by Rob Sorenson

William the Bloody had walked through more than a few cemeteries in his long life. He'd never been in any single one more often than Restfield. It was actually pretty standard as cemeteries go: rusted wrought iron gates, mausoleums of different shapes and sizes, gravestones with various religious markers...and a formerly stylish crypt on the western section. <I really need to give Clem some tips on demon decorating. Pastels with flowery wallpaper are not even done very often in the human world...nor should they be.> He gave an internal shudder at the memory of seeing his former haunt the first time after Clem's terrifying plan to "brighten up" the place came into fruition. What may have scared him more was Buffy's enthusiastic support of Clem's alterations of the former Big Bad abode. <Soul or no soul, I will not decorate any home I live in like a little poncet. I will put my foot down on that. Especially since I have to spend all my daylight hours there.>

Normally he patrolled with Buffy, but tonight he had the distinct impression that Faith wanted some alone time with her sister Slayer. In reality the demon population in Sunnydale had dropped considerably in the six months that had passed since the First was beaten back <but not totally beaten>, he reminded himself. <You never completely defeat Evil.> On the other hand, he figured they had a couple of human generations of relative quiet on their hands, thanks to Wanker Harris, of all people...he shook his head in disbelief at what the only normal human among them had done. <He deserves to be called Xander now, even in my thought balloons>, he contemplated with a slight smile. Therefore the 2 Slayers patrolling one side of the cemetery was no longer a real logistical problem, as most nights were devoid of any beastie activity at all...if you didn't count he and Buffy's tension relieving activities in his old crypt. Spike really didn't want to go near the old place now. It made him a little ill to see it, but Buffy had whispered a few creative ideas in his ear, and pastels be damned, he was taking his Slayer right then and there.

Spike could count the amount of demons he'd seen on one hand in the last 2 months. For the most part the demonic influences were trying to get out of town, and the mop-up operation that Buffy had led right after the victory over the First was breathtaking. It was as if she'd reached a final, critical step in becoming the Princess Warrior he knew she would eventually be. He had encouraged her newfound acceptance of herself by calling her that in private. At first, she'd actually blushed and told him not to call her that, but he'd won her over eventually. He truly meant it as an endearment, and he knew she'd grown to love it eventually. Of course, Spike being Spike, he'd attempted to convince her to do a bit of role playing, and had actually convinced her to put on a Xena costume for him. Unfortunately the costume shop didn't sell that particular character in her size, so she came before him in an outfit designed for a woman at least 6 feet in height. She was doing her best to sell the fantasy to her man, but Spike couldn't keep from laughing. As a result he was repeatedly beaten over the head with her breastplate, but the pain was worth it. Eventually she laughed as well, and all was right again in the Buffy bedroom.

He eyed his companion on patrol tonight and decided he needed to pass the time somehow. "I know I'm going to regret asking this, but what are you thinking about?" Xander continued to look straight ahead as he responded.

"Not very much."

"Well, considering it's you and all, that's not a surprise, but if there's one thing you do well it's talk. I get the impression something is bothering you."

Xander stopped and eyed the vampire quizzically. "You really care about whether or not something is bothering me?"

"Well...no, not too much. I'm asking for Buffy, because she's a little concerned about you. She's not used to you being so quiet. Even when you were depressed in the past you were always prattling on about something. So...what's up?"

Xander smiled internally at Spike's denial. It confirmed that Buffy hadn't told Spike about the link he and Buffy shared. It was just as well; Spike may not understand it completely. If Buffy was truly concerned about Xander he'd know...because he'd be able to feel it. Since the revelation had come regarding their dream connection he'd come to understand how much he and Buffy were on the same wavelength. <Is it mystical? It's hard to say.> The very next night after their emotional conversation he was about to ask for Buff to pass him the green beans at the dinner table. When he turned to her she already had them in her hand before he could say a word. He stared at her, and she had this little grin on her face and shrugged slightly enough for the others not to notice. He'd smiled back and shook his head.

To his thinking it was the coolest thing ever. He didn't question it to anyone but Willow, who'd been unable to find a mystical reason for it. The Wiccan had been able to facilitate the three of them speaking telepathically many times, but this was different. Buffy and Xander didn't hear each other's voices like they did Willow's; they just...felt things. It was difficult to describe, but the point was it made Xander certain that Spike was truly concerned for him. That felt a little strange, but it beat terror and hatred hands down. He and Spike were taking baby steps toward friendship, something the carpenter would've never imagined possible. Still, he wasn't going to share his current problem with him. They weren't that far along.

"Spike, I don't have any serious issues. Not really. There are some things in my life I wish were simpler. That's all."

Spike nodded. "Such as?"

"I don't know...maybe I sort of miss having my own place." It was Spike's turn to smile internally. He knew damned well that THAT was a lie.

Since Xander had moved into the Summers home permanently things had been remarkably smooth between them all. Angst and fear had morphed into comfort and laughter since Revello Drive had a Harris living there. There had only been one argument in the previous 6 months, and that had been brief. Spike had drank too much one night and made the mistake of calling Xander a wanker and lampooned his bad luck with women. Xander had smiled a little, but there was some hurt in his eyes, and Spike immediately regretted teasing him about that subject. Anya's death was still too fresh. That night Buffy had slammed him against the bedroom wall and told him in no uncertain terms that she never wanted to hear him disrespect Xander that way again. It amazed him how protective she was of him...almost a mirror image of Xander's ferocity regarding Buffy, Dawn and Willow. He'd apologized the next day to Xander, and the former Zeppo shrugged it off, just as everyone expected him to.

"Let me get this straight, Xander. You want to move back to your old apartment? Last time I checked, you transferred your lease to Faith. What would she say?"

Xander hesitated...Spike was a very smart man, and he didn't really want to spar with the blonde vampire all night. Finally he said, "Well, it wouldn't necessarily have to be Faith's place."

"I see. Good solid construction in that old apartment of yours though. I always slept well there...even during the day. Soundproof walls have their uses."

"You can say that again. Anya and I..." he trailed off.

"Xander, just say it. You two made some pretty loud noises in your time, right?" Xander couldn't help himself. He answered Spike's grin.

"Yes, you could say that."

Spike looked at him sideways. "I can only imagine how loud you get with Faith."

"Oh man, Spike, you can't even begin to understand what she's capable of. It's..." Xander stopped dead in his tracks. <Why do I have to talk? Why?>

Spike had a triumphant smile on his face. "You're hitting it with the other Slayer, aren't you? Come on, fess up. You know I got you."

Xander sighed. "Yes, Spike, we have been together for 6 months...since that night." He didn't have to add which night that was. "I was feeling a little disconnected with everyone, and Faith came to my door. She and I are pretty good together, and we share similar home backgrounds. I help her, and she helps me. Hell, you know this much, I may as well tell you everything. I haven't told anyone because I don't want Buffy, Dawn and Willow to think less of me. Faith has a dark past, and she's hurt us all, but she's changed more than the others can understand."

"Ok, Harris, let me get this straight. You are having carnal relations with someone, and you're a little ashamed of it. You don't want your friends to know because you don't want to see the looks on their faces when they find out. You don't want them to lose respect for you so soon after you finally earned it. Is that close enough?"

Xander stared at William in surprise, and nodded. "Xand, go over that scenario I've just laid out for you and then try and tell me two things: One, tell me if that sounds familiar. Two, tell me how on God's green earth that Buffy wouldn't understand it. I'm growing to like you, Harris, but sometimes you're a little thick in the head."

Xander blinked in realization. "Of course, you and her...after she came back."

"Precisely, Boy Wonder. I'd never thought it necessary to tell you this before, but you're underestimating Buffy. She loves you unconditionally, and you should talk to her about this. I think it will do you a world of good."

Xander's face remained clouded. "Ok, how about Willow?"

"You're on your own there. She and Faith have deep issues involving you already. Might want to get yourself a genital protection spell when you tell her. You'll have to eventually, you know."

"Yeah, I know." They walked in silence for a minute. Spike couldn't help himself.

"So, are Slayers tigresses in the sack, or what?" Xander paled and spun on him.

"What did you say?"

Spike held up his hands. "Xander...kidding. Easy there." Slowly, Xander turned back to face the front. More silence.

"I'm sorry."

"Say what?!"

"Dammit, Spike, I said I'm sorry. I won't say it again. I get sensitive when I think someone is disrespecting Buffy." Spike shook his head at the familiarity of that statement.

"Don't worry about it, Harris. Buffy'd probably want you protecting her honor like that anyway."

They walked a little further in silence. Finally Xander broke the silence again. "Strong, aren't they?"

"Jesus, yes. I'm a vampire and Buffy damn near kills me every bleedin' night. I don't know how a human like you can do it." Xander stroked his chin in mock thought.

"Vitamins. It's gotta be the vitamins."

And that's how, for the very first time, Xander Harris and William the Bloody laughed together.

- End Chapter One-