Teascapes Epilogue
Hi guys,
I know I've been dead to the world for ages and ages, but sure enough as soon as exams roll around inspiration hits. This is the epilogue to Teascapes, which is finally complete, though probably now reader-less. I'll be going through the whole story and editing it in the near future (I hope). Anyone interested at all in hosting and/or archiving it somewhere that isn't lj?
It feels wonderful to have this done. Definitely a weight off my shoulders. And now I feel free to explore some shorter fics. I felt too guilty before - I'm one of those have-to-get-it-finished-before-I-start-something-new kinda gals.
Without further ado:
Parts 1-5
Parts 6-10
Parts 11-15
Parts 16-20
Parts 21-25
Parts 26-30
Parts 31-36
Part 37
Part 38
______________________________________
Xander thought it was cute that Spike still got jealous. Cute in that I-hope-he-doesn’t-follow-through-on-that-threat kind of way. So he watched on with amusement as Spike’s grin turned feral and he snapped a bit of fang at the three girls who had been giggling and smiling suggestively their way for the last twenty minutes or so. Really, chances were that the hair twirling and lip licking was probably directed at him not-at-all. In fact, he was fairly sure that the whole eat-you-alive-because-I’m-so-bad act that Spike was putting on was probably guaranteeing prolonged across-the-room flirtage with his vampire. Suddenly, Xander decided that now would be a great time to hit the d-floor. Boogie. Grind against Spike’s ass and maybe nibble on his neck a bit, just to remind everyone who belonged to whom around here. Because Spike was his. Xander stood up abruptly and walked up behind Spike, wrapping an arm around his waist and nuzzling his neck. He figured if this didn’t send the message loud and clear, nothing would. And that would mean that he would have to take drastic measures. Maybe of the slam-Spike-against-a-wall variety, with a bit of the make-out-with-Spike-like-tomorrow-is-another-Apocalypse thrown in. That would show everyone.
“That better be for me,” Spike growled, meeting Xander’s gaze. “Soul or no soul, so help me if you’re getting hard for those pre-pubescent tweens...”
“Shut up shut up shut up!” Buffy’s hands had flown up to cover Dawn’s ears, but she was too late. Dawn had a shit-eating grin on her face, and she looked pointedly down in the direction of Xander’s crotch, which was really directly at Spike’s crotch seeing as Xander was currently standing right behind him, acting as a shield against pervy pre-pubescent eyes.
“Gee Spike, looks like Xander’s not the only one that’s hrmph.” Dawn look accusingly at Buffy. “Lmph. Rmpher!”
“I’m not letting go until you solemnly swear to never, ever, ever, say the words Xander and hard in the same sentence again. Actually, in the same paragraph. No, wait. You are never, ever, ever to say the word hard at all, period. Or think it. And if I see you…”
“What’s hard?” Willow smiled brightly, eyes darting questioningly around the table as everyone but Buffy was reduced to giggling piles of goo. But not literally. Because that could happen. And it hadn’t. Xander silently thanked anyone that was in charge of anything Hellmouthy for that.
Spike smirked in that I’m-going-to-do-something-evil-or-at-least-very-very-naughty way and looked pointedly down at his lap, then winked at Willow. Who went red. As in of the fire-engine variety.
“Er. Um. So. Ah. I have pretty green fruity drinks with bendy straws and lemon slices that are full of sugar. And stuff.” She plonked into Xander’s recently vacated chair, pointedly not looking anywhere Spike-and-Xander related, and drank half of her drink in one go.
“You know Red, you only have to ask…” Spike winked lasciviously, his tongue snaking out to lick at his lips in a way that was suggestive of all the things Xander did not approve of when they did not involve him and a bed. Or couch. Or other supportive surface. Like the sink at Giles’ place, or Buffy’s antique armoire. And go him, because though he hadn’t been paying attention in class when they had learned the meaning of that two-dollar word, he had been listening very closely when Spike told him in detail exactly what it was that Xander was sitting on the edge of as Spike fucked him so hard that for days after he could still feel the bits where the handle had ground into his back. Xander shook his head and ignored Spike’s pointed teeth-licking as soon as he felt the twitch against his ass.
Willow meanwhile had gone even more red. Which was saying something. “Ask? Why would I ask? It’s not like I ever think of a Spike-and-Xander sandwich. Except in the totally platonic way, like when Spike wants pepperoni but Xander wants salami…” she trailed off. And got redder. Xander began to feel a bit concerned - what if her face melted? That would be very Hellmouthy. He wouldn’t put it past the fates or whatever else.
“I wouldn’t mind a bit of salami myself, actually,” Giles said somberly, glancing suspiciously at his plate of French fries.
Dawn started giggling first, and three seconds later Willow was laughing so hard that she slid off her seat and into a Willow-shaped pile on the floor, Buffy snorted and immediately tried to turn it into a cough. Xander wasn’t laughing. Because Spike was. Laughing that is. And that meant that he was vibrating. Hard. Right against Xander’s crotch. And Xander was totally going to move, because hello, accident just waiting to happen. Any moment now, he’d be moving away. Right. Maybe he’d do a countdown. Five - four- three- two- two and a half. Oh. He was going the wrong way. Oops.
Giles stared at everyone around the table in turn, then made a huffing sound that Xander privately thought sounded very much like an annoyed Buffy. Poor Giles, he was starting to show signs of Buffy-rubbage-offage. But not in that way. Dear gods, please not in that way! Xander jerked in the direction of the men’s room, ready to rinse his mouth, eyes, brain - everything - out with soap. Only then he remembered that the Bronze didn’t do soap in the men’s rooms.
Xander leaned his head against Spike’s shoulder instead. And he felt happy, apart from the Buffy-and-Giles thoughts that had somehow appeared in his mind. In fact, Xander thought generously, even if the Buffy-and-Giles thoughts were not his imagination, he would still be happier than he had ever thought possible. He hoped that everyone was too distracted by everything else to notice his private moment. He suddenly felt totally overwhelmed by everyone and everything. There was Buffy, whom he had had his doubts about, but who had turned out to be a better friend than he had ever guessed could be possible when she had bounced into his life with her shiny hair and her shiny teeth and her shiny personality. And Willow, who had been with him through absolutely everything, had held him and comforted him and loved him when no one else did. Giles, who complained a lot but had finally accepted that he was stuck here with these foster children. Who had finally accepted that he liked it that way. Dawnie - sweet, sweet innocent Dawnie who thought the sun shone out of Spike’s perfectly-rounded ass, whose giggle could wrench him from the foulest of moods, who had been perfecting Spike’s eyebrow lift with uncanny precision. And Spike himself. Spike was… he was everything. Xander suddenly realised that he was surrounded by quite probably the best people in the world. Well, people and un-people. It was as if this moment in time was just perfect, and he wrapped his arms tightly around his super-powered vampire and squeezed.
Spike looked up at him and smiled. Smile-smiled, not smirked or snarked or grinned wickedly. He understood it too. Xander turned around and waved playfully at the pouting girls who had finally gotten it - their table held no eligible bachelor-types. Just a couple of man-shaped Xander-and-Spikes. Or Spike-and-Xanders. And also possibly a Giles-and-Buffy, only he didn't want to think of that. Ever again. Unless he had to. Which he could totally deal with.
Xander felt a hand reach around to squeeze his thigh, then trace a heart on it. And he knew that this was forever. He was looking forever in the eye. And it was a pretty bright blue eye that winked at him and gave him a look that said I’m-going-to-pound-you-into-the-mattress-and-make-you-mine-again-as-soon-as-we-get-home. Xander was really good at recognising that look now.
***
Spike gathered Xander to him later that night, rubbed his nose against the scar that told the world that Xander was his - always his. He felt warm inside and out. He had his Xander-shaped electric blanket wrapped around him, his special imported-from-the-motherland Irish Breakfast tea sloshing comfortably in his belly… unlife was good. He almost thought perfect, only he knew better than to tempt fate that way. He wrapped his arms even tighter around the already sleeping human and relaxed.
It was funny, the way Spike couldn’t fall asleep unless Xander was facing the wall and his own back was to the door, just in case. Call it Hellmouth caution. Never know what could happen near Hell’s fire exit and all. No use pretending he wasn’t whipped and chained and bound and mated and anything else that meant totally and utterly in love with bloody Xander Harris. He started a bit when he thought of a bloody Xander, but after gently patting him down and reassuring himself that Xander was in one piece and not at all hurt, except in the good Spike-inflicted way, he decided it was time to sleep. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but somehow he thought that it didn’t matter anyway. He had everything he’d ever needed, and more importantly everything he had ever wanted, right here with him. For good.
_________________________________
Thanks to anyone who stuck by it.
I know I've been dead to the world for ages and ages, but sure enough as soon as exams roll around inspiration hits. This is the epilogue to Teascapes, which is finally complete, though probably now reader-less. I'll be going through the whole story and editing it in the near future (I hope). Anyone interested at all in hosting and/or archiving it somewhere that isn't lj?
It feels wonderful to have this done. Definitely a weight off my shoulders. And now I feel free to explore some shorter fics. I felt too guilty before - I'm one of those have-to-get-it-finished-before-I-start-something-new kinda gals.
Without further ado:
Parts 1-5
Parts 6-10
Parts 11-15
Parts 16-20
Parts 21-25
Parts 26-30
Parts 31-36
Part 37
Part 38
______________________________________
Xander thought it was cute that Spike still got jealous. Cute in that I-hope-he-doesn’t-follow-through-on-that-threat kind of way. So he watched on with amusement as Spike’s grin turned feral and he snapped a bit of fang at the three girls who had been giggling and smiling suggestively their way for the last twenty minutes or so. Really, chances were that the hair twirling and lip licking was probably directed at him not-at-all. In fact, he was fairly sure that the whole eat-you-alive-because-I’m-so-bad act that Spike was putting on was probably guaranteeing prolonged across-the-room flirtage with his vampire. Suddenly, Xander decided that now would be a great time to hit the d-floor. Boogie. Grind against Spike’s ass and maybe nibble on his neck a bit, just to remind everyone who belonged to whom around here. Because Spike was his. Xander stood up abruptly and walked up behind Spike, wrapping an arm around his waist and nuzzling his neck. He figured if this didn’t send the message loud and clear, nothing would. And that would mean that he would have to take drastic measures. Maybe of the slam-Spike-against-a-wall variety, with a bit of the make-out-with-Spike-like-tomorrow-is-another-Apocalypse thrown in. That would show everyone.
“That better be for me,” Spike growled, meeting Xander’s gaze. “Soul or no soul, so help me if you’re getting hard for those pre-pubescent tweens...”
“Shut up shut up shut up!” Buffy’s hands had flown up to cover Dawn’s ears, but she was too late. Dawn had a shit-eating grin on her face, and she looked pointedly down in the direction of Xander’s crotch, which was really directly at Spike’s crotch seeing as Xander was currently standing right behind him, acting as a shield against pervy pre-pubescent eyes.
“Gee Spike, looks like Xander’s not the only one that’s hrmph.” Dawn look accusingly at Buffy. “Lmph. Rmpher!”
“I’m not letting go until you solemnly swear to never, ever, ever, say the words Xander and hard in the same sentence again. Actually, in the same paragraph. No, wait. You are never, ever, ever to say the word hard at all, period. Or think it. And if I see you…”
“What’s hard?” Willow smiled brightly, eyes darting questioningly around the table as everyone but Buffy was reduced to giggling piles of goo. But not literally. Because that could happen. And it hadn’t. Xander silently thanked anyone that was in charge of anything Hellmouthy for that.
Spike smirked in that I’m-going-to-do-something-evil-or-at-least-very-very-naughty way and looked pointedly down at his lap, then winked at Willow. Who went red. As in of the fire-engine variety.
“Er. Um. So. Ah. I have pretty green fruity drinks with bendy straws and lemon slices that are full of sugar. And stuff.” She plonked into Xander’s recently vacated chair, pointedly not looking anywhere Spike-and-Xander related, and drank half of her drink in one go.
“You know Red, you only have to ask…” Spike winked lasciviously, his tongue snaking out to lick at his lips in a way that was suggestive of all the things Xander did not approve of when they did not involve him and a bed. Or couch. Or other supportive surface. Like the sink at Giles’ place, or Buffy’s antique armoire. And go him, because though he hadn’t been paying attention in class when they had learned the meaning of that two-dollar word, he had been listening very closely when Spike told him in detail exactly what it was that Xander was sitting on the edge of as Spike fucked him so hard that for days after he could still feel the bits where the handle had ground into his back. Xander shook his head and ignored Spike’s pointed teeth-licking as soon as he felt the twitch against his ass.
Willow meanwhile had gone even more red. Which was saying something. “Ask? Why would I ask? It’s not like I ever think of a Spike-and-Xander sandwich. Except in the totally platonic way, like when Spike wants pepperoni but Xander wants salami…” she trailed off. And got redder. Xander began to feel a bit concerned - what if her face melted? That would be very Hellmouthy. He wouldn’t put it past the fates or whatever else.
“I wouldn’t mind a bit of salami myself, actually,” Giles said somberly, glancing suspiciously at his plate of French fries.
Dawn started giggling first, and three seconds later Willow was laughing so hard that she slid off her seat and into a Willow-shaped pile on the floor, Buffy snorted and immediately tried to turn it into a cough. Xander wasn’t laughing. Because Spike was. Laughing that is. And that meant that he was vibrating. Hard. Right against Xander’s crotch. And Xander was totally going to move, because hello, accident just waiting to happen. Any moment now, he’d be moving away. Right. Maybe he’d do a countdown. Five - four- three- two- two and a half. Oh. He was going the wrong way. Oops.
Giles stared at everyone around the table in turn, then made a huffing sound that Xander privately thought sounded very much like an annoyed Buffy. Poor Giles, he was starting to show signs of Buffy-rubbage-offage. But not in that way. Dear gods, please not in that way! Xander jerked in the direction of the men’s room, ready to rinse his mouth, eyes, brain - everything - out with soap. Only then he remembered that the Bronze didn’t do soap in the men’s rooms.
Xander leaned his head against Spike’s shoulder instead. And he felt happy, apart from the Buffy-and-Giles thoughts that had somehow appeared in his mind. In fact, Xander thought generously, even if the Buffy-and-Giles thoughts were not his imagination, he would still be happier than he had ever thought possible. He hoped that everyone was too distracted by everything else to notice his private moment. He suddenly felt totally overwhelmed by everyone and everything. There was Buffy, whom he had had his doubts about, but who had turned out to be a better friend than he had ever guessed could be possible when she had bounced into his life with her shiny hair and her shiny teeth and her shiny personality. And Willow, who had been with him through absolutely everything, had held him and comforted him and loved him when no one else did. Giles, who complained a lot but had finally accepted that he was stuck here with these foster children. Who had finally accepted that he liked it that way. Dawnie - sweet, sweet innocent Dawnie who thought the sun shone out of Spike’s perfectly-rounded ass, whose giggle could wrench him from the foulest of moods, who had been perfecting Spike’s eyebrow lift with uncanny precision. And Spike himself. Spike was… he was everything. Xander suddenly realised that he was surrounded by quite probably the best people in the world. Well, people and un-people. It was as if this moment in time was just perfect, and he wrapped his arms tightly around his super-powered vampire and squeezed.
Spike looked up at him and smiled. Smile-smiled, not smirked or snarked or grinned wickedly. He understood it too. Xander turned around and waved playfully at the pouting girls who had finally gotten it - their table held no eligible bachelor-types. Just a couple of man-shaped Xander-and-Spikes. Or Spike-and-Xanders. And also possibly a Giles-and-Buffy, only he didn't want to think of that. Ever again. Unless he had to. Which he could totally deal with.
Xander felt a hand reach around to squeeze his thigh, then trace a heart on it. And he knew that this was forever. He was looking forever in the eye. And it was a pretty bright blue eye that winked at him and gave him a look that said I’m-going-to-pound-you-into-the-mattress-and-make-you-mine-again-as-soon-as-we-get-home. Xander was really good at recognising that look now.
***
Spike gathered Xander to him later that night, rubbed his nose against the scar that told the world that Xander was his - always his. He felt warm inside and out. He had his Xander-shaped electric blanket wrapped around him, his special imported-from-the-motherland Irish Breakfast tea sloshing comfortably in his belly… unlife was good. He almost thought perfect, only he knew better than to tempt fate that way. He wrapped his arms even tighter around the already sleeping human and relaxed.
It was funny, the way Spike couldn’t fall asleep unless Xander was facing the wall and his own back was to the door, just in case. Call it Hellmouth caution. Never know what could happen near Hell’s fire exit and all. No use pretending he wasn’t whipped and chained and bound and mated and anything else that meant totally and utterly in love with bloody Xander Harris. He started a bit when he thought of a bloody Xander, but after gently patting him down and reassuring himself that Xander was in one piece and not at all hurt, except in the good Spike-inflicted way, he decided it was time to sleep. He didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but somehow he thought that it didn’t matter anyway. He had everything he’d ever needed, and more importantly everything he had ever wanted, right here with him. For good.
_________________________________
Thanks to anyone who stuck by it.