Part Twelve

"Oi, Rupes, take all the fun away. Was thinking you need to redecorate," Spike grins mischievously.

"Hush, Spike, or he’ll never let you stay! Please be good for me?" Xander gives full on puppy eyes.

"Put those away, luv! S’pose I can find something or rather someone to amuse meself with," Spike says with a leer.

"Whoa, Spike, so not interested, yet!" Xander backs up so quickly he falls off the couch.

"William the Bloody, you will act with decorum in my home and around my son," Giles says sternly as he helps Xander up.

"Just meant we could play some cards, Watcher. Not my fault you blokes have dirty minds," Spike smirks.

"Yes, well, I have work to do," an embarrassed Giles walks off.

"He called me his son. Wow, Spike, G-Man said I was his son. Dad always told me I was the worst mistake he ever made and he’s my own flesh and blood. Giles-picked-me!" Xander just stands there with a goofy grin on his face. Spike waves a hand in front of his mate’s eyes.

"Whelp, I picked you, too. Didn’t - weren’t this thrilled about it," Spike says a bit sullenly.

Xander finally snaps out of it and looks at the vampire.

"Spike, I did so! Ew, you are jealous of G-Man, of my DAD?! No way! Giles is Dad to me, so not into incest," he gives a shudder, "I like you a different way, Spike," he finishes shyly then takes the vampire’s hands.

"Not Soddin’ jealous," Spike snarls but allows Xander to cuddle him.

"Fine, Spike, you aren’t jealous. You merely don’t want to share with Giles. Not jealous at all," Xander snickers and Spike growls.

"Right, might’ve been a little, but you are mine! Not sharin’ that," Spike mutters.

"We just had this talk, Spike. I am so not interested in sleeping with Giles! Can you say EW! I’m not interested in sleeping with you right now, so don’t get excited," Xander is shaking again.

"Pillock," Spike says affectionately and gathers Xander into his arms. "Can wait, luv. Never have to do anything you don’t want. ‘S too much, just tell me," Spike says gently as he nuzzles Xander’s hair with his nose.

"I feel so lost sometimes, Spike, like I will never feel right again. Sometimes touch feels good, soothing, even safe. Other times I want you and Giles here but if you touch me I feel like hiding under the covers. I hate this!" Xander yells, frustrated with everything.

"Hush, luv, Watcher and I’ll be here when you need us. Hands off when you don’t. Been alive for over a hundred years and still amazed at how humans can match demons for evil. You will heal, Pet, just takes time," Spike nuzzles one last time then just holds him, letting the steady heartbeat soothe both of them. Soon the heartbeat slows even more as Xander slips into sleep. Spike gently picks up the much larger youth and stands. Giles comes in to check on them and sees Spike hefting a sleeping Xander.

"Don’t ever hurt him, Spike. You will wish you were merely dust," Giles says softly.

"Right, Watcher, got it, same to you, ‘cept the dust thing," He re-adjusts his burden to hold him more securely. They nod at each other in complete understanding then Giles precedes Spike up the stairs to help tuck Xander in. Giles opens the door and waits for Spike to enter. Then he pulls the blankets down. Spike settles him on the bed, removing his socks and shoes. Giles removes his shirt and jeans but leaves the boxers on. Spike tucks his legs under the covers then tenderly pulls them up to the youth’s chin. Giles smoothes a lock of hair out of his eyes. The love they feel for Xander is apparent for both of them in this unguarded moment.

"The bed is quite large, Spike," Giles trails off.

"Wot’s your point, Watcher? Fancy a shag while the kid’s asleep? Have to be quiet so we don’t wake him," Spike smirks.

"I merely thought you might like to lay down with him - fully clothed. And, Spike?" Giles says as he lies down on one side of Xander, "Don’t flatter yourself," he says as he puts his glasses on the night table and pointedly closes his eyes.

Spike snorts but makes no other comment as he lies down on the other side. Shortly all three are snoozing quietly.