Elderly Pets

Fic: Elderly Pets

Author: josie_h

Pairing: Spike/Xander
Rating: Mature Audiences (M/M sexual content! And themes)
***Warnings: D/s, Major character death, slavery***

It’s an AU!..... The Premise: A hundred and fifty years after the final battle with the Senior Partners… Demons rule the world. The luckier humans are pets…. Most are bred for food. Spike survived, and in the early days found Xander at an auction, purchased him and did what Spike does best…. Made the most of it.

Author’s Note: Don’t own the characters etc and bow down to their original creators Joss, et al., plus all the wonderful online writers who continue to give them life.

Part 13



There were nearly two thousand people in the circus tent sized marquee, including attending media. This was the death of a Prize Pet, Founding Sire of the famous Aurelius line, and human life partner of a world leader - no matter how private that Master Vampire might prefer it to be – this was an ‘event’ to be reported. Most of the demons attending were Spike’s political and business associates, others simply friends, many were the proud owners Aurelian humans. And there were many demons in the congregation that silently endorsed Spike’s choice of *human* life partner and more importantly the right to choose.

Spike had requested that every one of Xander’s offspring be present and had arranged accommodation in the surrounding area, a full day of entertainment for owners and their partners in appreciation for them agreeing to come and dinner out on the night after the family funeral.

As the audience entered the Chateau’s enormous marquee, all the humans of Xander’s immediate bloodline (but for the small children) were kneeling, clad in plain black capes and unfettered other than the usual collar – though that too was plain black leather. They were all touching shoulder to shoulder, facing the coffin, heads bowed and silent. They made twelve neat rows around fifty deep spanning the very front of the ‘hall’. For the demon audience attending it was an impressive sight.

John and Daniel flanked their Master as the tiny figure clad in an ancient leather duster and docs entered the marquee last as the slowly retreating strains of the Howe-Steffe’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic” ushered them to their seats… triumphant to the last… the organizers had let the sons choose. Forgoing all societal protocol, Xander’s two boys took a hand each and wrapped their free arm around the back of their father’s grieving partner. The three walked painfully slowly but proudly into the service. They settled Spike in the front row seat then both dropped to a kneel on either side of their Master and rested their cheeks on his thigh.

Master hadn’t eaten properly (but for the night before with his daughters) or slept restfully since Xander died. He was uncertain he could ever do so again…. The boys had decided… if he was to survive this without walking into the sun the next morning… he needed something… They both sported raw bite marks to their wrists so did two more of the daughters. As instructed in their father’s last note, they had all but force fed their Master after they gave him a drug the stud’s nurse guaranteed would take the ‘edge off’ the trauma of the funeral. The blood of family was still singing through his system, but even that didn’t really help.

Spike felt empty and detached as he sat. The cremation had taken place mere minutes after Master had closed the casket, as they had agreed some time the previous day. So there was a beautiful silver urn seated at the centre of an enormous wreath of white and pale yellow roses, gardenias, carnations and lilies, with a single blood red rose at its centre. Spike barely registered the walk to his seat but as he settled saw the sea of black before him, all Xander’s beautiful children, their children.

He began to shake again and Daniel snaked the hand furthest from the audience across his own body to grab his Master’s hand and squeezed. Concealed by his cloak John’s arm closest to Master wound around the strong calf, wrapping it in the closest thing to a hug he could manage under the circumstances.

Once the demon audience was settled, the master of ceremonies gave a flick of his hand. All the human offspring folded to a full down position, with the exception of around twenty heavily pregnant breeding females including Bethany, who were kneeling at the ends of each row and simply held a comfortable half down position. It signaled the beginning of the service.

The master of ceremonies was Spike’s good friend Janni. He welcomed everyone and began to speak, giving a little of the history of Alexander Aurelius (nee Harris) born on the Hellmouth in Sunnydale twenty four years before the Rise. Janni had carefully edited the details, knowing that the press would have a field day if they tied Spike to the Slayer somehow. The audience gasped as they realized the age to which Xander had lived. Janni went on to mention Xander’s role as nanny/carer for the Ralotisch family prior to their move to the south, then accelerated through Spike and Xander’s early years together. The focus was on the establishment of the bloodline and the extraordinary qualities of the Prize Pet and life partner. Janni extolled the quiet strength and support the Pet afforded his Master, Spike, and the devotion to his role as the Stud’s founding sire.

It all washed over Spike, his ears were ringing in an odd sort of way, and the room seemed like it was filled with fog. All their beautiful children, perfectly in rows and all theirs…. He *wished* it was Xander holding his hand… why couldn’t it be Xander… maybe it was, he thought he could see him… it was his hair resting against his thigh… The room began to spin. Daniel felt the grip relax and squeezed hard, jolting his Master back to the present.

The stud coordinator spoke next, praising the Founding Sire of the line for his consistent support, his excellent bloodline, and his calm approach to all things… Spike drifted again… It had never been calm… There was never a day when they both had not questioned what they were doing… Not a moment when the children who had left their care were forgotten… and many nights of holding and grieving and reassuring, worrying that what they were doing might all go belly up. There was always a taint of sadness when watching the children growing up… not really knowing what would happen to them once they were beyond the Chateau gates… It fueled the fierce resolve of Xander to make the youngsters’ lives even more joyful for the first seventeen years, a resolve matched by Spike’s own… They had mused once … what if … what if all this had not happened… what if there had been no Rise… or if they had chosen to simply go on with no family despite all the indicators that they should act… It would have meant none of the joy of each other if there had been no Rise, or joy of a family had they decided to stay as they were... In both cases Xander would likely be dead and Spike dusted years ago… the muse of that train of thought died that night, and they thanked a variety of deities for their lot, then reaffirmed their vow to improve the lot of others.


He realized Daniel was trying to extract his hand from the vice like grip of his Master and had clipped a lead to his collar. Spike shook himself a little and let go, allowing Daniel to be led to the front of the room by Marcus, as public protocol dictated, to speak on behalf of the Aurelian line. He knelt in a formal position with Marcus behind him, still holding the lead. He was thankful of the head down position as it allowed him the luxury of simply reading a prepared statement.

“Members of the Alliance of Ruling Regions, Head of the Clans of the South East, Esteemed guests and members of the press. Many thanks for attending this service for the Founding Sire of the Aurelian line, my Master’s life partner and prize pet. I speak on behalf of his many offspring. I wish to pay tribute to our Master and founding sire for the gift of life and for their tireless efforts on the behalf of all Aurelian offspring. We of the breeding line consider ourselves fortunate indeed to have been borne into such an esteemed stud. On behalf of my Master, I also wish to publicly acknowledge all the owners in the audience for agreeing to allow a gathering of the line here today, it is much appreciated. Establishing a breeding line such as the Aurelian Stud requires a fine founding Sire and a commitment to excellence from both stallion and Master. It also requires outside support and advice, Master wishes to thank the many owners, breeders, business and political leaders who had supported the Aurelian Stud over the years.” (The latter as close to a political statement as Janni dared make, but those in the know would understand). Daniel then turned to face the urn, “Goodbye dear father, Sire of our line and partner to our beloved Master. You will be sorely missed.” Daniel then followed Marcus back to his place at Spike’s feet.

Daniel had arranged Taps as the music to conclude the short service. It was played by a sole bugler standing on the sweeping steps of the Chateau just behind the marquee. For Spike, there was no amount of drugs that could blot out the gut wrenching message… He’d lived in the human world and listened to it, he knew its meaning. The tribute to those who’d fallen seemed fitting, if anyone had been a warrior for good, it had been his Xander. All the children had been told the meaning of the ancient, rarely heard tune, and as it sounded, the ground under the group became awash with the silent tears of grief for the fallen father of their line.

Master squeezed his hand so hard that Daniel felt a finger snap when the music started. But as it concluded and the long clear note rang out, his Master began to fall forward. He was tempted to break protocol but knew that would have longer term repercussions for the whole family with press present. Instead, without breaking his kneel he tore his wrist open on a bolt under the chair and pressed it against the vampire’s mouth. He was pleased to feel Spike latch on and muffle an anguished cry then take some blood. John squeezed the leg he was holding even tighter and as the audience stood to leave, he too offered his wrist.

Fortified, Spike stood with assistance and slowly but proudly exited into the waiting crowd. John had dutifully attached a lead also but they both took the trouble of sliding the loop over Spike’s wrist so he did not have to hold them. Protocol and press demanded that they be perfectly behaved today of all days, so the leads were essential. Spike was inundated with well wishers and the flash of bulbs. The reporters interviewing all and sundry, commenting on the service, the attendees, the exquisite house, the impeccable behavior of the offspring, and threw in an occasional passing of mention of the actual reason they were there. Spike made an effort to thank the members of the Alliance who attended, plus a number of other leaders who had no other reason to be there than a genuine concern for human rights and respect for Spike and his pet. Spike found Janni and Marcus, and thanked them sincerely as the cameras shone upon them. He was sure they would not use the footage but was pleased to do it anyway. He stayed for almost three quarters of an hour, being pleasant, grateful, charming, polite, noble, and survived… just….survived.

The gardens were well lit and the Chateau ballroom open and with snacks and drinks for guests who wished to partake. Some people were returning home but for those going to the evening of entertainment arranged, the buses provided were beginning to fill. Spike took his leave and flanked by John and Daniel, ascended the steps of their home to ready themselves for the private service.

…………………..

The family funeral was held outside under Master and Grandfather’s favorite oak tree. The gentle slope down from the house and the oak a little way up the opposing slope provided a perfectly natural amphitheatre. Brasseries and outdoor oil lamps had been placed around the area for light and some warmth, rows of picnic blankets had been placed on the ground to sit on, and neatly folded blankets were piled here and there in case further protection was desired. The urn was front and centre under the oak along with its beautiful flower arrangement but this time, all the flowers the children had kissed and placed by the coffin the previous day were strewn around it too.

The family members with a role in the proceedings sat close to the front while the remaining took their places quietly. Someone – probably one of the lovely grounds staff, had thought to bring a chair down for Master.

Petros, John’s huge, gentle personal handler, wandered down the slope with his two silent charges. He had heard of the brutality they had lived with and knew, from experiences outside the Chateau, that these two men were going to need more than a little help to ease out of the training of nearly sixty years. He resolved to speak to Master as he felt he would like to be a part of the process if he could help. He also felt that Carlos, who was also assigned to him, would be a good influence on the twins. Arriving at the venue he touched them both lightly on the shoulder and they folded to a kneel instantly. “I am going to let John take your leads for the part with the brothers. Are you OK with that?” The two men nodded heads that were already down.

Petros moved to crouch in front of them, “You’re with only those of the household now. Especially when there is only offspring you keep those chins high, Master will want that. Can you remember to keep your chins high when there is just family?” The two nodded a little slowly, but lifted their heads and nodded again. Petros smiled, a pointy toothed grin and patted them both on the arm, “Well done… Very well done.” Adrian breathed a sigh of relief at having definitely done something right, and was grateful for the kind handler’s understanding and praise.

Eventually everyone was settled and this time it was Octavia who did the honors as MC.

“Thank you all for coming to honor father and join with us in giving thanks for a life well lived and well loved. I would ask that we begin as father would, by paying tribute to the Master, his life partner, and as he told us so many times, the light and the love of his life, his friend and protector.” The entire group faced their Master and went into full down position touched the ground then returned to whatever sitting position they started in. “ Thank you Master for all you have done for us, please let us ease your burden in the days and weeks to come.”

“Father’s life was unique as was stated in the formal service, he was borne on the Hellmouth in Sunnydale at the very beginning of the nineteen eighties. His home life was not happy, something that spurred him on, with the support of Master, to make ours such a joy later. He was friends with the Slayer … the only one of her time… even resuscitating her and bringing her back from death twice. He lost his eye in their final fight with the First Evil. Master fought alongside Father for at least three of the final years of Sunnydale but they lost track of each other. After the Rise, father was captured in England, he survived because of his experiences in Sunnydale where he had learned that not all demons are ‘evil’ – as all of us here are aware.” She paused for effect and looked around all the handlers and household staff not of the human species.

“After ten years of loyal service the family was caught in the madness following the demon wars and had to sell all their slaves. Master found father on the docks by chance. And the rest is history. Their love affair began that very day.” (Octavia knew from a private discussion with father that it was a week or two but … poetic license!) “Initially part of the resistance movement, then beginning to work in the business sector to gain influence, Master and father have worked tirelessly over their years together to fundamentally change the laws for the treatment of humans and other slaves across the world.

“Father was never limited by his status. He reveled in the challenge. But that was true of Master also. Father was often heard to say that he was so loved by Master that to serve him in any way was his greatest joy and that he received tenfold any love he gave. Father was a warrior for good for the whole of his one hundred and eighty four years.

“Today we, his children say goodbye to his mortal body but not to his spirit, that lives on with all of us. We are his legacy and we honor him by continuing his bloodline and its traditions; by considering the moral code we were all raised with and by loving our children as he did us; and by performing our duties while working toward a better tomorrow as best we are able.”

“Thank you father for all you have given us…. We will not forget.” Octavia’s voice broke and she moved to the side letting John and the two silent brothers join Daniel and turn to address the group.

It was John who spoke while the other brothers simply stood behind. John and Daniel deciding that it was necessary that only one of them speak rather than highlighting the other men’s limitations.

“I am speaking on behalf of my three brothers and myself. We wanted to celebrate father’s sense of fun. He was able to make any activity a special event. The best of those of course were the ones with Master… but sometimes it was just father. Rather than a lot of descriptions we have chosen to give you a bit of a list from our early memories of him – and you can add your own… so here goes…

“- Rolling races (how many of you remember lying at the top of the north sheep hill and seeing if you could beat father to the bottom rolling …)
- Pooh Sticks (a rite of passage for the sixes - and father *always* cheated!)
- Bombing the pool (he could always make the *biggest* splash!)
- Fishing (he was dreadful at it and we don’t think he really liked it but he took us anyway)
- Sneaking donuts and snacks from the kitchen (who’s done that with father?)” Virtually every hand went up and Simon smiled a little it was one of his favorite memories.

“You add your own…. Father has shown us how to be loyal, courageous and fair, and not to lose the child inside. And he taught us by word and deed how to love – and not just by his generous hugs and kisses for us, but by allowing us to see his deep, mature love for our wonderful Master.

“Thank you father. Thank you for giving us all such very happy memories.” The four men took their places again, Petros took the leads from John and whispered, “You did fine,” to the two men as they knelt.

A pair of blonde, curly haired twin boys with saucer wide brown eyes stepped forward holding hands. The one on the left began, “This is a poem by A.A. Milne called “When I was Six”.”

The second little boy all but interrupted, “We were going to read the one about Alexander beetle because grandfather used to like that one, but we all know this one by heart so Bethany said we should do this one.”

The first little lad butted back in, “And anyway grandfather said you have to know this one or you can’t play Pooh Sticks.” There were many smiles and a few chuckles at the last statement, but the audience all hushed again as the second little boy continued. “We would like you not to clap at the end because this is for grandfather.”

And after that, their two little leaders turned to the group of eight little children behind him and whispered (loudly!), “ Ready, set, Go!”, and they recited in unison.

“When I was One
I had just begun

When I was Two
I was nearly new

When I was Three
I was hardly Me

When I was Four
I was not much more

When I was Five
I was just alive

But now I am Six, I’m as clever as clever.
So I think I’ll be six now for ever and ever.”

One little fellow on the end of the row beamed widely at the conclusion of the poem, and the little girl next to him nudged him, and was heard to whisper… “Sposed ta be serious!” to which he shrugged but toned down his grin.

Bethany moved forward as they finished, quietly thanked them, and led them from the central area, leaving the central area for Xander’s daughters.

Desmonde was spokesperson this time. “Father we pay tribute to your role as advisor and friend. You were the hug when a hug we needed, you were the shoulder to cry on, the advisor when wise words were needed, our silent support always.

“You allowed us to become who we are today… yet every day you grieved that all your children could not stay with you. If only you could see us all together father… we are many and strong… and we are all still your children… we always will be… ” Desmonde trailed off but had finished.

A ten year old Kathryn then stepped forward ready to read the “Badger’s Parting Gifts” - a much loved ancient piece by Susan Varley telling of the very old Badger’s peaceful death and his friends fond memories of him - as per Xander’s instructions. He had thought it would “help the littlies to understand”. The young brunette knelt in front of the tree dutifully turning the book so each page could be seen by the children gathered in the front. The crowd at the back could not see but she spoke with a cultured clarity and confidence that paid honor to her heritage, and the moment. She inadvertently looked up once and her eyes locked with the crystal blue orbs of her Master. Tears were streaming down his cheeks yet he stared at her with such adoration and gratitude that she almost faltered. But only ‘almost’, this was her ‘job’ and it was for Grandfather.

Bethany was so proud of her grand niece… The many children present had been read the story two or three times in the days leading up to the event so that they enjoyed it all the more on the day. And Bethany had asked the temporary staff to have the children draw pictures of their favorite things about their family to leave at Grandfather’s oak tree on the day of the funeral.

She signaled the smaller children to stand and move to the ancient oak as the last line of the story was read…. “"Thank you Badger," he said softly, believing that Badger would hear him. And…somehow…Badger did."” Kathryn closed the book and the line of fifty or so girls and boys continued to solemnly place their pictures beside the enormous bunch of flowers surrounding the urn of ashes. Some were mere scratches on a page from the enthusiastic two year olds, others intricate pictures happy memories including many showing Grandfather and Master hand-in-hand, or Grandfather at kneeling at Master’s side.

Next, a tall twelve year old boy with crystal blue eyes and near black straight hair, stood to speak as the choir of teenage children lined themselves up with a little instruction from their handlers and tutors.

“We chose Eidel Weiss because grandfather used to love musicals and we have the Sound of Music in our library here (as you all probably know). We also chose it because it is about family, and about love, and about a world outside their home that is not very nice. This is a song about loving your homeland and for us that means Chateau Aurelius.” The boy stopped nodded at Master, then turned to conduct the accapella rendition of the famous tune. The initial round was sung by the younger children but when the trained voices of the boys and girls in their late teens were added, the depth of harmony and base, and associated crescendo had the music soaring … a performance worthy of their grandfather’s memory (and one that left few dry eyes in their audience).

It was nearing the end of the service. Finally Spike stood in his place and turned to the group and leaned heavily on the back of chair he had been sitting on.

He took quite some time to compose himself. The family waited in patient silence.

“You are all of the Aurelian line, you are all our beautiful children.” Spike paused again and took a deep unnecessary breath. “He… Xander… my Xan… my darling…pet…. my love… he” Spike took another breath and let it out slowly. “He was so proud of you all as am I… um….” Spike looked up through the leaves of their beautiful oak… as they had done so often in the past while lovemaking under the stars. Two tears tracked down Master’s features. “He… um…. We must carry on… He was…. the love of my un-life, and now he’s gone.”

Out of the corner of her eye Bethany saw Daniel move with near lightening speed, jumping to his feet and catching Master as his knees gave out.

He took the paper Master was clutching and handed it to Octavia, as he continued to hold Master with as much dignity as he could. Octavia read out the familiar poem:

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach…
when feeling out of sight, for the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose with my lost saints.
I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life.
And, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.”

John led the other brothers to the front again and Bethany wordlessly moved to replace Daniel at Spike’s side. Each of the original 13 children took a handful of ash from the urn, said their own blessing and sprinkled it on the ground at the base of the ancient oak. Then Master stood with effort, took a handful of ash and dropped to his knees again. He tearfully sprinkled it, but no words would come.

He slowly took the urn and tipped the remaining ash onto the ground spreading it out lovingly, and mixing it with the soil until none could be seen. He then sat motionless kneeling at the foot of the tree. Desmonde folded to a kneel behind Master and waited, as did Daniel, who also nodded to his brother. John turned and indicated that the service had concluded then ushered the group up the hill.

Daniel said in a low voice. I think they’ve all gone Master.” At which their Master immediately folded into a full down position. Something that should have shocked them but both children understood. They could see the evidence of hitched sobs easily but the words were only just decipherable if listening very, very closely. “Never… another… luv… you’re it… ‘fraid… I’m yours… member… I’m yours… Love you…. love you….”

The family members and all the staff made their way back to the ballroom again. The food was plentiful and the drinks flowed freely…. All the children were present including the very tiniest. Daniel and Desmonde knew this and made it their business to ensure Master attended albeit a little later than planned. This was his *and* father’s family regardless of the external dictates of the world….and he needed to feel that now more than ever.

About to enter the ballroom, the Master instead, stood at the doorway and tried to take it all in. There were over seven hundred people and all but the staff, were related *directly* to Xander and by proxy, to him.

Kathryn wandered over with Nathaniel in her arms, bowed her head politely rather than dropping to a kneel as was custom, then almost fell as the little boy twisted and reached out for Master. “I think you have a friend wanting to visit, Master. Is it…” Before she had finished the sentence the boy was in Master’s arms and his bloodshot blue eyes seemed to sparkle a little as the boy squeaked and patted his face, as if to bring on the game face again.

The daughters had thought to bring in Pet’s chair and Spike sat with relief, Nathaniel still holding on limpet like, unwilling to get down. Seeing a child with Master, a number of other young ones also made their way over for a ‘cuddle’. Apart from anything else, Master was seated and therefore easier to play with than the other adults… and he was theirs!

Daniel went to fetch Master (and himself) a drink but returned to find Master utterly covered in little folks and thoroughly engaged. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief and downed his scotch in a single gulp. He watched as a shy five year old explained her daisy chain to Master, while another told him what he drew as his picture for grandfather. Another little fellow, around eighteen months old, simply got up onto the vampire’s lap, tucked himself into the duster under Master’s free arm (the other still ‘owned by Nathaniel) and promptly fell asleep. After Nathaniel was collected (under protest), a tiny red head with stuffed ‘Peter Rabbit’ trailing along behind her, put her arms up to be lifted. She too settled into Master’s lap, and with thumb in mouth and rabbit pulled to her face, also fell asleep.

The two little bodies radiated heat, warm breaths and fast beating hearts pulsing in counter rhythms. It was a blessing beyond anything else Spike could imagine at that moment. It grounded him and let him simply relax for the children’s sake. He allowed himself to listen to the conversations around him… and permitted himself to smile a little. His Xan, a father and grandfather extraordinaire…. The little bodies continued to snuggle and Spike drifted off to sleep.

The children were eventually ushered to bed in reverse age order… the eldest allowed to stay if they wished, but it was nearing three in the morning so all eventually disappeared. The adults too reluctantly took their leave hugging tight and promising to try to get word through should they not see each other again in the near future.

Daniel was grey with exhaustion as the last stragglers moved off to their sleeping quarters. Master was fast asleep with the two little people still curled up around him. Daniel simply eased Pet’s chair back into a full recline then threw the afghan rug over all the sleeping bodies on the chair. The fire was still on high and he left it that way, rather than the floor though, he pulled a chais lounge closer, fell onto it curling into a fetal position and tugged two small throw rugs over himself. At least he was here if one of the littlies were stirring or if Master was distressed.