Contents

Episode 01:

Episode 02:

Episode 03:

Episode 04:

Episode 05:

Episode 06:

Episode 07:

Episode 08:

Episode 09:

Episode 10:

Episode 11:

Episode 12:

Episode 13:

Episode 14:

Episode 15:

Episode 16:

Episode 17:

Episode 18:

Episode 19:

Episode 20:

Episode 01:

Notes: thanks to Jaderose for restarting me in this fandom, I had forgotten how much I missed the bros.  I was inspired by two things, part of an author's sigline, and Jaderose's story, which I do hope she finishes soon.

Xander looked around the small bus station he was in.  He wondered why Giles was doing this to him.  It wasn't like things weren't bad enough at home but now he was being sent as a long-distance errand boy and he had to take Greyhound.  Not his favorite form of transportation.  Since Giles had told him he absolutely could not drive to Chicago without explaining *why* he couldn't, he wasn't sure what else was going to go on.  "I know, he's doing it so I feel like a total geek and am embarrassed to be seen by anybody I know," he said bitterly as he shifted in the hard plastic seat.  His bus was outside, and he'd be boarding soon.  At least he had his discman, a case of CD's, and some snacks.  Even if he wouldn't get to bathe for the next two days and had to change busses once.

He hefted his bag and stood up as his departure was called, heading out to get on.  Hopefully he got a seat to himself.  He sat down, getting comfortable and immediately pulled out his cd player and inserted new batteries.  He'd need them.  He saw someone pause by his seat and casually scratched his arms, getting a bit harder.  That person decided they'd sit somewhere else.  Hopefully it'd be that easy the whole trip.  Why he was going to pick up a crystal from Chicago he still didn't know.  Couldn't the person who had it send it Fed Ex?  He paused his disc when he heard the driver come on to give out their destination and any safety precautions, then pulled out a graphic novel to look through.  His bag stayed in the seat beside him, just as a warning to others.  He felt someone kick the back of his seat and glared back between the seats, but couldn't see who was doing it.

He'd put up with it this time, but Giles was going to owe him majorly for this.  His seat was kicked again and this time he craned his neck back to find the little kid doing it, giving them a death glare.  They only smiled and waved.  He went back to his graphic novel, tossing back a toostie pop to keep the kid occupied.

"Where did you get that?" his mother yelled.

"I tossed it back so he'd quit kicking my seat," Xander said just loud enough to be heard.  As soon as the bus pulled out he shifted to be sitting sideways, finding the mother glaring at him.  "I've got two days on a bus, lady.  It's not tampered with.  I've got a whole bag of them to keep me occupied."  She sat down with a 'humph' sound and watched her son carefully.  Now he was glad he had dressed in the black t-shirt, black jeans, and boots.  He felt the air conditioning come on and pulled out one of his red flannel shirts to pull on just in case he got cold. He flipped back on his music and turned down the volume in case something happened, like the woman making more complaints.

***

Xander looked up tiredly as the bus suddenly made the sound of an explosion and it stopped cold.  He knew that sound, it meant the engine had just blown up.  "Hey, I haven't heard that sound since my roadtrip to hell," he said in mock-fondness.  He stood up to watch the driver get out to look at it, noticing where they were.  It was dark outside and the cityscape around them wasn't that friendly.  There was a large construction site nearby but something didn't look right to his experienced eyes.  He looked to the other side, then got up and went to talk to the driver, pointing out the obvious.  "Dude, engine blow?  Maybe someone at that garage on the next block can help," he called.  The driver gave him a look so he pointed.  "I had a car do it going seventy on the highway."

"Thanks, kid.  Let me radio.  You a mechanic?"

"Construction worker."  He shrugged and went back to his seat, giving everyone small grins of reassurance.  "Engine problems.  There's a garage up the street."  That made most of them relax.  At least until the howling and screaming started.  He had just sat down when that started so he grabbed his usual compliment of stuff, hiding it on himself as he stood up again.  He saw the person walking onto the bus and glared.  Just great.  Didn't he get a day away from the vampires?  Two more walked on.  "Not now," he sighed.

"You're all now our prisoners," the man in the lead sneered, his protruding stomach bouncing as he let out a small evil laugh.  His old football jersey didn't fit that well and he looked greasy and slimy.

Maybe he wasn't a vampire?  But the two behind him were.  He wasn't looking at Xander so he pulled out his mini dart gun and fired it at the other two, wiggling his fingers at them.  "Out," he hissed.  "Before I have to call back to Boca to get my friend Buffy out here."  They took off running, startling the guy in the lead.  He glared at Xander, who gave him his best 'innocent guy' grin and batted his lashes.  "Did you hurt the driver?  I don't want to have to drive us all the way back to the station."  The man let out a growl and a whistle, bringing a few others.  Xander pulled out his gun and pointed it at the guy, who backed off.  "At this range, this will traumatize everyone on this bus.  Do you *really* want that?"  He heard a different howl, this one in glee, and focused on the leader again.  "Out.  Now."  He waved the gun in a shooing motion.  "Now."  He turned and ran with his people.  "I hate morons."  He put his gun back and grabbed his bag, heading up to the front.  "Stay on the bus!" he yelled over the confused sounding grunts.  "I'll get some help."  He got off and closed the doors, using an old high school prank to lock them from the outside.  He saw a few bikers between him and the garage, but it looked like they were fighting the bad guys.  Wonderful. A gang war!  Just what he needed!

He started to hike to the garage, walking around the fighting going on, only hitting someone when they made a grab for him.  That one ended up on the ground as he continued on, tapping on the door of the garage. A pretty woman answered.  "Hi," he said, nodding behind him.  "The bus blew an engine.  The driver's been taken by the potbellied former football player, and the bus is full of scared people.  Can you maybe call someone like the bus station for them?"

"Sure," she said, letting him inside.  She checked behind him but nothing was coming for him. "How did you walk around that?"

Xander snorted.  "Honey, I'm from Cali.  This is nothing in a gang war.  I've been caught in LA during a real gang turf war."  He looked out in time to see a goon go flying and clapped, letting out a whistle.  "Nice posture.  Seven-four though, no degree of difficulty!"  He slammed the door and shook his head.  "Posers."

"You live in LA?"

"Just outside," he said with his usual goofy grin.  "In my town, they'd be eaten."  She gave him an odd look.  "Trust me.  My best friend is five-four, delicate, blonde, and she can kick all their ass...butts," he corrected quickly.  "Pardon my speech.  Two days on the bus."

"Not an issue.  I've used it myself a few times."  She looked up the number and called the bus station.  "Hi, this is Charley Davidson at the Last Chance Garage.  There's a broken down Greyhound up here.  One of the passengers asked me to call, said the driver's disappeared and it sounded like a blown engine."

"A loud pop sorta explosion going at high speed," Xander offered.

"Yeah, that's the engine," she agreed, smiling at him. "Had one?"

"Going seventy," he said dryly.  He looked over as the door opened and three bikes came in, glancing at Charley but she shook her head.  "Then it's all good.  The guys on the bus still on there?" he asked them.  He paused.  Then he nodded once.  "You're furry.  Are you from Sunnydale and tracking me?"

"Huh?" one of them asked, taking off his helmet.  "Who're you?"

"He's the guy who said the one Modo threw didn't do a very good dive," the white one said with a smirk for the kid.  "Off the bus?"

"Unfortunately.   It blew the engine.  She's being nice and calling them to come get the scared people."  He glared at the person behind them, pulling out his stake to throw at the being standing there, making him howl since his aim was off.  He dropped his bag and pounced him, dusting him once he got his stake back.  The minion had been rolling around on the ground.  "I hate vampires.  Can't you guys all go take a walk on the beach or something?" he sneered at the ashes.  He looked around, finding a few more staring at him.  "Yeah, I'm from Sunnydale.  I'm her bad boy."  They backed off but one stepped closer.  "Huh, you're a Drac wannabe. You know he's a poof, right?"  The vampire sneered so Xander gripped his stake better.  "I'm not here for you."

"You are if Giles sent you," he said with the sneer still in place.  "Xander?"  He nodded, looking calm.  "I don't like you."

"Feeling's mutual.  Give me the globe and I'll gladly leave after handing over the envelope.  Otherwise, you're dust, your family's dust, and then I'll get to go party before searching your crib during the daylight hours.  I'm sure the others won't appreciate me knocking in a wall," he hissed, stepping forward.  "Your choice."

He chuckled.  "You are either very brave or very stupid," he said fondly.

"Yeah, and most people think one until they're faced with the other.  Where's the globe so I can get back?"

"There's a small problem.  It was stolen from our care by one of the local men of ill repute."

"Okay.  And you can't eat him?"

"He'd taste bad.  He's a slick, slimy individual."

"Sure.  We'll case him and see," he offered.  "I've got to get back to work within a week."

"Fine, Xander.  Meet us here tonight," he said, handing over a card.  "It's a club most of us favor for fun and hunting."

"Deal."  He stepped back, putting his stake back in his waistband.  "Anything else?"  The vampire shook his head, still giving him a more fond version of the smirk.  "Then I suggest you blow before officials get here."

"Agreed.  Tonight then."  He left, taking his family troupe with him.

Xander glared after them, shaking his head. "This is not a good sign."

"You know him?"  a deep male voice said from behind him.

Xander turned to look at the large being, nodding.  "Yeah, I was sent to trade an envelope of information for a globe he's supposed to have.  I'm so going to kill Giles when I get home for doing this to me."  He nodded, grinning at the nice mechanic.  "Is there a cheap place to crash around here?"  She nodded, letting him have the phone book.  "Thanks, ma'am.  Sorry to have bothered you.  I'll make sure they won't be coming back.  Their sort get in your hair if you don't set your foot down and dust them."  He found a motel that was relatively close by the address and grabbed his bag after tossing it back.  "Thanks for the help earlier.  I hope you're safe from the goons, ma'am."  He turned and left, heading up the street.

"Who was that?" the white furred person asked.

"I don't know," she admitted.  "He came to ask me to call the bus station for the bus since it blew an engine."  She shrugged, watching him walk away out a window.  "I'm hoping he doesn't cause trouble for you guys."

"He didn't seem to care that we're furred," Throttle said, but he was frowning.  "It didn't seem to phase him at all."

"What's a Sunnydale?" Vinnie asked. "I heard him mention it."

"It's a town. He said he's from a town outside of LA.  Said this was nothing compared to the gang war he got caught in the middle of," she admitted, staring at the white mouse.  "You guys okay?"

"Just fine, Charley girl," Throttle said, glancing at that pile of dust.  "Is anybody else troubled by the fact that the human turned to dust so quickly? Usually that takes a few centuries from what I've seen."

"Maybe it's a mythical being, like on those movies," the other mouse, Modo, suggested.  The others gave him an odd look so he sighed.  "Just a suggestion," he offered.

"Yeah, well, it's about the only thing I can think of," Charley admitted.  She watched as a tow truck came up to where the bus was, closing the doors since someone clearly had that under control.  "He seemed to know what he was doing."

"I'm just glad he wasn't aiming at my head with that thing of his," Vinnie complained. "Too bad it didn't hit him in a fatal blow with that throw."

"No, it hit him a few inches off to the left," Throttle admitted, considering it.  He looked at Modo, who was looking a bit concerned.

"So either we just saw a teenage Van Helsing and his ancient enemy or we've got a mystery?" Charley suggested.  The three mice nodded.  "Well, I'm for the first explanation and he seemed to have it well in hand."

"He said vampire," Vinnie noted suddenly.  "He said something about vampires to the ashes."

"So he's a mini Van Helsing and he's got it," Throttle said, settling that in his mind.  The kid would take care of anything like that and he didn't see them as a threat so they'd be fine.  "Charley girl, got any rootbeer?"

"Of course," she sighed.  "In the fridge, guys."  They went to get themselves a cold one in reward for doing such a good job.  Not even a single scratch to their side. It was a good night so far.

***

Xander walked into the club, armed and dangerous.  The bouncer tried to stop him so he held up the card.  "I'm invited.  I'm the one coming for the Drac wannabe."  The bouncer looked him over.  "I'm from California, sorry, we do it differently.  I could be wearing bright colors."

"We only let in people who're tight and well built."

Xander took off his outer shirt, showing off his tighter than average t-shirt.  "I work construction."  The guy let him inside so he put back on the shirt, stopping to pick up the stake he had dropped.  He walked up to the bar.  "Can I have a soda?" he asked with a small grin.  "I'm going to be driving."

"Sure, sugar," the bartender said, pouring him one.  "Two bucks."  He started to pull his wallet but someone put money on the bar.  "Ooh, an admirer."

Xander looked at the man behind him.  "I'm straight."

"That doesn't mean I can't look," he said with a grin.

"True.  Look away."  Then he grinned back.  "Thanks for that."

"You're welcome.  We don't get many non-native boys around here.  LA?"

"Just outside.  Sunnydale actually."  The man stared at him so Xander smirked.  "It was kinda obvious.  You're really pale under the lights in here.  The big guy here yet?"

"Why are you?"

"Giles sent me."

"Oh, you're *him*," he said with a frown.  "No, he's not finished with his hair yet.  Wanna go onto the floor?  I promise not to bite."

"Sure, why not," he agreed.  "I'm secure in my masculinity these days."  He followed the vampire out onto the floor, making sure his soda couldn't spill or be tampered with.  This vampire was smooth, like he had imagined Angelus would be from his reputation in the books. Not at all like the real thing, much more smooth than the brooding one.  They danced for a few tunes, then Xander headed for an empty table, sitting down.  He patted himself down, finding only one thing was missing and if someone had stolen a holy water vial to drink it was their own fault.  He sat down, getting comfortable against the wall.  "Why is it that Masters always have to do their hair?  Angel and Spike are the worst about that."

"You know them?" he asked in awe.  Xander nodded, taking another sip.  So that's where his holy water had went to.  It wouldn't hurt him.  He finished off the soda and put the glass down.  "Did you bathe in holy water?"

"Someone stole a vial and dropped it into my drink," he said dryly, smirking at him. "Yeah, I work with the blonde one.  I've met Angel a number of times, and met Angelus a few times, and Spike unfortunately sometimes takes up residence in my recliner as a tied- up being."

"You play sex games with Spike?" he asked, sounding even more awed.

"No, I tie him up because he's annoying," he said fondly.  "Even if I liked guys, I wouldn't like that guy.  He's too brash and loud.  I've got a woman like that instead."  The vampire chuckled and Xander stared over his shoulder.  "The boss is in."

"Hell.  I guess you'll have to go."

"He can find me.  I'm about the only human in here.  By the way, that woman who dosed my drink, you might want to find her in case it hurts her."

"It already has, but most of us didn't care.  She was a stupid girl anyway."  He got comfortable until his Master came over.  "Sire, I was keeping your guest company.  Mira stupidly stole some of his holy water and dosed his drink."

"I can see that.  Thank you.  I hope he was nice to you."

"Very charming," Xander agreed, waving at the bartender and holding up his drink.  She smiled and nodded.  "No additives this time," he called.  "Please."  She beamed and poured him a normal soda.  He paid for his own this time, tipping the waitress with a small wink.  "Thanks."  She walked off.  Xander moved his feet and switched so his back was fully against the wall and he was staring at the master.  "You can sit."  The man sat beside him.  "What complications?"

"Someone stole it," he admitted.  "They broke into our den and tried to get us to leave, and took that during the battle."

"Hmm.  Where might he be?"

"In the big tower up the street," the Master admitted.  "We can't get in there.  There's no way for us to get in there.  None of us are experienced in urban warfare."

"I can see that.  My very nice keeper seemed a bit too nice to be a gutter rat.  None of them?"

"Most of them left that could," another vampire noted.  "He's the reason for the destruction."

"Interesting.  I thought that building site looked a bit odd.  Destruction instead?"  That vampire nodded.  "Understood.  So you need me to get into the building?"  The master nodded.  "Fine.  Let's go look at it."  The master stood up and Xander accepted his help to his feet.  "Thanks, dude."  He grabbed the stake and slid it into his waistband.  "I've got to fix the holder, it's stretched," he complained as he walked off with the whole group behind him.  The building wasn't that far away and it was a nice night.  Xander had them stay there and walked around the building, finding the entrances, including one guarded by a smoking idiot with wild hair and dark glasses.  He found the garage and noticed the weak setup, smirking as he wandered over to it, taking the opportunity to relieve himself.  Yeah, that would do.  He walked back, seemingly drunk in a wobbling-along-the-sidewalk way in case anyone was watching.  He met up with the master.  "Three entrances, one very easy, one not that hard, and one with a guard.  Where is it?"

"We're not sure."  The master looked at him.  "You know of these things?"

"How often do you think we get to sneak into places?  I got to do this with the military twice," he noted cheerfully.  "We took down the Initiative."  The others hissed at that name.  "Exactly.  They were underground."  He heard a rumble of an engine and glanced at the person riding up the street.  "What's he?  I don't recognize his species."

"He's not one of us," the master admitted bitterly.  "We have no idea what he is, but they're the town's protectors.  We don't bother what we don't know about."

"Decent enough."  Xander looked up then at the vampires again.  "We going now?"  They shrugged.  "Then let's go, guys."  He took out his stake and squatted down to draw the plans he had.  "Okay, you four," he said, pointing.  "Go in this door.  It had a guard.  Go in, cause chaos and mayhem.  I know many of you like that.  Two more of you come with me.  The rest of you hang out down here in case there's a problem.  If you smell my blood, then something's buggered, cause more mayhem and hell on earth so I can get free."  Everyone nodded, pausing to sniff him.  He saw the blissed out expressions and grinned at the master.  "You can come if you want."

"No, I'll wait.  Warfare, even at this level, has nothing that amuses me."

"Sure.  Maybe you can help by eating some of the goons who bother the guardians."  He took off his brighter overshirt, shoving everything into his pockets and under his gray shirt into the holders he was wearing around his waist.  Then they went inside.  He got them through the gate at the garage, nodding at the two to start with the cars and dune buggies while he headed up the stairs.  This wasn't that hard.  He found a few cameras and motion detectors but he had black spray paint.  He was kinda very experienced in this.  He snuck under the cameras when he could, giving the painted ones as a way to distract the guards. Someplace like this had to have a good set of guards.  He heard an alarm and paused where he was, which was behind a landing doorway.  It had a card- reader on it so he couldn't jimmy it, but someone would be coming out of it soon enough or he could knock someone out and take their cards.  A few goons ran out of the door, not noticing when he caught it.  He snuck inside after a quick glance and hid in a shadow behind an ugly statue of a fish person.  That's when the stench hit him.  "Eww," he muttered as quietly as he could, trying to keep his gag reflex down.  That was just nasty.

***

Throttle pulled into the garage, leaning on his handlebars.  "There's a mass outing at the stink fish's.  Most of them standing there but I saw a few sneaking inside, including that boy."  The others looked at each other, then headed for their bikes.

"Are we helping those vampires?" Charley asked.  "He said he was here to pick up something."

"Sure, why not," Vinnie said happily.  "All the more destruction we'll have."

"Yeah, we haven't destroyed the tower in a few weeks," Modo said cheerfully.  "Let's go."

"Hmm, sneak in?" Throttle suggested.

"Hardly," Vinnie scoffed.  "A mouse as bad as me doesn't sneak!  I say a full out assault."

"Sure.  When we get there, forty-three green?"  Everyone nodded. "Then let's Rock and Ride, bros!"

They roared out of the garage, heading to help in the destruction.  A group like that wasn't a peaceful protest.  When they got there, the garage was in a smoking ruin, the vampires were massing again and staring at the windows.

Vinnie stopped, glaring at them.  "Problems?" he asked smugly.

"The human's been taken.  I can smell his blood," one of them said absently.  "He's on the top floor."

"No problem," Vinnie said with a wicked chuckle.  "Guys, they've got that kid."  The others growled and headed up the outside of the building, their bike's rockets firing.  They blew in the window and landed inside the office.

Throttle took off his helmet.  "Man, you reek worse than usual.  Taking a bath in the sewer again, Limburger?"

"No, but I don't see why this is any of your concern."  He stroked a crystal.  "Besides, this one clearly isn't one of your kind.  Now, leave, before I have to bring up something nasty," he said smugly.

"Duck," Xander called, ducking down to throw the guard over his shoulder.  He stole the crystal and then backhanded the smelly man.  "You stupid idiot.  They're good guys, they're like that.  I used to be like that.  Now I'm not," he said fondly, smirking at him.  "You're outmatched.  You should go back to whatever hell dimension you came from.  Or else I'll have someone come help you to one."  He smirked at the bikers.  "We all out?"  They just blinked at him.  "Hi, guys," he said sweetly.  He looked out the window.  "Hmm, I always wanted to try this.  Catch me or die," he called.  "I'm calling Rosenburg on my way down."  The vampires moved into position so he jumped, spreading out on his back as he fell.  Even if he was injured, it was still fun.  "Yeah!" he shouted on the way down.

"And I thought you were insane, Vinnie," Throttle said, watching him fall.  He was caught and a few of the people down there looked more broken than the boy.  "Let's wreck it."  Vinnie let out a howl of joy and they went back to their usual fun and games.  They'd worry about the boy later.

"Oh, look, it's a Grease Pit," Modo called, shooting at him.

"We'll get you mousies yet!" Grease Pit howled as he ran off, his rear smoking from a shot.

"Get them," Limburger shouted.  "They're here!"  He hit all the buttons on his desk, starting the automatic defenses.  But they shot at him instead.  He dove behind his desk, trying to get out the emergency hatch.  At least until a laser bolt hit him in the backside as well, then he went through the panel and out.

From the ground, Xander looked up as the smoke picked up and then nodded.  "Huh.  You know, if I had a way, I'd send him to a hell dimension."

"We can do that," one of them said cheerfully.  It'd earn their Master and Sire many favors from the higher demons.

"Sure, go for it," Xander agreed.  "Yo, furry people, that building is going to hell in ten minutes.  If you're not out of there, you're going with it," he yelled.  He walked off, knowing that they had heard him.  Guys with ears that big had to be able to hear him from that sort of distance.  He heard a motorcycle roar and smirked to himself as he walked off with the globe.  He went back to the club to leave the envelope with the copies of things Giles had sent him, then headed back to his room, where he laid a path of holy water and salt across the doorway.  One would stop the vampires and the other would hopefully stop that smelly creature.  Speaking of, he stripped off and went to take a shower, the globe going with him.

He heard a large 'whomp' noise and looked out the window, noticing the building was disappearing.  "I hope they got out."  He went back to test the water, ignoring the knocking at his door.  "I left the envelope at the club," he called.  The knocking picked up, and was stronger.  So he walked out to see who it was.  He didn't think to grab a towel to cover his nudity, it'd only make the vampires stupid with lust.  "You guys all got out, right?" he asked the tan being in front of him.  He looked confused and nodded.  "Good.  I hoped you would."  He shrugged and grinned, then shut the door.  "I'm taking a shower, that guy stunk worse than most demons."  He headed back into the shower, wincing as the door fell in.  "Don't let me be charged for that, or I'm making a rug of one of you," he called back, getting into the warm spray.  He heard someone come to the door and grabbed his gun, pointing it at the creature.  "I'm still straight, even though you're cute and all.  Out."  Vinnie backed off.  "Thanks.  I'll be done in about ten minutes."

By the time Xander was done, the three bikers were in the main room, lounging and watching the tv.  "No porn?" he joked.

"We're not that compatible," Modo said grimly.

"That was a dangerous and foolhardy stunt," Throttle agreed coolly in his low, husky voice.  He started to go on but Xander held up a hand.

"I yelled to give you guys a warning.  You obviously heard.  Did everyone get out?"  They all nodded.  "Good.  Did any of them get out?"  They shook their heads, almost in unison.  "Then they're in hell paying for every bad thing they ever tried to do."  Three muzzles gaped at him.  "The vampires were more than happy enough to get that blight out of their city.  They also said they didn't like you guys because they weren't sure what you were."  He grinned at Vinnie, then at the obvious leader of the group.  "Welcome to my world.  I deal with the vampires.  If any of them get ejected from hell, they'll appear in that spot as a steaming, naked being.  Until then, they're obviously bad guys who deserved it.  My life's too short to waste bickering about how bad it was to let the vampires send them to hell.  I deal with the vampires each night and save the world every other Thursday."  They gaped again.  "So, you guys got out, one for the good guys on the winning side.  Anything else?"

"What was so important?" the large grey mouse asked quietly.

Xander retrieved the globe, holding it up.  "It's a small key device.  We'll need it to shut the stupid hellmouth again and maybe it'll stay shut this time.  Otherwise I'll have to deal with that building showing up in my part of California when hell comes out."  He put the tit-shaped crystal aside.  "What you guys do is great, we love you guys if only so that me and my friends don't have to do this too.  Unfortunately I've got to get this back there and Giles isn't happy anyway.  Any other discussion?"  They all shook their heads.  "Then is the mechanic free?  She was kinda nice and pretty and I wanted to take her out to dinner in exchange for scaring her last night."

"No way in hell, kid," the white mouse said grimly.  "Mine."

"Sure.  Not an issue," he agreed with a grin for him.  "I'll send her flowers or something instead.  It really wasn't fair of me to mess up her world further."  The white mouse burst out laughing. "What?" he asked with a mock pout.  "I'm surrounded by three girls, two of which are together, and a stuffy English dude.  I spend a lot of time helping pick out gifts of forgiveness.  I'm very good at it."

"He's like a human version of you, Vinnie," the grey mouse said dryly, standing up.  "You're leaving soon?"

"Yeah, as soon as I get Giles to buy my return ticket.  Otherwise I'm going to keep the crystal until he pays me back.  Or actually, I'd probably give it to Spike because he does annoyance *so* much better than I do," he said fondly, grinning up at him.  "If you guys ever want to come be threatened in my neck of the woods, feel free to.  I'm sure Buffy would *love* you guys.  Then again, if you did, Willow might try to pet one of you.  She's just kinda like that," he shared.  "I'm hoping her girlfriend could tame that since she allowed her to get a cat."  He shook his head.  "Let me call Giles so I know how long it'll be.  If you guys wanna wait that is."  They shrugged so he picked up the phone, dialing Giles' home number.  "Okay, I've got the tit-looking globe thingy.  I caused some major destruction out here with the vampire clan, and helped the local guys by sending the guy who stole it from them to hell.  How long before I can come home."

Giles spluttered and Xander sighed.  "Giles.  Giles," he tried patiently.  "Giles!" he snapped after a few more minutes.  "When?  I'm going to be asked to leave if I don't go soon and you *promised* me I wouldn't have to spend another two days on a greyhound.  No you didn't.  No, you didn't," he repeated patiently.  "There were no return tickets with mine.  So I'd do the ticket-cough before I have to go take out that clan and make the city *really* safe.  Giles!" he said impatiently.  "If you want the crystal tit back in Sunnydale, you'd better come through like you promised.  I don't care!" he said firmly.  "Then *you* go tell my boss that you sent me away to get the tit crystal and now won't bring me back.  I'd like him to tape it too, so tell him that first so I can watch it when I get back.  Giles, I'm dating Anya.  Do you really think I have spare money lying around?" he said dryly.  He looked at Throttle, handing him the phone.  "You tell him I can't stay."  He walked off, going to tuck the crystal into his bag in the bag Giles had made him bring.

"Sir, he really does need to go home.  No, sir, I'm one of the town's protectors."  He looked at the boy.  "No," he said sarcastically, "he didn't cause any damage at all."  Xander smirked at him, waving a hand for him to tell him.  "No, he only sent a building of people to hell because they had stolen the crystal from those other guys."  Xander chuckled at that.  "He also jumped out a tenth story window, letting those others catch him.  No, I'm serious.  Throttle, sir."

"Don't sir him, he's a Giles," Xander said with a fond smirk for him.  "Tell him I almost let them tape it but I left the envelope at their hunting hangout."

"He said he left that envelope at their hunting hangout.  Yeah, him."  He looked at the boy.  "Sure.  Two days is fine, of course I understand.  No, we'll keep an eye on him."

"Yeah, that way he doesn't take out the sweetheart and ruin her for us," Vinnie said.

"No, he's not found a new girlfriend, it was in thanks for helping him. You can tell the screeching woman in the background that he's not cheating on her."

"No, I know what hell Anya would give me," he agreed, leaning against the closet door.  "You can tell him it's in thanks since I had to slay in front of her."

"He said to tell her that it was in thanks because he had to slay in front of her and he thinks she's nice."  He nodded once.  "Sure, two days is fine.  We'll make sure he's on the plane, sir.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "Man, your girl is shrill."  He rubbed his ear.  "She wasn't even near the phone and nearly deafened me."

"That's nothing.  I'll hear about it for weeks at home," he said with another fond grin.  "Two days?"  Throttle nodded.  "Cool.  I can get out there. You guys don't have to babysit."

"Fat chance," Modo said.  "We want to make sure you don't send more of Chicago to hell."

"Me?" Xander asked innocently.  "That was the vampires.  I might go hunt some of them but nothing else."  He shrugged.  "I've been thinking about going clubbing actually.  I could use some good, faceless temptation."  He looked at his bag, then smirked and pulled out an outfit, going to put it on in the bathroom.  He came out and found his room empty.  So he sat down to put on his boots, then thought to check his bag.  They had taken the crystal.  He'd have to get it back in the morning.  He walked out, heading to a nearby club that had a long line.  The bouncer gave him a once-over, then let him inside after he paid the cover.  Xander took a deep breath.  It was a *real* club, not like the Bronze.  He nearly ran out to the dance floor.  He had missed this.  He never had time for fun anymore.

***

Xander walked up to the garage the next morning, still wearing the same clothes.  He hadn't made it back to the motel yet, but Giles was paying for the flowers he was bringing with the card he had stolen.  He tapped on the door, smiling at Throttle, who he handed a flower to.  "Here.  Thanks.  Crystal?"

"Modo," he said, pointing behind him, but he let the kid in.

"Wonderful.  Let's hope it doesn't open up a doorway while he's holding it."  He walked into the back where he could hear voices, presenting the flowers.  "Because I was intolerably rude when I slayed a vampire in front of you, ma'am.  I should know better than to pollute the nice people with the filth that walks in the night."  He looked at Modo.  "That crystal has the ability to open a doorway when you're holding it and play with it wrong."  It was tossed back.  "Thanks. Going to bed now."  He smiled at Charley again.  "I was going to ask you out for a nice lunch on Giles' credit card, but the white one there said I couldn't and got upset."  He left, bouncing the crystal in his hand.  "Later," he called as he shut the door behind himself.

"All right, that's just so wrong!" Vinnie complained.  "He bought you flowers?"

"It's nice," she said, reading the card, that again apologized for defeating a creature in front of her.  "Girls like things like this now and then.  It's very sweet.  He obviously understands women."

"He said he's surrounded by two lesbians, another woman, and an old stuffy guy from England," Throttle agreed.  "I talked to him, it made him send the plane ticket faster after I told him about the building disappearing and going to hell."

"And after the guy jumped out the window without anything to save him," Vinnie agreed. Not even *he* would be that dumb.  He always either had his bike or a parachute or a jet pack, something to save him.  "That boy needs help," he decided.

"Probably but if what he says is true, then he's living on borrowed time," Throttle reminded him.  "I'm wondering if his town is really that bad."

Charley looked at him. "I went to the library before you guys got here to look them up on the internet.  They've got a thirty percent homicide and missing persons rate."  They all winced at that.

"Mars only had a fifty percent during the war!" Throttle complained.  "What is going on!"

"I'm supposing more like those vampires," she offered.  She sniffed the flowers again then got up to put them into some water.  "This was very nice of him."

Vinnie frowned out the window.  "Yeah, nice," he said flatly.

She gave him a pat on the back of the head.  "I'm not going to start dating him, Vinnie, calm down."

"Hopefully not," Vinnie said, grinning at her.  "Wanna catch a picnic today, sweetheart?  We could go somewhere quiet and eat."

"Sure, if you drain the oil in the wrecker and change it for me," she said with a smirk.  "Tomorrow, I don't have anything then."  He nodded, accepting that for now.  "So, you talked to his keeper, Throttle?"

"Yeah, an older sounding guy with a strange accent.  He sounded very worried, and a bit upset with the boy."

"Xander," she corrected. "He signed the card."

"Oh, nice," Vinnie said dryly.  "Xander?"

"Probably short for Alexander," she noted.  She looked at Throttle.  "Did you tell on him?"  He nodded, smirking at her.  "Then maybe he'll get the help he needs out there."

"Yeah, it switched from another bus ticket to a plane ticket after I told him about the jumping from Limburger's office stunt," he agreed smugly.  "Apparently he doesn't know the boy very well.  He said as much.  His girl's real shrill though.  She was across the room and you could hear her clearly as she ranted about her boy."

"If he was mine, I'd keep him on a leash," she agreed, starting to laugh.  "I can't imagine what his girl must be like."

"He said something about not having any money because of her," Modo offered.

"Somehow I don't see him dating a money grubbing shrew," she told him.  He shrugged.  "Maybe she doesn't work."  She shrugged and dug into her breakfast, glancing at the flowers now and then, which was making Vinnie vibrate in agitation.  "Hey, Vinnie, would you pick up some groceries for me?" she asked sweetly, grinning at him.  "Then maybe I can get to the wrecker first and we can do that picnic today."

He calmed down and grinned back.  "Sure thing, sweetheart.  Make me a list and everything."  She nodded.  "A big haul?"

"Nah, some bread, milk, eggs, sausage, things like that," she promised.  "Easily carried on the bike."

He beamed at the others.  "You guys wanna come?"

"No, that's okay," Throttle assured him.  "We'll stay here in case any more of those goons come back."

"I wanted to go look at the building in the daylight," Modo offered.  "Make sure it's really gone and no one reappeared like the boy said they might."  Throttle nodded at that.  "Do you think he was being literal?" he asked, needing to ask that.

"We just found out vampires are real, bro," Throttle said softly.  "It's possible.  That means they're paying for everything they ever did to Mars."  Modo nodded at that, seeming to relax some.

"Hopefully Karbunkle was in the building," Vinnie said bitterly.

Charley leaned over to give him a hug.  "If not, we'll just ship him back for a court once we catch him.  He can't have any more goons or Grease Pit," she said softly, making him calm down again.  "Plus, no more transporter or anything."  He nodded, giving her a squeeze.  "So, what else is going on today?"

"I was going to ride past the kid's room, make sure he didn't get into trouble later," Throttle offered.  "I don't think he'd been to bed yet."

"Then he's got more stamina than I do," Charley said dryly.  "He's obviously younger than me."

They all chuckled at that, the life in youth was something they all remembered fondly.

"Did I ever tell you about that time we were on Taurus?" Vinnie asked with a grin.

"No, not that," Throttle moaned, taking his breakfast out to the garage, Modo following.

"Guys!" he whined.

"That bad?" Charley called after them.

"Don't ask.  He nearly got us arrested," Modo called back.

"That's not fair!" Vinnie called after them, getting up to go bug them.  Charley finished her breakfast with a grin and a few more looks at the nice flowers.

***

Xander woke up to someone tapping on his door, getting up to grunt at the guy there.  "Yeah?"  An envelope was handed over.  "Thanks."  He looked at it, then at him.  "Huh?"

"Plane tickets, sir."

"Ah.  'Kay, thanks, dude.  Need anything like a tip?"  The boy shook his head.  "Any good clubs on this side of the city?  I went to the one with the flames and stuff last night."

"Not really.  They're mostly across the city," he admitted with a grin.  This guy didn't look that young.  "Have a good nap, sir."

"You too, kid."  He closed the door, locked it, and went back to bed, putting the envelope on the dresser as he walked past it.  The phone rang and he picked it up with a grunt.  "Forgot, sorry.  Be there in ten minutes."  He got up and pulled on some pants, heading out to pay for another day.  Fortunately Giles hadn't skimped on that.  He handed over the forty dollars and took the rest to get breakfast from the nearby diner.  He stuck his head inside.  "Can I get some food?" he called to the waitress with a grin.  "Just breakfast?"  She gave him a look so he leaned in a bit more.  She smiled and nodded, going to get him some food and take his money.  "Thanks, dear.  You're very nice."  He went back to his room, trudging back inside and closing the door.  He found a big man in his way, sitting down to eat.  He grunted between bites, looking up at him.  "What?" he asked finally.

"Making sure you're fine. You left your door open."

"Vampires go poof in the sunlight," he said, taking a bite of toast.  "Make sure the crystal's in that velvet bag?"  Throttle held up the bag, showing it had a large lump in it.  "Thanks.  Other problems?"

"You made Vinnie so jealous," he said smugly.

"Yeah, well, sometimes guys need a push," he said smugly, then he dug into his eggs.  "She seemed very nice and he'll do more sweet things for the next three weeks or so in retaliation."

Throttle considered it. "Yeah, he is.  It's keeping him out of her hair too," he agreed dryly.  "You have fun?"

"Sure did, dad."  He put aside the rest of his food and wiped his mouth off.  "I clubbed with some very pretty girls most of last night."  The room's phone rang so he picked it up.  "Yeah?"  He smirked.  "Hi, Giles.  Nope it's still here.  I left it at their hunting spot.  You  can tell him I said that.  No, I left while they were doing the chanting to send the building to hell so I didn't get caught accidentally.  Yeah, well, you said the crystal was a doorway," he said dryly.  "With my luck, I'd get to meet Anya's family."  He smirked at Throttle. "No, I didn't jump out of a tenth story window without a parachute.  I think it was more like a twelfth story or something.  Yes, Giles, I was safe," he sighed, rolling his eyes.  "Sure, put her on.  Hey, Anya.  No, nothing like that.  No, I had to slay in front of her and I wanted to apologize for bringing that nastiness onto her doorstep.  Oh, tell Giles he bought her flowers."  He smirked. "Then next time, tell him to buy the tickets back at the same time.  Yeah, someone just delivered them."

He pointed at the envelope and it was tossed over.  'Thanks,' he mouthed, slitting it open with his plastic fork.  "Um, United, straight from Chicago, two days in the afternoon.  Got it."  He grinned.  "Sure, Anya.  Hey, yell at him.  I wanted him to send Willow, but *no* he had to send me."  He smirked at Throttle.  "Then again, I think she might have freaked that first night when the bus blew an engine near a gang warfare spot."  He beamed.  "Sure.  Love you too.  Fix me dinner when I get back, 'kay?  That way I don't have to pay outrageous prices for airport food.  Thanks, Anya.  Love you too."  He hung up and rolled his eyes, making sure it was on the hook. "And I thought Giles was a worrywart."

"He probably should be if that's any indication of what you're like at home."

"I don't have the energy to be this fun at home.  Between work and patrols, I don't get much free time.  Maybe one night a week if we're lucky and there's no upcoming quarterly emergency."

"What do you do at home?"

"Construction."

"Ooh," Throttle said with a wince.  That was a tiring job.  "They can't pay you for... patrols?"

"No, Giles won't."  He shrugged.  "They don't pay Buffy either and it's sacred duty to do it.  I'm just a guy who jumped in."  He shifted some.  "So, give, what are you?"

"Martian."

"Okay.   Not exactly what I expected thanks to the movies, but fairly cool in your own right, even if you do the parental scowl thing very well."

"It comes from dealing with Vinnie."  He wasn't sure if he was winning this discussion or not, this boy was throwing him off balance very badly.  "So, what's your town like?"

"Small, peaceful, idyllic, white picket fences, portal to hell, vampires, demons, constant fighting that the residents ignore."  He shrugged.  "It's nearly hell but it's home."

"You don't sound too happy to go back."

"Yeah, but as a wise man once told me, when you've been in the sewer for so long, you can't tell that roses smell any different."  Throttle nodded, he could understand that feeling.  "I've got a job, a girl, and a duty.  It's a life for now."

"If you say so.  You could probably take your girl and find a new job."

"Yeah, but that takes money and Anya's a money hoover," he admitted with a small grin.  "Besides, that would leave my friends down a person in the nightly battles."

"Maybe, but what's worse?"

"The world going to hell because we don't win."

"Oh.  Like the building...."  Xander nodded, looking much older than he had to be.  "Really?"

"Really.  We've got a portal there.  It draws things to it.  Some very bad things. We fight the very bad things and do so without too many losses usually."  He shifted again.  "It's not fun, it's a life, man.  It's my life.  If I left, I'd do what I did here and draw them to me.  They like me because I've been doing this so long.  So even if I got out, I'd still be doing the job, just in a different location and without friends."

"Friends can make the difference," he agreed.  "We're in a war at home against that guy you sent to hell last night."

"I'm sorry, man.  I hope you guys win.  You seem too nice to stink like that for eternity."  Throttle smirked at him, it had been a weak joke.  "He did!"

"He did," he admitted.  "You'll be okay?"

"Yeah, I left the payment for the crystal last night.  As long as they go get it, it'll be fine.  If they come for me, I can tell them that I left it with the bartender."  He shrugged.  "What're they gonna do, turn me?  Then I'll be super fighting boy and take the time to eat the pissants in the world who deserve it."

"Fine.  If you need us while you're here, come get us.  Modo said he'd give you a ride to the airport."

"I'm cool," Xander offered.  "Really."

"Fat chance, kid."

"I'm twenty-one, I'm not a kid.  I haven't been a kid since I was fifteen," he noted quietly.  Throttle nodded, he could see that.  "So, you gotta name?"

"I'm Throttle.  Modo's the big guy and Vinnie's the one you're walking on the tail of."

"Cool.  Tell him I'd never take her for real once I'm gone.  Anya'd get really mad and make me follow the building.  She's a former vengeance demon."  Throttle winced at that.  "Yeah, exactly," he agreed.  "But hey, it's a former job for her.  That's a good thing."  He shrugged.  "It happens.  I'm going clubbing again tonight. Any recommendations?"

"We don't usually go out like that.  People tend to give us odd looks for being furry."

"Hell, they'd probably love you in some of the bear and leather bars," Xander said dryly, smirking at him.  "Ask Vinnie to look at them.  He seems like the sort not to be embarrassed by a leather bar."

"Sure, kid," Throttle agreed, smirking at him.  He could sense the naughtiness but he wasn't quite sure where it was coming from, yet.  Maybe they could use it as a prank after he asked Charley.  "You behave, kid.  Yell if you need us."  He left, going back to the garage.  He made sure the boy locked the door behind him, thinking on the way back.  He ran into Charley outside, stopping to look at her, turning off his face shield.  "Charley girl, he just suggested that Vinnie check out leather and bear bars.  I didn't know you had sentient bears down here."

She blushed and shook her head with a moan.  "Oh, God," she whimpered.  "I can see that."  She walked back into the garage, going to hide now.  That boy was too much, but she could imagine that.  She had to stop those images before they took flight of their own free will.

Throttle smirked.  So it was something sexual.  Yeah, maybe he'd use that as a prank for the smug little mouse.  He headed inside the garage, closing the door after himself since no one was coming.  Charley looked at him as she came out of the bathroom and blushed again.  Then she went back into the bathroom and shut the door firmly.  He chuckled.  He'd definitely have to get Vinnie with that.  Right after he found a definition of what sort of bear that was.  He didn't want Vinnie to be hurt after all.

***

Xander checked his gun, showing his permit, then grinned and waved at Modo.  "Thanks, big guy.  Have a nice ride back," he called, heading for the gate with his ticket.  He made it through security fairly quickly, even though he did have to take off his boots.  His plane was sitting at the gate so he didn't have to wait too long for it.  By the time he got onto the plane, he was in a really cheerful mood.  He checked the crystal then put his bag under the seat in front of him.  He settled in to watch the passengers load since he was near the front of the plane.  One of them made him cringe, but he wasn't sure why.  He looked at the stewardess and she was watching the same guy.  The others boarded and nothing else happened.  He settled in as the safety film strip came on, the stewardess mimicking the actions on the small tv set into the roof.  They taxied out to a runway and were about to take off when the plane suddenly shut down completely, lights and all.  "Huh," Xander said, glancing around.

The man who was suspicious got up and walked up there, holding a gun that looked like a toy to him.  "We're not going anywhere!" he shouted.  "Not until our demands are met!"

Xander considered what was in his bag, but nothing would really harm the human unless he wanted to stake him.  He raised a hand, getting a glare in return.  "Sir, some of us are due for important events.  How long do you think it'll be before they give into your demands?  I've got an impatient bitch at home waiting to drop something."

The man continued to glare at him.  "However long it takes."

"Sure.  Just asking," he said with his 'harmless, innocent boy' grin.  "What are your demands?  Maybe some of us can meet them."

"I want all of the electronics in the world to be trashed and for us to go back to horses and buggies."   He saw the boy blink.  "Electronics are evil," he shouted.  "They're ruining humans, making us too soft!"

Xander stood up, looking at him, licking his lips.  "Sir, not to be a bother or anything, but you're standing in one of those things.  You're surrounded by those things, and some of us aren't that soft.  Some of us are actually harder because of some machines.  After all, look how many people now have muscles from gym equipment, a lot of which has electronic components.  A lot of the carpentry I do requires electronics but I'm not exactly the little geek I was when I started.  Maybe you should ask for reasonable electronics for training purposes?  Things to help us train in the old ways first.  A mini-step mind you, but easier than, say, the military giving up all its electronics and nifty weapons.  By the way, I saw a tank heading this way.  With how paranoid people are today, they'll just blow us all up instead."  He stared the man down, seeing the fear in his eyes.  "I don't disagree, I know a few people who live for their GameBoxes.  That's all they do all day."  The man shuddered.  "But if you want to *convince* us to help you instead of being a nuisance, you can't get us all blown up by a tank.  We're not going to be martyrs to your cause."

"You sound like you're military," the man said suspiciously.

Xander gave him a gentle grin.  "I've thought about it and trained with some," he admitted.  "I'm actually a strategy person in my town. It's too small to have one for the police department."  The man looked impressed.  "So maybe you should go out there and make your demands at the people waiting.  If you can convince them, you can convince us and it'd get you away from the harmful electronics."  The man nodded, waving the gun at the stewardess to let him out.  "Go ahead," he encouraged.  "We're going to stay right here like good hostages."  She let him out, deploying the emergency slide.  He slid down and she shut the door.  "Good.  How long before they release us?" he asked.

"It could be a few hours, sir," she said, staring at him.  "You know you're not supposed to resist, right?"

"I'm not, I'm being reasonable.  It's the voices in his head that were the problem," he said as he sat down again.  He found a phosphorescent stick and lit it up, shaking it a bit as he pulled out his graphic novel. He could read it again.  He stretched out to read, ignoring the funny looks.

"Sir, please keep your feet out of the aisle," the stewardess said gently.  He grinned and moved his feet.  "Thank you, sir.  Attention, people, he is in custody so we'll be getting a tram out here in a few moments to take us back to the airport.  Please gather your belongings and stay in your seats so we can exit in an orderly fashion," she ordered.  Xander plopped his bag in the seat beside him, handing her the glow stick.  "Thank you, sir."  She watched as he put back the comic book, catching sight of the stake on top.  "Is that what I think it is?"

He looked at her.  "It's normal artillery for some of us," he said dryly.  "It helps in my town."  She left him alone, and since the nice FBI people didn't arrest him he doubted she said anything about it.  He filled out his forms and gave a verbal report about what had happened and why he was in the city, to pick up something for a friend, then got to get back onto the next flight.  Since he had been identified as the person who had sent the whacko outside, he got a much later flight than most everyone else he had been with.  He did check with the gate attendant to make sure his checked weapon was on this plane, getting a smile and a nod.  Then he went to find the bookstore to find something new to read.  He deserved a treat.  Even if Giles did take the fifteen bucks out of his hide later on.

***

Charley turned up the radio at the news report.

"At O'Hare airport, there was a short hostage situation on a flight going to LA," the announcer said. "Fortunately the person holding them hostage did come outside to make his demands in person and he was caught before any of his hostages were harmed.  The responding agents said that the passengers did what they could to minimize the risk and one of them convinced the man to give his demands in person, thus saving the other passengers.  We'd like to salute that man, but we don't know who he is.  Again, everyone on the flight was fine and flew out on the next few scheduled flights instead.

Charley looked at Vinnie, who was staring at the radio.  "I'm not telling Throttle about that."

"Me either, sweetheart.  You think it was him?"

"I have this sinking suspicion it was," she admitted.  "He seemed like the sort."

"Wow.  I'm impressed if he used it against the guy then."  He shrugged it off.  The kid was wonderful.

***

Willow heard the news report and sighed.  "Giles, Xander's flight will be delayed," she called.  "There was a short hostage situation so they moved them to later flights."

Giles came out of the office.  "That's fine, Willow.  Remind me to make him pay for the forty dollar flowers he sent someone and the books he just bought."

"Sure, Giles, but you knew he wasn't happy about this."  She grinned at him.  "They're all okay."

"I'm happy about that, I truly am.  What happened?"

"Hostage situation.  Some guy who said electronics were bad."

"Ah, I see.  How did they solve it?"

"The guy came out to give his demands and they caught him before he could hurt anybody."

"Wonderful work the FBI does," he said happily enough.  "I'll warn Anya to start dinner later."  He went to call her.  She hated watching the news.

***

Buffy grinned at Xander as he came off the plane and waved at him from the security fence.  "Xander!"  He grinned and held up a finger, so she nodded.  He ducked into a door, coming out with a small package, then went through security.  She walked with him to get his bags, taking his arm to hold.  "What happened?"

"Someone who thought electronics were bad and we should all be Amish."

"Wonderful," she said cheerfully.  "You okay?"

He grinned.  "Just fine.  He walked out to give his demands and they caught him then."  He grabbed his bag off the belt, checking it over.  He found the crystal and handed it over.  "One crystal tit for you, my dear one.  Just like Giles asked for."

"Thanks, just what I always wanted."  She looked inside the bag and blushed. "It is, isn't it."  He nodded, grinning at her.  "So, what was Chicago like?"

"Kinda dirty in places.  They were having a bad set of restructuring in the part I was in.  A lot of tearing down and rebuilding."  He walked her outside, getting in to drive his car.  "Who gave you my car?"

"Willow did," she said, handing over the keys.  "I was very careful," she said proudly.

"I'm sure you were, Buffy."  He checked it over and nodded at her to belt up.  "Seatbelt."  She put hers on with a sigh.  "Other than being a bit dirty and in a big scaffold, I met some very nice bikers.  Our bus broke down by a garage that specialized in them apparently.  I got a ride from one of them."

"Was that the Throttle guy?" she asked.

He nodded, backing out of the parking spot, looking behind him.  "Yup, sure was.  He's a big daddy sorta person.  Scowled at me and everything.  He's pretty cool though.  You'd like him a lot."  He switched into drive and went forward, going around some walking people so he could escape the parking garage and the city.  "Anything bad happen while I was gone?"

"A few vampires, nothing major.  I slayed, they dusted, we partied one night.  Anya's cooking.  I'm supposed to warn you not to get full on the way home this time."

"Sure thing, Buff.  Is she trying to make a cake again?"

"Sure is," she said happily.  "Don't try to poison us with it this time."

"I'll try," he said dryly, paying their toll and heading out of the airport.   The interstate was close by and Sunnydale had an exit.  It'd be a quicker trip away from LA and toward home.

Episode 02:

Xander looked up as someone or something left a pretty light trail in the sky, heading for the woods.  "What now?" he complained.  He headed for the remaining woods at a jog trot, hoping to get there before anyone else who might be around after the destruction of Sunnydale could.  He had come back to examine the area, make sure that no one was trying anything with the hellmouth.  Since he wasn't helping in Cleveland, they had decided it was his job.  He found the crashed spot and the bike and the big furry person lying there.  "Yo," he called.  "Martian dude?"  He got a groan.  "Okay, I'm a Xander, I know Throttle and them in Chicago.  I'm coming over to check on you.  Got it?"  That got another moan.  Then something odd happened.  The bike beeped and flashed at him.  "Whoa," he said, staring at it.  "Are you alive?" he asked hesitantly.  It beeped again, twice.  "Okay, I used to deal with demons, I can deal with a living bike.  Give me a few minutes, sweetheart, let me check him over first since he looks like he's hurt worse.  Okay?"  It beeped at him again.  "Cool."  He walked over, kneeling beside the limp body to look it over.  "Hey," he said, touching the small face. This guy wasn't that big, or it was a woman maybe, he wasn't quite looking that far down yet.  "Hey, are you awake?" he asked gently.  "I'm a Xander, it's all right."

"Throttle," she moaned.  Definitely a girl by her voice.

"Sure, give me ten minutes to call.  Can you sit up?"  She shook her head, keeping her eyes closed.  "Fine.  Let me check on the bike.  Do you feel broken anywhere?"  She shook her head again.  "That's fine."  He checked the bike, seeing a broken front wheel base.  The arms holding the front wheel were both broken and the tire was bent and popped.  "It's all right," he said gently, stroking the crankcase.  The back wheel was bent too.  "It's okay, I'll call Throttle," he promised.  "He's got a mechanic out there who can help you heal too," he promised gently.  He found his cellphone and hit the number for information.  "Hey, I need the number for the Last Chance Garage in Chicago."  He listened as the number was read then dialed it.  "Charley Davidson?" he asked.  "Ma'am, you may not remember me, this is Xander Harris, from Sunnydale?  Yeah, him," he said with a grin, she had remembered him.  "I'm here at home and we just had one of the furry people like Throttle crash.  No, she's unconscious, her bike's got two smashed wheels and breaks on the arms holding the wheels.  No, female.  Honey, what's your name?" he called.

He moved back beside her.  "She's gray, dark hair, well built.  Smaller than me, barely.  Kinda curled up around her stomach at the moment.  Sure.  Yeah, out here?"  He smirked.  "Okay, then how do we get her there?"  He listened, nodding.  "Cool.  Can I hitch a ride back?  Thanks.  Not an issue.  Yeah, see you soon."  He hung up and pulled out his canteen, lifting her head up a bit.  "Carbine?  Can you sip at the water in the canteen?  Charley's calling Throttle and them, he'll send over their old ship to get us."  She sipped, blinking up at him.  "I'm Xander," he said softly.  "I met the guys when I was in Chicago a few years back."  He laid her back down.  "Do you ache anywhere critical?  Like an injury?"

She shook her head.  "No," she croaked.  He handed her the canteen.  "Thank you."

"Not an issue, it's what I do," he promised.  "Do you have some sort of beacon?"  She nodded, pointing a shaky hand at the bike.  "Bike, do you have a beacon?  That way they can find us since we're in the woods?"  It beeped slowly and then seemed to go limp.  "Shh, it'll be soon," he promised.  "Let me get some wood for a fire," he soothed.  "That way you can keep warm."  She nodded.  "I'll be right back, Carbine."

"I'm not Carbine.  I'm her sister."

"That's fine, Charley thought you might be," he said gently.  "She'll know what's going on when we get back there."  She nodded, sipping at the canteen.  He got up, going to gather some wood for a small fire.  Shock victims always needed to be kept warm.  He heard a growl and looked around, dumping the wood but one stick.  A beast came out of the woods and he smacked it in the head, knocking it down.  He stepped on its back, looking up at the moon.  "Wonderful."  He looked down, then flipped it over.  "Hey.  A female.  Who are you normally?" he asked, glaring down at the werewolf.  "I'm not the nicest of slayerettes.  You're trespassing."  It tried to move so he pressed on her chest, making her howl in pain.  "Not going to work.  I've dealt with others."  He pulled something out of his belt pouch, finding the thing he wanted, and stuck her with it.  She went limp after a few moments of struggling.

"Good."  He got down to make the small fire, noticing the female's approving look.  "It's a werewolf.  I had a friend who was bitten by his nephew and turned," he said conversationally.  "I just hit her with a sedative.  It won't hurt her.  She'll wake up in the morning back to normal."  He got the fire started and moved around to help her sit up against her bike.  "There you go.  Bike, I'm sorry if you're hurt.  Just give us a few more and we can fix you.  I don't know what to do if you're in pain.  I build houses, not bikes."  The bike beeped softly.  "Thanks.  Want closer to the fire?"  It beeped quietly again, just once, so he assumed that was a no.  "That's fine.  If I can do anything, just beep at me and we'll play 'yes/no' until I get it."  He went to check the werewolf, finding it fully asleep.  He drug it off, taking it deeper into the woods.  Then he came back to take care of the female mouse. "I've got some dried stuff if you want something to nibble on."

"I'd puke it back up," she said quietly.  "How do you know Throttle?"  She took another sip from the canteen, staring at him.

"A few years back I had to get an artifact from Chicago.  We met then.  If he ever said anything about a building and hell, it was during that incident," he shared with a small smile.  She nodded, so apparently she had heard something about that. "I'm Xander."

"You're him?" she asked.  He nodded.  "You don't seem like such a cocky young kid."

"I'm nearly two years older and I've been injured since then, ma'am, it ages one," he said quietly.  She nodded, looking sorry.  "It's not your fault.  I jumped into the battle.  I didn't expect to live this long.  Instead I've helped save this world and my friends."

"No family?"

"My last girl died during the last battle we had here."  The bike started to beep again so he looked around.  "That's fast."

"If they're using their ship, it would be," she admitted.  She looked up, then back at her bike.  "Send out a greeting message to make sure it's them," she ordered.  She heard a howled aaaoow and shook her head.  "Never mind, that's Vinnie.  We're over here!" she yelled.

Throttle came riding through the woods, stopping when he saw her.  "I didn't think it'd be you."

"Carbine sent me off in a ship without enough fuel."  She used her bike to brace herself but Xander came over to help her.  "Thank you.  Hi, Throttle.  I heard Vinnie."

"He's staring at horror at the town."  He noticed the other person with them.  "Hi," he said dryly.

"Hey.  Long time no postcard.  She crashed.  Her bike's in bad shape but she claims she's not injured."  He put out the fire.  "Can I hitch a ride back?  I've got to head to Cleveland and it's closer."

"Sure.  Not an issue.  Vinnie!  Modo!  It's Carbine's sister!"

Vinnie came tearing through the woods.  "What did you guys do!" he demanded.

"We closed our portal to hell permanently," Xander said with a shrug.  "Coulda used you guys when we went in there to fight the stupid super vampires."  He looked at Vinnie.  "We all survived, well most of us survived," he amended with a sigh. "Then we all moved to Cleveland to the next portal to hell.  Wanna come?"

"No thanks."  Throttle looked around at the growl.  "What's that?"

"I tranq'd a werewolf and drug her off.  She's probably having puppy dreams," Xander offered.  "Can we find a way to get her bike back there?  It's not in any shape to move on its own."

"Yeah, we can sit it across the back of Mine and Modo's," Vinnie offered.  "We can always walk around it."  He got off to look at the bike, wincing.  "You're gonna be laid up for a while, sweetheart."  He gave it a gentle pat.  "Ran out of fuel in an atmosphere jump?"  It beeped twice.  "Yeah, I've done that.  It's not fun."  He looked around at the growl again.  "Are we sure she's under?"

"Hopefully.  I gave her the full strength dose," Xander admitted.  "If not, let's go."  He kicked more dirt onto the fire then helped the young woman over to where Throttle was sitting, helping her settle herself behind him.  "She's got to be sore.  She landed on the ground."

"Ow," he agreed, glancing back as much as he could.  "You okay, Switch?"

"Yeah, I'll live with some pain killers and a long shower," she admitted.  "I fell off the bike."  She looked at her bike.  "Can Charley fix that?  Carbine said she can fix nearly anything."

"We'll help her," Vinnie promised.  "Take her back to the ship, Throttle, send Modo."  He nodded, turning and speeding off.  "You guys did that on purpose?"

"No, the portal imploded and drug the town in," he admitted tiredly, looking at the other being.  "It was a really long fight and we won, Vinnie.  I'm sure you know what those are like?"  He nodded.  Then he grabbed Xander's face to look at him, making the boy back off.  "No offense, but onions are nasty a few hours later," he said with a small grin.  "You get used to the glass."

"It's not there?"

"One of them is."

"Wow.  At least you survived.  Your girl?"

"Didn't," he said simply.  Vinnie punched him on the arm, looking sympathetic.  "We'd broken up anyway.  I saw what sort of issues we'd have in the future and left her at the altar."  He shrugged a bit, leaning against a tree.  "It happens I guess."  He heard another growl.  "Duck," he ordered, ducking under the leaping beast.  It carried him to the ground, making him roll around and struggle with it.  At least until something shot it on the side and it ran off yelping.  "I've got to get stronger tranq darts," he complained, sitting up.  "Hey," he said, waving a hand.  "How are you?" he asked with a grin for Modo.  "Long time no postcard."

"You didn't leave your address, kid," Vinnie complained.  "Modo, we've got to move her bike on ours."

"Sure."  They moved to flank her bike, letting Xander help by helping lift the underbelly and brace it while their bikes moved into position under it.

"Hey, neat, they move on their own," Xander said happily.  "Hers just beeped at me."

"Yeah, they do that," Vinnie said, grabbing the boy to walk with him.  "So give, what's been going on?  Cleveland?"

"Cleveland and being useless," he admitted.  "There's now a few slayers and they don't really need me.  I'm back to being the comic relief and voice of unlistened to caution.  The girls actually scoff at me when I warn them about stupidity and ignore me when they come back after being injured."  He looked at the bike.  "Modo, yours needs to move up a bit.  She's crooked and it's going to cause one of the struts to break."  The bike moved up and the crack eased some.  "Thanks, bike."  It beeped at him.  "So, how's Chicago?  Peaceful at least?"

"Well, they came back a few months later," Vinnie admitted.  "Karbunkle, his mad scientist, hasn't been right in the head since then, or less right anyway.  Limburger might have made a deal to remain unpunished.  He didn't seem to be affected."

"I doubt it," he said dryly.  "We sent a vampire to hell a few years back and he came back mute and nearly crying, but after a few weeks he learned to hide it from everyone.  Personally I would have put him in the sun when he reappeared but Buffy found him first and it was her boyfriend, so," he sighed, "he lived to annoy us a few more times."

"How did you stand that?" Modo asked, pointing at the town.

Xander looked at him.  "That was our final battle, big guy.  We went into Hell and fought some super vampires who wanted to open the portal wider.  Most of us survived and then it imploded.  It wasn't like that before."  He pointed at the remaining part of the city.  "It was all like that before the final battle."  He shivered.  "Exactly."

"Who died?" Vinnie asked.

"My girl," he said honestly.  "Andrew, an annoying twerp who was only partially on our side so Willow didn't skin him alive and kill him.  Kinda literally."  He shrugged again.  "It happens in any war.  We won this battle with a lot of damage and moved onto the next battlefield, Cleveland."

Throttle looked at him.  "It's hard to imagine great evil coming from Ohio."

"Yeah, well, they do," he said with a small smirk. "Not that the girls listen to me about them.  You know, I've only done this since some of them were in diapers."  Throttle nodded.  "I feel like their father sometimes.  It's a creepy and odd feeling.  Do you get that with Vinnie?"

"Every now and then," Throttle admitted with a small grin.  "Come on, we can at least get you back to the garage."

"Sure."  Xander concentrated and his bag landed in his hands.  Then he frowned and the rest of the stuff appeared, letting him pack it.  "A gift from Willow so I don't lose it again," he admitted.  He zipped it up and stood up.  "You'd never recognize Willow if you had met her before.  She lost her girlfriend a few years back and went insane for a few weeks.  She's back to being hyper girl with a shadow of guilt."  He helped get the bike onto the ship and down by herself, patting her gently.  "Anything I can do?"  It beeped once.  "Okay, then I'm going to chat with them.  You yell at me if you need things."  It beeped twice so he followed the others into the main part of the ship.  "She's saying she's comfortable for now."

"Good.  She's badly broken."  Throttle looked at their other guest, who was asleep.  "I'm hoping she's not being stubborn."

"I gave her some water, she said she didn't want to eat or she'd puke it back up," he admitted.  He looked at her.  "And she's showing already."  They all stared at him so he nodded at her.  "It's the belly.  I've seen that on some others in the past."

"Wow."  Vinnie walked over to look her over and nodded.  "Yeah, she is.  She smells like a mother."

"Now we know why Carbine sent her without warning.  I'm going to singe her tail for this," Throttle promised.  "It could have killed her."  He checked the ship.  "Vinnie, doors."

"Modo, close the door again," Vinnie yelled.  Their charge muttered and shifted, grabbing him by the leg.  "Not exactly yours, sweetheart, but if it's comforting."

Xander grinned at him.  "You just get admired wherever you go, don't you?" he teased.  Vinnie smirked at him.  "At least she didn't fall from the atmosphere by herself."

"True," Throttle agreed, starting the liftoff since the door's light went off.  He took off, heading back to the garage, nodding at Modo as he came back.  "How's her bike?" he asked quietly.

"She'll be fine with some very good care, which Charley can give her," he promised. "She's got both wheels damaged and a small fracture to her gas tank."  Throttle winced.  "It's fixable and she's out of fuel anyway, bro."

"She was a really pretty flaming trail in the sky.  I'm thinking she ran out pretty high up," Xander admitted.  Modo nodded.   "She also wasn't broken by any trees.  She fell straight down."  They both winced at that.  "She'll be fine.  She's a strong girl."

"She is," Throttle agreed.  He called the garage.  "Charley girl, we're going to have to hover outside the garage for a minute.   Her bike's badly off and she's sleeping."

"Fine," the radio called back with some hints of static.  "How's Xander?"

"He's with us, we'll drop him off too," Throttle promised.  He hung up the radio and sped up their traveling a bit.  It wasn't more than twenty minutes before they got back and he got the ship to hover so they could offload their precious cargos.  Xander carried Switch inside and the bikes got the injured one inside, while he took the ship back and parked it again, with only a bit more damage this time.  He rode his bike back and closed the doors behind him, watching as Charley babied the poor bike.  "She gonna live?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine.  She's got to have some extensive rebuilding of both wheels but I can get parts easily," she promised, grinning at him.  "Is she pregnant?"

"Oh, yeah," he admitted.  "Thanks for reminding me to singe Carbine's tail over not telling us."  He headed to go do that first, then check on their guest.   He ran into Xander in the kitchen, smirking at the soda in his hand.  "Making yourself at home?"

"I called Giles, he's not impressed.  One of the girls suggested I stay here since I was such a party pooper and I was such a mother hen.  Buffy stuck up for her," he admitted, taking a sip.  "She's decided I'm useless.  So I'll get back there tomorrow, once I can get a bus ticket."

Throttle patted him on the arm.  "You're not useless.  You're experienced.  There's a difference."

"Not to thirteen hyper teenage girls."  He walked back into the garage, bringing Charley a soda of her own.  "What can I do to help before I disappear into the night again?"

"Can you get me a size three screwdriver?"

"Metric or not?" he asked, heading for the toolbox.

"Metric."  She accepted it with a smile.  "How's things going out there?"

"We destroyed the town in a final battle and moved to Cleveland to destroy their city.  Since I'm experienced and injured, the thirteen hyper girls who want to go party instead of slay think I'm a drag and a mother hen.  They don't want me back," he said honestly.  He saw another bolt she'd have to remove and got the wrench to do that with, popping on the right socket and getting involved.  "I'm going to head home tomorrow and kick their asses in practice," he admitted quietly.  "Then I'm going to take a vacation and let them all die."

"That's not nice, Xander," she chided gently.

"No, but they deserve it.  It's sad when your enemy likes you more than your friends," he said, glancing at her.  "My friend Buffy agreed with the little snob and future teenage mother."  He moved to another bolt.  "This one?"

"Please.  I'll have to take off her gas tank too.  Modo said there was a crack."  She patted the bike.  "It's gonna be a long surgery, girl, but we'll make you as pretty as you were off the assembly line."  It beeped tiredly.  "Xander, across the room there's a green cord.  Drag it over here and plug it into the wall?"  He nodded, getting up to do that.  He plugged it in and found the spot where it connected, plugging the bike in. "Thanks," she said with a small smile. "You're handy to have around."

"Thanks, Charley.  That's nice to hear.  I'm still doing construction actually.  It's not much different than taking apart a house to fix it.  At least the bolt parts."  He put down another bolt and found one lat one that he took off, then eased a broken strut off and laid it on the floor.  "Can you weld those?"

"I can get a replacement," she promised.  "I've got one in the back and I'll order the others once I know what I need."  He nodded, stroking the bike's handlebars.  "You're very gentle with her."

"She's obviously sentient.  She shouldn't be treated like a pet since she protected her rider on their way down.  That's clear from how much trauma she took.  She needs to be stroked gently, it'll help her heal.  Even if she wasn't smarter than a few of the slayers I know, it'd still help her, but I'm sure she's much smarter."

"They usually are," she agreed happily, smiling up at him. "Thirteen?"

"At one time we had seventeen living in one house with me, my three friends, one little sister, a neutered vampire, and one bathroom," he said dryly.  She shuddered.  "Exactly.  Now you know why I'm not that thrilled to go back."

"You could always move this way," she offered.  "There's a few vampires still in town and we've always got construction jobs."

"Yeah, maybe.  At least you like to talk to me like I'm a person whose not just an injury."  He got down to help her again.  "Some of those girls tried to mother me to death after my injury and decided that I was now nearly braindead as well.  They decided I couldn't make my own decisions and that they had to protect me, but they hated it."  He found a new type of screw and got up to get the right size screwdriver.  "Number five for the one on the gas tank?"

She looked.  "Six I think.  Bring 'em both, Xander.  You're not as injured as some."

"I pointed that out," he admitted.  "A glass eye isn't much of anything compared to some of those three's injuries.  They decided it didn't matter."  He moved to help her, taking off the other strut and putting it down.  "There.  That should mean less pain and we'll replace them as soon as we can, girl."

"It shouldn't be more than tomorrow," she admitted.  "The local Harley shop has a bunch of them usually.  They're forever getting guys who wanted theirs extended while customizing."   She glanced at him.  "Glass eye?"  He nodded.  "Hurt?"

"When the guy popped it with his thumbnail," he admitted dryly, smirking at her.  "I'm beyond that.  It's not disfiguring and I'm still working through the headaches."  She nodded, understanding that.  "I'd hate to see me if I ever got *really* injured, but then they'd probably swoop down, put an IV in and put me in a bed for the rest of my short life."  He sighed and got back to work.  "Is homicide always wrong?"

"Usually, unless it's in self defense," she assured him.

"Pity."  She gave him a pat.  "Thanks, Charley.  Should I start on the back?"

"No, I'll leave that on tonight.  I can definitely find these in stock sizes.  The front ones could cause more damage to the gas tank though and she'll need that and need it filled soon."  They got to work taking off the gas tank, silently working together.  "Ever thought of training in this?" she asked finally.

"I like wood," he admitted quietly.  "I like how it feels and smells."  He grinned at her.  "This is neat but only for once in a while.  Not for good."

"True."  She gave him a small nudge and a grin.  "I'm wondering if they're hovering around her."

He listened, then shook his head.  "She's puking.  Two are pacing and another's talking to her.  So, who is she?"

"Carbine is...was Throttle's girl.  Switch is her younger sister," she told him. "She's probably about as old as some of your hyperactive girls."

"Ah.  No wonder big sis sent her away in a ship without enough fuel."  She shook her head.  "She said she did."

"I'm sure it was an accident.  Vinnie, she okay?" she called.

"Yeah, she said it's normal," Throttle called back.  He came down the stairs and winced at the parts spread around.  "Can you fix it, Charley?"

"Sure, not an issue, Throttle.  The Harley place will have plenty since they do custom work and usually people want to have an extended wheel base.  I'll call first thing."  He nodded, coming over to help them lift off one side of the crank case.  "Hey, Xander, can you stay for a few days?"

"Sure.  I guess.  I've got to get back and water my plants eventually," he admitted.  "Otherwise Willow will go into super fuss mode and kill them with kindness."  They chuckled at that.  "She will."  He looked at the gas tank and winced.  "I'm seeing lots of little cracks."

"Yeah, me too.  I think she may have jumped from too high up," Throttle admitted.  "Those look like space freezes."

"She said Carbine sent her in a ship with too little fuel."

"Sounds like her," Throttle admitted.  "She probably didn't check it and hurried off to do something."  Charley looked at him.  "If it was important, she could have stuffed her on a ship without doing more than that."

"Then I get to help you singe her tail and ears."

"Sure," he agreed with a grin for them.  "So, you're staying for a few days."

"I can.  I'm not employed at the moment.  Cleveland has a winter and my crew shut down early this year since we didn't have a job waiting.  I've even got funds of my own this time since the insurance stuff came through finally."

"Good," Charley agreed.  "Health?"

"Health, property, auto, that stuff," he admitted.  "I lived not that far from the epicenter of the suckage."  Throttle shuddered again.  "Hey, I was in there when it started.  There's nothing like seeing your town being sucked in and barely making it out on a school bus."

He shuddered again.  "I'm so sorry, Xander.  I'm glad we don't have those on Mars."

"Ya know, there might be a way to put one on stinky guy's home world," he offered.

"That's too mean for us, kid," Throttle assured him.  "I'll let you talk to Modo, he might support it."

"Sure.  I can easily find that book, I've got it on my computer at home since Giles stupidly told me to translate and store them on DVD's."   He grinned at Charley.  "I won't even make you help us.  I can find a few different people who could cast the spell."

"Thanks, I'd appreciate not having to deal with that," she admitted. She looked at the bike again.  "Let me see if Mike's still in," she said, getting up to call the Harley shop.  Sometimes he did work late.

Throttle looked at the kid, well not so much a kid anymore.  "You okay?"

"That depends, can I commit homicide on some giggly, hyper teenagers who believe I'm now damaged and useless?"

"I can't let you do that.  It'd be against the good guy oath," he noted quietly.  "Otherwise?"

"I have the feeling that once I yell what I really think at a few of the spoiled brats that I'll feel better.  If they cry I might feel just a touch better than simply yelling but I'm not sure most of them care enough about other people to feel more than insulted that they were wrong about me."

He nodded.  "We've been there in the past.  The Freedom Fighters didn't want to let us back either until we kicked a great many tails."

"I've tried that.  They yelled at me for, quote, not sitting at home and knitting like the good helpless grandpa I am now."  Throttle shook his head with a small moan.  Xander gave him a wry look.  "So I thoughtfully critiqued their fighting abilities, and Buffy got mad because I was criticizing her teaching, and I was still right.  Giles told them I was right.  As did Dawn.  They didn't listen and they're on some kick to make me helpless or make me go away.  So I might take a long vacation and come back to their funerals."  He looked at the bike again.  "It's good that you guys got partners like them.  At least they're loyal and there for you."

"Yeah, our bikes are our lifelines, and have saved our lives many times," Throttle admitted.  "Do you ride?"

"With one eye, I'm not even supposed to drive," Xander said dryly.  "Besides, I'm not sure about the balance stuff.  Every now and then I have a moment of dizziness."

"That would suck if you were riding," Vinnie admitted as he came in.  He winced at the condition of the bike.  "Ouch."

"She's got space freezer burn too," Xander told him with a small grin.  "Throttle said so."

Vinnie looked at the gas tank and nodded.  "Yeah, those are space cracks," he agreed.  "Wow, girl.  Way too high up, but I guess there wasn't a choice."  It beeped slowly at him.  He checked the cord, wiggling it a bit.  "Charley, she's got a short in her plug," he called.

Xander looked at it.  "I can replace some wires but I don't want to hurt her."

"You can?" Vinnie asked.

"Yeah, I can strip wires, wire a house, put in breaker boxes, and build explosives," he said with a grin for him.  "I'm a handy person when you get to know me and don't annoy me like teenagers on crack."

"Good to know," Throttle admitted.  "You'll have to do them one at a time.  If she's not getting enough power, her brain could shut down."

"Can we do a patch past it or is some of that some sort of power transformer?"

The mice looked at each other.  Then they shuddered.  "Modo!" they called together.  He came down the stairs and into the garage.

"She's got a short in the plug," Xander said.  "I need to know how to remove the wires, in which order, and if we can do a patch around it.  I'll also need a soldering iron and some flux and solder."  They all looked clueless.  "Charley, she's got a short in her plug.  Do we have a soldering iron?"

"No," she called back, coming out of the office.  "Are you sure?"  He nodded.  "Okay, can we get around it?"

"If it won't hurt her," Xander agreed. "I need to know where to link it and if you don't have some of the stuff around here, I'll have to run out to the house of Shack."

"I don't," she admitted.  "There's a power amplifier inside the black box.  You'd have to put it before there."

"Sure, can we bridge the cord?"

"Yeah, we had to do that with Vinnie's bike that once, when she got hit by lightening."  Throttle went to grab the switch she had devised, it went on the end of the cord and came out with a cord with a roach clamp on the other side.

"This can work," Xander agreed, plugging it in and clipping it on the bike.  "Bike, sweetie?"  It beeped, sounding stronger.  "Do you need me to move it?"  It beeped twice.  "Once for up and twice for toward the front."  She beeped twice so he moved it lower, putting it on a flat piece that had wires connected to it.  "There?"  He fiddled with the cord end, and the bike suddenly let out a shrill beep.  "Too much?"  It beeped three times.  "That good?"  It beeped twice.  "Okay.  I'm going to run out to get the stuff to fix that short, then I'll be right back.  Don't worry, baby love, I've fixed bombs before, I can fix you."  He gave her a gentle pat.  "Where's the house of cheap solder?"

"About a mile away, I'll take you," Modo offered.  "Charley ma'am, I'm taking your helmet."

"Sure.  Be careful.  Xander, need cash?"  He held up his wallet with a head shake.  "You're sure?"

"It's nothing I wouldn't be buying at home now and then."  He grabbed the helmet and watched at Modo mounted his bike, carefully getting on behind him.  "Where do I hold on?"

"Around me, Xander."

"Sure.  Not meaning anything, right?" he teased.  He noticed the blush and chuckled.  "Sorry, just a tease."

"Yeah, you are, but that's fine," he promised.  "Put your feet on the pads."  Xander looked down as he did that and they took off.  "You okay?" he called back.

"Sure, fine.  Got my balance.  Just don't make any sharp turns."  Modo nodded and sped up.  Xander had to stuff his wallet down his shirt so it wouldn't fall out but that was okay.  The only thing that fell out was a picture and he didn't want to look at the spoiled brats anyway.  Modo let him off and he walked inside, taking off the helmet.  "Hey, I'm in town and my friend's RC car is broken down.  I need some wire, some solder, an iron, and the necessary flux and stuff.  Liquid or built into the solder if possible."

"Of course, sir."  He led him to that part, watching as the young man looked at the wire closely. "I'm sure it's all good."

"Yeah, but he uses a pretty specific wire.  It's a high voltage application.  It's his recharge plug from the adapter."  The man pointed at one and Xander looked at it.  "Too thick.  Maybe the smallest you've got in that?"

The man looked at the wires, finding one.  "This is usually used for computer boards," he admitted.  "It's very fine, but strong wire.  Fairly stiff."

"That can work.  If not, I can put it in for now and bring in a wire sample once I've got a decent one.  He's got shorts."

"I understand," the man agreed.  He saw the boy's look around the store and pointed at the multiple output meters.  "A voltage meter, sir?"

"Yeah, I probably should, just in case.  I'm not sure if he has one or not.  Some of the orange wire too.  Just in case.  Maybe two feet of each?"  It was cut for him and he put it on his charge card, then took the bags back out to the bike, coming back for the helmet.  He put the bags inside his shirt and zipped his jacket over it just in case, then carefully put his arms around Modo's chest.  They were off.  He did enjoy this sensation but it was odd in a lot of ways.  He settled in to enjoy it this time.  Once they got back, he unpacked everything and plugged in the soldering iron to get it hot.  He tested the wires, using a marker he had picked up to color the ones that would need replaced.  Once he was ready and had it planned out he patted the bike again.  "Okay, girl.  I'm going to remove the farthest wire first.  It'll be the most awkward and if I bump into another one I can always replace that.  Okay?"  She beeped, sounding stronger.  "Good girl.  Sorry if this tickles or hurts or anything."  He cleaned the area with the can of air he was handed, then worked on unsoldering the first joint. It was very delicate work, but he had worked on a lot of RC cars in his younger days.

***

Xander looked up as Switch came out to where he was on the couch.  "Hey, how's the baby?"

"Making me puke," she admitted.  "I wanted to thank you for helping my bike and me."

"It's what we hero-sorts do," he assured her with a gentle smile. "Charley checked, the cord area is working just fine again.  I'll leave the soldering iron here in case she needs it again or something gets damaged in the future."  He moved his feet.  "Go ahead and sit."

"Thanks.  You've been doing this sort of stuff, hero stuff, for a while?"

"Since I was fifteen and I jumped in," he admitted.  "Down here there's some odd, sentient creatures that aren't exactly good.  One of my friends, formerly one of my best friends, has the duty to hunt and slay them to protect the people.  I jumped in one afternoon and only regretted it every other week," he said quietly.  "It lost me my only male friend, lost me the true friendship I had with the girls in my life, nearly cost me one of their lives and did cost me the friendship and life of her girlfriend, who was a sweet and gentle young woman.  It cost me my eye, my town, and probably a bit of my sanity after I saw my former fiance die during our last battle in Sunnydale.  And now the little bitches that are left have decided I'm helpless, hopeless, and in their way," he said honestly.  "I wouldn't wish this on anyone, Switch, but sometimes you've got to do it."  She nodded, apparently she knew that.

He sat up.  "Eventually the odds catch up with you.  I'm twenty-three.  Nearly twenty-four.  I've been doing this now for almost nine years.  It doesn't get easier.  If there's any way for you to avoid joining me and the guys who went home earlier, I'd take it and click my heels while we waved at you."  She shook her head.  "Really.  It's one thing to be fighting the good fight, like the guys do, and another thing to jump in.  I jumped in without a clue of what I was in for.  I actually thought we could clean up the town within a few months and then everything would go back to normal."  He gave her a bittersweet smile.  "The second night of my exposure to the supernatural, my best male friend, someone who I had known since we were toddlers, was killed and turned into the things we were hunting.  I staked him and killed him not two weeks later."  She shivered and he toned it down some.  "I've watched others destroy themselves, seeing the desperation, all of it.  I've seen people go insane with grief, seen them do foolish stuff that saved everybody, and I've done some of that myself.  If you don't have to fight, I wouldn't.  Now, I know you guys are at war.  Personally, speaking as a leader and someone who plans, I wouldn't send you out in your condition.  Is that why your sister sent you down here?"

She shook her head.  "No, she doesn't want me to join the Freedom Fighters when I'm old enough."

"Well, now you've got a very good reason to help them, but with a baby it's going to be impossible for you to go out on patrol and in long-term battles.  Unless someone else is going to be taking care of it."

"The father's grandmother would," she admitted, looking down at her stomach as she put a hand on it.  "I don't want to lose her but I can't stand to sit back."

He tipped her chin up, making her look at him.  "In any war, there's a lot of positions," he said quietly, but very gently.  "Any good warrior will need patched up.  As do your bikes. There's going to be people like me who're mentally in pain who'll need helped before they go on a suicide mission.  Everyone needs to eat, have clean sheets and floors, and they probably need communication operators too.  You can do any of those while you're pregnant and with a child."  He smiled.  "And if anything happens, you can easily protect the baby and the baby's other family too."  She nodded, giving him a tremulous smile in return.  "Think about it.  Just because you're not on the front lines doesn't mean that you're less than important.  Sometimes, a counselor is the thing that turns the tide.  Otherwise we wouldn't be able to go back out there and continue on."  She nodded again.  "You've got options and you've got time, Switch.  Take that time to think.  You can't do anything while you're down here and he's making you puke."

"Thank you, Xander."

"Welcome, honey.  I've tried to have this talk with others and they won't listen.  It's nice to finally be listened to."  He let her chin go.  "Now go back to bed before Throttle has to give you his fatherly scowl he's got going.  He gave it to me when I jumped out of a window without a parachute.  It's fairly scary."  She chuckled and got up, going back to bed.  Xander laid back down but he wasn't tired.  He got up and found some paper and a pencil, writing out a note before sneaking out.  He made sure the window was relocked behind him and made a mental note to up her security system when he came back from the club.  He headed up the street toward the main city, knowing that at least one bar or club had to be up this way.  He'd prefer a club, that way he could wear out the energy instead of drinking himself into a stupor.  He hated hangovers. He heard a familiar sound and stepped back into the shadows, watching as Vinnie rode off by himself.  "I guess I'm not the only one," he muttered, heading on.  At least he knew others had the same sort of problems he had.  It was nice in a way to know that he wasn't alone.  He found a club first, fortunately, and went inside.  He saw a heavily masked man in the corner but decided he didn't want to intrude on the guy's misery.  He was miserable enough.  He moved out onto the floor, picking someone to dance with.  When the music continued to get slower and more calm, he left the club and headed off to find another one.

"You following me, kid?" Vinnie asked from behind him.

Xander looked back at him.  "Life sucks, Vinnie, and I'm having one of those nights were I remembered how much.  I'm heading for a harder club so I can wear it out and not get drunk.  I left a note."  He turned and walked off.

"Want a ride? I know a place.  Underground."

"Sure.  Beats walking," he agreed, getting on behind him to let him drive them off.  He could feel the wind in his hair and it was a happier feeling than earlier.  Modo went a lot slower than Vinnie was.  This was really more thrilling than most roller coasters.  They stopped at a warehouse on the distant side of town and Xander paid their way inside, noticing Vinnie didn't get any funny looks here even though he wasn't wearing his old- west-bank-robber-looking disguise. That spoke of good things.  He saw a few demons and understood.  Vinnie had found the demon underground.  Well, it was fine with him as long as they left him alone.  The music was thumping through his blood and it was stomping out all the pain he had shared earlier.  He moved onto the floor, dancing with a few vampires.  They probably figured out who he was, but he didn't care.  They weren't trying to kill him for a change so it was all good.

"Want a drink?" one of them yelled in his ear above the music.  He shook his head, grinning at her.  "You turned?"  He shook his head with a brighter smile.  "You're him!"

He kissed her, then shrugged.  "Even I've got memories."  The vamps around him seemed to realize he wasn't going to stake them so they came closer, dancing with him like they liked him suddenly.  Apparently it was good enough for them too.  Xander danced with anyone who came into his sphere, smiling as Vinnie came up to him.  "Hey!" he called with a brighter grin.

"I'm heading!" he called.  Xander waved and walked off, heading deeper into the crowd.  Vinnie shook his head.  That boy was looking for trouble.  He considered going after him but he wasn't the kid's big brother and he wasn't his boyfriend so it wasn't really his place.  Maybe he'd have Throttle give his 'be responsible when you go to wear that out' speech. It was good, he still remembered it.  He headed out to his bike, sitting on it for a moment before starting it.  With his luck, Modo would be up and wandering again.  He looked across the city's lights, seeing most of them were out now.  It was pretty if you ignored some things. Which he could for a few more weeks.  He put his bike in gear and headed back to the scoreboard to catch some sleep.  He'd need it because they had a full day tomorrow helping fix Switch's bike.  Hopefully Charley wouldn't yell at Xander too much.

***

Xander walked into the garage, smiling at Charley.  "Hey, what can I do to help?"

"Go sleep," she said fondly, smiling at him.

He shook his head.  "This is nothing.  I've went three days without sleep before and it's not like I was drinking."  He got down to help her, holding the piece she was working on.  "How's Switch?"

She kissed him on the cheek.  "She's doing better, Xander.  Whatever you said to her worked."  She looked at him to silently tell him she had heard.  He let out a subtle shrug and went back to helping.  "You okay?"

"Yeah, it was a decent enough night.  I ran into Vinnie and he found a demon underground bar.  They don't care what you are as long as you're not going to eat or kill them.  They were nice, they didn't even say anything about what I do as a hobby."  He winced as his thumb was cut on a sharp piece of metal, sucking it.  "Hey, I'm nice to you, don't cut me.  You're not a vampire bike, are you?"  It beeped, sounding much stronger this morning.  "Are all the wires still good?"

"Yeah, that one negative one is supposed to be like that.  I checked on Throttle's bike.  He showed up first.  Vinnie's still asleep."

"He left about three," he admitted.

"How did you get back?"

"Cities are nice because they have these great things called cabs," he said dryly, earning a punch to his arm.  "It's not like I'm supposed to drive with only one eye.  I asked the DMV back in Cali and they said so."

"Around here, if you can pass the test you can drive," she said patiently.  "You should try to get your license in Ohio."

"That presupposes I go back to the selfish twits," he noted calmly.  "I'd almost rather go be nearly eaten in Africa again.  It'd be for a better cause out in the plains."

"You've been to Africa?"

"Yeah, Giles sent me to talk to one of the new slayers.  She saw me defeat a lioness and still wouldn't stick up for me," he said bitterly.  She gave him a hug.  "Thanks, but it's not your fault or your responsibility to fix."  He got down to work with her, glancing around the empty garage.  "You'd think you'd have more stuff in here."

She chuckled. "I used to and then we put the attic on the building so I could store some of the older stuff up there."

"Attics are nice," he agreed.  "I've put a number of them on houses."  He grinned at Vinnie as he rolled in.  "Morning, sleepy."

"Have you even gone to bed yet?" he asked sarcastically, glaring at him.  "Hands off my girl, Xander.  I will fight you over her."

"Dear, why would I want her?  She's not evil, out to kill me, or out to turn into some money hoover.  She's not my type."  Vinnie let a grin crack at that.  "Really.  Let me tell you about some of my former women.  We're talking some of the most demented demons, and then a former demon.  I've got a track record with women that make people wonder why I bother and why I don't go for guys."

"Maybe you should," Throttle said from the doorway back to the kitchen.  "You okay, kid?"

"Throttle, I'm not a kid," he said patiently.  "I haven't been a kid in many, many years."  He looked at him.  "No one has had to push me in a swing since I was six and no one bounced me on their knee since I was three.  I gave up being a kid when I stopped needing a push to get the swing started.  Really."  He blinked his big, brown eyes at him.  "But yes, I'm fine.  I wore out a lot of aggression without further killing the demon community, calling the pubescent brats who are probably lounging in my apartment because I've got cable to cuss them out, or anything else that might be fun."

"You're still a kid to us, we're older," Vinnie reminded him.

"Vinnie, you're not that much older than me," Xander said patiently.  "I'm twenty-three, not fifteen.  I'm a eight year, almost nine year, combat veteran.  Really."  He got up and handed back the wrench he had been using.  "I'm not a kid.  I haven't been a kid in a very long time," he said patiently.  "Even when I was a kid I wasn't a kid. A geek yeah, but not a kid.  Some of us didn't have that luxury."  He glanced at Charley.  "I'm going to threaten the stupid brats back at home.  I'll be back in a bit."

"You can use the phone."

He looked at her.  "The language I'm probably going to be using would upset some delicate ears, like Vinnie's.  It's better if I find a payphone and swear at them in semi-private."  He smiled.  "Give me an hour and I'll come wire the windows with the security system too."

She chuckled but let him go.  Once he was gone, she threw a screwdriver at Vinnie's head, but he ducked.  "It's hard when you're the older, more experienced person and no one listens to you," she said quietly, glancing at the door.  "He's got a bunch of spoiled bitches under him who are making him feel ancient and he's hurting.  Leave the guy alone, Vinnie."

"I was only teasing," he complained.

"Yeah, well, he's getting defensive about it," Throttle pointed out quietly.  "I'm just as guilty as you are."  He looked at his bro.  "I want to know how he puts up with girls like that all the time."

"They used to be his friends.  He's the one who had the talk with Switch, not me, Throttle."  He sighed and nodded.  "He got her to look at other possibilities, ones that wouldn't leave her future baby an orphan."

"I can see her doing what she's thinking about," he admitted.  He looked at the doorway again.  "Do you guys not have mentors for fighters?"

"I'm guessing in the regular military, possibly.  He's not in the real military.  He's been fighting a very dirty, quiet war in one corner of the world, got hurt, and now they're making him feel more than useless because they're young girls.  He could probably use a big brother sort of person, but he's not the sort to ask for it or allow it to happen unless he's really down."

"He was last night. He looked almost desperate last night," Vinnie admitted.  "That's why I took him to that other place. He got lost in the music and let it flow out of him."  He got off his bike, handing back the screwdriver.  "You're mean this morning.  Did he keep you up?"

"No, I woke up when I heard Switch sneak out to talk to him.  He was fairly honest with her.  She went back to her room and cried."  She stood up, looking at the mice.  "Leave him alone, guys.  If it happens it does.  If it doesn't, it doesn't."  They nodded, accepting that. "Now, someone's got to get the other parts for this one.  Mike said he'd be able to get to them in about an hour. He had a custom job to finish first and then had to wade through the stock room."

"I'll go," Vinnie offered.  "Let me catch a soda first."  Throttle tossed one over.  "Thanks, bro," he said, catching it and tapping it a few times before opening it.  He put back on his helmet and headed out, silently looking around.  There weren't many payphones around but Xander wasn't at the ones he could see.  Maybe he had went in the other direction.  He hoped the boy wasn't hurt.  He could almost like the kid.  Nope, he heard some shouting, he was farther away than he had thought, but he was yelling at the stupid brats.  He was using some language that would make Throttle blush too.  Yeah, the kid was impressive.  He'd wait to see him in a real fight.

***

Xander looked at the phone in disgust and pulled out his cellphone.  He hated roaming charges but it was worth it this time. He called his landlord first, heading for a nearby park to sit and do this stuff.  "Hey, it's Xander," he said.  "I've got to pull an emergency move."  He listened to the man go on about his nephew's company and about the new job they'd been doing for the last two weeks, while he had been told they were on hiatus.  "Well, it works out well that I've got to go, man.  Can you take the money out of my desk drawer, the hidden one on the right side, and use it to hire me someone to pack and move it to Chicago for me?  Yeah, go ahead and kick the stupid bitches out.  They deserve it.  They're one of the reasons I'm leaving.  No, I've got a job here.  It's cool with me.  Thanks, man, I'll miss you too. Kiss your wife for me."  He grinned.  "Yeah, I've got my cell.  Just hire them, it might take me a few extra days to find somewhere but I'm sure I can.  Thanks."  He hung up and looked at the nearby city.  He saw a nearby construction crew and went to talk to them.  If they weren't hiring they might know who was.  If not, he still had the insurance money.  He walked up to the foreman, smiling at him.  "Hey," he said, holding out his hand. "Xander Harris."

"Hi.  We're not hiring."

"That's cool.  Know one who is?  I've got about a year of supervising experience.  I was working out in Cali but my family headed to Ohio and I can't stand it there."

He considered the boy.  "You got issues?"

"One missing eye.  I'm told I can probably drive but I'd need a new license.  California pulled mine when they learned one of my eyes had been taken out."

He nodded.  "I've seen worse driving.  You can probably find that.  It's in the usual slowdown times, but I think we can probably find you a spot.  I know a few places.  Go to the DMV.  Do you know where that is?"

"Yeah, and if not, the cab should," he admitted with a grin.  The man smiled and chuckled.  "It's more practical.  I was in visiting some friends and I got really tired of my family and the way they're making me be some helpless old guy sitting beside the fire telling war stories."

"Sure, kid.  Go to the DMV.  Come back tomorrow?" Xander nodded that he could do that.  "Good job."

"Thanks, man.  You seem like a nice boss to work with so I'll trust you if you know about someone."  He shook his hand and went off to find a cab.  He finally found one and got in, grinning at the driver.  "DMV."

"Sure, suspended license?"

"No, I'm moving.  My old one got snatched after an injury to my eye."  The guy nodded, taking him there.  Xander paid and got out, heading inside to get the book, take the test, and see about taking his practical.  He found out that he could probably talk someone into borrowing their car.  There were a few there who'd probably do it for a few bucks, especially the parents with kids who didn't pass.  He saw one who was chewing her daughter a new one and smiled, walking up to her once he had his permit.  "Hi.  Can I ask you a question?"

"Not interested," the mother said firmly.

"Nothing like that," he promised with a small smirk.  "I'm new in town and taking my license.  I need someone with a licensed car who'll let me borrow it for twenty minutes for a hundred bucks.  I've had my license in the past, been driving since I was seventeen."

"You can't just switch it over?" the daughter asked.  "You can do that in this state."

"Yeah, well, they won't let me.  My town's no longer in the database, it was kinda destroyed due to earthquake.  I'm from California."

"You can't rent one?"

"Regulations state that the car has to come with an owner who has a license and insurance.  If not, can I get you to go rent one for me and bring it back here if I pay for it?"

She considered it.  "There's one not far away," she admitted.  "I could go get you one."  He beamed and handed her a hundred. "You're sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure.  I want my license."

"Okay.  You'll be right here?"

"Yeah, right here and you can keep the change," he offered happily.  She nodded, going to do that for him, leaving her daughter there with him.  "Hey."

"Are you from San Francisco?"

"A few hours outside of LA actually," he admitted.  "Going south."

"Wow.  That's a pretty hip area."

"Actually the town I was in was a lot like you see on Nick at Nite in the old shows."  She giggled at that.  "It was.  A lot of happy families with white picket fences and a dog. It made them happy until the town basically disappeared after an earthquake."

"I heard about that on the news," she admitted.  "What happened?"

"We're not sure.  The state guys said something about a fault right under the town.  All I know is that a few blocks remained and the rest of it was razed to the ground.  The ground's wrinkled and everything, like when you're rolling out pizza dough too thin."  She let out another giggle.  "What happened in there?"

"Parallel parking sucks," she stated.

"I can agree to that," he sighed, shaking his head.  "Did they teach you to line it up by the car you were in?"  She shook her head.  "Pull up alongside the front car.  Turn out until the other car's bumper come up to your back window, then swing in.  That's on a compact car.  The bigger ones might need some adjustment."

"That's handy," she admitted, considering it.  "I'll have to practice that later.  Thanks, mister."

"Xander," he said happily.

"Xander then."  Her mother came back and got out, handing him the car keys.  "Mom, this is Xander.  He told me the secret to parallel parking."

"How to judge it by the windows," he admitted.  "Thank you, ma'am."  She nodded, taking her daughter off, talking quietly with her to make sure the odd man hadn't done anything.  He walked back inside, smiling at the woman he had talked to earlier.  "I had a nice woman who just had her daughter flunk go rent a car for me," he said, holding up the keys.  "That means it's got insurance, registration and all that up to date.  Good enough since she brought it back?"

"I suppose," she admitted.  "That would get you out of needing one locally.  Come on, let's see if you can do this."

"Sure."  He followed her out, opening her door for her.  "There you go."  He walked around and got in, starting the car after checking where everything was.  "I told you I'm injured, right?"

"You're not the first today, Mr. Harris.  Whenever you're ready."  He took a deep breath and started the car, heading to the end of the driveway.  "Right if you wouldn't mind."  He turned on the blinker and checked traffic carefully, heading out to the right.  She had him go to their course and had him go around it, marking her little form.  "A bit tight on the parallel parking," she said when he was done and they were parked in the practice parking spot.  She looked at him.  "Otherwise you did fine.  Are you planning on driving a cab?"

"Not if I can help it," he admitted. "I'd rather go back to construction but I don't usually do the equipment.  I did have a special code to allow me to drive company vehicles and light trucks, no bigger than the average U-Haul."

She nodded.   "In this state you should have one for something that size.  That's a different inspector.  I can have a word with him and have him schedule you in a few days?"  He beamed and nodded.  "Then I'll pass you.  Take us back, carefully.  Otherwise I'll have to change my mind," she said with a small smile.  He hugged her and started the car, checking the course, then getting out to move the stuffed cat that had popped out, tying it back up.  "Very nice, Mr. Harris."

"You're lucky I saw it," he joked. She snorted but let it go.  He took her back and went to the other line to get his license created and laminated.  He took the rental car back to the rental place and got something a bit more comfortable, smiling at the woman behind the desk.  "I'm moving out here," he admitted.  "She came in earlier so I could retake my driving test."

"That's fine, sir," she agreed, handing him over the form.  "Something in the mid-sedan range?"

"I'd rather have something bigger.  I've got to take my small truck certification again soon.  Got anything SUV sized?"  She nodded, marking that on the form.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome, Mr. Harris. Sign at the bottom please and may I have your card?"

He handed it over and signed, making himself one happy guy.  He took the keys and went out to get his car, heading to his cellphone place next.  Fortunately Cingular was local around here too.  He walked into the first shop he saw and grinned broadly.  "I'm switching my home area."

"Of course, sir, do you have your phone?"  He handed it over.  "I haven't seen one of these before."

"I got it in Sunnydale about a year ago," he admitted, leaning on the counter while she pulled up his records by his serial number and old phone number.  When he got done, he looked up Charley's number and called her.  "Hey, I'm on my way back and I've got an SUV.  Should I pick up anything for you or the poor one?"  He listened to her directions and nodded, making mental notes of it.  "Sure.  I'm on it.  Thanks, Charley.  Talk to you soon."  He hung up and got in to drive, heading to the Harley shop to pick up the rest of the stuff she'd need.  By the time he got back it was lunch and he had no trouble getting the guys to help him unload things.  "There we are, all that you'll need to be a stunning and wonderful bike again," he said with a gentle pat.  She let out a sleepy sounding beep.  "You okay?"  She beeped twice.  "Just checking."  He headed into the kitchen, showing off his license.  "I'm moving upstate.  I can't stand the stupid brats anymore," he said at Throttle's odd look.  A convenient lie but he wasn't going to be nearby.  They wouldn't have to run into him if they didn't want to.  He looked at the hotdogs and went back to the car, pulling out his burger to bring inside.  He shook his head at the held up hotdog.  "Those are evil.  We took a trip through a meat packing plant when I was in grade school.  More than enough for me."  He unwrapped his burger and bit into it.  "I've got my light truck certification soon and I've got an appointment to talk to someone tomorrow about a job. If not, I can still afford to live pretty well at the moment."  He ate another bite.  "And I'm free of the brats," he said once his mouth was free.

"Good job, Xander," Charley agreed happily, patting him on the back.  "You're sure you won't stay in the city?"

"I could but I don't want to be a pain in the butt."  He ate another bite.  "Besides, I'd feel the need to take over some of the fighting slack so Throttle could have a day off now and then."

Throttle snorted.  "I don't need it, really."

"Yeah you do," Vinnie said smugly.  "You're turning fatherly again."

"If you didn't act like a kid, it wouldn't happen so often.  You can stay around here, Xander.  We won't mind.  We won't even come over and steal food from your fridge."

"Not an issue," he promised.  "I've usually got a lot of junk food in my house.  Even Cheetos."

"Yet you won't eat hotdogs?" Vinnie teased.

"No.  I like my food to have at least one real ingredient in it.  Since Cheetos has soy in them, that's good enough for me," he promised lightly.  That got a few snickers.  "I'll also have chocolates and other good stuff, plus cable."  He finished off his burger and went for his fries, but he got hiccups.  Vinnie grabbed a soda with his tail and handed it over, earning a head nod as Xander gulped it, getting rid of them.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  Need help looking for a spot?"

"Probably not.  I'm usually pretty good at it.  I've had some wonderful landlords so far."  He grinned at them.  "There's a nice place by the Harley shop that's advertising having a lot of them.  I was going to start there and then move to the local paper."  His phone rang and he opened it up.  "Hi?"  He listened.  "Sure, this afternoon's fine, man.  Thanks for slipping me in.  Did she talk to you...."  He grinned.  "Thanks.  Yeah, I've got a huge SUV at the moment.  About as big as any panel van or small truck.  Sure.  Thanks.  Three, got it."  He hung up.  "I've got my truck certification at three," he said happily.

"You know, if you had to, you could always drive a cab," Charley offered.

"Probably but that's pretty dangerous," Xander admitted.  "Besides, I'd have a big problem with the people who were having sex in the back and not letting me join in."  That made the guys blush but Charley chuckled and hit him on the arm, making him grin but rub it.  "Ow!  Don't abuse me!  I won't fix stuff around here for you for free."

"Really?" she asked.  He nodded, kissing her on the cheek.  "Thanks, Xander.  If you want, the shower could use some tightening."

"I heard. I'll get on that tonight."  She beamed at him.  "So, what am I doing between the two?"

"Finding a spot and arranging for someone to get your stuff," Modo reminded him.

"My old landlord is hiring someone to pack up my stuff and move it for me," he said happily.  "I'll call him later to make sure he didn't have any problem with the brats.  If so, I might have to go back and kick butt in person.  It felt really good to do it over the phone."  He heard a thunderclap and looked outside, it was bright and sunny.  "I'm back here, Willow," he called.  She stomped that way.  "You're still doing that loudly."

"What did you say to them!  They said you yelled at them!" she shouted.

He got up and stared her down.  "Yeah, I did.  They're selfish, spoiled brats who need to have their asses beaten until they get some sense.  I'm tired of how you guys treat me.  I'm staying here."  She opened her mouth.  "Shut it, Willow, you're just as guilty as those brats.  I do more than them and they're still going on and on about how I can't do anything.  Well, go take a flying fuck on your girlfriend.  I've had it.  I'm staying here.  Unless the world is going to be sucked into hell, I don't care."  She started to cry.  "Not working, Willow," he said coolly.  "I've known you way too long for that and you've treated me that same way now for years.  I was going to tell the rest of you tonight but I'm sure you can pop back and tell them.  Now, shoo, before you make a bad impression."

"You can't leave.  What're we going to do without you?" she whined.

"The same thing you think you do now," he said bitterly.  "You got your wish.  Wish granted."  She flinched.  "Out!  You're disturbing the nice people here who actually like me.  I'll talk to you when you've calmed down."  She trudged out, heading back home the same way.  He slammed his fist into the wall, then took a deep breath.  "I'd like to apologize for the selfish former friend.  She was reacting and pouty.  Apparently it's her turn for PMS again."  He turned back around.  "I don't know why they do that, but that's not what every woman does, right?"  Charley shook her head.  "Good.  I'm glad.  That's what I need, I need a real woman.  Charley, got any friends?"  She choked but shook her head.  "Pity.  Guess I'll have to find one of my own.  Need anything while I'm gone? I can do some massive grocery shopping in the SUV."

"List, fridge," she gasped.  He hugged her, patting her on the back.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  Thank you for not being like her."  He grabbed the list.  "I'll see you guys later.  Should I pick up dinner?  Chinese good?"

"I'll call and tell you what to get," she said.  He wrote down his new number and handed it to her.  "Thanks, Xander."

"Not an issue.  If you find a nice girl, send her my way, it'd be a nice change."  He glanced at the wall.  "I'll fix that later too," he said sheepishly, heading out to his SUV to head off and calm down.

"Wow.  He invoked those three letters," Vinnie said in awe.

"It was obvious in her case," Charley pointed out, sipping her soda.  Vinnie checked and groaned.  "No more?"  He shook his head. "Did I put it on the list?"

"Yeah, it was on there," Throttle promised.  "Well, he seems to be settling in well."

"He'll have a place within two hours and have his stuff here within four days," she told him.  "He's not the sort to dawdle."  They all nodded, seeing that now.  She finished up and took the rest of her soda out to work on the bike.  She found all the stuff she had ordered and a few things she hadn't but that had obviously only been in the way over there.  She'd have to call Mike in a bit to make sure he meant to send them over.

The bros looked at each other.  That was more like the Xander they remembered from his last visit.

***

Xander came out of the kitchen later that night, coughing.  "Okay, I've installed the motor and the seals so the make-shift freezer is now working.  I stuffed those extra thirty pounds of hotdogs in there, Charley.  That leaves four cases of rootbeer in the fridge, plus a few cans of regular stuff in case you get bored with caffeine free stuff, the rest are under the sink.  I also put those pizzas in the new freezer in case you wanted to expand certain beings' taste sensations."

"Thank you, Xander."  She smiled up at him.  "Did you decide to put a counter in too?"  He nodded with a grin.  "I could always use one.  Thank you."

"You're welcome and that corner wasn't being used anyway.  It wasn't that hard.  I even put on wheels so you could pull it out in case something happened."  He sat down to help her, holding the thing she was bolting on at the moment.  "She looks a lot better.  When are you painting her?"

"Probably in a few days, once we make sure there's no other work to be done.  I'll give her a day to get up, roll around, make sure all systems are working and going strong, then paint everything.  That'll also give me enough time to make sure what color Switch wanted her painted."  She looked at him, leaning closer.  "You know she's got a crush on you, right?" she asked quietly.  Xander nodded quickly, glancing around.  "Well?"

"She's young, Charley, and she needs a guy who'll be supporting and not have random outbursts of energy and anger. Besides, she's very young."

"She is," Charley agreed with a small grin.  "I wish I knew someone to fix you up with."

"Me too.  With my track record, I'll end up with a vampire or something."  She shivered.  "Have they been bothering you?"  She shook her head but it was too quickly in his opinion.  "That same group?"  She sighed and nodded. "Let me guess, you haven't told super stud?"  She made a scoffing noise.  "Sure.  I'll deal with that tonight," he promised.  "Then I may go out clubbing again."

"Tomorrow's soon enough. You'll sleep tonight, Xander."

"Yes, mom."

She pinched him, making him yelp then chuckle.  "I mean it.  You need to rest.  You're getting odd again."

"I'm always odd and I feel free for the first time in many years."

"Good.  You still need to sleep."

"Nah, then I'd get less snarky and mean.  This way I'll be snarky and mean enough, then I'll check with the guy tomorrow on my way back.  I'll crash at the new place then."

"You found one?"  He nodded. "Good.  Where?"

"About four blocks from a really nice looking biker bar and a club."

"Brown building?"  He nodded.  "I know that place.  They say it's not very safe."  He snorted.  "Never mind.  You can probably handle it."

"And turn it around for the others," he agreed dryly.  "That reminds me I've got to register my weapons when they get here.  At least the legal ones.  It's not legal to keep some of the stuff I've got."

"Like what?" Charley asked.

"Six grenade launchers, some C-4, and a few crossbows mainly.  An assault rifle.  They're all locked in a safe cabinet and the movers won't be able to open it so I'll be fine."  He sipped his soda.

She gave him an odd look.  "You've got *six* grenade launchers?"  He beamed happily, nodding like an idiot.  "Why?"

"Because they've come in handy in the past," he noted.

She shook her head.  "The next time we need some major destruction, I'm sending the boys to you."

"Sure, they can come over to watch the idiot box too," he said, smirking as the bikers came in.  "Hotdogs aren't boiling yet, guys, you're early."

"What's an idiot box?" Vinnie asked.

"It's another name for the tv," Charley said.  "So named because it seems to downgrade your IQ by about fifty points during shows like Baywatch."

"Hmm, very soft core porn with almost no plot," Xander agreed, taking another sip of the soda.  "She doesn't think keeping grenade launchers is usual.  I've only got six."

Throttle shook his head.  "I'm sure you feel normal," he taunted, smirking at the boy.  "Anything else we should know about?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna have a talk with the local vamp godfather tonight.  He's not gonna be happy with me, but he may be dead by the time he's done with me," he said dryly.  "I finished putting in the extra freezer, there's soda's chilling in the fridge.  If you're really nice I won't make you guys eat *real* food tonight, like tofu dogs."

"Homicide might occasionally be okay, Xander, but torture's cruel, man," Vinnie complained.  "You didn't do that to us, did you?"

"Not yet," he said sweetly. "So, who's up for helping me take down half the vampires in the city until they realize that this half of the city's off limits?"  The other two pointed at Vinnie, who shook his head.  "No?"

"No, but we'll gladly watch, it's our night off," Vinnie said smugly.

"Sure.  Oh, the shower," he said, getting up to go fix it.  He stopped to get a real soda and head up there with the tools he had borrowed.  When it was done, he tested it by taking one and putting on his last clean outfit.  It'd be nasty by the morning but he knew what a laundromat was. He came down the stairs, going to put the tools back since Charley was cooking dinner and it smelled like the steaks he had bought her. He came back to find Vinnie whining.

"Why can't we have hotdogs?"

"Think of it like unground hotdogs with some flavor and chew," Xander told him.  "Besides, it's good for growing boy mice like you and Modo to have big, strong steaks. Makes you put more hair on your chest."

"I'm not growing?" Throttle asked as he joined them.

"No, you act too much like a dad for that," Xander said with a smart grin.  "If you'd lighten up, you could be a growing boy too, Throttle."  Throttle nearly pounced but Xander was a human.  At least until Xander punched him on the arm really hard, then he couldn't hold back.  The boy could take it.  He'd be gentle with him.

"Hey, humans are fragile," Charley complained.

"Hush, woman, I'm having fun beating the snot out of grandpa down here," Xander taunted, pinching him on the stomach, making Throttle wiggle, trying to get away from him.  "Keep it up and I'll make you be in charge of figuring out if any future girlfriends are evil or not."  Modo came in and lifted him off Throttle, making him grin at him.  "Hi, Modo."

"Don't pick on him.  He only likes deadly women."

"So if he likes mine I'll know she's evil," he said with a small shrug and a grin. Modo chuckled as he set him on his feet.  "Besides, he needed to play.  Vinnie, play with the poor man.  He needs to play."

"He's not my type, I like girls," Vinnie said promptly, earning a pinch from Charley, which made him howl.

"You guys are having way too much fun down here alone," Switch complained as she joined them. "What's for dinner, Charley?"

"Steaks.  To celebrate the little guy there," she said with a nod toward the girl's stomach. "That okay?"

"Fine. I'm hungry for the first time in weeks."  She sat down, watching the mystical art of cooking.  "Do we have any soda?"

"We've got rootbeer and Xander imported a few cans of regular stuff."

"How can you drink that, it's like rocket fuel," Vinnie said, looking disgusted.

"It's good for me.  Caffeine is a god.  Be thankful I don't drink Mountain Dew, which has three times the caffeine, and there's stronger stuff out there too."

"I'd hate to see you on the high octane stuff.  You've only gotten bouncier since you popped open your first real soda," Modo said mildly.  He looked Xander over.  "Going out again?"

"Yeah, I've still got to go threaten the vampires.  Then maybe I'll go clubbing for a bit, then I'll crash at my new place and make decorating plans before I talk with my possible new boss and come back to help out some more and finish the wiring job."

"You're sleeping when?" Switch asked.  "I'm only fourteen and I can't go like you do."

He kissed her on the cheek.  "I've had practice, dear, don't worry about it.  I'll crash tomorrow night.  It's about the usual thing."  He glanced at the steaks, then grabbed another soda out of the fridge.  "Those look good.  Did I get enough?"

"And three extras so we can have them with breakfast.  Are you sure you're going to be okay until you've got a job?"

"Honey, I got nearly nine hundred grand from insurance settlements," he said dryly.  "I've only spent about two.  I've got the cash.  I'd be bored if I didn't have a job."  He grinned at her.  "Of course, this means I'm going to have to find a car eventually."

"You could learn how to ride a bike," Vinnie suggested.  "I'm sure Throttle can teach you if you want."

"Why am I the designated teacher?" Throttle complained, glaring at Vinnie.  He'd get him for that.

"You did so well with Vinnie?" Modo suggested happily.

"Guys, if I go for a bike, I'll go buy one, head for an old dirt lane and teach myself, the same way I did with my car," he said patiently.  "That way no one has to second-guess or yell at me.  Besides, I'm still having balance issues.  I need to get onto a highrise project to work on that."

"As long as you use a safety line," Charley said patiently.  "This time there wouldn't be a group of vampires to break your fall and catch you."

"But I had fun," he mock-whined.  "Can't I go again?"

"No," everyone told him.

"And stay away from the tower, that's our fun," Vinnie added with a grin.

"You mean I can't go threaten him and remind him?" Xander asked smugly.  "I'm sure he'd *love* me."

"No, that's my fun," Vinnie reminded him.  "We get to scare him, you get to stand there and build bombs and stuff."

"Shoot.  Fine, I'll do it that way," he said, sitting down, then getting up to grab his soda and sit down again.  "Can I help with dinner, Charley?"

"I've got it."   She put the first few steaks on the table, watching as they were snatched and put onto plates.  Xander thoughtfully got up and got forks and knives, getting odd looks from the guys as they ate.  Xander sat down and carefully cut his steak into bite-sized pieces and ate it slowly, seeming to savor it.  She gave Switch one and got a smile for it.  "You eat it all," she ordered.  She finished hers and sat down with it, reaching back to turn off the stove.  "There, someone get sodas."

Vinnie's tail whipped out and grabbed the fridge door, then took a few out, handing them around.  He was too busy to get up.  "Good, thanks," he mumbled between bites.

"You'll choke soon," Xander told him, eating another bite.  He chewed and swallowed, taking a sip of soda.  "Need anything when I get back tomorrow?"

"No, I'm decent, Xander.  Thank you."  She grinned at him.  "I'll call if I do.  You have voicemail on your phone, right?"  He nodded.  "Good.  Then I'll call if we need anything."

"Did you send him to go grocery shopping?" Vinnie asked between bites.

"He has this big SUV, I thought we'd take the time to stock up," she admitted.  "I hope we won't run out of hotdogs or sodas this week."

"You have fifty pounds of hotdogs and I brought in seven cases of soda, if you run out, someone's got worms," Xander countered.  She laughed at that.  "They do!"

"How did you fit fifty pounds of hotdogs in the freezer?" Throttle asked. Xander pointed at the new box in the corner beside the stove.  "What's that?"

"An alternate freezer.  Door opens toward the stove because it wouldn't open enough the other way with a handle on it."  He ate another bite.  "It's set at about thirty degrees.  I put the tofu dogs in there too, cleverly hidden among the real ones just to let you guys know what they're like."

"They're in a plastic package," Charley said to ease the horrified looks.  "One single ten pack.  The others are in boxes."

"Oh, good, I thought he was going to torture us," Switch said.  "That's mean, Xander."  He beamed at her.  "Are you sure you're a good boy?"

"I try," he said with a giggle.  "But then again, I'm a bit warped.  It comes from nearly being eaten by a very pretty woman who was a bug."

"A bug?" Throttle asked blandly.

"Giant preying mantis.  She was a stunning woman in her human form but she wanted virgins and I was unfortunately one at that time.  She wanted to use me, then bite my head off."  He ate another bite.  "Fortunately Buffy was there and Willow figured it out, and they never let me forget it."  He ate another bite and chewed slowly.

"Sounds like good friends," Vinnie snorted.

"Yeah, that's why I'm here," Xander reminded him.  "That and thirteen hyper, stupid brats."  He saluted them with his can of soda.  "If they come to try to reclaim me, I want your promise to help me wipe their cranky butts off the city.  We can dump them in the lake if you want."

"That might hurt the fish," Modo said dryly.

"Probably, but I'm sure they'd get the point."

"True," Vinnie agreed.  "No pre-emptive strikes planned?"

"No, then I'd have to get really mean and then Buffy and Willow would cry, and Giles would try to defend Buffy, and lose, and we'd have to destroy most of Cleveland on them, and then they might want to move here to make my life more of a living hell."

"Let's make sure they don't come here," Charley said.  "I'd hate to have to beat sense into some of them."

"I don't think even Modo's strong enough for that with a few of them," he said with a small smirk.  "But I'd like to see Buffy's face when she sees him and notices his height.  She's always had a thing for big guys."  He looked at Modo.  "If I can return her to being a girl, want her?  She's nice when she's being a girl.  She's sweet and giggly, and loves to shop, but otherwise she's a decent enough girl.  I'll even make sure no vampires or demons come near her to remind her of being a slayer so she'll stay a girl."

Modo blushed and shook his head.  "We still have to whip tail, she'd never leave it behind."  He looked at his plate.

Xander gave him a hug.  "It's all right, big guy, I'll find you someone who'll coo and pet you and comb you and help you shine your bike all the time," he said gently.  Modo blushed even brighter so Xander grinned at him.  "Like blondes, brunettes, or redheads?"

"We usually come in tan, white, brown, and spotted," Throttle said blandly.  "Don't pick on him."

"I'm not.  He seems like the sort to want a nice girly girl sort."

"Hell, I'd take him," Switch agreed.  "He's very sweet and nice.  He's the sort of mouse my sister would be really happy if I settled down with."  She grinned at Throttle.  "Of course, she told me I'm not allowed to hit on you."

"No, she's still a bit possessive, even though we're not dating," Throttle admitted, blushing now.  Vinnie cackled so he glared at him.  "Keep it up," he ground out.  Vinnie cackled louder so Throttle jumped him, being him like he should have gotten Xander earlier.  Vinnie continued to laugh at him.

"Boys," Charley warned.

Xander grinned at her.  "Can I help?"  She shook her head, patting him on the arm.  He looked down there.  "Look, it's a baby mouse!" he yelled, pointing at the one coming out from behind the new freezer.  Interestingly enough, Vinnie got up and ran off.  "Huh," he said thoughtfully. "Hopefully he's going to get a cage to keep it?"

Switch looked at it, then sniffled.  "It's so cute!" she complained.  She burst out in tears and headed back up the stairs.

Throttle looked down at the mouse, then shook his head.  "Charley girl, did you want us to catch it?  Vinnie, bring me a box," he called.  One came flying through the door at Modo's head.  Throttle scooped up the mouse and put it into the box, taking it outside to release it away from the garage. He came back with the box.  "It's gone, Vinnie," he called.  He went back to his seat, shaking his head.  "Where is he?"

"Comforting Switch."

"Hormones are fun things," Xander said wisely. "There'll be a lot of them.  Some may be worse, some may be better, but she will be crying a lot."

"How many of them were pregnant?" Charley asked.

"Two.  The one from Africa was married and having her second kid.  The other snuck out and just found out the other day.  Giles was still yelling at her when I left."  He grinned at her.  "It's interesting watch them sometimes.  Switch, you okay?" he called. "If you don't quit, you'll get sick again."  She came down and hugged him, clinging to him.  "Shh," he said gently, pushing back his seat to allow her into his lap.  "Shh," he soothed, stroking her back.  "It's all right.  Hormones are nasty and bad.  They'll go away after you have the baby.  It'll be okay," he crooned. She shook her head.  "Yeah it will be.  I promise it'll be okay.  We'll be sitting around and all grope the baby when it starts to kick, until you push the guys off and yell at them next time."  She chuckled, wiping off her cheeks.  "Feel better?"  She nodded.  "Good girl."  He gave her a gentle squeeze.  "There you go. Now go eat."  She nodded, getting up and going back to her seat.  Xander finished his steak and walked off with his soda.  "See you tomorrow, Charley.  Let me know if I need to bring anything back."

"Sure, Xander."  She waited until he was gone.  "He's smoother than I thought."

"He's very smooth," Switch agreed timidly.  "He's very nice too."

"He is, but he only dates evil women," Charley assured her.

"I can be a bad girl," she chimed in immediately then blushed and ducked her head, taking his knife to cut up her steak.  "It's a good steak, Charley.  Thank you."

"You're welcome."  She ate another bite of hers.  "Vinnie, get your tail down here!" she yelled.  "Now!  Or else I'm letting Throttle have yours."

He came back down the stairs and dug back in.  He looked at Xander's seat and made an inquisitive noise since his mouth was full.

"He went out," Throttle admitted.  "He'll be back tomorrow."  Vinnie nodded, eating faster.

"He'll be fine, guys," Charley said patiently.  She grinned at Switch, who grinned back.  "He can take care of himself.  He's very good at it."

"He is," Switch agreed.  "He seems very competent."

"He's like a more wild version of Vinnie," Modo said dryly.  He looked at her.  "Did you get to tell the daddy?"

"No, sister yelled it at the top of her lungs and he ran down the hall to go on a suicide mission," she said honestly.  "That was about four minutes before she shoved me onto a ship without enough fuel and had it programmed to go here."

"Why here?" Throttle asked.  She shrugged.  "She knows it's not totally safe."

They heard an explosion outside and all jumped up, grabbing weapons to head outside.  They found a few goons and their newly exploded dune buggies.  They were tied up and one of them was gibbering madly and pointing down the road.  "I guess Xander reintroduced himself," Vinnie said happily.  "Anyone wanna go have some fun tonight?"

"Sure, I'm for it," Modo agreed.

"Sounds good to me," Throttle agreed.  "Finish up and then we'll rock and ride."

Charley watched as they went back inside, shaking her head.  "Now I've got four of them," she said dryly.  "The city won't ever be the same."  She went inside to finish up her dinner, then got grabbed by Vinnie to come help.

Episode 03:

Xander grinned at the guy who sat across from him at the club he had first visited in Chicago, and blatantly put a stake on the table.  "Hi.  How are you tonight?  I'm new in town.  I'm staying.  There's a *whole* section of the city that I'm going to claim as mine and clean out."

The vampire stared at him.  "Why?" he asked finally.

"Because I'm tired of the slayers.  So I'm going to be here and clean up the city."  He sipped his drink.  "Got problems with that?"

"Some of us are decent sorts who don't feed on the general populace," he offered calmly.

"Then you've got no problem from me," he agreed happily.  "One less for me to have to get a stake through.  Or a wooden bullet.  Or a grenade, or a bomb in their crypts, or even a grenade launcher into their daytime hidey-holes."

"Good to know," he admitted.  He looked at him.  "Who are you?"

"Xander Harris."

"Ah!" he said, suddenly getting it now. It all made sense.  "Okay.  What part of the city are you claiming?"

"Let's say, ten miles around the Last Chance Garage?"

"There's a few demon clubs there."

"Are they peaceful?"   The vampire nodded quickly.  "Then why would I have a problem with them?  I'd probably go party with them when I'm overly stressed.  I've got PTSD."  He grinned.  "So I want some easiness."

"Sure, we can handle that," he agreed.  He looked the boy over.  "That's not why I came over.  I was told you're looking for a construction job?"

"Yeah, and I'm sorry if I fucked my chances," Xander admitted, taking another sip.  "I worked on a crew in Sunnydale for about two and a half years.  I had a year of supervisory experience.  I was project manager when I got injured and the final battle came."

"Sounds good.  Can you start tomorrow?"

"Sure.  You run a construction crew?"

"An around the clock one," he admitted with a smirk.  "That a problem for you?"

"Do you pay on time?" Xander asked, shifting a bit to stretch out and relax.  "Are you good to your workers and don't flog them if they get slow in the heat?"

He smiled, liking this kid.  He was blunt and seemed reasonable.  "I pay every two weeks.  You'd be a crew lead.  We do full building construction."

"I did houses and a school."

"Good.  You'd have about ten guys under you on your shift for internal jobs.  Mostly humans but I can't swear and promise."  Xander shrugged.  "I'd pay you about twenty an hour."

"Decent.  I've got a place, I'm waiting on my stuff to come from Ohio, and I'm good with that.  What time and what address?"

He pushed over a card and stood up.  "Say nine?"  Xander nodded.  "Thanks.  You seem to be mostly decent."

"Yeah, most of the time I'm a big goofball," he admitted with a grin.  "I'm a good one to diffuse fights with jokes and low blows to the aggressor.  You'd be surprised how fast a small dick joke stops the guy trying to pick the fight."  He took another sip and grinned once he had swallowed.  "Nine."  He tucked it into his pocket.  "Three week trial?"  The boss nodded.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome, kid.  I've got a good feeling about you."  He walked back to the bar, sending the kid another drink.  He wasn't drunk but he looked tired.

Xander gulped the rest of his rum and coke, then started on the second one, taking it out onto the dance floor.  It was a nice night.

***

Xander wobbled out of the first club and found someone waiting there.  "Dude, you're messing up my ride," he said dryly.  "Get off my car.  It's a rental."

"You's with those mousies?"

"Do you live on bad Italian stereotypes?" he asked the greasy man.  "By the way, bathing is a nice human trait that should be perpetuated in the human line.  Did no one teach you that?"  He opened his door and got in, rolling down his window once he was inside.  "Dude, I like the furry people.  Furry people are a lot like me, only they fought in other places.  Then again, I'm calling a neutral zone around the garage.  It'll be ten miles around.  I wouldn't want to be you if you break that."  He gave him another gentle smile.  "I'm the one who was partially responsible for the building's trip, dude."  He started the engine.  "Gotta go, laters."  He drove off, heading back to his new spot.  He was pulled over about a block from there, getting out once he had turned the engine off, looking at the cop.  "Speeding?" he asked hopefully.

"No, sir.  Weaving."

"I wove around a pothole."  He held out a hand.  "I had two whole drinks then danced for about four hours.  I'm sober and I'll voluntarily take the breathalyzer."  The cop looked startled.  "I've got a glass eye, I don't have the balance necessary for a field test."  The cop went to get one for him, watching as he blew into the balloon.  Xander glanced at it and handed it over with a grin.  "Not even .002, dude," he said happily. "It's the potholes."

"Where are you from, sir?"

"Just outside LA."

"Oh.  You're new to the city?"  He nodded.  "Most people don't volunteer things."

"I haven't been here long enough to get into trouble," he pointed out with a grin.  "I'm a good boy and I don't have anything to hide.  Most of those people would."

"Good point.  Fine, change lanes legitimately to get around them, sir.  I'll let you off with a warning this time."  Xander nodded, taking the warning and grinning and waving before he got in and drove off.  The cop went back to report this, shaking his head. No one would believe him.  Who *volunteered* to do a breathalyzer?

Xander walked into his apartment and smiled at the lack of everything.  At least he had utilities because they were included in the rent.  He walked around the few rooms, making a mental list of what he'd have to do when he got home tomorrow.  Or tonight maybe.  He found a few holes and nodded, finding his phone and dialing information.  "Is there a Walmart near Chicago?" he asked the operator.  "Eleven of them within twenty miles?  Wow.  Way overachiever there.  Where's the nearest?"  He repeated the address and grinned.  "Thanks."  He hung up and went out to go out there.  Maybe he'd be able to find what he needed, though some of it would need a home center.  He'd have to rewire the lights, they were pitiful.  He'd need more light to work with.

***

Xander walked onto his new job the next morning, grinning at the guard.  "The boss told me to come in about nine, I'm Xander," he said, holding out a hand.  The guard shook it after looking at his list.  "Where might he be?"

"They're having a group meeting by the management trailer."  Xander nodded.  "Badge, sir," he said, handing it over.  "We're security conscious."

"That's a good thing in my book," he agreed happily enough, walking toward where he could see some people.

"Listen, guys, I know this isn't a good thing," some guy was saying from on top of a van.  "I don't like it, you don't like it, and I don't want to do this to you guys, but it's out of our hands.  It's the permit department blowing their noses out their holes and making us wait."

"Gee, I come in and this happens, it must be karma," Xander joked.  "Hi, boss."

"Oh, good, you're here," he said, checking his watch.  "Ten minutes early even.  I'm impressed.  Guys, this is Xander.  He'll be the inside crew chief when we come back in two weeks."

Xander waved.  "I look forward to working with you guys when we finally have work again."

"You okay to work with women?" one woman asked.

"Yeah.  Some of my favorite women are tiny, delicate, and can kick my ass.  I have the opinion that most women can do that and more.  You'll tell me if you're having problems and I'll work around them."  She nodded, accepting that.  "I've got about a year of experience running a crew and doing project management.  It's all good to me, dudes, and I'm happy if you are, and if you're not then you're big people who can come tell me why so we can fix that."

"Dudes?" one guy snorted.

"I'm from near LA.  It's my natural habitat," he said dryly, smirking at him.  "By the way, I don't care what you are, who you are, or who you're sleeping with.  All I ask is some attention to detail, doing the job we're paying you for, and coming to me if either of those is going to be a problem for you.  You'll find I'm a pretty decent guy most of the time."  He looked up at his boss.  "This meshes well since my personal tools won't be in until tomorrow."

"That's fine, Xander."  He grinned at him.  "You're one of those jokesters, right?"  Xander beamed and nodded.  "Okay.  Just no rubber chickens in the walls."

"No, I'm more a whoopie cushion sort," he said dryly, smirking at the guys.   That got a laugh.  "What's the issue?"

"Permits," the boss offered.  Xander shuddered.  "Whatever you had out there, it's nothing like out here, Xander.  Out here, the book's nineteen hundred pages long."

"Hmm, I had better study that then," he noted dryly.  "Good reading or basically a mob story gone bad?"

"Mob story gone bad," the boss admitted.  "Lots of rules about not being the mob."  He looked at the crew.  "To put it shortly, guys, they said they can't get out here for two weeks.  We can't touch a thing until they do that.  We can't even do external work until they get here.  I wish we could, but we can't.  Now, we've got a few other jobs going on at the moment, but limited spots.  I'm going to put the guys with families first.  I can't promise they'll be there the full two weeks, but we're trying.  Xander, I'll need you to stay to go through things here after this."

"Gotcha."  He looked around.  "At least it's not a total shutdown for the winter, guys."

"True, it's not," the woman agreed.  "Two weeks?"

"Two weeks at the latest," the boss promised.  "That's what they swore to me."  Everyone grumbled but they were nodding.  They understood that.  "I'm sorry, guys.  I wish it were different."

"We get it, boss.  It's the system, not you," one of the guys noted.  "Now?"

"Yeah, I just got the order so we've got to shut down.  Go ahead and clean up to get at least another hour."  They nodded, going back to clean up.  The boss jumped down, looking at the new guy.  "Hey.  Nice to meet you."  They shook hands.  "You got questions yet?"

"Not yet.  Well, one, we don't work for Limburger, right?"

"No, we're more often found cleaning up after him," he promised.  He waved to the trailer.  "Let's go inside so we can start that dreaded paperwork."  Xander handed over the resume he had written out, grinning at him as he walked inside.  "Well, you weren't kidding."

"Nope, not kidding," Xander agreed.  He saw a folder with his name and waved it, getting a nod, so he settled in to work on the forms.  He handed them over as they were done, then handed back the folder with the last one so they could be compiled and filed.  "There, that's done.  I'm inside?"  The boss nodded, looking at him.  "Cool.  Wiring, plumbing, walls, and stuff or just one area?"

"We're doing all the same stuff at once.  Right now, we're doing the wiring.  That's the problem.  The electrical inspector had an accident and can't get in here to check things over.  We're due for the middle inspection, while things are being done.  I'm not foreseeing any problems, but we can't keep going without it."  Xander nodded at that.  "Ready for a tour?"

"Sure."  He stood up and followed the boss out, looking around the building as they walked on.  He paused to look at a few things, nodding at the boss to look at them.  He nodded, making notes of them. "How many lines to a breaker box?"

"Ten is what we like at the most," he admitted.  "That way there's room for growth and it won't overload.  We usually put in twelve or fifteen breakers per box in commercial buildings. Why?"

"Fifteen lines, and the others have all been twelve.  Just wondering."  The boss looked at the box and nodded, writing that down too.  "If we needed to, we could probably run a few guys for a few days to fix these things.  It wouldn't upset the inspection any."

"No, they gave us a desist order until they could get in," he admitted.  "They were firm on that and we follow the rules."

"Cool.  That's wonderful with me," Xander agreed, grinning again.  He ran a hand up one wall stud, nodding.  "Good work.  Whoever did this is better than I am."

"That's a guy who just started," the boss admitted.

"My first day I had to be taught how to toe nail and nearly got my foot with the autonailer."  He grinned at the nearby guys.  "The guys laughed for weeks."

"I'd laugh too," the worker assured him.  "Where you from?"

"Sunnydale."  The boss glanced back at him.  "Yeah, I met the other boss last night.  I don't have a problem as long as I don't catch someone attacking someone else.  Then my innate good-guy meter comes out and makes me do stupid stuff.  He realized who I am too," he assured him.  "If someone's nice, I'm nice.  If someone tries to bite me, I'm gonna react unless it's someone I want biting me."

"Then you're more reasonable than those girls," the boss admitted.

"Actually, I'm escaping them because they decided I'm helpless after an injury.  They're snarky, stupid, brats who decided I'm ancient and unfun because I won't let them do underage drinking, drugs, slutting around, and made them go on patrol.  I tended to run a tighter ship there and they didn't like it.  So now I'm here and I'm hoping they don't travel this way."

"If they do, warn us," the worker said gently.  "So some of us can suddenly get sick."

"Sure. Not an issue.  I'll have a friend call over since I'll probably be beating them to death."  The worker smiled at him.  "As long as we're in peace, I'm good," he reminded him.  The worker nodded, and he strolled on, looking in the kitchen area.  "Wow, this is nice.  I need to do this with my apartment."

"You really don't mind?"

Xander looked at his boss.  "I have no problem with peaceful creatures, no matter where they come from. Those who go out rampaging, murdering, and snatching I have a problem with.  Those who like to party and dance I like to join in with."  He heard a squeal and instinctively turned, but the little creature caught him anyway.  He looked back at it, reaching back to move her around so he could look at her.  She was blue skinned, delicate, and had plastic looking hair strands.  "Hi," he said with a grin.  "You're very small.  Are you supposed to be in here?"  She nodded, staring up at him, sucking on her first finger.  "Don't worry, I don't hurt kids."

"Sheila!" a female voice yelled.

"She pounced me," Xander called back.  The girl giggled and her mother rushed in.  He handed her over and gave her a pat on the back.  "She's cute.  She has a very good pounce too.  Very strong daughter."  The woman looked stunned. "I'm good with anything as long as they're at peace," he reminded her gently.  "Kids are always sacred to me."  She relaxed and smiled, nodding.  "Is she here to have lunch with the mommy?"

"The daddy actually but she knocked him down and ran off.  He nailed his pantsleg to the wall because he was finishing a wall panel."

"She's still not supposed to be in here," the boss reminded her.  "Out, Sheila, go wait by the trailer."

"Bad people," she said quietly. "Nasty smelling guys."

"Wonderful," Xander said dryly, heading out there.  He smirked at the man standing there.  "At least you smell better this time," he said in greeting.  The man stared at him so he grinned and wiggled his fingers.  "Yeah, it's me again and I'm here permanently."  The man took a step back.  "Just think, I can find others to send your building back to hell, and someone to set up a hellmouth on your home planet.  I might not like the demons in space theme, but I'm sure the bros could fix them fast with some knowledge and a few good weapons."

The man sneered at him.  "Who are you, young man?  Do you know who I am?"

"Smelly and rude, trying to take over the world and failing," Xander told him.  "As for me, I'm Xander Harris.  I lived in Sunnydale."  The man shuddered at that and the one behind him let out a squeaky sounding gasp.  He looked at the big-headed geek in the white lab coat.  "Going to a costume party?  You hopefully don't look like that all the time."

"I'm here on business."

"And I'm one of the crew chiefs.  We have no business unless the main boss says so and he only comes out at night.  Now," he said, stepping closer.  "I'd get your smelly, stinky, slimy, boring, stupid, cunt ass out of my worksite, before I help the bros tear down your tower the next time.  Because I'm nothing if not destructive," he promised with a cold smirk.  "You've seen nothing like what I can do.  I blew up my high school.  I helped my town turn into a sinkhole," he hissed. "Your tower's next."  The man backed up again.  "So I'd leave now before I get...creative."  The man in the coat ran off.  He stared the big, smelly, fat creature down.  "See, I'm a good guy.  A very good guy.  I've slayed demons for years before moving here.  I don't care if you are an alien, you too can be slayed. Remember that."  He turned and walked off, waving at the guys.  "Back to work.  Staring at him will only make you go blind from the horror.  Someone make sure the kid doesn't have to look upon his grossness either."

"Yes, sir," floated out of the building.

"Young man, I can have you arrested," Limburger said smoothly.

Xander turned to look at him.  "On what charge?  And by the way, if you try that, I'd feel more than enough urge to return the favor.  You may have money, but I'm smarter, faster, younger, more creative, and better trained than you'll ever be.  I've also got a demolitions license.  Remember what I said, Limburger, and I'll be seeing Vinnie tonight."  The man backed off and turned, going back to his limo.  "We're not giving in.  I saved the world from worse than you and I'll gladly make you my next cause," he called.  The limo peeled out and headed back to the tower.  Xander glared after it, then shook his head.  "I'll have to deal with him later," he decided, turning around and going back into the building.  "Hey, sorry about that."

"You've got an explosives license?"

"Yeah, back in Cali.  I can get it here too."

"Please do.  We don't use it often but sometimes it comes in handy and it'll save the crew money for a completion party."  He clapped him on the back.  "Just don't make it overt," he said quietly.  "He's got money."

Xander looked at him.  "The last time I was in town, I let the vampires I was working with send his tower to hell.  I'm thinking showy and creative, but anonymous this time."  The boss laughed and clapped him on the back.  "Let's go back to the tour.  Just in case."

"Sure, Xander.  I think we're going to have a very good working relationship."

"Hopefully.  I'm a nice guy most of the time."

"Have you slept recently?"

"Um, no, but I'll do that tonight," he promised.  "Or tomorrow since apparently we don't have anything to do."  The boss grinned at him.  "It's a habit of mine."

"Sure, kid."

"Not a kid."

"I'm nearly fifty, you're still a kid."

"Okay, then I'll take it from you, but I won't take it from any of the bros."

"Sure, kid."  They continued their tour.

***

Charley looked up as Xander walked in with a big bag of stuff.  "Chinese?"

"Yeah.  Because we've got to have a talk with the furry people.  Limburger showed up at my worksite today.  I scared him off."  He grinned at her.  "I'm going to work on his tower tonight to make people laugh at him."

"They're back at the scoreboard.  Don't do something to get arrested.  Please?"

Xander kissed her on the cheek.  "Sure.  Not an issue.  Oh, my stuff's coming tomorrow.  If they get lost and can't find me, I gave them the number here and you can tell them which exit to take."

"Sure," she agreed, smiling at him.  "You heading over?  I'll give you a ride."

"I've got the SUV," he offered.  "Air conditioning even.  Switch?"  She came down the stairs.  "We're going to the scoreboard.  Wanna come?"  She nodded, heading up to find shoes and put her hair up, then joined them with a pat for her poor bike.  "Let's go.  You get to hold the food."  She beamed at him, and he opened the doors for them, then got in to drive.

"This thing is massive," Switch said in awe.  "How did you get this?"

"It's a rental until I can find one," he admitted, starting the engine.  He checked, then pointed at the door, so she put it down with a remote.  He turned them around and sped off.  "Air conditioner's on the dash, so's the radio."  Charley lent forward to set them both for comfort.  "Sorry about the pop, but I am from near LA and I have been around a lot of teenage girls."

"Not an issue.  We'll slowly wean you from it," Charley promised.  "Don't listen to it near Vinnie, he'll have violent reactions."

"Did you ever get him to go to a bear club?" he asked, glancing back to see her blush.  "He'd fit in."

"Behave, Xander."

"Why?  I'm so much more fun this way."  He changed lanes and headed to the scoreboard, parking outside the empty gates.  "Should we warn them?"

"No, let's go in there and pounce them," Switch said, getting out but leaving the food there to go pounce them.

Xander let Charley get the food while he locked the car, following up the stairs.  He was even sneaking as much as he could.  He barely managed it in time to notice the guys were wearing cut off sweatpants and playing basketball.  At least until Switch pounced Throttle and Vinnie, who had been trying to block Modo, with a ear-piercing squeal.   Xander chuckled and pounced Modo so he wouldn't feel left out.  "Hi," he said happily.  "How are you?"

"I'd be better if you weren't crushing me," Modo said, laughing as he tried to get him off, but Xander was nearly as good as Vinnie was.  "Switch, bros, come help?  Charley ma'am?  Help, please."

"A big stud like you can't get me?" he laughed, getting up and helping him up.  He walked over and grabbed Switch, tickling her.  She squealed and thrashed on top of the mice she was pounding.  "You can't eat while they're on the floor."

She swatted at him and pounced him, but ended up on her back.  "You wouldn't tickle me again," she asked innocently.

He beamed. "Sure I would.  I'm mean like that."  He got up and helped her up and then pulled Vinnie to his feet.  He nudged Throttle with a boottip.  "Hey.  I brought Chinese.  That means you've got to eat some vegetables because it's good for the baby."

"Fine," he groaned, letting the boy help him up.  "Thanks, kid."  Xander gave him a long stare.  "Sorry, Xander."

"Not an issue tonight.  Tonight I'm going to go paint smiley faces on Limburger's tower since he pissed me off."

"You're gonna do what?" Vinnie asked.

Xander beamed.  "Annoyance work.  I'm very good at it."

"So I can tell," Modo said, patting him on the shoulder.  "You should help us destroy it."

"Sure, but I want to annoy him for a few days first.  He came to my worksite today to try to buy the land and threaten me," he said with a chuckle, shaking his head.  "He nearly pissed himself."  Vinnie cackled at that.  "Oh, and the big headed guy, I made him cry!" he shared.

"Yeah!" Vinnie said happily.  "Good work, Xander!"  He clapped him on the back.  "What's Chinese food?"

Charley laid out the stuff from the bag, including the plates.  She opened the cartons for them.  "The stuff with the red sauce is hot," she warned. "Everything else is mild."

"And the stuff with 'shrooms is mine," Xander said, claiming it before anyone else could.  He claimed a fork and sat down to eat.  "Split up the other stuff."

"What's that?" Switch asked.

"Chicken, mushrooms, and sauce."  He speared a bite and held it up, letting her eat it.

"Eww, fungus," Vinnie said with a shudder.

"It's good fungus, thank you.  It's very good for you and for the baby."  He grinned at her.  "Remember, you can make them eat anything you want as long as it's good for the baby."

"Cool!" she breathed.  She dove into the hot stuff, taking a small bite of a piece of it, then she grabbed the sodas that had been unpacked to wash her mouth out.

"Tip, the peppers are for flavor unless you like fire," Xander offered lightly, grinning at her.  "Dare you to eat one, Vinnie."

"No, don't," Throttle warned.  "He'll fart all night."  He dug into the stuff that didn't look too bad.  It was noodles, chicken, and some slices of vegetables.  It was safer than the hot stuff.  Switch put some of that on his plate anyway, earning a long look.  "I don't like hot stuff."

"You have to try it," she pouted.  "Please?"  He sighed and ate it, then took a long drink of soda.

"I had them make it easy on the spices," Xander offered.  "Usually I eat it hotter."  He stole a bite from Modo's plate, with the pepper.  "Never eat the peppers unless you like fire," he reminded him.   Charley nodded quickly, taking a drink of her own soda.  They all watched as Modo ate a bite and then dug out more.  He wisely did remove the peppers but he and Vinnie ended up splitting it.  Xander finished off his dinner and looked at them.  "Well, we've got some good news at least.  My new site is shut down for two weeks due to a permit issue.  The guy who was supposed to do it today got into a car wreck.  So I've got the time to finish painting my apartment before my stuff gets here tomorrow.  Modo, wanna come help me move the weapons locker if the guys don't?"  He shrugged.  "Cool.  By the way, I work on a site that has demons so I'm good if you guys suddenly need money for presents."  They all nodded, accepting that.  "Charley, did you need me to do anything besides finishing the security upgrade?"

"No, I'm good with that," she admitted.  "Thank you, Xander."

"Not an issue.  I'd hate to have to destroy someone if you got hurt."

"My job," Vinnie said, but he was smirking.

Xander smirked back.  "Take my fun and watch me have to find a new source to protect, like you, hotshot.  After all, according to Throttle you do stupid stuff now and then."

"Pot, kettle, color painted?" Charley suggested dryly.  "Or shouldn't I mention a window?"

"Hey, I knew they'd catch me.  They didn't want to break the crystal."  He smirked and stole a piece of remaining food.  "So, I'm going to use my new paintball gun and the new paintballs I made last night.  You guys are going to do what tonight?"

"Probably go back and help her paint Switch's bike," Throttle admitted.  "Vinnie can go with you."

"Aww, man," he whined.  "He won't be doing much!"

"Yeah, I don't need help to shoot at the building from a nearby rooftop," Xander agreed.

Throttle shook his head.  "No, Xander.  We work as a team.  You either have Modo or Vinnie."

"But I'm being good," he tried. "I promise I won't get into trouble."  He used his puppy eyes and Throttle shook his head, smiling at him.  "Please, daddy, can't I go to the dance?"

"No, Xander.  Behave before I start to treat you like our kid."

"He'd have to be my nephew," Modo noted.  "He's too small to be one of my gray furred momma's kids."

"I wish I had fur, then I wouldn't be so cold this winter," Xander said smugly.  "So, I'm going to go paint smiley faces on the tower.  You guys are going to paint the bike.  Switch, can I have a ride when you've got it done?"

She beamed.  "Sure, Xander.  I'd love to take you for a ride."

"Cool.  We'll work it out later this week."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "I'm taking the SUV so they're not forced to listen to pop music."  Vinnie shuddered and grimaced.  "I was just surrounded by teenage girls.  It's like mind control in some ways.  I couldn't help but hear it.  At least I don't listen to rap."  He waved.  "Later, guys.  See you guys tomorrow."  He hurried out before Throttle could catch him and make Vinnie come with him.  He parked the SUV in front of his apartment building and went inside, smiling at the cop across the hall.  "Tell me something.  If I paintball a building with washable paint, is it still illegal?"

"Yeah, probably.  Are you Xander Harris?"

"More often than not," he admitted.  He opened the door, letting him inside.  "Is this about the weapons I'm moving here that I have permits for or about someone today coming up to try to intimidate me and me giving it back?"

"Neither actually," he admitted.  "Weapons?"

"Yeah, I've got a few. I hunt.  I'll be registering them once I get them here.  They're in a locked cabinet."

"Sure.  I'm here about some complaints about you and cleaning out some of the odd population?"  Xander nodded, pulling over one of the barstools he had bought last night, sitting on the other.  "How do you know about them, sir?"

"I'm from Sunnydale."  The cop looked clueless.  "The hellmouth?"  The man shuddered.  "I worked with the slayer.  Actually all the slayers."

"Huh?"

"Final battle, Willow activated them all."

"Oh."  He blinked a few times then shook his head.  "You're going to do what?"

"Nothing as long as no one attacks me or those I protect.  If they do, then I'm more than qualified to deal with them and I will deal with them."  He shrugged.  "As long as I don't see it, have it happen to those I like, and nothing bad goes on around me, I could care less.  I'm hoping for a ten mile peace zone around the garage."

"Those people you hang out with?"

"Are good guys.  Hero sorta guys.  I like that about them.  Then again, I'd probably like them if they were lazy and kept calling me kid.  Fortunately they've stopped that and Vinnie's like me on a buzz."

"Okay," he said finally.  He shook his head.  "I don't understand."

"That happens sometimes," he said with a small shrug.  "Then you find someone who'll hand you a book, which I can't until they get here tomorrow, and you read it.  Come back tomorrow and I'll gladly do that."

"You don't have anything against vampires?"

"If they're not eating someone.  Especially not me.  Then again, I've known to drive a few to lust."  He grinned.  "It happens.  As long as we've got peace, I'm good."

"Then I'll leave you alone about that.  The others...they're okay?"

"They're great guys.  Very good guys.  You should spend some time talking to them."

"I'll see," he offered.  "Please register your weapons within a week, sir, and keep anything you can't register out of the public eye."  Xander nodded.  "As for the paintball?  It'd probably be a bad thing, and yes, he did call to make a complaint that you threatened him but we asked your boss what was going on and he told us."  He gave him a long look.  "Subtlety."

"I'm twenty-three and I haven't learned that yet.  I'm looking for someone to teach me that.  You up for it?" he asked with a wink.  The cop in front of him tried to blush but couldn't make it.  "How long?"

"Sixteen hundreds."

"Congrats.  Stay out of Cleveland, it'll make you last longer."

"Sure.  Thanks for the advice, sir.  Have a nice night.  Please don't get caught."  He left, looking at the man in the hall.  "Sir."

"Vinnie," he said with a grin.  "Hyper one."

"Oh, good.  Can one of you teach him subtlety?"

"Throttle could."

Xander stuck his head out.  "Vinnie, leave the nice vampire cop alone," he said patiently.  "You can't come with me either."  He grinned and waved, closing the door.   The locks were thrown and they both shook their heads.

"I'll tell Throttle to teach him subtlety.  He could always learn from our wonderful example."

"Good.  That would be nice.  Hellmouth?"

"Boca del Inferno," Xander called.  Then another door shut.

"Oh, there," the cop said, shaking his head.  "I've head of that. Is there another source of information?  He seems a bit...hyper for that."

Vinnie shrugged.  "We don't deal with that.  We deal with other alien menaces."

"Okay then.  I'm going to get drunk now and forget allllll about tonight." He walked off shaking his head.

"I feel like that sometimes," Vinnie admitted.  He glanced around and broke the locks before heading inside.  The place was empty.  He shut the door and looked around.  It was a nice place, and it did have two other exits.  Apparently Xander had taken the one that led out the window and down the fire escape.  He shook his head, heading out to follow the boy.  He was on foot since his SUV was there. He rode on, not finding him.  He couldn't find the boy anywhere.  He was better than he had expected, so he parked in the shadows by the tower, watching the boy's style.  He heard the quite 'whump' noise and looked up.  The kid was on the building above him.  It was followed by a few more.  The boy was making lots and lots of smiley faces on the tower and no one was coming out. It was going to make him laugh soon.  "Kid, you're so bad."

One final smiley face appeared, this one with the classic 'shot in the forehead' extra dot in the center of the head.  Then Xander hopped down and put his paintball around his shoulder.  "Can I get a ride back?"

"Sure."  He shook his head, holding in the laughter. "What's your next thing?"

"Oh, I did that earlier.  You should read the paper tomorrow," he said with a bright grin.    He climbed on and held on, allowing Vinnie to take him back to his place.  He walked up the stairs, looking at the locks.  "I can fix that," he said happily.  He put the paintball gun up in the closet and opened the paint can.  "Wanna help?"

"I don't paint very well."

"Sure."  He went back to work on the walls, covering the one he hadn't gotten earlier.  By the time he was finished, Vinnie was looking bored.  He covered the supplies, then went to the fridge.  "You didn't grab a soda?"

"You put rootbeer in there for us?"

"Sure, why not.  I'm a nice guy until you piss me off."  He tweaked him on the ear, noticing the blush.  "Sorry, didn't mean that in a sexual way."

"That's fine," he agreed with a grin.  "I didn't figure you did."  He took the soda and opened it.  "What else were you planning for tonight?"

"I was planning on some sleep," he admitted.  "Eventually.  I can always do that tomorrow until the movers get here."

Vinnie looked around.  "Hopefully you've got furniture?"

"Yeah, about enough," he admitted.  Someone knocked on the door so he walked over, opening it.  "Hey, boss."   He considered it.  "I can always do an uninvite.  You and you alone may come in."  He got out of the way. "What's up?"

"You threatened Limburger?" he asked dryly.

"I don't like the guy, he's a septic boil on the nose of the city."  He headed for the fridge.  "I've got some bottled water if you want some."

"Thanks."  He caught the bottle Xander tossed over.  "No holy water, right?"

"I wouldn't do that to you, you pay my paycheck.  Vinnie, this is my boss.  Boss, this is Vinnie."

"Hey," he said, nodding at him with a grin.  "Trying to keep the kid out of trouble?"

"Not always," he admitted.  "Sometimes we find him really fun."

"I saw the smiley faces.  Xander, such horrible icons in dayglo pink?"

"He's green and scaley, it'll go," he said with a grin, hiding it as he took a sip of his soda.  He grinned at Vinnie.  "I've got to get my explosives license again."

"You have one?" the boss asked.  Xander nodded.  "Hell, then I'll pay you extra for anything that takes explosives.  Can you do it in minute amounts?"

"Yeah, I've learned subtlety since I blew up my high school."

"You did what?" Vinnie demanded, giving him an amused, yet shocked look. "Huh?"

"It was necessary."  He looked at his boss again.  "Did you know we had vampire cops?"  He shook his head.  "We do and I confused him.  He didn't really know what the Hellmouth was."

"He's a lucky guy then.  I'll try to find him later and unconfuse him, kid."

"You let him get away with that?"

"He's over eight hundred years old," Xander said dryly.  "I'll take that from anyone over fifty years old."

"Actually I'm only six hundred," he admitted.

"Close enough," Xander admitted.  "Wanna help me with other stuff?  Since we've got time off and all?" he asked with a grin.

"No, I'll leave that to you, Xander.  You're very fun and the guys already like you.  Especially Sheila since you didn't swat her or yell at her for pouncing you."  Xander snorted, shaking his head.  "You did good, kid.  I made a good choice.  Just be careful.  Your ten mile radius will be more than happily granted."  He nodded at Vinnie.  "If you guys need temporary jobs, come to the site.  We take all kinds, even furry people."  He left, closing the door behind him.

Xander looked at him, taking another sip.  "So, what else are we doing tonight?"

"Throttle said I'm not allowed to come back until you're safely tucked in and snoring."  He turned to look back at him.  "You got a bed here?"

"I've got some pillows.  It'll do until I get my king sized bed tomorrow."

"King sized?"

"King sized, just soft enough to let you sink into it, but with a firm core to make sure your back doesn't ache in the morning."

"Wow.  I'm impressed.  You've got good taste."

"I do," Xander said happily.  "I found most everything at auction so things are kinda mismatched in spots, but I make due. It's nice and homey feeling.  My landlord's wife helped me decorate."

"Good for you, kid."  He stood up.  "Go take a shower and tuck yourself in, I'll wait until your first snore then leave."

"You'd better take the window, I'm going to have to fix the locks now.  By the way, I'll give you guys and Charley keys tomorrow too."  He headed into the bathroom, going to take a shower.  He came out in a pair of boxers he had bought the night before and headed for the bedroom.  It had carpet instead of hardwood floors. "Night, Vinnie."  He closed the door and laid down on his jacket.  One of his shirts covered him and he got comfortable.  It was enough for now.

***

Charley opened the paper, reading it slowly.  It was one of the few things she got to do in peace.  She came to the editorials and read them, stopping to reread one of them.  She shook her head and reread it a few more times. "What?" she asked.  "Who would sleep with him?"

"What's going on?" Xander called as he walked in, handing over the big box of chocolates.  He looked at the paper and winked, walking off again.  "I'm going to go move furniture, come over when you're done for the day and I'll try to cook, or order instead."

She looked at the paper, then at the retreating back, shaking her head, then shuddering.  "Eww, that's a bad mental image."  So when the guys came in a few minutes later, she got up to give them the paper and share the bad mental image.

"Limburger's secret lover wants to know where his promised charity work is," Modo read.  "Huh?"

Vinnie snatched it.  "Hello, Laurence, I know you remember me.  We've been together now for eight years and you *promised* me that you'd start to do good for the city.  You promised at our private vows to give a million dollars to the local children's shelters and the foster care system.  You promised me that you'd build a new park in the city and pant, um plant, typo, a lot of trees for lovers like us to sit under.  You promised me that you'd make this city a beautiful place to live in again and that you'd make sure that all those nasty potholes were filled in and that all the lovers in this city would be safe from the goons running around.  How could you not keep your vows to me, Laurence?  How could you?"  He giggled.  "Your vows to me in front of the minister were sacred and you haven't kept them.  There were at least twenty witnesses to our vows.  This is our eighth anniversary and you haven't kept your promise to me yet.  Well, I've got news for you, Laurence.  Either you come home and keep your sacred vows or I'm going to divorce you and make your life a living hell.  Remember, I have a prenuptial and I'm not afraid to use it.  People of the city, help me make him keep his sacred vows, the vows he made to me eight years ago on a beautiful night.  The city deserves better and so do I.  A grieving spouse, lying in a broken-hearted lump on the floor of our secret love hideaway."  He broke out into loud giggles, falling off his bike to roll around.  "Xander's so bad!"

Throttle snatched it to read, shaking his head.  "I can't wait to see the fallout from this."

Charley snickered.  "Xander's getting creative, like he promised."

"He is," Modo agreed, chuckling and shaking his head.  "That's so bad."

"Just the thought of him topping Limburger," Vinnie howled.

"Vinnie, I didn't need that mental image," Throttle warned.  He kicked the rolling mouse, shaking his head.  "He's so bad."  He handed the paper back and got onto his bike, heading out to take a ride.  That was too bad.  He shook his head and whimpered.  Xander was worse than Vinnie because he was creative.  He'd have to have to ask him to warn him in advance.

***

Charley turned up the radio when the announcement of a press conference came on.

"Today, Laurence Limburger comes out to speak to the person in the paper."

"People of Chicago," Limburger said, sounding very tired.  "I'm not married, have never been married, nor do I have plans of marrying."

"That's not true," someone shouted. "I was there!"

Charley considered it but he didn't sound like Xander.  He sounded more like Throttle.

"I'm not married.  I never made any vows to any woman."

"That's because your husband's a man," the voice called again.  "I saw you.  I've got pictures at home!  You married a man and you're breaking your vows!  You're sleeping around on your loving husband with your geeky little scientist and you're breaking your vows to him!  He should dump you!  You're a bad, evil, gay man!"  The crowd cheered at that.

"I'm not gay!" he shouted.  "I am not gay, I'm not married to a man or a woman, and I'm not sleeping with my staff!  I made no such promises!"

"Then why are you sweating!" one woman yelled.

Charley's head popped up.  That had sounded like Switch.  The guy could almost be Throttle, but that had definitely been Switch.  She went to check on her but the girl wasn't up there.  "Oh, man," she complained, going to radio the scoreboard to see if she was over there.  "Guys?" she called over the 2-way.  "Is Switch there?"

"No, Charley ma'am, it's just me," Modo offered.  "Why?"

"Turn on the radio.  I think I know where she is."  She let the handset go, listening as Modo hadn't and turned on the radio, then let out a wordless yell.  The radio went dead suddenly.  She shook her head.  "I don't envy them when he catches up to them.  Xander's gonna be toast."  She went back to work, still shaking her head at the mini-riot over Limburger not keeping his promises.

"Fine, I'll donate that money and set up a park," Limburger shouted eventually.  "Now leave me alone!"  The sound of a door slamming.

"There you go, folks, Limburger is doing the right thing for his male lover.  It's a good sign for the gay rights movement when such a prominent man as Laurence Limburger comes out.   Hopefully his husband rewards him greatly for his generosity and love."  She walked over and turned it off before she shuddered worse or made herself sick.  She put down her screwdriver and went to get a drink.  She drained half a can of rootbeer and poured in a shot so she could banish that image.  That was a very bad image.

***

Throttle looked over as Modo stomped over to where he and Switch were standing, nodding with a grin.  "Think we did good?"

"You did that?" he demanded.  Throttle smirked.  "Switch?"

"It was his idea, but I loved it," she admitted.  "We should go check on Xander and Vinnie."

"Sure," Throttle agreed, helping her onto the back of his bike once he had sat down.  "Coming, Modo?"

"Bro, that was cruel."

"Yeah, but it's saving some little kids," Throttle told him.  "It's for a good cause."   He roared off, heading to Xander's.  They found the movers still carrying stuff inside.  "Need help, guys?" he called.

"Only if you can wake up the guy upstairs," one of them called.

"Sure."  Switch got off and he followed her up the stairs, going to find where Xander was napping.  He found Vinnie arranging stuff.  "Xander's still sleeping?"

"I can't wake him.  He looks so peaceful and innocent," Vinnie admitted.

Switch looked in the bedroom, smiling at the man that had been put onto the bed.  She winked at the guy moving stuff in there, then pounced him, making Xander shriek and fail, which knocked her off but she was giggling.  "Hi, Xander.  You even got moved onto the bed without waking up."

"I'll get you for that later," he taunted.  He got up and headed into the bathroom to clean up.  When he came out, he looked around and made 'turn it around' motions.  "I'll need the computer on this side, Vinnie."

"There's a phone cord here," he pointed out.

"Yeah, but I use a cable modem."  He pointed at that plug.

"You can run a cord under the rugs," Switch promised, coming out to hug him.  "You missed it.  He held a press conference.  Someone outted him to the crowd and he promised to give that money to the kids and build a new park."

Xander beamed at her. "Good job."

"It was Throttle," she said with a wink.

Xander punched him on the arm. "Good job, Throttle.  Have fun?" he asked with a grin.  He sat down and looked at the stuff.  "How much stuff did I have?  And why do I have Willow's cat?" he asked when it pounced him.  "Hi, Miss Kitty."  He stroked her back, calming her down.  "Did your mommy send you?"

"She was hiding inside a box," one of the guys admitted.  "She came out in the truck.  We found her last night."  He held up something.  "Ugly lanp?"

"Ugly lamp goes on the bar," he admitted, pointing without looking.  "Or beside it if it's the bigger ugly lanp."

"Sure, sir."

"Thanks, man."  He continued to pet the cat.  "Your mommy's going to be very upset with you, Miss Kitty Fantastico.  Yes she is.  Then again, I'll take better care of you.  Yes I will."  He smiled at the purring.  "Yeah, you can stay."  He looked up.  "It's Willow's cat."

"I didn't think you had cats," Throttle admitted.  He held out a finger and the cat sniffed him, staring up at him. "I don't hurt cats."  It nudged his finger so he scratched her ears.  "She's a pretty cat."

"She is."  Xander craned his neck.  "I could have sworn I only had a two room apartment  in Cleveland."

"Sir, a Mr. Giles sent some things as well.  He said it was yours and had been in storage, sir," one of the workers admitted.

"Wonderful.  Books, weapons, or otherwise?"

"I'm not sure, sir.  I'm guessing it's books by the weight and size of the boxes.  Plus a really old settee."

"Cool.  More furniture.  I'll donate what I can't use."  They laughed and carried everything else up the stairs, leaving the boxes for him to unpack.  He tipped the guys and smiled, closing the door once they were gone.  He looked around.  "Cat?"  It was held up by Throttle.  "Cool.  Look for a box with a flowy, arching script.  Giles has got some explaining to do."  He searched the boxes, but Vinnie finally found it for him.  "Thanks, man."  He opened it, finding the expected letter on top, sitting down to read it.  "Huh.  He's embarrassed by how the girls treated me.  He had these in storage, thought I could use them.  Oooh, and some books for my own personal library," he said with a touch of fondness.  "I should find Ethan and give them to him."  He looked in the envelope, finding something else in there.  "What are you?" he said, looking at the plain card.  He flipped it over.  It had a strip in the back and nothing on the front.  "Uh-huh.  I'm wondering what this is."  He put it onto the bar and looked around, then sighed.  "If only I had Willow's magical unpacking spell."

"Well, there's a box here that says 'unpack me first," Modo offered, pointing at it.  He walked around the awkwardly placed settee, getting out of the boy's way.  "There's too much furniture."

"I'll put some of it into the office later," Xander offered.  "Or rearrange the living room."  He opened the box and everyone was blinded by the flash.  By the time Xander could see again, there was a plate of cookies on the counter and no boxes anywhere.  Everything was put up.  "Go super mojo," he said dryly, going to pick up the plate of cookies.  "Willow's sorry, she only bakes when she's sorry," he said, handing them around.  He looked a the cat, who gave him a smug look from Throttle's lap.  "Liked him more, Miss Kitty?"  She purred and kneaded him.  "If he doesn't mind, he can come pet you all you want."  He flopped down, looking at the extra sofa.  Then he considered the room.  "I wonder if Charley needs an extra couch."

"She doesn't have room for it either," Vinnie pointed out. He got up and hauled Xander up, helping him move that couch into the office, where it barely fit behind the door and against the desk.  "It works."

"It works," Xander agreed, going back to the living room.  He moved the cat and sat down, stroking her back again.  She got up and went to investigate Switch, getting a few pets before moving on.  She sniffed Modo and rubbed against his arm, but hopped up on Vinnie without having to sniff him and landed on his big, broad shoulder, where she settled in to get comfortable.

"Hey, watch the claws," he said, reaching up to pat her.  "You're an odd cat."

"Who used to belong to two lesbian witches," Xander said dryly.  "She looks comfy."  He got comfortable and yawned.  "Where am I ordering from tonight?"  He yawned again.

"Go make your bed and sleep," Throttle ordered patiently.  "It's a few hours until dinner."

Xander shook his head.  "I'm fine."

"Shut up and go to bed," Modo said fondly.  He picked the boy up and carried him in there, noticing the bed was made too.  He put the boy down and covered him up, heading out, closing the door behind him.  He rolled his eyes.  "I can't believe he's that stubborn and not a mouse."

"I'm not sure there's not one in the back of his family," Vinnie admitted.  "He's a lot like some of my relatives."

"You and he might as well be brothers," Throttle said, looking at the cat.  "Abandoned me already?" he joked.  He got a smug kitty look.  "Fine."  He looked at the others, then nodded at the door.  "I hear someone on the stairs."

Modo opened the door, startling the woman on the other side. "Hi, ma'am, we're just helping our friend settle in."

"Oh, that's nice. Would any of you like our Watchtower magazine?"

"No thanks.  We're very happy with our faith," he said, closing the door gently once she had nodded.  He looked at Vinnie, who was now sitting down and the cat was kneading his shoulder.  "Feel good?"

"Yeah, it does.  I haven't had a good massage in years."  He nodded at the door.  "It's the sweetheart and she's got food."

Modo opened the door to let her in.  "There you go, Charley ma'am."

"Thank you, Modo."  She put things on the stove and looked around.  "Where's Xander?"

"Asleep. He's exhausted," Throttle told her.  "Willow's cat followed too," he said, pointing at the mostly black lump on Vinnie's shoulder.

"You're so cute," she cooed, coming over to let her sniff her fingers then scratch her under the chin.  "I agree, that's a very good napping spot."  Vinnie let out a nervous laugh.  "You hush."  She tweaked his ear.  "I brought hotdogs so you guys wouldn't have to eat anything else."

They all beamed at her.  "Did you bring hot peppers?" Switch asked.  "I've been wanting something spicy again."

Vinnie pointed at the refrigerator.  "I saw them load a big jar of hot peppers."  She squealed and got up, going to hunt them down.  She had one of them out before anyone could do more than shudder and was happy munching on it.

"You're a stronger woman than I am," Charley assured her.  She went back to check on Xander, finding him still snoring. She snuck out and closed the door behind her.  "He's naked on the bed."  She found the guys sharing out the hotdogs and the cat now on Throttle's lap, playing with his tail since it was waving.  It was apparently the hottest kitty toy.  "Having fun, Throttle?"

"It keeps her from clawing my stomach when she tries to steal my food," he said between bites.  He twitched his tail tip again, earning a pounce and some claws.  "Ow.  We should call his friend to make sure she knows her cat came too."

Charley found his cellphone and held it up.  "Here's his phone."

"Thanks."  Throttle took it and found the number listed as 'Giles'.   He hit the send button and listened to it.  "Mr. Giles?  No, this is Throttle.  No, Xander's fine.  He's asleep at the moment.  No, a few unexpected things came, like the cat he said belongs to Willow?  No, she's in my lap at the moment," he admitted. He stole his hotdog from the cat.  "You can't eat hotdogs with everything, Miss Kitty."  He listened.  "Yeah, she was one, and there was a black card?"  He listened, then nodded.  "Cool.  I'll tell him later.  No, he got the cookies but he went back to bed.  He's been up for a few days."

"He painted last night," Vinnie offered loud enough to be heard.

"Vinnie said he painted last night.  Sure, I'll have him call in the next few days.  There's still a few things that need to be settled.  Did she want her cat back?"  He smirked.  "No, that's fine, she's taken a real shine to us and his new place.  Sure, I'll make sure he's safe and fine.  Have a nice day, sir."  He hung up.  "Willow's crying but he said to keep the cat since half the slayers were allergic."  He stroked her again, letting her lick some of the sauce off his fingers.  "We need to get you some stuff."

"I'll take his card to the local Walmart," Charley offered.  They nodded. She looked around.  "This is a nice place."

"It is," Vinnie agreed.  "He was painting the walls last night."  He tossed over an onion, which the cat sniffed but only licked once before sitting back on Throttle's lap to clean her paws and nose.  "Fine, don't appreciate the good things in life.  We'll get you some fish or something."

"I'll go, you'd scare the people at the store," she complained.  She went into the bedroom, leaning down to get next to Xander's ear.  "Xander?" she whispered.  He grunted, sounding annoyed yet quizzical. "Throttle called Mr. Giles and he said to keep the cat.  That means she'll need litter and stuff.  I can go pick that up for you."  He pointed.  "Thanks.  The guys are out there with the cat."

"Works for me."  He rolled over and pulled the blankets over his head.  "Night.  See you at dinner."

"Sure, Xander.  Pizza?"  He shrugged.  "Okay, we'll decide that later."  She gave him a gentle pat on the head and took the wallet out into the front room.  Miss Kitty was trotting in to check on her new human while she sat down to look at the cash.  She smiled. "I'm taking his SUV to Walmart.  I'll be back in about an hour."  She grabbed the keys.  "I'll be fine," she said when Vinnie started to get up.  "You can't carry litter and stuff on the back of a bike."

"Sure, sweetheart."  He settled in again, not minding at all when the cat leapt up onto the back of the couch and settled in to bathe his ears.  He scratched her gently, chuckling.  "Do I taste good?  I know I'm studly but I never knew I smelled so good."  Someone pounded on the door so he looked back there.  "It's open!" he yelled.  The door opened and someone walked in, slamming the door.  "You are?"

"His landlord.  Where is the kid?"

"Asleep," Throttle told him.  "Is there a problem?"

"Are those your bikes?"  They nodded.  "They need to be moved."

"Sure," Modo agreed, standing up.  "Where should we park them?"

"Behind the building.  You're blocking the entry. Make sure he parks back there too."  He looked around, noticing the fresh paint on the wall.  "He did a good job," he admitted.

"He's in construction," Vinnie reminded him.  "Let us move them.  We'll be right back, you watch Switch for us," he told the cat, handing her over.  They trooped out, heading to the parking lot.

The landlord looked at her.  "Is that a costume?"

"Is what a costume?" she asked feigning innocence.

"The fur, kid."

She sniffled.  "You're mean!  I'm not hairy!  I'm pregnant, not damaged!"  He backed off and headed out.  She smiled at the cat.  "That's a handy thing," she shared quietly, grinning as she petted the poor dear.  "What should we help him with, princess?"

Throttle came back first.  "He left?"

"Yeah, he thought I was wearing a costume so I got to have a small mood swing."  She gave him a sweet grin.  "It's a nice thing."  She handed over the cat.  "We should do something nice for him."

"I was going to look at his weapons to help him sort them back out, but I don't know where the cabinet is."  Vinnie came back, joking with Modo.  "Where's the weapons cabinet?"

"In the closet in the office.  It's a safe."

"I can do those," Switch promised, getting up to look at it.  She leaned in and got it open, smiling back at Throttle since he was standing there.  She got out of his way, watching as he pulled out each thing and set it on the couch or the floor.  She decided to pull the curtains shut when she noticed the glare on his antennas.  "There, that should help."  They got down to sorting and noting for him.  He apparently had stuff that he wasn't aware of.  "Why does he have a press?"

"Ask Charley, I don't know," he admitted.

"I make some of my own bullets," Xander said with a yawn from the doorway.  "Am I missing anything?"

"You've got some stuff you didn't say," Throttle offered.  He looked back at him.  "Giles told me what that black card was."  Xander crooked up an eyebrow.  "We called about the cat and I asked," he admitted.

"Cool, it's a very 'dad' thing for you to do and you're doing very well in that job so far," he agreed.  He yawned again.  "What is it?"

"You need to take it to a certain bank in town and have them authorize some stuff.  Giles said it was only fair since the Watchers had rewarded everyone else."  Xander frowned, blinking in confusion.  "That's what he said.  He said take it to Chase bank in town."

"Sure," Xander agreed lightly.  He noticed the curtains and walked over there, looking out them.  He waved and grinned at the people over there.  "Put them back.  I'll work on the registration papers later," he said, turning around.  "Tuck the blocks into the bottom drawer.  The launchers go behind the cabinet."  Throttle nodded and worked on that, and they sat down to note serial numbers and type of guns.  One more went back behind the cabinet and then everything else was put back inside it.  "I've got to get those registered this week so I have to call around to see who I do that with."  He wandered out, going to find his phone, which Modo held up.  "Thanks.  We've got spies watching from a nearby window."  He called information.  "Chicago PD, main office number, not emergency."  He listened as the operator greeted him.  "Hi, I need to talk to the local police station, preferably someone in firearms?"  He smiled, letting the computer dial it for him.  "Hi, I've just moved into the city and unpacked my weapons so I need to register.  No, I'm a hunter.  A few shotguns, a handgun, and an undone crossbow.  My original state allowed it but the one I just moved from didn't."  He grinned.  "Sure.  I can bring in the list. You don't need a list?  Really?  California wanted serial numbers and everything.  Cool.  Where can I pick that up?  Really cool, thanks, man.  I'll bring it in tomorrow.  No, just today.  Thanks, man."  He hung up and looked at them.  "Five dollar fee and I don't have to register individual weapons, plus my crossbow is legal."

"Congrats," Vinnie told him, handing him a soda.  "You could go back to sleep."

"No, I'm good."  He looked at the black card.  "Chase?"  Throttle nodded.  "Why do I think that the Watchers are going to be butting in and using me as a local source?" he asked, looking at the books that were sent.  "He sent me magic books," he said dryly.  "Did he want me to start practicing?"  He shook his head.  "Let me get the cable turned on and I'll gladly email him to see what is going on."

"Take the card tomorrow when you go to do the form," Throttle suggested calmly.  "He seemed to think it was important."

"Fine," he said, shaking his head.  Someone knocked on the door so he opened it, giving the person on the other side an interested look.  "Yes?  May I help you?"

"Sir, we had a report that you had weapons moved in earlier."

"Yeah, and I just called to see where I can go to start the registration.  Did you want to see my one for Ohio or California?"  He let him in, shrugging at the guy behind him.  "You were on the roof across the street.  Welcome.  Have a nice afternoon?"  He closed the door.  "I'm a hunter."

"Of what, sir?"

"Well, I keep trying for deer, but I've only ever gotten a turkey with a bow."  He pasted on his most 'listening' look.  "I can fill out the form now if you've got it.  I don't mind."

Charley opened the door, grinning at him.  "I've got the pet stuff.  Can you help carry?"

"In a minute.  These nice guys were spying on me."

"The cops are paranoid, Xander.  It's the age of paranoia," she reminded him.  "Vinnie, come help me."

"Coming," he called, hurrying out, handing over the cat on the way.   He looked at the stuff in the back of the SUV.  "That's a lot of stuff."

"Yeah, but she deserves it," she pointed out.  She lifted one bag and the bag of food.  "Be careful with the litter, the cardboard is weak on those boxes.  Someone at the store recommended it."  She headed up the stairs, nodding politely at the landlord.

"He's got a pet?"

"His best friend suddenly dumped her cat in his stuff when it was moved," she admitted.  "Just the one cat and she's housebroken."

"Charley, sweetheart, move faster.  This stuff's heavy," Vinnie complained patiently.  She got out of his way, heading up the stairs.  He dropped the litter inside the door and went to get more of the stuff.  Charley grinned at him as they passed.

Charley walked in and put down her stuff.  "I got her some toys, some food, some litter and a box, and some stuff to sit on.  Your landlord won't mind, right?  He stopped me in the hall so I told him the truth, she was sprung on you."

"Yeah, it's fine, I might have to pay more of a deposit."  He looked at the cops again as they filled out the forms.  He signed it and took back his former two cards, glancing at the Ohio one.  "That's my temporary one.  Where's my full one?"

"It probably fell out sometime recently," Charley pointed out.  "Like on the trip to Radio Shack."

"Oh, yeah, guys, I'm in construction.  I had a demolitions license back in California, can I get that through you guys too?"  They gave him an odd look.  "I work construction."

"What else do you do, sir?" one of them asked patiently.

"Well, let's see, I've got some friends who are into occult research and they sent some books along with the cat and some cookies.  I'm translating a few onto DVD for them.  Much easier to move than a stack of books."  They nodded.  "I'm mostly a geek and things though."  He nodded at the form.  "Do I need anything other than the five dollar fee?"

"A picture, sir.  Head and shoulders."  Xander held up his wallet, digging through it.  He came up with an older picture, holding it up.  "That's good enough. You don't look any different."

"The only different thing is my hair length," he said with a small shrug. "I need a trim anyway."  He grinned and dug out the five dollars, handing it over with the picture.  "There you go.  Anything else?"

"No, sir, thank you.  By the way, Mine Safety does explosive licenses."

"Cool.  I'll get them tomorrow.  Is there a local office?"  They nodded.  "Are you guys sure you don't need serial numbers?"

"No, sir.  Not at this moment."

"Well, if you need it sometime, I've got it," he said, handing over the list.  "Did we make a copy?"  He heard an assenting noise from the other rooms.  "Thanks, guys."  He grinned at them.  "Anything else?"  They shook their heads and walked off.

"Harris, the parking lot is in the back," the landlord yelled.

"Sorry!" he yelled back, grabbing his keys to go down and move it.  He found the cat and grinned, picking her up.  She hissed so he put her back down.  "Not my Miss Kitty?"

"No, that one's mine," he admitted dryly.  "Inside, Brat."   His cat snorted and sat down.  He picked her up and took her back inside.  Xander snuck out and came back a few minutes later with a few more bags.  "More stuff?"

"Charley's a nice lady and I let her spoil my kitty.  Miss Kitty's had a bad few days.  Losing her mommy and things."  He headed up the stairs.  "Tell me if we get too loud."  He closed his door and looked around.  "Miss Kitty?"  She meowed from the kitchen and went back to eating the wet food from the can.  "Sure, you do that."  He sat down to unpack everything, glancing at the black card on the counter again.  He checked the clock, then sighed and grabbed it, heading out with it.  He walked into the bank he found a few minutes later and gave the receptionist a sheepish look.  "Someone sent me this," he said, holding it up.  "I was told to take this here and have someone explain to me why I have money on it and what it is."

She looked at him, then shook her head.  "I've never seen one of those."  She picked up her phone and called a higher office than usual.  "Sir, I've got a young man here who was told to bring in this pure black card in and have it explained to him?  No, sir, it looks like a credit card but it doesn't have anything on it.  Yes, sir," she admitted.  "Sure.  Of course, sir."  She hung up.  "They told you to come to Chase bank?"  He nodded, shrugging a bit.  "Why?"

"Something about money, a reward, and a group out of Britain.  I don't have a clue," he nearly whined.

"Okay, let me try one more person."  She dialed the phone again.  "Ma'am, I have a man here with a black card that looks like a credit card.  He said something about a British group and a reward?"  She smiled at him.  "Of course, ma'am, right up."  She hung up.  "She's upstairs and to the right," she said, pointing behind them.  "Second door.  She's a hard looking blonde woman but she's very nice."

"Thank you."  He grinned at her then headed up the stairs.  He found the woman leaning out of her office.  "Hi, I'm ...."

"Xander Harris.  Ruper Giles called me, young man.  Come in."  He walked in and she shut the door behind him.  "You have the card?"  He handed it over. "Yes, this is it."  She sat down and ran it to see what he had set up.  "Very well.  Let's get this going, Mr. Harris."

***

Xander wandered back into his apartment and put down the bottle of champagne.  He looked at Throttle.  "Did Giles tell you more than it was a reward?"  He shook his head, looking totally innocent.  "I should kick your ass for letting me walk into that."  He shuddered.  "I'm sorry but I need to do something about that.  Besides kicking his ass."  He popped the champagne open, bringing the others from the office.  "Giles, thoughtful asshole that he is, saddled me with a reward for living on the hellmouth and helping herd the selfish brats to the new one.  Anyone wanna help me beat his ass for giving me money for surviving?"  He found some glasses and poured out the champagne, handing it over to each of them.  "Drink up, people, because I'm in deep shit with that much money.  There's no keeping me from doing stupid stuff now.  By the way, I still need a car of my own, Charley.  Know any decent car lots?"

"Two or three," she admitted, sipping the champagne.  She looked at the glass and then him.  "This is the good stuff."

"Hey, I can afford it now," Xander said dryly, bringing the bottle out.  "By the way, I ordered dinner from the place Vinnie pointed out the last time he gave me a ride.  It'll be ready in about an hour.  I figured it'd take that much time for me to finish calming down and get drunk enough to jump off the building."

"If you do, can I have the cat?" Vinnie asked, sniffing the champagne.  "What's this stuff?"

"Champagne.  The traditional drink for celebrations.  I was torn between that and real liquor for a few moments but I decided it was probably a good idea.  He gave me damn money!"

"You can consider it backpay," Throttle offered.

"Not unless he was paying me for breathing.  I'm not sure how much he paid Buffy and Willow, but if they got money like me, the Watchers are broken finally."  He saluted him and gulped the wine.  "All hail the paranoid people.  They made it so I don't have to work unless I want to."

"You'd go insane within a week," Charley pointed out gently, patting him on the arm.

"Why are you complaining about money?" Vinnie asked.

Xander looked at him.  "I'm from a background that every dollar was precious, work was hard and sweaty, and expectations were low.  Can you imagine me with 3.3 million dollars?"  Vinne shook his head.  "Well, now you can."  He upended the bottle and leaned back, putting the bottle down after a few good gulps.  "And another two in trust," he admitted bitterly.  He shook his head.  "I feel like I should be dancing about being so wealthy, but then I want to rant and scream at him for doing this to me.  I'm so screwed in my head."  Throttle took the bottle.  "Thanks, man."

"You're welcome.  You're staying in tonight too."

"Sure, probably a good idea."  He looked at Vinnie.  "Dinner should be ready soon.  I got you extra."  He got a punch on the arm and Vinnie hopped off the couch to go get dinner. He looked at Throttle.  "I need help."

"You do," he agreed.  "What were you planning?"

"Not paying taxes."

Charley snorted.  "Everyone has to pay taxes."  Xander looked at her so she gave him a hug.  "It's all right.  You'll get through this and get past the moment of wanting to do stupid things.  I'll give you the addresses for the car lots tomorrow."

"Sure.  Thank you."  He kissed her on the cheek then looked around.  "We're missing people."

"Modo took Switch back to nap," Throttle admitted.  "Vinnie will call them back for dinner."  He looked at the boy.  "You okay?"  Xander shook his head.  "You sure?"  Xander looked at him and shook his head again.  "Why not?"

"Because my first thought was to do stupid stuff, my second was to do mean things to the idiot who wants to kill you, and my third thought would get me pounced and beaten for real by at least one person."

Throttle nodded, getting up and taking the boy with him to the bedroom.  "Give, kid...Xander.  Sorry."

"No, right about now I feel like a kid again."  He closed the door, leaning against it.  "How could I use this to help against stinky?"

"It's probably not enough to buy him out."

"That's what I thought, so my next one was to help certain people and places to make sure there's no financial burden."

Throttle considered it.  "It'd help," he admitted finally, "but you're right, she'd pounce you and beat you senseless."  Xander pulled something out of his pocket and held it up.  "Where did you get that?" he demanded, snatching it from him.  "How did you get that?"

"It was for sale.  The bank goes through auctions to sell of mortgages and things, that way they make better money.  I had the woman check."  He scratched the back of his head.  "I don't want to tell anyone."

"It's not a pleasant thought but it saves her losing it to Limburger."

"That was my thought too.  Also, they had one for the building beside her," he said, handing that one too.  "I figured she could use that and it went for pennies."

"I'll tell her, Xander," he promised.  "You did good."

"Thanks.  It was instinctive, ya know?"

"Yeah, you're the sort who'll protect first and then realize how much trouble you could get in."  He patted him on the cheek.  "You'll be fine, Xander.  If you get a bike, I'll even make Vinnie teach you how to ride."  Xander grinned at that.  "If not, get a car that can fit Modo now and then when he's injured."  He walked out, leaving the boy in there with his untouched drink.  "Charley girl?" he said quietly.

"They sold my mortgage?" she guessed.

"And the place next to you," he admitted, handing them over.  "It's not so bad, at least it was him and not Limburger."  She nodded, tucking them into her pocket.  "No more worries."

"Yeah, much nicer.  I'm not mad, Xander."

"You're sure?" he called back.

"Yeah, I'm sure."  He came out and gave her a hug, which was when Vinnie came back.  "He found out that my mortgage person sold my mortgage."

"Limburger?"

"No, him."

Vinnie grinned.  "Then I'll let him hug you for a few minutes.  That's a good enough reason."  He put down the food on the table.  "Food.  Modo's on his way with Switch and her bike."

"She's riding it?" Charley asked, patting Xander to make him let her go.  "So, you bought the guy's next to me's building too?"

He nodded. "I thought it might come in handy sometime if someone decides that they have to move."  He sat down, taking his burger.  "Thanks, Vinnie."  He accepted the soda from Throttle. "Thanks, dad."

"Welcome, brat.  Should we put out some food for Miss Kitty?"

"I'll do it in a minute, she'll beg anyway."  He unwrapped his burger, looking in it.  "Mayonnaise?"

"He's like that," Charley agreed, handing over a plastic knife.  "Scrape it off."

Xander scraped it off and then checked the rest, taking a bite once it was back together.  "Needs hot peppers."  He got up to slice up one, washing his hands thoroughly once it was on the burger.  Just in case, you can't be too careful with that stuff.  He took another bite and nodded, eating another one.  He waved it as Switch and Modo came in, only scowling when she took a bite too and moaned.  "Mine.  I got you hotdogs."

She skipped over to table and grabbed three of them and the jar of hot peppers, sitting down in her new favorite chair to eat.  She didn't care if the others did shudder, it was good.  "Hmmm, I need to get some of these for the garage."

"That's fine, I need to go get real groceries," Xander admitted.  He ate another bite.  "Don't waste the jar."  She screwed the top back on.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  What's wrong?"

"Another bite by some of my former friends," he admitted.  He ate another bite and chewed slowly.  He nodded at her hotdogs so she dug in, moaning in pleasure at the nice combination.

Charley looked at her hotdog, then at Xander.  "Thanks, Xander."  He shrugged and kissed her on the cheek.  She gave him a grin and a small shove.  "Naughty boy."

"I know, but I'm still feeling that urge to go out and cause hell."  He finished off his burger and got up to get more sodas, handing out the rest of them.  "Who's going with me to the grocery store?"  Throttle shook his head.  "No?"

"If we go, we'd have to help carry," Throttle reminded him.  He finished off that hotdog and unwrapped another.  "How many did you order?"

"The fifty pack, I figured with the way you guys eat 'em the rest would be a midnight snack."  He grinned at Charley.  "Need anything since I'm heading that way?"

"No, I'm more than good since the last time you went, Xander," she assured him.  "Don't splurge too much.  You don't have an extra freezer."

"Hey, I built you one, I can always build another," he said dryly, smirking at her.  He looked at the clock, then at the guys.  "What else were we doing tonight?"

"Watching to see if Limburger jumps," Modo told him.  "They drove him to give up money and promise to plant a park."

"Yeah, I sent a followup earlier," he admitted.  "It'll be fine."  He grinned at him.  "You wanna come with me, Modo?  I promise it won't be too long."

"No, I hate grocery shopping.  I always feel like I'm going to bump into something."

"Fine.  Make me go buy a lot of ice cream on my own."

"You need to eat a balanced diet," Charley warned.  "You're still young and you're not a Martian."

"Point.  I can live on pizza, burgers, and some limited Chinese," Xander assured her.  She frowned at her. "I can!"

"Fat chance, Xander. You'll need to buy real food too."

"Fine."  He pulled out his paper for grocery lists and started to write it out.  "Why am I even bothering with this?  I'm sensing a stocking run."  He grabbed his wallet.  "I'll be back.  Cable shall be on tomorrow sometime.  As will cable modem.  Stay."  He walked out, putting the cat back inside.

Charley looked at the cat, then at Miss Kitty, who was staring out a window.  "Who do you belong to, princess?"  She got up and picked up the other cat, taking her down to the open door, tapping gently.  "Is this one yours?"  The landlord nodded, taking his cat back.  "She came visiting."

"He.  He's like that.  I'm hoping yours is fixed."

"I'm sure she is," she promised.  "If not, I'll make sure of it."  He smiled.  "Xander's going for groceries."

"Fine.  Not a problem.  We expect a lot of coming and going for the first few days."  He went back inside, taking his cat to eat dinner.

Charley went back upstairs, sitting down to finish her last hotdog.  With some help from the cat who was trying to clean up the spilled sauce on her plate.  She let her have the plate and finished it off so the cat could have her fingers too.  She delicately licked her fingers then hopped down to go over and help Throttle eat since he was still eating.

"Hey, Miss Kitty.  Back again?"  She meowed and headbutted him, earning scratches. That's when she leapt up to get his hotdog for herself.  He lost control of it and it fell, sauce side down, and lost the cat too when she got down to help with the cleanup process.  "I'll know better the next time," he complained, going to get some paper towels and a plate for her new treat.  Charley handed over her plate and helped him clean up the floor.  She was more than satisfied to sit down in the kitchen to eat her treat.  She even cleaned most of the sauce off the onion pieces.  "Maybe we should get her some of Chef Andy's sauce."

"He sells it," Charley agreed with a grin.  "We'll keep it as a treat."  She got comfortable.  "Should one of us have went with him?"

"No, he'll be fine," Throttle assured her.

Vinnie nodded, grinning at her.  "Yeah, he'll be fine. It was stress.  Now that he's over his urge to do stupid stuff and his urge to cause chaos, he'll settle down to accepting it."  He looked at Throttle.  "You knew?"

"Not the specifics," he admitted, sitting down again.  "It's a shock to me too.  Hey, Modo, I told him to get a car that would fit you too.  Just in case."

"I don't mind the one he's got now," he admitted.  "It's big enough to sleep in."  They heard a squeal of brakes outside and winced at the crash sound after it.  "Someone's in pain," he said, getting up to look out the window.   "I'm hoping that's not a black SUV."

Throttle got up to look then shook his head.  "It's not his.  Any lights or sirens?"  Modo shook his head so he grabbed the phone to call the emergency people.

***

Xander appeared in the morning with breakfast pastries, presenting them with a grin.  "No bros?"

"Upstairs," she admitted with a smile.  "Switch had horrible heartburn all night."  She picked out her danish and bit into it, moaning in pleasure.  "It's been a while since I had any of these."

"Me too."  He looked up the stairs then gave her a wink and snuck up there, going to pounce everyone.  He found Modo waking up.  Vinnie was woken too quickly when he bent over the back of the couch to tickle him, but grinned back.  They got up and went to attack Throttle.

"That's mean," Modo muttered as he walked past them.

Xander took one side, Vinnie took the other, and they pounced to tickle him until Throttle shrieked and woke everyone on the block.

"Cheese!" he yelped, jumping up.  Xander grabbed him and pulled him back down to get him some more.  "Let me go!" he said, struggling to get free, wiggling away from them, but Vinnie stopped him. "I'm going to whip your tails!  Let go!"

"How're you gonna whip my tail when I don't have a tail?" Xander asked with a wicked chuckle, finding a new spot.  Throttle yelped and finally broke free, heading into the bathroom.

Vinnie helped Xander up.  "Morning."

"Morning.  I feel better now.  I get to go car shopping today."  Vinnie snickered.  "I brought pastries."  He headed for the stairs, finding Charley chuckling madly and pounding her fist on the table.  "What?" he asked innocently.  "Throttle's not ticklish on his side but on his ribs he's horribly ticklish."  She slapped the paper.  "Oh, that."  He sat down to eat his own danish.  "I did good."

"Oh, cheese," she gasped.  "So bad."  She continued to laugh.

"Get her more candy?" Vinnie asked.  "Speaking of which, is it actually a law in Idaho that you have to give your girlfriend no less than fifty pounds of chocolate?"  Xander nodded.  "Can you prove it?"

"I'll show you the site later," he promised with a grin.  "Since she's not my girl I only got her forty pounds."

"I saw the note.  Thank you."  He look the paper to read, then shuddered and shook his head but he was starting to chuckle too.  "That's just bad, Xander."

Xander blew a kiss.  "But he's being loved for being out of the closet and being so good to his husband."  He grabbed another pastry. "Unless I'm eating all these flaky, soft, sweet pastries, I'd get down here!" he yelled.  Modo and Throttle came down with Switch yawning behind them. "Morning," he said sweetly, popping another bite into his mouth.  "Try one, Switch, they're good and a delicacy."  She sat down to eat one of the pastries, smiling at him.  "Yeah, I was more naughty," he admitted.

Vinnie handed over the paper.  "Here, you read it, Switch."

She cleared her throat.  "Hi, Laurence.  I'm very proud of you and that you'll keep your vows.  As long as they're kept, I'll be waiting at our special place wearing that outfit that drove you so wild on our honeymoon.  See me tonight in our special part of the park for some wonderful fun and games.  I miss you, I love you, and I'm waiting to suck...."  She blushed and handed it off.  "Xander!  That's so mean to tease him that way."

"What?  I'll be there at midnight, wearing some very special clothes, the ones I was wearing the last time we met, and I'll be waiting to make him suck his own...."  Throttle covered his mouth.  "Sorry," he mumbled.  "The nerdly nerd instead?" he asked, grinning at him.

"That's an even sicker thought," Throttle complained.

"I'm sure someone would download it a lot online," Xander said happily.  "Anyone wanna come to the park with me tonight?"  They all grinned at him.  "I take it that's a yes?"

"Oh, I think we can arrange that," Throttle agreed.  Someone pounded on the door and he got up to get it since he was the technical leader of the band of people down here.  He opened the door, smirking at the crying man on the other side.  "You wanted something?" he asked meanly.  Grease Pit was wringing his hat.  "Speak now or I'm letting Xander come get you."

"Hows did youse know?" he asked miserably.  "No one was supposed to knows about that stuff.  He promised mes youse mousies would never know."

"Grease Pit, you just made it so I'm not going to get a good night's sleep in a month," he assured him.  "Go away now, before I have to remove that image by removing you.  That was Xander, you can tell him we said that."  Grease Pit smiled.  "Go. Now."  He slammed the door and shuddered, a full body shudder complete with tail waiving in horror.  "Eww!"

"What?" Xander called.  He came to the swinging doors.  "What happened?"

"Grease Pit wanted to know how you knew about them."

"Eww, that might actually make me quit eating," Xander complained.  "So I'm guessing we're going to be back at the home base at midnight instead of the park?"  Throttle looked at him. "His of course."  He smirked at that, nodding.  "Cool.  I can't wait.  Can I jump out the window again?"

"No," Vinnie complained.  "This time you won't have the vampires to catch you."  He used his tail to pull the boy back in and back to his seat.  "Sit and eat, Xander."

Xander grinned and sat down again.  "Fine, I'll eat more fluffy, sweet pastries."

"You've had three," Switch said.  "Give me another one."  The box was handed down to her.  "Thanks.  So, which one do you think tops?"  Charley gagged and got up to run upstairs.  "I hope she's not pregnant too," she said worriedly.

"There wasn't anything in the chocolates I got her but chocolate," Xander said when Vinnie looked stunned.

"I still don't think we're that compatible."

"Yeah, we are," Throttle told him as he came back.  He stole the box of food and pulled out his two, passing the rest to Modo to take the last one.  "No more sugar today, Xander.  They won't let you do a test drive if you're bouncing."

"Fine, spoil my good mood," he sighed.  "Charley, are you all right?  Switch wanted to make sure you're not pregnant."

Vinnie hopped up and headed up the stairs to check on her when she didn't answer.  "You okay, sweetheart?"  She nodded, rinsing out her mouth.  "Modo has the last pastry but I can make Xander cook if you want."

"No, I'm okay," she said between rinses.  She stood up and looked at him. "You?"

"It's a bit sickening but it's okay.  I've heard worse from some of the other Freedom Fighters."  He gave her a small, awkward hug.  "Let's go eat.  At least you can have juice."

She let him lead her down the stairs and sit her back down, taking the last pastry from Modo's plate with a small grin.

"I'm full anyway," he promised.  Switch gave him her spare with a grin.  "Thanks, baby girl."

"I'm not that young."

"I was talking to the little one," he said with a grin.

"I'm going to be *so* fat when I get back up there," she complained, pouting at Xander.  "We're going to have to get me back in shape."

"We can do that," he agreed dryly.  "Baby yoga and everything."

"You're going to be spoiled by the time you go back, not fat," Throttle assured her.  "We don't gain much weight."

"Fine, then I'll *feel* fat," she countered. "Can I whip my sister's tail for this?"

"Sure," Charley agreed.  "I'd like to spank her myself since she endangered you so badly."

"I called Mars but I didn't get an answer," Throttle admitted.  He shrugged. "I'm expecting one any day now, probably from Stoker."  He noticed the blush and gaped at her.  "Stoker's the baby's dad?" he said in shock.

"Oh, shut up!  Like you're so much better!" she complained, glaring at him.  "I can sleep with whoever I want and he's a very vital, sexy, experienced mouse who happens to love my fat tail!"  She sniffled and got up, heading back upstairs.

It was Xander who went up after her this time, the others were staring in shock.  "Hey, I'm all for it, even if he's the Jabba the Hut of mice," he soothed, hugging her and cuddling her. "It's all right.  He'll come for you soon and he'll spoil you rotten or else I'll pounce him and beat him senseless."  She nodded, curling up on his lap.  "Shh, even if he's ancient it's okay as long as he loves you."  He stroked her back, making her fall asleep.  He mentally groaned and shook his head.  He looked over as footsteps came up the stairs.  "Hey," he said, nodding at her.  "She's asleep."  Modo nodded, coming over to pick her up and carry her back to bed.  He stood up and headed down the stairs, shaking his head.  He slapped Throttle across the back of the head.  "She cried herself to sleep."

"Stoker's the guy who trained *us*," Vinnie said with a shudder.  "He's an old guy."

"So?  You think old guys don't get it up?" Xander asked sarcastically.  "It's a time honored human tradition that we get it up until the day we die, even if we have to use Viagra.  Even the oldest of the old on their death beds gets wood and enjoys the hell out of it, guys.  I'm doubting that you mice are any different, as I hope you live to find out."  He saluted them with his juice and looked at Charley.  "You okay now?"

"I'm fine, Xander."  She smiled weakly at him. "I can't even imagine them together."

"Maybe she makes him feel young and he makes her feel protected and safe," he said gently.  "Sorta like Buffy and her vampire boyfriends."

"I don't wanna know," Vinnie said quickly, holding up a hand.  "I'm going to finish my breakfast and call Mars again to get Stoker down here."  He stuffed his mouth and got up, heading to his bike to ride off.  He didn't want to know, he didn't want those mental pictures, and he *really* didn't want to listen to any more dirty comments.

Throttle shook himself free.  "If they're happy, I'm good with them," he decided.  Charley nodded too.  He looked around.  "Vinnie?"

"Went to call Stoker and rip him a new orifice," Xander told him.  "Modo's still upstairs with her."

"Good.  He's good with kids," Throttle admitted, getting up to help him.  He tapped on Switch's door, walking inside at the grunt.  "I'm sorry, Switch, it was just a shock.  We haven't seen Stoker date since we first met him and he's a nice guy.  So if you're happy, we're happy for you," he said gently.  She launched herself into his arms to hug him.  "Shh, it's all right.  We'll help you until he can come down here and pick you up.  We could use some native snacks anyway," he joked quickly.  She snickered and sat down again.  "Now, let's go eat."

"I was letting Modo pet the baby," she admitted sheepishly.  "Wanna feel?"

Throttle moved closer and laid a hand on her bared stomach.  He could almost feel something and grinned at her.  "Another month and the little tail-whipper will be kicking us all without mercy."  He stepped back.  "There's a bit of breakfast left."

She shook her head. "I'm not hungry.  I just want my Stokey."

"I'm sure it'll be soon.  Vinnie went to call him."

She grinned.  "Thanks, Throttle. You're like a big brother.  Much better than my big sister."

"Any time, Switch.  You might as well be family.  We nearly were."  He shrugged and leaned against the doorway.  "What are you going to do today?"

"I was going to go for another ride and enjoy the sunshine and the parks and stuff."  She gave Modo a sheepish look, then him.  "Can you maybe convince Stoker to stay down here for a few weeks?  He needs a vacation too and we need to be away from my sister."

"Sure, if we can," he promised with a grin.

They all looked up at the sound of screaming engines.  "Wow, sounds like he's here," Modo said in awe.  "Either that or Rimfire's back and his engines are on fire again."  Throttle chuckled and shook his head.  "It's not his fault he got too excited," he said with a grin.  He looked at their charge.  "Do you work with Rimfire?"

"He's a sweet guy, but he's a big joker at times too," she said with an unconscious pout.  "He's the one who blew my cover to Carbine by getting too excited about the baby."

Charley came up the stairs.  "Stoker's eyesight is going again.  He landed in the lake."  She grinned at her.  "You might want to shower and change, Switch.  That way he sees you being delicate and pretty and missing him."  She nodded, getting up to do that stuff.  She poked Throttle.  "You're allowing Xander to make battle plans?"  He shook his head. "He is, and he's damn good," she admitted.  "It looks reasonable."

"I'll check them over in a few minutes," he promised, shaking his head.  "Her and Stoker?" he mouthed.  She nodded, smirking at him.  "Why?"

"Because she makes him happy and he does the same for her.  That same reason all couples get together."  She headed back down the stairs, looking over Xander's shoulder.  "You forgot the security system.  It's usually got lasers here, here, and here," she said, pointing with a finger.  "Come help me pull this engine, I need a big, strong guy.  Vinnie was swinging on my winch lift and broke it."

"Sure, Charley."  He marked the guns and changed a few lines of attack, then shook his head and balled it up.  He took another piece of scrap paper and redrew it, figuring in the weapons this time.  He leaned back to look at it, nodding finally.  "That's what we need, with some cheap theatrics."  He got up, heading out to help her by hauling on the chain.  She was nice enough to give him a towel to grip the chain with.  He had it about a foot over the car's hood when the door slammed open.  "Hey," he said, walking backwards.  "Help me by bracing this, dude."

"I'm not a dude."

Xander looked at him.  "You get near Switch with that attitude, she'll cry again, and I'll get to kick your ass.  Now, lend a hand or go wait outside."  Charley snorted.  "What?  It's heavy!"  The older gray mouse with sideburns and mechanical tail did help him swing the engine around and brace it while he lowered it onto the platform.  "Thanks.  She's in the shower."  He looked at him, then nodded once.  "I can see why the guys look up to you, but she's quickly becoming like my little sister and Charley can tell you how overprotective I get sometimes.  Make her cry except in a mood swing and I'll kick your ass."

"You're a human, kid."

Xander smirked.  "You don't know me very well, do you?" he asked with a wicked grin.

"He's the one who jumped out the window and sent Limburger tower to hell," Charley said from inside the car.  "Xander, can I have that bracing bar?"  He got it and handed it over.  "Go ahead up there, Stoker, she let it slip earlier."

"Thanks, Charley."  He headed up the stairs two at a time and found Modo and Throttle waiting on him.  "Who's the punk wannabe?"

"Xander?  If he had fur he'd be Vinnie's little brother," Throttle admitted.  "Even though he can't bike. He's an eight year combat veteran down here."  Stoker did look impressed at that.  "If he threatened you, we'll help him if you hurt her."  He clapped him on the arm.  "Good luck, old man."

"She's in a touchy mood," Modo told him.  "She cried herself to sleep earlier in Xander's lap because she didn't think we'd approve.  Treat her right, or else."  He walked down the stairs, finding the paper on the table.  "Hey, Throttle."  Throttle came back to look at the plans.  "Did you do these?"

"No, Charley girl said Xander was.  Not too bad.  There's an extra battery of lasers but this is loose enough to correct for them."  He took it out to talk with the boy.  He had some skill.  "Hey, Xander.  Let's go over this one.  It doesn't look too bad, kid."  He clapped him on the back.  "You didn't know about one set of lasers but we can take those out first while we wait."  Xander beamed at him.  "Let's go work on this in the office.  Did you threaten Stoker?"

"Yeah, he wouldn't even help by bracing the engine for me.  I think she needs someone less selfish."

"He's just worried, he's not usually like that," he promised.  "You'll like him once he's calmed down and held her while she cries for a few minutes."  He walked him into the office, sitting down with him to finalize the battle plans.

***

Xander grinned for his position in the desk chair with his boots up on his feet, wiggling his finger.  "Hey, lover, happy to see me?" he asked with a grin.

"You," he said, sneering at him.  "What are you doing here?"  Xander casually flicked a light and highlighted the bros on their bikes.  "Them!"

"Yeah, we've teamed up," he said smugly, putting his feet down.  "Listen, Limburger, I helped defeat a Hell God a few years back.  I'm pretty sure I can keep playing these amusing games with you, but you're making me have heartburn by stinking up *my* city.  So I suggest you leave and take any little butt buddies with you."  Limburger tensed and Xander clicked his tongue a few times, holding up a remote control. "I doubt it," he said dryly.  "See, I'm an expert at these things.  I've fought longer and harder than a number of people."  He looked over as another person walked in.  "Hey, honey.  You on his side? We're gonna blow this place and make him fucking sorry."  He stood up, flipping the other switches, but one.  He had tested them all before the bros had come up through the open window behind them.  He had rewired them so they'd fire at their owner.  "Last chance, Limburger.  They're known for being nice.  I'm known for taking out annoyances that bother children and innocent women.  By the way, the next time you come near Charley, expect to see my face."

"I thought she was dating the white one," he said with distaste.

"Who cares if she is," he snorted.  "Honey, I get women out the ass.  She's much too nice for my usual ones."  He smiled at the woman behind Limburger.  "You can come out, I only hurt evil women."  She came out and he could see the gun.  "Hit me, and the biometric switch blows this place instantly at the first shot of pain through my nerves."  She gaped at him and he smirked.  "No, I'm not just a normal human.  Thanks for asking though," he said with a smug smirk.  He looked at Limburger.  "You thought mice were your worst enemy, I'm going to give you a clue.  Go to Cleveland.  Go see Buffy Summers.  Let her educate you in the worst this world can bring against you without being military.  I'm sure she'd love to talk with you."

"Cleveland?" he sneered.  "Why there?"

"Easy, there's a hellmouth there.  They're the ones who keep the bad things that had you from coming for everyone.  I was one of them.  Think about what methods we use."  He walked around the desk, tossing Throttle the switch as agreed upon earlier.  He walked up to the woman, looking into her eyes.  Then he kissed her and she moaned, falling into his arms.  "Let's go, babe.  I want to pamper and spoil you like nothing you've ever had before and I won't demand more than the right to give you oral sex."  She moaned and stole another kiss.  "Change sides, come be mine," he said, grinning down at her.

"Mmmm, yes, daddy.  I can do that."  She turned and shot at Limburger.  "Let's go.  There's a reason why he's taken by most of his staff.  Was that lover thing yours?" she asked in a teasing, breathless voice, running a nail over his chest.  He smirked and nodded. "You naughty boy."

"I'm always a naughty boy, ask them."  He took the gun and stepped back.  "You've got ten minutes," he said with a blown kiss.  "All evil women turn on me eventually, I'm taking control first."

"Poisoned lipstick."

"I'm immune, sweetie.  I've been poisoned by the demonic now for years.  Otherwise I'd be reacting by now, right?"  She pouted.  "Out.  Eight minutes."  She ran for the door.  He bowed to Limburger.  "Game, set, match.  Next time, we play on my court and with my rules."  He hopped on the back of Vinnie's bike and they took off down the side of the building.  He let out a whoop of pleasure.  This was fun!  "Can we find another one and do it again?" he shouted.  "I wanna go up and down next time!"

Vinnie chuckled. "You're insane, Xander."

"Bro, he okay?  Not poisoned?"

"Just enjoying the thrills, Modo," Vinnie called back.  They made it out of the tower before Throttle blew it and it imploded in a big 'whomp' of sucking air.

"Hell, I'm good," Xander said dryly, getting off the back of the bike. "I'm gonna go play," he promised, tossing the gun to Throttle.  "Have fun with your mentor, guys."  He turned and found a cop there.  "Hey."

"You're human?"

"Not really," he admitted.  "Sorry, I was possessed a few too many times for that.  Know anything about Sunnydale?  I used to live there and I fought with the Slayer."  They shuddered and backed away.  "He's a bad guy.  I helped defeat a Hell Goddess," he said happily.  They took another step back.  "Am I in trouble?"

"No, sir, and we're going to approve your weapons permit as well," one of them said.  "Please keep Chicago safe like the other three."  He turned and ran off, the other coughing then following him.

"I love agents," he said happily, turning to run in the other direction to hit the vampire bar again.

Throttle looked at Vinnie.  "He's just like you," he said sarcastically.  "All he needs is fur and a tail."

"If we could give him a tail implant he'd probably enjoy it," Vinnie said smugly.  "Look, goons!  Let's whip tail!"  They followed him off into the next battle.

The agents came back to look through the wreckage, finding the boss of this company with his human face half off and torn.  They took it off him and nodded at each other.  They'd be reporting an alien presence of this man and then leave it to the four who were here.  One super human and three Martians were good enough for them.  They wouldn't have to worry about it.

***

Xander felt his arm be grabbed and flipped the person, then grinned at Throttle.  "Hey, dad," he said happily, helping him up.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine, Xander.  Stoker wanted to apologize.  You done partying for the night?"

"No, but I can always head out later," he said happily, following him out to his bike.  "Can we go fast?"

"Sure, Xan," he said, shaking his head.  "Vinnie suggested we give you something to grow hair and a tail."  Xander chuckled behind him and climbed on, letting him take off.  The boy was pretty good at this stuff.  "No new car?"

"I looked but nothing really spoke to me.  One guy suggested a black corvette that I could make believe was the Batmobile."  Throttle chuckled at that, shaking his head.  "I'm trying to be good."

"You're being very good, just scary.  Tone it down again, Xan."

"I'll try."

"Then we're good."  He drove them to the park, letting him get off so they could go to where they were having a picnic.  "Here he is, Stoker."

"Sit, kid."

Xander looked at him.  "Well, you're obviously at least twice my age so I'll take that from you where I won't from the others," he decided.  He sat down, looking at Switch.  "How you feelin'?" he asked, shifting over to give her a hug.  "Baby problems?"

"No, the baby wanted to come play in the moonlight," she said, holding up her hotdog.  "Eat?"

"Eww, hotdogs.  No."  He sat back, shuddering.  "No thanks. I know what goes into those things.  More than enough for me.  Really."  He grinned at her.  "Then again, you're pregnant so we'll excuse funny eating habits from you.  I don't know what Vinnie's excuse is, unless he's hiding something and not showing yet," he said, looking at the firm six-pack of abs.  Vinnie spluttered and Throttle smacked him across the back of the head again.  "Ow!  Dad!"

"Behave, Xander.  Were you drinking?" Modo asked.

"I only had two drinks, I'm still very sober, they were over three hours ago.  I'm a good boy most of the time."

"Keep that illusion, Xander," Charley said with a teasing wink.

He sighed.  "I buy the woman flowers and candy and she turns on me," he told Vinnie, who swatted at him.

"I told you she was my woman and you can't poach.  Next time, pick up an unevil woman."

"Yours is the only one of those I've found," he complained.  "Then again, I did nearly get blown by a few female vamps tonight.  It was like the whole club was in heat for some reason.  I'm hoping it wasn't me," he admitted as he picked up a spare soda.  "Need this, Modo?"

"Go ahead, Xander."  He shook his head.  "You need a momma like mine to find you a good girl."

"Hey, have your momma send candidates," he agreed. "I'm all for match makers.  'Cause let me tell you, Buffy sucks at it.  She nearly had me dating one of the spoiled brat slayers."  He opened the can and sipped.  "So, you're their mentor," he said, looking at the old guy again.  "You're making her happy enough, I guess, so you're safe from me for now if Throttle vouches for you."

"You're a smartass."

"You bet, and it's saved my butt many times, man."  He smirked at him, then at Switch.  "You happy with him?"  She nodded. "You gonna capture him and tie him down when you get home?"

"I was hoping more for marriage," she admitted shyly, glancing up at her mouse.  "But tying him down sounds like fun.  Can you give me some pointers, Xander?"

"Honey, I've got a whole trunk back at the apartment of stuff Anya had me keep for her when we broke up," he sighed.  "It's only causing me pain and it should go to a happier couple.  You're more than welcome to all my whips, canes, handcuffs, blindfolds, gags, sex toys, and assorted straps if you want them and promise to use them with joy and happiness."  Even Charley blushed at that one.  "Yeah, my former fiance was a bit kinky but she was a former demon.  You gotta put it in perspective."  He grinned and sipped his soda again.  "How long you down for, Stoker?  The guys could use some down time."

"Probably just a few days," he admitted.  "You're very blunt.  I like you.  Throttle said you did the battle plan tonight?"  Xander nodded.

"You did?" Vinnie asked.  Xander nodded, giving him one of those 'patient' looks.  "Bro, you let him plan a battle for us?"

"He did good, I liked it, we tweaked it together," he admitted.  "I wasn't sure about the evil woman part, but he managed it without help."

"They all love me.  I seem to have some sort of magnet to attract evil women."  He heard a few giggles and looked over his shoulder.  "Not now, ladies.  Or gentlemen, I can't see you that well."

"Come stake us, Xander, we love you," one of them called.

"We wanna see the bigger stake."

"That's a bit sick," Vinnie decided.  "We're having a family event. You can wait until he goes out again."  The giggling ran off.  He shook his head.  "Are you sure no one experimented on you?"

"No, not really," he admitted.  "Then again, I grew up on the portal to hell.  We're all a bit odd.  How's my cat?" he asked, picking off a bit of fur.  "You look like you were cuddling up to her."

"You too," he said, picking off some of the fur on Xander's shirt.

"Guys, no grooming in front of us," Throttle complained.  He looked at Stoker.  "Think we could get him some fur and a tail implant so he really looks like Vinnie's little brother?"

Stoker chuckled.  "It would serve the punk right," he agreed, shaking his head.  "They are a lot alike."

"Yeah, but I'm more fun," Vinnie and Xander said in unison.

Then Xander punched him on the arm.   "No, I am.  I can stay up longer and I have more fun at the clubs than you do."

"I'm too old and on the wrong planet to club," Vinnie complained. "You should have seen us on Mars."

"Please, not those stories," Modo moaned, holding his head. "I still remember bailing you out of jail twice in one night."

"Yeah, the third time they wouldn't let him go," Throttle agreed.  He looked around, ears twitching.  "I can hear you," he called.  One of the cops from the gun incident came out of the bushes.  "Yes?"

"Sir," he said, nodding at Xander.  "What are you?"

"Special.  I didn't quite have to take the little bus, but it was close in some classes.  Good thing I learned other things, huh?"

He nodded slowly.  "I'm to tell you we're going to leave you alone, sir.  We don't care that you unpacked explosives or grenade launchers.  Just protect the city like these other...beings do and we're all good.  You'll get your FOID card in about a week.  We thank you for settling here, sir."

"I deal in the strange and unusual usually."

"Even better, sir, there's a whole bar of them on the West End if you wouldn't mind."  He nodded at the ladies.  "Have a nice picnic, sir.  Expect to only get speeding tickets, DWI's, and parking tickets."  He left them alone.

"Wow," Xander said, taking another sip of his soda.  He flicked the bug off and shrugged, then took a larger than usual drink, making a gross face.  "Eww, I thought I was done with bugs after Dracula left town."  He peered into his can, then shook his head.  "I'll have to do something about that later."

"Kid, how old are you?" Stoker asked.

"Twenty-three."

"You're an eight year veteran?  I didn't know your military allowed kids that young."

Xander stared him down.  "Who said I went into the regular military?" he asked dryly.  "In my town it's called survival.  We slayed the strange and unusual.  Things like vampires and demons and other nasty things.  You haven't lived until you staked your best friend."

Throttle gripped his shoulder.  "He doesn't know, Xander.  Mars doesn't have vampires."

"Hey, I offered to open a hellmouth on Limburger's home planet so you guys could have easier targets.  Vampires smell less too, they'd probably make them all take a bath since they smell so much better than normal humans do."

"Vampires?  Like in the movies?" Switch asked.

Xander stole Vinnie's knife and nicked his finger, licking off the blade and handing it back handle first.  "Here, vampy, vampy, vampy.  Come here and have a nummy treat."  He heard a growl and sighed.  "Wonderful.  Who's got a tranq dart?"

"We can knock them out," Modo said calmly.  The growling thing leapt and pounced Xander, who got it onto its back and looked down at it.  "You're not hurting him?"

"No, he's an old friend.  Hey, Oz."  He patted him on the head.  "Calm down, man, come back to yourself.  I know you've got it in you."  The wolf started to receded and soon a young man was lying there.  "You better now?"

"Where's Willow?" he asked.

"Cleveland.  Her, Buffy, all the remaining slayer twats.  She's still doing girls though.  Tara died a few years back."

"I heard."  He looked at him.  "Maybe get off?" he suggested.  Xander sat back on his heels.  "Vamp," he said, nodding behind him.  Xander spun and threw a stake, dusting it.  "Nice shot."

"Thanks, I've been practicing," he admitted. "I'm good like that."  He got seated again.  "Guys, this is Oz.  I went to school with him.  He dated Willow."

"Hey," Throttle said, handing over a can of soda. "Have a rootbeer."

"Thanks," Oz said, staring at him.  "Hamster?"

"Mice," Vinnie told him.  "Charley there thought we were gerbils so don't feel bad."

"Huh."  He opened the soda and looked at Xander.  "Cleveland?"  He nodded.  "Why?"

"Secondary hellmouth after ours imploded."

"Ah."  He drank a large gulp.  "Demons?" he asked finally.

"Martians."

"Movies were wrong then," he said casually.  "Cool."  He looked at Xander.  "Can I crash on your couch?"

"Sure. I'm good with that.  We'll catch up later."  He dug out his keys and handed them over, whispering his address.  "Go ahead."  He handed over his shirts too.  "You need them, you're really naked."

Oz nodded. "I can't seem to keep my clothes when I change."  He put one around his waist like a skirt and the other on, then headed off to find a cab or something like it.  He could feel a few bills in the shirt's pocket.  He saw the bikes and studied them for a second, then shrugged. Mice who rode motorcycles were odd, but he could deal.  He had lived in Sunnydale after all.  He found a cab fairly quickly and the guy didn't even blink at his outfit.  Apparently there were a lot of nearly naked people coming out of this park.  He ran into someone in Xander's hallway.  "Hey," he said quietly, startling him.  "What's up?"

"I can't get my cat out of there," the landlord complained.

Oz opened the door with the keys and held the door open. "Miss Kitty," he said, staring her down.  She hissed and backed away and the other ran out the door.  "That one's yours," he said, pointing at the hissing cat.  He went to get the other one, holding her up.  "I'm sorry you lost your mommies.  Does Xander treat you good?"  She batted at him but he moved before she could get him on the nose.  "Let's go wait on Xander.  I'm an old friend."  He walked her back up the stairs, edging around the landlord. "We're old friends."

"I can tell since you're wearing his shirt.  Xander's gay?"

"Not a clue," Oz admitted.  "Never asked. Will though."  The man snorted, walking off shaking his head so apparently he had the 'Xander' vibe down again.  He closed the door and got the cat some food, then went to shower and borrow some real clothes.  It had been a long trip from Sunnydale by Greyhound.  Maybe he'd stay for a bit.

Episode 04:

Charley looked up as Xander strolled in, smirking at him.  "Having another one of those days where you're simply wandering?"

"Yeah, unfortunately.  I'm bored.  I'm so bored I'm going to go stupider soon.  There's nothing on tv either.  So I thought I'd try for useful and see if you needed anything or if you were so bored you'd help me go shop for a car since I sent back my rental last night."

"Well, I'm not doing anything," she admitted.  "The guys should be over soon."

"As much as I love Vinnie, I'd never let him drive my car," Xander said dryly, helping her to her feet.  "Besides, they'd come over to pounce Stoker and pick on him."  He looked up the stairs.  "I'm kidnaping Charley to help me find a new car.  I've got my phone if you need her, Switch."

She giggled.  "Sure, Xander!"  She slammed a door.

"Remember, someone will have to watch for customers!" Charley called up the stairs.

"Give us ten minutes!" Stoker called back.

"Only ten minutes?  Damn, I go most of the night anymore," Xander said dryly.  Charley pinched him, making him wince.  "Ow!  Meany."  He grinned at her. "Anya was like that."

"I'm sure she enjoyed it," she joked dryly.  Xander nodded with a smirk.  "Good, now let's talk.  What do you want?"

"Something that's either a sedan or another SUV," he admitted.

"Okay so you're not too picky.  Cost?"  He raised an eyebrow.  "Never mind.  Safe?"

"Would be a good thing," he agreed.  "I'm still getting used to that traffic thing all the time."

"Okay, so safe, sleek, smooth because you try so hard sometimes, and good gas mileage?"  He nodded that he was going to demand that.  "You still want an SUV?  They don't get good gas mileage."

"I realized that when I had to refill my tank twice in one day.  They've got good sized tanks too."  Stoker came stomping down the stairs.  "So cuddle down here," he snorted.  "Make your baby food, she'll appreciate it."  Stoker snorted, but did move over to look in the fridge and pulled out stuff.  "I'm taking her car shopping."

"Buy a bike, kid.  You can't be the punk's little brother without one."

"He's got balance issues since he's missing an eye, Stoker," Charley told him, giving him a pat on the back.  "Don't burn the garage down."

"I can cook."

"Better than I can do then," Xander said dryly, walking Charley out.  He waved and the cab he had waiting pulled up.  "I didn't figure it was going to take so long, sorry, dude."

"Not an issue," the cabbie said, smiling at the pretty woman getting in.  "A beautiful lady is one you wait on."  Once the door was closed he took off.  "Which car dealership?"

"Let the lady decide.  She's not only beautiful but a skilled mechanic as well."

"Good, a skilled woman is a wonderful thing," the cabby agreed.  "Which one, love?"

"Acura.  I haven't seen many of them recently and they're good cars."

"You sure?  A young guy like him should have something fast and fun."

"Yeah, but we've got three other friends who need rides all at once," she told him.

"Hmm, a convertible," Xander said, grinning at her.  "Can we look?"

"Sure, Xander.  You're young, it's the time to look at stupid cars that'll run up your insurance."  He shuddered.  "If you must, I can see you in something a bit classic, a roadster style or a corvette, something like that."

"I didn't like the corvette I took for a test drive, it was like I was barely above the road.  I didn't see any roadsters.  Oooh, there," he told the cabby, pointing at a dealership.  "Mixed is good, right?"  She nodded.  "Cool."  He paid the guy and they got out, him leading Charley by the hand.  "Hi," he told the salesman.  "This is my extra special mechanic friend, who I adore, and we're finding me a new car."

"Sure, for you and your boyfriend?" the salesman asked.  "Or do you need something more family oriented?"

Charley snickered, shaking her head.  "Actually, he's straight, just recently widowed.  He's just like that.  We've got three extra large friends who'll need rides now and then, and he's still young so he wanted to look at a roadster."

"Chrysler makes a good roadster," he offered, walking them that way.  "Fairly roomy but the Solstice only seats two."  He led them to their show model, watching as the boy hopped over the door and slid down with a moan of contentment.  "We haven't heard about much trouble with this model, but in the winter it's not the most practical of cars.  Convertibles can sometimes get air leaks so you could get a breeze while driving.  She's safe and strong though.  V-6, that's the only thing I don't like about her, and she comes in a wide variety of styles and colors with some pretty good option packages."

"I like this," Xander said, grinning at Charley.

"Now I know you should be Vinnie's little brother."  She patted him on the head.  "Will it handle well in snow and ice?  He's from the land of sunshine and I'm not sure he's ever driven on snow and ice."

"Well..."  He considered it.  "If he's careful it should be fine.  I know someone who drives their Porsche year round in the city without many problems, but I wouldn't recommend it."  He noticed the boy looking up at him.  "Have you ever been on ice or snow?"

"No, but I know I've got to go more slowly, more carefully, not lock my brakes or I'll skid, and I've got to leave more room between me and the other cars if possible."

"All true," the man agreed happily enough.  "It's like driving on newly rained on roads all the time and cold."  Xander nodded at that.  "It's a good car, I'd love to see him in it, but for a first timer, especially with so many friends he'd have to haul around, I'd suggest something a bit safer and more sedan-like.  Now, in the luxury sedans, we've got a few great ones with great roominess."  He let the boy out and walked him over to the sedans.  He noticed the longing look.  "If you want a second car, that'd be it," he assured him.  "Or next year, when you're used to the snow, sir.  Driving things that fast in the snow and ice will kill you if you're not very careful."

"Especially with our potholes," Charley agreed, giving Xander a squeeze.  "You can afford a second car, Xan," she soothed.  "When you're ready, like next summer, get it then."  He nodded, following along.  She looked at some of the sedans they were passing.  "Vinnie wouldn't even fit into some of those."

"When you said large friends, how large?"

"The smallest is about my height and bouncy.  The tallest is about six-seven or so," Xander admitted.

"So we either need a *very* roomy sedan, or an SUV," he said thoughtfully.  He looked at the boy.  "You're not very stylish."

"And I'm a construction crew manager, it'll look bad if I show up in something like a Beamer SUV or a Hummer, which would certainly fit them."

The salesman smiled.  "Sure, we can figure that out," he promised. "Should we go for ETC, ma'am?"

"ETC?" Xander asked.

"Electronic Traction Control.  Very handy on ice," she offered.  "Might be a good idea, but possibly not the deciding factor."

Xander shook his head.  "I like that idea.  What would that rule out?"

"The Chevy Tahoe for one," the salesman offered, pointing at one.  Xander shook his head.  "You're sure? It's a big SUV."

"It's also a box without style."

"Good point."  He looked around.  "I have a suggestion and we don't have either here," he admitted finally.  "As much as I hate to say it.  The two I think would work best would be an Infiniti and a Lexus."

"I've looked at them," Xander admitted.  "What's the difference?"

"The Infiniti is a newer brand.  For you, it'd be better with the Infiniti.  It's supposed to seat seven people so your friends could stretch out easier.  It doesn't come with daytime running lights, but you don't have to have those yet."  He looked at Charley.  "I'd let her look at both and leave it there.  There's a nice dealership up the street by a few blocks that does Infiniti but the Lexus place is on the other side of town."

"Then let's go look at the Infinity and if he likes it then it's good," Charley agreed.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome and remember that roadster for a second car," he said, shaking their hands.  "Have a nice day."

"You too," Xander agreed with a smile.  "Thanks."  They walked off, heading up the street.  "I thought about an Infiniti sedan in the past," he admitted.  "They seemed pretty decent."

"They usually are and being a newer brand of car usually means that the dealers will bend over backward to get more customers."  She saw the SUV section and pointed.  "I'm thinking he's talking about one of them, Xan."  He beamed and jogged over to look.  "Look at the silver one," she called, following behind him.  He ran over to the look at one of the QX models and hugged it.  "Let me check under the hood, hotshot," she teased, popping it and looking inside.  "Not too bad.  V-8."  Someone cleared their throat and she looked at him.  "I'm his chosen mechanic," she said with a grin.  "He likes this one.  He does construction and we've got some fairly big friends."

"How big?"

"The tallest is about six-seven," she told him.

"Then this'll fit you better than anything but an Expedition," he agreed, walking around to open the door for the boy.  "Go ahead and try it out, sir."  Xander got in and wiggled.  "Do you prefer an automatic or a standard?"

"I prefer a standard," he admitted, "but I'm good with an automatic.  Charley said I can have a second car next summer and I'll do that then."  He looked around the dash panel.  "I can handle this.  Charley, do you have time for a test drive?  I'll actually pay you for the time."  He grinned at her as she popped around the edge of the hood.  "That way you're not missing out on anything, like grocery shopping."

"It's not a problem, Xander.  Sure, we can do a test drive.  I've never been in one of these."  She got in and looked at the salesman, who went to get the keys.  "You like this behemoth?"

"Yeah, this gas sucking behemoth is a pretty nice car and even Modo could stretch out in the back," he admitted.  "I'm wondering if we can get rear seat headrests.  I wish we had steering wheel radio controls."

"We can get you those," the salesman said as he came back.  He shut the hood and handed over the keys before getting into the back.  "Okay, you should be ready.  You do have a license?"  Xander dug it out and handed it back.  "Thank you, sir."

Xander started it and glanced at Charley, who nodded.  So he took off, going carefully since he was still in such a large tank of a vehicle. It turned well though.  "I like that.  The SUV I rented had power steering and it was still a deep turner."  They headed for the ball field, and Xander turned on the radio, nodding at the sound quality, even with the windows down.  "MPG?" he called back.

"Unfortunately low at 18 and 13 in the city officially.  It does have a 28 gallon tank though so you won't have to fill it up that often."

"Plus, we could put a bike in the back," Charley admitted, glancing back there.

"This one is the All-Wheel Drive version," the salesman told him.  "It does have a hidden third seat in case it becomes necessary.  It folds down flat.  As you can see, we've got in- dash DVD navigation.  We've got Bose speakers.  The steering wheel controls are an option.  All the seats come in leather.  This is actually last year's tester model, but this year's does have standard headrests on this second row of seats."  They nodded at that, pulling into the parking lot of the baseball stadium.  "Wanted practice parking?"

"Yeah, and we've got one of our extra-large friends who works here," Xander admitted, parking it by backing into a spot.  He found he could see most of the spots and nodded.  "Okay, Charley, go get him so they can try it out too."  She nodded, heading inside.  Xander looked back at the salesman, turning off the engine.  "Parts and warranty?"

"Two options, a two year and a three year."

"Sticker shock?"

"Fairly high, about 51 thousand to start."

"Colors?"

"We've got a few.  I can see you in a Jade, Cobalt Blue, or Black really.  The others are lighter colors and you seem more like a nightlife sorta guy."  He handed over the brochure he had stopped to pick up.  "The jade seems fairly dark but it actually comes out a bit lighter."  He smiled as someone got in wearing a cap and a trench coat.  "Hi.  He wanted you to try this out."

"This is sweet," Vinnie said in admiration, touching the leather seats.  "Hmm, leather."  He grinned at him.  "What color were you thinking?"

"I was thinking Jade, Cobalt Blue, or Black, the others are all white and off-white," the salesman said, letting him see.

"The cobalt's shiny?" Xander asked.  He nodded.  "Hmm, I'd rather have a more matte finish than something that's high gloss.  Glossy finishes seem to draw birds faster.  Jade?"  Vinnie shrugged. "Black leather of course.  Standard," he said with a grin.

"If I didn't have my bike, I'd beat you for it, Xander," he teased back.  "Let me tell the others you've finally picked a car."

The salesman watched him disappear.  "He's very hyper."

"And the smallest of those three," Xander admitted.  "So, how long before I can pick it up?"

"Well, there's only one thing I can see wrong," he admitted, looking at the brochure.  "We can't do the graphite leather in the jade without a special order."  He frowned.  "It comes in the yellow/green 'willow' leather."  He raised an eyebrow.  "Not my decision unfortunately.  I'd like to see you in black leather.  We can order them but for everything you're already looking at about 56 thousand.  I know you said you work construction, but how well paid are you, sir?"

Xander grinned.  "I've got money," he shared.  "How long?"

"To get the seats?"  He held up a finger and called back to the dealership.  "I've got a guy who wants a fully loaded QX56.  Yeah, fully loaded.  His only problem is that he wants the Jade with the graphite leather.  Do we have any replacement seats?"  He smiled and nodded.  "Decent.  Yeah, I'll bring him right back."  He smiled as Charley got in.  "We do have a set of replacement seats we could switch out and we had a Jade one just brought back because the wife refused it of all things," he shared.  "She didn't like his anniversary present."

"I'll get to check it over first," Charley said.

"Of course.  I didn't think you were just window dressing, ma'am, you look like you're a lot more than some bimbo on his arm."

She shook her head.  "I don't have the looks for a trophy wife."

"You'd be surprised," he said with a smile.  "Let's head back.  Do you know the way?"  Xander leaned forward and programmed it in, then grinned back at him and headed off.  "Very good, sir.  With any luck you can pick it up today."

"I'd hope so.  I hate taking cabs.  I always seem to get the one gross driver, except this morning."

"He flirted too much," Charley snorted, waving.  "There's Throttle."

Xander stopped and rolled down the window.  "What do ya think?"

"I think it's a pricey toy," he said dryly, looking inside.  "But it suits you."  Xander beamed.  "You're buying dinner tonight at your place so we can ignore Stoker and Switch again."

"Sure.  Come on over.  I've got to get her back to the garage then go buy this baby.   Laters."  He winked and sped off, doing as promised.  He slipped Charley a hundred and a kiss on the cheek.  "For the time, because time is an important thing, and it makes Vinnie jealous and treat you better."  She laughed but accepted it and got out, heading back inside.  He headed for the dealership once the salesman had gotten up front, discussing what came in all the packages.  He was probably the easiest sale all month but he was happy being an easy sale this time.

***

Throttle came up last, shaking his head.  "Jade, Xander?"

"The dark blue was too shiny and the black one screamed 'dangerous man with a gun'," he said with a grin.  "It's subtle."

"It is," he admitted, sitting down.  "What are you torturing us with tonight?"

"Tofu," he said with a smirk.  Vinnie moaned, clutching his stomach.  "Chill, it's real fried chicken.  It's got bones, it can't be tofu, soybeans don't have bones."  Throttle chuckled but picked his own pieces out of the bucket of chicken.  "No Charley?"

"She's still babying Switch and her upset stomach," Vinnie admitted.  "How much was that thing?"

"Don't ask," Xander said dryly. "If I was making payments, I wouldn't have gotten it.  I actually got a small discount because it was technically used, the guy returned it.  His wife didn't like her anniversary present.  She wanted a Mercedes."

"That's just madness," Throttle said, shaking his head.

"Hey, my only requirements is that it fit Modo and had a decent sound system.  This one has both and then some, but I didn't get the on-board dvd player."

"They put DVD players in those things?" Vinnie asked flatly.  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Why?"

"Well, if you're taking a road trip with kids, it's handy," he said dryly.  "It also has a front monitor so, like the guy in New York, you can sit in your car and watch porn."

"Some guy got caught watching porn in his car?" Vinnie asked, mouth hanging open.  "Why?  With a ride like that he should be able to pick up babes."

"Yeah, but he was watching porn in his SUV and the cops got him because the back screen was showing it too, in a way that upset a mother driving past him and got him arrested for indecency.  He got a fine I think."  He shrugged.  "We all know I'm not that stupid, and I didn't get the DVD player just in case I ever got that stupid," he finished with a grin.  "Wanna take a ride after dinner?"

"Sure, Xander," Throttle agreed.  "Tinted windows were a nice change."

"No, that's a matter of privacy.  I'm like that," he said fondly, smirking at him.  "All my cars had tinted windows.  Then again, my last girl liked to have sex in the car.  It was in self-defense."

"I've never understood that kink," Throttle admitted.

"It's harder to do on a bike," Vinnie admitted. "You've got limited positions available."

Xander snorted. "Honey, Anya's favorite thing in the whole wide world was to try to make me wreck by giving me a blow on the interstate.  Talk about a rush going sixty miles an hour," he said dryly.  Vinnie cackled at that, reaching over to swat him.  "Charley had to talk me out of the roadster that was so sweet.  Convertible, black, standard, two-seater, just the right height and leather seats.  Definitely a babe car.  She didn't want me to drive it on snow and ice my first winter here."

"You do know how to drive on snow and ice, right?" Throttle asked.

"In theory.  The only time it snowed in Sunnydale was another hellmouth event."

"Then we'll make sure you don't crash too bad the first time," Modo promised.

"I've got airbags."  The bros laughed, but he'd learned sometime.  "So, what are we watching tonight?"

"Vinnie needed his mush fix," Modo taunted.

"I do not!"

"Women love mush," Xander told him.  "Anya used to make me listen to her rundown of her soaps."  All the men shuddered.  "Yeah, exactly.  Then again, we never ran into anything that made tv creatures come to life, fortunately.  I'm hoping the girls there do so they can swoon over their soap stars in person and get shot down."

"That's mean, Xander."

"True, but not even those guys are that shallow," he said dryly.  "You watch, they'll come visiting some day and I'll have to run and hide, and so will you guys so you're not petted and groomed to death."   Modo chuckled at that.  "I'm just glad Willow didn't see you to pet you guys.  She never woulda left."

"Like you said, they'll be here some day," Vinnie agreed.  "We'll drive them off then or go for a very long ride."

"Sure, I'll lay down suppression fire so you guys can get away.  Or maybe just find a cold water hose."  He grabbed another piece of chicken and ate it.  "Okay, so I'm set with nothing to do until I start work in four days.  You guys?"

"We're on downtime until the tower's rebuilt," Vinnie admitted.

"No others down here?"

"Two of them left after Limburger reported on hell," Throttle told him.  "The one down in New Orleans was warned that they could do the same thing to him when they heard about it.  He ran fairly quickly.  One of the other ones got bought out by someone who got pissed at him and did a hostile takeover and ejected him once he found out what he was."

"That leaves two," Vinnie admitted.  "I'm sensing a road trip."

"Hey, I can easily take all you guys' stuff now," Xander said happily.  "A grenade launcher, a few weapons, we can go on a road trip."  Throttle nudged him and shook his head.  "No?" he asked sweetly.

"No, Xander.  Start rumors about them instead."

"Oh, already done that.  I found another cheesy name and sent them up as the secret husband."  He smirked.  "I asked Charley and she said he was one."

"Good work.  Got the underground paranoid?" Modo asked.  Xander nodded.  "How many of them are there?"

"That people will listen to or all together?"

"That people will listen to?" Throttle asked.

"About sixteen hundred probably.  Ever seen X-Files?"  They all nodded.  "I basically told the Lone Gunman guys."

"What about us?" Vinnie asked.

"You're harmless and you only cause legitimate property damage.  Since I know there's some people with," he coughed, "special skills in New York from the same sources, and they're not investigated, why would it matter?  You're not quite a turtle, but who's going to say anything about it?"

"The same people?  They like to use us as experiments too."

"Nah, all those guys got put into the NID, who is presently going after demons, or into Homeland Security, who's going after anyone not us.  We can always defeat those guys.  I've done it in the past."

"You defeated the military?"

"One base, the four of us, and yeah," Xander said dryly.  "They were hunting vampires in our turf.  They were torturing vampires and demons in our turf actually," he admitted, getting comfortable.  "They were planning on using them to fight the wars for the army.  They were doing other mean stuff and things too so we kinda broke in, did a spell, let Buffy kick the ass of the beast they had created, and left the base in ruins and body parts.  I've actually found my NID file, and it's not that thick, but it's very informative since they did a personality profile."

"How did you find these people?" Throttle asked.

"Anya went surfing on Willow's computer one afternoon while she was bored, looking for mentions of herself and other demons she knew.  Since Willow was a hacker and she was logged into some chatrooms automatically, the other hackers saw her searches, came out to talk to her, found out who she was when she bragged, and pointed her in the right direction.  She introduced me once we got our own computer.  I've got a single email contact with one of the sisters of the paranoid underground.  Oh, and they already know about you guys, she's got a crush on Modo," he added with a grin for his friend.  "She's fairly nice, I met her at a comic convention.  She thinks you're neat."

"Wonderful," he said dryly.  "My gray furred momma still wouldn't approve of me dating a human, she'd get upset and yell."

"Yeah, but she'd probably settle for a hug.  She's geekier than I am."

"How long have they known about us?" Throttle asked patiently.

"I asked her that, I haven't gotten an email back yet," he admitted.  "They do know about Limburger, they weren't aware of others being down here though.  There's one in the city."  He got up to check his email, finding the one he had misread this morning.  "Guys, watch the tube, I've got a date," he called, going for his closet.  He pulled out his usual clubbing clothes and settled down to put them on.  He came out to shocked looks.  "Sarah, my contact, set me up with her cousin."  He grinned.  "Don't wait up, dad."

"Sure, kid," Throttle joked.  Once Xander was gone, he went to check his email accounts.  "He really did have a date," he said dryly, closing that message and moving on.  He heard the door open and got up to look out there, but it was only Charley.  "He had a date.  A paranoid friend online set him up with her cousin."

"I know."  She smirked at him.  "He told me in the hall."  She closed the door once Switch was inside.  "Stoker's out for a midnight ride, but we showed him this place.  He'll be back later."

"He's having 'scared daddy' feelings," Switch told them.  "Oooh, chicken."  She sat down to grab her first piece.

"There's more in the fridge," Modo promised tolerantly.  "Charley ma'am, you can eat too."

"I plan on it."  She sat down, picking up a chicken leg to nibble on.  "He was nice, he even paid me for my time while we went car shopping."  She heard Vinnie growl and grinned at him.  "It's a decent thing to do.  Most people would have to."

"Yeah, but he spoils you and I can't compete," Vinnie complained.

"I'm not used to being spoiled," she admitted.  Vinnie brightened up at that.  "Then again, I'm not used to being asked if I was a trophy wife either.  Today the cabby and the salesman both decided I was his chosen girlfriend.  The salesman said I was obviously smarter than some bimbo too."  She took a larger bite.

Throttle shook his head.  "That was a dumb move."

"It was a compliment really.  He knew I wasn't some trophy girlfriend out for Xander's money.  Then again, the first guy thought Xander was *very* gay.  Asked if the car was for him and his boyfriend, or was it for him, his boyfriend, and their family."  Vinnie howled in laughter from that.  "Yup, I wanted to do that too," she said blandly, smirking at Modo, who was shaking his head.  "Xander's a very dynamic young man.  He's also had way too much caffeine today.  He was bouncing when he picked me up."

Someone tapped so Throttle got the door, letting Oz in.  "Hey."

"Hey.  Xander?"

"Date.  Setup with a paranoid online friend."

"Cool.  Can I crash?  I just talked to Willow and I'm bummed."

"Sure, there's chicken," Charley offered with a smile.

Oz nodded, picking up a piece and going into the study.  He came out a minute later and whispered in Throttle's ear, making him grimace.  "We're not mean."  He went back into the study, going to check his email.  He hated women.  Maybe he'd hit on Xander instead, he was funny and sweet and the spoilable sort.  He shook his head.  "Bad mental places," he muttered.  "Spoiling Xander is too easy."

Throttle's ear twitched and he shook his head quickly.  "Okay then."  He looked at his bros.  "They've known about us for two years now.  The government has known about us for about a year.  They've decided we're harmless and only cause minimal property damage and only to those who deserve it.  Apparently the people who run those places are big comic book geeks too."  That got a laugh and a headshake.  "So, we're cool so far.  The same people who do us probably do Sunnydale stuff as well," he said as he sat down and grabbed another piece of chicken.  "This isn't too bad."

"I like the crunchy stuff," Switch agreed. "It's better than anything I can do."

"I'll teach you how to cook," Charley promised.  "That way neither of you have to eat in the mess."

"Thanks, Charley."  She gave her a one-armed hug since her other fingers were greasy.  "Do you know how to do this?"

"No, but I've got a cookbook," she admitted. "It should be in there."

"Even better.  Can I copy stuff out?"

"Sure.  I've got some paper and stuff."  She ate another bite.  "I'm surprised you guys are full already.  The bucket's not empty yet."  Oz came out and grabbed another piece, then headed back.  "You can stay out here, Oz."

"No, I'm good.  I'm moping to my email."  He closed the door and sat down again, browsing the music files available.  He found all of his former band's stuff and was impressed.  Even the bootlegs.  Someone must have stolen them away from Willow.  He set them to playing, feeling nostalgic for a few moments.

"Who're they?" Vinnie asked from the doorway.

Oz looked back at him.  "My band."  He nodded him inside.  "While we were in high school.  That's Dingoes Ate My Baby."

"Cool.  You guys sound good."

"Yeah, but then I turned furry and things started going bad," he admitted, digging his fingers into the chicken to pull off a piece for nibbling.  "Devon's strung out in LA.  The others are MIA.  Everything sucked once I turned furry."  He looked up. "No offense."

"None taken.  What we saw that first night must be hard."  Oz nodded.  "Where were you?"

"Tibet, China for a few weeks in prison when they found out I was in Tibet.  They deported me to Seattle and I've been hitchhiking ever since."  He shrugged.  "It sucks."

"It does, but now you've got a spot."

"Yeah, or I could go deal with Willow."

"We met her, almost, for a few minutes while she yelled at Xander for staying here," he said dryly.  "You could probably stay too."

"No job skills, no guitar, and no place to crash," Oz said succinctly.  "I can't say 'you want fries with that' all day either."  He nibbled another piece of chicken.  "I could probably work with Giles, but I hate some of those new girls."

"Been there?" Vinnie asked.  Oz nodded, giving him one of those semi-frown looks of his.  "Are they as stupid and boring as Xander said?"

"The stupid bitch patrol?  Yeah."  He let out a slight smile.

"Then we're happy to save him and to hide when they finally show up for him," Vinnie said dryly.  "What else can you do?"

"Computer hacking but I'm three years out of date.  That's decades in computer years."

"So go to school, Oz," Throttle said from the doorway.  "UC has computer stuff and we'll only bug you now and then.  It'd help to have a hacker around here sometimes."

"Yeah, I'm debugging Xan's computer now."  He looked back.  "Thanks, dad."

"Don't start that, kid," he sighed.  "It's bad enough Xander does it."  He smirked at him, hands crossed over his chest.  "You okay?  You sound bummed.  You're actually speaking more."

"Life sucks.  Girls suck.  My girl loves me but only loves girl parts now."

"Yeah, that would suck," Vinnie agreed.  "I'm sure you'll be okay."  He clapped him on the back.  "Think about it, Xander could use more friends."

"Yeah, maybe," he agreed softly. "Thanks, guys."

"It's what we hero-studs do," Vinnie joked.

Oz looked him over, then shook his head.  "Too many ab crunches for me. That's why I'm a supporter."   Both mice laughed at that. "Let me get rid of this virus and I'll come out."

"Sure.  You can come worship Switch's belly too," Throttle joked, tugging on Vinnie's arm.  He even closed the door behind them.  They found Stoker chilled out Vinnie's usual chair.  "Comfy?"

"Yeah, where's the mini-punk?"

"He had a date.  An online friend set him up with her cousin locally," Vinnie admitted, sitting down next to Charley.  He saw her glance at the bucket and picked it up, presenting it to her.  "There's more in the fridge."  She smiled and took the last piece and they loaded the bones and napkins into the empty container.

"You're finally housebreaking him, I'm impressed," Stoker said dryly.

"Hush, you," Charley teased back.  "He's fine the way he is, even though he doesn't spoil me.  That's where Xander makes up for him."

Vinnie sighed.  "I guess I'll have to take pointers in spoiling from him then."

"Probably true," Modo agreed.  "He's very good at it.  Any man who isn't dating a woman and gets her candy for her birthday without having to be told is good."

"He is," Throttle admitted, looking at Charley.  "You didn't tell us!"

"I'm not celebrating it this year, guys."

"We'll be fixing that shortly," Vinnie said firmly. "You should always celebrate when you can."

"Now he's getting wise, I'm going to be ill," Stoker complained. "Someone stop him before the punk starts spouting poetry."

"I'd pounce you but Xander didn't want his stuff torn up," Vinnie said sweetly.  "Expect it tomorrow instead."

"I'd better be the only one pouncing him," Switch warned.

"We'd only whip his tail playfully, Switch, you get the rest of him," Throttle promised.  "How are you feeling?"

"Fine," she said patiently.  "I'm not changing that rapidly."

"You should be feeling the baby kick any day now," Charley offered.

"No, we felt that earlier," she admitted dryly.  "Right in the middle of stuff that shouldn't have been interrupted."  Stoker blushed and she threw her remaining chicken at him.  "Then he got mushy."

"Guys do that to their girls," Throttle promised, patting her on the head.  "I would have done it for Carbine.  Then again, I probably would have tied her to our bed for a very long time so I would be sure she wouldn't do dangerous stuff."

"My sister?" she asked, looking up at him.  "You wanted to protect my sister?"  He nodded, smiling down at her.  "Then why did she dump you?"

"Distance."

"Oh.  Sorry."  She reached up and he gave her a hug.  "You're still a good big brother."  She let him go and grinned at Stoker.  "Can they be alternate parents?"

"Suits me, at least the kid'll learn how to whip tail," Stoker agreed quietly.  He stared at her.  "Does the mini-punk spoil you too?"

"He does things like bring everyone breakfast," she defended.  "Or put in a new freezer for Charley, which meant we got steaks."  Charley nodded, grinning at him.  "I'm only spoiled on the side of her spoiling."  The door opened and someone walked in, stomping back to the office and slamming the door behind her.  The cat suddenly dove off Modo's lap and under the couch.  "I'm guessing here, but that's Willow?" she asked.

"Yeah, same little redheaded firestorm as the last time," Vinnie said dryly.  Willow came out and stared him down.  "He's on a date."

"With?"

"Sarah's cousin Meg," Oz said from behind her.  "'Scuse us, we've got to be loud."  He drug her into the office and closed the door more gently, then glared at her.  "What?" he asked finally.

"Why are you here?"

"Because you'd make me wolf out," he said simply.  Her face fell.  "Don't."  He sat down behind the desk chair again, going back to his debugging, noticing that the owner was trying to undo what he was doing.  He blocked them and then finished it, destroyed their bug and turning what was left back on the owner.  Then he unhooked the computer and finished fixing Xander's computer and defragmented it for him.  He turned to look at her once that was all done.  "He's happy, Willow.  I'm not."

She sighed and sat down on the couch to pout at him, which made him turn around. "I'm sorry, Oz, but I'm with Tania now.  I'd love to take you back, but you've got to stay in control and Buffy's being weird and all that stuff is going on again."  He shrugged.  "Are..are you staying here too?" she asked, looking like she was in pain.

"Trying for the college instead of the couch," he admitted.  She nodded at that.  He looked back at the beep, redoing the disc scan again.  "I loved you, Willow.  You didn't wait.  You lied.  I can't be that sorta guy."

She nodded.  "I get it."  She stood up.  "Can we still be friends and chat and stuff?"  He nodded, holding out his arms.  She gave him a hug, then reached behind him to fix something with a grin. "He's horrible about that stuff."  She kissed him on the cheek. "Need anything?  Giles said he wanted a call."

"I'll email once I'm done."  She nodded.  "I could use some stuff, like chains I guess."  She nodded again, looking happier.  "Then I'll figure it out."

"Sure, Oz.  We love you, no matter what.  Buffy and Angel sorta love on my side."  She looked out toward the living room, then at him.  "Are they furry hamsters?"

"Mice, and Xander said no petting."

"Fine."  She shrugged.  "Demonic?"

"Martian."

"Cool.  That's who Sarah was babbling about," she said with a grin.  He nodded.  "Then I'll leave you alone.  Giles is in bed, so email tonight or call tomorrow and I'll bug him about checking."  He nodded again and she left from right there so the temptation wouldn't come.

He got up and walked out, leaning into the living room.  "She's gone.  Deep breath, no apocalypse this time."  He went back to the study to finish his self-appointed task.

"Do you wonder how those two made it together?" Switch asked.  Charley giggled and shook her head.  "No?"

"Not really.  He listens and she talks, it's a good thing," she shared.

"Sorta like us, mouse cadet," Stoker said fondly, smirking at her.

She got up and came over to sit in his lap, giving him a gentle kiss.  "Are you okay?"  He nodded, stroking her back.  "Are you sure?"

"I'm fine and you're legal on Mars," he reminded her.  "She can't kill us yet."

"Yes she can," Throttle warned.  "She'll have a greeting committee too."

"I know, but she'll lose.  I'll tell her you've picked up an apprentice punk and she'll shut up for a few hours."

"How did you two get together?" Charley asked. "I can't imagine Stoker going up to Carbine and asking if he could date her sister."

"I jumped him," Switch said proudly. "I knew what I wanted and I took it."

"Unfortunately she hasn't learned subtlety either and Carbine found out about us.  She ordered me to never even look at her sister again.  Then this one," he said, giving her a gentle spank, "shows up at my door in nothing but a coat and invites herself inside.  I wasn't able to resist before and not after that either."

"I'm figuring I got pregnant about a month after I skipped home," Switch admitted.  "Then I told Rimfire since we're buddies and he shouted it and Carbine heard," she sighed.

"I had to take off running," he reminded her.

"I know.  She had already pulled her gun.  She got the door as it closed."  Throttle winced.  "Yeah, she was so mad she was off-target. Then she sent me down here."  She looked at Stoker.  "She put me in a ship without enough fuel."

"Her bike had space freeze and when Xander found her, she had created a wonderful trail, Stoker," Throttle said gently.  "She jumped from way too high up in the atmosphere and ran out of fuel there too."

"Oh, I'll be dealing with Carbine when I get back," he promised smugly.  "She and I are going to have a long talk.  Modo, I called your mom.  She said hi and she's sending Rimfire down with treats on his next trip.  It took me a week to find out where she had sent this one."

"Well, she's fine for now, but we don't know anything about Martian births or birth rituals," Charley offered.

Stoker shook his head, smirking at her. "Not an issue.  If the baby's able to be felt by one of our antennas, it's sacred and she can't do a thing about it."

"Then within a few days you're leaving?" Vinnie pouted.  Stoker nodded.  "Then we've got to play ball tomorrow."

"Sure, punk.  We'll play ball.  Any luck getting Xander on a bike yet?"

"He rides behind us and he loves riding with Vinnie," Throttle admitted.  "He also likes to ride down the side of buildings, he wanted to go up and do it again before we exploded the tower this time."  Stoker moaned, shaking his head.  "He's an okay guy.  He did our battle plans that night.  Oh, we've got to talk about weapons with him.  There's some stuff that I wasn't aware you could buy openly."

"Probably not openly," Charley warned, "but possibly on the black market."  She looked at where Stoker was pointing, smirking at the vapor trails.  "That's not Rimfire.  There's only two tails on the ship."

"Hmm, Plutarkians lifting off," Vinnie said, getting up to look. "He's got a decent view of the tower here too.  Oh, hey, Camembert!" he said cheerfully.  "Let's Rock and Ride, bros, we can't waste this one."   They gathered up everything and went to go play with the fish people some more, leaving Switch and Oz there.

Switch looked under the couch.  "You can come out, Miss Kitty.  Your former mommy's gone."  She snuck out and got a cuddle.  "They left me here, the big meanies.  We'll pout at them later.  Yes we will."

Oz came out, heading for the fridge. "You're too valuable to risk in the fight.  They might hit the baby, then your man would go nuts."  He handed her a soda and scratched the cat's ears, earning a few licks to his fingers.  "Yeah, I taste like chicken too.  Toss the bones, they're dangerous for cats."  She nodded, getting up to do that.  He went back to the office but left the door open so the cat and the girl could visit him.

"You do computer stuff?" she asked.  He nodded.  "Can you teach me?  That's what I wanna do.  That way I'm helping the war and things but I'm not in danger and I can have the baby with us."

"Sure," he agreed, pointing at a chair.  "Sit.  We'll start with programs."

"We've got Windows 98 on our comm system," she offered.  "Throttle sent it back to us."

"Wow, Microsoft will take over the universe," he said dryly.  She giggled and pinched him but let him show her what was what on a computer.  She would learn this to help the others.

***

Xander found his date at the bar and grinned at her.  "Sorry, I was having dinner when I remembered," he admitted, holding out a hand.  "Xander."

"Okay, and you're who's date?" she asked.  He groaned.  "Hmm.  Let's see, she's dark haired, like me, and small, right?"  He nodded.  She looked around and pointed.  "There.  But thanks, you're cute and all but I'm married."

"Pity about the married stuff but thank you," he said with a grin, heading that way.  He found his real date and grinned at her.  "Meg?"  She beamed up at him and nodded, way too cheerful for her goth persona.  "Hey, I'm Xander."  He sat across from her and shook her hand.  "Sorry I'm a bit late.  I just remembered while I was eating."

"Among us geeks, it's either that way or they're prepared for days in advance," she shared happily.  "I'm the first sort so it's nice that you're at least handsome.  How are you liking Chicago?"

He beamed.  "So far it's great.  I've got some nice friends who were already here and helped me settle in.  I left them eating fried chicken back at my place with my cat."

"Wow.  Are we talking big, tall, and well-tailed?" she asked, leaning closer.  "By the way, does tail size, you know, equate?"

"I never looked but I'll ask Vinnie, see what he thinks," he said with a happy grin.  This was his sort of girl!  "Just to make sure, you're not evil, formerly demonic, presently demonic, or out to kill me, right?"

"No.  Sarah said you had a tragic history but I wasn't sure it was that bad."

"Yeah, only one hasn't tried to kill me yet," he sighed.  "Two if you count the cheerleader in high school - she only tried the verbal killing method."

"You poor man. You dated the anti-christs of the pill popping happiness league?"

He wiggled his hand in the air.  "More like princess of snarkdom.  No happiness in there unless others were miserable, but she was a good kisser.  Fortunately that's mostly what we did."

"At least you got something out of it," she said with a grin.  "So, where should we head?"

"Up to you.  I'm an old-fashioned sorta guy.  I also finally bought a car today so I'm good if you want to drive yourself or if you want me to drive you."

"Wow, you're good," she said in appreciation.

"Women can't be too careful, especially on blind dates.  Out of my four former best friends, two were lesbians and one of the others was a het girl with a 'tude."  She giggled at that.  "They trained me very well to be a stunning and supportive man who doesn't beg for more than giving pleasure."

She cackled and swatted him.  "Good for them!  Every man should be trained to give pleasure and beg sweetly for his.  Clubbing good?"

"Sure.  You wanna hit a goth club?"

"I heard there's a real demon bar around here.  Can we go there?  It won't bother you?"

"Nah, not a problem," he promised.  "I know right where the vamp club is.  I go there a lot actually."  He stood up and helped her up. "Do I need to get the tab?"

"Nope, I'm a pay as I go sort," she promised, putting her soda back down on the table.  She let him walk her out to his SUV, blinking at it.  "That's a huge car.  Not eco-friendly in the least."

"No, but Modo's six-seven and I wanted to be able to fit him comfortably if I was taking him somewhere."

"I'd say you could.  Let's take yours.  I can be naughty tonight."

"I'm actually having my mechanic put on fuel emission controls," he shared.  "She'll be up to Kyoto standards in no time."

"Cool.  At least you're trying."

"Yeah, but I need it. I'm in construction and I look like a redneck in a pickup."  He opened the door for her, helping her up and in.  Then he walked around to get in, taking her to the vampire club.  He parked and the bouncer stared at his car in awe.  "Yeah, it's me again," he said as he walked around to help her out and locked it with the remote.  "Like it?  I just got it today," he said with a grin.

"I thought the rental SUV was bad," he said, shaking his head.  "Compensating?"

Meg groped him, then shook her head.  "Statement of fact," she said sweetly.  The bouncer laughed and let them inside.  The boy wasn't even blushing so apparently he liked them like that.  He walked over to look inside, nearly drooling.  It was a sweet ride.  "No sneaking in," he called without having to look.  He saw the local Master and shrugged.  "It's a cover night, sorry, sir."

"That's fine.  Did I see Xander go in and is that his present white elephant?"  The bouncer nodded.  "Wonderful.  I wanted to talk to him about that other vampire club."

"He's got a date."

"Shit," he complained, but he paid and went inside anyway.  Maybe he could get the boy alone for a few minutes.  He watched them dance and shook his head.  "It'd have to be in the bathroom.  She's nearly on top of him already."  He got his usual drink and sat down to wait.  Surely one of them would have to hit the bathroom sometime soon.

Episode 05:

"Hi, this is Meg, and I need a tune up."

Charley listened to the pleasant sounding voice and smiled. "A full tune up with oil change?  What sort of car is it?"

"I hope not.  It's just now starting to effect my fuel efficiency.  I've got a little eco-friendly honda civic," she said happily.  "Xander said I couldn't use him for a discount or anything so I won't even try, even though it'd be nice because I'm a college student and all, but I'm not that sort of girl and he seemed like he was going to pull out a weapon of mass destruction and blow something up when I asked if I could.  He said you're not that sort of girl either so I thought I'd be straight with you."

"That's always helpful," Charley agreed, holding in the laughs.  "Say, thirty, oil change and all?"

"Sure, that'd be great!  When can you work me in?  Xander says you're one of the best mechanics he's ever went to.  Oh, and before you ask, I do know I've got a grinding noise, I don't know what it is, and I'm too poor to fix it at the moment unless it's under fifty bucks."

"Sure, not a problem. I can tell you if it's easily fixed or not, Meg.  I'm not busy right now, so bring it on over."

"Will the guys be there?  The bulletin boards said some massively sweet stuff about them."

"I'm not sure yet.  They're not at the moment and they're being shy right now."

"Oh, sure, I get it.  You can't be too careful when you're not from around here and all.  NID are nasty folks to people like them, or to Xander I guess since he's *obviously* not normal.  I mean, he's a big sweetie and all, but he's a big weapon of mass distraction at times."  Charley did laugh at that.  "I see you've let him hang out down there.  Okay, it'll take me about ten minutes to put on clothes and get over there.  Thanks, Charley."  She hung up abruptly.

Charley got up and walked into the kitchen, where the guys were playing go-fish while Stoker and Switch hid upstairs for a few more minutes.  "Meg's coming over to get a tune up."

"Meg?" Vinnie asked, looking up at her. "New friend?"

"Meg, as in Xander's new girlfriend?" Throttle asked.  Charley smirked and nodded. "I wonder if she's evil too."

"We'll be finding out in about ten minutes.  She asked if you guys were going to be here, but I thought I should warn you.  She sounded a bit hyper."  They all nodded at that, expecting that from someone Xander was dating.  They'd have to be able to keep up with the boy after all.  "So if you're here, she'll probably ask many questions.  She said the bulletin boards were full of stuff about you guys."

"Wonderful," Modo said dryly.  "Bros, are we heading back?"

"And leave Stoker with a hyperactive woman and a pregnant girlfriend? He'd kill us with our own tails," Vinnie said dryly.  "Besides, I wanna case this girl.  See what she's like."

"She babbles like Xander after he drank that six-pack the other day," Charley said, going to open the door.  She found the girl sitting out there.  "Sorry, I was warning the guys you were coming over."

"Hey, that's cool, I'd expect that."  She pulled her car inside the garage and stopped.  "This good?"

"That's fine, Meg.  Rev her for a minute so I can hear the grinding noise."  She smiled and nodded.  "Okay, turn her off.  I'm pretty sure I know what it is and it's fairly common.  One of the bolts is too closer to something else."  The girl got out and hugged her with a small squeal of delight.  "Go settle in on the bench.  It'll be about a half-hour.  Where's Xander?"

"Still sleeping.  I met his sorta-not-roommate Oz last night.  I found out the real story behind his and Willow's breakup too.  She was so *very* upset that she complained to all of us but forgot to mention that he turned furry now and then and bit people.  But that's cool, he's in control and he seems very nice.  He's trying to get into my program at the college."  She looked over as a head popped over the swinging doors.  "Hi."  She beamed and got up, coming over to smile at him directly.  "Are you Vinnie?  The bulletin boards seem to think so."

"No, he's Vinnie," Throttle offered, pointing at him.  "The big, grey guy's Modo, and I'm Throttle."

"I'm Meg, Xander's girl."  She hugged him and went to look at Vinnie.  "I asked Xander a question and he couldn't answer it but he says he hasn't seen you to ask you so I'll do it in person.  Does tail size equate to other sizes?  A few of us wanted to know online."

Vinnie took a moment to decode the rapid-fire babble, then he blushed and 'eep'ed.  "No," he said weakly.

"Okay.  Ears or anything else?"

"No, not as far as we know," Stoker said from the stairwell.  "Let me guess, you're Meg?"  She beamed and walked over to shake his hand. "I'm Stoker."

"Oh, we know who you are, but I've got to tell Sarah she labeled her pictures wrong of the other three.  The guy with the skunk streak is Rimfire, right?"  He nodded.  "Cool.  I don't know why she got you three mixed up."  She smiled at the new mouse.  "Hi, I'm Meg."

"I'm Switch."  They shook hands and she put her arm through Stokers.  "Friendly visit?"

"No, my civic needed a tune up, it was starting to affect my fuel efficiency and we've got to be eco friendly.  Even if Xander does drive this *huge* gas guzzling beast.  Then again, I guess it's easier to haul weapons and stuff for the construction job and stuff."  She went back out to talk with Charley since she had known Xander longer.

"Did she just ask what I think she did?" Throttle asked. Modo nodded, blushing himself now.  Vinnie put his head down on the table, covering his head with his arms as he moaned.  "Well, she suits Xander," Throttle decided.  Vinnie nodded at that.  "Buck up, he could have asked."

"No, that's okay," Vinnie noted, standing up.  He walked out, going to talk to the new girl. She was very blunt, but apparently fun-loving and Xander-loving so it was okay.  Because he'd never try to steal this one.  "So, you're in college?" he asked.  "Computers?"

She nodded. "I'm a programmer.  I do games and the like.  Right now I'm working on a new vampire game and I had to get into the spirit, that's why I'm in goth wear.  Next I'm doing an elf-quest sorta game so I'll be an elf for a few months."  She grinned at him.  "You really are neat.  Most people groan in front of me."

"Don't feel bad, we do it to Xander too," Throttle promised from the doorway.  "Charley girl, is it time to switch the laundry yet?"

"Probably.  Go ahead and check, Throttle."  He nodded, heading that way.

"Wow.  Now I can see why Xander thinks of Vinnie as a big brother and Throttle as a kinda-father person.  He's very strong and uptight."

"No, you just shocked him," Vinnie promised, warming up to her.  "He likes fun sometimes."

"We all like fun sometimes, but does he do the Triple Threat roller coasters?"

"Roller coasters?" Vinnie asked, his ears perking up and his tail swishing.  "Where?"

"Six Flags is about forty-five minutes away and they've got a water park and a theme park," she said happily.  "Usually I splurge and get a season pass since it's so close but I'm graduating in December so I've got to save this summer."  She beamed at him.  "They've got a bunch of thrill rides, even a few in the water park, and a new superman coaster that I think Xander will love.  I wish you guys could go with us, but that might out you," she said, nibbling on her bottom lip.  "Damn it, I wish there was a way to hide you guys so you guys could go.  Xander said he's not sure if he can do the coasters with his balance problems and I need someone to ride with me."

"If there's a way, he'll find it," Charley assured her.

"Yeah, they don't call me the Velocity Atrocity for nothin', sweetheart," Vinnie said smugly.  "Maybe if we shave and wear a hat and full clothes to hide the tails?"

"I wanna see you shave, bro," Throttle teased.  "I remember the last time you did that.  You itched and whined for *weeks*."

"How much are season passes now?" Charley asked.  "The last time I knew they were fifty but it was only twenty five to get in."

"This year, individual ones are ninety and it's thirty five to get in.  Oooh, the coasters after dark thingy!  It's only with passes and they could go on those because they could wear full coats and stuff."

"It doesn't hide the face," Throttle told her.  "People usually notice our noses first."

"They've got a cartoon park," she said.  "I can show you on Xander's computer later if you want.  Maybe you guys can claim to be cartoon characters.  New trials or something."

"Maybe," he admitted, that might work.  "We'll see."

"Sure."  She hugged him then drug Vinnie off to sit with her.  "So, if Xander can't go on them with me, will you?  I need someone to scream with on the rides.  It's a shame his eye means he doesn't have good balance anymore.  I bet if someone trained him he coulda been a great gymnast.  He's got the body for it."

"He said he used to swim."

"Hmm, I wonder if he dived."  She let out a geeky chuckle. "I can just see him in a speedo."

"That picture's on his dresser," Charley offered. "I saw it while we were rearranging his bedroom again."

"Cool.  I'll have to snatch it and gape in awe.  Did you know that the bouncer at that vampire club thought he was compensating with his SUV?"  She snorted through her nose.  "Really!  I mean, that guy's got more than enough to share, he's definitely not compensating.  It's a statement of fact, and I told him that, but I think I embarrassed him, but Xander was just such a sweetie because he didn't say anything about it.  Then again, he did say his ex used to embarrass him and tell what they did in the bedroom all the time to the women around them and that odd Mr. Giles.  Do you think Mr. Giles is gay?" she babbled.

"I never met him, but Throttle's talked to him a few times," Vinnie offered with a grin at Throttle.

"How would I know?  I don't have gaydar, Vinnie. All I did was talk to the man on the phone twice."

"He seems really nice on the phone, I heard Oz talking to him and he had a really nice accent, but not as nice as that other guy I heard around the tower they're rebuilding.  He was enchanting it or something against Xanders, because you know he made him paranoid and stuff."

Vinnie smirked. "Really?"  She nodded.  "Did you tell him this?"

"I haven't seen him since dinner last night and I heard the guy this morning.  That construction crew is terrible this time.  They're whistling like Dwarves in the mines."

"You live near the tower?" Throttle asked.  She grinned and nodded.  "How long have you known Limburger wasn't human?"

"Since about day one, he stinks *way* too much to be one of us.  Most of us bathe when possible and come out smelling nicer.  He only gets worse.  So either he doesn't bathe, which he seems to clean to do, he's got a horrible medical condition that's rotting and it's been too long for that, or he's not from around here.  It made sense to me so I asked Sarah and she said there's been hints of others.  She sent that information to Xander.  Did you know he set up one of the others as Limburger's secret husband?"  They all nodded, Charley snickering at that.  "He's such a goof sometimes, but very strong, studly, manly, and geeky, just how I like them.  XANDER!" she squealed, running over to kiss and hug him. "Hi."

"Hi," he kissed her again.  "Did you get to ask your question?"

"I did and he said there wasn't any evidence of relation between tail size and other sizes, or ears as far as Stoker knows."  She kissed him again.  "Figure out how to get them to Six Flags with us?" she pleaded.  "Vinnie said he'd ride the coasters with me if you can't."

"Sure, babe.  Give me a few days."   He put his arm around her and walked her back to look in her engine.  "I thought it needed a spacer and that was the reason for the grinding."

"A bolt's too long actually," Charley said with a grin.  "Had breakfast yet?"

"Not yet," he admitted. "I got to separate Miss Kitty and Oz since he went furry last night for some reason.  She was sleeping on the back of his neck and kneading whenever he tried to get her off."

"Oooh, I bet that was so cute!" she cooed.

"Yup, it was," Xander agreed happily.  "My landlord said I'm strange and odd, but that I'm protecting the building since someone tried to break in last night and I pulled a gun on him.  He even said he'd pay someone to clean up the mess he made in the hall when he shit himself."  The bros laughed at that and Meg gave him a hug.  "So, guys, you've met Meg, what do you think?"

"I think she'll be able to keep up with you, punk," Stoker said from the doorway.   "What pastries is she talking about?"

"Meg, take my SUV to Greer's bakery and get some pastries for me and her," he said, kissing her and handing over his wallet.  "Please?"  She nodded, stealing another kiss before leaving.  He waited until she was gone.  "Well?"

"Does she slow down?" Vinnie asked. Xander shook his head with a grin.  "You understand her babbling, right?"

"Yeah, I've heard it many times in the past with Willow."

"If you're happy, we're happy," Modo told him.  Throttle nodded, smirking at him.  "She'd better treat you well too."

"We haven't quite gotten that far yet, guys.  I'm not really a one-night-stand guy anymore."  He flopped down beside Vinnie.  "So, how was your night?"

"Quieter than yours apparently."  He nudged him.  "She's cute."

"Thanks," he said with a grin.  "Charley?"

"She's not evil, and she seems nice, I'm impressed," she admitted.  "That and she takes very good care of her car."  She straightened up.  "She doesn't even need an oil change yet so I'm done."  She smiled as the girl came back.  "You don't need an oil change yet, just to add a few quarts, you're a bit low."

"Cool!" she said happily, handing over the box to Stoker.  She hugged Charley.  "You're the best mechanic, just like Xander said."  She handed over the forty dollars.  "That bolt?"

"I sawed off the excess and made sure to blow off any metal shavings."

"Thanks."  She grinned at Xander.  "I've got class in about an hour.  Wanna go out tonight?"

"Nah, tonight I'm going to spy on the tower."

"Oh, yeah, I heard an english guy around the tower.  Limburger wanted to ward it against Xanders.  He said it was an annoyance he didn't need anymore."

Xander smirked.  "Don't worry, he can't really do that.  But I'll gladly talk to whoever.  English?"  She nodded.  "Dark hair, lean, looks like the guy on my desk?"  She nodded.  "That's Ethan.  I'll be sure to pop around on him later."

"He's at the Holiday Inn."  She got in and beeped, backing out and driving off.

"I didn't think we were in Tornado Alley," Switch said dryly.

"Just barely," Charley told her with a grin.  "Can I have one, Xander?"  He got up to steal the pastries back and open them up to take his, then handed Charley one once her hands were clean.  "Thanks.  Switch, eat."

"Sure, thanks, Xander.  You spoil the baby very well.  What's her name?"

"Meg."

"I like that name."

"We'll name the baby something that'll embarrass your sister," Stoker said patiently.  "Fathers get to pick names so we don't end up with hormone driven names."

"That changed after that famous 'Castrate' case," Throttle agreed. Xander gave him an odd look.  "A Martian mother used to get sole naming rights but this one had her seventh child in nine years and she named the baby Castrate."

"What she was going to do to her husband?" he suggested.  Throttle nodded, stealing a bite of pastry.  "There's extra."

"Vinnie, toss me a raspberry one, not literally," he added as an afterthought.  Otherwise he'd have to clean raspberry jam out of his fur and ear.  "The father of that child went to court to change the baby's name and had to fight centuries of naming law to get the poor tyke's name changed.  After that it changed so only fathers could name the child, just in case the mother was having a hormone swing."  He bit into his pastry.  "How do you guys do it down here?"

"I'm guessing whoever gets to the birth certificate first or some sort of deal making among the parents," Xander said between bites.  His girlfriend drove past in the other direction so he waved when she beeped.  "Her mother must have called.  She only lives about four blocks away."

"I think I know her," Charley admitted.  "I thought Meg looked familiar.  How is she going to go elf?"

"Ear tips glued on, bra top and loincloth skirt with boots and a bow," he said with a grin.  "Hair extensions too probably."

Charley shook her head.  "At least you'll never get bored."

"No, not in the least."

"She told us about the club and your SUV," Throttle taunted with a smirk.  Xander nodded, eating another bite.  "Not embarrassed?"

Xander licked the icing off his fingers.  "It's not bragging if it's true and I've had worse done to me.  Anya used to tell in graphic detail and then complain that I was only giving her five or six orgasms a night."  He stood up to snoop in the box, looking at Switch, who gave him a pitiful look so he let her have the last one.  She kissed him on the cheek as he walked past and he got to pat her belly.  "Hey, baby."  He stopped, pressing a bit, making her moan.  "Deep breath."  She took one and the baby kicked, making him grin.  "Very strong, but I'm guessing male."  He went back to the bench and stretched out.  "Charley, did you get in that emission control stuff?"  She nodded.  "When do you want the gas guzzling dinosaur to put them on?"

"Drive her in, Xander, it won't take that long," she offered.  He grinned and got up to get his SUV and bring it inside.

"Damn," Stoker said in awe.  "That's an assault vehicle."

"Only if I put weapons on it," Xander said sweetly.  Stoker cracked up at that.  "Oh, Throttle said I'm to give you one of my grenade launchers to take back with you, that way you can be hooked into the black market if you like them.  So you've got to get the one out of the back."

"Sure, kid, thanks," Stoker agreed.  "Is it big?"  Xander nodded.  "Then bring it over later and I'll hide it at their spot."

"That wouldn't be wise, there were a lot of cops over there when I cruised past."

"Hmm.  Then we'll see it later," Stoker admitted.  He looked at his girlfriend.  "The baby satisfied again?"

"Can I learn how to make these?"

"Making pastry dough is very hard and time consuming," Xander warned.  "It's also very delicate work, but you probably could.  It's well beyond what I can do.  I can boil, bake, grill, and toast but that's about it."

"You can cook?" Charley asked.

"I worked in many fast food places before I started working construction," he said wisely.  "I worked in a hibachi place, a cone place, a few burger places, a steak place for a few weeks off from the site during a slow spot, and a few I'd rather forget."  She gave him a pat to the arm.  "Thanks.  I did learn something about cooking but I'm not the greatest.  I admit that it's better to order than to cook when you're single.  Most recipes are made for four people and I hate leftovers so I eat them all, then I get chunky and have to do many situps."

"Oz said he couldn't be the hero sort because he'd have to do too many ab crunches," Vinnie said smartly, smirking at him.

"No, I lift, tote, and haul all day, I don't need work on my upper body, but I do do situps every day, faithfully, so I don't get a gut.  It's pitiful when a guy like me has a gut like yours, Vinnie."

Vinnie pounced him, rolling around to tickle and punch him, but Xander was giving it back like a true mouse.  "My abs are wonderful."

"Oooh, trying to brag to the straight guys," Xander taunted.  He nearly got away but Vinnie's tail got him instead.  "Hey!  No fair, you won't help me get one of those!"

Throttle shook his head.  "I'm having fun now, you?" he asked Stoker.

"Loads."  He looked at Modo, who shook his head.  "Think we should break them up before the mini-punk hurts the punk?"

"Ha!  I'm bigger and stronger than he is," Vinnie shouted.  He suddenly found himself on his back, looking up at a wickedly grinning Xander.  "How did you do that?"

"Hyena reflexes, dude.  They're amazing and I'm the alpha in my pack," he said smugly.  He got to work tickling him, batting at the tail when it tried to stop him.  Vinnie was trying too hard not to shriek his head off.

Finally, Throttle couldn't take it any more and waded in there, but Xander tripped him and they attacked him instead.  "Vinnie!"

"Yeah, Bro?  Turnabout and all that," he chuckled, trying to attack him.

"You guys, I doubt Meg wants to watch Xander attack you two."

Xander looked up and that was what Throttle needed, that moment of distraction.  He got Xander on his back and staring down at him.  "Hi."

"Hi, Throttle."  He did something and they were both on their sides.  "Needed a cuddle?  I bet you're very good at it."

"Brat," he said fondly, but he got up, heading into the kitchen to get a drink.  "Anyone need a drink?"

"I could use one," Vinnie panted, holding his chest.  "Ow, I laughed too hard."

Charley patted him on the top of the head.  "You deserved it."  She grinned at Xander.  "Sorry, gotta stick up for him first."

"That's okay, I'll just buy you different candy this time."  He got up and went over to his car, handing her the small box.  "Here, it's a new flavor."

She opened it and took out a bite, then he handed it around.  She bit in and squeaked, running for the faucet.

"Chocolate covered hot peppers," Switch said happily, snatching the box.  "These are good.  Want one, guys?"

"No, that's all right," Modo said, gulping his soda.

"What sort of fire was that?" Throttle complained, waving a hand in front of his mouth.

"Scotch Bonnets, one of the hottest peppers known to mankind," he said smugly.  "Go ahead, Vinnie.  If I can eat a box, you can eat one.  You're not wimping out, are you?" he taunted.

Vinnie popped the white chocolate covered treat into his mouth, then ran for a new drink.  It took three before he could talk again.  He watched as Xander smirked and popped one into his mouth.  "There's none in that one," he panted.  Xander bit another one in half and then ate it, making him shudder. "You win, this time."

"You guys forget, I grew in the triangle of Mexican, Asian, and South Western foods. We had a lot of hot peppers at times."  He kissed Switch on the cheek.  "I'll buy you a big box to take home with you.  You can make your sister eat one."

"I'll tell her you sent them," Stoker assured him, shaking his head.  He wasn't that brave he decided.

"If I can eat one, Stoker can," Modo said.  His eyes were still watering.  Vinnie got him another soda and a few paper towels to blow his nose on.  "Well, I don't have a cold anymore."

"Me either," Charley agreed, wiping her eyes.  "Oh, God, that's bad, Xander.  Where did you find them?"

"Delilah's Gifts."

"We need to go window shopping there," Switch said happily.  "Thanks, Xander."  She took another one then put the box up in her stuff.  She came down and kissed Stoker, passing him the rest of her last one, making him choke and swallow it.  He ran to the sink to drink it down.  "See, hot peppers are good."

Stoker gave her a look like she was insane.  "It'll pass when the baby's born," Charley soothed.  She shook her head.  "At least it wasn't bugs."

"No, I had enough of that back in Sunnydale," Xander assured her. "I'd never do that to anybody."  He hugged Switch.  "I'm getting Mexican for lunch.  I'll make sure you get the super spicy stuff and they get the bland stuff without beans or peppers."

"Please," Throttle pleaded. He wiped his nose.  "That was so bad, Xander."

"I noticed the sniffling.  That cured it," Xander said cheerfully.  "Let me go get that and I'll be right back."

"Oh, no, I'm going with you," Vinnie said, wiping his eyes again.  "Just in case."

"Sure, but it'll be a big box and I can't grab you and it," Xander said dryly.

"I haven't taken anything off yet, Xander, let me lower your SUV down," Charley said.  "Get me some quesadillas, chicken if you can.  No guac."

"Sure.  Any other requests?"  No one said anything.  "Last chance.  Anyone who doesn't like beans?"  They all shook their heads.  "Is that a general 'no beans'?"

"Beans are fine, we'll just open a window tonight," Vinnie assured him happily, getting in with him once the SUV was down.  "This way you can't get the rest of us nasty stuff."

"Sorry, but it's one of those tests of manliness where I come from," he said happily, backing out and pausing to let a kid bike past.  "That's a good sign, I like those signs."  Charley held up a hand so he waited while the kid's dog ran after it. She waved so he looked behind him and shook his head, beeping.  The kids scattered and one remembered to take their balls too.  He waved and grinned as he finished backing out, heading for the Mexican place one of his coworkers had recommended that first day.  He parked and walked inside, smiling at the waiter.  "Takeout."

"Si.  To the bar, por favor."

"Gracias."  He walked over to the bar and grinned at the man there, spitting out a rapid- fire list of things he wanted, and in what strengths.  "No guac on the quesadillas," he finished with a grin.  The man nodded, holding up the list.  Xander nodded that it was correct and he headed into the back.  Xander paid and took the box of food, heading back out to his SUV.  He put the box in Vinnie's lap and got in to drive again. He wiggled for a moment, then buckled up and took off.  "I made sure you got the non-hot stuff.  Lots of beans, but not hot."

"Thanks, my tongue may recover this year after all," he quipped.  They pulled back into the garage and he parked over the lift, earning a grin from Charley.  Vinnie got out, bringing the box with him. "He promised, no hot peppers for us."

Switch looked at the food and took what looked interesting, getting something replaced on her plate.  She grinned at Charley, who had taken back her own lunch, and took the chili to sit down with it.  She squealed and waved a hand in front of her mouth, gulping her rootbeer, the one Throttle had in front of him, the one Modo had in front of him, and finishing Stokers for him.  Xander put a carton of milk down in front of her and she finished that, sighing in relief.  "Hot," she said in appreciation, taking another bite.

"Texas chili," he explained. "Highest degree of hotness they made."

"Don't spoil her, we don't have hot peppers on Mars," Stoker complained.

"I've got some jars she can take with her," Xander assured him.  "Only a few are pickled, plus I've got some dried ones for her to add to stuff and a cookbook of how to use them.  I'll get her some of that and stuff so she can make it at home for her sister."

"When Carbine comes down to thump him, I want video," Stoker told Throttle.  He shook his head, digging into his messy food.  "Why not?"

"We'd have to stick up for him.  He saved her life and her bike's life."

"Besides, how else are you guys going to get phallic weapons that will make a girl like her moan in agony at the maleness of them?" Xander asked dryly.  Switch giggled at that.  "They are!  They're even shaped like it."  Stoker got up and went to look at the grenade launcher in the back of his SUV, coming back shaking his head. "Tell me that's not phallic."

"No, it is," he agreed quietly.  "She'll hate it, but I'm supposing it's effective?"

"Oh, hell yeah.  Very effective.  And it's a single use weapon.  You can dump it and recycle the metal."

"We could use that," Stoker admitted.  "Plus, a single use weapon does mean you can pack heavier and then lighten up when times are critical too."  Xander nodded. "Did you do a lot of this?"

"No, we only had quarterly real attacks.  Usually it was one or two bad guys, a few of us as a strike team, and then we move on."

"So, small group combat," he said thoughtfully.  Xander nodded.  "Anything larger?"

"High school graduation.  Seventy foot demon, I mobilized about three-quarters of my graduating class," he said tiredly.  "I'd rather not discuss it."

"I get the point, kid," he said quietly.  "Been there, done that, have the nightmares to prove it."

"Yeah, I wish I could drug mine away now.  I'd get more sleep," Xander told him.

"You didn't sleep last night?" Throttle asked.

"Maybe an hour.  Then it was 'up, pace, find something boring to do, nap, have a nightmare, up, pace, find something boring to do, doze off, and repeat'," he said with a small shrug.  "At least I didn't have to wear it out.  Nothing was open by that time."  He sipped his soda and dug back into his lunch. "Eat, guys."

"You okay?" Throttle pressed.

"I'm fine.  I've gotten used to only sleeping eight hours the entire week," Xander reminded him.  "I'll be fine."

"They make drugs for that?" Stoker asked.

"To keep you asleep.  I sleep so deeply I nearly died the last time I tried it," he admitted.  "I quit breathing and Anya got frantic, called an ambulance and everything.  I woke up being patted by the paramedic and being asked if I had taken more than the recommended dosage."  He took another bite.  "Let's move on," he tried again.

"Sure, Xan.  Call if you need to go wear it out," Vinnie reminded him.

"I would have but it was late, nothing was open by then, and Oz kept growling at me."  He shrugged and ate another bite, then put his lunch into the fridge.  "I'll pick that up later, I'm going to bug Ethan and get him onto our side."  He headed out, taking his SUV with him.

Charley kicked Throttle under the table.  "Don't bring up those memories, it'll be another bad night."

"I forgot," he admitted. "He does the same thing Vinnie does, goes to let it leak out in public."

Stoker nodded.  "I tried that.  I'm more a meditative sort anymore.  I'm too old to dance."

"Xander's got the stamina to do it," Vinnie offered.  "His first week here he was pretty muchly up all the time except when the movers got there."

"He hired movers?" Stoker asked dryly.

"Yeah, he was in Ohio.  They packed up everything, drove it here, carried it upstairs without complaint, and left it in the right rooms," Throttle said.  "Saved a lot of wear and tear on our backs."  Someone pounded on the door so Charley went to answer it.

"Yes?" she asked the uniformed man standing there.  "Is there a problem?"

"Ma'am, would you happen to know who's living at the ball field?" he asked bluntly.  "They're trying to sell the park and a suspicious ship was found during the tour."

She nodded.  "Possibly.  I've seen them in the past but they don't hang out here.  I may be able to get a message to them."  If they knew enough to come to her, she couldn't lie about not knowing the mice.  "I'll try to get a message to them.  How long do they have?"

"If possible tonight.  If not, within the week," he said tiredly.  "The nice Japanese man wanted to look at the suspicious ship but we wouldn't let him."  She nodded at that.  "So please, hide them better? And tell that other guy, the one with the Infinity QX, that we're still ignoring all of you, but to leave the crew reconstructing the tower alone please."

"He went to bother the sorcerer working with them."

"Magic now.  I'm sure the guys who play D&D will love that," he said sarcastically.  "Fine, I don't care.  I'm one of the many who don't care. I'd like to never care, never hear about it or anything else like it, but let's try to get them moved and to not have any more splash landings in the lake?  It scared some people and the UFO hotline called the press."

"We'll try," she promised with a smile.  "We try to lay low."

"Which is why we came to you, ma'am, instead of putting an ad in the paper.  Oh, tell him nice try at covering his tracks, but someone recognized his handwriting on the letter he sent for the first editorial.  We're ignoring that too since it's doing good in the city.  Teach him subtlety?"

"He's twenty-three.  We're doing good to make him slow down."

"Hey, all good and all," he agreed, nodding.  "Just try please.  Warn them if you can.  I'm sure they can find an abandoned building around here."  She nodded.  "Thank you, ma'am.  Do you do imports?"  She nodded.  "Then I'm sending my brother to you.  His in- law is a crook and charging him fifteen hundred for basically rotating his tires and a brake job on his Austin-Healy."  He tipped his hat and walked off, whistling happily back to his car.

Charley walked into the kitchen, noticing the sour looks.  "At least Xander bought the building next to us," she pointed out.  "It's got no roof, but you guys could fix that or figure out how to land."

"True," Throttle agreed.  "Okay.  Let's go do that this afternoon."  Everyone nodded.  "Switch, you and Stoker make sure the building's empty.  Chicago does have a homeless problem."  She nodded, eating another bite of her chili and wiping her eyes.  "Good girl.  Did Oz teach you anything?"  She nodded.  "Decent."  He got up, heading out to his bike.  He'd talk to Xander later.  He had probably foreseen this. They'd have to move the ship tonight, under cover of darkness.  Stoker's ship too.  Maybe Xander would point out how to cover the gaping holes in the building.

"Guess we'll be over more often, sweetheart," Vinnie said, grinning at her. "Let's go clean up the mess, Modo."

"Of course.  It shouldn't take too long," he said grimly.  He didn't like being found out.

"It could be worse, they could be pulling an ET," Switch offered.  Modo nodded, lightening up at that.

"Huh?" Stoker asked.

"Popular movie reference. They quarantined a whole block and came in wearing biohazard suits to get the kiddy alien," Switch told him.  She finished up her chili and helped Charley clean up, then went to look at the building Xander had bought the mortgage on.  "Hi, anyone in here?  We're taking over the building," she called as she walked in.  She heard footsteps and turned, hitting the person about to attack her. "I don't think so," she said grimly.  "Messy human."  She walked on, finding a few others.  She found a family on one floor and sat down across from the mother.  "The man yours?"  She shook her head, hugging her children closer to her.  "It's okay, I'm about to be one myself," she said, patting her growing bulge.  The mother relaxed.  "Problem is, someone bought the building and he's moving us here," she said gently.

"It's got a bad draft," one of the kids told her.

"That's okay, the guy's a carpentry person," she said with a wink.  She looked at the mother again.  "I don't want to do it, but we've got to evict you.  Are there other buildings?  I could probably get you help moving over there."

"No, we don't got much," she said quietly.  "There are more like you?"

"No," she said with a grin.  "Some friends of mine are just as odd though."

"Are you mutants, like on the comic books?" the other child asked.

"Hush," the mother ordered.

"No, it's a fair question."  She smiled at him and shook her head.  "No, sweetie, I'm not.  I'm just stuck down here."

"You're an alien?"

"Yes, and it's big, huge secret," she told the kids.  "Otherwise me and my baby will get hurt.  Understand?"  They nodded, looking up at their mother.

"We won't tell no one," she promised. "You're sure you want this one?"

"We're destructive anyway," she said with a grin.  "We can fix it up and destroy it a number of times."

"Okay.  Can we have tonight?"

"If you need it," she offered.  "Not much longer though.  We really need to move stuff."

"Did agents come for you?" the bold kid asked.

"No, but we were warned they were," she offered.  They nodded, understanding that. "I tell you what, we'll move the ship over here tonight, that'll block the draft from upstairs," she said with a small shiver.  "Then we'll move in tomorrow.  That way you have time to scout a new building."  She heard a footstep and tensed, but then smelled who it was.  "Xander."

He walked in, nodding at her, and squatted down, handing the mother an address.  "It's an abandoned building up the street.  I've scouted out the nearby buildings.  That one's near a Pit, but the Pit Boss is gone now.  It should be safe and it's defensible if it's not.  It's only got one entry and a few windows that you can get out of but not into.  Trust me, I know these things, I've done them in the past," he shared.  She nodded, taking the paper to look at it.  She smiled slightly.  "Well known?"

"It's said to be haunted."

"Yeah, I ran into the werewolf and we found him a better place to hide during the full moon."

"They exist?" the bold kid asked.

Xander patted the boy on the head.  "They do, little guy.  They're unfortunately cursed like that."  He nodded, getting that.  "Go there, he's got a new cage.  It'll be safe and it was empty last night.  It's also warmer."  She nodded.  "Don't worry about eviction," he said with a wink.  "It's not even up for sale."  She nodded, going to gather up their things and move them.  He looked at Switch, who was stroking her stomach.  "It won't happen, your people are too far down to do this to each other," he said gently, stroking her back.  She burst out crying and hugged him so he soothed her.  "Shh, it's all right. It'll be okay, Switch.  I promise, it's okay."

"What's wrong?" Stoker yelled as he stomped up the stairs.  He saw Xander, he saw the family packing up, and the look the mother was giving his girl.  "Hormone swing?"  Xander nodded.  "I'm getting to know about those."  He picked her up and looked at her.  "Mars will never have this many people again," he said quietly.  "We'll never have a housing shortage, Switch.  I promise.  You and the baby won't ever have this."  She nodded, clutching him.

"I hope not," the mother said softly.  "We didn't think so either."

"We're down to under six hundred thousand of us," Stoker told her.  She nodded at that.

"Ma'am, if you don't mind my asking, how did you get here?" Xander asked.

"My husband lost his job and then he died last year."

"There are places to help."

"They're more dangerous sometimes than being out here."

Xander nodded. "If I find someone who can help, I'll send them to you," he promised.  "To help those kids.  They deserve a chance."  She nodded, herding the children off into the afternoon sunlight.  He stood up, looking around the building.  "Okay, we'll leave the roof open for the ship, but block off that level better so there's no draft.  We'll tent the inside walls until we can build inner ones in front of them, that'd be easier than patching the old stone," Xander decided, looking around.  "Plus, you can insulate between them and we can mouse-proof them so Vinnie can't run through them.  There's a good back door for the bikes and a garage area, or we can put a ramp in place of the stairs easily enough.  Plenty of storage area so we can store materials in one area while they live in another.  I'm thinking bricks, they'd be easiest, you, Stoker?"

"Bricks?"

"Yeah, for the inner walls."

"Not very cheery."

"True."  Xander looked at the nearest wall, tapping on it.  "Ancient plaster and a fire hazard," he said grimly.  "We'll have to run electricity too," he decided.  "We could gut the inside and fix it pretty within about two weeks if I had a crew of about ten people."  He looked around again, shaking his head.  "It'll just have to be a weekend project for a few weeks," he decided.

"You could give the boys tasks and let them do it," Switch said weakly.

"Oh, I was planning on that, love, but nothing too difficult.  I wouldn't ask any of them to run plumbing or wire."  He looked around again.  "It wouldn't be too difficult.  I'll get with them tonight over the plans.  Then I'll get them permits tomorrow so no one says anything."

"Won't the owner get upset?" Stoker asked.

"No, I'd rather see the building looking better than this," Xander told him with a grin.  "I... inherited some cash and found out that Charley's mortgage was up for sale before Limburger did so I bought that one and this one in case she wanted to expand, or for circumstances like this and as a training and staging area for any intense battles."  He looked around again, then nodded once, going to look at the other layers.  "This'll need reinforced," he complained once he got up there.  He sighed and looked down the stairs.  "Tell them it'll be really late tonight, it's going to take me about eight hours to get this thing metal sheeted.  How heavy is their ship?"

"A few tons."

"I'm not sure this building will support it," he said dryly.  "Hmm.  Well, if we have to, we can park the ship in another wreck and work on this one.  At least for a day or so," he admitted.

"That burns fuel."

"Yeah, I'm aware of that and the cost of fuel.  Trust me, I have to fill up my truck many times a month."  He went to talk with the guys, tell them what he had seen.  He walked past the man on the floor, stopping to check him over.  "Huh.  He's not exactly of the living and breathing."  He checked, he had autopsy cuts.  He staked him and moved on, dusting his hands off. He got into his SUV and headed for the ballfield, parking a bit away to sneak in.  He tapped on the door and walked inside.  "Bad news.  The building's top floor is fragile."  They all groaned.  "We can fix the building by building interior walls and all that stuff, it should take a few weeks, even while you're living there, but I'm not sure the ship won't crash the building totally."

"How fragile?"

"If I was going to strengthen the top layer, I'd be heading out to get thick metal sheeting and rods to anchor them into the walls instead of the floor.  That floor's ready to give.  It's swiss cheese."

"I hate cheese," Vinnie muttered.

"Hell, I'd suggest parking it at the tower, but it's not a weekend."  He shrugged.  "The building can be sound internally but it'll take a good few weeks.  We can build interior walls in front of the present ones, putting some insulation there too.  Then if the building crumbled, you'd have a better one already up."

"Won't we have to have permits?" Modo asked.

"And?  I'm a licensed contractor."

"Point," Modo admitted.  "Plans?"

"I can do that tonight.  It's either do it this way, or blow it and start over, guys."

"Which'll be faster?"

"Building inside, that way you can customize and everything as you go.  We can even go without permits for a few weeks if we want or need to.  The one thing I'm worried about is the ship's weight on that top level."

"Well, she can crash down one if necessary," Vinnie offered.

"That might be better if you plan on her hitting then falling," Xander admitted.  "Fortunately the bottom level has a nice place for a garage area and a ramp would be easy to install."  Everyone nodded.  "We can even run true electric and plumbing if we wanted to.  You guys wouldn't use that much water, right?" he asked with a grin.

"No, I only bathe once a week," Vinnie said dryly.  "You think this is possible?"

"I think with a crew of ten I could get it done in two weeks, fully fixed even if we wanted to patch it, gut it, and start over," Xander told him.  "It's not that big of a building."  He grinned.  "I've still got to talk to my new boss.  I haven't heard about a new start date."  He pulled out his phone, paging through his phonebook to find him.  "Hey, Merle, it's Xander.  When are we starting again?"  He pinched his nose.  "Why?  Okay.  Then I've got a project.  I bought a cheap, run down building next to my favorite mechanic and I'm turning it into a private residence.  No, I'm thinking a crew of ten, two weeks, maybe sixty grand at most."  He beamed.  "Really.  But the problem is that there's going to be strange stuff.  So I'll need the guys who can be trusted not to blab.  Yeah, that sort of strange stuff.  Why?"  He smirked at them.  "That's why I filed for reconditioning permits.  Yeah, that's fine.  No, I can draw up plans, not an issue.  Can you get me real construction permits, get me an estimate I can take to the board, and do it, say, today?  Hey, I'll be right over with informal plans. Thanks, man."  He hung up.  "We may be saved.  I can't go back to work for another three weeks.  We ran into a gas line construction project," he said bitterly.  "You'd think they'd tell us about that stuff.  Okay, move stuff to my place or to Charley's, we can accommodate some of you at each if we have to."  He walked off, muttering about ideas.  He sketched out a rough plan in his SUV, then drove over to the work site, where Merle was arguing with someone. "Hey," he said, handing it over.

"Hold on, Xander."  He listened.  "So?  It's nowhere near the tower.  No, it's residential project.  The place is basically gutted anyway," he complained. "He's already got the starting stuff done, all he needs is a formal construction permit. Because he's being a nice guy," he said.  "We've been fucked by that gas line project suddenly announcing they're going in under our building that we're nearly finished constructing.  Yeah, that one."  He smirked.  "That's what I thought.  How long, kid?"

"Ten people, two weeks.  Twenty people is above my budget," he admitted.  "Fifteen I could start with but it'll end up being bricking and wire and plumbing mostly.  A ramp, some shoring up of the top level.  A garden," he said with a small smirk.

His boss shook his head.  "You're insane."

"I know.  I've been told that by professional people too, ones who thought I should be on disability for my eye."

Merle nodded.  "Ten of our guys, two weeks, easily fixed.  He's got construction experience."  He looked at the plans and nodded.  "Six plugs?"

"They're radio sorts," he said with a small shrug.  "Beyond OSHA and all that stuff."

"True."  He listened.  "Yeah, there. No, not the Last Chance, the one next to it," he said patiently. "Yeah, there.  Thanks, man.  No, file it as going on now.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "You lucked out."

"No, I planned it out," he said dryly.  "I figured it might take a few days to get the permit, that's where I lucked out."  His boss chuckled and sat down to look at it.  "Doable?"

"I don't like the position of the bathroom."

"Yeah, but I'm figuring that's the thickest wall so it's got the pipes already."

"Interesting.  Let's go look at it."  He stood up and followed Xander out to his car, whistling in appreciation.  "You didn't go pricier?"

"I didn't want any smart comments about rich boys," he admitted, turning off the security system.  "Gas line?  Limburger?"

"No, city," he said bitterly.  "This is a medical office too."  He climbed in and smiled at the comfortable seats.   The kid got in with him and they took off, heading back to the building.  He looked at the outside.  "That's a wreck."

"I'm figuring building internal walls," he admitted.  "The outside could be taken down easily enough once we were done and we could insulate after we brick."

"That'd be more expensive than starting over and going from the ground up."

"No time," he sighed.  He led the way inside.  "Yo, if anyone's here, we're the owner and contractor!"  He heard footsteps scurrying and it sounded like boots to him so he guessed Stoker and Switch were still upstairs.  He walked him around, pointing at where he wanted stuff.

"Your ideas have merit, they'd be easy enough to do, we could insulate if we double brick," he admitted. "Or brick and then wallboard even."

"Whichever's easier, faster, and cheaper," Xander assured him.  "Within the codes."

"Okay, we can do that," he decided.  "Two weeks?"

"Yeah, I'll be helping and we've got other helpers who'll be living here while we're constructing, kinda," he admitted.  "Hence the strange stuff."

"Ah.  The furry ones?" Xander nodded.  "Good enough.  They're good workers, that'll give us fourteen.  Yeah, probably two weeks would be a good estimate.  Plus, if they get bored they can add on during the nights."

"Which is what I thought," Xander agreed.  "Otherwise I'd say three weeks and me doing trim on the weekends."

Merle chuckled.  "Possibly.  Okay, let's get these formally done and filed, then I'll call in the guys while you go to Home Depot."  Xander nodded, writing down his rough estimate.  "Not that many bricks.  We can brick one side, stud the other, and wallboard on top of it.  It'll go faster and cheaper."

"Sure.  We'll need the ceiling reinforced and we'll be putting up a hoop downstairs."

"All the floors will need reinforced," Merle said dryly.  "Go for it, kid.  Bring it back here."

Xander nodded, going to do that.  By the time he got back, Merle had pinned the permit to the bottom wall and the place was swept pretty clean.  Which was good, Xander had a whole trailer full of stuff they'd need.  Good thing he had an SUV that could tow too.  He got to work on the top layer, doing the metal reinforcement for now.  They'd have to move the ship first and it wouldn't fit downstairs.  Unless someone thoughtfully blew out a wall and made a garage door.   Which was what happened later that night, but he didn't mind, they'd need it anyway for the ship later on.  He had plans for that space.  "Don't let it get too comfy down there," he yelled.

Throttle came up the stairs, whistling at the work he had gotten done.  "This'll be nice.  Putting it under reinforced concrete?"  Xander nodded, putting the next panel in place and bolting it to the wire framework in the walls.  "What's all that stuff?"

"Walls," he said dryly.  "You'll need walls.  We'll be taking out the outer walls once the inside are built.  That'll leave this place bricked and really pretty."  He beamed at him.  "Then we'll insulate, run cords and plumbing between that and normal stud walls."

Throttle looked impressed.  "How long?"

"Crew of ten starts tomorrow.  I figured on all of us helping and it being about two weeks before we take out the outer walls."  He finished that plate and moved on.  "If you guys wanna start, I marked a bunch of walls earlier with X's on the front sides of walls.  Go ahead and destroy at your leisure."

"Vinnie'll be happy," Throttle joked.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine, I called Meg, she'll pop around tomorrow to help clean up and things.  I specified stranger people on the crew. Most of them have families and will be keeping quiet about you guys."

"Thanks, Xander."

"Hey, interesting is what I do for a living," he said dryly.  "Construction is only a hobby."  Throttle snickered and went to tell the guys to find the X's and destroy those walls.  Vinnie whooped and Modo settled in to help in his usual manner.  Even Switch and Stoker got in to help.  Xander came down a few hours later and laid the first row of bricks, yawning while he mudded between them and started on the next row.  It was a pretty standard pattern.  When Vinnie got tired of destruction, he found him doing that and nearly asleep so he came in to help.  He was going to be up for hours anyway.  He noticed the holes that were being left and respected them, laying the reinforcing rods once the wall got high enough to hold them.  Xander was napping against the bricks by then.  Vinnie paused to pick him up and present him to Throttle, who made the boy nap in one of their hammocks, then he went back to bricking.

"You need to sleep too," Throttle said from the remaining doorway.  This wall was apparently staying.

"Eventually.  I figure I can get a few more feet done," he admitted.  He yawned but kept going, his tail grabbing bricks while he put the sealing compound in place.  He kept going until he was nodding off, laying the last few bricks then going to curl up beside Xander.  It was his bed and he wasn't aware enough to care at the moment.

***

Charley came in the next morning with coffee for the crew and looked around.  "It's a good start," she praised Xander.  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Have I mentioned how much easier it is with you here to help me cover for them?"

He chuckled and grinned.  "No, but I'm used to it.  Buffy and Willow couldn't make up an excuse for late night patrols for anything."  He took his coffee back to his wall, working on laying another reinforcing rod since his helper was shorter and doing the bottom brick work.  He heard a small explosion and winced. "What was that?"

"We found the old hot water heater," someone called.  "It was a pile of rust anyway."

"Sure. Do we have a dumpster yet?"

"Since shortly after we got here," Merle called back.  "Don't worry, let me lead, Xander."

"Sure, Merle."  He gulped the rest of his coffee and laid another rod, leaning around his helpers's body.  "Hey," he said, grinning down at him.  "You're damn good at that."

"He's the one who does studs so neatly too," Merle said from the doorway.  "One too many walls got destroyed."

"We were going to build around it anyway," he said dryly, shrugging a bit.  "Estimate it."

"Sure."  He shook his head and went back to do that.

"This would have been easier with poured concrete panels," one of the workers told him.

"Yeah, but it wouldn't have stood up and would have taken longer," he reminded him.  "We can brick this whole place by the weekend if we get to work."  They all got back to work and he went to check on the mice, who were working on the bottom level.  "Good job, guys," he said.  "When are we putting in the ramp?"

"Next to last, that way there's no problems," Throttle told him.  "We're mostly staying down here anyway."

"We could put it in now and build it today," he suggested.  "It'd be faster to get material up here too."

"If it helps," Throttle agreed.  "We can do that if you tell us the angle."

"Sure.   Actually, we can build it up here, let you guys destroy the staircase, then put it into place."

"Even better," Vinnie said with a grin.  "We like destruction."

"We'll keep that in mind for the next destruction job."  He went to get some of the guys to work on the ramp, making sure they could get their special bikes up it.  They'd probably want to sometime. He looked at the other level's staircase and told them to build two, just in case.  They nodded and got down to it while he went to check with Xander to make sure it was okay.  Xander nodded absently when he whispered in his ear.  "You slept recently?" he asked, looking him over.

"Last night."

"Good.  Continue that tonight.  We don't need you tired."  He patted him on the back, looking at the wall.  "It's about an inch too far," he noted.  The guy laying bricks shifted most of them to where they'd need to be, which fixed Xander's problem and everything fell into place.  "Good work, Brad.  You'll go far in this company, just like Xander."  The kid grinned at him.  He went back to checking on the others.  He'd have to push them to make this deadline.

***

Charley looked at the final building, staring in awe.  "Wow, Xander."  He beamed at her and yawned.  "I'm impressed.  It's even painted."

"One day before schedule, ten grand under budget," he said proudly, grinning at the guys.  "Well?"

"I like it," Vinnie said, beaming at him.  "We even moved the ship already and everything held."

"I saw the few weak joints and fixed them.  We've got final inspection tomorrow."  They all nodded.  "Anything you guys can see being wrong?"  They all shook their heads.  "Bathroom's okay, all that?"  Everyone nodded.  "Good, then once the final inspection's done, we're blowing the old outer walls.  All that's left is the canvas covering for the ship."  He yawned again.

"We've got it, go crash, Xander," Stoker said gently.  Xander shook his head.  "Now, mini- punk."

Modo smacked him in just the right spot, knocking him out.  "Vinnie's bed?" he suggested as he caught him.

"Sure," Vinnie agreed.  "I'll move him if I have to.  Charley, did you remember to check on his cat?"

"She's on my bed," she assured them.  "Oz is apartment sitting.  He even paid Xander's rent this month for him."  She watched as Modo carried the boy off, then looked around again, leaning against Vinnie's side.  "What's left?"

"Inspection, the final demolition of the outside. Then refixing any bricks that shift."

"They shouldn't shift, he built them to earthquake standards," Throttle said, rubbing his shoulder.  "We did good, bros."

"We did," Vinnie agreed.  "The party was fun too."

"Yeah, very fun," Throttle agreed, looking at the stain on the carpet.  They'd leave it for now.  It was industrial grade carpet, it'd be fine.  "The glass doors and windows have to be put in after the destruction."

"Already done, Throttle," Modo reminded him.  "Xander just finished those a few hours ago and they're all taped in case they blow too.  He's got the charges laid and everything."  He looked around, nodding.  "I get the corner under the ramp."  The others nodded that it was fine with them.

"Just think you guys can play ball now and won't destroy a wall doing it," Charley teased.  She tweaked Vinnie's ear, making him blush.  "I saw Meg today.  She's wondering if you guys ate Xander.  I told her to check on him tomorrow since you guys were nearly done."  They all nodded.  "Go to bed, guys, it's going to be a long day moving stuff."  They moaned.  "I'll give shoulder rubs."  That got a few grins and a leer.  "Better yet, sleep tonight.  I can take Xander over to my couch."

"Why?  He's comfortable as a pillow," Vinnie said dryly, shaking his head.  "We seem to be switching off."  He headed down to check on Xander, finding him gone.  "Xander?"  The toilet flushed, making him smirk.  "You okay?"

"Fine," he said as he came out.  "I should go repossess my cat and head home."

"No, stay, Xander.  You'll be fine," Vinnie promised.  "She's lounging on Charley's bed.  Oz is on yours."

"Meg's gotta love that."

"She'll be by tomorrow," Charley told him as she joined them. "Therefore you've got to sleep."

"I was, just in my own bed."

"Fat chance I'm letting you behind the wheel, it's been four days since you slept, Xander.  Nap, now," Charley ordered.

"We've got it," Throttle promised her.  "Night, Charley girl."

"Night, guys."  She left, locking the door behind her.

Throttle picked up Xander and put him into his bed since he wasn't going to be sleeping anytime in the near future.  "Stay there.  I'll wake you up when I come to bed and you can head home then, after a nap."  Xander yawned and nodded, settling in.  Throttle checked his watch.  "Fifteen seconds, I'm impressed," he noted.  He patted him down, getting his license, keys, and shoes, taking them to hide.  He went to get a rootbeer and go back to planning where to put stuff in the main room.  Plus what to plant in their new garden downstairs.

***

Xander hit the switch for the explosives and the concrete around the brick fell off, making the onlookers cheer.  He gave the building a critical look.  A few bricks had shifted.  "I'll be fixing those tonight," he assured the inspector.

"Not an issue.  It's liveable.  I'm sure you'll be fixing them very well, Mr. Harris."  He shook his hand and handed over the final paperwork.  "Very nice work, very efficient and tasteful as well."  He went to his car and drove off.

Xander looked at Merle. "I'm counting ten bricks."

"I've got twelve counting two on the top level," he admitted. "Plus some hanging rods."

"I was figuring to train some ivy or something about them," he admitted.  "Add to the air cleaning power of the parks."

"Good idea, kid."  He clapped him on the back.  He looked at Vinnie, who was looking at the walls.  "Need help with those?"

"No, we've got the stuff in the tube to fix it with," he assured him.  "We'll do it tonight."  He grinned.  "Nice work, Xander."

"Thanks, Vinnie.  I like it too."  He grinned at Merle and handed over the final check.  "Enough?"

Merle looked at it and nodded.  "More than," he agreed, smiling at him. "You've got a week before you can come back to work, kid.  Try to sleep more often."  Xander sighed and nodded.

"We try," Throttle said from the doorway.  "One of the plates fell and one of the pictures on the wall."

"Sorry, I may have made it a bit too strong.  Anything else, like gurgling in the pipes?"  Throttle shook his head.  "You're sure?"

"Yup, certain.  I've turned on the breaker box and everything's fine.  No sudden fizzings or scorching smells.  I think it was where the window next to it rattled."  He smirked.  "How much remaining damage?"

"Twelve bricks," Vinnie told him.  "Easily fixed with that tube stuff."  Throttle tossed it over and he went to fix those, tapping things that had shifted slightly and then sealing them from the outside.  "Ivy?" he asked, looking around for Xander, but he was missing.  "No Xander?"

"Meg," Merle said, pointing behind him.  Xander was pinned to his SUV being kissed.

Meg pulled back.  "You do live!"  He grinned.  "I know, it was important.  I'm all for that. Next time, let me help.  I can plant some very nice plants you know."

"Good, I wanted to put ivy around the rods sticking out after I fix the one that shifted."

"It shifted into a good spot," Throttle promised.  "The reinforcement over top of it works well and it didn't even bow, even if the plates did."  He nodded. "Go rest.  Meg, go get Miss Kitty and take them both home."

"Sure, Throttle.  Thanks for watching out for him.  I'll take very good care of him."

"He needs to sleep," Vinnie warned.  "He was up and wandering again last night."

"I can cure that," she said smugly, going to repossess the cat first.  "Mistress Kitty," she called.  The cat came trotting out to rub against her.  "Wanna go home?"

"I'll bring the spare litter box over later, after I dump it in the dumpster," Charley promised with a grin.  "Have fun with him."

"I get a naughty thrill from driving his gas hog," she shared.  She took the kitty out to the SUV and held her until Xander got in and buckled, then handed her over and closed the door so she could get in and drive.  She caught Xander's wallet, keys, and shoes with a smirk for him.  She climbed in and put them on the dash, heading for the apartment.  It was more than time to go home.  She had to nudge Xander awake but he only grinned sheepishly.  "Home again," she said sweetly, parking and getting out, taking his keys and wallet, then the cat so he could get his shoes and they could put him in bed.  They walked in and found Oz meditating and the room stinking.  "Eww, Oz."  He jumped and shrugged, putting out the incense and going to take a bath for the first time in days.  "He's going to bed."  She tucked Xander into bed, then put the cat on the pillow, then climbed in on the other side of Xander.  His girls would take very good care of him until he woke up again.  Even if she did have to love him into a coma.

Episode 06:

Notes: NC-17 for violence and angst.

Xander trudged into the garage.  Meg was out of town with her mother for a family reunion, something she hadn't wanted to go to but had been forced to go to.  The guys were moping because Stoker had left the night before with Switch and her hot pepper supply.  Charley had actual work to do.  And he was bored. He couldn't start work for 2 days.  He needed a good fight.  Or something, but a good fight would do.  He grunted at Charley.  "Need help?"

"Not with this one.  It's a standard thing," she offered.  "Can you turn up the radio?  There's some sort of news report and it's repeating."

He nodded, going over to turn it up. The guy's favorite DJ was going on about something.  "Dudes, I tell you, it's *sick* out there.  No one's sure who the practical joker is, but it looks like holograhpic projections of ghosts around this one town that got destroyed.  No one's sure what's going on, not even the Feebs, and they're about to go nuts from unimagination if you know what I mean.  So if there's anyone who has a clue, the Federales have asked that you call them and tell them what's going on.  Not like they believe in ghosts anyway."

Xander looked at the radio and used Vinnie's trick.  "Where?"

"Again, this is right outside of LA."

"In Sunnydale," Xander finished with him.  He looked up.  "I know I wanted a fight, but really," he said patiently.  He called Willow.  "What's the what in Sunnydale?  Mass joke or ghosts?"  He listened to her.  "Uh-huh.  I've got to start work in two days, Willow."  She sighed.  "Fine. I'll meet you at LAX.  I'll be on the next flight.  Get Giles to do the same to you.  Because I don't have time to waste on this.  I've got a job I've got to start in two days.  Yeah, well, I've been being a good guy again.  No, nowhere near spending all of it," he sighed, rubbing his eyes.  "Just go."  He hung up and looked at Charley.  "Can you watch my cat and Oz?"  She glanced at him and nodded.  "Good, I'll be back in time for work, I'm apparently heading to Sunnydale.  There's all sorts of ghosts running around there and she saw me."  He walked off, complaining the whole way to his SUV and then to the airport. He walked up to the ticket counter.  "I'm told I need to go to LAX," he told the woman behind the counter.

"Why, sir?" she asked with a smile, apparently trying to make small talk.

"Because I'm from the town with the ghost problem," he said bitterly.  "We're being recalled to fix it."  She pouted.  "Not my idea of fun either.  Going to LAX, I'll get a return ticket when I get out there.  Just in case it takes longer than I hope."

"Any bags to check?"

"If it takes that long, I'm going to pound whoever's doing this," he said grimly.  She nodded.  "Oh, I'm carrying," she said, pulling out his Firearm Owner Identification Card to show off.  "Do I check that here or with Security?"

"We'll have to check that for you, sir."  He pulled it out and unloaded it, sliding the last bullet back into the clip.   She waved a security officer over to check it for him, nodding that it was good to go.  She noted his FOID card number and all the pertinent details, then locked it in the special box and handed it to Security with the tag on it.  She printed his ticket once she had his credit card, and then handed it to him.  "You can pick it up on the other side, sir."

"Thanks," he said tiredly, heading for the gate, checking his ticket.

"Sir!"  She waved his cards and wallet.

He trudged back to get them, giving her a wry smile and a small shrug.  He went to rent his car in advance from the local desk, putting in a reservation for the other side.  Then he went through security.  "I've been doing targets recently.  My FOID card is in my pocket," he offered. "My gun was just checked through."  The man nodded, motioning him over to do the hand-wand instead of the big machine that would ping on any possible gunpowder.  He passed and his card was checked, then he was let through once he grabbed his wallet and things.  He had to come back for his ticket this time but finally made it to his gate in time to wait.  For nearly an hour.

***

Xander parked his car near the edge of the crater, noticing Willow was already there.  "Shorter flight or Air Magic?" he asked as he walked down there. Once he was down there he could see the ghosts flowing around.  "It's the high school," he said grimly.  He looked around.  "It's repeating."

"I'm thinking the hellmouth is lonely and trying to get us back," Willow said quietly.

"The hellmouth can't identify us and it never saw us on the way to biology," Xander countered, glancing around.  "Have you noticed Buffy isn't in any of them?"  He saw another former resident and waved but they shuddered and walked off.  He looked at Willow, who was staring up at him.  "They're not.  Buffy's nowhere.  This isn't the hellmouth wanting us back, Willow."

"I can feel it, Xander," she protested.  She stood up and dusted off her hand, looking around at the figures.  "You're right," she agreed finally.  "I quit wearing those green overalls when we were in tenth grade."  He gave her a sideways look so she pointed.  "Those."

"They look like all your pairs of overalls at the time," he told her.

"You can't see a color?"  He shook his head.  "Interesting."  She looked around, turning to look at the ones behind them.  She stopped and grabbed his arm, sinking her nails into them.  "Je...jessie," she stuttered.

Xander turned and found their friend standing there.  "Hey," he said.  "How's the other side?"

He shrugged.  "I was dead, then I was back here," he said, sounding confused.  "All I know is that I walked up out of the crater and then the images started.  I couldn't find you listed, Xander.  Or you, Willow."  He sniffled.  "I'm scared."

"Come out into the light," Xander said calmly.

"Xander," Willow hissed.

"If he was brought back, they wouldn't bring him back as a vampire.  He didn't have anything to atone for," he said quietly.  She shook her head.  "Yeah, they'd bring him back to see for someone, but not like that."  He looked at his oldest friend again.  "Come on, Jessie."

"I can't, Xander, I'm still a vampire," he said, going to game face.  "You could join us. It'd be a constant party, man.  You know we could do great things, Xander."

"I'm already doing great things," he said gently.  "I like living.  It'd disappoint a lot of people if I ended up undead."  He glanced around, then at Willow, who was chanting under her breath.  A small storm cloud formed and he backed away from her.  "I'm impressed and scared," he admitted.  "Can you maybe stop that?"

"It's nothing, just an accumulation of what's already here," she assured him.  "Come on, Jessie, I'll protect you.  We can take you back, you can help us.  If the Powers sent you back, they had to be for you to come to us."

Xander shook his head.  "No, Willow.  If he's still a vampire, they didn't send him.  They didn't send Spike back like that.  The Powers always hobble their Chosen somehow.  The seers have headaches if they're not demonic.  The Chosen have no life and no foreseeable future."  She glared at him.  "Look at him, Willow!" he demanded.  "He's not Jessie."

"He is!"

"He's not!" he snapped.  "If that were Jessie, and he were a vampire, he'd be rushing us.  He's got to be starving.  There's no one else here.  He could have attacked someone and I'm not seeing a body.  No one else saw this, it's targeted to us."  He suddenly got it and pulled his gun before Jessie could move.  "Don't, man.  Just don't.  Don't make me do this again," he ordered, not allowing himself to remember.  "Please don't," he let slip out when Jessie looked at him.  "She's not Cordy."

"No, but she should be one of us," he said, lunging for Willow.

Xander hesitated, then shot.  Jessie dusted and Willow was bleeding.  He got down beside her, dropping his gun so he could take off his shirt and use it to put pressure on her neck.  "Willow? Willow, can you hear me?"

She looked up at him and he could see her eyes changing, they were going black.  "It's as it should be, Xander," she said quietly.  She touched his forehead, then stroked his cheek.  "The hellmouth needs something to siphon off into.  It's growing again," she whispered.

"No!" he said firmly, holding the t-shirt tighter against her neck. "I'm not telling Buffy you died because we're reliving the worst part of our tenth grade year.  You're healing.  You're a super witch and you're healing."

She chuckled.  "I am healing, Xander, I just had to lose some of my humanity to do it.  Nature spirits can't stand blood."  She got free, knocking him into the dust.  She looked at his shirt and handed it back, then kicked his gun over.  "Take it and go.  I've got it.  I'll tell Buffy."

He stood up to glare at her.  "Willow!"

"I'm not, really.  I'm not a tree," she said in a wispy sing-song voice.  "I'm a nature spirit, Xander, and so free!  I can feel the power, I can help the power. I can destroy the seal by merging with it."

He picked up his gun.  "Willow, stop," he said, pointing it at her.  "No.  This isn't real."  He looked up.  "This isn't real!" he demanded.

She moved closer.  "It's real, Xander.  It's necessary."  She stroked his cheek again.  "You need to go home.  I'll have someone return your car."  She blinked and he was gone, leaving his shirt.  She picked it up and sniffed it, then went to put it in her new home cave.  This was her area now.  No one was going to come near here.  That was her first act, that no one, especially not Xander, would be able to come here ever again.

***

Xander landed in the garage on his knees, already sobbing.  "No!" he shouted.  He got up but he was tackled before he could move.  "Let go!  I've got to stop her!"  He struggled but whoever had him wasn't letting go.  "Let go!"  He was knocked out and lowered to the floor.

Charley came out from behind the car, taking the gun first.  "Is he all right?"

"Probably not," Throttle admitted gently.  "I don't know what happened, but something bad just went wrong.  He's got blood on him and it's not his."  He took the gun, checking it like Xander had shown him.  "He's missing a bullet."  He handed it back and lifted the boy up, taking him up to the couch.  He got him a damp cloth for his head, sitting down to stare at him.  The boy gasped suddenly and sat up so he put a hand in the middle of his chest.  "Whoa, Xander, you're home.  You're at the garage," he said softly, like he would talk to someone who was having a nightmare.  "You're safe.  It's all right."  The boy broke down and he did the only reasonable and humane thing to do, he pulled him closer to soothe him.  "Shhh, I've got you, it's all right.  Tell me what happened?"

"Willow," he gasped.  "Hellmouth."

"What happened?  Why did you go back there."

Vinnie jogged up the stairs with Meg.  "Charley said he went back there because of a news report about ghosts."

Meg nodded, coming over to take her boy and hold him like Throttle wouldn't.  "Shhh, what happened, Xan?  What did Willow do?"

He looked up at her.  "Jessie.  Hellmouth, her," he sobbed.  "She's the guardian."  She pulled him closer, letting him bury his head in her chest.

Throttle frisked Xander and took his keys and wallet, then his phone.  "You're not going anywhere, bro.  Not right now."  He called the number he had for Giles.  "What happened in Sunnydale?  No, he's back here.  He just appeared and broke down in raging anger and now he's crying!" he said firmly.  "I want to know what happened!  Well, you're not here," he snapped.  "I'm taking care of him so you'd better give!"  He listened to the stuttered admission of what he *thought* was going on.  "Xander said Willow, Hellmouth, she's the guardian. Something about Jessie."  Giles filled in that gap for him and he moaned in pain.  "And?" he demanded more calmly.  He listened to the new theory.  "Then someone had better check on her.  No, he's broken."  He hung up and tossed the phone at the wall, watching as it bounced off.  "Jessie was the friend he lost in tenth grade."

"Correction, Jessie was the friend who was turned and he had to stake," Meg said gently.  Both of them shuddered.  "They knew each other since they were toddlers.  In diapers sort of toddlers."  Throttle gave them both a hug.  "Thanks."  She looked down at him but Xander was unconscious again so she let him go.  "I need a computer."  She picked up the phone to call Oz.  "Get me on with Sarah.  Now, Oz."  He walked the phone into the study.  "Type in, it's me, I'm with Xan, he just got 'ported back by Willow.  Need FYI, Willow's new guardian."  She heard the choke.  "That's what we're figuring out, Oz," she said more gently.   She listened to the response.  "Tell her no, he can't be debriefed.  He'll be drunk later.  Tell her I want information, asap."  She listened as he typed and read, sighing.  "Thank you, Oz, and I'm sorry for your loss too."

She hung up and looked at them, then down at Xander.  "The hellmouth pulled someone or something that looked like Jessie to create the pretty ghosts of Xander and Willow.  Willow 'ported over, Xander flew," she recited as she picked up his wallet.  She handed it to Vinnie.  "Rum, coke, now."  He nodded, going to send someone for that.  He wasn't leaving at the moment.  She looked at Throttle.  "There's a rumor that he and Jessie were on the verge of getting together," she said quietly.  "Jessie got captured, turned, and Xander had to stake him to save his later girlfriend, Cordy.  This new Jessie pulled them back, bit Willow, and Xander had to shoot him again to save her.  He hesitated," she said honestly.  Throttle nodded, getting that. "Willow's turning into a nature spirit.  She had to die to do that, but she's now protecting the hellmouth from everyone else.  Sarah said parts of the group who were near there are now scrambling to move because she's pushing them out.  She's now an ethereal being, she sent him back apparently."

"So he lost his two best friends in the same minute, again," he summarized. "One of them to save the other and he failed to save her."  She nodded, that summed it up nicely.  "That sucks.  Whoever these Powers are, they need to be shot in the tail."

"A lot of their Chosen feel that way," she said quietly.  "You'll need to keep him drunk tonight.  I can't be around drunk people, I'll have my own nightmares."  He nodded, getting that too.  "Keep him drunk, keep him in bed if possible, and respect Oz.  She used to be his."

"Thanks, Meg."  She nodded.  "Can you help me get him home?"

"Yeah, not an issue, Throttle."  She looked at Vinnie. "Unless you can drive?"

"His SUV's at the airport," he told her.

"Oh.  Okay, then we'll take my car," she agreed, going down to pull it around and open the back door.  She took the gun from Charley and stuck it in her waistband, then helped guide him into the car.  They closed the door and she got in to drive, letting them follow her. They got him up to his apartment and she tried to lock his pistol away but she couldn't get the box open so she took it back with her, heading out once Modo was there with the liquor and soda.  She really couldn't stand to be around drunken people.  "Be what he needs," she told Throttle when she passed by him in the halls.  "He'll need held at the very least."  She hurried out, going back to her place to cry in peace.  She found Oz there and curled up with him, letting him cry on her.  At least she could do this for him if she couldn't help Xander.

Throttle nudged Xander, grabbing him before he could jump off the bed.  "Whoa, Xander. You're home.  There's nothing you can do," he said, staring into his eyes.  "You're home.  We're gonna deal with it, and then you're gonna get drunk."  The boy sank down onto his bed and grabbed the bottle.  "Wanna talk first?"

"How do you want to hear about me shooting my best friend for the second time?" he asked bitterly, looking up at him.

"It wasn't him, Xander.  If it was him, you'd have known."

"I didn't think so either but it looked like him and it smelled like him and it was dirty in the same places as him.  The hellmouth isn't that specific."  He took another drink.  "They used him like a puppet and I hesitated," he said with a hysterical sounding laugh.  Throttle tipped the bottle up, helping him drink more.  "I hate drinking," he said, looking at him.

"It doesn't solve anything but it'll give you time to grieve," he said gently. "One night won't kill you."  Xander nodded, finishing the pint and tossing it away, which spooked the cat, which made Xander let out another of those laughs.  Throttle found a second bottle and handed that one over too, holding up the coke.  Xander shook his head and drank it straight, gulping it but making a bitter face at the end.  "It's all right, Xander," he soothed, getting the boy laying down.  "Wanna get into PJ's?"

"I don't sleep in more than boxers," he slurred. He shimmied out of his clothes and tossed them at the closet.  "I'm so fucked."

"You're not," he promised, getting the boy covered so he could rest and sleep it off.  He was already exhausted and this on top of it was enough to make anyone snap mentally.  They'd have to make sure he came out the other side, again.  "You'll live and move on eventually," he whispered, laying down next to him.  "It'll be better in the morning.  She might be happier this way."  Xander shook his head.   "Let it soak in, Xander.  I'll be right here all night," he soothed.  Xander nodded, starting to tear up again.  "You go ahead and cry," he promised. "Men can do that and should in these times."  Xander curled up against his chest, sobbing brokenly on him.  He did what he could but the guy had to get it out.  He kept up the nonsense words and soothing strokes to his back, nodding Vinnie in when he came to the door.  Vinnie shook his head. "What?"

"Modo went home.  You guys need anything?"

"No, we're good for now," he admitted quietly.  "You staying?"  Vinnie nodded.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  He needs it."  He left, closing the door most of the way but leaving it open a bit so the cat could come and go when she wanted.

Throttle looked down as the cat came in with her favorite bell toy dangling from her mouth.  "Trying to cheer him up?" he asked, taking it to play with her.  Xander was passed out against his chest, clinging to him.   Maybe it'd wake him up and she'd make him feel better.  She was trying very hard to make him feel better.  "I wish it were that simple this time," he told the cat.   Xander moaned and the cat hopped up to knead him.

Xander looked at the cat on his side.  "Are you being a kitty, Tara?" he mumbled, picking her up to cuddle instead.  "We'll cry together."

Throttle let him curl up with the cat, staying there in case he needed him again.  Sometimes it was enough to know someone was there.

***

Throttle woke up to the sound of someone unsteadily getting up, making a grab for the man and thankfully not letting him land on top of the cat.  "What's wrong?" he asked quietly.

"Bathroom," Xander said grimly.  "Then a drink."  Throttle let him go, watching as he walked out, Xander could feel him doing it. He went into the bathroom and shut the door, looking in the mirror for a few moments.  He shook his head.  He looked rough.  "How much did I drink?" he complained.  He used the bathroom, washed his hands, then went to get a nice, cold soda.  He nearly got pounced by Vinnie.  He stared at the big, white mouse.  "Soda?" he asked finally.

"Sure, give me the usual," he agreed, letting him past.  He looked over as Throttle came out with the cat snuggled in his arms.  "Comfy, Miss Kitty?"

"I think Xander nearly renamed her earlier."  Xander stiffened and he gauged his mood.  "Who was Tara?" he asked gently.

"Willow's lifemate."  He grabbed three sodas, handing two of them out.  "She was killed.  Willow couldn't bring her back to life.  She went insane and tried to end the world.  Nearly did it too.  I still ache from whatever she threw at me to stop me."  He opened his can, looking at the cat.  "She seems very Tara-like at the moment. I'm guessing that was what it was."  He sipped to shut himself up.  "Has my computer whined?"

"No, but a quiet vocal track keeps playing," Vinnie offered.

"That's my email notification.  It's from _Men in Tights_," he admitted with a tired grin.  "I should probably see how many I have now."  He went in there to check on them, finding fifteen new messages waiting for him.  One from Oz, one from Meg, one from Meg and Oz.  He clicked on that one, smiling at the link to the cute kitten page.  "Thanks, guys."  He sent them an 'I'm okay again' message and stared at the picture.  He checked the last ones from them and found a few more cute pictures, nothing that would remind him of Willow but that would make him smile at least.  The Kung Fu kitties were very cute.  He sipped his soda, staring at the pictures.  "She's not really dead, just ascended," he told himself.  "Like Cordy.  Maybe they're snarking together about my shirts."  He took another sip and stared at the computer again.  He felt himself doze when he heard the soda drop from his hand and hit the floor.  He almost woke up but warm, strong arms lifted him up and someone else was getting the mess for once.  He felt himself be put back in bed and snuggled against the warmth.  It was a nice warmth.  Much nicer than Anya, who was chilly, or Meg, who didn't snuggle.  He must have said that out loud because someone above him laughed and it was a happy enough sound.  He snuggled into the warmth as best he could and let himself drift back off, going back to an easier sleep.

"Sleep, Xander," Throttle soothed, stroking over his hair. "You need your sleep.  You've only got a day to recover this time," he whispered.  Xander mumbled something and he grinned.  "Sure, I'm staying."  Xander threw a leg over his, dragging him onto his back.  "Sure, if you need me that way," he promised.  He was still almost fully dressed, well as dressed as he ever got.  No boots and he had taken off his vest when Xander had tried to chew on the buttons, but he was still wearing his jeans.  Xander shifted so he was nearly laying on top of him, making him shake his head.  "I don't mind being a pillow, but I'm not the mattress, Xan."  Xander slid back against his side and snuggled in again, getting very comfortable next to his ribs.  Throttle still couldn't move.

Vinnie stood in the doorway and took a picture.  "For my personal scrapbook," he said lightly.  "He okay?"

"He's fine, Vinnie.  He's asleep again.  Where's the cat?"

"Staring out the window in what Xander called her 'Batman' stare."  He nodded at him.  "What do you think happened?"

"Just what he said," he offered.  "He knows more about that stuff."  Xander bit him, making him yelp.  "Sorry!"  He got used as the mattress again and didn't notice Vinnie taking the picture this time.

That one would be going on Charley's dresser so he could laugh at it in private and Meg wouldn't see.  He went back to the couch, clicking his tongue.  The cat stared at him, then meowed and went back to staring out the window.  "Sure, you stare that way," he offered.  "I'll be right here."  He got up to get a blanket then went back to sleep.  He was joined a bit later by a warm, fuzzy lump but he didn't mind.

***

Xander looked down at Vinnie, staring at the lump of dark fur stuck on his white fur.  "Did you absorb my cat?" he teased, waking him up.  "You've got a huge black spot right there," he said with a gentle poke to the ticklish spot.  Vinnie swatted him so he grinned.  "My cat?"

Vinnie listened.  "Under the couch panting."  He got up and helped Xander move the couch, finding the cat was in labor.  "Well, it'll be pretty kitties," he decided, going to get a box and some newspaper.  Maybe he'd get a cat.  Or Switch, Miss Kitty seemed to like Switch.

"I thought you were fixed," he taunted, reaching down to scratch her head.  "Need help?"  The cat meowed and pushed, expelling a kitten.  She got into an awkward position to lick it clean and free it from her body, then nosed it until it whined pitifully.

"What's that?" Throttle asked, staring at the small lump of pink.  "You're a mother?" he asked in awe.

"Apparently."  He accepted the box and took about half the newspaper out, sticking her in there.  "That way we can change it later," he promised.  The kitty let out a meow of pain and went back to pushing.  "It's okay, you have as many as you have to and we'll find good families for them, Miss Kitty."   They settled in to watch her with their morning sodas.  Xander called the garage.  "I'm still here.  Want a cat?"  He heard a small laugh.  "What's she doing back here?"

"Carbine probably ran her off."

"No, actually, that is Carbine," Xander said, handing it over.  "She said so, and I'm guessing your Muscle Mouse?"  He nodded, groaning a bit.

Her 'I heard that' was very audible.

Xander got up to get his precious one some wet food and some clean water.  She'd probably need it.  Then he used his cellphone to call the pet store to find out what else he needed and how long before he could have her fixed.  These were his only grandchildren.  He really had thought Willow had her fixed.

***

Xander carried the box into the garage, nudging Charley with a toe.  "They didn't even fall out and she didn't complain about the ride over.  I'm amazed."

"You're adorable," Charley told them, grinning at the litter.  "How many?"

"Ten."

"I only see nine."

"She likes to hold one down by laying on it," he said dryly, making her tail move.  The other kitten was exposed.  "We're on our way to the Vet's."  She smiled at him.  "I see you're busy so I'll be back later with the darlings."  He headed back out to the cab, getting in. "Okay, I've bragged about my grandkids."  The cabby laughed and drove on, taking him to their destination up the street.  Xander walked in and grinned at the receptionist.  "Imagine my surprise, I woke up to the sound of my cat giving birth under the couch.  I thought her prior mommy had her fixed."  She grinned back.  "I need them checked over for obvious health issues."

"When were they born?"

"This morning and she's got two she won't feed and one that keeps ending up under her tail.  Plus, they're not furry.  None of the ten of them have any fur."

"Newborns aren't often furry," she assured him.  "Let me see if I can work you in, sir."  She went back to check with the doctor, who was having coffee.  "We've got an adoptive cat parent with a brand new litter.  He said he was giving birth under his couch this morning and he thought she was fixed."

"How many?"

"Ten plus the mother.  He thinks two or three may have problems."  He nodded, getting up to meet his new patients.  "Here you are, sir."  She looked around.  "Sir?"

"Bathroom."  He came out wiping off his shirt.  "I stupidly picked up the mother and she puked on me."  He looked at his momma cat, who was down at his feet.  "Feel better?"

The vet laughed and scooped her up.  "Come along, dear.  We'll look you and your new ones over," he said, giving her a head scratch.  "What's this one's name?"

"Her mommy used to call her Miss Kitty Fantastico, but I'm thinking I may rename her after her Mommy Tara."  The cat looked back at him and grinned.  "Definitely a Tara kitty."  The kitty winked at him and he raised an eyebrow, wondering if she was possessed.  The doctor took the kittens off so he looked at her.  "If you're in there, I don't mind, but give me a sign, okay?"  The cat leapt up and kissed him on the cheek, the same way Tara used to.  He grinned. "Fine, you'll be a Tara kitty," he promised, stroking her back.  "We still love you, sweetheart.  Shit I coulda used you now and then."  The cat nudged his chin so he petted hers, making he purr.  "So, kittens?  Long held fantasy of yours?" he teased.  She nipped his fingers, then got back down to wait on the vet while he worshiped her.

It was only proper, she was now a cat.

"Well, I've got some good and some bad news," the doctor said when he returned.  "The one she kept under her tail is sick, but nothing too bad that should endanger it, just make it a bit small.  We'll have to keep an eye on him as he grows up to make sure he stays fine."  Xander nodded.  "Most of the rest look healthy but one.  That one's got a heart problem already and it quit beating when I was checking it.  Since it's so young I couldn't really do CPR.  I'm sorry, Mr. Harris."

Xander looked at the mommy cat, who looked sad.  "It'll be okay," he promised, stroking her.  "We'll love the others even more.  Each of her babies is special to me."  He looked up. "What next?"

"Is she nursing?"

"All the time.  She keeps picking them up and plopping them in the right spot," he admitted with a grin.  "Can we take that one home to bury it?"

"Of course," he agreed.  "There's a very nice spot in the park that allows it unofficially."  He got him the map his receptionist had drawn out, handing it over.  "There you go.  As for the rest of it, you can fix her in about four weeks, but that can interfere with the nursing so I usually wait and do it as soon as she's weaned them.  She can go into heat within a week of weaning as far as we know.  I've seen some go sooner so as soon as she starts to howl, bring her in."

"She didn't the last time."

"Really?  Interesting.  Maybe she'll be a quiet one.  Well, just watch for blood and the usual female signs, sir, and bring her in then."  Xander nodded, taking back his box of kittens.  "That's not a bad one, but they make professional boxes."

"She liked this one.  I got one of those and she removed the kittens from the other one and stuck them back in here.  One of her favorite people made it for her," he shared.

"That's fine then.  Keep it clean and the like."  He handed back the box.  "You can pay outside.  I've put a pamphlet in there on the usual shots.  We can do that at six weeks if you'll bring them back."

"Sure," he promised with a grin.  "Come on, Tara Kitty. Let's take you and baby kitties back and have a celebration dinner at Charley's.  Think she'd let us make some fish for you?" he teased.  He took the poor one and looked at the box.  He stuck it in a corner but she hissed so he put it in his pocket.  "I didn't want to disrespect him," he offered.  He let the receptionist take out his wallet and take out cash, and call him a cab, then he headed back to the garage.  He got out, taking the cat around to the side to plant him in the shade.

"One died?" Modo asked.

Xander nodded.  "Yeah, one had his heart stop while the doctor was looking at him."  He finished covering up the small grave, then dusted off his hands, looking at his buddy.  "I renamed her after her other mommy, Tara.  She's a lot like Tara."  He walked inside, handing back the hand shovel with a kiss to Charley's cheek.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome.  Just one?"  He nodded, looking a bit sad.  "Miss Kitty will be fine.  Soon she'll be chasing them all over and too tired to miss him."

"I renamed her last night after her other mommy, Tara.  She seems to like being Tara Kitty."

"Sure, Xander," she soothed, leading him back to the kitchen.

Carbine was staring in the box in horror.  "Why are there cats in here?"

"They're my cats.  That's the mommy, Tara Kitty, and the healthy ones."

Vinnie bounced in.  He counted and pouted.  "One didn't make it?"  Xander shook his head.  "Damn it."

"Weak heart, Vinnie.  He died in the doctor's hands.  I buried him next to the building so we could visit."  Vinnie gave him a hug then a scratch to Miss Tara's head.  "She's a Tara kitty officially.  We talked about it and she liked it."

"Good," Vinnie agreed.  "If she's happy, I'm happy."  He grabbed a regular soda and bounced outside.

"Oh, no, put back the caffeinated soda, Vinnie," Charley yelled, chasing after him.

"Is it hygienic to have them on the table?" Carbine asked, still looking a bit confused.

"That's why they're in the box," Xander said patiently.  "Throttle, we renamed her after her other mommy.  One didn't make it."

"Sorry to hear that," he said, coming down the stairs wiping his hands.  "Vinnie broke the shower."

"Yours?"

"No, hers.  That screw loosened and he was trying to fix it," he explained.

"Ah.  No wonder she's chasing him down the street.  Well, him and his can of Coke."

"Eww," Throttle said with a shudder.  "Hey, Miss Tara."  He scratched her ears gently. "Just one, sweetie?"  She meowed.  "I'm sorry you lost him, love.  It's hard, but we'll try to make it better for you."  She nudged his fingers and tipped up her chin for him to scratch.  "Sure."  He scratched her gently until she ducked to move a kitten back to the nipple, making him and Xander laugh.  "You're such a fierce mommy.  Remember to litter train them too."

"Why didn't you tell me you liked other furry species when we were dating?" Carbine asked him.

"I didn't know what a cat was then," he pointed out dryly.  "Now I do and this one's pretty decent."  He moved the box into the middle of the table, staring down at her.  "That way you can't wiggle and fall."  Xander sat down in the chair he kicked out.  "How's Meg?"

"I haven't even thought to call her," he admitted.  He looked at his phone, then shuddered. "I'm probably way over my minutes.  Fortunately I can afford the phone bill.  We should make fish for dinner."

"Eww," Throttle told him.  "Hotdogs have been good enough for her so far."  Tara meowed.  "See?  She wants some of Chef Andy's sauce."  Xander sighed and checked his wallet, handing over a twenty.  "Nah, we've got it, Xan."  Xander beamed and put it back.  "We'll make sure you get home with her then take you out to get your car, you'll need it for gas."

"I need to hit the bank," Xander admitted as Charley drug Vinnie back by his tail.  "Ow."

She snorted. "I've done worse to him."  She looked at the cats. "Want this one?  Maybe Xander can turn him into a cat for you."  The cat seemed to grin at her so she laughed. "If he can."

"I make a better mouse," he complained, getting free.  "Ow, sweetheart!  Don't yank on my tail."

"Keep it up, I won't go out for hotdogs," Throttle warned.  Vinnie instantly settled down and sat down to play with the cats.  "Let them eat, bro, they're starving."  Tara nipped Vinnie's fingers and he removed them with a sheepish look.  "Xander, he's not allowed to have any more caffeine, ever," he said slowly and clearly, making sure the human got it.  "No more, never again."

"Sure," he said, giving him a grin.  "Drank how many?"

"Two," he said pitifully.  "Just the two."

"Two?" Charley asked, staring at him in horror.  "I thought this was one!"

"At least it wasn't Mountain Dew or Jolt," Xander said dryly.  She shuddered at that.

"Give him one of those and we'll send him to Plutark.  He'd bounce them to death," Throttle said dryly.  He kicked Vinnie under the table.  "If you're good," he started.

"And don't make me eat those nasty hotdogs," Xander added.

"You can go pick up dinner.  Remember, he doesn't like mayo."

"Sure!" Vinnie agreed, jumping up and heading off.

"What is caffeine and is it lethal?" Carbine asked.

"Caffeine is something that makes you speed up," Charley told her.  "It's a stimulant.  It's in the soda Xander drinks and Vinnie picked up one earlier and gulped it before we could correct him because he ate one of Switch's forgotten pepper chocolates."  Throttle shuddered and Carbine whimpered.  "Did she share?"  She nodded, grimacing again.  "Xander found them for her."

"Xander's from the place where you can still find Mexican food and Tex-Mex, and South Western, and spicy Asian food too," he said dryly, grinning at her.  "Those aren't anything, I've eaten a ton of those chocolates."  She groaned.  He looked in the box, grinning at the cat.  "It's still not as funny as when you stole the hot pepper off Switch's hotdog that time," he said with a grin.  She meowed and licked the baby, giving him a reproving look so he grinned.  "You doing okay?"  She meowed again and Charley got her a tin of wet food.  "Thanks, Charley."

"Welcome.  It was leftover anyway.  What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Oz should be back tomorrow," he admitted. "Unless he's moving in with Meg and stealing her."  Vinnie came back, stopping his bike with a screech.  "Something happen?" he called.

"Tower's nearly done and that British guy's chanting around it."  He handed over the box.  "He looked like he was just starting."

"Wonderful.  I've still got to chase down Ethan and convince him to mess with Limburger so I don't have to this week."  He looked at the cat and Tara meowed quietly.  "Want me to go now or later?"  She got up and walked over, batting him on the nose with a paw, staring at him.  "No, I'll let Throttle and Charley make sure you get home, sweetie, you know I'd never let Vinnie carry you on his bike."  She gave him a 'dumbass' look.  "What?  I don't read kitty minds."  She stared into his eyes and he nodded suddenly.  "Sure, I'll go take care of Ethan.  He's dangerous and all that.  You be a good girl for your auntie and uncle and if you're not back by the time I get done, I'll come pick you up."  He looked at Charley, who waved him on with a tolerant look.  Xander stole one of his burgers and one of the sodas, heading out to hike to the tower.

"I'll give you a ride," Vinnie called.

"I'm good."  He waved and jogged off once he was done.  He needed to go for a jog anyway.  Vinnie rolled up beside him so he paused, looking down at himself.  "What?"

Vinnie patted him down and took the sneaky cat from him, putting it into a protected spot inside his bandoliers, then headed back with a tail wave.

"Sure."  Xander started to jog again, liking this for the moment.  He was out of breath by the time he got to the tower, but he checked his watch.  "Damn, under an hour.  I'm good."

"You're annoying, get it right," Ethan said crossly, glaring at him.  "What do *you* want?"

"Easy, I want you to stop and to work for our side," he said with a grin.  "This guy wants to send all of our planet off to feed his greedy culture, who doesn't even have magic.  They're big, smelly, fish people who torture and maim for fun.  We're about number twenty-two on their list of planets devoured, including Mars."

"How would you know?"

"I know someone else who's fighting him, Ethan.  After all, I'm helping them," he said patiently, looking at him.  "What's he paying you?"

"Not enough to get into a fight with you," he admitted.  He looked the boy over.  "You look....well.  I suppose.  Where's Ripper?"

"Cleveland."

"You're here and he's there?  A multi-city assault?"

"No, I left after the selfish and stupid slayers drove me insane," he admitted, plucking at his damp t-shirt.  "Sorry, spent the day babying my cat."

"You have a cat?"

"I inherited Willow's cat," he admitted, staying calm.  It still hurt.

"Yes, where is she?  She's always been more amusing than you," he said blandly.

"Dead."  Ethan stiffened and stared at him, shaking his head.  "She's the other one who went back to Sunnydale, Ethan.  A...vampire bit her, she bled, and said she was turning into a nature spirit to protect the mouth of hell.  I'd rather blow it the fuck up, but she didn't think that'd work on the seal."  He slowly shook his head.  Xander nodded.  "Yeah, she bled out in my arms, Ethan."  Ethan shook his head again.  He grabbed him and shook him.  "Yes, she is, she's dead!" he shouted.

Ethan got free and slapped him.  "Calm yourself. Wild magic still roams around you, boy."  Xander glared at him and something made him shiver in those eyes.  One wasn't right.  "You're injured."  Xander popped him one in the nose.  "Ow!  Just like bloody Ripper!"

"Yeah, well, I learned a lot from him," he said bitterly.  "Now, let's get back to real business.  This is a blight.  The owner is a blight.  Your magic won't stop me from blowing it up again.  The only time I magicked it, I let some vampires I was getting stuff from send it to hell."  He sneered.  "I've often thought about doing that to their home world.  It would serve them right."  He saw Ethan back up and turned, facing the little, big-headed geek in the lab coat.  "Oh, hey, it's you," he sneered.  "Feel better?"

"You had us sent there."

"Yeah and from what I hear, you deserved it," he agreed.

"Do you know what they did to me?" Karbunkle glared back.  "How they tortured me?"

"Do I care with what you did to others?  I'll gladly take my punishment for sending you, dude.  You're not worth my sweat or tears.  You're a fucking butcher and you deserved worse than you got."  He glanced back at Ethan but he was packing up.  "Think about it, Rayne.  Who's the better choice here?  Smelly fish people who want to use you as a science project, or doing chaos for the side of good?"

"Magic doesn't work, it's not scientific," Karbunkle sneered.

"Yo, Ethan, got a handy lightening bolt?" he sneered back.

"Not at the moment, but I do have a curse.  On you and yours, Harris."  Xander punched him again before he could finish.

"Is that like the hyena I'm cursed with or the soldier's memories you gave me?" he sneered at his victim.  "Your doing, remember that, Rayne.  Some day, you too will pay. Especially if you help these morons."  He lifted him up and looked at him, still sneering.  "Remember, I still have friends and family."  He let him go.  "Shoo, Ethan.  You're in the way."  He backed away slowly then ran.  He looked at the doctor, who was now surrounded and backed up by goons.  "Not gonna help you."

"They can hold you still while I do to you what those things did to me."

"And you say magic doesn't exist.  Hmm, how else did you get to hell?"  The first goon took a swing at him and he backhanded him, knocking him down.  Xander pulled his bootknife and used it to mildly slice into a few others, kicking another, and backhanding the last with the hand holding the knife.  He faced the doctor again.  "You were saying about your hit squad and being impressed?  I'm bored now.  You wanna shot?"

"What are you?" he hissed.

"Human, unfortunately."

"I can fix that."

"Not before I castrate you and rip your head off.  Hey, maybe with the way you work things, we can attach the esophagus to your asshole so you shit as you talk."  He advanced on him and the doctor ran back into the tower.  "You don't touch me or mine, doctor.  Remember who's mine."  He put the knife back and turned, finding his crying girlfriend there.  "Hey, Meg, I was going to call you tonight."

"You're human, right?" she asked, staring in his eyes.  "Totally human?"

"Raised on a hellmouth, human, possessed a few times.  Yeah.  Why?  What did Oz scent on me?"

"I'm not sure," Oz admitted as he joined them from the shadows.  "I smell it now but it comes and goes.  It's animal."

"If you start saying I'm oozing hyena, I'm going to get really pissed," he said blandly.  The tower started sending up an alarm and he looked up.  "I'd scatter, guys."  They ran back to her apartment to watch the fireworks.  Xander continued to stare up as a big ray gun came out.  "Huh."  He glanced around and hopped the fence, heading to scale the thing if he had to.  He found a few guards patrolling and knocked them out, taking a few of the nifty, never dying lasers with him.  He had wanted to trade but Throttle said he couldn't have one.  He checked, taking the safety off.  Then he snuck inside, going up the stairs.  There were more guards up there so he cackled as he shot them in the feet, making them jump.  This high up in Chicago there was a good wind.  He could see the ray gun shaking.  He shot the bolts, which made it collapse and fall off the tower, shooting on the way down.

"Oops," he muttered, heading back down the stairs at a run.  He made it to the garage when the building started to collapse, having to shoot the gate to get out.  He ran like hell too, barely making it over the fence before the building came down.  "Whoo-hoo!" he shouted. "One for me!"  He grinned and waved at Limburger, whose office was showing through a plexiglass box on top of a narrow shaft.  He chuckled and walked off.  He saw a few cops and shook his head. "Wasn't me, guys, there was a big gun and it fell," he said with a laugh.  A few of them went for their weapons. "Seriously!  Don't believe me, get their security tapes," he said with another chuckle.  "He put a ray gun on top of their tower and it fell!  He didn't account for wind!"  A few of them snorted but some still looked very serious.  "Ask them, not me."

"Shoot him!" Limburger yelled.  "He did this!"

"With what?"

"Sir, do you have any demolitions experience?" one asked.

"Yeah, but I'm in construction.  If you look at the other side of the building, at the bottom, there's a big dish with a classic ray gun nozzle.  I swear.  I'll wait right here.  I snuck up to get a better look at it."

"Then why are you holding a gun?"  He looked. "Or four?"

"I thought they were toys, I took them off the guards.  Can I keep one?" he asked, handing all but one over.  "They're really neat."

"No, sir," he said patiently.  "We're going to pat you down now."

"Sure, my FOID card is in my wallet and I've got a bootknife that I freely admit was used in a case of my big butt being jumped earlier.  It may or may not have blood on it, just like my knuckles," he said, showing them off.  "But they jumped me on the way out for my walk.  I'm a big geek, I couldn't help but go up to look at the ray gun.  I'm a big DS-9 fan, especially of Kira and Odo.  I think they make a splendid couple, don't you?"  They all gave him very worried looks now so he shrugged.  "I'm a geek!"

"Yes, you are," one of them admitted.  He nodded at one of the other cops surrounding him.  "Go look and see if he's telling the truth."

"Yes, sir."  He jogged off, coming back a few minutes later nodding.  "There's burns too, sir, a big pot hole at the base of the tower on that side."

"Which means the tower acted like a falling tree and fell in the direction of the weighty side since it probably exposed the foundation," Xander told him.  "Just like Pisa."  They all stared at him.  "I'm a geek who does construction," he reminded them.

"Sure, sir.  Let's take you down to get a statement.  In such cases we need statements," one of them offered.

"Sure.  I have nothing to hide," he said with a grin.  "I'll cop to trespassing if it'll help."

"No, sir.  That may not be necessary."

"Wait!" Meg yelled, running up to them, panting.  "Video!  I heard the ray gun come up!" she panted, handing it over.  "He's my boyfriend and he was sneaking in to find the ray gun and look at it."

They looked at her and her obvious goth personality.  Then they looked at Xander, who was wearing jeans, a t-shirt, an overshirt, and boots.  They groaned and gathered around to look at the tape, which clearly showed the ray gun blowing out the ground and the tower collapsing from that.  "Fine," one of them sighed.  "You still can't keep the weapons, sir, or else we'll have to charge you with trespassing and with handling an illegal firearm."

"But I'm a good boy and I've got my FOID card," he whined. "Please?"  He bounced a bit.  "Just one?  I promise I won't fire it.  It'll hurt my kittens.  My kitty, Tara Kitty, just had ten of them but one of them died and I really need cheered up because my best friend died yesterday in Sunnydale, please?" he begged.  One was handed back and the cops took the tape with them.  Xander leaned on Meg's shoulder, waving at them.  "Nice guys.  Guys, my FOID card?" he called.  It got tossed back and landed on the ground so he went to pick it up, finding his girlfriend giving him one of those looks.  "What?" he asked hesitantly.  "Miss Kitty started to be very Taraish, her other former mommy, and she had kittens this morning."

"Not that, Xander.  Possessed?"  He nodded.  "You're her knight, aren't you?"  He nodded, moving closer.  "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought Sarah had," he admitted.  "It's not like I take out a full page advertisement: I hunt vampires, call me to see how you can too."  She rolled her eyes and sighed.  "Sorry, Meg.  Are you taking up with Oz?"  She looked startled but shook her head.  "We're not breaking up?"

"I don't know yet," she admitted, pouting at him.  "Next time I get a baby mouse, you're coming to deal with it."

"Sure, I can blow the baby mouse away," he said cheerfully.  "Vinnie jumps at the sight of human mice."  She rolled her eyes again but she was grinning.  "Hey, I finally got a laser pistol too," he said happily.  He waved up at Limburger, who was pounding on his glass wall.  "You know, he's going to tip if he keeps doing that."  She nodded, patting him on the back.  "We lost a kitten."

"I heard.  Charley called me to warn me you were coming this way and might drop in."  She gave him a kiss on the cheek.  "I still like you, Xander, but you're dangerous."

"I'll be good. I've got to start work tomorrow anyway so I won't have time to run wild."  She gave him another one of those womanly 'dumbass' looks and he sighed.  "We are breaking up, huh?"  She nodded, giving him a hug.  "Fine, but we're staying friends or I'm going to haunt you."

"Sure," she agreed.  "Who else would go clubbing with me?  Besides, honey, I think you're a bit gay."  He shook his head.  She nodded.  "Yeah, I think so.  I also think that you and Throttle would be really hot together, but you and Vinnie would kinda cancel each other out and Modo seems a bit too laid back to deal with you. So maybe you should hit on Throttle."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "But that's okay, I'll be your favorite fag hag when you figure it out.  Do you think Oz likes me?"

He nodded. "Yeah, he was grinning at you.  Oz was kinda expressionless most of the time before."  He gave her a hug.  "Okay, you go pounce the Oz and drive him into exhaustion.  I'll...I'll call you tomorrow when I go to pick up my car and you can help me think up names for the kitties."  She nodded, leaving to go back home.  He sighed and wandered off, heading back to his place alone.  He hated being alone.  "I hate being alone.  Being alone sucks."  He heard a motor and looked over at Throttle, groaning. "You heard it all, didn't you?"

"No, I only came in at the you being willing to go kill the baby human mice for her," he admitted smugly.  "Want a ride?"

"Are we not talking in a gay way, because you know she'll probably take it the wrong way and cheer."

"No, I'd never hit on you, Xander," he said patiently.  "Give me the gun."  Xander shook his head, clutching it to his chest.  "Until you're trained on it, then you can have it back.  Now.  Right now," he ordered, wiggling his fingers.  It was handed over with a sigh.  "We'll teach you how to use one this weekend," he allowed.  Xander beamed again.  "What did you do?"

"See, he had a ray gun on top of the building and didn't take into account wind resistance.  So when the bolts snapped, it falled and took out the foundation, leaving the tower falling," he said happily. "Fortunately he had one side weighted more, unfortunately the side I was running out of.  So I had a talk with the cops too."  He checked himself and Throttle held up his FOID card.  "Thanks."  He tucked it into his pocket and got onto the back of the bike.  "I start work tomorrow."

"Yes, you do.  We'll pop over on Friday to check on you if we haven't seen you."

"Why wouldn't you see me?  I'm a crew chief.  If I have to hit a single nail or do a single screw, then someone's slacking off," he said dryly.  "It's the beauty of management."  Throttle groaned and shook his head.  "I worked extra hard for you guys and I'll do it if we're hitting a deadline there, but I doubt we will be since we've got to unconstruct part of the building and move it to the other side thanks to the city planning board."  He grabbed on and Throttle took off.  "Kitties?"

"Back at the house.  Charley brought them over in the wrecker," he said patiently.  "We've got to get you a helmet."

"And my car.  It's at the airport."

"Tomorrow, Xander."

"Sure."  They paused outside of his building and he climbed off. "I can't just keep it in the safe?"

"No," he said patiently.  "Go nap.  You'll need to sleep to help tomorrow. We'll come over to watch the kittens since you'll be gone."  Xander nodded, heading inside. Throttle shook his head.  "Meg was so unfair to him," he complained, tucking the laser rifle more securely under his arm and taking off again for home.  He had a sudden feeling and turned around, going back to stop the boy from sneaking out.  He caught him about a block away and picked him up with his tail, depositing him behind him.  "No, Xander."  He turned around to look at him.  "No running off to club."

"I was going for milk."

"In your tightest t-shirt and jeans?  I doubt it, Xan," he said, letting a touch of fondness creep into his voice.  "How about a long ride? That should knock you out."  Xander nodded.  "Fine, hold on."  He checked traffic and took off for the park, where it was safer to ride at night.  He used the laser to blast the butt of a mugger hitting on an old lady but otherwise it was fairly peaceful.  He slowed down when he felt the warmth against his back inch closer and the arms tighten a bit.  "Ready to go home?"  Xander shook his head. "You can't fall asleep, you'd fall off," he said gently.

"No, I'm okay," he mumbled.  "Just comfy. You're very comfy."

"Thanks, Xan."  He turned them around anyway and took Xander home, having to carry him up to bed since he was fully out of it by then.  He tucked him in and checked on the kittens, who were napping, and the momma, who was eating.  "You okay until morning?"  She meowed quietly and he grinned. "Good girl.  You keep him here, make up something if you have to."  He left, locking the door behind him.  Xander wouldn't sleep long enough to need the alarm clock so he didn't think about setting it.

***

Xander rushed onto the site the next morning.  "So sorry," he pleaded.  "Throttle forgot to set my alarm clock."

"Why was he putting you to bed?" Merle asked patiently.

"Because we were taking a ride and I fell asleep against his back."

"Aren't you dating that hyper goth chick?"

"We broke up last night.  She decided I'm too strange," he admitted.  "So we're buddies instead and she's dating Oz now."  He shrugged.  "She just told me last night."  Merle patted him on the back.  "He was trying to keep me from going clubbing and coming into work afterward."

"Fine, Xander.  I can't pay you for all morning but I don't think you care."  He shook his head.  "Don't let it happen again, kid."

"Sure, Merle. Inside?"

"Yeah, deconctruction crew.  What happened to the tower?"

"He had a big ray gun and the bolt went pop and he didn't account for wind," he said with a grin.

"Bolt went pop," he said flatly.  Xander gave him a wicked grin and a nod.  "Up there were you?"  Xander beamed some more.  "Fine, keep your secrets.  I'm assuming it took out the foundation?"  He nodded.  "Decent.  At least you made it out."

"Barely.  I ran in the wrong direction, I went in the direction of the weight.  I had to blast the gate to get out of the garage."  Merle shook his head.  "I'm a geek, I love ray guns," he said happily.  "Is he still trapped in his plexiglass icepop on stick?"

"Yup, and they can't get him down.  He didn't give himself a door through his emergency exit this time.  They may have to cut down the tube and lower the box with the crane."

"Cool.  Can't wait," he said happily, heading inside.  "Morning, guys."

"Afternoon, Xander," his crew called back with a laugh.

"Contrary to popular opnion, I wasn't clubbing this time, I was actually sleeping, it's been a long few days, guys.  Go easy on me today and I might treat for a single round tonight after work."  They cheered and got down to it, with him helping when he could.  He wasn't going all out but he could do it between checks, holding stuff, and other bossly jobs.  He checked his watch when he started to get tired.  "Guys, it's nearly five.  Don't we break at five?"  They groaned and nodded.  "Okay, let's clean up, we've got ten minutes."  They finished their current sections and then started the clean up process.  "Good work today, guys.  Think we can continue at this speed?"  They all nodded.  "Then we're going to hit target most likely and be happy because the big boss is."  He heard a cough and looked at Merle.  "We got this much done."

"You're ahead of schedule then," he offered.  "Go ahead when you're cleaned up."  They grinned and hurried up, heading off.  Most of them winked at him and only one shrugged so it was good that they liked Xander and his style.

"Where am I buying the round?"

"Friday, Xander, payday," one of them called back.

"Sure," he said with a small shrug.  "I'm hoping they liked me. I pitched in when I could."

"You were liked, none of them frowned at me," he admitted.  He looked around then at the materials they had saved.  "You did better than most of the other parts did.  They just destroyed without thinking."

"That's wasteful and takes more money, which makes for unhappy owners," he said with a shrug.  "I wouldn't have liked it on my job."

"True.  How's it holding up?"

"I've had to replace those two bricks up top.  They blew off before anyone could get to them.  Other than that, I haven't heard any complaints.  Other than Vinnie breaking Charley's shower last night."  Merle laughed at that.  "I'm not being fired, right?"

"Hell no," he snorted.  "You fit in with our goofballs."  He shrugged.  "I was wondering if you wanted to get a round."

"Actually, I was going to buy myself soda," he admitted.  "I rarely drink, except when I lose people so I had about two pints of rum the night before last."  Merle nodded.  "But I'll gladly go for a soda and a slice of pizza if you want.  Then I've got to go pick up my car.  It's still at the airport."

"Why?"

"Willow sent me back directly after she died and changed over," he said bitterly. "I was going to stop her.  The airline still has my gun too."  Merle shook his head.  "No?"

"Charley said to tell you she had your gun and you could have it when you came to fix her shower later.  Meg gave it back when she couldn't lock it away.  She was worried about you using it."

"Okay," he said with a shrug.  "We still on for a pizza and a soda?"

"Sure, kid.  Let's go do that."  He walked him out, noticing Throttle waiting on him.  "Prior date?" he joked weakly.

"Not that I knew about but he was kitten sitting.  Give me a minute."

"I tell you what, we'll do it Sunday, go over your first week and go over next week," he offered with a grin.

"Hey, I'm there," he agreed cheerfully.  "Call me to tell me where."  Merle nodded, smirking at his back.   He jogged out to where the biker was sitting, grinning at him. "Picking me up?"

"Making sure you fix Charley's shower so she quits yelling at Vinnie," he admitted.  "She was using ours and Modo walked in on her."

"Ah! Understood.  Let me grab my tool belt."  He went to get it and came back with it over his shoulder.  He buckled it on once he climbed on the back, using one hand to hold onto the hammer that was trying to fall out.  They made it back and he climbed off, heading inside.  "Do we have a new screw or anything?" he asked as he walked past her.

"Thank you, Xander," Charley called after him.  "You're saving someone's life."

"I said I was sorry," Modo nearly pouted.

"I'm not blaming you, it was Vinnie who sent you in there," she snorted, glaring at Vinnie, who gave her his most angelic look.

"Fuck!" floated down.

"What?" she called back.

"Broken pipe in the wall.  I leaned on it and it squished.  Not a good thing."

"He's very handy to have around, even if he does have cats," Carbine said, smirking at Throttle. "Doesn't he bike?"

"He's got balance issues," he admitted.  "We're slowly getting him used to it.  His SUV's still at the airport." Vinnie groaned. "I'll take him out later."

Xander came down the stairs.  "Actually, I need it to go to Home Depot," he said grimly.  "Charley, love, what color would you like your new backsplash to be?"

"You can't save the old one?"

"Not really.  It's very thin.  When I pull it away from the wall I'm betting on at least one part breaking and since it's all connected, I'm guessing it's all breaking."

"Fine.  Same color?"

"If they don't have it?"

"Something coordinating?"  She looked at his red shirt and blue jeans, then shook her head.  "Never mind.  Any shade of yellow or light green.  They're usually cheaper."

"Contractors get discounts," he said patiently.  "Fantasy one?"

"Marble and a lot bigger," she said dryly.

"I'll remember that when I build you a second home," he said dryly. "Green?"  She nodded. "Marbilized?"

"Sure.  If you can get it cheap."

"Cool.  Should I call a cab to the airport?"

"Only if you're hitting the bank," Vinnie told him.

"Point.  Very good point."  He patted himself down.  "Wallet?"  No one said anything.  "Crap."  He called the site. "Merle, did I leave my wallet in the desk?  Yeah, Charley's gonna need a whole new backsplash.  No, squishy wall issues.  Sure.  On the way there.  Thanks, man.  Are my keys in there too?"  He heard the warm chuckle and grinned.  "Thanks."  He hung up and shook his head. "I'm going scatter brained.  Last chance to give me a ride out?"  No one said anything.  "Cool.  Let me hit the cab."

"I can," Throttle offered.

"No, you can eat, I can," Vinnie assured him.

"On the interstate without a helmet?" Throttle joked.

"He can borrow mine," Charley said patiently.

"I love you guys," Xander said fondly, grinning at them.  "I'll fix the helmet issue tomorrow after work."  They all nodded and played rock/paper/scissors for the right to take him.  "So, Charley, how did you like my work on the tower," he said smugly. "All by myself too."

"That was you?" Carbine asked, staring at him.  "How did you do that?"

"Easy, he didn't take into account the wind that high up.  Two bolts and the ray gun fell, took out his foundation, and boom, fish on a stick in a glass cage."

Charley snorted, shaking her head.  "He was nearly crying, Xander.  His mask was slipping."

"And?"  He shrugged.  "He's a bad guy.  Bad guys get bad things happening to them.  That's what they deserve."  Someone knocked on the door and he groaned.  "Bugs?" he suggested, going to answer it since the odds were that they wanted him.  On the other side of the door was a nice looking man, younger thirties, dark hair cut short.  Not too tall, almost as tall as Xander's six-one.  Maybe five-eleven or so he guessed.  Not real muscular but the sort that spoke of action instead of gym time.  All in all, he shouted 'covert fed' to him.  And he knew covert feds since he had danced for some of them in the past.  "Yeah?" he asked dryly.  "I'm Xander."

"I'm Micah, Mr. Harris.  I'm here to investigate what happened in Sunnydale."  He stepped inside.  "I'm assuming your friends know since they took you home and helped you through that night."  He looked at him.  "I used to do more national security but my agency got sent to deal with the strange and the unusual.  If I can have five minutes I can wrap this up and file it."

"And not cage me in a little cage with wires and electrodes?" he asked facetiously.

"No I'm not NID.  I personally like to smack them around a lot," he said with a small smirk.  "Bottom line is, the town's not accessible.  We want to know why."

Xander sat down on the floor, looking up at him.  "My best friend, Willow, died.  When we got there, we noticed most of the ghosts were of us.  We found a formerly dead friend there.  I hesitated just a few seconds too long.  He bit her, she died, she turned into a nature spirit and said she's protecting the town. She sent me home, which is why I need to pick up my car at the airport."

"I'm sorry for your loss," he said honestly.  "We found a single shell casing and wood residue."

"I hunted vampires for years.  My own invention."

"Thank you.  Do you have any so we can mass produce them for our people?"

"Ask Charley.  She's got my gun.  Charley, can I have my gun back?  He wants a bullet."

"Sure.  Let me get it."  She went to grab it for him, handing it over handle first.  She looked at him. "I know you. You've been lurking."

"We used to do national security but instead everyone else got pushed into Homeland Security and we got rerouted to strange and unusual defense."

"Cool, does that mean I can get neat weapons off you?" Xander asked, undoing the clip and taking out a bullet to toss over.  "My own invention."

Micah looked at it, holding it up to the light. "Interesting.  Can I watch you make a few later?"

"If you have to," he admitted.

He looked at him.  "Mr. Harris, I hate doing this job," he said honestly.  "I could care less that there are at least four aliens in the next room or that you're about as close to a mutant as we get down here," he said patiently.  "How by the way?"

"Prior possessions is anyone's best guess."

"Better you than me then.  All I want is a nice, tidy report that no one will ever want to read.  Then I get to go home and do it all again tomorrow.  Speaking of, if your friends want more grenade launchers, we noticed when it fell out of your SUV, have them call me directly," he said, handing Charley a card.  "We've got a whole stockpile of the ancient stuff and they've probably got stuff to trade that we can use."  He looked at Xander and shrugged. "You're practical, I'm practical, she was a witch, right?"  He nodded.  "So she's making sure it doesn't explode, I don't have to go back there, nothing can get to it?  She's officially sealed it with her body and blood stuff, right?"  Xander nodded again, looking sad.  "Mr. Harris, she's moved onto a higher purpose.  Even if it does suck."

"It does suck.  Suckage continued since the other person was a friend and I had to dust him again."  He narrowed his eyes.  "How did you get a shell casing?"

"We have a witch but your friend knocked her out after complaining about you not yelling at your cat for having kittens."

Xander snorted as he stood up.  "Sure.  I'm gonna yell at Tara for having kittens.  Not!"

Micah smirked.  "I like you. If you need me for some world-ending event, call.  By the way, where are the other Plutarkians?"

"New Orleans' left, Hawaii's left. So that leaves Detroit and somewhere," he admitted.  "I'm only concerned with this one."

"Sure. They're all cheeses, right?"  Xander nodded.  "Even better.  Easier to find."  He made a note of that.  "That's all I need.  If you need me, yell.  I won't tell the spoiled brats who hit on me in Cleveland anything about it."  Xander nodded, shaking his hand.  "Thank you and keep up the good work, people.  Less for me to do."  He walked out making notes into a tape recorder.

Xander looked at Charley, who shrugged.  "Am I having acid flashbacks?" he asked.

"You did acid?" Charley asked, looking shocked and amused since she burst out in giggles.  "When?"

"When I was stripping for covert agents like that one," he said dryly.  "Little did I know at the time," he said dryly.

"You did what?" Throttle asked from the doorway.

"The car at the time was broken, I was stranded, it paid for a room and getting things fixed," he said with a shrug.  "Survival."  He shook his head.  "I'm going to forget that happened until necessary.  Come on, let's go.  Whoever's taking my idiot, lunatic self to pick up my stuff."

"Maybe you should go home instead," Charley said, patting him on the back.

"Leaving my brand new SUV at the airport means it'll get jacked," he said grimly.

"I agree, Xander, let's go home," Throttle said, steering him to his bike, who beeped at him.  "What?  Wanna go to his place?"  He leaned Xander against it, looking at him.  "You okay?" he asked quietly.  Xander shook his head.  "Need to make any stops?"

"To get my keys and wallet, otherwise we've got to go up the fire escape."

"Sure, I'll even let you buy ice cream."  He nodded at the bike.  "Let's go."

"Sure."  He grinned at Charley.  "I'm not going to be around Sunday.  Merle and I are going out for pizza and a soda."

"Work related?" she asked.

"I'm not sure," he admitted, considering it.  He shrugged.  "I don't know.  Meg broke up with me because I'm odd, she's dating Oz instead.  She told me last night."  He got on behind Throttle, grabbing onto him.  "Tell me if I tickle you again."

"You haven't done it in days, Xander," he said patiently, opening the door with a fist to the switch.  "I'll make sure no one walks in on you in the morning, Charley girl."

"Thanks, Throttle."  She grinned as they took off.  "They do make a nice looking couple," she admitted.  "Meg was right about that."  She walked over to pick up Xander's gun since he had dropped it again and put it back.  Then she went back to dinner.  "Did you know that Meg broke up with him?"

Vinnie groaned.  "Why?"

"She said he's too strange and too dangerous to be around.  She did say he and Throttle would be cute together.  She called to tell me that earlier but that she still wanted to be buddies and all.  Apparently Sarah hadn't told her what he *used* to do."

Modo shook his head with a small moan.  "I'm worried about this new government group."

"He didn't want to be doing this and Xander almost smirked at him," Charley offered.  That made him relax.  She handed the card to Carbine.  "In case you guys liked the grenade launcher and wanted more."

"I heard," she said, reading the card.  "Micah Simms, ECHO."  She tucked it into her shirt pocket.  "We'll see.  We don't have much to trade anymore."

"Old ship parts," Vinnie suggested.  "They're barely making it to the moon and doing rovers and things.  Speaking of, who has the last two Mars Rovers?  It drove them nuts for weeks."

"We gave them to some of the brighter engineering talented kids to take apart," she admitted smugly. "They had fun and put them back together, then took them apart and made other stuff with them.  They're like toys to them."  She sipped her soda and leaned back.  "What's up with that kid anyway?  Throttle seemed real protective."

"Throttle's had his 'dad' attitude a lot with the kid," Vinnie admitted.  "He's a veteran of combat down here, none of it legal," he admitted. "Stoker and Throttle admitted we were like brothers.  The first time we met him, he jumped out a window without a bike."  She stared, then slowly shook her head and moaned.  "I'm not that reckless, but Throttle didn't seem to see that.  He's been kinda watching the kid since he first showed up a few years ago."

"I can't even imagine what those two years were like back there," Charley admitted.  "He was like he was when he came in all the time the first time we met him.  Anymore he's more quiet and almost solemn at time, kinda depressed."

"Shell shocked and bad nightmares," Modo told her.  "Fairly classic."

Vinnie nodded.  "He's about as jumpy as I am," he admitted.  "He's getting better.  He was late to work today because he finally got some real sleep."

"How?" Carbine asked.  "I know drugging you doesn't even come close."

"He can't, he'll stop breathing again.  He did the last time," Charley told her.  "I think Throttle caught him coming back and took him out for a talk to make sure he was okay now.  He only lost his other best friend the day before yesterday."

"So you guys did what?" Carbine asked.  "Got him drunk, made him sleep?"  Vinnie nodded.  "He seems okay."

"He broke while he was drunk," Vinnie said quietly.  "That made the second time he had to kill one of his friends who turned bad."  He looked at her when she gasped, looking at the person in the doorway. "Hey, you are?"

"You're furry.  Are you demonic?" she asked.

"From Sunnydale?" Modo retorted.  It seemed to be the common reaction that marked someone as being from there.

"Yeah, I'm Buffy.  Where's Xander?  We had this number from one of his calls."  She crossed her arms.  "I know you're hiding him but we're the best thing for him."

"Throttle just took him home," Charley told her.  "He's exhausted and started a new job today."

"Oh."  She pursed her lips and looked around. "Is he okay?"  She shook her head.  "Oh."  She glanced around again. "You're not demonic, right?"

"Miss Summers," Micah called.  "Just the slayer I wanted to talk to," he said, nodding at Charley, eyes wide in a 'sorry about her' look.  He took her by the arm and steered her off.  "Come on, we've got to talk, young lady.  If Xander doesn't have any subtlety, you're screaming from a stage about what you do."

"But it was necessary."

"I don't care.  The press got hold of your stunt.  No more."

"You're not my watcher."

"Ma'am, I'm US Intelligence over your area.  You keep it up and they're going to force me to recruit you, pay you a minimal salary, and make you go do my job, with a lot of paperwork each time you do more than breathe.  Now, come on.  We've got to chat about that stunt.  Xander and his ray gun thing last night was nearly as bad."  He walked her out to his car and paid the cabbie off, taking her away from those nice people who didn't deserve to be battered by her.

Charley groaned.  "Okay, someone call the job site," she said patiently.  "They'll need to know she's in town.  Then you guys go hide really far in the building."  They nodded, going to do that.

"What's wrong with her?"

"Buffy?  She slays demons.  She's a former friend of Xander's and one of the reasons why he left Cleveland," Modo explained as he walked her back to their place.

"We were warned to expect petting," Vinnie agreed behind her.

***

Xander looked up as his door was knocked on, sighing in defeat.  "Why me?" he moaned.

"You're strong, and I'll back you up.  Go ahead," he prompted.

Xander got up and went to the door, leaning in it.  "Hey, Buff.  Long time no see."

"Can I come in?" she asked, frowning at him.  "That Simms guy just threatened me with a real job."

"Well, he hates doing it," Throttle agreed.

Xander let her in, and she paused to look at him.  "You're like the others.  Are you demonic?  They didn't answer me."

"No, I'm alien."

"Okay.  Can I pet you?"

"To us that would be a sign of sexual interest," he lied with a perfectly straight face.

Xander closed the door.  "Then I'd probably better get Vinnie to forgive me and let me off the hook since I was working on a knot in his shoulders," he said dryly, sitting down really close to Throttle.  "What's up, Buff?"

"I wanted to see what happened.  All we got was the mini lecture from Simms and the news."

"Jessie came back."  She moaned and shook her head.  "He bit her, she's a nature spirit."

"We got that part," she admitted.  "He told us what you told him.  Are you okay?"  He shook his head. "Need a girl hug?"

"I had a girl until last night," he admitted.  "She's been pretty decent to me and Oz, but Throttle stayed with me that night.  She thinks we're cute together."

"You are.  You look very cute together," she said instantly.  "He's right up your usual alley too, except for the studly guy thing."  She shook her head.  "Never mind.  Dangerous, deadly, and pretty always were your things."  She covered her mouth.  "Sorry."

"That's okay.  Ethan's in town at the Holiday Inn so I'm expecting that sort of stuff," he admitted. "Did you see the tower go boom on the news?  I got to look at the ray gun."

"You ...did...that?" she asked, looking confused.  "How?  Or kinda why is edging out how.  Why?"

"Bad aliens," Throttle told her.

"You're very creepy and Oz-like," she said, frowning at him.  "Xander, did you want Oz back in school?"

"Well, he was hot, but not really.  If I had, I would have jumped and made him sleep on the bed instead of the couch."

"Um, okay, this new dangerous, deadly, gay you is really creepy, Xander.  Can you please quit it?"

"Why? I'm happy with myself, Buffy.  For the first time in a very long time."

"What about Willow?"  She covered her mouth.  "Sorry, I didn't mean that.  I'm sure you tried."

"I hesitated," he said honestly.

Throttle nudged him.  "I would have too," he assured him.  "I couldn't imagine having to shoot one of my bros."  Xander nodded, relaxing again.  He looked at Buffy.  "He did what he could and he tried to save Willow but she refused to let him help her.  She felt she was being called to guard that place.  Now she is."

Buffy nodded, looking down.  "I'm sorry, Xander, that came out wrong."

"It's okay, Buffy," he assured her.  "I've asked myself that question a few times."  He heard a meow and smiled. "Miss Tara Kitty had kitties," he offered.  "Come see the grandkids?"

"Sure," she said weakly, coming over to look at the kitties.  "Hi, Miss Kitty."

"I renamed her after Tara because she's very Tara-like at times," he told her.

"That's a good thing.  You could use someone like Tara."  She looked at Throttle.  "You hurt him and I'll kill you," she swore.  "If I can't, I've got twelve hyper teenagers who will happily do it, plus Dawnie."  She looked at the kitties.  "Can I have one when they're older?" she asked quietly.

"Sure, Buffy.  When they're older I'll let her help me pick you out one and send it over."

"Thanks, Xander."  She gave him a choking hug and fled, heading back outside.  Micah was still waiting.  "You knew," she said quietly.  He looked up from his paper and nodded.  "He's okay?"

"He's fine.  He's got supportive friends who're nearly family.  That's more than most of you have."  He nodded. "Get in, I'll take you home."

"Thanks.  You're going through Cleveland?"

"It's on the way," he said dryly.  "Buckle up.  You could use some good driving tips anyway.  You drive like a maniac."  He started the car and took off, taking her home.  He called one of his guys, having Xander's SUV delivered.  It had style and luxury, he was almost jealous, but he had better at home.  "How is Dawn?"

"Doing better now that I've grounded her butt away from boys again. I can't believe she was that stupid and dating a guy who sold guns," she said grimly.  "I should have kicked her butt.  Mom would have beaten her senseless then bricked her in her room."

Micah nodded.  "Sometimes teenagers need a firm hand.  Have her call Xander now and then," he reminded her.

"Yeah, that might cheer them both up," she agreed, going back to happy.  "He's really gay?"

"Not a clue.  I don't have gaydar."

"Are you gay?"

"Only to some stupid people who like to spread rumors.  I've been married in the past and divorced due to the job once too."

"You poor man.  Can't they let you go back to Homeland Security or whatever?"

"Someone has to do this, it was me or the freaks in NID."

"We like you," she decided.  "Even if you hate us, we like you."  She grinned at him.  "They're really aliens?"  He nodded.  "Like MIB?"

"No, I don't get that cool of weapons," he admitted.  "Or the single suit wardrobe.  I actually get a clothing budget.  Not that I get to use it since you're so hyper and I'm always in Cleveland."

"Sorry, Mister Simms," she said, pouting at him.  "I don't mean to make your life difficult."

"Just keep saving people, kid, and it'll be fine."

"I'm not a kid," she pouted.

"You're pouting.  That makes you a kid," he said blandly.  "Besides, I like brunettes."  She quit pouting immediately.  "Thank you."  He sped up once he hit the interstate.  There was a hotel room and a long drink in his future.  Fortunately no one wanted to read these reports so he could get creative.  No one believed in demons or aliens anyway. Plus he got a bigger budget.  Maybe he'd hire a permanent agent for Cleveland and LA.  That thought amused him for nearly thirty miles.

***

Xander looked at Throttle. "You play the pretend boyfriend very well."

"Thanks.  I've had to in the past," he admitted.  "If we had been there when Switch first started dating Stoker, we probably would have gotten used as cover."  He grinned at him, then at the cats.  "You doing okay in there?  Want on the floor?"  She meowed so they set her and the box of kittens onto the floor.  "There you go."  He sat back again.  "You should rest.  It's going to be a really long day fixing her shower and work."

"This time remember to set my alarm clock," he teased with a pinch.

"You slept how long?"

"Nearly ten hours," he admitted.

"Wanna go for another ride? You're still too bouncy to be anything but exhausted."  Xander shook his head, looking at his hands.  He tipped his chin back up.  "It may happen sometimes in the field but I'm straight and you're straight, Xan," he reminded him.

"Wellllll," he admitted.  "Survival and all," he admitted.

"Been there, done that too," Throttle promised, kissing him.  "Come on, I'll take you for a ride and remember to set your alarm this time."  Xander beamed and followed him out to his bike, who rolled up to Xander to lean against him.  "She likes you."

"I'm nice, I got her the super premium gas the last time."  He stroked the crank case.  "She's a pretty girl, Throttle.  I wish my car talked."

"No you don't.  Modo gets lip now and then," he said, climbing onto the back.  "Come on."  Xander climbed on and they went back to the park.  It seemed to work so well the last time so they'd try it again.

Episode 07:

Xander walked into the garage, rubbing one of his shoulders.  "I can't find my painkiller stash, do you have anything?" he complained, a pinched look on his face.

"Only a hot shower and a backrub," she offered.  He shook his head quickly.  "It'll be fine.  I'm not hitting on you."

"Yeah, but you've got a possessive boyfriend," he said grimly.  "He'll jump to a conclusion and kick my ass, and in the shape I'm in, it won't really be a fight."  He tried to resist as she pulled him to the bench in the garage, but she was stronger at the moment.  He sat down with a wince and she clucked, then went to work on his shoulder.  "Ow!" he hissed, tensing up.

"What were you doing?"

"Bricks."

"Bricks?"

"Remember, we're deconstructing and then moving thirty feet and reconstructing.  I spent most of the day moving bricks and cinder blocks.  I'm one big ache."  He tensed when he heard a familiar sound.  "They're here. You might wanna stop."

"He won't get upset."  She went back to trying to work the knot out of the guy's neck but it wasn't working.  Vinnie sped in and stopped, staring at her.  "He moved bricks all day," she said before he could say anything.  "He can't move."

"Oh," he said, sounding kinda flat.  "Xander?"  Xander gave him a sideways look and didn't look happy.  "You okay?"

"Hell no," he muttered.  "I ache."  He tried to stand up but Charley wouldn't let him.  "I was going to try the hot shower treatment at home.  That way Vinnie can quit glaring at me."

"He's not glaring at you.  It's what friends do for each other.  After all, you've worked how many out of his legs?"  Vinnie grimaced at that.  Throttle and Modo came in and parked.  "Tell the hormone over there that I am allowed to help a friend by giving him a neckrub."

Throttle looked at the boy and winced in sympathy.  "Moving?"

"Bricks and cinder blocks," he said grimly.  "All day.  We're short someone if one of you guys is bored and willing to move them instead."  He tried to pop his neck, but froze and gently returned his head to its original position.  "Never mind. I think I'm going to sleep."

"You'll never get to sleep like that," Vinnie said, pulling him over to try for himself.  Even he winced when he felt the knot.  "Bricks and blocks?"

"All day, since eight in the morning.  We're at the 'moving thirty feet to the right' part of the reconstruction."  He winced as the very strong fingers dug in.  "Owowowowowow!"  He got free by ducking away, glaring at him.  "I tried to tell her you'd get jealous," he complained. "Don't hurt me more."

"I'm not jealous, Xander," Vinnie said patiently.  Xander gave him a long stare.  "Fine, of some things," he admitted bitterly.  "You're human and her kind."

"Yay, so are about six billion others.  Doesn't mean she wants any of us."

"Enough," Throttle called.  "Vinnie, he's not spoiling her, she's not spoiling him with anything she doesn't do for you or us.  He only spoils her to make you react and treat her nicely for a few days."  He looked at the boy, waving him over.  Xander shook his head in a limited range of motion way.  "Now."

"No! You're stronger!  I can go find a hot shower and then work on it."

"Fat chance, Xander," Charley assured him, getting up and pulling him to the bench again.  Then she pulled him back up and into the kitchen, where she sat him backward in one of the chairs so he had something to rest on and she had free access.  "Just your neck?"

"Yeah, if I can get that unkinked, the rest should fall into place," he agreed tiredly.  She started trying again, making him moan, but it wasn't in pleasure.  That still hurt.  "That's enough.  Let me go find my painkiller stash."  He started to stand up, but a warm, soft hand pushed him back down and went to work on his neck, making him moan in something other than pain.  "Ow," he said, tensing up as a sore spot was hit.

"I know," Throttle assured him.  "Modo gets these, Vinnie gets the ones in his forearms and legs.  Even I get them, but I get them from stress.  How much got done?"

"About a third.  Hopefully our big, strong guy'll be in tomorrow so I'm not like this ever again."  He yelped as another sore spot was hit but that muscle group relaxed and so did he.  "Wow.  You're good."

"It's experience," he admitted.

"Hi," Meg called cheerfully.  "I came to celebrate getting another one finished."

"He's back here, Meg," Vinnie called as he walked in.  He saw the look on Xander's face and shook his head.  "Let him take off his shirt, it'll help and he won't get friction burns from the cotton."

"Sure, if he wants," Throttle agreed.  "Xander?"  No answer.  "Xan?"

Meg looked at him.  "He's dropped into inner mind space again."

"What are you wearing?" Vinnie asked.  She looked down at her fur bikini, then up at him.  "Okay, what are you working on?"

"A caveman game," she said dryly.  She tapped the end of Xander's nose, getting a more rapid blink.  "Wanna take off your shirt, Xander?  It'll help."  Xander nodded, moving to take off his shirt.  Then he put his chin back on the back of the chair.  "Good boy. You deserve a cookie.  Did you know there's a recipe online for werewolf treats?"

"Why does that not surprise me?" Vinnie asked dryly.  "You in there again, Xander?"

"I didn't bring him out, only brought him closer," she admitted.  She looked at his back.  "Wow, even I can see the tenseness.  What happened?"

"They're in the 'move it thirty feet' phase," Throttle told her, going back to work.  Xander gave a little grunt but nothing else.  "He said he moved blocks and bricks all day."

"Ow.  No wonder he's torn up," she said, kissing him on the cheek.  She noticed he didn't react and twisted his ear, getting a confused blink.  "Morning.  You okay?"  He nodded.  "You kinda got lost in there.  You okay?"  He shook his head, then looked back at Throttle, giving him a look of wonder.

"It's not that hard, you do pretty well on everyone else but no one can get their own shoulders.  Want more?"

Meg grinned at him.  "See, I knew you needed someone who could spoil you, Xander.  How does it feel to be the spoiled one?" she teased.

"This isn't how I spoil people," Throttle told her.  "Besides, I'm straight, he's straight, small problem with your plan."

"Not really," she said smugly, hopping off to go talk to Charley.  "You won't *believe* it, but Oz found me a place where I could go for a ride and figure that part of the trek out," she said loudly enough to be heard.

Xander stood up with a groan.  "Thanks, Throttle."

"Not a problem, Xander.  You'd do the same."  He patted him on the middle of the back and winced.  "Ow! You're one big knot."

"Yeah, me and the shower are going to commune.  That should loosen the rest of it."  He punched him on the arm with a grin.  "You're a great buddy.  I'm heading home.  I'll see you guys on Saturday because I doubt I'm going to be walking tomorrow night."  He grimaced.  "I want to know what happened to our designated brick mover."  He grabbed his shirt and walked off slowly, heading for his SUV.  It took him a moment to get into it, and he nearly had to hop because a pain went from his sore back down his hip.  "Ow," he muttered, getting settled in.  Someone tapped on the window and he shook his head, hitting the horn twice before starting the engine.  He wasn't dealing with Grease Pit today.  Let Vinnie wear out some of his aggression instead.  He noticed a goon standing in front of him and rolled down the window.  "I'm in pain, I will run him over, I will laugh after I run him over," he said blandly.

"Mister Limburgers wants to see youse."

"Mister Limburger can wait until Monday, when I'm not moving blocks," he said sarcastically.  "Until then, I'm not talking to anyone who's not a great masseuse.  I can get the one I just used if you want to make an appointment."  Grease Pit grinned and nodded.  "Throttle, there's a guy out here who wants to make an appointment for me to kick his butt," he called.  Charley peeked out then Modo came out, looking large and dangerous.  Most of the goons ran but Grease Pit stared him down.

"Mister Limburgers wants to see him," he said firmly.  "Not you mousies."

"You see him, you see us," he said, smirking at him.  "We can show you more of us.  Hey, Meg!"  She came out and Grease Pit added a new body fluid to his collection, drool.  "This is Grease Pit."

"Hmm, obviously," she agreed. "I'm sure you're charmed and all, but Xander, honey, you need a shower.  Even I can smell you, dear."

"Yeah, heading there," he noted, waving a hand.  He started the engine and looked around.  "What's under my bumper?"

"The neighbor's dog," Meg called back.  "Benji!  Move!"  The dog yelped and ran off, going back to his owner's side to cower there.  "Thanks, dog."  Xander tooted again then left.  Meg pulled out her new accessory, a wooden staff, and twirled it a few times.  "Can I bash him in the head?  It'll add reality to my newest game."

"Sure, go ahead," Modo agreed.  "Ladies first."

She grinned and let out a battle yell, swinging at his head.

"No, stop," Vinnie ordered.  "Straight down, or straight across.  Chop or swing, sweetheart.  No sideways.  That length will pull if you do that."

She shrugged and did it again, doing as he had ordered.  Then she beamed at him.  "Now I get why Xander likes destroying things so much. It's fun *and* stress relieving."  She headed back inside, pleased with herself for the knot on the guy's head.

"I'm impressed, you know how to use a staff?" Modo asked.

"Funny," Vinnie said dryly.  "Yes, I do."  He looked at Grease Pit.  "What did the big cheesy one want with Xander?"

"He wanted to make a deal to get him on his side."

"Xander?  On Limburger's side," Modo snorted.  "He's more of a good guy than we are."

Grease Pit stood up.  "Then we'll just have to make sure he's on our side.  Get her!"  The goons who had been hiding charged and only a few got through.  Meg got most of them but one still managed to grab her.  Charley tried to help but he had her stick and was using it to shove her away.

"Aim for the nuts," Charley ordered.

Meg twisted and tried to get them, but she was too high in his arms.  The stomach shot she managed only made him go 'oof' and his abs were really firm because now her knee hurt.  "Damn it!"  She headbutted him, passing out from the pain.

"Guys!" Charley yelled.  Throttle came down the stairs, then clubbed that one in the back of the head.  "Thanks.  Where were you?"

"Talking with Merle to see if he could use some help."  He looked at her, then at Charley.  "Headbutt?"  She nodded.  "Ow.  He's got a metal plate."  He walked out and pulled his gun.  "Next one who tries it, dies.  I've picked up Xander's cranky mood."  They ran off.  He shook his head and put it away again.  "Hey, Modo, wanna go move bricks with Xander?  Merle said half of his shift's called from the ER already."

"Sure," he said with a shrug.  "It won't bother me a bit."  He looked back at Meg, who Charley was helping sit up.  "She okay?"

"Yeah, she headbutted the metal plate guy. Vinnie, toss him into the street.  Then call Xander and warn him that they tried to steal Meg.  He'll need to watch out for Oz.  I don't want to see Limburger as a werewolf."

"No, that would be bad," Vinnie agreed patiently, going to do as ordered.  "I can help too."

"There's no more room in the budget," Throttle said dryly.  "I volunteered too.  We can split it if we have to."

"Sure," Vinnie agreed, dragging that thug out and tossing him into the street.  "Man, he must have gotten more plates, he's heavier than ever," he complained, heading inside to check on Meg, then call Xander.  "Hey, Xan?" he said into his answering machine.  "Grease Pit said that Limburger wants you on his side and he tried to snatch Meg.  We saved her but she headbutted metal plate guy and she's a bit dizzy.  If Oz is there, tell him she's fine...."  He trailed off as the phone was picked up and grunted into.  "Oz?" he guessed.  He heard a growl.  "No, man, it's not that bad.  If you go after Limburger or Grease Pit, it'll be worse.  So just calm down and unfur, and we'll get her there, okay?"  He hung up and hurried out. "He's already wolfed out," he said grimly, picking up the girl and taking her to his bike to take her back to Xander's apartment.  The fastest way to stop Oz was to present him with his object of obsession.  That's why he broke the speed limit and nearly ran over someone walking their dog and a nun.  He tapped on the door and set Meg on her feet, opening it and shoving her in, then slamming the door and hurrying off before Oz could catch him too.  He was furry enough and being a weremouse didn't sound like much fun to him.  Oz spent way too much time meditating for it to be really fun.  He hopped back on his bike and thoughtfully picked up dinner on the way back.

Xander looked at Meg, who was grinning in a very dizzy way.  "You okay?"

"I headbutted someone, but now I know why you like to destroy things."

"It's fun," he said with a grin.  "Down, Oz," he commanded, pointing at the floor.  Oz gave him a hurt look.  "Not until you're human!"  Oz growled but did so, then he grabbed his girlfriend and took her into the bedroom to cuddle his poor baby.  Xander went back to his hot shower, needing this more than ever now.  He was obviously going to be fighting again sometime soon.  He'd better be ready.

***

Xander looked up as he trudged into his apartment the next night, glaring at the man standing there.  "You wanted what?"

"I wanted to talk to you," Limburger said sarcastically.  "What are you, young man?  Not that it matters, I can pay you handsomely to be on my side of this battle.  After all, we've already destroyed Mars."

Xander snorted.  "Two things.  You smell, which means I won't be siding with you because I have self respect and respect the rights of those around me to not have a stench forced on them.  The other is that I've been saving this world since I was fifteen.  What makes you think I'm going to change sides now?"

"Because, my dear boy, I've got your girlfriend and boyfriend."

"Technically, they're together, we're just friends," he said dryly.

"Really?  She's dating the mouse now?"

Xander's eyes narrowed and he felt himself snap.  "You might want to let them go," he hissed.  "What I'm going to do to you for touching them will probably make Throttle shudder in horror."

"Ah, but you see, if my tower is destroyed, they'll die.  They're presently attached to the central core shaft.  If that support crumbles, the building falls on them."

"Unless I blow the outside like I did with the mice's new home," he said dryly.  "I'm not the average stupid person you seem to deal with, Limburger.  I'd give up now.  This is your last chance."

"What can you, a mere boy, do to me?" he asked smugly.

Xander lunged and pinned him against the wall.  "You really wanna see?" he growled.  "Then let's play.  Shall we?"  He slammed him against the other wall and then kicked him out and down the stairs, slamming his door behind him.  He heard the bikes coming but he didn't care.  He used his pocket knife to make a small slit on his hand, drawing a lot of interested creatures to him.  "He's slimy and evil," he announced.  "He's touched what's mine.  Any takers to save him?" he asked, glancing around.

"He'd taste too bad," Xander's boss said, stopping Modo and Vinnie with a headshake.  "You think you can take him, Xander?  I know what you did at work today."

Xander chuckled and took off his shirt, waving Limburger on.  "Protect us, let nothing interrupt this combat."  Limburger stood up and backed off but someone pushed him back toward Xander.  "Come on, Limburger.  You want me, you fight me.   Even if you win and kill me, the others will save Throttle and Meg."

"He's got Throttle?" Vinnie yelled, standing up.  "I want him."

"Stand in line, he was in my place and he wants me," Xander snapped.  "Go.  Now.  Central shaft."  Vinnie glared at him so he glared back.  "If the tower crumbles, they're on the main support line."  Vinnie climbed down and kicked his bike to life, taking Modo with him to get Charley and go on the rescue.  Xander looked at his nemesis again.  "There you go.  Vinnie and Modo against some goons.  You against me.   You want me, you've got me. You'd better make the most of it."  One of the vampires pushed Limburger closer and Xander took a brutal backswing at his head, making him scream in pain as he connected.  "You stole my friend, you stole my former girlfriend.  You still won't win."

"What's going on?" the landlord called.

"This slime just admitted that he had Meg and Throttle kidnaped," Xander said coldly. "He stupidly thinks he wants me."  He waved him on but Limburger backed off, shaking his head.  "Not so brave, are we?" he taunted.  "You kidnap helpless women, you harm helpless children, and when you run into people who aren't helpless you turn and run.  I'll let you run, but I'd be leaving the city," he warned.  "How do you like what you wanted, Limburger?"

"I'll have you arrested for assault.  These people will stick up for me."

Xander looked at him, then at the group, smirking at them.  "You guys gonna stick up for him?"  They all shook their heads, going to game face.  Limburger screamed in fear and backed away further, then ran into someone and backed away from him. "Your choice, Limburger.  Run and keep running and pray I don't come after you for touching what's mine, or try to take what you want and die?"

"Fight him, Xander," one of the vampires called.

"Whip his tail," another voice yelled.

"Make him cry, Knight," a female voice called.  That got a cheer.  "Fight!"

"Fight, fight, fight, fight!" the crowd cheered.

"No," a male voice called over the chant.  "Let him be punished for what he did by those he hurt most.  Send him to the places he raped and starved the children of."  Xander looked at this new voice and Micah frowned at him.  "Where are they, kid?"

"Central support tower."

"Thank you.  May I?"

"I gave him a chance to run or to try for what he wanted," he said coolly.

"Yes, you did, but now you need to let those he really hurt have him, Xander," Micah said, moving closer.  He heard a growl and glared at the vampire closest to him.  "He raped planets, woman.  Let the people he hurt most rip him to bloody chunks and put their grief to an end."

"Put it on pay-per-view, I'd pay to see that," Charley agreed, moving closer.  "Xander, he's not going to escape this time.  Some of his goons were arrested after they snatched Meg from the college.  He can't escape it this time because they told the cops that he had ordered it."  She stepped into his personal space.  "Let Throttle decide what happens to him, Xander.  He's the hurt one here," she said quietly.  He nodded, accepting that and stepping back.  She looked at Micah.  "He said Throttle can make the decision of where he ends up."

"Sure," he agreed.  The crowd groaned.  "If we can, we'll tape it," he offered.

"It's not as fun if you can't see it in person and smell the blood," a woman called.  "Let's go rip down the tower."

"Sure, let's go help," Charley agreed.  "I want a piece of that place myself."  She looked at Xander, tipping his chin up.  "Thank you," she whispered.  He gave a slight one-sided shrug and she grinned.  "I'll send Throttle to let you check on him."  She hurried off after the crowd.

Micah looked at Xander, then nodded.  "At least you can control it," he offered.  Xander shook his head.  "If I had the authority, I'd send you somewhere you could wear it out."  He shrugged.  "I can send you to LA, there's an uprising there."

"No thanks.  I've seen enough of LA," he said bitterly.  "What're you going to do with him?"

Micah slugged him and knocked him out.  "Nothing less than he deserves," he said, glaring down at the flaccid, flabby, bloated body.  Then he looked at the boy again.  "Now, wanna tell me what happened this time?"

"Are you following me?"

"No," he said dryly.  "I came back to give you something," he offered, pulling out an envelope to hand it over.  "For you."

"From?" he asked, looking at it. "Dawn?"  Micah nodded.  "Is she in trouble?"

"Eeeh," he admitted, wiggling a hand in the air.  "She was dating the local gun dealer without realizing what he was doing.  She said she wanted to come up over the holidays to get away from everyone and it looks like they'll need to have her gone for safety reasons."

"Sure," he agreed happily enough.  "I'll warn the guys that she'll try to pet them."  He looked over as Throttle's bike went racing past.  "I'm hoping they got him out before the tower falls."

"Yeah, they did," he said, tapping his earpiece.  "They're both safe."   Xander nodded at that.  "You okay?"

"I'm damn sore," he said dryly.  He took a running start and kicked Limburger in the side.  "That's for Meg since she won't do it herself.  She's too much a lady to dirty herself on you."

Modo came riding back.  "We sent a message back to Mars.  We should be hearing back within a day," he offered.  He looked at the body on the ground.  Then he looked at Xander.  "You feel better?"

"I only got to backhand him and kick him.  Want a kick?"

"No, I'm waiting for a chunk to tear out," Modo said, staring at him.  "You okay?"  Xander shook his head.  "Sore?"  He nodded.  "You want to see Throttle?"

"Sure, you guys can come hang if you want.  Or I'll go to the garage if he wants."  He looked at Micah. "He's going to jail?"

"Yeah, until Carbine or Stoker comes down to get him," he promised. "If anyone says anything, he solicited the kidnaping of two people."  He tapped his earpiece again and two people came jogging from the shadows, an older male and a younger woman.  "He's Limburger.  Take him, we're going to hand him over as a show of good faith in the negotiations.  Otherwise I'd have him put into Leavenworth and have him raped day and night for years."

"This guy killed a few planets?" the female asked, helping lift him.  "Eww, what is that stench?"

"Plutarkians," Micah said grimly. "They all stink, it's the rot of their souls."  He nodded at Xander.  "Relax.  Take a deep breath.  Let it out.  Do it again a few times.  They're fine.  You'll see them soon."  Xander nodded, heading inside, only slamming the door lightly.  Micah noticed someone was sitting nearby and gave Throttle a long look.  "You okay?"  He nodded.  "You sure?"  He nodded again.  "Good.  Xander's calming down from the same sort of rage that makes Oz wolf out."  He walked off, going to get into the van and head off.

"He'd probably be a white werewolf and look like Vinnie then," he said dryly.

"Huh?" Vinnie called.

"Something that Micah guy said."  He looked up at the building.  "Xander's still at home.  Am I picking him up?"

"Yeah, go ahead.  He'll sulk if you don't," Vinnie said after a pause.   "Meg and Oz both said so."

"Sure.  He can hold dinner on the way back."  He parked his bike, looking up to see the landlord.  "I'm grabbing Xander."

"Not an issue," he said calmly, taking another drink.  "He's dangerous."

"He's not, really."

"He is," the landlord argued.  "He's protective though so I'm guessing he's only dangerous to some?"  Throttle nodded at that.  "That's one good thing at least.  Too bad about them breaking up, a girl can civilize a guy and make him calm down."  He finished his current drink.  "You get that boy, you take him with you, and take the cat and kittens for the night too.  Don't let him come back and be by himself.  I saw a few too many friends die of regret or of rage and the usual stupidity that is rage's best friend."  He went inside, going to pour himself a new drink.

Throttle headed up the stairs, knocking gently.  No answer and he could hear something like music quietly playing so he pulled out their courtesy keys and walked in, closing the door before a kitten could come investigate.  "Hey, love."  He scratched her ears, earning a leaning purr.  "Where's your daddy?"  Tara meowed so he smiled at her.  "Thanks to you too.  Want to head to our place for the night?"  She trotted out, going to pick up her kittens and put them in the box, and they didn't come back out when she meowed at them. He found the last one for her and handed her in, then closed the carrying case's door.  "Thanks, love."  He headed for the bedroom, grabbing an outfit he liked to see Xander in, he always looked comfortable, then he went to tap on the bathroom door.  "Hey, Xander.  Hurry up so we can pick up dinner and head back to the pad.  Tara picked up her kittens and she's decided she's coming too."

Xander let out a small moan.  "I'm fine, Throttle."

"So?  We're having a nice dinner at our place and you're coming."  He walked in and moved the curtain a bit.  "You okay?"  He nodded, turning to let the water hit another spot.  "Still sore?"  Xander let out a moan and a sigh before nodding. "I can help you with that," he reminded him.

"You were just kidnaped."

"I was only chained up, not that traumatic," he assured him.  "Hurry up, I pulled out something for you to wear.  I'm due to pick up dinner."  He headed out, going to check on the cats.  "Just a minute more, guys.  Then we'll take you to the pad."  He played with one through the grate. "You're so cute."

Xander came out with a towel around his waist, staring at the bent-over figure in front of him.  "Who decided that I'm coming over?"

"Your landlord."  He gave him a small smirk.  "Besides, I heard you took on the big cheese."

"I only got to backhand him and then field kick him in the side," he admitted.  "Micah stepped in."

"I heard."  He walked over, giving him a gentle turn around and a light shove.  "Get dressed.  You can follow me."  He nodded, going to do that.  He looked down, hearing some meows.  He looked in and opened the grate, letting one cat out.  She headed for the litter box.  Then she came back after thoughtfully covering up her new contribution and went back into the cage.  "You guys are so odd," he said fondly.  "Let's get you to the SUV.  You guys can play with Vinnie tonight."  He carried them down the stairs, sliding them into the back seat and putting a seatbelt around the cage.  Xander came trudging down.  "Wallet, keys, and stuff for tomorrow?" he suggested.

"Yeah, I'm good," he admitted.  He hopped up, glancing back at his cats.  "Okay, let's go get you guys spoiled by Vinnie and Charley."  He heard a quiet meow.  "Yeah, and dinner, Tara."  He nodded at Throttle.  "Meet you back there."  He started the truck's engine and checked around before backing out and heading off.

Throttle walked around to get his bike.  He still had to get dinner.  It took him about twenty minutes, but when he got there, Xander wasn't.  He looked around, getting a set of confused looks.  "That's it, he should be here."

"I'll search," Modo offered, heading out to do that.  There were only two routes from Xander's house to here that he took. He tried the shortest, and found the wreck.  He called back.  "Bros, he was in a wreck," he called, getting off his bike to check him over.  "Hey, Tara, you good, girl?"  She meowed frantically.  "Vinnie, come get the cats," he ordered.  He heard bikes before he even got finished.  And sirens.  He checked Xander over, finding him unconscious against the steering wheel.

Vinnie came rushing up and got the cats' cage, putting them on his bike on his lap to take them back.  Tara was still meowing frantically. "I've got you, sweetheart.  We'll let you out in just a minute and check you over."  He grabbed the cage before it could shift.  "Stop it, I don't want you guys to fall."  He went slower, his tail and one hand on the top of the cage.  He pulled in and up their ramp, letting the cats out from his bike.  He put the cage on the floor once a few had jumped out, counting them.  He looked in there, pulling out the last one.  "You okay?"  He looked at that one, then cuddled it.  "Shh, it's all right," he soothed. Tara meowed up at him, leaning up on his leg.  "She's all right."  He put her down, checking the others.  "Litter box is still by Modo's swing, sweethearts."  He petted Tara's head gently.  "He'll be fine.  Modo's got him."

"Throttle went too," Charley said from behind him.

***

Modo looked at the police officer responding.  "He's a buddy."

"I understand, is he responsive?"  Modo shook his head.  "I'll call an ambulance."  He looked at the SUV's smashed front end and winced.  "That had to be a big car that got him."  He reached into his car and pulled out his microphone.  "Dispatch, I need an ambulance to respond to an auto wreck on lower 31st and Marcum."  He saw another bike come rushing up and a guy jump off before it had stopped.  He was apparently very well liked, or this guy was the boyfriend.  He came back.  "Is he bleeding?"

"No," Throttle said, checking Xander's back.  "He's one big knot.  I'm guessing it started to cramp when he got hit."  He patted Xander on the cheeks.  "Xander?  Xan?  Come on, it's Throttle.  Wake up, Xan."  Xander let out a small moan, then shrieked and reached for his back, but had to stop and whimper.  "Shh, we'll get you some help, Xander, and you'll be staying with us. It'll be okay."  He felt hands moving him and went with them, letting the paramedics get him.  "He's been doing a lot of brick moving so he's got some back cramps.  He reached for it and let out a scream."

"Is he on any medication, sir?" one of the paramedics said, running a careful hand over his back.  "Sir?"

"Xander Harris," Throttle offered.  "Xander?"

"Sir, please back up a few more feet.  Any medicines?"

"Some over the counter pain killers that we know of."

"All right. Thank you.  We're going to the nearest hospital and you can go ahead of us, young man."  Throttle nodded, hurrying off.  He glanced at him, then at Modo.   He shook his head.  "I don't care.  Mr. Harris?"  That got a small moan.  "I'm a paramedic, Mr. Harris, and I'm taking you to the hospital."  He heard a whisper.  "No, I don't see any cats."

"Vinnie's got 'em, Xander," Modo offered.

"Your other friend said that Vinnie has them."  Xander relaxed and passed back out. "Let's get him on a board, just in case," he ordered to his partner, who was setting things up.  They got Xander out and slammed the door, taking him off.  The other one was following him, he could see him through the back door windows.  This one had some very strong and good friends.  He checked his patient's vitals, noting them down.  Not too bad, but his back still worried him.

***

Modo came up the ramp and got off his bike, noticing the worried looks.  "He'll be fine.  Throttle's coming behind me with him."   He watched as his bike made way, then got out of Throttle's way as he roared up the ramp.  He helped him grab Xander and carry him to their old couch, putting him down on it.  "There you are.  You rest."

"I'm not that tired."

"Hush, Xander, and I'll work on your back in a few minutes.  Let me get a drink first and play with the kittens," Throttle told him.  He looked at Vinnie.  "Can you call his boss?"

"I already did," Charley offered.  "I called Merle, Xander.  He's expecting a call from you when you're ready to tell him if you're going to be able to come in tomorrow."  Xander shook his head.  "No?"

"Nope.  I tried to walk and I fell down in screaming pain," he said dryly.  He patted himself down and Throttle tossed over his phone for him.  "Thanks, Throttle.  He scared the nurses," he said with a smirk.  "He was bouncing like Vinnie."

"You just let out an ungodly scream of pain.  You're lucky I got there first," Throttle said dryly, giving him a sideways look. "Modo nearly pounced the nurse too. You're not picking on him."

"You *pounced* the nurse, Throttle," Xander said with a grin for him.  "Like the cats on Vinnie's tail pounced."  Vinnie snickered at that.  "She was nice about it and asked him out."

"She cute, bro?" Vinnie joked.

"Very, but I'm not looking for a new girl."  He went back to playing with the cat that was batting at his fingers.  "You can have me for a few more minutes while Xander calls Merle, then I've got to work on his back, little one."  She rolled onto her back and he gave her belly scratches. "Call Merle, Xander."

Xander dialed his boss.  "Hey," he said tiredly.  "I'm drugged.  I'm in pain.  My back's so uptight they couldn't get it to relax with a tinge unit."  He heard the wince on the other side.  He looked at the number, then groaned.  "Sorry, Dawnie.  Um, just got your letter, I'll call later tomorrow or you can call me at this number.  'Kay?" he asked with a grin.  She babbled at him and he nodded. "Sure.  I'll warn everyone that you'll be heading here to hide at the holidays.  Talk to you in a few days, once I read your letter."  He grinned.  "You too.  Laters."  He hung up before Buffy could take the phone from her little sister.  He checked the number and tried it again, getting his boss this time.  "I'm so sore and they can't get my back to uncramp.  No, they couldn't get it undone with a tinge unit.  Yeah, that zappy thing that massages the muscles.  Yeah.  No, Throttle convinced me to allow him to try, so if I can walk, I'll be in.  If I'm not in by my usual time, I'm drugged to the gills so I don't cramp in my sleep like I did after the car crash and my trauma-induced nap."  He let a silly little grin grace his lips. "No, I'm okay, Merle.  Yeah, I'll be there Monday if at all humanly possible.  Tell the guys I'll miss 'em.  Thanks, Merle."  He hung up and put his phone down.  "He's a very nice guy."

"He is," Throttle agreed.  He was scratched and grinned at the cat.  "Sorry.  I was paying attention to the daddy."  He patted it and it got up, trotting off to pounce Charley's hair since she was sitting in a breeze and there was a handy in-between step.  She shrieked and the cat seemed to grin at him.  "I wasn't paying enough attention."

"You and me both," she said, untangling the cat from her hair.  She picked him up to nuzzle him.  "You're such a naughty kitty," she cooed.  "Yes you are."  She put the cat down and played with it.

Throttle looked at Xander, who was being kneaded by one of the cats.  "You ready?"

"Aren't you going to eat dinner?"

"Vinnie never got more," Charley admitted.  Vinnie coughed and got up to do that.  "Fortunately it's not too late and Chef Andy's used to getting caught up in stuff."

"He knows a lot of geeks?" Xander asked.  She nodded with a smirk, going back to kitty she was teasing.

Throttle came over and patted the cat working on Xander's stomach.  "Let me flip him over and you can help me with his back."   Modo took the cat and Throttle helped Xander onto his stomach on the couch, then the cat was put on Xander's butt and went back to kneading him.  He gave the male cat a small stroke.  "Feel better?"  The cat seemingly grinned at him and went back to what he was doing, apparently having fun. Throttle pulled Xander's shirt off him and warmed his hands, getting to work on him.  "Arms up," he ordered quietly.  Xander groaned as he moved, but did so slowly.  Throttle went back to the tense back.  "Tell me if I hurt you."

"Sure."  He yawned.  "Mind if I crash here tonight?"

"Sure, Xan," Throttle promised.  He winced as he felt the tense shoulders, trying to work on them.  He finally had to give up, move the cat, help Xander into a sitting position and leaning against the back of the couch to get to them.  Xander let out a soft moan as the first set of muscles released their iron grip.  "More moving?"  He nodded.  "What hit you?"

"A big headlight," he said tiredly.  "I didn't see anything else."  He winced.  "Ow."

"I know, give me a second," he promised.  "This is still an awkward position.   Charley girl, come here and let him lean against your back."  She nodded, coming over to give Xander something else to lean against.  "Better," Throttle decided, going back to his massage.

"You're damn good at that," he moaned.  "You should do that for a living."

"I only do it for fun," he pointed out.  He moved his hands down to under the boy's shoulder blades, fanning them out to use his thumbs to apply pressure. Xander arched back into his hands.   He moved onto the other muscle groups but came back to that, concentrating on the task in front of him.  He didn't even hear Vinnie come back until a hotdog was put into his lap by a helpful white hand.  "Thanks, Vinnie."

"You can eat," Xander offered quietly.

Throttle scarfed that one and went back to what he had been doing.  The boy was relaxing finally and he didn't want to stop yet.  Not until he was totally fixed.  Not that Xander would be going to work tomorrow, the doctors had told him not to, even if his back did relax.  He finally got the boy totally relaxed and he was like warm putty in his hands, arching and pressing into his hands.  He heard a small moan and worked that area, making Xander go limp.  "There," he decided.  He pulled him back to let Charley get up, then got Xander lying down and covered with one of their spare blankets.  He was already asleep.  He looked up, noticing Charley was blushing.  "What?" he asked quietly, going to grab another hotdog.

"I haven't heard anyone moan like that in years," Charley admitted.  She got him a root beer and looked at Vinnie, who was staring anywhere but at Throttle.  She gave him a nudge and he looked at her.  "Napping kitten?" she asked, pointing at the one in his lap.  He blushed and she flicked him on the arm with a frown, but got a smirk in return.  "Want me to put her down?"

"She's fine, sweetheart."  The cat jumped down and went to help Xander nap, just like most of them.  "Okay then."  He looked at Throttle.  "You're good."

He got a smirk in return.  "In many things.  Where are they keeping Limburger?"

"In a jail cell.  Some of his goons gave him up for kidnaping.  Speaking of. Where did Meg go?"

"Home.  Oz grabbed her and walked her off, taking her away from the crowd. I don't think he was impressed."  Charley smirked at Vinnie.  "He was muttering about Xander too."

"Yeah, I'm wondering why Limburger wanted him too," Throttle admitted, glancing at the boy.  Then he shrugged it off.  "Hopefully it's nothing too bad now."  He grabbed a third hotdog, settling in to eat.  "So, who's temping in tomorrow?"

"I will," Vinnie offered. "I could use some pocket cash."  He glanced at Xander, seeing all the cats curled up around him and on the back of the couch.  "I wonder if they do that at home."

Throttle shook his head.  "That night I fell asleep over there last week, they were spread everywhere.  The one who was kneading him was lying on his tape collection.  The mostly white one with brown spots was on top of his computer, while Tara was in his desk chair.  One was helping me nap.  The rest were up and playing or eating."  He glanced around.  "Litterbox?"  Modo nodded.  "Good.  Charley girl, who has the SUV?"

"Impounded," she sighed. "There's every evidence of him being smacked into.  They found a second impact site while they were doing the report.  The Crime Scenes people wanted it since it was a hit and run.  They let me check it and it wouldn't even start."

"So I'm guessing he'll be talking to his insurance guy tomorrow," Vinnie said dryly.  "I'm sure they'll be happy for him."

"At least he's okay," Charley reminded him.  "Just some cramping and a headache."

"Not even a concussion," Throttle agreed.  "He was joking about hitting too many walls in his youth.  Even if he can walk, he's not supposed to be going."  He ate the last bite and picked up a piece of fallen onion, popping it in too.  He chewed slowly, then looked at Charley.  "Can it be fixed?"  She shrugged.  "Best guess?"

"Maybe.  He's still under warranty so the dealership would get first crack.  Otherwise he'll end up losing his warranty and his parts and labor plan."  They nodded.  "They're also the ones who'll be replacing a door, the back bumper, and the front end."

"Back bumper?" Modo asked.

"One of the cop cars slid and hit it," she said dryly.  "Not too bad but a small ding."  She looked over, noticing Xander had shifted.  "Go back to sleep, Xander."  He mumbled something and clutched the blanket like a blankie, cuddling it to his chest.  "Aww."

"You're in a mushy mood today," Vinnie teased.

"I heard from Switch. It's a girl.  They were hoping for a boy."

"A girl?  I can't imagine Stoker having a daughter," Modo said fondly.  "She'll drive him nuts by being too wild."

"With her momma, yeah, just a bit," Vinnie said dryly.

"Guys, behave," Charley chided.  "She'll be a perfect little angel for us if we have to babysit."

"Her mother's going to be fully gray by the time she's eighteen," Throttle said dryly.  "So will Auntie Carbine."

"Yeah, she said Carbine was the one who drug her off to the person in the Crystal Cave or something.  There was some static."

"That's not one hundred percent effective for telling sex," Throttle noted. "They thought I was going to be a female too."  He sipped from his can, then glanced at Xander, noticing one of the cats staring at him.  "Problems?"  The cat let out a silent meow.  "No, let him sleep.  He needs to sleep."  The cat meowed again so he came over to stroke his head.  "What's wrong?"  The cat walked up Xander's side, settling on the arm above his head. He nibbled on Xander's hair.  Then he looked up at Throttle again.  "He'll be fine, little guy.  The doctors said so.  I'm not sure if you can understand that or not, but he'll be fine."  He picked him up to stroke him but the cat hopped down and settled in by Xander's head again, going back to nibbling his hair.  The boy moaned and shifted again.  "It's all right, you're on our couch, Xan," he soothed, sending the boy into happier dreams.  He got a grin and a mumbled something about 'nice cookies' and the boy relaxed again. So did the cat.  He looked at him.  "There's no way you're a normal cat," he said quietly. "Who were you?"

"He seems to like the shelf with Xander's lone yearbook," Charley offered.  "Maybe he's a former friend."  The cat looked at her and seemed to smirk.  "Or maybe not."  She got up and came over to pick him up and look at him.  Tara let out a tired sounding meow, and the cat batted her, then wiggled down and trotted off to get a drink.  She looked at the momma cat.  "Knew him before, Tara?"  Tara gave her one of those enigmatic looks.  "Fine.  Give us a hint of the name, okay?"  She paused her cleaning to look at her, then went back to it.  Finally she got up and went to walk across Xander's head.

"Andrew!" he mumbled, waving a hand.  "Not now!  Let them spank you if they want.  Better you than me," he muttered, snoring again.  Tara gave him a little lick across the forehead and he grinned.  "Nighty, Anya.  No demon kisses."

"Andrew?" Throttle asked, looking at Vinnie.

"Sorta bad guy, big geek, fellow Star Trek fan," he reminded him.  "Died in the final battle."  He looked at that cat.  "Back to watch over him or were you planning on having him send you to Buffy?"  The cat glared at him.  "Never mind. You'll let us know I'm sure."  He looked at Charley.  "Any hint that the others aren't normal cats?"

"They're cats, who can really tell?" she asked.  "It's not like they're dogs and it'd be easier to tell odd behaviors."  She came back after grabbing the cat to hold. She looked into his eyes.  "It doesn't matter, you're still being fixed."  The cat blinked up at her, looking pitiful.  "No, no kitty offspring."

"You can fix them that young?" Modo asked quietly, taking the cat to pet.  It liked him a lot.  It didn't even mind his metal arm petting him like most of the others did.  Tara occasionally rubbed against it and purred to make him feel better but the others avoided it.  He looked at Tara, who was settled in on Xander's side.  "She must have been one hell of a woman.  My grey furred momma woulda liked her."  Tara smirked at him and flicked her tail.

"From what Xander said, she was a very nice girl," Charley agreed.  "Very sweet and gentle.  The sort most mothers like."  She looked at Andrew.  "You're still being fixed soon."  He swished his tail.  "I don't care.  Even if you do like the other boy cats."

Xander's phone rang and they all scrambled to get it, with Throttle winning.  "Xander's phone," he said dryly.  "No, he's napping.  What's wrong?"  He listened to the pissed sounding female.  "Okay.  Which one are you?"  He got a one word answer and mouthed 'Dawn' at Vinnie, who smirked and gave him a thumb's-up so apparently she was a friend of Xander's and not one of the others.  "Okay, so what's going on?"  He listened.  "Uh- huh."  He looked at the Andrew cat, who was agitated.  "Well, some of Xander's cats are flicking and swishing their tails.  Nothing else so far.  Are you guys breaking apart for safety?  Smaller groups could be easier to fight against the big demon."  He smirked.  "Small groups, Dawn.  Break them into smaller groups.  You can hide them easier and you attack and run that way.  You'll spare the fighters and the running ones in turn."  She snapped that order and then took off running by the sounds coming through the phone.  "No, he's asleep. Did you specifically need him?"  He nodded.  "Sure.  We'll be here.  Get to Chicago and call again.  Good luck."  He hung up.  "Giles' shop was just stepped on by a, and I quote," he said dryly, "Godzilla sized monster with horns and nasty stink breath. They're doing the breaking and running while distracting thing and Buffy ordered her to run."

"So I'm assuming our group is growing by a young woman?" Charley asked dryly.  Throttle nodded. "For good, like Oz and Meg?"

"I don't know," he admitted.  "That probably depends on her sister."  He glanced at Xander, then sighed and nudged him.  "Hey."

"Let him sleep," Vinnie protested.

"I can't.  He'll need to know to protect her.  Xan?"  He got a sleepy mumble and Tara swished her tail in his ear, earning a bat but a more awake Xander.  "Xan?" he said quietly.  One eye opened, then the other since the first one apparently was the glass one.  "Dawn just called.  She said she was attacked by Godzilla with bad breath and horns.  It stomped Giles' store."  He groaned, but Throttle kept him from moving.  "They've got it but Buffy wanted her evacuated."

"Sure," he agreed tiredly.  "Call Oz.  He'll need to know too."  He yawned.  "I should go home."

"The doctor said to have you stay here.  You're staying here," Throttle told him.  "You're not in any shape to fight if someone else breaks in."  He sat up again.  "She's running this way now, I told her to call back when she got here."  Xander nodded and yawned.  "Go back to sleep, Xander."

"Sure, Throttle.  Thanks, dad."

"You're welcome."  He patted him and got up, going back to their card table.  He found Oz's number and called it.  "Oz, it's Throttle.  No, he's fine.  No, he was hit, but he's fine now.  The hospital said no concussion or anything.  I finally got all the knots worked out too.  No, a bit of news.  Dawn's coming."  He listened, then nodded slowly.  "How do you not know much about her if she's Buffy's little sister and you guys used to hang out?"  He heard the simple explanation and winced.  "Oh.  Dangerous?"  He relaxed again. "No, she said a Godzilla with horns and bad breath.  Sure.  Tomorrow probably.  Later."  He hung up.  "Okay then."  Vinnie and Charley both looked at him.  "Longer than average story about Dawn and he didn't feel like sharing it.  He said she's not dangerous and she's nice, but trendy."

"Wonderful," Charley said dryly.  She looked over at Xander, seeing the open eyes.  "Anything we should know?"

"Have earplugs handy when she sees them and watch out for petting," Xander said tiredly, sitting up.  "I can go home."

"If you move from this building, I'll have to hunt you down and bring you back, then tie you to one of the hammocks," Throttle warned.  "The doc said to watch out for you."

"The doctor wanted to know if the prior break in my arm was abuse too," he said dryly.  He got up and wobbled over, sitting down in the free chair.  "I ache," he said finally, "but not as much."  Throttle smirked at him.  "If you ever do that for a living, let me know so I can be your most enthusiastic patient."  He looked at them.  "How bad is Sunn...Cleveland?"

"Just stomped.  She said they had it and they were ripping it down to size," Throttle promised.

"Good.  I'm too tired to fight tonight."  He looked at Charley, then at the cat on her lap. He frowned.  "You came back as *my* cat and not some real Trekker's cat?" he taunted.  "Misjumped into the wrong mother?"  Andrew glared at him and licked Charley's fingers.  "Never mind. You wanted to cuddle up to her, I know you like strong women.  That's why you went after Buffy."  He shook his head.  "I'll tell you about Andrew later," he said with a small smirk.  He looked around.  "I can go home."  Throttle slapped him across the back of the head.  "Ow!"

"Quit complaining.  You should have put in a guest room when you build the place," Vinnie said sarcastically.  "It's what buddies do, Xander."

"I know," he said, yawning again, "but I've got to go to work tomorrow if I can walk."

"Fat chance.  The doctor said to let you rest," Throttle said patiently.

"I still have to work if I can," Xander argued.

"I'm going in tomorrow, Xander. They won't have another missing person."

"No offense, Vinnie, but you can't fill out the paperwork," he said dryly, frowning at him.  "I can go do that much."

Throttle reached over and nerve pinched him, knocking him back out.  "Had enough of that," he announced, getting up and putting Xander back on the couch, covering him up under the cats' watchful gaze.  "He needed it.  Teach him not to fuss so much.  We like him enough to watch out for him."  Tara stared at him.  "That's not my fault, Tara," he said sarcastically.  "We're not the ones who didn't watch out for him."  She worked on bathing her side so he went back to his seat.   "We need to set a rule about how long some of those girls can stay if they come," he decided.

Vinnie shrugged.  "Slayers can get tossed out at the first mean thing."

"What about Dawn?" Charley asked.

"She can go to the mall if she's that young and gets that mean," Vinnie decided.  "I'm sure the danger will be over within a few days.  According to the stories he's told it usually was.  How far is it from Cleveland?"

"I looked it up on a map the last time I went to the library," Modo offered.  "It's about 350 miles it looked like.  Maybe a bit less."

Throttle did the math.  "So, if she's driving, about five or six hours," he decided.  "Greyhound would be a bit more because of the schedules.  Unless she can do what that Willow girl did."

"No, she'd be here by now if she could," Charley reminded him.  She checked her watch.  "Five hours from now is about 3 am."

"I'm sure she won't be calling that late," Throttle said.  He looked at the couch, seeing Tara going back to her cleaning, smirking at her.  "You could give us a hint."  Tara hopped down and went to nudge the phone, rubbing against it on her way past.  She twined around his legs and meowed up at him, staring at him with a smirk.  "Is she going to be a problem?"  She walked around Charley's ankles then went to nibble some of the dry food in the dish Modo had poured for them.

"She's a teenage girl," Charley sighed.  "So I'm guessing...crush?"  Tara's tail swished.  "No?"  The tail swished again.  She realized she was talking to the cat like she did the guy's bikes and shook her head.  "I'm having a strange moment, the same one I had when I started to talk to your bikes."  She got up, waving.  "I'm heading home, guys.  You behave and coddle the Xander."  Andrew trotted after her but she stopped him, handing him off to Vinnie.  "I'm his, Andrew, you'd better ask."

Vinnie looked at him.  "I don't share.  I don't even let Xander spoil her."  The cat went limp in his arms, purring.  "Thanks."  He cuddled it, stroking him gently.  Apparently this one liked them both.

"I'm having that same moment of oddness. I never imagined us with pets," Modo admitted with a small chuckle.  "I saw us as many things, but not kicking back petting kittens and talking about teenage girls."

"I know that feeling," Throttle offered.  "Then again, I never imagined demons were real either.  Nothing metaphysical like that ever really caught my attention until we met Xander.  Then I nearly got bitten the other night."

"You okay now, bro?" Vinnie asked.

"Yeah, fine.  I staked them like Xander would have.  Another skill I never thought to have."

They chuckled over that.  Xander had made their life a lot more interesting, and slightly more insane.

***

Charley looked up at the high-pitched squeal.  "Oh My God!" Dawn squealed.  "You're so cute!  And furry!  Xander knows furry people!"  She ran over and ran a hand over Vinnie's arm.  "That's so fricken cool!  I had no idea we had furry people!  Xander's way cooler than I thought and you are so cute!"

"I'm studly, not cute," Vinnie said dryly.  "Let me guess, you're Dawn?"  She beamed and nodded, going back to petting his arm and shoulder.  He was glancing at Charley, who was shaking her head.  He coughed.  "Um, can you not pet me?" he asked finally.

"Sorry.  Didn't mean to insult or anything but I *love* furry things," she said happily, grinning at him.  "Is Xander here?"

"Sleeping.  We had to knock him back out when he tried to leave for work after having a car crash last night."  She instantly looked upset at that.  "He's fine."

"He'd better be fine or I'm kicking his manly, sweaty, construction guy butt!" she said firmly.  "Where is he?"

"On our couch," he said.

"Which would be....?" she prompted.

"Next door."

She stomped that way, going to check on Xander herself.  She found a door and blatantly walked in, heading for where she could hear voices.  She walked in and found Xander on the couch, bending over the back to check his forehead and pulse.  "You're so toasty if Buffy hears you had a car crash after how many times you picked on her about hers," she said when he opened his eyes.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Bullsnot."  She checked him over again.  "That's it, into a shower to ease whatever muscles are cramping and then you can come back here and nap some more, Xander.  Now, right now!" she ordered he didn't move, stomping her foot.  "Before I have to get mean.  It's obvious you're girlfriendless again since she's not here cooing over you.  Well, I'm here now and someone will damn well coo over your injuries now, Mister!  Get into the shower!  Then I'll tuck you back in and embarrass you totally so you have Anya flashbacks."  He snorted but got up with a moan.  "How did you hurt yourself this time?  The car crash?"

"Moving bricks and blocks for two days."

"Wonderful.  Well, it's work related so I can't do more than baby you until you fuss about it, but it's obvious you haven't eaten either.  Shower, now, Mister."  He trudged that way.  She tapped her foot, then looked around, spotting the Tara cat next to her.  She squealed and hugged her.  "Hi, Tara!"  The cat batted at her and licked her cheek.  "We love you!  You're a wonderful kitty!   Can we have a kitten when I go home? Should I baby him or should I just ask him to teach me how to fight some more?"  The cat batted her then jumped down and gave the others a pointed look.  "Oh My God, more furry people!" she squealed, coming over to pet them.  "Hi, Oz."

"Hey, Dawn.  Loud much?" he complained.  "That's a sign of wanting to marry and be a mother."  She quit petting them immediately.  "Ask him to teach you how to fight, he could use the practice."

"Sure."  She went to check on Xander, giving him a hug since he was staring in the mirror.  "You're a wonderful man, Xander Harris, and my favorite big brother sorta person.  Therefore it's my right to fuss and if any of those trendoid bitches show up, I have the right to kick their butts and make them cry mascara tracks down to their pierced bellybuttons.  So you get into that shower right now, and I'll let you take me to breakfast like a proper big brother."  He turned and gave her a hug.  She kissed him on the cheek.  "I know why you ran away.  I'd have done the same," she assured him.  "But for right now, you need fussed over for a few days.  So I'm going to fuss over you until you're good enough to return to work, and then I'm going to come flirt with any cute guys so you can practice being a good big brother.  Or maybe so I can find a reason to stay?" she asked a bit hopefully.

"We'll see.  You might hate it here."

"No, I hate it there, Xander," she said honestly.  "You thought they were bad to you, but I'm apparently helpless, a baby who's just about to potty train, and unable to pick a good man to flirt with because the ho's are trying to steer me away from anyone cute and *decent*.  The gunrunner was actually one of their ideas and they told Buffy it was mine."  He gave her a hug.  "I know, we'll think back on the good old days together.  Now, you shower.  It's obvious you're stiff and sore.  Into the hot water."  She swatted him and got free, going out to fuss some more.  She found the kitchen and went to make breakfast for everyone, bringing out plates about ten minutes later and putting them in front of the others.  "Eat, or else I'm going to have to get mean and snarky and pet your fur in the wrong direction."  She helped Xander back to the couch, handed him a glass of milk and his breakfast, then went back outside to check on her car.   She ran into Charley again, grinning at her.  "I had to flip many burgers for that hoopdie."

"I bet," she agreed.  "It could use some body work."

"It could use a big crane and a smooshing machine," she corrected.  "I'm realistic.  It's a POS."  She grabbed her bag.  "I'm going to fuss over Xander until he's better, then I'm hoping he'll introduce me to some nice guys I can crush on.  Where's his place so I can drop my bag?"

"About ten blocks away.  Where's he?"

"I just made him breakfast and forced it on him.  I *am* his unofficial little sister.  I'm allowed to fuss," she said proudly.  "He said so."  She held out a hand.  "Dawn."

"Charley," she said, shaking it.  "How's it going back there?"

"The snarky, trendoid bitches latched onto me after Xander ran away.  I'm apparently helpless, barely ready to potty train, unable to find decent men, and being lied about since one of the whores set me up with her buddy, the gunrunner, and then told Buffy it was my idea, which got me *so* grounded for no reason.  It's not like I was participating but she's sure I'll never be able to defend myself.  No matter that Xander *taught* me how to shoot a crossbow and basic self-defense.  Or that he *taught* me how to fix a faucet when I broke one back in Sunnydale late one night."  She calmed herself.  "The trendoid slut parade is slowly being whittled away again.  They'll win this time but there'll probably be a few less since they decided it wasn't a threat until it stomped the store. *I* thought it was a threat weeks ago, so did Micah, who is really cool.  I'm wondering what you'd need to work in his department," she said thoughtfully.  Then she shook her head.  "Sorry, lack of sleepage for the last few days."

"Not an issue.  Want my couch?"

"If you wouldn't mind," she said sheepishly. "I'm sorry to be dumped on you this way."

"We expected it.  It's not the first time.  The bros kinda dumped themselves on me and stepped in to help with our bad guy."  She led her up to the couch.  "Shower's in there," she said, pointing at the bathroom.

"Thanks, Charley.  You're really nice.  That's why Xander said you were so cool and a buddy."  She went in there to take a quick shower and dry her hair, then came out to nap on the couch in a tank-top and shorts.  She was asleep pretty quickly.

Charley went to check in on everyone, finding them eating a real breakfast with real food, nothing processed or artificial or even a hotdog or sausage.  Modo was drinking milk.  She was shocked.  "Did the hurricane sweep through here and take the bad food away?" she joked.

"It's not fair to waste the food," Vinnie said with a shrug, scraping his plate.  "She's a good cook."

"She is," Xander agreed.  "That was a sleepy and upset Dawn.  Why?"

"No sleep, they weren't listening to her or Micah."

"Ah.  The usual," he said, nodding.  "Wonderful."  He licked his plate and got up, walking his plate into the kitchen.  He was even nice enough to gather the other empty ones.  "There's more eggs."  Vinnie came in to take his plate back and steal them.  "I'm glad she learned how to cook."  He walked back out, stretching with only a small wince.  "Wow, Throttle, you fixed it for good."

"Glad to help, Xan."  He grinned at him.  "Your belly button's showing."

Xander quit stretching and pushed his shirt back down.  "Where is she?"

"On my couch, already crashed," Charley offered, grinning at him.  "Where you should be over here."

"I can head home."

"Sit, Xander," Oz ordered.

"Oz, I'm not a pet," he said dryly.  "Unless you've bitten me since the last full moon?"  Oz gave him a look so he smirked.  "What?  You like belly scratches."

"Mice aren't the only people who can pounce and beat you," Oz reminded him dryly.

"Yeah, yeah, and then Meg would swat you.  Unless you like that?" he taunted.

Oz considered it, then shrugged.  "That can be fun."  Xander hurried back to the couch.  "Now lie down and cover up, take a nap."

"I'm not a kid, Oz."

"Keep it up, I'll tell you a bedtime story," Vinnie taunted with a smirk.  Throttle kicked him under the table and shook his head.  "No?  You wanted that honor too?"

"Throttle, swat him since I'm not close enough," Xander complained.

"I'll get in a few blows for you when I pounce him," Throttle promised, grinning back at him.  "I agree, sleep.  You still look tired."

"I shouldn't be with as much as I've slept recently," he complained.

Throttle got up and came over to push him down and tuck him in.  "It's the medicine they gave you last night," he said patiently.  "Stay there.  You're worse than Vinnie when he's injured."

"Am not," he pouted.

"You are so.  Quit playing and sleep."  He went back to the table, picking up his cards from earlier.  "Any fours, Vinnie?"

Vinnie picked back up his cards, then shook his head, finishing his breakfast.  "Any threes, Modo?"

"Nope, Go Fish."

"You guys are insanely intense in that game," Xander teased.

"Playing betting games with these two is dangerous.  They get cute and try to out-think each other so they get headaches," Modo said dryly.  "I'm a good boy, my gray furred momma told me to never bet, and especially not on a sure thing because you'd always lose your fur."

"I'm wondering how your mother learned that one," Vinnie teased.  Modo glared at him so he smirked.  "All I'm sayin' is that she's old enough to have been around during that beauty pageant fiasco a few decades back, bro."

"My momma was one of them, thank you very much," he said firmly.

"Which one?" Throttle asked, he had never heard about that.

"She's the one that got the crown in the crowd," he said proudly.  "Three beauty contestants got into a brawl when the former titleholder gave the old crown away to my mother.  It was only cheap tinsel and stuff, but they *wanted* that thing and my momma beat 'em all black and blue.  The winner that night had to walk down to claim the new crown with two black eyes, a split lip, and a broken foot."

"Your momma was one hell of a woman," Oz said appreciatively.

"I know," Modo agreed smugly.  "Anything else we should watch out for with Dawn?"

"Dawn?  Nah, she's sweet.  Xander was her first crush," he assured them.  "Now she's his little sister and she's a champion fusser.  She learned that from her mother, who used to have cocoa with vampires.  She gave Spike love advice once," he admitted dryly.  They all gaped at that so he nodded.  "Yeah, she takes after her mom.  Joyce woulda stomped in here, taken Xander back, put him in a bed, babied him until he gave in, and then clung when he left."

"Then why isn't Buffy like her?"

"Destiny."

"Oh," they agreed.  They could understand that.  They glanced over but Xander was snoring again so he must be asleep.  They went back to their card game.  Eventually, Vinnie threw down his cards and they headed down to play some two-on-two basketball.  Modo got Oz since he mostly was a team by himself.  Oz wasn't scared of blocking Vinnie though, he got into his face and shoved with the best of them.

Episode 08:

Xander looked around the work yard, frowning a bit since it was empty.  "Merle, did we call off work today?" he called.

"No, but I expected it was going to be a low work day," he called back before exiting the management trailer.  "Today starts the tax holiday weekend."

"Huh?"

"There's no sales tax on anything that can be used in schools," Merle explained.  "Clothes, school supplies, computers and things.  Since it's a payday as well, a lot of people have hit their favorite shops to kit out their kids for the school year."  Xander's face suddenly went emotionless.  "Hadn't thought about that with Dawn?  I know she's still here, even though it's been two weeks."

Xander shook his head.  "I'm not sure what I'm doing about her," he admitted.  "She wants to leave Cleveland for the same reasons I did leave. That and one of the girls had set her up with her best friend, who was running guns, and got Dawn into trouble."  He walked into the trailer.  "I'm calling the school board to see if I'll get into trouble."

"Sure, Xander.  Then go check on your guys."

"I've got one person and she's checking everything over.  I wondered why she had said something about her ex having custody."  He found the phone book and sat down to call the school board, smiling at the cheerful sounding receptionist answering the phone.  "Hi.  I've got a strange situation.  My friend's little sister is out to protect her against someone trying to hurt her sister.  I know school starts in about sixteen days and I'm not sure at what point I *have* to register her or get into trouble."  The answer he got made him wince, that had been a few days back.  "Two weeks, really?  Sure.  No, not an issue at the moment.  No, last year of high school," he offered.  "Cleveland."  He grinned.  "Thanks. Do we have a choice in where she goes?  I know there's got to be more than one high school in a city this size."  He listened to the rundown of the 'better' schools in the city, nodding at them.  "Thanks.  No, I'll be talking to her sister.  Just in case.  I'd need a letter from her sister?  No, her sister has custody, they're orphans and her sister is overage."  He made notes on what he'd need to get her transferred in.  "Thank you very much.  You have a nice day too."

He hung up and called the house.  "Dawn, me.  Honestly, how much do you want to stay?  Because if you don't register for school this week I can end up in jail and you being taken by social services as a truant."  He sighed as she complained.  "It's the law, Dawnie, and we do have to follow it in this case.  So give me an idea so I can make plans, okay?"  She said something.  "I wouldn't care, but I'd definitely have to find a bigger spot and move us.  That way you don't have to continue sleeping on the couch."  He smirked.  "That's what I thought.  So, how serious do you want to make this?  Because your sister will have to agree and sign over custody to me if you're staying, young lady.  Yeah, that stuff."  He nodded, making another note.  "Not a bad idea. Huh?"  He smirked.  "Sure, I'll talk to him about that too.  Love you too.  It's a sales tax free weekend on school stuff so take two hundred out of the freezer and go buy real clothes, Dawn.  Nothing that'll embarrass Modo or anything, got it?"  He smirked.  "Yeah, and I know you too, Dawn.  Buy something to impress the future boss.  Have fun.  Only two hundred, Dawn."

He hung up and found the card he had copied in his wallet, considering a moment before dialing it from his cellphone.  "Hi, this is Xander Harris, in Chicago.  It's not an emergency, but is Micah in?  I need some help with Dawn.  Thanks."  He waited while he was put on hold.

***

In Washington DC, in a converted old warehouse that now housed a covert intelligence organization, Micah Simms looked over as someone walked up his stairs.  "What?"

"Xander Harris is on the phone, Micah.  He said it's not an emergency, it's about Dawn."

He hit the button flashing on his phone and then the speaker button, hanging back up the handset.  "What's up, kid?"

"It's not an emergency, I hope I'm not interrupting or anything."

"Nah, just doing paperwork.  It's the bane of my existence.  What's wrong with Dawn?"

"She's still here.  Can you help me get custody of her and she wanted to know what she'd have to do to work for you."

Micah's pen paused in mid-stroke and he looked at the phone.  "What?"

"She's still here, I just called the school board.  I'm about two weeks past where I should have registered her.  She's still got that last year of high school left you know."

"No, I got that part.  The other part, Xander."

"Dawn wanted to come work for you when she graduated," he said, sounding happy about that.  "I didn't know she had such lofty goals and I'll gladly pick up her self-defense training to give her at least a bit of a head start.  She wanted to know the criteria to join you guys."

Another man, a bit older than Micah and taller, white, blond, and fit walked up the stairs.  "Micah, I've got that report done finally."  He handed it over.  "Another emergency?" he asked hesitantly.

"No, Dawn Summers wants to work with us," he said, smirking at his favorite spy.

"Dawn Summers?" he asked flatly.  "Buffy's little sister?"

"Yes, her," Xander said patiently.  "She's not that bad, guys, even if she is a bit....fashionable.  I'm teaching her how to kick butt and how to nail in a joist or a wallboard."

"I'm going to go to lunch now," Lorne said, heading back down to his desk.

"Well, that's fun for him," Xander said dryly.

"That's okay, he knows he'd get to train her.  I'd put him and Max on as her trainers," Micah said with a smirk.  That girl would definitely be a help.  "Does she do magic?"

"She can but we've about scared her off of it," Xander offered.  "She nearly raised her mother after she died."

"Then she'd be an asset.  Tell her she's got to have at least a four-year degree, preferably in something useful, like Criminology or Psychology.  I might take education if she had to.  She's got to pass a physical test, go through the FBI academy, and pass everything with flying colors.  I'll bring up a checklist for her the next time I'm through there."  He smirked at the phone.  "The other thing was to get custody from Buffy?"

"Yeah, the local school board said I'd have to have a custody release form from Buffy, authority to treat and enroll, get her records, her medical records, and be prepared to take a few tours of various schools."

"There's a really good Catholic school near you," he offered.  "It's a tightly run place."

"Yeah, but she's not Catholic."

"They accept kids who aren't.  It's better academically and it'll help her get into college," Micah advised.  "Really, it will.   Even if it's just from the university it'll be good."  He considered it, leaning back in his chair.  "Okay, let me talk to Buffy and get back with you.  Are you on your cell?"

"Yeah, but I had someone," he coughed, "put a scrambler on it so it couldn't be picked up any more."

"Thanks for that," he said dryly.  "Where are you?"

"Work.  It's the sales tax holiday weekend here so I called the school board."

"That's fine, Xander.  I'd expect things like that.  Let me call Buffy and get back with you.  Relax, it'll be fine."  He hung up and called Cleveland.  "Buffy?" he asked when someone chirruped into the phone.

"Buffy, it's the stuffy suit guy," one of the girls yelled, making him shake his head.

"Yeah, Micah?" Buffy asked, sounding a bit cheerful.

"Xander wants you to sign custody of Dawn over to him.  He's got to enroll her in school if she's staying," he said bluntly.  "There's a few excellent schools in Chicago and she's shown an interest in staying."

"I figured as much.  We all ran away sometime.  Even me."

"You were a runaway?" he asked, not able to see her doing without her showers.

"Yeah, it all kinda snapped at one point so I left and headed for LA. I was a waitress too," she told him, biting into something crispy sounding.  "Sorry, breakfast.  Late night slaying."

"Not an issue.  So, can I send you a suitable form so he can move on and not get arrested for housing her?"

"Sure.  I figured she'd like it more out there since he's so much looser in the rules department than I am."  Another crunch.

"Actually, we were just discussing how good she's been doing," he said dryly.   "He's been letting her help out down at the construction site so she picks up some necessary things and she's been helping Oz and Meg a lot when she's not helping him or Charley."

"She is?" she asked, taking another bite.  Then something hit the trash can.  "I figured he'd be letting her club for all hours or something."

"No, she's settled in and is making herself nearly indispensable," he admitted.

"He's not letting her fight, is he?" she asked suspiciously.

"No, not yet.  He's teaching her how to defend herself if something happens and she's quickly become the bandager of choice when something does happen."

"Really?  She hated that job here."  She sighed.  "I have no idea why she hated it here so much.  We tried, you know."

"Buffy, any time you get fifteen girls in the same house, there's going to be conflicts," he said wisely.  "Even in college sororities."

"I know, they make videos about their fights," she agreed.  "Fine, as long as she's being good and careful, I'll let him keep her until he gets tired of her and ships her back.  Do I have to do anything?"

"No, I'll have someone here make all the calls once you've signed the paperwork and sent it back to us.  If it makes you feel any better, she's happy out there.  She's thinking about her future and college."

"She's going to college?"

"Most jobs these days do require a degree," he reminded her.  "I'm going up there this weekend to talk to her about some career choices."

"I don't want her working for you, Micah, that's dangerous."

"Not really.  There are worse things to be, like a cab driver."  Which was Buffy's part-time job of the moment.  "Besides, we have health insurance, life insurance, dental, and vision coverage, plus education reimbursement and some people here who could use her help.  Especially if she took up studying magic."

"Dawn?  Magic?" she snorted.  "She's not into that stuff, Micah.  You're barking up the wrong Christmas tree with that."

"Maybe, but she'd still be useful here.  I'll get that form written up and sent to you, Buffy.  Be on the watch for it later."  He hung up and stood up, looking over the railing around his office at his secretary.  "Janice, draw up a custody agreement switching Dawn Summers from her sister's custody to Alexander Harris' custody.  Get her school records, medical records, and everything else, and bundle that up with that form and send it to Xander ASAP.  Then tell Lorne to go check on her and test her skills to see if she's any good."  His secretary nodded, making notes before starting on her new tasks.  "Thank you."

"I'm doing what?" Lorne called a few minutes later from the bottom of the stairs.

Micah looked up from his paperwork.  "You're going to Chicago.  Go test Dawn to see if she's got what it takes to make it as an ECHO agent in a few years.  She'll be yours and Max's trainee."

"I quit."

"Fine, I'll give you a dishonorable discharge, but I'm still going to make you train her," he said smugly.  "I'll send her to crash on your couch for a few weeks."

"I'm sure I can do without a couch."

"Don't say that around her, she might take a hint," Max complained.  She came up the stairs.  "She wants to join?"

"She told Xander she did," he said smugly.  "She does do magic, but her sister doesn't think so.  Look at her transcripts when they come in to gauge it and then go give her a realistic view and test to see if she's suitable."

"Sure," she agreed.  "I could use some shopping I guess."  She walked down the stairs, pulling Lorne to her special edition spy vehicle, a Supra that was souped up with a few weapons and gadgets.  "It won't be that bad.  She's got at least five years before she can join," she reminded him.

"Maybe I'll be shot by then," he said cheerfully.

She shook her head.  "Look on the bright side, she could become the next me."

He gave her a look, then shook his head.  "I'm not going there."  She hit him this time, but he only rubbed it.  "Let's go to lunch."

"Fine."  She started the car and headed out, going to get him something to settle his stomach.

***

Dawn walked up to where Throttle was hitting the new heavy bag to give it a test, ducking around his blows.  "Throttle, can I talk to you?"

"Sure, Dawn."  He stopped hitting the bag and caught it, giving her a sideways look.  "Not a good thing?"

"No, a very good thing.  I want to stay."  He nodded, understanding that.  It'd been five weeks already and it was pretty obvious.  They hadn't admitted she was there to anyone outside the group for nearly three weeks, but in that time she had fussed Xander into better behavior and had even talked Vinnie into sitting still to be bandaged after brawls.  Plus she had introduced Vinnie to a new hobby that was annoying everyone else.  "I want to work with Micah when I'm older.  I need to know stuff and Xander's a great teacher, but he still goes pretty easy on me.  I can block and hit back, but I still hit like a girl.  I want to fix that and you fight really well."  He nodded slower this time.  "Can you teach me?"

"You can't ask Charley?"

"She's elbow deep in grease at the moment," she said with a small grimace.  "I'm not fond of dirt that much.  Besides, she's got another job after that one since Xander's been pimping the garage to the guys at the site."  She gave him the puppy eyes look.  "Please?"

"Fine," he relented, shaking his head.  "You're sure?"  She nodded, grinning at him.  "This isn't going to be nice and fun stuff, Dawn.  We don't fight that way."

"Good!  Have you seen some of the kids who go to the nearest high school?"  He nodded, accepting that.  "Can we start now?"

He looked her over.  "You're wearing heels."

"And?  I can kick ass in heels.  I always wear heels unless I'm planning on doing a lot of running.  Heels make me taller."

He snorted, shaking his head.  "Heels mean you can tip over.  You need something to give you a stable footing so you can't be tipped over, Dawn."

She held up the cash she had pilfered.  "Xander said it's sales tax free weekend and he said I could have two hundred dollars from the freezer.  Show me what I should have."

He considered it.  "Vinnie's better at that," he admitted finally.  At least Vinnie would let her have things that didn't make her look like a biker chick; if he was helping her she'd end up in jeans, t-shirts, and boots.  "You can go pounce him and make him take you to the mall if you want."

"Or Walmart," she suggested dryly, knowing how much Vinnie liked to go terrorize the fish in the pet department.

"Yeah, or there," he agreed.  "Go get him up.  Come back after that."  She nodded, kissing him on the cheek then running away.  He shook his head and went back to hitting the heavy bag to store up on patience for later.  Xander was a good brawler but the girl would need to do more than bar brawl if she wanted to be a special agent.

He heard Vinnie's shout and snickered, shaking his head.  "She can take orders.  I'm impressed."

***

Dawn snuck up on where Vinnie was sleeping on the couch, then suddenly pounced, making him yell and thrash, grinning down at him.  "Throttle volunteered you to take me to Walmart to get me stuff so I can learn how to fight better so I can work with Micah when I'm older and graduated from college."

He stared up at her.  "Try that again, with commas?" he suggested finally.  "I could have sworn you said Throttle said to take me to Walmart."

"I did."  She sat on his thighs, grinning at him.  "I want to work for Micah when I'm older and been through the college stuff.  That means I need to learn to fight better and Throttle said I couldn't fight in what I'm wearing, so I pointed out this was tax free weekend and that Xander had given me some money, so you're taking me to Walmart to get clothes that'll be better for me to fight in.  Especially shoes since he said I can't fight in heels."

"They can make you trip," he agreed, using his tail to lift her up and onto the floor.  He sat up, looking down at her.  "You're sure you want to learn how to fight, sweetheart?  It'd mess up some of your pretty features."

"Yeah," she snorted.  "Because that's so going to protect me, Vinnie.  I'm going to be going to school out here and I'll need it even if Micah said I suck."  She stood up.  "Come on, you can go scare the fish.  We'll go to a different one than the one that banned you."  She hauled him up and grinned up at him.  "We can even take Xander's SUV."

"Fat chance," he said dryly.  "I can't drive that thing."

"I can."

"No."

"Fine."  She grinned at him.  "I like your bike anyway," she said cheerfully.  "I've got to ask Charley a question so I'll meet you in front of the garage in ten?"

He nodded, letting her skip off.  He watched her skip, shaking his head.  "She wants to learn how to fight?  Her?" he muttered, heading for the bathroom.  This was going to be a long morning.

Dawn walked into the garage.  "Charley?"  She glanced back then went back to what she had been doing.  "Can I ask you a huge ass favor?"

"What's up?"

"I want to sell the POS.  Where can I do that and can you sign if they won't let me?"

Charley withdrew from the engine, looking at her.  "What?"

"I want to sell the piece of trash car that I have.  It's useless in this city.  It gets bad gas mileage.  Not even you could make it into a decent car and you're nearly a goddess of engines.  I'll end up getting another one in a few months, but I don't want that thing anymore.  I'd rather have something that didn't have a clothespin in the engine, ya know?"

"I could look at it."

Dawn shook her head.  "I had someone take a look to see what it needed.  The guy said he'd have to rebuild the entire engine, replace the gas tank since it's rusted, and it'd need a new battery and muffler.  My sticker's about to go bad and I don't have twice what I paid for it to fix it up so I can get a new one.  That's why I wanted to sell it."

"Okay, I'll ask around later," she offered.  She saw Vinnie stop outside.  "Going out?"

"Yeah, they're helping with a life goal," she said with a grin, giving her a hug before running out and hopping onto the back of Vinnie's bike.  She stroked the bike.  "Hi, bike.  Let's go to Walmart!"  The bike revved and they took off.  She gave him a squeeze.  "She's going to help me sell the POS that I own," she called.  He let out a chuckle.  "I can do better and Xander will be helping me find one," she promised.

"Xander still has to find a replacement since his SUV is still trashed," he called back.

"He was muttering about it last night and was muttering that he was going to ask Throttle to help him," she said.  He pulled over and looked back at her, opening his face shield.  She nodded and grinned.  "He was.  He said that was too big, but he was torn between something massive or something smaller so he wanted his opinion, but he didn't want to be a bother or to hint at stuff since things were kinda weird at the moment."

Vinnie smirked.  "Interesting.  Which Walmart?"

"The one out by the college," she said.  "It looks like I'm going to going out there when I graduate so I might as well get used to how it's laid down."  He smirked and closed his face shield, then took off again.  She leaned against his warm back, liking this a lot.  Maybe she'd think about a bike when she graduated.  Xander probably wouldn't mind too much.  Maybe.   Her sister might throw a fit, but Xander was much more cool.  "Think we'll ever get Xander to ride a bike?" she called.

"Maybe.  He likes to ride behind us," he admitted.  He switched lanes and zipped through a yellow light, heading off down a new street.  "Does this one have fish?"

"They all have fish and there's a pet store next to it," she said with a grin against his back.   His thing with fish was odd, but she liked to watch them too, they were calming and nice.

***

Throttle looked up as Dawn came back, nodding at her outfit.  Cargo pants, sneakers, t- shirt that was a bit small.  "That'll end up bunching up," he warned.

"Throttle, you can't take away my cute shirts," she said with a grin.  "I'd go into withdrawal.  Besides, my belly button can be a good distraction in a fight."

"Point," he relented.  "Did he have fun with the fish?"

"We went to the one by the college, it had a pet store next to it.  He stared at the fish for hours.  I had to drag him in to look at the other things I found."  She bounced on her feet.  "How do we start?"  He motioned her closer and she pounced him, just like Vinnie would have.  "Ha!" she shouted.

He smacked at her hands and got her onto her back.  "What're you going to do now, Dawn?"

"This," she said, kneeing him.  He winced and fell over.  "Sorry, but that's what Xander said to do," she offered, stroking his forehead until he quit moaning.  "Can we work on the hitting stuff so you don't have to limp?"

"Sure," he agreed, his voice still a bit too high.  "Nice shot, Dawn."  Modo laughed.  "Good, come teach her how to hit while I recover."  Dawn bounced up and went over to drag Modo inside to help them.  Throttle got to the sitting position and kept himself from cradling his poor, abused parts.  He'd have to make sure she couldn't do that again.  He watched as Modo had her hit the heavy bag.  "Put your full weight into it, Dawn."  He stood up with some help from a nearby chair's arm, and came over to show her.  "Put your weight behind it.  That's where most girls go wrong when they hit."  She tried it again.  It was a bit better, but not much.  "Maybe some weights."

Charley walked in.  "Dawn, good news, if you're serious I know someone who could use your old car for parts.  He said six hundred."

"Damn, that's nearly double what I paid for it," she said in awe.  "Let me clean it out.  I'll take it over later if you've got his address."

"Sure," she agreed, looking her over.  She shook her head, waving her over.  "You can't hit like them.  They're guys with enormous muscles.  Girls have to do it a bit differently."  She hit the heavy bag, making Dawn grin.  "Try it that way, kiddo."  Dawn tried it and even Modo nodded that it was a good hit.  "Try for some kicking stuff too.  You're still flexible."  She grinned at the girl, who was trying very hard.  "What's all this about anyway?  Total image change?"

She pushed back her hair.  "I wanna work with Micah when I've graduated college.  He said I have to have a degree."

"Oh."  She considered it, then nodded.  "You could do a lot of good work there, Dawnie.  I can see you doing that.  We'll help you train and all that stuff."

"I heard something about training," Xander called, jogging up the front ramp.  "What's up?"  He grinned at Dawn.  "Did he call?"

"He did, and he was very nice.  He said that Lorne and Max are coming up this weekend, they'll be the people training me so they'll see if I'm okay to be trained," she said proudly.  "I'm junking the POS too by the way."

He nodded.  "Sure.  How are you going to get to school?"

"Saving up to get another one and the bus?" she guessed.  "Speaking of, Catholic school?"

"It's got a good education and they won't make you switch over. Besides, they've probably got a large pagan group in it," he said dryly.  "You'll need good grades to get into college."

"Point, but catholic school?  A uniform?  Me in a wool skirt, can we say tragedy?"

"You could wear boots," Modo offered dryly.  "Make it a statement."

"Yeah, but then I'd have to have a bike.  I'd probably get popped for public indecency when the skirt flew up."  She grinned at Xander.  "Do I have to?"

"That depends on your grades," he admitted.  "Let me get your transcripts and we'll call the college to see what it would take to get you in."  She beamed and hugged him.  "Now, what other events happened?  I got a call to come make Vinnie quit giggling at the new fish."

"Fish?" Throttle asked.  Xander shrugged. "Vinnie!"

"What?" he called back.  "It's only a small one and it's a fighting fish.  It's got a small jar."

"No!" he yelled back.  "No fish!"

"Fish are cool," Dawn told him, pouting a bit.  "They're very calming and relaxing."

"I can't imagine Vinnie being a calm, quiet, non-bouncy person," Charley admitted.  "I've got that address on my desk so whenever you're ready."  She nodded, looking at Throttle, who shooed her off.  She beamed and headed down to clean out the old piece of crap car.

"Should I worry about finding a parking spot for her bike soon?" Xander asked blandly.

Throttle snorted.  "Hopefully not, but she does look good riding behind Vinnie."

"She pets and talks to his bike too," Charley agreed.  "Switch called, they're on their way down for a visit.  She said Carbine was obnoxious and she'd have to hurt her if she didn't leave for a few days."  She headed off.  "No hot peppers, Xander," she called as she left.

"Fine, ruin my fun," he sighed.  "What are we doing with Dawn?"

"Teaching her more than self-defense," Throttle told him.

"Good!  Don't let her tell her sister that.  She's paranoid and wants Dawn to be one of those trophy girlfriends who can't do more than scream and fall down while running."  He looked at Modo.  "We've got three people who called off today and tomorrow.  One roofing and one interior spot still need filled," he offered.

"Sure, I'll come roof," he agreed happily.

"Vinnie, Xander's got a spot open for today and tomorrow," Throttle called.  "That way I can get rid of the fish," he muttered.  Xander smirked at him.  "Fish aren't exactly the usual Biker Mice authorized pet."

Xander grinned at Vinnie as he joined them.  "Stoker's on his way down with Switch."

"Cool, they can meet my fish."  He smirked at Throttle. "She'd better be in the same spot when I get back too," he warned.  He grinned at Xander.  "What sort of spot?"

"If Modo takes the roof, we've got an interior one.  I told Merle I'd ask you three first."

"Sure," he agreed, heading out to his bike. "I'll head over first.  Dawn, we'll be back later," he called as he hopped onto his bike.

"Sure, we'll figure out what to name the fish," she called back, waving as he sped off.  She tossed another CD case onto her stack of forgotten clothes/hole stuffing.  Then another bag into the trash can she had borrowed after checking inside for loose change.

Xander called Merle.  "Good news.  Vinnie's on his way over and Modo said he'd gladly do roofing so I don't fall off," he said cheerfully.  He listened.  "And?  That's fine.  Yeah."  He hung up.  "Bad news, no roofing.  That guy showed up since his wife kicked him out of the house.  But we're doing the generator and stuff so you can prove just how strong you are while I bolt it into place. How's that?" he asked with a grin.

"Sure, Xander.  Need a ride back?"

"Probably," he admitted.  "The SUV is back at the dealership.  They finally got that damaged panel in."  He waved at Throttle.  "I'll make sure they get back tonight."

"Sure, Xander," he said with a smirk, going to help Dawn.  He noticed the pile of clothes.  "Forgot a bag exploded?" he asked.

"No, I was using them to stuff holes in the trunk so they'd quit whistling louder than I could play the radio," she admitted. She took off her dashboard figurines and put them onto the clothes pile, then pushed the seat back to make sure she had gotten everything.  "I wondered where that cd went," she complained, checking it and then tossing it out.  "Too bad it's scratched all to hell."  She found a few more dollars and stuffed them in her pocket.  "There's my snack later."  She went around to the other side to check in there.  "Hey, Throttle, can you lift out the tire?  I've got an emergency pouch under there," she asked with a grin.  "Please, you big, strong man, you?"

"Fine," he agreed, shaking his head.  "Flattery's not necessary."

"Hell, man, if you ever get off your tail and take Xander out, you'd be my big brother in a heartbeat and you're supposed to flatter relatives.  That way they help you move into the dorms," she said with a smirk.  She went back to her cleaning, putting the keys in the ignition so she couldn't lose them.  She heard a grunt and looked back at him.  "I didn't hurt you too much, did I?"  He shook his head, putting the tire down.  She came back and grabbed the small black zip bag, then tossed it onto the clothes before looking at the hole and reaching down to grab another smaller pouch, which also went onto the clothes.  Then she walked around to look in it and tossed it out. "I should narc on her to Buffy."

"Who?"

"Sandy, one of the walking twats.  Is there another bag?"  He found it and held it up.  "Onto the pile."  She walked around to look in the front seat, finding someone crouched down in there trying to hotwire.  "Hey, kid, the keys are in it," she said smartly, then backhanded him and pulled him out by his hair, dropping him onto the ground.  "Don't try that with my shit, I kill things for a living."  He ran off.  She found a few more things and tossed them over there, but the joint she found went into the trash.  He gave her an odd look.  "Sandy," she said dryly.  "Her friend was the gun runner."  She found her cellphone and looked at it, then dialed her big sister's home number.  "Buffy, it's Dawn.  Tell Sandy that I found that joint she was looking for the last time she borrowed my car and I'm *way* pissed over her stuffing drugs in my car.  Slap the bitch for me too."  She hung up and stuffed her phone into her pocket.  She felt a brush against her butt and reached back, grabbing the hand and standing up.  "Kid," she said, glaring at the would-be car and cellphone thief.  "Do you not learn?"

"You're not so tough," he sneered.  "You're a girl!"

"Yeah, I am a girl," she agreed, grabbing him by the throat. "I'm a pissed girl with PMS and no chocolate," she sneered in his face.  "Get it now?"  He let out a whimper as she tried to squeeze his throat.  She wasn't really successful.  "Now, get off my ass.  I know people like you want to touch it, but I'm worth more than a roll in the back seat."  She let him go and gave him a shove.  "Out, moron."

Throttle stopped the boy and held out a hand.  "Give it back," he ordered.  The cash that had been in Dawn's pocket was put into his and the kid ran off.  He handed it back.

She looked at it, then smirked.  "Hey, a three buck profit," she said dryly, tucking it away again.  "I'll consider it a fine for trying to do that to me."  She went back to cleaning, getting the front and back done quickly.  She wasn't that much of a slob.  She heard her phone ring and pulled it out to listen to it.  "Yeah?"  She snorted.  "Then I'd backhand the little twat once you drug test her.  Gee, Buffy, did I seem like I was smoking pot and crack to you?" she asked dryly.  "No, it was hers.  She's the only one who used to borrow my car.  By the way, it was *her* idea for me to date Garret, not mine.  I've got better taste than that."  She quirked an eyebrow at Throttle, who waved her on.  "Listen, sister dear, I'm standing here next to a very tanned and fit stud who's about six-three, all muscles, a cool ass biker who actually wants to help me do my homework, is literate, and gives me wonderful rides," she said smartly.  "Why would I want some geeky little shotgun dealer like him?  He's not in my league.  I only go for the hot and wanted.  Yeah, well, let's not mention *Angel*," she said smugly.  "Or *Spike*."  She hung up on the spluttering.  "Sorry, had to happen to shut her up."

"Not an issue," he said smugly.  "I've also been known to quote poetry in bed because Carbine liked me like that."  He handed over a bill he had found, a hundred.  "It was back there too."

"Cool beans.  Now I can get the bikini I wanted too and go swimming at one of the local hotels."  She tucked it into her pocket and walked around to bundle up the trash.  She grabbed another bag for the other stuff and put it in the office.  She found the address on the desk with her name on it.  "This guy, Charley?" she called, waving it.  She got a nod.  "I'm heading to trash the trash then.  I bundled up the old bag.  Including the drugs one of the slayer brats put in my car."  She walked off, heading back to take her car to the address.  "I'll be back in about an hour," she said happily.  She drove off with a small cloud of smoke and he shook his head.

"She's more lively than I could have thought possible," he said dryly.  He walked into the garage.  "She'll be back in about an hour."

"Drugs?"

"She said one of the slayers was borrowing her car.  The one who set her up to fall with that gunrunner guy."

"I didn't figure she took them, she's too hyper to be on drugs.  I'm more worried that someone will find them."

"Oh, I think she's got that taken care of," he said dryly.  "She called her sister to narc."

"Wonderful, but that doesn't solve us getting watched if they find that in my trash."

"It'll be fine, I'm sure of it," Throttle promised, patting her on the back.  "Send her over when she gets back."  He went back to take a short nap.  Dawn's energy was sucking at him in gulps.

Charley considered it, then went to remove that bag of trash from her dumpster.  Just in case someone wanted to paw through it.  She'd make sure it went onto the garbage truck personally.

***

Dawn found a police station right near where she sold her car and walked inside, smiling at the older man behind the front desk.  "Hi, I was just cleaning out my old car and I found out that someone who had 'borrowed it'," she said, doing the finger quotes with a grimace, "and had stashed some drugs in it. She lives in another city though.  So do I tell you guys or do I call the cops in her town?"

He stared up at her.  "Your friend?"

"Lives in Cleveland and I wouldn't call her a friend," she said dryly.  "More of an annoyance.  The woman outright stole my car for a few hours.  Set me up on a heinous blind date with her buddy who sold shotguns out of his locker at school, which got my ass grounded even though it wasn't my idea and he was the one following me around after that.  Then she had the balls to stash drugs in *my* car?  Not.  A.  Chance.  Dude."

He smirked and picked up his phone.  "Let me refer you upstairs to someone who can take that complaint and pass it back to the proper people in her city.  The department over there will take it more seriously coming from us."

"Sure," she agreed happily, waving a hand.  "I want to see the girl being the bitch of the block.  It'd serve her right.  And then, hey, her little drug dealing boyfriends will have to find a new ho."

"She's dating drug *dealers*?" he asked.  She nodded.  "More than one?" he made sure.

"Yeah, two of them.  If she's not *dating* them, she's sure sleeping with them and pregnant by one of them," she said dryly.  "She was starting to puke when I left."

"I'm going to escort you up there personally, ma'am."

"Miss, I'm not that old," she said with a grin.  "I'm only sixteen."

"You're very mature for your age," he congratulated.  He walked her up the stairs, waving one of the other cops to cover his spot. He tapped on an office.  "Sir," he said when the plain clothes officer opened the door.  "This young lady, who is sixteen, said one of her former friends stashed drugs in her car without her permission, but she lives in another city.  She also said that her former friend set her up with someone who was selling shotguns out of his locker at school and was dating two drug dealers.  Possibly pregnant by one of them."

"Interesting," he said, letting Dawn inside with a grin.  "My name's Victor and I'm a Vice cop, ma'am."  He pulled out a seat for her.  "What's your name?"

"Dawn Summers.  Hers is Sandy.  My big sister's her mentor and personal trainer back in Cleveland."

"That's fine," he assured her with a bright grin.  "The car?"

"I was cleaning it out to sell the POS.  It's a rust bucket.  I sold it to a guy up the street but I made really well sure that it didn't have any more drugs in it.  I tossed those in Charley's trash since I was borrowing the garage's trash can."

"Charley?"

"Davidson, owns the Last Chance Garage.  She's a friend of my kinda-big brother that I'm crashing with.  He's getting custody of me right now so I can stay.  Sandy made my life a living hell and I'd like to see her be the block bitch in prison."

"That's wonderful," he agreed happily.  "Every bit helps.  We'll go confiscate those drugs from Miss Davidson so she won't have any problems," he said with a happy smile.  "Did you touch the baggies?"

"No, they were in a zip pouch.  I opened the bag and saw the crack rocks and pot underneath it.  The pouch was small, like a fanny pack but flat, and black nylon."  She leaned on the table.  "Let me tell you about Sandy," she offered with a bright grin.  "Not the brightest cookie on the block.  She drove off my kinda-big brother Xander too."

"Xander?  I've heard that name," he said thoughtfully.

"Xander Harris.  He's one of the crew chiefs at a construction site."

"Oh, that must be it.  One of my neighbors works construction."  He made note of that name.  "She drove him off too?"

"She's a snarky and mean bitch who treated him like he's helpless because he has a glass eye now.  She decided he was too helpless to do anything, including wipe his own butt, but he turned her down and got her into trouble.  So she turned the other girls my sister's a trainer for against him too."

"Interesting."  He continued to make notes.  "Can I tape this?  You talk faster than I can write."

"Sure," she agreed happily.  "I have every idea where she's going to hear this."  He smirked back.  "I'm sixteen, dude, not six."

"That's fine.  Not going back?"

"Not unless I'm dragged there by the short and curlies and then I'll just come right back and live with Xander.  He treats me like I'm a real person who has some sense, not like a toddler or a newborn kitten who needs a baby gate and some hand holding.  The first thing Xander did was teach me self-defense.  It's a nice change, let me tell you."

He smiled. "Good.  Pretty girls like you should learn how to defend yourselves."  He tapped the paper he was making notes on.  "Just pot and crack?"

"Yeah, a big wad of pot and some crack rocks in little baggies.  Her buddy, the one she set me up on a blind date with, was a gun runner.  He was running shotguns from his school locker.  He got obsessed and I never wanted to see him again after the first ten minutes of our date.  I ducked out and he followed me around begging for another one.  His name is Garret Marcum."   He wrote that down.  "One r."  He corrected it.  "He's in tenth grade at Cleveland Central High."  He made another note of that.  "So's Sandy."  He made another note.  "Sandy is either dating or slutting around with two dealers, one's named Cal, not a clue otherwise, I thought it'd be too dangerous to know more, and the other is a Winsington, she keeps writing her name with his last one.  He's a big, huge black guy but very polite.  He's very, very polite.  He holds doors, he speaks softly, he doesn't do anything in front of the other girls.  Cal's a wigger and scary just for that fact."  He snickered but made some more notes.  "Winsington's a nice guy, but very business. He's what I would assume professional men like the mob are like."

"Do you think he's connected to the mafia, Dawn?"

"Not a clue," she admitted.  "I didn't want to know that much."  He nodded, smiling at her for that wisdom.  "Buffy, my big sister, might know more.  Sandy invited him over to be vetted as the prospective boyfriend.  They all had dinner at some fancy Russian place without prices on the menu from what she bragged about.  She said she had no idea what caviar tasted like but it was only a bit icky and salty.  Like the after effects of a blow."  He nodded, looking at her again.  "Cal basically brought in fried chicken and meatloaf.  That and really nasty rap music.  Winsington listens to some rap, but it's more like Jay-Z than the equivalent of street grunge."  She glanced around.  "Is there a soda machine?  I'll even treat if you promise to arrest the whore for doing that to me."

"Sure, there's one around the corner," he said, getting up and taking her in there.  She did treat him to a can of orange soda too, then they went back to talk some more.  He was even nice enough to give her a ride back to the garage, smiling at Charley.  "Did you toss out that bag, ma'am?"

"It's the one in the closet in the kitchen," she said dryly.  "The one in the office has the clothes and stuff Dawn pulled out of her car."

"He can look at those.  He's going to make Sandy a sorry twat for messing with me," she said dryly.  "How dare that bitch put drugs in my car!"  She stomped a foot and got both bags, handing him the trash.  "Nothing else in there that might be important, Charley?"

"No, just some old receipts and a few forms where I was trying to balance my checkbook and failing."

Dawn beamed at her.  "Xander was sneaky," she explained.

"Ah, that's why there's an extra ten grand in my bank account," she said sarcastically.  "Remind me to beat your big brother later."

"Don't do that," she whined. "He's trying to be nice and sweet.  Xander's a natural spoiler, but he needs someone to spoil him instead."

"I've got an unmarried sister," the cop offered.  "She's in the horse patrol."

Dawn beamed.  "I'll ask him, he might go out with her.  His last girlfriend and he parted ways when she decided he was dangerous to be around because people think he's scary and mean."

"Managers are often seen that way," he offered.  He opened the trash bag, using a pair of gloves to pluck out the bags he could see.  "These, Dawn?"  She nodded and dug in there, handing him something else.  "Thank you, Dawn.  We're more than happy to take these off your hands and to tell Cleveland.  I'll even copy the tape and hand it over personally with anything we get off the drugs, like fingerprints."

"Cool."  She opened the other one, shaking out the clothes since he was standing there.  A few more packets of drugs fell out.  "That filthy bitch!  I was using those to plug holes in my trunk!  Now I'll have to buy new ones because they're tainted and nasty and I'll never be able to wear them without shuddering."

"Let me look, Dawn," the cop said gently.  "That way you don't touch anything that could incriminate you accidentally."  She let him have the other bag and watched as he found more drugs.  He looked at her.  "I can confiscate these if you want."

She looked at Charley, who nodded.  "Your new school could have a drug dog and they'll be able to pick that up."

"They may," Victor agreed.  "It's not that unusual for them to pick up residue from the packets."

"Then I don't want 'em back," she said, pouting at one shirt.  "My mother bought me that.  It's one of the last ones she got me."

"Then you put it in a plastic bag and don't wear it," Victor told her, handing it back. "It could pass residue back onto your skin and then you'd get tackled by the drug dog's partner."  She nodded, folding it up in her lap.  "I'd wash it first."

"I wore it when I ran away," she sighed.  "My sister's a cunt."  She heard the cough and blushed.  "Sorry, Charley, but truth!" she defended.

"Use gentler language, Dawn," Charley said patiently.  "Not that I don't agree with what I've heard from you and Xander."  Someone tapped on the door and she walked over, smirking at Xander.  "She's not in trouble."

"I didn't figure she was. I was hoping I wasn't going to interrupt someone being mean."  He walked inside and looked at the bag, then at Dawn.  "Those had better not be something you were stashing for a friend."

"Fuck no, Sandy put them in my car when she stole it without permission and used it.  She didn't even put gas or oil in it."  She grinned at Victor.  "This is Victor, Xander," she said happily.  "He's going to make Sandy a block bitch.  I was thinking about telling Faith so she could come give her pointers on how to bend over the right way once she's inside."

Xander snickered.  "You're so bad," he chuckled, shaking his head.  "Once she's inside, not before, Dawn."

"Of course.  Faith might spoil the cops' fun by pounding her into a greasy spot."

"You friend Faith was inside?" Victor asked casually.

"Yeah, some guys...were jumping her and Faith accidentally stabbed another person who was jumping in to help," she admitted, going with a half-truth.  He'd never take her word for anything if she mentioned vampires. "It was an accident and she's over it now.  She's much better now, much more stable."

"That's good.  Not many people come out better but apparently the system worked in her favor," he offered with a gentle smile.  He winked at her and went back to shaking out clothes.  He let Dawn have the rest of them.  "I'd clean those very well or have a dry cleaner clean them, Dawn.  Then store them somewhere and don't wear them very often."  She nodded, staring up at him as he stood up.  "Anything else I can do for you?"

"Only if you want to give Xander your sister's number," she said sweetly, grinning up at him.

"I've got an unmarried sister in the horse patrol who Dawn thinks you'll hit if off with," he offered.

"I've never ridden a horse," Xander admitted.  "But I'm not dating until we've got everything settled with Dawn's sister.  Just in case it gets shoved back at us and gets her hurt."

"I understand," he promised, sliding over the number anyway.  "Whenever you're ready to date again," he said fondly, bagging up the evidence and taking it off their hands.  They were very nice people.  He actually whistled on his way out to his car.  Cleveland was going to have a very good night and weekend since it was Friday.

Xander hit the switch to close the door again.  "Feel better, Dawn?"

"Yup.  One less snarky brat to mingle and mess with me."  She stood up and gathered back up the trash, putting it back in the trash can, then her bag of stuff went into the back of Xander's rental car.  "Didn't get it back yet?"

"Not yet," he admitted.  He put an arm around her shoulders, watching Charley drink her newly doctored soda.  "She's sixteen, she's vindictive."

"Sandy's still a slayer."

"I would have turned in my own sister if she was slutting for two drug dealers, one who's *really* serious and very nice, but quite professional, and had set my butt up with a gun dealer.  She deserved it and they've got plenty.  She'll probably cut a deal anyway."

"She didn't want to slay anyway," Xander agreed, leading her off. "I'm taking her back to help work on her self-defense skills."

"Sure, I'll be over there soon," Charley agreed, calming herself down.  She hadn't realized what sort of girl Dawn was, but now she knew.  She was the sort that you only messed with once. "That slayer will be miserable and cursing Dawn's name for years," she said dryly.  "Not that I blame her."  She went back to her present job.  She was nearly finished and then she could join them.

Xander walked Dawn into Throttle's part of the lair, as they were teasingly calling it, and handed her over to his gentle care.  "She stopped to narc on the slayer who put drugs in her former car."

"You narced?" he asked, looking a bit surprised.

"She's not my friend and she damn sure made herself my enemy," she said dryly.  "You don't fuck with a true Summers woman like that.  My mother would have ripped her hair out as she drug her down to the police department, even if she had to travel back there to do and it and leave again."

"Then she would have lectured Buffy on how she was being so blind and not following her calling," Xander agreed, nodding to show his support.  "Joyce wasn't one to beat butts but she would have dragged Sandy in there and beaten her then handed her over.  She was *fierce* about the subject of drugs around her kids."  Dawn giggled.  "Seriously.  She thought Angel was selling there for about a day until she met him.  Then she knew he wasn't right in the head."  He rolled his eyes.  "Now, let's get back to teaching Dawnie how to whip tail so she can go fight the good fight with the good guys, who seem to like Carbine a lot."

"They do," Throttle agreed.  "She also let Vinnie buy a fish."

"Oooh," he squealed, going to admire the new pet.  He had admired Tara a lot when he had gotten her.  It was only fair.  He found them staring at each other through the bowl's side.  "Dawn narced on the girl who set her up and stuffed drugs in her car," he said in greeting, sitting down to look at the fish.  "She's pretty, Vinnie.  Very purple and blue and seems pretty strong.  Did they tell you about tap water?"  He nodded, grinning at him.  "Cool.  I got a call, Dawn's enrolled in the local school district and they had copies of the paperwork giving her to me.  Now we have to figure out which school she's going to."

"There's a few in the city.  Did they say anything else?"

"They said she was fairly well set for college but she really should raise her GPA above a 3.2.  I'm impressed, I did sucky in school."

"Me too," he agreed, and they went back to staring at his fish.  Dawn's squeal made them shudder because Throttle was chuckling and almost sounded evil.  "We need to get you two tail implants."

"Yeah, but then I'd have to ride a bike and I can't," Xander reminded him.  "Besides, I'd look dorky on the back of a bike.  I'm much too much a construction worker to ride a bike."

"Modo's built bigger than all of us and he looks cool," Vinnie offered.

"Modo's in a special class.  I'm not that sort of muscular."

"Point, but we could try," Vinnie suggested.  He grinned at Charley as she joined them.  "Don't you think he should get a bike?"

"Not until this spring.  He'll die the first time he skids on the ice."  She looked at the fish, walking off shaking her head.  "Xander, remember you have to find somewhere bigger if she's staying."

"That's next week's task since I've got a day off," he called after her.  He went back to staring at the fish.  "I nearly turned into a sea creature, but I could never be that pretty.  We were kinda muddy green/brown and slimy with fins."

"You were?"

"Well, they were, I nearly was," Xander admitted.  "Scary teeth too."

Vinnie patted him on the back.  "You're not in Sunnydale any more, Xander," he reminded him.  "You can be yourself now.  You won't get threatened around here by any fish creatures."

"Or have to wear a speedo," Xander agreed dryly.

"Do I want to know?" Charley asked from behind them.  "I'm taking dinner orders."

"Pizza," Xander said, holding up his wallet.  "It's my turn to buy."

"Sure," she agreed, looking at Vinnie.  "Pizza good with you?  Dawn wanted Chinese and Throttle just moaned when it was mentioned."

"I'll go with the majority opinion this time," he offered.

"I'll spring for real pizza," Xander called.

"Pizza's cool," Dawn agreed.

"We're not turtles, sweetheart," Throttle reminded her patiently.

She pinched him.  "You still need calcium to keep strong bones and teeth.  You guys won't drink milk and refuse to even look at cheese without shuddering.  Therefore you've got to get it where you can.  You guys won't eat broccoli, so you're stuck with pizza and ice cream."  She bounced out to hug Vinnie.  "Come help me, Throttle said that I need someone to work with while he instructs and watches."

"Sure, I'll let you beat my hands up," he agreed, getting up and following her back.

Xander shifted over to stare at the fish more fully.  They still mystified him.

"All he needs is fur and a tail," Charley said dryly as she walked off.

***

Micah looked up as a paper hit his desk.  "What's this?" he asked.

"Dawn got vindictive," Max, a pretty brunette woman, told him, smirking at him.  "One of the slayer brats put drugs in her former car so she turned her in to the Chicago PD.  Apparently the guy she talked to was so happy he was basically skipping down the street."

"Wonderful," he said, handing it back.  "I'm sure she feels better.  How do her grades look?"

"Better than mine," Max admitted.  "3.2 GPA.  Science and English taken in full measure.  She stopped at Chemistry and Literature.  Math through Geometry.  Then electives in history and people skills, plus typing and accounting for some reason."

"Good.  Maybe she can help me balance our budget.  Have fun this weekend."

"She's asked those mice to teach her how to fight by the transcripts from that bug you had planted," she told him.

"They're fairly good at the brawling level but suggest a martial arts style to help her too," Micah offered.  "Have her work on languages too.  Try to suggest at least two.  Try to make one Russian if you can.  Only Lorne speaks it around here."

"Sure," she said, shaking her head as she walked off.  Apparently it was set in his mind.  She made those notes and went home to have dinner and pack for their flight.  They'd be turning Dawn Summers into an agent if she wanted it when they were done with her.

***

Dawn looked up at her proposed school.  It didn't look *so* bad.  She looked at Xander, who was on the back of the bike beside her.  "Do we have to?"  He nodded.  "Fine."  She clutched Vinnie tighter, letting him drive her up to the gate and let her off.  She smoothed down the shirt she was wearing then took Xander's arm to walk him inside.  They were met at the door by a nice looking older woman.  "Hi, I'm Dawn Summers.  Your school was suggested to me since I'm transferring out. You talked to my guardian Xander on the phone."

She smiled and shook their hands.  "Welcome, Dawn and Xander.  This is St. Ignatius' school.  It's a very prestigious school locally.  Let me show you around and tell you a bit about our programs.  We got a fax of your records from Cleveland and I must say you've done well so far in public schools."

"Yeah, but I wanna do government work," she told her.  "They're suggesting I do better and I do languages and things."

"Well, we do teach Russian, Spanish, French, Italian informally by those students with the background, and Japanese.  We go on the honor system here.  You get demerits for bad behavior and points for the good things.  Points can earn you prizes and entry into drawings."

"So kinda like Harry Potter but not house points?" she joked.

"Exactly," she agreed, smiling back at her.  "We expect you to be free thinking and able to make up your own mind about things, including faith.  Are you Catholic or any particular version of the Faith?"

"I'm kinda bordering on neopagan and Buddhist," she admitted.  "Sorta between them in thinking."

"That's fine," she assured her.  "We do say grace and we have daily prayers but we'd only expect you to stay quiet during them."  Dawn nodded, accepting that.  She smiled and waved a younger woman over.  "This is Dawn Summers, she's thinking about transferring into our school from Cleveland.  Dawn, Xander, this is Emilia Sortes, she teaches English and Russian."

Dawn shook her hand.  "It was suggested I take Russian and another language," she offered, earning a small smile. "I'm looking at future government work."

Xander smirked at her and said something quietly, earning a blush.  Then he shook her hand. "Charmed, Miss Sortes.  I saw you out having fun the other night at Bigelow's."  She blushed again.  "I'd never tell," he assured her with a wink.

The teacher punched him on the arm.  "Bad, Xander," she said smartly, rolling her eyes.  "Headmistress, this is *the* Xander Harris.  The one you heard about last week."

She looked him over, then nodded, then looked at Dawn.  "Then you're Buffy's little sister?"

"Unfortunately.  Are you against that?"

"No, dear.  I'm the daughter of a Watcher," she said dryly.  "Come, let's chat."  She led them all to her office to chat with them and talk up their training program.  She knew just the sort of *service* Dawn was considering and she could encourage that.  She would definitely liven up that man Simms.

Episode 09:

Dawn looked up as someone tapped on the door to Xander's apartment, which was slightly open while he carried up groceries.  She looked at her favorite teacher.  "See, she can wear heels and she's a kick ass secret agent."

"I learned in the Army and I had to learn how to do it barefoot first," Max offered as she walked in.  "You must be Dawn.  I'm Max.  Behind me somewhere is Lorne."  She listened.  "Well, maybe not right behind me."  She opened a window and glared down at the people going at it in the parking lot.  "Lorne!" she snapped.  "Get up here."  She closed it and went back to smile at Dawn again.  "Then again, the Army also taught me how to fight naked, even when I'm being a girl."

"I have a deep mistrust of the military since the old group smacked them down," Dawn said happily.  "Throttle is the guy who's presently working on my whipping tail skills."

"Xander was doing good but you needed more street than bar fighting," Throttle said modestly.  "Ma'am."

"Another one?" Lorne asked.

"I can kick your ass again," Xander said sweetly.  "Move, agent boy, before I tell one of the biggest, gay demons in town to take you as his butt bitch."  Throttle blushed at that.  "Sorry, dear," he said with a blown kiss.  He put up the rest of the groceries while Dawn stared at Lorne.  "He won't hit on you, dear."

"I know that, I feel like I know him," she said dryly. She held out a hand.  "Dawn Summers."

"Lorne Cash," he said, shaking it, still frowning.  "You're not the sort we usually get as applicants."

She snorted.  "Just because I'm stunning, smart, and fashionable doesn't mean I can't and won't kick ass when necessary.  Besides, someone has to go after my sister and clean up the messes she leaves.  She just leaves demon parts lying around when she's done with them and expects everyone to step over them too."  She waved a hand around.  "It's rude."

He nodded.  "I've seen that recently."  He looked at the two mice lounging on the furniture.  "You're not on our caseload, right?"

"They're Martians," Max sighed.  "Did you not look over that folder at all?"

"I slept!  I'm just getting over the flu.  Forgive me for being human, Max."

"Wow, who put the PMS spell on you," she said, grabbing a candle and lighting it with a whisper and a blow, then standing up so she could grab his chin and shine the light in his eyes.  "Whoa, major demonage," she said in awe.

Xander walked up behind him and hit him on the back of the neck, knocking him out.  "We can fix that," he noted.  "Dawn, bedroom, prepare the stuff."  She nodded, going to do that, which made Oz walk out and flop down next to the kittens, putting his big, furry head next to Xander's momma cat, Tara.  "Feel left out?" he taunted.  He picked up Lorne and carried him back there.  "Shouldn't take more than an hour, someone deal with putting up the ice cream and dinner."

"We're having hotdogs," Throttle called after him.

"Fine, get me a burger," he called back, then shut the door.

Throttle looked at Oz.  "You want hotdogs?"  The wolf looked at him and nearly grinned.  "Good.  Vinnie, go get dinner."

"Sure, Throttle," he agreed, hopping up and going to do that.  He'd stop and get Charley on the way back so she and Modo could join in this surreal fest of fun.

Throttle looked at her.  "So, you're an agent?  Most of ours are either plug ugly and butch or femme little darlings who seduce and then destroy."

"I tried for that but I'm not that sort of girl," she said with a smirk.  "How's she doing?"

"Okay.  Charley taught her how to hit and she's much better.  She's still really playful and pouncing.  She's got that kick-to-the-balls thing down pat too."

"That's the first thing they teach girls in self defense," she offered.  "She's probably had that one since she was six or seven."  She heard a yell and sighed, going back to knock Lorne out again.  "How did he get possessed?"

"Probably on the plane," Xander told her.  "It's a steam demon, comes out in fog.  It came out, saw me, and headed back."  He picked up another vial of holy water and tossed it on Lorne's exposed chest, making him writhe and more fog come out.  "Listen, I'm trying to get you free so you can party at the demon bars.  You'd never get in while you're in him. He's too square."  The demon left, heading out through a slightly open window.

"Good job," Dawn said happily, giving him a hug.  She undid the straps then grinned at Max.  "We're an efficient team."

"I can see that," she agreed, taking the girl's arm and leading her to the study so they could talk together without interruptions.  She shared some stories and got Dawn to get her suggestions of how to handle things.  She asked her about her future courses.  They chatted about having periods while on assignment at just the *wrong* moment.  Max even told her about having one pop out of nowhere during a seduction assignment.  They figured out they could get along great.  When she was done, she smiled at the girl and gave her a pat on the arm, going to gather Lorne.  They'd be back for her tomorrow to test her in the park, away from her guardians and protectors.

Dawn bounced out and took her hotdog, it had her name on it since she hated cabbage in any form, and sat down to nibble on it.  "I'm being taken out tomorrow for a bit so they can see how well I whip tail," she said proudly.  "Max is really cool and she said Lorne's not usually like that."

"No, those demons aren't the loosest of things," Xander agreed.  "Usually they like those who fill the 'stodgy accountant' shoes."

"Wow," Dawn said in awe.  "She said he's really pretty funny and neat at times.  He specialized in non-standard weapons combat and runs a bar as a hobby."

"As long as you don't start to drink," Xander said patiently.  She rolled her eyes.  He frowned at her.

"Liquor's nasty, Xander.  Except for schnapps, and they're pretty cool but I am underage and I know better."

"Then how do you know what they taste like?" Vinnie teased.

"My one, single lesbian trial kiss and she was drinking cherry schnapps," she said with a smirk. "It wasn't bad, but I like boys better.  They're more interesting and less touchy- feelly."  She ate another bite then brushed her hair back behind her ear.  "When do I start wearing the horrible uniform?"

"Tuesday," Xander reminded her.

"Fine.  Make me wear the horrible uniform.  Has anyone figured out which bus I'm taking?"  Xander nodded, pointing at a paper on the counter.  "A change?"

"Yeah, but you're only going two blocks. You could walk that later on if you wanted," Xander promised.

"She could drive," Throttle suggested.

"That would require me finding a good used car," Dawn reminded him, "and I'm all out of looking ideas.  I've about given up at the moment."  She looked at the others, then glared at Vinnie.  "You only got me one?"

"You can have my other burger, Dawn," Xander promised.  She grinned and snatched it before he could change his mind, digging in.  "Hungry?" he teased.

"Yes, I missed lunch."  She ate another bite.  "Do we have enough uniforms for me?"  Xander nodded, giving her a patient look.  "Do we have everything else I'll need?"

"Everything but your bus passes," Xander assured her.  "You'll get your books once you're there."  He finished off his burger. "Why?  What did you think you needed?"

"Um, underwear?" she suggested.  "Bras?  Cuter workout clothes since I'm going to be starting martial arts one day a week?"

"There's a uniform for that too," Xander assured her dryly.  "Cute undies are on your own unless you want to drag Charley to the mall with you.  I'm not ever going into Viccy's again as long as I damn well live."  The mice gave him a look.  "Remember, three best friends for eight years, girls, two of which were lesbians.  I've been traumatized more than enough helping them bra shop."

"Yeah, the last time you came home pale and shuddering and Anya suggested that's why you should be gay," Dawn pipped in. Xander gave her a sideways look.  "You were puking so you didn't hear her but she said it to Buffy.  She agreed since you were such a big baby about having to help her find a pushup bra."

"Oh, god, the flashbacks," he moaned.  "I'm not sleeping for weeks now, Dawn."

"Sorry, dear.  I could go without."

"Fat chance," Vinnie broke in.  "Then you'd attract some sleazy guy and we'd have to beat him up for you."

"Awwwww, you're gonna threaten the boyfriends for me?" she asked with a cute grin.  "I love you too, Vinnie.  You're a great big brother.  Wanna go bra shopping with me?"

"No," he snorted.  "I'm the sort that prefers the mystery of seeing the effect."  He quickly shoved a hotdog in his mouth since Throttle was giving him an odd look.

"Where did Modo go?"

"Out to the park for some alone time with his bike," Throttle told him.  "Take Charley girl, she could use some fun."

"Sure."  She picked up the phone and called the garage.  "Charley, the guys are being big babymen because I still have to go bra shopping.  Nooooo, the last time Xander went bra shopping he came home shaky, pale, and puking.  My sister and Willow seriously traumatized him one too many times that time.  No, he's going to be having flashbacks for a few hours.  Wanna go with?"  She grinned.  "Hey, there's a great sale and a woman can never have enough well-fitting bras.  Please?  Vinnie stated he's threatening anyone who even checks me out if I go without."  She grinned at the laughter.  "Please?  Maybe tonight?"  She bounced a bit.  "Sure.  Whenever you're free.  No, we're at Xander's.  Cool beans.  I'll tell 'em."  She hung up.  "She said Switch didn't crash so she can't really be family."

"That's good.  The building should stand up to it but I didn't want to test it," Xander said dryly.  "Go, have fun."

"Thanks, Xander."  She kissed him on the cheek and headed out after frisking him for his keys.

Xander leaned back, shaking his head.  "Girls are strange.  I hate girls.  Especially fashionable girls.  I'll have to sit through a fashion show later."

"No you won't, not of underwear," Vinnie said dryly.

Xander turned his head to look at him.  "You don't know, man.  Trust me, I will be."  He looked at Throttle.  "Save my sanity?  Take me out and run me over?"

"How about we go for a ride instead?" he suggested.

"Sure, I could use a stress break," Xander agreed, going to grab his helmet.  He waved at Vinnie.  "Watch the furry ones."

"Sure," he agreed with a smirk.  He looked at Oz, tossing over the extra hotdog he had gotten for him. "Think one of them will finally make their move?"  Oz shook his head.  "How did she stick you in furry form?"  Oz shrugged and laid back down, getting comfortable against Tara's side.  They were buddies.  He let out a belch and Tara flicked his nose with her tail so he snorted.  She settled in again, getting comfortable.

Vinnie snickered.  "You two would have been a cute couple."  Tara seemed to smirk at him.  "How're we doing the transfer of Andrew back to Buffy?  Speaking of, Xander still has to find a bigger spot to live with Dawnie.  Wonder what he's gonna pull outta his tail this time."

***

Later that night, Xander got up, again.  He went to get another drink and had to sneak past Dawn.  She grumbled something and shifted so he sighed and went to change and sneak out.  His usual bar was pretty close so he headed there.  It was another long night of not sleeping.  In there he found a familiar figure bent over the bar.  "Problems?" he asked Lorne.

"No, just can't sleep.  You?"

"Flashbacks."

"Hmm.  Bra shopping?" he taunted.

"No, Initiative."  Lorne looked at him and he nodded.  "Yeah, I was there too.  You guys just scream that out to me now and then."  He sipped his beer.  He tossed down a few bucks.  "I'm going to go have fun.  Have a nice night.  Don't wake Dawn up too early or she'll whine for hours."  He headed off, going to find somewhere less charged to be.  That place felt heavy, like a morgue.  He found an upbeat sounding club but something felt off to him.  Like an undercurrent of menace in the techno pop music.  He moved on, not willing to deal with it tonight.  If it was demonic it would chase him down.  If it wasn't, the cops could handle it.  He found a place playing country and western and headed inside, then immediately had second thoughts.  Wonderful, the only country biker bar in Chicago.  He walked up to the bar, nodding at the bartender.  "Can I have a shot?  I missed the music."

"Sure," he agreed happily enough, sliding one down to him.  Xander handed over a few bucks, so he nodded at the tip.  "You okay?"

"Rough night," he admitted.  He gulped the shot and looked around, then back at him.  "I've got friends who're bikers, but I'm here for the music."

"That's cool," he agreed, smiling at him.  He noticed one of the guys coming up to the new kid and winced.  Well, they were about to see if he was going to have more problems.

"Buy you a drink?" the big guy asked.  He wasn't much taller, but he was heavy.  It was a softer layer of fat over older muscles sort of fat instead of just blubber fat, but his beer gut was starting to show.

Xander looked up at him.  "Sure, why not," he admitted with a small grin.  "I'm in one of those moods."

"Gay?"

"Me?  Not often."  The man chuckled.  "Dabbled is the best way to put it.  Didn't strike me as much as girls but I've tried it a few times."  He sucked at the beer that was put in front of him, then held out his hand.  "Xander."

"Bob," he said, shaking his hand.

"Canadian?"

The man laughed. "No, not all men named Bob are Canadian," he taunted, tugging on the boy's arm.  "Come on.  We've got a table."  Xander nodded, following him with his beer.  "So, why are you up so late, Xander?"

"Flashback nightmares.  I couldn't sleep," he sighed.  "My kinda sister is on my couch and I didn't want to wake her."

"That's cool."  He got the boy settled on the outside so he could make a break for it if he wanted.  "This is Ryle and his boy Peter," he introduced the others at the table.  Ryle was a tough, pouty looking blond man and Peter was a skinny guy with very dark skin and geeky glasses.  "They're pretty cool."

"That's cool.  I'm Xander.  Like I said, I don't bike but I've got friends who do.  I came in for the music."  He grinned.  "You two together?"

"No, but we get that a lot," Ryle said with a small smirk.  "What do you do, Xander?"

"Construction."

"Hmm.  Any particular speciality?"

"I'm a crew chief for interior work," he admitted.  "I like doing walls actually."  He grinned at Peter.  "You?"

"Oh, I work for the government.  I'm the local Feeb's house boy."

"I'm so sorry," Xander said dryly.  "Do they really starch their thongs and where are their special cloning vats this year?"

Peter chuckled.  "Nebraska.  They never move them.  As for starch?  Most of them have never even heard of a thong and they do starch and iron their plain white boxers."  They all shuddered at that thought.  "You're pretty cool.  You gay?"

"Dabbled but not usually," he admitted.  "Survival, a few dates, nothing major."  He took another sip.  "Right now I'm working on getting my friend's baby sister to school on Tuesday."  He leaned back, listening as the music changed, smiling slightly.  "I love this song."

"It's a pretty song," Bob agreed.  "Wanna go for a twirl?  About half the guys here are gayer than our flag."

"Sure, I wouldn't care."  He got up and let Bob lead him off.  He noticed a few smirks.  "How can I not, he's so big," he joked.  That got a few laughs and he let Bob lead since he was so nice.

Someone new walked in the bar and sneered at them.  "Fags are gonna die!  I'll send you to hell on your little girly bikes."

Xander looked up at Bob.  "Let me handle this," he said with a mean smirk, going to beat the snot out of the other biker.  That guy got in a few good blows but Xander was winning within minutes.  The fighting was nearly as good as the music and dancing.  When he was done, he let Bob baby him.

***

Dawn woke up alone and listened.  She heard a light snoring but it was only Oz.  She got up and went to check on Xander, just in case, and found his bed messy but empty.  "Xander?" she called, heading back to the kitchen.  No notes that she could find.  She checked the time, it was nearly eight.  She called the guys on the phone Xander left over there.  "Guys, is Xander over there?  He's not here and his bed's messy.  No, not here at all," she said, starting to panic.  Xander wouldn't have left without leaving a note.

***

Throttle rubbed his chin, then the back of his head.  "Don't worry about it, Dawn.  Sometime he wanders at night.  It's the nightmares.  I'm sure he's fine."  He listened as Dawn dropped the phone and shrieked, "What the hell happened to you?"   The answer she got made Throttle shake his head.  "Dawn?  I'll be right over."  He hung up and looked around, finding Vinnie coming in.  "What's up?  Have a good night?"

"Well....." he admitted.  "It was better than usual until I saw the guy bringing Xander home on the back of his Harley."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, big biker guy," he said with a shrug.  "Nice enough guy, Xander agreed to meet him for drinks later tonight before he sped off.  Then he wobbled inside."

"Huh.  Dawn just said he came home beaten up."

"He was wearing his helmet when I could see his face," Vinnie admitted.  "He wasn't standing too steadily though."  He got off his bike, letting it roll off.  "Should we be worried?  First Merle and now this guy poaching your turf, bro?"

"Not my turf," he said grimly, going to get dressed and head over there.  Dawn had sounded like she was going to kill him for not leaving a note.  By the time he got over there, Xander was collapsed on the couch with an ice pack and was sleeping peacefully.  He looked at Dawn.  "Go get dressed and stuff."  She nodded, going to do that in the bathroom.  He moved the ice pack, wincing a bit.  "What hit you?"

"Another biker who came in shouting about killing gays.  I feel better," he sighed, looking up at his buddy.  "What?"

"Vinnie said you came home pretty wobbly and Dawn was on the phone to me when you got in."  He looked at a cut on his cheek.  "Put anything on that yet?"

"I'll do it when I get up."

"If you do it now, it won't scab over the dirt," he offered. "I can grab the stuff for you."

"I'm fine," he said patiently.  "I've had worse than this."  He took his ice pack again and put it over his black eye.  "She woke you up?"

"You didn't leave a note, dumbass," she said as she walked out wearing a tight pair of jeans and a tighter t-shirt.  "I called Max, we're meeting for breakfast then going to the park to fight.  You sleep, Xander, for once this week."  She walked out, slamming the door.

Throttle looked down at the tired sigh.  "She's a girl."

"She is and she doesn't understand, but it happens sometimes."

"Yeah, but when it does you turn into Vincent and do stupid stuff," Throttle reminded him with a small smirk.  "I'm going to talk someone into giving you a tail yet."  Xander snorted and flipped onto his side, tossing the ice pack onto the floor.  "You're sure?"

"I'm fine, Throttle.  Go have fun.  It's Saturday and you should be having fun, not watching me not sleep."

"I'd watch you sleep but you're not," he offered gently.  "Maybe you should hit your bed."

"Oz is on it."

"So, let's talk about where we're going to be helping you move."  He sat down across from him.  "Any ideas on that yet?"

"Nope.  Not really.  I talked to my landlord but he doesn't have anything larger at the moment.  I got offered a nice top-floor apartment downtown but I'd feel like I was Batman or something and needed some sort of device to sneak in.  Not that I'd mind climbing up the side of the building but it would get old."

"It'd also be hard to hide certain show-off mice who would ride down the side of the building with you whooping along behind him," he said dryly.  Xander snickered at that.  "No good prospects?"

"Not really.  Not unless I want to move to the suburbs or do what we did for you guys and renovate a wrecked building."

"That'd take more effort and more money," Throttle offered.

"Not really.  I could just assign guys to do the work and check on it nightly and it'd end up being the same cost in the long run.  I don't really want to pay utilities or anything like that, but the only way around that is to move way out in the country where I could have a well and a septic system."  He looked at him.  "I'm still waffling on the problem of the SUV."

"That's why you need sleep, so you can think clearly," Throttle reminded him.  "When was the last time you got any real sleep, Xander?" he asked gently.  The boy shrugged.  "That long ago?"  He thought back. "Since we built the building?"

"I had that one night of eight hours.  I don't sleep real routinely, you know that," he defended.

"I know and I'm trying to help you with that, Xander.  I'd offer to take you for a ride but traffic's insane today.  It's just after the first of the month and plus the school shoppers are already out.  It took me nearly thirty minutes to get over here."  He shifted.  "What's worked in the past?"

"Nothing," he said dryly.  "I'll be fine, Throttle.  Don't worry about it."

"It's what friends do."

"True, but you've got other stuff to worry about, things like Vinnie."

"Vinnie is being worried over by Charley at the moment.  That frees my schedule for worrying about you," he joked.  "Besides, he sent me over here to check on you."  Xander gave him an odd look. "He said you came wobbling home."

"I did.  I got dizzy on the back of Bob's bike on the ride and I nearly hurled by the time I was up here.  Then Dawn screeched at me for quite a while."

"She cares, it's what those who care do when you come home slightly drunk with bruises.  The same as we worry about cops showing up to take you to jail."

"Nah, the cops pulled me off him and told him off when they decided to intervene.  They said it was his own fault for walking into a gay biker bar and starting to shoot off his mouth.  Since his buddies left him there once I jumped him, there's no one there to back up his story."

"That's good at least.  You'd look horrible in prison clothes."

"Point," Xander agreed with a yawn.  "Go do fun stuff, Throttle.  I'm being boring."

"You're not boring."

Xander looked at him.  "Throttle, as much as I love you guys, your dad side is starting to come out and I don't need a daddy.  At least not at the moment," he said gently.  "As much as I love you, big guy, I'm not going to succumb to some mind games to wear me out.  You should spend your Saturday doing more pleasant stuff than watching me mope."

"See, I don't see it that way," he retorted.  "If this were any of the others, I'd be there for them.  The same as I have for you in the past, Xan.  I don't like to see you hurt and I don't like to see you in pain like this, but I can't figure out how to stop it."

"Go back and have CPS take me from my parents when I was six."

"I can't do that.  I wish I could, but I can't," he noted dryly.  "Anything else I can do?"

"Nah, I'm gonna be right here all day, then I'm going to get ready for my night out with Bob.  He knows some other country bar and he's taking me there to show off."

"Country?" he asked, his nose wrinkling.

"Yes, I like country too," Xander said patiently.  "Even the old, wailing, suicide inducing stuff."

"Wow, you're a lot more open than I am," he admitted. "So we'll see you tomorrow?"

"Maybe.  I've got my weekly thing with Merle tomorrow," he admitted.  He sat up and found the throw by feel then laid down and covered himself.  "Go play, Throttle, you're too young to be that serious looking."

"Fine.  I'll go play in the fall sunshine.  I'll let Vinnie come pounce you later or tomorrow afternoon."

"Sure, if he's that bored."

"You're not an antidote to boredom," Throttle promised, standing up.  "We like you for who you are beyond what trouble you help us get into."  He handed him back the ice pack then left, heading back to their lair.  On the way he considered things.  Did he think about Xander like he did Vinnie, or like he *used* think about Vinnie, as more than a buddy and a bro?  If he didn't, then why was he jealous of this biker guy taking him out tonight.  He came up the ramp and saw Vinnie posted in front of his fish. "Bob?"

"Yeah, that's the big biker guy's name," Vinnie said absently.  "He said he'd be seeing him tonight for drinks."

"They're going to a country bar."

Vinnie shuddered.  "I thought Xander had better taste than that," he complained.  "That poor man.  We should save him from that fate."

"If this guy makes him happy we've got to support it," Throttle reminded him. "We can't make his choices for him."

"While that may be true, you're miserable, bro," Modo offered gently.

Throttle leaned on his handlebars. "I'm not, guys, really."

Vinnie snorted.  "Yeah, you are.  You're moping.  Not even Carbine got you this hot and bothered.  Ask the guy out!"

"He thinks we hang around him to cure boredom."

"No, I like him as more than a catnip toy," Vinnie joked, looking at Modo.  "You?"

"Yeah, I like the little guy. He's sweet and good."  He stared at Throttle.  "You'd better make your move soon," he warned.  "Time's running out."

"It'll be fine, bros," Throttle promised.   "It's not that sort of stuff. I see him like I do Vinnie."

"Like you see me now or like you used to?" Vinnie asked all too perceptively.

Throttle shrugged.  "Does it matter?  He's dating someone now."

"I don't see him being anyone's back seat rider," Vinnie said dryly.  "Then again, I can't see Xander taking it either."  He shrugged and went back to watching his fish.  "Your life, bro.  When's he coming over?"

"If he's got time before his ...date, or tomorrow before his weekly thing with Merle."

"I'm wondering if Xander realizes Merle's been dating him this long," Modo said with a hint of a smirk for Throttle.

"No, the boy doesn't seem to know that much about these things."  He heard a squeal of brakes and winced.  "That sounds like Dawn's done."

"Hopefully it was a good brawl," Vinnie said smugly.  She walked in and he whistled.  "Bit tight there, princess."

"Blow me, Vinnie," she teased back.  "I'm allowed to be drooled on.  That's why I've got breasts."  Modo blushed at that.  "Sorry, Modo."  She looked at Throttle and handed over the list.  "Xander's to enroll me here and you're to make sure I can kick ass once I start learning.  Max said so."  She smirked.  "Now all I have to do is make it through high school, college, and the FBI Academy."

Throttle looked at the list, then at her.  "These are fighting styles."

"Duh, Throttle," she said patiently.  "I'm going to be a field agent dealing with people like my sister's mistakes and doing what Xander is right now.  I want to be trained enough to survive to see my own grandkids.  Speaking of, where's Switch and Stoker?"

"Still in bed," Vinnie said, watching his fish swish her tail.  "Is that fun?"

She walked over to hug him.  "Remember, fish are short-lived creatures," she whispered in his metal-surrounded ear.  "I'll help you bury her next to the kitten."  Vinnie nodded, looking back at her.  "No Charley?  The garage door was closed."

"Not at the moment," he admitted, pulling her around to hug her. "How did it go?"

"People thought we were really fighting, which she said was an excellent sign," she said proudly.  "Max had to stop the cops from intervening and hauling my baby butt off to jail. She said I had style and some grace and told me which martial arts I'm to start in.  She also suggested that I find a look I love and wear the hell out of it.  Apparently hers are those semi-stretchy pants and the usual jacket and shirt.  She said I should stay with jeans though because she can't imagine me in a power pants suit."

"Me either," Vinnie agreed with a smirk.  "So, we've got to create a look for you?"  She nodded.  "Hmm, you look okay like that but can you fight in it?"

"As long as I don't have to kick too many people. I can sit comfortably in these pants, but they're a bit tight for other things."  The door downstairs slammed so she wiggled off Vinnie's lap before Charley could get upset.  "Hey, Max said I did good."

"Wonderful," she agreed happily, handing her a soda.  "Where's Xander?"

"He went out late last night to a country bar and met a guy named Bob that he's got a date with tonight," Dawn told her.  Charley blinked and looked at Throttle, who was polishing his chrome at the moment.

"I'm cool with it.  We're not together or anything."

"Yeah, because you won't make a move," Dawn snorted, getting up to come pounce him, knocking him onto his back to stare down at him.  "If you'd make a move, he'd drop Merle and Bob and come crawling," she pointed out with a grin.  "Which would be kinda fun to watch.  Xander needs someone to watch his back and be there for him, not for what they can do for him, not for what he can bring to a fight, and not for his protection.  He needs to be the guy who's babied.  He won't get that from Merle, who'd love nothing more than to get down and make Xander do dirty things.  I've never met Bob but I'm doubting Xander's going to consider this a stable thing since country is his sad and unhappy music."

"Why would he be unhappy?" Throttle asked.

"Duh!  He's not sleeping, he's ignoring what he wants, and he's been scarce here recently because he feels like he's some sort of burden or hanger-on."  She got off him and hauled him up to his feet.  "You will see less and less of him until you can convince that man he's not a hanger-on and that you guys like him as a friend.  A real friend, not a Buffy friend that only wants him there to get donuts and stuff.  Then again, if you got off your tail and asked the guy out, he wouldn't feel that way.  It's clear he's into guys at least a bit since he's dating Merle and now Bob."

"He doesn't consider his stuff with Merle to be a date."

"Yay!" she said sarcastically.  "That's Merle's doing.  Xander's ready to be roped and tied.  He needs people.  He needs people to like him.  You guys don't go out and do fun stuff with him anymore.  He's feeling like you don't like him, like he's the unwanted younger sibling who you had to bring on a date."  She stared up at her friend.  "Now, go get my big brother and bring him back here."

"He was trying to sleep."

"And?  He's not. I can guarantee you he's not actually sleeping.  He doesn't sleep, ever. He woke me up seven times last night before he went out. The night before that it was up and pace and the office then pace, then try again all night.   Whatever you do to make him sleep, I'd pull out a double helping of it."

"I just took him on rides."

"Huh."  She shook her head.  "All right, let me put this plainer.  Go get the boy and bring him here," she ordered slowly and clearly. "He's not sleeping.  If he is, it's because his body's about to shut down.  This week is the anniversary of him losing his eye."

"I get it, Dawn, but he sent me away."

She swatted him upside the head.  "Of course he did, dumbass!  Have you ever seen Xander admit he *needs* something?  Not wants, needs.  Anything at all?"  Throttle shook his head.  "You won't.  I never did and I've known him for a while now.  Anya never did, she complained that Xander never ordered her around in the bedroom and was more than happy to take whatever she wanted to do.  Xander will never admit he needs something or someone.  He'll push them away with badly timed jokes and uneasiness.  So if he's pushing you away, then you're in.  All you have to do is crook your finger and get just a bit pushy for about ten minutes and he'll be putty in your hands."  She looked at Charley.  "Xander feels like he's a hanger-on."

"He's not.  I consider him as much of a friend as I do these three," she assured her.

"Then someone might want to make that boy have fun soon."

"Meg wanted to go to Six Flags," Vinnie offered.  "Oz can't go since he's still stuck in wolf form."

"That's a good idea," Dawn agreed.  She looked at Throttle. "Max was saying that they're doing comic trials all summer of new test characters.  That would get you three in without a disguise.  I'm so on that," she decided, pulling out her phone.  "Meggy, me," she said in greeting once she had dialed the number.  "We've got to pull the moping Xander out of the apartment.  No, he's dating a biker named Bob.  No, country music," she said with a grimace.  "Sad music."  She brightened up.  "That's perfect!" she cooed.  "Yeah, and they can come with us too.  No, Max said they're doing new comic book character trials all summer."  She smirked at Throttle. "Sure, you get tickets and I'll bow at your painted toenails.  Any idea of unsticking Oz?"  She listened, then lunged at the nearest table, pulling out a pen to scribble on the back of a newspaper.  "I can get that.  Yeah, not an issue.  Sure.  See you soon, babe."  She hung up.  "Okay, we're going next Saturday," she ordered.  She looked at Throttle, then at Modo.  "You're all coming to have fun with us or else I'm going to have to whine and pout, if not handcuff you and talk your bikes into bringing you along.  I'm off to help Meg shop for magic stuff so we can turn Oz back.  While we're there, Xander will need an escort.  Vinnie can help Meg and I ride the thrill rides.  Charley can be the chaperone on anything less adrenaline producing if she wants.  Modo, do you like coasters?  You can come with us."

He shook his head.  "No thanks.  Maybe the water park though."

"Oh, we're doing the whole thing," she assured him with a bright grin.  "Be back in a bit. Gotta hit the herb and candle place, plus get a crystal, then find some naughty lingerie to tease a future boy with."  She jogged out, heading back to Xander's SUV.

"Did she just decide what we're doing all next weekend?" Vinnie asked. Throttle nodded.  "Should we protest?"

"You guys could use the fun," Charley told him.  "You'll be there or I'll help her tie you to your bikes."  She walked off, heading back to the garage to open it up for the day.   Not that she was going to get anybody today.  They were all out shopping and playing before kids had to go back to school.

***

Xander woke up to the sound of knocking, getting up to open the door.  "What?" he asked Max.

"You okay?"

"Yeah.  Bar brawl," he admitted, letting her in.  "How was Dawnie?"

"Excellent.  The cops thought we were actually fighting.  She shows a lot of your style."  She looked up at him.  "She's also planning your next weekend with the group," she told him.  "So go, you could use the fun."  She handed over his copy of the list.  "Send her to one of those, have her take those electives, and she'll be on track.  Oh, teach the girl how to shoot too."

"I can do that," Xander agreed.  He looked at her.  "Were you bugging her?"

"We have an open one coded for emergencies at the garage.  The same as we do here."  She pinched him.  "Now, Micah said you should go see this guy," she said, pulling out another number.  "He said he's a Vet.  He used to do our job before we retooled.  There's nothing you can't tell that guy and he's good at just letting you ramble on and tell him stuff.  Stuff like what's really causing your nightmares."  He shook his head.  "Yeah, I know, a lot of people can't be helped that way.  But for some it does ease the nightmares a bit, Xander.  You haven't slept in over a week, not for more than a few minutes.  You're starting to affect your health.  At least give it a try.  He's a nice guy, I saw him after I was reprogrammed to kill people.  He understands it all and doesn't bat an eye.  He's a good guy."

"I'll think about it."

"Good.  Think about this as well," she said, handing over a small bottle.  "Micah said he knew you couldn't take real sleeping pills but benadryl has the same side effect of making you sleepy without putting you under.  He thinks all you need is a nudge."  She smiled at him.  "With that said, Dawn's got me on her speeddial if you guys need us.  I'm training her with Lorne so you'll see us during most of the major holidays.  I'll be back the Friday after Thanksgiving."  He nodded, smiling at that.  "Have a good nap and try it.  It can only help, Xander.  Even Micah's had to resort to having someone to talk things out at.  He put a picture on a wall, but it worked for him," she said with a small smirk.  "Get some rest."  She headed out, going back to her car and Lorne, who was finishing their contact report. "Okay, I'm done, let's head for the airport."

"Sure," Lorne agreed, saving the report. "He okay?  He looked rough last night."

"He's not sleeping.  He's got nightmares."  She pulled out into traffic and sped off, cutting through the traffic of minivans.

Xander popped one of the allergy pills and laid down again, and it was just enough to nudge him into sleep.  Finally.

***

Dawn heard the security buzzer and pressed on the button.  "Yeah?"

"Um, this is marked as belonging to Xander?" he asked.

"I'm Dawn, dude, it's all good. Are you Bob?"

"Yeah, I am.  Is he running behind?"

"Actually, he's taking a short nap.  Let me get him up.  It'll be a few minutes."  She let the button go and went to nudge Xander, making him yell and sit up.  "Bob's here," she told him.  "You're way late."

"You should have woken me," he complained, heading into the bedroom.  He paused to take the fastest shower he ever had then slid into his black jeans and the shirt Dawn had hung on the outside of his closet.  He put on his socks and boots, then grabbed his jacket and helmet, heading out.  "Sorry," he said sheepishly.  "I was napping."

"That's okay. We all nap now and then," he said happily.  The boy looked a lot happier today.  "Climb on.  I was thinking a picnic since it's such a nice evening, then we'll hit the club.  That good with you?"

"Sounds wonderful.  I haven't been on a picnic in a while."  He repressed that memory forcefully.  He didn't want to think about fighting at this moment.  He grabbed on, earning a light chuckle. "Sorry, didn't mean to tickle."

"It's all right."  He kicked the bike back to life and sped off to pick up the stuff for the picnic.  It wasn't too fancy but not burgers and hotdogs.  He found them a nice, quiet spot in the park and settled in to eat with him.  "So, what else did you do today?"

"Mostly I slept," he admitted. "Dawn went out to do some exciting stuff but I spent most of the time on the couch."  He shrugged.  "It was one of those nights, ya know?"

"Not intimately but I know a few Vets who have the same problem," he admitted.  He ate a bite of sandwich.  "I won't keep you out too late tonight.  I've got church tomorrow.  Wanna come?"

"Not exactly my thing," Xander admitted.  Bob simply shrugged and nodded, not saying a thing about it.  "Tomorrow night I've go to go out with my boss to talk about the upcoming week, and then I've got to work on Monday.  Dawn starts school on Tuesday so I'm pretty well booked that night too."  He ate another bite.  "Dawn said something about plans for next weekend, but I'm free the rest of the week."

"Xander, a man like you is never free, he's very expensive for those who want to spoil him," Bob said with a smirk.  "How am I doing so far?"

"Pretty decent.  It's good food and a pretty night."  To prove him wrong, a big, fat raindrop fell.  "Oops.   Sorry to have jinxed it."

"Not an issue.  I can pack up what's left," he promised.  He got them back onto the bike and the food put in his saddle bags, then headed off for the club, which had a parking garage next to it.  It would be safer to park in there and less chance of squishing when they came out.  He took Xander's arm and led him inside, smirking at the bouncer.  "Hi."

"Hey, Bob.  New kid?"

"This is Xander.  He's not a long-time resident yet.  We met last night at the other one."  He led the boy inside and let him pause to appreciate the down-home country bar.

Xander looked around at all the people in western wear, including some people who were pinging his gaydar badly.  On the floor there were some het and some homo couples dancing to the song being played by the DJ.  Xander drug him out there, going to dance with him.  It wasn't what he usually liked to dance to but that didn't bother him any. The music was kind of infectious.  So was Bob's grin of pleasure at his skills.  They were nearly interrupted by a guy in a pink shirt with mother of pearl snaps but Bob growled at him.  "Ex?" Xander asked with a tolerant grin.

"No, a poacher.  I caught you, you're mine.  I get to hang your head on my wall."

"Hopefully not literally," Xander teased with a smirk.

"No, I'd never do that to you, Xander.  It's spoil your charm and sense of humor."  He dipped him then pulled him back up with a snap and danced him off with the next song.

At the bar, a new shadow was sneaking into a corner to watch them.   If anyone knew he was here, he'd be in trouble.  Since Throttle didn't know he'd watch for now.  Xander needed someone to watch his back.  They couldn't be sure Bob wasn't evil.  After all, he listened to country music, that was a sure sign of evilness in his book.

***

Throttle looked up as Vinnie came back.  "You're home early."

"Yeah, well, Xander just got dropped off," he said, putting down his helmet.  Throttle glared at him.  "Bob's nice, but he's not gonna last.  He wanted to move a bit faster than Xander did so Xander only gave him a good night kiss."

"I need to know this why?" Throttle asked finally.

"Because you need to know that you've got to step up, Throttle," he pressured.  "The boy's being asked out by two guys, one of which isn't so bad.  Merle's a nice guy too.  I'm not too sure Bob could ever really get Xander.  He seems like the willingly blind sort to me."

"Xander's a big boy," Throttle said patiently.  "He can take care of himself."

"And what happens if Bob is a bad guy in disguise?"

"Then Xander can take care of it, he won't want us to ride in and save him like some damsel."

"Guys, I'm still trying to sleep," Modo complained from his bed.  "Throttle, I'm agreeing with Vinnie.  We don't know anything about this Bob and he doesn't know about us.  We're not sure how he's gonna react and I'm having paranoid thoughts at the moment."

"I'll ask him about him tomorrow," Vinnie offered.

"No, we leave Xander alone beyond making sure he's having fun.  It's up to him to choose who he dates."

"Really?  So the man who got him gourmet sandwiches and took him on a picnic in the park is gonna win?"

"Vinnie, go away," Throttle ordered.

"Fine, I'll go check on Charley since we haven't seen her yet either."  He went to do that, walking in the back door of the garage and resetting the alarm.  He listened, she was watching tv so he headed up there.  "Hey, sweetheart.  I came to check on you."  She screamed and grabbed a blanket to cover herself.  "Whoa!" he called, holding up his hands.  "Not an issue, just me.  Throttle just told me to go away because I stalked Xander tonight."

Charley calmed herself but didn't drop the blanket.  She stared up at him.  "Why did you stalk Xander?"

"Who knows what this Bob is."

"Oh.  Good point."  She settled the blanket more firmly around herself.  "I'm fine."

"You certainly are," he teased with a bright grin.  "Can I watch?"  She nodded, shifting over so he could have part of the couch.  "What're we watching?"

"An older movie."  She flipped back from the VCR before he could figure out what she had been watching.

Vinnie settled in next to her, staring at the DVD.  "Why're you watching mushy stuff?" he asked finally, trying hard not to whine.

"I do this maybe three times a year, Vinnie.  I'm allowed, I am a woman."

"So I can tell, sweetheart, and a very beautiful one as well."  He looked at her.  "Cold?  You can cuddle up to me, I'm not only one hot bod, but I'm usually warm."

She shook her head, wrapping the blanket more tightly around herself.  "I'm fine.  Thanks anyway.  Why did Throttle send you away?"

"Because I was nagging him about stepping up."

"Hmm.  I'm wondering if he's not iffy because he told Xander he probably wasn't interested."  Vinnie turned to look at her.  "They had one of those 'I'm not gay but you're cute and I'm still not gay' talks apparently.  Dawn said she's heard Xander muttering about it."

"So we're right, if he steps up, Xander will fall into his bed?"

"Possibly.  Remember, Xander's a big boy with some issues," she cautioned.

"Yeah, but Throttle's dangerous enough to want him and Xander's more than dangerous enough to keep him and hurt enough to encourage that small protective instinct."  He smirked at her.  "Just like you do to me."  She reached over to pinch him and he got a glance at what she was hiding.  "Whoa, nearly makes imminent destruction seem like nothing," he said in awe.  She blushed and covered herself again.  "No, it's good.  Just admiring, sweetheart."  He yanked on the blanket, using his tail to get the other side from her so he could get a good look.  The navy blue camisole and shorts looked like silk and she looked good in them.  The top dipped a bit low, but it was an enticing low, not a slutty looking low.  The shorts were cut high on the sides and had bigger than necessary leg holes so he caught a peek of hair as well.  He swallowed.  "You look...good in that," he finished with a small squeak to his voice.  "Very nice."

"Thanks.  It was on sale and Dawn pressed me into buying it."  She grabbed the blanket to cover up her front again so he couldn't stare.

"Don't do that."  He took the blanket and shifted again, putting her against his side.  She shivered and her arms did feel a bit chilled so he covered them both up.  He relaxed and she slowly rested more weight against his side.  They got back to watching the old movie, comfortable for the moment.  Then the door slammed open and the alarm went off.  Vinnie hopped up and grabbed his pistol, heading down the stairs.  "What the cheese are you doing!" he shouted.  He disarmed the alarm and glared at Stoker.  "It'd better be really good, Stoker."

"Switch's having some pains," he panted.

"Do I look like a midwife?" he asked.  Stoker was looking a bit frantic so he called up the stairs.  "Charley, we need to check on Switch, she's having some pains."

"Let me put on a bathrobe at least," she called, intending to put on real pajamas instead.  She came down the stairs in a conservative two piece pants and top pajama set in green, earning a smirk from Vinnie.  "No comments," she warned.  "They're comfortable."

"I can see that."  He turned Stoker around and walked him back to the lair, letting him lead them to where Modo was helping Switch through the pain.  He got her other side, touching her stomach. "Hmm, not too bad.  Are you losing your mind yet?"  She shook her head, glaring at Stoker.

"Have you had many false labor pains before?" Charley asked patiently, coming over to rub her stomach, shoving Stoker out of the way.  "You're in the way."

"Sorry."  He moved to Modo's other side so he could stroke her hair.  "Is it time?"

"No, this is a trial run.  If she's in real labor she won't be able to do more than swear, pant, and dig into someone's arm with her nails," Charley told him.  "I've had a few friends who've went through this."  She continued to stroke the stomach gently, calming her down.  "Are they coming regularly?"

"That was the first one," Switch said tiredly, flopping backwards.  "Those hurt."

"Honey, think about how small the hole it has to come out," Charley said patiently.  "They all hurt unless you guys dilate much farther than humans do."

"Dilate?" Stoker asked.

"The cervix is usually fairly closed," Charley said patiently.  "It's got to open to let the baby out."  He shuddered.  "In humans, it opens to about ten centimeters from what I've been told.  Babies are bigger."

"I'm so sorry I did this to you," Stoker vowed.  "So, so sorry."

"I'll pay you back later," Switch vowed.  She slowly relaxed.  "How often should I have those?"

"I'm not sure," Charley admitted.  "I've heard different things about that. I know that it's preparatory labor.  The real stuff is rhythmic and hurts worse.  That's how you tell the difference. So when they start coming at set intervals and slowly start moving closer together, then it's time."

"So I'm going to have a little drummer in there to keep tempo?" she asked.

"Only figuratively speaking.  There's no room in there for a real drummer," Charley snapped back, smirking at her.  "If there was, it wouldn't hurt so much."

"Point."  She cradled her stomach.  "Can't we just teleport it out or something?"

"Not that I've heard of," Stoker offered.  "I'll call and ask if you want."

"No, that's fine," she said, patting him on the arm.  "If you call, Carbine will find out for sure where we are.  She'll bring the stupid drummers and all the attendants for the birth and naming."  He shuddered.  "Exactly."

"She wants to do High Traditional for the birth?" Throttle asked.  "Carbine?"

"She claims this is the only chance the line has of continuing."

Throttle shook his head.  "I doubt it."  He came in to stroke her stomach.  "It'll be okay.  We'll be here and keep you calm and all that good stuff."

"Good, I could use that good stuff."  She grinned at him.  "Is Xander sick or scared of babies?"

"He's feeling odd but he feels like we think he's a hanger-on," Vinnie told her.  "Why don't you go visiting tomorrow?"

"I'm not letting her out of my sight," Stoker said firmly.  "She could start real labor in the middle of the street."

"Having a baby takes hours, if not days," Charley assured him.  "One of my friends was in active labor for nearly four days."  They shuddered at that.  "She wouldn't let them take the baby surgically."  She patted Switch on the leg.  "Relax.  As long as you're relaxed and careful we shouldn't have any problems that require rushing you to the local ER and exposing you."

"Maybe Xander knows someone who deals in the demonic," Vinnie suggested.  "It's not exactly the same but if they're a doctor they could be here to make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Would they be bad?"

"No, there's demons who're just funny looking," Throttle assured her.  "They just...are, they're not evil.  They've got families and everything too.  I can call Xander if you want."

"Sure, have him come over to worship the stomach," Switch ordered.  Throttle nodded and got up to get the phone Xander had left them, coming back with it.

"Hey, Dawn, is Xander still awake?  He took a what?"  He looked at Charley.  "Why is he taking allergy medicine?"

"It often makes you sleepy," she said gently.  "It was probably the shove he needed."

"Oh."  He listened to her babble. "No, Switch is in pre-labor Charley said.  Is there a doctor for the normal demon?"  He smirked.  "Decent.  Where?  Sure, have Meg have him call us.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "He's gotten to sleep for the second time today," he offered.

"I won't wake him then," Switch promised.  "Is he okay?"

"He's not sleeping hardly at all," Charley told her.  "It's the anniversary of him losing his eye and his last girl this week."

"Wow, and he doesn't want to be around people?"

"He seems to think we look at him like some pesky little brother and won't accept that we don't," Vinnie told her, stroking her hair back from her face.  "We've tried and all but he's being a recluse to us."

"He hasn't even brought his heap in recently," Charley agreed.  "Something crashed into the SUV and it's slowly falling apart since then.  It cracked the frame and everything."

"What hit him, a building?" Stoker asked.

"No one's sure.  He said all he saw was a headlight.  By the size of the impact it was something bigger than most semis."  She shrugged.  "His insurance company wants him to trash it because it's going to cost less to get a new one than to fix his old one."

"He's still undecided," Throttle offered, stroking her stomach.  "It feels like you're having another one."

"How far apart?" Charley asked.  Everyone looked confused.  She glanced at the clock on the wall.  "Probably not more than ten minutes.  When this one ends, time the stop to start interval."  They grabbed Switch's hands, letting her squeeze them as the pain came.

Throttle had to let go when the phone rang.  "Hello?"  He nodded.  "Yeah, that's us.  No, she's in labor.  We think pre-labor but we're not sure."  He paused.  "You want me to do what?"  He handed the phone to Stoker.  "Your woman, you check her out."

"I'm hoping I'm the only one checking her out," he said dryly, taking the phone.  "Okay, I do what?"  He blushed.  "While she's in labor?"

"Oh, let me," Charley said in disgust, taking the phone.  "Okay, I'm checking her cervix or other things?" she asked as she lifted up the sheet.  "No gloves.  Okay."  She looked for a moment.  "I'd say about 5/8ths of an inch."  She nodded.  "Sure.  No, she's having the second.  The first was about ten minutes apart, this one's apparently shorter.  There was time enough for me to change during the first one.  Sure."  She took the pen and paper Vinnie retrieved, writing down his phone number.  "Thanks.  No, mice.  Yeah, six foot mice. Yeah, that's them," she said dryly.  "She's a friend from home.  Thank you, doctor."  She hung up and put the phone and the paper aside.  "All right, you can take warm showers and walk around, that could help speed up the process.  He figures you're probably going to dilate about the same we are so we need to keep an eye on that.  Once the pains are evenly spaced, less than five minutes apart, and you're ready to gut him with your teeth he said to call him back and he'd rush up for the delivery.  He lives just out of town."

Switch panted as she came down, nodding.  "Okay.  Why would I want to walk?  I ache!"

"It'll move the baby into position faster," she told her.  "Gravity is wonderful.  He did say you shouldn't ride your bike, that the vibration could do odd things."  She nodded, understanding that.  "Until then try to rest as much as possible.  Drink, no eating until after the birth or this session of false labor stops."

"Why?  That seems counter-productive," Stoker said bitterly.

"Because it hurts, Stoker.  Think about being in that much pain and having a full stomach."

"She'd be puking like a volcano," Vinnie said dryly.  "Soup okay?"

"He said anything liquid but for the later part of labor ice chips.  We can use water, koolaid, or juice."

"We can do that," Vinnie agreed happily enough.  "I call making ice chips and crushing 'em."

"Fine, punk, get the easy job," Stoker complained.

Switch pulled him down by the hair on his chest, glaring at him.  "Do not pick on him.  Or else I'll make you feel this later," she warned.

"Sorry, kid," he said softly.  "You okay?"

"I could use a shower," she admitted.  He picked her up and carried her in there.  "You big, strong he man you," she teased.

"Anything for you and the son," he said fondly.

"I thought it was going to be a daughter," Modo called.

"The caves haven't gotten a member of my family right for decades," Stoker called back.  He yelped and backed out of the bathroom.  "No antennas," he pleaded.  "Please?"

"Oh, you're sharing it," she vowed, pulling him closer to share the experience with him.  "You're going to get it all, Stoker."

"Then this'll probably be an only child," Vinnie said dryly.

"Oh, I don't know, there's women who have been through child birth sixteen and seventeen times," Charley said dryly.

"Why?" Modo asked, looking upset at that.

"Lack of birth control.  One of the kids I went to high school with was the youngest of nineteen.  Another was the middle child of thirteen.  Another was from four sets of twins and two singles."

Switch looked at her.  "I'm never doing that," she vowed.  "But I'll show you guys later why I'm only having this one."  She went back to her shower while Stoker shivered in dread.

"That bad, Stoker?" Vinnie taunted.

"Punk, do the world a favor and breed a lot, that way the rest of us don't have to go through that again," he said bitterly, flopping down in a chair.  "You guys did what to the mini-punk?"

"He's feeling left out and like a leech," Charley told him.  "Like an alien suddenly put into a very tight cultural group."

"If we could get the boy on a bike, he'd feel better," Stoker reminded her.

"He got dizzy riding behind someone last night," Vinnie told him.  "Came home stumbling after a bar brawl in a country biker bar."

"A gay country and western biker bar," Charley amended with a grin for him. "They went out to a normal gay country and western bar tonight."

Stoker shuddered.  "That poor boy.  Throttle, why haven't you pounced him yet?"

"Because he's nervous at the prospect and he sees me as some fatherly figure," he said bitterly.  "He calls me dad, Stoker."

"So do I," Vinnie reminded him smugly.

"Yeah, and I had enough of that when you were younger," he reminded him.  He looked at the bathroom, then at the clock.  "She's having a third.  I can hear the panting.  How long?"

"Twelve minutes.  Not standard or even," Charley assured him.    She stood up.  "Switch, need me? I'm going to go back to watching tv after I fix the door Stoker kicked in."

"Not yet.  I'll have him run and get you when they start for real.  Thanks, Charley."

"Not an issue, Switch."  She stood up and stretched, getting tickled by a tail tip.  "Vinnie!"

"I am not," Throttle teased her.  "You look good in men's pajamas.  Wear them often?"

"They're women's and yes, I do."  She rolled her eyes at Vinnie's quiet growling.  "Quit.  He was getting in practice."  She walked off, heading back to the house.   She heard a quiet footstep and looked back.  "Wanted to help fix the door?"

"Yeah," Vinnie admitted. "Those are women's?  They look like guy's pajamas."

"I'd wear men's pajamas but they don't fit my chest," she said dryly.  She walked around the splinters, not minding much when Vinnie picked her up and carried her over them.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  Let me fix that for you and then can we watch some more tv?" he asked. "I don't want to listen to her torture Stoker."

"Or to help Throttle mope?" she suggested.

"Yeah, that either," he admitted.  He turned her around and gave her a little pat.  "Go change back."

"Fat chance, not with you over here."

He gave her a long stare.  "It doesn't matter what you wear, babe, you're still too hot not to tempt me. Even if I burn my fingers on you."  He closed the door to see where the most damage was then he went for the roll of duct tape to fix the jamb until he could get a new piece put in.  It'd hold for now.  Once he had the door secure he headed up the stairs quietly, hoping to find her having changed back.  Instead he found her curled up on her side on the couch.  He moved her to sit under her head, stroking her hair while she napped.  He turned off the DVD player and found the other movie just ending with a load moan.  He blushed but rewound it. Maybe he'd find something to make her squeal and bounce like Dawn did.

***

Xander grinned as he sat down across from Merle.  "Hey.  How was your weekend?"

"Decent.  Yours?"

"Well, I had a date last night."

"Apparently he was good, you look like you slept well for a change," he said with a half smile but his eyes looked very sad.  "Anyone I might know?"

"Big biker guy named Bob."

"Bob?  I know Bob," he admitted. "He's a nice guy," he said gently.  "Not the sort I thought you'd go for though."

"I'm not sure if I go for him or not.  It's only like my second gay date ever," he said dryly.

"If you want, I can give you something to compare," Merle offered casually. Xander looked stricken.  "Or not," he repented quickly.

Xander touched his hand.  "If we weren't on the same site, I'd have you bent over this table and howling in pleasure," he said with a small grin.  "But I can't work with someone I'm dating. Things get weird.  There's that urge to have sex at work, which would traumatize nearly everyone around us."  That got a small chuckle.  "So if you suddenly fire me or move me to another site, then maybe.  But not until then.  I just can't, Merle."

"I understand, Xander. Not an issue.  Besides, I can't fire you.  The boss likes you.  Sheila likes you.  You do good work and you work along with your guys.  We haven't had a guy like you in years and I'm going to have to keep you there."  He gave him a gentle smile.  "You're sure?"

"Not unless we're working on different projects.  If you're together with someone you work with, things get magnified.  You either take each other on the desk or your fights get in the way of work.  Trust me, been there before," he said dryly.

"Okay, I'll accept that.  For now," he admitted with a smile.  "How was Bob?"

"I don't do more than a quick kiss on the first date, Merle.  I'm not like that."

"Good thing I've been considering these dates all along, huh?" he teased.  Xander chuckled and nodded.  "How's Throttle feel about Bob?"

"Why would it matter?  We're not together.  He didn't say anything when he came over to try to make me sleep, but I wasn't really expecting him too.  See, he made himself kinda plain on that matter," Xander sighed.  "Which is why things are weird between us at the moment.  I feel like I'm planted in the middle of a group of people who don't really like me, they just kinda like me because of him."

"That's not true, kid.  I've seen Vinnie and Modo treat you like their little brother."

"Yeah, a pesky one," he snorted.

Merle shook his head.  "You're misreading it, Xander.  They like you for who you are.  Nothing further."  He patted his hand.  "Okay, we've got this final week to go over.  We've got a half crew.  What still needs finished?"

"Cabinet pulls.  Um, a few pieces of carpeting in the hall that was on back order.  The windows need to be cleaned and our last inspection."

"Okay.  So your crew's got maybe a day of work?"

"Unless they find something wrong or something terrible happens when they hook up the utilities, yeah," he admitted.  "My problem is that I suck at installing carpet and I don't have anyone.  Can we borrow an outside guy?"

"Sure, I know someone," he admitted. "I usually get him in to finish installing any and all carpet.  He's on one of the other sites at the moment."  He made a note of that.  "Do you need a full crew?"

"Not unless we find something wrong during the final inspection," he admitted.  "If you can get a guy in to do the install part of the carpet, I can hold.  We could use one, maybe two more."

"Decent enough.  I haven't gotten final permission on our crew's next job.  The boss is calling City Hall tomorrow to see why and I don't want a large gap so I can move people to the other sites for a few days if I have to."

"A few of mine wanted a few days off," he cautioned.  "Sheila's dad needs Tuesday off because she's starting a special school."

"Yeah, it's the elementary school associated with St. Ignatius," he said dryly.  "Dawn should fit right in."

"She will," he agreed happily enough.  "How about the landscaping guys?"

"Nearly finished.  They'll need all week so I might need you to temp in on their side.  Have you laid sod and planted trees?"

"Planted shrubs with someone telling me what to add," he admitted.  "We didn't do much of that.  Out in Cali, you hired special people to take care of your landscaping needs.  Our crew hardly ever had to deal with doing more than pulling shrugs and bushes.  Especially rose bushes," he remembered with a wince.

"That's fine, Xander.  I can help you with that.  We'll have one guy mix the fertilizer for the hole and you can plant and fill."  He made another note of that.  "I think we're fully finished on this job.  We didn't run too horribly over budget considering that emergency move for the gas project.  The owners seem to be happy so far but they're raging at City Hall and demanding that they pay them back for the overage due to that screw up.  So that leaves the next job, which is a private residence.  It's a complete destroy and rebuild."

"Can I blow it up?" he asked happily, wiggling a bit.

"Not really, kid, it burned the first time.  All it'll need is a little tap."  He shrugged.  "The one after that is being looked at and they're thinking that's going to be a destruction job.  You could do that and then we'd have a minimal cleanup team. You've got your license, right?"  Xander nodded. "Good boy."  He went back over the notes he had made earlier.  "We still owe Vinnie and Modo a check.  They're in my desk drawer.  I'll have them sent over if I can't reach Charley tomorrow," he decided.  "To the garage?"  Xander nodded.  "That's fine.  Any news on the new apartment front?"

"Not that I can find," he sighed.

"Why are you moving?  I hope it's not because of me," a male voice said from behind Xander, brushing against his back as the body moved around him.  "Merle."

"Bob," he said cheerfully.  "Xander was telling me you had taken him out last night.  Have fun?"

"A lot.  Where are you moving, Xander?"

"With Dawn staying I need more than one bedroom," he said with a small shrug. "She can't do good in school while sleeping on my couch with me waking her up all the time."

"That's very nice of you to take her in," Bob said, reaching over to squeeze his wrist.  "You doing anything after this?"

"Going home to nag Dawn about her mass of clothes," he said dryly.  "She starts school on Tuesday and somehow my closet seems to be full of skirts.  I'd look really ugly in a gray wool skirt."  Both men chuckled at that.  He looked over and smirked as Charley came in.  "Well.  We were going to call you tomorrow to tell two of the bros that they've got checks cut."

"That's fine, I'll tell 'em later."  She smiled at them.  "When are you coming over again?  I'm tired of watching Throttle mope."

"When I'm invited?" he suggested.

She pinched him on the ear.  "Friends don't require invitations.  You're a friend, get over it."  He gave her a sappy grin.  "Thank you.  I've seen more of your junker than I have of you recently and you're worrying me.  Besides, who else do I get to talk about the stupid things men do?"

"Dawn?"

"And Meg, but that's beside the point.  We're taking a group outing next Saturday.  Don't make any other plans or I'll never hear the end of it."

"Sure," he agreed happily.  "Where are we going?"

"Six Flags."  She smiled at Merle. "He won't have anything then, right?"

"No, we'll be finishing a job this week and the next one won't start until the next Monday.  Have fun, Xander.  You need some excitement and fun in your life.  Make sure you ride up with one of the guys."  He grinned as Dawn walked in.  "She's not supposed to be here."

"Dawn Summers, you are underaged to be in this place," Xander ordered.  "Out!"

"I will, just as soon as you both come with me.  Switch is in real labor and screaming her head off.  She just tried to cut Stoker with a butter knife."

"Shit, gotta go," Xander said, reaching for his wallet.

"I've got it, go," Merle said, waving him off.

Charley started to tug on his arm.  "But I still have to pay for my part."

"I've got it, Xander," Merle called after him.  He saw Xander finally free his wallet and tossed a few bills at a waitress before heading out with the ladies.  "He's very energetic.  I'm glad he's finally gotten some sleep."

"I'm just happy I could help him with that," Bob said smugly.  "Are you two...?"

"He said we can't date while we're on the same site.  He thinks it'd make things intense at work," he admitted, sipping his coffee.  "He's my interior crew chief."

"So he said."  He shifted closer, picking up Xander's soda to sip.  "So give, who's this Throttle guy and who's Switch?"

"Switch is a friend who's in for a visit with her man, Stoker.  She's apparently popping out the baby now.  Throttle is one of Charley's friends that Xander met the first time he came to town.  He's one of the reasons Xander stayed in the city instead of going up north."  Bob shivered.  "He's a damn nice guy, but he will be there for Xander if you drop the ball.  He wants, but Xander's convinced himself that it can't happen."

"So I'm filler?"

"Not at the moment.  Xander's not like that.  A bit scary now and then, but not a player.  This Sunday is the anniversary of him losing his fiance.   Two nights ago was the anniversary of him losing his eye.  He's going to have a tough week, especially with the Dawn things going on."

"Was that her?  I've only talked to her briefly."

"Yeah, that was Dawn.  She's a nice girl.  She's starting at St. Ignatius."  Bob nodded, but he didn't seem to know anything was different about that school.  "She's a good kid, ran away from her big sister because she was, excuse the language but truth here, a twat."

"Really?  He took her in?"

"He has full guardianship of her.  Her sister signed it over because Dawn said she was staying, no matter what."  He took another sip of his coffee.  "Want dinner?"

"Sure," he agreed happily enough.  "I'll take whatever Xander was going to order."

"We hadn't yet and I doubt that.  The boy's a funny eater."  He handed over his menu, he knew what he wanted.   Unfortunately his meal of choice had already left to help a friend in labor.

***

Xander parked his SUV and got out, following Dawn inside.  "Guys, part the Red Sea," he ordered, walking through the crowd.  "Hi, Switch.  You bellowed for me to dance attendance?" he asked with a grin.  "Let's sit you up some.  I hear it's a bit easier, like a constant stomach crunch."  He sat her up and sat behind her, then looked at Stoker, grabbing him by the belt to pull him closer.  He put his hand in hers.  He grabbed Modo on the other side and did the same to him. "Okay, sweetheart, you squeeze the hell out of them when it hurts.  Got it?"  She nodded, biting on her lower lip.  "None of that.  Let it out, dear.  Labor hurts like a bitch for a reason."  He stroked and worked on her shoulders to keep her calm.  He looked up to find the other two mice nearly dancing.  "Ice chips or something soothing and cold to drink.  Small amounts so they stay cold.  One of you call a doctor.  Charley, check her over.  How far is she?"

Charley lifted up the edge of the sheet. "I'd say six centimeters and her water has apparently broken."

"Good.  That's a good sign.  Okay, honey, just a bit longer and then the ripping pain will be a pushing pain.  Got it?"  She moaned and nodded, resting against his chest.  "That's what we're here for.  We can shift your position once you're ready to push.  Did you want to do it squatting, on all fours or like this?"

"Why?" she panted.

"Because it can be easier in other positions.  This one was created by doctors so that it'd be easier for them, not for the mothers.  We can help you in whatever position you want."

"Let's stick with this one.  I don't think I could hold another position for very long."

"That's fine, just let me know, babe.  Now, deep breath, close your eyes, concentrate on a happier mental image and slowly let the breath out until the pain stops."

"Stoker pushing me in the playground," she said a little wispily.  She closed her eyes and did as he said, and it helped some.  It still hurt but she was diverting her attention from it.

"That's it, that's a good girl," Xander soothed quietly in her ear.  When the pain stops, jump off and giggle, hugging him until the next one.  Then he can start pushing you again."  She nodded, letting out a tired sounding giggle.  "Good girl.  Now relax.  You've got a few more hours of this."

"Sure," she agreed, going limp against him.  "Is this how humans do it?"

"Well, here in the US, most women give birth in a hospital.  It's a sterile environment and not particularly cheerful.  But I've witnessed births in Africa and Asia that were more like this.  They still do most deliveries at home.  Usually there's a midwife in case of problems.  Sometimes it's just a really experienced woman from the village and sometimes it's someone with some training."  He moved off her shoulders to stroke her stomach.  "How far apart are they?"

"Maybe eight minutes."

"Then when it's nearly time, start back on the swing," he ordered gently.

"You've helped deliver before?"

"Only like this.  Most of the time men aren't allowed anywhere near the women in labor. It's considered a bad omen.  In some cultures the men can't see their children until they're a month old."  He went back to stroking her stomach in little circles.  "Both of the slayers I went to retrieve who were pregnant delivered while I was there and were attacked because they were slayers who were in a weak moment.  Nothing could have prevented the one in Asia from dying.  The demon shot a poisoned dart at her directly so I had to help her push the baby out with the last few minutes of her life so it'd live.  The one in Africa was attacked by a lion demon.  Since I fought it off, I was invited in to help protect her and the new baby, who would be the village's guardian as it grew older."  He glanced at the wall.  "Okay, sweetie, back on your swing," he prompted.  "Six minutes this time."  She nodded, closing her eyes and concentrating on that picture. Vinnie came back.  "Open, take a sip of ice," he offered.  Vinnie spooned some into her mouth and she crunched it up.  "Let it melt.  You don't want sharp, pointy things in your mouth.  You don't need the fluids to drink as much as you need it in your mouth."

She nodded, opening her mouth to get another bite of ice.  This time she let it melt while she swung in her mind.  Then she jumped off and gave the hands holding hers a squeeze.  "I can handle this."

"For now," Xander pointed out.  "After you're finished dilating, then you get to push and the baby's always bigger than you think."  He looked up someone else ran in, carrying a large bag.  "Doctor?" he asked. "Good.  Her last one was six minutes.  I've got her a mediational focus going, and she's calm.  Have some more ice, love."  She took some more ice and drank the water from the bottom of the cup, smiling at Vinnie.

"You've been through this before?" the doctor asked.

"Once in Asia and once in Africa," he admitted.  "Tibet and the Serengeti plains.  Two slayers in labor and being attacked."

The doctor looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Yet you associate?"

"I'm Xander."

"Oh.  Never mind then," he said, bowing at him.  "Thank you for saving that house last week, Old One."  He checked her.  "Nearly there," he said happily.  "Almost seven dilated.  You're very near to human physiology so we won't have too many problems.  I've never seen any demon clans like yours."

"We're Martian," Throttle told him.

"Ah, the other Great Ones," he said happily.  "I see."  He smiled at her.  "Any particular taboos I should know about?  Like not touching the baby's tail or head?"

"No, we're pretty good on it.  Usually we'd have drummers and someone to sponge down the mother, and there'd be a priest waiting to take the child almost immediately to bless it as part of the clan."

"I can do that part," Throttle reminded her.  "I did study that a bit in school."  She smiled at him.  "So just do it safely and I'll be getting him the traditional oil bath started."

"Yes, Throttle."

"Thanks, Throttle," Stoker called.  "I'm the father."

"Good, then you stay there unless you want to see the child come out," he said fondly.  "Some fathers look at their women differently when they see the baby pushed out."

"You mean I can watch?"

"If you want," the doctor agreed.

"Wow."  He saw Xander's head shake.  "No?"

"It's nasty, gross, and messy.  It'll make you cry and swear that she's just like your own mother, which will mean that you're going to have many bad thoughts for a few days.  That's why they didn't allow men in the African tribe I was with."

"If you say so," he said.  He handed her hand to Vinnie.  "Here, punk, do this part."

"Sure.  It's nothing I want to see, ever."

"Oh, I don't know, you eat like a pregnant woman," Xander teased.  Vinnie plucked out a piece of ice and flicked it at him, landing it in his ear.  "Eww!"  He tipped his head and banged on it to get it out.  "Meany.  I should leave again."

"Sure, right after you tell me how to fix Charley's door," Vinnie said smugly.  "Stoker kicked it in last night when she was having some false pains."

"How did you fix it so far?"

"Duct tape."

Xander moaned and shook his head.  "You were infected by that stuff; you can't live on duct tape and WD-40."

"Why would we?  It was a temporary fix.  I figure it needs a new jamb but I don't know how to replace just that part without doing the whole thing."

"That depends on the damage. I'll look at it once we're done here."  He gave him a look.  "Did you know Merle was dating me?"  Everyone in the room nodded.  "Why did no one think to tell me?"

"We thought you were ignoring it," Modo said with a shrug.  "He's a nice guy."

"Who has yours and Vinnie's check in his desk drawer," Xander told him.

"I'll get 'em tomorrow," Vinnie promised with a bright grin.  "Then again, we're not letting you leave tonight either.  You're staying, we're going to pounce you if you try to leave, and then we'll take you to work tomorrow."

"I've got to be there at seven."

"And?  I'll still be up," Vinnie said dryly.  "Speaking of, how did you get some rest?" he asked quietly.

"Micah suggested that Max give me some allergy pills.  They make you just sleepy enough to need a nap but won't keep you down," he said quietly.  Vinnie grinned at him.  "I'm not sure if I can take them every night or not though."

"Not an issue.  Even just for the bad nights would be good."  He patted him on the back of the head.  "If you try to leave tonight, I'm gonna have to pout and throw a fit.  That would get Charley mad at me."  He heard a chuckle and felt his hand being crushed so spooned out more ice for Switch, letting her suck them off the plastic spoon.  "There you go, babe.  Just claw me up if you want more and you can't do less than scream."  She laughed and then moaned, sitting up some.

"I believe it's time to push," the doctor said happily.  He checked her again then nodded.  "Yes, it is."  He moved the sheet back above her pelvic mound, making everyone but Xander and the father turn away.  "All right, Switch.  Push whenever you have the next pain, dear.  This may take a bit of time but you should be fine.  Do you need some oxygen?"

"No, I'm fine," she panted.  She pushed, gripping the hands as tightly as she could.

"It's like stomach crunches," Xander instructed.  "Tighten just those muscles and push.  Just like taking a big, nasty dump."  She let out a weak chuckle and tried it again, doing better this time.  "Now work on holding it for as long as you can," he soothed, going back to working on her shoulders.  "Don't tense up. Just that area if you can."  She flopped back against him, gasping for air.  "Let's do it this way.  Deep breath, push for six or eight counts, let it out, relax, push again."  She nodded, waiting until the next pain to do it that way.  She let out a scream as a serious ripping pain started, then pushed again, needing to get that pain stopped.  "That's a good girl, just a few more," Xander cheered.  "Come on, his head's nearly out."  The doctor was guiding it out.  "Come on, give me three more good ones," he pressed.  She did one.  "One more."  She panted and did another one.  "One more, almost there," he praised.  She let out another scream as the baby came out fully.  "Good girl!" he praised, giving her a gentle squeeze around the middle.  "Open your eyes, Switch, look at your baby girl."

Switch opened her watering eyes, gaping at the sight of the baby.  "You're furry," she said, starting to sniffle.  "You're a gray mouse too."

"Want to cut the cord?" the doctor asked gently.  He clamped it then handed over a pair of scissors.  "Between them, sir."

"Sure," he said, snipping them.  Then he took his daughter.  "Wow, the caves were right for a change."  He walked her back up so his wife could look at them.  "Our daughter."

"Precious one," she cooed, stroking her forehead.  "Xander, what was your fiance's name?"

"Anya, or in demon form Anyanka."

"Anya.  It's nearly our word for Beautiful Trouble."  She looked up at her spouse, who shrugged. "Please?"

"Fine," he agreed, walking her out to Throttle, who took the baby carefully.  "She begs very well.  We're naming her after Xander's former fiance."

"Anyanka?"

"No, the human version."

"Anya then.  Beautiful Trouble.  Just like a daughter of yours will be," he agreed, starting the ritual bathing.  "Hello, Anya, welcome to your new clan," he soothed.  "I mark you as your father's," he said, drawing a stripe of the oil down her nose.  "And your mother's," he offered, making another over her chest.  "And your clan's."   He striped the oil down her tail and over her head.  "Let none of them doubt that you're a member or let them face your daddy, who's a fierce protector and a good teacher.  You'll need to listen to him so you can whip tail."  He went back to bathing her, whispering in her ear to keep her calm.  The doctor came out and tied off the cord lower, next to her stomach and snipped it again.  "The mother?"

"Is just fine," he said happily.  "She's had the afterbirth and I've kept it in case there's any standard rituals."

"We usually burn the afterbirth and the blanket she gives birth on so no one can taint their blood with it," Stoker offered.

"Not that blanket," Throttle ordered.  "Modo's mother sent that one down for him.  We'll wrap it up securely."  He nodded, accepting that.  He took the oil back into the bedroom and kicked everyone out but Xander.  "Hey, you can help me with one last chore.  Switch, I know you know about the ritual bathing and stuff."

"Can we hold the bonfire later?"

"Sure, babe.  But Modo's momma sent down the blanket.  We'll wrap it securely."

"We can always wash it," Xander offered gently.  "If that's okay."

Modo stuck his head in.  "It's okay.  Momma said I could use it for this purpose.  She said she was honored to have helped with the birth even though she wasn't there."  He closed the door again.

"That's fine then," Throttle agreed, picking up the cloth he had been using earlier. "This is the prepared oil, it's warm and soothing," he said gently.  "It's going to feel odd."

"Of course it will," she agreed.  She looked up at Xander as she was gently cleaned up.  "You're very good at that."  She smiled at him.  "You're staying."

"Sure, brat, I'll stay," he promised, grinning at her.  "Anything I can do?"

"Call Carbine," she said sweetly.  "She'll yell at the rest of us."

"Sure, not an issue."  He kissed her on the forehead.  "Now relax.  It's been a long night for you and you should be ready to nap."

"Oh, I am," she yawned.  "Should I try to nurse the baby?"

"Not for a bit.  We'll wake you when he seems hungry," Throttle assured her.  She nodded and let him cover her, then flipped onto her side so he could take the blanket she had been lying on.  The sheets went with it, as did the bowl with the afterbirth.  He took them out back and into the burn barrel the garage kept, lighting it with the traditional prayer for the baby's health and well being.  He heard a cough and looked at the cop standing there.  "Officer."

"Sir, it was reported to us that a woman was screaming."

"She was giving birth.  We're making sure that the baby's afterbirth and the sheets can't be used to harm them."  He went back to watching the fire.  "They're inside if you have to check."

"I probably should, sir."  He tapped on the door and got Vinnie, who was nearly vibrating.  "I have to check, we had a complaint."

"Stoker, bring the baby," he called.  "It's the cops."

"Why?" Stoker called as he walked his daughter down the stairs.  "See, newborn," he said fondly.

"Thank you, sir.  It was reported that a woman was screaming."

"With how small the hole this beauty came out of was, I'd have screamed and killed me," he said happily.  "Thank you, officer."

"Not a problem, sir.  Have a happy night and make sure the fire's dead by morning."  He went back to his car, smiling at the child standing on the sidewalk.  "It's all right, she was having a baby."

"Oh, good," he said happily, running home to tell his mother.  "Momma, the lady screaming was having a baby."

"Good for her.  Pity that she wanted to do it naturally and without drugs," she said, messing up his hair.  "It would have hurt less."  She kissed him on the forehead.  "I can't complain, I had you in the middle of the woods.  Go play."  He dashed off and she smiled at his enthusiasm.  She'd have to pop around to the garage tomorrow to make sure Charley knew she was an obstetrical nurse.  She would have come over if asked.  "I might have even brought her drugs."  She turned the page on her magazine.  "Don't play with the dog," she called.  It had been too quiet for too long already.

***

Xander was woken by a hand over his mouth, blinking up at Throttle, who nodded him to follow. He slid out of the hammock and followed him downstairs, where the others were looking grim.  "There's a ship landing.  Stoker never bothered to tell us Limburger had escaped."

"We thought he was heading home," he defended.

"That's fine.  Let's go meet and greet," Xander agreed.  "I need to stop at the house."

"Done," Vinnie agreed, pointing outside.  "We called Dawn and had her pack it.  She's coming here to stay with Charley and Switch so they can guard the baby."

"Cool beans.  Let's go then."  He headed for his car and hopped in, noticing the keys were still in the switch.  "Nice, Dawn.  Could have been stolen," he complained, starting the engine and backing out of the parking spot, heading for the tower.  The bikes were behind him, he could hear them.  It wasn't that late, maybe eleven, but it was pretty quiet on Sundays in this part of town.  He looked at the ship that had landed, frowning at the new design.  "I think he headed home."  He checked the supplies.  No grenade launcher, but two blocks of C-4 and one of his assault rifles were in the back, complete with extra clips.  He sniffled, he loved Dawn's idea of peaceful negotiations.  He stuffed the C-4 in his jacket pockets, the detonators and cord in his pants pockets, and the clips in his inside pockets and wherever they would fit.  Then he got out and joined the bros in front of the ship.  "Sneak in and cause hell and havoc from the inside out or knock it the fuck over and then make our own entrance?"

"Can you blow a doorway and not get us noticed?"

"I can blow a doorway.  I can't promise about not being noticed," he offered.  "I don't know what sort of specs they have on that thing.  It's a bit newer than yours."

"Yeah, it looks like he did head home and then down here," Vinnie said bitterly.  "Sneaking's no fun."

"Yeah, but then you can cause damage from the inside and destroy it all around you," Xander reminded him.  "I've got stuff.  Not an issue.  Dawn packed the peaceful solutions package."  He looked at the tip of his rifle, smiling at the silencer, then pointed it at a nearby demon, shooting it dead.  "Good, it does work.  My own invention you know."  He looked around then slung the rifle back over his back, jumping up to grab the fence and climb over.  He took point, sneaking in while the guys made their own gate and took another path to clear out any intruders. He found a doorway and stayed put until he felt a tap on his shoulder.  He got on the back of Modo's bike, letting him drive him off while he scanned. A few more guards went down.  They met at the hatch doors and he hopped off, going over to look at them.  He pulled out one of the bricks, rolling little snake ropes of the stuff to lay around the edges.  He unrolled a cord and put a detonator on it, turning away as he hit the switch.  The door blew apart louder than he had liked, but it was pretty.

"Nice job," Vinnie said in awe.  "I love destruction early in the morning."

"Yeah, yeah, now let's go whip some tail, it's my turn to hold the baby," Throttle complained.  "Vinnie, point, Xander, hit the back of Vinnie's bike."  He climbed on, one hand loosely clutched around Vinnie's back as they advanced inside.  Nothing and no one was there.

"Maybe they're out for pizza?" Xander suggested.

"Doubt it.  I can smell stench up ahead," he reported.   Xander got off the bike and walked up to the doorway, peeking around the corner.  He waved at him to stop, then held up three fingers. Then two.  He looked at them and nodded, getting out of the way.  The bros drove around it and took out the three guys and two doors, finding the rest of everyone waiting for them with weapons.  Xander jumped in, taking down a few of them, while they got a few more.  He felt a gun bump against his back and paused, then ducked, spun, and knocked the feet out from under the person behind him.  He got a few more coming up that narrow hallway.  This was a bad choice for an ambush. Both sides were trapped.  He checked a nearby door and found a hanger.  "In here," he yelled.  They backed in and held off the attack at the doorway.  He glanced around, not finding anything useful in the big space.  He found another doorway but it was too tight for the bikes to fit through and led to stairs down.  "Down?" he muttered.  He shook his head and locked it from their side, then grabbed one of Vinnie's torches to weld it shut.  "It leads down," he called at the odd look.

"Down?" Throttle asked.

"Yeah, down."  He tossed aside the used cartridge, coming back to cover the group.  He suddenly coughed, looking up.  "Gas!"

"Now's not the time for that," Vinnie called.

"Not that sort, Vinnie, the sort that's shot through the ventilation system!"  He coughed some more, bending down for a moment.  He straightened back up, firing once Modo had moved, his eyes watering.  Hey, they were crowding the doorway, it wasn't that hard to pick them off.  "Spray and pray, I hate spray and pray mode," he complained to himself.  He heard a rattle and looked up in time to be landed on.  He managed to get out from underneath the goon but that's about all.  More were coming through.  He made a ball of explosive and stuck in a detonation cap, tossing it up in there and blowing it with a well- placed shot.  He heard screams and smirked up at the ceiling.  "Good!"   He coughed some more, bending down again to try to catch his breath.

Throttle saw the goon get up, and another one.  He saw one of them go for Xander and one for Vinnie, and reacted without thinking, protecting Vinnie.  Xander was knocked out by a strike to the back of his head while he was coughing, falling on the floor.  "Modo!  Get us an exit!" he called.  "Vinnie, grab Xander!"  Vinnie tried but the goons were hauling him off and firing back at them, suppression fire to keep them away.  He didn't like this one bit.  He made a lunge for it and got creased in the arm and on one ear. Modo made them a new exit and they hurried out, going to regroup.  "We need help," he gasped once they were in the cleaner air.  "They have Xander."

"What!" Vinnie shouted, turning around but they were fired at and had to move or be shot.  He couldn't get back there.  He tried every way but the ship had batteries of lasers and the goons had lasers and they were being vindictive.  He already had a few grazes and he wasn't going to last much later.

"Retreat, we'll be back for him in an hour," Throttle called.  They retreated, heading back to the garage.  Throttle peeled off, heading for Xander's.  They'd need some bigger weapons.  He found Dawn in the main doorway with a bag.  "Who called?"

"Charley. Vinnie called her.  Two of the launchers, some more of the C-4, and more ammo.  Where's Xander?"

"He's been taken, Dawn."  She glared at him.  "He got knocked out and they took him before we could react.  We're going back for him."

"You're right, *we* are," she agreed, coming down to take the bag and get onto the back of the bike.  "Bike, garage.  Regroup, call in reinforcements, and then we'll head back again."  The bike took off, making Throttle shiver.  She was good.  She hopped off once they were at the garage, going over to help bandage Vinnie.  He hated to be injured.  He was fidgeting.  "Do we know the layout well enough to go back in?" she asked.

"Not a chance in hell, Dawn," Charley told her.  "You're not eighteen yet. You're not well enough trained."

"I'm not untrained!"

"Dawn!" she snapped.  "Shut up.  You're not going in this time.  You're not trained enough.  If they could take Xander, they can take you and hurt you more.  Since I know where you came from, that's dangerous.  Now, call Micah, get some damage control and some help if this runs long!"

"Fine.  But I'm the fucking backup, people.  If Xander's hurt, I'm pulling a Willow and destroying that place down to the atomic level."  She stomped off.

Throttle looked at Charley, shaking his head.  "Braver than me," he admitted. "Stoker!"  He came jogging out with the baby.  "Dawn, stay here and guard Switch and Anya.  They're helpless at the moment.  We need you, Stoker, they got Xander.  It was an ambush.  They wanted him."

"Fine.  Do we have a bike?"

"I'll go behind Vinnie, you have mine," Charley told him.  She finished tying off one graze and looked at Vinnie.  "We ready yet?"

"Yeah, we're ready," Stoker told her, going to grab her bike and head off after the others.

Dawn picked up the phone, calling Max's.  "It's me, we're in deep fucking shit here.  The Plutarkians set up an ambush and got Xander.  They're headed back in with Stoker.  We've got a newborn, a mother, and me for backup until I can get up Oz and Meg.  Yeah, could use it," she said dryly.  "Thanks, Max.  See you soon."  She hung up and went to check on the baby, bringing them back to the garage.  It had the better security system once she fixed the back door with a piece of foil and some gum to reconnect a broken wire.

***

Micah Simms hated late night phone calls.  They always made him jump and flail for a moment until he realized it was the phone and not gunfire.  He picked it up.  "Better be good," he demanded.  He paused, then nodded.  "Get the jet, I'll meet you there.  How bad?"  He listened to the small report.  "Get me better intel, people, call Meg first.  She lives across from the old tower's location."  He hung up and rushed to get dressed.

This was very bad.

His phone rang again and he listened to the panting voice.  "Not now, Buffy, unless the hellmouth just opened and is sucking everyone in."  He listened and moaned.  "Fine.  Yeah, I'll send someone but it'll be about an hour or so.  Got it?"  He hung up and called headquarters.  "Dispatch a small team to Cleveland.  Their hellmouth just opened and ate half the slayers fighting.  The rest of us are heading to Chicago.  Now."  He hung up and headed out the door, hopping into his jeep to get to the airport.

"Why did I let them do this to ECHO?" he complained as he drove.  "This is insane."

***

Xander woke up hanging from chains on a wall.  He was rather used to the feeling so he knew where he was.  The only problem was *where* he was.  He looked around the dark, dank dungeon and snorted.  "Damn, people, watch a bit too much tv?" he called.  He looked up at the chains but he couldn't see a latch.  Someone let out a chuckle and pain went ripping through his wrists and into the rest of his body, making him yell and thrash.  "No fair.  Come on out and play," he called once he had calmed down again.

"Of course I will," an asthmatic voice said, producing Karbunkle when he stepped out of the shadows.  "I will find out why you're so unique."

"Easy, prior possessions," he sneered.  Just a bit closer.  The doctor pulled over a tray and he kicked it over, then kicked at him, but the cuffs set off another electrical charge.

"You'll learn soon," he promised.  "You're going to be a good pet.  Maybe I'll give you to my other pets to play with.  After I suitably change you of course."  He picked up something off the floor and held up the scalpel.  "Maybe I should start with your real eye."  He moved closer and Xander put his legs around his neck, bucking and twisting.  He couldn't quite snap his neck with it, but he did manage to knock him out.

"Pity," Xander said, spitting down at the limp body.  "I'm not helpless and I'll never be helpless.  I'll die first.  If you thought you had troubles with the bros, you have no idea what you've just stepped into."  He struggled in his cuffs again, kicking the remote free when it was raised by a shaking hand.  "Not playing that game, sicko.  You want me, you release me, face me, and if you win I might let you have me.  You're not getting me without a fight."  He kicked him again, getting him under the chin this time.  He heard a pop but it wasn't his neck popping, only his spine adjusting.

"You'll die here," Karbunkle taunted, getting up further away this time.  He could learn his lesson. "You'll die in terrible misery as I expose every piece of you to test."

"Bring it on," Xander offered, still sneering.  "I beat the military, I can kick your scrawny, white boy ass too.  You may have brains, but I've got determination and more skills than you could hope for."

"Good, I'll put them to good use once I've turned you into a unique creation," he said smugly.  He came over with a scalpel.   "Now hang still, boy."

Xander pushed off the wall, swinging his body to the left to get him on the side of the head this time.  "I don't think so.  You're not touching me.  Ever.  What's wrong, Karbunkle, can't get a date?  Dick too small to please anybody?  Think you'll use mine as a replacement?" he taunted.  "You're nothing and no one.  I've faced pieces of shit bigger than you in a clogged toilet."

"Get him down and strap him to a table.  Use the pain rods," Karbunkle ordered.  "He's much too feisty for my tastes."

Two goons came out of the shadows with sticks that looked like cattle prods.  One of them lunged and Xander kicked the rod, then him.  He couldn't quite avoid the other one but he did manage to knock it away and then headbutt him when he fell forward.  He panted, hanging there.  "I'll kill you," he vowed.  "I'll have fun killing you.  I don't care if you are human. You're deader than last night's fish dinner."  He tested the chains again.  They were well built, but the wall wasn't.  He swung a few more times, then kicked off the wall to get the most height he could, yanking at his apex.  His body got free and he did a roll over a table, coming up with his boot knife.  "Forgot to frisk me?"

"Shoot him!" Karbunkle yelled.

"Yay, bite me," he said, ducking a few shots to get the people coming in.  The found the light switch and turned it on, then went after the newly blinded folk.  He got a gun and looked at Karbunkle. "You're not worth it."

"What?  Not worth killing?"

"No, not worth the power drain on the battery.  Oh, well, I've got more."  He pointed at him and used his thumb to turn the setting to maximum, shooting at his stomach.  It'd hurt more and he'd die slower.  The gun shorted in his hand, making him yelp and drop it as Karbunkle yelped and fell.  Xander gathered up the other weapons and his knife, sticking it back where it belonged.  He found the remaining C-4 in his pocket and set it on the table.  The table was metal and would become shrapnel.  Anyone who survived the blast would be cut up.  He set it off and ran like hell, finding a staircase up.  It had a welded door at the top.  Fortunately the blast blew him through it and into the hanger.  He saw more goons coming for him and winced, trying to get up.

"Youse is tougher than those mousies," a familiar voice said from behind him.  "Maybe I'll get you as a playmate.

Xander groaned and used the last of his strength to stab him.  Then he passed out as the heavy, grease dripping man fell on top of him.  He was woken to shouts and more shooting, and found himself tied up, but only ropes this time.  He wiggled one hand free and got up, going after the first goon to jump them.  He took the laser and got him down with a shot to his thigh, then went after the others.  He found the bros outside and was grabbed by Throttle, who retreated to get him free.  That's when he passed out again.  He was passed to a medic, who put him onto a gurney and started an IV.

Throttle rejoined the fight, taking on the larger share this time.

"I love the smell of destruction in the morning!" Vinnie yelled.

"It's sweet," Modo agreed.  "As my gray furred momma said, make them run crying to their mommas 'cause they didn't train 'em right the first time!"  He shot out one of the stabilizer fins on the ship, making it tip.  "Timber!" he yelled, getting another one.  They hauled tail out of the way and went back to help mop up.

"Boys, enough, we've got it," Micah called over their radios.  "Come back, we need help with the casualties and Xander.  He's fighting."

Throttle rushed back, jumping off his bike in mid-motion to walk into the tent.  His bike could park herself, Xander would kill someone.  He opened the boy's good eye, looking down in it.  "It's us.  You're safe.  We're treating you.  No beating up on the nurses."  He passed out in his hands.  He looked at the nurse wiping the blood from her lips.  "You all right, ma'am?"

"Fine.  I expected him to be injured and jump at me, I didn't want to hurt him more.  Can we tie him down?"

"He'll struggle."

"Fine.  You keep him calm them."  She pointed at a stool. "Pull it above his head and sit there."  He did as ordered while she worked.  She was efficient, very efficient.  She reset the IV line and taped it down better this time.  She put on a new drip bag and connected it as well. She shot something into the line.  "A light sedative."

"Then you'll want a monitor on his breathing.  He stops breathing when he takes sleeping pills."  She nodded, going to get that as well and drag it over.  The guy who had been using didn't need it any more and this one would survive.  Even if she had to crack his chest and do physical heart massage.  It was obvious someone liked this one a lot.  Especially the strange mouse-like demon who had come in to help.

"Bro, is he all right?" Vinnie yelled as he walked in.

"Hell no."

"Fine."  He swatted at the nurse trying to grab him.  "Only two people bandage me and neither are here, sweetheart.  Don't touch."  He walked over to check on Xander.  "How bad is he?"

"They just sedated him, he was struggling with the nurse."  He looked over as Micah came in.  "How did he get free?"

"Apparently they never frisked him.  He blew up the lab he was in.  By the indications, he had been hanging on the wall in electrified cuffs.  He somehow got free, blew up the lab, took out a lot of people, and then the explosion blew him through a welded door."

"He sealed it earlier with one of my torches to keep people coming up it," Vinnie said tiredly. "Is he all right?" he asked the nurse.

"Are you family?"

"We're as close as you're getting outside Dawn," Throttle said patiently.  "You'll tell us or I'm going to let Vinnie have you.  He's not quite calm yet.  This one's like his little brother."

She pursed her lips and looked at Micah, who nodded.  "Fine. He'll live.  He's bruised, he's got a few cracked ribs.  He's got a fracture on his upper arm.  It looks like where he went through a metal door.  The stains on his back indicate that something large and oily fell on him."

"Greasepit.  Xander stabbed him in the stomach," Micah offered. "Karbunkle's severely injured.  He's got shrapnel injuries all over, especially to the head."  He moved closer.  "He did good."

"He did.  He's the one who got us into the bunker.  They used some sort of gas but only he reacted," Throttle reported.  "I..."  He glanced at Vinnie, then at Micah.  "Two goons got up after Xander took them out by blowing up the air vent.  One went for Vinnie and was closer.  One went for Xander.  I went to save my bro without thinking."

"Throttle, don't do that to yourself," Vinnie said gently.  "You made a choice, it happens.  We got him back and he'll live."

Throttle looked at him.  "We sure of that?  He got blown through a metal door.  He won't stay conscious."

"It'll be fine, Throttle.  Xander's survived some incredible stuff," Micah said gently.  "You made the right choice.  They would have killed Vinnie on contact.  They wanted Xander, that gave you time to regroup and come back.  He knew that if he was awake.  If not, he'll figure it out.  He's too experienced not to."  He stared him down.  "You made a decision and it happens."

"Still sucks tail."

"Not gonna argue with you," Micah promised, lightening up a bit.  "I've done that one myself.  It sucks like anything, but at least you managed to save him.  Possible death is always favored over probable death."

"Karbunkle wanted to know why I wasn't normal," a weak voice whispered.

"Rest, kid, you did good," Micah promised.

"I wanna know why."

"Then we'll pull some blood and do a life review," Micah offered.  "Once you're not passing out in Throttle's hands.  Now rest, before the nurse has to get mean."  Xander nodded, allowing Throttle to stroke his forehead until he succumbed again.   "Even better, his file's a bit thin.  Throttle, can you handle taking the life review?"  He nodded.  "Good.  I figure you'd understand more and easier."  He looked at Vinnie, then outside.  "Charley, Dawn, get in here!"  They rushed in.  "Take him away, get him cleaned up and bandaged.  He said only you two could do it.  Then get Modo away from his scratched paint job and do the same to him.  We've got to clean up Cleveland after this."  Dawn paused to stare at him.  "Guess which slayer opened the hellmouth to get a favor," he said dryly.

"The one I turned in?"

He frowned.  "You turned someone in?"

"Yeah, the slut who put drugs in my old POS.  I turned her in locally.  She's also the one who set me up on the blind date with the obsessive gun runner."

"Yeah, her," he agreed, nodding.  "Good. Well, she's gone now.  Eaten, along with two cops and another of the girls.  So we've got to mop up here, there, and then head home.  At least it's Sunday.  I'll be filling out paperwork all week."  He looked at Throttle.  "Good plan by the way.  Smart of you to start silently."

"I hate sneaking.  Sneaking is not for the studliest....."  He shut up when Charley kissed him.  "Well, a hero's welcome," he said smugly.

"Shut up, hotshot.  I did it to stop the babble.  Now, strip down, get into the portable shower, and clean off.  You're sweaty, nasty, and smell like a battle and blood.  I can't stand the smell of blood."  He hugged her suddenly.  "I'm okay."

"I know you are, you're usually much better."  He let her go and tapped Dawn on the nose.  "She can do it, go get Modo."

"Sure."  She walked outside and found him looking at his bike, speaking quietly to her.  "Bike, I'll help him fix you this week, but I need to work on him now.  You okay?"  It beeped.  "Good."  She grabbed Modo by the ear and drug him inside, forcing him onto a bed.  She grabbed some bandages and some alcohol.  "You're fucking well gushing from that gash on your arm.  You won't do her much good if you bleed to fucking death."

"Language!" Charley snapped.

"There's times for swearing, this is one of them," she called back.  She frowned up at Modo.  "Who would go out for ice cream with me at two am if you died from blood loss?"  He hung his head and nodded.  "Now, let me bandage you up, studly, and I'll help you fix her after school all week, okay?"  He nodded so she kissed him on the cheek.  "Your momma would be so proud of you," she promised in a gentle, quiet tone of voice while she worked.  "You won against immeasurable odds and all you got were a few gashes.  I'm not telling her you got dead.  So don't make me."  He nodded, staring at her.  She grinned.  "Besides, I want your momma to fix me up with someone cute and fuzzy.  She's got to know at least *one* cute guy."  She got to work while he chuckled, making it all better.  Then she walked him back to his bike.  "Well, a few scratches.  Some of it's only superficial.  We'll have to strip the wax off to work on her and I think we'll find most of them are at that level."  She sat him on it, then looked at the tires and the handlebars. "Yeah, you've got one good scratch here by the headlight too.  One tire's deflating.  Anyone got a can of fix-a- flat until he can get back to the garage?"  One was tossed over by Max.  "Thanks, dear."  She applied it to the tire, then got an air hose to pump it back up.  She stood up and nodded.  "Okay.  She's good enough to get you home.  Go home, go rest.  I'm free all day and once I get up, we'll start work stripping the wax so we can fix her little bumps and aches."

"Thank you, Dawn. You treat my girl very well."

"Hell, you treat me very well and she might as well be my sister some days, so I'll bandage her as long as she doesn't nag."  He chuckled at that.  "Go back and check on Switch.  She's got to be frantic."  He nodded, heading off to do that.  She went inside after checking the other bikes.  "Vinnie, you've got scratches and a broken headlight.  You're damn lucky, dear, one's right on the gas tank."  She looked at Throttle. "You've got so many scratches we'll have to repaint I think."  He nodded, silently accepting that.  "Good, make Xander help you.  I called Merle and told him it was a battle and he said that their next job has been delayed anyway.  He's all yours all week, I'll expect him to be fed, cleaned, and walked regularly until I repossess him."  She grabbed another set of bandages and slid around the machines to start work on his injuries.  "Arm."  He lifted it out some but kept both hands on Xander's head.  "All of it," she said with a smirk.  "He won't mind.  If he sees you bleeding he'll freak."

"Thank you, Dawn."

"Not an issue.  I like you guys for some strange reason," she said dryly, sucking on her bottom lip as she worked.

"You do that very well," the nurse offered gently.

"Practice, honey.  My sister's a slayer.  Formerly the only slayer.  I've had a lot of practice on her, him, and our former friends."  She found a graze on Throttle's neck and pressed a pad of alcohol over it, making him hiss.  "Yeah, they hurt there.  That's why vampires like to bite you there."  She lifted it off, then put it back.  "Hold that and take off the vest, hotshot."

"I'm not that injured."

"Shut up and do as ordered or I'm making those tofu dogs today."

"That's not nice," he chided, but he was smirking at her.  He winced as he took off his vest, noticing the hole in it.  He looked at his side and winced. "I'm guessing that's going to hurt soon."

"It should be hurting now.  Did you hurt your back?" she asked, pressing another pad over it.  "I could use a few more hands.  Hey, Charley, can I borrow you?"  She came over to help, wincing at the damage.  "Yeah.  Let's bandage him and let them take x-rays of his chest.  I'm sensing some weakness.  Like possible broken things."  She bandaged his throat, letting Charley get his side.  Then they got him up and she took Throttle's spot on the stool.  "Go.  I'm staying right here."  He nodded, letting Charley lead him off to the people doing x-rays.  When he came back, she yawned and got off the stool, going to check on Vinnie.  "Hey, studly.  If he's okay he could probably head home.  I already sent Modo."

"Thanks, Dawn," Charley said quietly, nudging the sleeping mouse.  "Wanna head home?"

"Please.  I hate hospitals."  He swung up and looked at Dawn, then pulled her in for a hug.  "You're great, even if you do have a potty mouth."  He let her go when she chuckled and walked Charley off.  She could ride behind him, like usual.  He found his bike resting against Throttle's.  "Ready to head home?  He'll be back soon.  Xander's awake and fidgeting.  I can hear him."  His bike stood up straighter and let him and her onto it, heading for the garage.  It knew who was going to baby it.

Throttle looked down at the open eyes.  "Hey.  How you feeling?"

"Nasty.  You?"

"About the same.  They took x-rays."  He winced as he moved.  "I ache now."  He stroked his forehead. "You're coming back with me tonight.  Micah called Meg and she went to check on Tara and the kittens, telling them that you were fine."

"I can go home."

"Hush, Xander. You're coming back with me so we can take care of you.  It's what bros do for each other."  He stroked his forehead some more.  "You ready?  I need to take my bike back. She's dinged."

"I'll help you fix her."

"I know you will," he said with a small grin.  "Right after you rest."  He stood up.  "Can we send him home?" he asked the nurse.

"As long as you watch over him.  I want him to rest and eat. Doing nothing more than resting and eating, either of you."

"I need to help him with his bike.  He came back for me," Xander told her.

"Of course I did.  I'm not leaving you there.   You don't deserve that.  No one does, but you more than most."  He stretched and winced.  "Yeah, I cracked something."

"Three somethings," Micah called, holding up the x-rays.  "You and Xander have matching, but mirror opposite cracks.  Head home.  You're the last to go." Xander looked at him.  "I had them pull blood, skin, and a muscle tissue sample from you since it was open anyway.  Throttle's going to be doing a life review on you and we'll figure it out, kid. Now hit the bricks so we can disappear before dawn."

"It's not morning yet?" he asked tiredly. "It feels like it's been weeks."

"Yeah, well, it's not quite five am.  Out.  Shoo," he ordered, giving them a fond smile as they helped each other out to the bikes.  He looked around, seeing the injuries.  "Let's get them transported and clean up the area."  The remaining people scrambled to cover up what was going on, sending the remaining injured to a local hospital while the ship was broken apart and put onto trucks and the hospital was torn down.  By the time rush hour started, the grass was charred and the area was empty again, except for a few missed shell casings.

Meg walked around, looking at the area.  "Wow," she told the redhead beside her.  Oz nodded, pulling her closer to hold.  "I'm hoping they're okay."

"They rode home, they're fine," he assured her quietly, leading her away.  They had to make reports to the paranoid underground.  ECHO was a really nice group it seemed.  Micah was a pro at handling stuff.  Most of them would be able to trust him after this.

Episode 10:

Throttle dropped Xander into his bed, then basically fell down beside him.  He didn't even have the energy to take off his boots.  He was too tired to move and too sore to do more than hiss at whoever it was who was nice enough to try to remove his vest for him.  He mumbled something that should have been 'stop it' or possibly 'thank you' but he was already snoring so he wasn't quite sure which or if it was his imagination.

Vinnie snickered, finishing the stripping process while Dawn got Xander's clothes more or less off him.  They covered the duo up and went back to helping Modo strip the wax off his bike so he could see how many real injuries she had.  He patted Throttle's bike.  "Let them sleep, girl, then he'll baby you too."

"Plus, he'll have Xander helping put back on the thousand coats of wax that weigh you down," Dawn added.  "Unlike Modo's baby over here who has millions."  He snorted but went back to cleaning off the wax gently.  She hugged his arm.  "Are you feeling all right?  You're being more quiet than usual."

"I'm fine," he promised.  "It's just been a long night."

"Then go to bed."  He gave her a look.  "I'm more than capable of stripping wax off a bike, Modo.  Really.  You watched me do the back fender and said I did a good job.  So let me do this part while you rest up, then we'll tackle all the scratches in the morning before reapplying multiple coats of wax."

"That okay with you, girl?"  His bike nudged him.  "Sure.  I'll go rest.  She'll take good care of you."  He yawned as he stood up, heading for his bed.

Dawn looked at Vinnie.  "I have Xander's allergy pills if you want to try it," she offered.

"Nah, I'm good," he said through a yawn.  "I'll crash soon but not yet."  He got down to help her.  It would drive Modo insane if his bike was scratched for any longer than necessary.  They probably had about a day before he lost his temper about it.  Once they got the bike totally stripped down, they examined all the little dings and scratches.  "Are you finding any?"

"One serious one.  Mostly little things."  She moved back to look at the seat.  "He needs to recover this.  You can see the difference in color where he sits."  She found another one.  "Hmm, one deeper blow.  Still in the paint I think."  She ran her finger over it and the bike shifted.  "Sorry, girl, trying to make sure it's a paint touch-up and not a body job. Should we plan on taking a softly padded hammer to the little dings?"  She shook her front wheel.  "Okay, if you're sure."  She looked at the scratch again.  "I can see bare metal in it."

"We'd have to sand down the old paint and apply a strip of new," Vinnie said, leaning over to look at it.  Dawn looked up at him.  "Not tonight, sweetheart, grinders are noisy and the only one who touches her with power tools is Modo.  Even sandpaper would get us lynched."  She nodded, yawning a bit.  "Come on, you can kick Stoker off the couch and make him sleep with his girl."  He helped her up.  "Give us about six hours and we'll come back to cover those, girl.  I promise."  She beeped, watching as they left.  Then she went to curl up beside Throttle's bike to make sure she was all right.  She was the worst of them all.  She leaned against her friend, giving her some comfort.  Their riders would be fixing them tomorrow, and that nice woman would be helping obviously.

Stoker jumped when Vinnie kicked at his foot.  "What?"

"You've got a bed.  Go sleep with the wife."

"She's sore."

"Yeah, and?  Doesn't mean she doesn't want a cuddle," Dawn pointed out.  "She's either feeling the most female ever or depressed.  So go hug your woman.  The couch is mine."

"Fine," he complained as he got up, heading into the spare bedroom.  He found his wife curled around their child, letting her feed.  "Can I cuddle in here?"

"Of course," she said softly.  "Want behind me?"  She smiled up at him.  "Come watch.  She's amazing.  She grabbed onto my breast like she knew what it was for."  Stoker laid down behind her, leaning over to watch their daughter eat.  "Did anyone call Carbine?"

"Not yet.  You wanna?"

"Not yet," she admitted with a grin.  "Maybe Rimfire.  He should be there at the naming party."

"Yeah, he should.  That mini-punk will gladly help protect her.  He's not the youngest of this generation anymore."

"No, he's not," she agreed, reaching back to catch his hand to hold.  "Cuddle, Stoker, I need a cuddle."  He wrapped them in his arms, letting her relax.  The baby burped up some of the milk, but that was fine with them.

***

Xander woke to an odd sensation.  He was curled in a seriously small space with someone very warm.  He opened his eyes, blinking at the sleeping face next to his.  Well, that answered the question about who was holding him.  He looked around and found Vinnie staring at them from the couch.  "Help," he mouthed.  Vinnie shook his head with a smirk.  "Bribe?" he mouthed. Vinnie shook his head again and his smirk got brighter.  "Please?"  Vinnie shook his head again and pointed behind them.  Xander looked back and found Carbine staring at him.  He shrugged and Throttle pulled him closer if that was possible.  He gave her a helpless look and she snorted, shaking her head as she walked off.  She slammed the spare bedroom's door, waking Modo, Throttle, and the baby.

"Damn it, Carbine, let her fucking well sleep!" Switch yelled.

Carbine wisely retreated back to the main room.  "What's wrong with her?"

"That baby came out of a very small hole," Dawn told her dryly.  "Plus, you know, the end of the hormones.  So go easy on her and don't wake everyone up."  She handed over a cup of coffee.  "Because you're being a grumpy butt again."  She walked over to stare at Modo, then beamed at him.  "Unless she's gotten more hurt, there's only a few dings and only two deeper scratches. One I can see metal in and the other's still the color of paint inside."  He nodded, letting her help him sit up with a moan.  "Go shower and change and I'll have food ready so we can tackle the poor babies.  She's snuggled up against Throttle's baby to keep her company and warm."

"Thanks, Dawn."  He gave her a pat on the head as he walked around her, heading for the bathroom.

"Anytime."  She checked the kitchen, then came over to look at the couple everyone else was staring at.  "Yeah, it's me again," she said dryly. "In supper fuss mode no less.  So get your butts up and eat.  Then you can both shower and we'll work on stripping the wax of Throttle's bike while Modo's new paint dries.  Now, up."

"Can't.  Too sore to move," Throttle said with a small yawn.  He put his head back down and closed his eyes.  "I will beat the tail of anyone staring."

"Does that include me?" the shoulder he was resting on asked.

He looked up at him and shook his head.  "Nah, you're comfy."

"Let him go back to sleep.  He's still halfway there," Vinnie advised.  He got up and came over to tuck them back in.  "Give them another hour, Dawn."

"Sure. Not an issue. I'm sure you three can easily eat everything I've made.  Carbine, tap gently and ask the other couple if they want food.  Vinnie, call Charley and ask her."

"Sure."  He went to do it but Carbine looked at her.

"Woman, that baby you were holding earlier came out of her twat.  Which was only stretched to ten centimeters.  She's not getting out of that bed today and Stoker's supposed to be hovering."  Carbine shuddered.  "Now, shoo, before I have to pull out my bitch act again this week."  She went back into the kitchen to save the eggs she was frying from burning.  She could have the crunchy one if no one else wanted it.  She was kinda hungry.  Stoker stomped in.  "I'm cooking, want some?"

"Please, scrambled.  She said her stomach's still touchy."

"Yeah, it's from the pushing and stuff," she said, pointing at the bowl.  "Needs pepper, I only salted them."

"Thanks, kid."

"Welcome, old guy."

He snorted, shaking his head.  "No respect from the younger generation.  First her and Rimfire, then you."

She punched him on the arm.  "You're just too old to realize we're having fun and giving you respect.  Otherwise we wouldn't listen to you at all."

"Point," he admitted, putting some toast into the toaster to toast.  She took it out of the coffeemaker and put it into the appropriate slots for him. "Thanks again."

"Welcome.  I didn't figure you'd be used to our appliances anyway.  Vinnie still mistakes the toaster for the microwave when he's half-asleep."  She handed him a plate she had cleaned earlier, earning a small smile since she only included one fork.  She poured the poor girl some milk while he loaded up the plate, handing it over before he could leave.  "Here, it's good for her and the baby."

"Thanks."  He headed back to his room, using his tail to get the doorknob.  He walked inside and shut the door, coming over to help his wife into a sitting position so she could eat. He handed over the food, standing there watching while she ate.

"That's not very romantic."

"Carbine, go find a man of your own," Switch ordered between bites.  "I like how he protects me.  Tell Dawn she added too much salt."

"They're more used to it down here," he reminded her.  "Drink the milk too."  She obediently drank the milk and finished her breakfast.  "Need anything else? I was going to check the punks bikes with them."

"Go ahead," she offered with a small smile.  "You'll hear it if I need you."

He nodded, taking back the empty dishes to take back to the kitchen.  Then he headed down to the basement area to look at the bikes.  "Wanna come upstairs, ladies?  Throttle's still crashed and has Xander pinned."  They revved up and headed up the ramp, going to sit in a convenient area. Charley came in shaking something and he gave her an odd look.  "For the baby?"

"Paint pens," she told him, holding the three of them up.  "For the poor bikes."  She walked up the stairs, handing each guy a paint pen.  She stopped when she saw Throttle using Xander as a pillow and handed that one to Modo with a smirk.  "Dawn, enough for me?"

"Of course."  She brought out the bowls.  "Switch said I oversalted the eggs again. Sorry, have more toast and milk to help cover it up."  She went back to get everything else, then sat down in her usual chair, looking at the pens.  "We have something like those for nail polish."

"They're very handy," Charley agreed. She looked at the bikes.  "Any serious body damage or is it all scratches?"

"Scratches on Modo's, but he's got a few dings here and there," Dawn told her. "Plus, his seat is starting to show wear."  He gave her a sideways look.  "Where you sit is starting to change color and texture, big guy."  She grinned at him.  "That's a later project though."  He nodded, digging in, only blushing a bit.  "It's normal physics."

"I know," he admitted quietly.  He looked over as Throttle shifted some, shaking his half- empty glass.  "Food."

"Not hungry."

"I am," Xander offered, more to be able to move than anything else.  Throttle was a big guy and you never really saw how big the mouse was until he was curled up on you in a hammock.  Or at least he hadn't seen how large and impressive he was until just now.

"Fine."  He heaved himself up, only wincing a bit, then pulled Xander up and over to the table, where he sat down and sat his pillow in his lap.  Dawn couldn't quite hold in her smirk as she handed over food.  He dug in, then grabbed Xander harder to make sure he couldn't move.  He held up the fork, letting him eat a bite, then finished off his breakfast and made another plate for the younger man, handing him the fork.

"I could sit in a chair," Xander offered.

"Hush."

"It's no use fighting him when he's in one of those moods," Carbine said dryly.  "He got me once.  Then I turned and tried to pull his ears off."

"Which is why I didn't take everyone's suggestion and knock you up," he said dryly.  "Eat, Xander."  Xander ate a bite, glancing back at him.  "Do I have to feed you?  You said you were hungry."  The boy dug in, eating quickly.  He looked at his bike, squinting a bit.  "You need cleaned up, don't you, baby?"  It beeped.  "Give me a few and we'll start to work on you."

"I can strip the wax off," Dawn offered.  "I did that with Modo's bike last night."

"Sure, kiddo. Have fun with that," Throttle agreed happily.  More time for him to sleep in.  He looked at the boy in his lap.  "You done?"  Xander shook his head, drinking the milk.  He poured himself some more and drank it too.  "Now are you done?"

"Yeah, I think so," he admitted.  "Why?"

"Because I was going to get comfortable and that meant you'd have to shift away from the table."  He nudged a chair over with his foot and put both feet up in it, giving Xander a better seat.  "I feel like I've had breaking-the-bed sex," he complained.

"I remember doing that," Carbine said with a small chuckle.

"You and me both," Xander sighed, shaking his head.

"You?" Dawn asked.  "When?"

"When I was on my roadtrip," he said dryly.  "I wasn't about to share that sort of stuff with the other two.  They'd have freaked if they had found out I was stripping and sleeping around.  Pure little Willow who blushed when sex was mentioned and your sister, who only slept with creepy or dead guys?"

"Dead guys?" Carbine asked.

"Her first and truest love was a vampire," Dawn told her.  "Straight out of a soppy romance novel."  She ate a bite of her eggs.  "I still can't imagine you stripping."

"I may not be very rhythmic, but males stripping is more choreographed and thrusting and shaking it, and if you've figured out how to make things twirl that too."  He poured some more milk and looked at Throttle.  "Want anything since I'm still up?"

"No, I'm good.  I agree, I can't imagine you stripping."

"I'm sensing a juicy story of smuttiness," Charley teased.  "Did you destroy things too?"

"Only her antique bed," he said with a small cough before drinking some of the milk.  "It was made back in the twelfth century. It had foot thick posts holding up a very heavy canopy that was covered in very heavy velvet.  I know this because it came down and broke my arm and thigh, while it sent her into a coma for three days since it hit her on the back of the head, then slid off to scratch my head and land in my hair.  She woke up and the first real sentence she said was, "I love you, I adore you, but I'm not having any more canopy beds"."  They all chuckled at that.  "The nurses had wondered why she was mumbling 'no canopy' over and over while she woke up.  The sad thing was that the cops didn't want to respond.  It took me nearly five minutes to get her voice-activated phone to dial the cops.  Then they thought it was a prank call.  I had to start panicking because she was bleeding from her head and I thought she was going to die.  That got them there and breaking inside the house.  The paramedics were more impressed though. They had to lift off the three hundred pound canopy and velvet mass.  One of them quipped about hoping it was good for both of us."

"Which one of you was tied to the bed?" Vinnie asked.  "I can't see it coming loose any other way," he said when Xander shook his head.

"No, no straps that day, just honest, good, hard screwing into the mattress.  Fortunately I had just flipped us over because she had the harder head.  It would have killed me by snapping my spine.  And I just shared way too much, didn't I?" he asked with a groan.

Dawn handed him the soda she had brought out. "Here, to stop the babbling," she said sweetly.  "Do you give lessons so I can break a bed of my own?"

"Not until you're eighteen," he said, popping open the soda and taking a long gulp.  "Sorry to have shared like that.  Didn't mean to embarrass myself."

Throttle took the soda and took a gulp of his own, his eyes going wide.  "That's strong."  He handed it back and patted him on the back.  "I wouldn't worry about it.  Vinnie's got worse stories about being caught in a police station in the closet."

"No, that would be a bondage story," Xander mumbled.

Vinnie gaped at him.  "No way," he said, shaking his head.  "Not possible.  Give, Xander.  You mentioned it you have to tell it now," he said with a smirk.

"What?  It was a kinky thing.  It was a small town, there were only two cops on duty.  We had to sign some forms about the bed thingy and she got hot and bothered reading her statement since she was...graphic to say the least," he admitted with a small cough.  "She got so hot and bothered she pulled me back toward the bathroom but that was inside the cellblock and decided to use the janitor's closet instead.  She had me tied to the pipes before I could complain.  Not my fault at all.  It was her moaning that got us caught."  He finished the rest of the soda and started to get up to get another but he was pulled back down.  He looked back at Throttle.  "I don't do leashes."

"Good.  It wouldn't go with your outfit."  He ran a finger up Xander's back.  "Why were you muttering about the city the last time I saw you?"

"Oh, I walked out of the new building and fell into a sinkhole," he said grimly.  "I fell into the new gas line tunnel, and then it collapsed under me."  He noticed the blushes.  "Even if the extra tunnels were your fault, it doesn't excuse the city from checking for those sort of things."

"How would they?"

"Ground sonar, the same way you check for hidden bodies," Dawn told her, sipping her juice.  "Did you rant and throw a fit?"

"I did a few better than that," he said smugly.  "See, we didn't have a ladder that long.  It took Merle four hours to get someone down there to look at the hole and to get me out, and that's only because I found a body.  He had me staying down there to monitor things in case the college's people or the cops caused another cave in.  Then they went off and forgot to get me up.  I screamed bloody murder and Merle had to call the gas company this time to come get me.  They claimed they didn't have ladders long enough and it wasn't their fault.  That's when I yelled up that I was going to sue the city for it's entire budget for the next ten years if they didn't get me out immediately.  They didn't have ladders either so they took the city's charge card and bought a bunch of rope, eventually hauling my big, fat butt up out of the fifty foot deep hole.   Then two days later, I got a bill for the rescue and the cost of the rope.  At the site.  Merle looked over when I growled, took it, then handed it back and *graciously* gave me the rest of the day off so I could go pounce the City Council."

"I headed in there, I screamed at them.  I screamed at the gas board, and finally I told the gas board that it was their fault.  That they should have checked the lines.  That I wasn't some peon with a high school education, that I was worth over three million dollars and that I was going to hire Johnny Fucking Cochran to come in and deal with this for me.  Someone so thoughtfully reminded me this wasn't a criminal case.  So I looked at him and told him how it was going to become a criminal case since they had conspired to leave me in a fifty foot dark hole until I died, premeditated murder, and how it was also going to be a civil case when I sued them for the next ten year's budget.  They didn't like that.  I got a short phone call from a very nice voice who gave me the name of some lawyer, Rodney something or other, I couldn't pronounce the last name, I just repeated it after Micah said it.  That made them all wet themselves, in one case literally," he added with a smug smirk at Charley.

"They called in their lawyers.  I told them what had happened, that it had happened to others, that four others had been captured on the news and I was about to head there.  If I walked out of that room without being satisfied and having that project stopped until reasonable people could look at the plans, then the press was going to be the least of their worries.  Especially since the system of holes has now sunk a few buildings and we were due to put a parking lot there."  Dawn snickered at that.  "So the thought of untold hundreds of lawsuits by families with kids who got hurt since this is a doctor's office filled with pediatricians, and they knew it was going to kill the banker and the bank when it landed wrong.  I walked out of there with a nice contract saying that they were going to desist until a real authority could look at the hole system and what was going on, and a hefty check.   The funniest thing was when the geologist from the college showed up and Merle pointed at the hole in the ground and said 'it's a good thing he fell when he did.  Six more days and that's a parking lot.  We can't change the plans without the city's approval and they're claiming ignorance. Pity about all those cars who're gonna fall fifty feet."

Throttle snickered.  "I take it that's when the plan changed?"  Xander nodded smugly. "How big was the check?"

"Enough for most people to live comfortably for two whole years," he said smugly.  "I didn't soak them since I got the safety precautions I wanted and to not pay for the rescue or the rope."

"Which is good considering part of a school fell in this morning," Charley told him.  "One of the nearby elementary schools fell in."

"I'm so glad it's only Monday," Dawn vowed, looking up.  "Thanks, whichever one you are."  She shook her head.  "Are we all being delayed going back?"

"They're discussing that at the moment," Charley admitted.  "They're leaning toward only that school and any near the planned route."

"We were over twenty feet away from the planned route, Charley, they messed up their coordinates," Xander said quietly.

"Yeah, so was that elementary school.  It was one of the newer ones too.  Let me tell you, those are probably some happy families that it was Monday instead of Tuesday."  Dawn nodded.  "Oh, Xander, Meg said she fed the cats and she's huddling with Oz on your bed until the cleanup is complete.  She said it was creeping her out."  He nodded and Throttle shrugged.  "What else are we doing today?"

"Just the bikes," Throttle told her.  "They need to be taken care of before anything else."  He looked at Xander, slowly running a finger up his spine, making him shiver.  "We still need to shower."

"I still can't imagine you stripping," Carbine offered suddenly.  "Wanna prove it, Xander?"

Throttle looked at her.  "You don't like humans, you said bald spots bothered you," he said flatly.

"You've got a bald spot?" Dawn asked.  "Did someone do the candlewax thingy in bed on your fur?"  Throttle pointed at Carbine, making Dawn snicker and the other women blush.  "You're so bad.  First we find out way too much about kinky Xander sex and now we find out Throttle had some too."

"Vinnie's got better ones," Carbine said, blushing brightly.

"Yeah, but I'd expect Vinnie to have stories like that.  He's that sort of personality," Dawn said smugly.  "Unlike Xander."

"Yeah, because that one didn't jump out a window without a bike, a parachute, and only vampires to catch him," Vinnie snorted.  Xander glared at him.

"Well, since vampires love Xander enough to follow him around Sunnydale panting a few times, I'm sure they were going to keep him unhurt so they could snack."

"Only three of them bit me," he defended.

"Then I'm really impressed, Xander.  What did you do, drink holy water?"

"One of the vampires at the club stole some and put it into my drink," he said self- consciously.  "Let's not get started on Sunnydale stories, Dawn."

"Point," she agreed with a hand wave.  Her phone beeped at her so she opened it then dialed a number and listened.  She hung up and sighed.  "Buffy wants my cute butt back there for Thanksgiving."

"Max said she was coming up that weekend," Xander told her.

"Yeah, well, Buffy said either I come back for the holiday or she was going to send someone to kidnap me from school."

"Fine," Xander agreed.  "If you want. I'm not that pushy and I wasn't planning on celebrating beyond hitting a hotel spread anyway."

"Cool.  Then I need to make travel plans or find a new POS car. I am bringing back the Andrew cat, right?"  Xander nodded.  "Cool."  She got up to get some more milk.  "Switch, need anything?"

"Nope.  Just changed the first diaper and it was gross, but we've got it handled."

"'Kay, just yell if you need us, babe."  She came back with a full glass of milk and walked over to Throttle's bike.  "It okay if I strip the wax so your pet can nap?"  The bike leaned against her.  "Cool beans.  Let me get the stuff from downstairs."  She left her milk there and went to get the soft scratch pad and cleaning solution Modo had mixed up.  She came back and got comfortable, spraying the first side so she could get to work on it.  "Vinnie, I could use some water and you're a big, strong guy."

"Sure, Dawn," he said patiently, getting up to get her some warm water.  He brought the bucket back, watching as she carefully worked on a section.  "You're going to need a new pad soon, that one's about gone."  She held up the package, making him smile.  "Good girl."

"Yeah, I'll do yours too," she sighed.  "You could've just asked, Vinnie."  She pinched him on the leg, making him dance back.  "Take it like the mouse you are.  You deserved it this time."

Throttle chuckled, nodding.  "She's got you there, bro, you did deserve it."

"All she needs is a bikini and we could set up a fund raising car wash," Xander joked.

"I have two or three of those but it's too cold," she retorted.  "Besides, you probably would  not approve of two of them because they'd make even Vinnie blush."  She grinned at him.  "After all, I am very hot property," she said smugly.

"Vinnie, quit helping her ego," Charley said dryly.

"Not me, sweetheart, she knows the truth when she sees it in the mirror."  He smirked at her.  "You're beautiful though."

"Thanks.  Really.  How is she getting to school tomorrow?"  Xander shrugged.  "Ah.  Need to go back to sleep?"

"No, I'm pretty good," he admitted.  Throttle shifted again, wiggling his hips a bit to get comfortable.  Which made Xander wiggle, then blush.  "Can I sit in my own seat?  I've got to be making your legs fall asleep."

"Nope, I'm good," he assured him, patting him on the back.  "Next time don't wiggle if you're embarrassed."

Carbine shook her head.  "You're so screwed, boy.  He's in a playful and possessive mood."

"I don't give sex for rescues, even though he deserved it for coming back for me last night," he said blandly, making her blush and squeak this time.

"If you did, I'd have to turn you down," Modo assured her.

"Never thought otherwise, big guy.  I couldn't woo you into my bed if I wanted to, I don't have the right equipment."

"True," he agreed smugly.  "You're not like my momma either and she'd have to approve of anyone I took up with."

"Your mother should come down here," Carbine said.  "She's been raising hell on Mars about talking to the humans about getting stronger weapons and hitting Plutark."

"Hey, talk to Micah.  We've probably got extra nuclear weapons somewhere and it'd be better than selling them to some bad guys."  She blinked at him and he shrugged.  "Weapons get sold.  It's a business."

"Fine, I'll talk to him tomorrow," Carbine offered.  "I'm sure he's busy today."  Dawn's phone chirped.

"That would be the man himself," Dawn offered.  "He bugged the place while it was being built."

Carbine snatched the phone and opened it.  "Hello?"  She listened to the quiet voice on the other end.  "Fine.  Tomorrow?  That's fine.  Thank you," she said before hanging up.  "Where is this bug?"  Everyone shrugged.  "We have a meeting tomorrow, Throttle. He wanted to know if you had any of the life review done."

"I can do that," he sighed, standing up.  He looked at his bike.  "Want us to help so it goes faster?"  The bike shook her front wheel.  "Liking the spoiling?"  It beeped, a smug sounding noise if he'd ever heard one.  "Fine, I'll let Dawn spoil you while I probe Xander's most secret places."  He pulled him into the unused front room that had a small desk on it.  "You asked last night to figure out why they wanted you."

"I remember.  Micah took some samples of stuff that was open already."

"Yeah, and now we've got to correlate it with stuff that's happened to you.  There's two ways to do this.  I can do it the Martian way or we can talk."

"Is your way going to hurt?"

"Not really.  You might get a headache.  Some people do.  I'd be using Martian mind tricks."  Xander shrugged. "You're sure? This means I'd be seeing everything just like you did."  He moved closer.  "There could be some bleedover and you'd catch some of mine."

"Do you think it'd scare me?" he asked blandly, smirking at him.  "You just want to get in there and poke around for dirty memories."

"No, but I'm sure I'll run into a few and it'd give me a clue what you liked," he said smartly.  "You're sure?"

Xander nodded.  "Yeah, I'm sure."  He looked around.  "We should probably be sitting."

"We probably should," Throttle agreed.  He drug the boy down the ramp, taking him down to their unused rooms down there.  They had an old couch down there.  He settled Xander in and sat facing him, leaning forward.  "Tell me if I get into too many personal spots."

"Sure."  Xander concentrated, lowering the shields he had learned to build by force after his last possession.  He let them go totally and leaned forward, letting Throttle touch his antenna to his head.  There was a flash of light and Xander was watching some memories flow past.  Since he'd never seen a red sky and wasn't used to riding a miniature motorcycle he knew he was seeing some of Throttle's old memories.  He smiled at the cute boy he could see just a few feet away.  Vinnie was a cute little kid.  Throttle rode past a mirrored window and he saw him and cooed.  He was adorable!

"Hush," Throttle ordered, but he was chuckling.  "Yeah, he was cute and all.  So was I.  Then we got older."  He switched the focus back to Xander's mind, and found himself standing in it, being part of the scene.  No one else reacted to him but it was like he was there.  This was something he'd never heard of happening before but he couldn't pull away.  He wasn't trapped; it was that he was experiencing it at the same time.  He moved forward from the child Xander, smiling at the cuteness of the young boy.  He saw some of the worst memories go past and shivered but let them go on.  He found him growing and changing, turning into the man in front of him.   He stopped when he saw a familiar blond girl show up and started from there.  He wasn't sure how this was running in real time but this was so...seductive.  To know someone this deeply, to share their innermost memories.  He found a new appreciation for the boy who was Xander and his strength.  Some things made him chuckle.  A few pissed him off, and one made him want to kill someone.  Not Xander though.  He felt his physical body being touched and assumed it was Xander moving closer so let it happen.  They continued forward through night after night of fighting and winning.  He saw the graduation battle and the demon made him shudder in horror and cheer the boy's plans because he had done so well planning that one.

They moved onto his road trip and he saw Xander dancing, he was watching a taped performance of himself to see where he needed work.  He wasn't too bad.  He saw the girl and the bed incident, wincing at the pain of the breaks.  It was almost like he could feel them on his body.  Then he moved forward, blushing at a few other wild things he did. It was like he was starting to feel each thrust as Xander did it, each touch tingled on his skin the same way, and each shift around his heat was met by heat of his own.  He found a blocked memory and went back to glance and poke at it.  What he saw upset him but he understood.  The next closed memory was from an outside block and it was easily defeated. He saw what was going on and thought that it might be important.  Why else would his memory be blocked that way?

He made note of the demon so he could look it up later for his report, then moved on.  He saw the boy go back, felt the pain of that first semester back in Sunnydale.  He saw Anya, and understood why Xander liked her.  She needed him.  He needed to be liked and needed.  Anya was a very blunt woman and he chuckled at a few of the things she complained about, but she was there for him.  He saw the battle when Buffy died the second time and wrapped the boy in his arms, then saw her come back and the confusion and pain.  How he had been there even if no one had noticed it.  He bet none of those girls knew that he had went to clean up a few nests during his lunch times or the other things he had done.

He moved on to the final set of battles, finding Xander in the battle with someone his mind said with Caleb. He saw his eye being popped.  He felt his own ache in sympathy.  He saw the blond blur that saved him and cheered Spike on.  At least he had cared some, even if he was cruel and mean to the boy.  He saw the rush to the hospital and how they had only been able to remove it and medicate him.  He saw Xander come home a few days later, and not too long after coming home they had went into the Hellmouth.  He shuddered in fear as he saw what was waiting on them.  He'd seen some horrific things but nothing that bad.  He watched as people fell, demons fell, and then the final blow was struck.  They ran out and evacuated as Spike gave up his life to save them.  He saw the destruction slowly happening as they ran off with the townspeople.  He clutched at the boy in front of him and felt a tender touch to his mind.

Then they moved to Cleveland after a few days in LA.  So that was Wesley.  Fred was a kicker and he adored her without seeing more of her than those few bars of memory.  He saw the slayers start to treat Xander differently and how he had left to get away from them the first time.  How he had witnessed another slayer being born in Africa.  How he hadn't told Buffy that the child was one too because he knew something bad would happen to the girl.  How they slayers treated him when he came back, and he saw Switch's crash.  He saw how Xander saw him, noticing how tired he looked to him and remembered feeling the same way about Xander.  He pulled back, seeming to switch places. He settled in his mind, storing all that away, then kissed the boy gently.  "You're safe now," he said gently.  Xander nodded, leaning against his shoulder.   "I've never been that deep."

"I'm a negative person, I draw in spirits," he said softly.  "Sorry."  He rebuilt his shields before looking up at him.  "Can I go dig up Karbunkle and hit him again?"

"It's done and gone, Xander.  He's still in the hospital and about to be sent back to Mars with Carbine and them."  He gave him another kiss.  "What happened to Fred and Wesley?"

"Angel had one hell of a final year and they both died," he said quietly.  "I miss them, Throttle."

"We miss all the ones we lose for good causes," he reminded him.

"Yeah, I guess."  He looked down at his lap, then up at him.  "Your mother, is she still alive?"  He nodded.  "She seemed kinda nice."

"She is.  She'll fuss about you being human but I don't care.  I love the woman but I'm happy and she'll accept that."  He stroked his cheek, smiling at his shiver.  "I'm hoping Switch has a daughter just like her namesake," he said smugly.

"Switch is a lot like that," he agreed with a small grin.  "I can't wait until she starts blurting out stuff at them in public."  Throttle chuckled, nodding that she had done that. "She'll probably be just as good as Meg is."

"Stoker gave Meg a horrified look the last time they saw each other.  Meg was going on about something Oz had taught her about cherry stems."  The boy blushed.  "Oh, that's what he taught her," remembering seeing Xander doing that same trick.  "I guess it makes things better."  He kissed him again and stood up.  "Come on, I've got to write out the more relevant parts for Micah and you've got to shower so we can fix my bike."

"I can shower afterwards."

"No, go now, Xander.  That way you can get good and sweaty helping me," he said, turning him around and giving him a nudge.  He watched the boy's back.  "You got as deeply, didn't you?" he asked as he followed him.

"I was inside you, it was like I was your alternate personality."

"I was just beside you most of it, watching," Throttle told him.  Xander blushed.  "Yeah, even that.  Still got those scratches from the bed?"

"Oh, yeah.  Nice little scars," Xander admitted, blushing more.  He hurried into the bathroom, then came back out when Switch screamed.  "Sorry.  Was going to hide and take a shower."

"Give me five more minutes, Xander.  Then you can have it.  It's only been a half-hour."

"Only?" he asked, looking at the clock.  "Wow, it was only a half-hour."

"Damn, I'm good," Throttle joked.  Xander smirked at him.  "Dawn, how much longer before all the wax is off?"

"Nearly done with the front.  I've still got around the saddle and rear fender," she said, moving in small circles.  She got down to the paint in that section and sprayed the next, moving on once she rinsed off the pad.

Throttle grabbed a notebook and wrote down the most pertinent parts, including what he had found behind that barricade.  He still thought that might be relevant.  The boy had been stronger after that and there had been something odd during that encounter.  Besides, why would the demon make a drunken Xander forget ever meeting him right before he died?  The fact that he was bound to another by a vow wasn't bothering him.  That one was dead too and it had been to protect the other, harmless, being.  He finished his report and found Stoker reading over his shoulder.  "He sucked me in there."

"I can see that.  How deeply did you get?"  He saw Throttle's look around and pulled him up, walking him off.  "Give, Throttle."

"He said he sucks in spirits.  Called himself a negative person."  Stoker shuddered.  "He's been possessed a few times.  He let me have full access, it was like I was standing there with him."  He shifted so he was leaning against the wall.  "I could feel each time he got hurt," he said quietly.  "I got it all.  Each touch, each hurt, each hit, all of it."

"What about him?"

"He said he was inside my head, like he was inside me at the time," he admitted.  "Have you ever heard of that?"

"Once and it drove the other person insane."  He stared at Throttle.  "He knows everything you've ever been through.  The same as you do."

"He's not showing any difference.  I found memories and attitudes from his possessions."  Stoker shook his head.  "I'll watch out for him, Stoker. You know that."

"I'm more worried about you turning into him.  You took a big risk."

"No, I got what we needed to figure it out," he admitted.  "Besides, I feel fine and he was still embarrassed by stuff."  He smirked at him.  "By the way, if Anya lives up to her namesake, we'll all be really proud of her."

"Good.  I remember him saying she was a bit blunt."

"Yeah, like Meg is blunt," Throttle joked, walking off.  "We're fine.  He's got shields, I felt them go down and be rebuilt.  I've rebuilt mine.  It'll be fine."

"Sure, kid.  We'll make sure of it."  He went to pounce Modo, who could watch them both.  "Hey."  Modo looked up from carefully sanding the paint crease around a scratch.  "Throttle did the life review."

"Good.  I heard him tell you he got sucked in."  He glanced up at him again.  "What's wrong?"

"Well, the boy's still got to find a bigger spot to live.  You guys have the room."

"He owns the building anyway," Modo said with a small grin.  "I'll suggest it to our fearless leader. I'm not sure I'm brave enough to know that much about some of Xander's past."

"Me either.  He said Anya, the original one, was blunt like Meg is."

Modo chuckled.  "Then she'll be a lot like her momma and you'll deal, Stoker.  Go play with your wife and daughter.  Let Throttle do the worrying, that's why he leads so well."

"Fine.  Just watch out for them."  He walked off, heading in to help his wife dress their baby girl.  "Hopefully you'll be sweet and gentle, dear, not totally like your namesake."

"He did the life review?" she asked excitedly.  She walked out to hug Throttle.  "Can I get what Anya was like?"  He nodded, showing her a few of the more interesting scenes.  She giggled and headed back, cooing at her baby.  "You're gonna be so great!" she assured her.  "You'll have free run of a lot of mice to embarrass and you'll love it, Anya.  Trust me.  It'll be wonderful and you'll have a great mouse who thrills you like Stoker does me."  He blushed at that.  She kissed him on the cheek. "You do."

"Can we try to civilize her some?" he suggested. She cackled and he shivered once she had walked out.  His poor daughter.  The next one would have to be named after someone more reasonable, like Modo's mother.  She had been a hellion in her youth but she was a great woman.  He was still going to send her down here for a visit though.  They needed some time away from the woman pushing to be a grandmother for the baby.

***

Throttle looked at Xander, then at Dawn.  "You know, there's a solution to you guys having to find a bigger spot."  He ate a bite of steak stir fry, Xander's contribution to dinner.  Xander grunted since his mouth was full.  "You could move in here.  We do have six unused rooms.  That way you'd be closer in case something happened.  Dawn could have her own room and we could continue to train her daily.  You could go help Charley whenever you were bored.  Or me whenever you're bored," he admitted.  "You can Vinnie could go out when you're having one of those nights without having to bump into each other by accident."

"Yeah, but I don't want to mooch," Xander told him.

"You wouldn't be," Vinnie assured him.  "Besides, if you did move in here, then we'd have cable."  Xander snickered at that.  "We would."

"Vincent," Throttle sighed.  "He could leave the computer for Oz too, that way you couldn't find embarrassing porn sites."

"Embarrassing?" Dawn asked.

"He found one with gerbils."

"Oh."  She nodded once.  "Well, some people are like that," she said reasonably.  "I feel sorry for the animal though."  She ate another bite of dinner.  "Personally I like the ones I found."

"Yes, and I'd like for you to not bookmark them on the main list.  Oz and Meg both gave me odd looks about some of your stuff," Xander told her. "By the way, why were you watching gay football porn?"

"Because I love to see jocks being humiliated," she said happily.  "The one begging for it always makes me have a happy."

He shook his head.  "TMI, sweetheart," Vinnie complained.  "Some of us were jocks."

"Yeah, but you partially grew up.  You no longer pick on girls for being girls and no longer try to take what doesn't belong to you," she said sweetly.  "The last one tried that on me I ruined his whole week the night of one of our most important games.  Our star tackle was not happy and neither was his coach."

"Then he was a big baby.  Dancers dance on broken bones and he can't block people because he's got an ache?" Xander said dryly.  She nodded.  "Did you point that out?"

"Yeah, and the coach shuddered in revulsion at the mention of dancers.  I only got a day in-school for it too.  The principal said it was reasonable to defend myself but next time to report him, not take on the coach."

"I'm impressed that you didn't get the coach too," Charley told her.

"I did, that's why I got the in-school.  He tried to grab me and I was in an anti-grabby mood," she said smugly.  "His assistant had to bellow out all the orders that night."  She ate another bite.  "Good dinner, Xander, and I'm going to vote yes on the moving here.  I'll need a wardrobe since there's no closets downstairs, but it's a *huge* room."

Xander looked at Throttle to try a counter argument.  "You're moving in," he stated.  "We need you closer."

"Fine.  I'll talk to some guys about moving my stuff tomorrow."

"We can do that," Vinnie said dryly.

"Why? You can't lift furniture down my former stairs. Or the gun safe."

"Point," Vinnie admitted. "I'll help though."

"Sure."

"The beauty of movers is that they pack for you and do it in a reasonable order," Dawn told them.  "That means you guys'll have a lot more dishes soon.  Plus a dishwasher."  She ate another bite, then looked at Vinnie.  "Give me a ride to school tomorrow?  That way I can set the right tone?" she asked with a grin.  "Xander's SUV is looking a bit more worn than usual."

"If you want and you think you can handle your skirt," he teased.

"Your butt'll be blocking the wind there," she said smartly, smirking at him.  "Speaking of, when am I getting riding lessons?"  Charley and Xander both choked at that.  "Not that sort, people.  I've got an idea of what *that* sort of riding is like," she said dryly.  "I'm just waiting for someone unslimy and a nice date that lasts more than ten minutes."  She sipped her water.  "Can't I learn to ride a bike, Throttle?" she asked.

"Sure," he agreed.  "It could come in handy some day."  Xander stared at him. "If she's going to work for Micah then she might have to take a bike someday," he said with a small shrug.

"I don't think her sister would agree."

"Whine," Dawn said smartly.  "She's not here and to her I'm not any older than Anya is."

"Sure, Dawn, we'll work on teaching you this upcoming weekend," Modo assured her.  "You can Xander both."

"I get dizzy riding behind you guys," Xander defended.

"That's fine, I'm sure you can continue to ride behind Throttle," Vinnie teased. Throttle reached over and hit him on the arm, smirking at him.  "Behave or I'll ask about what you saw."

"He saw way more than he probably should have," Xander said dryly.

"That old possession streak coming back again?" Dawn taunted.

"Yeah and it sucked," he told her, glancing at Throttle.  "Ask him, he had to sit there and watch Anya and I have sex a few times."

"More than a few," he snorted. "Did that woman never need to nap?"

"You went into his mind to do the life review?" Carbine asked.  Throttle nodded.  "Did you get to see him dance?"

"Yeah, one time.  He was watching a tape of himself to get ideas how to make his act better.  He wasn't too bad."  Xander was now bright red and had his head on the table to hide his face.

"If you crawl under the table, I'll expect you to stay right there," Charley told him.  "I don't want you crawling around my feet."

"Keep it up," he moaned.  "I'll spoil someone else instead of you."

"You shouldn't be spoiling her anyway, it'd make Vinnie jealous," Carbine told him.

"He doesn't want her, it's more a taunt to make me step up and taunt him by spoiling her more," Vinnie told her.

"He bought me a forty pound box of chocolates for my birthday and included a note telling me that there's a law in Idaho saying you have to buy your girlfriend no less than fifty pounds of candy, but since we weren't dating he could get away with it."  She smiled at Vinnie. "He bought the other ten pounds of my favorite stuff and presented it to me later that night."

"He's also the one who spoiled Switch with those hot pepper candies," Stoker agreed.   "It's a good thing he was here to spoil and flirt with her or my girl would've been in trouble looking for attention."

"If she had told us it was yours, we would have called you down sooner," Throttle told him.  He looked at Carbine.  "Remind me to have a small talk with you later."

"Already done that, Throttle," Stoker said patiently.

Xander lifted his head and glared at Carbine.  "She nearly died, you know that right?"  Carbine went pale.  "When I found her, her bike was a wreck.  It took all of us over a week to fix it."

"If Xander hadn't been around to fix the plug wires, we couldn't have," Charley agreed quietly.  Carbine shuddered.

"Next time, make sure of the fuel level of both the ship and her bike," Xander ordered.  "You're damn lucky it was me who found her and that I found her in time."

"I'm sorry," she said quietly.  "I was reacting instead of thinking."

"Even I have to think most of the time," Dawn told her.  "You could have just locked her in a closet instead.  It'd have been more humane.  Stoker must have went nuts trying to find her."

"Remember, your big sister will follow that one's lead if you *ever* get knocked up," Xander told her grimly.  "So if you even *think* there's a chance I want a tracking device on you, Dawn.  Before you tell me.  Which will be before you tell anybody else but possibly the father."

"Not an issues.  I'm on a very nice birth control shot," Dawn reminded him.  He had taken her to get her last one.  "There is no chance on any version of hell of me ending up pregnant before I'm ready and willing."

"Good.  I don't think we could take a baby full time around here," Charley told her.  "It would finish driving Vinnie over the edge."

"He's not that close," Dawn defended.  "He's just very fun loving and likes to walk on the edge of things now and then."

"See, I knew I was right to pick you to hang out with," Vinnie said happily.

"Keep it up, hotshot, spend tomorrow helping Xander pack."

"I have to go home tonight to start on the trash anyway," Xander admitted.  "He can come heft that since I can't."

"No," Throttle told him.  "Not tonight."

"But the cats...."

"Meg's there with Oz," Dawn told him.

"Fine," he sighed.  "I really should."  Throttle reached over and covered his mouth, shaking his head.  "Fine," he complained through it.  "Didn't you wash your hands after painting?"  He pulled back and coughed.  "You smell like gasoline and paint."

"Sorry.  I washed, but it happens."  He patted him on the back.  "Eat.  You too, Dawn."

"This is my second plate," she reminded him.  She dug in anyway.  "I still have to head back to grab clothes.  Unless we're leaving pretty early so I can change."

"I'll drive you back tonight," Vinnie promised.  "Call your sister to agree to go for the holiday."

"That's right, I forgot to call the brats."  She got up and found her phone, unplugging it to bring it back.  She hit the speedial button then put it next to her ear while she ate another bite.  "Hey, me.  I can come for Thanksgiving but I'm due some training time with one of Micah's people all that weekend. Yeah, her.  Why?"  She smirked.  "Well, yeah, she is," she admitted.  "Max is a pretty cool woman and Lorne is slowly relaxing around me. He treats me less like a little kid and more like I've got a bit of sense now."  She snorted.  "Sister, dear, I am seventeen.  I do have *some* clue of what's going on around me.  No, not yet.  I start school tomorrow.  No, I'm sitting here surrounded by three studly bikers, one older mostly studly biker and his wife and new baby, a very nice woman who's teaching me how to fix engines, and Xander."  She smirked at Throttle, pulling the phone away from her ear as she screamed at her.  She put it back again.

"You done?  No, they're very sweet guys.  They helped Xander take on an alien menace last night.  No, big, huge biker studs.  Like the tallest is six-seven and all muscles," she said, nudging Modo with a wink.  "No, I can't bring pictures.  Ask Micah.  Yup, that's why.  No, Xander's presently being teased to distraction by one's tail."  Throttle coughed and moved his tail from where it had been teasing Xander's back beltline.  "Another's giving me this look like I'm a wicked being and he's giving me a ride to my first day so I make the best impression.  No, Catholic school.  Complete with school uniform.  No, short skirt, white blouse, hair back, shoes, knee highs.  Yeah, classic stripper wear.  So, speaking of sluts, did she live?"  She snickered.  "Wonderful.  No, we're having dinner.  Xander cooked stirfry and we're all eating.  Why?  They're very nice.  They make sure I do my homework and they're helping Xander teach me how to defend myself.  Oh, and I'll be bringing the Andrew kitty back with me then so I can't ride a bike down.  I don't know, airport or car I guess.  Whatever's going to be easiest for me. Sure, I'll let you know when I do. It's only a five or six hour drive."

She snorted and rolled her eyes.  "No, Buffy, I'm perfectly happy where I am.  Buffy, listen to the words out of my mouth.  I'm surrounded by some very pretty men who think of me as their little sister and protect me like I'm their little sister.  Vinnie doesn't even take the dangerous roads with me on the back of his bike.  Yeah, Xander rides behind Throttle all the time.  Oh, I don't know, maybe for the same reason he's blushing bright red," she said sarcastically.  "Hey, not my thing.  So, I'll be in either late Wednesday or early Thursday.  Sure.  Nope, I can't.  It's classified.  Ask Micah for pictures.  Sure.  Nah, they're sweeties and they let me bandage them when they get banged up.  Well, I spent the day stripping the wax off their bikes to help them fix the beauties up after they got scratched last night in that alien assault.  Sure, here, have a Xander."  She handed over the phone. "For you."

Xander took the phone, grunting into it with a sigh underneath.  "No, she's fine," he assured her.  "She's being very good.  She doesn't bug the guys to go on rides all the time.

No, we all treat her like our little sister.  We'll be checking homework and all that."  He looked at the guys.  "Two of them are taken, Buffy, and none of them think of her that way."

"She's cute but too young for me," Vinnie called.

"That was one of the taken ones," he joked, smirking at his buddy.  Then he squeaked as Throttle poked him with his tail and took the phone.  "No fair, you won't help me get a tail," he complained.

Throttle coughed.  "Ma'am.  Fine, Buffy," he said dryly.  "No, Buffy, this is Throttle.  No, Dawn's been a very perfect angel.  She helps out around here, helps out in the garage one of the group runs, and she's very excited about going to school tomorrow.  No, she's been a perfect young lady.  No partying, nothing wild like that.  Of course we are," he agreed patiently.  "She'll be perfectly safe on the back of our bikes.  Why?  She's already got a good grasp of how to ride and we'll be giving her formal lessons this weekend.  Yes, but most of the vehicles around here are bikes so we'd rather she learned in case she needs to take one."

He looked at Vinnie.  "No, he's a friend.  A bro, yes, I'm one of them," he said smugly.  "I'm the tan one you met."  He nodded once, smirking at Dawn.  "Of course we're taking good care of her.  We're moving them into our lair this week so she's got her own room.  That and so she can get easier rides to school and won't have to take the bus.  No, Buffy, if she wants a bike, she'll have to save up for one and buy one, or talk Charley into borrowing hers.  Of course.  You have a nice night too," he said smugly, hanging up and tossing it back.  "Go in biker gear, make her splutter and moan all holiday."

"Oohhh, I like that idea," she said with a wicked smirk.   "Would it be okay if I bought a bike, Xander?"

"As long as *you* buy the bike, I'll pay for your first year's insurance," he decided.  She squealed and leaned across the table to hug him.  "Sit and eat, scrawny woman.  You're losing weight and I won't have it."

"Yes, Xander.  It's not like I'm going to get to crack ho size or anything."  She ate another bite, looking down at Charley.  "If I find one, can I run it by you?"

"Of course."

"How much are we looking at new?" Xander asked.

"I've seen some of the smaller models, the sportsters, going for about nine grand on the Harley website," Charley offered.  "There were two I could see her on and they were going for about sixteen but they'd suit her."

"Wow.  So nearly a car?" Dawn asked.  She nodded.  "What about used?"

"Depends on the person," Throttle offered.  "Some people undervalue their bikes."

"Good point."

"I know someone who's selling a 2004 XL 883 Sportster Harley.  New it went for just over seven grand and they're selling the old dear for about two," Charley offered. "He can't ride any more.  His back's gotten so bad that he'll never be able to ride again.  He just wants someone who'll love it."

"Which she'd have to do before we'd let her have one," Modo agreed.  "Those two could share one."

"I'm still getting dizzy riding behind you guys," Xander said again.  "As much as it might be fun now and then, I'd rather crash a car than a bike.  My next one will be that Chrysler roadster I found though."  Throttle chuckled at that.  "You'd like it, it's sweet and we've got a good truck at work I can borrow for things of that nature."  He looked at Dawn, who was giving him puppy eyes.  "How close are you?"

"About three hundred short at the moment," she admitted.  "Can I at least look once I know how to ride?"

"As long as you pay for it," Xander told her.  She nodded, understanding that.  "Then we'll see.  The first time your grades slip, it's history."

"Yes, Xander."  She finished her dinner and went to make a few phone calls, getting Meg and Oz on her side.  Plus maybe she could get a quick after school job for a few months.  She left a message for Max telling her that Buffy had demanded she come for Thanksgiving so if they were still on she'd be in Cleveland.  Then she went down to figure out which of the four rooms downstairs she wanted. She decided on the middle one.  It had no windows, but it was nice and had space for a good bed and a wardrobe. Not that she had that much stuff, but she'd need space for those icky uniforms she'd be wearing.  She came back out and leaned on Xander's arm.  "I've got to go pack up some clothes."  He held out the keys.  "Thanks, Xander."  She kissed him on the cheek and headed out to find an outfit for the morning and some appropriate shoes.  She couldn't wear heels, they were against dress code.  So that left her the tougher than usual biker boots she had, a pair of hiking boots, or the loafers she had reluctantly bought on advice from Charley about sore feet.  "Wish I had time and the cash to hit the mall tonight," she muttered as she got in to drive.  "I need better shoes."  She glanced in the back seat, then turned and smacked the hell out of the boy hiding back there.  "Out!"  He got out and ran off, letting the door slam.  She groaned and checked everything then started the huge SUV, driving it carefully back to Xander's current spot.  She parked it and headed up the stairs, smiling at the landlord.  "Problems?"

"Where's Xander this time?"

"Staying with the guys.  He got injured last night.  Why?"

"He's due the rent tomorrow."

"I'll call once I get inside."  He nodded, walking off.  Dawn used her keys to open the door and walked in, catching the Andrew cat before he could escape.  "Keep it up, dude, be fixed tomorrow by me personally."  She shut the door after checking the hallway.  She thought she had seen another cat.  "Oh, well."  She called Xander's phone.  "It's me. The landlord said rent's due tomorrow.  Yeah, him.  Sure.  No, I'm here and I'm not hearing noises.  Guys, it's me, make more nookie noises," she called.  Oz let out a growl and Meg giggled. He came out, still being human.  "I had to come get clothes for school."

"Fine," he complained, looking around. "Tara?"  He opened the door. "Tara!"  She let out a howl and came running up the stairs, ducking under the couch.  He looked down there.  "Feel better now?"  He caught Andrew and looked at him.  "You're puppy food if you go down there to get the same sort of service from the male cat," he vowed.  That cat slunk off once he let it go.  "Say hi for me."

"Okay, and we're moving this week," Dawn told him.

"Fine, I can sublet," Oz agreed.  He headed back into the bedroom, going back to pouncing his girlfriend.  "Sublet?"

"I like my place."

"It's tiny and you can keep it, just stay over here most of the time," he offered.  He kissed her and she snuggled into his arms.  He heard a giggle and looked over, nodding Dawn inside.  "Good timing."

"Thanks.  Which shoes should I wear tomorrow, Meggy?  Vinnie's taking me to school."

"The boots," she said with a giggle.  "Or those new ones in there."  Dawn squealed and hugged her.  "I thought you'd like that, princess."  She watched as Dawn packed enough for a few days, then waved and left.  "I like her."

"Me too.  She's a neat kid," Oz agreed, going back to kissing her.

***

Xander had been allowed to go out with Throttle to get some groceries once Dawn had gotten back and he was looking at the newest Roadster magazine on the rack.  He pulled it out and grinned, finding the ads he wanted.  "Let me show you what I want," he said happily, showing him each one.  "What do you think?"

"I think you're still going to be on the back of a bike most of the time, but I'm liking a few of those," he admitted, taking it to look through.  "Only one of these is below thirty grand, Xander."

"I can afford it," he reminded him, pointing at one ad.  "We saw that one and I loved it then."

"It's also the most reasonably priced one," Throttle pointed out. "Are you going for style or power?"

"Style mostly.  Why?"

"Because the most expensive has the better engine, more torque, and better gas mileage," he said, smirking at him.  "You're young, get something dangerous and deadly, something that makes people shiver when they see you driving it."

"Sure."  He flipped through the magazine some more.  "I like the older looking, spy movie cars."  His phone beeped for the new text message.  "So that's where it is," he said dryly, looking at it.  He looked in the magazine, that one wasn't listed, but fortunately it came with a picture.  "That's what I want," he told Throttle.

"You and Modo both," he sighed, shaking his head.  "Everyone wants to be a spy."  The phone beeped, making him laugh.  "Micah said think how he feels."  He handed it back, walking off.  "If you can find one, I'll help you polish it."

Xander looked down at his phone beeped again a moment later.  "But I still get dizzy."  The next message popped up.  "I can take dramamine for that?  Never mind, I'll get it checked out."  He got that one and another magazine, then caught up with his apparent keeper.  "I need to get my ears checked."

"Probably," he agreed.  He smirked at the boy, watching as he looked at the magazines.  "Get one of those little sports cars."

"I don't like sitting that close to the ground.  The corvette I was looking at had a ground clearance of six inches."  Throttle winced.  "Yeah, I'd kill the car within a week.  So I want a sports car that's got some clearance, but has some pretty classic styling and some power to it."  He went back to the magazine stand and found a classic cars one, bringing it back to show Throttle. "These," he said, showing him the auto show articles.  "The MGA 1600, the Jaguar E-type.  Things like that."

"Have you noticed they look like they're faces on the front?"

Xander shrugged.  "I thought all roadsters were like that.  I like the sloped noses instead of the blunter ones in some of the others, like the Mercedes that came out this year."

"I can see you in those," he admitted, handing it back.  "Maybe we can find you a good dealership so you can go look."

"Yeah, that'd be for the best," he agreed, tossing some ice cream into the cart.  Throttle looked at him.  "I've got to have sweets or I'll go into withdrawal."

"We'll see.  No bouncing."  He walked him on.  "Get milk."

"Whole?"

"Two percent.  Fat's bad for you guys."

"And?  With all the exercise I get?"

"Modo likes two percent," he admitted.  Xander got both and shook his head, but he looked amused.  "Dawn?"

"Hates two percent.  She said it's watered down milk and she's rather buy a cow and suck directly."

He snickered, leaning on the cart.  "You two are horrible some days."

"Of course we are."  Xander looked at Throttle, then the bottle of butterscotch sauce, then sighed.

"What?"

"I like toppings on people sometimes."

"Fur makes that hard," he agreed, giving him a short nuzzle since they were practically alone in the store.  "We'll see what we can do about that."  He stole a kiss and moved on.  "Bread was on the list, right?"

"Yeah, Dawn's a toast person."  He grabbed her bread and some regular white bread for everyone else.  He looked at the cart, then took it to get what he wanted.  Since he was paying and all.  He met Throttle back at the check out, blushing a bit.  "I'm done."

"Good."  He looked in the cart, then plucked out the condoms and tossed them onto a nearby rack.  "We'd eat through them," he explained.  "It's not a good reaction."  He unloaded the cart, frowning at the soda.  "Regular?"

"You guys still got three cases of rootbeer," he defended.  "Dawn and I need caffeine."

"Fine.  Just don't let Vinnie get into them."

"Sure, I'll lock them in my room," he teased.

"If it floats your boat," Throttle agreed.  "We will be putting a lock on both doors.  To keep Dawn in and to keep people out when we want privacy."

"You're moving into my room?"

"Visiting," he assured him.

"Oh.  That's okay, I guess," Xander admitted.  "I'm confused."

"We'll talk about it later, Xan," he promised.  He hefted the last of the soda up there then the cheese, wincing a bit.  "Keep those away from Vinnie too," he advised.

"Vinnie knows I eat cheese," he said patiently.  "He shudders in horror, but he knows I like cheese.  He's fine with me liking cheese as long as I don't make him eat cheese.  Not that I blame the guy."

"Fine.  You can have your cheese.  Just brush your teeth before sharing out kisses."

"You mean you're sharing me?"  Throttle blushed and Xander grinned.  "You didn't say you were sharing me.  I might have to renegotiate this moving in stuff."

"Hush, Xander," Throttle ordered, pulling the cart forward while he stepped into the empty spot behind the next register, catching Xander to kiss him stupid.  "No more dirty thoughts, kiddo.  Or else I might have to retaliate."

"We'll see," he said with a smirk.  He turned to the cashier, who was blushing and carefully watching each item she scanned.  He started his credit card through the system, smiling at her. "It's a new thing."

"I can see that," she admitted.  "Sixty-eight-forty-two, sir."  She noticed the blinking and hit the correct buttons.  "Oops."  He ran the card again and it went through this time. She bagged up everything and helped them put it into the cart, then handed him his receipt.  She smiled at their backs as they left, then groaned and hit the switch since someone just walked in with a shotgun.  One of the nice men came back and pounced the man on the back, knocking him down and slamming his head into the floor a few times.  He kicked the gun, then waved and left.  "What a nice man," she said.  "I'm wondering why he's with the mutant, but he seems very nice.  Even if he is gay."  She waved the next person forward, taking her first item to scan.  "How are you today?"

"Fine.  Did I just see someone from a comic book?"

"They're probably just off work," she offered.  She pointed at the man for the guard's benefit, letting him handle it.

***

Throttle walked Carbine up to Micah's office the next morning, glancing around.  "You'd expect there to be a lot more people than this working here," he noted.

"They're not due in for another hour," Micah admitted, getting comfortable.  "Carbine, we may be able to get you some decent weapons, but to do so we've got to expose you to the President and VP."  She shuddered.  "That's my feeling too but it's necessary.  We'd have to get his help.  If it was my choice, I'd take six thousand Marines up there, free anything that didn't stink, take them all off the planet and then bomb them into little bits.  Unfortunately I have to have authorization to get you those weapons and I probably can't promise the Marines."

"I understand.  Will it be helpful?"

"That's up to you, my dear.  I can tell him.  I can prove it to him, but if he's scared he might declare war."  He smirked at her.  "Not that we can get up there, not for about another century, but you've seen how he can be."

"I understand.  We'd rather have something to protect ourselves and to shove them off our world."

"I get it fully," he promised.  "So let me start that process and see what we can get you.  It'll take me a few hours so you can hang out in the training range if we want.  I don't know if you know anything about our guns."

"Not really.  Other than Xander seems to have a few."

"And then some," he agreed dryly.  "Speaking of, let me handle Throttle's thing and then I'll come down to help."  She nodded, heading down there with his secretary.  He looked at Throttle.  "Did you ask him?"

"No, I read his mind," he said, handing over the notebook and sitting down in a corner.  "I think it was Quorensct demon.  It had him blocked and he seemed to have changed after that.  Though, the bed incident was right before then."

"Bed incident?"

"Yeah, he helped someone break their eight hundred year old canopy bed."

Micah winced. "Ow.  I can't imagine that."

"Broke his arm and leg, sent her into a coma for three days. Three hundred pounds of wood plus a heavy velvet draping."  Micah winced again.  "Exactly. This was right before he nearly got arrested for public indecency, but the cops decided to drop it when she almost molested him in front of them.  They decided she needed help and Xander was just a willing victim."

"I saw that report," he admitted.  "I pulled every record with his name on it when we found out about him."  He looked up at him.  "Do you mind if Buffy has pictures of you three?  She's worried about you guys going after Dawn."

"She's too young for my tastes, and Vinnie and I are taken.  Modo's mother would only want him to date a mouse so she's safe with us."

"I'll tell her that.  You're taken?"

"Xander."  Micah blinked a few times so he gave him a smug look.  "The boy needs a firm hand and someone to help bandage him and to get hurt every now and then.  He's still being playful."

"Wonderful."  He went back to the notes, nodding as he went through each one.  "I'm wondering why they're all drawn to him."

"Because he's a medium," Throttle told him.  Micah winced again.  "Yeah, he sucked me in very well yesterday.  I'm hoping the baby grows up like her namesake, Anya."

Micah snickered.  "I've heard quite a lot about her from Buffy and Giles.  I'm sure Stoker would be less than impressed but oh well.  Too late now," he said dryly, going back to the notes.  He nodded.  "It probably was that demon.  I can't see anything else that might have altered him that much.  So, you realize he's a widow, right?  Twice."

"Huh?"

"Well, the vows to that one girl are now gone.  Cordelia died a few years back."  He leaned back, getting comfortable.  "As for Quorensct demons, they'll toughen up their spouses.  It seems a few years ago there were a few of them who weren't...following the guidelines of 'girls can say no'," he said delicately.  "As such, we found out that they're strong enough to rip into the intestinal cavity from the vaginal column."  Throttle winced at that.  "So if they pick a weaker species to mate with, they inject this stuff into them that makes them strong enough to stand them. They only do this for their mates.  Did you see anything that would suggest something like a shot?"

"Yeah, there was an extra fluttery feeling I felt," he admitted quietly, glancing around.  "The thing blocked him."

"That was nice of it.  Then what happened?"

"It died. It headed off, going into the woods, where something cut its head off.  Xander found it the next day.  He was drunk when the demon approached him and very drunk when the demon got into him."

"Xander didn't strike me as the sort to go for vampires and demons anyway," he offered.  "I'm hoping you're good to him.  The boy's had enough pain."

"I know.  I saw it all."  Micah gaped in awe.  "Every bit," he admitted.  "Even the stuff with Anya.  I also saw why he left her at the altar and which demon showed him having a beer gut in ten years."  He stood up.  "So what do we do about this?"

"Nothing really.  It substantiates what we found in the tissue and blood scans.   We figured out it must have been demonic and those type act like wish demons.  They were near the top of our list.  We did find one interesting thing.  We combined a sample of his and Vinnie's blood in a dish once we found the taint.  It went explosive."

"Why Vinnie's?"

"Because we didn't have any of yours," Micah said dryly.  "Do you guys have an innate protection against other species eating you?"

"Not that I know of.  Carbine!"  She stuck her head out. "They combined Xander's and Vinnie's blood and it exploded."

"That's the taint Vinnie has," she called back, then disappeared again.

Throttle looked at him and shrugged.  "Got a needle?  Before I get too involved."

"Sure.  Patricia, get a nurse up here to draw some blood," he called.  She came up with a nurse, helping her draw the blood.  "Run the test with Xander's, make sure they're not going to explode."

"Of course, sir."  They hurried away to do that.  She came back about ten minutes later.  "It doesn't," she said, smiling at him.  "It seems to turn semi-solid.  It is able to be lit on fire however."

"Thank you.  Test Xander's tissues against Quorensct demons as well.  I want to know if he's got any skills."

"Already done, sir.  He doesn't have anything other than spouse's skills as they're listed.  Was he one?"

"One ...gifted him then went to die," Micah admitted.  "I wanted to make sure before he wished the world would go away and it did some day," he told her.  "Any other good news?"

"Yes, sir, when the hormones combined it was sympathetic.  Only the blood itself mingling was in conflict and I'd say it'd be a good field bandage, unless it's with Vinnie."

"That's one hell of a way to blow an exit," Throttle said bitterly.  "I'll keep that in mind.  Vinnie won't mind giving up a few pints if necessary."

"We only dropped a piece of gauze with your friend's blood into the dish and it exploded before we could blink or turn away."

"I'll keep that in mind too," he promised.  "Need anything else, Micah?"

"Not unless you want to show me any of it that might be relevant."  Throttle leaned forward and showed him a few things, making him blush.  "I don't look at the kid that way, Throttle, but thanks."

"I do," he said smugly.

"Just don't make the building explode.  Did Dawn get to school?"

"Yeah, Vinnie was giving her a ride.  She had some calf boots with no heel and are her skirts supposed to be that short?" Micah nodded.  "She looked a bit slutty."

"They all do," he sighed.  "That's why strippers like schoolgirl outfits."  He smirked at him.  "Have a good trip back if you're not waiting for Carbine."

"No, she's got a short wait.  We've got a prison transport ship coming down.  I told Rimfire not to crash it into anything."

"That might be helpful, yeah," Micah said dryly.   "Go, I can hear Lorne coming in."

"Sure.  Later, Micah."  He paused. "Know where Xander can find a decent car?"

"There's a place on third street.  It seems decent enough and if not Charley could easily help him fix it up."

"Thanks."  He walked off, heading back to the ship to head home.  He had some new very interesting facts to share with his boy.

Micah looked at the screen beside him as it came on twenty minutes later.  He had expected this, that's why he had called Throttle and Carbine in so early.  The President got his last report last night and this was as early as he ever got in. "Good morning, sir.  Sleep well?"

"No, Micah, I didn't," the president said bluntly.  "What does your agency do?"

"We used to do counter-intelligence but then we got switched here after Homeland Security started.  I don't know why they picked us."

"Actually, Tom looked at the list, found that one odd category and said 'move the smallest department there, they'll keep the same staff but like the raise in budget, so they won't complain about it'," he admitted.

"Bet me, sir.  I complain a lot about not being a spy any more."  He looked at his secretary, who handed over a folder with a wink and left again.  "What part of the report didn't you understand, sir?"

"All of it.  They're real?"

"Very real."  He glanced down at Carbine, who smirked at him.  "Sir, would you rather I show up with files and pictures or would you rather I take you somewhere that you can see for yourself?"

"I'd rather see for myself.  Pictures can be faked.  Not that I'd expect it from you, mind you, but others aren't that nice."

"I know, sir.  All right, have your car pick you up about eight tonight to go downtown.  Just the regular car, no Secret Service.  I'll be with you as will a delegate from a group that needs some help against the terrorists they're fighting."

"Fine.  Are they European?"

"No, sir, Martian."

"Martian," he said flatly.

"Yes, sir," he said, starting to smirk.  He could hear the confusion and it was making his day.  "I've got one of their top Freedom Fighters down here.  They're fighting against the same people who were trying to take over Chicago the other night.  Fortunately some of her people have been fighting them there for a few years now, plus they've added an older fighter from Sunnydale to their group."

"Sunnydale.  Why is that name familiar?"

"Town in California, sunk into their hole in the ground that went to Hell, sir."

"Huh?"

"Hellmouth, sir.  Portal to hell.  The newest one's in Cleveland.  We've got their ancient enemy there fighting with that thing now."

"I don't understand," he complained.

"That's fine.  Like I said, eight tonight, pick me up here at ECHO, and I'll give you proof you can't refute.  Bring Dick if you want, sir."

"Fine.  He won't believe this one."

"I didn't either until I nearly got eaten one night near this club.  Fortunately it's calmer now.  Eight, sir."

"Fine, Micah.  I'll trust you that far."  He hung up.

Micah shook his head, snickering a bit.  "Hey, Carbine, you busy for dinner?"

"No, why?" she asked, coming up the stairs.  "I like those handguns, but they run out of ammo too soon."

"Yeah, well, all our lasers are really too big to do more than sit on a building," he said dryly.  "Max!"  She came jogging up the stairs.  "We're going to give the Prez and VP proof tonight. He just called.  I'm taking Carbine with me.  Make sure she's dressed in a way that won't make someone drool on her."  He looked at her present outfit.  "Wear that tomorrow," he told her.  "Today look like the general you are."

"I don't have my uniform down here."

"And?  Just find something near it."

"Fine," she agreed, following Max out the door.  "If I had known, I would have brought my dress uniform."

"Yeah, we've been dreading this one now for months," Max assured her.  "What color?"

"Blue, dark blue.  Snaps, mandarin collar as you call them."  Max nodded, grabbing her keys and taking her out to her car.  "This is nice.  Xander drives this huge beast."

"Yeah, we're still trying to figure out what hit him."

"He said he saw a headlight."

"With that much impact, the headlight was going nearly eight hundred miles an hour.  He's lucky he didn't die."  She started the car and backed out of the garage, heading out into the bright morning sunshine.  "So, how did you like our monuments when you flew over them?"

"One looks like a breast and one looks phallic."

"They're classical designs, but made by men," Max admitted.  "They're to commemorate a president.  I'll give you the quick tour on the way to the spot I know."  She changed lanes, heading for the capitol park area.

***

Throttle walked into the lair and smirked at Xander, who was on a new bed.  "Didn't want to move the other one?"

"Oz and Meg had sex on it last night.  I didn't want to know that much about them," he said dryly.  "Everything else will be over in about an hour if you wanted to hide with Vinnie in the garage."

"No, not yet."  He laid down beside him.  "We found out what it was."  Xander put down his book and looked at him.  "Do you remember anything about a Quorensct demon?"  Xander considered, then shook his head. "Gray head, scales that formed a ruff like a lion around the back of his head?  Tall thing but lanky and looked like it was bending the arms the wrong way?"

"Oh, that thing.  Yeah, I found one dead back during my road trip."

"You did more than that, Xander," he shared quietly, leaning forward to let him see the encounter.  When he pulled back, Xander was frowning.  "He blocked it from you.  Then he went to die.  The problem becomes they're like wish demons and they only do that to their spouses.  They're apparently very strong and have to strengthen anything that's not them."  He stroked his hand.  "So you're actually a widow three times."

"Two."

"Three, you vowed to Cordelia.  Even though it wasn't official it would stand up on Mars."  He smirked at him.  "So, my widow, now you know."

"Does this make a difference?"

"You were drunk and he took advantage of you. Why would it?"  He leaned up and gave him a kiss.  "Widows are nice, they're not twittering virgins."

"Yeah, I'm definitely not one of those," he admitted.  Someone knocked on the door.  "Damn it."  He got up and went to smile at whoever was there.  "Hey, guys, done already?"  They nodded so he let them inside.  "Okay, anything bookish goes upstairs.  Head up the ramp and back to the front of the building.  Anything mine goes in the bedroom with the open door, Dawn's stuff goes in the room with her name on it.  She can have that frou-frou couch too."

The movers nodded, hefting boxes and furniture where it needed to go.  "Sir, desk and computer?"

"Front room with the books," he decided.  "It's general usage."  They nodded, carrying the desk that way.  "Where are the cats?"

"That strange redhead said he'd bring them over later."

"You consider Oz strange when Meg was wearing a chainmail bikini earlier?" Xander asked dryly.

"She's pretty enough to pull it off, but the guy was talking to the cats like they understood, sir."

"We figured she did that stuff where people dress up and hold court and stuff," another of them offered.  "Gun locker?"

"Back room.  There's a dark corner, put it there."  They nodded.  "Did you guys bring the other stuff?"

"No, sir, regulations forbid us from touching weapons that aren't safe or legal," one of them yelled.  "The warrioress said she'd bring them over later."

"That's fine," he admitted.  "She can even use my car since they won't fit in her Honda."  He found Throttle reading his book on the bed, his tail wiggling to the noise coming from the radio.  He paid the guys once they were done, then closed and locked the door.  He found Throttle looking at a box that had 'unpack me first' written on it.  "Huh, one of the cats can do magic.  Interesting."  He opened that one and pulled the cord inside, wincing at the flash that unpacked everything.  He looked around at the spread out clothes.  "Nearly."  Throttle chuckled but helped him pick up everything and put the clothes away.  Everything else was set up.  Dawn could pick up her own clothes.  They didn't want to touch her underwear.

Throttle laid Xander down on the bed once they were done, kissing him again.  "You okay?  You should be in pain."

"I took something earlier," he admitted, stealing another kiss.  "What time is it?"

"Maybe three."  He glanced at the clock.  "Two thirty.  We've got about an hour before Dawn comes back."  He gave him another kiss.  "Let's make sure nothing else is out of place.  I can't imagine if something landed on top of Modo."

"I don't think he'd care unless it was undies or a bra," Xander joked, but he got up and took Throttle with him.  "Any other good news?"

"Yeah, if we mix yours and Vinnie's blood together, you get an explosion.  Mine and yours turns into putty."  Xander looked at him.  He shrugged. "I'm guessing it's a species difference.  I'm not planning on bleeding into you so it'll be fine."

"Okay.  Useful to know, but I'll be careful about that.  Any idea what Modo's blood would do?"

"We can test it.  Hey, Modo, we need some of your blood to see what happens when we mix it with Xander's.  His and Vinnie's explodes."

"Explodes?" he asked calmly.  "Badly?"

"Knocks a door in from what they weren't saying.  I'm guessing it's a blood protein difference.  Our hormones are in synch."

"Vinnie will be thrilled to hear that," Modo said, pulling out a knife.  He made a careful slice on his arm, letting it drip onto the plate that held his snack earlier.  He passed them to Xander, who did the same thing with the clean side of the knife.  They all winced as the plate exploded and sent ceramic shrapnel out.  "Cool."

"Very cool," Vinnie said in awe from the doorway.  "Wow."

"Yours and his too, bro," Throttle said smugly.  "Mine and his make putty that can be set on fire."

"Whoa!  We can create some pretty destruction with that!"  Vinnie gave them a manic grin.  "I can't wait to use that in the field!"

"You and me both," Xander said with a chuckle.  "We're checking for messes."

"Ehh, one box did manage to unpack itself at Charley's, but it's all older stuff of hers.  It exploded all over the kitchen.  I didn't know she knew what flimsy lingerie was."  Xander snickered, hiding his face on Throttle's shoulder.  Vinnie winked at him.  "She's cleaning that up.  She said I can't touch it."

"Tara made it too strong," Xander laughed.  "I'll apologize."

"Why?  I loved it!  She's got stuff that I'm going to whine to see her in!"  He leered and let out a wicked chuckle, pulling something out of his back pocket. "I even confiscated something."

"That's very tiny and see through," Throttle agreed.  "I can't imagine her wearing it."  He shook his head, leaving it there.  It was all good to him if Charley didn't brain Vinnie for it.

Modo coughed and pointed at a pile of stuff.  "We had a box of stuff too.  I'm thinking it's Vinnie's since I don't wear a thong."

"Me either.  Underwear bites," Throttle admitted.  "Vinnie, it unpacked a box of your stuff too."

Xander looked at the pile and snatched something, holding it up.  "Isn't this women's underwear?" he teased.  Vinnie lunged but he ran past him, heading over to the garage.  He tossed it at Charley.  "Fair trade for the one he stole of yours," he shouted, heading out the other door to get away from Vinnie.

"Give it back, Xander!" Vinnie yelled as he burst through the kitchen doorway.  "No fair!"

Charley snickered, holding them up.  "What did you steal of mine, Vinnie, and who did these belong to?"  She kept them from him.  "Trade."

"But, Sweetheart, I wanted to see you in the other one," he whined.  "I haven't been able to wear those since I was sixteen."  She looked at the thong then at him, so he sighed. "Please?"

"Nope.  Even trade."  He grumbled but gave her back her nightie.  She looked at it.  "You couldn't pick something comfortable?"

"It looks comfortable to me," he said with a small leer.

"It's not.  It's too tight and it's itchy."  She tossed it into her office.  "Stay out of that box.  I don't want to know what you think about those sort of things."

Vinnie used his tail to grab her and bring her closer, kissing her until she moaned.  "That's what I think about those sort of things, sweetheart."  He gave her an unsubtle rub against her stomach, then winked and walked off, going to deal with that.

Charley leaned against the car she had been working on, staring after him.  He'd never been that blunt before.  No one had been that blunt with her before.  She fanned herself, considering it.  He had hinted in the past, but nothing like that.  She looked behind her and squeaked, finding Meg standing there.  "Don't do that to me," she panted, grabbing her chest.

Oz helped her sit down.  "Good kisses should do that to you anyway," he offered.  "Animals and guns."

"The lair, guys.  Swat Vinnie if you see him."

"From what I saw, unless he's a minute man, he's still going at himself in the bathroom," Meg said with a grin.  "You lucky girl!"  She kissed her on the cheek, walking past her clinking the whole way.

"Do I want to know about the chainmail bikini?" Charley asked Oz.

He shook his head and went to get some of the bigger things, then decided to pull the car around to the back so no one would have to see him carrying serious weapons around the building. He walked the first one in, putting it against the wall.  He went back and found one missing and a boy sneaking off with it.  He growled and the boy dropped it, staring at him in shock.  Oz narrowed his eyes and pointed.  The boy ran off with a squeak, leaving a wetness trail behind him.  He picked up that launcher, putting the safety back on it.  Thankfully it hadn't went off and destroyed another building.  Or six since the only ones in that direction were rubble.  "Could use some help," Oz called.  Vinnie came out, bouncing and grinning.  "Already?"

"Your girlfriend interrupted me," he said dryly.  "Can you take her off for about thirty minutes?" he asked.

"You've got to pick up Dawn," Oz reminded him.

"I can't do that around her!"

"Like she'd care."

"She'd giggle!"

"Yeah, and she'd probably help you by giving you better mental images," Meg said as she leaned in the doorway.  "You're going to be late and Xander said he's too sore to deal with it.  You can take the SUV if you want."

"I can," Oz said, pushing the others into the back while Vinnie carried another inside.  "Be right back."  He tossed the cat back inside and shut the door, checking around.  One had snuck into the back but that was fine with him.  He closed the back gates and got in to drive, heading for the school.  He nodded politely at the guard.  "Are they out yet?"

"No, sir."  He glanced in the back.  "Sir, is that a kitten sitting on a grenade launcher?" he asked.

"Modern art installation piece," he said promptly with a straight face.

"Oh!  All right then, that's a great piece.  Can't wait to see it, sir," he said more happily.  "Go ahead and pull into the circle and wait, sir.  Which year?"

"Senior.  Summers."

"Ah, one of the newer ones.  She may be coming out last.  The newer children usually have teachers reminding them that they're there for them.  Go ahead and park, sir."

"Thanks.  I'm Oz, one of her uncles."

"That's fine."  He drove in and parked, wincing because most of the kids were going to be walking past him.  He turned on some tunes, snorting at the pop music.  "I hate that addiction."  He found the bro's favorite radio station and left it there, tapping along with it.  He really missed playing some days.  Kids started to stream out, and where he was parked most of them went past the SUV.  A great number looked at the cat in the back.  He glanced back. "Andrew, I know you felt deficient in your last life, but that's a bit too much overcompensation."

The cat gave him a smug look and went back to cleaning his paws.

Oz rolled down his window when a motherly looking woman tapped on it.  "They're part of an art exhibit.  The cat snuck in."

"Oh, that's good.  I didn't want anyone *dangerous* around the children you know."

He nodded.  "I understand.  I'm an uncle."  She smiled and walked off, going to tell the other parents.  Dawn finally came out and hurried over, getting into the truck.  "Don't ask," he noted.  "Say it's art."  He put back up the window and backed out, pulling around the driveway and back onto the street.  "So, bad day?"

"Usual first day sniping.  No one liked my shoes.  I got looked at funny by the local prozac patrol members because I showed up on the back of a bike.  Though, I did get some looks from the boys.  A number of them were very appreciative."  She put down her hair and scratched the back of her head to get feeling back in her scalp.  "I've got to do more than ponytail that mess tomorrow."

"Sure.  Your stuff's in.  Someone did a packing spell but it exploded all over the house."  She moaned.  "All your stuff should still be in your room."

"So my room looks like a teenager's room?" she asked.  He nodded, tapping along with the music.  "Wonderful," she said dryly.  She looked back and moaned.  "Weapons."

"I said it was an art piece."

"Good, I'll remember that tomorrow.  And the Andrew cat?"

"Snuck in because he wants to be art."  He pulled onto the road out to the garage, wincing at the lights behind him.  "Shit!"

"Oooh, bad word," Dawn moaned, buckling up.  "Andrew cat, we're in deep.  Think you wanna do something otherworldly before they take you to the pound?"

The cat meowed and the cop car passed to go after someone who was driving way too slow.  Then he bent down to clean his butt.

"Thanks, babe.  Let me know what you want in a treat.  Besides your brother Bob."

"Bob?"

"The white one with brown spots."

"Oh, I thought that was a Simile."

"No, because I had to explain what that was," she sighed.  "Xander didn't know."  They pulled out behind the building and she helped, unloading a weapon and the cat.   She opened up a tin of food and put it down in front of him and the cat pounced it, licking it fiercely.  He defended it against everyone but his mother Tara and Bob.

"I'm guessing he thinks it's rude not to share since she fed him first," Oz noted, carrying in more weapons.  "Could use some help!"  The other three cats were retrieved and then the rest of the weapons were brought in.  Oz closed the back gate.  "Only one more load," he said patiently.  "Meggy?"

"Bathroom.  Chainmail and tampons don't go well," Charley shared.

"Ah!  Know what I'm doing tonight then," Oz noted, getting in and heading back to pack up the rest of the stuff that had been hidden in the closet.  He didn't want to know where Xander got some of this stuff, he really didn't.  He might get scared of him.  He paused to look at the closet.  "I'm taking a nap," he decided, calling Dawn's phone to warn her of that.  He could move the other stuff tomorrow. He wouldn't be doing much of anything with his girlfriend suffering.

***

Throttle looked up at the explosion, wincing a bit.  "Xander?"  He got a moan so he nudged the sleeping man again. "Xander?"

"Hmm?"  He sat up and blinked, then gaped at the next explosion.  "That had better be that gas line," he vowed, heading up to the roof to look.  It was in the right direction but he could see his apartment building.  Someone handed him some binoculars so he scanned the building.  His SUV wasn't there.  He scanned the lots between the apartment and here, wincing when he saw the new sinkhole and Oz standing there staring at the smoking hole.  "Oh, shit," he groaned, heading down to put on some shoes.  "Oz is staring at a smoking sink hole about three blocks away," he announced.

Throttle whistled and his bike came over, he climbed on and let Xander climb on behind him, hurrying out to check on Oz.  He found him smoking a cigarette.  "You do that?"

"After nearly exploding, I felt like smoking as much as his car."  He looked at Xander and pointed.  "What was in there?"

"What did you put in there?  I didn't have any explosives."

Oz shook his head.  "A bag of Mexican food, man."  He looked down there and flicked the cigarette down there, watching as it lit the gas on fire and it burned hotly.  He looked at Xander again.  "No hidden weapons?  Nothing like that?"

"A few stakes."

Oz shrugged.  "Okay then.   Your car exploded when the sink hole happened."  They both looked when Throttle pointed at the little thing hovering above the hole.  "Huh.  Know about them, Throttle?"

"Not a clue," he admitted.  "Morning.  Welcome to Earth.  I'm from Mars.  You?"  The ship blinked a few times.

"That's the headlight that hit me!" Xander said, pointing at it.  "That's what hit me!"

"Huh," Oz and Throttle said in unison as the little ship took off and hurried away.

"Guess we know why it exploded," Oz said finally, looking at Throttle.  "Can I squeeze on?"

"Sure.  Xander shift closer."  Xander shifted much closer, rubbing against his tail, which made him moan.  "Tease," he muttered.

"No I'm not," Xander whispered.  "Never in the past and not now."

"I don't want to hear about gay sex," Oz told them.  A few cop cars rushed up and Oz climbed off with a sigh.  "Xander," he said patiently.  Xander climbed off. "I was driving and the engine exploded, then the sink hole took it and made it explode again," he told them.

One of the cops recognized Xander because he was staring at him. "Yours?" he asked timidly.

Xander sighed and nodded.  "Oz was helping me move stuff to my new place since I've got cracked ribs.  I'd had a wreck a few weeks back and the dealership was slowly fixing it too."  He looked down in the hole, then suddenly backed up.  "Guys, secondary gas tank," he called, heading for cover behind Throttle.

A pretty spew of flame went up then settled back down.

"Got tired of the daily pump visit?" Oz asked dryly.

"Yeah, and I had a second tank put on it," he said as he straightened up.  "I'll miss my Infiniti."

"I'll miss it too, Xan.  You could carry an enormous amount of stuff in that thing," Throttle said, giving him a pat on the arm.  "We'll help you find a new one."

Fire trucks rolled up to put out the fire and Oz went to lean against the bike too.  "I'm impressed," he said finally.  "Aliens made a pretty bonfire."  Throttle flicked him on the back of the head.  "You guys make some too, it's always very pretty when the tower comes down."  He glanced back at Xander, who was pouting.  "Someone needs a nap."

"He was until the first explosion," Throttle told him.  "Thanks for getting dinner, Oz."

"Not an issue.  We've still got the few guns left at the apartment to move too."

They watched as the fire turned to steam, and then smoke, and then wisps.  Then a cop came over to talk with them.  "Okay, boys, let's try this one again.  Who was driving?"  Oz raised his hand.  "Why?"

"See, I'm moving in with my best buddies here," Xander said, stroking down Throttle's arm, making him shiver.  "So we've been doing minor moving stuff all day.  Oz is a friend and he's subletting for me.  He was bringing dinner so we could discuss the last few loads and when he could bring them over because I've got cracked ribs."

"How did you crack them?"

"Um," he said, looking at Throttle, who shrugged.  "Remember Limburger tower?" he asked.  The cop shivered.  "I was there.  It was a pretty explosion."

"You don't look like his usual goons."

"That's because I'm not.  I'm a Xander," he said with a bright grin.  The cop shivered again and backed up a step.  "Since I was injured, I couldn't lift much.  I had movers over earlier if you wanted to check."

"No, that's all right, sir.  Any weapons in there?"

"Not that I remember.  We moved most of them earlier," Oz admitted.  "We had ammo and a few miscellaneous weapons left."

"You are, sir?"

"Oz."

The cop stared at him.  "We're old friends," Xander said with a smirk.  He ran a finger up the side of Oz's neck, earning a shiver from him and a swat at his fingers.  "He was there when I learned everything I know now."

"I see," the cop said, taking that down.  "So no artillery?"

"Not this load.  We got that out earlier.  All that was left are some bullets, some stakes, a crossbow or three, and I think the broken assault rifle," Xander told him.  The cop whimpered.  "Sometimes I need one in my line of work.  I may hate spray and pray mode, but it has to happen sometimes."

"I understand, sir," he said quietly. "I truly do.  You're moving in with ...."  He looked at Throttle, who smirked at him over top of his glasses.  "Uh-huh."  He looked at him.  "Never mind.  I don't want to know.  Your insurance company, sir?"

"State Farm.  That's nearly brand new and the local Infiniti dealership knows it very well," Xander assured him.  "I had a wreck a few weeks back."

"I heard about that," he admitted.  "I'll drop the report at the garage tomorrow, sir.  All right?"

"Sure," Xander agreed happily.  "I was in the middle of a nap and Oz was bringing dinner."

"Mexican food was stronger than I thought," Oz said blandly.

The cop found himself snickering against his will as he walked off, sounding hysterical to his ears but he didn't really care.  He found his boss.  "Sir, this was Xander Harris' car.  He had a wreck a few weeks back.  The person driving it for him while he had broken ribs said that the engine exploded, which set off a sink hole, which caught the gas tank, and eventually the second tank."

"Fine.  No weapons involved?"

"They said not, sir.  You can go make sure if you want," he said, pointing back at the trio.  He looked back, Oz was saying something and the ...other one was grabbing Xander to kiss.  He shuddered and looked at his boss again, who was staring in horror.  "Sir, he's the one we watch out for," he said quietly.  "Right?"

"Definitely.  Is that what I think it is?"

"I'm not sure, sir, and I don't want to know.  If he's in love or lust with the large man who likes to wear the titmouse costume, I'm not one to judge.  They taught us that in sensitivity lectures."  He walked away to start his report.  He saw the fire chief.  "I need a report sometime in the next few days."

"Sure," he agreed.  "We haven't heard any bullets popping, but someone noted that they smelled refried beans."  The cop let out a whimper. "What?"

"They were making a joke about the Mexican food being too strong," he said weakly, shaking his head as he walked off.  He didn't need this.  He really didn't.  Running into that boy once was more than enough for his fragile psyche.

The fire chief walked over to where the local head cop was standing, nudging him gently.  "What's going on?"

"Them," he said, pointing.  "I'm trying to figure out what one of them is."

The fire chief looked then shrugged.  "He's a mouse.  His name's Throttle.  He's from Mars.  He and the former mayor were friendly since they saved his life."  He walked off, going to talk to the investigator that had just pulled up.  "This was Xander Harris' car."

"Who?"

"Construction guy, has a demo license.  He said there shouldn't be any weapons or explosives in the car.  Made a joke about Mexican food being too strong.  They claim the engine exploded first, set off a new sink hole, then set off both gas tanks in serial."

"Two gas tanks?"

"Those sort get crappy mileage.  Maybe twenty mpg if they're lucky."  The investigator shuddered.  "Yeah, so I'm guessing it was self defense.  There was a pretty spume as we headed to respond.  I'm guessing the second tank was larger than the original."   He pointed behind him.  "The owner and the driver are over there.  I don't know how he got out."

"Why wasn't the owner driving?"

"Not a clue.  He looks like he's in pain though."  They looked over and found Xander being held up by Throttle and Oz stroking his hair.  "I heard he's got broken ribs or something."

"Looks like it too," the investigator agreed, heading over there.  "Hi, boys.  My name's Phil Thomas and I'm an investigator for the Fire Department.  Can I get a quick statement?"  He looked at Xander.  "Is he okay?  Turned wrong?"

"I turned wrong and nudged him," Oz admitted, continuing to stroke his hair.  "The pain killers have now worn themselves out."  He heard another heavy engined bike and looked behind them, nodding at Vinnie.  "We're all fine.  The Mexican food did it."

"Man, and you know Switch has gone home.  No one needed stuff that hot," Vinnie joked.

Dawn climbed off the back and came over to check on Xander.  "Are you okay?"  He shook his head.  "Wanna head back to bed?"  He shook his head, wincing a bit as he stood up.  "I think you should."

"You'll make a great mom some day, but you're not mine," he reminded her, kissing her on the forehead.  "Calm down. I'm fine.  They're only cracked."  He looked at the investigator.  "Oz was driving.  I owned it."

"That's fine, sir. I can get most of the story from him then.  If you wouldn't mind?"

"I'll stay with him," Dawn offered.  Vinnie snorted.  "You can stay," she sighed.

"That means one of you has to walk home," Vinnie pointed out.  "You're not that good yet."

"I'll make sure whichever one stays gets home," the investigator offered gently.

Dawn stared at him, then looked at Oz.  He nodded for her to go.  "You're sure?"  He nodded.  "You're all right?"

"Just shaken. Good thing I heard that ping," he offered.  She nodded, watching as Xander got on behind Throttle and they took off, then climbed on behind Vinnie so he could leave.  Oz looked at the investigator then shrugged.  "For the record, I can smell the blood on you, dude.  Don't try it with me, my blood's deadly."

"You're HIV positive?"

"No, I'm a werewolf."

"Oh."  He looked him over.  "You are?"  He saw the yellow eyes come into being and suddenly realized that he needed to have a personal discussion with his God about his life.  "That's fine," he agreed.  "Please calm down.  It shouldn't take too long and I'll make sure an officer gets you home."

"Thanks.  I'd appreciate that."  He looked down at the SUV again, shaking his head.  "Poor Mexican food."

Episode 11:

NC-17

Charley looked up as someone beeped at the front garage door, going over to open it and let the trendy roadster in.  "Uh-huh," she said, looking it over.  "Not very practical but it suits you," she offered.

"It's still a rental, and it pings," Xander said grimly.

"I heard.  You know they've got contracts, right?"

"I'm trying it out to see if I like it."  He slid up to sit on the top of the seat, grinning at her.  "I wanted something a bit dangerous and Throttle agreed with me."

"Yeah, but this isn't dangerous.  This is fifty-year-old-guy-having-a-crisis."  She looked at the car again, shaking her head.  "Not what I'd get for you."  She looked around then shrugged.  "Okay, I've got time.  Let's go to that place Micah suggested."

"I would but they're closed."

"Truly closed or just not open yet?"

"Closed.  As in doors have chains."  He leaned on the windshield, giving her a pitiful look.  "I have no idea where to look."

"I know.  We'll figure it out, Xander.  Give it a few more days and use this one."

"I am, I'm just tired of having these episodes.  I'm starting to wonder if I'm depressed."

"You don't seem depressed," she offered, giving him a pat on the arm.  "They didn't have anything better?"

"No, there's a sales convention in town," he said dryly.  He slid back down.  "You really don't like it?"

"It doesn't suit you, Xander.  It looks like you're cramped in there and you don't look happy."  She kissed him on the cheek, and that's when Vinnie walked in.

"Well, it's a semi-sweet ride, but taking my woman for one won't make it sweeter," he joked.

"It's a rental," Xander complained.  "I can't find what I want."

"If we could get you onto a bike, you'd be happier."

"I'd also be dead the first time I wiped out," Xander pointed out grimly.

"You know, most people go their whole life without crashing," Vinnie said dryly.

"This winter will be my first time driving on snow," Xander said patiently.  Vinnie winced.  "Yes.  So we need something that won't get me killed.  Otherwise you'd have to raise Dawn after you stole her from Buffy."   He got comfortable in his seat and grimaced. "You're right, I hate this thing."  He shrugged and backed out, heading for the site.  He found Merle doing the final paperwork when he walked into the trailer.  "Hey."

"Hey.  How're the ribs?"  He looked up and smirked.  "You don't sound happy to be having the whole week off."

"That's because I'm not.  My SUV exploded." Merle winced.  "Oz made it out alive.  It created a new sinkhole then went up in pretty flames. Apparently he was getting really hot Mexican food."  He sat down in his seat.  "Do I have anything to do?"

"No, you got all your paperwork in for the last job."  He checked his drawer and handed over two envelopes.  "For the guys.  Any other problems?"

"I hate the rental car.  I wanted something that made me look a bit dangerous.  Charley said I looked like an old guy with a midlife crisis."  Merle snickered at that.  "Any idea when we're going to have something to do?  A bored Xander is a dangerous Xander."

"It's going to be at least a week," he offered.  "We haven't gotten final permits yet.  The city's having problems with them since it's next to the new gas project."

"That thing was a worse idea than Limburger," he said grimly.   "How many people have died?"

"About fifty.  At least you had them bring in serious people with a clue, Xander. It could have been much worse."  He gave him a small smirk.  "Go take a vacation."

"From what stress?"

Merle shook his head.  "Xander, you're a wealthy young man.  You should be enjoying that wealth by taking people places and spoiling them.  I'm sure Dawn would love to see somewhere like Montreal for a weekend."

"Maybe," he said, perking up a bit.  "We're going to Six Flags this weekend."

"Good!" Merle agreed.  "Take that white one and force him to ride all those coasters to get it out of his system."  Xander giggled.  "I'm sure he'd love it."

"Meg said if I can't ride them, he'll be riding with her."  He stood up.  "Okay, I'm taking the bros their checks, I'm heading home, and then I'll go pick up Dawn in the rental car."  He heard a crunch and winced, looking outside. "Never mind.  Got a phone?  Mine's in the car."  One was handed over with a tolerant look.  He dialed the local police station he had memorized while checking on the report for the SUV's crash and fiery demise.  "Hi, a huge dump truck just backed over my rental car, I need someone to come out and do a report for the rental agency," he sighed.  "Yeah, this is him," he complained, heading outside once he had hung up.  "Dude, did you not see the 'this is a parking lot' sign?" he yelled. The driver looked out and he pointed at his former car.  "I know it's smaller than my last one, but really!"

"You're not supposed to park there," the driver shouted as he got down.

"That's my assigned spot so I doubt that," Xander said impatiently.  "Do you not know how to use mirrors?  Even I can do better than that and I'm not rated to do trucks this big!"

"No one's supposed to park against that wall!" the driver said snidely.

Xander pointed at the guard, waving him over.  "Who am I?"

"You're Xander, you're the interior crew chief of this site."

"Where is my *assigned* spot?"

"Right where you parked today, Xander. It was assigned to you long before you got here.  That's the Chief's spot."  He looked at the driver.  "You guys aren't even supposed to be in this lot.  This is a parking lot and not part of your path."  He sniffed.  "Are you drunk?"

Xander moaned and walked off, shaking his head toward the cop car pulling up.  "He did it.  That's my assigned spot," he complained.  "The guard can verify that.  He thinks the driver is drunk."

"Thank you, sir.  I like the easy cases."   The cop walked over there to start the paperwork.  Someone at the rental agency was not going to be happy.  "Sir, which agency?"

"Hertz.  Which I do."  He went back into the trailer and went to put his head down on his desk. "Maybe I'll take a nap."

Merle patted him on the back.  "It's all right, Xander.  It happens to the best of us.  That crew will not be happy but I don't care."  They both looked up at a rumbling noise, then ran like hell out of the trailer.  Xander patted himself down and ran back in, grabbing those checks and his keys and wallet, then running back out.  He made it to the gate in time to see the building they had spent so much time building split down the middle and cave into the new hole.  Merle blinked, then moaned and shook his head.  Xander held up Merle's phone with a smirk.  "No, uh-huh.  You call the boss."

"Sure."  He stuck the checks in his back pocket, the rest in his front, and called the top boss, who was a vampire and probably up anyway.  "Hey, boss?  It's Xander.  Yeah, I figured you'd know that.  No, not too great.  Let's see, the SUV went up in a fiery crash while Oz was driving it.  The engine exploded, created a sink hole, then both tanks went up.  My rental car just got sat on by a huge dumptruck from the site next door in the parking lot, and the building the just caved in."  He smirked at Merle.  "Hey I gave you the happier news first.  Yeah, totally.  It opened under the middle.  Hey, umbrellas worked for Angel."  He smirked. "No, I think you have more class than he ever did.  Sure, we'll be here."  He hung up and looked at Merle.  "He's going to get into his specially shielded car and come down.  Did they start moving equipment in?"  Merle nodded and took the phone back to call the people who had wanted the building built.  That way they could sue the city.  Xander looked around.  "Hey, Merle, how did you get here?"

"Cab.  My car's broken," he said grimly.  "I'm having it towed to Charley's tonight.  Or possibly sooner," he said dryly as he came off hold.  "Yeah, it's Merle, down at the building.  No, you won't believe this.  Look out your windows."  Someone apparently did, he pulled the phone away from his ear suddenly.  "Sink hole.  It opened under the center of the building.  Well, at least there weren't people in there."  He nodded.  "Yeah, that'd be a good idea.  Sure, we'll be here.  No, Xander, the interior crew chief, popped in to check on the status of our next job.  Thanks."  He hung up and looked back at the stunned cop.  "Hey, you can give someone else an easy day.  At least the delivery people left."

"True, and Sheila's not here," Xander offered.

"True," Merle agreed.  He looked in there.  "Okay, I'm heading for the trailer to pick out any personal stuff.  Xander?"

"No, I got mine.  I've got a few pictures in the desk if you want. You're lighter than I am and there's already a crack."

"Sure, I'll get your stuff too."  He walked in there cautiously, heading back to the trailer to get everything cleaned up and sorted.  Xander's personal stuff was gotten and so was his, then he left once both desks were cleaned up again.  He handed Xander the third envelope and shook his head, wincing as another piece slid into the hole.  He looked over as Vinnie pulled up, nodding him over. "Hey, how was your morning?" he asked.

"Apparently better than yours," he said, looking from the car to the building and back, then at Xander.  "Good morning?"

"At least I didn't get injured more."  He looked up.

"What are you doing?"

"Looking for lightening bolts."

Merle snickered.  "Sure, kid."  He clapped him on the back and walked off to meet with the person who had just parked and was running toward the building.  "Another sink hole."

"I'll kill that gas board," she shrieked, running inside the fence.  She stopped and started to cry, falling to her knees.  "Oh, God."

Xander walked over and helped her to her feet, giving her a gentle squeeze.  "Make them pay for it all and a million more," he advised.  "Be thankful this wasn't next week and that all the equipment guys were gone."  She looked back at him and nodded, getting free.  "It could have been much worse.  Just like when I fell down the fifty foot hole."

"At least you're okay."

"Yeah, my car was crashed and the building fell but I'm good," he said with a small grin.  "It can be paid off and rebuilt by the insurance company and the lawsuit."

"Oh, it will be," she vowed.  "I've had enough of these things."  She stomped back to her car and got in, calling each and every lawyer she knew to attend to her at her office in less than an hour.  They could take a group field trip.  Then she called the other doctors so they could come too. She looked out at the young man, standing there shaking his head at the building.  "At least he's cute and knows how to handle a woman.  He was being helpful so I won't yell at him for touching me."  She backed out, heading to her office.  By the time she got there, three lawyers were waiting on her and only one wasn't one she had called.  "I'll deal with the city in a few hours," she sneered as she walked past him.  "My office.  Sheila, the new building just collapsed.  Call in Greg and have him see patients.  We've got to do some stuff first and it'll take a few hours."

"Yes, ma'am," her receptionist said promptly, calling the partner in.  "Sir, this is Sheila at the office. No, sir, we've been invaded by lawyers because the new building just fell in.  Yes, sir, that one.  She said to call you in, sir."  She hung up with a smile and looked at the parents.  "It'll only be a few minutes.  He doesn't live that far away," she offered.

"What happened?" one mother asked.

"Probably a sinkhole.  They had to delay the project because of that new gas line."  One kid with a cast on his arm started to cry.  "It's all right.  None of us were in there," she soothed, tossing the mother a tootsie pop.  "There, that can help."

"Can I have one?" one girl asked, smiling at her.  She tossed one to her too.  "Thank you, Miss Sheila, you're very nice."

"I like you too, Sandy.  Give Doctor Greg time to get in here."  She nodded, sitting down with her sucker to enjoy it.

A young, tall, blonde man with messy hair walked in and smiled.  "It's on the news," he said in greeting.  "It's a huge mess and there was a car accident in the parking lot too."  He accepted the first chart.  "Tim?  Let's look at that arm, young man," he said with a gentle smile.  "And hey, it wasn't like your house when it fell in."  The boy nodded, following him back with his mother hurrying after them.

***

Xander got off the bike at the garage, handing Vinnie the envelopes from his pockets.  "Checks."  He walked into the kitchen.  "The rental car got crushed by a dump truck and then the building fell in," he said in greeting.  "Oh, Merle said he's towing his car in tonight."

"That's fine, Xander," Charley said, giving him a gentle hug.  "Are you okay?"

"I want to laugh so bad," he admitted.  "We did a good job, the building fell mostly whole, but when the floor caved it puckered like someone was sucking it in from below."  He flopped down in a chair, taking the other envelope from a smirking Vinnie.  "What?"

"Dirty picture of Dawn?"

Xander looked at the picture then shook his head.  "Beach last year."  He closed the envelope and put his fists on the table, stacked so he could rest his chin on the top one.  "My day's sucked, how has yours been?" he asked sarcastically.

"I haven't had anyone come in yet."

"Bro, you wouldn't believe what was on the tv," Throttle said as he walked in.  He saw Xander.  "You okay?"

"Yeah, I was just there."

"The car wreck in the parking lot was his rental," Charley told him.

"Hopefully it happened after the building fell in?"  Xander shook his head but didn't move it.  "You okay?"

"Fine.  I was in the trailer.  The doctor didn't scream when I gave her a comforting hug either."  He looked at Charley.  "We should hit Six Flags sooner."

"We should," she agreed.  "Just don't destroy the park."  She broke out in giggles.  "Sorry, I couldn't resist."

"Not your fault," he admitted, grabbing the phone when it rang.  "Last Chance."  He smirked.  "It wasn't my fault, either of them."  He listened to the patient voice.  "Cool beans.  Sure.  Let me get Meggy."  He hung up.  "You guys are being sent to Six Flags to guard mine and Meg's back, she and you guys are comics from an independent artist who's arranged to hype their line."  He stood up and called Meg and Oz, his old place.  "Hey, me, we're heading to Six Flags and your girl is a comic book heroine."  He smirked.  "Good for her.  Yay.  Let's head.  Sure."  He hung up and looked at Charley, who shook her head. "Fine, bring Dawn when you're done."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "We'll be having fun."  He patted himself down, finding his wallet and keys, which were dropped on the table.   He looked at himself and took off his outer shirt and put it on the back of a chair and picked up his wallet again. "Okay, let's go.  We need to get Modo too."

"We can go?" Vinnie asked.

"Yeah, Max talked to them and they agreed that some independent comic books could be shown off now and then.  So let's go," he said patiently.  He grinned at Charley.  "If we don't go make me happier, I'm stealing a bike so I can go wreck on my own."

"Fat chance," Throttle warned, leaning out the door.  "Modo, we're heading.  Hurry up."

"Coming, bro!" he yelled back.  He and his bike came out the back door.  "Where are we going?"

"To show off at Six Flags," Vinnie whooped, heading for his bike.

Throttle shook his head, taking Xander to his, who had followed Modo out.  "He'll be talking about this for the next three months."

"Yes, he will," Modo agreed patiently.   They followed Vinnie out, heading for the old apartment.  Meg was outside in her fur bikini and Oz was in his usual jeans and t-shirt.  They were in her Honda as soon as they saw them drive past and headed out to take lead since they didn't know where to go.

Throttle leaned back slightly and Xander gave him a squeeze.  "You think you can do the coasters?"

"I can try the first one," he called back.  "We need to find me a new car, again."

"Sure, Xander.  We'll start cruising lots later this week."

"Cool."

Throttle sped up as they hit the interstate, and Xander tightened his arms.  "Relax, I won't let you fall."

"Yeah, but you're not my balance issues," he called back.  "Love you anyway though."

"Thanks."  He smirked as he sped up to move around some slower traffic.  Vinnie was riding over some cars.  Modo was shaking his head and staying right on Meg's tail.  They'd all make it there and Vinnie would be worn out eventually.

***

Dawn got out of the car in the parking lot, looking at Charley, who was shaking her head.

A loud holler of "Aoooooooowwwwwwww!" split the air and something suspiciously white and mouse-shaped went flying.

"Well, we know they're still here," Dawn said dryly, heading for the window.  She smiled and held out a bill.  "Two please."

"Of course, ma'am.  We've got a few independent comic characters in today."

"We know the author," Dawn told her.  "That would be Meg."

"She's the one in the fur bikini, right?"  Dawn nodded, that was probably true.  "She seemed very nice."  She let them have their tickets then watched as they went inside.

Charley looked up at where Vinnie was swinging really high.  "Get down here!"  He did a somersault off the end of the ride and landed in front of her, giving her a hug before running off to find a new thrill.

"So, how long before he calms down?"

"Years," Charley sighed, following the white blur.  He looked like he was vibrating.  They found Xander and Throttle having lunch while Meg and Modo were explaining the Martian Freedom Revolts.  "Hey."

"Hey, get lunch," he said, handing over a twenty.

"Thank you, Xander," Dawn said, heading for the food stalls nearby.  "What do you want, Charley?"

"Something light."  Dawn nodded and came back, handing her a plate of funnel cake.  "Thanks."  She nibbled on the sweet fried dough with powdered sugar, looking around.  "We're taking a break?"

"We though you two would be here about now," Throttle assured her. "It was the only way to get Vinnie to stop."

"He's been posing for pictures all day," Xander agreed dryly.  "He's going to be pinned up on a lot of kids' walls later."

"Fortunately, the first issue is coming out in a few weeks," Throttle admitted.  "They'll be able to slake that thirst."  He wiped his mouth and stole a piece of Charley's cake, nodding.  "I like that."

"So do I, but I had a bad experience. I ate about a pound of that once, then went on a twist- a-whirl."

"Ooooh," Dawn said with a wince, nodding.  "I heard about that."  She looked around.  "Where are we starting?"

"Wherever you want, dear.  Meet us back at the gates at closing time."  She nodded, hurrying up so she could go play.  She even drug Vinnie and Meg off to go on rides with her.

Behind them, Oz and Modo looked at each other and shrugged, following the others.

"They're cute together," Xander chuckled.

"They are," Throttle agreed.  "Where to next?"

"Water park?" he suggested.  Throttle nodded that it was fine with him.  "You're sure?  Nothing against getting really wet?"

"No.  Not as long as we don't catch cold."

"Coooollllll," Xander breathed.

"Yes, I am."

Charley choked.  "Modest too," she groaned.

"It's not bragging if it's true," Xander and Throttle said in unison.  They tossed out their remaining lunch and headed off.

"I'll see you guys later," she called after them.  She finished off most of her cake and then went to find the first group.  Vinnie grabbed her and took her to a different ride, something they could be alone in.  She looked around the tram car, then at him.  He gave her a gentle, undemanding kiss.  "What was that for?"

"For being so sweet and coming early," he offered, kissing her again.  The only other couple in there with them giggled and kissed so he grinned at them.  "She's being stubborn."  He grabbed her and kissed her, dipping her back this time.  Then they docked and he had to let her go, dragging her off to the nearest thrill ride.  The coaster was short, but it was fun and even she screamed.

They rejoined the group a few rides later and he didn't let her sit with Meg like she had wanted. Instead they 'flew' together on the new superman ride.  He noticed Xander was wobbling off when they did and smirked, pointing at him.  "He needs his ears checked."

"He does," Charley agreed.  But she was too happy to care and Throttle had him well in hand, and tail since it was wrapped around Xander's waist while the boy leaned against him.  "He good?"

"Yeah, just dizzy."  He sat them down and patted him on the back, letting the boy calm his stomach.

"I didn't know the cartoon characters got to go on rides," one boy said.

Throttle looked at him and nodded. "Yeah, we're here to hype our new comic book so we get to ride the rides since we had to pay to get in."

"That's cool.  When is it coming out?"

"I heard next month."

"Super cool!  Mommy, I want their comic book!" he yelled as he ran after her.  Throttle saw a guy grab the kid.  "Get off me!"

"Sir, I'd remove yourself from the boy unless you're a relative," Throttle warned. "This is a happy place after all."  The guy was dressed as a maintenance worker, but he looked too well-groomed to be one.  He wasn't even sweaty.  "Kid, yell for your mother."

"Mommy!"

She turned and glared at the man, stamping back to get her son from him. "Security!" she yelled. "This man just grabbed my son."

The man looked around and tried to take off, but Xander and Throttle both pounced him and held him down until the proper people could get there.

"Mommy, that nice man helped me, can we have his comic when it comes out?" the boy asked.

"Of course, son.  Thank you, gentlemen."  She walked off, taking her son with her.  "I think we've had about enough for the day."

"You promised we could do the water park."

"We'll do it tomorrow, son.  It'll be fine."  He nodded, letting her walk him off to the car.

The security guards waved them off and picked up the man. "You don't work here.  Let's go."  He walked the man off, taking him to the office and their tiny holding cell.  "I might buy that comic book, they seem very nice and action oriented."

Xander looked at Throttle.  "Which one now?"

"That depends on your stomach."

"Hmmmm," he said, looking around.  "Let's try that one," he said, pointing at the slingshot ride.  Throttle nodded and they went there, getting into line like polite people.

***

Dawn helped Charley pull the sleepy Vinnie into the garage and onto the couch, then went to help the sleepy Xander from the back of Throttle's bike so he could get off and pick his man up to carry him to bed.  She sighed, grinning at their backs.  "I'll have that some year."

"Yes you will," Modo agreed quietly, patting her on the shoulder as he walked past her. "Let's go to bed."  She nodded, heading that way.  Meg had been carried into their place by Oz so she set the garage's alarm on the way out the door.  She yawned, heading down to her room so she could fall down on her bed, fully clothed, and fall asleep that way.  She didn't even hear Modo coming in to take off her shoes and cover her.  Modo went next door to check but Throttle had Xander stripped and in bed, and was crashed beside him.  He closed their door most of the way then headed up to his bed.  He winced when he saw Vinnie's fish on the floor with nibble marks, but the cats were presently curled up on the hammocks and a couch.  He moved the two in his bed, getting sleepy glares.  "My turn," he told them, climbing in.  They came back and hopped up to nap with him so he supposed it was okay.  He yawned and got comfortable.  It was a nice day for the most part.

***

Throttle woke up to someone tapping him, glaring at the man behind him.  "What?" he growled.

"We had another of you crash.  We wanted to know if you wanted them," Lorne offered.  "She's in the car sleeping."

He groaned, getting up and following him out there in his socks and boxers.  He paused when he saw who it was, then groaned.  "Yeah, we want her.  Modo would be really upset if you did something mean to his momma."

"No, we only picked her and her boxes up, then moved her ship out of harm's way," Lorne offered. "You never told her you moved."  He tapped on the window before opening the door.  "Here you are, ma'am."

"Thank you, young man.  That was very nice of you."  She got out, lifting out the boxes and saw Throttle, who was grinning. "Throttle.  Give me a hug!"  He gave her a hug and took most of the boxes.  "You're not dressed?"

"Momma, it's night," he reminded her.  "We spent most of the day playing.  Come on.  He's in the main room."  He walked her through the building, smiling at her peek into the rooms.  She looked at him. "The guy's mine, the girl's Dawn, his friend's sister.  She wants to work with Lorne."

"Oh, that's good.  Is she sweet?"

"Very.  Most of the time.  Then again she's got a language problem when she gets upset," he shared, leading her up the ramp.  He put the boxes on the couch and picked up the fish, going to flush it.  Vinnie would be pissed but that was fine, he could get another one.  He came out when Modo bellowed, smirking at him hugging his mother.  "Lorne said she landed at the scoreboard.  They moved her ship somewhere."

"It's coming to go out back."

"We've got a garage, momma," he offered.  "How long are you down here for?"

"Not too long, son.  Mars still needs me."  She stroked his cheek.  "I brought you some treats."  She noticed the furry thing.  "Hi, are you sentient?"

"That's debatable but they won't speak," Throttle offered, leaning against a doorway.  "They're cats.  They came with Xander.  That's the Andrew and the Tara cat, she's the mommy and he's one of her babies."

"They're adorable pets," she said, letting one sniff her then petting it gently.  "Very soft."  The other one muscled in, nudging her hand too, making her laugh. "Yes, you're adorable and soft too."

"That would be Andrew," Modo said, sliding out of his hammock and going to look at his presents.  He looked at Throttle, then down at his boxers.  "Having fun?"

"No, just sleeping. I was planning on taking Xander off later this weekend."

"Fine with us, bro.  We don't got nothing ta do until a stinkfish or worse comes back."

"True."  He kissed Modo's mother on the cheek.  "I'll leave you two alone.  We'll be up in a few hours," he said, glancing at the clock.  "Maybe three or four.  Vinnie's next door with Charley girl, crashed on her couch."

"Where did you find this building?" she asked, looking around.

"Xander bought it when he came into some money and we had to move so he fixed it up for us," he said happily.  "We did a lot of the work and so did he."

"Then he's a good boy?"

"That's a matter of opinion," Dawn said as she came up the ramp with a yawn.  "Xander's having nightmares, he woke me up."

"You fell asleep in your school uniform?"

"I was tired!  Vinnie wore me out!"  She smiled at the new woman.  "Hi, I'm Dawn."

"I'm Modo's mother."

"He talks about you a lot and you always sound very wise, like the voice of reasonable experience."  She grinned and hugged her, then looked at the fish bowl and groaned.  "He's going to whine for days."

"He can buy a new one.  Maybe," Throttle said, heading back down the stairs to go back to bed.  Xander wouldn't mind.  He found him thrashing and gently laid beside him, pulling the boy closer.  "Shh, I've got you," he whispered.  "No more nightmares."  Xander relaxed and smacked his lips a few times, then latched onto a nipple.  Throttle opened his mouth and moaned.  "Xander."

"Hmm?"  He quit and snuggled in.  "Night night."

"Night," he said fondly, covering them again.  Xander nuzzled his chest and he shifted back some.  Otherwise he would need to pounce him and Xander was still sore.  He was still sore but he'd pounce with the best of them at the moment.  He felt one leg sneak over his and a familiar feeling weight settle against his cock, rubbing a bit.  He held in his moan as the boy used him to help his dreams along. It was good for him too.  Even asleep the boy had style.  He buried his face in Xander's neck, panting and moaning into it when it got to be too much.   Xander moaned his name, which made him get off.  He smiled.  He moaned his name.  Yes!  Things were definitely looking up!  Maybe they'd go far away for the weekend.  Now if only he didn't have to sneak upstairs later like this.  They really needed a bathroom down there, if only so Dawn couldn't lock them out of the main one.  He'd let Xander know about that in the morning, let him decide where it should go.  He stroked the dark hair, getting sleepy mumbles and a kiss, again with his name.  So Xander was dreaming about cuddling him and he was so happy he'd dance, if it wasn't so unmanly.

He decided he'd let Dawn dance later for him.  She was a girl, they liked to dance.

***

Vinnie woke up at the sound of a car door slamming and looked outside, watching as that Lorne guy left.  He was whistling so apparently it was good news. He yawned and looked at the couch, then at himself.  He took off his bandoliers, putting them on a table, then his boots and jeans joined them.  He started to lay back down but he heard a quiet moan and got up again, heading for Charley's bedroom as quietly as he could.  He listened and she moaned again.  She wasn't in pain, he could tell that.  He sniffed and his tail and ears went stiff.  He nearly moaned at that scent. It was a wonderful scent. It meant she was in heat.  He debated going in there or not.  At least until he heard his name mentioned.  Since she had offered and all....

He snuck inside and paused to look at her.  She was laying on top of the sheets, her eyes scrunched closed, her mouth open, her hands under the red silk outfit.  It was like the blue one but much less demure. This one dipped and gaped in all the right spots.  He took a deeper sniff, then silently snuck closer.  This was the only manly sneaking he considered acceptable.  He knelt beside her on the bed, hesitantly reaching out to touch her.

"Oh, yes!" she moaned, arching up into his fingers.

Well, she had offered.  He climbed up there with her, kissing her deeply, letting his hands roam over her torso.  She flinched and looked up at him so he kissed her again, going back to what he had been doing.  She wasn't protesting.  She was enjoying it by her scent and her skin responses.  He found a tasty treat and focused on the nipple, making her arch up into his mouth.  "I've got you," he whispered between licks.  "All mine now."  He played with the other side while he licked and sucked, earning a few more good moans.  He switched sides and went to work on them.  Finally he kissed her again.  "Not that good?" he asked.

"They're not that good for me," she admitted, moving his hand to a better spot.

"That's not for fingers, that's for mouths," he said with a smirk, going down to taste her.  She arched up and her legs wrapped around his shoulders.  He worked around the soft, red silk for a while, then sat up and pulled them off her, tossing them aside.  He took her top too, sending it onto the floor.  "I liked it, but it's time to go on now."  He went back to what he had been doing, getting much closer now.  He was slurping and enjoying himself too much to stop when she started to wiggle, he just held her down and kept going.  He moaned into her as she got off, rubbing against the bed to get himself off. Next time he'd have to do more, but for now this was good for him.  He got her cleaned up and sat up, looking at her.  She was asleep with the sweetest smile on her face.  He decided to finish himself off in the bathroom and come back afterwards to clean her up.  He pulled the spare blankets out of the closet and laid down beside her, covering them both up.  She snuggled in and he kissed her on the forehead.  "Next time, I'm doing more," he whispered.  She stroked his chest and he grinned. Apparently she wasn't going to mind.

***

Charley woke up and something was different.  She was warm. She was also pinned down and someone was teasing her with his tongue.  Or at least she hoped it was a him. She looked down and found herself naked with Vinnie's head in the right spot.  "When did you come in?"

"Last night, when you were moaning my name."

"That wasn't a dream?" she asked.

He grinned at her. "If you want to consider it that."  He went back to what he was doing, making her arch up suddenly so he'd hit the right spot.  He teased it for a few minutes, then looked up at her.  "Up to you, sweetheart, do I keep going or do we do this for real this time?"

"We didn't...."  He shook his head, grinning up at her.  "Kiss?"  He crawled up her, kissing various spots on the way, then her mouth.  She moaned into it, arching up into his body.  "Please?" she whispered.  "I'm ready."

"Good."  He shimmied out of his boxers and tossed them over the end of the bed, moving into the proper position.  He slowly slid in, encountering a bit of resistence. "Charley?"

"Please," she begged.  "Condoms?"

"We eat through them," he admitted. "It'll be okay, I promise."  She nodded and he slowly pushed in, breaching that spot.  She whimpered but he slid in the rest of the way, stroking her until she calmed down and got back into it.  He kissed her again.  "Just let me know," he offered.  She nodded so he gave a trial thrust, making her moan and arch up into him.  He went back to it, slowly building up until she was clawing his back and arms, and he was going so hard the bed was rocking.   She came and went stiff, then slowly relaxed, a smile on her face.  He worked faster for a few minutes then came, letting out a small growl.  He attacked her mouth, kissing her frantically.  "You don't suck us in like our women do.  This is great!" he panted, continuing on.   He came again and then went limp across her, rolling onto his side to hold her.  "Thank you, Charley."

"Welcome, Vinnie," she said tiredly.  "Suck?"

"Yeah, we swell and Martian women seem to set up some sort of suction, like that machine they advertise in tv to save food by putting it in pouches."  He shrugged and stroked her back.  "It's nothing bad, but it's interesting.  I got much more fun with you because I could move."

"I'll have to remember that."  She tipped her head up and got the kiss she had been wanting.  "I need a nap."

"We both need a nap and a shower," he offered, kissing her again.  "I'll even help you remake the bed."  She grinned at that and rested against his chest.  "Wanna go out tonight?  There's a concert in the park."

"Sure," she agreed tiredly.  "Remind me later so I can shave."

"Why?  A bit of fur doesn't bother me, sweetheart."  He settled in to nap, holding her tightly.   "We're not going to have one of those 'girl' talks later, right?"

"Nope.  I'm taking it as it comes."

"Thank you."  He kissed her again then closed his eyes. "We'll get up soon."  He fell asleep, making her grin and use him as a pillow.  He was very warm, soft, and just hard enough for support. Even if he did snore.

***

Dawn was waiting outside Charley's room when she came out later, handing over the small blister pack of pills and can of rootbeer.  "Didn't figure you wanted to go.  Modo's momma made breakfast at the lair so hurry up and..." she glanced inside, then at her buddy, "clean up.  She seems like the sort to tease."  She grinned and walked off.

"Thanks, Dawn."

"Welcome. You'd do the same for me."  She headed back over there, grinning at Throttle, who had refused to let Xander sit by himself again this morning.  "I got them up.  They're showering."

"Vinnie's taking a *morning* shower?" Modo asked, smirking at Throttle.

"You know what this means, right?"

"We get to tease him to no end?" Modo suggested.

"Just don't do it to Charley or she'll swat you both," Xander said. "I can sit on my own."

"I'm being paranoid after yesterday."

"What happened yesterday?" Dawn asked as she sat down between the two mice.  Modo's mother was on his other side so it was apparently okay.  "How's Switch and the baby?"

"The baby is adorable and has Rimfire wanting one of his own someday. Fortunately not at the moment, but some day."  She patted her son's arm. "How about you, son?"

"Momma, there's no other mice down here and Throttle and Vinnie are taken."

"I can see that," she said, smirking at Throttle.  "Is he comfortable?"

"Barely weighs anything," he assured her.  "I can lift him with my tail."

"And often do onto the back of your bike," Dawn added dryly.  "What happened yesterday?"

"His newest rental car was smashed by a dump truck sitting on it and the building they just completed fell in," Throttle told her.  She winced.  "Fortunately no one was in there.  That's why we headed to the amusement park."

"Where I got hit on by a very persistent woman," Xander told her.  "Apparently she was going to change me back."

"I told her you were happy the way you were and that she was obviously evil and demented," Throttle assured him.  He stroked Xander's back.  "She didn't seem to believe me."

"If she shows up, I'll let Dawn fix her uglier-than-bad-reporters wardrobe issues and we'll just make out in front of her," he said dryly.  "I'm sure she'll stop sometime, or she's a fag hag and she'll get off."

"Xander, this is breakfast," Dawn said patiently.  "That's a lunch discussion."

"Speaking of, aren't you supposed to be having lunch at school about now?" Throttle asked.

"Holiday."

"Yeah, right," Xander snorted.  "Did you call?"

"Of course," she assured him happily.  Vinnie and Charley came in together.  "Morning."

"Morning," Vinnie said, smirking at her.  "Thank you for the timely offer this morning."

"More than happy to help."

"You did what?" Modo asked.

"She got me some medicine to help settle me after yesterday," Charley told him.  Vinnie smirked at her so she hit him on the arm.  "Shut up."

"Sure, Charley."  He pulled food down, handing it over to her first.  "Eat."

"At least she's not in your lap," Dawn teased.

"He'd get into trouble if I let him sit alone," Throttle said blandly.  Then he smirked.  "We're taking this weekend off.  Any emergencies, someone can pretend to be us."

"Meg might want to be me, she vowed I was going into a game," Xander said smugly, grabbing a piece of bacon to nibble on.  Throttle took one last bite and handed him the plate so he could refill it and eat.  "Thanks, dear."

"Welcome, Xander."  He looked at Modo's mother, who was giving him an odd look.  "I take these moods," he reminded her.

"Yes, but Carbine used to try to pull your ears off."  She put more bacon onto Xander's plate.  "You'll probably need it."

Xander beamed and nodded.  "Probably.  Throttle wanted me to put in another shower downstairs."

"A whole bathroom would be nice so we don't have to hike to the garage when Dawn's having a girl moment."

"Hey, I didn't take nearly as long as Meg when she got stuck in that chainmail bikini."

"Why was she wearing one of those?" Modo's mother asked calmly.  "You humans seem to dress mostly like us."

"Meg designs video games and she dresses like her characters to get a feel for it," Vinnie told her with a grin.  "She's worn a fur bikini, a chainmail bikini, goth clothes, and an elf costume for a few days."

"She was allergic to the glue for the ear tips," Xander told him.  "That's why she quit wearing the elf clothes and carrying around the long bow."

"Bow?" Modo's mother asked.

"We're a bit odd, but fun," Dawn assured her. "We're mostly harmless unless you're attacking."

"I saw the weapons."  Everyone pointed at Xander, who coughed and blushed but ate another bite of breakfast.  "Ah.   No wonder the boys like you so much.  Do you bike?"

"I've got balance problems," he told her.  "I sometimes get dizzy riding behind these guys."

"He does," Modo agreed.  "He got sick yesterday."

"That was that ugly woman in the ugly clothes," Xander told him.

"He was dizzy," Throttle corrected.  "He doesn't like to be dizzy.  I think you should see if you can get in this week, Xan."

"I've called and made an appointment, but I can't get in for nearly three weeks.  He's the best guy in the city."

"Fine.  I'll make sure you go."  Throttle stroked his back again.  "Eat faster."

"I said I could sit in my own seat."  He tried to move but a tail went around his waist and pulled back against Throttle's chest.  "You comfy?" he asked with a smirk.  Throttle nodded, smirking back.  "Fine.  Can I eat?"  Throttle handed him the plate.  "Thanks, dad."

"Welcome, brat.   Eat faster and we'll go for a ride before hitting Home Depot."

"Cool beans.  We have to stop at the car rental place too."

"They deliver."

"Yeah, tomorrow."

"We can live with only one shower for another week," Throttle promised.

"Can we put in a full bathroom?" Dawn asked.  "I know we've got a drain outlet down there."

"Actually, one of the smaller rooms has everything necessary.  I was thinking it'd have to happen some day, like if there might be kids or Switch and Stoker had to run down here permanently to get away from Carbine."

"She's a nice girl," Modo's momma protested.

"Bet me," he snorted.  "She hates my cats.  She told me I wasn't good enough to even look at Throttle's bike, much less him.  She told me that she didn't like the layout of the lair."

"She was being mean and vindictive," Modo's momma said reasonably.

"She broke us up, not me," Throttle pointed out.  "By the way, I kicked her tail for that last one, Xander.  I like the design.  We've slept together for so long that it'll take time to adjust to having our own rooms."

"I put Momma in the guest room," Modo offered.

"Good!  I built it that way to make sure you guys had room for others.  Then I figured you guys would break apart and pick rooms."

"We will, some day," Throttle offered, patting him on the back again.  "We should go look at the building when we cash those checks."

"I saw it yesterday, it was a huge crater with pieces hanging on," Vinnie assured him.  "Maybe we can help on the destruction crew."

"Uh-huh.  Merle promised I get to blow up anything we have to destroy," Xander told him.  He smirked at him. "But you can whoop and cheer me on."

"Sure. You did a good job taking down the outside of this one and Limburger tower," Vinnie agreed.

Charley nodded. "You did.  It was impressive how the tower just folded in on itself.  There wasn't hardly any debris outside of the fences."

"Yeah, it was a good job," Modo agreed with a grin.  "What are they doing about those tunnels?"

"They're not digging any more of them," Xander said dryly.  "There's now eighty lawsuits from various people and organizations.  They're a bit pissed at themselves."  He looked at Throttle.  "I've got to hit the insurance company too."

"Sure.  Eat."  Xander dug in, snatching another muffin Dawn had been eyeing.  "Where did you want to go this weekend?"  Xander shrugged.  "No choice?"

"Woods or water?" Xander suggested between bites.  He scraped the plate and got up, taking it into the kitchen to put into the dishwasher.  He turned it on since it was full and went back.  "Okay, to run the dishwasher, you put soap crystals in the little cup, close the door, flip the switch on the handle to lock it, and turn the knob one click."  He gathered up the other dirty plates, taking them into the sink.  He noticed it wasn't running and sighed, getting down to hook the dishwasher into the sink's lines.  "I need my tools!" he yelled.  "We never hooked it up!"

"Coming, Xander," Dawn called back.  She came in a few minutes later with his belt.  "Anything I can do?"

"Yeah, turn off the water and get me a drain bucket."

"Sure."  She handed over a pan and went to do the other thing.  "Water's going off for about twenty minutes, people."  She found the main line knob and turned it off.  'Other way' floated down.  She turned it the other way, and since no one yelled she went back up the stairs.  Modo's mother was watching Xander work.  So she went to pounce on Throttle.  "Can we work on the blocking stuff?"

"Sure.  Go change."  She nodded, going to do that.  He peered into the kitchen, then looked at Modo.  "Why did she come down?"

"Carbine told her we were living in squalor and eating vegetables," he said dryly, smirking at him.  "Momma's getting pushy with Carbine."

"Ah.  Good enough.  You think she cares?"

Modo shook his head.  "Not really.  You're not her kids really so she just wants you to be happy."  He sipped his rootbeer.  "I think Xander's being looked at oddly but otherwise it's all right."

"I'm surprised Stoker didn't warn her," Charley said dryly.

"He probably did," Vinnie said smugly, giving her a nudge.  "Need help today?"

"Probably."  Someone pounded on the door so she went to get it.  The guy standing there had a smoking engine.  "Sorry, let me head over there and open the door for you," she said with a gentle smile.  She walked around, heading in through the back door so she could turn off the alarm.  Then she hit the switch and waved him inside.  "Bring it in, sir.  What happened?"

"I was making a right turn and it started to smoke," he said grimly.  "I don't know why."

"Sure.  Give me ten minutes to poke around.  Go ahead and have a seat and let's see what I can find."  She heard another car and nodded at Meg to go next door.  She nodded and headed over there.

"Friend of yours?" he asked, blinking a few times at the girl's outfit.

"She designs video games and she has to get into character," Charley said with a smile for him. "She's a nice girl."  She got back to work.  "Your fan belt's broken and I'm thinking it's an overheating problem this time."  She came out and got a tool to help remove the belt, holding it up.  "Yeah, we can't even patch this thing, it'll need replaced.  That'll start the fan, which has some burnt wires too."

"A new fan?" he asked hopefully.

"I'm not seeing any other heat damage so I'm going to say yes," she told him.  He smiled at that. "It's still going to be costly."

"Yeah, but it's less costly than a new engine."

"True."  She went to call her parts supplier, getting him to deliver one.  She looked at him.  "Parts will be two hundred dollars."  He nodded.  "Labor will be about an extra hundred and I may be able to get it in tonight."

"Thank you, ma'am.  I'll be back then.  Can I call a cab?"

"Phone's behind you on the wall."  He got up and pulled it down, glancing in the office, then at her.

She groaned and blushed.  "It fell out of a box I was putting in the attic last night.  One of my friends were teasing with it."

"Oh.  That's fine, it's your life."  He called the cab number he knew.  "Hi, I need picked up at the Last Chance garage.  Thank you, that would be fine."  He hung up.  "It'll be a few minutes."

"That's fine."  She got busy taking out the fan, blowing on her fingers when she touched a very hot part.  She hitched the lift's chain around it and lifted it out, putting it on the ground.  "Yeah, that's fully burnt out."  Even he winced at the blackened spots. She checked behind it, nodding.  "I can't see any other damage but you'll probably want to do an oil change soon.  Heat like this can thicken it.  It looks okay now but watch for changes like that."

"Sure.  Did you want to do that?"

"It would add to the price so I always let the customer decide," she said, glancing back at him.  He was smiling at that.  She heard a bike go past and shook her head.  "Those boys."

"It was a red bike if that helps."

"Yeah, that's a Vinnie," she said dryly.  "Was he alone?"

"No.  There was a guy on the back."

"That would be a Xander," she quipped.  He chuckled.  "Xander's a great spoiler so I'm assuming Vinnie's taking him to deal with something like that."  She looked over as a truck pulled up, wincing at the condition of the car attached to the back.  "Hey, Merle."

"Hey, Charley.  I called last night but you were gone."

"Yeah, we took Vinnie to Six Flags so he'd calm down."  He chuckled.  "Did it totally fall in?"

"Yup, and my car fell last week."  He patted it.  "Can you work me in?"

"After this one.  Go ahead and have him park it outside to the right and I'll get the guys to help push it in later."

"Thanks.  I know it's got some body damage but it won't start."

"It fell ten feet, Merle, I'm guessing it's loose or cracked."  He nodded.  "I'll call tonight to let you know."

"Thanks, Charley.  We love you guys.  Where were they going?"

She shrugged.  "Xander and Vinnie?  It could be anywhere."

"Point," he admitted dryly.  He went to tell the tow truck driver where to park his poor car.  Then he left, catching a ride with Modo since he was going out.  "So, what's new?"

"My momma's in.  She upset Xander," he admitted.  "Vinnie stomped off and Xander went with him."

"Yeah, we passed by them.  Where are they headed?"

"Not a clue.  I'll drop you off at home though."  He sped that way, letting Merle off outside his doorway.  Then he turned to go in a different direction.  "Lil' Hoss, can you find him?  Vinnie's upset again."  The bike beeped and sped up, heading in a different direction.  The lake.  "Water?  Vinnie?"   He shook his head.  "Xander."  He sped up, going to calm him down and apologize.  His momma didn't mean what she said, she just didn't understand. Yet.  She would be soon.  He had left Dawn that fight.  He found Xander in the lake and Vinnie leaning against his bike.  "He okay?"

"Nope," Vinnie said simply.  He looked up at him.  "Your mother?"

"Dawn."  He looked out there.  "Xander, she didn't mean it."

"She said it, she meant it," he called back. He dove down and didn't come up for a while.

"Should we go diving to make sure he's okay?" Modo asked after a few minutes.

"Probably," Vinnie sighed, getting up and stripping down, but Xander came back up before he could get his boots off.  "Good breath control."

"Must be that swimming stuff."  Modo got off and walked down there.  "Xander, she didn't mean it," he said more quietly.  Xander stared at him.  "She didn't, Xander.  I know she didn't.  She was shocked and she was reacting. Mars didn't have many aliens on it.  She's probably never seen a mixed couple."

"Well, now she has and it's not exactly what she thought, is it?" he said dryly.  "I'll be out later.  Head home, Modo.  Maybe you can calm her down or stop Dawn from making her cry."

"Yeah, maybe," he agreed.  "You sure?"

Xander nodded.  "Go.  She's your mother.  If anyone can make her see sense, it's you.  Not that I think it's possible, but go for it."  He dove down again.

"Don't do that!" Vinnie shouted.  "You're worrying us."  He looked at Modo.  "Go make her see sense, Bro.  Before Throttle gets into the shouting."  Modo nodded, heading back to their place to try to control the damage.  He heard a bike a few minutes later and looked at Throttle.  "He's still under the water."

"How long?"

Vinnie checked his watch.  "He should be coming up in a second."  Xander broke and came up gasping.  "Quit that!"

"Go home, I've got it," Throttle said calmly. "She's seen sense and is going to be apologizing later."  Vinnie nodded, heading off.  Throttle moved down to the water's edge, looking at his mate.  "Hey."

"Hey.  She still living?"

"Yeah, Dawn kept herself from pulling her hair out."  He leaned on his handlebars.  "You ready to head home?"  Xander shook his head.  "You can't really do much else with as wet as you are."

"I'll be fine.  I'm going to play in the park in the sunshine."

"I can do that."

"No, you can go home," Xander said firmly.

Throttle, remembering that Dawn had told him Xander often pushed people away, shook his head. "Nope, not happenin'.  Come on, we'll go for a ride."

"I'll ruin your leather."

"She'll dry, the same as you will.  Come on.  Don't make me come get you," he said with a smirk.  "Then we'll both be wet and I'll catch a cold.  We wouldn't be able to go to Pennsylvania this weekend."

"We're going to Pennsylvania?" he asked as he came out.  "I was just going to sit and think."

"You don't have any cash on you, or if you do it's wet and so are your cards.  You're soaked.  Besides, I have a headache from Dawn's screeching."

"I'm sorry."

"Not an issue.  It wasn't your thing, it was hers."  He shifted, letting Xander have his usual spot.  "Come on."  Xander grabbed his helmet off the beach and got on behind him, noticing the bike shivered because he started to move.  "No."  He wrapped his tail around him and took off slowly.  Xander didn't need to be covered in sand.  He felt Xander shift.  "Move closer.  It'll help your balance."

"Then you'll be wet."

"I'll dry."  He reached back and yanked him closer, wrapping the arm he had grabbed around him.  "Better.  Cuddle up, it'll help you dry."  Xander moved closer and rested against his back, cheek pressed against his shoulder.  He felt a gentle kiss and grinned.  "Ditto."

"Thanks."

"I like coming for you.  It's what we hero studs do.  We save people, even from themselves."  He patted the arms around him.  "Besides, you're good enough to ride my bike, you're good enough to meet Modo's mother and be yourself.  She'll learn to love you too.  It'll just take a week."

"Hmm, hopefully."  He gave him a squeeze.  "Thank you for helping with my nightmares."

"Not an issue.  You calmed mine, I calmed yours.  It seems they cancel each other out."  He headed into the main park, heading for an open, sunny spot without a lot of people.  His radio crackled to life. "Yeah?" he asked.

"Momma said she's willing to go home if he's that upset," Modo told him.

"Fat chance," Throttle told him.  "Tell her I said that and then go disable her ship."  He clicked off. "She's gone past upset and all the way to 'she'll leave if it upsets you'."

"Fat chance.  Modo needs his momma."

"That's what I told him."  He stopped, letting Xander off at the playground.  It was empty so he parked, getting out to go push him on the swing the boy was sitting on.  Xander squeaked but didn't do more than look at him.  "You looked like you needed a push."

"Yeah, maybe.  But you can't call me kid ever again."

"Not an issue."  He smirked as he pushed him higher.  "Don't jump," he called.

"That would make me ache again."  Xander slowly slowed down, but he was smiling.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome.  It's like nature's blow dryer."  Xander laughed and hugged him, then led him off to walk with him.  This was better.  Much nicer than earlier.

***

Xander walked into his room in the lair and found his laundry neatly folded on his bed.  "Hey, the washer works," he said in awe, changing out of his still-damp clothes into something more dry.  Throttle came in and gave him a hug, making him grin at him.  "Someone did laundry."

"I can see that.  You're wearing one of my t-shirts.  Looks good on you though."  He kissed the back of the boy's neck.  "I got us a small room at a small motel this weekend.  Just us.  No Dawn, no bros, no distractions," he said quietly.  "Is that good for you?"

"It's great for me," he agreed, turning around to hug him.  "Thank you.  You spoil very well."

"I'm trying to," he admitted.  "Just a quiet weekend away.  Just the two of us."  He stole a kiss.

"I'm foreseeing a need to pack very little," Xander teased.

"We're taking the bike so that might be a good idea," Throttle agreed dryly.  He stole one last kiss.  "Come on, let's go."  Xander nodded, pulling on a pair of socks to follow him up the ramp.  They found Modo's mother cleaning.  "You don't have to do that.  That's Dawn's chore," Throttle told her.  She jumped and looked at him.  "It is."

"Maybe but it hadn't been done in days."

"We're mostly guys.  We don't really clean every day."  Xander subtly leaned against Throttle's arm.  "When we're gone this weekend, you can teach Dawn how to be a less girly girl."

"I'm sorry, son."

"I'm hoping it was shock, but I don't care," he told her.  "You're not my mother and I don't have to care."  She nodded, understanding that.  "If you start to like me, that's all you.  I'm not going to move in either way."

"I understand," she agreed.  "I am sorry.  It was momentary stupidity.  I was...shocked.  No one's ever been with anyone other than a mouse around me."

"I get it."  He shrugged.  "It happens.  There weren't many people of other races in the town I grew up in.  I stared for hours at the first African-American man I saw.  He was nice about it after I told him I'd never seen anyone like him before.  I invited him to come back to the town and bring all his friends because we needed people who weren't white bread, semi-normal, and stupid.  He laughed."  Throttle gave him a nudge and a grin.  "I did.  I was stripping at that time too.  He was another dancer at the club."

Throttle shook his head.  "You're so bad some days."

"You stripped?"

"It was a job," Xander said with a shrug. He headed for the kitchen, noticing the dish washer was running and his soda was not in the fridge.  He found one stuffed in the bottom drawer, where he had hidden a few from Vinnie and Dawn.  "We need more soda."

"I doubt it," Throttle told him.  Xander came out of the kitchen.  "You had nearly a case."

"It's gone now," he said dryly.

"Charley stole some," Momma told him.  "She said she was out."

"That's fine, I'll go over to help her later."  He looked at Throttle.  "You know I've got over a week off, right?"  He nodded.  "They still won't hand over the permit for the next job."

"I wouldn't either, not to anything near that gasline project," Momma offered.  "Why is it collapsing?"

"We had to chase someone who was tunneling under the city but that was in another part of the city," Throttle told her.  "It shouldn't be near any of that."

"It's not, but there's an older dig-out from a proposed subway.  They gave it up because it was too dangerous."  He opened his soda, taking his first sip of the day.  "Will it be okay at this place?"

"Yeah, Dawn found it for me.  She said Tara heard about it but never got to go.  It's got woods, a pool, and special rooms for gay couples and for lesbian couples. They've got a separate part for het people."

"So if we like it, we'll recommend atrocity boy take Charley," he said with a smirk.

"It's nice, he was so tired he passed out on her couch."

"He slept on her *couch*?" Momma asked dryly.

"That's where he started," Throttle offered with a smirk.  He pulled Xander closer, kissing him.  "Pack comfortable clothes.  We'll go for a few walks and things."

"Swimming?"

"It might be cold."

"And?"

"You don't have fur, Xander. You can catch cold."

"Hot peppers cure that," he said with a smirk.  He kissed him and got free, heading over to help Charley.  "Hey, need me?"

"No, Vinnie is doing the hauling today."  She looked him over.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine, now."  He took another drink.  "I found an altar under the lake."

"Altar?"  She straightened up and looked at him.  "Altar?"

"Altar.  Carved with runes, flat top, altar."

"Why?"

"I'm guessing they dumped it," he admitted.  "You sure you don't need help?"

"No, I'm fine.  Go play on your computer."  He nodded, going to do that.  She went back to work, shaking her head.  She nearly had the fan put back in and the belt was waiting for her.  She would get to Merle's car shortly.

***

Xander looked up as his plate was put in front of him, then handed it to Throttle.  Momma looked at him.

"Xander doesn't eat hotdogs," Throttle told her.  "He knows what goes into them."

"Ah."  She handed over the special plate Dawn had made.  "Then I suppose she made that for you."  He smiled and dug in, eating quickly.  "Slow down. You'll choke and then what'll Throttle do tonight for fun?"

Throttle blushed.  "Not until this weekend," he muttered.  Xander nudged him, then looked at his plate.  He held it up to him and Xander took a bite, smirking at him.  "Cheese!"  He put it down.  "I thought it tasted funny."

"No they don't," Vinnie told him.

"They taste fine to me," Modo said, staring at Xander.  "They're tofu dogs," he said.  Xander nodded, smirking at him.  "Momma!"

"They were on top of the freezer, boys.  Eat 'em anyway.  If Vinnie can't tell the difference, you can't."

"I can now," he said, putting it aside.  "Dawnie!"

"What?  I didn't make dinner, she wouldn't let me."  She ate a bite of his hotdog, then nodded. "They're better than the meatless hamburgers."

Xander nodded at that.  "Those are gross."  He looked at Throttle. "You've got to eat it.  You have to clean your plate.  Come on, I can eat those."

"Go ahead."

Xander kissed him.  "I reward good boys," he whispered in his ear, making it twitch.

"Then what do the others get?" he asked with a smirk.  "It'd better be good."  Xander nodded, so he finished that one quickly.  He looked at the other one.  Then he looked at Vinnie.  "We should feed Charley girl tonight."

Vinnie snickered. "I say we make Xander eat them since he bought them," he said sweetly.

"I only bought ten," Xander told him.  "How many were fixed?"

"About eighteen," Momma admitted.  They groaned.  "Just eat!  Now, Modo.  You need food to be a big, strong boy and whip tail."  He grumbled but ate.  "Vinnie?"  He whimpered. "Now!  You'll eat it or I'll whip your tail myself."

"If I have to," he whined. He scarfed the last hotdog on his plate, not wanting to taste it.  He didn't care if it was a real one, he was going to get Xander for this.  "Where are you two going this weekend?"

"Pennsylvania," Throttle told him, getting relaxed next to his mate.  Xander was curled next to him and was reading.  "What's that?"  It was held up.  "Star Trek comes in books?"  Xander nodded, going back to reading.  He looked around.  "Where's the Andrew cat?"

"If he's the black one, he ran out earlier," Momma offered.  "I think he found a female."

"He's gay," Modo told her.  "He's always humping his brother."

"Then his momma, Tara cat, gets onto him about it and swats him," Xander agreed as he read.  He saw a tail tip and teased it with his fingertip. "Hi.  How are you today, tail?"  He glanced at Throttle, who was giving him an odd look.  He licked his bottom lip and bit it.  Throttle's tail moved, teasing his neck.  He giggled and ran a finger up the tail.  "Hi."

"Go to your room, you shouldn't do that in front of the child," Momma ordered.

"The child is waiting until she's found more than a quick moment in a closet to go for it.  Don't worry though, Dawn knows more than enough about sex.  Sleeping in the room next to the slutty slayer was very informative.  As was cable and the books that she found in her lesbian aunts' room."  Tara cat glared at her so she gave her a smug look. "Willow sent me to look for that sweater for you."  The cat snorted and laid her head back down. "Don't worry, when I'm ready, it'll be a great date, a long drive, then a nice night in a hotel so I don't have four or five extra-large people breathing down the guy's neck."

"We'll know him long before then, right?" Xander said patiently.

"Oh, hell yeah. When I'm ready, I'll bring him over and show him off.  That'll be weeks before we get down to it.  By then, I'll know a lot more about him too."

"Good.  Just don't get pregnant and don't tell your sister I said that."

"Of course not," she said patiently.  She found her Russian textbook and opened it.   She muttered and then tossed it, getting up to get the ones she wanted to learn.  "I'm switching from Russian to Spanish and Hindi.  Anyone mind?"  No one said anything.  "Good.  Yo, Micah, you mind?"  No answer from a ringing phone so she shrugged.  "Fine.  Then I'm switching tomorrow.  Russian is confusing."  The main phone rang so she went to answer it.  "Yeah?"  She snorted.  "Because I'm confused.  I like Spanish, it makes sense.  Hindi seems easier.  You're kidding."  She groaned.  "It's hard!"  She nodded. "Fine.  That makes two hard classes and I hate physics, you know that, right?"  He said something.  "Fine.  I'll stay in Russian.  Can I study Hindi on the side?"  He must have said yes since she was smiling.  "Does that mean I can take it officially?  That way I can get out of gym.  I don't need it anyway."  She smirked.  "Thanks, Lorne.  Have a good night.  Why are you still in town?"  He said something.  "Oh, okay then.  Yes, I'm going to school tomorrow.  Have a nice night."  She hung up.  "I get out of gym."

"Congrats," Xander agreed.  "I hated dodge ball."

"We don't play that here, it's been outlawed because it's mean."

"Yes, it is," he agreed dryly.  He looked at her.  "Remember to learn how to cook in your languages so you seem like you belong in them."

"Yes, Xander.  Can I go on a trip over there?  Just to improve my language skills?"

"Once you're in college."

"Thanks."  She settled down to take his advice, using the other textbook.  It was a bit before the one she was using and it explained things better.  She'd have to talk to the teacher tomorrow.  She tried the other book's first lesson after the secondary book's first lesson. It was a lot easier.  She'd have to get Lorne a nice present for helping her that way. Even if he did want her to stay in physics for no reason.

Throttle stood up and hauled Xander up.  "Come on.  You can show me this email stuff."

"Sure."  He put down his book and went to teach him how to use the computer.  He'd never do it to Vinnie, he'd break it the first time it froze.  He started it and looked at the picture that was coming up.  "Dawn!  Don't change the wallpaper!"

"Sorry."

He shook his head and changed it back, making Throttle chuckle.  "What?"

"There's a picture of us on there."

Xander changed it to that one, then clicked the 'okay' button.  It loaded and he pulled a chair over.  "Okay, to get online, you have to click on a browser.  Since we've got a cable connection, the internet is always on.  I like Netscape.  Others like Explorer.  I think it's slow but some sites don't work right without it."

"Okay, so it's a decide yourself.  Got it," Throttle agreed, watching as he loaded his email.  "It's online?  Isn't that dangerous?"

"No, dangerous is if you're using a program that downloads it onto your computer.  Then you get viruses and it's nasty.  Online is generally safer.  Just remember, don't download anything you're not sure about and never download from your email unless you're *sure* it's been scanned and it's not a threat.  Most online services have a scanner built in these days."  He waved a hand.  "My email.  Let's see, since last night, there's one from Sarah, one from Meg and Oz, one just from Meg.  One just from Oz, saying that Meg has a virus on her computer, and one from spam."  He deleted that one.  "Spam is like junk mail."  He looked at the one from Oz first.  "Hmm, definitely a virus.  But this was hours after she sent that one.  Okay, I'm going to do something stupid, which you should never do.  I'm going to click on Meg's email.  My anti-virus is up to date but I have this funny feeling it was well before the virus took over. Sometimes I get these feelings and I've learned to trust them."  He opened it and read it, being interrupted by a pop-up window.  "It's Sarah."

Throttle read the screen.  "I know you're there," he muttered.

Xander typed in.  "I am, I'm reading my email.  Is this a hoax from Meg's virus or am I going to be getting very upset soon?"

"Virus?"

"Yeah, Oz sent a message saying she had a virus.  The one before his was from her and it had this nice thing about a hacker and Limburger."

"Not a clue," Throttle read.  "Go ahead and read though, I'll ask someone who's on the other screen."

Xander groaned and typed in a single 'k' and went back to reading.

"Can I?" Throttle asked.

"Sure.  I won't need the keyboard."  He handed the keyboard over.  "Put it on your lap, it'll help."

Throttle did as ordered, letting Xander move the chat window off to the side while he read.  He typed in, "Hi."

"You must be Throttle, sweetie.  You used a capital letter and punctuation.  Most of us online don't cap and a few don't know what a punctuation mark is online."

He snorted and typed in, "yeah, it's me.  I wanted to meet more of Xander's friends.  He never talks about you.  Though, Meg does."

"My dear cousin is a wonderful gossip," Sarah typed back.  "Brb."

"Brb?" he asked.

"Be right back."  Xander switched messages, going to look at Sarah's.  His eyes narrowed then he nodded, moving to the one after that, which was Meg and Oz's.  That one was the virus and he deleted it.  He went back to Sarah's message and reread it, then looked at Throttle.  "Look at what someone very generous did."

Throttle leaned closer, reading.  Then he shook his head.  "Okay, if they insist."  He looked at the chat window, noticing the jumble of letters.  "What did I do?"

"You leaned on the keyboard."  He took it and deleted it.  Then he typed in, "Huh?  Want an explanation, Sarah.  This is not of the happy-making for me."  She sent back something that had clearly been translated.  Xander read it then shook his head.  "You're still going to have a problem with that idea.  Things like IRS Feebs?  Like Micah, because I'm guessing he's not going to be amused much with that."

"We're giving him some of it," she protested.

"Fine, then we'll have to deal with the IRS Feebs too."  His phone rang so he pulled it off the charger.  "Yeah?"  He listened to the quiet male voice that he didn't know on the other end.  "Fine," he agreed.  "Not mine though.  Give it to the others.  I know.  Fine, however, dude, I'm for it then.  I'll let 'em know.  Sure.  Then we thank you.  It'll make our lives more easy."  He smirked.  "Sure.  So, are you Gregori?"  The man chuckled and hung up, so he typed in to Sarah, "tell Gregori he seemed very nice and I'll tell them.  Let me know, 'kay?  I need to know beforehand to make plans."  He closed the program and looked at Throttle, then smirked.  "Go get everyone.  It's a family announcement."  Throttle looked confused but he did that.  Xander clicked on a link in his bookmarks, typing in his password and user name, looking at the balance.  He reloaded it and it changed, so he pulled up a calculator to figure up the difference.  "Decent," he decided.  He closed everything and headed out to the lounge area.  "Charley too," he said patiently.

"She's coming," Vinnie said mildly.  "New threat?" he asked hopefully.

"Not unless you consider gifts from hackers to be threats."

"Only if they're a computer virus," Dawn complained.

"No, this one found some hidden bank accounts," Xander told her.  Charley walked in and he smirked at her.  "You're aware that these three do not have social security numbers?"  She nodded, grimacing at that.  "So that means that when the hackers found Limburger's money, they could only send it to bank accounts that had social security numbers.  Which is you, me, and Dawnie."  She gaped and Vinnie caught her as she sat down.  "Yeah, so we're officially in charge of giving these three big, sweet guys an allowance every week since we don't have the stuff to get them their own accounts.  Some's in yours, some's in mine, and Dawn's got a small savings account that just got some.  We've got to figure out what we're doing."

"Sure," Charley agreed.

"I'm all for giving them their own account under someone's name and giving them ATM cards," Dawn offered.  She grinned at Vinnie.  "This means she'll expect lots of good presents now, buddy boy."

"Not an issue."  He nuzzled her fondly.  She swatted at him, making him chuckle.

"How much?" Throttle asked.

"In my account, it about doubled.  Just under doubled."  Throttle looked impressed.  "They found his hidden accounts.  They're looking for other accounts at the moment."  His phone rang so he went back to get it.  "Yeah?"  He listened to the upset sounding person on the other end.  "I didn't do it!  Don't yell at me!  So, talk to them!  Not a clue, dude.  Not a fricken' clue.  Sarah only IM's me, I never added her as a buddy as a show of respect for her paranoid nature."  He looked at the computer, canceling the screensaver.  "Hold on."  He typed in a message to her, getting one back immediately.  "Okay, slutprincesssmiyu, all one word, on AOHell."  Micah groaned.  "Don't give me that.  So go home and use the computer."  He snorted.  "Yeah, and?  It's not mine.  We're going to transfer it over to them.  Yes, I know they don't.  We were going to set up another account and give them ATM and check writing privileges."

He nodded.  "Sure, I can do that.  Make sure you get them cards and stuff.  Decent," he said happily, walking back into the living room. "It's Micah, he's figuring out how to get you guys your own account."  He listened as Micah typed that in.  "Yeah, no, miyu.  Like the anime."  He snickered.  "No, I didn't take you as one who watched anime.  Cartoons and comics, but not anime."  He leaned against Throttle, listening as he typed.  "Okay, then we need a plan.  Is that workable?"  He nodded.  "Sure.  Two days."  He hung up.  "Two days and everything will be shifted to your own account, he'll have ATM cards and checks for you guys, plus semi-legitimate ID's in case you ever need them.  He said it was about time.  He also said NASA saw a ship heading this way and they're not Martian.  He thinks it's a threat, he's not sure."

Throttle coughed.  "He can do that?"

"He's got the ear of the president.  He's just recently taken Carbine, the prez and the vice prez out to a demon club to give them proof he can't argue with.  The prez spent most of the time staring at Carbine.  Apparently he finally reached over and tweaked her ear so she slapped his hand and growled.  The VP was impressed, they were talking weapons and fuel sources.  I didn't know you guys had oil."

"It's nasty, but I guess it's useful," Vinnie offered.

"Hey, we can't invade you because of it," Charley said wit a smirk.  "So they worked something out?"

"Yeah, they worked something out.  Micah said things were working out well enough.  Micah's in charge of all of that though," he said with a smirk for Throttle.  Who smirked back.  "Between those two, they'll keep things out of the wrong hands."  Everyone nodded at that.  "So, in two days, you guys will have some funds from Limburger's private stock.  Some of it was sent to Micah, some of was sent to you four."

"I don't need it," Charley said quickly.

"I'm guessing it's like a pain and suffering judgement in a civil suit," Dawn told her.  "What about you, Xander?"

"Honey, I came into it late.  I don't need it or deserve it.  They need it *and* deserve it."  He winked.  "Besides, I got Watcher money."

"Yay.  I've got a trust for when I'm twenty-one," Dawn offered.  "Not that much though."

"Ehh, I'm not as loaded as I'd like to be, but I'm not gonna complain about a few mil."  He smirked at Modo's mother. "If I had more, I'd buy an island."

"I can't see you as the ruler of a country," Charley teased.  "That'd be one hedonistic place with a lot of explosions."

"Sounds like my sort of place," Vinnie joked, wrapping an arm around her waist.  "Two days?"

"Yeah, two days."  He looked at Throttle again, he was being quiet.  "You okay with that?"

"I'm good with that actually.  All except the theft."

"He won't need it anymore and it was stolen in the first place," Xander told him.  "Behind most big, old school money families is a crime or crimes," he advised.  "No one said you have to use it if you don't want to, but it was felt you guys deserved it more."

"Take a salary and set up a charity," Dawn suggested.  "Make people happy with it."  She looked at Xander.  "I've got to apply for college soon."

"And?" he asked.

"Fees.  Tuition. That stuff?"

"Your sister is paying," he said dryly.  "If not, I will, but she's paying.  Giles said so."

"Sure."  She beamed at him.  "Anything else?"  He shook his head.  "Then I'm going to adjourn to the hellish halls of homework and the future torture of a wool skirt again tomorrow."  She skipped down to her room.

"She's very lively," Modo's mother offered.

"You're telling me," Xander said flatly, making her chuckle.  "We can both be that way."  He walked over and looked at Modo, catching his eye.  "You gonna be okay?"

"I'm just shocked."

"Good."  He patted him on the head. "Speaking of bed, I'm off for it too.  Laters all.  Vinnie, if you get up first, go get pastries."  He headed down to his room, finding a cat sitting on it staring at him.  "Hey, Joyce."  He scratched her head.  "What's up?"  She purred and rubbed against him, giving him as much love as she could.  "Thanks, love you too."  He glanced outside.  "Do you approve?"  She licked his fingers so he scratched behind her ears.  "I'm taking that as a yes?"  She smirked up at him and headed over to take care of her daughter.  Dawn obviously needed a more feminine touch.

"Hey, mommy."  She came to the door.  "Is that her?"  He nodded.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, pretty muchly."  He opened his arms, giving her a hug.  "Do you mind?" he whispered.

She pulled back and punched him on the arm, making him moan.  "Hell no and if you do stupid stuff and make him dump you I'm going to kick your white ass, Xander."  She trotted back to her room to talk to her mother.  She had missed her.

Throttle came in and kissed him.  "Now that you've gotten approval, we good?"  Xander nodded, stilling rubbing his arm.  "She's gotten better."

"I noticed.  I think she bruised me," he joked, looking at his arm.  Sure enough, there was a bruise.  He looked up and shook his head. Then he grabbed him and pulled his head down, kissing him.  "Think we can do anything before we get interrupted?"

"No.  Modo said the toilet's still running."

"Dawn, go fix the toilet," Xander called.

"Sure.  The chain needs shortened again."

Xander smirked and kissed him again.  "Come here, little mousey, let's play."

Throttle smirked at him.  "Little?" he taunted, standing up to his full height and taking off his vest.  "Little mice don't come with muscles like these."

"True, they don't.  I'm wondering more about thigh muscles though," he said, moving backward.  He tossed all the clean clothes onto the floor then took off the t-shirt he was borrowing, tossing it onto the other side.  He got to his knees on the bed and undid his jeans, winking a bit.

"Gonna strip for me for real?"

"If you want."  He stood up, moving all of the clothes out of the way.  He moved closer, slowly swaying his hips.  Each movement lowered his zipper a bit more until his pants were gaping.  He ran a finger up Throttle's chest then stole a kiss.  He wiggled and his jeans fell, allowing him to step out of them.  He rubbed against the covered thigh, earning a moan and a grin.  "I think you're overdressed."  He teasingly flicked the tab of his zipper, earning a deeper moan.  He could feel him tightening in there so he got back onto the bed, on his knees, and opened them with his teeth.  Throttle shivered but let him do whatever he wanted.  He felt his jeans slip down and heard the heated moan.

"Hmm, no underwear is good," Xander moaned, leaning over to take his first sniff.  "Manly sweat.  Soft too," he said after stroking his cheek on the left thigh.  He saw Throttle's toes curl and did it again, looking up at him.  He reached up to gently run his palm up the hard length, watching as it swelled around and got longer.  "Nice.  Very nice."  This time his palm added a brief touch of his fingers too.  Throttle was shaking now.  "Did you want me to stop?" he asked, his breath hitting the soft flesh.  The flesh around the hard cock was like velvet, low plush velvet.  He reached out to lick off a drop of fluid with just the tip of his tongue.

Throttle picked up the tease, tossing him onto the bed.  He stepped out of his jeans and looked at the boxers.  "You won't be needing those."  He took them off and tossed them onto the floor.  He stood there, watching the boy shift for his pleasure and enjoyment.  The boy even reached down to stroke himself.  "That's my job."

"It is, but I can do it while you watch," he offered.  He arched up at a harder stroke, moaning a bit.  He licked his hand then went back to it.  He winked and stroked himself slowly.

Throttle got onto the bed and moved the hand, doing it himself.  "Mine."

"If you want it."

"I agree with Dawn.  If you make me dump you, I'm going to kidnap you first and make you change your mind."  He stole a kiss, pulling Xander against his body.  The boy moaned in contact with his body.  "Like furry men?"

"I never used to but your fur is very soft.  It's like a good velvet."  He ran his hand up the tight muscles, making his lover shiver.  "I think I like fur.  At least tan fur over really hard muscles and under leather and jeans."  He stole another kiss then pulled back to rub himself against the soft fur.  He moaned, shifting back to do it again.  "Oh, yeah."

Throttle pinned the boy under him, staring down at him.  "It's yours to stroke and pet."  He stole another kiss.  One of his hands started on the hard cock but Xander stopped him by flipping them over, rubbing them together while he was straddled across his lap.  "You're in a dangerous spot."

"I like danger, but that's for this weekend," he said darkly, leaning down to steal a kiss then go back to rubbing against the soft body.  Throttle arched up against him and Xander  shifted, holding them both together.  He did a few strokes that way then released him and moved to stroke into the area between the soft thigh and the softer cock and balls.  Throttle got the mirror spot on him and it was good.  He came with a hitch in his breath, leaning down to clean up after himself.  He hadn't wanted to make the fur messy.  Throttle pulled him up once he was done, turning him onto his side to finish himself off on Xander's stomach.  Xander tasted it then half-closed his eyes and moaned.  "You taste like bitter chocolate."

"Really?" he asked, taking a kiss.  He ran a finger across Xander's cock and tasted it.  "You're like some meat-flavored cracker."  Xander lunged in to kiss him again, starting to work him again.  "Not yet," he moaned, pulling back.  "Relax, you've got time.  We've got time."

"Not really.  There's never enough time."  He moved down to clean him up.

Throttle gripped the sheets in one hand, Xander's head in the other, and tried so hard not to make him go down on him. "Cheese, Xander!" he moaned.  "More!"

"Some of us need sleep," Dawn called patiently.  "I'm doing a muting charm."  Then suddenly everything was blocked out.

"Wow, I'm starting to like that magic stuff," Throttle said weakly.  Xander lapped up him and he arched up, but Xander only licked the head.  "Please, no more teasing."

"I'm not teasing."  Xander sucked on the head, and Throttle lost the fight with himself, pushing him to go down.  And go down he did.  As far down as he could.  He started to pull back but he felt the swelling start and got stuck.  He finally pulled back, panting.  "Sorry, swelling."

"Sorry, it's a biological response.  The women create suction."

"That's gotta suck, no thrust."  He stroked him, watching as it swelled.  "It done?"  Throttle nodded, still gripping the bed.  So Xander grinned and went back down. All the way down.  Throttle arched up again and Xander pushed his legs together to lay on.  He came up and then went back down slowly, playing his tongue around the whole way down.

"Xander!" Throttle moaned.  "Please, now!"  Xander swallowed while he was all the way down and it was all it took.  Throttle let go, watching as Xander came back up to drink him down.  He went limp, staring at him in awe. "You took it?"

"Of course.  You taste good.  You taste like bitter chocolate and sweat," he said, taking another kiss.  "I could easily get my chocolate fix each and every morning."  He kissed him again.

"I can't do that."

"A hand job would be nice."

"I can do more than that," he promised, heading right for what he wanted.  Xander's taste was so alien but seductive.  He smelled like sweat, manly sweat, and salt, but he had a slightly sweet and a slightly bitter undertaste.  He did the best he could but he knew he wasn't as good as Xander was.  He did make it most of the way down.  He managed to drive him to chanting and rocking his hips, driving him insane.  He paused and looked up.   "Did you want anything else?"

"Please!" he keened, arching up.  "Please, Throttle, please, baby, please!  I didn't tease you!"

Throttle went back down, sucking and slurping the whole way down.  Xander arched up, swearing in a language he didn't know, and let it go.  He swallowed most of it, then cleaned up the rest.  He came back up and Xander cleaned up the few drops on his face.  Throttle pulled him closer, holding him, kissing him gently to calm him back down.  By the time Xander was back down to panting and cuddling, he was nearly asleep but Xander was yawning too.  Xander wormed his way between his head and the shoulder against the bed.  One arm went around his chest, one leg over his hips.  "More dangerous territory," he said tiredly.

"Not tonight, but this weekend," he vowed.  "Even if I have to ride up there with a butt plug so we can stop on the way."  He put a kiss on the side of his neck and then closed his eyes.  "Night.  Love you."

"Night, Xan.  Love you too," he offered gently, stroking his back.  They were both asleep within minutes.  That's why neither of them saw Dawn sneak in with her digital camera and take a few pictures, then close the door and go upload them for Meg.

Her response of "I knew they'd be cute" was enough to make Dawn chuckle, but she left it there.

Episode 12:

NC-17

Xander looked at his bag, noticing how small it was.  He decided it was more than small enough to put into his bigger backpack and repacked it, sliding the half-full bag over his new leather coat.  He had splurged but he had decided he'd probably need it.  It was fall and it was pretty but they'd be on the interstate and it'd also be cold.  He walked out and ran into his boyfriend in the hallway, grinning at him.  "I'm ready."  He found his gloves and put them on.  Throttle gave him an amused look, then shook his head.  "It'll be colder riding on the interstate."

"Maybe.  Clothes?"  Xander turned to show off his backpack.  "Okay."  He put his things in there too then led Xander out to the garage area.  "Want to tell anyone 'bye' before we go?"

"Why?  They all know we're heading out.  Dawn got in her 'be careful' last night and Vinnie's still in bed.  Modo's already grunted at me this morning too," he said with a small smirk.  "You don't think that new menace will be showing up this weekend, do you?"

"Probably.  That seems to be the way it is.  They can handle it."  He got on and Xander got on behind him, warming his back nicely.  "You're sure you're ready?  No sudden trips to the bathroom or anything?"  Xander got off and went to do that, just in case, then came back with a sheepish grin.  "You sure?" he asked again.  Xander kissed him before climbing back on.  "Okay.  We're heading!" he yelled.

"Have fun!" Vinnie yelled back.  "Be bad!"

"Me?" Xander said with a wicked chuckle "Why would I be naughty?"

"Because you're good at it," Throttle offered, heading off into the early morning traffic.  They were heading out of town so missed most of the rush hour messes on their way to the interstate, and the interstate was peaceful.  He heard quiet music and smirked.  Xander had smuggled his discman into his helmet.  He reached back, turning up the music once he found the pocket it was tucked in.  Xander wiggled his helmet and plugged one earbud into his ear for him.  Then he got a kiss against the back of his neck, making him shiver. Tempting, but they had to travel most of the day to get there.

***

Charley looked up as Vinnie woke her up, giving him an odd look.  "What?"

"Xander and Throttle just left."

"Good for them.  Xander could use a few days off."  She sat up, stretching and yawning, but found herself being kissed again.  "Thanks.  What was that for?"

"I made breakfast."  She smiled at him and followed him down the stairs, finding someone turning off the oven.  "Thanks, Micah."

"He stared at you too long.  I saw Xander leave.  Is he calmer?"  She shook her head.  "Then I'll expect to not hear about any emergencies from Pennsylvania this weekend."  He tossed over a manilla envelope.  "For you guys.  Before you ask, yes, the new menace is in town.  We're not quite sure what it is so we'd like to borrow one of you today."  He got out of Vinnie's way as he dished stuff up, smirking at Charley.  "I don't think it'll be a full-out assault."

"I'd hope not," Vinnie said dryly.  "Throttle would be pissed if he missed another battle."

"He's missed one so far?" Charley asked.

"Back on Mars," he admitted with a smirk.  "He was kinda...busy with Carbine at the time."

"Good to know.  What are they?"

Micah waved at her.  "Eat.  We'll talk about it after you're done.  I don't want to ruin your breakfast."  He nodded next door and Vinnie nodded, so he left them alone.  He walked into the lair, checking out the weapons stash, then went to add to it.  They didn't need them anymore and Xander would take decent care of them.

"What are you doing?" Dawn asked.

"Adding weapons so we don't have to show up so often."

"Cool.  Xander gone?"  He nodded, handing her a few boxes.  "Gee, you mean we have to haul and tote too?"

"Yeah, but sometimes it comes with perks.  I actually got to have prisoners move the office the last time."  He carried in his bag, then went back for the remaining bag, popping the gun safe easily enough.  He'd have to talk to Xander about building one into the walls.  Something more secure.  He let Dawn hand him stuff.  "School?"

"An hour."

"Ah."  He looked at his watch.  "It is really early," he admitted.  He stuffed the locker full then got up, tossing the box and bag into the back of his jeep.  He followed her up into the lounge area. "Morning, all.  That menace is in town."

"Shoot, and Throttle missed another one," Modo joked.  His mother gave him a look and shook her head.

"Actually, I'd like to save Xander for the bigger threats.  That boy and destruction are too good of friends.  This one needs a more subtle touch."

"Subtle, Vinnie?" Dawn snorted.  "Speaking of which, where is motor mouth?"

"Serving Charley breakfast," Micah told her.  "He'll be over after she's done."  He heard a howl and shook his head.  "And after they're done I guess."  He sat down, taking a pastry to nibble on.  "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're welcome.  Do you have their new ID's?"

"I handed that package to Vinnie.  I figured he couldn't lose it."  He ate a bite, looking at Dawn.  "Dress down day?"  She nodded, beaming at him.  "No more skipping, Dawn. You don't learn when you skip."  She sighed and went to get redressed.  She came out in her uniform.  Micah snickered.  "You look cute in that."

"Gee, thanks," she said flatly.  "Just what I need, to look cute, like a stripper playing dress-up."  She grabbed another pastry and went to sit down on the couch to play with the cats.  "Andrew ever come back?"

"Not yet."

"He's lounging in the sun outside the garage," Micah told her.  "He's got that very smug 'cat' look on his face too."

"I guess he found a boy cat then," Dawn snorted.  Vinnie came strolling up.  "Morning, loud boy."

Vinnie smirked at her.  "It's not good if the whole neighborhood doesn't know."

"I'll keep that in mind for future encounters with boys."  She finished off her pastry and dusted her hands off. "So, what's the what this time?"  Micah looked at her.  "I'm not that young!"

"No, you're not.  If we have to, we'll put you on rear guard," he admitted.  "You're nearly trained enough to go into the field and watch."

"Go brush your teeth, child," Modo's momma ordered.  "Be true to your teeth or they'll be false to you."

"Fine," she agreed, getting up and going into the bathroom to do that.  She came out a minute later, finding Oz and Meg were there now, and so were Charley and her lap-sitter, Andrew.  "Get some, Andrew?" she joked.  He looked up from his bathing, giving her that same smug cat smirk.  Then he went back to cleaning.

"Have I mentioned these cats are very odd?" Micah asked.

"Once or twice," Meg said with a grin.  "What's up, Micah?  New bad guys?"

"I love new bad guys," Vinnie said excitedly.

"Yeah, well, these guys are four feet tall, they look like little gray Karbunkles, and they babble," Micah told him.

"Torians," Vinnie and Modo said in unison, then shuddered.

"Good, someone knows what they are.  What can they do?" Micah asked patiently.

"Mostly mental stuff," Modo admitted.  "They like to intimidate."

"So they're like the kids who were always bullied and they're pushing back?" Dawn asked.  Modo considered it then nodded.  "Then it's a good thing Xander's not here.  He sucks in people at an alarming rate at times."

"He's a medium?" Micah asked.  Dawn nodded.  "For real, like talking?"

"Like people slide into him like they're trying on shoes," she told him.  He shuddered.  "Yeah, that's how we feel too.  He has shields now.  He's had to build some over the years."

"Good.  Then I definitely am glad that they're gone this weekend.  Throttle can keep him out of trouble and safe."  He sipped the soda Momma had gotten him.  "How do we fight them?"

"I like to go around and smash their heads in," Vinnie told him.

"I like to toss them into a hole and cover it," Modo admitted.  "They're too much like kids for me to really hurt."

"What can they do to normal people?" Charley asked.  "You guys have some mental skills with the antenna."

"With normal people," Vinnie said, sounding hesitant.  "The last one they ran into they made them want to commit suicide, sweetheart.  They're not nice, they're actually very bad conquerors.  They wanted Mars but the Plutarkians made a deal with them."  He leaned on the table, shaking his head.  "The first thing we knew was that a lot of us suddenly came down with blinding headaches.  There were three of them standing on a hill overlooking a city, smirking at us as well fell down clutching our heads."  He shuddered again.  "Nasty little creatures."

"Stoker likes to knock their heads off.  One of them made him crash in front of his training class," Modo told them.

Charley looked at Dawn.  "Think you can take my bike to school?"

"Sure," she agreed happily.  She had been practicing on it.  "I'll be really careful and everything."  She grabbed her bag, putting it over her chest and one shoulder, then took her keys, going out to do the cool 'driving to school' thing.  She drove out of the garage, heading for the school.  She stopped by the guard a few minutes later.  "No one had time to bring me.  Where do I park?"

"In the back lot please, Miss Summers," he said with a smile, watching as she headed that way.  He made a note of the bike so they wouldn't ticket it.  She came back walking smartly, smiling at everyone.  "Have a nice day.  Stop in the office to get a parking permit today."

"Sure.  Thanks."  She walked into the school and paused.  It was way too quiet.  She looked around, feeling the magic starting.  It was good magic, she could tell that.  Then again, something was making her neck prickle.  She headed off at a run for where she could feel the magic coming from.  Someone was struggling.  It felt like there was pain mixed in.  She burst into the empty classroom, noticing what they were doing.  Standard shields by what was laid out.  "Here, suck at me," she said, dropping her bag and walking in.

"Who are you?" one of the girls panted.

"Dawn Summers.  Sister to Buffy Summers."

"You're related to a slayer?" one of the girls asked.

"Do we have time for this?"  She held out her hands and they let her into the circle to feed them energy.  The shields went up and she calmed herself, adding her own power to it.  She ground them and then looked at the other girls.  "Okay, why are we doing this today?"

"The alien menace that's making us all feel wrong," one of the girls said, staring at her in shock.  "You're good."

"I should be.  I've had practice."  She shrugged and grabbed her bag.  "I'm going to talk to the Headmistress and let her in on things.  If you need me again, yell."  She walked off, going to the office.

"Great, she knows about the alien menace," one of them said behind her.

"She lives with the other one.  Of course she does."

"She's doing more than that," she called back, walking into the office.  "Okay, we've shielded," she told the headmistress.  "Now what?"

"There's three of them near here," she said quietly.  "What do you know?"

"Not as much as I need to, but I know someone who does."  She smirked at her.  "Give me ten to call home."  She dialed the lair.  "Guys, is it normal for these things to come after a school like mine?"  She heard the yelling.  "No, we've got shields. I found a few witches here working on it and I added some strength and grounding.  Sure!" she agreed happily.  "Just bring me one."  She hung up and handed her bag over.  "I'm going scouting.  If my phone rings, ignore it."

"Aliens?"

She nodded. "Unfortunately mental ones that look like gray kids with big heads.  They're getting back at the bullies and like to drive to pain or suicide."  She walked out, heading out to the grounds.  She nodded at the guard.  "You've got intruders.  Know where?"  He shook his head. "Any areas you suddenly don't want to go near?"

"The greenhouse and the extra classrooms," he admitted, pointing that way.

"Thanks."  She snuck that way, heading through the nice foliage the school had planted.  She knew that this was the place where they educated demons and didn't mind it at all, but not even those kids deserved this. She heard a cry and looked in one classroom.  There was a girl clutching her head and the teacher staring at her.  Dawn tapped on the window and shook her head.  The teacher came over.  "There's something broadcasting," she said quietly.  "Anyone sensitive is in pain or suicidal."  The teacher closed the window and hurried the girl off.  Dawn turned and found one of them looking at her.  "Try me," she sneered.  It glared and she felt a tickle, then snorted and attacked it.  Nothing did that to her.

She got that one knocked out and used her head scarf to tie its hands, then moved on to get the other ones.  She heard a bike and smirked.  "Hey, calvary, sweet," she muttered, sneaking to where the others were.  She counted and then ducked back around the school, finding Vinnie arguing with the guard.  "This time they can come in.  They're here to handle the little gray guys out in the special classrooms.  Sixteen of them. I've knocked one out and gotten him tied up."  She looked at the guard.  "Fall back to the doorway.  If they get inside, it'll be a slaughter.  They will kill for fun, mostly by making us kill each other."  He hurried that way.  She blatantly stole a gun off Micah and cocked it.  "Shall we?"  She climbed onto the back of Vinnie's bike.  "Around the back, hot shot."  He nodded, heading that way.  A few more rushed out and she got them in non-lethal areas.  She wasn't ready to kill yet.  Vinnie wasn't so nice and he took down more of them.  The others rushed in to help, and this group was taken down.  Micah called people to come get them.  She looked at him.  "This isn't all of them.  I can feel more."

"They're downtown," he admitted.  "You still need to be in class."

"We're in lock down.  If we're holding class, I'll get the notes.  You need me this time."  She patted Vinnie on the back.  "We should go.  The longer they're there, the more they can entrench."

"I like how she thinks," Vinnie told Modo.

"Me too but she's still too young."

"Yeah, because I haven't been doing this for a few years with Xander," she said dryly.  "Hi, I get kidnaped and all that good stuff.  Let's not go there about my age."  She headed to the other bike, getting on and kicking it to life.  She tucked the gun into her waistband and headed off, going to help even if they didn't like it.

"She's worse than Charley is," Modo said in awe.

"We should follow," Micah agreed, shaking his head.  "Just what I need, another hothead."  He turned his jeep around and went after the girl, before he had to explain to her sister and Xander why she was seriously injured. By the time he found her, she and Lorne were taking on another couple.  They worked well together, even though he was complaining at her the whole time they fought.  He checked Max since she was unconscious, then got her into his jeep.  He decided to take on more of them coming out of the ship.  He heard more people coming and Vinnie was very distinctive as he howled and ran a few of them over.  "How many of them fit in there?" he asked when they kept coming.

"It's like that show, Dr. What," Modo called.

"Oh, great, infinite space," Micah said bitterly.  "Can it be blown up?"

"I don't know, let me try," a voice said from behind him.  He turned and found Meg with a grenade launcher on her shoulder and before he could even open his mouth to protest she had pulled the trigger and blown that thing up.  That's when he noticed she was wearing some of Xander's clothes.  "Meg, want a job?"

"I'm a programmer, not a hacker," she called back, hopping down to wade in.

Oz was following her, shaking his head.  "Have I told you that you being Xander is scary?" he called as he knocked another one out.  He ducked as Modo picked up one and spun it around, letting it fly off.

"No, but I'll keep that in mind," she said with a very good copy of Xander's meanest smirk.  "Shall we?"

"We should," Micah agreed, making a mental note to talk to the girl later.  "What else did you bring?"

"An assault rifle, but it's got the wooden bullets."

"That'll help," Dawn shouted.  "They're allergic to wood, I just staked one and it bubbled and pussed before exploding."

Meg broke out the assault rifle but Micah took it from her.  She was too nice to kill but he wasn't any more.   Pretty soon the rest of them were gone, only leaving a few who were injured.  He tossed it back to her.  "I could use a good programmer and I know you're a hacker, Meg.  It was clear who found the first stash of money and who broke into the tower to copy their system.  Want a job?  Thirty grand a year and the only dress code is being clothed if you're not in the office."

She looked at Oz, who shrugged and walked off.  "If Oz says it's okay.  I don't graduate until December."

"That's fine.  We can move you over the holiday and he can start school out there.  We've got a few good hacker classes through Homeland security and the CIA."  He put an arm around her shoulders, walking her off to talk to her.  He needed another programmer who could handle stuff like this.  Besides, she impersonated Xander very well.  Well enough to make her quite valuable.

Dawn brushed the nastiness off her skirt.  "Eww."

"Yeah, they do that," Vinnie said with a smirk.  "I'd offer you a ride home but you're really disgusting."

"Gee, thanks," she said dryly.  She looked around, then at Lorne.  "So, how was your night?" she asked with a fond smirk.

"Better than tonight will be.  Go change.  Go back to classes."

"Fine.  Make me do the dull stuff."

"If you don't, I'm telling Xander you jumped in," Micah called.  "If you skip, I'm telling him and Buffy."  She grumbled but went back to get Charley's bike and take it home to change.  He looked at Lorne.  "You thought I was insane?"

"I know you're insane, Micah.  There's a difference."  He looked at Max.  "She's going to kick herself for missing this."

"Maybe, but I'm sure she'll be fine," Micah offered.  "Lorne, this is Meg.  She's basically doing the Pretender thing while she programs."

"I remember seeing her in the cavegirl outfit," he admitted, shaking her hand.  "Nice job being Xander, Meg."

"Thanks.  He wants me to come work for you guys."

"I'm not training you.  I've got enough with Dawn," he said dryly.  She giggled and hugged him.  "Thanks."  He patted her on the back, looking around.  "So, are we in clean up?" Micah nodded.  "Wonderful."  He got free and headed back to call in the others to clean up the bits and pieces.

Vinnie lifted up one of the lesser injured aliens, smirking at it.  He couldn't tell what sex they were and they were all annoying.  "Tell your people that this world is better protected than Mars ever was.  We *like* to destroy things.  We find it fun.  We're coming to your world next to start blowing things up."  He let him go and the creature vibrated, disappearing. "Hopefully they won't be coming back," he said, wiping off his hands.  "We done?"

"Yeah, you're done," Micah said, watching as the Martians turned and headed home, leaving him and Oz standing there.  "We've got Brax working for us, he's the one doing lessons," he offered.

"Cool, but Xander could use us."

"Yeah, well, I may be able to keep you two here.  It'd keep me from running this way so often. There's going to be a permanent person in Cleveland and LA too."

"Decent.  We'll talk about it."  He walked off, going to help his girlfriend out of Xander's clothes.  There was something disturbing about her being Xander.  He didn't really like her being Xander.  She was too scary and he couldn't stand scary women.  He caught her and walked her off, stripping Xander's shirts off her.  "Which one are we working on today?"

"I've got to try the caveman one again," she said with a grin.  "It's almost due at the publisher's."  She hugged him, accepting his shirt instead.  She bopped along with him, happy and pleased with herself.

Micah shook his head.  "At least it's in good hands," he muttered.

"You call those good hands?" Lorne asked blandly.

"Better than some.  With these new people, I can retire and leave ECHO to you and Max in a few years."  He strolled off to order the clean up crews.  A few peeled off to head back to the school.

"If it's going to be that way, then I definitely quit!" Lorne called after him.

"But we love you," Meg called back.  "How else would I come work for you guys?  You're fun, Lorne."

He shivered and walked off. He caught a cab and headed back to his house to hide. He wasn't coming out again.  He could be a recluse.  He could stand that. He didn't like people anymore anyway.  He paid the cab at the airport and got out to go home.  The ticket agent smiled at him as he pulled out his badge.  It was a fake but it was close enough for covert work and it got him less questions at times.  "One for DC. Preferably right now. I want to go home."

"Of course, sir," she agreed, giving him a sympathetic look.  "No bags?"  He groaned and shook his head.  "I'm sure you can have it shipped, sir."  She got him a seat by putting him in as standby.  "There you go, sir."  She handed him his ticket and took his weapon to check for him.

***

Dawn strolled back into the school, stopping to get her bag.  "Morning," she said casually, smirking at her headmistress.  "Third?"

"Fourth period just stared, Miss Summers.  Is it handled?"

"Yup, just like swiss cheese," she said happily, heading out to her language class of the day.  She slid into her seat, earning a funny look from the teacher.  "The headmistress needed to see me."

"That's fine, Miss Summers. Did you do your homework?"  She dug it out and handed it over. "Thank you, dear."  She went back to making notes on the board.

One of the girls from earlier leaned over.  "Meet us after school.  Physics classroom."  She sat up again once Dawn nodded.

Dawn wrote down the new notes.  She could get the others later.   Xander would get upset if she fell behind.

***

Xander looked at the small motel-like row of rooms, smiling at Throttle. "It's cute."

"It is," he agreed, walking him up to their room.  He stuck the key in the door and opened it, letting Xander in first.  He walked in and flipped on the lights, closing the door and paused to look at the leather thing hanging up beside the tv.  "What's that?"

"It's a sex sling," Xander said dryly.  "I'm thinking they expected us to have kinky sex."  He walked over to look at it.  "It's well built, one of the good ones."  He opened the drawers, smiling at the row of dildos in one.  "Here's a neat treat too.  Condoms too."

Throttle looked at the note with them.  Use it without a condom and you bought it.  Each fifty dollars.   He shivered and looked in the other drawers, finding just empty drawers.  He looked in the closet, shaking his head at the leather cords hanging here.  "I didn't realize it'd be like this."

"I'm guessing Tara didn't either," Xander said with a grin for him.  "Either that or the girl-lovin' rooms are a lot different."  He pulled Throttle closer, kissing him hotly.  "Missed this on the ride."

"Hmm," he moaned, leaning into the delicate touches to his chest.  "Not yet.  Unpack."  He pulled back, looking at him.  "How do we put up that thing?"

"Easy, you chain it up," Xander told him, attaching the bottom ring to the small hook in the ceiling.  "There, unobstructed view of the tv now."

"Not what I intended to view," Throttle told him.  He looked up at the leather thing, then at Xander.  "What are those for?"

"For keeping a lover immobilized at a higher level than most beds."  He pulled it back down and wiggled out of the backpack and jacket, tossing his gloves down too.  Then he positioned himself and hopped up in it.  "You can hitch your lover to them by tying their ankles here," he said, putting his in the right spots.  "Or you can move them this way," he said, moving so his thighs were outside the straps.  "You can tie the hands too.  Then you raise or lower them.  It allows for sex standing up or for no bending over.  He heard the quiet moan and looked at his lover. "I've seen them in use before."  He wiggled out and Throttle caught him as he jumped, tossing him onto the bed.  Xander beamed, then winced as the lamp next to the bed broke.  "Hell, I'll pay for that," he said dryly, wiggling out of his shirt.  It got tossed onto the wreckage of the lamp and he smirked, motioning Throttle closer. "Come here, little mousie."

"I'm still not little," he said, but he was grinning.

"I'm about to find that out, aren't I?" he teased.

"I never asked.  I go both ways.  You?" he asked as he stripped off his shirt.  It had been a cold ride so he had borrowed one.

"Not an issue with me either, but I get to bottom first."  Throttle smirked and nodded.  He undid his pants and Xander lunged up to help him, playing with his favorite new treat.  "Love how you taste.  Are you addictive?"

"Not that I know of," he said, letting Xander do whatever he wanted.  He grabbed onto the sling for balance, Xander was already buried to the root on him.  It felt so good, he had to let it out.  His moan was loud to his ears, but it got him one from Xander, which made him shiver and grab the soft hair.  "Xander, I'm going to need that," he protested.  The boy pouted at him. "If you want me to ride you into breaking this bed I'll need that, babe.  You can have it later."  He kissed him and got him standing, undressing him.  He got the boy onto his back, leaning down to lick him.  He liked how the guy tasted.  It was like all that sugar he ate leaked into his sweat.  He heard his helmet's radio crackle to life and groaned.  "No."

"Tell them to go away.  I'm going to be right here," Xander promised, taking over the stroking duties.

Throttle put back on his helmet.  "It had better be a planetary emergency."  He listened to Stoker spluttering. "It's my weekend off, Stoker."

"How's the baby?"

"Xander!" he complained. Xander smirked at him.  "Fine.  Stoker, Xander wanted to make sure the baby was fine.  Is she?"  He got a small 'yes'.  "Good.  Anything else?"  He smirked. "I'm not in Chicago.  I'm in Pennsylvania.  Home in on Vinnie.  He's still there."  He hung up and put the helmet in the closet.  "Where was I?"

"About to go down on me?" Xander asked teasingly.

"That sounds good to me," he agreed, doing just that.  Xander tasted very good. It was odd that they didn't swell the same way but he could stand it.  Less chance of choking.  This wasn't his best skill.  He pulled off and found Xander grabbed onto the headboard.  "I can do more," he offered smugly.

"Throttle, if you don't start opening me, I'm going to do it myself," he complained.

"Lube?"

"You didn't bring any lube?"  Xander searched both bedside tables, coming up with a small complimentary bottle.  "We can get more when we go out for dinner."  He handed it over.  "Please?  I'll climb on top if you don't.  You're going to make me crawl the walls and beg if you don't do it soon."

"I've got you," Throttle promised, laying him back down to work on opening him.  Nothing fancy this time, the boy was too desperate.  He got him opened enough, then slicked himself up and slid inside.  Xander shivered and came, but he was keening so Throttle kept pushing inside.  He finally buried himself all the way in and smiled down at Xander.  "How's that?"

"Damn, did you grow?" he panted.  He kicked him. "Move, please?" he wiggled.  "I want more!"

"I can see that," he said smugly.

Xander flipped him over with a growl, going after what he wanted.  Throttle could only hold on while he rode him, back arched, moans coming out on each downward stroke.   He shivered as he pulled himself up.  It was getting to be a struggle not to plant himself and not move.  He let out a whimper.

"Tired?" Throttle asked, moving Xander back onto his back to do some of the work for now.  Xander arched up to meet him, grinning as he pulled his head down.  "I've got you.  Just relax."

"Who can relax with a studly mouse in his bed and a *huge* cock inside him?" Xander teased.

"I'm not that big," he chided, but he was doing his best to ram Xander into a puddle of goo.  He could feel the boy's cock coming up and smirked at him.  "Nearly there?"

"I don't care!  Just move!" he ordered, kicking him with his feet. Throttle pulled out and flipped Xander over, shoving back into him.  Xander keened, grabbing onto the headboard so he couldn't be sent through it.  Throttle was really pounding him and he loved it.  "More!" he demanded. "Please, more!"

"Shh, I've got it," Throttle soothed, stroking his back while his hips did most of the work.  The boy was going to go insane if he didn't get to come soon.  Then again, an insane Xander might be fun.  Throttle wasn't near ready yet, not really.  He sped up, hearing the ominous creak starting.  He stood up, taking Xander with him as the bed collapsed.  "Wow."  Xander wiggled and he realized he was still planted in him.  He looked at the sling then put Xander into it.  This way he couldn't kick him like he was kickstarting him.  The swing was just the right height to suck on him again so that's what he started with.  Xander was panting and wiggling and Throttle didn't need that so he got the straps, tying his feet and hands to the straps.  Then he went back to sucking him.  Xander was trying to arch up but he wasn't having much luck in this position.  He looked at the straps when he'd had enough sucking, finding how they lowered.  He slowly lowered Xander to groin height, noticing the thing had more swing room now.  That could come hin handy.  He reinserted himself, nudging him.  Xander swung a bit then came back.

"Throttle, no teasing!" Xander demanded.

Throttle grabbed the swing, using it to get deeper into the bound body.  Xander let out a swear but there wasn't much he could do about it.  He was tied down and helpless.  Throttle was fully in charge.  It made him smirk and blow a kiss.  "I'm giving you the best I can. You'll get there but if you keep getting demanding, I might have to stop."

"I'll be good," he said instantly, wiggling a bit.  "Can I beg?  Please, start again?  I *need* you!"

"I can tell.  Your hole's winking at me."  Xander flexed it and Throttle teased it.  "I'm not near ready, Xander.  Calm down and I'll come back to it."

"No, don't leave me."

"I'm not.  I'm getting some stuff to give you a massage," he offered, going to get the oil he had seen in the bathroom.  He came back and found a limp Xander.  The oil warmed nicely in his hands, then he went to work stroking Xander's stomach and chest, making him moan in a different key.   It was a great sound so he continued, teasing him until the man was babbling nonsense sounds and syllables.  Then he slid back inside, making the boy howl.  Not like a howl Vinnie would let out but a true, predatory, lone wolf crying for company howl.  "I've got you," he soothed, stroking his stomach with his free hand.  Xander came down a bit so he continued, working him harder and harder until Xander came again, this time following him.  He leaned on the bound body, looking at him.  "You okay?"

"I'm gonna pass out now," Xander said in a slurred voice.  "Damn good.  Gods, man, damn good."

Throttle chuckled and unbound him, looking at the mess of the bed.  "You sure we want to admit to this?"

"In my backpack, in my wallet, is my card," Xander said, grinning at him.  "Go find us a bed.  I need a nap."

"I know you do."  He pulled on his pants and boots, heading out to apologize.  Not that he was sorry, but he needed to get them a real bed.  He gave the woman in the office a small, sheepish grin.  "I'm sorry."

"What broke?" she asked with a grin.  "Was it good?"  He blushed and nodded.  "Bed?"

"And a lamp, ma'am."

"We can get a new brace for the bed, son.  We've had a lot of them broken so we keep a few spares."  She patted him on the arm.  "You toss the old pieces outside the door.  Need help carrying the new one?"

"No, I can get it," he offered, taking the simple box with a platform made of plywood.  He carried it back, putting it against the wall while he picked out the old pieces and tossed them outside as ordered.

"Bed?" Xander asked quietly.

"Beds are nice," he agreed, grinning at him.  He moved the mattresses then put down the platform and put the mattress back on.  Then he flopped down.  "I'm too tired to lift you down."

"Sure."  Xander slowly moved, sliding out of the sling.  He closed the door, then flopped down beside him, nuzzling into his chest.  "If we nap, can we do it again later?"

"Yup, we will be," Throttle promised.  "We'll have Dawn make that muting spell permanent.  You're noisy."

"Sorry."

"Not an issue," he admitted, stroking his back.  "I don't mind loud.  You make some incredible noises."  He yawned.  "You inspired me."  He closed his eyes.  "Rest, Xander.  We'll go out to dinner later."

"Mmm, dinner.  You make a good dinner."  He smacked his lips and let out a snore.

Throttle snickered, but curled around the boy.

***

Xander woke up and found himself being the pillow, smiling at the large head on his chest.  He stroked the forelock over Throttle's eyes, making him shift when Xander ran into his antenna.  He smiled and looked down, noticing he was starting to get hard.  He brushed the top of the right one with a gentle fingertip and the cock hardened a bit more.  "Wicked," he muttered, wiggling down a bit so he could play with them better.  He licked the top of one, earning a moan.  He hadn't expected this.  He went back to laving on them, making Throttle shiver and clutch at him.  "Tell me if it hurts."  He went back to licking around the base one of one, then up it to suck on the small knob on top.  Throttle's breath caught and he was moving against Xander's leg so he continued on, moving to the other one, his breath drying the first one while he worked. When that one was rigid he moved back to the first, teasingly running his tongue around the bottom ridge of the knob. He suddenly sucked it in, going down on the rigid red antenna.  Throttle let out a yelp and came, so Xander released it, grinning down at him.  "You taste good there too."

Throttle looked up at him, somewhere between awe and amusement.  "Most mice just stroke them."

"Where's the fun in that?"  Xander stole a kiss.  "So, what do you guys do with your tails?"

Throttle snickered.  "It's very versatile.  We can stroke, tease, and thrust with it."  He moved his tail to tease Xander's hole with it, earning a yelp.  He smirked at him.  "We can only tease ourselves for an inch or so.  It won't quite bend enough.  But I can definitely tease you with it.  Want more?"  He let his tail dip inside just a bit.  Xander clamped down on it.  "Hmm.  You're good."

"I try."  He stole a kiss, moving down to face him.  "Remember when you did the life review?"  Throttle nodded.  "I was in there when you and Carbine...."

"I figured as much."

"That's not normal, right?"

"Not in the least," he promised, stealing a kiss.  "You should have seen it when Vinnie and I were dating a *long* time ago."

"Can I?"

Throttle considered it.  Vinnie had been creative and if Xander wanted to know everything he could do to a Martian, Vinnie was a stunning example.  There was one instance that still made him hard at just the thought of the encounter.  "Sure."  He leaned forward and rested his antenna against Xander's head, waiting patiently while he lowered his shields.  He felt that same sucking feeling and let Xander take control this time, but focused on his memories.  He let that one drift to the surface, letting Xander live it from his point of view.  This time he could feel Xander in there with him.  He relived that wild week they had on leave from the resistance, and knew Xander was mentally making notes.  He finally let it fade and pulled back, watching as Xander pulled back behind his shields.  "That's the best."

"I could tell."  He reached up to gently stroke an antenna.  "I didn't hurt you earlier, right?"

"No, it's just that we're not that oral," he said with a grin.  "It was great."

"Cool."  He picked up the tail laying across his thigh, looking at it.  He gently stroked it, watching his lover's reaction.  It got a shiver.  He gave him a kiss and moved on, going back to it.  He worked it like he would his cock, making him roll onto his stomach so he could concentrate on just this organ.  He leaned down to nip the thicker part gently, and Throttle yelped, but let him lave the bite to soothe it.  "Tell me if I'm not doing it right."

"More, Xander.  Please more."

"Hmm, I wonder," he said, licking around the tip.  Throttle tensed so he only sucked on the tip, slowly working the first few inches into his mouth.  Throttle was humping the bed, so he let it uncoil in his mouth, letting it slip down like it was a really thin cock.  He sucked in more and pulled back, licking it all the way up.  He moved down to play with the base, teasing the thickest part.  He laid a little nip on it, scraping it gently with his top teeth.

"Shit!" Throttle yelped, jumping up.  He grabbed Xander and kissed him. "No more teasing," he panted.  He looked him over, noticing he was harder now.  "You are a bad tease, Xander. If you had a tail, I'd have it twisted up and pounding you while I stroked it within a heartbeat."

"Don't be shy, just shove it in. I can take it," he purred, stroking the back of Throttle's right ear.  "Please?  Teach me not to tease."

"Oh, I'm going to teach you not to tease," he vowed, slamming into the damp hole.  Xander moaned and arched up, so Throttle pulled him up into his lap, grinding up into him.  Xander was pushing down, trying to get more, and he was sucking on his shoulder.  He pulled Xander's hips closer, tipping him back, and the boy moaned, but continued to play with his neck.  "Xander!" he shouted when he got nipped there too.

"Yup, that's me."  He switched to play with his chin, nipping that too.  Throttle put him back on his back but kept his hips on his lap, digging into him.  Xander arched up and let out a loud moan.  Then a scream as he came.  Throttle smirked and let himself go.  Then he laid down on top of the boy, his tail swishing in the air.  That's what caught his attention.  He looked back, flicking his tail.  There was a second tail.  He got off Xander, standing up to look at him.  He tipped him off to the side, there was a tail.  "What the cheese?" he hissed.  "Xander?  Xander?  Wake up, Xander."  Xander moaned and sat up, rubbing his eyes.  "You can't do magic, right?"

Xander looked up and shook his head.  "No.  I haven't yet."  He noticed the tail and caught it, then moaned when it felt *really* good to him.  "What the hell?"

"That's what I was wondering," Throttle admitted.

Xander stood up, going over to the mirror to look at his backside.  Yup, a real tail was sticking out of the bottom of his spinal column.  He tensed his butt cheeks and it twitched.  He relaxed and it shifted, swishing around a bit.  "I thought it was moved by muscle control."

"Not always."  He came over, looking at the tail.  "How did that happen?" he asked, probing it gently.  "It's real.  It's natural, I can feel the bone shift."  He turned Xander around, then moved his hair slightly.  He found nubs on his scalp, but not real antennas.  He looked at Xander.  "Did you always have those?"

Xander reached up to touch them, then shook his head after wincing.  "No.  I've never had those before.  I'd have noticed and so would someone else when they stitched my head up."  He looked in the mirror, shaking his head.  "They look like really big zits."

"Babies are sometimes born like that," Throttle admitted, staring at him.  "If you grow fur, I'm putting in an emergency call to Micah."

Xander stood up, taking a few deep breaths.  "Did you make a wish?"  Throttle shook his head. "Not even mentally?"

"Not that I know of.  You?"  Xander shook his head.  "Then what's going on?"

"Usually this is how a wish demon operates.  You make a wish, it happens."  He put on his jeans and boots, heading out to the office.  He paused and backtracked, looking at the markings on the trees between the two.  Then he walked into the office, finding the woman in there with eyes-wide.  "I noticed the markings on the trees.  What is going on?  Am I changing permanently or fully?"

"I don't know," she admitted.  "I noticed that someone had done that a few years ago but no one else was ever affected."  She looked him over, noticing the tail.  "It's very cute."

"It may be, but I'm worried about repercussions.   Things like a normal job and things."  His tail waived. "What made the marks?"

"I don't know."

"That's fine.  Do you have a digital camera or a scanner?"  She nodded, finding the camera and handing it over.  "Thanks.  I need to call someone and figure this out."  He went to take pictures of the trees, then went back to the room, slamming the door.  "Take a picture of them.  I'm scanning them and sending them to Micah.  Maybe he'll have a clue."

"Sure."  He watched as Xander lowered his pants so he could take a picture of the tail, then parted the hair and took a picture of the baby antenna.  They were going to erupt soon.  He handed the camera back and watched as Xander walked out, heading back to the office.  "Are you okay with this?"

"I'm fine with this, I want to know if it's permanent or if I need to make the most of it for a day."  He walked into the office and the nice older lady led him back to the office, letting him plug in the camera, download the pictures into an email, and watched him send it off.  "I'm fine with this," he assured her, giving her a small smile.  "It's not your fault but I want answers."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "Sorry about the bed and the lamp."

"That's fine, dear.  Just take care of that thing.  It looks a bit chapped."

"Oh, I'm sure Throttle can help me lotion it down," he said with a grin, heading out to do that.  "Is it chapped?" he asked as he walked in.

"Possibly.  That's easy enough to cure.  I'm more worried about the headache when the antenna rupture."  He pulled him into his arms, kissing him.  "I wouldn't mind a few days or for good," he promised.

"That's good, but it might make Merle howl in laughter."

"Probably," he agreed.  "He thinks you'd make a good little brother to Vinnie too."  He stole another kiss.  "Though, I like your human features better."

"Maybe Momma made a wish?"

"Maybe," he admitted, considering it.  He grabbed his helmet, turning on his radio.  "Modo?  Stoker?  Anyone read me?"  He heard a very staticky response.  "Bros, we've got a problem.  Have Micah read his mail and call Xander ASAP."  He took it off and put it down carefully, looking at the boy.  "I don't see fur."

"Me either," he admitted, looking at his arms.  He shrugged and looked up at Throttle again.  "Teach me how to take care of these things?"

"Sure. We'll have to run out for some lotion and dinner."  He looked around.  "Where's your phone?" Xander groaned.  "You left it at home?"

"Yeah.  I didn't want to be bothered by an emergency," he said dryly.  The room phone rang and Xander dove for it.  "Hi?"  He grinned.  "Thanks, Lorne.  No, check Micah's email.  Why?"  He pulled up his tail to look at it.  "Because I suddenly have a Martian tail and antennas coming in.  No, I took pictures of the magic stuff on the trees here and of the tail.  It's real.  I know, it's weird, but it's not my fault this time.  No, my phone's at home."  He heard a yell in the background.  "Who was that?  Oh, them."  He snickered.  "Tell him to suck your dick and watch him have paroxysm fits."  He saw the amused look on his lover's face and blew a kiss.  "No, Throttle.  Yeah, that's why we're not home.  You might wanna do that, yeah," he said dryly.  "Well, for one thing, we need to know if I only have a little bit of time to play with my new tail and antennas or a lot of time to play with my new tail and antennas.  Yes, it does matter.  Because they're very sexual creations and I need to know if I have to make the most of it or if I can slow down and enjoy the hell out of it a bit at a time," he said dryly.

"Hi," he said at the other voice on the phone.  "Xander Harris. We're currently having a wish demon or similar occurrence here in Pennsylvania.   Put Lorne or Micah back on, you bloated excuse for a wannabe cop."  The man spluttered.  "Now, buttmuncher.  Yes, me.  Gee, I helped destroy Sunnydale and I do have Omega level clearance.  Check on it, please."  He smirked as Lorne took the phone back. "Can't you nerve pinch him or something?  Um, no, actually that was Willow.  But thanks anyway," he said smugly.  "Sure.  Here.  We may be out to dinner.  No, my phone's back in Chicago.  Well, I'd like to know what was going on before then.  Sure!  No, dinner. Lotion.  Lube.  Thanks!"  He hung up and looked at his boyfriend.  "Micah's on a plane at the moment.  Lorne's downloading his pictures and looking them over, running them through the database Willow made for them.  So we'll know soon, hopefully.  He said he'd try back later though."  He stood up and stretched.  "Dinner?"

"Sounds good," Throttle admitted.  "You're much calmer than I am if I suddenly woke up a human."

"Why?  I think you guys are pretty neat and at least I won't be cold this winter."  He stole a kiss before bending over to put on his shirt, tucking it in.  "Can we get dinner?"

"Sure," he agreed, walking him outside and to the bike.  The bike beeped frantically so he stroked it.  "We're okay.  I know he's got a tail now."  The bike rolled over and leaned against Xander, who stroked it.

"We're good, girl.  It's all right.  We were playing.  He wouldn't ever hurt me, even if I asked him to."  She straightened up and let them on, letting them take her down to the local restaurant for dinner.  They got it to go when they saw how crowded the place was, taking it back to their room to feed each other on the bed.

***

Micah landed and walked out of the airplane's gate, and his phone rang.  "Damn, someone's got bad timing," he complained, pulling it out to listen.  "What?"  He got out of the way.  "Why do I want to go to Pennsylvania?"  He listened to the report, and the other reason. "Just smack him around and lock him in a closet.  IAD and their covert counterparts in IFU are boring little creeps.  What?"  He smirked.  "Okay, run that by me again?"  He listened to the repeat of the problem.  "Send the pictures to my phone.  Did we find them in the database?"  He looked down as his phone beeped, flipping through the pictures.  Yup, Xander had a tail.  He shook his head.  "Whatever."  He hung up and went to get his jeep from the parking garage, heading back to the office.  He wasn't going to interrupt their weekend alone with more than a phone call.  But he did think to leave a message for Dawn at the garage.

***

Vinnie came out of the office waving the paper.  "We've got to talk, Dawn," he yelled.  She yelped and came down the stairs, rubbing her backside.  "Did you do magic?"

"Only the shields on the school.  Why?"  She took the message, looking it over, then burst out in giggles.  "Oh, damn."  She howled with laughter, heading to tell Charley and Modo's momma since they were in the kitchen together.  "Xander, tail," she gasped, handing it over.

Charley took the message, then chuckled, shaking her head.  "Well, they found a way to give Vinnie a little brother."

"Not funny, he'd still be a brunette mouse," Vinnie said from the doorway. "Don't we think this is serious?"

"No," Dawn admitted, smirking at him.  "Either someone said the magical words 'I wish' or there's a big, friendly demon somewhere around."  She patted herself down, then went to get her school bag, finding her phone.  She called the office.  "Hey, Lorne, it's me.  Do we know if it was a wish demon or not?"  She snickered.  "No, I can't imagine Xander panicking about this one. He likes these guys too much.  Besides, it'll mean bigger muscles. Sure.  Ummmm."  She looked around then headed next door.  "Let me raid the library.  Can you email them to me?  No, you send them as an attachment or else the computer eats the images.  Sure.  That's me."  She hung up and went into the library to pull down the texts she'd need.  And if not, she'd email two of the pictures to Giles, who would be more than happy to tell them why Xander was turning into a Martian.  She found Carbine in front of the computer.  "Gotta kick you off, babe.  There's some massive mojo around where Xander and Throttle are at the moment.  We're trying to see why."  Carbine gave her an odd look. "Xander's sprouting a tail."

Carbine got out of her way, looking at the pictures she downloaded.  "Those are Martian."

"Correction, those are Druid," Dawn said, saving two of them down and sending them to Giles.  That was one of his things.  She got back a message instantly yelling at her to know what she was playing with.  So she called.  "Hey, me.  Put on fussy guy.  Yes, now, Kalara."  The phone was handed over. "They were on trees were Xander was staying and he's got funny things happening to him.  Are they the reason he's about to turn furry?"  She listened to him rant, but picked out the important parts.  "Okay, permanent or temporary?  He wanted to know if he should buy a new brush."  She snickered, shaking her head.  "Any idea who?  That's fine."  She looked back at Carbine.  "Is there any theories regarding Druids in outer space?  Yes, I'm serious.  Because I saw a picture of some druid looking stuff in something that someone knew wasn't from here.  No, wrong chemical composition or something.  Minerals we don't have and the like. Yeah, some of that stuff.  No, but Xander has an interest in that stuff.  Sure!"  She nodded, taking down the names of the books.  "Can we mooch them?  Thanks, Giles.  Gotta run.  I'll come in for Thanksgiving."  She hung up and handed back the list.  "See if any of those are in our library.  The others are coming by Fed Ex tomorrow."  She typed what she had been told to Lorne, who responded with a very nice 'thank you, Dawn, and do your homework' message.

***

Micah walked into his office, taking the paper that was held up by Lorne.  "Did she find it?"

"Yes, and she found a link between Druids and Martians."

"Doesn't really surprise me," he agreed drying, going up the stairs to look at the pictures himself.  He did giggle.  Xander with a tail was a cute thing.  Still, this didn't explain it well enough.  He called Xander.  "They're Druid markings, Dawn said something about them resembling some Martian stuff, and that it's possible.  She's working on the research right now.  So enjoy it for the weekend at least."  Xander let out a whoop and hung up, apparently pouncing Throttle again.  He leaned back, calling Dawn.  "Any ideas?"

"Modo's momma admitted that she *hoped* Xander and Throttle understood each other enough.  She didn't say the magical words from what she said, and she did it alone."

"Then what are the options?"

"The tree.  The cats.  Or Willow.   As far as we know, Anya only had one friend among the wish demons and she's dead.  I'm putting that into the 'probably not' category."

"Sure. You think he'll turn fully?"

"Maybe.  Not real sure," she admitted.  "Oh, Giles is sending us books that may explain why Carbine thought those marks were Martian."

"Fine.  I want a report.  A real report, like a research paper."  She moaned.  "Tough.  Think of it as training.   I want footnotes to sources and detailed implications of how and why if you can.  If not, I want best guess and to have it marked as best guess."

"Yes, Micah," she complained.  "I've got a physics test next week."

"And?  It could help.  Magic has to do with physics.  Have Carbine help since she recognized them."  He hung up and smirked at Lorne, who was standing at the top of the stairs.  "It's good for her."

"It is, and it keeps me or Max from having a headache.  Meg called.  She said she could do it but only if you let her stay in Chicago.  Her mother won't let her leave, she's guilt- tripping her."  Micah nodded at that.  "Since when has Xander Harris had Omega level clearance?"

"Since Willow Rosenburg hacked the Initiative and gave it to him.  He's got Omega Seven level if I remember right.  Just a step below mine."

"Then why don't you hire him?"

"Because the boy likes to destroy things," Micah said dryly.  "He'd make a great wild card field agent, but a lousy home base one.  Though he is always a protector.  So I'm considering him an outsourced agent.  Along with the Martians."

"Oh.  Sure," Lorne agreed, shaking his head.  "I miss being a spy."

"You know, we need to know what the other Plutarkians are doing.  You could go spy on them," Micah suggested with a smirk.

"Asshole," he muttered, walking off.  "I don't want to stink that much."

"Me either.  If you don't, run someone into the field and take care of them."

"Fine. Where?"

"New Orleans has one.  Detroit has one.  There's a few others too.  Find 'em and give me a list."

"Asshole."

"At least I don't have a tail."

"Yet.  I'm sure I can find someone to make you a mouse."

"When you do, let me know.  I want to make a few wishes myself."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll know, Micah."  Lorne slammed a door after himself.

***

Throttle woke up to a tail slowly teasing his antennas, and tweaked it, earning a squeak. "Good control, Xander, but not yet."

"But you wouldn't let me play with them and you refused to untie me."  He gave him his most pitiful look. "Please?  So I can play?"

"I'll let you play later," Throttle promised, giving him a kiss.  He heard his helmet shriek at him and groaned. "Can't they leave me alone?"

"That's why I woke you," he said smugly.  "See what you get for leaving me tied up?"

"I'll let you play later," he promised, going to pick it up.  "What?"

"Did you know your radio was left on all night?  There was a lot of noise that was very...disturbing to Stoker," Modo said gently.  "He drank himself to sleep last night."

"Wonderful.  Do I care if he didn't like me having sex?"  Xander snickered and Throttle looked back at him, shrugging.  "He said Stoker heard and had to get drunk."

"It was in awe of my magnificent technique," Xander said dryly.

"Is he a white mouse, bro?" Modo teased.

"Not yet.  So far we've got baby antenna and a very strong tail."  He swatted the one around his and untangled them before he could moan over the link.  "Any ideas if it's permanent?"

"Not yet. They're debating the 'wish demon' versus 'magic' thing right now.  Carbine found evidence that Druids from here were doing the same stuff as some of our priests way back when."

He removed the tail trying to wiggle into his body, shooting Xander another look.  "Wonderful.  Let me know if there is.  Preferably on the way back."  He put down his helmet at the laughter, going to pounce the boy for teasing him.  "You're going to get it for that."

"Why? It feels really good," Xander teased, doing it again.  Throttle moaned and reciprocated, making Xander yip but relax and accept it.  "Oh, no wonder you guys have tails!" he moaned, getting into it.

"You're a kinky guy, Xander," Throttle said with a smirk.  "I think I enjoy that about you."

"You'd better.  I don't think I could play straight any more."  He stole a kiss.  "Do more!  I want to see if anything changes with this orgasm!"

Throttle snickered but followed orders.  It would be interesting to see. "Maybe you'll start to like hotdogs."

"Fat chance, baby.  I love you, but not enough to eat parts."  He stole another kiss and wiggled his hips, moving his tail deeper.  Throttle let out the howl this time, but let him go for it.  It was kinda fun.

***

Charley looked up when she heard Throttle's bike, smirking at him and his smirk.  "How was the weekend?"  She stared at the chocolate colored furry creature behind him.  It had human ears and a human face, but it was definitely all mouse besides that.  "Xander?" she asked in awe.  He nodded, giving her a one-armed hug. "How?"

"We don't know.  Each time he gets off he changes a bit more," Throttle said smugly. "Unfortunately we ran out of energy before he finished changing."  He winked and walked his boy off, taking him back to the house.

"He's not white, I'm shocked," Modo said, giving them both pats on the back.  "Have fun?"

"Lots."

"We broke three bed frames, and the box spring.  A lamp.  A leather swing, and went for a midnight run though the woods," Xander said fondly, grinning at him.  "How about you?"

Modo looked at Xander, shaking his head.  "More than I needed to know," he admitted, walking off.  "Merle wanted you to call, Xander.  They finally got the permits."

"Sure."  Xander headed for the phone, dialing his boss.  "Hey, Merle, is it going to affect my employment status since I've now got fur and a tail?"  Merle spluttered.  "What?  It wasn't my fault.  Not that I mind it," he said smugly.  "We're not sure yet.  No, no ears yet.  Everything but ears and my nose.  Sure!  No, I'm home now.  Let me know.  Laters."  He hung up and went to pounce the humming mouse he could hear.  He even stopped when he realized it was Carbine.  "Hey, we're back."

She stared at him, her book falling from her hands.  "What the cheese?" she said in awe.  She kicked Stoker awake, and he fell out of his chair when he saw Xander. "How?" she asked.

"That's what we'd like to know," Throttle called.  "Vinine's back, Xander."

Xander let out a wicked chuckle and went to pounce him, dragging him off his bike to grin down at him.  "Hi, bro."

"Shit!" he yelped, getting away.  "What happened to you?"

"Tail, antenna, sounding familiar?" Throttle asked dryly.  "He grew fur last night."

"Then take him back there so he can grow the rest!  He's funny looking!" Vinnie whined.

"Actually, it was an Anya-theory of change," Xander said smugly.  "Orgasms did it."  He stood up and turned around.  "See?"

"Bro, you gotta change him the rest of the way," Vinnie said.  "He's cute but he's got to have the ears."

"We're going to see if they grow tonight," he said smugly.

Charley came over and touched Xander's fur, then gave it a gentle yank.  "It's real."  She turned him around and yanked on his tail.  "So's that."  She looked into his eyes. "Your eyes are still human too."

"I noticed that," Throttle admitted.  "I also don't remember any mice quite his shade.  We normally don't get that dark.  Darker grays but not us browns."

"It's not fair that he's not white.  Everyone says he's like my little brother and my momma never fooled around."

"Now I want an aspirin," Stoker said from the doorway.  "You okay, mini-punk?"  Xander beamed and nodded.  "You know this means you'll have to ride a bike, right?"

"He still can't, Stoker.  His ears upset him.  He'll get a sports car and do the same dangerous stuff."  He heard another bike and looked at Charley.  "You let her take your bike?"

"She rode it Friday too, that's how she jumped into the fight with the Torians."

"Did we win?" Throttle asked Vinnie.

"Yeah, and Meg did a very good impersonation of Xander too," he said smugly.  He stroked his fur.  "Well conditioned.  As soft as a baby mouse."  He pulled his hand back, dropping the few hairs. "He's shedding."

"Then we should probably go enjoy the fur while it lasts," Throttle suggested.  "Wake us up for dinner."  He drug Xander off, going to tease him.  He didn't mind him hairless but fur was fun to mess up.  You could do all sorts of stuff with fur that you couldn't on skin, like make tracks.

"Hey, no fair brushing me the wrong way," Xander complained as he was drug off, swatting the tail drawing on his back. "Meany.  Just for that I won't brush you later."

"Boys!" Momma yelled.

"We're going somewhere we won't bother straight people," Xander called back.

Carbine moaned and went back to her research.  That was too odd for her.  All of this really was.  She paused at the pure, deep, visceral moan that one of them let out and shivered.  "I need a man," she muttered.

"That's it, I'm making that spell permanent," Dawn yelled as she walked in.

"Thank you!" Xander called back.   "We love you!"

Dawn stomped up the ramp.  "So, is he a mouse?"

"Nearly," Charley admitted. "No ears and a flat nose still."

"Hmm.  I wonder what we could do to help that," she muttered, heading into the library.  She grinned at Stoker.  "Would it be ethically wrong to finish his transformation?"

"Probably, since he can't bike."

"Some of us don't bike and some of us do ride on the back of other's," Carbine pointed out.  "Even though it is usually women.  Not that I think Xander is one."

"No, he goes both ways," Dawn assured her.  "Plus, you know, he and Anya used to have that bondage thing going at times too."

"Is that where those handcuffs came from?" Stoker asked.  Dawn nodded, smiling at him.  "Why did we inherit them?"

"Xander said it should go to a couple who loved each other just as much as he and Anya did and they should use them in love and happiness, like they did.  He said it's only proper."  She pulled down the book she thought she needed, sitting down to flip through it.  "Does your have the transformation spell, Carbine?  I can't find it in here."

A book was shoved down to her.  "Don't do it without both their permission," Carbine ordered.

"Of course not, Xander might get upset and pout," she said dryly.  "We really need to get his ears checked out.  That should be this week."  She made a note to ask him about that and then found the spell she wanted, writing it down.  She'd have to run it by the Tara cat.

***

Xander came out for dinner that night yawning.  "Morning," he said with a sappy grin for Vinnie since he was staring.

"You've got baby mouse fur," he said in awe.  "White fur."   It was barely there, but you could see the miniscule hairs on his bare arms and chest.  You could still see the pigment of the skin underneath it.

"With tan spots," he admitted, turning to show the few spots on his back.  "I've got another on my thigh too."

"Wow," he said in awe.  "When is your appointment?"

"Um, Thursday I think."  He shrugged. "I'll check tomorrow."  He walked into the lounge area, holding out his arms.  "Well?"

"You've got a baby mouse nose," Stoker said, staring at him.  "It's just barely raised."

"His ears aren't much higher either," Dawn noted.  "You look like an albino with a tail."

"Cool."  He sat down, smirking at Modo.  "Well?"

"At least you look like Vinnie.  Are you continuing to change?"

"For some reason I don't think so," Xander offered.  "It felt like something settled into me during our last time.  That's also when I shed all over the bed.  Throttle's putting the sheet outside at the moment."  He looked at the table.  "So I feel like I'm starting over."

"You may be," Dawn said patiently.  "Too bad I didn't have to do that transformation spell to make you go fully one way or the other."

"Yeah," Xander sighed, looking at her.  "No magic.  Not without permission and Tara watching over you."

"I was going to have her do that," she promised.  "I'm not Willow."

"True, which is why I'm only going to set that rule," he said, staring her down.

"Hold on," Dawn said, standing up and coming around, tipping his chin up so she could look into his eye.  "Xander, pop out your glass eye."

"Eww," Carbine said, getting up and walking away.  "Not at the table."

"Fine," Dawn agreed, leading him into the bathroom, where his eye wash and things were.  "Pop it out.  If I'm right, then you won't be needing it.  Maybe a contact, but not anything else."

He popped it out, looking in the mirror at the hole. "I don't see anything."

"I do.  It used to not have that lump in the back.  Throttle!"  He came jogging in.  "His eye's regenerating.  Go for it again, dude.  Please.  We all hated that he lost it."  She left them alone, closing the door.  "I think his eye's regenerating.  They're seeing if the power of Anya solution works."

"Huh?" Stoker asked.

"Anya used to be all for her orgasms," she said smugly.  "It was her favorite thing next to money.  She talked about sex *constantly* and jumped Xander a number of times in the storeroom at the old store."  Stoker let out a whimper.  "We're sure your daughter will be just as wild," she said smugly.  "We love you more than enough to give you the child version of her.  Find her a good man or woman, or men and women, quickly and she'll settle down when it's time."

"Men and women?" Vinnie taunted.  "Hyper was she?"

"Xander had to give her seven or eight some nights before she'd quit begging for more," Dawn assured him.  "Not all men have that sort of stamina."

"I'm impressed," Charley said dryly.  "I can't get past two."

"I can't get past two!" Vinnie said in awe.  "How?"

"Practice," Dawn said smugly, smirking at the couple.  "You'll slowly build up stamina."  She heard Xander yelp, then moan, then something crashing.  "If that was the sink, you're in trouble.  The other one isn't in yet."

"I'll fix it later," Xander called. He came out and sure enough, one eye was now pink.  "It worked."

"It did," Stoker said, looking him over.  "You'll want to go one way or the other."

"Yeah, I figured a brown contact would be best for when I went to work," Xander admitted sheepishly.  "I'll fix the sink later."  He sat down and winced, then shifted some.  "Ow."

Throttle came out, wiping his hands off on a hand towel.  "So, home depot tonight?"

"Yeah, we probably should," Xander agreed.  "Maybe I'll have Merle meet me there."  He shrugged, smirking at his lover.  "Anything else change?"

"Your features are a bit more mouse-like," he admitted, studying his nose.  "It's like you're slowly aging a few weeks at a time into a full-blown mouse."

"So if you two had nothing but sex for the next month, he'd be near his current age?" Vinnie asked.

"Possibly," Throttle admitted.

"It's only the mind-blowing sex that creates the changes.  We had that quickie earlier and it didn't prompt any," he reminded him.  Throttle blushed but nodded.

"Ooh, smutty stuff.  Details?" Dawn asked.

"Not at the table," Modo protested.  "I don't wanna know."

Xander grinned at Charley, then casually flicked her hair with his tail.  She swatted him, but she was shaking her head and smiling.  So he guessed it was all right again.

Episode 13:

Notes: Blessed be Babelfish (http://babelfish.altavista.com/tr) for the Spanish further down.  Translations after it in ( ).

NC-17.  M/M, M/F.

Xander looked up at his doctor, watching him look in his ear.  They hadn't really raised much, but not for lack of trying.  They had figured out he was aging about a week and a half each time they had sex.  He wouldn't worry about it until he got to be forty in mouse years.  He had plenty of time until then.  "Any idea why I'm still off balance?"

"No, I can't tell," he admitted, sitting back down.  He looked in his eyes.  "Is one of those a contact?"  Xander nodded, reaching up to pop it out.  He stared at the pink eye.  "Is that normal?"

"Kinda," he admitted.  "It's not diseased."

"If you say so."  He picked up his light scope again, taking off the nozzle this time.  He shined it in the eye, earning a flinch.  "Hold still.  I know it's bright. Why is this such a problem, Mr. Harris?"

"My boyfriend's a biker."

"Oh. That's interesting."  He noticed the fur on the arm he accidentally touched and put down his scope.  "What is going on?"

"I don't know," he admitted.  "I woke up like this this weekend."  He pulled out his old license.  "That's how I looked before then.  Granted, the dizziness is a bit better since my eye's regrown and since I got a tail, but I'm still off balance."

The doctor handed back the license, looking at him.  "You're serious?"  Xander nodded.  "Have you sought professional help?"

"You are professional help.  Being slowly turned furry doesn't bother me.  My boyfriend's furry too."

"Oh," he said flatly.  "Well, I can't find any reason for you to be off balance.  Perhaps your...changing will take care of that too?" he asked, moving back.  "I can refer you for some tests if you want."

"No, I'll see someone who doesn't freak out," Xander assured him dryly.  "Maybe I should go."  The doctor nodded so he left, paying on the way out.  He popped back in the contact and headed for the worksite.  He walked in and found Micah at his desk.  "Damn, you get around more than I did in my clubbing days," he joked.

Micah looked up at him, then shook his head.  "Not even.  I don't have time for it."  He stood up, looking in Xander's eyes.  "It did grow back?"

"Yeah, but I'm still off balance."  He looked around.  "Merle?"

"That little kid took one look at me and ran off screaming for her daddy and mommy," he admitted.  "Apparently she thought I was Immigration."

"Only extraterrestrial immigration," Xander joked.  He leaned on the front of Merle's desk.  "So, why the visit?"

"I'm checking on you, kid.  This isn't good for you."

"I don't mind being furry."

"Yeah, but this changing has got to suck."  He moved closer, patting his furry arm. "Any change there?"

"Yeah, I've gotten a bit more furry.  We figured it out using developmental charts.  I'm aging about a week and a half each time we have mind blowing sex.  I'm not going to worry about it until I'm about forty as a mouse."

"Try to stop at twenty, that way you're nice and young for a long time.  Let's go."

"Where?"

"To see someone about your balance problems.  I want to know if this is because you're technically a baby mouse or not."  He drug Xander out to his car, handing over a piece of paper.  "Someone I know is selling their custom job."  Xander hugged him.  "Thanks, kid.  Buckle up.  I've already cleared it with Merle.  Oh, Giles is pissed that you're not using the money to train yourself to do other stuff."

"I like doing construction.  It makes me happy."

"I can agree with that.  Do what makes you happy.  It'll ease the ache of miserableness later in old age."  He started his car and pulled out, heading for a doctor he had hired.  "I'm hiring Meg and Oz to be the local contacts for you guys."

"Cool.  Oz could use the training and he's very calm in an emergency."

"I noticed that.  That and how well Meg does you when you're not around."

"I heard," he said proudly.  "Does this guy do aliens?"

"Yeah, he does," Micah admitted.  "Usually illegal ones, but that's okay."  He pulled into a warehouse about an hour later, getting out and nodding Xander to follow him.  Xander walked into the lab setup, looking confused.  "I know, it's a pain, but he's promised to behave," Micah said.  "In return for his life in prison instead of a horrible death."

"You know Karbunkle tortured the bros, right?" he asked blandly.

"Yeah, and it's not him."  He coughed and someone came out of the back, a large tan mouse. "He was banished for doing risky and iffy stuff too.  Enamel, this is Xander.  He's Throttle's.  This just started happening a few days ago."

"That's fine.  I got nothin' against his man.  Sit, Mr. Harris."  Xander sat and he looked him over.  "What happened?"

"Well, a little over a year ago I lost my eye.  Then last weekend we went out of town and I started to change.  I though the dizziness I was plagued with was from my eye, but I'm thinking I'm wrong since it's still going on.  We've figured out I'm about the same as a six month old mouse."

"I see."  He picked up something, tapping it against the boy's head, listening to the vibrations.  "Hmm.  Many skull fractures?"

"One good concussion but into many walls in my life."  He watched as the doctor moved around him.  "Should I take out my contact?"

"If you could.  Can you see out of that eye?"

"It's really blurry.  But it's not making me unhappy either."

"I understand."  He picked up something else, considering it, then looked at Micah.  "I don't know what's going on here."

"Put it down," Vinnie shouted as he walked in.  "If you're doing it this way, you're doing it for real.  No weapons.  Or else I get to play."  Enamel took a step back and he glared at him, then at Micah.  "You know he's a bad guy, right?"

"It's the best we could do," he admitted.  "It was this and life in prison or death."

"I'm not hurting him, Vinnie. I promise," Enamel said calmly.  "I was going to steal him, not hurt him."

"Yeah, because Throttle would love that!"  He walked over and tapped Xander gently on the face, waking him.  "Hi."  He looked so confused so Vinnie grinned.  "He's a bad guy.  He was trying to knock you out."  He looked at the doctor again.  "Do it the right way.  Or else.  His man's behind me somewhere."

"Sorry."  He picked up the tuning fork again and tapped it against the table, laying it against the boy's head, making him shriek and move away.  He looked into his eyes, then nodded.  "He'll need a brain scan.  It's changing too.  We've got bigger lobes."

"You do?"

"Most of us," Enamel admitted.  "Some of us have about the same as humans do."  He looked at the boy again.  "He'll be fine as he grows, but I'd expect some migraines soon and the balance to come and grow as his mouse side ages."  He heard a quiet cough and got away from him.  "I made a deal to save my life. I wasn't going to hurt him."

"Yay," Modo said as he joined Throttle.  "Stealing him would have brought retribution."

"Not to mention capping Micah.  He does stuff so we don't have to," Throttle noted coldly.  "And?"

"He'll be fine.  He's changing more fully into a mouse.  A bit more brain capacity.  The normal baby balance problems.  Like the one around you guys.  In a few weeks he should regain his balance.  Work on it with him then.  Vinnie's got good balance, do what they did."

"I took lessons in leaping dances," Vinnie said dryly.

"He could do those.  He's very strong.  The human he was must have been in excellent health."

"Will it stop or will he suddenly start getting older too?" Throttle asked.

"It'll take us years to make me get to the point of a twenty-year-old.  I'm not worried about that, Throttle," Xander said gently.  "I don't want to get you hurt because I'm off balance while we're riding."  He looked at the doctor.  "I used to have tubes in my ears from infections and fluid build up.  Will I need them again?"

"We don't get those sort of problems.  Fluid doesn't build up in our ears," Enamel said patiently.  "Whatever you do to work out, continue that.  Do things to increase your breath control, your flexibility, and your balance.  You'll need balance work most of all.  When you're ready, they can put you on a bike of your own.  I'd suggest waiting until he was approximately seven or eight," he told Throttle.  "Again, that's years in the future, no matter how he's aging."  He stepped closer to Micah again.  "He'll have a headache in a few days.  We all went through it.  It should come with a fever and a sensitivity to light.  If it doesn't then it's all right, but that's about when we have that lobe expansion."  Throttle nodded at that.  "Then his vision in that eye should clear up within a few more months of aging.  Don't wear that contact too often, Mr. Harris.  It could prevent the moisture and oxygen from getting to it."  Xander nodded.  "Also, expect to put away food. You're looking too tired and I'm assuming it's from all the muscles you've been putting on not being replaced by calories needed."  Throttle moaned, hitting himself on the head.  "Feed your boy and feed him often, Throttle.  Try for some balance, but don't get pushy.  He seems like the stubborn sort."  He glanced at Micah.  "I don't mind taking care of them if necessary."

"We do," Vinnie told him.

"Vinnie," Throttle soothed.  "He's the closest we'll get to a real doc and not a field medic."  Vinnie shuddered. "Yearly and serious injuries?"

"Fine, if I'm dying," Vinnie said bitterly, glaring at the doctor.  "Do not come near our family."

"I'd never dream of it," he promised, taking another step back.  "He'll need some vitamins, children's vitamins should be fine.  You might send a few cases home with that baby you're around too.  She looked really tired recently."

"She'd been played with until she needed a nap," Modo told him.  Enamel nodded, accepting that.

"Any other instructions?"

"He's incredibly receptive to learning at this moment.  If he wants to pick up a new skill, now's the time."  He bowed to them, then looked at Micah.  "Can I go back to my cell now?"

"Sure."  He nodded at someone in the shadows to grab him and walk him off.  "I had no idea he was that bad, just that he had been banished for doing ethically iffy things."

"Yeah, like brain transplants," Vinnie said dryly.  "Like genetic tampering."  He looked at Xander, then at Throttle, raising an eyebrow.  "You think?"

"I can't prove," he admitted.  "It sounds like something he would have done."  He considered it then nodded.  "Fine.  For emergencies and life threatening illnesses and he can teach Charley girl and Dawn how to do it instead."  Vinnie snorted but nodded his assent.  "Modo?"  He shrugged and nodded.  "Xander?"  Xander blinked up at him.  "You okay?"

"I feel funny."

"It's probably colic," Micah joked.  "He couldn't hurt him with that tuning fork, right?"  Throttle shook his head, coming over to look over Xander.  "Any pin pricks?"

"One small one," he said, looking at the hole.  He squeezed it and a fluid came out.  He grabbed some gauze to put it on, squeezing more out.

"Ow!"

"Hush, he got you with something."  He got down to where it was blood and handed it to Micah.  "Here."

"Thanks."  He put it into a small baggie from his pocket.  "Take him home."

"I'm fine," Xander told him.  "Just hungry and tired."  He stood up.  "If I can eat, I'll be fine."

"Sure, Xander.  What did you want for lunch?" Throttle asked.  "Thanks, Micah."

"Not a problem.  I feel the same way about you guys," he assured him, smirking at Vinnie. "I was trying to help."

"I know, that's why you're not a greasy spot," he said with a mean grin.  "Remember that.  Xander's been adopted into my clan.  Everyone said so."  He walked off, going to follow the others to lunch.  He could eat.

Micah looked back at the doorway.  "He'd better be right or else Throttle will let Vinnie pound him into puppy food."  He walked back there.  "That thing on his neck, was that a drug?"

"No, he had a pimple from an ingrown hair.  He had a few of them.  They're normal.  We pop them just like you guys do."  The door slammed inward and he jumped up to defend himself, backing away from Throttle.  "I didn't do it to him!  I swear I didn't!  It seems like my work but it's not!"

"His tail's shedding."

Enamel paused his backing away.  "You don't deal with too many babies, do you?  You've got to lotion that spot, just like their butts when you change them. Babies peel.  The same as he might change color some too.   The same as I heard you did."  Throttle growled at that.  "Hey, that wasn't me either.  I did take care of Vinnie when he was younger, but I never saw you!"

Throttle grabbed him, pulling him closer.  "I want to know every little thing I can do to help him," he said in a menacing hiss. "I want to know it all and I want to know it now."  He gave him a shake.  "Or else your deal won't mean a thing, Enamel."

"Fine," he yelped, getting away.  He quickly wrote out the basics and handed them over.  "It's a lot like taking care of a human baby.  I'm supposing you don't have to diaper him but watch out for wetness.  Newly furred beings can get infections. He's also got ingrown hairs.  You need to help him groom himself better.  Especially his back.  The spots aren't normal for us but it could indicate a color change. I swear, I didn't have anything to do with this."

"What happens if he continues to age and gets past his actual one?"

Enamel shrugged.  "I don't know.  Can that happen?  Maybe.  Will it?  Only if you two keep going at it like mice in heat. If so, he'd probably age normally for a mouse.  If he grows our extra stomach gland, he'll probably change over fully.  You might be able to find a way to stop the rapid aging, but I'm not sure how."

"What caused it?" Micah asked.  "Since you swear you didn't."

He shrugged.  "I've never seen it in any of the girls I've taken to bed. I do know that our secretions can affect them slightly.  I had one I was out of hormonal synch with and she started to get headaches.  Are you making him suck you?"

"More like let," Throttle said smugly.  "He enjoys the hell outta it."

"Then I'd get him to give it up when he's aged to about his approximate age."

"That could take years," Micah said dryly.  "Any other questions?"

"Seven years before he can bike?"

"Hey, go for it more often, that won't be that long," Enamel offered, smirking a bit.  Throttle socked him, knocking him down.  "Sorry!"  He backed away from him again.  "The average age for one of us to climb onto a bike and be able to control it is seven.  Think about your first bike, how old were you?"

"Four."

"Four?  Man, was your momma desperate for you to go out and play?"  Throttle kicked him this time, making him moan as something broke.  "I'm sorry.  Oh, Cheese, I'm sorry.  Whenever he's got balance, can do complicated tumbling or diving or leaping dances.  Then he's ready."

"Fine.  Thank you."  He tucked the paper into one of his pockets, nodding at Micah.  "We're going to lunch."

"Have fun and try diving.  Xander likes to swim."

"Decent."  He walked off, patting the paper to make sure it was still in his inner pocket.  He climbed onto his bike, looking at Vinnie.  "He was your baby doctor?"  Vinnie groaned and nodded.  "At least he probably had your picture on his wall as a cute kid."

"Half of Mars had my picture on their walls as a cute kid.  I was part of the cute kid calendar," he said smugly.

"Guys, no more bragging.  Feed me before I need to chew on Throttle some more."  Throttle gave him a look.  "I'm hungry.  Plus, Micah told me where to go for a car."

"Sure."  He kicked his bike to life and took off, taking him to his favorite Mexican place.  Since they could afford it and all.  Vinnie went past them, heading to steal Charley for lunch.  Throttle got them into a quiet booth, sitting next to his guy.  "How many times is that?  Seven years at a week and a half each time?"

Modo looked up, then at him.  "Maybe 242 times."

"That's more than we can have in a year," Xander said dryly, smirking at the waitress.  "Por favor, un coque, ningún hielo, y cuatro cervezas de la raíz? (please, one coke, no ice, and four root beers?)"

"Si.  Un momento."  She hurried off, bringing back their sodas and root beer. "Es usted listo ordenar? (Are you ready to order?)"

Xander opened his menu and pointed at something he *really wanted*.  "Numere cinco, ningunas cebollas o guacamole, y la cesta de virutas con esa inmersión de queso. Él tendrá número tres con todo y el otro tendrá número diez, fácil en las especias. Tenemos dos el venir y tendrán threes del número sin guacamole y con las cervezas de la raíz. (Number five, no onions or guacamole, and the basket of chips with that cheese dip.  He'll have number three with everything and the other one will have number ten, easy on the spices.  We have two more coming and they'll have number threes without guacamole and with root beers.)"

"Si.  Gracias."  She hurried off to put in their order, bringing back the chips and cheese dip.  She smiled and walked off.

"Cheese dip?" Throttle asked.

"I may be turning into a mouse but I like cheese.  He caught her eye.  "Salsa?" he asked. "I forgot they hate cheese."  She smiled and nodded, getting it for them the next time she walked past.  "More for me," Xander said happily, digging into the cheese dip.

Vinnie walked in with Charley, smirking at them.  "Hola, ya'all."

"Funny," Xander said dryly.  "I've got the cheese dip," he told Charley.  "I'll let you pour some out.  I got your the usual without guac."

"Thanks, Xander."

"Why cheese?  I hate cheese?" Vinnie complained.

Xander kicked him.  "Because I need calcium for strong bones and I can't drink that much milk.  We can't keep it in the house.  You eat it on pizza, you can eat it here.  Besides, this doesn't taste like any cheese you've ever eaten.  Try a bite."  He dipped in a chip but Vinnie gave him a heated look.  "Please, big brother?" he teased.

"Fine," he complained but he ate it.  "Not *too* bad but it's still cheese," he complained.

"You eat cheese on your food from here," Charley told him as she dipped out some of the dip for her own chips.  "Thank you, Xander."

"Welcome.  Maybe we should drop a whole bushel of habeneros on Plutark," he said dryly.

"Ooh, that's mean," Modo said with a smirk.  "A pepper bomb."

"Any of us left up there would die," Vinnie said.  "Unless they were pregnant."

"Nah, not even Switch could eat a habenero with me," Xander said fondly.  "They're what you make pepper spray out of."  The waitress came over with an envelope, whispering in his ear.  "Thank you," he said with a gentle smile.  She nodded and hurried off.  "I had forgotten my cards had pictures on them.  Micah fixed that."  He kicked at Modo's shin.  "You can eat a bite too.  It's good for you."

"Is this like the hot pepper candy?" he asked suspiciously.

"Vinnie didn't gulp everyone's soda."

"Point."  He dipped a chip into it, just the corner.  Then he nibbled it. "Not too bad."  Xander beamed at him.  "I'm still not eating it in mass quantities."

"Not an issue," he agreed happily.  He looked at Throttle, who had stolen one already and was eating it.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome."  He patted him on the back.  "Merle said you had the day off when I called him."

"He did?"

"Yup, he did."

"Huh. I thought I was going back to work this afternoon."  He shrugged. "I'll call after I'm finished.  I might need a nap."

"Maybe," Throttle agreed, watching as the boy inhaled the chips and dip.  "If you're not going back, we've got to do a bit of shopping for you."  Xander nodded, grinning at him.  "You'll need a special brush for when I'm too tired to climb in with you."  The approaching waitress blushed and put down their food, hurrying off. "Sorry, ma'am," he called after her.  She smiled but was still blushing.

"I think you embarrassed her."  Charley dug into her food, smiling at the usual plate of quesadillas and refried beans.  "Better than I was going to do."

"Micah told me where to look for a new car," Xander told her.  "So if I'm not going back to work, I'll be bringing you more work today."

"I'm booked today but I'll be unbusy this weekend if you can wait," Charley offered.

"That means I've got to get someone up really early because I've got to be at the site at seven."  He dug into his food, eating it all, and about half of Throttle's.  "Sorry, guess I am hungry."

"You need to replace all those calories you guys burn," Charley teased.  "Go ahead and get it.  If I have to, I'll tell you what to do while I'm working on another one."  He beamed and nodded, bouncing a bit.  "Order more, Xander.  The rest of us are still eating.

Xander waved at the waitress.  "Can I have some fried ice cream?"  She nodded, going to get it for him.  He beamed and handed over his new card.  "Take a thirty percent tip too, you're very nice."  She smiled and went to do that.  Having to run it twice, but brought the slip back to him.  He signed it and handed her back her copy with the pen and took his card to put away.  He dug back into his dessert, eating as quickly as he could.

"Slow down.  You won't starve," Throttle said quietly.  "There's sparks between the bowl and the spoon."

Xander sat up and took a long drink of his water. "Brain freeze," he moaned.  Throttle patted him on the back but he did slow down.  "So, are you going with me?"  Throttle nodded.  "Cool."  He grinned at Charley.  "I've got to call Merle to make sure I do have this afternoon off and why since I'm due to start the payroll stuff today."

"You're doubting me already?" Throttle asked tolerantly.

"No, I'm wondering if Micah pressured him into giving me the whole day off," he said dryly.  "All you'd have to do is tell Merle that you'd keep me calm for the day and make sure I didn't come in bouncing the next morning."

Throttle nodded. "Yeah, that's about what I told him."

Xander beamed and kissed him on the cheek.  "Thanks, babe."

"Welcome, Xan.  Finish your dessert."  Xander inhaled the rest of it then dug into the chips and dip again.   "I don't know how you can do that."

"I used to mix orange juice and milk when I was a kid," Xander said between bites. Charley smacked him on the hand, making him wince.  "Ow, meany!"

"Slow down, Xander.  You're not that frantic for food."

"Yes I am."

"Didn't you eat breakfast?"

"That was hours ago.  I was working hard until ten.  Then I went to not be believed by that first doctor and then Micah found another guy and Vinnie came in to threaten him.  But we found out some stuff."

"Yeah, we need to get him some baby lotion," Throttle agreed.  He handed over the list.  "That's what we're supposed to be doing."

She read it over and snickered, handing it back.  "I don't think that part of it can be found at a shop."

Throttle read down the list, then blushed and shook his head.

Xander kissed him and took it, then cackled. "Later, dear.  After I get my new car."  He gave him a kiss on the cheek then looked around before getting under the table and wiggling his way out.  "Bathroom.  Be right back."  He headed that way.

"Didn't he use to be...slower?" Modo asked dryly.

"Baby mice are that active," Vinnie told him.  "My cousins were little whirlwinds, even when I was nearly the same age."

"Mine too," Throttle admitted. He finished off his lunch, not realizing Xander wasn't there until he realized he had eaten it all and told an embarrassing Vinnie story.  He got up, heading into the bathroom.  "Xander?"

"Other things are changing," he said from inside the stall.  He walked out, glancing around, then unzipped his pants again.  "Look at that."

"It's a sheathe.  We have those," he admitted.  "Put it away, we can figure that out later."  He nodded, doing up his pants just in time.  One of the waiters came in and gave them an odd look. "We're roommates.  We're trying to figure out how to torture the white one."  He nodded and did his business, then washed his hands and left.

Xander washed his hands, looking in the mirror at his boyfriend as he peed.  "That's really normal?"

"Yeah, that's really normal."

"Do you guys do circumcisions and things?"

"Huh?"

"I'll show you later," Xander sighed.  He dried his hands off, stealing a kiss.  "Yours isn't like that."

"Mine was trimmed due to a medical accident.  All I remember was a female cousin, two batteries, a bit of wire, and 'let's play doctor' right before she hit me."  Xander gave him a gentle squeeze around the arm.  "It wasn't too bad.  I woke up a few days later," he admitted, walking him out.  Xander suddenly unclung once they stepped through the door.  He'd have to ask him why later. They gathered the others and went out to their bikes, finding a parking ticket on Modo's.  "Needed the sun?" he teased Lil' Hoss.  She beeped and let out a snort, but Modo tucked it into his pocket and they got on to ride off.  "I'll see you guys later," Throttle called after them.  He took Xander to do some minor shopping, then to the place where that guy was selling his car.

***

Xander drove the sports car into the garage and stopped it.

"What is that?" Charley yelled from the kitchen, coming out.  She looked at the body.  "That's not right."

"No, the guy who built it got a Corvette body and raised it some because he didn't want it to sit four inches off the ground either.  Then he put in a heavier motor suitable for street racing.  He started it when he was twenty-one and his wife said either the car went or he did since he's now thirty and they've got two kids," he finished with a grin.  "Six grand.  All hand built."

"I can see that.  You also ping and grind."

"I heard the ping."

"You grind and you need new brakes too," she said grimly, looking at the car.  She could foresee many hours working on that.  "How fast does it go?"

"Nearly two hundred out on that closed section of interstate.  We did about zero to ninety in under quarter of a minute."  She whimpered so he got out to hug her.  "I like it!  And I look dangerous!" he said happily, going to show Throttle and take him for a ride.

Charley popped the hood to look at the motor, whimpering when she saw it.  She hadn't seen anything this strong in years, not since she had temped in for a drag racer's mechanic for a day.  Then again, his had been a long time ago.  She had been dating him.  She shook her head, checking the normal things, like the oil.  That was good at least.  The last owner had loved it.  It had nearly as many coats of wax as Modo's bike.

Vinnie came in and wrapped her in his tail, looking in the motor. "What is that?"

"A stock car engine," she told him, putting down the hood.  She got free of his tail and went to start it, shuddering at the grinding noise.  She could pinpoint it, but the pinging would drive her nuts.  She could already tell that.  She shut it off and opened the hood again.  "Yeah, that's the grinding," she said, looking at the fan.  "The engine needs about another inch."

"Can we push it back?" Xander asked. "He said he tried to bend it every which way but it always hit something."

"Maybe.  How did he put in the firewall?"  She moved to the side to look at it, then nodded.  "I can but it's going to take me days, Xander.  I'll have to pull the engine to do that."

"Can't we replace the fan?" Throttle asked. "It'd be easier."

"He'll need the bigger fan to cool the engine," she told him, moving Vinnie so he could get a better look.  He gave it a comical look. "It's a stock car engine," she told him.

"I know, isn't it great!" Xander said happily. "It's a six speed too!"

"That's where the pinging is," Charley decided, looking at the gear box.  "Vinnie, go turn off the oven."  He nodded, going to do that.  She tapped on the gear box, hearing something rattle.  "Yeah, that's the pinging.  I'll also want to check your combustion chambers.  The cylinders aren't firing in the right order."  He just gave her this goofy grin.  "To fix this will cost about as much as the car."

"How much did you pay for it, Xan?" Throttle asked.

"Six grand."  He got out and looked at the engine.  "I need to learn this."

"I can teach you on this thing," she promised.  She saw his grin and shook her head.  "It's going to take weeks, Xander, and you shouldn't drive it until we fix the fan."

He looked at it.  "Can we replace the blades?"  She shook her head.  "Not at all?"

"They're welded in place."

"How much for a new fan?"

"That'll fit or that'll work?"  He gave her a look.  "Let me check. I have an old boyfriend who drag races.  Maybe his crew would know."  She went to find his number, making the call.  "Hey, Peter, long time no hear.  No, it's Charley Davidson.  No, actually, I just had someone bring in a car with an engine like yours, but he's got a fan issue, it's grinding inside the corvette body.  I was wondering who your supplier was."  She wrote down the names.  "Thanks, man.  Are you going around here soon?"  She smiled and wrote that down as well.  "Thanks.  Yeah, after the races.  Thanks for this."  She hung up and called them.

"Hi, this Is Charley Davidson at the Last Chance Garage in Chicago.  I need a fan for a stock car engine in a corvette's body.  No, a guy who souped it up at twenty-one.  Barely from what I can tell.  I've only temped a few times on a drag racer.  No, the new owner's willing to learn.  The former one's wife said he had to get rid of it or her."  The guy laughed.  "Basically, and now it's owned by a big kid.  No, the fan looks like it's been homemade and it's grinding. He's got a Mack truck fan in a corvette's body.  Sure.  I'd appreciate it.  Thanks."

She hung up and walked out.  "Xander, there's a guy who'll come in and look it over tomorrow since I'm not sure what size fan will fit.  He works with drag racers.  By the way, we're going next month when an old flame is riding."  She went in to check on the pizza, taking it out of the oven.  She turned the oven back on and slid in the other one she had ready.  She sliced that one.  "First servings," she called.  They rushed in to get some.  By the time they were ready for more, the second one would be done and she could put in the third so Xander could eat that by himself.

Everyone gave him amused looks when he finished the third one but shared his pepperoni with Vinnie and Throttle.  Then they went back to looking at Xander's new car.  At least until Throttle pulled Xander back to their room to teach him how to take care of his new fur.

***

Merle walked out when he heard the strong engine, watching as Xander got out of the corvette.  "What's under that thing and hasn't Charley gotten onto you yet about that ping?"

"She's fixing it with me this weekend.  As for under the hood?" he asked, waving him over.  He popped the hood and gave him a happy smirk.  "It was customed by a guy in college.  He had it for nine years.  Now it's my baby."  He saw a few trucks coming up the road.  "Can I park behind the trailer?"

"Sure, but the brick trucks go there.  Park beside the explosives shed.  I doubt you're throwing off sparks."  Xander beamed and shut the hood, going to park his new baby out of danger.  Merle walked back inside, shaking his head.  That boy was so bad sometimes.  "Xander, go check your crew in and then come do that paperwork Throttle said you'd do today."

"Sure, Merle."  He headed to do that, happily bouncing along.  He had remembered his discman today so it was all good to him.  He walked into the house.  "Hello, my busy little bees.  Who's missing?" he called.

"Fred and Thom," his female worker yelled.  "Are you sane?"  She came down the stairs and stopped, staring at him in awe.  "Xander?"  He turned off his discman.  "Why are you furry?"

"We're presently debating that, but I started out with chocolate colored fur," he said proudly.  "Now I'm a white mouse, just like my near-big brother Vinnie.  But I've got spots."  She let out a whimper.  "What?" he whined.  "Throttle and I went away for a weekend alone and this happened."

"Guys, Xander's done an image change," she called.  "Come see."  The rest of his crew came down and stared at him.

"Well, at least you're cute," one guy said finally, shrugging a bit.  "You're still the same goofy person you were so we're fine.  You are, right?"

"A bit more hyper," he admitted.  "Any of you guys got problems?"  One man raised his hands.  "You're not on my crew."

"No, I'm the inspector.  What are you?"

"Human.  I just ended up with fur this weekend."  He shrugged.  "We don't know why.  Maybe something ecological in Pennsylvania."  The guy let out two big blinks.  "Don't worry, I'm crew chief.  I don't do much of the work," he said patiently.

"That's fine then," he decided, handing over his report.  "You've got two problems."

Xander looked at the list, then at Brad.  "Having a problem with nails?"  He shook his head.  "If you didn't do them, go fix them, Brad.  I like you doing studs. You do them very well."  He grinned and went to do that.  Xander looked at the man again.  "Anything else going wrong, sir?"

"No, not really.  Your crew doesn't mind you being like this?"

"Not as far as I know.  Guys?"  They all shrugged and went back to work, but his female worker did stroke his arm and grinned at him before walking off.  "It's all new but we'll work it out," he promised.  "I've got a good and decent crew who liked me before I turned furry."  The inspector nodded, going back to the trailer to check with Merle, then check on those studs since he was still here.  That way he wouldn't have to come back so soon.   He signed off on those two studs, then handed over the completed inspection form before running off.

"Xander?" Merle called as he walked into the house.  "Are you okay?  Most people who get the funny looks are upset."

"Nah, I'm good.  I've seen others go through it," he admitted dryly.  "I'm furry but I'm not that different, just a bit more hyper."  He beamed at him. "Oh, I was told to warn you that I might experience some mild migraines soon but they'd quickly go away in a few weeks, and that my balance would slowly return."

"Good."  He clapped him on the back, then petted him.  "That's really soft."

"I'm basically going through what a baby mouse would," he said smugly.  "So my vision in that eye will clear up and my balance will return and I'll quit eating everything in sight soon, and I'll quit bouncing eventually."

"Why? Vinnie hasn't yet," Merle said dryly.  "The higher boss wanted to talk to you.  He didn't believe me when I told him you were furry."

Xander beamed. "Sure, I'll go pounce him later.  Will he be at the club?"  He nodded.  "Then I'll be there."  He went up the stairs to check on his crew, finding the problem.  "Hey, Merle," he said, carrying the drunken man down the stairs.  "I think you need to have one of your special talks with this one.  Have fun, man."

"How did you lift him?" he asked patiently.

Xander looked at his hands.  "I don't know."  He shrugged.  "Throttle can lift me so I'm guessing that's part of all this fur."  He went back up to help his crew.  He could do that paperwork later.

Merle shook his head, walking the drunk off to have a 'talk' with him in the trailer.

***

Xander purred up outside the club later that night.  His jet black car matched his jet black jeans and t-shirt, and leather jacket.  The guard at the door let out a whimper and Xander winked, turning on his security system, then handing him the keys.  "Don't take it too far, don't go too fast, and remember to turn back on the alarm.  And yes, I know about the ping and the grind, we're fixing them soon."  He headed inside, pausing at the bar long enough to get a bottle of beer and head out onto the floor.  Throttle hadn't wanted to come so he was alone here, but that was fine.  Everyone here knew him by scent if not by sight.  He found his boss dancing and winked at the girl, moving in on him.  She gave up, not able to compete with him.

Xander's boss, who was a vampire, stopped dancing to stare at him.  "Xander?"

He smirked and nodded.  "You're not dancing, you're making the crowd disorganized."

"That's their damn luck."  He drug him off, taking him to his special table.  No one touched his table.  He sat down across from the boy, eventually reaching over to touch his neck. "You're one of them now," he said flatly.  Xander nodded, sipping his beer.  "Should you be doing that?"

"I'm allowed to have one, boss.  Really."  He put it down and rested his arms on the table. "I scared the inspector today."

"You nearly scared me to life!" he said, still looking shocked.  Xander chuckled at that. "Does he like it?  I heard you're dating one of them."

"Yeah, Throttle likes my fur," he said with a grin.  "I'm slowly aging into a big mouse at the moment."  His beer was taken away and finished for him.  "I asked, Throttle said I could have one."

"Not if you're underaged in that form.  What are you doing? Slowly shifting?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"We're not sure.  I started to change during our weekend away.  I originally had chocolate colored fur but all that fell out."  He grinned at the vampiress trying to curl up around his back.  "Princess, my man would be *real* upset with you.  Even if I might like to be claimed, he'd dust you."  She pouted but walked off.  "I want my wallet back too," he called.  It was tossed back.  "And the cards."  She walked them over, stopping to pick up something that had fallen out.  She stared his former license, then at him, shaking her head.  He nodded, taking it all back.  "Yeah, it's me.  My man likes me more this way."  She hurried off to tell the others.  He stuffed his wallet back into his back pocket, smirking at his boss. "It happens every now and then.  The same as someone trying to nibble on me does."

"They're obviously young," he said dryly.  "Do you still want to work days?"  Xander nodded. "You're sure?  Most of the strange creatures on the crew work nights.  I could use you on nights."

"Nah, because I've got Dawnie and it's not that noticeable yet. I'll be more furred in a few months.  I'll reconsider then."

"How is Dawn?  I saw her taking out some of that alien menace.  She looked very good."

"She did what?" he asked flatly.  He nodded.  "Oh, she's gonna get it when I get home," he complained. "I'm gonna kick her ass eight ways from Sunday."  His boss chuckled.  "So, I'm good with you?"

"You're fine with me, Xander.  Your work has been exemplary.  You've had valid excuses for your absences.  You didn't sue us when you fell down that fifty foot hole and we couldn't get you out.  I would have."

"I don't need the money."

"Point."  He nodded.  "Then we're fine.  Merle took your crew out for a beer earlier and called in the two sick ones.  They said it didn't matter to them so it doesn't to me either.  Did you ever find a car?"

"Just yesterday.  Charley's got to get some parts for it.  I've got a grinding fan and a ping.  It's outside if you wanted to see it."

"Maybe on the way out.  Are you staying tonight?"

"I was considering it but I thought I'd head to Fields.  It's got music that I like more."  He grinned.  "I promise, I won't drink."

"That's fine, Xander.  Be careful, there's some rougher players in town."

"Do they really want a piece of me?" he asked smugly.  "I'm stronger now."  He stood up and snapped his fingers, holding out a hand.  His wallet was put back into it and he could feel it was probably all there but he had to keep his badass reputation intact.  "If you took anything I'm going to stake everyone but my boss."  The picture that was missing was put back into his hand.  He glanced at it.  "Thanks, I didn't realize I still had that thing."  He tucked it back in behind everything, doing a quick count.  "My Mastercard?"  It was handed back and he shook his head.  "See you soon, boss."

"Have fun and be safe, Xander.  We enjoy the hell out of you."  He watched as the boy walked off, shivering and adjusting himself inside his pants. "He smells so much better," he complained to his childe, who thoughtfully got down on her knees to fix that for him.

Xander took his keys back, smiling at the guard.  "Did you take a spin?"

"Just around the block.  I envy you, man.  I really do."  He watched as the boy hopped in over the door and headed off.  He let out a little moan.  That was so good!

***

Throttle got up and found himself still alone.  He checked the clock; nearly one in the morning.  He listened but only Vinnie was up.  He climbed out of bed and put on his pants, boots, and vest, heading up to talk to him.  "Where did he go?"

"To talk to his boss, then the Fields most likely.  He likes it there.  He likes dance music more than heavy metal most of the time," he said with a small smirk at him.  "Need a map?"

"Not going out?"

"I'm waiting on Dawn."

"No, you can go get Dawn," he said dryly.  "Flame her tail if you have to.  It's a school night."  Vinnie smirked at him.  "You can show me this club on the way."  He woke his bike up and climbed on, following Vinnie out of the lair and out into the main part of the city.  Vinnie stopped and pointed and he could see the distinctive black car sitting down the way with a group of people admiring it.  He shook his head, heading down there, waving at Vinnie to have fun getting Dawn. He parked right beside the car, getting awed looks. "He's mine," he muttered, heading inside after paying the small cover.  The bouncer inside looked at him.  "My man's here.  He's the one with the car outside."

"He's gay?"

"He's bi, and he's mine, dude. Where is he?"  The bouncer smirked and pointed at the floor.  The dance floor was in a square depression so he could see his mate clearly.  Getting to him would be hard.  He was in the center and had girls and boys drooling over him. He could see the drool from there.  He walked down there, wiggling his way through the crowd.  One of the girls around his man looked at him and snorted, then moved closer to Xander.  She wasn't going to give way to him so he moved behind him, wrapping his tail around Xander and pulling him closer so he could dance against him.  The boy was good.  He was very good.  He was walking sex and putting out pheromones that were driving him and everyone around him insane.

Xander turned to dance with him, winking a bit as he moved even closer to grind against him.  Most of his groupies huffed off so he backed off some, giving him a sultry look.  "Hey, babe."

"It's one."

"And?"

"Come home?"

"I wanted to party, Throttle.  Can't we party just a bit longer?"

Throttle looked at him.  Then he nodded.  "Only if we change locations.  This place is giving me a headache."

"Sure.  Wanna ride with me?"

"I rode."

"She can follow for once."

"We'll park later and I'll let you take me for a ride," he offered, smirking at him.  Xander wanted to show off his ride, he understood that.  He walked Xander out, taking him outside.  He saw the few people around his bike and whistled.  "Come on, let's go."  His bike rolled over, letting him climb on while Xander got into his car.  "Think you can keep up?"

"Unless that fan that needs fixed burns up, of course.  My ride can go faster," he said smugly.  The bike beeped.  "Sorry, dear, but when I've got her fixed she'll go about three hundred."  The bike was silent then beeped at him.  "Of course I'm still riding on you!  At least until your man there gets tired of me and makes me get my own."  He started his engine, backing out of the parking lot, leaving the panting people behind.  "Come on.  You're leading."

"I like leading," he reminded him, his eyes narrowing. "You're not getting you own."

"If you say so.  I don't mind riding behind you."  He winked and sped off. "Catch me!"

Throttle chuckled and took off after him.  That car was faster, but he had lived here longer.  He knew where Xander was heading and it was a club he'd enjoy but he wanted to go somewhere else tonight.  He pulled up alongside him and nodded, heading off in a new direction.  He heard the powerful engine turn and follow and led him on a shorter chase, this time to a club that was a decent mix of metal and some remixes.  He parked and the guys there stared at his bike in awe.  When Xander pulled up, a few of them drooled, then they saw Xander and most of them drooled over his man.  Xander did look hot in his all black and leather.  Very dangerous.  He walked him up to the doorway.

"You can come in but we'll need to pat you down for weapons, sir," he told Xander.

Xander took off his jacket and held out his arms.  "Go for it.  Rub all you want too."  The bouncer coughed but patted him down, then took his jacket.  The stake got tossed into a lock box and then the jacket was handed back.  "Thanks, man.  You do know I'm not the dangerous one of us two?" he asked with a grin.

"Yes, sir, but I know Throttle."

"I'm Xander."

The man chuckled. "I've heard him swearing about you in the past."

"After that first time," Throttle shared.  "Not any longer.  He's mine now."

"Good choice," the man said, looking Xander over.  "Very nice choice," he said happily.  "Have fun, boys."

Throttle moved out into the crowd, taking Xander with him.  "I think it's cute he thought you were more dangerous."

"I always give props to those who deserve it," he said smugly, starting to move.  "I like this song."

"I'll show you the CD it's on later," Throttle promised, moving against him. It was crowded tonight and the music was great.  He got lost in the music and the body in front of him, watching him turn him on, and most of those around them felt the same way.  He felt a tail come up to brush his antenna and ducked, making it miss, shaking his head.  Xander shook his head so he turned, finding Carbine there.  "Hey," he called, nodding at her.  He went back to dancing with Xander, who was being courted by two women.  He gave them a look and pulled Xander closer.

"Foursome?" one of them shouted.

"I don't share."

"Pity," the other called back, grabbing Carbine since she was closer.  Carbine went with it, even though she was a bit stiff.  At least until Xander whipped her with his tail, making her jump into one of them and the other taking her back to show her how to move between them.

Throttle shook his head.  "Naughty, Xander," he told him.  Xander smirked and moved closer since someone was trying to get into his jeans.  He wrapped his arms around Throttle's neck, one hand sneaking up to tease one of his antenna.  "Xander!"

"What?" he said with a smirk, going back to what he had been doing.  His tail came up to tease Throttle's antenna instead and he saw Throttle shiver.  "Just a taste."  He let him go and managed to get snagged by the guy behind him.  He gave him a come-hither smile and the man took the opportunity to move closer, trying to turn him on.  Xander was lost in the music and he knew exactly who Throttle was dancing with.  He had saved Carbine from her first lesbian adventure.  Eventually he was captured by a tail and pulled back to the duo, dancing with them both.  "Relax, Carbine," he called, moving just with her, his hands on her hips to help encourage her.  He nodded at Throttle, who got behind her.  She blushed but went with it as she relaxed.  The drink someone handed her didn't hurt either.  She finally got looser and started to move with the music, taking Throttle back.  He shrugged and wiggled his eyebrows before heading off to find a new partner.  Almost everyone was taken but a few people moved closer to him.  He felt a familiar tail and looked over at Vinnie, smirking at him.  He moved closer and his current partner danced off with Dawn.  "Bedtime," he called after her.

"Holiday!" she called back.  "No curfew, dad!"  She smirked and danced off with a guy.

Vinnie moved to dance with Xander, liking this looser, freer Xander.  Damn, he had moved too slow, but Throttle had one hot package on his hands.  Of course, if Throttle ever dumped him, Charley would have to agree to bring him into their bed.  She'd probably like that.  He moved closer since the crowd was shifting around them.  Xander gave him a grin and a look from under his lashes, making Vinnie moan and he felt himself start to react.  He tried to tramp it down but it wasn't working.  Xander was turning him on and from the moans around them he was doing it to them too.  It's a good thing Throttle knew Xander wouldn't stray and that Vinnie wouldn't poach. Otherwise they'd be in for a tail whipping like hadn't been seen since the last person had tried to take Carbine from him.

The music stopped and Vinnie's head popped up, noticing that everyone was staring at Throttle and the bigger guy trying to menace him.  He nudged Xander who walked over there and calmly knocked the guy's feet out from under him so he could look down at him.  "Why are you bothering my man?"

The man on the floor stared up at him.  "Who're you, freak?" he sneered, starting to get up.

Xander planted his foot in the middle of the guy's chest, staring down at him.  "I asked you a question.  Why are you bothering my man?"  The man sneered at him so he stood up on that foot, planting the other one on his stomach, then he jumped before the man could react, making him shriek and pop.  "I asked you a question.  I do expect an answer.  Courtesy is the rule of the road you know."  Then he smiled.  He pointed at Throttle.  "My man.  My bitch.  My other bitch," he said, pointing at Vinnie.  He glanced around.  "And my little sister's around here somewhere.  Were you disrespecting my family?"  The man groaned and shook his head.  "Are you sure?"  The man nodded so Xander got off his chest and hauled him up.  "Remember, if it's got a tail, it's mine," he purred in his face.  "Because I like them that way.  Studly, built, smart, strong, and tailed.  Pity about not having two of those qualities.  Now shoo."  The man ran out.  Xander glanced back at the DJ, who grinned and started off on 'Bad to the Bone'.  Xander reclaimed Vinnie and pulled them back to where Carbine and Throttle were.  Most of the crowd had moved on but a few were trying to audition apparently.  He smirked at them and they blatantly tried to steal Vinnie, so he let them.  For now.  He stole Carbine, making her dance with him.  She moaned and went with it, doing much better now.

"Bitch am I?" she teased.

"You wanted that one?"

"No!"

"Then you can be my bitch tonight with Vinnie."

"They'd better not be," Throttle said as he stole Xander back with a smirk for her.  "Go find Dawn and dance with her."

"Fine."  She stole Vinnie instead and they got Dawn together. They made a cute trio.  Plus that girl could move so Carbine learned from her and Vinnie.  She felt someone stroke her tail and smirked at the man behind her, letting him move closer.  Dawn winked and danced with Vinnie instead, leaving her to dance with this human, who was very pretty and dangerous. The crowd eventually pushed them back against Throttle and Xander, who were apparently going to have sex on the floor from the way they were teasing each other.

Xander grinned at them.  "Hey, boss.  That's Carbine.  Dawn's the one dancing with Vinnie."

"Thanks, Xander.  Can I steal this one?"

"That's up to her."

"Can I steal you?" he called to Carbine, who shrugged and walked off with him.  He got her into the back hallway and pressed her against the wall, kissing her as hard as he could.  By the time she could moan, he had one hand down her pants, the other teasing a breast, and his pants in the unzipped and ready position.  He broke the kiss and turned her around, sliding into her wet body.  "Tell me no and I'll stop," he promised.

"Stop and I'll kill you," she threatened.  She noticed he was cold to the touch and something Xander had let slip came back.  "You're a vampire?"

"Does that bother you?  I'm not hungry. Not that you're not pretty enough to keep forever, but I like you hot and bothered," he said in her ear, pushing in deeper.  She moaned and pushed back and it was on.  He was pressing her against the wall, rocking back and forth in her.  He could feel the suction and it was great!  He came with a moan into her shoulder, then turned her around and kissed her again.  "Let's go some more," he said with a dangerous grin.

"This?"

"No, out there.  That's foreplay.  This is different.  This can be continued in a bed much easier."

"I don't usually go out with humans."

"Then what's to lose?"  He led her outside to his car, taking her to his place.  Her bike followed along so he didn't worry overly much about it.  One hand was teasing her while the other was on the steering wheel.  Fortunately he didn't live that far away and she was quickly carried up to bed and stripped for his pleasure.  He dove in, making her howl as he speared her again.  "How do you feel about anal sex?"

"Never been there," she panted, arching up against him.  He found the right spots and she quickly lost her mind to what he was doing.  Even when he worked himself into her back passage and popped that cherry, she was still lost to him.  He was sliding in and out of her like there was no tomorrow and she was loving it all!  She let it go and came, making him shiver and release a bit of fluid.  She went limp, pulling him down to kiss him.  "I haven't had that good in a while."

"Pity.  Maybe you should have stolen Xander."

She snorted. "That boy's going to kill someone some day."  She kissed him again.  "We should clean up."

"Why?  Are you tired, dear?  I assure you, once a vampire gets hard, we're hard for a very long time.  Especially when we ingest things like Viagra."  He cleaned himself off and popped back into her pussy, making her shake and shiver as he worked her body over.  This is what he had wanted tonight.  He heard his childe come in and shooed her off to her own room.

"Who's that?"

"My childe, Megan.  Would you like her to join us?"  She snorted and shook her head.  "Then she won't.  Unless you ask for her."  He nipped at her neck, not piercing the skin or anything, and continued to ride her into a dreamless sleep for both of them.

***

Throttle drug Xander out of the club and to their vehicles.  "Mine or yours?"

"Both and race you to the shady spots?" he teased, licking the curve of his chin.  "Then yours, definitely," he said in a moan.  He got free and dove into his car, turning off the security system before heading off.

Throttle moaned, grabbing his bike to chase him.  Xander was definitely being bent over his bike.  "You mind if I take him on you?" he asked her as he rode.  She beeped, sounding like a snicker. "Good, the tease deserves it."  He saw Vinnie go past with Dawn on the back of his bike, and smirked.  That girl was trouble but fun.  He'd have to get her tomorrow.  He sped up, popping a wheeley for a moment to catch up to his man.   He found Xander parked and spread out on the back of his car, naked but for his leather jacket.  He grabbed the tease with his tail, planting him on his bike, face down so the vibrations would tease him.

"I feel like I'm part of a threesome.  You mind, babe?"  The bike shook her front wheel and slowly moved into deeper shadows.

Throttle got his pants undone and slid himself out, looking at Xander's body.  "No lube."

"Bet me."

"Really?" he asked, checking him.  Xander moaned as the engine revved.  He slid in, making him shake and hump his crankcase.  "You're a tease."

"I knew I was going to deliver with you," he panted.  "Please, Throttle?"

"What were you doing with Carbine?"

"Making her less stiff.  She went home with my boss."  He pushed back, sitting on his mate's lap, grabbing his arms to hold onto as he rode him.  "Please," he begged, not getting enough.

Throttle laid him back down and went back to work on him.  Xander was moaning and sliding against the gas tank, getting it slick from the scent he was putting out.  "I should claim you formally, make you sorry you teased everyone in two clubs tonight, plus declared Vinnie and Carbine to be your bitches."  He slammed in harder, making Xander moan.  "I should punish you too, for teasing Vinnie so badly he had dirty thoughts about you."  He sped up again, going as hard and as fast as he could.  He revved the engines, adding the heavier vibration to the pounding he was doing.  Xander let go with a cry of pleasure.  Throttle continued to pound into him, making him plead and beg with everything in him. He finally let go and relaxed, leaning back but not withdrawing.  "Damn, Xander," he said in awe.  "I don't know how you do it."

"Neither do I, but I love it when you claim me."

"That's not claiming," Throttle said with a snort.  "If I was really claiming you, you'd be walking funny for a few weeks."

"Like at the inn?"

"Only harder and longer, and with a lot more of you bottoming," he shared.  He stroked down the sweaty back.  "I should claim you, but that would mean Vinnie would probably get to watch."  Xander let out a small whimper.  "My bros would have to approve of my choice.  I don't think you'd have a problem with Modo, but Vinnie might try to lay a claim to you too.  Then I'd have to whip his tail and take you in front of him."  Xander let out another moan, making him smirk.  So he was intrigued?  That was a good sign.  "You'd be so sore you'd only be able to sit on me because that's the shape of the indentation on your tail."  He gave the tail a hard stroke, watching as Xander started to hump his bike again. "You'd ride behind me all the time, except when I gave you permission to drive.  You'd be mine and mine alone, Xander.  No one would touch you."  Xander got off then laid down carefully on his back, legs around his thighs.  "Do you want that?  I'm not playing."

"I know you're not.  I thought I was already yours."  He swallowed, licking his lips. "If you want.  I'm not the pushy sort."

"I've noticed.  I've also noticed that you enjoy teasing me to all distraction at times too."  He leaned down to take a kiss.  "Do you want me to make you mine that way, Xander?" he asked.  Xander stared up at him.  "You can say no."

"I can say yes too, but I'm scared that you'll get bored."

"I'm not bored now.  Why would I get bored then?  Because you're slowly growing up to be a big mouse?  Not a chance," he said with a smirk.  "I may not have cared but I love the fact that I get to play tail games with you, once it quits shedding."  He wiped his hand off.  "We need better lotion."

"I put on the baby lotion."

"We'll figure it out later," he promised, leaning down to steal a kiss.  "Are you sure?"  Xander nodded so Throttle bit him on the throat.  "Then we should head home.  We'll need to be there."

"My car?"

"You can drive it tonight," he said smugly.  "As long as you leave off the clothes."

"What happens if the cops see?"

"Lie.  Tell them you were taken to a club and stripped naked.  That you couldn't get your clothes back."  He licked up the tender throat, nipping him again.  "If we want to get back anytime soon, I should probably let you go, huh?" he teased.

"Only for a few minutes."

"Fine, for a few minutes."  He let the boy go, watching as he padded back to his car. Then he heard the dreaded phrase.

"Hi, officer.  Nice night, huh?"

Throttle steered his bike out of the shadows.   "We were having a relationship talk," he said smugly.  The cop blanched and ran off.  Throttle realized he was still hanging out and tucked himself back in, barely zipping his pants.  He couldn't button them yet, he was still too swollen.  "Ten minutes, Xander."  He sped off, heading for home as fast as he could.

Xander calmed his shaking hands and started his car, backing out of the grass and back onto the parking lot, then heading for the road home.  Because it was a home and Throttle was going to make it more of a home.  They'd never break up if he let Throttle claim him.  He parked behind the lair and walked inside, leaving his clothes in the car.  He walked up the ramp, his jacket closed protectively around him.

"Where have you been?" Throttle asked.

Xander smirked and gave a one-sided shrug.  "The park?"  Vinnie stared at him, mouth open.  "He was there!  It's not like I'm going to fuck any other biker stud."

"I can make sure of that," Throttle agreed in a dark, sexy, threatening voice.  He pulled the boy closer, kissing him as hard as he could, robbing him of his breath.  "Modo, you don't want the tease, right?"

"No, bro, but I'll take care of him if you fall."  He looked at his mother.  "That okay with you, momma?"

"That'd be fine, Modo, honey."

"No way," Vinnie said, standing up with a smirk.  "If he falls, I'm gonna take the tease and bring him in with us.  Charley won't mind.  I've seen her panting after him."  He looked at Xander, then at Throttle.  "Speaking of, he was dancing with me most of the night, not you."  He moved closer, hearing the growl but he couldn't tell from which one.  "He obviously wanted the studlier biker."

"Really?  Then why was it me having sex with him in the park," Throttle taunted.  He ran a hand up under Xander's jacket, making him blush.  "Hmm?  Not man enough, Vinnie?"

"I'll whip your tail."

"You'll try," he snorted.

"Shit!" Dawn said, pouncing Vinnie.  "You can't have him.  I won't let you have him, I'm not going to let you three fall apart because you want the Xander too.  I'll have someone clone you one if I have to, or build you a Xander robot, but you can't have that one."  She stared into his eyes, seeing the grin.  Then she realized she was in a very skimpy nightgown, on a very big mouse, with an obviously hard dick pressing against her.  "Never mind," she said, getting up and scurrying off.

"You still wanna challenge me for him, bro?" Throttle asked, stroking Xander's cock now.  He was moaning and leaning against him and his bike.  "Or you gonna give in like the good little mouse you are?"

"I'll still whip your tail and steal him if you hurt him or if you fall," Vinnie said, staring him down.  "Understood?"

Xander reached over to kiss him.  "If he falls and I'm all alone, I'll let you protect me, Vinnie."  He nodded, letting it go at that.

Throttle spanked Xander then put him over his bike again, diving back into his body, making him shriek in pleasure.  It brought Stoker and Switch running.  "He's mine. You wanna challenge me for him?"

"I would but I'm already sore," Switch said tolerantly.  She watched as Throttle slammed the boy over and over until Xander couldn't take it any more and came.  Then Throttle drove them down the stairs to their bedroom, where he had Xander repeatedly until the boy passed out with a loud scream of Throttle's name.  Switch looked at her husband.  "I'd ask, but Rimfire might challenge you," she said dryly.

He spanked her then picked her up, taking her back to their room to prove he wasn't letting her go.

***

Throttle tossed Xander onto the bed and stripped himself.  "Out of the jacket, Xander. Now, or else it'll be ruined."  He waited until the boy had complied, then pounced him, diving into his mouth.  He secured the boy to the bed and straddled his waist, starting at the top and working his way down.  Those antennas weren't that large yet but they were still packed with nerve endings.  He felt Xander drop his shields and joined minds with him, letting him experience it from both sides as he pleasured his mate.  That way he also knew when he was getting too close to the edge and could pull back.  He used all of Xander's tricks on the antenna, having to hold him back from coming twice.  Then he moved down to play with his throat and neck, biting and sucking at the delicate skin.  Xander was arching up and taking quick pants through his nose, but it was good for him.

He moved down, torturing his chest with gentle licks, then sucking bites.  He couldn't hold him back again so he let him go, watching as he came against his hole.  Throttle smirked, moving further back, slicking them both up as his body ran through the trail of come.  He made it to the thighs and cock, teasing it only until Xander was as hard as he could be, then he abandoned it and moved to his tail once he had him flipped and resecured.  He ran his hand up it the wrong way, taking off all the loose skin, then got to work teasing and playing with it.  Sucking the end, stroking further down like it was the boy's cock.  Small bites in the middle, then sucking further down, all the way around the base.  He pushed on Xander's mind, keeping him form coming again, then moved back to look at him.

He moved the leg cuffs, letting him have one leg free before he slid home again, stroking the base of his tail like it was the cock rubbing the sheets.  The boy was moaning so he firmed his grasp on the tail, stroking harder and faster.  Xander came but he wasn't through with him yet.  He was barely starting.  He sped up, making Xander howl and thrash against the cuffs.  He released the other leg cuff with his tail, then used his tail to tease the boy's antennas, making him howl into his pillow.  He spanked him, and the boy pressed back into him.  "Tease!" he said, eyes narrowing.  "I know Vinnie came home hard."  He spanked him again.  "I should let Charley spank you too.  She's the one who'll be getting stuffed just like this soon."  He shoved in deeply, feeling him start to suck around him.  "None of that," he ordered, pulling out all the way to push back in.  Xander tensed up but he kept it up.  He turned his head.  "I wanna hear it, Xander.  Say it."

"Yours!" he called. "Yours, yours, yours!  Please!  Just a bit more!"

"Sure, when I want."  He stopped.  "Being mine means that I get to tease you back, Xander.  How do you like that?"  He started off on some very shallow thrusts, barely moving the length of his head.  "Do you like it when I tease you?"  Xander shook his head.  "Want more, don't you?"

"Please," he said hoarsely.  "I'll do anything.  You can make me blow you in the club next time.  I promise!"

Throttle shook his head.  "I don't like to show off what's mine.  That's a Vinnie statement.  I know you're related but I can't allow that thought to go on."  He slammed back in as deeply as he could, pushing Xander up onto his knees with his hips.  "You want me to claim you, don't you, Xander? You want me to claim you, to show everyone that you have an owner and that you're only teasing.  That way no one hits on you."  He pulled out and slammed in again.  "Well, you're about to get a claim of another sort.  Then we'll see about the other one.  Earring?"  The boy moaned.  "Nipple ring maybe?"  He reached under him to pinch him.  "Maybe a cock ring for when you go out?" he suggested, reaching down to stroke him with his other hand, his tail still stroking his antenna.  The triple stimulus was making the boy incoherent.  He wasn't even able to babble any more.  He could feel his mind getting ready to blow.

He leaned down to whisper in his ear.  "If you're mine, you're gonna be on the back of my bike.  Not Vinnie's.  Not Modo's.  Mine.   Your ass is mine and your tail is mine.  You'll be wearing my mark, wearing my clothes if I let you, and you'll be sitting on my lap for the next week.  When we go back out on Saturday, you'll be only dancing with me.  Even if Vinnie and Charley do come out," he assured him.  "If they want to steal you, Vinnie had better ask permission this time.  You're mine, Xander. Say it.  Yell it so everyone can hear it.  All the sluts all over the city who want a piece of you are out of luck."

"Yours!" he panted.  "THROTTLE!" he shouted, coming as hard as he ever had.  He felt something warm and slick tease his tail and he shouted again, emptying the last of his seed.

Throttle let himself come, going limp against his boy's back.  He undid the cuffs with one hand, then put it around Xander's waist, pulling him back against his body.  "Now you understand."  He kissed him on the shoulder, finding a bite he didn't realize he had put there.  "You're mine, Xander. All mine.  Always to be mine.  Vow it, babe, or else I'm going to have to start again and you'll never make it to work."

"Yours, all yours," Xander said hoarsely.  "No more teasing unless you want me to.  No more teasing Vinnie or Charley or anyone.  No more advertising what I've got in tight jeans unless you want me to dress that way."

"I like you in those skin tight pants," Throttle assured him.  "I like you just the way you are, babe, but you only get to tease me."

"I was teasing you."

"Yeah, and you still made me on jealous mouse because Vinnie was about to hump you bald."  He kissed him on the shoulder again.  "Wanna cuddle?"

"Sure."  He flipped over, snuggling in.  "You know I can still sit, right?" he asked with a grin into the furry chest.

"I can fix that," Throttle promised, pulling him up and kissing him.  He handed him the box of babywipes.  "Clean me up and suck me, Xander.  It'll be a good start."  Xander did as ordered, taking great pleasure in this order.  When Xander got to the stage of moaning over him and his taste, he used his tail to pull the boy up, planting him on his cock, then pulling his head down to suck and nibble on his antenna again.  Xander wiggled and writhed, riding him without him having to do very much.  Xander pulled his head back, throwing it in the other direction so he could moan and come again.  Throttle wrapped his tail around the tight balls, keeping them from ascending.  He wasn't doing it again, not until he was ready.  He pushed up and pulled Xander down.  "We need one of those swings."

"We can find one," he panted, riding for all he was worth.  He needed this!  He loved this!  He tried to come again but the tail holding his balls meant he couldn't.  He whimpered and Throttle put him back onto his hands and knees, taking him again, just as hard as before.  Damn, those were some strong thigh muscles.  He howled and grabbed the headboard, not caring when it broke in his hands.  He let that piece go and moved onto the next section, earning a chuckle.  Throttle turned him around, letting him hold the sturdier foot board.  He felt Throttle swell inside him but he wasn't ready yet.  He flicked his tail, whapping Throttle across the chest.  He got that played with too.  He screamed and came, painfully but he did come, going limp under his mate.  Throttle came and laid down on top of him, gently cradling him.  "More later," he mumbled.

"If you think you can handle it before work, I'll do it on the ride in," Throttle promised.  Xander moaned and nodded, flipping over to cuddle.  Throttle had to move his tail before it got yanked, but it was nicely entwined with Xander's.  "We need a blanket."

"Fuck blankets, you're warm and furry enough for me."  He wiggled until he was practically under Throttle's body, then fell asleep that way.

Throttle gave his boy an amused look, but settled in to use him as a pillow.  He wondered how Xander was going to retaliate on Saturday, or if the boy was going to tease Vinnie and Charley to get it again.

"Both probably," Xander mumbled.

Throttle realized he still had hold of his mind and let him go, watching as the shields came back up but not as strongly as before.  He kissed and nuzzled him, making Xander hum in pleasure between snores.  He stretched a bit, more tired than he had been in a while.  He couldn't do this nightly to his boy but he could definitely please him.

"Shh," Xander whispered.  He kissed him.  "Tomorrow.  I'll suck you off before we head out tomorrow."  He moaned a bit as he shifted, but settled in to sleep.

Throttle kept his thoughts quiet, gently shoving Xander out of his head.  There was time enough for that tomorrow.

***

Vinnie walked into Charley's room and started to strip off, diving into the bed with her, mouth already open and sucking her nipple before she could fully wake up.  "What're you doing?" she groaned, arching up into him.

"Throttle just claimed Xander," he moaned back.  He looked up at her.  "I promised we'd take him in if Throttle fell."

She stroked his cheek. "If you want.  I'm not going to be pushy."  He grinned and turned his head to suck on her fingers.  She arched up against other parts of his body, making him pay more attention to the main part.  "What else happened."

"He had him in front of us.  I challenged him so he had to," he moaned, kissing her.  "Dawn pounced me in this tiny nightie, then ran away afraid of me."  He smirked at her.  "She realized where she was and squealed like a kitten chasing the string."  She moaned and he leaned down to lick the other nipple a bit.  He loved her taste.  He moved down her stomach.  "He had him on his bike, made him come right there."  She moaned and arched up into his tongue when it found her sweetest spot.  "Then he took him downstairs and tied him down to have him again and again until he screamed."

"Damn," she said in awe, pulling him up to kiss him.  "Sounds like they had fun."

"Now I need it, sweetheart.  He teased me all night.  I *need* you," he moaned. "Please don't deny me?"

"I'm not."  She kissed him again and found herself in his lap, being plowed into like he was too desperate to calm down.  She wiggled away and kissed him, gently moving down his chest.  He needed to calm down or she couldn't work the next day.  He arched up when she licked across the head of his cock, sucking on just the tip.  She wasn't sure what she could and couldn't do with him so she left it there.  She looked up at him, smirking as she took another lick.

He dragged her up and put her back on her back, sliding back into her.  "I want to do this, not have you service me like some pro," he chided, grinning at her.  He kept it going, teasing her with his free hand, alternating which one he was leaning on so he could tease various spots.  He nipples, her arms, her throat, her heat, her clit, her mouth when she sucked on his fingers.  That broke him and he pulled her up, putting her onto her stomach, but with her hips on his lap.  He slid back into her, pounding his heart out.  She moaned and groaned and called and pleaded and he still kept going, until she finally came, which meant he could.  He released her, letting her go limp so he could lay beside her, stroking her back. "You okay?" he asked gently.

She turned her head to look at him, nodding.  "Better," she grunted, still panting hard.  She grinned at him.  "Sleep?"

"Sleep is good," he promised, going down to clean her up the old fashioned way.  She clutched the sheets, letting him do whatever he wanted.  She let out a shriek of pleasure then went limp.  He finished cleaning her up and moved up to hold her.  "Hmmm, one of my favorite treats," he whispered in her ear.  "You can reciprocate tomorrow if you want."  She limply patted him and he grinned, letting her stay there in his arms.

***

Xander walked into the trailer, barely, and sat down, wincing the whole way with a hiss as his butt hit the seat.  "Ow," he moaned.

"Fall off the bike?"

"No, teased at the club."  He gave his boss a look.  "I'm okay, but I'll remember this for the next time I don't want to sit."

Merle stared at him, then shook his head.  "You okay?" he asked, trying to hold in his smirk.

"Yeah, I made it," he said, smirking at him. "Barely, but I made it.  I got my morning infusion of boyfriend too on the way here.  Damn, my man is good," he said with a sappy grin, right before he passed out on his desk.

Merle leaned over but he couldn't see any blood so he assumed it was just exhaustion.  He called their boss, who was cooing at someone else and snorted.  "Hey, Boss, Xander just hobbled in here and winced as he sat down, then passed out.  Should I send him home?  No, he's crew's off for the day, too many have kids.  No, the payroll stuff still has to be finished.  Sure. I'll send it home with him. Thanks, boss.  Have fun with..."  He heard a familiar voice.  "With her.  Good choice, boss.  She's wonderful."  He hung up and called the garage.  "Hey, Vinnie, is Throttle back yet?  Tell him to come pick up Xander and his paperwork."  He looked at the man drooling on said paperwork.  "No, he's unconscious and drooling with a very happy smile.  Sure, let him drive his car over.  Thanks."  He hung up and got up to collect the payroll stuff before it was ruined.  He slid it into an envelope and walked out with it.  He found Brad and Janice, Xander's female worker.  "Xander's being sent home."

"Is he sick?" Brad asked.

Janice looked at Merle and smirked.  "Too much boyfriend?"

"He couldn't quite make it fully awake," he said delicately.  "He's sleeping on his desk."  He heard a grinding noise and winced.  "They can't drive stick."

"Bet me," Janice said dryly.  "I've seen the boy drive stick.  He did so very well on the way in.  I passed by him," she said smugly, going back to work.  "Come on, Brad.  Xander will be back tomorrow and he'll have the paycheck stuff done by then."

"I still have to put my social security number on my forms," he said.

"We'll do that after lunch, kid.  There's about twelve that need it and I can get it onto your payroll stuff when he brings it back."  Brad nodded, going back to work.  Merle looked over as Throttle came in, shaking his head.  "You couldn't wait until this weekend?"

"He was teasing two clubs!  No!"  He smirked back, accepting the envelope.  "My man?"

"Sleeping on his desk. By the way, you press the clutch, shift, then slowly release the clutch to make sure you don't stall and you don't grind down the gears."  Throttle nodded, going to pick up Xander, the payroll envelope tucked under his vest and inside his waistband.  He carried Xander out and to his car, settling him gently in and buckling him up.  He took good care of the boy, he wouldn't be too upset about losing Xander to Throttle.  They suited each other, especially now that Xander was furry. Throttle took off a lot more smoothly than he had parked, heading toward the park for some reason. "Maybe he had to pick up some soda," he said dryly.  "Otherwise that boy will never unstretch."  He went to check on the rest of the workers, smiling at the few watching him.  "He fell asleep on his desk."

"Wonderful.  Need a new interior crew chief?" one of them asked.

"Night shift does."  They all shuddered and got back to work.  "Xander doesn't do it often, he doesn't come in drunk, hung over, or stoned, and he keeps us running under budget.  I'll give him a day off without pay now and then."  They nodded, digging in.  If they got this part finished maybe they could take a longer break.  Xander's crew always seemed to have nice breaks even though they were always running early and under budget with one too few people on their crew.

"He must charm them," one of that group muttered.  The one next to him looked at him.  "Xander.  He must charm them somehow.  They take longer breaks, they come in before they're due, and they run under budget.  How else are they doing it missing a person from their crew?"

"He steps in and helps, plus his crew work their asses of for him. I think he's a hard guy to work under," the guy next to him said.  "He must be a slave driver.  Either that or he's giving them more *incentives* to work faster."

"You don't think Janice does stuff like that, do you?" another of their crew asked.  "I wouldn't mind a piece of that."

"I heard that and I rip off balls!" Janice called.  She leaned out a window opening.  "You want to know why we work so much better for Xander?  He works with us.  He digs in just the same as we do.  He does all that, keeps us laughing most of the time, keeps praise going when we've done good, rewards us with longer breaks when we're ahead of schedule so we don't have to wait too long on *your* crew of slackers, and he does it while being efficient, nice, sweet, and gentle with us.  You guys couldn't handle it on our crew," she said dryly.  "We work *all* day, unlike you three."  They frowned.  "Hey, I've already done two hours worth of work.  You three have taken six bathroom and drink breaks so far.  I've taken one, this one.  That should tell you why we're the better and faster crew."  She withdrew, going back to her portion of the day's tasks.

"I agree, boys, that's how he does it," Merle called.  "I wish I had another of him to motivate you guys.  You're already a week behind due to the rains.  I'd step it up, we're on a firm deadline this time."  They groaned but went back to work.  Merle went to make a note in Janice's file to look at her for a crew chief if a day opening came up.  She'd do good.

***

Throttle carried Xander inside, putting him onto the couch to grin at him.  He felt the envelope be taken, nodding at Dawn.  "Hey.  He fell asleep on the desk."

"I can see that.  He's still drooling."  She grinned at him.  "You're going to treat him right, right?  'Cause you know if you don't I'm gonna turn you into a baby human mouse."  She smiled sweetly at him.  "For starters.  Then I can run you through all sorts of experimental mazes for my future psych classes."  He shuddered.  "So treat him right or find out the true name of bitchdom."  She handed him the envelope.  "I'm going out for a ride if Charley will let me.  Need anything?"

"Something better for his tail."

"Sure, I can hit the Bath and Body Works place."  She shrugged and went out to check on Charley, who was drinking a soda while she was staring at a truck.  "You okay?"  She looked at her and nodded.  "You don't look too steady.  I can help if you want."

"No, I'm fine, Dawn, thank you anyway," she offered, handing over the keys.  Then she took them back and looked at the girl.  "Were you drinking last night?"

Dawn thought about lying but shrugged. "I had one rum and coke, light on the rum, at the first club.  That was long before Vinnie found me and drug me to where he, Carbine, and Throttle were playing at.  Then I only had sodas and I was very careful who bought them for me."  Charley stared her down.  "I know, I was a bad girl.  I shouldn't drink at my age. I'm only seventeen, I'm not old enough, and I get that, but I was having a crappy day and I wanted to relax.  That's why I went dancing.  The drink was unintentional.  I didn't realize what it was until after I had drank half of it and hit a patch of rum that didn't mix in very well.  The guy who bought it for me was snubbed and I was very careful not to get another one by accident.  Even when I was offered a screwdriver and two sex on the beaches."

"Whoa!  You're not old enough for that!" Vinnie protested.

"It's a drink.  Someone slipped me a single drink last night."

"I noticed, but it's a lot lighter than what some kids your age do.  Feel good?"

"It was light on the rum and I'm not hung over.  I just hate sunlight."  Vinnie put an arm around her shoulders and she looked up at him.  "I'm not the innocent a lot of people think.  I've had a few wild friends.  I've done things that no one knows about and decided it wasn't that thrilling so I moved on."

"Really?  Think you were that wild?" Charley asked.  She had been a teenager in the eighties, it was probably not as bad as Dawn thought.

"Let's see, I've done a few good joints, one dusted with angel dust, a few good nights of blotter acid, one of ecstasy, that same night someone slipped me some speed too, so it was really pretty by the time I came down the next morning.  Fortunately we were having a sleepover at a friend's house.  That's also the first place I got blitzed on vodka shooters and cranberry juice and my first and last lesbian encounters when we all did a daisy chain with the group.  Though I prefer whiskey now and then and the occasional rum or fruity mixed drink."  She looked up at Charley and smirked.  "Top that."

"Eeeeh," she admitted, shaking her head.  "I can't top that."

"And you don't do it anymore," Vinnie pressed.

"No, beyond the acid, it was pretty boring and the acid made me see dead vampires telling me how dumb I was, but to get it out then because I couldn't have another youth.  Spike was *incredibly* understanding."  She grinned at him. "I've also shoplifted to gain attention and went out hunting on my own until Xander found me.  Then he reamed me a new one and sat me down to talk to me and tell me how dumb I was and how he was going to make sure I made it to adulthood as long as I didn't tell my sister and I learned how to protect myself.  It's also been how long I've been on the monthly birth control shot, just in case."

"Fine, you win.  You're not doing it anymore.  You won't go drinking, get drunk, do stupid stuff while you're in our care, right?"

She snorted.  "What could I do?  Acid was nice and I missed Spike, but really, not my thing to do drugs.  Drinking's nice, until the next morning.  Then I feel like shit and I look worse.  I actually had a date cancel with me because I looked so bad, he thought I needed to recuperate first."

"Fine, you can take my bike for a ride.  Be careful, be safe, and I'm not mentioning this to Xander."

"He knew, Charley.  He knew each and every thing I've ever done.  Tara knew back in Sunnydale and Xander knew before.  He said he wanted to know so I could talk to him about what I got out of it and if I wanted to do it again.  He agreed, the chiding Spike was an odd acid moment."  She took the keys and grinned, grabbing the bike to head off.  "Laters!" she called with a wave.

"I was never that wild," Vinnie said, looking at her.  He stole a kiss.  "You?"

"Some minor drinking with some of dad's friends and their kids, a joint once," she admitted.  "Nothing like that."  She shook her head.  "At least Xander was a reasonable adult for her."

"Yeah, he probably kept her from doing many worse things."  He grinned at her.  "Throttle just carried him home.  He fell asleep on his desk at work."  He stole another kiss and went to sort parts for her, like she had asked earlier.

She smiled and got back to her engine, turning up the radio on the way past.  She guessed she could talk to Xander herself later.  He seemed the sort to give good advice if he got Dawn to leave it at experimenting and to give up the bad habits.

***

Charley smiled at Xander as they picked up lunch.  "Xander?"  He looked at her, grinning back.  "Can I ask you a huge favor?"  He nodded.  "I don't know more than the, er, usual to do with Vinnie.  The human stuff."

"Hmm."  He leaned over and showed her a few good scenes of him and Throttle.  She was blushing as he pulled back.  "That."  He grinned.  "I take it Dawn and you had a talk about her and the rum on her breath last night?"

"She said she only had one."

"She did, but we can smell better.  I'm sure Vinnie sniffed it too.  How graphic was she?"

"More than I needed to know.  How did she get into that much trouble?"

"Her sister's a prude who thinks she's an infant who can't make a proper decision.  She rebelled."  He leaned back, stretching out.  "Line's moved."  She pulled the car up to the order window.  "Anyway, she rebelled big time and I stepped in to take over her mother's spot.  Joyce would have just told her to stop it and listened, which I did, but I also shared some of my experiences.  So she'll never end up on a pole."

"Welcome to Wendy's.  May I take your order?" the sweet voice young girl said through the speaker.

"Yeah, we need ten number twos without onions, just two sodas though, super size the fries.  We need three number fours, six number sixes, and about twelve chicken sandwiches, no mayo, just lettuce, tomato, and packets of ranch dressing.  Oh, and a diet coke," he joked.

"How many sodas was that, sir?" the server asked.

"Um, make it about eight and make all but the diet coke root beer.  I've got a soda at home."

"Sure.  So some of the meals don't have sodas?"

"No, sweetie, some of them don't. I'm picking up for my crew."

"Oh, all right, sir.  Please read the screen is that correct?"

"The chicken sandwiches are no mayo, just lettuce, tomato, and add packets of ranch dressing."

"Oops, sorry."  She fixed that.  "Forty-three-twelve, please pull around to the first window."

Xander handed Charley a fifty with a grin.  "That way I'm not starved but I'll share my chicken sandwiches with you."

"Sure, Xander," she said tolerantly, heading to the first window.  The server took the bill, only giving Xander a glance before handing over the change.  They pulled up to the second window and got the little sign so they could park and have it brought to them.  They had expected that.

***

Throttle walked in and looked at Xander.  "You showed her?" he mouthed.  Xander winked and waved him closer, giving him kiss.  "Why?"

"She needed ideas for a job," he said with a wink, glancing over at where Vinnie was coming up the ramp.  "Big brother, you look stunned.  Did something explode downstairs?"

"No," he said, flopping down on his ususal chair.  "Charley just licked my antenna.  Cheese, I have a good woman!" he said with a goofy grin.  Xander beamed and went back to his book.  "What else did you teach her?"

"Showed, big brother, and don't worry about it.  It's all tested and proven fun."

"Uh-huh.  So should I expect whips, chains, or spankings?"

"If it turns you on, ask her," Xander quipped back.  He smirked at Throttle, then at Vinnie.  "If you want an idea, ask the overprotective one who ate my last chicken sandwich."

"You only got me three," he reminded him, giving him a kiss.  "Don't worry, he only gave her ideas."

"Hey, I'm thrilled!  I never even thought of that!"  He got up and headed to his stuff.  "We're going out for dinner.  Let me get cleaned up."  He headed into the bathroom humming to himself.

"Nice work," Throttle said, stealing another kiss.

"No more claiming in front of me," Momma ordered.  "Where's Vincent?  I heard him."

"He's taking Charley out to dinner, Momma.  I'll eat his share," Xander offered with a grin.

"Good, then come taste this.  I added the stuff marked pepper and it's not tasting right."

He walked in to taste her first attempt at chili, nodding that he liked it.  "It's a bit salty but otherwise okay."

"Xander, remember, some of us can't take hot peppers," Modo yelled.

"It's not that hot, Modo, come taste it yourself."  He shook his head. "Feed the boy one chocolate covered hot pepper and he's wary for life."

"My boy learned caution at my knee, Xander.  You'd do well not to tease him before Throttle has to spank you next time."  She tweaked his ear, making them twitch.  She smiled at him.  "Go get Switch and Stoker up.  They need to eat."  He nodded, heading to do that.  Modo stuck his head in so she spooned some out to let him taste.  "Too hot?"

"A bit salty but bread'll cut down on that," he said with a grin.  "Thanks, momma."

"You boys need to eat better," she reminded him.  "That stuff you live on isn't good for you."

"Xander still won't eat hotdogs."

"We'll see as he ages," she said wisely.  "You wouldn't until you were nearly eight."  She tweaked his ear, making him grin and walk off. She pulled the pot off the stove, bringing it to the table.  She found Switch there with Anya, waiting with her bowl ready.  "Give me a minute to get some bread, Switch."

"Sure, Momma."  She grinned at the baby, who beamed back. "We're gonna have chili, yes we are.  You're gonna have people food tonight."  Anya babbled and giggled at her.  "You're such a good girl," she cooed. Vinnie came out of the bathroom and she whistled at his dress shirt and pants.  "Nice going, Vinnie."

"You cleaned up, is it a wedding or a funeral?" Stoker joked.

"It's a date.  What you missed out with your girl," Vinnie taunted.  He headed for his bike, then considered it.  Xander tossed over his keys.  "You sure?"

"Yeah, we finally got the fan fixed so it's only got that ping to drive her nuts.  Remember, release the clutch gently like I showed you."  He turned the page on his book.  "And no sex in my seats without cleaning it up."

"Fine, Xander," he agreed happily enough, heading over to take his girl out to a nice dinner.

"Think he'll clean it up?" Switch asked once he was gone.

"If he doesn't, he's doing all the laundry, including all the nasty sheets we all have," Xander said dryly.  "He knows this because I suggested earlier that he could use my car and that was the threat if anything happened to said car."  He got up and came over to dish up his own food, glancing into the kitchen.  "What's wrong?"

"I'm looking at the bread. Shouldn't it be white?"

"Toss it out, Momma, that's mold," Modo called.  Someone tossed something out and came out with flour tortillas and crackers.  "Good choice," he praised.  He dished some out, handing the bowl to her, then moved on.

Switch tasted hers, then wrinkled her nose to head into the kitchen.  "What's wrong?" Momma called.

"It's missing something," she called back, then she made a happy noise and came out with a dried pepper, breaking off the stem to crumble it into her chili.  "Anyone want any?" she asked.  "There's a whole bag."

Stoker looked at her, then groaned and shook his head, taking the baby before she could get infected with a hot pepper.

"Get me a habenero," Xander told her.  "Fresh. I'll cut it up if you bring me a knife."

"What do those add?" Momma asked.  Switch stirred hers and offered her a taste.  She gulped her soda and her son's soda, and Stoker's soda since he was holding his out to her.  "What is that?"

"Hot peppers," Switch said happily.  "I like them and so does Xander."  Xander grinned and nodded.  She went to get him his asked for pepper and a knife, watching as he diced it up on a tortilla then put them all into his soup.  "That's so cool."

"It's easier when you don't have plates," he told her.  "Works just as good as crackers too."  He took a bite, then sipped his soda.  "Hot, but good."  He let her have a taste, then smacked her hand with the spoon.  "Make your own."  She went to get her own pepper, bringing it back to make it like he did.

"Are you all right, dear?" Momma asked.

Dawn came in.  "Cool, chili.  Are we making it Xander strength?"

"Peppers optional," Throttle told her.

"Oh, good."  She sat down to pour out some for herself, taking the crackers from Modo.  She slurped it greedily.  "I missed lunch."

"I'm eating hot peppers," Switch told her happily. "I missed them."

"Which means you're pregnant again," Stoker said dryly.  "Which means I'm going to get hell from your sister if she ever comes back.  Xander, Vinnie said she went home with your boss."

"He won't eat her," he said, blowing on his next bite before eating it.  "He's a good vampire.  Just lonely."  He scooped out another bite and blew on it before taking a bite.  "Eat, guys, don't make me eat it all."  They dug in.  Carbine came wobbling in later that night, flopping down at the table.  Xander pushed over his current bowl of chili.  "Here, Carbine.  You need food.  I was like that this morning."  She nodded, sitting up and taking a bite of his chili.  She moaned and ran for the kitchen sink to gulp straight out of the faucet.

"That was mean, Xander," Dawn chided, but she was giggling madly.  "That was so bad."

"I know, I'm a naughty Xander," he agreed, smirking at Throttle, who shook his head. "I'm not?"

"I'm under orders to make sure you can work tomorrow, Xander.  I'll show how naughty you are on Saturday."

"Yes, Throttle."  He took his chili back and dug back in.

"He's not a girl mouse, right?" Stoker asked Throttle, who shook his head quickly.  "You're sure?  They only seem to like hot peppers if they're pregnant."

"No, not a chance.  I'd have noticed," he said dryly.  "If he's pregnant then I'm going to yell at certain doctors."

"They have a doctor down here finally?" Switch asked.

"Yeah, Micah found Enamel down here," he said dryly, making Stoker shudder.  "He's the only one and he's agreed I'm going to kill him if he touches Xander.  He made a deal to spare his life."

"Wonderful," he said bitterly.  "How did Vinnie take that?"

"He found out first.  He was going to smash his head in but he was taking care of Xander's balance issues.  He said it'll be naturally cured."  He looked at the pot, noticing it was nearly empty.  "Carbine, would you like the last bowl?  It's not Xander strength.  No heat to it."

"Please."  She came out wiping her mouth.  "That was evil, Xander."

"I'm only naughty," he defended.  "Feel better?"

"I do actually," she admitted, sitting down to take the last of the chili.  "We don't have this on Mars."

"No, but we should.  It's very comforting and a little bit goes a long way," Switch told her.  "Some meat, some beans, some spices, and some water.  Then cook."

"You can do it over a fire too," Xander told her.  "I finally found that cookbook I wanted you to have.  It's down in my room on my dresser."

"Thank you, Xander.  The comfort food or the South Western stuff?"

"The South Western stuff, but if you take out the peppers it usually goes a long way.  A lot of that was influenced by Mexican food, which goes to feed a lot on very little."

"And makes us all open the windows," Stoker said dryly.

"Oz swears it was the Mexican food that made my SUV blow up," Xander said with a smirk for him.  "Speaking of, Throttle, were the aliens that came out of my engine the ones that Dawn went to help pound while we were gone?"

"Nope, not Torians," he admitted. "I don't know what they were." He looked at Stoker.  "Their ship was maybe a foot high, looked like a ball, kinda dull silver when it came out of his engine."

"I've never seen those," Stoker admitted.  "Round?"

"There's a picture of them at the UFO museum," Switch told him.  "It's right behind the President as he gave the keys to the city to a nasty, slime sucking Plutarkian."

"I've seen that picture. I thought it was a reflection."

"Weather balloon," Xander said, nodding.  "That's what we call them down here."

"Wonderful," Throttle agreed.  "That or swamp gas."  He grinned at Xander.  "You're opening the window tonight, you know that, right?"

"With as far up me as you go, you'll be feeling the burn later anyway," Xander mouthed back.  Then he finished off his bowl.

"If I do, you're gonna be nursing me back to health," Throttle taunted back.  "Without going out on Saturday."  He looked at Dawn, who was trying to sneak off. "So, how was the fighting?"

"I got really nasty from the puss or brains or whatever, came back to change, then went to class like nothing had happened.  I still got a B on that test too."  She headed back to the library to do her homework.

"I remember doing that," Xander sighed fondly.  "Makes me proud of our daughter, Throttle."

"She's my stepkid, I never changed diapers," he said blandly.  "Behave, Xander.  Remember, you have to work tomorrow."  He finished off his last piece of bread and stretched out, getting comfortable.  "Great job, Momma."

"Thank you, Throttle.  You know he's baiting you, right?"  He smirked and nodded.  "Are you going to let him?"

"Until I tell him he can't go find his favorite thing from our trip."

"It's in the trunk."

"You bought one of those without me?"

"Well, yeah, I didn't think I could drag you into a sex shop."  Carbine, Stoker, and Modo all choked. "Sorry.  Just one that sells toys and videos."

Switch grinned at him.  "Is that where you find all those neat restraints?"

He beamed and nodded.  "Yeah.  Wanna go?"

"No," Stoker said, putting his foot down.  "No more restraints.  We have more than enough.  There's nothing there that we can't do without."

"I just wanna look," she pouted.  "Please?  We can go with Throttle even so he doesn't have to spank Xander for buying more naughty stuff."

"No, we don't need more naughty stuff," Throttle agreed.  He looked at Xander, shaking his head. "No."

"Please?  I'll be good.  I promise I'll be good.  I won't rent any movies, I won't go into the arcade and get molested by some helpful guy, I won't pick up any toy that's bigger than you or that vibrates.  Please, Throttle?" he begged.  "You can go with us."

"If you're going, both spouses are going with you," Throttle assured him.

"I don't want your punk," Stoker assured him.

"Like I care," he snorted.  "Think about some guy escorting Switch into a shop like that without you being there."

Stoker growled. "He'd better not try anything."

"See?" Throttle said smugly.  "You don't need it, Xander."

"But, Throttle," he whined. "We can be good and get Vinnie and Charley bridal presents."

"I doubt she'll need 'em, mini-punk," Stoker said firmly.

Switch ran a hand up her man's thigh, making him twitch until she got to the spot she liked to tease, right on the inside of his thigh, just close enough for her knuckles to brush him. "Please, Stoker?" she asked, giving him the puppy eyes.  "I'll do a report for class."

"Why would your computer class want to know about human-style sex toys?"

"Because that area is branching out onto the internet," Xander said promptly.  "It's a few billion dollar business.  It brings in nearly as much money as Las Vegas does.  It's a great industry in some places.  Little or no overheard, very little cost, and you can make back your monthly fees with about three clients at those prices."  He grinned at Switch.  "If he won't take you, I'll take you online and show you some so you can do a report on that.  You can shop, watch movies, talk to live people and have them do stuff, just watch live people going at it, and all sorts of stuff."

"No, Xander," Stoker ordered.

"I agree, not unless I'm sitting there too," Throttle agreed sarcastically.

"If you want," he agreed happily.  "Oh, come on!  It'll be *fun*."

"No," the spouses said.   Switch and Xander pouted but it wasn't changing any minds.

"Fine," Switch said, pushing back her chair and taking Anya from her husband.  "Come on, Xander.  You can show me online and they can watch over our shoulders."  She led the way into the library, smirking at what Dawn was looking at.  "That seems pretty cool.  Is that part of the porn stuff Xander was talking about?"

"Sure is but it's humiliation and degradation stuff.  I hate jocks and this makes them sorry."

"Is this the sort you can tell them what to do?"

"No, this is a movie, sweetie, sit down.  I'll switch to more normal people porn."  She typed in another address, finding a better website for her.  Anya suddenly let out a squeal.  "Whoa, your namesake," she said in awe.  "Xander?  Did you know Anya submitted tapes to a kinky amateurs site?" she called.

"WHAT!" Throttle yelled, coming into the office.  "Cheese!  Xander!"

"I didn't know she did that!"  He looked at the counter.  "Hey, we're pretty heavily downloaded too."  He looked up.  "Good job, honey.  Next time, tell me."  He shook his head and sat down to look at the rest of the site, making Dawn move.  "Oh, hey, there's six or seven of us on here," he said, frowning as he clicked on each one.  "My birthday."  He clicked on another one.  "Her return to human day."  The next.  "Her birthday!" he said with a bright grin for Dawn.  "Look, she's wearing the nightie you stole for her."

Dawn looked, then nodded.  "Yeah, she is," she sighed, heading off shaking her head.  She couldn't watch porn with Xander around.  Especially not porn of him and her.

"Oh, hey, it's Buffy's birthday party and the back room," Xander called.

"I saw enough of that one when I interrupted it," Dawn called back, shuddering.  She really had seen more than she needed to.

"Ooh, look, Anya, your namesake was so *cute*," Switch cooed.

Everyone let out a groan at that but Xander, whose 'yup, she was' earned another one.  Then Throttle was pulling Xander off to make him sane again.

"It's malnutrition, feed him more, Throttle," Dawn yelled down the hallway.

"I've got what he needs to be sane," he promised, closing their door.  "Suck," he ordered, undoing his pants.

Xander happily got down to his favorite chocolate flavored treat.

Episode 14:

The time came as it always did for real holidays to start.  Dawn had considered her options, then begged Charley for her bike for the holiday weekend, reasoning that she could put the Andrew cat into one of the new saddlebags she had bought for when she used it.  She had asked him and he hadn't seemed to mind.  He liked sleeping in them anyway.  Charley had considered it, then relented after Vinnie promised her a weekend out of town.  So Dawn had carefully packed for the weekend, calling Max to tell her she was leaving, then packed the cat onto her shirts and fasted that bag securely after putting a water bottle in there with him.  She could always wash or dry her shirts if something happened.  She pulled out of the garage early Wednesday morning with Xander's blessings for skipping a day since she had already done all her homework due for Monday.  It was a crisp morning but not too cold and no real snow yet.  It was a great ride too.  The cat had howled for a few minutes then apparently settled down for a nap.  Every once in a while she saw the bag shift but that was fine.

***

Xander opened his phone with a sleepy complaint moan. "What?" he asked at the giggling.  "Why would I want to go to Cleveland?"  He moaned and scrubbed his face.  "I'm not sure if I can make it, Buffy.  Yeah, but I also have a boyfriend and he's here."

"We can go if you want," Throttle whispered in his ear.  "We'll even take your car so you don't freeze.  My bike'll understand."

Xander looked at him, then spoke into the phone.  "Let me discuss that with him."  He hung up and turned to look at him.  "You want to spend the holiday with Buffy and the slayers?"

"Not really but they are your only family and Dawn is there."

"Yeah, but they won't hurt Dawn."  Throttle kissed him, making him calm down.  "If you want," he said finally. He stole another kiss and sat up.  "We should take your bike."

"Nah, that's fine," Throttle promised, stroking his back.  "You'd freeze on the interstate.  There's supposed to be snow today."  He tweaked the edge of his tail.  "Entirely up to you."

Xander sighed and nodded.  "Maybe.  But that'll leave Modo here alone with the cats."  His mother had left the week before with the other mice.  His dream last night was bothering him so he curled up on Throttle's chest.  "He'd be miserable."

"Then call Buffy back and ask if you can bring both of us," he said reasonably.  "She probably won't mind."  Xander looked up at him.  "I'll go ask him first if you want."

"Sure."  He let his lover get up, slowly and gently stroking the tail flicking around as it walked off.

Throttle walked up into the lounge.  "If we go to visit Buffy too did you want to come?" he asked.

"I don't want to impose," Modo said softly.

"I'd be imposing too," he assured him dryly.  "She wanted Xander back and we might as well go protect Dawn."

"What about the city?"

"Meg and Oz are here.  They can call."

"Point."  He looked at his bike.  "Want a road trip, Lil' Hoss?"  She beeped.  "Then we can go."  He sat up.  "You're sure?"

Xander came up the ramp, smirking at him.  "Buffy said that was fine and she'd try to keep the girls from hitting on you guys.  I didn't tell her anything about my changing."

"Sure," Throttle agreed.  "Since he's coming, you wanna take the bike?"

"Sure."  Xander headed into the bathroom.  "I'm showering."

"Fine," Throttle agreed, watching his tail disappear.  He looked at Modo, who was smirking at him.  "What?  I like him riding behind me.  Otherwise we were going to take the car so he wouldn't freeze."  He went down to lay out some clothes for them.  Even he'd be cold on the interstate today.  He packed something slightly more formal for Xander, of course all black because he liked him in black, and something nice for himself.  Then he gave them enough for the return trip.  He found Xander's large backpack and stuffed the clothes inside, then took them out and carefully repacked so it was smoother.  By the time he was done, Xander was out of the shower and he took his turn, going to get clean.  He came out and found Vinnie bouncing on the balls of his feet.  "Anxious?"

"Yeah," he admitted with a grin. "This is our first holiday together and she let me plan it.  I'm hoping she doesn't object."

"I liked your ideas, Xander liked your ideas, she'll like your ideas," Throttle assured him, clapping him on the arm.  "Take a shower before you sweat too much and start to stink."  Vinnie rushed in there to clean up, then let Modo have it.  He came down the stairs and found Xander had changed the outfit, putting on a thick, soft black sweater, a pair of nice leather pants, and his boots.  His jacket and gloves were waiting in the chair.  "Will your backpack fit over that?"

He nodded.  "Yeah, I adjusted the straps out to make sure.  I thought I looked cute in it."

"You do," Throttle agreed, liking that sweater.  It clung in the right spots but it was loose and soft to tease him and keep him warm.  "Whenever Modo's ready we can go."

"Sure."  He gave him a kiss and went to present Modo with the sweater he had found him.  "Here you go, wear this," he said happily, grinning at him.  "I figured even such a warm guy as you got cold."  He headed down to look over the bikes.  "We'll need to fill you up, baby.  Go ahead and plug in for a few minutes to top your tank up. It'll be a pretty long drive and I'm not sure if we've got plugs in the garage at the house."  The bikes plugged in, even Vinnie's.  He stroked the handlebars.  "He's not taking you, girl.  He's taking her on a plane and they'd have to treat you like cargo.  Think you can hold down the fort and make sure the cats are fine?"  She beeped.  "I'll let Meggy come over and put on her white outfit," he teased quietly.  The bike snickered.  "Sure."  He went to call Meg and Oz.  "Hey, it's us.  Can you come cat sit at the lair and watch Vinnie's bike?  No, I got invited back for a Sunnydale Thanksgiving special.  No, no Indians this time, Meg.  I swear, no spirits this time.  Yeah, and you can bring your white outfit.  I asked, she said she didn't mind."  He grinned as Vinine stopped to look at him. "Thanks, no, we're leaving within an hour.  You know where the key is.  Love you guys."  He hung up and looked at Vinnie.  "I asked her."

"Meg does what on my bike?"

"She has this all white outfit that she sewed a tail on and she does a decent impersonation of you on a really calm day with a bit too little enthusiasm."

"So she's like you on a calm day?" Vinnie taunted.

"Not even close," he snorted.  "Ask your bike.  It took pictures."

Vinnie went to talk to his bike, who was sharing the pictures.  He looked at it, then shook his head.  "She looks very strange as a white mouse."  The picture flipped and she was a gray mouse.  "Fine, if you want to let her play Switch and ride you, that's up to you.  Make sure she cleans you up, I don't want to know what she did."  Another picture flashed and he blushed, walking off shaking his head.  Charley gave him a kiss and a worried look.  "Meg dressed up in mice costumes and plays on my bike," he whined.

"I know, I walked in on her the last time.  She was wearing her 'you' outfit and Oz was dressed in gray, but without the tail or ears.  They were doing stuff I hadn't considered," she admitted with a blush.

He gave her a kiss.  "If you wanted to have sex on my bike, we can do that, sweetheart," he promised smugly.  "Any time and every time you want."  He let her go and went to check her bags.  "You won't need the sweaters."

"You never said we were going somewhere warm."

He repacked and handed her the bag, giving her a kiss.  'That's all you'll need and all I'm wanting you in.  No peeking."  He walked away.  "Put on your other blue shirt.  I like you in it, Charley."  She groaned but changed shirts, smiling as Modo and Throttle took off with Xander in his usual spot.  They were so cute together.  Nearly as cute as Meg and Oz.  They walked out to the cab, finding Meg parking and getting out in her 'Throttle' costume and Oz shaking his head at his girlfriend.

"Just don't ask," Oz suggested when Vinnie stared at her.  "Cats at the lair?"

"Yeah, and turn on our security system," Charley said, kissing Meg on the cheek. "You're adorable!  Take pictures of those for Xander."  She got into the cab, pulling Vinnie in with her, even though he fell across her lap.

"Sweetheart, I love you but no sex in the back of a cab," he complained, getting in properly and closing the door.  "My poor bike."

"She enjoys it, Vinnie, let her play."  She patted him on the thigh.  "Airport."

"Sure, ma'am.  Are you in?"  She looked and Vinnie used his tail to grab the bags through the window, then they were off.  "Was that a mouse costume?"

"Meg's a programmer," she told him.  "She's working on a new game."

"With us?" Vinnie asked excitedly.  "When can we play it?"

"Soon, Vincent, she's still writing code," she said, patting him on the thigh again.  He moaned and kissed her.  "You said no sex in public."

"Cheese, I hate it when I make rules too early."

"We can change it after you take me away for the holiday."

"Sure."  He smirked, she was going to have a lot of fun.  They got to the airport.  "International," he told the driver, who was glancing back.  He nodded, taking them to that terminal.  He paid the guy then got out, heading inside with the bags, his girlfriend behind him. "Come on, you don't want to miss the warm water."

"We're going where?" she asked, jogging to catch up to him.  "Where are we headed?" she asked.

"You'll see," he said smugly.  He found an empty check in counter and walked up to it, handing over one of the bags, but keeping the other.  It had the passports and stuff.  He leaned closer, whispering his name and she smiled. "It's a surprise."

"I can tell, she looks shocked already," the woman said with a British accent.  She found their reservations and popped out their tickets.  "Identification, sir?"

He dug into the bag, handing over their ID's and passports.  She smiled and made notes, then handed them all back.  "Which way?"

"Through security to gate 15, sir.  Thank you for flying British Air."  She smiled at Charley and winked at her.  "You'll enjoy it, I did on my honeymoon, and congratulations, ma'am."

"Thanks," she said with a smile, taking his arm to walk away with him.  "Where are we heading?"

Vinnie smirked and winked, getting them into the security checkpoint line.  He handed over their tickets with a grin for the woman checking them.  "It's a surprise for her, don't spoil it?" he begged, looking just pitiful enough to get a smile in return.  He emptied his pockets, realizing he had his bike keys.  "Meg might need those."

"She can't ride," she assured him, patting him on the back.  He went through and beeped so had to come back and take of his boots, showing the chain he had on underneath.  "That doesn't come off."

"A very dear friend welded it on," Vinnie told her.  She nodded and motioned him over, doing the hand wand.  "Sorry, it's in remembrance."

"I understand, sir.  I've seen others."  She smiled as Charley went through and gave him back the tickets.  "Happy honeymoon, sir."

"Thanks," He said with a wink, putting back on his boots.  He took their bag and the small plastic container of change and keys, putting them back in his pocket before leading her off again.  "Gate fifteen?"  She nodded, looking around.  "You'll love it, it was highly recommended."

"I hope so."  She looked at his hand.  "You got me a passport?"  He beamed and nodded.  "You're being sneaky."

"No, Xander did the picture," he assured her.

"I wondered why he was snapping pictures."  They got to the gate and she stared at the board, then snatched the tickets.  "You're taking me St. Croix?"

"Well, yeah," he admitted, grinning at her.  "I heard it was nice.  Max said it was pretty nice and there's a local F-1 if you wanted to go."

She grabbed him by the ears and pulled his head down to kiss him soundly.  "You are amazing."  She let him go and took the tickets to check in.  "He's surprising me," she said at the amused look on the girl's face.

"This is one great surprise," she assured her.  "Thank you, Miss Davidson.  It'll be about a half an hour before we start to board.  Since you're in first class, you do have priority boarding."  She smiled and drug Vinnie off to the bathrooms, knowing he'd never be able to use the one on the plane without destroying it.  She was even nice and bought him a rootbeer to take on the plane.  She'd reward him for real when they got to their hotel.

***

Dawn parked her bike in the open garage, taking the left two-thirds of a parking spot.  That way if someone else had to come in they had a chance of parking.  She climbed off and grabbed the saddle bags.  Andrew meowed pitifully.  "Give me ten minutes, Andrew."  She walked inside, slamming the door.  "I'm here!"  She walked into the kitchen and put down her bags, letting Andrew out onto the counter, where he promptly hopped down and went to investigate, hopefully finding a suitable litter box.

"There's a litter box in the bottom bathroom and he's got food and water in the living room," Buffy said with a smile.  "Good time."

"Thanks.  It took me about six hours.  I had to stop for gas because I'm borrowing a bike."

"You're riding a ten speed?" one of the slayers asked.

Dawn snorted and took off her helmet.  "Yeah, because I dress like this to ride a ten speed.  No, honey, I rode a Harley that belongs to a very nice friend."

"One of those big guys?" Buffy asked.

"No, Charley.  She owns the garage and is dating the white one."

"That's rascist," another female voice called.

"Not really," she muttered, looking at her sister, who was beaming.  "What?"

"I talked Xander into coming up and Micah so you and Max could do some training," she said happily.  "Xander's bringing Throttle and Modo, whoever they are."

"I'll go move my bike in a while to make sure they've got room to park," she said dryly.  "If they don't have plugs out there, they'll need an extension cord as well.  Two plugs, heavy draw."

"We've got three or four outlets on the work table," Buffy assured her.  "I didn't know they made motorcycles with electric engines."

"These ones have very fussy computers," Dawn said patiently.  She scrunched up her hair.  "Sorry, I sweated on the road.  It was starting to snow."  Andrew leapt up and nuzzled her.  "Hey, liking it here?  Did you find the kitty box?"  He meowed and rubbed against her chest, then wandered over to love on Buffy as well.

"Not cats on the counters.  I'll be sitting soon so you can cuddle then," she said, picking him up to give him a hug and a kiss.  "I missed you, you little dickhead."  She put him down with another pat and cleaned off the counter.  "Go change!"

"I am dressed.  It's not like I'm in pajamas."  She sat down, checking her bag, then looked at the cat, who was smirking at her.  "Thank you for not messing up my shirts."  He rubbed against her leg, then stiffened when he heard a child's squeal.  "No, it's not Anya, she won't try to eat you."  The cat still took off when the toddler came into view.

"Kitty kitty!" the girl called, chasing after it.

Dawn snagged her, looking at he.  "To pet the Andrew cat, you've got to sit down and let him come to you.  He's been scared by babies.  So go sit down and call to him, he'll come."

"Kitty kitty?" she asked.

"She's not quite that developed yet," a woman said, taking her back.  "Scared of children?"

"The last infant was just crawling and thought he was a chew toy.  Especially his tail."

"Oh, good.  Then we'll teach her how to tempt him with a treat and pet him gently.  Come on, Cara."

"Kitty kitty!" she demanded.  She cooed when Andrew came around a corner and trotted up to leap into Dawn's lap.  The baby lunged but her mother kept hold of her.  Dawn lifted up the cat and she patted him on the head.  "Kitty kitty.  Pretty.  Mine!"

"Everybody's," Buffy retorted, looking at her.  "Behave, Caroline."  She pouted but got down and went to chase the cat into the living room.  "That really is Andrew, huh?"  She nodded.  "How did you know?"

"Well, the first *true* proof wasn't that great, he was sleeping on top of Xander's Star Trek collection or next to his yearbook.  Then one day, while we were moving Xander's stash of weapons, Andrew snuck into the old SUV while Oz was picking me up.  First day of school no less," she said dryly, holding up a hand.  "They still had a few grenade launchers in the back and Andrew was posing on top of one, straddling it like he was showing off his manliness, and licking himself while Oz was waiting to pick me up.  So *everyone* in school saw that we have weapons, and cats, and Oz explained it as an art piece."  The slayers chuckled.  "Oh, if Xander's coming, we've got to have a short talk.  Something's happened."

"He's more injured?" Caroline's mother asked.  "I knew we should have brought him back, Buffy!"

"No, he's happier there and has a boyfriend."

"Who is furry," Dawn told them, hearing the bikes coming up the street.  "As is Xander now."  Buffy dropped the spoon and the other slayers stared in shock.  She nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty new, but he's a mouse now."  She got up and went to move her bike so they could park, grinning at them.  "There's outlets over there," she offered once both engines had stopped. "I warned a few of them.  The rest are hiding so far."

"Goodie," Xander said dryly, getting off and taking off his helmet. He slid his backpack to one shoulder and went to find an extension cord for the bikes.  They popped out their cords and he plugged them in, giving them both pats.  "Close the garage door, Dawn, it's cold out there."

"I'm guessing there's a car missing," she offered, but she did close the door.  "Sonya has a baby."

"Wonderful," Throttle agreed.  "Another tail grabber."

"But it suited Anya's personality so well!" Dawn teased, smirking at him.  "Come on, I'll walk you inside.  Xander, you wanna take point or follow?"

"I'll lead.  That way I can kick asses," he muttered, heading into the house.  "We're here!"

"Xander!" someone yelled, coming down the stairs.  She stopped when she saw the creatures and let out a scream.  "Shape shifters!"  Then she attacked.  Xander blocked two blows, ducked a third, then slammed her into a wall, holding her there.

"You done now?" he asked.  She babbled and he pressed harder.  "Yes, I'm furry.  I like being furry, just like my man is furry.  The same as I like having a tail."  He yelped and glared at the cat.  "Andrew!"

The slayer scooped up the cat, backing away from him. "Buffy!  We've got a problem!" she called.

Buffy came out and dispersed the remaining slayers.  "Wow, you are furry.  Dawn just barely told us."  She shrugged and gave him a hug.  "It's all good, they work with Micah," she called.  That got a groan and most of the girls departed.  She smiled at the other two mice.  "My sister rides a Harley?"

"Only when she can beg to borrow it," Throttle told her, shaking her hand.  "Throttle.  This is Modo.  Vinnie's in St. Croix with Charley, the owner of her bike."

"I see," she said, smirking at her sister.  "You are so much in trouble."

"I asked.  She said I could borrow it.  I respect Charley, she's a great woman who's teaching me how to fix engines."  She walked Xander into the kitchen, pulling down packets of cocoa.  "Here, hot cocoa will make you warm again."

"I've got cider on the stove," Buffy told her, pulling it onto the front burner to reheat.  "Strip off the jackets, guys.  We're not that formal around here."  Modo and Throttle shrugged, getting back down to their usual harness and vest respectively.  "Wow.  She was right about you two being hotties.  I hadn't realized the last time I was there."  She got down mugs and poured out drinks, saving the opened package of cocoa for the baby since she was heading for Modo.  "Um, big guy, she's still grabby."

"We have a friend's kid who just left last week," Throttle told her.  "We named her after Anya because she was born on the anniversary of her death."

"Wow.  Is she like her?"

"So far," Xander agreed.  "Modo likes kids, it'll be fine, Buffy."

"I'm wary around all non-parents," she said dryly.  "I don't trust myself with her."  She looked down at the baby.  "Caroline, I've got cocoa brewing."  The baby beamed and then beamed up at Modo, reaching for his tail.

Xander snickered, shaking his head as he picked her up and got his buddy free.  "Hi, Caroline. I remember you when your mommy was puking her guts up."  She patted him, just like she would the cat.  "Sure, you do that, baby."  He sat down next to Dawn, continuing to be petted.  He looked back at Throttle and used his tail to pull him closer, giving him a deep, with tongue, kiss.  "I feel better now, much warmer."

"No making out in front of those of us who aren't dating," Dawn sighed.  "House rules still apply, guys."  Modo chuckled and hugged her.  "Thanks, big man.  You do know your mother threatened to move down here and bring you eligible women, right?"  He nodded, patting her on the head.  "See, I'm overprotected as their little sister, but they do it in a better way since they *encourage* me to learn how to protect myself."

"She's gotten very good, she bruises Xander now," Throttle assured Buffy.  Micah came in stomping his feet.  "We were invited too."

"I know, I was here when she called you guys."  He looked around, then paused. "Vinnie took Max's suggestion?"

"St. Croix," Xander said proudly.  "He kept it a surprise until this morning at least."

"I'm impressed, I didn't think he could keep that sort of secret," Micah muttered.  Xander held out the baby.  "No," he said, backing away.  "I don't like kids and they don't like me."  He looked around.  "No mother?"

"No, and she's a tail person too," Xander said, putting her back down.  "Go get your mommy so you can have cocoa."

She toddled off.  "Kitty kitty, mommy, kitty kitty."

"Yes, I saw the kitty kitty, Cara," her mother said, coming out of another room.  She stopped at the sight in front of her and whimpered.  "Not in front of the kid."

"What?  I held your head when you puked, ungrateful wench," Xander taunted, smirking at her.  "I like being furry, I'm not cold now."  The baby was put down and the mother came over to hug him, getting in a pet of her own.  "Yes, I'm soft."

"I can see that."  She kissed him on the nose and Throttle coughed.  "Oh, really?" she asked, glaring at him.  "What makes you think you're going to keep him?"

"Because he's mine and I said so," Xander said blandly, staring her down.  She blushed and took the cocoa back to the other room where her daughter was petting the cat.  He looked at Buffy.  "We could stay in a hotel."

"Fat chance!  Giles wanted to talk to you about how you were using the money anyway," she informed him.  "He's out right now."

"They took his usual parking spot so he'll have to cover his car," Micah told her.  "The bikes need the garage or somewhere else that's warm."  He clapped Xander on the back, then smoothed down some hair.  "Helmet tracks."  He touched the hair again.  "You're dry too."  He looked at Throttle.

"He's shedding, it's normal at his age," he assured him dryly.  "I take very good care of my boy."

"Good, I like that."

Xander looked back at Micah.  "If I had known you were interested, I might have held off to see if you could keep up."

"You'd be worn out in seconds, kid," Micah teased back.  He laughed at the looks on the girls' faces.  "I'm not.  I like Xander, he handles things so I don't have to show up so often."  He looked at Throttle.  "Anything of note?"

"Meg's working on something with us.  Vinnie's bike has been letting her play on her," Xander told him.  "She's even made costumes and gets Oz to help."

"I saw enough of that the day I walked in on it," Dawn announced.  "And it gave me nightmares so let's not go there again.  I can't see those two like that."

"Meg and Oz?" Throttle asked.

"No, she was being Vinnie and he was dressed all in gray, but no ears or tail," she said sweetly.  Modo shuddered.  "Exactly.  Now you know why I had nightmares," she said with a bright smile.  He nodded, shaking his head to clear it.  "Bathroom's got the litter box.  Bedrooms are probably in the distant wing of the house."  She glanced at Buffy, who nodded.  "So let's go unpack and by the time we get back, the cider should be pretty warm."  They followed her, heading up to the rooms with the open doors.  No one who lived here kept their doors open, it was the only privacy the slayers got.  Xander looked at Throttle. "No traumatizing the slayers," she said patiently, "with loud, claiming, noisy sex."

"I agree," Micah said as he came up the stairs, taking the first doorway and shaking his head.  "That's mean and vindictive, Xander," he said gently.  "You're better than that.  Just show off and be yourself.  Let Throttle have another of those lap days.  That's more than enough."

"Sure.  Get a beer later?" Xander asked.

Micah nodded.  "Please.  Sports bar."  Xander grinned and nodded, taking the far room with his man.  Modo took the one next to Micah and Dawn took the one between them.  "Did you bring real clothes?"

"Dress pants."

"That'll do.  Your sister's cooking," he shared, going into his room and shutting the door.

Dawn shuddered but went to unpack her stuff.  Then she came back down the stairs, finding the others in the kitchen. She looked at Buffy, who shook her head at the questioning look.  "Guys, did anyone tell all of you that Xander and his guests are giant mice?"  They all moaned at that.  "Thanks.  Oh, the big, gray guy is Modo, he's very sweet, so don't hit on him.  He's one of those nice, sweet, gentle, respectful guys that mothers like.  Got it?  Messing with him is messing with me and Xander."

"Who is apparently gay now?" one girl asked. "He's dating the tan one, right?"  She nodded.

Another girl coughed. "I thought he was being racist talking about 'the white one' earlier."

"No, that's Vinnie, he took his girl to St. Croix for the holiday.  I'm borrowing Charley's bike for the weekend," she said patiently.  "Vinnie is like Xander, only worse."

Throttle chuckled and gave her a hug.  "That's one way of putting it."  He nodded.  "Ladies."

"Hi," most of them said, staring at him.

One of them moved closer, then patted him on the bare arm.  "You are furry."

"I'm a mouse, ma'am."

"Sandy," she said, smiling at him.  Dawn popped her one. "Hey!"

"You put drugs in my car, bitch.  I should rip your fucking head off and shove it down your throat.  That's obviously why the demons sent you back, because the drugs made you taste funny."

"Dawn," Throttle said patiently.  "You already handled that."

"Fine," she said, glaring at her.  "Don't try it again or with Xander.  You won't like it."  She looked at her sister, taking the mug of cider.  "Thanks, Buff."

"Welcome, Dawnie.  Were you the reason we got the visit from the drug dog?"  Dawn smirked and nodded.  "I totally agreed with your judgement in that case.  Besides, the dog was cute."  She grinned at Throttle. "Can you drink cider?"

"Non alcoholic?"

"We can't serve anything else with two people on probation around here," she assured him, dipping out a mug and handing it over. "I've got extra cinnamon if you want some."

"No, that's okay, we've got very sensitive taste buds."

"They won't eat true Xander chili either," Dawn shared.  More of the girls moaned and drank their cider.

"He bought the girl who came to hide with us white chocolate covered jalapenos," Throttle shared.  "Then he tricked us into eating them."  He sipped his cider, sitting down again.  "You made good time."

"I had to stop twice for gas and to check on Andrew when it started to snow.  He was in my saddlebag."

"Risky if you had crashed."

"I wasn't going to crash.  Charley took me out into Quigley Field and made sure I could handle the bike on a sheet of ice."  She took another sip.  "Do you think she's thinking about going for a new one?"

"Maybe," he admitted.  "You might ask her.  That would make a good graduation present since you're going to the college."

"Thanks, Throttle."  She kissed him on the cheek, then wiped off the lip print.  "So Xander doesn't get jealous."

"Won't keep it from happening," he said smugly.

"Do you guys get to wander around like that in Chicago?" one of the girls, a younger one, asked.  He nodded. "Do you guys have a hellmouth?"

"No.  We had other aliens."  He took another sip.  "Most people don't want to see us as mice so we're okay with it.  Every once in a while we go out in disguise."

"Trench coats, scarves over their mouths, hats," Dawn said dryly.  "They got asked if they were going to rob things.  The cops like seeing them like this more."

He nodded.  "They decided it's easier this way."  He took another sip.  "Modo?  Are you okay?" he called.

"Fine, bro.  Just got attacked by the baby again."  He came down the stairs carrying her.  "It took me a minute to catch her."  He sat down with her in his lap, taking his mug.  "Thank you, ma'am."

"It's Buffy," she said firmly.  "Remember that.  I'm not a ma'am yet.  At least I hope I'm not."

"No, you look good for your age and slaying all week," most of the slayers assured her.

Xander came down the stairs with Micah, taking his mug from between Throttle and Modo's shoulders, giving her a grin.  "Long week?"

"Fairly, that's why Micah was here.  You?"

"Not really.  Quiet on the construction front.  Quiet on the demonic and alien front.  Vinnie even got bored."

"As Charley found out when she left to get groceries and came back to find him painting the kitchen," Throttle agreed.  "She was not impressed."

"He was getting paint everywhere," Xander reminded him.  "At least he had the sense to cover everything with plastic."

"He was hopping up and down to get the ceiling," Dawn told the others.  "Very cute.  White mouse, yellow paint.  Bright yellow paint."  They all chuckled at that.  "Xander came behind him and did the trim work for him so he wouldn't have to jump up and mess that up."

"The ceiling wasn't too bad," Modo offered.

"No, it wasn't and Xander fixed the spots he missed," Dawn agreed with a grin for Xander. He shrugged and grinned before taking another sip.  "Are we riding back as a group?"  Throttle nodded.  "Fine.  Some of those roads were pretty iffy in spots."

"Yeah, we noticed," Throttle assured her, patting her on the back.  "Good job. Your first road trip by yourself."

"Thanks," she said proudly.  "Can I have a snack?"  Buffy grabbed something out of the fridge and tossed over the green pepper.  "Thanks."  She broke it open and took the seeds out, flicking a few at Andrew when he jumped back up.  "Down."  He looked at her. "Spray bottle."  He jumped down and went to nuzzle Xander's leg.  "Remember, you're staying with all these girls, Andrew."  She took a bite, nodding.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome," she said happily.  "How's school?"

"I'm pulling down mostly B's, but Russian is still a trip and physics is hard. I asked the local college, taking a few extra minutes to go up there and give them my application.  The woman I talked to said it wasn't too bad and since I was now local I was probably going to be accepted, even if I bottomed out."

"Which you can't do if you want to hit the Academy," Micah reminded her.  She sighed and nodded.  "It's all right, we understand that you're not into Physics, but you being able to speak Russian would be really helpful.  Though I like the choice of Hindi."

"Thanks, Micah," she said with a grin for him.  She looked at her sister. "I'm going to be working for him."

"So he said.  Are you fighting?"

"Only when Xander's not there," she said honestly.

"She helped us with an alien menace a few weeks back," Micah offered.  "She took orders, she scouted first, she worked with Lorne at the second site.  She did okay. Even he said so."

"He did?"

He nodded.  "He did, but he said you need more work in your fight practice."

"I'm already doing a martial arts and working out with Throttle and Vinnie each weekend," she reminded him.

"That's something that takes time to learn, Dawn," Modo said gently.

"Yeah, whipping tail wasn't an overnight ability for us," Throttle agreed. "You're picking it up pretty well."

"I'd like to see Buffy sparing with her this weekend," Micah offered.  Dawn shrugged and nodded.  Throttle looked at her, then nodded slowly.  "Buffy?" Micah asked.

"Sure."  She grinned at her little sister.  "Mom would be proud, but scared."

"Mom would just be proud.  I've got six boys panting after me and I don't pay any attention to them."

"That's because we'd whip your tail if you brought any of those punks home," Xander said dryly.  "Though, the guy on the red Kawasaki, he's nice.  He likes you."

"Phil?" she asked, looking back at him.  "He does?"

"He's always staring at you so either he thinks you're odd or you're cute," he offered.  He smirked at her.  "If you bring him home, we might not mind.  He's a smart and good boy."

"He stares at Vinnie too," she reminded him.  "Mostly in awe."  She finished her cider and put her mug down.  "We'll see.  I'll try to speak to him on Monday.  He might not be more than confused by big, furry people."  She ran a hand up Xander's arm.  "You're getting denser."

"I noticed.  We've been busy recently and I've been tired."

"That's what holidays are for," Throttle reminded him, pulling him closer by twining their tails, earning a small grin.

"I don't care if you're gay and doing ...gerbils," Caroline's mother noted, "but please not more than cuddling in front of my kid.  Her father's trying for custody and this city has judges who would hand her over in a heartbeat because of that."

"He's more my lap pet anyway," Throttle offered, picking Xander up and putting him into his lap. "I'm possessive."

"Good," she agreed, smirking at him. "Someone needs to be about that boy.  He keeps getting into trouble."

"The *boy* as you call him took down the same alien menace twice by himself and three times with the group," Micah told her.  "He's much better than most people think.  He also designed their present house and paid for it since he owned the building as an investment property, but he worked really hard to build it in two weeks."  Buffy looked impressed at that.

"It had a shell we built some stuff around," Xander offered.

"You still designed it, helped work on the crew all hours of the day and night, and got us an amazing house in under two weeks when we had to move," Modo reminded him.  "Then you blew up the old building and didn't damage ours at all."

"Shiiiiiittt," one of the slayers muttered.

"He's not supposed to be fighting, he's injured," one of them noted.

"So am I," Modo said, holding up his mechanical arm.  "It works sweeter than my real one sometimes."  She stared at him, looking so confused.

"A missing eye isn't a reason to stop fighting unless he wanted it to be," Throttle told her. "He's not helpless.  He doesn't usually touch the money Giles gave him, unless it's a crisis, a vehicle, or Dawn's education.  He's far from helpless.  I lost both of my eyes and have implants and I still whip tail and do it very well."

Xander nodded.  "I'm far from helpless, Melanie.  Think about what I've done since then.  I've fought bad aliens, I've helped build a lot of stuff, I've gotten a few injuries, and I'm still going."

"He walked into the final battle just a few days after losing his eye," Throttle reminded them.  "He wasn't helpless then either."

"Well said," Buffy said quietly.  "It's good that you appreciate them where we couldn't.  I still don't like the idea of Dawnie riding a motorcycle."

Dawn nudged Modo.  "I said bike and one of them thought I meant a ten speed."  He chuckled and hugged her.  "Thanks, Modo."

"You're welcome. You deserve it.  You were careful on the way here if we caught up with you."  He kissed her on the side of the head.  "If Momma brings back women, I'll expect you to help protect me and to pick a good one."

"Sure, always happy to help," she assured him, grinning up at him.  "Otherwise Vinnie will make you date one like him and Meg will swoon."  He blushed but chuckled.

"Meg needs another hobby," Throttle told her, shaking his head against the back of Xander's head.  Xander patted his arms.  "I thought she was strange when you two were dating."

"Hey, she's the one who asked if tail size equated," he said smugly.  "Not me.  I avoided asking it for her just so she could ask Vinnie herself."

"Can I pet you, Xander?" one girl asked.  He looked up at Throttle. "I don't mean to hit on him but he looks very soft."

"He is," he agreed, pulling her closer with his tail.  "Go ahead.  You can pet us both.  Xander's still got baby mouse fur."

"Thanks."  She stroked down Xander's cheek then down Throttle's arm.  Then she blushed and retreated to the safety of the group. "Thank you.  You're both very soft."

"I help him take very good of his new fur," Throttle assured them.

"I bet you do," one said with a leer.

Xander kicked her in the head, knocking her out.  "My man, no poaching," he said flatly.  "As a club recently learned."

"Wow," Buffy said, looking at the unconscious girl.  She stared at Xander.  "You were never that possessive about Anya.  When's the wedding?"

"By our standards, we are," Throttle told her.

"I didn't even get a card?" Micah teased.

"Throttle claimed him in front of everyone.  I thought Vinnie was going to interrupt so I pounced him, but then I realized I was in a nightie and he was thinking smutty Charley thoughts about doing the same thing."

"Claimed?" Micah asked.  Xander leaned back to whisper in his ear, making him nod.  "Then I'll just wish you luck and I don't need those mental pictures."  He finished off his cider.  "Any more, Buffy?"

"Sure," she agreed, taking his mug to dish out some more for him.  "Bottom of the pot," she warned as she handed it back, letting him have another cinnamon stick.  He took one with a smile for her.  "Where's Max?"

"She'll be over for dinner tomorrow and then she's stealing Dawn on Saturday.  I want to watch both sparring sessions, Dawn."

"Yes, Micah."

"Good girl.  She writes good reports for me too," Micah told Buffy.  "We found a link between Druidic markings and Martian ones."

"Wow," she said.  "There were Druids on Mars?"

"Similar styles but not a perfect match," Dawn told her.  "I'm thinking one came down to learn and took it back."  She looked around.  "When are we going to the store? I need to pick up a few girl things."

"In the bathroom closet, top shelf," Buffy told her.

"We'll need to go anyway, Buff, these guys like root beer."

"I know.  I asked Micah when I went last night.  There's two cases in the fridge."  Modo grinned at that.  "He said you guys ate a lot."  She pinched him on the cheek.  "So help yourself.  Did anyone want to do the dishes?"  Like magic, all the slayers disappeared.  She snorted.  "Wonderful.  Just leave me to it, girls."  She loaded the dishwasher and turned it on.  "Giles should be back soon," she told them.  "He's been looking forward to talking to Xander to see how things are going."

"They're going okay in Chicago.  Things are kinda calm now that we've gotten rid of the big alien menace."  Xander snuggled back into the comforting arms.  "Did anyone think to warn him that I'm furry?"

"He wasn't here when Dawn came back.  He's temping in at the local book store for the holiday season because he's bored," Buffy offered.  She looked at the clock as she heard the garage door open. "Hmm, he's back a bit early.  Did you guys leave him a spot?"  They shook their heads.  "Then he can park in the driveway.  It's not really snowing."  The door closed and someone came in. "Hi, Giles."

"Buffy, whose bikes are those?" he demanded, walking into the kitchen and stopping.  "Hello."  He stared at them, then at Dawn, then at Micah.  "No Xander, Dawn?"  Xander wiggled his fingers with a grin.  "You're not usually that hairy, my boy.  Did you run into something?"

"We're not sure if it was those Druid markings or not, but yeah, I'm furry.  This is Throttle, he's my man.  The other is Modo, he's a bro."

"Oh, congratulations," he said gently.  "Um, those markings were to keep the peace so I doubt it was that."

"The demon that made you stronger?" Dawn suggested.

"Maybe," Xander agreed.  Giles opened his mouth.  "Quonoset demon."

"I see.  When?"

"Road trip."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "I thought you came back a bit different but I could never put my finger on it."  He held out a hand.  "Rupert Giles.  I'm assuming those are your bikes?"

"The soft tail's mine," Throttle said, shaking his hand.  "We've talked on the phone."

"Yes, I remember."  He shook Modo's hand.  "A pleasure to meet you both.  Xander, I've been meaning to talk to you about how you've been spending that money I sent."

"Dawn's education, my ride issues, building a house we all live in, a few splurges now and then, but we're mostly quiet," Xander offered.

"House?"

"Um, fifty grand purchase at home depot and a few checks."

"Ah.  I saw that.  The fifty-eight thousand?"

"New car.  It exploded.  We've got a sinkhole problem.  I put the insurance check back into my account and bought my new one, which is at home, plus I'm spending it on Dawn's education.  By the way, who's paying her tuition?"

"I am," Giles promised.

"Good, then you owe me about a hundred bucks for fees," Dawn told him.  He nodded, smiling at her.  "I'm going to UC there.  I'm probably taking languages since I kinda like 'em, except for Russian.  Hindi and I get along great though.  I'm thinking about doing Middle Eastern and a minor in Spanish or Hindi, plus the odd classes in Russian to keep up so Micah's not disappointed."

"I like that," Micah admitted.  "You do well in those classes.  Even in Russian.  It's a useful skill.  We'll make sure you can pass as native if necessary. Even if we suddenly get switched back to the normal spy fields, I'm having you stay in ECHO."

"Thanks, Micah," she said with a happy grin for him.  She grinned up at Giles.  "The regular Harley that's not plugged in is mine."

"Oh, dear, I unplugged them.  I thought it was a bad joke by some of the girls."

"I'll go fix that," Modo promised, going out to fix the cords.  It was hard to wiggle the cords back into place inside the bikes, but he had experience in it.  He dusted his hands off. "You ladies all right?"  They beeped and nudged him.  "Good girls.  If they bother you, tell us."  He headed back inside, going to get their blankets from his saddle bag and going back out to cover them. It was still cold in the garage.

"Wow, he really loves his bike," Buffy said in awe when he left again.

"They're family," Throttle assured her.  "Just like these two are."  He gave Xander a squeeze, making him snort, then snuffle and go back to sleep.

"Awww," Dawn said, smirking at him.

"I'm comfy, he's fine," Throttle admitted.  "It's the changing."  He looked up at Giles.  "You minded him buying a car?"

"No, not per se, but I didn't think the weekend away was a legitimate business expense.  It was provided so he could train himself to do something he could do for a career."

"He's a crew manager on a construction site and he loves it," Throttle said blandly.

"That's fairly dangerous work," he protested.  "I wish he'd take up something more gentle, something that would allow him a long career without causing aches and pains, or worse, death if he falls from a height."

"They don't build skyscrapers," Dawn told him. "Besides, with this new change, his eye's growing back.  It's pink, like a proper mouse's, but it's in there and growing at the same rate he is."

"I'm not getting the growing part," Buffy said.

"When he changed, he basically changed into a baby mouse.  He had unerupted antenna, a tail that was shedding and peeling, plus baby-style fur.  As his mouse side ages, it's rebuilding like a baby would.  So he's regaining his balance slowly and he's managing the small things and growing.  He's learning again, right now he's learning from Charley, our mechanic friend, while they work on his new car together.  He's picked up some computer stuff from Oz and Meg.  He's picked up more Spanish from Dawn's textbooks.  He's slowly growing his mouse side into his human one."

"That doesn't bother you?" Giles asked.

"I know how old he is, even if he does present some infant characteristics.  It'd be like someone your age having baby fat or baby hair."  Giles nodded, accepting that.  "By the time the changing is finished, he'll be one studly mouse with a lot more skills."

"How many more months do you think until he's able to ride?" Dawn asked.

He looked at her.  "That depends on the participation level," he reminded her. "He's having a busy time rebuilding some of those houses that fell in.  He's been too tired to do more than nap recently."

"I noticed that," she sighed, rolling her eyes.  "When should we start on the balance stuff?"

"By next spring," he offered.  He looked at Modo as he came back.  "She brought up a good point.  We're going to have to do a lot of balance work with him."

"He likes to swim, you could let him learn how to dive," Micah offered.

"We've thought about that, but he needs walking balance too.  He still runs into things now and then.  So we'll need to set up a balance beam or something."  Dawn nodded.  "I don't know where."

"Make him take up yoga," Dawn told him.  "That'll help the flexibility since he's nowhere near as flexible as Vinnie is."

"It's also relaxing, I do it after a hard day," Buffy told them, leaning on the counter to stare at him.  "I didn't realize it but he does kinda look like a baby version of you guys.  His nose isn't as pronounced and his ears aren't as high."

"We noticed that too," Modo assured her.  "The ears will go up soon.  When he reaches about two."

"He's aging in leaps and bounds at the moment," Dawn told her.  "It's working on the Anya principle."

Buffy blushed.  "Tell me you don't mean sex, Dawn."

Dawn beamed.  "I sure do.  The more they have the faster he changes."

"Could it be a physiological phenomenon then?" Giles asked.

"Our other bro is dating a nice human girl and she's not changing," Throttle told him.

"But if she starts to sprout a tail, we'll hear Vinnie howl all the way from St. Croix," Dawn said smartly, cracking them up.

"They called me during their special weekend away," Micah told him.  He looked at Throttle.  "Didn't you pay for that?"  He nodded.  "Then what did he pay for?"

"The beds we broke," he said blandly, smirking at him and giving him a look over his sunglasses.  "You should go, it's a nice, quiet place."

"As long as you don't take Carbine, you should be fine," Dawn added with a grin.  She grinned at Throttle.  "I still want to know why he bought a sling."

"For when he's tail's in trouble," Throttle kicked back immediately, trying to keep from blushing.

"He gets injured that often?" Buffy asked.

"No, but sometimes it's a necessity to have around.  He's gotten some broken ribs and things from car crashes and the bad aliens."

"Oh.  Poor guy.  Are the aliens really mean?"

"Stinky," Micah told her.  "Slimy and stinky.  That's why I smelled the last time I showed up."  She nodded, going to unload the dishwasher.  "Maybe you should put him to bed, Throttle."

"Sure."  He stood up carefully, letting Modo and Dawn brace Xander until he could pick him up and carry him up the stairs.

"Guys!" one of the slayers called.

"Quit, he's asleep," Dawn yelled back.  She looked at Giles.  "He spends it however he wants, Giles.  We don't need a Watcher, we need people who can kick butt and take names every few weeks.  The last time I dealt with magic was seeing if we could stick his transformation.  Speaking of, I wanted to know if we could stop the transformation around his actual age.  I brought the spell if you can look it over."

"Of course.  I didn't know you were doing magic."

"Only under careful cat watch.  Speaking of, watch out.  Andrew's behind you."  Andrew leapt onto Giles' shoulder, meowing in his ear when the human yelped.   "He likes doing that and he likes to sit on top of grenade launchers like they're part of him."  The cat gave her a smug look.  "See, I knew it was him."

Buffy looked and nodded.  "Yeah, that's an Andrew smirk.  How's the Tara cat?"

"Doing well.  She's going to have another litter.  She snuck out," Dawn shared.  "Then we're getting her fixed."  She looked at Andrew, then at Buffy.  "If you get him a cute male cat, he'd love you forever and ever.  He's like that."

"Sure, we'll go to the pet warehouse and see if they've got any up for adoption," she said immediately.  Giles gave her an odd look.  "At the least they'll play with each other."

"I can see him, looking at the row of cats, shouting out in cat: I'm a boy cat looking for a hot boy cat to live with me and my women," Dawn said with a chuckle.  "One baby already, she likes tails, and so do I.  If you're interested, suck up to the woman holding me."   Buffy giggled at that too.

"Dawn, cats don't think that way," Giles chided.

"Giles, even with a female in heat around him, he still went to bugger his brother," Dawn said dryly.  "Unfortunately Bob recently got adopted by a family up the street."  Andrew let out a pitiful meow. "I'm sure you've went to check on your honey, Andrew.  I'm sure he's fine."  Andrew let out another meow, sounding a bit less pitiful.  "Suck up to Buffy.  She'll have to take you to the pet warehouse place."

Andrew leapt from Giles' shoulder to Buffy's back, then turned around to knead her, purring gently into her hair.  "If we can find you a honey, Andrew, we will," Buffy promised, reaching back to try to pet him.  He sniffed her fingers and licked them.  "We'll go Friday.  Okay?  That way you can give them the good points of the house."  He meowed pitifully again.  "Fine.  Hop down.  Find a kitty carrier box."  He walked around and down her shirt.  "Andrew!"  She pulled him out as Dawn chuckled.  "Yeah, he's Andrew all right," she said dryly, carrying him out to Giles' car.  "I'm taking your car, Giles."

"I say not," he protested, heading after her to drive her.  That way they wouldn't end up with every cat in the pet store and most of the other animals too.

"We need to get Vinnie a new fish," Dawn decided. "A big, huge tank of fish."

"Charley girl might get pissed when she never gets to see him again," Throttle said as he came back down the stairs.  "I wouldn't mind. Maybe against that blank wall in the lounge so he can watch them before sleeping."

"We'll work on that when we get home.  We can't carry one of those on the bike," Modo pointed out.  "The fish would freeze and the tank would burst."

"We've got that major pet place out by the walmart past the college," Dawn offered.  "They deliver the bigger stuff if we can't fit it into the back of the sports car."

"Sports car?" one of the slayers asked as she wandered into the kitchen.  "Buffy and Giles?"

"Going to find the Andrew cat a boyfriend."

"Oh, good."  She smiled at them.  "You drive a sports car, Modo?"

"No, we bike, Xander has a sports car.  He bought it off someone who customized it.  He takes very good care of it."

"He does," Dawn agreed.  She was watching the girl.  She knew her and she had always wanted Xander.  "So, how goes the slaying?"

"Not too bad now.  We've got the major stuff calmed down.  The hellmouth doesn't like to open and it's in a park so the police help by patrolling it for odd people."  She looked at Throttle, then suddenly lunged and attacked, but Dawn stepped in and backhanded her into a wall.  "Dawn!"

"Shut it, bitch.  I like him with Xander.  I like how he treats Xander and how he takes care of Xander.  Touch either of the mice and I'm going to pull your miniscule brain out your asshole and laugh when I piss on it.  Got it?"  The girl held her cheek, staring at her in a hurt way.  "Yay. You're a slayer, suck it up.  Xander would never go for you, all you wanted was money and babies to get out of slaying.  I suggest you go nowhere near my bros."  The girl stomped off.  "If you head up there, he won't need to smack you around again," she called after her.  The girl changed direction.

"I locked our room door," Throttle admitted.

"Slayers are super strong.  They'd just break the door in," Dawn told him.  "I'm sure you could hear that though," she said with a smirk. "That was ho number one, Candace, who basically just wanted to be Anya's successor - only with babies."  She looked around.  "Next?" she called.  One of the younger girls stuck her head out of the living room.  "No one touches Xander."

"I didn't want to.  I thought you were calling me."

"No, Zineta, I said 'next', as in 'who's stepping up for me to kick their asses' next."

"Oh," she said, nodding and grinning. "Perfectly understandable.  Leanne and Tro snuck up the stairs."

Throttle got up and went to save his man.  The girls turned at his cough, looking scared and running away.  "Good idea."  He checked the door, walking in when he found it open.  He picked up the girl on the bed, carrying her down the stairs to hand her to Micah.  "She was trying to wake him up."

Micah nodded, looking at the girl.  "Sandy, you're already in deep.  Don't you think you should stop now?  That would probably violate your probation and he had enough of people like you with Faith."  She was dropped and Throttle went back up the stairs, going to make sure no one else got the same idea.

Dawn tapped Sandy and hit her again.  "What part of 'no' didn't you get?" she asked sarcastically.

Buffy walked back in.  "Forgot the wallet," she announced, looking at Sandy, then at Dawn.  "Issue is?"

"She was trying to wake Xander up by crawling into bed with him," she said dryly.  "I hit Linette too on my way down for trying to sneak into his room."

"Sure.  Someone's got to protect the Xander.  He looks vulnerable and soft.  Most of the girls would want to pet him."  She grabbed her purse and checked it, then headed back to the car, catching Andrew outside stalking a bird.  "No, we like those.  Zineta feeds them."  She climbed back into the seat and closed the door, checking her purse to make sure it wasn't caught.  "Sandy and Linette have tried for Xander already.  Dawn's done the smacking duties."

"Good.  Someone needs to protect that boy," Giles agreed as he shifted into reverse and backed down the driveway.  "Must we do this today?"  Andrew let out another pitiful meow.  "Fine.   You definitely are Andrew."  He shifted into first and took off slowly.  "Do not let him lounge in the library.  I don't wish to sneeze from masses of cat fur."

"Sure, Giles," she agreed happily, petting the cat.  "We'll pick you up some hairball medicine and a nice brush, and even a cute collar," she assured him.  "We'll even get you tags and stuff."  Giles sighed and shifted up.  "He'll need 'em."

"He will," he admitted. "Has he had his shots?"  Andrew hid under Buffy's shirt again, making him shake his head.  "I'm supposing that's a yes?"  Buffy nodded. "Good.  Is he fixed?"

"I'm not sure, but he likes boy cats.  Dawn said he ignored a girl cat in heat to go for a boy cat."

"Fine," he sighed, turning on the blinker to change lanes.  Fortunately the pet place wasn't that far.

***

Dawn smirked as Andrew led his two new friends inside, waving at them.  "Hey, guys.  Welcome and happy holidays.  There's a kitty box in the bathroom and food in the living room.  Watch out for the baby, she's up again."  Andrew trotted into the living room and one followed him.  The other planted himself in a window and stared outside.  "Huh, you're like an Oz cat, but I know he's still alive," Dawn said, shrugging it off as Buffy came in with a big bag of food and Giles carried litter.  "Need help?"

"Nope, there's only one bag and my purse left," Buffy admitted, dropping the food and going out for the bag of collars and stuff.  She came back and looked at the cats.  "If you're special beings, like Andrew, let us know what you want as a name and we'll name you that.  If not, in a week the girls will get to name you."  The cats stared at her so she shrugged and went back to the kitchen, watching the one who was staring out the window.  "Is that Oz?"

"No, Oz was fine when we left this morning," Dawn assured her.  "He was going to have sex with his girlfriend on Vinnie's bike.  She has to get into character for anything she does and she's doing something on these guys."

"Oh.  That's good."  She shook her head.  "Is she nice?"

"Yeah, and she used to date Xander," Modo offered.  "She babbles and she's fun, but she's a bit odd now and then.  May I help with dinner?"

"No, don't worry about it."  She grinned at him.  "You can help with leftovers tomorrow."  He nodded, accepting that.  "How many did you have to smack?  I saw a few black eyes."

"One of the girls defended Throttle's claim and pounced the others," Dawn told her.  "The ones I got are hiding.  I only got Sandy, Linette, and Candace.  Throttle scared off the others and she got those."

"Good.  It's good he's willing to protect you and Xander.  As long as you continue to do well, I'll leave you there if you want."

"Thanks, Buffy.  Not that it matters because I'd go back after I ran away."

"I understand," she said with a grin.  "Anything else going on?"

"Yeah, a bit," Dawn sighed.  "Giles still has to pledge to pay for my tuition since I can't take any money out of my trust until I'm twenty-one.  By the way, I want to do some studying overseas."

Buffy nodded.  "That's reasonable.  Especially if you do languages."  She brushed some of Dawn's hair back behind her ear.  "You're growing up and I like that," she decided, turning to start on dinner.  "If you're eating, I'd get to your chores!" she bellowed.  "Or starve!"

The sound of feet running was heard all over the house.

"I can't do mine, Buffy," Sandy called.  "I'm too sore."  Dawn snorted.

"I've cleaned my room with broken bones, you can clean the living room and go hose down the shower with that spray stuff," she called back.  "Or else you're not eating."  She looked at Dawn.  "It was the right choice to turn her in.  We're doing weekly drug tests too.  She got rid of the baby before we knew about it, but those two have now been banned.  By the way, Cal was a demon.  Winsington was a nice guy, but I don't want that around here."  Dawn nodded at that.  "He didn't hold any menace either.  I made sure when I faced him down about not coming around again.  He said he understood why you did it, and that he didn't care.  It wasn't anything but her personal stash."

"Good. I'd hate to let Xander rip him to pieces if he wanted to threaten me."  Buffy smiled at that.  "I'm good but I'm not good enough to take on someone like him.  He'd shoot first and then come check the body."  She got up to dig in the refrigerator, handing Modo a soda and taking one for herself.  "Need help?"

"We've got two helpers tonight but they're doing their rooms first."  She looked at Modo.  "We're having tacos and burgers tonight.  Sorry, no hotdogs.  The store's were kinda warm and I wasn't going to chance it."

"I understand and Xander makes us eat Mexican food now and then," he admitted.  He looked over as Throttle and Xander came down the stairs.  "Have a good nap?"

"Very," Xander said with a small grin and a stroke up Throttle's arm.  "I woke up to him protecting me from a girl again."

"There were a few of them," Throttle told him, sitting down and pulling Xander into his lap.  "Can we help?"

"Nope, we've got assigned chores.  You guys can do leftovers tomorrow night with Modo."  She looked over with a smile as her two helpers showed up.  "We're doing tacos and burgers.  Finish the dishes, Linette; Taylor, do the forming and browning."  They nodded, going to their tasks.  Buffy grinned at Dawn.  "Are you cooking?"

"Only when she's fussing," Xander said, grinning at Dawn.  "She fusses very well."

"I guess she got that from Mom," Buffy said gently.  "She was a great fusser too."  Dawn nodded and Buffy gave her a hug over the counter.  "I miss her too."

"Yeah, me too," Dawn admitted.  "But she watches over us. You know she does."

"Then I wish she'd send me a man," Buffy said dryly.  She went to check on the others, making sure they were doing what they were supposed to do.

Giles came out of the library, plopping Andrew in front of Caroline.  "Here, dear, have that one. He's being annoying."  He tapped Xander. "Come, I want to hear about what's been going on."

"Sure."  He got up and followed him into the library.  "All I was told was that the money was a reward for surviving."

"It was, but I also expected that you'd need it to set up things in Chicago to do the same thing we're doing here."

"I do, more or less," Xander admitted. "Most of our demons are the quiet sort.  I work with a lot of them on the construction crew.  Even the vampires don't really cause much a problem.  My boss is one and he's fairly content to eat at the clubs and only nibble."  He crossed his arms.  "We have more aliens than anything and it's not that bad.  We whip the tail of the ones who need it and the rest are usually Martians like us.  Then we blow up something and stop the bad guys."

"Us?" Giles asked.

"That's what I'm changing into, Giles.  I've accepted it.  They're neat guys.  Their culture got hit by the interplanetary rapists first.  That's why Mars is barren."

Giles slowly nodded.  "Have you had many problems of the sort?"

"We defeated that last one a few months back, right before school started.  I got captured and injured for a few minutes.  Throttle came back for me and we took down that group with Micah's backup.  Since then, they've handled a small incursion while Throttle and I were away for the weekend.  Meg used the grenade launcher instead.  I've used some of it to build the lair we all live in.  The bros had to pull an emergency move so I renovated a building I bought.  We basically tore out the insides and rebuilt, then destroyed the outer shell.  I bought a car, which later got blown up, and then bought a new one for six grand."

"For a sports car?"

He nodded.  "It was a custom job and his wife said he had to get rid of it.  It's a beautiful ride," he said, pulling out his wallet to show off the car.  "That's the original, then this is the new one."  Giles smiled at them.  "So now we're down to the bikes and my sports car.  I ride behind Throttle and feel lucky to do that."

"What about the books?"

"They're in the library.   We've got a small research center set up.  Most recently it was to help some of the Martians figure out whether or not the Druid marks we found were theirs or ours.  It resembles a lot of their ancient priestly language."

"Is it?"

"Dawn did most of the helping.  She thinks that one of them came down and learned, then took it back home.  I wasn't doing more than getting headaches so I left it to her.  Micah wanted to her to do a report.  He may give you a copy if you asked."

"I shall," he agreed gently.  "Are you happy?  I meant for you to use it to do something that made you happier than construction work."

"Actually, I love construction work, Giles.  It was the nightly patrols while working all day and then coming home to a demanding Anya.  So I was either building, screwing, or fighting.  I was exhausted."

"I understand.  We all were, Xander," he said gently.  "You work with demons?"

"There's a largeish community of family clans in Chicago.  I work with some of them but the night crew has more.  I'm a crew chief on the interior crew."

"Congratulations," he said with a smile.  "I'm sure it eases some of the strain."

"I pull nearly as much work as they do plus some paperwork," he admitted.  "My crew is great, they're usually ahead of schedule and we have fun."

"Then I'm very happy for you.  Would you...do you need anything?"

He shook his head.  "Not really.  Anytime we need special books, Dawn calls.  I've got a lot of weapons and Micah's stuffed the locker again.  We're doing well enough.  We're in a lull.  We're expecting a new menace soon but not for at least a month."

"That's fine then, Xander.  Use that money however you want, but do keep some for emergencies."

"Giles, I've maybe spent a hundred and fifty thousand over all," Xander told him.  "Of five million."

"I've noticed you've shown restraint, Xander.  I wanted to make sure there wasn't anything further I could do."  Xander shook his head.  "What about this changing you're going though."

"I just want it to be stopped when I turn about twenty and start to age normally.  So if you can find a way for me to age normally as a mouse until then, maybe speeding it up a bit.  I'm aging about a week and a half each time Throttle and I have good sex."  Giles shivered at that.  "We know it's not from that, Giles.  One of the other ones is dating a very nice woman.  She's not changing.  Only me."

"I see."  He nodded, looking him over.  "It may have been from the Quonoset."

"Really?  I hadn't considered that.  From what Throttle found in my mind, he took advantage of me and then blocked it off before going to die."

"Took advantage of you?"

"He got me drunk by buying me drinks at the bar through a human female and then took me away once I was too drunk to protest."  He scratched his nose, then flicked off the hairball. "Sorry, Tara cat had her tail up my nose last night."

"That's fine," he assured him.  "I'm sure we'll have that from Andrew and his friends.  Do you need help?"

"Nah, not at the moment. We've got more than enough.  Vinnie and I destroy things and Throttle and Modo help us rip down things and cheer us on."  He smirked.  "If we need help, we'll scream.  It's only six hours away."

"Fine," he agreed gently.  "If you do need us, yell.  Do you personally need anything?"

"A better backscratcher."

Giles smirked.  "I'll see what I can do for the holidays.  Anything else?"

"Yeah, my tail's still chapping," he said, flicking it around to show him.  "We don't know why."

Giles leaned forward to look at it, then pulled something out of his desk drawer and handed it over.  "That may help.  It's for calluses and the like."  He leaned back again, watching as Xander lotioned part of his tail.  He wiggled it. "Sorry, it's peppermint."

"Hey, it tingles.  I can't wait to do that to Vinnie.  Can I?"  He waved a hand.  "Thanks, Giles.  Anything else?"

"Are you happy?"

"Yeah, very happy.  Lots and tons of happy.  He's possessive, protective, and loves to let me do whatever I want and to take me often.  He lets me be playful and experiment.  Plus he likes my oral streak.  He tastes so *good*, Giles.  It's like bittersweet chocolate!" he moaned.  "He likes me the same way.  Besides, he even likes my clothes."

"Fine, Xander," he said with a fond smile.  "I'll learn to like him as well.  He seems like a very stand-up and serious fellow.   I know he's protective of you, I figured that out after he called when ...Willow...happened," he finished softly.

Xander nodded.  "We were wondering if it was her doing this to me," he admitted.

"She's a nature spirit but they're mostly virginal and innocent of such things," Giles told him.  "She may have seen that would make you happy and done it for you.  We'll figure it out and how to stop the accelerated aging shortly.  How old is your mouse side at the moment?"

"Just under a year."

"I see.  How fast are you aging?"

"A week and a half each bout of fantastic sex.  Quickies don't seem to matter."

"Thank you."  He made a note of that.  "Let me look, Xander."

"Fine."  He grinned and went out to pounce Modo, making him chuckle and roll around on the floor playing with him.

"Boys, there's breakable stuff in here and sharp stuff," Buffy complained.  "Go outside in the snow."

Xander chuckled evilly and got up, running outside.  "You can't catch me!"

"Bet me," Modo called.  "But I don't like snow."

"Fine, I'll go play with my boy," Throttle said, going to the door.  Xander hit him with a snowball.  "That's it, we should have brought the sling.  Your tail is in trouble now."  He raced out to pounce him, dragging him into the snow.  "You're going to worry about me retaliating for years, Xan."

"Nah-uh."  Xander chuckled and flipped him onto his back, gabbing some snow to smoosh into his chest. He grabbed some more with his tail, dropping it on Throttle's face.  "Ha!"  He got up and ran off.

Throttle got up, wiping the snow off his face and chest.  "Xander," he growled.  "You're in deep now."  He chased him down, pouncing him, sending him into the snow face first.  He pushed his face into the snow.  "Are you sorry yet?" he demanded.  Xander was spluttering.  "Are you?"

"Off!" Xander gasped.

Throttle leaned back, getting away from his ribs, but ready for his baby to roll over.  "You okay?" he asked once he realized Xander wasn't playing.  He got up and pulled Xander up, brushing him off.  "Did I hurt you?"

"Either I've got brain freeze or that lobe stuff is happening," he said, grabbing his forehead.  He got a kiss and leaned against his chest.  "I don't feel so good."

"I know."  He stroked his back, earning a small purr.  "Come on, we'll go get warm.  Your head will quit hurting soon."  Xander nodded and Throttle walked him inside.  "His headache started again," he said quietly.  Modo went to get him a warm compress and they got Xander settled on the couch, the compress over his eyes.

"Did you hurt him?" Dawn asked.

"No, the lobe dropping headaches have started."

"So was it good?" Dawn asked dryly.  He pinched her on the arm.  "Ow!  Meany!"  She kissed Xander on the forehead.  "Yell if you need me to fuss, Xander."  He nodded but didn't move any further than that.  "Okay."  She went back to the kitchen.  "Xander's having growing pain headaches.  They have a bit more brain."

"He okay?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah, he's fine.  It comes and it goes.  I'm guessing the cold got him this time.  He'll be fine in about an hour."  She looked over as Micah came back in.  "Xander's got a small headache so you may have to wait for your boys night out."

"He'll be fine.  They said it was normal."  Micah moved the cloth and looked at his eyes.  "Yeah, it'll be a short one.  He'll be fine by dinner."  He replaced the cloth and went to help with dinner.  Buffy gave him a reproving look but he shrugged and did it anyway.  "Are we having real food?"

"That depends on how you fix your tacos and burgers, but we're out of lettuce," she told him.  "Someone come do buns!"

"I'm right here, Buffy, I can easily help warm up stuff."  He grabbed the packages of buns, splitting them so they could warm in the oven.  He got another pan and put the taco shells on it, then put them into the oven too.  He pulled out the tomatoes and a knife, working to slice them into small pieces and a few rings for the burgers. Buffy grinned at him and gave him a nudge.  "Yeah, I'm useful for more than filling out paperwork and bailing people out of trouble."

"I knew you were," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.  "You're a nice man, Micah, even if you have had to toast some butts as a spy."  She went to flip the burgers over.   She brushed her hair back behind her ear.  She had quit dying it earlier this year.  It was back to the original brunette now and she decided she liked it.

***

Xander looked at the tv, which was starting a very girly sitcom.  "Beer?" he asked Micah.

"Beer," he agreed.  He stood up.  "We'll be back later after an injection of manliness via sports."  He helped Xander up and took him to his car.  "Good timing, kid."

"Thanks."  He got into the passenger's side, letting Micah drive them to a nearby sports bar.  He walked in, smiling at the hostess.  "Two."

"Smoking?"

Xander looked stunned.  "They actually have a smoking section around here?  They don't where I am."

Micah patted him on the back.  "Non."  She nodded, leading them to a table.  "Beer."

"Any particular brand?  We have some microbrews and the usual suspects," she said with a smile.

"I'm good with a strong stout," Xander told her.  She nodded writing that down.

"Miller."  Micah waited while she left, then looked at Xander.  "What's up?  I didn't think this was a social chat," he said at the nervous look.  Their beers were brought and he handed her a ten, which made her hurry off again.  "Well?"

Xander coughed.  "I had a dream last night and it creeped me out.  I'm not usually prophetic but something in it bothered me and I wanted to make sure of some stuff."

"Saying that you're not *usually* prophetic is enough to make me want a shot too," Micah said dryly.  He smirked at him.  "Have you had dreams like that before, kid?"

"Um, well, more like foreshadowing.  Like I get hints of stuff I have to pay more attention to.  When Willow went off the deep end," he sighed, "I kept dreaming about her wearing a beanie and being Tweedle Dee or Dum.  Buffy was the other."

"At that time, her behavior probably warranted the title," Micah admitted, waving him on while he took another sip.

"Before Angel lost his soul, I had a lot of heavy dreams about him.  Dark, odd shapes in mist, and Angel popping out to stab the shadows."  Micah nodded slowly.  "Before the slayers started to pile into Sunnydale I had a lot of dreams about traveling around in a suit of armor.  I even woke Anya with that one a few times.  She said I was worrying over nothing."

"Okay, so we're seeing a pattern.  I can see that.  What about this one creeped you out, Xander?"

"It more raised some questions."  He glanced around.  "Let me explain the dream."  Micah nodded at that.  "First, a big, nasty, dark-haired, stupid internal affairs guy decided you were the bad guy.  He came in, arrested you, and there were problems that he didn't want to hear about."

"It's happened before," Micah admitted.  "Mostly it was a plan."

"Yeah, well, this time it wasn't and we had about twenty-nine ships in orbit, hovering.  They were dangerous, they were pulling a 'circle the planet at critical spots' maneuver."   The waitress passed by them and gave him an odd look.  "I'm a screenwriter.  This is my producer."  She smiled and headed off again after dropping off some unshelled nuts.  Xander took a handful and popped the first one, eating the nuts inside.  "Anyway, I was on my way to you because we had seen the ships, but you were being arrested, Lorne and Max were having a screaming fit at each other.  Literally screaming at each other in the office about who was going to take over.  So I walk into the middle of this and ask a very serious question to try and solve it.  The question was, does it go to the next higher ranking person by name or by clearance."

Micah choked on his drink.  "Lorne said by clearance, and I pointed out mine, and his is less than mine.  He had to find me in a special folder because you had me under 'outsourced agents' or something like that."  He ate another nut.  "Then I looked at the creepy dark-haired guy and told him what was going on.  He laughed, so we prove it to him by getting NASA to send over satellite photos from Hubble or something.  Max arranged that while we argued.  I called up there and ordered them to disperse or be destroyed, they sent down a happy, cheerful song that grated my nerves so I threatened to rip them limb from limb.  They claimed they came in peace."

He popped another shell open and ate the contents.  "So we tell them to have one land and since you're still there, but in handcuffs, you suggest where to let them land.  Since the internal affairs guy is flabbergasted but *still* doesn't believe, I name you over this and then knock him out and order Lorne to lock him in a closet.  We head out, we find out the aliens know me.  Now, for some reason, I'm human again during this whole thing but this is where I saw something around my neck.  It was like a really thin collar. I'm thinking illusion device."

"That's really over-complicated," a guy at the next table noted.

"Not part of this conversation," Xander said firmly, glaring at him.

"Why?  You and your boyfriend playing?" he taunted back with a smirk.

"Bob, shut up.  This is Xander."

"Oh, hey."  He waved.  "I'm the local guy."

"Wonderful."  He looked at Micah again, earning a smirk in return.  "Anyway, these people knew me by name.  They were kinda like the Roswell grays but built along the lines of Jabba the Hut."  Micah nodded at that.  "I don't know what they are and I haven't asked any one about it.  Now, they're down here to say that there's a problem with where the bros were.  There had been a few prison worlds found and they had been recalled to go release the prisons and get their families back."

"Reasonable," Micah agreed.  "Then they got captured?"

"Or so the aliens said.  I considered it and looked at you, then at the internal affairs guy who had been pulled along.  He still wasn't believing in aliens, even with them in front of him.  Then they said that Camembert had landed in Chicago with a few lackeys.  I looked at you, looked at that guy, who was still saying that this was all a joke.  I shrugged and told him that he could come with me if he needed more proof.  I named you head of the agency again, overriding everyone else, dispatched Lorne and Max to help Charley and Dawnie.  Then we left.  Now, we had apparently had a fight a few weeks before they had left and I was told to get out, so I had.  The cats and I had went to work at a motel since we were in a lull.  Dawn was with me in another room.  They had left their bikes because it was going to be a space battle, which bothered me a lot more for a lot of reasons.  Then they got captured, Charley told me I couldn't watch over her anymore because I was driving her nuts.  She told me to go.  So we got to the world, we fought a pretty good battle, we freed them, then Vinnie jumped on me for leaving Charley alone and I was doing my best to ignore Throttle so I didn't have to deal with our fight."

"That sounds really gay," Bob noted.

Xander growled and smacked him across the back of the head.  "Shut up, Bob."  He looked at Micah again, seeing the tolerant smirk.  "Anyway, the internal affairs guy unfortunately lived, the aliens decided they didn't have to bring us back.  I stopped a ship and made them at least bring us back and we'd call the others to come get the others.  I lost my tail tip getting it caught in the door and Modo took off the illusion device.  We landed at RFK field, traveled back in some jeeps you had sent, where I came up to talk to you."  He took another drink.  "I told you that I did what was necessary, if you had to arrest me, I understood, but it was necessary.  The internal affairs guy had slunk off muttering about checking on his cat to make sure you had taken care of it.  You had me sign two forms saying I agreed with you changing the chain of command and giving you back total control.  You said it was close but I wasn't going to be arrested.  You had Lorne's clearance upped to mine and one special code above.  At that point it went Lorne, Max, then me after you."  Micah nodded at that.  "So, the questions raised were, who takes over, are they coming, is the bigger cheese coming, and are there other prison worlds?"

"Hmm."  Micah picked up a nut and cracked it.  "Well, they're good points and I hadn't thought about that.  You are in the files that way.  It's how I think about you guys, as outsourced agents."  He ate a nut, tossing the other a few times in his palm before eating it.  "Lorne isn't that high, yet, but I'm going to fix that the minute I get back.  Actually, you're one too high at the moment because you are with Throttle.  The Prez won't like that.  Did you talk to any generals?"

"Yeah, up until we got one of them to land.  They were very paranoid but let me handle it since they asked for me.  I had to knock one out too, but he lived."

"Good.  Always nice."  He took Xander's beer to gulp since his was empty.  "Are there other prison worlds?  Yes, I can almost guarantee it."

"So can I, but I don't know where they are."

"I think if anyone did, they'd be there working on it and I can see your guys leaving.  I can see Charley telling you off for fussing but not making you leave.  I can't see Throttle making you leave either but I have the feeling that you're fairly insecure about personal relationship, especially after this changing started.  If that happens, I'd be damn shocked and alarmed, and probably ask you if he was possessed."

Xander gave him a gentle smile.  "Thanks, Micah."

"You're welcome.  The other points are more valid and I'm going to talk to Carbine about them.  If there's prison worlds, they'll need some decent weapons."

"I joked about habenero bombs."

"Pepper spray is a really good idea," Micah agreed, smirking at him.  "Any others?"

"Did you send baby vitamins?"

"And some food stuff," he agreed.  "It was only humane and we have room in the budget suddenly."  He ate another nut.  "As for things at ECHO, I'm getting that fixed first thing Monday morning."  He grinned at him.  "You're good, but you'd never do any paperwork and the budget would go to hell under you.  I'm going to name people instead of going by clearance.  Me, Lorne, Max is almost expected.  I don't want you fourth.  I want you in the field.  I know you can manage, but this sort of management takes a lot more skills than you think."

"You'd be surprised at what I could do."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure I know, Xander," he drawled, smirking at him, shaking his head.  "That nightmare I don't want to have.  If necessary or in an attack situation, yeah.  I want you as a field general.  I want you doing the major battles and things like that.  By the way, study more strategy.  You're great at small group but I want you to study more large group, just in case it becomes necessary."  Xander nodded at that.  "So I'd probably place you about sixth if that doesn't bother you."

"If you weren't straight, I'd kiss you," he said seriously.  Then he grinned back.  "Who's in front of me, just so I know?"

"Me, Lorne, Max, probably Andrew McPherson, and Kyle, who's the guy in LA."

"Cool.  Andrew is...?"

"The guy from Canada."

"Okay.  I think I'm spotted him lurking around."  Micah nodded, popping another nut and eating it.  "So I'm being totally paranoid?"

"No, you had some very good points," Micah assured him.  "I hadn't even thought that you have Omega seven clearance."

"How?" Bob asked.

"To quote my dream, that's not important at that moment," Xander retorted.  "Don't send him to us."

"No, Xander, Meg and Oz are your city's watchers.  I promise, Buffy likes Bob so he's staying here."  He smirked at Bob.  "What's with her hair?"

"Um, you said you like brunettes," Bob said sarcastically.  "She likes you, Micah.  You're like a neat big brother to her."

"Let's hope she doesn't try to baby him like she did me," Xander said, waving at the waitress and holding up his glass.  She smiled and brought over another round and he paid this time.  "As long as I'm being mostly paranoid, I'm good."  He looked at the monitor above their head, then caught the reflection, looking over his shoulder and then groaned and gulped his stout.  "Got a gun?"

"No, why?"

Xander pointed behind him. "Giant bug, probably in retaliation for Ms. French."

Micah sipped his drink.  "How do you get them?"

"Bats drive them insane and you rip off their heads."

"Want me to call Buffy?  You don't exactly have claws."

Xander snorted and walked outside, shaking his head.  He strolled toward the nearest alleyway, then smirked back at her.  She sniffed and followed him, at least until he dragged her into the alleyway and beat the snot out of her, then snapped her neck and kept twisting it around until it came off.   He tossed the head away with a sigh and wiped his hands off, going back into the bar, heading for the restrooms to clean up.  "I like this Martian stuff," he decided, cleaning off the ichor from his pants.  "Hopefully the washer works at home."  He walked out and flopped down again.  "I feel better now."

"Good," he said happily. "Is it handled?"  Xander held out his shirt to show off the blood.  "Let's go home. That's gross."  He finished off his beer and they headed out to his car.  Xander was very careful not to get any of the ichor on anything and they headed back.  Micah parked and let the boy out since he was smoking, shaking his head as he ran inside to grab the baking soda.  He walked in.  "We're back!  Xander killed the giant bug monster."

"Giant bug monster?" Buffy called, coming into the kitchen.  "Again?"

"Yeah, again," Xander said, patting the baking soda paste he had made on his pants.  He stripped off and handed them to her.  "Ichor."

"On it," she agreed, going to deal with them.  "These are real leather, Xander."

"I can wipe them off if you won't."

"No, I can do that.  I'm bored with the girly sitcom anyway."

Xander shook his head, heading up to his room to find something to put on.  Since hadn't been wearing underwear, his t-shirt was pulled down as far as it would go.   He walked into his room and kicked the slayer lounging on his bed out then dove into his bag.

Throttle came in, staring at the bare butt in front of him.  "Why are you nearly naked?"

"I got sprayed with demon blood and it was eating my clothes."  He found a pair of sweats on the dresser and put them on.  "There, better," he decided, looking at his lover.  "We had our talk about my new nightmare.  I won't end up in Micah's job unless there's a major emergency."

"Good.  What was this nightmare and why didn't you tell me first?"

"Because most of the time when I get these it raises questions for me to look at.   This one raised a big question.  I have a higher clearance than Lorne does and a few grades higher than Max."  Throttle suddenly shuddered.  "Exactly," he said smugly.  "This was about the same time as the gray aliens came down to tell us that the raids on the newly found prison worlds had went really wrong and you guys were captured, and Charley had ordered me not to fuss over her since Vinnie was gone.  By the way, I think she was barely pregnant when you kicked me out, right before you left.  Then the aliens came looking for me specifically so I came up with them and we kicked their asses and I had to get mean to get them to bring us back and I lost my tail tip at the same time."

Throttle shook his head, trying to sort all that out.  "Okay," he said finally.  "First, if I ever tell you that bluntly to get out, there had better be a dead body on the floor, like Modo's.  You had better have done it.  That's the only reason I can see that happening."  He moved closer to kiss him hard.  "Not an issue, Xander.  Never an issue.  Don't worry about that.  Secondly, if we have to leave to do that, what makes you think we're leaving you and Charley here?"

"The biggest cheese was headed this way.  Charley, Dawn and I were fixing it until the other aliens appeared and then I left Charley and Dawn to deal with it.  She outed magic by taking his mask.  It caused a panic but Chicago kicked them out.  I sent Lorne and Max to them as soon as I took over because I had the highest security clearance."

"Never gonna happen," Throttle assured him.

"Which was why I was talking with Micah earlier."  He stole another kiss. "I'm sixth now."

"Good.  I like that idea better."  He stole another kiss.  "Describe the other aliens?"

"They were playing happy music, like REM and stuff.  They introduced themselves by playing _Shiny, Happy People_."  Throttle moaned at that.  "Gray, looks kinda like the Roswell grays, but fat and built like Jabba."

"The Riosan," he said dryly.  "They like to make deals and meddle, until it bores them and then they back out."

"Which they did, and I had to get mean to get us back down here and have them call the others.  I lost my tail tip in the doorway because it clamped on it and we were in the middle of taking off."

Throttle shook his head, hugging him.  "Won't happen.  Though, that's an idea to pass back."  He gave him a strong, bone cracking hug.  "Feel better?"  He nodded.  "Good.  Next time, tell me first so we can work these things out so you don't have to worry."  He stole another kiss and grabbed his helmet, taking it outside to call home.  "Stoker?  Carbine?" he called.  "Xander had a semi-prophetic dream."

"What?" Carbine demanded.  "Since when?  That's not something we do."

"He's had a few before by the way he was hiding it.  It gives him things to think about.  He saw a few newly found prison worlds and the Riosan."

"Riosan?  They might know.  Kiss that boy for me, Throttle.  If anyone would know, they would.  Want in on it?"

"Depends.  That was part of it.  We got captured too."

"Then I'll be careful when I plan it," Carbine assured him.  "There's hints of a few more coming your way.  Be careful."  The connection cut off.

Throttle took off his helmet and walked back inside.  "Micah, that was a very good hint.  The Riosan would know if there were any prison worlds and would gladly deal with the information because it would be fun.  Also, there's hints of more coming this way."

"He thought there might be.  That was part of his nightmare."  He looked at him. "Did he tell you about the other part?  Where he went to work in a motel?"

"No, and if he ever leaves me, there had better be bodies on the floor.  That's the only reason I'm kicking him out." Modo's head popped up.  "Nightmare from Xander's mind."

"I doubt that'll happen, bro."

"Me either.  It won't happen but he's being insecure."

"Um, gee, wonder why with his track record?" Buffy suggested.  She stared him down.  "If it does, there will be tails being chopped up into small, tiny pieces and fed to their original owners.  Among other things."

"Understood," he agreed, smirking at her.  "Won't happen anyway."  He headed back up to cuddle Xander.  He probably needed one. He found one of the slayers pinning him on the bed trying to kiss him.  He picked her up and punched her, knocking her out so he could carry her downstairs and present her to Buffy.  "Tongue molesting him."

Buffy looked at the woman in her arms, then back up at him.  "When did Faith get here?" she demanded.

"So that's her," he said dryly.  He slapped her awake.  "Xander is mine," he said slowly and clearly. "Touch him again and I'll make you wish you hadn't done it the first time.  Which I did see from his mind."  He gave her a smug smirk and strolled off, going back to his boy.  He still owed Xander for the snow earlier.  He found him lounging on the bed.  "That was Faith?"

"Yeah, she was greeting me.  I told her no."

"I know you did.  You wouldn't cheat on me."  He closed the door and leaned on it so the person coming up the stairs couldn't walk in, even when they tried and knocked.  "No."

"I'm sorry," Faith called.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Xander called, shaking his head and smirking at his boyfriend.  "You're so bad," he mouthed.

"All the way to the tip of my tail."  She finally gave up and he waited, just in case, but she went back down the stairs.  Then he pounced his mate and kissed him, stroking him gently.  They were going to make this bed break too.  He was sure of it.

Episode 15:

Xander walked into the lair their first morning back and grinned at the happy, sated, calm Vinnie sitting at the table.  "Hey."  He put down the pastry box and sat down to take his.  "How was the island?"

"Beautiful and calm.  She loved it," he said with a grin. "We didn't get to go to the race, but she lounged on the beach all weekend, just being lazy in the sun.  It was good for her."

"Then why are you over here?" he asked smugly.

"She's started," he said, grabbing a pastry for himself.  "She's also already gotten a car to work on.  Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"I would, but the house fell in."  He took another bite.  "All construction has been paused until we can shore up the ground.  The city's said so."  Vinnie gave a sympathetic nod.  "So we're off again.  I dropped Dawn off and picked up breakfast, and now I'm waiting on my reward for breaking the bed our first night in."

Throttle came in yawning and kissed Vinnie on the top of the head.  "Have fun?"

"You do know that you kissed Vinnie, right?" Xander asked, taking a bite of breakfast.  "And that I am a jealous man, and being a mouse probably isn't going to make that less?"

Throttle smirked and nodded.  "He earned one. He's not bouncing.  It's amazing."  He took his own pastries and leaned back, getting comfortable.  "No more nightmares?"  Xander shook his head.

"Nightmares?" Vinnie asked.

"Yeah, he has dreams that lead to road signs for considering," Throttle told him. He ate another bite.  "So he and Micah had a talk and then nearly got jumped by an," he coughed, "old friend named Faith."

"Ooh, I'm sensing a scandal," Vinnie teased.

"She was my first, it was over within seconds because she was hot and bothered and wouldn't let me do anything, and the next time she tried to kill me during it," Xander said dryly.  "No scandal.  Sorry."  He stuffed his mouth.

"She did what?" Vinnie demanded, staring at him.  "She tried to kill you?"

"Not that unusual in my past," Xander admitted.  "She was about number five."  He ate another large bite and stole another pastry.  "Modo, food?" he called.  He came up to grab some then went back to checking his bike.   "She okay?"

"She's fine, just a bit of road grit."

Xander looked at Vinnie.  "Faith was hot and bothered from slaying.  I was feeling neglected.  I allowed her to jump me and climb on top.  It was over fairly fast because she was too hot.  She didn't even unzip me fully.  She just did it and then kicked me out.  So I went and saved the day and got rode about it again by the others the next morning."

"Which sucked, Xan," Throttle offered.  "At least the next time was better."

"Yeah," he agreed, smirking at him.

"How would you know?" Vinnie asked.

"Easy, when I did the life review, I saw all of it," Throttle told him.  He ate another large bite.  "How was it?"

"Great!  She lounged on the beach, she snuggled into me at night.  We both got to relax and unwind and she agreed with me about most things."  He let out a sappy grin.  "She's already hard at work, or else I'd be over there hugging her at the moment."

"Good, bro, I'm glad you got to relax for a bit," Throttle said with a smirk.  "Carbine said they had some information, Xander, but they're going to have to investigate a bit.  We're not being invited."  Xander relaxed.  "You okay now?"

"Yeah.  Better."

"Huh?" Vinnie asked.

"Part of the nightmare was that you guys went off to help free a prison world and got captured, so I had to go up and help too," Xander told him. "During the start of a new assault down here."

"You'd leave Charley?"

"In the nightmare she told me off and told me to go away.  I'm not going to argue with the woman," he said, glaring at him.  "I did it from afar.  She wouldn't let me protect her."

"Fine, she's stubborn.  As long as someone's watching out for her," Vinnie said.  Xander nodded.  "You're sure?"

"I'd do that for you," Xander promised.  "She'd be like my own if you were gone."

"We'd take her in," Throttle agreed quietly.  "Just like you would Xander for me."  Vinnie nodded.  "Did you tell her you offered that?"

"Yeah, and then we had great sex," Vinnie said smugly.  "It was the night you claimed him.  I told her as I was jumping in to have her."

"As long as she agreed," Throttle told him.  He looked around. "Cats?"  One of them meowed.  "Fine.  As long as you're fine."

"So, did Meg remember to clean your bike?" Xander teased.

"She sure did, or else she didn't use it," Vinnie said happily.  "I sniffed and I couldn't smell more than leather treater."  He looked in the box, then at Xander, who shook his head.  "You didn't give her any?"

"She said she didn't want any."

"She didn't any fluffy pastries?" Throttle asked.  "Why not?"

Xander shrugged.  "She said she wasn't feeling good."    He paused.  "Should we worry about a baby shower?"

"No, she's taking something so we don't have to," he admitted quietly, getting up and going to check on her.  "Sweetheart?" he called as he walked into the garage.  The guy in there gave him an odd look.  "I call everyone that, dear."  He looked at Charley.  "Did you want some breakfast?  Xander went to the bakery again."

"I saw and I'm not hungry."  He caught her eye.  "It's a side effect of the medicine," she said quietly.  "It's handled."  He nodded, looking in the engine.  "I could use someone to get some oil."

"Sure, I'll run to get it when you call in that order," he agreed, smiling at her.  "Need help? Laundry?"

"No, it's done.  Meg and Oz did it.  Thanks, Vinnie.  Go tease the Xander or play in the snow."  He nodded, going back to do that.  She smirked at the man in there.  "The car's behind the building next door."

"Thank you, ma'am."  He went to look at it, popping the hood.  He saw a big man giving him a long look. "I'm from the company she's getting parts from.  I'm here to figure out which size she needs," he told him.  "Custom engines are very precise."

"I know, my bike has one," Modo agreed as he walked out to look in the engine.  "That's really powerful. I know he's taken it onto some closed roads and got up to around two hundred."

"Is he thinking about racing it?"

"I don't know.  Xander?" he called.  Xander opened a window and stuck his head out.  "The guy from the engine company wanted to know if you were thinking about racing this monster of yours."

Xander leaned on the windowsill.  "I don't know.  I like going fast but I'm pretty busy most of the time and I'd be doing it for the fun."

The guy looked up at him.  "Not for racing for glory?"

"Nah, I've got plenty of glory.  I needed something fast, fun, and dangerous.  The guy who customized it gave nine years getting it nearly perfect."

"I remember talking to him a few times," he admitted.  He looked at the engine.  "Is this street legal?"

"It runs, that's all they checked for," Xander said with a small shrug.  "Am I going to have problems if I don't want to race?"

"Well, some of the engine was custom built so you'd have to pay extra."

"I've got money."

"Really?"  Xander nodded. "Enough to sponsor a racing team?"

"Not quite that rich," Xander admitted with a smirk.  "Nice try though."

"I had to try.  We could always use sponsors."

"Oh, I know.  I like the local drag racing teams.  I'll be right down."  He pulled in and closed the window, coming down a few minutes later.  "So, I know the pinging is in the gear box.  Charley will need a list of what sizes to order in case it blows on me."

He pulled out a paper, handing it over.  "The specs we had.  I had to be sure this was the same one.  Nice job with the fan."

"The last one was grinding.  She said it was from a Mack Truck."  He chuckled, nodding that he understood. "So, my gears, are they special order?"

"No, they're pretty standard," he promised.  "Go ahead and turn it over, let's listen."  Xander walked around and got in, turning it on and revving it.  He turned it off when the man waved and got out, leaning on his door.  "Another issue?"

"No, just a thing to think about. Your cylinders are misfiring."  Xander nodded.  "She hasn't done anything about that yet?"

"She's been packed.  I'm not pushy. It's running at the moment and that's good enough for me at the moment," he said plainly.  "When she's got a minute she'll pop them and we'll look."

"Sure, kid," he said with a grin.  "I'll get those gears for her.  That way she has them when she's ready.  You sure you won't race her?  She deserves to be used properly."

"I deal with emergencies," Xander shared.  "She gets plenty of street racing."

"I understand," he agreed, smiling at him.  "Let me tell her that.  I'll hand her the specs too."  Xander beamed and handed them back.  He went back into the garage.  "Charley?"  She came out from under the hood.  "The specs," he said, waving the form.  "I'll order the gears for you.  You'll need to check his cylinders, one sounds blocked.  Let me put this in your office since you've got grease."  He put it into the office, sliding it partway under her blotter.  He came out and smiled at her.  "It's a beautiful car.  I hope he appreciates it since he won't race it."

"He races their bikes," she promised.  "All for fun.  Did you guys build that one?"  He nodded.  "What's not special order?"

"The gears.  The cylinders themselves.  The seats."  He grinned at her.  "I'll let you get back to work.  I'll get the gears out as soon as I can."

"Thanks, he needs it.  That ping is driving me insane."

"Not a problem.  Let me know if he decides to race her."  She nodded and he left, going back to his office to put in that order.  He made notes about the car and the engine, then put the file in his drawer with a copy of the specs.  He had wondered what happened to that engine.

***

Xander walked onto his site and looked at the mess.  "Damn," he said in awe.  "What the hell happened?"  He stood there, staring at the mess, until someone tapped him on the arm.  He looked at Merle and pointed.  "How?"

"Neighborhood thugs," he said grimly.  "The owners have already been here."

Xander groaned and covered his eyes.  "I don't believe this.  Is this because of me?" he asked his boss.  "Did you guys have this problem before I started working?"

"Yeah, actually we had it worse, Xander.  You've made it better.  We're waiting on the insurance people to get here.  Your crew is having coffee by the trailer.  Join them until we have time.  Plan out the steps to fix this tragedy."

"Blowing it and starting over?"

"Not an option."

"Okay then.  I'd suggest that we start by taking the fallen stuff out first.  That way we can see if anything is still going to be upright legitimate."  He went to join the crew.  "Hey, guys.  Any holiday tragedies?" he asked as he joined them.  They stared at him.  "What?"  He looked at himself.  He was still white and furry.  He looked at them.  "What?"

"How was *your* holiday, Xander?" Janice asked smugly.

"I spent it beating off teenage girls who only wanted to tie me down and make me helpless.   So did Throttle."  He poured himself some coffee, looking back at that.  "Do we have a stable entrance?"

"The side didn't creak as much as the other ones," one of the guys offered.  "The back stairs were destroyed and we'd have to bridge the first with a board and there's a gaping hole."  He sipped his own coffee.  "What are you thinking?"

"Merle said we had to clean up the mess then start with whatever was left.  That means," he sighed, "hauling and toting for quite a while I'm afraid."  He added sugar and took a sip, taking the creamer from Janice when she held it out.  "Thanks."

"Welcome."  She looked at the side.  "What about through the back window?  There's a huge opening there.  We could probably knock out the remaining portion of that wall.  The ground was steady, we could make a ramp out of some of the stuff that fell."

"The problem becomes, that's one of the last remaining walls," Xander mused.  "Let's go look at the options, Janice."  She nodded, following him so they could compare degree of difficulty for getting things out.  He heard the floor crack and grabbed her with his tail, lifting her up before she broke through.  He slowly backed out, keeping her suspended as he headed back out.  Then he put her down and patted her off.  "You okay?"

"Yeah, thanks, Xander."  She rubbed her stomach.  "You're really strong."

He gave her a pitiful grin.  "Better a sore middle than a broken leg that needs surgery from falling through."

"True.  I'm not complaining.  I just had no idea those tails were so strong."

"Yeah, Throttle picks me up all the time with his," he said with a goofy grin.  "He keeps putting me onto the back of his bike."  He waved and got Merle's attention.  "The floor's weak," he yelled.  "She nearly fell in."

"Damn it!"  He stomped that way, looking at the new hole.  "I want someone to get under there and look at the boards."  He looked at them.  "Xander, how are you about small spaces?"

"I'm okay as long as I have a light and a rope."

"Fine.  Grab a rope, tie it to the trailer, then get under there.  We need that before we allow any cleanup."  He nodded, trotting off to do that.  "You okay?  I saw him grab you with his tail," he asked quietly.   She nodded.  "Not going to scream harassment?"

"He saved me falling in and getting hurt, Merle, and I'm not that sort of girl.  Worry about some of the guys doing that."  She patted him on the arm and walked off shaking her head.  "Guys, pour another cup.  The floor just caved under me," she called as she walked.  Someone thoughtfully poured her one as well.  "Thanks," she said with a small grin as it was handed to her.  "The floor's seriously weak.  I stepped in a spot and it cracked under me."  She took a seat, looking at them.  "Who had floor studs?"

"The external crew were doing the main framing," one of the guys told her.  "You can tell either Brad or Xander did some of the walls, they're still standing."  He sipped his coffee as he watched Xander wiggle under the wannabe house.  "Ow.  I'm so sorry for him.  You'd never get me to do that.  Not even with a safety line and a light."

"Someone has to.  We can't step on there," Janice said grimly.  "I was trying to step on the studs."  She looked at Brad, who had moaned.  "What?"

"I thought something was wrong but I couldn't find anyone to tell them."

"Kid, in those situations, you tell anyone on this crew," Janice told him.  "If I have to wake up Merle or Xander I will."  He nodded.  "Now, what did you see?"

"The studs were the wrong distance.  They were too far apart," Brad said quietly.  "I used a framing square and they were too long."  She groaned and nodded.  "I'm not surprised that it fell in."

"Merle!" Janice yelled.  "Ask Xander to check the spacing!  Brad's right, that's the sort of thing that happens when it's wrong."  He nodded, calling down to Xander, who called back and Merle's face turned red.  He stomped over there.  "We didn't do the floors."

"True, you didn't," he agreed, heading into the trailer.  He found the task sheet and looked it over, then called the boss.  "You won't believe this.  Someone screwed up this site badly.  Studs are spaced wrong, the floor's nearly collapsing.  No, Xander and Janice went to check it over to see how best to clear and she nearly fell through the floor.  Xander saved her with his tail.  Yeah, it's a handy...."  He heard someone shout.  "We've got bigger problems."  He hung up and hurried back out the other door.  "Xander!"

"Ow!!"

"Xander!"

"Hole!  Metal!  Don't pull!" Merle quit hauling on the rope.  "Right above me is a about sixty feet from where Janice fell.  There's nothing holding two of the panels on one side.  We're going to have to cut me out, Merle, and I want drugs!"

"Fine.  Brad! You're tiniest."  He came running.  "Xander said sixty feet from where she nearly fell in is where he's trapped and the floor boards are not connected.  Go in there and peel them up.  He's stuck."  He nodded, going to do that, carefully walking through the mess.  "Kick it or shove it, Brad."  He nodded, getting most of it cleaned off.  "Xander, can you hit the boards with something?"  He hit it and a clear space bounced.  Brad hurried over, cleaning off enough space to pull up a few boards, then he let out a cry.  Merle headed for the phone to call someone more professional.  "Wire snips, now," he yelled.

"Sir, I've got combat experience, if he's that injured you don't want just anyone down there," one guy said quietly, taking the hacksaw and wire snips with him.  He moved Brad.  "Xander, just stay still.  At least it's not rebar."  Xander nodded, bracing on the wire mesh that the city was putting up to help brace the holes.  "Brad, back off.  This is going to get very messy very quickly.  Good job with the floor."  Brad nodded, getting back a few feet.  "Make sure we've got a clear spot to lift him out," he ordered.  "Lay boards across any bracing things."   He slowly got down there, making Xander scream.  "Give me a minute, Xander.  I'm hoping I can get most of it with the wire snips."

"Please," he panted.  "Ow."  He heard a bike.  "Throttle's here."

"He'll have to stay back, he's heavier," the man said, sounding apologetic.  "How did he know?"

"I don't know, but it's nice."  He shifted carefully.  "Start with that one.  It's digging in too deeply.  It's going for a lung."  The other man carefully snipped the wire, leaving the part sticking out of him there.  "Want a job, kid?  I could use a good, steady guy on my crew."

"Sure, I hate shoveling."  He moved around him, getting all the small wires, then working on the heavier wires.  "This stuff is weak," he complained as he worked him free.  Only two needed the hacksaw and he used his jacket to cover the body so none of the shavings could get in there.  "Just one more, Xander, and I can hear the ambulance.  Please don't sue us."

"You guys had nothing to do with this, beyond the person who screwed up the flooring," he ground out, clutching the wires.  "How soon?"

"Just a millimeter more.   Merle, get ready to haul him out.  I've almost got him free."  He finished sawing that spot and Xander went slack in the opening.  "Okay, pull!" he shouted, getting out of the way and up there so he could get his jacket back and help.  He guided Xander up and the paramedics took him.  "I left the metal in."

"That was the right thing to do, sir.  Sir, what's you're name," he asked Xander.

"Xander Harris.  I live beside the Last Chance Garage.  If someone who looks kinda like me isn't waiting, someone needs to call them," he said, forcing himself to stay calm.  "Merle, make sure someone knows and make sure this guy gets moved to my crew!" he yelled as they wheeled him off.  He looked at the paramedic taking his pulse.  "The one in my right side is too deep," he said with a swallow.  "It's brushing my lung, I've had broken ribs in the past."

"That's fine, sir, we can't move it until we can get an x-ray. Just in case we start off bleeding."  He got into the back with him and watched as the doors closed.  "Any particular hospital?"

"We usually head to General on this crew," he admitted.  "They've seen others like me."

"I was going to ask about the fur," he admitted.  "Tail too?"  He nodded.  "Do you know what causes this?"

"I'm turning into a mouse," he said with a grin.  "We're not sure of the exact cause.  Speaking of, tell them the big tan one is my man and he's allowed everywhere and anywhere.  He has my permission to treat if I'm unconscious."

"I'll make a note of that, sir.  What's your man's name?"

"Throttle."

"Fine."  He wrote that down.  "No other relatives who might interfere?"

"Dead," he admitted, trying to shift some.  "Ow."

"Shh, we're nearly there."  He held onto the boy as they turned a corner.  "What happened?"

"The site got trashed, we were planning on how to remove stuff since some of the stairs were gone.  The floor cracked under one of my crew and I saved her.  Then I got to go underneath to check the floor and see why it had cracked.  The studs were in the wrong spots," he said miserably.  "I was moving to check a really wide gap when the ground gave and I fell.  I stood up on the wire to crawl out of the hole and it buckled, eating me."  He winced, taking in a deep, hissing breath.  "This sucks, I had cracked ribs a few weeks back from a car wreck."

"That's fine.  We're here now."  He jumped out as soon as the doors opened, taking Xander with him.  "Man was checking the flooring his crew was putting in, he fell into one of the sink holes, stood up on the grating to climb out and it snapped, letting him fall and piercing him twenty-eight times," he reported.  "Pulse is thready and fast, 126 at last check, blood pressure is still good at 150/95.  He stated that the one on his right side feels like it's brushing his lung.  He said his husband is on his way, his name is Throttle and he's... a lot like him, only tan."

"I know him," one nurse admitted.  "Name?"

"Xander Harris."

"Fine.  Thank you."  She took the form, going over it quickly before she snapped orders for blood work, an x-ray machine, and a surgeon.  She smiled at Xander. "We've got you, you're in good hands, Xander.  Just calm down and stay calm."

"I'm used to pain," he told her quietly.  "But that right one is going to pierce my lung soon."

"I'll take the x-ray of that area first.  When were your ribs cracked?"

"Just before the start of school."  She nodded.  "Is Throttle here yet?  I want him."

"I'll check and once you're stabilized we'll let someone in."  She looked over as the x-ray machine was brought in.  "What about the others?"

"They can come in, but Throttle's mine."

"Fine," she agreed with a gentle smile.  "We've seen Vincent before."  She got out of the way, letting them take the necessary x-rays.  She came back.  "Stay awake if you can, Xander.  I know it hurts.  Can we get him pain killers?"

"I'm not sure what won't bother his system," the doctor said.  "That other one had a lot of problems with pain killers."

Xander grabbed her wrist.  "I'm slowly changing from human, my system's going through baby changes at the moment.  Like I'm slowly aging into one of them."  She nodded, getting free to look for something for him.  The nurse turned up his IV and he felt himself drifting.  "Can I have some air?"

The nurse looked at him, then nodded, pulling over a mask.  He breathed a bit easier, but something was still wrong.  "Bleeding," he told her, gripping her arm weakly.  "I can feel it tickling."

"He thinks he's got internal bleeding?" the doctor asked as she came back. The nurse nodded.  "Then pull over the ultrasound."  She got down to check his stomach, pressing gently, and felt the squish that was not a good sign.  "Mr. Harris, did you have your appendix taken out?"  He nodded weakly.  She looked at the blood pressure machine, then flipped on the alarm switch.  "Get that surgeon in here now!"  She looked at him.  "We're going to have to take you in.  Any problems?"

"Ask Throttle."

"Sure, of course.  The big grey one was here already.  He should be here soon."  Xander nodded, more weakly this time.  "I want whole blood!"  The ultrasound showed what was wrong, one of the wires had pierced his intestine.  A surgeon pushed through the door.  "He's got twenty-eight spots where he's got wire sticking into him from an industrial accident on a construction site.  He fell through the grating they're using on the sink holes.  He's bleeding internally."

"Get me a scalpel," the surgeon ordered.  "We'll have to clamp that before we can do anything.  I don't want to do it this way, sir, but it'll save your life."  A hand flopped and he looked at the woman.  "Anything else I should know?"

"He said he was slowly changing into a mouse, he was aging so he's having baby problems.  I'm guessing we should use pediatric sedatives."  She heard someone go crashing into a wall and looked out there.  "Let him to the door," she yelled.  "We need advice on sedatives."

"Fat chance," Throttle said coldly.

"He's got intestinal bleeding, sir."

"Damn it!"  He hit a wall.  "Use very light stuff.  He's prone to not breathing when he takes sleeping pills and that was before the change.  For the infant stuff, I'd use maybe half strength at best."  She nodded.  "How is he otherwise?"

"Bad.  We're taking him to surgery.  Get us any references you can."  He nodded, going out to the waiting area.  She hurried back in.  "He's sensitive and reactive to OTC sleeping pills.  His man said he stops breathing."

"Damn it," the doctor muttered.  "We'll have to go with a local then."  He made the final cut and grabbed a clamp to stop the bleeding.  "Okay, let's move him.  I want him inside within five minutes.  We can shave him and everything up there."  They pushed his gurney up to the elevator, taking him upstairs.  He saw a white body running his way.  "Surgery," he called as the door shut.

Vinnie hurried back, going to tell the others.  They knew where that waiting room was too.  He had been treated here before for serious stuff.

Throttle hung up.  "Enamel's still in town," he said, looking at Vinnie.  He didn't have the information he needed in this case, but Vinnie did.  "Your call."

"Get him."  Throttle nodded and called back, getting Micah.  "He's going up to surgery."

"He's on his way to surgery, Vinnie said send him," Throttle told him.  "Thank you, Micah."  He hung up and they hurried up to that waiting room.  It was more private anyway.  He stopped a nurse.  "I'm the designated person for Xander Harris, piercing victim.  Tell his doctor that one of us is coming in to help with his unique condition."  She nodded, going to pass that on.   Throttle went back into the waiting room, starting to pace.  "How did this happen?"

"Merle said he was checking the flooring because it was ready to cave in," Modo told him.  "Xander hit another hole, tried to climb out, and the grating gave."

"I'm going to rip those assholes limb from limb then spit on their bodies," Throttle growled.

"Calm down.  We have friends who can help us get the people who did this out of office," Charley soothed.  She saw a man in a trench coat walk past.  "What color is Enamel?"

"Tan," Vinnie admitted, getting up to check.  "Yeah, that's him.  We wanna know first," he called.  The doctor waved a hand.  He sat down, looking at Throttle.  "He was a great surgeon, even though he sucked in what he did."

"Good!  I'm still going to kill someone!"

"Hey, great, I'll go with you," Vinnie agreed.  "Not a problem.  We'll go whip the tail of everyone who put that stuff in."

"For now, you've got to calm down, bro," Modo finished calmly and quietly.  He pulled him down, tucking him next to his body.  "It'll be fine.  Xander's really strong.  Think about all he's lived through."  He nodded, leaning forward to cover his face with his hands.  "He'll be fine, Throttle."

"He'd better be."

Charley got up to get him a drink from a nearby machine, opening it and putting it in front of him.  "Here, you could use the liquid at the very least.  It's going to be a while."

They heard something crash and they all jumped up and went running to the door but it was another family waiting that had thrown a fit and overturned a cart of supplies. "Why didn't you save her!" the father screamed.

They pulled back and sat down to wait.  There would not be a repeat of that scene from them.  Xander was too strong for that.

***

Xander woke up in a glaring white room and blinked at the man beside.  "Hey.  Thank you."

"It's what I do, Mr. Harris."  He checked his vitals, nodding and writing them down.  "Good job getting them to not sedate you.  You probably would have died if they had."  He looked at him.  "You'll be fine.  You'll be itching in a few days as your hair regrows, but otherwise you'll be fine and I'm here to take care of you.  I won't lie, you're in serious condition.  One of the rods did barely pierce your lung."

"Thought so."

"Yes, well, another one pierced your small intestine.  We had to remove a small section since we couldn't stop the bleeding.  The other things were closed and are painful but not as serious.  The one in your back missed your spine by about two inches."  Xander nodded at that.  "Your tail is looking better.  What are you using?"

"Peppermint lotion from one of those natural shops."

"I'll have to remember that."  He brushed his hair back, shining a light in his Martian eye.  "You're coming along very well.  How's your vision in that eye?"

"Really good," he admitted with a small grin.  "Can I have a drink?"

"Of course."  He poured him one then helped him sip it through the straw.  "Whenever you're ready, there's a vibrating tan blur outside.  They had to restrain him."

"Please."

"Sure, kid."  He went to the door and opened it, wisely getting out of the way.  "He'll be fine," he called, shutting the door.  "Throttle, he said you have the right to make medical decisions for him.  As such I can tell you what we had to do."  Throttle kissed the back of Xander's hand and stared at him.  "One of the smaller rods did start to pierce his right lung.  It'll heal, it's nothing dangerous.  One did pierce his small intestine and we had to take a small piece.  So he'll need complete bed rest when you get to take him home and no bottoming for him for at least a month."  Xander let out a whining noise.  "He can do everything else, and so can you once you're not so tired, but nothing that'll upset your stomach.  No more hot peppers either," he said wisely.  He looked at Throttle again.  "Gentle cuddling and let him decide when he's ready.  When he's ready, you'll know, he'll pound you into the bed to prove he's okay."  Throttle nodded, leaning closer to Xander.  "The ones in his legs and arms were closed.  Most of them bled a bit but not too much.  He got a few pints of blood because of that bleeding.  He'll be fine, but I'm not releasing him for at least two days and I'm pulling every single test I'd do on Mars since I've got him in here.  Any questions?"

"He's fine?"

"He'll be perfect in a few weeks," Enamel offered, walking off.  "No pouncing, Vincent," he ordered before the white mouse could move.  "He's still very fragile.  He is to get *rest*, and I mean it."  He stared Vinnie down, getting a nod.  "Good.  Then you can see him for a few minutes."  He walked off, going to file his notes.  The nurse gave him a long stare.  "I took care of Vinnie as a baby," he admitted.

"At least you knew what to do.  Will we have to shave any of the incisions?"

"No, he'll be fine," Enamel promised.  He gave her a gentle smile.  "The antibiotics I ordered and the IV drip.  No other medicines unless I personally authorize.  He won't be in pain."  She nodded, putting a flag on the file for him.  "Thank you, dear. Are you busy later?"

She blushed.  "My husband would say yes."

"I had to ask, you're very pretty," he told her.  "That number can reach me anytime.  Make sure the ER has it on file."  He walked off, grabbing his trench coat to head out to his bike.  He saw the other ones and looked at them.  "Xander's fine," he assured them quietly.  "He'll be in some pain but not much.  Give him time to heal."  They all beeped at him.  His bike rolled up and he climbed on, heading back to his cell/apartment.  He was technically on house arrest at the moment.  Just in case they needed him.  It was a better fate than he would have had in prison, where they would have ripped his tail off.   He sped off, going to collapse in bed.

***

Throttle looked at Xander, then helped him stand up.  "Come on.  We can go."  Xander grinned at him.  "I okayed it, you're riding behind me on the way back."  Xander gave him a kiss and a goofy grin.  "Give me ten minutes, I've got you some sweats."  He went to find the bag he had dropped earlier and brought it back.  Xander went into the bathroom to change, coming out a few minutes later in the soft sweats and his sneakers.  "You ready?"

"There's usually paperwork."

"Cheese, this is always so complicated."  He pushed the button and the nurse came in with a wheelchair and the clipboard. "He can walk."

"It's hospital and insurance policy," the nurse chided gently.  She got Xander settled and checked his room, handing him the book that had fallen under the bed.  "There you go," she said, taking them back.  "These are yours," she said, handing Throttle the prescriptions. "Have those filled today."  He tucked them into his front pocket and followed her out and down.  She saw the bike waiting there and looked at him.  "Is that safe in winter?"

"I've been here for about six years," Throttle promised.  "We don't live that far from here and I can't drive his car."  He got on and moved his bike closer, handing Xander his helmet.  He shoved the papers down further in his pocket, then patted the arms going around his waist.  "Thank you, ma'am.  You took very good care of what's mine."  He revved the engine and took off, using his tail to move one of Xander's legs.  He was nearly asleep from the small exertion.  "Just a few more minutes, Xander.  I'll take the smooth streets."

"'Kay.  Love you."

"I love you too, Xan.  Give me ten minutes."  He sped up to go through a yellow light, heading down one of the cleaner streets in the city. Xander gave him a gentle squeeze so he slowed down, he didn't have to hurry home.  He just wanted to.  He finally turned onto the right street and pulled around back, going up the ramp to the lounge area.  Where his mate was promptly pounced by Meg and Vinnie had to pry her off so he could put Xander on the couch.  "Meg, no grabbing," Throttle said patiently.

"Yeah, they took out a gouge of his intestine," Vinnie joked.  He covered Xander up with the blanket from their bed.  "There, how's that?"

"Pillow?"  One was grabbed by Throttle and handed over.  Then he decided to move Xander and be his pillow.  He handed over the papers.  "What did they send me home with?"

"Tylenol, antibiotics, and a gel for the spots," Vinnie said, reading them over. "I'll go get 'em, bro.  Xander, Merle wanted a call when you woke up.  He didn't think you'd last too long."  Xander yawned and nodded.  "I'll be right back."  His bike came forward as he turned, letting him hop on as it moved and take off.  He had to retrieve one of the slips of paper, but they went into his front pocket and the drugstore was nearby.  He strolled in wearing his helmet, presenting them.

The woman looked at them, then at him.  "The patient?"

"Is in bed," he admitted.

"That's fine, sir.  Tylenol is in row eight.  Do you have his medical card?"  Vinine shook his head and pulled out cash.  "That's fine as well," she said with a small smile.  She took down the information on the slips, running them through the scanner.  She had found Mr. Harris in the database so it was fine with her.  She presented them to the pharmacist, who nodded and filled them.  She wouldn't wonder why they put on him infant strength antibiotics.

"Did he want liquid for the antibiotics or pills?"

"I don't know.  Sir," she called, catching Vinnie's attention.  "Liquid or pill form?"

"Liquid's fine," he assured her, sounding happy.  "Does it taste good?"

"Most children's medicine do," she promised, giving him a smile back.  She looked at the pharmacist, who was measuring out the liquid.  "It's nearly ready if you'd like to go down to the register."

"Can he have chocolate and that?  He likes chocolate and soda."

"I wouldn't give a child caffeine," the pharmacist said.  "It'll cause more problems if he gets used to it."  He handed over the final products.  "How old is this child?"

"Xander?  He's about twenty-four.  He's really sensitive to drugs though."

"Then it should be fine.  Make sure he eats as well, young man."  Vinnie nodded, hurrying to get the chocolates and stuff he'd want and a few sodas as well.  He paid for it all and then took the bag, heading back to his bike.  He found a meter reader looking at it, then the sign. "Sorry, I was picking up drugs for a friend."  He climbed on and kicked his bike to life, grinning at her.  "Problems?"

"No, just a reminder.  The blue marked areas mean no parking because a handicapped vehicle might need that spot, sir," she said firmly. "Technically you weren't in the handicapped spot so I have to let you go.  This time."

"Sure thing, babe.  Thank you."  He roared off, heading for the lair.  It hadn't been that long.  He walked up the stairs and presented Throttle with the bag.  "I got him the liquid stuff."

"Thanks, Vinnie."  He pulled out the bag with the drugs, looking at the instructions on the forms stapled to the front.  "Xander?" he asked gently, stroking his head.  "Here, your antibiotics."

"I'm not due for another hour," he complained.

"Sure," Throttle agreed, putting them aside.  "Vinnie got you treats."

"Love you too, big brother," he said with a tired smile.  "Caffeine?"

"Yup, two sodas and some chocolate," he said, giving him a hug.  Xander moaned so he eased up some.  "Sorry."

"No, that's okay."  He patted him on the back.  "Let me go?"  Vinnie chuckled and let him lay back down so he could use Throttle's thigh for a pillow.  "Can I have the phone?"  It was handed to him.  "Thanks.  Now go hug Charley."

"Sure."  He hurried next door.  Charley could use the good news and a hug.  He found someone in there and grinned.  "Our friend just got back from the hospital.  He's got his medicine and stuff."  He gave her a squeeze, then walked off to do something to help her.  "I'm going to vacuum."

"Sure, Vinnie, thanks."  She grinned at his back, then at the man waiting.  "He's in hyper- worry mode."

"I can see that.  Is he an albino?"

She nodded.  "Mostly.  He's a sweet guy, who brags."  She got back to the engine.  "It doesn't look too bad.  It looks like a split hose.  Let me see if I have one in stock."  He nodded, relaxing again, so she went to check.  She had one that was too big but she wouldn't do that to him.  She came back out.  "Unfortunately I don't have the right size but I can send Vinnie down for one.  It'll take about an hour.  Did you have something to do?"  He shook his head, sitting down.  "That's fine.  Let me take this one off."  She released the clamps and took it to the bottom of the stairs.  "Vinnie, I need a parts run."  He shut off the vacuum and hopped down the stairs, taking it from her.  He checked, then gave her a kiss before heading off with the hose. She walked back out.  "It shouldn't take that long. He's hyper and bouncing."

"So, are you planning on leaving this to your children?" he asked.

"I don't have any of those yet," she admitted.  He looked stunned.  "I decided to wait for a bit.  I'm not even thirty yet."  She went back to his engine.  "You take very good care of this beauty, sir.  She's in excellent shape.  Now I'm seeing some future problems starting but it's probably going to be at least six months before you'll have anything else to do."

"Really?  What's starting?"

"Well, I'm seeing some wear on the fan belt.  That's not critical for a while though. You'll probably need to change your oil within the next few months too, depending on how often you drive her this winter.  I'd change your filters at the same time, they're faded."  She looked around the engine, moving to the side.  "I'd say you were going to have to watch this one cylinder, it's showing a bit of sticking.  Are you misfiring?"

"Every now and then.  What would fix that?"

"Possibly some WD-40, but mostly likely it needs cleaned thoroughly or possibly a seal replaced.  Sometimes the rubber will melt a bit and stick if it's been too long."  He nodded, smiling at her.  "Again, something that's not critical for a few more months but you'll want to keep in mind."  She straightened up, hearing Vinnie come back.  "They had it?"  He nodded, handing over two boxes.  "Thanks, Vinnie."

"Welcome, Charley."  He looked in the engine and whistled.  "That's cleaner than mine is."  He grinned at the older man.  "Nice work, sir."  He went back to his chores, still bouncing and needing something to do before he pounced someone for real.

"He's very energetic."

"He is," she agreed, smiling at him before bending to replace the hose.  She felt a lurch in her stomach and gulped some air, straightening up a bit.  Then she clamped on the hose, giving it a gentle tug to make sure it was settled in.  "Okay, let's start this beauty and see how well it goes."  He got up, coming over to start his car and she watched the hose, nodding that it was good.  She shut the hood and backed away, smiling at him.  "That'll be twenty-three, sir."

"Thank you, young lady.  I hope your future children are as nice as you are."  He handed over the small amount of money and backed out carefully, not seeing the cat that had to dodge out of his way.  He beeped and waved before heading off.

Charley looked at the cat.  "Dumb of you," she said dryly.  "Xander's home."  The cat's ears perked up and she yowled, then ran for the lair.  Within moments, all but one of the cats was inside and that one was having to run across the power lines to get home.  Charley saw her and shook her head.  "How are you getting in from the roof?"  The cat got off on her building, and ran down the fire escape, heading for the house.  The door slammed and she smirked, shaking her head.  "Those creatures are insane.  We've got to get Tara fixed.

***

Throttle looked over as Xander shuffled back into their bedroom that night, lifting up the blankets for him.  Xander snuggled in with a sigh of relief.  "Needed a ride?" he teased.  Xander pinched him.  "Ow," he said playfully.  "You okay?"

"The stitches are yanking," he complained. "I ache and tylenol isn't cutting it."  He snuggled in.  "Can you help me fall asleep?"

"Sure, how can I do that?" he asked, stroking the soft fur on Xander's shoulders. That got a wince so he stopped.  "What can I do to help, Xander?" he asked quietly.

"I don't know, I just need help falling off."

"You want one of the allergy pills?"

"I called, I can't take them with the antibiotics except in an emergency."  He stroked Throttle's stomach.  "I don't know what I need."

"Hmm, then let's try what works with the babies we know."  He shifted down, picking up Xander's book to open it and start reading.  Xander yawned, settling in against his chest, one arm over his stomach.  One thigh stretched around his, and then the soft breathing evened out.  Throttle put down the book, marking his spot because he'd need it again soon.  Xander nuzzled him and finished drifting off.  Throttle smirked at him and picked up his book, which was a history of Harley on this planet, going back to his reading.  Once Xander was better, they'd have to start working on his flexibility.  It was nearly time.

Episode 16:

Xander stretched out on the floor in the lounge, Dawn watching him critically.  "Am I not doing it right?"

"No, you're doing good," she admitted, pushing his back down.  "Do more of that."  She sat down across from him to stretch.  She was going to be teaching and doing yoga with Xander.  "Did you need to have any stitches removed?  I know it's been three weeks."

"No, they all got yanked the other day," he admitted.  "That's why I was wandering around limping a few days back."  He stretched up.  "Are we sure this is good for me?  I already ache."

"Yup, it's great.  You need the flexibility.  After all, Vinnie can tuck and roll much faster and easier than you can and he's a lot older."

"I heard that!" Vinnie yelled from downstairs.  All the of the mice were giving Xander some space so he wouldn't be embarrassed.

"You are," Xander called down.  "I'm only twenty-three.  Or hey, I could claim to be eighteen for a very long time."

She grinned and nodded, standing up and helping him up.  "Okay, we're going to turn on the tapes.  Do what we do," she ordered, flipping on the vcr with the remote, then tossing the remote aside.  The tape came on and she assumed the first position.

He stared at her in awe, and tried, but he wasn't that flexible.  "Ow!"

"Lower your knee," she instructed patiently, getting out of position to pause the tape.  She helped him get into the right position, then smiled.  "Deep breath, in and out, and calm," she said quietly, stroking his back.  He nodded, closing his eyes while he held it. "Any idea when your human muscles are going to give over to mouse muscles?"

"Nope.  Enamel said he didn't know.  It might not happen."

She snorted.  "Yeah, right.  Maybe you two should go back there."

"It's possible the change started earlier, it just took the intense sex to get it going for real," Xander said calmly.  He shook himself out of position and shook his hands.  "Ow."

"Listen, just follow the tape for now.  I want to look up something," she said seriously.  "There's something that's been nagging me for the past few days."

"It can't wait?" he whined.

She considered it then nodded.  "Sure.  Maybe it'll help me focus my thoughts."  The doorbell rang.  "Someone get that!" she yelled, restarting the tape.  She assumed the position, he got really close.  "Good job," she praised.  "That's an alternate if you can't do it the full way."  She slowly moved into the next pose and he followed along, watching her instead of the tape.  She flipped off the tape and turned on an instrumental CD, going into her normal routine.  He followed along, doing it as best he could.

***

Throttle walked into the library, looking over Dawn's shoulder as she typed at someone.  "Who's that?"

"Ethan."

"Ethan?"

"Bad guy chaos person, I had a thought that Xander had been cursed by him and I'm wondering if it's him.  So I'm someone just starting out and asking his advice on transformation spells."  She typed in her next response after reading, then smirked and typed in a totally braindead question that made him type in a shudder.  He typed in her name and she typed in a chuckle and told him who she was working on.  It got his attention and he instantly offered her a list of books.  He also stated that anything that made that boy miserable was good with him.  Fur and a tail?  He'd happily help her finish the transformation.  He even offered to pay his own airfare.  He promised he'd be up by the end of the week, to have someone pick him up.  Then he closed the session and disappeared off the instant messaging system.  "Yes!" she said happily.  She got up and hugged him.  "That's so wicked."  She went to call Meg and Oz, getting their help.  The mice would scare him.  Meg might scare him but she wouldn't care.

"Meggy, it's Dawn.  Nope, I'm getting Xander some help with the transformation stuff.  No, actually, look at Oz and say the name Ethan Rayne."

"Why are you talking with that sick, twisted bastard?" Xander yelled.

"Because he can fix that remaining non-conformity and he said he'd do it for free just to torment your ass," she called back.  She grinned at the giggling.  "He'll be in shortly, by the end of the week, and he'll need picked up.  Nope, we'll need to take him to a hotel and bring Xander there.  I can do that part.  I need you to pick him up.  Honey, if he saw one of the bros, he'd know something was going on with Xander and that he might like it.  Then we'd have to *make* him help."  She smirked at Throttle.  "Sure.  I'll let you know. It won't be on that short of notice."  She looked up, sensing the magic and smirked.  "Sure, later, Meggy.  Pet the Oz for me."  She hung up and went down to talk to Xander, and felt the magic snap.  "I've got to put better shields on this place. We're taking a night off, even if I have to go kidnap Ethan and bring him back."

"Tell Enamel, he'll do it," Vinnie said dryly.  "He likes Xander and he wants him to be a true mouse too."

"He's under house arrest," Dawn reminded him.  She looked at Xander.  "He said there's a way to tell why you changed and that he'll gladly finish making you furry and have a tail just to make you miserable."

He hugged her.  "I knew I had raised you Slytherin enough," he said proudly, sniffling.  "I'm so proud!"  A cat meowed.  "Sorry, Joyce, but sometimes it takes some sneakiness with the bad guys.  She's normally much nicer."

Joyce rubbed against her daughter's leg, but she wasn't that upset.  She was more hungry and her daughter took her to spoil her rotten.  She got more treats than most of the cats combined from Vinnie.

***

Throttle looked around the pet store Dawn had talked him into bringing her to.  Then he looked at her.  "One fish was too much."

She smiled and grabbed him by the waistband, dragging him to the prettier fish.  She smiled at the man who was working in that section.  "I want one of those," she said, pointing at the case.  "But you'll have to deliver it."

"For the bigger cases, we can do that," he assured her happily.  "Were you thinking exotic, fresh water, or just regular home fish?"

"Something to sit and stare at but easy to take care of.  I'm the least active person in the house and I'm a senior."

He nodded.  "I think we can do that.  What's your criteria besides easy to take care of?"

"Pretty.  We have people who'll sit and stare at it for days on end.  Oh, and it's got to have a nightlight thingy.  It's going in a corner and the main fish person will lay there and stare at it instead of sleep."

"I understand," he agreed, leading her to a new display.  "Very pretty and easy to take care of.  If you add a few sucker fish to clean the tank it'll help ease the maintenance."   Throttle looked at him.  "It's a great thing, mine have those.  My cats like to watch them the best.  You can also get a few crabs too."

"Deal," she said, handing over Xander's credit card.  "He's at home in bed.  You can call."  She smiled and nudged Throttle, who groaned and nodded, handing over his card too.  "Thanks, daddy."

"Welcome, brat," he said dryly.  "I'm going to wander.  See what other distracting things the cats can have."  He walked off, shaking his head.  Why fish? Weren't the cats enough?  He picked up a brochure on fixing the cats, just for reference.  Because they were not having more after this new litter was born.  He found the cat toy section and stopped to look at all the things in the row.  He let out a small whimper.  One of the store's workers smiled at him. "We've got ten very spoiled cats and three others like me.  We're getting fish too."

"Do you mind jingly balls?"  She held up a set and jingled it.  He looked horrified.  "I'll take that as a no on balls," she said with a small smile for him, putting those back.  She loaded him up on treats and toys.  She also included collars and a brush.  He stopped to look at the flea stuff and she looked up at him, then patted his arm, nodding.  "It'd be a good idea unless you want them too, sir," she said gently.  "Fleas are nasty and hard to get rid of once you get them.  They're like roaches only they bite."  He shuddered, dropping a few toys.  She picked them up and picked up the stuff for him.  "This is professional grade stuff.  Proven to work and very safe.  It's great.  You said ten?"  He nodded slowly.  "Are they all between five and ten pounds?"  He nodded.  "Wonderful."  She pulled down a box of those.  "This should last you all summer.  They come in packs of three."

"I'm having that mother cat fixed," he whimpered.

She patted him on the arm.  "I understand, it happens when you least expect it."  She walked him up front to get a basket then led him back to where Dawn was pointing at the fish.  "Fish too?" she asked happily.

Dawn looked in the basket, taking the box of flea medicine.  "Thank you," she said with a gentle smile.  "I hadn't wanted to worry about those nasties."  The woman smiled and walked off.  Dawn grinned at him.  "You're a softy."

"Maybe, but nothing jingles."

"That's mean, Vinnie would like jingly balls."

"If I could find one in his size, I'd get it," he said dryly. He looked at the list of fish.  "We're getting how many?"

"Just a few.  It's a big enough tank.  We'll have a few crabs, some of the cleaning fish, and some very pretty things."  She smiled at the man, who added a few things and winked, not adding them to the list.  "When can you deliver it?"

"How about later today?"

"Sure!" she agreed happily.  "Let's go check out."  She winked and took the list, blowing a kiss at him.  He blushed and got busy picking out the things she'd need.  She walked Throttle up to the register.  "Do you have a jingly ball for someone about his size?" she asked, nodding at Throttle.  "It'd amuse our friend."

The salesgirl looked at Throttle, blinked a few times, then smiled and nodded.  "I do," she agreed, going to get it for her.  She came back with flea collars.  "Those little drops won't help him."

"We've got cats," she told her.

"Oh, good job, miss.  It's houses like you that are so great.  If you need anything else, remember us, please."  She rang them up and took the card, looking at the picture, then at them.  "This is?"

"My husband," he said.

"Oh, that's so *great*," she cooed, reaching over to stroke his arm.  "That's even better."  She ran the card and got him to sign it, then bagged everything up.  "Can I get your phone number for the delivery?"  Dawn wrote it down and her cellphone number, handing it back with a grin, taking the bags.  "Thank you and you have a nice day."  She smiled at their backs.  "I want to know where I can get one of them," she told her coworker.  "Well built, polite, house trained, and trained to shop."  Her friend chuckled and shook her head.  "He was, and he was soft!  I bet you wouldn't have to worry about no-pet clauses with that one."   She smiled at the fish guy, handing him the address and phone number.  "Here you go."

"Thanks."  He went to tell the manager and do the delivery himself.  They'd need help setting the fish up.

***

Throttle took the ball from Dawn and tossed it up the ramp, watching as Vinnie stared at it, tracking it across the room.  He took careful aim and shot at the edge of it, making it roll some more.  Vinnie pounced it with a whoop.  "I guess I can stand that," he admitted, letting Dawn go gather up the cats.  They'd have to do the flea stuff later.  He walked up the ramp, smirking at Vinnie.  "You've got a very big birthday present coming.  If I hear one whine from you in the next year about how much we don't love you, I'm giving them to an orphanage along with your new ball."  He looked at Modo.  "Did you know they made flea collars in our size?"

"No, I hadn't," he admitted, watching Vinnie play with his ball.  He grinned at Throttle.  "Good job, bro."  He chuckled and got up to get the door when someone rang the doorbell.  He saw the delivery truck.  "Around back.  There's a ramp."  The driver nodded and got in to pull around, and Modo went up to move Vinnie by taking his ball and rolling it into the study.  He ran after it to play some more. "We need to get one of those for Charley."  He got out of the way of the man carrying the frame for the case.  "What's that for?"

"Fish tank," he said, putting it down in a corner.  He had to move a few things, but it fit nicely in the corner.  He moved the potted tree next to it to hide the cords since he saw cat toys.  It'd keep them from chewing the cords.  He went back down, helping the fish guy carry up the tank. It was a huge tank, and the kid had brought water too.  The fish were carried up in two trips, the last with the water buckets.  The boy was plugging everything in and settling the rocks in the bottom, then they got everything into the tank and watched as the fish settled in and the crabs floated down, and a few other toys were sent down.  The little glowing thing was very nice and battery operated.  "Anything else, kid?"

"No, that's it," he said with a grin.  He saw Dawn.  "Hi again.  I promised today."

"You did and it's so great.  Just like you promised."  She kissed him and he blushed but hurried back to the truck.  She smiled at the driver.  "Want a tip?"

"You're too young for me," he assured her.  He walked away chuckling.  He heard a large jingling ball and found a white animal coming back with it.  Then he stopped when he saw the fish and ran over there to stare at it in awe.  So that's why they needed such a big tank.  He saw another white blur coming up the ramp and got out of the way, watching as he plopped himself in front of the tank too.  "Those are some odd pets," he said in awe.  "But apparently very loved."  He went back to the truck, watching the boy check the back of the truck.  He had to carry up one more bag of fish then came back blushing more deeply.  "Get in, Casanova.  It's time to head for the store."

"Sure," he said happily.  "She's wonderful," he sighed.  "We go to the same high school.  She rides a motorcycle."  He climbed into the truck and closed the door, making sure there weren't any cats or other pets in the way.  They saw another woman and he grinned, waving at her as they pulled off.

Charley snatched the cat.  "Are you suicidal?"  She checked and grabbed the Tara cat, taking them inside and closing the door, locking it.  "No sneaking under trucks."  She carried them up the stairs and Tara got down, going to stare at the fish.  The other climbed the fake tree and stared at the fish moving around like they were God.  "Why do we have a lot of fish?"  Throttle pointed at Dawn.  "Uh-huh.  The reason the young delivery guy was blushing and swooning?"  Modo pointed at Dawn.  "I see."  She saw the large jingly ball and nudged it with a foot, making Vinnie pounce it and bring it back to help him watch the fish.  She laughed and walked off shaking her head.  "I don't know how she did it," she laughed, finding Oz trying to get in.  "The cats keep sneaking out.  They have fish.  Dawn made the delivery guy swoon."  She heard the jingle and then Vinnie shouted at Xander to give his ball back. She burst out in giggles, leaning on Oz's shoulder.  "Oh, God, that's so bad," she laughed, heading back to the garage.  She'd have to get one of those to distract Vinnie when he tried to destroy her apartment.  She got on her bike and headed for the store, walking in with a bright grin.  "Hi, you just found a big jingly ball for a young woman.  Would you have any more of those?"

"We have two more, ma'am," the salesgirl said happily.  "The tan one was very nice."  She went to retrieve it for her, coming back with a brush.  "Here, the tan one needed some brushing, he looked a bit rumpled," she shared.

"Thanks, I'll give it to his husband."  She paid for them.  "Any big catnip toys?  They're mice."

"No, but I may have something else."  She went to search in the things, coming back with a large treat stick for pet mice and a large squishy catnip ball.  "How about these?"

"I like those," she decided, paying for them too.  She took them back to the garage and unpacked them, leaving the treat stick on the table and the other toys upstairs.  Then she got back to work.

***

Vinnie poked his head into the kitchen, taking a sniff.  "What's that?"

"It's a treat stick for pet mice," Throttle said, staring at it.  He had kept Xander from picking at it.  He swatted Xander's hand again.  "No."

Vinnie picked it up to sniff.  "It's got honey."

"Yeah, it does," Xander agreed.  "Plus some seeds and nuts."  He finally got to pick off a piece. He ate it and grinned.  "That's pretty good."

"It is," Vinnie agreed, picking off some of it.  He nibbled and nodded. "I like this.  We should get some of these as treats."

"You know they keep pet mice in cages with habitrails and running wheels, right?" Meg teased, hugging Vinnie.  "Your fish are very pretty."

"Thanks," he said with a grin.  "Sweetheart, we're here for dinner!"

"I heard, I'm busy."

"Fine."  He nibbled another bite.  Then he put it down and went to help Charley.  He stopped at the bottom of the stairs and sniffed. "What's that?"

Oz took a sniff.  "Catnip."

"But we're mice."

"Catnip!" Xander shouted, going up to play with it.  "Ooh, a giant catnip ball!" he squealed, playing with it.

"If I come home some day and find a giant treadwheel, I'm going to bash antennas into skulls," Throttle said patiently.  That treat stick did smell nice.  Maybe some trail mix later instead.

"I'd only do that as an April Fool's joke," Charley called back.  "Is Xander stealing Vinnie's catnip ball?"

"Yup," Vinnie said, hurrying up there to play with the jingle ball she had gotten him.  "I love you!" he called a few minutes later.

Charley came to the bottom of the stairs.  "Me or Xander?" she called back, smirking at Throttle and Modo since he was coming in.  "Cats."  Modo scooped them up and took them all back to the lair, locking them inside.  He counted noses, but the last one was staring at the fish.  Tara really liked those fish. He walked out the other door, closing and locking it behind him.  He checked the garage door, walking in to close it for Charley.  "There you go, Charley ma'am."  He grinned at her.  "No wheels, right?"

"Only as a joke," she promised, punching him on the arm.  She grinned at him and went back to her job.  "Xander's playing with a catnip ball and Vinnie's got another ball."

Modo shook his head with a small moan.  "My gray furred momma would laugh her tail off about those two."  He went to shake his head at the two white mice, chuckling since they were struggling over the catnip toy.  "Boys."  It did smell good, but he could ignore it.  He was a big mouse, he wouldn't pounce either ball.  He went back downstairs, sniffing the treat stick.  He picked off a piece and nodded, smiling. "I like that.  We should get some trail mix."

"We should," Throttle agreed dryly.  "It's way too quiet."

"They're struggling over the catnip ball."

"Ah."  He nodded and got up there to reclaim his boy.  He found Xander under Vinnie, curled around the ball, and Vinnie trying hard not to pounce him so he wouldn't hurt him.  "Let him have it, Xander," he said patiently. "I'll brush your back if you do."  Xander let the ball go and pounced him to kiss him, fortunately running him into the wall instead of making them fall down the stairs. He moaned into his mate's mouth, getting a grin from Xander.  "We got a new brush."

"Good. I could use brushed.  I'm fluffing out again."  He patted his arm, which was fluffier than usual.  He stole another kiss then grabbed both balls and tossed them down the stairs, making Vinnie pout.  "More room in the garage."  He beamed and ran down the stairs to play in the garage.

"Vinnie!" Charley yelled.  "I'm trying to work!"

"If you turn into that mouse, I'm going to have to take you on a retreat and make you fish," Throttle warned.   Xander pouted.  "You can play every now and then, not all the time."

"Sure, Throttle.  Can I still be brushed?"  Throttle nodded and stole another kiss, running a hand up Xander's side.  Xander moaned and pounced him onto the floor, going to have what was his.  It had been more than three weeks, he was desperate.  He was so desperate he had Throttle stripped within moments and was burying himself as gently as he could once he had opened the tight hole.  Throttle was gripping the wall, putting new finger dents into it.  Xander finally got all the way in and moaned, pausing for a moment.  Then he pulled out and did it again, staying slow.  He slowly worked up to where he was pounding Throttle.  It was so good!  He was so desperate!  Throttle was moaning and his tail was stroking his and it was good!  He let out a howl and went harder and faster.

Downstairs, Meg looked up, smirking at her boyfriend.  "They're finally having fun again.  He must be healed."

"Probably," Oz agreed.  He gave her a kiss. "Later, Meg."

"Sure, Oz," she said sweetly.  Throttle let out a howl of his own, then Xander let out a scream of pleasure and then there was a thump.

Charley came back to stare up the stairs, seeing the feet sticking out.  "There had better be no mess on my floor, boys.  And I mean *no* mess," she said patiently.

"Yes, Charley," Xander said weakly.  "I needed that."  He collapsed on top of his man and let out a sigh of content.  "Still brush me and I'll brush you?"

"Sure, Xander," Throttle said quietly, stroking his back.  That had been gooooooooddddd.  He hadn't had that good in a while.  "Oh, cheese, I'm sore," he moaned, shifting a bit, but Xander gave him a squeeze.  "I liked it," he promised. "I needed it too."  He kissed him on the antenna.   "We should clean up."

Xander nodded, but he wasn't moving.

Throttle chuckled and patted him on the back.  "If you let me up, I'll help you clean up and then lay on the couch."  Xander let out a whimper. "I know.  Let's try."  Xander slowly withdrew from him and stood up, and Throttle got up, walking them into the bathroom.  Xander was cleaned up and put into the couch.  He checked the floor but there weren't any deposits.  So Throttle went to clean himself up.  He was a mess.  It had been good, so good.  He had needed that.  They both had.  He guessed Xander was ready to do more later, he decided, smirking as he came down the stairs.

Charley gave him a look, then got him the cushion from her desk chair.  He shook his head, but he did hiss as he sat down.  "I take it he's better now?"

"In many ways," Throttle agreed smugly.  "He's napping on the couch."

"That's fine."  She ruffled his hair and went back to cooking.  In the garage, the jingling continued.  She noticed Modo was gripping his hands together and checked the clock.  It only took him ten minutes to go in there and take the ball from Vinnie, then drag him back and plant him at the table.  "Sorry, don't like bells?"

"No," he said flatly.  "I don't."

"There's the catnip ball," Vinnie offered.  "Where's Xander?"  Throttle let out a tired sounding chuckle and Vinnie stared at him.  "Isn't he still injured!"

"He jumped me, Vinnie," Throttle said patiently.  "He's napping on the couch."

"Then why aren't you?  Wasn't it good or are you just too old for him?" Vinnie asked with a smirk.  Throttle growled and Vinnie laughed.  Throttle pounced him, knocking him to the ground to pound him.

Meg dove in to roll around with them, getting them both.  They eventually pinned her to the ground and tickled her until she shrieked and had to be saved by a shriek-intolerant Modo.  She ran to the bathroom and Modo shook his head.  "Bros," he whined.

"Have a headache?" Vinnie taunted.  "We've got tylenol."

Modo pounced him and got him good this time.

"Boys," Charley said patiently.  "No wrecking the kitchen.  Meg, are you okay?"

"Fine," she called, coming back.  "I was testing the catnip ball."

"Don't even think about it," Oz said plainly.  "We're not buying wolf toys."

Xander came down the stairs, yawning as he stepped over Modo and Vinnie, plopping himself down in Throttle's lap.  He let out another yawn and snuggled in under his chin, nuzzling him gently before closing his eyes again.

"Nightmares?"

"Feel funny."  Xander nuzzled him again then yawned and slowly fell asleep while everyone watched.

Dawn came in with a big smirk on her face.  "He should be more mouse-like in a few hours.  Ethan was *convinced* to help me even though he didn't want him to be happy."   She stepped over Vinnie and found herself being grabbed by a tail and pulled down to be sniffed.  "Yeah, he's a chaos person."  Vinnie stared at her and she blushed.  "Not a word," she hissed, her eyes narrowing.  "It was needed to help him."  He let her go.  She got up and smoothed down her school uniform.  "Besides, it wasn't what you think.  I would have killed him if he had tried."  She looked at Xander, then at Throttle, who was staring her down.  "He wanted some blood for a spell against Giles. They're old playtime buddies. I made sure it wasn't harmful and I called Giles to warn him too."  She sat down and looked at Xander.  "He said it wasn't the demon, it was Willow, and she only integrated him halfway.  So he upped the demon taint and made it finish the strengthen the spouse's taint.  They're a lot like you guys in the muscular and skeletal systems.  So his muscles are shifting as close to *yours* as they can.  Apparently his payment when he was warding the tower was access to some skin and fur samples."  She smirked at him.  "So it'll be a few hours and then he'll be a lot more mouse."  She got up and got a soda, coming back to sit down.  "Are we having dinner?"

"We are," Charley agreed.  "What did you pay him with?"

"A vial of blood and a flash of my tits."  She opened the soda and took a sip.  "It worked.  He was too stunned stupid to do anything wrong."

"You know that was dangerous, right?" Charley pressed.  Dawn pulled out something and put it on the table, a very ancient dagger.  "Special skills?"

"No, just mine," she offered, taking another drink.  "He would have given up a lot more if I had offered him my virginity, Charley. He would have had to, or else I would have kicked his ass for suggesting it.  In magic, that's a very powerful and pricey thing to gather for your own use."

"It is?" Modo asked.  She nodded.  "Why?"

"Purity is always more powerful," Dawn reminded him.  "The same as the most innocent people in the world can do some of the most amazing things.  Look at all the miracles.  None of them were sluts."

"Good point," Vinnie admitted.  He gave her a hug.  "If you try that ever again, I'm going to beat your tail and send you to a convent."

She leaned back and kissed him on the cheek.  "I know.  I was teasing but it was for a good cause and he deserves it."  She grinned up at him.  "Besides which, when I left, Giles was on his way in to have a talk with him in person," she said smugly.  He chuckled.  "I don't like Ethan but sometimes he's necessary. Sometimes he's very necessary.  Sometimes chaos is the only option and you've got to play by their rules to get them to cooperate, which I did.  Let's be thankful that I'm not playing on their team permanently, guys.  I don't do chaos magic. I do some creative magic, I do some nature magic, I don't do chaos magic and anything demonic falls under that in the majority of cases.  Since Xander's been tainted, he falls under the chaos theories too."  She stared into Throttle.  "He also said that the aging *should* automatically stop when his age evens out."  She smirked at him. "So it was useful.  A bit of blood, after drinking some holy water, and a flash of my tits is nothing to see him feeling better and happier."

"It was still wrong and dangerous," Charley told her.

Dawn looked up at her.  "Not really.  Ethan can't get it up for anything not Giles or demonic.  Willow made sure of it," she said sarcastically.  Charley stared at her in horror.  "Willow went bad for a few months.  Magic addiction, playing with things better left alone, like demons, and tried to destroy the world."

"I remember seeing that," Throttle admitted.  "It was still dangerous and wrong.  It wasn't that desperate."

She looked at him.  "It wouldn't have happened, which is affecting his health.  If he didn't integrate, he'd be stuck like this when the ageing stopped.  It was starting to slow down from what he felt.  As much as Ethan detests Xander because he's such a good guy, he still respects him for being such a good guy.  Giles gets that because he's a former playmate who went straight and narrow.  Xander gets it because of how stubborn he is."  She took another drink.  "Xander was used as his fun one night, during a Halloween.  No one else kept *anything* from it.  But Xander," she said smugly.   He nodded.  "He's been fascinated by Xander for quite a while and when he saw me I came in next on his list of obsessions.  There's stuff you don't know about me that make him *wet* and he becomes stupid.  He can't take it back.  He stuck it.  Now, let's move onto happier discussion topics."

"I'm seeing your future on a pole," Charley noted.

"I'm not.  Do you think female agents don't have to do this stuff?" she asked dryly.  "Have you noticed you've never seen an *ugly* female agent?"  Charley looked stunned.  "I'm realistic.  It happens and sometimes it's necessary.  Flashing him wasn't anything, I needed to change shirts anyway.  The fact that he panted and drooled from across the room wasn't a bother to me.  I'm not using it as a weapon most of the time.  I flirt, I tease, I may have found a nice guy to date because I go to school with the guy who did the fish."  She finished the can and got up to get another one.  She looked at Charley.  "When you were my age, and this was your choice, what would you have done?  Let him suffer?"

Charley gave her a hug.  "No, sweetie, I wouldn't let him suffer, but I would have taken someone with me to guard me.  That's a dangerous time.  Just because he can't rape you himself doesn't mean he can't knock you out and use something."

"Actually, knowing Ethan, he'd have called a demon to do it for him," she said dryly, patting her on the back.  She pulled back and grinned at her.  "You'd be surprised.  Besides, he doesn't want me.  He wants the innocence and the power I hold.  He can't use my power and he can't access my power. My innocense is fairly well protected.  What I am makes it so most demons can't do more than pant after me.  That's why I don't go to the demon clubs."

"What are you?" Modo asked.

She looked at Throttle.  "You can show them.  I trust them."  Throttle nodded, sharing with them, then back at Charley. "You too, I don't mind."

"Thanks."  She moved closer and Throttle showed her.  She pulled back and stared at the girl.  "No wonder you seem so old sometimes!"

Dawn nodded.  "Definitely."  She grinned.  "Besides I'd never really use my sexuality as a weapon, I'd turn into Anya."

"The baby?" Modo asked.

"Her namesake," Dawn said with a smirk.  "You should show them that so they can smirk at Stoker too."

"She'll learn better this time," Throttle promised, smirking at his bros.  "She was quite a... strong woman."

"Okay, I gotta see," Vinnie demanded.  Throttle patted Xander's back.  "He won't mind."

Dawn squatted down, stroking Xander's chin.  "Can we show them Anya?"  He yawned and nodded.  "How do you feel?"

"Better," he admitted. "What did you do to Ethan?"

"I gave him a vial of blood after drinking holy water a few hours earlier and flashed him a bit."

He smacked her on the head. "Bad, Dawn!"

"Ow!"  She rubbed her head.  "I was careful."

"You're also grounded for the next month," he said firmly.  "I don't care how careful you were, I'll kick your tail if you do it ever again."  She nodded.  "I didn't need it."

She kissed him.  "You did, you weren't becoming enough of a mouse, just enough of one to crimp your immune system."  She stood up.  "He didn't get anywhere nearby and Giles was on his way in to have a talk with him," she said with a wink.  "Can they see Anya?"  He nodded.  "Thanks.  This way we can help Stoker make her calmer this time."

"If you turn into her, I'm having you sewn shut and sent to a distant monastery on somewhere farther than Mars."

"Sure, Xander.  You know I'd never do it if it wasn't important.  So give it a few hours, then try the yoga tape again."

"Okay, I've got to see and Xander needs practice showing things," Vinnie decided, getting up and coming over to share with him.  "Lower your shields," he instructed quietly.  Xander nodded and concentrated, then his antenna started to glow.  He and Vinnie touched antenna and Vinnie suddenly smirked and whooped, then giggled and backed off shaking his head.  "I so hope Stoker's Anya lives up to her name."

"He'll calm her down and make sure she doesn't need all of Mars to please her," Throttle said dryly.  He stroked Xander's back and he could feel the difference.   He could tell that Xander wasn't a mouse before, there was something off in his feel and scent.  Now he could feel the right muscles in his back in the right groupings, and his scent was so much closer.  It was making him hard.  Xander nuzzled him again and Throttle tipped his head up to look into his eyes. "I hope they don't change.  I like your eyes."

"Thanks."  He stole a kiss and grinned.  He nuzzled in again and closed his eyes.  "I feel better."

"His scent's changed," Modo said suddenly, sitting up.

"I told you it'd only take a few hours," Dawn reminded him.  "Then he'll go back to aging a bit more rapidly.  So therefore he'll have to start doing his yoga tonight and you'll need to tell Merle that you can go back to work."  She smirked at Xander, catching his eyes.  "You okay?"

"I'm wonderful and I love you, but you're still grounded for the next two weeks."  She nodded, sipping her new soda before washing her hands and helping with dinner. "What's for food, Charley?" he asked casually.  He heard a jingle and his ears perked up.  "Hmm."  He got up and went to look at it, then walked around it to see what was moving it.  Then he pounced it to play with the beach-ball sized ball.  Vinnie cackled and came to play with him.

"No," Modo moaned.  "No more bells."

Throttle reached over to pat him on the head when he put it on the table.  "It'll be fine.  They'll get bored and go watch the fish again."

"Later," Vinnie called.  He grinned at Xander.  "You know mice are multi-orgasmic, right?"

"I was before, no big change there," Xander bragged.  He batted the ball and Vinnie pounced it to send it back, making him shift to pounce it. "We're playing like kittens."

"Yeah, well, it's fun," Vinnie decided, batting it back once Xander sent it his way. Xander grinned and batted it harder so he sent it back harder.

"Enough!" Charley yelled.  "Or you're sleeping over there tonight, Vincent.  Xander, you'll be tied to the bed and left alone while I lock Throttle in a closet."  She came to the door.  "I'm getting you guys a human-sized hamster wheel."

"You do and I'm going to pout and whine for weeks," Vinnie said dryly, smirking at her.  "That means you can't go with me when I head for the holidays."

"We're not staying?"

"The week of, but most of the week between I figured you'd want another break since it's traditionally dead."   He smirked at her.  "Your choice."

"I want to stay in and be with everyone for the holidays."

"Fine, we can do that," Vinnie agreed happily. "A nice night out?"

"Sure," she agreed going back to dinner.  She nudged Dawn, giving her a look.  "It was still dangerous," she said quietly.  The duo came back to their seats.  Then Meg and Oz had snuck off to have a moment in the bathroom together.

Dawn kissed her on the cheek.  "You're a great mom," she assured her.  "Nearly as good as Xander does."  Charley smirked at that.  "So maybe I should hide your pills?"  Charley blushed and went back to stirring the pasta in the water.

"That's mean, Dawn," Xander said quietly.  "That's a decision only they can make.   If she wants to hide those, that's her job to hand them to Vinnie to hide."

"No, I'm not ready to hide those at this moment," Vinnie announced.  "As cute as it would be, I'd drive you guys nuts."

Dawn gave him a hug.  "You'd be a great dad and would wear the kids out all the time."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Xander, can I earn back the dance next week?  Phil's taking me."

Xander looked at her, then smirked.  "If I suddenly get a message from God saying that you can go, then you can go.  If not, don't whine me to death."  Dawn's phone rang and she checked it before handing it over.  He looked at the number.  "You're not God," he answered.  "God-like, but not quite the one and only."  He listened.  "I know but it's not suitable for a girl her age.... Micah, she's seventeen.  I don't want her to be a stripper.  I don't want her to be a tease either.  She's already got that down pat, unfortunately.  No, she's grounded for the next two weeks and if she whines, I'm adding another month to it.  Hard grounding. No tv, no computer except for homework and only supervised then, and no dating.  She screwed up, even though it was for a good reason.  Yay!"  He listened to the calm voice.  "No.  She's grounded."

"All I want is the dance," she offered.  "I'll bring Phil over for dinner."

Xander glared at her and shook his head.  "No.  No dance."

"I'll be *really* good," she whined.  "Please?  Just the dance?  Please, Xander?"  She gave him a hug.  "That's all I want.  You liked Phil and you said I should date him.  He's smart, he's helping me in physics, and he didn't even look down my shirt when my button popped off earlier."  He gave her a look. "He's not gay and he still didn't look.  He blushed and dug out a safety pin.  Please?" she begged.  "Pretty please?  I'll switch that night for a full Saturday."

"Fine, you'll be switching the four hours around the dance for the next Saturday."

"Um, the dance is four hours, that leaves no time for traveling," she pointed out.  "Six?"

"And let you have time to go play in the park?  I doubt it," he snorted.

She hit him on the arm.  "I'm not like that!  That is not how I want my first time, thank you very much."  She frowned at him.  "Six hours, that way we can have a coffee on the way back for a full Saturday."  Xander stared her down.  "I won't do more than kiss him and maybe snuggle on the dance floor.  You can have outfit approval and I'll bring him over for dinner.  He realizes that none of you are right so he's fine with the whole fuzzy thing."  She crossed her arms, staring at him.  "I'll wear boots."

"You'll wear pants."

"I can't wear pants, it's against the dress code for dances.  I won't wear anything a short as my school skirt or my red plaid one."

Xander raised an eyebrow.  "Either plaid one and I get full outfit approval.  Down to no thongs and no pushup bras."

"I don't wear pushup bras anymore," she said dryly.  She considered it.  "Gold top, black sweater, black velvet skirt, heels."

"Corset?" he squeaked. "Hell no!"

"It'll still be cold," Throttle told her.

"I like that outfit," Charley offered. "It can be subtle."  Dawn gave Xander a triumphant smirk.  "Or the red dress."

"Absolutely not!" Xander shouted.  "No red dress!  No way in hell I'm letting her out in that red dress!  I've seen her in that red dress, it's not exactly what I'd want a teenager to wear!"  Micah shouted and he hung up on him.  He glared at her.  "You're giving her that red dress."

"Not *that* dress," Dawn said in disgust.  "The new velvet one.  Gods, Xander, I know I look like a ho in it, Anya bought it for me!"  He glared at her.  "She did.  She said it was so I could get laid like she did."

"Have we seen this red dress?" Throttle asked.  "You have to get past all of us if you're going out."  He patted Xander on the back, stroking him.  "That good with you?  Modo's more conservative."

"As long as she's wearing an outfit his mother would wear."

Modo coughed.  "My momma liked that red shiny dress.  She thought it was adorable."

"Yeah, and I tried it on for her," Dawn said smugly.  "Momma said I was as pretty as a pinup."  She looked at Charley.  "Can you come and do the preview of the outfits?"

"Sure," she agreed.  "After dinner.  If not, maybe he'll let you go shopping for something demure."  She pulled the hamburger off the stove and drained it, putting it aside.  She put the hotdogs on instead and fixed everything else.  She started to put dishes on the table, finishing off with the hotdogs since most of the guys would want those instead.  They settled in to nibble, especially Xander since he was apparently starved. He even forced himself to eat a hotdog but he was grimacing and shuddering.  "Make yourself a sandwich," she said patiently. She followed Dawn over to her room, making sure none of the cats got out.  She sat on the bed, watching as Dawn organized her wardrobe. She finally pulled out the special red dress, putting it on first.  Charley blinked, the girl was hot in that one.  She held up a finger and went to get the instant camera.  She came back and took a picture, then put it aside.  "Go ahead, go to the next one.  The ones I like best I'll show to Vinnie and if he likes 'em, we'll do the full fashion show."

Dawn squealed and got into the other outfits, letting her take pictures.  A few were just different tops.  Most of her skirts weren't that short.  Which was probably good for the dress code at the school.  She ended up on the black and gold outfit, then the red velvet dress. That got another look; so that's why Xander didn't like that outfit.  She took another picture of that one and stood up.  "Can I borrow that one?"  Dawn took it off and handed it over.  "Thanks.  Let me show these to Vinnie.  Be prepared for the fashion show."  She went up to the lounge, nudging Vinnie, the red dress folded across her lap.  "You get first approval and then the guys get to look at the final choices."

Vinnie looked at the red dress picture, then up at her.  "Why do I get to do this?"

"Because you have great taste in women," she said smugly.  "I'm borrowing the red velvet one for our next dinner out."

"Sweetheart, if you look anywhere near as good as she did in it, we might not make it out," he said smugly.  She swatted him.  He went back to the pictures, sorting them into 'boner inducing' and 'I can see my sister in that'.   The second pile wasn't that big.  He went back through the first and added a few more back into it.  He handed her that stack and kept the other one while she tucked those into her shirt pocket.  "Borrow these sometime too," he requested, handing them over.  She blushed and went to tell Dawn which ones she had to show off.  She didn't like one of the choices and added in one of her favorite outfits.  Then she went to gather the guys.  Vinnie had already done that.  She sat next to Vinnie, snuggling into his side.

Dawn walked up the ramp and held out her arms.  Throttle spluttered.  Modo moaned.  Xander groaned and shook his head.  "No?"

"No!" they shouted.

She sighed and went back down the stairs to try again.  She was doing them in reverse order of her favorite choices.  That way her favorite one was last and it had a better chance.   Her next two got instant nos as well.  She came back down to look at the remaining two outfits.  She chose the black and gold one, sliding into it and the proper shoes, heading up the stairs.

Vinnie moaned.  "I didn't put that in that pile."  Charley looked up and grinned at him.  "Never mind."

Xander looked over at him. "Now you know why I object."  He looked at Throttle, who was staring, mouth slightly open.  He nudged him.  "No, hand that outfit to Charley too."

"Fine," she sighed, going down to put on the other outfit.  It was slightly more demure in cut, but it was more showy in color and how it draped.  She walked back down the stairs, holding out her arms.  "Well?"

This time, Throttle's jaw and Vinnie's jaw dropped.  Modo blinked at her.  Charley beamed and gave her the thumb's up.  "Guys?" she said patiently.  She put her hands on her hips, which shifted her top some.  "Guys," she said patiently.   She tapped her foot.  "A ruling?"

"You look less hot in leather pants and that tank top," Throttle said finally, staying quiet.  "You're a very pretty girl, but you can't do that to the poor guy, Dawn."

"I look good in this!" she defended.

"That's half the problem, Dawn," Throttle reminded her.

"I'm not ashamed of my body, Throttle.  I like how I look.  I work hard to be this good looking and cute.  I'm going to show it off a bit.  Sorry, but not getting me into a burkha."

"Burkha?" Vinnie asked.

"All covering outfit that certain Islamic countries demand their women wear.  You can't see anything, not even their eyes," Xander told him.

"Oh, them.  That's a really good idea," he said happily.  He looked at his girl.  "Can you borrow that one too?"

"It won't fit me," Charley told him.

"Oh."  He looked at Dawn again.  Then shook his head.  "The pink knit?"

"That one was *way* too tight," Xander protested.

Throttle kissed him gently, making Xander look at him.  "Babe, she's not a kid.  She has a body, she's entitled to show it off now and then," he said gently.  "There's worse outfits."  Charley dug out the pictures and found the one in the older red dress, handing it over.  "Yeah, that's worse," he decided, handing it back.  He kissed Xander again.  "Let her be pretty and feminine.   Let her show off a little bit.  Not that much, but maybe the last outfit?"

"I'll take her shopping," Xander decided.  "We'll go somewhere that they sell cute clothes and she'll be able to get something cute without being slutty.  Because, honey, you look like your sister in her backless shirts in that."

"She bought it for me," Dawn admitted.

"Dawn, go downstairs, put on your absolute favorite outfit for clubbing," Xander instructed.  "Then adjust it so it'll fit in the dress code."  She squealed and headed down the stairs, finding a shorter, flared skirt and a shimmery top that dipped a bit low but not 'asking money for it' low and was tightly molded to her stomach.  She slipped on her new heels and then grabbed the black sweater from the corset outfit, looking at herself.  Then she nodded and went back upstairs, holding out her arms.  "Better!" Xander decided, nodding.  "I like that.  Skirt's a bit short, but I like that."

Throttle considered it.  "The skirt is short, but it suits your legs.  I'd look at a bike you were leaning against.  What's it look like without the sweater?"  She took it off and he whistled.  "Wear the sweater."

Modo smiled at her.   "Can you dance in those shoes?"

"I have before," she offered, pulling him up to dance with him.  He grinned at her and nodded, eventually letting her go.  "So?"

"I like that," Charley admitted.

"Those are easy access clothes," Vinnie said darkly.  Everyone stared at him.  "That's the clothes you wear when you want to have fun in the club and that includes someone getting under that skirt."

She snorted.  "I doubt it," Dawn said sarcastically.  "No one touches my ass without my express permission, a hell of a lot of dating, and a very good bit of play beforehand."  She crossed her arms and looked at Xander.  "Well?"

"Can we change the skirt?"

"If I wear the black and blue plaid," she said dryly.

"You can't sit in that one without it showing underwear.  Be reasonable, Dawn," he complained.

"The other one?"

"Is maybe an inch longer," he said dryly.  "What about that skirt you wear with the gold corset?"

"Won't match."

He considered it.  "The other black skirt?"  She shook her head.  "The black velvet dress?"

"Makes me look like Dru," she said patiently, smirking at him.

"She did look really old fashioned in that black velvet dress," Charley admitted.

"Well, I do have one I haven't shown. I went shopping earlier today before hitting Ethan's hotel room.   Me and Syria went to the store before you ask.  It made her squeal and I liked it too, but I don't think you'd like either outfit I found for clubbing."  Xander waved her on.  She went down and pulled out the bag, unfolding the outfits.  She wiggled out of that outfit and put on the first one.  It was a black leather corset with velvet strips down the sides.  It came with a short, straight velvet skirt.  She'd need to find some sort of jacket to go with it.  She changed back into the heels she liked for this outfit, the higher ones, and checked her hair, heading back up the stairs.

"You look like a Martian biker on the prowl," Throttle said finally, staring at her in awe.  "You can't ride in that."

"I can so, I'll be riding on the back, he'll block anything inappropriate."  She looked at Xander, who was sniffling.  "I know, it's too old for me, but I look nice in it.  I need help tightening the corset though."  She walked over to Charley, letting her help her.  Then Vinnie swatted Charley and did it for her, getting it just tight enough to barely squeeze her body.  He tied it off and she smiled at him, walking back to let the others look.

"Now you definitely look like a Martian biker out on the prowl," Modo said in awe. "You'd look so good as a gray or a tan mouse."

"She would," Throttle agreed.  He liked her in that one, but it was giving him ideas that he'd have to take out on Xander later.  "You'd have to wear a jacket for the dance."

"Which is the problem, I don't have one.  Unless I'm allowed to get that suede one I found?  Soft black suede?"  Xander whimpered.  "Okay, let me try on the other one."  She went down to change, only undoing the bottom and top strings but leaving the middle.  She could get someone to tighten them again.  She slid into the other dress, which was velvet as well.  She liked velvet, it was soft and looked good on her.  She looked in the mirror, changed to a lesser heels, but not much less, and ran her fingers through her hair to push it back slightly.  She walked up and let Charley zip her in. She ran her hands down her sides, letting them look at the strapless dress.  It ran down to about two inches above her knee.  It skimmed her body gently, the stretch velvet was wonderful.  It was black and fit very well, clinging to her chest and then gently skimming her figure.  "I'd still need a jacket."

Xander nodded.  "I like that one," he admitted.  "It's demure. Tasteful.  You look like a hot babe but I can accept that."  He looked at Throttle.  "You?"

"She'll need a sweater but I like that on her," he admitted.  "It's in good taste but a bit flirty and teasing.  Modo?"

"I liked the last one," he said with a smile for her.  "This one's safer though.  I like this one for dating.  The other is for teasing in the clubs."

She nodded. "That's what I planned it for.  Charley?"

"Demure and tasteful but not too demure or tasteful.  Vinnie?"

"I like it, but it doesn't show you off very well.  Sweetheart, your body is incredible in some of those outfits.  This one only hints at it."

"Which is probably safer at a high school dance," she pointed out dryly.  He nodded.  "This won't get me tossed out either.  As long as I can find a jacket."

"In my closet, in the *blue* bag, is something I was getting you for Christmas," Xander said dryly.  She squealed and went down to find it, coming back in the velvet duster-style overcoat in midnight blue.  "Does that go for you?"

"I could wear this with the last outfit," she offered.

"Fat chance," everyone said in unison.

"That other outfit deserves to be worn alone with stockings and heels," Throttle told her.

She beamed and looked at herself in the nearest mirror, nodding that she liked it.  The coat's velvet was a bit more plush and it set off the dress very well.  She nodded.  "I can wear this.  The shoes?"

"Looks good," Xander admitted.  "Joyce?  Tara?"  The two cats snuck out and sat, staring at Dawn.  "That okay for a school dance and date?"

Tara meowed and went back to watch the fish.  Joyce looked at her daughter and sighed.  She swished her tail.  Dawn gave her a hug and took off the jacket, earning a silent meow.  "You'd like him, mommy.  He's smart, he's sweet, and he thinks Vinnie needs mental help."  Joyce nudged her daughter then went to watch the fish.  "Thanks, mommy."  She looked at Xander.  "Six hours?"

"For a *full* Saturday."

"Fine, agreed," Dawn agreed, heading to put that outfit away and make sure it would be fine. She even put it in plastic so she wouldn't have to lintroll it or have to deal with kitty claws.

Xander looked at Throttle.  "She needs a jacket for that velvet and leather outfit."

"She needs one anyway," Charley told him.  "She does bike. It's only suitable."

Xander looked at her.  "She wanted to know if you were looking to upgrade."

"I hadn't thought about it and I like my bike.  We'll see."  Dawn came up in pajama pants and a tank-top, sitting next to Vinnie and snuggling in.  "We'll see if we can find you your own bike for graduation."  She beamed at her.  "As long as you don't pull any more stunts like earlier."

"Not an issue.  Wasn't planned.  I'd rather have bribed him another way."  She patted Vinnie on the stomach.  "I need to go clubbing when I'm ungrounded so I can try out that outfit."  He smirked at her.  "Hey, it's either you or Xander.  Throttle doesn't really club, Modo doesn't club.  Charley would have to come with us."

"Sure, we'll go on a group outing," Vinnie said with a grin.  He looked at Charley.  "You can wear something hot and we'll head out."

"I want to take a picture of that leather and velvet number and send it to Micah," Xander said with a grin.  "Since he said you weren't old enough to get into real trouble."

"Sure, we'll send the pictures of her in the red dresses and that one," Charley agreed.  She looked at Dawn.  "Go change back into it. I've got some film left."  She got up and went to get back into the outfit, coming up to let Vinnie tighten it for her again.  He got it a bit tighter on top, but left the last one a little looser.  She went back to change shoes and came back in full makeup and her hair brushed and fixed.  She smirked in the camera and Charley took the picture, then she flipped her hair and leaned against the wall, one shoe flat on the wall. That meant her thighs were just barely parted, just enough to hint that she had something between them.  She shook her hair again and crossed her arms over her stomach.  She changed it and put her hands on her hips.  Charley shook her head.  So Dawn put her arms above her head, hands clasped.  Charley smirked and took that one.

"Now *that*'s a look that should be on a bike to sell it," Modo said.

"More than happily," she said happily.  She smirked Vinnie.  "When can we go out?"

"Not until you're ungrounded.  Otherwise you'd be in deep trouble."  Someone rang the doorbell.  "Since one of you are up," he said dryly.

Dawn snorted and headed down to the stairs, opening the door.  "Faith.  Morning.  We're discussing clothes for a dance.  Get back here," she shouted at the cat, who cowered.  Faith grabbed her and handed her back.  "Thanks. Come on in, we're upstairs."  She checked and snapped her fingers and the two sneaking out ran back in and one tried run for the car.  She floated the cat up and looked at her, then back inside.  She shut the door and let the cat down, watching as it ran off.  "Come on.  We just got new fish."  She strolled off, letting Faith follow.  "It's Faith," she yelled. She grinned at the bros as she came up, and Modo nodded at Vinnie so she went to lounge beside him, taking his free side once she slid down onto the beanbag chair.  She crossed her legs and poked him with a grin.  "I still think we should break the rules," she whispered.  "Have a bit of fun."

"Tempting, sweetheart, but fat chance," he said with a grin.  "We're making very good role models for you and little Anya."

Faith watched them, then looked at Xander, who was curled up between Throttle's thighs with Throttle's arms around his waist, covering the obvious bulge in his jeans.  She could only guess what Throttle was sporting.  She looked at Modo, who grinned and wiggled his fingers.  They'd armwrestled over the holidays and he had won, a first for her.  "Okay then. I'm not telling B what you're wearing," she told Dawn.  "Or that you're poaching."

"Nah, Vinnie's like a big, cuddly kid but he's dating Charley here," she said, nodding at Charley. "I simply look good against him.  It's my new clubbing outfit."

"You look tasty and ready to be eaten by some wolf," Faith assured her.  She looked at Xander.  "There's no way I'm telling B about that outfit," she said smugly.  "We need to know if you kept any records on where you found all the slayers.  Giles said there's got to be more."

"I found infant ones.  I found two who refused and I told him that.  There's one in lower Africa I didn't get to, but I doubt you'll be going to get her.  She'll probably be protective.  I'd send Kalara."  She nodded.  "Why?"

"Um, well," she admitted.  "We're getting hints of trouble.  Giles went to rip Ethan a new one with a really scary grin on his face.  We also want to know if you'd agree to take in Caroline if something happens to her mom.  Her father's presently in jail for assault."

"Her mother?" Vinnie asked flatly.

"No, thankfully not.  He beat the snot out of Sandy for blocking his way into the house."

"Hmm, I can't say she didn't deserve it, but pity he won't end up in real prison," Dawn noted.  "I'm sure he'd have *fun* in there."

"Yeah, well, no one's bailing him out this time," she promised.  She stared at the girl again. Then sighed.  "Please change?  Before I get thoughts that'd make me have to defend myself?"

"I'm comfy."

"I'm not, Dawnie.  I'm having serious prison scene thoughts."

Dawn smirked as she stood up smoothly, walking past her to kiss her.  "Fat chance.  If I'm going for women, I'm going for one like Charley.  She's nice, sweet, honest, and caring."  She kissed her again then left, leaving Faith panting and eyes closed, nearly moaning.  Yes! She was good!

Vinnie looked over at Modo.  "Are you having sudden lesbian scenes running through your head?"  Modo nodded.  He looked at Charley.  "If I fall and those two fall so they can't protect you, I'll be happy if you go for Dawn.  That way you can't compare any other man against my superb manliness and find them lacking."

"You are so modest," she taunted.  He beamed and nodded. "Sure, if I feel like going for women, I'll pick Dawn.  She's cute."  She looked over as Dawn came back up, only this time she was in a pair of skimpy pajama shorts and that same tank top.  She flopped down against Modo this time, curling up against him.  "Thought he looked lonely?"

"He is lonely.  His momma went home and she hasn't sent him a good woman yet."  She teased his furry stomach, making him swat her hand. "Sorry, but you guys look cute with marks and trails in your fur.  It's like a design that always changes."

He patted her hand.  "Momma said I can't have you unless you turn into a mouse too.  Then I'd be encouraged to date you or stalk you."

She smirked up at him. "Sure, if I turn into a mouse and if the other two chuckleheads don't lock me in a closet for being a stunning example of female mouseness, then you can take me out to have fun, Modo.  Your bike's very sweet and she loves me."

"She does. All the bikes do," he agreed, patting her on the back.  He pulled her closer.  "You're chilly."

"Thanks."  She looked at Faith.  "So, we're to get Caroline?"  Faith nodded.  "Cool.  Like the pretty fish? I picked them out today."

Faith looked, then gave them an impressed look.  "Nice setup, D.  Anything you guys need while we're on a layover?"

"No, we're good," Throttle assured her, stroking Xander's stomach fur gently.

"Not unless you want to grab a video camera so we have a permanent record of the next time he claims me."

"I wouldn't mind watching but I doubt he'd want it."  Throttle shook his head, gently nuzzling Xander's ear.  "You two really....."  She waved a hand. "You and guys, Xander?"

"Well, the only women who like me are evil.  Besides, I like him.  His fur's *very* soft," he purred.  He leaned his head back and Throttle took the opportunity to kiss his neck.  "How could I not, Faith?  He's a fantastic lover who puts up with my Anya-given stamina and gives me all sorts of ...*naughty* ideas," he finished with a very smug look in her direction.  "Much more than thirty seconds, even if we don't even unzip all the way."  He shifted back against Throttle's chest, spreading his thighs a bit so Throttle's hand moved closer to his crotch.  "So much better than women, and plus, he *loves* oral sex.  None of my women ever did."

"I never gave you the chance," she admitted bitterly.  "I should have.  You showed promise and I missed it totally, Xander.  I'm damn sorry for attacking you."  She looked at Dawn, then at Modo, then at Vinnie and Charley.  "You treat Dawnie very well or you'll be seeing me again in your nightmares, people."  She walked out, making sure the cats don't sneak out before she slammed the door behind her.  She went to her car and cried.  She had missed so much and screwed up so bad.  He would never forgive her. She started the car, heading to the hotel to pick up Giles so they could head home.  He climbed in, clean and impeccably dressed, staring at her.  "I fucked up, Giles.  I fucked up so bad when I tossed over Xander.  He had such potential and he would have kept me sane."

Giles patted her on the shoulder.  "We've all messed up where Xander is concerned.  I'm glad that he's finally met someone who will care for him and protect him, but I'm drastically worried about the boy at times.  Now, let's go.  We can talk on the way."  She nodded and he buckled up.  She pulled out and headed for the airport.  "Faith, we had many mistakes in our past.  You've atoned for a great many of yours.  Even if he won't forgive you, you didn't know what you were doing."

"Giles, I nearly raped him the first time and the second time he came to me to help, like a friend would, I rode him while strangling him," she said flatly.  "He would have been a victim if not for Angel.  He wasn't even thrashing when Angel backhanded me.  He was getting ready for that final orgasm.  I wasn't not in control.  I sucked and it was my fault and I'm the one who probably turned him off women.  I was his first."

"Faith, Xander has had both.  That boy is not the innocent the other girls believe.  I know very well he did some drugs and had quite a lot of sex while on his roadtrip after graduation.  I'd be surprised if he wasn't having fun in the bathroom at the Bronze.  The fact that he has a man now is not your fault.  He's simply like that and we must accept it.  They are a permanent item and we must accept him and his new body fur."

"He looked better when I saw him."

"He should, Ethan fixed the transformation spell.  Dawn traded a vial of holy water tainted blood and a flash of her tits."

"Giles, when I walked in, they were discussing her latest clubbing outfit.  It was a leather and velvet corset and a little velvet skirt.  She had on stockings and heels.  She looked like a hot little girl ready to go out and get some.  I never looked that hot.  Buffy never looked that hot, and she was curled up against those really studly and well-hung mice like they were her personal pillows."

"She was teasing you.  She's still a virgin.  That's why Ethan didn't suggest sex for the magic," he said blandly. "She's a master at teasing, but she doesn't follow through yet.  She's very much like Xander and I'm glad he's taken her under his wing.  That way she wouldn't have that sort of roadtrip when she graduates. He took her under his wing well before her mother died and he's always been there for her.  He taught her how to hunt, how to dance and play at the clubs, how to cook, how to fight, how to fire a gun, and how to dress.  They are a lot alike and I'm not upset about that.  Buffy is very uptight at times and Dawn is much freer.  Personally I believe working for Mr. Simms will be good for her.  He'll help her learn the control she'll need in her personal life and he'll let her go out and do wild things, within reason."  He patted her on the cheek.  "Don't worry so much, Xander is an excellent parent.  If you ever get pregnant, I'd hope I could talk him into taking yours as well as Caroline."

"Thanks, Giles."

"You're most welcome, Faith.  You missed the exit."

"The next one is more direct," she offered, taking it.  That put things into perspective.  Xander and Dawn were very alike.  She even teased like he did.  "They got a huge fish tank today.  It's really pretty."

"Good, Xander could use the calming influence of a tank of fish," Giles decided.  He smiled as they headed for the airport.  "Ethan has decided to crawl back under his rock."

"Good going, Giles."  She changed lanes and took the left turn, heading to the main entrance.

***

Three days later, Micah opened up an envelope, pulling out the note first.  "Since you're so concerned about her being able to date, you can see the other reason she shouldn't go out," he read, pulling out the pictures.  He flipped through them, pausing a few times.  The last two of the black outfit were enough to nearly make him drool, until he remembered she was seventeen and Xander would try to kill him. "Lorne?  Max?" he called.  They hurried up the stairs.  "They sent pictures of Dawn.  I butted into an argument after she teased someone for help."  He handed them over.  "Put those into her file."

Max whimpered at the red velvet dress.  "That's so bad.  I don't look like that."

"She's seventeen, just wait," Micah said dryly.  He knew the exact moment Lorne flipped to the black corset outfit.  He let out a moan and Micah smirked at him.  "That's my thought too.  She's a great tease from what I've heard."

"That comes in handy," Max said dryly.  "Most of our jobs require some of it.  I swear, there's no ugly female agents."

"It's only been in the last ten years that women were sent out as something more than secretaries, hookers, receptionists, or girlfriends," Lorne told her.  "It used to be a requirement to be a female agent.  She'll make a good one."  He looked at Micah, who was pulling out a folder.  "A new assignment?"

"Policy changes," he said, taking the pictures back.  "I'll upload them later when I'm bored.  Read that and sign it, then hand it back."

Lorne flipped it open.  "What?  Xander Harris is on the list to lead ECHO?  Micah, have you lost your mind?"

"He's got an Omega Seven clearance, Lorne. Until I got the rules changed, he would have been next in line.  Now he's fourth."

Max took it to look over.  "Naming successors instead of whoever has the highest clearance is a good idea," she admitted.  "I don't want it though."

"Yay.  Sign it anyway."   He handed over a pen and she finished reading it, then signed it.  "Thank you.  Lorne, you too."  He groaned but read it over then signed it.  "Thank you.  You're getting a security raise by the way.  The president didn't like the fact that our strongest defense against aliens was a gay man who's becoming a mouse.   Before you ask, he hated the gay part more, so we got it pushed through fairly easily.  So think who you want after him if something happens.  Got it?"  Lorne nodded.  "Good. I'll start teaching you the paperwork and codes soon."

"Micah Simms," a fond-sounding voice said as he walked up the stairs.  "We gotcha.  You let unrecognized beings without a security clearance into this covert agency and then endangered the president with said alien."

"Oh, shut up.  She's a general.  She's working with our people in Chicago.  She does have a security clearance.  Besides, the president needed proof.  He didn't want pictures, how else was I supposed to do it?"  He smirked at him.  "If you try anything, the new rules don't go into effect for one year from the last signature, which is mine and I haven't yet," he said slyly.  "So that means if you try to take me away, they get Xander Harris to run this agency by the present rules."

"So?"

"Xander Harris, twenty-three, undergoing metamorphic changes into a Martian mouse, like his husband, violent reactions to threats to himself or his family, likes to blow things up and hurt things," Max recited.  The internal affairs guy looked non-plussed.  "Ah, I see you haven't met him yet.  I also take it you don't care if we're run by one of the gayest of the gay fighters?"

"I don't think he could.  What's his clearance?"

"Omega Seven," Micah said dryly.

"How!  I don't know this man!"

"How's not important.  Why's not important," Lorne said calmly.  "The important thing is that his usual strike force mentality will cause problems because certain government officials are standing in the way and threatening his happiness with his family."  He looked at Micah.  "Can we do this the Xander way?"

"Sure," he agreed.

Lorne turned and punched the agent out, then waved his hand to ease the ache in his knuckles.  "Lock him in the closet, strap a bomb to his dick so if he gets hard it'll go off."

Max gaped at him.  "You do Xander nearly as well as Meg," she said in awe.  She grabbed the agent's arms and drug him down to a closet. She couldn't get a bomb, but she did put a mousetrap on his penis so it would go off when he jerked awake.  She locked him in there and went back up to the office.  "Sign that, please," she said, smiling at him. "Before we all turn into Xander.  Or Dawn, which might be worse."

Micah signed the forms then put them into his desk drawer, smiling at them.  "Better?"

"Yes," Lorne said, nodding.  "You're going to actually upload those pictures?"

"Yeah," he agreed.  "We don't have a good one of her in there."  They groaned and walked away.    He pulled out his favorite one, of that red velvet dress, and set it on his desk to look at.  He'd have to give her another learning assignment soon.

Episode 17:

NC-17 for angst, violence

Xander looked at the boy nervously dancing in the doorway.  "Get in here, Phil.  We're not cannibals."   He let the boy in and checked the cats, glaring at one.  It slinked back inside and went to hide.  "Good idea."  He checked again because the cats were very sneaky, then took the boy up to the lounge area.  "Guys, this is Phil."

"I've seen you.  You drive a red Kawasaki," Vinnie said, staring him over.  "You take any decent road trips?"

"My mother won't let me," he said quietly, staring at him.  "You're a mouse, right?"  They all nodded.  "I thought so.  Someone thought you guys just wore a lot of velvet."  He sat down, looking at Vinnie.  "I've noticed your bike, it's very sweet, sir."

"Thanks, kid, she'll appreciate the compliment," Vinnie said smugly.

"You been riding long?" Throttle asked.  He wasn't quite sure what to ask this kid.  It was too soon to ask his intentions, his future plans, and to make sure he believed in birth control.  How did one handle meeting the first date?

"I've been riding on the back of my father's bike on and off for six years.  He mostly rides in the summers but I knew I could handle a winter on a bike.  I bought it late last summer and he thought it was a bad choice but so far I'm happy with it.  Even if I do get a bit chilly, it's a great feeling. I like it when I get to go out into the country so I don't have to deal with the helmet laws."

"You don't like helmet laws?" Modo asked.

"No offense or anything, but I don't like mandatory helmet laws, sir.  Yeah, they're great and they keep down head injuries, but that's not why I ride a bike.  My bike doesn't come with safety features and that's another reason why I bought it.   I like going fast, I like the freedom of the wind in my hair.  That's one of my favorite things."

"So you see the point, but you're not a big supporter," Xander condensed.  He nodded.  "I can understand that.  The helmet I use does limit my side vision."

"It's still safer," Throttle said patiently.

"Which is why I let you talk me into it, dear," he said with a grin.  "It doesn't keep down the complaints though."

"I know, we don't always like helmet laws either," Modo agreed.  "We used to ride around all the time without them.  Unless Momma caught us."

Phil grinned at him.  "My mother tried to make me wear a racing suit for protection."

"That's what a good mother does," Throttle agreed.  "Mine tried so hard."

"So did mine," Vinnie said dryly, smirking at him.  "Look how I turned out."  Xander giggled.  "Didn't your mother try to make you be careful?"  Xander shook his head.  "Not at all?"  Xander shook his head again, heading into the kitchen.  Vinnie looked at Throttle, who shook his head.  "Okay, he had the worse mother," Vinnie decided.  "Still living?"

"Eaten in Sunnydale," Dawn said as she came up the stairs in her outfit.  "Hey, Phil.  Is dinner nearly ready?"

"Yup.  Give me ten more minutes," Xander called.  "We're having ham."

"Why can't we just eat hotdogs?"

"Because a single food diet is not good for you, even for you three studly men," Dawn reminded them.  "It's weak in vitamins and minerals, hot dogs have lots of fat and chemicals that can make you fat, plus they're not good for you.  Unless you guys want to end up like those bikers with the guts hanging over their belt-lines, you can appreciate other food groups now and then."  She leaned down to kiss Vinnie on the cheek.  "I don't want to see you in the hospital with a heart attack and I don't want to see you grossly fat and distended from hotdogs, babe.  So don't.  Enjoy other things now and then.  You've had hotdogs for nearly every meal but breakfast this last week."   She smiled at Modo, then at Throttle.  "You'd never get laid again if you got that sick.  Xander would go into super- fuss mode that makes mine look delicate and Cleaver-like."

Throttle shuddered at that mental image.  "Now and again is fine," he decided.  "Just not too often."

"He doesn't stop you eating them for one meal a day," Dawn reminded him.  "Besides, Earth has a great culinary history in many cultures.  If you let yourself, you might find you like some of them.  It's not like we're going to make you eat dog or pigs head or something."  She flopped down beside Phil, smiling at him.  "How did you like the outfit?"

"I like," he admitted, wiping off his mouth.  "You look very pretty.   I hate that sweater rule."

"Me too," she agreed, taking his hand to hold.  The phone rang and she groaned.  "If that's my sister, I'm going to beat her ass," she muttered, getting up to answer it.  "WHAT!"  She listened.  "No, I've got a date tonight, Michele.  I can't fly back to Cleveland to babysit. Not that it's a good commuting distance or anything.  No, Xander's dealing with a ham.  Fine.  Xander, it's the slayer panic network."

"Tell them I'm busy."

"Did that."

"Shit," he muttered, coming out drying off his hands.  "Modo, go slice the ham.  Using the knife," he said when he saw him popping up his arm cannon.  "If you shoot it, we won't have enough to eat."  He put the phone to his ear.  "Better be good."  He listened.  "Then the proper thing is to: a, call Giles, b, call Micah, then c, call me.  Have you tried options a and b?  Or anyone else like Bob, who works for Micah?  Yeah, him!" he sighed, looking up and silently asking for patience.  He felt hands come up to work on his shoulders and grinned back at Throttle.  "Okay, describe it."  He listened.  "That's a pretty straightforward stab and hack, then burn.  Yeah, one of those.  The swords were in the training room the last time I knew.  Where are the senior slayers?  Yes, them.  I know you're pretty new, dear, so where are the older girls?  Then you call the movies and have them drug out of there, or you draw that demon to the movie theater.  Yeah, like that," he agreed happily.  "It's not like you should have to.  So do a run and taunt, drawing it to the theater.  Buffy or one of them should feel it and come out.  Or Faith was lurking the last time I knew.  Sure.  Happy taunting.  Call back if it's an actual emergency or look on the board on the fridge for Bob's number.  Thanks, Michele."  He hung up and shook his head, turning to rest it against Throttle's chest.  "Why me," he muttered.

"Because you're a good guy," he retorted, patting him gently.  "What're we having with the ham?"

"French fries."  Xander looked up at him and grinned. "I'd never take away Vinnie's junk food totally.  Even if I do occasionally make you eat real food.  I don't want to see you guys sick from only eating hotdogs."  He stole a quick kiss.  "Just one meal a day?"

"We'll figure that out," he promised, stealing a deeper kiss.

"No sex in front of my date," Dawn told them.  "It'd give him hopes and I'm not ready for that yet."

"Me either," Phil promised her.  "I believe that should only come after a lot of dating and a very nice and romantic dinner."  She beamed at him for that, blushing a bit.  He grinned back.  He held her chair for her, then moved to sit beside her.  "Do you club a lot?  I go to one of the teen clubs, Impresario."

"I do when I'm not grounded," she said with a grin.  "I had to bargain majorly to get tonight.  Usually I have to take a guardian with me but they let me dance by myself."

"Chaperones are decent.  Impresario has hired a few.  There's no more than gentle touching on the floor, like grabbing hips during the dance.  No naughty dances or anything either."

"Sounds like a place we could trust Dawn," Throttle admitted as he walked Xander back.  "Everything out?" he asked, looking at the table.

"Nearly," Modo offered, carrying out the ham.  "We'll have plenty for midnight sandwiches."

"What can I say, I'm a hungry mouse," Xander reminded him with a grin.  He dished out some and handed them to Throttle, who handed them to Phil, who first held them for Dawn then took his own and handed them to Vinnie. Vinnie smirked at the boy then handed them to Modo, who nodded.

Vinnie watched the boy before digging in.  "You don't have to use company manners, kid, we're not that mannerly ourselves all the time."

"No, sir, I'm always mannerly.  My mother would make my life a living hell if I wasn't.  Um, excuse my language."

"It's nicer than what Dawn's used under stress in the past," Throttle admitted.  "So, you look up to your mother?"

"Quite a lot.  She's a very good woman.  She's a neonatal nurse at one of the private hospitals in the area.  She's very caring and loving.  She loves me even when I'm doing dumb stuff, like jumping off the roof when I was four and decided I could fly."

"Did that," Xander agreed.

"Been there often," Vinnie agreed, nudging Xander and smirking at him.  "And then some."

"Wanna go bungee jumping with me?" he asked.  "I could use a hand holder for the first few minutes."

"What's bungee jumping?" Throttle asked.

"That's where you tie this elastic cord around your ankles and jump off somewhere really high," Dawn said, glaring at Xander.  "If you die, she has to take me back.  Remember that."

"We're married, I had an amendment put onto the custody papers saying that Throttle got you next, then Vinnie and Modo together.  Or one of them and Charley."

"Oh, that's fine then," she said with a grin.  "You going to jump out of an airplane too?"

"I can't find anywhere around here to do that," he said with a small pout.

"No," Throttle said, shaking his head.  "No jumping out of airplanes."

"I'd have a parachute," he defended.

"I bet, but no," Throttle said, staring at him.  "Not until your balance is better," he said quietly.

"Fine, I'll wait until I can ride," he retorted in a whisper, looking at him.  "Will you come bungee jumping with me?"

"They'd make me lose the specs and I can't see without them, Xander," Throttle said patiently.  "It wouldn't do much for me but the wind."

"Hmm, good point."  Xander stole a quick kiss and then dug back in.  "Vinnie, will you go bungee jumping with me?"

"Sure, love to," he agreed happily. "Can we go soon?"

"Yeah, there's an event in a few days," Xander said, starting to wiggle.  "I didn't want to give myself too much time to worry and back out.  I'll send in the registration form tomorrow.  They also have a class so you can learn to fly an ultralight."

"What's that?" Phil asked.

"A seat with a hang-glider over it and a fan for an engine," Xander said happily.

Modo moaned and shook his head.  "You're on your own, bro," Modo told Vinnie.

"But, Modo," Xander said with a small whimper.  "It's a lot like flying."

"This mouse doesn't have wings, he don't fly," Modo said firmly, staring him down.  Then he looked at Throttle, who smirked at him.  "You think about us that way?"

"Yeah. I do," Xander said firmly.  "I have for a while now. Sorry if it upset you, I make attachments pretty easy."  He got up and walked off, heading to pick up his wallet, keys, and head to his car.  He hopped into it and started the engine, peeling away.

Dawn hit Modo on the arm.  "Jackass!"

"He'll be fine," Throttle said calmly.  "Modo."

"I didn't know if he meant it the same way most of us do," he defended.  "Xander can be hard to read."

"No harder than you are," Dawn retorted.  "Now he's hurt and he's left.  Someone really should find him," she said, staring him down.

"I'll go get him later," Throttle promised.  "Give him an hour to calm down."

"And you're going to find him how?" Vinnie asked.  "It's not like his car has a tracking device, like our bikes."  He ate another bite, frowning at Modo.  "You didn't realize that?"  Modo shook his head.  "Maybe it's because you two don't hang out that much.  Yeah, he has for a while now.  Ever since we went back for him, bro."

Modo nodded.  "I'll apologize."  He started to get up but Throttle stopped him.  "I should try to track him down now."

"By now he could be out of the city," Throttle reminded him.  "That car's faster than most things on the road, including most cop cars.  We'll go out together to look for him.  I'm guessing he's clubbing."

Dawn shook her head, leaning on the table.  "Not unless it's somewhere pretty dangerous.  His first instinct would be like it was in Fresno."  Throttle shuddered.  "You guys have been here long enough to find places like that.  I wish you luck dragging him out."

"It'll be fine, Dawn, back down some," Vinnie said calmly.  "Modo didn't mean to hurt him."

"Yeah, that's wonderful," she agreed.  "What's your first instinct in that situation?" she asked.  Vinnie shrugged.  "Xander's is to go out and get into dangerous stuff to prove how good he is."

"So he's at a demon club in a hunting mood?" Phil asked.

"No, he's somewhere like that one out on Tyler road," Dawn told him.  "As a matter of fact, I'd start there," she told Throttle.  She grinned at her boyfriend.  "Good guess though."

"Thanks.  He seems like a nice guy, if a bit excitement happy."

"When you've hunted and survived for years, it's all exciting," Throttle told him.

"I'm glad I don't have to find that out, sir.  I hope I never do.  Not that I won't if necessary but I hope I don't."

"We do too, kid.  That's why we're here," Vinnie told him.  "I'll hit that place, Throttle.  You'd stand out.  You take the one on Jefferson.  Modo, take the one out on the far end of the lake."  Modo nodded.

"If you don't, try the place on Marcum," Dawn sighed.  "It's a drug den but it's got hard, blasting music and it's very dangerous in there."  They stared at her.  "I nearly went in but the bouncer clued me in.  They were working on his scalp tattoo at the doorway."

"I know that place," Throttle admitted.  "Never been in there."

"Me either," Vinnie admitted. "Modo?"

"Once.  I got into a fight within ten minutes," he admitted.  "That doesn't seem like his sort of place."

"No, she's right, he'll head to somewhere dangerous to get into a fight," Throttle admitted, eating another bite.

"Then I should probably start for that club," Modo offered.  Dawn yanked him back down. "You don't think so?"

"That's way too far," she said, shaking her head.  "If he wanted to go that far, he'd go to that place about fifty miles from here and club there."  All three of the mice looked clueless.  "I'll show you next weekend I'm ungrounded," she offered.  "Friday.  That way if Phil wants to go to his club I can head with him."

"Sure, Dawn," Throttle agreed.  "You think he's going closer?"

"I think he'll go for a fast drive then head there.  That's his usual thing.  I also think that he'll be a bit too loaded to drive home," she admitted.  "But I can't tell you on what."

"He does drugs?"

"He experimented when he was younger," Dawn admitted. "He didn't do more than dabble, but he did try a few things when he was on his roadtrip so I wouldn't have to wonder."  She smiled at him.  "Xander really is the coolest guardian most of the time.  If I want to know what something's like, he'll tell me graphically.  I tried pot once and we spent about four hours comparing the buzz."  Phil looked stunned.  "I had some issues back in Sunnydale, namely my sister."

"Ah.  I can understand that.  My father's fairly straight-laced too," he shared.  "My mother kept me from going wild."  He ate another bite.  "He's a pretty good cook too."  He dug back in, smiling shyly at her now and then.  She grinned back and scraped her plate, then went to brush her teeth, do her makeup, and make sure her hair was perfect before putting on a helmet and climbing onto the back of his bike.  They went to the dance, Dawn curtseying at the Headmistress.

"I adore that outfit, Dawn," the headmistress said.  "What's it look like without the jacket?"

"Strapless."  She undid the button to show it off.  "See?"

"I do.  As long as you keep the jacket on, you're fine, young lady," she promised, smiling at Phil.  "You look quite handsome tonight as well, Phil."

"Thank you, headmistress.  I had to live up to her magnificence."  He led her inside after paying for their tickets.  She pulled him onto the dance floor and he could tell she clubbed very well.  He looked at his friends and gave them a 'thumb's up' and a rabid smirk before joining in with her.  He wasn't too bad, not too geeky.  He hoped.  She smiled and he relaxed, moving closer.  One of the monitors coughed and stared at them so he moved back with a grin but moved closer once she was gone.  "You'd really go with me in a few weeks?"

"It'd have to be three from now.  I'm grounded all next week and I traded the Saturday after that for tonight," she called back.

He beamed.  "It's a date.  Nine?"  She nodded, smiling back.  "Wear something naughty.  The club's like that."

"Oooh, I have *just* the outfit," she promised with a smirk.

***

Vinnie found Xander first and called it in.  This was not the club he'd choose to be at.  "Talk about dank and dark," he said, looking at the outside. "I'm hoping Goth."  He got off his bike and the bouncer gave him a look like 'not a chance'.  Vinnie smirked and tugged his bandoliers and the bouncer took another look at him, then sighed and let him in.  "Thanks.  The other one who's a lot like me?"

"He yours?"

"Little brother," he admitted.  "Where?"

"Beating the shit out of the dealer who was trying to take his partner," he admitted dryly.

"Hmm, community service.  Nice change."  He walked inside, heading down to where he could see the fight going on.  He found Xander and pulled him up, ducking a swing and dodging a kick by someone else.  He kicked that one in the head, making them fall over, and walked Xander off, standing him up and dusting him off.  "Feel better?"

"Much.  You?"  He looked down at himself.  "I wasn't wearing appropriate attire," he said at the look at his leather outfit.  He looked around, then back at him.  "You alone?"

"Yeah, we took a different place each.  Modo's damn sorry," he said, leading him off.

Xander held up a finger and went back to pummeling the dealer, then got up and flipped his hair back.  "There, *now* I feel better."  He walked off, buying Vinnie a drink.

"Hot stuff, you've had enough to not drive," the bartender noted calmly.

He grinned. "I doubt that'll happen.  I'm not likely to be left alone much longer."  She served them and he paid, clinking glasses with Vinnie.  "Do you feel better now?"

"I've never seen you like this, Xander," he pointed out, sipping his drink.  This stuff was stronger than most cleaners he had used in the past, but he drank it.  Xander snickered at his expression.  "A bit stronger than I usually go for when I want a drink."

"Not me.  I've had much worse.  Grain alcohol is worse," he noted, taking him back to his seat.  He found someone sitting there and picked them up, putting them onto their feet.  "Whichever idiot has my new jacket should probably surrender it."

The woman looked at him then scurried off to find that jacket for him.  She drug back her girlfriend and stripped her there, then grinned at him.  He grinned back so she moved closer.  Vinnie growled.  They scurried off to the dance floor, avoiding the remainder of the fighting.  "Why am I suddenly seeing a scary person?" Vinnie asked.  "Something like split personalities I should know about, bro?"

Xander looked at him.  "Which way did you mean that?"

"He doesn't spend that much time with you, Xander.  He didn't know, he wanted to make sure," he said more gently.  "Modo's a sensitive guy.  He wanted to make sure you meant it in the correct sense, like you tease me."

"No, I see you both ways," he admitted, taking a drink.  Someone walked up to their table.  "Problems?"

"Fags having fun dirtying our club?" the man sneered.

Xander reached over and grabbed him, slamming his head on the table.  "Yeah, quite a lot, especially since he's straight.  This is my big brother Vinnie.  Be more polite."  He took another drink and looked at the bouncer coming his way, grinning at him.  "He has no manners."

"True, but that can be said for most of the guys around here.  Can you tone it down, maybe?" he suggested gently.  "Not that we minded you frisking the dealer before you knocked him out, but this one's the owner's brother-in-law, sir."

"Pity his sibling has bad taste," Xander agreed dryly.  "I tossed it."

"I know, sir, we gathered it and tossed it out fully for you," the bouncer said patiently.  "Did you need me to call you a ride home?"

"Nah, I'll make sure he gets home," Vinnie promised.   He held out a hand.  "Keys."

Xander stood up and dug them out, handing them over.  "Thanks, big brother."

"Welcome.  It's what we do."  The bouncer walked off.  "You gonna take him?" he asked, kicking at the man on the ground.  The bouncer came back and gathered the sleeping man, taking him into the back room.  He came out and gave Vinnie a long look.  Vinnie nodded.  "Come on, the owner apparently didn't like you beating his in-law."

Xander grabbed his jacket and patted himself down, then looked around.  Vinnie picked up his wallet from the floor with his tail, waving it.  "Thanks."  He took it back, sliding it into a pocket and buttoning it closed.  "Where to now?"

"Hmm.  Home?"

"Fat chance," Xander told him.  He walked out, stopping to stroke Vinnie's bike.  "Hey, baby.  You having fun watching my car?"  She beeped and moved to block him.  "I'm not driving.  I've only had three and I'm still not driving.  I'm too pissed to drive."  He looked over as Throttle pulled up, smirking at him. "Hi.  Did big brother nark?"

"Yes."  He looked him over, swallowing.  "New look.  I kinda like it, but you look really dangerous."  He saw Vinnie walking out with a few women following.  "Do you *have* to do that now?"

"Not my choice.  They're begging for a foursome.  I told them I'm not Xan's, they won't believe me."

Throttle stood up and grabbed his man, kissing him hard.  Then he looked at the girls, who pouted and walked off.

"Aryan brats," Xander muttered.  He looked at Vinnie.  "Can I have my keys back?"

"You've been drinking."

"I've had three, I can pass a roadside test," Xander promised.  He held out his hand.  Vinnie shook his head and got onto his bike.

"Get on, Xander," Throttle said calmly.  "I'll take you out and you can get your car later."

"I can drive!  I'm not soused.  Get me a breathalyzer and I'll pass it," he promised.

"He got into a few fights," Vinnie offered before taking off.  "I'm heading for the usual spot," he called back.

Xander growled and glared at his back, concentrating really hard.  His keys popped into his hands and he grinned, heading for his car.  A tail took them from him and he found Modo in his way.  "Morning."

"I'm sorry.  I know you understand what it means."

"Thanks.  Good to know.  Give 'em back."

"Xander, climb on," Throttle ordered.  "You can come back.  No one will touch your car."  Xander gave him a 'get real' look.   "Fine, how about this.  I'll drive your car to a parking garage.  You ride with Modo for a few minutes, we'll meet up outside and then head to wherever you want."

Xander considered it.  "You won't grind the gears this time?"

"Nope.  I haven't done that in a while.  Please?"  Xander nodded, tossing them over.  Throttle said something quietly to his bike then got off and headed over to the car, turning off the security system.  His bike followed him out onto the street, staying in the shadows. That was something that would get attention and they didn't need that.  He would be having a talk with Xander about being difficult later.  Right after he got over his hangover. He paid to get into one of the nicer parking garages and left the car there, heading back to his bike, which Xander was already on.  "Where's Modo?"

"We had a talk and he let me off once we worked it out between us.  So I rode her the last block.  I asked, she didn't mind."  He shifted back, letting Throttle get on in front of him.  "Where are we heading?"

"Where did you want to go?"

"I'm still in the mood to destroy and lay waste to stuff," he admitted.   "Either that or do what I did in Fresno."

"Which was pretty muchly destroy and lay waste to stuff," Throttle joked.  "No drugs.  I won't put up with it."

"I wasn't thinking about that, though someone did offer me a hit off a joint.  Tempting, but I didn't know where her lips had been.  You know I don't use."

"I know, just setting a boundary," he said quietly.  He heard Vinnie note he had lost the keys.  "Don't worry, bro, Xander took them back by thinking really hard," he said.  "Modo, you good to head home or should Vinnie help you?"  He heard the quiet chuckle and Modo told him it was all good, they had talked and Xander had meant it.  Then Vinnie warned him to watch out for the fighting.  A strange thing.  "Sure.  We'll be back later.  Make sure Dawn's in on time."  He revved his engine and took off, letting Xander cuddle.  "You okay?  Not going to puke?"

"I've had three drinks, I'm not drunk.  I'm well below the legal limit even if I do get dizzy," he said patiently.  He tapped him and leaned forward.  "Go to the one on Sixth."

"I don't want to be skinned tonight, Xander."

"Neither do I.  I was thinking the other place.  The pub."

"Nope.  We're not allowed in there.  Modo got into an arm wrestling contest and they thought it was unfair that he won.  Sorry," he added at the sigh.  "How about somewhere kinda industrial?  That way you could hit another dealer if you wanted."

"Maybe.  No place thrash metal."

"Nope.  Not the mood I'm in either," he admitted.  He considered it and turned them around, heading for a club on the outskirts of town.  It was near to where Vinnie had taken him that time, but a totally different sort of place.  There were a lot of bikers out there and they were generally accepted, but if someone started something there was always a good fight.  He let Xander get off and nudged him, leading the way inside.  He paid their cover and led his boy to the dance floor, taking him to wear out some of this stress.  Xander was still just as good.  Someone bumped into him and Xander reached back, breaking the hand trying for his wallet, then grinned back at him.  The man's eyes went wide and he dove off.  Xander rebuttoned the flap over his pocket and shrugged so Throttle smirked at him.  "You do 'tough guy' very good."

"I should.  I lived it for long enough," he called back.  He saw a bouncer and shrugged at him.  "I don't like pickpockets."

"Not the problem, sir.  Throttle, is that your bike blocking the emergency exit?"

"I didn't think I was.  I can check."  The bouncer nodded and he looked at Xander.  "Stay here."  He nodded, going back to dancing.  He smirked at the bouncer and shrugged. "Sorry."

"Not an issue."  He walked him outside and Throttle checked his bike.

He wasn't in front of one.  He turned and found a few people standing there.  "Oh, it's one of those nights," he said fondly, smirking at them.  "I'm not that nice, guys.  Fair warning."

"We don't like your kind," one of them sneered.

"I didn't have anything to do with this," the bouncer called, hurrying back inside.  He wasn't going to break up that one.

Throttle changed his stance slightly.  "Come on," he waved.  He was sure Xander was doing better than he would.  He punched the first one who rushed him and the fight was on.  He had to duck because some guy flew out a window over his head, but that was fine too.  Xander was having fun.  He got all but one of his, that one ran off crying and holding his ass when he got it kicked just the once.  He blew on his knuckles as he strolled back inside.  He saw Xander being held by two guys and another one trying to hit him, but Xander suddenly saw him and kicked the first one, using that momentum to flip over and pull the other two together to bang them together.  "Nice move," he called.  "Want a beer?"

"Sure.  Beer me.  Real beer, not root beer.  I'm working up a sweat and deserve it."  The guy he had kicked rushed him and he punched him, then followed him down to get him a few more times.  "Sue me," he sneered. "I like both.  Pity you can't meet up to even the lowest of the low gay man's standards.  You're pitiful, and you know it.  Otherwise you wouldn't feel the need to try to hurt others."  He stood up and grabbed the mug of root beer, giving his mate a dirty look.  Throttle stared back. "Fine.  You'll be getting it later."

"I'm sure you think so," Throttle joked. "But I doubt it."

"We'll see, won't we," he said smugly.  He looked up at the DJ.  "Music?  Please?"  The music restarted and everyone went back to what they had been doing.  Xander sat down at a newly emptied table, sipping his root beer, silently counting the people that were being carried outside.  "Hey, ten.  I'm impressed."

"I only had six but they were insistent.  Otherwise I would have gotten here sooner.  You okay?"

"Yeah, just fine," Xander said with a smirk.  "I'm not helpless."

"I never thought you were, Xander.  I never knew you had this pain and wild streak going for you.  I thought that had ended after Fresno."

"No, not really.  Hunting took care of it before."  He smiled as he heard the song coming on.  "Dance with me."  Throttle nodded, following him back onto the floor.  He could see that same stalking danger that Xander had the last time they had clubbed now.  It was the same way he fought.  He'd have to include him in Dawn's lessons to make sure he could do more than bar brawl.  He saw the door open and a flash of tan come in, glancing over to find their doctor in the doorway.  He nodded and the man nodded, heading for another part of the floor.  Throttle pulled Xander closer.  "No going to him."

"Not an issue.  I have you.  I don't need him.  He couldn't be in my mind like you were."  He yawned.  "Let's head to that place we went last time. This place is sucking my energy."

"Sure," he agreed, walking him off.  He nodded politely at the bouncer.  "I know it wasn't you."

"Sorry about that, man.  Who's your man?"

"Xander," he said, shaking his hand with a grin.  "Xander Harris."

"I know someone who works on your crew.  They speak highly of you, but they always said you were kinda nice and gentle."

"I am, I'm blowing off stress.  Now I'm going to go somewhere I can tease the whole club and make them moan."  He grinned and smirked at his boy.  "Can I drive?"

"Nope.  My bike. I drive."  He waved them to the bike, shaking his head as he walked behind him.  He patted the pocket with the wallet in it.  "That's pretty thin.  Is it all there?"

"Yeah, that's a new one.  It's got a card, my license, and about a hundred bucks."  He stroked the gas tank of the bike.  "Bike, can I drive?" he asked sweetly.  "I think he wants to rub against me since he's going to be panting and begging before I'm done with him."  The bike beeped and leaned against him.

"My bike, only I drive on my bike," Throttle said firmly.  His bike let out a snort and he stared at her.  "You want him to drive you?"

"Just this once?" he begged, leaning against his chest to kiss him gently, just a teasing and little nip.  "Please, Throttle," he pleaded. "Just the once?  I've had good balance all day.  If you have to you can steer around me," he said with a grin for him.

"No more alcohol tonight and you're still not sober.  If you were sober, I'd allow it this once," he admitted.

"Hey, dude, got a breathalyzer?"  The guard nodded, handing over one of those home hits.  Xander blew into it, then presented it proudly to his mate.  "Just barely registering."  Throttle groaned.  "What better way to make sure I end up on one?" he asked with a small grin.

"Let Vinnie do that?" he suggested.

"You could steer around me," he reminded him, moving closer again.  "Your arms around me."  He subtly stroked his lover's chest and stomach with a fingertip. "Please?  Just the once?"

"Once," he ground out, stopping the finger.  "Then we'll teach you to ride on Charley girl's bike until you get your own."  Xander beamed and went to straddle the bike, getting comfortable.  He did look very good on his bike.  Throttle resisted the urge to adjust himself and got on behind him. "You know how to start her?"  Xander nodded and gently started his baby, shifting again.  "Get comfortable."  He put his arms around his stomach and watched as his baby put the other into reverse and backed them out of the parking spot slowly, then took off.  He was going slowly at first, then as he got the hang of it he started to go faster.  They missed the turnoff to the club but he understood.  His first time riding he wanted a real ride before going to show off.  He called Vinnie.  "Vinnie, get Dawn to pick up his car at Phearson's parking garage.  I've got the ticket on me.  So bring her to wherever we end up.  I'll let you know where."

"Sure, Throttle.  Where are you now?"

"Giving Xander a riding lesson."

"Really?" Vinnie asked and you could tell he was smirking.

"Not that sort.  He wanted to drive."  He felt the wobble and tensed up but Xander corrected.  "Later."  He wrapped his arms more firmly around the boy, he hadn't ridden behind anybody in years.  Xander was doing very well.  He gave him a squeeze and they sped up some more. "Oh, no, not tonight," he called.  "When you're fully trained, Xander," he called.  They slowed back down and Xander took them to the club, sitting there for a minute once they had stopped.  Then Xander leaned back in his arms, removing both of their helmets so he could get a kiss. "Good job.  Only the one wobble."  He stole another kiss.  "We'll work on getting you one of your own."  He stole a third one.  "Want to go inside?"

"I want to go for a long ride and then have dirty and messy sex," he said with a small smirk.  "But I heard you telling Vinnie we'd be in a stable spot so he could pick up the car with Dawn."  He sat up and then wiggled around until he was facing him.  "She'd better not crash it."

"She won't.  She's a very careful driver.  The same way you are most of the time."  He stroked the soft cheek.  "Do you feel better now?"  Xander nodded.  "Then take me inside and tease me to death, then we'll go for a long ride."

"Can we have a real road trip?"

"Sure," Throttle agreed.  "This weekend?"

"I don't have anything to do."

"Me either.  We'll make sure and take off tomorrow if there's no upcoming emergencies."  Xander beamed and took a deep, pillaging kiss.  Throttle moaned.  "Come on, studly.  Inside so we can get Dawn the ticket and keys."  Xander nodded, following him inside. The bouncer gave him an odd look.  "He went out feeling bad so he went shopping.  Not my idea."

"He looks hot and dangerous," the bouncer admitted.  "Weapons?"  Xander handed over his gun, his stake, his two knives, and then slapped himself and pulled the other one out and handed it over.

"You had all those and you got into four different fist fights?" Throttle asked.

"They weren't worthy of weapons.  Weapons are for threat situations.  Besides, not even the bigots at the last club were *really* a threat, Throttle."

"I'm sure they weren't," the bouncer said, looking at his face.  "No bruises?"

"I only got hit once and I'll probably have a black eye tomorrow," he admitted with a grin.  "Can we?"  He nodded, handing him a key for a single weapons cabinet.  "Thanks, man."  He led the way down to the dance floor, making Throttle groan because he was so good.   Or at least he hoped he was.  He saw another set of high, fuzzy ears but ignored it.  He didn't care who it was at the moment.  It looked like Enamel but it was a free country.  Throttle moved in front of him, grabbing his hips and Xander smirked, shifting as close as he could while they danced.  Throttle let out a small moan and let him rub against him.  Xander leaned closer.  "Love you."

"Hmm. Ditto," he agreed, stealing a kiss.  A few people who saw them smiled and one clapped but no one said anything bad about it.  Xander had his arms above his head at the moment and was moving in a way that made him think of him tied to the bed.  He ran his hands up under the leather vest his boy was wearing as a top, making him smirk and put his arms down, trapping his hands there.  "If you ever go bad, we'd be in trouble," he told him.  "You could charm even Modo into pouncing."

"Thanks.  Not what I'm concerned about."  He turned and let his mate take his back for a bit.  He felt his tail being teased and let it happen.  But apparently it wasn't Throttle because he was let go of and Enamel was pounced and beaten, then Throttle stood up and tossed back his forelock before going back to the dancing. "I'm his and he's possessive," he called.

"I know," Enamel moaned as he stood up.  "Dawn's here.  She's looking for you.  They thought I was you."

"Fine," Throttle said, staring at him.  "Don't touch what's mine."

"Not an issue.  It's clear he's yours."  He waited until Throttle had gone to look at Xander.  "He claim you yet?"  Xander gave him this smug, happy smirk that told him that was a yes.  "Pity.  How do you feel?"

"Better.  Good enough.  My balance is starting to come back.  Would you tell him I can drink now and then?"

"No.  I don't encourage that habit.  Sorry.  Especially not for those who have problems sleeping and the like from nightmares.  It's too easy to take that final slip.  Now and then, not an issue."

"I'd never become a drunk, I saw it up close and personal."

"Then he should realize that.  Show him, Xander.  You have that capability."  He looked him over.  "I see the transformation's complete.  You look good."  He walked off before Throttle came back.  He didn't need to be hit again.  Fortunately someone took pity on his poor lip and soothed it with gentle kisses.  Looked like he wasn't going home alone.

Throttle came back and grabbed Xander, kissing him hard.  "He try anything?"  Xander shook his head.  "Good.  I'd hate to have ta kill him."  He kissed him again.  "I heard, once in a while is fine, Xander.  I don't have a problem with it, but I'm like Meg.  Unless it's a really good reason I can't stand drunk people."

"Not an issue."

"I know.  Just making it plainer.  You can have another if you want, but you're riding behind me."

"I could use a soda," he admitted, leading Throttle off the floor.

"He bothering you?" the bartender asked, glancing at Enamel.

"No, he's my doctor," Xander called back.  The music was really loud tonight.  The man nodded and got him a soda, and one for Throttle too.  They went back onto the floor, going to have more fun before they had to go home.  By the time they left, Throttle was ready to bend Xander over his bike in the parking lot and have him, he didn't care who was watching, but they found Modo outside waiting on them.  "Problems?" Xander asked, giving him a hug.

Throttle growled and took his man back.  "Bad problems or out for a ride?"

"Out for a ride," he said with a grin.  "Take good care of him, bro," he said, tweaking Xander's ear.  "I'll be home by dawn."  He headed off.

Xander grinned back at Throttle.  "He won't steal me."

"I don't care at the moment."  He got them onto his bike, letting Xander sit in front of him but he was driving.  He couldn't do what he wanted when Xander was behind him.  They got back to the lair and headed to their room, where Throttle got off and hauled Xander off, stripping him.  Xander shivered at his intensity and his stare at his body.  "Very nice," Throttle said quietly, just a hint of growl in his voice.  "How many people pinched you?"

"A few," he admitted.  He turned to show off the bruises on his butt.  "See, just a few."

Throttle bent down to lick each one, making them his marks instead.  Xander was moaning and pushing back against his tongue so he moved on. That's why Xander flipping him onto the bed and stripping him off so he could have him was a bit of a shock.  He had forgotten that he had agreed to bottom tonight.  Xander was making good on his promises though.  Not that he minded, he was still having him.  Dawn walked past the door and shut it, putting back on the muting spell.  Throttle chuckled and pulled Xander off his stomach to kiss him.  "More, Xander."

Xander gave him a wicked smirk.  "Not yet. You're not begging."

They were rudely interrupted by an explosion mid-kiss.  They headed up the stairs at a run, finding Vinnie laying on the floor with scorched fur. "What were you doing!" Throttle demanded.

"Seeing if our bloods still exploded," he said weakly.  "It worked."

"You couldn't wait?" Xander demanded.  "I was about to make him beg!"

"Begging, I can't see that," Vinnie said smugly.

"Bet me," Xander told him, frowning at him, hands on his hips.  "Meany."  He turned and stomped off.

Throttle shook his head.  "We're taking a roadtrip this weekend.  Any problems with that?"

"It's Saturday night?" Modo suggested from his bunk.  Apparently he had come home early.

"He doesn't have a thing to do this week," Throttle pointed out. "Not until they get everything settled for the next site and Merle told him he had the week off.  Vinnie?"

"You'd leave me here all alone with Modo?"

"And Charley girl," Throttle patiently reminded him.  That got a small leer.  "I didn't think you'd mind.  "No upcoming attacks?"  Both mice nodded. "Good."  He stomped back down to his room and found the swing set up. "Who's that for?"

"You, dear," Xander said, using his tail to put Throttle in there and tying him down with a smug look.  "I should leave the door open since they're so worried that I'm going to make you beg.  That way they can hear it."

"Not my kink," Throttle told him, wiggling a bit to get comfortable.  He knew he could release himself with his tail if he needed to and Xander still obviously wanted to play.  Xander started by teasing the back of his thighs, making him shiver as he brushed the soft fur there.  It felt matted with sweat but Xander was very gently taking care of that for him.  Then the gentle fingers moved on to tease his sides without tickling him.  It was like a good brushing with a very gentle brush.  He wiggled again, liking this a lot.   It was like his lover was seducing him, gentling him to his touch.  It was a complete contrast to the Xander he had seen earlier.  He wondered if Xander knew what he was doing to him, but the boy only gave him a gentle kiss when he opened his mouth to ask.  Silence, he could do that.  He felt the gentle fingers work their way onto his stomach, teasing at the same time his sweat- dampened fur was released.  Instead of going down, his husband moved up to his chest, making him let out a soft moan as his chest was stroked and teased.  Xander played with the hair around his neck, then went up to tease his arms, which were tied above his head, then his calves.  "Xander?" he asked when he stopped.

"It's a pity you don't trust me," he said, looking at him.

"I do."

"And you thought I was going to do what with the drugs tonight?"

"I remembered you going for them before, when you were stressed.  I know you're not taking them, but I also know that you haven't been that badly stressed in years.  I know you considered it. I can smell the pot smoke on you."

"Yeah, she was smoking it as she danced with me," he said, stepping back.  "Did you taste it on me?"  Throttle shook his head.  "Yet you still felt the need to make that statement.  That indicates a lack of trust.  Like having to chase me."

"I wanted to soothe you," Throttle reminded him.  "You were really upset when you left."

"Yeah, and I can handle that."

"That's part of what people who are together do for each other."

"Throttle, do you expect me to listen to you about that sort of stuff considering how badly odd your last one was?  It's nearly as bad as me and Anya.  Let's not do what we *should*, but what we want."

"I wanted to come for you," he assured him calmly.  This was the strangest place for this talk.  He pulled his tail up under him to work on the handcuff locks, and couldn't find the opening.  He looked up at them.  "There's no keyhole."

"They're magnetic."

"Oh."  He let his tail droop again.  "It's what I felt was right."

"So, it felt right to make me feel ashamed that I got upset, had a few drinks, and got into a fight?  That I didn't know my own limits and tolerances, and all that stuff?"

"No!  That isn't what I was doing."   He tried to shift but Xander was very good at tying people down.  "Can I get free?"

Xander undid his ankles, then moved up to undo his hands, letting Throttle pull him closer.  "You don't trust me."

"I do trust you.  Wanting to soothe you and being a voice of reason doesn't mean I don't trust you.  By the taste in your mouth you'd had some pretty strong stuff.  I couldn't tell how much and in your memories I couldn't tell when you were drunk by watching you.  I had to make sure you wouldn't get hurt."  Xander shook his head.  "No what."

"Bullshit."  He got free, sitting on the bed.  "Throttle, you have a highly developed sense of taste.  I've seen you use it to scent the air for where someone was hiding when you were trying to stop Vinnie's rampage of irritation a few weeks back."

"Yeah, but the stuff you were drinking was like lighter fluid.  All I could taste was that bitter aftertaste. I've never had that and I don't know how much you drank."

"When I told you, you still kept pressing."

"Three drinks is enough to incapacitate someone by the charts, it hadn't even been an hour yet."

"And I proved I was sober."

"When you did, I let you drive."  He tried to sit up but he wasn't going to make it.  This thing wasn't designed for it.  He'd either have to lay back and get comfortable or get off.  Both could make Xander uneasy.  "Come here?"  Xander shook his head.  "Want me to come there?"

Xander shrugged.  "That's up to you.  I can't be with someone who doesn't trust me."

"I trust you enough to let you tie me down."

"You thought you could get free too," Xander said dryly.

"Yeah, but you didn't see me panic.  If it had been anybody else, I would have."  He held out a hand, deciding to go for comfortable.  Xander gave him a long look. "Please?"  Xander stood up and walked over, taking his hand.  "I realize that I'm not the best role model for relationships but I have seen others have them.  I do trust you.  I trusted you earlier with something that's precious to me.  You rank right up there with her, Xander.  I do trust you, but I have the right to be pushy when you do stuff that could hurt you.  It's what those of us who care do.  Personally, I could care less if you broke out a joint now and then, as long as you don't do it around Dawn or Vinnie.  Modo might frown but he'd probably understand."

"The other two would too."

"Yeah, but if someone found out, you could lose custody of Dawn."

"Point.  I'd never do that though."

"From the way Dawn put it, you and she nearly shared a few."

"Actually, we have shared a few," he admitted dryly.  "It kept her from another sleepover situation."

"Then I have no problem with that," he agreed.  "Just don't do it around Vinnie.  I'm not sure what he'd do."  He pulled him closer, looking into the mismatched eyes.  Xander didn't have his brown contact in the one mouse eye.  "I do trust you," he said calmly.  "Even when I'm being horribly responsible, I'm still full of trust and caring.  It's the sort of guy I am, Xander.  I sometimes break out into 'dad' mode."  Xander nodded, he knew that.  "Then can you accept me as I am?"

"Can you do the same?"

"I thought I had, but I realize you're a lot more complicated than I thought.  When I did the review, I was watching you, not how you reacted, but staring at you.  You probably got a better feel for me from being inside my head and hearing how I reacted to things."  He pulled him down for a kiss.  "If you want, we can do it again.  Or you can trust me too."

"I do trust you."

"Which is what scared the crap out of you earlier," Vinnie said from the doorway.  "Dawn did the spell backwards.  She's not in her room."

"Did you check the library?"

"Yeah, she's not in the lair at all.  So I'm guessing she's either chasing a cat that escaped, or something's going on."

"She's not one to sneak," Xander told him.  "She's pretty open when she wants to leave a place.  Even after hours.  Dawn!" he snapped.  She appeared on the bed, looking startled.  "Didn't I tell you to only do that under Tara's watchful gaze?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't me. I opened my jewelry box."  She got up and went to look at it, carrying something back in a bandana she stole off Vinnie.  "This is new.  I'm not sure what it is."

Xander looked and nodded.  "That's a demon part from a messenger demon.  They can travel by Air Magic."

"Where did you go?" Throttle asked her.

"A huge mall.  I'm thinking it's that Mall of America place, but it was closed."  She bundled it back up.  "How do I keep this safe and useable?"

"Go research it.  I don't know," he defended when she looked at him.

"Do the spell right this time too so we don't have to hear them having one of those girly talks," Vinnie told her.  He looked at Xander, then at Throttle.  "That's not the place I'd expect to have that talk.  He does trust you, Xander.  The same as he trusts me, but sometimes he feels the need to step in and be a 'dad' guy.  That's why he led our team and we listened to him."  He stared him down.  "I know this is new for you.  It'll be okay.  He does trust you.  The same as I and Modo do.  Have makeup sex.  It'll make you feel better."  He pulled Dawn out because she was obviously staring.  They hadn't realized they were naked apparently.  He closed the door and nudged her, eventually slapping her across the back of the head.  "Spell."

"Sure."  She shook her head and checked it, then redid it, heading up to the library.  "Wow," she said finally.  "No wonder neither one can sit."  She heard Modo snort and shivered.  "I don't want that mental image!" she complained.

"Good, we'd hate for you to compare," Vinnie said from the doorway.

"Eww!"  She threw a book at his head, making Vinnie laugh. "Nasty mental images.  Whole galleries of them!  Eww!"  She hopped up and down, trying to get it gone.  "Ewwwww," she cried.  "Modo, make him stop!"

"Quit torturing her," Modo called quietly.  "Are they going at it again?"

"Nah, they were having a talk," Vinnie said as he came back.  "Xander had about three drinks and Throttle went dad and set down rules about not driving."

"Hmm, the trust talk. Interesting.  I remember hearing that one in the past," he said, staring Vinnie down.

"My bike can drive herself if I pass out," Vinnie reminded him. "His car can't."

"He let Xander drive earlier."

"Really?"  Vinnie's ears perked up at that.  "Interesting. Maybe that road trip will get them going better."  He looked over as Dawn came out and grabbed a clean jar, dropping the piece in there with the bandana, then sealing it in.  "Can I have that back?"

"If you try to wash it, it'll eat it and everything else in the wash," she said, kissing him on the cheek.  "Just for those nasty mental museums, I'm going to go make noise of my own and call your name."  She walked off, heading down to her room.

"I guess lots of people do," Vinnie said with a shrug.

"Think about it, bro.  Her doing that?" Modo suggested.

"Ick!" Vinnie said, shaking his head.  "Eww!  Now I know how she feels.  Dawn, don't do that!"  He wiped his ears off, then went to take a shower to clean off the filth he felt like he was covered in.  That was just sick and disgusting.  He heard her moan and went down to stop her, even if he had to use knock-out gas. With his luck, she'd really do it and then he'd have nightmares and have to sleep with Charley, who had told him he couldn't for the next week while she had girl problems.  Not that he minded but she apparently did.  He grabbed some knockout gas and went to stop her before she could utter anything that would traumatize him for the rest of his life.   He heard the quiet kissing from Throttle and Xander's room and decided he was happy that they had worked it out.  They deserved each other.

***

Throttle appeared for breakfast the next morning looking well rested and fully awake.  Xander trudged in wearing boxers and looking his normal morning grumpy/confused/ pissed-that-the-sun-was-so-bright, and grunted at everyone.  Throttle reached over to pat him on the back but it was slapped away.

"Talk not go well?" Vinnie asked.  "By the way, you two traumatized Dawn last night when she saw you two naked."

"She didn't have to stare," Xander said, glaring at him.  Vinnie pushed over the soda had he pulled out when he heard the shower downstairs start.  Xander gave him another grunt as he opened it and gulped it.  When he was done with that one, he went to retrieve another one, gulping it on the way back, and a third for his breakfast.  That one got taken and Throttle put it out of reach.  "I need that."

"You need to go back to bed," he told him.  "You can do that.  We can wait to start."

Xander shook his head.  "I called Merle, I have to be back to work on Thursday to start the paperwork."

"So we can't go all the way to the North Pole," Throttle snorted.  "We can still go.  Go back to bed.  I don't have a destination in mind.  Do you?"  He shook his head.  "Then go catch a nap."

"Can't.  Not sleepy."

"Yeah you are," Modo assured him.

"Had another rough night?" Vinnie asked.  Xander nodded, putting his head down on the table.  Throttle picked him up and put him in his lap but Xander struggled so he let him sit on his own until he fell asleep and did it again.  Vinnie looked at him.  "Are you two breaking up?" he asked bluntly.

Throttle shook his head.  "No, not a bit, Vinnie. He's just tired.  We spent a while talking last night.  I fell asleep on him and he stayed up apparently."  He stroked the tense back.  "Sleep.  I'm a good pillow."

"Maybe but you can't claim me today."

"I know I can't."  He nuzzled him gently and Xander snuggled in again, closing his eyes.  Xander yawned and Throttle looked down at his boy.  "Sleep, Xander.  We can always take off next weekend."

"I'll have to work next weekend.  I always do the first week of a new job."  The phone rang so he held out a hand and it came flying.  "It had better be an intergalactic emergency," he said patiently.  "What do you mean someone staked Merle?"  He sat up. "He's not a vampire!"  He listened to the report.  "Which hospital?  Has anyone called the company's owner?  No, I'll do that.  Yeah, within an hour."  He got up and headed to find his cellphone, calling his boss.  "Hey, it's me.  Someone tried to stake Merle.  He's in St. Lucia."  He listened to the rest of the information.  "What are they?  Because if they're demonic, it's my job, not the cops.  We all know this, even the cops.  Yay," he said impatiently.  "It's still my job.  Sure, I can step in and do that, that's not an issue.  I still need the details.  I was getting briefed Thursday."  He listened to the details of what they'd be building.  "Okay, so was it those things that you haven't identified yet or was it one of the spouses?"  He nodded.  "Decent.  Thanks.  Of course.  Yeah, we'll need round-the-clock security on this one.  No one should be able to look in or do a sneak-through to get the layout.  Yeah, and I've seen husbands do it in the past to abuse shelters.  Sure, I'll be carrying it permanently.  Yeah, call Janice.  She can run my crew while I run the site.  Decent.  Be there tomorrow."  He hung up and walked out, seeing the upset looks. "Merle will be fine.  We're not sure if it's demonic or not.  While he's gone, I'm running the whole site.  It's an abuse shelter.  The cops are actually paying attention this time."  He looked at his man and shrugged.  "Sorry.  Lots of long nights coming up."

"I'll help where I can," he offered. "Are you going to need crew?"

"Nah, not for this one," he said, shaking his head.  "Not unless we get too much violence."  He went downstairs, going to pick out clothes for tomorrow.  He'd need something to hide his holster.  His phone rang so he answered it. "Yeah, Janice?"  He listened to her.  "What do you mean you've gotten a death threat?  Then you turn it the hell in!" he demanded.  "I don't care!  No, they won't.  Yeah, and they're getting off on your fear.  You go turn that in and call the main boss.  Want me to come drive you?"  He nodded.  "Done.  Give me twenty."  He hung up and pulled on his chosen outfit, including his kevlar vest.  He checked his gun, reloading it with normal bullets, and slapped it into the clip.  He found his keys and walked up the ramp.  "I've got to take Janice to the cops.  She got a death threat."  He headed back to his car, going to take her there.  She scurried out, staying close to the ground before she got in.  "It's that bad?"

"Someone took a shot at my house.  I was on with 911.  We need to meet them in the mall's parking lot."

"Fine."  He shifted up as soon as he took off.  He heard a ping and smirked.  "I had Charley add some bulletproofing around the normal hit spots."  He shifted up again, zipping across an intersection.  He checked his mirrors.  "Huh.  Stupid to follow."  He pulled into the mall parking lot but no one was there yet.  "Get into the back seat, cover up."  She climbed into the small space behind the seats and he turned up the radio a bit.  Another car pulled up, also carrying someone with guns since one was hanging out.  "Hey, it's Roberts," he said dryly.  He flipped on his hands free system, dialing the cops.  "Hi, this is Xander Harris.  I'm escorting my coworker to a mall parking lot to meet with some cops about the shot just taken at her house.  We have two cars carrying people with guns behind us.  No, I'm at the mall.  Yeah, I have a handgun.  I'm licensed.  No, I'm the small black car."  He saw one move up.  "We've got movement.  Fair warning, I'm not going to be shot."  He hung up, hearing the sirens.  The guys weren't listening.  They were trying to hit the gas tank.  Xander pulled his gun and shifted, taking aim on the nearest car's tires, shooting the first two quickly.  The other one tried to move but he got one of their's as well.   A cop pulled up and he put his gun back up.  "Janice, they're here, babe."  He felt her nod.  "Give me ten minutes."  He got out, listening to them complain.  "Officer, they've been shooting at my car.  I'm the one escorting Janice Hall to talk about her death threat.  It's a good thing I have bulletproof plates."  The men groaned.  "I'm also the one who shot out three tires and that's it.  If you want to come count impacts on my car, that would be nice."  The cop stared at him.  "Yay, dude.  I don't care.  By the way, those of you from my site, Roberts and Cremens, oh, and Jose," he said, waving at Brad's big brother, "you're fired.  I'm in full charge of the site this time."  They pulled guns and the cop pulled his, on them at least, and Xander pulled his.  "Try it, man.  I'm faster.  A lot faster."  Two more cop cars came rushing up with lights and sirens.  The cops got out and ordered everyone to put down their guns.  Xander put his down on the ground and leaned against the side of his car, hands in plain sight.  "I'm the victim," he told them.  "Look at my car."

"You have Miss Hall?" one of them asked.  Xander nodded and moved, opening the door and moving the seat.  "Miss Hall?"  She peeked out.  "Is this a coworker?"

"He's my boss," she admitted, climbing out.  She handed over the box and the note, then had to search for something, coming out with a lit cigarette.  "Sorry, Xander."

"Not an issue," he offered, patting her on the back.  "Times like these make me want to smoke too."  He pulled his wallet, then groaned.  "I need into my trunk.  My FOID card is back there.  I switched wallets last night before clubbing."

"That's fine, sir," one of the cops agreed.

He grabbed his keys and walked around the back, finding his wallet and his card to present.  He looked at the people being taken away. "Some of those are our crew people," he said quietly.  "I need a list so I can fire them. I know three of them.  I need to let the boss know if any others were on our payroll."

"Sure.  Names only?"  He nodded. "We can provide that."  He handed back the gun and the card.  "Very nice shooting, sir."

"Survival, it's a wonderful thing," he said dryly, leaning against the side of his car again.  He looked at Janice, then at her box.  He picked it up and sniffed it, then walked off and left it in the middle of a blank area.  "It's smelling like gunpowder."

"Shit!" one of the cops shouted, reaching for his radio.

"Duck!" Xander yelled when he started to babble, backing away from the box.  The cops moved back and the bomb went off a few seconds later.  "Fuck, me," he said in aw.  "A radio trigger set to any frequency."

Janice patted him on the shoulder. "He's got a demolitions license," she explained.

"Sir, what were you doing earlier today?" one of the cops asked.

Xander looked at him.  "Having a fight with my husband."

"Oh."  He made a note of that.

"He's my direct boss, guys, second in command at the site.  He's a nice guy and he likes me," Janice told them.  "He's not the one who sent that."

"No, I'm not," Xander sighed.  "I like plastic explosives and that smelled like gunpowder.  Not my sort at all."

"You used plastic explosives on the outside of the lair?" she asked.  He nodded.  "Wow.  You have a very gentle touch."

"Thanks.  It's from practice."  He grinned and nudged her.  "Down and in."  She dove back ion the car, wiggling back into her spot.  He pulled his gun to point it at the guy walking toward him.  "Are you a cop?"

"Are you?" he asked.

"I'm her protector and boss.  I'm also short on caffeine and patience.  The thugs decided to try to blow up my car when we stopped."

"Why did you stop, sir?" one cop asked. "Please put it away.  He is an officer."  Xander put the gun up.  "Why did you stop?"

"Because I knew I had armor plating and there's a chance of involving others if I had kept going.  It's bad enough they chased us through traffic trying to blow up the car."

"How did you not blow up?" the new cop asked.

"I'm a bit paranoid.  I had my favorite mechanic shift my gas tank out of the normal place."  He looked stunned.  "Xander Harris," he said, holding out a hand.  "Former resident of Sunnydale, California."  The man shook his hand.  "Need her?"

"Please.  I'm working your boss's case."

"Merle or did the boss on high get hit too?"

"No, Mr. Harris, Merle's."  He helped the young woman out, nodding at the burning spot on the carpet.  She stepped on it and leaned against his shoulder.  "Was that the box?"  She nodded.  "What happened?"

"The cop started to radio for assistance since I noticed it smelled like gunpowder.  It whined, I heard it, I shouted 'down' and everyone did," Xander said flatly.

"Are you military, sir?"

Xander smirked at him.  "Let me get back with you on that one, officer.  Not formally.  Not paramilitary either."  He scratched an itchy spot and the cop stared at him like he had just realized he had fur.  "Sometimes survival is necessary," he reminded him gently.  "That was my life before I moved here."

"Fine, thank you for your honesty, Mr. Harris.  We can take this from here.  Can we come get a statement from you later?"

"Sure, as long as you bring me a list of the people who were shooting at my car so I can fire them."  He looked stunned.  "A few were my direct employees, only on the exterior crew.  I think at least one other was working for the same company.  What I'm wondering is why they're coming after us at the moment?  Is this personal or because we're going to be starting work on an abuse shelter?"

"I don't know, sir.  Can we have their personnel records?"

"I'll have to check with my boss, but probably."  He looked at the remains of the box.  "There's another whining.  Let's move back."  He got in and backed his car away, and the others followed suit.  The small bit of explosives left exploded, leaving a pretty parking space sized crater.  "Wow," he said, shaking his head.  "That's so inefficient."

Janice hit him on the arm.  "Be less clinical, Xander!  They're trying to kill me!"

"They get you over my damn dead body," he reminded her. "If they don't believe me, I'm sure I can convince them of that."  She nodded, leaning against him now.  He looked at the detective, who was staring at the box, then turned to stare at him. "I have very good hearing."

"With those ears, I'd expect that," he admitted finally.  "All right, I'm taking her down to the station, Mr. Harris.  Where do you live?"

"At the Last Chance Garage, or next door if we're at home.  Charley's a friend of ours."

"Fine.  I'll come there. Thank you for your assistance."

"Not an issue. I'm possessive over my people, but I will be kicking some asses if I find any others on the crews."  He got into the car, heading back to the garage.  Charley was going to kill him.  He beeped from the outside and the garage door opened, but Charley was in her bathrobe.  He pulled up over the lift and got out, looking at her, seeing the shock.  "Janice got a death threat from some of the guys on my crew.  Thank you for moving that gas tank and putting on those bulletproof sheets.  I love you.  If you dump Vinnie, Throttle will have to agree that you're coming to us."

She blinked at him.  "What happened!" she shrieked, bringing the others from the kitchen.  "You were shot at!"

"Yeah, and I got to shoot a few tires out too, unfortunately not while they were moving."  He leaned against the hood of his car.  "Janice got a death threat.  She called me scared out of her wits.  I went to escort her to the station and some of the exterior crew and a few others showed up with guns out of their truck windows.  So, I love you for moving that gas tank for me because I know it was a bitch to do."

"No, it's not a problem."  She looked at the holes.  "I don't have anything to do tomorrow.  I'll get to work pulling any bullets if forensics doesn't want it."

Xander shrugged.  "They never mentioned it.  The cops were shocked because she got sent a multi-stage bomb."  She gaped at him, as did the others.  "Secondary timer after the first went off.  Just a bit more explosive and not that hard to do, but still nasty.  Meant to kill anyone responding as well."  He stood up.  "So, how much to pull the bullets and fix the paint?"

"I'll let you know when I'm done," she said, giving him a hug.  "Don't get dead, Xander."  She walked off shaking her head. "I'm getting dressed."

"Sure.  I'll be down here."   He looked over to see the other three staring at him in awe.  "What?  It's not that bad."

"Are you Superman?" Vinnie asked.

Xander took off his sweater and then his vest, tossing them aside. "No, but I do mean impersonation as long as no one asks me to fly."  He tossed his vest back into the car and closed the door, then the garage door.  He headed into the kitchen. "I could use some food."  His phone rang and Vinnie brought it to him since he was working on frying eggs.  "Yeah?" he answered after checking the number.  "This is he.  Why?"  He listened and handed Vinnie the spatula, ignoring his 'what do I do with this creature' look.  "What do you mean she disappeared?  No, I left her with that other cop.  The cops who responded said he was a cop.  No, there were three units there.  They were there when we found out the box she was sent was a bomb.  Give me ten minutes.  Yeah, I'm at the Last Chance.  Give me ten minutes to get back there.  Dude, I drive a sports car. I can hit two hundred in the city.  Give me ten minutes."  He hung up and headed out to his car.  "Laters."  He put on his vest before climbing in, then backing out once the door opened enough.  He shifted into third and lowered the gas pedal.  There was no traffic at this time on a Sunday morning in this side of town.  He pulled into the parking lot and stopped with a screech of brakes.

"Twelve minutes.  I'm impressed.  No tickets?"

"No," he said as he got out, heading to the dent in the ground.  "Okay.  Janice was given a letter and a box.  The box had a multi-stage bomb," he said, brushing some of his hair back.  He coughed when he noticed the cops staring at his car.  "They told me to go, guys.  That's from the guys in the trucks.  I know a few of them.  They worked for us."  That got a stare in his direction.  "Okay, let me walk through this linearly."  He got some paper and sketched out his route and then what happened in the parking lot, handing it over.  "Please, pull the bullets.  Let me get to the main headquarters and get personnel files."

"What did the cops look like sir?"

Xander looked at the one nearest him and nodded.  "He was wearing a lighter blue, like the traffic cops," he admitted.  They nodded at that. "The guy who came up afterward was wearing casual clothes.  They said he was an officer."  He turned and slammed a fist into the side of his car, adding another dent Charley would be pulling out for him.  "I'm going to hurt someone."  He looked at the cops again after a few deep breaths.  "I'm not sure if this is personal or not.  Our head chief of our crew is Merle Karvanski.  He was stabbed this morning.  He's in St.  Lucia's.  Janice Hall was my second in command on the interior crew.  I'm the crew chief for the interior crew.  At least three of the people in the trucks worked for our company.  I'm not sure if this is personal against us, or if this is because we're going to be building an abuse shelter."

"It sounds personal, sir," one of the cops said calmly.  "Are you all right?"

"No, I'm fucking furious at myself for letting her go.  I should have listened better.  They never said anything about forensics."  The cops nodded at that.  "I know better.  It was a dumb, rookie mistake."

"Were you a cop, sir?"

"No, honey, I had to survive for too damn long to do it officially," he said bitterly.  He pulled his phone out and called the boss.  "I need the files for Roberts, Cremens, and Brad's brother Jose," he said in greeting.  "Because the cops who responded when I took Janice away from her house weren't cops we think.  She's now missing.  No, they were the idiots shooting at us.  I also think there was a guy from crew 3 but I don't know him by name.  No, dark hair, scarred, squat looking guy.  Looks like a bitter man.  If you've got pictures from the badges maybe, but mine's horribly wrong.  Sure."  He hung up.  "My boss is pulling them. I can get you their files in about twenty minutes."

"Those people were the ones shooting at you?" one cop asked, making sure.

Xander nodded.  "They were in the trucks that followed us from her house.  I put the bomb over there when I smelled gunpowder."

"You know what it smells like how?"

"I have a demolitions license," he admitted.  "I also have a FOID card, which is why I'm the one who escorted her.  That and I've handled a few emergencies."  He ducked away from the person trying to pet him.  "I'm not that calm.  I will react," he warned. "I'd hate it like hell, but don't."  The cop nodded.  He looked at the others.  "When one of the trucks flanked my car, I shot out two front tires on one and got one off the other one when it tried to move.  That's when the possible cops showed up."

"Fine, sir.  We'll be checking to see if any of our people were around."  He took down his information then handed it back.  "Is this license correct?"

"Um, no.  You can get hold of me either at the site or at the Last Chance garage.  The owner's a friend of mine and I'm going to be there for a while fixing my poor car."  He sighed as he looked at it.  "At least I had her move the gas tank and put on those sheets."

"What sheets?"

"I've got some bulletproof sheets on it," he explained, looking at them.  "I also moved my gas tank a few inches.  It's such a movie thing to shoot at the gas tank."  They all nodded at that.  "Besides, I've barely got this car. I've had a horrible record with cars since I moved here from Sunnydale."

"Sunnydale?" one asked, his head raising.  "They were having something that the FBI was worried about."

"Yeah, and it was handled shortly after I got out there," he admitted. "We've already filled out federal reports.  If anyone asks you, tell them to look for the reports."

"Who filed them?"

"Agent Simms."

"Thank you."  He made note of that as well and took the diagrams.  "We will need to pull the bullets."

"That's fine, I need to call some people to see if we can find Janice.  Damn I wish I had paid attention to his car!"

"Hindsight is wonderful, sir," one advised him.  "Don't regret it too much."

"She's a friend.  If I don't regret I've lost all of my humanity."  The cop nodded at that.  "It was light colored, four door sedan.  Kinda boxy instead of tapered like the modern ones.  Maybe it was slightly older?" he suggested.  "It was in good condition; it didn't backfire or splutter, it ran smoothly," he offered, considering it.  "For some reason I think the trunk was slightly lighter."  He looked at the mall.  "Don't they have surveillance cameras?"

"Yes, but not after hours," one of the cops told him grimly.  Xander gave him a look.  He shrugged. "So they say."

"Then let's see what they say to me," he said, heading that way.  "Anything in there open?"

"No.  Where are you going?"

"To ask stupid questions," he called back, hurrying on.  He found the security office right where he had noticed it the last time, and walked in after quick knock.  "Hey.  Did you tape the parking lot this morning?"  The guard looked at him in shock.  "The person who was being protected is missing.  We have a possibility of fake cops.  We don't want a copy, yet, but we need to take a look."

"I can't do that, sir."

"Can't or won't?"

"Not allowed, sir."

"That's fine.  Then let me," he said, striking quickly.  All those years of Star Trek had come in handy when he had learned how to do the Vulcan neck pinch.  He sat down at the controls, running it backwards.  "My car will be there," he muttered, stopping the rewind once he saw his car enter the lot.  He turned when the door opened.  "Here, I don't know how to zoom in."

"This can't be considered legal evidence, sir."

"Two cases where that isn't true.  One is justifying to find out if the earlier people were cops.  The other is if you charge me with neck pinching him."  He got out of the way, letting him come in to zoom the picture.  "That's really fuzzy."

"Yes, but this is security equipment property, sir, not exactly what they use at NASA."  He found the button he needed and zoomed in again, this time clearing up the resolution.  "I've seen him."  He used his radio. "Hey, boss, they did tape it. I know one of the guys.  Come look."  He looked at Xander.  "Sir, there's soda machines up the hallway," he suggested.

"Yeah, but I've only got twenties and I've already had two cans of soda this morning. The problem is lack of food to go with it."  He stepped over the body, opening the door at the knock.  He saw the shocked looks.  "I deal in emergencies and expediencies, I only neck pinched him. No pain, bruising, or lasting effects."

"Is this too much caffeine or not enough?" the top cop asked.

"Not enough food to go with it," he said grimly.  "I was just gulping my second can of coke when Janice called me."

"I'm sorry, sir. We'll do everything we can."  He looked at the screen. "Know anyone who drives a really dark Beamer?  That's Penderson in Traffic in the still.  He's from up by the shore."

"Yeah, that's our boss."  He hurried out, going to take the folders.  "The cop they turned Janice over to took her away and now she's missing," he said.

"What happened to your car!" he asked, pointing.

Xander took the folders.  "These idiots.  Do we have any clue?"

"Not a bit.  Not unless they're going after people around you?"

"No, then they would have went for the guys."

"They're pretty strong, anyone watching them would figure out they didn't want to mess with them, Xander.  They'd go after the helpless."

"But if they were doing outward in, they'd have done Janice first.  If not, they'd have done Dawnie first because no one knows what she can do."

"Calm down, Xander."

"I am!"

"You're not, you're bouncing," he said firmly.   "Merle is fine and we'll find Janice."

"I hope so.  I'm the one who turned her over!"  He took the files to the returning cops.  "Personnel files. That's the main boss."

"Thank you, Mr. Harris.  Go ahead and wait by your car."

He nodded, heading that way.

One of the cops pulling up got out and walked over.  "What's going on?  We responded to a 'shots fired' from here and then suddenly more teams show up?"

"The woman in question appears to be missing," one of the cops told him. "Who did you hand her to?"

"Ortiz out of homicide.  Why?  She's missing? How?"

"Ortiz, what does he drive?" another of the cops asked.

"Cream colored Ford with a slightly sparkly trunk that came from another make."  He shook his head and looked at Xander.  "Didn't we release you?"

"And then I got called back."  He started to pace.  "I knew something was going to happen today.  Last night was too bad for it not to."

"Sir, I noticed the bruises, what happened?" the cop following him around asked.

"Bar brawl.  Someone took offense to me being dressed in leather and dancing with a guy."

"Was it reported?"  Xander shrugged, still pacing.

His boss picked up the phone and called the garage.  "Charley, dear, this is Xander's boss. Yes, him," he said fondly.  "No, he's here pacing and muttering.  The cops are giving him worried looks.  Can you send one of the boys down to calm him down please?  Thank you, dear.  By any chance, Carbine's not in, is she?"  He smiled.  "Well, it was only a hope.  Let me know the next time so I can ask her out to dinner, love.  Thank you."  He hung up and opened the other window.  "Stop, now, Xander.  I've called Charley and she's sending one of the boys down."

"I'm fine," he complained.

"No you're not.  You're agitated. Now calm down."

"I'm supposed to be agitated!  I was supposed to protect her!  That's what I do!"

"I was wondering about the body armor, not your usual look, sir?" the cop following him around asked.  "Were you military?"

"No, I lived in a town where survival was fairly difficult.  My graduating class had a ten percent mortality rate."  The cops hissed.  "The one before mine had a thirty percent from ninth grade to graduation."  He scrubbed at the back of his head.  "What's taking so long?" he muttered.

"Xander, come here," his boss said calmly.  Xander walked over.  "It is not your fault, Xander," he said gently.  "You did the right thing.  You did the kind and gentle thing by protecting her.  If someone has harmed her, they'll be facing many wraths, including mine.  I'll let you help me if they're not the average sort, but you must calm down.  It looks bad.  So calm down.  One of the boys is coming to stand and wait with you.  Just calm down."

"That's really hard to do in this situation."

"I know, do so anyway, Xander. I will see you tomorrow morning at dawn at the trailer for a meeting.  Then you can come in at eight the rest of the week. I'll expect you to do what you've been doing with your crew for the whole crew.  Do not fail my trust in you."  Xander nodded.  "Good boy.  Now, go lean against your car again and calm yourself.  It was not you who stopped the officer and took her. Hopefully your man will be in shortly to wait with you."  He looked at the nearest officer.  "Is there any other help I can give you?"

"No, sir.  The personnel folders were very nice of you.  Thank you for your cooperation."  He nodded, leaving through the newly erected tape.  He passed the van marked CSU and shuddered.  That poor boy's car.

Someone hopped out of the van.  "What do we have?"

"Two very detailed drawings," one cop said, handing them over.  "His car has ballistics and we've got an explosion crater."

"Good.  Wonderful.  Shell casings?"

"I'm guessing mall security was a bit too good," Xander said bitterly.  "He is a real cop, right?  The guy who had her?"  The cop nodded.  "Then why can't we find him?"

"The city's a big place, sir."  Xander gave him a 'get real' look.  "Really, it is."

"Fine."  Xander went back to leaning against his car, pulling out his cellphone to call one of his other guys. "It's me," he said in greeting, sounding grim.  "There's a big change coming Monday.  When you come in, if we haven't found Janice alive and well and able to come back to work, you're filling my spot.  No, Merle got stabbed with a stake.  Janice got a death threat, I took her to the cops and now the cop that has her and she are both missing.  So you're interior chief until Merle gets back and I take back my spot. Yeah, get in there early, Mark.  That's fine.  Yeah."  He nodded, listening to him. "I can't promise a permanent one, but you'd probably be put on the short list or you could easily switch to night.  No, we're putting up an abuse shelter, man.  Yeah.  No, first thing Monday.  Sure.  Be safe.  Please."  He hung up and looked a the guys coming toward him.  "Can we try not to scratch the paint?  My mechanic's already ready to shoot me for this."

"Of course.  What happened?"

"One my coworkers was staked this morning.  Another one got a death threat.  I came to take her to the cops, she had someone shoot at her house.  She was on the phone with dispatchers and they told her to come here.  We came here but we were chased.  The guy in light blue and his buddies came because of the gunshots I guess.  They arrested the first crew of people, some of which worked with me...us," he sighed, shaking his head and pinching the bridge of his nose.  "Then another cop showed up.  He took custody of her and I was told to head home."

"Without anyone pulling the bullets?" the man asked, sounding confused.

"They caught them mid-shooting.  I guess they thought it wouldn't be necessary."  He looked over as a familiar noise came up the street.  "That's one of my buddies."  He looked at the man again.  "I got a call because I had called dispatch to report what was going on and that I had her.  I rushed back here.  We found tapes in the security office, but I nerve pinched him to get a look at them so we could see if the first group were actually cops since Janice has now disappeared with that cop.  By the way, the explosive had dual timers or a delayed device.  The first one didn't do that much damage, but the second one created the crater.  It smelled like gunpowder, that's why I put it over there," he said, pointing at the hole in the ground.  "Hey, Vinnie, give me ten?"  He nodded, leaning on his bike.  He looked at the guy again, giving him a tired smile.  "I'm going to kill someone if she's hurt.  She's a very nice woman.  I'm going to rip out someone's lungs and use the pieces I slice off as Christmas tree decorations at their house."  The man winced.  "I don't care," he said dryly.  "She was in the front seat and under the blanket in the hidey hole," he offered, pushing open the door.  "You're going to find fur like mine in white, tan, and gray, and two different sources of brunette hair.  Those are the other people who have been in the car."

"Oz and Meg," Vinnie called.

"I vacuumed since the last time I drove Oz," he called back, giving him a small shrug. "Possibly a redhead and one with heavily dyed short hair."  He handed over the keys.  "I want it back in as good of condition as you can, please. It's my baby.  I've only had it a few weeks."

"Of course.  We'll be very careful," he promised.  He looked at the back. "You're very lucky the gas tank didn't explode."

"I'm paranoid, I had my favorite mechanic move it a few inches further away.  There's also some bulletproof shields in that area."  The man looked really confused.  "I'm from Sunnydale, which is about two hours from LA.  I'm a bit paranoid.  Do you need me for anything else?"

"Where can we drop it off, sir?"

"The Last Chance Garage.  We live next door and Charley's a buddy."  He walked off, getting onto the back of Vinnie's bike, holding on.  "I have a headache," he said quietly.

"I bet.  Let's go.  What about the car?"

"They'll drop it off so I can help Charley pull the dents."  He nodded, turning them around and taking off.

The criminalist looked at the cops.  "Who was that?"

"Xander Harris," one of them muttered.  "Whirlwind, gay man, and all around badass."  He looked up from writing something.  "He's newly furry, but he was just as bad before."

"So he was furry.  I wasn't sure."  He shrugged and got to work pulling bullets while his people gathered things at the site of the explosion and went to talk to the maintenance and security people to see what they had gathered. "Is he a demolitions person?"

"Yeah, he's got a license," one of them reported, hanging up his radio.  "He was reported as being the reason we got handed a bunch of drugs from a club this morning.  Apparently the dealer had an underaged girl who kept hitting on him so he took out the dealer."  They all winced. "No charges are being pressed."

"No wonder he had bruises."  He looked over as one of his people came back with garbage bags.  "When you've stored that, process the inside of his car for the kidnaping victim's hair and things.  Start in the back with the area under the blanket.  Expect short fur of an animal nature as well in multiple colors."

"Sure.  Is he like those guys on the bikes?"

"Yes he is," the cop who had been checking on him called, walking over there.  "He is one of them actually but he's the one you see behind the tan guy all the time."

"He's gay?"

"Not a clue," the cop told her.  "The tan one?  I don't think so.  This young man is still pretty young so I'm guessing relative or the tan guy's his mentor.  I know that Mr. Harris is gay.  He got into another fight last night because someone objected to him dancing with another guy.  The tan guy was also there and jumped but Mr. Harris apparently took out a few people."

"Wonderful.  Was he drunk?"  The cop shook his head.  "Not at all?"

"He had a few at the first club and the tan one put his car in a parking garage just in case, but someone reported seeing him driving with the tan one behind him last night.  I doubt he'd do that if he wasn't totally sober and straight."

"Maybe he's with the one who picked him up," the criminalist offered.

"Nah, that one's a lady's man.  He hits on *everyone*," he said dryly.  "I'm thinking he's doing the guy who gave us the criminal's folders."

"Hmm, he called him boss," another guy noted.  "He owns a construction company. I saw him after one of their jobs caved in."  He straightened up.  "Any word on the detective?"  The first guy shook his head.  "You're thinking they're gone?"

"Probably.  This was too big of an effort.  I'm still wondering why."

"He said they're putting up an abuse shelter," a third cop offered.

"That could get some people up in arms," the criminalist agreed.  "Either that or it's personal against that kid."  He looked up suddenly.  "He said staked."

"Yeah, his direct boss was stabbed with a wooden stake this morning," the first cop noted. "He's in St. Lucia's."

"So maybe it is against this company," he said thoughtfully, going back to gently pulling out bullets. "We'll need a wrecker to get this back to the garage."

"Can I turn over the engine?" one of the cops asked. "I heard it's powerful.  He made it from the Last Chance to here in twelve minutes."

The criminalist got up and opened the hood, then gaped.  "I'm guessing he was going slow."  The cops stared in awe at the shiny, pretty, powerful engine.  He closed it and went back to pulling bullets.  "I'll let you fire it up in the shop."

"Thanks."  They went back to what they were supposed to be doing.

***

Xander climbed off the back of Vinnie's bike, heading for the kitchen.  "Things are about to get worse," he called as he walked.  "I'm now crew lead until Merle is released."  Throttle stared at him.  "He was staked this morning.  Janice is still missing, as is the cop I handed her over to."  They all winced.  "We're putting up an abuse shelter and we don't know if it's related to that or our night shift."  He turned and hit the wall, denting it.  "This sucks.  I want to find this person and use them as decoration, like snowflakes all over the city."

"Calm down, Xander.  There's nothing you can do until they find people.  You'll be warning your crew on Monday and be upping the security."  Throttle stared him down.  "Calm down.  Make plans."

"I've already got a plan.  I find this guy and use him to make someone a pretty present so they know not to do it again.  Maybe I'll give Merle his balls so he can laugh at the miniscule things."  He stomped off, going to hit the heavy bag.

"I don't think he's been that mad around me before," Charley said quietly.

"I haven't seen him that mad, even in his memories," Throttle admitted.  He listened to something crash.  "There went a window."

"At least he can and will fix it," Vinnie said as he sat down.  He went back to his breakfast.  "The cops were looking helpless."

"They often do when they can't deal with something immediately," Throttle reminded him.  He kicked him under the table.  "Go make him have some fun."

"Nah, he wants to be alone," Vinnie told him.  "When he's ready to calm down, he'll come back.  Either that or Modo will kick him out soon and he'll come back to dent another wall."  He ate another bite. "His car had many holes."

"I noticed, but at least the police are going to be pulling the bullets," Charley said. "I'm glad the guy who customized it decided to use one of the old steel bodies instead of a fiberglass one."

"I'm glad you moved the gas tank," Vinnie told her. "Otherwise we'd be staring at a fire."

She nodded.  "So he said."

"No, sweetheart, if he didn't have that shielding on, he'd be identified by dental records.  There were a lot of bullets around the gas tank area.  Most of them were around the gas cap."  She shuddered and Throttle dropped his fork.  "He's going to stay pissed for a while."

Throttle nodded and got up, going over to see if he could help.  He found Xander taking vicious blows at the heavy bag and walked over to hold it for him, not saying anything while Xander wore it out.  He hadn't seen many people that angry, but he knew better than to interrupt.  Xander finally stopped, wincing at the soreness of his knuckles.  That's when Throttle pulled him closer to hold him, giving him a gentle nuzzle on the side of the head.  "It's all right.  She's got to be fine or we'll cheer you on," he said quietly.  Xander nodded, relaxing against his chest.  "You good now?"

"No, this bites."

"Yeah, it does," he agreed, giving him a squeeze. "I want her to be okay too."  He gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead.  "Go take a shower.  Then come help m polish my bike.  Okay?"  Xander nodded, going to do that.  Throttle turned and hit the bag, slamming it into a wall.  He hated people like that.  Anyone who would hurt someone else for no reason was a reasonable target in his book.   He decided to help Xander take his shower, going to climb in with him.  Xander liked water, it would only make him feel better.

***

Xander came up from his room almost a month later, his body tight and tense.  He was dressed in clubbing clothes, and had his boots on.  "I'm going out to do something stupid," he announced.  "Do not follow me, you probably won't like it.  I'll be back tomorrow after work."  He walked out before anyone could say anything.

"You gonna let him get away with that since you won't let me?" Vinnie asked Throttle, eating another bite of dinner.

"Yeah, this time," he admitted.  "For now.  This last week was enough to break him.  They found out who planted the bomb at the site and blew up the original one."  Modo shuddered at that.  "One of the security guards was in on it.  Not to mention the death threats to the site and to the crew.  He's had half the crew ask to be reassigned in the last few days."  He put down his fork and took a drink. "I'll give him an hour before I head out after him."

Dawn looked at him.  "He'll be back like he said he would. Getting between him and someone means that you'll probably end up fighting instead.  Probably over something stupid that'll make you wince for years.  I speak from experience.  The one time he blew up at Buffy, the single time he had it with her and let her know about it, he made her cry, made Willow cry, made Giles cry," she said flatly.  "Then he went out to destroy things.  So I'm guessing he's going to come home being very bruised after work, or he's going to head to work after bailing himself out of jail."  They all shuddered at that.  "If you get in the way, he'll explode on you too," she said finally, staying quiet.  "I'm not going anywhere near him until he's calm if that gives you any idea.  He'd never hurt me, but that doesn't mean the other people in his head won't."

Throttle nodded.  "I get it, Dawn.  He still probably shouldn't drive."

"I didn't hear his motor," Modo offered. "I thought I heard a horn up the street."

"Then he took a cab.  Smart man," Dawn said.

"What did he do the last time?" Vinnie asked.

"He went to the old high school, the one he blew up, picked up a piece of pipe from the wreckage, and set about tearing down a few internal walls with it.  When he found a vampire, it was supposedly a nasty fight.  The vampire nearly got him but he ripped his head off.  Spike saw him and ran."  She ate another bite and settled Xander's black sweater closer around her shoulders.  It had shrunk after getting the blood from the bug demon out of it.  "Xander's stronger now," she reminded them.  "At Thanksgiving, he ripped the bug demon's head off with his bare hands."

"How?" Vinnie asked.  "He's not that strong."

"If you twist something long enough after breaking the spine, it comes off," she said blandly. "That's why he came home so sprayed.  Micah told me when I asked."

Throttle nodded.  "He told me when I asked him what had happened."  He finished his dinner. "I still think someone should go with him.  Just in case."

Dawn shook her head. "I'm not that brave.  He wants privacy or he wouldn't have made an announcement.  If he had snuck out, you could justify going looking for him."  She finished her last bite and got up to get some more.  "Anyone want thirds?"  Modo held out his plate so she went to dish him up some food too, bringing it back and handing his over before sitting down again.  "I'm actually hoping for a major demon.  It'd be kinder if he didn't kill someone."  She ate another bite.

"I'm still going after him," Throttle told her. "It's what I'd do for you too."

She shook her head. "If I ever get that angry, I want to be locked in a room while I scream and throw things.  I won't be in my right mind."  She ate another bite.  "Don't let me out around people."

"Sure, kiddo," Vinnie agreed.  "You and me both."  He looked at Throttle. "I'm gonna side with her on this one, bro.  He's in pain but it's not something you can soothe.  He needs to bleed it out.  I'm hoping he finds something to destroy instead of a someone too."

Throttle nodded.  "Me too, but he'll still need a ride to work and he couldn't have been carrying much in that outfit."  He leaned back, looking at his bike.  "Did you put the tracker on him, Modo?"

"Yeah, I slid it under his scalp."  He shook his head.  "I'm not going after him."

"Not an issue," he said, looking at him.  "He's mine, he'll want me.  I can help him wear it out.  Even if he doesn't make it work walking right tomorrow."  They all nodded, deciding he was very brave.

***

Xander looked at the bouncer of their favorite club later that night.  "Hi."

The bouncer looked at him and shook his head.  "Not when you're that angry," he said, blocking the way.  "I can't risk some kid dousing you and you killing them, kid."

Xander snorted. "I'm looking to bleed it out into the music and dancing."

"Nah.  Go get into a few fights first."

Xander ran his fingers through his hair. "I already did."  The bouncer winced. "I promise, unless they swing first, I'm not going there."  He heard an engine and looked back.  "Following me?"

Throttle shook his head.  "Not really.  I was looking for some relief myself."  He looked at the bouncer. "He's calmer."

"He's still too dangerous tonight," the bouncer told him.  "Take him to calm down and then come back, guys.  Both of you," he said, staring down Throttle.

Xander heard a ring and groaned.  "You brought my phone?"

"No, it was in the bag," he admitted, pulling it out to look at it.  "It rang a few minutes ago too.  It's Cleveland."  He looked at him.  "Should I hit ignore?"

Xander shook his head and took it, answering with a growl.  The babbling voice on the other end was grating on his nerves.  "Where are the others?"  He let out another growl. "Caridad, the proper procedure is to call the other girls.  Call Micah, and then call me if the world is going to hell.  Is it?"  He listened to her crying.  "Where are they?"  He slapped himself on the forehead.  "Then call them!"  He turned and put his fist through the wall of the club before leaning against it.  "Fine.  I'll be there in a bit.  Meet me at the airport with a sword and a stake," he said more calmly.  "Yes, those are my orders, Caridad.  I don't give a god fucking damn.  Do it."  He hung up and looked at the club, then at the bouncer.  "Send me the bill to fix it."

"Not the first, kid.  You calmer now?"

"No, but I'm going to go rip a few people a new asshole," he muttered, looking at Throttle.  "I can go there and be back in the morning.  You should get some sleep."

"I can take you to the airport," he offered. Xander shook his head. "It's not a problem."

"No, I'd make you angrier when I started to mumble."  He looked around but there weren't any cabs.  "Shit," he muttered, walking over to look up and down the street again.

"Get on, Xander.  I'm taking you to the airport and we'll go together," Throttle said calmly.  Xander looked at him, then slowly shook his head.  "Yeah.  We're going together.  We don't let each other go into battle without backup.  Never again.  I'm your backup.  So get on the bike.  I'll call Vinnie to tell him."

"You can't leave her at the airport, Throttle, someone will hurt her."

"Then Vinnie can bring one of the girls up to ride her back."  He stroked his bike.  "Which one do you want, babe?  Dawnie or Charley girl?"  The bike beeped immediately, sounding happy. "Dawnie?"  It beeped again.  "Done."  He looked at Xander, shifting some.  "Come on.  We'll head.  Call your boss on the way." Xander groaned but did as he ordered, pushing his phone into his pocket and putting in his earbud.  He took off, calling Vinnie.  "Vincent, get on your bike, meet us at the airport.  Cleveland just called and there's an emergency.  We're flying out together.  Bring Dawn to bring back my bike."  He hung up on the spluttering.

Xander called his boss's house.  "Jackie?  It's Xander.  Look at Megan and tell that I'm going to be really late tomorrow.  Probably by noon. Cleveland just exploded and shit's about to hit the fan when I kick their asses. No, that's it.  I'll be in if I can.  Laters."  He hung up and dialed the other number he had for his boss, his cellphone.  He got him.  "I'm going to be really late tomorrow, probably about noon.  Cleveland's just exploded in hell."  He snorted. "Then fire me, boss.  I've got a higher duty at times and one of the girls called crying because the others aren't doing anything or going after the demon.  It's taking on the house at the moment.  Thanks."  He hung up and rested against Throttle's back.  "Can I kill all the slayers?"

"No.  Where are the others?"

"She called them. They're at dinner celebrating someone's birthday.  She said Buffy didn't even call back.  She tried the restaurant a second time and they're still there, still partying, while this thing takes down houses."  Throttle shuddered.  "Caridad's not bad, but she's injured and on crutches.  She said she was scared to call Micah over this."

"So you get it?"

"Yeah, apparently."  He nuzzled the back of his neck.  "You don't have to come."

"Shut up, Xander.  I'm going with you.  Vinnie and Modo can handle the city overnight.  There's nothing going on anyway."  He took the onramp at high speed, getting onto the interstate.  "How long do you think it'll take?"

"I'm hoping I'll be done by sunrise, which means I can catch a flight back and head to the site."

"We, Xander."

"Fine, we."  He relaxed slightly. "I'm sorry I'm such a pain to you."

"You're not," he promised.  "The selfish brats are.  The people who are threatening your crew is.  The anger they're causing you is one.  Then again, maybe if you slept it'd help."

"I can't sleep.  I keep seeing Janice as they pulled her out of the lake."  Throttle shuddered, Xander had set up the funeral before anyone could even think about it.  It was clear he had some experience.  It was also clear that someone was going to pay for killing her and the cop who had tried to protect her when Xander found them. "I'll be fine."

"I'm sure you will, but you need someone to break.  Either the idiots making threats or the slayers.  Then your crew could get down to work and get that job finished.  Did the cops say anything?"  Xander shook his head. "Nothing?"

"They won't give me any information."

"You need it to protect your people."

"There for a few days they thought I was the one doing it.  Then I got to drive off that armed invasion of the site one afternoon."  He let out a sigh but he felt Throttle tense up.  "Sorry, it was on the news, I thought you knew."

"No, I try not to listen to it, but Charley's going to be explaining why she didn't tell me."  Xander let out a quiet chuckle. "How many of those sort of things have there been?"

"Two letter bombs, a few real ones.  We're about due for another one.  The cops are watching the site heavily."  He shifted as they came off the down ramp and headed into the airport. "You don't have to come."

"Yeah I do.  I want to be there for you."  He leaned back, giving him a gentle pressure hug as he parked in short term parking.  "Okay, girl, you behave for Dawnie. Remember, she's a good rider and to train her better if she does stupid stuff.  Take her right home."  His bike beeped.

"Want us to wait?" Xander asked.  The bike shook her front wheel.  "You're sure, baby?"  A gun popped up.  "Good point.  Don't do that, there's cameras."  She put it back.  "Okay, if you need us, send someone running into the airport."  He gave her a gentle stroke as he got off, letting Throttle lead the way inside.  He stopped him before they went inside, while they were in a shadow.  "I don't want you in the middle of the fight, Throttle.  From what she said, it's not a hard demon to kill.  You can guard, harass, or drive into an area for me, but I don't want you taking it on."

"You sure?"

He nodded.  "Yeah.  This is one of those where you've got to take the head off," he said quietly, glancing around.  "Cheer me on this time.  Help if you want to.  Just don't jump in."  He stole a kiss then walked off, heading for the desk.  He smiled at her.  "I'm going to Cleveland with my mentor.  It's an emergency," he sighed, pulling out his thinner wallet and handing it over.

"Do you need to make arrangements to be picked up as well?" the woman asked gently.

He shook his head.  "It's not a medical one, unfortunately.  It's more a personal one.  Like my sister's husband just beat the shit out of her."  She winced and nodded, getting him two good seats.  "That's my mentor, put him close so I can nap on him."  She smiled and nodded, adjusting their seats.  She ran his card then handed it and the tickets back, letting him go through security.

Throttle fortunately had his Micah-given license on him and that got him through security.  They didn't have long to wait, their flight was in about twenty minutes once they got through.  This time of night there wasn't that much traffic.  They boarded with the few people, and he liked this smaller jet.  It was cozier.  He got the window seat and Xander flopped down next to him, doing up his belt and then helping Throttle with his.  Then he leaned against his arm and closed his eyes. "You rest if you want," he said quietly, patting him on the shoulder.  Xander nodded, relaxing and going into a light doze.  The stewardess gave them a kind smile and got him a blanket, then headed on to check the others.

***

Vinnie tossed down the radio handset.  "Dawn, get your stuff and let's go!" he yelled.  "We're going to pick up Throttle's bike at the airport."  He headed off, going for his bike.  She met him a moment later, pushing her hair up under her helmet.  "You've got a license, right?"  She nodded.  "Since when?"

"Since one of the guards at school told me I had to have one when he asked to see it.  I took Charley and her bike to get it one day after school.  Besides, we'll be fine together.  I'll take the back ways."  He nodded, kicking his bike to life and taking off while she held on.  "What's going on?"

"Throttle said there's an emergency in Cleveland and they called Xander back.  They're both heading."

"Is Buffy dead?"

"Not that he said," he admitted.  "We can check before we head back."  She nodded against his back, hunching down a bit as he sped up.  They couldn't leave his bike there.  There was no telling who would try to touch her, or even worse, steal her.  He made a jump up onto the interstate from the ramp and got a shriek from Dawn, but it didn't sound like she was scared, so he went his normal way.  Around, up, and on top of the traffic at high speed.

"I don't mind you going fast, Vinnie, but if I die, Xander will turn you into mulch after he whips your tail," she called over their helmet radios.  She heard Modo chuckle. "He will!"

"He will," Vinnie agreed, slowing down a bit.  Maybe by five miles an hour.  He was only doing ninety now.  He pulled off into the airport, heading for the parking area.  His bike turned suddenly and he let her, she knew where Throttle's bike was.  He pulled up beside it and Dawn got off, going over to rudely shove the people admiring her out of the way.  "Ready?" he called.

"Yeah, I'm good," she called back, starting the bike and backing out of the parking spot.  "Sorry, guys, but her daddy is very possessive and won't leave her here for anything."  She smiled at them and pulled away, going to pay for the parking time.  The guard looked at her.  "Her daddy called us to pick her up.  He didn't want someone grubby to touch her.  Then he might have to kick asses."  The man gave her a long stare.  "Ask the guy behind me.  He's his bro."  Vinnie released his face shield and smiled, waving at him.

"Fine," he complained.  "Two-fifty."

She paid and they left.  "You're much more powerful than Charley's," she said, giving her a gentle stroke across the gas tank.  The bike shivered.  "Come on, let's head home.  I'm still grounded and I bet Vinnie won't let me stop off for some fun."

"You got that right," Vinnie called over the radio.  "He'd have my tail in that sling of theirs."

"Eww.  I did *not* need the mental image of you joining them for sex, Vinnie."

"That's what that's for?" he asked.  "Why?"

"It's a restraint and cradling device," she said patiently.  "It keeps someone in a certain position comfortably, or allows them to do things at an easier height than bending down.  Plus, you can have them higher, then lower them for actual sex instead of things like blows, fisting, or other kinky stuff.  Tying down is optional."

"Whoa, how do you know this?" he demanded.

"Porn channel."  She sped up, snickering at his yell.  "I'm being good, Vinnie.  Meet you back there."

"Fat chance," he called, speeding up to ride beside her.  "We're both in trouble if you crash."

"The roads are clear," she called back.  She turned into the industrial section, heading for the mostly back streets of Chicago to get them home.  She didn't trust herself in the interstate at night.  Not yet.

***

Micah Simms, the man who was in charge of hiding what Xander, Dawn, and the Cleveland group did, groaned as a special report interrupted his nightly CSI watching.  "What now?" he complained.

"This is News 9 with a report from Cleveland.  There's a...creature attacking City Hall in Cleveland and the police are at a standstill with it.  We have live footage of the tragedy in the making."  The scene on the tv switched.

Micah watched as the demon decided to bash in the roof of Cleveland's city hall and reached for the phone, pausing when he saw someone jump the creature with a sword.  The cops shouted at him but he was still climbing it.  A few shots were fired but then the cops were stopped and Xander went to work on it.  It couldn't be anybody else.  Vinnie was white but he never wore that much clothes, and Xander only wore black anymore.  He picked up the phone, dialing the office.

"I want the complete footage from Cleveland on my desk by the time I get in and I want Throttle in my office as soon after lunch as you can get him there.  I don't care," he said sharply.  "It's on the news!"  He hung up and called the house.  "Jessica," he said impatiently.  "Where is Buffy?"  He listened to the whole story, wincing as Xander ripped into the thing with his bare hands, the sword still stuck in it.  Bits and pieces went flying and finally one large chunk came out.  He shuddered as it started to smoke.  "Jessica, when you finally get the spoiled brats in, tell Buffy I want a call at home as soon as she steps through the door.  If she tries to blow it off, tell her I'm arresting her tomorrow morning if she doesn't."  He hung up, picking up another handful of popcorn to eat while he watched Xander rip the creature apart.  "I wonder what's gotten into him."  He called the office again.  "Find out why Xander's in a rage while you're at it."  He hung up again.  This was almost better than CSI.  Even though it didn't have much of a plot.

***

Xander slid down the pile of goo, wiping himself off.  He looked at one of the cops through his helmet.  "Light it on fire.  It'll burn hotly then disappear.  It shouldn't hurt the building."  The cops raised their guns so he sighed and walked over, frisking one before she could stop him, finding a lighter.  He went back and lit a piece of demon on fire, then tossed it at the whole.  It went up in a pretty 'whoosh' and then arced up before sizzling and starting to turn to ash.  He tossed the lighter back.  "Situation handled."  He walked off, heading back to their rental car.  He wouldn't have to clean the seats so he didn't care what he got on them.  One of the cops tried to stop him so he flipped them over his shoulder, staring down at him.  "That was dumb."  He moved around him.  "I came to deal with that thing, not you guys.  That's what I do for a living.  If you want more information, there's a guy named Bob in town who can help you.  Find him, he'll feed you everything you need to know."

"You know about the thing in the park," the cop gasped.  Xander nodded.  "How?"

"I'm from a place that had one."

The cop stood up and moved closer.  "You came with the Summers woman."

"Unfortunately.  Then I moved," he said dryly.  "Why?"

"The park has bodies and we don't know why.  Can you look at it, sir?"

Xander looked at Throttle, who shrugged.  "Fine," he decided.  "It won't take long.  Keep the news crews out of it and see if you can't get the tape.  Say it was a movie stunt gone wrong or something."  He got into the car to drive, heading for the park he knew very well. He was the one who had stumbled over the actual hellmouth when they had first gotten here.  "Sorry about that."

"Not an issue," Throttle said quietly, watching him.  Xander had been a lot more than he had thought.  "Want to spar when we get home?"

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't."  Xander snorted.  "I don't think you'd do it on purpose."

"Yeah, but I couldn't live with myself I actually hurt you."

"You're not that skilled."

Xander glanced at him while they were stopped at a red light.  "You have no idea, Throttle.  I'm a bit more skilled than I usually show. I don't like hurting people and things, especially not you guys.  Ask Modo, he saw me going a few days back.  Or at least I think it was him.  It was his bike that called out a greeting."  He turned on the radio, heading out once the light was green.  "I'm sorry about going primal back there."

"It was necessary," he assured him, reaching over to pat him on the thigh.  "I had no idea how you were going to kill it."

"The old fashioned way.  Fortunately I kept myself from ripping it with my teeth."  He parked by the park, taking off his helmet and shaking out his hair, heading for the hellmouth's opening.  He found it open and something on the ground, crawling around trying to eat a dog that was barking.  It looked like it had hundreds of legs off what appeared to be a giant ant's main body.  "Off!" he shouted.  The dog yelped and ran away.  Xander looked at the creature.  "Honey, I need the sword."  He went back to get it, it had fallen out with a chunk of the former demon.  He shook the piece off and brought it back, handing it over hilt first.  Xander looked at the creature, gauging it.  Then he snorted and dove in, dodging a nasty looking clawed tip of a bug-like leg.  He danced with the thing, getting it in little cuts.

Throttle looked back at the sound of another car pulling up, watching as Buffy and Giles got out with a few more slayers.  The girls and Giles stared in awe as Xander fought with the creature.  He was deadly and moving very quickly.  Throttle watched him some more.  He was using his tail naturally too.  It was time to teach him Mouse fighting styles then.  Xander swung and knocked a pointy claw off, but two more came for him and he had to duck, rolling on the ground to get underneath it.  He stopped and stabbed up, then moved before the thing reached for him.  It pulled out the sword and sprayed nasty stuff on the ground.   It tossed the sword and Xander waved it on with a mean and cruel smirk.  The thing walked over to fight him again and Xander took it on with his bare hands this time, his teeth bared, his body flowing as it ducked and wove, and ripped pieces off.

He finally got the head again and grabbed it around the neck, picking it up and throwing it at the watching slayers and Watcher.  "Why is it that *I* had to save *your* city earlier?" he demanded, stomping over there while the younger girls got the creature.  He glared at Buffy then at Giles.  "Caridad called me.  You wouldn't answer the summons to deal with the creature at City Hall.  You didn't deal with this one.  You also didn't deal with the one that broke into the house to kill her.  Fortunately we got there in time too," he said coldly.  Buffy started to open her mouth.  "Don't you dare!" he shouted, taking a swing at her.  "You're fucking up again, Buffy!  This isn't my job anymore. I deal with Chicago's problem's, not Cleveland's.  You've got twelve slayers left plus you.  If you can't figure out how to put one who's not injured on patrol each night, then maybe you should step down."

"I had it, Xander!"

"Sure, of course you did!" he sneered back, moving closer.  "Then why didn't *you*, the *slayer*, take care of the demon at city hall?"  She glared at him.  "Why did I, who isn't a slayer, take the demon, which would have been much easier to kill a few weeks back before it started to grow, and kill it with my bare fucking hands?"

"Xander, that's enough," Giles ordered.

"Oh, shut up!" he shouted back.  "You let her get this lazy!  You let the others get this lazy!  You let them go out clubbing and ignoring their duties.  You didn't let Buffy get away with it when it was just her!  You nearly toasted her hide when she wanted to start dating like a normal person!"  Giles flinched at that.  "You'd better be dam lucky Caridad is still alive, Giles.  Why didn't you answer the summons from the restaurant?"

"I wasn't there," he said stiffly.

"So, you were somewhere else the girls couldn't get hold of you.  Interesting.  And you, Buffy?  Why didn't you answer it?"

"Caridad's a slayer," she defended.

"She's injured!" Xander shouted back, making her flinch.  "She couldn't walk before, now they're trying to pierce back togther her intestines and chest cavity!"  She turned and got sick. "Good!  If you actually *care* she's at the university."  He glared at Giles.  "Figure out the chain of command.  Unless the world is going to hell, I'm supposed to be last on the list.  Now, I'm heading back to my part of hell, where my crew is getting death threats.  Where I've gotten some death threats from normal people.  You stay here and clean up the mess, Buffy.  The hellmouth's still open.  Have fun with that."  He stomped past her, getting into the car.  He started it since Throttle was already in there.  "Sorry you had to witness that," he said tightly, backing out and heading off.  "I should change.  I'm rather noticeable and the cops won't ignore that."

"They might."

"Yeah, but no airline or airport cop would let me in there dripping with crud like this."  He found a store and got out, heading inside to pick up an outfit, coming out in it with his other clothes in a bag.  He climbed into the passenger's seat, tossing the other bag in the back.  "Sorry about that."  Throttle had apparently decided he should drive so he must be scaring him or something.

"Not an issue," he promised, giving him a gentle kiss.  "You were damn good.  I never knew you knew how to use a sword."

"I learned in self defense," he said bitterly.  "Can we go home now?"

He nodded, starting the car and taking them back to the airport.  "Are we bringing those home?"

"Yeah," Xander decided. "I like that outfit.  I'll ship it from the airport to the garage.  That way we'll get it tomorrow and I can soak the blood out."  He glanced behind them.  "There's a car back there."  He flipped it off and it turned.  "Good."  He faced forward.  "So, did you expect such an exciting night and can we go clubbing when we get back?"

"I'd rather you came home and crashed," Throttle said quietly.

"I'm still too wound up," he admitted, getting comfortable.  "Why do I have friends like them?"

"Just lucky since you met us because of them," he joked back.

"Yeah, I can't deny you're one of the best things in my life," he agreed gently, stroking his arm.  "I'd ask if we could overnight, but the cops would probably ask us to leave the city if they saw us."

"Then let's drive back to the next airport and leave from there."

"Sure.  Akron is closest I think."  He closed his eyes.  "Maybe I'll nap on the drive. It's about an hour.  Need help?"

"No, this heap has one of those programable maps," he admitted, programming that in.  "Ac?"

"Ak."

"Oh.  Funny names," he complained, typing that in.  The map popped up.  It wasn't that difficult.  Almost all interstate.  He got on at the next ramp and headed the way the computer said.  Xander was dozing but he wasn't really sleeping.  He would have offered him one of his allergy pills but he didn't want to disturb what little rest he was getting.  He saw a cop car behind him so he checked, he was going the speed limit, just four miles over it.  He wasn't the one he wanted.  Sure enough, the cop's lights went on and he chased after the person who had just passed them.  He saw the cop's look at him and his double-take, but ignored it.  A lot of people stared at them.   They were handsome mice, it made sense.

***

Xander paid the cab driver, getting out at the site.  "Hey, Paul.  What's up?" he asked the guard.  He showed his pass, getting a nod and a check on the list.  "This is Throttle.  Give him a guest pass.  He's helping me in the office today."

"I'm sure Merle will love that," he said with a grin, handing over the requested pass, making a note of who it was for.  "Go ahead.  He's pacing."

Xander took off running, pouncing Merle as soon as he flew through the door.  "You're better!"

"Xander," he sighed, hugging him.  "You're okay."  He pushed the boy back to look at him.  "You look like hell," he said, frowning at Throttle since he was walking in. "What happened?"

"Various bombs and other problems," Throttle reminded him.  He closed the door.  "It's good to see you, Merle.  Are you back?"

"Yeah, finally."  He looked at Xander.  "The boss was not happy this morning when he called me."

"Yeah, well, I got called back to Cleveland and he didn't appreciate that either," he said grimly.  "Not that I blame him, but he knows I still do that stuff."

"I know, Xander.  Calm down.  Meg showed up this morning with a copy of the tape of you fighting.  The boss said you need a vacation."  The boy's tail started to twitch, but it didn't look happy.  Throttle took a sniff too.  "What?  Bad donuts on the truck?"

"Evacuate," Xander said calmly.  He opened the door.  "Sound the alarm and haul ass, people!" he yelled.  Everyone ran from the site and Throttle made sure Merle got out.  Xander did a check and found the bomb, then called the cops as he backed off.  He made it outside before it went off, but he still got hit with debris.  The only thing he knew was the pain in the top of his head that smashed his antennas.

Merle held Throttle back.  "Let it settle," he ordered.  Throttle glared at him.  "He's breathing.  He'll live, but let the dust clear or you could get hurt worse."  Throttle counted to ten then went in.  Merle waved at the cops as they came roaring up.  "There was a bomb, we evacuated, but our interior chief got hit.  He'll be fine," he said when one called a paramedic.  "Let his boyfriend take him home.  Just knocked out."

"It could be serious," the cop complained.

"Not with this kid.  Xander's fine."  Throttle came out carrying him and another body grasped to his tail.  "What are you doing here!"  The little boy looked up and sniffled, then burst out crying.  He picked up the baby, holding him, but one of the guys took him to calm him down.  "Yours, Preston?"  He shook his head.  "Whose kid?  You knew better, this is a dangerous site."  One guy raised his hand slowly.  "Normally I wouldn't mind, but not on this one.  The boss told you to take extra precautions."

"I had him in the car, boss, I promise," he pleaded.  "Please don't fire me."  He took his son to hold.  "I'm so mad that you got out of the car."

"You told me to," he whimpered.

One of the cops came over to grab the boy and walk him off, the father following until someone stopped him.

Xander moaned and Throttle put him down on the ground.  "Ow," he moaned, reaching for his head.

"Shh, I've got you," he promised.  "I'm calling Enamel as soon as we get you home, Xander."  Xander looked up and nodded, tears running down his face. "Shh, it'll be okay."  He looked up at Merle.  "He's not going to be fit for a few days.  You can tell the boss I said that and to nibble my tail if he doesn't like it."

"I don't care what he thinks.  Bring him back in a week, Throttle.  Starting today.  The kid's been amazing so far.  He's a fricken saint and I want him back in a week, no matter what."  Throttle nodded and got up, going to use his helmet.  They weren't that far from the garage and Modo roared up a few minutes later, with Vinnie right behind him.  Modo took Xander and Throttle got on behind Vinnie, taking off with him.   Merle looked at his silent crew.  "I don't care who did it," he said quietly, "but I won't have that boy hurt.  If it wasn't for him, you'd be dead.  He smelled the bomb first."  They all mumbled.  "I don't care if this is because he's furry or not, or whatever reason it happens.  It stops now, people, or else I'm going to hand you to our upper boss, and he'll kill you with great pleasure."

"They're infecting us!" one of the guys said bitterly.

Merle snorted.  "Really?  Have you seen Charley with ears and a tail?  She's sleeping with Vinnie and she's not changing."  He looked at the crew.  "For those of you who don't know, Xander grew up in Sunnydale.  He was her Knight.  He still is, that's where he was last night and why he was late today."  Those who didn't know and understood winced.  "I'd say that the fur and changing comes from that sort of source.  Since you guys are giving him bald patches, I'm going to draw the line here.  This site gets finished on time or else I'm going to start firing people."  They gasped.  "Tough, people!  Blame the people who are doing the stupid shit!  Xander had you within a day of the deadline.  Well, now you're going to work your asses off to make sure of it."

"Overtime is allowed?" Brad asked.  Merle nodded.  "Then I volunteer to come back tonight."

"You probably can't get on until tomorrow," Merle told him.  "All of you give statements to the cops then go home.  Be back in the morning at seven.  Tell the rest of them who called off that things are now different and to be back here or forfeit their jobs.  I'm sure Throttle and them would *love* to spoil Xander by pitching in. You have orders, go to it."

Brad smiled at him. "Xander rips us a new one better," he said gently.  "We still want him back though."

"I'll tell the boss that so he won't try to move him to a higher level project."  He clapped the boy on the back.  "I'm sorry about your brother, kid, but I want you to stay.  You're a good worker.  You'll make Xander's job some day soon."  Brad beamed and went to check out with the police.  Most of the rest did the same.  Merle got down on his knees and looked up. "Thank you for sending me Xander, Lord.  He's a special one and I want to keep him around.  Help that boy, please.  Thank you for letting him sniff that bomb."  He got up and went to talk to the cops once his crew was gone.  "They told you Xander sounded the alarm?"  They nodded.  "He's good at that."

"The kid said he was told to plant it when he saw the boy," one of the cops told him.   "Something like anti-immigrant views only worse."  Merle nodded.  "Is he okay really?"

"Xander will be fine.  He's got a doctor down here who understands all of it."  He looked at the site, then shook his head.  "This will be open on time or as near as we can make it," he promised, heading back to check out the office.  He called the main boss.  "It's me.  Xander came back and looked like hell.  He sniffed the bomb one of the guys had his kid plant once Xander showed up.  Something hit him on the head so I had Throttle take him home.  I gave him a week off with pay.  The kid looked like hell and he had us nearly on schedule, even with all the troubles and without a full crew.  I need moved up in priority."  He listened. "No, I'm opening this site on time or else I'm going to start docking pay and firing people.  I'm authorizing overtime and I want a full crew here in the morning.  No, it just exploded.  That's how he got hit on the head and his antennas."  He heard the wince.  "Also, I saw the tape Meg showed you. Xander's crew wants to keep him, I want him back.  He's my second.  Thanks, boss.  I'll see you tonight."  He hung up and went back to deal with the issues with the cops.  The bomb squad and the CSU people were already breaking out their gear.  "It was on the first floor, near the center of where the kitchen should be."  They nodded, heading that way.  They knew the layout apparently.

He'd miss Xander for his week off, but the boy had run himself down handling all this and the emergency situations too.  He deserved it.

***

Enamel knocked on the door and let Modo lead him inside.  "Thank you.  This is a very nice place you have here."

"Xander designed it around the building that used to be here," Modo admitted, leading him to Xander and Throttle's room.  "He got hit with a flying stone on the head, smashing his antennas."  Enamel hissed.  "He was conscious but Throttle knocked him out to save him some pain."  He tapped on the door then opened it.  "Here he is."

"How is my favorite patient?" Enamel asked as he walked in, walking over the laundry on the floor.  "Have a fit?"  Throttle nodded.  "Understandable.  I've been watching the news on the site.  I'm amazed he only collapsed once."  He bent down to look at the boy's antennas.  "They're only swollen.  Does he react to ice therapy?"

"I had a cold pack on there but it made him moan," Throttle offered.  He sat on the foot of the bed, watching him.  "When did he collapse?"

"About two weeks ago.  It was simple exhaustion and I gave him one of his allergy pills by force, then tucked him onto the office's couch. I also bought him lunch and left it where he would see it and eat it, then told his stand-in to make sure he rested as long as possible and ate everything I had left."  He glanced at Throttle.  "He's a stubborn guy, Throttle.  Vinnie was one of the most stubborn, conniving, persuasive patients I ever took care of, but this one beats him in some of those areas.  We had to sneak attack Vinnie to give him his shots, I'm imagining that someone had to strap this kid down for his or sedate him."  Throttle nodded.  "They did?"

"He kicked the doctor a few times too.  Knocked the needle away, stepped on it so it couldn't be used on him. They usually had his mother hold him on her lap with a nurse holding his feet and another one holding the arm they were using, or his hips if it went into a cheek."  Enamel shuddered.  Throttle smirked.  "So, that's where he's been all those nights he came home late?"

"Did you think he was cheating?"

"No. I know he wasn't cheating.  I figured he was doing paperwork, not actually building the place by himself."

"From what his stand-in said, either he was going in at night for a few extra hours or they had fairies who came in to do some of it for them."

"Sounds like my bro," Vinnie said from the doorway.  "He okay?"

"He'll be fine once the swelling goes down," Enamel promised, standing up.  "I'd say give him some tylenol but it'll upset his stomach again. Do you have a bathtub?"  Both mice nodded.  "Good, plant his butt in it.  Put on some music he likes, put in some gentle smelling stuff, put food next to him along with a lot of stuff to drink that's not soda, then work on his muscles once they're softer from the heat and the relaxation."

"No soda?"

"He needs fluids that'll rehydrate.  Caffeine is a diuretic."  Enamel looked at Throttle.  "If you have a chance, spoil him by doing things that make him nap."

"Backrubs do that," Throttle admitted.  "I've done a lot of those recently."

"Good.  Then you kept him from dying from the stress.  Get him calm, keep him calm, make him do fun things that aren't strenuous.  No bar brawls, no fighting of any kind unless it's an emergency, then try to keep him from the point position.  No wild nights of dancing for at least a week."

"I like dancing," Xander complained.

Enamel looked at him.  "Which is good and speaks well of your abilities in bed, Xander, but I want and need you to rest for the next few days.  Lots of juice and milk.  A lot of sleeping and eating.  Nothing too strenuous.  Not that I think your head will let you today, but I want you to be in the bathtub today.  Go lounge like a girl with a bunch of food and some juice.  Let Throttle spoil you with a really good backrub, then take a long nap.  Your antennas should quit hurting by tomorrow morning."

"Sex?" Vinnie asked.

Enamel looked at him. "I didn't know you were a trio."

Vinnie shivered.  "No, not in the least," he said quickly.  "Just asking the stuff Throttle won't."

"If a *gentle* orgasm helps him, then he can have a *gentle* orgasm," he said, looking at Throttle to make sure he understood.  He nodded.  He looked at the mass of leather on the dresser, then at him and shook his head. "Not for a week."  Throttle blushed at that.  "Any other questions?"  Xander raised a hand.  "Yes, dear?"

"Don't call me dear, I'll kick your butt," Xander said tiredly.  "Calcium.  I should be loading up, right?"  Enamel nodded, brushing the back of one ear.  "Can you make Vinnie go buy me cheese then?"

"Go buy him cheese," Enamel told him firmly.  "He needs it.  He's going to end up with weak bones without it."  Vinnie grumbled.  "No one said you had to eat it, Vincent."

"You're not my parent."

"Kid, I saw more of your tail when you were younger than your mother did," he said dryly, smirking at the boy.  "Especially when you refused to let her change you."

"I'll make out a list," Throttle said, giving Vinnie an easy exit.  "Don't pick on him too much, that's Xander's fun," he said dryly.

"I found out long ago that that story, the one where he had chapped tail so bad you could almost see muscles, and the story about him and the pig and cow were suitable to make him stop any misbehavior in the office," he told him dryly.   He smirked.  "Later we added on the one where he tried to fly off the house, the one where he pierced his sheathe when he was eight, and the one where he claims he found an elven mouse."

"A mouse with pointy ears and long hair?" Xander asked.

Throttle sat up straight.  "No way.  They're myths."

Enamel shrugged.  "He claims he saw one coming from the underground river area.  Why he was over six hundred klicks from home, I'm not sure.  No one ever figured that one out.  He claims he saw one though."  He looked at Xander.  "Name whatever you want for lunch.  They're in the mood to spoil you, kid.  Think about what I mentioned last time."  He put everything he had pulled out back into his pockets.  "If you need me, call, Throttle.  He's a good boy most of the time."  He walked out, heading out the back door.  He turned, finding a cat staring at him.  "Not a chance.  I'm furry enough, beast."  It walked over and hopped up onto his bike, making it shiver.  "Off!  Modo!  Vinnie!"

Vinnie stuck his head out of the building.  "Joyce, he's not the nicest guy.  Let one of the others adopt him."  The cat meowed.  "No, dear, he's fine.  Come see."  She trotted back into the house, going to check on her second favorite human.

"That's not normal," Enamel stated.

Vinnie smirked.  "What a shock, Xander's cats?"  He checked then slammed the door, narrowly missing a tail of a new kitten.  "Hey, Hotdog."  He walked his cat back up the stairs so they could look at the fish until he could run out for that food, and if he had to cheese.

Downstairs, Xander was petting Joyce while Throttle cuddled him.  "I'm sorry I had to yell at Buffy, but she was being a stupid and bitchy slayer again and ignoring her duty.  She left one of the girls severely injured and alone and refused to take care of a menace."  She let him scratch her head.  "I'm sorry if you're mad at me."  She walked up his chest to bathe his nose.  "Thanks, mom."  He stroked her back and yawned.  "Maybe I'll go back to sleep."

"You should.  You fought like hell last night, Xander, and you were wonderful.  Almost demonic in your anger."  Throttle stroked his arm.  "Let's not get to this point again, okay?  Tell me and I'll help."  Xander looked at him and nodded.  "Thanks."  He gave him a kiss. "You sure you don't want the bath now?  When Dawn's not here to interrupt?"

"Nah.  I'm fine."  He snuggled in, letting Joyce curl up beside his head while he curled up on Throttle's stomach.  "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Coming with me."

"Not an issue.  That's what I'm supposed to do."  He patted him on the back, glaring at the phone when it rang.  He used his tail to grab it and bring it over.  "What?" he answered. He listened to the voice on the other end.  "No, he's fine.  Send her home if she got into a fight.  We'll deal with her then.  Was it a reasonable one?"  He considered it.  "Well, fighting for the virtue of a boy isn't as bad as fighting over a boy."

"Was she protecting him?" Xander asked.

"Xander wanted to know if she was protecting him.  No, he's got a migraine.  His doctor said to stay in bed or in a hot bath.  Sure."  He looked down at him.  "Someone tried to jump Phil and he was struggling so Dawn pulled the other girl off and kicked her tail."

"Good for her," Xander said firmly.  "That's protecting and I like protecting.  Tell her she can have Saturday back as long as she doesn't make my head hurt between now and then."

Throttle put the phone back against his ear.  "Xander said that was a protective move so it's good with him.  Yeah, well, we'd rather have her protecting those who needed it instead of standing by and letting them be hurt.  It's the sort of girl her mother would have wanted her to be."  Joyce meowed and licked his fingers when he scratched her chin.  "No, you have every right to suspend her for the day and tomorrow. We understand, the rules are the rules and she'll have to live with them.  We'll be talking when she gets home about making sure it's only in the duty to protect others.  She did what?"  He listened to the other problem.  "Huh.  Put her on."  He waited.  "Dawn," he said patiently.  "Why were you defending some girl from her girlfriend?"  He listened to her babble about the fight and how the other girl had been beating her girlfriend, even though it had been one of those cases where the girl had cheated.  "Fine, we'll be talking when you get home. That one was iffy.  Because if we don't, you'll turn into Vinnie.  Now get your tail home, be careful not to wake up Xander because he's got a migraine, and he's going to be in the bathtub all night."

He smirked.  "Good.  He said so.  We'll discuss it later.  We've got to talk anyway, baby girl.  Sure.  No, we had to go to Cleveland last night.  No, she's fine.  She was having a party with most of the girls."  He smirked at her sudden outburst of swearing. "Yeah, that's about what he did when they finally showed up two demons later.  Thanks."  He smirked  when he heard the headmistress take back the phone.  "Unfortunately we had to deal with her sister last night," he said patiently.  "She's enough to make Modo swear and his momma not wash his mouth out with soap.  Yeah, that's her only sister.  No, having a party.  Xander had to go slay for her last night."  He smirked.  "So, yeah, we don't mind Dawn getting into protective fights.  She drove, or I'm assuming she did, so send her home.  We'll make sure she knows the rules."  He nodded, smirking.  "Thanks, ma'am.  You have a nice day."  He hung up and looked at Joyce.  "Your daughter is one strong girl.  She protected her man from a poaching girl who he couldn't get free from and a girl whose girlfriend decided she was sleeping around on her."  Joyce gave him a look.  "She protected."

Joyce meowed and walked over to headbutt him in the chest.  Then she walked off to wait in Dawn's room. They'd be having a discussion of their own soon.  Just as soon as she caught a nap in the sunny spot on her bed.

***

Charley looked up as Throttle walked into the garage.  "How's Xander?"

"Fine.  He just needs a soak.  Can we borrow your bathroom?  Vinnie's getting sick.  He saw Xander eating cheese and crackers."  Charley grinned at that.  "Charley girl, if you don't mind me asking, are you feeling all right?  You've been not eating a lot yourself."

"It's a new medicine," she promised, patting him on the arm.  "Sometimes starting on birth control pills do that to you."

He nodded.  "Okay, then I'll leave it there. I just wanted to make sure you weren't sick.  If you were, I'd let Vinnie come fuss."

"Please don't," she moaned, shaking her head. "He'd be rotten and then Xander would have to help.  I'd never get anything done."  Throttle smirked at that and nodded.  "Go ahead and use my bathtub.  I'll repossess it later tonight."  He nodded, going to get Xander and bring him over.  She smiled when she saw the boy being carried, but went back to work.  She had to pay the water bill somehow.

Upstairs, Throttle was running the water while the sleeping Xander was in his lap.  Once it was filled enough he undressed his boy and put him into the bath, then went to get his tray of treats and juice.  He found him a few books too and came back in time to turn off the water before it overflowed.  He set the tray down next to the tub and sat down to read until Xander woke up.  "If the tub was a bit bigger, I'd get in there with you, but you're supposed to be resting."  He stroked the soft fur, smiling when he saw some shedding.  If he was having stress shedding, he was definitely going to be spoiling him rotten until he relaxed. "Maybe a new outfit," he decided, stroking the soft fur.  Xander moaned and shifted, then opened his eyes when he felt the water move around him.  "Morning."

"Bath time?"  Throttle nodded.  "In Charley's tub?"

"Yeah, Vinnie got sick when he saw you eating cheese."  He held up the juice with the straw, letting him drink.  "I found you a few books when you get tired of lounging."

"Thanks, Throttle.  I'm not used to lounging."

"Everyone should lounge now and then.  Mars used to have a lot of thermal springs.  We've got a heavy water underground river and it's nice and warm.  In places it comes really close to the surface so we use them to soak and take healing baths in."  He held up the juice but Xander shook his head.  "On any given day you could find nearly every older woman on Mars in them and on any holiday the rest of us."  Xander smiled at that.  "Booksellers used to set up shop near the springs.  They offered pool-side menus and delivery for the most part."

"Were they single sex pools?"

"Some.  Some were family pools.  Some were for lovers."  He stroked Xander again.  "I only got to go to one of those once and that was well before Carbine and I hooked up.   Vinnie dared me and drug me with him.  He used to love those springs.  While we were training, there was a spring not too far away.  Any night he didn't have duties or punishment, he was there.  If you ever wanted to find Vinnie and he had more than a free hour, he'd be there.  The operators used to even let him sleep in there sometimes."  Someone tapped on the door.  "Hey, Vinnie."

"Telling him about the pools?"  He came in and sat down on the floor, handing over the treat he had found.  "Hot pepper before you ask."

"Not today," Throttle sighed.

"No, it's sweet," Xander assured him. "Thank you, Vinnie.  Were they really nice pools?"

"They were," he agreed, smiling at him.  "Make him eat a few too."

"Every time I do, I don't get sex," Xander teased, putting them carefully down onto the tray so he could eat one, smiling at the heat that invaded his mouth.  He sipped his juice and got comfortable again.  "Can you show me? I know we've got some but I don't know where any are around here."

Vinnie hesitated.  "With your antennas hurting it might give you a worse headache."

"It might make 'em feel better," Xander offered. "I can't imagine a worse headache unless someone's doing brain surgery."

"Sure."  He braced himself as he got to his knees, leaning forward.  He felt Xander lower his shields and smiled at how thick they were, even though he was in pain.  They touched antenna gently and Xander flinched a bit, so he tried to pull back.  He found himself stuck, reliving the last time he had been to the pools.  He carefully steered the memory back, hoping Throttle realized what was going on.  No wonder Throttle liked sharing memories with him.  Xander was a like a warm blanket rolling across his brain.  It was as close to mental sex as he had ever really gotten. Not that either of them was trying for it, but it just felt that good and soothing.  He let Xander see how he discovered them by sneaking into the forbidden deeper caves and what he found there, and then moved forward a few times, focusing only on the pools.  Otherwise Xander would be a bit too intimate with him.

Throttle watched them for a moment, then sighed.  "Xander sucked him in."  He moved the tray, then separated them, putting himself between them.  He saw Dawn riding his bike, something he had wondered about, and heard her telling him what they were doing with their swing.  He shivered and backed Vinnie out of his head, then carefully shut Xander out, finally snapping their bond so the boy could rebuild his shields.  "Whoa," he said, rubbing his forehead.  "I think we all need a soak."

Vinnie already had his head in his hand, shaking it a bit.  "No, I don't think even the best pool would do this time," he said plainly.  "What was that?"

"Xander is open to others possessing him," Throttle said gently.  "It was unintentional."

"I didn't figure he did it on purpose," he said, looking up at Throttle, his eyes watering.  "It was like the most comforting, warm, touching mental sex you've ever heard about."  He clamped a hand on his mouth, looking scared.  "I'm not poaching," he said instantly.

"I know, Vinnie.  I feel the same way," Throttle assured him, giving him a light pinch.  "He'd never cheat and you won't poach."  He stroked Xander's forehead, feeling him asleep now.  He looked at Vinnie again.  "Relax it happens.  He did it to me the first time I went into his mind."  He gave him a pat on the arm.  "Go link minds with Charley girl to ease that ache.  She'll make it better."

"Yeah, maybe," Vinnie admitted, standing up with help from the sink.  "He's not sleeping."

"He is."

"He's not.  He's suppressing himself."  He moved the tray further away and went back in to help Throttle find his boy. He wouldn't let Xander hide from this one.  They found him curled up in a ball, holding his head and slowly and carefully drew him back to the surface, getting a nudge out of his mind from an outside source.   Vinnie came to and looked up, seeing two familiar people.  "Hey, doc, Stoker."

"Morning, punk.  Problems?"

"I was showing Xander the old pools and got stuck.  He slingshot back into his head.  Get Throttle.  He's got a strong mind."  He winced as Stoker helped him to his feet and walked him out to the couch, where Dawn was making a bed.  "Thanks, Dawnie. Love you too."  He kicked off his boots and laid down, letting her cover him up and kiss him on the ear.  "You're a good mommy mouse."

"Thanks, I think."  He smiled so she went to help with Throttle.  He was resting against the wall.  "Hey, big man.  Let's get you to a softer sleeping spot."

"Not until Xander's okay."

"He's fine," Stoker promised.  "It was an accident."  Throttle looked at him.  "Did he do it on purpose?"

"No, but his mind got caught in Vinnie's.  I separated them like we were taught," he said, rubbing his forehead, then taking off his specs to rub the bridge of his nose before putting them back on.  "Vinnie noticed he hadn't come back up."

"He's up now," Enamel said patiently.  "By the way, it's now the next day."  Throttle winced.  "So go rest."

"I feel rested and fine."

"Don't disobey the doctor, even though he does dress like a mafia enforcer or some tough guy like that."  She helped him up and out to Charley's bed, tucking him in there.  Stoker had said to separate those two farther apart so Xander would have to build his shields against him.  She came back and plopped down beside Xander, stroking his forehead. "Xander?" she called softly.  "Come out and play with me, Xander.  I'm surrounded by boys who won't play."  He moaned and one arm went around her, making her grin.  "Come on, you can do it, Xander.  We love you.  Come on, you can embarrass Vinnie now."  Xander blinked at her.  "Morning, baby mouse.  They got stuck in your head all night."  She stroked his forehead.  "Are you okay?"  Xander shook his head.  "You should be."

"I'll be fine. Just need some sleep."

"That's fine, but you've got to come out of the water and go back to bed," Dawn told him.  "Can you sit up?"  He nodded, trying to, but not managing it.  The two bigger men hauled him up and she dried him off, putting him in a robe. "There you go. Come on, you can come back and lounge on my bed for a bit," she promised, steadying him as he stumbled out to the door.  It was only a few feet and they had cleaned the snow off the pathway earlier.  Xander still shivered so she hurried him inside and under her warm comforters.   She sat beside him, stroking his forehead until he made her stop.  "Fine."  She laid down beside him, giving him the cuddle he'd need.  "What did you see?"

"They have heavy water pools on Mars," he said quietly.  "Vinnie was showing them to me."  Enamel walked in.  "How do I stop that?"

"If I had an idea what happened, I might be able to tell you that."

"He's a medium.  People like to possess him."

"I'm not sure we're on the same wavelength, Dawn.  Possess, like Throttle does?"  Like he would like to?  Everybody should have a Xander of their own, or steal one if they had the opportunity.  The only thing stopping him was Throttle.  And possibly Vinnie.

"No, like climbing into his body and using it for their own purpose after they've lost theirs."   He looked stunned.  "Xander's always been like that."  Xander slowly nodded.  "He's got shields and stuff."

"Which is good, but he's got to lower them all to let them in," he said thoughtfully.  "Do you have any references so we can compare that and Martian techniques?"  She nodded, leading him up to the library to get him the books on possession.  He sat down with the tomes, flipping through the indexes first.  "Go back to him.  Stoker's not liking this either."

She nodded, going back to sit with Xander.

Stoker was with the others, checking on them.  "What happened, Vincent?"

"Don't call me that," he whined.  Stoker swatted him gently.  "He's got a really strong mind, like the priestess who used to work with us," he told him.  He shrugged. "Basically it was the same as the time she did it to me.  Throttle broke us free and then I felt him not coming back.  We went in to find him."

"That was dangerous!" he said hotly.

"Maybe, but he'd had his antennas smashed earlier that morning," Vinnie complained.  "Quit yelling."

Throttle came out, leaning on the walls.  "He's right, Stoker.  It wasn't intentional and he does feel like Baxter."

"I'm sure she'll be thrilled in whatever version of the afterlife she believed in, but that's still dangerous.  One of these days, one of you is going to get caught in there for good."

"If we do, we'll die happy," Vinnie assured him.  "It's nice, like a comfortable blanket snuggling up in front of the fire on a cool night."

"I could've sworn you were dating Charley."

"I am, her mind feels like that to me too.  Fortunately people don't want to possess her."  He sat up.  "We're fine.  We did what we were supposed to, we just got stuck.  Modo would have gotten us out."

"Who do you think called us?" Stoker said dryly. He looked around.  "Where's the hack?"

Throttle picked up the phone, then hung it up when he heard talking, going over to the stairs.  "Dawn?"  No answer. He sighed and started to slowly walk down them.

"Whoa!" Stoker shouted, going to stop him and put him back in bed.  "You, sleep.  Xander needs to spend a few minutes away from you to build his shields against you."

"Why?  He hasn't had those since Throttle claimed him," Vinnie said dryly, smirking at his friend as he came back out.  He moved his feet so he could sit down  "You didn't realize it but when he was in danger, you're very tense.  You didn't even respond to Modo taunting you.  Your ears were taut and your tail was swishing around like it wanted to become a propeller."

Throttle shrugged. "He's worth it."  He looked at Stoker.  "He'll be fine."

Enamel walked up the stairs with a book, handing it to Stoker.  "This is what Xander is.  As far as I know, that's the Priestesses of the Mountains.  Right?"  He noticed Throttle stiffening.  "If so, there's a way to train him, I think."

"We kept that stuff, it's in the archives," Stoker admitted, reading over the description.  He looked at Vinnie.  "You're not going to try to claim him, right?"  He shook his head quickly.  "You're sure?"

"He's like my little brother."

Enamel smirked at him.  "He would have driven your mother insane.  One of you was nearly enough but two of you?"  Vinnie glared at him so he smirked bigger.  "What?  It's the truth."  Stoker suddenly hit him, knocking him down.  "Sorry."

"I'd pounce you but I'm too damn tired," Vinnie told him.  "Do something useful, go take the chocolates I got him and bring them to him."

"Fine."  He got up and went to do that.  It'd give him a few minutes to compose himself.  He knew he couldn't play like a regular mouse any more.  He didn't know why he tried that. He looked at the chocolates and took one for himself in payment, then suddenly stopped, tossed the box at Modo, and headed for the bathroom.  Maybe Vinnie would play with him some day.  That had been mean!  "What are those?" he gasped, still trying to get the feeling back in his mouth.

Modo smirked. "Xander's treat to Switch.  Chocolate covered hot peppers.  Works great when you've got the sniffles."  He carried them into Dawn's room, leaving them where Xander could find them later.

"Awww, you bought him candy," Dawn said fondly, picking up one to eat it. "Shit!"  She ran for the bathroom to drink too, shoving Enamel against the shower and blocking him to drink from the faucet.  "Stupid ass hot peppers.  Should kill someone for showing him what they are."  She gulped more and rinsed, then spit.  "That's evil, Modo, you're supposed to be a good guy!"

"Vinnie said he bought them for him."  He wiped his eyes.  "I can't believe he eats those and he won't eat hot dogs."

"He knows what goes into hot dogs," Dawn told him.  She drew another mouthful then spit it out.  "Stupid hot peppers."

"Why did you rinse and spit?"

"Because if you swallow it carries the burn down.  This way, it goes away faster."  She got out of his way.  "You're pretty decent sometimes, for an evil thug with ideas of genetic manipulation."  She walked off.

"I've never been a thug," he called.

"If you intimidate people, you're a thug."

He followed her down the hall.  "Listen, kid.  I don't intimidate people and if you judge it on that criteria than your darling mice here count because *no one* wants to get in their way on a bad day."  She turned to glare at him.  "Seriously.  There are cops on Mars who won't go near Vincent or Modo.  Most of them might if Throttle was there, but not without him.  They've seen Throttle tear up a few clubs by brawling too.  I never did any of that.  Yeah, I did some minor experiments that went wrong.  I was trying to work for the betterment of mousekind.  I'm like that.  So, I'm less evil than some."

"So you're a mouse Karbunkle?" she said snidely.  "Not much better."

"No, honey, I never did it for pleasure.  I didn't look at anyone that I ended up altering and then cackle in glee and joy, or go whack off afterward because it made me happy.  We had a lot of injured people and I was working on a way to integrate the mechanical parts better.  It went wrong.  I fully admit that.  My shit went way wrong and I ended up paying for going off track.  I'm not a thug.  I've never been a thug.  I was a doctor, a damn good doctor.  One of the best surgeons on Mars."  He took a deep breath.  "They've used what I found afterward to help others.  That's a slight balm to being kicked off my planet.  Maybe you can't understand the concept of feeling you have a duty at your age...."

She snorted. "I've always been around people with a *duty*, Enamel.  My sister's a slayer.  She used to be the only slayer.  I got to see her go out each and every night, knowing she could lose and not come back, or come back as a vampire."  He shuddered.  "Then she got friends and they jumped in.  Xander's one of those.  He didn't have a duty and he still did the job. He feels more strongly about the job than my sister does sometimes.  He went and ripped her a new asshole over her playing around about her *duty*," she spat, making him back up another step and she followed.  "Yeah, I'm so fucking deep in the paranormal that I'm going to work for Micah.  It's the only thing I can do.  The same as the only thing Xander could do was jump in.  So I'm going to be going against the same things to protect a bunch of people who wouldn't put up a fight, even if they could, because that would mess up their views as a member of a flock of sheep.  So no, don't you *dare* tell me about duty and feeling a calling to help others, smart ass.  I may be young, but you've got *nothing* on someone like Throttle.  He joined the resistance at sixteen.  Where were you?"

"Already off the planet," he admitted quietly.  "I got banished when Vincent was about twelve.  That means Throttle would have been about ...fifteen."  She crossed her arms.  "I was supporting the older people, Dawn.  I was helping as much as I could. It's a smart person who realizes that they're not a fighter and does what they can to support the others."

"Yeah, been there and done that too.  Doesn't mean that I like you more."  He shrugged.  "Now, how long before Xander's better?  He needs to go out for a few days.  Merle gave him a week off."

"Good.  Once he's got his shields rebuilt and fully up, Throttle can take him on a roadtrip.  It'll be good for them both."  He stared into her eyes.  "You have someone to work that anger out with, right?"

"We have a heavy bag."

"Maybe you should yell at your sister yourself.  It'd make you feel better."  He went in to check on Xander, finding him awake. "Sorry, sometimes I still feel the need to defend myself."

"Not an issue."  He sat up.  "I can always feel Throttle."

"You can?"  He nodded.  "Huh.  Well, Stoker's looking over the reference Dawn found for me upstairs."

"Which one?  Bextra?"

"Um, Doubleday."

"Take him the Bextra one in blue leather.  It's a better source of information.  Doubleday has some guesses that don't work in my case.  I don't communicate with them, I become them."

"Fine. I can do that.  The others are fine."   Xander nodded.  "Can you still feel Vinnie?"

"Kinda.  A little bit but he's pulling back most of the way now."

"Fine.  Let me get that one."  He patted him on the head, checking his antenna.  "Doing good, Xander.  The swelling's gone.  Just no stimulation with a tail for a few days."

"That's not my preferred method of doing that anyway."

"Really?  What do you do with them?"

"Oral stuff," he said smugly.

Enamel moaned.  "I'll have to try that some time."  He walked out, going up to find the other book and take it next door.  He coughed, handing it to Stoker.  "Xander said the one I gave you doesn't always work in his case.  He said he doesn't communicate with them, he becomes them."

"Like he did the hyena and the soldier," Throttle agreed.

"Was that the growling?" Vinnie asked him.  Throttle nodded.  "Can't he get rid of that?"

"No, they merged.  So he's probably carrying around a bit of you at the moment too."  Enamel nodded.  "I heard yelling?"

"Dawn accused me of being a thug so I told her exactly what had happened without graphic details."  Vinnie shivered.  "Don't worry, Vincent, I never thought about going near you.  You were always too cute.  We were all hoping you'd do something to ease suffering instead of going out and fighting and getting injured."  He looked at Throttle.  "She needs a mentor.  She's just as full of anger at some people as he is."

"With what I saw the other night in Cleveland, I'm not shocked," Throttle told him.  "I still don't like you."

"I know."  He shrugged. "Not everyone gets along.  Thankfully it was my work that led to your eyes, kid.  The same as it led to Modo's arm.  I was working on a way to integrate them better when they popped me."

"Can you?"

"I can't experiment, Vinnie. It's wrong," Enamel told him.  "I can theorize.  I can't do another living experiment.  The last one I did was to try to cure a DNA damaged child and I couldn't stabilize her."  He shivered.  "So they looked into my private research when she died.  All because we didn't have the capabilities to stop the genetic shifting.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a date with a liquor bottle.  Have a nice day and take him on a vacation, Throttle.  He needs a vacation."  He walked off, going out to jump on his bike and head off.  He had liquor at home.  He pulled into his garage and stopped, leaning for a moment on his bike.  That's when he heard the rustling and looked down at his bag across the gas tank.  "How did you get into a sealed bag?" he asked the cat.  He patted the other side down, then the back case, shaking his head as he walked up the stairs.  He called the garage.  "Charley, it's Enamel.  One of the cats snuck into my bag.  She's brown with white tips on her ears. I'll bring her back when I come back to check on them."  He hung up and went to get her some tunafish.  They could both have that for lunch.

Episode 18:

NC-17, m/m, m/f

"Why are we going south?" Xander asked before climbing onto the back of Throttle's bike.

"Because going east means we'll end up back in Cleveland and I'd help you butcher a few of those girls.  Going west means more snow, and you should be warm for a few days. You always seem happier in the heat.  Going north means Canada, so immigration at the check points, plus even mor snow.  I thought south would be good."

"Anywhere special?" Xander asked, giving him a gentle squeeze.

"I was thinking maybe we'd run into a theme park.  Half the fun of the road trip is the getting there."

"I remember, but I broke down on my last one.  Thankfully I had Charley go over the bike, just in case.  Then I polished her for us."

"You did a good job and she's very happy with you," Throttle assured him, glancing back at him. "Ready?"  Xander nodded.  "Good.  Vinnie, Modo, we're heading out."

Vinnie came out and gave them each a pat on the back.  "Be safe.  There's a storm coming this way from the west."

"Thanks for the warning, bro.  Modo?"

"Still napping the sleep of the heavily protective.  I don't know how he did that dance last night, but he came home with a massive headache.  Said something about rap."  He shrugged and grinned at Xander. "Bring me back something fun and pictures if you can.  I slipped a camera into your bag."  He winked and strolled off to get Charley up.  He nodded at the person standing outside the door. "Give me ten, sir.  I'll get Charley up.  She was trying to sleep in after chaperoning a friend's dance last night."  He shuddered and nodded.  Vinnie hurried inside and up to Charley's room, kissing her awake.  "Early customer, sweetheart.  You've got about eight minutes left."

She nodded, getting up to go to the bathroom first, then go down to let him in and see what was wrong.  It was necessary anymore.  Maybe she'd call the doctor's office later.  She slid into her boots and was buttoning her shirt as she walked down the stairs, smiling at the man once the door was open.  "Pull her in here."  She winced at the black smoke and the grinding noises.  "Oh, dear."  He stopped the engine and got out.  "How long has it been doing that?"

"Maybe a month," he admitted. "I don't drive her too often."

She nodded. "Then you're lucky it didn't quit on you totally.  It'll take me about an hour to figure out which one of three things it is.  I can guess, but it's going to a difference in price. Want to come back or wait?"

"I'll come back.  I need to call my wife and tell her it stalled out again."  She nodded at the phone, going to get her morning soda and then pop the hood.  He dialed the house.  "Honey, I broke down.  No, I'm at a garage.  Yes, she's doing an estimate right now.  How much is this going to cost?  My wife's paranoid since we're expecting our first child."

"As long as I don't have to do more than look and poke, no taking stuff off, I can do a free estimate.  If it's one of the top two usual problems, it'll be free.  The other one I'll have to pull out a few machines so twenty for the estimate."

He smiled. "Thank you, miss."  She smiled back and popped the top of the soda, taking a long drink before diving in. "Honey, she said it'd be free as long as she didn't have to pull anything off.  She did say it was going to be expensive by the end."

"Complete oil change and flush, and a new regulator," she called.  "Oops, and a complete seal and gasket change.  Probably around four hundred for parts and labor."

He winced.  "Ow.  No chance of just fixing part of it."

She looked at him.  "I can fix either set of problems.  The oil change and flush will start to eliminate the black smoke.  You could still face stalling and a possible engine explosion."  She looked at the car.  "Let me call my supplier to get a price.  Then we'll see what we can do."  He nodded, smiling at that.  "Tell her you'll call in about half an hour."  He nodded, saying that quickly then hanging up.  She went into her office, opening her personal phone book to someone she knew who sold parts.  "Hey, Tiffany, it's Charley.  No, business this time.  Pleasure next weekend."  She smiled.  "No, a Ford Escort, about ninety-eight, blown gasket, seals, and regulator.  How much?"  She doodled while she looked them up, then winced. "That's steep.  For an escort?"  She nodded, crossing those out.  "Sir, what year is that?"

"Ninety-nine."

"Ninety-nine," she offered.  She still winced. "Nothing cheaper that'd work?  No.  Thanks. Yeah, love you too.  See you soon."  She hung up and shook her head, calling Nappy auto.  "Hi, this is the Last Chance garage.  I've got a ninety-nine escort that needs a regulator, seals, and gaskets."  She wrote down those prices.  "Thank you.  Yeah.  Will it need to be ordered?"  She smiled. "Thanks."  She hung up and walked out there.  "Good news and bad news."  He groaned.  "If we go with someone who has them on hand, it's about six hundred.  Unfortunately."  He shuddered at that.  "If we go with Nappy, it'll be about three hundred, but it'll take two days to get here and about a day to do the work."

He groaned.  "What can I do for a car until then?"

"Well, I've had one customer who's lost a few cars recently and he's always at Hertz.  Since it's Wednesday, you'd qualify for middle of the week deals.  At the latest I'd get it back to you by Monday and that's only if I get the parts late."  He considered it.  "So still probably about four hundred all told."

"Will it get me home?"

She shook her head.  "I wouldn't chance it personally.  There's a storm heading in."  He groaned, rubbing his face.  "Call your wife.  At the very least, get a rental while you figure it out.  You can park it beside my place if you need to."  He nodded, reaching up to grab the phone and dial his home again.  She walked off to give him some privacy, besides she really had to pee.  She was closing the door when she saw Micah stroll in.  "Give me a second, Micah."

"Sure, Charley."  He nodded cordially at the man on the bench, then looked at his car.  "I've had one of those blow up on me before," he offered.

"Mine nearly did.  Honey.  Are you all right?"  He grimaced.  "No, she did. She found three things.  It needs a complete oil change.  Something called a regulator, gaskets and seals."  She hissed.  "So it's going to be about four hundred if we go with the commercial place because we'd have to rent a car for a few days."  He stood up. "You're in labor?"

Micah pulled out his phone, dialing the local car rental place.  "I need a car sent to the Last Chance. There's a man here broken down whose wife is in labor.  Thanks."  He hung up and looked at him.  "Enterprise, they pick you up.  Probably about twenty minutes.  You can do the paperwork on the way, sir."  He nodded and babbled that at her, hurrying out to wait on the car.  Charley came out.  "His wife's in labor.  I called Enterprise.  That way they could do the paperwork on the way."

"Good idea."

He smiled at her. "Where are the pains in my ass?"

"Just left for a roadtrip.  Xander came back so stressed Merle sent him off for a week thanks to the bomb."

"Bomb?"  He looked at her, tipping his head to the side.  "Are you feeling all right?"  She nodded.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, I just started a new course of medicine and it's making me a bit ill."

"Charley, maybe you should get that checked out again.  We're not sure that those sorts of medicine work on them."  She looked stunned.  "We know that their ...releases," he decided for delicateness this time, "eat through condoms.  We're not sure that they can't provoke something in you like a heat."

She shook her head.  "The doctor said it happens sometimes."

"Fine.  If you are, and you have *any* problems, I want to know first.  Just in case there's another case sometime."  She nodded, giving him that patient look.  "Now, bomb?"

"You didn't hear about the problems Xander's site's had?"  He shook his head.  "You haven't been keeping track of him?"

"That's Oz's job."

"Hmm.  You might want to talk to Oz then.  We started out with death threats and one of his people being killed, Merle being staked, and then Xander running the site even though there were a lot of incidences.  Merle came back and there was a bomb put in when Xander got back.  They got the guys this time and Merle said they're opening on time or else."  Micah shuddered.  "Anti-furry people sentiments."

"Hmm, then I'm sure they're going to love the government coming down on them," he said fondly. "Did you get to see Xander killing the demons in Cleveland?"  She shook her head. "You should.  He was either hiding a lot of skills or very angry."

"Very angry.  He's not been sleeping.  He's had to start over twice now."  He shuddered.  "We think he was doing a lot of work on his own.  Enamel let slip that he passed out once, which none of us knew."  She wobbled and he caught her, sitting her down.  "I'm fine."

"Bull.  Let me get him in here.  Give me ten minutes."  She sighed but nodded.  "Thanks."  He grinned.  "We worry about you. You know that."  He paged through the phonebook on his cellphone, finding the one for Enamel, then hit send. "Hey, it's me. Does anyone know if any birth control method works against you guys?  No, Charley's sweating and wobbly.  Please."  He hung up.  "Then I'll leave the tape here.  I know Throttle saw him since he went with him, but I thought Vinnie might like to see it too."

"See what?" Vinnie called from upstairs.  He came down, stopping to look at her.  "Again?"  She nodded.  "You're going back."

"Why?  Yours is coming over."  Vinnie grimaced.

"Vinnie, think about what your stuff does to condoms and things," Micah said patiently. He heard a cough and got out of the mouse's way.  "That was quick."

"I was in the neighborhood to replace the cat."  He looked at Vinnie.  "She's in my bag if you want her back."  He went out to get the cat, bringing her back, but she ran over to Enamel and hopped into his pocket, which made him sigh and change which pocket she was sitting in.  "Not in that one, it's got stuff that won't be sterile if you puncture it."  He looked at her, putting a hand on her stomach, then nodded, pulling something out of his inside pocket.  "Here, specially modified.  Do it now.  It's still early in the day."  She sighed but went to do that.  "I can't believe they have contraception at all with their population," he told Vinnie.  "You do know that us and latex is a bad combination?"   He nodded, giving him a smug look. "Good.  I've seen someone with burns. She was not happy with me for many weeks."

"You sleep around?" Micah asked.

"Lots and lots," he said with a smirk.  "It keeps my mind occupied."

"Any chance of half mice?" Vinnie asked.

"We have more DNA.  They'd be three-quarters, Vincent."  He gave him a look.  "I nearly had one, but she miscarried in her fifth month.  Again, not very happy with me for quite a while until she dumped me."

"I'm sorry," he told him.

"It was years ago.  I'm over it mostly."  He looked over as Charley came out, taking the stick to look at in the light.  "It's a mouse."  Vinnie fell over in a faint.  He smirked.  "Cool.  I haven't seen him do that since one of his boosters as a six-year-old."  He looked at Charley.  "Yes, we're hard to bear, but it's fairly easy for the most part.  You saw Switch so you know the major problems."

"I'm not ready for kids," she said quietly.

"There's a sixty percent chance of miscarriage," Enamel told her.  "I doubt he'd let anything else happen either."  She sighed and nodded, hanging her head. "It's not so bad.  At least you've got lots and lots of babysitters."  She snorted, shaking her head.

"Hey, it'll make sure Dawn doesn't have one for years," Micah reminded her. He gave her a hug.  "Get him to get the tape out of the car so you can watch it later.  I'm going to pop in on Oz.  I won't tell anyone until you've considered it."  She nodded, giving him a faint smile.  "For now, just think.  If he gets too happy, point out that things would have to change, like his carefree bachelor lifestyle."  He patted her on the cheek.  "Let me get that tape."  He went to do that, coming back to hand it over.  "Both fights, condensed onto one VHS."  He winked and walked off, heading to talk to Oz.  He had expected reports about this stuff. Even if it was racially related.  Especially if it was racially related. He parked and got out, heading inside.  Meg met him at the door, looking abnormal, even for her.  "Why are you wearing that?" he asked, looking at the outfit of pink sweat pants and a bathing suit crop top, plus a formal jacket and flip flops.

"Laundry day," she admitted.  "What's up?"

"I didn't get any reports on what went on at the site."

"Xander said he had it handled."

"Uh-huh.  I still have to know, kiddo.  Have fun doing laundry.  I'll bother Oz."

"He's in class. You can wait inside if you want.  We were heading over to the garage later tonight."

"Not tonight," he advised.  "They're having one of those long days and the duo took off on a roadtrip."

"Hmm. Tomorrow then," she agreed, smiling at him.  "Go ahead.  I'm going to do laundry."  She headed down to her car, jingling her pocket.

Micah went inside, shaking his head.  He had fonder memories of college than laundry day.  He sat down, then got up to go into the library to snoop.  He found the report and read the summary, then groaned. Yeah, this was something he'd want to know before hand.  Plus, Oz needed to learn how to write a good report.  He heard the door and got up, making Oz jump and grab his chest.  "Morning.  I want and need to know about things like bombs and workers disappearing if he's involved."

"He said he had it handled."

"Yeah, but I could have stepped in to help with the investigation, getting it done faster."  Oz nodded.  "Come on, let's go over the report so I can teach you the format."  Oz dropped his bag, following him.  "Meg's doing laundry.  Sweat pants, a swimming top and a formal jacket."

Oz gave a little chuckle. "She's very unique.  It's been like that for the last few days."  He sat down to open the real file, printing it out to hand over.  "Lorne did a proof read."

"I love that man," he said as he sat down to read it. "The least little thing I want to know."

"Then you know Charley's pregnant, right?" Oz asked casually.

"Yeah, she just found out this morning.  So don't go over tonight.  She'll be kicking his tail up and down the garage all day."

"Sure.  I'm going to enjoy having clean laundry and my girlfriend at the same time."  He tossed something to Micah, noticing he automatically caught it with the papers.  "Giles sent that.  I don't want it or need it."

"Fine, I'll give it to Xander. I have tape from Cleveland."

"Good!  Did you get him yelling at Buffy?  She called crying that he turned on her."

Micah looked at him. "They were having a birthday party.  She refused to take a call from Caridad, who was on crutches. He had every right to yell and scream at her."

"Not saying otherwise.  I'd have done it years ago. He any good?"

"Yeah, he killed the first one with his bare hands," he admitted, going back to reading.  He finally folded it up and put it in his pocket. "Okay.  I'll file this when I get back. From now on weekly updates by email, anything that smacks of retaliation or anything else, I want to know first."  He nodded. "Good boy, Oz.  Have a nice weekend and there's a storm coming."  He got up and headed out to his car, noticing the large flakes falling. He went back to the garage, sure they wouldn't get trapped.

***

Enamel let out a patient sigh as he walked back into the garage.  "What?" he asked Vinnie, who was pacing back and forth.  "Something new?"

"She didn't register on the human tests and she went to the doctor to make sure; he said she wasn't either."

"Mine registers within days," he told him. "Theirs do it after three or more months."  Vinnie whimpered.  "So, how was it last night?"

"Very good," he admitted.  "She's been sick for weeks."

"Let me go check on her.  You watch the stuff down here."  He walked up the stairs, finding her tucked in and unable to move on the couch.  He untucked her, helping her up to go to the bathroom, then helped her back down when she came out.  "My tests registers within a day.  Theirs are more like months."

"But I'm on the pill."

"Forget any?"  She shook her head.  "Been under a month since you started them?"  She nodded.  "It can happen."  He pulled something out of his pocket.  "I came down with a fully stocked bag.  They allowed me that much and I've traded with people over the years to keep everything working."  He placed the small box on her stomach and turned it on, letting her see the 3-D picture of her insides.  He moved it a bit lower.  "Sorry, we carry higher."  She nodded, watching as it showed her womb.  He magnified something and pointed.  "There it is.  That small depression and change."

"But that's...."

He judged it, checking the diagnostic readout in his hand.  "About six days."  He turned it off and looked at her, noticing the wince.  "Forgot it on schedule?"

"Not really.  Only a few hours late."

"It was probably a combination," he soothed, stroking her stomach.  "Relax, it'll be fine."  He looked over as Vinnie came up the stairs. "She is, it's fine so far.  She did tell you that there's a sixty percent miscarriage rate?"

"Miscarriage?"

"That means that something happens and her body starts off in labor too soon and the baby's lost," Enamel said gently, staring up at him.  "She's six days pregnant."  Vinnie's mouth dropped.  "C'mere."  He came around and he pointed at the changed area.  "That's the baby so far.  It's only a few cells."

"Whoa."

"Very."

"I didn't think we had any of those left."

"I have two.  I carried one with me in my bag and I traded for another one," he admitted, turning it off and putting it back into its case.  He stood up.  "So no more hormone pills.  Be kinda careful.  If you're getting sick this early I'd suggest it was the flu instead. You saw Switch so you realize the major issues coming. We'll have to do monthly checks, if not more frequently."  She nodded and Vinnie gave him a long stare.  "I wouldn't trust a human with it, Vincent.  Think about what they'd do if they found out we could crossbreed."  He shuddered.  "As such, Charley, let's try to not be too stressed.  Don't worry about getting stressed, but try to avoid it if possible."

"Can we go on the rollercoasters once Six Flags reopens?" Vinnie asked.

Enamel considered it.  It was mid December.  "I wouldn't suggest any after April," he told him.  Vinnie nodded, leaning down to rest his head on her stomach.  "If you can feel the baby move, there's no more thrill riding.  No more on your bike either, hotshot."  Vinnie nodded again but he was nuzzling her stomach.  He looked at Charley.  "Just try for reasonable stuff."  She nodded.  "If you have any problems, I want to know first.  I've got stuff to head off a miscarriage if it starts.  I also want to know when your female cycles stop."  She nodded again.  "Good.  Vincent, be gentle with her.  She's delicate."

"I am not."

He winked.  "It'll keep some of the wild rides down," he said gently.  "Let me know if you need anything, Charley.  Then call back if you don't hear from me in about an hour.  The cat likes to walk across the answering machine and erase it."  He checked to make sure he had everything then went back to his bike, sitting there for a moment when Modo pulled up beside him.  "Checking on something for Charley.  She's upstairs with Vinnie so someone probably needs to keep an eye on the garage."

"Sure.  Is something wrong?"

Enamel grinned, putting on his helmet.  "I'll let him tell you.  That's not part of my job."  He roared off, heading for his apartment.  Another holiday and people were happy and good again.  He walked in and found a package on his counter.  "Did you let in the delivery guy?" he asked the cat.

"No, I did," Stoker said as he walked out of the bathroom.  "It was sitting in front of your door.  Charley?"

"Is.  Six days."

"Good.  Then we've got to talk.  We have mothers who want to conceive who can't.  Scarring and other problems.  What can we do about that?"

"IVF."  He walked him over to the computer and pulled up a medical site, going into the fertility and conception section to let him read it over.  "There, read. It's technical details."  Stoker stared at him.  "I can answer questions but I never did more than passing obstetrics and never fertility problems.   People like Gun and Smoker did those."

"Unfortunately they died defending one of the Med clinics during the major part of the war."

"I'm sorry for that, Stoker.  I was trying to help and you guys didn't like it.  I'm not apologizing any more."  He went to pull a beer out of the refrigerator.  "I do have a full med kit down here with me.  Some I even have duplicates of."

"I'll let someone know.  We lost a lot of technology."  He sat down to read, going into the general overview first.  "This isn't something we can do," he said after reading a few chapters.

"It is. You'll get dissent but if they want it bad enough, they'll go through hell for it."  He sat down with his beer, picking up the medical text he had bought the other day on human pregnancies.  Since he'd need to know.  "As long as you have one of the cryo chambers still working you can do that."  He nodded, going back to reading the section he was on.  Human development was much the same.  "Hey, they start out with tails too."

"They do?"  He came over to look at the pictures, shaking his head.  "Not much different."

"No, not much.  I left Vincent nuzzling her stomach."

"How did you know?"

"Viewer."

"You have one?"  He held up two fingers.  "We need one as a prototype."

Enamel looked up at him.  "I'd have to get it back in perfect order," he said calmly.  "It's not like I can replace mine either."  He nodded.  "Then I'll let you *borrow* one of mine."

"Thanks.  You think we can?"

"Yeah.  Especially if you can do it within the same month.  There were rumors about the healing springs too.  Especially the one by Olympus Mons.  Some say they were unblocked."

"A lot of it's radiation and torture."

"Torture may be harder to cure.  If there's scarring, it's more difficult to carry and you get a higher chance of miscarriage."  He looked at him.  "At which time, they'd probably need surrogates."

"Huh?"

"People who carry for others, Stoker.  You implant the baby into them and they carry it for you."  He shuddered.  "It's a wonderful gift," he said gently.  "Any news on possible prison worlds?"

"There's six, we're running scouting missions."  He looked at him.  "There's a new edict saying all Martians have to come home for at least a year.  We've got a two percent birth rate."

"I'm banned from ever stepping foot on Mars and I doubt you're going to get the others," he said gently.  "There's still Plutarkians here.  As a matter of fact, one of them has been sniffing around Chicago.  Limburger had a son."

"Shit," he moaned, rubbing his head.  "Okay, I'll tell them.  Are there others?"

"Three that I know of.  One's in Texas working at an amusement park, I saw him when he got a bad gash on his arm.  There's one in LA somewhere and one in Seattle."

"Thanks."  He went back to his reading, then got up to call the base.  "Carbine?"  She snorted.  "Sorry, Switch.  Get me Carbine.  It's official."

Carbine's voice came across a few minutes later.  "The General is here too," she admitted.  "Any good news?"

"Yeah, there's a new Plutarkian push coming here in Chicago.  They need the bros down here.  Enamel said there's three others down here. I don't know if they're other banished ones or not.  Also, he said we can *borrow* a few medical instruments as long as we make sure they come back in working order."

"He was allowed to leave with a med kit," she admitted.  "What about Xander?"

"He's fully mouse but for that one eye," Enamel called.

"The doctor said he's fully mouse but for that one eye so I'm guessing some DNA's left from his human life."

"He's a human?" a male voice asked.

"Yeah, for some reason he started to change into a mouse.  He's presently slowly developing into an adult mouse.  He's Throttle's.  Oh, there's other news.  Vinnie and Charley are going to be claimed soon."

"She's a human," the general said patiently.

"She's with kit," Stoker said coldly.

"Oh.  That's possible?"

"Yeah, Enamel said it'd be three-quarters mouse."  He got comfortable.  "So I can find the other three but they may be needed down here.  There are still fishheads down here."

"There are?" the general asked.  "How many?"

"Last count six.  Limburger's son is moving in though.  He's decided to take over Chicago now.  There's a group down here keeping track of them and trying to block them but they can't fully do that.  Xander's the reason they finally managed to defeat Limburger.  He's the extra push they needed."

"What sort of name is Xander?" the general asked in derision.

"After one of their most famous and historical generals, Alexander.  That's his full name but he goes by Xander.  You can come down but don't expect these three to cooperate much, not with new menaces coming."  He played his trump card.  "Them being that close to us means they could come back."

"Fine, I will talk to them myself," the general noted.

"Fine.  Throttle and Xander will be back in a few days.  They're taking a short vacation since he got injured at work recently. They're heading south so it's possible they'll run into one of them down here."

"Or the mouse could come looking for them. You don't have any idea who they are?"

"Enamel, do you know names?"

"The one in Texas is Exhaust's little brother.  The one in Seattle is Popoff.  The one in LA is Citreon.  He's another banned."

"We've got one of Exhaust's family, Popoff, and Citreon, Enamel said he was banned too."

"I remember Popoff.  He walked out one day and never came back," Carbine admitted, sounding thoughtful.

"It was probably shock," Stoker told her.  "I'll call for them to meet us somewhere.  If you want Citreon back, you'd better tell me before then."

"I'll be there by then," the general called.

"Wonderful," Stoker said dryly, earning a small chuckle from Carbine.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine.  Want Switch or the baby?"

"Are they okay?"

"Yeah, she's feeding the baby," she admitted.  "Switch?"

Stoker got comfortable, smiling at the happy sounds his daughter was making.  "Hey, babe.  She okay?"

"She's wonderful, just a bit hungry.  How are you?"

"Fine.  Charley girl's about six days pregnant."

"Oooh, that's wonderful!" she said happily.  "We can swap stories."

He nodded.  "Sure you can.  You be careful while I'm gone.  I'll be back in a few weeks.  I'll bring new pictures of Xander."

"Sure.  Love you."

"Love you too, mouse cadet."  He hung up and leaned back, glancing in the other room, shaking his head.  "She's in the happy phase."

"That happens.  Give it a few weeks."  He turned the page.  "Popoff looked at me and shuddered, then pulled a gun while asking if I was a Freedom Fighter.  I told him no and he asked if I was a turncoat, so I told him my name.  He nodded and relaxed.  I arranged with Micah to get him some help.  He's got severe post traumatic stress disorder.  I'd be fairly careful with him.  Pipe crashed after getting caught in a gravity well on patrol.  He thought he was the only one down here and I told him I didn't have a ship so he pouted at me.  He'd probably love to go back."  He turned another page.  "Want a beer?"

"Please."  He got up and got one, coming back to go back to reading on the computer.  "Got any floppies?"

"Desk drawer.  Use the blue ones."

"Thanks."  He saved down the pages for later reading.  There were others who would need to know about these.  He put them into a specially insulated case and got up, taking his beer back to the lair.  "I'm gonna go help Modo peel Vinnie off the ceiling."

"Call Micah.  If there's others he'd know.  After all, the world doesn't really talk to each other very well."

"Point.  Thanks."  He left, going down to his bike, which was chatting with the other one.  "Let's go, girl.  We need to hit the lair."  His bike disengaged and moved closer to him so he could mount it, heading back to the lair.  He walked in and looked around.  No one.  He went upstairs to call Micah.  "Hey, it's Stoker.  He busy?" he asked the person answering.  "No, Micah.  Thanks."  He waited, then smirked at the tired sigh.  "Bad problems?  No, not me.  I came down to check on them and to carry orders saying I was to find any other mice down here so they could come home if possible.  I was wondering if you knew of any in other places."  He finished off his beer and put the bottle down, leaning back in the desk chair.  "Yeah.  No, we've got a general in charge and a two percent birth rate.  We might need that soon, but not yet.  Right now, we need to find all our own people first.  Yeah.  Oh, she is, she's six days pregnant.  Thanks.  No, I'm at the lair for now but I'll be heading to the garage in a few.  Sure.  Thanks, Micah."  He hung up and went to look around, finding the fish.  He stared at it, not sure why others did.  They were pretty but not much else.  That's where Vinnie found him.  "Hey, Punk, there's a general coming down to pick up any mice who want to go back up," he said, looking down at the one who had just plopped down onto his beanbag chair in front of the tank.  "Then again, Limburger's son is headed this way to take Chicago."

"Then we're not leaving," Vinnie said firmly.  "Besides, I doubt I could bring Charley home."

He shrugged.  "I don't know about that.  I didn't ask yet."  He ruffled his fur.  "Why aren't you clinging?"

"She told me off and told me to go away."

"Hmm.  Well, have fun doing it later."

"Thanks," he said with a grin.  "Any other good news?"

"You're not the only ones down here."  He walked off, going to find Charley and congratulate her.  He found her sniffling in her office and gave her a hug.  "Get it out now.  He'll get upset if you are," he assured her.

"I don't know if I'm upset or not," she admitted, looking up at him.  "Why are you still here?"

"There's a general coming down to find all the mice and bring most of them home.  Probably not this group since you've got a new fishhead coming."

"Wonderful.  Who?"

"Limburger's son."

She shuddered.  "Not again."  He nodded.  "Fine, we'll start making plans to spy on him."

"Good girl.  Don't let this guy get to you.  He's an ass of the old school line.  He's a general and he's thinking about the bottom line."  She nodded at that wisdom so he handed her a tissue then went to look at her latest job. He couldn't stand to see a woman cry.  Not anymore.

***

Throttle pulled up outside a small motel on the side of the highway, glancing back to see Xander grinning.  "This okay?"

"It's good.  It's got a bed and a potty.  It's good."  Throttle chuckled at that and led the way to check in.  "One for us," he told the old man behind the counter.

He looked at them. "I don't wanna hear no loud stuff outta you two, hear?" he said firmly.  "We run a nice, clean, respectable place."

"Sir, we'd never trash stuff," Xander assured him.  "We're on a road trip for a vacation."

"Fine.  As long as you're decent folk and don't keep no one up."  He handed over the book while Xander handed over his card.

"I said I had it."

"Let me do the housing, you do the fun stuff," Xander complained.

"Fine," Throttle said with a small grin, signing them into the book.  "There you are."

The man looked then ran the card, nodding when it went through.  "Just the one night?"  They nodded.  "Fine.  We have free coffee in the mornings.  Can't put on no elaborate spread."

"I usually do a soda and something quick on the way to work," Xander assured him gently.  The man smiled at him and ran the cost though, getting back an approval.  He took the card back and signed the slip, then they were handed a key.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  I put you out by the soda machines, there on the end.  That way your bike isn't crowded by cars or nothin'."  They nodded, going to gather the bike and head down to the end of the row motel.  "Polite enough at least, even for bikers."  He went back to his soap on the tv.

Xander walked into the room and took off his helmet, then headed for the bathroom, earning a small chuckle for it.  "What?  We haven't stopped in nearly two hundred miles."  He closed the door, using it as nature intended.  He noticed something, his penis was growing. "Hey," he said appreciatively.  "I like that!  Even better than the fur!"

"New changes?"

Xander finished up and came out, showing off his newest change.  "It's longer," he said at the confused look.  Throttle looked and nodded, it was.  "This is a permanent change, right?"  Throttle nodded, smirking at him.  "Good.  Tell the busybodies that we've made our first point."

Throttle picked back up his helmet, setting it to call home.  "Hey, bros, we're at a hotel.  You good back there?"  He heard Vinnie yelling in the background and things being destroyed.  "What's wrong with him?"  He let Xander lean closer, then handed him his helmet since he couldn't hear and was pushing closer.  That got a kiss, which made Stoker chuckle.  "What's going on?"

Xander beamed at the happy news.  "Good, then we get to spoil another one!"

Throttle chuckled at Stoker's insistence that they stop spoiling his daughter, that she was spoiled enough all ready.  "Fat chance, man.  Any other good news?"  He listened.  "That's not good news."  He nodded, that was kinda good news that there were others down here.  "Anything else we need to know?"  He groaned.  "How soon is it coming?"  He sighed.  "Decent.  That's about a week after we get back.  We'll start by spying first.  No, the last time we ran into Marshal he was trouble but he was a teenager.  Yeah, basically.  A lot more techie than his dad too.  Sure.  Flip him off for me and tell him we've got to stay here for a bit longer.  Not a clue man," he admitted, looking at Xander, who shrugged.  "Would you mind going to Mars, Xander?  Just for a bit?"

"That'd leave Dawnie and Charley down here alone."

"Point."  Throttle listened to the arguments.  "Yeah, I get that part, Stoker, but it doesn't change those two facts.  We can't bring Dawn to Mars.  We probably shouldn't be moving Charley either.  Yeah, well, it happens.  Hey, there's others and those prison worlds.  That's a lot more than four mice.  Five if you don't take Enamel back.  Sure.  Let me know.  No, we're in our first hotel of the night.  We're heading south.  He's where?"  He checked his mental itinerary and nodded.  "We can go there.  Not an issue.  We were heading nearby to one of the water parks instead but it wouldn't phase us."  Xander bounced and grinned.  "Yeah, that's him.  Now you know why he's a white mouse, Stoker.  Later."  He hung up and grabbed his mate, kissing him once his helmet was off. He pulled Xander onto the bed, rolling so he was on the bottom, kissing him harder.  "Remember, we promised to be quiet people."

"I will be if you let me do my favorite thing," he said with a naughty grin.

"That means I won't," he taunted.

"There's ways around that," Xander promised, wiggling out of his clothes and then stripping his man before he could do more than gasp at the feeling of his zipper releasing.  Then he turned around so they could each have their treat of choice.

Throttle chuckled but let out a small groan as Xander attacked him, sucking him down gently but thoroughly until he could only hold on for dear life.  "Cheese you're good."

"I try," Xander said once he had pulled back.  "You could."

"I'd nibble, I want to enjoy it and then I will."  Xander shrugged and went back to getting his fix of his mate.  He tasted so much more now.  Throttle held on, letting himself go so he could please the younger mouse.  He was definitely getting the better end of their relationship and he wasn't ashamed to admit that Xander was a lot more creative than he was in their bed.  Then again, Xander had other qualities that drew him.  He went down on his boy again, enjoying this personal task a lot.

***

Xander bounced up to the front desk of their chosen hotel for the next three nights.  "Hi.  I made a reservation."

She looked at him, then at Throttle, then back at Xander again.  "It was for two rooms, correct?"

"No, dear, just one."

"Sir, we can't rent rooms out that way, even with twin beds, it's against company policy," she said quietly, keeping her face emotionless.  "I'm sorry, but if you wish to stay here, it'd have to be in two rooms."

"Never mind," Throttle told her.  "We'll find somewhere more tolerant."  He led Xander off before he could make a large fuss. He could feel him getting ready to explode.  "She's a bigot, let it go," he said patiently.  "There's places that are just as nice."  He led them back to the bike, getting on and starting it.  Xander was still fuming so he reached over to tickle him with his tail, earning a swat and a frown. "Come on."  Xander climbed on and sighed, resting against his back.  The doorman coughed and moved closer.  "Yeah?"

"Small place on sixth.  Clean, but fairly lax and ... one of those places," he shared quietly.  "This chain is like that and it's nearly a local law," he shared.  "They won't care there."

"Thank you, citizen.  Ride free."  Throttle sped off, heading for the main street.  They had passed sixth on the way in and the place wasn't that far away from the park.  He pulled in and looked at it.  "This looks like one of those places you go for lunchtime sex."

Xander looked at it.  The Peephole Inn.  That about said it all.  "It is.  But hey, it's clean and those are always fun.  Or don't you remember our first time away?" he said against the back of Throttle's neck.  "I'm good with it if you are."  Throttle nodded, pulling up outside the office.  Xander walked in, grinning at the man.  "Hi, need a room for two for three days."

"Three days?"  He nodded, grabbing a key.  He looked at Throttle, then at Xander's fur.  Then at Xander.  "We don't care if you two are together, son, but if you get too loud, we reserve the right to tape it for the amusement of others," he said with a bright grin.  "Then again, if you're interested, we pay you a full night's stay if you tape it for in-house use and you get the only other copy."

"Probably not interested in that," Xander admitted. "He's a shy boy."

"Sure.  Not an issue.  Might not want to use the special box then," he said with a grin.  "Fifty a night, sir."

"Thanks."  He handed over his card and filled out the forms, taking the key.  He looked at it.  "The end?"

"Middle.  Right near the sodas.  You seem to be the drinking sort."  Xander shook his head.  "No?"

"Not usually.  Neither is he.  We're here for the parks."

"Then you'll have plenty of fun, son.  We run a small spread in the morning.  Coffee, some fruit, some donuts from the restaurant next door.  It's clean and decent. Fairly cheap.  Locals eat there."  Xander smiled at that.  "Say, do you know the other like you?  Down to visit?  I know he works at one of them."

"We heard there was another down here, but we think he's a distant relation.  We were hoping to run into him.  Know which park he works at?"

"He's at the main one.  He lives up in 220," he admitted with a grin.  "Can't miss him.  Got a huge bike with a really loud engine.  Sporty one like they race on."

"Thank you, sir.  We'll be good boys."  He grinned and strolled back out, holding up the key.  Throttle nodded, moving the bike that way.  Xander opened the door, letting Throttle inside with their bags.  "He stays here."

"He does?"

"Yeah, up in 220.  He works in one of the parks too."  He stole a kiss then kicked the door shut.  "If we film stuff, we'd get a night free."

"Tempting, but not my thing," Throttle reminded him, tossing the bags and helmets on a bed.  "Hmm.  Bathroom first, Xander.  Then this."

"Sure.  Then dinner?"

"Yeah, it'll be time by then," he agreed, heading for the bathroom.  He came out so Xander could have it and sat down in a chair to take off his boots.  His feet were sweaty.  It was definitely warmer here in Texas.  He'd hate to see it in the summer.  He shrugged out of his vest and stretched, lifting his hips to get the most reach, yawning a bit.  Xander came out stripped down to his jeans, and they were open.  He smirked at him.  "Desperate?"

"Kinda.  You know, since this is one of those naughty places, I should be naughty."

"Be as naughty as you like," Throttle encouraged.  Xander chuckled and turned on the radio, picking a station at random once he hit rock music.  Then he moved closer, swaying a bit.  Throttle watched him, smiling as he came to dance in front of him, teasing him with his movements and how he touched his chest.  Xander slowly moved closer, straddling his lap to dance much more closely.  He moaned as the firm body brushed against him.  "What's this?"

"A lap dance.  It's not something that most dancers learn, but in my club it was a way to earn extra and the ladies, the other male dancers, taught me so I'd make better tips."  He smirked and moved so he was barely raised above Throttle's body.  "I got very good at teasing."

"You are a tease so it comes naturally," he promised, stealing a kiss.

"Ah-ah. No touching, Mr. Customer Mouse."  He moved back some and went back to it, making Throttle shiver, but he grabbed the chair's bottom so he wouldn't touch him until he was allowed.  "Some of the boys used them to get dates but I was never like that.  I was a good boy back then.  It seems I got naughtier since then for some reason."  He stroked a hand up his stomach, ruffling his fur gently.  "I wonder why."  He hummed along, staring into his eyes as he danced for him.  He heard the chair's wood splinter and felt Throttle snap his no-touching rule so backed off again.  "Naughty, Mouse."  He went back to dancing for him from a few feet away, slowly stripping off like he had been taught.  He gave him a come hither smile once he was done, then turned to show that side off.

That's when Throttle pounced, driving him onto the bed, knocking their things off.  He dove in to taste his tease.  He was sweaty and warm and good.  "Undress me, tease," he ordered.  Xander flipped him onto his back and worked his way down to unzip him with his teeth, which made him groan and push up.  Careful fingers lowered the old jeans, then tossed them on top of the tv.  Xander chuckled when he saw he wasn't wearing underwear, bending down to nuzzle him gently, then licking around the base.  "Tease," he groaned, grabbing his head.  He guided it where he wanted it to go.  "Go down.  Please."

"Only if I get to pick the first four rides, you pay admission into the parks and for lunch tomorrow."  He grinned up at him.  "Then I'll give you whatever you want tonight and tomorrow night."

"Deal," he groaned, sighing in pleasure as Xander slowly swallowed him.  His toes curled as the talented fingers came up to tease him too.  "I had a flash of brilliance when I couldn't leave you alone the first time you showed up," he moaned, shifting some.  Xander went with it and spread his thighs so he could lay between them.  "Oh, babe.  More."  One finger went down to tease his balls, making him shift his thighs wider apart.  He didn't care who got who but someone was going to be taken on this bed.   Soon, it would be soon.  He arched up into the welcoming mouth as that finger teased the spot between there and his hole, his tail swishing wildly.  Xander's tail caught it and they rubbed against each other.  Throttle nearly reached for an antenna to play with, but Xander still had a headache from where they had been hurt.  Instead he rubbed and stroked his ears.  Xander's ears were so sensitive.  The boy was moaning and groaning into him now, humping the bed slightly.  "Xander, now.  Please now."

"Mmmm," he hummed, pulling up slowly.  He looked at him.  "You want?"

"I don't care, just do something!" he said frantically.  There was a slight breeze from an open window and it was teasing his wet cock in a way only Xander could appreciate.  "Please?"

"Sure, baby."  He found the lube he had packed and used it on himself, then climbed on top.  He was more than ready for this and he didn't care if he did have to go slowly.  He winced as the head popped through and slowly slid down, settling himself all the way down after a few ups and downs.  The hands gripping his hips were nearly bruising but he understood.  He shifted and braced against the bed, raising his hips to gently lower them, slowly teasing him.  Throttle couldn't take that, he pulled out and put Xander onto his stomach, taking him again as hard and as fast as he could, making Xander wiggle and howl in pleasure as he slammed into him again and again.  He finally came and Xander went limp under him, groaning in pleasure.  He flipped his mate over, going to gently nuzzle and taste him again.  It only took seconds for him to come, then Xander pulled him down to cuddle.

"This is the third time I'm saying this," a tiny voice called.  "Your radio is on, Throttle and Xander," Vinnie said, sounding smug.

Xander glanced down there, using his tail to move the bags off their helmets. "He got off from it," he groaned, rolling into the warm chest, liking the chuckling going on.   They both heard the bike pull up and someone go upstairs, but they were too tired to care at the moment.  They'd go up and introduce themselves later.

***

Vinnie put down the handset, shaking his head.  "Probably dropped something on the switch again.  Just like their first weekend away," he complained.  He saw the man walking in and smirked at his escort.  "Hey, Stoker, they did it again."

"Glad I missed it, punk.  Where are they?"

"Probably in Texas.  They were due there today.  Took three tries to get them to release the link."  He nodded politely at the general.  "Hey, how's it goin'?"  He looked at Modo and Charley, smirking at her.  "They finally released it."

"Good.  It's about time," Charley agreed.  She smiled at Stoker.  "No Switch?"

"No, the doctor said she's not to travel this time.  He thinks Anya was made brilliant by space radiation."  He smirked at her.  "Feeling okay?"

"Yeah, I just wanted yogurt."  She took another bite and nodded at the General.  "Welcome to the Last Chance Garage, General."

"Thank you, ma'am.  Do you work with these three?"

"I'm Charley."

"Oh.  All right.  No one ever mentioned you were female."  He looked at Vinnie, then at Modo.  "Who files the reports?"

"Throttle," they said in unison, mocked by Stoker.

"Fine, I'll talk with him about being a bit more descriptive."  He heard another bike and looked behind them as another bike roared in and stopped.  "You are?"

"Dawn.  Xander's adopted daughter," she said, shaking his hand.  "Charley, sorry I'm late."

"Not an issue, I didn't need it today."  She looked at her hair.  "Cute haircut."

"Not intentional.  Chemistry burner."  She lifted the frayed end.  "I need to get it fixed tonight."

"Sure.  We'll hit the mall together.  I have the feeling I'm going to need some bigger clothes soon."  Vinnie beamed at that so she slugged him on the arm. "Stop it before you start to bounce again."

The General coughed.  "Are you two...together?"  Everyone nodded.  "Interesting."  He looked at Dawn.  "Are you dating Modo, sweetheart?"

"First, honey, I'm not your babe.  You call me another pet name and I'm kicking your ass," she told him.  "Secondly, Modo's like my big brother, the same as Vinnie is.  I'm not polite enough to date Modo and I never was."  He just stared at her.  "Yay, people."  She got off the bike, weathering the dirty look.  "Can I just beat the shit out of one of the cunts at school?"

"No, but you can be paddled for language," Vinnie told her dryly.

"What happened this time?" Charley asked calmly.  "The hair thing?"

"Ohh, that's just the start, honey.  Let's not talk about the biology class going missing a few pints of blood and it being poured on me.  Or how someone decided to try me at lunch."

"Suspended again?" Modo asked.

"No, the headmistress stepped in between us.  She saw the whole thing and saw me break the girl's nose for a very good reason when she called me a dyke."  She stomped off.  "I'm going to change into clothes that aren't damp.  I'll be back in a few minutes."

"There's chocolate in the fridge," Charley called after her.  "I don't blame her this time," she told Vinnie.

"Me either, but that sort of language would get Xander on her tail again."

"Yeah, well, I've used it about certain women in the past too," she said blandly.  Dawn came back a few minutes later in her tightest jeans, a cute shirt that showed off her stomach and arm muscles very well, and still raging.  "You're not driving like that," she ordered.  "You'll wreck.  Besides, you need a jacket."

"I forgot it at school."  She grimaced.  "My life sucks."

"It may, but they'll get theirs," she reminded her calmly.  "Why are they after you?"

"Yeah, you're one of the nicest girls in that school," Vinnie complained.  "You even have manners, which is better than half of them."

"That's half the problem.  I'm not the uber-brats they are.  Oooh, one of the rich girls doesn't like me."  She snorted then shrugged.  "Can I borrow Xander's car tomorrow?"

"No.  He said no one drives it but him," Charley reminded her. "Unless you can get him on the radio."  The girl muttered and shook her head. "There's two days until the start of the holiday.  Can you make it that long?"  She nodded.  "Then we'll figure it out."

"Do they not like your family?" Modo asked.

"No, they've decided I'm a charity case who got taken in out of pity and Xander's desire to not seem gay.  They also seem to think I've got a criminal record."  She snorted.  "Not even close.  No one's caught me doing any of my stuff yet."

"Which we're not doing any more, right?" Charley reminded her.

"Not even once?"

"No, not even once and not to them.  You're too good at shoplifting already."  She finished her yogurt and got Dawn some chocolate.  "Call the place at the mall, we could both use trims."  Dawn sighed and went into the office.  "Sorry, traumatic kids at school again."

"Girls like that make me want to strangle them with my tails," Stoker admitted.  "Carbine did when she was younger too."

Dawn came out of the office.  "Am I getting a bike for graduation or should I continue to save money?"  Everyone stared at her.  "I need to know, people, because I can shut her up quickly.  Tomorrow's a dress code free day."  They all smirked at her, getting some idea.  "So?"

"You're getting one," Charley assured her.  "Xander said so."  She smirked and nodded, heading back to her room for a moment, then coming back with a full pocket.  "When's the hair thing?"

"We'll have to go somewhere else.  They're full tonight."  She put her arm through Charley's.  "You done for the day?"

"No, but one of the guys could probably take you.  That way you'd be warm on your way to get your jacket."

She smirked up at her.  "I could just go steal one of my presents from Xander's closet."

"The jacket's from Throttle and you can't tell him you found it," Modo told her.

"He knows I found it.  I squealed and hugged him."  She winked at him.  "Wanna go, big guy?  I'm sure you could handle about ten minutes of shoe shopping.  Please?"

"Fine, Dawn.  Grab my spare jacket for me."  She hugged him and went to get their spare jackets, coming back with his in her hand and a cat in the other.  "Hey, Joyce."  He scratched her on the head.  "We'll be right back."  He led Dawn to his bike, waking her up.  "Come on, Lil' Hoss. Let's take her shopping for a few minutes."  His bike beeped tiredly.  "What's wrong?"

"Sounds like she's got a battery issue.  I'll change it tonight," Charley promised.  He grinned and nodded.  "Bring one back."  He nodded, getting Dawn onto the back so they could go.  She looked at Vinnie.  "Go play with Stoker."  He grinned and pounced Stoker to pummel him.  She looked at the General. "When is Limburger Junior showing up?"

"We think next week sometime."

"Good.  We'll be ready for him."  She nodded at the kitchen.  "Want a rootbeer?  We've got bottles and cans."

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble," Micah said as he came in.  He grinned at her.  "Looking good."

"Thanks.  I'm sooner than you thought.  The Martian tests register in days."  He hugged her.  "I like you too.  Oh, Dawn's got a problem in school with the mean brats."

"I heard.  They stopped me to talk on the way out.  She was nearly swearing again."

"Oh, she came in swearing," she shared, going to get them rootbeers.  She handed a bottle to the general.  "So, how many others are there and are we getting invaded?"

"Probably."  Micah sat down, then looked outside.  "Boys, get in here.  I've got good news."  They hurried in with the general.  "There's a total of twelve other mice here."  He opened his can and took a sip.  "Most of them are in Europe, but one's in Africa and one's in Russia, in Siberia.  She's on her way here.  I have a contact over there in the Russian Mafia who's sending her over personally.  The one in Africa I heard about but I can't get hold of."

"I can send out a general contact.  If she's got a bike, she'll hear," Stoker admitted.  He got his own rootbeer and tossed one at Vinnie, then sat down on Charley's other side, making Vinnie give him a look.  "What?  She didn't tell you I was going to steal her for Switch's amusement?"

"No, and if your girl wants to see her, she can come down too," Vinnie assured him.  "Just to get away from Carbine."  He looked at the general. "There's other Plutarkians down here."

"I know.  Most of them are gone."

"We're down to six.  One's in Russian and that one's been dealing with him.  My tip to my contact included that and they're going to push him out.  He's bad for business." Micah took a sip.  "That leaves five and most of them are here in the US."

"Does that include Junior?"

"Yeah, that does include him.  I doubt we can drive him off.  He's sounding more and more like a revenge sort," he offered, patting her on the hand.  "I'm having someone come up your security and upgrade Xander's computer.  He's got too high of a clearance to let fall into enemy hands."

"He's a mouse."

"No, he's a human who changed into a mouse," Micah corrected.  "He used to be human.  You can ask Enamel when he shows up."  He looked at Charley.  "Sorry to intrude."

"Not an issue. He'd be over soon for another check on me.  Vinnie's getting worried that I'm not having hormone swings."  She took another drink.  "Any word on the prison planets?"

"There's six with about twenty thousand mice in total," the general admitted.  "We're working on them at the moment.  Unfortunately we need some muscle to do that."

"There's Freedom Fighters willing to tow ships with their bikes through dead space if we have to," Stoker assured him.  "You've got two battalions at your beck and call for that duty."

"We have the muscle but we don't have a forward team," the general told him.  "No one who can sneak in there and start freeing them."

"So you have a distraction and an assault force, you need people who can do the entering and breaking out," Micah summed.  The general nodded.  "Thieves of a human variety work?"  He took another sip.  "We've got six or seven in custody who would do *wonderfully* at that."

"Can they be trusted?"

"They'd get their freedom unless you wanted to keep them."  Micah smirked at him.  "We've already got the authority to transport them to a newly secured facility."

"Plutarkian locks are usually electronic or card key," Stoker told him.  Micah nodded.  "You think they could?"

"We gave them all the specs and tapes from the old tower and what we'd done to the others.  They pointed out strategies that worked the next time through.  They're willing to go as long as they go free."

"Done," Stoker agreed.  "I'll escort them back myself if I live and I know Carbine would say the same thing."

"Good.  Then I'll have them taken out of custody right before you leave so they can go with you."  He heard a bike and checked his watch.  "That was fast."  Dawn walked in with a bag from an upscale shop. "Have fun?"

"I walked in and told the salesman why I was there, what my budget was, and he squealed and lead me *right* to what I needed," she said smugly.  "Do I get a clothing allowance once I start with you, Micah?"

"No, but you get paid pretty well.  What did you get?"

"Two presents too," she admitted with a smirk.  She let him see most of them, making him laugh.  "What do you think?"

"I think you're going to smash their heads in with just the shoes," he admitted.  "Good job, Dawn.  You thought strategically."  She grinned and went to take them to her room, storing the presents to wrap.  "I don't think they're going to be bothering her again," he shared smugly.  "Speaking of, we've got to get Xander to the bank.  Oz didn't want his cut from the Watchers and I talked to Giles, who said to split it between Dawn and Xander."

"Wonderful," Vinnie agreed smugly.  "I'm sure she'll have more clothes than any girl needs soon."

"She needs new bras anyway," Charley told him.  She grinned at Micah.  "Did you get the pictures he sent?"

"I did and they're uploaded into her file already.  Sometime during that week off, I'll need to test her personally.  She picked a form of martial arts I'm familiar enough with and her brawling is already known about.  Did you know she cleaned the clock of some girl she found trying to rape her boyfriend at a club last week?"  Everyone shook their heads.  "Yeah, she did," he said proudly, smirking at them.  "She's going to be one hell of an agent.  You guys do good work with her."

Charley nodded.  "We try."  She went to check on Modo, taking the new battery from him to put in.  She reconnected it and kissed him on the cheek.  "Bike?"  It beeped, sounding much stronger.  "Need anything else, sweetie?"  It beeped, shaking her front wheel.  "Okay.  You just let me know.  Go ahead and plug in, Lil' Hoss.  Throttle and Xander should be back in about four days."  She beeped again and plugged in, letting her rider come over to close her hatch and then clean off any fingerprints.  She gave him a nudge and he grinned, heading in after Charley.  She leaned against the wall, getting comfortable for a nap.

"You take very good care of their bikes, Charley," the general told her.

"I try.  Besides, they're like my family."

"She's a might-as-well-be bro," Vinnie agreed, grinning at her.  "If she had proper tail, she would be one."  She pinched him, making him chuckle.  "Fine. You are one."

"Thanks, studly."

"And don't you forget it," he said proudly.  "As I'll be proving later."

"Not tonight you're not."

"Oh, yes, I am," he assured her, using his tail to pull her chair around so he could kiss her.  "I don't care what your body is doing, I'm there," he whispered.  She looked at him. "Doesn't bother me, sweetheart.  Remember that."  He shoved her back into spot, then looked at Stoker.  "So, Switch is how far along?"

"Sixth month," he sighed, shaking his head.  "The scary part."

"Tell him I'm not due for mood swing for months, Stoker."

"She's not, punk. This is the nice part of the pregnancy.  Cherish it.  When she starts having mood swings, you'll know."  Micah nodded. "You have kids?"

"One.  Her mother's got custody.  She didn't like my job."

"Pity.  You see her?"

"Her mother told her what I do and how dangerous it is. She's scared of me.  She sees Lorne a lot though.  He thinks she's cute even though she's got a bad crush on him."  Charley snickered at that.  "She does.  He's trying to talk her into hitting the academy."

"If that's what she wants to do, are you going to let her work for you?"

"I wouldn't trust her with anyone else.  She'll be Max and Lorne's first trainee since Dawn has to do college first."

"How young were you when you had her?" Stoker asked.  "I didn't think you were that old."

"She's just now eighteen.  She's a bit brilliant," he said proudly.  "I was twenty.  Her mother was nineteen.  She's done a good job."

"Good," Charley agreed.  "Call her over the holidays."

"I've planned to do that but she's introducing the boyfriend to her mother and doesn't want to scare him.  The boyfriend is a putz with a criminal record.  Her mother asked me to check."  He shook his head with a sigh.  "The guy's the stereotypical biker badass.  The one who's always in trouble, doing damage, riding around all hours of the night to annoy people with his specially-modified-to-be-louder engine.  The sort I don't want to see her with."  He shrugged.  "She'll see him for who he really is soon.  Her mother's very good at showing her reality and making her see it. That's why she's scared of me.  I had to shoot an intruder once."

Charley shivered.  "I never imagine you to be that dangerous, Micah."

"We all were sometime.  Now I run an agency.  Max gets to be dangerous and deadly so I don't have to so often.  After her comes Sheria and then Dawn.  With Dawn's probable class there's a few males again.  Sheria wouldn't have any males coming in with her."

"Your poor daughter wouldn't like that," Modo offered.

Micah snorted and shook his head.  "No, she wouldn't, but she'd enjoy the looks she'd get.  There's two groups who already want her and are pressing her to join them instead.  One's covert and assholes.  I told her the truth about them and they told her what my agency does after I did.  She's considering."

"At least she's smart enough to make a reasonable decision," Charley offered.  Dawn came back and stole more chocolate.  "Already?"

"No.  Soon though."  She looked at the general.  "So, are Charley, Xander, and I going to be facing the newest Limburger alone?"

"No way in hell, sweetheart," Vinnie told her. "I'm not leaving Charley and Throttle won't leave Xander."

Modo nodded.  "I'd stay with them.  Momma can find me a woman and send her down."

"Actually," Micah offered.  "One of the women I've seen recently would love you, Modo.  She's very sweet, shy, and kicks butt like Dawn can."  His ears perked up at that.  "She's the one coming in from Ireland.  I met her last night.  She's heading this way by bike.  She refused to fly."  He grinned at that.  "So maybe you two will hit it off and you can tell your mother good things."

"Thank you, Micah. That's nice of you."

"Eeh, she saw the picture on my desk and drooled, Modo.  Asked who you were.  She knew Vinnie somehow and thought she knew Throttle."

"What's her name?" Vinnie asked.

"Um, Grip?"  Vinnie's jaw dropped.  "What?"

"Grip?  My ex girlfriend Grip?"

"Which one was she, bro?  There's been so many I lost track back during our training."

"Grip was the one who took me out onto that shelf and abandoned me laughing," he said grimly.

"Maybe she's changed," Dawn offered.  "Especially if she thought she was down here alone."  She sat next to Vinnie, hugging his arm.  "Can you take me to school tomorrow?"

"Sure, Dawnie," he promised, grinning at her.  "Part of your plan?"

"No, the roads are a sheet of ice and I don't want to wreck."

"Sure, babe."  He kissed her on the top of the head. "You're warm."

"I've been sneezing all day."

"Go eat some of those hot pepper candies," Charley ordered.  "I can't afford to be sick."  Enamel walked in.  "Hey, there's cold rootbeer."

"Thanks, Charley.   You guys are my favorite patients."

"You're still practicing?" the general asked flatly.

"There's no one else down here who does and someone's got to handle Xander's changing into a mouse and her pregnancy, plus the other major injuries."  He tipped Dawn's head up to look in her eyes. "Go eat one of those peppers before it sets in."

"I already did.  That's why I'm warm to the touch instead of just to look at."  She grinned at him.  "How's your holidays?"

"No girl, yet again, and the cat's trying to eat tinsel."  He sat down on Micah's other side.  "Since I'm here I'll do your exam later, Charley."

"Sure.  Thanks."  She looked at Vinnie, who shrugged, then at Modo, who grinned at her.  "Enamel, would you like to come over for the holiday dinner?"

He choked on his soda.  "What?"

"Come over and eat, big dumbass.  You invite friends over," Dawn told him.  Vinnie pinched her.  "Sorry."

"No, that's okay.  It's more charming than some things Throttle has called me.  If it wouldn't cause any trouble, I wouldn't mind," he offered graciously.  "Can I bring anything?"

"Yeah, stuffing.  I suck at making stuffing," Charley told him.  He smiled and nodded.  "Enough for everyone."

"Of course."  He took another sip of his soda, then looked at Micah.  "I need to clear everyone before they liftoff.  Otherwise we could transmit diseases back."

"I figured as much."  He clapped him on the back.  "There's a total of twenty down here.  Twelve big mice."

"I only knew about another three."  He looked at the general.  "Popoff's in Seattle the last I knew."

"Why?"

"He walked away after that last battle and couldn't take it anymore," Enamel said simply.  "He's traumatized to the point where I was sedating him nightly.  I got him some help but he's still jumpy."

"I called him," Micah admitted.  "He hung up on me twice until I told him why I was calling first.  Stating out with 'they'd like you come back to Mars to have kids' at least got his attention."  Enamel nodded.  "What about you?"

"They wouldn't accept me back even if I could go," he pointed out dryly.  "Besides, I've grown fond of this planet in the years I've been here."

"We could still use you."

"Then call me and hire me on as a contractor," Enamel offered.  "I never said I wouldn't work for Mars.  Just that I wouldn't come back."  The general nodded.  "You might ask Citreon about that."

"We could use a good computer person," he admitted.  "This new operating system is going oddly."

"We upgraded," Stoker said dryly.

"You'll need to upgrade the memory and hard drives too," Micah told him.  "We did when we had to upgrade.  The newest Windows takes up a lot of space."

"I noticed.  The problem is the central server being so old and out of sorts."

"We'll see what we can do," Micah offered.

"That wasn't really...."

Micah held up a hand.  "It's all old to us and taking up unnecessary space.  Giving it to you or trading for little things for the ones staying down here is a win-win situation."  Stoker nodded at that.  "For that matter, take some of our dead satellites now and then.  They're causing hazards according to NASA."

"We have.  We also took the rovers and handed them to our engineering students to play with as toys.  They've rebuilt them a few times now."

"Wonderful.  Always happy to give you more toys," Micah said fondly, smirking at him.

"We need some pickled Torso eggs," Vinnie told him.  "Charley's never had any and neither has Xander."

"They're foul, punk," Stoker said, looking disgusted.  "Very foul.  Don't do that to them."

"Actually, if you pickle them in vinegar, they're pretty decent," Enamel told him.  "I like champagne or apple cider vinegar. I've got some in my fridge, Vincent."

"Thanks.  Bring 'em for dinner," he said with a grin.  "I've missed those."

"How did you get any?" the general asked.

"There's other aliens around and they do trade," Enamel noted.  "Since I'm a well-trained doctor I usually trade that and physicals."  He sipped his rootbeer, looking at Dawn.  Then at Vinnie.  "She's asleep."  He nodded.  "Fine.  Your arm's going to be painful later."

"She's fine," he said quietly.   He looked at the general. "Moving us back would mean all the Plutarkians were gone.  It would cause problems because Xander is one of this planet's defenders.  Also, what could we do about Charley?"

He considered it.  "You could visit."

"Fat chance," he said, sneering at him.  "Not gonna happen."  He started to move but Dawn was weighting him down.  Stoker thoughtfully peeled her off his arm so he could stand up, strolling casually closer.  Modo dove for cover, as did Stoker, taking Dawn and dragging Charley with him.  "There's no way I'm leaving my mate," he sneered.  "You may not have had a good wife, but I've lost too many to leave her and no child of mine is going a day without seeing me."  The general stepped back a half step.  "You can't remove Xander because he's still partially human and if you do, this world goes to hell, which leaves Mars without an ally nearby.  You may be to get Modo to go for short times, or even us for short necessary trips, but not for good.  We can't leave Dawn, she's Xander's adopted daughter.  I'm not leaving Charley.  You wouldn't if she were yours."

"I lost my wife early in the war, young man."

"I lost plenty to the war.  I lost nearly everyone.  I'm not losing her too.  So you can forget it unless she's coming too."  The general nodded.  "Plus, there's still slimy cheeses down here."

"Ones Xander eats on occasion," Micah admitted casually.  "I see the resemblance more and more, Vinnie.  I didn't think you did stalking menace like Xander did."  He tossed his can in the trash and shrugged, grinning at him.  "I agree, if you go, she goes.  It's only suitable and it'd cause less problems for her and the kid."  He looked at Enamel.  "Any idea what it is yet?"

"Not for another few months."  He looked at Vinnie.  "I wouldn't even try to touch her without you being here.  I'd protect her because I know you'd kick my ass, but I wouldn't go near her otherwise."

"Only my bros and Dawn protect her," Vinnie told him. "Micah if it's an emergency.  No one else, doc."

"Sure, Vinnie.  If you say so."

"I do."

"Vinnie, calm down," Charley said, letting him help her up.  "Thank you."  He kissed her, making her moan and clutch at him. "Not in front of others," she panted, swatting at him.  He grinned and she relaxed, letting him kiss her again. "Fine, Vincent."   He let out a howl and kissed her again.

Modo groaned. "I thought Xander being claimed was bad," he complained.

"Oh, I don't know, I thought it was cute how Dawn pounced the punk there because she thought he might steal him," Stoker offered, helping Dawn up and letting her sit next to Modo.  His ears twitched.  "I hear a bike."

"Well, that's one of a couple of people," Micah admitted.  He got up to check, waving the woman inside.  "Paint," he said fondly.  "Micah Simms."  He shook her hand.  "There's a general here to evacuate most of you back to Mars if possible."

"So I was told.  They can really beat Cheddar?"   He nodded. "You're sure?"

"I'm sure," he promised.  "One of them was trained by us."  He nodded at the wall.  "Go ahead and plug her in if you need to and the rest of us are in the kitchen."  She took off her helmet, shaking her waist-length white hair out.  On her gray body it looked exotic and her eyes were lashed with heavy, dark lashes.  He grinned at her.  "Come meet Chicago's defenders, minus two."

"Where are the other two?"

"On a road trip.  It's their vacation.  Xander got injured."

"Xander?  A mouse?"

"Now."  He led her into the back area.  "Vincent!" he snapped, breaking into the kiss. "This is Paint, she was in Siberia."

"Hey," he said, grinning and going back to kissing his girl.

"Welcome, ma'am," Modo said, standing up to shake her hand.  "Was there one of the slimy stinkfishes there?"

"The junior Cheddar daughter," she admitted, taking a seat at the table.  Modo got her a rootbeer and smiled at her.  "Thank you, sweetheart.  Which one are you?"

"Modo," he said gently.  "That's Vinnie kissing Charley ma'am there.  The human girl napping is Dawn, she's the adopted daughter of Xander and Throttle.  They'll be back in a few days."

"I've heard of you three," she admitted. She looked at Charley, then back at Modo, raising an eyebrow.  "Interesting," she decided, opening her soda.  Dawn jerked awake.  "Good morning."

"Hey."  She yawned and rubbed her eyes.  "Micah, can I drop physics next semester?  I never get any sleep studying for that thing."

"Physics and magic are connected," he said patiently.

"Yeah, but I can take it in college," she pointed out.  "Besides, Geology is more my speed.  Rocks, minerals, earth's forces and magnetism.  Stuff like that is more practical."

"If you can get Xander to agree," he decided.  "I'd rather you finished it."

"I know," she complained, sitting up further.  "Toss me one of the red cans please, sweetheart.  I need caffeine."  Paint did so, watching her catch it with both hands.  "Thanks.  I'm Dawn, future agent of Micah's."  She grinned at her.  "Got a name?"

"Paint."

"Cool beans."  She looked up at the screaming of an engine, then at Modo.  "Who's that?"

"Switch, Carbine, or Rimfire," Stoker said, looking up.  He and Dawn raced for the door.  The ship hadn't quite crashed but it had landed on top of another empty building and had fallen in.  "It's Rimfire," he decided, heading for him.

"Those buildings are pretty weak," Dawn protested, heading after him.  She walked in and there was a young guy walking his bike off a ramp.  He was a gray mouse with an orange lightening bolt streak through his dark hair.  "Hey.  Just you?"

"Yeah, just me."  He handed a letter to Stoker.  "From my gray furred grandmomma. For Uncle Modo."

"Bring it yourself, kid, he's in the kitchen," Dawn said with a grin.  "I'm Dawn."  She shook his hand.  "I'm the adopted daughter of Xander and Throttle."

"Cool.  You bike?"

"I can ride, I'm getting mine as a graduation present."  She nodded.  "Let's go. You can park at the lair."  He grinned and followed her over to park there, then into the kitchen.

"Rimfire!" Modo said happily, getting up to give him a hug, clapping him on the back.  "Vinnie, get out of the way!"

Rimfire smirked at him.  "He's kissing a pretty girl, I doubt he'll give her up anytime soon.  I wouldn't if Charley ma'am were mine."  He looked at Vinnie, then shook his head.  He saw Dawn smirk and got out of the way in case Vinnie pounced.

Dawn casually walked up behind Vinnie, grabbing him to tickle.  He let go of the kiss and shrieked, so she ran off with a cackle.  He chased after her, pouncing her in the garage to pound her until she laughed.  "Rimfire's here," she laughed.

"Good.  I'll get him next," he promised, digging into her sides to make her thrash and scream, dodging her swats and punches.  "You hit like a girl."

"If I do, then I should do this," she said, kneeing him in the groin.  He fell to the side with a groan and she smirked at him.  "After all, that's what girls do, Vinnie."  She went back to tickling him, making him holler and thrash, breaking his headlock attempt to knee him in the side.

"Kids!" Micah yelled.  "Dawn, that was mean," he said, but he was grinning.  "Watch out."  Vinnie got her into a headlock and was noogying her, making him shake his head when she got free and rolled away, getting up and doing a back handspring to get some distance, then going after him for real for messing up her hair.  He watched, he had wanted to see her in action anyway.

"Cheese, that's some girl," Rimfire said in awe, watching those two play.  "Too bad she's not a mouse."

"She swears too, kid," Micah told him.

"I know others who do.  I'm sure it's only when she's stressed.  She's too pretty to do it all the time."  Dawn grinned back at him and Vinnie attacked back then, getting her back onto her back, but she kicked him in the stomach, getting free with some wiggling.  She ended up on his back, straddling his shoulders.  "Wow."

"What're you gonna do now, Vinnie?" she taunted.  "Not strong enough to get me off?"

"Bet me. I can do pushups with you on my back," he groaned, doing one to prove her wrong.  She shrieked and grabbed him by the ears, making him swat at her.  "Get off!"

She slid off his back and landed on her butt, looking at her.  "That was mean."

"Told you I could do those."

"Good, then you can do them more often," Charley called. "Ten a day at the least."

"You could sit on my back anytime, sweetheart," he called back, grinning at her.  "After all, a woman as beautiful as you should have a soft, well-padded seat to sit on."

"You pad yourself?" Dawn taunted.  "I didn't know they made thongs that were padded.  Are those like pushup bras with pads?"  He growled and pounced but she got out of the way, running to hide behind Rimfire.  "Hi again," she said with a grin.

"I don't need that sort, thank you, Dawn.  I have more than enough for three mice."  He stood up and dusted himself off. "You got me dirty."

"Oooh, poor baby.  You'll just have to be brushed later," she taunted.

"If sweetheart there wouldn't mind," he agreed smugly.

"Bro, you're horrible," Modo said, but he was shaking his head and grinning. "You too, Dawn."

"Thank you," they said in unison.

Micah gave her a pat on the back.  "You sound more and more like Xander every day.  Can I talk you into doing a weapons workshop soon?  I think you'll like weapons a lot."

"Okay.  Weapons are cool as long as they're not aimed at me."

Rimfire grinned at her. "If I'm here can I?  I don't know much about human weapons."

"Sure, kid.  More than happy to run that for you guys here."  He clapped him on the back and went to reclaim his seat, grinning at Modo, who was staring.  "Modo, what's the news from your mother?"

"Oh."  He opened the envelope, reading the short note.  "My niece has a boyfriend."

"Yeah, gigolo of the universe," Rimfire said in derision.  He looked at Vinnie.  "He's got a bigger black book than you do because he's not picky.  At least you had taste when you were playing around."

"Thanks, kid.  Gives me the warm fuzzies," Vinnie teased back. "Why is Primer settlin' down, bro?" he asked as he sat down, pulling Charley into his lap.  He was feeling a bit possessive.  He noticed Paint's look so stroked her stomach gently.  She looked away again so Vinnie looked at Modo, who was staring in shock.  "What?"

"She's having twins.  No one's sure who the father is but he's stepped forward since he wants Uncle Modo," Rimfire told him, sitting down next to Dawn.   "Primer told him off and she's stated that he's not the father but he's saying they're marrying."

"Gods, Mars is nearly as good as a soap opera," Dawn said in awe.

Rimfire chuckled and nodded.  "Some days and on some bases.  Carbine yelled at her for weeks about the twins. Sister dear went out on a raid against Sand Raiders after finding out she was pregnant."  The general shuddered so apparently he had heard.  "Primer's been appointed to a training position.  She's very good at sneaking and scouting."

"That's good at least.  Hopefully your grandmother will help her when she goes back on full time duty," Dawn told him.  He nodded, grinning at her.  "Does she like anyone for the father?"

"Yeah, but it was a one-night stand," he admitted.  "He claims it never happened since he was due to be bound the next day. Since *everyone* on the base saw him, we all know who the babies' daddy is."  Vinnie groaned and shook his head.  "So, any other family news, like bondings?" he asked, grinning at them.

"I'm barely pregnant," Charley told him.

"Congratulations, I'll try not to pounce you," Rimfire offered.  "Do we have pictures of the bonding ceremony for grandmomma?"

"She refuses to have one," Vinnie told him.   "She wants a human wedding but doesn't want a large one and nothing too fussy or expensive.  We're debating that at the moment.  I was going to try to work in the bonding during it, but she thought that'd be too much."

"I like doing it the easy way."

"A bonding is something you'll remember forever," Paint told her.  "You'll want something to tell the children about."

"She's right, Charley ma'am," Modo agreed gently.  "It is something for the whole of the family to celebrate as well as the couple."

"I'm not religious."

"So?  We can do it with a Justice of the Peace and still have the better, longer ceremony," Vinnie offered.  "If we were on Mars, I'd have it right beside the pool at Olympus Mons.  It's very special."  He nuzzled her fondly.  "Please?"

"Fine," she sighed.  "It can't be too expensive."

"It's the dress and the reception that's the most expensive," Micah told her.  "You could hold it in the park or something and do it fairly cheaply, depending on how you do the reception."  He got up to get another soda.  "Don't ask me how I know this.  I don't want to have nightmares of two of my agents having a duel over who's wedding would be better."  He sat down again, opening the can to take a sip.  "So, Rimfire, right?"  He nodded.  "How long you down here for?"

"Probably through the holidays.  Carbine about yelled our whole base off planet.  To say she's a bit pissed at certain new laws is an understatement."  He looked at the general, who shrugged.  "By the way, fat chance on me doing it.  I only produce offspring when there's a great deal of feelings involved."  He looked at his uncle.  "There's now a law that says we each have to have at least one kid."

"So those who can't have one are what, arrested?" Enamel asked.  Rimfire stared at him. "I'm a doctor, kid.  Just banished."

"Oh.  I wish you had been down here the last time I got here."

"I was probably in Uzbekistan.  I've been there for the last few years."  He shook his head. "That's a dangerous law."

"We don't have time to debate that.  Our birthrate is falling."

"Wonderful, but if you piss off people, then they won't have any.  Besides, what are you going to do with the parents who shouldn't be parents?  Or those who can't be parents because of what they've gone through?  Or even those who've been tortured so much they can't conceive or carry, no matter how much they'd like to change it?"  The general shuddered.  "Your best bet is a genetics bank and those who want to opting for a child with someone who isn't there anymore."  He took another sip of his drink, looking at Micah.  "Either that or sending up some of the people here who could be surrogates and having them carry fully mouse children."

"That's a touchy subject among us but there'd probably be a lot of people who wouldn't mind.  You just can't tell me that you're hiring them.  I'd get in massive trouble for that one."

Enamel nodded.  "I can understand that.  This country is a bit provincial."  He looked at Vinnie.  "I'll be drawing fluid for a genetics test.  Fair warning now."

"It won't hurt her?"

"No, not in the least.  The humans do something like that too."  He nodded, accepting that.  "There's too much at risk to have one with something like Newberry Syndrome."  Vinnie shuddered at that. "You did take some heavy radiation."

"I know," he agreed gently, stroking her stomach again.  She patted his hand. "Do you think it's possible?"

"No, but I want warning before hand," he told him.  "I don't think that it's likely.  You're one of the healthiest mice I've ever seen, Vincent."

"Yeah, and what about him?" Rimfire asked the general.  "That child will only be partially a mouse.  Are you going to make him break his vows to her to have a child?"

"That's not my decision."

"No, but if I was able to get close enough to hit the others I would."

"Who made this rule?" Modo asked.

"The new Council."  He looked at him.  "If it wasn't for the remaining problems on Mars, I'd come live with you, Uncle.  So would Grandmomma and Primer.  We can't stand the new Council."  He sighed and nodded.  "When I find someone to have kids with, it'll be because I want kids and I can handle kids.  We don't have the food supply to handle those sort of numbers."

Dawn patted him on the arm. "Unless they're dictators, they can be taken out of office," she said gently.  "Start a recall vote."  He looked stunned.  "My former state did that a bit ago.  Call for a new vote, get them out of office."

"There's not many who would serve," Vinnie told her.  "Good thought though, princess."

"Thanks, studly."  She grinned at him.  "Who said they have to *agree*?  Hell, put Carbine on there.  Give her something to do other than nag her sister and her sister's daughter."

"That'd keep her out of our house," Stoker admitted dryly.  "I'll have to suggest that."  He grinned at her.  "You're so mean."

"I know," she said sweetly.  "And if Limburger Junior comes to make me a hostage, I'm going to blow him away."  Everyone beamed at her for that delusion.  "After all, Xander still has grenade launchers.  I'm sure one of those shoved up his ass will more than happily make him blow himself."

"I saw the grenade launcher trial on Mars," Rimfire told her.  "Can I look at them?"

"As long as you don't set one off," Micah told him.  "I'll do that with the weapons lectures, Rimfire.  When are we doing those?"

"The day after Christmas?" Dawn asked with a grin.

"Sure."  He nodded, taking another drink.  "What should I bring for the holidays, Charley?  I can't cook so I'll need time to order."

She smiled and shook her head.  "I don't know, Micah.  Bring a dessert or something.  I'm good on everything but stuffing and Enamel said he'd bring that."

"You're sure?  I can order a mean ham or something."

Charley considered it.  "We could probably use another one.  I only have one thirty pound split into two parts."

"Sure, I'll bring one about the same size, already cooked. Sweet or other glaze?"

"Sweet.  I like it and so does Xander."

"Sure.  I know just the place," he offered with a smile.  "I'll call later tonight."  She nodded, resting back against Vinnie's chest.  "I expected Grip to be here by now," he admitted.

Vinnie got up, letting Charley have his seat as he went to the radio to call.  He turned it off their usual band to the usual Freedom Fighter's band, getting some static.  He tried just off it, getting a clear signal.  "Grip?  You in the city yet?" he called, letting go of the switch.

"Vinnie?" she asked in shock, then a bit of light static.  "You're in town?"

"We're this city's protectors.  Come to the garage.  We're discussing dinner plans.  You can meet my girl."  He let the button go, grinning. "And bring whoever's with you," he added as an afterthought.

"Done.  Give me an hour.  I'm in this incredible park by a lake."

"I know the spot.  Know the directions?"

"Yeah, but I've got to get Thimble and Ajax."

She staticed up so he let it go and walked off.  "She'll be here within an hour.  She's got to gather two others."  He picked up Charley and sat down, then planted her in his lap.

"Doing a mean Throttle impersonation there, Vinnie," Dawn joked.  Rimfire choked then wiped his mouth.  "Throttle likes to get possessive about Xander."

"Hell if he were mine, I'd have a tracker and a leash on the boy so he couldn't get away from me," Enamel noted.  "Just so no one got any ideas."

"You do know that trying to take the Xander from Throttle is suicidal?" Dawn asked.  He nodded.  "Good!  We enjoy picking on you too much to lose you so soon."  He chuckled at that and Rimfire stared at her.  "Yes, I'm occasionally a mean and picking creature.  I'm a girl," she told him.

"My sister's one of those," he told her.  "She does the same thing only she's a tease."

"I'm picky about the worthiness of who I tease," Dawn told him.  She grinned.  "I only go for smart, studly guys who can keep up with me in the club."

"And Phil," Vinnie noted.

"We broke up two weeks ago, honey.  He thought I was a bit too much for him. He needs a quieter girl, like a quiet version of Meg.  Or maybe a female Oz."

"That's a bad mental picture.  Their kid," Micah said with a smirk.  Charley shuddered and Vinnie burst out in a loud laugh, hiding it against her back.  Modo just shuddered.  "Some day there shall be little Oz's and Meg's running around."

"Meg's cute," Stoker reminded him. "Just a bit blunt."

"How bad is this child?" Paint asked.

"The first time we met Meg was when she was dating Xander," Charley explained. "She walked up to Vinnie and asked him if tail size equated to other sizes since she and her cousin had been discussing it."  Paint looked horrified.  "She's a video game designer and she wears the outfit of the character she's working on.  We've seen her in a fur bikini, a chainmail bikini, and a few other choice outfits."

"I saw her last in a pair of pink sweat pants, a bathing suit top, and a suit jacket," Micah told her.   Charley chuckled at that.  "She claimed it was laundry day but Oz said she'd been doing that a lot."

"Are they coming for the holidays?" Dawn asked.  She nodded. "You've already okayed it? Oz was invited back to hell, part two."

"No, they're coming.  I talked with him last night," Charley assured her.

"I don't know why, the slayers sound *perfectly* nice," Vinnie said dryly.

"Dawn and Throttle spent most of Thanksgiving beating on them," Modo told him.  "They kept trying to steal Xander or pick on Xander."

"Was fun for me," Dawn noted dryly, taking a drink.  She looked at Rimfire.  "We're a serve yourself bunch, honey.  Go get a drink if you want one."

"Why? You make me drool enough for three people in the badlands to quench their thirst for days."

Modo choked on his drink, as did Vinnie.  "That was nearly smooth, Rimfire, I'm impressed," Charley told him, leaning over to give him a hug.  "Dawn should take you clubbing tonight."

"It'd get us out of the mope and gloom," Dawn agreed.  She looked at Rimfire.  "Wanna?"

"Sure."  He grinned at her then picked up the back of her hand to kiss it. "I'd love to escort you out to go dancing.  Should I treat for dinner?"

"Nah, we're ordering tonight," she assured him with a grin. "I agree, you are pretty smooth.  But if we're going out, I need to change."  She looked at him, then at Charley.  "Black outfit?"

"No way in hell," Vinnie said firmly.  Modo shook his head, trying to catch his breath.  "Wear something decent."

"I wasn't talking about the one that's too short, Vinnie.  Gods, take a chill!"  She shook her head, walking off.  "Though I will need help with this outfit."

"I'll come help you in a few minutes," he yelled, figuring out which one she meant.  He looked at Modo.  "Leather and velvet?" he mouthed.  Modo shuddered.  "She's a good girl."

"Point."  He looked at his nephew.  "You'd better treat the girl right tonight, nephew.  No funny stuff and no being impolite."

"Uncle Modo, I'm not like that. I'm not some thug.  I have dated before."  He gave him a hug on the way to the fridge.  "Can we have Chef Andy's dogs tonight?"

"Sure," Charley agreed.  "Vinnie, maybe you should get them."

"Nah, it's Modo's turn."

"It's Xander's turn but he'd make us eat something else," Modo joked back. "I still don't get the point of that sushi stuff."

"It was a nice change," Charley told him.  "Even if the cats did get most of it."

"Who eats seaweed and fish?" Vinnie asked.

"Japanese people," Micah told him.  "They're probably like tempura."

"They did.  Xander got a lot of the deep fried stuff."  She rolled her eyes. "It's cute how he makes them eat other food now and then."

"Chef Andy's going to think we don't love him any more," Rimfire told her.

"No, they're still there seven meals out of ten," she assured him.

"We've got to figure out what to do about those creatures too," Stoker reminded Rimfire.

"Creatures?" Vinnie asked.

"Remember those little scurrying things found around the pools?  They moved into a few of the bases."

"Take a few cats home," Vinnie said wisely.  "They hunt the human mice."

"They do," Paint agreed.  "They'd probably adapt fairly well as well."  She sipped her drink, smiling at the sound of another bike, but it sounded like it was alone.  "Visitors."  The other mice perked their ears up.

Vinnie looked out through the crack in the swinging door.  "Hey, we're back here."   A tall white mouse walked in.  "Hey, which one are you?"

"Pipe.  Exhaust's little brother," he said, shaking his hand.  "Mr. Throttle and that Xander mouse said to show up here."  He looked at Stoker.  "It's you," he said in awe.  He nodded, nodding at a free seat.  "Thank you, sir.  It's an honor."

"That's Vinnie, Charley's on his lap, Modo's next to you, Paint's in the corner, Rimfire's on my other side, and that's Enamel and Micah back by Paint," he introduced.  "Dawn'll be back soon."

"Wow."  He stared at Vinnie, then at Modo.  "You're nearly as famous as Stoker is."  They grinned at him.  "I thought Mr. Throttle was a legend, but wow."

"Calm it down, kid.  We're heading back to Mars in a few days," Stoker told him.  "Couldn't signal?"

"I couldn't get my bike to work.  She died, sir.  That Xander mouse fixed her for me, that's the only way I could come up here.  Her brain wasn't functioning at all."

"What did he do?" Charley asked.

He shrugged.  "He reached in there, wiggled a few things I'd wiggled in the past, talked to her, then suddenly she worked."

"Huh," Micah said, looking at Charley.  "Broken connection?"

"Probably.  She okay?  I can look her over for you."

"If it wouldn't bother your mate any, ma'am.  He seems quite possessive at the moment."

"She's with kit, kid," Vinnie said smugly.

"Then I'm doubly impressed, sir, and I wish you and yours many great kits that'll drive you as nuts and my brothers and I did our Ma.  Hopefully not as bad as my sister though," he added with a bright grin.

"Grab a rootbeer, Pipe, and we'll look at your bike," Charley told him.  He nodded and walked around to help her stand, then grabbed them both sodas, handing her hers.  "You're very polite."

"I"ve been in Texas for the last three years, ma'am."

"Why is it that everyone wants to spoil my girl?" Vinnie complained once they were in the garage.

"Because it's fun watching you do one better than the spoiler," Modo told him smugly.  "That's what Xander said when I asked."

He shook his head, looking back outside.  "Why me?  Dawn?  Is that you?"

"Nearly me."  She walked off, then came back inside, slamming the door. "Mom's pregnant."

"Really?  I didn't think the cat had snuck out."

"Me either.  We have *got* to get some of them fixed.  Twelve cats is enough."  Vinnie nodded.  She took off her overcoat, showing off the black velvet and leather outfit.  Then she turned.  "Please, Vinnie?"

"Sure, Dawn. You should be pretty."  He tightened the corset top.  "Flared at the waist or not?"

"Not."  He tightened them all down so they hugged her curves beautifully, then swatted her once they were tied off. "Thank you, Vinnie."  She sat down, rubbing a hand down the velvet skirt.  "Sorry it took me so long.  I'll have to wait to fluff out my hair until it dries."

"No, it wasn't that long of a wait," Rimfire assured her, staring at her.  "Wow."  She beamed and blushed a bit.  He shifted slightly closer but his Uncle caught his eye and frowned.  "I'm being good."

"I'm sure you are.  How many others are coming, bro?"

"Grip said she had to get Thimble and Ajax."  He sipped his soda, standing up as another single bike came up the road toward the garage, going out there to greet his ex.  "Grip," he said, hugging her, grinning at the twin boys.  "Hey, kids."  He helped them off, then looked at her.  She had an artificial leg and one hand was metal too.  "You okay?"

"Bit chilly.  Makes the grease slow down in the winter."  She hugged him, kissing him on the cheek.  "I knew you'd make a good mouse a special husband some day, even if they did have to tie you down."  She pulled back.  "So, where is she?"  He pointed at Charley and she beamed. "Even better with the way he hurts his bike."  She held out her hand.  "I'm Grip."

"Charley," she said, shaking it.  "This is Pipe, he was stuck in Texas.  Kids, please don't play with those.  They can shock you."

"Fine," one of them called, coming over to look at the bike.  He looked in the insides.  "That doesn't look like Mommy's."

Charley nodded.  "It doesn't.  It's got a few very badly hurt wires that'll need replaced.  Fortunately I can do that."  He beamed at her.  "Which one are you, kid?"

"Ajax."  He hugged her then got up and went to pummel his brother.

Vinnie grinned at the kids.  "Who was their daddy?"

She shrugged.  "Some guy I met in the bar."  She headed into the back room, squealing and hugging Stoker.  "Old man!"

"Easy, Grip.  They named you right," he complained, patting her on the back.  "You okay?  I heard kids mentioned."

"Boys!" she bellowed, bringing them running to stare at everyone.  "They're mine.  Thimble is the tan one with white streaks and Ajax is the tan one with black streaks."

"Hey, kids."  They beamed at him.  He looked at them, then at Enamel.  "Foreshadowing of Vinnie's kid?"

"Probably.  There's a few possible outcomes of human/mice pairings since we have more DNA."  He finished off his soda and got up to get one, tossing a few to the mother.  "They could end up looking like him, or have her hair color as a fur color, or they could be unfurry and have either parent's hair color as their hair color."

"DNA?" the general asked.

"Those coding strips inside all of us that I explained the last time we talked, General."

"Oh.  Those things."  He looked at the boys.  "They're very strong, Grip."

"Who're you?  Besides being military."

"He's the guy giving most of you a lift back to Mars."  He looked at Rimfire.  "Go get some seats from the garage, kid."

"Sure, Stoker."  He went to do that, coming back to find his seat taken.  "There were only two."  He looked at Dawn, then glanced at his uncle, deciding not to try it.  He sat on the stairs instead.  His uncle grinned at him.

"There's other kids?" Thimble asked.

"Not born yet, honey.  She's inside Vinnie's girl's stomach," his mother told him.  He pouted.  "I'm sure you'll find lots of new friends on Mars."

"There's not that many kids being born, Grip," Stoker said gently.  "They can come play with mine and Switch's though.  She'll need a civilizing influence sometime soon."

"Switch?  Don't know her," she said casually.

"Carbine's younger sister," he told her.  She stared at him, mouth open.  He gave her a smug look.  "Her choice, not mine."

"Well," she said fondly.  "Good to know you can still keep up, Stoker.  Maybe I'll find someone worthy of my beauty on Mars too.  Many of us left?"

"There's more coming, we're getting ready to free some prison worlds."

"Then I'm your girl, Stoker.  I've got tons of chances to learn how to blow up things, like doors.  Or ships.  Or even smelly, slimy Plutarkians, who all deserve it of course."

"If we can work you in, sweetheart, you're going.  I'll babysit."

"Thanks, Stoker.  Love you too, old guy.  Think your wife's willing to share?"

"Switch?  Not presently. She's pregnant with our second one."

"Oooh, scandalous.  How old is this girl?"

"Legal," he said firmly.  She giggled at that.

Modo nudged her and nodded.  "Barely legal."  She giggled more at that, giving him a hug.  "How've you been?"

"Been better at times, worse at others.  Be happy to get somewhere warm and dry.  My leg and wrist always ache in the cold or damp."

"I had some of that but Xander figured out a nice massage technique and it helps."

"I'd ask, Modo, but that far up my thigh and his girl might get jealous."

"Throttle? Yeah, he'd get very jealous," he told her with a bright grin.

"Throttle and a boy?  Well, now," she said, smirking at her boys.  "Good. Then he can talk to Thimble about his delight of boys some day."  She gave him another hug.  "No girl of your own?"

"None met yet," he offered.  He glanced at Paint.  Maybe. Then again, she was a bit cool to those around her.  He wanted a warm woman.  One like Xander, only less energetic and embarrassing.  He shrugged at her pitied look.  "Maybe someday soon.  We're still needed here.  We're getting a new one.  Limburger's son is coming."

"Really?" she asked casually.  "Need help?"

"Nah, we three, Charley, Xander, and Dawn can do it."

She beamed at that.  "Good for you, boys.  How many others are there?"

"Five until Junior lands," Micah told her.  "I'm Micah."

"I realized that.  You're the only unattached human here."

"I'm not attached yet," Dawn told her.  "I'm Xander's adopted daughter."

"Oh, that's good.  He knew your family?"

"Yeah, my sister's the slayer and he used to work with her.  My sister's also a twat and that's why I came to live with Xander."

"Hmm, good thing.  I've heard of your sister, and I agree."  She grinned at her sons.  "Remember hearing about Buffy?  That's her sister.  She doesn't like her either."  The boys clapped and beamed at her, earning a smile back.

Ajax ran a hand over her skirt.  "You're soft and fuzzy too."  He looked up at her.  "What's a Xander?  I've never heard of one of those."

"You'll get to see him in a few days.  He's too complicated to explain," she said, kissing him on the head, then patting the back of it.  "Don't pet me, I might have to date you."  He shuddered and pulled back, making her grin at him, then his brother. "How about you?"

"I don't like girls.  I like big, sweaty guys.  They smell nice."  He looked at Modo.  "I could date you though."

He moaned and shook his head. "Sorry, little guy, I only like girls.  My gray furred momma wants more grandbabies."

"You can have our mother then," Ajax said with a bright grin.  "She likes you, she hugged you."  He saw the hesitant look.  "She hugs us and she likes us, so therefore she hugs you because she likes you."

"I used to date Vinnie, the white muscled mouse in the other room.  We were buddies, boys, nothing more.  I'm not the sort of girl he likes.  He needs someone sweet like that Willow girl a few years back."  Dawn choked on her soda, getting up to clean up the mess. "You know her?  How's she doing?"

"You must have seen her when she was sorry for nearly destroying the world," Dawn told her.  Grip nodded.  "She's not that nice usually.  Sometimes, but not always."

"How is she now? Think she could pop around?"

"I kinda doubt it.  She gave up her physical body to guard the hellmouth in Sunnydale after we destroyed it."  She sat down, wiping off the table, then tossing away the paper towels.  "Don't mention her around Xander, please.  He was there when she died."

Grip nodded.  "I can understand that.  She talked about her buddy.... oh, that's a Xander?" she asked, grinning at her.  Dawn nodded.  "Well, he was a bit of cute."

"He was, but now he's a white mouse and might as well be Vinnie's little brother," Stoker told her.  "We're not sure why he changed."

"He is?"  Modo nodded, pulling out his wallet to show her the picture.  "Well, he's still cute.  Willow showed me all sorts of pictures of her friends.  Which one were you, dear?"

"Dawn.  Buffy's little sister."

"Ah.  Yeah, I heard you were a troublesome one."

Dawn smirked. "Only when I had to live with my sister.  I'm much better now.  I'm working on things so I can work with Micah."

"Then I'm impressed, ducks."  She grinned at Micah.  "You sure you can do it with only these there?"

"Yeah, we're working on the other ones in a governmental way and I've passed on the others to be watched since they're doing bad things in other countries.  Personally I think that's what's wrong with France sometimes.  The one in Paris."  He took another drink. "Dawn, it looks like you got yourself too."

She looked down and groaned, nodding.  "I did.  Hey, Charley, when you're done I need outfit help again.  I spit and got myself."  She got up to walk out there, finding her fixing a few broken wires.  "Can I help?"

"No, I've got it," she promised, working on a few joints.  She pulled back.  "Okay, bike, let's try that again.  Octave range?"  The bike beeped up and down its octave range.  "Now move."  It moved.  "Now guns."  They popped up."  She looked at the rider.  "Okay, now move to your rider, sweetheart."  She slowly moved to Pipe, making him give her a hug.  "There you go.  There's a few that still need a slight tweak but I don't have more wire to fix her at the moment.  If I can run out tomorrow I'll get some."  He hugged her, sobbing on her.  "It's all right, Pipe.  You didn't know and probably couldn't do it.  It's all right."  He nodded, pulling back to hug his ride some more.  She looked at Dawn.  "Spit on yourself?"

"Grip knew Willow.  She apparently met her after she went bad."  Vinnie winced. "I clued her in," she said quietly.  "She knew who Xander was before and Modo showed off his pictures."

"Cool.  Let's go find some clothes, princess."  He walked her off, going to look in her closet.  She ducked into her wardrobe to pull out three bags, dumping them on the bed.  Then he saw one other, giving her a look.  She grimaced.  "Needed it that bad?"

"No, I didn't shoplift it, Syria did and I took it from her.  I tried to give it back but there were already cops in there.  I don't think they would have believed me."

"Point," he admitted.  "You're giving it to someone who needs it."

"I was going to stuff it into the annual shelter box anyway," she assured him.  "Not that I wouldn't look cute, but I don't want it.  I don't do that anymore."  Charley walked in.  "He found the bag that I took off Syria."

"Yeah, I was there when Syria pulled that," she told him, nodding.  "Dawn tried to give it back but the cops scared her."

"Fine.  Then it goes out of this house."

"Not an issue," she agreed.  "I'm hoping we don't run into her tonight at the clubs.  Syria's well and deep into the pothead population."

Vinnie shuddered.  "None of that either, young lady, especially not around Rimfire."

"Not a thought of it, I'm over that, Vinnie."  She gave him a hug.  "You're a good mommy mouse too."

He pinched her, making her yelp.  But he was smirking at her.  "Fine.  Let's see what you've got.  You need to make him say more embarrassing stuff so Modo can tell his mother on him."  He looked at the outfits on the bed, then at her.  "Did you want to look like one of those girls who does table dances?"

"I do not!"  She held up one of them, making him groan and shake his head.  "I actually look very cute."

"It's December in Chicago, Dawn.  Think warm.  Remember, you'll be riding."

"I'm not wearing pants."

"I didn't suggest it, honey.  Trust me."  She opened the closet wider, then found a bag hanging there.  She peeked inside and handed it over.  "Wear that."  She walked Vinnie out, closing the door behind them.  "Trust me."  Dawn opened the door a few minutes later and his jaw dropped.  He let out a whimper.  "See?"  She walked him back inside.  "New shoes too?"

"Yeah, new shoes.  I figured I'd break them in tonight.  I'm expecting some of the bitch patrol to be at the same clubs.  Unless I can take him to the one we go to as a group?"  Vinnie nodded after a moment.  "Can you fix it for me?"  She turned.

"What is it with you and corsets?"

"Tara taught me to wear them."

"Ah."  He tightened her up, then went for another round once she had let out her held breath.  "Got another?"  She sucked in her gut and he did a third one, bracing against her bed.  The string broke so he went to get a leather thong from his stuff, doing it back up.  She winced but let him tighten her to the point of popping out of the top.  "Too much," he decided, releasing a bit of the tension so she could tuck herself back in.  He tightened it slightly and she nodded, looking down at herself.  She held up a hand and he tied it off there, using a half-knot and then a bow.  "There, it won't slip even if it comes undone."

"Thanks, Vinnie."  She turned and looked in the mirror, then brushed her hand down the straight skirt, looking at it.  "I look trashy."

"It's the skirt," Charley told her.  She gave it a slight tug down, which exposed the bellybutton.  "Probably how it was meant to be."

"Probably," she agreed, looking at herself, doing the same in the back.  The skirt's ties were tightened too and she grabbed some double-sided tape to stick it in place.  It was still riding high on her rear so she shoved it lower and taped it there.  Vinnie used his tail to pull on the bottom of the skirt and then stuck the tape with a hard press.  "There, now it can't come off."

"It'd better not come off," Vinnie said patiently, leading her back to the house.  Rimfire fell off the stairs. "Yeah, I'd say he liked it."

"Go put on clothes," Modo and Stoker yelled.  Micah chimed in a breath behind them.

"Hey, they're my date clothes authority in place of Xander," Dawn defended.

"The skirt's stuck on because it kept riding up."

"I've had bandages bigger than that," Grip noted, grinning at Vinnie.  "Like playing with her clothes now?"  He shook his head, smirking at her.  "You sure?"

"Yeah, we kept her from some of her own worst luck.  Otherwise she's freeze on the back of his bike tonight."

"Can you even sit in that, Dawn?" Micah asked.  She sat down and crossed her legs demurely.  "Is it over your underwear still?"

She nodded.  "Yeah.  By about two inches," she said smugly.  "It had been riding high.  Fortunately, dancing doesn't require much sitting. It's either this skirt or my flirty little black one."

"Go change," Modo ordered, pointing.  "I don't want to make him defend you later."

She sighed and went to do that, taking the skirt from Charley's hand.  "He's such a dad some days."

"Xander said the same thing about Throttle a few times," she shared.  She watched as the girl changed.  "Can I borrow that pink outfit?"

"The only pink outfit was the one Syria stole," she noted dryly.  "Or the pink....oooh!  Sure," she said smugly.  "Wear it to dinner.  My stuff's in the shower down here."  Charley took the outfit with her and Dawn made sure all the stickiness was off her skin, then she walked back over there. "There, better?"  Rimfire let out a small whimper.  "Vinnie, Charley managed to tip over some of my perfume, she's showering and changing in my room.  She'll be back in a minute."  His tail swished and he gave her a smug look. "What?  This okay tonight, dad?"

"Better," he agreed.  Usually he'd say no, but he liked Rimfire enough to give him a real shot at Dawn.  Even if it was technically easy access clothes.  Cheese, that girl was hot.

Grip leaned closer to Enamel.  "If I looked like that, I'd be getting some," she said quietly.  He snickered and nodded.  "Dawn, need chaperones?  I could use a bit of fun.  Stoker can babysit."  She looked at Enamel.  "Wanna go have some fun?"

"I'm one of the banished ones," he told her, staring at her.  "I'm Enamel."

"I heard and I knew that before.  I'm not proposing, sweetness, just some fun."  He nodded, smirking at her. "Good, I'll follow you so you can change after dinn...."  She stared at Charley as she came in, which made Vinnie turn and whistle, then grab her to kiss her stupid.  "Dawn, can I borrow something?"

"Sure.  If you want."  She grinned at her. Then at Vinnie's back.  "No tearing my favorite outfit." Micah spluttered.

"No tearing needed, it stretches," Vinnie panted, picking her up and carrying up her the stairs around Rimfire before he could move.  "We'll be back for dinner."

"Vinnie, there are people here!" she protested.

"Sweetheart, unless you want me to claim you in front of everyone down there, we're staying up here for a few minutes," he told her, kicking the door shut.  Yes, it was a good thing that the dress stretched.  "You're confiscating this one, right?" he demanded as he kissed her and led her to the bed, following her down onto the mattress.  He would bow at her feet if she did that.  Then she did the naughtiest thing, moving his head to lick across an antenna.  He went rigid and moaned, clutching her.  "Sweetheart, I can't pleasure you if I pass out," he moaned when she continued.  He pulled back to kiss her.  "Tonight, Charley.  Tonight.  It'll be one of those treats. You can do that and I'll do my thing and we'll have tons of fun. Right now, I ache for you."  He flipped onto his back, pulling her on top of him, making sure she stayed laying down while he dove into her mouth and he drove himself into her body, making her whimper.

Downstairs, Rimfire got off the stairs and took the empty seat.  "Uncle Modo, can I stay with you guys tonight?  I don't think he'll need his bed."

"Sure.  Watch out for the cats," he told him with a grin.

"Sure."  He grinned at Dawn.  "Do you live over here?"

"No, I live downstairs at the lair.  I live next to loud boy and Throttle."  He grinned at that, blushing a bit.  "You'll like Xander.  He's a sweety, even when he's ready to rip out fur."  She stroked his arm gently.  "Did you want to shower or anything?"

"No, I took one on the way down," he offered, grinning at her. "You sure I can't buy you dinner?"

She considered it.  "I've got dinner if you'll pay cover tonight."  He beamed.  "Modo, is that okay with you?"

"Behave, be good, and be home by one," he said firmly.  "You've still got school tomorrow."

"Oh, I'm not missing the look on their faces for anything," she promised, standing up and leading Rimfire back to his bike. "Want to borrow a jacket?"

"No, I'm good," he promised, watching as she put on a dark velvet jacket then climbed on behind him, putting on her helmet.  "So, you ride a lot?" he asked, backing his bike out the door.  He used his tail to close it, then she leaned down to toss the cat back into the opening door.  It slammed on its own and he shrugged it off. "Which way, Dawn?"

"Um, toward the park.  Like pizza? Or should we go for hotdogs and burgers?"

"I don't mind pizza," he offered.  "Or we could go to Chef Andy's."

"Sure, he's on the way to where we're heading."  She made sure her shoes were on securely, then he took off, making her giggle.  He was very good.  Very smooth around the corners and potholes.  He pulled up in front of the hotdog place and she got off, letting him take her arm so they could walk inside. "Hi, Chef Andy," she called as she walked inside.  He grinned at her. "You remember Rimfire, right?"  He nodded.  "Can I have my usual and get him whatever he wants."

"Two hotdogs with everything," he ordered.  He glanced at her.  "Without the onions," he added with a small, shy grin.  The cook winked.  "And a rootbeer."

"Sure.  Dawn, go ahead and get your usual water, sweetie.  Taking him out to show him the sights?"

"Nope, going clubbing with him.  We're being invaded by other people who're stuck."  She winked at him and pulled out her card, running it for him.  "I left the slip beside the register."

"Thanks, dear.  Any order for the garage?"

"Well, Charley borrowed my pink dress so Vinnie's not in the mood to eat...food," she finished with a teasing pause.  "Did you know she's pregnant?"  He stared at her so she nodded, smiling at him.  "Just barely."

"Well," he said happily.  "I'll expect her orders to change now and then.  No Xander?"

"Nope, he and Throttle are still in Texas.  They're starting back in two days."  He put up a tray and she took it.  "Thanks, Andy."

"Welcome, Dawn.  What're you wearing, dear?"  She took off her jacket and his jaw dropped.  "Modo let you out wearing this?"

"Yeah, and Vinnie tightened it for me," she admitted with a grin.  He sighed and shook his head. "It's cute."

"It may be, but you'll freeze."

"I'll keep her warm," Rimfire promised, grinning at him.  "I'll even be respectful while I do it."

"Good boy, Rimfire. I knew you'd turn out like your uncle.  You two eat.  You'll need the energy for dancing and the like."  He went to call the garage to see if they needed anything.  It looked like a pretty good storm coming and he might have to close early.  "Modo, it's Chef Andy.  It's gonna storm soon ad I was thinking about closing early.  You need anything?"  He grabbed a pad and wrote it down, nodding.  "Okay."  He wrote down what someone else called.  "Anything else?  Then it'll be about thirty minutes.  Come pick it up then, Modo.  Sure thing.  Have a good night.  Is that for Vinnie and Charley too?" he asked.  He grinned and wrote down another order too.  "Sure, thirty minutes."  He hung up and started working on it.  "Be careful tonight if it snows, kids," he called.  "Be sure to make it back safely."

"If we have to, the club I'm planning on is just up the street from the Hilton," Dawn offered.  "I'll pay for two rooms."

"Good girl, Dawn."  He dropped some more hotdogs into the cooker, checking the number.  He'd have to split it into two cooking batches.  He got everything else ready, watching as the snow started to fall.

"What's that?" Rimfire asked.

"Snow.  Condensed water."  He got up and went to investigate, coming back shaking off his head.  "You okay?"  He nodded.  "You sure you want to go on?"

"Yeah, it'll be fine.  I'm a good rider," he promised, kissing the back of her hand.  "Grandmomma talked about you a few times but she didn't say you were as pretty as a pinup."  She blushed and he beamed at her.  "You are."

She leaned over to kiss him on the cheek.  "I think you're cute too, Rimfire."  She dug back into her chef's salad, eating the pepperoni he always added for her.  She had toothpaste and a toothbrush in her bag, just in case they ate out.

***

Modo came in from getting dinner, stamping his feet off. "It's a blizzard," he announced.  "I called Rimfire but he didn't answer.  His bike's outside the club though."  Vinnie smirked at him.  "It's near a hotel."

"She packed her debit card in her purse," Charley offered.  "If it gets too bad she can hole up there with him and I'm going to trust her not to do anything wrong with him."  She looked in the box.  "That's a lot of food, Modo."

He beamed and handed over the bag with their names on it.  "He made it specially for you two."  He went to hand out the other things since everyone else was watching tv.

Charley opened the bag, pulling out the large sandwich.  She smiled and handed half of it to him.  She checked her side and switched with him.  "That's so adorable.  These are usually date food."

"I can see why," he agreed, stroking her back through the dress.  He glanced around then let his tail come up to tease her, making her blush bright red.  "No one's here, sweetheart, and you're clearly mine now."  He stole a kiss and dug into his dinner.  He'd need it for later.  His tail continued to tease her panties, stroking and tickling and gently pressing variably.  He finished up and opened their soda, taking a few gulps before handing it over with a grin.  She finished up hers, still blushing, and he took her into the office for some privacy, closing the door.  He leaned her against the desk, kissing her again.  "Mm, nearly as good as dinner.  I might have to have dessert.  Something sweet and sticky to make me satisfied for a few more hours."  He sat her on the edge of the desk and pulled the chair over so he could bury his head under her skirt.  She tensed up and grabbed the edge but he relaxed her and she was pushing against his mouth now.  Her hips were rocking around his snout and he was loving it.  He moved her panties to give him deeper access, diving in.  This was his sort of dessert!  She moaned and stuck a hand in her mouth so the others wouldn't hear.  He kept going until she was shaking and making pleading noises through her hand, then drove his tongue deeply into her, making her go over.  He licked her clean, even sucking her juices off her hair, then moved her panties back into place while he sat back and licked his lips.  "That's the dessert I needed," he said smugly.

She stared at him.  "If you get yours, I get mine," she said, pulling him closer to play with his antennas.  He tensed up so she gently teased them with her tongue and gently scraped her teeth on them as she went down on the small red pieces, making him shake and shiver.   He wasn't in control of his hips, he was helpless as he thrust against the air, and she switched to the other one.  His tail came up to tease her and she switched to that, sucking on the tip, just gently going at it.  One finger went back to tease his antennas. He moaned but it wasn't as satisfying so she switched it around, going back to sucking on his antennas while her fingers played with his tail.  He was nearly sobbing in need now, needing some friction.  She kicked off a shoe and stroked his cock with her foot, making him shout and arch up, coming right there.  He went limp, withdrawing his antenna from her mouth.  He stared up at her and she grinned back.  "My dessert was very sweet."

"How did you learn that?" he asked in awe.

"Xander."

"No wonder Throttle doesn't walk right."  He pulled her into his lap to kiss her.  "My dessert was just as sweet, both parts.  Thank you, sweetheart."  He kissed her again.  "Need more?"

"I'm good if you are."

"I'm never going to be satisfied," he assured her, kissing her again.  He moved his tail from her fingers, letting it go back under her skirt, but this time he moved her panties to let it inside them, using it to stroke in and out of her.  She was shivering on his lap and he was teasing her.  "Never satisfied," he promised her.  He made his tail go in deeper and she gasped against his shoulder.  She was rubbing against his cock and he was starting to come back up.  He could feel himself swell against the wet spot she had created earlier, and he didn't care.  He shifted her and undid his pants, freeing himself from the damp confines so he could shift her around.  Her panties were tossed onto the desk after he ripped them off her and he settled her on top of him, gently stroking in and out of her.  He stared in her eyes, watching them as his tail came up to play with the other hole.  She tensed up and he grinned.

"Relax.  It won't hurt.  I promise."  She nodded, leaning forward some to give the tail easier access.  He let it slip inside.  It was very slim and she was shaking now.  He let it get a bit deeper while he pulled her closer to get deeper himself.  She let out a moan and he sped up, leaving his tail there but not moving it.  She whimpered and he stood her up, withdrawing his cock from her so she could kneel in the chair.  Then he dove back in, making her yell into the fabric.  In this position his tail was moving again too and she was humping back against him.  He grabbed her hips with a moan.  "Sweetheart.  You nearly there?"  She let out a tired moan and then a gasping, stuttering breath, and he could feel it.  He let go, shoving in as far as he could go.  He panted, leaning against her back.  "Woman," he panted.  "You're driving me insane."

"You were insane when you met me."  She pulled off and turned, sitting in the chair.  Then she pulled him into her lap, cuddling him.  "That was incredible."

"It was," he agreed, kissing her.  "Did you mind my tail?"

"No, it was very gentle."  She pinched his stomach right above his cock.  "That's too massive to go back there but I don't mind your tail."

"You'd be surprised."

"Maybe but I don't think so, not yet, Vinnie."  He nodded and kissed her.  She moaned.  "No more.  I'm tired."

"Me too, but I like this cuddling stuff.  Want me to be on the bottom?  I'm heavy."

"Not that much."  She gave him a squeeze.  "Besides, I can't do that on your lap."

"No, you can't."  He snuggled into her shoulder and neck, calming himself down.  If she weren't tired, he'd try it again, but she said no and he could respect that.  He felt a gentle fingertip run up the underside of his cock, then watched as she licked it off.  "Hmm, I like how you taste," he said, diving back in for another kiss.  "Please, Charley.  Just one last one?"

"I'm too tired to move."

"That's fine, babe.  I've got you covered."  He stood up and pulled her up, sitting her in his lap again but facing the desk this time.  He moved them so she could lean on it and he pushed back into her body, making her shake and grip the far edge of the desk.  "Shh, I've got you."  He ground up into her, doing it like she had him locked in suction.  He found that nice g-spot that the magazines talked about and that was the end for her. She was shaking and shivering and mewling into the desk.  He was going to have to keep doing this.  He came with a longer moan and went limp, pulling her back to hold her.  "I love you."

"Ditto," she assured him. He laughed and hugged her, turning her around on him.  He'd fall out soon but not yet.  She snuggled in, arms around his neck.  "This isn't too bad of a position.  No wonder those two like it."

"Yeah, sometimes you find someone who just fits perfectly in your lap," Vinnie told her, stroking her back.  She didn't quite make it perfectly, her head was a bit too high for his shoulder.  He pulled out of her and let her shift down an inch and then she fit perfectly.  She grinned and closed her eyes.  "You nap, sweetheart.  I need one too."  She nodded, letting herself drift off.  He made it long enough to use his tail to lock the door, but not much beyond that.

***

Dawn came out of the club, looking up at the absolutely white sky.  "Damn," she said in awe.  She felt an arm go around her middle and smiled back at Rimfire.  "Think we can make it home?"  He shook his head. "Okay, then we're headed for the big 'H' sign up the street."  He got himself settled and she climbed on after him, wrapping her arms securely around him.  "Whenever you're ready," she prompted.

He opened his eyes and nodded, starting the bike.  Maybe this cold air would be good for him.  He really could use calming down.  He slowly pulled out, heading for the bright sign he could barely see.  It took them about a half hour to go the two blocks, and then there was a very nice parking garage.  He let her off at the door and went up to park, heading for the darkest corner he could find.  "I'm sorry, girl.  I wish I could bring you inside.  If I had anything to cover ...."  He searched his bags.  "Ah, here we go, stuff from the desert duty last month."  He spread it out over her frame, doubling it up when it proved to be too large.  "You good?"  She beeped.  "Okay, minor shock protection only tonight, sweetness."  He stroked his bike's back and then hurried to the elevator, going to the one that said lobby.  He found Dawn in there, smiling at her.  "We set?"

"The only one they had was two beds in the same room."

"I can do that," he promised.  He led her to the elevator. "I might need to take a blanket down later. It's freezing down there."  She nodded, leaning against his arm while she yawned.  "We're nearly there, Dawn.  I'll even make sure you make it to school in the morning."

"That would be nice," she agreed, giving his arm a squeeze.  "Six-thirteen," she said, walking him off to the right.  They found the door and she opened it, letting him go inside first since he was so paranoid.  "If you need to, you can take the bedspreads, I don't use mine."  He nodded, grinning at her while he looked at the phone.  "Oh, honey, I've got my phone."  She pulled it out and sat on the foot of one of the beds, listening as the garage's phone rang.  A tired sounding Vinnie answered it.  "Look outside, we're in a blizzard.  No, we're up the street from the club.  Yup, that's us.  No, a room with two beds and a couch. No, he said if it's stopped he'll take me to school tomorrow.  Sure."  She held out the phone.  "Vinnie, the overprotective big brother."

"Hi, Vinnie," he said, grinning at the disgruntled voice.  "It's totally white out there.  I can't see past the end of my tire.  It took us nearly a half-hour to get here.  Vinnie, I am a gentleman.  Yes, I'll stay on my own bed."  He heard the quiet words and blushed.  "If you say so.  Not my idea.  Thanks though.  Sure, first thing tomorrow.  Tell Uncle Modo we're fine.  Love you too."  He hung up and rolled his eyes.  "You weren't kidding.  What are condoms and why do we eat them?"

Dawn snickered and patted him on the arm.  "Condoms are a method of birth control and your seed eats though them and causes a reaction that causes burns."

"Oh."  His ears went rigid and his tail stuck straight out while he blushed bright red.  "Why did I need to know that?"

"Probably in case you decided to bring a girl with us."

"Huh.  I'm not like that."  Dawn nodded.  "Okay, we need to get comfortable."  She squealed, jumping up and backing away from the window as the wind ground against it, bowing it in slightly.  "It's okay, Dawn, it's just the wind," he soothed, holding her gently.  "Like a sandstorm."

"I grew up about an hour from the desert and we never had sand storms.  They get those in Asia and Egypt, not in Sunnydale."  She shivered in his arms.  "I'm sorry I'm such a baby."

"You're not being a baby.  We all have things we're scared of."  He stroked her back gently.  "Now, why don't you go to the bathroom and take off your makeup and then we'll settle in and watch some tv.  How about that?"  She smiled and nodded, going to do that.  He sat down on the bed closer to the door, trying to gather himself together.  He didn't want to know why Vinnie could see them together.  She was the daughter of a friend and a man he looked up to.  He couldn't do that to her.  Even though she was stunning and smart and sexy and danced like she'd make love very well and she obviously didn't mind teasing him and she was apparently attracted to big mice.  Or maybe just him.  Well, she had called Vinnie studly earlier so maybe it was him and Vinnie, which meant he was pretty handsome in her eyes because Vinnie was like a God of the old faiths with how pretty he was.  He'd probably never tell Vinnie that, they'd never get his head unswelled.  She came out wrapping in a towel over her underwear and he had to swallow very hard.  Maybe he should go sleep on his bike.  It'd keep it warm and keep him out of trouble.  Even without the highlighting of her makeup she was still beautiful.  She was really smart and she didn't talk down to him like some smart girls did.  Namely Carbine.  She was somewhere between Carbine's toughness and Charley's sweetness and he had to remind himself he wasn't staying on Earth and she probably couldn't go to Mars with him.

"What'cha thinkin' about?" she asked quietly, curled up under her blankets.  "If you want my bedspread, you can have it."

He turned his head to look at her and smiled.  "I'll go down to check on her in about an hour, I'll take it then."

"So what were you thinking about if not your bike?"

"How you'd look on Mars."

"Vinnie said if we ever got to go up there, then he'd take me to the pools and then to this really old temple up on Olympus Mons to show me the view from up there," she said quietly.  "He said it's beautiful.  Especially at sunset."

He nodded.  "It is.  You can see so much of Mars from up there."  He turned to face her.  "The light up there would highlight you and paint your skin in pretty reds and golds, making you glow like the temple belonged to you.  Especially if you spent all day in the pool at the bottom."  He gave her a small, sheepish grin.  "I can see you up there, standing next to a bike, staring off into the distance, then settling in to see the sights at dawn, and smiling as the sun came up over the city, making you feel like Goddess ordering it to be so.  You'd love it.  Though I'd probably take you to see the craters too.  They're pretty in an odd way, but in the right light it's like a big puzzle piece and you can find a path and a pattern to them."  She nodded, shifting closer.  "It's a beautiful world, Dawn, even though we've got a lot of work to do to restore her to fertility and grace.  We're trying.  Soon there'll be a lot more mice.  I'm not allowed on the prison raids but we'll be bringing a lot more home and then they'll be home for good.  If the stinky bastards come after them, then we'll kick their ass for good this time."

"I'd be there if I could."

"You shouldn't have to be.  It's not your fight," he said gently.

"And?  It's my fight if I make it my fight.  After all I've seen and heard, it's my fight now too.  Even if I can only be support personnel down here, it's my fight too."  He nodded, giving her a warmer smile.  "What are the pools like?  Vinnie was showing Xander and got stuck in his head."

"How?  Vinnie seems too experienced for that."

"Xander's a medium, he sucks people into his head.  They were talking about some priestesses in some mountains and being like them."

"The Priestesses of the Holy Mountains?  Wow.  That means he's really powerful.  No wonder he's changing into a mouse.  It must give him better control."  He moved up to lean against his pillows.  "Want to watch some tv?"

"Sure."  She found the remote and held it out.  "Here you go."

"Thanks.  Music or other stuff?"

"MTV is fine if you want, just please not ESPN."

"Sure.  I'm not in the mood for sports either," he said with a shy grin.  He could see her being a cheerleader for the Martian sports.  Hell, he could see her participating in most of them.  She'd look wonderful in his favorite blasterball team's uniform.  Or maybe half of it, cut to show off her bellybutton because it was rather cute. He switched the channel idly, stomping down on those thoughts.  His grandmomma would be pinning his ears back if she knew what he was thinking about.  He couldn't see his grandmomma allowing him to date a human girl.  Even if she did talk about her a lot.  He'd have to keep himself under control until he talked to his uncle tomorrow.  He realized he had went past the music station and went back, stopping when he saw the man standing on a giant... "Are those some exotic fruits?"

"No, that's a butt.  It's a song about liking natural looking women instead of those who starve themselves to be painfully thin.  Turn it up if you want."  He turned it up a bit but she turned it back down a little bit because it was rather late.  He listened to the words and stared in shock and awe at the dancers.  He could not see a Martian woman doing that.  Or appreciating this song.  Then again, Dawn was mouthing the words and she did have a fantastic butt.  She was *definitely* one of the girls the song was about.  That song ended and another one came on, this one had women slinking around the male singer and rubbing against him.  "Oh, dear."

"That's Prince.  We must have lucked into an 80's show.  Diamonds and Pearls, it's a great song."

Rimfire coughed and grabbed the remote, changing the channel.  "Let's see what else is on," he said, trying hard not to squeak.  She only grinned at him.  "I'm sorry but I'm a bit naive and women dancing like that give me thoughts I shouldn't have."

"Hey, they give me plenty of thoughts too," she offered.  "Oooh, go back."  He went back, and there was a comedian telling funny jokes.  Some of them were okay but a few of them made him blush bright red.  She was blushing a bit too but she was laughing.  They even blushed at the same things, how great was that!   He shivered as the wind picked up again, and he could see her getting uneasy.  "It's all right, Dawn.  I'm here, it won't break in."

She shook her head. "You can't promise that.  Chicago is named the Windy City for a reason."  She looked at him.  "Are you okay?  You can change the channel if you want."  He changed the channel and found the food network, smiling at that.  "Yeah, that's pretty safe.  There's an animal channel if you wanted it too."

He flipped back to it and it was showing an animal pushing out another animal.  "Eww, what's that?" he said, staring in horror.

"Birth."

"We all come out like that?"

"Kinda, yeah.  Anya came out really slimy and neat too."

He shuddered.  "I'm never putting a woman though that!"

"It's worth it to us," she reminded him gently.  "It hurts like hell, but it's worth it to us most of the time."  She reached over and patted him on the arm.  "Keep flipping."  He changed the channel, leaning against her touch.  Then she jumped and shrieked when the window started to snap.  He grabbed her, putting her behind him, watching the window to make sure it wouldn't cave in after all.  It eventually stopped and he turned, getting her calmed down.  Someone knocked on the door so he went over to open it.  "The window's sounding like it's going to crack," he told the security guard.  "She's got a phobia."

"Let me check that for you, kid."  He walked in, noticing that both beds looked like they had been used, so they weren't fooling around.   He was apparently either a relative or gay if he wasn't touching that one.  He checked the window and called downstairs.  "Their window is showing some cracking," he reported.  "Sure."  He looked at him.  "Get her dressed, we're switching your room, kids.  We'll put you on a lower floor."  He nodded, helping Dawn up and into the bathroom, where her clothes were left.  He checked, finding her phone and purse, and turned off the tv.  "You're a very nice young man."

"My grandmomma raised me right," he told him with a small grin. "She's one hell of a woman, sir."

"Good kid."  Dawn came out looking rumpled and clutching her coat around her body.  The boy handed her the shoes and purse, smiling at her.  He even put an arm around her shoulders and walked her after him to the room the desk girls were giving them instead.   He got them the key and walked them up there, opening the door for them.  "This one's got a bed and the couch," he assured her, smiling at her.  "It's lower so the wind shouldn't bother you and it definitely won't crack the windows here."  She nodded, giving him a gentle smile before walking inside.  He nudged Rimfire. "You a relative?"

"Not really.  She's the daughter of one of my uncle's best friends."  The guard nodded.  "Is there somewhere to get sodas?"

"There's a small set of machines at the end of the hall, near the elevator, kid."

"Thank you, sir."  He walked inside and shut the door, finding the bathroom door closed.  So apparently Dawn was in there. He checked the sofa, then got the pillows he could see up on a shelf for himself and a blanket.  He would not be taking advantage of her.  He refused.  She came out in her undies and he blushed, looking away quickly, even though he didn't think he could blink anymore.  That image was now burned in his mind.  She tucked herself in and he looked at her. "TV or bed?"

"I can sleep with the tv on if you wanted to," she offered quietly.  "Thank you, Rimfire."

"You're welcome, Dawn. That was a dangerous situation.  If that window had cracked, you could have been really hurt.  Plus it'd make your fear of wind storms worse and there's nothing worse than a pretty girl being scared."  She blushed at that and he mentally slapped himself senseless.  "Sorry."

"Not a problem.  It's a good thing that you think I'm as cute as I know I am."

"Are you sure you're not related to Vinnie?"

She giggled and shook her head.  "Hey, if I could take the fur and the tails, I'd do it in a heartbeat," she promised him.  "Do you think I'd make a good white mouse?  Or should I hope to be a gray mouse?"

"No, most of my family of gray mice are pretty stalwart types.  Kinda calm and gentle. You're a bit too wild for that.  Maybe a tan mouse because I heard Throttle used to upset a lot of girls in the clubs."  She giggled.  "Did you know that Throttle looks *exactly* like one of our older heros?  He does, down to the specs.  The guy didn't need the field specs for that reason but he wore them anyway.  He was probably a bit shorter, maybe Vinnie's height, but otherwise they look exactly the same."  He could hear the wind picking up.  "We've got a statue to him and someone once painted 'long live Throttle' underneath the guy's name.  People thought he was his son or reincarnation or something.  At least once he changed colors."

"He said he used to be a white mouse."

"He did, he was pretty cute by Grandmomma's photos."  He grinned at her.  Then the window started to rattle and he got up, coming over to lay on top of the covers. "Let me show you that temple?"  She nodded, rolling to face him, getting comfortable.  He gently leaned forward and showed her his favorite places on Mars, all of which made her sigh in longing.  When he was done, she was crying.  "Shh, beautiful.  It'll be okay again.  Some day."  She looked up at him and shook her head. "Yeah, it will.  We have to have hope."

"You can't undo the damage, you can only move on and make new memories.  Once a memory's lost you can't make it exactly the same.  The same stones with the same energy and the same history of hands stroking it and caring for it. You can only build something that mirrors it for the future to build upon."

He stroked some hair off her cheek.  "For some, that's enough."

"It's not right."

"It's not," he agreed.  "Nothing about this war was right except us defending ourselves."  She nodded, hugging him.  That's when he felt the dam inside him pop and crackle, then dissolve like paste in front of water.  He kissed her gently.  "It'll be okay.  Some day it'll be beautiful again.  It'll be a thing of priceless beauty and we'll never lose it again."  He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers then kissed her again.  "You'll be there to see it."

She looked up at him.  "Show me more?"

He smiled.  "I showed you all my favorite spots."

"I want to see it all, Rimfire, not just the pretty parts. Every pretty thing has a dangerous side."

"Are you dangerous?"

"Not to you."

He grinned and kissed her again before showing her the badlands.  He could see her walking on it and flowers sprouting behind her for some reason.  He showed her that image and she showed him a secret so stunning that he lost himself for a moment. They switched to her point of view and they saw her desert, her former home.  He pulled back and kissed her desperately.  He didn't deserve this but she was granting it anyway.  "If you come to Mars, you're getting a guard," he promised.  "I'll be guarding you so fiercely that you'll never be bothered again."

"I didn't tell you because of that," she whispered.  "I'm a girl now."

"I know, princess, and that just makes you all the more special, even if you couldn't use it.  I think you can and you do."  She nodded.  "Do you help others?"

"I don't know how."

"Then let Uncle Modo and Uncle Throttle teach you.  They're good at that."  He dove in again, and it was so right that he was there, with her, and doing this.  She was one of the Old Ones reborn, like Throttle was.  Now he knew she'd be a tan mouse.  All of them were.

"You're thinking."

"I do that sometimes but people say not enough."

"I get that same thing," she said with a grin, kissing him again.  "Um, before we go further, Rimfire...."

He kissed her.  "I can tell, Dawn.  It's not a problem.  I've only had a few myself."  He kissed her again and she gave up all her secrets to him.

***

Dawn walked into the school the next morning, seeing the shocked looks for her outfit.  "Sorry, I was out clubbing last night when the storm started.  We spent the night at a hotel," she told the headmistress, taking off her coat.  She adjusted her top.  "I've got a sweater in my locker."  The woman continued to stare.  "What?"

"They let you out in that?  They seemed too overprotective for that."

Dawn nodded.  "As long as I'm going somewhere safe, like where I was last night and who I was with."  She blushed a bit.  "Sorry.  Let me put on that sweater."

"Keep on your coat instead, it'd go better."

"I would, but it's really heavy velvet."  She went to get her black sweater from her locker, noticing the shocked looks from some of the girls staring at her.  "What?"

"Those are three hundred dollar shoes," one of her friend said.  "How did you get them?"

"I walked into the store, told the guy what I was wearing, and walked out about four minutes later.  Modo wouldn't come in with me so I couldn't really go shopping," she said with a grin.  She grabbed her books.  "Do I look okay in this sweater?"

"Okay?  You're wearing three hundred dollar shoes and you're worried about a cheap sweater?"

"Hey, I've got to look decent to go with the rest of my outfit and I can't exactly go without the sweater or my coat."

"Miss Summers," the language teacher yelled.  "Where were you?"

"I was clubbing when the storm started, ma'am, why?"  She turned to look at her, seeing the shocked look.  "Yeah, like I said I was clubbing."

"I was talking about those bruises."

She touched the bruise on her shoulder, then groaned.  "Fingerprints, ma'am, but don't worry, they'll be faded by the time I go home."  She smiled and closed her locker, walking off to find one of the other witches to do a healing spell on them, before she got busted by Vinnie.  He would rag on her for months and Modo would give her this disappointed look.

***

Rimfire rode into the garage and parked, noticing Vinnie was in the office. "Hey," he said, leaning in there.  "Can I talk to you for a minute?"  He nodded, waving him inside. He walked in and closed the door.  "Did you know that Dawn had a severe phobia to wind storms?  I don't know if I should be telling you this or not, but..."

"It's been drilled into your to share any weaknesses with your commanders to get those others help so the unit stays strong," he finished.  He nodded.  "I get it.   Wind storms?"

"She freaked last night when the wind started to blow against the windows.  Our first room the window nearly cracked.  She was screaming so loud it brought security."  He blushed a bit.  "They moved us to another room."

"More than one bed?"

"A bed and a couch, Vinnie," he promised.

"Really?" he asked, smirking at him.  "So, how was she?"  Rimfire went stiff.  "Kid, I can smell it on you."  He leaned closer.  "I expected you to be nice and gentlemanly, but even I can't fault you for that.  She's a sweetheart."

"Vinnie," he said hoarsely.  "She's one of the Great Old Ones reborn," he said, looking at his hands, then at him.  "I saw into her mind.  When she was freaking in the new room, I showed her some of my favorite stuff on Mars."  He nodded.  "And somehow we got into her mind.  I saw the secret she holds.  I *know* you know what I'm talking about," he said, staring him down.  "And I can see her in a light blue robe, walking along the badlands, with flowers sprouting behind her."

Vinnie covered his mouth.  "Never say that.  Even to her."

"She saw it."

"Damn it," he muttered, leaning back.  "Okay, and?"

"You know how everyone thought he was Piece reborn?  I have that same feeling about her and another tan mouse.  Blonde hair.  Slender mouse.  Tan.  Ran into a school to save it from the thing coming up through the floor."  He shivered.  "And I don't know why I think that."

"I don't know, kid, but don't mention that either and take a really quick shower.  Your uncle's still in bed."  He stared him down. "I don't mind you and her.  Xander and Throttle won't mind you and her.  Don't tell Throttle that theory though.  He's still having nightmares about that stuff."

"Vinnie, is that Rimfire?" Modo yelled.

"Yeah, he was telling me about Dawn's problem with sandstorms."  He looked at the boy.  "Just don't," he said quietly.  "The way things are looking, it's going to be a longshot to get anyone who's not fully Martian up there for a very long time."

"Then maybe I wanna stay," he admitted quietly.  "I can't stand the Council, even if I want to stay with the Freedom Fighters."

"Talk to Throttle when he gets back, Rimfire.  I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but you need more time to make that decision and Carbine's going to have our hides," he reminded him.

"I'm presently suspended anyway.  I was on desert duty and I caught a rat and questioned him all by myself before handing his mangled body over.  He was injured when I caught him though so I thought it was expedient since I was on comm silence and when I tried to report it I got my tail singed."

"Petty politicking," he assured him.  "Happened to us too."  He punched him on the arm.  "Go get cleaned up."

"I took a bath."

"You still smell like her."

"I took her to school," he said with a grin.

"And the blood, kid?"

"Ah...."  He got up.  "What do I do now?"

"Now?  You wait for Throttle and you mention to your uncle that it's not such a hardship.  Besides, you could maybe get some handy training."  He winked.  "Go, shoo."  He nodded, heading out and up to the bathroom.  Vinnie let out a small moan and shook his head.  Charley stuck her head inside so he grinned and used his tail to pull her closer and kiss her senseless.  "We've got a small problem with Dawn."

"Like the fact that he's way too smug to have slept alone?"

"She's got a wind storm phobia."

"Oooh."  She winced.  "No wonder. Did they?"  He grinned and nodded.  "Well, at least it was probably special and he's a nice kid."

"Who's suspended."

"What for?"

"Following orders.  I'll talk to Stoker about that in a few."  He gave her another kiss.  "Don't press Dawn on this."

"I'm not, just going to make sure she's okay with it."  She kissed him again and went back to work.  "Hey, Stoker, Vinnie's trying very hard to behave in my office and not destroy it."

"This I gotta see.  Him sitting still."  He walked into the office and shut the door.  "So I take it Rimfire told you why he was suspended?"  He nodded.  "And that he's AWOL?"  He smirked.  "Told Carbine off and walked off base."

"Sounds good to me."  He kicked back.  "He's thinking he could get some extra training down here."

"He probably could," he agreed.  "That would also give him a chance to start something with Dawn."  He coughed.  "Did they?"  Vinnie shook his head.  "You sure about that?"

"A gentleman never tells," Vinnie said, sounding like he was repeating.

"Yeah, at his age it'd be bragging," Stoker agreed, shaking his head.  "So why does he smell like blood and sex?"

"She's got a small phobia."

"Snow?"

"Wind."

"Eww.  And that storm last night was pretty fierce.  Poor kid.  Probably got hugged all night."  He shrugged.  "Okay, I'll leave that in your hands until Throttle and Xander get back.  I take it she went to school wearing *that* outfit?"

"Oh, yeah," Vinnie said smugly.  "Which was pretty cute."

"It was trashy, punk, get it right."

"She looked cute.  A bit easy, but cute."  He grinned.  "I'm so getting Charley to borrow that."  Stoker chuckled and walked out.

Rimfire came out of the shower and found Micah in the bathroom. "Sorry, sir."

"Not an issue, kid.  Just brushing my teeth.  Thought I had more time."  He looked at him. "So, how is she?"

"Dawn?  At school.  I gave her a ride over."

"I realize that.  That's not what I meant.  She told me about her thing about bad storms."

Rimfire sighed. "I wasn't sure if I should tell you or not.  We're trained to."

Micah held up a hand.  "I was a Marine, kid.  Don't worry about it.  We're working on it.  How was she otherwise?"

"Fairly scared.  I kept her calm and she got some sleep."

Micah glanced outside, then at him. "Before or after?"

Rimfire blushed.  "A man doesn't tell such things, sir. It's not how decent folk act."

"Uh-huh.  Remember, Dawn is my upcoming star agent, kid.  Don't ruin her for it."

"Oh, no, sir, I wouldn't do that.  Actually, I was starting to think about asking you if I could stay for a while for some training.  I could use some more computer and comm skills."

"You could use some piloting skills, you keep crashing," he said blandly.  "We'll talk about it with Carbine."

"She hates me."

"She's a general first and a Freedom Fighter second.  It's understandable.  You've got that same mentality that Vinnie and Modo do.  You're a bit wild now and then.  It happens that the military doesn't like that sort of mind, kid.  Trust me," he added with a smirk.  "After the holidays, we'll sit down and talk about it.  That way you know if you have a reason to stay."

"Thank you, sir."

"Welcome.  Get dressed.  There's a breeze somewhere."  He went to put his toothbrush away, going to talk with Stoker.  "Hey.  Got a few?"

"Sure.  Rimfire?"

"Yeah, he wanted to know if he could stay for training.  I said we'd talk about it after the holidays."

"Decent with me," he admitted. "He won't be going on the prison raids, even though he desperately wants to."  He looked at him.  "You think he's got a reason to stay?"

"I think he likes her, that'll give him time to figure out if he can stand her."

"Good point."  He nodded.  "We'll talk then.  Carbine's coming down to help gather up the people who're coming home.  We can chat then."  Micah nodded.  "Either that or we could bring her with us."

"Fat chance.  Buffy would never stand for that and she needs an education to join me."

Stoker smirked.  "Possessive, aren't you?"

"Hell yes. I've got to turn the agency over to someone after Lorne and Max.  Right now, it's Xander."  Stoker snickered.  "Can you imagine Xander handling my job all day every day and Throttle having to live with it?"  He shook his head.  "So I need capable people who can follow after Lorne and Max.  My daughter would be one and so would Dawn.  Besides, that would give Modo's mother more reason to show up down here.  She'll help keep Xander in line."

"Someone can do that?"

"Well, Throttle hasn't collared him yet," he said dryly, going to fix himself some breakfast.  "Am I cooking for anyone but me?" he yelled.

"I could eat," Vinnie called back.

"Me too," Rimfire called.

"Us too!" came from the backyard from the twins and Pipe.

"Cool.  Eggs and toast it is," he decided, settling in to cook.  It was about the extent of his skills.

Episode 19:

Throttle rode them back into the garage and found someone waiting on them, other than their friends.  "Grip," he said, blinking at her.  "How long have you been down here?"

"About ten years," she admitted.  "I went off after dumping Vinnie and got captured, then transported out.  I was in Ireland.  Come meet the twins.  Boys!  Quit pestering the cat!"

"She's funny and she loves us, mom."

"Can we bring her?" the other twin asked.

"No!"

"Depending on which cat and if she wants to go," Xander said, getting off the back.  "Hi, I'm Xander."

"I know."  She grinned at him and hugged him.  "You're even cuter now."  She went to get her sons and bring them out.  "Here they are, Throttle."

"Hey," he said, grinning at them.  They beamed at him.  "Which cat?"

"Spot."

"Tiger."

"Which means it's the brown one with stripes?" Xander asked.  They nodded.  "Technically his name is Booger, he likes to come up and lick your nose after you sneeze."

They giggled and hugged him then ran back to playing with the cat.  Throttle looked at Grip.  "They're cute."

"Thanks.  Their dad was a human, but ehh, not too picky anymore."  She grinned at him.  "So, liking the white ones now?"

"Yeah, but only this one."  His tail attacked Xander and got swatted so he smirked at him.  "What?"

"That's my line, get it right, honey," Xander said sweetly.  "Or be tied down tonight."  He stole a kiss and headed into the kitchen, then over to their place since he didn't find anyone.  "I'm back!  I'm wonderful!  I brought a t-shirt and pictures for some lucky mice!"

"I don't wear shirts," Vinnie called back.

"Fine, I brought you boxers then," he said as he walked up the ramp, pouncing him.  "Hi, big brother," he said smugly.  He winked at him.  "Did you have fun while I was gone?"

"Loads."  He pushed him off.  "Dawn's in her room."

"Why?  What'd she do this time?"

"She's doing her hair.  She and Rimfire have a date."

"Oooookkkaaaaayyyyy."  He looked up at Modo.  "Have I met your nephew?"

"He's a good kid," he offered.

"Not doubting that.  I wanted to scare the shit out of him to make sure he was going to be nice to her," Xander said, getting up and heading down there.  He found her room door open and a strange mouse sitting on her bed watching her curl her hair.  "I'm back."

"I heard, you're still loud," she taunted, putting down her curling iron to give him a hug.  "I only got a t-shirt?"

"Well, maybe a bit more, but it's being mailed."  He kissed her on the forehead.  "Nice hickey, Dawn."  She hit him and sighed, going back to her hair.  He looked at Rimfire.  "She told you how I had Limburger tower sent to hell, right?  And how I can do it again when I want?"  He then grinned his most sweet and kind grin.  Rimfire swallowed and nodded.  "Good!  Remember that."  He walked off, going to pounce his mate again.  "Hi."

"Couldn't wait?" Stoker asked from behind his book.

"Nope.  I just reminded Rimfire that I can send him the way of Limburger tower since she's got the most *massive* hickey on her shoulder.  Right here," he said, touching his matching mark.  Throttle's ears twitched and he got up, going down to talk to the boy.

"She does?" Vinnie asked.  "I can't see it."

"It's under a concealment spell," he said dryly.  "Someone can't heal bruises."  He sat up and looked at Stoker.

"Don't think about it."  Stoker crossed his feet.

"Why?  You never trained me."  He grabbed Stoker and pulled him onto the floor, finding the baby in his lap.  "Hi, Anya!"  She babbled and waved at him.  "Can I have the daddy to play with?"  She crawled over her father to kiss him then went to go hug Modo some more.  "See?" he asked, attacking him.  Stoker swore and tried to wiggle away but Xander had him pinned down.

"Help!  Punk!"

"Xander, don't make him leave a wet spot," Vinnie said patiently.  "That's not nice."

Xander sighed and got off him.  "Fine, take my fun."  He looked at Modo, who backed off shaking his head.  "Won't anyone play with me?"

"Forgive him, he hasn't had any caffeine yet," Throttle yelled from downstairs.  "Leave the nice mice alone, Xander.  Go terrorize the others."

Xander smirked and let out a wicked chuckle and went hunting for new prey.  He found Enamel in the library and got a point outside.  He smirked and headed out to go find his newest target.  He found him looking at a very sweet ship and pounced him, giving him a maniacal grin. "Hi, I'm Xander.  I kill slimy things and demons and I hunt bad things that like to eat people.  I like to hunt things that eat people.  Are you a good mouse or a bad mouse?" he finished with his most insane grin.

The general swallowed and looked up at him.  "You're not a full mouse either."

"No, I'm not.  I used to be a human, but I like being a mouse.  It's nice and warm, and Throttle's really great in bed."

Carbine coughed as she pulled Xander off him. "Don't scare him and no he's not."

Xander snorted, looking down at her.  "Honey, you were obviously missing the point then.  What that man does!" he moaned.  "Ooh."  He shivered. "All sorts of good stuff in many wicked, wicked ways.  He teased me all the way from Missouri last night."  He got free and walked off.

"I didn't need to hear that!" she yelled after him.

He turned to smirk at her.  "Your loss, sweetheart. *Definitely* my gain.  Did you know what he's like when he's having mental sex without the memories?  Or when he strokes your tail *just* right?"  He smirked and went to get some more for himself.  That bike ride had been a bit too long.

Carbine slammed her fist into the ship.  "I hate that I broke up with him."

"Maybe you should steal him back," the general suggested.  "After all, he's not a true mouse.  You are and Throttle is."

She gave him a look like he was diseased.  "I may hate the fact that I was too stupid and broke up with him, but I happen to like them together.  He makes Throttle happy.  That's important to me.  Remember that, General.  There's a reason why my office door at Headquarters used to have a body count of dead and missing."  She walked off, going to warn Throttle what he was doing.  She found Grip talking to him and coughed.  "Throttle, got a few?"  He nodded, giving her a hug.  She whispered in his ear.  "The General's on a pureblood kick and Xander's already scared him."

"No, he was just playing," he assured her smugly.  He let her go, smiling at her.  "So, how's the base?"

"Remember when you three got suspended for following orders?"  He nodded, smirking at her.  "Rimfire did the same thing.  There are idiots in charge."  He nodded, smirking at her.  "Can I get you and Xander to help me with that?"

"Sure!"  He looked down the hallway.  "Xander?"  He came out, grinning at him.  "Did you hear?"

"Yeah, I did, and I knew already," he said with a wink.  "Just wait."  He went back into his room to finish unpacking and find the presents.  He walked that bag up the stairs and sat down with it.  "Pictures!" he said happily, handing the stack of envelopes to Vinnie.  "And these are yours," he said, handing over the pair of boxers with roller coasters on them.  "And this is yours, Modo," he said, handing over the t-shirts he had gotten him.  "And these are Dawnie's, and those are Charley's, and how is she?"

"Fine.  Doing fairly well.  Sleeping in this morning."  Vinnie flipped through the photos, grinning at all the shots of the coasters.  "Whoa, that looks like fun!" he said, holding up that one.

"Until about ride ten," Xander agreed, smirking at him.  "We're going bungee jumping today, right?"  He nodded, going back to the pictures.  "Cool.  I'll need to hitch a ride with you.  Throttle refuses to even watch.  Someone told him what it was."  He pulled out something else, tossing it at Stoker. "Yours."  Then he came to a wrapped package and he went to hand that to Enamel, and the other half of it to Micah, who was lounging at his computer.  "There you go."  He went back to his bag, emptying out the thing to get the rest of the picture packets.  "There," he said, gathering them together and handing them over.

Vinnie chuckled.  "Who took all these?"

"Other tourists."   He beamed up at Modo, who had a little furry bundle on his back, rubbing her face against his new t-shirts.  "Did the mean unclie forget you, Anya?"  She cooed at him.  "Well, Unclie brought you back some peppers for you to share with your mommy."  Stoker let out a moan.  "And I'm sure your new baby brother will be a wonderful playtoy for you.  Yes, he will, and you can name him after me and everything!"

"Fat.  Chance."

"Oooh, come on, I'd like to see a baby Xander being cute with the baby Anya too," Vinnie told him.

"Those would be a cute pair of kids," Modo agreed.

"No."

Throttle came up the stairs, holding out a small gift.  "For the new baby.  Xander said it's going to be named after him."  Stoker gave him a look so he shrugged. "Or give it to Anya."

Stoker closed his book and looked at them.  "There's no way I'm raising a kid like the mini-punk.  I like my sanity."  Xander cackled.  "Can you *ever* behave?"

"Of course.  That has Anya's name on it."  Stoker took it to unwrap, smiling at the small leather bracelet, which he put onto his daughter's arm.  Xander beamed at Throttle.  "Vinnie and I are going bungee jumping later."

"No."

"Please? You can come watch."

"No.  Uh-uh."  He shook his head and took the baby, sitting down with her.  "Hey, Anya, want a story?"  She cooed and rubbed her cheek against his chest, grinning up at him.  "Some day you're gonna wreck hearts, little darlin'.  When that day comes, we'll stand there and clap."

"Don't wish that on my daughter," Stoker said firmly.  "She'll have normal relationships with very decent mice who will cherish her like the gift she is."

"Sure," Xander agreed.  "Someone will have to cherish her.  Anya was like that."  He beamed at him.  "Wanna go bungee jumping with us later?  Or at least come to take pictures?"

"Do I want to know?" Stoker asked Throttle, who shook his head.  "What is bungee jumping?"

"Jumping off somewhere really high with an elastic band around your ankles."

"Eeeh, no thanks."  He shuddered.  "I can't see me doing that."

"You could come take pictures."

"That would require me to see squashed people."

"There's not that many accidents a year," Xander complained. "Then I'm gonna head up in an ultralight."

"Fat chance, Xander."

Xander crawled over and snuck up his lover's lap, kissing him until he grinned.  "You can't stop me if you're not there, huh?" he asked smugly.  He looked at Vinnie and winked.  "Come on, it's nearly time."  He hurried off, going to grab Dawn since she said she wanted to watch.  "We're going bungee jumping."

"What's that?"

"Male stupidity," Dawn told him. "Jumping off somewhere very high with a rubber band around your ankles."

"Why?"

"Thrills and the rush.  Coming?  You can take pictures of us."

"Sure," he agreed, standing up and handing Dawn her jacket.   "Let's go."  She nodded, grabbing her helmet.  He got onto his bike and she climbed on after him, and they were off.  Vinnie was already well ahead so he hurried up.  That one was very odd and he knew now why she loved Xander so much and why everyone thought that he and Vinnie were related.  He heard another bike and glanced back, tapping the helmet radios.  "Vinnie, Throttle's coming.  Where are we headed?"

"State park," Xander called back.  "Laters."  They sped up with a wheely, and were soon out of sight.

"I'll get you for that, Rimfire," Throttle warned.  "He's my man and I don't like him doing dumb stuff."  He sped off, and Rimfire glanced back but Dawn waved a hand so they sped up too, chasing after the older generation.  They found the spot where everyone was jumping and saw a bouncing Xander waiting in line.  He was next.  Vinnie was right behind him.  The person in front of them needed a gentle nudge, then she was over and flying through the air with a scream of terror.  Throttle was wincing at that person's yelling all the way down, but he did pull out a camera for Xander's jump.  He was nibbling on his lip.  "Oh, please don't, babe," he pleaded quietly.  "Please?  Back down?"  Xander took a running leap and leapt off the platform.  Throttle took the pictures of him in mid- air, falling, and his bounce.  He could hear the giggling from there.  He shook his head as someone got Xander down and he waved from the bottom.

"Come down, it's pretty down here and there's cute girls!" he yelled up.

"You're taken and so am I," Vinnie shouted back.  He stood on the edge and looked down.  Very, very far down.  And all he had was a little rubber band around his ankles.

"Love you, big brother," Xander yelled.

Vinnie smirked.  He had some safety device, it was enough for him.  He tipped forward and fell, letting out a yell of pleasure all the way down.  He bounced a few times, then was caught by Xander and helped down.  "Let's go again!" they said in unison, earning a chuckle from the people around them.  They scrambled back up the hill, going to do that, gathering Dawn on the way past their position.  Xander stole a kiss too, then they were back in line.

"I don't wanna jump," Dawn complained.

"We'll go with you," Vinnie promised.

"But it's dangerous!"

"We're still here," Xander reminded her, grinning at her.  She whimpered.  "Think of it like jump training, which you'll need."

"Uh-huh!  Micah didn't say anything about parachuting!"  They moved up to the platform and she groaned.  "Fine.  This *once* and if it messes up my hair or my outfit, I'm swatting you both and taking your credit cards shopping, Xander."

"Sure.  You need better shoes anyway."  They moved up together and linked arms with Dawn, then the boys grinned at each other and jumped, pulling her with them.  She screamed all the way down, and the boys laughed.  Xander high-fived Vinnie.  "Yeah!"

"We should make Rimfire go," Vinnie said with a wicked smirk.

"Oh, no!  He might start to like it," Dawn complained.  "Get me down!"  Someone released her and she smoothed out her skirt.  "It's a good thing I was wearing underwear today."  She walked off, going back to cuddle her boyfriend.

Xander looked at Vinnie.  "Really?"

"Really.   Small blizzard overnight.  They were trapped at a hotel.  Bad wind storm so he comforted her."

"Cool.  I'll have to threaten him extra specially later."  They shard a smirk and went to get on his bike so they could go to the other spot.  Throttle tried to catch them but Xander wiggled out of the tail-hold and they were off again.

"Damn it," Dawn complained, shaking her head.

Rimfire kissed her.  "Wanna go watch?" he asked with a grin.

"Sure.  We were going to picnic anyway."  He nodded, and she climbed on the back of his bike to follow the others.

***

Modo took the pictures from Throttle, looking through them.  "He didn't have a parachute?" he asked.

"Just a tiny, elastic cord," Throttle said dryly.  "They're picking up dinner."

Modo shook his head and went to show the others.  "Dawn, why did you do that if you were wearing a skirt."

"Because those two morons frog-marched me up there and made me," she pouted.  "They're lucky I was wearing underwear."

"That's a bad habit we'd like you to keep," Carbine told her.

"Not my mother or my sister.  She's a bit more bitchy than you," she said dryly. Carbine glared at her so Dawn shifted slightly closer to Rimfire, earning a shocked look.  "Maybe we should invite her up to become a pinata."

"That's a mean thought, no more of those about her," Throttle said as he came up the stairs.  "The wonder twins are back."  He handed a picture to Stoker. "For your board."

He looked at it.  "What's keeping them from crashing to the ground?"

"A tiny cord around their ankles."

"Yeah, that's going up on the board of stupid things done on break."  He tucked it into his pocket with a headshake.  "Vinnie's got two others up there.  Now his baby brother has his first."

"And second," Modo said, handing over a picture of him in the ultralight.

Stoker looked at it and moaned.  "That fan is making them go?"  Throttle nodded.  That picture went into his pocket too.  "Any others?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if you want it since it's both of them," Modo said, holding up one with the bear staring at them.

"And that one should be captioned, "Vinnie asked if Xander meant this sort of bear at those bear clubs"," Dawn smirked. Rimfire burst out in giggles so she patted him on the back, giving him a nudge and a head shake. "Don't think about it.  I'm not that kinky."

"I never thought you were," he admitted with a grin.  "I walked into one of those by accident and everyone thought I was very cute, but in training.  I needed more sweaty hair.  Then one of them took my shirt off me and they gaped in awe and asked where I had gotten my fur implants."

Stoker looked at Throttle, who showed him the former reference point, then he burst out in laughs.  "I can see him walking in there in his bandoliers and being ...."  He fell down laughing, bouncing up and down.  "Ooh, Cheese!  That's so bad!"

Throttle nodded. "Xander suggested that his first time here."

"We needed a picture of him jumping out the window with nothing to stop him," Modo told him, smirking at him.  Throttle nodded.

Xander and Vinnie came driving up the ramp whooping and waving a new set of pictures.  "We had fun!" he shouted.

"Hush! The baby's sleeping!" Carbine yelled back.  Vinnie chuckled so she pulled her gun and Xander pounced her, making her very sorry by attacking her until she gave up and cried from it.  Then he got off her and strolled over to look over his mate's shoulder. "See, there I am on a bull, and there's Vinnie on the bronco, and then we switched," he said proudly.

Rimfire went over to help Carbine up, letting her limp into the bathroom to clean herself up.  "I never knew anyone cried from being tickled," he said as he sat down again.  "Bulls?"  Xander let him have the pictures next.

Dawn shuddered.  "Ewww!  Rodeo!  Ewww!"  She got away from them, heading down to her room.

"Was it fun?"  Rimfire asked.

"You may not!" Dawn shouted back.

"Sure, wasn't thinking about it," he called downstairs.  He grinned at his uncle and handed those over too.  "More for the board."

"Hmm."  He looked at them.  "Are there doubles?" he asked.  Vinnie beamed and nodded.  "More than one?"

"We have the negatives so we can make more," Xander promised.  "I have a special set of them just for Micah and one for our personal albums too."

Modo handed the stack to Stoker after he was done.  "For the board of stupid stuff to do on vacation."

Vinnie snickered. "I'm up there twice," he said proudly.

"Today, your little brother earned his first two and your first joint one before this set," Stoker admitted, looking through them.  Those too went into his pockets and he shook his head.  "She'll never believe me."

"The sad thing is, someone will want to top them," Throttle noted, looking at his spouse.  "You were gone way too long for that."  Xander sheepishly pulled out a covered photo, letting him have it.  "You did what?"

"Well, they were looking for male models," he said sheepishly, backing away.  "They asked to take a photo of me.  I didn't think it'd be harmful so I said okay since they said you could have the copy of the print."  He took another step back. "I didn't know they were looking for *exotic* models, Throttle, I promise.  I turned down his job offer to star in kinky porn."  He turned and ran.

Throttle gaped for a minute, then ran after him.  "You did what!" he yelled as he ran.

Vinnie picked up the picture and looked at it.  "Hey, better than the night we walked in on them naked and having a talk," he noted, handing it to Modo, who waved it off.  "Stoker?"

"I can't put that up on the board.  We've already got the one kid's tape case," he said dryly.  He glanced at it. "No wonder he can't sit," he said dryly, shivering and shaking his head.  "Keep that from my wife, okay?"

"Sure."  Vinnie slid it under the couch, then went to feed and watch his fish.  One had died, but the others were nudging it.  So he scooped it out and went to flush it, interrupting Carbine's shower momentarily.  "Sorry, fish funeral," he called, hurrying back out to watch the rest of them. They were attacking the food so he added a bit more.  "Hi, fishies!  Maybe you guys need a frog for company."

"No!" Modo said, putting his foot down, literally.  "No pets that make noise.  We have enough of that."  One of the cats looked at him and meowed.  "Yeah, I like you too," he said grimly, shaking his head.

"Why do you have fish if you hate the Plutarkians?" Thimble asked him, sitting next to him.

"I'm watching to see if they're going to try to take over their world too," he admitted, continuing to stare at him.

"Is that a scientific experiment?" Stoker asked.  Vinnie's tail waved the hand-code for 'bite me' behind the kid's back, making him laugh.  "Cute, punk.  Now, why do you really have fish?"

"Everyone says that there's more universes than ours, and that we can be a marble to another universe.  I'm watching the fish to see if they've got their own universe domination plan going or not.  Okay?"  He went back to staring.

"Do they?" Modo asked.

"So far they're muscling in on the crab's space and making them move and they were trying to eat the dead one to take back his nutrients and minerals.  I'm thinking yes but I'm not seeing any formal version of plans going.  It's like it's just bullying at times and others it's actually an assault."

Modo blinked and stared at Stoker, who blinked back.  Then they stared at Vinine.  "What?" they asked in unison.

Throttle came back dragging Xander.  "Did he share his version of why he's staring at the fish?"

"It's scientific," Xander whined.  "Can't I please go, Throttle, babe?" he asked, grinning at him.

"Nope."  He sat down and stuck Xander in his lap, holding onto him.  "Hey, Thimble, get him one of the red cans out of the fridge."  He grinned and went to do that.  "Thanks."  The boy sat down to watch the fish too.  Throttle held it up.  "You haven't had any, right?"  Xander gave him his innocent look.  "How many?"

"Seven Mountain Dews?" he said sheepishly.  Throttle put down the can and hugged him, holding him still.  "Sorry."

"Totally my fault, I wasn't keeping track," Vinnie offered, grinning at him.  "Then again, you can always wear him out, bro."

"That'll take me all day," Throttle reminded him.  "I've still got to wrap presents."

"We found a group who was wrapping things for charity and took the bags to them," Vinnie told him.  "We didn't peek but Dawn thinks she knows what one is."

Throttle nodded. "We knew that."  He gave Xander a squeeze when he tried to wiggle.  "No.  Sit still."

"Baffroom," he said miserably.

"Fine.  Then come right back here."  He let him go and Xander went in there, and a few moments later Carbine again yelled.

"Oooh," Stoker winced.  "That's the second one."

Throttle shook his head.  "She won't attack him, he'll get her again," he pointed out smugly.  "Xander's are like that as I'm finding out."  Vinnie snickered at Micah yelling downstairs.  "I guess he figured out that Xander bought him hotter chocolate covered hot peppers.  Enamel, yours is nuts, not hot peppers as far as I know."

"Yeah, they are.  Thanks, man."

Xander came out of the bathroom, holding all the towels and rushed off.   He was even nice enough to put them all in the washer, on hot, then race off to go play with Charley.

"Oh, no," Charley said, holding him off.  "Go play with the cats or Rimfire!  Not me.  I'll puke on you!"  He beamed and kissed her on the cheek, then got her bike keys and headed off on it.  "He's riding a bike," she said in awe.  "He's on my bike."  She went next door, walking up the stairs.  "Throttle, Xander just took off on my bike."

"Cheese, seven mountain dews," he complained, hurrying after his boy.

"Really?" Stoker asked.  "He look good?"

"Very good.  Kinda scary, but good.   Seven mountain dews?"  Vinnie nodded.  "No wonder he's scary."  She went back to work, she had this one last repair to do and then she'd be done for the next week.

Carbine peeked out the bathroom door.  "Can someone please get me a towel or something to cover myself with?  Xander seems to have stolen everything, including my clothes."

"Sorry, those were all the towels we have," Modo offered.  "I'll let you borrow a shirt."

"You didn't have anything in your pockets, right?" Vinnie asked.  She nodded.  "Then they're in the washer."  She took the shirt from Modo and put it on, then ran down to where the washer was to make sure.  She found most everything on top of the washer, but her picture of her and Throttle was missing.  She went into their bedroom and found it on their dresser, stuck in a picture frame.  She sighed and nodded, going back to the garage to find something to wear.  "Don't mind me, Xander stole my clothes and all the towels."

"Micah's up there," Charley called after her, but Micah was already coming down the stairs blushing.  "Xander's had a bit too much caffeine today," she shared.

"How many?"

"Seven mountain dews."

Micah shuddered.  "That should be enough to get them banned or put on single sale only in the city."  He went to make a note of that idea.  A few of his agents needed the help too.

Charley laughed, getting back into the engine.

***

Throttle followed Xander back into the garage a few hours later and Xander looked much calmer this time.  He looked at Charley.  "He's much better now.  Come see the bungee jumping pictures."

"And the one with the bear, and the rodeo ones, and the ultralight ones, ooh, and I got the ones from the parachuting lessons too," he said, holding out the photo.  "We did a tandem jump because Vinnie knew how."

She looked at the pictures of them back to back, and smirked. "I can see you two doing an aerial assault that way."  She handed them back and kissed him on the cheek.  "Ask next time, Xander."  He grinned and hugged her, sliding something into her pocket.  "What's this?"

"Our holiday present to you," Throttle said, getting off his bike.  "Go rest, dear.  I'll keep him from heading out again."  He gave his poor baby a pat, then grabbed Xander by the neck and drug him off.  He walked him up the stairs and sat down, this time on Xander.  "How did you two do that all at once?" he asked Vinnie, who was playing with Anya, and her tail, which was waving wildly around.

"The parachuting guys were with the ultralight guys, so we did that first since there was a wait to go flying.  Xander said he knew what to do and got the quick refresher version and we did a tandem jump.  I can see us doing a strafing run on the way down," he said with a grin.  "Back to back was good for us."  Xander nodded, grinning madly at him.  "Then we went flying and on the way back we saw the signs for the rodeo and that they were running a 'camp' of some kind so he wanted to go.  We went."  He shrugged and grinned. "It was fun."

"No more this week, Vinnie," Throttle said patiently.  "I wore out my bike chasing after him today."

"I'm not the one who gave him caffeine," Vinnie complained.  "I'm being good."

"Uh-huh," Throttle said, staring him down.  He looked over as Dawn came up the stairs in a new outfit.  "Uh-huh.  Go change.  You look like you're charging. Not a chance."  She glared at him. "Do I care? You're not going out in that!"

"I look good!"

"Hell no," Xander said firmly.  "Go before I feed myself more caffeine and *chaperone*."  She gave him a horrified look and went to change.  That dress turned into a top over one of her skirts and he looked iffy.  "That doesn't match, honey.  Wear the blue velvet if you feel the absolute need to look like a ho."

"I do not!"  She stomped a foot, narrowly missing Vinnie's tail, which hit her on the calf.  "Sorry.  Tell him I don't."

"No, you look like the girl at the bike show."  He went back to teasing Anya's belly with her tail.  She was giggling.  "Go put on the new one you bought yesterday with Charley."

"Fine."  She went down to change again, coming back in the black silk dress that clung very tightly to her body, and dipped a bit low in front.  Her heels were changed to something more demure and she held out her hands.  "Better?"

"I like it," Vinnie said with a grin for her.  Anya kicked him in the chin. "Hey!  I can admire her and you and still date Charley."

"Anya was a jealous woman, Vinnie.  I couldn't even *look* on the beach.  Not even at the fat women in the tragic bathing suits."  He shuddered.  "Yeah, exactly."  He looked at the baby.  "Behave."  She cooed at him.  "No, I've got one of those," he said, squeezing Throttle gently.  "Mine."  She fussed but then let it go and went back to playing with her current slave.

"Is she like the cats?" Stoker asked.  Xander shook his head.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, because I saw her in Texas watching us after ride number fifteen on a really bad coaster," he shared quietly.  Stoker nodded and went back to his reading.  "Then again, there is the law of names."

"I figured that much out, Xander.  The next one's still not you."

"Sure, spoil my fun.  How else will there be a Xander junior?"

"Don't even ask," Dawn said firmly.  "Not happening."  Throttle gave her a long look. "I love you guys but I'm not surrogating for you.  Kids would ruin my figure."  She hauled Rimfire up off the floor.  "Dad, can I have some allowance?"  Xander looked at his wallet then tossed her a hundred.  "Thanks, pops."  She kissed them each on the cheeks, then left, dragging the dressed up Rimfire with her.  They were going somewhere nice for dinner. She was treating.

"You gave her that much allowance?" Stoker asked.

"She's dressed up and bored.  She'll either use it for a motel room for a few hours or they're going out for a nice dinner and a ride in the park."  He gave Throttle a grin.  "We could do that in my car."

"We just did that," he reminded him quietly, stealing a kiss.  "If you're good for the rest of the night, I'll make you howl later."  Xander beamed and nodded.  "That means no more naughtiness."

"Just naughty thoughts."

"Thank you."  He stole another kiss then got up and put Xander back in his lap this time.  Xander started to move and he kept him in place.  "You promised."

"I was going to play with the baby."

"Fine.  Don't wear her out either."  He let him go, watching as he went to the bathroom then came back to play with her.  He looked at Stoker.  "How did Anya get down here without her mother?"

"Her mother's napping in Charley's bed.  She had a headache," he said dryly.  "Something about a squealing kid the whole trip.  Mind much?"

"Nah, it's a family holiday, it should be family."  He watched his boy play with the baby and grinned.  "He's good."

"He is," Stoker agreed.

"I don't need one yet," Xander told them, grinning back at Throttle.  Someone pounded on the door.  "I don't believe it," he said, staring at Vinnie.  "If that's a slayer with a kid, smack her senseless."

"I'm not that brave."

Xander sighed and got up, going down there to answer the door.  He found, sure enough, a slayer with a kid, but not the kid's mother. It was Faith.  "What?  She's not mine."

"She is now.  The house was empty when I got back.  Everyone's disappeared but her.  I called her grandma, who didn't want her taken out of the city, but with daddy being out on bail for assault and battery and papers saying the baby comes to you instead of anyone else I can't do that."  She continued to hold her out.  "Xander," she said impatiently.  He sighed and took the baby.  "Any idea where Micah is? Lorne didn't know."

"He's around here somewhere."  She pushed past him, heading to check the house.  He looked down at the baby.  "Come play with Anya, Cara.  It'll be fine."  He checked, then grabbed the bag outside the door, taking her back upstairs.  He put her down on the floor, watching as she cooed at Anya, then grabbed her tail to suck on.  "Yeah, I thought you two might like each other."  He looked around.  "Micah!"  He came jogging in the back door, and Faith pounced him, he could hear her.  He looked at Throttle, who was looking confused. "The whole house was empty but her."

"Cheese, another one?" Vinnie asked.  Cara let go of the tail to crawl over to him and nibble on his, making him jump and remove it.  "Don't do that, sweetheart.  That's not for sucking on."  He glanced at Throttle.  "Except for some adventurous people."  He patted the baby and got hugged.  "Thanks, baby."  He patted her back.  "We'll figure it out.  Micah is very good at figuring out those problems."  Micah came up the stairs and took the baby.  "She's fine."

"She's not fine.  Whatever it was would have radiated off her.  Where's Dawn?"

"Dinner out."  Xander held out his hands, getting her to nuzzle and sniff her.  He looked at her, then grinned.  "They smell like lavender and incense."  He looked up.  "It's not ghostly or anything.  There's no power floating around her.  Faith, were the cats there?"

"Andrew was cowering but yeah.  Why?"

"Andrew wasn't named after him, he is him reborn," he said dryly.  "She smells like lavender and incense."

"Lavender?  That stench was all over the house."  She shuddered.  "I hate flowers."

"Okay."  He looked at Micah.  "Go get the big blue leather book in the library.  Then make a copy of the CD in my rack of books.  I'm pretty sure they were taken by a human doing a rite."

Micah nodded, going to get the book.  Faith went in after him, helping him by loading the CD and doing a search.  She found a few mentions of those two scents together and looked it over.  "It's a rebirth ritual," she decided, most of them were.  "Either that or they're summoning a very particular demon."

Micah looked over her shoulder, going to look at the hardcopy of those rites.  He agreed with her.  "They'd need some space for that and it'd have to be charged already."  He called Lorne.  "Cross reference places where people give birth that are large enough to hold them all.  Someone's doing a rebirth ritual.  Also, you're going to find blood there.  The blood and afterbirth of a mother."  He hung up and went to email those pages to Lorne's phone.  He'd need them to find the girls.  He sat back and waited, getting a text message from Max saying they had two possibilities and the cops were checking both.   Ten minutes later he got a confirmation that they had been found and were mostly fine. He relaxed and sent back a 'good work' then got up to find Faith staring at the fish.  "They found them," he said quietly.  He heard Xander sigh.  "As far as I know they're fine."  She nodded and gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder, then walked off.  He winced and rubbed the sore spot.

"Thanks, Micah," Xander said quietly.  "Her mom?"

"I don't know yet."  He typed that in, that they had the baby and Faith was on her way back.  Max sent back that the mother was injured but not much.  She was being taken to the hospital miscarrying.  He groaned.  "She's miscarrying."  The next message made him groan louder.  "Buffy's flying in tomorrow afternoon to get the baby."  He looked at Xander.  "Sorry."

"Not your fault.  She doesn't trust people with the kid, I don't blame her."  He looked down at the baby cuddled up to Vinnie's side, napping against his thigh.  "She comfy, bro?"

"Very," he said with a grin.  "These muscles are for more than show."

"I find them comfy too," Charley agreed as she came up.  She smiled at the baby.  "Are we babysitting?"

"Yeah.  That's a baby slayer," Xander told her. "Her mother needs her head examined, she was pregnant again and still slaying."

Charley shuddered. "I can't imagine that.  Especially with more than one on duty now."

He nodded. "Me either. They need more Watchers and the last one who could have done it died last year."

"Wesley?" Throttle asked.  Xander nodded. "You're sure he died?"  He nodded again.  "Positive?"

"I went to his funeral."

"Oh. I'm sorry, babe."

"So am I.  He turned out to be a decent guy once he got on his own."  He shrugged.  "I could have seen Fred doing it too."

"Don't make a wish," Micah warned.

"Not planning on it.  I don't say those words any more.  Remember, I dated a wish demon."  He nodded, getting that.  "If the Powers bring them back, that's on them, not me.  I can only make suggestions.  They need at least three more *good* Watchers.  Bob can't do the job full time, he's got other duties.  Giles is apparently going senile.  Why did I get *more* money?"

"Oz didn't want his."

"Oh, whine."  Micah shrugged, giving him a look.  "Fine.  Dawn got half?"  He nodded. "Good, then she can pay for her bike when she graduates."

"We're getting her one for graduation," Throttle reminded him.  He stroked his husband's back.  "Calm down.  It bites but it happens." Xander nodded, relaxing.  "They can't call you back as a Watcher."

"Bet me a major backrub that she won't mention it tomorrow," Xander said, staring into his lenses.  "Bet me."

Throttle kissed him.  "Sure, babe. I win either way."  Xander relaxed again.  "She can't have you.  I'm not letting you out of this city unless I'm going with you."

"You know that General is going to try to force you back, right?" Micah said quietly.

"Yeah, and I know he doesn't like anyone who isn't fully a mouse," he said dryly.  "He's already made that comment."

"There's a wonderful altar under the lake, we can do an underwater rite," Xander told him.  Throttle chuckled and gave him a squeeze.  "I'm not kidding!  I can and will!  He touches you or those kids of Grip's, over my dead damn body.  And it had better have been mutilated long before I died too.  He's not getting you."

"Calm down, Xander.  We can't leave with more Plutarkians coming this way," Vinnie said quietly, stroking the baby's back.  "Junior should be here any day now."  Xander shook his head.  "No?"

"No, I have the feeling he's already here.  I was out that way on my ride when studly here captured me.  There was a stench growing."

"You rode by yourself?" Vinnie asked, grinning at him. "Was it good?"

"I wobbled twice and nearly skid once," he said dryly.  "The last one allowed him to catch me."

"He still needs more balance work," Throttle agreed.  "Modo?"

"Not going, bros.  I might go back to visit, but I'm needed more here.  You'd never control Vinnie and Xander without me."

"See, we need to go up there, find you a good girl, then kidnap her back here when we come back," Xander told him.  "I'm sure your mom would help us by pre-picking a choice selection for you."

Modo grinned at him.  "That's sweet of you, but I'd rather do it the old fashioned way and date."

"Like Rimfire?" Vinnie teased.

Modo scratched his ear.  "I don't move that fast.  I'm a bit more old fashioned than that."

Carbine came up the stairs.  "We've got a problem," she announced.  "All of you are being recalled.  Even with a new Plutarkian menace."

"Fat chance," Vinnie told her.

"I pointed that out. They said it wasn't right anyway.  There's going to be a civil war now."

"No there won't," Xander said, shaking his head.  "Too many people have fought and died for this.  There'll be a sniper."   Everyone stared at him. "You've got a population of veterans who have seen some of the most horrific things and now they're being pressed into another service when they're tired.  There'll be a sniper."  The general came up the stairs.  "Unfortunately, if you look back, you'll probably see the same thing in history."

She nodded.  "It has happened.  We've already started a recall vote.  It's next week.  We're making it mandatory that everyone vote."

"A Plutarkian stench cruiser passed by Mars last night," the general said, looking at Throttle. "You're getting another one."

"We knew that.  Limburger Junior's coming."

"I still say he's already here," Xander told him.  "How late and how fast?"

"It'll probably be here tonight, boy."

"I have a name, I suggest you use it since you're in *my* house."

"I thought it was theirs."

"I own it, I built it, I designed it.  It's my gift to them.  Therefore it's mine."  He nodded, backing off that point.  "As for Junior, he's not going to be that much of an issue, is he?"

"He's coming with a crew," Carbine warned.

"Wonderful. Can we take them out?"  She shrugged.  "Can we try?"

"We can always try, but that's a few too many guards with just the four of us, Xander."

Xander looked back at him, then grinned.  "Going away party," he said slowly and clearly.  Throttle looked stunned, as did everyone else.  "Think they won't?"

"I think they would," he admitted.  He shook his head.  "We can't ask them to do that."

"Just the guards.  Leave the big smelly cheese for us.  If they can take down the ship, then we can do the rest."

"That we can do," Carbine agreed.  "Taking down a ship is easier."

"Sure.  Let them offload some stuff that we can snatch and send back with you guys, and then blow it.  He'll either be there or here.  I'm guessing here since he sounds like a manager sort."  Throttle nodded at that.  "Then they can do that on their way home, that way they can have New Years on Mars.  Start the new year off right."  Throttle kissed him.  "What was that for?"

"Because you're so good at that stuff," Throttle assured him.  He looked at Carbine.  "Can you arrange it that way?"

"Yeah, I can.  Plus, a show of force should move Limburger down here so we can take the ship."  She looked at the general, who waved her on.  "I'd stop the council.  I think he's right."

"He may be," he noted quietly.  He looked at Xander.  "I didn't know you were a strategy person."

"You never wanted to know.  I got that from the first moment."  He snuggled in harder, letting Throttle scrape his back with his nails.  "I've got to start work on the twenty- seventh."

"That'll be fine," Throttle promised.

"Yeah, no fun to bust 'em without a tower to destroy," Vinnie said with a grin.  "Good work, little brother."

"Does your family know you've claimed him?" Carbine asked.

Vinnie shrugged. "I haven't heard from any of them."

"If you see her, Carbine, I'd like a call from my mother," Throttle offered. "Please."

"Sure.  Should I bring up pictures and pop around to tell her the good news?"  Throttle smirked and nodded, that would make sure she'd call.  "I'll tell her Modo's mother knew about you two too, that'll keep her from trying to fix me up with Primer again."  She shook her head. "Any other new business?"  Everyone shook their heads. "Then it's dinner time."  She saw Vinnie scoop up the baby and held out her arms.  "May I?"  He nodded, letting her hold the little one.  "She's so small."

"She's just walking," Xander told her.  "She's about seven or eight months."  Carbine nodded, taking her to the dinner table.  Xander got up and hauled Throttle up.  "Does this mean I can meet your mom?"

"Sure.  I'd like that a lot," he agreed, walking him over there.

Stoker stood up with his daughter cradled in his arms.  Anya moaned and yawned. "It's time for food, little mouse.  Let's go eat."  She smiled, still mostly asleep.  He was followed by Vinnie and Modo.

It was a nice, quiet, peaceful dinner with a lot of laughs until Buffy showed up for the baby, then she got paired with Micah and was glued to his side.  Micah gave her a look. "Xander suggested you ask the Powers for more Watchers.  He said someone like Fred would have been great, or Wesley with how he was when he died."  She wrinkled her nose.  "You could use the help, kiddo."

"I'm not a kid."

"You're pouting, you're a kid."

"I'm the same age Xander is."

He almost said it, almost said that Xander had earned his right to respect because he had proven himself in multiple battles, many of which she wasn't aware of, and that her attitude was keeping her in the kid category.  But he was trained in diplomacy.  Unfortunately, Carbine saved diplomacy for those she liked.

"Yes, but Xander's a warrior.  He's fought many battles very well.  He's just planned another assault for us and could be a Freedom Fighter if he were on Mars.  You have a duty, which you keep sliding away from.  He never had the duty and he still took on your cause and then our cause as if they were his own.  That makes him older and wiser, even if he does act like Vincent."  She stared her down and Buffy glared back.  "You have the duty and the chance to make sure your world doesn't turn out like mine, Buffy.  I suggest you use it.  My world will take eons to rebuild to her former greatness.  Yours still has a chance and you've got more power than we did."  Buffy took a deep breath and nodded.  "Good girl.  Now, let's go back to eating."

"Did you pick up on the mom act because sometimes Throttle has to act like mine and Vinnie's dad?" Xander asked her.  She stared at him, looking confused. "The first time I met Throttle, he acted very dad-like.  When I moved here, he started the same way.  Did you pick it up from him or did he pick it up from you?"

"I picked it up from her," Throttle assured him. "Eat, Xander.  You need to soak up all that nasty caffeine you had today."

"You let him have caffeine?" Buffy asked.

"Let didn't come into it.  Sometime after bungee jumping and before he ran out of here, he had about seven mountain dews," Throttle told her.  "Sometime in between ultralighting, bungee jumping, parachuting, and then going to a rodeo camp to learn how to ride things that throw you off."  She whimpered.  He smirked.  "That's just the kinda guy he is."

"If you say so.  I'm glad the hyper Xander mouse makes you happy."

Micah casually reached over and neck pinched her, then picked her up and went to lock her in his car's trunk.  "Unfortunately I'll be driving her back to the airport later," he announced.  "Should I try to find Dawn and Rimfire on the way back?"

"Nah, let 'em go at it like bunnies," Xander sighed.  "She's been on the shot for a long time now.  She's very careful.  Besides, if she ends up pregnant, she'll be up on Mars for good, and then you can set her up as an official diplomat or something, Micah."

"That's a very scary thought, Xander," Micah said with a grin.  "I'll have to remember that.  Lorne and she would both shudder at that."  He ate another bite of dinner.  "Good job, Charley."

"Thanks, Micah.  Everyone eat.  We need to clear room in the fridge for dinner tomorrow."  Everyone tucked back in, even the babies.

***

Xander walked into the permit office on the morning of the twenty-seventh, looking a bit confused.  "I think someone put up a building without a permit."  The woman behind the desk gave him a long stare.  "I just drove past Limburger tower on the way to my site, and there's a building there.  It wasn't there yesterday when I rode past it."

"How would they put up a building overnight?"

"One of those inflatable ones?" he suggested, shrugging.  "I know it wasn't there yesterday.  I pissed in that spot during a ride around town on a borrowed motorcycle."

"We'll check that out, sir.  What's your name?"

He grinned.  "Xander Harris.  I'm an interior crew chief for Merlin Industrial Building Concepts."

"That's fine, sir," she said, writing that down.  "We'll look into it.  Thank you and have a nice day."

"Thanks."  He walked out, going out to Throttle's bike, grinning at him.  "We're set."  Throttle nodded and took off, taking him to the site.  "I still think it's inflatable."

Throttle glanced at the building.  "Looks like it's plastic."

"So can we dart it later?"

"Sure.  It'll make Vinnie laugh and he's moping over not having the kids to play with."

"He'll be a great dad."  They finally made it to the site and he got off, grinning at the guard.  "Hey."  He took off his helmet and shook out his hair.  "Later, babe," he whispered, stealing a kiss.  It earned a whoop from the crew and he waved a finger.  He stole a second kiss with a grin and headed inside, hugging Merle. "I'm back!"  He looked at his silent crew.  "Hi, guys."  They ran over to hug him, then grabbed coffee and went back to work.  He looked up at Merle.  "Paperwork?"

"Much of it," he admitted. "I'm behind in the payroll again.  You mind?"  He shook his head and they went inside to do that. "Did you know you had a bare spot on your shoulder?"

"Yeah, a baby ripped the fur out by the handful.  She didn't want to let me or Vinnie go.  Anya's a pisser, just like her namesake," he agreed as they went inside the trailer.  He heard a 'whomp' and ran back outside, looking at Limburger tower, which was slowly deflating.  He giggled.  "Someone popped it," he said, grinning at Merle.  "It was inflatable."  The building floated down, leaving a glass cage on a tube, but this time the being in there was trying to get down the tube.  He was stuck, but he was trying.  "Hey, guys, they popped Limburger tower," he called.  The crew came out to laugh and point, then got back to work after a few minutes.  Xander looked at Merle.  "Put your foot down?"  He nodded.  "Sure.  Let me go check in my crew for the day and then I'll be back to handle the nasty paperwork."

"Thanks, Xander. You make things go much smoother."  He grinned at the boy's back, watching his tail wiggle in the air to keep him on balance.  "Get your ears checked."

"I did, he said it was a growth spurt," he called back.  "I'll be fine in a few weeks."  He just needed a few more infusions of Throttle and he'd be perfect actually.

Episode 20:

Xander walked into their lair and stopped in front of his mate.  "I'm having a moment of ethical problem.  Got a few?"  Throttle nodded, putting down the book he had been reading.  "Meg showed up at the site today with a short note about recent acquisitions, even before Junior got here."  Throttle nodded more slowly this time.  "He bought Sunnydale."

"As in, the old hellmouth?" Throttle asked.  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"It was cheap I guess."  He scrunched up his face like he was thinking.  "I'm having three ethical complaints with myself.  The portal may not work, but the magic may be able to be reassembled.  Do Plutarkians study physics?"

"Not many of them and they recycle it into nutrients and things.  Could that matter?"

"The hellmouth is a place of chaotic power.  I'm betting yes, but I can't be certain," he said patiently.  "The next point is that the seal there will be going with them, which is good for us because it means the First Evil can't come out and try again, but that means she can come out on Plutark and take them over with her super vamps.  Which could possibly endanger the rest of the universe.  Right?"

"If they took over Plutark, they may be able to use their ships," he admitted.  "Which could be bad I guess if they were turned into vampires."

"They'd be stupid minions, easily staked from a distance with a crossbow, but not everyone will know that."  He grimaced.  "My third point of stickiness is Willow's the guardian.  If we allow them to take the hellmouth, she'd have to go with it.  Which means she'll go creep out Plutark with the First Evil probably. Or possibly not, I'm not sure.  Would they really want all those dead bodies?"  Throttle shrugged.  "Okay.  So we've got to figure this one out.  I'm confused."

"You and me both," he admitted.  "What do you want to do?"

"Let them have it and pop popcorn on Mars to watch it."

Throttle grinned at him.  "We could probably arrange that," he admitted.  "My mother would put all of us up for a week or so."  Xander grinned at that.  "Have you told Micah?"

"No, not yet.  I'm not sure if Meg did either. All her note said was that he had bought up Angel's old place and had it packed, which we do need to steal, and all of Sunnydale."  He grimaced.  "I really need Angel's crap.  He had some good weapons."

"Then you'd have to dig a basement."

"And?  I can do that.  It'd give me something to do.  Either that or buy the next building over and connect it so we could have a gym.  I don't know if we should stop them or not."

"Me either, Xander.  I'm all for letting them be eaten but I don't think the vampires would like them that much."

"The super vamps didn't care.  They ate nastier demons."  He went to the phone, calling his boss.  "I'm taking a long lunch because I just found out Limburger bought up Sunnydale and Angel's old crap.  Any chance of getting me Angel's crap while I figure out if I want to let them take the seal or not?"  He heard a quiet chuckle. "I'm not kidding.  Really, I'm not kidding," he said at the silence.  Then Megan yelled for his boss and he came onto the phone after she babbled that message to him.  "So, any chance of getting me Angel's crap?"  He smirked. "Thanks, boss.  Should I let him take Sunnydale and Willow?"  He smirked. "I wanted to pop popcorn and watch it from Mars actually.  No, I'd ask for legitimate time off or go between jobs. You know that.  Sure."  He hung up and called Micah's office, getting Lorne.

"Lorne, I'm having an ethics moment.  Got a few?"  He grinned and sat down, kicking back.  "Okay.  The new Limburger bought Sunnydale and Angel's crap.  Should I let him take Sunnydale, and risk either a hellmouth or that seal opening to let out the First Evil, or should we try to stop him?"

***

In Washington, Lorne groaned.  "Give me a minute, Xander, I'm in the middle of a report."  He put him on hold, finished saving his report, then decided he wasn't going to do this alone.  "Micah, line four, conference in," he yelled.

"Why?"

"Xander's having ethical issues.  Limburger bought Sunnydale and the remains of Angel's stuff from LA."

"Tell him we'll confiscate the stuff from LA and ship it to him, but to let Plutark have the hellmouth.  I'd like pictures or video for my personal enjoyment."

"He's having ethical issues. There is the rest of the universe to consider," he said patiently.  He saw the line be picked up an conferenced himself back in too.  "Okay, we're both here.  Lay it out for us, Xander," he ordered.

Xander laid out a clean, methodical argument for both sides.  He was using points that Lorne appreciated and that Micah seemed to be taking lightly.  Lorne saw Carbine walk past him and grabbed her by the tail, handing her the phone.  "What's going on?" she asked into it.  She swatted Lorne for the tail grabbing as she listened, groaning and holding her head.  "Could they use their ships?"  She nodded once.  "Well, they'd be easier to kill at least.  We could hunt them during the bright times."  She listened to all the bad things that could happen and groaned.  Including there being remaining prisoners on Plutark. "If you can stall him, I can handle that one.  We have it planned anyway."

He mentioned another point and she shrugged. "Good, she can cheer them on.  She sounds like one of those annoying and perky people.  She could use some good destruction to cheer her up.  Being a spirit can't be that much fun."  Xander laid out another argument.  "No.  Though, if you come up, we'll watch it from a distance."  She smirked.  "Fine, you can bring popcorn.  I don't think most Martians have ever had it.  Fine. You can bring Dawn too."  She hung up and shook her head.  "The trouble they find.  Why would I want to stop them from destroying themselves?"

"That was his feelings but he has this ethical point that he's not supposed to be promoting demons in space," Lorne reminded her.  "Sorry about grabbing you that way."

She flicked him on the ear.  "Good, remember, they're sexual organs in addition to grabbing things and being useful.  Next time I'll take it to mean you're buying dinner."  She walked off, going up to talk to Micah.

"At least it'd be a cheap date, she only ever eats hotdogs," he said under his breath, going back to his report.  He was finding out how creative he could be today since this was for the president's staff.

***

Xander walked into the living room, noticing everyone was gathered.  "Okay.  We've got an issue."  Everyone nodded, they expected that with everyone gathered this way.  "Limburger bought Sunnydale."   Everyone stared.  "Meg said so."  Everyone stared at Meg and she nodded.  "Now, Carbine, Micah, Lorne, and I talked about it earlier.  We're all for letting them take Sunnydale, that shield, and Carbine wants them to take Willow too, but there's an ethical issue there."

"Demons in space," Oz summed up.  Xander scratched the back of his ear and nodded.  "Fleas?"

"No, thanks.  I use a flea shampoo once a month."  Oz snorted, rolling his eyes. "I'm still wondering why he bought Sunnydale and why Angel's store of crap."

"Hmm, an occult Plutarkian," Meg said thoughtfully.  "Someone working with Ethan again?"

"I don't know.  I thought about writing him.  He's up the street actually.  There's an occult auction this week that I wanted to go book shopping at."  Dawn snickered.  "I don't know.  My first response was 'save us a seat on Mars to watch the fun, I'll bring the popcorn.'  Carbine said that was okay since you guys didn't have popcorn."  Modo and Vinnie snickered at that.  "So, anyone else having issues with me not stopping them?"

"You could try a mediation strategy," Meg offered.  "Warn the little puss sucker.  If he doesn't take it, oh well.  If he does, then oh well."  She cuddled against Oz. "Vinnie, can we borrow your bike as a prop this weekend?  I've got to fix a few characterizations in the game.  Carbine said so."  He gave her an odd look so she sighed and looked up at Oz.  "I tried."

"I know you did."  He patted her on the stomach. "I was tired of having a tail anyway."  He kissed her on the back of the head, weathering the dirty looks Vinnie sent his way.  "Not my thing," he reminded him finally.  He looked at Xander.  "I'm torn, but not that much."

"Me either."

"So do the warning thing," Modo agreed.  "Have Throttle take you to do that. That way your conscience is clear."

"Yeah, but warning a Plutarkian he's about to step into a deep pile isn't right," Vinnie complained.  "What if someone hears."

Carbine said they'd be easier to kill," Xander offered. "It might make him want it more.  I'm not a good enough salesman for that pitch though."

"It could make him think you're hinting about a job," Vinnie said dryly.

"No, Wesley was the demon hunter."  He looked at Throttle and shrugged.  "Fearless Leader, I could use some guidance, dad."

"Hell, why warn him.  Warn Willow.  You warned Micah, he can warn Buffy in case there's a surge of power. We can fly out together if you want."

"On the ship?" he asked excitedly. "Can I learn to fly it this time?"

"Sure, we'll go steal Carbine's for that," he promised.  He pulled him into his lap.  "It won't backfire.  Tell that Ethan idiot."

"Ooooh, I want that one," Dawn said excitedly.

"Not after the last time you went near him," Vinnie said sarcastically.  She hit him and he winced. "Ow!"

"I wouldn't do that.  It's not necessary and besides, Rimfire likes it when I only tease him."  Rimfire nodded.  "I'll tell you later."

"Vinnie already did," he said with a grin.  "It was for a good cause."  He kissed her gently, then looked at the others. "So?"

"Let me get dressed and we'll head to the auction tonight.  Dawn, do the same.  No, Rimfire, you can't go play with the chaos mages.  They'll try to pluck you for spells."

"Then you're going more clothed than not," Throttle told him.

"Actually, I was going to wear that cute leather set I bought the last time we went shopping.  With the shorts."

"Fat.  Chance.  Xander," Vinnie said patiently.  "I'm all for danger, but that's too much for me."

"Fine, I'll wear the pants."

"Wear the black set you wear when you want to fight," Throttle offered.  "They should get the hint."  He beamed and went to pull that out of the closet.  "Thanks, bro."

"Not an issue.  Wasn't looking forward to breaking in there to save him today."

"They're mostly posers anyway," Dawn assured him, getting up to get dressed.  "High class, right, Xander?"

"Yeah, high class.  Wear the green dress."

"Eww.  How about the pink one."

"Dawn, chaos people, no.  Wear the green one or something like it."

"But they've got people who dress like that."

"If you're using chaos magic, I'm kicking your ass back to Cleveland and making you stay there."

"Sorry, I'm not doing that, but I just wanted to play."

"Yay!  Wear something decent and semi-covering."  He came out in his favorite black leathers.  "I need a new set, these are starting to fade and stretch."  He shifted, stretching slightly.  "Remember, Giles might be there."

"Point," she agreed, going to put on real clothes.  "Are we taking the car?"

"Yup."  He looked at her outfit and shook his head.  "Be a bit more dangerous."  She went in and came out with a black satin zip vest over a black silk shirt and a black silk skirt.  That and stockings plus low heels was pretty cute.  "Good enough."  He went up to get the keys off the board and blew a kiss.  "Expect us late."  He waved and walked out, taking Dawn with him.  She was already in the car.  He climbed in and checked around, removing a cat from behind the seats, then started the car.  That made the ones hiding underneath howl and run out.  He pulled out carefully, just inching forward at first.  That made any remaining scared ones run.  Once he was on the street, he sped up.  It wasn't far but he hadn't driven in a few days.  He pulled up in front of the proper hotel and got out, letting the valet take the car while he took Dawn's arm. They walked past the front desk, going right to the meeting rooms.  He saw the guard and smirked.  "Harris."  The guard opened the door, looking at Dawn. "Summers, the younger," he said smugly, leading her inside.  Everyone stared at them.  "I do need the books too, people," he said, summoning one to him.  "Go figure, it came with the fur."  He handed the book back with a smirk and let her browse.  She knew what they needed in the library and he knew who had it.  She pointed at one and he looked, frowning at it.  "Possibly."

"It could be handy, especially with that situation."

"Hmm, point.  Fine.  Pick up that and on planetary magic. It can be your summer project."  She grinned and bought them both on his card, then they moved on.  They found Ethan behind a table, reading a book.  "Bored, Rayne?"  He stiffened and slowly looked up at them.  "I need to give you an update on the Sunnydale thing.  Someone just bought the town."

"Why?"

"Remember Limburger tower?  His son did it."  Ethan shuddered.  "I'm still torn between wanting a front row seat or not."  He looked at the books and handed Dawn two, handing him his credit card.  "Only for those."

"She's studying now?"

"We both do. It comes in handy when we're being teased."  Ethan ran the card and handed it back with the slip, which he signed.  "Thanks.  He bought the whole town by the way.  We'll have to warn Willow eventually.  That does mean he'll be taking the seal too probably."   Ethan moaned.  "So, hey, demons in space.  That's almost like the muppets in some ways."  He walked her off, going to find Giles.  He had heard him and he was in front of the collection he wanted.  "Ah, just the books I wanted to buy," he said happily, making him jump.  He smirked at him.  "Don't you have most of these?"

"I'm looking at two specific ones," he admitted, looking the boy over.  "You look well.  You as well, Dawn," he said, giving her an appreciative look.  "Quite grown up."

"I'm eighteen this summer, Giles.  I've got a full time guy and everything."  She leaned on Xander's arm, looking at the books.  "Anything on terraforming or making things natural after a disaster?"  One book was handed over and she looked through it, nodding.  "That's an idea. Anything normal on it?"  A few more were held out.  She flipped through them and handed over her card.  "These three."  The bookseller smiled as she ran the card, then handed it back. "Thank you greatly, m'lady."  She looked at Giles.  "It's helpful."

"If you can, Dawn, Vinnie *really* misses some hot thermal mineral springs they had."

"I'll see what I can do.  I know there's some nearby in a state park."  She shrugged.  "We'll see."  She looked at Giles.  "So, can we split the collection?"

"I'd say that'd be wonderful," he admitted, looking at the bookseller. "How much for the full collection?"

"One point three, firm."

Xander looked at her, then at the books "They're in bad shape. The magic holding them together is wearing out.  We'd have to spend nearly that much to fix them."

"The former owner said he'd fix."

"It's not actually such a bad price," Giles told him.  "Why do you need a set on transformation spells?"

"So I can have a tail too," Dawn said smartly.  She felt one grow and looked back, then around.  "Not a cat's tail, thank you. My man happens to be like this one," she said, patting Xander's back.  It disappeared.  "Thank you.  Now no messing with the clothes or I'd have to get mean and kick butt."  She looked at Giles again, blocking the magic coming for her clothes.  She missed the portion covering her butt, but fixed that within seconds.  Then she sent it back at the castors, getting them painfully since they were geeky little boys.

"Huh, they remind me of Andrew," Xander said casually, sending something else at them.  They screamed and ran off.  He looked at Giles again.  "So, can we split it?"

"Do you have the money?"

"I can take what Oz handed over."

"He didn't want it?"

"Nope."  Xander leaned against Dawn, putting an arm around her neck. "Your choice."

Giles put down the two he was looking at.  "I think I know of a better set if you want."  He led them to Ethan's table.  "Where's the transformation series I put out?"

"In the back, where I put it.  It's a dangerous thing."  He looked at Xander.  "That's where I found yours in."

"I'd kiss you but you might like it," he said dryly.  Ethan snorted.  "My mate seems to. He's fairly picky."  Dawn got free and started to wander but he stopped her, pulling her back with his tail. "No.  You can't go play with the crystal staffs. Even if one does feel like it's from Mars."  He looked back, then nodded.  "Be right back."  He walked over to that table, browsing a bit.  "Where's the Martian ones?"  The people stared at him so he glared. "I can feel them.  Trust me.  I really can."  A few more were brought out and he looked them over.  "That's pretty work.  How much?"

"A million each."

"Fat chance," Xander told the seller. "I can make my own for the price of the rod, about sixty bucks, and a blow, the same way you got Martian soil and crystals."  He stared him down.  "One for the whole set, and I do mean the *whole* set."  The man gaped at him.  So he smirked and waved his tail.  The man shrieked and nodded, loading them into the carrying case.  He handed over the special access card and the man ran it, accepting what it said there.  He was too scared to argue over the price.  "Thanks."  He picked up the heavy trunk and carried it back to where Dawn was waiting.  "So?  Any luck?"

"Yeah, and you're carrying the wrong card," she noted, taking it back from Ethan.  "It's the set we needed without the two books Giles needed.  Much cheaper too.  All it cost was me to come home for a week this summer with Rimfire if he was down."

"Sure.  If you want."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "You two can ride together."  He grinned at Giles. "Anything else we can have?"

"No.  Did you hear someone bought Angel's collection?"

"And Sunnydale," Dawn told him.  "Plutarkians."

"Yeah, someone might want to warn Willow she's about to be sucked into outer space. Maybe she can conjure popcorn with extra butter when the seal opens on them."  He smiled and let her take the bag of books.  "Bring us anything you don't want, Giles.  You know that."  He walked out with her, going to his car.  The valet got it for them and he put the trunk in front of Dawn's seat.  "Rest your feet on it, make sure they're all there."

"Two are missing but it feels like they're long gone," she admitted quietly. "One's still inside, the other's shattered I think."

"Decent.  Any idea where?"  She shook her head so he drove a bit away and went back to the sale, going to find that other staff.  He found it in a back corner chaos stall with Ethan haggling for it.  "How much?"

"He wants it."

"I'll pay full price.  I know people who'll weep to have it back."

"Ten thousand."  Xander put down his card and she ran it, then smiled at him.  He put down the other one and she ran that, nodding and letting him sign the slip, then handed it over carefully.  "Thank you, kind sir.  We have other Martian artifacts."

He leaned closer.  "Honey, I'm Martian now.  My lover is fully Martian.  We live beside the Last Chance Garage.  How much?"  She whispered in his ear and he hissed.  "I have it," he decided and called the bank, letting her give an account number to transfer it to.  He listened again and the transfer went through.  She checked something on her phone and nodded.  "You'll deliver?"

"Tomorrow morning, around ten."

"Thank you.  It means a lot to my husband and them."  He bowed and walked off, carefully cradling it in his arms.  He got back in, passing it to Dawn like it was a baby, then he took off. "Books?"

"Trunk.  Quit being so paranoid.  Did you find anything else?"

"Yeah, I did," he admitted, speeding up.  He wouldn't feel right until they were returned.  They were calling out to him and it wasn't right, he could feel the pain.  He pulled behind the house with a spray of gravel and opened his door. "Modo, get your ass down here to help me.  I found stuff from home!"  He got out, taking the wand back, looking up to see Throttle in the doorway.  He walked over and handed it to him.

"Modo, haul tail!" he yelled.  He walked it back inside, laying it out on the floor, that way it couldn't risk falling.  Xander came in with the books, going to stuff them into the library. Dawn carried in a few more and handed over six of them to Rimfire.  "You do magic?"

"No, but it's got sound physics behind it," he admitted.

Vinnie came out of the bathroom in a towel.  "What's that?"  He looked at it.  "It looks like it's from the craters."

"That's because it probably is," Xander said from the doorway.  He walked down there, helping Modo get the trunk out.  He kicked his door shut and turned on the security system, backing in the door and up the ramp.  "Sorry, big guy.  This was too important."

"I understand, Xander."  He carefully put it down and let Xander open it.

"Where did you get this?" Throttle demanded.

"At the occult book sale.  The rest of the stuff is coming tomorrow or else I'm going to hunt the old bitch down and strangle her."  Xander flipped back the case and the top row of silk. Then he looked at him.  "All but one of them.  It feels like it's a lost sort of missing, like it was broken."  He got out of the way.  "It should go home with true Martians.  All I'm getting is pain."  Dawn gave him a hug. "Thanks, Dawnie."

"Welcome, Xander."  She kissed him on the tip of an ear.  Then she sat down to carefully hand them over.  She winced at a few.  "These are broken," she offered, being even more careful.  She got to the bottom and found a chunk of something and held it up.  Vinnie snatched it to look at in the light.  "Is that important?"

"How much did you pay for this?" Vinnie asked.

"A million for this case.  Another one for the rest of the stuff."  Throttle looked at him.  "Watcher's money."

"Point," he admitted grimly.  He looked at the staffs.  "There's six missing out of the traditional set."

"There's five on Mars in the archives," Rimfire told him.  "Stoker uncovered them last year while researching someone's gift at possessions."  Xander shrugged and stuck his tongue out.  "What else was there?"

"Some soil samples and the like," he admitted.

"I put a tracing on it," Dawn told him.  She stroked his head.  "It'll all head home, Xander.  What is that, Vinnie?"  She moved closer to look too.  "It's a quartz of some sort."

"There used to be this huge quartz obelisk in one of the towns.  I think this is part of it," he said absently as he turned it over.  "Carbine should know."

Throttle picked up the phone, dialing the cellphone she had picked up recently.  "Carbine, it's Throttle," he said in greeting.  "Xander just went to an occult booksale and found Martian stuff.  No, like crystal staffs, like the priestesses used.  Yeah, nearly the full set.  Rimfire said Stoker found some others.  We've got the rest but one.  We're expecting more tomorrow.  Sure."  He hung up.  "She's calling an honor guard down."  He looked at them and wished he could cry.  "How did they get down here?"

"I'm guessing a collector among the rapists," Dawn told him, sitting down beside Rimfire.  She looked up and smirked as something tingled her protections.  "They're here, Xander.  Early."

He got up and went to open the door, letting the woman carrying the case in.  "Up the ramp to the main room if you can.  We can help carry."

"Please.  I'm not that young."

Modo and Vinnie came running, grabbing that case and every other case in her things to search for more artifacts.  Then they carried the old woman up the stairs and planted her in a chair while they got down to work.

Xander looked at the stuff spread out when he made it back up there, carefully sitting beside Throttle so he wouldn't jar any of the nearby crystal staffs.  "That's more than you had."

"To me, it was nearly worthless. I couldn't do any construction or protection spells with it.  For you, it was enough to bankrupt yourself and to threaten another seller.  I found others and bought it for you."  She opened a case and tossed something at Dawn.  "You're not one, but I believe that's a female accessory, dear.  Besides, it suits one of the Older Ones around."  Dawn looked at the small coronet then at Rimfire, who kissed her.

"Don't put that on.  It'll cause a stink," Throttle warned.  He accepted it and held it up, looking it over. "It's the Miss Mars crown."  Modo chuckled at that. "Got her scepter too?"  She nodded, patting the case beside her.  "Do we owe you more, ma'am?"

"No, child, just some information.  How did they get down here?"

"Our planet was basically stripped bare by a race known as Plutarkians.  Limburger is one of them."

"Hmm.  He just bought Sunnydale and I feel the taint on you, white one."

"I'm her former Knight."

"Ah!  Even better.  Are you telling him?"

"Personally, after what they did to a lot of places, including part of this planet, I'd like to sit back and watch."

"That makes you no better, son."

"Yeah, I know."  He considered it.  "I can't warn him about it without permission and the person who can give it won't be in until tomorrow.  Unless I write a letter and I doubt that would work for my karma."  The others stared at him.  "That's called Genocide."

"They do it."

"Yeah, but I'm not them."

"Point," Vinnie agreed.  "Now I'm seeing the ethical issue better.  Warn him.  We could stand that."

"I'll drive you to make sure he doesn't try to snatch you too," Throttle promised.  Xander nodded.  He looked at the old woman again. "Is there more?"

"A few crystals and the like here and there.  Nothing too massive.  Most of it in the hands of museums and the like."  She stood up, pulling out one more thing and handing it to Vinnie with a smile. "I believe that should be yours.  It feels like you."  She stroked his cheek. "You are very soft. Now my karma is better."  She left it there with them, going to die in peace.

Vinnie looked at the crystal, the held it up to the light. "It's blood quartz," he said in awe.  "This definitely came from the tip."

Throttle nodded.  "What else do we have?"

"Lots and lots and lots of stuff that the cats can and will play with," Dawn said, moving one of them.

"Those deserve specially made, individual cases," Throttle told her.  "It'll be mid-morning before anyone could possibly get here, unless they're transporting down.  I know we put one of those in Micah's offices in a secure area, just in case."  Dawn shook her head.  "No?"

"You can't move 'em back that way, Throttle, it'll disrupt their energy cores.  That'll disrupt them and cause them to shatter."  He nodded. "Do we get a start on cataloging?"  He nodded, so she went to get a notebook and some pens, then go change.  She found something in the entryway and looked at it, nudging it a bit.  "We've got a new pet," she called.  She headed to her room, slipping into pajama pants and a tank top.  She came back, finding Modo stomping it.  "Bad?"

"Very bad.  Predator."  He walked her back up the stairs, going to help catalog stuff with them. Xander had to open the cases and hand things over for the most part and Throttle did the writing since his was neater.  Vinnie started gathering the pieces of the obelisk that he found, even a chunk would be enough for him.  They were still going at it when someone ran up the ramp and stopped to stare.

"Don't move," Xander warned carefully.  "A few of the crystal staffs are unstable."  Carbine yelped something to the people behind her, who came up more carefully and walked around to get into position near the others.  Someone took Throttle's list, looking it over to mark off things on his own.  One carefully moved Vinnie off the shards he was napping on, and the one from his fist too.  Carbine sat down at the top of the ramp, staring at the stuff.  Xander looked at her.  "There may be other bits and pieces," he said quietly.  "This was all that the seller knew about.  She was cleaning her karma."

"How much, Xander?"

"About two million," he admitted.  "I'm not sure exactly how much I paid for the staffs.  I agreed on a million.  They ran my card and shoved them at me."

"Mars owes you a debt."

"Save it.  I've still got to warn him.  It's genocide otherwise and I can't accept that without a warning.  Even if it does suck and blow."

She nodded.  "I understand.  You're a protector, not a true warrior."  He nodded.  "I'll go with you if I have to.  You don't want that on your conscience."  He nodded at Throttle.  "No, I'll go.  It'll look better from me."  Her new people stared at her.  "The plutarkians have just bought something that can destroy their whole homeworld. It can endanger others.  As much as I don't want to, I can't sink to their level."  They nodded.  "So we'll give a warning and nothing else.  That's fair and reasonable."

"It is, and solves the problem of ethics," one of them said.  "What did they buy?"

"A hellmouth," Xander told him. "My old one.  Plus the seal that holds the gateway to the First Evil."  They stared at him.  He shrugged. "It happens to be real."

"We know of such things," one of them admitted.  Stoker stared at him, jerking more awake.  He even threw something at Vinnie, making the others gasp.  "It speaks of them in the Sacred Books of M'dreth."

"They were a bunch of quacks," Vinnie told him.

"They're the ones who had the Druid stuff," Dawn told him.  "If they knew about hellmouths it wouldn't surprise me.  It was the Druids who figured out what they were."

"Okay, so they were mostly quacks," he snorted.

"In this case it is best to warn than to live with the consequences," one of the workers offered gently.  "We will do that, guardian?"  Xander nodded.  "How are you Martian and one?"

"I just suddenly started to change."

"Ah, then you're the one they were discussing," he said wisely.  "Watch out, some mice do resent it."

"It wasn't my idea in the first place.  You can tell them I said that."   He looked around.  "You guys have enough carrying cases for the fragile stuff?"

"Yes, we do," another agreed.  "Thank you.  Go rest."

"Nope.  Not until they're out of the house.  This is a perfect time for an attack."  They paused and nothing happened.   "Hey, good luck today," he said happily.  His phone rang.  "Or maybe not."  He looked at the number.  "Yeah, Giles?"  He curled up, putting his head down.  "Because it was Martian. Yes it was.  Giles, I think I'm more of an expert than you are," he said patiently.  "You mean like being one, sleeping with one, living with at least two more, spoiling my might-as-well-be-only-child who's named after my former fiance and is one?  Those things?"  He smirked.  "Yeah, them.  No, Switch, the one I brought back to Chicago, named her after Ahn.  Yeah, she was born on the anniversary of her death.  No, she's not like the Andrew cat.  How do I know?  I saw her while I was on vacation in Texas, she was leering at me and giving me a thumbs-up for the night before's sex."

Throttle snatched the phone.  "They are Martian, I'm very sure they're Martian.  They were stolen from us and he's incredibly generous for giving them back.  Fortunately he's not going to ask for more than sex in return for it."

"Hell, I'll bend over now," one of the techs working muttered.  Throttle glared at him and he flinched.  "Sorry, sir."  He gave Carbine a look and she just smirked back.  "Sorry, ma'am. Forgot you two were together."

"Get it right, kid, he's mine now.  She lost that battle and I came in and seduced him by being my arrogant, overbearing, under achieving, and ridiculously handsome self," Xander said blandly.

"And modest, don't forget modest," Modo reminded him smugly.

"Yeah, and very modest."

"You need a nap, Xander," Throttle said patiently.  "Go take one."

"No, I'm not going to be able to until they're soothed and quit resonating."  Everyone stared at him and even Giles went quiet.  "What?  I feel these things and ghosts love my chubby butt.  What did you expect from me, people?"

"True, he is possessable," Carbine agreed, looking at Throttle, who was slowly learning how to deal with that issue.

"Not a clue," he admitted.  Giles said something and he nodded.  "Yeah, Giles said that if they're really tied to Mars, then the pain of the dead would cling to them.  He could be picking that up since he's so attuned."  He looked at Xander, who nodded.  "We've got to work that out.  Your shields are pretty good, I don't know why it's still happening."  He listened to the quiet words.  "Sure, I know that book. He said it's not fully applicable."  He nodded once.  "Bextra.  Yeah, he said that was more real for him.  Sure.  We'll get a start on that soon.  Thanks.  No, she said this summer.  Really?  Then ask Ethan why he was spying on her again."  He hung up and shook his head.  "He's back with Ethan."

"Then I'm assuming that he's bending over and taking it while chained up," Xander said dryly.  He looked at the others.  "Guys, I can go two days, maybe three without sleep.  Can we get this cleared out and safely away by then?"  They nodded, working faster.  They could easily classify everything at home. He looked at Dawn.  "Will there be some sort of problem once they get back since it's been so long since they were there?"

"Take them out and bury them for a week if they balk," Dawn instructed. "They've been tainted heavily by being kidnaped and being brought down here."

"I want to know who took them and why they wanted the Miss Mars crown," Carbine said dryly.

"Maybe Limburger was a cross-dresser and it was his favorite accessory after his special shoes," Xander said, smirking at her.  She looked horrified and everyone shuddered.

"Little brother, I love you dearly, but you need a nap," Vinnie said, picking him up and carrying him down to his room to tuck him in so he couldn't move.  "Stay.  Please."

"Hey, I didn't say Greasepit or Karbunkle," he said with a smirk.  "Remember, Greasepit admitted it and Karbunkle was more of a fairy than I am when I'm smoked a really good joint."

"I ... don't want that thought either," he decided, tucking him in tighter then leaving, closing the door behind him.  He walked up the ramp shaking his head.  "You need to make him sleep more often, Throttle.  He said Greasepit came out to him and that Karbunkle was more of a fairy than he was when he'd been doing pot."

"That's pretty hard to beat," Throttle said, considering it.  "It would explain why he's always making things with tentacles."

"Freud was a mouse?" Dawn asked, letting out a yawn.  Rimfire jerked awake.  "Maybe we'll head too.  I'll be up in a few hours if you need more help with the magic stuff."  She got up and wandered down the stairs.  Rimfire started to get up too but his uncle held him down.

"Not a chance, nephew.  She sleeps alone."  Rimfire blinked at him.  "Crash on my bed with the cats."

"Yes, Uncle Modo," Rimfire agreed, going to do that.  "Night, everyone."  He curled around one of the cats, holding it tightly as he slept.  At least until he got clawed, then he let go a little bit.

"That's what I like about this place," Carbine told Throttle.  "You've always got some very interesting friends and family."  They all flinched when they heard Charley scream Vinnie's name but he was out the door before the rest of them could do more than start to move.

Vinnie ran up the stairs, finding her in the bathroom, bleeding.  "Let me call.  Get into the bathtub, it can help, that's what he said," he ordered, going to find the phone number he had taped next to the phone.  He dialed it, getting a sleepy complaining noise.  "She's bleeding.  What do I do?"  He listened and nodded, going to run a warm bath.  He came back and found the line dead.  He pounded the phone on the table.  "Enamel!" he called.

"He hung up, he's on his way here, come help me," Charley complained.  He came back, sitting beside her to hold her hand, stroking it and her arm while kissing the back of her hand.  "I'll be fine, Vinnie.  If something happens, it can happen again."

"No.  Uh-huh.  It won't.  I swear it won't."  He kissed the back of her hand again, hearing running footsteps.  He leaned back.  "In here, get Enamel up here now," he ordered.  Throttle nodded and headed back down the stairs while Xander came in to help, taking her hand so Vinnie could get in there with her.  "What else do I do?"

"For right, keep her calm and going.  The water pressure can help some with the bleeding, like when she's having her cycle and she doesn't really bleed for a few minutes."  Charley nodded at that.  He heard a bike's distinctive whine and nodded.  "He's here."  Vinnie sat on the back of he tub, letting her head be cradled in his lap.  "It'll be fine, Vinnie.  Even if something happens, she can have another one after she's grieved and so can you."  He looked at Charley, whispering 'sorry'.  She nodded, knowing Vinnie needed calmed down more.  Another set of footsteps ran up the stairs and Xander got out of the way.  "Vinnie, let him have her.  Come on."

"No!  I'm not leaving."

"That's fine, let's get her seated for a minute," he ordered.  "I need to do a physical check to see what's wrong."  Vinnie nodded, getting out, splashing water on the floor, then pulled her up and out, sitting her on the edge of the tub.  "Okay, help her lean back a bit, Vincent."  He did so, holding her steady while she winced and moaned.  "Who's been using Thisten oil?  Back into the tub, make it as hot as she can stand.  I've got to have time to mix the antidote."  He stood up.  "Who's been using that?"

"Is that like the MSG stuff in Chinese food?" Xander asked.

"No, kid, it's a thistle-like flower on Mars and it's poisonous," Enamel told him. "Go boil me three cups exactly of water, pre-boil size."  He nodded, going to do that.  He looked at Vinnie.  "Did you give her any?"  He shook his head. "Eaten anything that might have come into contact?  Worn it in a new cologne?"  He shook his head again, looking really miserable.  "We'll figure it out, Vincent.  Make the water as hot as she can stand and keep her calm."  He walked out, going down to the kitchen.  Xander was measuring the water that was boiling.  "Close enough.  Move. Grab me a knife and a spoon."  Xander grabbed them, handing them over properly and stood to watch him.  "Has anyone worn anything that smelled like sweet grass around her?"

"No.  I'm pretty good at scents and I don't remember anything like that."  He considered it.  "Um, during the holidays I smelled it once but then Grip looked really upset and went to take a shower."

"That's always a good idea with this stuff.  Any strange visitors?" he asked, pulling the vials out of his case. He used the knife to pop them open and the spoon to stir them into the water.  It was too little water now but that was fine, a bit stronger was fine.  "Anyone that yanked your tail?"

"Yeah, the General came back to talk to Rimfire."

"Okay.  Anyone else?"  Xander shook his head quickly.  "Hmm, anyone you're not sure of?"

"Yeah, but they've all be over at the lair working with the Martian stuff I found.  The whole time."

"Fine, I'll check on them later."  He finished stirring, counted to thirty then brought the pot up the stairs, using the spoon to cool the liquid more.  He set the pot's bottom into her bath water, cooling it further, then used the spoon to dish out a dosage out for her, three spoons, then paused and let her pant and grimace, then three more, then repeated twice more.  He put the pan under the sink out of the way and knelt beside the tub, stroking her stomach while he concentrated.  He pulled out his device and stuck it on her stomach, looking at the diagnostic, then smiled.  "We're in time.  It's reversing."  He tucked it away again, then looked at Vinnie.  "What?"

"Can we see?"

"Sure."  He reapplied it and Vinnie moved closer to see the tiny image.  He got a grin for it.  "Give her about an hour in here, then take her back to bed.  Give her the rest of the medicine in twelve hours like I did.  Got it?"  He nodded.  "Good boy.  Sorry about the taste, but there's nothing I can do about that, Charley."

"Not an issue.  Thank you."  She stroked his face.  "Where's the other one?"

"I was asking about strange visitors.  Has anyone gotten near you that smelled like sweet grass?"

"No and none of the techs over there have any sort of scent," Vinnie told him.  "Xander found some Martian artifacts last night and now they're looking at them."

"That's fine, I'll go over and have a word with them, make sure they know they're not to bother you.  In one hour, exactly, take her out of the tub, dry her off, put her into bed.  The bleeding should be stopped.  If not, go ahead and staunch it however you choose, Charley."  She nodded.  "Good girl."  He stood up.  "Did he find anything good?"

"A lot of crystal staffs, some shards of crystals and other things," Vinnie said, grinning at him.  "It took about what he had left from the Watchers."

"Then he's a very decent mouse, Vinnie, and he loves you guys more than his duty."  He ruffled his fur.  "Relax, take deep breaths."  He picked up the antidote and went to put it in the refrigerator.  He noted the time in the magnets on the door, then spelled out dose so they'd know what it was for.  He looked around and put it higher, so no little fingers could play with them, just in case.  Then he went next door, pulling Carbine out of the doorway.  "Thisten oil," he said simply.  She shook her head.  He nodded. "She nearly miscarried."

"Cheese!" she sighed, heading up the stairs.  "Guys, does anyone have on Thisten oil?"  She noticed one mouse looking scared and that Xander casually walked up to him and grabbed him, taking him into the library, where he let out a loud scream of fear.  "Xander!"

He brought him back and handed him over, then held up a case and handed it over too.  Then he walked off to go hit the heavy bag before he killed someone.  He heard the phone ring and growled, eyes narrowing.  "I hope that's not Cleveland."  He answered it with a snarled 'what'.  He calmed down since it was Merle.  "Sorry.  No, someone just tried to kill Charley's kid.  Yeah.  No, we found some Martian artifacts that are very delicate and we've been helping set them up to be taken home.   Yeah, I'm sorry about that, Merle.  I thought I had called in."  He leaned against his heavy bag. "No, not yet. No, she'll be fine we think.  We hope," he sighed. He heard the mouse spout off something about halfbreeds and he lost it, going up there to kill him now.  Modo got in his way and picked him up, carrying him back to the garage, where he shut him in the garage and watched him throw a fit but wouldn't let him get out when he tried.

"What's going on?  She needs to rest," Vinnie complained.  He saw Xander throwing his fit and rush them, getting out of the way.  Modo hit him, knocking him back for a few minutes.  "And the problem is?"

"The guy who did it did it on orders from the General. They found a small syringe on him.  He started spouting off things about halfbreeds.  Xander was going to kill him for you."

"Hmm."  He looked upstairs, then walked that way but Enamel got in his way.  "It's my fun," he said coldly.

"Go guard your woman and child, Vincent.  They need you more.  Throttle got him for you and he's one sorry mouse."  Vinnie looked behind him, where Throttle was being pulled off him with a black quartz dagger in his hand.  "Go back to Charley.  She's not to be left alone.  We've got it for you."

He nodded, going to do that.  It looked like Throttle was going to get in a few for him.  It'd be enough for now. He found Xander beside her, stroking her forehead and murmuring to her while she rested against his chest.  "She okay?"  Xander nodded.  "Throttle got him."

"Is he dead?"

"No.  Nearly.  One of the techs pulled a dagger out of his hands."  He looked at her and smiled.  "You fuss over my girl pretty well.  We'll fuss her to death together."  Xander beamed at him and they settled in to help her and make sure she was all right.  Enamel had to come up to remind them to get her out of the tub, and she was barely left alone long enough to dry off and put on a pad, then they tucked her in bed and curled around her on each side.

Throttle came in and paused at the doorway, smirking at the sight.  Charley's waist had sprouted two very strong arms, both around where the baby laid instead of directly overtop of it.  She was trying to read but Xander's tail kept hitting the book.  He climbed in behind Xander, giving her the one-armed hug too, and she rolled her eyes but he didn't care.  She was fine and that's all that mattered.

Modo came up later and took a picture for the scrapbook, shaking his head at the pretty picture those three made.  He went to check the garage, finding someone looking around.  "Can I help you, ma'am?"

"I was looking to talk to Charlene Davidson," she said, smiling at him.  "I'm here about one Dawn Summers."

"Dawn's finally asleep and Charley ma'am's in bed.  She nearly miscarried this morning," he said quietly.  "I'm one of her guardians.  Can I help you?"

"Do you live here?"

"We live next door actually.  Is there a problem?"

"Well, her sister has asked that the custody be reviewed."

"Dawn said she wanted to stay here, that's why we helped her."

"Yes, well, her sister said she's getting a bit...wild, sir.  I'd like to talk to her guardian about it."

"He's napping."

"Um, the secondary father, a Mr...."  She consulted her papers.  "Throttle?"

"Is upstairs holding her to make sure she's all right too.  She's one of our best bros."

"I see."  She looked at him.  "Are all three of them in a relationship together?"

"No, she's with Vinnie, our other bro, but Vinnie and Xander are siblings so they're fussing over her and Throttle crawled in behind his sleeping husband to make sure he stayed asleep."  He waved.  "Come sit, I'll answer whatever I can as a nosy and protective uncle to the girl."

"Why isn't she at school today?"

"We found some interesting stuff at a sale last night and she stayed up to help us."  He got her a rootbeer.  "Sorry, it's all we drink around her."

"No, that's fine," she assured him with a smile.  She saw another head poke in.  "Yes?"

"Is Charley all right?" Carbine asked.  Modo nodded.  "Good.  We're packing up the rest and heading. I'm still here though.  I've already made a report through Stoker, who was arguing with the Council.  They're not happy.  There's a general uproar.  I'm thinking riot."  He nodded. "I'll keep you guys informed.  Thanks, Modo, and thank him for us too.  Throttle's found a priceless gem with him."  He nodded, smiling at her.  "Is there anything I can do to help?  I'm here on and off for work reasons."

"Do you know Miss Summers?"

"The blonde brat or her sister?"

"Her sister," she said reproachfully.

"Callin' it like I see it, babe."  She walked in and shut the door.  "What did Buffy do this time?"

"She claims Dawn's a bit wild."

"Uh-huh."  She looked at her.  "Before Dawn moved in with Xander, and the rest of them living over there, she had a good history of experimenting with drugs, alcohol, lesbianism while she was drunk, and shoplifting.  Her grades weren't that bad, but they're better now.  Xander is very understanding since he's been through a similar patch in life.  He's also allowing her to follow her dreams and go for a language degree since that's what she wants to do.  Yeah, she clubs now and then, but she does it straight and sober with her boyfriend, who is also straight and sober."

"She mentioned that she's hanging out with bikers."

"We're all bikers," Carbine admitted.  "Then again, we're some of the most mannerly and overprotective people you'll find around here."  She crossed her arms over her chest.  "Buffy deals with dangerous things and people.  Two of the girls in her care are on probation.  One of them, so I'm told, put drugs into Dawn's former car to hide them there.  Dawn's the one who turned her in.  I can give you an independent contact number if you'd like.  He's a government agent who's been working with her on her goal of government service with her language degree."  She nodded so Carbine took the number off the fridge and handed it over.  "There you go.  His name is Lorne Cash.  He's the one training her."

"Thank you, ma'am," she said with a smile.  "You say she's settled down?"

"Quite a lot," Modo agreed.  "There's been no drugs, no drinking, only some slight dancing now and then and she's fairly good at that.  The one time someone slipped her a drink, she admitted it to us and told us what it was and how light it was.  Xander's like her big brother, ma'am.  He's very overprotective.  We even pick out her clothes for dates."

"They do, it's pretty funny because Vinnie and Xander dress the girl," Carbine snorted.  The social worker smiled.  "I'd wake up Dawn for you but she just got to bed a few minutes ago.  They found some pretty important stuff and she was working with us last night."

"Her sister said she's taken up an alternate faith, yet she goes to a catholic school.  Is that true?"  Carbine nodded.  "Why?"

"Because the school was better for her," Carbine said simply.  "She's always been a pagan.  She's very interested in nature.  Her grades have went from a decent level to a very good level.  Call Lorne, he can give you a history of her schoolwork and a sample paper she wrote on the resemblance of some markings on Mars to the Druid markings you have spread around here."  She looked pleased at that.  "She's a very good girl."

Modo picked up the ringing phone. "Last Chance Garage."  He listened to Buffy hissing that it wasn't her, it was Giles, then hung up.  He looked at her.  "Was this action started by Miss Summers, or on her behalf?"  Carbine looked at him.  "It's got a point."

She checked her forms.  "On her behalf," she admitted.  "Why?"

"Miss Summers just called and said it wasn't her doing."

She nodded.  "I understand."  She looked at Modo.  "I don't know what you are, but you do seem to care for the child.  I will still need to talk to her and see her accommodations, things of that nature.  May I?"

"As long as you don't wake her," Modo agreed, leading her over there.  "Excuse the mess.  Between the cats we didn't quite fix soon enough and the stuff from last night things are in a disarray."  He led her to Dawn's room, finding Rimfire laying across the doorway.  "That's my nephew and her boyfriend.  One of the people looking at the artifacts hurt Charley so he's being protective."  She smiled at that.  Modo gently kicked him on the foot.  "She in there?"  He nodded.  "She asleep?"  He nodded again, looking at the stranger.  "Social Worker,"

"Hi. I'm Rimfire, her boyfriend."  He stood up to shake her hand.  "Let me peek in."  He tapped very gently and stuck his head in, then pulled back smiling.  "She's fully asleep."

"If I may?"  He got out of her way, letting her peek inside.  It wasn't the most tidy room but she was a teenage girl and most of the debris were clothes and a few books.  She smiled at the cat sleeping on the girl's head and how it was glaring at her.  She pulled back and smiled at Modo.  "That's a very nice place," she said quietly as he walked him off.  "She's how old?"

"She'll be eighteen the middle of this summer," he said gently, leading her upstairs.  "Xander and Throttle have the other bedroom down here.  Vinnie sometimes still sleeps over here and I've got the bunk there," he said, pointing at his bed.  She saw his look and he shrugged.  "I'd rather be in the open, ma'am.  It's how I am."

"I understand."  She looked around.  "This is very nice.  Who designed it?"

"Xander did.  We had to pull an emergency move and he had bought the building already.  We all pitched in but he had it built for us and then we moved him in once he and Throttle fully got together.  Xander's a great guy."

"So I seem to be finding out."  She smiled up at him.  "I think I've seen enough."  She wrote down a phone number and handed it to him.  "Have her call me so I can get the formality out of the way."  He nodded. "Do you know if they're...more than cuddlesome together?"

Vinnie coughed from behind them.  "Dawn waited until Rimfire, ma'am.  She knew what she wanted.  She'd bene on birth control since Xander started to take care of her, back in Sunnydale.  She made a conscious decision one night while they were stranded by a storm at a hotel after some dancing."  She smiled at that.  "Rimfire is one of the most relaxed and laid back, mannerly little boys you'd ever find.  He's a lot like his Uncle Modo."  She nodded.  "We like them together.  He lets her get some naughtiness out by wearing semi- acceptable clothes to the club and letting her tease him.  She's good, very good, at that."

"I'm surprised with her history that she waited."

"So was I," Vinnie admitted. "I ran a bit wild in my youth too, but she had me beat hands down.  She's better now though."

"Thank you.  I'll need to talk to her within three days, Mr. Modo.  It should be fine.  From what you've told me, she sounds very well adjusted."  Dawn came up the ramp yawning.  "Young lady, are you awake enough to talk to me?"  Dawn stopped and looked at her, then let out a muttered swear, her face scrunched up.  "There's no need for that."

"I'm going to kill my sister if she sent you.  I'm assuming you're a social worker?"  She nodded.  "Who sent you?"

"Someone on behalf of your sister."

Modo looked at her. "Giles."

"I'll beat his wimpy ass," she vowed.  Vinnie pinched her.  "How's Charley?  Rimfire said she was sick."

"She was poisoned and she'll be fine."  He stroked some hair behind her ear.  "Talk with the nice lady then you can come over. I'm going to go back to her."  She nodded, so he left.

Dawn waved a hand.  "Let's go downstairs to my room.  I'm sure you'll want to see it."

"I already peeked in.  It's very nice," she said, following her.  She wasn't sure what all the stuff on the floor was but it certainly looked some interesting artifacts.  She settled into the girl's desk chair while she settled onto her bed with the cat.  "Dear, you know the routine I'm assuming.  From the records we got you had a few of these interviews back in Sunnydale after your mother died."  She nodded.  "That's fine then."  She pulled out her tape recorder and turned it on.  "This is an interview with the minor child, Dawn Summers.  Miss Summers, in an average day, who does most of your care?"

"I'm seventeen, I don't really need much care.  I do my own laundry so I don't traumatize the guys with panties and bras, and so they don't ruin another good one like they did in the past.  We all pitch in on the cooking.  Vinnie and Xander both help me with my homework.  All of the guys help me with my physical training goals.  Charley teaches me how to fix engines when I'm over there. I'm pretty well spoiled by some standards."

"I see.  You do chores?"

"Nothing too heavy.  As you can see by my room, it's cleaned when I'm looking for something. I was looking for a shirt last night."  That got a small smile.  "What were the charges laid?"

"That you're getting a bit wild and out of control."

"Huh.  Because I club a bit now and then?  Because I'm dating Rimfire?  Or because I scared Giles last night by expressing a belief in magic?"

"Probably the last, dear.  How long has that been going on?"

"Since Sunnydale.  Since before my mother died.  She knew about it and warned me not to get too deep.  We had one friend who was lost due to it."  She nodded at that.  "I'm a nature witch mostly.  I'm actually doing more work in biology because of my interests.  I've been working on a terraforming plan."

"A side hobby?"

"That too," she admitted.  "The more things I do like that the deeper I get into the technical aspects.  The guy I'm in touch with for becoming an agent knows about this and encourages it.  Frankly, my science grades are now great.  Plus my languages are things he likes me to study.  I'm fairly well spoiled. Xander takes me shopping a lot. He lets me get slightly naughty stuff for clubbing."

"Like what, dear?"

She got up and pulled out a jersey knit stretch dress, holding it up against her.  "This one was recent."

"It's very cute.  Is it comfortable?"

"I don't buy clothes that aren't," she said with a smirk.  She held up the pieces of last nights' outfit.  "Last night when we ran into Giles."  She tossed them aside and picked up the leather outfit she had worn her first time out with Rimfire.  "My most risque outfit to date."  She held it up against herself.  "I looked smashing in it."

"I'm sure you did, dear."  She looked at her.  "Why would Mr. Giles be worried?"

"Because he's mad at Xander for buying those artifacts.  Giles has this nasty habit of being overbearing and pushy, yet not being close enough to stop things, like my sister.  He's her mentor."

"Ah, I see."  She nodded, making a note of that as well.  "Are you happy here?  Happier than in Cleveland?"

"If you send me back there, I'm running away and coming back here as soon as you release me from the handcuffs.  Which is the only way you'll get me back there except in an emergency situation."  The woman nodded, writing that down as well. "I'm less than six months from my eighteenth.  I have a trust fund of my own.  I'm not going back there.  I'll take off and go on a road trip for the next six months, then come back here to redo my final year of high school.  I *refuse* to go back there."

"I think I understand, dear.  Personality conflicts?"

"My sister's a stupid bitch actually."  She stared at her, licking her lips.  "Sometimes she's nice and she's good, and then sometimes she's just this partying, ignoring everything around her, selfish little twat and the girls she's mentoring aren't helping that any."  She nodded. "I would rather die than deal with her as more than long-distance at the moment.  It'd keep me sane."

"Of course, dear.  Thank you."  She stood up, turning off her tape recorder.  "I'm going to file my report saying that you are staying here."  Dawn relaxed and smiled at her.  "Your guardian?"

"Is probably curled around Charley.  Rimfire said she nearly miscarried."

"Oh, that poor thing.  Then you tell him I was here and to call that number I gave that nice Mr. Modo, dear.  I don't need to speak with him but I do need to inform him that I was here and that I did rule in his favor."

"Thank you.  Xander's a great guy.  I'm hoping he has a lot of little furry-lovin' monsters."

"It sounds like he is," she agreed gently, shaking her hand and leaving.

Dawn relaxed and looked at the cat.  "I'm sorry, mommy."  The cat meowed so she petted her. "I tried to be nice."  Joyce meowed again and leaned into her hands.  "Thanks, mom."  She laid back down.  "I need a nap."

The social worker walked up the ramp, finding Carbine standing there.  "Her cat?  She called her mother?"

"She said the cat's a lot like her former mother so she named her Joyce."

"Oh.  Perfectly reasonable.  Have Mr. Harris call us later.  I'm going to decide in her favor but I'll need to talk to him informally.  I'm not seeing anything further than the average teenage rebellion."  Carbine nodded.  "Thank you, miss."

"You're welcome.  Let me walk you out," she offered, "that way the cats don't try to follow you."  She nodded, walking the woman out and to her car, watching for any stray pets trying to sneak out.  She saw a sand sniffer and went to stomp on it, then kicked it.  One of the cats pounced it and shook it, then let it go so it could pounce it again.  "We could use some of you," she told it as the woman pulled away. She went back through the garage.  "She's gone.  Have him call her later or tomorrow," she called up the stairs.  "You're keeping her."  She went back to the lair.  "Let's hurry up, people.  Before you get seen by more humans."  They nodded, getting down to work.  Carbine went to prepare the ships.  She'd be escorting them back personally.  That way she could have a word with someone.

***

Later that night on Mars, Carbine stepped off her ship and sighed at the mas of people waiting on her.  "We found the other crystal staffs."  That got a few gasps.  "We need a priestess or ten."

Someone pushed forward.  "You can't have found them on Earth," he shouted. "How did they get there?"

"I'm guessing, but a Plutarkian," she said dryly, earning a few hisses.  "They also found the Miss Mars crown and scepter."  That got some mild cheering.  "Now, we need a priestess or ten to help with them.  A few of them have cracked."  Some people in the back went running and within moments a few people in robes showed up with torches.  "In the ship," she told them.  They hurried in and burst out crying, hugging the cases.  She looked back at them.  "Someone said their energy may be slightly warped from their time off Mars.  She suggested we bury them in native soil for a week."  The priests nodded and got to work unloading.  She looked at the crowd.  "We also found pieces of the blood crystal obelisk, part of the temple from Olympus Mons, and part of one of the sacred pools."  People started to cry. "Unfortunately not all of it."  She held a hand up.  "I need to see a M'dreth priest also.  We found evidence of one of their theories on earth.  Including those marks."  Everyone stared at her.  "They were identified as Druid markings, one of the Ancient races.  Someone thoughtfully cross-referenced," she said, waving the report.  A man in a sky blue robe with a bald head and trimmed antenna stepped out of the crowd.  She walked down to him.  "Brother mouse, there's a hellmouth that's been bought," she told him quietly.  "The person who knows about such felt he had to warn him on ethics alone, but we're watching it to make sure."

"We are always prepared," he intoned. "Thank you, sister mouse."  He bowed to her. "Who did this?"  She whispered in his ear and he moaned.  "Then it is great and worrisome.  The will of all be done," he said quietly, backing away.  He looked at the report as he walked off.  It was very good and used Martian sources as well.  He walked into the small temple and knelt before his altar, presenting the report.  "The bridge, my lady.  They key is human and working with us."  The fire on the altar burned brighter to his eyes, even if it was only an illusion.  "The Plutarkians bought a hellmouth and are going to transport it soon.  It contains the seal.  We will be ready in case they migrate."  He blew out the candle, leaving the report there for the night so his lady could read it before him.  He went to do his nightly prayers in his room, then eat dinner, watching the riot go against those nasty people making the bad rules.  He was forbidden from entering politics, but it was good to watch. "Hmm, they've grabbed the general and are ripping him apart.  I wonder what he did this time."  He heard a knocking and walked down to the door, opening it to a young female mouse.  "Yes?"

She looked up at him.  "I was called in a dream to come to you, brother.  I'm Rivet."

He let her in.  "Welcome, Rivet.  The altar is that way."  He helped her off with her jacket.  "Be at peace, I'm upstairs if you need me."

She bowed to him.  "You as well, brother.  Thank you for opening for me."  She went back there to pray, seeing the report.  She settled in to read it, nodding at the subtle way the author had made links.  It was very well researched an annotated.  Done by a mouse and a human by the marks on the front page.  "Interesting."  She put it back down and bowed, starting her prayers for the dreams to stop.

***

Throttle let Xander off his bike when an armored car pulled up at their rendevous spot.  Xander walked over halfway, staring at the Limburger clone getting out of the car.  "Good.  You even look like his mask."

"Why are we here?  You hate me."

"I do, but I'm a guardian of this planet, kid.  You just bought something that can destroy yours."

"Yes, Sunnydale.  I heard the rumors and I know you used to live there.  Does it make you angry?"

"No.  Having you deal with it means I don't have to.  Then again, I have ethics so I have to warn you that you're allowing genocide if you send it."

"Ethics?" he chuckled. "Why would those concern me?"

"Because I'm better than you, boy.  It comes from being a higher being."  He turned and walked off.  "Move Sunnydale at your own risk."

"What could happen?"

"The same thing that happened to Sunnydale," Throttle told him.  "Then you'd need someone like him to fight it and none of the ones down here would."  He started the bike.  "Like he said, ethics made us tell you, that's all we're doing.  We could care less if you all die because of your stupidity."  Xander climbed on and he rolled off.  "You did your duty."

"Yeah and now I'm still seeing demons in space and the slayers going nuts and them trying to call me back into service as a Watcher," he sighed, cuddling tightly to his man's back.  "They need someone like Fred and Wesley," he decided.  "They could keep them in line, but not be military about it, except when needed."  He nuzzled his back.  "I hope someone in the Powers is listening, I really do."

"Me too, Xan," Throttle admitted, sending up his own silent prayer.  Maybe it would be enough.  Hopefully.  He wasn't losing Xander to some demon.

***

Micah looked around at the stack of boxes, then at Lorne.  "What is taking you so long to get this to Xander?"

"Some vampires wanted it too, also to present to Xander.  I hired them once we worked that part out."  He waved a hand around.  "This is what's left.  We've already gotten most of a truck full."  Micah nodded. "You might warn him he'll be needing a storage space."

They both looked over as two flashes heralded people appearing.  They looked at each other, and the man quirked a smile.  "Fred."

"Wesley," she said with a brighter grin, hugging him.  "You're with me now?"

"No, dear, I believe we're alive," he said, looking at the duo in the doorway.  "Hello.  Who are you and why are you in our home?"

"This was a business office," Lorne said.

"We lived here as well," Fred said, pointing at the pictures on the wall. "That's me."

"I can see that," Micah said.  "You're Fred, so that must make you...Wesley?" he guessed. Wesley smiled and nodded, looking confident and smooth.  "Good, Cleveland could use you.  Giles has lost control of the girls and they're going to die faster now.  Also, Sunnydale's hellmouth has been bought by aliens and is being taken off the planet, seal and all."

"Wonderful," Wesley said calmly.  "You are?"

"Micah Simms, head of ECHO, who deals with this now."  He walked over and shook his hand. "If it's strange it's now our job.  Should I call Xander to tell him his prayers were answered?"

"He's in Chicago," Wesley told him.  "Not Cleveland.  Why?"  He looked at Fred.  "What did you get?"

"We can trust him.  I got the 'safe persons' list," she said, looking up at him.  She looked at Micah.  "Did Gunn live?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure.  We can search for him once you're settled and bring him to you, Fred."  She smiled at that so he looked at Wesley.  "Yes, Xander's protecting Chicago.  He got fed up with the slayers and left."

"I see."  He nodded. "Then perhaps I should go see him first."  He looked at Fred.  "That bother you?  If we followed our library back to Chicago first?"  She shook her head. "Good."  He looked at Micah.  "Thank you."

"No, thank you.  You being here means I don't have to be there so often.  I enjoy Xander a lot more than Buffy."

"If Faith still alive?" Wesley asked.

"She's gathering the extra slayers.  She's in Africa at the moment with another girl."

"Hmm.  Interesting.  Very well.  Can you arrange for that for us?"

"Sure.  You can escort the books and weapons."  Wesley let out another small smile at that.

"Ah, Micah, you might want to clue him in about Xander," Lorne said quietly, coughing at the end.

Fred smiled at him.  "We saw, he's furry.  He's cute."  Wesley looked down at her again. "He is, he's a giant mouse like his husband.  Who's a really neat tough guy.  You'll like him."

"Good.  Always a plus I suppose."  He stroked her back. "Come, let's head to Chicago, Fred.  Things are strange and we've been called back into Service."

"Yeah, back to the grind, but at least we're not fighting alone.  There's twenty-five slayers on this planet."

"Really?  I only count twenty."

"Some are too young, Wes."  She pinched him on the chin.  "I'd still like to see Gunn, make sure he's fine."  He nodded.  "Can I come back?"

"Once he's found, we'll make sure he gets to you," Micah promised.  "Even if it's only for a short holiday."  She nodded and they walked off together, following Lorne to the car.  Micah calmed himself. "If someone had pulled me from my reward to do that, I'd be throwing a fit," he said, shaking his head.  "More power to them."  He left, shaking his head.  "Guys, hurry up.  Daybreak's in two hours and you need to be hidden by then."  The vampires rushed, taking more of the boxes out.

***

Xander opened the front door and stared.  "I didn't wish."

"I know you didn't, but there were so many prayers they had to answer," Wesley said.  "May I?"   Xander nodded, letting him inside.  He walked in and Xander smirked at him.  "Thank you, Xander.  Now, give me the whole story.  Something's not right."

He closed the door.  "Which part isn't right?  The fact that Sunnydale is gone and so is Willow?"  He shrugged.  "The fact that Giles snapped and went back to Ethan?  The fact that Angel and Spike are both gone and Gunn's slowly drinking himself to death?"

"He does live?  No one will tell us."

"He does, he's still fighting but he's got that same exhaustion I had before I snapped and left."  He walked him into the study upstairs, startling Throttle, who stared. "Prayers answered."

"Thank you," Throttle said quietly.  "It'll save him from having to go back.  We need him more."

"You're undoubtedly better for him as well," he agreed.  He sat down at the research table, looking at Xander.  "Give, Xander.  I do like the fur, Fred was right, you are rather cute."

"Thanks," he said with a smirk.  "Okay, what do you need to know?  The fact that I left a baby slayer in her home?  The fact that Faith's the stable and Angel-like one now?  The fact that the younger brats are encouraging Buffy to slack off?  Or the fact that I have custody of Dawn and she's dating a Martian?"

"Martian?"  He looked at Throttle, who nodded.  "That explains that difference then."  He gave them a gentle smile.  "It makes no difference to me, as long as you're either peaceful or helpful, and happy with Xander."

"He's a great guy," Throttle assured him.  "Don't try to take him."

"Not a thought in my mind," Wesley assured him.  "Xander's a bit active for my tastes."  He smiled at the boy.  "What happened?"

"Throttle, can I show him?  I'll be hoarse by the end."

"Fine.  Just be careful."

"I have shields, Throttle," Wesley assured him.

"So does he but he sucks in other minds."  He watched as Xander's antennas lit up and then he leaned across the table, touching them to the other man's forehead.

Wesley pushed him off and frowned at him.  He got up and found a book, handing it over.  "Do the exercises, even if it isn't correct, Xander."  He sighed and nodded, grinning at him as he relaxed.  "Thank you for that honor."  He sat down, considering all he had learned.  "Fine.  I can deal with that I suppose."  He stared at the boy.  "You're doing the same job here."

"Most of ours are peaceful.  Cleveland's got a leaking hellmouth."

"And lazy chits who don't care," he finished.  "Yes, that's why we were called back," he said blandly, smiling at him.  "Very well then."  He stood up.  "Have Gunn call the house?"

"Why?  I'm assuming Fred's found him online and went to visit him."

"Quite possible," he agreed.  "I left her napping in the car however."  He grinned at that.  "If you need us for anything, you can call.  I agree, the Watcher's money should have went to you lot.  You did more work than they did.  I'll check into that of course."  He patted the boy on the head, being careful of his antennas.  "If you need me, yell, Xander.  Your job is just as important.  Aliens and demons don't much differ in a battle against evil."  He looked at Throttle and smirked.  "Then again, some of you are very good."

"And then some," he agreed smugly. Xander's tail poked him so he stroked it gently. "You don't have a problem?"

"For what?  Showing him love and affection?  He needed it and has since he was very young, Throttle.  This is nothing to me.  Love is precious and should be savored like the rarity it is."  He got a nod.  "Xander, do try to behave.  I understand why you bought the artifacts."  He winked.  "Very impressive."  He blushed.  "Now, be happy with him since you have the day off.  Angel's assorted piles of shite are coming in tomorrow and you'll need  a storage area.  There's about a large shipping truck full of weapons and books.  Perhaps you should build a library?"

"Maybe I'll donate them into the library system here," he joked.

"Please don't.  Some of those are priceless and any magic books tend to be taken by the supposed Christians and held out forever."  He nodded at them.  "Tell Dawn I'd like to see her for a week this summer, just as she planned, and her boyfriend as well.  He seems very pleasant."  He walked off, stopping to pet the staring cats.  "Yes, they brought me back this way," he told him.  "It was necessary to help Buffy."  He continued on, going back to the car.  His closing the door woke Fred.

She looked up, then at him.  "Did Xander know anything about Gunn?"

"He lives but he's very tired, Fred."  He started the car.  "We'll invite him out."  She beamed at that. "It's about six more hours if you want to sleep some more."  He nodded at the mouse pulling up in front of them.

Vinnie got off and took off his helmet. "I know you," he called.

Wesley lowered his window.  "We're the new Watchers over the brats.  We stopped in to talk to Xander."

"Is he okay?"  Wesley nodded.  "Good.  Did you see anyone else?"

"Throttle seemed quite nice," he offered.  "We'll be seeing all of you this summer, Vincent.  Don't worry."  He gave him a small smirk and backed up, heading for the airport.  "Flying instead?"

"Love to," she yawned.  "Six hours is too long.  They'll need us there before they go out tonight. There's a major demon on the loose."

"Very well, dear."  He picked up her hand and kissed the back of it, making her giggle.  "If you wish, I would like to offer my services for you.  That is, if you don't take back Gunn."

"I'm thinking about it," she promised.  She turned to look at him.  "Were you happy there?"  He shook his head.  "You weren't in heaven with me?"

"No, Fred, not quite.  Nearly, but not quite. I've killed a great many more demons than you have."  He stroked her cheek.  "We're nearly to O'Hare."  He pulled onto the interstate and headed for the exit marked airport.  It would be faster.

***

Vinnie walked into the lair, looking around.  "Hey, anybody home?  We're going to lunch."

"Coming," Xander yelled, hopping down the ramp to give him a hug.  "Good news?" he asked with a grin.

"She's still pregnant and the baby looks really funny," he said with a grin.  "Come on, Throttle, or else I'm stealing Xander."

"I was getting my wallet," he complained.  "I'll meet you in the garage."  Vinnie nodded and walked Xander out, closing the door behind him.

"Since you're suspended, wanna go have fun today?  Charley said she wouldn't mind going somewhere to watch us have fun."

"Sure.  What's going on?"

"There's a base jumping thing."

"Hmm, a bit more dangerous.  Jumping off a building or a bridge with a parachute isn't the same."  Vinnie nodded.  He took off since Xander was on his bike.  "We could go to the motocross races," Xander suggested.

"Maybe, but that's not a thrill.  I need a thrill."

Xander leaned against Vinnie's back.  "We could go out to the state park about an hour away to soak in the mineral springs," he said gently.  Vinnie's tail twitched. "They're not very deep or anything."

"No, then I'd compare," he sighed.  "It'd ruin it for me."  His tail twitched again.  "Gun show?"

"I wouldn't mind, I'm going to have to find a good supplier of crossbow bolts soon."  Vinnie snickered at that. "It's not my fault Dawn's such a lousy shot with one. Fortunately she does good with a blaster."  He leaned his chin on Vinnie's shoulder.  "We could go back to the rodeo camp, letting Charley watch us having fun."

"Nah."  He turned up the music his bike was playing, listening to the report of the rogue elephant stomping through the financial district.  "Ya think?"

"I do, studly.  Let's go.  After all, elephants love mice.  Do you want taunt or shove position?"

"Hmm, move the blockade 32?"

"Thirty four," Xander whined. "There's only two of us unless Throttle catches us again."  Vinnie chuckled and sped up, hurrying to save the day.  That's what hero studs did after all.

"Bros, where are you?" Throttle called over the radio.

"Taking a short side trip to pick something up," Xander offered, chuckling a bit.  "Order for me, babe."  He burst out in giggles.  Vinnie did too.

"Oh, no, not the elephant.  Please not the elephant."

"We're going with move the blockade thirty-four and I'm getting taunt position first," Vinnie said proudly.  "Won't take long."

"Use thirty-seven, Vincent," Throttle groaned.  "Thirty-four means you get stepped on.  She'll kill us."

"I wanted to use thirty-two but Xander pointed out there's only two of us," he taunted.

"Use thirty-seven, Vincent," he said firmly.

"Fine, thirty seven.  Spoil sport."  He took a corner and Xander flipped off behind the elephant, making Vinnie whistle in appreciation.  The elephant tried to step on him so he moved one way, his bike going the other.  "Whoa, flat as a pancake, what a rush!" he called, getting up to taunt it.  "Can't get me!"  He called, sticking out his tongue and wiggling his tail.  The elephant snorted and blew a call, then stampeded after him.  "Bro!"

"Coming."  Xander ran after them, getting in the elephant's way, which made it trumpet again and go after him this time since he was more annoying.  They taunted it back to the circus parade then ran off through the crowd, hopping on his bike once it came closer, and since Xander got there first he got to drive.

"Hey, my bike," he complained.  Xander was handling it like a pro, making him very proud.  "Smooth, bro.  You'll get your own soon."

"Throttle said I couldn't have my own."

"Bet me!  You're not stealin' mine!"

"Boys!" Charley snapped over the radio.  "Get here now, food's here."

"Coming, Charley," they called back, speeding that way.  "Mexican?"

"Chinese place next door to it."

"Cool.  I haven't had any good Chinese in a while."  He turned the corner and Vinnie held on with a whoop of excitement.  "Take a ride later, big brother?"

"Not a chance. You're getting your own!" he called back tolerantly.

"No he's not," Throttle called.

"He's not stealing mine and you won't let him solo on yours, he'll have to get one some day," Vinnie called back.  He felt Xander wobble and shifted to compensate.  "Xander, tip your head in the other direction."  He did so and the wobbling stopped.  "Good boy!  There it is."  Xander revved the engine and hopped over a parked car, sliding sideways into a perfect parking spot.  "Whoa!" he said, smirking like a maniac.  "Nice job!"

Throttle pulled off his helmet.  "You two done?  I'm hungry?"

"Bro, you need to molest him more often," Vinnie said as he got off the back of his bike.

Xander climbed off and strolled over there, taking off his helmet and grabbed his husband, kissing him hard enough to stun him stupid.  "You're dinner," he purred, then headed inside to stock up on calories.

Modo looked at him.  "Which of you was driving?"  Xander beamed at him and Vinnie came in babbling about how good he had done.  He looked at Xander, who just winked.  "Show off," he said fondly.

"Getting there," he said proudly.  Charley yanked on his ear.  "Ow!"  He grinned at her.  "There's new Watchers.  We need to go celebrate."

She kissed him on the cheek and let Throttle take him, while Vinnie sat next to her.  "I think you've done enough celebrating."  She looked at her house.  "Feel better?"

"He only nearly stepped on me twice, sweetheart.  It wasn't nothin' in the day of your average studly mouse superhero."

Xander snickered. "Only twice? You nearly slid the bike, Vinnie."

"It's still only twice," he shot back, smirking at him. Then he looked at Modo. "Throttle won't let him have his own bike."

"It took you nearly four years to find yours," Throttle reminded him.  "Xander's worse."

"Yeah, yeah, you say that now," Xander teased with a catty little smirk. "Just wait until you see what I pull out of my fur this time."  He licked his lips and at the dishes.  "Are we just digging in?"  Everyone nodded.  So he dished himself up some food.

"Save some for the rest of us," Vinnie protested, taking some of it back.

"Order more," Charley sighed, shaking her head.

Throttle looked at the waiter, waving at their table.  "Add another order of everything."  He nodded, going to do that for them.  He looked at Charley.  "Now you know why I don't take these two to buffets."  She nodded, smirking at him.   The waiter brought more food and he handed it to her first, then took some.  Modo could fight the two brothers for the other stuff.

Table of Contents

Episode 01: 2

Episode 02: 18

Episode 03: 42

Episode 04: 76

Episode 05: 89

Episode 06: 108

Episode 07: 132

Episode 08: 151

Episode 09: 167

Episode 10: 201

Episode 11: 232

Episode 12: 258

Episode 13: 278

Episode 14: 309

Episode 15: 336

Episode 16: 349

Episode 17: 369

Episode 18: 415

Episode 19: 461

Episode 20: 477