Xander and Spike had retired to the spa as Anton left. Several hours later, they were still enjoying the relaxed, slow rise to… their second release… as the Immortal and his Slayer ‘squeeze’ arrived home.
They both acknowledged the sound, but as Xander was currently straddling and being filled by his lover, no comment was made. Rather, they continued to let the sound of pure passion dominate their space. The bubbles and warmth of the spa simply added to the moment. Spike finished inside his lover just as Xander cried his own completion. They kissed passionately and exited the spa, matching ‘towel toga’s’ in place, and fell into bed.
It was nearing midday when they first roused. Both Spike and Xander felt it, they were intertwined, utterly relaxed and comfortably warm under the fluffy covers. They snuggled down. There was no urgency as the business of the day had been dealt with in the marathon evening of the previous night. Even their semi slumber, snuggling was a justifiable and welcome option.
Well after the ‘yard arm’, Master and Consort rose and began to prepare to descend to the ‘breakfast room’. Spike could not help grinning a little. Standing in matching black satin robes he and his consort looked like what they were, two rich men, now royalty in fact, standing in their domain. They had both had an ‘earth friendly facial and mud wrap’ before showering and dressing. Spike was clad in soft brown cashmere pants and a wafer thin burgundy sweater, Xander in dark kid leather jeans, and cream colored hand knit cotton top.
Spike smirked a little … Lorne would have given his right horn for the photo!
……
Buffy was reading the paper in the library while Anton ‘did business’ as a quiet knock on the door announced her old friends. She flew to Xander’s side, hugging him vehemently. For some reason Xander felt an uncomfortable ‘pins and needles’ irritation as she touched him.
Buffy pulled back to stare warily at her friend. “What have you done?”
Xander looked confused and worried.
The uncomfortable feeling was apparently mutual but the reason unknown to Xander at this point. The hostility evident in her voice tangibly increased the discomfort. Spike stepped forward ready to defend his partner, but it was Anton who moved in.
The Immortal took Xander’s hand, kissed it, then extended his fangs and bit into the wrist, taking a single long draft before opening his own vein and offering it to Xander. As Xander latched on, Anton addressed his partner as though having a human, her former Scooby friend, now quietly lapping a wound closed, was the most normal thing in the world. “Dear heart… Alexander is the full consort of the High Master of Aurelius, William.
“Master William with his consort by his side now rules all the clans of Europe… and their outlying territories. Alexander has been accepted by the clans, he has also passed the trials, has been found worthy and deadly and has come to his Master’s defense on more than one occasion. William, Alexander and I have exchanged blood in the absence of Angelus.”
Xander kissed the point of feeding, released the wrist and joined Spike on the small eighteenth century brocade lounge.
Buffy’s eyes went wide as she realized the implications. She addressed her partner accusatorially, “But you’re a…? And he’s human! And you’re… The Immortal!! Not a *normal* vampire at all… so you can’t!? Can you? You can’t do the whole Childer thing… can you? Anton what aren’t you telling me?!”
Anton continued calmly, “I offered and was accepted into the role of William’s, and therefore Alexander’s, surrogate Sire. After all William not a *normal* vampire either. He is ensouled having bravely won it back, and his consort is a human from the Hellmouth. William was the designated heir – he is here at my request. I could hardly refuse” Anton smiled toward his two ‘adopted’ childer and continued. “My Love, I am a prime leader of the demon world, if only by courtesy of my age [he winked at Spike] and good looks, but cannot take on a Master vampire role in any realm. That was William’s to claim here. It was natural that I should take the Sire role after Angelus’ demise. William and Alexander have stabilized the whole of Europe by agreeing and being found worthy. Dear Heart we spoke of this possibility… forgive me if it was unclear to you what had occurred when I called you to join me.”
Buffy was still not looking particularly comfortable, “I got the whole Spike and the…. Master thingy I guess… and that you needed to support him… It’s just …. It’s just totally wig-worthy when your high school Joe-Normal friend is sucking on your boyfriend’s blood and gives off the vibes of a powerful Master himself!”
Spike stifled a grin at the terminology being used by the Slayer, apparently you could take the girl out of Sunnydale but… Xander cut off the thought with a stunned statement to anyone who might be listening, “I’ve got Master vibes? That’s what the tingles are? Master vibes??”
Spike answered with a low growl, “Yeah pet… Masters of our own destiny you and I… Masters through and through…,” then silenced the man with a passionate kiss, tasting the zing of Anton’s blood still present on Xander’s tongue.
Buffy was still staring rather incredulously at her partner, but Anton continued with his usual quiet charm, “My Dearest, I began life as a human, woke as a vampire and continued as the Immortal… I have lived for over a millennium… well over... then I found you… and now I have also found a way to connect to the Vampire world with your two friends. I had dearly hoped it would be acceptable to you and that we might rejoice together.”
The slayer’s expression passed from deep hurt and aggression to one of adoration for her lover.
Anton cupped her face and chastely kissed willing lips before continuing, “William and Alexander will rule the European court for centuries, all being well, but they also need a Sire to guide and protect in their first few decades. Would you have them have anyone else…?”
Buffy was close to kissing her lover again but pulled away a little at the words, “No. *No*! Oh god. Decades? Centuries but … But Xan… when?… and how?… so you’re… Oh god Xan not a vampire though? Right I mean … Consort isn’t a vamp?!”
Xander stood and stepped toward his high school friend and touched her, foregoing the uncomfortable itchiness that seemed to accompany the contact, in favor of comforting his Sire’s partner.
“No Buff, fang free… though…. Hey Buff, it’s still me… same old goofy Xan… except not so much with the goofy I guess…” He reached for Spike’s hand. “Spike and I are... well we’re forever… we were last time we were here. I guess that now… Well now it’s just more… Spike’s more… and I’m…”
“Brilliant pet! Oi Slayer, ask your lover boy just what your Donut Boy of old did to prove ‘imself, *us* to the court”
Buffy looked to her lover who replied quietly, “He was challenged by Alenka of the North and her pet assassin, Ivan” Buffy still looked slightly confused.
“Look Slayer!… ‘E took out the two most deadly vamps in Europe in under a minute on the first day and held off old Regi’s second on the next… Brilliant! ”
Buffy’s eyes went wide and she looked at her ‘Scoobie’ friend of old, then turned to Anton for confirmation. She found the pale green eyes dancing with mirth, “Indeed dear one… he is quite the feared consort! ‘Ruthless and unstoppable’ according to those witnessing either event. I would take care to be reverent around my Childe’s consort.”
The truth of the words was unmistakable, and the proud smile firmly fixed on Anton’s face, and though initially causing a concerned frown on his lover’s face, she quickly turned it to a smile. Despite ‘tingles’ she reached forward to hug both vampire and consort as the old friends they were.
The following hour was rather odd. Buffy enveloped in her Anton’s arms on one lounge, and her two old friends, intertwined and obviously ‘involved’, ensconced opposite, the conversation easy but strangely detached.
Buffy observed Xander’s closely. She was confused by what she saw. The Xander she had seen in Italy had certainly been different to her memories of the ‘Xanman’ of Sunnydale Scoobies, or even the confident building supervisor of latter years. After the Initiative rescue, he had been remote, not unfriendly, just unreachable.
Now she saw a relaxed assuredness. Sure of his place and his capacity… his immense inner strength. He was indeed a worthy Consort of the Master of Aurelius. And William the Bloody had never looked prouder, or more… regal.
As Spike gazed casually upon her, the crystal blue eyes gave away little, but in an unfettered flash of gold and blue in equal measure, did volunteer his new power, his confidence, his benevolence, and his love for his partner. She needed no other reassurance.
“So you’re the royal couple now?”
“Seems so, the way your boy here tells it.” Spike indicated toward Anton but hardly looked up as he carefully carded his brunette friend’s locks.
“So what happens to your job Xan? Can you get time off, I mean you’ll have to move here right?... ” When no answer was given Buffy looked from Xander to Anton, but it was Spike who answered again. “Not decided yet, Luv. Xan here is a big wig in ‘is company. We’ll see… might have to commute a bit..”
“From Sacramento the Switzerland, you can’t be serious! Bad enough I have to come to Basel from our base… Xan?”
Buffy was obviously going to continue to push the issue and it was one that both Xander and Spike had particularly wanted to address privately, or at most, with their Sire.
Xander was the one to speak, “Let it go Buff… just…” His tone dropped to a rather commanding, calm and intimidating tone. “Let. It. Go. OK.”
Seeing her shock and smelling (which was new… since when had the smelling thing…?) her fear, her old friend brightened a little and she saw traces of Xander, Scoobie of Old, “C’mon Buff! Large estate, spa? Holiday? And we have quad bikes!”
Buffy finally relaxed a little. The two still gave off vampire ‘super-tingly’ messages… but quickly decided that nobody evil could truly suggest an afternoon on Anton’s property riding a quad bike!
…….
The next few days were rather relaxed though Buffy did note that she was driven to various cute villages for coffee, or to Basel to shop on three of the four following days and a full body treatment arranged for her on the night of the thirtieth. She knew Anton was removing her while they attended to vampire business, but it was a courtesy rather than a forced exclusion.
After each of her adventures she returned to find the ‘boys’ in the study speaking in serious tones and usually with their noses in paperwork. She had never seen ‘business’ Spike, and was still coming to terms with Consort Xander, let alone the whole ‘Vampire ruler’ thing. She did note the closeness of the three however… and also the true joy her partner took in his role as their Sire and advisor.
Exiting the sauna one evening, she caught a glimpse of the three wandering across the hall, obviously (as was she) responding to the dinner gong. Anton’s arm was slung easily over Spike’s shoulder, while Spike and Xander walked hand in hand. The three were all talking excitedly about something. She smiled a little, it couldn’t be all that bad! So long as they didn’t call her ‘mom’!
Master William, Consort Alexander and the Immortal were requested to a traditional mask ball and fireworks for New Years’ Eve by the Canton leader in Basel. Anton politely declined. His partner would hardly be the perfect guest at a ‘mixed’ (inc. vampire) soiree, and he would certainly not attend without her. Instead he and Buffy were headed to Geneva for the night in his personal helicopter, where they would catch a dinner, the opera then find their … six star suite on the lake to spend the following day and a bit. (Some years later Xander admitted to being just a mite jealous at the time.)
The two men entered the waiting car. At Anton’s suggestion they went dressed as Achilles and Petrocolas (amidst Spike’s half hearted protests regards ‘bloody Illiad’ and ‘Sure your not cursing us with their fate, ya sentimental bastard’). Where the costumes came from none but Anton knew, but the pieces felt… genuine… old… worn.
As Spike emerged from the bathroom, Xander (who was still struggling to lace up his own sandals) looked up and gasped. Spike was a warrior in any generation, it was a given.
Intricately decorated leather guarded his shins and arms; long hair was plaited and tied off with leather and protective head piece in place; hard leather breast and back plates, shining and almost crimson in hue highlighted the torso; skin tight sleeveless suede undergarments gave away the power underlying the costume; heavy battle skirt, traditional sandals strapped expertly, with dagger incumbent and a sword tucked into his belt gave the image of a soldier ready for war; but the rounded shield and snarling attitude of the stunningly beautiful vampire completed the picture. This was someone Xander would follow to the ends of the earth… The ultimate warrior. Xander suddenly had the urge to read more Greek history, but then grinned as Spike’s curses grew louder.
Spike was grumbling curses regards Troy, Homer and the whole ridiculousness of the ‘Helen debacle’, and tugging at the neck strings trying to fix a full length gold embroidered cape (it was snowing again!) when they entered the waiting car.
He finally relaxed and smiled as they both recognized the driver. Gregor would accompany them as chauffer at Anton’s insistence. Xander was more than a little relieved. He liked the quiet vampire a great deal. Spike gave the man a friendly pat on the shoulder as he entered the vehicle, “Don’t you get evenin’s off mate? Or are you the only one in the buildin’s goin’ ta keep up with me ancient Greek?”
Gregor just grinned, lifted his own ‘Greek senate robes’, stated in his usual taciturn manner, “I will change there, Master William,” then started the car.
The event was held in the enormous ballroom of the local ‘town hall’ and was surprisingly enjoyable. The company was jovial and interesting, and the food quite exquisite. The mix of vampires, demons and humans was unexpected, with Xander beginning to realize that not every societal group had an aversion to ‘the others’ amongst them. The Consort ended up chatting for quite some time to one of Europe’s most famous Opera Divas (soprano) who was neither rotund nor dismissive (two things he had assumed someone in that role must be), rather she was gregarious, beautiful and spoke impeccable English… She (and a few others through the night) performed for their fellow guests.
As the night progressed Xander became aware of the attention he and Spike were being given and the deference with which they were treated. Vampires and demons alike were incredibly respectful and polite of both Master and Consort, to the point of being almost too intimidated or overwhelmed to hold a conversation.
Xander excused himself just before the fireworks to attend the bathroom. Rather than embarrass himself with his costume, he chose to ‘disrobe and pee’ in a cubicle so was privy to the conversation of the two … ‘whoever’s that entered after him. Fortunately they seemed to both prefer English as their chosen language to communicate.
“Did you talk to him?”
“Who?”
“The new Master of Europe?”
“Nahhh, couldn’t think of anything to say really, other than how amazing he looks… And I mean… not important enough to bother him really am I? But hey, you remember the last Master? All traditional BS and no parties… Gahhh. Now!! we might actually make it in the world picture. Have you heard his stock and property interests … I mean *globally*? And that Consort?! Alexander?” Xander couldn’t help but listen a little harder. “He looks like a puppy dog… Don’t get me wrong… The whole Consort of the Master and … well they’re *obviously*… anyway… I was just going to say… Did you hear what happened?”
“Yeah well plenty of people would take on Jackie Chan ‘cause he looks like someone’s ageing Chinese granddad… C’mon … *Everyone knows* the Master’s consort is smart, deadly and pretty damned good on the eyes, but… deadly!… so get over it… The Master and he have accepted the Immortal as their Sire in loco… so… well, that pretty much says it yeah?”
“Yeah but…”
“Just shut up and zip *that* up, and let’s go have some…”
Xander’s flushing of the toilet cut off the conversation. By the time he sorted out his ‘costume’ they had left. But he was still smiling a little as he rejoined the main room.
The evening finished well. Spike was invited to do the honors, lighting the first wick that set off the first round of fireworks spewing forth from the turrets of the ornate building.
All went to plan, though Xander struggled to keep his composure as Spike’s hands wandered over him and tongue repeatedly ‘enjoyed his right ear’ in the most erotic fashion. His erection painfully hard, he was glad on some level that Spike had attached a ‘comfortable leather helper’ to his nether regions.
They would return to their abode in a fine mood. Gregor too was relaxed.
It should all have been prefect.