Eleven Twenty Three O Five: 9
by Josie_h
Notes

The following evening on a lonely road on the outskirts of Spokane, the two vampires both in new smart casual clothes, greeted Mick and handed over a six pack of beer.

They were led down a very long corridor with a number of different rooms. Their host cheerfully explained that they were a private facility typically funded ‘on the quiet’ by the military and private entrepreneurs but in more recent times the Wolfram and Hart donations to one or two of their special projects had made a big difference. Not to mention the rather nice stream of willing volunteers that the law firm seemed to access and the fact that they all came to the facility with implants to assist in the experiments.

He stopped at a heavy door at the end of the corridor. “This is it gents, after you.”

It took a moment or two to realize what it was they were looking at. The room was dominated by a twenty meter swimming pool. As they walked in two dolphin like tails were visible, one slapped the water and then both submerged. The two vampires were confused and just about to say something when two human heads appeared and turned to see who had arrived. Xander gasped as he took in what must have transpired, recalling the half man half goat back when they were in Ohio. He watched with fascinated horror as their dear friend propelled himself easily to their end of the pool.

“They come as a pair as usual – doesn’t matter to us… just do it for you folks since Wolfram and Hart usually put ‘em on display after we’ve finished with ‘em. Apparently a pair gives everyone a better show, otherwise they wouldn’t be that interesting would they. They make a nice addition to any company pool I guess, just remind whoever’s getting them that it has to be a salt system. Chlorine is just too tough on their skin long term. We’ve trained ‘em with a few tricks and so long as you keep the dial around you can persuade ‘em to do pretty much anything.” With that the burly man handed Xander the hated implant controls.

“Oh and tell your boss they’re easy enough to make now we’ve perfected the chip/serum/spell combination. Hey and unless he’s ready for the marines training program yet, he might want to send us a couple of females next time – If they’re just for show, you know… the boy on boy stuff doesn’t do it for everyone.

“I’ll just go sort out some wet towels. You’ll need some extras and a couple of plastic bags for their business too – hardly take ‘em to a public bathroom. And I don’t suppose you thought to bring food?” Spike shook his head and tried to look apologetic.

“No matter I’ll grab you some frozen – they don’t like it as much as fresh but they won’t starve at least. Know I’ve got a few packs of whitebait you can have.” The man left them in the enclosure while he gathered supplies.

Spike gave a curt nod but didn’t take his eyes off their wonderful savior Richard, now so very altered. Both vampires dropped to their knees and reached over the side of the pool toward their friend. They were horrified when he lifted out his fin like hand to touch them.

“We’ve come to take you home pet… but that might need some revisin’ now…  Just… We are certainly getting you both out of here!

Xander choked back the tears as they discovered that there were no human sounds available to Richard anymore, simply a set of high pitched whistles, squeaks and percussive noises. But the sentiments were unmistakable, love, sadness, relief, gratitude. Richard communicated rapidly to his partner who squeaked and clicked with obvious excitement.

Within minutes Spike and Xander had moved the van to the loading bay of the building, and had Richard and friend inside, now wrapped carefully in wet towels on a large sheet of plastic on the floor of the vehicle.

……………………..

They drove south for the entire night, Spike left messages with Willow’s coven, with the Watchers’ Council for Giles, and even one on Dawn’s chirpy answering machine in Italy. They needed a solution, somewhere safe for these two beautiful creatures to live, be cared for and happy.

They finally stopped at a motel at four in the morning, explaining that they had two ill passengers and needed a room urgently. They paid extra to stay for the whole day and the following night and were thankful that the honeymoon suite (the one with the spa) was available. They filled the huge bath with warm water and lifted the two precious bundles into their temporary abode before securing the curtains, and bedding down for the day.

The two vampires took turns refreshing the warmth in the tub every few hours and spoke gently to the rather disorientated couple. Each time their friend clicked his pleasure and tried desperately to speak, but usually just gave up and caressed whoever was attending them with his now distended and webbed hand. Richard’s look of deep gratitude said it all and inevitably he received a kiss for his trouble. By the third visit, the other young man joined him in the thankful, affectionate gestures.

On the second night Spike stole an RV. They drove the two vehicles until on a deserted back road where they transferred their precious cargo, then switched the number plates on the RV, siphoned most of the the petrol into the jerry can in the RV, and used the rest to set the car ablaze. Spike would eventually ring through to the police in a distant town weeks later and report the vehicle stolen.

They barely made it into a hotel in time as the sky began to lighten. This time there was just a standard bath and rather stiff tails did not allow the two mermen to bend as much as was needed to fit into the bath together. So this time the two hour turn around was a change over from a turn in the towels to a turn in the bath.

But at least one thing was better. The worst part for the mermen during the trip to date had been the embarrassment felt when they needed to relieve themselves, particularly the need to defecate. In their pool they had been provided with a custom made chute and handles on the wall to simply pull up and go, and with treated water occasional slip ups urinating was really not such an issue. But lying in wet towels in the back of the van, they were unable to do anything more than roll onto the ‘extra’ towel then live with the smell. But the RV held the solution. In one of Xander’s bored moments, he was checking all the cupboards and found a selection of zip-lock bags in one of the drawers in the van and had an idea. Although they still needed help to open and seal the bags, they were at least able to go cleanly and in relative privacy.

No-one was particularly rested by day three though the RV with its double bed was a vast improvement on the floor of the van, and the extra up top single did give some respite at night for the vampires who occasionally snoozed when not driving. The tiny fridge and freezer was also a godsend fresh blood and fish purchased at much more frequent intervals and if they were pressed for water there was little shower, extraordinarily difficult to manipulate Richard or Dean into but still possible if they were desperate.

They were still vaguely heading south along the West coast. At least that way they could sometimes catch an early morning purchase as fishermen came into dock with their catch. On their fourth night they began to head inland to run across country, but backtracked after Willow’s call.

…………………….

This time she called them. There was a coven of who specialized in studying mythical sea creatures and had specialized facilities just south of San Diego on the coast. It was warded so they would be shielded from the outside and black magic including W&H. And they would have safe haven and access to the open ocean. The witches were terribly excited and amazed that some group had actually succeeded in shifting a human’s form to true merman, but distressed beyond measure that it had been done and without consent, unsurprised it was Wolfram and Hart behind the violation.

Spike noted their charges were sleeping soundly, still comfortably moist on their soft bed, so did not bother to wake them with the news. They checked in for the night to perhaps for the last time in the trip. They were on the outskirts of Pheonix, Arizona when they were forced to stop just before dawn. Or rather they stopped three times at low class establishments before turning back into town and finally found a five star hotel who’s concierge *was* sympathetic to neatly dressed men who appealed to him, explaining that their “…partners had to be home after a rather fun weekend in Vegas but they had to wait out the day for ‘::nod nod wink wink::… certain reasons.”

They paid a small fortune in cash and a little extra for the man’s trouble/silence. Spike hoping they could hock the RV once they’d dealt with their friends, or he and Xander would truly be destitute… They were vampires… and he never had a problem with ‘alf inching’ for survival… but just sometimes it would have been a relief not to worry. Wolfram and Hart had accessed all Angel’s money and the Sunnydale collapse had lost the Ring of Amarra ‘stash’ or what was left of it. Gauging by some discrete inquiries with his banks that Wolfram and Hart had dealt with his Childe’s human assets when he was declared dead by suicide.

His thoughts flowed easily through the link and he was the recipient of a tight hug and loving kiss “We’ll be fine – Sire… something will come up… I trust you…”

The suite was enormous with two bedrooms and a spa with luxuriant seats for eight.

If everything went to hell after this as least they could give Richard and Dean this was one night of bliss.

Glasses were a little beyond their friends new ‘hands’ so two sports bottles found in the van’s cupboards sufficed… and the two provided bottles of Champagne were consumed over the ensuing few hours. Still bubbling away in the warm water, a nude Spike wandered up to Richard and pointed to the dial on a snoozing Dean’s implant and with a wicked grin mouthed “Up”.

Richard grinned and was utterly aroused by the notion and the fact that Spike’s erection was begging for his mate who was also relaxed, eyes closed. Richard swiftly shifted in the water and arched just enough that his prehensile and utterly muscular organ caught and wrapped around the end around Spike’s wrist. His vampire friend’s eyes went wide. “Bloody hell… wanna revise that threesome thing?... So you can both???...”

Richard grinned, his now slightly cone shaped teeth showing, and mouthed “You bet.”

“Well you’re not bloody well goin’ near Xan then!… you’ll spoil him for everythin’! All I’ve got is the regular equipment… Then again, nothin’ like a vampire for the long haul and the quick recovery!!” He grinned and wiggled his scarred eye brow. Spike had heard the two mermen’s under a minute love making episodes… though their recovery time seemed almost instantaneous and unlimited also.

Richard smiled broadly, and instead of mouthing or squeaking an answer, he leaned down and to nuzzle the master vampire’s crotch lightly underwater, it was simply an affectionate gesture, not a sexual one…

As he emerged Richard was surprisingly, rather teary, made more obvious by his extra lids. Pulling back he reached up with his now altered ‘hand’ to caress the vampire, but Spike was quicker. He too was teary eyed and grabbed the limb, kissing the four segments of soft webbing between distended digits in turn… then added one to Richard’s forehead for good measure.

“Oh Pet… We bloody well love you…. You know that?!... I ‘m sorry we were too late… so…so.. sorry… was too late for my mate too… so bloody weak…” Spike was spiraling into self flagellation again, but Richard pulled him down and kissed him soundly, gesturing firmly to his lovely mate who was blinking back to consciousness and smiled at him with loving dark brown eyes. He’d heard the tail end of the conversation.

Spike felt his mate tugging through the link so smiled thankfully, patted Richard’s arm and set all the controls to low. Neither needed the stimulation, but it was the novelty of being able to give everyone a little ‘kick’ at their own request that had them all agree to enjoy a little extra. Spike highlighted the difference by leaving the controls within reach of their two aquatic friends even finned hands could hit the ‘Off’ anytime. He then whispered, loud enough for both mermen to hear, “See mate… get the right boy and threesome’s old hat!” grinned, winked and joined Xander in their less watery bed.

Dean looked a little puzzled at the comment, Richard simply smiled and clicked the equivalent of long story later, then slid his fin inside his partners very sensitive and pink with arousal penile slit and looked down as both their prehensile members emerged and intertwined. The two couples made love side by side easily for over an hour.

…………….

The following evening’s drive was surprisingly stressful, both couples apprehensive as to what they might find at the coven. And Xander, Richard and Spike contemplating losing each other for a second time.

Before they pulled into the confines of the witches’ estate, Spike stopped the RV.

Dean and Richard were awake and propped themselves up into a half sit with effort. As Spike dropped down on the mattress beside them, Xander standing a little further back.

“Just need you blokes to know. This feels wrong, or you’re not sure, and we are gone, tonight needs be… We’ll drive to bloody Timbuktu if that’s what it takes!” He back and grabbed Xander’s hand then looked directly at Richard. “You saved us mate, and we’re not givin’ up on you, so… You or your lovely boy there not happy… and we’re all out of here, got it?! Feel bad in a week, a month, a year … You ring and we’ll come for you… You’re stuck with us mate… you’re family … and family don’t suffer, not if I can help it!” Spike looked visibly upset, dropped Xander’s hand and fell in and out of game face. He then began furiously twisting the ring Richard had given him and stared at some spot on Dean’s tail as though wishing to say something more but not quite able.

Richard simply nodded then struggled up on the bed, his body refusing to bend as easily as it used to. He reached up and pulled Spike down as best he could with his finned hand, and kissed the vampire chastely… though Spike felt the fin instinctively ride south to brush the vampire’s nether regions.

Spike relaxed a little, “Alright then… but mate, any more ‘o that” he looked pointedly at the roaming fin, “and we’re all parked for the day trying to satisfy needs!” He finally smiled them winked at Dean and wiggled an eyebrow, “Got yourself a right catch luv… keep his fins on your bits and I reckon you just might just make it.”  Dean squeaked his appreciation then clicked something to Richard.

The two reclined again and Richard locked eyes with Spike then Xander and with great affection mouthed “Love You, Thank You.”

…………………..

The Coven was situated in a private cove and with almost five miles of unmade road to the front gate, then a further mile to a rambling set of buildings, it certainly did have privacy.

They arrived too close to sunrise… again, but this time were expected and welcomed literally with open arms by a woman who obviously had a penchant for the classic black…everything… and body piercings.

Mistress Blackrainbow was effusive, voluptuous, eccentric and ‘broad across the beam’ in a maternally beautiful way. She hugged the boys as though they were long lost sons and easily took Dean from a very surprised Xander, clicking and calling to him in his own tongue before placing him carefully in their reception pool. The stunned young merman was almost in tears as he relaxed first in her firm arms then into the salty warmth. She returned quickly and did the same for Spike’s charge, and Richard too felt a deep sense of care flowing from the magical woman.

With the two mermen comfortably lounging in their pool, happily prone and heads propped up to participate in the conversation, Xander and Spike now felt awkward. They stood at the door rather stunned.

The Mistress spoke first, “Well… come in! Come in!” She signaled to a chaise lounge and flopped down into a large rather worn recliner opposite. As they sat she continued, “You and your mate have done a wonderful thing… a *wonderful* thing… I am sure Richard is it?... and Dean?... Would agree.  And you are vampires?... but then Mistress Willow did tell me… it’s just that I… ” Emotion and the physical effort of carrying the two men had her wiping perspiration from her brow, then patting the same from a plunging and significant cleavage with the obviously well used handkerchief, “It’s just that I am not in the habit of trusting all that we hear. Oh but you boys… are obviously… something as unique as your gorgeous friends here.” She stood and  before either vampire could react, pulled them into a generous three way hug, this time with their faces pushed hard against the soft folds of black fabric covering her ample bosom.

She smelled of patchouli, calendula and sage, with an overlay of violets, obviously her preferred added scent. And the hug felt like that of a favorite Aunt, exuding affection and approval. Both vampires pulled away quite moved, made worse by the same set of feelings flowing back and forth across their mated link. Mistress then leaned down, kissed them, and whispered, “It’s OK my loves, my hugs come for free… so while you are here… or anytime you return… you need only open your arms as any small love might, and you will receive… just as you did when you were tiny with your momma…”  

Xander felt an ache in his chest for reasons he could not even articulate, and Spike pulled his mate into a tight embrace on his lap and proffered his neck to his Childe. Xander bit down hard and began to feed, as he did so, Mistress patted Spike’s arm. “You are an extraordinary individual William, and a good one… and you and your Childe, your Mate *will* have a happy future. Kudos William…. Kudos.”

She placed five bags of warm ex-dated AB positive on the small table beside the Sire. Spike first looked shocked then with utter gratitude nodded to her, as his rather ravenous Childe continued to pull on his carotid enthusiastically. Spike quickly downed three bags then savored the final two.

Meanwhile, two of the wiccans had attended to the mermen. Fresh pacific perch and salmon, sans scales, had been delivered and the two had fed until so full they could not move and were beginning to doze off. Mistress sat on the edge of the pool and stroked them in turn and in the lowest of tones said, “You are very welcome here… very welcome.”

She turned to the two vampires, “We can look after your friends, but you have come so far and risked so much for Richard and Dean that I need you all to be happy with our facilities, and that they make the decision to stay willingly… Tomorrow evening, when you are all rested, we will tour the facilities, but for now I would ask that you follow Alia to your rooms. We will bring your friends directly.”

Spike and Xander were ushered to a huge, warmly decorated room with cushions, throw rugs and fluffy covers in every direction. An enormous four poster bed stood in one corner, and on a raised platform in the other was a rather oddly shaped spa bath that had a definite ‘shallow end’ with dual pillows and a cushioned floor. Xander looked puzzled but as their sleepy friends were eased into the watery pleasure by Mistress’s assistants, it all made sense and was perfect. Their tails were free to float and they were covered in water where it was needed but their heads and bodies had soft support. It was obvious that the room had hosted their kind before.

The four exhausted fugitives snuggled down and slept fitfully for the first time in days.

Eleven Twenty Three O Five: 10