There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (12/?)

[stillrose]

Title:  There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (12/?)
Fandom: BTVS; Spike/Xander
Warnings: Slash, AU, Post Apocalyptic, violence, non-con, slavery, tentacles,
Rating:  NC-17
Summary: It’s been seven years since Angelus killed Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seven years after Angelus opened a portal to hell on Earth. Humans are food, slaves or on the run. There’s hope only in small band of resistance fighters. However, that’s a hope Xander Harris no longer has. It’s been six months since he was taken in a raid. At first Xander thought he was lucky the demons didn’t know who he was; but then that was before he became property to an Azora demon.

As always: Feedback makes my heart go pitter-patter.

Unbetaed 

Betaed by the amazing and talented

slashpuppy!

 

Previous parts here.

My muse just won't stop; especially when she was a little honked off at Spike's behavior last chapter. She didn't want him getting off so easily.  Enjoy this nice long chapter.

sr

“One day soon, pet,” Spike promised, “I’ll kiss and tease every inch of you. I’ll discover every sensitive spot on yer body and then I’ll take you in my mouth and swallow you down to your root. Then? Then I’ll do what vampires do best, mate, I’ll suck.”

Xander gasped.

“But not today, pet.” Spike said. “Not today. Today you learn to play the pet. You learn you are my pet. We’re going to walk out onto the casino floor and yer gonna play it so well I’m not gonna need Lorne to win the hands that I want. You’re going to make sure Argos ends up in debt to me and you’re going to remember what it’s like to be more than just a bottle.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

It was a couple of hours later when a tentative knock interrupted Xander’s latest lesson - massaging Spike’s neck.

“Yeah?” Spike shouted before turning to instruct Xander. “Pet, yer not kneading bread dough… yer pleasing yer master. Press yer body up against mine. Chest to back. Caress and knead. Pepper kisses on me. Look like yer trying ta convince me ta leave the game and come upstairs for a shag.”

Xander blanched. Shag? Nope. Not interested, Xander frantically thought, Shag carpet… Shaggy and Scooby… can do. Shag Spike? Uh-huh.

Spike sighed as once again he smelled Xander’s fear.

“Pet…”

“Lunch time,” Lorne sing-songed as he entered Spike’s office bearing a tray.

Xander paused and looked at Lorne. Food! Xander thought as he gave Lorne a big smile and a thumbs up.

“Oi!” Spike said. “Did I tell you to stop, whelp?”

Xander glared at Spike then dug his thumbs into a particularly tight knot. Spike roared and pulled away from Xander. He spun around in game face and glared at Xander.

“You did that on purpose, ya git!” Spike snarled.

Xander shook his head and held his open palms out to the side in a ‘who me?’ gesture.

“Pet,” Spike warned.

“Lunch,” Lorne said.

Xander shrugged.

“On the pillow!” Spike snapped as he shifted back into his human form. Bloody git! Did that on purpose, Spike silently insisted.

Xander dropped to his knees and knelt in perfect form by Spike’s chair. Spike hid a smile. Well, I suppose it’s better than the statue routine, Spike conceded.

“So what we got?” Spike asked as he settled back in his chair.

“A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, applesauce, some tomato juice and water,” Lorne said as he set the tray down in front of Spike.

Not going to salivate like Pavlov’s dog, Xander thought as his mouth watered, or even Spike’s Pet.

“Should make you go hungry for that stunt ya pulled,” Spike muttered as he reached to tear a chunk off the sandwich.

Xander turned panicked eyes to Spike.

“Calm down, pet,” Spike said as he held the chunk out for Xander to take. “I’ll let ya get away with it this time. Just don’t push yer luck.”

Xander nodded and without hesitation leaned forward to swipe the gooey bit of sandwich from Spike’s fingers with his lips and tongue. Spike smiled.

Going soft, Spike thought as he watched Xander chew and savor the bit of food. Spike reached to tear another hunk of sandwich off for his pet.

“Looks like you two are getting along better,” Lorne said as he sat down.

“We ‘talked,’” Spike said as Xander once again cleaned Spike’s fingers.

“I take it you’re still going to go through with having him on the floor tonight?” Lorne asked.

Spike nodded as he scooped up a spoonful of applesauce and held it out to Xander.

“Is he going to be ready?” Lorne asked.

“Pet’s, clever,” Spike said as he met Xander’s eyes and offered the applesauce to him. “He can do it.”

Did Spike just pay me a compliment? Xander wondered as he licked the spoon clean of the applesauce. Xander closed his eyes and savored the flavor. Peanut butter was still sticking to the roof of his mouth. Flavors clashed and Xander loved it. He opened his eyes and smiled at Spike.

“Git,” Spike said with an answering smile and then offered Xander another spoonful of applesauce.

“Well,” Lorne said struggling for something to say. “Just be careful and be patient.”

“I’m always patient,” Spike said as he offered Xander some more of the sandwich. Xander rolled his eyes and took the offering.

”Oi! Am too!” Spike argued and offered Xander some tomato juice.

“Well, except for when you aren’t,” Lorne quipped.

Xander made a face at the tomato juice.

“Drink it anyway,” Spike said. “It’s good for you.”

Xander frowned and took a sip. Must be really starved, Xander thought as he found the juice wasn’t as objectionable as he once thought. Still, it was objectionable enough. He took another swallow and then tentatively pointed at the water.

“Right,” Spike said and put the juice back.  He picked up the water bottle and offered it to Xander. Xander took a long swallow and then swished his mouth. Spike put the bottle back and then grabbed more of the sandwich.

“So, what are you wearing tonight?” Lorne tried again.

“Snakeskin jacket,” Spike answered without missing a beat.  He offered Xander another bite.

“You can’t be serious?” Lorne said.

“You keep saying that,” Spike replied and offered Xander the last of the applesauce.

“Are you trying to start a war with Alala?” Lorne asked.

“No, just throwing her off her game.”

“By wearing what she thinks of as kin?”

“I look good in it,” Spike said and offered the last of the sandwich to Xander. “Might even impress Xander here.”

Don’t bet on it, Xander thought as he savored the last of the peanut butter and jelly. No Xander impressage. Xander’s slavish devotion is all because of his slave status. Nothing says I have to ogle you and faun over your fashion choices.

“Spike, sweetie,” Lorne said. “What do you hope to gain?”

“Alala breaks even. I don’t need her in my pocket. She doesn’t fit in with my pl…well I don’t need her. I don’t want to be in debt to her either. I piss her off, send her home with a zero balance and then I go upstairs and snog with Xander for awhile.”

Xander choked on the dreaded tomato juice. Snog? No snogging! No shagging! Not even schmoozing! Xander thought.

Spike slapped Xander’s back and offered him some water. Xander sipped the water and glared at Spike. Spike winked at him.

I hate you, Xander thought.

“Spi…” Lorne began.

“Made up my mind Green Bean,” Spike interrupted. “Now run along. Take the tray back and get me my jacket.”

“And Xander?” Lorne asked.

“What about Xander?” Spike said.

Lorne sighed. “Human… functions?”

Spike looked at Xander. Xander flushed and thought, Well, now that you mention it.

“Right,” Spike said and tossed a set of keys to Lorne. “Those are your set. Take him upstairs and let him do what he needs. I’ll work on the scroll until you get back. Oh, and have Xander carry the jacket down. More proof he’s my Pet. Go on, Xan, go with Lorne.”

Woof, Xander thought as he got up and stood behind Lorne. Time to walk the human.

“C’mon, cupcake. You carry the tray,” Lorne said as he took Xander’s leash, “and I’ll tell you all about the time Spike got drunk on cheap tequila and woke up in bed the next morning with a chaos demon.”

“Lorne!” Spike roared after the departing duo.

                                                                    ***

Once upstairs Lorne quickly dropped Xander’s leash. Xander was still smirking at the thought of Spike waking up covered in mucus with a besotted chaos demon cooing at him. Then nature demanded Xander's attention. He turned and looked at Lorne. Xander had no choice but to wait for Lorne to help him with his ‘problem.’ 

“Do you just need the front or both front and back unlocked?” Lorne asked politely.

Xander flushed and pointed to the front. Lorne handed Xander the set of keys to the chastity belt.

“Well, I’ll let you go do what you need to do then,” Lorne said. “I’ll just get Spike’s jacket.”

Xander looked at the keys and then at Lorne. He's going to let me do this myself? Xander thought. Xander looked at Lorne and smiled. Lorne smiled back.

Xander quickly headed off to the bedroom and then to the adjoining bathroom. He paused a moment. The bathtub still terrified him and the shower certainly inspired anxiety, but the room wasn’t quite as horrifying as it was earlier.

I guess after macking with Spike nothing’s quite as frightening any more, Xander thought and continued on into the room. As he stripped down his pants he winced. There were red inflamed patches on his skin.

Leather’s chafing, Xander thought. Best take care of business and then see if I can find some powder.

Xander managed to unlock the chastity belt and accomplish his business without further ado. Xander even managed to tuck himself back in the belt and pants without much difficulty. After washing his hands, Xander began to search through cabinets looking for some talcum powder. He found toothbrushes, shaving cream, a razor, shampoo and other toiletries but no powder.

Xander wandered out to the bedroom where Lorne was clucking over a jacket.

“Xander,” Lorne said cheerily when he saw the young man.

Xander smiled. Great, Xander thought, How am I going to ask for powder?

“You need something?” Lorne asked.

Xander frowned. How did he… never mind, Xander thought and then nodded.

“Is it something in here?” Lone asked.

Xander shrugged. He then pantomimed shaking something into his hand.

“Salt?” Lorne asked in confusion.

Xander shook his head. He pointed to his pants and then pantomimed shaking again.

Lorne tilted his head and then looked back at Xander.

“Ah! Leather,” Lorne said. “Right. Are you OK? Chafing?”

Xander squeezed his forefinger and thumb together to make the ‘a little bit’ gesture.

“I’ll tell Spike,” Lorne said.

Xander rolled his eyes.

“Xander, I have to,” Lorne said almost apologetically.

Right, because I’m Spike’s Pet, Xander thought bitterly and offered back Lorne his keys.

“Xander,” Lorne said as he stepped forward and took the keys. “Spike has say over what happens to you. I don’t like it and I know you don’t like it but it’s the way the world is right now.”

Don’t tell me something I already know, Xander thought angrily. I know too well, and more than I care to know, about just how the world works right now for humans.

“Cupcake,” Lorne said, “the bad news is this is the way things are right now. The good news is nothing ever stays the same.”

Xander looked at Lorne. And what does that mean? Xander wondered.

“For now though, Spike’s has say over you. He may be overbearing, impulsive, and arrogant but you can trust him on this; he will take care of you.”

Right, Xander thought, as long as I’m a good pet and do….

Xander didn’t want to finish his thought. He knew what he had to do for his previous master and he’d already had a taste of what Spike wanted. Yes, there were differences and Spike even made Xander feel more human, but when it came down to it both things were really the same. It was all about what the masters wanted.

“Xander,” Lorne said softly, “Spike isn’t like other vampires. He can love.”

Xander blinked. He had a twisted kind of devotion for Dru, but that’s not love, Xander argued silently.

“Spike is capable of caring. Give him a chance. Trust him just a little. He may surprise you,” Lorne said.

Xander sighed and thought about being thrown on Spike's desk. I don’t think I can take any more surprises, Xander thought.

                                                                ***

Spike looked up from the scroll as Lorne and Xander entered his office.

"Here he is," Lorne said letting Xander's leash go. "Safe and mostly sound."

Spike cocked an eyebrow and sent an intense gaze at Xander who was already in the process of kneeling and offering Spike his jacket.

"Pet?" Spike asked. Xander looked up at Spike.

"He's not used to wearing leather, sweet cheeks," Lorne said. "You need to take care of that."

"Xander," Spike said urgently as he took the jacket and threw it on the desk, "Are you OK? What do you need?"

Xander rolled his eyes, nodded, and then pantomimed shaking powder again.

"He needs some powder and probably some salve," Lorne answered.

"Well what are you yammerin' on about?" Spike asked. "Go get it... and see that he's got a couple of pairs of cotton pants to wear the next few days."

Lorne smiled and backed out of the room. Spike gently cupped Xander's chin.

"Once again I... well... Lorne should probably get me the Idiot's Guide to Human Pets," Spike said.

Xander nodded without thinking and then paled. Oh ghods, now he's gonna kill me, Xander thought.

Spike laughed. "Cheeky git. Alright, up with you and drop trou."

Xander blinked. Huh?

"Pet, off with the pants," Spike said.

Xander blushed and slowly took off his pants. Don't know why this is bothering me. Twenty-four hours ago clothes were a forgotten concept, Xander thought. And Spike’s already seen me in my birthday suit. Nothing new here.

Once Xander stepped out of his pants, Spike pulled out his keys and completely unlocked Xander's belt.

"Step out of that too," Spike said. Xander did as ordered and blushed to be standing half nude in front of Spike.

Spike did a slow examination of Xander. He noted the red inflamed patches of skin. Spike reached out and gently touched a few of the spots. Xander found a point on the far wall and stared at it. Somehow this examination felt more exposing then all the staring and ogling the demons in the casino had done earlier.

"Are you in any pain?" Spike asked softly.

Xander shook his head. In fact, Spike's cool touch felt soothing to Xander's heated skin.

"OK," Spike said, "why don't you go lie on the couch until Lorne gets back. Let the air get to those sore spots."

Xander nodded and stood up. He made his way back to the couch where he and Spike had kissed earlier. Kissed? Xander thought. That wasn't just kissing, that was some serious making out. Xander shook his head. That can't happen again. It's one thing for them to use me and make me respond like a wind up doll, Xander thought. It's something else entirely if I'm doing the winding up.

Xander lay face down on the couch. He lay his head on his crossed arms and watched Spike. Spike was watching him.

"OK," Spike said. "You just lie there and relax until Lorne gets back. I'll do some work at my desk. You need anything, snap yer fingers, yeah?"

Xander nodded.

                                                                    ***

Xander wasn't sure how long he lay on the couch while Spike was bent over a somewhat familiar scroll. The office was quiet except for the sound of Xander's breathing and the scratching noises of Spike jotting down notes. There were times Xander thought Spike had forgotten about him, but then Spike would look up from the scroll and cock an eyebrow at Xander. Xander couldn't help but give a ‘thumbs up’ in response. Then Spike would grunt and go back to studying the scroll. Every now and then Xander thought he'd see a quick smile after Spike's grunt.

Lying on the couch in the quiet office was soothing and Xander's eyelids grew heavy. Even though he was half naked and completely at Spike's mercy, Xander had an odd feeling of safety.

Welcome to Stockholm Syndrome, Xander thought sleepily and lost the battle with his eyelids. A knock startled his eyes wide open.

"Here's some powder, healing salve and some Arnica gel," Lorne said as entered the office and deposited his goodies on the desk. "The powder took some time tracking down. Had to raid the Cirque Du Soleil’s dressing rooms."

"Knew keeping those humans and that show around was a good thing," Spike said as he picked up and examined each of the three new containers on his desk.

"They still pack the house," Lorne replied then looked over at Xander. Xander blushed and Lorne looked away. "Your idea for Xander to get out of the leather for a while?"

Spike nodded.

"Well, there may be hope for you yet," Lorne said. "Game's set to start in forty-five minutes. You still...?"

"Xander and I will be there," Spike said cutting Lorne off.

Lorne nodded then said, "Well then I'll go finish setting up. Bottle of your favorite whiskey standing by?"

Spike nodded.

"And for Xander?" Lorne asked.

Spike looked at Xander. Is he asking me? Xander wondered and shrugged.

"Think it would be OK for him to have a soda?" Spike asked wondering if Xander still even liked sodas.

Xander's eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat. A pop? The syrupy carbonated nectar of all that was teen goodness and normalcy? Xander wondered. He hadn't had a soda since ‘Before.’

Lorne smiled and said, "I think one wouldn't do him any harm. Water after that."

"Then have a tall, cold one waiting for him," Spike ordered and hid his smile. That should please my pet, Spike silently hoped and looked at Xander.

Xander gave a thumbs up.

"Right," Lorne said and then headed for the door.

"Oi!" Spike called after Lorne.

Lorne turned and looked at Spike.

"What's the gel for?" Spike asked.

"Xander's back," Lorne said a bit stiffly. "I suspect your earlier temper tantrum may have left him with some bruising. That should help."

Spike looked down at the tube of gel in his hand and flinched. Didn't mean to hurt him, Spike thought and then looked at Xander. Xander met his eyes briefly then looked away.

A cold lump formed in Spike's stomach. He knew that look. He'd given it to Angelus plenty of times in the early days.

I can do better by Xan, Spike thought. I'm not 'Gelus. I won't be.

Spike carried the two tubes and the bottle of powder to the couch. Spike sat down on the edge of the couch and put the items on the floor.

"Gonna peel yer shirt off now," Spike said softly and reached for Xander's shirt sleeves. Xander nodded.

Not like I can stop you, Xander thought.

Spike eased Xander's shirt off and studied his back. Already Spike could spot where bruises were beginning to form. Spike sighed and picked up the tube of gel. He squeezed a healthy dollop out into the palm of his hand, put the tube down and then rubbed his hands together.

"This is gonna be cool," Spike said as he gently touched Xander's back with his palms. Xander flinched and gasped.

"Cold hands. Cold gel," Spike explained. Xander nodded.

As carefully as he could, Spike began to work the gel into Xander's bruised skin. Xander bit his lip when Spike glided over tender spots.

"I'd say I was sorry," Spike said as he worked, "but I know sorry doesn't cut it. I'd promise ta not do it again, but words are cheap."

Xander lay still. Remorse, Spike? Xander thought stubbornly. Really, try to sell me something I'd buy.

"All I can do is... well, not do this again," Spike said.

Well I'm sure your repertoire of torture and mayhem won't be stretched too thin by removing 'slamming helpless victim onto desk' from the list.

"I'm not saying I won't hurt you," Spike said.

Of course not, Xander thought dryly.

"I'll punish you if you need it or earn it. I'll punish you to keep you safe," Spike continued. "But hurting you without cause... just because I'm angry or frustrated. I won't do that again, Xan. Yer my Pet, not my minion. You deserve better."

And the Oscar goes to... Xander thought.

Spike finished up with the gel and then picked up the salve. Again it was cool on Xander’s skin, but it felt good. Xander expected Spike to take advantage of the intimate places he was touching, but he didn't. Spike's touch was clinical and focused. He'd spread the salve on to one sore spot and then moved on to another; no lingering caresses and no comments. In fact Spike was silent through the remaining process of treating Xander except for the command to "Roll over."

Once again Spike had been clinical and focused and oddly that was comforting to Xander. Xander thought about how ‘Before’ he couldn't have imagined a scenario where he was Spike's Pet and plaything. He couldn't imagine a scenario where Spike would tend him so carefully and gently. Yet, that was ‘Before’ and this was ‘After’ and everything had changed. Now, Xander realized, Spike was the best thing that had happened to him since being captured by the slavers. Xander trembled and his eyes misted. He didn't know if in the grand scheme of things that was a good thing or a bad thing.

"Shh, Xan," Spike whispered as he finished rubbing salve into the last spot. Hot tears leaked out the corners of Xander's eyes and ran down his cheeks. Cool fingers wiped them away. Blue eyes leaned over and stared down into Xander's cloudy brown.

"I'm pushing ya too fast," Spike said softly. Xander didn't move. "Pet, would you like to skip this evening? I could send you back up to the suite, let you be on yer own for a while."

Xander studied Spike. He's offering me a choice again, Xander thought. Why?

Xander bit his lip. Spike waited patiently for some affirmative or negative sign from Xander. Xander thought about his time as a bottle. He'd spent unknown hours alone in his padded cell between 'uses.' Bottles were brought out for an evening of use and then immediately put back in their cell for 'safekeeping.' In some ways, the cell was as bad as 'the Tank.'

There was more to look at in Spike's suite than in his old cell, but again Xander would be alone and suddenly he didn't want to be alone. Xander had spent too much time alone with only his thoughts.

Spike and Lorne had given him interaction. For good or bad Spike had noticed Xander. For good or bad Spike had paid attention to Xander and Xander realized he liked that as much as he liked the food Spike had been feeding him. Xander shook his head.

Spike smiled. "Ya sure?"

Xander nodded.

"Means playing the Pet," Spike reminded Xander.

Xander nodded again. I can do it, Xander thought. I'll figure out a way.

Spike smiled again and picked up the bottle of powder and gave it to Xander. 

"Powder yerself good, and then we'll get ya dressed. They won't know what hit 'em tonight, pet," Spike said.

Gotta slow down, Spike thought. Gotta woo him. He's gotta want my Claim. He's not just some random human to warm my bed. He's Xander, White Knight and one of the original Scoobies... and most importantly he's mine. Gonna take care of him.

Xander gave a tentative smile and then sat up. Spike cleared off the couch so Xander could stand.

"Go ahead," Spike said when Xander looked at the carpeted floor and the bottle of powder, "minions will clean it up. Will give 'em something to gossip about."

Xander flushed and then proceeded to get ready for his night out on the floor with Spike. Spike watched his pet get ready.

For good or bad, Xander thought, this was my choice.

TBC...