knee length matching jacket. He had tied back his blonde curls with a simple black strip of leather, and the one or two escaping curls gave him a less formal, deliberately roguish, twenty something appearance. (Gay) Xander and (the apparently younger and extremely attractive) friend. He groaned, buttoned down the suggested shirt, tied the arms of cream colored sweater around his neck and grabbed the birthday gift from the kitchen bench. He trusted Spike enough to know that there was little need for a 'cover story' and yet Xander suddenly felt even less confident of what the coming evening might hold given his friend's poster boy appearance.

The drive to the party was somewhat tense. He knew they were a little later than planned but figured the celebrations would be in full swing, somewhat taking the focus off their entrance. Xander attempted to calm his own nerves by pointing out a few of the company projects as they drove through downtown. Spike tried to look vaguely interested, smiled, then put his hand on Xander's thigh and caressed his partner lightly.

"Stop worrying pet. I'll be good, until I get you back home that is – then I promise to be bloody marvelous." Xander caught the trade mark smirk out of the corner of his eye, sighed and focused on trying to keep his arousal at bay, an increasingly difficult task given the hand stroking perilously close to his groin and now accompanied by his own visuals of just how Spike might be 'bloody marvelous' later. By the time they pulled up outside the party, he was contemplating multiple chaos demons and accompanied slime. That and the rekindling of his extreme nervousness as they got out of the car finally seemed to do the trick.

Just before they walked up the drive, Spike grabbed his partner's hand, brought it to his lips and kissed the back of it firmly. An almost shy smile and the low "That'll have to last you 'til later, luv," had Xander back thinking of slime.

The doorbell was answered by his boss's fourteen year old daughter, Janine. Xander noted her wide eyed stare and slightly nervous giggle as he introduced his friend William. Spike had nodded politely but stood well back and made no attempt to enter the house. Xander suddenly realizing that the invitation clause still applied to the vampire.

"So are we…?" Xander gestured toward the hallway and finally Janine, who was still staring at Spike, grinned with embarrassment and gave the obligatory "Oh, yeah come in, gahh sorry please, come in."

They were led through a large hallway with a broad staircase and white marble floor, past a formal lounge then the dining room and out to a large entertaining area that opened onto a deck. The hostess of the evening rushed over as she saw Xander, dragging two female companions with her.

"Alexander, how lovely to see you, Jim said you were coming but I didn't realize you were bringing company."

"Um, gosh, sorry, I did let him know but…" Xander nervousness began to show.

"Oh you naughty boy, don't you apologize," she slapped him on the wrist playfully and batted her eyelashes at Spike, "It's wonderful to have another attractive single male around. I was just saying to Cheryl and Em that all the good ones here tonight are already taken."

She smiled brightly at Spike and held out her hand, "Hi, I'm Sandy, and this is Cheryl, she's my husband's PA." The woman on Sandy's left gave a shy smile and dropped her eyes to the floor, reminding Spike of a certain blonde witch from Sunnydale. "And this Emma, my tennis partner, and they're both single so you two could be in luck tonight." Assumptions had been made but Xander still tried not to look at his vampire for fear of laughing at the last statement, he somehow hoped luck would have nothing to do with it.

Spike took Sandy's proffered hand but instead of simply shaking it as the woman expected, he kissed the back, and in the quiet tones Xander remembered from breakfast in Boston, said, "Charmed I'm sure, William Aurelius at your service." Xander could barely contain a giggle as Sandy squealed "Oooh you're English", grabbed Spike by the arm, signaled to her friends to follow, and started to show William around her home. As they left the room and headed back toward the lounge, Xander heard her gushing enthusiastically about the various pieces of art, her pet Siamese cat and the general design details of the house.

Left to his own devices Xander wandered outside to greet is work mates. There were only about twenty people present, all standing around relaxed with drinks in hand. He shook hands with a number of the men and simply nodded to others, "Adam, Mike…Jim". Passing the bottle of port he had been holding over to the host, he gave a smile "Many Happy Returns".

"Xander, much appreciated." Putting the gift on the top of the small bar fridge, the guest of honor leaned down, took out a beer and handed it to Xander. The conversation amongst the small group of his colleagues' gathered around the fridge, reverted back to what it was before Xander joined them - one of work issues, fishing, and Jim and Adam's recent golfing exploits.

Some half hour or so later, Xander found himself standing next to the barbeque chatting to civil engineer and work friend, Andy, while the other man prodded the thick steaks and salmon slices with a fork.

"I thought you were going to bring that friend from Boston with you. What's his name again?"

"S…William – yeah he came. Jim's wife is showing him around the house."

"Trying to match-make for that friend of hers more like." Andy grinned and as he looked over to the patio doors Spike and entourage came through to join the others.

"Will was telling me that you two met at a poetry reading in Boston?" Sandy released Spike's arm and wandered over to inspect the meat.

"Thought you said you knew each other for a while." Andy put down the fork, wiped his hand on the barbeque apron, and took up his beer as he held out the wiped hand to Spike "Andy by the way."

"William" Spike shook the man's hand, "And yeah we worked together a while back. Certainly didn't expect to find Xan in Boston." Andy looked from Spike to Xander and back again. He saw the look of real affection in Xander's eye and wondered if there was more to it. This William certainly was a good looking guy in an androgynous sort of a way, and by the looks of it, a fair bit younger. Knowing his work colleague was gay was one thing but possibly meeting Xander's lover over a beer and a chat seemed, oddly, much more of a challenge. He frowned a little at that thought but continued to converse pleasantly.

"So what do you do William?"

"Investing mostly."

"Oh you're broker?"

"No client."

Andy looked puzzled as Jim joined the group, handed Spike a beer and nodded his welcome.

"Ever considered West Coast property?" the host asked.

"Sold out of LA when we went to Boston."

"We?"

"My Da and I. Was just the two of us left so we ah…He died a while back." Spike's look of pain had Xander wanting to pull him into a tight hug and away from the interrogation. He tried to will his support instead.

"Sorry to hear that, he elderly?" Jim looked genuinely concerned.

"Not old enough." Recognizing grief and hurt in the young man's eyes, Jim immediately shifted to fatherly mode and worked to change the conversation.

"They never are son…So, while you're out here guess you're going to do a bit of sightseeing. What's Xander got planned for you boys on the weekend?" Jim looked expectantly at the Xander.

Hardly able to say "pounding my undead lover into the mattress, sleep, then let him do me.", the brunette said the first thing that came to mind, "Um, I think we're planning on working out aren't we Will?" He looked to his lover for help, not initially aware of his unintentional double entendre.

Spike raised an eyebrow and began to smile, but saw the look of panic on his lover's face and took the hint, "Um yeah, like to keep in shape, bit of martial arts and so forth…"

Andy, who was now piling the cooked meat onto a platter, piped up, "You should try the racket club near my place, open 24 hours – that way you two could go later and use your day for other things. Hey, how about I meet you there tomorrow night and we can have a few rounds of tennis."

"Not sure Xander is much for tennis mate – leastways not at night."

Andy looked over at the eye patch and recognized his error, "Oh, sorry man, how about racketball then?"

Xander, not realizing Spike's displeasure at the prospect of ball sports, was actually warming to the idea, "If we can do basketball you're on."

"Done, time?"

"Round eight work for you?"

"You're on – I'll see if anyone else wants to come too." He turned to find if there were some other similarly minded workmates and wandered inside with the meat. A short time later, Jim invited them all inside to start the meal.

As soon as everyone else was out of ear shot Spike looked at his friend and growled quietly, "What did you bloody well go and do that for Harris! I had us out of trouble there 'til you opened your trap. Now we're gonna be playing sodding ball games instead of having games with each other's balls!"

"Cmon Spike, it'll only be a couple of hours."

"Yeah, couple of hours less of shagging my boy," Spike's voice was getting louder.

"Shhh Spike! OK look sorry OK didn't realize you weren't keen? But it will be fine you'll see."

Spike gave Xander a look of disbelieving annoyance and spun away from the conversation to stalk inside.

The meal was a pleasant enough, a serve yourself affair with plenty of 'pass the…'s, please's and thank you's, and a steady flow of wine. Jim had seen his wife's enthusiasm for Xander's slender young friend but hadn't really taken much notice of his daughter's until they were almost finished their main course. Under the guise of being a good hostess, some very obvious teenage flirting was taking place at the opposite side of the table. Jim noticed that William, though keeping the exchange very polite, was also engagingly attentive and seemed apparently oblivious to Janine's attraction.

He noted that William excused himself from the table as dessert was served, retreating to the garden for a smoke. And that his daughter had made a flimsy excuse to leave the table shortly afterward. Not knowing William well enough, he still harbored some concern, so chose to also excuse himself and observe the girl at a distance, to take care of any 'issues' that might emerge.

What he saw from the balcony endeared him to the young man even more. As he approached he saw William sitting on a garden wall, a deliberately large distance from Jim's daughter, smoking a cigarette, ignoring her hair flicking and intuitively flirtatious posturing. Personal questions were being deflected or answered succinctly and without innuendo.

"So…where did you go to school?"

"England"

"Yeah but where?"

"Reading School – boys only"

"Ooooh that's like a private school, are your folks really rich?"

"Were."

"Huh?"

Spike raised an eyebrow and looked at his young inquisitor, "Were – as in, they're all dead."

"Oh…Sorry" Janine's face fell at that point, and Spike relented a little. The kid reminded him of the Bit in the months before Buffy's loss.

"Don't worry." Silence fell and Spike flicked the butt out into the shrubbery and slid off the wall. Janine followed him.

"So do you have a girlfriend?" At this point the youngster moved much closer to her guest, Jim was ready to intervene when he stopped to listen to the quiet exchange.

"No pet, what about you…boyfriend?"

"Nope but I'd like one, Dad thinks I'm too young but you know, it's important to date don't you think?" She looked at Spike expectantly, figuring he was the next youngest person at the party and hoping for some affirmation.

"Not so sure about that, figure it's important to keep your distance until you know who they really are."

Janine leaned toward him again, forcing Spike to step back.

"So, if we were at school together would you date me?" Her body language reeked of an attempt to captivate. She idled forward to stand far closer than was a comfortable personal zone.

The double edged sword did not escape Spike's notice, and he immediately had disturbing images of a flirting Dawn and various boys at Sunnydale High. He really was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation and despite their previous argument, was keen to locate Xander, then take his lover and himself to their apartment alone and soon, and participate in more preferable activities.

"Listen pet, don't get me wrong, you are a very attractive lass, all bright and near grown up from what I've seen, but I really don't think I should answer that." He stepped well away from her, and hoped that she would take the hint.

It was obviously not the response the girl had hoped for, and she immediately switched to 'offended mode', turning on her unwilling companion, "Why not? You're not that much older than me and I am so datable pal!" Spike took a couple more steps back and began to form a suitably placating response.

"I've no doubt, no doubt at all, look I think I need to get back to the house yeah?"

The girl, obviously unimpressed, huffed her frustration and stormed off in the direction of the swimming pool.

Jim retreated, pleased that the young man had done the honorable thing and removed himself from the encounter without the need for a father to embarrass his daughter by intervening.

Sandy observed her husband and then Spike surreptitiously returning to the party, saw the look of deep concern on Xander's face and watched their subtle reassuring touching of hands as his friend rejoined him. It was a simple gesture but for Sandy, explained away a world of questions, confirming, yet again, her hypothesis that 'all the good ones were taken…or gay!'

Not long after, Xander judged it polite to leave and smiled a signal of their departure to a relieved Spike, who managed to extricate himself from the in depth and rather tedious dialogue he was, by that stage, enduring regarding the merits of touring the USA versus Europe. A discussion to which, Xander noted, Spike had virtually managed to avoid contributing, somewhat of a lesson in restraint given the vampire's vast knowledge of both continents and his fellow party goers' rather ill informed observations, particularly regarding England.

Sandy and Jim saw them to the door.

As they watched the men walk down the drive Jim commented "That William's a nice lad, very respectable, good head on his shoulders."

"Hmm, they do make a good couple don't you think?"

Her husband shut the door with a bang and hurried after his retreating wife…"What do you mean 'couple?'"

Spike heard the door shut and growled out, "Your ass is mine tonight Harris - you owe me one mighty shag for that little effort."

Xander, equally relieved, took off at a run toward the car, grinning, "Last one to the B'mer bottoms."

He was always going to lose.

The relief of having the party over, saw the trip home requiring a two stops. One to pick up some more liquid refreshment (of the blood variety) for the coming week, and the second so Xander could avoid slamming them both into random stationary objects as Spike freed the driver's very obvious erection and enveloped it to the back of a cool throat and began to work it expertly. After only two very proficient moves up and down, Xander managed to park in a relatively dark spot in the 'nicer' suburb they were traveling through. Making sure the windows were obscured from view at least from one side by the trunk rather large elm, he was silently thankful that windows of houses opposite were out of view behind their own row of trees and it was unlikely that much traffic would come past at this hour.

Happy with the stopping point, he adjusted the steering wheel up as far as it would go, pushed the seat back and dropped the backrest to near horizontal. Spike momentarily lost his contact and scowled at the interruption.

Noting his friend's awkward position but obvious annoyance at the break in proceedings, Xander coaxed, "C'mon Spike – the console is no-one's friend right now. And hey, if you can go top the other way I might be able to return the favor?" Spike saw his friend's decidedly lusty grin, instantly dropped his own seat back in an effort to get into the rear seat, and somehow divested himself of his pants on the way through. He kissed his partner passionately as he swung around and positioned himself sixty nine fashion using the back seat, door handle and offending consol as support points. As he returned to his task, he felt his own hardness enveloped in a warm and well educated mouth.

Spike groaned his pleasure around the warmth in his own throat, eliciting a matching sound when the vibrations heightened the stimulation for his partner, and so was well rewarded by a copycat feeling. Xander moved his hands up to caress and squeeze the tight backside while he felt the soft fuzz of Spike's sac brush his forehead and nose occasionally. A cool hand snaked under one leg to tickle along his perineum and nudge at his rear entrance. For all the maneuvering, it took only minutes for both parties to succumb to their climaxes. At the first feel of the balls above him lift and twitch in readiness, Xander released stream after stream of his own warm seed into the welcoming mouth, and swallowed the reciprocal cool jets with appreciation.

A few quiet, cleansing licks later, his partner lifted off and returned to the passenger side. Spike flopped back into the reclined seat and took up Xander's hand. Interlocking their fingers he lifted the hand to his mouth and kissed the back gently.

"God Spike, that was so…good."

"Wait 'til we get home mate – told you, bloody marvelous still to come."

Xander let out a needy whimper, "I'm gonna be crap at basketball tomorrow aren't I."

"Ohh, you bet your tanned ass…Oi just a thing…where'd you put that FedEx'd box you got on Friday?"

His now sated and rather sleepy partner replied, "Oh um, I'd almost forgotten, pushed it in the hall cupboard, out of the way."

"You open it, luv?"

"Just said I forgot, what's it to you?"

"Oh nothin', jus' curious I guess." Xander had relaxed totally, closing his good eye and therefore missed the very wicked twinkle in the blue eyes of his soon to be quite marvelous lover.

They eventually returned to the apartment, arriving back at the door looking decidedly more disheveled than when they had departed.

Spike led his partner to the bedroom and pushed him back to rest on the bed and removed the loafers and socks.

"Shower pet?"

"Wha'? Oh! Yeah of course…um" Xander began to sit up but stopped staring at his partner a little sheepishly, "Are you coming…I mean will you come in too?"

"'Course." With that Spike hauled up his friend up to sit on the edge of the bed, then with a deliberately evocative stare, stood within touching distance and stripped slowly in front of his partner. As Xander finally succumbed to temptation and reached out his hand to caress, Spike spun around and headed for the bathroom.

Standing under the hot jet of water face tilted to take the full pressure from the faucet, the vampire felt rather than saw his partner enter the shower behind him.

He felt a warm slippery body spoon him from behind, erection obviously hard on his back. Two warm hands covered in liquid soap began sliding up and down his torso. A soapy hand stroked over Spike's sex and Xander rubbed his own erection gently up and down Spike's crack in time with the pace of his hand…

Spike leaned forward and braced himself hands on the wall. The nudging and fisting continued still without penetration of any kind. He needed more, trying to push back and force the issue a little, he finally gave in.

"Oh Guhhh! Xan, please, please!! C'mon luv! Need you…in me…need you."

Xander finally relented, grabbed some conditioner from the soap rack applied the makeshift lube and drove in with one resounding stroke.

Spike hissed at the intrusion, stilled, then pushed back. His partner responded by matching the rhythm of his hand. His own arousal at fever pitch, he knew it would not be long until he came, so sped up his ministrations until he could hear Spike begin to pant. Feeling his own climax approaching, he bit down hard on the vampire's neck and thrust in hard. Spike tipped over the edge, arched back and splattered cold seed on the wall of the shower. The internal spasm drove Xander over the edge and Spike was rewarded the feeling of pulsing and a warm wash inside his rear channel.
He stood upright after a few long seconds, Xander still embedded, and threw his arms up behind his lover's head and pulled him around for an awkward kiss.

"Oh pet…Hmmmmmmm" As Xander put his arms around the slim waist and hugged him close the vampire, began a strong purr.

Purr-er and purr-ee stood hugging and rocking in the afterglow until the water ran cold.

A few minutes later, sitting side by side on the bed wrapped in fluffy bath towels, Spike patted his partner's leg.

"Stay there for a mo." He stood and wandered out to retrieve the FedEx parcel from the hall cupboard. He returned to drop the box on the bed next to his partner.

"Spike? What the?"

"Aren't you curious?"

"Sure but I thought we were…you know on the way to all naked again and…" Xander stared pointedly at his own groin.

"Oh we are pet just…" he prodded the box again.

Xander sat up with a put upon groan, pulled the delivery closer and noted that the box had a simple PO Box Number as the return address. Intent upon his task, he missed seeing the twinkle in his partner's eye. Xander pushed away the packing and then gasped as he began lifting out the contents. He read the note "Beware the Ides of March, S", then began extracting the items. Toys of all descriptions, and not dissimilar to the ones they had in Boston with a few classic additions…

Hand made leather riding crop, wrist and ankle manacles, two flavors of lube, one cinnamon body oil, one white chocolate body paint, remote control vibrating butt plug (medium), one medium gel butt plug, one long silk scarf, two different styles of cock ring, two black thongs cut for men, a glass dildo similar to the one in Boston and one deep probe.

"God Spike what did you do?? Are we opening a franchise for Joy Enterprises or something?!"

"Nahh pet, just figured you might need some supplies for when I got here. Didn't expect to be here quite so quickly but…Well there you have it."

Xander was putting all the items carefully on or in the side table within easy reach.

"So pet, you up for the one minute game?"

"The wha…?"

"One minute game…let me explain…"

"Same old rules 'cept bloke on bloke."

Spike observed that there was still no sign of comprehension from Xander.

"You know?! Uugh! The 'One. Minute. Game'??! Oh Harris, where the hell have you been in your thirty somethin' years…a bloody nunnery??!" Spike sighed very audibly. "Alright…You get one minute to bring your partner to climax, once the minute is up, they get a go. First one to bring off their partner in the sixty seconds wins. And a couple of extras – just for you lover – anything goes, but no ridin' or personal penetration until the eighth round, hence" Spike made a grandiose gesture indicating the toys, "…the purchases. Once a toy is in use you can't remove it only the other person can if they wish. Oh, and no cheatin' like ticklin' and such when you're the receiver." Xander suddenly had a fond memory of a certain basement dart game with a (very ticklish) short haired blonde vampire many years earlier, and smiled broadly.

"Thought you always said rules were made for breaking Mr. Tickles." And to emphasize his point Xander dove onto his partner, pinning him as best a human might and began tormenting his lover with lightening fingers over ribs and under armpits.

"Gahhhh, get off you git!" The words were sincere but had no effect, his partner's teasing grin accompanying the irritating fingertips that had found their new mark and began to mercilessly tickle his inner thigh. Spike finally relented and with pure vampire speed and maneuvering, spun them both, and flipped Xander onto his back with Spike lying on top. Xander's arms were pinned above his head by one pale hand while the other had grabbed his balls and squeezed.

Saffron eyes and fangs greeted his surprised stare as he was told, "I. Said. No. Tickling!"

Xander still grinned as he noted the vampire breathing unnecessarily from the previous excitement "Alright, Alright! Alright!!!" He was released from the hold, "But let me get this straight…sixty second and anything goes (except for the obvious)."

"Now you're gettin' it."

"And no toy removal"

"None."

"You want to bet on who comes first – 'cause gotta say Bleach boy I am so gonna win this one." He was considering the 'came twice already' factor and had decided that for once, human frailty and turn around time might actually be an advantage.

Spike smiled broadly, "You win, I wear spandex bike shorts and an orange shirt to the racket club thing tomorrow night."

Xander got the visual and managed to grind out a joyous "Ho yeah!!" amongst his giggles.

"I win, I win…you listenin you git 'cause I am gonna win…You better bloody well stop laughin' Harris, t'weren't that funny," Spike looked a little nonplussed then continued with a pout, " 'S a matter o' fact I reckon I'd pull up just fine in that clobber…Oh come on!"

Xander finally tempered his mirth when he detected Spike's genuine annoyance. He pulled his partner down for a passionate kiss, said a heartfelt "Sorry I'm listening," then waited for the flip side of the bet.

"I win you wear the butt plug to work…all day."

Xander was immediately reminded of a certain encounter with some beads and a shopping adventure in Boston and winced. "You can't be serious."

"On both counts. Man o' honor, you swear, I swear then the games begin."

Xander thought for a few seconds, "You're on, so who goes first?"

"Coin"

"What?"

"Bloody hell Harris, coin…Flip a coin, call it for who gets to call the starting roles – like cricket…fair play and all that…!"

"And yet again I marvel at the polite vampire and rules of high tea!…OK, heads"

Spike grabbed a quarter from the small pile of change on the side table and flipped the coin.

"Heads it is. I am at your mercy." He fell onto his back in the middle of the large bed, flicking away his towel in the process, and waited in his naked glory for a rather bemused Xander to decide what to do.

"I get to play with you first."

"Right then"

After some seconds Spike heard a plaintive "Have we started cause, um…"

"No Harris," Spike sighed but took pity on his confused partner, "Turn that damned alarm clock around so's we can see, collect what you need, then we both call 'go' yeah…Oh, and from the first go on, you only have 20 seconds to start, OK?"

"Yeah sure…um…"

#Round 1

They both nodded and the clock started. If Xander was obviously excited by the game rules, Spike made no comment since his partner was busy making his life…fun!

Xander began as he had in their lovemaking many times before, kissing passionately (reciprocated which was a relief), laving nipples and nipping at the offered pale neck. His move to spend time at the flat stomach and navel was costly time-wise, and just as the hands went to grasp the fuzzy sac, Spike called time. Xander fell on his back with thoughts of what he might do next.

Like every experienced Chess player, Spike knew he had a number of 'interesting' rounds before checkmate, so he picked up the cinnamon oil and poured a generous amount onto the submitted torso. Undulating and rubbing his own body up and down the front and side of the well oiled human, he began to caress around the groin areas with his hands but never settled to touch the now rock hard sex.

In the last fifteen seconds of his time he pulled off to paint 'S 4 X' in white chocolate on the belly of his host then gently licking it off again. Time was called.

#Round 2

Xander was (despite his earlier relief) marble hard when he tried to sit up, he decided that Spike was obviously an Olympian at this event as in so many others, so would try to follow his strategic lead.

He matched the cinnamon, the licking, the tweaking, the chocolate, stroke for stroke, but became so involved in the 'X [hearts] S' chocolate tattoo that he missed his partner calling time and was finally pushed off with a semi frustrated "OK pet you made your point…My turn!"

Spike expertly used the oil on his partner's body and began a deep, almost painful, massage of the inner thighs, finally leaving off with one hand only for it to stretch to reach Xander's nipples and tweak hard, flicking and pinching again.

He relentlessly tweaked the nipples but moved his mouth swallowed his partner's leaking sex to the back of his throat and sucked as only a vampire might.

Xander was groaning his difficulty at holding his release when a strangely welcomed helper arrived. In the last few moments of his 'time', Spike expertly attached a very adequate leather harness to cock and balls.

Xander yelled his protest then gave a mild sigh of relief…thinking that in a strange way Spike might be helping him to win!

#Round 3

Xander was hard and restrained and…had decided that his partner should be the same!

He began by laving all the sensitive spots he knew, then began to mouth the already erect member, licking and sucking with few other thoughts than his own need and the relative beauty of the musculature of the person under him.

He picked up the restraint, but was side tracked by the various efforts to keep the vampire's erection 'going' and the thought that a hot mouth might just be able to pull the vampire to completion…Unfortunately seconds were lost and rather than 'restraining' his partner, the time was called and Xander handed over control.

Spike watched as his partner gave in to the game rules and roll onto his back.

The vampire smiled…and began again.

This time he took up valuable time to extract the probe from its packing and extra seconds to lube the toy. He noted that the wait seemed to heighten his partner's interest rather than letting it wilt – but then that may have been the cock ring…Wicked thoughts abounded…

He slid his mouth over his partner's already hard sex and sucked hard base to tip at the same time penetrating with the lubed probe. He knew the prostate had been found almost instantly. Watching as his partner arched from the bed. He knew at that moment that the climax normally should have occurred (without the restraint) and wondered idly if a dry orgasm had ensued.

He continued the leisurely rhythm with probe and mouth while Xander writhed but as yet, did not beg, until time was called.

#Round 4

Xander was almost beyond thought and ready to plead to lose as time was called…and for some seconds lay dazed then moved into action.

He grabbed the other restraint and snapped it around Spike's marble hard erection with a sense of joy that had more to do with retribution than winning the game.

He took Spike's now trussed erection into his mouth and teased his tongue all the way to the leather and back, then set up a steady rhythm. At the same time he took the lube in a shaky hand, flipped the top up and squeezed a generous dollop onto the fingers of his other hand.

He found Spike's rear entrance and pushed in with one then two fingers enjoying the distinctive twitch of the member in his mouth as the prostrate was targeted, but all too soon the minute was called.

Spike was thoroughly enjoying himself, and whooped with glee as his turn came again.

"You bastard…that can't have been a minute!"

"Check the time pet – 's all fair, now c'mon on your front and show me that pretty rear o' yours."

Xander reluctantly rolled over but at least there was a little friction against his trussed, and now very red, arousal.

The sharp sting of a riding crop, albeit struck very lightly, had him lifting up and about to roll over again.

"Hey!!"

Spike leaned down next to his good eye and licked around the shell of his ear, then whispered, "All's fair in love and war pet and that was just a taster to let you know what's to come…Now lift up onto you knees a bit luv…that's it."

Xander's backside stung only a little now but his erection was on fire and he realized with a little embarrassment, that his body had reacted to the sting almost enthusiastically. He buried his face into the pillow and presented his behind.

Spike had lost precious seconds but knew it was worth it, so quickly lubed the 'Asshaker' and slid it into his partner, angled it to the prostate then cranked up the vibrations. Spike was rewarded by the brunette's muffled cry and noted that the pillow was being strangled by the two hands grabbing fistfuls of the stuffing and twisting to ride out the stimulation in his rear.

Spike took the riding crop and lightly dragged it along underneath Xander until it brushed gently over the cherry red head and along his shaft. He remained content to tease up and down the tortured member with the leather end and listened to Xander whimper in frustration. In the last ten seconds of the round he heard it…"Please Spike, please just let me come please!"

He grinned, flicked off the vibrations leaving the plug in place and called time.

#Round 5 - Xander

It took Xander all of the twenty allowed seconds to recover enough to sit up, and another fifteen to start his own round. He knew his imagination was a little challenged but he did manage to grab the red fluffy handcuffs on the side table and clicked them around his partner's slim wrists.

"Let's see how you do after this buddy boy!"

As he shifted around, he felt the butt plug push against his prostate again, cursed at the fact it was still in place and groaned as he realized that the vibrations would be an obvious addition to each round for him from now on.

"Well come on you git. You gonna do sommit with me or what?"

Realizing he was spending valuable time staring into space pondering his own fate instead of trying to win, he dove onto his partner and began to rub their erections together. After a few seconds however, he became painfully aware of his strategic error as the activity stimulated not just Spike, but both of then in equal measure. He pulled off and spent the last ten seconds of his time taking Spike as deep into his throat as he could and humming to enhance the stimulation.

He groaned and lay on his back again as time was called, knowing he was losing badly.

Spike was still cuffed, so he flicked on the vibrations to high and chose to caress his prone partner's straining hardness with the fuzz on the cuffs, then scrape down gently with the short chain. The slow rhythm and maddening contrast of textures had Xander squirming again.

Spike watched the clock. At the thirty second mark he straddled Xander's thighs, caressed the balls with still cuffed hands, leaned forward and deep throated the impossibly hard erection.

Xander arched almost off the bed as his partner began a suction only a vampire would be capable of achieving.

After three passes of the skilled mouth, the unbelievable stimulation of his nether regions simply became too much.

"Please! Please!! Please!!!…Spike, let me come, I lose! Gahhhh!!…Please let me come! Please!!"

Spike released the suction momentarily, removed the restraint with a quick flick of the leather, and returned to his task. After only one more pass, Xander felt the most extraordinary tingle begin at his knees travel to his loins and burst there. He screamed his completion, shot stream after stream of hot seed into the mouth engulfing him and finally passed out.

Spike released his now sleeping partner, switched off the plug and removed it; found the cuff keys and released himself; then flicked off his own restraint, and brought himself off quickly. He wandered to the bathroom and cleaned up, returning to bed with a fresh towel for addressing any residual 'wet stuff'.

Xander came to for long enough to register that Spike was pulling up the covers and snuggling into his side, and gave in once more to sated slumber.

The following day Spike held him to his bet.

He managed to control his reaction to the insertion around colleagues despite the desire to groan as he settled into the driver's seat of the car, or cry out whenever he had to leave or return to his office chair, or walk, or generally move at all! And there's a basketball match tonight. Xander thought. He shook his head and sighed his own stupidity as he remembered, Spike had only suggested the game, it was he who had initiated the bet.

Spike woke mid afternoon, wrote for a time and answered Emails. There was no avoiding it. He was going to have to go to the club with Xander, but had no intention of 'playing ball'!

Xander returned home a little early from work, more than a mite relieved to remove the plug and give his over stimulated prostate a bit of rest. It was not to be for long however. He turned from washing the plug and looking into the bathroom mirror, to see his highly aroused partner.

Spike who had been staring at his partner's slightly pink behind, was now looking at a painfully hard erection and realized that Xander had had the foresight to wear a restraint to work 'just in case.'

"Need me to take care of that for you luv?"

Xander simply closed his eyes and let out a pitiful sigh, "Please!"

Spike stepped forward and pressed his chest against Xander's, dropped his hand and flicked off the leather cockring. As Xander's head fell back his partner dropped to his knees and engulfed the painfully hard erection in the coolness of his mouth. He tickled and laved for a few seconds then reached up, squeezed the sac and sucked as hard as he could. Xander came virtually instantly, roaring Spike's name he let his legs give way until he was in a kneeling hug with his partner.

Several minutes later Spike turned his partner and lubed himself almost in the one swift action. Then in a low seductive purr said "Lean over for me pet, wanna be inside you…now." Xander complied without a sound.

The muscles were still loose from a day of being stretched and Spike slid in to the hilt in one stroke then set up a steady rhythm. Xander sighed at the feeling of a 'real' organ thrusting into him and arched as Spike began to rub his prostate on each pass. Finally he felt the pace increase and stokes become erratic as Spike panted into his own climax, filling his partner with jets of cool seed.

He slid out easily, but stilled Xander as the man went to rise. "Stay there pet, I'll clean you up."

Spike leaned down and laved the, now cherry red, rear entrance with a cool tongue. This time the noise from his partner was a hearty groan of thanks as he felt the cool vampire saliva begin to salve and heal the area.

As soon as he was satisfied that his ministrations were adequate, Spike helped his friend to his feet. Slapping the man lightly on the backside on his way out of the bathroom, he reminded Xander that they were heading for the racket club in just under an hour.

Xander showered and dressed in loose shorts, a Sacramento Kings^TM T-shirt (circa 2005) and a suspiciously new looking pair of Nike's^TM. Spike for his part had borrowed some oversized sweat pants and a dark blue T-shirt of Xander's, insisting that "My idea of Hell Harris is to be caught in a pair of bloody sports shoes!" He pouted and claimed that if he was expected to participate at all, it would be in his docs or bare feet.

Xander gave in, but was careful to include extra boxers and a towel for Spike…visions of a nice steamy sauna finding his nether regions twitching again, despite their very recent activity.

He stood at the door of the apartment reading seven forty five on the hall clock and finally called out, "C'mon Spike!"

"I look ridiculous!"

"You look like you're going to the gym!…Well, except for the docs but…"

"I look like your young vagrant cousin, or some cheap-side trick!"

"You look like my adorable, blonde lover who's coming to hang out at a racket club! Now come on, and get in the car!"

Xander didn't quite hear the litany of insults that came his way but managed to catch snippets of "Bugger…", "Friggin poncy games", then finally, as they approached the car, a genuine pouty whine, "These pants 'll fall down if I run!"

Xander was beyond frustration, "I promise, jeans boy, I'll help you to tie a bow when we get there! Now get in!"

"Git!"

"Pouty man!"

"Ponce!"

"Scaredy Vamp!"

"What?"

"You heard me! I figure you've never played the great American game!"

"Well…No! Of course I bloody haven't!"

Xander finally realized the problem and took a more conciliatory tone, "Look, don't worry about all that. C'mon sweetheart just get in, please?" The final statement was accompanied by a pleading look worthy of a very lonely puppy.

"Oh bloody hell!" With that Spike opened the door of the car and attempted his very best sulky slump into the front seat.

Xander chose to ignore the theatrics and simply drove them to the club.

They spotted Andy as they wandered into the foyer of the club. He was standing with three other men, all of whom Spike thought he remembered from the party. Xander was greeted enthusiastically. They were dressed like Xander in expensively understated sports wear. Spike was obviously the only ring-in, and very obviously, the only non 'gym' goer. He hung back, looking distinctly uncomfortable.

Andy leaned around Xander and offered a handshake to Spike with a friendly "Hey there William, good to see you decided to join us. From what Xan's told us you're a bit of an athlete, what do you usually play?"

"Um, don't really, used to play cricket and a bit of rugby at school. Guess you could say I stick to martial arts these days." Spike shook the outstretched hand and looked up at Andy's smiling face. The man was genuine in his friendliness, though Spike spotted the large brunette (apparently called Jarred) flashing a knowing look to the man he was standing next to, and snorting. Vampire hearing picked up the muttered 'Cricket! Wonder it's not chess. Let the gay games begin, it's Xan's faggot friend.' Spike's eye's flashed gold for a second but he let the comment go for Xander's sake. Oh, this was going to be a 'fun' night.

The group waited a few more minutes chatting idly. Finally a tall redhead and rather portly balding man, joined the group with plenty of hand shakes, back slapping and exchange enthusiastic expressions. Spike was polite, but Xander noted his distinct quietness and the shift from foot to foot of someone under stress.

The group finally moved toward the basketball hall laughing and joking with each other about their previous games and exploits on the court. Spike was halted at the door by one of the racket club employees.

"I'm sorry sir, but you will have to remove your black soles before you enter the court."

Spike in his stressed state heard 'black soul' and he stood dumbfounded for a few seconds.

The official looked down at Spike's boots, "Your shoes, sir, can you please take off or change your shoes?"

"Oh, um…sure, beg pardon." Spike quickly knelt down and loosened the laces then removed the offending items. Docs in hand, he pushed through the door to stand just inside the large room.

It was a double court with extremely high roof and various markings on the well polished, sprung floor. An indoor running track circled the top of the area near the ceiling, obviously accessed from a second story gym. Large windows in the right wall revealed a swimming pool on the other side of the glass, while those at the end opened onto what was obviously, a large number of well lit tennis courts.

Xander was waving him over to the group. He reluctantly placed his boots against the wall near Xander's bag and walked rather slowly toward his partner.

"Hey S…Will, the guys have decided that we'll play four on three if that's OK with you, 'cause you know, if you haven't played before…"

"Right. So whose team am I on?"

Andy piped up, "Mine of course," and grinned widely at his barefooted teammate.

Spike was then treated to a hand thrust at him from the right for an enthusiastic shake, it was the tubby latecomer, "And mine – hey there, I'm Mike."

Spike shook hands and nodded his acknowledgement, "Mike."

"And Xan makes our four," continued Andy.

Jarred interrupted the team meeting with "And we are so gonna kick your arses! C'mon Harris let's see what you got." With that the game began.

Xander was conscious that Spike was withholding his vampire abilities as far as speed went, knowing that his partner could have easily covered the length of the court in the blink of an eye, or jumped to stand on top of the backboard. Nevertheless Spike was still swift of foot and often in a free position, the main trouble was that he really had never bounced a basketball, 'shot hoops' or learned the rules, so whenever the ball was passed to him, he simply threw it to one of his other team mates.

Jarred and his two compatriots soon picked up on the pattern, and what should have been a friendly affair, became one of Jarred and his team targeting the vampire every time he received the ball.

By the time twenty minutes had elapsed Spike had been jostled, elbowed and pushed in the back so many times that he was beyond annoyed and simply wanted out. When he, apparently 'accidentally', tripped over his opponent, twisted and fell hard onto his left knee, he didn't bother getting up. Andy called timeout and moved quickly to aid the blonde. Xander was there as well.

"You OK buddy?" Xander was looking at him with genuine concern.

Spike moved to sitting and pulled up his sweat pants. A very obviously dislodged kneecap was revealed. Spike expertly cupped around the injured joint with both hands and squeezed, forcing the errant patella back to its proper position.

"Geez Will, c'mon let's get you some ice." Andy anxiously turned to the other team, "Give us a few, this is not so good." He turned back to Spike, only to see Xander helping him to stand then aiding his friend to the change rooms, Spike hopping.

Andy addressed to the rest of the group, "Heck guys, it's supposed to be friendly! What was that about?"

Jarred answered, not even attempting to look sorry, "Guy fell over, can't help it if he's got weak knees now, can we?"

Andy scowled a little, but really did not want to make a fuss at what may have been a simple accident in the heat of the game. Though he had his suspicions.

In the change rooms Spike sat and gingerly stretched out the injured limb.

"That Jarred wanker is prize prick!"

"No arguments here Spike,…geez what can I do, will some blood help?"

"Yeah, but it'll take you off your form pet. You go play with your little mates, I'll just sit here yeah?"

"No! No way…My place is here!" Xander looked around the change room to see if they were being observed as he pulled down the sweat band on his wrist and shoved the limb against Spike's mouth.

"Taa luv." Spike nodded in deep appreciation.

As always, he laved the area gently then bit down with care. Easing the ambrosial gift into his system, he closed his eyes and sighed as he felt the effects immediately. Conscious of not taking more than would speed his healing, he released after several long drafts and licked the wound closed. He opened his eyes and looked directly into an adoring brown one.

"I love it when you do that," was all a very aroused Xander was able to whisper before they were joined by one of the club's attendants.

"You alright, sir? Someone said you had an injury. I brought a cold pack."

"Nah, look I'm fine now pet. Just a bit o' fuss about nothing. Taa anyway." Spike pushed his pant leg down and stood up as if to make a point.

"Oh well, just let us know if we can do anything. I would recommend taking the ice though – even if it's only a bruise it helps if you cool the area immediately. We have a physio on site if you need it looked at."

Xander spoke up, "Uhh thanks" and took the chilled blue pack from the concerned young man.

As soon as he departed Spike growled, "Would love to kick that Jarred ponce's arse back to redneck city where he belongs."

Xander simply smiled, "Ho yeah. You and me both."

"You going to finish the game?"

"Yeah – but you're definitely out for the evening…I think the guys want to spar a little. We can head home after that if you want – club's open 'til 11pm apparently so there's plenty of time."

"Oh I am not strippin' off and jumping into some bubble bath with that soddin' bastard."

"Spar! As in karate…you know some pads and gloves…"

Spike's mood suddenly changed.

"Now there's an idea!"

Xander saw the twinkle in the 'Big Bad's' eye and added quickly, "You can't kill or injure him…Spike…Spike! Promise!"

"Yeah, yeah, pet…but there's more ways to injure a bloke than the physical."

Spike limped toward the court entrance, turning back to Xander as he pushed it open, "Yes Harris, I promise – no permanent injuries."

The remaining fifteen minutes of the basketball game were spent in an evenly matched tussle between the six workmates.

Spike, who had been sitting on the sidelines watching (mostly to admire his partner's 'form' and enjoy the boyish grin every time their team took a basket) stood and wandered toward his partner as the sweaty group departed the court.

Andy commented, "Hey Will, good to see you're not limping so badly."

"Yeah, amazing recovery! Perhaps he was too tired from all the running and faked it to get out of the play." Jarred was smiling but the comment was not directed at Spike, it was for the benefit of the group.

Xander could no longer hold his tongue, "How about you…" But he was unable to finish the sentence as Spike stepped in front of him and quietly said, in his very best Giles' impression,
"How about we test your theories on a more even playing field, hmm? I hear you folks are sparring in a while. I believe my knee will hold up in a more familiar activity. If you would care to, I'd be happy to provide you with a challenger for a few rounds."

Xander's anger dropped immediately. He knew Spike would still be sore, but also knew that the vampire could beat any one of them with both knees hobbled and an arm out of action.

"You're on! USA versus England" Jarred clapped his hand on Andy's shoulder and walked through the middle of the group toward the gym door.

"Actually I live in Boston most of the time." Spike said softly to the retreating back.

Andy saw Xander's hand momentarily grab Spike's and squeeze his support. The more time he spent with the two the more he felt utterly pleased that Xander had the blonde as a 'special friend'.

They all turned to head in the direction of the gym.

The sparring gym was a smaller 'L' shaped room with punching bags, a rack of poles, plus various other practice equipment, in the side alcove. The floor of the larger main section was covered in protective rubber matting, typical of a standard martial arts training floor.

Xander smiled a little as he saw his partner's response to the new environment. The limp was almost gone, though the knee was obviously still tender, but it was the general demeanor that made Xander happy. This was Spike's domain. In circumstances that none of the other men in the room could possibly imagine, Spike had honed his skills in spaces like these, on and off, for over a hundred years. In street fights and wars that were the stuff of nightmares, his lover had fought hand to hand battles for unlife and limb, and later for the life and limbs of countless others. Spike turned to look at his partner with a glint of glee that Xander was sure he had not seen since the day Spike discovered he could fight demons, all those chipped years ago in Sunnydale.

Jarred had very obviously 'kitted up', making quite a show of expertly strapping his hands using the rolls of material from his own sports bag, then taking out two relatively pristine black sparring gloves to complete the exercise.

The other men chose from the generic sparring-mitts available in a general use box near the punching bags.

As the men formed various pairs, Spike moved to sit with his back against a wall, content to wait. The group was obviously fairly used to this scenario, and quickly spread themselves around the room for a bit of a 'bout on the mat'.

After ten minutes or so of watching them spar, Spike was not so much bored with the wait, but simply by the relative ineptitude of most of the 'fighters' in the room. He scrutinized Xander's style, certainly not textbook, but still showed evidence of some recent training and years of Hellmouth 'workouts'. Spike made a mental note, Xander could do with a better opponent rather than the fairly slow and amateurish Andy, and certainly some solid coaching to hone his skills. Spike wandered over to casually hit the punching bag, simply warming up muscles that had not been used since pre Christmas Boston.

Jarred stepped into the area, facing him from behind the punching bag. "Well come on, thought you were going to show us a thing or two." Along with his condescending tone was a smirk that reeked of arrogance and demanded some simple attitude correction from Spike.

"You and I?"

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you. Wouldn't want you to need more medical attention now would we." Again the tone was meant to insult.

"Right…"

"Surprised you don't have your own gloves since you're supposed to be the expert, so I guess you'll have to use these – come on." Jarred threw some sparring gloves at the vampire and grinned with what he thought was confirmation of his own sure win, when Spike dropped one.

Spike walked to the middle of the sparring area and as he faced off with Jarred, Andy and Xander ceased their efforts in order to watch. Jarred's previous partner was already seated next to the water cooler and the rest of the group stopped and sat down also.

"Minimum contact, OK"

"Whatever you say pet." At the last word Spike picked up a wave of anger from the much taller and heavier Jarred.

The larger man took up a fighting stance and began moving forward aggressively. Spike simply sidestepped and forced his opponent to circle in one direction, then the other. When a number of stock standard series of jabs and moves came, he more than readily deflected them, at the same time distracting Jarred by occasionally tapping at the inside of his ankle as though he was about to knock his leg from under him. Already frustrated that he had yet to land a punch or kick cleanly, it was when Spike deflected every one of a flurry of moves, then grinned and blew him a kiss that Jarred really 'saw red'.

A furious "F@$#ing faggot" was said loudly enough for only Spike to hear.

Spike continued to spar easily but made a little effort to lean forward and whisper, "And proud of it mate." The next time he was close enough, he added with a wink, "Least I'm gettin' some, unlike present celibate company." This was enough to tip Jarred into a rage, he attempted to really hit and kick Spike with any move he could, obviously disregarding standard rules of karate etiquette. Spike for his part, easily deflected the blows, making sure to land frequent light touches with hand or bare foot that would have been definite maiming or killing blows in other circumstances.

Andy leaned over to Xander who was staring transfixed at his lover's graceful feline-like motions and effortless technique. "He's amazing Xan, I would never have thought."

Xander smiled, "Yeah he is, and he not even trying."

"You two practice together ever?"

"Last time we sparred was down in Sunnydale." Andy knew his friend well enough not to pursue discussions of Sunnydale, as it always seemed to evoke a look of desperate sadness from Xander.

"You should have a bit of a go tonight. You couldn't do much worse than the big feller out there now!"

Just then, the man did a low sweep attempting to take Spike's legs from under him. The vampire simply hurdled the moving limb and while his opponent was still off balance, toppled him onto his backside with a well placed foot and a gentle shove. Grinning, he put a chivalrous hand down to assist the other man up again. As he did so, Jarred used the joined hands and a foot behind Spike's sore knee to knock him onto his back in front of the now standing human.

"See how you like it down there." He snarled, but Spike simply arched and flipped onto his feet with a speed and dexterity that had the audience gasping.

"Look mate, I think you've had enough yeah? I could go on like this all night, but I'm getting a bit tired of the remarks, so if you don't mind."

He went to walk away when Jarred swung a punch at the back of Spike's head. The vampire spun around, and in one blindingly fast move, had the man in a half Nelson with one hand, and crabbed fingers of the other at his throat, touching firmly enough to make a point. He squeezed the wrist behind the man's back just hard enough to hurt a little without leaving a mark, and growled into his ear, "Just. Leave. It."

Spike released his opponent, deliberately turned his back on him and walked over to his lover.

Jarred sullenly picked up his gear, excused himself through gritted teeth, then walked from the room.

Andy was grinning at Spike as the vampire approached, "Don't think you make a friend there Will, ahh well. Say, that last move was brilliant!"

"Just practice mate. So, any of you other lads want a round or two?" All shook their heads or made excuses, except for Xander, who looked lovingly at him with a goofy grin firmly plastered on his face. "Right then, it's you an' me Xan, let's us dance shall we?" The head cocked to the side and trademark wicked grin of the original Big Bad had Xander's heart pounding even before he got up. Spike could smell his lover's arousal from the middle of the room, and grinned even wider as he wondered how the jock strap (Spike assumed Xander was wearing) was holding up.

The bout between the two lovers was light hearted and fun, with Spike taking great delight in tapping his partner lightly in places he knew to be sensitive, whilst being careful to make the moves complex enough so their audience would fail to realize his intent to arouse.

After barely fifteen minutes Xander was breathing hard and dripping with perspiration, and called time. "I'll take you another day S…William." he said with dramatic flair and a grin.

As Spike walked past him toward the exit, he purred "Just take me everyday an' I'll make sure that never goes down." Already half hard before the comment, now Xander really needed to get rid of the jock strap!

Spike sat on the bench of the change rooms staring dejectedly at the swimming shorts Xander had handed to his partner, before heading to relieve himself.

Xander emerged from the lavatory without Spike noticing. He saw the look and moved quickly to his partner's side.

"What's up sweetheart?"

"Don't swim"

"What?"

"I. Don't. Swim." Xander watched the countenance of his lover fall even further as he quietly continued, "Can't swim. Never learned. Nineteen bloody hundreds in England pet…wasn't exactly the done thing was it?!"

"Oh…but I thought since no breathing…?"

"Bloody scary ain't it…cold 'n dark 'n all pushin' in 'n…"

"Spike! What happened to make you think…"

"Water's about hidin' an' bad stuff…escape to bottom of the Elba 1887; the stinkin' eff'in Thames 1912; under a bloody raft for days after Angelus tossed me out of the Uboat in '45…f@#ing sharks! Oh bloody hell…Please Xan don't embarrass me?! I can't swim mate – you get it? I don't need to breathe but I can't swim."

"Oh God…sweetheart I had no idea! But hey, this is about a nice, warm, indoor pool…and you can touch the bottom! Besides it's after nine thirty so it's probably just us anyway…Please…please let me show you…let me hold you…I'll keep you safe. Promise." He moved in to do his best seductive voice…"I'll keep you safe and we can paddle and then I'll take you to the sauna and see what some real heat can do for us both…"

Spike relented, stood and reluctantly changed.

Xander looked away trying very hard not to smile. His own swimming shorts on Spike's narrow frame looked adorable. His partner appeared for all the world like someone's gorgeous little brother heading for a swim, his slim pale legs poking from a large pair of surf shorts that someone had loaned him for the afternoon…At that moment, Xander was mildly pleased that his own shorts were so loose, though Spike still smirked as he detected the distinct scent of arousal in the air.

"OK Mr. Royal Lifesaver, come and show me what I've been missin' out on." Spike was about to give Xander a kiss when Andy came into view and ushered them both toward the pool.

Andy jumped over the side and began to do a few laps with a swimming style reflecting someone who constantly fought a little with the water as they swam. Xander dived in with practiced ease, and swam freestyle to the other end and back with the smooth confidence of the trained swimmer. Spike simply sat on the edge of the pool feet dangling in the water until Xander tumble-turned unnecessarily at Spike's feet and sent a large splash of water over his friend.

"Oi you sod! Can't a fella ease in to the baths without some larrikin ruinin' it!"

Xander stood up in the waist deep water grinning at his friend. "It's a pool S…Will."

A petulant pout met his smile as Spike ground out, "It's the bloody public swimming baths, with everyone's body odor and chlorine and cleaning chemicals floatin' in it."

Xander saw his partner's discomfort and reached out both hands as though to catch a small child.

"C'mon sweetheart, it's only up to my waist. Just jump in, it's actually quite warm."

Spike took an unnecessary breath and reached out to grab Xander's hands. He was going to do this, if only to prove to himself that something he had feared for so long was of little consequence. Two strong hands grabbed his and held tight, so Spike pushed off the wall to stand in front of his lover. He let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding and gradually released hold of the hands steadying him.

"You go for a paddle luv, I'll just stand here and get me bearin's for a mo' "

Xander grinned and took off, completing almost five hundred meters before putting his head up to notice his friend Andy standing alongside Spike showing him how to 'scull' the water to stay up.

Xander listened to Andy's quiet instructions and realized why he was not just a consummate manager of people in their business, but also why Xander treasured him as a friend.

"That's it Will, far out! You're doing so well! Just…yeah that's it! Hey Xan!! Come and look at what Will can do!" The broad grins from both his lover and his friend were a picture. Xander dove deep and traversed the twenty five meters underwater.

"Good God Xan did you do the whole lap under??" Andy's awed expression made Xander smile shyly.

"Yeah well…swimmer…'s easy after a while…Anyways you guys were doing something down here that I need to see…so, Seeing Man at your service. Show me the skills."

Andy looked at Will and smiled, "OK…"

Spike squatted down so only his head remained above water. He proceeded to move his forearms and hands back and forth at speed, creating tiny whirlpools over each hand, then lifted his feet up off the floor of the pool, continuing to keep his head above water.

Andy grinned, "Taa Daa, behold…Houston we have liftoff!"

Xander smiled broadly at his workmate. "No wonder we have so many folks wanting to work on your team! You are a wonder…!"

"Yeah well, Will here said he hasn't done a lot of swimming, so I figured…" It was Andy's turn to look slightly embarrassed.

Xander's quiet reply was everything, "Thanks…It means a lot."

Andy smiled, "Yeah well, I'd better get going anyways…Kelly will kill me if I do a night with the boys past 10 mid week – even if it is a sport thing."

Spike had his feet on the ground again and offered a handshake to his erstwhile instructor. "Cheers mate, hope to catch up before I leave."

"Oh terrific!…Of course. See you Xan, enjoy." As he went to collect his towel, the tall brunette turned to comment, "You know Xan, I can second your membership to this place if you like?…"

"Thanks I'll think about it – seriously I will. See you tomorrow." Xander's last comment was made as Andy waved and disappeared into the men's room.

"So show me again?"

"Nahh pet. Why don't you show me somethin' new?"

The next twenty minutes were spent with Xander gently supporting Spike as he instructed his partner how to perform a flutter kick on his back and then introduced some arm movements. He was not surprised at the speed with which Spike learned, though still frustrated by the biggest problem - Spike's lack of buoyancy. Much was to do with his partner's leanness, but the main issue seemed to be the fact that, as a vampire, filling his lungs with air required conscious effort and was often forgotten leading to a negative buoyancy, hardly conducive to learning to swim.

Spike eventually became tired of his role as learner, "OK! OK!! I've got it, you git – now just…go have a swim!"

Xander gave his friend's hand a squeeze then took off to finish another twenty laps.

At lap nineteen, Xander stared at the bottom in amazement. His partner, so scared of the prospect of swimming, had somehow managed to strike up the nerve to lie on the bottom un-breathing like some enormous bottom dwelling predator, and was watching the human swim over him. Xander broke off his swim, then dived to hug and give his blonde observer a kiss before having to return to the surface for air. He then continued to swim to the shallow end of the pool.

Settling against the wall of the pool, he watched as Spike emerged, walking from the watery depths.

"Gahh! You nearly gave me heart failure!"

"Glad I can still stir your pot, luv." His dripping friend fell forward into Spike's arms. Swishing water around his partner, the vampire grabbed the human's inner thigh and began to caress in earnest. Xander groaned with appreciation.

"Hey, is warming up of the good? 'Cause I'm thinking the sauna is free…"

"Sounds better than the 'murky deep' to me pet."

There was a half hour before closing as the two entered the heated steam of the sauna. No one else was present, so Spike settled himself on the lower step between his lover's knees.

As they both relaxed back, the vampire began slowly laving the inside of Xander's right knee and thigh. After less than three strokes of the cool tongue and despite the heat, his partner was hard and begging, but acutely aware of security cameras and occasional safety checks by staff.

"Hey sweetheart, we can't really…just come up here and lie down…"

Xander pulled his partner up to the top step and directed him until Spike was lying with his head on Xander's lap, feeling the human's rock hard sex against the side of his head, left arm snaking around Xander's calf, holding hands with his right. Both partners closed their eyes and enjoyed the heat. Xander caressed the vampire's torso and occasionally stroked over the towel clad sex with his free hand

Eventually it was time. "Hey buddy…You ready for home? C'mon sweetheart, I'm ready if you are…let's just." Before Xander had completed the sentence Spike had hauled them both up and they were heading for the change-room. The drive home seemed ridiculously slow, the passage of time made even more tortuous by Spike's continued ministrations around his lover's crotch.

Xander still had niggling worries about how the whole night had played out, particularly the Jarred incident and the implications if Spike and he happened to become 'long term' partners in Sacramento. As they entered the apartment however, Spike put his lover's mind at ease with a few simple words, "So, when are we goin' to the club again?"

"Oh G…, I love you William Aurelius, have I told you that lately? I. Love. You."

Spike accepted the compliment and passionate kiss from his dark partner then grabbed his hand and led him toward the bedroom, adding, "Well good. Assume you're up for a shag then?"

Spike had been sitting working at the computer for most of the day, when he heard the key in the lock. Admittedly the few times he had moved, he was reminded of some overnight activities that had evoked a smile and stirring of his sex as he felt a twinge of the 'tender arse' variety. Unfortunately, the lover's smile was replaced by a concerned frown, as Xander entered the apartment looking particularly stressed.

"What's up pet?"

Xander took Spike's hand and silently led him down to the garage.

Rounding on Xander's dark blue BMW, he saw the deep scratches across the bonnet.

"QUEer EYe on sitE" adorned the front of the car, along what looked like manure smeared across the passenger side window.

"Oh Xan…Oh pet…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…Hey my lovely, come on…come here." Spike pulled his partner into a protective hug, "It's OK pet, it will be OK. Whoever these pissers are…"

"That's the problem, I pretty much know who 'they' are." Xander looked decidedly miserable. "Few too many things were said on one of the site's today…Kind of gave it away…It's someone or a group of someone's from work…Geez Spike…" He melted into his lover's tight hug.

"Oh ho! Let me take a guess…Mister No-nuts-Jackie-Chan-Wannabe from last night!?!" Spike saw the tiny nod of agreement from his partner, then dropped into game face letting out a primal growl that sent an instinctive shot of fear down Xander's spine. "Oh pet!…I'll bloody remove their unused organs, shove them up their own tight arses, then eviscerate the whole bloody lot of 'em, F@%#ing bigots!" Spike's words were ground out with such vehemence that Xander had no doubt his vampire would have done exactly as he threatened at that moment.

"So have you called the police?"

Xander's face fell even more. "No…well it's difficult…it's people from work."

"It's a bunch of bloody idiots and criminals…You want me to warn 'em off proper like?" Spike watched as his partner turned away in distress, "Oh luv…C'mon pet…let's just get ourselves upstairs and have us a good hard shag, at least make you forget all this for a while, eh luv?" He immediately began to nibble on Xander's earlobe and snaked an arm around the all too tense torso.

Unfortunately the human was too upset to respond to his partner's ministrations. He pushed out of the hug and walked away, leaving Spike feeling both useless and unwanted.

Turning back to the damaged vehicle, Spike ran his hand over the scratches and resolved to have a chat to Andy. The vampire was leaving at the end of the week and now more than a little worried for his lover's safety.

Spike knew his lover had returned to the apartment, vampire hearing just being able to discern the shower being turned on. He chose not to follow. Ascending the stairs he wandered outside onto the shared lawn. He lit a cigarette and scanned the building for other residents that might be outside enjoying the cool evening, then launched himself to catch Xander's balcony and swing up to stand staring into the night.

Spike threw himself into the chair from the 'steel and cane Danish collection' and continued to take comfort from the burning tobacco.

By the time Xander wandered out to the balcony clad in a towel and (in deference to the cool of a Sacramento winter's evening) baseball jacket. Spike was standing against the balcony rail again staring into the dark.

Xander spoke quietly from the door, "Sorry about before."

"Not your fault mate."

"Well at least…thanks for still being here."

Spike spun around and leveled a gold tinted set of blue eyes on his partner. "What! You thought I'd run just 'cause some poncy homophobic prick who happens to think illustratin' someone else's property at 'is workplace is fine! Tell ya what, give me ten seconds with the trumped up bastard and I'll have him messin' his pants in front of all of 'is mates and beggin' me ta do 'im instead of makin' 'im a midnight snack . Told ya' before pet…No one touches what's mine – including my own's bloody car!!"

Xander grinned just a little, despite his partner's slip into game face again. " Well…um thanks for the uber vamp posturing but…you know…just glad you stayed." He hugged the vampire firmly, removed the cigarette then kissed him passionately.

He whispered, "Sorry about the other day too. Not wanting to get you gone again…so can we talk about why you ran, cause worried partner of the 'running man' here." The voice was full of worry and remorse for the injuries consequently sustained by the vampire.

Spike looked puzzled.

"The 'getting gone' vamp thing…the 'let's me find a Slayer on a bad night' blahh blahh. God Spike, I meant to say sorry, cause I'm sure it's something I did…but…and…Geez! This has been a really crappy day, and…and when you didn't come up with me, I figured I might have done something again…and then you weren't here so I thought a smoke and I kept listening from the shower and door didn't…and this is all still pretty new so…"

"Bloody Hell Harris. Stop! I swear the underwater swimming must directly affect the time you can speak without breathin'!!"

Xander looked up to see only worry and gentle affection in his partner's eyes. He stared at the floor, toeing an imaginary mark on the tiles of the balcony. "Well? What did 'your whelp' do Spike? How did I hurt you? 'Cause with all this other stuff…I just need to know that we're OK. 'Cause that's really all that matters right?" Xander's good eye was filled with tears and his scar ached in sympathy.

"Oh, Pet…" Spike flicked the cigarette butt over the balcony, then turned back to see the slumped shoulders and sad demeanor of his lover. His straightened, took a matter of fact stance and offered an outstretched hand to his friend, "Right then…Bloody hell pet…This is old territory…Spike layin' 'imself bare again." But for all his bravado, Xander heard the tightness in the voice, took the proffered hand and pulled the vampire toward him until they were both leaning against the outdoor table, staring into space, fingers entwined.

"You hated me for it see? She hated me. Hell I hated me so much I had the head off to bloody Africa to get meself a soul…And you still all hated me…" Xander watched his lover's gaze fall to the floor and a single tear begin to track its way down the beautiful cheekbone. "But I got so confused…'Cause she'd said 'No' that meant 'Yes'; and No that meant 'More'; and 'No' that meant 'I hate you but yes'; and 'No that meant 'Not without cuffing you first'; and 'No' that meant 'Not 'til I beat the snot out o' you then shag you once you can't stand up anymore'; and then one this time…the time she…and I really lost it a bit 'cause I…but then I didn't…" Tears were flowing freely now but Xander let him finish, "And then when you…and I thought you were jus' windin' me up, but then you were serious jus' like her, and I didn't…and I would never!…But you were so…And then 'No'. You'd never said 'No' not like that, not like…like you…like you'd never want me to touch you again…like she…like everyone…and I just had to get away…just had to."

"Oh Sweetheart! Oh I'm so sorry…" Car issues utterly forgotten, Xander pulled the smaller man into his lap, cuddling him like a child and pulling the vampire's mouth to meet a stretched neck.

"Taste Spike. I know you can tell truth from the blood, taste now."

"But…It will…mark…"

"Do it, Spike" And as if to reinforce the words, Xander pressed his lover's already changed mouth into the skin over his jugular.

Spike took a moment then bit with the utmost care. He tasted regret and worry, but overwhelmingly he tasted clear love and devotion of a kind he'd only ever tasted between he and Angel before.

He took three strong drafts then released with a groan. "Oh Xan…F@#$ing magnificent…You can't imagine how much…I…Guhhh…Just love you dear heart, Love you so much."

He pulled the human into a tight embrace and kissed him passionately, Xander tasting himself as the vampire's tongue claimed his mouth, expressing commitment and a depth of love that left the man utterly dazed.

They sat for a time, foreheads together, gently touching and petting.

Xander's cell phone rang with a shrill 'jazz tune' that virtually irritated its user into answering the call swiftly.

"Hi Xan…Andy? Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. Who told y…? Oh…" Spike watched as Xander's face fell with the conversation. He grabbed the phone from his partner.

"Hi Andy, 's Will. Was gonna ring you anyway mate."

"God Will, is he OK? I mean…I'm so sorry, I never thought…One of the guys said what happened and…"

"S' alright mate – not your fault. Was just the car scratched up, not the boy, so…Still don't think Xan has done too well so far tonight. Both a bit fragile, truth be told. But we're about to sort that." Xander smiled widely at his partner as Spike wiggled an eyebrow and licked his lower lip indicating just how it might be sorted. Once again he was in awe of the extremes that were his Spike. From snarling predator to vulnerable lover to commanding master vampire in under thirty seconds!

"Oi, by the way, Xan didn't say, but…your boss know? Don't strike me as the sorta bloke who'd wear that kinda lark from his crew?"

"I guess he'll know by now, if he didn't before."

"How's that?"

"I heard what happened from the guys at one of the other sites I was working on – but you know rumors…Let's just say that in the end, I was happy to find most of the stuff was hearsay – some even said Xan had being beaten up not just his car. That's when I rang Jim's office - to see if Xan was OK - but the boss wasn't there, so I tried his home just on the odd chance. Well let's just say Sandy was less than impressed. She likes you both, Xan especially, so…I figure Jim'll give Xan a call tonight sometime."

"Cheers mate. Anyway here's the boy back."

Spike left his friend to finish the conversation and wandered to the kitchen to fix himself a liquid snack. He had just rinsed the now empty mug when a knock on the front door interrupted any attempts at further kitchen domesticity.

Spike greeted Xander's very worried looking boss with a friendly handshake and welcoming smile.

"Come in mate, Xan is just on the phone with Andy. Can I get you something? Beer? Coffee? Decent scotch?"

"Latter would be nice, thanks."

Spike ushered the obviously distressed man into their lounge, seated him on the black leather suite, dimmed the lighting, then put on a jazz/blues CD from Xander's 'Boston collection' for quiet background 'assistance'. Obviously Sandy had sent her husband around to 'sort out' the situation, but Spike could tell that Jim was very uncomfortable with discussing private lives, yet was now forced to just that. To save both Xander and his boss time and angst, he decided to 'deal'.

Handing Jim a very decent 'snifter' of Glenfiddich, he poured one for himself, then relaxed into a lounge chair opposite the man.

Before he had a chance to say anything however, Jim was staring into his glass and saying, "I don't know where to start. I mean we've dealt with sexual harassment type stuff before but this is a bit more serious. Andy told me what happened at the basketball game…Well to be honest he didn't exactly spell it out every moment, but I can fill in the gaps for myself. Are you OK? I mean, it sounds like…Well…" Spike could see him struggling.

"Oi – bit of argy bargy on the sporting field is all part of the fun, right? Fact that someone takes a dislike to you is just unfortunate. I'm afraid I was the one who hurt the bugger's feelings. Apparently he'd decided to take me down another peg or two after the game but chose the karate mat to do it on." Spike watched as Jim looked up with a slight smile on his face.

"Yeah, Andy told me. Said you made the Chinese action movies look like slow motion fakes! So, are you a black belt or something?"

"Guess I've moved beyond the formal training stage. Anyway, Andy's just being polite. Really didn't do anything too flash, but I could feel the man wasn't really in it for the right reasons, so we stopped." Spike noted the knowing look from Jim.

"You stopped it?"

"Sure, but didn't do any good, did it." It was Spike's turn to look uncomfortable. He looked up and addressed the man directly, "Listen Jim, I figure you know that Xan and I are together yeah?" Jim gave a slight nod, "And we really haven't run around advertising the fact – well not to my knowledge…"

It was Jim's turn to jump in.

"My turn William. I saw you with my daughter the other night at our celebration. I saw how careful and caring you were and I respect that. I also know that Alexander has seemed a whole lot happier in the ten or so days you've been here. And before you say anything, I also understand that you two go way back. And Will? Just for the record, I have two uncles who have been together for forty five years this coming November - they are as dear to me as anyone in our family. And I swear, it is one of the happiest, most balanced partnerships that I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

So, I can't say I know what it's like facing the sort of stuff that you folks have to deal with from others, because I don't, but damn it if I'll let some bunch of idiots hurt one of my best guys!"

Rant over, Jim slammed the empty glass onto the low table and looked up. Xander was standing in the doorway smiling. He simply added "Thanks, it means a lot."

Spike rose from his chair, offered his partner a drink, then gave the two men some privacy.

He grabbed his laptop from the study and wandered out to the balcony to write, and smoke, and think. He heard the front door open and shut twice. Obviously Xander had taken Jim on an 'inspection tour' and they had returned to speak further.

Spike had been sitting in the dark typing when the balcony light threw everything into sharp relief. He squinted toward the door.

"Just thought I'd say goodbye, Xander tells me you're heading back on the weekend."

"Yeah well, we all have work to do, yeah?"

"Hmm." With that and a handshake, Jim departed.

Spike carried his laptop into the lounge, "You two worked things out with the scratching caper then?"

"I think we have a few strategies yes." Spike saw evisceration and public flaying but was fairly positive that those options were not on the list.

"We've got no proof, so going to the police is pointless – except to report the damage for insurance purposes. The company insurance should cover it."

"So how do you know it won't be you personally pet?

"Jim's going to shift the team from that site to one down in San Fran."

"How does that solve it?"

"They'll be under Andy's projects with Bruce B as site manager."

"And this is better how?" Spike was beginning to look bored.

"Andy's…well Andy, and Bruce is ex varsity offensive front row footballer, a brilliant engineer…And a partner called Stephen." Xander couldn't help himself, and gave a wicked grin.

Spike smiled back, "And Steve is?"

"A professional 'world wrestler'! Six foot seven of blonde athlete, stage name? 'The Razor'."

Spike rolled his eyes.

"So Jim is thinking what? Educate 'em or just beat the snot out 'o them. 'Cause you know I can do the latter."

"It's Jim's way of sending them (and others) a less than subtle message I guess. I figure shifting the team will split them up and break the pack mentality too – lot of the guys on site really don't think too hard for themselves so…"

"You'll be safe when I'm gone?"

"Yeah I guess – but…" Xander's face fell with the reminder of Spike's impending departure.

"You know I have to go back, pet, you always knew that."

"Yeah but…Geez…It's just gonna be so…" Xander was unable to finish the thought as Spike dived over to claim his lovers lips in a desperate and passionate kiss.

The following day had seen Xander leave for work early but returning mid afternoon, with Andy in tow.

Spike had fortunately risen at midday, so was dressed and working at his computer as the two arrived.

"So what…you two come home for a threesome nooner?"

Andy looked utterly flabbergasted, "What!!! No!! I mean? Oh…"

Xander patted his arm reassuringly, "He's kidding man…Come on…he's just being an arse!"

The bigger man blushed profusely as Spike winked, grinned and added, "Yeah…not one for sharing mate."

"So why are you home at this more than respectable hour anyway?"

"Got the car assessed this morning and they're putting it in straight away. Jim did the police report, just said it was vandals…"

"Effin' morons more like…"

"Yeah well…Bottom line is the insurers approved the quote and the car's in being fixed until Friday, so Andy drove me home."

Spike had wandered into the kitchen as his partner talked and returned holding three beers. "Right then so early mark it is, drink?"

He threw one to Xander, and handed one to Andy who had hardly moved since the earlier comments.
"Sorry if I threw you before. Got an evil sense of humor is all." Xander shot a knowing smile at his lover.

"I'm good, but I'll get you back one day, promise." Andy smiled and his stance visibly relaxed.

"Can't wait, mate."

Andy and Xander moved out onto the balcony to chat in the afternoon sun. Spike excused himself and with a pang of sadness at his enforced retreat from the warmth, and returned to the darkness of the study and his computer. He vaguely heard Xander explain to Andy that his William had a deadline for his story and would probably join them a bit later.

Andy eventually left just after dark, promising to pick up his coworker in the morning.

Xander closed the door and turned only be pushed back against it. Spike grasped both his hands firmly and pinned them above his head then kissed him soundly, gradually lowering the arms a little and grinding his groin into Xander's. He eventually released his partner and stepped back to grab his coat. "Hold that thought pet – gotta go out for a bit."

"What?! Look you're not mad 'cause Andy came over Spike, 'cause seriously…" Spike cut him off with another brisk kiss.

"Not angry pet, just wanna go get something and bein' cooped up here all day gets me a bit stir crazy is all. Now don't fret…Gimme an hour or so. You eat somethin', then get that cute arse of yours onto our bed, cause that's where I want you when I come…back that is." He gave Xander his most wickedly seductive smile then headed out the door.

Xander had been on the bed reading when he heard the key in the lock, then grinned broadly as the vampire strode into the bedroom and thrust a large box of chocolates, a bottle of port and length of thick silk rope into his hands.

He put the rope down and proceeded to open the chocolates, popped one in his mouth and placed the box on the end of their bed. The rope Spike had brought was a definite message, yet still had Xander intrigued and imagination piqued by possibilities.

"Do you have plans?"

Spike stared absently at the book Xander had been reading, then put the port on the floor, removed his coat and grabbed one of the occasional chairs from the corner of the room, pushing it very close to the end of the bed.

He lifted his chin and caught into the dark chocolate eye with his twinkling blue ones.

"I do – and it involves me not touching you."

"You have got to be joking! C'mon Spike I thought we were gonna have some playtime? What's with the rope then?" Xander was becoming more and more agitated at the thought of missing 'partner activities' on one of their last nights together, "Listen, I can wank when you go home!"

"Settle down you goit. I know you wanna play pet. So…what if I asked you to be really, really good." Spike stepped forward until he was toe to toe with his companion and leaned in to whisper, "And what if I promised a lovely present if you're are? Could you be really, really good? Could you obey me for a night? Could you follow instructions without question?"

"Ummm, sure, I guess if they're from you…[quizzical look met by wicked grin]…'K I'm sure, it's a game right?" Spike nodded, "OK then I'm sure…but…can I speak during this game?"

"Only to ask permission, pet. So you wanna play?" Xander gave an almost shy smile and nodded.

"First you must tie my hands behind my back…Then prepare the bed"

Xander's eyes betrayed his complete surprise, he had assumed that the rope would be for him, but he did as asked.

Wrists bound behind his back, Spike leaned back in the chair comfortably, as his partner wandered to the bathroom, returning moments later to spread a fresh towel on the bed. Xander turned off the main light replacing it with the more subtle bedside lamp. Then opened the side drawer – looked to him and with his bound partner's permission, retrieved most of the 'pleasure stash' and arranged it within reach.

Remembering the game, he moved to kneel on the floor in front of Spike's chair, knees slightly apart, chin angled down in a submissive posture, hands resting on either thigh, and awaited further instructions.

"You need to take off all but your boxers pet, then kneel on the towel facing me"

"Keep looking at me…I want you to know that your touch is mine because I control it; your hands are mine because as I think it, you do it; and if I want your mind to imagine one object or another it will happen. When I demand that you feel warm, you will heat; when I tell you to come, you will. Understood?" Xander nodded and lifted his gaze, and saw the underfettered lust in his vampire's face.

"Now, I am going to touch your inner thighs very softly…" Xander lifted his own hands and lightly brushes fingers as instructed, intent upon listening to the lowered tones of his voice. "From inside knee ever so slowly tickling the way to the top – and back down…And again slower, lighter…and again – but stop at the top." He complied feeling his eyes close as the mesmerizing voice continued to guide his hands.

"Caress the skin and run index fingers gently up and down the hip line – don't touch your sex though, just feel there – ease the tips of the fingers under the material of your boxers and let the others brush lightly over the top…and again."

"Get naked pet" Stripped of his underwear Xander felt strangely over-exposed in front of his lover, so cupped his manhood as though he was somehow on public view.

"Did I tell you to do that?" Xander dropped his hands immediately, lowered his chin then risked a worried glance up in response to the demanding tone. A sly smile directed at him reaffirmed that he need not be concerned, this was indeed a game – but there were rules.

He waited again.

"Lick your fingers and circle your nipples…Feel the heat and then the cool as they dry…Do it again…now pinch the nipples hard and roll them…brush the tips with the palm of your hand…that's my palm…and they're so hard for me…"

"Pick up the clamps and put them on left…that's it pet…so pretty…now right." Xander did so and the thin chain connecting the two nipple clamps fell elegantly between.

"Now lie back so I can see all of you." The man arranged himself diagonally on the bed – knowing that he could display all things to Spike from that position, yet still reach the toys.

"Begin to caress your navel – that's it, both hands, now brush up along your ribs and circle the nipples – gonna pull the chain a little. That's me pulling, watching you squirm. Hmmm…" Spike saw Xander arch ever so slightly with the delicious pain/pleasure this brought. "That's it, now slide your right hand down, feel the hair, fondle it, brush it."

Xander lay back naked, this time remembering not to touch until told…

"We're gonna use the glass dildo & lube…and the cinnamon heating oil." Xander reached over to the side table retrieved the items and lay back placing them on his belly.

"Open for me."

Xander bent his knees a little, then spread his legs wide allowing his instructor to see all he was about to do. Spike noted the already rock hard erection – apparently a bit of submission was 'of the good'!

"Pour the oil in your right hand…now, stroke yourself a few times…" As he did so, he noticed his other hand that had simply been resting on his torso, absently tugging at the chain attached to his nipples.

"Now use the lube - your other hand…that's it pet. Trace around your rear entranc