Facing the day.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Continued from here.

"Thanks," Spike said. After what had happened the previous night in the bar, it was clear that he was going to have enough trouble dealing with demons even without being covered in the non-death-related smells of a human. "Since you're going to work, can you drop me somewhere with sewer access on the way?"

Comments

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"Of course," Wesley said. Then, trying for casual, "Interesting plans for the day?"

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Going to collect on some debts, get some money," Spike said. Or try to, he didn't add.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"I didn't realize you knew so many people in the city." Wesley finished his water and set the empty bottle in the sink.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"A lot of demons from Sunnydale came to L.A., and I had been here before. Should be able to get enough dosh for blood and clothes, at least." And something for my hair, and maybe some cigarettes, because I could bloody well use one right now.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley hesitated, then said, "There's some spare cash in the top right hand drawer of my desk -- I keep it there for emergencies. You should know it's there... in case anything were to happen. Oh, there should be a spare key to the flat in there as well."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"You probably wouldn't consider a craving for a large pizza with extra pepperoni an emergency, would you?" Spike said. "Even Harris didn't."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley smiled. "No, probably not, but I'll trust you to make the decision."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike sighed dramatically. "Nobody understands the importance of a good pizza."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"Well, in any case, make sure you take the key," Wesley said, touching Spike's shoulder lightly as he moved past him.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"I..." Spike caught Wesley's arm to get his attention. "Thank you."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley stopped, looking at Spike. "You're welcome," he said. "But I owe you just as many thanks. For this," he gestured with his bandaged arm, "and for last night."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"No. You don't," Spike said firmly, conscious that he had caused far too many difficulties for Wesley and had given nothing in return.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"I do," Wesley said, just as firmly. "I don't know what I would have done last night if you hadn't been here."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"You would've gotten to sleep earlier, for a start," Spike said with a hint of a smile.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"But I wouldn't have been nearly so relaxed when I did."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike ran his hand up Wesley's bare arm. "Can't argue with that," he said.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley shivered slightly as his body reacted to the touch. "You're determined to be a good influence on me, aren't you."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Don't think I could be a good influence," Spike said, trailing his fingers over Wesley's shoulder before drawing his hand back.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"Taking me to casualty to get sewn up... bandaging my arm... reminding me to eat properly..." Wesley already missed Spike's touch. "I'd say you've been a good influence so far."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Only if you forget I was the reason you got sliced up."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley sighed. "It wasn't the first time I've used my own blood in spellcasting, and I daresay it won't be the last. The end result was worth it."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"I won't argue with that, either, now that you're not bleeding to death on the floor," Spike said. "But you'd hurt yourself for me; I had to make sure you'd be all right, didn't I?"

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"Is there some reason we're arguing about this?" Wesley asked. "Because if not, I might have to take drastic measures to end the argument."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike raised his eyebrow. "What sort of drastic measures?" he asked. "I might need to keep disagreeing with you."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"I could give you something else to do with your mouth," Wesley suggested.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Yeah?" Spike curled his tongue behind his teeth and examined Wesley from head to toe.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley relaxed under the scrutiny, slipping into the role easily. He dropped his shoulders back, arms loose at his sides, and watched Spike as the vampire looked him over. "Am I supposed to be concerned about passing inspection?" he asked casually.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Just enjoying the view," Spike said. "Too bad you've got to get ready for work." With a saucy grin, he headed into the living room.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley strolled after Spike, slowly unfastening his jeans on the way. "It is too bad," he agreed, peeling down his jeans almost enough to expose himself, but not quite. "You don't mind if I use the shower first?"

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike's body reacted to the sight in front of him, but he was curious to see what Wesley would do next. "Don't use all the hot water," he said.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley ran a casual hand down across his chest to his stomach, nodding. "I'll try not to, but I can't make any promises." He turned toward the bathroom, then glanced back over his shoulder. "I suppose the only way you could guarantee yourself a hot shower would be to join me. Not that you'd have any interest in doing so."

He paused near the bathroom door and pushed his jeans down onto the floor, knowing that even if Spike couldn't see him from where he was standing, the vampire would be able to hear what he'd done.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike was behind him and sliding his arm around his waist before Wesley had gotten his second foot free. "When did I say I wasn't interested?" he asked, pressing his chest against Wesley's back.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley smiled to himself, remaining where he was without turning his head to look at Spike, although he did put a hand on Spike's arm, running it gently from mid-forearm to wrist. "Would you care to join me then?" he asked, wanting an actual answer.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"You going to mind being late for work?" Spike asked.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"That's not an answer to my question," Wesley said.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Yes, Wesley," Spike said in a husky voice right behind Wesley's ear, "I would like to be naked and wet in a small space with you."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley made a little pleased sound and turned in Spike's embrace, kissing him hard. "I'd suggest you get naked then," he said, then pulled free and went into the bathroom.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike didn't see any reason to argue, so he stripped off his clothes and leaned against the frame of the door. He watched as Wesley turned on the water.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley started the shower, then turned back toward Spike as the temperature of the water began to go from warm to hot. His eyes traveled over Spike's naked form lingeringly. "Come here," he said, without realizing that he'd been about to say anything.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike's lips twitched, but he kept from grinning as he sauntered across the bathroom. He could feel the heat of Wesley's gaze more strongly than the steam that was beginning to billow into the room.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley put an arm around Spike and pulled him in close, then ran his mouth up the side of the Spike's throat to his ear. "I want to see what you look like when you're wet," he murmured, barely above a whisper.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"Come on, then," Spike said, walking them both under the spray. The knot of tension that had been in his stomach all night had nearly unraveled, and he smiled as he bent his head to taste the skin of Wesley's shoulder before it was diluted by soap.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

There was a faint *click* as the shower door swung shut and latched.

When Wesley felt Spike's mouth on his shoulder, accompanied by the faint scrape of teeth, he groaned softly. "You know exactly how incredible you are, don't you."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

'Incredible' wasn't a word that Spike would use to describe himself in his head, but he didn't feel like thinking about it when he had Wesley warm and slippery in his arms. Instead he chuckled and worked his way toward Wesley's neck.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Continues here (http://www.livejournal.com/community/reality_bends/9491.html#cutid1).