Time After Time Series

(Characters: Not ours, Joss' – we're just playin' with 'em)

(A/N: "Time After Time" an episodic series, released once every four to six weeks, or whenever the muse takes us. Spike and Xander are soul mates, and they’ve met time and again in past lives. Each episode will contain a full story/flashback to at least one past life together, as told by newly ensouled Spike. Each episode will be completely different. Sometimes they will be human, sometimes one or both will be vamps, etc... If and when there are character deaths, it will be in the past life only, not current life where they are talking/exploring the past. )

They were watching television. Somehow Spike had worked his hand around Xander's shoulder, and was stroking his hair, his fingers moving back and forth through soft brown strands, his thumb caressing the boy's neck.

And then it happened. Xander turned to look at Spike, the same instant as Spike turned to look at him. Their mouths met, like it was the most natural thing.

Spike kissed him slowly, flicking his tongue against Xander's lips until the boy opened for him. Tongue stroked against tongue, dancing together, creating heat between them. Drawing Xander's closer, Spike deepened the kiss, claiming him with every slide of his mouth against the boys.

Xander burrowed closer, needing to feel as much of Spike against him as he could. He couldn't believe he'd been fighting this, it felt so damn good, so...natural, like they were meant to be together like this. He felt Spike's hands against his skin and moaned into the kiss.

"Oh God, Spike."

*

Spike opened the door to Xander's bedroom and looked in. He'd been in one of his dazed states, staring at the long hand of the clock in the living room, until Xander's calls had brought him back to himself.

Looking at the sleeping boy, at first he thought it was a nightmare. But by the time he sat on the bed next to him, prepared to wake him, he knew the answer. Xander's heart rate had kicked up a notch. His lips were curved in a smile...it wasn't fear. And if that wasn't a dead giveaway, the way the boy was clutching the pillow, rubbing the side of his face and corner of his mouth against it, told him plenty.

It was a dream. A good one. Maybe about his soul mate... or why else had he called out for Spike? How much would it take to turn it into a wet dream?

He really shouldn't... but when had that ever stopped the vampire? Souled or no, he still took what he wanted. And right now, he wanted his boy to recognize him as quickly as possible, and stop with his bloody silly notions of rejecting him off hand.

Leaning over and bracing his weight on the bed, Spike kissed him ever so gently, at the same time, stroking Xander's groin over the blanket. He felt Xander harden under his touch, felt the weight of his cock pressing up into his palm. That was right. He hoped the boy was having a good dream... "You were born for me," he whispered against Xander's ear, "just for me."

*

Suddenly everything changed and they were lying in bed, still pressed against each other.

"You were born for me, just for me."

"Yours Spike, just yours, promise."

Xander felt as if the words were being pulled out of him, like he couldn't hold them back even if he tried. He grabbed Spike's hips, pulling him down as he arched up, rubbing their cocks together.

"Love you, Spike."

*

"I know you do," the vampire answered Xander's muffled declaration made in sleep by stroking Xander harder, pressing his palm into the boy's groin, biting his lip at the boy's responsiveness. It was sheer torture, sitting so close to his soul mate, surrounded by the scent of his sex, the sound of his heart beating so hard as his cock throbbed under Spike's hand, knowing the boy had to be visualizing him going at it.

So close, and yet still worlds apart. "That's it... that's it," he whispered, fighting back his own urges as the boy thrust against him. And then the blanket was pulled down some, giving Spike a glimpse of Xander's bare chest. All he could think about was skin against skin, breath against breath, bodies entwined, a desire, a need, a love for all eternities.

*

Xander moved faster, needing release, needing to feel Spike come against him. He snaked a hand around Spike's head and pulled him down for a kiss, the cry of his release muffled against the blond's lips.

"Love you. Stay," he whispered, cuddling close to Spike.

*

Spike waited until Xander fell into a deeper sleep, kissed him on the mouth again. Dammit... he didn't want to leave. It had been so long since he'd heard the boy call his name like that, it was hard to give it up for now. He got off the bed, then dropped into a chair a few feet away. What difference did it make whether he stared at the clock in the living room, or at the face of the one who loved him... at least in his sleep?

*

Xander woke up, feeling well rested and oddly happy. He rolled his eyes at the still sleeping Spike, curled up in a chair next to his bed and went to the bathroom. Xander whistled as he took his morning shower, and tried to remember what had put him in such a good mood. It didn't come to him until he walked out of the bathroom and saw Spike again.

"Oh. My. Fucking. God."

"Is that what we're calling me this morning? I must have done something really good," Spike drawled, not worrying about Xander's shocked expression one bit.

Fighting the blush that tried to stain his cheeks as he remembered exactly what dream-Spike had done, Xander glared at the real thing.

"You! And your stories! And your stupid voice! You made me dream you bastard!"

"Stories are real," Spike got up. "Don't be angry, it's only a dream, right? Though if you want to share it some time, I'd like to be on the listening end," he nodded. Not quite sure whether the boy was about to explode or burst into tears, he kept his distance.

Xander clenched his teeth, fighting back the urge to just start screaming and never stop. The one thing he hated was not being in control of himself and that dream had shaken him, made him feel unsure and strange, taken control away from him.

"Get ready. We're going to Buffy's," he snapped and left the room before he said something he'd regret. "The stories aren't real," he added to himself on his way to the kitchen.

Spike followed him out. There had been no ritualistic sipping of the coffee, or cooking of breakfast. Instead, Xander had all but stomped out to get the car close enough so Spike could make a dash for it covered by blankets. All the way to Buffy's, he hardly answered Spike's questions. As they climbed up the porch stairs to Buffy's, Spike stopped.

"So we're back to this, are we? You hating me? One thing I've learned from knowing
about my past lives is... never waste time, you never know how much is left." Though he didn't add with you, his meaning ought to be clear.

"I don't hate you Spike, I just don't -"

Before Xander could finish his sentence, the door was open and Dawn was hugging Spike as if she hadn't seen him in years. Xander abandoned all hope of talking to Spike privately and walked inside, immediately getting entangled in training and strategy plans and fixing things. He went about his business, keeping an eye on Spike as he did. Xander seemed to be the only one who could get through to Spike during an episode and no matter how upset he was with the blond, Xander still felt responsible for him.

There were times when Spike just wanted curl up in a ball... or leave, find himself somewhere other than in Sunnydale. But now that he had a soul, it was hard to walk away. The Slayer needed him. These girls... potential slayers needed him. His friends needed him too, even the ones that didn't realize it. Though he tried not to look at him, Spike was always aware of where Xander was. What part of the house, or room, and who he was talking to. It had become second nature, or maybe it was something he'd always done, but never realized.

Getting the nod from Buffy, he took half of the potentials to the living room area, now bare of furniture, and continued their hand to hand combat training. He couldn't help but think her mother would be rolling in the grave if she knew the few antiques she'd left behind were in such jeopardy. "Right then, whose first? C'mon," he taunted Kennedy, and the pummeling began.

A couple of hours later, some of the girls started filing into the kitchen. Andrew stuffed the cookie he'd been nibbling on into his mouth. "I thought you were supposed to train for another hour. Look, says so on my chart," he said pointing to his organizational masterpieces.

"Spike's having ... issues."

This he had to see. Andrew walked past the girls and into the living room. Sure enough, the vampire had gone into la la land again. There he was, tracing non-existent patterns on the window, muttering under his breath. "Hey Spike, you're like a holographic person gone bad. Your program is malfunctioning on you, or maybe someone is hitting the delete...delete...delete button," he jeered, coming up to him. "Hey... can't you say something other than that shitty poetry?"

"Go... go away, we're... we're here...I…I'm here," Spike marked the spot over and over on the smooth glass. He was here, he was here. "Home... home is where the heart it, yeah... here ... I'm home..."

"The hell you are," Andrew grabbed Spike's hand. "Stop that, or I WILL delete you."

*

Xander finished his patch up job on the roof, all the while muttering about little girls playing with weapons they couldn't control and ruining his hard work. He hated heights and usually had Spike watching out for him on the ground but with the sun shining brightly and all, his safety net was inside, training with the potentials.

Breathing a sigh of relief as he stepped on solid ground again, he went into the kitchen to clean himself up.

"Hey girls, I thought Spike was teaching you how not to fall on your ass when fighting," he said, grinning at Vi who mock-glared at him.

"There was a rake on the floor!" she protested heatedly. "He's having an episode. Fiona went to find you."

Xander rushed into the living room just in time to see Andrew grab Spike.

"Let go of him you little rat," he growled, pulling Andrew away and kneeling next to the trembling vampire.

"Lost my window... it's gone... lost my way again," Spike muttered, trying...trying to find his way back. But the window was gone, and there was only the floor now. And the patterns didn't work there, did they?

"Oh who died and made you his mom? Come on, don't tell me he doesn't make you think of a holographic program on the fritz. He can't even hear what I'm saying, see," Andrew leaned close to Spike's ear. "Delete program."

Spike turned forlorn eyes toward Andrew. "Lost... made me lost... no window..."

"Hush, Spike, it's okay. We'll find your window, just let me take care of the little bastard first okay?" As he spoke, Xander petted Spike's hair, smiling softly at him.

"Find... home, lost, help me find home... lost..." Spike clung to the hope that the kind one... Xander, yes... that's who it was, Xander would find him.

Xander completely changed as he turned to face Andrew, all the soft tenderness gone the moment he faced away from Spike.

"Listen to me you little creep, if you so much as look at him wrong when he's like this I will personally see to it that you suffer. You never forget he's better than you, do you hear me?" As he spoke, Xander walked towards Andrew, making the younger man back up until he hit the wall. "Do you understand Andrew? Speak to him like that again and I'll feed you to the First myself."

Buffy strode inside, "What's going on?" Seeing Spike having another episode, and Xander ready to throttle Andrew, she rubbed her temples. "We don't have time for this. Xander, take Spike back to the apartment." She knew he had the tendency to settle down faster if he was in his own space, and these days, that meant Xander's place.

"Andrew, you bother him again, or get in anyone's way, and I'm dropping you into the hellmouth. Go make yourself useful, make some sandwiches or something." She walked up to the blond vampire and put her hand on his shoulder. "Spike?" When he didn't look up, she gave Xander a meaningful look and walked out.

With one last glare at Andrew, Xander put an arm around Spike's waist and helped him stand.

"Come on, Spike, we're going home."

The drive back was blessedly uneventful. Unlike other times, Spike made no attempt to break out of the car and into the sun. He merely huddled under his blanket, muttering about lost windows and trying to get back. Xander tried to soothe Spike, talking to him throughout the drive, telling him that everything would be okay they'd be home soon.

By the time they arrived at the apartment, Xander was nearly hoarse but Spike was still going strong.

*

Hours later, Spike emerged from his room. The shakes were gone and he'd taken a shower. Now he could hear sounds coming from the kitchen and followed them.

Inside the kitchen, he found Xander cooking. Somehow, that was always a comforting sight. He cleared his throat. "Did it again, didn't I? I can't remember..." he said, his tone anguished. It had to have been bad for them to have come back home without putting in a complete day of training, and for him not to remember. "Thought it was getting better."

"It is. You didn't try to kill yourself this time," Xander replied, striving for a matter-of-fact tone. "I made you pancakes. You can even put blood on them if you want. Do you...do you remember what Andrew did?"

"Blood on pancakes, a bit twisted aren't you?" Spike grabbed the syrup and sat down. "Andrew? No, I never listen to that git. Even when I'm all right," he tapped his forehead. "Made a fool of myself again, did I?" He hated not knowing, not being in control, being at other people's mercy.

"He was being a bastard but Buffy and I set him straight. And no, you didn't make a fool of yourself." Xander stacked the pancakes in a plate and put them on the table. "Come on, dig in. You've been out of it most of the day, you have to be starving."

Spike would have sunk deeper into depression, but he found himself amused all of a sudden. All this time, and Xander still didn't get the concept that food didn't really do much to stave off his hunger. Sure, he liked food more than most vampires, but it was those mugs of warm blood that kept him going. He used his fork to cut a bit of the pancakes and took a bite. "Good. This is what you call comfort food, isn't it? Who is it for, you or me?" He met Xander's eyes.

"Both," Xander admitted, smiling ruefully. Spike's episodes upset him and the post-episode ritual always made things better.

"You should have let me make you some this morning, yeah?" It was an apology - of sorts. Not for what happened, but for what the boy was going through on his journey to see the truth.

"No...I had a weird dream and it made me freak. Those stories of yours are kinda getting to me."

"Keep calling them just that, stories. You'll be doing some apologizing soon," he said with a knowing nod, and an expression that said he anticipated and couldn't wait for the moment Xander admitted the truth. "Anyway, dreams never hurt anyone. You woke and all was right with the world."

"Go on and eat. Then you can tell me another story. They're like comfort food but better," Xander pointed out, smiling a little. Despite his little freak out, he still couldn't help but want to hear a story; they were like chocolate, he always wanted more.

Spike gave him a long look. Yeah, it's normal to want to hear homoerotic stories about yourself in past lives you don't think you've lived. He wanted to say it, but there had been enough trouble for one day, and he didn't have the energy to fight. He didn't fancy being left alone either and that type of statement was sure to have Xander slamming the door and out for hours. Instead, he asked for some more syrup. "I'll tell you a good one, starring yours truly and you of course. Well at least I think it's a good one."

* *

[Flashback]

Xa'an watched as his best friend was mated. After waiting for nearly nineteen years, an explorer had finally claimed her and now they were bound together. She looked so damn happy and Xa'an couldn't help but feel a little jealous. When they were kids they both dreamed of a warrior coming to sweep them off, show them the universe. Psychics like Xa'an and Tayra didn't get to leave the planet, not unless they were bound as a warrior or explorer's anchor. He'd always fantasized about a tiny, blonde woman with hazel eyes. The thought of supersize strength all squeezed in a small body made him hot and...well...he liked hazel eyes. Tayra had gotten exactly what she wished for. Wil'ah was perky and sweet and had the most amazing red hair. If Xa'an didn't know better he'd say Tayra was a seer.

He caught Tayra's eye and waved, gesturing towards the exit. He waited for a nod and smile before he left the festivities, making his way to his lonely home. Things would be all the more boring without Tayra to keep him company.

* * *
[Present]

"Hey! What are you talking about, space traveling hasn't even happened yet! I knew the stories weren't real." Xander glared at Spike, his anger fuelled by the disappointment he felt at getting clear confirmation that Spike was messing with him. Despite his vehement protests, a small part of him was hoping that the blond had been telling the truth.

"Didn't say it was here, now did I? Ever heard of parallel universes, you git? Well that's where we were, now you want the rest of the story, or not?"

"Oh. Okay. Go on then."

Xander grabbed his plate and moved to the sink, making sure his back was turned to Spike when he smiled. The stories were real!

* * *

[Flashback]

Captain Spike, of the interdimensional and galactic class space ship Hellraiser, had taken extra care in dressing for this formal occasion. Although his standard tailored black one piece coverall uniform made him look quite severe, today, he'd worn his dress coat over it. The black double-breasted tunic, which sealed up the right side of his chest, and had gold embroidered piping along the Prussian style high collar of the tunic, announced the pomp and circumstance of his rank, as did the insignia over his heart.

Many things had fallen into place as the warrior approached his thirtieth year of life. The war to end the transgressions of the Horadic peoples had ended, and he'd received many medals and accolades for his bravery and accomplishments in the war. He put it down to a lack of choices, but if the powers that be wanted to give him recognition, who was he stop them? He'd been given command of the Hellraiser, and permission to explore other dimensions as an aside to his primary mission of hunting down certain Horadians who would never be granted pardon for crimes against the peoples of their universe.

And now... his search for the perfect mate had come to an end. Oh, he'd decided years ago, but the situation hadn't become critical until now. And with his impending trip beyond this dimension, it was high time for him to claim his other half. So here he was, staring out the window of a small but clean and well kept apartment, overlooking a really ugly parking lot, in a very bad area of town. No doubt his mate would drop to his knees and thank him for getting him out of this place and out to the limitless skies. Spike smiled at the thought. Yes, he'd lead a charmed life until now. He planned on making sure that the rest of his life was just as good.

Xa'an stopped outside his apartment door to catch his breath. Climbing seven flights of stairs after having a big dinner was not something he would recommend. Unfortunately the elevator was once again on the fritz and unless he suddenly developed the ability to fly, he was stuck with the stairs.

"Right, some soda and then bed," he muttered and let himself in. The first thing he saw when he walked in was a man, standing in the middle of his apartment, looking for all the world like he owned it. "Who the fuck are you?"

Mouthy, just how he knew Xa'an would be. "Captain Spike William Val Righton of the warrior clan Traxidus. But no need to stand on formalities, you may simply call me Captain." His gaze swept very slowly over every inch of the boy. Broad shoulders, built chest, pants that clung and couldn't hide rock hard thighs. Aye, they'd do just fine together. "Your pictures and holographs don't do you justice. Turn around for me?" he gave a winning smile.

For a second Xa'an was stunned into immobility. The nerve of the guy! Showing up in his private space and ordering him about like he was some concubine. "Excuse me? Look pal, I don't know who you are but you are getting the hell out of my apartment right now or I'm calling the Royal Guards."

"For what crime? And since when does the Royal Guard have jurisdiction over the warrior classes? Surely not even on this planet," he cocked his head and walked around Xa'an, completing his inspection. Nice, and tight, very well formed. And apparently no pushover. Exactly his type.

"Something with an open collar would suit you much better, but don't worry, we'll take care of that." Spike stood in front of the boy and passed him a beige envelope bearing a large official seal on it. "Read this."

Xa'an grabbed the envelope, still glaring at the stranger. "I really, really don't like you."

Xa'an Der Har,

You are hereby given notice that the bearer of this missive has successfully completed the procedure for your claiming. At service of this document you will have one (1) hour's notice for your mating ceremony. Your claiming vows are attached hereto.

We wish you happiness in your future life.

By Order of the President of The United Republics of Gaia

Xa'an stared at the letter, mechanically moving to the next page.

To you I swear fidelity, love and comfort.
To you I give my body, heart and soul.
To you I trust my life, health and joy.
As we are now, so we shall always be,
Forever joined as one

"This can't be real. It's just some practical joke Tayra played."

"Who is Tayra?" The Captain's eyes glinted. "You are not involved with anyone, I am sure of it."

Xa'an shook his head, ignoring weird guy's answer. "Look, this is obviously some kind of mistake. You're not short..." he looked at the guy again. Oh. "Okay you're not blonde..." Platinum locks glinted under the light. "Okay, your eyes are not hazel. And you're a guy! So, you see, there must be some mistake. You're probably looking for the girl down the hall." He waved towards the door and waited for the guy to leave.

The Captain pulled himself up to his full height. "Xa'an Der Har, in forty five minutes, you will be mated to me for the remainder of our lives. I will abide by the claiming vows, as will you. You have no choice, and now that I have chosen, neither do I." In a few long steps, he reached the boy, and pulled the door shut with a decisive click, then turned.

Xa'an stared miserably at the door, the click sounding a lot like a jail door slamming shut.

"Why the long face? I will give you as much pleasure as you give me, and your circumstances will change for the better," he promised, waving his hand around the small room. "After the claiming, you will start to feel for me, what I already feel for you. It is a rare and wonderful gift to be so bound, you will see."

"No. I won't. Are you sure you won't change your mind? Look at you, you're all handsome and stuff. You can have anyone you want. Don't you want a nice human woman, someone who'll even have kiddies for you."

Xa'an was pacing along the length of the room, gesticulating madly, "I can show you pictures! You can have any one of my girl friends, they're gorgeous and funny. Well, you can't have Tayra cause Wil'ah beat you to it but the others are great!"

"You find me attractive, that is good," Spike gave a nod of approval. "My lifestyle doesn't permit for a traditional family."

Seeing Xa'an didn't intend to pack, he sat down on a chair and made himself comfortable. "Our travels will take us far and wide, and I need a mate who can ground me. You have unexplored psychic powers and will suit perfectly. Even on this forsaken planet, it is an honor to be chosen," he pointed out. "And as a male from the Traxidus clan, there is the matter of my heat cycles. Now that I'm older, they are getting more and more powerful and may affect others around me. It can prove embarrassing for them," he gave a smug smile.

"You don't seem to understand. I" Xa'an gestured to himself, "am not" he waved his finger from side to side, "going anywhere" two fingers walked on air, "with you." Xa'an pointed to the stranger. "Do you comprende?"

"Yes, of course. I speak six other languages, have a translator that can deal with almost every language that is spoken in over 500 galaxies, and as the Captain of the Hellblazer, and elite Warrior of the Traxidus clan, I give you my word that you will be my mate, my te'edra, my exeola ... shall I go on, or do you comprende?" He smirked at the frustration exhibited by Xa'an. It gave him an inkling that he'd never be bored.

"That's it, I am no longer talking to you. Please leave my apartment," Xa'an said as politely as he could and stomped off to his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

Very calmly, Spike touched his insignia. "We're ready. Captain to the bridge, Xa'an to his temporary quarters."

"To the bridal suite, then, aye aye Captain," a twangy feminine voice answered.
An instant later, the apartment was empty.

*

"Hurry, you have to change into your new clothes. The Captain was specific, he said you are to wear white, and we are to burn your old clothes," the uniformed man said rushing around the small room that Xa'an had been given. "The ceremony is to start in a quarter of an hour. You will love the chapel on the ship, it has quite a view of the stars, and the Captain has us circling the ringed planet. He said he saw a poster at your place that reminded him of the planet. Didn't know the Captain was a romantic, though I suppose finding one's mate changes things."

"I am NOT MARRYING THE FREAKING CAPTAIN!" Xa'an screamed, repeating the statement he'd been making since he got dumped in this room. "No way, no how, just no."

The man stopped rushing around and stared at him. Ten minutes later Xa'an was dressed in a simple white suit. He glared at himself in the mirror, refusing to admire the perfect cut or the way the open V at the front of the jacket left his chest bare down to the navel. Unlike the Captain's official suit, this one had no adornments other than the silver ornamental buttons and the chain that connected the two parts of the jacket. If he had to be honest, Xa'an would admit that the suit was carefully chosen to make him look his best.

"I can't believe you stunned me. I don't want to be here, I don't want to wear this and I sure as hell don't want to be bonded to that arrogant bastard. Isn't there any way I can avoid this?"

"Sure. The trash chute is down the corridor, but it's a long way down, if you know what I mean." Bart smiled and introduced himself. Just then, the speaker blared.

"Captain's on the deck, ready and waiting."

"So? May I have the honor of walking the Captain's mate down the hall, or do you want several other ensigns? Personally, I'd suggest you skip the frills, the Captain has simple tastes and will like it better that way."

"Does he now...Well then, I want ten ensigns or I'm not coming." Xa'an sat on a chair and set his jaw in a very familiar stubborn tilt. "Ten."

Bart sighed. "It can be arranged, you know. Besides--"

The doors to the room slid open and the grim faced Captain walked in. "Leave us, and stand by."

"Aye aye, Captain," Bart quickly left the room. The door hissed shut behind him.

Spike dominated the small room with his presence. "You have to get over your cold feet, I won't have you late for our mating ceremony," he said, capturing Xa'an's gaze with his.

"In order to get cold feet, you have to want to get mated at some point. I never wanted to get mated to you," Xa'an explained as calmly as possible. "If I had any say in this I wouldn't be late for the ceremony because I wouldn't be coming at all."

"You would defy my claiming rights?" Spike raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "I've pledged myself to you already, what else could you want? Ah... many potential mates like strength in their warrior mates, and I haven't yet demonstrated mine. Would you prefer to be carried to the ceremony? I'll rectify that," he said oozing with confidence.

Moving faster than the eye could follow, he caught Xander in his arms and easily lifted him up. Before a protest left the boy's mouth, he shifted the boy's body, so he was holding him in the traditional manner of crossing the threshold. "Or would you prefer to be lifted over my shoulder. That's a bit barbaric, but it has its benefits," he said caressing Xander's ass possessively. He was too close to his heat cycle to give Xa'an more time. Besides, no one should resist a proper claiming.

"Let me down you stupid bastard," Xa'an yelled, struggling wildly. It was weird and undignified, he was bigger than this guy, how the hell did he manage to lift him up like that! He yelped when the Captain groped his ass and redoubled his efforts to get free. "You groped me! I can't believe you groped me, let me go!"

Spike smirked and lifted him higher, drew him closer and pinned one of his arms between their bodies. "You realize your movements are making me consider skipping the ceremony and starting the honeymoon? Feel free to grope back, you have as much rights to my body, as I to yours."

All joking aside, the warmth of Xa'an's body was seeping through the Captain's clothes, making him acutely aware of how good he felt against him. In a few strides, he dropped the boy to his feet and had him up against the wall. "I am your mate, you cannot deny me this," he ran his hand down the length of the dark haired boy's chest. "Or this," he slanted his mouth over Xa'an's, and brushed his tongue over the seam of the guy's lips, before thrusting it inside to stroke his pallet. That simple motion ignited his sexual desires. It was natural, and something he'd battled all his life. Only with his mate, it doubled the pleasure and the pain. Spike felt Xa'an's initial resistance and controlled the kiss. No one could resist a warrior of his clan when in heat, least of all his own mate.

By the time the Captain lifted his head, Xa'an was dizzy and confused. One minute he was screaming at the guy to let him go and the next he was being kissed within an inch of his life. And he'd liked it! He stared dumbly at the Captain, not sure how to react.

"I don't like this," he finally said, trying to work up the anger he'd felt before, "I didn't want you to kiss me!"

"Liar," Spike smirked and didn't give the guy any room. "Why do you resist your fate? Haven't you always known I'd come for you some time? Didn't you look up at the stars and wish that time had come? Well here I am. Maybe I look a little different than you imagined, but it is still me you were waiting for."

"No. For one thing I'm not gay. For another I don't even like you! You're arrogant and mean and you don't give a shit whether I want to do this or not." There! The anger was back, he was back on familiar ground. Xa'an tried to push the Captain away, but the guy seemed to be immobile as a rock.

"Gay/not gay, such a human... You're overthinking this. Your soul is just meant to be entwined with mine. As is your body," Spike blew across Xa'an's ear. "Don't you feel it?" Before the boy could deny the truth, he inserted his knee firmly between his legs and kissed the side of Xa'an's neck. Oh yes, there was no denying his bodies wishes.

"No."

Nobody could ever accuse Xa'an of not sticking to his guns. Denial was such a nice place to be.

"Please just let me go."

"I can't do that. I can't let you ruin your life, or mine." Spike was deadly serious. "The only question is, shall I call for a proxy to say your words in here, this impersonal little room, or do you want a mating ceremony to be proud of and to hold dear? You have two minutes to answer that, I'll help you think it through."

Spike realized Xa'an was more difficult to handle than even a woman! Giving him more time to think would be a mistake. Instead, he would help him to feel. This time, not holding back on the maelstrom of sexual emotions stirred by Xa'an's nearness, he captured the boy's mouth in a fierce kiss of unquenchable desire. He claimed him with the kiss, and with his hands, possessively cupping the boy's ass and drawing him up hard against his own groin. An intense rush of heat encompassed his body, spurred him to thrust his hips in an effort to get some relief.

Once again, after the initial attempt to struggle, Xa'an was swept away by the Captain's kiss. He found himself responding to the kiss, trying to get more of the Captain's taste. He was rudely brought back to his senses when he felt something big and hard pressing against his thigh. Xa'an immediately pulled as far back as he could, his heart beating fast for a very different reason.

"What the hell are you doing to me! Let me go, let me go now," he screamed, struggling wildly against the Captain's firm hold.

Spike released him and stepped away. Although he tried to act unaffected, it was quite likely that his labored breaths and high color gave him away. "You choose mating by proxy then? I am disappointed." He gave Xa'an a long look, then pressed a panel on the wall.

The door slid open an Bart stepped inside. The ready smile waned when he saw the Captain's granite expression, and turned to look at his intended mate. Apparently he was as stubborn as the Captain. God help the crew...

"The ceremony will be performed by proxy."

"Aye aye," Bart rushed out of the room. When he returned with the proxy in tow, neither the Captain, nor Xa'an had moved from their respective corners. The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

Ensign Poll would make a good stand-in for Xa'an. He was of the same build and had dark hair and eyes. Like Xa'an, he was dressed in white.

A few crew members filtered into the small room, looking bewildered at Xa'an's rejection of the honor being bestowed on him. It had to be humiliating on their Captain as well, though he chose to present a stony expression.

There was no music, no candles. No incense. All the elaborate decorations and preparations on the chapel deck were wasted. Without further ado, the Captain approached the proxy and stood in front of him.

The master of ceremonies announced Spike by his name, clan, and warrior titles, and then did the same for Xa'an.

Spike dropped down on his knees in front of the proxy and took his hand. A young boy stood by them, holding a pillow on which a silver bracelet rested. Clearing his throat, the Captain looked up at the proxy and began to pledge himself.

"To you I give my body, heart and soul. To you I trust my life, health and joy. As we are now..."

Xa'an took an involuntary step forward, not sure why the sight of the Captain kneeling in front of someone else was so disturbing. He hated this, hated the Captain for making him go through it, hated himself for feeling so confused, hated the whole world for bringing him here. He forcibly held himself back, holding his body still. Still, he couldn't help but mouth the words with the proxy and he hated himself just a little bit more for that.

When the proxy completed the return pledge, still on his knees, Spike reached for the bracelet and unclasped it. Turning his head slightly, he exchanged a heated look with Xa'an, and raised his hand to stop the ceremony. "Will you take the place of the proxy? Will you accept this mating band?"

The silence in the room was an uncomfortable one. Bart looked away. The Captain was a risk taker and had to have a thick skin.

Before he even realized what he was doing, Xa'an had stepped forward and extended his hand. As the bracelet snapped closed around his wrist, he started shaking, his eyes filling with tears. There was tangible proof that life as he knew it was over and all because some warrior had taken a fancy to him. Being psychic wasn't half as special as the elders had made it out to be.

Spike stood up and put his arms around his mate. "I will lend you my strength when you need it. I will bring you laughter and chase away the tears. I will protect you, and love you, body... and soul." He took a breath and stared intently at his mate. "Xa'an Der Har, now Xa'an Der Val Righton, I claim you as mine."

Xa'an couldn't think of anything to say. He just stood there, arms at his sides as the people around them clapped politely and offered their congratulations on the union. Xa'an just wanted to go to bed.

His wish was granted very soon as everyone filed out of the room and he was left alone with the ensign that had come to take him to the ceremony.

"There now, was that so bad?" Bart asked, smiling encouragingly at Xa'an.

"Yes it was," Xa'an replied evenly. "I want to sleep now."

Bart sighed, it looked like the battle had been won by the Captain but the war was raging on.

"I'll take you to your suite then, sir."

Xa'an was surprised for a moment. He'd thought this was his suite. At Bart's expectant look he realized that he was to be living with the Captain in his suites. That should have been obvious, after all, they were bonded now, he thought, staring down at the bracelet.

"Let's go then."

* *

[Present]

"See, even then, you didn't know a good thing when you saw it, yeah?"

They'd moved to the living room and were seated on opposite ends of the sofa. Spike could tell Xander was intentionally keeping a wide distance between them. He lifted his beer bottle to his lips, never taking his gaze off the boy.

"I've no idea what you're taking about," Xander insisted cheerfully taking a swig from his own bottle, "the kid was obviously coerced, your guy didn't even give him a chance to adjust!"

"You didn't need any time to adjust. Were practically tearing my clothes off before long. Right, it might have been a bit different when we were apart and you thought about it some more, but you wanted me." He smiled. "Why else did you save me from looking the fool?" He didn't only mean the bit about stepping up to accept the bracelet from the Captain in the story, but for getting him away from Andrew's jeers earlier in the day.

"Because I'm a soft-hearted idiot," Xander promptly replied, "now go on with the story," he urged, smiling eagerly.

"An idiot in love, I couldn't agree more." Setting his beer down, Spike continued.

* * *

[Flashback]

The Captain's quarters consisted of a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom. Like the Captain, his quarters were sparse to the point of severity. Beige and black hues dominated, and the furniture was sleek and close to the floor. The one luxury he allowed himself was the large telescreen that took up the entirety of the wall in front of his bed. His guilty pleasure, as evidenced by the onscreen guide of pre-recorded programs of his choice, was soap operas gathered from many cultures.

Xa'an wandered around the room, poking and prodding at everything. He hated this room, it was colourless and dull. "At least he has a telescreen," he muttered, flopping back on the bed and reaching for the remote. "Let's see now..." Xa'an flipped through the various recordings, finding nothing of interest until he spotted what seemed like a home video. He watched curiously as the girl in the screen pottered around a house, swaying to and fro and talking to nothing. He was thinking of moving on when letters started scrolling across the bottom of the screen.

Drusilla Delayne. Despite her beauty her behaviour is erratic and unpredictable. She would be unlikely to survive long during an intergalactic trip.

The recording played on, this time showing a taller girl, with sparkling green eyes and a ready smile.

Amy Kipp. Proficient in the use of her gift, she would be a great asset to any warrior. Unfortunately she is liable to overexert herself in an attempt to gain more control over her powers. Likely to burn out before too long

Xa'an frowned as he realized that the recording was of possible mates for the Captain. The next person was a guy, tall and muscled, with a smile that lit up the whole room. Xa'an wasn't sure he liked this one.

Angel Carrigan. Bloody gorgeous! Too hard to control though, would take too much time to tame.

Xa'an in fact hated this guy's guts. "Too hard to tame? What the hell? Does that mean he thought I was easy? And he so not bloody gorgeous," he muttered as he turned the
screen off. "I bet he's dumb as an ox too."

Xa'an paced the length of the room, getting progressively angrier as he thought of the competition. "And what kind of name is Angel anyway! It's a girly stupid name for a girly stupid guy is what it is."

Shrugging Bart's advice to ring the chime to his own bloody quarters aside, Spike entered the living room and found it empty. Unable to quell the urge to grin, he walked into his bedroom and found his gorgeous mate in a state.

"I could have no finer present than to find you pacing in anticipation of our joining. Apologies for the delay, but I had a few things to take care of to make sure we aren't interrupted. Come, don't be angry. I'm here now," his voice was pure silk. "Some wine?"

The smug look in the Captain's face was the straw that broke the camel's back. Xa'an grabbed the first thing he could find, a beige vase, and threw it at the blond's direction.

"I am not easy to tame, I will not call you Captain like you can order me around and Angel is a fucking stupid name you son of an intergalactic whore!"

Though Spike easily dodged the vase that crashed to the floor and shattered, a thunderous expression crossed his face. "We will not start our union with fights and squabbling, and you will keep my mother out of our arguments." Unused to direct subversion, Spike immediately decided he didn't like it and it would have to be nipped in the bud. "Now lower your voice, and explain your problem. Who the bloody hell is Angel?"

"Angel, is the guy you were going to get bonded to you bastard except apparently he's too hard to tame." Instead of lowering his voice Xa'an screamed louder, "You only picked me because you thought I was easy! Well let me tell you, you rat, there's no way in hell I'm making this easy for you."

Still a little perplexed and just as angry as Xa'an, Spike crossed to the bed, where the telescreen control had been tossed. Pressing a button, he found his "personals." Ah, that Angel. He pressed another button, and a long list of names and thumbnail pictures appeared. "These are from fifteen years ago, when I was fifteen myself." Hitting enter, he scrolled through other childish comments having to do with his thoughts on various parts of psychic candidates' body parts and a variety of other things.

He clicked again. "Ten years ago." The list was decidedly shorter, and clearly included Xa'an. "Five years..." That list held two people. Xa'an and a blonde. "Four years ago..." From that point on, there were only updates on Xa'an, and no others. "Any questions? You'd better do your asking now because I am not in the habit of explaining myself," he warned.

"Who's the blonde? Why me and not her?"

"Spuffy. Nothing wrong with her, except I don't like the sound of Captain Spike and Spuffy, names don't go together well do they? A bit grating." He locked gazes with Xa'an, gave him the truth. "I stared at both your pictures, and live feeds. In the end, you were the one I dreamed about. I think she's too much like me, doesn't smile a lot. You know it isn't just looks, or qualities on paper or psychic abilities. We still have to find the right one."

Xa'an crossed his arms over his chest and glared at the Captain. "Don't butter me up, I'm still mad at you. And you spied on me!"

"It's a big damned universe and there aren't that many who are compatible with me." Deciding the argument was at an end, he pressed a panel which opened up to reveal a full bar. Deciding champagne might loosen up his reluctant mate, he poured two flutes and passed Xa'an one. "You didn't let me tell you before, but you really are beautiful to me. To us," he touched their glasses together and waited for Xa'an to drink to their happiness.

Xa'an drank the whole thing down in one gulp and raised his glass for more. He was tired and scared and stuck in a room with a guy he wasn't sure he even liked. He caught the gleam in the Captain's eyes. Oh and let's not forget that the guy wants to have hot monkey sex with me. He frantically cast his mind around, trying to come up with a nice, safe, non-sexy subject.

"So what do I call you?"

"Ah, a trick question. You told me not to order you to call me anything." Spike gladly poured a second glass for Xa'an, but noted the guy was jumpy. An idea formed in his mind. "You don't have to do anything you don't want to, I'd never force you." He didn't add that he didn't have to use force at all.

"So what, I get to call you the Annoying, Smug Bastard? I'm pretty sure you're not going to like that. And speaking of forcing me into things, you sure did a lot of that up to now, starting with the whole bonding ceremony," Xa'an waved his arm around, spilling a few drops of champagne.

"We are on a strict time table for leaving this dimension, I didn't have time to court you. They gave me my commission and...well, the next time I'll be anywhere near earth of this dimension is years from now." He looked at Xa'an over his glass. Apparently the boy couldn't hold his liquor as he was getting tipsy already. "Call me what you want behind these doors. Captain or love will do in the sack, and Captain or Captain Spike, outside." His skin tightened at the thought of Xa'an panting Captain. Forcing his mind from that image before he brought his heat cycle on, he took a long drink.

"I have an offer for you. I'll court you for however long you want and will only demand sex during my heat cycles, a mere three days a month," he gave a nonchalant shrug. "Other than that, you will allow me to touch you, perhaps kiss you, and you will share my bed. But I won't expect anything more. We'll be like... camping buddies." In Xa'an's dreams!

"Why can't I just call you Spike," Xa'an whined, pouting slightly, "Captain is so..." another wave of his hand, this time the one without the champagne glass. Wouldn't do to waste something so delicious, "...Sound of Music. You'll be whistling at me next."

"I'd rather howl than whistle," he gave Xa'an a wicked smile. "Come, sit on the bed with me while we drink and talk. I'll show you what we know of the Pandersay dimension. It would take weeks to get there with a traditional ship. Hellraise will get us there in a few days."

Xa'an looked at him thoughtfully for a moment then shrugged. "So long as you promise not to make any moves, sure...Spike." He frowned as he said the name testing it out on his tongue. "Spike. Captain Spike. Spike," he repeated as he climbed on the bed, sitting with his back to the headrest.

"Wouldn't think of it, I'm a warrior... a man of my word," he reminded Xa'an, then brought not only the rest of the champagne to the nightstand, but a platter of strawberries and cream. Setting the platter down on his lap and sitting next to Xa'an, he searched for information on Pandersay, and let the program run in the background as they chatted and got to know each other.

Naturally, the Captain knew much of Xa'an's background already. But it was certainly different coming from the boy. He gave things a very unique spin, and Spike found himself laughing harder than he had in years. Occasionally, he would lose his concentration and his gaze would latch on Xa'an's mouth nibbling at a strawberry, or swallowing down more drink. When the urge to kiss him became almost unbearable, he gave in to it.

"It's time to get some rest. I think a good night kiss is in order," he said taking the empty glass from the boy and making his move. Arms tight around Xa'an, he thoroughly kissed him, pressing him back against the pillows. He burned for more. A lot more. But he broke the kiss and moved away.

Xa'an stared dumbly at Spike as he tried to catch his breath. For a while there he'd forgotten what he was here for, he'd been having so much fun with Spike, had enjoyed making the blond laugh. And now...well now he remembered that no matter how much fun Spike had seemed to be, he was still the Captain who had dragged him away from home.

Wordless, and staring heatedly at his mate, Spike started to undress. "If you are in the habit of wearing bed clothes, we'll have to find you some tomorrow. Don't really need it with the climate control.

"What? No!" Xa'an clapped a hand over his eyes, "Not ready to look at naked you yet! And oh my God so not wanting to be naked. Don't you have some sleep pants or something?"

"You're shy?" Spike raised an eyebrow. "Well, with your eyes closed, you won't see me naked, or anything else. The covers will... protect your sensibilities. Or you can pretend I'm a physician and I've seen too many bodies to care." Lifting off the mattress, Spike stripped off the rest of his uniform and stood in his silken under-shorts as he lifted the blanket back for himself.

"I don't like you," Xa'an muttered, keeping his eyes resolutely closed. "I really truly don't. Are you in there yet?"

"Do you always ask loaded questions? The answer is, not yet, but I'd like to be." He sat on the bed and shook his head. "Do you need help taking your clothes off?"

Xa'am peeked, then glared as he saw Spike was covered by the blanket. "Back off," he snapped as he got off the bed. He stood indecisively for a second before he reached out and turned off the lights. He ignored the mocking laughter coming from the bed and undressed down to his underwear as quickly as possible before sliding into bed. "You stay on your side and I'll stay on mine," he said firmly and turned his back to Spike, punching the pillow a couple of times before laying his head on it.

"That wasn't part of the deal, and I'm not responsible if you happen to come over to mine to try to have your way with me." His amusement had a strong basis. It was a good thing his innocent mate had no clue. "Good night,Xa'luv," he rolled over on his side, and put his palm on the guy's stomach.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Xa'an carefully picked up Spike's hand and set it next to him, making sure their skin didn't touch. "G'night."

*

Xa'an woke up back in his apartment, in his bed. He was lying on his back, legs spread wide as intense pleasure wracked through his body. His eyes opened slowly and he realized that someone was sucking on his cock, clever tongue painting all sorts of designs on it. He tried to focus on his lover's face but he couldn't make out any characteristics.

"Please...more," he begged, pushing his hips upwards. His lover only laughed and straightened up, crawling up Xa'an's body until his hips were level with Xa'an's face. "I think it's my turn now, luv."

Xa'an eagerly reached out, holding his lover's hardness steady as he licked slowly up the length.

Spike came awake hard and throbbing with need. Being awakened by uncontrollably intense lust, every inch of his body on high alert, seeking relief, was nothing new. But finding that his mate had sensed his need and was already accommodating him, made him that much surer of his choice.

When Xa'ans mouth moved over his shaft, the Captain almost came off the bed. Sweet stars, if it felt this good over his shorts... what would it be like without them. "Xa'an," he moaned, lifting his hips and working his shorts down. "Again."

As a burst of taste exploded over his taste buds, Xa'an's eyes snapped open and he realized what he was actually doing. He immediately scrambled back, looking at Spike with wide, shocked eyes and shaking his head in denial.

"What? How? I...fuck..."

So hot and bothered, he could hardly see straight, the Captain reached out and dragged Xa'an up against him. "No time for talking, I need you now," he said, pressing his erection up against Xa'an's hip. They were bound now. His mate would be dragged deep into the web of lust, it was his role... his duty to help, to take part of the burden of heat, to give Spike relief.

"No, stop that!" Xa'an protested, his body ignoring his mind as Spike's mouth trailed down his neck, doing wicked things against his skin. "I mean it, Spike," he continued, his arms somehow going around Spike's waist to pull him closer. That wonderful mouth latched on to his nipple just as a warm hand circled his cock and Xa'an was sure he'd died and gone to heaven. "Oh...oh, that I like, don't stop that," he moaned, arching into Spike's touch, inadvertently pressing his hip hard against Spike's erection.

As tension ripped through him, Spike surged against Xa'an. "Definitely no stopping." His mouth skated over every inch of Xa'an's chest, licking, strategically biting to make the boy jerk and writhe just so against his own erection. So responsive... so his.

When Xa'an started to fuck Spike's hand harder, Spike withdrew it, and rolled him over. "Need to see you," he rasped, hitting a panel on the headboard so the room was lit by a soft yellow light.

Eyes as blue-as-sin gazed at every inch of Xa'an's body, drinking in the corded chest, taut, flat abdomen, the treasure trail that cried out to be teased and followed. And Xa'an's engorged and weeping cock, just waiting to be taken. Hell yes, he'd made the right choice in a mate.

Xa'am looked up at Spike, unable to concentrate on anything other than the intense look directed at him. He hadn't seen such fire before, such need pointed straight at him. His hips pushed up, straining for some friction against his cock, and he moaned his disappointment as Spike remained away from him.

That little sound was his undoing. Unable to wait even a minute longer, Spike blanketed Xa'an's body, sliding his hand between them to tease Xa'an's cock just a bit more as he kissed him fiercly. Tasted him, claimed him with each thrust of his tongue, with every groan he caught with his mouth.

Xa'an's hands rested on Spike's shoulders, gripping him hard as sensations threatened to overwhelm him. After a moment he became aware of the soft skin beneath his fingers and he stroked a bit, moving down Spike's back as he explored the texture and feel of him.

Encouraged by the moans he heard each time he pressed in this place or that, Xa'an wandered downwards, his hands finally coming to rest on Spike's ass. He hesitated, not sure what he was supposed to do next but Spike pressed back against him and he immediately tightened his hold, pulling the blond closer to him. Xa'an gasped as Spike's cock brushed against his own and he quickly repeated his action, kneading Spike's ass and pulling him harder against him.

Spike's heart drummed against his chest, harder than when he was in battle. Swamped by sensations and desire so strong he could hardly think, he thrust against Xa'an, slowly, but clearly repeating the pledge that bound them. The thrill of Xa'an's fingers digging into him had Spike arching his back, "good... so good."

"Yessss....more Spike, please, have to...need to come, please," Xa'an babbled incoherently, pushing and pulling at Spike's body as hard as he could, desperate for release.

"Yes, come for me," he answered, giving Xa'an the friction he sought, reveling in the way the boy stiffened, the warmth and desperation in every labored breath he drew as he chased his climax. "Come... come for me," Spike repeated, trying desperately to hold back. He wanted... no needed to be buried inside Xa'an the first time around.

Xa'an gasped and shuddered as he finally reached what he sought, his arms involuntarily tightening around Spike's body as he spent himself. He relaxed against the bed, humming softly as Spike continued to pet him, easily parting his legs when his lover urged him to.

His mate had provided plenty of lubrication, and Spike didn't let it go to waste as he prepared Xa'an. By the time his tip brushed Xa'an's hole, he was so hard and ready, his body so savagely alive, could hardly wait.

Finding Xa'an's already swollen mouth, he thrust his tongue inside, kissing him into distraction while he entered him. He swallowed the small groan of protest, kissed him harder, forced himself deeper inside. When tight muscles clenched around him, he throbbed and grew thicker with desire. Engulfed by heat, by the primordial instincts of a warrior to claim what was his, all signs of the Captain in control were gone. Spike pulled out and sheathed himself again, burying himself fully in his mate, branding him with his mouth, with his hands. Every thrust, every motion, aggressive, claiming what was his, brooking no argument and expecting his other half to give everything he had.

Xa'an wriggled around, trying to absorb this strange new development. Spike was deep inside him, getting deeper with every thrust and even though some tiny part of him protested the treatment, the biggest part of him just wanted to give in and offer everything he had to this man. He looked up, intending to ask Spike to slow down but one look into those intent eyes and he'd forgotten everything but the need to just give in. He moaned low in his throat and spread his legs wider, thrusting his hips up to meet Spike, begging without words for more.

Recognizing the surrender, he fucked Xa'an into oblivion. There was no room for thought, or words, just the white hot heat that had him thrusting mindlessly, seeking relief. But the ache wouldn't go away, it grew more powerful, rode Spike the way Spike rode Xa'an. "Help me... focus... Xa'an," he begged. "Need... this..."

Xa'an focused all his attention on Spike, his hands stroking every part of him he could reach as he whispered into his ear.

"Can you feel me Spike, hot and tight around you, holding you inside me. Come for me Spike, let yourself go, need to see you come, feel you inside..."

Just like that, Spike's world went off kilter. Spinning out of control never felt so good, and being reeled in by his mate was even better. Merciful stars, every nerve in his body vibrated as tides of pleasure crashed around him. He arched his back, stiffening as his climax shook him to the core. "Xa'aaan," he cried out, slumping against the guy's shoulder, rubbing his mouth against it.

He was hot, and tired, and fulfilled. Never had sex been so satisfying. "Thank you Xa'luv, you did great. You found me," he kissed him, and held him tight. Nothing would ever come between them, nothing. Not even Xa'an's strange notions about who he thought he was meant for, nor the deal they'd struck. By the time Spike's heat cycle
was over, Xa'an would admit to being his, body and soul.

Feeling truly content for the first time in his life, Xa'an laid his head against Spike's shoulder and drifted off to sleep, a small smile playing on his face. A short while later, Spike was raging with the fever of desire again. Tugging Xa'an awake, he dragged him into the shower. They made love against the wall, then again, against the sink. It went on, all night long. Until Spike was spent, and the effects of his hormones were abated, at least for a time.

He woke from a deep slumber and dressed in the semi-dark. Afraid to kiss his sleeping mate, for that might fuel his heat cycle again, he quietly left their quarters and headed for the bridge.

*

When Xa'an woke up he did it with full knowledge of what had happened during the night. He vividly remembered every single second of his out of control behaviour and he could practically hear himself begging Spike for more.

"What the hell did he do to me?"

Having been informed by the computer that Xa'an had arisen, Bart gave the Captain's mate a bit of time to get some cafe' and dress, before he arrived at the door. After obtaining permission to enter, he gave the dark haired man a wry smile. The Captain had said he might be a bit bewildered, and that he was, going by his expression. "Good morning. The Captain asked that I accompany you to the infirmary, in case you have... discomfort."

Xa'an lifted his head, glared at Bart and flopped back down on the bed. He could feel himself blushing and that put him in an even worse mood.

"He should have thought of that yesterday," he mumbled, "before he threw his mojo at me." He wriggled around on the bed, finding a more comfortable position. "Now go away...I'm busy brooding."

"Not quite the response one would expect from a satisfied bride-mate," Bart teased. "Now come, before I get demoted or the Captain sends the entire medical team to his quarters. It could happen."

"Yeah well, them's the breaks," Xa'an looked up long enough to glare again. "He doesn't have any magical abilities does he? I thought warriors had super strength but no magic."

"Magic... no, what does he need magic for? He's got his commission, the Hellraiser, and you. I've brought you some clothes. Change, lets take care of seeing the doctors, and then I'll give you a tour of the ship. You'll like the merchants level and can pick out your own clothes."

Xa'an frowned to himself, he'd been sure that Spike had somehow mojoed him into acting like he had.

"Do I have to see or talk to him?" he asked, looking up to Bart again.

"The Captain? No, you don't have clearance to bridge level. But there is a lot to explore, and learn about. And people will welcome you with open arms, you'll see." He lifted the white tunic up, "the Captain comes in two tones, black and white. It might be fun to shock him with something red you pick up," he wheedled.

Why did this guy act as if Xa'an should be all loved up and happy with his stupid Captain? Didn't he get that Xa'an didn't want to be here? "If blondie’s picking up the tab then let's go shopping. See how he likes colours," he said, making a grab for the tunic. "Turn around," he ordered, turning his finger around in a circle.

"Hmm, I think with a Traxidus warrior as your mate, you're going to get over your shyness quite quickly," he answered, giving Xa'an a knowing look, and complying with the request.

"Why? What's so special about a Traxidus warrior?" Xa'an asked, his voice muffled through the tunic.

Bart chuckled. "You don't know? That's why the crew is so relieved he finally chose a mate. He wouldn't have received the commission without one, you know? Are you dressed?" He turned his head.

"All done. Let's go spend blondie's money." Xa'an declared, determined to hurt the arrogant bastard in the only way he could: through his wallet. Being friends with Tayra had taught him how to do that at least.

"Oh boy, I don't think he'll like that designation." Bart hid a smile, and walked amiably along the corridors and into an elevator.

A short trip to the infirmary later they were back on the elevator, Xa'an scowling at the wall. He'd been thoroughly humiliated! The doctor insisted that the Captain's mate had to be properly examined and Xa'an had been prodded and pocked at for what felt like hours. The doctor finally pronounced him fine, all the while looking entirely too
smug in Xa'an's opinion.

"You can go to any of the levels below this red line," Bart showed him, carefully ignoring the glare sent his way. "Your quarters are on the same level as the quarters of the other officers, as well as some of the semi-classified departments. Down here," he waved his hand as they got out, "there are a few merchants, some eateries, and crew and family quarters. Some entertainment as well. Oh, and kids, the school is down here." Stopping at a flash food stand, he gave the guy his credit chip and offered Xa'an a cafe'. "You should have your credit chip card soon, but the merchants know where the Captain lives so we'll have no problems today."

"There's a school? How big is this ship?"

*

Three hours later, Xa'an had successfully managed to make Bart go pale as he recited the total amount he'd spent on his shopping spree. He'd sent the ensign out to get them a nice table for lunch and proceeded to visit the most expensive shops on the level buying things in the loudest colours he could find. Smug Annoying Bastard wouldn't know what hit him!

"You think blondie'll have an episode?" he asked innocently, practically fluttering his eyelashes at Bart.

Bart eyed Xa'an's purchases and rubbed his eyes. "He's going to kill me."

"No he won't," Xa'an waved his hand airily, "He'll be mad at me, but hey, who cares. Besides, people have been going on and on about how nice he is and how happy they are he's mated. If I didn't know better I'd think he paid them to do it. Why would they care so much if he's mated anyway," he concluded, taking a bite out of his burger.

He choked... literally choked on a laugh. Covering his mouth with his hand, Bart tried to sit up and stop thinking about the reason for everyone's relief that the Captain had found his mate. "Yes, he is ... well if not nice, kind. But this stuff you got... what were they thinking selling it to you?"


"That I had money and wasn't afraid to spend it?" Xa'an suggested, his grin growing wider as Bart laughed. "What do we do next? Did he-that-must-be-obeyed leave any orders?"

"Well, yes... of course. After lunch, you are scheduled to go to orientation, to be informed about the various procedures during emergencies. And then it's a trip to our higher education center, so you can decide what you wish do study. The Captain has narrowed your choices for you so it shouldn't be too difficult to..."

"He's done what?" Xa'an raised his voice, hurriedly lowering it back down when he realized people were staring, "Who the hell does he think he is picking my ma-"

"Xa'an Der Val Righton to the bridge. Repeat Xa'an Der Val Righton to the bridge, immediately."

The conversation at the tables in the concourse suddenly died down as everyone paid attention to the ship-wide announcement.

"All hands, please direct Xa'an to the bridge. The Captain urgently requires a conjugal visit."

A few people laughed. Others looked toward Xa'an, wishing they were in his place.

Bart shot out of his chair, "you've got to you go, your mate calls for you."

"What? No!" Xa'an protested, blushing fiercely as people kept pointing at him and laughing. "No way in hell. He can't just...he can't!" Too mortified to sit there while everybody laughed, Xa'an got up and stormed off, intending to go back to his room.

"Xa'an, you have to, they wouldn't say urgent if it..."

"Hey there," a security crew member stood in Xa'an's way. "The correct elevator is over there," he said, helpfully pointing.

"All hands, please direct Xa'an Der Val Righton to the bridge. A conjugal visitation is required immediately," the impersonal tone repeated.

There were a few nods of public approval when Xa'an appeared to make haste and raced to the elevator.

“This isn't happening, it's just not happening," Xa'an muttered, pressing repeatedly the button for the level his suite was in.

"That's not... Xa'an..." Bart caught the incensed guy's hand. "That's not going to work. I'm sure they've used the over-ride, this elevator won't stop anywhere but at bridge level. I'll take your purchases and make sure they are in your room when you return. It's going to be fine, your mate would never hurt you," he tugged the bags away from
Xa'an.

"No, he's not doing this to me! Did you see all those people? They were laughing at me," Xa'an stared fixedly at the elevator lights, counting up to the bridge. "I'm going to kill the bastard."

"They're laughing with relief that you're here for him."

The elevator door slid open and two waiting security officers made way for Xa'an to get out. "You have to hurry, we are nearing the ice barrier and he must be done by then."

Bart made a wincing expression. People hadn't yet realized how shy Xa'an was, he'd need to warn them that until he got used to his circumstances, people ought to pretend they didn't know the details of his sexual role when it came to their captain.

One of them reached for Xa'an, and helped to guide him down the hall, while the other one flanked him. "He's waiting in here," they opened a narrow door, and all but pushed him inside.

"What took you so long?" Spike drilled Xan with his eyes, heat practically shooting out of them. "You'll have to forgive the circuit closet, but there's no time to go to our quarters."

The moment the elevator doors opened Xa'an was sure he was going to die, he would simply fall down dead from absolute embarrassment. Then Spike was there, demanding to know why Xa'an was late and instead of falling apart he saw red.

"You...you..." The words wouldn't come, he was too angry to think in words so instead he punched Spike as hard as he could.

Instead of falling back or even wincing in pain, Spike grabbed his head on either side and held him still as he kissed him.

At first Xa'an tried to protest, but all too soon he was caught up in the kiss, his own tongue licking along Spike's lips, into his mouth, trying to taste as much of him as he could. Xa'an didn't even care that there were people looking at them, all he cared for was getting more of Spike.

The door closed with a decided thud, and they were alone in the small closet. Not that either of them cared or knew at this point.

Without warning, Spike had grown hot and bothered at just the wrong moment on the bridge. Another onset of his heat cycle held him in its grips as he imagined his mate, and demanded he be brought. And now here was his mate… kissing him back, tugging on him. Dueling his tongue for control in the most maddening way. Spike took a step forward, using his body to force Xa'an back against the door. Urgently, he shoved his hand up Xa'an's tunic, ran his hands over the hard planes of his abdomen, groaning when his body reacted with aching intensity.

Xa'an pushed his hands into Spike's trousers, cupping his ass and pulling him close. He murmured something against Spike's skin, not even caring what he said, so long as Spike didn't stop touching him.

Stars, Xa'an's motions felt so good it hurt. Hard, heavy and throbbing, Spike rubbed his cock against Xa'an, and groaned about needing to feel more skin. Emulating Xa'an, he shoved his own hands down the guy's pants, and gripped his ass, dragging him up harder against him. Their frenzied shoving and pushing inflamed him further,
sent his blood roaring in his hears.

"Captain. Ice barrier in mark ten."

Spike almost wept at the announcement. "Sorry luv, you'll have to get me there fast. Promise I'll make it up to you," he said, shoving his own pants down and putting his hand on Xa'an's shoulder, pressing down. "Take me in your mouth."

Xa'an immediately dropped on his knees, hands settling on Spike's hips as he practically attacked Spike's cock with his mouth, licking and sucking hard as he could. He wanted to taste, no, not wanted, needed to taste him. Spike's hands lifted off his shoulders and Xa'an moaned as Spike thrust lightly into his mouth.

Spike slammed his hands against the walls on either side of his body, bracing against them as he did his best to hold still in the small space they were stuck in. His gaze firmly riveted on the boy's mouth, his lust peaked as the colorful circuit board lights flickered and revealed the things it was doing to him. "Take more of me," he rasped, thrusting harder now.

Xa'an choked in his effort to obey, taking in as much of Spike as he could. He hummed a little as the head of Spike's cock touched the back of his mouth, relishing the moans he was pulling out of his lover.

The pressure was relentless, building with every slide of Xa'an's mouth over him, every tightening of those lips around him. Control gave way to mindless thrusting, even as the next time warning came over the speakers. "Xa'an," he breathed, suddenly dragging the boy up, and putting the boy's hand around his shaft. "Have to finish, now," he showed Xa'an how to pleasure him with his hand. The pressure built, bringing him close... so close to the edge, but precious minutes passed and still he was going strong.

Kissing Xa'an roughly, he pulled away and turned him around, easily dragging the guy's pants down so it rode below his ass. Gripping his mate's hips, he lifted him and brought him down on his erection, pushing inside.

Xa'an screamed as Spike slammed inside him, pain overriding the pleasure for long scary moments. All too soon though, the pain subsided and pleasure returned, stronger than ever. He felt like he was flying, the only thing holding him close to the ground was Spike's hands on his skin, the feeling of him hot inside Xa'an.

Hot, tight, muscles clenching round him. This was what Spike needed. This and to listen to Xa'an's own sounds of pleasure. With each powerful thrust, he lifted the boy up, hardly allowing his feet to touch the ground, holding him close, supporting him with his thighs. Feeling him with every inch of his body as he neared his release.

And then they were in sync, breaths labored, grunts counterpointed by muffled cries. White hot heat seared Spike, clawed at him as he held Xa'an in place and burrowed into him again and again, until sweet release freed him from the pleasure and pain of his lust. Whispering his lovers name, he turned him around and kissed him softly.

"Bridge the the Captain. Three minutes to the ice barrier."

He closed his eyes for a half second, then tipped Xa'an's face up. "Wait for me in our quarters so we can do this right. Don't bother with clothes." Quickly and efficiently cleaning up, the Captain straightened now only his own clothes, but Xa'an's as well.
"Take your time coming back to yourself," he said, giving him one last kiss. "Thank you Xa'luv." And then he was gone.

A few minutes later, when the door was pushed open once again, the security guards were still waiting for Xa'an. "We are to escort you directly to the infirmary. The Captain regrets his... roughness."

The other guard chimed in. "He also asks that you make sure to carry lubricant on your person at all times. Speak to the doctor about it."

Xa'an never thought a person could faint of sheer embarrassment but now he wasn't so sure. He swayed a little on his feet, batting away at the hands that tried to steady him.

"Touch me and I will cut off your hands," he growled at the guards. He knew better than to try and avoid the infirmary, Spike had forced him to come up here after all, Xa'an was sure the guards had strict orders to make him go see that odious doctor. He refused to look at Spike as he passed through the bridge and into the elevator. All he could hear
were the snicker s of some of the crew, all he could see were the smirks in their faces.

In the end the doctor was, once again, too thorough with his examination, earning himself a punch from his already irritated patient. Xa'an stormed out of the infirmary and back to his rooms, firmly locking the door behind him and changing the door code. Spike would eventually get in, but he sure as hell wouldn't find it easy.


(A/N: If you enjoyed this and would like to see part B of Story 4, let me know. Lurve comments )