Exorcist of the Vampire (priest!Xander, R)
Title: Exorcist of the Vampire
Fandom: Buffyverse
Author: frk_werewolf
Rating: R for violence, demonic images, language, and mild sexuality
Pairings: unrequited!Spander, Willow/Tara (more may be added)
Summary: In the summer after 3rd Season Xander disappeared on his road trip, leaving nothing but a post card as explanation. Two years later he has returned with a mission granted by the Roman Catholic Church to stop evil before it can start.
Timeline: This is an AU from 3rd season on. Basically take the real plot of the story and remove Xander (and in turn Anya). The story picks back up at the beginning of Season Six.
Warning: Christian (specifically, the Roman Catholic denomination) ideals, demons, and priest!Xander
Resources: All information regarding the Roman Catholic religion is taken from the following: personal knowledge (I am Catholic, after all), the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, and various websites and books found on my bookshelf. Oh, and sometimes I gave in and asked my grandmother.
Notes on the Religious: This fic will deal with serious religious ideas. While I personally endorse the Church I do not expect everyone to understand or believe in everything this story presents. Mainly, the ideas/beliefs that may offend/annoy someone: Jesus Christ as the Savior, devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Saints, and the exorcism of demons/evil spirits from a home or person. This story also presents many falsehoods of the Church, which should not be taken literally.
Notes on the Spander: The Spander within this fic is very, very light and severed before it can develop. While I find the idea of priest!Xander and Spike doing naughty things kinky and fun, that’s not going to happen here. They are attracted to each other, naturally, but a priest is a priest.
Prologue
It was on a small post card in which the message was found. Willow had long ago memorized it, but she couldn’t bring herself to let it go. On one side was the image of a sunset over a dark mountain range that could have been the Rockies; on the other was Xander’s messy scrawl.
Willow,
Don’t worry about me… I think I’ve found a greater purpose. I can’t tell you what it is, but it’s not important. I hope I can see you again some day. I won’t make any promises. Tell the guys I’ll miss them. I love you, Willow. Never forget that. Please, don’t worry. I think for once I’m going to be just fine.
Love, Xander
Chapter One: Man in the Shadows
The town was dark and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A warm wind blew through the trees, bringing in the sea air from the west. Silence was broken by a shift of leaves, a cat darting between homes in search of an elusive mouse, and the steady echo of footsteps. A man dressed in all black walked down the empty street, head tilted to give him a perfect view of the pavement. The man only carried a small bag, which was slung over his shoulder. It bumped his hip with each step.
The darkness could seem oppressive to a stranger. This town wasn’t a normal town and the simplest of creatures could understand that. The man didn’t seem bothered by it, though whether it was because he was truly oblivious or because he knew more than a normal human did was uncertain. Spike had yet to decide whether he wanted to find out or not.
Spike watched the man through half-lidded eyes as his hands dug into his leather duster for a match. He didn’t know why he had bothered to even leave the crypt. Since Buffy had died the Hellmouth had been relatively quiet. Spike suspected it was the backlash of Glory’s portal to hell, but his theory was never spoken out loud. It wasn’t a good idea, as of late, to even mention the name of the Slayer around Willow or Dawn.
Not that Spike blamed them. He missed her, of course he did, but… It happened. She had died. There was nothing they could do about it and it was an insult on Buffy’s sacrifice to think otherwise. Not that Spike said that, either. Sometimes it was best to just skulk in the corner, if only to avoid being staked.
Spike sighed, pushing back that shot of pain that the memories of Buffy always produced, before returning to watching Sunnydale’s latest visitor. There was something familiar about the man, though Spike couldn’t exactly place it. Vampires had photographic memories, but those where only useful on the personalities that paid attention. Spike didn't have that sort of personality.
Unable to find something to light his cigarette, Spike chewed on its filter and began following the man. Spike kept an eye on the man for a good block or two, not paying particular attention to him and noting only absently that he seemed to stick to the shadows. It wasn’t until they reached the commercial section of Sunnydale that Spike noticed something very peculiar about the visitor.
He wore a priest’s collar. Spike wanted to laugh aloud at the site: Sunnydale attracting priests? The idea was absurd. Yet, the dark headed man was obviously a priest. While he carried himself with the gait of a warrior, he held within himself a sense of serenity that Spike had just noticed. Intrigued, Spike tossed his cigarette into a nearby trash bin before following the priest across the street.
Now under the lighting of store windows and neon signs, Spike was able to make out more of this strange person. He had lightly tanned skin, which contrasted with dark eyes and hair. He was broad shouldered and, despite the priest’s uniform, Spike could see a good development of muscles. Again, Spike had a feeling he had seen this man before, in this very town in fact.
Though, it was probably his imagination.
Spike’s mind melted into hunter mode, easily stepping behind anything that would hide his presence. It wasn’t truly necessary: the man never looked back and most of the stores were closed. Except for one, but it wasn’t too much of a shock to find the Magic Box open past midnight. Giles still owned the shop, but now the business was ran by Tara in his absence. The former Watcher had left for England no more than two months ago.
Spike spotted the priest make a beeline for the Magic Box. Fascinated by the idea of a priest shopping at a predominantly pagan store, Spike slipped into the alleyway and made his way through the back door. He walked through the back room, which was still filled with work out equipment despite there being no more Slayer to use it, and entered the front of the shop just as the priest stepped inside.
“Hey, Spike.” Willow greeted, barely glancing up from the large and dusty book in her lap.
“Looks like you forgot to close up again, Red.” Spike pointed out, jerking his head toward the front of the room. The priest was apparently ignoring him and instead inspecting one of the shelves. Willow jumped up, nearly dropping her book in the process, before managing to collect herself. Spike didn’t feel the amusement that he would have at one time. The redhead was obviously running herself ragged trying to take care of Dawn and help with patrolling. “Where’s Tara?”
“In storage.” Willow replied, walking toward the priest. The man looked up as she approached. “Hello-“
“Hey.” The priest’s voice was deep and soft. It felt like being wrapped in cotton. Spike gulped.
“Xander?” Willow sounded like someone had just kicked her puppy. Spike frowned and walked forward until he stood next to Willow. “Is that really you?”
“In the flesh.” A lopsided grin flashed, before disappearing. “Though, it’s Father Alexander now.”
“F-Father?” Willow squeaked.
“In a matter of speaking, but you guys can still call me Xander.” Xander glanced past Willow, his eyes meeting Spike’s. For a moment Spike thought the man was going to freak out, but Xander merely turned back to Willow
“Well, come sit down!” Willow ordered, sounding perky. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do mister! Like why you’re suddenly a priest, for example. I thought your family was Episcopalian.”
Xander walked over, sliding into one of the seats and setting his bag on the floor. Spike suddenly felt uncomfortable. There was a priest standing across from him, someone who was considered a follower of all that was holy or some such nonsense. It was the sort of person that vampires either avoided or targeted for a kill. Spike wasn't about to kill a friend Willow's. Spike watched him, leaning back against the counter as he tried to place the feeling of recognition.
“You’re the white knight.” Spike suddenly blurted out. “I knocked you unconscious a couple of years ago.”
“That’s right.” Xander said. He dragged his eyes up and down Spike’s body, smiling slightly. “Looks like Sunnydale has not been very nice to you. You look underfed, Spike. I would ask you what happened, but I already know.”
“Do you?” Spike countered.
“Yes.” Xander pulled his gaze away from Spike and scanned the room. He finally turned back to Willow. "It's good to see you again."
"You, too." Willow replied with a smile. It didn't really reach her eyes, but smiles usually didn't these days. "Do you have a place to stay? I'm sure Tara wouldn't mind if you stay with us."
"I'd like that, thank you." Xander said. Spike glared at the priest, trying to convey that if he attempted to hurt the witches or Dawn in any way he'd have to deal with the Big Bad. Xander glanced at him and raised an eyebrow in amusement.
Chapters are available in memories or tags
Fandom: Buffyverse
Author: frk_werewolf
Rating: R for violence, demonic images, language, and mild sexuality
Pairings: unrequited!Spander, Willow/Tara (more may be added)
Summary: In the summer after 3rd Season Xander disappeared on his road trip, leaving nothing but a post card as explanation. Two years later he has returned with a mission granted by the Roman Catholic Church to stop evil before it can start.
Timeline: This is an AU from 3rd season on. Basically take the real plot of the story and remove Xander (and in turn Anya). The story picks back up at the beginning of Season Six.
Warning: Christian (specifically, the Roman Catholic denomination) ideals, demons, and priest!Xander
Resources: All information regarding the Roman Catholic religion is taken from the following: personal knowledge (I am Catholic, after all), the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, and various websites and books found on my bookshelf. Oh, and sometimes I gave in and asked my grandmother.
Notes on the Religious: This fic will deal with serious religious ideas. While I personally endorse the Church I do not expect everyone to understand or believe in everything this story presents. Mainly, the ideas/beliefs that may offend/annoy someone: Jesus Christ as the Savior, devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Saints, and the exorcism of demons/evil spirits from a home or person. This story also presents many falsehoods of the Church, which should not be taken literally.
Notes on the Spander: The Spander within this fic is very, very light and severed before it can develop. While I find the idea of priest!Xander and Spike doing naughty things kinky and fun, that’s not going to happen here. They are attracted to each other, naturally, but a priest is a priest.
Prologue
It was on a small post card in which the message was found. Willow had long ago memorized it, but she couldn’t bring herself to let it go. On one side was the image of a sunset over a dark mountain range that could have been the Rockies; on the other was Xander’s messy scrawl.
Willow,
Don’t worry about me… I think I’ve found a greater purpose. I can’t tell you what it is, but it’s not important. I hope I can see you again some day. I won’t make any promises. Tell the guys I’ll miss them. I love you, Willow. Never forget that. Please, don’t worry. I think for once I’m going to be just fine.
Love, Xander
Chapter One: Man in the Shadows
The town was dark and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A warm wind blew through the trees, bringing in the sea air from the west. Silence was broken by a shift of leaves, a cat darting between homes in search of an elusive mouse, and the steady echo of footsteps. A man dressed in all black walked down the empty street, head tilted to give him a perfect view of the pavement. The man only carried a small bag, which was slung over his shoulder. It bumped his hip with each step.
The darkness could seem oppressive to a stranger. This town wasn’t a normal town and the simplest of creatures could understand that. The man didn’t seem bothered by it, though whether it was because he was truly oblivious or because he knew more than a normal human did was uncertain. Spike had yet to decide whether he wanted to find out or not.
Spike watched the man through half-lidded eyes as his hands dug into his leather duster for a match. He didn’t know why he had bothered to even leave the crypt. Since Buffy had died the Hellmouth had been relatively quiet. Spike suspected it was the backlash of Glory’s portal to hell, but his theory was never spoken out loud. It wasn’t a good idea, as of late, to even mention the name of the Slayer around Willow or Dawn.
Not that Spike blamed them. He missed her, of course he did, but… It happened. She had died. There was nothing they could do about it and it was an insult on Buffy’s sacrifice to think otherwise. Not that Spike said that, either. Sometimes it was best to just skulk in the corner, if only to avoid being staked.
Spike sighed, pushing back that shot of pain that the memories of Buffy always produced, before returning to watching Sunnydale’s latest visitor. There was something familiar about the man, though Spike couldn’t exactly place it. Vampires had photographic memories, but those where only useful on the personalities that paid attention. Spike didn't have that sort of personality.
Unable to find something to light his cigarette, Spike chewed on its filter and began following the man. Spike kept an eye on the man for a good block or two, not paying particular attention to him and noting only absently that he seemed to stick to the shadows. It wasn’t until they reached the commercial section of Sunnydale that Spike noticed something very peculiar about the visitor.
He wore a priest’s collar. Spike wanted to laugh aloud at the site: Sunnydale attracting priests? The idea was absurd. Yet, the dark headed man was obviously a priest. While he carried himself with the gait of a warrior, he held within himself a sense of serenity that Spike had just noticed. Intrigued, Spike tossed his cigarette into a nearby trash bin before following the priest across the street.
Now under the lighting of store windows and neon signs, Spike was able to make out more of this strange person. He had lightly tanned skin, which contrasted with dark eyes and hair. He was broad shouldered and, despite the priest’s uniform, Spike could see a good development of muscles. Again, Spike had a feeling he had seen this man before, in this very town in fact.
Though, it was probably his imagination.
Spike’s mind melted into hunter mode, easily stepping behind anything that would hide his presence. It wasn’t truly necessary: the man never looked back and most of the stores were closed. Except for one, but it wasn’t too much of a shock to find the Magic Box open past midnight. Giles still owned the shop, but now the business was ran by Tara in his absence. The former Watcher had left for England no more than two months ago.
Spike spotted the priest make a beeline for the Magic Box. Fascinated by the idea of a priest shopping at a predominantly pagan store, Spike slipped into the alleyway and made his way through the back door. He walked through the back room, which was still filled with work out equipment despite there being no more Slayer to use it, and entered the front of the shop just as the priest stepped inside.
“Hey, Spike.” Willow greeted, barely glancing up from the large and dusty book in her lap.
“Looks like you forgot to close up again, Red.” Spike pointed out, jerking his head toward the front of the room. The priest was apparently ignoring him and instead inspecting one of the shelves. Willow jumped up, nearly dropping her book in the process, before managing to collect herself. Spike didn’t feel the amusement that he would have at one time. The redhead was obviously running herself ragged trying to take care of Dawn and help with patrolling. “Where’s Tara?”
“In storage.” Willow replied, walking toward the priest. The man looked up as she approached. “Hello-“
“Hey.” The priest’s voice was deep and soft. It felt like being wrapped in cotton. Spike gulped.
“Xander?” Willow sounded like someone had just kicked her puppy. Spike frowned and walked forward until he stood next to Willow. “Is that really you?”
“In the flesh.” A lopsided grin flashed, before disappearing. “Though, it’s Father Alexander now.”
“F-Father?” Willow squeaked.
“In a matter of speaking, but you guys can still call me Xander.” Xander glanced past Willow, his eyes meeting Spike’s. For a moment Spike thought the man was going to freak out, but Xander merely turned back to Willow
“Well, come sit down!” Willow ordered, sounding perky. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do mister! Like why you’re suddenly a priest, for example. I thought your family was Episcopalian.”
Xander walked over, sliding into one of the seats and setting his bag on the floor. Spike suddenly felt uncomfortable. There was a priest standing across from him, someone who was considered a follower of all that was holy or some such nonsense. It was the sort of person that vampires either avoided or targeted for a kill. Spike wasn't about to kill a friend Willow's. Spike watched him, leaning back against the counter as he tried to place the feeling of recognition.
“You’re the white knight.” Spike suddenly blurted out. “I knocked you unconscious a couple of years ago.”
“That’s right.” Xander said. He dragged his eyes up and down Spike’s body, smiling slightly. “Looks like Sunnydale has not been very nice to you. You look underfed, Spike. I would ask you what happened, but I already know.”
“Do you?” Spike countered.
“Yes.” Xander pulled his gaze away from Spike and scanned the room. He finally turned back to Willow. "It's good to see you again."
"You, too." Willow replied with a smile. It didn't really reach her eyes, but smiles usually didn't these days. "Do you have a place to stay? I'm sure Tara wouldn't mind if you stay with us."
"I'd like that, thank you." Xander said. Spike glared at the priest, trying to convey that if he attempted to hurt the witches or Dawn in any way he'd have to deal with the Big Bad. Xander glanced at him and raised an eyebrow in amusement.
Chapters are available in memories or tags