Part Eighteen

"Hello, Pet," Spike chuckles as he pulls one lone sock off the top of his Mate’s head.

"So, um, out, huh?" Xander says reluctantly.

"Out, luv. Already got a place in mind," Spike says firmly.

"Guess I can’t change my mind now," Xander sighs.

Spike slowly starts stripping the boy in response.

Xander sits there a bit bemused as his vampire carefully buttons the silk shirt up. He is capable of dressing himself. He very cooperatively sticks his feet out so Spike can pull the socks on and slip loafers over them. He kind of likes this coddling thing.

"This feels like dress up," Xander snickers.

Spike doesn’t answer in words and he had to wipe the leer off his face when Xander squirms uncomfortably.

"Look good enough to eat, whelp," Spike comments then flashes his fangs, "Snack before dinner?" he teases.

Xander relaxes, "Sorry Spike, I don’t want to spoil your supper. Now if we stay here," he tries again.

"Right, luv, time to go. ‘Dad’s’ lettin’ us borrow the car," he smirks.

Xander shivers with excitement and a little fear as the vampire gathers his mate in his arms. He starts to complain but decides to rest his head on the vampire’s chest and snuggle instead. He feels safer with Spike and figures, right now, he doesn’t care what it looks like.

Spike carries him down the stairs and into the garage. He unlocks the door and sets Xander down on the passenger seat. He closes the door and rounds the car to the driver’s side. Getting in he notices a Post-It note on the steering wheel.

*Spike,

Do try to have Xander home before ten, he has a long day tomorrow.

Giles AKA Dad*

Spike snorts, starts the car, then pulls out of the garage. He hands the note to Xander. Xander quickly scans it then blushes. His own parents never seemed to care if he came home at all. He very carefully folds the note and puts it in his pocket.

Spike sees him keep the note and gives him a tolerant grin.

"Need to get it bronzed, mate?" Spike teases.

"No! It’s just, well, he cares, Spike," Xander mumbles.

"S’okay, whelp, just teasing you. I know," Spike assures his Mate.

He pulls into the parking lot and actually finds a spot right by the front door.

Xander looks up, sees they are there, and frantically clutches Spike’s hand.

Spike lets him take his hand and uses the leverage to pull the youth into his lap. He pets the hair and purrs.

"Relax, luv, can wait till you’re ready," Spike calms Xander.

Xander sighs, but lays back and tries to stop panicking. Its just dinner, he can do this.

"O-Okay, I can eat. I mean I can do this. Just-let’s go before I change my mind again. Can I-Can I- Um, gimmie your hand please?" Xander pleads.

"Course, luv," Spike opens the door and pulls his Mate out without letting go of his hand.

Xander clings to his vampire as they enter the restaurant.

"Welcome to Jack’s Place. Your waiter is Larry and he will seat you momentarily."

Xander eeps and hides behind Spike. The door greeter is a little startled but he takes it in stride and motions the waiter over.

Larry snatches up two menus and sidles around the blonde man that is glaring daggers at him. Like he would interfere; these two are adorable!

"Right this way, gentlemen," Larry puts a hand on Xander to get his attention. Oh my, did the other man just growl at him?!

Xander pulls himself together and whispers calming words to his Mate. Spike shakes his head and just barely avoids game face. Xander is what’s important, not ripping Larry’s throat out. If he rips Larry’s throat out they will get thrown out and Xander won’t get to eat.

Larry shivers as the blonde man’s eyes flash gold and quickly shows the two men to their table. He feels like someone has just walked over his grave.

Xander finds himself petting Spike in a major role reversal.

Larry gulps and carefully hands over the menus, making no sudden moves.

"Um, sorry, he can be a bit overprotective," Xander stammers out then leans into Spike at having to take the initiative.

The pain, terror, and uncertainty in his Mate’s voice drags Spike out of his, ‘Must kill human,’ mode.

"D-Drinks?" Larry stammers out.

"Coke, please," and Xander hides his head in Spike’s neck.

Spike pets him, "Bloody Mary, mate."

"I’ll be back for your order," Larry almost runs back to the kitchen.

"Spike, home, please," Xander mutters into the vampire’s neck.

"Nah, luv, already here. Gonna eat," Spike says sternly.

"Wanna burger and fries-to go," Xander tries again.

"Can’t do it, Pet, not leavin’," Spike kisses him softly on the forehead.

Xander melts and leans against the vampire.

Larry comes back with the drinks and almost says, ‘awww’, out loud. They are so cute! Something is wrong with the younger man. His reactions are familiar but he can’t quite pin them down. He pastes on a friendly smile and pulls out the pad and pen.

"Are you read to order?"

Spike gives his mate one last pet before stacking the menus and jerking a thumb at Xander.

"Whelp wants a hamburger and fries. I don’t eat - mate," Spike says with a sneer.

"Okay… it’ll be about fifteen minutes, sir. Anything while you are waiting?"

Spike growls.

Xander stirs from his half-doze on Spike.

"It’s okay, Spike, he’s not really scary. He’s even kinda nice. You - You don’t need to go all, ‘grrr’. I can do this," he says with more determination than he feels. He flashes Spike a sick smile.

Nice kid and the other man really seems to care, but what kind of a name is Spike, a bemused Larry thinks as he places his order with the kitchen. What is he so afraid of? It’s like he’s actually scared around him. He didn’t flinch when Jenny came by to ask if they were okay. So it’s just guys… Oh no, it couldn’t be. He remembers that feeling. He’s reacting just like Larry did ten years ago when his ex-boyfriend got a little frisky. That blonde man had better not have hurt him. No, no, that doesn’t feel right. It’s more like he’s very protective of him. So someone else. Well this Spike fellow really should be more careful. He should watch the fangs. Don’t be so shocked, this IS Sunnydale and he’s worked the late shift. Not every citizen ignores what is right in front of their faces. He is a little surprised the youth is still alive. He thought they usually eat and run! He’s been thinking so long that the food is ready when he looks back up.

"Spike, home? Please!" Xander is almost sobbing.

Spike sighs and waits for Larry to get back with the food.

Larry cautiously approaches the table and again wishes someone would look at him like that. The vampire has an arm around the teen and is brushing the hair out of his eyes. Maybe he’s been dating the wrong species! He sets the food down on the table.

"Can I get you anything else?" he asks, unwilling the interrupt the tender scene.

"Box it, Pet wants to go home," Spike is trying not to snarl, his Mate is scared.

"Oh, okay," a lot softer, "Watch the fangs, you don’t want to start a panic in the restaurant," he smirks.

He scurries away quickly to get a box. He can’t believe he just lectured a vampire. He grabs the takeout box then heads back to their table.

"Here you go, sirs, thank you for eating at Jack’s Place, please come again soon," he spits out then hurries off with Spike’s glare following him.

Spike looks after their waiter with narrowed eyes as he dumps Xander’s dinner in the box. Xander just leans against the vampire and shakes as Spike throws money on the table. He picks up his mate, not caring if anyone gives him a strange look. Xander and dinner in his arms, he stalks out and gets in Giles’ car. He lets Xander lay his head on his lap. He cards his fingers through his Mate’s hair as he drives back to the Watcher’s, more carefully than anyone had ever imagined he can. He pulls into the garage and turns off the engine.

"I couldn’t even go out to dinner Spike, I’ll never be better," Xander sobs.

"Proud of you, luv," Spike answers.

"R-Really?" Xander asks, surprised.

"Pet, you tried. Almost made it. Even talked to that waiter bloke. Did good, Xander," Spike adds as he gathers him up and carries him into the kitchen. He fixes a plate with Xander’s dinner then warms up a mug of blood for his own. Spike watches his mate as he reluctantly eats. Xander doesn’t really believe Spike but just the fact that the vampire bothered to talk to him about this makes him feel all gushy inside. He’s nodding off over his hamburger when Spike wipes the ketchup off his mouth and carries him up to bed.

Spike tenderly tucks him in and lies down with his arms around Xander.

"Love you, Spike," Xander says sleepily.

"Love you too, Pet," Spike says mechanically.

He said it!! Boy actually said it!! Spike goes to sleep with a dopey grin on his face.

Giles checks on the two and tucks the blankets under Xander’s chin. He sighs and carefully removes the vampire’s Doc Martens. He just doesn’t want the dirty boots on his nice clean bedding. Now if he just keeps telling himself that…