Fifth part in the Five Gold Rings series:

Part 1     Part 2     Part 3    Part 4

Rating: Mature Audiences – for content and themes
Summary: Post Jumping the Gun. History sometimes catches up with you.
Spoilers: Canon is Post S7 BtVS and S5 AtS.
Warnings: M/M – if you don’t like boys together, don’t play here!

Author’s Note: Don’t own the characters nor make any money from stories etc, and bow down to their original creators Joss, et al., plus all the wonderful online writers who continue to give the Buffy/Angel verse characters life.

Recreation and Renovation

by
Rngrdead

Part One

Spike vaguely registered the click of a key in the lock as Greenday drummed their way loudly across the entertainment system, something from five years ago but still passable as ‘neo-punk’. He continued typing on the keyboard, waiting for his consort to ‘do the usual’.

After their return from the Europe, they’d had barely a day before Xander was back at work and the domestic pattern was established. At six forty five in the morning Xander would hit the irritating alarm on his mobile. He would then kiss his slightly roused partner, grab a pale left wrist and turn up the controls on the heat suit. (After day two, they had clearly established that Xander plus all night proximity to heat suited partner equaled too warm for comfort while sleeping!!) Xander would then set the coffee, consume a juice, and head for their ‘gym room’ to cycle and run for thirty minutes, then finish the hour lifting weights. A short, sharp shower was followed by morning ablutions and a speedy breakfast with coffee ‘to go’. Xander would kiss his usually happily warm and vaguely aware partner goodbye, and head to work by seven forty-five.

Spike would rouse around two, remove the heat suit… Undoubtedly it was still the best thing that had come out of their European sojourn. He would then double-check that the drapes were all securely drawn before showering, and find his bagged breakfast in the fridge. Microwave, mug, log on and start. As ever, the blessing of the Net… start time was of little relevance when global.

Returning from their ‘holiday’, it was brutally apparent that ‘NonPerson’s’ writing and reader base had been sadly ignored for the last couple of weeks…. As had William Aurelius’ business interests. The ‘normal life’ needed attention. Some month and a half after homecoming, and it still seemed a consistent ‘catch-up’ game to the vampire…. He felt a strange sense of urgency despite his immortal status and lack of immediate imperative to work. It was (he decided) his damned Victorian sense of honour demanding that he satisfy his readership and monitor his investments. Bloody soul no doubt…. And how odd was that… Even his father would have been proud… the whole ‘nobless oblige’ speech. The Aurelian business acumen was legendary, Will’s extraordinary reputation as writer was unchallenged. It was the motivation that bothered him, it was about Xander, it was about them as partners and about him ‘providing’. He needed Xander to ‘be proud’ of him, he needed to contribute equally to their ‘whole’. And perhaps few would have understood his angst. Both partners were earning and wealthy in their own right. There was no provider/dependent relationship, and they even shared the sexual status equally (and wouldn’t Oscar Wilde have rejoiced in their domestic circumstance)… so his underlying irritation was even more annoying…

Spike, aka William was no longer a ‘big deal’ in Xander’s work circles, though some of his workmates were still a little intrigued by the obviously happy and now openly gay couple. The fascination seemed as much to do with the obvious monogamy and long-term commitment made by the couple, with their ‘same sex’ status came in very much second. After their first week together things had fallen into patterns that matched that before Spike left Sacramento…. After five weeks they made the first compromise. Xander would run in the morning, was busy in the day but would meet his partner at the gym as soon as the sun was down.

The tall brunette, Andy, was the first and easiest to welcome Xander back from the European sojourn. Spike already liked Xander’s colleague but now positively enjoyed meeting him at the gym. Andy was generous in his attentions and rightly benefited from regular sessions of sparring with ‘Will’ (Spike acknowledging the need to restrain the full strength and speed while honoring Andy for his loyalty to Xander and his partner/vampire). Andy improved, Spike enjoyed the training but held back, and Xander repressed. Spike worried, his partner had still said *nothing* of the ordeal at the hands of the Initiative since their return.

Yet the pattern continued…. The latest activity was focused on the pool. Following gym and continued coaxing and encouragement from both Andy and Xander, Spike had reluctantly agreed to swim in the gym pool once again. By the end of the seventh week, Spike, to his credit, had valiantly attempted to kick a full length of the pool without the assistance float, covering his fear with a litany of insults and obscure comments.

“*Torpedo! pffft … ‘torpedo’ my right foot!! Stupid, stupid activity… Swimming is for those bloody Aussi’s!! And their sodding… crocodiles and sharks and snakes and grrrompofdhphhhhh!!” The vampire’s protests disappearing as he submerged breathlessly, to kick along the bottom and try, apparently in vain, to make his partner proud. Xander paused at the end of the pool, noting his partner’s efforts for a moment, then continued on his way oblivious of the offence he incurred by failing to comment.

Spike finally emerged from the pool’s depths, his pout also apparently going unnoticed by Xander, but Andy and his gym partner (long time ‘squeeze’, Kelly) saw the disappointment. Kelly had been admiring her chivalrous beau and his willingness to assist their pretty gay friend learn to swim. She blew the blonde a kiss of approval as Spike emerged after yet another venture away from the shallow end, then claimed Andy into a tight hug. “Find out what’s wrong And.. even I can tell… Will’s not happy… c’mon babe… they’re such sweet guys, and they both love you… but then who wouldn’t?!” She winked and kissed him soundly before departing for the showers.

It was nearing the end of the second month since the ‘boys’’ return and Andy had noticed the increasing tension between Will and Xander. Work had been a ‘bitch’ of late, even Kelly had noticed the strain and tired demeanor on her usually unstoppable partner, but for Xander and Will there seemed something more. Andy sensed that something had happened while they had been away, but neither of his friends was talking. He liked them both and saw the positive influence that Will had on Xander, hoping that the angst was to do with sudden domesticity rather than any real issue. As his blonde swim student toweled his hair and followed Xander out to the carpark , Andy put a gentle hand on his arm, “Hey Will..? You can talk any time, yeah? You guys seem to be having a… ummm… hard time lately... Sometimes it’s OK to offload with a friend … I’m here Will… Just to let you know…”

Spike had stopped dead with the touch to his arm, and swung to stare incredulously at the friend addressing him, but finally dropped the bravado and slumped in defeat. “Not sure if you can help mate…. But thanks… for everythin’ ‘S appreciated yeah?!”

“Anytime Will… Anytime… Just call or come over if you need it, OK? You’re our friend too.”

“Taa mate. We’ll be fine. But… Just… Thanks.”

The ride home with Xander had been silent. The human went to bed as soon as they entered the apartment. Spike slid under the covers with his consort but when Xander deliberately rolled away, putting his back to the vampire, Spike got up again. He opened the laptop and began to add an angst ridden chapter to his latest story.



Andy had hoped that resolution of whatever was wrong would be swift, but by the end of the week Kelly insisted that he take Xander out after work for a Friday night drink before joining them at Sandy and Jim’s for dinner. Kelly meanwhile, took William over to spend time with Sandy, ostensibly to assist in setting up the dinner party, though upon their arrival Spike smelt a ‘caring rat’. The boys would be ‘later than expected’ and Jim was apparently occupied at the softball match with his daughter. The vampire appreciated the sentiment for what it was worth. He’d felt disconnected and isolated of late, so the attention was unexpected but not unwelcome. He had come to like the two women, Kelly reminded him of Tara in an odd sort of a way, and Sandy definitely had something of Joyce about her. He felt that he somehow honored the two lost friends by indulging these two and their ‘sisterly’ concerns.

They were all sitting outside. Spike caressed the beer in his lap and contemplated the dilemma that was ‘waiting for the partner’ while trying not to look at the entrance too often.

“Are you and Alex OK?” Sandy spoke quietly, moving closer to the vampire with a quiet grace as Kelly made polite exit to ‘check the food’. Sandy’s glass of chardonnay obviously untouched yet lifted it in a silent toast as she settled, acknowledging of their mutual status of ‘partners in waiting’.

“I’m fine.”

“No you’re not sweetie and you know it!”

Spike had been about to take a swig of the beer but stopped. “What makes you…?”

He was cut off, “Motherly instinct! You two are *made* for each other dear… but you seem to be making a bit of a hard time of it. You need to settle for a while, get to know each other, accept the foibles of the partner… Gosh Jim and I…” Sandy smirked and looked down with a blush and arousal that had Spike wondering at the elder couple’s antics, previous and current. “I think… I think that you have much to share with our dear Alex…. I know you are younger than him but it seems you’ve both still got a lot of life ‘before’ that you need to come to grips with and so does he. But don’t rush it sweetie… It’ll come. You can always come chat to me too you know that don’t you?”

Spike stared at the well meaning woman for some time as he processed the rather sensible approach to relationships. He had always fallen hard and gone in ‘boots and all’. Dru was insane, Buffy merely used him and Angel… their time had been too short. But Xander was for keeps and really did need more of him. Spike smiled, “Yeah… thanks…. Thanks Mum.” The last statement was accompanied by a genuinely grateful smile and kiss to the now blushing woman’s cheek. She patted his knee and stood to leave Spike with his thoughts.

A half hour or so later ‘the men’ came in from the pub. The three were relaxed, certainly not drunk, and Sandy and Kelly’s partners embraced them upon entry. Spike stood back then cringed and looked decidedly hurt as Xander simply nodded then gave an almost impersonal hug.

Drinks were issued all around and Sandy tugged Xander onto the balcony for phase two of her ‘hostess’s chat’. She fondled the long stem of her glass of wine while Xander turned to stare out over their balcony into the darkening landscaped yard.

“Alex, I’m not trying to pry but you do know I want to talk about you and Will. We love you like family… but you two boys seem so unhappy lately… What’s up? I ask as a friend Alex, nothing you say need go ‘anywhere’ but…”

“Thanks but… I don’t really know… Since Europe…” Xander continued to stare out into the garden. “Ahhhh Geez Sandy. I feel like I’m losing him, like I’ve just realized how boring I am. You know he speaks god knows how many languages, and he’s been everywhere, and he’s wonderful and attentive and….” Xander broke off, tears were threatening and he really didn’t trust his own voice for the moment.

“And he loves you, my dear!” Sandy’s kind words were all it took. Xander was leaning over the balcony edge, but Sandy could still see a single crystal drip highlighted by the patio lighting tracking down the man’s defined cheekbones and splashing onto the concrete edge below.

“Maybe it’s just ‘cause I’m tired Sand… we all are… You must know that. Jim.. Andy… we’re all working *so* hard with the Skardo project… but….”

“Well tired is one thing… and you are talking to one of the loving partners… but it may be that that just brings things to the surface quicker… Will needs you… he deserves some honesty or you will ddrive him away…” Sandy took the young man’s hand but did not insist on him looking at her, “Now come on… you go to your lovely friend and bring him out here for a bit of a chat while I go and fix the aperitifs… I just *know* Kelly will burn them now Andy’s back!”

Sandy squeezed Xander’s hand and left him to follow her wise words.

A few minutes later he had indeed drawn his beautiful partner out to the balcony and with fingers still intertwined but both men staring into the distance, was trying to ‘make contact’.

“Spike… I’m…. Well I’m sorry!...”

Spike still did not dare look at his partner, instead maintained his perusal of some distant point off to the west. “For what, pet?”

“I… um… I’ve ignored you these past few weeks… and um…”

Spike could not help himself, giving a more than warranted snarky reply, “No really? Gosh I hadn’t noticed!”

Xander had been in an apologetic mood until the cutting sarcasm burnt through the words and feelings in the link. He spun to look at his partner ready for a fight but took in the hurt expression in the crystal blue eyes, and the rather defeated posture, then relinquished all other comments in favor of gathering up his partner in a conciliatory hug.

Some twenty minutes later, they were still outside, and Spike was sitting in Xander’s lap licking carefully over the puncture marks on the left side of his neck. Xander thanked Sandy’s idea of dinner decorum for not yet calling them in. But he knew that if they remained outside much longer, it would appear rude.

“You still love me?” It was a statement rather than a question, but no less important.

“I still love you.”

“But what?” Spike pulled away for a moment seeing confusion and pain in his friend’s eyes.

“But, I don’t really know you do I?!”

This was new… Spike sat up and stared at his friend with amazement, “Of course you bloody do!? Is *that* the problem? ‘Cause, gotta say … not too complex here! What do ya mean you don’t know me? Is this about…? What *is* this about?” Spike looked genuinely puzzled.

“I mean… In Rome with the Italian speaking and then…”

“Oh bloody hell! Is that what the past couple of weeks have been about?? Just because a chap speaks a language other than English…”

Xander was deadly serious, “And the Rome ‘I’ve been here thing’, then the graveyard, and the whole you know London and… Who are you Spike? I love you *so* much but I don’t know you at all do I?! … God, Spike. You were already a university scholar and smart before you were turned but then you add to that a hundred and fifty years and all that life experience, and who am I?…. Donut boy turned project manager! Best thing I have going for me is what?? Hmm?? *How can you love me??? Example… How many languages *do* you speak? Human and demon?! Hmmm? How many?” Spike stood up and leaned against the balcony, Xander stood and moved beside him.

“I was a ponce and a nancy boy before…..Ahhh pet. Do you really think *any* of that matters??!!” As the words left his mouth, Spike spotted his partner’s petulant pout coupled with genuine worry, so answered truthfully, “OK OK!! Fluent? Seven human, five demon and two obsolete including Latin; decent at reading maybe six more human and eight demon tongues – passable tourist that sorta thing; still can’t speak SoCal but hey… I can swear in just about any language!” The last statement was meant to lighten the mood and Spike was watching his partner carefully. Though it was he who should have felt put out, he realized Xander’s angst for what it was and tried to push the point to make some middle ground. “C’mon pet…. The swearing… at least that’s useful!” The last statement was accompanied by such a wicked grin that even in his depressed state, Xander broke into a half smile before his face fell again.

“Look Luv, If it worries you that much, let me talk to Anton again ‘ey pet. Trip to Europe in the Winter, that sort of thing… Show you more of why I’m such a handsomely dashing git at a hundred an’ fifty.” Spike wiggled his scarred eyebrow. “C’mon pet let’s not get wound up about all this… we’ve both got a past… isn’t what matters about the future? And now you’ve got me soundin’ like the TV psych’s!”

“Why Anton? Why not Giles or Willow”

“Oh for cryin’ out loud…. Slayer central? C’mon pet… you know why. And Anton’s practically … family.” The admission was something even Spike had resisted saying aloud but as he did there was a realization, Anton did feel like an older brother, a belonging that Spike needed right now. Sadly now he watched his friend’s face fall even further, “OK so not Anton… but… Ahh hell!!! Alright… we’ll just go by ourselves OK… the witch, the watcher an Little Bit can meet us for the day in London or some such. We’ll stay in a backpackers hostel or some swanky hotel. We’ll waltz around in limos or a bloody drive-yourself mini, I don’t bloody well care!! … C’mon pet, I’ll let you into all me sordid secrets from the past but let’s just sort this now and move on. I don’t want to spend nights alone pet… I really don’t.” Spike looked so crestfallen with the last statement that Xander finally realized the level of hurt and the one sided attempt the vampire was making to correct things.

“You know we can’t go soon – we’ll have to wait for Christmas…. It’s so busy at the moment, I can’t leave Jim and the guys in the lurch again. There’ll be a lull over December January for sure.” Xander looked up and noted the hopeful look in his partner’s face for the first time in (now he admitted it) weeks.

“So I’m takin’ that as a yes for the Europe thing.” Spike’s blue eyes sparkled as he reached for his friend’s hand, “But in the mean time… could you just love your Vampire Master and can I simply care for my Consort… And can we cut out the pissing competition over who’s got a better hold on demon lingo or who’s been to where. It’s rubbish luv… and you know it!! I love you… and if you can’t feel that through the link, well perhaps from this distance you might…” Spike moved forward until one leg slid between Xander’s and his now erect sex could be clearly felt resting against his consort’s hip. He nibbled at Xander’s neck just below his ear then continued “Well then perhaps make up sex may have to ensue… lots and lots of” [nibble] “make” [bite on the earlobe] “up” [tongue in and around the ear] “sex.” Spike’s mouth was over Xander’s tongues dueling for their pleasure as hips shifted and they began to grind their mutual erections together.

A female voice broke the mood, “Jim’s home, you folk ready for dinner?”

Spike whispered, “Make up sex… yeah?”

Xander broke the embrace, tugging his partner toward the patio doors, “Ho yeah, lots ‘n lots of … later.”

Part Two

They were home and safe and the rest of the evening had been pleasant, and the promise of makeup sex was in the air. Or at least it had been…

Spike cranked up the heat suit as they entered the apartment, Xander’s libido seemed to have waned during the night, the apartment was all the colder for the sentiment as they entered. It had been a pattern for some weeks now, Spike initially figured his partner was too tired with the pressure from work, so lovingly serviced him each night. But there was more than this one evening to prove that something was amiss.

Around Halloween he had suggested dressing up to lighten the mood, only to have a door slammed in his face, left with only the predictable caress of a heat suit, and the comfort of the three person couch, afghan throw and cushions for the evening. Whenever they partnered after Italy, it had always been face to face, Xander taking Spike, and the master vampire more often than not, left wanting, finishing unhappily only after his partner moved to wash obsessively in the shower… alone.

He had not bothered Xander after Italy by suggesting a counselor, there were enough incidents of abuse in his own one hundred and fifty years for him to figure that Xander needed to initiate that sort of thing… or would eventually ‘crack’ forcing the issue. In either scenario he would just have to ride it out. What he had apparently forgotten was, that despite his childhood history of abuse, Xander was only thirty-something and not coping had the potential of taking some very ugly turns.

The Consort/Master link was strong for the most part, but since their return it seemed that there was a limit to how much emotional support Spike was able to send through of late. Messages of love and support seemed somehow blocked, almost as if the Consort’s pain was deliberately being contained.

Tonight Spike had been hopeful that things would alter after Sandy’s efforts at counseling, the consequent chat and an apparently fine evening of friendship and ‘normality’. Sadly, the promises of an amorous and copious ‘make up sex’ were apparently part of ‘the moment’. The moment had passed it seemed and the link shut down solidly as they drove home. Spike felt all the signs of another evening in the spare room but this time it seemed worse than the past few weeks. Pain and regret was rolling off Xander in waved. Perhaps Sandy’s talk had done something… the residual experience from their European sojourn was about to come to a head.

Xander wandered out of the shower, Spike made a harsh decision, but he no longer had anything to lose. He decided to push the issue. Since their return Spike had allowed Xander to initiate contact. Inevitably it had been face to face and fairly…. bland – even bordering of meaningless in some realm.

Spike took an unnecessary breath as his partner emerged from the swirl of steam that was the shower. He waited while the towel bound Xander slumped onto the bed, then pounced. Spike had already tugged himself free of all fastenings binding his nether regions to the heat suit, so
pushed his partner back onto the bed and straddled him, He tugged off the towel then pushed Xander’s arms above his head, holding the wrists with preternatural strength. Xander gave a small yelp of surprise but then seemed to go very quiet. The vampire leaned forward to kiss his partner and all seemed to be well. “Gonna take you pet… Gonna make love to you until you scream.”

Xander felt his body respond to the careful ministrations, Spike careful caress the claiming mark with his tongue and push love and care messages through the link. Xander relaxed a little, forgetting the past trauma and simply letting his beautiful partner have his way, until Spike chose that moment to flip him over onto his knees.

Arms still pinned and now face down and exposed Spike heard and felt his consort’s heart begin to race moments before he was thrown off his lover and onto the floor by the panicked, adrenalin charged human.

Xander loomed over him rage and terror dictating his actions and instinct pushing him to attack. He backhanded the stunned sprawling figure across the face punctuating each statement with another strike. “You don’t touch me! You don’t touch me!! I’m not a whore! You bastard! You don’t get to do that!” Spike simply curled into a ball and held up a hand in surrender. He could withstand the physical onslaught but the words coupled with the last few weeks of angst cut him to the core.

“I won’t Xan… It’s me Xan… I won’t hurt you… It’s me! Oh Gahhh Xan!”

Finally exhausting his rage and fear Xander ceased his attack then realized who his victim was. Horrified he fell back onto the bed, then clamped his hand to his mouth and sprinted to the bathroom falling to his knees just inside the door stomach convulsing and spilling the evening meal over the tiled floor. Unable to move from the mess, he slumped against the door frame visibly shaking, let out a strangled cry then began to sob in earnest.

Spike all but flew to collect his partner in his arms, cradling him from behind then eventually hauling him into his lap allowing some immediate comfort despite the stench of bile and slimy mess on the floor. Xander eventually calmed enough that Spike’s whispered words of comfort registered. “Come back to me love… come on *Please* pet come back to me… I love you so much… We can get through this… c’mon… please pet… please! I love you Xan….” Another round of sobs ensued. Spike simply waited it out continued his quiet monologue while he rocked and petted the distraught man.

Eventually Xander collapsed completely against his partner, quiet but for some residual shudders that occasionally wracked his frame. “I’m s..sorry… I’m s..so sssorry S.. Spike”

“Shhh pet it’s fine… we’re fine… C’mon luv let’s us get you cleaned up ‘ey?” Spike turned Xander’s face until a teary, red puffy eye looked into his loving blue pair. “I love you Xan, and we *will* get through this… OK? We’ll get through it…. together. OK pet? Now come on.” With a chaste kiss to his consort’s forehead, Spike hauled them both up threw a towel over the mess on the floor and all but lifted Xander into the shower. He flicked the water on then stripped himself of the suit and joined his near collapsing partner, washing him briskly. Wrapped in two large bath towels, Xander was carried to bed and fed a few mouthfuls of precious Master’s blood, before Spike returned to clean up the floor. Three buckets of disinfectant in hot water and four towels later and the room was not spotless but at least passable. Returning to the bedroom he was relieved to find Xander asleep.

………………….

The following few weeks were still strained, though gradually their bedtime discussions included the Italian trauma. On these occasions, comfort was far more important than lovemaking. In the safety of Spike’s embrace, with Xander resting his head on the pale chest of his protector, he would recount snippets of the fear and humiliation. Spike would calmly continue to rub his back until the story and any consequent emotions were dealt with. He knew Spike had dealt with the Initiative men, “They will never hurt you again pet… never”, had been repeated so many times that Xander was no longer in any doubt. But one evening after finally talking about Riley, Spike answered his direct question.

“What happened to them Spike? What did you do?”

“Marked the two who touched you… and the idiot who photographed us. Vamps will smell the bite. Meals on wheels signal. Bastard who raped you was shot dead by one of his own.” Xander flinched as rape was mentioned.

“Riley? What about…?”

“Turned the bastard… Twisted wanker got ‘is rocks off just ‘cause I was suckin’ ‘im dry. Gave ‘im just enough of mine to be the lowest of minions. If he’s not dust, he’ll be the stupidest fledge and in servitude for eternity. Anton was fixing him up with a local master. One who figures on his surfs takin’ only goat or sheep… no humans. Crafty old beggar apparently, feeds ‘em one or two drops of his own every once in a while, mixed in of course… keeps ‘em all loyal and beggin’ for more. Collars and brands ‘em all as well according to Anton.” Spike snorted his disgust, “Nahh our Riley will be used and abused in true vampire fashion until the end of his days… and won’t know any better than to take it with a smile.”

“Geez….” Xander went very, very quiet.

Spike worried. Finally Xander lifted up and collected his partner’s lips for a chaste kiss.

“Thank you.”

Spike looked a little puzzled.

“Thank you for doing it Spike, and for waiting for me to be ready before you told me.”

“Welcome pet….. " They lay in silence for a few more minutes until Spike pushed up onto the pillows a little more taking Xander with him. "Now can we bury any of this yet? Can we move on? Can you take me hard and make all that sordid rot a memory? Cause gotta say… Need a bloody good shag right now and you look like the man to do it…” Serious mood thoroughly broken as Spike wiggled an eyebrow and tickled his partner’s side, Xander grinned and reached over his lover to the side table where he knew the lube would be waiting.

“Ho yeah…. I’m your man”

Part Three

Before Xander had a chance to do much more however, an iron grip staid his hand. “Would you be up for something more than usual pet?”

“What? Hey I already…”

“I heard you… but…. your tastes have been a little… bland… of late and if we’re gonna make up for lost time, well, I wondered if you’d help me with something of an historical nature ”

Xander pushed up and looked quizzically at his partner. “OK ‘fess up Spike, I’m up for a bit of a play but I am *not* screwing you dressed in some ancient pair of woolen breaches!!”

“Sod off, I wouldn’t go near you in ‘em anyhow… too much chafing of the privates! Just thought that since your all pretty down below again…” He tickled through the thick dark curls that were again covering Xander’s groin, “Just figured we could recreate a little history and get ourselves trained up like… for the New Year… gonna be hard outdoin’ the Boston ‘discovery tour’ with Europe this year if we don’t get in some practice.” He pushed Xander off to the side, and leaned over to tug at something under the bed.

The brunette heard a tearing of tape but was held away from viewing by a firm yet loving hand. Initially annoyed he failed to hold in a chuckle as Spike held up his prize.

“Finalized all arrangements in Boston like I promised – Can’t believe you’ve forgotten… too keen to fondle me pretty parts in first class I’m thinkin’!” Xander was starting to feel worried, but spotted his partner’s knowing grin and deliberate wink. “Not to worry lover, I know I’m a distraction for you dark broody types… you’ll be happy to know that most of it was sold. Weapons and books and another box or two came here – they’re in storage, before you ask…. But I did get another…” he spun the beads around his index finger, “…item”, it made another round, “… or two sent through…..just for us.” Xander couldn’t resist. The consort let genuine mirth and love burst through the link as Spike’s crystal blue eyes twinkled with mischief and were framed by tiny smile lines.

Xander was rolled onto his back and soundly kissed by a partner who was quite overcome by the wonderful memories of their first joyous and confusing days of their extraordinary eleven months together.

A near breathless Xander managed to grind out, “God…. I…. Love…. You…. Spike!” between passionate kisses and infuriating and arousing caresses to all parts of his nude form.

Lube in hand, Spike slicked the beads and swiftly deployed them, slinging his partners legs over his shoulders for the event and sealing them in with a new butt plug complete with vibrator and remote.

Spike rolled onto his front, leant down on his elbows, making far from subtle gestures with his behind, and handed the lube to his partner and murmured seductively, “*Now* it’s my turn!”

Xander took his time. Slowly licking across the lower spine of his partner and caressing the taut thighs. His only pause was automatic… Slow vibrations began, and with the butt plug against the beads it was extraordinary, infuriating and utterly exciting.

“F%#$ me Xan…. C’mon… just…” Xander could do nothing but comply.

Spike arched up as the soft tongue rimming him was replaced by two experienced fingers. Spike opened easily and as his prostate was prodded… there was no restraint. “Please c’mon…. *please*… now… it’s fine just… gahh!” Xander lined up and buried his slick and solid erection to the hilt in one action.

Spike had enough awareness to dial the vibrations up to maximum as he approached his own climax with a much anticipated thrill.

At the same time, Xander’s efforts became a frantic series of irregular and deep trusts accompanied by grunts and moans worthy of any primal being. The beads were vibrating constantly over his prostate. The human was in a state of near delirium, almost sobbing his need to release… Spike felt it moments before… and as his partner came he tugged free the still vibrating plug and proceeded to slowly remove the beads whilst still pushing up as jet after jet of warm seed filled him. As the final two beads were removed Spike was almost sure Xander was all but unconscious in bliss, as both his channel and his now near limp sex tweaked and jumped, attempting one last climax as the last two balls were tugged free.

Both partners collapsed into sated and dreamless sleep, Spike smiling as his partner’s hand found his and guided it lovingly to his groin remain there as they both gave in to oblivion.

…………………

Merely days later and Spike had been given the task of ‘booking tickets’ to Europe. Despite his purported desire for normality Spike was excited, and fearful, and his demon was screaming for long missed adventures. But today Anton had rung shortly after his consort left for work … ostensibly to ask William’s advice on some property in the Massachusetts. Spike knew better.

Anton was a businessman with literally more than a millennium of experience, and profits and diversity that would make even the Walton family drool. Anton’s, like Spike’s, wealth was hardly comparable to many other media or real estate moguls on the planet, but theirs was old money and the priority to keep their identities quite private. Both had interests so broad and (particularly in Anton’s case) so ancient, that it would take decades to sort through the ‘Global’, and ‘Cross sector’ investments, their Swiss accounts and complex property ownerships before anyone might discover the full extent of their holdings...

“K mate figure you’ve got company your end. No one is here, so how about some brutal honesty if your end allows… or are we stuck with yes/no questions?”

“Yes/No would be good, though…. Sprechen Sie Deutch?”

“Of course. But ‘bit rusty mate… Your lady just walked in then?”

“Yes of course that would be very good…” The answer was too jovial. Spike heard the tension and understood.

“So in the voice of the Kaiser… what’s up?”

“Ich benötige Sie, herzukommen. [I need you to come here.]
Können Sie hier sein? [Can you be here?]
Ein Feiertag. Ich zahle. Sie und Ihr Gemahl” [A holiday. My expense. You and your consort]
Sie wählen den Bestimmungsort. Ich treffe Sie dort. [You choose the destination. I’ll meet you there.]”

Spike almost felt the shiver through the phone link.

“C’mon… Anton out with it! This is not the Initiative again is it, thought we had all that done with and I can hardly imagine you want us there for something trivial. So are we talking? Apocalypse?”

“Vampire-Königliches Gerichte” [Vampire Royal Courts] “Es gibt eine Führunglücke.” [There is a leadership void.]



Spike felt an icy chill and his stomach clench despite the heat suit. The Royal Vampiric Courts of Europe had dwindled in number over the years as but a handful of ruling masters of the original lines survived into the twentieth century. The most recent human wars and infighting amongst any usurpers had all but eliminated the rest. Why Anton would now be concerned could only mean one thing, the lack of stability would lead to chaos in Europe, and finding a replacement would be of concern to any in the demon realm.

“Ja unclaimed Sie und reines Blut werden genannt als Nachfolger..” [Both you and Angelus's unclaimed pure blood have been named as successors]

“Angel’s son?” Spike knew now that there was more at stake than some simple territorial rite.
“He know about this challenge, what ‘s expected?”

“Nicht schon.” [Not yet] Anton’s tone was regretful in the extreme, he added in English, “You are needed Spike.”

“… So… who are these vamps? … No… Let me guess…. Inlaws of the old Aurelian court - the Master’s line… But that should have been solved twenty or thirty years ago! Buffy took him down in Sunnydale? And hey! I finished that little upstart the ‘annoying one’! Even if the new bloke was dusted now…. Why me? Why now? And bloody hell, why Connor? C’mon Anton….” Spike did not bother to hold back the feral growl from the end of his conversation. This was about family and he had already given too much and too many …. And his last promise to Angel had been a pledge to protect Connor from the demon world as best he could. To date that had meant keeping the lowest possible profile and making certain ‘arrangements’. “I’m askin’ a lot of questions here mate but you still haven’t told me anything useful! C’mon mate. What’s goin’ on!?”

“Sie kennen die Politik besser als ich.” [You know the politics better than I.]

“No I don’t ‘cause I *bloody well don’t care* for all that rot. Got meself a consort and a happy life and I’m certainly not gonna drag Angel’s lad into all this mess.”

“Sie benötigen... Sie wissen….Die alten sind stufenweise verloren worden.” [You need to…. You know…..The old ones have gradually been lost.] “Und wir sind das Letzte vieler Familien.” [And we are the last of many families.]

“And?... but… Oi, you hardly qualify as vamp? Listen, Xan and me just back and starting to get our lives together again… we can’t just come trippin’ across the pond every time you blokes have got a problem… Geez! Been out of the loop for so long I doubt anyone would even know who I am!” Spike growled with frustration. “Look Leave it with me yeah? Won’t come without my consort. And I ain’t bringin me ol’ Sire’s offspring into this ‘til I figure the lie of the land.”

Spike waited… as the third minute passed he began to worry then finally the answer came and in English…

“Agreed… Tell me when and I will make the arrangements. Thank you William.”

“Welcome.”

Spike hit end on the call and immediately began to call Xander. If they were to travel under these new circumstances, Xander needed to know.

Part Four

The rather cryptic phonecall gained a predictable response from Xander. The fact that it had come from his partner at one in the afternoon when Xander knew Spike was usually ‘lounging’ was odd. The “Had a call. Something’s come up. We need to talk about Europe,” was worrying, and the “Can you come home for a while this arvo?” … downright terrifying. Thankfully terrifying was downgraded to concerning as the final statement had been “‘s not the Initiative before you ask.” This left Xander utterly baffled but no less worried regards the urgency of the request to come home.

Angst and worry became stronger and stronger through the link as Xander approached their apartment. By the time he burst through the door a few minutes after one in the afternoon, he was frantic.

Spike had paced and worried since talking to his consort. What if he was ‘handed the keys to the kingdom’? The implications were ridiculous, but if he didn’t, then the demon world of Europe would be in chaos. He could not include Connor in the venture. And Xander was even more important. Flicking in and out of game face Spike was powerless to act and desperate to speak to Xander.

The master vampire all but fell into the arms of his consort… both calming by the sheer force of their contact… “What’s wrong Spike… what’s happened?!”

“Not yet…” Spike was in game face, and barely audible as he buried his face in his consort’s neck attempting to gain some equilibrium. “Nothing!... Well… something and… at least…. I’m sorry… It was goin’ to be a holiday … but now… and we were meant to…. Oh pet!” Only the human’s strong hug seemed to be holding him on his feet.

Xander pushed the door shut and pressed the agitated vampire against the wall mid entrance hall. For the first time in many months, it was Xander’s turn to do the consoling though he was still at a loss as to what it was all about. Feelings of worry, sadness and fierce loyalty, much older than their own relationship, flowed freely through the link. Xander’s own puzzlement was fast turning to panic.

Xander pressed his full body against Spike, pinning him to the wall and amidst loving kisses, and consoling touches he managed to whisper, “Please talk to me sweetheart …. C’mon talk to me… We’ll deal together … common! Let me in Spike… what’s going on?”

Spike’s demon was screaming for release. It wanted to claim his consort again then travel and take the power that was rightfully his. Spike’s soul and the residual William were terrified by the prospect of the latter, wanting no part of it. This left the vampire utterly confused, distressed, and needing his consort. Or more importantly…. He needed his best friend. Pressed against the wall, he felt blessed. His wonderful partner had taken charge, his admissions were ‘par for the course’… but the acceptance he felt transcended Europe or the new world or… anything….

Xander offered the only thing he could think of, baring his neck and registering the relief and bliss flooding the link, easily canceling out the sharp sting of desperate fangs penetrating his jugular. The link opened further and Xander was reminded at a visceral, soulful, gut level, just what unconditional love meant…. There was a deep satisfaction and surety in his role as both giver and receiver of the same. He whispered into Spike’s ear as the vampire gently laved the bite closed, “C’mon sweetheart, just tell me what’s wrong… please?!” As Spike fell back into human guise, Xander grabbed the blonde’s wrist and pulled him through to sit on their bed, and simply waited.

“We were planning to go to Europe pet, so you can…. Get to know me.” Spike took his partner’s hand and looked hard into the loving eye of his consort.

“So far, so not knowing anything new Spike…” Thus far Xander reveled in the nuzzling and careful attentions of his partner. But Spike was quiet, and the consort/master link had momentarily shut down. All thoughts of a conciliatory ‘nooner’ were abandoned as Spike reverted again to game face and lost control of the link, sending vague messages of history, worry, family and love, all so vivid and mixed that Xander fell to his knees, dragging his Master vampire with him.

The former Scoobie simply waited, albeit on his knees and with no real idea of what ‘waiting’ might achieve. After five long minutes of quiet rocking and disturbing imagery, all went quiet and Spike began to speak. Xander simply held on, face in his partner’s neck, and listened.

“You know who I am Xan? You know I am a Master? We were goin’ to the old country so’s you could know me a little more… yeah?” Spike waited.

The quiet “Yeah,” was all he needed.

“Well…” Spike took a much needed emotionally calming breath, then continued, “ T’was me intention to let you into a bit more of … um William and… Oh Gahhh! This is ridiculous!” He pulled out of Xander’s grasp and paced across the floor. “You know I’m an Aurelian, yeah?… Line of Drusilla, Angelus, Darla, the Master…. all that?”

“Well hello finances and yeah I guess… kinda recent history in Sunnyhell anyways.”

“Pet, the Aurelians were always so much more than…” He stood and began to pace.

“Yeah well, I got that with the whole master thing and the Scourge of ..” Xander was cut off.

“… We were one of the three ruling lines of Europe… Vampire Royalty. Aurelians ruled for near a thousand years, Middle Europe ya know… Up through Germany across Czeckoslovakia down to Italy and all the way across to Ireland. Darla was the Master’s favorite… collected her from the new world and brought her back to Europe… trophy fledge… favorite childe. He took three others I know of… all of ‘em dusted sometime between Napoleon and Hitler. She was bored of the court a couple of hundred years in and took Angelus as a Childe. Stayed lovers with the Master on and off, but he hated Angelus, and all his offspring. The Demon in Angelus was a rightful challenger to the thrown but preferred to wander… never was much for administration… ‘ad too much fun bein’ the royal playboy. Ol’ Master was too besotted by Darla… Let her have her pretty things. But I’m sure ‘twas him who convinced Darla to feed me ol’ Sire the gypsy. Sneaky bastard. She would have been into the power, and him into the slick folds of ‘er nether regions.

“He ruled for nigh on five hundred years and some change, was eventually tricked into visitin’ the new world by a sneaky nephew/granchilde Clarence - poncy name for a vampire if you ever heard one…. But deadly as they came…. And last remaining from the older Dracul line apparently. You lot did your bit on the Hellmouth from there.”

Xander grabbed the hand of his own Master as Spike spun ready for another lap of the bedroom, tugging him forcefully into a hug.

“Stop sweetheart… just stop…. What does this all have to do with today?” He sat down and pulled Spike back down beside him on the bed, again, holding both hands in his as both emotional support and gentle restraint.

Spike faced away from his consort but went into game face, “Everything! Anton rang… I need to… we need to…. Ah F#%$!! I’m sorry Xan … I’m *so* sorry!”

Xander was more confused than before and the link was a muddle of feelings, memories and thoughts that might as well have been a dumpster of shredded paper for all the sense it was making. He rolled Spike until the blonde was chest to chest under him and bit down hard on the vampire’s throat reopening his own mark and tugging hard at the sluggish cool blood. Despite the lack of feeding, the consort felt the bond strengthen as he took two strong drafts then proffered his own neck to his partner. Spike latched on, feeling the strength and adoration direct from the blood as the warm ambrosia slid down his throat.

Empowered and encouraged, he pulled off, lifted a pale hand to gently caress his partner’s jaw-line in gratitude, then said, “The court’s lost it’s leadership pet. The Royal Court without a master…. warrin’ factions all that, pet. But Anton knows an’ called. Me and me ol’ Sire’s boy Connor…. They’ve named us successors to the ‘throne’ if you will… ‘Course not lettin’ the boy near it ‘til I’ve done a bit of recon. Hafta keep the lad safe… Promised Angel.”

It was Xander’s turn to look stunned. His previous position on his partner, one of comfortably rubbing increasingly interested ‘parts’ together as Spike took his fill, was relinquished and it was his turn to stand and pace the floor. "Geez Spike! So what does that mean? I … Gahhh! Sweetheart! How?.... Why didn’t you? …. It’s this like one of those dumb Disney movies where I’ve like…. Married the Prince and didn’t realize is it??!!” Xander was oscillating between annoyed, intrigued and terrified. “God Spike! Is our life ever going to be…. You know… just straight up normal?”

Spike who was propped up on his elbows, wiggled a cheeky eyebrow, and quipped “Hardly peg us as straight or normal pet….” But his jest was met by a clenched jaw and tight fists as Xander did yet another ‘round’ of the bedroom floor trying to make sense of the afternoon’s developments. The blonde relented, “Never much cared for all the court shite. Too many politics ‘n mind games. But if I don’t do this Xan… if we don’t go now, then Buffy ‘n the Slayers ‘n the Watcher’s mob are gonna be fightin’ for their lives as every upstart makes ‘is (or her) own army. I can’t do that, Luv….” He stood to grasp Xander by the shoulders, kissed him soundly then looked him at the hurt expression in the chocolate eye.

“It’ll be fine pet. We were goin’ anyway, and Anton will be there to support us. ‘Sides I’ve got a few contacts from the ol’ days that might be willin’ to help I reckon.”

Xander mumbled “Bet you have…”

“Now luv…. Don’t be like that… You wanted to know bits about me… well… Ahhh Sod it Xan! I never wanted you in this but I’m askin’ you…. I can’t do this alone! I won’t pet. You an’ me are forever but…” Xander pushed a finger to still Spike’s rant as raw angst began to push through the link from the blonde.

He leaned forward, kissed Spike passionately, then whispered, “’S OK Spike… I’ll come…. I’ll come with you….”

Spike let out relieved snort, ducked his head for a moment then looked at his partner with genuine relief and wonder, finally gracing his consort with a blinding smile. “Thank’s pet…. Just… Thank you…” The ensuing hug lasted several reassuring and blood-exchange filled minutes as both males relaxed a little.

Xander finally broke the embrace, kissing his partner on the nose, and with a cheeky grin, made for the door, “Well Prince Willie, you do the arrangements, I’d better get back to work.” He’d made it to the entrance of the apartment before a growl came from the bedroom.

“Oi!!! Who you callin’…. ?!”

Xander drove back to work distracted but surprisingly calm. Spike would attend the court as named successor; Anton was acting as Sire/older cousin/demon world liaison; Connor would remain in his human life for now, and under Spike’s protection - the full blooded little brother of his Sire; and Xander would attend the court with full Consort status…… Not quite how he envisaged their European holiday this time around.

Part Five

Spike was sitting on the bed, still stunned by his consort’s willingness to travel with him and take the whole…. Gahhh…. Well in fact the whole Prince Willie thing was a little too close to the bone. Perhaps they should name a certain piece of anatomy, then he and his consort could both giggle and engage said monarch in places appropriate and move on! He rang Anton and confirmed their arrangements. Buffy had still not been informed, vampire politics hardly the stuff of slayers without gentle explanation by her lover … and perhaps after William the Bloody and consort had resolved the situation one way or another.

With four weeks until Christmas and their trip to ‘the old world’ pending Xander, threw himself into work. He worried over a few things Spike had said regards the time it might take to resolve the ‘situation’ and was torn by his loyalty to his colleagues and boss. Unlike Spike, his was not a workplace that fitted into a laptop bag, or video conference. As December approached he was near panic wanting desperately to ask for more time off, he already had two weeks… what if it took more. He was owed nearly seven weeks of untaken time from previous three years… but… he knew the reason for the trip and had agreed and yet the rest was so …. Unknown….

Andy was concerned. His friend had always been a little obsessive regards projects but this time there seemed an uncharacteristic urgency. When queried Xander simply brushed off the comments and made the ‘determined to get it done by Christmas and need a break after that’ excuse. Andy and Jim both began to worry that it was more. Xander making comments referring to ‘getting matters in order’ and ‘resolving unfinished business’ sounding awfully like something might be wrong.

Sandy was eventually given the task of speaking to the ‘partner’.

“Hi William?”

“Sandy. What can I do you for, Mum?”

“Cheeky boy…. Just ringing to see if everything is OK with you two. Jim’s worried about Alex... So’s Andy…”

“And you’ve got Mata Hari’s job?”

The older woman giggled a little “Well without the sexual favors… but essentially yes…”

Spike paused and decided on honesty as the easiest path. “If ‘es been odd ‘s probably my fault, I’ve asked the lad to come back to Europe with me for the Christmas break.”

“Oh?”

“Family matters… turns out a couple of ancient relatives have left some ‘unfinished business and me holdin’ ‘ the keys to the castle’. And yeah before you ask… pretty much literally. Xan not asked Jim couple of weeks extra then?”

“Not sure, just… he has been so ‘driven’ lately we just thought it might be…..” When no reply was forthcoming Sandy paused for a moment, then let out a relieved sigh, “Oh thank god… If that’s all it is! We had begun to think it was a health thing… he has been looking so haggard and tired of late… and keeps talking about ‘tying up loose ends’.”

“Daft bugger…. Oh… forgive me… lady’s present an’ all that.”

Sandy’s grin was almost tangible through the phone, she then processed the polite apology along what had been said regards William’s family. “We really had no idea of your history. I’m so sorry…. William…. Alex said something a while back but…”

There was no going back. If Xander was to have time off, then sometimes a little truth might go a very long way. Spike dropped a little of the mockney accent stating quietly, in his original upper middle class ‘voice’, “Well dear lady, I fear you’ve caught me out. No doubt Jim knows my business interests, but perhaps not my family ties.”

Sandy had the decency to pause and sound a little guilty as she admitted, “Yes, well, um…. we did do a little ‘research’ and Jim was adamant that you weren’t after Alex for his money…. We really didn’t mean to pry… Just that… um…,” She trailed off then added brightly, “But you manage it so…. We know what you do and …. wonderful… and so young? Your parents must have been so proud.”

“Don’t know really. Took over after their time obviously… Current issue is about extended family – just been named heir to some estates in Europe, others in the line were right miffed. Just gotta head over there and sort it out… Thought since it’s Christmas and all Alex might…. Well…. I’d really like him there.”

“Oh sweetie….And I’m so sorry about and…. Of course!.... We were just… Now I feel *so* silly!”

“’Course not luv…. But hey … we still invited to your Christmas bash given the boy had been such a pain….?”

“Ohhh oh of course… two weeks…..” and so the conversation flowed.

Their three biggest projects completed on schedule, and the next onsite requirement in late January, Xander applied for two weeks “leave without pay” only to have his t’owed holidays honored, with the proviso that Xander did some ‘research’ on European project management methods. Spike barely audibly mumbling ‘bloody junket’ and ‘make sure he pulls ‘is weight’ as Jim wished them well at the Christmas party

William and Alex’s gifts to family and colleagues were generous and appropriate to a fault. All had a garden theme with ‘NP’ having done some online research and finding a local specialist in garden sculpture and ‘architectural plants’. There was even a ‘groovy’ deep blue pot and pedestal with a pretty bonsai fig and its own mini lighting system for Janine, perfect for her room. Her new boyfriend made quite a show of ‘putting it up’ for all to see.

Jim shook Alex’s hand, and Sandy kissed William tenderly as they departed the small gathering. Andy and Kelly promising to drive the pair to the airport the following day… and then it was all happening. It was only the twenty third of December and they were heading back to the old country. This time however the agenda was clear.

……………………….

The trip across the USA was quiet. Fortunately with the new business class seats a full bed was a given and Xander slept. But the journey from New York to Zurich was silent but for a long and desperate exchange of blood under the ample blankets during the ‘night time/ movie’ section of the flight.

In the final hour or so of their travel Spike took his consort’s hand and began to speak… the tension and lack of communication had been so extreme that Xander would have been willing to turn around and go home in an instant despite their hours in the air, the anguish in his Master Vampire’s face as they sped toward Basel in Anton’s private jet was worrying. This was apparently not going to be easy, but then, he knew that…. That was about all he knew.

“Anton will meet us.”

Xander could not help but feel a little pang of jealousy, “And that would be because?”

Spike squeezed the hand, “I need him to proxy as my Sire..”

Xander was too overtired, far too stressed, suffering the residual effects of one too many drinks en route, and reacted accordingly, “What? Why? Some bizarro vampire board meeting?? What? Why can’t I be your Sire of the moment? I thought you needed me there… so what…”

The vampire didn’t answer, simply stating, “We need to change clothing pet, and…..”

Spike was looking very tired as he turned to hand his petulant partner a bundle of clothes and cut him off, “Pet we talked about this, you are my esteemed Consort. Your role is by my side, willing and able to defend..”

“Defend? Defend what?!!” Xander pulled his hand away from Spike and turned on him with a look of one betrayed, “You never said anything about defending…. So not seein’ stakage here…” He upended the bundle of clothes in what he later admitted was a somewhat childish act, yet at the time was apparently to illustrate the point, “Given the lack of wooden accessories! What am I supposed to do Spike? Protect you with my cutting wit? ‘Cause gotta say buddy, precious little on the trust meter happening here after the last fifty hours of cone of silence treatment!” He ignored the increasingly worried and desperate feelings through the link and kept on with the uncharacteristic tirade, “Tell you what, given recent history as European butt monkey to the mercenaries, why don’t you do the royalty loyalty thing with your relatives for a few weeks while I do some solo sight seeing, buy myself a set of lederhosen and trial the local beer?”

Spike was already too far on edge to consider any ‘mutiny’ or his partner’s possible departure, regardless of the sincerity or otherwise of the comment. He fell into game face and flew to his Xander’s neck, biting deep into the claim mark with a possessiveness bordering on savagery that had not featured in their relationship in any but the most out of control and passionate of sexual encounters. Yet somehow the act grounded them both.

The pain of the puncture and pull on Xander’s blood was coupled with a blinding jolt of desperation through the link *Can’t, won’t, mine!* feelings were coupled with *Love, forever, loss, grief* and Xander stilled, realized a grave error on his part and immediately began to send every loving emotion and reassuring thought he could through the link. Spike pulled off bit hard into his own wrist and proffered the dripping limb to his consort. It was taken without protest, kissed contritely and in apology then the blood was taken.

Xander licked the wound closed then turned to claim his partner’s lips in a passionate kiss that spelt devotion and loyalty.

They alighted at the Basel airport situated in the city’s French sector, and were immediately whisked to the Swiss customs by bus and met by one of Anton’s staff as they exited the building. It was daytime, thankfully valet parking and limousines were directed to an undercover area for ‘loading’.

They were driven to the Canton of Solothurn just east of the Basel area. Now with the link lying utterly without restriction, Xander and Spike were both in identical black on black formfitting outfits, made to fit thigh height boots and custom designed ‘dusters’ that Xander (despite his earlier ‘rejection’ moment) had to admit were …. Very cool. His had a high collar that pulled (with a flick of the right hand) to reveal the Master’s claim mark while not opening any other area to attack. Spike simply had a flap over his right nipple that revealed the regular feeding spot of his consort. Other than that the outfits were a pigeon pair.

Spike had a little time to quietly explain to Xander as they drove to the castle. The Vampire states of Europe were often interwoven or at least mirrored their human counterparts therefore the establishment of a court in this locale was a given.

During the sixteenth century, the Swiss Confederation was composed of thirteen self-governed states. The states were called cantons, and there were two different kinds of cantons: the six forest cantons and seven urban cantons. Though they were technically part of the Holy Roman Empire, they had become almost completely liberated when the Swiss defeated Emperor Maximillian in 1499.

The six forest cantons were democratic republics left to their own devices where demon influences were concerned, however the seven urban cantons were governed by city councils. These city councils were controlled by small oligarchies of wealthy citizens, a great number of whom were masters of vampiric families. They participated in the unicameral parliaments as legitimate members, and controlled the activities of their minions and fledges to maintain legitimacy. In return for their protection and associated power the influence across the European regions grew. Other nations adopted different power bases but toward the 1600s the Master of Aurelius annexed the vampiric clans of Europe and silently took back control of Europe at least where demons were concerned. The Cantons all bowed to the Aurelian rule… at least until now…

As the two stepped from the limosine and into the ancient building, Spike took his partner’s hand and squeezed hard. There was no pretence and he received no moment of reluctance, that was behind them. They would face any ‘Prince Willy’ scenario together.

A quiet voice greeted them, “Great to see you William…. Alexander!”

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