Shopping, Dinner, and a Kiss Goodnight

 

"Bugger all, this place is packed!"  Spike exclaimed when they finally got inside the Toys 'R Us.  It had taken them nearly an hour just to find a parking space, and now it looked like they'd have to brave the horde just to find a pressie or two for the bit!  Spike tightened his hold on Xander's hand.  "Don't let go, luv."  Spike glanced at the feral faces around him.  "These people look blood thirsty."

 

Xander threw back his head and laughed.  He squeezed Spike's hand and smiled at him.  "Don't worry, Spike.  It's not all that bad."  Xander tugged him towards the athletic equipment.  "Okay, Bran wants to start playing soccer, so I thought we'd get him a ball, and those knee pad thingies, and one of those net things.  You know, so he can practice kicking the ball?"  Xander listed aloud.

 

"The bit wants to play football?"  Spike perked up at the news.

 

"No, not football, soccer, Spike.  Weren't you listening?"  Xander frowned at him.

 

"Football is soccer to the rest of the world, Xan.  It's only you bloody Americans that don't use its proper name," Spike teased.

 

"Oh."  Xander shrugged, never having been a soccer fan to begin with.  In fact he wasn't much of a sports fan.  He hadn't been able to join any teams when he was in school and still living with the Harrises.  And he'd never really had any male friends to hang out and watch games with after he'd struck out on his own.

 

Xander's look was a combination of bafflement and sadness, which in turn confused Spike slightly.  He figured it had something to do with other young Xander memories he wasn't yet privy to.  So Spike just tugged lightly on his arm, bringing their bodies close together, and leaned in to kiss Xander softly on the lips.

 

"No worries, Xan.  I know exactly what Bran'll need.  Da bought me my first set of footy equipment at about the same age," Spike assured him.  "Might find better kit if we went to one of those big sports stores, though," Spike suggested.

 

"Oh.  I hadn't thought about that.  Okay.  The map says there's a Big 5 on the other side of the mall."  Xander studied the crumpled map he'd pulled from his pants pocket.  "But we could get a bunch of other stuff here, before we go.  Still need a bunch of stocking stuffers."

 

They worked their way through the different aisles, Xander picking up a few different things he thought Bran might like.  He grabbed up a couple of matchbox cars, for Bran's stocking, then another set of Legos.  Bran loved the Lego castle they'd built together and never wanted to take it apart.  So he needed more Legos to replace those.  Spike slipped away for a few minutes to check on the soccer equipment they had at the store, just in case any of it was worthwhile, but when he returned he gave Xander a shake of his head indicating that a trip to Big 5 was imminent.

 

It took them just over two hours to get out of Toys 'R Us and another hour and half to get through Big 5.  But finally it looked like Bran's name would be liberally sprinkled over all the presents under the tree and over the mantle.  By the time they'd put all their packages in Spike's trunk it was almost eight o'clock and Xander's stomach was growling.  He grinned impishly at Spike when the other man overheard and raised an eyebrow in his direction.

 

"Hungry, luv?"  Spike teased.

 

Xander blushed, nodding.  "We could just grab something out of the food court," Xander offered.

 

"No way I'm going back in there, Xan!  'sides, I've got a better idea," said Spike as they got into the car.

 

Xander was silent as they drove down the coast road, though he wondered where exactly Spike was taking them.  After about fifteen minutes Spike turned off the highway and into what looked like a tiny little forgotten village.  He parked on what appeared to be the main street, and when Xander got out of the car to follow Spike once more took his hand.

 

"It's just down a ways, luv."  Spike pulled him down the cobblestone sidewalk.

 

When they finally stopped, Xander found himself standing in front of a quaint Italian restaurant called Palazzio's.  One of the hosts had brought out a couple of plates of garlic balls for the small crowd still waiting to be seated.  The bread balls smelled delicious but the crowd intimidated Xander slightly.

 

"Spike, we'll never get in here!"  Xander tugged the blond back in the direction of the car.  "Look at how many people are waiting.  We can find somewhere else to eat.  Besides, I'm not really dressed for a *nice* restaurant."  Xander looked down at his jeans and t-shirt forlornly.

 

"No worries, Xan.  The UC Sunnydale college kids come down here all the time.  There's no dress code, 'cept maybe shoes and shirt," Spike insisted, tugging right back until they were inside the foyer of the small restaurant.  He signaled the Maitre d', waiting patiently until he could speak with them.  "William Giles, reservation for two at 8:30?"  Spike told the man as soon as he could step over.

 

"Oh, yes, sir. Your table will be ready in just a moment."

 

Xander's eyes were wide as he turned to Spike.  "You made reservations?  How?  When?"

 

"While we were at the toy store, luv."  Spike shrugged, though Xander could see the pink tingeing his cheeks once more.

 

Xander smiled, squeezing the hand that still held Spike's.  When Spike smiled shyly back at him, he turned to take a look around the room while they waited.  The atmosphere was cozy, but casual.  The lighting was a bit dark, and the tables covered with red table cloths and white sheet paper.  After seating them at their table, the waiter explained the white sheet paper.  Apparently there were jugs of wine around the restaurant.  Diners were on the honor system, and would make a mark on the sheet whenever they consumed another glass of wine.  There was a small tin of black crayons on each table just for that purpose.  Xander found this funny, yet charming, having never encountered anything like it in Vegas.

 

"You do like Italian, don't you, Xan?"  Spike asked belatedly, worried that he'd made a bad choice.

 

"Yeah, I love it," Xander answered, still taking in his surroundings.  "Thank you, Spike.  This place is great.  Look, they even have a wall of celebrities!"  Xander pointed toward the autographed black and white photos hanging on the wall behind Spike.

 

"Yeah, luv.  Plenty of mummers have vacation houses in the area, and they like to come here to eat; foods good and plentiful."  Spike handed Xander a menu.

 

Xander took the menu, letting their hands touch lightly in the process.  The host had seated them at a booth, so Xander was able to slide surreptitiously closer to Spike as they studied their menus.  When Spike felt Xander's thigh brush against his own, he tried not to let Xander know how much it effected him.  But his heart sped up, and he felt himself pushing back against Xander's leg without conscious thought.

 

Xander smiled to himself, feeling the light pressure from Spike's thigh.  Xander had been having naughty thoughts all day which he'd tried to put aside, but to no avail.  Xander couldn't deny that he'd wanted Spike from the first moment he saw him.  The fact that Spike had turned into someone he cared for had complicated the matter, but hadn't caused any of his initial desire to ebb.  He knew that Spike was attracted to him, and had certain feelings, but that he would be reticent about taking their relationship any further than it had already gone.

 

Xander was thrilled with the hand holding and the few stolen kisses they'd already shared.  But he couldn't deny wanting more.  He was a man after all.  A small part of him still wanted to hold back, wanting to make sure that Spike wasn't going to break his heart in the end.  But a larger part already knew it was too late for that.

 

They ordered, talking softly over the flickering candle as they waited for their food.  Spike's hand lay on the tabletop as he nervously drummed his fingers against the red cloth.  Xander's hand crept slowly across the table until he was able to twine his fingers with Spike's, smiling timidly at the other man.  Spike smiled back, and they continued their conversation uninterrupted. 

 

The food arrived and Xander agreed that the portions were more than healthy.  In fact by the time they'd finished eating, tasting liberally from each other's plates, it hadn't looked like they'd eaten anything at all!  The waiter boxed their food before bringing the check, which Spike insisted on paying.  They walked out together, Spike leading the way in the opposite direction to his car.

 

"Spike, where are we going?"  Xander asked, wondering what Spike had in mind now.

 

"Just a little ice cream shop I thought you might like, luv," Spike answered, pointing with his head across the street since his hands were full of boxes of leftover pasta. 

 

The butterflies in Xander's stomach fluttered at all the thought Spike had put into making this night special.  He followed the blond silently across the street, opening the door for him when they reached the small shop.  It was just past ten o'clock, but the shop stayed open until eleven.  Probably wanting to get the last of the dinner crowd from the popular restaurant down the street.

 

Xander ordered a marble fudge cone, and Spike got mint chocolate chip.  They sat at a table by the window, lapping at their dripping cones.  Xander looked up, watching Spike through his lashes.  He bit back a groan as he watched Spike's pink tongue lick around the melting ice cream.  He felt his cock twitch at the sight, imagining the feel of Spike's rough tongue against his own skin.

 

When Spike realized Xander's gaze was locked on his tongue, his mouth went dry.  He could see heat burning in Xander's eyes, and felt his own pulse quicken.  Spike suddenly lost all appetite for the cone he had so recently been devouring, wanting instead to taste Xander.  The remembered feel of Xander against him, of their lips pressed hard against each other, made Spike moan aloud.

 

Xander's pupils dilated making his eyes appear almost completely black.  Spike's moan had caused the slight twitch to become a full blown hard on.  He desperately wanted to pull Spike towards him, to feel their bodies rubbing against each other once more.  But he still had the presence of mind to take a quick look around the ice cream shop.  Luckily they were the only customers in at the moment, and the boy behind the counter didn't seem to be paying attention to anything but cleaning up what he could in order to get home on time.

 

"Spike?"  Xander's voice had gone hoarse with desire.

 

"Mmmm?"  Spike murmured.

 

"Home?"

 

Spike nodded, seemingly unable to carry on a coherent conversation.  They stood together, Xander smiling predatorily as he noticed the telltale bulge in Spike's trousers.  Spike blushed when he saw that Xander had noticed his current state.  He cursed his fair skin, having blushed more in the past week than he had in his entire lifetime!

 

They both tossed their cones in the trash as they quickly made their way to the door.  It didn't take them long to get home.  By silent, mutual agreement they left the packages in the trunk of the car.  Neither man currently having the patience to take them out and hide them from Bran.

 

Now that they were home, Xander wasn't sure how to handle the situation.  He knew what he wanted, but what was it that Spike wanted?  They stood awkwardly staring at one another, until Spike finally stepped forward.

 

"So, is our date over, luv?"  Spike asked quietly.

 

Xander tried to hide his disappointment.  Spike obviously wasn't ready for more than the few kisses and caresses they'd already shared.  "Sure, Spike.  I had a really good time, thanks."  Xander attempted to be gracious.

 

"Good."  Spike reached out, pulling Xander to him.  "That mean it's time for the goodnight kiss?"  He smirked up at Xander, waiting for the other man's response.

 

For a moment Xander just blinked stupidly back at him, then a brilliant smile broke across his face.  He nodded, ducking his head shyly.  The relief that washed over him when he realized that Spike hadn't *really* wanted their night together to end yet was palpable.

 

Spike tilted his head, angling for the purported goodnight kiss.  When their lips touched Spike closed his eyes, losing himself to the sensation of kissing Xander.  Xander's lips fitted snuggly against his own, joining them seamlessly together.  Spike moaned, thrusting his now throbbing groin against Xander and luxuriating in the groan the other man emitted in return.

 

Before either man knew what was happening they found themselves on the couch, Xander atop Spike, the blond's legs spread to allow Xander to rest in their cradle.  They kissed tenderly, exploring each other with lips and tongue.  Spike growled deep in his chest each time Xander thrust against him; he could already feel his cock leaking.  He threw his head back in wild abandon when Xander left his lips to explore his sensitive neck.  Spike was arching into every touch, wanting to feel as much of Xander as he could.

 

Spike was delirious with want.  Xander murmured quiet words of assurance mixed with desire as he slowly disrobed Spike.  They were both in nothing more than boxers when Spike finally realized what was happening.  The feel of Xander's skin against his own was incredible, but at the same time frightening.  He tensed up automatically, apology already on his lips when Xander paused and pulled away.

 

"Sorry, Xa - "

 

"Shhh."  Xander pressed a finger to Spike's lips.  "We aren't going to do anything you're uncomfortable with, okay?"

 

Spike nodded, eyes wide.

 

Xander kissed him again.  He left his hands at Spike's hips, not moving, not thrusting, only kissing, until he felt Spike relax against him.  Slowly, experimentally, Xander thrust, luxuriating in the feel of Spike arching back against him.  Their erections rubbed against each other through the thin material of their underwear.  And Xander could feel himself teetering on the edge. 

 

He continued the slow, sensuous kisses, never letting Spike stop long enough to panic.  Slowly he let his hand slide under the elastic of Spike's boxers, moaning into Spike's mouth when he was finally able to grasp the other man's slippery cockhead.  When Spike bucked up uncontrollably, Xander nearly came.  He smeared Spike's shaft with the sticky pre-ejaculate and began to pump up and down slowly.  He kissed Spike's throat, loving the vibrations as each groan was wrenched from Spike's voice box.  Xander humped gently against Spike's hip, never slowing his ministrations. 

 

"Xan, please!"  Spike begged, thrusting harder into the tight tunnel Xander had created with his fist.

 

"Yes, Spike.  Come on, Will, come for me."  For some reason the use of his given name pushed Spike over the edge.  The intimate tone that Xander had used, his hand gripping tightly around Spike's cock, the thought that no other lover had ever called him anything other than Spike all combined to cause his whole body to shudder and shake in reaction.

 

Soon after Xander was calling out his name, and thrusting wildly against his hip.  He felt the cool wetness as Xander shot into his boxers, his lips already descending for another tender kiss. 

 

"Are you okay, Spike?"  Xander asked after pulling away.  "Did I push you too far?"

 

"No, luv," Spike answered sleepily, dreamily.  "Was perfect."

 

"Good," Xander whispered, but Spike noticed he was still chewing his bottom lip nervously.

 

"Are you okay, Xan?"  Spike asked, shaking himself awake once more.

 

"Yeah, it was great, Spike.  The date, the...well, everything."  Xander smiled sheepishly.

 

"Then what's the matter, Xan?"  Spike asked, sitting up and pulling Xander to his side.

 

"Nothing, Spike."  Xander tried to shake off the doubts plaguing him.  "Do you think Bran's okay?"

 

"Sure, luv.  Da'll take good care of him," Spike answered knowing his da would never do anything to harm Bran.  "Is that what you're worried about?"

 

"Kind of.  Stupid, huh?"  Xander deflected.

 

"We can call and pick him up now, Xan, if it'll make you feel better.  But da said he'd be happy to take him overnight.  Thought we could go pick out a Christmas tree tomorrow morning before we bring Bran home, and then we could all decorate it together," Spike suggested.

 

"That sounds great, Spike."  Xander smiled at him.  It did sound great.  Spike was thinking ahead about plans for them, all three of them.  Spike wasn't regretting what they'd done.  The date, or...anything.  Xander shouldn't worry.  Shouldn't automatically assume doom and gloom just because he was happy for once in his life.  "I should call Bran tonight though, just to say goodnight.  He's only ever stayed over with Tara.  And that was only once when I had to stay for an extra shift at work one night."

 

"Sure, luv.  Of course."  Spike stood and went to get the cordless, which he handed to Xander.  While Xan called Bran, Spike headed to the bathroom and wet a wash cloth with warm water.  He cleaned himself off then rinsed the cloth and wet it again.  He brought it out to Xander, letting the brunette clean himself up.  By the time he put the wash cloth in the laundry basket and returned to the living room, Xander was off the phone.  "How's the bit?"

 

"He's good.  He probably talked Giles' ear off, though.  It sounded like Giles might have given him some caffeine or a little too much sugar."  Xander smiled, chuckling.  "I should have warned him!"

 

Spike laughed, too, though a bit nervously.  What were they supposed to do now?  He wanted to repeat their sleeping arrangement from last night, but wasn't sure how to ask Xander if that was what he wanted as well.  "I think da can take care of himself, Xan.  He had to raise me after all."  Spike smirked.

 

"Yeah."  Xander once again glanced up to watch Spike through lowered lashes.  "You were probably a little hellion, huh?"

 

"Xan?"

 

"Yeah?"

"Would you...I mean, are you...are you tired?"  Spike asked, losing his nerve.

 

"A little."  Xander rolled his neck.  "I guess we should go to bed, huh?"  Xander waited to see if Spike was going to say anything else, and sighed in disappointment when he didn’t.  "Thank you for tonight, Spike," he said quietly before kissing Spike's cheek and turning to head down the hall to his room.

 

Spike watched as Xander slipped through the doorway of the guest bedroom before he gathered enough courage to speak.  "Xan?" he called out, hoping he'd spoken loudly enough for Xander to hear because he didn't think he'd be able to repeat it.  Spike felt his stomach flip over when Xander poked his head out the door, a questioning look on his face.  "I, uh, have a pretty big bed."  Spike cursed his awkwardness.  "Big enough for two," he finally blurted.

 

The smile that graced Xander's lips was effulgent.  "Is it?" he asked, stepping out of his room and back toward Spike.  When Spike nodded, Xander took his hand and followed him silently down the hall towards the master bedroom.