Shadows across the heart

FANDOM: Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel the Series
TITLE: Shadows across the heart
AUTHOR: Willie J
EMAIL: wmj166@yahoo.com
ARCHIVE SITE(S): http://www.slashaholics-island.com/library; http://www.adult-fanfiction.org;http://www.brain-insane.com/beyondcanon;
PAIRINGS: S/X in this part
RATING: Eventual NC-17
WORDCOUNT:
DISCLAIMER: I make any claim to, nor hold any license to the original characters to this story. These characters are used for the sake and sole purpose of entertainment only. No profit shall be, nor will be gained from the writing found hereafter; nor shall any personal credit be taken as to the character designs, personalities or concepts stemming from the original characters used. All situations in the story below, unless otherwise stated, should not, in any way, have any bearing on the creator’s original work.
FEEDBACK: Oh please send me feedback, privately or through the list
DISTRIBUTION: List Archives
SPOILERS:
SUMMARY: An ancient malignant evil has come to Sunnydale. Pitting lovers and friends against one another. Leaving one lone Scooby with only one place to run…
BETA'D BY: Elaine (the mighty) and James (the marvelous)
SUMMARY: Something is very wrong in Sunnydale
A/N: Those of Buffyverse are naturally Joss' creations, however, any and all other characters mentioned are my own.


Xander sat tapping his fingers on the table as Giles droned on about the latest demon menacing dear ole Sunnydale. Once again, Sunnydale's secret force against demonkind was going to be rushing out and kicking ass. Oh yeah us...he thought wearily.

Those demons probably have some sorta organized sign up sheet being passed around. He could just picture some cute demoness, all big eyes and perky. Smiling that fake nicey-nicey smile, chirping to a ravenous horde of demons. “Who wants to go terrorize Sunnydale? It's located in sunny California. The weather is plenty nice and it has hundreds of stupid humans that don't believe we exist! Isn't that just perfect?! You can eat all the humans you want AND go back for seconds, because...yes that's right, they don't believe we exist!”

He grew steadily more tense the longer Giles talked. Of COURSE, the demons had big sharp claws. What's the sense of being a vicious, bloodthirsty demon if it didn't have a decent pair of huge freaking choppers just waiting to sink into yours truly?

He started slightly at feeling a cool hand grasp his under the table, then the young man slowly relaxed, giving Spike's hand a returning squeeze. A decidedly different feeling began stirring. Which was distinctly NOT helped by Spike groping him, which was something they were going to discuss as soon as he got his amorous lover back to his apartment.

He shifted restlessly in his seat, trying to discretely remove Spike's teasing fingers from his crotch. Not for the final time wondering why the knucklehead loved to get him horny in the middle of one of Giles' oh so fascinating talks. He was barely paying attention as it was. Now mental images of what he and Spike were going to be doing in a few hours was kicking the shit out of what little bit of information he had retained of Giles' important speech.

“Xander are you paying attention?” Giles snapped out abruptly, his brows pulling down in a swift frown of displeasure.

At Giles harsh question, both men jumped and Spike's hand was snatched back.

Xander flushed. No d'uh! Wonder what gave me away, he thought wryly. Maybe it was the blank, vacant stare or maybe the drool...and I don't think Giles really wants to hear anything I say, he thought uneasily. Giles' eyes were hard and angry behind his glasses. But as long as the older man didn't start polishing them, then he would be okay. At least Xander hoped.

“Perhaps you might care to tell us the best method of dispatching Timorea demons.”

Xander's mind spun furiously, desperately trying to remember any part of what Giles had mentioned about the demons. Snatching up bits and pieces of demonology talks from just about every lecture Giles' had given them. Furiously heaping the entire blame on Spike's overly blonde head, flashing a silent, resentful look at his lover. His lips tightening at the flash of sheer wickedness glittering in the wild electric blue gaze. If he wasn't so fuckin' in love with Blondie he would kick Spike’s ass so hard. An erotic picture of Spike's marble butt stole softly in his brain and he got lost in the incredibly arousing image, his cock hardening when imaginary Spike rolled over and sprawled lewdly for him. A pale, firm hand was clenched around a dripping ivory rod, slowly pumping away. On that beautiful, chiseled feature was the horniest smirk imaginable. Just taunting him to...

“Xander!”

“We bash 'em in the head with a two-by-four!” Xander blurted out, startled out of his erotic little fantasy by Giles' angry shout.

At the increased annoyed look from Giles and the muffled snickering from the girls, he kinda had the idea that wasn't exactly the answer the older man was going for. He hung his head dolefully. But what Giles said next shocked both the young man and vampire.

“Xander, if you find the information I am endeavoring to impart to you rather boring then perhaps it would be best if you were to go home. Clearly, your mind is elsewhere and none of us can afford not to have your full attention in these dangerous times.” Giles’ voice was harsh with disapproval. His frosty expression not relenting one inch at the pleading look Xander gave him.

“B...bu...but G-man, I mean Giles, I...I...” Xander stammered, his face paling with shock at the other's cold words. His eyes darted frantically to Willow and Buffy, then Anya and Dawn. They all had sympathetic looks on their faces before they glanced away. Tacitly agreeing with Giles sentiments. His stomach dropped.

He screwed up again.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the gathering frown on Spike's face and gripped his lover's thigh to keep the bitter, acid words he just knew were about to spew from the vampire’s lips. It would only make the situation worse. When Spike flicked a look at him, Xander shook his head imperceptibly and pushed back his chair.

“Giles...I'm sorry,” Xander said softly. His eyes mutely begging the ex-Watcher's forgiveness. Sighing at the unchanging, remote face on the man's face.

“I'm sorry as well. But we simply cannot afford to have you constantly staring off in space. Timorea demons are incredibly vicious as well as dangerously cunning. Take care of whatever is dividing your attention. We will eagerly await your return.” Yet despite the quiet words, Giles' eyes were still hard as he stared at the downcast young man.

Spike stood up abruptly, accompanied by an awful scraping of his chair. His face was even sharper as he battled with suppressed rage, his eyes an eerie mixture of bluish-gold. “I'll walk the whelp home.” His eyes a silent dare for anyone to say something. Anything. Just because he had the damn chip in his head didn't mean he couldn't tear a strip off 'em.

Giles simply shrugged his shoulders, while the girls chose to remain silent and lowered their eyes. Shooting a regretful glance at the quiet women watching him with carefully blank expressions, Xander left the Magic Box with Spike.


//In the darkness, a man beast stood, faintly illuminated by a shadowy light. Nude, he was unmistakably male. Motionless. Still. Frozen in an upright position carriage. The very appearance of a statue.

There!

Some trick of the light flashed across narrowed brown eyes. A look of some almost recognizable emotion seemed to glitter in the narrowed, darkened gaze. It resembled rage, in so much as a candle resembled a wildfire.

And imperceptibly, a lean torso rose and fell. Again and again. Smooth. Slow. Controlled.

Life existed within the man-beast.
In his eyes a horrible, impotent rage lay stifled. Bottled. It was a rage that burned so hot, so intensly molten that it had since cooled, iced over.

Much like the crust that formed from a spewing volcano. Only someone with a deathwish chose to walk atop the seemingly solid crust. Unknowing, or perhaps, uncaring of the liquid rock that flowed beneath their feet. Perhaps waiting for such a fool to trust their luck to the false stability of the crust

Heads. Arms. Legs. Worlds would roll should he become free.

A quivering sense of tension coursed through the man-beast as his capturer chose to allow him to watch. To hear. Giving him these choice moments, then mockingly taking them away. Toying with him. With them all.

The prisoner ruthlessly controlled his urge to rend, to rip the very flesh from his enemies’ bones. The need vibrated along his spine. Long, silvery claws slid neatly from curved, elegant hands, then slid silently back into place. Patience, he cautioned himself.

Slowly he crouched. Waiting with the stillness of a predator for a moment of inattention, a subtle weakening in the cage that contained him.

He would be free. His lips twisted in an ugly smile of viciousness. And someone would pay. Violating his body was one thing. But nobody fucked around with his family.

Nobody.//


Spike and Xander traveled the short trek to the boy's apartment. The blonde vampire fumed the entire way. Flashing eyes and fangs at a couple of unwary demons that thought they were easy prey helped a bit but not enough. He was growing increasingly worried at the morose slump in his nummy’s shoulders. Not even when Xander lived in his parents’ basement and they were forced to share quarters had he ever seen the boy looking so sad. His sre ore offer to hire a couple of demons to kick the Scoobies’ collective arses didn't even raise more than a ghost of a smile.

By the time they reached the apartment, Spike’s fear was reaching critical mass. Especially since Xander 't s't said a word during the walk. His boy always had something to say, no matter what. Then Spike grinned lewdly, unless Xander already had his mouth pleasantly occupied. For a few seconds he lost himself in the delightful vision of Xander's mouth shaped in a beautiful 'O'.

Those full lips all wet and gleaming. There was always a look of sweet, honest pleasure on Xander’s face. That was what he loved so much about the boy. He had an almost vampirelike ability for sex and pleasure. There was nothing more beautiful in his mind than to watch his prettyboy slurping greedily on his cock. The boy was a fuckin’ natural, he was. And such an eager, fast learner. The vampire was justifiably proud of his boy’s skills in the fine art of fellatio.

“So, wha's wrong with ta soddin' wanker, eh?” Spike asked with careful, sullen disinterest as they entered the apartment. “Like this wasn't the first time ya spaced out. 'Sides ya had ya mind on more importan' matters,” he gave Xander a lecherous grin. But his smile faded at the morose look still on the young man's face. Muttering too low for the human to hear, he viciously cursed the others at the Magic Box. Mentally ripping 'em all to great bloody shreds, gritting his teeth at the bright stab of pain that flared in his head at the lurid imagery.

The way those goody-two shoes been acting these past two weeks, they didn't have any cause to call themselves White Hats, Spike indignantly thought. Then he paused in his internal rant. Well, actually they don't really call themselves that. He was the one that gave them that bloody name. But the point was, the point was...their hats were becoming all mucky and downright greyish.

His eyes narrowed to near murderous squints. Look at Red, she goes on a magic binge, almost kills his lil' Niblet and they still forgave her. And let her back in their tight lil' circle like nothing ever happened, he thought bitterly. But let his boy get the tiniest bit distracted like, and the bloody twits act like it's the bloomin' end o' the world! He snorted contemptuously as he guided Xander to the bedroom.

“'S'right mate, we'll have ourselves a right good time without 'em,” he said, trying to pull his lover out of his funk. Then an amorous gleam lit his eyes that passed unnoticed by Xander.

“No...” the dark-haired youth sighed. Xander reclined on the bed, a doleful look on his face. “You go back to the Magic Box. I'll be perfectly alright.” He gave a brave half-hearted smile to his lover. His heart skipping a beat at the look on Spike’s pale features. He shivered at the lustful glitter in the vivid blue eyes.

“Nawh, don't wanna go back...” the vampire waved a dismissive hand. His eyes were fixed on the dark-haired male with predatory intent. Pulling off his T-shirt, he crawled towards his lover.

“H...h...hey, now...fucking me is not gonna make me feel better, even though it is a remarkably great idea,” Xander said shakily. He gasped when Spike straddled him and began nibbling lightly on his neck.

“Okay...but you don't mind if I give it a whirl, do ya now luv?” Spike’s voice had dropped to a husky, sensual purr. He ripped open Xander's plaid shirt and gazed with greedy eyes on the broad expanse of toned, bronzed skin revealed. Skin that he promptly attacked with hands and mouth, eliciting a hoarse moan from his squirming lover.

“Oh...oh s...s...sure, b...be my guest.” Xander managed to squeak out. Then Spike covered his mouth demandingly, pinching his nipples sharply and causing a lot of interesting feelings to rise to the surface. Xander arched upwards with a throaty cry as cool air flowed across his rising shaft. Blinking in surprise loe looked downwards at his pants and jockey shorts pooled around his knees.

Though he wondered at why he felt he should be surprised, considering that Spike always used that deadly vampire speed on him. Fortunately it only occurred when his lover thought he was too slow at getting undressed. It was amazing just how successful Spike was in jollying him out of his depressed mood. Then his mind was awash with intense pleasure as he thrust helplessly into the cool liquid heat. He stiffened, his mind splintering with bright sparks of pleasure as first one, then another long, probing digit eased between his butt cheeks. All he could do was grasp the bed sheets and hold on for dear life as his joy button was stroked, raising his desire to a feverish pitch.

Several endless moments later, with a harsh shout of pleasure, Xander erupted deep within Spike's greedy mouth. Sighing as his shaft was caressed over and over again as his lover swallowed thirstily. He was left limp and relaxed on the bed, almost totally sated. Then he howled softly as the fading Mark on the inside of his thigh was lightly fingered then sharp fangs sank into the holes. His dick dribbled, spurting a teaspoon of cum.

Breathing raggedly, Xander could only mewl softly when his pants were further stripped from his legs and thrown to the floor. Then his legs were tossed over Spike's shoulders. Gasping, Xander grasped the pale-corded forearms tightly as a wide blunt head nosed at his well-prepared entrance. Brushed back and forth. Again and again. Not once venturing inside.

The young man glared furiously at the vampire. Rigid control was clearly evident in Spike's golden eyes. Bastard! Always had to tease him into begging to be fucked. He bucked angrily, determined as always NOT to wind up pleading with the sonovabitch.

Xander clenched his teeth against a cry of pleasure as the thick mushroom shaft slowly spread him open. He was breathing rapidly, his neck arched back as riotous waves of bliss raced through him. Then he growled softly when Spike deliberately withdrew that small taste of him.

“Dammit are ya gonna fuck me or tease me?!” Xander finally burst out after several minutes of taunting movements by the blonde. Then he shouted in surprise, his eyes rolling back in his head when Spike slammed into him, hitting his joy button dead on.

“Guess...” Spike whispered wickedly before setting up a hard driving rhythm. He soon had his warm, fuckhappy human eagerly rocking back into his pounding thrusts into that tight, blistering heat. The room was soon filled with the slick, wet sound of a thick, lunging organ pistoning rapidly inside a sleek, moist interior. Adding to the sensual noise was the breathy, gasps from the human, crying out for more and more. A request the vampire was more than happy to fulfill. Again and again. Furiously filling the rippling sheath with his length. Ravaging Xander's liquid, drenched passage with almost harsh intensity.

They had learned early enough, during one of their frequent sexual marathons, that the chipped vampire could be almost as rough as he wanted. However, lately he felt that Xander seemed to almost crave the pain when one of their shags slid into the grey area of violence. Though after that first time he went too far, Spike had learned better control when it came to Xander. His poor nummy could barely sit down for well over a day and they had to make do with blowjobs. 'Course he didn't complain too much since he got to get fucked himself. But sometimes in his more calmer moments, when he wasn't shagging the boy to hell and back, he wondered why.

But fast or slow, rough or soft he did love being encased in his pet's hot chocolate box. To feel those silky smooth walls caressing him, clenching around him so tight he could almost scream. Milking the cum right outta his cock with every stroke into the sweet ass.

He stared hazily into the passion dazed brown eyes as he thrust deeper in Xander's talented little hole. A momentary glow softened his eyes and face as he watched the sweaty, passion congested face. It was truly breathtaking, just how fuckin' amazing Xander became whenever they shagged. That is if he still breathed it would take his breath away. His boy was almost luminously beautiful with that look of drugged pleasure sweeping over his face. To think that after everything they had been through, that this wonderful creature...this fantastic, warm mortal constantly invited him into his home and body. Xander actually allowed him to put his Mark on 'em. 'Course, the boy didn't exactly realize what it meant. That it was meant to warn off other vampires and demons from his property. It was merely a step to Claiming.

For a few seconds, a picture of Dru’s enraged face floated in his mind. Instinctively he flinched, then dismissed her out of hand. But if his dark Princess was inclined to make trouble, well then he would deal with her then. A dark, troubling thought crossed his mind. Perhaps he and Angel were more alike than he thought, afterall, Angel killed Darla to protect Buffy.

His thoughts beginning to fizzle with the thundering rush of his orgasm, Spike gazed fuzzily at his lovely boy. Fuckin' fantastic, the boy was. Xander was all he could want in a mate. Beautiful. Passionate. Clever and funny. But most important of all...the boy wasn't crazy. That smart mouth of his boy would keep them entertained for all the years they would be together. Fuckin' and fightin'. Fightin' and fuckin'. He had to admit that the pup was shaping up to be a real kick-ass fighter.

However, he suspected somewhere down the line, what with the chip and all, he needed to figure out a way to teach the boy who was in charge. Just a couple of lessons, of course. Sometimes Xander got a little above himself at times. But he would make sure it wasn’t too painful a learning process. He didn’t want Xander broken. It was just that the boy needed to learn his place.

Soon he would begin the process of convincing his silly boy to let him Claim him and they would be together for a bloody long time. The only thing that could kill a Claimed human was the death of his inhuman mate.

There'll be no Turning. Not for his Xander. He loved his dark-haired boy just the way Xander was...warm and human.

Overwhelmed by the thought of finally putting his Claim on Xander, of being forever bond, Spike cried out. His hips reflexively jerking, trying futilely to drive himself even deeper as he flooded the hot, fluttering sheath with a fountain of creamy cum. His eyes closed, Spike’s face twisted and rippled as his demon face showed itself in his extreme pleasure. He groaned and howled low in his throat with each spurt of his lifeless seed deep within Xander's sweet milking ass.

With a happy, satisfied groan, he felt Xander's legs drop heavily from his shoulders. He smirked at the drained, yet gratified look on his pet’s face. Yep, it took some doing, but he finally found a way to shut his boy up. Fuck him 'til he couldn't talk anymore. Neat, innit? He chortled silently at his extreme cleverness.

Then as he gazed at the soft look of a well-satisfied man, he was overcome with a sense of unreality. With detached curiosity, he watched his pale fingers gently ghost over his pet's flushed, sweaty face. There was only word to describe Xander…

“...beautiful,” was whispered almost reverently. The vampire was hardly aware that his secret thought had been spoken out loud.

Xander’s eyes snapped open at bre breathy sigh. Gazing up at the ivory features of his lover, he could practically feel Spike's eyes almost like a physical touch. He didn't know what to say. Or do. Except pray his instincts didn't let him down...

“So, you always get so mushy after fabulous sex?” YOU IDIOT! He mentally slapped himself several times. Wincing as the soft look instantly vanished from Spike's face, and that twisted, smirky mask was firmly in place. The one he wore around Angel and Giles. Other people that pissed him off. SHIT! He should know better than to trust his instincts. They always let him down. Like now.

“O'course it does. Not often I get meself sucha horny little bloke like you t'shag anytime I want, eh?” Spike leered teasingly. But his eyes were cold and withdrawn as he stared down at Xander. Briefly pleased to see the bruised look that immediately appeared in the boy's eyes at his words. He was annoyed that Xander had to ruin a perfectly good after-shag moment. “It helps that yer easy on me eyes, too.” He said in half-apology of his earlier words before he rolled off.

Laying easily on his back in a comfortable naked sprawl, Spike twisted and grabbed his smokes and lighter from his jacket on the floor. Reclining, he was soon puffing away.

Xander studied the sharp profile and sighed. “Spike, what exactly are we doing?”

“Eh? I thought we were just relaxing and lettin' ya get yer second wind,” Spike said as he looked at the dark-haired mortal in confusion.

“No...” Xander sat up. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he gave great attention to the fascinating color of the sheets on his bed. White was just such a misunderstood color. “I mean this...thing between me and you. Don't get me wrong, the sex is truly mindblowin' fuckin' fantastic but...” Again he paused. Unwilling to ask Spike exactly where they were heading with this relationship and risk beiisapisappointed. Or worse yet, being told that he was nothing more than a placeholder for Buffy.

“But what...?”

Xander sighed heavily, chickening out yet again. Not only was he a Happy Meal on legs, he was the six piece McNugget version. “Nothing,” he mumbled before getting off the bed. Stupid! Stupid! Oh, did I forget to mention just how fuckin' STUPID you are?! Just tell him you love him, he yelled furiously to his inner self as he stood under the shower. Yeah and watch him laugh himself to death?! Yeah, right, he snorted. Or at least laugh himself to a more permanent death.

I can just see it now on Demon News Network. “This just in...Spike, aka William the Bloody, just spontaneously became dust. Eyewitness accounts are sketchy but currently in custody is an unremarkable human male. When asked what happen, Xander Harris looked bewildered. Saying 'I told him I was in love with him'.”

Yeah, and watch how even that damn demon newsman couldn't hold in his laughter.

Sure, go ahead and tell him you gotta thing for him, Xander thought morosely. Yep, then watch him laugh himself silly. At least you can feel happy that you brought a real, honest to goodness smile to his face before he kills you. Then Xander perked up. Hey, maybe he'll Turn me and then we can be together. Sorta be on the same demon page, kinda like.

Much more cheerful at this morbid thought, Xander bounced happily back to the bedroom. He paused at the gorgeous specimen of pale delight sprawled across his bed fast asleep. He felt a lump in his throat at just how innocently peaceful Spike looked when he was sound asleep. He was soooo cute. It was too bad Spike always woke up and ruined the image. But still, he wouldn't trade his Spike for all the snarky comments and blood dipping Twinkies in the world.

It was that same feeling he always got when he bit into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. Chased down by a tall glass of cold milk. Mmmmmmh. Wonder if I'll still enjoy chocolate and Twinkies once I'm a vampire, he mused idly. With Spike, he felt like he was finally coming home. He didn't bother analyzing why things felt 'right' with Spike rather than with Anya. Or Cordy. Or half a dozen other females he imagined himself in love with. He was too scared of what he would find. Besides, overanalyzing this...this, whatever this was, would only cause trouble for him. For them. And he didn't want to fuck shit up. At least not yet.

Then he carefully slid into bed, easing as close to Spike as possible. Wistfully imagining that they were cuddling, he drifted off to sleep.

Spike's eyes lazily opened when Xander's breathing deepened in sleep. A thoughtful look in his vivid blue gaze as he peered at the dark-haired male. Letting out a soft sigh, he reached out a long arm and pulled his slumbering human into his arms. Smiling at the way the boy snuggled closer…like a little puppy.

Slowly Spike’s fond look faded, to be replaced by a deep contemplative stare. One way or another, things between him and the boy was gonna be settled for good before the end of the week. One way or the other.

It had been great, especially at first, to be secretly thumbing his nose at the Slayer. Smirking, just imagining the look on her face each time he and the boy got together. Laughing silently at her each time he had himself a bloody good shag with one of her precious White Hats. Just because SHE didn't want him didn't mean that no one else would pass his obvious talents up.

True, shagging that ditzy ex-demon bint wasn't exactly one of his more brilliant schemes. It backfired spectacularly in his efforts to show Buffy what she was missing. That he didn't need her.

The only thing that happened was the boy got right pissed off, not the bloody Slayer. But in midsmidst of fighting with Xander, actually gettin' his ass kicked by the soddin' boy, they somehow lost their clothes. Then he had lost his pain in Xander’s sweet virgin body and found himself with something far better than a tumble with the Slayer.

Yeah, sometimes his plans went arse up in the most brilliant way. He curled around Xander protectively. Was he a fuckin' genius or what? That was his last drowsy thought before he joined Xander in dreamland.


Outside the safe confines of the apartment building, dried leaves, discarded wrappers and other debris tumbled recklesslwn twn the empty streets. Caught and carried along in the cool breeze that blew through the town, touching down on the ground with scrapping sounds before soaring once again into the air. Shadows flickered in the warm, wind tossed night of the tree-lined streets as thin tendrils of ghostly darkness dappled across the streets and building; shifting in the light, moving almost as if alive as the wind blew softly over the whispering trees in the sleeping town.

The human inhabitanf Suf Sunnydale tossed and turned in their beds. Their sleep disturbed by unsettling dreams while demons quietly lurked in the streets. Creeping through the town on cat's paws of silence. Four leggers, two leggers...no leggers. It made no difference as they skulked warily through the streets, their eyes restlessly peering about for danger. Never still. Never knowing when danger may strike.

This was supposed to be their time. The nighttime where they roamed at will. When all good humans were safely tucked away in their nice safe homes and nice safe beds. As for those that weren't so good...well, not many mourned their passing or mysterious disappearance.

But tonight there was a quivering tension in the air. A marked difference in the demons' nocturnal movements. Where once before they walked the night arrogantsuresure of their strength, now terror ruled them. And they hastened their steps and huddled together for proten, bn, believing in the safety of numbers.

There was a certain feeling that had been pervading the night air of Sunnydale for weeks. It was growing stronger with each passing day. A feeling of...evil sweeping closer and closer. Circling. Narrowing tighter and tighter. Inciting widespread fear and terror in the many demonic beings that called Sunnydale home

T

They were now included in the hunt. Not as hunters...but as prey.

The more astute demons were employing every innate demonic skill they possessed, and then some, as they silently stole along the streets. Escaping the coming darkness as they hastened out of Sunnydale.

Cautiously they avoided the darkened passages as if a thousand Slayers lay in wait within those shadowy areas. They much preferred to stay clearly visible in the streetlights as they made their scurrying journey under the luminous glow of the well-lit streets. Any human that saw them now would only believe them a product of a nightmare and return back to bed. But they were not...no, but the real nightmare was on its way.

Sometimes the street would carry a low hollow cry of despair that floated in the cool night air. The fleeing demons would growl, shivering in dismay. Another demon was lost. They hurried faster, casting fearful looks behind them. They were no fools. Blind some of them may be, but never stupid. They warned those that they could, and left signs throughout Sunnydale for those that they could not find.

A sudden grunt caught the lead demon's attention. It turned its mottled green head as another demon, with rough porous skin and bulbous slitted-eyes, motioned urgently at the street pole some distance away. It considered the flickering streetlight, before it turned and barked harshly. With grunts and gestures, itced ced the motley band of various demons to pick up their pace.

The streetlight began making a low, buzzing sound as it struggled to illuminate its’ patch of pavement below. The wind blew gently, dappling the light pole with shadows that seemed to move with an uncanny life of their own. There was a muffled pop and the tinkle of shattered glass as the light gave up its’ valiant struggle.

The escaping demons could see the shadowy darkness rippling, seething as if under some malign intelligence. Seeking out its’ next victim. Creeping, flowing to the next light. And the tall, grey metal pole slowly grew ominous streaks of darkness, stretching upwards from the ground.

Soon, not even the human homes would be safe from the shadows. Nor would daylight.

The exodus of demonkind continued long into the night. There was something far dangerous than a Slayer walking the streets of Sunnydale. Something that had no use for humans.

Or demons.


Morning brought a renewed determination to Xander and Spike. After a restless sleep, their faces were resolved as they formulated a plan with the skill of five-star generals. Tonight, they were going for broke. Do or die. Love 'em or leave 'em.

And they eyed one another grimly across the breakfast table as they munched on Fruity Peebles. Veteran soldiers of Love.

“So, you gonna hang out here for the rest of the day?” Xander broke the uncomfortable silence.

“Maybe,” the other allowed with a raised brow. “You got a problem wif that?” Spike said challengingly as they wandered into the living room.

“No, uhm, should I?” The dark-haired male asked in confusion. He sorta just assumed that Spike was gonna stay considering his sunlight allergy and all. One inconvenient ray of sunshine and it was bye-bye cold, cruel world.

“Good! Now give us a kiss,” Spike ordered. He pulled the young man to him with quick impatience. Xander shivered with delight at the vampire's lascivious eagerness. They tumbled to the couch. They kissed hungrily for long, endless moments. Soon Xander was stretched between Spike's pale thighs, his head bobbing happily in the vampire's crotch. He worked his mouth blissfully on the towering alabaster shaft. Putting everything he knew that drove Spike absolutely wild into his efforts. Lips. Tongue. Teeth. Just a little nip, every now and then to keep his vampire on edgeedge.

With every moan of pleasure from above, he increased his loving ministrations. Feeling his asshole twitch in heated anticipation. Glancing up, he met Spike's hooded drowsy eyes as he teasingly licked around the wide flared head. That pale face looked absolutely beautiful when they were fucking. So soft, gentle. Beautiful. And sometimes, he would imagine the loving look was for him and not just because they were busy fucking.

Relaxing his muscles, he enveloped the lengthy organ even further, allowing the shaft to ease down his throat. He was very proud of his new ability to take everything Spike gave him. Because the vampire was not shy about rewarding him for a job well done. Spike was always immediately up for Round Two once he got his rocks off. Maybe not for a blowjob, but Spike was real nice, eager in fact, about returning a favor for a favor. Fucking his ass in a frenzy really sorta helped even things out. At least in his case it did. Though it did make sitting in the car and driving to work a very sore part of his morning.

Spike fisted his hands in Xander's hair and thrust his dick as deep as he could into the warm, hungry mouth of his boy. He just loved seeing that look of contentment on Xander's face. His lover certainly took to cock-sucking like a pro, something he was always quick to praise his boy. Xander's low self-esteem was a bothersome trait and it was an annoying habit that he could lay the blame right smack dabthe the boy's sorry parents. And as a Claiming present to himself, and to an unaware Xander, he was gonna hire a couple of demon bullyboys to torture and beat the shit outta the Harris. He wd itd it taped so he could play it over and over again. Then he wanted that spineless booby, that whelped Xander and shoulda been protecting him...oh he really wanted her head cut off and shoved up that bastard's soddin' arse. She licked his arse in life, well, now she could have a permanent place there. But with a regretted inward sigh he put aside his dream. He wanted Papa Harris to live for a very long time.

At least until he got the chip out.

He yelped at a sharp pain and glared into Xan's scared brown eyes. The bloody little wanker bit him! He slowly smirked; his boy did have a pair. And he watched relief fill the wide chocolate gaze. His pet did hate being ignored and his efforts unappreciated, and they both went back to their very pleasurable past-time of enjoying each other.

Then gradually a tinny ringing sound interrupted the noisy slurping and heady groans that filled the room. And in sheer disbelief, Xander watched Spike irritably grab his cell phone from his pocket and answer it with a growl. Reluctantly, he began raising his head. Then tried to desperately scramble away at the wicked, malicious look that suddenly appeared in Spike's blazing blue eyes. But a strong hand gripped his hair tightly, pushing him back down on the wet shaft. And with angry disbelief, he lashed his tongue around the thick member as he listened to Spike talk to Buffy.

“Whaddaya mean, where am I? I'm at home.” Spike growled in a bored tone while his hips arched lazily into the boy's heated, talented mouth. He caressed the tousled, silken locks in half apology.

“....”

“What...diya think the crypt was me only place?! You're a right, daft bint if ya think any vampire’s gonna make one place its only home! Now what do you want?”

“...”

“Xander?” And he firmly shoved the boy's head back down on his dick. Smirking nastily at the fear reflected in those wide pools of chocolate that gazed up at h He He winked naughtily. “Yeah, he's right between me legs and sucking down me cock like it was the last dick on earth! O'course I ain't seen the boy! Why didn’t ya call him? I left 'im at his place then went and had me a good time with a couple of birds I met last night. You know, the ones that know how ta really please a fellow.” Then he listened for a few more seconds before his face darkened.

“Yeah, well, I would say fuck you but I already had that unfortunate experience! I bloody well will be there when I fuckin' want to!” He slammed the phone shut. Very tempted to break the little piece of plastic. That damn Slayer! Was this what he was now? Her tame lapdog?! What he wouldn't give to be able to wrap his hands tightly around her neck and...blinding pain flared in his brain, shorting out his eyes.

When he could see again, his raging eyes settled on Xander, who was slowly backing away from him a look of on on his face. With a low rumbling growl, he pounced on the fearful mortal and dragged the boy back to the couch. Despite his pet's distress at the rough treatment, Spike bent Xander over the back of the couch and tore a hole in his pants. He grinned as the heady scent of arousal wafted through the air. Then fishing among the cushions, he came up with the tube of lube that he had secreted in the couch. With hasty fingers he sketchily prepared his pet before thrusting home, almost relishing the choked cry of pleasure-pain his boy gave.

Grasping the hard hipbones of his human, he began ramming his dick in the narrow passage with heavy, nearly brutal strokes. Angling his furious thrusts in the slickened channel, hitting Xander's joy button with every second stroke. Causing his horny little fuckboy to go insane. Writhing on his dick like a slut, arching and pushing his ass back for more and more.

When the phone rang Spike’s eyes flared with a brilliant golden light. “Pick up the phone,” he growled and hammered his order home against Xander's increasingly tender backside.

“Spike, please...” Xander gasped out. Crying out hoarsely at an intensely punishing stroke.

“Answer the bloody phone,” was snarled in his ear and with shaking fingers, Xander picked up the cordless. Nearly sobbing at the incredible pleasure that was shooting off signal flares from his ass throughout his body.

Trying to calm himself, though how anyone could be calm at a time like this he thought hysterically, he pressed the on ton to talk. “H...h...hello,” he managed to stutter out. Then nearly bit through his lip at a particularly heavy throb of delight that raced through him when Spike lunged even deeper into his ass. He barely caught the moan behind clenched teeth, then his eyes widened with panic at the caller.

Buffy.

“What? Oh, I sound breathless cause I was....” *groan* “…running to answer the phone and stubbed....” *aaahaaa* “…my tooooe,” came out in a high-pitched cry.

Spike grinned viciously and began thrusting into the warm, tight hole with increasing speed. Though he was proud of the way his boy was handling himself, he wanted his Xanpet gasping and moaning in the phone. Letting that damn Slayer bitch know...what? That Xander was fuckin' some little hottie he picked up last night? He stepped up his pace. Sliding a hand around he began pulling, tugging on Xander's raging hardon in time with his strokes deep in the boy's rippling sheath.

“BuffyI'mgonnabelateforworkgottagobye,” Xander said rapidly into the phone. He ignored her sputtering protests as he shakily pressed the 'End' button. Dropping the phone on the couch, he simply held on for dear life as Spike continued his relentless quest to make it impossible for him to sit down.

He was seeing stars, and possibly stripes as well, a searing fire began eating him up as the scorching orgasm raced through him. While distantly aware of Spike's increasingly rapid thrusts, he was more intrigued with the shattering climax that was fast overtaking his mind. With a choked scream he came, pumping thick ropes of cum onto the sofa. Stiffening even more as his ass was filled with Spike's cool, orgasmic release.

They rested, slumped over on the couch. Both men panting, wheezing for breath from their exhausted climax.

Feeling drained, but knowing he still had to get to work, Xander stirred. He shrugged silently, hoping Spike would get the message to get the hell off of him. He gritted his teeth when Blondie slipped free.

Spike eyed Xander's stiff retreating back with wary eyes. The rage roiling off the boy was almost awe-inspiring. Wasn't often his pet got that pissed but when he did...

Hurriedly the vampire pulled up his pants and began cleaning up the evidence of their intense session. When he heard the shower cut off, a sudden thought struck him. Going into the kitchen, the blonde decide to ONLY put the dishes in the sink and halfheartedly straighten up in there. After all, he had his reputation to maintain. He was still bad. Not EVIL, just evil. Defensively, he blamed the chip.

A few minutes later Xander exited the bedroom with a cold, stony face. “If you ever pull another fuckin' stunt like that again I will personally drive a stake through your hands and feet, then I'll cut off your balls and eyelids. Then I'll wait beside you as the sun comes up.”

Spike tried to give him a cocky grin. “C'mon luv, ya know ya liked a good rough shag every now and then.” However, his smile faded at the unchanging expression the pup still wore.

Xander stepped closer, seriously invading the blonde man's personal space. “Sure I like it rough every now and then. But only when I know that you are fuckin' ME and not Buffy!”

“Pet...” Spike swallowed and stepped back. “I wasn't fuckin' her. Was you I was thinkin' about. Imagining you wif some little bitch you brought home last night,” he grumbled as he looked away.

Xander blinked, the vampire's unexpected reply drawing a little of his anger away. “But you brought me home.”

“Said I was imaginin', didn't I?!” Spike snapped impatiently, his eyes narrowed and stormy.

“Uhm, yeah...” the other replied in confusion. Wondering if either he or Spike were losing their minds.

“Get on with you...yer gonna be late for work iffen ya don't leave now. Don't want yer boss ta get all snarly at ya again,” Spike retorted, ruthlessly changing the subject from the uncomfortable topic.

“Okay, but I think we need to talk when I get home. Can you...will you be here?” Xander asked, almost holding his breath for the answer.

Spike's eyes were hooded as he looked away. He looked back and nodded reluctantly. Maybe he needed to just Claim the boy and worry about getting an agreement later. “Yeah, I'll be here.”

Xander let out the breath he was holding, feeling his nerves all jittery at the coming confrontation. It wasn't gonna be pretty, but he needed answers. He needed to know if there was a future for him with Spike. Despite what the vampire said, he still had a nagging feeling that Spike still had some issues with Buffy. Like love issues. Leaving him exactly where? On the outside looking in. Pretending that he was happy for them? Feeling like he was as dead as Spike on insiinside?

“Thanks...I...I...thanks. I'll try to be home as soon as possible,” Xander said in a rush. Then he remembered part of a dream he had. “Hey, you remember that Giles said the Timorea were vicious creatures?” And at Spike's unconcerned nod he continued, “Well, I think something's wrong with him, cause a few months ago he said that they were sorta like messengers and that they were non-fighters. Pacifists and gentlelike. It was even a picture in one of his books. I remember 'cuz the Timorea look sorta like a cross between a toad and a bird. Ugly as sin.”

Spike raised his brow, extreme interest flaring in his eyes. “Huh...I thought maybe I was imaginin' things about the prancing git. He's been acting strange for a good couple of weeks. Him, Anya and Red, and the Slayer for that matter.”

“Willow? Willow seems perfectly normal to me,” Xander said, springing instantly on the defensive.

“You would think so...but I'm tellin' ya, something's off about all three of them.” Spike nodded before he shrugged in disinterest as he glancedthe the clock. “Off wif ya, or ya gonna be really late.”

He smirked at the yelp the boy made before Xander raced out the door. Spike eyed the room, then sighed, giving into his urge for cleanliness; he tackled the kitchen.

After washing the dishes, he decided to take a quick shower and head out. He was on his way out when he remembered his cigs werill ill sitting on the nightstand. Cursing, Spike returned to the bedroom to retrieved his smokes and lighter. Strolling out, he extracted a smoke. Just as he was getting ready to light up, to his surprise the front door rattled.

The vampire frowned, mainly because he didn't hear any keys. His eyes lit up with cruel excitement. Thieves. His mouth twisted evilly. Some bloody tosser was gonna get a bit of a shock. He nipped behind the partially opened door, ready to spring at the soddin' muckers. He chortled silently. Maybe if he was lucky they'll have one of them heart attacks and keel over and die. Hey, a kill is a kill. He'll take what he could get. Then the door opened and to his surprise Willow and Rupert stepped through.

Buggerit! He retreated further into the cool, darkened room. He definitely was not in any hurry to get caught in Xander's bedroom much less the apartment at this time of the morning.

Willow and Giles stepped cautiously inside Xander's apartment. Buffy had already informed them that he was at work, but still they were a little hesitant about being caught. They had a believable excuse for being in his home, but that relied on how gullible Xander was.

“We are still unsuccessful in taking Xander. However, I believe this statue I’ve created will enable us to ensnare him.” Giles' voice was dry and cold.

“So you want me to activate it?” Willow asked doubtfully, givihe she statue a narrow l “W “What happens if it's not successful? What will we do then? It's not like he could threaten us.”

“The Mistress will enjoy his blood and screams,” Giles replied placidly as he positioned the statue just so.

“NO! You sonabitch, I’ll kill you it you hurt Xander! I’ll never…” Willow started off, her face abruptly full of rage and pain, then eerily her expression smoothed out.

Giles smiled knowingly at the slight, red-head. “She fights you still…?”

Willow snorted in derision. “Hardly,” she said dryly, giving him a cold look. “More like whines and blubbers!”

“Mmmmh,” he hummed lightly. “In the beginning, I was able to call such beautiful music from mine. The rage…the fury and pain....Oh, how he roared and stormed about. So much fruitless, empty passion! That incandescent, futile RAGE!” Giles shuddered in near ecstasy, a look of remembered pleasure in his eyes. “I feasted and was near bloated for days from him.” Willow regarded him with jealous eyes.

“But now…he thinks he’s so clever.” Giles shook hiad, ad, an amused smile on his face. He shrugged carelessly. “He sits and simply stares. As if I would be so careless to allow him to escape.”

She looked away, anger roiled through her and the horrible injustice of who she had. Spitefully, she rocked the ground, sending the cage and its contents in a rough and tumble turns before she allowed things to settle. Smiling maliciously, but contemptuous at the renewed wailing from within.

“Have you considered that perhaps Xander's been Marked? Perhaps that's why we can't get to him,” she said abruptly, her good humor partially restored at causing pain.

The man raised a brow. “Marked? By whom? Spike?! Surely you jest! Perhaps that neutered and impotent vampire would mark Xander for dinner but as a Mate...oh, I think not, my dear.”

(Spike, hearing that, stiffened angrily. Tempted to march right out there and hotly defend his manhood. Virtuously he decided to choose the high ground. Besides, those two were acting like a couple of nutjobs. No telling what they would do. He resumed listening.)

“Besides, I've never seen a Mark on the boy except for Dracula....hmm, perhaps he? But no, I really don't believe Vlad would allow a potential Mate to remain living on a Hellmouth.” Giles continued absently. Then he stepped back and gestured for Willow to proceed.

“There...it's done. By tomorrow, Xander will be one of us.” Willow smiled. Then her voice became subtly darker. “Or he will soon face the Mistress and her shining knives.”

Laughing softly the two left Xander's apartment. Their Dark Queen would be pleased with them. Moreso, if they managed to make him one of them.

Spike carefully stepped from behind the bedroom door, his eyes cold and deadly as he pondered over the strangnvernversation.

Normally whenever Red and Rupert started talking, he let their useless words wash over him, but not this time. Not when they had been talking about his pet. His eyes had narrowed, feeling unease and danger screaming in his chest. While he never really paid much attention to those soddin' gits, however, one thing he did know was that Rupert's eyes were definitely a shade of greeny-brown. And those midnight things sittin' on either side o'his nose could not, WOULD not be in any way, shape, or form be called eyes. Particularly green or brown.

After they left, Spike remained in the bedroom. Unwilling to venture into the living room and chance attracting the attention of the statue. Even from where he lurked, he could feel the evil dancing over his nerves. And any other time it would gladden his withered heart to find so much evil concentrated in one small form, but not this time. Not when it threatened his Xander. He shivered at just how close Xander had been to almost becoming...whatever the hell Willow and Giles were. His eyes gleamed. And what Buffy and Anya must be as well.

He stayed in the bedroom for several hours. Vicious, foul curses storming through his mind at how he, a Master Vampire was scared of a little statue. He was the fuckin' Big Bad. A bloody Prince of Evil.

Yet that damn thing still terrified him more than anything in his unlife. He could feel the dark hunger surrounding it like a...a...aura or somethin'. Just waiting for something, someone to cross its path. And he felt the walls would be painted with blood once that happened.

He didn't survive this long without listening to his instincts. All his instincts were screaming for him to grab Xander, Niblet and get the hell out of Sunnydale. NOW.PaciPacing with soundless impatience while the sun shifted position in the sky, he was finally able to climb out of Xander's third floor bedroom window without fear of being incinerated. He didn't dare attempt to contact Xander on his cell just in case that damn THING was able to hear him talking. Whatever it was, he definitely didn't want to have any part of it or go anywhere near it.

Climbing carefully down the wall, he was only burned once. He miscalculated how fast the cloud moved that was blocking the sun. Foul curses ripped from his throat as a slanting ray of sunshine broke through and burned into his hand. He had lost his grip and descended to the ground the hard way. Straight down. Landing with enough force to make him see stars. For a few moments he lay dazed with pain before slowly lumbering to his feet. Swaying drunkenly, it took him a couple of minutes before he located the sewer entrance.

With a painful grunt, he dropped below the town's surface. Fishing in his jacket, he cursed luridly at his shattered cell phone, throwing it furiously against the stony sewer wall. Gritting his teeth he began his trek through the tunnels to one of his other safe haunts.

Yet uneasiness began to slowly unfurl in him. Then fear skittered along his already strung nerves, setting them twanging with mounting dread.

His hand glided along the stony surface of the walls, at the unknown words carved laboriously in its rocky surface. The sheer terror of whatever demon carved the words was evident. Sensing for the first time the emptiness that existed in the tunnels.

Tunnels that used to be filled with various demonkind. All living in an uneasy truce of existence. Now all he could smell was the reeking scent of fear and rage. And terror. So much terror that he dropped to his knees when he opened his senses to the fullest extent. His face rippling, shifting to puemonemon as he sniffed.

His head came up abruptly, wariness expressed in every tense sinew of his body. His head cocked alertly to the side. Listening, straining his ears to the utmost. Then he rumbled low in his throat. His eyes took on a gleaming golden glitter as his ears quivered at a faint scream some distance away. Then he was off, running towards that sound. He needed to understand, to see firsthand the threat that loomed over Sunnydale. Over them.

Racing, jumping silently over discarded boxes and other debris he tracked the hollow cries. At times coming to a frozen stop, before whirling and taking off again. His attention on finding whatever screamed in such rage and terror. Skidding in the muck and grime, Spike raced on. Drawn to the sounds of fighting like a lodestone.

There! He slid to a halt just outside a lit tunnel. One blazing golden eye peered cautiously into the lit cavern, widening at the number of various demons viciously hacked to pieces on the floor. There were also humans aplenty bearing vicious gouges in their torsos, some with their heads violently ripped off. Judging by the claws on the demons, it wasn’t too hard to guess how the humans died.

Spike's wondering eye blinked at the scene of two demons fighting...what? And his brow knitted in confusion as the two demons looked like they were fighting shadows. Then his eye narrowed into cold slits of comprehension as one of the demons fell and the shadow enveloped him. From within the shadow, he could hear the demon screaming. And the wet sounds of flesh ripping. Then silence.

The remaining demon bared its teeth in challenge, terror and rage easily visible in every line of it's bleeding body. Its gleaming talons were totally useless against a foe that it couldn't touch, couldn't rip. But time. They had bought their various people time by distracting the enemy. Its eyes caught a gleam of gold, and it growled softly. Easily recognizing the scent of tampiampire. It bore no love for that one. Helping the Slayer. Attacking other demons. But this...these things of shadow were far worse than Spike would ever hoped to be. It just hoped the vampire had enough sense to stay away from the Slayer and get out of Sunnydale. Then it leapt, with suicidal bravado, at the shadow. Grunting as thousands of sharp blades tore relentlessly through it's body. Then it knew no more.

Spike watched with cold narrowed attention as the undulating shadow began feeding. The slurping sounds it made was unmistakable. Then it settled over another demon's body, leaving the previous demon looking dried out and withered. He had seen enough. And as silently as he had come, he left. Jumping at each shadow he came across, easing cautiously past it until he finally came to one of his second places of retreat.

Hurriedly, the blonde began packing a bag of clothing. Stuffing some of Xander's things the boy had left here instead of going back to his apartment. Spike grinned lewdly, his eyes gleaming at how horny they had been that night. They had barely made it to the bed and Xander’s clothes were fit only for rags after that. He had to race to the boy’s place for clothes for his nummy to wear home. After that, they decided that maybe it would be practical to keep a small set of clothes here. Spike grinned wryly. Wouldn’t Peaches be surprised?! Him, thinking ahead.

Sternly he turned his mind back to the matter at hand and continued stuffing clothes into a well-worn duffel bag. Dumping garbage out an ice-chest he dragged it over to the fridge and began carefully laying packets of blonto nto the bottom of the chest, followed by ice, then more blood. Grabbing another container, he rushed to empty human food for Xander and Dawn into it. Ignoring his demon, Spike allowed his affection for his nummy ane lie lil’bit to override his common sense. Against all reason, he decided all three of there lre leaving this dump. They were they ony ones he truly gave a fuck about. Let whatever happen, happen. He and his would be safe. He would make sure of it. Setting everything by the door for easy access, he looked around for his phone. Then thumped himself for forgetting that this place didn't have a phone.

Steeling himself, he descended back into the sewers with shaky nerves. Not to the crypt, but to another pad that he allowed other demons to share with him. Gliding in cautiously, he scanned the room, almost breathing a sigh of relief before he remembered that he didn't breathe. Frowning at the eerie silence in the building. There should be at least a couple dozen demons here. Tearing up the place and generally making a nuisance of themselves with their shouting and whatnot. But nothing. Not even a squeak.

Stepping even more warily, Spike crossed the room. His attention caught by a piece of paper prominently displayed on the wall of his room. Snatching it, he read it quickly before whirling he ran to the telephone. Hoping to catch his boy before Xander went home. It was already three o'clock. With it being fall already, sunset started early. All he wanted was to grab his two pets and get the hell out of Sunnydale.

If that note was true, he was perfectly willing to let the shadows have everything else.

Dialing Xander's construction site, he waited with nervous impatience for someone to pick up the phone. “Yeah, luv. Me name’s Spike, I'm a mate of Xander’s and need t'talk to him.”

“I'm sorry but Xander's on the girders. However, I will give him your message as soon as he gets back down.” Megan didn't even blink as she smoothly replied to the inquiry.
“Okay, well, could you have him call this number as soon as he's free? Yeah, thanks luv,” Spike tried to replied as smoothly as he could.

Drumming his fingers, he tried Xander's cell phone. Snarling when he only got voicemail. But still he left a message, warning Xander not t to to the house and where to meet him.

“Certainly, and thank you. Goodbye,” she hung up the phone. Megan absently tracked Xander's movement as he joked around with some of the workers while on their break. Her eyes were an eerily liquid black.

Her attention shifted over to his car. Then she rose to her feet and calmly stepped out of the small building, giving a wave and cheerful smile to the various catcalls the men directed at her.

Surreptisly sly reaching his car, Megan at first cursed softly then slowly smiled to see that Xander's cell phone wasn't in his car. He was very regular about making sure it was always plugged into the battery. That is, when he remembered to bring it with him. And since the men were forbidden to wear their phones on them, poor thing must have left it home.

Satisfied she walked away. Ignoring Jordan sitting in his car some distance away talking animatedly on a cell phone.

Twenty minutes later, Jordan ended his call with a cheerful, sappy grin. Things were finally looking up for him and Molly. A raise in pay for him and a promotion at the hospital for her. Yep, things were finally looking up for them. And casually he sauntered over to Xander's car and unlocking the door, replaced the cell phone before shutting the door and relocking the car.

Yep, him and Molly were finally gonna hit it big time.

“So, I take it by the smile on your face that Molly was excited about your raise,” Xander teased Jordan when they began work again.

“Yep, AND she just got a promotion at work too!” Jordan gave Xander a huge smile of bliss and accepted the men's hearty congratulations and slaps on the back.

“Damn, that's fuckin' fantastic!” Xander exclaimed with an equally wide smile. He did like to see his friends happy.

“Oh yeah, here's your keys back. And thanks, man, for letting me use your phone.”

“Hey, anytime. Anytime.” And they went back to work.

Stretching carefully, Xander eased into his car with a weary sigh. Some days he wondered why he loved construction work so much. This was one of them. Damn, he thought he was never gonna leave. For a minute he wondered if he was gonna have to work overtime with that list Megan handed him outta the blue. Thank god for Jordan. Megan might be a little teed when she found out, but hey...the bossman didn't care who did it, just as long as it got done.

He hadt ent enough time for a relaxing shower before sunset and his unavoidable talk with Spike.

Pulling away from the construction site, he began the drive home. Grabbing his cell, he began checking his message. Frowning and more than a little scared at the message Spike left him. What the hell was going on? He pulled over and played the message again. His frown deepening. If he didn't know better, he could almost swear that Spike sounded terrified. But what could scare a Master Vampire like Spike other than...Buffy? But no, he was prettye the that it wasn't her. But who or what had Spike freaking out? Then he gasped, his eyes rounding in astonishment. Angelus?!

Gunning his car, he took off hurriedly to where Spike said to meet him. Pulling into the warehouse with a screech of brakes just as the sun set. Grabbing his stake from under the seat, then grabbing his water pistol from the glove compartment, he was ready for Angelus.

exacexactly reassured by Spike hurrying to him and jumping into the car.riverive.” He was ordered shortly.

“Uhm Spike, wanna tell me what the hell is going on?” Xander said carefully. He darted a quick look at the tense and wary vampire sitting beside him. And he wondered if he touched Spike right now, would the vampire shatter?

“Trouble is what. Somehow, your Willow, Rupert, Buffy and Anya are in the thick of it. We gotta grab Lil'bit and get of Suf Sunnydale. Turn here,” Spike said tersely. He watched every shadowy area. His senses straining to make sure no harm came to either of them.

Startled, Xander glanced at the vampire. “What?!”

“Every demon that can has left Sunnydale. For those that can see and read 'em, there's warning signs to get the hell out all over. I've already spotted fifteen, and there's sixteen and seven,”en,” Spike said, pointing to gibberish written on a telephone pole and a piece of paper flying past.

“Why didn't you call me earlier then if you think it's that bad?” Xander replied challengingly.s has hands tightening around the steering wheel.

And Spike gave him an electric blue gaze before turning away. “I did. I called your work and told that girlie that it was urgent that I talk t'you. And she said she would give you the message when you came on break. That you were up in the girders.”

Shaken, Xander shook his head. “I was never in the girders. I was part of the ground crew today.”

“Willow and Rupert were in your apartment with some kinda statue. I don't know what it was supposed to do, but I could feel its evil and hunger. You woulda walked right into their trap when you got home.”

“We got to get Tara too. Despite her and Will being on hiatus right now, Willl gll go after her too. DaTaraTara certainly ain't gonna like this type of magic that Willow is using,” Xander muttered to himself as he pulled to a halt at Spike's quiet request to stop.

“Tell ya what, you go get Tara and I'll get the Bit. Saves times and whatnot. You pick us up at Buffy's place and we'll head out of here,” Spike said after loading the trunk with their supplies.

They gazed at one another before Spike leaned in and kissed Xander. Pulling away he softly gave the dark-haired youth careful instructions. “Take care and try to stay away from the shadows. I don't know how, but it's alive. Be careful.” And they parted.


With extreme care, Xander parked his car on a well-lit street. Peering warily at the suspicious shadows lurking several feet away. While he didn't exactly believe Spike, he did know something had the blonde real spooked.

Nodding with pretend cheer to a few of the students in the dorm, asn asn as he was passed them, he raced desperately up the stairs to where he knew Tara's room was….Just in time to see a familiar red-haired girl disappear inside the room. Xander hesitated, his heart thudding in fear. Then glancing around to make sure he was unnoticed he made his way to her door and squatted, peering through the keyhole. He clamped his hand over his mouth to stop his instinctive shout at what he saw inside. That...thing inside wasn't his Willow anymore. He turned, a silent curse on lip lips and fled. Tara was lost. Why couldn’t he have been just a little faster? Why was he always so freaking SLOW?!

He ran hurriedly, bouncing off of various students in his haste to get to his car. Coming to an abrupt stop at a hard hand on his shoulder. Whirling around angrily, he froze at the sight of liquid midnight eyes on the stranger accosting him.

Reacting quickly, he sucker punched an innocent bystander, then another before stomping savagely on the feet of the persondingding him. Feeling the hand involuntarily open, allowing him to flee from the sudden turmoil his actions brought. Racing to his car, he noticed with dread that the shadowy pools of darkness were definitely closer. Hastily he started the car and roared off, seeing Tara and Willow exiting the building in his rear view mirror.


Spike ran silently towards the Summers' house. His senses on full alert as he searched the darkness for any unnatural movement. And he jumped, a sub rumble growl coming low in his chest. He was in full demonface when he saw the shadow move but relaxed with a mental chuckle when it proved only a ragged, scarred tomcat meowed at him as if in inquiring as it strolled under the street lamp.

But they both froze, feeling an uneasy shimmering in the air. The cat's back began to arch, its eyes glowing with fear, staring past his shoulder. It began hissing and spitting while it moved almost sideways away from an enemy more dangerous than the dog packs that roamed the town.

And the vampire leapt forward, tumbling headlong to the ground. He flipped, landing on his feet and continued running at top speed. Hearing the cat screaming its fury and pain as a shadow settled over it. Then the streets were silent. He ran on, slipping on loose leaves, catching himself desperately until he finally reached the Summers' residence.

Bursting in the door, he NiblNiblet watching a movie.

“Dawn, get yerself upstairs and start packing. Me and you, Xander and Tara have to get out of here,” he ordered tersely after shutting the door.

Dawn looked up at him. “Uhm, Spike now you know Buffy's not gonna like your being here.” She replied mildly, throwing a handful of popcorn in her mouth.

“I'm serious!” He snapped as he peered out of the window, praying that the boy hurried up and got here. “Go grab some clothes. We have t'hurry.”

The young girl blinked, recognizing the urgency in his voice. “Spike...” she quavered out, slowly getting to her feet. “What's going on? Where's Buffy?”

“Don't know, luv, but whatever s, bs, big sis is mixed up in it. Only thing certain is something bad's coming t'town and it's a damn sight worse than me. Now move,” he snapped.

And with a gasp Dawn ran upstairs quickly. A few minutes later she came clattering down carrying a knapsack over her shoulders. “You said Xander was coming here? And with Tara?” She said inquiringly, her eyes fixed thoughtfully on his back.

“Yeah, should be here in a minute,” he replied absently, without looking at her. Still peering surreptitiously out of the window. “You got everything you need?” But at the silence behind him, he turned around and cursed. Soddin' git! They didn't have time for these games!

“Dawn...? Bit?” Slowly his demon’s voice crept stealthily to the forefront of his mind, but before it could speak…

“SPIKE!” Dawn’s piercing scream rent the air. From the kitchen came sounds of a struggle.

He burst into the kitchen looking frantically around. His eyes a liquid gold, teeth bared and sharp claws ready to protect her. Suddenly he felt a tremendous explosion in the back of his head. A sharp blow that knocked him into the cabinets and whirled him around to face the girl. The vampire’s eyes widened briefly, finally comprehending what his demon had been trying to tell him. In hindsight, he should have known. Should have guessed the truth.

Spike dropped to his knees. Falling face forward in a loose sprawl of limbs to the floor. His face becoming slack in unconsciousness.

Dawn stepped from the side of the entrance, a cast iron skillet held loosely in a two handed grip. She watched the vampire collapse to the floor with liquid midnight eyes. The back door opened and she smiled.

“See, I told you I could do it,” she boasted to Buffy and Giles. And they also smiled as they regarded the unconscious Spike. Both of their eyes were inky black pits. No pupil, nor iris was visible. Nothing but solid darkness.

“And Xander? Where is he...?” Giles inquired with a tilt of his brow.

“Don't know, Spike said that they were supposed to meet here.” The dark-haired girl shrugged carelessly.

Giles thought for a few minutes. “Very well then, Buffy help me put Spike into my car. Then you two will stay here and...greet our young friend.” An eager, evil smile bloomed on the two girls faces.

Xander put his car into neutral. He turned off the car lights and crept up the streets to Buffy's house. He was just in time to see Buffy and Giles dump the vampire into the older man's car. Dawn came outside with them. Then the older man got into his car and drove off as the two girls returned to the house. Xander knew that they were more than likely waiting for him with a baseball bat or something.

Why was this always happening to him? To them? Was it too much to ask to just have a normal month or two of just chillin'? Grousing silently to himself he followed behind the ancient car as stealthily as possible. A dark chill overtook him when he saw where they were headed. The Magic Box.

Tara and Willow came out to help Giles carry Spike inside, but Xander knew that he couldn't quite risk following them. Then he remembered the back of the building. He swallowed; it was real shadowy back there. But he stiffened his wobbling spine and exited the car.

Racing to the back, his eyes were wide with fear as he collapsed against the wall, gasping for breath. He muttered a silent curse at how high the window was. His eyes lit up at the empty crates awaiting garbagy any and he quickly had them stacked high enough to be able to see into the back room. Xander’s heart jumped in his throat at the sight of his lover caged like a wild animal.

“Shall we?” The shadow possessed Giles murmured to darkness ruling Willow. At the sparkling, joyful smile in return, his smile widened.

He had forgotten how much fun this pathetic little mudball world could be. Even the demons were a delight to torture and torment. Always so foolishly rushing in with their snarling and growling. As if the sight of teeth and claws were something that they should be fearful.

Such amusing fools, these demons that made this world home. By the time anyone rallied to stop them, it would be too late. His Dark Lady will have come. This world would soon drown in the screams of demons suffering, and blood would color this world.

Ah…it would indeed be a glorious sight. To witness the dark majestic power of his Lady. He shivered, hungering for the screams of the tormented.

“Let's...” With malicious laughter bubbling from their throats, the two dark creatures joined hands.


Spike came to in a rush. His head throbbing, pounding to the odd, arrhythmic chant echoing in his brain. He opened dazed eyes, blue seeping into gold at the sight of the bars holding him caged. Fighting the pain that scaled increasingly upward, hies nes narrowed at the witch and the tweed man chanting some mumble-jumbo words. But it wasn’t them nor the words they were spewing sent him scrambling backwards, away from them. It was the fact that they didn't have legs anymore. Just oozing, shifting shadows from the waist on down.

His eyes darted frantically around the backroom as the tormenting pressure inside his head grew, then overwhelmed his mind. Seconds later, loud bloodcurdling screams echoed in the room as the vampire knelt, clasping his head in his hands. Rocking back and forth, he tried to control himself...but the pain was too much.

Xander had his hands clapped to his mouth, to muffle his cry of horror. He couldn't quite decide which was freaking him out more...the sight of Willow and Giles, or the pain Spike was going through. When his lover screamed, he was firmly decided that Spike and pain...big freakout winner. He was just about to charge into the room to help...or possibly die, which was more likely to happen when he noticed something seriously different about Spike. All that rocking was creating a strobelike effect...but not. He frowned in confusion, then a choked curse dropped from his lips.

They weren't just torturing Spike, they were separating him. Separating the demon from the human. Which wappospposed to be impossible but maybe Giles and Willow hadn't had time to read that particular memo yet, he thought in terrified fascination.

Soon, Spike felt the pain ease and die. He lay gasping for breath, then heard someone else breathing hoarsely as well. He blearily opened his eyes and saw himself...or what used to be himself over a hundred plus years ago.

“What the bloody...” eganegan, then something made him check his face. He was in full demonface...without willing it to appear. His eyes flickered rapidly around the room at the grim faces on what used to be the Scoobies. His eyes darted up to the ceiling, narrowing almost imperceptibly at the sight of his Xander watching. There was no mistaking the look on his boy's face. Whatever happened to the others, hadn't had a chance to get Xander.

He directed his attention back to the others, watching with concentrated attention as the cage door was opened. He instinctively drew back with a shudder when a black tendril snaked from Rupert and pulled his human self out of the cage. The older man bowed over the unconscious form, his mouth opening wide. Breathing out a tiny dark misty cloud that seeped into the parted lips on his human self's face. The human breathe in. Then out. Eyes fluttering open in bewilderment.

A look that subtly changed. Harden.

Spike sighed, slumping back against the wall. He wished he had his smokes. He had a feeling he was going to need them.

Within several minutes of questioning the one they were calling William, they knew everything. About him and Xander. About them running away together. The revulsion in William's eyes was unmistakable and Spike groaned.

He had forgotten what a self-righteous fuckin' ponce he had been. Back when he was alive, he put on a good act of being a decent moral man. Hating all things unclean. But he couldn't quite deny his lust for men, something that inspired self-loathing to a remarkable degree. The more he craved, the more he hated. Spinning in circles, he was. Fortunately, his Dark Princess took him away from all that nasty back and forth. He reveled in doing as he pleased. While he loved *doing* Dru, he was pleased to get done and do Angelus.

“My God! He...he...he used my body to...do...horrible...nasty...disgusting things with that...Xander! He's in love with that...that...Xander! Ugh...” William shuddered in complete revulsion as he gazed at the icily remote vampire. Spike simply flipped him the bird, sneering disdainfully.

“Sod off, ya wanker! Pretendin' like yer some kinda action man! Yer were such an airy-fairy that Dru did ya a favor by killin' ya! Always pretending like you were Mr. Back to the wall and all the while ya know yer were just a batty boy itchin' ta get yer hands on ya mate's bum! How many times ya banged one out thinkin' 'bout 'im?!” Hell, he knew he was more than likely not gonna make it, but hopefully Xander would.

“So that's why we couldn't get a hold of Xander. You Marked him,” Giles said thoughtfully. “William, are you quite sure that's what happened? There was no Claim involved?”

“No, I distinctly remember him biting him on the thigh. That...that...thing never bit him on the neck!” William glared venomously at the filthy creature.

Willow turned to Giles with a dark smile. “Then all we need to do is wait until the Mark f, th, then our Dark Queen will have the last Shardt in Sunnydale.”

Giles slowly turned his head and regarding the icy, stoic vampire with a vicious malicious smile. “William, how would you like to get a little of your own back?”

William's eyes lit up as he gazed down at the evil creature. Spike shivered, suddenly feeling how humans felt when he turned a narrow, frozen blue gaze on . T. This couldn't be good.

“What do you want me to do...” the human breathed. He hoped it would be to find that...queer and beat him to a pulp.

“Find Xander...bring him to us...” Giles replied softly. Smiling with voracious enthusiasm at the fear that leapt into the vampire's eyes before being carefully blanked.

“Ha!” Spike snorted, his lips twisted in his best mocking sneer. “Iffen he’s me, then the soddin’ git gonna have a right bloody time…” his words trailed off when Giles passed shadowy hand over tumbled honey brown curls. “Awww damn…”

“Oh, you mean this…?” the dark possessed man said mildly, holding a gleaming chip in his hand.

“Yeah, that would be it,” the vampire replied slowly. He tried out a smile on the nuttiers, as he privately took to calling them. “Say, you wouldn’t mind helping out a fellow evil bastard, now would ya?”

“Of course not,” Willow replied pleasantly. “And next time I see one, I’ll be more than happy to…help him.” In her dark eyes, the malignancy that shone so brightly, made her offer of ‘help’ extremely dubious.

Eyeing her uneasily, Spike hastily said to her, “Never mind.” He drew his knees to his chest, determined to ride out whatever they planned to do to him. If he could buy Xander some time, he shivered suddenly, well that would have to do.


Xander had seen enough and while he felt a warm thrill race through him at the fact that Spike was in love with him, it was Rescue Time. Besides, they would have fun after getting the hell outta Dodge. That always made for very good, mindblowing sex. And he stubbornly refused to see that this could be any different than the other many times they had been in danger.

He turned to begin the descent from his platform. Trying to figure out a way to rescue Spike. First thing that came to mind was ramming the car into the Magic Box and snatching his vampire. He went over in his mind just how many ways this could not work. He would be killed before he got to Spike. Or worse, he would NOT be killed. The odds were definitely not in his favor in surviving the impact or rescuing his lover. The chances of pulling off this little caper was nil and none. Xander grinned wolfishly at the thought. Apparently some of Spike's crazy tendencies rubbed off on him.

But unfortunately while he was busy spying on Giles and the others, inky tendrils of shadows were creeping up the sides of his makeshift platform. The first he was aware of anything wrong was feeling an icy sensation pass through his ankle. Startled he looked down and almost tumbled from his perch at the slithering inky darkness reaching blindly at him. Instinctively he flinched, gasping when black, misty talons tried to grab him by the leg and he felt his Mark burn, combating the frigid feeling as the shadowy darkness passed through him as he huddled against the wall.

It tried several times before retreating almost as if it were thinking of how to get him. Xander shuddered, realizing that was exactly what it was doing. Thinking. Planning. Worrying like a dog with a bone on how to get him. But somehow the Mark that Spike gave him protected him. Kept him safe. Would it protect him against descending completely into the undulating sea of inky shadows below him? Because sooner or later it would find a way.

Gritting his teeth and shuddering with absolute terror, he clambered from the boxes, and for a brief moment felt triumphant at the fact that the dark mist was only waist high. Hell he could even see his car! Couldn't quite feel his legs, but he could still move them. He had time for a silent ‘Oh Shit!’ before the shadows arched and crashed over him.

Blinding him.

Cocooning him in a world without sight or sound. Violent tremors ran through him as it probed nd hnd his body---his soul seeking a way in. He dropped to his knees with a soundless scream of horror, wanting only to wash away the oozing feel of it. Then he realized that he could feel the ground, the pavement under him! Shaking with revulsion, he got to his feet, mentally recalling exactly where his car was and blindly began walking. Praying that he was right and that he would run into the car. He could feel the shadows trying to slow him down, passing through his arms and legs in an effort to stop him. Hinneinned victoriously.

Then felt a sharp blow in his back and stumbled, falling to his knees. Glancing behind him, he saw the inky darkness part and an almost insane looking Spike...no, not Spike it was William. This man was not his Spike. Then the darkness covered him again.

Each time it parted, there was William waiting for him. Hurting him. Kicking him. Yelling at him. Xander felt a rib crack under the boots the other wore.

“How could you let that...that...thing touch you? I could see if it was a female creature allowing it to get close but...” William hissed at the young dark-haired man. His eyes glowed with self-loathing at the pleasure he felt each time he recalled the caresses between the two. William just wanted to destroy the object of his guilty forbidden lust no matter what the others told him to do. What SHE was screaming for him to do.

Xander staggered to his feet, only to meet another of William's furious rage inspired blows. With the shadow helping, it was easy for William to continue battering at him. The blows coming at him in rapid succession, knocking him into a car with enough force that he felt another rib crack.

William leapt upon the lurching figure, feeling fierce satisfaction surging through him at the bloody face the other wore. No one would ever want Xander once he was finished with him. No longer would the dark-haired mortal inspire shameful thoughts.

In William’s distraction, he failed to see Xander's foot come up and slam into his unprotected stomach, doubling him over with a whoosh of escaping air. He felt hands grip his head tightly, then his chin met the young man’s up thrusted knee, lifting him off the ground. He landed hard on his back, the night spinning dizzily, then blackness descended.

Sobbing for breath, Xander stumbled to his car. Despite the darkness that covered him, he knew exactly where it was. And the empty street that stretched out into the night. He focused only on getting away, trying to ignore the raging pain in his side. But his broken ribs and assorted contusions didn't appreciate being ignored. They spitefully flared with intense sickening agony as he got into his car. He only took a few extra seconds to try to breathe as shallowly as he could before he fumbled the keys into the car and took off with a screech of tires. He needed help.

In the side mirrors he saw Willow, Tara and Giles run out of the store.

But he didn't have time to worry about them. Not with trying to figure out how to avoid Buffy and Dawn standing right in the middle of the road. Not a bright move on their part, he thought half-hysterically. Especially considering that he now had only one semi-functioning eye.

But they were the enemy. They were the ones that hurt Spike and were trying to kill or do something to him. Something that he was firmly against being done. Not that he had any idea of what they were doing, but still, a man had to take a stand sometimes. Even if he didn't know what that stand was or where it was, but sometimes you just had to say ENOUGH and...it occurred to him that he was rambling, babbling really, to himself in panic.

And getting closer to them. To Buffy and Dawn.

Praying for strength, he pressed down hard on the gas and was soon zooming towards them. Closer. Closer...and he closed his quasi-good eye and let loose a primal scream. But at the lack of bumpty-bump-bump-bump, a clear indication that he had not run over two somebodies, he opened his eyes, checking the rear-view mirror. Seeing them pick themselves off the street and stare after him.

Then slow tears trickled down his cheeks for the vampire friend and lover he left behind. Setting his jaw with grim determination, and wincing at the fiery pain that shot through him, Xander headed for the one person that maybe could help.


//In the shadowy darkness, still imprisoned in their separate cages, both Slayer and Watcher smiled grimly at the brief lapse of control from the creatures that inhabited their bodies. They saw. Silently they rejoiced.

At least one of them was free.

They turned their attention back to the Shadow creatures, each thinking the same thought. If their capturers lost control once, perhaps they would again. This time they would be ready to take advantage.

Even if it cost them their lives. Death was better than this.//