AUTHOR:
bohofemmFANDOM: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
PAIRING: Spike/Xander
GENRE : Slash
TABLE: B
PROMPT: 078. Always.
RATING: PG
WORD COUNT: 512 words;
SUMMARY: Spike watches Xander through the night.
WARNINGS: None.
NOTES: X-Posted to
lover100 Just a little fluff courtesy of the muses. Hope you like it! DISCLAIMER: You recognize them? I don’t own them.
“Tapioca again?” Xander stared at the tray of food in front of him. “Why does this place always serve that mush?”
“Now, Pet, not everyone is lucky enough to have their teeth. It's only the third time this week.” Spike quickly stirred the pudding cup, trying not to recoil at the lumpy gooey substance. “Reminds me of that apple soup they served last week.” He popped the spoon into his mouth, and promptly spit it back out. “I am not letting them give you that.”
.
“Plus when you get to my age, three times a week might as well be much more than that. I'm eighty-six.” Xander leaned back in the recliner. “Damn broken hip. Vampires. Demons. Werewolves. They couldn't touch me. And a damn patch of ice takes me out of commission.”
Spike glanced mournfully away. He didn't want to admit how much it hurt seeing Xander in a nursing home. Xander was the strong one, choosing to age rather than become immortal. He was aging gracefully, better than Spike could have ever imagined.
“I'm tired. Do you mind if I take a nap?” Xander asked, stifling a yawn. “The pain medication makes me want to sleep.”
“I know. The doctor explained it to me.” Spike helped Xander to his feet before watching him grip the walker tightly for the five steps to the bed. “You're walking better than they thought you would.”
“I have good motivation. You won't let me wallow.” Xander settled into the bed. “Will you be here when I wake up?”
“Of course, Xan. I'll never leave you.” Spike settled into the orange plastic chair. “I promise.” He offered Xander his hand. “Just rest.”
He kept silent vigil over his sleeping lover. He had seen him at his best and at his worst. Somehow, they had survived sixty years. They argued. They broke up. They always managed to come back together. No matter how bad things got, they knew they could never live without each other.
At one point, Spike heard the nurses chattering amongst themselves. He only half listened but managed to figure out they were talking about Alexander's devoted grandson. He smirked, wondering what Xander would think. They hadn't explained their relationship to the staff, figuring it was easier to let them make their assumptions.
“You're still here.” Xander's raspy voice broke the silence. “I can't believe it. I mean- I knew you probably would be here but to see you here...” His voice trailed off.
“Still manage to ramble like the day we met.” Spike shook his head. “Sleep well?”
“Eh. Not like having you with me.” Xander reached up and intertwined his fingers with Spike. “Love you.” He sighed. “Can I keep you?”
Spike shook his head. It was a line from the very first movie, Casper, they had ever sat through together. Barely dating and still smitten with new love, Xander had adopted the line, only saying it when things seemed rough.
“Forever and always, Pet.” Spike lightly pressed his lips to his lover's forehead.
