Amends, Friendships and Moving On
AMENDS, FRIENDSHIPS AND MOVING ON CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Author: xandercordy1
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Spoilers: Takes place around Season 3 of Buffy and will go further
Summary: For all of those who probably don't remember this story, Spike comes back to Sunnydale during Amends to help Angel and ends up staying since he falls in love with Xander. It has been a very, very long time since I have updated this story and for that I am truly sorry. RL has been kicking ass and since we have moved I haven't been able to get the muse to kick in...can't understand why. However, I have gotten back into writing recently and have finished several more chapters of this story which I will posting as soon as I can. No promises when since every time I promise something goes wrong and I don't get it done. Let's just say as promptly as I can and leave it at that. Here is the next chapter.
Previous parts can be found Here
Xander stood next to the front of his car, watching as Jack approached, a menacing look on his face.
"Oh, gosh, Jack, man, are, are you okay?" he pointed at the bumpers. "I am really sorry about that. But your car came out of nowhere." Jack looked down at the damage and then back up at Xander. Nope, he's not gonna let this go.
"I was parked."
"Exactly. Look, I can cover the damages. I don't have insurance in the strictest sense of the word, but I have a little money. The important thing is that we're all right and we can work this out like two reasonable..." Xander's voice trailed off as Jack pulled out a large knife and held it up in front of him. "frontiersmen."
"Where do you want it?"
"What?" Xander couldn't believe his ears and he silently cursed Buffy. Yeah, having a knife pointed at you in a dark alley was sooo safe. Didn't Buffy know that he always managed to get himself into trouble?
"Where do you want it?"
"I'm fairly certain I don't want it at all, but, uh, thank you." Maybe if he were polite he could avoid a fight.
"Wow. Cool knife." Michelle sounded bored and a little impatient. Xander gave her a warning look and she rolled her eyes at him before walking back to the car.
"Yeah. Great knife. Although I think, uh, it may technically be a, a sword."
"She's called 'Katie'."
"You gave it a girl's name. How very serial killer of you." Xander turned to Michelle. "Listen, I think we should be going."
Jack reached around Xander with the knife and hooked it behind his ear, forcing Xander to look at him. Xander crossed his arms and stared at the boy.
"Remember how you called me a dickhead at school today? Well, guess what? Snyder isn't here and neither is your ex-girlfriend so they can't help you. Are you scared?" He traced the tip of the blade around Xander's neck and cheek waiting for an answer.
"Would that make you happy? Me being scared?"
"It would be a start."
"Oooh, I'm so scared of Jack the Tool and his girlfriend, Katie the Knife." Xander waved his hand as he mocked being scared.
"Joke all you want, Harris, but I know you're scared. Your woman looking on, you can't stand up to me? Don't you feel pathetic?" He traced the knife past Xander's mouth, back to his ear and around and down under his chin.
"That's not my girl, that's my cousin, Michelle. And I can and will stand up to you." Xander pushed the knife down and the boy backwards. "And mostly, I just felt Katie.
"You know what the difference between you and me is?
"I'm sane and you're not?"
"Fear. Who has the least fear. Let's see who can take who."
"And I suppose you think it's fair that you have the big, sharp knife and I..." Jack slapped the knife into his hand and stepped back, taunting him and trying to get Xander to fight.
"Come on."
"Whatever you want but I'm not using this." Xander threw Katie onto the ground and Jack gasped in horror, bending to get it. "Oh, come on. It's a thing, not a human." Jack picked the knife up, lovingly stroking it as he stood.
"You better be glad this isn't scratched." He gave the knife a kiss.
"That's just...weird. Do you have sex with it too cause that would be a neat trick."
"Xander, I wanna go for a drive. I'm bored." Xander sighed and faced the girl, lowering his guard. He realized it too late as Jack grabbed him and shoved him back onto the hood of the car.
"Oh, gee, I'm really sorry my life-and-death situation isn't exciting enough for you." Xander sarcastically answered his cousin as he struggled with Jack. Jack had the knife pointing at his neck, bearing down on him as Xander pushed it away, and Xander hoped he would get out of this alive so he could kill Michelle. Suddenly, a flashlight shone on both of them, causing them to turn and see the policeman that was heading their way.
"Hey!" Jack released Xander and quickly palmed the knife as the officer neared. He turned off his flashlight and stared at the two of them. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. Just rasslin'."
"O'Toole." The officer chuckled, recognizing Jack. "What a surprise." He flashed the light in Xander's face. "He attack you?" Xander looked at Jack, who was staring at the officer. Oh, yeah, he could get Jack put in jail but how wimpish would that seem...not to mention school yard tattling bad.
"No. Just blowing off steam." He grinned. "Two guys rasslin'. But not in a gay way, cause I would never be hooked up with---"
"Do it somewhere else, huh?" The officer turned and left as Xander shook his head.
"Did you not hear me? I would never be caught dead with him...I have a gorgeous blonde at home!" Remembering that Jack was standing behind him with a knife, Xander turned around ready to fight. Instead, Jack was smiling and Xander was suddenly very confused.
"What?"
"That was all right. Could've narc'd on me. Didn't do it. That's decent of you. I like you."
"Yay?"
"You two wanna have some fun?" He gestured towards Michelle who smiled and waved.
"Like, with driving?"
"Like, you're driving me crazy!" Xander yelled at her as Jack told her yeah. Xander saw the broad grin appear on her face and shook his head, giving in.
"What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I was on my way to get the boys. Gonna cruise around." He checked out Xander's Chevy. "We'll take your wheels."
"What about your car?"
"It ain't mine." Jack walked over to Xander's car, opening the door and letting Michelle in the middle before getting in. Xander sat down, closing the door. Maybe after picking up a few guys, Michelle could at least get a date with one of them.
"Great. Where to?"
"Gonna get the boys!"
"Yeah. So, where're the boys?
"Go down the road, take the first left." Xander nodded and pulled into traffic, hoping he wasn't making the biggest mistake of his life in agreeing to hang out with Jack O'Toole.
*******************************************************
Spike and Angel entered the library finding Willow and Buffy reading books while Giles moved around in his office.
"Hey, Angel what are you..."
"Buffy, have you guys figured out how bad this thing is going to be?"
"Another apocalypse. Yeah, we're researching it now." Buffy tried to snuggle but Angel was intent on keeping on top of the situation.
"I don't think you understand how bad this is going to get."
"Believe me, Giles made sure I understood. Angel, we'll get through it, just like we always do." Before Angel could reply, Oz began to growl from his cage.
"He's cranky." Willow told the two vampires as Buffy returned to her seat, a pout on her face. Spike rolled his eyes at her. Even though he had come to like the girl, for Angel and Xander's sake of course, he couldn't help but feel that if she didn't have Angel and her friends watching her back she would have died a long time ago. Had died in fact, but his boy had saved her. The same boy that she felt was unworthy to help her in this fight. Anger began to build inside him. He didn't like leaving Xander out of the loop. Not only had it hurt Xander's feelings and caused trouble between the two of them, but Spike felt Xander deserved better treatment from his friends. If the boy was strong enough to stand up to Angelus and willing to fight the Master and had enough heart to not give up on Buffy when everyone else had, then they shouldn't be giving up on him.
"It's a good night for it." Buffy told Willow, bringing Spike out of his thoughts.
"Can't dogs sense when there's an earthquake and they bark? Or cows lie down or something?" Willow was nervous.
Yes, and vampires can feel things, too and I'm telling you this is gonna get bad."
"Sisterhood of Jhe," Buffy read, ignoring Angel's comment. "Race of female demons, fierce warriors-eww-celebrate victory in battle by eating their foes. What? They couldn't just pour Gatorade on each other?"
"Buffy this isn't the time to be glib." Angel told her as Giles came out of his office, muttering to himself.
"Wouldn't even take my calls, the idiots."
"Must be talking about the Council." Spike scoffed.
"Yes, they seem to feel this apocolypse is overrated." Giles turned to the girls. "Anything useful in the books?"
"Not wildly." Buffy closed hers as Willow reached for another.
"We still have the books of Pherion to go through."
"I'm getting itchy feet, Giles. We don't turn up something soon I'm gonna hit the streets. Maybe check out Willy's."
"I say we do that now. We'll find out more from the nasties in this town than from any book." Spike told them.
"Where are you going?" Willow asked Giles, who was gathering up his briefcase.
"Um, to try and contact the spirit guides. They exist out of time, but have no knowledge of the future. I have no idea if they will respond to my efforts, but I have to try. All we know is that the fate of the entire world rests on it." Giles stopped at the table, glancing down at the box of doughnuts. "I think I'll take...did you eat all the jellies?"
"Did you want a jelly?" Buffy asked, both she and Willow trying to appear innocent.
"I always have a jelly. I'm always the one who says 'Let's have jelly in the mix'."
"We're sorry. Buffy had 3." Willow pointed at her friend.
"I don't remember Giles saying that. Do you remember him saying that thing about the jellies, Willow?" Buffy asked.
"No matter. If Xander makes another run-"
"No. Xander's out of this. He nearly got himself killed last time we fought. I don't want him anywhere near this and I think it will be easier for us to fight if we know he's safe and out of the way." Buffy's tone was firm.
"Has anyone bothered to ask Xander how he feels about being left out?"
"Spike, I love Xander and I'm not going to let him get hurt just to spare his feelings."
"Right, as opposed to all the other times he's risked his life to help you."
"This is different."
"How? Cause it's some big, bad evil thing? And the Master was what? A mewling kitten?"
"Spike," Angel warned but the younger vampire wasn't finished yet.
"And Angelus, Drusilla and myself - we weren't called the 'Scourge of Europe' for nothing, you know. Hell, I had already killed two slayers and yet no one minded Angel offering the boy to me on a platter. Even if it was a lame arsed attempt to trick me, Xander was right in the heart of the battle. And none of you seemed to mind letting Xander watch over the slayer when she was in hospital, knowing that Angelus would probably show up, which he did. Xander had to face him down alone. Where was your concern then?" Buffy stood up, her chair clattering to the floor.
"Do you really want Xander taking a risk with his life? Wasn't it you who jumped my ass over him getting hurt the first time we fought these things?"
"It was, but I wasn't there at his side. I would be in this battle and that's the difference. Also, I think he's perfectly capable of handling himself and so does Angel. We think it's a mistake to leave him out of this."
"Oh, we do, do we?" Buffy asked, looking at her boyfriend. "Well, this is my fight and I say who fights and Xander's out of this."
"Please, you two, let's just put this issue aside and deal with the matter at hand. Since Xander is already out of this there's no reason to drag him into it now. Angel, Spike, while I'm doing the ritual why don't you two talk to the other demons - see if they've heard anything. Buffy can go to Willy's and Willow you continue to research and watch over Oz."
"Good idea," Angel grabbed Spike's arm, pulling the vampire out the door before he could put up a fight. Once outside, Angel sighed and turned to Spike. "You really like to argue don't you?"
"Just taking up for my boy."
"Did you have to drag me into it?"
"Slayer whipped, ponce."
"You are so annoying, you peroxide menace."
"That's why I'm your favorite childe." Spike retorted, both of them beginning to smile as they made their way out into the night.
"I have to agree with Buffy on one thing. I'm surprised you want Xander fighting in this battle. I know you can feel how bad it's going to get so I would think you would be happy that he's not going to be anywhere near it."
"I'm afraid he'll end up getting himself into more trouble out there than he would with me. At least when he's with me I can watch out for him."
"Or get distracted and get yourself killed. How do you think Xander would feel if that happened?"
"Maybe you're right. Still, I hate to see Xander so upset - so down on himself. He needs confidence."
"I get that, Spike but he has to be alive in order to get it and to show it to everyone else."
"That's the problem. His friends don't appreciate the courage he has shown already and I don't think they'll ever really appreciate Xander until it's too late."
"I've got a feeling with you around, Xander will live long enough for them to come around."
"Got that right."
*******************************************************
Xander walked through Restfield Cemetary, following the other boys. Ever since Xander had agreed to take Jack to meet 'his boys' they had been raising the dead. Melissa had run off screaming after the first one and Xander was sure he would have a lot of explaining to do to Uncle Rory, if he was sober. He was just passing a crypt when he heard something. He followed the noise, a cool wind whipping around him as he came upon Giles.
"Hey Giles, what's going on?" Xander put the stake back into his pocket. "You doing a spell?"
"Oh, uh, I was just trying to gain access to the Spirit Guides."
"How's that working out for you?"
"Not going as well as I'd hoped, I'm afraid. What are you doing wandering around out here by yourself?" Xander gestured towards the car where Jack and his friends stood.
"Oh, we were just raising, ummm...some heck." Xander really didn't want to get a lecture from Giles on hanging out with the living dead who were not Angel or Spike.
"Xander! Let's go!" Jack yelled.
"Is that Jack O'Toole?" Giles seemed worried. "Xander, judging from what I've heard about that boy, I don't think he and his friends are the most suitable people to be hanging around with."
"Look, Giles, you can keep me out of whatever you guys are doing tonight but don't start telling me who I can hang out with especially when the friends I usually hang out with are the ones who pushed me out here in the first place." When Giles gave him a confused look, Xander amended, "Just save the lectures for now. Put them on audio tape and I'll listen to them later."
"Yes, of course." Giles was busy now and Xander knew he hadn't even heard what he was saying.
"Over and over again until I memorize every word..."
"Xander! Motor!" Jack was getting impatient now.
"Sounds good," Giles said absentmindedly.
"And I'll recite them back to you, while hopping on my left foot and staking ten vampires at once."
"Good plan." Giles was staring at the crypt and Xander grabbed him by the arms and turned him so they were standing face to face.
"Stop and listen to me for one second, Giles. Do. You. Need. My. Help?"
"Oh, no. Thank you. Probably best if you stay clear of this - even if it is with O'Toole." Giles had his attention on the crypt again. "There's something different about this menace. Something in the air - the stench of death."
"Yeah, I think it's Bob."
"We may all be called upon to fight when it happens."
"When what happens exactly?" Maybe since Giles wasn't paying attention, he might slip up and tell Xander something about what was going on.
"I've got to go. Hopefully, we shall have time to prepare. All we need is a few weeks." Giles started to walk away but turned with a warning. "Xander -" he glanced at the boys, "do try to be careful."
"You, too." Xander watched Giles leave before he went to the car. If no one was going to fill him in or even pay attention to what he was saying, he'd have his own fun. He headed down the road, the boys talking.
"Let's go pick up some girls, man. We'll hang out at Taco Bell, get some girls, go cruise around," Dave said.
"I want to bake a cake." Dickie protested.
"Hey, we need to get some beers, though." Bob stated.
"I can't believe you got shot, man. Was it them Jackals?" Dave asked.
"Are you kidding?" Jack turned to stare at his friends in the back seat. "We wiped them out after they threw you off the bridge."
"Oh, man. You guys are the best man. The best. I mean that."
"There's a liquor store." Bob pointed out. "Little Armenian guy runs the place? He had a gun behind the counter. Hey, we should go kick his ass. Yeah!" Bob yelled and Xander sped up, passing the liquor store as the other protested.
"I'm not killing anyone or letting you do that. But hey, if you guys want me to drop you off somewhere else, that's...." Jack patted Xander's leg.
"Nah. You're with us now. I like your spunk."
"Yeah, you on the team now, baby. Whoo-hoo!" Dave put his hands on each side of Xander's face and disgusted, Xander pushed them away while Bob began to whine.
"What're we gonna do then?"
"Well, I've heard some interesting suggestions, but I'm gonna have to go with Dickie's. Let's bake a cake." Everybody began to yell and Xander seemed surprised.
"I never took you guys for the 'Betty Crocker' types." Everybody but Xander laughed.
"Good one, Xander. You're a real comedian." Jack told him as Xander drove down the road, wondering exactly what he had gotten himself into.
*******************************************************
Buffy ran into the mansion, yelling for Angel. She had been terrified ever since she had left Willy's. When she had gotten there, she had found the bar a wreck and Willy not looking much better. He had told her these demons were after her, Angel and Spike and she was horrified at the thought of losing Angel again.
"Buffy- what's wrong?" Angel was hit with an armful of slayer and he held the trembling girl while Spike looked on.
"I was - I was at Willy's and he told me these demons were going to open the Hellmouth tonight."
"Buffy, we knew they were going to open..."
"But not this soon...not before we knew what we were facing. And that's not all, Angel. They're looking for you guys...and me. They told Willy nothing was going to stop them from opening the Hellmouth, not even us.
"We will. Spike has already called Willow-she and Giles are going to do a binding spell from the Hebron's Almanac. It should help us long enough to...."
"What if it doesn't? What if something happens to you?" Buffy was clinging to Angel as if he were the last life raft on a sinking ship.
"I'm going into the other room. Grab some weapons and get them ready while you calm the slayer down."
"Thanks, Spike." Angel gave him a grateful look over Buffy's shoulder and Spike left, not wanting to hear the girl's dramatics. He wandered through the room, picking out the sharpest objects and the ones that would do the most damage while wondering where Xander was. He had hoped the boy would be home when they returned, but no such luck. Spike had a bad feeling about this and for the 50th time he cursed the fact that he had gone along with the Slayer's plans instead of staying with Xander. He would much rather be with Xander or have Xander at his side in this battle than have him off on his own doing hell knew what.
*******************************************************
"Stop here, Xander." Jack pointed at the hardware store. Xander pulled over, wondering what the other boys were up to. They all got out, Jack turning back for a moment.
"You stay here and keep the motor running."
"This time of night, I'm pretty sure nothing's open." Xander was saying just as Bob threw a trash can through the plate glass window. "But they're always open for crime." Xander watched them climb into the store, starting to freak out. "Okay, now I'm involved in crime. I can handle psychos with knives, boring cousins, even zombies but I cannot handle being a part of the criminal element. Having a car sure is cool." Xander made fun of himself. "That's it. I'm walking from now on. Nothing good ever comes from...." Xander stopped, hearing Willow's voice.
"Thank you. Sorry to wake you." Willow was at the magic store across the street. Xander got out of the car, not wanting Willow to know he was aiding and abetting in crime but wanting to talk to her. He didn't like the idea of Willow wandering the streets alone after dark.
"Will!" Willow approached, a surprised expression on her face.
"Xander, what are you doing here?"
"Nothing. Certainly not crime." Xander laughed nervously. Wh-What about you? Why are you out here all by yourself?"
"It's not that far from school and Giles was busy. We needed supplies for a protection spell. Spike called from Angel's. It's happening tonight." A knot of fear began to twist in Xander's stomach.
"And that thing that's happening would be?"
"I-I can't stay. Giles needs this." Willow scampered away, running back to embrace him. "I love you, Xander. Remember that." She ran off, leaving him in shock. If Willow was acting this way - something really, really bad was going down. This wasn't the usual mayhem, this was much worse. A fierce look of determination crossed Xander's face. He had played along with Buffy's plans long enough. If Willow, Spike's or anyone else's life was going to be at risk - then he was damn well going to help.
"Okay, that's it. I'm gonna-" Xander turned, running smack dab into Jack.
"Where are you going?"
"Where I'm needed. Something's just come up and-"
You're gonna bail on me, is that it?" Before Xander could answer the others came out, throwing bags of stuff into Xander's car.
"We got cake mix. Where you wanna bake it?" Dickie asked.
"Xander's looking to leave." Jack told them.
"Not looking - I am, so if you want your stuff-"
"No way." Bob yelled, the others rushing over. "We need a wheel man."
"Call a taxi." Xander tried to push past but they stopped him.
"I know what this is about. Xander doesn't feel like he's a part of the group."
"No, my friends need my help."
"He doesn't feel like part of the group because he hasn't been initiated. Do you think he's ready?"
"I think he's earned his stripes." Dickie voted, putting his arm around Xander's shoulders. "I say we let him in, boys."
"Look, no hard feelings but I really don't have time for this."
"Is that the real reason or is it because you're afraid of the initiation?"
"Stealing stuff - no big whoop."
"Not stealing, Xander. Dying." Jack pulled out Katie, holding it in front of Xander.
"Not Katie again." Xander sighed. "All right guys, let's just talk about this." Xander was trying to figure out how to get away from three zombies and a psycho redneck with a knife.
"You want to be part of the gang now, don't you?" Jack asked.
"Did I say that? And even if I did, I'm not dying to be in the gang if you get the, um, the pun there."
"What, are you-are you too good to be dead?" Bob grabbed his collar, pulling Xander towards him. "You got a problem with dead people?"
"No. I happen to live with two vampires one of which I'm dating."
"Cool." Dickie nodded approvingly.
"Besides, what about Jack? Jack's not dead." Jack raised his shirt and Xander saw the bullet holes in his stomach and chest.
"Drive by three weeks ago."
"Oh, boy." Xander sighed, wondering how the hell he always managed to get him into situations like this.
"Grandpappy found my body. I wasn't gone but 10 minutes before he raised me."
"Guess that's why your name wasn't on the obit list at school."
"It's a rush, man."
"Let's kill Xander. It'll be fun." Dickie cheered and Dave nodded.
"Yeah, man. You could be a full-fledged member."
"Come on, Xander." Jack approached Xander, knife waving in front of him while Bob and Dave held him. "Take it like a man." Xander was becoming pissed now.
"All right! Enough!" Jack backed up, seemingly surprised by Xander's outburst. "You guys have had your fun but you forgot about one thing."
"What's that?" Bob asked, letting go of Xander."
"Hello? Dating a vampire. If I wanted to be dead I'd let him kill me!"
"Him?" Now Dickie was backing up too. "You're gay? That's disgusting."
"This coming from a zombie who has bad breath and smells anything but April fresh?" Xander elbowed him before punching Bob in the stomach. He tried to make a run for the car but it was blocked so he ran the other way, jumping the chain gate at the outdoor cafe. Finding himself surrounded, Xander leapt over a table onto a wall, making a dash for his car. He hopped into it, put it in gear and sped off, leaving the four zombies yelling obscenities at him.
After a few minutes, Xander looked behind him, making sure he had lost them. He sighed in relief. "I'd say that's pretty much enough excitement for one evening. Time to go home." Xander rounded a corner and saw Faith getting her ass kicked by one of the demons from earlier. "Or not." Xander saw Faith get shoved into a fence. The slayer kicked out, knocking the demon backwards. Xander sped up, intent on taking out the demon with the car.
"Faith, watch out!" The girl watched as Xander plowed into the demon, knocking it to the ground. He quickly backed up. "Get in!" Faith hopped into the back seat and Xander took off, the demon following on foot. "Glad this thing's a convertible."
"Thanks for the assist, Xan." Faith moved into the front. "Those demons are wicked."
What were you doing fighting alone? Where's everybody else?"
"Who knows? They just told me to meet them at the library in an hour or so-so I thought I'd do some recon until then."
"I'll take you to the libarary if-"
"Nah, turn here." Xander did as instructed. "My motel's a coupla blocks away. I need to fix my arm-the bitch dislocated my shoulder." Faith gave directions to Xander and they sped into the parking lot. "Better get inside in case we were followed."
"But-"
"Xan, I need help with my arm." Xander nodded and ran inside with Faith. Once inside, he busied himself looking out the windows, trying hard not to see the bed where-no, he wasn't going to go there.
"So, you think demon mama really followed us?"
"No, we're cool. I just need you to help me put my shoulder back in place. Hold me." Xander walked over, not certain where to put his hands. Faith grabbed his arm, placing his hand on her left shoulder. She grabbed Xander's collar with her right arm and pushed her shoulder into his hand. Xander flinched, hearing Faith's gasp of pain and the bones popping back into place.
"You okay?" Faith moved her shoulder, testing it out.
"That's better. She got me really wound up. A fight like that and no kill," Faith started to rub Xander's chest where his shirt had come unbuttoned. "I'm about ready to pop."
"Whoa, slow down." Xander put his hand on Faith's, stopping her motions.
"I was thinking more fast and furious." Faith slid her hand down to cup Xander through his jeans. Xander stepped back with a glare.
"How about come to a screeching halt. Look, Faith, I didn't come in here for this. I came to help you with your shoulder and that's it. I'm with Spike." Xander turned to leave but Faith grabbed him, pushing him into the wall before kissing him.
"You wanted to help a friend out so fuck me before I pop."
"Faith, I told you--"
"Spike's had me...I'm sure he won't mind you having a turn. Come on Xander, share, share, that's fair."
"No, no sharing." Xander tried to push her away but he was no match for slayer strength.
"Just relax, Xander." Faith pulled his shirt and jacket off, then held his face so she could give him another kiss. When she was done, she threw him onto the bed. Before Xander could move, she hopped onto him, straddling him.
"Faith, stop. I'm not gonna do this, especially here." Xander hated being on the bed - the same one. "I'm not turned on in the least cause I love-"
"Spike, yeah, right. Bet I can make you hard in no time." Faith ground her hips against Xander, holding him down and biting him on the chest, giving him a hickey. "I'll steer you around - son of a bitch!" Faith had been taking off her shirt and Xander, finding his arms free, had picked up a nearby lamp and smashed it across her head, before pushing her off the bed. Faith fell onto the floor, the shirt she had been taking off wrapped around her head. As Faith sat up, struggling with her shirt, Xander grabbed his clothes, hurrying towards the door. He managed to get the door halfway open when Faith slammed it shut, elbowing him in the mouth. Xander fell to the ground, blood pouring from his lip. "That wasn't very nice of you, Xan."
"Yeah, well neither is attempted rape." Xander glared and Faith shrugged, backing away. Xander waited until there was enough space between her and the door before he went over and opened it.
"Don't worry, Xan, it's cool. I won't try and force you when there are plenty of guys out there that's eager to take your place."
"That's exactly what you were trying to do...force me."
"No, you got it all wrong. It was just a game."
"Well, I don't play games with anyone but Spike."
"Can't blame you. Spike is great in bed." Faith stretched dreamily, showing off her breasts. "Hey, you see him send him on over. He's probably dying for a real fuck by now."
"I take care of him. Besides, I don't think you'll want to be near Spike for a while. He finds out about this, he'll fuck you over but not in the way you want him to."
"You're gonna go running back to your little boyfriend and tell him about big, bad Faith? God, Xander I thought you had more balls than that. Just remember, he comes after me and I stake him don't blame me."
"Don't threaten Spike, Faith. You touch him and I'll--"
"Do what? Kill me? You can't take care of yourself much less Spike. The best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut about the whole thing." Faith turned and headed into the bathroom as Xander shut the door behind him. Once outside, he donned his clothes before going to his car. He stared up at the sky, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. Xander knew that Spike had already killed two slayers but there was nothing personal involved when he did it. It was just vampire killing slayer...bragging rights. This was totally different. What if Spike went after Faith and she tricked him...took his mind off his fighting by taunting Spike about what she had done to him? And if Spike killed Faith wouldn't Buffy feel obligated to kill Spike? Xander couldn't stand the thought of lying to Spike but the idea of Spike and Buffy in a fight to the death terrified Xander because no matter who won, he would lose someone he loved.
"Best to keep quiet. It's over - done. Nothing really happened. No harm, no foul." Xander said aloud, trying to convince himself and not realizing he had a hickey on his chest. It was during this time he noticed the bags in the back of the car and curious, he pulled one up front to open it. Kerosine, batteries, wires. "Hey! They're not baking any cake. They're building a bomb. And why didn't pseudo soldier catch that one?" Xander started up the car and sped back to the hardware store hoping the zombies would still be there. He pulled up out front and glanced inside. They were gone.
"Long gone. Probably loaded with supplies. Got to think. Okay, bombs. Already-dead guys with bombs. Where would they go?" Xander tried to figure it out, but became frustrated. "Oh, man, I'm out of my league. Spike and Angel will know what to do." Xander headed towards the mansion, hoping they were there.
*******************************************************
"I don't know what to do." Buffy repeated, causing Spike to pace the floor. The slayer was a basket case and Angel wasn't much better. He walked across the room, smoking a cigarette out of sight in the darkened kitchen, watching the drama unfold.
"Then let me decide for you. I can face this thing-"
"You can't, Angel."
"Look, I can at least buy you enough time for Willow and Giles' spell to bind it."
"You mean us mate." Spike said, but neither one was paying attention to him. Is this how Xander felt?
"Buffy, this is worse than anything we've ever faced. Honey, it's the only way."
"I can't watch you die again." Angel reached out and touched Buffy's cheek, tears in his eyes as he wiped hers away.
"I love you."
"I love you too, Angel."
"Nothing can change that. Not even death." Buffy gasped, stepping back and knocking Angel's hand away.
"Don't talk to me like that! You may be ready to go but I am not ready to lose you. Okay, this is my fight and if you won't do it my way, then you're-" Buffy's words were cut off by a loud clearing of the throat. All three of them turned to see Xander standing in the doorway.
"Hey. I've got this um...There's this, uh," Xander laughed nervously. "It's probably a bad time to uh...where's Spike?"
"Right here, luv." Spike stepped out of the shadows and headed for his boy. As he got closer, he saw the bloody lip and the torn clothes. "What the bloody hell have you been up to?"
"Let's talk outside." Xander started towards the stairs and stopped, turning to look at Buffy and Angel. "Can I help?" They both shook their heads. "Okay." Xander took Spike's hand and led him outside. Once outside, Spike spun Xander around to look at him.
"You never answered my question."
"Spike, what's going down and don't tell me nothing. Giles was talking to some kind of spirits earlier, Willow was hugging me and acting like she'd never see me again and now Buffy and Angel are in there fighting, talking about dying and crying. If this thing is that bad-"
"It's bad but they're being stupid. Angel's always been a drama queen and I guess the slayer is too. Fuck, they're acting like one or the other has to face whatever comes out of the Hellmouth alone. We have two vampires, two slayers, a witch and a watcher - we'll manage. Now tell me what happened to you."
"Kinda long story."
"Xander, tell me before I get testy."
"Okay. After you guys left the Bronze, I was going to take Michelle home and I had a fender bender."
"What?! That's it! No more bloody cars...no more driving for-"
"No need to worry about that, Spike. I'm turning in my keys after tonight. It wasn't a big deal, since I was only pulling out of the parking space but then Jack O'Toole was there, shoving Katie into my face and wanting to kill me-"
"Hold up. Who is Katie and this Jack bloke?"
"Jack's a bully from school and Katie's his big, old knife. Can you believe he named it? How psychotic is that?"
"Xander, just tell me the story." Spike listened intently as Xander filled him in on his night, omitting Faith.
"So now I'm trying to figure out where they'd go and what they'd be likely to bomb."
"Uh-huh. And why is that?" Xander seemed surprised by Spike's question.
"So I can stop them, duh."
"And how are you planning on stopping four zombies with a bomb all by yourself?"
"I don't know. I'll figure that out once I find them. Kinda play it by ear I guess." Spike pulled Xander close.
"You are not going after them."
"Spike, I have to. If they blow up something and somebody gets hurt, it'll be my fault."
"How does your brain come up with that kind of logic?"
"Because I was the one who gave Jack a ride to raise his dead friends, drove them to the hardware store so they could break in and get the stuff - God, how stupid am I? Thinking they were actually going to bake a cake." Spike tried not to laugh, but he couldn't help it. "You're thinking very aren't you?"
"Xander, you're not stupid. You're young, naive and sometimes you have a tendencey to wear blinders where people's motives are concerned but you're not stupid."
"I still have to stop them."
"Don't suppose I can talk you out of this?" Xander shook his head. "Then I'm coming with you."
"No. Spike you have to help our friends. I can do this."
"You can also get yourself killed. No fucking way am I going to let that happen." Spike saw that Xander was about to protest and he put his finger to the boy's mouth, careful not to hurt him. "Do you honestly think I could be of any use to the others when I'd be worrying about you?"
"Like I haven't been worried about you all night."
"When did you find the time?" Spike teased, making Xander smile.
"I always worry about you. You're always up here," Xander tapped his head, "and in here." Xander pointed at his chest.
"Same here, luv." Spike gave Xander a gentle peck on the lips, something niggling at the back of his mind. "Xander how did you get this busted lip?"
"Gotta expect injuries when you're fighting four zombies who want to kill you." Xander answered, skirting the question. Spike seemed suspicious and Xander decided to change the subject. "So what are we going to do?" Spike thought for a moment.
"Need a lift to the school. We can take the long way, cruise around, see if we spot your zombie friends."
"Good idea...and they're not my friends."
"Whatever you say, luv." Spike swatted Xander on the ass before sticking his head into the doorway of the mansion. "Whelp's gonna drive me to the school. We have something to do before I get there."
"Be there in half an hour, Spike. We need you."
"Said I'd be there...I'll be there." Spike took Xander's hand and led him to the car, ignoring Buffy's warnings to keep Xander out of what was happening.
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Author: xandercordy1
Disclaimer: See first chapter
Spoilers: Takes place around Season 3 of Buffy and will go further
Summary: For all of those who probably don't remember this story, Spike comes back to Sunnydale during Amends to help Angel and ends up staying since he falls in love with Xander. It has been a very, very long time since I have updated this story and for that I am truly sorry. RL has been kicking ass and since we have moved I haven't been able to get the muse to kick in...can't understand why. However, I have gotten back into writing recently and have finished several more chapters of this story which I will posting as soon as I can. No promises when since every time I promise something goes wrong and I don't get it done. Let's just say as promptly as I can and leave it at that. Here is the next chapter.
Previous parts can be found Here
Xander stood next to the front of his car, watching as Jack approached, a menacing look on his face.
"Oh, gosh, Jack, man, are, are you okay?" he pointed at the bumpers. "I am really sorry about that. But your car came out of nowhere." Jack looked down at the damage and then back up at Xander. Nope, he's not gonna let this go.
"I was parked."
"Exactly. Look, I can cover the damages. I don't have insurance in the strictest sense of the word, but I have a little money. The important thing is that we're all right and we can work this out like two reasonable..." Xander's voice trailed off as Jack pulled out a large knife and held it up in front of him. "frontiersmen."
"Where do you want it?"
"What?" Xander couldn't believe his ears and he silently cursed Buffy. Yeah, having a knife pointed at you in a dark alley was sooo safe. Didn't Buffy know that he always managed to get himself into trouble?
"Where do you want it?"
"I'm fairly certain I don't want it at all, but, uh, thank you." Maybe if he were polite he could avoid a fight.
"Wow. Cool knife." Michelle sounded bored and a little impatient. Xander gave her a warning look and she rolled her eyes at him before walking back to the car.
"Yeah. Great knife. Although I think, uh, it may technically be a, a sword."
"She's called 'Katie'."
"You gave it a girl's name. How very serial killer of you." Xander turned to Michelle. "Listen, I think we should be going."
Jack reached around Xander with the knife and hooked it behind his ear, forcing Xander to look at him. Xander crossed his arms and stared at the boy.
"Remember how you called me a dickhead at school today? Well, guess what? Snyder isn't here and neither is your ex-girlfriend so they can't help you. Are you scared?" He traced the tip of the blade around Xander's neck and cheek waiting for an answer.
"Would that make you happy? Me being scared?"
"It would be a start."
"Oooh, I'm so scared of Jack the Tool and his girlfriend, Katie the Knife." Xander waved his hand as he mocked being scared.
"Joke all you want, Harris, but I know you're scared. Your woman looking on, you can't stand up to me? Don't you feel pathetic?" He traced the knife past Xander's mouth, back to his ear and around and down under his chin.
"That's not my girl, that's my cousin, Michelle. And I can and will stand up to you." Xander pushed the knife down and the boy backwards. "And mostly, I just felt Katie.
"You know what the difference between you and me is?
"I'm sane and you're not?"
"Fear. Who has the least fear. Let's see who can take who."
"And I suppose you think it's fair that you have the big, sharp knife and I..." Jack slapped the knife into his hand and stepped back, taunting him and trying to get Xander to fight.
"Come on."
"Whatever you want but I'm not using this." Xander threw Katie onto the ground and Jack gasped in horror, bending to get it. "Oh, come on. It's a thing, not a human." Jack picked the knife up, lovingly stroking it as he stood.
"You better be glad this isn't scratched." He gave the knife a kiss.
"That's just...weird. Do you have sex with it too cause that would be a neat trick."
"Xander, I wanna go for a drive. I'm bored." Xander sighed and faced the girl, lowering his guard. He realized it too late as Jack grabbed him and shoved him back onto the hood of the car.
"Oh, gee, I'm really sorry my life-and-death situation isn't exciting enough for you." Xander sarcastically answered his cousin as he struggled with Jack. Jack had the knife pointing at his neck, bearing down on him as Xander pushed it away, and Xander hoped he would get out of this alive so he could kill Michelle. Suddenly, a flashlight shone on both of them, causing them to turn and see the policeman that was heading their way.
"Hey!" Jack released Xander and quickly palmed the knife as the officer neared. He turned off his flashlight and stared at the two of them. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. Just rasslin'."
"O'Toole." The officer chuckled, recognizing Jack. "What a surprise." He flashed the light in Xander's face. "He attack you?" Xander looked at Jack, who was staring at the officer. Oh, yeah, he could get Jack put in jail but how wimpish would that seem...not to mention school yard tattling bad.
"No. Just blowing off steam." He grinned. "Two guys rasslin'. But not in a gay way, cause I would never be hooked up with---"
"Do it somewhere else, huh?" The officer turned and left as Xander shook his head.
"Did you not hear me? I would never be caught dead with him...I have a gorgeous blonde at home!" Remembering that Jack was standing behind him with a knife, Xander turned around ready to fight. Instead, Jack was smiling and Xander was suddenly very confused.
"What?"
"That was all right. Could've narc'd on me. Didn't do it. That's decent of you. I like you."
"Yay?"
"You two wanna have some fun?" He gestured towards Michelle who smiled and waved.
"Like, with driving?"
"Like, you're driving me crazy!" Xander yelled at her as Jack told her yeah. Xander saw the broad grin appear on her face and shook his head, giving in.
"What do you have in mind?"
"Well, I was on my way to get the boys. Gonna cruise around." He checked out Xander's Chevy. "We'll take your wheels."
"What about your car?"
"It ain't mine." Jack walked over to Xander's car, opening the door and letting Michelle in the middle before getting in. Xander sat down, closing the door. Maybe after picking up a few guys, Michelle could at least get a date with one of them.
"Great. Where to?"
"Gonna get the boys!"
"Yeah. So, where're the boys?
"Go down the road, take the first left." Xander nodded and pulled into traffic, hoping he wasn't making the biggest mistake of his life in agreeing to hang out with Jack O'Toole.
*******************************************************
Spike and Angel entered the library finding Willow and Buffy reading books while Giles moved around in his office.
"Hey, Angel what are you..."
"Buffy, have you guys figured out how bad this thing is going to be?"
"Another apocalypse. Yeah, we're researching it now." Buffy tried to snuggle but Angel was intent on keeping on top of the situation.
"I don't think you understand how bad this is going to get."
"Believe me, Giles made sure I understood. Angel, we'll get through it, just like we always do." Before Angel could reply, Oz began to growl from his cage.
"He's cranky." Willow told the two vampires as Buffy returned to her seat, a pout on her face. Spike rolled his eyes at her. Even though he had come to like the girl, for Angel and Xander's sake of course, he couldn't help but feel that if she didn't have Angel and her friends watching her back she would have died a long time ago. Had died in fact, but his boy had saved her. The same boy that she felt was unworthy to help her in this fight. Anger began to build inside him. He didn't like leaving Xander out of the loop. Not only had it hurt Xander's feelings and caused trouble between the two of them, but Spike felt Xander deserved better treatment from his friends. If the boy was strong enough to stand up to Angelus and willing to fight the Master and had enough heart to not give up on Buffy when everyone else had, then they shouldn't be giving up on him.
"It's a good night for it." Buffy told Willow, bringing Spike out of his thoughts.
"Can't dogs sense when there's an earthquake and they bark? Or cows lie down or something?" Willow was nervous.
Yes, and vampires can feel things, too and I'm telling you this is gonna get bad."
"Sisterhood of Jhe," Buffy read, ignoring Angel's comment. "Race of female demons, fierce warriors-eww-celebrate victory in battle by eating their foes. What? They couldn't just pour Gatorade on each other?"
"Buffy this isn't the time to be glib." Angel told her as Giles came out of his office, muttering to himself.
"Wouldn't even take my calls, the idiots."
"Must be talking about the Council." Spike scoffed.
"Yes, they seem to feel this apocolypse is overrated." Giles turned to the girls. "Anything useful in the books?"
"Not wildly." Buffy closed hers as Willow reached for another.
"We still have the books of Pherion to go through."
"I'm getting itchy feet, Giles. We don't turn up something soon I'm gonna hit the streets. Maybe check out Willy's."
"I say we do that now. We'll find out more from the nasties in this town than from any book." Spike told them.
"Where are you going?" Willow asked Giles, who was gathering up his briefcase.
"Um, to try and contact the spirit guides. They exist out of time, but have no knowledge of the future. I have no idea if they will respond to my efforts, but I have to try. All we know is that the fate of the entire world rests on it." Giles stopped at the table, glancing down at the box of doughnuts. "I think I'll take...did you eat all the jellies?"
"Did you want a jelly?" Buffy asked, both she and Willow trying to appear innocent.
"I always have a jelly. I'm always the one who says 'Let's have jelly in the mix'."
"We're sorry. Buffy had 3." Willow pointed at her friend.
"I don't remember Giles saying that. Do you remember him saying that thing about the jellies, Willow?" Buffy asked.
"No matter. If Xander makes another run-"
"No. Xander's out of this. He nearly got himself killed last time we fought. I don't want him anywhere near this and I think it will be easier for us to fight if we know he's safe and out of the way." Buffy's tone was firm.
"Has anyone bothered to ask Xander how he feels about being left out?"
"Spike, I love Xander and I'm not going to let him get hurt just to spare his feelings."
"Right, as opposed to all the other times he's risked his life to help you."
"This is different."
"How? Cause it's some big, bad evil thing? And the Master was what? A mewling kitten?"
"Spike," Angel warned but the younger vampire wasn't finished yet.
"And Angelus, Drusilla and myself - we weren't called the 'Scourge of Europe' for nothing, you know. Hell, I had already killed two slayers and yet no one minded Angel offering the boy to me on a platter. Even if it was a lame arsed attempt to trick me, Xander was right in the heart of the battle. And none of you seemed to mind letting Xander watch over the slayer when she was in hospital, knowing that Angelus would probably show up, which he did. Xander had to face him down alone. Where was your concern then?" Buffy stood up, her chair clattering to the floor.
"Do you really want Xander taking a risk with his life? Wasn't it you who jumped my ass over him getting hurt the first time we fought these things?"
"It was, but I wasn't there at his side. I would be in this battle and that's the difference. Also, I think he's perfectly capable of handling himself and so does Angel. We think it's a mistake to leave him out of this."
"Oh, we do, do we?" Buffy asked, looking at her boyfriend. "Well, this is my fight and I say who fights and Xander's out of this."
"Please, you two, let's just put this issue aside and deal with the matter at hand. Since Xander is already out of this there's no reason to drag him into it now. Angel, Spike, while I'm doing the ritual why don't you two talk to the other demons - see if they've heard anything. Buffy can go to Willy's and Willow you continue to research and watch over Oz."
"Good idea," Angel grabbed Spike's arm, pulling the vampire out the door before he could put up a fight. Once outside, Angel sighed and turned to Spike. "You really like to argue don't you?"
"Just taking up for my boy."
"Did you have to drag me into it?"
"Slayer whipped, ponce."
"You are so annoying, you peroxide menace."
"That's why I'm your favorite childe." Spike retorted, both of them beginning to smile as they made their way out into the night.
"I have to agree with Buffy on one thing. I'm surprised you want Xander fighting in this battle. I know you can feel how bad it's going to get so I would think you would be happy that he's not going to be anywhere near it."
"I'm afraid he'll end up getting himself into more trouble out there than he would with me. At least when he's with me I can watch out for him."
"Or get distracted and get yourself killed. How do you think Xander would feel if that happened?"
"Maybe you're right. Still, I hate to see Xander so upset - so down on himself. He needs confidence."
"I get that, Spike but he has to be alive in order to get it and to show it to everyone else."
"That's the problem. His friends don't appreciate the courage he has shown already and I don't think they'll ever really appreciate Xander until it's too late."
"I've got a feeling with you around, Xander will live long enough for them to come around."
"Got that right."
*******************************************************
Xander walked through Restfield Cemetary, following the other boys. Ever since Xander had agreed to take Jack to meet 'his boys' they had been raising the dead. Melissa had run off screaming after the first one and Xander was sure he would have a lot of explaining to do to Uncle Rory, if he was sober. He was just passing a crypt when he heard something. He followed the noise, a cool wind whipping around him as he came upon Giles.
"Hey Giles, what's going on?" Xander put the stake back into his pocket. "You doing a spell?"
"Oh, uh, I was just trying to gain access to the Spirit Guides."
"How's that working out for you?"
"Not going as well as I'd hoped, I'm afraid. What are you doing wandering around out here by yourself?" Xander gestured towards the car where Jack and his friends stood.
"Oh, we were just raising, ummm...some heck." Xander really didn't want to get a lecture from Giles on hanging out with the living dead who were not Angel or Spike.
"Xander! Let's go!" Jack yelled.
"Is that Jack O'Toole?" Giles seemed worried. "Xander, judging from what I've heard about that boy, I don't think he and his friends are the most suitable people to be hanging around with."
"Look, Giles, you can keep me out of whatever you guys are doing tonight but don't start telling me who I can hang out with especially when the friends I usually hang out with are the ones who pushed me out here in the first place." When Giles gave him a confused look, Xander amended, "Just save the lectures for now. Put them on audio tape and I'll listen to them later."
"Yes, of course." Giles was busy now and Xander knew he hadn't even heard what he was saying.
"Over and over again until I memorize every word..."
"Xander! Motor!" Jack was getting impatient now.
"Sounds good," Giles said absentmindedly.
"And I'll recite them back to you, while hopping on my left foot and staking ten vampires at once."
"Good plan." Giles was staring at the crypt and Xander grabbed him by the arms and turned him so they were standing face to face.
"Stop and listen to me for one second, Giles. Do. You. Need. My. Help?"
"Oh, no. Thank you. Probably best if you stay clear of this - even if it is with O'Toole." Giles had his attention on the crypt again. "There's something different about this menace. Something in the air - the stench of death."
"Yeah, I think it's Bob."
"We may all be called upon to fight when it happens."
"When what happens exactly?" Maybe since Giles wasn't paying attention, he might slip up and tell Xander something about what was going on.
"I've got to go. Hopefully, we shall have time to prepare. All we need is a few weeks." Giles started to walk away but turned with a warning. "Xander -" he glanced at the boys, "do try to be careful."
"You, too." Xander watched Giles leave before he went to the car. If no one was going to fill him in or even pay attention to what he was saying, he'd have his own fun. He headed down the road, the boys talking.
"Let's go pick up some girls, man. We'll hang out at Taco Bell, get some girls, go cruise around," Dave said.
"I want to bake a cake." Dickie protested.
"Hey, we need to get some beers, though." Bob stated.
"I can't believe you got shot, man. Was it them Jackals?" Dave asked.
"Are you kidding?" Jack turned to stare at his friends in the back seat. "We wiped them out after they threw you off the bridge."
"Oh, man. You guys are the best man. The best. I mean that."
"There's a liquor store." Bob pointed out. "Little Armenian guy runs the place? He had a gun behind the counter. Hey, we should go kick his ass. Yeah!" Bob yelled and Xander sped up, passing the liquor store as the other protested.
"I'm not killing anyone or letting you do that. But hey, if you guys want me to drop you off somewhere else, that's...." Jack patted Xander's leg.
"Nah. You're with us now. I like your spunk."
"Yeah, you on the team now, baby. Whoo-hoo!" Dave put his hands on each side of Xander's face and disgusted, Xander pushed them away while Bob began to whine.
"What're we gonna do then?"
"Well, I've heard some interesting suggestions, but I'm gonna have to go with Dickie's. Let's bake a cake." Everybody began to yell and Xander seemed surprised.
"I never took you guys for the 'Betty Crocker' types." Everybody but Xander laughed.
"Good one, Xander. You're a real comedian." Jack told him as Xander drove down the road, wondering exactly what he had gotten himself into.
*******************************************************
Buffy ran into the mansion, yelling for Angel. She had been terrified ever since she had left Willy's. When she had gotten there, she had found the bar a wreck and Willy not looking much better. He had told her these demons were after her, Angel and Spike and she was horrified at the thought of losing Angel again.
"Buffy- what's wrong?" Angel was hit with an armful of slayer and he held the trembling girl while Spike looked on.
"I was - I was at Willy's and he told me these demons were going to open the Hellmouth tonight."
"Buffy, we knew they were going to open..."
"But not this soon...not before we knew what we were facing. And that's not all, Angel. They're looking for you guys...and me. They told Willy nothing was going to stop them from opening the Hellmouth, not even us.
"We will. Spike has already called Willow-she and Giles are going to do a binding spell from the Hebron's Almanac. It should help us long enough to...."
"What if it doesn't? What if something happens to you?" Buffy was clinging to Angel as if he were the last life raft on a sinking ship.
"I'm going into the other room. Grab some weapons and get them ready while you calm the slayer down."
"Thanks, Spike." Angel gave him a grateful look over Buffy's shoulder and Spike left, not wanting to hear the girl's dramatics. He wandered through the room, picking out the sharpest objects and the ones that would do the most damage while wondering where Xander was. He had hoped the boy would be home when they returned, but no such luck. Spike had a bad feeling about this and for the 50th time he cursed the fact that he had gone along with the Slayer's plans instead of staying with Xander. He would much rather be with Xander or have Xander at his side in this battle than have him off on his own doing hell knew what.
*******************************************************
"Stop here, Xander." Jack pointed at the hardware store. Xander pulled over, wondering what the other boys were up to. They all got out, Jack turning back for a moment.
"You stay here and keep the motor running."
"This time of night, I'm pretty sure nothing's open." Xander was saying just as Bob threw a trash can through the plate glass window. "But they're always open for crime." Xander watched them climb into the store, starting to freak out. "Okay, now I'm involved in crime. I can handle psychos with knives, boring cousins, even zombies but I cannot handle being a part of the criminal element. Having a car sure is cool." Xander made fun of himself. "That's it. I'm walking from now on. Nothing good ever comes from...." Xander stopped, hearing Willow's voice.
"Thank you. Sorry to wake you." Willow was at the magic store across the street. Xander got out of the car, not wanting Willow to know he was aiding and abetting in crime but wanting to talk to her. He didn't like the idea of Willow wandering the streets alone after dark.
"Will!" Willow approached, a surprised expression on her face.
"Xander, what are you doing here?"
"Nothing. Certainly not crime." Xander laughed nervously. Wh-What about you? Why are you out here all by yourself?"
"It's not that far from school and Giles was busy. We needed supplies for a protection spell. Spike called from Angel's. It's happening tonight." A knot of fear began to twist in Xander's stomach.
"And that thing that's happening would be?"
"I-I can't stay. Giles needs this." Willow scampered away, running back to embrace him. "I love you, Xander. Remember that." She ran off, leaving him in shock. If Willow was acting this way - something really, really bad was going down. This wasn't the usual mayhem, this was much worse. A fierce look of determination crossed Xander's face. He had played along with Buffy's plans long enough. If Willow, Spike's or anyone else's life was going to be at risk - then he was damn well going to help.
"Okay, that's it. I'm gonna-" Xander turned, running smack dab into Jack.
"Where are you going?"
"Where I'm needed. Something's just come up and-"
You're gonna bail on me, is that it?" Before Xander could answer the others came out, throwing bags of stuff into Xander's car.
"We got cake mix. Where you wanna bake it?" Dickie asked.
"Xander's looking to leave." Jack told them.
"Not looking - I am, so if you want your stuff-"
"No way." Bob yelled, the others rushing over. "We need a wheel man."
"Call a taxi." Xander tried to push past but they stopped him.
"I know what this is about. Xander doesn't feel like he's a part of the group."
"No, my friends need my help."
"He doesn't feel like part of the group because he hasn't been initiated. Do you think he's ready?"
"I think he's earned his stripes." Dickie voted, putting his arm around Xander's shoulders. "I say we let him in, boys."
"Look, no hard feelings but I really don't have time for this."
"Is that the real reason or is it because you're afraid of the initiation?"
"Stealing stuff - no big whoop."
"Not stealing, Xander. Dying." Jack pulled out Katie, holding it in front of Xander.
"Not Katie again." Xander sighed. "All right guys, let's just talk about this." Xander was trying to figure out how to get away from three zombies and a psycho redneck with a knife.
"You want to be part of the gang now, don't you?" Jack asked.
"Did I say that? And even if I did, I'm not dying to be in the gang if you get the, um, the pun there."
"What, are you-are you too good to be dead?" Bob grabbed his collar, pulling Xander towards him. "You got a problem with dead people?"
"No. I happen to live with two vampires one of which I'm dating."
"Cool." Dickie nodded approvingly.
"Besides, what about Jack? Jack's not dead." Jack raised his shirt and Xander saw the bullet holes in his stomach and chest.
"Drive by three weeks ago."
"Oh, boy." Xander sighed, wondering how the hell he always managed to get him into situations like this.
"Grandpappy found my body. I wasn't gone but 10 minutes before he raised me."
"Guess that's why your name wasn't on the obit list at school."
"It's a rush, man."
"Let's kill Xander. It'll be fun." Dickie cheered and Dave nodded.
"Yeah, man. You could be a full-fledged member."
"Come on, Xander." Jack approached Xander, knife waving in front of him while Bob and Dave held him. "Take it like a man." Xander was becoming pissed now.
"All right! Enough!" Jack backed up, seemingly surprised by Xander's outburst. "You guys have had your fun but you forgot about one thing."
"What's that?" Bob asked, letting go of Xander."
"Hello? Dating a vampire. If I wanted to be dead I'd let him kill me!"
"Him?" Now Dickie was backing up too. "You're gay? That's disgusting."
"This coming from a zombie who has bad breath and smells anything but April fresh?" Xander elbowed him before punching Bob in the stomach. He tried to make a run for the car but it was blocked so he ran the other way, jumping the chain gate at the outdoor cafe. Finding himself surrounded, Xander leapt over a table onto a wall, making a dash for his car. He hopped into it, put it in gear and sped off, leaving the four zombies yelling obscenities at him.
After a few minutes, Xander looked behind him, making sure he had lost them. He sighed in relief. "I'd say that's pretty much enough excitement for one evening. Time to go home." Xander rounded a corner and saw Faith getting her ass kicked by one of the demons from earlier. "Or not." Xander saw Faith get shoved into a fence. The slayer kicked out, knocking the demon backwards. Xander sped up, intent on taking out the demon with the car.
"Faith, watch out!" The girl watched as Xander plowed into the demon, knocking it to the ground. He quickly backed up. "Get in!" Faith hopped into the back seat and Xander took off, the demon following on foot. "Glad this thing's a convertible."
"Thanks for the assist, Xan." Faith moved into the front. "Those demons are wicked."
What were you doing fighting alone? Where's everybody else?"
"Who knows? They just told me to meet them at the library in an hour or so-so I thought I'd do some recon until then."
"I'll take you to the libarary if-"
"Nah, turn here." Xander did as instructed. "My motel's a coupla blocks away. I need to fix my arm-the bitch dislocated my shoulder." Faith gave directions to Xander and they sped into the parking lot. "Better get inside in case we were followed."
"But-"
"Xan, I need help with my arm." Xander nodded and ran inside with Faith. Once inside, he busied himself looking out the windows, trying hard not to see the bed where-no, he wasn't going to go there.
"So, you think demon mama really followed us?"
"No, we're cool. I just need you to help me put my shoulder back in place. Hold me." Xander walked over, not certain where to put his hands. Faith grabbed his arm, placing his hand on her left shoulder. She grabbed Xander's collar with her right arm and pushed her shoulder into his hand. Xander flinched, hearing Faith's gasp of pain and the bones popping back into place.
"You okay?" Faith moved her shoulder, testing it out.
"That's better. She got me really wound up. A fight like that and no kill," Faith started to rub Xander's chest where his shirt had come unbuttoned. "I'm about ready to pop."
"Whoa, slow down." Xander put his hand on Faith's, stopping her motions.
"I was thinking more fast and furious." Faith slid her hand down to cup Xander through his jeans. Xander stepped back with a glare.
"How about come to a screeching halt. Look, Faith, I didn't come in here for this. I came to help you with your shoulder and that's it. I'm with Spike." Xander turned to leave but Faith grabbed him, pushing him into the wall before kissing him.
"You wanted to help a friend out so fuck me before I pop."
"Faith, I told you--"
"Spike's had me...I'm sure he won't mind you having a turn. Come on Xander, share, share, that's fair."
"No, no sharing." Xander tried to push her away but he was no match for slayer strength.
"Just relax, Xander." Faith pulled his shirt and jacket off, then held his face so she could give him another kiss. When she was done, she threw him onto the bed. Before Xander could move, she hopped onto him, straddling him.
"Faith, stop. I'm not gonna do this, especially here." Xander hated being on the bed - the same one. "I'm not turned on in the least cause I love-"
"Spike, yeah, right. Bet I can make you hard in no time." Faith ground her hips against Xander, holding him down and biting him on the chest, giving him a hickey. "I'll steer you around - son of a bitch!" Faith had been taking off her shirt and Xander, finding his arms free, had picked up a nearby lamp and smashed it across her head, before pushing her off the bed. Faith fell onto the floor, the shirt she had been taking off wrapped around her head. As Faith sat up, struggling with her shirt, Xander grabbed his clothes, hurrying towards the door. He managed to get the door halfway open when Faith slammed it shut, elbowing him in the mouth. Xander fell to the ground, blood pouring from his lip. "That wasn't very nice of you, Xan."
"Yeah, well neither is attempted rape." Xander glared and Faith shrugged, backing away. Xander waited until there was enough space between her and the door before he went over and opened it.
"Don't worry, Xan, it's cool. I won't try and force you when there are plenty of guys out there that's eager to take your place."
"That's exactly what you were trying to do...force me."
"No, you got it all wrong. It was just a game."
"Well, I don't play games with anyone but Spike."
"Can't blame you. Spike is great in bed." Faith stretched dreamily, showing off her breasts. "Hey, you see him send him on over. He's probably dying for a real fuck by now."
"I take care of him. Besides, I don't think you'll want to be near Spike for a while. He finds out about this, he'll fuck you over but not in the way you want him to."
"You're gonna go running back to your little boyfriend and tell him about big, bad Faith? God, Xander I thought you had more balls than that. Just remember, he comes after me and I stake him don't blame me."
"Don't threaten Spike, Faith. You touch him and I'll--"
"Do what? Kill me? You can't take care of yourself much less Spike. The best thing you can do is keep your mouth shut about the whole thing." Faith turned and headed into the bathroom as Xander shut the door behind him. Once outside, he donned his clothes before going to his car. He stared up at the sky, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. Xander knew that Spike had already killed two slayers but there was nothing personal involved when he did it. It was just vampire killing slayer...bragging rights. This was totally different. What if Spike went after Faith and she tricked him...took his mind off his fighting by taunting Spike about what she had done to him? And if Spike killed Faith wouldn't Buffy feel obligated to kill Spike? Xander couldn't stand the thought of lying to Spike but the idea of Spike and Buffy in a fight to the death terrified Xander because no matter who won, he would lose someone he loved.
"Best to keep quiet. It's over - done. Nothing really happened. No harm, no foul." Xander said aloud, trying to convince himself and not realizing he had a hickey on his chest. It was during this time he noticed the bags in the back of the car and curious, he pulled one up front to open it. Kerosine, batteries, wires. "Hey! They're not baking any cake. They're building a bomb. And why didn't pseudo soldier catch that one?" Xander started up the car and sped back to the hardware store hoping the zombies would still be there. He pulled up out front and glanced inside. They were gone.
"Long gone. Probably loaded with supplies. Got to think. Okay, bombs. Already-dead guys with bombs. Where would they go?" Xander tried to figure it out, but became frustrated. "Oh, man, I'm out of my league. Spike and Angel will know what to do." Xander headed towards the mansion, hoping they were there.
*******************************************************
"I don't know what to do." Buffy repeated, causing Spike to pace the floor. The slayer was a basket case and Angel wasn't much better. He walked across the room, smoking a cigarette out of sight in the darkened kitchen, watching the drama unfold.
"Then let me decide for you. I can face this thing-"
"You can't, Angel."
"Look, I can at least buy you enough time for Willow and Giles' spell to bind it."
"You mean us mate." Spike said, but neither one was paying attention to him. Is this how Xander felt?
"Buffy, this is worse than anything we've ever faced. Honey, it's the only way."
"I can't watch you die again." Angel reached out and touched Buffy's cheek, tears in his eyes as he wiped hers away.
"I love you."
"I love you too, Angel."
"Nothing can change that. Not even death." Buffy gasped, stepping back and knocking Angel's hand away.
"Don't talk to me like that! You may be ready to go but I am not ready to lose you. Okay, this is my fight and if you won't do it my way, then you're-" Buffy's words were cut off by a loud clearing of the throat. All three of them turned to see Xander standing in the doorway.
"Hey. I've got this um...There's this, uh," Xander laughed nervously. "It's probably a bad time to uh...where's Spike?"
"Right here, luv." Spike stepped out of the shadows and headed for his boy. As he got closer, he saw the bloody lip and the torn clothes. "What the bloody hell have you been up to?"
"Let's talk outside." Xander started towards the stairs and stopped, turning to look at Buffy and Angel. "Can I help?" They both shook their heads. "Okay." Xander took Spike's hand and led him outside. Once outside, Spike spun Xander around to look at him.
"You never answered my question."
"Spike, what's going down and don't tell me nothing. Giles was talking to some kind of spirits earlier, Willow was hugging me and acting like she'd never see me again and now Buffy and Angel are in there fighting, talking about dying and crying. If this thing is that bad-"
"It's bad but they're being stupid. Angel's always been a drama queen and I guess the slayer is too. Fuck, they're acting like one or the other has to face whatever comes out of the Hellmouth alone. We have two vampires, two slayers, a witch and a watcher - we'll manage. Now tell me what happened to you."
"Kinda long story."
"Xander, tell me before I get testy."
"Okay. After you guys left the Bronze, I was going to take Michelle home and I had a fender bender."
"What?! That's it! No more bloody cars...no more driving for-"
"No need to worry about that, Spike. I'm turning in my keys after tonight. It wasn't a big deal, since I was only pulling out of the parking space but then Jack O'Toole was there, shoving Katie into my face and wanting to kill me-"
"Hold up. Who is Katie and this Jack bloke?"
"Jack's a bully from school and Katie's his big, old knife. Can you believe he named it? How psychotic is that?"
"Xander, just tell me the story." Spike listened intently as Xander filled him in on his night, omitting Faith.
"So now I'm trying to figure out where they'd go and what they'd be likely to bomb."
"Uh-huh. And why is that?" Xander seemed surprised by Spike's question.
"So I can stop them, duh."
"And how are you planning on stopping four zombies with a bomb all by yourself?"
"I don't know. I'll figure that out once I find them. Kinda play it by ear I guess." Spike pulled Xander close.
"You are not going after them."
"Spike, I have to. If they blow up something and somebody gets hurt, it'll be my fault."
"How does your brain come up with that kind of logic?"
"Because I was the one who gave Jack a ride to raise his dead friends, drove them to the hardware store so they could break in and get the stuff - God, how stupid am I? Thinking they were actually going to bake a cake." Spike tried not to laugh, but he couldn't help it. "You're thinking very aren't you?"
"Xander, you're not stupid. You're young, naive and sometimes you have a tendencey to wear blinders where people's motives are concerned but you're not stupid."
"I still have to stop them."
"Don't suppose I can talk you out of this?" Xander shook his head. "Then I'm coming with you."
"No. Spike you have to help our friends. I can do this."
"You can also get yourself killed. No fucking way am I going to let that happen." Spike saw that Xander was about to protest and he put his finger to the boy's mouth, careful not to hurt him. "Do you honestly think I could be of any use to the others when I'd be worrying about you?"
"Like I haven't been worried about you all night."
"When did you find the time?" Spike teased, making Xander smile.
"I always worry about you. You're always up here," Xander tapped his head, "and in here." Xander pointed at his chest.
"Same here, luv." Spike gave Xander a gentle peck on the lips, something niggling at the back of his mind. "Xander how did you get this busted lip?"
"Gotta expect injuries when you're fighting four zombies who want to kill you." Xander answered, skirting the question. Spike seemed suspicious and Xander decided to change the subject. "So what are we going to do?" Spike thought for a moment.
"Need a lift to the school. We can take the long way, cruise around, see if we spot your zombie friends."
"Good idea...and they're not my friends."
"Whatever you say, luv." Spike swatted Xander on the ass before sticking his head into the doorway of the mansion. "Whelp's gonna drive me to the school. We have something to do before I get there."
"Be there in half an hour, Spike. We need you."
"Said I'd be there...I'll be there." Spike took Xander's hand and led him to the car, ignoring Buffy's warnings to keep Xander out of what was happening.