Chapter Sixteen
Everything went unbelievably well over the next few days. Anne, Spike and Matt settled into family life, the transition amazingly easy for the vampire. Nothing meant more to him than his woman and his child, and he wanted to do everything he could to make sure they were taken care of. On Thursday, she had dumped the month’s bills in his lap, a smirk curling her lip when she also told him it was time to go grocery shopping. He didn’t object, after all, it was his fault she was jobless, and it was his responsibility. He simply put in a call to his lawyer, and had all his funds transferred to her account. That way, should anything happen to him, she would never have to struggle again. He paid off her car and her house, eagerly awaiting the day when the titles arrived and her could present them to her. They were hers, and no one else’s.
One day, while Matt was at school, he had woken up to her cleaning out her closet. Little scraps of lace and brightly colored fabrics went flying through the air to land in a cardboard box at her feet. He had staggered naked out of bed to inspect it, and had pulled out something that looked like a belt. Upon further inspection, he saw what it really was. The straps were made to wrap around her breasts in the imitation of a bra, since their was no cup. They then would travel around to criss cross her tiny waist and hook onto the matching g-string. He held it up by one finger, scarred brow raised high. She giggled at his expression, and snatched it away from him.
“You got me fired. No need for any of this anymore,” she explained, tossing the leather back in the box. Spike merely smirked, and retrieved it, along with a couple of others.
“Oh, I think we can find a use for a couple of them,” he’d purred, and then they had proceeded to do just that.
Matt loved having his family together, and had brought home a picture that he had drawn in school. It had Anne, him and Spike holding hands, standing in front of their house at night. Willow and Mark were also in the picture, their stick arms wrapped around each other. Matt liked the pretty lady with the bright hair. She was always nice to him, and she did cool card tricks. She made Unca Mark happy, too. He knew that, because the couple had been over practically every night that week.
Mark and Willow were moving along at a good pace as well. After their first morning in his apartment, he had taken her back to the hotel long enough to collect her stuff, then promptly deposited it at his place. Willow seemed to be constantly walking around on a high, her expression almost matching Anne’s. She was still worried about what would come when she had to return home, however. She’d been too afraid to bring it up, but she had the distinct impression that Mark wouldn’t let her go easily. What that meant, was a mystery to her.
None of them heard from Xander. Anne hoped he’d gone back to Sunnydale, and Mark and Spike didn’t much care where he went. Willow hoped that he was alright, but she didn’t seek him out, feeling he needed time to come to terms with the things that had been said to him. She hoped he finally got over it, and accepted his friends’ choices. Then, maybe, he could rebuild his own life.
By the time Friday came around, Matt was so excited about taking his father to the carnival that night, that Anne had to scold him more than once. Spike jumped in a time or two, letting the child know that there would be no divide and conquer tactics allowed. Anne was amazed at how easily he had acclimated to fatherhood. He joked with her that after dealing with the idiocy of minions, a four year old was a breeze. They never mentioned Dru, or Angel, or their time in Sunnydale. The future was also a taboo subject, since they didn’t want to contemplate the time when it would only be Spike left. Spike, himself was petrified of that time. It had never been something to worry about before, as his relationships with humans had been more of the eat and run variety. Now, two very fragile lives were part of his unlife. Four if you counted Mark and Willow. And he found that the thought of life without them was scarier than holy water and stakes to the heart combined. So, he chose not to think about it, and he and Anne did a good job of ignoring it. Matt, blissfully, was oblivious.
“Hi,” Anne said, pulling open the door to let Mark and Willow inside. The setting sun cast the sky in a rainbow of red, violet and pink behind them. Anne hugged Willow, delighting in the changes in her friend. Her pale skin was sun kissed, and her brilliant hair seemed redder from the hours she spent in the sun. A silver necklace with a turquoise cross hung around her slim throat, a gift from Mark. Large silver hoop earrings adorned her ears, and two thick silver bangles jangled on her wrists. She was wearing a pair of jean shorts, sandals, and a white, billowing blouse that exposed her shoulders. Mark was dressed in his usual faded jeans and boots. His t-shirt was replaced with a crisp, white button down, the top few buttons undone to expose his copper skinned chest. The sleeves were rolled up to just below his elbows. His long hair was captured in a tie at the base of his neck. Anne studied them, thinking they made a striking couple.
“Hey, we’re here, and fully prepared for the over consumption of sugar and lard, followed closely by the threat of tossing our cookies on all those whiplash rides,” Mark said, leaning down to brush his warm lips across Anne’s cheek.
“Hey, Tonto, watch your lips,” Spike said good naturedly as he was pulled down the hall by the overexcited Matt.
“Whatever you say, Lestat,” Mark threw back, smiling at the scowl that crossed Spike’s chiseled features. “Turnabout’s fair play,” he said with a grin. The blonde vampire’s lips quirked at that, and he nodded.
“Touche,” he said, leaning in to kiss Willow on her cheek. The redhead’s cheeks colored bright at that. Anne rolled her eyes, and lightly punched Spike in the arm, as Mark’s face clouded briefly.
“Turnabout and all that,” Spike reminded him, hefting Matt up into his arms. The little boy squealed in delight.
“Can we go now?” he demanded, wrapping his arms around his father’s neck.
“In a few minutes. Soon as the sun goes down,” he told him. Matt pouted a little, his chin dipping to touch the front of his Shaggy t-shirt. “Hey now, none of that,” Spike said, tucking a finger under his chin. Matt giggled when his father tickled his chin, and he smiled wide.
“Matt, go get your shoes on,” Anne told him as Spike set him back on his feet.
“K!” he cried, taking off down the hall. The adults laughed as he disappeared. Spike turned towards Anne, his blue eyes traveling over her slim form. She was dressed in a pair of denim capris, a pair of white keds on her feet. A pink tank top highlighted her golden skin. A simple gold chain hung around her neck. Her dark, shiny hair was twisted into a thick braid that hung down her back. Simple gold balls decorated her ears. He thought she looked delicious.
Anne was having similar thoughts about him. She had forced him to go shopping the night before, deciding she’d had enough of the black. In it’s place were a pair of blue jeans (he refused to buy anything but denim to adorn his lower half), and a t-shirt the color of his eyes. She couldn’t make him veer from the style, but at least she got him to see that color could be a good thing. She also insisted that he leave the duster at home. It would get in the way on the rides, not to mention that it stood out like the proverbial sore thumb in a state that was hotter than most.
“So, are we ready?” Spike asked, as Matt flew back down the hall.
“I think so. You got money, right?” Anne answered with a bright smile. Spike rolled his eyes, and nodded his head.
“You going to follow us?” Mark asked as they filed out of the house.
“That’s fine,” Anne answered, locking the door. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Come on, Daddy,” Matt said, dragging Spike down the stairs. Anne followed them to her car, and Mark and Willow went to his. As they pulled out of her driveway, none of them noticed the truck at the end of the street.
Xander waited until they were turning onto the main drag, before starting the truck and following them.
~*~*~
Anne smiled from her spot on the ground. Spike and Matt were on the merry-go-round, waving each time they came back around to her.
“Mommy, look at us,” Matt demanded, smiling wide.
“I see, baby,” Anne called back, returning his grin. They had been there an hour already, and Matt didn’t look anywhere close to tiring. He had dragged Spike to each of his favorite rides, then proceeded to con his father into buying him cotton candy and funnel cakes. Spike was having the time of his unlife, happiness expanding his undead heart. Anne didn’t ride too much, her tastes running more to the fast rides, but Matt couldn’t go on those. Mark and Willow wandered around, riding what they wanted, then returning to the family. Willow found herself slightly envious of her friend, and she realized that she wanted what Anne had as well. She found herself imaging little dark haired children running around, while her and Mark cuddled on the couch. The thought thrilled and terrified her at the same time. Mark found himself having similar thoughts, only the children in his mind were exact duplicates of Willow. He shoved a hand in his pocket, and fingered the velvet box he had placed there earlier. His heart hammered in his chest as he thought of its contents. He could hardly believe that it had been just over a week ago that she had stumbled into his life. He felt like he had waited forever for her, and he had no intention of letting her go. He planned on asking her, when they got back to his place, if she would share forever with him.
Willow turned away form the merry-go-round, and smiled at Mark. Her smile diminished and her brows drew together when she thought she caught a glimpse of a very familiar dark head.
“What’s the matter?” Mark asked, wrapping an arm around her waist. Willow glanced at him, then looked back to where she thought she saw Xander. Seeing nothing, she smiled again.
“Nothing. Want to go be manly and win me something cute and cuddly?” she asked, leaning her cheek against his chest.
“I thought I was cute and cuddly,” he teased, his black eyes sparkling. She leaned up to brush her lips across his.
“I can think of a few different words than cute and cuddly to describe you,” she said, giving him a saucy look.
“Really?” he purred, pulling her back against him. “And what might those be?”
“God, get a room,” Anne teased, coming up next to them with Spike and Matt.
“Yeah, impressionable young eyes here,” Spike said, indicating himself and not the little boy staring curiously at the adults. That comment elicited a chorus of snorts from the younger ones.
“If you’re impressionable, I’ll do a naked rain dance right here,” Mark said, causing Spike to grin wickedly.
“That would almost be worth the price of admission,” he sneered. Willow and Anne giggled at the way Mark’s faced blanched at that. Mark didn’t know whether to be insulted or afraid, or flattered.
“It’s okay, honey. It’s a vampire thing,” Willow said, chuckling again.
“Yeah, but don’t worry, not interested,” Spike couldn’t help but shoot out. The look of fear that hit the tall Indian’s face was priceless.
“Alright, I think on that note, me and Willow are going over there. Away from you,” he said, pointing at the vampire.
“Aw, too bad. Just when I was hoping we could bond,” Spike leered, deliberately dragging his eyes over Mark. He couldn’t hold his laughter back anymore when Mark practically dragged Willow away from them. Anne looked over at him, amusement warring with stern reproach on her face. Matt, luckily, hadn’t understood most of the conversation.
“Good job. I don’t think I’ve seen Mark that particular shade of green since I gave birth,” she said, with a tilt of her eyebrow. Spike just chuckled.
“Wha? He started it,” the blonde tried to defend. “What’s next, bit?”
“Bafroom,” he answered.
“Aw, that sounds like a man chore. I’ll be over with Willow and Mark, kay?” Anne said, leaning in to accept Spike’s kiss.
“Be back in a few,” Spike answered, picking up Matt and heading in the direction of the loo. Anne watched them go, the contrast of dark and light making her heart squeeze. With a smile, she turned and walked to her friends, not seeing the dark haired man filing through the crowd after the vampire.
~*~*~
“Daddy, I don’ feel good,” Matt said, clutching his stomach when he came out of the bathroom.
“Well, after all that junk you ate, I’m not surprised,” Spike answered, picking up his son once more and cradling him in his arms. The boy’s skin was a sickly white, and a light sheen of sweat dotted his forehead. The smell of sickness reached Spike, and he chuckled a bit. “Let’s go find Mum, and go home, shall we?” Matt only nodded, snuggling deeper into his father’s cool chest. Spike smiled again, and started back towards the crowds to find Anne.
“Hold it, vampire,” a slurred voice from behind him said. Spike stilled, then turned, blue eyes flashing yellow as they settled on Xander. The brunette stood unsteadily about ten feet away, a small crossbow trained at Spike.
“What are you doing, whelp?” he growled, keeping his voice soft to not disturb the fitfully sleeping child in his arms.
“I was about to ask you that. Looks like you’ve got yourself a tasty little snack there,” Xander said.
“Don’t be a git. This is my son,” Spike returned.
“Oh, and all that sweet young blood isn’t calling to you? I find that hard to believe,” the brunette sneered. The crossbow never wavered, even though Xander looked worse for wear. Spike angled his body so that the bolt wouldn’t hit Matt should the idiot accidentally shoot it. He glanced around the area, seeing that it was mostly deserted since most of the people were over at the carnival. His mind sped, as he tried to think of a way out of this situation, and not get Matt hurt in the process. Xander had obviously gone round the bend.
“I don’t care what you believe. And I don’t believe that you’ll shoot. Wouldn’t want a brassed off Slayer after you, now would you?” Spike asked, hazarding to turn. A growl erupted from his chest when the sharp sting of wood pierced his shoulder. He struggled to keep his grip on his precious bundle.
“Wanna try again?” Xander asked, reloading quickly. “Why don’t you put the boy down, then we can finish this in private,” he suggested. Spike looked down at Matt, and cursed when he saw the bright blue orbs open.
“Daddy?” he asked weakly. His stomach was hurting, and he felt hot. He wasn’t afraid of the vampiric ridges of his father’s face. What scared him was the look of pain in his yellow eyes, and the cold voice speaking to Spike.
“Sh, bit. Quiet now,” he whispered, struggling to return to his human features.
“Isn’t that sweet?” Xander crooned, his voice mocking. Finally, Spike managed to push his demon back, and smiled down at his child.
“I’m going to put you down, now, poppet. Run to your mum.” He spoke softly, hoping to ease the scared boy.
“Daddy, that’s the man that made Mommy mad,” Matt whispered back.
“I know.” Spike answered, slowly lowering him to the ground. “When I say, you run, alright?” Matt nodded, sliding his wide blue eyes to the man behind his father.
“Hope you aren’t planning on running Spike. I’m not as stupid as you think.”
*That’s a matter of opinion,* Spike thought with a grimace. The bolt in his shoulder hurt like fire, and he wondered if the brunette had treated it with something.
“Run!” Spike hissed, pushing the boy to get him started. Matt moved as fast as his little legs would carry him. Spike waited a beat, long enough for Matt to disappear into the crowd before rounding on Xander. Full game face on, he started to lunge, only to collapse when Xander let another bolt loose into his stomach. That one was definitely treated, as the skin around it started to smoke.
“Bloody hell,” he gasped, as searing pain lanced through him. Another bolt hit the front of his shoulder, inches from his heart. The one in his back pierced all the way through when he landed on it. Spike reached up to pull that one out first, tears of pain misting his eyes. He threw it away, and struggled up to his knees, leveling yellow eyes on his nemesis. Xander still had the crossbow aimed at him, a fresh bolt ready to go.
“Get up, Spike. Let’s take this somewhere we can talk,” he said, amicably. Spike took a deep breath and pushed himself up. He was losing blood quickly, and he wondered what exactly was on the wood. “Holy water. Keeps the wounds from closing too quickly,” Xander supplied, as if reading his mind. “Now, move!” He jerked the crossbow, letting Spike know which direction to go. With one last, longing look at the bright, colorful lights of the carnival, the blonde started to move.
~*~*~
Anne, Mark and Willow were standing in front of the dart game, laughing at Mark’s attempts to win Willow the giant panda. After the tenth try, he gave up, turning to kiss Willow’s smiling mouth.
“Pool’s more my game, sweets,” he said apologetically.
“Oh well. I still have you to snuggle with,” she replied, brushing her thumb across his cheek.
“Speaking of snuggling. Haven’t Spike and Matt been gone a while?” Anne asked, turning to scan the crowd.
“MOMMY!” A tiny voice carried over the din, causing Anne’s heart to jump into her throat. She raced in the direction of the sound, Willow and Mark on her heels. Matt broke through the crowd and launched into Anne’s arms.
“Matt, what happened? Where’s your father?” she asked, wiping his tears away. Matt was breathing heavy, and sweaty, the smell of sickness in the air around him.
“Da-daddy took me to the bafroom, I got sick. He was comin’ to fine you, and then he stopped. That bad man from Sunday was there. He shot Daddy. Daddy tole me to run and find you. Why did he hurt Daddy, Mommy?” Matt had deteriorated into sobs as he told her what happened. Two feelings hit Anne at once. Relief that Matt was alright, and fear for Spike.
“Oh, goddess,” Willow gasped, gripping Mark’s arm. The Indian immediately started to scan the edges of the crowd, looking for the tell-tale white head.
“Matt, honey, can you tell me which way they went?” He shook his head wildly, clutching his mother with all the force he had in him. Anne closed her eyes and hugged him close, her minding visiting every death that she herself had bestowed on vampires.
“Let’s go check by the bathrooms,” Mark said, already heading that way. Willow and Anne followed him, terror clutching them. Willow’s mind had shut down, her disbelief making it hard to think. She never would have thought that Xander would go this far. She thanked anybody that she could think of that he let Matt go.
Mark moved with the stealth and speed that rivaled any vampire. Thousands of years of Native American heritage flowed through his veins as he started to track the pair. When they reached the bathrooms, he immediately veered left, following the trail into the clearing beyond. Every few feet, he would see blood in the light from the moon, and he guessed correctly that it was Spike’s. Just as they reached the side of the road, Xander’s beat up old truck tore off onto the highway. They were too far away from their cars to even think about giving chase. Willow began to scan the surrounding area for obvious piles of dust.
“He’s not dead,” Anne said with conviction, realizing what her friend was looking for. “I’d feel it if he were.” Matt continued to sob in her arms, and she squeezed him tightly. “Sh, baby. We’ll find him.”
“I can do a location spell. I just need something of his,” Willow said, hope flaring in her eyes.
“Then let’s go back to my house. Everything is there.”
“We need to stop by Mark’s first, so I can get my supplies.” Anne gave a curt nod and started back towards the crowds. The smell of sweet stuff was nauseating, and the laughter was grating. She strode silently to the other side where her car was parked, her arms wrapped around her child, her heart refusing to believe that she would lose Spike. Not now, after they finally found each other. She vowed, as she slid her terrified son into his seat in her car, that Xander would pay for fucking with what was hers.
A/N: Well, I guess I couldn’t keep old Xan man from going loopy in this one. Oh well.