The Big Switch

 

Xander juggled the pizza boxes into his left hand, grabbing the doorknob with his right.   The bell jingled as he entered, and he threw everyone one of his goofy Xander smiles.

 

"How are my favorite girls tonight?"   He waggled his eyebrows at them, setting the boxes down in the middle of the research table.   "I bring sustenance."   He waved his hand in a flourish.

 

"Thank god!   I'm starving!"   Dawn reached for the first piece she could get her hands on.   The others digging in right after.

 

"So who's the big bad tonight?"   Xander asked as he plopped into a seat.

 

"I'm the only Big Bad in town."   Spike answered with a growl.

 

"Yeah right fangless.   You wish."   Xander turned in his seat to face the blonde menace.   "More like the Big Biteless."  

 

"Xander stop it!"   Dawn threw a punch at his shoulder.   "Leave Spike alone."  

 

"Thanks bit.   But I can defend myself."   Spike bristled at the thought of a mortal, a teenage girl at that, having to defend him against the whelp.

 

"Be that as it may, it would be most helpful if you two could get back to researching rather than disrupting the whole group."   Giles pointed out.

 

"Sorry G-man.   What are we researching again?"  

 

"Xander, I've asked you to please not call me that."   Giles reached up for his glasses pulling out the handkerchief he carried in his pocket.   "As we were discussing before your timely arrival, there seems to be a lot of activity around the Sunnydale Park as of late.   In the vicinity of the Sunnydale Lake as a matter of fact."

 

"Ooh!   So what are we talking here G-man?   Mermaids?"   Xander gave Giles one of his more hopeful smiles.

 

"No you stupid git!   And don't look so bloody hopeful.   It's not like they look anything like that Ariel bird."   Spike answered.

 

"Spike's right Xander.   Though I don't want to know what he was doing watching the Little Mermaid."   Willow put in, quirking here eyebrow slightly.   "From what I've read mermaids aren't as pretty as most people think they are."  

 

"Mmhmm."   Giles cleared his throat.   "Can we please get back to the subject?"   He gave each of his errant children a patented glare.   "To answer your question Xander, from all accounts it seems as if we are dealing with a small water dragon."

 

"Yipes!   A dragon?"  

 

"Don't worry Xander, that's what I'm here for."   Buffy gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

 

Spike snorted.  

 

Buffy glared at him.   "What's your problem?"

 

"Yeah.   That's what you're here for alright.   Buffy the baby dragon slayer."   He sing-songed at her.

 

"It's not a baby!   It's just little."   She turned to her watcher with a worried frown.   "It's not a baby is it?"

 

"Well...it is most likely quite young."   Buffy's frown deepened.   "But you won't actually have to slay it.   We can probably get it to move to an unpopulated area, or just send it back to its own dimension."   Giles reassured her.

 

"Hence the research."   Willow piped in.

 

"Well, okay then."   Buffy agreed, swiping another piece of pizza from the almost empty boxes.

 

Xander pulled the closest book toward him, opening it up to search for things water, dragon, or water dragon related.  

 

The first book turned out to be a big flop, so he reached for another.   Before starting up on this one he decided to take a short break, heading for the kitchenette and hopefully a can of coke.

 

Walking back into the room he noticed that everyone still had their noses to the grindstones.   Willow and Tara each had a book in hand.   Buffy was at least pretending to read the book in front of her, though she was most likely just flipping pages.   Damn but that girl hated research!   And the Dawnster was studiously studying the pictures of different dragon types splayed out in front of her.   He smiled at the picture his girls made.

 

Across the room he could hear Giles and Spike having a quiet conversation.   Probably Giles' negotiation for whatever water dragon information Spike might have.

 

Xander took a moment to study the bleached menace.   Spike had really been getting on his last nerve lately.   It seemed like every time they were in the same room together fireworks were going off.   And not the good pretty colored kind.   More like the ouch burning need to head for the hospital kind.  

 

Willow and Dawn had both been trying to get him to lighten up on the chipped wonder, but he just couldn't seem to calm the aggravation.   Last week he'd actually almost hit him.   He couldn't believe it.   If you'd have asked him a month ago, he would have said he'd never do anything to hurt a defenseless...well...creature.   But Spike just brought all his emotions to the forefront and before he knew what was happening he'd pulled his arm back and fisted his hand.  

 

Luckily Willow had separated them before anything could happen.   At least luckily for Spike.   For Xander, that meant flying across the room and landing in a heap at the foot of one of Giles' bookcases.   Willow really needed to practice a bit more subtlety in her spells!

 

What scared him the most about the incident was that he could see shades of his father whenever he looked in the mirror lately.   He just couldn't understand what was driving him to hate the blonde so much.   Well, besides the obvious.   Evil vampire.   Murderer.   Undead guy.

 

He was snapped out of his thoughts when said vampire walked over and grabbed the coke out of his hands.  

 

"Hey!"   Xander tried to snag the can back.

 

Spike tilted his head back and took a swig from the coke.   "Thanks mate."   He smirked at the whelp before handing him back the empty can.

 

"You mooching undead leech!"

 

"Sticks and stones pet."  

 

"You want sticks and stones?"   Xander cried.   He grabbed the first thing that was handy, which happened to be one of the shop's imported hand carved African stakes.

 

Xander stalked menacingly toward Spike, who was still smirking at him.   "You think you can dust me pet?"   Spike's eyes swept up and down Xander's body, making him flush hotly.   "You may have the stick, but you definitely don't have the stones."

 

"Argh!"   Xander charged.

 

"Xander stop!"   Dawn's cry did nothing to slow Xander's movement.

 

"Separare!"   Willow's eyes glowed black for just a moment.

 

Not again!   Xander prepared himself for the inevitable flinging across the room.   Instead he felt a dizzying sensation, and then he was watching everything as if in a dream.   He could see himself slumping to the ground next to Spike's already slumped form.   The others were up and out of their seats running toward them.  

 

He looked around wondering what was going on.   What had happened to them?   He felt a presence and turned to see nothing.   But he was sure that he could feel someone there.

 

He turned back to the scene on the ground.   It looked as if both he and Spike were still unconscious.

 

Merciful Zues!   Am I dead?   Xander went to pat his body, before realizing that he didn't have a body.   Is this what death is like?

 

He noticed the others talking but couldn't really make out what they were saying.   He could see Tara holding his wrist, probably looking for a pulse.   She said something to Willow who seemed to slump in relief.

 

Well I guess I'm not dead then.   He could see Dawn hovering near Spike, wondering how she was supposed to check on his status.   Guess if he's not dust, he must still be unliving.

 

He focused on Spike trying to see if the bleached wonder was waking up at all.   When suddenly he felt that same dizzying sensation.   Then he felt as if he were hurtling back toward the ground.

 

"Ungh."   He groaned blinking his eyes rapidly.   His head was pounding.   The girls were all sitting around him asking if he was okay.   "I'm fine.   Wills what kind of wacky spell was that?"

 

At the same time he could hear Spike stirring beside him.   "Dozy bird!   What did you do now?   Why is it always me that gets hit with the mojo?"

 

Xander turned to find all four girls and one Giles staring at him incredulously.

 

"X-xander?"   Tara was the first to speak.

 

"Yeah?"  

 

"Eeep!"   Willow's face turned a bright red and she focused pleading and apologetic eyes on him.

 

"What's wrong Wills?"   He reached a hand out toward her.   And then quickly snapped it back.

 

Said hand was pale.   Very pale.   And the arm was covered with worn black leather.   He turned to his right to check on Spike, only to see...well...himself!   "Who?   What?   HUH?"

 

***

 

Explorations

 

Bloody Hell!   Spike couldn't believe he was stuck in the whelp's body.   Just what he needed to make his unlife even more miserable.   First they take away his bite, then they take away his bloody body!

 

"Willow, now calm down please.   Just tell us what spell you used."   Giles was trying to be reasonable.

 

"I don't understand what could have happened.   It's the same separate spell I used last time, and all it did was separate them physically, not metaphysically!"   Willow babbled.

 

Xander was still sitting on the floor in a daze.   He would occasionally lift his hand and touch his face, or his stomach or his leg.   Once he even pinched himself.   Unfortunately all that got him was a sharp pain, instead of the bliss of waking from a nightmare.

 

"Well Red, looks like you did it again."   Spike groused.

 

"I'm sorry!"   Willow cried.

 

"It's okay honey.   We'll figure it out." Tara patted her hand in comfort.

 

The conversation continued, but Spike decided to tune it out.   It wasn't like they were going to solve the problem tonight.   Looks like they were in for some more bloody research.

 

Free from following the voices floating around him, Spike's focus fell on his new body.   Seems like construction work was good for the whelp.   He lifted and flexed his right arm, feeling the muscles bunch.  

 

It was strange feeling his chest lift and fall with every breath.   Something he hadn't needed to do in over a century.   His skin felt warm all over.   He took a tentative hold of his wrist and felt the blood rushing through his system.   He felt himself growing hard, and his face flushed.

 

Quickly his hand dropped and he shuffled position so that he was more firmly seated under the table.   Xander caught the movement and the telltale bulge before Spike could completely hide it.  

 

What the hell does he think he's doing with my body?   Xander was finally snapping out of his current fugue.   He was in Spike's body.   Spike was in his body.   What the hell were they going to do?

 

The girls were all talking trying to figure out what happened.   Willow was apologizing.   He caught something about cookies, or brownies maybe?   His head still hurt.   And he just wanted to go home and get some sleep.   Maybe tomorrow they would have the whole mess figured out and he would wake up in his own body again.

 

"Okay that's it.   I'm outta here.   The Xan-man needs his rest."   Xander stood from the floor.

 

"This is seriously wiggy."   Buffy stared up at him.   "It's just so wrong to hear your words coming out of his mouth!"  

 

"Xander's probably right.   We should all go home and get some sleep.   We can start research on a solution to this little...problem...tomorrow.   I'm sure that we can have it figured out soon."   Giles was reassuring.

 

Spike stood as well.   "Okay whelp.   Lead the way."   He motioned to Xander to precede him out the door.

 

"And where do you think you're going bleach- ugh, Spike?"  

 

"With you."   Spike smirked at...well...himself.   "Or rather, you're coming with me."

 

Xander raised a curious eyebrow at him.   "And what makes you think I'm going to let you stay with me."

 

"I think your mum and da will think it's the other way around.   Can't have my friend 'Spike' stayin' at my flat without me there now can I?"

 

"Ungh!"   Xander groaned.   Of course his parents wouldn't recognize him!   They'd think some crazy psycho had broken into the basement or something, if Spike wasn't there with him.   Could his life get any worse?   "Fine.   Let's go."

 

Xander stomped out the front door, not bothering to see whether Spike was following.   He heard Dawn giggling behind him and her soft "It looks so funny to see Spike stomp his feet like a big kid!" just before the door closed.

 

They reached the basement door, Xander automatically digging in his jeans pocket for the keys before groaning and glancing back at Spike.   "You have the keys fangless."

 

Spike just quirked his eyebrow at him until Xander moved out of the way.   He stepped forward and unlocked the door.  

 

Spike entered first, flipping the switch on the light.   Another thing he was trying to get used to.   No more night vision.  

 

"I'm taking a shower."   Xander brushed past Spike to move toward his dresser.

 

Damn!   None of his clothes were going to fit.   He grumbled as he rifled through the drawers pulling out a set of boxers and drawstring sweatpants.   He grabbed a white t-shirt before heading toward the bathroom.

 

He slammed the door shut and threw his clothes onto the toilet seat.   He turned toward the sink grabbing his toothbrush and blinked.   Damn!   No reflection.   Now this was definitely wiggins worthy.

 

He turned away deciding not to think about it.   Denial was definitely of the good.   He turned the shower on letting the water warm up while he quickly brushed his teeth and then stripped.   Even though he was definitely NOT thinking about it, his lack of reflection was causing him to wonder about the rest of the changes he'd have to contend with.  

 

As he pulled his jeans off, of course Spike went commando, a thought suddenly struck.   Could he go grrr?   And how would he do it?   Does he just have to want it?   He tried picturing himself game faced, but nothing happened.   He felt his forehead tentatively just to make sure.

 

Shrugging he decided to try again later.   For now he just wanted to wash away the ick he was currently feeling.   Stepping into the shower he slipped, slamming his knee down onto the edge of the tub.   "Fuck!"

 

"Is my body okay in there?   You're not bruising it are you?"   Xander could hear the sound of his own voice floating through the door.

 

"Fuck off Spike!   I slipped. Your precious body is just fine."  

 

As the pain receded Xander realized his speech was slightly slurred.   His tongue came out to wet his lips, and felt his elongated fangs instead.   Game face!   He reached up a hand to trace the ridges on his forehead.   He did it!   He wasn't sure how, but he was definitely in game face.

 

As his fingers trailed over his new ridges, Xander felt himself hardening.   He looked down automatically only to realize he was now looking at Spike's cock.   Spike's almost completely erect cock.   Eeep!

 

***

 

Outside on Xander's bed, Spike was laying back after having changed into a pair of pajama pants.   He didn't think the whelp would appreciate him sleeping au natural.   He'd taken a few minutes to study his image in the mirror above the dresser.

 

He had a reflection!   He hadn't really missed it before, but since he had the ability again he wanted to savor it.   So what if he was stuck staring at the whelp's sorry face.

 

After having changed into the pajamas, Spike took a closer look.   Okay.   So he could admit it, at least in his own head, that Xander wasn't exactly hard on the eyes.   He'd filled out a lot since taking his current job, and the dark tan he'd gotten from working outdoors didn't hinder his appearance either.

 

He ran an experimental hand over the boy's chest, plucking at first one then the other nipple.   They both hardened into little nubs, shooting tingles throughout his body.   Damn but the boy was sensitive.

 

He could feel little Xander stirring, and couldn't resist pulling out the waistband to take a quick peek.   The boy wasn't half bad.   He wasn't as long as Spike, but definitely thicker.   His hand was just reaching out to grip the base when he heard the muffled "Fuck!" coming from the bathroom.

 

"Is my body okay in there?   You're not bruising it are you?"   Spike questioned accusingly.

 

"Fuck off Spike!   I slipped. Your precious body is just fine."  

 

Well at least he hasn't managed to dust himself yet.   Spike walked over to the bed and decided to get comfortable.   Once he'd laid back and gotten relaxed he started his explorations once again.

 

After all, he didn't know how long he would be forced to wear the whelp's body.   He might as well get to know it.   His hands traveled the length of his chest.   Taking a few minutes to rub, tug, and tweak his nipples into hardened peaks.

 

He was now fully erect and he could feel dribbles of pre-cum oozing from his tip.   He eased the pajama pants down slightly, freeing his swinging erection.   Another novelty.   No foreskin.  

 

His thumb reached out to circle around the head, dipping into the slit and pulling a moan from deep within his chest.   Slowly he fisted the head and began stroking up and down the length, slicking it up with his own juices.

 

Curiosity got the better of him and he took one glistening drop onto his finger and lifted it to his lips.   The taste was salty and strong.   The texture was smooth and the temperature warm.   He swirled it on his tongue before swallowing the taste down.

 

His cock twitched, and he grabbed it again.   His other hand reached down to cup his balls and began kneading them gently.   He rolled them together and tugged them down, as the hand on his cock began to move at a faster pace.  

 

He could feel his orgasm coming close, and he pictured Xander in the shower exploring his own body as the climax over took him.   His cum spurted out to coat his hand and land a few drops on his exposed chest.   Again he couldn't resist and dipped a finger in to taste.  

 

The flavor was slightly richer, but no saltier than the pre-cum had been.   He took one or two more dips before grabbing a few of the conveniently placed tissues by the bed stand.   He needed to clean up before Xander came out to find him 'exploring'.

 

***

 

Xander's eyes were wide as he stared down at the purpling head of his cock.   Spike's cock!   Not his.   Spike's!  

 

The cool air contrasted with the hot water of the shower and caused his nipples to stand erect.   Absently he brushed a hand across one and gasped.   They were extremely sensitive.

 

Okay.   This is bad.   No getting turned on by Spike's body.   This is Spike's body!   Xander willed his erection away.   He knew that if vampires could blush he would be red from head to toe.   At least his embarrassment was good for something he could feel his erection slowly wilting.

 

Suddenly he was painfully, achingly, excruciatingly hard again.   He turned his head to glance around the room, as if he would find a culprit to accuse for his current dilemma.  

 

Then he smelled it.   There was some sort of spice in the air.   Something that made him feel incredibly sexy.   Incredibly horny.   Incredibly hard.

 

He tried to place the smell but didn't recognize it from anywhere.  

 

Unconsciously his hand had moved down to stroke his aching member.   His eyes closed and he took a deep drag from the air around him.   He felt his cock harden even further and he groaned.

 

His other hand came up to pinch a peaked nipple causing him to thrust further into his own tight fist.   As his body began to move to a faster rhythm he suddenly realized that he could hear soft sounds coming from the basement.  

 

He could hear the sound of flesh sliding over slick flesh, and hear the rough panting accompanying the movement.   His eyes snapped open and his mouth dropped into a comical 'O'.

 

Spike was out there jacking off his body!   And he could hear it!   And smell it!  

 

Xander's mind was assaulted with a picture of Spike sprawled out on his bed.   But instead of Spike wearing Xander's body, he was gloriously naked in his own.   He could picture the vampire's writhing body, stretching out toward completion.

 

Both Xander's hands moved down toward his cock.   He had one grasp the base to stave off his orgasm.   He was so close already!   The other traveled up to play with the foreskin.   He pulled the skin back to explore the sensitive slit, bucking into the sensation.

 

He could hear Spike grunting outside, close to climax.  

 

He released the base of his erection and began to jack off in earnest.   Spike's breathing outside was coming out in harsh pants and within minutes he could hear the "unh unh" groans that signaled his completion.

 

Xander let out a grunt of his own and spurted Spike's sticky cum all over the shower wall.

 

He stood under the warm spray of the shower for a few minutes before finally grabbing his loufah.   If he didn't need to shower before he definitely did now.

 

***

 

Walking a Mile

 

Xander exited the bathroom accompanied by a puff of steam.   He noticed Spike laying back on his bed with his eyes closed.   He stopped to stare at himself.

 

Had he stepped into an episode of Outer Limits?   Okay.   So living on the hellmouth was always tricky, but this?   He watched as Spike's eyes slowly opened and turned to focus on him.

 

"What do you think you're doing blood breath?"  

 

"Relaxing in my bed."   Spike answered sincerely.

 

"No.   Relaxing in MY bed."   Xander answered hotly back.

 

"Don't think the rest of the world would see it that way pet." And there was that maddening smirk again.

 

"Forget it fangless.   You aren't sleeping in my bed!"   Xander stepped forward.   He knelt on the bed and reached over to push the ex-vamp off only to fall back onto the floor in agony.

 

"FUCK!"   The pain was excruciating.   He could feel tears forming and blinked rapidly to stave them off.

 

"Not so funny now is it luv?"   Spike's voice held just a trace of bitterness.

 

Holy headaches!   Was it this bad every time Spike got zapped?   How the hell did he live with it?   He wasn't even planning to really hurt the guy.   He'd just wanted his bed back, dammit!

 

When the pain receded to a dull throb Xander attempted to sit up.   Spike was still smirking down at him, although there was something else hidden in his expression that Xander couldn't quite place.

 

"Why don't we share the bed mate?   It's not like you can get me to move, and at least I won't make you sleep in that bloody chair."  

 

What?   Spike was being nice to him?   He threw Spike a skeptical expression.   "Why won't you make me sleep in the chair?"

 

He watched as Spike turned his face away.   His response was mumbled, but Xander found with his new vamp hearing he could just make the words out.   "I know how bloody painful it is to get zapped with the chip.   You'll heal faster if your not tossing and turning trying to get comfortable in that soddin chair all night."

 

For the second time that night Xander's jaw fell open into the shape of a soft 'O'.   He didn't really have a response, and if his skin could burn with shame it would have.   Knowing that that was exactly what he had put Spike through and then some.

 

"Thanks."   He mumbled as he got under the covers.  

 

Wait a minute.   Did he just thank Spike for letting him sleep in his own bed?   Xander just shook his head and lay down, closing his eyes in exhaustion.

 

***

 

Spike's eyes blinked open to stare at the low basement ceiling.   What was he doing at the whelp's place again?   He turned his head to look toward Xander's bed, only to find it nuzzling up against soft blond curls.  

 

Bugger!   The events of the previous evening came rushing back to him.   He remembered the fight at the Magic Box and Red's crazy spell.   He was obviously still stuck in Xander's body.   And now he was cuddling up to Xander in his body, while the boy slept the day away.

 

Spike turned to the right to check the alarm clock.   Just past 5 AM.   Before he could think past that thought the alarm began to blare and his arm shot out to quickly hit the off switch.

 

Xander's head popped up and he groaned.   He threw the covers off and climbed out of bed, heading toward his dresser to grab clothes for the day.

 

"Where do you think you're going whelp?"   Spike asked casually from his seat on the bed's edge.

 

"To work fangless.   Some of us have to earn a living."   Xander answered absently, while heading toward the bathroom.

 

"I don't fancy having Red switch me back into a pile of ashes."  

 

Xander's head whipped around as Spike's words finally penetrated his morning haze.   "Shit!   What am I going to do?   I can't call in again.   I've already called in twice this month.   They're gonna start thinking I'm unreliable."   Xander sat down heavily in the barca lounger.

 

"Guess I'll have to go in your place then."   Spike had an evil looking gleam in his eye.

 

"What?   No!   You can't do that!   You don't know the first thing about construction!"   Xander was trying desperately to think of another solution.

 

"Well it's either that or count this number 52 on Xander's list of failed job attempts."

 

Xander stared at the ground for a few moments before finally looking back up at Spike.   "Fine."   He sighed.   "But you better not mess this up for me Spike."   He tried to sound menacing, but it came out sounding more like pleading.  

 

Spike got up and grabbed the clothes out of Xander's limp hand.   "Guess you won't be needing these today whelp."

 

Before he could close the bathroom door he heard a final quiet plea muffled from Xander's direction,   "Please Spike."   And then the door snicked shut.

 

***

 

Xander paced the length of the basement floor for the 100th time.   God it sucked not being able to go out during the day!   He wanted to be able to go out to the site and check up on Spike.   Just for a second.   Just to see if he'd been fired yet.

 

If vampires could sweat, he was sure he'd be able to fill buckets.   This was so far the one decent job he'd been able to get since high school.   And he thought he was at least semi-capable at it too.   He really didn't want to lose this job.

 

It was nice having something that he at least seemed good at.  

 

As he continued to pace, he began to hear a deep rumbling.   He glanced around the room searching for the noise, when he realized that it was coming from his own chest.   He was growling!

 

Why was he growling?   He began to do a quick check of his body and realized that he could feel a not quite painful, but rather annoying ache.  

 

And then realization hit.   Spike hadn't fed the night before.   He usually didn't feed until after the meeting when he would either accompany Giles or Xander back to retrieve a couple of blood bags.  

 

Spike's body was hungry.   Spike drank blood.   Therefore Xander had to drink blood while he was in Spike's body.   Xander turned to stare at the white face of the small refrigerator door.

 

Eeew!

 

***

 

Spike had walked out into the sunlight for the first time in over a hundred years, barring his little stint with the gem of Amara, this morning. By the time he'd reached Xander's work site he'd been sort of drunk on the feeling.   He'd stopped several times to just feel the warmth caressing his skin.  

 

It felt incredible.

 

He was excited to realize that Xander's job allowed him to work outside for most of the day.  

 

He glanced around the area trying to figure out exactly where he was supposed to go, without making it look like he'd never been here before.

 

Contrary to Xander's belief, Spike wasn't really interested in causing him to lose his job.   He'd been watching the whelp for months now.   He knew his history, the long string of dead end jobs and failed relationships.  

 

Spike actually felt a bit of compassion for the poor sod.   Reminded him too much of William.   Though he would never admit to either one.

 

Didn't mean he couldn't have some fun though.   Just not enough to get himself dusted once they were back in their own bodies.

 

***

 

Xander was currently munching on a bowl of Count Chocula cereal.   Unfortunately it wasn't doing anything to alleviate the ache that was constantly growing within.   He continued to chew and methodically swallow hoping that he could hold off the few hours it would take for the sun to set.  

 

Maybe by the time they got to the Magic Box, Willow would have found a way to switch them back.

 

***

 

Spike found the work surprisingly soothing.   It wasn't monotonous but the heavy labor allowed him to sort of set his body on autopilot.  

 

Once he'd found where he was initially supposed to be he realized that the foreman was explaining what task his part of the crew was going to be working on that day.   That made it remarkably simple for him to get his bearings.  

 

He turned at the sound of Xander's name.

 

"Hey Harris!"   The one named Chris was walking toward him.

 

"Yeah?"  

 

"What's wrong with you?   Been calling you for the past 5 minutes!"   Chris looked exasperated.

 

"Sorry 'bout that.   Guess I just had a lot on my mind."   Spike was trying hard to keep his accent from showing.

 

"Well, why don't you come with us to drown your sorrows?"   Chris clapped him on the back.   "Bunch of us are heading over to Jack's Bar after quitting time.   You in?"  

 

Spike thought about it for a moment.   Xander was expecting him back before sunset so that they could walk over to the Magic Box together.   They needed to see if Red had figured out a reversal spell yet.

 

But what could one drink hurt?

 

"Sure.   Sounds good mate."   Spike replied without thinking.

 

"Harris you've been watching too much Monty Python!   That's the worst English accent I've ever heard!"   Chris walked off laughing, leaving Spike gaping open-mouthed.

 

***

 

Xander threw the empty bowl across the room.   Where the hell was Spike?   It was almost sunset, and still no sign of the Xander wannabe.

 

The blood lust was causing his entire body to ache.   He felt like he hadn't eaten in weeks.   He couldn't prevent his game face from appearing about an hour ago.   And so far he had been unable to shake it off.

 

Without realizing what he was doing, Xander found himself in front of the fridge with the door open.   He was reaching in and grabbing a blood bag before he knew what was happening.   He dropped the bag to the ground when he finally realized his intent.  

 

The hunger was like an acid eating him up from the inside out.   He could feel the need to sink his fangs into warm skin and nourish himself, but knew that he couldn't do that.   The worst part was he wasn't sure that he could resist if it weren't for the goddamned chip!

 

He looked back up at the basement door forlornly.   He knew that Spike wasn't going to be walking through anytime soon.   Even if he did, there was no guarantee that Willow would have a spell ready to cure them.

 

He reached down for the blood bag, grabbing a mug on the way.   Within a few minutes he had a warmed cup resting in his hands.   Closing his eyes he brought the mug to his lips.

 

He groaned at the first taste.   Instead of the revulsion he had steeled himself against, he felt only a soothing warmth flood his entire body.   The ache dulled and then disappeared.   And once the cup was emptied, Xander found himself licking his lips to capture the last drops.

 

He brought the mug over to the sink to wash out.   Grabbing his jacket, he headed up the stairs intent on finding Spike.

 

For a second his steps faltered.   Oh my god!   Did I just enjoy a cup of blood?!

 

Denial.   He was not going to think about it.   Denial was good.   That was his new motto.   He didn't know how long he would be stuck in Spike's body, so he would just have to deal until Willow could switch them back.

 

And then he could pretend that this whole thing never happened!

 

***

 

Confessions

 

Xander stepped into the bar and peered around the smokey room.   He knew that his co-workers sometimes hung out here after work.   He'd already searched Willie's bar and Spike's crypt.   This was the only other place he could think of for Spike to have gone.

 

 

He heard a laugh from the back room where the pool table was located.   A very familiar laugh.   His mouth formed into a grimace as he stomped across the room.

 

When he stepped into the back room his frown deepened.   Spike was playing pool with Chris.   They both seemed to have drunk more than one or two beers, and it looked like the rest of the crew had gone home.  

 

They seemed to be having a good time, judging from the loud guffaw he had heard earlier, and the smile gracing Chris' lips.   That only made Xander madder.   Where the hell does Spike get off having a good time with Xander's coworkers?  

 

"Spi -" Xander stopped himself just in time.   "Xander!"

 

Spike's head snapped up at the sound of his voice.   "Hey mate."

 

"Where the hell have you been?   I was waiting for you to come home so that we could meet the girls."

 

"Sorry pet.   Just having a drink with a friend.   Didn't think you'd mind."   Spike placated.

 

"Well I do mind!   You know how important this meeting is!"

 

Spike turned toward Chris with an apologetic shrug.   "Sorry Chris.   Looks like I have to get going.   We'll finish the game some other time."   Spike turned to put his cue stick away.

 

"Who is that?   Your boyfriend or something?"   Chris asked under his breath.

 

Xander's new hearing was able to pick up the quiet question.   He was horrified.   Chris thought Spike was his boyfriend!?

 

"NO!"   Xander answered without thinking.

 

"It's cool man.   I'm not one of them bigots.   If you guys swing that way, it's no skin off my nose."   Chris shrugged at them.

 

Xander was still trying to shake off the image that Chris had produced, when Spike sauntered over toward him, an evil smirk on his face.

 

"Yeah pet.   Chris is a good 'un.   We don't have to hide in front of him."   And with that Spike leaned in to press his lips to Xander's.  

 

The kiss was brief but Xander found himself leaning forward as Spike pulled away. When he caught his movement he pulled back, eyes wide in his face.

 

"Let's go!"   He grabbed Spike's arm and pulled him toward the exit.  

 

"See ya Chris!"   Spike called out as Xander dragged him through the door.

 

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"   Xander demanded once they'd left the bar behind.

 

"What do you mean pet?"  

 

"What do I mean?!   What do I mean?!"   Xander's mind was stuck on replay.   What just happened?

 

"Just havin' a spot of fun luv.   No need to get your knickers in a twist."  

 

"Fun?!   Kissing!   There was kissage!"   Xander accused.

 

"Yeah so?   If your worried all the manly men will think you're a nancy boy you can just tell them that you were drunk off your ass."  

 

Xander was fuming.

 

"Did you get me fired today?"  

 

"No."  

 

"No?"

 

"No Xander.   I did not get you fired.   Your precious job is safe and sound."   Spike answered shortly.

 

Some of Xander's bluster left him.   He'd been worried and stressed all day about things beyond his control.   And now that he at least knew he had a job to go to tomorrow, if he were back in his own body by then, he relaxed slightly.

 

"Thank you."

 

"You're welcome mate."

 

***

 

The boys entered the Magic Box to find all four girls sitting around the research table.   When the bell jingled the girls looked up with apologetic smiles.

 

"Still nothing huh?"   Xander asked.

 

"Sorry Xan.   We're trying but there have been a few more attacks surrounding the Sunnydale Lake.   It looks like we're going to have to tackle the dragon issue before we can really focus on your...situation."   Buffy answered.

 

"Fine."   Xander puffed out as he took a seat next to Dawn.   "Did you at least find out how to get rid of the dragon?"

 

"Yes.   There's a spell that we can use, but the only problem is that we need a talisman from the dragon's nest."   Willow replied.

 

"And why is that a problem?"  

 

"Well his nest seems to be located on the small island in the middle of the lake.   Someone must swim out and retrieve the talisman before the spell can be performed."   Giles explained.

 

"Okay then.   What's the plan?"

 

"Well Will and Tara are going to gather all the ingredients we need for the spell tonight.   Tomorrow we were thinking that I would attack the dragon to get its attention.   Tara, Will, and Giles would be with me keeping the dragon distracted while you and Spike swim out to get the thingamajig.   Once you bring it back to shore Willow will start the spell."   Buffy outlined.

 

"No."  

 

Heads swiveled to glare at the now brunette menace.   "Don't worry Spike, we'll pay you."   Giles reassured him.

 

"It's not that mate.   I just don't want to tangle with a dragon."   Spike answered.   He got up from his stool and strode toward Buffy's training room.

 

"Spike not wanting to tangle with another demon?   What's that about?"   Buffy asked, a confused look on her face.

 

"Don't worry about it.   I'll talk to him."   Xander stood and followed Spike out.

 

Tara watched the entire exchange with a curious look.   When Xander stood to follow Spike she nodded to herself before returning to the research book in front of her.

 

"Spike?"   Xander entered the training room to find Spike pummeling the heavy bag.

 

Spike ignored him.

 

"Hey!   Don't bruise my knuckles!"   Xander admonished him.

 

"What do you want?"   Spike growled at him.

 

"Just wanted to see what was up with you.   Since when do you not want in on the violence?"

 

"What violence?   Buffy's going to have all the fun, while you and I get our knickers wet."

 

"Is that why your upset?   I'm sure Buffy will let you have a turn kicking dragon ass while Willow performs the spell."   Xander tried to reason.

 

Spike stopped punching the bag, and grabbed a towel.   Damn humans sweat a lot!   He took a seat on the couch as he tried to catch his breath.

 

"Well?"   Xander prodded when Spike remained silent.

 

"Czdt syhne."   Spike mumbled.

 

"Huh?"   Even Xander's new hearing couldn't catch that one.

 

"Can't swim."   Spike enunciated his confession for Xander.

 

Xander tried to stop the laugh before it could escape but was too late.   "You can't swim?   You're like over a hundred."   He felt compelled to point out.

 

"Yeah well it wasn't like there were a lot of swimming pools in my neighborhood when I was growing up!   And after I got turned there didn't seem to be a point.   No need to breathe means no chance of drowning."   Spike answered sullenly.

 

"So?   What's the problem?"  

 

"The problem is that I'm stuck in your stupid mortal breathing body!"   Spike shouted.

 

Xander's laughter died out as he realized what Spike was saying.   Of course it would be a problem now.   Xander's body needed air, and Spike didn't know how to swim.

 

Xander moved over to sit beside Spike on the couch.   His hand reached out tentatively toward Spike's shoulder and gave him a short squeeze.

 

"Don't worry Spike.   We don't have to do anything until tomorrow night.   Tonight we can go out and I'll give you a couple of lessons.   No big.   We'll just tell the girls that we're going to head out since there's nothing they can do about our problem anyway.   And it's not like they need either of us for the dragon research."   Xander soothed.

 

"Why?"

 

"Why what?"   Xander was perplexed.

 

"Why would you help me?"   Spike asked in a quiet voice.

 

Xander shrugged not really sure himself.   "Consider it payback for not getting me fired today.   And tomorrow!   Since you have to go back tomorrow."  

 

"Thanks mate."   Spike gave him a quick but grateful smile before turning away.

 

They stood to leave the room together.  

 

"Besides...I want a living breathing body for Willow to switch me back in to!"

 

***

 

Swimming Lessons

 

Xander glanced around the empty building.   Of course they had to break into the Sunnydale Park public pool.   Spike didn't want to learn at the lake since the dragon was there, and Xander whole heartedly agreed for once!   But did they have to actually break the law?

 

At least there hadn't been any alarms or anything.   At least of the non-silent variety.   God he hoped there weren't any silent alarms!

 

Spike stood at the edge of the pool looking nervously around.   Xander had already stepped in and was wading at the 3 foot deep end.   It was strange for him to be looking up at himself in nothing but his slightly used red speedos.  

 

Did he look that good in high school?   He couldn't have.   If he had a body like that he wouldn't have had so much trouble getting dates!

 

He sighed and motioned for Spike to step down into the water.   Spike's expression was still wary but he dutifully took the first step in.

 

"Bloody hell that's cold!"   Spike cried.

 

"Shh!   Do you want us to get caught?"   Xander demanded.

 

"Who's going to hear us whelp?   The only things out and about at this time of night are the nasties.   And I think we can handle them just fine."  

 

"Just get in the water Spike!   It's only three feet deep!   You're not going to drown unless I hold you under!"

 

"Fine!"   Spike took the final two steps, submerging himself up to his waist.

 

Xander let him get used to the temperature for a bit before asking him to wade over to the middle of the kiddie side of the pool.  

 

"Okay.   The first thing you're going to learn is how to float."   At Spike's pensive look Xander stopped to reassure him.   "Don't worry, floating is the easiest part.   And if you panic and forget what your supposed to do just roll over onto your back and start to float."

 

As he spoke Xander pushed down on Spike's shoulder causing him to lay onto his back.   He place a hand on the small of Spike's back, keeping him above the surface.

 

"Just let your body relax.   The water will keep you up.   Just don't tense up."   As Spike began to relax Xander slowly removed his hand.   The second they lost all contact Spike tensed and began to sink.  

 

"I said don't tense up!"   Xander cried, immediately replacing his hand.  

 

Spike sputtered, spitting out the water he'd accidentally swallowed when his face had gone under.   "You let go!"

 

"Of course I let go.   How else are you going to learn how to float?"  

 

"You should have warned me!"   Spike was indignant.

 

Xander was losing patience.   But he could tell from Spike's tone that he was more embarrassed than anything else.   And Xander supposed he could understand that.   Spike was a master vampire.   Used to being feared and obeyed.

 

Now, without his bite he'd lost all that.   And to top it all off he'd had to go to one of his enemies for help with a problem that most 10 years olds don't even have.   It must be pretty humiliating for the guy.

 

"OKAY.   I'm sorry."   Xander gritted his teeth.   "We'll try it again.   I'll hold you up for a few seconds and then let go.   Just stay relaxed and you'll float without a problem."

 

Spike still looked unsure, but he did as Xander asked.  

 

"I promise."   Xander tried to reassure him.

 

Spike relaxed minutely and lay his head back into the water.  

 

"Good job!"   Xander praised him after about five minutes of floating on his own.   "Are you ready to try something new now?"

 

Spike stood back up and nodded his head.   Xander was actually being nice about this lesson.   He had come prepared for the whelp to be a git and use this whole thing against him.   But so far he'd been reassuring and complimentary whenever Spike had followed directions correctly.

 

"Now I want you to lay down on your stomach, and I'll hold you up.   You're going to kick your feet and paddle your arms, just to get used to the feeling."  

 

Spike panicked.   He had to put his face in the water?!   "How the bloody hell am I supposed to breathe pet?"

 

"Don't worry Spike.   Just hold your head up so that your face doesn't hit the water.   A lot of people swim without dipping their head in, but we'll do a lesson on that later before we leave.   Just so you know both ways."

 

After a few minutes of this Xander decided it was time for Spike to actually start to swim.   "Okay, don't get nervous.   I'm going to let go now and you can swim to the edge of the pool.   It's only a few feet away.   You can do it."

 

Spike steeled himself against the fear.   He was not going to keep panicking in front of the whelp!   He was the Big Bad!

 

He felt Xander's hand slip away and his face began to fall toward the water, his arms and legs continued their movement automatically.   He snapped his head back up before he could breathe in any fluid and then his hand hit concrete.   He'd done it!   He was at the edge of the pool.

 

He turned back toward Xander with a grin on his face.  

 

Xander smiled back automatically but also in surprise.   He didn't think he'd ever seen that expression on Spike before.   It wasn't one of his usual smirks.   It was actually a sincere smile!

 

"Great job!   Why don't you walk back here and you can swim back to the edge a couple more times."  

 

They continued the lessons for another 15 - 20 minutes until Xander was reasonably sure that Spike was comfortable with his skills.  

 

Xander had found that Spike was a fast learner once he got over the fear of drowning.   I guess if you've had a fear for over a century it would be a little hard to suppress, Xander thought.   He was actually surprised that Spike was able to overcome it with such little distress.

 

"Okay one last lesson before we call it quits."   Xander called out to Spike as he reached the edge of the pool once more.

 

"I'm going to teach you how to breathe under water."   Xander explained once Spike was by his side.

 

"I'm not stupid you git!   You can't breathe under water!"   Spike didn't appreciate Xander's teasing.

 

"Calm down fangless!   I'll rephrase."   Xander shot him an annoyed look.   "I'm going to teach you how to breathe OUT under water."  

 

"What?"

 

"What you need to do while swimming is to breathe IN while your head is above water and then breathe OUT while your head is under."   Xander had maneuvered Spike back into the position he'd been in when first learning how to kick and paddle.

 

"Okay, just take a deep breath and then when you dip your face into the water breathe out through your nose slowly."   Xander instructed.

 

Spike did as Xander described, finding that if he was constantly breathing out while below the surface he wouldn't accidentally suck any water in.   They did this for a few minutes before Xander asked him to add the kicking and paddling to the routine.

 

"You're not going to let go?"   Spike asked warily.

 

"Not yet.   Just get used to the breathing while kicking and paddling okay?   I'll warn you before I do anything else."   Xander gave him a reassuring look.

 

Spike did this for a few minutes before Xander decided it was time for him to try it on his own.

 

"Remember that as soon as you think you're out of breath, just lift your head to the side like we practiced and take a breath in.   You can do it."

 

Xander let him take a few breaths while in his arms before letting his hand slip away once again.

 

Spike swam to the edge of the pool with ease.   He was surprised at the speed, since it had been a lot slower with his head above the water.

 

He grinned triumphantly and turned back to Xander.   "Wanna race?"  

 

Xander laughed and shook his head.   "Why don't you do a couple more laps before we get out of here?   I think I'm starting to get hungry again."

 

Spike nodded and turned to launch himself back under water.   Xander had told him about the blood lust he'd felt earlier in the day and what he'd had to do.   Spike knew the feeling and was actually surprised that the whelp was able to hold out as long as he did.

 

He was sorry that he hadn't been around to see him drink the blood though.   Xander's face must have been priceless!  

 

Before Spike realized it, thoughts of Xander drinking blood caused him to harden in his speedos.   The feeling had come up rather suddenly and caused Spike's movements to falter.   Before he could right himself he began taking in gulps of water and coughing.

 

Xander was at his side in an instant.   Grabbing Spike up he held him in his arms and drew soothing circles on his back, occasionally patting him when the coughing became too rough.

 

"What happened?   Did you just get tired?   I shouldn't have told you to swim any more laps!   We've already been here over an hour."   Xander babbled comfort.

 

"No.   'S not your fault.   Just got distracted 'S all."   Spike answered, making no move to retreat from the circle of Xander's arms.

 

After a few minutes, Xander became aware of the position they were in.   He had Spike wrapped in his arms and their bodies were flush against one another.   Neither of them were wearing much of anything and so were mostly skin to skin.

 

Xander felt himself shudder and begin to harden in his boxers.   The cool water doing nothing to help him with his problem.

 

Spike felt the twitch against his thigh and looked up into Xander's eyes.   Deliberately he thrust forward pushing his own erection against Xander's hip.   They both groaned at the contact.

 

Suddenly Xander pulled away, walking toward the water's edge.   He pulled himself out and grabbed one of the towels laying near the pool.  

 

"We'd better get going.   I really need to feed, and you need to get some sleep if you're not going to get me fired tomorrow."   Xander called out without looking back at Spike.  

 

Spike watched Xander exit the room and sighed.   He followed in Xander's footsteps, grabbing the second towel along the way.   He was horny, but it didn't look like the whelp was interested in playing just yet.

 

***

 

Ready or Not

 

When they reached the basement Xander's mind was still reeling from the incident at the pool.   The concern that he'd felt had been a shock.   When Spike had lost his bearings and began to flounder, Xander was immediately assaulted with the thought that he'd pushed the vampire too hard.

 

He hadn't hesitated to take Spike into his arms and offer comfort.   When had his disgust with the vampire turned into affection?   Just a few days ago he'd been ready to stake the undead jerk.   Now he was worried that he'd swallowed some water?

 

And what the hell was that body rubbing all about?   He did not rub bodies with other males.   He was a female body rubber!  

 

The feel of their bodies together had been intoxicating.   Once he'd realized how close they were he hadn't been able to pull away.   At least not before Spike had rubbed the evidence of his arousal against Xander's mostly naked body.

 

He suppressed the groan that the memory evoked as he walked over to the refrigerator.   The quiet ding of the microwave brought him out of his thoughts, signaling his warmed dinner was ready.

 

The deep ache had begun to return.   Xander had found that the ache never entirely disappeared.   It just dulled after a feeding, only to grow stronger when his body felt that he'd gone too long without nourishment.

 

It wasn't as bad as it had been earlier that day, but Xander still hurried his movements bringing the mug to his already parted lips.   He groaned at the first taste.

 

Spike was instantly hard.   He'd been watching the whelp's mechanical movements as he prepared his mug of blood.   It was obvious that the boy was deep in thought.   Probably brooding over the little interaction they'd had at the pool.

 

At Xander's pleasured groan, Spike lost all control.   He was still half hard from their earlier encounter, the walk home having done nothing to alleviate the ache in his groin.   Xander's obvious pleasure caused his cock to harden to its maximum length.

 

He was across the room in seconds, pulling the mug from the boy's lips and replacing it with his own.   He licked all traces of the remaining blood from Xander's mouth, delving deep with his own tongue.

 

Xander groaned again, his hips thrusting involuntarily against Spike's jean clad erection.

 

What the hell was going on?   Spike was macking on him!   Their lips were smashed together!   Spike's tongue was in his mouth!

 

And he was liking it?!

 

Before he knew what was happening Spike had removed his t-shirt and had latched on to one of his nipples.   There was a sting as Spike bared his teeth and raked them across the peaked nub.   Xander's knees buckled as all the blood rushed to his groin.

 

Spike's arms wrapped around Xander's waist keeping him upright.   He knew how sensitive his own body's nipples were and so continued to lave attention on them.   Xander was babbling incoherently and had apparently lost the ability to balance his swaying form.

 

Spike smirked and continued his way down toward Xander's navel.   When he reached the tiny hole he thrust his tongue in and out quickly, then pressed his lips down and sucked.  

 

Xander's hands came around to grasp his head and press it closer.  

 

Xander was moaning non-stop.   He gave out a small cry of protest when Spike pulled away, but quieted when he realized that Spike was only trying to divest himself of the jeans confining his straining erection.

 

Wait!   What am I thinking?   Spike is getting naked!   Spike is getting naked with me!  

 

Spike glanced up to see Xander's panicked look.   He left the speedos on in favor of soothing Xander's anxiety attack.

 

"Shhh luv.   We won't do anything you don't want."   He wrapped his arms around the boy and rubbed his back up and down.

 

"Anything I don't want?   Anything I don't want?"   Xander repeated himself, just to be sure that Spike was listening.   "I don't want nakedness!   No nakedness!"   He cried.

 

"Okay pet."   Spike soothed.   "I won't take anything else off."   Right now, Spike continued the sentence silently.

 

Xander calmed slightly.   Then he realized that he was still in Spike's arms.   He began to fidget and tried to pull away.

 

"Relax Xan."   Spike nuzzled his neck.   "Just want to make you feel good."   He began to nip and lick at the base.  

 

"And I know all the spots too.   It is my body.   I know how to make it feel good."   Spike's voice was low and seductive as he continued his advances.

 

The moment Spike's lips had touched his neck Xander's mind had shut down.  

 

He tried to protest.   "Mphrgl."   But it didn't come out quite right.

 

He felt his whole body go slack.   Well at least 99% of it.   That 1% was still achingly hard.

 

Spike had worked his way back down Xander's body.   His jeans were undone and his boxers pulled off before he knew what was happening.   When he felt the cool air caress his bare skin, Xander woke from his sex induced fog long enough to realize that Spike had also manipulated him onto the bed.

 

Before he could protest Spike's mouth engulfed his cock.   Xander cried out and thrust upward, causing Spike to choke.  

 

"Damn!   Forgot I had to breathe."   Spike mumbled before dropping back down to take Xander in again.

 

The warmth was incredible.   It was like a hot furnace was surrounding his dick.   He couldn't help the loud moans that erupted from his mouth.

 

"Fuck!   Spike!"  

 

He growled when Spike removed his mouth, only to whimper when he moved down to lick and suck on his balls.   Spike pulled both into his mouth and rolled them around with his tongue.   The suction he used to pull on them was incredible, causing Xander's eyes to roll to the back of his head.

 

The loss of contact caused Xander's eyes to shoot open.   When he was able to focus he was confronted with his own desire filled gaze.  

 

Spike brought his lips down onto Xander's and pressed firmly.   His tongue shot out to lick at Xander's bottom lip in invitation.   When Xander accepted, Spike plunged his tongue in and swept the cavern of Xander's mouth.

 

He'd used the time it took Xander to come back to reality to shed the last of his clothing.   As they kissed Spike brought their bodies into alignment, causing their erections to brush up against one another.

 

He grunted at the feel of their cocks rubbing together.   Their precum mixing to ease the friction.  

 

Spike knew he wasn't going to last long.   He'd been hard since leaving the park.   Sucking on his own cock had been unexpectedly erotic.   And Xander's moans and incoherent pleas had him so close to the edge, that he knew he couldn't hold it.  

 

Spike was sure that Xander wasn't ready for any type of penetration during their first sexual foray.   As close as he was, Spike was actually okay with that tonight.   But ready or not, they were definitely going to have a spot of intense frottage.

 

When Xander's tongue stroked out tentatively, Spike latched on.   He sucked the tongue in and gave it a light nibble.   Xander moaned and thrust forward, their cock heads brushing up against each other.

 

Spike couldn't take it anymore.   He pulled his mouth away from Xander's and pushed his palms into the mattress.   He lifted his upper body off the bed, focusing most of his weight on his hips.

 

He began to thrust in earnest, his eyes closing with the effort.   Spike groaned and tried to blink the sweat from his eyes.

 

He was surprised to feel Xander's hands reach around to caress his back.   Pushing down and bringing their bodies into closer contact.

 

He was shocked to feel Xander's hands roam down toward his buttocks and cup, then squeeze them as their grunts became louder and more pronounced.

 

He shuddered when he felt Xander's tentative touch and quick breach, with his middle finger, of his tight arse hole.

 

He came when he heard Xander's quietly whispered words.   "You're in MY body.   I know how to make it feel good."   Accompanied by the crook of his finger.

 

Xander felt Spike's cum hit his stomach.   He thrust a few more times trying to reach his own completion.  

 

When Spike reach down for another kiss, Xander parted his lips automatically.   At the first sweep of Spike's tongue Xander tasted the coppery tang of his own blood.  

 

Spike had bitten his tongue before thrusting it into Xander's mouth.   The taste shot right through him and straight to his cock.   Causing it to twitch and spurt, their cum mingling together as he rode out the orgasm with a few final thrusts.

 

***

 

In His Shoes

 

Spike woke for the second day in a row snuggled next to Xander.   After Xander had passed out last night Spike had gotten up and cleaned them both off with a wet washcloth.   But they were both still naked, and he could feel Xander's cool skin pressed up against him.

 

He'd assumed that Xander had never been with a man before, but from his actions last night Spike wasn't sure anymore.   As he contemplated this idea, Xander's eyes blinked open and stared owlishly at him.

 

"Mornin' luv."   Spike couldn't resist leaning in for a quick kiss.   Xander shied away, pulling himself free from Spike's arms.  

 

"Is this where you tell me you'll stake me if I tell anyone?"   Spike asked bitterly.

 

Xander could hear the hurt in Spike's voice and it made him pause.   Was Spike just playing with him?   How much did this mean to the vamp?   WHAT did any of this mean?

 

"Spike, what happened last night?"   Xander asked tentatively.

 

"We fucked.   What do you think happened."   Spike's voice was angry as he turned away and sat on the edge of the bed.

 

"No!"   Xander reached out to place a hand on Spike's shoulder.   "I mean...are you just playing...or..." Xander struggled for the words.   "You were so...gentle...I just..." He sighed and then frowned.   "I don't know what I'm asking."

 

Spike turned back to see Xander staring resolutely down at his clasped hands.   He reached out to place his own atop them before speaking.

 

"No luv.   I'm not just playing.   I'm not sure what's happening, but I don't go in for those kinds of mind games.   That was always Angelus' idea of a good time.   I told Buffy once and it's true.   I'm love's bitch."   Spike tried to explain.

 

Xander's eyes widened even further.   "Y-you love me?"

 

"No you git!"   Spike chuckled.   "At least, I don't know."  

 

Spike returned to his seat next to Xander.   He tentatively snuggled up to the boy, nuzzling his soft curls.   "Don't hate you.   Wanna fuck you."   He waited for Xander to look up at him.   "Could maybe one day fall in love with you."   If I haven't already, Spike thought.

 

Xander relaxed.   "Well, I'm not sure what's happening either.   I've never...I mean, it's not like I've had a lot of relationships to begin with.   Definitely none with guys though."

 

"Is this a relationship luv?"   Spike asked almost shyly.

 

"I...I..." Xander looked up into Spike's entreating eyes.   "I..." He gulped.   "I want it to be."

 

Spike smiled and leaned down for a kiss.   "Good.   I want it to luv."

 

Xander closed his eyes and let Spike's mouth caress his own.   It wasn't a passionate kiss.   It was tender and sweet, and promising.   When he opened his eyes, Spike was staring down at him with a soft expression.

 

"Can I ask you something Xan?"   He nodded.

 

"You said you'd never been with a bloke?"   Xander nodded again.   "Then how did you know what to do?   When you made me cum I mean?"   Spike was curious.

 

Xander knew he would be blushing if he were still in his own body.   "I've played around a little."   He murmured before turning away.   "With myself I mean."  

 

At Xander's soft confession, Spike's morning erection surged to life.   An image of Xander with his own fingers in his arse brought him to full hardness.   He groaned.

 

Xander turned back when he heard Spike's groan.   He saw his hard on tenting the sheets.

 

"You...You like that idea?"

 

"God yes luv!   You've got such a sexy body.   And to think of you playing with yourself, making yourself hard.   Cumming."   Spike shuddered.   "God I can't wait until we're back in our own bodies, so that I can see your face when you cum."

 

Now Xander was hard.   He'd never had anyone want him so much.   The way Spike described him...he didn't think anyone thought of him that way.

 

Xander reached out to place his cool hand on Spike's chest.   Before he could make any other advances the alarm clock began to blare.

 

Spike's hand swung out to pound on the off button.   "Fuck!"

 

Xander smiled ruefully at him.   "You'd better go.   I don't wanna get fired."  

 

"Why don't you hop in the shower with me luv?"   Spike asked, not willing to let their fun end.

 

"Can't Spike.   You know you'll never make it out of here in time if I do.   And I really don't wanna get fired."   Xander repeated.

 

Spike sighed and stood up.   "What do you want to do about Chris?"   He asked casually.

 

"What about him?"

 

"He thinks you're my boyfriend.   Do you want me to tell him I was drunk?"   Spike asked as he rummaged through Xander's dresser for some clothes.

 

"No.   Why would you do that?   Then we'll just have to explain that we're together later."   Xander was confused.   "Unless you don't want people to know about us?"

 

"No luv."   Spike rushed to reassure him.   "I wasn't sure YOU wanted people to know about us."  

 

"I'm not going to hide Spike.   I don't want to have to sneak around in secret.   If we're going to have a relationship then I want it to be open and honest."   Xander was firm.

 

"Even with the slayerettes?"   Spike queried.

 

"Especially with them!   How am I supposed to get relationship advice from Wills if she doesn't know I'm having one?"   Xander smiled.   "And it's not like she's going to care about the gay thing."

 

"Thanks luv."   Spike gave him a quick peck on the forehead before heading toward the shower.

 

"For what?"   Xander asked.

 

"Just for being you Xan."

 

***

 

It was an uneventful day on site.   Spike got some good-natured teasing from Chris about his boyfriend, but that was about it.

 

Spike was on his way home from work and was unabashedly excited to be seeing Xander again soon.   He was half hard all day thinking about the whelp, even after his jerk off session in the shower.

 

He was thinking about maybe having a few minutes with Xan before leaving for the Magic Box when he ran into a man.

 

"Excuse me mate.   Wasn't watching where I was going."   Spike apologized automatically.

 

"That's because you're a worthless piece of shit, moron!"   The man answered.

 

What the fuck?   Spike looked up into the man's face only to see an older version of his lover.   The man's breath wreaked of alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot.  

 

"Dad?"   Spike asked tentatively.

 

"What do you want shithead?   You better not be about to tell me that you can't make the rent this month."   Mr. Harris leaned menacingly forward.

 

"No!   I mean no, I'll have the rent."   Spike answered quickly.  

 

"Fine."   Mr. Harris sidestepped Spike and began walking further down the sidewalk.   "Good for nothing loser."   He mumbled as he staggered down the street.

 

That was Xander's dad?   Spike shook his head, trying to clear it.   When he looked up toward the house he could see Xander's face peering out the basement window.

 

He strode toward the basement quickly, searching for Xan as soon as he entered the door.   He saw him sitting on the barca lounger looking forlornly in the opposite direction.

 

"What's wrong luv?"   Spike asked, placing his hand on Xander's knee.

 

"I guess you met my dad huh?"   Xander asked, chuckling bitterly.

 

"'S not the nicest bloke I've ever met, but yeah."

 

"He usually isn't that bad.   It's just that he didn't know you weren't me.   If he had thought you were someone else, he would have been more polite."   Xander tried to explain.

 

"Xan, you don't have to make excuses for the bastard."   Spike's face was a mask of anger.   "He doesn't have any right to treat you that way.   And you have no reason to believe him."

 

"No reason?   I am a useless loser."   Xander's eyes had dropped back down to his clasped hands.   "I'm the zeppo remember?"

 

"That's not true luv."   Spike stroked his leg as he spoke.   "You're the heart of the whole bloody gang.   You keep everyone going, and that's more than the rest of 'em can say."

 

Xander still refused to look at him, so Spike cupped his chin and forced their eyes to meet.

 

"You're not useless Xan.   You're clever, intelligent, brave, and bloody marvelous.   You don't need slayer powers or mojo to make you special or necessary.   The scooby gang couldn't last a day without you.   They need you."   He leaned in to give Xander a reassuring kiss.   "I need you."

 

Xander smiled tentatively when Spike pulled away.   "Thanks."

 

"You're welcome luv."   Spike stood, taking Xander with him.   "Now let's go dragon hunting."

 

***

 

Dragon Hunting

 

They were all standing on the shore of the Sunnydale Lake.   Spike and Xander were stripping down to boxers for their swim.   Xander refused to allow Spike to wear the speedos in front of the girls!

 

"Okay guys, do you know what you're looking for?"   Willow asked as they pulled their jeans off.

 

"Yeah, yeah.   Big green gem.   Shaped like an egg.   Got it."   Spike muttered, he'd really rather be at home with Xander seeing what else the whelp had played at.

 

Xander gave him a quick slap on the arm in reprimand.   "Sure Wills.   No worries.   Big green egg gem.   We'll get it."   He smiled a goofy grin at her.

 

Willow raised an eyebrow at the familiar interaction between the two, but remained silent.   She nodded and then hugged Xander.   "Be careful you big goof!"  

 

"Right back at you Wills!"   Xander called as both he and Spike turned to dive into the water.

 

The girls and Giles headed toward the north shore after the dragon.   It didn't seem to be all that large, probably the size of a big puma.   Buffy would start off with a direct physical assault.   Tara and Willow would be there to help with a spell or two if needed.   And Giles would be there to backup all three.

 

Once the guys brought the egg to shore, Willow would start the spell.   It would open a portal to the dragon's home dimension and Buffy would herd it through.   As plans went it was actually one of their better ones, Xander thought.

 

They reached the central island with little difficulty.   Xander had watched Spike carefully for any hesitancy or faltering, but none had appeared.   As they stepped onto land Spike took a few deep gulps of air.

 

"You okay fangless?"   Xander asked concerned.

 

"Just trying to catch my breath Xan."   Spike answered in between puffs.

 

They searched the island and finally found a small nest on the western shore.   It was made mostly of seashells and a few obviously no longer occupied clam and crab shells.   They waded through the debris and finally found the gem.

 

It was only about the size of an ostrich egg.   It wasn't faceted but smooth, and it sparkled in the moonlight.  

 

"Do we get to keep it after the spell?"   Spike asked appraising the gem.

 

"Don't know, didn't ask."   Xander answered absentmindedly as he stuffed the gem into the small shoulder bag he'd swum with.

 

Before they could head toward the water again, Xander felt a tingling at the back of his neck.   He sniffed the air and noticed that there was a strange odor floating along the wind.  

 

He swiveled quickly and was confronted with a dragon.  

 

"Shit!"   He threw a glance at Spike who was already in fighting stance.

 

"Spike!"   He waited to make sure he had Spike's attention and then he threw the shoulder bag in his direction.   "Swim for it!   You need to get that back to Willow."  

 

"What?   Fuck no!   I'm not leaving you here."

 

"Don't worry I'll be right behind you!   I'm just going to distract it long enough to give us both a head start."   Xander replied.   "Don't forget that your just mortal me now.   I have your vamp strength, so get going!"

 

Spike still looked uncertain.

 

"GO!   NOW!"