Jumping the Gun

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 Collective Experience. If you don't like boys together, don't play here!
Pairing: Xander/Spike

They had been at the new Watchers' Headquarters, apparently now the 'Hogwarts for Slayers', for exactly two hours and Spike was already questioning every rationale they had concocted as reasons to visit.

The concept of a trip to the 'old country' had not been the problem, rather, it was the whole slayer/watcher thing that had the vampire on edge. Regardless of whether the aforesaid folks had any interest in dusting the school's benefactor, Spike, the master vampire, knew he would be tingling all over as soon as they entered the grounds and be positively vibrating with slayer 'feelings' by the time they were in the building.

Eventually Spike had been the organizer. His motivation for "crossing the bloody pond" simple – Please his consort, spend time together, revisit some old haunts, and pick up a couple of items from a safe deposit box at the Lloyds Bank in Berkeley Square, London. The jewelry would now be significantly more valuable than when he put it there some fifty years earlier and would make suitable gifts for the Niblet and Red…and a little gift for his significant other.

Xander had been willing to travel anywhere. He did want to see Willow, Giles and Dawn again. Buffy was apparently still in Italy somewhere visiting a 'special friend' for the fourth time that year. When Xander queried Spike about the slayer, the vampire had stormed out of the room muttering something about a "Bloody pretentious ponce" and "the Immortal git".

Ensconced in their rooms and no longer prepared to be the attentive partner of twelve hours ago, Spike stormed around the space searching for his cigarettes
"No, I'm not going to bloody well help you unpack! I'm going for a cigarette…it bein' dark 'n all! Possibly even recki the area"

"Do wha…?"

"A reconnoiter you goit!"

"So…what's a goit?"

The vampire groaned, lit a cigarette then spun around to exit through the suite's glass doors in the bay window, escaping into the quiet of the garden.

Xander rose and had begun to follow his petulant partner, so was just in time to observe the blinding flash of gold and white, and the sudden disappearance of the vampire. He could still 'feel' Spike, and just started to wonder what exactly had happened, when he saw Spike's new 'duster' on the ground.

"Oh, No!!" Xander began to run toward the spot.

Giles had taken off his glasses and was holding them with the hand at his hip while he pinched the bridge of his nose with the other.

"Explain to me again, Exactly what it was that you were attempting to do. And more importantly, the precise words you used!"

Dawn was sobbing, "I…just…I didn't think…anyone was out there…Oh…[hic] Giles please…"

Giles spun on his heel and walked over to hold on to the edge of an elegant, leather settee. He looked over to Willow in exasperation.

Willow took up the interrogation, "What. Did. You. Say. Exactly?!!" The glare and 'resolve face' was enough to crush the will of the most powerful master vampire.

"Ummm Umm…I was just doing a…doing a general transformation spell…Out into the night…You know, 'cause I didn't think there was anyone there…just bushes and stuff…but I kind of…Oh Goddess…" At this point Dawn's explanation was plagued by tears.

"'Cause you know!…OK…OK! [hic] It was the Beatrix Potter spell OK!…But,[hic]…but, it didn't do anything too bad did it?[hic] I mean…did I turn one of the slayers into a cat [hic] or something…Oh God,[hic] I didn't turn Kennedy into a cat did I??"

Dawn dropped onto the classic leather couch nearest the doorway of Giles' study, just as Xander stepped through the door, hugging a near asleep Spike close to his chest.

Xander waited for Dawn to notice them then spoke "No Dawn, your spell hit Spike!"

Dawn turned, then with a look of horror saw the results of her folly and began to sob uncontrollably, "Oh My God! Oh-My-God! Oh My God!!!!"

Xander wanted to include Dawn in a three way reassuring hug with Spike but a look from Willow confirmed that letting the beginner Wiccan suffer temporarily was, in itself, the lesson and punishment necessary. "Dawn, we need to know the exact words before we can fix this. C'mon you can remember for me can't you…remember for your Xanman?!"

Xander leaned over as best he could with the sleepy friend still nestled in his arms, and gently stroked the upset girl's long auburn locks with his free hand.

"Please?!"

Spike chose that moment to shudder and wake, nipped his partner gently on the collar bone causing Xander to release his grip. His friend suddenly twisted and wriggled out of the protective arms of his lover, falling inelegantly to the floor.

Spike felt a jolt of adrenalin as he dropped and a desperate need to run and hide as he landed, suddenly aware that everything felt different but still unable to take in why. He stopped and flattened himself to the ground for a moment in an attempt to get his bearings. Fortunately the animal instinct of his new form took over mere seconds later, and he fled to relative safety behind a settee without further thought. Shaking with inexplicable fear and…listening to his own very rapid heartbeat! He knew things were very different, but had had little time to assess exactly how or why. His current hiding place smelt of old leather and newly deposited dust, and had several interesting pieces of paper which he felt compelled to chew the edge of…What the…???

Xander tried desperately to catch the escaping animal, dropping to his knees to coax his terrified partner from his hiding place. Looking up, he begged a still teary Dawn.

"Why a rabbit? Just explain to me, Dawn…why did you have to make him a rabbit??!"

Spike, had been virtually semi conscious from the flash until his instinctive scramble to settee safety. He had known that warm arms with a familiar smell had lifted him from the garden, and he'd simply relaxed against Xander's comforting chest as he had done many times before. As awareness slowly returned however, he had noticed that the chest was significantly bigger than he remembered. He felt very odd and now was acutely aware that he needed to assess other differences. The only real way to look at himself and analyze what had happened was to get out from behind the furniture.

His breathing was too fast, he knew it was too fast, so he instinctively licked his paws (Gahh what?!!!), then reached up and pulled a silky ear down and began to groom to comfort and calm himself. His inner self let out a terrified scream, as he realized, Oh Hell…I don't just have the body, I have its instincts too…Xan! help! please!!"

His friend was kneeling down, cheek to the ground, looking along the dark corridor formed by the back of the couch, "C'mon Spike. C'mon buddy…please?! I'll keep you safe…I'll keep you safe!"

Spike stopped what he was doing, flattened himself to the ground again and sniffed his partner's scent. The world didn't look the same when one's eyes were on either side of one's skull and he struggled to block out the conflicting messages from his, now near three hundred degree, peripheral vision, but Xander smelt like…home.

He scampered forward then hesitated at the juncture of light and the safety of the couch tunnel. Xander remained perfectly still. Spike sprinted (as best he could given his feet were now fur covered and the floor, polished boards!) into the waiting arms of his partner, and snuggled into the comfort and safety of the welcoming embrace.

Xander rhythmically stroked the silky fur of his…partner. Watching as Spike's eyes closed and the vampire calmed, he couldn't help but wonder at how beautiful Spike was – even in his current form!

His partner now had chocolate colored floppy ears and honey colored coat, with chocolate feet, and a tiny white patch on his nose. The fact that his eyes had not altered in color, but remaining a deep azure blue with long black lashes, gave him an extraordinary look and provided unnecessary confirmation that this was no ordinary rabbit. Xander came to the conclusion that it was a given…in any form, his lover would be stunningly attractive.

He kissed the fuzzy front paws in turn, then the furry forehead, petted the silky ears then finally looked into the desperate blue eyes with concern and love.

"Oh sweetheart!! C'mon, Willow and Giles will figure this out. But let's you and I go back to our room, yeah?" Xander didn't expect nor wait for, any response instead he shot a begging look at the watcher and the powerful Wiccan, and headed back to their quarters.

Giles and Willow nodded, and Willow pulled Dawn to her in a tight hug.

"S OK…We'll fix it…We'll fix it!…I know you didn't mean to hurt Spike…We'll fix it…" Willow held on as tears flowed from the girl again…

Xander had carried Spike back up to their room via the kitchen, snatching baking tray, kitty litter and a handful of greenery and carrots on his way through.

Spike understood the concept of the litter, what he didn't expect was how easily he adjusted to the need for his current body to relieve itself, given that as a vamp, toileting was a nonevent. Food was a different matter.

Though he felt drawn toward the lettuce and carrot that had been carefully placed in a bowl on the floor, he simply could not bring himself to eat more than a nibble of each. He pushed the vegetables away and flopped dejectedly on the floor next to the rejected meal. Leaving Xander to wonder what he might do to help. Xander next tried a small bowl of blood. The vamp-come-bunny seemed tempted but apparently lost interest in that also after a quick taste.

"C'mon Spike, you've gotta eat something!"

Xander returned to the kitchen and made himself hot chocolate and toast. On impulse, he poured some of the sweet drink into an open dish and placed it carefully on the floor near his upset friend. He then dipped a sliver of toast in some blood and placed it along side. This seemed to work. Spike quickly consumed the hot milk, finished the toast then hopped up onto the couch to nestle beside his partner. He fell into a light slumber with his head on furry front feet and Xander stroking his ears.

Waking a little time later, Spike hopped onto the floor then began to ponder the implications of this current state. He was perfectly conscious but still seemed compelled by the instincts of the body to which he had apparently been assigned. His hearing and smell seemed as good as that of his vamp self, but his instinctive responses were pure rabbit. He was surprised to feel his ears move as he attempted to pick up particular sounds and was intrigued by the vibrations coming from his whiskers. Without Xander's reassuring touch he felt unreasonably nervous, remained overly watchful, and shivered with fear when far off noises could not be identified. To his shame, he had twice bolted in startled terror, to the perceived safety of behind convenient furniture, when doors had slammed somewhere close by.

Xander observed the nervous behavior and had carried his friend to bed with him as he retired for the night. He changed into boxers then lay on his back and lifted his small soft friend onto his bare chest. Spike snuggled into the warmth and safety of his now relatively huge companion. Reassured by the steady heart beat and sound of Xander's breathing, he slept for a few hours with just his twitching nose poking from the covers.

When Xander groaned and rolled, Spike slid off, wriggled free of the blankets and hopped onto the floor. Stopping perfectly still for a time, he listened for anything untoward. Hearing nothing he thumped his back foot then listened again, thumping a second time, he then hopped around their room several times to get his bearings in the dark. He chewed the edge of a magazine that had somehow fallen from the side table and was surprised that it was strangely satisfying to gnaw at something, though the flavor was rather nondescript (perhaps I should have found a Playboy or something).

Spike was pleased that he could still feel the sunrise coming and idly wondered whether his current status meant the vampire 'burning up' still applied. He waited for a sliver of light to reach the floor then crept forward and placed a tentative paw experimentally in its path, and was thrilled to discover that there was no burning, in fact it felt…wonderful.

Sometime later that morning Xander awoke to see Spike fully stretched out on the window ledge staring at nothing in particular and soaking up the warmth of the morning sun. He rose and walked over to stroke the pale fur, noting the look of real pleasure in the crystal blue eyes as his companion cocked his head sideways in a very Spike like gesture.

"Well I guess going all Bugs Bunny had to have some advantages. Looks like we can let you out for a run later – better ask Giles if there are any nasties around – last thing we need is you being beaten up by the local dogs or getting picked off by a hawk."

As they entered Giles' study, Dawn rushed to greet the pair, still apologizing profusely but also keen to pet Spike. She sat beside him on the floor and proceeded to massage behind his ears, ruffling his fur in the wrong direction then smoothing it back again. After some initial irritation at being treated like a pet, Spike found it surprisingly satisfying.

There had been some progress with a reversal spell, however Willow was keen to wait until the following night when the full moon could lend extra energy and virtually guarantee magical success.

Satisfied that he would have his friend back the following evening, Xander asked, "It seems like Spike's sun allergy doesn't apply to his Peter Rabbit status, so is there any reason you can think of that he shouldn't go outside?"

"I can't see why not Xander, it's unlikely he'll run away or get into too much trouble. Perhaps you should restrict him to the walled garden outside the library though, just to be safe." Giles absently leaned down and stroked the fur of the little animal.

Dawn piped up "Ooh, I wonder what would happen if he met another rabbit – wouldn't that be cool" She giggled then added "Hee hee, he could really do the bonking like bunnies thing." She scratched behind his ears again but was given a sharp nip for her trouble. Spike was quickly tiring of being treated like the house pet and discussed as though his had lost his mind not just his body. His frustration was heightened further when he realized that his body had felt a strange tingle at the thought of a decent shag, though he was positive it was Xander he was thinking about, not some random wild rabbit.

Xander held the door open for Spike and they headed for the library. The polished floor was incredibly frustrating, Spike's fur covered feet slipping and skidding.

"You OK there buddy, or do you want me to carry you?" Xander smiled down at his friend with genuine affection. Carrying Spike in his current form was something Xander thoroughly enjoyed, petting the plush pelt and silky ears something he knew he could happily do all day.

He pushed open the bay windows of the library and let Spike hop out into the enclosed garden.

Xander grinned with pleasure as he watched his small furry friend bounce with the sheer joy of being outside in the sunshine. Spike sped around the yard, dodging imaginary obstacles, reversing, and stopping occasionally to nibble at the greenery. He sprang over non existent tussocks, experimented with flips and spinning jumps, and bounded around the garden beds, disappearing behind a rhododendron bush only to reappear at speed and lap the garden again…Xander settled comfortably on a chair near the open doors and simply watched. After almost two hours, a floppy pair of chocolate colored ears appeared at the doorstep. Xander picked up his friend and wandered back to their room.

Spike returned to the still sun-drenched windowsill – undoubtedly the warmest spot in the room - and collapsed exhausted to sleep for the rest of the afternoon.

That night Spike was taken down to dine with the slayers and watchers-in-training. The eating hall was typical of most mass dining rooms with long tables and a smorgasbord style arrangement for the food. The head table was on a slight platform obviously used in formal ceremonies for other purposes.

Spike was placed gently on the table next to Xander, and gave him a withering look when the man returned from the self serve with a platter of piping hot lasagne for himself but a mere bread roll and salad for Spike.

Xander responded to the look by leaning down and whispering, "It's OK buddy, I'll fix your favourite later yeah?"

Spike nibbled at the roll but found that the proximity of so many slayers, and the level of noise in the room, was really jangling his nerves. When one of the girls dropped a plate on the far side of the hall, Xander instantly found himself with a lapful of terrified rabbit. And when a chair tipped over as one of the slayers got up to leave, he felt a furry head burrow under his t-shirt. Xander lifted the shirt slightly and tucked his friend all the way under, where he remained for the rest of the meal.

"So tomorrow night it's all over? What time Wills?"

"We should be able to get started around 10 – as soon as the moon is up really but it's best to wait until its high in the sky. We'll have to be on the spot where the original transformation took place though. Do you remember where he was standing?"

"Um sure, I think, yeah I reckon I can put him pretty much on the right spot."

Willow was grinning at him but it wasn't until Dawn and Giles both started laughing openly that Xander realized the source of their mirth. The lump under his shirt was moving around getting himself more comfortable, giving Xander the appearance that he was about to hatch an alien.

The remainder of the meal was a pleasant enough affair and Spike later fell asleep nestled on his companion's chest once again.

Spike spent almost the whole of the following day in the sun. Xander and Willow content to sit and talk on the garden seat for a while, but eventually left Spike to his own devices in the afternoon, comfortable with the thought that the garden was a safe enough haven for their small friend.

When Xander returned to collect Spike, he was nowhere to be seen. He began to push aside various bushes and searched under the garden seats, but turning back toward the house, he noticed with a sense of dread, that there was a very large tabby cat perched on the wall swishing its tail menacingly.

"Oh god Spike…No! He didn't do something to you did he?!"

He hissed at the cat, then threw a small stick in its direction, at which point the feline stood, stared at him with disdain, stalked along the wall and jumped out of sight.

Xander's search became frantic but there was still no sign of the rabbit anywhere in the garden, then he remembered the doors to the library had been left slightly ajar. He flew back inside calling repeatedly. After a quick glance around, he dropped to his hands and knees and began to search for the little animal under and behind all the furniture, still without success. With tears threatening he sat in the middle of the room desperately trying to figure out what might have happened to his dear friend. He was just about to 'call in the troops' when noticed a movement in the bottom corner of one of the bookshelves on the opposite side of the room.

"Spike?" As he reached the shelf, he saw a tiny dark ball wedged into an 'A' shaped space where two large volumes had fallen together. He stood the books up and let out a heavy sigh of relief.

"Oh God Spike! I thought I'd lost you! Oh sweetheart! Come here. I've got you. Shh. I've got you, Shh Shhh," he stroked the shivering back then gently eased the little body to cradle him close and continued petting his traumatized friend in an effort to calm them both.

"That's it. No more adventures for you. We'll stay in our room until it's time for the spell."

Four hours later Giles, Willow, Dawn and Xander, along with Andrew and another girl Xander recognized as one of the slayers from Sunnydale, were standing around the place that Spike had been struck two nights previously. A circle had been drawn on the grass with powder of some description, and candles placed at the four points of the compass.

Xander placed Spike into the centre of the formation, gently rested his duster over the little body and stood back.

Willow nodded and Dawn chanted the reversal spell. Another blinding flash resulted in a wide eyed, fully formed vampire left crouching on the ground where the rabbit had been. Xander dropped to his knees and pulled his friend into a tight hug.

"Oh thank God, thank God you're OK sweetheart…Spike you are OK aren't you?"

Spike looked into his lovers brown eye and smiled, "So long as I get to shag you like a bunny tonight instead of as one I think everything will be just fine luv."

They were entwined, relaxing nude under the soft covers of the large four poster in their rooms at 'slayer central'. It was the first night Xander had his human/vampire shaped friend in his arms since they had come to England, and only the second since they had met up in Boston again. Well strictly speaking there had been a fair amount of fondling under the covers of a first class airline seat blanket…but…

Spike had draped himself across his partner's chest, head resting on the well sculpted left pectoral, ear to the heartbeat and left hand gently caressing his partner's torso.

"What was it like?"

"What pet?"

"Being…fuzzy and rabbit shaped…? I mean, could you understand when I was talking to you?

"'Course…understood everythin' and don't forget the bond?! Felt that too."

"Well, what was it…"

Spike's quiet tones interrupted the line of questioning.

"Terrifyin' for much of it. 'Twas an odd thing really. Instincts of prey, and mind that kept screaming predator? Bein' that small and havin' your own permanent fur coat was mighty odd too. Fur feet just damned annoyin'…Few things were nice though…Sun was bloody marvelous!! And sleepin' on your chest, the heart beat, and snuggling meself safe in your arms?"

Spike hugged and snuggled into his partner as if to demonstrate the point, "Hmmm could well do with more of that…"

"God I missed you! And I was so afraid that…" Xander sat up abruptly…"You know I am never gonna feel the love for cats again!…That library adventure of yours…gahh!"

The consort shivered with the terrifying memory. Spike snuggled and caressed his partner further, expressing his gratitude and love in simple wordless stroking and snuffles as he intertwined his limbs with Xander. Spike opened his wrist and found it accepted with the reverence due the arm of a religious leader. Xander stretched his neck as he accepted the dripping limb but could not withhold the amorous groan.

The human was reluctant to break the mood but felt he had to, given the side discussions with Willow and Giles over the past couple of days.

"Now that you're…well…back, Giles wants us all to have a formal meeting with the coven and the new council tomorrow."

"Oh Bloody Hell! What now? As if we haven't had enough of mojo and mumblin's from watchers and witches to last a lifetime! We're on holiday's in case they've forgotten…?!"

"The New Council is just trying to sort out the Italian connection with Initiative stuff."

Spike stilled and almost whispered with trepidation, "The what?!…Buffy…?!"

"She's fine but 'wigged', and her new squeeze is as well…What sort of weirdo calls themselves 'the Immortal' anyway?…"

Spike looked decidedly annoyed, raised an eyebrow and stated with venom in his flat delivery, "A wanker who is."

"You know him?"

"Hate the bastard."

"Is Buffy safe with him?…I mean, he sounds like a pretty great guy from what Andrew and Willow were saying?"

"Oh he's a barrel of laughs mate, bloody ponce…Bloke's a regular walkin' shagfest…'cording to Darla 'n Dru at least…no doubt figures Slayer's a right conquest. Bastard." The last word was all but spat out.

Xander paused while his now game faced partner calmed.

"Anyway…Giles got a call, Buff was sure it was them…bit of intel later and…Like to bet my good eye that Mr Corn-bred Idaho Marine Guy is behind the Buffy stalkage…And to think I felt sorry for him when we were in Sunnydale!"

"I didn't."

"Yeah well…"

"Fun times pet…" Spike watched his partner's face as memories came flooding back. Xander distinctly recalled days of questioning sessions with one underfed, desperate vampire chained in a bathtub. At the time, it had not bothered him, now it was a whole period that he would rather forget, given his rather shameful taunting of 'the helpless'. As his thoughts drifted to family, years of betrayal, abuse and basements, Xander's expression reflected the inner lost and beaten, small boy. His lover squeezed him, grounded him and reminded him of just how different things were now by kissing the frown on his forehead then a tender kiss to his worry tightened lips.

"Life's better now innit?"

"Oh yeah…"

Silence reigned for a moment.

Spike eventually sniffed hard, folded his arms, and said resignedly, "So, much as I enjoy rakin' over the past, what is it the Watcher wants us to do? Not exactly warriors for the good any more are we pet?!…"

At that point, Xander had the dignity to look embarrassed, he watched as the azure eyes flashed yellow then blue and gold with the 'side order of excruciating pain', his own voice dropped to an intimate growl, "Just thought…You know, if they needed us…"

"Oh bugger, you've got to be kiddin'! Me, saved the world twice, been there in the foray for two or three others. You've averaged one for four luv. We've lost too much, and we owe them nothin'! Don't want you involved! Don't want me involved! Xan?!!! We came here to make memories, not relive 'em."

Xander took the face of his life partner in both hands and forced him to face Xander's patchless, scarred visage.

"If the Initiative is back and looking at Slayers, then everyone here is going to be a target…Not to mention the whole 'demons of Europe' being in danger, and if they succeed here then they'll go back into the US as well. You…and me too, being 'consort'…Well you know we'll be targets for them…and Jamielle or no Jamielle! You can bet they'll be at our Sacramento address!" Xander squeezed his partner a little tighter. "Giles won't force us sweetheart, it's just…we can be useful here…At least come and listen to what's going on before we decide." Xander snaked his hand up, grasped his partner's beautiful face and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

Spike pulled away first, "Bloody unfair Harris!"

"What?" Xander's attempted innocence failed miserably as he grinned knowing he'd won.

Spike pursed his lips, gave his most wicked smirk and with narrowed eyes gave his agreement, "Just so long as you know, I will be shaggin' you senseless after the meetin', cause I swear! It's been almost three weeks since you had a proper seein' to!"

Xander matched the smirk and replied, "Eighteen days and counting…so…let's just see who sees to whom shall we?"

Spike attempted to look shocked, "You cheeky bastard!" He proceeded to tickle and tease the human to within an inch of delight-induced asphyxiation. In the process the vampire discovered that improved speed and reflexes were other traits the consort inherited from the link to his master.

Xander escaped, dressed and was standing at the door with a smirk very worthy of the consort of William the Bloody. He held out his hand. "Are you coming?"

Spike wished in that moment that he had a heartbeat to skip…but need not have worried, the nervous jolt of pride and lust was very much the same.

The two approached the meeting room to a tightly controlled, though somewhat loud, tirade worthy of…Giles!

"Oh Good Lord! Did you really need to bring that in here?!!! Andrew! Put it out!"

Still in the confines of the walnut paneled hallway, Spike pinned his partner to the dark wood and kissed him passionately, then scraped vampiric incisors across the aroused man's neck in an act of entirely feral possession. "Bloody Andrew!! Bloody Watcher!…" Spike was in full game face growling, straightening and holding his partner's eye with a golden stare. "Right then. We disappear today if this goes wrong. No argument, right?…Say it…Or I don't go in…You and I…Out of here…If it goes wrong…If either of us feels they're gonna screw us in anyway…we're gone, yeah?…Look at me pet, please? You either agree with that, or we leave now."

"You know that Spike…come on! You leave, I go…No questions…You are more important to me than…anything…Spike…Sweetheart…Oh God! We shouldn't have come should we?…And it's my fault and I've just…"

Spike briskly silenced his partner with a kiss and caress of his boy's nether regions. Pulling away, he growled, "You an' me pet, no guilt and no atonin' needed. No harm no foul. If we're in and someone bowls a yorker, call it an' stop play, 'K?

Xander replied, very aware of his more than reasonable arousal, "Geez…the whole Yorker thing? That's like a cricket term, yeah? You do realize that most of the mystical rubbish in Giles' books was less confusing than that bloody game!"

"Hah!"

"What 'hah'!?"

"'Hah' you said 'bloody'! See, there's hope for you yet"

"Urrrghhh! I can't win!"

"You just did pet…" Spike's visage was human again and the crystal blue eyes spelt belonging for his consort. The vampire peppered the brunette with kisses, then licked over the claim mark, "I love you, an' you're mine an' I'm yours. Master Vampire and Beloved Consort. That's all that matters. An' those humans in there have no idea what that means. But I think we do…yeah?!" The last part was seductively growled through fully extended fangs and punctuated, quite literally, in the claim mark as he stroked Xander to extreme hardness. Withdrawing quickly, he carefully covered his partner's very obvious arousal with the over-shirt Xander was wearing. The blonde then kissed his partner chastely on the cheek and stated, "Now let's just go get this over with shall we?" then led them into the room as though there had been no interlude or precursor whatsoever. Xander reached for Spike's hand as he entered the room, the intertwined fingers squeezing almost to the point of pain. Spike snaking his other arm around his consort's waist as he stepped into the room first.

Dawn was the first to notice them, despite her magical faux pas but a few nights earlier, she smiled far too knowingly at the entry of Spike ushering his partner into the room. The teenager, new Wiccan and former 'key' noting, in particular, the hand calmly and protectively at the small of Xander's back and the 'I've been recently kissed' redness of the taller man's lips.

Giles looked up from a hefty tome open at the head of the table and acknowledged the newcomers, "Ah, Xander. Spike. I'm glad you agreed to be here, your opinion will be most valuable I'm sure."

Andrew was noisily banging his rather overly ornate pipe on the window sill, spilling the still smoldering contents onto the gardenias below. He left his task the instant he heard Giles speak and flew toward Spike. The embrace and related joyous words of praise for the blonde vampire were bordering on worshipful and ridiculous.

"C'mon mate, ladies present." When Andrew did not let go, Spike physically extracted himself and held Andrew at arm's length, with a powerful one handed grip on the man's shoulder, stating with a rather justifiably incredulous tone, "You bloody well saw me last night, you twonk! Give it a rest yeah?!"

Willow pointedly cleared her throat and brought them all back to the task at hand. "If you two would like a seat we can get started."

The obvious places were with backs facing the, courtesy of Andrew's pipe cleaning, now open windows.

Spike raised an eyebrow and pointedly stared at the afternoon sun-drenched seating.

"Ohh, Ohh! Sorry!" Willow and Dawn vacated their shaded spots near the book shelves, looking rather sheepishly at their guests regarding the oversight.

Rather than being a 'crisis meeting', it seemed that Xander and Spike had been included in the regular monthly 'committee of management' gathering. Spike and Xander, used to the swift dealings of business meetings – even those of boards of management – soon became bored by the rather tedious nature of approval (after insisted spelling amendments via Andrew) of minutes of the previous meetings; current slayer 'location and enrollment' issues; and 'policy regards parental visits for slayers' matters.

Spike stared at the wall and caught his partner's non-writing hand under the table. Their fingers intertwined and Spike closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on communicating love through the link, and relished the calming sensation of his partner's touch.

Conscious that they were in a public space, Spike sent a message of calm and love, and began to 'zone out', staring at the fish tank just behind Xander.

The meeting's discussion turned to the Initiative issue; various reports on who, how and when were tabled; mentions of Buffy and Riley and the 'old Initiative' prominent in all; and lengthy dialogue regarding their agenda dominant. Spike could not focus and began to stare harder at the captive fish in the glass tank featured as part of an impressive bookshelf and wall setting. The analogy was evocative and disturbing.

As the vampire's memories of the Initiative began, Xander was blasted by negative emotions and imagery via the consort link, some of them seemed to even predate Sunnydale, he was sure a Swastika was involved. But it was the most recent memories and metaphors that were disturbing and evocative enough to envelope him entirely. Xander followed Spike's glazed stare to the aquatic feature in an attempt to regain his equilibrium, but was drawn further into the horror. No longer dream images but visceral, sickening, and now shared, past experiences.

Xander felt the desperate hunger, the pacing of the cell looking out through glass at his captors, their whim his command. He relived staring up, semi dazed and terrified, yet again unable to move, as he counted the fluorescent lights lining endless white corridors as they pushed him toward his torturers, naked and strapped to a hospital gurney. He knew on a cellular level the moment when suicidal shame overcame excruciating pain as a former Master Vampire, drugged and starved, and now unable to protect himself, was subjected to the supreme debauchery and abject cruelty of 'soul having' humans. Rape and torture of the 'prisoner', the 'other', consistent with any number of examples of cruelty and murder over five previous millennia of earthbound history, and putting to shame anything the Scourge of Europe could have contrived at his most vicious. Xander's breathing hitched with the realization.

Next he felt the determination and desperation accompanying the escape, the despair and humiliation of Spike seeking sanctuary and…All the images stopped. Everything went quiet and Spike was on his knees in front of Xander's chair, pulling the human's tear streaked face to his shoulder. He lifted them both to standing and without a word to other shocked members of the meeting, led the brunette to the relative privacy of a nearby bathroom.

Still supporting his distraught consort, but now leaning them both against the antique marble vanity. Spike dropped into game face, opened his own wrist, and watched as Xander ceased his distressed keening in favor of suckling the proffered gift.

Fifteen minutes, a reassuring feed, quiet dialogue regards Spike's unwitting sharing of the past, the 'not your fault' message re the Scooby's and chains, plus a number of passionate kisses later, and the two rejoined the group.

Most of the meeting members had left their chairs and were helping themselves to various refreshments from the tea trolley. Giles was the first to speak as they all noted the return of the visitors and resumed their seats. "I, umm…well…Can we pass you some tea as you seem to have missed the…Um…break?"

Spike grunted a semi polite 'Yes' then nodded to the senior watcher, acknowledging his gratitude for English decorum that rescinded any necessity to mention the previous 'emotional episode' of his consort.

Giles cleared his throat and removed his glasses to furiously polish them as he reiterated the problem. "Yes, well…It seems that the Initiative is up and running again – privately funded apparently, though I do have my doubts even on that score. From what we can glean, their raison d' etre is the same as ever, though this time it seems the results of the research will go to the highest bidder. Anyone with 'special circumstances' is at risk it seems." Giles paused, replaced his glasses and caught Spike's eye direct. "And yes, it is a global movement with demon informants as well as human operatives as far as we can tell."

Spike stood, slammed the table dramatically with both hands and began to move off. "Well…If that's all, me an' me mate Xan here we'll be on our way for a bit o' holiday sight seein', 'cause quite frankly Rupert, I figure these days I've done with all this rot and as you know, fight the good fight fiscally rather than physically…You can expect the funds to keep flowin' BTW and…good luck with the 'duck 'n weave to outwit the not so clandestine army boys!"

Giles did not move, but fixed his elder and benefactor, the blonde vampire, with an icy stare, "They know where you live…Spike…They know where Xander lives…They may not yet have a handle on your movements or relationships or your funds…but they will if this continues…so may I suggest that you remain to hear us out and perhaps your recent 'fiscal' assistance can continue to be directed to best assisting the 'greater good'."

Spike halted his retreat, scowled openly, then took his partner's hand and slumped back into his seat.

Xander had been silent yet supportive of his partner through the link. Now, grasping his lover's hand, he was struck once more by the extraordinary inner strength and grace of his blonde. The compassion, commitment to the good fight, the personal charisma and bravery that would, were it to be properly exploited, bring armies to their knees, was obvious here. Spike begged no accolades nor adulation. Xander was humbled. He was the one who had cried at sharing the pain Spike had endured, yet somehow it was he, the one eyed human, who now held this beautiful being's love and devotion. After the swath of violent and deeply distressing images, he was in awe of Spike's willingness to listen to Giles. He knew innately, that were Xander to agree to fighting, Spike would be there regardless of justifiable trepidation or his own cost. At that moment he could not have felt more deeply committed to another being if he tried…It was visceral and permeating every cell. Xander felt a jolt of adrenalin through the connection and channeled his partner's worry but sent back the loving support he felt for his mate.

Spike turned to the now very grey haired Giles, "Fine!!! And…well Bloody Hell!" He slumped and squeezed his partner's hand again then turned to the head watcher.

"So…What is it you reckon we need to do?"

Giles faced Spike with a mercenary calm about him, "Fine. First and foremost, I think we need to establish the priorities of this newly manifested Initiative. I felt your input, Spike, would be most helpful. I understand that other than Sunnydale, an earlier version of this group captured you in the midst of World War II, am I correct?"

All but Giles and Spike looked stunned.

Xander shot Spike a pained expression and whispered, "Swastika?"

"Yeah pet, Swastika…" Spike then addressed the group, "Bloody bombings in Berlin trapped us for days underground, got Dru out but…, then the Gestapo, and special 'cells', and submarines and Angel…and bloody Angel…" Spike lost the brave front, reminded once again of his lost Sire. His expression became one of blank indifference again, but the images continued to flow through the link.

Finally pulling himself from his own thoughts, he continued, "'Super Warrior Initiative', nowhere near the number of computer toys as they have now, but seemed to have figured that holy water when 'steamed' was somethin'; worked the whole starvation thing too – apparently starving vamps helps in gettin' rid of camp inmates. Never much blood in those poor blighters – figure a quick sharp exit was doin' 'em a bloody favor."

He paused, the link flooded with an overwhelming array of painful and distressing images, along with memories of the stench and the screaming that accompanied the concentration camp pictures. Xander swallowed hard and made a dash for the bathroom, failing to fully close the door before losing the contents of his stomach several times over. Others in the room were horrified enough by the words.

Spike realized the problem, so stopped for a moment and shut down the link as best he could before continuing, "They knew that crosses were the torturer's friend; and prided 'emselves with inventin' doohickey that triggered a stake if you struggled. Mengele was an evil prick – no artistry or style just…soulless spawn of hell. Human too…just goes to show. Real egalitarian…didn't discriminate just…if he reckoned you were less than the master race, then you were fair game – experiments, dissection that sort of thing…Always wished Angelus had been around then…reckon it would've been a right lark to break that bastard…"

Xander, reentered the room, and though looking decidedly pale, smiled ruefully as Spike re opened the inner link and mused ironically…[Wonder if that Sunnydale Walsh bitch has genealogy including Mengele in the ancestral line.]

Spike stiffened as Xander regained his seat and concluded the account as quickly as he could. "Guess they kept us old ones longer on account we didn't die so easy. They were busy shippin' us to the New World in crates on a sub, when a few of their plans when awry."

Giles pulled his glasses off and, in an act of self restraint, withheld polishing them, choosing instead to fix the vampire with a vexed stare, "All very…anecdotal and amusing Spike but…pray tell what on God's earth causes you to connect the Nazis with the Sunnydale fiasco?"

"Angel got me out, watcher…Angel! An' in the process, close as sired a new Childe to get the ship movin' again ('cept the souled bastard went an' left the fledge to 'is own devices straight after)…Anyway…Angel was there, not by choice, but 'cause of the US bloody version of the Initiative…German Uboat that got captured by the US with us boxed-up European masters all on board – stupid Krauts forgot to 'secure' their cargo…thank goodness…Anyway Angel was given the job of bringin' the Uboat home along with the yanks and their cargo. But…"

"Yes quite. But what…?"

"Lots killed, humans that is, and the two other masters – annoying blighters anyway, but um…Well I made it, obviously, and Angel, and 'is little engineer fledge. Ponce of a Sire set us all a'swimmin' while the few stars 'n striped boys left took the sub back to the states…Burnt the Nazi research afore we left though…You'd 've been proud Watcher…Set it alight to a rendition of 'God save the King', right under the nose 'o the bastard Nazi captain 'imself! Just before we killed 'im."

"Oh Spike! For heavens sake, get to the point!"

Spike raised a disdainful eyebrow at the frustrated watcher and began address the group in short bursts, as though explaining basic road rules to kindergarten students. "The governments were all into it. They were all doing demon research. They all wanted the super soldier." Adding sarcastically, "Now, who would have thought!?…Anyway, I reckon they were also well privy to each others' moves, only thing was…winner takes all in war, innit?! And guess who won…bloody vampire torturing bastards of the stars 'n bloody stripes that who!"

Xander reached out for the pale, slender fingers of his mate, intertwined them in full view of all present and squeezed his support.

Spike took strength from his partner's reassurance and fixed Giles with an unblinking stare. "Don't get me wrong Rupert I like a bit of a reminisce as well as the next bloke…but why do you want to know this now? 'S nigh on seventy year ago."

"Oh good Lord!…Spike…You think we would include you and Xander in such a folly were we not to think your insight invaluable?!…We know full well what you have done, sacrificed…and are fully aware that you owe us nothing. But…courtesy of Xander we have also become aware of your…" Giles removed his glasses and cleared his throat, obviously looking for the 'right words' "…newly partnered status. You are the only…individual…we know who has dealt with both past and present demon focused 'Initiatives'." Giles paused momentarily and looked at the souled vampire with a deep sense of compassion, "It seems the only differential is the technological advancements in 'probing' and 'leashing' of subjects. Technology changes, sadly however, it seems that prejudice does not. I shan't ask you to reveal anything of your detention in the Sunnydale Initiative Spike, but if you care to reveal anything of your time there that you might think is of use, it would be greatly appreciated…"

Xander had said little up to this point in the conversation, but now reached out to take his partner's hand, squeezed it hard then stood to address the group.

The other members of the meeting who remembered Xander, expected him as the 'boy they once knew', but the person who addressed them with perfect calm and a measured tone of authority was nothing like that 'boy'…this was a man, a leader, someone to be reckoned with. "I understand that you want my partner's knowledge, what I don't understand is the necessity for us to remain here beyond our designated holiday. As far as I can see there is a working phone system on this 'happy isle'."

It was Willow's turn to take the floor, "We specifically need you, Xan and Spike…and well…now that you are together…"

"So we're to be what?…Informed bait?…" Xander looked incredulous, Spike fell into game face and growled.

Both Willow and Giles had the courtesy to look embarrassed.

The silence extended beyond the level of comfort. Willow was the first to speak.

"We thought…well…um…we know…that the Initiative won't be expecting…um…Giles? A little help?"

"The Initiative knows nothing of you two – indeed if they had any past records, other than those reflecting Spike's demise."

"And let me guess – a certain loss of depth perception" Xander added.

" Yes, well that as may be…" The watcher removed his glasses again and pinched the bridge of his nose. "We simply thought that you two might be appropriate as you are unknown to the government 'groups', yet familiar enough with their practices that you would be able to gather some intelligence. We don't really have much useful information from our other sources as they have had to 'go to ground' so to speak. We would like you two to travel to Italy – at the council's expense of course, and shed some light on the situation in Europe."

Spike's eyes narrowed with mistrust, but it was Xander who spoke, "So Buffy and her beau are taking the Slayer-lite team and getting the hell out of Dodge…Is that what you're saying? What's happened to your illustrious Watcher council? C'mon G'man." Xander watched as the nickname of old pulled memories to the fore for the older man.

"Our 'council' is still somewhat depleted, and I am sad to say, many of the watchers are younger than their charges…You see the problem surely! Andrew is our most senior member in Europe at this stage…Of course we have others in the various regions, but I hardly think dragging someone from Argentina or Mali appropriate for a clandestine operation in Italy…do you?"

"So what…We go in and do what???…C'mon Giles! I'm a friggin a building project manager and my life partner here is an author, and (oh by the way!) owner and sole investor of the Aurelian fortune…And, as it happens, your patron and primary financier!

"Giles! We have a life and friends and…Shoot…We've done 'Champion', Giles?!!

"I don't want to jeopardize my life, or my partner, or God forbid, both, for some ridiculous 'big bad of the month' gig! C'mon??!! We came to see you guys for a 'catch up'. The whole rabbit thing…?"

At this juncture Dawn had the decency to look contrite, "You know and hey…Was just unfortunate, we get that. But what you're asking…Whole different ball game…Why now? Why us? You think we're expendable is that it? Or is this about the 'Greek frontline', the whole, you're gay so you won't break rank…C'mon Giles? Enlighten me."

"Oh Good Lord, Xander! How could you suggest…?"

"On the grounds that you tried to kill Spike, then Buffy let him wear the amulet, knowing full well that the consequence was death."

"She didn't."

Spike fixed the older man with a cold stare, his voice low and menacing, "Oh yes she did, Watcher, and you knew as well as she. The champion had to wear it willingly, which I did. She took it from Angel. She. Gave. It. To. Me. Her backup…My Sire…was to be there if I failed. But I didn't. Fail. Did. I??

"Instead I ended up a ghost, then workin' with him saving the bloody world a second time!!…And then…and then…I was his favorite…There right to the end…right to his end…Ain't unlife a funny thing ehh??…" Spike trailed off, but caught his aghast audience with an icy stare that encompassed all but his partner.

"An' you lot never knew…He, my Sire, was my everything, now Xan is…and unlike you lot I am loyal to my own, so you're not bloody well gettin' him mixed up in some half baked hero plot just cos you think we're on the outer these days…That's it innit! Well news flash Jeeves, we're not bloody expendable!" His stare particularly focused on Giles, Spike ceased his rant and turned to his partner for a reassuring hug.

"Yes, well. I am more than aware of what you have both…suffered…"

Spike rounded on him with a deadly stare, "Bollocks, watcher! My boy here gives an eye and loses a loved one," He looked up at Xander's tense jawline, then added, "or two, and you politely put it down to 'suffering'! Well whoopdie bloody do! You are not putting my consort in danger 'cause some Slayer and her immortal boyfriend fail to take out a bunch of humans who are spyin' on 'em!"

Giles' paused in his protestations and joined the others in their open mouthed gape at the blonde and his partner. "Consort? Xander? When? Did you? Good lord, Xander do you know what this means? Why didn't you say something? Why didn't I…? How…?"

Xander gripped his upset partner tightly around the waist and kissed him soundly (and very publicly) before answering quietly. "I know what it means, Giles. We've been Consort and Master for…well it's coming up for a month or so now. And before you ask Giles, I know it can never be undone. But William Aurelius, Spike, is my lover, my friend, my protector and…my true soul mate." He pulled Spike in for another kiss. Several of the senior slayers present swooned a little at the display.

Willow was the first to react. "Oh Goddess! Xander this is…well, um…wonderful!! Congratulations!"

Dawn was fast on her heels, "And yay and we need a party." She slapped Spike hard, "Why didn't you say something dummy!"

"Well umm, difficult when one is all fuzzy, pet." Dawn looked contrite. Spike reached for her hand and squeezed, then continued with a far more conciliatory, "Would you be able to organize us the shindig, 'cause I don't think Willow will be able to cope." He winked and watched as the young woman grinned wildly and, just as he anticipated, excused herself to begin party planning immediately.

Giles stood, "Well this does put a different light on the whole Initiative proposal I'm sure, but I don't really think…"

He was cut off abruptly as Andrew flew into the room, hugged and kissed Xander and Spike in turn, "Oh my god! Oh my god!! Kudos and congratulations you guys! This is just the best…Oh God I so knew you were…Spike and…but Xan?…and the whole Anya dying!…and the…anyways…Oh, this is so great…Oh, I'm gonna cry…'scuse me…" And with that he departed.

Giles was still upstanding and now polishing his glasses with a fury that threatened the integrity of the lenses. "Would you people please cease and desist from this ridiculous display! We need to address the matter at hand. And I would ask you, Spike and Xander, to consider the full proposal before deciding that we are deliberately jeopardizing your safety. Now…can we all discuss things sensibly…please?!"

Spike slumped a little and turned his attention to the watcher. It was Xander who spoke for both of them. "What do you want us to do?"

"I understand that you are here for only a short time, so I am proposing a flight to Rome. We have an apartment there that I believe you, Spike, have been to on a previous occasion. Your task is a simple one. The Initiative knows the apartment is owned, or at least frequented by the slayer and her friends. As two males I don't think you should raise much suspicion. We know the Initiative will be watching but do not think they will act at this stage. We need you to track the trackers as it were. Find out their modus operandi and the location of their European base. We will do the rest."

Spike looked incredulous, "Which would be what exactly?"

"We intend working through clandestine means to shut them down – that will take both government and private groups to work together."

"You mean non human?"

"Well some, but primarily this bunch of misguided mercenaries is threatening everyone who has a less than pure human pedigree or magical background, and all for their own gain."

Xander squeezed his mate's hand hard, they shared a knowing glance then the brunette spoke up "Right, say we do this…where are our special OO7 toys Q? Or perhaps that should be 'G'?!" Willow giggled a little then sobered as she caught the scowl from Giles.

"This is no joking matter Xander. If you take this on, as Spike more than adequately pointed out previously, you are risking yourselves if found out. I can only imagine what the Initiative would make of a mated Consort and Master in terms of their studies and the way they might use you were you discovered."

"So why us?"

"We trust you and know what you are capable of achieving."

"You also trust Willow, so why us?"

"It's about the Initiative – and they don't know you…"

"And they know Willow?"

"Oi, They know me…or have you forgotten 'Hostile 17' watcher?!"

"This is not the same group Spike, they don't know your history – or you for that matter…According to all records you have died…twice as far as they are concerned - three times if one reads the watcher reports of the W&H showdown. It is imperative that we shut this group down Spike…you do realize that they pose a threat to all creatures of demonic origin, soul or no soul – and indeed threaten partners of the same?!"

Xander grabbed his partner possessively. Spike's eye's were golden "Of course I bloody do you wanker! No one touches Xander!"

"Good then we are agreed. Your plane will be waiting at Gatwick in two days' time…in the meantime I suggest we all relax and enjoy present company."

With that Giles withdrew followed by a number of the younger slayers and watchers privy to the meeting, leaving Spike, Willow, and a returning Dawn to their own devices.

"The party is a 'go'!" Dawn announced with a grin and particularly affectionate hug for Spike.

"Thanks B…Dawn You're a gem!" Spike's use of her real name caused the young woman to blush profusely then sigh and relax into the arms of a 'brotherly hug'.

Willow had lined Xander up for her 'resolved stare'. Arms folded she smiled as her long time friend cringed in anticipation of the 'Willow Inquisition', instead he found himself with what seemed to be a lapful of best friend and confidant he knew from pre Tara.

As she hugged him the mantra was consistent, "I am so happy for you! Goddess…Xan! And the whole Robin Hood look and the clothes and…Oh Xan! After Jesse and you kept…Oh I am so happy for you…and Spike!…" At this point the Wiccan stopped and looked over to the blonde, "I never really saw how beautiful he was…Inside and out."

"Yeah…and he's mine." The 'mine' carried all manner of loving thoughts, firstly directed at his partner but also now, by the honest and unprompted revelation, an admission to his best female friend.

Willow squeezed her friend's arm. "I'm so glad." Then reached over and kissed a rather stunned Spike on the cheek…"You are my two favorite men, I am so happy for you…So the whole 'gay me up' was for real huh?" Willow gave a wicked grin.

"Happy and Gay. Or, oh, um, pink (or should that be purple and green) friend o' mine!" Xander leaned over and kissed the witch on the forehead.

Willow slapped him lightly and without intent. "Cheeky!"

"That's me! Xanman the cheeky, capable of blushing with minimum prompting and loving the good spanking…and Oh God, I just over stepped some line didn't I…"

Spike raised his eyebrows as Willow giggled conspiratorially. "Somethin' you've not told me pet??"

Xander's blush extended all the way past his belt line. He looked to his childhood friend "Gahh! See?! Now I am gonna have to…Ahhh what the heck!"

He raised an eyebrow to Spike then pulled Willow into a tight embrace again and kissed her cheek. Xander's demeanor changed, "You really think we can help?"

"I think you can. Xan we really have tried everything else…but…Goddess Xan, they've already got three slayers and their watcher."

"What?!!"

"We just need to know what we're up against Xan, and where they are, and we can get them back…we'll get them back."

The stricken look on his mate's face said it all, Spike articulated what he already felt, but it was a 'blast from the past' and as he listened to his beloved's words it was like a knife to his gut, "No question Red. We'll get them back no matter what. I know what those bastards do to ya. Anyway, seems as though the watcher has left you with the clean up job luv. Where's our tickets then?"

Willow sheepishly handed over their flight arrangements.

Late that night the mated pair lay idly petting each other, both obviously concerned at what they might be facing…

Dawn's impromptu party and consequent visits by Willow and Andrew all bearing presents were welcome. The knock on the door signaling their day of departure was less heralded.

A rather disheveled Xander, hastily clad in a pair of inside out sweat pants, answered the door. "Hey Giles, um 'scuse me…We were um…" Unmoving, long blonde locks were evident poking out from the bed covers, and the rumpled nature of the sleeping arrangements left little to the imagination.

"Yes well um…Perhaps you and I should…talk…Xander?…" Giles, ever the creature of habit removed his glasses, and indicated an antique lounge in a quiet alcove near the entry hall of their rooms for their 'chat'. Xander stilled the older man's hands, stopping the incessant rubbing of glass in its tracks, and forcing Giles to look the very adult Xander in the eye.

"I'm not a child Giles, I'm not the boy you knew any more. I was gay before Spike. The difference is that I am happy now." Xander's tone dropped and he fixed on the concerned stare of the man who had been a surrogate father when his own was unable to 'step up' to the role. " I am really happy Giles. If you can't accept that then that has to be OK too, I've learned that, but I would like to think that you can…accept Spike and me, I mean…"

"Oh Good Lord! Do you think I am utterly senile?! Xander it is perfectly obvious to me that you two are besotted. Spike has always been known for his obsessive devotion to his partner and from what I observe you are similarly stricken in this case."

"Stricken!!!???"

"Alright…Blessed! Heavens above Xander, what do you want me to say?!"

"Well, given that you have tried to kill my chosen life-partner more than once in the past few years, I guess 'promise not to do it again' would be a start…?"

"That's hardly f…"

Xander pulled down his collar, revealing the deep crimson scar signifying consort and partner. "And if you pull down Spike's shirt you will see the same. We have claimed each other Giles. And for all your watcher wisdom…this is the real deal for me…for us…for Spike and I…William and Alexander…Giles? Please be happy for us…I have never really asked for anyone's blessing on…Well anything really…But you have been like, well favorite uncle probably is a bit odd…but…Giles? Babbling here…" Xander trailed off, but it was Giles who looked the more embarrassed.

He broke from his reverie, "Oh good Lord…Do you really think I am so staid as to deny you the right to happiness?!" The elder watcher pulled Xander into a heartfelt hug and snorted his bemusement, "You silly boy…Oh blow it all, seems I am compelled to include Spike in this now…boys! My sincere apologies for not addressing this with you before now…It's just…Good Lord Xander…Do you know how proud I am of you?" Giles, sat back, reached over to grab the young man's hand, and dropped his voice to a near whisper. "I…You…will always be the young man I knew – so hopeful, so loyal, a brave warrior with no requirement to step up and yet volunteered time after time…And after the First…I know you turned down the opportunity for…Well, let's just say, I had but an inkling of how very strong and capable you were. How strong you will always be…and apparently even more so now…I am fully aware that you have the respect of colleagues, a significant role in your working life, and now a chance at happy partnership…Kudos…But I am sorry…My dear fellow, I am so profoundly sorry to have to drag you into this…"

Xander looked up and grinned a little with a light in his eye that signaled the amusement of days long past in a school library of a town that no longer existed…"Hey! I'm a 'dear fellow' now?…Guess I'll be needing a pipe and lounge coat." He winked at the now rather flustered senior watcher, then sobered and continued, "All jokes aside Giles, The Initiative? It's bad isn't it…?"

"I fear for all of us. With the modern technologies and inhumane methods, there seems no limit to what these people might do. And with the world in such turmoil 'highest bidders' are not too hard to find if one is trafficking demons."

"Or any sod who deals in magic. I'nt that right watcher?" Spike was leaning against the doorway, hair rumpled from sleep and clad in a pair of silk boxers, so low slung that they were obviously his partner's.

"Indeed, magical folk seem also to be a target." Giles blushed a little as he noted for the third time since the two had arrived, just how ethereally beautiful the vampire truly was. He was surprised to feel just a small pang of jealousy as the perfect male form moved to wrap loving arms around Xander and kiss his ear with fond familiarity.

"We off today then Pet?"

"Giles was just…" Xander looked uncomfortable as Giles took his lead.

"Indeed Spike, I was simply trying to impress upon…well you both now obviously…the gravity of the situation."

"Yeah we got that, watcher. Now cut to the chase, what do you really think is going on?" Spike hugged his partner but memories of the Initiative and its German precursor were too close for comfort. Xander felt his lover unwittingly shift to game face.

Giles flinched only a little, saw that Xander's loving hold on the vampire had not moved, and noted the tender caress of hands that was occurring as Spike's features shifted back to human. Reminding himself of the ensouled status of the individual in front of him, he continued, "We are aware that they are already 'picking up' individuals that are of interest to them – None of whom have been found since, so we simply must assume that they are being held for some purpose. (Though for the life of me I am doubtful that a fledgling watcher like David would be of any use to anyone!) Unfortunately it seems fairly certain that the Initiative may have the apartment under surveillance. Though given the last two months, we may have them foiled a little, it is listed as one of many 'holiday stay' rental apartments in the wider Rome area and has already been frequented by numerous people unrelated to our group."

Spike was distracted by thoughts of the Initiative and his time in Sunnydale, and Xander's head was spinning with vivid images of starvation, hurt and desperation. The brunette grabbed his partner's hand hard and held on. "Shhhhh, c'mon Spike…we're in this together…" He turned to face the watcher, "So we what? Go in as the gay couple?"

"Well essentially yes…" Giles handed Xander arrangements for a car, weekend accommodation in Tuscany, and a list of useful contacts. "We have a 'body heat' suit for Spike to wear to mask his 'undead' status. And please don't look at me like that Spike – it is entirely to do with a discrete undergarment…nothing outlandish I assure you."

Spike was promptly presented with a lycra like suit with what appeared like metal track throughout. "The controls are on the left wrist band, any detection device will see you with 'normal' body temperature…"

"What about me head then?"

"There are a variety of hats, but quite frankly Spike I think that for the most part you will be observed later at night and well…both of you…" At this point Giles looked distinctly embarrassed, "Let's just say that it is apparent that you are rarely separated in that timeframe…"

Xander grinned and landed a chaste kiss on the point of his partner's shoulder. "Well at least we're consistent!"

Arrangements were made, packing done and the two found themselves at Gatwick ready for takeoff within hours of the discussion.

Travel to Rome was strangely easy, though Spike, apparently far too accustomed to traveling at the 'pointy end' of the plane had pouted adorably at the blushing check-in clerk, then thrown his platinum card across the counter to fund the move from row fifty two to row five.

As they settled into their seats he was still grumbling,"Bloody typical! Watchers still can't even sort a decent ticket for their workers in the field! Who the hell would pay to travel without a personal drinks service and a reasonably sized pillow!"

Xander smirked at his partner…It seemed that the years of starving and Sunnydale were long forgotten. The 'first class' vampire was definitely in the building.

The human had placated his annoyed friend by snuggling under a shared blanket and whispering, "Don't mind if you purr" He had continued to stroke his partner's inner thigh while warning, "No more growling at the passengers or crew and I'll fix this as soon as the movie starts." He ran a nail over the material straining with Spike's very obvious interest in the ministrations.

True to his word, Xander had distracted his partner during takeoff. Spike bit his tongue hard enough to draw blood as shared erotic images and physical sensation collided and the result was caught in the warm face towel provided when they first sat down. As always, the crew seemed to gravitate toward the 'friends' in row five, so much so that a very jovial inter isle card game between both patrons and bemused staff was packing up as the seat belt sign went on.

Spike gave his fellow players a genteel 'peck' on the hand and his partner a very public, very passionate kiss on the lips. They both grinned as they noted the almost jealous looks from flight attendants Charlotte and Cosmina, and overheard the departing comments, "All the good ones are gay! But gahhh weren't they…"

They arrived at the small apartment following a taxi ride hosted by a driver who incessantly swore at fellow commuters in swift (apparently broken) Italian, wove in an out of four lanes of traffic, ran a red light, smoked three cigarettes in succession and sounded his horn at every opportunity. Xander grinned as his partner addressed the man in perfect Italian at the conclusion of their trip, commenting on his driving prowess (or lack thereof), then paid without tipping and allowed his eyes to flash gold ensuring a swift departure and no argument.

The building manager was a rather portly middle aged woman who smiled sweetly at Xander then positively flirted with Spike. The vampire's grasp of the local language and his willingness to kiss the woman on both cheeks and return her attentions with convincing 'shy act', guaranteed them a platter of fresh fruit, a bottle of her brother's home brewed lambrusco wine, and an offer to organize a car and driver whenever they needed it during their stay, and an invitation to dinner!

Fearful of the apartment being under observation, Spike had requisitioned a 'handicapped' bathroom and donned his heat suit while still at the airport (amidst complaints of 'lack of accessibility' and the overly 'snug fit'.) Xander had all but forgotten about the technology during their cab ride from hell, so was utterly unprepared when a very warm body pinned him to the wall of their new abode and whispered "Welcome to Rome, pet."

"Gahh! Is there a heat control for you? 'Cause gotta say, feeling very hot under the collar here!" Xander grinned and welcomed Spike's open mouthed kiss and whole body contact.

Spike pulled away for a moment, "New experience for you? Thought all newly weds had to feel this." He grinned and winked then slammed the front door of the apartment hard enough that it failed to catch, "C'mon luv live a little – how's about I up our temperature a mark or two, figure you might like your boy hot and sweaty?!" Spike's left hand had found its way to Xander's very obvious erection while he forwent more dialogue in preference to plundering the hot mouth.

"Bloody lovely this, do you know how hot I feel at the moment…Can hardly think straight I'm so hot…"

"Shhhh what if someone hears us?"

"Let 'em, feelin' so…" Spike nibbled Xander's ear and proceeded to unzip and unbutton his partner's clothes, stripping him to his boxers within seconds.

Xander's remaining brain cells dealing with rational thought, managed to register the still ajar door and the idea that a bed might be more comfortable. He pushed his lover back for a moment, shoved the door closed with his foot and maneuvered them both into the bedroom. Spike shed his outer layers as they moved to fall in a smiling heap onto the bed. What Xander did not expect was the strange sensation of having a body he knew so well clad in warmed lycra, and proceeded to silently thank the suit's designer for the strategically placed 'access points' as the two began to make love in earnest.

In fourth floor of the ancient building opposite:

"Two occupants. Male, sir. One English, one American we surmise by the accents."

"Records? You have obtained their check in details?"

"One A. Harris, building project manager, Sacramento. One W. Aurelius, investor, Boston. Both flew in from the UK last night. Here for ten days."

"Connections in Italy?"

"None known at this stage, Sir."

"Travel plans?"

"Villa in Tuscany booked for the weekend, landlady is assisting with a driver, other than that no firm plans known Sir."

"Contacts."

"No calls made and none mentioned Sir. It seems they are here on some type of 'honeymoon' Sir."

The older man all but growled, "Heat scan?"

"Normal, Sir, at least normal enough."

"Explain!"

"Well Sir…" The young soldier blushed profusely then continued, "They seem to be currently engaged in carnal relations, Sir. The heat scan is difficult to…"

"Yes fine, soldier. Carry on" The Lieutenant turned and stalked toward the door grumbling, "What is it about faggots and Rome!"

"Excuse me, Sir?"

The commander turned momentarily, "Nothing Chambers, carry on."

"Sir?"

"We can't move unless we are sure they are of interest to the group. We do know a slayer and her non human companion frequented here, but we must assume that was to do with the group we already have in custody. Can't imagine our 'lover boys' are anything more than just that."

"Your orders Sir?"

"Just keep the scanners on, forty-eight hours. If you don't get anything unusual, we'll have to assume it's another 'pink pair', all Lamborghinis, leather and lattes!" He scowled and stalked off mumbling unhappily about Mardi Gras madness, gays in the military and the desire to engage in 'real' espionage rather than 'watching pansy's screw'.

A drip fell from the end of Xander's nose, landing neatly on the middle of his blonde partner's forehead. He had never really considered just how advantageous it was to engage in sex with a 'cooler' friend. Finally rolling off his warm bed buddy and spooning the figure to join him in slumber, his last thought prior to snoozing was one of slight concern over moisture and the dangers of electric blankets. Spike had no such qualms, he simply snuggled into the feel of his lover's body and enjoyed a warmth that came from every direction.

Their encounter had begun with the usual rush of enthusiasm, fueled, as it had been since their mating, by imagery and emotions flowing from one to the other. This time however, as Xander heated up, Spike's suit seemed to respond in kind, giving its wearer and his lover, the most extraordinary addition to their lovemaking.

Xander had bitten gently down the clad torso, carefully unzipped the groin and just before engulfing his partner's already solid erection, exclaimed "My God Spike, you are so hot." Then continued to pet and caress until his incessant tongue and mouth elicited the first of three climaxes for the night. Vampire stamina gave Spike the advantage, but it seemed that the warmth now surrounding his person had other effects. Xander had prepared himself then lowered onto his lover, beginning to rise and fall slowly, and brushing his own sex over the silky material now covering his lover. For Spike the effect had been electric – within seconds, the suit heated up, he heated up, and found himself positively ravaging his lover's mouth, and driving his release.

Xander had grinned, commented on hot and horny youth then proceeded to take his partner face to face, kissing and nipping the writhing figure throughout until he had heated the blonde 'from the inside'.

They both stirred some time after noon the next day, untangled limbs that had intertwined during sleep, and petted each other softly until words could be formed. The afternoon sun was well onto the other side of the building, so Xander stood, opened the curtains then traditional wooden shutters, and let the heat, the sounds and smells of old Rome enter.

An azure blue stare greeted him as he returned to the bed, "Hey sweetheart"

"Hmmm, mornin' luv"

Xander rolled onto his back and stared at the ornate ceiling, putting the arm farthest from Spike under his head.

"Amazing."

Spike shifted a little and smirked, leaning over to caress the bare torso of his lover, "Been called many things pet, but coming from you…"

"No, I meant the ceil…Grrrrrr" Restful thoughts abandoned, he launched himself at the vampire, tickling every available mark before lightening speed replaced giggles and squirming, and he found himself pinned out on the bed like some ancient sacrifice.

Spike was all but in game face and grinning when Xander felt unfettered fear flow through the link. The vampire leaned down as if to kiss him on the ear "Shhh pet…we're definitely bein' watched." From the corner of his good eye, Xander caught what he thought to be the glint of a camera lens from a building across the narrow street.

Spike pulled up a little and grinned, though his partner saw the intent and the resolve in his eyes, "Shower now lover! C'mon…we've got a city to explore!"

Filling the small bathroom with steam before they entered the shower cubicle had allowed the vampire to strip the heat suit temporarily. Both silently blessed the technology, aware that without it, there would have been a fairly good chance that they would now be languishing in some sterile cell.

Once under the jet of scorching water, what appeared to be shower sex (or at least its precursor) to possible outsider observers was, instead, a whispered conversation of carefully chosen words and many more images flowing through their link.

"How's this gonna work Spike?"

"Suggest we make love for the afternoon then head out for dinner and such tonight. And call 'em out on the way home."

"Wha…?"

"Gay couple on their first holiday pet, me a bloody rich blighter, an' catches some bloke takin' photos for profit…c'mon, be fun. Nothin' Scooby just plain put em off their game for a bit."

"It's too risky! God Spike! What if they…you know have vampire detectors or something."

"It's a military gig, pet…All gizmos and what's its…They'll be relying' on the technology."

"But…"

"Willow gave me a cloaking spell, an' you know her mojo of late…no one will guess I'm not a real boy."

"But what about the mating thing?"

"Covers that too luv, though I have me doubts it will be needed. C'mon Xan…little payback…promise you can snog me in front of 'em if we need to."

Xander broke into a wicked smile "Or kiss one of them perhaps."

"Perhaps? Oh I am shocked dear friend…It's a given!"

The shower did conclude with some fondling and definite 'getting off', but the excitement was more about the anticipated events of the evening than the need to relieve any tension.

"Sir? They're in the shower now Sir…"

"Yes Sir. They have opened the shutters, I have clear visual to bedroom and living room, Sir"

"No Sir. It appears at this time they are…um…engaged in…yes Sir…The room is very steamy and confusing our equipment…Yes Sir, of course."

"Twenty one hundred…yes Sir…I will be here Sir."

Chambers was on his second back to back shift and was struggling to keep awake. Images of two beautiful men making love had seemed abhorrent in the past, but having to sit and watch these two for the last twelve plus hours…with all the hard lines and the tender…Gahhh! He was sure he was going mad…The thing he could not understand was the lieutenant's attitude? These men weren't dangerous, just…gay!

Chambers had abandoned the heat detecting equipment in favor of a high powered digital camera that would do any paparazzi proud. What he saw through the extended lens was two beautiful men enjoying a holiday, hardly the 'non human hostiles' their group was out to capture. He snorted loudly, at the same time registering the click of the door behind as his replacement came in. It was one thirty in the afternoon. He was back on surveillance at eleven tonight. Just enough time to eat, shower and sleep, before doing it all again.

"Bourke." He welcomed his taller comrade without looking up.

"Chambers…So what have we got this time? Bunch of Australian twenty something's trying to avoid homesickness by drinking themselves into a stupor? Or a couple of try-hard fourth generation Italians from New York throwing their greenbacks around and trying to 'find their roots'?"

"Neither. We seriously need to widen our sweep, but you didn't hear that from me of course! Check this out…"

"Of course."

Chambers pulled away from the camera and indicated to his colleague to use the view finder.

The blonde squatted down and took in the vista below. Seeing a virtually clear apartment he mumbled, "This is pointless!…". He then paused to observe two men with low slung towels emerge from a steaming bathroom. The taller of the two snaked a hand around his partner's waist and pulled the blonde into a passionate kiss. "Ohhh!! Geez, are you serious?? Why are we spending our time watching fags f#@k?!…What's the boss…?…Man!…Actually that blonde…far out! Have you see his…" The soldier blushed, and shot an embarrassed look to his partner-in-arms.

"Yeah I did…figure he must work out pretty hard. But you know those guys, into perfection, that sort of thing…Bigger guy not too bad either…" Chambers wiggled a suggestive eyebrow at his smirking friend, but then became serious, "Seems to have lost an eye at some point – and I mean totally. American, wouldn't be surprised if he's seen some action – looks like an old injury – could be the Gulf? I'm just guessing but seems he lost it 'in combat' and is now into building and project management, according to what info we have. Probably with CIA given the lack of info. Dates and age matches though, so makes sense if he was ex-undercover engineer." His friend grunted his agreement but kept his eye firmly on the view finder.

"Who's his young friend?"

"Rich kid, daddy's money probably. Boston. Typical! Seems he's pretty much the 'recluse', and now we know why. Wouldn't think the Murdoch media would leave that one alone if he were 'out 'n about'! Batchelor of the year not really into breeding? Make a great story…all warm receptacle, money under the table and a very large syringe!"

Both men sniggered a little, still focused on their 'targets'. Chambers looked across at his erstwhile companion, noting for the first time the younger soldier's finely honed physique, and, despite the derisive words, his obvious arousal at what he was watching. He grinned at the thought that there might just be someone else 'jacking off' in the shower after watching the 'queer eye' couple for a full shift!

Xander and Spike were now fully aware of their observers. Spike's acute hearing even picked up the ultrasonic whine of the camera recharging on occasion. Risking a short 'nude session' rather than replacing the heat suit proved an excellent decision. Spike bound his partner with a broad leather strap and a whispered "If you're really good, I'm sure I can track down some 'Boston beads', oh RA o' mine."

The heightened arousal and resultant heat from Xander was more than enough for full body contact to transfer adequate heat should anyone be taking readings. Spike's apparent licking and determined hickey 'away from camera', allowing warm blood to flow unobserved from consort to vampire, causing Xander to moan, and the instant Spike opened the cock ring, both partner's to release.

Their observer attempted to adjust his very tight uniform for a third time in ten minutes, the simple touch causing him to come in his clothes for the first time since high school. He was just thankful that Chambers had left for the day.

Spike eventually retreated to the bathroom once more, donned the suit that had Xander deliberately binding himself again in an effort to deal with the new sensation of his warmed partner. Though the reason was actually twofold, clad in the sharkskin-like suit, Spike's form was arguably more stunning than when he was nude. Xander mused that the body definitely spelt athlete but that "vampire" probably was not a country on the international circuit, and certainly would not have passed the Olympic drugs testing (on account of the whole 'not able to provide a sample' thing obviously!).

The warm suit seemed to have its own affect on the wearer…and the link made it no easier for the wearer to control arousal…Xander grinned knowingly, and enjoyed the rather blissful look on his partner's face as the suit hugged and heated the lithe, and now very obviously aroused, figure.

Pulling his lover down onto the rather small lounge, he pinned Spike under him and proceeded to rub his silk boxer clad erection against his partner's rather obvious interest, "Gahh…You are so beautiful…you know that!"

"Yeah – eye of the beholder an' all that…We goin' out?" Spike grinned, enjoyed the warmth and matched the delicious pressure from his partner's erection with a push upward.

Despite their 'mutual interest' Xander registered his lover's awareness of their observers – and was more than a little concerned that that they might be taken in regardless of heat readings. "Later…God Sp…Will The curtains are open!"

"So…Let the observers be informed!…Good lord pet, in a city that, in ancient times, treated women as breeders, and male partners as completion…enjoy…You obviously being the…completion part o'course!"

Spike wiggled an eyebrow and felt the suit respond to the heat of his lover…

Their observer lost his shot but found his own completion, spilling into his uniform a second time as his two subjects found their 'tipping point' and groaned their pleasure into the heat of the afternoon.

Justin Chambers was wandering from the bathroom of the small apartment the 'New' Initiative had requisitioned. He'd slept, ate, his teeth were now cleaned, towel secured, and hair combed back, somewhat dry, when the work mobile rang.

"Bourke?…Yeah well our orders are to stay put. What do you think they were?…C'mon man…it sounds like they're just going clubbing doesn't it? I mean…Look I'll be there in 10. Sounds like a quiet night for once…Yeah…Can't have everything. Catch you soon."

They were on their way out. Xander was happy to stand back and watch his charismatic partner woo the landlady, and her 'nephew', their driver for the evening. Spike had dressed him. Soft leather pants that matched his hair, a collarless off white shirt and honey brown cotton jumper that he was told to tie around his neck not wear. Spike seemed to have gone all out for the 'rich boy' look, skin tight designer jeans, up market black boots and an elegant deep blue button down shirt concealing his lycra suit. They had agreed the suit had to stay on…though more for their return to the apartment than any immediate need in the mass of writhing bodies.

As Xander climbed into the luxury new Mercedes, he began to seriously ponder again, just how 'low' Spike had gone after his Initiative experience. In his current incarnation it was obvious that the Master Vampire had been part of the 'elite' of his race for over a century, and used to moving in high society in the human world as a matter of course. It brought home the cruelty of the chip and conjured images of torture that must have driven his elegant, well educated and highly intelligent partner to seek help from a bunch of modern day teenagers, put up with being locked into baths and basements, and accept 'charity' blood from Kiss the Librarian' cups. Each time he probed Spike's memories through the link it shut down. He feared for what they might find if captured once again.

Banishing negative thoughts, Xander watched as his vampire made Yanos, the twenty something driver, feel particularly special. Spike had chatted easily in Italian as they drove around the darkened streets of Rome – Spike dropping hints as to how many times he had been there, and commenting on the appalling state of the old city due to 'all the new development'. Yanos had promised them a wonderful night according to Spike, and true to his word, delivered them to a wonderful café within sight of the amply lit Coliseum. Xander looked on with amusement as Spike downed his extra strong short black coffee from what looked like an egg cup, then ate an enormous piece of honey cake utterly oozing with the sweet liquid. A dribble of golden syrup escaped the corner of Spike's and Xander's hand whipped forward before he could think, catching the errant drip on his forefinger and feeding it back to his partner. Spike held the digit in his mouth, swallowed quickly then all but made love to the finger, laving and sucking until Xander was so hard he was almost certain that a part of him was about to raise their tiny table inadvertently. Spike noted the desire, grinned wickedly and pulled off his mouth with a ceremonial plop.

"You are so going to pay for that!"

"Countin' on it pet." Xander felt his non-sucked hand grabbed and pulled toward his partner's crotch, then thanked the gods of Rome for the dark evening and their secluded spot in the café as his hand was pushed over a hard object that mirrored his own. Just as Xander decided they might have time to take it to the men's room, Yanos beeped the horn from the other side of the street causing Spike to stand, throw money onto the table and direct his flustered lover back to the car.

A half hour later, Yanos delivered them to a classy gay nightclub in the north of the old city. Xander smirked as his blonde companion handed the boy the equivalent three days' wages in Euro to guarantee there would be a car there when they came out, then smiled openly as Spike completed the deal by leaning in to the driver, grasp the back of the now obviously besotted youth's head, and kissed him on both cheeks in fine Italian tradition.

The queue for the nightclub was lengthy but Spike, true to form, walked to the front, whispered something in the female door person's ear and led Xander through the door to the incensed cries of other patrons who had been waiting their turn.

As they pushed through the sea of bodies toward a packed bar, Spike pushed his mouth to Xander's ear and all but yelled, "Pays to know the owner, pet. Introduce you later," then nodded toward a balcony area. Xander simply shrugged and shook his head in disbelief. Of course Spike would know the owner…'as you do'!

The club was noisy, sweaty and utterly arousing. Beautiful male forms surrounded them, Xander guessing that the crowd averaged late twenties early thirties…he and his beautiful 'boyfriend' certainly did not look out of place. Two drinks and several gloriously arousing dances later, Xander was ready to throw his partner against the nearest wall and engage in what seemed to be the national sport…tongue hockey. Spike had other ideas, grabbing his partner by the wrist and literally dragging him up to the mezzanine floor overlooking the frantic clubbers.

It was marginally quieter which was a relief, and Xander's good eye appreciated the lack of spinning colored spotlights and strobes. He was, however amazed to be drawn into what appeared like a bohemian 'den' of the fifties. Chrome fixtures, plush red rug and black leather couches dominated.

Spike nodded to an immaculately dressed man who, Xander estimated, was in his mid forties and surrounded by a full entourage of a dozen or so highly attractive twenty-somethings.

"Stefano."

"William! I heard you were in town! It must be what? Fifty years. Of course I am not counting that few days here courtesy of Wolfram 'e Hart! Crazy business with that head, always the same with Di Capa. Too much panic…but then they've always loved a drama." The slightly graying, slim man chortled heartily and stood to kiss Spike. "But my friend, you didn't even call?! Ahhh well…I heard about Angelus. You have my deepest sympathies, I know you were his favorite…" A genuine look of pain and understanding passed between the two and Xander felt a jolt of hurt through the link.

"But here you are…and with a consort no less! Congratulations!" Stefano held out his hand to Xander in a gesture not unlike a church elder. Xander, after a furtive look at his partner to confirm his approval, took the hint and kissed the back of the hand. It was cool and felt slightly scaly for some odd reason, though Xander could see no evidence of the same when he looked at the gent.

Spike smiled at the club owner enigmatically as Xander withdrew, at the same time taking his consort's hand and squeezed it approvingly.

After the encounter, Xander concluded that Stefano was not human, or at very least, not a normal human…but then, he mused, neither was he anymore.

"You always did like the boys, hadn't picked you for one to take an older lover though…would have offered my services had I known." A lascivious grin gave the club owner's face the lines that defined his age and underlined his point. Spike smiled innocently.

"Guess I found experience and endurance wins in the end, mate. Don't see your boys complainin'."

"So…The Aurelians don't travel without good reason…You came here for business or pleasure?" The question was delivered pleasantly enough, but Xander noted the coldly calculating look now leveled at his partner.

Xander admired Spike's suddenly unreadable 'poker face', and knew in that moment that the exchange was not as jovial as it seemed. "Little of both," Spike broke the tension a little by reaching into his pocket, finding his cigarettes, lighting one with a quick click of a gold Zippo and blowing the first flume over the heads of his audience. "Needed to show my consort here the pleasures of Stefano's Rome and takin' 'im to the country in a couple of days. Business side involves the Initiative…"

Stephano sobered and his gaze turned positively icy. "So you are bringing your problems here Spike?"

The vampire leant back and held up his hands in supplication. "Oi! Not mine, nor me consort's hassles…Strictly favor for a friend that we're involved. This is already here on your doorstep mate. And don't start with the innocent, you have the intel. Yeah?"

Some of Stefano's group shifted uncomfortably and Spike smirked a little, perhaps for once he was better informed. "Got the Immortal and his Slayer squeeze spooked 'n all. Anyways, figure my boy here and I are gonna lead them a merry chase for a short while then scarper. Meanwhile," Spike leaned forward and growled conspiratorially, "let's you and I keep all our people safe, yeah? Old times?"

Stefano seemed to brighten at the last statement, pulling back and grinning, "Indeed friend…Old times!" Stefano stood as did Spike. The meeting was obviously over though Xander was still a little confused as to what had been decided.

"Should you succeed we are deeply in your debt William, Master of Aurelius and consort Alexander. You have our support while in this city." With that, Stefano kissed Spike on both cheeks, nodded at his consort and departed through an almost invisible black door in the wall, his entire entourage at heel.

Spike stubbed out his half smoked cigarette on a hand rail, looking, for just a moment, very tired. "C'mon pet, let's get home."

Xander grinned as they approached the car. Yanos had obviously been using most of his time waiting with the Mercedes to chat up passing girls. Several young ladies leaned against the car, all clad in skirts so short and tight, that their choices of underwear were plain to see, even to a human without depth perception! They were giggling and flirting shamelessly with the pretty Yanos, though the driver excused himself immediately he spotted his two passengers returning.

Spike smirked as he climbed into the rear of the car and mumbled good naturedly to the boy in Italian, "Thought you backed Achilles' team mate, what's with the female fanclub?"

"I think they liked the car. And it's fun to look around."

"Well next time I reckon you toss a bit of raw polish on the paintwork before they arrive mate. That brunette in red would have done a right nice job on the shine with all the rubbin' her rear end was doing on the hood."

Xander didn't follow the conversation exactly, but the gist was clear and smiled as Yanos blushed a little then laughed heartily.

Spike directed the car down a maze of narrow cobbled streets to an obscure address. As they pulled up, he squeezed Xander's hand and whispered "Just gettin' some top up juice pet. Traditional family supplier – one of Stefano's mob – be two ticks. So there'll be no snoggin' the lovely driver while I'm gone." Spike wiggled his eyebrow and gave his companion a light peck on the cheek, then disappeared into the ancient building via a dark alcove.

Xander was still trying to think of enough Italian vocabulary that he might strike up at least a polite conversation with Yanos, when the lad looked into the rear view mirror and said in near perfect English, "William told me that you have not been to Rome before? It is a pity you have so small time. There is much to see, and very good shopping."

Xander was almost speechless, he had assumed Spike had been speaking the local tongue for the boy's sake – it was now apparent that the vampire had simply done it…because he could! He gave himself a mental slap and decided that Spike would never really cease to surprise him. He quickly gathered his wits and answered politely, "Will is right, though it was always somewhere that I wanted to see. It would be great if you could recommend one or two men's shops." Seeing a flash of puzzlement in the boy's face, he quickly added"…for clothes, I mean…and shoes." then blushed profusely.

Yanos smiled at Xander via the mirror, a little too knowingly in the opinion of his embarrassed passenger, but continued, "Of course, I will write some down for you before tomorrow evening. You are having dinner with us all, yes?"

Xander had almost forgotten Senora Di Angelo's hospitable offer. "Oh…Sure, sure."

He was just about to think of another topic of conversation when he was startled by the door opening as a grinning Spike piled into the back of the car – a large brown package tied with string in traditional market style, tucked under one arm.

"All good, luv. Bloody marvelous service! Place hasn't changed a jot in least a hundred years. Just goes to show, why mess with perfection."

Xander suddenly remembering stories of Spike's other visits to this city, and pondered, yet again, the concept that his lover no doubt had personal knowledge of any changes in the last century and a half!

Spike, 'the bouncy', was apparently in the building, leaning forward to turn up the dance music Yanos had in the CD player, and announcing loudly in an upper crust English accent, "Home, my good fellow, and don't spare the horses." Then added almost conspiratorially "Drop us a couple of blocks away though would you, pet? Me and my lover here would like to stroll the last bit. Oh, and tell you what, if you can drop the package off at home for us, here's a little extra for your trouble." He winked at the surprised boy and added, "Treat that special friend o' yours to a night out on us after we're gone, yeah?" Xander didn't see how much his vampire handed to the lad, but the wide eyed disbelief and near whispered 'yes, yes', then repeated 'thank you's', gave some clue. Xander suspected that the boy would be willing to drive Spike anywhere on the planet, were he to ask!

Spike then leaned over to Xander and whispered, "This all goes belly up with the army boys, we may well need him. 'E's a good lad." Xander squeezed his friend's hand. They both knew why they would be walking, though what security the Initiative had around their 'observation post' was a complete unknown.

Spike adjusted the heat suit then feigned fatigue and placed his head on Xander's lap, allowing his consort to drape a wrist across his mouth and with the appearance of a caress, fed Spike. Fangs descended, and though the Master Vampire held his ridges at bay, there was little need. Xander was sitting directly behind the driver so they were at hardly any risk of being seen.

Fortified, warmed, and (with a little of Spike's blood offered in the 'other direction') consort-link heightened, the two alighted at the requested two streets from 'home'. They thanked their driver again, then took a side alley at the rear of the 'observation building' to seek some sort of access in, and the third floor.

Xander had been a little concerned that accompanying his physically gifted vampire might require some sort of athletic climbing of ancient guttering, or leaping of roof tops. Instead they simply walked into a rear entry archway to find the building's central stairwell. It suddenly dawned on Xander that they were 'visiting' their spy in the role of a put upon same sex couple, and also realized that they were not one hundred percent sure that this was the Initiative or just some pervert with a telescopic lens.

He followed his blonde up three flights of ancient worn stone stairs, admiring the view, courtesy of Spike's tight jeans. They arrived at the third floor landing, and were faced with a choice of four doors. Spike shrugged to his partner and selected one that was most likely to lead to the apartment on the front right of the building.

Xander whispered, "What now?" Spike simply grinned and knocked loudly. "Geez Spike, it's close to three am!" He grabbed his partner by the hand as they waited and the door opened.

Chambers was jolted out of his dazed state by a loud banging on the apartment entry door. He had been sitting in semi-darkness for most of the evening. It was apparent that his targets were out for the evening as he suspected, the heat equipment would report any bodies returning to their apartment even if his lover boys left the lights off. He had amused himself for the first couple of hours by cleaning his side arm, checking all the monitors and wiping them of dust, and eventually used his camera and night goggles to check out other good folks of Rome who had left curtains open.

Out of habit, he swung the heat monitor to view the door and detected two warm forms, so relaxed a little. By the loudness of the knocking, he suspected it was a couple of drunk tourists returning from a night on the town, mistaking his door for their own, it had already happened twice since their team had been here. There was probably no need for concern, so he simply straightened up the observation area a little then moved to answer to door.

He opened the door a fraction, then all the way in apparent shock as he realized the identity of the two men in the hallway. Xander suppressed a grin as Spike began to address the open mouthed individual politely in Italian. When the response was a surprised "Hello?", he switched to his upper-crust English accent.

"I'll try that again in English for you shall I. Good evening, I'm William and this is my partner Alexander. " Spike stopped and made a point of looking past the man to the array of equipment by the window. "I take it you've 'seen us' before as we seem to be in the right place. Well done, pet." Spike making a point of kissing the hand he was holding.

Chambers was utterly speechless, managing only to let out an "Umm geez" whilst rubbing his now very pale face with one hand and trying to think of what to do.

"I shan't apologize for the lateness of the hour, we simply thought that…how can I put this delicately…we might save you the trouble of 'waiting up' as we will be leaving the lights off tonight during our lovemaking, so I am afraid you would be wasting your time if you want high quality shots…" Spike had been smiling pleasantly to that point but switched to menacingly serious, "Alex here and myself are deeply distressed at the thought that you have been using clandestine means to take compromising photographs for whatever purpose! We had hoped you were merely some sort of peeping Tom, however your equipment would indicate otherwise. I take it you are selling them? Planning on some form of blackmail? We will of course be contacting the authorities immediately, and I can assure you that they do not take kindly to visitors to their city being harassed in such a manner."

The young operative realized that being discovered by this pair was one thing, but wondered at the implications of having the authorities involved. They had a cover story but never really had to use it before.

"Look um…um…can you just um…come in and maybe I can explain. You see I'm a, um, private investigator, and um…the pictures won't be…" Chambers fell silent, realizing that nothing he said now would make it any better.

"We are not really interested in your explanations at this point. Though I'm sure we will both be fascinated to learn who exactly engaged you. Now, if you will excuse us we will wait downstairs for the police to arrive." With that Spike gave the man an icy stare, pulled out his cell phone, his intent clear, then tugged Xander down the stairs. When they reached street level again, Spike did indeed call, but it was Stefano not the police on the other end. The conversation was brief but Xander realized why they needed the help of a local powerbroker.

"Yes…They will need to be here in the next hour, sooner if you can. Just tell 'em to pick the kid up and ruffle the feathers a bit…Should be fine…Let 'em use their little cover story with the real authorities, it'll tie them up for a day or so, figure they'll shift their little hidey hole after this…No, don't let your demons near these guys…Yep, reckon one or two of your pets can keep track of them on the street…They'll be more careful after this but I'm sure you'll manage. Yeah mate, still have to find HQ, keep you posted as promised…Yeah mate good times…and hey thanks for tonight…Cheers" Spike snapped the cover of the phone closed and grinned at his consort.

"So what now?"

"We wait for the local bobbies then you an' I go upstairs so's I can give you a good seein' to…It s'posedly bein' our holiday 'n all." Spike licked his bottom lip ever so slowly and stepped a little closer to his partner. Xander hoped the police arrive sooner rather than later.

Chambers closed the door with a groan. He knew it would be unclear when, or on whose shift their 'subjects' had noticed they were being observed, however it was still going to mean a lot of procedural questions. He sighed, pulled out his own phone and dialed his superior to explain the situation. He then briskly tidied away any signs of military style involvement and sat down to wait. Forty minutes later a bored looking officer arrived to collect him for questioning.

Senora Di Angelo 'e familia' were wonderful company, admittedly Spike seemed to eat less than others in the room, but Senora was reassured by her nephew that William was overly sensitive about his appearance. By the end of the evening Senora's 'dear English friend' William was utterly forgiven for his inability to consume the 'usual amount', as he adeptly discussed Italian history, music, art and various issues in the local tongue. Xander sat back and admired his spectacular partner and made up for his partner's lack of consumption by taking two helpings of the wonderful cannelloni and large lashings of roast lamb.

Yanos had been sitting beside his 'best friend' Constantine, grinning broadly at his two 'new friends. He stood to refill Xander's glass with home made wine, then toasted their two visitors. This was followed by William delighting their lovely hostess with effusive compliments in fluent Italian, commenting on her wonderful cooking and (not undeservedly), acknowledging her devotion to family. Finishing by raising a toast in her honor, "We are Niente senza gioia. Senora!" ("Nothing without joy, madam.")

Senora Di Angelo smiled broadly as Xander stood with his partner and clinked glasses. The lady then handed her young nephew a tray of coffee, fruit, Ouzo and small glasses, indicating the roof to be their destination for the remainder of the evening.

Several hours later, the four men and a couple of young female cousins were on the rooftop balcony, drinking ouzo and picking at the plate of grapes provided by their hostess.

Xander and Yanos watched as the girls flirted shamelessly with Spike. Xander knew his partner's charms, but also his preference, so sat back to enjoy the entertainment. Yanos simply leaned against his 'favorite boy', Con, whispered conspiratorially, and elicited a knowing grin from his own blonde.

At a break in music on the CD player Con perked up the courage, and in extremely fine English (Xander noted with a measure of shame at his struggle with the man's native tongue), addressed their dark haired guest, "When did you know?" Con nodded at Spike and smiled.

"About?"

"Your love for that beautiful man"

Seeing the glint of lust in his inquisitor's eye, Xander smiled. Spike was his.

"I guess I always did." A knowing look was exchanged between Yanos and Con.

"Where did you meet?"

"On a battle field…over ten years ago. We hated each other – at least that's what I thought…He saved my life, he saved my right eye." The last statement was almost a whisper. The two young men stared at Spike.

"The Gulf? Afghanistan? What war? He must have been a teenager?"

Xander realized the difficulty when truth included immortal status and swiftly deflected the questions answering to his own set, "He was a hero, he sacrificed so much…has lost so much. His S…father died in battle, his mother of illness years before."

"Yet he is so gifted with language and the love of life…?" Con was now looking on the blonde with a sense of awe, admiration, and pity.

"William has always been…" Xander did not finish the sentence before Yanos spoke in low tones.

"He was close to his father?"

At this point the consort almost slipped…but caught himself with an appropriate pause then answered, "I think at the end yes. But he and his mother were extremely connected."

Yanos nodded and with tear-filled eyes, "As I was with mine. Were it not for Aunt Angelica…"

Con shot an apologetic look to their American companion then comforted his partner. Too much ouzo, and emotion had taken its toll.

Yanos sat up abruptly, deciding to celebrate rather than mourning to be the better option, "So let us have music!"

A guitar was produced by Yanos at some point, then Con picked up a second, and in the warmth of a Roman evening, soft traditional love songs began to ring out. Spike has his head in the lap of a girl who, Xander's rather unnecessarily jealous eye noted, was at least ten times his junior. She and her friend were braiding his blonde locks into a number of long plaits that gave the vampire (if Xander's arousal was any measure) the alluring appearance of a warrior of old…highlighting the cheeks, emphasizing the…

Eventually Xander could stand it no longer. He stood, excused their good company, wishing them well in stilted Italian and slightly less halting English, then dragged his errant lover down to their apartment.

Confident that there would be no Initiative observers on hand that night, he began to strip his cool partner of all clothing and threw the willing figure onto the bed. Spike stilled his hands at the 'warm suit'. The vampire leaned forward and whispered, "Just different pet…let me have this…feels…um…love that I make you sweat!"

Leaning over the vampire like some enormous predator, he petted and fondled the braided locks then growled, "By the way…I brought some toys".

Spike stared at his consort with a mixture of amazement and mirth, "You risked our very entry into a catholic country by…"

Xander was grinning, fur-lined leather cuffs and cock-ring suddenly appearing and swinging from his middle finger as he crept up the bed to 'secure' his incredulous, yet now rather yellow-eyed, heated, and aroused lover.

Locking his lovely partner willingly to the bed, he caressed the clad torso then made full body contact. He missed the sensation of skin on skin but could not help but delight in his partner's expressions and the heat on heat addition to rising arousal. He deliberately took his time fastening the cuffs while letting their nether regions rub together. The suit was so warm. Xander could not help himself…he rubbed and caressed cheek then nose, then his whole torso up the full length of his lover, pressing his utterly full arousal into the already interested groin of the person he now knew as well as his own body.

"God…how did we ever do without this…?" The human grinned for a moment, trying to equate the experience with his first 'cool' encounter. Spike had a hundred and forty years or so of 'cool' so to be heated…and with no other reason right now than it was 'something new' in their repertoire…wonderful!

"What does this feel like in there?" Xander nipped his way down the clad torso…hard enough for teeth to grab skin but not to tear the suit.

Spike managed to whisper, "Tingles…it's so warm it tingles…Oh Gahhh Xan…'s like lying being in a bed with an electric blanket and a friend and covers but all at the same…Ohhhh ffffahhh!"

Straining against the cuffs a little as he arched into the dull nibbles, the vampire managed to grind out, "Gahhh! Xan! You have no…bloody hell…" As Xander's tongue pushed through the material to tease his belly button, he pressed up even harder and managed to contact his tormentor's chest with his still covered and warming erection, "No f#@%ing idea! Please…Please Xan!! Need to feel you."

The consort continued to tease and nip. The wet patch and hard proof of Spike's need eventually led Xander to take pity and unzip the 'courtesy gap' on the heat suit. Spike, who was already at risk of over heating and panting like an athlete mid 2012 New York Marathon, simply sighed…"Oh thank God", and spread his legs in a sacrificial pose, groaning in anticipation of some relief.

Watching his lover so hot, wanton and begging, Xander smiled knowingly, at the same time deciding to apply the torture instrument he had become so used to donning after meeting his undead lover in Boston…Just as Spike closed his eyes in anticipation of completion, a leather cock ring was fastened and its captive stroked lovingly.

"You bastard…Oh God Xan!…You can't be serious! I can't…it's so hot and…"

Xander leaned forward grinned wickedly then licked around the rim of his restrained friend's ear whilst rubbing his own arousal against his partner's engorged yet encircled one. As Spike groaned in frustration and contemplated snapping the headboard or the cuffs, or both, Xander began to speak in slow, rough, arousal-filled tones "Shall I take you? Shall I take you to the edge of ecstasy and see what's beyond it?…Or perhaps simply do this all night…" He ground his erection down one side of Spike's then lifted to feather touch it up the other, "Or should I leave you so hard and hot that all you can do is contemplate what might be?" He lifted off completely and liked along the lower lip of his panting partner, eliciting a heartfelt moan "No Xan Please! No Please!"

Xander simply grinned and continued the previous motion until his own needs outweighed the quiet keening and begging of the vampire. He grabbed one of the larger pillows from their bed and shoved it under his partner's hips, used ample lube on himself and drove in with one powerful stroke.

Spike cursed and blessed his partner in brisk succession…There was no pain, simply relief then frustration as his prostate was contacted once, twice, three times in succession. Each time Xander drove forward he pressed down enough to contact the restrained member and kissed his partner, penetrating the mouth as briefly and deeply as he penetrated in other ways.

Spike was openly panting, corded muscles in his arms straining so as not to break symbolic bonds but the desire to coming close to overwhelming. Xander, realizing the near distress of his lover, shifted a little, flicked of the restraint, held his wrist to Spike's mouth and whispered "Come with me," at the same time biting the juncture between neck and shoulder hard enough to draw blood, then came.

Spike almost threw his lover from the bed at the bite and feel of Xander filling him with heated seed, but instead followed his partner over the brink, biting down as he came and taking a little of his consort's blood.

Xander collapsed on top of his warm lover blood, sweat, spendings and tears literally combining.

Some half hour or so later he slid off the now sticky suit of his lover, undid the cuffs and pushed them both a little until he could spoon the lithe figure and return to slumber.

Xander answered a call the following morning from the local police. Their formal report regarding their Peeping Tom being that it was a simple case of mistaken identity and assuring them that they would receive a formal letter of apology and that the agency would destroy all collected 'footage'. Xander doubted the latter but felt encouraged that at least they had some respite and the Initiative might have dropped their trail.

Shortly after midday, both partners awoke to the sound of frantic pounding on the door. Xander finally relented, wrapped himself in a black satin robe and opened the door to the limit of the security chain.

"What the…? Buffy?!!"

"Oh my God…Xander???!! Oh My God!!"

The sleepy rather rumpled brunette found himself with an armful of overjoyed slayer.

"Giles was so secretive on the phone…just said I had to come and pick up two, and that it had to be today, and I'm supposed to be all sneaky-gal and move you and…Who came with you? God Xan why you? Did Wills come? Don't tell me they sent Andrew!…And anyways where have you…?" She stopped mid sentence and released the rather bemused ex-Scooby. Stepping back for a moment to take in the handsome thirty something who, but for the scarred space where his left eye had been, looking a picture perfect of manhood. She let go of all but his hand and dropped her gaze looking at the floor, then toed the carpet in embarrassment.

She looked smaller than he remembered, definitely slimmer, but the years since the Hellmouth collapsing had obviously agreed with her.

"Sorry…Just that," Her gaze lifted again to her friend-of-old's face, "It's been ten years…And I never…" She held the thought, smiled and changed topic "So come on…reminisce later…Who came with you?"

The color drained from Xander's face as he realized just how much Buffy had been kept in the dark by the new council. They were doing it for her own protection, he knew that, but…

She noted his mood of sadness and confusion, and Spike received a jolt of panic through their link. "Oh Buffy…Where do I sta…" But Buffy's gaze had shifted to the figure emerging from the bedroom.

A disheveled looking male with braided hair, apparently wearing a lycra suit and hastily thrown on shirt two sizes too big, was standing just too far into the shadows to see clearly.

"Who is it pet?"

Buffy recognized the voice, felt the blood rush to her feet as her world fell away and she retreated to darkness. Xander caught her on the way down.

It was some minutes before consciousness returned, and then it was to hear two men discussing her well being. Disoriented and surrounded by some…fuzzy comforter. Slayer instinct took an upper hand and she fought her way out, flipping to full fighting stance behind the couch that she had been so gently laid upon. And then she saw…

Xander was hugging his companion tight, his back to Buffy, but obviously in a protective position. The companion was a face she knew in her haunted dreams. Spike was wide eyed with terror, regret and a thousand other emotions he might ignore or analyze later. He simply smiled and nodded at her over Xander's shoulder, "Slayer."

Buffy fainted again.

Spike pushed away from his partner as Xander flew to catch the falling body once more.

"Oh bloody hell! What's wrong with the bint! That bloody Immortal no doubt got 'er all swoonin' and silly!"

"No Spike! It's you!" Xander shot his partner a look that was both worried and incredulous. "She thought you were dead after the First…and even if she did find out you were back…You said yourself, after the final battle with W&H it was…"

The shock on Spike's face and distress shooting through the link had Xander dropping the unconscious slayer back onto the couch and embracing his lover tightly. Spike's voice emerged as a hitched whisper…"She thought I was dead. I asked them not to…She thinks I was gone. Even if not…Oh God…She won't know about Angel…I killed him Xan…I killed him! How can I tell her that…I had to kill him." Blood streaked tears streamed down the vampire's face and made small rivulets as he buried his face into his lover's chest, mourning once again for his beloved Sire.

Buffy stirred, blinking hard as she watched her former friend and an apparently dusted vampire kneeling only inches away, comforting, petting and…kissing??! Oh God…I really have gone mad! But they are so…beautiful together…and why is…gay? And…alive…and???? The slayer retreated to semi-voluntary oblivion once more.

"We'll do this together honey. Come on!…Hold onto me yeah…just hold on…here!" Xander thrust a wrist, still healing from the previous night's passion, into the mouth of his distressed lover and was surprised by a reciprocal action.

"Bite too luv…please…need to feel you…bite!"

Neither drew more than a mouthful, yet the effect was electric. The renewed bond afforded strength to face the emotions of what was to come.

Buffy came to, sat up and took in the scene before her. Spike all but sitting in Xander's lap. Both males intertwined enough to confirm that this was no ordinary 'friendship'.

Saying the first thing that came to mind, Buffy coughed then squeaked, "Xan? Since when have you been gay?!!"

Xander turned to answer his friend. "Oh god! Buff…um yeah and with the lifestyle change and um…Geez! Um…Well there you are?!…and…um…"

Xander took on the stunned demeanor of the fourteen year old caught 'discovering' himself by some family member at Christmas. There was more to it however…He carried a sense of guilt based on the fact that had cut himself off from his Sunnydale life and friends deliberately post the First…He was saved from a full blown brood when his beautiful partner broke from his grasp and all but prostrated himself at Buffy's feet.

On his knees in front of her, Spike grasped one of her tiny hands in both his and pulled it to his forehead, rocking and whispering apologies and penance that he were never truly his to offer. Xander understood the reasons, so scooted behind his distraught lover, embracing the slim form lightly so as to let him have the moment, but not suffer it alone.

Buffy stared at Xander in distressed confusion, then whispered, 'Crazy basement Spike again?"

Xander shook his head and squeezed his partner tighter as Spike began to rock. Buffy felt her held hand becoming damp, and gradually picked up the quiet, near keened words.

"He's dead Buffy. I'm sorry…Angel's dead…Sire…Should have been me. Should have been me. But he couldn't and then I…He begged me…Ohhh…Sire…Buffy, I'm so sorry…He always loved you…I'm sorry."

Buffy lifted Spike's hands to her lips and kissed him. After a deep breath and with tears slowly tracking down her own cheeks, she kept hold of the hands and gently kissed the top of the blonde's bowed head and whispered, "Shhhh…It was a long time ago. So long ago. Giles told me he died in the final battle with some senior law firm – apocalypse thingy. But I already thought that you…" Her voice hitched a little, "I had lost you too…And now…God Spike?!…Xan?!"

Buffy's voice became a little stronger as she forced Spike to look at her, Xander simply hugged his support and gave a wry smile. He was no longer sure who it was she spoke to. "You have no idea! Look at you!? You are so beautiful and…well the togethery thing obviously needs some explaining but…" Buffy dived from the couch, catching h