Fifth part in the Five Gold Rings series:

Part 1     Part 2     Part 3    Part 4

Recreation and Renovation

by
Rngrdead

Part Eleven

They had wandered the property in the eerie light of a full moon, enjoying Xander’s enthusiastic account of the ‘adventures of Gregor and Xan on Quad bikes’, and debriefing a little regards the meetings of the day. Despite the icy chill of the air, it was warm and pleasant and had all the feel of loving brothers ‘comparing notes’, the conversation shifting freely from business to personal and back again.

As they made their way back up to the villa, Anton excused himself, kissing both men on the cheek and promising to see them sometime mid afternoon the next day. He then removed his great coat and handed it to Spike. The blonde looked puzzled.

Anton leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “For your consort little brother, the ground’s cold.” He gave a barely perceptible wink before disappearing into the night.

Xander realized shortly after the Immortal left, that it felt utterly natural to be kissed by him. It was family. Spike saw the pensive expression, then smiled a little as a feeling of acceptance and fondness for another flowed across their link. But the jolt of sadness that followed was a little unexpected and he grabbed his lovely brunette by the hand pulling the attention back to the present.

“Penny for your thoughts, pet?”

“I think I know what it is to have a Sire… I mean… I think I *really* know…” Spike saw the beginnings of tears in the near black eye, so pulled his consort into a hug. “I think I understand… what it feels like to be loved… by your dad or your Sire… Oh Spike… I’m sorry… I’m such a… ” Xander buried his face into his partner’s neck and held on. The tears were a silent tribute to the overwhelming sense of love, of family and belonging he had found. It was not commented on, merely… acknowledged with a tightening of a hug and subtle exchange of blood. The dripping bite to a pale wrist and the swift sting of a bite as the wrist was taken consolidating what they both already knew. “I never had that…. You know… my dad … he really didn’t…”

“Shhhh ‘s OK pet. Your Dad never knew you, did he love?… he just never knew… and now you have family that does and loves you all the more…” Spike held on for a few more minutes then abruptly pulled away, slapped his partner’s behind and took off with a thoroughly immature whoop of delight in a game of catch amongst the poplars… Spike’s obvious intention being to get ‘caught’.

After several aborted attempts, near misses beyond count and a lot of scrambling as he lost his footing in the eerily lit grass and trees, Xander finally managed to grab a taunting arm from behind a tree and hauled his partner down to the ground. He knew only too well that Spike was a willing party. He was capable of moving at lightening speed, had no need to breath and was strong enough to fling the human onto the third of fourth branch of the tree they now lay under. Instead, he gave a very good impression of ‘submission’ at least until he flipped them both, resulting in Xander having in-vampire-lap issues and an erection so hard that it threatened to break it’s own way out of his clothing with no help from fingers of its utterly aroused owner.

Spike reached around his lover to stroke the hard flesh through material, causing his partner to arch up to the touch and groan. Without removing the teasing hand he flung out the great coat he had continued to carry throughout the chase and hefted Xander onto his back, slightly cushioned from the cold by the garment.

Following Xander’s gasp of surprise, Spike began to kiss his consort passionately, the act returned willingly, tongues exploring well known territory gleefully. Spike’s next stroke evoked an endearment and some begging, and the third a litany of begging and swearing that would have made anyone blush, the fourth stroke’s return saw the button and zip opened with ease. Spike grinned as he slid the jeans and underwear down the willing legs just enough to release the tortured object from its denim enclosure. The vampire then spun around to take the member in his mouth.

Xander came the instant Spike swallowed hard… the undulating muscles literally demanding the event. Spike drank the salty sweet fluid and pulled off with a plop, only to feel his own erection so close to his lover’s face, released from its leather cladding to be taken. He groaned as the warm mouth enveloped him and held himself back as the urge to force the pace almost overwhelmed him.

His love knew, however. An urgent tongue and firm suckling, combined with the furious pace, left the vampire with little choice but to give to an ecstatic release within moments.

As the vampire calmed Xander squirmed enough to spin around and capture Spike’s lips. They kissed, then lay sated for some minutes until Xander shivered with the cold. Pale hands gently tucked in his partner, and the zip was refastened. Xander reciprocated.

They stood, collected the coat (now a little muddy and in need of laundering) and wandered slowly back to the house, hand in hand.

Tucked warmly into their huge bed a little later, showered and relaxed, Spike kissed his almost slumbering partner and whispered “Merry Christmas Luv.”

Xander’s good eye fluttered open for a moment, “Oh? Wow, I’d forgotten… Liked my present though…”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, great day…. ‘n family,” he snuggled into Spike’s arms a little further, “ ‘N a really… nice [yawn]…finish…”

………………

They slept fitfully in the enormous soft bed, this time the tangle of legs and arms was about the happiness of ‘being there’ and woke to feel like there was a slow evaporation of doubts regarding the dramatic shift in their lives over such a small period of time.

Master and consort descended the stairs again dressed to see the clans in full matching leather. They found Anton in the study speaking agitatedly into the phone. He waved them in but continued his conversation. It seemed that the altercation with Reginald had caused some concern amongst the British contingent and they were requesting an immediate audience, refusing to wait until the following day. Anton looked over to Spike who clearly could hear both sides of the conversation. Spike simply nodded resignedly and Anton relayed the Master’s reluctant agreement mentioning that the only time available was four that afternoon then hung up.

Anton smiled apologetically at the two men, “I trust you slept well? It seems today will be a busy one. Perhaps we might discuss some of the unresolved clan matters over some food before the first business of the afternoon arrives.”

Freshly baked rolls and a platter of butter, cheese, cold meats and jams awaited them, along with steaming hot coffee. Xander smiled and mused to himself as he took his seat, “OJ and Opos to start.”

The two blood drinkers finished the first part of their meal swiftly, “William, did you consider our discussions from last night?”

As he had come to do when discussing Court business with Anton, Spike spoke in his original upper class English accent, “Of course Sire, and am comfortable with the possible repercussions, but I have yet to hear the British issues and it seems now that they will be first to arrive.”

“It seems so yes, but you need do little. They must first ask your forgiveness for the incident last night and pledge their absolute allegiance to you. Their High Master has already been forced to submit to you. The others know this.”

Spike smiled a little, then realized, “Do we know what their issues are Sire?”

“It seems Reginald had come in with his own agenda… literally. His disrespect for you and intent to deny your new position was his alone. The Clans simply wish discuss the dwindling vampire population in some northern regions, the combination of clan squabbles and changing societal practices is making it harder for them… I don’t believe you can do anything directly or immediately, but we may need to consider a longer term plan to deal with it across Europe not just for the British clans. It involves your whole Court.”

Spike nodded and frowned a little, there was much to be done. Xander saw the look of deep concern on his partner’s face, reached for the pale hand, and squeezed it gently.

The evening ran smoothly. More than one of the delegates eyed the tall Consort warily as he stood behind the Master’s chair. None had forgotten what he was capable of, and his absence the previous day had been somewhat of a relief for the less powerful clans.

The ‘twins issue’ and naming in the German clan was resolved swiftly with the consent to name two Masters and share the territory after the offer was made by the Master to ‘simply divide the territory between the two’. Spike and the clan knew full well that they needed to share and managethe whole hunting region to survive, so decided to ‘honor’ family.

The French and Spanish delegations came in together. They presented their business plans and indicated their willingness to work toward a merger of their business under the Aurelian banner. They would still retain their unique control but would definitely benefit from the wealth and combined marketing power of the Court and its extensive interests. The issue of ‘Cru d’ Chateau’ needed a longer term solution and would eventually be addressed.

Clans on the Steppes came with their aid request – a very modest amount. Spike looked at Anton and quadrupled it, stating that they would send the amount requested immediately and invest the other three quarters on the clan’s behalf, that the clan might draw upon it in future years.

Overwhelmed by the generosity, the three vampires from that region all dropped to their knees in front of the Aurelian Master. The Master of their clan, Gorran, then kissed the Aurelian ring, thanking William formally and bared his neck in gratitude. Spike simply touched the neck with the ringed hand and said, “I do not need this from you. Repay me with your loyalty, restore your region and make your clan strong.”

Alenka’s court was ushered in. Of all her direct line only three grandchilder remained. Spike called on Peter’s first Childe, Minna. High cheekbones, light gold hair and ocean blue eyes attested to her Finish heritage, and the glint of savagery in the pretty eyes, her vampiric bloodline. She knelt to kiss the Master’s ring then waited.

“You are the natural successor Mistress Minna, but to become so, must swear yours and your clans’ allegiance to the Aurelian Court. There can be no doubt on your part.” There was none.

The ceremony was formal and short, and at its conclusion Minna spoke as the head of the northern clans for the first time. She bowed deeply to Xander, “Consort Alexander, you eliminated the killer of my Sire. I am in your debt.” All Xander could think to do was give a small nod of acknowledgement in return.

The hunting territory squabbles between clans were swiftly dealt with, a cessation of hostilities between clans demanded, and a promise from the Master to reconvene the court within the month in order to determine the short and long term strategies for dealing with shifting human population and the fast changing human society.

As the last of the delegations departed, Spike put his head in his hands and Xander knelt in front of the exhausted Master. He stroked the golden locks with one hand, and as Spike lifted his face, offered his wrist. Spike bit down gently and took two small sips then licked it closed. Xander leaned forward and kissed the true face of his lover, tasting his own blood and Spike’s blood as the vampire sliced his own tongue on his fangs.

Anton smiled and stood. “Stay a while if you wish. I have arranged dinner to be in the smaller dining room tonight, and will have the spa and sauna prepared for your use. I will dine and sauna with you but then must attend the airport.”

Spike looked up confused. “Sire?”

“Now the clans have been dealt with and so very quickly, my love will join us. It was prearranged that she come to stay in Basel and to sightsee and perhaps shop for a few days, but now I can surprise her.” The look of boyish glee on Anton’s face and prospect of a very special visitor energized them all.

Spike stood dragging Xander with him, “No need to wait on us ‘lover boy’… If your beautiful Slayer is on her way, we’ll muck in and have you waitin’ for that airport kiss in no time.”

Part Twelve

Xander and Spike had retired to the spa as Anton left. Several hours later, they were still enjoying the relaxed, slow rise to… their second release… as the Immortal and his Slayer ‘squeeze’ arrived home.

They both acknowledged the sound, but as Xander was currently straddling and being filled by his lover, no comment was made. Rather, they continued to let the sound of pure passion dominate their space. The bubbles and warmth of the spa simply added to the moment. Spike finished inside his lover just as Xander cried his own completion. They kissed passionately and exited the spa, matching ‘towel toga’s’ in place, and fell into bed.

It was nearing midday when they first roused. Both Spike and Xander felt it, they were intertwined, utterly relaxed and comfortably warm under the fluffy covers. They snuggled down. There was no urgency as the business of the day had been dealt with in the marathon evening of the previous night. Even their semi slumber, snuggling was a justifiable and welcome option.

Well after the ‘yard arm’, Master and Consort rose and began to prepare to descend to the ‘breakfast room’. Spike could not help grinning a little. Standing in matching black satin robes he and his consort looked like what they were, two rich men, now royalty in fact, standing in their domain. They had both had an ‘earth friendly facial and mud wrap’ before showering and dressing. Spike was clad in soft brown cashmere pants and a wafer thin burgundy sweater, Xander in dark kid leather jeans, and cream colored hand knit cotton top.

Spike smirked a little … Lorne would have given his right horn for the photo!

……


Buffy was reading the paper in the library while Anton ‘did business’ as a quiet knock on the door announced her old friends. She flew to Xander’s side, hugging him vehemently. For some reason Xander felt an uncomfortable ‘pins and needles’ irritation as she touched him.

Buffy pulled back to stare warily at her friend. “What have you done?”

Xander looked confused and worried.

The uncomfortable feeling was apparently mutual but the reason unknown to Xander at this point. The hostility evident in her voice tangibly increased the discomfort. Spike stepped forward ready to defend his partner, but it was Anton who moved in.

The Immortal took Xander’s hand, kissed it, then extended his fangs and bit into the wrist, taking a single long draft before opening his own vein and offering it to Xander. As Xander latched on, Anton addressed his partner as though having a human, her former Scooby friend, now quietly lapping a wound closed, was the most normal thing in the world. “Dear heart… Alexander is the full consort of the High Master of Aurelius, William.

“Master William with his consort by his side now rules all the clans of Europe… and their outlying territories. Alexander has been accepted by the clans, he has also passed the trials, has been found worthy and deadly and has come to his Master’s defense on more than one occasion. William, Alexander and I have exchanged blood in the absence of Angelus.”

Xander kissed the point of feeding, released the wrist and joined Spike on the small eighteenth century brocade lounge.

Buffy’s eyes went wide as she realized the implications. She addressed her partner accusatorially, “But you’re a…? And he’s human! And you’re… The Immortal!! Not a *normal* vampire at all… so you can’t!? Can you? You can’t do the whole Childer thing… can you? Anton what aren’t you telling me?!”

Anton continued calmly, “I offered and was accepted into the role of William’s, and therefore Alexander’s, surrogate Sire. After all William not a *normal* vampire either. He is ensouled having bravely won it back, and his consort is a human from the Hellmouth. William was the designated heir – he is here at my request. I could hardly refuse” Anton smiled toward his two ‘adopted’ childer and continued. “My Love, I am a prime leader of the demon world, if only by courtesy of my age [he winked at Spike] and good looks, but cannot take on a Master vampire role in any realm. That was William’s to claim here. It was natural that I should take the Sire role after Angelus’ demise. William and Alexander have stabilized the whole of Europe by agreeing and being found worthy. Dear Heart we spoke of this possibility… forgive me if it was unclear to you what had occurred when I called you to join me.”

Buffy was still not looking particularly comfortable, “I got the whole Spike and the…. Master thingy I guess… and that you needed to support him… It’s just …. It’s just totally wig-worthy when your high school Joe-Normal friend is sucking on your boyfriend’s blood and gives off the vibes of a powerful Master himself!”

Spike stifled a grin at the terminology being used by the Slayer, apparently you could take the girl out of Sunnydale but… Xander cut off the thought with a stunned statement to anyone who might be listening, “I’ve got Master vibes? That’s what the tingles are? Master vibes??”

Spike answered with a low growl, “Yeah pet… Masters of our own destiny you and I… Masters through and through…,” then silenced the man with a passionate kiss, tasting the zing of Anton’s blood still present on Xander’s tongue.

Buffy was still staring rather incredulously at her partner, but Anton continued with his usual quiet charm, “My Dearest, I began life as a human, woke as a vampire and continued as the Immortal… I have lived for over a millennium… well over... then I found you… and now I have also found a way to connect to the Vampire world with your two friends. I had dearly hoped it would be acceptable to you and that we might rejoice together.”

The slayer’s expression passed from deep hurt and aggression to one of adoration for her lover.

Anton cupped her face and chastely kissed willing lips before continuing, “William and Alexander will rule the European court for centuries, all being well, but they also need a Sire to guide and protect in their first few decades. Would you have them have anyone else…?”

Buffy was close to kissing her lover again but pulled away a little at the words, “No. *No*! Oh god. Decades? Centuries but … But Xan… when?… and how?… so you’re… Oh god Xan not a vampire though? Right I mean … Consort isn’t a vamp?!”

Xander stood and stepped toward his high school friend and touched her, foregoing the uncomfortable itchiness that seemed to accompany the contact, in favor of comforting his Sire’s partner.

“No Buff, fang free… though…. Hey Buff, it’s still me… same old goofy Xan… except not so much with the goofy I guess…” He reached for Spike’s hand. “Spike and I are... well we’re forever… we were last time we were here. I guess that now… Well now it’s just more… Spike’s more… and I’m…”

“Brilliant pet! Oi Slayer, ask your lover boy just what your Donut Boy of old did to prove ‘imself, *us* to the court”

Buffy looked to her lover who replied quietly, “He was challenged by Alenka of the North and her pet assassin, Ivan” Buffy still looked slightly confused.

“Look Slayer!… ‘E took out the two most deadly vamps in Europe in under a minute on the first day and held off old Regi’s second on the next… Brilliant! ”

Buffy’s eyes went wide and she looked at her ‘Scoobie’ friend of old, then turned to Anton for confirmation. She found the pale green eyes dancing with mirth, “Indeed dear one… he is quite the feared consort! ‘Ruthless and unstoppable’ according to those witnessing either event. I would take care to be reverent around my Childe’s consort.”

The truth of the words was unmistakable, and the proud smile firmly fixed on Anton’s face, and though initially causing a concerned frown on his lover’s face, she quickly turned it to a smile. Despite ‘tingles’ she reached forward to hug both vampire and consort as the old friends they were.

The following hour was rather odd. Buffy enveloped in her Anton’s arms on one lounge, and her two old friends, intertwined and obviously ‘involved’, ensconced opposite, the conversation easy but strangely detached.

Buffy observed Xander’s closely. She was confused by what she saw. The Xander she had seen in Italy had certainly been different to her memories of the ‘Xanman’ of Sunnydale Scoobies, or even the confident building supervisor of latter years. After the Initiative rescue, he had been remote, not unfriendly, just unreachable.

Now she saw a relaxed assuredness. Sure of his place and his capacity… his immense inner strength. He was indeed a worthy Consort of the Master of Aurelius. And William the Bloody had never looked prouder, or more… regal.

As Spike gazed casually upon her, the crystal blue eyes gave away little, but in an unfettered flash of gold and blue in equal measure, did volunteer his new power, his confidence, his benevolence, and his love for his partner. She needed no other reassurance.

“So you’re the royal couple now?”

“Seems so, the way your boy here tells it.” Spike indicated toward Anton but hardly looked up as he carefully carded his brunette friend’s locks.

“So what happens to your job Xan? Can you get time off, I mean you’ll have to move here right?... ” When no answer was given Buffy looked from Xander to Anton, but it was Spike who answered again. “Not decided yet, Luv. Xan here is a big wig in ‘is company. We’ll see… might have to commute a bit..”

“From Sacramento the Switzerland, you can’t be serious! Bad enough I have to come to Basel from our base… Xan?”

Buffy was obviously going to continue to push the issue and it was one that both Xander and Spike had particularly wanted to address privately, or at most, with their Sire.

Xander was the one to speak, “Let it go Buff… just…” His tone dropped to a rather commanding, calm and intimidating tone. “Let. It. Go. OK.”

Seeing her shock and smelling (which was new… since when had the smelling thing…?) her fear, her old friend brightened a little and she saw traces of Xander, Scoobie of Old, “C’mon Buff! Large estate, spa? Holiday? And we have quad bikes!”

Buffy finally relaxed a little. The two still gave off vampire ‘super-tingly’ messages… but quickly decided that nobody evil could truly suggest an afternoon on Anton’s property riding a quad bike!

…….

The next few days were rather relaxed though Buffy did note that she was driven to various cute villages for coffee, or to Basel to shop on three of the four following days and a full body treatment arranged for her on the night of the thirtieth. She knew Anton was removing her while they attended to vampire business, but it was a courtesy rather than a forced exclusion.

After each of her adventures she returned to find the ‘boys’ in the study speaking in serious tones and usually with their noses in paperwork. She had never seen ‘business’ Spike, and was still coming to terms with Consort Xander, let alone the whole ‘Vampire ruler’ thing. She did note the closeness of the three however… and also the true joy her partner took in his role as their Sire and advisor.

Exiting the sauna one evening, she caught a glimpse of the three wandering across the hall, obviously (as was she) responding to the dinner gong. Anton’s arm was slung easily over Spike’s shoulder, while Spike and Xander walked hand in hand. The three were all talking excitedly about something. She smiled a little, it couldn’t be all that bad! So long as they didn’t call her ‘mom’!

Master William, Consort Alexander and the Immortal were requested to a traditional mask ball and fireworks for New Years’ Eve by the Canton leader in Basel. Anton politely declined. His partner would hardly be the perfect guest at a ‘mixed’ (inc. vampire) soiree, and he would certainly not attend without her. Instead he and Buffy were headed to Geneva for the night in his personal helicopter, where they would catch a dinner, the opera then find their … six star suite on the lake to spend the following day and a bit. (Some years later Xander admitted to being just a mite jealous at the time.)

The two men entered the waiting car. At Anton’s suggestion they went dressed as Achilles and Petrocolas (amidst Spike’s half hearted protests regards ‘bloody Illiad’ and ‘Sure your not cursing us with their fate, ya sentimental bastard’). Where the costumes came from none but Anton knew, but the pieces felt… genuine… old… worn.

As Spike emerged from the bathroom, Xander (who was still struggling to lace up his own sandals) looked up and gasped. Spike was a warrior in any generation, it was a given.

Intricately decorated leather guarded his shins and arms; long hair was plaited and tied off with leather and protective head piece in place; hard leather breast and back plates, shining and almost crimson in hue highlighted the torso; skin tight sleeveless suede undergarments gave away the power underlying the costume; heavy battle skirt, traditional sandals strapped expertly, with dagger incumbent and a sword tucked into his belt gave the image of a soldier ready for war; but the rounded shield and snarling attitude of the stunningly beautiful vampire completed the picture. This was someone Xander would follow to the ends of the earth… The ultimate warrior. Xander suddenly had the urge to read more Greek history, but then grinned as Spike’s curses grew louder.

Spike was grumbling curses regards Troy, Homer and the whole ridiculousness of the ‘Helen debacle’, and tugging at the neck strings trying to fix a full length gold embroidered cape (it was snowing again!) when they entered the waiting car.

He finally relaxed and smiled as they both recognized the driver. Gregor would accompany them as chauffer at Anton’s insistence. Xander was more than a little relieved. He liked the quiet vampire a great deal. Spike gave the man a friendly pat on the shoulder as he entered the vehicle, “Don’t you get evenin’s off mate? Or are you the only one in the buildin’s goin’ ta keep up with me ancient Greek?”

Gregor just grinned, lifted his own ‘Greek senate robes’, stated in his usual taciturn manner, “I will change there, Master William,” then started the car.


The event was held in the enormous ballroom of the local ‘town hall’ and was surprisingly enjoyable. The company was jovial and interesting, and the food quite exquisite. The mix of vampires, demons and humans was unexpected, with Xander beginning to realize that not every societal group had an aversion to ‘the others’ amongst them. The Consort ended up chatting for quite some time to one of Europe’s most famous Opera Divas (soprano) who was neither rotund nor dismissive (two things he had assumed someone in that role must be), rather she was gregarious, beautiful and spoke impeccable English… She (and a few others through the night) performed for their fellow guests.

As the night progressed Xander became aware of the attention he and Spike were being given and the deference with which they were treated. Vampires and demons alike were incredibly respectful and polite of both Master and Consort, to the point of being almost too intimidated or overwhelmed to hold a conversation.

Xander excused himself just before the fireworks to attend the bathroom. Rather than embarrass himself with his costume, he chose to ‘disrobe and pee’ in a cubicle so was privy to the conversation of the two … ‘whoever’s that entered after him. Fortunately they seemed to both prefer English as their chosen language to communicate.

“Did you talk to him?”

“Who?”

“The new Master of Europe?”

“Nahhh, couldn’t think of anything to say really, other than how amazing he looks… And I mean… not important enough to bother him really am I? But hey, you remember the last Master? All traditional BS and no parties… Gahhh. Now!! we might actually make it in the world picture. Have you heard his stock and property interests … I mean *globally*? And that Consort?! Alexander?” Xander couldn’t help but listen a little harder. “He looks like a puppy dog… Don’t get me wrong… The whole Consort of the Master and … well they’re *obviously*… anyway… I was just going to say… Did you hear what happened?”

“Yeah well plenty of people would take on Jackie Chan ‘cause he looks like someone’s ageing Chinese granddad… C’mon … *Everyone knows* the Master’s consort is smart, deadly and pretty damned good on the eyes, but… deadly!… so get over it… The Master and he have accepted the Immortal as their Sire in loco… so… well, that pretty much says it yeah?”

“Yeah but…”

“Just shut up and zip *that* up, and let’s go have some…”

Xander’s flushing of the toilet cut off the conversation. By the time he sorted out his ‘costume’ they had left. But he was still smiling a little as he rejoined the main room.

The evening finished well. Spike was invited to do the honors, lighting the first wick that set off the first round of fireworks spewing forth from the turrets of the ornate building.

All went to plan, though Xander struggled to keep his composure as Spike’s hands wandered over him and tongue repeatedly ‘enjoyed his right ear’ in the most erotic fashion. His erection painfully hard, he was glad on some level that Spike had attached a ‘comfortable leather helper’ to his nether regions.

They would return to their abode in a fine mood. Gregor too was relaxed. It should all have been prefect.

Part Thirteen

There was snow falling as they left Basel. By the time they began ascending through the hills toward home, the temperature had dropped significantly, and the fall was becoming thicker.

Gregor slowed the car to a crawl as he navigated carefully up a known road barely three miles from home.

“Shall I return to the town, Master William?”

“Do you think it will get any worse?”

Before Gregor had time to answer, a car careened far too quickly around a sharp corner in the opposite direction. Gregor had time to take an unneeded breath, before the out of control vehicle struck their car head on, and sent both vehicles tumbling down a (thankfully not too steep) slope.

Sadly the Master’s car hit a tree half way down, though it was a miracle that the angle of impact simply tore the roof off and twisted the chassis, rather than splitting the vehicle and impaling its occupants.

Xander wasn’t sure how long he had been ‘out’, but registered that they were upside down… or at least at some odd angle. As awareness returned, he flipped painfully in his seatbelt, finally freeing himself from his restraints and hitting his leg in the process. The net result was that he relieved his stomach of the wonderful delicacies and imbibed cocktails of the evening, by retching painfully onto the sloping floor of the vehicle.

Desperate and in total darkness, he found first Spike, then Gregor, by feel. Relieved to discover… just not dust, not dust… but so … *oh Gahh* *Both so broken!... *

Gregor was pinned in place, having been impaled on metal door upright after the roof was sheered off. Xander felt along the vicious shaft passing all the way through the right side of their intrepid driver’s chest and knew intuitively that it had ‘gone all the way’. Xander could not tell if there were any other injuries but given the state of the vehicle… He tried desperately to pull Gregor free but simply… failed. The shaft seemed to have jammed itself through Gregor’s torso then embedded itself in the seat back.

All Xander could do was pull his wrist across some of the twisted metal and dribble his meager offering into the semiconscious vampire’s slack mouth. Gregor finally roused a little and managed to whisper, “Thank…. [painful half cough]… the Master … please…”

It must only have been a matter of a minute or so … but it felt like hours… Xander scrabbled back to the rear of the car, suddenly panicked that he had somehow let his partner dust… But the body was still there… not dust… he sent a prayer of thanks… no dust. It was then that Xander realized the doors of the car were ajar… more than ajar… his side seemed to be utterly absent…

He knelt on his undamaged leg and pulled Spike’s inert figure as hard as he could. The vampire came free, sliding down the ‘slope’ that had once been the luxurious leather bound back seat. He thanked whatever god it was that had made Spike don the annoying lined cape as they slid awkwardly… (and extremely painfully for the conscious party!)… onto the snow. They kept sliding for a few seconds but apparently came to rest against a sapling fir tree. Xander was never more thankful for local flora.

His own chest hurt beyond anything the tortures of the Initiative had ever done, and he knew he’d felt bone poking through where his shin should be smooth, but his concern was the broken Greek demi-god in his arms.

The Consort could see nothing in the darkness so simply used feel. Spike’s back was definitely misaligned, but Xander was no doctor. The legs were obviously broken, one at the thigh and one at the ankle, the torso had no palpable damage, the face was… fine, but the skull… there was a soft patch… and there was blood... His dear love had not roused at all. There was no connection in the link.

They needed help. And he remembered. The car had a mobile on speaker whenever they drove…

Despite his own injuries, he pushed his partner aside ever so gently, resting him against ‘their’ tree, then crawled awkwardly back to the car.

Gregor was still, but as he felt the tingle of a Master returning, rallied a little, though apparently quite delirious, “Thought you were… gone… please take me… Master… upstairs… please? It hurts… I’ll be good… I’ll be…” There were crimson tears tracking down the handsome face. Xander didn’t know if it would help but again shoved his wrist against the mouth of Anton’s loyal servant. The game faced Gregor teased open the previous wound, taking only enough to simply send him into a healing coma. Xander pulled away as the fangs retracted and Gregor gave an unconscious sigh.

He retrieved the phone and literally slid back to his lover who was still wrapped in his traditional ‘fighting cloak’, unconscious.

The injured human was still bleeding from the wound Gregor had opened again. He angled Spike’s head back over his own thighs and dribbled the precious fluid down the throat, then lifted the inanimate head and torso just enough to let the fluid flow down to the vampire’s stomach. Between each effort to try to have Spike feed, he attempted to call Anton, then Stephano… then in desperation, Jim. No one answered. There was another number on the received call list that he recognized as European, he simply hit send. Mistress Minna answered in person despite, or perhaps because of, the hour.

“It’s Alexander, the Master’s Consort. There has been a car accident. Master alive but we need… help…”

All he heard was, “Kip fon *On*”

He kept feeding Spike until blackness took him too.

……..

Xander woke slowly, vaguely aware of a metallic taste in his mouth and heavy sensation all over. He began to try to roll over but found his body utterly uncooperative. He tried to reach Spike through their link, finding only silence. A sense of cold dread flowed, causing him to begin to pant and beg… and moments later attempt to tear off the oxygen mask and pull free of the I.V. and the restraint that held his arm still. His struggles were to no avail as an attentive nurse called for help and he was easily subdued.

Tears still trickling beyond the oxygen mask from his good eye, he could just make out that his shattered calf was in plaster and suspended just a little, and that his ribs and torso had been strapped.

Feeling consciousness slipping again he had to know… With his every fiber of resolve he mouthed… “Please… Sp…?.... Wil….? Gahhh pleee?”

A kind hand brushed across his forehead and the resonant baritone of a familiar voice purred. “He’s here Childe… he’s next to you… now rest… just rest.”

He was aware of warm fluid flowing into his mouth but blackness took him before his good eye could focus.
………….

Xander drifted in and out for the next two days. Some of it medication induced, some Sire’s blood.

When lucid, he heard snippets but still could not get his good eye to agree to open… He wondered if he was totally blind now…

One day he heard enough to know the other driver had been *quite* inebriated; enough to know the police had been called; enough to know that his call to Minna had resulted in them being transported to a local ‘private clinic’; enough to know that Gregor had been reported dead at the scene by the police, and that William had been… ‘critical’, and the other ‘occupant of the vehicle’, Xander, was in a ‘serious condition’. The other driver had apparently walked away with ‘some bruises’.

Xander himself had internal bruising apparently, internal bleeding was a ‘problem’. He wasn’t really sure what that meant, though he did wonder if it had some effect on his obvious inability to string sentences together. Odd thought?….then … black.

…….

Someone stroked his forehead. The hand was warm. He wondered if that meant he was recovering… or if he was dead. If Spike had dusted… then… being dead was ‘of the good’. He tried weakly to reach Spike through the link… got a low hum and wondered if that was a good sign… then … black.

………….

It was almost nine days after the accident. Xander knew that because it was the first sensible question he had been able to ask since.

Awareness hit him like a train… he arched and cried out.

Anton’s visage was present within seconds. “It’s alright, little one, it’s alright!” He stroked the furrowed brow and wondered sadly if the Master was ever to wake up or the Consort to suffer the worst of deaths.

Xander tasted the wonderful fluid… wondered what it was, then pulled away sated.

Anton continued to feed his adopted Childe…. He *and the slayer* also fed the Master and his loyal friend Gregor. All patients were recovering but Anton worried. William had yet regained consciousness.

……….



Xander regained awareness again on the eleventh day post accident. This time he seemed to feel… awake, though the concept of what, where or how seemed quite beyond him.

With his throat still raw from lack of use, he rasped, “Spiiii???” Someone quickly shoved a drinking straw into his mouth and a little too much water later, he coughed and repeated the question. “Spike?”

‘Thank whichever god’, he thought as his eye finally focused, and it was Anton’s pretty features that greeted his slowly blinked waking, albeit worried frown firmly in place.

“Dear Alexander!… Are you really with us?”

Xander nodded… [felt like Noddy]… blinked… [was there a ‘Blinky?’] then simply started to cry.

“Oh… [hic] … Sire!!” Anton swiftly ‘unplugged' all the equipment he could and drew his Childe’s consort into a loving embrace.

“Oh Alex… thank Artemis… thank all the gods…”

He tore open his own shirt, scoring his right pectoral in the process, and rolled ‘his boy’ to his chest. Xander latched on, managing to lift his hand and stroke one of the arms holding him. He took two slight pulls, then fell back into a light sleep.

That afternoon, he talked quietly to Buffy, had some physiotherapy, and spoke to a sobbing Sandy and deeply concerned Jim on the phone. They both apparently knew Spike was ‘critical’ and how badly Xander had been hurt.

Xander couldn’t help himself, his own voice hitched as he talked to his dear friends. Jim handed the phone back to Sandy, Xan knew instinctively his boss was…. probably too emotional to speak. There was a ‘dead body’ of a blonde in the next bed to him. He suddenly could no longer speak either, and as the phone fell from his hand onto the pillow, Sandy *promised* that they were praying for them, Jim had apparently even came to church last Sunday. Xander knew what that meant. He just managed a ‘Thank you … and [hic] Jim… just… thanks.” Then dropped the phone altogether.

Xander felt silly that he had been unable to hang up properly and began to sob openly. The lovely young nurse on duty, must have realized his distress. She moved quickly to roll him onto his side facing Spike then tucked a pillow against his torso for comfort. She sat on the bed stroking his forehead and let him know how his ‘friends were going’. Speaking quietly and easily she was able to convey that Gregor opposite was apparently awake and healing. That Anton had been, that Buffy had been and that William was… stable.

It occurred to him after a while, what was ‘stable’? If Spike was the Master of Europe, surely ‘stable’ wasn’t good enough!… without Spike… what if Spike? It hurt to cry… and that just made it worse… his good eye was against the pillow so he could only just see a bit of Spike still not moving… He didn’t care about the pain any more… he just cried. Alison sat and held his hand.

………

Xander knew it was a nightmare… or something! He felt it, the intense pain, the confusion, the desperation, then Anton was there. His body moved involuntarily just before his Sire arrived. He tore out his IV and literally broke the restraints to assist his Master.

Spike was arching over his bed and crying out. It was the first sound he had made in two weeks and the message through the link was one of sheer distress. Anton was at his side in an instant, wrist wound dripping, his Childe receiving the desperation and reassurance of both consort and Sire as consciousness returned with an almighty gasp and game face settled in place.

Anton was there.

Xander was steadied, and allowed to offer… He knew he was begging but no longer knew why.

Rich red fluid flowed into his mouth and he gave in to oblivion but not before sending a begging message for any deity who was happy to help an ensouled vampire named William.

Some time later, Xander registered the conversation, “He is utterly extraordinary! The Consort is an equal in all things… we must follow the Master’s example.”

Xander could not help a rather incredulous internal smile, ‘Again, with the Consort thing’.

Later he would learn that in vampire circles he was now, apparently, being revered as the benevolent and *ultimate* consort. The fact that he had ‘saved the Master’ *and* Gregor (his Sire’s first minion) with his own blood was considered extraordinary, the act of a Sire not a Consort, and particularly extraordinary where Gregor was concerned.

Despite the desperation of the accident, the ‘deadly Consort’ of the Master had inadvertently become both deadly *and* a role model for clemency and heroism… And his legend grew.

That night however, Xander just felt tired, as Spike arched in pain again and again. Xander finally became too distressed and struggled across, despite his own plaster, to join his partner on the narrow hospital bed, holding his damaged beauty in a tight hug and gave up as much of his own bodily fluid as he could afford.

….

They were being ‘lifted home’, a strange concept… given that he suddenly recalled that there were ‘projects’ and home should be about another continent… and that ‘lifted’ was about a helicopter….

On the fourth day back at the chalet, (day seventeen post accident), the still semi-conscious Spike had taken blood from his Sire, the Slayer and his Consort, along with some fresh, high quality ‘human’ obtained willingly from Anton’s friends. At the end of the feeding, Spike fought back to full consciousness but still struggled to hold a conversation…

He recognized faces… but could not really remember the words… He opted for the familiar… “Pe….? S…??” and was rewarded by rich fluid and the smell of the sea… An odd thought occurred, he wondered if all the faces he would see had the same odd watery streaks.

Then Xander kissed him… and bared his neck.

Spike’s fangs dropped, and despite his broken back, despite the long coma, he drank and was sent such love through the link… that eventually, after four long drafts, Xander felt the link move again. He cried and rejoiced.

Anton also felt the jolt, embraced his Slayer and shed tears of relief. This was not about some European ‘power-play’, it was William!

Part Fourteen

Xander’s leg throbbed and his cast was becoming increasingly itchy inside. It had only been on for five weeks now. The bruising on his torso and arms had faded to a few yellowing patches, and the stitches on the deep gash on his shoulder had been removed. His ribs still hurt a little when he used his crutches and sometimes when receiving the daily massage.

He was sitting in Anton’s study listening to the latest grievances from clans. Spike’s usual chair was vacant, however Xander was seated now rather than standing and had agreed to deputize in his Master’s absence.

They had decided to reconvene the court in the seventh week after the accident even though Spike would still be unlikely to attend. Tributes to the Master, flowers and expensive personal gifts had flowed into the house from the clans all over Europe as soon as the accident was reported. The severity of Spike’s head injury was played down and the role of Sire and Consort in his absence easily accepted, especially in light of Xander’s ever increasing reputation.

Gregor was faring well. Lacerations and bruises had quickly disappeared from the vampire, and though his severely damaged chest cavity still had some mending to do as ribs re-grew front and back, he too was up and had returned to some ‘light duties’ as PA for the Immortal. His obvious deep respect for the Consort and his reverent addressing of Xander as Master Alexander, assisted the meetings and heightened the impression that all the rumors were true and it was business as usual. (The hyperbole of rumors extending to the point where Xander had apparently single handedly pulled both occupants from the vehicle – including the impaled Gregor; fed both his Master and the Immortal’s first minion to the point of draining himself. Then dressed their wounds and carried them to the road even before the rescue vehicles arrived.)

Spike still had no speech. He tried form thoughts and say things, frowning intently and beginning to open his mouth but every time closed it again, simply letting out a random sound or whimper. And every time it happened he cried, and waves of desperation and frustration flowed through the link.

The arching and behavior which was problematic in the hospital, seemed to be getting far worse. At the beginning of the fourth week a series of full blown convulsions occurred, the arching and thrashing damaged his mending spine. It left the full time medical team with no choice but to sedate him and use a full body restraint to prevent any movement and allow his damaged backbone to begin to heal again. Unbreathing and nude but for the strategically placed sheet; his head wrapped in a bandage and both legs in plaster (his right all the way to the thigh and the left simply to the knee); and strapped tight to a frame that held him in place, he looked like a bizarre conversation piece in an art gallery.

For a full three days, every time the medication began to wear off and Spike came to, he would try to move, then whimper and cry out in pain and confusion. Too drugged and still trying to make sense of his world now, he simply could not understand the reason for his restraint. He sent such distress through the link, that by the second evening, Xander was medicated also, simply to get sleep. Anton bore the same link messages, though to a lesser extent. Both men continued to feed the mending vampire and attempt to send more specific messages through the link.

The convulsions gradually seemed to subside but at the start of week six, speech had not returned and there were serious doubts about Spike’s ability to interpret what he heard. A second set of Xrays and another MRI revealed a reduction in swelling of the cerebrum and a satisfactory knitting of his spine. He would need a brace for a time but that was of little consequence. What was more important was that now it was apparent that a small section of the damaged skull an inch or so above and behind Spike’s right ear, had failed to ‘right itself’ and could be seen continuing to compress the damaged area.

Xander and Anton were told in quiet tones, that it was the temporal zone that seemed to have suffered the most damage, and that this shard of bone was likely to be causing impeded recovery. Rather than wait for vampiric healing, which, given the severity of the injury and the depth that the shard had been driven, would be many months to several years, removal was recommended. The section of brain would be relieved and allowed to recover and the missing bone would re-grow in time. They both agreed and Spike was in the operating theatre within hours.

Spike was given a local anesthetic. Xander sat by the table and held his hand as his head was shaved… The nurses did the courtesy of clipping it all first. When one of the elderly surgical nurses saw the Consort’s look of distress as they began, she took all the long honey curls in her hand and cut as long a length as she could. Then dropped it into a small plastic pathology sample bag and silently handed it to the man. Xander’s tears of gratitude and fear tracked slowly down from his good eye.

The motherly woman patted his shoulder and leant down to whisper, “Ohh sweetie, he’s gonna be fine, I’m sure. You just look forward to him telling you off for your choice of barber.” Her wink and kind smile just made the tears flow a little faster, as he held his dear partner’s hand and prayed to any deity listening for mercy and health for his lover.

……

For several days after the operation, Xander took to lying with Spike and reading one of the many hundreds of beautiful coffee table books in Anton’s collection. Spike was still forced to be prone in bed rather than propped up, so Xander held the heavy books aloft in order that his partner might see and perhaps appreciate the photographs, while he continued to read the text until his good eye hurt, arms lost their feeling, and his throat was sore with talking.

Spike seemed to drift in and out, but sometimes apparently understood everything and tried to speak but still… just… sounds… for some reason “Gnuuu” seemed the only thing that was consistently available to him…. and… was always accompanied by tears.

It was a full two months after the accident, and the reconvening of the Court was on the following day.

Spike’s casts had been removed a week previously, and the perfectly repaired limbs revealed. His back was also, apparently returned to pre accident health. But as Xander sat reading through the proposal he and Anton were about to put to the clans, ‘happily’ propped against the headboard of their bed (and legs crossed courtesy of lack of cast now), he worried that his lovely partner might never truly return. He could feel Spike becoming stronger every day through their link… but…

The vampire had been working with the physiotherapist. A still mending back and barely knitted legs struggled, but his walking had gradually become independent. Sadly to the observer it was still painfully slow and requiring total ‘concentration’ (game face often in place). They were a little encouraged by the demon specialist Anton had engaged, as he suggested that a full physical recovery would occur in the next two to three weeks. Sadly no such timeframe was offered for the brain injury, despite Spike’s vampire status.

With the Master absent, Xander and Anton worked hard on a proposition that territories be adjusted by the rulings similar to those of the dark ages. It had been a challenging time when communities were on the move or simply dying out, when the world was in equal turmoil and change as the current time, though in most part courtesy of the black plague rather than ‘economic imperative’.

Xander quickly learned ‘with an ‘eww’ factor, the reason for the panic and broader clan agreements of the time… Apparently plague victims were virtually inedible to vampires… the equivalent of ‘sour milk’ according to the literature…. Anton volunteered that he had been in Tibet at the time.

During this ‘Dark Ages’ period, the High Master of Europe had apparently simply demanded that the clans specify their numbers and the approximate region, monitored the population for a time (*far easier now!*) and designated clan occupancy on a three year review basis. Xander read the proposal as it applied to their own context, and was somewhat concerned as it seemed to make….perfect sense.

“Who *was* this guy … this Master Benedict? Back then I mean.”

Anton answered, forgetting that his ‘coworker’ did not have his personal history to assist, “Well… you probably remember the Cardinal … Benedict the Chaste I mean. One of the favored successors to Gregory the twelfth when he was turned… Terrific thinker!... and really wonderful for the clans over the next century or so. Of course the next Pope was that idiot Martin the fifth. Slippery as they came they tell me. Not one I would have chosen… but still.”

Xander felt utterly out of his league and simply replied “ Of course… must have missed the memo… the whole…. Dark Ages… Pope thingy…”

Anton realized the Consort’s discomfort, took his hand for a moment and kissed it, then gave an apologetic smile. “Enough history lessons from your old Sire! *Our* priority is making this workable for the clans now… As you see the proposal is that they all have access to a European census database… now there will always be minor disputes but I hope that our meeting tomorrow will give the clans the parameters we need them to work by … then …”

Xander cut in by simply touching the Immortal’s arm, “It’s OK Sire, I did read the proposal, remember, and I *do* understand it. And I was there when we did the website requirements and now with that database and communications systems built in… It’s fine…. It is! I know some of these guys are older than …whoever…. But they’re just gonna have to ‘turn’ more geeks or outsource to other clans if they’ve got a problem.”

It was the first time since Christmas that Xander had seen Anton laugh out loud, and as he calmed, he pulled the human into a warm hug, “Oh my dear Alexander…. How I enjoy working with you!”

Xander winced a little as still tender ribs were squeezed, but in truth… didn’t mind.

The result of the meeting was a given. The solution was tabled in the Master’s name. The clans were stunned by the comprehensive and thorough nature of the document and supporting software. The revered Consort was present, as was the Sire, and the Master would be present at the next gathering.

The clans all departed happy.

As the last of the clan Vampires left, Xander turned to see his partner tentatively navigating the steps they had so confidently descended in the first days of their stay. He smiled and held out his arms to accept his dear lover, still tied into a back brace for another week (according to his physician) and leaning heavily on both banister and four pronged walking stick. Spike let go of everything and all but fell into the embrace, but it wasn’t that which caused his Consort’s heart to skip.

Spike pushed heavily against his partner, then finally calmed and steadied, and after several tries blurted out, far too loudly (and in a voice that simply did not seem like his own) “Blll, Pfff… Bll…. Grrrr…Hell Xan…!! Loooong… Waaaay…. Herrrreeee!! AhhhBgghhh Hmmm FFF, Bugger!”

The Consort pulled back a little as he let the real words soak in. Tears of joy were followed by copious kisses of relief and celebration from all in the room.

Part Fifteen

Anton had to return to Italy for business again. Xander knew that his ‘Sire’s’ time apart from Buffy was always a challenge. The clans were settled at least for a time, yet the discussion prior to the Immortal’s departure was a serious one.

Xander sat in a large leather chair opposite Anton to begin their discussion while Gregor carefully transferred a stack of contractual agreements and memos from the desk into a travel case. Anton shook his head as the vampire moved to pack in the laptop.

“Master?”

“Leave that out for a moment I wish to show Alex something. Gregor would you mind arranging some afternoon tea… I have a frightful headache.” Xander frowned and felt through the link, receiving back… pain. He had thought Spike was sleeping but it seemed not. Anton also felt the original source of pain and made a quick call to the nurse.

Gregor nodded at his master and acknowledged Xander with a reverent almost imperceptible bow then departed.

“You have the house indefinitely, you do know that I hope, Alexander? It is one of the original European Master’s homes, and therefore of course is one of the Aurelian estates.”

“Yeah dad… and promise we won’t throw *too* many wild parties while you’re gone.” Xander couldn’t exactly wink (it just didn’t have the same effect when there was only one eye to ‘play with’ in the first place) so he did his best wicked grin instead. He was rewarded when the Immortal’s eyes lit up and the ancient friend smiled broadly, offering his wrist. As Xander knelt and accepted the Sire’s gift, Anton retorted, “If you do then I might just have to come back… wouldn’t want to miss anything.”

Xander quickly licked the wound and offered his own, saying, “Oh Sire, I think we may have finally corrupted you. What would your lovely partner say?!” Xander’s wrist was also laved closed lovingly.

He retook his seat, and the meeting fell to business matters.

“I believe the clans were well satisfied with yesterday, congratulations.”

“But most of it was your…”

Anton staid him, “You were acting as the Master yesterday. Your reputation is fast building to equal the status of your High Master, this is an unexpected but significantly positive development… surely you noted the respect with which you were treated?”

Xander nodded a little.

“That is not my primary reason for asking you to meet me formally before I go, however. And I will ask William’s forgiveness for not including him when he is fully recovered.” Xander felt a tear threaten at the ‘when’ of Anton’s statement.

“I beg your forgiveness if I have overstepped my role, but while you were recovering, I have been in discussion with your employer, Jim, and also the investors for his company, and we have come to an agreement.” Xander’s face fell… it had been the only time he had *ever* ‘got on’ in a work place, but now could not fault Jim for letting him go… After nearly three month’s absence, it was to be expected. He knew he would not leave Spike now… or the clans…

Having just exchanged blood, Anton felt the Consort’s distress acutely, and quickly clarified. “We have been negotiating now to establish an arm of his building group on European soil. It will likely be based in Czechoslovakia or Belgium for tax reasons and will be semi independent. Where the European Manager is based is of little consequences as I am sure you and William will want to travel and visit the clan courts in the near future.

“I believe this really does allow for some interesting innovations.. and a real win, win, … I think you will find many of the clans willing to patronize the group simply because of you… Many have interests in high end real estate investment and construction, especially in the north… so much to be done and won in the old soviet union!”

“Wait… Manager… me? I thought you said it was between you and Jim!?”

“Jim and I spoke, he suggested you to lead this…. Not I…. and his suggestion was based on your professionalism and his trust in you… nothing else. Congratulations”

“He would trust me to do that?”

“Of course. As would I… You have only to perform the role… but it seems that project management, from what Jim told me, is quite your forte. He and Sandy will fly here next month to meet with you and visit William.”

Xander was a little overwhelmed, “Oh g… Thanks, thank you!”

“There are two other matters of importance before I must depart. One is that, if you consider William ‘well enough’ please let him know that I will deputize for him in Boston. He has some investments that need seeing to. I will fax the relevant documentation to you. I am still unclear if he is able to sign his name… but if you consider the decisions reasonable and he is able, then it would be wonderful to continue to build on his fine portfolio… Please let me know if the signature is a problem, I have not seen our dear William read or write since… Please just let me know?”

Xander looked up to a worried expression on Anton’s face, smiled a little then said, “Of course.”

“The other thing I wish to alert you to, is some pending business with the Watchers’ Council. They have some issues with us and we may need to call upon your old alliances. But that can wait, I will send you the details at the end of today.

“For now dear Alexander, adieu, be well and kiss my dear William for me. May he heal swiftly.”

“Thank you Sire.”

And with that the meeting was finished.

Anton and Gregor left by helicopter less than a half hour later.

…………


The following afternoon marked the day Spike was to finally be released from his back brace. Ten weeks to the day after the accident. The vampire seemed not to register the enormity of what it meant, or perhaps needed not to. The blank expression on Spike’s face in itself was painful, but Xander took his friend’s hand as he was helped up from the surgical table and smiled.

They slowly wandered toward the spa and sauna, Xander quietly explaining how proud he was of his partner and sending loving messages through their link but there was no response. He eventually gave up in preference to concentrating on guiding the still dazed vampire around the pool, preventing the rather unsteady recovering vampire from stumbling over inconsistencies in the paving.

Eventually Spike was at the pool’s edge. Gentle assistants helped him out of his sweat pants and eased him into the spa and the waiting arms of his Consort. Spike somehow knew that the removal of the brace was significant, but really was still a bit confused. It wasn’t the event that confused (the ‘no body armor’ definitely felt nice), but the doctor and therapists had all been talking at pace to him for the entire afternoon. They seemed to forget that he struggled with words… even when they came from others… he was getting better he knew that … but he struggled. He sighed and decided for now he would just be happy to be rid of the hurtful restraints and not worry that he really had not been able to comprehend even half of what was said.

The vampire was so full of human and Consort blood that he should have been buzzing… but instead he felt quite… dazed. Once comfortable in the warm bubbles, he managed “Taaa” and a teary wave for the attendants helping him into the spa.

Xander stood in the centre of the spa and supported Spike’s head and lower back carefully so he might float, little fat and no air in lungs not conducive to a floating body! As his still damaged beauty lay blissfully in the warm swirling water, Xander ventured a finger to brush gently over the gap in the skull. It too was healing slowly and the hair was now beginning to populate the scarred area. He slowly moved the pliable and relaxed figure back and forth through the jets, but ultimately ended up simply sitting with Spike barely conscious, resting gently in his lap. He stroked the soft regrowing curls with one hand and ran his fingers through Spike’s darker curls down below. It wasn’t an arousing act particularly for the recipient, just comfort… and consort… and quiet time for both.

The nurse and another of Anton’s staff remained close by for the evening. They noted the Master’s fatigue toward the end of the second hour as he tried to stand and depart the warm water, wavered and was caught by his partner. The nurse briskly obtained the wheelchair from the gym/therapy room and noting the distressed look on the Master’s face as she returned, moved forward to assist when the Consort looked to be struggling to lift his partner from the pool. Spike was eased up then lifted clear of the water, wrapped in fluffy white towels and tucked into a wheelchair. His distress seemed to increase as he tried *so* hard to tell his Consort what he wanted. When the words simply would not come, he finished the rather pleasant evening by burying his face in one of the copious towels draped around his neck and wept.

Xander felt helpless, it had been a good day, he thought anyway and he struggled. All he could do was to walk silently beside his defeated lover holding the limp hand as the now listless figure was wheeled to the base of the staircase, then the chair carried up the stairs. As they approached the bedroom Xander staid their progress, thanked the assistants and continued on alone.

He pulled back the covers before lifting his friend out of the chair, noting that someone had thought to turn on the electric blanket. He remembered Spike’s heat suit hanging in the cupboard and was surprised that he hadn’t thought of it since before Christmas… three months ago… it felt like a lifetime away.

Xander lifted up the foot pads and squatted down so his partner could lean forward and be eased out of the chair as much as possible ‘under his own steam’. But the tears were too many and the day had been long. As soon as he had the smaller figure upright he divested them both of their towels and scooped his lover up, placing him gently on the warm bed. Then flicked the reading lamp by their bed down to low and joined him.

They were lying nude, without foreign objects separating them for the first time in months. Xander spooned his smaller partner, relaxing into the welcome skin against skin feeling before realizing that Spike was still silently shedding tears. He began to stroke Spike’s arm gently. “Hey now sweetheart, hey shhhhh…. What’s up? Can you tell me? We had such a nice afternoon… got rid of the brace and then with the bubbles… What’s happened?... Please try to tell me… I love you so much… Is it something I did?”

Spike kept thinking of words but, was too upset and just could not seem to make them come… yet he owed it to Xander. He felt the touch, always so kind and loving, so he cried a little more tried to work the words to tell him… very, very slowly, how much he loved him, how it wasn’t his fault, how he still felt so frustrated by his slow recovery… He wanted so much to tell his Xan because he knew with his whole being, that this man.. ‘his Xan’ would wait while he told him. He wriggled a bit then rolled to face the beloved features and began, slurred and slow and despite his tears. Xander still held his partner close and stroked the arm. The Consort waited patiently as the words came.

“I…m…bahhh! [sob… hic…] I’m…..um… sssssooo [hic…. Xander stroked the beautiful face and encouraged him with an expectant smile] …. L…hmm…[rolls eyes in frustration and a tear drops] Hmmm… Ahhh pet!! [hic, stares directly into Xan’s good eye *willing* the words to come]… Love you soooo much ‘n....[game face emerges] bloody chair!... I’m… shamed…still useless …. Bloody chair…. [game face gone again] I…too slow!.... no good…. Love you sooo much…. Should… jus… stake…” He trailed off having made the longest speech since the accident and tears started anew. The wonderful, worthy, convalescing Master of Aurelius sobbed into his pillow.

“No…. honey! No! Oh god I should have known the chair was… Oh sweetheart, please, please look at me.” Teary, desperate blue eyes finally lifted from their hiding place. He cupped the chiseled features and kissed his Master Vampire firmly on the lips, forcing entry and sending adoration through the link. This time it was reciprocated, then was replaced by what could only be described as fear and self loathing. Spike pulled away and buried his face again.

As Xander collected his thoughts, he stroked over the still healing head, over the shoulder and down the pale torso a few times… on the third pass his hand ventured further down andhe realized something shocking. For a whole plethora of reasons, they had not been able to make love since before that fateful night. Spike’s back was still fragile and Xander figured ‘go slow’ to be the best option. He rolled Spike onto his back, kissed the cool lips then the chin then the throat… and worked his way down the now brace free torso… nipping each nipple then sucking it… attending both with such love that he heard their owner whimper a little. He stopped and lifted his head (and the covers with him) catching Spike’s attempted words… “Xaaa… Pllll… Ohh…Gnuuuu…FFFPleeeee…. Xaaaa…”

He licked down to his lover’s navel, swirled his tongue and was rewarded with a subtle lean into the pressure. His greatest joy however was when he scooted down further, pushed legs apart a little and dived to collect two fuzzy sacs in his mouth to the swirl of a tongue and hard suction.

The word “Yesss!” was heard clearly. By the time he had worked the semi interested member to a frenzy with enthusiastic ministrations, his ‘patient’ had found the words he needed, few but effective! And when Xander breached his tight ring of muscles with a well lubed finger and brought him to the edge. Xander swallowed against the hard flesh in his mouth, Spike screamed his full name then “F#$% Yeah!” to announce his first completion in ten weeks. Xander drank the evidence of their partnership and rejoiced as Spike pulled him up and *clearly* said “Thank you… Love you.”

Xander couldn't believe what he had heard... it was.... incredible... wonderful!

He didn’t bother to ‘finish’, it was enough to hold his sated and mending lover in his arms and enjoy the thought that things might just be OK in the end.

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