New Order

A/N: Enjoy! As always, let me know what you think!!







After speaking with Willow and Faith for a few more minutes, Xander left the room to seek out his lovers. He found them pacing at the bottom of the stairs and they both watched him warily as he moved towards them.



“No problems, guys. They’re a little freaked but no one’s going to get dusted. I asked them to hang out for a few days, just so they are sure everything is good. Now, come here you two.” He stepped between them and wrapped his arms around their waists.



Angel and Spike immediately returned the embrace and sighed in relief. Neither wanted to kill Xander’s friends but both would have if it meant keeping him with them. They all heard movement at the top of the stairs and turned to watch Faith and Willow.



Willow broke the silence. “Sorry for the dramatics guys. But you know he’s important to us too and we had to make sure he was safe.”



“Besides,” Faith added, “can you imagine us telling B about this without having come to check it out? I don’t think so.” She smiled at the three of them, standing so closely that there wasn’t any room between them. “So, is there any junk food in this place? I’m starving.”



And with that, the tension melted away. Angel and Spike stepped away from Xander but each kept a hand on his back. They led the way into the kitchen where Angel mixed up some scrambled eggs while Xander worked bread into the toaster.



Once they were fed, the women headed back upstairs for some much needed sleep. Xander watched them leave before returning to the office with Angel and Spike. When they were settled, he asked the question he’d been wanting answered for hours.



“So, will one of you explain the claiming to me again?”



Both vampires were silent after his question and Xander began to wonder if he’d actually said the question out loud or if he’d just thought it really loud. Apparently it was the former because Angel started to answer.



“Xander, being claimed by a vampire is very special. Most vampires go through their entire existence without claiming someone. Master vampires like Spike and myself, are even more cautious because a bad choice can have serious consequences.”



Spike added to the information. “You see, pet, when a vampire claims you, you’re his forever. Well, unless he gets dusted.” Spike stuttered to a stop when he realized that he and Angel put Xander at risk every time they fought demons. If something should happen to them…



Angel continued where Spike left off. “If a vampire gets dusted who has a claim, the claimed one usually dies immediately after their partner.” Angel’s voice trailed off, wondering how much he should add.

Xander decided to help push them along. “Guys, I know that what we did is special. I kind of figured that if you die, I die because of the whole sharing blood thing. I’m not sure how it works since I’ve got both of you but, in general, I get you so far.”



Angel and Spike glanced at each other again, wondering just how much information Xander could handle. “Xander, you won’t age anymore. You’re kind of like us in that way. And you’ll need our blood occasionally.” Angel watched Xander’s face for reaction to his words.



Xander wasn’t thrilled with the news. Especially considering that he wasn’t sure his vampires were really his. So he decided to ask for more details. “What happens if you guys decide you don’t want me anymore?”



“Pet, that’s not going to happen. You’re ours now and nothing is going to change that.” Spike nearly growled the words.



“So the claiming can’t be undone?” Xander pushed because he needed the answer.



“No, Xan, the claiming is forever. The only way the claiming ends is for us to die.” Angel was puzzled by Xander’s questions and began to wonder if Xander was doubting them again.



Xander continued. “So what if I die? You guys said that I die if you die. What if I die first? What happens to you guys then?”



“Well, pet, we would likely go on a rampage and kill everything in sight. But we don’t die if you do, if that’s what you’re wondering.” Spike was getting worried too. Where were all of these questions leading?



“Okay good. Since I always seem to be getting myself into trouble, I didn’t want to have to worry that I could get you guys killed just by getting killed myself. And that came out way weirder than what it sounded in my head.” Xander realized that he was going to be babbling soon. He stood and moved closer to Angel, figuring that Angel would think of a way to shut him up.



Angel realized that Xander was worried about them. He thought it was kind of nice. “Xan, Spike and I are going to keep you safe from now on. We aren’t going to let anything happen to you.” He pulled Xander into his arms and squeezed him tightly. No one was going to hurt this man, no matter what Angel had to do to make it happen.



Spike concurred. He would make it his personal mission to kill every vampire, demon and anything else in this world and beyond that would hurt Xander. He watched as Xander tucked his head under Angel’s chin and held on tight. Xan wasn’t acting right but Spike didn’t know what was going on in that weird mind of his.



“Pet, we didn’t mention the perks of your new status with you. You’ll be a little bit stronger and faster and your senses should improve some too. You won’t have vampire strength or senses or anything but you’ll be better than human.”



Xander wasn’t really thrilled with the news. Until he knew exactly what was going on, he didn’t want any benefits of the claiming. Angel and Spike were both concerned. He could tell that they didn’t know why he was acting this way. Xander just hoped they thought it was because his friends were here.



If they knew the real reason he was so upset, he wasn’t sure what their reaction would be. But he knew it wouldn’t be a good one.