Full Circle

Few days later...


Monday morning had finally rolled around, Xander gathering up his hardhat and looking towards Spike, who was sitting in Xander's uncomfortable armchair while looking at everything in the damp basement bar Xander himself.

"Spike... Spike? Fine then, don't listen but I'm just going outta my way to tell you that I'll be back around 5.30, 6 o'clock tonight at the latest, OK... OK? Fuckin' hell, whatever. You know, after all I've done for you, you really are a rude piece of shit aren't you?" snapped Xander, as he saw that Spike was still ignoring him. Climbing the creaking stairs, he tried not to flood the small room with sunlight as he pushed the door open. With a look up at the sky, he realised he needn't have bothered as he took in the large thunderclouds gathering overhead. With a thought of if he would make it to work before it started to rain, Xander headed off in the direction of the construction site of the newest department store to hit Sunnydale, K-Mart. As he walked down the uneven footpath to the corner of his street, Xander wondered what the bleached wonder was going to do now that he was essentially back to normal. Spike's ankle was surprisingly slow to heal and as a result, Spike was still limping, although nowhere near as much as he used to. Mulling this over in his head, Xander reached the corner of his street, looked both ways for oncoming traffic and crossed the street towards the centre of downtown Sunnydale. A glance at his watch told him that he would make the new work site with lots of time to spare and as such, Xander slowed down his pace in order to take in the scenery as he passed it by. Not really taking much notice of the bare gardens, he thought that he was lucky that neither of his parents or Uncle Rory had come barging into his so called private rental property and discovered that Xander was 'sub-letting' to Spike.

Xander knew that his dad or Uncle Rory, quite possible both, would kick the literal crap out of him for not only having a 'guest' stay with him but a male one at that who wasn't even paying rent. Xander grimaced in distaste as he recalled all the extra rent he had had to pay for the privilege of having Anya stay overnight in *his* basement. Arseholes, he thought to himself. If his parents found out about Spike, he wouldn't put it past them to not only charge him extra rent but also actually demand interest on it. Chuckling suddenly, Xander wondered, if given a calculator, pen and paper, which out of the two of them would work it out not only first but also correctly.

"And the answer to that would be... Mom, 'cause I sure as hell didn't get my Mensa qualifications from Dad," Xander sneered, nodding to himself as he thought of how intelligent Homer Simpson was when compared to his father. For as long as he could remember, his Dad had instilled in Xander that there was onrrecrrect way of thinking and asking people to do things, using your fists while backed up with a foul temper. Xander wasn't like that and he never wanted to be, besides, he had a hard enough time trying to hide the foul temper that always threatened to overwhelm him, sometimes on a daily basis. A temper that he had definitely inherited from his paternal side of the family, his father and uncle frequently exploding in fits of rage. Both men prone to destroying anything they could lay their hands on, beating anyone within arms reach into submission and over the years, that person had usually been Xander or his mother. As much as he laughed about his clumsiness to Buffy, Willow and the others, not all of his injuries had been the result of patrolling; something that Xander took great pains to hide. Simply, it was no-one's business but his own.

As he approached the front gates of the building site, Xander groaned when he realised that he hadn't taken notice of any of the numerous warehouses and derelict houses he had passed on the way to work. He had wanted to see if any were suitable for Spike once the vampire moved out of the basement. Security guard greeted with a smile, Xander stood still with both arms held out while he was patted down, the guard checking for any weapons. Onronoronounced weapon free, he signed the roster and headed down to the mobile lunchroom, grinning at his workmates as they good-naturedly yelled at him to get his lazy arse back to work. Lunchroom entered, all thoughts of Spike were placed firmly in the back of his mind as Xander made himself a coffee with two heaped spoons of instant and 4 sugars, filling the mug half way with milk before pouring in the hot water from the urn.



~No problem Pet, you just go and leave the 'manly' man of a vampire all by his little ol' self. ~

Snorting to himself at the wave of fear that washed over him as he watched the boy head out into the cold day, Spike sat in the armchair and gazed around the mould scented basement once again. With nothing holding his attention longer than five seconds, Spike grabbed the TV remote control from the floor as he realised that there wasn't much to do apart from watch TV, and pointed it towards the blank box facing him. The on button pressed, the TV lit up into an old episode of Sally Jesse Raphael, crackling in response to the screech that was the bespectacled woman's voice coming from the worn speakers. Fingers tapping on the scratchy material covering the armchair, Spike glanced at the kitchen clock and, seeing that it was only 7.21 in the morning, he tried to think of the various places in and around Sunnydale that he was now barred from that he could have once claimed sanctuary in. An impressive list built in his mind as Spike wondered if the Watcher would consider having him back until Spike's continual feelings of despair and fear started to subside.

~ Bathtub might be a nice change from that cunt of a bed the Whelp has, bloody thing has springs pokin' every which where... no wonder the boy got it so cheap. Oh, and by the way... I, William the Bloody, do *not* have feelings of f'n despair! ~

Yes, yes you do, Spike's inner voice whispered to him, forcing the vampire to acknowledge that he did indeed fear for his safety and as such, Spike wondered what the hell was going to convince Xander to let him stay. Could always give him a blowjob every now and again, mused Spike, as he recalled the state of constant arousal Xander seemed to be in since giving the ex-demon bint the flick. After all, f'n expert on that now aren't I just? he mused to himself, even as he screwed up his face in distaste. No bloody way was he going *anywhere* near Xander's cock. The boy desperately needed a good wank as far as Spike was concerned, even as he knew that Xander was more than likely put off from giving himself some relief by Spike's presence, only because Xander knew that Spike would know the instant Xander had given in. Just another reason the kid wants me gone I 'spose, Spike thought. Launching himself out of the armchair and towards the kitchen, Spike tried to walk normally with both his ankles taking an even weight. With a small stumble as he tried to do so, he shifted his weight back onto his right side and continued his way to the kitchenette's sink.

~ Ooooooohhhhh, look at the tame, domesticated vampire! Quick, roll right up and see the freak as it does the dishes. That's right, folks, the only one living in captivity you say? Nay, not in captivity but living with a human by choice! ~

The bitter thought spewing forth even as he reached underneath the sink for the dishwashing liquid, Spike smiled slightly to himself that if Dru could only see him now, it would definitely seal her decision that she was right to leave him.

~ Of course, a great steaming pile of Fungus Demon would always win hand's down against Billy Boy~

Thinking that he could still do dishes better than the green furry prick that Dru had chosen over him, Spike put the plug underneath the teetering tower of plates and bowls in the sink and turned the hot water on. A small amount of liquid squeezed into the steaming water, he knew from having watched the boy do the same thing from his bed in the first few days of staying in the basement that he had put just the right amount into the sink to wash the dishes.

~Christ, I can't believe it has come down to this. How bloody stupid and pathetic am I?~

Head shaken as he turned off the water before the sink overflowed, Spike plunged his hands into the hot water, wincing at how his skin instantly began to burn. As he idly listened to the studio audience roaring in laughter to something the show's host had said on TV, Spike started to wash the numerous pieces of cutlery that littered the bottom of the shallow sink even as he tried not to think of the little tremors of panic that were running along his body. Xander had only really left Spike alone a few times since being found and brought back to the basement, even then, none had been over one or two hours while Xander was at a Scooby Meeting or getting some more groceries, videos and blood. Spike knew that he had grown used to having the boy being almost constantly around him, providing a barrier from the outside world that Spike was more than happy to hide behind for the time being. He gave a strangled moan of embarrassment as he remembered clutching at Xander's larger hand as they had both settled down to go back to sleep after Spike had had the monstrous nightmare only a few nights ago. Hands paused mid wash of a teaspoon, Spike screwed his eyes shut, his embarrassment growing as he found he couldn't deny how much safer he had felt when touching Xander.

~ Thank f'n hell Harris was too tired to know it was me. Big girl, that's what I am. No doubt about it then, looks like I'm turnin' into the Poof! ~

Knowing that even with the do-gooder of a soul, his Sire would never have needed to feel the touch of another person, no matter *what* he had gone through, Spike realised that it had felt good to touch the boy, his own bit of protection from Riley and mates. With an uneasy, self-depreciating grin on his face, Spike couldn’t help but remember the loss he had felt when he had woken up later the next day and gently removed his hand before a still snoring Xander had woken up.

~ Christ Almighty, I'm over a hundred years old and I can't believe I'm lookin' for a bit of comfort in a boy that's only just finishin' his second decade in life! ~

Shoulders shrugged as his embarrassment was tinged with slight warmth that he felt all the way down in the pit of his stomach, the vampire finished shoving wet crockery into the large dish drainer and pulled the plug. Hands wiped on the tea towel hanging from one of the drawer handles, Spike made his awkward way back to the TV.

From the earliest memory he could dredge up from his 27 years as a human, Spike had always hated being alone and he was really growing to detest the gnawing feeling in his stomach at the thought of the boy not coming home at all. As stupid as the whole idea of Xander not coming back to his own home was, Spike had that 'what if...' kind of thought tickling at the back of his mind. When he had been a human, he had always gone out of his way to make sure that at least someone was with him at all times, the only exception had been when he was doing the breaking and entering that he had been famous for in the murky criminal circles he had lived in. Settling into the uncomfortable chair, he watched a car ad state that only HP Premium Motor Oil would do the trick, the bright colours and harsh sounds drawing Spike's attention once more. After some time, Spike's stomach started to growl in hunger and, looking at the kitchen clock, he was amazed to see that it was after 2pm. As he stood to make his way back to the fridge and grab some lunch, Spike felt the heavy roll of thunder shake the house, the almost deafening crack of lightening signalling the beginning of the major storm that had been threatening to grace Sunnydale with its presence all day.

The fridge door open, Spike leaned against the side as he listened to the low howl outside as the wind ushered the storm into full force. Blood bag grabbed from the dwindling stock on the middle shelf, he wondered how the Whelp would be able to do his job in such foul weather.


Xander finished shoving his change into his wallet, placing it back into his pocket and gathering up his numerous plastic bags as went through the list of purchases in his head, wondering if he had forgotten something that Spike might need later on. Checking the docket, Xander frowned at how much everything had cost him, thanking God that his workmates had unknowingly helped prepare a nasty shit head of a vampire for the big move out of Xander's basement.

Cringing in embarrassment, Xander couldn't help but recall how humiliating it had been when most of the work crew had surrounded him during lunch, all smiling and nudging at one another while staring at him. For more than a few moments, Xander had been convinced that he was about to be a victim orkporkplace bullying or a practical joke until Barney, head of Xander's work crew, had handed him a bulging white envelope. The envelope taken with a nervous laugh, Xander had taken in how eager everyone was to open it. So, not saying a word, he had opened the packet only to feel faint as he had seen the numerous bank notes poking out of the envelope.

The edges of the notes played with, Xander had looked questioningly at his friends before asking the towering, balding Barney, why. Everyone had laughed at that, and comments thrown around about how they all knew Xander wasn't the smartest kid in the world before Barney had told Xander that a few of the other guys and himself had put in some money each to make up a bit towards the two week's wages Xander had lost. The pot-bellied leader had been impressed when the construction had had told him why Xander wouldn't be in for a few weeks. Speechless, Xander had watched the other guys nod their heads at Barney's words as he was told that he was a good kid to forgo his wages in order to take care of his sick mother, unlike so many little shits that had worked for the company over the years. The money, all $217.32, hadn't been anywhere near even one week's wage, but Xander hadn't been about to tell the older men that.

Instead, Xander thanked them all in nervous fear of what could happen if they really found out just what he had been up to in his missed weeks off work, while the men had taken turns in slapping him on the back and telling him that they wished more youngsters were as unselfish as he showshown himself to be. Realising that there was something to be said for White Knight Syndrome, Xander had started to walk back to where he was concreting the second story floor when the skies had opened up with a vengeance. The rain, combined with a wind that was steadily picking up in speed and strength, made it impossible for any work to continue and once everything had been covered in plastic tarps, the boss had declared that everyone could go home until the next morning. Excited by having an afternoon off all to himself, Xander had accepted a lift to the Sunnydale Mall from one of the site's carpenters. Chatting all the way about little things, Xander had been unable to stop a blush when he explained that his uncle was now able to take care of his mother. Feeling hiss bus burn at remembering the lies that had come so easily to him, Xander continued to walk through the closing Mall as he thought about his recent purchases.

He hoped that he had picked the right size t-shirts and jeans for Spike. If not, he had been assured by the sales lady that he could always bring them back for an exchange. Yeah, right, he snorted to himself. Spike had legs so he would be the one doing the taking back and exchanging, although Xander was sure that if it was left up to Spike, the vampire would just steal what he needed while handing over the ill-fitting goods for a full refund, and Xander would never get a single dime back. Still, even with the thought that it was a real possibility in the future, Xander knew that no matter what he felt for Spike, the vampire couldn't continue wearing Xander's clothes as everything was way too big for his slender frame. With the thought that he would like to have his boxers at least belong only to him again, Xander had chosen two simple black t-shirts, a pair of black socks and a thick blue shirt to go over the t-shirts before he had needed help with finding the right size jeans and boots. The sales assistant who had helped him beenbeen pretty dumb, in a ditzy way, but she had known what she was on about when it came to guessing the right size for Spike. Asking Spike's height, Xander had indicated the vampire was only a few inches shorter but he couldn't say for sure what Spike's real height was. As the assistant had giggled at Spike's name, Xander had gone on to tell her that Spike was considerably slimmer than he was, although fairly compact and muscular, Xander flushing at the assistant's raised eyebrow.

Nodding, she had hmmmm'd at him and had gone off to rummage through the many pairs of jeans before Xander had stated that he would only buy black. After many minutes, a pair had been found that looked like they would fit Spike and together, Xander and the assistant had moved onto the shoe section. Not being able to afford anything too fancy, let alone a pair of genuine Doc Martens for Spike, Xander had eventually settled on a discounted pair of lace up work boots once he had been assured that if not right, they could be exchanged. Asked if his friend needed any underpants to go with his purchases, Xander had stared at her as he had felt his face burn with embarrassment. With a nod as he didn’t trust himself to do anything but squeak, he had followed the assistant towards the underwear department while wishing for the floor to swallow him. Just as he thought he had recovered, he had once again felt his face go red as he was questioned about what his friend would prefer; full boxers, half boxers, bikini, low slung, high cut or tighty whities, would Spike like cotton, synthetic, silk, or satin and what colour.

Recalling that the vampire had been wearing his overly large boxers for a couple of weeks now, Xander had stuttered that only black cotton full boxers would do. The girl had giggled at his request for black again, wondering out loud if his friend was a vampire. Xander had whipped his head around in all directions, heart pounding even as hd ned nervously laughed along with her; stating that his friend was just an unimaginative dresser. Explanation nodded at, she had then proceeded to lead him towards the checkout with two pairs of boxers clutched in her hand.

Looking at his watch again, Xander stepped up his pace and headed through the outer doors of the Mall. He had been almost ready to weep with sincere gratitude when he had learnt that Wal-Mart was having a pre December 15% off everything sale so that they could make room for all the Christmas stock from overseas. All his purchases had come to much less than he had expected, but he was still going to ask Giles, Willow and Tara if they could put in towards the cost of Spike's new clothing. He wasn't going to bother asking Buffy or Riley, as he knew that they wouldn't even consider clothing a necessity for the recovering vampire. Seeing that it was almost 6.30 pm, he hurried towards home while trying to shelter from the heavy rain by jogging under the trees that overhung the slick footpath.