The Twelve Days of Spander
Five Golden
Rings
by
josie_h
Notes
<<<<<<<<< Amicitia quod Solor (Friendship
and Solace) >>>>>>>>>
What
was Harris on about? He *was* sensitive to ‘slayer central’ decorum but Spike
was becoming increasingly agitated by the apparent need to constantly ‘justify’
to the entire household, the shift from mutual antagonism to solid close friendship
that Xander and he were experiencing. He figured it was wartime now, any
affection displayed should simply be seen as caring and sharing with a mate, natural
friendship between fellow soldiers, nobles oblige – that sort of thing. Oh sod
it – even the Greeks ‘n Romans knew that.
Leaning
up toward the open basement door, Spike shook his head, wondered at his level
of desperation then bellowed for the second time, “Bloody hell Harris! Will you just get down
here…. Got summit to show you …..is all.”
So it
came out like a demand, rather than the intended invitation. Spike pursed his
lips, and spun to pace again, hands on hips, returning to the stairwell as an
afterthought….. “And don’t blooming-well bring anyone else with you either –
just you Harris, got it ?!”
The consequent
sound of feet on the basement stairs were definitely female.
Ahhh
Bugger!]
“Hey
Man….Are you seriously trying to push these guys to stake you? ‘Cause gotta say
Spike….. doin’ a damn fine job… What’s with the yelling?”
Faith
– at last, a bint with more than two brain cells still functioning.
“ ‘Lo
Pet, didn’t mean to disturb you… Just fixin’ to give the injured lad a bit of a
surprise, y’ know, ‘boys at the local’
type moment. You reckon you can keep the troops away for the duration?”
After
a minute to interpret Spike-speak, she smiled at the former ‘Big Bad’s’
thoughtfulness and replied, “Yeah, ‘s cool. I’ll find the man, but you gotta
promise me to go a little easy on him, no betting kittens or whatever, yeah?”
“
’Course,….. just trying to cheer the lad up … figure one eye, no disadvantage
in this game.”
Faith,
who was quietly touched by the vampire’s obvious concern for Xander, shrugged
her shoulders, stated “So long as I get to use it and kick you ass later”.
She
eyed Spike’s new addition to the subterranean space with some jealousy.
Consoling herself with the thought that Spike might enjoy going a round or two
with ‘someone else’ tomorrow, then headed back up to find the still recovering
Xander.
Spike
heard the pad of bare male feet on the steps, eye’s betraying a self satisfied
smile that was currently hidden by the ‘unreadable’ expression he had worked to
hard to perfect. He knew that Andrew insisted on wearing his ‘slippers’ in the
house, Giles’ loafers never seemed to come off [wonder if he has sex in them?] Spike
quickly shook off the thought and concentrated on the task at hand…
“Spike?”
Xander had one hand firmly planted on the railing as proud - and now thankful –
creator noting the solid pine and craftsmanship. The unaccustomed tilt of his head
to ‘judge the steps’ threw off his balance a little, and a residual shakiness
from the anesthetic and ‘meds’ highlighted his awareness of status as invalid.
Xander tried to straighten and look casual as he began a monologue more to calm
his own nerves than sound witty.
“What?
You needing to check if us optically challenged types can ‘do stairs’ or
something? Well just FYI, human seeing in the dark? Really not effected by
depth perception. Hello, just challenged in the number of eyes department not
the brain c…..” Xander halted at the
last landing.
He
was greeted by the image of cigarette touting Spike clad in the usual black
jeans and t-shirt, casually leaning against a pool table, twirling a pool cue.
“Hardly
think I’d have you down here for the fun of it did you? Just figured someone
should rescue from the carers for a while…. ‘s only so much bloody Florence
Nightingale a bloke can handle before going balmy…. You up for a game?”
Xander
could have sworn he heard genuine concern in the tone, mused that ‘The Big Bad’
really was slipping these days, swiftly concluded that the additional
soulfulness and too many hours of ‘Passions’ could probably do that to a guy,
then shook off the thought to make his way toward the object of ‘pub’ desire.
“When
did you…?”
“Bronze,
yesterday.” Spike grinned, satisfied that the lad was obviously impressed.
“Seeing
as the lovely folks of this here city are movin’ on, figured they wouldn’t be
needin it, so might as well have it down here. Fixed us with a few free beers as
well as they were on offer.” The vampire pointed casually at the corner of the
basement where several cartons of welcome amber liquid awaited attention.
“You
went looting??
“Who
said anythin’ about looting - this is *clearly* requisitioning in times of
war!”
Xander’s
feigned annoyance was ruined by the broad smile as he captured Spike’s spinning
cue, positioned himself to casually break the new game ‘triangle’ with the
white ball.
“Very
suave, you git! Care to inform a chap prior stealing his nearest and dearest
next time?!” Spike’s mock annoyance was accompanied by eyes twinkling with relief
and enjoyment as he recognized a confident good natured friend replacing the self
conscious, maimed Xander who had resided upstairs since the vineyard ‘skirmish’.
Xander
lined up a shot easily, good eye sighting down the cue, and tipped the number
five ball easily into a waiting pocket, his choice of “Smalls” defining Spike’s
game objective.
“Don’t
think I need to try out for the Special Olympics just yet, Bleach boy. The
pirate chic makeover is simply to put the great undead off their game.”
“Oh
please, sinking the first ball does *not* get you out of the needy basket,
Cyclops. So what’s the wager?”
“You
are *so* not going to get me down here just to do me out of beer money in the
middle of an apocalypse Spike!”
Spike
leaned back on a wall casually, lit another cigarette and caught Xander’s eye
through the new smoke, answering quietly and very seriously, “No mate, really
just wanted to do som’t for a comrade and all. Least I can do right? Couldn’t
take out preacher boy in time… ” Spike trailed off, looked at the floor, then
snapped from melancholy to wiggle a suggestive eyebrow and add with a smirk, “
‘Sides, figure you’re hardly good for the family silver.”
Spike
pocketed his first ball with nonchalant ease, took a second, then stepped back
to wait his turn, “Well mate, why don’t you and I just pretend the rest of the
world don’t exist while we’re down here then. No harm, no foul and all that
rot….?”
It
was Xander’s turn to raise an eyebrow. He had expected some additional agenda –
or at least a mildly sarcastic remark but looked around to see a fellow
fighter, equally convinced that their imminent demise might be at hand and keen
to share the denial of that same possibility. Spike flicked the small CD player
on, and drowned out any female footfalls from upstairs with a surprisingly
inoffensive blues number.
Spying
the bemused look of his companion, he simply commented “Figured you’re not one
for Messers Rotten and Co…. Well have
the courtesy to not look *so* surprised would you!”
<<<<<< Of Obscurum
quod moeror (of darkness and grief) >>>>>>>
Some three
beers and four games later the score stood at two games all (with Spike
graciously ‘missing’ several obvious shots). The mood had shifted to one
distinctly less adversarial, and discussion sliding toward easy reflection. Xander
was currently staring at Spike’s fine boned fingers caressing the neck of his
fourth beer. They were scholar’s hands and now distinctly devoid of their
customary silver adornment, bracelet missing and all rings apparently replaced
by a single gold one. With the slow down in play at this late hour, the lull in
conversation was edging toward awkward, he decided to risk filling ‘the gap’.
“ K
…. Worst and Best…..”
“Sorry?”
“Worst
and Best experiences,
Spike
exhaled loudly, stared at the ceiling, sighed heavily again, decided that present
company was preferable to a silent basement. Apparently preparing for the worst
as balls were racked ready for a new game, he stared at the formation for some
time, finally muttering under his breath, “Five Gold Rings – bloody
Xander
hardly caught the words but couldn’t miss the tone, and wondered at his own
stupidity as his pool partner flashed him a pained look. Playing Confessions
101 with a hundred and twenty something, ensouled vampire might not prove the most
jovial accompaniment to a pool game.
“Hey,
dumb idea, leave it... we don’t need to do the share a thing….” His voice
tapered off as Spike began to talk quietly. The blonde was staring at some
unknown point in the dark corner of the basement with both hands clasped tightly
around the pool cue, repetitively twisting the garnet and gold ring on his
middle finger.
“The
darkness and damnation of December.”
Xander
had the courtesy to look puzzled but remained silent.
“Fifth
day of
His
voice hitched a little and the commentary paused just long enough for Xander to
recognize the wry statement as a well rehearsed, stiff upper lip, auto response.
“Was
always just the two of us for
“God
Spike, how old were you?”
Dark
lashes lifted to reveal blue eyes brimming with barely contained tears, “Seven.”
Xander
reached out reflexively, placed a warm hand on the shoulder of the story
teller, and was met with a clear glimpse of the grieving young William in
Spike’s expression. Momentarily leaning toward the touch, Spike recognized the
comfort offered for what it was, and graced Xander with an appreciative, openly
thankful, half smile.
“Your
turn mate…. ‘s your game and I’m *not* doin’ the Dr Phil thing without you
getting in on the act without some reciprocity here!”
Mood
effectively broken, Xander shifted to the table and following Spike’s
conversation quipped, “Gotta watch those five syllable words Spike, wouldn’t
want folks knowing you’re well educated or anything!”
“Master
bloody vampire mate, course I’m educated! Some poncy bugger Angelus made sure
of that – not to mention a hundred or so years on me savvy onesy”
“Save
the pirate speak Spike, we all know you’re a librarian in disguise.” This time
the good humor and slight relief that they were back on the usual banter was
conveyed in the smiling eyes.
“Oi!
None o’ that! Here’s me barin’ me soul and you start in with the aspersions.”
“Thank
you for coming ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I rest my case! Behold, the scholar!”
“Oh
please!” Spike took a stab at the white ball, effectively scattered the
contents of the table, and sank one of Xander’s balls along two of his own. “So, worst or best…. Audience is waitin’ here.”
Xander
saw the flick of yellow through the usual blue of the vampire’s human face and
knew he needed to continue the game he’d started without further delay.
“K,
“I
guess it’s the last
“She
was the Aunt with the moustache – Agnes – hated her name, but she was my mom’s
aunt… and she always smelled of violets for some reason. Her hug was all about acceptance
and belonging; I remember getting lost in it, cause my ears had gotten blocked
with warm flesh; I swear I was the youngest person to say a prayer for support
bras – was the only thing that kept me breathing courtesy of the gap commonly termed
‘cleavage’!
Her
arms had big soft layers underneath – and they seemed to cover your whole body…
and she always called me her ‘favourite boy’…..” Spike was shaken from his
thoughts of similar cherished yet long dead relatives, by the sight of two
crystal tears tracking from Xander’s good eye.
“She
was always knitting or embroidering something… That
At
this point Xander paused to mumble, “God I haven’t thought of this in years…
“Anyway
we never saw her again after that year, Dad managed to yell at her *and* piss
off the rest of the family in some stupid row over the relative real estate
values in Sunnydale verses LA. Mum blamed the ‘punch’ later – but even at six I
could count by twos so long as it was gin bottles.
“No
one would come near us after that and the holidays kind of took a down turn……
“Found
out she died a couple of years ago – would have liked to say thanks before… y’
know.”
It
was Xander’s turn to take comfort. Spike recognized the combined scent of loss
and long borne misery rolling from the boy, so did the same thing as worked for
his own mother, swiftly pulling the lad into a tight embrace and holding fast.
The
tacit permission from a friend – albeit soul possessed demon – simply served to
open floodgates. Xander’s silent release, soon escalated to body wracking sobs
for himself, his aunt, and the whole mess that his life had apparently been to
date.
Hitched
breathing quietened and between hiccups Xander managed to grind out “Lost the
ring, came home after school one time and Mom had cleaned away it from under my
pillow. Said it was ‘just as well’ when I got a bit upset…” Another tear was
accompanied by a sigh as Spike sat them both down on his bed and continued to
gently stroke the broad back.
They
stayed in that position for some time until finally Xander sniffed, wiped his
nose on a sleeve, then without looking directly at Spike, straightened and
moved to leave.
“Hey….Spike….
um….. thanks, uhhh sorry ‘bout the um, weepage…..”
“You
don’t mention it again pet and neither will I.” The answer sounded casual but
when Xander glanced up, he found genuine concern in the eyes of his erstwhile
masseuse.
“Thanks…..
night Spike.” With that Xander plodded up the stairs, opening the door to the
unwelcome cacophony of high pitched voices.
<<<<<<<Admiratio quod motum (surprise
and affection)>>>>>>>
The
following afternoon, Xander quietly bowed out of the ‘crisis’ meeting upstairs
that had somehow degenerated from battle strategy to slanging match over the
‘morality of eating the last one of someone else’s popovers’ and ‘naming
etiquette’ for freezer contents. Obviously critical in their battle plans for
defeating the original evil….*or not*! Xander ventured down to the private ‘pool
room’ – noting the addition of dart board and two strategically placed billiard
table lamps ‘jerry rigged’ to the cross beam and obviously non compliant with
just about any municipal electricity safety law he could think of. He couldn’t
help smiling at the handy-vamp of the month – fondly remembering that there had
been a crypt with hot and cold running television not so long ago.
Spike
was already well on his way through a third beer playing solo, lined up a shot,
and struck perfectly as Xander descended the last two steps. Having spent the
better part of three hours earlier in the day trying to reassure a certain head
slayer of her self worth and capacity to ‘soldier on’ in the face of adversity,
Spike was genuinely pleased to hear the click of the basement door and careful
male footfalls signaling casual company and the distraction of a game or three.
“Pretty
sure Churchill managed to avoid the pop tart policy meeting prior to D-Day,” the
player causally quipped as Xander moved to retrieve a cue from the rack, newly
tacked to an adjacent wall.
“Figured
you’d give me the ‘wide berth’ after yesterday…..” Spike took the lit cigarette
from his lips and wave a vague ‘whatever that was last night’ sign in Xander’s
general direction.
“Hope
you appreciate the new décor by the way.…” distracting himself gesticulating at
the additions to the ‘Billiard Room’ interior.
“Hey
Spike, look….. we could all be dead in a few days right – well obviously you
have the jump on that status but…. Last night…. Well….. thanks, OK? “ Xander,
for a moment looked like the sheepish Scoobie of old – but for the patch. The
battle scar that would endure as ultimate reminder of his innocence lost…..
“Ah
hell Harris… just get your tight ass over here and gimme a decent game would
ya?!”
Xander
grinned, nodded,then proceeded to knock three balls pocket bound in quick
succession.
“Ohh,
ho! ‘Pot Black Master’ has arrived, I see! Thousand ‘pologies mate - mistook
you for a one eyed donut boy from Sunnyhell.”
Xander
feigned horror at the suggestion, but immediately followed with an open and genuine
smile as brown eyes met blue directly. Spike unwittingly dropped his gaze in an
uncharacteristic move reminiscent of William’s shyness, and retrospectively hoped
the boy hadn’t realized his embarrassing slip.
Trouble
was, that Spike had been alone since the lad stomped upstairs yesterday. All by
his ‘savvy one-sy’ again, he’d been left pondering the previous day’s
confessional and consequent embrace. In every incarnation, Spike had been a
tactile creature, and truth be known, one who reveled in expressing his
feelings, of all varieties, blatantly. The difficulty lay in the boy offering
him an opportunity to reveal the past in relative safety, but to bloody well follow
it with warm, supportive touches, no wonder too much of the ‘real William’ had
spilled out.
The
reciprocal rescuing embrace from the pain for the younger man could only be
seen as natural reaction. Problem was, as the day progressed, Spike oscillated
between dismissal of all things ‘emotional’ and a growing, and now desperate desire
to connect. Impending doom notwithstanding, there was *something else* there. This was no longer one of the Slayer’s
lackeys, age and life had molded a courageous, loyal and capable man. Impending
probable demise at the hand of the First seemed to have distilled what was ‘important’
for them both.
Thoughts
of Angelus, Dru, even Buffy, only served to highlight that Spike needed the
touch another person right now, to feel…. Love of any variety (apparently now brunette
colored and in the ‘carpenter’ package) prior to departure from this plane, was
fast becoming an agenda needing attention, and though gender had never been an
issue, he wasn’t so sure of Xander’s inclinations in such matters.
The
rest of the day had been spent reading bits of the Illiad, sipping JD and
contemplating his moth-like attraction to dark haired individuals over the
centuries.
“You
still in there Spike?”
Spike
snapped from his reverie, realized his borderline brood and turned to face his…
friend.
“What you reckon, can we do a proper wager so’s
I might divest you of land, liberty or shirt off your back?”
“Information”
“Come
again mate?”
“Information
Spike – you know, I’ll wager you a truth or dare. Winner gets to ask or set the
task.”
“Not
much I don’t already know ‘bout you pet.”
“Oh I
have depths buddy, you’re looking at onion guy here, plenty of unknowns…. And
hey! Who says you’re going to do all the asking anyway?”
“Y
banter’s is breathtaking luv… Can we just get on with the bloody game?”
An
hour later and Spike found himself distracted watching the other player move
around the table with growing fascination. So much so, that he genuinely lost
the game.
“K…..
Truth”
“You’ve
*got* to be joking!”
“Nope,
c’mon Spike pay up….. Look I’ll make it easy…. Tell me your..um… all time
favourite
“Alright
whelp but we keep playing yeah? And the teller requires another beer.”
Xander
grabbed another ‘Bronze donated’ bottle from the bar fridge, threw it to Spike,
then proceeded to extract balls from their channel under the table and set up
for a new round.
“London
1895, us living it rich in a huge old place just east of Hyde Park, plenty of
servants in those days – strictly speaking, minions but hey, ‘s long as someone
did the dirty work, right?!”
“You
were a vamp by then?”
“Too
bloody right mate – favored childe in the most famous line in
Spike
leaned forward and took a shot before continuing his ‘truth’.
“Member
doin’ endless parties then, rich folks always tasted of port and champagne that
time of year…. Easy pickin’s.”
“First
I say eww, then I put the 3 in the top pocket.”
Spike
took another swig of beer and continued, “Yeah well, truth you said…”
“Darla
and Dru insisted on a tree that year, huge monstrosity, covered it in red and
black bows then near set the bloody thing alight when Dru lit candles all
‘round it”
“So
far, *so* not seeing a point here Spike – thought the request was for ‘best
ever’
“Patience
pet, workin’ up to it yeah…
“Hunted
southside that night – docks always good for a quick, cheap meal – then took a
ride ‘round the city, just him and me. He told me then…. that after 15 years I
was still his favourite, pulled a ring off his own hand and put it in mine,
then kissed me good and proper…. Was like kissing God…. “ Spike’s voice lowered
as he trailed off, “Ancestral seal of Aurelius on my finger, and kissed by my
god…”
Xander,
who had been transfixed and motionless for the last few seconds, knocked his
own cue As it clattered to the ground, Spike was pulled abruptly to the present,
sniffed, looked over at Xander and shrugged.
“Yeah,
well….. gods come and go, I guess”
Lost
in his own thoughts, Xander pondered his own ‘favorite moments of ‘seasons to
be jolly’. He finally settled on the ‘boys’
“C’mon
you git – I win, pay up!”
“Wha..?”
Xander hadn’t even noticed that play had continued let alone he’d lost this
round “Oh… sure, um…”
“I
said dare… Dare you to do something that you’ve always wanted to try but never
had the nerve. Has to be in this room – oh…. and *no* staking the help!”
Xander
thought for a moment, grinned wickedly, then moved to stand directly in front
of Spike swiftly, leaned forward and placed a chaste but confident kiss on the vampire’s
lips. He stopped momentarily to note the rather stunned look on the blonde’s
face but then matched it with one of his own as a cool hand slid up to caress
the nape of his neck and pulled them together once more. This time, a cool tongue
ventured over his lower lip pushing for entry, once granted, Xander completely
lost himself in the moment, allowing loneliness and fear to translate to a
passionate exchange.
They
finally broke contact and stepped back a little, both somewhat ‘thrown’.
Spike
finally clearing his throat and venturing a barely audible “Was nice pet, must
say, unexpected….. but nice.”
“Yeah
well, guess I dared, huh.”
“Care
to dare again sometime?”
At
this Xander looked up to see an eyebrow wiggle and a mischievous glint in the
smaller man’s eyes – but there was also a true fondness there. He wondered how he
had failed to noticed that before.
<<<<<<<< Fidelitas quod
Fides (Loyalty and Trust) >>>>>>>>>
A
rather disgruntled Xander stomped down the stairs for the third time that day.
After the confusing incident with Spike in the afternoon, he’d removed himself
from the basement to spend some time pondering the meaning of the ‘vampire,
kissage and the liking-of-the-same’.
The ‘ladies’
upstairs seemed to have decided it best for Xander to stay out of the ‘line of
fire’. Anya vehemently pointing out that
his seniority as Scooby was outweighed by his human fallibility and injury, suggesting
rather loudly that he was now ‘neither asset nor ornament’ in battle and
therefore had no place in the strategy meetings. The last straw came when
Andrew suggested he “go get some shut eye – pun intended” which had actually
drawn some sniggers from the younger slayers. Xander had retreated from the
meeting without comment.
He
was genuinely enjoying the time with Spike and figured they might as well
expand their repertoire of activity to include snacks and movies. Still needing
one hand on the rail when descending steps, Xander had taken two trips to carry
in the supplies.
“Hey,
be nice to the man with the entertainment and give us a hand with these would
you?”
“Sure
mate, just tryin’ to get the bloody DVD hooked – what ya got anyway? Not
watching another bloody Arni flick with you!”, adding almost as an afterthought
“Yanks never *could* do comedy!”
“Oh
ye of little faith… or global understanding! You happen to be looking at a
proud life member of the ‘Geeks of Sunnydale’, and! Black Adder ‘aficionado’.” Xander
punctuated the statement by depositing the collection of Atkins, Python and Red
Dwarf DVD’s mid table of play.
Spike’s
trademark look of derision, though short lived, left Xander no choice but to
move the offending pile to beside the television, not before noting that the
vampire’s gaze had casually catalogued the titles for later ‘viewing on
demand’. It was Xander’s turn to smirk.
The
dart game had been far more enjoyable than expected, with Xander discovering
his friendly vampire to be quite ticklish, twice managing to cause his opponent
the embarrassment of missing the board completely.
“Bloody
hell, you sodding cheat Harris! That’s it!! Keep your hands to yourself or I’ll
rip your arms from their sockets and use them to beat you to death!” Spike’s
eyes flashed gold, though it wasn’t until he saw the crestfallen demeanor and
registered a genuine apology that he realised that something else might be
amiss.
He
watched as Xander made his way to Spike’s cot and sat down heavily.
Spike
dropped the ‘annoyed’ act and moved to sit beside him.
“s OK
mate, was just kidding ‘n all….. but I figure you got some’t else on your
mind.. Care to share?”
A
litany of stories of rejections, lost friendships and fears sprang forth,
finally ending with his frustration over a lost eye and his now ‘unwelcome
status’ upstairs plus a general desperation for friendship and connection.
Spike
watched as the boy calmed again, noting that he repeatedly twisted a gold
wedding band obviously kept after the botched ceremony with vengeance-girl and
wondered what drove the need to keep that symbol of bad times.
“Know
what pet – you need to let things settle for a while yeah.” He flicked on one
of the ‘Adder’ DVDs, deliberately left the sound low and shifted the
conversation to something more distracting.
An hour or so later, Spike blew a
thin plume of smoke upward then exhaled the rest hard and stabbed out the cigarette
– apparently resolved. They had been discussing their most unusual climaxes –
goodness knows why, thought Spike – the lad was as boring as blanc mange in the
vampiric picture of carnal relations! Still, he’d listened with patience, only
once letting the highly bemused look permeate an otherwise unreadable poker
face. (Fortunately the lad had been so engrossed in his story of ‘Cordy and the
broom closet’, that he failed to notice the raised eyebrow and incredulous
smirk.)
In the light of this discussion, Xander
continued to mull over his own response to the kiss that afternoon. Finally
asking Spike if they could talk about ‘it’.
“What the hell is ‘it’?”
“You know, ‘it’ Spike… the whole
gay loving thing. The kiss on the lips ‘it’. The ‘it’ between vampires….. I
mean you do seem to have ‘broader tastes’ than me and God… there is so much I
haven’t tried …. and…. damn Spike – I really liked ‘it’. And was just thinking that….”
“Oh hell Harris, there’s nothin’
wrong with a couple of fellas distracting ‘mselves in the middle of a war with
a bit of personal exploration.”
Spike turned to face Xander
directly “Look, do you trust me? Then we do this my way, ‘n real slow for the
breakable human, yeah?”
Xander nodded, looked down at his
hands and muttered “I really do…. Trust you, you know.”
“Well good, because you’re gonna
have to trust me lying down………Told you – takin’ it slow, now strip off and lie
on your front”
Spike busied himself on the other
side of the basement while Xander did as instructed with relative privacy.
Face in a pillow that smelled
vaguely of Spike, Xander felt the bed dip as Spike moved beside him and lightly
stroked his back. When there was no flinch or protest, Spike began to massage it
in earnest. He leaned over and grabbed a bottle of oil from the floor by the
bed, dropped a generous amount into his hand and proceeded to dribble the cool
fluid into the small of the back.
Despite the obviously relaxed
status, the boy’s muscles bore the tension of months of worry, fighting and
very real fear. They were the strong, thick muscles of a man who had worked
manually hard; muscles that had seen too much hunting and protecting; muscles
that were strengthened by pain. Spike’s thumbs systematically relieved the
tension across the tanned shoulders, followed on to neck and nape of hair, all
tended with strong caring strokes. Finally the back was kneaded from base to
skull, always pressing hands tenderly from out to in.
Confident in the contented human
clay of his creation, Spike finally straddled the prone figure and began to
acquaint himself with the maleness of these limbs. Nice to feel thick muscles
again, he focused in on the rhythm of his own hands… it had been a long time
since he’d ‘treated’ another body like this – even longer since that body was
male – and there was ‘a line’ that needed to be tested each time before being
crossed.
He paused as he found Xander’s
upper thigh, leant down and whispered “Is this still OK?... I can stop….?” The tentative question linked to his own
unwritten rule – this could *only*
happen if the friend still welcomes it – because no games were to be played, no
extra agendas sanctioned, this was about adding pure physical pleasure to the
genuine bu
Educated fingers began to work
the inner thigh, higher and higher finding the folds and creases, then moving
out again to work the tension from the hamstrings and up to the lower back.
Xander relaxed into the firm
rhythmic touch… his masseuse leaned forward and whispered into his ear….
“Is it still OK?......Do you want
to play – I mean…are you up to it…. or you wanna be done?”…..
A very quiet “Hmmm..s’ OK”
indicated some sort of agreement, so he moved down the legs further… His massage
recipient felt the hands begin to gently knead and rub around tender knees,
then focus on the strong calves, back up and down…..
It was dark when he woke some
hour or so later to the surprising feeling that an index finger was slowly
etching a figure eight around his balls, careful never to apply pressure, while
another hand continued its firm path over the small of his back and down each
leg in turn. Spike sensed the boy’s return from slumber and could feel he was
struggling not to react, but the slow pulse that throbbed near his fingers
betrayed the body and its growing interest…..
Leaning forward, Spike ran his
tongue along the tip of the boy’s ear then whispered “Hey, figure from what you
said that you have never done this with another bloke yeah? So, happy to stop
if you want… You need to go back to sleep or would you up for adventure?”
A very relaxed groan into the bed
covers was the only reply….
Still not sure he had a ‘yes’, he
gently bit Xander’s ear lobe, heard the hiss of approval then watched with a
grin when arms moved above Xander’s head as he simultaneously rolling onto his back
“So…. You let me do the drivin’
yeah….? We stop as soon as you want luv – your call.”
One hand traced circles down the
tanned torso while the other teased Xander’s left nipple, at the same time the
right nipple was laved by a willing tongue then the hand and mouth swapped –
this time alternately sucking hard then biting delicately. All the while Spike’s
second hand moved to stroke slowly down between muscular buttocks and around
increasingly sensitive groin – always careful to avoid the boy’s obviously
growing erection.…
Spike slithered down the body
until his nose was nestled in the patch of wirey dark curls and evidence of
Xander’s interest, just within touching distance… for his tongue.
“Here is something that should be
familiar… though I still reckon a bloke has a better idea of what works.” With
that he pressed his tongue flat on the root of the erection, and measured its
length in a series of hard licks. It occurred to Xander that the tongue felt
cool and for some reason, much wetter than that of other partners, and even
more strange – he was not in the least concerned that it was Spike.
Xander reveled in the delicious
sensations. He was just beginning to log the ‘differences’ with other partners
when all such comparisons ceased, and he gasped as Spike took mushroom top into
his mouth and teased the very end with tiny flicks the tongue. The cool lips
proceeded to purse gently, gripping the ridge and tickling the underside of the
head lightly with a simple shift of lip muscles, then finally, released
grinning, as Xander pushed unconsciously forward seeking more contact. Spike
repeated the act, heard a sigh, the finally starting long sweeping (and
satisfying!) strokes up the entire length. Each pass to the top saw him swirl his
tongue around the tip again, then flick across the small slit, deliberately
lapping circles over the vein as he traced it back to curls for another pass.
Xander was struggling for control as he felt a hand cup then pressed his balls
gently toward his body, suddenly realizing the truth in Spike’s claim of same
anatomy advantages in a lover.
Spike’s tongue departed, and
Xander’s quiet murmur of disappointment was short lived as his balls were in
turn, engulfed in the cool mouth, sucked, laved by a firm confident tongue,
then left as a trail was licked back up his body concluding in a whisper in his
ear.
“K that’s your starters pet, seems
like you enjoyed it, yeah? … Still, up for something new? Promise you’ll like
it….” The tongue pausing momentarily before continuing its trace around the ear,
down behind the lobe then tickled a trail down the adjoining neck as Spike
coated fingers with some sweet smelling cream that had apparently just
‘appeared’ on the side table. Xander’s now rather distant thoughts registered
raspberry….
Spike pressed the heel of his
hand lightly onto the evidence of the boy’s arousal, he paused to caress the
side of the shaft with a feather-light touches using the back of his hand then
continued on down. He shivered at the feeling of the cold substance as Spike
moved the fingers down the crease of his backside and toward the puckered
entrance, sliding them deliberately over his perineum and stroking the
sensitive skin.
Xander bit his lip in
anticipation, suspecting what was coming next, but still let out a low groan
when a lubricated finger pushed past sensitive pucker and cool mouth took his
whole length to the back of a throat then slowly retreated to the tip.
Sphincter muscles clamped down against the invasion and he threw his head back,
panting a little for breath. It was (were he to be honest) a little more bold
than expected, though nothing he and Anya had not tried before.
Spike leaned back up….
"Relax for me" he whispered, and began to stroke his new bed buddy
from the inside with one finger. With his other hand, he teased the underside
of the erection with feather light touch in an achingly slow tempo up and down
the vein, then placed his mouth back on and took the shaft fully to the back of
his throat swallowed, then sucked as hard as he could.
Spike’s lustful groan during this
act sent a shiver through Xander, also letting him relax around the intruding
digit. Timing the withdrawal of the finger with a particularly strong down
stroke of his mouth, more lotion was added to the invading digits. Before he
could tense up again two fingers slid inside. Spike stilled for a moment to let
Xander adjust then commenced a slow movement in and out, perfectly matching the
rhythm made by the mouth taking his solid erection deep to the depths of his
cool throat. Xander’s world jolted as the encasing throat swallowed hard….
Spike’s other hand was busy
roaming, alternating fluttering touches with firm pinches and light scratches,
teasing already sensitive nipples, left to right then tickling a track down to
his navel. The hand circled the belly button then moved down to find an inner
thigh.
Spike began to thrust harder with
his fingers crooking them slightly as he went, seeking the magical point to
demonstrate to his cha
Apparently having lost the power
of speech, Xander’s attempt to beg eme
Swallowing as fast as he dared, a
dribble spilled from the corner of Spike’s mouth. He gently laved the perineum
and licked his sated friend’s swiftly softening sex. Xander looked down with
slightly glazed eyes to see Spike lick the last little spill from his chin,
then he felt fingers withdrawing slowly and gently, brushing the over the now too
sensitive area. This time it elicited a hiss and protective tensing from the
recipient as nerve ends protested their *far* too ‘touchy’ status.
Spike crawled back up the bed
tugging the sheet with him, put a chaste kiss on the boys chest then cheek and
fell back onto the mattress.
“Hmmm nice…..” he grinned and rolled
toward Xander to gauge the after effect….
Virtually asleep, Xander managed
to roll into the spooned embrace, casually threw an arm around Spike’s waist,
pulled the slighter figure closer and muttered a just audible “Yup….Nice.”
The vampire
purred in his most seductive baritone, “Y know, be even better with you
‘sleepin’ over’ tomorrow night all we’re all done with the First…. Celebratin’
be an adventure with you pet!”
<<<<<<<<<<<
Bellum, veneratio quod diligo (war, respect and love)
>>>>>>>>>
He’d had to ‘send
the lad home’ eventually, but only after a kiss that screamed promises for the
coming day and firm hug that spelt friendship …. So Xander returned the
following evening – this time, struggling down the narrow staircase with the
mattress from an upstairs double futon and accompanying bed linen.
Spike had tried hard not to smile
too broadly when Xander had enthusiastically agreed to the concept of the ‘sleepover’.
And grinned broadly as the boy proceeded to explain at the usual morning
meeting of the household upstairs, that he ‘just needed some quiet and ‘male
bonding type stuff’.
Xander’s announcement had been
met with only mild surprise by the audience present. The fact that Andrew had
immediately pouted and begun whining complaints of how he should also be
allowed to sleep downstairs, concluding with the quintessential ‘Anyways, I
should so be down there, ‘cause it’s like Piccard cutting out Number 1 in the
heat of the Bo
Spike now looked
toward ‘removalist ruckus’ on the stairwell, “Planning to stay, pet?”
“Well…… you did offer,
and I….” Xander paused half way down, suddenly unsure that his arrival was what
Spike wished. Reassuring smile flashed his way and he proceeded with gusto.
As the afternoon moved on, the pool table was utilized again, and
conversation again became interspersed with long periods of comfortable silence.
Click of white ball on coloured while one or other player leaned casually on
the upright at the base of the stair, took on a timeless quality. And for Xander any question of ‘other’ orientations, angst over
lost body parts, nerves regarding new experiences, or troubling thoughts of
mortality were temporarily banished. Spike was a true friend….. and they were
playing pool…. Nothing else mattered
“So when did you
get your nipples pierced?”
Xander’s cheeks immediately
flushed scarlet, “What?.... um …. Few months ago…. But… How did you know??”
“Don’t get me wrong – just
wondered. Can see the scars – only tiny mind… Just curious as to why….”
With blush fast threatening to
reach his ankles, Xander took a deep breath and admitted his post jilting-Anja penchant
for pain and marking himself….
“Nothin’ wrong with that, mate.
All get ourselves a few quirks when love goes wrong…. But why’d you let them
heal over?”
“Dunno – just guess it was kind
of symbolic…..”
“You keep the rings?”
Now Xander’s voice took on the
huskiness Spike had enjoy, “Yeah, you can have them if you like…..” then
ventured a shy “I think they would suit you…” He reached down to the pocket of
the duffle bag now housing all his remaining clothes, scrabbled around for a
few seconds then presented Spike with two gold circles.
Spike stared at the faded Tshirt
covering the broad chest and the open expression on his erstwhile companion’s
face he held out his hand and accepted Xander’s offer. With his other hand
thrust into his pocked he fisted the amulet Buffy had handed him earlier that
day, and silently pledged to make the boy feel…. wonderful… tonight….whatever it
took.
They all knew the coming fight
was going to be fierce. Buffy had allocated tasks earlier that day, so daunting
in their scope that none of them were in any doubt the journey to meet the
First was likely a final one for some of them. This time was precious, and that
Xander was choosing to spend what could be their last night on earth with Spike,
touched him deeply.
Spike realised he had absently
heated a mug of blood during his interim ‘brood’, drank it quickly then turned
to the corner of the room where Xander had set up the ‘share bed’ and was now lying
spread-eagled and surprisingly nude (!) but for the corner of a sheet slung
around his waist. He was apparently freshly bathed judging by the fruity scent,
and appeared… ‘warm, comfortable and relaxed’. And now Spike was anything but,
as evidenced by his rapidly tightening jeans.
Xander turned, winked and almost
purred, “So, we going to play?”
With that Spike let out a feral
growl of delight and moved to join the delicious figure on the bed.
He started slowly, speaking low
into the boy’s left ear with a gravelly undertone.
“You talked last night about some
being 15 or some such. ’Dry’, ‘instantaneous’, ‘no actual contact’, ‘never
happened before or since’ and ‘staring at lino’???” ….
Spike pondered the
possibilities….It was a hell of a challenge and the *only* bit that made sense
was the fact that the kid had been 15 years old when it happened.
“This may take some experimentin’
but if your up for it, I’ll see what I can do….”
It was all Xander could do to nod
– words suddenly departing with his own blood – all taking up residence in the
groin area.
“You reckon it might have been
about context? You thinkin’ ‘bout ‘objet de luxure’ for too many days without
‘relief’ or summat?…You *do* know that eventually it wouldn’t matter who it was
that turned up, just s’ long as they took the edge off it right?”
Spikes tone dropped an octave, so
close now to a purr that it evoked a shiver with every sentence.
“I guess I’ll need to work up to
actual ‘relieving’…. It may not even be needed ‘cause you know…. we want you on
the very edge of coming again and again…. Want you so hard, that all worries
disappear, and you only have one reality….
….Until your body begs for
satisfaction, and every nerve end is enveloped by the need for completion…
….When all other thoughts are
overruled by the all encompassing drive to attain ultimate release…
…Until you finally do tip over
the precipice, then pass out with relief… ”
His eyes closed, as Spike
continued in a slow, purring tone, “There is nothing but this now, right now….
No tomorrow… no work…. no worries….just you…your body and all the pleasure it
can bring…. this is all you are….”
Xander felt the cool breath as
Spike *almost* nuzzled his neck and becomes aware of the instantaneous shift to
game face then back again as his neck was caressed by ridges then jaw line
lightly brushed by the ‘human’ nose.
“You will fo
His left nipple felt the feathery
touch of cool torso…..
“Your arousal…..”
Spike shifted his weight leant
down hard, apparently intent on pressing down on the bulge evident under his
towel with his own obvious erection, then chose to fall just short of making
contact…..
“The sensations from your skin…”
He pushed himself up the body,
flicked the right nipple with the very tip of his tongue then blew over the same,
sensitive pebble…..
“Your muscles doing as nerve ends
demand, ….”
He lifted a little, blew another
cool stream over the sensitive dark hairs just below Xander’s navel, then
returned to the measured monologue.
“You are going to *be* simply
your own exquisite tingling groin…..”
Xander felt the gentle removal of
the sheet and noted a tickle as the very tips of platinum locks brushed his
inner thigh.
“Live only for the breathless
anticipation….”
He felt weight shifting again and
a cool stream of air caress the tip of his arousal….
“Find relief in panting your
ecstatic climax……”
Still not quite touching him,
Spike’s hands ghosted over the skin of the boy’s inner thighs and groin,
causing hairs to stand at attention at each pass…..
“Then lie sated in the physical
and mental silence of the petite morte that follows….”
The body over Xander shifted up
again, still not touching.
“Your traitorous body at the same
time wishing that it feels like this forever…”
“And since this is about
imagination and the here and the now……
we don’t want you thinking of
lying on a broad rug on the edge of a river bank on a warm sunny day, summer
grass and wild flowers bending gently in a light breeze…….
Or have you almost hear the rustle
of leaves and swish of the water;
the faint scent of pollen; sense
the delicate fingers stroking up your inner thigh from your knee…”
Xander feels the weight shift a
little as Spike leaned toward him – achingly close but still no touch.
“And we wouldn’t want you
imagining those same fingers tracing lazy circles on the skin just below your
belly button, or brushing feather light strokes around the shell of your ear….
Or the tip of a tongue licking the merest caress from base to tip as you
harden”
Spike blew a gentle stream of
cool air over his subject’s groin, and agitated the hairs just enough to
increase arousal by one more notch.
“And we definitely wouldn’t want
you sensing some legs straddling you and wet inviting space moving so close to
your sex that you can feel the moist softness even before it engulfs you; nor
the powerful climax building as your lover lowers himself onto you, sheathing
you in the cool slick channel, so tight…. Then establishes the *slowest* of
paces.”
“Particularly because…… if you
open your eyes and the object of your imagination happens to be in the room….
The sensation of filling him might just bubble over and become reality….”
Xander felt the bed shift, a body
join him on the bed, and silence reigned for a few long seconds before a husky
voice whispered….
“May I touch you now?”
Xander’s back arched in
supplication, he silent begged for the contact and nodded his most definite,
yet wordless consent.
Spike began tender ministrations
and sealed lips around the ridge below the tip of Xander’s sex and sucked as
hard as he could, flicking his tongue over the slit.
Xander hissed and arched his
back. His tutor relaxed the throat muscles and started swallowing, never
releasing the seal or stopping the deep sucking. Xander’s sex hit the back wall
of his attendant’s throat, then slipping even further in. Spike began a
methodically slow progression up and down the shaft. Even with limited
experience of such an expert mouth, Xander knew he would last no more than
seconds if it continued and was just beginning to regret the enjoyable yet lengthy
lead in, when gasp replaced groan as he felt a hand clamp the base of his
erection, and firm cuff replace fingers. The seductive commentary stated, “Know
your ex had a gold one for this purpose – but my pets find leather *so* much
more comfortable.”
Spike sat back to admire the
tableau then placed one of Xander’s own
hands firmly on the tight shaft and encouraged him to stroke up its length
while he shuffled down between the thighs, removed his jeans and attended the tightening
sac.
“Now… let’s see what else is
possible.” Spike pulled several items from the bedside drawer, Xander heard the
snap of a tube top then a ‘tut tut’ as a dollop of lube dropped onto his chest. With the slick entry, mimicking hand into
silk glove, he felt a slim, lubricated butt plug push into a tight, smooth space..
‘You OK with this?’ Spike waited
– noting that the boy’s eyes were shut tight but the look did not seem to be
one of distress – so he gently continued…
‘The trick is to push back
against me, pet. Try to squeeze it out; it’ll make it easier for you.’ Xander complied,
and the toy moved forward, embedding deeply. Everything was held still for a
few minutes as Spike waiting for him to adjust fully. Xander’s face finally turned
toward his partner with a look of relaxation and ecstacy… and was rewarded
accordingly with a sound petting. ‘Hey mate….. You okay? Feel good? I have
other sizes if you feel like playing la
Despite the vehement shaking of
the head, there was a whispered ‘Can I change my mind about what ‘way’ I like
most, cause…. uhhhh…. This is *really* OK.”
Spike growled out, “Oh Pet, you have
no idea……..”
Then Spike flicked the switch. Buzzing
initiated, the vibrations from the plug managed to scramble all cohesive
thought, whilst Xander’s erection reached its own painful conclusion – now hard
against his belly. and still bound, Xander found his existence once again
reduced to a single imperative – the need to come.
Spike started moving the toy with
very slow, very drawn out movements in and out of Xander’s ass. Every few
stokes he added a little more of the heating lube he’d procured from the
‘everything’s free now’ chemist during one of his ‘shopping’ trips to the
Bronze. He experimented to see what Xander liked, tried withdrawing completely,
and when the response was a groan of pleasure, played with that for a while, insistently
pushing the tip of the plug in and out, teasing the sensitive ring.
Eventually Xander could bear the
torture no longer and began to push back in earnest. Spike relented, rotated
the toy a little and pushed in deeply again vibrating its way past the small,
soft swelling that made it ever more pleasurable. Xander’s eyes snapped opened
and body jerked as he groaned and hissed his pleasure, ‘There! Just do that….
Right there….Oh G….’ He flung his arm over his face, but Spike pulled it away. No
fun unless you could watch that face as he came.
Spike continued to find the ta
Spike shifted his legs again,
this time placing one over each of his shoulders, gently caressing the backs of
his thighs, from here he could work the toy, have a spare hand and lick forcefully
down the perineum, eliciting joyous buck of hips and “Oh God” Spike simply
continued to lave the area. [Luv I’ll answer to anything on a good day]
“Hey c’mon Xan, talk to me mate,
want me to stop?’ Spike grinned knowing full well that speaking at this point
was almost impossible for the boy. The cock ring had done its job and the
restrained member was all shades of deep pinks and purples.
‘Hmm, good boys deserve presents yeah?’ With that Spike moved swiftly,
continuing the vibrator’s rhythm. The restraint holding back his climax was
flicked loose, momentarily removing the vibrator as Spike straddled him and
leaned forward to maneuver his erection alongside Xander’s then returned the
vibrator to its warm passage. He arched and ground the two cocks together. He
sensed the pulsations in the twin erections, then felt the tension deep inside release
and they climaxed simultaneously
He collapsed onto the broad chest, removed the vibrator and felt the boy shudder
once more as he gradually ‘came down’….
Xander could feel Spike’s smirk against
his chest but still managed to mumble, “OK, toys - definitely of the good.”
Then promptly fell asleep.
<<<<<<<<
Spes quod Infinitio (Hope and
Eternity)>>>>>>>>
A morning glow back lit the
curtains over the tiny basement windows. Spike had been awake for a while. He
twisted to admire his sleeping companion.
If this was to be his last day,
then he was just going to enjoy the quiet and try to memorize the feeling of
him, the contours, the corded muscles, his scent, all for future reference
‘cause it might help to have that memory, as he was likely spending eternity in
hell after today…..
This was indeed the rarest of
moments, and he determined it be savored… He ventured a tentative hand down to
find Xander’s early morning erection taking form……Spike wondered what he would
dream if he were to ‘have a play’, wondered if he would continue to snooze… He
wondered if he could manage to get him to climax without waking the lad. It was
the morning before the ‘big battle’, nothing to lose really…..
Spike’s leg had been resting over
Xander’s thigh, he eased it over further and began to lightly rub his bed
buddy’s now semi erect member. Pale fingers found the dark curls surrounding,
tugged and teased them and lips latched onto the closest nipple for long enough
to prompt it to pebble under his tongue….
Decision made, he shifted onto
his side, eased up to his knees then slowly licked and caressed his way down to
the dark curls. Then reached for the tiny brown bottle of oil he always kept
under the bed ‘just in case’.
{{{{Xander was lying on a warm
deserted beach, could feel a light caressing breeze on his skin but couldn’t
quite register the other feelings except somehow he knew he was nude. He became
increasingly aware of many hands and many tongues massaging and laving his body
but seemed powerless to move, even to the point of being unable to lift his
head to view the source of the increasingly pleasant sensations.}}}}}
Spike felt his boy respond, as
hands now slippery with massage oil, moved constantly taking each leg in turn,
lavishing attention on toes, feet then legs. He gently eased Xander’s legs
apart moving between them, reaching for left left arm and moving it wide of his
body. Xander’s right arm was (as usual) already thrown above his head, emphasizing
his well defined muscles and an appearance of sheer relaxation.
{{{{The beach morphed into the
inner workings of a dark bedroom, he was lying enveloped in the softest of
beds, still apparently unable to move with a vague awareness that there were
restraints holding his arms and legs spread eagled…. A blindfold descended and
he registered a shiver of excitement}}}}
Xander’s erection now almost at
full attention (as was his torturer’s), Spike ceased his ministrations
momentarily, checking for signs of consciousness. Satisfied his cha
{{{{It was warm and soft, the bed
seemed to be moving in and all around him, he could hear a strong heartbeat,
was aware that he was being caressed. But with a shift in this bizarre dream it
was apparent that he had somehow *become* his own hardened member, feeling
himself wholly sheathed in a warm mouth aware that his head was being stroked,
coaxed and now enveloped deep inside a
very warm, wet, silken enclosure. He was surprised that he could still breathe
in such a tight space, but all wonder was brushed aside as an overwhelming u
Grabbing for the tube of lube
Spike swiftly prepared himself – not that a little pain would be a problem – but
he was still trying to do this without waking his impaler and a dry entry would
hardly go unnoticed! Slick and ready Spike straddled his friend gingerly,
paused momentarily – again checking for signs of waking, gently lifted the
thick shaft to position it just so then eased down. Sliding Xander deep and
stifling a groan as the delight of brushing his own prostate confirmed once
again that knowing one’s own body could sometimes be an advantage when angles
of entry were critical. He leaned forward, grabbing the head board and took
some of his weight with arms then began to ride the boy at an excruciatingly
slow pace. He glanced at the clock by the bed; casually wondering how long he
could keep this up and whether or not Xander would wake on release. He felt the
hips underneath him begin to respond to the rhythm though apparently still in
slumber-land and resolved to increase the pace.
{{{{There was u
Spike felt the thrusts become
stronger, he held his own climax at bay and varied the rhythm a little and
angled himself a little higher to force the shaft even deeper with each stroke.
Xander came hard with a muffled
yell, Spike registering four powerful jets of deliciously hot liquid and
several aftershocks inside his own channel, then watched with dismay as a
single glistening tear tracked from the corner of Xander’s good eye. Suddenly
fearful that he had somehow hurt his friend, Spike caressed the damp cheek with
his thumb and contemplated another lifetime without this. He lifted off gently
then moved to Xander’s ‘sighted’ side and resolving simply enjoy the moment and
hope that there would be no need for ‘damage control’, after all he hadn’t
really ‘taken advantage’, had he?
Awareness crept over Xander, the
warm bed of his dreams dissolved to be replaced by the early morning light and
an equally unfamiliar bedroom. He slowly registered that there was a soft cool
body lifting off him then spooning his side, and a relaxed pale arm casually
thrown over his waist.
He adjusted his position a little
but remained on his back – one arm still casually resting above his head - Spike wriggled a little to accommodate the
move then threw his leg over Xander’s again, pushing his hips forward. Spike
heard a groan and the rumble of what he thought might be approval, simply
answering with a self satisfied ‘hmmmm’, which rapidly became purring, breaking
*any* illusion of slumber.
“Hey” Spike’s voice still a
little husky from the purring, but the definite smirk and twinkle in azure eyes
indicated to Xander that Spike had indeed been awake for some time, “Finally
the rest of you is up…. …. You OK pet?”
“Yeah, ‘m fine… ‘s the time?”
“Around seven I figure….. you
have a nice dream?”
“Hmmmm the best”, came a rather
languid reply.
“Care to elaborate?” Spike tried
his best to appear the epitome of innocence, and failed dismally.
Xander’s face broke into a broad
grin, “Figure you may already have the Cliff notes, would you like me to relive
some of the highlights with you….”
“Delighted to keep the dream
alive for you mate – might relieve the tension for meself, ya never know”
One eye brow raised, he flashed a
lascivious grin…. They both knew that the battle was coming and that this might
well be their last moments together, so time was precious……. and not about to be
wasted. Xander pulled the sheet over his head, moments later Spike felt a
heated mouth enveloping his very definitely interested appendage, arching off
the bed as his own completion was consumed with gusto.
“God Harris… Xander….. ‘f we get
out the other end of this, you an I need a really long talk – and possible a
condo in San Fran!....”
The statement was greeted by a
heartfelt smile from the now rather ruffled lover eme
“So, I need someone to take m’ two
rings for safekeeping like and seeings as you’re goin’ to be ‘rear guard’, I
figured you might be willing……”
Xander saw the ‘young Will’ for a
second time in five days as Spike’s gaze and tone dropped, and he nervously
rolled two golden objects in the palm of his left hand…..” Special friend n’
all…. You know…… just don’t want to get a chink taken out in the heat of the
moment, that sort of thing….”
Xander rolled to his side,
letting his arm rest gently over the alabaster chest…. Spike space. He looked
down and suddenly understood, cupped in the elegant hand of the former scholar
were his human father’s familial ring and the seal of Aurelius. He wasn’t sure
where Spike had been hiding the ring so painfully accepted as a young boy, but
looked upon both with reverence. This was about an unstated promise to be safe;
a pledge that they’d both ‘get through this’; the promise to ‘play another day’
together; and even to risk the need to ‘out’ any consequent relationship to
friends. This was the last desperate act to define a commitment and quell the
fear that they might well lose their newly discovered friend and eme
“I’ll wear yours, if you wear
mine,” Xander stated, as he tugged off the wedding band he’d so furiously
locked onto a middle digit of his ‘wrong hand’ months before, and handed it to
Spike.
They each found the fingers best
suited to taking the foreign circles, stood and dressed in silence. Then with
one final grief stricken, passionate kiss and terrified embrace, turned to
ascend the steps. Xander grasped Spike’s hand until the last moment in a
desperate effort to convey his strength and love, He smiled when the squeeze
was returned and whispered “Hope you’re free for carols next
“You’re on…… ‘Five golden rings’
- What ya reckon pet…. three ringed fingers, two pierced navels and a partridge
in a pear tree – they’ll never guess, mate!” Spike’s intense azure gaze
demanding of Xander that they both live to share *that* moment….
…And with that, they both put their free hand to the basement door and opened it to join the ‘final offensive’.