stillrose | There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (36/?)

Title:There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (36/?)
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.

OK...this is a nice long one. I'm back. :) Trip home was mostly good. Made the mistake of visiting my Aunt. Long story..and lots of history there. Left me off my game for a few days. My sweetie came down though yesterday when I got home and has been getting me back on track. He's always good about getting me to let go of the bad stuff. :) Plus lots of snuggles from the kitties who were very happy to see me get back.

UNBETAED

Previous parts here.

***********************
Spike trotted back over to Lorne. He was wiping his hands. He looked at the camera and smiled. Then he took the leash from Lorne.

“Clean up the mess down below,” Spike said and then began to tug on Xander’s leash.

Xander’s brain and legs refused to work.

“PET!” Spike barked.

NO! Xander thought.

Spike yanked on Xander’s leash. Xander blinked and stumbled to his feet.

“Let’s all go down for a drink,” Spike said to the minions as he pulled Xander into the stairwell. The minions followed. Lorne stayed behind staring sadly at Xander until the stairway doors closed.

********************************************************************************
Xander was huddled at Spike’s feet. He was barely on his knees. The vampire was laughing and drinking with the minions who’d helped torture Larry. Xander wished he was deaf as well as mute. The taste of bile from his nausea was heavy in his mouth as well as the whiskey Spike had forced him to drink.

When will this nightmare be over? Xander thought. Spike tugged on his leash.

“Still with me, Pet?” Spike asked.

Xander glared at Spike. He and the other vampires laughed.

“Master Spike,” Lorne interrupted, “the mess has been cleaned up.”

Larry wasn’t a ‘mess!’ Xander silently screamed. He was a human being!

“Good,” Spike said as he nodded and then handed Xander’s leash to Lorne. “Take this upstairs. See it gets cleaned up, fed and watered. I’ll deal with its poor attitude and behavior later.”

Lorne nodded and tugged gently on Xander’s leash. “Come along,” Lorne ordered.

Gladly, thought Xander and as he got to his feet. He refused to look at Spike again.

Lorne led Xander to the private elevator. He remained aloof and quiet all the way there as well as on the ride up to the suite. Xander was welcomed the silence. When the elevator arrived upstairs Lorne keyed the suite open and led Xander inside. He unclipped the leash and then offered Xander the keys to his belt.

“Go get cleaned up, Xander,” Lorne said softly. “I’ll order you something light to eat.”

Xander looked at Lorne. The green demon’s face showed a gentle kindness Xander had been desperate for since Larry had been captured. Xander gasped. Lorne smiled sadly.

“Go on, Xander,” Lorne said. “But don’t take too long or sink too far down in your grief. I’ll know if…well if you decide to do something that would upset Tara.”

Tara! Xander thought and the little whispers deep inside that returned about escaping Spike and the other demons permanently were silenced. Xander flinched from Lorne’s gaze.

Would Spike have a reason to protect Tara if I were gone? Would he turn her over to Angelus? Xander mused and then paled as another thought hit him. Would Spike make her his Pet next?

“It’s OK, Xander,” Lorne said.

Xander shook his head. No it’s not; he thought then headed for the bedroom.

Lorne sighed and watched Xander leave before ordering up a plate of scrambled eggs and toast.

                                                                        ***

Xander made it through his shower. He made it through choking down the light meal Lorne had ordered. Xander had no illusions he could get out of eating. Spike had commanded he be fed and Xander understood enough by now to know whether he was hungry or not, he’d be fed. When he was done he looked at Lorne.

“Time to tuck you in I suppose,” Lorne said. Xander shrugged and stood. He headed to the bedroom then proceeded to the bathroom where he brushed his teeth and did his pre-bed routine.

Lorne was sitting on the edge of the bed when he returned to the bedroom. Xander arched an eyebrow. Lorne pulled back the covers and patted the mattress.

“Thought I’d keep you company ‘til you fell asleep,” Lorne said.

Xander shrugged and got into bed. He hadn’t dressed after the shower since he was in the suite and Spike had made it abundantly clear he was to be naked in the suite.

Lorne draped the covers over Xander. Xander turned his back to the green demon and closed his eyes. He wanted to shut out this nightmare of a world…of an existence.

“After Doyle,” Lorne began in almost a whisper, “I think I hated him. It didn’t matter Doyle had warned me. He had visions. Did you know that?”

Xander didn’t move. He didn’t want to listen. He didn’t want to hear about Spike or Doyle. He just wanted to go away.

“He told me someday Spike would come back from exile. He told me that when he did Spike would have to prove himself to Angelus..and..and that Doyle would be his proof.”

Lorne paused and took a deep breath. Xander tried not to hear the pain and grief in Lorne’s whispers.

“He warned me that I’d have to let Spike do what he had to do..to even..I had to..,” Lorne choked to a stop. It almost sounded like he was sobbing. For a moment Xander was tempted to turn over and help the demon but then he remembered how Lorne had held him back when Spike had thrown Larry off the roof. Xander remained still.

“Spike took his time. It took hours for Doyle to die,” Lorne resumed his story. “I hated Spike. Angelus enjoyed it. It’s why he ordered me to go with Spike when he gave him Las Vegas. I did hate him. I hated them both.”

Then why do you help him? Xander wondered. Why are you so loyal to him? He tortured and killed someone you loved! How can you betray the memory of that person?

“Doyle was doomed to die. Angelus had found out about his visions and who they came from. Spike had to prove himself to Angelus to gain his trust. There wasn’t anything good or right about any of it. Spike can be a cold blooded bastard, Xander…but he isn’t a cold blooded bastard.”

What’s that mean? He smoked but didn’t inhale? Xander thought bitterly.

“Doyle told me to trust Spike when he returned. Told me to help him, that he would need a friend.”

Xander snorted.

“Xander,” Doyle said softly. “He cares…he cares for you.”

Xander rolled over and glared at Lorne angrily. He shook his head furiously. Well I don’t want him to care for me! Xander thought. I don’t care for him! I was an idiot to believe I did! Won’t happen again.

Lorne sighed and said, “Go to sleep, Xander.”

                                                                        ***

Lorne entered Spike’s office hours later. It was well past dawn. Spike stuffed something in his coat pocket as Lorne entered and looked up at the green demon.

“Howz Xander?” Spike asked.

“Hurt. Confused. Taking you off his Christmas list. Left Clem with him.” Lorne replied as he fixed a drink before sitting down. “What are you still doing up?”

“Work,” Spike said.

“You ever going to face him?” Lorne asked.

“I think space would be good for him for awhile.”

“Good for him or for you?”

“Don’t push it green bean,” Spike growled.

“Lemon drop he’s hurting! You didn’t just go back a couple of steps he’s already back to where you started and then some. I don’t think he’s planning on moving forward!”

Spike sighed. “Well that’s probably for the best right now.”

“How can you say that?”

“Simple. I open my mouth and the words come out,” Spike replied.

“You can joke at a time like this?” Lorne asked.

“Times like this are exactly when we should joke.”

Lorne shook his head and sipped his drink and then studied Spike. “You can’t tell me this doesn’t bother you,” he said.

“No, I can’t,” Spike said. “But what would you have me do?”

“Tell the boy the truth!”

“And get him killed? Get us all killed? Timing is every thing. And now is not the time!”

“So you are just going to let him hurt?”

“Do you think I like it?” Spike yelled and slammed his fist own the desk.

The room fell silent for a moment as the two demons stared at each other. Then Lorne shook his head.

“No, I know you don’t.”

“I’ll let him know when I can,” Spike said softly. “In the meantime I think leaving him with Clem is a good thing. In fact, let Clem know I want him to work with Xander on his phobia. Take him outside during the day to some of the pools around the casino.”

“What about the game?” Lorne asked.

“I’m postponing it a few days. After the attack I need to do a security sweep,” Spike said as he stood.

“And what about you and Xander?” Lorne asked.

“He’s being punished. Master won’t be bringing him to the tables for awhile. Give Clem a set of keys to the belt. Until Xander’s back in the Master’s good graces that’s all he’ll be allowed to wear out of the suite. I’ll be spending more time in the stables,” Spike said as he put on and patted down his coat before heading for the door.

“Where are you going, now?” Lorne sighed. “It’s after dawn. Little late to be painting the town isn’t it?”

“Not painting the town,” Spike smiled and said before leaving, “papering it.”

                                                            ***

Something soft was brushing against Xander’s nose. He swatted at it with his hand and tried to go back to sleep. The something was insistent. Xander froze as consciousness washed over him.
Spike! he thought and refused to open his eyes. Again something patted his nose. Xander frowned. It didn’t feel like a kiss. He slid his eyes open to a small slit and then smiled. It was Clem’s kitten! It was pawing at his nose!

Xander sat up and the kitten bounded back briefly before bounding forward onto Xander’s toes. Xander laughed.

“Good morning, Xander,” Clem said cheerfully if not a little nervously. Xander turned his head and saw Clem sitting in one of the chairs in the bedroom. Xander arched an eyebrow.

“I thought I’d let Ante wake you up,” Clem said.

Auntie? Xander thought and frowned.

“Ante,” Clem said and pointed at the kitten. “That’s what he would have been if he’d been healthy. So I thought it was a good name for him.”

Xander paled and snatched up the kitten. The kitten squirmed, struggled, and chewed on Xander’s fingers. Then the kitten sneezed in Xander’s face.

“He’s still not quiet over his cold. The Pocklas said it would take time,” Clem said. Xander looked suspiciously at Clem.

“Don’t worry, Xander,” Clem said. “Ante’s no longer…well ante. Master Spike ordered me to shut down the game so…”

Xander released the squirming kitten he once again pounced on Xander’s covered feet.

OUCH! Xander thought as kitten claws and teeth sunk through the covers and sheet to nail Xander’s toes.

“Sorry. He really likes the ‘mouse under the blanket’ game.”

Yeah I se…Hey! Stop..OUCH! Xander tried to withdraw or move his feet only to have them chased by Ante. Clem moved quickly forward and scooped the kitten up. Suddenly a thin tentacle shot out from a fold of Clem’s neck and danced about the kitten. The kitten batted at it with its paw.

Xander froze. Clem had tentacles! Xander suddenly felt vulnerable and exposed. He backed up to the headboard and pulled the blankets up high.

“Xander?” Clem asked anxiously as he saw Xander’s response. Xander stared in horror at Clem’s thin tentacle. “Hey? This? No…Xander..nothing to be afraid of. I just use it to entertain Ante. See?”

Clem kept dancing and waving the tentacle around Ante and the kitten kept batting and trying to “get it.”

“Nothing to be afraid of Xander,” Clem said. “Wouldn’t hurt you. Master Spike…we’ll he’d do more than just hurt me if I did. Sides…you’re my friend. Friends don’t hurt friends. Right, Xander?”

Xander blinked and shifted his focus slightly from Clem’s tentacle to Clem’s eyes.

“Tell you what,” Clem said as he sat Ante on the floor who then quickly scurried under the bed to chase a dust bunny. “I’ll tuck it away if it’s scaring you. I don’t want to scare you. I hope we’ll get to have a rematch of Candy Land again.”
The tentacle slinked back into the folds of Clem’s skin and Xander relaxed a bit.

“Better?” Clem asked.

Xander nodded.

“OK. Good. Why don’t you get up and head out in the front room when you’re ready. I bought up a smoothie to drink. No need to shower. I’m supposed to take you outside. You’ll want to put on your belt. I’ve got keys to lock it,” Clem paused for a moment. He looked uncomfortable then he finally said, “Master Spike said that was all you were to wear.”

FUCK! Xander thought and then nodded. So much for caring enough to not parade me in front of other demons!

Clem smiled weakly and headed out of the bedroom. Xander threw back the covers and got out of bed.

DAMMIT! he silently yelled as two tiger striped paws grabbed his ankles from underneath the bed. Xander bent over and then rolled his eyes. Ante stared at with him wide innocent eyes then blinked.

It’s a good thing you’re cute, Xander thought.

                                                                        ***

After his shower, Xander snuck successfully past the bed without getting pounced upon. Clem and his sack were waiting in the front room. Xander could tell by the sunlight pouring through the windows that it was late in the afternoon.

Where was Spike? he thought. Why hadn’t he come back to the suite?

“Uhm…” Clem started and blushed, “ready for me to lock the belt?”

Xander nodded. Clem stepped quickly forward and fumbled with the keys for a moment before locking the front lock.

“Sorry,” he muttered as he dropped the keys as he tried to lock the back. He picked the keys up and tried again. Xander heard the ‘snick’ of the lock. “Whew! Glad that’s done!”

Clem stepped back from Xander and pocketed the keys. He then picked up a tall glass with a thick pale red substance in it.

“Here. Strawberry smoothie,” Clem said as he held the glass out to Xander. Xander smiled and took the glass. He dropped down on to his pillow and began sipping the glass.

“Good?” Clem asked.

Xander nodded. Yeah, it’s good, he thought.

“Spike asked me to take you outside this afternoon,” Clem said. “You mind going out in the sunlight?”

Xander shook his head. Nope. Human here. Kinda miss going out in the day actually, Xander thought and then wondered why Spike had asked Clem to take him out.

“Oh good. Was hoping at least that wasn’t going to be a problem. I’m not very good with confrontation you know,” Clem said.

Xander studied Clem. The saggy skinned demon seemed to be nervous.

“I just have never been very good about the whole ‘terrorizing other’s bit.’ You’d be surprised how much a demon like me got picked on by the other demons. Just never saw the point in it ya know?”

Xander nodded and slurped on his smoothie.

“Oh sure…a good scare now and then. That’s always fun. You should see some of the faces people make! And the Halloween gig is great! I get enough candy to satisfy my sweet tooth for months!”

Spike’s asked him to do something he’s not happy about, Xander thought. Something to do with me.

“I just…well terrifying folks…well can I tell you a secret, Xander?” Clem asked.

Xander nodded as he slurped up the last of his smoothie.

“That’s why I left California. Angelus rules it…and it was all too…just too scary. You know?”

Yeah. I know. I know, Xander thought as he nodded.

                                                                        ***

Clem took Xander out the back way. Or at least Xander thought it was the back way since he hadn’t been out that way before. He was grateful. They didn’t pass a lot of other demons, just mostly other humans. Clem held on to Xander’s leash and steered him through plain hallways and bustling kitchens until they spilled outside into the bright sunshine.

Xander was almost overcome by the brightness and the heat. Yet both felt good. They were real. Xander had been living in an artificial environment of heat and light for so long that those moments of being outside helped him feel connected to the Earth again. They helped him remember an essential part of his humanity.

Was why I liked the gardens so much, Xander thought ruefully.

“C’mon,” Clem said cheerily as he tugged on Xander’s leash and adjusted the bag on his shoulder. Xander followed Clem absently as he took in the sights, smells and sounds of the world around him. He even closed his eyes at times to concentrate on the feel of the heated air against his skin that was sometimes chased away by an errant breeze.

It was the smell on the wind that first alerted Xander where Clem was leading Xander. Xander stopped moving. Xander could smell chlorine in the air. Xander looked around and saw the pool where Clem was leading them. The leash pulled tight and Clem turned to look at Xander.

“Xander?” Clem asked.

Xander raised his arm and pointed at the pool. Clem sighed. He put his bag down and walked back to Xander.

“Xander,” Clem said, “Master Spike told me about your fear of water. He’s ordered me to help you with it.”

Xander backed up a step and shook his head.

“Xander I know how you feel. Well OK, maybe not. But I do know what it’s like to be afraid. I’m a small demon in a big demon world. You know?”

Xander stared at Clem.

“Demons..well everything is based on power how much you have and what you are willing to do to keep it. I don’t have any power. So…Xander…look…I don’t want to scare you. You’re my friend. Right?”

Xander nodded and then he looked at the pool.

“So I figured…friends take walks right?”

Xander looked back at Clem and narrowed his eyes.

“I figured you and I could just…well walk around the pool. See? I could then tell Master Spike that you had a big breakthrough. You went near the pool. That would be breakthrough right?”

Xander tilted his head.

“I’d be with you the whole time, Xander,” Clem said. “I’ll walk between you and the pool. We’ll just walk around it. You won’t even have to look at the water. I promise. And…and…”

Clem stopped talking for a moment and tugged at the leash as he stepped back toward his bag. Xander followed. Clem bent down and dug through his bag and pulled something out.

“We could look at these when we were done! Like a reward!” Clem said holding up several comic books. There were a couple of copies each of Batman, Spiderman and Superman.

“I can read them aloud and you can just look at the pictures,” Clem said.

Comic books! Xander thought. It had been since the Before since he’d seen one and he had to admit, there was a part of him that was tempted.

“C’mon Xander,” Clem said. “Just a walk?”

Xander looked from the books to the Clem. There was a slight fear in Clem’s voice and Xander sighed. He realized that Clem was scared Xander would refuse. Clem didn’t want to force Xander to walk around the pool but Clem had been ordered to work with Xander on his fear and if he didn’t…

You’re a bastard, Spike, Xander thought as he forced a smile and nodded at Clem. Clem smiled and put the books back in the bag then slung the bag back up on his shoulder.

“Let’s go,” Clem said and led Xander off to walk around the pool. Xander felt like he was walking to his own execution.

                                                                        ***

Xander wasn’t sure how he managed to make it through the walk. Perhaps it was because Clem talked to him the whole time. What he talked about, Xander couldn’t remember. All he knew was that he focused on Clem’s presence and his voice as a shield against the well of death just a feet from where he walked.

He didn’t notice the heat of the sun or the concrete under his feet. He only noticed the smell of the chlorinated water and the sound of Clem’s endless stories. When they’d made a complete circuit of the pool, Clem had led them away from it and over a grassy area. There he’d sat on the ground with Xander and read all the dialogue in the comic books as Xander looked at the pictures.

Again Xander hadn’t remembered the first few issues they looked at as he focused on calming his panicked mind and reassuring it that they were safe. Afterwards, Xander thought it was almost a pleasant time, until he’d remember Larry’s screams or the image of his limp figure being thrown off the roof. Then Xander’s eyes would tear. Clem would pause from his reading for a moment and then quietly resume.

When the sun was low in the sky Clem had asked Xander if he was ready to declare it a day. Xander had nodded. Clem had packed away all the comic books and then led Xander back to the casino. He took a different route so they didn’t have to go near the pool.

Spike was an unexpected sight when they reached the suite.

“Bloody hell!” he yelled when he saw Xander.

Clem flinched and Xander stepped between the floppy eared demon and Spike.

“Leaving that stripped little beast here was bad enough but look at my Pet!” Spike roared.

“M..master Spike?” Clem sputtered.

“He’s as red as a boiled lobster!” Spike growled and marched forward and snatched Xander’s leash away from Clem. “Haven’t ya ever heard of ruddin’ sun block?”

“Sun block?” Clem asked.

“Oi!” Spike barked. “Ask Lorne! And make sure my Pet’s got some on before you take him out tomorrow! Don’t want him ta get a case of skin cancer!”

“Skin cancer!” Clem squeaked. “Master Spike you must know I wouldn’t do anything to hurt Xander! I’m so sorr…”

“I know!” Spike said as he pulled Xander away from Clem. “That’s why yer still alive and still trusted with him.”

“Yes, Master Spike!” Clem said.

Xander looked down at his arm. He was rather red. He looked at Clem and tried to reassure with the panicked demon with a smile.

“So how’d he do?” Spike asked a little more calmly.

“Wonderfully. He walked the entire circuit of the pool,” Clem said.

Spike looked at Xander. Xander stared back defiantly at Spike.

“That’s good, pet,” Spike said softly. “That’s real good.”

Go to hell, Xander thought.

“All right,” Spike said turning back to Clem. “Gather up that little monster of yours and beat it. Be back tomorrow.”

Clem nodded. Spike tugged Xander over to the chair and to his pillow while Clem scurried around the suite trying to gather up Ante. Xander couldn’t help but laugh at the merry chase. Finally Clem caught the kitten and he made his way out of the suite.

“Ready for something to eat?” Spike asked as he uncovered a tray. Xander shrugged. Spike growled and stabbed at the meatloaf. He offered it to Xander.

“EAT!” he ordered. Xander did. He was surprisingly hungry even if he had to eat at Spike’s hand. The meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans were actually good. There was a large glass of milk to drink and a bowl of mixed fruit for desert.

Spike was blessedly quiet while he fed Xander. It was a relief to Xander who increasingly became aware of the extent of his sunburn throughout dinner. By the time he was finished his skin felt raw and tight.

“C’mon,” Spike said as he unclipped Xander’s leash, “let’s get the belt off ya so ya can get a cool shower. That’ll take some of the heat out.”

Xander stood and Spike unlocked the belt. Xander hissed as the belt rubbed against his skin as Spike slid it off.

“Go get yer shower and meet me back in the bedroom,” Spike said. Xander moved quickly and headed for the bathroom.

As Xander stepped into the bathroom he realized he was almost looking forward to the shower. After dealing with the pool his fear of the shower was minimal and the promise of some relief from the burn in his skin helped too.

Xander stepped quickly in the shower and turned on the water. He adjusted the temperature to the cool side. He gasped as the pelting drops stung his skin. He forced himself to relax and let the water cool and sooth him. He didn’t have to wait long.

                                                            ***

Spike closed the door behind the minion and took the tube of aloe vera Lorne had sent up. Spike was still dubious that the sap from a spiked green plant could help Xander but Tara had told Lorne that’s what his pet needed and she’d been right about the arnica gel.

The sound of the shower cut out and Spike hurried to the bedroom. He turned down the sheets, stripped off his shirt and climbed up on the bed. Pet’s not going to like this, Spike thought, but going ta do it anyway.

Spike could pretend he only wanted to make sure Xander’s sunburn was treated but deep down he also just wanted to touch Xander again. The incident with Larry had put so many walls between them and Spike was aching for his pet. He was aching not just to touch him but aching because Xander was in so much pain, pain Spike had caused. He needed to give him some comfort. Xander was his. He needed to take care of him.

Xander walked out of the bathroom and paused when he saw the bed and Spike. His face froze into a look of disgust.

“Up on the bed. Face down,” Spike ordered. Xander glared at Spike for a moment then climbed up on the bed as he was told. His body was stiff and his whole attitude screamed rejection.

Spike squirted a large dollop of the aloe vera gel into the palm of his hand then rubbed them together. Then he gently began to rub the gel into Xander’s shoulders. Xander hissed but remained still.

“Know its cold. Tryin’ ta be gentle,” Spike said. “Tara said this will help with the burn.”

Xander remained still and unresponsive. Spike sighed. He continued to work the gel into Xander’s skin. Part of him marveled and reveled in the heat coming off his pet. Spike never seemed to get warm enough and the heat emanating from Xander tempted him to just stretch his body out on top of his pet and soak it up.

“Know ya need the sun block, but maybe more sun’ll do ya good, eh?” Spike said resisting temptation and focusing on Xander. Xander remained still as Spike worked his hands down Xander’s back.

“Pet,” Spike warned lightly. “Would ya like more time outside during the day?”

Xander shrugged. Spike slapped his ass lightly. The sunburn made it feel twice as hard. Xander gasped then turned his head to glare at Spike.

“Yes or no?”

Xander nodded stiffly. Spike squeezed some gel on Xander’s ass cheeks and began to sooth the burned and irritated skin. Xander turned his head away.

“Know yer upset. Know why. But yer still my Pet. Rules are still rules, Xander,” Spike said as he he manipulated the firm and round globes. “I really don’t want to have to punish you right now.”

Will you throw me off the roof too? Xander thought.

Spike squeezed out some more gel and slid his slick hands down the back of Xander’s right leg.

“I won’t let anyone take you away from me. I won’t let anyone jeopardize my organization,” Spike said.

So you never really did care any of us? It’s all about you? Xander thought and tried not to think about how much better he felt. How good Spike’s hands felt or how soothing the gel was to his skin.

Spike began to work gel into the skin of Xander’s left leg.

“I gave Larry a clean death.”

That was clean! Xander screamed silently and hissed.

“Angelus would have done much worse.”

I didn’t trust Angelus! I wasn’t planning on…My tongue wouldn’t have been willingly down Angelus’s throat! Xander thought.

Spike finished Xander’s leg then redid his back before beginning to work on the back of his arms.

“I do what I have to Xander and I make no apologies.”

Let me go, Spike, Xander thought. Let me got back to the Azora at least because being treated like what I was…property is a lot easier than being treated like I’m something you care for…when I am still just property.

“Roll over,” Spike ordered.

Xander sighed and did as he was told. He couldn’t help but look Spike in the eyes. For just a moment there was that spark between them. He could see Spike and he could almost believe the vampire could care. Xander looked away before he could deceive himself further.

Spike began to work rub the gel into Xander’s face. Xander closed his eyes and forced himself to be very still. Spike worked slowly and silently. After he treated Xander’s face he slid his hands down Xander’s neck then shoulders.

Spike mapped out the muscles in Xander’s arms before running his hands over Xander’s chest soothing the red skin with the cool gel. Spike’s touch was gentle and Xander fought the hum of awareness stirring inside of him. His heart and his brain were hurt. They were betrayed and full of hatred. Yet, Xander’s body knew Spike’s touch. It had become used to it and maybe because of Xander’s pain it soaked up the gentle touch like his skin the gel.

Xander bit his lip as Spike’s hands slid lower and moved to work on his legs. Please…I can’t…not now..not after, Xander thought frantically.

Spike breathed deep the delicate scent of pheromones Xander’s body was releasing. He could feel his pet’s reaction and he could see the stir of interest in Xander’s loins. It both pleased and saddened him. It pleased him because as long as part of Xander still wanted him there was hope that not all was lost. There was hope he could still win Xander back…could still Claim him. It saddened him because he knew the terrible burden and guilt it was to be attracted to someone who’d hurt you. He knew what it was like to respond to someone who you hated.

“It’s OK, pet,” Spike whispered. “Blood..passion..works its will regardless of what we want.”

Xander turned his head. Spike quickly finished up with treating Xander, got off the bed and then he covered Xander with the blankets.

“My promise still stands, pet,” Spike said softly. He touched the tip of Xander’s nose briefly before turning off the lights and leaving the bedroom.

TBC…

Author's note:

Yes Clem does have tentacles. See here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

mistress-tien.livejournal.com

Yeah! I'm so happy I checked one last time before bed! More Sneer!

Xander's facing a lot of his nightmares--tentacles, water, Spike. It'll be nice when he gets past it. Though I get the feeling that things are going to get much worse before it finally clears up.

Thanks for sharing!

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...Beautiful "Boys"

There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (36/?)

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