Fourth part in the Five Gold Rings series:

Part 1     Part 2     Part 3    Part 5

Aug. 2nd, 2005 | 11:58 pm
Rating: adult readers only (little offence this chapter other than M/M affection)

Summary: Post Collective Experience, The boys are together but were they prepared for the consequences…
Spoilers: Post Season 7 BtVS and Season 5 AtS
Warnings: M/M – if you don’t like boys together, don’t play here.
Author’s Note: Don’t own the characters etc and bow down to their original creators Joss, et al., plus all the wonderful online writers who continue to give them life.

Jumping the Gun

by
Rngrdead

Part One

They had been at the new Watchers’ Headquarters, apparently now the ‘Hogwarts for Slayers’, for exactly two hours and Spike was already questioning every rationale they had concocted as reasons to visit.

The concept of a trip to the ‘old country’ had not been the problem, rather, it was the whole slayer/watcher thing that had the vampire on edge. Regardless of whether the aforesaid folks had any interest in dusting the school’s benefactor, Spike, the master vampire, knew he would be tingling all over as soon as they entered the grounds and be positively vibrating with slayer ‘feelings’ by the time they were in the building.

Eventually Spike had been the organiser. His motivation for “crossing the bloody pond” simple – Please his consort, spend time together, revisit some old haunts, and pick up a couple of items from a safe deposit box at the Lloyds Bank in Berkeley Square, London. The jewelry would now be significantly more valuable than when he put it there some fifty years earlier and would make suitable gifts for the Niblet and Red… and a little gift for his significant other.

Xander had been willing to travel anywhere. He did want to see Willow, Giles and Dawn again. Buffy was apparently still in Italy somewhere visiting a ‘special friend’ for the fourth time that year. When Xander queried Spike about the slayer, the vampire had stormed out of the room muttering something about a “Bloody pretentious ponce” and “the Immortal git”.


Ensconced in their rooms and no longer prepared to be the attentive partner of twelve hours ago, Spike stormed around the space searching for his cigarettes
“No, I’m *not* going to bloody well help you unpack! I’m *going* for a cigarette… it bein’ dark ‘n all! Possibly even recki the area”

“Do wha..?”

“A reconnoiter you goit!”

“So..what’s a goit?”

The vampire groaned, lit a cigarette then spun around to exit through the suite’s glass doors in the bay window, escaping into the quiet of the garden.

Xander rose and had begun to follow his petulant partner, so was just in time to observe the blinding flash of gold and white, and the sudden disappearance of the vampire. He could still ‘feel’ Spike, and just started to wonder what exactly had happened, when he saw Spike’s new ‘duster’ on the ground.

“Oh, No!!” Xander began to run toward the spot.


>>>>>>>

Giles had taken off his glasses and was holding them with the hand at his hip while he pinched the bridge of his nose with the other.

“Explain to me again, *Exactly* what it was that you were attempting to do. And more importantly, the precise words you used!”

Dawn was sobbing, “I … just …. I didn’t think… anyone was out there… Oh…[hic] Giles *please*… “

Giles spun on his heel and walked over to hold on to the edge of an elegant, leather settee. He looked over to Willow in exasperation.

Willow took up the interrogation, “What. Did. You. Say. Exactly?!!” The glare and ‘resolve face’ was enough to crush the will of the most powerful master vampire.

“Ummm Umm… I was just doing a…. doing a general transformation spell … Out into the night … You know, ‘cause I didn’t think there was anyone there… just bushes and stuff… but I kind of… Oh Goddess…” At this point Dawn’s explanation was plagued by tears.

“’Cause you know!.... OK.. OK! [hic] It was the Beatrix Potter spell OK!… But,[hic].. but, it didn’t do anything too bad did it?[hic] I mean… did I turn one of the slayers into a cat [hic] or something… Oh God,[hic] I didn’t turn Kennedy into a cat did I??”

Dawn dropped onto the classic leather couch nearest the doorway of Giles’ study, just as Xander stepped through the door, hugging a near asleep Spike close to his chest.

Xander waited for Dawn to notice them then spoke “No Dawn, your spell hit Spike!”

Dawn turned, then with a look of horror saw the results of her folly and began to sob uncontrollably, “Oh My God! Oh-My-God! Oh My God!!!!”

Xander wanted to include Dawn in a three way reassuring hug with Spike but a look from Willow confirmed that letting the beginner wiccan suffer temporarily was, in itself, the lesson and punishment necessary. “Dawn, we need to know the exact words before we can fix this. C’mon you can remember for me can’t you… remember for your Xanman?!”

Xander leaned over as best he could with the sleepy friend still nestled in his arms, and gently stroked the upset girl’s long auburn locks with his free hand.

“Please?!”

Spike chose that moment to shudder and wake, nipped his partner gently on the collar bone causing Xander to release his grip. His friend suddenly twisted and wriggled out of the protective arms of his lover, falling inelegantly to the floor.

Spike felt a jolt of adrenalin as he dropped and a desperate need to run and hide as he landed, suddenly aware that *everything* felt different but still unable to take in why. He stopped and flattened himself to the ground for a moment in an attempt to get his bearings. Fortunately the animal instinct of his new form took over mere seconds later, and he fled to relative safety behind a settee without further thought. Shaking with inexplicable fear and… listening to *his own* very rapid heartbeat! He knew things were very different, but had had little time to assess exactly how or why. His current hiding place smelt of old leather and newly deposited dust, and had several interesting pieces of paper which he felt compelled to chew the edge of… *What the….???*

Xander tried desperately to catch the escaping animal, dropping to his knees to coax his terrified partner from his hiding place. Looking up, he begged a still teary Dawn.

“Why a rabbit? Just explain to me, Dawn… why did you have to make him a rabbit??!”

Spike, had been virtually semi conscious from the flash until his instinctive scramble to settee safety. He had known that warm arms with a familiar smell had lifted him from the garden, and he’d simply relaxed against Xander’s comforting chest as he had done many times before. As awareness slowly returned however, he had noticed that the chest was significantly bigger than he remembered. He felt very odd and now was acutely aware that he needed to assess other differences. The only real way to look at himself and analyze what had happened was to get out from behind the furniture.

His breathing was too fast, he knew it was too fast, so he instinctively licked his paws (*Gahh what?!!!*), then reached up and pulled a silky ear down and began to groom to comfort and calm himself. His inner self let out a terrified scream, as he realized, *Oh Hell… I don’t just have the body, I have its instincts too…Xan! help! please!!”

His friend was kneeling down, cheek to the ground, looking along the dark corridor formed by the back of the couch, “C’mon Spike. C’mon buddy… please?! I’ll keep you safe… I’ll keep you safe!”

Spike stopped what he was doing, flattened himself to the ground again and sniffed his partner’s scent. The world didn’t look the same when one’s eyes were on either side of one’s skull and he struggled to block out the conflicting messages from his, now near three hundred degree, peripheral vision, but Xander smelt like… home.

He scampered forward then hesitated at the juncture of light and the safety of the couch tunnel. Xander remained perfectly still. Spike sprinted (as best he could given his feet were now fur covered and the floor, polished boards!) into the waiting arms of his partner, and snuggled into the comfort and safety of the welcoming embrace.

Xander rhythmically stroked the silky fur of his… partner. Watching as Spike’s eyes closed and the vampire calmed, he couldn’t help but wonder at how beautiful Spike was – even in his current form!

His partner now had chocolate colored floppy ears and honey colored coat, with chocolate feet, and a tiny white patch on his nose. The fact that his eyes had not altered in color, but remaining a deep azure blue with long black lashes, gave him an extraordinary look and provided unnecessary confirmation that this was no ordinary rabbit. Xander came to the conclusion that it was a given… in any form, his lover would be stunningly attractive.

He kissed the fuzzy front paws in turn, then the furry forehead, petted the silky ears then finally looked into the desperate blue eyes with concern and love.

“Oh sweetheart!! C’mon, Willow and Giles will figure this out. But let’s you and I go back to our room, yeah?” Xander didn’t expect nor wait for, any response instead he shot a begging look at the watcher and the powerful wiccan, and headed back to their quarters.

Giles and Willow nodded, and Willow pulled Dawn to her in a tight hug.

“S OK…..We’ll fix it…. We’ll fix it!... I know you didn’t mean to hurt Spike…. We’ll fix it…..” Willow held on as tears flowed from the girl again….

Xander had carried Spike back up to their room via the kitchen, snatching baking tray, kitty litter and a handful of greenery and carrots on his way through.

Spike understood the concept of the litter, what he didn’t expect was how easily he adjusted to the need for his current body to relieve itself, given that as a vamp, toileting was a nonevent. Food was a different matter.

Though he felt drawn toward the lettuce and carrot that had been carefully placed in a bowl on the floor, he simply could not bring himself to eat more than a nibble of each. He pushed the vegetables away and flopped dejectedly on the floor next to the rejected meal. Leaving Xander to wonder what he might do to help. Xander next tried a small bowl of blood. The vamp-come-bunny seemed tempted but apparently lost interest in that also after a quick taste.

“C’mon Spike, you’ve gotta eat something!”

Xander returned to the kitchen and made himself hot chocolate and toast. On impulse, he poured some of the sweet drink into an open dish and placed it carefully on the floor near his upset friend. He then dipped a sliver of toast in some blood and placed it along side. This seemed to work. Spike quickly consumed the hot milk, finished the toast then hopped up onto the couch to nestle beside his partner. He fell into a light slumber with his head on furry front feet and Xander stroking his ears.

Waking a little time later, Spike hopped onto the floor then began to ponder the implications of this current state. He was perfectly conscious but still seemed compelled by the instincts of the body to which he had apparently been assigned. His hearing and smell seemed as good as that of his vamp self, but his instinctive responses were pure rabbit. He was surprised to feel his ears move as he attempted to pick up particular sounds and was intrigued by the vibrations coming from his whiskers. Without Xander’s reassuring touch he felt unreasonably nervous, remained overly watchful, and shivered with fear when far off noises could not be identified. To his shame, he had twice bolted in startled terror, to the perceived safety of behind convenient furniture, when doors had slammed somewhere close by.

Xander observed the nervous behavior and had carried his friend to bed with him as he retired for the night. He changed into boxers then lay on his back and lifted his small soft friend onto his bare chest. Spike snuggled into the warmth and safety of his now relatively huge companion. Reassured by the steady heart beat and sound of Xander’s breathing, he slept for a few hours with just his twitching nose poking from the covers.

When Xander groaned and rolled, Spike slid off, wriggled free of the blankets and hopped onto the floor. Stopping perfectly still for a time, he listened for anything untoward. Hearing nothing he thumped his back foot then listened again, thumping a second time, he then hopped around their room several times to get his bearings in the dark. He chewed the edge of a magazine that had somehow fallen from the side table and was surprised that it was strangely satisfying to gnaw at something, though the flavor was rather nondescript (*perhaps I should have found a Playboy or something*).

Spike was pleased that he could still feel the sunrise coming and idly wondered whether his current status meant the vampire ‘burning up’ still applied. He waited for a sliver of light to reach the floor then crept forward and placed a tentative paw experimentally in its path, and was thrilled to discover that there was no burning, in fact it felt… wonderful.

Sometime later that morning Xander awoke to see Spike fully stretched out on the window ledge staring at nothing in particular and soaking up the warmth of the morning sun. He rose and walked over to stroke the pale fur, noting the look of real pleasure in the crystal blue eyes as his companion cocked his head sideways in a very Spike like gesture.

“Well I guess going all Bugs Bunny had to have some advantages. Looks like we can let you out for a run later – better ask Giles if there are any nasties around – last thing we need is you being beaten up by the local dogs or getting picked off by a hawk.”

As they entered Giles’ study, Dawn rushed to greet the pair, still apologizing profusely but also keen to pet Spike. She sat beside him on the floor and proceeded to massage behind his ears, ruffling his fur in the wrong direction then smoothing it back again. After some initial irritation at being treated like a pet, Spike found it surprisingly satisfying.

There had been some progress with a reversal spell, however Willow was keen to wait until the following night when the full moon could lend extra energy and virtually guarantee magical success.

Satisfied that he would have his friend back the following evening, Xander asked, “It seems like Spike’s sun allergy doesn’t apply to his Peter Rabbit status, so is there any reason you can think of that he shouldn’t go outside?”

“I can’t see why not Xander, it’s unlikely he’ll run away or get into too much trouble. Perhaps you should restrict him to the walled garden outside the library though, just to be safe.” Giles absently leaned down and stroked the fur of the little animal.

Dawn piped up “Ooh, I wonder what would happen if he met another rabbit – wouldn’t that be cool” She giggled then added “Hee hee, he could really do the bonking like bunnies thing.” She scratched behind his ears again but was given a sharp nip for her trouble. Spike was quickly tiring of being treated like the house pet and discussed as though his had lost his mind not just his body. His frustration was heightened further when he realized that his body had felt a strange tingle at the thought of a decent shag, though he was positive it was Xander he was thinking about, not some random wild rabbit.

Xander held the door open for Spike and they headed for the library. The polished floor was incredibly frustrating, Spike’s fur covered feet slipping and skidding.

“You OK there buddy, or do you want me to carry you?” Xander smiled down at his friend with genuine affection. Carrying Spike in his current form was something Xander thoroughly enjoyed, petting the plush pelt and silky ears something he knew he could happily do all day.

He pushed open the bay windows of the library and let Spike hop out into the enclosed garden.

Xander grinned with pleasure as he watched his small furry friend bounce with the sheer joy of being outside in the sunshine. Spike sped around the yard, dodging imaginary obstacles, reversing, and stopping occasionally to nibble at the greenery. He sprang over non existent tussocks, experimented with flips and spinning jumps, and bounded around the garden beds, disappearing behind a rhododendron bush only to reappear at speed and lap the garden again..... Xander settled comfortably on a chair near the open doors and simply watched. After almost two hours, a floppy pair of chocolate colored ears appeared at the doorstep. Xander picked up his friend and wandered back to their room.

Spike returned to the still sun-drenched windowsill – undoubtedly the warmest spot in the room - and collapsed exhausted to sleep for the rest of the afternoon.

That night Spike was taken down to dine with the slayers and watchers-in-training. The eating hall was typical of most mass dining rooms with long tables and a smorgasbord style arrangement for the food. The head table was on a slight platform obviously used in formal ceremonies for other purposes.

Spike was placed gently on the table next to Xander, and gave him a withering look when the man returned from the self serve with a platter of piping hot lasagne for himself but a mere bread roll and salad for Spike.

Xander responded to the look by leaning down and whispering, “It’s OK buddy, I’ll fix your favourite later yeah?”

Spike nibbled at the roll but found that the proximity of so many slayers, and the level of noise in the room, was really jangling his nerves. When one of the girls dropped a plate on the far side of the hall, Xander instantly found himself with a lapful of terrified rabbit. And when a chair tipped over as one of the slayers got up to leave, he felt a furry head burrow under his t-shirt. Xander lifted the shirt slightly and tucked his friend all the way under, where he remained for the rest of the meal.

“So tomorrow night it’s all over? What time Wills?”

“We should be able to get started around 10 – as soon as the moon is up really but it’s best to wait until its high in the sky. We’ll have to be on the spot where the original transformation took place though. Do you remember where he was standing?”

“Um sure, I think, yeah I reckon I can put him pretty much on the right spot.”

Willow was grinning at him but it wasn’t until Dawn and Giles both started laughing openly that Xander realized the source of their mirth. The lump under his shirt was moving around getting himself more comfortable, giving Xander the appearance that he was about to hatch an alien.

The remainder of the meal was a pleasant enough affair and Spike later fell asleep nestled on his companion’s chest once again.

Spike spent almost the whole of the following day in the sun. Xander and Willow content to sit and talk on the garden seat for a while, but eventually left Spike to his own devices in the afternoon, comfortable with the thought that the garden was a safe enough haven for their small friend.

When Xander returned to collect Spike, he was nowhere to be seen. He began to push aside various bushes and searched under the garden seats, but turning back toward the house, he noticed with a sense of dread, that there was a very large tabby cat perched on the wall swishing its tail menacingly.

“Oh god Spike… No! He didn’t do something to you did he?!”

He hissed at the cat, then threw a small stick in its direction, at which point the feline stood, stared at him with disdain, stalked along the wall and jumped out of sight.

Xander’s search became frantic but there was still no sign of the rabbit anywhere in the garden, then he remembered the doors to the library had been left slightly ajar. He flew back inside calling repeatedly. After a quick glance around, he dropped to his hands and knees and began to search for the little animal under and behind all the furniture, still without success. With tears threatening he sat in the middle of the room desperately trying to figure out what might have happened to his dear friend. He was just about to ‘call in the troops’ when noticed a movement in the bottom corner of one of the bookshelves on the opposite side of the room.

“Spike?” As he reached the shelf, he saw a tiny dark ball wedged into an ‘A’ shaped space where two large volumes had fallen together. He stood the books up and let out a heavy sigh of relief.

“Oh God Spike! I thought I’d lost you! Oh sweetheart! Come here. I’ve got you. Shh. I’ve got you, Shh Shhh,” he stroked the shivering back then gently eased the little body to cradle him close and continued petting his traumatized friend in an effort to calm them both.

“That’s it. No more adventures for you. We’ll stay in our room until it’s time for the spell.”

Four hours later Giles, Willow, Dawn and Xander, along with Andrew and another girl Xander recognized as one of the slayers from Sunnydale, were standing around the place that Spike had been struck two nights previously. A circle had been drawn on the grass with powder of some description, and candles placed at the four points of the compass.

Xander placed Spike into the centre of the formation, gently rested his duster over the little body and stood back.

Willow nodded and Dawn chanted the reversal spell. Another blinding flash resulted in a wide eyed, fully formed vampire left crouching on the ground where the rabbit had been. Xander dropped to his knees and pulled his friend into a tight hug.

“Oh thank God, thank God you’re OK sweetheart…. Spike you are OK aren’t you?”

Spike looked into his lovers brown eye and smiled, “So long as I get to shag you *like* a bunny tonight instead of *as* one I think everything will be just fine luv.”

Part Two

They were entwined, relaxing nude under the soft covers of the large four poster in their rooms at ‘slayer central’. It was the first night Xander had his human/vampire shaped friend in his arms since they had come to England, and only the second since they had met up in Boston again. Well strictly speaking there had been a fair amount of fondling under the covers of a first class airline seat blanket… but...

Spike had draped himself across his partner’s chest, head resting on the well sculpted left pectoral, ear to the heartbeat and left hand gently caressing his partner’s torso.

“What was it like?”

“What pet?”

“Being… fuzzy and rabbit shaped…? I mean, could you understand when I was talking to you?

“’Course… understood everythin’ and don’t forget the bond?! Felt that too.”

“Well, what was it…”

Spike’s quiet tones interrupted the line of questioning.

“Terrifyin’ for much of it. ‘Twas an odd thing really. Instincts of prey, and mind that kept screaming predator? Bein’ that small and havin’ your own permanent fur coat was mighty odd too. Fur feet just damned annoyin’... Few things were nice though… Sun was bloody marvelous!! And sleepin’ on your chest, the heart beat, and snuggling meself safe in your arms?”

Spike hugged and snuggled into his partner as if to demonstrate the point, “Hmmm could well do with more of that...”

“God I missed you! And I was so afraid that… “ Xander sat up abruptly… “You know I am *never* gonna feel the love for cats again!.. That library adventure of yours… gahh!”

The consort shivered with the terrifying memory. Spike snuggled and caressed his partner further, expressing his gratitude and love in simple wordless stroking and snuffles as he intertwined his limbs with Xander. Spike opened his wrist and found it accepted with the reverence due the arm of a religious leader. Xander stretched his neck as he accepted the dripping limb but could not withhold the amorous groan.

The human was reluctant to break the mood but felt he had to, given the side discussions with Willow and Giles over the past couple of days.

“Now that you’re… well… back, Giles wants us all to have a formal meeting with the coven and the new council tomorrow.”

“Oh Bloody Hell! What now? As if we haven’t had enough of mojo and mumblin’s from watchers and witches to last a lifetime! We’re on *holiday’s* in case they’ve forgotten...?!”

“The New Council is just trying to sort out the Italian connection with Initiative stuff.”

Spike stilled and almost whispered with trepidation, “The what?!...Buffy…?!”

“She’s fine but ‘wigged’, and her new squeeze is as well… What sort of weirdo calls themselves ‘the Immortal’ anyway?…”

Spike looked decidedly annoyed, raised an eyebrow and stated with venom in his flat delivery, “A wanker who is.”

“You *know* him?”

“Hate the bastard.”

“Is Buffy safe with him?... I mean, he sounds like a pretty great guy from what Andrew and Willow were saying?”

“Oh he’s a barrel of laughs mate, bloody ponce… Bloke’s a regular walkin’ shagfest… ‘cording to Darla ‘n Dru at least… no doubt figures Slayer’s a right conquest. *Bastard*.” The last word was all but spat out.

Xander paused while his now game faced partner calmed.

“Anyway… Giles got a call, Buff was sure it was them… bit of intel later and… Like to bet my good eye that Mr Corn-bred Idaho Marine Guy is behind the Buffy stalkage... And to think I felt sorry for him when we were in Sunnydale!”

“I didn’t.”

“Yeah well… ”

“Fun times pet…” Spike watched his partner’s face as memories came flooding back. Xander distinctly recalled days of questioning sessions with one underfed, desperate vampire chained in a bathtub. At the time, it had not bothered him, now it was a whole period that he would rather forget, given his rather shameful taunting of ‘the helpless’. As his thoughts drifted to family, years of betrayal, abuse and basements, Xander’s expression reflected the inner lost and beaten, small boy. His lover squeezed him, grounded him and reminded him of just how different things were now by kissing the frown on his forehead then a tender kiss to his worry tightened lips.

“Life’s better now innit?”

“Oh yeah….”

Silence reigned for a moment.

Spike eventually sniffed hard, folded his arms, and said resignedly, “So, much as I enjoy rakin’ over the past, what is it the Watcher wants us to do? Not exactly warriors for the good any more are we pet?!…”

At that point, Xander had the dignity to look embarrassed, he watched as the azure eyes flashed yellow then blue and gold with the ‘side order of excruciating pain’, his own voice dropped to an intimate growl, “Just thought… You know, if they needed us…”

“Oh bugger, you’ve *got* to be kiddin’! Me, saved the world twice, been there in the foray for two or three others. You’ve averaged one for four luv. We’ve lost too much, and we owe them *nothin’*! Don’t want you involved! Don’t want me involved! Xan?!!! We came here to make memories, not relive ‘em.”

Xander took the face of his life partner in both hands and forced him to face Xander’s patchless, scarred visage.

“If the Initiative is back and looking at Slayers, then everyone here is going to be a target… Not to mention the whole ‘demons of Europe’ being in danger, and if they succeed here then they’ll go back into the US as well. You… and me too, being ‘consort’.. Well you know we’ll be targets for them … and Jamielle or no Jamielle! You can bet they’ll be at our Sacramento address!" Xander squeezed his partner a little tighter. “Giles won’t force us sweetheart, it’s just… *we* can be useful here… At least come and listen to what’s going on before *we* decide.” Xander snaked his hand up, grasped his partner’s beautiful face and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

Spike pulled away first, “Bloody unfair Harris!”

“What?” Xander’s attempted innocence failed miserably as he grinned knowing he’d won.

Spike pursed his lips, gave his most wicked smirk and with narrowed eyes gave his agreement, “Just so long as you know, I *will* be shaggin’ you senseless after the meetin’, cause I swear! It’s been almost three weeks since you had a proper seein’ to!”

Xander matched the smirk and replied, “Eighteen days and counting… so… let’s just see who sees to whom shall we?”

Spike attempted to look shocked, “You cheeky bastard!” He proceeded to tickle and tease the human to within an inch of delight-induced asphyxiation. In the process the vampire discovered that improved speed and reflexes were other traits the consort inherited from the link to his master.

Xander escaped, dressed and was standing at the door with a smirk very worthy of the consort of William the Bloody. He held out his hand. “Are you coming?”

Spike wished in that moment that he had a heartbeat to skip… but need not have worried, the nervous jolt of pride and lust was very much the same.

Part Three

The two approached the meeting room to a tightly controlled, though somewhat loud, tirade worthy of… Giles!

“Oh Good Lord! Did you *really* need to bring that in here?!!! Andrew! Put it out!”

Still in the confines of the walnut paneled hallway, Spike pinned his partner to the dark wood and kissed him passionately, then scraped vampiric incisors across the aroused man’s neck in an act of entirely feral possession. “Bloody Andrew!! Bloody Watcher!…” Spike was in full game face growling, straightening and holding his partner’s eye with a golden stare. “Right then. We disappear today if this goes wrong. No argument, right?… Say it… Or I don’t go in… You and I… Out of here… If it goes wrong... If either of us feels they’re gonna screw us in *any* way*… we’re gone, yeah?… Look at me pet, please? You either agree with that, or we leave now.”

“You know that Spike… come on! You leave, I go… No questions… You are more important to me than… anything… Spike… Sweetheart… Oh God! We shouldn’t have come should we? … And it’s my fault and I’ve just..”

Spike briskly silenced his partner with a kiss and caress of his boy’s nether regions. Pulling away, he growled, “You an’ me pet, no guilt and no atonin’ needed. No harm no foul. If we’re in and someone bowls a yorker, call it an’ stop play, ‘K?

Xander replied, very aware of his more than reasonable arousal, “Geez… the whole Yorker thing? That’s like a cricket term, yeah? You *do* realize that most of the mystical rubbish in Giles’ books was less confusing than that bloody game!”

“Hah!”

“What ‘hah’!?”

“’Hah’ you said ‘bloody’! See, there’s hope for you yet”

“Urrrghhh! I can’t win!”

“You just did pet…” Spike’s visage was human again and the crystal blue eyes spelt belonging for his consort. The vampire peppered the brunette with kisses, then licked over the claim mark, “I love you, an’ you’re mine an’ I’m yours. Master Vampire and Beloved Consort. That’s *all* that matters. An’ those humans in there have *no* idea what that means. But I think we do… yeah?!” The last part was seductively growled through fully extended fangs and punctuated, quite literally, in the claim mark as he stroked Xander to extreme hardness. Withdrawing quickly, he carefully covered his partner’s very obvious arousal with the over-shirt Xander was wearing. The blonde then kissed his partner chastely on the cheek and stated, “Now let’s just go get this over with shall we?” then led them into the room as though there had been no interlude or precursor whatsoever. Xander reached for Spike’s hand as he entered the room, the intertwined fingers squeezing almost to the point of pain. Spike snaking his other arm around his consort’s waist as he stepped into the room first.


Dawn was the first to notice them, despite her magical faux pas but a few nights earlier, she smiled far too knowingly at the entry of Spike ushering his partner into the room. The teenager, new wiccan and former ‘key’ noting, in particular, the hand calmly and protectively at the small of Xander’s back and the ‘I’ve been recently kissed’ redness of the taller man’s lips.

Giles looked up from a hefty tome open at the head of the table and acknowledged the newcomers, “Ah, Xander. Spike. I’m glad you agreed to be here, your opinion will be most valuable I’m sure.”

Andrew was noisily banging his rather overly ornate pipe on the window sill, spilling the still smoldering contents onto the gardenias below. He left his task the instant he heard Giles speak and flew toward Spike. The embrace and related joyous words of praise for the blonde vampire were bordering on worshipful and ridiculous.

“C’mon mate, ladies present.” When Andrew did not let go, Spike physically extracted himself and held Andrew at arm’s length, with a powerful one handed grip on the man’s shoulder, stating with a rather justifiably incredulous tone,“You bloody well saw me last night, you twonk! Give it a rest yeah?!”

Willow pointedly cleared her throat and brought them all back to the task at hand. “If you two would like a seat we can get started.”

The obvious places were with backs facing the, courtesy of Andrew’s pipe cleaning, now open windows.

Spike raised an eyebrow and pointedly stared at the afternoon sun-drenched seating.

“Ohh, Ohh! Sorry!” Willow and Dawn vacated their shaded spots near the book shelves, looking rather sheepishly at their guests regarding the oversight.

Rather than being a ‘crisis meeting’, it seemed that Xander and Spike had been included in the regular monthly ‘committee of management’ gathering. Spike and Xander, used to the swift dealings of business meetings – even those of boards of management – soon became bored by the rather tedious nature of approval (after insisted spelling amendments via Andrew) of minutes of the previous meetings; current slayer ‘location and enrollment’ issues; and ‘policy regards parental visits for slayers’ matters.

Spike stared at the wall and caught his partner’s non-writing hand under the table. Their fingers intertwined and Spike closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on communicating love through the link, and relished the calming sensation of his partner’s touch.

Conscious that they were in a public space, Spike sent a message of calm and love, and began to ‘zone out’, staring at the fish tank just behind Xander.

The meeting’s discussion turned to the Initiative issue; various reports on who, how and when were tabled; mentions of Buffy and Riley and the ‘old Initiative’ prominent in all; and lengthy dialogue regarding their agenda dominant. Spike could not focus and began to stare harder at the captive fish in the glass tank featured as part of an impressive bookshelf and wall setting. The analogy was evocative and disturbing.

As the vampire’s memories of the Initiative began, Xander was blasted by negative emotions and imagery via the consort link, some of them seemed to even predate Sunnydale, he was sure a Swastika was involved. But it was the most recent memories and metaphors that were disturbing and evocative enough to envelope him entirely. Xander followed Spike’s glazed stare to the aquatic feature in an attempt to regain his equilibrium, but was drawn further into the horror. No longer dream images but visceral, sickening, and now shared, past experiences.

Xander felt the desperate hunger, the pacing of the cell looking out through glass at his captors, their whim his command. He relived staring up, semi dazed and terrified, yet again unable to move, as he counted the fluorescent lights lining endless white corridors as they pushed him toward his torturers, naked and strapped to and hospital gurney. He knew on a cellular level the moment when suicidal shame overcame excruciating pain as a former Master Vampire, drugged and starved, and now unable to protect himself, was subjected to the supreme debauchery and abject cruelty of ‘soul having’ humans. Rape and torture of the ‘prisoner’, the ‘other’, consistent with any number of examples of cruelty and murder over five previous millennia of earthbound history, and putting to shame anything the Scourge of Europe could have contrived at his most vicious. Xander’s breathing hitched with the realization.

Next he felt the determination and desperation accompanying the escape, the despair and humiliation of Spike seeking of sanctuary and… All the images stopped. Everything went quiet and Spike was on his knees in front of Xander’s chair, pulling the human’s tear streaked face to his shoulder. He lifted them both to standing and without a word to other shocked members of the meeting, and he led the brunette to the relative privacy of a nearby bathroom.

Still supporting his distraught consort, but now leaning them both against the antique marble vanity. Spike dropped into game face, opened his own wrist, and watched as Xander ceased his distressed keening in favor of suckling the proffered gift.

Fifteen minutes, a reassuring feed, quiet dialogue regards Spike’s unwitting sharing of the past, the ‘not your fault’ message re the Scooby’s and chains, plus a number of passionate kisses later, and the two rejoined the group.

Most of the meeting members had left their chairs and were helping themselves to various refreshments from the tea trolley. Giles was the first to speak as they all noted the return of the visitors and resumed their seats. “I, umm… well… Can we pass you some tea as you seem to have missed the…. Um… break?”

Spike grunted a semi polite ‘Yes’ then nodded to the senior watcher, acknowledging his gratitude for English decorum that rescinded any necessity to mention the previous ‘emotional episode’ of his consort.

Giles cleared his throat and removed his glasses to furiously polish them as he reiterated the problem. “Yes, well… It seems that the Initiative is up and running again – privately funded apparently, though I do have my doubts even on that score. From what we can glean, their raison d’ etre is the same as ever, though this time it seems the results of the research will go to the highest bidder. Anyone with ‘special circumstances’ is at risk it seems.” Giles paused, replaced his glasses and caught Spike’s eye direct. “And yes, it *is* a global movement with demon informants as well as human operatives as far as we can tell.”

Spike stood, slammed the table dramatically with both hands and began to move off. “Well… If that’s all, me an’ me mate Xan here we’ll be on our way for a bit o’ holiday sight seein’, ‘cause quite frankly *Rupert*, I figure these days I’ve done with all this rot and as *you* know, fight the good fight fiscally rather than physically… You can expect the funds to keep flowin’ BTW and… good luck with the ‘duck ‘n weave to outwit the *not so clandestine* army boys!”

Giles did not move, but fixed his elder and benefactor, the blonde vampire, with an icy stare, “They know where you live… Spike… They know where Xander lives… They may not yet have a handle on your movements or relationships or your funds… but they will if this continues… so may I suggest that you remain to hear us out and perhaps your recent ‘fiscal’ assistance can continue to be directed to best assisting the ‘greater good’.”

Spike halted his retreat, scowled openly, then took his partner’s hand and slumped back into his seat.

Xander had been silent yet supportive of his partner through the link. Now, grasping his lover’s hand, he was struck once more by the extraordinary inner strength and grace of his blonde. The compassion, commitment to the good fight, the personal charisma and bravery that would, were it to be properly exploited, bring armies to their knees, was obvious here. Spike begged no accolades or adulation.

Xander was humbled. He was the one who had cried at sharing the pain Spike had endured, yet somehow it was he, the one eyed human, who now held this beautiful being’s love and devotion. After the swath of violent and deeply distressing images, he was in awe of Spike’s willingness to listen to Giles. He knew innately, that were Xander to agree to fighting, Spike would be there regardless of justifiable trepidation or his own cost. At that moment he could not have felt more deeply committed to another being if he tried… It was visceral and permeating every cell. Xander felt a jolt of adrenalin through the connection and channeled his partner’s worry but sent back the loving support he felt for his mate.

Spike turned to the now very grey haired Giles, “Fine!!! And … well *Bloody Hell*!” He slumped and squeezed his partner’s hand again then turned to the head watcher.

“So….What is it you reckon we need to do?”

Part Four

Giles faced Spike with a mercenary calm about him, “Fine. First and foremost, I think we need to establish the priorities of this newly manifested Initiative. I felt your input, Spike, would be most helpful. I understand that other than Sunnydale, an earlier version of this group captured you in the midst of World War II, am I correct?”

All but Giles and Spike looked stunned.

Xander shot Spike a pained expression and whispered, “Swastika?”

“Yeah pet, Swastika…” Spike then addressed the group, “Bloody bombings in Berlin trapped us for days underground, got Dru out but…, then the Gestapo, and special ‘cells’, and submarines and Angel… and bloody Angel…” Spike lost the brave front, reminded once again of his lost Sire. His expression became one of blank indifference again, but the images continued to flow through the link.

Finally pulling himself from his own thoughts, he continued, “‘Super Warrior Initiative’, nowhere near the number of computer toys as they have now, but seemed to have figured that holy water when ‘steamed’ was somethin’; worked the whole starvation thing too – apparently starving vamps helps in gettin’ rid of camp inmates. Never much blood in those poor blighters – figure a quick sharp exit was doin’ ‘em a bloody favour.”

He paused, the link flooded with an overwhelming array of painful and distressing images, along with memories of the stench and the screaming that accompanied the concentration camp pictures. Xander swallowed hard and made a dash for the bathroom, failing to fully close the door before losing the contents of his stomach several times over. Others in the room were horrified enough by the words.

Spike realized the problem, so stopped for a moment and shut down the link as best he could before continuing, “They knew that crosses were the torturer’s friend; and prided ‘emselves with inventin’ doohickey that triggered a stake if you struggled. Mengele was an evil prick – no artistry or style just… soulless spawn of hell. Human too… just goes to show. Real egalitarian… didn’t discriminate just… if he reckoned you were less than the master race, then you were fair game – experiments, dissection that sort of thing… Always wished Angelus had been around then… reckon it would’ve been a right lark to break that bastard…”

Xander, reentered the room, and though looking decidedly pale, smiled ruefully as Spike re opened the inner link and mused ironically… [Wonder if that Sunnydale Walsh bitch has geneology including Mengele in the ancestral line.]

Spike stiffened as Xander regained his seat and concluded the account as quickly as he could. “Guess they kept us old ones longer on account we didn’t die so easy. They were busy shippin’ us to the New World in crates on a sub, when a few of their plans when awry.”

Giles pulled his glasses off and, in an act of self restraint, withheld polishing them, choosing instead to fix the vampire with a vexed stare, “All very… anecdotal and amusing Spike but… pray tell what on God’s earth causes you to connect the Nazis with the Sunnydale fiasco?”

“*Angel* got me out, watcher… Angel! An’ in the process, close as sired a new Childe to get the ship movin’ again (‘cept the souled bastard went an’ left the fledge to ‘is own devices straight after)… Anyway… *Angel* was there, *not* by choice, but ‘cause of the *US* bloody version of the Initiative… German Uboat that got captured by the US with us boxed-up European masters all on board – stupid Krauts forgot to ‘secure’ their cargo… thank *goodness*… Anyway Angel was given the job of bringin’ the Uboat home along with the yanks *and* their cargo. But….”

“Yes quite. But what…?”

“Lots killed, humans that is, and the two other masters – annoying blighters anyway, but um… Well I made it, obviously, and Angel, and ‘is little engineer fledge. Ponce of a Sire set us all a’swimmin’ while the few stars ‘n striped boys left took the sub back to the states… Burnt the Nazi research afore we left though… You’d ‘ve been proud Watcher… Set it alight to a rendition of ‘God save the King’, right under the nose ‘o the bastard Nazi captain ‘imself! Just before we killed ‘im.”

“Oh Spike! For heavens sake, get to the point!”

Spike raised a disdainful eyebrow at the frustrated watcher and began address the group in short bursts, as though explaining basic road rules to kindergarten students. “The governments *were all into it.* They were *all* doing demon research. They *all* wanted the super soldier.” Adding sarcastically, “Now, who would have thought!?.... Anyway, I reckon they were also *well* privy to each others’ moves, only thing was… winner takes all in war, innit?! And guess who won… bloody vampire torturing bastards of the stars ‘n bloody stripes that who!”

Xander reached out for the pale, slender fingers of his mate, intertwined them in full view of all present and squeezed his support.

Spike took strength from his partner’s reassurance and fixed Giles with an unblinking stare. “Don’t get me wrong *Rupert* I like a bit of a reminisce as well as the next bloke… but why do you want to know this now? ‘S nigh on seventy year ago.”

“Oh good Lord!.... Spike... You think we would include you and Xander in such a folly were we not to think your insight invaluable?!…. We know full well what you have done, sacrificed… and are fully aware that you owe us nothing. But… courtesy of Xander we have also become aware of your…” Giles removed his glasses and cleared his throat, obviously looking for the ‘right words’ “… newly partnered status. You are the only… individual… we know who has dealt with both past and present demon focused ‘Initiatives’.” Giles paused momentarily and looked at the souled vampire with a deep sense of compassion, “It seems the only differential is the technological advancements in ‘probing’ and ‘leashing’ of subjects. Technology changes, sadly however, it seems that prejudice does not. I shan’t ask you to reveal anything of your detention in the Sunnydale Initiative Spike, but if you care to reveal *anything* of your time in that you might think is of use it would be greatly appreciated… ”

Xander had said little up to this point in the conversation, but now reached out to take his partner’s hand, squeezed it hard then stood to address the group.

The other members of the meeting who remembered Xander, expected him as the ‘boy they once knew’, but the person who addressed them with perfect calm and a measured tone of authority was nothing like that ‘boy’… this was a man, a leader, someone to be reckoned with. “I understand that you want my *partner*’s knowledge, what I don’t understand is the necessity for us to remain here beyond our designated *holiday*. As far as I can see there is a working phone system on this ‘happy isle’.”

It was Willow’s turn to take the floor, “We specifically need you, Xan and Spike… and well… now that you are together….”

“So we’re to be what?.... Informed bait?...” Xander looked incredulous, Spike fell into game face and growled.

Both Willow and Giles had the courtesy to look embarrassed.


The silence extended beyond the level of comfort. Willow was the first to speak.

“We thought… well… um… we *know*… that the Initiative won’t be expecting… um… Giles? A little help?”

“The Initiative knows nothing of you two – indeed if they had any past records, other than those reflecting Spike’s demise.”

“And let me guess – a certain loss of depth perception” Xander added.

“ Yes, well that as may be…” The watcher removed his glasses again and pinched the bridge of his nose. “We simply thought that you two might be appropriate as you are unknown to the government ‘groups’, yet familiar enough with their practices that you would be able to gather some intelligence. We don’t really have much useful information from our other sources as they have had to ‘go to ground’ so to speak. We would like you two to travel to Italy – at the council’s expense of course, and shed some light on the situation in Europe.”

Spike’s eyes narrowed with mistrust, but it was Xander who spoke, “So Buffy and her beau are taking the Slayer-lite team and getting the hell out of Dodge… Is that what you’re saying? What’s happened to your illustrious Watcher council? C’mon *G’man*.” Xander watched as the nickname of old pulled memories to the fore for the older man.

“Our ‘council’ is still somewhat depleted, and I am sad to say, many of the watchers are younger than their charges… You see the problem surely! Andrew is our most senior member in Europe at this stage… Of course we have others in the various regions, but I hardly think dragging someone from Argentina or Mali appropriate for a clandestine operation in Italy… do you?”

“So what…. We go in and do what???… C’mon Giles! I’m a friggin a building project manager and my *life partner* here is an author, and (oh by the way!) owner and sole investor of the Aurelian fortune ….. And, as it happens, *your* patron and primary financier!

Giles! We have a *life* and *friends* and… Shoot…. We’ve *done* ‘Champion’, Giles?!!

I don’t want to jeopardize my life, or my partner, or God forbid, both, for some ridiculous ‘big bad of the month’ gig! C’mon??!! We came to see you guys for a ‘catch up’. The whole rabbit thing…?”

At this juncture Dawn had the decency to look contrite, “You know and hey…. Was just unfortunate, we get that. But what you’re asking… Whole different ball game… Why now? Why us? You think we’re expendable is that it? Or is this about the ‘Greek frontline’, the whole, you’re gay so you won’t break rank… C’mon Giles? Enlighten me.”

“Oh God Xander! How could you suggest…?”

“On the grounds that you tried to kill Spike, then Buffy let him wear the amulet, knowing full well that the consequence was death.”

“She didn’t.”

Spike fixed the older man with a cold stare, his voice low and menacing, “Oh yes she did, Watcher, and you knew as well as she. The *champion* had to wear it *willingly*, which I did. She took it from Angel. She. Gave. It. To. Me. Her *backup*… My Sire… was to be there if I failed. But I didn’t. Fail. Did. I??

“Instead I ended up a ghost, then workin’ with him saving the bloody world a second time!!… And then… and then… I was his favourite…. There right to the end… right to his end… Ain’t unlife a funny thing ehh??….” Spike trailed off, but caught his aghast audience with an icy stare that encompassed all but his partner.

“An’ you lot never knew… He, my Sire, was my everything, now Xan is… and unlike you lot I am *loyal* to my own, so you’re not *bloody well* gettin’ him mixed up in some half baked hero plot just cos you think we’re on the outer these days…. That’s it innit! Well news flash Jeeves, we’re *not* bloody expendable!” His stare particularly focused on Giles, Spike ceased his rant and turned to his partner for a reassuring hug.

“Yes, well. I am more than aware of what you have both… suffered…”

Spike rounded on him with a deadly stare, “Bollocks, watcher! My boy here gives an eye *and* loses a loved one,” He looked up at Xander’s tense jawline, then added, “or two, and you politely put it down to ‘suffering’! Well whoopdie bloody do! You are *not* putting my consort in danger ‘cause some Slayer and her immortal boyfriend fail to take out a bunch of humans who are spyin’ on ‘em!”

Giles’ paused in his protestations and joined the others in their open mouthed gape at the blonde and his partner. “Consort? Xander? When? Did you? Good lord, Xander do you know what this means? Why didn’t you say something? Why didn’t I…? How…?”

Xander gripped his upset partner tightly around the waist and kissed him soundly (and very publicly) before answering quietly. “I know what it means, Giles. We’ve been Consort and Master for… well it’s coming up for a month or so now. And before you ask Giles, I know it can never be undone. But William Aurelius, Spike, is my lover, my friend, my protector and… my true soul mate.” He pulled Spike in for another kiss. Several of the senior slayers present swooned a little at the display.

Willow was the first to react. “Oh Godess! Xander this is… well, um… wonderful!! Congratulations!”

Dawn was fast on her heels, “And yay and we need a party.” She slapped Spike hard, “Why didn’t you say something dummy!”

“Well umm, difficult when one is all fuzzy, pet.” Dawn looked contrite. Spike reached for her hand and squeezed, then continued with a far more conciliatory, “Would you be able to organize us the shindig, ‘cause I don’t think Willow will be able to cope.” He winked and watched as the young woman grinned wildly and, just as he anticipated, excused herself to begin party planning immediately.

Giles stood, “Well this does put a different light on the whole Initiative proposal I’m sure, but I don’t really think…”

He was cut off abruptly as Andrew flew into the room, hugged and kissed Xander and Spike in turn, “Oh my god! Oh my god!! Kudos and congratulations you guys! This is just the best… Oh God I *so* knew you were… Spike and…. but Xan?… and the whole Anya dying!… and the… anyways… Oh, this is *so* great… Oh, I’m gonna cry… ‘scuse me…” And with that he departed.

Giles was still upstanding and now polishing his glasses with a fury that threatened the integrity of the lenses. “Would you people please cease and desist from this ridiculous display! We need to address the matter at hand. And I would ask you, Spike and Xander, to consider the full proposal before deciding that we are deliberately jeopardizing your safety. Now… can we all discuss things sensibly… please?!”

Spike slumped a little and turned his attention to the watcher. It was Xander who spoke for both of them. “What do you want us to do?”

Part Five

“I understand that you are here for only a short time, so I am proposing a flight to Rome. We have an apartment there that I believe you, Spike, have been to on a previous occasion. Your task is a simple one. The Initiative knows the apartment is owned, or at least frequented by the slayer and her friends. As two males I don’t think you should raise much suspicion. We know the Initiative will be watching but do not think they will act at this stage. We need you to track the trackers as it were. Find out their modus operandi and the location of their European base. We will do the rest.”


Spike looked incredulous, “Which would be what exactly?”

“We intend working through clandestine means to shut them down – that will take both government and private groups to work together.”

“You mean non human?”

“Well some, but primarily this bunch of misguided mercenaries is threatening *everyone* who has a less than pure human pedigree or magical background, and all for their own gain.”

Xander squeezed his mate’s hand hard, they shared a knowing glance then the brunette spoke up “Right, say we do this ….where are our special OO7 toys Q? Or perhaps that should be ‘G’?!” Willow giggled a little then sobered as she caught the scowl from Giles.

“This is no joking matter Xander. If you take this on, as Spike more than adequately pointed out previously, you are risking yourselves if found out. I can only imagine what the Initiative would make of a mated Consort and Master in terms of their studies and the way they might use you were you discovered.”

“So why us?”

“We trust you and know what you are capable of achieving.”

“You also trust Willow, so why us?”

“It’s about the Initiative – and they don’t know you… “

“And they know Willow?”

“Oi, They know me… or have you forgotten ‘Hostile 17’ *watcher*?!”

“This is not the same group Spike, they don’t know your history – or you for that matter…. According to all records you have died… twice as far as they are concerned - three times if one reads the watcher reports of the W&H showdown. It is imperative that we shut this group down Spike… you *do* realize that they pose a threat to all creatures of demonic origin, soul or no soul – and indeed threaten partners of the same?!”

Xander grabbed his partner possessively. Spike’s eye’s were golden “Of course I *bloody* do you wanker! *No one* touches Xander!”

“Good then we are agreed. Your plane will be waiting at Gatwick in two days’ time… in the meantime I suggest we all relax and enjoy present company.”

With that Giles withdrew followed by a number of the younger slayers and watchers privy to the meeting, leaving Spike, Willow, and a returning Dawn to their own devices.

“The party is a ‘go’!” Dawn announced with a grin and particularly affectionate hug for Spike.

“Thanks B…Dawn You’re a gem!” Spike’s use of her real name caused the young woman to blush profusely then sigh and relax into the arms of a ‘brotherly hug’.

Willow had lined Xander up for her ‘resolved stare’. Arms folded she smiled as her long time friend cringed in anticipation of the ‘Willow Inquisition’, instead he found himself with what seemed to be a lapful of best friend and confidant he knew from pre Tara.

As she hugged him the mantra was consistent, “I am *so* happy for you! Goddess…. Xan! And the whole Robin Hood look and the clothes and … Oh Xan! After Jesse and you kept … Oh I am *so* happy for you… and Spike! …” At this point the wiccan stopped and looked over to the blonde, “ I never really saw how beautiful he was… Inside and out.”

“Yeah… and he’s mine.” The ‘mine’ carried all manner of loving thoughts, firstly directed at his partner but also now, by the honest and unprompted revelation, an admission to his best female friend.

Willow squeezed her friend’s arm. “I’m *so* glad.” Then reached over and kissed a rather stunned Spike on the cheek… “You are my two favourite men, I am *so* happy for you… So the whole ‘gay me up’ was for real huh?” Willlow gave a wicked grin.

“Happy and Gay. Or, oh, um, *pink* (or should that be purple and green) friend o’ mine!” Xander leaned over and kissed the witch on the forehead.

Willow slapped him lightly and without intent. “Cheeky!”

“That’s me! Xanman the cheeky, capable of blushing with minimum prompting and loving the good spanking… and Oh God, I just over stepped some line didn’t I…”

Spike raised his eyebrows as Willow giggled conspiratorially. “Somethin’ you’ve not told me pet??”

Xander’s blush extended all the way past his belt line. He looked to his childhood friend “Gahh! See?! Now I am gonna have to …. Ahhh what the heck!”

He raised an eyebrow to Spike then pulled Willow into a tight embrace again and kissed her cheek. Xander’s demeanor changed, “You really think we can help?”

“I think you can. Xan we really have tried everything else… but… Godess Xan, they’ve already got three slayers and one of our coven.”

“What?!!”

“We just need to know what we’re up against Xan, and where they are, and we can get them back… we’ll get them back.”

The stricken look on his mate’s face said it all, Spike articulated what he already felt, but it was a ‘blast from the past’ and as he listened to his beloved’s words it was like a knife to his gut, “No question Red. We’ll get them back no matter what. I *know* what those bastards do to ya. Anyway, seems as though the watcher has left you with the clean up job luv. Where’s our tickets then?”

Willow sheepishly handed over their flight arrangements.

Late that night the mated pair lay idly petting each other, both obviously concerned at what they might be facing…

……………………

Dawn’s impromptu party and consequent visits by Willow and Andrew all bearing presents were welcome. The knock on the door signaling their day of departure was less heralded.

A rather disheveled Xander, hastily clad in a pair of inside out sweat pants, answered the door. “Hey Giles, um ‘scuse me…. We were um…” Unmoving, long blonde locks were evident poking out from the bed covers, and the rumpled nature of the sleeping arrangements left little to the imagination.

“Yes well um… Perhaps you and I should …talk… Xander?…” Giles, ever the creature of habit removed his glasses, and indicated an antique lounge in a quiet alcove near the entry hall of their rooms for their ‘chat’. Xander stilled the older man’s hands, stopping the incessant rubbing of glass in its tracks, and forcing Giles to look the very adult Xander in the eye.

“I’m not a child Giles, I’m not the boy you knew any more. I was gay *before* Spike. The difference is that I am happy now.” Xander’s tone dropped and he fixed on the concerned stare of the man who had been a surrogate father when his own was unable to ‘step up’ to the role. “ I am *really* happy Giles. If you can’t accept that then that has to be OK too, I’ve learned that, but I would like to think that you can… accept Spike and me, I mean…”

“Oh Good Lord! Do you think I am utterly senile?! Xander it is perfectly obvious to me that you two are besotted. Spike has always been known for his obsessive devotion to his partner and from what I observe you are similarly stricken in this case.”

“Stricken!!!???”

“Alright… Blessed! Heavens above Xander, what do you want me to say?!”

“Well, given that you have tried to kill my chosen life-partner more than once in the past few years, I guess ‘promise not to do it again’ would be a start…?”

“That’s hardly f…”

Xander pulled down his collar, revealing the deep crimson scar signifying consort and partner. “And if you pull down Spike’s shirt you will see the same. We have claimed *each other* Giles. And for all your watcher wisdom… this is the real deal for me… for *us*… for Spike and I… William and Alexander… Giles? Please be happy for us… I have never really asked for anyone’s blessing on…. Well anything really… But you have been like, well favourite uncle probably is a bit odd ..but… Giles? Babbling here…” Xander trailed off, but it was Giles who looked the more embarrassed.

He broke from his reverie, “Oh good Lord… Do you really think I am *so* staid as to deny you the right to happiness?!” The elder watcher pulled Xander into a heartfelt hug and snorted his bemusement, “You silly boy… Oh blow it all, seems I am compelled to include Spike in this now…. boys! My sincere apologies for not addressing this with you before now…It’s just…. Good Lord Xander… Do you know how proud I am of you?” Giles, sat back, reached over to grab the young man’s hand, and dropped his voice to a near whisper. “I… You… will always be the young man I knew – so hopeful, so loyal, a brave warrior with no requirement to step up and yet volunteered time after time… And after the First… I know you turned down the opportunity for … Well, let’s just say, I had but an inkling of how very strong and capable you were. How strong you will always be… and apparently even more so now… I am fully aware that you have the respect of colleagues, a significant role in your working life, and now a chance at happy partnership…Kudos… But I *am* sorry… My dear fellow, I am so profoundly sorry to have to drag you into this…”

Xander looked up and grinned a little with a light in his eye that signaled the amusement of days long past in a school library of a town that no longer existed… “Hey! I’m a ‘dear fellow’ now?… Guess I’ll be needing a pipe and lounge coat.” He winked at the now rather flustered senior watcher, then sobered and continued, “All jokes aside Giles, The Initiative? It’s bad isn’t it….?”

“I fear for all of us. With the modern technologies and inhumane methods, there seems no limit to what these people might do. And with the world in such turmoil ‘highest bidders’ are not too hard to find if one is trafficking demons.”

“Or any sod who deals in magic. I’nt that right watcher?” Spike was leaning against the doorway, hair rumpled from sleep and clad in a pair of silk boxers, so low slung that they were obviously his partner’s.

“Indeed, magical folk seem also to be a target.” Giles blushed a little as he noted for the third time since the two had arrived, just how ethereally beautiful the vampire truly was. He was surprised to feel just a small pang of jealousy as the perfect male form moved to wrap loving arms around Xander and kiss his ear with fond familiarity.

“We off today then Pet?”

“Giles was just…” Xander looked uncomfortable as Giles took his lead.

“Indeed Spike, I was simply trying to impress upon… well you both now obviously… the gravity of the situation.”

“Yeah we got that, watcher. Now cut to the chase, what do you *really* think is going on?” Spike hugged his partner but memories of the Initiative and it’s German precursor were too close for comfort. Xander felt his lover unwittingly shift to game face.

Giles flinched only a little, saw that Xander’s loving hold on the vampire had not moved, and noted the tender caress of hands that was occurring as Spike’s features shifted back to human. Reminding himself of the ensouled status of the individual in front of him, he continued “We are aware that they are already ‘picking up’ individuals that are of interest to them – None of whom have been found since, so we simply must assume that they are being held for some purpose. (Though for the life of me I am doubtful that a fledgling watcher like David would be of any use to anyone!) Unfortunately it seems fairly certain that the Initiative may have the apartment under surveillance. Though given the last two months, we may have them foiled a little, it is listed as one of many ‘holiday stay’ rental apartments in the wider Rome area and a had been frequented by numerous people unrelated to our group.”

Spike was distracted by thoughts of the Initiative and his time in Sunnydale, and Xander’s head was spinning with vivid images of starvation, hurt and desperation. The brunette grabbed his partner’s hand hard and held on. “Shhhhh, c’mon Spike… we’re in this together…” He turned to face the watcher, “So we what? Go in as the gay couple?”

“Well essentially yes…” Giles handed Xander arrangements for a car, weekend accommodation in Tuscany, and a list of useful contacts. “We have a ‘body heat’ suit for Spike to wear to mask his ‘undead’ status. And *please* don’t look at me like that Spike – it is entirely to do with a discrete undergarment… nothing outlandish I assure you.”

Spike was promptly presented with a lycra like suit with what appeared like metal track throughout. “The controls are on the left wrist band, any detection device will see you with 'normal' body temperature…”

“What about me head then?”

“There are a variety of hats, but quite frankly Spike I think that for the most part you will be observed later at night and well… both of you …” At this point Giles looked distinctly embarrassed, “Let’s just say that it is apparent that you are rarely separated in that timeframe…”

Xander grinned and landed a chaste kiss on the point of his partner’s shoulder. “Well at least we’re consistent!”


Arrangements were made, packing done and the two found themselves at Gatwick ready for takeoff within hours of the discussion.

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