Parts 26 - 37
Spike awakens without Xander, and deliberately stages a show of debauchery to trumpet his claim on his lover for the benefit of Xander's friend Jake. Their ensuing conversation allows each of them to display his devotion to and protection of Xander. Later, Xander wakes to find Spike preparing them both; the rhythm of their languid fucking quickly increases as Xander's ardor matches Spike's intense desire. Their affectionate after-play turns into a conversation about their sheer excitement in having each other. A later talk about pragmatic concerns highlights Spike's reluctance to claim or penetrate Xander as well their struggle to redefine their roles in the relationship.
Xander's surprise plan to provide Spike with glasses backfires when Spike rages that Xander acted on behalf of William. Spike's demon comes to the fore, which Xander finds both frightening and compelling. As the demon triumphantly moves to claim him, Xander implores Spike not to rape him the way Spike was raped. The chip finally kicks in, and Xander escapes in his car. Two phone calls let Xander know that William has risen to the surface and that Pat approves of his request for another sorely-needed week off. After conversing with William about the degrees of humanity present in Spike, Xander considers his fear and desire for Spike's demon as he falls asleep with William.
Xander's pleads with William to bring Spike back to the surface. Spike morosely talks of going to Angel, intent on avoiding the possibility of hurting Xander at all costs. Xander quietly demands that he remain so they can get past the incident of the night before. In response to Spike's sadness, Xander assures him that he'll always forgive Spike no matter what. Though Xander wonders aloud if he should take the position of emotional control with Spike, Spike confesses that he feels better and safer knowing that Xander possesses him.
Xander chooses Spike's frames, and Spike pierces his ear so that he can wear Xander's diamond stud. At lunch, Xander's familiarity with the waiter causes Spike to needle Xander about people who desire him. They drop by the Partnership, and Spike visits Pat, hearing stories about Xander during their period apart, and wondering why he senses that Pat isn't entirely human. After a hurried and intense coming together in the back seat of the Mercedes, the two debate over who's the Consort in the relationship. Spike considers his conversation with Pat and worries whether he's interfered with Xander's happiness by returning.
Spike experiments with responding and behaving as though he were William in order to convince Xander and himself that he won't harm his love. Aroused by Xander's gentle seduction, Spike trusts William's presence to keep Xander from harm. Spike's unexpected shyness provokes Xander's anxiety that William and not Spike is with him. The submissive gestures Spike makes spur Xander on until he passes out after his climax. Upon regaining his composure, Xander accuses Spike of manipulating him, but eventually assures the vampire that he is the only one he wants, not William, not the demon, not Spike playing at being William -- just Spike.
Though the week brings regained trust, Spike's frustrations with his fears create tensions in the relationship. Xander offers to accompany Spike to alleviate his anxiety about going outside at night; however, both know that such a solution provides only temporary relief. Spike's request that Xander sing to him brings back a memory of a particular lyric Xander found resonant long ago. At the song's emotional climax, Xander pleads for Spike to bite him. Spike pulls back after just a moment because so the demon won't emerge, but he draws Xander in to swallow some of his blood in return. Lingering doubts about Spike claiming Xander interrupt the passionate sex that follows only for a short time.
Spike and Xander's preparations for the friends Xander considers family raises the topic of Xander's abusive parents. Spike's concern that he's changed since his capture makes him wary of complying with Xander's request to draw the two of them having sex. Awake that night, Spike reflects that he cannot take Xander until he is no longer defiled. Later, they remember how Angel had offered Xander to Spike and how Xander had always wanted to fuck the Big Bad. They play at their old roles, momentarily frightening Xander when his joking taunts bring out Spike's demon. When Xander assertively turns Spike over and takes him from behind, Spike suddenly panics when he can't see his love.
Xander's enthusiastic groping distracts Spike from preparing for their dinner party, but Xander finally realizes that they haven't time, to Spike's consternation. Spike hits it off with Beth even as he tries to avoid the unwelcome attentions of Jake's girlfriend, and despite his initial qualms his meeting with Rafe goes well. The members of the Partnership learn that Spike has accidentally-on-purpose hacked into the files of a competing firm. After their guests leave, and in the middle of having sex with Xander, Spike worries that the family wouldn't accept him, internally wondering if he is too sullied and worthless to deserve Xander.
In the weeks following, Spike withdraws from Xander and his distracted behavior risks his life. Xander calls Willow, desperate for help, but Spike's delusion that he's back in the Initiative calls for immediate measures. Spike shirks away from imaginary attackers and wounds himself when he tries to claw the chip out of his head. A single phrase from the frightened ramblings sticks in Xander's mind and he becomes convinced that Riley Finn was involved in raping and torturing Spike. Xander feeds Spike his own blood, and after gathering the ingredients of a spell supplied by Willow, he gives in to his urge to call Angel once more.
Spike doesn't remember the events of the past few days and even denies he came to Xander as William. When Xander suggests Spike stay with Willow temporarily, Spike panics. The following day, however, he sweeps confidently into Xander's office with a new plan of visiting Angel to seek solutions for the chip. Numerous co-workers, alerted by fast-flying rumors, witness their emotional goodbye. Jealous and desperate for Spike's return, Xander speaks with Willow and agrees to visit for Thanksgiving. After finding a farewell note from William, Xander sadly reflects that he never got a chance to say goodbye to that side of Spike.
Spike surprises Xander in Sunnydale, finding him at a dance club. During a frenzied sexual encounter in an alley, the two swear to their intense love for one another. After leaving a holiday party, Angel insists that he and Spike leave. Angel and Spike arrive at a clearing and break into a tunnel amidst arguments over whether Spike truly loves Xander. With a start, Spike realizes they are in the now-destroyed Initiative. Spike clings to Angel for support, but also warns him not to challenge Xander's claim. Angel agrees that Xander would unlikely be willing to accept Spike turning him; back at the house Xander teases Buffy about Spike turning him when the chip comes out.
Furious that Spike hasn't called, Xander demands that he come home. Though Spike is pleased with the success of his plan to make Xander insist on his return, Xander's cold anger upon his arrival causes him to doubt his decision. Xander's jealous questions about Angel lead to a dominant re-claiming of Spike, who exults in the possessiveness, violence, and mastery that Xander wields as they have sex. Despite Spike's pleasured moans and encouragement, Xander momentarily recoils, feeling as though he has raped his boyfriend. As they go to sleep, Xander insists on asking whether Angel laid a hand on Spike, and Spike explains any gestures were only those of a friend.