Part Twenty-Eight

Xander feels less bouncy as the Hyperion disappears from sight. Teasing Spike gave him temporary courage that is almost gone. He shrinks into himself with each new step.

A scowling Spike finally notices his Mate is not so energetic and looks at him. He notes the return of the terror and pulls Xander to his chest. "Can only be out two hours, Pet, can do it," he soothes.

"I-I know. Not like I miss Deadboy…"

A tall man walks past the two and Xander jumps. The man gives the youth a puzzled look, shakes his head, then moves on. Xander feels calmer when the sidewalk is once again clear. Spike growls and starts to stalk the man that scared his Pet.

"No, please, not his fault I’m scared of anyone with a penis, Spike. Just, let’s get this over with," Xander pleads as he tugs on Spike’s arm.

"Got it, Pet. Going to get you some lunch then pick up some clothes. Where do you want to eat?" he asks while rubbing the teen’s back.

"Shop then take hamburgers home?" Xander asks hopefully.

"Eat if we do that?" Spike asks suspiciously.

"Sure will. Um, where are we gonna shop?" he says timidly.

"Know a place," Spike takes his Mate’s hand and leads him to an out of the way shop.

To Xander’s surprise, it’s not Goth and the only leather he sees is a rack of coats. He hides behind Spike a bit as the vampire looks at jeans. The store is small and other than the fuzzy demon at the register, nothing seems to be out of the ordinary. No garish prints, not overabundance of black, just normal pants, jeans, and colorful t-shirts. Good quality clothes but still ordinary. On the back wall is a floor to ceiling shoe rack. He edges closer to Spike when the demon comes over. He or she is seven foot tall with curved horns on the head, long blue fur, and purple spots. The head resembles a bull with a squashed muzzle. The grin on its face would be more reassuring if not for the pointed teeth displayed in the smile. He sidesteps around Spike until he is facing the vampire’s chest.

Spike turns around to see what is making his Mate hide. As soon as he spies the other demon, he grins.

"Fuzzball, still workin’ here I see."

Xander peeks over the vampire’s shoulder, "Uh, hi."

"S’alright, Luv. E’s an old mate. Thought he was dead," he mock glares at the fuzzy demon.

"Slayer was on my tail, Spike, had to hide. So introduce me to the cute human you are hiding," Fuzzball smiles.

Spike pulls the youth in front of him, "This is my Mate, Xander," he says proudly.

The other demon wisely doesn’t mention Dru. "Kinda small, isn’t he?"

"Hey!" Xander protests.

"Bet he’s spoiled. So what brings you back here, Spike?"

"Needed me Grandsire’s help," Spike scowls.

"Ugh, parents. Glad my species eat ours when we reach maturity."

"Ew!" Xander scrunches his nose up in disgust.

"Fuzzy’s just puttin’ you on, Pet. His Mum makes the best chocolate chip cookies. Don’t scare me Mate," Spike snarls at the laughing demon.

"Sorry, sorry, he just is so easy. What do you need?"

"Ring up these jeans an whatever shirts an shoes me Pet picks out. Put ‘em on Peaches’ tab."

"I-I already picked out some shirts." Xander cautiously holds out some plain t-shirts in bright colors.

"Good choices, Luv. Let’s get you some shoes."

"I have shoes, Spike, I wanna go home," Xander pleads.

"Tired already?"

Xander nods miserably.

"Right then, let’s get yer gear. Can order some food at the hotel," Spike gathers the youth up and holds him close.

Fuzzball comes over with the bag and Spike shuffles out the door with Xander clinging the whole way. He pets the arms clutching his waist and growls at the strange glances they are garnering.

"Not far, Pet, almost there," he calms, then curses quietly as Xander starts whimpering. In broad daylight, on a busy LA sidewalk, the vampire picks up his human and starts carrying him the rest of the way. Finally, he reaches the Hyperion and props Xander while he opens the door. Angel is standing on the other side.

"William, you have some explaining to do! It wasn’t nice of you to keep secrets from your Grandsire. I saw you in the sun and you aren’t dust. What the Hell is going on?!" he roars.

"Shut up, Pillock! Now’s not the time!" Spike snarls.

Angel starts to holler again then he notices the huddled teen in Spike’s arms. Xander is pasty faced with glazed, un-seeing eyes and tremors.

"Take him upstairs and cover him with blankets. I’ll boil some water for tea. But Spike?" he waits until the other vampire halts at the top of the stairs, "We will be talking."

Spike snorts and walks down to the bedroom. He lays Xander gently on the bed and tucks the covers around the teen. He strokes the sweaty forehead and waits for the panic attack to pass.

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Angel pours water over the tea bag and warms up two cups of blood while it steeps. He remembers how Xander looked and hopes he and Spike can take care of him by themselves. The microwave beeps during his reverie and he takes the teabag out and stirs some sugar in. Juggling three mugs, he starts up the stairs. He walks into Spike and Xander’s room but finds it empty. Walking down the hallway, he peeks in his own doorway and frowns.

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Spike looks up and sees Angel, "Yer bed is bigger, Peaches. Wanted me Mate comfy."

Angel sighs and sets the cups down. "Try not to make a habit out of it, Spike. How’s Xander?" he asks as he hands his Grandchilde one of the blood mugs.

"Ta. Whelp’s still out of it. Think he had what the Doc called a panic attack. Never had one before," he says worriedly.

"He’ll be fine, Childe. We are both here and he’s safe. Now we just have to get him to see that."

"Can do it myself, Peaches, don’t need yer help," Spike growls.

"You might not but Xander does, now move over," Angel sits on the other side of Xander. After ignoring a few snarls from Spike, Angel starts purring.

Spike goes yellow-eyed; he can do a better job calming his Mate than the Poof.

Angel smirks as Spike starts purring as well but at a higher volume. Both men are relieved when the teen’s eyes flutter then close. Soon Xander is sleeping peacefully. Angel lays down and is amused to see Spike flash his fangs at him before he lays down too. Soon all three men are napping.

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