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kat8chaOkay, wasn't up as soon as I wanted it. But it's only Monday and I did say this weekend. Okay, enjoy!
Title: Tribes of Blight
Author: Kitti-Chan
Pairing: Hee hee, wouldn’t you like to know? ~wink~
Spoilers: AU
Summary: A plague wipes out everyone over the age of 18, the Scooby’s endure.
A/N- Since everyone over 18 has died I decided not to kill the demons. Don’t ask me why it just doesn’t affect their physiology. Also Angel is still a vampire he just has no demon… I know it does not make much sense but I needed him around. I set it before their junior year because I did not want to deal with Aus and Hell and coming back and the mayor. Which brings me to him. He’s dead, he was basically human and over 18; hence death. Also Giles, sadly, died and not so sadly Ben died too; taking Glory with him. Dawn however will still appear because the monks (who have died) had to put the Key somewhere.
And yes I do love Hyena!Xander
Feedback: Would be much-ly appreciated
Email: Flamespout@hotmail.com
Website: www.livejournal.com/users/kat8cha
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone here! I make no cash! No suing! Suing of the Kitti-chan is bad! Majorly not of the good! Because I am poor and grovel at your feet! ~grovels~
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Willow would later thank all the gods and goddesses and Powers possible that she had managed to keep an eye on Graham. While Buffy futilely tried to drag answers out of his more talkative but seemingly duller counterpart Willow made sure to keep a nonsensical but running commentary. They kept the tour to a minimum not really wishing to show their visitors any important parts of the building. They made sure to steer clear of the library and did not mention any information about guard detail or who took care of what. Willow could see that Graham was slowly but surely becoming frustrated. She knew that information had leaked out that they had a technical genius who could summon demons, another slayer besides Buffy, a werewolf, a powerful witch, and many believed that they had a seer as well. So far any mention of Andrew, Faith, Oz, or any of Willow’s duties had been avoided. Skillfully she might later admit.
They brought the two frustrated intruders around to the cafeteria for some dinner before they would send them on their way. Willow was able to see the reaction that Graham had to Xander’s entrance to the dining room with Angel. Both were talking about the wall in low voices and stopped as soon as they saw who was watching them. Angel joined them at the table, and Graham tensed slightly at that, while Xander grabbed a plate of dinner and joined one of the many tables filled with members of Alpha tribe. All meals had two shifts so that no tasks would be left completely unmanned while people ate and there was an extra shift later for people working the night crew.
Usually during meals, and especially for dinner, the tribes people talked about their tasks that day, worries, dreams, relationships, what they hoped to accomplish tomorrow. With the two unknowns the atmosphere was tense to say the least. Willow saw that Graham’s ears had perked up and his eyes had narrowed in on a spot in Xander’s back. Xander, sensing maybe that Velocity was listening in turned to Larry and began a conversation about Larry’s boyfriend Greg.
Who had broken up with Larry two months ago.
Quickly catching the drift Alpha Tribe began to talk about out-dated information. Graham looked interested and Willow kept up her stream of babble knowing that this would effectively destroy any spying since the information was so old and everyone was speaking and beside the human recording device was a babbling red head.
She was feeling quite cheerful until someone mentioned Dawn.
She never saw who it was or hear why her name was brought up but Graham instantly sat straighter and Xander’s shoulders tensed so much that they were nearly pulled up to his ears. She saw the small smirk and was doubly glad that she had not taken them by the infirmary. She and Buffy had not wanted to show them the wounded Spike or allow them to wonder who took care of all the medical needs. Deciding to distract him she brought up a question that had been bugging her.
“Okay, I understand hunting the Reth demon but so far? I mean into another tribe’s territory? What’s with the vindictive bit?” Graham turned to look at her now and there was a spark of… something in his eyes that she did not like at all.
“He attacked us. Killed a friend of mine. Name was Forrest, he was…. special to me.” Over at his table Xander had tensed again and Willow felt bad for bringing all this stress on her friend and decided that she would not deal with team Velocity at all after this visit. Except for when she and Xander finally had that talk.
Dinner was finished as quickly as possible and Willow was grateful for it. Velocity was wished good luck and good bye and they vanished out the front gate into their jeep and then into the dark.
“I hope a vampire eats them.” Buffy wished spitefully. Willow, lips quirking turned to admonish her best friend.
“Buffy! You’re a slayer! Protector of humanity and all that!” Buffy smirked back and they watched in silence for a minute as lights began to turn on in the compound a quiet peace between them. “Though I do agree with you, didn’t like ‘em at all. Uh-uh.” Determined headshake and the light brunette laughed at her red headed friend.
“Did you see the way Riley kept eyeing my Angel when he didn’t think I was looking?” Buffy asked as they began to walk back inside, determined strides as they headed towards Buffy’s room slash office. In a file cabinet they had stolen from Snyder’s old office Buffy and Angel kept files of various tribes, people, demons, and other things that they met up with. Even if the things they met ended up dead it was useful to have information on file anyway. Some of the entries were little more then a name and brief description scribbled on an old napkin while others were long detailed descriptions of strengths and weaknesses typed up on an old type writer that they had found. Typed up on some of the paper from the entire reams Andrew had found in the old ‘Dale public library. Willow had a feeling they might need some of that for a rolling entry on Tribe Velocity.
“Yes, saw ‘em. They were weird, like lusty but not… Did you see the way Graham kept looking at Xander? And I’m pretty sure something happened when we were out at the wall, and at dinner when someone mentioned Dawn? Major badness.” Buffy nodded and the two girls entered her office prepared to dredge up memories of every minute twitch and glance and word so they were prepared in case trouble came.
Dawn was asleep on one of the beds in the medbay, and the blonde vampire looked on in fondness. When the witch had not come back for a while Dawn had lain down on one of the beds ‘just to rest’ and had dropped off. A few people had stopped by but seeing the sleeping l’il bit and no Willow they had merely smiled kindly and backed out of the room. “Cute like this isn’t she?” A warm masculine voice drifted from the doorway and Spike turned that way, surprised to see Xander standing there. Watching the whelp walk into the room he noticed the boy did not make any sound as he walked over the floor. His breathing, hell even his heartbeat, were quiet. Bending over the sleeping girl the large young man brushed a tendril of hair away from her face. “When she goes to sleep all her worries just melt away.” Spike watched this display of tenderness and then met the turbulent brown eyes that sat in the young mans face and was awed by the array of emotions there.
“She deserves some calm.” Spike said, “I gather she had a rough time before Alpha Tribe.” Xander chuckled, and it wasn’t a nice chuckle. The sound sent chills down Spike’s spine and he wondered about just what how well he knew the white hats.
“Rough time’s right. She was in a bad place before I brought her here.” The whelp’s shoulder’s tensed and Spike wondered how he had able to hold them so stiff. Even when he had casually sauntered into the room he had still been stiff and anxious. Which brings up Spike’s worry from earlier that day.
“What had you so frightened for the nibblet earlier?” Wow, so those shoulders could get tenser.
“Some people… from another tribe came to visit. They don’t have the most savory of reputations.” Xander shrugged, or at least tried to, it’s hard to do with your shoulders drawn all the way up to your ears. Spike decided to see how hard he could push.
“Nothing to do with where you took her away from?” Xander shot Spike a tired look and the vampire reached over to, well he was not sure quite what but try to comfort the boy at least. His hand stopped halfway and he brought it back, realizing it probably was not the best of ideas. Xander closed his eyes briefly before opening them and facing Spike. What Spike saw was pain and a weariness and anxiety no kid Xan’s age should have not before the plague, and he was worried that even if there had been no plague Xander’s eyes would always be older then they should be.
“Yeah actually, a lot to do with where I took her from.” Then the brunet was walking out and Spike was left with a million questions and no answers.
The next few days Xander was jittery and easily excitable, Dawn had wondered about it but the minute she had heard the names of the visitors she had gone pale and silent before hiding behind Xander the rest of the day. Eventually Angel got fed up with Xander’s avoidance and jumpiness and dragged him down to the gym.
Throwing Xander a pair of boxing gloves he strapped on the arm protectors and faced the young man who was eyeing him speculatively. “You’ve needed this for close to a week. Now put on those gloves and hit me!” Angel ordered and Xander, used to following his orders by now immediately strapped on the gloves and started hitting at Angel. Weakly at first and then gaining in anger and strength, alternating between hitting and kicking the padded arms, usually cheery face dark, closed off and grim. Angel was a match for the young man’s speed and strength and briefly Angel wondered if there was something otherworldly about it before deciding it was just channeled anger. When Xander finally stood back, tired, sore, sweaty, but finally relaxed Angel allowed him a small smirk. “See, told ya you needed it.” Xander wearily nodded before wiping the sweat off his face. “Wanna tell me what had you so tense?” Xander gave him a small smile and the two men sat down on a bench to the side of the gym.
“You were already gone I think at that point, captured by those nutjob magicians. Well I went off with my parents, dying relatives and all that. Mom and Pop decided to drown themselves in liquor, dying that way instead of a slow disease. I headed back here. Took their car and drove off. Well got about halfway before the damn thing broke down. Used the last of the cash for a bus, but I got off at one stop for something to eat and managed to miss the bus on its way out. Then I started walking, hitching the occasional ride. At that point Alpha Tribe had already formed up, and I was still a ways away. Well other kids got the right idea and started forming groups. I ended up falling in with the beginnings of Velocity. I was in a bad place, angry, neglected, and they took advantage of that.” Angel watched with interest the various emotions that crossed Xander’s face; anger, sadness, pity, and despair to name a few. “Dawn was there, and she was what made me see just what was going on. How much I did not fit in with those people. I grabbed her and made a run for the hellmouth, and here I am.” Angel smirked down at the younger man.
“Why do I feel like I’m getting the Reader’s Digest version?” Xander shrugged and smiled infectiously at him. Unable to resist the other man’s rather dubious charms Angel levered himself up and offered a hand. “Alright, I’ll accept it. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Before they separated though Angel stopped Xander with a hand on his arm. “We have market in a few months. If you run into Velocity can you handle it?” Market was a gathering of tribes that no one was sure who had stared. They brought their wares and best goods trading for what they needed. Money, old fashioned American dollar bills, were used as currency occasionally. Often though it was goods. There were also tents for whoring, for drinking and other more dangerous intoxicants, for gambling and fighting; all dangerous ways to make or loose money. It took place in the center of California and tribe’s started out early in order to make it there in time.
Xander’s eyes darkened but he answered in a satisfactory manner. “I’ll be fine, I’ll just try my damndest to avoid them.” Angel nodded and the two men parted ways.
It did not take long before Spike was healed up and out of the infirmary. Dawn watched in amusement as more often then not the blond vampire was seen hanging around with Xander and Willow. She thought they looked cute together and encouraged the vampire to continue his seduction of the two clueless slayerettes. She was surprised that neither had noticed Spike’s obvious interest but figured it was only a matter of time.
“Hey Red, where’s the whelp today?” Spike asked as Willow finished up a check-up on one of the many children Alpha Tribe had running around their halls. Making a face at the kid he watched as the child giggled and ran into it’s older sister’s arms before the pair left the infirmary. Turning towards the object of his interest he leaned over and helped her put a few items away, his hands brushing against hers occasionally. Willow blushed slightly, Spike had been hanging out with her and Xander and she could not help but notice how often he touched the both of them. She chalked it up to him being himself though.
“Oh, he, Buffy, and Gage went out hunting. They weren’t planning on an extended trip though, so it’ll probably be some of the deer that have been wandering in.” Willow turned and blushed harder as the entire side of her body brushed again Spike. Spike smirked at her as she hurried away.
“Ah, so does our boy do any other type of hunting? How bout you Red? Like a good kill to get the blood rushing?” Willow made a non-committal murmur and began to move away but Spike was behind her holding her still. “Do you ever get up to some fun after taking out a demon? Or killing those wolves? Need to relieve the tension?” His hands ghosted over her shoulders and down her arms. Willow shivered, her red hair fluttering around her face like her namesakes branches. Closing her eyes leaning back against the compact vampire. “Like the trill of the hunt? The look in your victims eyes as you cut them down?” Spike approached her face, voice dropping on every syllable, willing to risk a kiss when there was suddenly a cough from the door way. Spinning around the vampire dropped his hold on the witch allowing her to back away. His nostrils flared as he regarded the smirking man leaning against the doorframe. Xander’s scent was filled with a lot of things, not the least of which was arousal, his face was slightly flushed and the blood was thrumming in his veins. “‘ello pet.”
“Hi Spike.” Flash of teeth and Spike isn’t sure if it was a smile or not. “I was gonna ask Wills if she needed some help. We caught a few deer fairly quick, we’ll have plenty of meat. But I can see she has all the hands she needs.” Then the boy is gone and Spike is left with an embarrassed girl before he gives up and leaves.
It’s late that night when Spike runs into Xander again. The other man is yawning standing outside the kitchen trying to get the blood off of his arms. He had helped skin and cut up one of the deer and clean off the bones. Now he’s covered in deer blood, which is not as bad as demon blood, and feeling crusty. Spotting the vampire he holds up a blood covered hand, unsure as to why he was offering this but some part of him saw it as… right. “Want a taste?” Spike’s eyebrow quirks but who is he to resist such a fine temptation? Reaching down he brings the offered hand to his mouth suckling on first one finger then the other. Xander brings in a harsh breath and Spike smirks around the fingers before dropping them to lick at the palm. “I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about Willow.” Xander tries for stern but with Spike’s catlike tongue circling his palm? Not really achieved.
“Did you?” Spike asks, licking a stripe of blood off of his arm and Xander has to catch his breath again. “What about?”
“You had better be sincere, otherwise I’ll… uh…” That mouth is back on his hand again turning it over and licking carefully at the back of it. “I’ll… tie you down outside and let the sun fry you inch by inch.” Not the most imaginative of threats but Spike’s really good with his mouth…. Whoa! Eye’s on the prize Xandman! “After brutally torturing you.” Oh, see his mouth is off my fingers now. Did I want that?
Spike’s amused, “Really, brutal torture hu?” And he watches as Xander’s eyes go dull and flat wonders how the boy can go from aroused and honest to bone chillingly bad-assed in .5 seconds. Oh, and a smirk to make my grandsire proud.
“Oh yeah, brutal.” Then the boy’s walking away; sure knows how to make an exit don’t he? Shaking his head Spike turns in the opposite direction, insufferable whelp.
Spike watched in amusement as Willow ducked yet another Happy Birthday punch aimed in her direction. It was slightly funny, Spike though as he watched the laughing girl from the shadows. Here she was laughing and vibrant with life while the world was a desolate wasteland. “Birthday girl!” Spike called out and the laughing whirl of red hair turned in his direction. The green orbs of her eyes were filled with happiness and Spike again wondered what this girl would have been like if it had not been for the stupid plague. “How’s ‘about a birthday kiss?” Grabbing her he landed a wet smacking kiss on her lips, planning on something a little more serious later. Figuring that around so many people a public display of affection would only serve to make her flustered.
Willow laughed and pushed away from the vampire. He had been getting more and more forward with both her and Xander and she was beginning to wonder if she should ask Angel about it. He didn’t seem insincere but it almost looked like he was playing with them because he was bored. “Get any presents?” Spike asked as he followed her to the cafeteria.
“Oh yeah, Xander gave me a chipped mortar and pestle.” Willow smirked. “He broke my last one so it’s only fair.” Spike looked confused now and Willow giggled slightly. It was a really cute look on the vampire. Wait… did she just think cute and vampire in the same sentence? Oh, guess she did, hu…
“Red, been meaning to talk to you. Where’s the whelp get all this stuff?” Confused look now and Spike sighs running a hand through his honey-blond curls. Willow had to fight down yet another giggle.
“Oh, that’s just Xander. Not sure where he finds things, or where he stashes it till they’re needed. It’s what he does.” At the little nose wrinkle Spike’s sporting Willow decides to explain yet another one of her friends quirks. “He likes to call himself a ‘comfortador’ and he’ll do whatever it takes to make someone feel better. Like that thing you saw after the fight with the Reth demon? It’s the least of it. I have seen him studying these college text book psychiatry texts, high level stuff, or children’s psych just so he can help out more. He’s always taking odd-jobs around here, and if someone’s sick or injured he pays them a visit and gives them a gift. Like you with the whiskey. Or Oz and Buffy with the energy bar and lotion. He listens, and more then that he sees. Being ordinary Xander’s practically invisible, and he’s always trying to hide so no one sees him. It used to be loud shirts and brash goofy comments. Usually now, he’s just being himself. I see that, and so do you.” Deadly seriousness in those eyes now and Spike stops hypnotized by them. “You see both the light and the dark. Xan’s got a beast hiding in his soul and he lets it out more now. Just be sure that you know what you’re doing Spike, getting close to Xander is a double bladed sword and in the wrong hands it can cut a whole lot of people.” Willow continued on without him, leaving the vampire standing in the hallway thinking. Slowly a smile crossed his face.
“Double bladed sword hu? You and Xanpet both Red. You can chop down friends as easily as enemies but have a tendency to chop yourselves down first. I’ll have to help you two out with that. And help myself to you two.”
Title: Tribes of Blight
Author: Kitti-Chan
Pairing: Hee hee, wouldn’t you like to know? ~wink~
Spoilers: AU
Summary: A plague wipes out everyone over the age of 18, the Scooby’s endure.
A/N- Since everyone over 18 has died I decided not to kill the demons. Don’t ask me why it just doesn’t affect their physiology. Also Angel is still a vampire he just has no demon… I know it does not make much sense but I needed him around. I set it before their junior year because I did not want to deal with Aus and Hell and coming back and the mayor. Which brings me to him. He’s dead, he was basically human and over 18; hence death. Also Giles, sadly, died and not so sadly Ben died too; taking Glory with him. Dawn however will still appear because the monks (who have died) had to put the Key somewhere.
And yes I do love Hyena!Xander
Feedback: Would be much-ly appreciated
Email: Flamespout@hotmail.com
Website: www.livejournal.com/users/kat8cha
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone here! I make no cash! No suing! Suing of the Kitti-chan is bad! Majorly not of the good! Because I am poor and grovel at your feet! ~grovels~
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Willow would later thank all the gods and goddesses and Powers possible that she had managed to keep an eye on Graham. While Buffy futilely tried to drag answers out of his more talkative but seemingly duller counterpart Willow made sure to keep a nonsensical but running commentary. They kept the tour to a minimum not really wishing to show their visitors any important parts of the building. They made sure to steer clear of the library and did not mention any information about guard detail or who took care of what. Willow could see that Graham was slowly but surely becoming frustrated. She knew that information had leaked out that they had a technical genius who could summon demons, another slayer besides Buffy, a werewolf, a powerful witch, and many believed that they had a seer as well. So far any mention of Andrew, Faith, Oz, or any of Willow’s duties had been avoided. Skillfully she might later admit.
They brought the two frustrated intruders around to the cafeteria for some dinner before they would send them on their way. Willow was able to see the reaction that Graham had to Xander’s entrance to the dining room with Angel. Both were talking about the wall in low voices and stopped as soon as they saw who was watching them. Angel joined them at the table, and Graham tensed slightly at that, while Xander grabbed a plate of dinner and joined one of the many tables filled with members of Alpha tribe. All meals had two shifts so that no tasks would be left completely unmanned while people ate and there was an extra shift later for people working the night crew.
Usually during meals, and especially for dinner, the tribes people talked about their tasks that day, worries, dreams, relationships, what they hoped to accomplish tomorrow. With the two unknowns the atmosphere was tense to say the least. Willow saw that Graham’s ears had perked up and his eyes had narrowed in on a spot in Xander’s back. Xander, sensing maybe that Velocity was listening in turned to Larry and began a conversation about Larry’s boyfriend Greg.
Who had broken up with Larry two months ago.
Quickly catching the drift Alpha Tribe began to talk about out-dated information. Graham looked interested and Willow kept up her stream of babble knowing that this would effectively destroy any spying since the information was so old and everyone was speaking and beside the human recording device was a babbling red head.
She was feeling quite cheerful until someone mentioned Dawn.
She never saw who it was or hear why her name was brought up but Graham instantly sat straighter and Xander’s shoulders tensed so much that they were nearly pulled up to his ears. She saw the small smirk and was doubly glad that she had not taken them by the infirmary. She and Buffy had not wanted to show them the wounded Spike or allow them to wonder who took care of all the medical needs. Deciding to distract him she brought up a question that had been bugging her.
“Okay, I understand hunting the Reth demon but so far? I mean into another tribe’s territory? What’s with the vindictive bit?” Graham turned to look at her now and there was a spark of… something in his eyes that she did not like at all.
“He attacked us. Killed a friend of mine. Name was Forrest, he was…. special to me.” Over at his table Xander had tensed again and Willow felt bad for bringing all this stress on her friend and decided that she would not deal with team Velocity at all after this visit. Except for when she and Xander finally had that talk.
Dinner was finished as quickly as possible and Willow was grateful for it. Velocity was wished good luck and good bye and they vanished out the front gate into their jeep and then into the dark.
“I hope a vampire eats them.” Buffy wished spitefully. Willow, lips quirking turned to admonish her best friend.
“Buffy! You’re a slayer! Protector of humanity and all that!” Buffy smirked back and they watched in silence for a minute as lights began to turn on in the compound a quiet peace between them. “Though I do agree with you, didn’t like ‘em at all. Uh-uh.” Determined headshake and the light brunette laughed at her red headed friend.
“Did you see the way Riley kept eyeing my Angel when he didn’t think I was looking?” Buffy asked as they began to walk back inside, determined strides as they headed towards Buffy’s room slash office. In a file cabinet they had stolen from Snyder’s old office Buffy and Angel kept files of various tribes, people, demons, and other things that they met up with. Even if the things they met ended up dead it was useful to have information on file anyway. Some of the entries were little more then a name and brief description scribbled on an old napkin while others were long detailed descriptions of strengths and weaknesses typed up on an old type writer that they had found. Typed up on some of the paper from the entire reams Andrew had found in the old ‘Dale public library. Willow had a feeling they might need some of that for a rolling entry on Tribe Velocity.
“Yes, saw ‘em. They were weird, like lusty but not… Did you see the way Graham kept looking at Xander? And I’m pretty sure something happened when we were out at the wall, and at dinner when someone mentioned Dawn? Major badness.” Buffy nodded and the two girls entered her office prepared to dredge up memories of every minute twitch and glance and word so they were prepared in case trouble came.
Dawn was asleep on one of the beds in the medbay, and the blonde vampire looked on in fondness. When the witch had not come back for a while Dawn had lain down on one of the beds ‘just to rest’ and had dropped off. A few people had stopped by but seeing the sleeping l’il bit and no Willow they had merely smiled kindly and backed out of the room. “Cute like this isn’t she?” A warm masculine voice drifted from the doorway and Spike turned that way, surprised to see Xander standing there. Watching the whelp walk into the room he noticed the boy did not make any sound as he walked over the floor. His breathing, hell even his heartbeat, were quiet. Bending over the sleeping girl the large young man brushed a tendril of hair away from her face. “When she goes to sleep all her worries just melt away.” Spike watched this display of tenderness and then met the turbulent brown eyes that sat in the young mans face and was awed by the array of emotions there.
“She deserves some calm.” Spike said, “I gather she had a rough time before Alpha Tribe.” Xander chuckled, and it wasn’t a nice chuckle. The sound sent chills down Spike’s spine and he wondered about just what how well he knew the white hats.
“Rough time’s right. She was in a bad place before I brought her here.” The whelp’s shoulder’s tensed and Spike wondered how he had able to hold them so stiff. Even when he had casually sauntered into the room he had still been stiff and anxious. Which brings up Spike’s worry from earlier that day.
“What had you so frightened for the nibblet earlier?” Wow, so those shoulders could get tenser.
“Some people… from another tribe came to visit. They don’t have the most savory of reputations.” Xander shrugged, or at least tried to, it’s hard to do with your shoulders drawn all the way up to your ears. Spike decided to see how hard he could push.
“Nothing to do with where you took her away from?” Xander shot Spike a tired look and the vampire reached over to, well he was not sure quite what but try to comfort the boy at least. His hand stopped halfway and he brought it back, realizing it probably was not the best of ideas. Xander closed his eyes briefly before opening them and facing Spike. What Spike saw was pain and a weariness and anxiety no kid Xan’s age should have not before the plague, and he was worried that even if there had been no plague Xander’s eyes would always be older then they should be.
“Yeah actually, a lot to do with where I took her from.” Then the brunet was walking out and Spike was left with a million questions and no answers.
The next few days Xander was jittery and easily excitable, Dawn had wondered about it but the minute she had heard the names of the visitors she had gone pale and silent before hiding behind Xander the rest of the day. Eventually Angel got fed up with Xander’s avoidance and jumpiness and dragged him down to the gym.
Throwing Xander a pair of boxing gloves he strapped on the arm protectors and faced the young man who was eyeing him speculatively. “You’ve needed this for close to a week. Now put on those gloves and hit me!” Angel ordered and Xander, used to following his orders by now immediately strapped on the gloves and started hitting at Angel. Weakly at first and then gaining in anger and strength, alternating between hitting and kicking the padded arms, usually cheery face dark, closed off and grim. Angel was a match for the young man’s speed and strength and briefly Angel wondered if there was something otherworldly about it before deciding it was just channeled anger. When Xander finally stood back, tired, sore, sweaty, but finally relaxed Angel allowed him a small smirk. “See, told ya you needed it.” Xander wearily nodded before wiping the sweat off his face. “Wanna tell me what had you so tense?” Xander gave him a small smile and the two men sat down on a bench to the side of the gym.
“You were already gone I think at that point, captured by those nutjob magicians. Well I went off with my parents, dying relatives and all that. Mom and Pop decided to drown themselves in liquor, dying that way instead of a slow disease. I headed back here. Took their car and drove off. Well got about halfway before the damn thing broke down. Used the last of the cash for a bus, but I got off at one stop for something to eat and managed to miss the bus on its way out. Then I started walking, hitching the occasional ride. At that point Alpha Tribe had already formed up, and I was still a ways away. Well other kids got the right idea and started forming groups. I ended up falling in with the beginnings of Velocity. I was in a bad place, angry, neglected, and they took advantage of that.” Angel watched with interest the various emotions that crossed Xander’s face; anger, sadness, pity, and despair to name a few. “Dawn was there, and she was what made me see just what was going on. How much I did not fit in with those people. I grabbed her and made a run for the hellmouth, and here I am.” Angel smirked down at the younger man.
“Why do I feel like I’m getting the Reader’s Digest version?” Xander shrugged and smiled infectiously at him. Unable to resist the other man’s rather dubious charms Angel levered himself up and offered a hand. “Alright, I’ll accept it. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Before they separated though Angel stopped Xander with a hand on his arm. “We have market in a few months. If you run into Velocity can you handle it?” Market was a gathering of tribes that no one was sure who had stared. They brought their wares and best goods trading for what they needed. Money, old fashioned American dollar bills, were used as currency occasionally. Often though it was goods. There were also tents for whoring, for drinking and other more dangerous intoxicants, for gambling and fighting; all dangerous ways to make or loose money. It took place in the center of California and tribe’s started out early in order to make it there in time.
Xander’s eyes darkened but he answered in a satisfactory manner. “I’ll be fine, I’ll just try my damndest to avoid them.” Angel nodded and the two men parted ways.
It did not take long before Spike was healed up and out of the infirmary. Dawn watched in amusement as more often then not the blond vampire was seen hanging around with Xander and Willow. She thought they looked cute together and encouraged the vampire to continue his seduction of the two clueless slayerettes. She was surprised that neither had noticed Spike’s obvious interest but figured it was only a matter of time.
“Hey Red, where’s the whelp today?” Spike asked as Willow finished up a check-up on one of the many children Alpha Tribe had running around their halls. Making a face at the kid he watched as the child giggled and ran into it’s older sister’s arms before the pair left the infirmary. Turning towards the object of his interest he leaned over and helped her put a few items away, his hands brushing against hers occasionally. Willow blushed slightly, Spike had been hanging out with her and Xander and she could not help but notice how often he touched the both of them. She chalked it up to him being himself though.
“Oh, he, Buffy, and Gage went out hunting. They weren’t planning on an extended trip though, so it’ll probably be some of the deer that have been wandering in.” Willow turned and blushed harder as the entire side of her body brushed again Spike. Spike smirked at her as she hurried away.
“Ah, so does our boy do any other type of hunting? How bout you Red? Like a good kill to get the blood rushing?” Willow made a non-committal murmur and began to move away but Spike was behind her holding her still. “Do you ever get up to some fun after taking out a demon? Or killing those wolves? Need to relieve the tension?” His hands ghosted over her shoulders and down her arms. Willow shivered, her red hair fluttering around her face like her namesakes branches. Closing her eyes leaning back against the compact vampire. “Like the trill of the hunt? The look in your victims eyes as you cut them down?” Spike approached her face, voice dropping on every syllable, willing to risk a kiss when there was suddenly a cough from the door way. Spinning around the vampire dropped his hold on the witch allowing her to back away. His nostrils flared as he regarded the smirking man leaning against the doorframe. Xander’s scent was filled with a lot of things, not the least of which was arousal, his face was slightly flushed and the blood was thrumming in his veins. “‘ello pet.”
“Hi Spike.” Flash of teeth and Spike isn’t sure if it was a smile or not. “I was gonna ask Wills if she needed some help. We caught a few deer fairly quick, we’ll have plenty of meat. But I can see she has all the hands she needs.” Then the boy is gone and Spike is left with an embarrassed girl before he gives up and leaves.
It’s late that night when Spike runs into Xander again. The other man is yawning standing outside the kitchen trying to get the blood off of his arms. He had helped skin and cut up one of the deer and clean off the bones. Now he’s covered in deer blood, which is not as bad as demon blood, and feeling crusty. Spotting the vampire he holds up a blood covered hand, unsure as to why he was offering this but some part of him saw it as… right. “Want a taste?” Spike’s eyebrow quirks but who is he to resist such a fine temptation? Reaching down he brings the offered hand to his mouth suckling on first one finger then the other. Xander brings in a harsh breath and Spike smirks around the fingers before dropping them to lick at the palm. “I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about Willow.” Xander tries for stern but with Spike’s catlike tongue circling his palm? Not really achieved.
“Did you?” Spike asks, licking a stripe of blood off of his arm and Xander has to catch his breath again. “What about?”
“You had better be sincere, otherwise I’ll… uh…” That mouth is back on his hand again turning it over and licking carefully at the back of it. “I’ll… tie you down outside and let the sun fry you inch by inch.” Not the most imaginative of threats but Spike’s really good with his mouth…. Whoa! Eye’s on the prize Xandman! “After brutally torturing you.” Oh, see his mouth is off my fingers now. Did I want that?
Spike’s amused, “Really, brutal torture hu?” And he watches as Xander’s eyes go dull and flat wonders how the boy can go from aroused and honest to bone chillingly bad-assed in .5 seconds. Oh, and a smirk to make my grandsire proud.
“Oh yeah, brutal.” Then the boy’s walking away; sure knows how to make an exit don’t he? Shaking his head Spike turns in the opposite direction, insufferable whelp.
Spike watched in amusement as Willow ducked yet another Happy Birthday punch aimed in her direction. It was slightly funny, Spike though as he watched the laughing girl from the shadows. Here she was laughing and vibrant with life while the world was a desolate wasteland. “Birthday girl!” Spike called out and the laughing whirl of red hair turned in his direction. The green orbs of her eyes were filled with happiness and Spike again wondered what this girl would have been like if it had not been for the stupid plague. “How’s ‘about a birthday kiss?” Grabbing her he landed a wet smacking kiss on her lips, planning on something a little more serious later. Figuring that around so many people a public display of affection would only serve to make her flustered.
Willow laughed and pushed away from the vampire. He had been getting more and more forward with both her and Xander and she was beginning to wonder if she should ask Angel about it. He didn’t seem insincere but it almost looked like he was playing with them because he was bored. “Get any presents?” Spike asked as he followed her to the cafeteria.
“Oh yeah, Xander gave me a chipped mortar and pestle.” Willow smirked. “He broke my last one so it’s only fair.” Spike looked confused now and Willow giggled slightly. It was a really cute look on the vampire. Wait… did she just think cute and vampire in the same sentence? Oh, guess she did, hu…
“Red, been meaning to talk to you. Where’s the whelp get all this stuff?” Confused look now and Spike sighs running a hand through his honey-blond curls. Willow had to fight down yet another giggle.
“Oh, that’s just Xander. Not sure where he finds things, or where he stashes it till they’re needed. It’s what he does.” At the little nose wrinkle Spike’s sporting Willow decides to explain yet another one of her friends quirks. “He likes to call himself a ‘comfortador’ and he’ll do whatever it takes to make someone feel better. Like that thing you saw after the fight with the Reth demon? It’s the least of it. I have seen him studying these college text book psychiatry texts, high level stuff, or children’s psych just so he can help out more. He’s always taking odd-jobs around here, and if someone’s sick or injured he pays them a visit and gives them a gift. Like you with the whiskey. Or Oz and Buffy with the energy bar and lotion. He listens, and more then that he sees. Being ordinary Xander’s practically invisible, and he’s always trying to hide so no one sees him. It used to be loud shirts and brash goofy comments. Usually now, he’s just being himself. I see that, and so do you.” Deadly seriousness in those eyes now and Spike stops hypnotized by them. “You see both the light and the dark. Xan’s got a beast hiding in his soul and he lets it out more now. Just be sure that you know what you’re doing Spike, getting close to Xander is a double bladed sword and in the wrong hands it can cut a whole lot of people.” Willow continued on without him, leaving the vampire standing in the hallway thinking. Slowly a smile crossed his face.
“Double bladed sword hu? You and Xanpet both Red. You can chop down friends as easily as enemies but have a tendency to chop yourselves down first. I’ll have to help you two out with that. And help myself to you two.”
