stillrose | There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (41b/?)

Title:There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (41b/?)
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

Chap 41 was too long for one posting. Here's the second posting.

Previous parts here.

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“Vr’xkl has brought his own bottle, Master Spike,” Zorn said as the man took up position behind the Azora. Xander didn’t want to look at the man’s face but he couldn’t help it. He didn’t recognize him, but he recognized the look. His eyes were vacant and unfocused. He didn’t seem to react at all as one of Vr’xkl’s tentacles coiled around his cock and began to writhe.

Spike tapped his leg. On autopilot Xander crawled up into Spike’s lap. He buried his face in Spike’s neck.

“Don’t mind at all,” Spike sneered then waved the kneeling slave away.
********************************************************************************

Xander didn’t pay much attention to the first few hands. He knew they were playing seven card stud with no wild cards and no jokers. He knew various stakes had already been anted up into the pot. Spike had been up and Spike had been down. Xander also knew somewhere along the line the Azora had “tapped” his bottle.

Thankfully he’d been kneeling by Spike and could bury his face against the vampire’s leg as he tried to block out the images and his own memories. When the musky scent of sex briefly filled the air Xander had gagged. Only the cool feel of Spike’s fingers against the scars on his neck had kept Xander from retching while the Azora gurgled its appreciation.

I’ll break if I go back this time, Xander had thought and wrapped his hand around Spike’s ankle.

The evening wore on and it slowly dawned on Xander that Spike was losing more than he was winning. The realization was slow. Xander’s fears and Spike’s distraction techniques had been good at hiding the truth from Xander.

Every time Spike had lost a big pot he’d tapped his leg and then made a big show of rendering Xander senseless with teasing touches. Xander’s shiny lip gloss had long been smeared away from his lips. Spike’s fingerprints smudged and dotted Xander’s the gold powder on Xander’s skin. His neck was slightly purple from the nibbles and bites with which Spike had peppered it. While his dick was trapped in the tight leather pants, his musky scent of want wasn’t and Xander knew Spike could smell it.

It had taken Xander awhile to figure out Spike was losing, and losing bad. It wasn’t until Vr’xkl had warbled loudly and Zorn bowed that Xander had somehow shaken himself from the sensual spell Spike had put him under to pay attention.

“Vr’xkl looks forward to serving as your lieutenant,” Zorn said.

Xander’s scent of want had swiftly changed to that of a scent of fear at those words. He looked at Spike.

“I’m sure his service will be long remembered,” Spike replied then looked at Xander. “Yer spoilt, Pet!”

The crowd laughed and the Azora squeaked. Xander blinked. Spike snapped his fingers and Xander slid to his knees.

The dealer dealt the first cards of the next round. Each player received their two cards down and their one card up. Vr’xkl card up was the seven of clubs. Spike’s was the nine of spades.

“Oi! Think I want ya attendin’ ta me this round!” Spike barked.

Vr’xkl gurgled and called Spike’s bet. The “fourth street” was dealt; one card face up. Vr’xl card was the seven of diamonds. The Azora warbled and clicked cheerily. Spike’s card was the jack of spades.

Xander jumped to his feet quickly and scrambled to stand behind Spike while the cards. Please tell me you have a plan, Master Mendacity! Xander thought as he began to run his fingers through Spike’s hair to work the vampire’s scalp. He tried to look at the vampire’s cards but Spike kept them face down on the table and out of sight.

Vr’xkl gurgled and pushed a large stack of chips into the middle of the table . Spike peeked at his cards, looked at the cards on the table then shoved a matching stack of chips into the center of the table. The crowd rumbled with excitement.

The dealer dealt the “fifth street”. Vr’xkl’s card was the seven of hearts.

“Three of a kind showing,” Zorn said softly.

The dealer dealt Spike’s card. Spike had a ten of hearts face up.

Vr’xkl clicked and chittered. This time it shoved in two scrolls into the center of the table. Spike sighed. He looked at his cards again then threw a chit out on to the growing pile.

“Call with the seer’s eyes. That’s the marker for ‘em,” Spike said.

Spike, what are you doing? Xander wondered.

The dealer dealt the “sixth street.” Vr’xkl’s car was the two of clubs and Spike’s was the jack of clubs.

“Vr’xkl still has the high hand with three of a kind. His bet,” the dealer said.

The Azora pushed in two chits and a stack of chips. It gurgled at Spike. Spike looked at his cards. He looked at the table. He took a deep unneeded breath. He matched the bet.

The dealer dealt the seventh and final card face down. Spike watched impassively as Vr’xkl picked up the card.

“Ix nrg grl,” Vr’xkl said as it pushed a globe into the center of the table.

Spike leaned his head back against Xander’s stomach and studied Vr’xkl. The Azora began to pulse the tentacle snaked up between its human’s legs.

“I’m tired,” Spike said abruptly.

Huh? Xander thought.

“Master Spike?” Zorn asked.

“Let’s just cut to the chase shall we?” Spike said.

“Xqrl gr?” Vr’xkl said.

“How about we go all in?” Spike said. “This final card…winner takes all.”

“Take all, Master Spike?” Zorn asked. “Including…?”

“Including…,” Spike paused and then turned to look at Xander. Xander froze and Spike’s eyes swept slowly up and down Xander’s body. This time Spike’s look didn’t stir fire but ice. Xander paled.

“Including…about 168 pounds of flesh,” Spike intoned. The crowded murmured and twittered. Xander could hear the side bets going on and yet it was as if it were all far away.

He’s really doing it! A part of Xander thought while another part denied it. He’s really going to gamble with me…and he hasn’t even looked at his last card!

“Ix ngr nl,” Vr’xkl said.

“Put his collar on the table,” Zorn said, “and the bet is accepted.”

“Lean down,” Spike ordered.

NO! Xander silently screamed and pleaded with Spike with his eyes. Please! You promised!

Xander leaned back and looked frantically around for Lorne. The crowd murmured and Spike grabbed Xander’s leash and yanked him down hard.

“Think very carefully, Pet. Disobedience will be punished by whoever wins this hand,” Spike growled then whispered a word against Xander’s collar. The collar fell away from his neck. Xander gasped. Hatred, fear and betrayal surged through him. They were the only things keeping him on his feet. Spike casually threw Xander’s collar and leash into the middle of the table. He smiled and then pushed his remaining pile of chits and chips into the center as well.

The noise from the crowd was almost deafening. Vr’xkl gurgled and then used a tentacle to push all of his winnings into the center of the table.

The dealer motioned for quiet. Vr’xkl reached out a tentacle and flipped over his final card; four of clubs. He flipped over his first two cards as well; a three and nine of hearts.

“Vr’xkl has a three of a kind,” the dealer said. All eyes, antennae and other various demon parts focused on Spike.

Spike cocked his head to the side, gave a half smile and flipped over his final card. He never looked at it. He’s eyes remained fixed on the Azora as he flipped over his other two cards; an eight of spades and king of clubs.

“Queen of hearts,” Zorn whispered.

Eight, nine, ten, jack queen...a king even…a straight! Xander thought as his heart stopped in mid-beat between hate and something equally powerful.

Xander’s former master made a strange chocking sound he’d never heard before. It slid its tentacles away from its human and began to undo the “bottles” collar.

“Uh-huh,” Spike said as suddenly sprung to his feet. Xander backed up.

“Master Sp…?” Zorn started to ask.

Before Zorn could finish his question Spike spun around and grabbed an axe from one of his minions. He swung it in a wide arch and then slammed it down into one of Vr’xkl’s tentacles. The Azora emitted a loud screeching sound.

“I said I wanted 168 pounds of flesh! Didn’t specify I wanted human flesh, did I?” Spike said as he swung and severed a second of the Azora’s seven tentacles. The Azora stumbled back and tried to get away from the angry vampire but was hindered by the human behind him who followed its training and remained absolutely still. Zorn was also a hindrance as he tried to make sure he didn’t get hit by the axe as well.

“I think one more ought to do it,” Spike said as he swung the axe a third time and lopped off another tentacle. The Azora was mewling on the floor now. Grey ichor was fountaining from three stumps on its body.

Spike reached down and picked up the three long tentacles. One uncoiled limply from around the human’s cock. He hoisted them onto the table.

“Anyone feel like calamari tonight?” Spike shouted at the crowd. At first there was still the stunned silence and then laughter broke out amongst the demons. There were cheers and bleats.

Xander stared at Spike. He looked at tentacles and then at the Azora demon.

Does he know the Azora can only feed and drink with three of its seven tentacles? Xander thought. A motion caught Xander’s eye. Zorn was trying to slip away from the crowd. Xander looked to Spike who was already motioning for his minions. They quickly closed in and held Zorn. Meanwhile Spike bent down and looked at the bleeding Azora.

“That looks painful, mate,” Spike said and then made another motion for more minions. “I’ll see ya get home and get patched up. Wouldn’t want ya bleedin’ out.”

He knows, Xander thought as minions came and began to attend to the mortally wounded demon who had a long death of starvation ahead of him. Then Spike looked at Xander. Spike’s eyes were a hard gold. He was all Master Spike. Xander bowed his head. Spike snatched Xander’s collar off the table and leapt over to his pet.

“OI!” Spike roared above the din. The crowds fell silent for a moment and looked to its Master.

“This here is MINE!” Spike said as he put Xander’s collar back on. Once again he whispered the word that magically locked it. Then he lifted his head to look at the crowd.

“'e's been mine since before the Before! Look at ‘im and think back if you’ve ever touched ‘im! Cuz if you ‘ave? I better never know about it! I DON’T SHARE!”

The crowd whispered, murmured and moved back. Then Spike’s eyes locked on Zorn. He smiled.

“And you?” Spike said, “I have a message for you from Angelus.”

Zorn had been scared before, now he was terrified. He sagged in the grasp of the minions.

“Take him to a cell until I’m ready to give him the message,” Spike said as he grabbed Xander’s leash and began to lead Xander through the crowd. Xander moved as quickly as he could to keep up with the vampire.

Spike’s pace was swift and soon they were in the private elevator that would take them up to the suite. Spike was covered in Vr’xkl’s blood. His eyes were still blazing gold and his fangs were still prominent. Xander thought of how he’d disobeyed Spike publically and began to tremble.

“Now yer thinkin’ about it, eh?” Spike said as he cocked his head and sniffed the air. Xander nodded.

“Told ya to trust me,” Spike said.

You were losing! Xander thought frantically as the elevator stopped. Spike jerked him out, keyed the suite open and led them both inside. Spike spun Xander around and then stared at him.

“I wasn’t going to lose you,” Spike said as his face began to shift.

How was I supposed to know you’re a lucky and sadistic son of a bitch? Xander thought and returned Spike’s gaze..

“I think you owe me a blowjob,” Spike said suddenly as his blue eyes danced with lust and amusement.

What! Xander silently sputtered.

“Lack of trust…disobedience…definitely think ya need ta play the pink oboe.”

Xander blinked and then felt the shades of hurt and outrage he’d felt at the table well up inside him.

You gambled with me! You knew I was terrified and you went all out! You could have lost me! You idiot…you arrogant egotistical British…brutish bastard! Xander thought as he shook his head and backed up.

Spike advanced on him and grabbed him by the arms. He leaned forward and whispered into Xander’s ear, “I’ll tell you how I did it.”

Xander blinked and looked at Spike. Spike waggled his eyebrows.

Did it? Did what? Xander thought angrily.

“I’ll tell you how I cheated,” Spike whispered seductively against Xander’s neck.

Xander stilled. You cheated? He thought. How?

Spike pulled back and looked at Xander. He smiled.

“You wanna know how now don’t ya, eh?” Spike said.

You really cheated? But the spell! Xander thought then rolled his eyes. Of course you cheated! You’re Spike!

Spike slowly ran a finger down Xander’s chest and hooked into his waistband. Xander shuddered. He wasn’t angry or afraid.

“Nod yer head and I’ll tell ya,” Spike said as he began to undo the buttons on Xander’s fly. Xander silently groaned. He had a feeling that not only wouldn’t he get to know how Spike cheated but he wouldn’t get to come until he gave Spike a blowjob. Something he wasn’t sure he really knew how to do or really wanted to do. Then Spike slipped his hand around Xander’s cock and began to stroke him.

“I really wanna show ya how,” Spike whispered.

How you cheated or…how to suck dick? Xander thought.

“Don’t you wanna know?” Spike asked before he claimed Xander’s mouth in a searing kiss. He kissed Xander until he was desperate for air and more of Spike’s touch. Then Spike laughed a throaty husky laugh before he began kissing a trail down from Xander’s throat straight past his firm pecs to slide into the dark curls above his hard cock. Spike dropped to his knees, pulled Xander’s pants down out of his way and looked at the hard cock in his hand. He looked up to see Xander’s dark eyes looking down in amazement at him.

“Nod, Xander,” Spike ordered and Xander did. Spike smiled and then began to work his cool lips around Xander’s cock. Xander’s fingers grabbed Spike’s hair and held on as his master vampire began to slowly swallow Xander’s cock down to its root. Xander let out a silent scream of bliss when Spike began to rhythmically suck on his sweet treat while fondling and caressing Xander’s balls. It shouldn't be like this. He should be hurt and angry, but it was always like this. This was Spike. This was him and Spike.

Need, bliss and hunger shot through Xander. He dug his fingers into Spike’s scalp and thrust his hips forward trying to sink deeper into that tight channel milking him. Fire shot through him and he was erupting straight down Spike’s throat who somehow moaned and hummed while still swallowing every drop of Xander’s essence.

Xander would have collapsed to the floor if Spike hadn’t caught him and then gently laid him on the floor. He looked up dazedly at Spike who was leaning down over him.

I hope you don’t expect that from me, Xander thought.

“That’s the idea but I’ll settle for anything involving yer mouth on my tadger,” Spike said before kissing Xander’s nose. Xander rolled his eyes.

“But first,” Spike said and then got up. Xander rolled to his side and propped himself up on his elbow to watch Spike. Spike rummaged through a drawer and came out with a new deck of cards. He came back and settled down on the floor next to Xander. He handed the deck to his pet.

“Looks like an ordinary new deck of cards, eh?” Spike said.

Xander nodded and looked at the deck.

“Look carefully at the cellophane on the bottom of the deck,” Spike said.

Xander studied the cellophane. The wrapper looked a little off.

“It’s been reglued,” Spike said as he took the deck from Xander and tore the cellophane. Then he opened the box and took out the cards. They looked just like the deck used in the game. They had the same repeating blue diamond pattern on the back. He handed the box to Xander.

“Check out the bottom of the box too,” Spike said. Xander looked at it. Again there was something a little “off” about it.

“Like the plastic, it’s been opened and reglued,” Spike said as he began to shuffle the cards. Then he handed them to Xander.

“Shuffle ‘em and then deal out five cards face down,” Spike said.

Xander took the cards and shuffled them Spike ordered. All the while he studied the cards looking for some sort of fold, cut or imperfection. He couldn’t find any. Finally he dealt five cards face down. Spike took a moment and studied them.

“Ace of diamonds, two of clubs, five of spades, jack of hearts and nine of diamonds,” Spike said.

Xander blinked and began turning the cards over one by one. They were exactly the cards Spike said they were. Spike grinned.

“Papered the town with juiced decks,” Spike said.

Could you say that in English? Xander thought and continued staring at Spike. Spike laughed and turned the cards back over so they were face down.

“I planted marked decks. Don't need magic ta cheat at cards. Been ways ta do it without mojo as long as there's been ways ta play cards! Now, look at the back of the deck. Relax your vision, let your eyes go out ‘a focus a bit,” Spike said. "No matter what dealer from what casino was used tonight we'd be using one of my special decks."

Xander took a deep breath and then did a he was told. He really wasn’t sure what Spike meant about letting his eyes go out of focus. The repeating pattern on the back of the card was making him rather dizzy and then all of the sudden he saw something odd on the back of the ace. There was short line in the upper right hand corner and in the lower left hand corner. Xander turned and looked at Spike.

“Worth a blowjob ain’t it?” Spike said with a grin.

You could have told me! Xander thought and pointed to the cards and then himself. You didn’t have to let me…! Then Xander remembered what happened with Larry. Xander narrowed his eyes and punched Spike in the shoulder.

“Ow! Oi! Keep this up and it’ll be more’n a blowjob!” Spike warned.

Xander glared at Spike and stood up. He somehow jerked his too tight pants up over his hips and fumbled to button them.

“Pet…I…wasn’t gonna take any chances. Was the only plan I had,” Spike said as he too got to his feet.

Do you have any idea of how completely terrified I was? Xander thought as he pointed at Spike. And what if you’d been found out? Huh?

“And I told you I wasn’t gonna loose ya! And I didn’t! No one’s gonna find out! The cards are covered in Azora ick! Already in the trash as we speak. You’re here and instead of getting dressed you should be getting bare arse naked and droppin’ to yer knees!”

Xander shook his head.

“Oi!” Spike shouted, grabbed Xander and then threw him over his shoulder. Xander kicked and hit until Spike swatted him several times on the ass as he carried him into the bedroom where he tossed Xander onto the bed. He then moved quickly to pin him to it before Xander could scramble away.

“I’m sorry I had to keep things from you again,” Spike said staring into Xander’s angry face. “But I’m not sorry for keeping you. Yer mine, Xander. I will use every sneaky, dirty handed and complete utter shite tactic in the book to keep it that way. So get used to it.”

You can’t just keep using my angst and terror ridden moments as cover! Xander thought.

“Xander,” Spike said softly, “I’m doin’ the best I can. Don’t make it tougher for me.”

Make it tougher for you? Xander thought as Spike captured his lips in a tender kiss. Then Spike raised his head and looked at Xander. Blue and brown clashed once again and this time Xander saw something he never expected to see in Spike’s blue depths; vulnerability.

Ah, fuck, Xander thought as he reached up and reclaimed Spike’s lips in a gentle kiss of his own. I’m such a goober.

TBC

Author's notes:

Information on juiced decks, marking cards, and "papering the town" jargon came from here.

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From:

lit-gal.livejournal.com

Oh yes, Spike in his finest glory. You know, I get the feeling that if Spike were dusted tomorrow (God forbid), the demons of Las Vegas would *still* be terrified to touch Xander. And hopefully now, Xander will get his voice back.

From:

...Beautiful "Boys"

There’s Always a Sneer in Vegas (41b/?)

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