Sweet Memories

Part 31:

Alex frowned at the strangers filling the hallway, wondering absently how so many people managed to fit there without standing on each other. He glanced over at Oz. "Daniel? Something going on I should know about?"

Oz bit back a frustrated groan. "Probably," he replied shortly, rubbing a hand over his eyes.

Willow missed the brief exchange, and she hurled herself forward, grabbing Alex tightly around the waist. "Xander! I thought you were hurt or dead or turned or eaten or something *awful*!" she babbled almost tearfully. "I can't believe you just vanished like that and didn't *tell* me, and your dad was *really* mean when we asked about you, and did you know Anya thinks you dumped her and --"

"Wills!" Oz barked sharply, halting her stream of words mid-flow.

Willow blinked, noticing how stiff her friend was holding himself. "Am I crowding? I'm crowding. Sorry, I just missed you so much!" Reluctantly, she let go of him, turning her attention to Oz. "And you!"

"Excuse me," Alex tried to interject.

Oblivious, Willow kept talking. "How *could* you! You heard how worried and upset we were, and you didn't tell us *anything*! I don't--"

"*Excuse me*," Alex repeated a bit more forcefully.

Startled, Willow paused.

"Thank you," Alex said with just a touch of sarcasm. He crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me -- they followed you home?" he asked Oz wryly.

"Something like that, it looks like."

"Are they the ones you were going to tell us about over breakfast?"

Oz held up the bag of doughnuts in his hand. "Yep."

Alex nodded. "Thought we might need visual aids?"

Oz just snorted softly in response.

Buffy stepped forward, coming to stand next to Willow. "Are we missing something?" she asked in an exasperated tone. "Did we all fall down the rabbit hole when I wasn't looking? Xander, *what* is going on here?"

"The name is Alex, and as for what's going on, I'd like to know that myself. Is there a reason you people are interrupting our breakfast?"

"What?" Buffy looked confused as she glanced between Oz and Alex. "Xander, what are you--"

"Hey, what's the holdup? I'm starved here." Wil opened the door wider and stood just beside Alex. "Who are your friends, Daniel?" he asked as he surveyed the hall.

"Spike!" Willow stepped forward, hands on hips, glaring intently at the vampire. "You better not have hurt Xander, you...you...undead creep!"

Wil frowned at the redhead. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" he asked.

By now, the utter confusion in the hallway was almost palpable. Gunn, who had been watching the proceedings curiously, leaned over to Wesley. "Are you sure they got the right guys?" he whispered.

"They certainly *look* like Xander and Spike. But their behavior does seem to be rather atypical," Wesley whispered back.

"Maybe they've been brainwashed."

"Highly unlikely, but it is a possible explanation."

"Ahem." Cordelia cleared her throat, interrupting the quiet conversation. "Do you guys mind? We're *trying* to rescue a friend here."

"Sorry, Cordy," they chorused.

With a final admonishing glare at the two, Cordelia turned back and pushed her way past Willow and Buffy. "Xander Harris," she began in a stern voice, "do you *know* what I've been through? I almost started biting my nails again! You are *so* lucky I didn't, mister, and don't you *ever* do anything like this again, do you understand me?" She glared, but sniffed softly, ruining the effect.

Alex leaned away from her. "Hey, no offense miss, but who the hell *are* all you people?"

There was a moment of stunned silence, then everyone started talking loudly all at once. As the noise level grew, Alex winced and pressed the backs of his hands against his eyes, groaning.

Wil frowned and pulled him close, stroking his hair softly. Turning his head, he caught Oz's eye and nodded towards the uninvited horde of people.

Oz nodded and cleared his throat. "Hey! *People*! Shut the *fuck* up!"

Again there was absolute silence as everyone gaped at the normally soft-spoken werewolf. The silence held only until Cordelia noticed her ex-boyfriend snuggled up against the bloodthirsty vampire.

"Oh. My. God. Why didn't anyone *tell* me that Xander and Spike were together?" Her mouth hung open as she watched the two holding each other close, petting and exchanging whispers.

Buffy scowled. "They're not!" she protested. "Stop that, you guys! Xander, you hate him, and he can't stand you either. Why are you acting all lovey dovey?"

"I-I think they're kind of cute," Tara ventured, blushing when everyone looked at her. "Well, they are!" she said defensively.

Alex spoke up again. "Look, I don't know what's going on here, and frankly, I'd just like to eat breakfast, have a nice, *sane* chat with Daniel, and then shag my boyfriend silly. So, if you don't mind...” He gave them a pointed look, then turned and pulled Wil back into the apartment. "Come in once you get rid of them," he called to Oz over his shoulder. The door clicked shut.

Willow's eyes narrowed dangerously, and the witnesses to the pencil incident cowered back a step. Oz, though, simply returned her stare placidly.

"I think you guys should leave," he said.

"*I* think you should tell us what's going on!" Willow responded angrily.

"You want the abbreviated version? Fine. Spike and Xander lost their memories and have no idea who you are. I'm trying to help them, and to be honest, having you here is probably not a good thing at the moment."

"We're Xander's friends. We want to help him too. Is that so wrong?"

Oz sighed. "Look, I know you want to help. But things are...weird right now."

"Yeah, you're telling me," Cordelia muttered. "Spike and Xander?" She shuddered, although a speculative gleam snuck its way into her eyes.

"Well, why can't they remember," Buffy asked. "Maybe Giles can figure something out. And why do they think they're d-dating?" She couldn't help stumbling slightly over the word.

"If you let me go in there and talk to them, I'll probably find out a lot more than I know now."

"But--"

"Willow." Buffy spoke softly, but the tone was enough to make Willow back down. "Do you think you can help?" she asked Oz.

"I'll do what I can."

"When can we talk to Xander?"

Oz thought about it. "How about I fill them in on what's what today, and we let them have a little time to soak it in. I'll see if I can get them to meet you all tomorrow night. The Bronze?"

Buffy nodded. "Ok. But promise you'll call if things don't go well? We really are worried about Xander."

Oz nodded. "And what about Spike? Are you worried about him, too?"

Buffy grimaced. "Spike is...perhaps not as annoying as he used to be. As long as he hasn't hurt Xander, I won't be forced to stake him." She smiled and glanced at Willow. "Or beat him to death with a shovel," she added.

"Ok. Well then." Oz gave them a small wave, then turned and slipped inside the apartment.

"What, that's it?" Willow glared at Buffy. "Buff, I don't--"

"Willow, chill out. Xander's alive, isn't he? And Oz is taking care of things. We'll see them tomorrow night, ok?"

"But--"

"*Ok*?"

"Fine," Willow growled, frowning crossly. She softened a bit, though, when Tara reached out and grabbed hold of her hand.

Buffy nodded then strode back to the elevator.

"What, that's it? No action?" Gunn heaved a sigh of disappointment as he got back into the cramped elevator with the others.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wil sat on the sofa next to Alex, rubbing his back in slow, soothing circles. "It's ok," he whispered, leaning his head against Alex's shoulder.

Alex sighed heavily. "What if they're right," he asked despondently. "What if we really hate each other? What if this," he waved his hand to encompass the entire apartment, "is all wrong?"

Anger clouded Wil's face. "Well I don't give a bloody damn!" he exclaimed harshly. "Why would you believe them, anyway? We don't even know them! And that one blonde girl made me feel...itchy." He shuddered.

Alex turned to his mate, worried. "Are you ok? What was it?"

"I dunno, pet. There was just something off about her." He shrugged. "I was probably just imagining it."

"Huh." Alex wasn't so sure of that, but he was willing to let the subject drop. Which still left them with the original topic of conversation. "Still, what if--"

"No." Wil glared at him, eyes flashing.

"Wil, we have to think about--"

"*No*!" He yanked Alex close, snarling softly. "I *love* you, you pillock. And don't you *ever* think I don't!" He pressed his lips to Alex's, crushing their mouths together.

"Hey guys, I...am I interrupting something?"

Alex was flushed when Wil finally let go of him. "N-no," he managed to stammer. "We're good." He shook off his daze and twisted around so he could lean into Wil's embrace. Looking expectantly at Oz, he added, "Have a seat, man. And spill. What was with the show out there?

~~~~~~~~~~

"Can you believe all that?"

Alex and Wil sat on their bed, trying to wrap their mind around everything Oz had told them.

"How can we be friends with a Slayer?" Alex asked with a distasteful look. "Jenna will *flip* if she finds that out!"

"So, we don't say nothing," Wil said decisively.

"Yeah." Alex fiddled with the edge of the sheet. "What do you think Daniel meant about that government chip he was talking about?" he asked after a moment.

"Dunno, pet. I don't feel like there's anything wrong with me. Do you think I've been acting strangely?"

Alex rolled his eyes. "Compared to what?"

Wil snickered. "Yeah, s'pose so." He sighed and lay back. "This is just...too much."

Alex stretched out next to him and laid his head on Wil's chest. "I know," he said quietly. "But maybe things will look different once we remember everything."

"I guess. So what, you wanna go back to sleep now? See if the rest comes back?"

Alex smirked as he eyed Wil's smooth, pale body. "Not...just yet." He kissed Wil, one hand already picking at the buttons on his shirt.

Wil laughed. "God, I love you, Alex."

"Mmmm. Less talk, more nakedness."

*****

Spike looked over as a familiar figure hauled a struggling boy into the room. He grinned wickedly. "Angelus!"

Angelus jerked Xander close, an arm around his neck holding him in place. "Spike!" he called back gleefully.

"I'll be damned!" Spike could hardly believe it was him. He hadn't seen Angelus for decades, and to find him here in Sunnydale was quite the surprise. He tossed his pole aside and greeted Angelus with an embrace, taking the chance to scent the delicious looking boy.

Angelus pulled away. "I taught you to always guard your perimeter. Tsk, tsk, tsk. You should have someone out there," he chided lightly.

"I did," Spike responded carelessly. "I'm surrounded by idiots. What's new with you?"

"Everything."

"Yeah? Come up against this Slayer yet?"

Angelus gave a slight nod. "She's cute. Not too bright, though. Gave the puppy dog 'I'm all tortured' act. Keeps her off my back when I feed!" He laughed.

Spike laughed as well. "People still fall for that Anne Rice routine? What a world!"

Xander glared up at his captor. "I knew you were lying," he said petulantly. He flinched when Angelus squeezed his neck sharply. "Undead liar guy," he added in a mutter.

Angelus sighed and grabbed the back of Xander's shirt, holding him with his neck exposed. "Wanna bite before we kill her?" he offered Spike.

A frisson of fear swept through Xander as he pictured Angelus' mouth hovering over his neck. The oddest sense of déjà vu swept over him. He heard the two vampires talking, but he was too distracted trying not to start whimpering from fear that he didn't really catch what they were saying. He was just wondering if he should try an escape attempt when a flash of movement informed him that Spike was drawing closer.

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

Lev and Illi raced through the downpour, laughingly seeking shelter beneath the large leaf of a banana tree. They alighted on a thin branch, panting gently.

Illi shivered a bit and shook his wings. "I *told* you we wouldn't make it back before it started!" he told his companion in a superior tone of voice.

Lev rolled his eyes as he dried off his own transparent wings. "You were having just as much fun as I was," he retorted. "Don't blame this on me!"

The branch shook a bit as a beetle scurried past. Once it had steadied again, Illi sat and let his legs dangle over the edge. "You know how cross Sarai gets with us when we're out too late."

With a shrug, Lev seated himself next to Illi. "Sarai's always cross with us," he griped.

"She might not be if you didn't get us in so much trouble."

"*Me*?" Lev glared at Illi. "Well, I like that! It's all my fault now, huh?"

Illi snorted with laughter and reached out to tickle Lev between his wings. "Of course, silly. *I'm* the good, sweet, innocent little sprite who was led astray by your wicked ways." He let out a high-pitched, tinkling giggle.

Lev eyed him skeptically. "Riiight." He leaned out and caught a raindrop, flinging it at the unsuspecting Illi, who spluttered and glared at him reproachfully. "What can I say?" he asked with amusement. "I'm wicked!"

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

"Xander!" Willow called out, just as Spike grabbed Xander from behind.

"I need to borrow the little girl," Spike said somewhat drunkenly as he choked Xander, who was struggling futilely in his arms. "You don't mind, do you?"

Xander kicked against the wall, shoving himself and Spike across the room. They slammed against a metal shelf, but Spike barely seemed to notice, tossing Xander aside casually. He tried to get up, but Spike's fist in his face convinced him otherwise, and he was back on the floor.

"Xander!" Furious at her friend being hurt, Willow picked up a microscope and launched herself at Spike.

Spike stopped her easily. "Threatening me? That's not nice. We're all gonna be very best friends." He grabbed the microscope away.

Again Xander rose, but this time Spike was a little more violent in his protestations. Whirling around, he bashed Xander across the face with the microscope.

Xander crashed to the floor once more, promptly losing consciousness.

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

Wallace gasped in a breath of fresh air as the covering over his face was jerked away. Dazed, he didn't see his captors leave, but knew they were gone when the sound of his heartbeat was the only thing he could hear. He squinted in the faint light, trying to make out where he was. A hiss of pain escaped him as he accidentally tugged against the tight bonds securing his hands behind his back.

As his eyes adjusted, Wallace frowned. The room was round, and the walls seemed to be nothing more than hides stretched out over a frame of wooden poles. What in the--?

The flap of the door lifted, illuminating the figure of man who quickly ducked inside. There was a spark, and a lamp flared, lighting the teepee. Wallace nearly gasped at the foreboding sight of the Indian brave who glared at him with dark, furious eyes. Unable to help himself, he cringed back when a hand reached out towards him.

That didn't deter the man, and Wallace trembled as the hand cupped his chin almost gently. "Please," he whispered tremulously, "where's my Pa? I want to go home."

The brave cocked his head, frowning. "Home is here now," he grunted in halting English. "White man take squaw away from Alchise, kill. Alchise take boy away from white man." Fingers caressed Wallace's cheek almost gently. "Not kill. Mine now."

Wallace twisted away. "Take me back to my Pa right now!" he demanded loudly, his voice breaking.

Alchise scowled and grabbed Wallace, clapping his hand over his mouth. "White boy want cry? Alchise make white boy cry," he growled threateningly.

Eyes huge with fear, Wallace shook his head furiously. There was controlled strength in the hands that gripped him, and he had no desire to have that strength turned against him.

Alchise grunted in acceptance and moved away. His prize had spirit, and once the boy had learned his new place in the world, Alchise had no doubt that he would prove to be a suitable replacement for his murdered wife.

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

Spike glared at the chair. "Don't see why I have to be tied up," he said, voice laced with irritation.

Xander sighed. "It's just while I'm sleeping." He finished tightening the knots in the ropes, then reached over to switch of one of the lamps.

"Like I'd bite you anyway," Spike said as he watched Xander climbing into bed.

Xander glanced over his shoulder and rolled his eyes. "Oh, you would."

"Not bloody likely!"

The other lamp was turned off, and the room darkened considerably. "I happen to be very bitable pal," he said firmly. "I'm moist *and* delicious."

Sarcasm was obvious in Spike's tone when he answered, "Alright, yeah fine. You're a *nummy* treat."

Xander closed his eyes, enjoying the tiny thrill of victory. "And don't you forget it," he said, finger pointing directly at the restrained vampire.

Spike watched him try to sleep, resolutely squashing the strange fluttering in his stomach. Something about this scene seemed entirely too familiar.

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

Elias winced as his knees hit the unyielding stone floor. He heard the guards shuffle from the room, and he timidly peeked up through the thick fringe of his hair. He gasped inaudibly when he met the deep blue eyes of his new master. Shocked, and not a little terrified, Elias glanced away, hoping he hadn't already managed to offend this man. Rumor had it that, despite his youth, Wenamun was not a master to trifle with.

A soft rustle of cloth made his ears prick to attention, but his eyes remained fixed on the floor. Abruptly, sandal-clad feet planted themselves directly in his line of sight. An insistent finger lifted his chin up, and Elias fought not to cringe away from the piercing gaze that seemed to lance through him.

"Very pretty," mused Wenamun as he looked over his new acquisition. "You are untouched I am told." A small smile flickered over his face. "I believe I shall enjoy...breaking you in."

Elias' eyes widened at the implications of this statement, uttered so casually in that clear, sweet voice. He shivered as something seemed to grip his heart, and he was nearly lost in the cool, possessive gaze of his master.

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

Xander picked himself up off the ground, shaking his head to clear it before once more going after the many tentacles undulating around him. "And while you're at it, how do you kill this fucker!?" His pitch of his voice was raised in desperation.

"Gill type things. In their sides. And puncture its heart, only way to kill one."

"Great," Xander muttered, making his way closer to the demon's body. Yelling loudly, he threw himself at it, shoving the piece of wood through its chest.

The Grun-thak snarled, reaching down and grabbing Xander by the neck, flinging him away. It pulled the makeshift stake out of its body, tossing it aside.

"Didn't work! New plan!" He scrabbled back from a hand, doing his best to avoid it.

"Bloody hell," Spike sighed. "Its heart, moron, not its liver!"

"What? I did!" He grabbed onto a few tentacles of his own, trying to keep them from moving too much. He blanched as he heard the sibilant murmuring start up again.

Spike dropped his bar, snatching two tentacles and quickly tying them together. Picking up the bar again, he jumped at the demon. "Actually," he brought the bar down hard on an arm, the snap clearly audible, "you didn't. Its heart," a quick movement, and another arm was decommissioned, "is about...here!"

The Grun-thak continued muttering quickly as it struggled to free itself. It had almost finished when Spike shoved the iron bar through its stomach. The demon's eyes bulged out, and it made a grating, rattling sound, then toppled, unmoving. As the copse lay there, a wave of iridescent fog burst forth from it, enveloping its victorious foes.

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

"Sorry, Xan, but the bleached wonder is yours tonight. No way am I taking him patrolling with me..."

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

"Bloody hell, twit! Watch what you're..."

~~~~~*flash*~~~~~

"Spike, would you just give it..."

*****

Dark eyes fluttered open, staring into sleepy blue ones. "Mmm, mornin', Spike," he slurred out.

"Xander," Spike responded with a nod and a yawn.

The two men froze, gaping at each other in the dim light.

The silence was broken by two voices breathing out simultaneously, "Holy *fuck*!"

*****
Part 32:

The two stared at each other incredulously for a long moment. The heavy silence was finally broken when Xander yelped and flushed, hastily yanking the blanket up to cover his bared body. "Spike!" he squeaked, his eyes darting around the room in search of an escape.

Spike narrowed his eyes at the other man's discomfort. "Xander," he growled softly. Something flashed in his eyes, and he reached out to his bedmate.

Again, Xander made a noise of protest and lurched away, falling off the side of the bed in his haste to escaped the touch. Quickly, he scrambled to his feet, clutching the blanket around him. When he realized that absconding with his makeshift robe had served to leave Spike naked on the bed, he spun around. "Um, Spike, this is...I mean, we...you...oh shit, I..."

Spike frowned and cocked his head as he listened to Xander's broken attempt at speech. "Pet," he said in a quiet voice, "What--"

"Oh god, don't say that."

Now Spike was confused. "Say *what*?"

"You can't...you can't call me that, Wi--Spike. It's not...don't you get it? This is all...none of it is--"

Spike snarled, cutting Xander off. "Yes, it *is*. This is *real* Xander. Alex."

"No!" Xander whirled around. His gaze flickered briefly over Spike's pale, lean body before fixing resolutely on his face. "I can't...I...” He shook his head, trembling. "I can't do this, W-Spike," he whispered in a miserable voice. "I just...can't." He stumbled across the room and grabbed a set of clothes, then rushed across the apartment to the bathroom.

Still naked, Spike followed him. He tried to push back the flare of pain that burst up when Xander slammed the door in his face. Hands balled into fists, he glared for a moment, then tried the knob. Locked.

"Xander! Open the door, you bloody pillock!" He banged on the door with a fist. He was about to give into the urge to wrench the door off its hinges and cart Xander back to the bedroom when the door finally opened.

Xander, now dressed, avoided Spike's accusing glare. He walked past the vampire towards the front door.

Spike leaped after him, shoving him up against the door and jerking him around to face him. "Where do you think you're going?" he questioned furiously.

"Out," Xander whispered. "I can't...I have to go out, Spike." He swallowed hard as he stared down at the slim fingers that were clenched in the fabric of his shirt.

"You're not walking away from this, Alex! I won't let you!"

Xander's face twisted and he pushed Spike back. "Stop calling me that!" he cried out, holding up trembling hands to ward of the vampire. "Just...I have to go!"

Spike's expression grew cold. "You think you can just leave? Put all this behind you? Ignore everything that happened between us?" Jaw clenched, he backed away, shaking his head. "It won't work. Xander...Alex. Don't you get it? *This* is *real*. How can you deny it? Us?" He took a deep, tremulous breath as he turned to stare at the covered window, idly examining the sliver of sunlight that seeped in around the edges.

In a voice so soft Spike almost didn't hear it, Xander said, "I'm sorry."

Too late, Spike whirled around only to find the door already closed. Frozen in his place, he listened in disbelief to the sound of Xander's hurried footsteps fading down the hallway.

A jagged pain ripped through Spike's chest. Bending over slightly, he clutched the back of the sofa, one hand held over his heart as he gasped desperately for air, fighting the awful burning in his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~

Ignoring the elevator, Xander sprinted down the stairwell, almost colliding with Oz. He never noticed, though, and determinedly made his way to the ground floor and across the lobby, drawing in a sobbing breath of air when he finally made it outside. He squinted down the bright streets, shading eyes that had grown accustomed to later hours and dimmer light.

He shook himself, then jammed his hands in his pockets and strode down the sidewalk, not slowing his pace until he was standing in front of the local liquor store. He checked to make sure he'd remembered his wallet, then squared his shoulders and went inside.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, you ok?" Oz watched in confusion as Xander barreled past him without giving him a backward glance. Frowning, he continued up the stairs, hesitating at the third floor. With a last look down to where Xander had made his hasty exit, Oz put his own plans on hold and left the stairwell.

He made his way down to Spike and Xander's apartment, knocking lightly on the door that had been left slightly ajar. There was no answer, and he had just made up his mind to forget it and go back to his place when something inside the apartment shattered, and a keening howl of fury rose up.

Steeling himself, Oz pushed the door open and stepped inside.

Ducking, he barely missed being bludgeoned by the glass pitcher that was hurled at his head. He flinched when it flew past him out into the hallway and smashed into the far wall, a dent in the plaster testifying to the force with which it had been thrown.

"Um, Wil?"

Bitter, almost hysterical laughter met this, and suddenly Oz found himself dangling in midair, a hand wrapped around his throat and glittering yellow eyes flashing inches from his own.

"Haven't you heard? It's not Wil any more. The name's *Spike*." With that, the vampire let Oz drop to the floor.

Coughing, Oz rubbed his neck, already imagining the interesting bruises he'd take from this encounter. Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound. "I take it you guys remembered everything?"

An expression of almost unbearable despair crossed Spike's face before he twisted his mouth into a sneer. "What clued you in, mongrel?" he snarled. Hands shaking, he spun around and picked up an ashtray, flinging it across the room where it hit a picture on the wall, shattering the glass. The picture swung crookedly for a moment, then it too went crashing to the floor.

Oz winced. "So, I guess it didn't go too well, huh?"

Spike stood frozen, staring at the spray of glass shards that littered the carpet. "He left me," he whispered so quietly that Oz almost missed it. Then, with a guttural cry, Spike picked up the end table by the sofa and smashed it against the floor, not even noticing when splinters of the wood flew off and lodged into his skin.

Oz took a deep breath, watching in horror as the naked, blood-flecked vampire continued to wreak havoc on the apartment. Not knowing what to do, he backed slowly away, stumbling out into the hallway.

A door opened behind him, and Mellie stepped out, blinking sleepily as she patted at the curlers in her hair. "Daniel? My word, what is all that racket?"

"They remembered," Oz said softly. "And Xander...Alex left."

"Oh dear." Mellie straightened and brushed her hands over her bathrobe. "Well, I can see it's up to us to fix this." Her eyes flickered briefly as a series of crashes punctuated her words. "Daniel, be a dear and see if you can't fetch Alex back here. I'll just go have a few word with Wil."

"But--"

"Don't argue with me. Just go."

Oz blinked. "Um, ok." He cast a last look at apartment where Spike was systematically destroying anything even remotely breakable. "Just...be careful, ok?"

"Of course dear. Now shoo." Mellie watched him hurry away, then shook herself and turned to deal with the enraged vampire. She gave a small sigh of sadness, wondering how much more these two would have to go through to find their happiness together.

~~~~~~~~~~

Oz found himself deeply thankful for the enhanced senses that being a werewolf had left him with. He was able to follow Xander's trail easily, although he had to hold back a groan of frustration when he finally found the other man sitting on a bench and clutching desperately to a rather large, half-empty bottle of whiskey.

Stifling his disappointment of Xander's reaction to the situation, he sat down next to him. "Hey Xander," he said in a subdued voice.

Xander just shrugged and lifted the bottle, swirling the contents around, gazing at it as if it held all the answers. Or as if he wished it did.

"You wanna talk about it?"

Xander let out a choked of sob and tilted the bottle.

Oz watched as a thin stream of fluid trickled from the bottle to splash down on the pavement below, where it followed an already marked path towards the curb and into the gutter. Oz felt something inside him loosen in relief as he realized that Xander hadn't been drinking the whiskey he'd bought, but instead seemed intent on pouring it out on the ground. "Xander?"

"I...I really loved him, you know?" Xander finally said hoarsely.

"What, like past tense?"

Xander hitched a shoulder and kept pouring the whiskey out.

"So wait, let me get this straight. Yesterday you loved him, and today you don't? Because of some memories that finally came back?"

"I can't...it's all different now." Xander shook his head. "What happened with us wasn't...it shouldn't...it wasn't real."

Oz's eyes narrowed, and a hand darted out to yank at Xander's collar. Harshly, he poked at the mark there. Spike's mark. "*That* is real, Xander. You knew he was a vampire, you let him in, you loved him, you *married* him. It doesn't just go away now that you remember who you are."

"But--"

"I'm not done yet!" Oz snapped, shocking Xander into silence. "Think about it, Xander. Were you any different during this whole 'lapse of judgement' thing? Did your personality change at all?"

"Well, sort of. I mean, not really, but...I guess I was *more* myself. Because I didn't have anything to hold me back."

"So what makes you think it was any different for Spike?"

"But he's evil!" Xander blurted out. "He's tried to kill me! And Willow, and the others!"

"And maybe, just maybe, this was a chance for him to let you see what he's really like. Without all the bluster and posing that comes with maintaining the image of a big, bad, master vampire."

"I...” Xander flushed and looked away.

Oz sighed. "You still love him, don't you?"

At the words, Xander shuddered a bit. Then the bottle dropped to the ground as he cradled his head. "Yes," he murmured tremulously.

"See? That didn't change when you remembered. Do you think it changed for him? Because I know he loved you, or else you wouldn't have these." His fingers brushed over the mark again.

Xander sniffled softly. "But how can I go back there?" he asked in a dejected voice.

Oz stood and pulled Xander up, brushing him off. "You turn around and walk. Swallow your pride and for once in your life actually *talk* about what you're going through. With Spike."

Xander stood, undecided.

"He's hurting, Xander. Just as much as you are."

Xander bit his lip and looked vaguely ashamed, as if it had just now crossed his mind that this wasn't exactly easy for Spike either. "Ok," he said. He looked back at Oz. "Come with?" he asked plaintively.

Oz nodded and walked with Xander back to his apartment.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Would you bloody fucking well just *sod off*!"

"Not until you calm down and actually listen to what I'm saying." Mellie crossed her arms over her chest, taping her foot impatiently as she fixed the vampire with a disapproving glare.

"What are you, my bleedin' mum? I'm. Not. Interested!" Spike glared petulantly back at her, then slouched down further into his seat.

"It's all really quite simple, William," Mellie explained patiently. "Do you want him?"

Spike turned his face away, muttering.

"Do you love him?"

He flinched.

Mellie sighed. "Is he still yours?"

Spike exploded out of his chair. "Yes! Yes, all right? He's *mine*," he hissed vehemently. "I took him, an' marked him, and he damn well belongs to me!" He started pacing the room, not even wincing when he stepped on sharp bits of glass and wood.

"Well then, are you just going to throw a tantrum and let him leave? Or are you going to do something about it?"

Spike paused and, hands trembling, asked in a broken voice, "But how do I make him stay?"

"Oh sweetie, I--” She broke off at the loud gasp from behind them and turned.

Xander blanched as he took in the state of the apartment, as well as the condition of the vampire who had destroyed it. "What the hell...?"

Oz darted a look at Mellie. In a brief moment of silent communication, they both came to the same conclusion. While Spike and Xander were still too bewildered to resist, they forcibly dragged them into the bedroom then slammed the door shut. Mellie's face screwed up in thought, then she muttered a few words, smiling in satisfaction as the door shuddered with the impact of a furious vampire, but held easily.

"Spell?"

"Hmm." Mellie nodded. "Fortification. Makes the door and walls as strong as steel. I also jammed the lock so the door won't open. I'm a bit out of practice, though, so it won't hold for long."

"Well, let's hope it's long enough."

~~~~~~~~~~

Spike and Xander sat at opposite ends of the bed, avoiding looking at each other. After about an hour of trying futilely to escape the room, they'd determined to simply ignore one another. Almost another hour of complete silence had passed, though, and Xander couldn't take it any more. "I can't believe you trashed our apartment," he muttered.

Spike snarled. "Oh, it's *our* apartment, is it? An' here I thought I was just an intruder taking advantage of your delicate state!"

Xander flushed. "Hey, that's not fair!" he retorted heatedly, "What was I supposed to do when I wake up and find myself married to a vampire?"

Spike launched himself across the bad, pinning Xander down. "That's right!" he yelled, "We *are* married. And you can't just make all this go away now that you're having second thoughts!"

"Second thoughts?" Xander shouted back. "Who's having second thoughts? I never even got to have *first* thoughts about all this!"

"Oh sure! An' that wasn't you writhing under me, beggin' me to bite you and make you mine!" Spike's eyes flashed.

Xander's breath caught and he gave an involuntary wriggle. Then he tried to push Spike off of him. "That's not the point! Look, just because I love you doesn't make all our problems go away! I mean, we can't just expect everything to be like it was before we remembered. And, oh god, Buffy and Willow know about this. And shit, what about Anya? What am I supposed to do...Spike? Why...um...why are you looking at me like that?" He shivered under the intense gaze that Spike was fixing him with. He flushed again when the vampire's tongue darted out to wet his lips. "S-Spike?"

"You love me?"

"I...um, what? Huh?"

Spike touched Xander's cheek gently, stroking his finger over the rough stubble. "You said...'just because I love you'," he reminded him.

"Oh." Xander stared up at Spike wide-eyed. He shifted uncomfortably. "Well...I...I..."

Spike growled softly. "Xander," he purred in a low, husky voice. "Do. You. Love. Me?" He punctuated each word with a tiny lick at Xander's mouth.

Xander's gasped and moaned. "God, Spike, I...” He panted as the tongue worked it's way over his face to his ear, teasing at the sensitive skin there. "I...” His earlobe was sucked into a cool mouth and nibbled. "I...” Teeth nipped softly at the patch of flesh behind his ear. "...yes..."

Spike froze and pulled back. "Yes?" he questioned, trying to keep the desperation out of his voice.

Xander studied the vampire hovering over him, wondering why he didn't feel even the slightest bit of fear over being nibble on. Quite the opposite, in fact, as all his blood seemed to have rushed to the lower part of his anatomy. Noticing the hesitant look on Spike's face as he awaited confirmation, he dragged in a deep breath. "Yeah," he admitted. "I don't know how, or why, but I just...” He frowned, lifting his hand from where it was stroking over Spike's side, wondering why it felt sticky.

Spike blinked, momentarily disoriented as he found himself shoved off of Xander and flipped over to lay flat on the bed. "What the--?"

"Oh god, Wil. You're bleeding! Does it hurt? Are you ok?" With shaking hands, Xander yanked off his shirt and started dabbing at the wounds, sighing in relief when most of them proved to be already healed. A few, though, still had splinters of wood stuck in them, and Xander dashed to the dresser, scrambling to find the tweezers.

For the first time, Spike noticed that he had managed to injure himself during his rampage. There were little pinpricks of pain from where the splinters had taken up residence, but nothing major. "Alex, I'm ok. It's just a little bit of--fuck!"

"Sorry. Shit, what did you do to yourself?" Xander squinted and worked another splinter free. "Christ, can't leave you alone for five minutes, can I?" He mumbled under his breath as he searched Spike's body for more injuries. Spike's...body. Spike's very...naked...body.

Spike arched up as the hands examining him suddenly started to caress, petting along his rapidly sensitizing skin.

Mesmerized, Xander watched his hands slide over the smooth, pale skin of Spike's deliciously naked body. "God, Wil," he breathed reverently as he touched the lean, muscled body that belonged to him. *Him*, damn it! "Mine," he whispered and he bent and ran his tongue over the tiny streaks of blood on Spike's chest, licking a path up to a peaked nipple.

"Alex!" Spike gasped, hands flying up to hold Xander's head in place.

"Mine." Xander turned his attention to the other nipple, biting down on it with gentle pressure. "Mine," he growled again when he released the tortured bit of flesh and nibbled his way up Spike's neck. "Mine." He captured Spike's lips with his own, shoving his tongue inside and reclaiming the territory.

Spike slid his hands down Xander's back, scrabbling at the pants that hindered his progress. With a bit of twisting, and some help on Xander's part, the pants were soon shoved down, tangling in the shoes that Neither had remembered Xander was wearing. It didn't matter. It was enough.

The two bodies twined together on the bed, limbs moving sensuously against each other. Pale and tanned, dark and light, wrapped together as if they were never to be parted.

Neither one could last long. As they rubbed against each other, reveling in the touch of flesh, loud noises of need and desire filled the room, and both men were soon panting heavily with heightened passion.

Spike tensed and pulled Xander's head back far enough that he could meet lust-dazed eyes with his own. He thrust his hips up as he stroked his other hand over Xander's ass. "Mine!" he snarled as he came, eyes locked with his lover's.

Xander gasped when he felt Spike's release against his stomach. He stared down into Spike's eyes, blue ringed with gold, and lost himself.

"Wil!" Body quaking, Xander came against Spike, holding himself rigid for endless seconds before collapsing onto his lover.

Spike purred as he held Xander to him, stroking and petting his sweaty, shivering body. "Mine," he repeated.

"Yeah," Xander murmured in reply.

They lay there for a while, calming. Eventually, Spike began to tongue Xander's hairline, pressing sweet kisses along his face and head.

Xander smiled and snuggled in closer, glad that Spike never complained about his weight on him after sex. "Spike?"

"Hmmm?"

"I'm sorry for leaving."

Spike sighed, pressing Xander impossibly closer. "S'ok, luv."

"No it's not." He pushed himself up a bit. "If I ever try something like that again, just club me over the head, drag me back, and shag my brains out, ok?"

Spike grinned lasciviously. "Deal." He yanked Xander's head down for a scorching kiss. "Now, where were we?" he asked playfully and he pushed his renewing erection up against Xander's hip.

~~~~~~~~~~

Oz and Mellie did their best to straighten up the apartment as they waited. When the banging on the walls had stooped and utter silence had fallen, they gave each other hopeful looks. Nervously, they waited.

After a while, voices rose in anger, but neither could make out what was being said. Then, there was silence again.

"You don't think they killed each other, do you?" Oz asked tentatively.

"I hope not," Mellie muttered, then smiled brightly. "I'm sure everything will work out fine, Daniel. Just wait and see."

Oz snorted. "Right."

There were muffled noises, and then a yelped curse. After a few more minutes, loud groans could be heard. These went on for quite some time, until a loud cry rang through the apartment.

"Wil!"

Relaxing, Oz and Mellie traded relieved looks. "Well," Mellie said as she casually made her way to the door. "I think that's our cue to go."

"I'm right behind you."

They left the apartment, closing the door on the couple who seemed to be engaged in some rather intense...making up.

*****

Part 33:

"Oh god, do we really have to go?" Xander fiddled nervously with the hem of his shirt as he watched Spike finish dressing.

Spike wriggled into a tight-fitting mesh top. "Don't have to do anything, pet," he replied. "Could always just stay here an' shag for a few more hours." He leered at his lover.

Xander fought down a blush. "Spike! Don't make me think about that right before seeing the girls! Oh, geez!" He covered his face and shuddered, turning his back on the tempting vampire. "Don't jump the vamp, Xander," he muttered to himself.

Spike snickered softly at that. Softly, he moved in behind Xander and slid an arm around his waist, pressing a kiss to the nape of his neck. "Seriously, Xan. We don't have to go. Not like we have to answer to them or something."

Xander actually gave the idea a bit of thought before shaking his head. "No, they're our friends Spike. They deserve an explanation."

"*Our* friends?" Spike lifted an eyebrow.

Xander rolled his eyes and turned in Spike's arms, kissing him on the nose. "Fine, be that way. *My* friends, your bitter enemies."

"Right. Just remember that." He gave a low growl and nipped playfully at Xander's chin. "So, what's the plan then? Wanna blow it off?"

"No, no, I'm good. I'm fine. It's just...ok, I'm nervous as hell. It's going to be so *weird* to be around them again, which is not something I ever thought I'd say. And how am I supposed to explain to them that I'm gay? I mean, they probably won't be shocked about you, but me? It's not like I've ever been with a guy before. Ok, I may have *thought* about it on occasion, but that was just normal and perfectly healthy curiosity! I never *did* anything!"

Spike quirked an eyebrow at him. "What, and I have?" he asked with a touch of indignation.

Xander blinked. "I...what?"

Narrowing his eyes, Spike attempted to look confident, although for some reason he simply appeared nervous. "Not like I'd ever been with a bloke before either," he muttered.

Xander abruptly sat down, a gust of air whooshing out his lungs. "Oh," he said softly. "I...oh. Well, it's just...I...I just always thought...I mean, you and Angel..."

Spike stared at him incredulously. "*Angel*?" he barked out. "You thought me and *Angel* were--" A look of utter horror crossed his face. "That is just *sick*, luv," he growled, shuddering. "Besides, the ponce always hated me back then, and the feeling was quite mutual I can assure you!" He gave another shudder. "Me an' Angel," he mumbled, cringing at the mere thought.

"Oh." Xander had the grace to look embarrassed for his assumption. "So...never? I mean, you're over a century old, you never...you know...tried anything with another guy?"

Spike shrugged. "I was with Dru," he explained shortly.

"Yeah but...oh."

Spike cocked his head, studying the flustered human curiously. "I don't cheat, pet," he said quietly.

"So...just Dru, huh?" Xander let out a nervous laugh. "Wow, most women would kill for a guy that faithful." Xander mulled over this new information for a bit. "But weren't you and Harmony..." he trailed off.

"We shagged for a bit. It was after I'd finally called it quits with Dru. Never was anything serious, though. Why's it matter?"

"Oh, it's just kind of strange, is all. I mean, my b-boyfriend is a hundred years older than me, and we've slept with the same number of people."

"Yeah?" Spike frowned at the thought of anyone else touching his mate. "You and Willow...?"

"What?! No! Not that we might not have if...but no!" He sighed. "It was...um, Faith."

"What, the rogue Slayer? Damn, you've got balls, Xander!" Spike managed to look somewhat impressed.

"Yeah, well, it was more of a one night stand thing. Actually, it wasn't even that. More like 'wham, bam, thank you Xan, here's your clothes, have a nice life.' She wasn't real big on commitment." He rubbed at his throat. "Besides, the thrill of it wore off after she tried to choke me to death."

Spike's face darkened. "I'll kill her," he snarled, fists clenching. "I'll hunt her down and rip her guts out. Wrap her entrails up in bows, an' peel her flesh off!"

"Hey! Woah! Chill with the dismemberment stuff! And--hey Spike? Why isn't your chip going off?"

"Huh?" Spike frowned and looked down at his fisted hands, then back up at Xander.

"You know, when you have naughty, human-hurting thoughts and--oh shit," Xander breathed. "You punched him. You punched my father. That first night when we...oh fuck."

Spike staggered, then sat down weakly next to Xander. "An'...I never had any problems when I got a bit rough with humans at the club."

They stared at each other blankly for a few minutes trying to process this discovery. After a bit, Xander cleared his throat nervously. "So...I guess this means your chip's fried, huh?"

"L-Looks like." Spike's eyes filled with trepidation. "So...this change things? You wanna...call it quits or somethin'?"

"No!" Xander jumped up and began pacing nervously. "Of course not. I mean, it's not like you're planning on having me for dinner or something." He paused and eyed Spike warily. "Um, you're...not, are you?"

A speculative gleam grew in Spike's eye as he stood, licking his lips and prowling towards Xander. "Actually, luv," he growled in a voice thick with lust, "that's *exactly* what I was planning." He caught Xander in his arms and began to nibble at his earlobe while a hand snaked down the back of his pants.

"Eep! Spike!" Xander tried not to melt as Spike's cool tongue laved a path down his neck. "We can't...we have to...oh god..."

Spike grinned, then pinched Xander's ass sharply.

"Ack!" Xander jumped back, one hand clutching his ass as he glared at the vampire. "You...you..."

"Come on, luv, gotta get going, don't we?"

"You are *so* going to pay for that. One of these days, when you least expect it, you *will* pay."

Spike leered. "Looking forward to it."

Xander stared at him, eyes narrowed, for a few more seconds. "Right." He looked around, apprehension once more clouding his expression. "So...I guess we should go. Oh. You promise not to hurt any of them, right?"

Spike shrugged. "Not permanently, anyway. Well, except maybe Angel. Wanker."

"Ok. Yeah. Well...let's do it."

~~~~~~~~~~

Willow bounced nervously on her stool, twisting around to get a better look at the entrance to the club. "They're not here yet. Why aren't they here yet?"

"I'm sure they're on their way, sweetie," Tara said quietly, gently patting Willow's knee.

"But what if something happened to them? What if they got attacked and Xander is lying in some alley all beat up and hurt and bleeding and--"

"Willow. Do calm down. Inducing a panic attack is in no way going to help the situation."

Willow blinked at Giles, then nodded. "Right. No panicking. I can do that. I'm not panicking. I am so totally *not* thinking about Xander being pounded to a pulp and--"

"Willow!" Giles leveled a long, quelling look at the redhead, causing her to shrink back in her seat, blushing slightly.

Cordelia returned with a drink and sat in one of the vacant chairs around the table. "They're not here yet? Hey, you don't think something happened to them, do you? You know Xander, he's practically a walking--"

"Cordelia!"

She glared at Giles. "Rude much? Geez, what's your problem?"

Before Giles could answer, Wesley and Gunn returned, each setting down a tray of sodas on the table.

"We miss anything?" Gunn asked, then looked somewhat baffled at the icy silence that met his query. "O...kay."

After a moment, Wesley cleared his throat. "Well then. Has anyone seen Angel?"

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "He and Buffy are 'talking'," she made little air quotes with her fingers. "Prepare for full brood mode upon return."

Wesley frowned. "Do you think that's wise? Perhaps it's best if they simply continue to remain somewhat...distant from each other. After all, their former, er, relationship was at best a foolhardy endeavor and Buffy--"

"--is standing right behind you."

Wesley whirled around, only to be met by the combined glares of Slayer and vampire.

"Are we interrupting?" Angel asked in a sardonic tone.

"Er, n-no, that is to say, we, uh..."

"Wes, man, give it up before you end up eating the other foot." Gunn clapped him on his back, nearly knocking him from his seat.

"Hmmm." Buffy glared at Wesley for a moment longer, then turned her attention to the others. She frowned. "Xander's not here yet? Huh. Hope he's managed to stay out of trouble on the way over."

Giles let his head drop to the table, but resisted the urge to thump it repeatedly on the hard surface.

"Giles? You ok? Guys, what's wrong with Giles?"

"I don't--"

"Hey."

At the soft greeting, every head swiveled to get a glimpse of the newcomer.

"Oz!" Buffy squealed and grabbed the werewolf, lifting him from the floor and squeezing him tight in a potentially bone-crushing hug. At his gasp for air, she blushed and set him down, brushing him off. "Sorry. Kinda forgot to do that last time, though."

Unable to restrain herself, Willow bounced out of her seat. "Where's Xander?"

Oz looked over his shoulder, frowning. "That's funny," he said, "they were right behind me just a minute ago."

Just then, Spike and Xander appeared, Xander looking somewhat flushed and out of breath while Spike merely looked smug. Both, though, were sporting lips that were looking rather bruised and kiss-swollen.

Xander resisted the urge to cover his mouth, knowing that would only draw even more attention. "Um, hey guys. What's up?"

Buffy stepped forward tentatively. "Xander. Are you, um..." she tapped the side of her head.

Xander grinned weakly. "Memories intact and brain functioning as normally as ever," he reported.

"Good. That's...good." She cast a questioning look at Spike. "So..."

Steely-eyed, Spike stepped forward and pointedly took hold of Xander's hand. "Gotta problem, Slayer?" he growled.

Xander chuckled weakly and squeezed Spike's hand as hard as he could. "Spike," he said quietly through gritted, "we agreed you would play nice."

Spike snorted. "There's no bloodshed, is there?"

Buffy glowered at the vampire. "That remains to be seen.."

"So, you guys are shacking up, huh? I never figured you for the gay scene, Xander. How's that working out for you?" Cordelia looked around at all the eyes trained on her. "What?"

"Oh, very tactful. Way to ease into the subject," Buffy snapped.

"Xander?"

Xander turned his head to see Willow, all bounce and excitement gone, watching him with a hesitant look. He released Spike's hand and opened his arms, smiling softly. "Hey, Wills. Missed you."

With a stifled sob, Willow threw herself forward. "Oh, I'm so glad you're ok. I was *really* worried about you," she whispered in a choking voice.

Xander's voice wasn't exactly steady either as he answered, "You know me. Nothing can keep the Xan-man down." He felt a cool, steadying hand on his shoulder and looked back at Spike gratefully.

Willow pulled away, wiping at her face. She gave a quavering smile. "I hate it when I cry. I get blotchy."

Tara stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Willow's waist. "You look beautiful, sweetie," she assured her.

"Right, now, enough of the waterworks. Gonna make me heave." Spike made to shove his way past the group and find a seat at the table, Xander in tow, but a strong grip on his arm stopped him. He glared up at Angel. "Bloody hell. Lemme go you wanker," he snarled.

"Spike, what do you think you're doing?"

"Well, I *was* gonna sit down and have a few drinks, maybe get in a snog or two with my mate."

"Your ma... Spike, you didn't."

Spike tensed. "I bloody well *did*. Now sod off!"

"Let him go."

The shock of hearing Xander actually growl at him made Angel release the other vampire. "Xander," he tried to reason, "You don't realize--"

"*Yes*. I do." Without another word, he nudged Spike toward the table, leaving Angel staring after them speechless.

Spike sat and pulled Xander into his lap. "Xan," he purred in his ear, "that was just lovely. Makes me wanna do naughty things to you." He nibbled an earlobe, then licked.

"Oh." Xander's eyes fluttered almost shut and he melted back against Spike.

Gunn cleared his throat pointedly. "So," he said in an overly loud voice, "lovely weather we've been having lately."

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Gunn. Tell me, boys, how long have you been doing the wacky?"

The question filtered through Xander's lust-fogged brain, and he pulled away from Spike, spluttering.

"Cordelia!"

"Geez Wesley, get a life. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who thinks that these two going at it would make for a damn nice mental image."

Buffy giggled. "Y'know, she's right. That, um, that is kinda hot," she admitted as she avidly watched Spike's hand sneaking past the waistline on Xander's pants.

Xander let out a squeak and jumped up. "Spike!" He batted the vampire's hands away. "Not in front of--umph...mmmm." He couldn't resist as Spike pulled him back down and kissed him firmly.

"Woah."

"Amen, sister." Cordelia fanned herself.

Willow watched, somewhat worried. "But--"

"Willow." Tara covered her mouth. "Look at them. Look at their auras. Can't you see?" She let her hand drop.

Willow's eyes widened and a breathy exclamation escaped her. "Oh. That's...they're...ohhhh."

"Yeah." Tara smiled brightly at the couple. "Isn't it sweet?"

Spike finally let Xander up for air, and he panted heavily. "Wow."

Spike chuckled. "I second that."

"So I guess you two are really together, then?"

Xander jumped as Buffy's voice intruded on their lust, and he finally tore his eyes away from Spike long enough to look at her. "Yeah. Um...we...we're gonna try and make it work." He bit his lip nervously. "You're...not mad, are you?" he asked, ignoring Spike's growl.

Buffy sighed. "I can't say I'm not worried. Neither of have exactly the best track record. But..." She looked at the two, unable to deny the deep feelings they obviously had for each other. "It's your decision, Xander," she said firmly. "And you're my friend. Whatever happens, that won't change. So if you and," her nose wrinkled, "Spike want to...date...well, I guess I can support you." Her eyes narrowed. "As long as he doesn't do anything too annoying and force me to stake him."

"Hey, no one allowed to stake my vamp but me."

"Bloody hell," Giles groaned, "I need a drink." He stood and made for the bar.

Xander blinked and turned red. "I just said that out loud, didn't I?" He groaned and shook his head. "Thanks, Buffy," he said softly. "That means a lot to me."

Buffy shrugged. "Hey, what are friends for?" She pulled him out of Spike's lap and hugged him. "It's good to have you back."

"This is getting too mushy for me," Cordelia announced. "Xander, welcome back, yadda yadda, I want to dance. You," she pointed at Oz, who had almost managed to sneak away unnoticed, "dance with me."

Oz quirked an eyebrow. "Well, since you ask so nicely..." his voice trailed off as Cordelia practically dragged him to the dance floor.

"Ahem." Willow waited until all eyes were on her. "If the two of you are serious about this, then I believe I have a duty to fulfill."

"Wha--!" Spike yelped as Willow yanked him off his chair. "Christ, you're strong for such a little chit. Hey!"

"If you'll excuse me, I have to talk to a vamp about a shovel." Willow kept a firm grip on Spike as she began to drag him away..

"Shovel? What shovel? Red, where are you taking me? Xan? Xan! Stop bloody snickering and call off the witch!"

"I gotta catch this." With a wide smirk, Buffy moved to follow the two, then paused. "Oh, Xander?"

Trying to calm his laughter, Xander turned his attention to Buffy. "Yeah?"

"I spoke with Anya earlier. She...she couldn't make it tonight, but she said to tell you she was planning on dropping by to visit you two tomorrow."

Xander blanched, all amusement gone. "Oh," he said weakly. "That's...great." He smiled wanly as Buffy walked away, wondering how he was going to break it to his boyfriend that his possibly vengeancy ex-girlfriend was going to be visiting the happy couple.

"Would you...like to dance?"

Shaking himself, Xander turned toward Tara. "Huh?"

Tara smiled at him. "Our d-dates seem to be occupied, so...wanna dance?"

"Oh. Right. Um, sure." Trying to avid the thought of his ex-girlfriend for a few more hours, Xander smiled brightly and led Tara toward the crowd of dancers.

Angel glowered at his remaining employees and the entire room in general, then turned and stalked away.

Wesley and Gunn stared after him, then turned to look at the dancing couples. Simultaneously, they looked at each other and shook their heads.

"Huh-uh." "No way."

They both reached for one of the many abandoned sodas.

~~~~~~~~~~

Xander's leg jerked spasmodically at the knocking on the door. He glanced at Spike, worry evident.

Spike tried not to look as upset as his lover when he shrugged with seeming nonchalance. "Better answer that, pet," he said quietly.

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, Xander got up and walked to the door, opening it with only the smallest bit of hesitation. "Hello, Anya," he greeted their visitor, then moved aside to allow her entrance.

"Xander," Anya responded softly. She stepped through the doorway and looked around. "This is...nice," she said after a moment.

"Thanks. We like it. Spike and me, I mean. Which is good since we live here. Both of us. And you know this already so I'll quit babbling now."

The corner of Anya's lip twitched up a little. "Breathe, Xander," she told him.

"Right. Um, have a seat. You want a drink or anything?" When Anya shook her head, Xander hesitantly moved back to sit next to Spike.

Anya seated herself and stared intently at the two for long minutes. "So," she finally said, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "You're going to be gay with Spike now?"

Xander choked, which resulted in Spike glaring at Anya while he rubbed Xander's back. After a minute of arching into the caress, Xander waved him off.

"I mean, it's perfectly understandable. Spike *is* rather nice-looking, and he does have a great body, not to mention a very fine ass. It's actually quite arousing picturing the two of you having orgasms together." She studied the two men earnestly, determined to put on a brave face for this. Besides, she had other options too, didn't she? Maybe she could stop by Harmony's place, and they could...commiserate again.

Face flushed bright red, Xander managed to meet Anya's eyes. "I'm sorry, An. I never meant for you to get hurt. But--" He shrugged and picked up one of Spike's hands with his own, smiling gently at the vampire.

"Well, I suppose it's for the best, really," Anya said with only a trace of wistfulness. "Besides, I think I might want to explore this thing with Harmony a little more. You know, even after all my years of being a vengeance demon and wreaking untold pain and destruction on men, I'd never actually considered turning to another woman for orgasms. It was an enlightening experience, I must say."

This time it was Spike's turn to start choking. "Harm? You mean...you and *Harm*?"

Anya nodded excitedly. "And there's this thing she does with her tongue that just..." She shivered dramatically in remembrance.

"Yeah, tell me about it," Spike muttered, then glared at Xander when he was whacked across the shoulder.

"Well that's...that's great, An," Xander said weakly, doing his best not to think about what Harmony might have been doing with her tongue. Then again, maybe he should see about getting some pointers from her from the way Spike and Anya were reacting. Clearing his throat, he finally asked the question that had been plaguing him. "Um, Anya? Are you by any chance going to get all...vengeancy on me? I mean, I'd totally understand it if you felt a need to, but I'm *really* hoping to avoid it if at all possible."

Anya took a deep breath and looked Xander squarely in the eyes. "Xander," she started without a trace of her usual brusque manner, "I haven't been a human girl for very long, and I know that most people probably think I don't get half of what goes on." She smiled sadly. "I may be blunt, and outspoken, and...ok, kind of self-centered. But...I also know what's in your eyes when you look at Spike."

"Anya, I--"

"Please, let me finish." She took another breath. "We were good together, Xander. And there will always be a part of me that still loves you. But even after only being around you two for just this short time, I can tell that you love Spike. When you look at him, there's something in your eyes that I never saw when we were together." She smiled sadly. "I had a piece of your heart, Xander, but Spike...it's like you guys have a piece of each other's souls. And even if I might on occasion entertain thoughts of making your penis break out in oozing pustules, I care about you enough not to want to ruin what you and Spike have together." She sniffled softly.

Xander was at a loss for words. He couldn't deny the way he felt, and he didn't want to hurt Anya any more than she already had been. Biting his lip and doing his best to ignore the comment about the pustules, he just tried to offer a bit of comfort to Anya, leaning over and stroking her arm gently.

Anya shook herself and stood. "Well," she said briskly, "this is all just silly anyway, I mean, it's not like Spike even *has* a soul. And I *hate* getting all weepy, so I'm just going to go now." Nodding decisively, she wiped her face and strode to the door. Her hand was on the doorknob when she paused. Turning, she gave Xander a naughty, if somewhat wobbly, grin. "You think, maybe just once more for old time's sake?"

Spike growled and jumped out of his chair.

Xander just sighed and shook his head. "Sorry, Anya."

"Oh. Ok, well, just a suggestion." She shrugged and opened the door. Just before it closed, she poked her head back in. "If Spike feels left out, we could always do a threesome, I--"

"Anya!"

Anya rolled her eyes. "Prudes." The door shut with a soft click.

Spike relaxed, stalking over to the couch and straddling Xander's lap. "You're mine!" he hissed, eyes flashing.

Xander chuckled. "You hear me arguing?"

The door opened again. "You know, I could probably talk Harmony into joining--"

"*Anya*!"

*****

"So." Xander kicked out of his clothes, then flopped down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. "This was definitely an...*interesting* day."

Spike undressed and collapsed next to him, snorting. "Got that right, pet. Can we *not* do it again?"

"Fine by me." Xander wriggled close to Spike and draped an arm around his waist. "Mmmm, you smell good," he said quietly as he nuzzled the vampire's neck. His tongue slipped out and licked a broad strip across the pale skin, and Spike shivered.

"Y-yeah? You like, huh?"

"Mmmmm-hmmmmm." Xander continued to lick, punctuating his progress down Spike's chest with delicate little nips and nibbles.

Spike arched up into the tantalizing sensations. "Luv!" he gasped out when Xander's tongue dipped into his naval. He writhed helplessly under the wicked onslaught of that talented tongue, clutching at Xander's hair to hold him close.

A faint smile played about Xander's lips as his vampire squirmed under him. He licked again at the tiny indentation, then pressed a sucking kiss to Spike's belly that left a momentary red welt. He burrowed in closer, arms wrapped around Spike as he licked again, the movement of his tongue getting slower and slower...

Spike stilled, blinking down at his mate in consternation. "Xan? Um, luv?" A soft snore was the only answer he received. Spike huffed out a heavy sigh and let his head thump back down on the pillow. "Bollocks," he whispered. He grimaced at the painful state of his erection, but reached out to turn off the lamp, careful not to jostle Xander.

"Night Xander." Spike stroked Xander's hair gently and, after more than a few uncomfortable minutes, joined his mate in slumber.

~~~~~~~~~~

Xander yawned and stretched, pulling his armful of cool, snuggly vampire closer.

"Mmm, Xnlv," Spike slurred out sleepily and he wrapped himself around Xander.

Xander grinned wriggled into a better position, sliding his erection along the crease of Spikes thigh. "Spiiiike," he sing-songed playfully. "Wakey, wakey!"

"Hmm? Timeizzit?" Spike yawned and pressed closer, licking his mark on Xander's neck.

Xander arched his neck and thrust against Spike's groin. "Oh, Spike...again. Do that again."

Blue eyes opened and blinked, then darkened with lust. "Xanderrrr," Spike growled as his own arousal stirred, "you were a naughty boy last night."

"Naughty? Oh! I...mmmm...what'd I do?"

"*Didn't* do more like. You fell asleep, luv. Left me all hard and aching for you."

Xander nibbled on Spike's chin. "Mmmm, bad Xan. Make it up to you."

"Yeah." Spike thrust harder against Xander. "Make it...Fuck! Just like that!"

Their legs tangled together as their pace increased, hands roaming and lips melding as the two lazily sought completion. Wake-up sex was always the best, the pleasure starting slow and gentle, gradually mounting until neither one could take anymore.

Almost in unison, the two shuddered in orgasm, their movements eventually slowing as they continued to pet and stroke each other lovingly.

Xander sighed happily. "Love that," he admitted quietly.

"Love *you*," Spike retorted.

Xander beamed. "Love you, too." They kissed again, tongues twining in sated pleasure.

The persistent knocking on the door brought them both back to reality. Xander struggled to sit up, and frowned. "Were we expecting company?"

Spike shrugged. "If it's a salesman, can I eat him?" When Xander glared, he affected an innocent look. "Just a little nibble?"

Xander sighed in capitulation. "Only if you promise not to drain him," he answered in exasperation, then ruined the effect by laughing.

"Git." Spike whapped him with a pillow.

When the knocking continued, Xander groaned and clambered out of bed, digging in the closet for a robe. "All right, I'm coming!" he yelled.

Spike snickered, hand rubbing over his belly. "Bit late for that, luv," he said wickedly.

Xander pretended he hadn't heard and walked to the door. He opened it just a bit. "Buffy?" opening the door further, he peered out. "What's wrong? Is everything ok?"

"No, everything's fine. Um, can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure." Xander held the door open for her, closing it once she had entered. "So what bring you here, then?"

"Yes, ell..." she pause as she eyed Xander closely. "Am I interrupting? Were you and Spike...um..."

Xander belted his robe more securely. "No! We just...woke up. You're not interrupting anything, really."

"Oh. You sure? Um, good then." Buffy cleared her throat. "Xander, after the two of you left last night, it came to our attention that you had left a little something out about your relationship with Spike."

Xander blinked. "I...you...what?"

"Angel was good enough to fill us in, and I'm here for confirmation." Hands on hips, she fixed Xander with a stern glare. "Are you and Spike married?"

Xander choked. "I--"

"'Cause Angel seems to think that you guys did this whole vampire mating ritual thing, which would technically make you married. So, is he right?" She tapped her foot, waiting impatiently for Xander's response.

"Um, well, you see, it's like this...we--"

"Yeah." Spike lounged with barely hidden tension against the bedroom doorway. "We're 'married'. Something you want to say about that?"

Buffy shrugged. "No, just making sure. Never exactly pictured either of you as married men, occasional messed up Willow-spell notwithstanding, but whatever floats your boat. I just wanted to make sure."

"Um...why?"

Buffy grinned at Xander. "So we could celebrate the occasion, of course." She strode to the door and flung it open again.

Xander and Spike gawked in disbelief as the Scooby gang, followed closely by the L.A. team, entered the apartment, bearing armfuls of food, presents and decorations.

"Congratulations, Xander!" Willow squealed as she flung confetti at him.

"Um...thanks?" He watched with a bit of trepidation as Angel cornered his lover, hoping there wouldn't be any blood spilled on the nice clean carpet.

"Of course, I'm a little miffed that you didn't invite me to the wedding, but I guess I can forgive you since you didn't even remember I existed at the time."

"Um, Willow? I...don't think it was quite like you're thinking. It was sort of a...private affair."

"Oh? Oh!" She turned almost as red as her hair. "Well. Ok then. Right." She looked around. "So, where should we set up the food?"

Xander smiled at her unabated enthusiasm, realizing how much he'd missed it during his time away from the group. Not that he'd trade in what he had now. He smiled across the room at Spike, who was too intent on his discussion with Angel to notice.

"I swear, you poncy little bugger, if you do *anything* to try and screw this up, I will rip your--"

"Spike. I get it. All right?" He glanced over at Xander, who was doing his best to hover while standing on the other side of the room. "Ok, so I don't get the whole mated-to-Xander-Harris thing, but...I get it. You love him." A rare smile appeared. "Congratulations."

Spike shrugged and scuffed his feet, not meeting Angel's gaze. "Yeah, well..." A goofy grin spread over his face. "He's somethin', ain't he?"

Angel smothered a cough. "Er...yes. Something." In an obvious move to change the subject, he asked, "Have you been eating well? You look...better."

"Yeah, well, Sophia, she's this real top notch kinda gal, she hooks us vamps up with some good stuff. You ask me, I think she's got a bit of a mothering streak gone wild, but who am I to pass up decent blood?"

"Um, hey, everyone still in one piece here?"

Spike jumped and spun around to see Willow smiling cheerfully and offering up a plate of cookies.

"Snack?"

Spike took one carefully, keeping one eye warily on Willow in case she got any more shovel-related ideas. "I'm...gonna go check on Xan."

"Angel? Cookie?" She frowned and looked over to where he was staring. At Riley. Who had his arm around Buffy as they talked intently. "Riiight. No cookie. I'll be going now." She quickly made her way over to the object of Angel's intense scrutiny. "Cookie?" she asked in a chirpy voice.

Riley took one with a nod. After Willow had gone, he resumed his conversation with Buffy. "All I'm saying is that this is really not a good idea. I mean, Xander? With Spike? He's a hostile! Chip or no chip, he's still capable of doing something really evil."

"So is everyone," Xander spoke up from behind them. "You know, that's one thing that's really sunk in since I've lived here. Demon doesn't necessarily equal evil, and souls don't necessarily equal good. Life isn't that simple."

Riley winced slightly at the remonstration.

Xander added, "Oh, and you might want to reconsider your stance on 'hostiles' considering you're currently standing in an entire building full of them. And if I'm not mistaken, that's some of them now.

"Alex!" Mellie bustled in through the still-open door, Dana in tow. "We heard the commotion and thought we'd pop over. What's the occasion?"

"Hey Mellie," Xander grinned and hugged her. "Sort of an impromptu wedding/congratulations party that my friends decided to throw. You're welcome to stay."

"Don't mind if I do. Dana, go call Sophia. I'm sure she'll want to know about this, and she can invite a few others, too." She gave Xander a smacking kiss on his cheek. "We'll make this an all-out celebration!"

Buffy finally managed to recover her speech. "You...you're the fudge lady!" she blurted out.

Mellie laughed delightedly. "Such an interesting young woman. Come, you and I simply *have* to talk!" Ignoring any protests, she ushered Buffy away, chattering constantly.

Riley watched them go in confusion. "What just happened?" he asked plaintively.

Xander laughed and gave him a hearty slap on the back. "Welcome to my life, Riley. Leave your sanity at the door and jump on in." He continued to laugh as Riley wandered away.

"Xander, may I speak with you please?"

Sobering quickly, Xander nodded and followed Giles down the hallway. "What's up? And why are we in my bathroom?"

Giles closed the door and stared at Xander intently, causing him to fidget uncomfortably. Finally, Giles spoke, "Do you know what you've gotten yourself into?" he asked in a calm voice.

Xander took a deep breath. "Yeah." He reconsidered. "Ok, maybe not totally, but that's par for the course for me, right?" He chuckled weakly.

"Xander, I'm serious. Spike has never been exactly...stable. Even for a vampire. Do you really have any idea what being his...his *mate* means?"

Xander straightened. "Look, Giles. Maybe things didn't happen how any of us planned. But I think they turned out better than I could have imagined. I *know* Spike. Better than you could ever possibly imagine I do. And what we have, what we *will* have...I *want* it. I..." He smiled. "I love him, Giles. More than I ever thought I could love anyone."

"I see." Giles studied him for a moment more.

"Are...you disappointed in me?" Xander asked hesitantly.

Giles sighed. "On the contrary, Xander. I don't believe I've ever been prouder of you than I am right now." He smiled and brushed Xander's hair our of his face. "You've...grown into a fine man," he said in a husky voice.

Xander grinned in relief and clutched Giles in a fierce hug. "Thanks," he choked out. "That...means a lot to me."

"Yes. Well." After a moment, Giles finally pulled away and brushed off his jacket. "We should get back to your party." He turned and opened the door, only to run into a glaring Spike.

"Somethin' going on I should know about?" Spike asked with a growl, glaring at Giles.

Giles rolled his eyes. "Oh for...we were doing absolutely nothing untoward, Spike. Now be a good vampire and give your mate a kiss. And having said that, I believe I need a very strong drink." He quickly left the two alone.

Spike shrugged and did as he was told, pressing Xander up against the wall as his kissed him deeply. When they finally parted, Spike smirked. "Got some more guests, pet. We should be good host and go greet them."

Xander glared. "You are an evil, evil man," he panted.

"Yup." Spike nipped him playfully, then dragged him back to the living room. "Hey look, it's Sophia. And is that Jon with her?"

"Wil! Alex!" Jon waved at them, striding over quickly. "Nice place you guys have."

"Yeah, we like it. How's the wrist?"

"Oh, practically good as new. I'll be back on stage tomorrow night, thank heaven. I tell you, bar tending is not my thing. I'll leave that to Alex." He smiled brightly at Xander, who still seemed to be having trouble meeting his eyes. "So," he continued, "how's the newly wedded couple doing? Having any...problems?" He winked.

"Shut. Up." Xander gritted out, face red.

Spike frowned. "Xander, what is up with you? You've been acting strange with Jon ever since we..." He paused, thinking. "Wait a sec..."

"Oh! Look! Oz is here! With Jenna! I'm going to go say hi!" He hurried away.

"Xander? Xander!" Spike rushed after him, leaving Jon standing alone.

"Was it something I said?" Jon shrugged and looked around the crowded room. He licked his lips when he spotted the most absolutely delicious man standing all by himself against the wall. Being the polite and attentive soul he was, he quickly made his way over.

"Well, hello there handsome," he purred in a throaty voice. "Haven't seen you around before."

"I-I beg your pardon?" Wesley stuttered. "Are you speaking to me?"

Jon reached out and trailed a finger suggestively over Wesley's shirt collar. "You're the only utterly gorgeous man I see standing here," he responded.

"Oh. Er...I..." He flushed as the finger dipped briefly under his collar.

Jon leaned forward. "My name's Jon," he breathed into the other man's ear.

"W-W-Wesley," he managed to stammer out.

"Mmmm." Jon flicked his tongue out and licked at the tempting bit of flesh in front of him. "Wesley. Sounds positively...scrumptious." He licked again. "Would you like to go...get a drink? I work at this bar close by. We can...get to know each other a little better."

Wesley gasped, his knees buckling as Jon's tongue flickered in hand out of his ear. "I...um...I..." He glanced around the room desperately.

"Please?" Jon added a touch of a whimper to his voice as he let his hand trail down and brush over Wesley's crotch.

Wesley squeaked. It took him several seconds to pull himself together enough to respond. "A-a-all r-right." He moaned when Jon smiled and gave him a brief yet passionate kiss.

"Lovely," Jon murmured. "Shall we?" He pulled away and turned, leading the still-dazed man to the door. "Loved the party, Alex," he called on his way out. "We'll have to do it again sometime!"

Xander watched them go wide-eyed. "Spike? Did Jon just leave with Wesley?"

"Looked like. Someone's gettin' lucky tonight." He leered at Xander. "Maybe more than one someone."

~~~~~~~~~~

As the last guest left, Xander collapsed on the sofa. "Remind me never to do that again."

Spike sat next to him, pulling him close. "That bad?"

With a sigh, Xander shook his head. "Nah. At least everyone managed to keep from killing anyone else. Zero death toll is always a plus." He snickered. "I still can't believe Jon hooked up with Wesley. Wesley!"

"Eh, always knew he was a bit of a poof. What do you think about Jenna?"

"And Oz? Dunno. Could be good I guess. At least he managed to get her here with Buffy around and all."

"Yeah, for a minute I thought she was gonna make a dive for the door when she saw the Slayer," Spike snorted. He softened. "She's a brave girl, I'll give her that."

"Gotta wonder about Oz, though. Dates Willow, Willow ends up with Tara. Jenna was with Alicia, and now her and Oz are giving it a go. Do lesbians have a weak spot for werewolves or something?"

Spike whacked his arm. "Prat," he said fondly.

Xander stuck his tongue out, then he frowned. "Do you think we should have mentioned something about your chip before they left?"

They looked at each other for a moment, then said in unison, "Nah!"

Spike chuckled and pulled Xander into his arms. "The place is a mess, pet."

"Hmmm." Xander snuggled closer to Spike. "Clean up tomorrow?"

"Gotta go back to work tomorrow night," Spike reminded him.

Xander groaned. "Geez, I'd forgotten."

"We...we don't have to," Spike ventured. "I got a bit of cash stored away, should keep us for a bit.

Xander shook his head. "Nah, I don't want to do that to Frankie. Besides...I kinda like working there." He gave Spike a wolfish grin. "Especially when you dance," he growled.

Spike let out a bark of laughter. "You...are insatiable," he gasped out as Xander nibbled at his neck.

"You like me like that," came the retort.

"I like you any way I can get you," Spike admitted.

Xander pulled back and smiled. "Love you, Spike."

"Love you too."

"Forever?"

Spike smiled at Xander lovingly as he cupped his cheek. "Always. My soul will love yours for eternity."

Xander blinked away the tears in his eyes. "Good," he stated firmly, "because my soul has got it bad for yours."

"I remember," Spike whispered, then gave Xander the softest, sweetest kiss he could remember getting. Ever.


Finit.
At last.


AN:

Well. That was some trip. I have no idea how many readers stuck with me through this, but I thank each and every one of you for not giving up on me, especially during my major bouts of writer's block. I also would like to thank every single person who sent me feedback and encouragement, and especially the ones who pointed out inconsistencies that had slipped by me.

I will tell you now, there will not be a sequel to this. I like the way I've left things, and I'm not going to mess with it.

Thanks for holding out until the (bitter) end!