Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters nor make any money from stories etc,
and bow down to their original creators Joss, et al., plus all the wonderful
online writers who continue to give the Buffy/Angel verse characters life.
Distribution: The Mystic Muse:
http://mysticmuse.net
http://www.livejournal.com/tools/memories.bml?user=rngrdead
Feedback: Very much appreciated.
Spoilers: Post-BtVS and AtS.
Author's Notes: If you don't like boys together, don't play here! D/s,
Major character death, slavery.
Pairing: Xander/Spike
Summary: A hundred and fifty years after the final battle with the Senior Partners…demons rule the world.
Part 1
The elderly human Pet leaned quietly against his Master's thigh. His knees were calloused from nearly a hundred and fifty years of kneeling at his Master's feet. In private, he was always allowed on the couch or the bed with Master, and he had 'Pet's special chair' to curl up on when Master's friends were present, or Master was out.
Unless the event was significant, these days his Master allowed him to stay at home. The cold played havoc with old joints, and the continuing fashion of keeping slaves adorned in aught but jewels, chains and precious metal or leather restraints gave no protection in the winter months.
In earlier times, he had run proudly with the Master vampire, delighting in the pretense of hunting, sprinting competitively for the sheer joy of the feeling, and feeling satisfaction as his Master was congratulated on such an athletic and trustworthy Pet. Xander had always delighted in the golden eyes and fang filled grin as Spike inevitably pulled him to the ground for a 'post hunt tussle' if they were alone.
Xander used to walk easily. These days he simply tried to manage, concealing the pain his hips and knees brought him from his keeper. He swung the hip chains, particularly when they were with company, as adeptly as any old pro might, but at a cost. Spike dearly loved his now silver haired slave with a passion, and hurt along with his beloved charge, as the master vampire noted each wince and occasional undisguised look of pain as his pet moved to try yet again to please his Master.
Xander still 'looked good', though the skin had lost its elasticity, and he was obviously less muscular than he had been in his prime. The greatest worry was the bruising, and the fact that Spike's bites were now taking almost a week to heal, even with the boost of vampire blood and delicately, lovingly applied saliva from the Master.
Xander knew a decision had to be made soon. There would come a day, in the not too distant future, when moving would no longer be an option…when even with the best of drugs and all possible surgery, his Master could no longer fix the mortal body. He wasn't sad. Indeed he knew he'd been blessed. His Master had never failed to remind him how much he was loved. In word or deed, for one and a half centuries since he had been purchased, Spike, his beloved Master had reminded him that he had been chosen *specifically*; that he belonged; that he was owned and would always be cared for; and that above all, he was loved…deeply, dearly and unconditionally. And because of all that, they both knew. Soon it would be time. He'd had a 'good innings', as Master would put it…and Master always knew best. Xander accepted, but in truth, it was Master who could not bear saying goodbye. Xander's longevity was due to taking small amounts of the Master's blood, but he was not immortal. And they had always known this would come, but Spike had refused to turn his beauty, no matter his age. Yet to be kind, Spike must, one day soon, provide his most treasured possession and dearest friend with the final gift…Death.
Spike's blood tinged tears flowed in private whenever this final decision was raised…Yet Xander knew that somehow his legacy would live on.
After some seventy years of non breeding, Spike had relented regards Xander and reproduction.
Consequently the brunette had sired only eighty seven beautiful children that he knew of. Thirteen of them, out of five prize female slaves, Spike had kept for the Aurelian Stud. Xander never met the mothers. The Master vampire was uncomfortable with the whole breeding business, and indeed, had disallowed Xander from actually coupling with the human 'brood mares', only agreeing to have them clinically impregnated with his seed. It had been a relief for his Pet. Xan was not comfortable with partnering with females since his enslavement. Master was the only coupling he wished for…ever. He knew that after his death, they would continue to use his sperm, they'd both had many years to become used to the idea that Master would monitor the number and care of his progeny.
Eleven of the thirteen offspring claimed for the household had thankfully remained in the ownership of the Spike to date. Nine were girls, and of those, four were natural witches, so there was a vested interest in keeping them as breeding stock…with appropriate training of course. The other 'normal' girls, all came from mothers with a history of multiple births, certainly seen as an economical advantage to the breeding program. He and his pet had been pleased by the apparent familial cohesion in the female enclosure.
Spike intended to 'turn' one of the girls at a later date if possible, though had good reason to wait, and it was beneficial that they matured and produced offspring first anyway. A pretty Vampire sired of the family stud stock would certainly bolster his standing in the demon community as he would take no other life partner after Xan 'passed on'.
For all his bravado, Spike still preferred his female pets to express a desire to mate with a particular breeding male. He was renowned for releasing several eligible individuals into the holding areas for weeks at a time. Fortunately with DNA identification, it was easy to determine the bloodline if there was any confusion. Whenever possible, Spike then purchased the preferred male partners from their owners and established breeding pairs. His radical methods and success rate as breeder in the latter years had become legendary.
Xander really had no idea of the number of his grandchildren now. He was sure Spike kept stud records but he'd never asked.
Sadly two of Xander's male offspring had displayed tendencies toward aggression and rebellion early in their lives, exhibiting rash and dangerous behavior, and the urge for independent procreation, even with their female relatives. After consultation with one of the local Pet doctors, it was decided that they be removed from Spike's 'herd' and were consequently sold to a local breeder. The demon had reportedly determined that the best course of action was that they be 'fixed'. After the removal of their vocal chords and testes, the geldings were reportedly now far calmer, and Xander was told by one of Spike's staff that his two silent sons were excellent eunuchs in the demon's prize herd, and that he should be proud. Spike never spoke of them, appearing noticeably distressed if they were ever mentioned by visitors. Xander was touched by the depth of his Master's concern.
The elderly pet had initially worried about his eldest, John. At six foot six, the athletic, sandy haired, quiet man, along with Xander's youngest son, Daniel, were still fully capable of breeding and perfectly suited to their roles. Xander had observed them responding well to their training, holding form and moving with the grace he had once possessed. But as 'stallion' stock, he noted that his eldest was disinterested in the females he was required to 'cover', failing to engage with the partner if simply left to his own devices.
Spike's staff had taken to habitually injecting the man immediately before any coupling activity to 'enhance his performance'. They would then send in another male slave to stimulate his organ by hand or vibrator cuff and force him forward into the restrained female at the moment of ejaculation. Spike and Xander had been thrilled to learn when the boy had finally been paired with a gay stable mate. Two months ago Spike had casually mentioned to his Pet that the two were thriving more than ever and his eldest's long term prospects as breeding male was secure.
Xander's youngest boy was the real prize…the pride of his Master's stud. Handsome thighs, coupled with well developed, highly trained arms, taut torso and powerful back…and a libido to match. He was tall, with dark features like his father, and had been pampered and worked until at his peak from the very first day of puberty until now at nearing eighty (longevity inherited and condition enhanced by small amounts of Spike's blood). Obedient to a fault in his actions, Daniel still maintained a fire in his gaze that implied his father's keen intelligence and fine spirit. Other owners often asked Spike to allow Daniel to cover their prettiest breeders in the hope of creating a similar beauty. Spike was most discerning, however, and to date only one hundred and four progeny had been produced. But those were all reportedly exquisite.
Xander snapped from his reverie. The meeting was in full swing and he noted a young human male slave kneeling opposite. He smiled at him, a tiny sign of solidarity. When there was no response, Xander looked hard at the individual. He'd seen those eyes before. The other Master was a Kailiff demon,…It was obvious to Xander that the boy had not been born into servitude, he'd been broken. Unlike himself, and very sadly, it was now common practice for broken slaves to be drugged heavily to improve their sexual abilities. Xander recognized the signs. This boy sported a hard-on that could split stone, but eyes that spelt…nothing. When the Kailiff master touched the boy lightly on the head, there was a reflex servicing (his gag reflex absent courtesy of the drugs and orgasm lacking due the heavy leather bindings). Xander cringed. Whenever the old pet serviced or was taken by Spike, no matter how often, in what position, or in what company, it was a joyous affair, one that they both participated in willingly, whether or not he was given the order to come. Regardless, *every* time was followed by a passionate kiss and quiet words of praise from his Master. Xander reminded himself again just how incredibly blessed his life had been.
Spike rose to move from the meeting. Despite the urge to groan at the effort, Xander stood silently, a pace and a half behind the right shoulder of his powerful and beautiful Master, head bowed, yet standing straight and exuding his own charisma as treasured elderly pet. The hundreds of diamonds adorning his chains, the rubies embedded in the collar circling his neck, and the elegant spirals of white gold and amber around his aging legs told of his Master's devotion to his Pet. The fact that his Master reached back as he turned to leave the meeting and deliberately took the Pet's hand rather than his lead, spelt an ancient bond of mutual trust.
All the demons present could easily see the age and frailty of the Pet, yet had also observed the same silver haired human servicing the vampire with a willing mouth during the meeting, unprompted and with great enthusiasm. The others were complimentary but it left the Kailiff particularly frustrated and confused. He thrust his large member into his drugged slave's young mouth with jealous dissatisfaction, grunted as he completed and walked off leaving his pet to recover and 'catch up' as best he could.
Part 2
The following afternoon, Spike had one of his staff move his Pet's chair onto the sunny patio overlooking the estate's vast grounds. Xander had protested mildly until Spike pointed out that he would be working at his desk but three steps away in the safety of the shady library, and that the elderly human was welcome to join him at any time.
Spike watched as Xander adjusted and luxuriated in the warmth of the afternoon sun, then delighted as his Pet realized the 'little extra' his Master had provided. Two of the breeding mothers, Xander's youngest daughters, were lying comfortably on a blanket half way down the gently sloping and well manicured lawn. He noted that they were both heavily pregnant again and smiled, idly wondering which males would sire Xander's grandchildren next year.
Six pretty, dark children, all unmistakably of Xander's line were playing 'Tag' in front of the mothers and a handler…who, like all Spike's demon staff, gave no indication of his real role as 'herder'. Instead, the massive blue individual seemed to relish his nominated role as the 'safe' spot to retreat to for any small humans not wishing to be tagged. Xander smiled sleepily as high pitched squeals of delight filtered up from the excited brood. He closed his eyes for a few minutes and simply enjoyed the sounds of childhood happiness. Was it any wonder Spike's stud was so successful…
"Father?" Xander woke with a jolt. It was now late afternoon, he observed, and shivered a little. The women and children had obviously been returned to their quarters and before him stood…his youngest son.
"Daniel!" Xander smiled broadly and almost sighed as he noted the marvelous human form. His son stood tall, the leash loosely connecting him to his handler, though an unnecessary accessory, as here was a human stallion utterly confident of his place and satisfied with his role.
Daniel reached out to take his father's hand, but dropped to his knees instantly, head bowed and hands clasped behind his back in a sign of respect, as Master Spike appeared at the door of the library.
In the safety of the now shadowed patio, Spike wandered over to toss the afghan rug he was holding across his Pet's curled form, before claiming a kiss from the old man. Placing a gentle hand on Xander's shoulder, he reached to take Daniel's chin and lifted the handsome face until the young man was looking squarely at him. Despite his age and prowess as stallion, Daniel's eyes sparkled with an innocence and trust in his Master that Spike adored and saw in all Xander's progeny.
Spike smiled approvingly and caressed the man's pretty forehead with the back of his hand.
"You've done well this month, Daniel."
Xander smiled at his Master. There was no other feeling more wonderful than receiving praise from those beautiful lips, and the old Pet noted the sudden teary look in his son's eyes as he stared adoringly at the Master.
"Thank you, Master."
"It seems you will have two new offspring next year." Spike paused for a moment, squeezing Xander's shoulder as a small sign of his pleasure at letting his dear pet know of more grandchildren now to come.
"Yes Master."
"We have been asked that you service two more of Krevlorn's brood females this week, but I intend to rest you…at least until Summer. Then we'll see."
"Yes Master, thank you Master."
"Daniel, you know your father here, my beloved Pet, has not been well of late." The young man looked up with genuine panic. Father had *always* been with Master…had *always* been well.
Xander also looked a little alarmed, though relaxed as Spike's hand began to gently fondle the nape of his neck and stroke his silver locks.
"I would like you to deputize for your father as my Pet in meetings from hence forth. Your stud duties will, of course, continue, but you will travel with me when necessary, and kneel at my right in his stead." Spike smiled as the young man took on the look of a deer caught in headlights.
"The meetings are too long and tedious for my dear old Luv." Spike leaned down to give and receive a deep and loving kiss with Xander as Daniel looked on.
"You will of course be expected to perform the minimum duties." This time the younger man let a tear of joy escape his pretty brown eyes. His emotions were in turmoil, he felt such pride at being asked to kneel at Master's right side in public, and to be allowed to service Master was both terrifying and wonderful. He felt extreme distress at his father's obvious frailty and Master's worry, and was utterly in awe of the obvious depth of love and devotion he was currently witnessing between Master and his father. He resolved to request of his handlers, that he be taken to speak to his father some time during the coming week to discuss just how he might best please Master in the most delicate of his duties.
Daniel had been given all the right training and was adept at providing all the standard services required of a Pet. As stud stallion he was rarely required to perform the same, but over the last year he'd had discussions with John and his father regarding the finer points of providing a same sex partner with greater oral and anal pleasures. He quickly realized that now he also needed to know Spike's public preferences and to learn the 'deviations' from societal standards of slave behavior that he would be expected to follow in public as Spike's status slave.
"I have arranged for you to have the status brand added tomorrow." Daniel beamed his delight with a blinding smile, as Xander rubbed over his own status brand. Spike had demanded that it be placed on the patch of skin just below his navel, the most intimate place possible that still allowed others to see.
Xander and all his offspring bore the pretty Aurelian brand. The design was an adaptation of Master Spike's grandsire, Angel's, original griffin. Most breeders callously branded their stock with crude marks on the pectoral muscles of their slaves, but Spike always branded his stock with the elegant black Aurelian tattoo at the base of their spine. It was a rite of passage and a point of pride for any member of the Aurelian Stud. Theirs was a mark of beauty and denoted fine breeding, something to be proud of. But Xander had two other marks. The status brand marked him as his Master's prize Pet, and the scar on his neck, constantly reopened over the past century and a half, marked him as his Master's chosen life partner. So few vampires took Pets as life partners that the mark had always attracted awed attention when in public.
"Do you understand Daniel?"
"Yes Master. I am deeply honored, Master…thank you. I will do my best for you." Xander had not been given leave to speak but smiled at his boy as Daniel gave a minute nod to his father, silently conveying his deep devotion and commitment to their household, and confirming it again with a loving look. The old Pet relaxed back into his chair as Spike nodded at the handler. Daniel stood, bowed to Spike, then departed with a fluid grace that the vampire suspected was now genetic.
Spike turned to his silver haired companion. They were alone, so Xander could speak freely, should he wish.
"I thought it best to ask Daniel. Do you agree?"
"Yes Master."
"John?"
"…Would be unhappy to leave his stable mate."
"That's what I figured."
"Daniel will be good for you."
"Still got you though haven't I."
"Not for much longer Master. We both know…"
"No!!" It was Spike's turn on his knees. Taking his Pet's hands, he gently stroked over the back of each hand, the tissue paper thin, wrinkled and near translucent skin moving easily with each pass of his thumb. "Can't lose you Pet …Won't!"
Xander's tone dropped to the level he might use for a frightened child, "You will have to Spike…we both know…Please Spike…Let me die in your arms…Let me love you one last time, then end it for me…Please?"
Spike was shaking his head so furiously that his human pet began to worry if he might do himself an injury. Xander stilled the move by lifting their joined hands to the defined, timelessly beautiful jawline. Then continued…
"I'm so tired Master…And I want so desperately to please you but everything is so hard these days…I trust you Master and I have loved you forever…You are my all…but please let me go…Please? I would see the next two born, but take me on the solstice and sprinkle my ashes under our oak…You love that oak. That way I can always be with you when you sit under it to watch the moon…Remember? How many times have we made love under that oak?…You are always so beautiful in the moonlight…my glorious, my wonderful and extraordinary Master, my Lover…My Friend…You must let go!…" Xander's voice trailed off and Spike let out a grief stricken sob as azure eyes released a torrent of blood tinged tears that spelt the anticipation of devastating loss.
They had stayed on the balcony for a long time that night.
It was Solstice…
"Thank you Master…" Whispered gratitude from the pet as his Master guided the cloth over his Pet's torso one more time.
The reply was barely audible "Oh god…I love you Xan", and with that, Spike peppered kisses anywhere he could manage to reach.
"And I you Master…with all my heart."
Still sniffling, the vampire stood and carefully lifted the human from their warm bath. Xander was so light. He hardly ate more than a sparrow might these days…Spike sat him gently on the toilet chair he had bought for the human many months ago. Xander had been struggling to relieve his 'human needs', the chair allowed it with a minimum of effort and at least the dignity of attending the toilet alone.
The vampire dried his partner and carried him to their huge bed. Xan…his Pet; his lover; his confidant and best friend; his companion for nearly three human lifetimes. Spike settled the frail figure on the luxurious silk sheets, then quickly divested himself of his own towel and eased down behind his beloved Pet, pulling the covers over them both as he spooned the old man's figure for the last time.
Xander smiled with a sense of completeness and contentment, then whispered, "Do it Spike…Please…"
Spike placed a shaky but loving kiss on the nape of the wrinkled neck, then carefully turned his companion so adoring blue eyes could meet brown.
"Good night pet."
Tears streamed down both partners' cheeks as a tentative pale hand caressed Xander's face. Xander smiled back at his Master.
The near inaudible reply was devastating, "'Goodbye Spike…" The vampire suddenly tore his hand away with an anguished cry. But in a move at a speed that was wondrous given the circumstances, Xander grabbed the wrist of his Master and guided the hand back to his cheek.
"Nooo…thank you Master…I love you Master. Please…I'm ready…Please!"
"I know Xan…But I've loved you forever…Love you so much…Oh gahh…Love you …Love you" He stared into his beloved's good eye and shifted into game face, looking at his living lover through pain filled golden eyes for one last time…then bit down hard into the ancient mark and began to drink.
Following the pattern of more than a century, as the feeding began, Xander's hand drifted to caress Spike's hardness, but this time familiar fingers fell limp before bringing their master to completion.
Spike heard the final words…"Luvvv youuu Sspp…" then the heart fluttered and died, and all went still.
Spike eased the love of his unlife down to his final repose. Tears of devastation and loss flowed freely as he keened and remembered…
Part 3
Half an hour later, Spike lay unmoving, arms locked around the figure of his now cold and lifeless Pet. He could still taste his beloved's blood on his tongue. It was the flavor of unadulterated love and devotion and…Xander. He doubted if he would ever drink again.
When they took on the Black Thorn they all knew it could be bad but their final battle had been exactly that, final.
It had been dark as he crawled, literally, from under the belly of the beast. He'd watched in horror as his grandsire had dusted. He had still been fighting…however many demons, and was trying *so* hard to reach Angel…He almost did it too, but only in time to watch the dragon slain and then see his grandsire's head sliced from his body by an unseen assassin. Moments later the headless dragon carcass collapsed over him and all went black. Had he been human he would have suffocated, instead the huge corpse saved him…though at the time, and for many months that followed, he could not find any reason to be grateful.
When Spike clawed his way from under the putrid body of the beast twenty four hours later, Gunn was obviously dead. He never found Illyria, nor heard anything of her afterward. What he did discover very quickly was that the demons had kept coming. Something the Senior Partners at Wolfram and Hart had not planned on. The demons that won over Angel and his little band had been brought through a simple portal. Unfortunately the Partners had failed to notice the powerful M'gattar demon coming through the portal along with their demon army. Magically inclined, the M'gattar widened the dimensional rift, then held it open for long enough to change the balance of power on earth forever.
The demons had organized, recruited from their ranks already around the world, and taken control. In the two years that followed every country fell to demon control. The wholesale slaughter of humans slowed once total power was gained. It was quickly determined that all humans who survived should be rounded up and sold as slaves or food. The trade in homo sapiens began.
Spike initially headed for England but found the new Watcher headquarters destroyed and all the slayers dead. He discovered that Willow and her coven had all been taken alive but Giles had been slaughtered along with his fellow watchers. Spike then sought out Buffy in Italy, quickly learning she had been killed in the first wave of fighting. Dawn had been captured. Grieving and alone, he survived. He traversed Europe attending every slave auction he could, desperately searching for the girls. He initially bought as many humans as he could then released them, but stopped the practice when he learned that they were all consequently recaptured and sold again, or killed.
Ten years on he had all but given up hope but his luck changed one freezing night on the London docks.
Xander was captured in the eighth month of fighting. He had been in the back of a truck heading out of London with seven others when they came upon the demon road block. He was one of four from their vehicle that survived. He had spent all his money in a desperate effort to smuggle himself to England where Willow months earlier (via a miraculously still working internet) had assured him human forces were gathering for a last stand. By the time he arrived the last stand had been a last slaughter, and the 'round up' had begun in England as well.
Pulled from the truck and forced to his knees on the roadside gravel by a posse of Fyarl demons, Xander assumed he would die. Instead his hands and feet were bound tightly, then the three individuals who were obviously in their sixties or seventies, and the elderly driver of the truck, were separated off. The remaining humans listened helplessly to the sounds of them being killed and…consumed.
The remaining group had been drugged for transport, Xander waking to find himself on his side in a stock vehicle, collared and chained.
He had been 'passed over' in two sales, probably due to his missing eye. He spent three months in the holding area for household slaves, and learned from the smatterings of English used by the handlers, that he would soon be shifted to the 'food stock' pens. But he was saved from that.
One of the handlers brought through a family friend and his tiny daughter. The demons were of a species Xander recalled from Sunnydale…they looked like Spike's card playing buddy Clem. All the humans in his pen had been forced to their knees, yet again, as the tiny girl with (at that stage) a toothless grin and bright red eyes wandered down the line with her father. Courtesy of Xander not attempting to move away or hurt the tiny demon when she reached out to touch him, he was privately sold as a 'child friendly' household slave.
In the ensuing nine years, Xander learned to cope. His role in the household was essentially a combination of nanny and children's pet. They were a well off family with all manner of human slaves, but his job was to care for and amuse the children. Why they chose a male human for the task was no doubt a foible of the species, but after less than a year, Xander learned that he should be grateful for his lot. Slaves talked. He was fed well, and after his initial 'training' by an outside handler, he had never really been severely disciplined. The children were easy to be around and growing up in the liberal household, treated Xander with respect and love.
In his fifth year with the family, he heard that the demand for human blood, flesh and working slaves had driven the human population to a dangerously low point. The whole family worried, they were not flesh eaters but knew that short supply would cause trouble. The unrelated warring between demon factions that began in the eighth year only made things worse. In the tenth year it became critical. On one fateful day in October, the household became one of those targeted by the ruling clans of South England. Rich but peaceful, the family holdings were now prime targets for the marauding rabble spilling in from the European wars. To date they had paid their way out of any trouble, but apparently…not any more.
Within the month, a decision was made to move the whole extended family to New Zealand, a demon territory renowned for its tolerance and willingness to accept peaceful refugees from other regions. They would have to sell everything to afford safe passage.
Five inconsolable, young, loose skinned children petted their 'nanny' for the last time and bade Xander farewell as he was loaded into the truck with the other household slaves. As before, the others were sold quickly, but despite his 'good record with children', his marred countenance and age of thirty three meant that interested buyers were few.
Chained, starved and reeking of his own excrement, he was in the process of being led onto a stock ship destined for the food lots in Germany, when his demon handler forced him to his knees and a familiar voice caused his breath to hitch.
"I want this one…'ow much?"
Spike had been idly wandering through the docklands primarily seeking a few pints of animal blood, though it was almost as expensive as human these days. The Demon Sarantsi disease had all but wiped out the world's domestic pig and cattle stock, leaving limited options for the vampire, as taking forcibly extracted human blood was simply not a possible choice for the ensouled Spike. It was entirely by chance that he happened to glance over at the line of chained humans as he wandered past, and saw the boy…well man now…but nevertheless…
As a Master Vampire, Spike had the right to purchase any human he wished. The handlers saw it as a cash sale and easy money.
Xander never forgot to remind Spike of the first words he heard from his new 'master' and soon to be life partner on that day. "You're mine now pet."
Tears streaked down the pale countenance as Spike began to rock slowly, "So glad I found you Pet…So glad I found you! And you were mine…you were always mine…and oh gahhhh…" He inhaled again unnecessarily, "…and I was yours…was always yours…I still am Luv…always. "
Unhooked from the rest of the group, Spike had led Xander away by the crude chain fixed to his steel collar, his arms had remained bound behind his back. Weak from lack of food, and with his legs in still in shackles, his progress behind the vampire was labored.
Xander had no idea what to expect…Spike was supposed to be dust! More than a decade ago…dust and Sunnydale destruction…As the blonde led him down a dark alleyway, it suddenly occurred to him that the vampire might now be 'without soul'. Spike had yet to say anything more to him and the clink of the shackles around his ankles and pad of his bare feet on asphalt were the only sounds made as he followed the blonde obediently in the fashion society required.
Spike remembered his utter disbelief at finding the ex Scooby by chance after ten years. It was such an extraordinary coincidence…He recalled the look on Xander's face as he pushed him up to the brick wall of the alley, dropped the leash chain and simply kissed him as a long lost relative might.
His lips finally released, Xander had said, "God…Spike? Um…Thanks but um…Just so's we're clear…*so* not gay!"
…They had laughed over that line for years afterwards.
Spike stroked his beloved's features again, giving a small smile as he remembered. He let out another hitched sob as he noted the new found stillness of the human's chest.
In the privacy of the alley, Spike had continued to hold Xander with preternatural strength.
"I can't free you Harris, you know that…"
Xander pulled away a little to stare at his old ally, then dropped his gaze out of habit, "Yeah I figured that."
They had exchanged blood for the first time in that alley. Spike 'marking' Xander as his own by taking the man's blood and under protest, feeding him some of his own. It was enough at the time to protect Xander as 'Spike's property'. They had no idea, at that moment, of their future together or the effect the vampire blood would have.…
Part 4
Spike was still rocking, it was impossible to stall the tears, so they continued unchecked as he stroked his beloved's features as if willing him to respond but all the time knowing that his lover was no longer there…But he stroked…and cried…and stroked…and stroked…
He knew the beautiful face so much better than his own. The straight nose was as pretty as ever, though the scarred socket where the eye had been lost appeared more sunken than usual. But the mouth…Oh that mouth, it had brought so much pleasure, but was now slack with a tinge of dark blue around the lips. That was perhaps the most distressing…Yet he could not help but reflect…Oh what that mouth had been able to do to him…The pleasure was given and received from their third month together until in his final months, when his partner had become too frail to enjoy that same act and they had forgone all manner of sexual pleasure in preference to the simple joy of lying together in a tangle of loving limbs…An anguished cry ushered forth from the vampire unchecked as he remembered…
Xander had been utterly confused on that first night as they approached Spike's home. He remained bound for their trip back to the apartment, was slightly baffled by the kiss, utterly 'wired' by the blood exchange, and still unsure of what was to come. As they entered Spike's home and the door slammed behind him, Xander's chain, his lead, was immediately dropped. Confusion reigned for the human. After eleven years in 'service' Xander did the only thing he could think of. He fell to his knees in a full down position, forehead on the floor, and waited.
Spike had dropped all pretence of 'master and slave' behavior as they entered the apartment, not fully realizing the challenge that it caused for his new charge, "Oh geez! Harris!…Whelp! Xander! Get up you silly sod!"
Xander's head remained bowed as he struggled to his feet, and he gasped as he recalled the old nickname he'd heard in Spike's demand…His breath hitched again in desperate hope, but he no longer knew for what! Still suffering from the maltreatment of the past five months and the accumulated grief of being 'let go', and before that of losing Willow, and Sunnydale before that, and the slavery and being not acceptable…and…and…and…The combination of relief, confusion and grief, was simply overwhelming. Despite his best efforts, his legs began to falter and tears flowed. He almost collapsed to his knees again, desperately grasping a side board in an effort to remain on his feet.
The master vampire had quickly stripped every restraint from the human as he stood supported by the hallway furniture, all the while, patiently explaining that his intention was to keep Xander safe, and that he was *so* thrilled to find the former ally…
With the shock of being 'rescued', Spike's stated innocent intentions, the removal of his slave bindings, and the whole idea that he was, at least somewhat,…Safe…Xander had done the only thing his stressed system was capable of …it overloaded and began to shut down. His breathing sped and chest tightened with anxiety, as he struggled to comprehend…
In the early days (the first ten years or so of human enslavement), rules for the behavior of slaves in public had varied widely, though traders had a fairly pragmatic practice of 'learn to submit and follow for instructions, or die'. Xander had been in a household where the codes of slave conduct had been simple and fare. His experience at the hands of the traders had been utterly the opposite.
Spike had watched the former Scooby with concern, he saw near amazement as he continued to explain his purpose for purchasing Xander, and his intentions. The blonde stopped the monologue momentarily after stripping the chattels of slavery, watching in alarm as Xander swayed in his attempt to stand tall for his 'new master', then reacted as the human started to fail. Spike remembered speeding forward to catch Xander as he collapsed in a dead faint.
The brunette had awoken in the early hours of that first morning surrounded by sweet smelling soap and a warm bath, his first in over a decade. Still half asleep, he had murmured a love filled thank you to Spike, who was spooning Xander from behind at the time. Spike remembered kissing the bronzed brow and simply rejoicing in the idea that he'd found one of 'his own'.
From that wondrous first bath on, Xander understood that their roles would be defined in the outside world by the demon laws, but privately and in reality, things would be very different…Later they would fight to change those same laws but in the first hours together, there were no such thoughts, just relief. For the majority of their century and a half together, Xander walked two paces behind and slightly to the right when in public. In private, who walked behind whom generally reflected who was making the drinks for whom that night…and that (like all their intimate acts) had no hierarchy!
It had taken almost two months to nurse the human back to full health, and another four before Xander was back to what Spike considered 'fighting fitness' mentally. But that had been 'OK', and his convalescence had had the added bonus of the two gradually becoming lovers…
At the start of month number two, Xander admitted to his new protector, in passing…(well strictly speaking there had been some alcohol and a long night of discussion involved!) that it was over twelve years since he had 'relations' with anyone, and more distressingly, as far as Spike was concerned, that it was almost a year since he had found any 'relief'. His 'Nanny' role with the family to whom he had been sold had meant little contact with other humans. And despite their 'unisex' status, the sales pens were hardly conducive to any 'activity' as they were always observed closely. Anyway various demons had broad preferences, so the human concept of 'gender' was rather…silly…and providing the handlers with any reason to 'observe', or worse, participate had been terrifying. The most important factor in demon relationships was almost always procreation or power.
As Xander recovered, the political climate also continued to shift toward the more extreme as the fallout from the early Demon wars came to rest. Spike's role as Master Vampire and Xander's as human slave was unfortunate but would remain (at least externally) ever more defined. What the outside world remained happily oblivious of, was the shift within one vampire's home, as Spike's human 'purchase' went from 'surprise find' to 'renewed friend', to 'lover', and after only a few short months became 'long term partner'.
In the effort to confirm at least the most basic of *non slave* relationships in the first few weeks of Xander's recovery, Spike had tried to explain their possible future together in terms of some of his own human memories. In particular, his own mother quietly sewing suffragette colors into the hem of her over skirt, and deliberately teaching all her staff to read and write and the girls to sew…In private the women had also been encouraged to read the newspapers and discussed philosophy, history and politics. In a world that banned women from the vote, it was the best she could do at the time. The lesson, however, bore profound dividends for some of those same individuals, and the central message did not go unnoticed by her sensitive son, after all, it had only been him and his mother, and aught was ever said outside the household.
By the end of the tale Xander was half snoozing, unaccustomed to being so physically comfortable curled up on a thick rug in front of a fire in late afternoon, but nevertheless did not fail to miss the message Spike was attempting to convey. His only confusion was caused by the fact that the same message came via recollections of Spike's human days, something that he was never privy to in Sunnydale. Spike eventually saw the puzzled look on the human's face.
"What's up Luv?"
"Mast…Spike…Um…may I ask…?" They were alone, and Xander was only just getting used to dropping formalities, though it was still difficult.
"'S only us…You're welcome to speak Pet, told you that…yeah?"
"Um…Yes M…Well, Thank you…"
"No thankin' necessary…What's got your knickers in a twist?"
"Is there such a thing as a midlife crisis for a vampire?"
"What?"
"Mid-life crisis. You know you remembering your Mom and all that. Just…I never thought…"
"You delirious again, pet…'Course I had a Mum! What? You thought some silly bint just bonked, bore me and buggered off? Well I'm right insulted!"
"On so many levels can I just say Ewwww!" The statement blurted out before Xander could think and was so 'Sunnydale Xander' that the vampire could not contain his joy at hearing the familiar boy of old and roared with laughter.
"What's the problem Luv…I thought with your tauntin' a vamp when 'es just been candid 'bout is ol' mom is a definite sign of sickness…"
Xander suddenly felt embarrassed, terribly concerned, and instantly fell back on old training at least in word, though resisted the urge to move to a full down kneel, "No Master!!! I'm sorry M…Oh Gahhh It's Just that…Well you never told us about you as a human when we were…well you know before…"
Spike saw his friend starting to retreat in on himself again, "'S OK pet, what were you going to say just now?"
Xander looked almost sheepish…"Mas…Well it just occurred to me…Do vamp's have a middle age? 'cause how old are you now?"
Spike looked utterly taken aback for a moment then answered in a somewhat bemused tone, "Hundred an' sixty one if your countin' from birth…what you thinkin' of buyin me a walkin' cane?!"
Xander looked at him in awe, "God Spike…That's amazing! I never really…"
"You ever tell anyone!" Spike fell into game face though Xander did not hear any growling so relaxed a little. He grinned at his 'Master'.
"'Course not!"
"Good then." Spike adjusted his position and patted Xander on the arm.
"You thirsty?"
"Ho yeah!"
Much alcohol ensued as Xander told Spike a few of his own favorite family memories and of his wish to have more discussions of Spike's 'old days'. Their friendship continued to strengthen.
Publicly they were always the perfect master and pet. Privately, they had been lovers and equals from those very first weeks. Xander's habit of calling Spike 'Master' and Spike's of referring to Xander as 'Pet' slipped into their private lives but neither really minded. Slave laws in those days had been fairly simple and the pretence easy to maintain.
One night, a week after their 'middle age' discussion, they had been drinking a little and discussing freedom and talking wishes and desires, when Spike had pulled out some very old DVD's of human porn he had managed to buy from a second hand dealer at the local market. His tastes varied widely and he had been less than careful about the orientation of the various movies. It proved to be a stroke of luck.
As a vampire, Spike's sexual preferences were fairly 'liberal'. But he had hardly been 'pleasing himself' in any fashion lately as soul, circumstance, then grief took their toll.
As they watched the second short, very average, 'arthouse' feature, they both giggled rather sheepishly as they noted each other's erections. The film was in Italian, the plot obvious, so Spike turned down the sound and Xander dropped his guard and began to tell Spike some of his most private secrets.
Xander had not had a sexual encounter with a female since before the collapse of Sunnydale, when he and Anya had their final 'relations'. As a household slave and a 'non-breeder' he had slept exclusively in the male living quarters. After eight or so years, a pretty young lad named Stephen and he had come to share a bed, initially for warmth and comfort, but eventually for satisfaction also. Xander had been very quick to add that it was only of the 'handheld' (and occasionally mouth) variety…and vehemently protested his 'straight' status after Spike wiggled a scarred eyebrow at the statement. But as they watched a third movie, a definitely male on male feature, Spike saw evidence to the contrary and Xander dropped his guard a little more and smiled as they both found their own 'rhythm' toward the end of the second scene.
Spike had been lying on the couch and Xander curled up in the old lounge chair for most of the evening. The film ended.
"What happened to him pet?"
"Master?" The auto response slipped out before Xander could check it.
"Stephen luv…What happened to him?"
"Oh…He was sold virtually the instant we first arrived at market – even before the auction. God Spike…He was led away even before I had the chance to say goodbye!…I prayed to any god I could think of that he went to a 'good home'…But…"
Spike saw his friend's distress and took a calculated risk.
"Come here pet. 'S OK I won't bite without your permission." Spike patted the broad section of cushions in front of him and wiggled his scarred eyebrow in an effort to lighten the mood. Xander complied thankfully. They both knew the biting was no longer much of a problem as Spike had been exchanging small amounts of blood with Xander since their first evening together, something they both (surprisingly for Xander) enjoyed. Initially it had been for Xander's protection, then to assist his physical recovery, and now was simply one of the most pleasant parts of daily routine.
Xander stretched out next to the vampire, thankful of feeling safe and close to another being and finally realizing that he really wanted to be there. He had learned over the past few weeks that Spike craved and freely gave physical comfort. He had slept in Spike's bed from the first night and become used to waking with the vampire wrapped around him, with or without a tangle of bedcovers that the blonde seemed to always procure for himself, despite Xander's repeated attempts to hold onto 'his half'. A few times he had awoken to Spike's rock hard erection pressing against his person, nothing had been said to date, but the last time he had been surprised to note his own reciprocal hardness straining for some friction and almost touching Spike's.
That night as they lay together on the couch watching the third movie, with Spike's arm slung casually over his waist, Xander had not found it odd to feel the vampire slowly begin to caress his torso. As the action on screen heated up and Spike's hand drifted to his groin, he had moved his leg slightly to give better access and the hand released his hardness from the confines of his shorts. By the time the two men on screen were half way through a torrid love scene, Xander had rolled over to face Spike and claimed a passionate kiss, opening his mouth and accepting an enthusiastically probing tongue to tangle with his own, then arched in ecstasy as an experienced hand brought him to completion.
In the days and weeks that followed, Xander came to the conclusion that he may well not count himself a lover of men generally but there was no doubt is his mind, he was a lover of Spike…And in a world as crazy as theirs had become, if that meant he was 'gay', then so be it.
Still keening and holding the still figure to his chest, Spike caressed his partner's lifeless cheek yet again…Who would he be able to debate politics with now? Who would 'call him out' when his own vampire nature warred with his soul?…But then his demon had always been weak…Who would William, the poet, turn to when the world was going to hell? Who now would take him in a warm hug and reassure him that their children, their part of the crazy world, everything…would all be OK?
Another flood of tears ensued…He hit the dead form of his lover on the arm and turned his head as if to tell a secret to a still conscious person.
Spike could not help himself…He had lost too much this time, "You *bloody bastard*!!!"
Several unnecessary breaths were drawn…"I was happy to turn you…I would have been…ahhh no F@#$ but we both decided didn't we…and then we…but I don't know how to go on now pet…not without you…never without you…'boys together'…Remember? We promised remember? And you're leaving me alone! You sodding bastard…you're leaving me…I know we agreed but…Oh Xan…I just can't do this,,,, I just…" The vampire released another anguished cry, then hugged the inert torso to his own chest, and continued to keen anew.
Part 5
He traced around the space where his Pet's left eye once was. Xander had lost the eye so long ago, that by year twenty of their time together, they both suspected that Xander would have no idea what to do with an 'extra'. Of course Spike had an ocular implant fitted for his Pet as soon as they had perfected the technology enough…But in private Xander always removed it…so it was just the two of them with all their flaws.
Sometimes it had been their flaws that saved them, indeed were the reasons they had found each other.
Spike had managed to access some of the Aurelian 'family' accounts in London around the time he had found Xander. Prior to that, he had simply 'survived'. Demons had annexed all the human systems including trade, and once those systems stabilized again, he was able to trade and invest, quickly proving quite adept. Like a handful of other master vamps and intelligent demons who had already been 'living in the human world' and therefore comprehended the 'adapted' systems, he began to fare very well.
His growing fortune and established reputation as Master Vampire, allowed most other demons to 'overlook' his dreadful affliction, 'that soul'. When he took on a personal human pet with only one eye, some of the 'bitchier' in his business circles had snarked that it was probably appropriate that the handicapped stuck together. In latter years however, few mentioned it, as his power and influence had Spike's flaw's and foibles reinterpreted as the natural eccentricities of the ruling class. It did not protect the household from all society's 'rules' however…
As the warring of various demon clans petered out, and the intercontinental trade of slaves became standard practice, fairly consistent societal rules and regulations were established regards the care and treatment of humans. Europe was the first to define the standards of management and protocol for personal slaves in public, but it was the former USA east coast (now controlled by a cartel of seven demon families) that were instrumental in the drive to enforce standards of public etiquette for humans by punishing both owner and slave. The trend spread quickly around the world and though it generally meant a monetary penalty for the owner, and 'witnessed' mild beating of the slave; other measures such as 'reeducation' of errant slaves were common in many regions, and systematic drugging as a cheaper alternative became widespread.
Owners who were considered to be encouraging misbehavior in some way and prosecuted as human 'sympathizers', were more often than not killed as a warning to others, along with their pets. Some small remote communities made their own rules, becoming pockets of liberal resistance against the more draconian laws, though the dominant clans made every effort to wipe them out. Regions where humans were in particularly short supply and who were forced to 'fill the gap' with weaker demons captured in various wars, made efforts to formulate first a demon, then eventually a non-demon (human and animal combined), slave rights manifesto. The demon section was ratified and enacted in most places, but the rest seen as too contentious and only spasmodically and inconsistently applied…
As the public laws for humans tightened, Spike and Xander took to using some of the 'required' practices in private, for fear they might slip up in the wrong company. The requirement for Pets to kneel and the various acceptable positions when in public became more and more defined, and Xander became comfortable kneeling at Spike's feet inevitably resting his cheek on the vampire's muscular thigh as was permitted for personal pets. When at home, Spike always ensured his partner had an ample velvet cushion to kneel on whenever in the position and regardless of company. The then unusual practice of 'the cushion' later became a status symbol for any of the 'in crowd' in society.
Xander inevitably remained silent in any company, at most replying formally and succinctly to direct questions. But that had its advantages as his knowledge of Spike's business activities improved. There was often a 'meeting after the meeting' to debrief with his Master and compare their impression of what had gone on.
Xander's pleasuring of Spike in public did not bother him after the first couple of times, as the vampire never failed to reciprocate as soon as they were home again. And being fed by his Master's hand had become a favorite part of any 'event' they were made to attend, and indeed even at home. Xander could pretty much guarantee evoking near painful arousal for the vampire by the third or fourth bite with his well practiced nibble…then lick…then suck the fingers clean with a nice thorough lave of a warm tongue (and repeat as needed). It always amused them both that other demons he associated with seemed to accept the fact that Spike nearly always excused himself for a 'private smoke' at parties immediately following the feeding of his pet. Xander accompanied him of course.
The branding laws for humans came in around their fifteenth year together. And though Xander already sported Spike's claim mark on his neck, they were forced to comply. Spike discussed options with his partner for many weeks before deciding on the Aurelian Griffin to nestle at Xander's tail bone. Twelve years later they added a pretty S with knot work surrounds below his naval to mark him as Prize Pet – but that was more a social status symbol and simple expectation by that stage, rather than law. It was made all the more welcome as it gave another point for Spike to 'attend to' during their lovemaking. They had both wished sometimes that the vampire could be marked but the ink simply would not take to skin that would not scar, at least not without some magical intervention and neither were prepared to risk it.
Spike reached down and caressed the mark on Xander's stomach…noting that ink had spread and faded over the years and now…the spot was colder than even his touch. Xander was never cold. Even after the dress codes had changed for humans…his Xan had never been allowed to be cold…
Spike pulled another rug over the inert body and wrapped his arms around his ancient lover even tighter, trying in vain to let him be warm, even in death…His Xander had always hated the cold…
They had been sitting reading the new dress code for acceptable attire for humans, in particular when in public, but even the printed document from the ruling body stated that it could only be 'recommended' in private as they recognized it difficult to enforce (though both Spike and Xander noted the 'right to prosecute on private property if deemed appropriate' in the fine print at the bottom of the fourth page).
"You daft bugger Pet…If I turn you, you won't have to wear this rot, cause you'd be a bloody vampire! And you *wouldn't* feel the cold."
"Well Master…Spike…that's because I'll f#%$ing well *be* cold permanently!"
"I'm never cold…"
"You…!!!! That is the biggest load of…of…crap and you know it Mr. Hogs-the-Covers-Every-Night alias Lover-Grabbing-Limpet!!!!" Xander huffed with mock frustration.
Spike could not help a smirk, they had had this conversation many times, though he did note that Xander's 'descriptors' seemed to be getting better.
"Oi! I'm just bein' amorous Luv!"
"*Amorous* happens when we're awake! The Heat-Seeking-Missile behavior that I'm talking about Mister Master Vampire, happens when we're unconscious!" Xander saw the azure eyes turn dark with lust and he knew that he'd won 'the day'.
Spike leaned forward, licked around the shell of Xander's ear and grabbed his partner's hand, pushing it against his crotch to connect with (as the human suspected he would) an impossibly hard erection. "Don't know Pet…Got a missile here that is seeking some heat right about now, and I seem to be well conscious at the moment!"
The remainder of the afternoon was spent finding and penetrating the 'target'.
Spike brushed over the elegant ruby encrusted collar. The ancient leather was as soft as one of Xander's velvet kneeling cushions. It had been so beautifully crafted that it had needed repair only once in the last eighty years. Spike wore a matching band around his wrist. It, like Xander's adornment, had not been removed except for bathing since the day they obtained them. In his last days, Xander had asked that the collar be passed on to John upon his demise, and that instead he might wear Spike's wrist band in death.
Spike slowly unbuckled the ornate clasp and slid the collar from the beloved neck, then tearfully removed his own band and encircled the aged wrist with it as they had agreed. He hugged the collar to his chest and returned his arm to its place over the body, lying down once more to rock them both gently and continue his vigil.
Collars were standard for all slaves even by the time Xander was first captured, as were shackles and lead chains. It was only later amongst the liberal and the elite, that they became yet another way of adorning their pets. Indeed, for prize pets in these latter years the fashion was that they be so slim and ornate, as to be useless if genuinely trying to 'control' a human.
When Spike publicly presented Xander with the exquisitely crafted collar at a party around winter solstice, his awed guests gasped at the obvious expense and beauty of the piece. Several of the wealthy females had immediately sought the name of the maker from Spike, while others were fascinated by the clever use of a tiny clasp on Spike's matching wrist band as a way of relieving the vampire of the tedium of holding a lead chain. In reality Spike and his partner had decided upon the design to symbolize his very permanent connection to Xander, while still apparently adhering to the law when 'out and about'.
The new clothing laws in year thirty were harsh, with the original group of demons penning the legislation apparently overlooking the fact that humans were warm blooded and tended to die if too hypothermic. After initial objections from some of the powerful clans (particularly those in colder climates), the standards for public adornment of slaves came in with one concession. The new rulings meant that human slaves and pets were no longer permitted to be clothed from the waist up and were required to have their branding(s) visible at all times. The concession was permission to have them wear a cloak for warmth and protection in inclement weather. Nevertheless, numerous uncaring masters still didn't bother to cover their charges. Spike and Xander were ever amazed that many humans managed to survive as they regularly passed slaves kneeling in the pouring rain chained to a post outside some shop, and shivering violently as they waited in silence for their Master to finish an errand within.
Spike always made sure his charges had a variety of cloaks of different weights so they might select according to daily need, to the point where few of his humans were ever seen outdoors without them. There was little need for clothing inside their home as he made sure it was kept at a consistent twenty five degrees Celsius in all areas (and a little warmer in the nurseries). The children tended to use their cloaks for all sorts of 'pretend games' if given the opportunity, but generally had them removed or fastened down for convenience, if playing outside.
Spike's response to the increasing demand that humans wear chains on their uncovered upper body, was to present Xander with a series of feather light strands made of precious metal and diamonds designed to fit his form and sparkle with every shift of his body. When hip chains were insisted upon, he commissioned a number of different pieces, each one designed to decorate and highlight his partner's strong thigh muscles, while still satisfying the societal standards.
In private, Xander loved 'dressing up' his Master in the leg pieces, though they always ended up in fits of giggles when Spike tried to get the hip chains to swing as he walked. Without the aid of a mirror to inform him, and chains designed specifically for Xander's form, the term 'Mata Hari on a bad day' had been used more than once to describe the resulting exaggerated action. Although her seductive prowess could not compare to a certain blonde vampire despite his 'challenged' hip wiggle.
Spike smiled weakly as he remembered then carefully smoothed the long white curls, clearing them from the noble forehead. In the early days Xander had been a brunette but they both delighted in the distinguished silver hair of the 'mature' Xander. His beautiful Pet had always joked that if only Spike had been turned later in life he might have saved a fortune in peroxide…If only…He continued to smooth the hair…and clutch the collar to his chest.. He would have to send word to John and Daniel soon…But then…that would make it real…
Part 6
It was still dark when Spike finally pushed up from the bed, took a deep breath, then in with his best 'British-stiff-upper-lip' of his Victorian upbringing (apparently so well suited to these circumstances), he stood, rather than sat, to use the bedside telephone. Instead of voice activation he punched in the internal fast dial for Daniel's room with just a little more pressure than normal then sucked in his cheeks further. It was the worst thing he could possibly have done.
With the slight grazing of inside his mouth, the residual flavor of his love and a trace of his own sent not only the soul but also his demon nature, into a lament for their loss that bordered on hopeless.
When the sleepy voice answered, Spike found he was utterly unable to speak.
"Hello?…hello????…" Then Daniel must have seen the number on the display. "Oh God…Master?…Master?!"
Spike finally managed a whispered "Please…He's…'n I…"
"It's father, isn't it." It was a statement not a question. They had all expected this day would come sometime soon. But all Daniel heard was a crash on the other end, and guessed the Master must have collapsed. He then heard a barely audible sob spilled from the receiver.
The man knew the phone must still be off the hook so yelled, "John and I are on our way…"
The demon 'handler' who had been snoozing outside Daniel's door heard the final panicked yell and suspected what had happened. When Daniel threw open the door, the handler quickly stripped the man of all adornments then took his hand, an unusual act but a sign of solidarity and expression of his own sadness, and led him to his brother's door.
John's partner Carlos would come to help John when the girls and other partners were asked to attended. For now it had to be just the two sons who went to Master. The two walked tall as they approached Master and Father's suite with a sense of dread, knowing that their world would never be the same.
Spike' legs had given out. He collapsed onto the floor beside the bed and found that more tears really were possible after all.
He rested his forehead on the ground, even having the time to ponder how very many times his beautiful darling had been required to take that position…He stayed there for a very long time…then crawled back onto the bed with his beloved, just as they had always done.
His Pet had always slept with his 'Master', unheard of in most circles.
In around their fiftieth year Spike and his pet became targets of a vicious smear campaign in the demon presses accusing the Master vampire of being a human lover as he had only three other human slaves. That those slaves had been observed breaking protocol at a business meeting held at Spike's home and that it apparently went unpunished. It was further alleged that he had always managed to escape prosecution for his Prize Pet's bad public behavior by paying off the prosecutors.
The allegations received mixed reactions but with many of the audience coming down on the side of Spike and Xander. Few demons believed the comments regarding his Pet in particular. As a Master Vampire, Spike was a prominent figure and seen in public so often with his picture perfect slave that the press was inundated with letters and comments from individuals wishing to defend him. Further support was gained when it was discovered by a reporter writing a counter story, that the pictures used for the original stories were of Spike and Xander inside their home and had been illegally taken and used. The Master Vampire's privacy had been invaded, and it was pointed out by counter stories that the shots were irrelevant to the story anyway!
When the Human Behavior Board (prosecutors) also weighed in completely refuting the claims as their reputations were also sullied, the final blow to Spike and Xander's accusers was struck. They commissioned a full investigation into the source of the stories that utterly vindicated the injured parties. The two reporters were consequently charged with maliciously damaging public confidence in the judiciary, and injuring the reputation of a private citizen, Spike litigated against the media company and won.
The fallout was twofold and lasted for the rest of their lives. They learned that the source of the 'household' pictures was actually a demon servant in Spike's employ who happened to disagree with Spike's politics. He was immediately dismissed, but all future demon employees (especially the 'handlers') were hand picked for their sympathies with Spike's views and swore their allegiance to Spike. As Spike was a Master Vampire, they did not do this lightly as breaking their word would have meant certain death. Their contracts always included a clause regarding confidentiality and expectations regarding the treatment of humans in the household. But they were rewarded handsomely for their services.
The other result had been to make Xander and Spike ever more careful. They later trained all their children impeccably in public human etiquette, and used the majority of practices in their home just like Xander and Spike did (though generally very liberally applied unless in company).
A final huge sob wracked the vampire's frame and bloody tear dripped onto the bed covers below…"Oh Pet…" He buried his face into the lifeless neck, remembering how very sensitive that mark had been, guaranteed to evoke a 'girly giggle' and mock battle if ever licked in the post coital bliss off their Sunday morning activities.
Their coupling was always a joyous affair though Xander took a while to get into the more 'innovative' ideas Spike came up with. He quickly learned, however, that the exchange of blood with Spike, not only gave him longevity but that it had a marvelous affect on his recovery time!
Initially he thought his 'constant hardon' was due to naturally lusting after his newly discovered lover. He mentioned it to Spike one lazy Sunday evening as they lay nude on the couch together watching yet another of Spike's 'adult movie' purchases (they had gradually swapped all their library over to exclusively gay pictures). Spike had roared laughter then suggested that they do a series of little experiments…Largely consisting of seeing just how many orgasms Spike could give Xander in under three hours…and timing the 'down time'.
Much fun had ensued…Spike initially pleasured Xander with his hand, taking leisurely feather light strokes up and down until his pet begged for 'harder' in frustration and he relented. Spike had then licked his had clean of his lover's spunk with such a wicked expression on his face that Xander was sure there was no 'down-time' for his member! Spike had then rolled over him knelt up and taken the hard column of flesh to the back of his throat, and brought Xander off again in a matter of seconds…He had followed this by spinning himself around without removing his mouth from it's prize, grinning as Xander's erection that had been softening rapidly instantly perked up again as Spike's was engulfed in a warm mouth.
By the time the three hours were up, they had both topped and bottomed several times, they had taken and been taken in every position they could come up with, had a shower with accompanied passionate kissing and final mutual hand job, after which they both collapsed on the bed exhausted and Spike called 'time'.
"Bloody hell Pet! Bloody brilliant!"
"Hmmmmm," Xander stroked slowly over Spike's nipples, he was almost asleep. "Bloody brilliannn…"
Spike wiggled an eye brow then pushed his hand toward Xander's groin, "Oi, let's give it another hour…what do you say?"
His only reply was Xander beginning to snore.
Spike had calmed again after many minutes and picked up the hand that had tried so hard to serve his master that one last time, even as his Pet's life blood was being drained. Spike stroked the long fingers…and gave another hitched sob. Oh what those fingers had been able to do…and to be honest…at this moment in time…Spike would have given his unlife for them to simply interlock with his and squeeze their quiet adoration so he might return it in kind…Just one more time…
"Don't know if I can do this alone, Luv…Don't want this without you…Never wanted to be without you…" Spike buried his face in his beloved's neck once more and waited for the boys to arrive.
Part 7
Spike decided that he must have dozed off for a few minutes and his vampire senses told him that dawn was approaching…He was waiting for the boys…He desperately wanted the children around him right now…but…desperately didn't…He was still contemplating greeting the morning with his darling in his arms…But they had agreed, and he had promised Xander…He had given his word…Given it years ago, and every day since, in word and deed. He would do his best for the children…But it would be so much harder without Xan…It was already *so* hard…
The decision to establish the Aurelian stud was not an easy one, but in the end, the course of action that seemed most sensible. They both knew Xander would die eventually. Xander did not want Spike to be alone.
Xander had never considered being turned and was never asked to by Spike since the ensouling of demons had been outlawed after one or two resistance actions while he was still in servitude as 'Nanny' in the earliest years of demon rule. Whole communities of suspected magic users had been killed, and all known records and crucial ingredients for the ensoulment spells had been destroyed. The African Demon Trials had suffered a similar fate, something that many felt was harsh as the frequency of ensoulments by that method was a grand total of one in all their recorded history. Yet it went ahead, deemed an unfortunate necessity.
Spike shared his greatest fear with his lover almost as soon as they were together…that a demon Xander might turn on him as his own 'turned' mother had. At the time he had been soulless yet his newly turned mother had rejected him. Now it would be worse, since it would be an ensouled vampire with an unsouled demon fledgling. It would be even more than likely that Xander's Sire/Childe feelings would be over ridden and someone would end up dusted. Spike wouldn't survive that, and Xander wouldn't 'be there'. Without possible ensoulment, Spike had agreed with his Pet wholeheartedly and they resolved to simply have as many years together as they could possibly manage. But longevity through regular exchange of blood at least gave the pair…more time.
Xander loved children and had always wanted his own. And Spike's greatest desire had always been to have 'family' around him to love, cherish and protect. The Victorian William had enjoyed the thought that he might one day be patriarch to a large brood, and the demon in William the Bloody had always desired the opportunity to extend 'his own', and the power a large household would bring, foregoing it as he continued to care for the insane Drusilla. But still he'd yearned, and he knew Xander could…but they both resisted, the world for humans was too harsh to consider it, but circumstances finally led them to share the joy of a family…A very *big* family.
Daniel and John slipped into the Master's bedroom in the early dawn, flanked by their handlers who seemed almost as upset as the boys. The men were free of all traditional fetters, chains or adornments in a simple, but no less profound, sign of the entire household's respect for their Master, and for their dearly departed father.
They both dropped to their knees beside the bed and folded into a full 'down' positions, their matching sets of tears flowing silently onto the carpet. Seeing the still body of their father and Master's extreme distress left them bereft and uncertain of how they should act in such circumstances. Sometimes their training of old was a blessing.
Spike registered the men entering the room…Xander's beautiful boys…Their boys…
Close to fifty years after the demons taking control, the human population had been at a precariously low level. Maintaining breeding numbers required for food stock had proved so difficult in some areas, like Europe, that the balance in those regions had swung to breeding almost exclusively for domestic slaves and pets. It wasn't a welcome trend for some in the demon community, but was strictly enforced after the shift of power in the International Federation, the flow-on effect of tight regulations on breeding and deliberate trading restrictions. Ever tightening laws regarding public slave behavior, and fashion trends did the rest.
Consequently, most demons in the middle and upper classes tried to have one or two human pets. Though exotic looking humans like those from Africa or India had been a 'thing' for a while, in most realms there was considered to be an 'inconsistency' in the product with frequent scandals regarding 'true bloodlines', and lack of 'guaranteed satisfaction' from even the best in those regions, finally shutting the trade down to a trickle. Most demons simply put up with the varied quality as supply tightened. But when the rich and powerful wanted a status symbol, it was always a prize personal pet from the specialized studs in southern Europe.
Xander had just turned seventy. They both knew that for Spike to be influential in the politics of the day, and make any difference to human rights or slavery laws, he had to move in the right circles, and these days that meant being either breeder or trader, most particularly in the prize pet arena.
To 'fit the mold', Spike (and his 'silent partner') had resolved to purchase an enormous, rambling estate just outside Nice in France. He grumped and grumbled for months as he (or in truth Xander) supervised its gutting and renovation. In the end, every possible luxury was provided for when any children might arrive. Externally, the building was little changed (though that of course only lasted fifteen years, after which a new wing became necessary), but the facilities provided for the future inhabitants included double and single adult accommodation with every suite boasting its own marble lined bathroom and elegant traditional balcony. There were fifty four bedrooms in total. In the East Wing, the ground floor housed a nursery, infirmary, and enormous play area; while the west, 'tutor rooms', kitchens and a dining hall, and of course the exercise facilities (including gym and heated pool) awaited the new residents.
The grounds were magnificent, sweeping hills and huge established trees, some formal gardens to the side surrounding an enormous ornate waterfall, a long sweeping gravel driveway lined by poplar trees. To Spike's delight there was a hedge maze and Spike insisted that they also build a 'secret' garden right beside the nursery, just for the children (eventually boasting a few 'free range' bunnies bouncing around the walled space). The household market garden was a little further from the house and boasted fruit trees and all manner of herbs and vegetables. Xander discovered that Spike had always adored berry fruits, and never ceased to tease the vampire of his obsession with red things as he returned with rosy, stained lips after summertime midnight wanderings that were allegedly to "just check things are OK".
They kept a few of their own sheep (largely for the children's amusement, though Spike enjoyed very fresh Cheviot blood on occasion) and eventually also had chickens and ducks for the fresh eggs and the delight gained by their youngest children when given the task of 'collecting them'.
The central section of the Chateau housed Xander and Spike's quarters on the second floor while downstairs was for formal entertaining and only used when 'guest's were present, or for very private family 'happy to you'(s). The, at that time, three year old ('I'm-the-eldest-by-two-days') daughter, had inadvertently renamed all consequent birthdays and celebrations for the family, as she ushered her father and Master in for *her* particular party that year.
The 'theatre' had been built by annexing a third of the original cellar, and furnished with the latest speakers, enormous screen and massive comfortable chairs and modular lounges (the latter much appreciated in 'adult only viewings') It was definitely the Master's favorite room and was always kept up to date with the latest technology.
For all Spike's complaints about the French culture and nancy boy French demons (complete with occasional heart felt quoted insults that Xander was certain came from the ancient human television series called 'Black Adder', as he referred to the French generically as 'Weeds and whoopsies and Big girls blouses" ) Xander knew better, his Master loved the place. And spoke the native human language perfectly.
Chateau Aurelius was established just in time for the children to populate it. Xander had been close to seventy one years old the year his children were borne.
On the day of delivery of the children Spike the pleasure of taking the impressed owner and five mothers with handlers in tow, around the home where their children would be grow up, was only tempered by Spike and Xander wishing that the mothers could come too. But despite Spike's influence it could not be done, the owner simply would not part with his breeding stock.
Spike recalled that first day and the look on Xander's face as he held one of the minute daughters, only one week old. The wonder in his face as a tiny hand wrapped around his Pet's thumb was simply marvelous. This was followed by years of shared delight as they watched the children learn to walk, talk and thrive…They were Spike's children just as much as Xander's.
In the initiating of Xander's 'line' and the establishment of the 'stud', Xander and Spike had made many errors, but two were always regretted. The first had occurred at the very beginning. They had resolved to keep all Xander's children, the number of thirteen had been the reported successful impregnations of the five women chosen, but it seemed that his seed was potent and they did not ensure all remaining sperm was destroyed after the initial 'round'. It was consequently used to sire a further seventy four children after the initial batch. Spike litigated against the breeder but it was of little use. They kept note of as many as they could, and over the ensuing years Spike had spent a fortune tracking down the 'others'. Sadly many had been dead long before he was able to make contact. Seven still remained unaccounted for, but the lucky 'found few' Spike ensured were moved to known 'liberal' households. It was simply impossible by that stage (nearly twenty years after the fact) to negotiate and bring them all home.
But conditions for humans the world over had continued to deteriorate.
Xander's thirteen children were cherished and spoilt, though still technically human pets. They were educated in the classics by demon tutors and trained in social etiquette according to the law. Sadly as the children approached puberty, both Spike and Xander realized that having their lovely brood was all well and good, but if Spike were ever to have an influence in demon politics or keep Xander and their children safe, then a full breeding program in some form or other was needed. The debate had raged between them for nearly ten years as the children approached an age where procreation was 'expected'. As usual Xander was perhaps the more pragmatic of the pair.
A well bred personal pet was highly valued, and inevitably lived a rather spoiled and privileged life, albeit still in servitude. Spike initially refused, but Xander reasoned that their options were becoming more limited as the living restrictions for humans became harsher by the day. The need to temper some trends before the most extreme practices became international law, was critical, with some experts even predicting the extinction of humans if nothing changed. That 'tempering' meant influential liberal thinkers like Spike needed to have the power to act.
Spike was now the oldest Master Vampire in Europe and last remaining of the original Aurelian line, but he had to involve himself in the International forums and at top levels. That meant being voted in as he had no 'clan' left and given that those demons owning and breeding prize pets were by far the most powerful individuals in the demon world and had a vested interest in the continued survival of humans, they were the ones to do it. For that Spike needed to be one of them. Both Xander and Spike reluctantly came to the same conclusion and the Master Vampire had eventually agreed for the sake of his Pet, his children and the 'greater good'.
After that they contemplated numerous options…even the possibility of purchasing other progeny of the mothers who produced the original thirteen. But it was Xander who suggested their eventual solution after listening to endless meetings between Spike and breeder friends, the possibility of their own grandchildren. Spike and he both agreed, it could be contemplated only if and when the girls were happy to be mothers, and the boys fathers. Where possible permanent partners would be found and all their progeny would grow up on the estate and be educated before 'moving on'. Xander's offspring would only ever be 'sold' as prize pets to known liberal households that met Spike's (and Xander's) approval. They knew the children would inherit some of Xander's longevity, and therefore long term considerations were critical. Any witches would be gifted with Master's blood should it be judged necessary to strengthen their powers, and they would receive magical training and remain on the property until the treatment of Wiccan sisters in the outside world improved.
Both men reached out without lifting their heads and rested large warm hands on Spike's pale cool form attempting to convey their distress, support, and loyalty as they witnessed and shared his grief in the one simple move. Spike sat up, releasing his grasp of Xander's body for the first time since they arrived and dismissed the handlers with a wordless gesture. The boys were still kneeling as was custom but Spike closed his fingers around one each of the boys' hands and pulled them to his own unbreathing chest, forcing them to rise.
Part 8
As the door clicked closed behind the handlers, all protocol was abandoned and Spike gave a husky whisper, "Can you…" Both men realized that they were alone and therefore welcome to express their grief and love, for their 'master', their protector, and their 'father' – the now lost patriarch of their clan…Daniel shot a worried look sideways to John as they lifted their gazes at Spike's words and noted the Master's distressed state and the way he was swaying as though about to fall even though seated. The two men rose instantly and seated themselves on the bed either side of their Master and in contact with the body of their deceased father. They silently enveloped Master in a warm and loving hug…They included their deceased father by touching him with a hand each, whilst still covering their Master, surrounding him in their warmth and familial scent as best they could.
John's baritone intoned at almost a whisper, "Master, have the girls been told?" He noted Spike's glazed stare. "Master? I will tell them if you wish…They must be told."
Spike simply nodded replied a whispered, "Thank you." followed by an almighty sob. The two brothers tightened the three way hug and all allowed tears to flow silently for a few minutes. Eventually John stood, bowed formally and departed.
Spike knew John would tell the girls as gently as he could. They had to be told…Xander had always *so* adored his girls…
It was Solstice in the fifty fourth year of Chateau Aurelius. At just on a hundred and twenty five years young, Xander's dark hair was now streaked liberally with distinguished lines of grey and white. He still stood tall and was known to the outside world as his Master's pride and joy – the Stud's prize human stallion, and the founding father of the now famous bloodline. Spike had a habit of introducing Xander that way to any other breeders or trainers, and every time, Xander was grateful for the standard requirement that humans keep their head bowed in public, since Spike and he used the title in private for quite a different reason…and inevitably when they did Spike was the rider. Spike recalled that they had once played with the idea of the 'mare' given their positions…but it actually killed the mood for both participants so quickly that activity had to be abandoned for several hours.. It was never mentioned again.
Xander had smiled as he stood hand in hand with his magnificent Master surveying the estate from a shady balcony.
As the girls approached the age of breeding, Xander's initial worry over the possible boredom amongst the permanent male partners when their 'wives' were otherwise occupied, had been quickly dispelled by Spike.
"You daft bugger! 's the life of the idle rich! Ridin' and sports, games of billiards, time to read or pursue a hobby or two. Only restrictions are gonna be no peckin' order amongst 'em, and they only get to shag their own breedin' partner…no takin' the help!"
"Seems like you've thought a lot about this! You sound awfully confident."
"Just usin' recall pet…" Spike swiftly stood to face his Pet, one hand behind his back and the other outstretched as if to formally shake hands. He then reverted to his original upper-crust English accent, "Master William Bartlett esquire at your service sir. I assume you too are a patron of the arts?"
Xander couldn't help but snigger and had hauled the vampire down by the outstretched hand and kissed him passionately. "Definitely, my good sir. The art of Sex with Master…Fascinating." Then much 'patronizing' of that particular art-form ensued.
The breeding males had all been borne into slavery and raised as brood stock, so the restriction of not being able to leave the property was not even thought about. Spike was occasionally asked for them to service other breeder's female stock but refused. And passing on their semen was out of the question after their first artificial insemination disaster with Xander's seed (even though the children would not be of the Aurelian direct line). Spike had *very* Victorian ideas of monogamy once committed and Xander agreed.
So the male breeding partners lived a life not too removed from Spike's own human existence, with almost the same routines but for days when outsiders came to the property. The couples were always informed and the pattern the same. On normal occasions they would simply stay in their quarters or the breeding areas of the Chateau unless asked to be presented to the guests for some reason (which would always be done in the formal entertainment areas and in the company of their breeding partner). If an 'inspection afternoon' was announced they would spend the four hours 'working out' together in the recreation area. The visitors were always ushered through in groups so it was as stress free as possible. They would all work out with their leads held by handlers as would be expected by outside laws, and fall to a kneel position beside their handlers as the groups walked through. On regular days the 'handlers' would either relax or work out with them.
On inspection days young children were always in the nursery with handlers and mothers. A few occasionally mimicked their mothers' formal kneeling positions as visitors came to the observation glass at the end of the room. But most simply stared with wide eyed innocence at the visitors and continued to play. Sometimes a particularly bold infant would toddle or crawl up to pat the glass, or give a shy wave to the demons on the other side, always evoking statements of how endearing it was, and what beautiful pets they would grow up to be. The tour guides inevitably found they spent more time at that 'enclosure' than anywhere else.
The older youngsters were in the schooling areas at tour times. Regardless of age, they spent the hours working on public etiquette, an hour or so theory and two and a bit of practice with two snack breaks in which they knew to kneel quietly on the floor while their handler fed them. In the room for ages three to six years the time for learning was shortened, and a nap time of an hour or so included at the end.
Visitors always remarked on the contented nature of the Aurelian stock.
As the door closed behind his brother, Daniel dropped to the Pet kneel position and placed his cheek against Spike's thigh. He meant it as a familiar gesture of comfort and had done it many times over the last few months as he deputized for the Master's Pet at meetings. But he looked so much like his father from that angle that it was the final straw for Spike.
The hitched breath and wail had Daniel back seated on the bed virtually instantly. This time however he acted on pure instinct, foregoing all his training and pulled the grieving vampire into his lap, cradling him like a small child and rocking as Spike cried.
They were a storey up from the 'exercise pens'. Though the term was a silly one (and only used out of habit so as not to slip up in front of visitors) considering that the only indication of containment was the fact that there was a safety fence around the pool and a high classic hedge to disguise said fence's all too 'ridiculous modern look'. The only real security around the property was designed to keep outsiders…Out. The Stud 'stock' were well looked after and content. They had no reason to 'escape', they all knew what the outside world held.
Spike and his Pet were standing under a huge grapevine that had been lovingly trained over a robust frame and covered the entire patio. Xander grinned as he watched six of his daughters enjoy the delights of weightlessness as they floated, chatted and idly kicked their legs, their heavily pregnant bodies enjoying the warmth of the sun and the heated pool. All now in their early fifties, they were without exception, all in perfect health courtesy of a 'good life' and their inherited longevity (bolstered by tiny amounts of Spike's blood on occasion). All the women had become mothers in their early twenties. They would continue to breed until they felt the burden too much. It was likely that the next two years of little girls would be the ones asked to stay on the property for good and be the next generation of 'stud mothers'.
The women were usually 'impregnated' by their breeding partners within a couple of months of each other as was the expected 'practice' in any given year. Though unlike other 'breeders' Spike insisted on the girls being 'rested' for up to two years before the next pregnancy so as to give their bodies a chance to recover. This was particularly important as it seemed multiple births were all the rage at the Chateau. This year one of the natural witches and two of her half sisters were all due to have triplets, while two others had bellies that looked tiny in comparison, being blessed with single births this time around. For Charlotte, the redhead, who was but days from delivering twins, this lazy afternoon of paddling was *such a relief*. She looked up to the covered balcony, and spying her father and the Master, grinned and waved.
Xander's raven haired Wiccan daughter, Desmonde, was luxuriating on a double lounge, her twins propped up with strategically placed pillows, one attached to each breast. The petite blonde, Monique (who always reminded Xander of the long dead Buffy) had her three week old male 'David' resting on her belly as she relaxed back in the shallows of the 'kiddies pool'. Her older twins were playing at the feet of two female handlers, one of whom had been her own carer when she was young. She also noted Master and her father watching them, and gave a shy smile. She could think of no better way for her children to grow up. She knew they had already been promised to other Masters, but also knew that the human children of the Aurelian Stud were prized above all others, so always trusted Master to find the best placings when it came to the sale of her offspring.
Megan, the youngest, was the only one of Xander's daughters absent. He was about to query her whereabouts when Spike nudged his elbow and passed him the hand monitor, a huge smile on the vampire's face. On screen was a pair coupling enthusiastically on a movie theatre couch.
The male, Michael, was an ethereally beautiful blond and a natural warlock whom Spike had purchased on a whim at a recent auction. It was a unique thing to do on his part as their household human slaves to date had been, without exception, humans who were unable to 'breed' for some reason, with the greater proportion being female. Fortunately Megan had taken a shine to him the moment they were introduced and Spike was hopeful on many levels, as it seemed a shame not to reproduce from the beauty. Consequent to a word from Spike, the breeding coordinator had been trying to have Michael mate with Xander's lovely Wiccan daughter for months, providing all manner of opportunities for intimacy. To date she had been reluctant.
She had been separated permanently from her former breeding partner when he became increasing violent toward her. Initially it went unnoticed but would have killed her, had their two personal handlers not broken into the 'breeding chamber'. She was badly beaten and had been violated against her will but thankfully was not pregnant. The man had been sold as a household slave to an owner who only kept males and Spike made sure the slave's tendency for violence was known. (They heard a year later that he had been castrated for safety reasons as his violent streak endangered his fellow slaves. Neither Xander nor Spike could feel sorry).
It had shaken Megan so badly that she was not asked to breed again, but after eight years, the Master and her father hoped she would pair and find happiness. Xander grinned as he observed that she was obviously over her 'shy phase'. It would be six days before the stud doctor could give Spike a definitive answer regards impregnation. But it did look hopeful. Spike whispered to his Pet, "I will have him moved into her suite if it seems the mating is amenable and lasting."
Xander knew this would mean a long term pairing and many children with the one partner. He smiled lovingly at Master. "He'll be good for her."
Spike was asleep, having finally dozed off in Daniel's arms. He was now stretched out beside Xander, Daniel returned to kneeling but kept petting the Master. They looked peaceful and Daniel almost smiled, but then noticed that his father's chest was still like the Master's, his own tears flowed again.
Almost an hour later the girls entered with their partners and Carlos a step behind John. They too fell to their knees in front of the death bed, children in a row in front of their partners.
Spike's eyes fluttered open, turned to look at his beautiful children, he sighed but then remembered that there were two missing and he covered his face as tears came for their two lost boys. The idea that they had been but weeks away from bringing them home again only added to his grief.
Part 9
Spike sat up visibly shaking and tried to stand, eye flicking to yellow with the effort. There was an envelope on the side table, one of the handlers noted what the Master was attempting to do and quickly moved to retrieve it. They were Xander's funeral instructions.
Spike's shaking hand reached out in gratitude to take it from the demon, but a wave of dizziness hit him and he indicated that the boys should take it, as he collapsed back onto the bed. There was no pretence of 'Master', just raw need for family. John, who continued to hold a full kneel, was the first to respond.
Eventually John whispered "I think this can wait." The family understood. Instead they all took a turn in quietly and lovingly, saying goodbye and kissing the cool forehead of their dear Father. They then knelt in front of their Master who was still seated on the edge of the bed. Each person folding gracefully into a full down position, simply putting their hands out to touch Master's feet, whisper 'Beloved Master' then stand and depart.
The room eventually cleared again but for Daniel. Alone, the man could see the toll the last hour had taken on Master, but there was one more thing right now.
"We will have to move him to the infirmary, Master, to prepare…" Spike began to rock and shake his head and whispered, "Can't…can't…can't…dooo this" As before Daniel pulled his Master into his lap and dropped his tone even lower, addressing the vampire as though he were one of their youngest brood, " Please Master you must come with me for a while…Please, just while they move him…once he's ready, we will go and say Goodbye…It will be OK…It will be OK…Here." Daniel scratched his wrist as his father had taught him to do and pressed his bleeding wound to the vampire's mouth. His master sighed a little, took but two tiny pulls of the fluid and simply passed out.
Daniel held his Master in his arms and waited. He was sure few humans would ever be this close to their Masters, though he knew his father had been closer. Now he and John were the Aurelian stud 'stallion' males. They would do their father and Master proud…they always had…
John and Daniel had both agreed in their late teens that they would be happy to start breeding at twenty. Master had suggested that age or soon after, as they would be mature enough to understand and respect their role, and father had thought it acceptable. But it was ultimately the boys' decision exactly when they went into 'service'. Daniel was younger with the brothers six days apart and they had always remained remarkably close.
Unfortunately their appointment was delayed by what would later become Spike and Xander's greatest regret…
Adrian and Simon were the fraternal twin brothers born in between John and Daniel. And had temperaments so dissimilar to the other two that it was obvious from infancy. They had always been mischievous, even as children. If there was a toad in one of the girl's beds, a doll beheaded, or favorite Lego castle destroyed, they were inevitably behind it. Their early nannies and handlers fondly named them the 'tandem tornado' assuming that they would grow out of the behavioral 'glitch'. Spike had remembered his own fledge days with Angelus and initially also took it all in his stride.
As they approached puberty, however, it seems hormones did them no favors. Their lessons were neglected most of the time, despite infinitely patient demon tutors and firm but fair handlers on hand. Both boys were highly intelligent and growing to be quite handsome. Their preference for huge levels of activity, and their continued misbehavior, saw Spike commission an obstacle course that circumnavigated almost the whole estate. He then employed two particularly fit 'handlers' of the boot camp variety. It worked as planned for a year or two, and certainly exhausted them enough so they caused minimum disruption in the vital human etiquette training.
They were such a contrast to John and Daniel in nature, that by the time they were all fifteen the four boys were rarely seen together in leisure periods and the physical fights became nearly daily. The taunting and snide remarks regarding the quieter two whenever the boys were in the same vicinity, became more and more vindictive. Eventually they were brought before first Xander then Spike for discipline.
They weren't really afraid of father, but when their Master's gameface emerged, as both boys smirked irreverently when the list of misdemeanors was read, they began to worry. It was followed by a display of lightening speed as he moved behind them, grabbed them by the back of their necks, with an almighty growl; then pushed them to a half down kneel, hands flat on the floor and chins on their chests. At that point they knew they were walking an extremely thin line. They apologized profusely, promised better behavior in writing to father and Master, then did it all over again. Punishment was inevitable though whippings were never condoned at the Chateau. Though the boys did not realize their good fortune as Spike was close to giving both a good thrashing!
By eighteen they were both extremely attractive and knew it. Tall with large brown eyes, Adrian with straight brown hair that was always worn a little long, giving him a roguish look, while Simon's fell in ringlets. The two had taken to 'noticing' their sisters, never missing an opportunity to make some remark about their figure, or their female position in the life of the stud since the decision to breed eventually had been taken. The boys would also have a breeding role as Adrian so elegantly put it, "But we get to f@#$ 'em and leave 'em every time…Perfect!"
But the pats on the backsides, suggestive remarks and occasional invitation to the humans in domestic help, led to one night six months later determining the rest of their lives.
They had been drinking a bit – a few beers as was allowed in the Chateau, and apparently decided to 'visit' their sister Monique's quarters as a bit of a joke…let her know what being serviced was all about…well just give her a scare really. Visiting the room of another sibling was permitted so there was no big deal. She had always been openly proud of her coming role as breeder even telling Adrian that a man wasn't even needed to procreate, they just needed his seed. She had earned a slap at the time but they figured on taking her down 'a peg or two'. Both boys managed to slip away as their handlers slept.
They entered the pretty, petite blonde Monique's room together. She was sitting on her bed braiding her hair with her back to the door. As she turned to see who it was, they pounced and threw her on her back. Simon placed one hand over her mouth and was tearing at her blouse with the other. Adrian pinned her legs by sitting on her thighs then proceeded in a parody of sex "Hey sis, your so proud of yourself…but this is gonna be you, for the rest of your life.. Just imagine it. This, then big as a house, then back to this!". She was still fighting, hitting Simon with her small fists. He finally lifted a hand to grab her arms, and in error let her mouth free. She would have made a fine banshee. The entire household woke. Now realizing their trouble, the two boys panicked and ran out into the dark garden, hoping to sneak back in at a later time, after they had somehow figured out their 'story'…They had forgotten that Master was usually up and about in the night, had preternatural hearing, sight, speed and strength. He was upon them in seconds.
The following day was a series of dreadful meetings, horrible phonecalls, and trauma counseling for the distraught Monique.
Spike rang every friend and expert he could think of. The overwhelming advice (even from a specialist doctor in 'bloodline breeding and behavioral risks'), was to simply move them to another stud. It seemed reasonable. Xander and Master had talked and worried through twenty four hours, until the decision was made. Both agreed, the boys had to stay together, despite everything. Spike found a well known Pet breeder who was willing to take them both. He came highly recommended as being sympathetic to the liberal views when it came to human treatment, and had a preference for 'spirited' males. Sadly, the stud was just north of Paris, but at least that was fairly close. Spike and Xander were hopeful.
Rather than being terribly upset at being told of the move, the two boys seemed to take it in their stride. The adventure of leaving the 'family home', coupled with the 'still getting to breed' aspect all sounded terrific.
The boys were packed quickly and departed a day later. Monique refused to see them off.
Initially things seemed to work out well and Spike received reports of how impressed the breeder was with the boys' appearance, and that if kept active, they seemed to respond well. But their hijinx started anew at around the ninth month. Spike received a worrying phone call from the breeder detailing the boys' general disrespect for the women they serviced, and an increasing antagonism toward handlers, who happened to use a tighter reign than under the Aurelian roof. He did assure the vampire that he was bringing in an expert from Brussels, as he wished to keep using them for breeding…at the time Spike was a little relieved.
When Spike was contacted two months later, he learned that the boys had been castrated and made mute. He listened in horror as a rather chirpy breeder went on, "The operation is done under anesthetic and has been a complete success. Within hours they were calm and compliant! Wonderful!" The breeder then guaranteed that they would now have ongoing roles as eunuchs in his stud, while their seed would continue to be used with his stock. He was obviously thrilled with the result and recommended it highly to the vampire. Spike had dropped the receiver, thrown himself onto his hands and knees, and threw up until he was dry retching.
Spike was inconsolable for days, and had always blamed himself for the loss then mutilation of their beautiful boys. Xander felt that they had both been responsible for the decision, and grieved along with him.
Spike awoke wrapped in the warm arms of a human.
Daniel felt his Master rouse and simply whispered, "Will you come for a walk to the Nursery Master?"
Master gave a tiny nod, uncurled himself, and managed to stand. Daniel made ready to leave also, but Spike first turned and kissing Xander's forehead as though he were merely snoozing said, "Just popping down to see the grandkids, Pet, back in a while."
Master sat and watched the Aurelian family's small children all babbling, squealing and giggling. Daniel kneeled quietly at his feet. They were there for almost two hours in silence, sitting and watching.
When they returned to Master's suite, the bed was empty.
John and Daniel had been summoned to meet with the Master in the formal sitting room. As usual behind closed doors, their father stood tall beside his Master's chair.
The boys, or rather young men at almost twenty one, knelt side by side. They hoped to be told that their roles as stud sires were to begin after so many years of expectation.
They were still both in formal kneel positions when the Master commanded them, "Lift your eyes to mine, this is important."
Two sets of pretty eyes (John's hazel/green and Daniel's chocolate) were raised and looked upon their Master slightly in awe and Spike kept his speech formal.
"Now, John, Daniel. I wish you to pack your possessions"
The two boys both looked panicked, Daniel almost let out a whimper. Why that? Were they to be sold suddenly? Or sent away? Nevertheless the two said in unison, "We understand Master."
Spike saw the worried looks, "You clearly don't. We must renovate your suites. You will both be given full double accommodation as full sires of the line, and take up your breeding duties as soon as the changes to your rooms are complete."
Spike heard stereo sighs of relief and watched as broad smiles emerged.
"This is your coming of age. You have grown into fine men, your Master and your Father, are proud of you."
"It is rare to find such beauty as your father possessed. You carry his line. Be confident in your place here. We ask that you continue his line."
"Yes Master." They intoned solemnly in unison.
"And you both understand that you take the role of servicing for the bloodline, and the importance of this new role in our Aurelian Stud?"
"Yes Master."
"You represent stability and strength in this family, share it freely. Know you are loved and cherished." With that Spike dropped into game face momentarily, and biting both wrists hard enough to just draw blood, then offered one each to the two men. They took them reverently and sucked over the fast closing wound until they sealed, "You are of your father, Xander's blood and now also carry that of your Master's. Congratulations new stud sires of Aurelius."
With that Xander stepped forward and kissed each man on the forehead and whispered "Well done."
Formal tone dropped, their Father smiled broadly at their lovely sons still buzzing a little with Spike's blood, then he was all business. "We will need to discuss your program and needs with the stud coordinator in a week or so…but for now, your handlers will show you to some temporary accommodation."
Spike gave the handlers a nod and the young men were 'led' away.
The two new Sires took their work seriously and felt a weighty responsibility to Master and the Aurelian line.
They requested a special private meeting with their father after their first few discussions with the stud coordinator. Sitting on the enormous double bed in John's new room, Xander smiled as he noted the décor. Dark wood everywhere, strategically placed lamps highlighting various art pieces and all in deep, rich burgundies, night blues with highlights of gold.
They had both sat awkwardly staring at their hands like a pigeon pair at one end of the bed while Xander sat halfway to the other and simply waited. Suddenly both started at once, blurting out their concerns in a babble of words and half finished thoughts worthy of Xander of Sunnydale on a bad day. Fortunately for them he'd had a Willow shaped friend way back when, so Xander spoke babble.
"Stop! stop!" Both men instantly silenced but their pink hue of embarrassment spoke volumes. "Let's see if I got this right…You are both totally committed to the siring the Aurelian line…You've both jacked off before…and you've even had a bit of a go as a duet of jacking…you've seen your sisters bits, you got the basic pet training in your last year of etiquette…How am I going so far by the way?" Xander looked up and couldn't resist a slight grin but spotted Daniel looking miserable so quashed his mirth and continued. "You've been kissed by your sisters and you appreciate how penetrate the woman…" Xander knew that he was now really just teasing…"In summary: You've never been with a woman…You're virgins and you're terrified you will do something wrong and bring shame on the line."
Both men let out a huge sigh of relief, "Yes!" They spent the next three days in 'sex school' led by a lovely young slave named Joelene. She was voluptuous and engaging and very, very informative.
Xander grinned at his wide eyed sons as various models and aids were passed out to practice on. Her whole purpose was to have the Siring males couple successfully every time, stressing that sometimes problems will occur, but that a handler will likely be very close by. On the last day she guided them through a typical scenario, and they both filled a condom a piece while deep inside her. Daniel loved the whole thing from start to finish. John was simply glad he had been successful.
The sons' seed was never taken for breeding, Spike would not hear of it. Fortunately it was not the custom amongst the elite breeders to artificially inseminate. Indeed some clients required photographic evidence of the copulation, as proof of sire. Spike flatly refused on the Aurelius Stud. Claiming that taking photos of his beautiful human stallions in action was obscene and insulting. They had his word as Master Vampire which was far more valuable. Strangely both the natural methods insistence, and issue of the photos simply made the offspring even more popular. The rate of success was close to one hundred percent and many put it down to the level of enjoyment and decorum throughout the days the women were present.
The boys were always approached prior to the day by the stud coordinator, who discussed any particular requirements. Spike only dealt with a handful of other elite breeders, and insisted on meeting any 'new' prospective mothers before he agreed to any interaction with his males. Of course the master's Pet would always be by his side. The discussion after these 'inspections' were often bizarre and would have given any match maker a run for their money.
Happily the boys often saw the same women year after year, as they were there for up to six weeks at a time, Daniel did not mind this at all, and found himself enjoying the variety of casual companionship and the 'breaks' in between. And with only one or two women being treated to such a service per year for each of the boys, it was a lucky breeding female indeed who arrived to be serviced at the Chateau.
On one occasion it really didn't work out. The female concerned was treated with respect and the reason given for returning her: the 'stallion' contracting influenza and being too low to perform. In truth, though she had seemed John's type, but had a viscous streak and when he struggled to perform, she felt it quite reasonable to inform some of the other breeding women of his inadequacies. She *really* should have checked the whereabouts of his sisters. She was gone the next day to John's great relief.
From a business perspective, Master Aurelius (and his Prize Pet) gained far more influence by playing the game of exclusivity, making the progeny of Chateau Aurelius so difficult to obtain and so highly prized that he moved in the highest circles of society and politics…and influence. It also gave any of the children produced an almost guaranteed pampered life. Daniel's count for children produced was less than two children a year since his appointment. John's less again.
John's mild disinterest in copulating with females in the early days translated into something more worrying. His difficulties 'performing' gradually worsened until by the eighteenth year after the little 'rejection incident', he fell quietly into melancholy. He was confused by the fact that he genuinely enjoyed the company of women and was a charming host. He began to need stimulants to penetrate a female at all, and found even that was not solving the problem. He lost weight and began to engage in long walks around their property, sometimes returning well after dark.
It was on just such a night that he spied two, obviously male, bodies lying at the base of a huge oak – reputedly father's favorite tree. Transfixed, he moved a little closer and watched in amazement as they kissed, passionately. He noted the hard muscles driving against each other forcing away from the friction then seeking it again. His own erection was harder than it had been in years, and he adjusted himself for the third time in as many seconds. He saw their hands intertwine, and the larger of the two figures, then pushed hands of the man under him to above his head. They continued to grind together speeding the tempo and biting, nibbling, until both came with a roar and John came also in his jeans, untouched.
He moved quickly back toward the Chateau. He was still confused. The two figures under the tree lay still in post coital bliss, until Spike's snigger broke the mood.
"You know our Peeping John just came in 'is jeans utterly untouched…so much for lack of erection! Bloody lack of interest is what it is…"
"Huh?"
"He's a bloody switch hitter pet…Taken well and truly after is ol' Da 'e has! You should be proud."
"God Spike, that's *awful* and we're asking him to…"
"You're not gettin' it Pet…we sort him out a pretty piece of ass, and get 'im all happy and well fucked and things 'll get better. And thinking 'is kink might be the good ol' restraints…C'mon pet, give us a smile and let's us go find 'im a friend." Xander instantly had a very bouncy and totally naked vampire in his hands, but lost him again as they both sprinted back to the house.
In the ensuing weeks, Xander had several talks with John, accompanying him on his ramble. The discussion inevitably fell to the topic of gender preference…John relaxed as he found only love and support from his father and Master. Then Master found Carlos, a pretty young slave that had arrived to help with the grounds. As was his habit, Spike interviewed his new employee and Carlos freely admitted his gay status in the context of being no threat to the breeding mothers.
Carlos and John were introduced by Master, with the suggestion that Carlos might be a good assistant for the Breeding Sire. The pair was firm friends within a week and lovers before the month was out. And from all reports, were enthusiastically working out any 'kinks' in their relationship. Master had sent them a very long silk restraining rope and some chocolate body paint just for a little encouragement.
When it was time again to procreate on behalf of the family, John was much more relaxed knowing his lover was to assist. Still needing a little extra 'boost' where women were concerned, John habitually took a low level stimulant. It was actually the Master's suggestion that Carlos provide the required lead up for successful copulation. Finding female breeding stock who enjoyed a little 'floor show', or being tied for the final event did not prove so difficult.
Surprisingly Carlos was instantly approved of by the outside world, as the Master introduced him as the 'stable mate' of his Stallion. The successful practice was well known to breeders of other species. The role of the stable mate simply to keep the stallion amused when not at his duties. Xander came *so* close to breaking his training whenever Spike gave that little lecture.
Daniel observed the change in his sibling and rejoiced in the coupling of Carlos and John.
It was sometime in late afternoon that the sons and daughters all gathered again. They were in the formal sitting room with Spike curled up on Xander's favorite chair with the afghan throw he so loved, covering all but his face…it still smelled like his Pet, he scented it deeply, and was comforted a little.
The whole group had decided that leaving Spike alone even for a moment (especially during sunlit hours) was simply not an option. Charlotte had quickly organized the women to take turns sitting with him, even if it meant having to take an infant or two with them to give him some distraction. At the moment though Master seemed semi comatose.
John opened his father's the letter containing last wishes.
The first words on the hand written note had been…
"My spectacular sons, and my magnificent daughters, You are the pride of our household and my greatest joy. I have adored you each since the day you came to us.
"There will be some changes with me gone, but you must look after my beloved Spike…" not 'Master', or 'William the Bloody' but the Master's *private* name.
"I can't read this…" John had simply let his tears stream utterly unchecked as he handed to note to his brother. Desmonde collapsed into the arms of her breeding partner and began to keen quietly. The other women simply managed.
Daniel took the note and continued to read aloud for the benefit of John and all present also in the hope that perhaps their Master would take in what was being said. After Xander's body had been removed for funeral preparation, their Master had not moved at all from his fetal position under a mound of blankets. It had been almost twelve hours. Daniel had eventually gently coaxed him to move, then literally carried him to where the children were meeting and placed him in father's chair. The rug was a bonus.
"There will be a public event. You all know what to do there. It will be arranged by our breeding coordinator and one of Master's closest business friends. Where possible all children in my direct line will be in attendance for that day. It will be extremely formal.
"But at the home celebration please let my passing be a joyous event, as I count myself one of the most blessed men in all history, for the life I have led. The children must know that I died in the arms of the being whom I have loved and who has loved me for a century and a half, despite the odds, and more than life itself. The legacy of that love is in your blood and the blood of all in our line. It is strength, love and loyalty that define our family line.
"I ask that I be cremated and that the ashes be spread around our favorite oak. At our private service please have the children sing a song or two and I would love you to have someone read the Wind in the Willows story…The death of badger…it will help them to understand. Bethany will know where it is.
"I am worried for Spike, he won't have eaten, I know him too well. I know you will offer your wrists before the day begins, but I beg you to be insistent on my behalf. He must be strong. Daniel and John, you will be closest to him at the formal event. Press sure to press your head against his thigh and if his hands begin to shake, take them in yours without waiting for the order, some leeway will be granted even at the formal service. We have both worked hard to earn that.
"Please be aware that we recently found your two Aurelian brothers again, and Spike has made arrangements for them to come home at last. They will need everyone's support, as their lives in the last fifty nine years have been sadly different to yours. I beg of you to all hug them lovingly and often, as I wish I might. Give them your advice and encouragement, and let their remaining years be happy."
"Have beautiful children next year my daughters…and name one of them Alexander if you will…Please let it be Master who chooses.
"I love you all…So much…And my spirit travels with you always
"Xander.
"Chosen Life partner and Prize Pet of the Aurelian Master, William the Bloody.
Founding sire of the Aurelius Line…You Proud Father."
Part 10
Master had given strict instructions that their father should be in an open coffin, unfettered but for the ruby arm band that was Master's. He was to have only his favorite comfortable white sweat pants on. The unusual request was that he there be a rug tucked around him, Master *insisting* to Daniel that his Pet wouldn't want to be cold! Matilda was Spike's sitter that hour and it suddenly occurred to her that father was to be cremated which meant…too warm…She dismissed herself and swiftly made for the bathroom in time to grace a fluffy white towel with a flood of tears and muffled, grief stricken wail.
Daniel was leaning against the door frame when his red eyed sister looked up. "You OK?"
"Yes.. No! Oh Danny!…" She sniffed hard and composed herself, "K..I'll be fine."
" K well I've gotta go, you know, fix this rug thing, then the kids can come through. We better get things moving, 'caus