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RATING: FRAO, Adults only.
PAIRING: Spike/ Xander
SUMMARY: Xander comes to L.A. and meets up with Spike as a ghost. Done for the Halloween 2005 ficathon for the LJ community darker_spike.
Distribution: Various lists, Wierd Romance Yahoo Group ;
My livejournal ; the Basement of Doom LJ community ; and the website Weird Romances . Anyplace else is fine, just let us know where it’s going.
SPOILERS: Through Season 5 Ats.
WARNINGS: Not much, really, aside from m/m sex and Angel bashing.
DISCLAIMER: We adore playing with the boys, but we’re just having fun. No money made, don’t sue us!
FEEDBACK: Yes please.
Length: 20,900 Words.






Trading Places


by
Salustra and PetXnd





Part One



Harmony looks up at the dark-haired boy approaching the desk. "My name is Harmony, how can I." Her eyes widen. "Xander?!"

Xander's eye widens. "Harm...Harmony is that you?"

"Yes! So good to see you!" She gets up and comes around the desk, giving him a big hug. "What's with the eyepatch? Makes you look all dangerous."

Xander struggles to pull away, remembering she was a vampire. "Umm its a long, sad story.I'll tell you about it sometime a sad tale involving betrayal and heroism."

Harmony steps back. "So, are you here to see Angel? 'Cause I'm his secretary now."

Xander stiffens. "Figures. I don't *want* to see him, but the Council sent me to check up on .him."

"Ooo, the Council. You a Watcher now, like Giles? 'Cause that's kinda sexy."

Xander sighs tiredly. “I work for the Council, I do their dirty work. Giles is a big noise these days and he doesn't trust Deadboy any more than I do."

Harmony sighs. "Why not? He's doing good stuff. He's got a strict no-human-blood policy in place and everything."

"Bully for him.Look Deadboy sent a message, wants to borrow a few Slayers to fight someone.I’m supposed to suss it out, see if he's on the level before they make a decision."

"Ok, hang on, I'll buzz him." She presses the intercom. "Boss?"

Angel's annoyed voice comes back over the speaker. "What *is* it, Harmony?"

"Xander Harris is here to see you, something about a request you made to the Council?"

Angel coughs. "Xander Harris?" Then a sigh. "Sure, send him in."

Xander shifts his weight. This place and the proximity of the vampire he hated make Xander uneasy.

Harmony takes her finger off the button. "Well, you can go in now," she chirps.

Xander snorts. "Gee thanks, can't wait." He straightens his clothes, feeling the solid weight of the stake in his back pocket. He half-smiles at the memory of Giles telling him not to hesitate to use it if he thought it necessary. He strides towards the solid oak door.

Angel rolls his eyes a little as Xander comes in. "So the Council sent you?"

Xander closes the door behind him. "Yeah, I drew the short straw."

Angel sighs and steeples his hands, leaning back in his chair. "So what's with the eyepatch?"

"None of your damn business. The Council don't trust you, Giles doesn't trust you, Buffy doesn't give a damn and I *never* trusts you. They sent me to see how far you'd gone over to the other side.running this place." He looks round and shudders.

Angel growls a little. "I'm doing good. Using the resources of this place to save more people that I ever could with my little detective agency."

Xander moves forward. "This place reeks of evil, you reek of evil, but there again.*you* always did."

"Hey, don't hold back, tell me what you *really* feel," Angel says with a sardonic tone.

"What I *really* feel. I don't have the ability to put into words. Let’s just say, you were too evil, fucked-up and twisted for hell to even want you. I loathe you Angel, I always did and I always will. "

"Well then, nice to see you, don't let me keep you, tell the Council thanks for the *due* consideration, have a nice trip."

"Oh no, you don't get rid of me that easy, I'm supposed to get the low down on the end of the world crap you've got going here. and then tell you to fuck off!"

"And why exactly am I supposed to let you wander about here?" Angel raises an eyebrow. "If you're just going to tell me to 'fuck off' anyway, there's no reason for me to give you access to the building."

"I'm not here for *you*, never for you. There are a lot of good, misguided people around you, Wesley for one. if they're in danger then I'm damned if I’m going to let a .*thing* like you stop me from trying to help them. But hey you wanna go play hero and throw yourself into the gaping jaws of hell, can I watch?!"

"You forget, *boy*, I'm in charge here. All I have to do is push a button and security shows up to throw you out of the building. So you'd better think of a good excuse to be here in the next, say, ninety seconds."

"Fine, Blood Breath.” Xander turns to leave. “Giles will have a contingent of Slayers here to take you out within twenty-four hours. You can't hide forever and in case your wondering I'll be leading them and Giles. Y'know he *never* did forgive you for killing Jenny."

"Yeah, right. You know Wolfram and Hart has worldwide offices. He sends Slayers here, the Partners send hit teams and bombs to the Council offices *there*."

Xander turns grinning. "Oh yeah, cos they *love* you so very much. " Xander sneers. "The way I figure it. they'd stand by and laugh watching you go down, or you wouldn't have been scared enough to ask the Council for help in the first place!"

"Not scared, boy, just thought they'd be handy. And it's nothing to do with loving me. They can't let their rep be tarnished by letting my death go unavenged. They'd lose standing in the demon world. They'd do it out of pure self-interest."

"Lose standing in the demon world?" Xander looks incredulous."Just who the fuck do you think you are? No. no." He held up a hand, "Don't bother. If anyone survives, tell them to let me know where your dust is."

"Up to you. No skin off my nose. Hey, even one of the really bad guys in town wouldn't kill me outright because he knew the Partners would take him out. He had to try to make some cockamamie deal with Sp." Angel's voice trails off.

Xander tenses. "You had better not have been going to mention who *I* think you were going to mention." Xander wheels and strides back towards Angel. "You’re not fit to speak his name. Hell, you’re not fit to lick his boots. He *was* a hero. a true hero. Because *you* were too fucking piss scared to wear the amulet yourself, so you conned poor misguided Buffy, who thought *you'd* come to help into talking Sp...Will into wearing it. While you scuttled back under your safe little rock! Or perhaps you just weren't *good* enough!!"

Angel growls. "Hey, wasn't my idea. Buffy was only too glad to take the amulet away, insisted I come back here. But I'll mention him all I like. Spike, Spike, Spike. What's so great about him? He saves the world *once*, and dies doing it. I've saved the world at least four times already."

Angel had never seen Xander move so fast, the young man is in his face, the stake presses into Angel's chest before he can move. "Say it again. I double dare you" he snarls as Angel remains frozen.

There is a musical chuckle from behind Xander. "Defending my honor. That's sweet of you, really."

Xander freezes, then he presses the stake in a little harder. "No-one would blame me. Doing the world a favor really."

Spike sighs. "Yeah, but then someone else would inherit that little amulet that I'm bound to, and heaven knows what they'd do with it."

Xander shakes his head. "I could swear."

"Swear what?"

"I can hear Will."

Spike walks around so Xander can see him. "You can. I'm here. Bloody Wolfram and Hart, that damn amulet bound me somehow."

Angel looks up. "Will? He calls you Will?"

Xander lets out a very unmanly shriek and staggers back.

Spike comes over to grab him and his arms pass through Xander's body.

Xander lets out a louder shriek and glares at Angel "You’re dust! How the fuck are you doing it, is it one of those tricks like they use in the movies?"

Spike sighs. "No trick. It's really the bloody amulet. I could tell you some details to make you believe me, but I don't think you want Angel hearing them." He gives a suggestive smirk to Xander.

Xander pales."What the fuck is it with you guys? Why can't you stay dust?!" He throsw the stake across the office and flops onto a chair, his head in his hands.

"Well, nice to see you too. It would've been nice if even *one* person was happy to see me back."

Angel keeps staring at Spike. "He calls you Will? Only *I* call you Will."

Xander looks up, tears streaming down his face "Five months, five fucking months mourning for you. Crying for you every fucking night.They had me under fucking suicide watch for a month!"

"Not like I can exactly pick up a phone. No hands. Had no way of know where you where. And I've only been back a few weeks." Spike's voice is gentle and he comes over to kneel in front of Xander. He concentrates hard so he can stroke his face with a whisper touch.

Xander jerks away. "Are you real? I'm not back in the hospital am I?" He whispers

"Real enough. Mostly ghostie, of a sort, but still real."

Angel's expression behind the desk is sour, as their behavior towards each other makes it abundantly clear why Xander calls Spike Will.

Xander puts out a hand to touch Spike and gives a shudder when it passes through him. "Oh god, I prayed, I begged you'd come back. They sent me to Africa to collect Potentials. I asked witch doctors. shamen. they couldn't help."

"I figured you'd move on when I was dead. Din't want to ask Buffy. She told me she loved me right before I died, figured she'd come back and make a spectacle of herself. Besides, I'm a ghostie. Not much use really."

Angel snorts. "You can say *that* again."

Xander looks balefully at Angel."You really *do* want to be cat litter don't you?!"

Angel barks a laugh. "Go ahead. I've left instructions if that happens to smash his amulet. So it's all in your hands, really."

Xander switches his glare to Spike. "What the fuck do you mean *move on*? What happened to 'We'll be together for ever and I’ll claim you, make you my mate and consort'? Or was that only good before the stupid vampire went and wore the pretty amulet and died a frigging hero?" He switches back to Angel. "And only a fucking ass wipe like you could be malicious and downright evil enough to leave instructions like that."

Spike drops his head. "As far as you knew, I was dead. Hell, as far as *I* knew, I was dead. And I can't leave. Stupid amulet holds me here."

Angel smiles cruelly. "Yeah, well, I'm a bastard." Then Angel looks at Spike. "You told *this* you'd make him your mate and consort? How hard up were you?"

"Hey! Glad you can own up to the truth Deadboy."

Spike growls and moves, punching Angel hard and snapping his head back. Angel reflexively tries to punch him back and his fist passes through.

Xander moves and retrieves his stake. "Tell me again why I can't finish him Will."

"Because he's not kidding about the bloody amulet." Spike steps back, nostrils flaring. "Though it might be worth it, not to be hanging about all ghostie anymore."

"Wait.I dust him and what. you go poof?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"Aww. fucking shit!" Xander stamps his foot in frustration. "I really *really* wanted to dust him!"

Angel laughs. "You've wanted to dust me since the first time we met."

"Actually as soon as I set eyes on you.One of my better judgement calls."

Spike chuckles.

Angel grins. "Ah, so we're back to insults again. So have you come up with a reason for me not to have you chucked out on your ass?"

Xander grins."I take it you don't need any help then, that’s fine. We'll be off then, come on Will. We'll see how far we can get."

Spike sighs. "Can't leave the city. Can't even leave the *building* for more than a few hours at a time."

"Well at least we can talk somewhere that isn't here." Xander gives Spike a meaningful look.

Spike nods. "Awright."

Angel shrugs. "Go ahead. But you don't get back in the building unless you have a good answer for me." He's almost gleeful, knowing he has absolute control over something the boy wants.

"In your dreams, Deadboy. Come on, Spike."

Spike follows along with Xander. After they're away from the office, he says, "You know he's not kidding. He almost dusted me before I proved I could be of some use around here."

Xander glares. "Let me get this straight. You’re somehow tied to the amulet, not Angel. Like a genie and his lamp, whoever has the lamp or amulet has the genie...umm, you?"

"Well, I'm tied to the amulet and the building, it seems. Something with how the amulet was constructed."

"The building? But I thought the amulet was sent to Deadboy? *He* was supposed to wear it, but he was too chicken-shit scared."

"Dunno the details. Have to ask Wes. I think the energy in the building is what powered me coming out of the amulet."

Xander runs his hand through his hair. "This is such a fucking mess and wouldn’t have happened if you hadn't worn the fucking thing. Why didn't you *tell* me Spike?!"

"Tell you what?"

"You were going to wear the fucking thing!"

"What would you have done? Someone had to wear it. Someone had to be the hero. And I owed her. After what I did."

"Bull! She led you on for months. I love her like a sister, put she's such a..." He sighs. "She's in Rome now, with some guy called The Immortal, living the high life.She told me to dust Angel if I had to. I loved...love you, but you are an idiot Will."

"I did a horrible thing. There's no excuse for it. The *only* good thing that came out of it was our getting together when I came back."

Xander looks at his feet. "You stopped. You had no soul, no reason to and you stopped. Lots of men, so-called good men, wouldn't have.You never hurt her the way she hurt you.And yeah, I'd have stopped you. or died with you."

Spike smiles. "And if you did that then you'd be dead now."

"Yeah and you can bet your unlife I'd be kicking your ass for it!! Look Spike there *has* to be a way. Someone made the thing. Someone attached you to it. There *has* to be someone who can undo this."

Spike shrugs. "Probably. But I'm pretty helpless to do anything about that."

"I'm not. I can do whatever needs to be done. Look, itls Halloween soon, I know you don't hold much store by it...but..I dunno. Maybe Willow will help."

"How's Willow doing?"

Xander shrugs. "Better, she's in London with Giles and Kennedy."

"That's good. Glad to hear things worked out for Red. And the Niblet?"

"She lived with Buffy for a while. It didn't work out and she's in University in Paris. Gonna be a doctor, smart as a whip. has a nice boyfriend too, already an intern and going places."

"Good for her. I was always fond of the little bit."

"She'll be thrilled to know about you." His voice trails off. "Faith's in Cleveland, guarding the Hellmouth there. Wood stayed for a while and then took off. I heard a rumor he was killed by vamps in New York."

Spike sighs. "Can't say I'm all that sorry about that."

Xander glances at him. "Me neither.Not after what he tried to do to you.” Xander swallows hard. "Giles...he regretted that, never got a chance to say how sorry he was, hasn't been the same since, not really."

"Really? Din't think the Watcher much cared if I got dusted."

"After you and me, he said he was wrong about you. He was the one got me into the hospital, got me treated. Took me to England, got me on the Council payroll. He said he owed it to you to look after me. Got me a barrel load of compensation too."

"Well that's good. Have to thank him for that, if I ever see him."

"Yeah, may not look it but Xander Harris is a wealthy man!"

Spike chuckles. "Well, that's nice. Should I marry you for your money?"

Xander looks at him. "I'd give it all away to have you back and live in your old crypt!"

"I would too," Spike says, a little wistfully. "Or even that smelly basement."

Xander pulls a face. "I think I'd prefer the crypt!"

Spike laughs.

"Hell Spike, what say we find the amulet and I dust Deadboy? Or, I dust Deadboy and then find the amulet? As long as I have it, I don't mind spending the rest of my life with a ghost!"

Spike laughs. "Sounds good to me. But it doesn't look like he's even letting you back into the building."

"I can make up some story. Besides, there's always Harmony.But we need to get the amulet"

"I'm sure he's got it locked in the bloody vault."

"OOOOOookay. who do you know with a key?"

"Wes might have one."

"Would he help? Seem to recall he was pretty thick with Deadboy, last I heard. There must be someone who hates Angel enough and can help us."

"Not really. Everyone in a position of power at the company are his pet humans."

"Well, someone who used to work there and would know stuff and hates Deadboy, he must have fired people, made enemies"

Spike sighs. "Yeah, well. He's not much on firing people. He mostly just *kills* them."

"Sounds like Deadboy. Come on Spike. I could always move to LA and live near the building, you could visit, I suppose."

Spike reaches up his hand, stroking on his face again, managing just that bare brushing touch. "Better than nothing. God I missed you."

"Spike." Xander's eye fills with tears. "You have no idea what I went through. Buffy had to drag me away from the crater, I was coming to look for you. I hit her, called her names for leaving you."

"I'm so sorry." Spike's eyes echo Xander's, ghostly tears on his face. "I never meant to hurt you."

"What did you think, you could wear that thing and survive?"

"They never said anything about it killing me. Just that it had to be worn by someone more than human with a soul."

"That could have been Buffy. Hell it could have been me. Hyena."

"I owed Buffy. And you were still recovering." He lifts a ghostly hand to indicate the eyepatch.

"Oh yeah. That.You should have told me, given me a choice."

"I would have dusted myself before I put you on the line. You were the only one that ever really loved me."

"It’s *because* I love you that you should have let me *be* there."

"I wanted *one* of us to live, to survive this." Spike caresses his cheek. "I'm a monster, Xander, I've killed so many people, done so many bad things. You deserve to have a life."

Xander looks at him intensely. "I don't *have* a life without you. I live from day to day. I traveled around Africa from one miserable village to another taking away their daughters to fight demons. I have no home.I don't make friends, I don't want those things. I got sick in Botswana. I wanted to die, but they got me to a hospital. I don't look when I cross the street. I drive like you."

"Oh, Xander, love, I'm so sorry."

"I guess you never really knew. I never said much."

"Stay here, please. We'll figure out something."

Xander shook his head. "Not going anywhere without you Spike."

"Good. Fuck, I want to hold you so much."

"Don't, Spike, please." Xander blinks away a tear. "How could anyone be so cruel? To give you back and yet not."

"Yeah. Fred's been nice, trying to figure out a way to bring me back. Unfortunately I had to blow the best chance to save her from a vengeful ghost."

Xander shakes his head."Always the fucking hero!"

Spike chuckles. "You and Fred are the only ones who think like that. Maybe Niblet."

"What? You *know* Deadboy can't think. His one braincell died hundreds of years ago!"

"Yeah, well, have the others even *mentioned* me? I really bloody doubt it."

"Buffy a couple of times, Giles, Willow occasionally"

Spike smiles weakly. "And if I were still alive, I'd still be dirt to them. The more I tried to help, the shittier they treated me. At least Wes and Gunn and Fred and Lorne speak to me decent."

Xander shook his head . "Spike. They didn't mean it. they took their cues from Buffy!"

"The bunch here follow *Angel*, still din't stop them from treating me like a person."

"Yeah, and if he said to dust you?"

"Dunno. Though I doubt he's left that instruction to them. Probably gave it to that snake Eve."

"Eve? How's she feel about him, would she?"

"Hard to say. She's the Senior Partner's liaison."

Xander sighs."Would the Senior Partners do a swap or something?"

"What kinda swap? And it's not exactly like she can just call them up on the phone."

Xander shrugs. "It was an idea."

"You could always talk to her. Assuming you can get back in the building."

"I'll give anything a try."

"She doesn't seem all that fond of him."

"She must be a good judge of character then!"

Spike chuckles. "You *really* hate him."

"Hate doesn't even *begin* to express how I feel about him"

Spike sighs. "So tell me about it. Not like we can do much else but talk. I can touch you, if I concentrate real hard, but I don't get any sensation from it."

Xander sighs. "I'm sorry Will. If there was something I could do...” He looks down. “It’s a long, sad story. I never liked him, right from the beginning. Everyone thought it was because I had a crush on Buffy, but it wasn't. Some people. Y'know, you just feel it in your bones, they’re just *off*. I got that from him. But I was a kid, so no-one listened to me. I think Giles didn't trust him, but you know what Buffy's like."

Spike nods. "Rather unfortunately, yes."

"So he muscled his way in. When it suited him, he made with the soulful repentant act. Y'know, in all the years I never once heard him say he was sorry, sorry for all the misery he caused, the evil things he did. Hell, I know about vampires. I caused my best friend's death because he was one. I know they kill, I know they're not sweet and cuddly. But most, like you, kill to survive. He went way past that. Torture, death, he made it an art form and reveled in it."

"Well I killed for a bit more than that. I liked the rush, liked the violence. But I never got off on torment and torture like he did. I just wanted the adrenaline of the fight. S'why I starts patrolling with you guys when I found out I could."

Xander shrugs."I didn't say how I feel is logical." He smiles. "Anyway, no one listens. I used to warn Buffy and all I got was her whining on that *Angel is good, Angel has a soul*. Like Liam was a saint. I reckon the soul was bad right from the start. I mean why else did Darla choose him? Anyway, I'd catch a look in his eyes sometimes and I knew Angelus was there, lurking just below the surface."

"Yeah, *that's* for damn sure." Spike growls.

"Anyway, then you arrived and the whole business at the school, I still say it was Angelus dragged me in there. Angel had left the building.!”

"Nah. It was poncy Angel. Tried to fool me, underestimated me, din't think I'd smell the stinking soul."

Xander shrugs "Well anyway, it as easy for him to push the blame for everything onto you. But the gloves were off, he was never hostile where anyone could see. But the battle lines were drawn.Then he went all Angelus and I couldn't help but say told you so!"

Spike chuckles ruefully. "Yeah, well, Angelus of a sort. Wasn't the Sire *I* knew. More like a lion that's gone crazy from being caged up too long."

Xander snorts. "Oh yeah, because he was *so* sane and reasonable before. Treated you so well. I'm sorry Will to me he always was crazy.He ness destroying like a rabid dog. Anyway, he killed those women, scared the hell out of Willow and Cordy, killed poor Jenny Calendar, tortured Giles and tried to kill me. Dru saved me, you know."

"Yeah, I know. They told me. That spell worked out well in that respect at least."

Xander half laughs. "Yeah. And *still* Buffy wanted to get his fucking soul back. Like it mattered. Anyway, I got the chance and twisted the knife. Lied about Willow's message, told Buffy to dust the fucker and she did Only he didn't stay in hell. Too evil even for there, I suppose."

Spike barks a laugh. "Yeah, probably. More like it was the whole 'Powers That Be' thing. Needed him and his shiny soul to do the bit for the apocalypse, so he can get his big reward and all."

"I don't buy that. If there is a god, or powers for good or whatever. you'll never convince me that they'd ever touch Angel. Nah, I figure it was something else sent the fucker back. And Buffy, she was all over him, like Jenny, Giles. Everything didn't matter.That's when she fell off her pedestal for me. Joyce saw it. He couldn't fool me or her and Giles just hated him. He knew he could never beat Joyce, in the end she'd have talked sense into Buffy, so he split, left for LA."

"I've read the bloody prophecy. 'The vampire with the soul.blah blah blah.' What it boils down to is he does the deed, he gets to be a real boy again. He gets forgiveness."

Xander looks at him, "He's not the only vamp with a soul though, is he. It doesn't mention him by name."

"No, not by *name*. But I'm not a vampire anymore, in case you din't notice. I'm a ghostie."

"Things happen, maybe you won't be a ghostie forever. Anyway, you’re not a ghost, just *like* a ghost."

"Well m'definitely *not* a vampire."

"Maybe you will be again. You *want* him to be forgiven? Because god help me, *I* don't, so which of us is more evil?" He laughs. "I want him to suffer, I want him to be in agony, I want him to know the same pain and misery, the same hopelessness and despair as he causes to others and I want him to know it every second of every day for eternity. That's what I wish your precious Sire!"

Spike laughs. "You'd make a good gypsy. Not saying I *want* it. Just don't see as I'm going to get much choice in the matter. Even if I make it back to the flesh, you think for one second he's going to let me get his precious reward?"

"Who cares.? As long as he gets what's coming to him ."

"Yeah, right. He gets all the goods. I'm a ghostie, condemned to walk the bloody corridors. He's got the whole company, wealth, power, obedient allies, and every whim indulged. Not that he even *enjoys* it, it's totally *wasted* on him. Except for the cars. He bloody *loves* the cars."

"He ought to watch out, dangerous things cars. Accidents happen. And if I recall, vampires, highly combustible."

Spike grins. "They are at that."

"Be a shame. Burnt to dust in an auto wreck."

"Yeah. Even bigger shame for me when either the amulet gets smashed or I become the next CEO's pet ghostie."

"Well. I'll just have to make sure I have the amulet.There has to be a way Spike, there has to be *someone* powerful enough and who hates him enough to help us.Or greedy enough. not like I can't pay."

Spike smiles wistfully. "I'd like it, to get away from here. To be with you."

Xander looks at him."Are you certain? I was never sure... that thing with you and Buffy. She told me she said she loved you, right before. That was when I hit her."

"And I told her, 'no you don't, but thank you anyway.' She never loved me. She used me. First to last. I think I only went on like I did because I was so lonely, and because she needed me. I'm a sucker for being needed, you know that."

"Well for the record, I actually knocked her down. She told a grieving man that she'd told his lover she loved him, then left him to die. Even Giles called her an insensitive bitch! Buffy's a user. Always was. You, me, Willow, Giles, Dawn. Hell, she and Angel deserve each other!"

Spike laughs. "Yeah, probably do. He has a yen for a werewolf girl now. Though he's not even bright enough to see it."

"Hey, maybe it'll be a full moon and she'll kill him. Can always hope."

Spike laughs. "No, he's got her locked in a nice cell during the full moon."

"I could let her out. Poor girl, I wouldn't wish that fucker on anyone, well Buffy maybe. We don't speak, not really. I haven't been able to forgive her for leaving you down there, Dawn neither. She *was* the Slayer, she's the one should have died."

"Yeah, well, she's died twice already, and the second time was my fault for not protecting Dawn. So I owed her that way too."

Xander draws a deep breath. "And who the hell said it was *your* fault? Where do you think it’s written down that you had to do a damn thing? The whole thing was fucked. She was the Slayer, hello! Dawn was given to *her* to protect not you and as for dying...She died when she fought the Master and if I hadn't interfered, she'd have stayed dead and maybe none of this would have happened. So if there's blame, sign me up!"

Spike chuckles. "You're determined that I'm not to blame for anything, eh?" He smiles fondly at Xander. "I do love you so much. You're the only one that's ever really loved me, all-the-way loved me."

Xander blushes. "Well, it’s well known I'm not quite sane. The way I see it, if Angel's demon is to blame for everything, so is yours. William never did a fucking thing. The ‘get out of jail free’ card is as good for you as for him! And you *fought* for your soul, you didn't have it forced on you."

"Yeah. Not that the others gave me the least bit of credit for it when I got back. Or the ‘get out of jail free’ card."

"I did. " He smiles. "Yeah I love you, *really* love you. The to-hell-and-back kind of love. I just wish you'd seen it *before* you wore the fucking amulet!"

"Yeah, well, guilt and remorse are *big* motivators. Especially with the new soul and all. I felt I needed to do it."

"The others don't give me any credit for remorse, just because I don't beat my chest about it and brood and whine like His Ponceness."

Xander shook his head. "Well what’s done is done. The others can go fuck themselves. I know what you are and we've gotta find a way to deal with this."

"Yeah. Just you bein' here gives me more hope than I had before."

Xander tries to hold his hand, his own closes on empty air. "I’m glad you have hope. Dawn would help. Willow too, but I don't know if she can really. Giles too, even just to get some revenge on Angel. He's more Ripper than Giles these days!"

"I hope we can work it out. I want to be able to kiss you again."

Xander grins. "I was thinking a bit more than kissing!"

"Yeah, well, I'm wanting all the rest as well.but you kiss better than anyone I've ever bloody kissed."

Xander laughs. "Praise indeed. What, better than Deadboy and the Slayer?!"

"And Dru, and all the rest over a hundred-twenty-plus years."

Xander chuckles. "You always did know how to get round me!"

"It's a gift." He concentrates again, stroking Xander's cheek. Wishing he could actually *feel* something when he did it.

Xander could feel the barest whisper of a cool touch on his cheek and closes his eyes. "Feels so damns good."

"At least I can still touch you. See you, talk to you." Spike voice tightens a bit as his eyes threaten to spill tears again.

"Spike, don't please. There has to be a spell, something, anything. Think. Is there someone into that kind of stuff that you know of?"

Spike sighs. "No. The best necromancer in the city...he's dead now. He was probably the only one powerful enough to put me in a body again. Fred had a magical machine set up to do it, but it was a one-shot deal and it's slag now."

Xander sighs. "I've just got to get the amulet then. At least if I have that Blood Breath can't threaten you."

"True enough."

"Do you think he'd give me it, I exchange for help from the Council?"

"Worth a shot. Worst he can do it tell you no."

"Well once I have it, we have time. Willow, Giles and the Council have other witches and warlocks, they could work on bringing you back"

"Yeah. I still might not be able to leave though, while I'm still a ghostie."

"Yeah but the amulet would be safe. Its worth a shot. and who knows? If someone who loves you has it...It might do something."

"*Definitely* worth a shot."

"Ok then, no time like the present. I'll come back with you, you tell Deadboy I want to see him."

Spike nods. "Sure. C'mon then."

Xander falls in beside Spike, he's not looking forward to doing business with Angel, but anything is worth a shot to get the amulet and Spike safe.





Part Two



They get stopped at the door. Well, Xander does. "You're not allowed in," the burly security men say.

Xander nods. "Fair enough. Spike you know what to do, I'll just wait here."

Spike nods. "I'll head right up."

A few minutes later, one of the guards gets a radio message, and he steps aside. "You can go up. He's waiting for you."

"Oh joy. Nice to meet you." Xander made his way to the elevator and punches the buttons to Angel's floor.

Spike is waiting at the elevator when Xander steps off. "Yeah, he seems interested."

Xander nods. This was going to be hard, being civil to the hated vampire "Well, let's see if we can make a deal."

Spike nods, and they walk back into the office. Angel smiles up from behind the desk, a cat-who-ate-the-canary grin. "Spike here tells me you have some deal in mind for the help I want? You sure Giles has given you the authority to *make* deals?"

Xander grins. "I tell him what I need and he authorizes it, that’s the way it works these days. You have something I want and I can get you what you need."

"So what's the deal then?"

"Ok," Xander began to pace. "I presume you know what went down in Sunnydale and the release of Buffy's power. Girls. Potentials all over the world suddenly with Slayer powers. We've spent the last eighteen months rounding them up and training and deploying them, there are training centers all over the world and Giles heads the show from London."

"Makes sense. Must be hard, what with most of the Council being seriously *dead* and all."

Xander shrugs. “There's a center just outside Oxnard. At the moment there are about thirty girls there. Twenty-five or twenty-six are fully trained and awaiting assignment. I speak to Giles and they're here in a flash."

"So what is it you want in return for all this generous help?"

Xander stopped pacing . "The amulet."

Angel stares at him a bit and barks a laugh. "That's all? Well, you go call Giles and see if he'll go for it. Because honestly, I don't see how he'd trade Slayer services for one useless ghost. I'm willing to trade, if he'll actually give the go-ahead."

Xander shook his head. "You show me the amulet, Spike confirms its his and you make the deal in front of your pet humans . *Then* I'll call Giles."

Angel smiles thinly. "Yeah, right, you have me make the deal then Giles back out, I look like shit. Just make sure he's willing, then I'll swear in front of witnesses, anything you like."

Xander nods. "I'll get him to agree in principle, but the Slayers don't move until you've sworn in front of your humans and Spike's seen the amulet and its in my hand."

"Done. Make your call."

Xander grins."Where's your phone?"

Angel points at the desk in front of him.

"Thanks.You gonna stay? You won't like what I have to say."

Angel chuckles. "In that case, go out and use Harmony's phone."

"Thanks." Xander exits to the outer office . He looks at Harmony. "I have to make a private call."

"Sure thing," she chirps. She picks up the phone, dials a couple of numbers. "There's an outside line, I'll go take a blood break." She gets up from her desk.

Spike walks through the door and hovers near Xander.

Xander smiles at him."The deal’s as good as done." He dials and waits for the connection. "Hey Giles. Yeah, it’s me. No, no I'm fine. Yeah, I’m there now, place gives me the creeps. Yeah Deadboy's here."

Spike watches, eyes on Xander's face.

"Hey, yeah. I figured it might be late. Sorry, I didn't figure that late. Anyway, I think maybe this is kinda important. Yeah. It’s like this...you know I wouldn't spit on Deadboy if he was on fire." He chuckles. "Yeah right, gasoline." He grins."And I'd be the first to cheer if he went back to hell. Yeah, behind you. But something’s got him running scared. Something's going down, Giles, and it’s big. And it isn't just gonna take him. The way I figure it, this is big and maybe we wanna help out, now while we can. Giles, I don't think we'll get another chance. I think we need to act with him on this." He listens for a few moments. "I thought the girls at Oxnard. There's about twenty-five waiting to be deployed. Yeah fully trained. He seems to think it'll be enough, but you might wanna put everyone on alert case this goes wrong. No. I think Im gonna stay, something nasty gets Deadboy, I wanna see it!"

Spike smiles. He notices Xander isn't mentioning any trade, or mentioning Spike at all.

He reaches out a hand to him."Giles, I gotta ask you to trust me on this.Yeah. Don't mobilize the girls until I call back, yeah. I need to settle something with Deadboy before anyone makes a move. Yeah give me about half an hour, if you don't hear from me. go with plan B. No Giles, I’m safe. Just thirty minutes ok? ." He listens.

Spike's lips quirk. He had no idea Xander could be so devious.

"Thanks G-man. speak to you in a few." " Xander put the phone down grinning, "I get your amulet, and he gets his Slayers."

"Very sneaky. No mention of a deal to Giles. He gonna be pissed when he finds out you traded Slayer services for me?"

Xander shook his head, "I wasn't lying, something's got Deadboy shit scared and I don't think it will stop at him. So we help him save the world. the Amulet is just incidental!”

"Yeah. I'm *sure* Giles will see it that way."

Xander looks at him, "Spike. I don't care! We get you sorted out and I’m done with it. They can think what they like, I’m through!"

Spike beams at him. "I really wish I could hug you right now."

"I lost an eye, my youth and the man I love to the fight, it’s enough. I have a shot at getting you back, I think I deserve it."

"I know you do." Spike's voice is warm. Harmony comes walking back with a mug of blood. "All done?"

"Yeah we're through.” Xander walks back into Angel's office.

Spike walks back in with Xander. Angel raises an eyebrow. "So, do I call everyone in?"

"You've got," Xander looks at his watch, "Twenty-four minutes to make the deal, I phone Giles and you've got your Slayers. any longer and you get the Slayers, but not to help out, if you get my drift."

Angel smiles and presses the intercom. "Harmony, get the team in here, and tell Wes to bring the special package. Need them here five minutes ago."

"Right Boss!" She chirps.

Xander grins "I love it when a plan comes together!"

Spike laughs. "You are *so* not Hannibal."

"Hey, you don't *know* what I’m like after five months hunting Slayers!" Xander laughs.

"So what does that make me? Face? Or maybe Murdoch?"

Xander beams "I figure Face. He's Murdoch. " He nods at Angel and laughs.

Angel looks puzzled.

Spike grins. "He's never watches any TV. He's definitely B.A., though."

Xander shrugs "You figure? No wait, you’re right. It’s the Neanderthal look."

Angel growls. "Cut it with the caveman references."

The door opens and in come Fred, Gunn, Wes, and Lorne. "What's up, Angelcakes?" Lorne asks. "And who's the tall drink of water you've got waiting in here?" He looks at Xander.

Spike grins. "This is Xander."

Lorne smiles knowingly and nods. "Ohhhh." The others just look confused.

"Xander, you know Wes, this is Gunn, and Fred."

Angel growls again. "Enough with the socializing. Wes, you brought the package?"

Wes nods and hands a box to Angel. He takes out the amulet.

"Wow. good to see your manners haven't improved." Xander made a point of shaking Wes' hand, "Good to see you again."

"Likewise. You look well."

Xander snorts. "I look like shit and I know it. Like your new look though, suits you"

Wes smiles.

Angel barks. "You're the one that set time limits, not me. So can we get to it?"

Xander snatches the amulet and held it out to Spike "Is this it? Is this what you wore?"

Spike nods. "Yeah. I'd recognize it anywhere."

Xander turns to Angel "You've thirteen minutes. talk fast!"

"I swear, on condition of the help we discussed earlier, to give you possession of this amulet permanently."

"What he's saying, folks, is I get the amulet and Spike, you get twenty-five fully trained Slayers." He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a cell phone, flips it and hits speed dial. "Giles, yeah, deal’s done, tell the girls they have an apocalypse to stop. Yeah, I'll call when they arrive. " He flips the phone closed and puts it away, then puts the amulet round his neck and inside his shirt and grins.

Fred looks confused. "Ummm...why do you want the amulet?"

Xander smiles.

Angel grins. "Because the pirate boy is in luuuuuuv with our ghost here."

"And your boss, the great hero, threatened to destroy the amulet and Spike. And unlike him I've never been ashamed of loving Will."

Fred frowns. "Angel would never do that."

Lorne smiles. "Congratulations, Spike, Xander."

Xander smiles at Lorne. "I don't know you, but I can tell Spike likes you, that means I do too." He holds out his hand, "Thank you."

Lorne shakes his hand. "And I like you too. I'm a good judge of character."

A woman walks in and moves to stand behind Angel. "Now isn't this a touching scene?"

Angel growls. "No one invited you, Eve."

She shrugs. "Wesley took valuable company property out of the vault, I was automatically notified."

Xander moves nearer Spike and whispers "That's Eve?"

Spike nods.

Eve looks over at Xander, then back at Angel. "You gave away company property?"

Angel scowls. "Bring me whatever forms I have to sign."

She smiles. "You're getting the hang of it now." She looks back at Xander. "He's still tied to the building, you know."

"Yeah but at least Deadboy can't destroy the amulet."

"I suppose there is that."

"Yeah." He looks at her

She shrugs. "Maybe you can find a better way to deal with him. Fred's spending a *fortune* on this project to bring him back, with not much to show for it thus far."

Xander smiles. He has the feeling the woman knew more than she was letting on. "Yeah well, I'd like to talk to you about that. We have time now that the threat of destruction is gone." He glares straight at Angel.

She smiles winningly. "Sure. I'll have to meet you after hours, though. Got a full schedule today."

"Name the time and place."

She scribbles something on a card and hands it to Xander. There's an address and a time. She looks back at the others. "Now, if you'll excuse me, places to go, demons to see." She leaves the office.

"Thanks" Xander pockets the card.

Angel chuckles. "Didn't think she was your *type*. And how indiscreet, making a date in front of your *boyfriend*."

Xander grins. "Actually, I thought you might want to make yourself scarce. There'll be twenty-five fully trains Slayers here in a couple of hours and ummmm. I kinda used to tell them bedtime stories about Angelus and what he did. How he tortured William to make Spike and umm the little tales of wandering souls. They don't *like* you very much. Gonna take me a lot of persuading that the shouldn't just dust you."

"This is *my* office. They don't need to come in here. Wes can deal with them. He's ex-Watcher, they shouldn't have a problem with him."

Xander smiles at Wes. "None at all I'm sure. But you know young women, curious creatures."

"So I'll get security up here to watch the door. I have meetings and business to do."

Xander smiles. He whispers to Spike. "I think he's forgotten the nature of Slayers".He grins. "You do that, sure you'll be as safe as houses."

Angel presses the intercom. "Harmony, send up a security team to watch my door, and get someone down from mystical services to place an anti-slayer ward up on my door."

Xander hides a smile.

"Right away Boss!" She chirps.

Angel looks up. "So, Wes, Xander's all yours for the time being. You know what needs to be done. Everyone else, sorry I had to roust you down here. I know you've got things to do, and I've got a meeting in about five minutes."

Wesley looks at Xander. "Would you and Spike accompany me back to my office?"

Xander nods

Fred and Lorne and Gunn say quick good-byes and leave. Wesley starts walking with Xander and Spike.

Xander falls in beside Spike, following Wesley. "What's going on, I figure its pretty bad huh?"

"It is. We have a major demon cult that is kidnapping and sacrificing babies. Their work is bringing about a major disturbance in the veil between dimensions. Only Angel can't move against them openly because of the Senior Partners."

So what do you expect to happen?"

"You mean what are we hoping the Slayers can do for us? Or what do we expect to happen if we don't stop the cult?"

"Both, I need to know what the girls are up against."

"If they're not stopped, we expect that they'll open a direct link to a hell dimension. And that would be *bad*. We're hoping the Slayers can do what they do best, and kill them."

"Okay, no problem. Imagine Buffy times twenty-five and you've got the girls."

"Excellent. I can of course, supply the location, and some sorcerous support to get past wards and so forth."

"Fine. I'll need to speak to the girls when they get here. They're fully trained and have been waiting for some action, so they're going to be pretty eager. Is there somewhere they can bunk down?"

"Yes. We wanted to keep things under wraps, so it won't be in a company building. But Angel still owns the Hyperion, and we've quietly been renovating it even more, and have it stocked and ready to go."

"Yeah, I was kinda hoping it wouldn't be here. I couldn't vouch for the girls, seeing so many demons around they might go on a killing spree and then there's Deadboy. A few of them would like to earn their wings taking him out."

"I can imagine. No, we really hadn't intended on them coming into the building."

Xander glances at Spike. "Can I ask, do you know why Spike's tied to the building?"

"Not *entirely* sure. But I know he didn't come out of the amulet until the envelope the amulet was in was opened in here. Could be tied to the energy field of the building."

Xander shrugs."Doesn't mean a thing to me. " He smiles weakly. "Do you know who sent the amulet to Deadboy?"

Wes sighs and shakes his head. "Not the foggiest. Believe me, we've tried to find out. May I caution you about Eve? She's not very trustworthy."

Xander nods. "I kinda got that vibe. But I have a feeling she knows a lot about what’s going on. " He looks at Spike. "Do you think Spike could make it as far as The Hyperion?"

"Hey, standing right here," Spike says. "I can make it anywhere inside city limits, only I can't stay long. A few hours at most."

"Sorry Spike. I was hoping it would be close enough for you to stay there.The girls are gonna be so chuffed to see you!" He grins.

"What have you told them about me?" Spike chuckles.

"Everything, I left nothing out. They deserved to make their own minds up about you. They know what you were, what you did, what you became.They know we were together before the end and they're cool with it. Hell I think half of them are in love with you!"

Spike laughs. "I'm sure *Buffy* just loves that!"

"Well, she's kinda not around and..." He shrugs. "She seems ok with it. She didn't come out of it too well The whole Angelus gig.”

Wes clears his throat. "I hate to pry, but I had been under the impression that Spike, and, umm, Buffy, had..."

Xander looks at him. "That's Spike's story to tell, not mine."

"Oh, not asking for details, but you said that you and Spike were together, before the end."

Xander nods. "For a few weeks, yeah."

Spike looks intently at Xander. "Best bloody weeks of my unlife."

Xander blushes. "Yeah, well...you know how I feel."

Wes nods. "Ah, I see." They walk into his office. "Just let me get my papers and supplies together, and we can head over to the Hyperion."

"K, fine. Nice office.” Xander looks round. “So you work here, work for Deadboy.You cool with that?"

"I've been working with Angel for several years now."

Xander nods. "Giles, Buffy they kinda figured taking over this place, he sold out."

"I trust Angel. He had his reasons for taking this offer, and we've done a lot of good."

Xander sighs. "I’m sure. I have issues with him that won't go away, but they're personal and I intend to keep them that way."

Wesley nods. "That's probably a good idea. He doesn't seem to care for you all that much either."

Xander grins. "It’s mutual, times a thousand, believe me. and I get a whiff of Angelus..." He smiles.

Wes shakes his head. "Yes, you've caught the Watcher disease."

"Nah. Most vamps I don't mind, they are what they are. But him. he takes it to a whole different level. Anyway, I get Spike a real vamp again and I’m through, out of it. The council, the fight, the whole thing."

"Ah, so that's why you wants the amulet? To get Spike back?"

"Yes, and to stop Deadboy destroying it out of spite or malice."

"I'm sure he wouldn't really do that."

Xander snorts. "Sorry, but I don't agree," He looks at Spike. "He hates Spike. Hates that William was a better man, hates that he could never fully corrupt him, hates that he fought for his soul and that it's a soul worth having. "

Wes sighs. "I tend to think it's considerably more complex than that, but I'm not here to argue."

Xander raises his hand "It’s ok, I get the whole love/hate thing. I just think that Angelus' idea of *love* is shall I say a little *twisted*. But I’m not here to argue either, I just want Spike back and to stop this thing, whatever it is."

Wes nods. He finishes packing two large bags and hefts them up. "Well, shall we?"

"Lead on." Xander follows him

Wes takes them down to the garage, and they all load into a nondescript generic-looking mini-van.

"Hell this reminds me of Uncle Rory's old car." Xander chuckles. "Those were the days.not!"

Wes chuckles. "Not sexy, I know. But it's not installed with a tracking system like the expensive cars."

"Has to be a plus. I was thinking...That whole building is probably bugged, what make you think they don't know exactly what's going on?"

"Ah, we set up counter spells to cover, to make fake conversation when we need it."

Xander smiles. "Clever. Must be hard though always being on your guard."

"It is." Wes starts the van and heads out of the garage, driving through the light evening traffic.

Xander sat in the back with Spike. He looks at him "You ok?"

Spike nods. "Yeah, m'fine. Nice bein' with you. You still look good."

Xander rolls his eye, "Come on Spike, I look like shit.I came here straight from Nairobi, dropped off a couple of girls in Oxnard, barely had time to bathe and shave."

"You look bloody good to me." He leans over and whispers. "Any chance of seeing you naked at the hotel?"

Xander giggles. "As a newborn."

Wes politely ignores the whispering in the backseat. He smiles a little to himself. At least they have each other, though it must be terribly frustrating not to be able to really touch.

"Good," Spike whispers. "Wanna see how long I can keep this touching thing going."

Xander sighs. "I just wish...I'll get you back Spike, I swear. I'll do whatever it takes. And then, did you mean it about turning me? Giles and Willow are cool with it as long as I really want it and Willow screws my soul on real tight."

Spike chuckles. "Hell yeah, I meant it."

Xander sighs in relief, he wasn't sure if it was just the lust talking at the time. "Then I want it. I want to be with you for good, until time ends or whatever."

Spike nods. "So do I."

It's not long before they pull up in front of the Hyperion. "Here we are."

Xander looks. "I've never been here before, it’s big."

Wes nods. "It's a lovely old hotel from the 40's. Been fully restored now, marble floors and all."

Xander looks up at the impressive building. "It’s very nice, did you all use to live here?"

"I had my own apartment. And Lorne used to live at the Club before it was destroyed. But the others lived here, yes." Wesley grabs the bags and heads inside.

Xander admires the marble . "Doesn't seem right, Deadboy having all this," He shakes his head, whispering to Spike.

Spike chuckles bitterly. "I have sung the same song myself."

"I mean where'd he get the money?" He shakes his head. "Don't think I wanna know, he was supposed to suffer. Nothing like suffering in comfort!"

Spike chuckles again. Wes sets down the bags. "Why don't you take one of the big suites, Xander?" Wes hands him a key. "I've got to get settled into the office and check the supplies."

Xander takes the key. "Thanks I will, which floor?"

"Second floor."

"Thanks. I'll settle in and come and find you. I'll need to collect the girls, don't want them storming W&H!"

"They're coming from Oxnard, right? Take at least sixteen hours to fly here even if they were able to leave immediately. You have time."

"Ok, time enough then." Xander looks at Spike. “Coming with me?"

Spike grins. "Try and stop me."

Xander blushes "Wouldn't dream of it!" Xander hefts up his bag and made for the stairs.

Spike follows him, heading into the suite. He gestures and he's suddenly mother-naked himself. "One advantage of this state. Easy to undress."

Xander blinks."Wow! Neat trick!" He is relieved to see Spike is anatomically correct and fully functioning! "I have, alas, to do it the hard way!" He began to strip.

Spike settles onto the bed to watch him. He devours him with his eyes, the only way he really can right now.

Xander undresses slowly, teasing Spike .After five months of dreaming, praying for this, he intends to draw it out. He's a bit self-conscious though, he's a good bit thinner and more scarred than when Spike last saw him.

Spike's eyes are intent, caressing Xander's body, not wanting to miss a thing. He didn't think he'd ever get to see Xander again. It's not been that long ago he was certain he was being dragged down to hell.

Finally naked, except for the amulet, Xander stands before Spike and blushes. "Now what?" He whispers.

"Just stand there," Spike whispers hoarsely. He stands up and concentrates, running his fingers over Xander's chest. He gasps as a faint glow comes from the amulet and he can actually feel Xander's skin.

Xander's mouth fell open."Spike, I can *feel * your touch!"

Spike moans. "I can feel you too." A thought occurs to him. "Try to touch me."

Xander swallows and raise his hand to Spike's cheek .His eye fills with tears as he felt the cool skin beneath his hand. "Spike, I can touch you, I can feel you, can you feel me?!"

Spike nods, and his eyes are tearing up as well. "I can feel you, I can feel you. Oh god."

"Spike!" Xander's face spreads into a wide grin. "It must be the amulet!"

"Must be. None of them ever put it on." Spike shivers and then wraps his arms around Xander, kissing him hard. It's not exactly the same as being solid again. There's an almost electrical hum to his skin as it touches Xander's.

Xander feels the electricity too. "It’s not the same, but God, after five months. You have no idea how good you feel!"

"You have no idea how good it is to feel *anything.* And to have it be you." Spike kisses him again.

Xander presses into the kiss, whimpering. "I've missed you so much, love you so much." he mumbles.

"Love you too, sweet boy, my Xander, oh fuck I've missed you."

The broad shoulders shake and Xander tries to stifle a sob, "I thought I'd lost you forever.”

"Not getting rid of me that easy."

"Don't you *ever* wear jewelry again!" Xander warns tearfully.

"Never." Spike kisses him again. "You going to get on the bed?"

Xander scrambles with almost indecent haste onto the bed.


Spike crawls onto it after Xander. "Good boy. Fuck I missed this." He straddles Xander and leans down to kiss and lick his neck.

Xander runs his hands over him, holds him tight, not believing, hardly daring to hope that this was real. Spike is here and they could touch each other. "God Spike, you feel so wonderful."

"You too, Xander. God, dreamed about this. Every night since I came back."

Xander nuzzles him whimpering. "Do you remember where you were...before you came back?"

"No. To me, one minute I was burning from the inside, the next I popped up in Angel's office."

"It must have been so awful." Xander holds him tight against him.

"I don't want to think about it right now. Want to devour you whole."

Xander blushes."I love you so goddamn much!"

"Love you too, boy, more than anything." Spike licks down onto his chest, little crackling sparks following his tongue. "What would you like first?"

"Spike...I don't care! I just want to be with you!"

"Leaving yourself in my hands?" Spike grins mischievously at him. He feels the seriousness of the moment, the near heartbreaking relief at being able to touch Xander again. But with his usual flair, he's trying to keep them from losing the joy of it in regret and overthinking it.

Xander grins. "Always loved your hands. Always so talented!"

Spike chuckles and strokes his hands down Xander's body. "Mmmm. What other parts do you like?"

Xander smiles. "All of you Spike, I love absolutely every inch of you."

Spike rubs his hard cock against Xander's belly. "Every *inch* of me, huh?"

Xander laughs. "Especially *those* inches!"

Spike grins. "I thought so. You have anything that would serve for lube?"

Xander's face falls. "No. I haven't. There hasn't been anyone else and I never intended that there would be."

"Lotion maybe?"

"I have some after sun stuff in my bag, like I said, came here straight from Nairobi!"

"That'll do. Get it."

Xander scrambles of the bed and begins to search through his bag, not caring about the clothes he leaves on the floor. Eventually he held up the tube in triumph.

Spike grins. "Clever sausage."

"Sausage?" Xander laughs as he scrambles back onto the bed.

"Yes. It's a Brit expression, love. Hand me the lotion."

Xander does as he is told and hands the lotion to Spike.

Spike pulls Xander down and under him, leaning to kiss him hard as he opens the tube and squirts some of the lotion onto his fingers. He presses one against Xander's pucker and starts pushing it in.

Xander squirms and hisses at the unfamiliar sensation, it'd been a long time.He nuzzles at Spike and kisses his neck.

Spike purrs and nuzzles back. "Good boy, good boy. Fuck I want to be inside you."

Xander whimpers. "What you Will...so much!"

Spike licks and nips on the faint scars on Xander's neck as he presses a second finger into him.

Xander winces a little as he fingers stretches him, it was like the first time all over again.

"Am I hurting you, love?"

Xander shakes his head. "No, no never. Just been a long time."

Spike purrs and keeps licking and kissing him. "Don't want to hurt you."

"Don't stop baby, please. It’s just like the first time, like a new start a new beginning a second chance."

Spike nods and keeps gently working his fingers in and out. "Awright. I'll be as gentle as I can."

Xander presses back a little. "Don't care" Xander mumbles. "Want you, want you so bad."

Spike nips on his scars again. "Want you too."

Xander squirms on his fingers, pushing back more forcefully. Xander gasps as Spike nips his scars.

Spike can't help himself, Xander pushing back so eagerly. He takes out his fingers and slicks some of the lotion on, hearing a crackle as he does so. Then he moves between Xander's legs, pressing the head against Xander's rear passage.

Xander gasps, holding still at the feel of Spike's hard cock presses against his opening. "Do it baby,” he whispers. “Please."

Spike groans and pushes inside Xander, shivering at the feel of those tight walls around him.

Xander hisses as the broad head of Spike's cock stretches him more than his fingers had done, and he feels him push past the ring of muscle.

"God, boy, you feel so good, so bloody good."

Xander pants. "Oh god Will, so do you!"

Spike keeps pushing slowly into Xander, letting him adjust, not wanting to hurt him too much in his eagerness.

Xander relaxes as much as he could and let Spike push into him. It hurts a little, like the first time. But he welcomes it.

"Oh bloody hell sweet boy, want you so much, need you, love you."

Xander whimpers. "Take me, I'm yours always was, always will be. I love you Will, I was lost without you, make me feel again!"

Spike groans hard and pushes deep into Xander, not able to hold back any longer.

Xander gasps, feeling Spike's hard cock deep inside him, filling him. "Yes!" he hisses "Oh god yes!"

Spike starts moving in and out, the contact between them hot and tingling.

Xander raises his hips into Spike's thrusts with a groan, the air around them seems to crackle with electricity and Xander gasps as Spike moves.

Spike moans and kisses him again, sparks passing between their lips.

Xander couldn't get enough, couldn't get enough of Spike's kisses, his touches, his love. The air buzzes around them and Xander wraps his legs around Spike's waist and pulls him deeper.

Spike's thrusts get harder and faster, rocking to hit Xander's prostate.

Xander tremblse with every thrust and cries out as Spike drove into his prostrate making his cock harden and throb.

"God yes, boy, want to make you feel good, want to make you scream for me."

Xander tosses his head and moves his hips back into Spike's thrusts. "Want you. Oh god Will!" Xander pants and whimpers.

Spike mouth moves to Xander's nipple, sucking it in hard and nipping it as he keeps slamming into Xander.

Xander cries out as he felt Spike nipping at his nipple, the combination of cock and fangs almost too much.

Spike curls the fingers of one hand in Xander's hair as he keeps rocking in and out hard and fast. "You almost there?"

Xander nods. Past being able to speak, just able to pant and whimper

"Cum for me, Xander, please."

Xander's body tenses and he cries Spike's name as he comes, cum pulsing between them.

Spike grips Xander tight, the two of them bathed in a soft golden glow as he releases deep into Xander.





Part Three



Xander buries his face in the crook of Spike's neck and simply sobs like a child, his shoulders shaking.

Spike cradles him close, murmuring soft endearments, rocking him, holding him.

Xander sniffles and gasps for breath. "I thought you were gone, I thought I'd never see you, never hold you again."

"I'm here, pet, I'm here." Spike coos softly.

Tears stream down Xander's face. "I hated you, those first few days, hated that you did it, hated that you left me."

"Don't blame you, love. Wouldn't blame you if you still hated me."

Xander's head snaps up. "No! Never, never hate you. no matter what you do!"

Spike smiles. "You're entirely too easy on me. I'm a lucky vampire."

Xander nods. "I...I tried to kill myself. Twice. Giles he stopped me, got me into a council hospital. I was there a month, until they were sure I wouldn't try again." He smiles weakly. "When I came out I got the job of rounding up Potentials, been on the move ever since, I think Giles wants to keep me busy!"

"I'll have to thank Giles." Spike strokes his face. "M'glad you din't succeed in killing yourself."

Xander smiles tearfully. “So am I. At the time, thought maybe I'd be with you. If I went to heaven I was going to say I wants to be with you, wherever you were."

Spike holds him close. "Wouldn't want you to suffer in hell with me. I know that's where I'm going, when all is said and done. I've seen it, been this close to falling in."

Xander clinga to him. "No, no. you may not go to heaven, but I don't believe you'd go to hell and 'm going with you Spike. I don't care what you say. Not losing you, not ever again!”

Spike sighs. "You may get me into heaven yet. I do believe you're stubborn enough to talk them into it."

"Well, they want me, they have to take you. We come as a pair."

Spike kisses him gently, then slowly more passionately.

Xander falls into the kiss, savoring it, the unique taste and feel, passion that was his vampire.

Suddenly there is a knock on the door. "Xander?" Wes' voice comes through. "I've gotten a call from Giles. He says there's a few local Slayers wanting to join in the action, and they're on their way over here."

"Oh! " Looks at Spike "I'd better meet them. Most Slayers know me, they know about you." He grins. "you have a fan club!.Be right there Wes!"

Spike sighs and rolls off Xander, settling back on the bed. "On handy thing about being non-corporeal, no mess to clean up."

Xander catches the bitter tone. "We'll sort it out Spike, make you a real vamp again!" He dresses. "How do you feel, do you think you can stay or will you have to go back to W and H and then back here?"

"Well, I'm thinking maybe I should go back, recharge a bit. So I can come back and spend more private time with you later."

Xander smiles sadly. "That'd be nice, the private time not the leaving. Do me a favor baby. Stay away from Deadboy, I don't trust him, even if I do ave the amulet"

Spike smiles. "No problem. I'll go hang out with Science Girl in the lab. She likes me."

Xander glares "I kinda got that.Should I be jealous?"

"Nah. We're just friends. She's in love with Wes, and Wes is in love with her, they're both just too bloody blind to see it."

Xander shook his head. "Sounds like Wes. She seems nice. he deserves someone. I hope they work it out."

"I'm sure they will, sooner or later." Spike sits up and kisses Xander. He gestures and he is clothed again. "I'll head back, come back in a few hours. Give you time to settle in the bairns and to go see Eve."

A sad look crosses Xander's face. "Don't be too long and take care. Besides the girls will wanna meet you!"

Spike chuckles. "*What* have you told them about me?"

"Nothing but the truth Spike. A chipped vampire who fought for his soul because of love and dusted saving the world."

"You make me sound like a romantic hero."

Xander shrugs. "I guess girls like that stuff."

"But not you?" Spike leans forward and brushes lips against Xander's.

"I was the storyteller. Besides every time I call you a hero you say you’re not!" Xander teases.

Spike chuckles. "Yeah. But I still like hearing it." He wraps his arms around Xander.

"You’re my hero Spike, you always were, and you know it!" He leans forward and brushes lips with Spike.

"Yeah, guess I'm just a greedy bastard. Wanting to hear you say it."

"You’re my hero, you’re my hero, you’re my hero and I love you so much!"

Spike hugs him tight and kisses him again. "I love you too. And you're much more of a hero than I am. It's easy to be a hero when you're an immortal vampire with lots of powers. But you do what you do with only human strength and human senses and human weakness."

Xander shrugs. "I didn't do that much. look at the time you save my ass.saved all of us at one time or another."

"You did a lot. Don't denigrate yourself."

"Then don't you." Xander tries to look stern.

Spike chuckles. "It's a deal."

"Good" Xander grins."Watch out for Deadboy, I *really* don't trust him."

"*That* much I know." Spike kisses him again, and then sighs. "I hate to go."

"I don't want you to."

"I know. But I have to."

Xander nods. "I know. I just...I only just found you again. Can't help being nervous."

Spike nods. "I know, pet. I know."

Xander shakes his head, "I can't help thinking he made the deal too easily, gave the amulet up too quickly."

"Why shouldn't he? It's not as if he values me at all."

“He's a mean bastard Spike, he'd hang onto you just to make sure no one else could have you."

“He's also a *ruthless* bastard, and he got help he really needed for something that cost him nothing to give away."

"Well, we'll see." Xander sighs. "You'd better go, the quicker you’re there, the sooner you’re back."

Spike nods, and kisses him one last time. "I love you."

Xander smiles."I love you too, so much."

"I'll be back as soon as I can."

Xander nods. “I'll talk to the girls and then go and meet Eve, I wish you could come."

"Yeah, well I could come, but the question is do you want me there, or do you want me back in here afterwards?"

"I want you here. No question." Xander giggles.

Spike chuckles. "Thought you might. Goodbye for now, pet."

"Bye Will, see you soon." Xander kisses him lightly.

Spike sighs heavily and walks through the door and out of the building. He really doesn't want to leave him.

Xander fights hard not to cry, he really wants to go with him, but he’s got to speak to the Slayers.

Spike moves rapidly through the streets, taking the most direct route back to W&H.

With a sigh, Xander goes in search of Wesley, he needs to know when the girls will arrive and where the bar is that Eve wants to meet at.

It's not long after that three bouncy young teenage girls pile in through the door. Xander grins at them, they were all collected and partly trained by him and each a few years younger. They spy him and he's soon engulfed in hugs and kisses and demands to know how he is.

Wesley smiles. "My. You certainly seem to be popular, Xander. I see standard Watcher training has become considerably more lax."

Xander looks up. "Never trained Wes. I collected each of these girls. they're like family." He hugs each in turn and then shushes them. "Girls this is Wes. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, you've heard me and Giles talk about him."

The girls look at Wes and giggle.

Wesley raises an eyebrow. "And what *precisely* have you and Giles said about me?"

Xander blushes a little. “Giles told a few stories about when you took over as Buffy's replacement Watcher."

Wesley nods. "Ah. I was a sanctimonious little prig back then."

Xander joins the girls’ giggles. "That’s *exactly* how Giles described you."

"I think perhaps I need to have a long conversation with Giles."

Xander smiles. "Can I listen in?"

"If you wish. Should we get rooms for your charges here?"

"Yeah. Listen up ladies. we're going to be staying here. Something big is going down and we're gonna help out. There are twenty-five of your sister Slayers on their way here. But Wes says there's enough room for everyone, so bed down and get settled in. I've gotta go out for a while and when I get back .There's a surprise in store."

They clap their hands and chatter excitedly. Wes gets keys and issues them. He adds, "There will be dinner in a few hours. If you wish, you can come and help me with preparing it." They grin and nod and chatter some more, and hug Xander goodbye.

"Mind Wes.He knows what he's talking about." The girls nod and move out. Xander shows Wes the address Eve gave him. "Is it far?"

"Not far." Wesley gives him directions. And then he grins. "Though you might wish to take some small bills with you."

"Small bills?" Xander raises an eyebrow

"Yes. It's a strip club."

Xander splutters. "What!". "Crap! Spike'll have a fit!"

Wesley chuckles. "Not my business. But it is definitely an interesting meeting place."

"I don't suppose you'd like to come?"

"Someone has to stay with the girls, and make dinner."

Just then there are a few bangs and muffled curses followed by loud voices. "Uh you're right there. I'll be off then. Good luck with the girls." Xander hurries out.

Wesley chuckles and heads off to the kitchen.

The club turns out to be just over two blocks away and Xander found it easily. Though he hovers outside getting up the courage to go in.

Eve waits inside, nursing a drink.

Eventually a group of young men head inside and Xander follows. It’s a very high class place, very plush and discreetly lit. There are no sign of strippers, but there is an unlit stage. Xander looks around and spies Eve, he walks over to her.

Eve looks up and smiles. "You showed. I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind."

Xander sits on the stool. "Interesting venue. Been outside ten minutes getting the courage to come in!"

Eve chuckles. "Well it's definitely the sort of place Angel wouldn't go into on a bet."

Xander huffs. "Gotta be a plus!" He orders a beer. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Have one, thanks."

Xander nods. "Ok, we weren't properly introduced. I'm Xander Harris and I know you are Eve and Will said something about you being a direct link to the Senior partners?"

"I'm their liaison. I pass on orders and directives from them, and represent their interests."

Xander nods and sips his drink. "Look I don't know anything about Wolfram and Hart, senior partners or anything else. I especially don't wanna know Deadboy's involvement or any deals he's got going. All I'm interested in is Will. Spike."

"Ah, so *there's* the bottom line. What do you want to know?"

"You said something about Deadboy giving away valuable company property, so the amulet is owned by Wolfram and Hart, was probably made there?"

"Not *made* there, no. It was discovered in an ancient vault."

"Ok." He thought. "When it all went to hell in Sunnydale, literally, Buffy said the amulet had to be worn by someone more than human, but with a soul, so she conned Spike into doing it. The way I see it your bosses couldn't have known Spike had a soul. So I'm betting it was intended for Deadboy. Spike goes and gets a soul and hands the bastard a get out of jail card."

Eve shrugs. "I'm not privy to their intentions in that respect."

Xander looks at her. "But it’s likely?"

"With the Senior Partners, there's really no telling."

Xander takes that as a yes. "Really, Spike has no real role in all of this. He's a mistake. Deadboy should have worn the amulet and gone up in smoke. Now I don't think you get to be a *liaison* for demonic big wigs without being a smart cookie and I'm betting you know more than you’re saying, or know someone who does."

Eve gives an enigmatic smile. "Perhaps. What did you have in mind?"

"I want Will back as a real boy. Not human. I don't think he'd thank me for that. But a vamp again, corporeal. And I think you would *love* to put the knife in Deadboy and I'd like to give it a twist.”

"Now whatever would give you *that* impression?" Eve smiles wryly.

Xander grins. "I'm a good judge of character. and he tends to bring out the worst in people. This prophecy he sets such store by. Giles said there's no name attached to it. Just a souled vampire and he's not the *only* one anymore. Will gets corporeal again and Deadboy starts worrying. But more than that...I'm willing to do what it takes to get Will back."

"Well, I *might* have some contacts that could help. But the process might be expensive."

Xander smiles. “I thought it might be. Have your *friend* check my bank records, I'm sure they can. you'll be pleasantly surprised, I'm sure."

Eve inclines her head. "I will. Pleasure doing business with you. I'll be in touch."

Xander nods back. "I'd appreciate a speedy answer and if you need me to stand by while Deadboy goes down, it can be arranged and I swear I'll take Will and you'll never see or hear of us again."

Eve nods. "I'll let you know as soon as I can." She gets up and extends her hand.

Xander stood and shook her hand. "A pleasure."

"Likewise." Eve turns to walk out of the bar just as a buxom blonde stripper walks onto the stage.

Xander eyes the stripper. Time was he'd have had his tongue hanging out, now it was a slender, muscled blond that did it for him. He throws some bills on the bar and follows Eve out.

Spike is walking back to the hotel just as Xander pulls up.

Xander jumps out. "Hi Will. Everything ok?"

"Yeah, just find. Spent some time with Fred, and some with Lorne. Lorne's a character, you'd like him."

"Lorne.That's the green guy? I like him, seems too decent a demon to be hanging around with Deadboy!"

"Yeah. I think he's mostly there because of Fred. He adores her. Not in a sexual way or anything. But he's really really fond of her."

Xander nods. "That's nice, she seems great too. How the hell does he do it? Fool so many decent people with his souled act?"

"Dunno pet. S'beyond me."

Xander huffs. "I talked to Eve, I don't think she can help herself, but I get the distinct impression she knows someone who can."

"Assuming she doesn't run back to Angel and tell him everything."

Xander shook his head, "What’s there to tell? That I want you corporeal again and will do what it takes to do it? I think he knows that already. Besides I get the vibe that she *likes* him almost as much as I do!"

Spike chuckles. "Quite likely."

"Anyway, she's gonna get in touch, so we'll se what she comes up with."

"Worth a try, anyway." They walk inside.

Xander stops Spike just inside when he hears female voices. "Umm ok. I promised the girls a surprise and you are *it*. They’re real nice girls but a bit.umm excitable so you might wanna stick behind me in case they get grabby." he grins

Spike grins. "Well I don't think they can grab me. I'm pretty sure it's just you, because I tried to hug Fred and my arms went right through her."

Xander grins. "In this case, might be just as well. Ok vampire ghostie of mine. Time to met your fanclub!!" Xander opens the door and steps inside. "Hi Xander!" the three chorus, followed by a deathly hush as they see Spike. Three sets of eyes grow big and round, looking at Xander, then Spike and back again. "Yeah it is!" Xander grins.

Spike chuckles as the three girls get up to come touch him and giggle as their hands pass through.

Xander bats hands away gently, smiling. "He's a ghost, sort of, at the minute. But we're working on that. Kindly remember he's MINE!"

They all giggle again. "We just wanted to *touch* him!"

"Yes well.Just remember I saw him first." Xander smiles. "What do you think of him, like I described?"

"Even prettier!"

Spike chuckles at that.

Xander grins at Spike. "See I told you they'd like you."

"I can see that." He puts an arm around Xander and the girls and Wes gasp.

"He's *touching* you, Xander!" Wes exclaims.

"Umm yeah. seems to be something to do with the amulet. It gets warm and glows when we touch."

"That's amazing! I wonder why we never thought of trying that."

Xander looks at Spike.and back at Wes. "No offence, but I’m kinda glad you didn't!"

"Why is that?"

"Well, *who* would have worn it?"

Wes nods. "Ah. I see."

"He'd have probably dusted Spike on the spot!"

"I still think you're exaggerating, Xander. I'm certain he would do no such thing."

"You heard him threaten it. That’s good enough for me."

"Did you perhaps threaten him prior to that?"

"Probably. but he didn't threaten me back. He threatened Spike. "

"Yes, well, he went for your weakness."

"Thing like that could get him seriously dusted."

Wesley chuckles. "Others have tried."

"Twenty-eight Slayers Wes...twenty-eight."

"Yes, and he's got an entire building full of security, and likely has those wards up by now."

Xander smiles."I didn't say I would. Didn't even say I'd try. I’m here to help."

Wes smiles. "Of course. Care to have some dinner?"

Xander looks at Spike, he knows it is an effort for him to be there and he doesn't want to waste a minute.

Spike grins. "Eat. You'll need your energy."

Xander grins, the girls giggle and Xander blushes. "Yeah, thanks Wes, I’m kinda hungry."

Spike settles on a chair and pats in front of him. "Settle in right here."

Xander blinks looking at the girls and Wes. Wes raises an eyebrow and the girls look amused. "Spike," he hisses. "The girls,"

One of the girls grins. "Hell, if you don't sit on his knee Xander Harris, *I* will, even if I can't feel him!"

Xander mock scowls."Hey no sitting on the Xan man's boyfriend's knee!" The girls laugh and Wes shakes his head. Xander settles into Spike's lap!

Spike wraps his arms around Xander and lays his head against Xander's back. At least he can hold him while he eats.

Xander leans back against Spike . "I'm not too heavy? Feels so good."

One of the girls leans over."Don't mind us, we're all adults and really happy for you two."

Xander smiles.

Spike smiles at them as well. "Not too heavy, pet, and it's not like there's any circulation to worry about."

Xander sighs happily. "This...it's like a dream come true. I never thought..." he stopped himself. "I gotta stop saying this. I keep wanting to pinch myself in case it’s all a dream."

Spike reaches down and pinches his ass. "There, all pinched. It's not a dream."

Xander yelps. The girls looks at him, Wes sighs. "That hurt!" he giggles and twists round to kiss Spike quickly.

Spike kisses him back and strokes his face. "Eat," he says. "I want to get you upstairs."

Xander turns back and tucks into his food. "This is really nice, Wes, girls." He eats with unseemly haste.

Wes and the girls continue eating, the girls giving an occasional glance and giggle in Xander's direction.

Xander knows they keep looking. He also knows they want nothing but for them to be happy. Every now and again, he smiles at them and wriggle on Spike's lap. "After you've eaten, you should train for a bit and Wes can bring you up to speed on what's going down here."

"Yes, Xander," they say in unison, and giggle. "You just want us out of the way so you and Spike can get biz-zay!" One of them says, and they all break out in giggles again. Wes blushes and clears his throat.

Xander blushes."Can you blame me?"

The girls laugh. One of them speaks up. "We're so happy for you two, really. We never thought, never hoped to come face to face with William The Bloody!"

Spike chuckles. "I go by Spike now. Only Xander here gets to call me Will."

She blushes "Sorry. When Xan talks about you he used both names. We got used to using both."

"S'awright."

The girls look at Spike with more than a little awe.The dark-haired girl who'd offered to sit on his knee speaks up. "We know what you did, Spike, and I know all of us, not just us, all the Slayers, we are here because of you." She looks at the others. "I guess we just wanted to say thank you."

"More than welcome. But it wasn't entirely my doing. All I did was wear the jewelry and let it burn me up. Xander here and the others did the real work."

"But it wouldn't have mattered, if you hadn't sacrificed yourself. We got Buffy's power, but you made it possible and Xan, he knows how we all feel about him."

Xander swallows hard. "Don't argue with her Will, you won't win" He smiles. "And you know how I feel about you, all of you."

Spike chuckles. "You Slayers, bloody stubborn, the whole lot of you."

"Damn right" she persists. "Learnt it from Xander . " She grins at Spike. "I don't suppose you have a brother whose a vamp have you Spike cos. Uh. I'm think I want a vamp of my own!" The other girls thump her. "What? Like *you* aren't thinking the same thing!" They all laugh.

"No, no brother vamps. I was an only childe."

She sighs. "Damn!" Xander giggles. "You'll just have to find your own" She nods.

"Now, now, Xander, you're a bad influence on your Slayers. I'm betting Giles wouldn't approve."

Xander grins. "World's not black and white Wes, we've taught the girls that, there are degrees of evil and not everything evil is without a soul. Giles wants them to be able to make judgement calls for themselves.Lots of demons like Clem and your friend Lorne. Years ago, the Slayers would have just killed them. Not now."

"Yes, well, but the world isn't exactly populated by vampires with souls."

"No, it’s not and they know that, but not every vampire deserves summary execution either."

Wes sighs and shrugs, knowing it's futile to keep arguing with him.

Xander smiles. "I’m not here to argue Wes, really. I just want to get this over with and get out of Dodge.Take Spike with me."

"But he's tied to the building, Xander."

"I'm working on it" He said quietly

Wes nods. "Well then."

Spike kisses the back of Xander's neck. "Done eating?"

Xander nods, "Yeah, I’m through."

Spike stands and scoops Xander up into his arms, carrying him out of the room. "Good."

The girls laugh delightedly as Xander is carried away.

"Spike! Oh god whatever will they think!"

"That you’re one lucky bastard" a female voice floats after him.

Spike carries him upstairs, not stopping til he lays him on the bed and closes and locks the door. "Clothes, off, now!" He's grinning as he says it.

Xander jumps up and strips. Giggling and blushing "Yes sir!" he teases.

Spike laughs and gestures, his clothes disappearing. He moves over to pick up the lotion. "You need to get some proper lube tomorrow."

Xander grins reaching in his jacket pocket and hauling out a giant, economy tube. "Made a stop on the way back from Eve." He pushes it into Spike's hand. "Figured we had some catching up to do." he ducks his head.

Spike chuckles. "Good boy." He grins. "So, how shall we catch up next?"

Xander grins. "I leave myself in your capable hands Batman. I'm just thankful we can do this." Round his neck the amulet pulses with a soft glow.

Spike smiles back at him. "On your hands and knees then, I think. I know how much you love that position."

Xander laughs, "I'd almost forgotten what a bossy lover you are.So romantic" he teases.

"Not enough time for romance."

Xander's face falls a little. "Right." Smiling he scrambles into position. Spike was right, he loves this.

Spike coats his fingers and starts pressing them into Xander. "Yeah, fuck, I missed this so much."

Xander whimpers. "Mmm.*you* missed it." He looks over his shoulder. “There's been no-one else Will. No-one." He said seriously. "Never intended there would be, ever again."

"No one else for me, either, obviously. Figured if they ever made me flesh again I'd come looking for you."

Xander giggles. "You'd have better...cos if I found out and you didn't..." He teases.

"You'd've staked me, I know." Spike works another finger up into him.

Xander hisses at the feel of Spike's fingers and pushes back."Ugh! No! I'd never do that.But I'd have been *very* upset!"

Spike leans over and kisses the back of Xander's neck. "Well I intend to stake you. With my own special stake." He grinds his cock against Xander's ass.

"Oh shit!" Spike feels hard and huge grinding against his ass. Xander gasps. "Y'know if you stayed like this, I wouldn't mind, just as long as we could blow this City. God knows you *feel* plenty *solid*."

Spike chuckles. "You'd just like that no one else could touch me."

"Well, hell yes. Wait, you *want* others to touch you!" He pouts.

Spike chuckles again. "Wouldn't mind being able to get hugs. But mostly I want to be able to eat again."

Xander laughs. "I'm just teasing. mostly.anyone hugs you I wanna *be* there!"

"Of course, love. I get fleshy, I'm not planning on letting you out of my sight ever again." He keeps working his fingers in and out of Xander.

Xander whimpers, fast losing the ability to speak as Spike works him, in fact, thinking is becoming a problem!

Spike slicks his cock with his free hand, then pulls out his fingers, lining up to press against Xander from behind.

Xander whines as the lovely fingers are removed and then tenses a little as he feels Spike move into position to mount him.

Spike grips onto Xander's hips and starts pressing in, slow and steady.

Xander hisses as Spike pushes in, slowly but relentlessly filling him with his hard length. He whimpers, dropping onto his forearms and elbows, raising his ass higher as Spike presses forward.

"Ohhhh fuck you feel so good." Spike leans over to kiss and lick on Xander's back and shoulders.

Xander makes an appreciative sound, lost in the sensation of once again being claimed by his lover.

Spike seats himself all the way in and begins thrusting in and out, a steady rhythm.

Xander whimpers. "Oh god!. You feel so good," He pants.

"My boy, oh fuck I missed you."

"I missed you too." Xander soon finds his own rhythm, pushing back as Spike thrusts forward, forcing him deeper inside him.

Spike groans and nips on Xander's shoulder as he moves back against him.

Xander shivers at the possessive nips. Spke had always made it clear that he was the sexually dominant one and it was how Xander liked it. The amulet swings around his neck, pulsing with a soft light.

Spike licks over where he nips, moving harder and faster. "*My* boy."

"*Yours*,” Xander whimpers. "Your boy, your bitch. Just yours," he pants, Spike gripping his hips hard enough to leave welcome bruises.

"Ohhh fuck boy, you know I love it when you talk dirty like that."

Xander whimpers pushing back. "Your bitch" He pants, " to mount, take, whenever, wherever you like.Yours," Xander mumbles.

"Oh god yes, always, never letting you go." Spike groans and rocks in harder still, hitting that sweet spot now with each stroke.

Xander's body shudders and he moans as Spike pounds into his prostate, his cock hard and weeping against his stomach. "Yes,, yes! Oh god, Spike! Master! " He cries hoarsely.

Spike groans again. "You're trying to make me fuck you *through* the mattress, right?"

Xander half giggles and nods his head."Oh yeah!"

Spike thrusts harder, and leans over to nip hard on the nape of Xander's neck.

Xander drops his head arching his neck into Spike's bite. It was a sign of submission a sign of surrender, given and taken with love and complete trust.

Spike purr-growls possessively as he keeps ramming into Xander. No one else had ever made him feel as safe or trusted or loved.

Xander whimpers as Spike pounds him through the mattress, his cock hard and throbbing against his stomach. He pants, sheened now with sweat

Spike slides a hand under to stroke Xander's cock. "You ready for me, pet?" He purrs low in his ear.

Xander shudders at Spike's touch and the seductive voice, he nods. “Please Master," he pants.

Spike licks the shell of his ear and nips the lobe. "Now, my boy."

Xander cries out Spike's name as he comes, cum spurting across his stomach, he jerks and shudders. Held up in the end by Spike's strong grip on his hips, as he pants and whimpers.

"Oh GOD Xander!" Spike shouts as he releases, his whole body bucking and shaking. He wraps strong arms around Xander and holds him close.

Xander starts at Spike's powerful shout. "Spike are you alright?" He mumbles through his own daze.

"Yeah. More than awright." Spike lets go of his hips and slides under Xander, pulling him on top of him.

Xander moves languidly against his beloved vampire. He smiles down at him, the amulet glowing steadily between them. "That was fantastic. I *knew * there was a reason why I love you," He teases, kissing Spike's nose.

Spike chuckles. "Well I should *hope* so."





Part Four



Xander looks at him a little disorientated. "You know it’s not just the sex, right? It’s a whole lot more than that."

"I know pet. I really do know." He strokes Xander's cheek.

Xander smiles. "Just making sure. This amulet really seems to be doing its stuff."

"It does indeed. Glad it's working for us."

Xander smiles and touches it. "I know it’s fanciful, but I'd like to think it would only work for us, because we love each other. But really I bet it would work for Wes or one of the girls just as well.and NO we are *not* going to try!"

Spike laughs. "I wasn't going to ask."

"Well, just in case." He settles against Spike. nuzzling his neck.

Spike purrs and strokes Xander's hair.

Xander sighs. "I missed your purr. I mean, I missed everything, but I haven't really slept properly since..." His voice fades, then he gathers himself. "Missed falling asleep listening to your purr."

Spike nods and keeps purring softly, kissing Xander's forehead.

"How long can you stay this time?"

"Probably another couple of hours before I have to leave. I'll stay til it snaps me back."

Xander smiles sadly. “But you can come back?"

"Yeah. Just have to rest there a bit, and then I can come back."

"Does it hurt? Being pulled away?"

"Not really. Disconcerting more than anything."

Xander strokes his face. "As long as it doesn't hurt."

"No, it won't hurt." Spike kisses him tenderly.

"That’s ok I guess. I hope Eve can come up with something, I'd hate to have to live in LA near Deadboy!"

Spike chuckles. "Yeah, I can imagine."

"I don't think he'd be too happy either!"

"Probably not. The two of you never did get on."

Xander sighs "I know he's your Sire and stuff, but I just don't *like* him Spike. The thought of dancing in his dust makes me deliriously happy!"

Spike grins. "I can see that."

Xander smiles sadly. "God, I hope it works out."

"I have faith."

"You have no idea how weird that sounds coming from a vampire , even an heroic souled one."

"We can't have faith?"

"After all the times you said you were evil!" Xander smiles and teases. "Of course you can have faith, my love."

Spike strokes his face and hair, looking into Xander's eyes. "I like hearing you call me that."

"What? My love? " He grins. "I thought you liked 'Master' better!”

Spike laughs and nips Xander's neck. "You're an evil boy."

"Me? Evil!" He looks mock affronted.

Spike grins. "Well, naughty at any rate."

Xander nods "Naughty I can live with"

Spike kisses him softly. "*Definitely* naughty."

Xander presses into the kiss, opening his mouth. "Mmmm."

Spike purrs and flicks out his tongue, exploring and tasting Xander's mouth.

Xander whimpers happily, wriggling against Spike.

Spike chuckles and kisses his forehead. "My wiggle worm."

Xander rests his chin on Spike's chest. "When this is done and you’re a real boy again, we'll go away, live abroad maybe."

"Yeah. Anyplace but here. And *no* Hellmouths."

"No. Maybe not England though. Uh Giles."

Spike grins. "Wot? Don't want to see the G-man?"

"I don’t want any more to do with the Council"

"Ahh."

"I want to settle down, maybe open a carpentry shop and live a quiet life. I could do that even as a vamp!"

Spike nods. "Maybe somewhere near Niblet."

"Yeah, that'd be good."

"I'd like to keep an eye on her, see how she turns out."

"She's growing up fast, quite the young lady now."

"Bet she is. Probably breaking hearts left and right."

"Has a steady boyfriend, seems serious. He's steady and reliable, I like him."

"Well that's good. She deserves a good bloke."

"He seems ok. He's an intern right now, so they could both be doctors."

Spike grins. "And if he's not good to her, we can take care of that."

"Wills gave him the shovel talk. I glared!"

Spike laughs at that. "Ah, the shovel talk. I remember it fondly."

Xander grins. "Yeah, Wills was cool about us, Buffy looked like she was gonna bust a gut!"

"Yeah well.she was convinced I was just using you to make her jealous."

Xander suddenly took an interest in the bedding. "I thought so too, at first," he mumbles.

"Well m'glad you know better. If I was going to use someone to make her jealous, I woulda gone after Faith," Spike teases gently.

Xander gives a half smile. "That's why I got so mad when she said she loved you right before. It was like she still believed you *had* to be in love with her. I...we...didn't count."

"Yeah, well.she was and is a bitch, Xander. I know she's your friend, but..."

Xander shakes his head. "I haven't spoken to her since she dragged me away from the crater and I knocked her down. Giles relays messages.Don't want to see her. Dawn feels the same."

Spike sighs. "M'sorry. I know you used to be so close."

"Not really, not since she went to College, we grew apart, had different lives, priorities. I don't even think Willow has much to do with her these days. She's got Kennedy, and Buffy is too wrapped up living the high life with that immortal guy."

Spike chuckles. "Her with the Immortal. Hee. Angel would lose it if he knew."

"Why. I thought he was with a werewolf?"

"Yeah, but he's still *awfully* touchy on the subject of Buffy, and the Immortal is an old, old enemy of his."

Xander's eyes light up. "Can I tell him?!"

"Yeah, sure, go for it." Spike grins.

"With any luck he'll go Angelus and the girls can take him down!” Xander looks positively gleeful.

Spike chuckles and shakes his head. "You're really just hoping to dust him, aren't you?"

"Oh please. I don't care who or what does it. as long as I'm there to cheer!"

"You're incorrigible." Spike kisses him.

"Is that good?"

"Depends on your point of view. It certainly goes along with naughty."

"Oh, that’s ok then." He grins.

Spike laughs and hugs him close. "I love you so bloody much."

"I love you too...without the bloody part."

"Brat." Spike rolls Xander under him and starts to tickle him.

Xander shrieks and wriggles, trying to catch Spike's hands . Soon he is laughing helplessly.

Spike eventually stops, kissing Xander hard and holding him close.

Xander continues to giggle, arms wrapped round Spike as the vampire holds him close.

"You're adorable."

Xander laughs. "You're biased because you're shagging me!"

"Could be. Though I bet if we asked the girls they'd agree."

Xander laughs. "They might at that."

"They do seem awfully fond of you. Should I be jealous?" Spike teases.

"They're the sisters I never had. They're so scared when they arrive, I guess just having a normal Joe around is a comfort for them. And no!"

Spike grins and kisses Xander hard. "Just twitting you, pet."

Xander smiles. "They've always known I love you. I’m no kind of threat so they treat me like one of them, it’s nice."

Spike strokes Xander's hair. "That's good. M'glad you've had them around."

"It helps, gave me a purpose and they kept an eye on me. "

Spike nods. "Also nice that you tell all and sundry how you feel about me. Nice change not to have someone ashamed of feeling something for me."

"I was never ashamed of you. I used to lie awake at night in Africa, I slept on the Savannah sometimes in a tent. Listening to the animals and thinking about you. All the years we wasted, all the times we fought. The years I spent denying even to myself I was attracted to you. I swore I’d never do that again. I don't give a damn who knows about us."

Spike strokes his face. "Yeah, pet. I could tell. You never seemed ashamed, not even at first. Not even when Anya walked in and caught us in bed together."

"I was sorry she found out like that, but I'd *told* her, she just didn't want to accept it at first."

Spike grins. "Yeah. She was good about it, though. Sorry to hear she got killed."

Xander hangs his head. "So was I. I wanted her to have a good life.With someone to look after her. She died saving Andrew, would you believe?!"

"I can believe it. How's Andrew, by the way?"

"Changed, a lot. Imagine Wes as he used to be, just a bit nerdier. Adores you, never stops talking about you. I always meant to ask you. Just *what* did you two get up to when you went off on that motorbike!?"

Spike chuckles. "Not as much as he would've liked, I'm certain. He kissed me. Wanted more, but I told him I was with you and it wasn't going to happen."

Xander snorts. "He confessed he was jealous of me. We used to sit in the dark and talk about you for hours sometimes."

"Yeah, well he was a sweet little lad. If I hadn't been with you, I probably would've given him a go, to show him the world if for nothing else. I mean, we all thought the world was coming to an end. I hope he finds someone nice though. Warren messed him up something fierce."

"Ok. Now *I'm* jealous. Truth is he doesn’t know what he wants. He was messing around with twin sisters last I heard."

"Good for him. I'm sure he'll figure it out eventually."

"You ummm might have a chance to find out,. I think Giles is sending him with the girls."

Spike shakes his head. "Be nice to see him again. But he's *still* not getting anywhere. I'm in love with you, pet, and only you."

Xander smirks. "You'd *better* be," he mock threatens.

"You, pet. My sweet lovely boy." Spike strokes his cheek.

Xander kisses him."My vampire," He says softly. "Not Angel's or Angelus or Buffy or Drusilla or Harmony's." He grins. "Mine!"

"All yours," Spike affirms. "And only yours."

"And I'm all *yours*," Xander confirms.

"Well that works out nicely all the way round, then, dunnit?"

Xander laughs. "Yup!"

Spike starts slithering down Xander's body, kissing and licking as he goes.

Xander laughs. "Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” He pauses. “Oh!!"

Spike looks up with mischief gleaming in his eyes, as his tongue starts running up and down Xander's shaft.

Xander’s eye glazes and he makes a soft whimpering sound.

Spike grins and takes the head of Xander's hardening cock in his mouth, his tongue dancing wickedly across the skin.

Xander clutches at the sheet under him and whimpered loudly as his cock hardens.

"Nice to know I haven't lost my touch," Spike murmurs, before taking in most of Xander's cock in one push.

"Shit!" Xander yelps. "Oh my god. Spike!!" Xander pants and whines, forcing his hips to be still as Spike's wicked mouth works on him.

Spike starts bobbing, sucking and licking as he goes. He loves doing this, seeing the pleasure on Xander's face.

Xander squirms and writhes under Spike’s talents tongue, his cock rock hard in the vampire's mouth.

Spike bobs harder, pressing to the root each time, his unnaturally long tongue curling around Xander's shaft as he works.

Xander’s hands clutch at the sheet. almost tearing it. He pants and tosses his head. He wants to thrust, grab Spike's hair and thrust into his mouth, but he won't. Instead he groans and makes tiny movements.

Spike purrs as he keeps working over Xander's cock. He knows if he keeps pushing eventually Xander will lose control and fuck his mouth.

Xander clutches harder at the sheet, he chews his bottom lip until it bleeds. "Spike," he says plaintively, not wanting to abuse his lover.

Spike purrs harder, making encouraging sounds.

Xander loses it and begins to thrust into Spike's mouth, not hard but moving his hips in a steady rhythm.

Spike purrs loudly, eyes fixed on Xander's face as he takes his thrusts, still sucking and licking. He may be the dominant, but he still likes this, likes his lover to occasionally take his pleasure.

Xander thrusts a little harder, seeing that Spike seems to want him too. He brings up his hands and rests them in Spike's hair, not holding, just resting as he moves his hips, panting and whimpering.

Spike moves a hand between Xander's legs, cupping and kneading his balls, as his other hand strokes up over Xander's belly. He can feel him getting close.

Xander moans at Spike's touches and fights to control himself, he *wouldn't* use Spike like Angelus. Xander feels his stomach tighten and his balls draw up and the familiar tingle in his spine. "Spike, I'm gonna," he warns.

Spike pulls back just enough so he can easily swallow, looking at Xander the entire time.

For an instant as he comes, Xander's fingers tighten in Spike's hair and then relaxes again as he comes with a cry and a shudder down Spike's throat.

Spike greedily swallows the hot seed and then slithers back up Xander's body, kissing him hard. "My sweet boy. God I love doing that."

Xander looks at him dazed. "I didn't hurt you did I?"

"No, pet, you din't. I wanted you to do that."

Xander smiles "I don't ever want to hurt you."

"I know, sweet boy. You're so good to me."

"Oh, and like you’re so *awful* to me!" He smiles at Spike lovingly. "Silly vamp!"

Spike chuckles. "I am silly." Spike nuzzles Xander softly.

"Hey! I was joking. Your one of the smartest people I know!!"

"Which doesn't preclude me being silly."

Xander huffs."Have it your own way then!"

"I will." Spike grins and kisses the tip of Xander's nose.

"You always get your own way," Xander teases. "I’m too soft with you!"

"Part of your charm," Spike teases back.

"Only part?"

"Yeah, well, there's also your good looks, your sex appeal, your sense of humor.among other sterling qualities."

Xander giggles. “You flatterer you!" he bats his eyelashes.

"Not flattery, just plain truth."

Xander laughs. "Sex appeal...me?"

"Yes, you."

"Spike, my valentines used to be met with heartfelt restraining orders!"

Spike grins. "Well *I* think you have sex appeal, which is all that matters, right?"

Xander catches a glint in Spike's eyes and reckons it is safer not to argue. "Of course, yeah, only you."

Spike grins and kisses him. "Good boy."

Xander ducks his head shyly. Only Spike could make him feel like a shy seventeen-year-old again.

Spike strokes his face. "You make me so crazy for you when you do that."

Xander blinks at him. "I do?" he says softly.

"Yeah. So sweet and shy, almost innocent."

"Hey, not so much of the almost. I *am* innocent!!"

Spike chuckles. "Pet, after all we've done together, I can assure you that you are no longer innocent."

Xander pouts. "Compared to you I am!"

"Yeah, well, compared to me, Attilla the Hun is innocent."

Xander burst out laughing. "I think Attilla could give you a run for your money!"

"You think so, eh?"

"Oh yeah!"

"I don't know whether that's a compliment or an insult."

"Only you would take not being compared to Attilla an insult!"

Spike chuckles and kisses his forehead. "Yeah, well, I'm the Big Bad!"

"Oh yeah. Big bad fluff ball." Xander sighs. "When do you think its going down? Tomorrow is Halloween, nothing happens on Halloween, does it?"

"Not usually. But there is a really big party tomorrow that Lorne's all in a tizzy about. Might be a good night to move against the beasties."

"Yeah, take them by surprise... " Xander's cell phone springs to life, playing the theme tune to an irritating television show. Xander picks it up from the bedside table and looks up the caller. "It’s Eve."

"So soon? Hopefully good news."

Xander nods. "Hi Eve..." He listens for a few seconds. Spike can hear that a meeting is being set up. "So soon, didn't take your friend long to check me out." Xander listens again. "Yeah, ok I'll be there." He rings off. "She's arranged for me to meet someone, says he might be able to help, for a price."

Spike sighs. "How soon?"

"Tomorrow, early in the morning. Said something about if it can be done, Hallows' Eve is the optimum time.... just before midnight."

Spike nods. "Well then...the question is, you want me to stay tonight til I get snapped back, or go back early so I can come with you?"

"Oh god Spike. Do I have to make a choice like that?" He sighs. "I don't know if they'll need you there to make whatever work. This is for you Spike." He touches his face. "I hate this... But you'd best go... I've got to meet them at 6.00am at the same club. Place will be deserted."

Spike kisses him hard. "I can stay a bit longer, and still make it back in time. I can at least hold you til you go to sleep."

"Oh god Spike... yes please." Xander kisses him. "Just think after tomorrow we could be together... Forever."

Spike nods. "Forever and always, my love."

"Forever and always my beloved."

Spike holds Xander close, pulling covers over them. He purrs softly and strokes his hair.

Xander snuggles into Spike. He loves this almost more than the sex, almost. Being close to... holding and being held by Spike, rumbling purrs coming from the vampire's chest and reverberating through his own, Spike's gentle hand petting him. He really wants to stay awake and enjoy it. But his eyelids grow heavy and Xander drifts off to sleep.

Spike keeps petting and purring, watching Xander fall asleep. So lovely and angelic as his face relaxes utterly in repose. He doesn't want to go, doesn't *ever* want to go. But he has to. He waits til Xander is very deeply asleep and ever so carefully moves off the bed and out of the room.

When Xander wakes...Spike is gone. For a few seconds he panicks, tears springing to his eyes, and then he composes himself. It is a few minutes after midnight. He sets his alarm for 4.30am. He wants to get to the meet early and suss the place out, maybe get a look at Eve's *friend* ahead of the actual meet.

There is a soft knock on the door and Wes' voice floats through. "Sorry to disturb you. Giles phoned, the rest of the girls land at LAX late tomorrow morning. Someone called Andrew is with them. He's asked us to meet them. Is that ok?"

Xander smiles. "Sure Wes, that’s fine girls ok?"

"They've retired for the night. Night Xander, night Spike."

Xander sighs. "Spike had to go, night Wes."

"Oh, I’m sorry, night Xander."

Spike wanders the halls of W&H. He's restless, even more so than usual. He wants to be back with Xander. He hopes whoever they are meeting can fix things for them.

Xander doesn't sleep. He dozes and rolls around restlessly. He hates the thought of Spike alone in Wolfram and Hart.... hates that he had to be apart from him and most of all he hates that Spike is near Angel.

Spike leaves to go back to Xander as dawn approaches. He floats through the door of the room and looks down at him.

Xander stirs without opening his eye. "I know you’re there, Spike." He smiles.

Spike chuckles. "Seems neither of us got any sleep."

Xander opens his eye. "Guess not. You ok?"

"Yeah. Missed you something awful." He flows onto the bed and takes Xander into his arms.

Xander wraps his arms and legs round him. "Oh baby...I woke and you weren't here and for a second I thought it was all a dream!"

Spike grins. "Do I have to pinch you again?"

"Errr... No!" Xander laughs. "Wes said the rest of the girls arrive at LAX late this morning and your groupie is with them!"

"My groupie?"

"Andrew.”

"Ah." Spike chuckles and kisses Xander. "So we go to the meeting first, then the airport?"

"That’s what I figured, thought we'd get there early and suss the place out, maybe get a quick look at Eve's *friend* before we actually meet. What do you think?"

"Sounds good to me. C'mon, get dressed."

Xander scrambles up and dresses quickly, silencing his alarm before it can ring and disturb anyone. He scribbles a note to say he'd gone out with Spike and they'd be back to go to the airport and then silently they creep out of the hotel. They walk through the gray and near-silent streets towards the club. They have to knock on the door to be let in. No one else is there aside from a couple of janitors cleaning and vacuuming.

Xander looks around. The janitors pack up and leave. An eerie silence settles over the place and Xander shudders. "This place is creepy."

"I'll agree with you on that one."

Spike whips around as a voice comes from out of the shadows, and a slender figure steps forward. "I'm Eve's friend. I believe you're expecting me." He's tanned, with blondish-brown hair and blue eyes, and tattoos peeking out from under his shirt.

Xander jumps and looks past Spike. "Oh hi... I'm Xander Harris and this is Spike."

"You can call me Doyle." The man settles at a table, sprawling, propping his feet up on a chair. "Sit down, please."

Xander looks at the man and then at Spike, he instinctively didn't trust him. He draws out a chair and sits. "Has Eve explained the problem?”

"She has. Bit of a pickle."

Xander snorts. "You could say that... Can you help us?"

"It's possible." He looks over at Xander. "That the amulet?"

Xander looks at his chest, he'd almost forgotten he was wearing it. "Yeah, this is it."

"I'll need to see it."

Xander hesitates, looking at Spike. "Spike?"

Spike sighs. "It's our only chance, Xander."

Xander takes off the amulet and reluctantly holds it out to Doyle. The man reaches and takes it. For an instant he brushes fingers with Xander and a static shock makes Xander jump and drops the amulet into his hand.

Doyle stares at it, takes out a sparkling prism and looks through it at the amulet. He hands the amulet back to Xander. "So you're wanting Spike back as a vampire, a souled vampire?"

Xander puts the amulet round his neck... "Thing is, I think the whole thing is a mistake. It was meant to be worn by someone more than human, but with a soul and the people who had this...I don't think they knew about Spike. There is another souled vampire they did know about and I’m sure *he* was meant to wear it." He looks at Spike. "I’m not bothered about the soul, that’s up to Spike."

"I fought bloody hard for the soul, I'd like to keep it," Spike says.

Doyle nods. "I'm familiar with that object. I did some of the research on it. I think I can reverse Spike's ghostlike state, but...” He sighs. "There's always a cost to magick. Someone else more than human, but souled, will need to take his place. That or I'd have to have access to nuclear-level magickal power."

Xander blinks. "Umm no nuclear stuff.” He glances at Spike. "The other vampire with a soul, the one it was really meant for, would he do?"

"Yes." Doyle nods. "He'd do nicely." Doyle smiles, a predatory, unpleasant expression.

Xander matches the man's expression.

Spike shudders. "I'd hate to make someone else a ghostie, but he has been awfully gleeful at my expense."

"And he'd be tied to the amulet, to this city. Could you.... " He glances again at Spike. "Make it hurt... a lot?"

Doyle laughs. "It'll hurt, no doubt about it. I take it you're interested in the idea. Very well. I need money. A lot of it. $200,000. I'll put a binding spell on the amulet. You keep hold of it, the binding spell will let me cast what I need to back at my lab and it will transfer to the amulet. *Don't* wear it. You'll need to get it on his neck. As soon as it gets on him, the transference will begin. He'll become the ghost, and Spike will become flesh again."

Xander practically does the Snoopy dance. Instead he punches the air with a gleeful "Yes!" He looks at Spike. "And Spike will be a real vampire again, corporeal and everything?"

"Yes." Doyle smiles, and Spike hugs Xander hard.

"And afterwards, when it’s done, what do I do with the amulet?"

"Leave it. It'll be dangerous to touch for several months."

"Fine by me... Spike, you ok with this?"

Spike sighs. "Yeah. He's got a whole bloody firm at his disposal to try to bring him back. And he loves to brood, this'll give him lots of opportunity."

Xander's face hardens and he looks at Doyle. “Could he, can they break your spell?"

"Not the way I'm doing it. They might find a way to make him flesh again, but once having been burned, Spike's clean. He can't be made incorporeal again."

Xander nods and sighs. "You all think I hate Angel for what he did to us, me, Buffy, Giles, Miss Calendar, Willow... It was never about me, us..." He looks at Spike. "They all thought I didn't read much, wasn't interested. It's not true. If something interests me.... I spent hours guarding Oz in the book cage and I read anything and everything about William the Bloody. I know every gory detail of what that fucking bastard did to you Spike... *that's* why I hate him. Twenty years...I’m paying you a lot of money... Twenty years he tortured Spike... I want him to suffer for the same length of time."

Doyle sighs. "I can't guarantee twenty years. But it'll hurt. And there's no guarantee they'll *ever* be able to bring him back."

Xander nods. "Good enough. He comes back, the girls will probably stake him anyway. How do you want the money? I'll give you half up front and half when I've got Spike back. You know I'm good for it."

"Cash would be preferable. I'll put the binding spell on now, and wait for you to bring me the money. I'll need some of it to buy the stuff for the spell. I know where to lay my hands on it but it'll cost. Then you guys go about your business, and tonight the spell will go down. We have a deal?"

Xander nods. "We have a deal. Give me an hour after the banks open. Do you want me to bring it here or give it to Eve?"

"Bring it here. Eve can't be seen with me right now. Take off the amulet."

Xander nods and takes off the amulet, holding it out. "You double cross us, Mr. McDonald, and I'll use every resource of the council to hunt you down. You should get them to take your photo down in Wolfram and Hart.”

Lindsey chuckles. "I would've thought they'd've taken it down. I won't double cross you. I want that bastard to suffer as much as you do." He twitches his fingers and blue sparks crackle and settle into the amulet. "Done. Now *don't* wear it. I'll start making arrangements for the items while you get the money, and we'll be off and running." He puts out his hand. "Shake on it."

Xander shakes his hand. "I don't know what your deal is with Angel, but anyone who wants that bastard to suffer is ok with me."

Lindsey holds up his other hand. "This used to be a real hand. Now it's a corpse hand, because he cut it off." Lindsey shows the faint scars around the wrist. "*That's* my deal with Angel."

Xander nods. "Looks like we both get a little payback!" Xander gives an uncharacteristic nasty smile.

"We do. Now get on out of here. We both have lots to do before this day is over."

Spike rises and stands next to Xander. He can't touch him now, but before the night is through... they'll be together. Forever.





T B C












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