taruma

Christmas post

tabi16@freenet.de — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 07:57:18 GMT

Birthday

tabi16@freenet.de — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:11:00 GMT

Myspace Happy Birthday Comments & Graphics

to a wonderful writer, an obviously awesome beta and an all around great person!

rakina

I hope you have a great day!

MEME

tabi16@freenet.de — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:33:54 GMT

Saw this one all over.
It really fits.

Your result for The Attachment Style Test...

The Free Agent

You like to be independent, to play by your own rules. You're not terribly interested in finding a partner and settling down, and it makes you nervous to imagine that someone might depend on you for anything. Were you to find the right partner--someone as independent as you, probably--you'd not be too put out about sharing your adventures with him/her.

Fictional characters with whom you might identify: Han Solo (Star Wars), Beatrice ("Much Ado About Nothing")

Other Attachment Types:
Secure:	The Unicorn	\|	The Cuddleslut	\|	The Free Agent
Preoccupied:	The Cling Wrap	\|	The Squid	\|	The Insect
Fearful:	The Doormat	\|	The Leper	\|	The Exile
Dismissing:	The Hermit	\|	The Stone	\|	The Player
Confused:	The Waffler

Take The Attachment Style Test at HelloQuizzy

meme

tabi16@freenet.de — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:21:52 GMT

Seen all over LJ.



		I will marry Alan Rickman.
		After a wild honeymoon, We will settle down in Berlin in our fabulous Mansion.
		We will have 1 kid(s) together.
		Our family will zoom around in a Black BMW.
		I will spend my days as a producer, and live happily ever after.

tabi16@freenet.de — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:45:55 GMT

Myspace Easter Graphics

I wish you all a great time!
RL has been a bitch lately. But I have a whole week off after Easter! So, YEAH for me.

meme

tabi16@freenet.de — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:16:20 GMT

Snagged from writan_bur over at lj.

This is indeed scarily accurate. But I'm not cold!

- September 16 -
You are very clever and knowledgeable. You are very calm and cool in social situations. You are kind and sympathetic to people, although you like to choose your friends carefully.
Positive Traits: technically brilliant, innovative, creative, analytical, original
Negative Traits: emotional repression, misanthropy, irrational, cynicism, coldness
'What does your Birthdate mean?' at QuizGalaxy.com

P.S.: Just for myself: Getting up at 5.20am is HORRIBLE!!!

random

tabi16@freenet.de — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:55:55 GMT

Two weeks ago I decided to pay a permanent account over here.
I did some thinking and I'll move my things over to this journal. I'll keep the one at LJ, but it'll be a free account (no more paying). I just don't want to loose some people over there that don't have a journal here.

RL is a real bitch right now. But there are some changes coming at work next week and it'll be better, hopefully.

Oh, and I can't wait for the new Snarry_Games to start. *bounces up and down*

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:57:40 GMT

New Years Animations provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

Music

tabi16@freenet.de — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:55:15 GMT

I posted some music over at my LJ and thought I share it here too.

on to the songs

tabi16@freenet.de — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:55:32 GMT

I posted this over at lj too.

Anyway, I wish you all...

Have a great Christmas time with your families and lots of presents!

Christmas cards

tabi16@freenet.de — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:53:27 GMT

I made this post over at LJ. But some of my flist moved over her.
So, I post this here too.

Does anyone from you like to get a Christmas card from me?

Mail me your address to: tabi16@freenet.de or fill in the poll I made last year over at LJ.

Xmas Card poll</b>

some birthday wishes

tabi16@freenet.de — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:47:12 GMT

We share the birth month.
A wonderful author in the HP verse!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY dementordelta !!!

Have a great day!!!

Spander drabble

tabi16@freenet.de — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 13:16:20 GMT

Ok. I thought to try and write something because I wanted to participate.
The people who know me, are aware that I only write in the Buffy verse, Spander (Spike and Xander). I love to read the Snarry!! But trust me you wouldn’t want to read my attempts at writing Snarry.

So, this is unbetaed, beware! English isn’t my first language!
Oh, and it isn’t all that porny (mushy, sappy me again, *sigh*)!

If there are any mistakes, tell me.

On to it ...

Xander lay on the bed, naked, blindfolded and his arms tied to the headboard above him. He shivered in arousal and anticipation.

Spike had tried for weeks to convince Xander to let him play a bit.

But now, lying here waiting for Spike’s next move, Xander didn’t know anymore why he had needed convincing at all.

What had started with a foot massage, light touches and soft brushes of fingers, had moved to sucking on his fingers and tweaking of nipples. Xander had never been this aroused in his life by so little. Not knowing what to expect next did nothing to abate his arousal.

When Xander felt Spike’s mouth on his for the first time since he’d been restricted, he’d loved to wrap his arms around Spike and never let go.

music meme

tabi16@freenet.de — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:23:19 GMT

Ok, I caved and did the music meme too. A friend of mine over at LJ was so nice to give me the letter S.

So, here we go with some music from Taruma. It's a mixture of different countries and three, no I think for languages.

Depeche Mode, Somebody

Depeche Mode, Sister Of Night (I stopped here, I could have ued up to 20 songs just from Depeche Mode)

Galleon, So I Begin, this one always reminds me of thelasttime I was in France in 2001.

A-ha, Summer Moved On

Die Fantastischen Vier or Fanta 4, Sommerregen

John Legend, Save Room

Mylène Farmer, Sans Contrefaçon

Nelly Futado, Say It Right, I really love that one!

Ofra Haza, Shadday, I don’t know if anybody know (or remembers her). She was a Israelean singer and sadly died some years ago. This is my favorite of her. The most known is/was Im Nin Alu.

Placebo, Song To Say Goodbye, This one is for muurahainen. Yes, I like them too. *g*

Part 2 of 2

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:36:09 GMT

Precious And Fragile Things 2/2
Author: taruma
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: Season 7 of BTVS Spike’s reflections after the vineyard, Xander’s thoughts at the end scene. Two parts, but can be read separately. Inspired by a song
Beta: The lovely realtsunamigirl

The first part can be found here

The bus jerked to a halt. Dawn opened the door at the end, jumped out and embraced Buffy who sprang from the bus.

Xander got out the door next to the driver with Andrew close behind him.

Andrew told him about Anya giving her life to save him. At the same time he heard Giles ask, ‘Who did this?’

‘Spike.’ Buffy answered.

He left Andrew, walked to the others and stared at the crater that had been Sunnydale.

A moment later, the Sunnydale sign fell into the crater and Xander remembered Spike telling him that he had driven over that sign every time he came to Sunnydale. Well, except maybe the last time. He hadn’t been able to remember coming back to Sunnydale at all, after he had got his soul.

Looks like you got the damn sign again, for one last time. Xander thought with a sad smile.

“What exactly happened to cause this?” He asked Buffy, pointing towards the huge hole that once was Sunnydale.

“We were fighting the Ubervamps and then suddenly the amulet Spike wore, came to life. A beam shot through the ceiling of the cave and sunlight was reflected all around. It dusted all of the Ubervamps, right through the amulet and Spike’s soul." There was an expression of childlike wonder in Buffy's eyes when she looked at all her friends. She turned back to the hole.

"He said, he could feel his soul. He sent me out before everything fell apart. I think the sun burned him to ashes.” She explained with a sad but triumphant smile, looking at the crater, hands at her hips.

“Oh, and he said I should tell you he was sorry. I guess, he meant the thing with Anya.” Buffy added, facing Xander for a moment.

Xander walked further to the hole, thinking, Wrong guess. He meant that he’s gone, that he left me. He could barely hold back the tears.

Anya had been right, when she said I could have saved all three of us a lot of trouble, the day she found us kissing in Buffy’s basement. The only one who knew about us. He thought with a fond, sad smile.

If I had been honest with myself, Spike and I would have had three years together. Angel would be dust right now because he would have been the only soul- having vampire.

***

When Buffy brought Spike to live with him again, Xander was barely able to contain his anger with Spike because of what he had done to Buffy. Not to mention that “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera!” moment with Anya.

After the frantic, drunken encounter with Spike in his basement, three years ago, he had thrown himself into the relationship with Anya to prove he was straight. He had told himself again and again, that it was just the alcohol.

But he dreamed of that night and Spike a lot afterwards.

***

Wood seemed to be badly wounded in the bus, but Xander couldn’t pity him much. The guy had tried to kill Spike. Ok, Spike had killed his mother, but Woods had seen a different side of Spike, had known about the soul.

Quite a few of the Potentials, or Slayers now, hadn't made it out of the caves and the rest were more or less injured. Only their little group including Faith was standing behind the bus on the deserted road. Andrew and two or three of the new Slayers were standing in the background near the bus.

Xander took a few steps away from his friends, wanting to be alone with his thoughts.

*****

The last few days were hectic and frustrating for both of them. Enclosed in Buffy’s house, with all the girls around and nobody but Anya knowing about them.

They had to steal time to be together; in the basement, in the backyard or with the excuse of fetching something from deserted stores or other houses. Claiming, to protect each other and the need to flee from too much estrogen, which was at least, partly true. They always felt better out of the house.

Buffy sent him away to protect Dawn and he did it. Spike seemed to be ok with it, saying, ‘That way, I know you’re both safe.’

Like always, Dawn had thought otherwise.

When she regained consciousness she calmly tazered him, turned around and drove back to Sunnydale. She and Buffy had a short quarrel, when they had been back and he fled down into the basement to Spike.

Spike was there and looked at him with a mixture of sadness and relief, stroking his cheek. Embracing him, Spike whispered, “But you’ll be careful, ok?”

Wanting to say ‘Can’t we just go away from here?’, Xander answered instead, “I’ll do my best. But you too, alright?”

***

Xander walked near to the edge of the crater, thinking about the previous few days, mindlessly staring down at it.

He remembered the night Spike showed him the amulet.

***

“Angel brought this to Sunnydale. He said it would help in the fight with the First. It’s meant to be worn by a champion, somebody with a soul, but more then human.” Spike explained.

“The brooding one is here?” Xander asked.

“Not anymore. Buffy sent him back to LA to build a second front. She wants me to be that champion.” Spike held the amulet by its chain and looked at it.

“Well, that’s great. She prefers you to Angel.” Xander tried to put as much enthusiasm as possible in his voice, but his smile was forced and it didn’t reach his eye. Deep down, he still feared a repeat performance of Buffy and Spike.

All of a sudden, Spike put the amulet on his cot, turned to Xander with a smile and kissed him.

“Let’s get out of here. We’ll say we want some beer or something. I want to be alone with you.”

“Ok.” Xander replied, with a real smile this time.

As expected, nobody else wanted to join them. They’d made sure, Andrew hadn’t been near, so that they had some precious time together.

In one of the abandoned houses not far away they spent nearly the whole night. They were surprised that none of the others questioned them when they came back.

The next day, Buffy explained her plan to defeat the First and they were all busy with preparations the last day.

That last night was different. Spike whispered in his ear, “I’ll meet you in the backyard behind the big Oak tree.”

He frowned slightly and watched Spike inquiringly, as he made his way out the door.

When Xander got there, he found Spike sitting leaned against the tree with a blanket around him. Spike watched him coming nearer with a look that weakened Xander’s knees and made his heart beat faster. Never had anybody looked at him like that, a look full of love and adoration.

He sat down next to Spike, snuggled up to him and murmured against his ear, “But we can’t, you know? Not here. We’re not really what you’d call silent when we…”

Spike chuckled and whispered back, “After all we’ve done with and to each other, you still can’t say the words?”

“Ok, ok. We can’t have sex here. There, I said it” Xander replied, blushing a bit.

“That’s not what I want tonight, luv.” Spike said in a low voice, leaning further for a slow, deep kiss.

“No?” He rasped. The kiss, Spike’s voice and the endearment made his whole body shiver.

“I just want to hold and kiss you.” He stared in Xander’s eye, tracing lightly over the patch and his cheek. There was that look again. “Can I? Just that. Nobody ever wanted…” Spike stopped.

“Only, if I’m allowed, too.”

That answer was graced with one of Spike’s rare real smiles.

They did just that, kissing and holding each other until Xander fell asleep. When Spike woke him at dawn to slip back into the house, he felt so good, that he thought he could take the First all by himself.

Before Spike went down into the cave with the Potentials, they shared a last look and their hands brushed against each other. That was the last time Xander saw him.

***

I will never see him again. At that thought, Xander’s knees finally gave out and he fell to the ground near the pit, tears running down his cheek and wetting his patch.

Once again, he pictured that look, full of love, in Spike’s eyes last night, just a few hours ago.

Then another thought crossed his mind and he frowned. He remembered that Spike hadn’t been that enthusiastic either, at the prospect of being Buffy’s champion.

He knew something. Xander stared at the hole, deep in thoughts, trying to figure out what he had missed two nights ago. Then it hit him. He knew he would die. He knew that damn amulet would kill him. That’s why he was so different, so vulnerable last night.

Somebody stepped up to him and he heard Willow’s voice behind him. “I know, how sad you must be that Anya is dead. She was really brave, Andrew told us. But it will get better, we’re all here for you.” Her sympathetic voice was even nearer now.

“Thanks Wills. I just need one more minute alone, ok?” He managed to croak out, wanting her to leave him alone.

“Ok.”

Then he was alone again.

Anya. The only one who had known the truth.

For the first time in his life, Xander felt really alone among his friends. They felt like strangers to him. They will never understand.

He stood up, took a deep breath and stared a moment longer down the crater.

I didn’t even tell him. Spike shouldn’t have died without knowing that I love him.

Again, the tears threatened to come and he blinked them away.

After one last look, he turned around and walked slowly back to the others.

Things get damaged
Things get broken
I thought we’d manage
But words left unspoken.

Authors note: Title and lines at the end of both chapters in italic are from the song Precious from Depeche Mode, lyrics by Martin L. Gore

Precious And Fragile Things

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:35:23 GMT

This is the fic I'm most proud of.

Precious And Fragile Things ½
Author: taruma
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: Season 7 of BTVS Spike’s reflections after the vineyard, Xander’s thoughts at the end scene. Two parts, but can be read separately. Inspired by a song
Beta: realtsunamigirl Thanks for your help and for making this better! *smooches*

They had taken their wounded to the hospital after the battle with Caleb in the vineyard.

Battle, Spike snorted. It was a trap and we went like lambs to the slaughter.

He was left alone with his thoughts. Most of the hurt Potentials had been taken care of and were back at Buffy’s house. Buffy herself had just left Xander’s room and only Willow remained with him. Spike lurked near the room in hearing distance, for vampires at least, and waited for Willow to leave.

He really hated hospitals, the smell of disinfectants with hints of disease and death, empty halls which made every sound clang in Spike’s ears. It all made his skin crawl.

Nearly all of Sunnydale hospital was abandoned like the rest of town. For the first time the people of Sunnydale were not ignoring the signs.

This floor was the only one kept busy, with a few nurses and doctors, so nobody bothered Spike when he lit a cigarette to calm himself a bit. He’d have liked to be pacing around like an animal in a cage, but couldn’t let himself be seen.

Nobody knew about them, that he and Xander were together. Well, nobody but Anya.

***

She found them kissing in Buffy’s basement. She looked stunned, then appreciatively and bluntly asked about a threesome.

After another long look in Xander’s guilt-ridden face she said, “You know Xander, if you’d done that three years ago in your basement, you could have saved all three of us a lot of trouble.”

Xander flushed a deep red from the roots of his hair down to his neck.

“Oh god, you did.” Anya exclaimed disbelieving. “You cheated on me with Spike. Or did you cheat on Spike with me?” She asked, a bit confused, brows furrowed.

“Well, you were just back and Spike was still living in the basement with me, I mean, staying there, you know? We had that fight, you and I, remember? I got a bit drunk afterwards and Spike was there. It just happened, only once, back then.” Xander babbled, not able to stop himself.

Spike watched the whole scene with amusement. At that point, he didn’t care anymore if anybody found out about them.

“Please, don’t tell anyone, ok?” Xander pleaded. “Now is not the time, with all the girls here and the First threatening everything.”

With a glance at both of them, she slowly nodded. “Ok, I won’t, for now, but only if I can tell Buffy when this is all over.” A little grin appeared on her face.

She turned around and went back up the stairs with the words, “By the way, he is a good kisser, isn’t he, Xander?”

***

The memory brought a smile on Spike’s face. It immediately vanished when he listened to the hushed voice from the room. He could hear the pain in Xander’s voice.

Patience wasn’t one of Spike’s strong suits, but he had to wait until Willow was gone.

He let his thoughts wander again, back to the time when Buffy had brought him to Xander’s apartment a few months ago.

***

Still half out of his mind, he lay mostly on the bed in the spare room.

One day, Xander stormed in and said, “Ok, spill. I want to know the truth. I mean, you said you love her and then you try to…you know.” He gestured helplessly with his arm, not even wanting to say the word.

“Rape. I tried to rape her.” Spike rasped out, heavily sitting up on the bed. “She told me she was in heaven weeks before the music and dancing demon.” His thoughts drifted away until Xander poked him.

He looked up at Xander slightly unfocused. “Do you really want to hear it?”

Xander fisted his hands for a moment, then took a calming breath and nodded. He sat down on a chair across the bed.

“Ok then. When Giles left, we started fucking. That was all it was, just fucking. I know that now. Back then, I thought I had what I always wanted, Buffy. It was always rough, hard, mostly violent.” He laughed bitterly. “Just what a demon would want, isn’t that what you all think?”

He paused and took an unneeded breath to put his emotions back under control. Unsure, he risked a glance at Xander to see how he took that, what he thought.

Just this once, he wanted to get it all out, to confess and Xander seemed to be willing to listen, so Spike continued.

“It ended soon enough and I was miserable, drinking a lot. Having had a bit of her and then having that taken away again, was torture. I wanted to stop that, so I went to the Magic Shop to get some spell. Life or unlife was easier, when I hated her. Funny Spike, falling for a Slayer.” He giggled, sounding a bit like Drusilla.

“Where was I? Oh hmm, Magic Shop with Anya.” Putting the right memories together was still hard for him. He rubbed his temples. “That was shortly after your not-taken-place wedding, right? Anya was miserable too; I could see it in her eyes, hear it in her voice. We talked about you and Buffy, why you couldn’t just love us. She looked so lost and vulnerable and I kissed her. I could taste and smell the demon in her, but she was still so fragile. You hurt her so much.”

Spike watched Xander for a moment and saw him averting his eyes guiltily before he went on.

“We were drunk by then, it just happened. It had nothing to do with revenge. It was taking solace in each other, drowning our sorrows together, forgetting, if only just for the moment. Probably, it shouldn’t have happened and you all surely shouldn’t have seen it. I’m sorry.”

The last sentence was whispered.

Spike slowly looked up from his hands to Xander, willing him to understand at least that. He hadn’t wanted to hurt him.

Xander met his gaze and held it for a moment, searching his eyes. Then he gestured for Spike to go on.

So, Spike continued, “I went to Buffy that night to apologise. But when she said, she had feelings for me, I hoped again. Everything got out of hand. I tried to will her to love me, force her to feel something for me. She pleaded with me to stop, saying ‘no’ the whole time. Then she threw me off and I saw her frightened face, it was as if a haze was lifted.”

By now, he was choking on the words, rocking slightly, back and forth. His hands went from his thighs over his face to his hair then back down. He was unable to keep them still.

“God, oh god, how could I do that to the woman I claimed to love. Whatever evil things I did in the past, rape was never one of them.

Back in my crypt the picture of Buffy’s face haunted me, I tried to drown it in alcohol. I crashed a lot of things that night.” He slammed his hands to the sides of his head, feeling the control over his thoughts slipping away again.

“No, no, I didn’t and I don’t need your opinion anyway.” He mumbled to someone’s voice, speaking in his head. Spike shook his head to clear his mind.

“I felt guilty the whole time. I shouldn’t have felt guilt, you know. As you all always reminded me so well, I’m an evil, soulless, undead monster. Well, I was soulless then.” His eyes drifted back to Xander, returning to his tale.

“I blamed it all on the chip in my head.” His left hand went up to his head again, fist pressed to the side of it. He gave a short bitter laugh.

At this point, Xander leaned forward in the chair and had opened his mouth, as if to say something, but closed it again.

Spike’s voice was still barely above a whisper when he said, “I went to Africa. I had heard of a demon, which gives you what you want, if you win some trials. At this point, I was angry at everything, the chip, myself, the Initiative, even at Buffy. All I had in mind was getting the chip out of my head, becoming what I was before that. So, I drove to LA, bought a flight ticket, and flew there overnight. Getting out of the airport was a bit tricky, I had to lurk around there a few hour till sundown without attracting attention.” He giggled again, his eyes unfocused.

“You just flew there? What about sunshine through the windows? And where did the money come from anyway?” Xander asked, indignant.

“What? Did you think I got there in a casket? Plane windows are real small. I sat in the middle. I have money.” Spike chuckled, amused, in one of his saner moments.

“After the hellmouth and vengeance demons, I should have known better, don’t you think? I found the demon, fought the trials. But, of course, couldn’t be clear with what I wanted. Make me what I was.” Spike shook his head, looked down his body and then screamed, “This is not what I wanted. Not what I ever was. I never was a vamp with a soul.”

He slumped down again. “I don’t remember, how I got out of the caves or back to Sunnydale.” He slowly whispered.

He looked straight in Xander’s eyes, his mind halfway together for the first time, to see his reaction.

Xander leaned back in his chair and looked straight back. “So, you didn’t really get your soul for Buffy?”

“Oh, I got it for Buffy. If not for her, if not for my feelings for her, I would have never gone to Africa in the first place, would I?” He shook his head.

“But I didn’t want one, not for Buffy, not for anything in the world. Why would I want one? Do you really think, a soul makes you better?”

Xander sighed. “Well, I thought so, once. I mean, people do bad stuff all the time with their souls and some demons are nice. Look at Clem, look at Willow. Not long ago, the world stopped being black and white for me.”

Spike had to grin at that. It looked like Xander had changed, too.

“You know, what’s funny, Xander? One good thing has come with the soul. My feelings for Buffy have stopped. The soul is really disgusted with what I tried to do, but it’s disgusted with what she did to me, too. William wouldn’t be too fond of her.”

“You mean the human, you were before you became a vampire?” Xander asked, curious.

“No, not just the human, even as a vampire I was too human. I was William until Angelus succeeded in beating and humiliating me enough. I learned to keep that part hidden, to become Spike.” For a moment, memories of his early times as a vampire flooded him.

“But you all shouldn’t mistake me for a second Angel. I’m not like him. When I’m done dealing with the guilt and the voices inside me,” he tipped his finger to his forehead, then to his heart, “I won’t be much different than before.”

He gazed at Xander, challenging, sounding like himself for the first time.

Xander met the challenge and said, “Good. I don’t like broodboy anyway and we really don’t need a second one.”

He stood up and went to the door. “Thanks for being honest and the explanation of the Anya thing. I still would have preferred to not have seen it, but I can understand it.”

He was nearly out of the door, when he whispered, “I’m sorry, for treating you like that.”

Spike was stunned; he would have never expected an apology from Xander.

When a nightmare had Spike screaming the next night, Xander came to his room and gently held him, whispering soothing words, pulling him out of his dreams. He sat with him, his hand stroking calming up and down his arm until Spike fell asleep again. It kept the voices at bay.

***

The cigarette had a calming effect on Spike, at least a little. He kept the memory of Xander’s reluctant soothing that night as a treasure. It had been a beginning.

***

They started a kind of friendship after that. Watching TV together, arguing about characters, playing pool and drinking beer together. Slowly Spike felt like himself again and to his surprise, it was fun to hang out with Xander.

By this time, the first Potentials had arrived at Buffy’s, so nobody wondered about them.

How they came from friendship to relationship in such a short time, Spike couldn’t say. One moment, they were arguing about American versus ‘real’ football on the couch, the next minute they were kissing like they wanted to devour each other.

But this time was different then their encounter in the basement, some years ago. It went deeper, felt like much more. This time they talked about it, found out that they wanted more. They wanted to be together.

When the things around them became worse, they decided not to tell anybody about them.

When that demon girl strapped Xander to that wheel, bleeding, Spike had nearly lost it. All he wanted was Xander out of there, home, all for himself. But there was no way with Buffy and Woods there. So, they brought him to Buffy’s house.

Back there, Willow helped them without knowing, saying that Xander would be better at his own apartment and Spike was the natural choice to go with him. A vampire in a house full of Slayer Potentials was not making anyone happy.

***

Spike still flinched at that memory of seeing Xander hanging there. He had failed him then and he had failed him with Caleb again, but so much more.

He didn’t want do remember but the pictures came nonetheless.

***

Caleb grabbed Xander, who had helped the Potentials escape the vineyard. He looked at Xander and said something about him being the one who sees, but not any longer.

Even though a few feet away, Spike heard the words and froze for a moment, a precious moment. One moment that could have made a difference. Spike ran towards them and pushed Caleb away, but not before he squeezed one of Xander’s eyes out of its socket with his thumbs.

He could smell the blood that oozed out of the socket and the demon inside him roared, wanting revenge. Someone touched what it thought as his. For the first time, the soul didn’t object to the massive violence the demon suggested.

But Spike stomped down on it, he had to get Xander to safety and help. That was all that mattered.

***

A shudder went through Spike and guilt washed over him. Why haven’t I been faster? Why have I been frozen in place?

He heard Willow saying her goodbye and saw her leaving the room.

Spike was at the door of the hospital room in a flash, taking in Xander’s form in the bed, bandage over his left eye.

Unable to enter the room, he stayed in the doorway, hoping against everything that this was just one of his nightmares. He gripped the doorway so hard that the wood nearly splintered in his frustration and shame.

Xander heard the sound and looked up and to the door; a little smile appeared on his face.

“You’re here,” relief evident in his voice. He petted the bed with his right hand, indicating for Spike to sit with him.

“Were else would I be?” Spike replied, moving slowly to the bed and sat down on it next to Xander’s hip.

He took Xander’s right hand in both of his and said in a low voice, “I’m sorry.”

At the same time Xander said, “Thank you.”

Looking at each other in surprise, they said together, “What for?” Now they were both smiling and the tension eased a bit.

Spike gestured to Xander to begin.

“You saved me again. If you hadn’t knocked him away, Caleb would have taken my other eye, too. So, thank you.” He explained.

Spike shook his head in denial and replied, “I should have been faster or seen it earlier, than you would still have both eyes. I’m so sorry.”

He couldn’t raise his eyes back to Xander, feeling so guilty.

Xander lifted his chin, so that he could look in Spike’s eyes. “It happened, ok? No thank you, but no I’m sorry either. We’ll get through this, right?”

His hand found Spike’s again to hold and take strength from it.

Spike nodded slowly and stroked lightly over the bandaged side of Xander’s face, wishing to be able to take away the pain, at least.

Angels with silver wings
Shouldn’t know suffering
I wish I could take the pain for you.

Authors note: Title and quote taken from the song Precious from Depeche Mode, lyrics by Martin L. Gore

On to the Second Part

drabble/ficlet

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:29:47 GMT

I wrote this one after having a flooded kitchen at one Saturday late evening.

Mostly for myself, call it my way of dealing with my last saturday evening or wishful thinking. *g*

Spander, not mine and totally unbetaed. If there's something wrong, just tell me!!!
I hope, you like it!

Xander entered the apartment with a grin, happy to be home at last. He had to stay longer at the site because of a late delivery of equipment.

Shrugging out of his jacket he was greeted with loud swearing from the kitchen.

He went to the kitchen with a cheerful “Spike, I’m…” to stand in water.

Water was running out of the pipes at the sink, the kitchen floor was flooded and a cursing and drenched Spike tried to stop the water with his hands at the pipe.

When he heard Xander’s call Spike turned around, wet from head to toe, his eyes wide and pleading.

“Help me, Xan.” His voice down to a helpless whisper.

“Did you call the janitor to shut the water down?” Xander asked.

Spike shook his head his hands falling from the pipe with a heavy sigh.

Wordlessly Xander turned around to make the call.

When he returned he smiled in spite of the water and the broken pipe, seeing his big bad vampire helpless like an almost drowned kitten.

“I’m a vampire not a plumber. I kill demons and other nasty things I don’t repair the bloody plumbing.” Spike tried to justify himself.

Xander pulled Spike in his arms and said softly, “I know. See, this time I can save you from the evil things.”

He couldn’t resist the wet look on Spike and kissed him passionately.

By the time they pulled apart Xander was as wet as Spike and the water had stopped.

drabbles I wrote for Christmas cards 2005

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:27:50 GMT

The last for drabbles I wrote, I actually saved on my computer. I thought I share them with all my flist with permission of the drabble owners.

Christmas card drabble for akinaj. Spander, of course!

When Spike entered the cottage behind his enthusiastic lover he shook his head fondly at Xander.

They had spent hours outside in the snow. Building a snowman, lying on the ground making snow angels and throwing snowballs at each other.

The things I do for love, he thought. Only in his mind he admitted that he had never had so much fun in the snow. He remembered with a smirk the fevered kissing that had destroyed the snow angels.

Xander threw his jacket in a chair and turned to Spike. “Thank you. That is the best Christmas present ever, going to England in wintertime.”

To Spike Xander had never looked as beautiful as in this moment with his eyes beaming with joy, a big smile and his cheeks still red from the cold.

“Your welcome, luv. To see you like this is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had.”

Christmas card drabble for piksa. Spander the second. Slightly on the naughty side!

“Tell me, pet, why do your kinks always involve food?” Spike asked from beneath his arms.

He lay on his stomach with Xander kneeling above him.

“Well, because I love the combined tastes of you and chocolate.” Xander whispered in his ear, a bottle of chocolate sauce in his hand.

“Now, you have to guess what I write on and lick from your back. A secret fantasy of mine, another unexplored kink. But don’t be angry.” With that Xander began his work.

Spike was moaning after the first word and had a hard time concentrating on the meaning.

When Xander finished his work, Spike twisted them around until he was above Xander.

Xander grinned and asked, “So, what did I write?”

Spike smirked at him. “A kink without food.”

He lowered his head to Xander’s ear, “Threesome with Angel. What a nice idea, luv.” And bit lightly in the earlobe before kissing Xander’s neck.

Christmas card drabble for nashmaveric. Spander the third. This one is the naughtiest I've ever written!

Spike returned to Xander’s and his apartment after a quick patrol.

He had gone after the Christmas party at Buffy’s house. It had been a quiet night. Xander had been tired and so he had gone alone.

Spike entered the apartment silently, not wanting to disturb his lover.

The livingroom was dark but there came a soft light from the bedroom.

When Spike opened the door to the bedroom he froze at the sight before him.

Xander kneeled on the floor before the bed head submissively bowed down, hands clasped behind his back, wearing nothing but a cock ring.

His lightly oiled body gleamed in the light of the dozen candles arranged in the room.

Spike heard a whispered, “Merry Christmas.” And a low growl escaped his throat.

Christmas card drabble for pet_23. It is my first Spangel ever!

“Do you know, what I’d like you to have? Right here on your neck, visible for everyone.” Angel brushed his fingertips along Spike’s neck, whispering in his ear.

Spike shivered at the touch and asked in a husky voice, “What is it you want me to have on my neck?”

“A tattoo. A little angel right here, so that everyone knows who you belong to.” Angel encircled Spike in his arms, waiting for a response.

With a smirk Spike turned around in Angel’s arms and murmured against his ear, “Well, I get a little angel if you get a spike on your neck, showing everybody who you belong to.”

Spike felt the arms around him tighten in response and heard a low groan.

“So, when do we get it done, luv?”

More drabbles same Verse

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:26:19 GMT

This one I thought about a month ago or so. But I didn't feel like writing then. So now, here it is.
This is unbetaed, be warned! *g*

Ends And Beginnings
Author: taruma
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: Placed in my Between Two FlightsVerse before the last drabble/ficlet
Pairing: William/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback/concrite: Yes, please! This is unbetaed, so if there are grammar or spelling things just tell me.

All of this verse can be found here

The door nearly slammed in his face and yet Xander stood frozen in place.

You damned fag, you’re no son of mine. Don’t you dare ever showing your face here again. His father had yelled before slamming the door shut at him.

“Xander, come on. Let’s get away from here.” Will pulled him towards the car, opened the passenger door and shoved his still dazed lover in the seat.

Will got in the car himself and drove them out of Xander’s hometown, away from his bigot father.

For long moments they were both silent.

When they were on the freeway back to LA, Will risked a glance at Xander who still seemed to be in shock.

“Xander? Do you wanna talk about it?”

“Hmm? Eh, no.” Xander looked out of the window, trying to hide the hurt showing on his face.

“But you do know that you still have a family?” Will asked, his eyes wandered from the road to Xander and back. His hand found Xander’s and he entwined their fingers.

“What? My father just threw me out, declaring I’m not his son.” Xander’s voice went from defeated to angry.

“I know. But my family practically adopted you when we were there two month ago. They love you. For them you are a part of our family.” Will slowed then stopped the car at the side of the road. He turned in his seat to fully face Xander.

Xander looked back at Will and slowly a small smile appeared on his face as he remembered the weeks spent with Will’s family.

He had truly felt at home there, more so than ever with his own parents.

His hand sneaked around Will’s neck and he drew him close.

“This rejection still hurts even though I expected it, you know?” He sighed.

“But you’re right, your family let me feel at home and you’re my family now.” The last part was whispered against Will’s lips.

This is placed in my Between Two Flights verse. Human AU, Spander of course. Unbetaed, if there’s something wrong with the grammar, please tell me.
Rating, well FRT, I think.

All of this verse can be found here

The phone rang and Xander managed to wrap a towel around his waist. He stormed to the living room, hoping to catch the call in time.

He picked up the receiver and said, “Harris.”

“Good morning, Xan. It’s me. I didn’t wake you, right?” Will asked.

“I hoped it’d be you who’s calling me this early in the morning. I really miss you.” Xander sat down on the sofa.

“I miss you too, luv. Morning is good; we’re almost ready for dinner. Greetings from Dad, Joyce and Buffy. They’re really disappointed that you couldn’t come with me.”

“I wish I could be with you all but the final exams are in a week. I need to be good in these exams. I already got a job offer and they only take the best.” Xander yawned and rubbed over his eyes with his free hand.

“How long did you learn yesterday?” Will inquired, his voice now full of concern. “I could come back home. Cancel the last three dates of promotion.”

“What? No. I’m alright, I just need my morning coffee. Not that I wouldn’t want you here.” Xander hinted.

He really missed his lover and friend. They hadn’t been separated this long as in all the time they had been together.

“One and a half year now.” Xander whispered dreamily.

“What? What is one and a half year?” Amusement evident in Will’s voice now.

“We’ve been together for one and a half year now. I can’t believe it. On one hand it seems like we’ve only met yesterday and on the other as if I’ve known you all my life. I can’t imagine my life without you. I mean, you’re only gone for two weeks and it seems like an eternity.” A blush crept to his cheeks. Xander hadn’t meant to say these things.

“Oh Xan, I miss you, too. God, you’re right. It seems like I haven’t seen you much longer than two weeks.” A heavy sigh escaped Will.

“I miss to kiss you, to touch you, to run my hands over your body. I miss to be touched by you. To look in your eyes, darkened by desire.” Will’s voice had got lower with every word. He’d become aroused by his own words and the images they had provoked before his eyes.

He took a deep breath and frowned because he hadn’t heard a word from Xander the last minutes. “Xan, you still there?”

“Huh? Wha...Yeah, hm. I’m here.” Xander stammered then cleared his throat. “Now, I miss you even more. How will I survive the next two weeks?”

“I’ll call you tomorrow again.” Will chuckled.

“Why not today, in the evening?”

Will laughed out loud. “Tomorrow for me is the evening for you.”

“Oh, I forgot the time difference. You know, that’s really creepy. I mean, I wake up and you go to bed. Well, almost.”

“Yeah, it’s a bit disturbing. But only for two more weeks. Talk to you tomorrow morning or for you later this evening. I love you, Xan.”

“I love you, too. Bye.” Xander hung up with a smile.

The End

This is placed in my BTF verse. Some of you might remember it.
William/Xander, of course. I wish they were mine but sadly they aren’t. This isn’t betaed.
So any comments are welcomed and wanted!

All of this verse can be found here

“Xander, tell me again why we’re doing this.” Will had just put the last of the heavy boxes filled with books in the truck.

“You ask that now that we’ve all the stuff in the truck?” Xander asked incredulous.

“Well, we still have to bring it all to the new flat.”

By now Xander had an amused grin on his face. “We’re half way done. So, bringing it all back up would be as much work as bringing it to the new apartment. You have to admit that the new apartment has much more space for the two of us. Bigger bedroom,” at that Xander smiled suggestively.

“Not to forget the third room we agreed to use as a study. You already spent most of the time in my apartment. We both wanted a shared home now that you decided to stay here in the States.” Xander took a big gulp from his water bottle.

“You’re right. But, maybe it would have been better to hire a firm for the moving. I can’t believe how many things you have.” Will took the bottle from Xander to drink some water too.

“Don’t forget how much I threw away beforehand and the new furniture are already there.” Xander pulled Will in front of him for a quick kiss before closing the back of the truck.

“Come on. Let’s go.”

Will made a protesting sound but walked to the front of the truck nonetheless.

Ficlet from Between Two Flights

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:24:09 GMT

Special Occasion
Author: taruma
Pairing: William/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please, always good to know if you like
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Authors notes: This is placed in my Between Two Flights verse. Just making sure, the boys are alright *g*
Beta: the lovely realtsunamigirl. I added some things after some advise (*g*), so any misspellings, grammar mistakes are mine, don't blame her.

The whole story and previous bits can be found here

Xander nearly bounced out of the travel agency. His left hand brushed over the tickets hidden inside his jacket. He couldn’t contain the huge grin on his face as he got in his car.

Will was in for a big surprise.

Driving home, he hummed the song playing in the radio and drummed the rhythm on the wheel.

***

Will set the table, dinner was almost ready.

He was excited about his surprise for Xander. In his nervousness, he nearly burned his hand while cooking. His thoughts drifted away most of the time. What, if he doesn't remember. What, if he doesn't wanna go there.

After making sure Xander would start his job in construction next month, Will had planed his surprise. The day before, he had bought the flight tickets.

He went back to the kitchen for some last preparations. Hearing the front door open, he shouted, “Hello luv. Dinner is ready, take a seat.”

Xander took the tickets out of his jacket and went into the dining room.

When he saw the table, he froze. Candles and vine. Wow, how nice.

“Whoa. This looks great. Is there a special occasion?”

“Yes. Well, no. Not today. But I want to talk about one.” Will answered, appearing from the kitchen, two plates in his hands. He put them on the table and sat down. Xander followed his example.

“I’ve got a surprise for you.” Will blurted out, pulling the flight tickets out from under his napkin. There was no way, he could have waited any longer. He wouldn't have been able to eat with his stomach constricted like that.

“Me, too. I mean, I’ve got a surprise, too.” Xander said, holding out his tickets.

They looked at each other, then down at the tickets in their hands.

Exchanging the tickets, they looked the destinations.

“Barcelona?”

“Berlin.”

They looked back at each other smiling.

“You said, you wanted to go to Barcelona next year, remember? I thought, It’s a good place to celebrate.” Will explained.

“I remember.” Xander replied, his thumb stroking over Will’s hand.

“And I thought, going back to the town we met, where it all began, is a good way to celebrate. We really are a matched set, huh?” Xander said laughing.

“We could combine both cities.” Will contemplated.

“Great idea.”

“Happy anniversary.” They said simultaneously.

“Well, in a week.” Xander added grinning.

They reached for each others hands across the table, both remembering the day they had met, nearly a year ago.

END

Drabbles/Ficlets from Between Two Flights

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:23:27 GMT

This little drabble came up after a comment darkhavens left on the fourth part of my fic.
This is unbetaed. Any mistakes are mine, just tell me and I'll try to fix it.

The whole story is here

OK. Let’s take a peek at our boys a few hours after we left them.
Ssshhhh! We don’t want to startle them…

The hours passed rather fast for Will and Xander. They talked some more. Found out, where in LA the other lived.

A little smirk appeared on Xander’s face and he leaned back over and whispered in Will’s ear, “What do you think is necessary to get grass stains out of jeans?”

“Wha…what do you mean?” Will asked with a frown, turning to face him.

“Well, the security guards looked really amused at my pants. So, I checked and found some grass stains.” Xander replied his head rested on Will’s shoulder.

Will’s eyes widened, a blush crept up his cheeks and he looked down his own pants.

Xander chuckled and nipped playfully at Will’s earlobe.

“I don’t think your jeans have any stains. They were already off, when…” He hinted with a dreamy smile.

A low groan escaped Will’s mouth and his eyes darkened at the memory of the night before. With the blush still on his cheeks, his face was a mixture of desire and embarrassment.

Whoa! He looks so hot like this! Xander thought, leaning back in his seat.

He closed his eyes to calm himself down again.

“I’ll get you for this.” Will murmured in his ear, adjusting himself.

This is unbetaed! So, please, tell me, if there are any misspellings or grammar mistakes. English is a foreign language for me and I like to learn. Help me!!!
Rating: should be FRT, I think
Oh, and feetback: YES, please, any is good

The whole story is here

Will and Xander lay snuggled together in bed.

When they had come back to LA, they had been practically inseparable.

Will had only rented an apartment on a monthly basis and Xander’s had much more space. So, Will moved in with him.

Both were surprised, how comfortable they were with each other after such a short time.

Arguments were rare between them and short-lived.

But all that could end very soon.

Will had finished his second book and the film based on the first one, had opening night next week.

His work in LA was done.

They had known the day would come, but had never talked about it.

“I want you to stay, Will. Please, don’t go back to England.” Xander scooted even closer to Will’s back and tightened his grip around him.

Will closed his eyes relieved, his thumb rubbing over Xander’s hand on his stomach.

“Me neither. I don’t want to leave you.”

Xander smiled and kissed his neck.

When he heard the whispered, “I love you.” he froze.

Neither of them had said the words before.

Turning Will around to look at him, he asked, “What?”

Will looked in his eyes and repeated, “I love you, Xander.” His eyes showed turmoil of emotions, love, desire, devotion and fear. All laid out for Xander to see.

And Xander saw.

He leaned over Will, a gentle smile appeared on his face and he stroked his cheek.

“I love you too, Will.”

The kiss that followed was tender, slow and deep, full of promises for the future.

“So, it’s settled then. You’ll stay here in LA with me?”

“Oh yes!”

After another short kiss, they snuggled back down in their favorite sleeping position, spooned against each other.

Part 5 of 5

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:21:02 GMT

Between Two Flights Part 5, Final
Author: taruma
Pairing: William/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: The Story is based on the film Before Sunrise just a different town and plane instead of train. Spike and Xander meet at the airport and spend the day in Berlin, Germany.
Authors notes: It’s a fluffy, romantic little fic, human AU. Yes, I do know that there are no direct flights from Berlin to the west of the USA, but I need it for the story
Beta: blinding_sight

The other parts can be found here

The morning sun was shining through the trees and Xander and Will sat still in the park wrapped around each other.

With the map of the city in his lap, Will leaned back for a short kiss.

Studying the map, they had found a way back to their starting point. Back to the bus, which would bring them back to the airport. The way led them next to the castle Bellevue, where the president of Germany used to live and the column of victory. They wanted to take the underground to the bus, even though it would only be one station.

Will gave Xander a short peck on the cheek, before standing up and pulling Xander with him.

Leaving the park, they walked around the column of victory and looked at the castle from a distance because they weren’t allowed to enter the property.

Their hands touched almost constantly without actually holding hands because they walked so near one another.

Xander saw a cafe on the other side of the street and asked, “We still have enough time, right?”

“Yes. Why?”

“A coffee and some breakfast would be great and that cafe there looks like it’s already open. What do you think?” Xander pointed to the other side.

Will nodded in agreement, rubbing over his belly. “Breakfast sounds wonderful.”

The traffic wasn’t heavy on a Sunday morning. So, they crossed the street easily and went inside the cafe.

They chose a table in a corner outside in the backyard and ordered coffee, croissants and bagels with butter.

“I didn’t even realize how hungry I am,” Xander said, slapping his stomach playfully.

“You were pretty busy yesterday,” Will replied.

Xander blushed a bit and Will continued with an amused smile, “We did a lot of walking the whole day.”

Their breakfast arrived and Xander took a croissant and put it on his plate before grabbing a bagel and began eating.

Will ate a bagel, too and sipped from his coffee.

He watched with surprise the speed with which the food on Xander’s plate vanished.

When Xander finished his second bagel, he took a sip from his coffee. He sat back with a content groan and started eating his croissant much more slowly, enjoying the pastry.

Will watched Xander eating. How much fun it would be to cook for someone who enjoys eating like that. He smiled at that thought. Then he remembered that they would probably never see each other again and his smile faded.

“That was good,” Xander said when he finished his breakfast.

“You really love eating,” Will teased, smiling.

“Well. Yeah, I admit it, I love eating,” Xander grinned sheepishly.

“That fits. I love cooking. But not just for myself.”

”Will you marry me?” Xander asked without thinking, then slapped a hand over his mouth.

“What?” Will’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Sorry. That just came out of my mouth. My mom couldn’t really cook and the other two people I’ve lived with couldn’t either.” Xander apologized.

“Don’t worry. You just surprised me, that’s all. It was a compliment,” Will laughed.

Why couldn’t I meet him back home? Xander thought.

“It looks like it’s time to head back to the airport,” Will said sadly.

They paid and left the rest of their Euros as a tip.

The underground was only a few meters away and in no time they reached the station were they had started the day before. Will and Xander had no problem to find the bus station and soon enough they were on their way back to the airport.

The whole time both were silent, but this time it wasn’t as comfortable. They wanted to say so many things to each other, but both their throats were closed up. Each of them were wishing to freeze the time at that point.

When they arrived at the airport, they stood outside the main hall, reluctant to go inside because that meant leaving each other.

“Well, I had a great time with you here in Berlin, Xan. It was wonderful meeting you.” Will’s voice was barely above a whisper. He looked back up in Xander’s eyes, grasping his hand with his own. Both their eyes were full of sadness.

“Thanks again for convincing me. I had so much fun with you here.” Xander answered in a raspy voice, he gripped Will’s hand harder.

Their lips met for a short but intense kiss. Then Xander pulled abruptly away, turned and went inside. He knew, if he didn’t go now, he never would be able to leave Will.

Will stood for a moment, staring after Xander. “What the hell am I doing?” he said out loud to himself.

He followed Xander inside, looked around and found him, standing at the information desk.

“Xander, wait!” Will shouted, running to him.

Xander watched Will coming to him.

“This is crazy,” Will announced, when he reached him.

“I don’t want that, never seeing you again. I’d love to spend more time with you.” He looked pleadingly at Xander. He knew he sounded desperate but he didn’t care.

“Oh, thank god. I thought it was just me.” Xander replied, obvious relief in his voice and a huge grin spread over his face. “Well, I have to work in a few days. But I’ll be back at college in about three months,” Xander considered.

“I’ll visit you when you get back. Which university are you studying at?” Will interrupted Xander’s thoughts. “Oh, and what’s your full name?” Will added after a pause.

“I’m at UCLA and my full name is Alexander Harris,” he answered.

“UCLA?” repeated Will surprised.

He leaned towards Xander and whispered in his ear, smiling. “Well, I’ll find you, Alexander Harris.”

He turned and left a stunned Xander staring after him.

Xander’s first thought was, OK. Why did he disappear like that? Now that we both know we want to see each other again. Then he grinned and did a little happy dance in his head. He’ll come to visit me!

“Yes!” he said out loud and blushed, looking around, embarrassed.

Xander went whistling for his check in, got his boarding ticket and passed the security check.

Will grinned, when he left Xander and murmured, “We’ll see each other sooner than you think, Xander.”

He wasn’t really acquainted with the town Xander came from, and California was a big state. But it looked like they were going to share a flight to LA, where Will lived at the moment while working on the script for the film.

To make sure Xander had already passed the security, Will waited half an hour, before he got back in line at the check in counter.

When it was his turn, he looked with pleading eyes and a big charming smile at the woman behind the desk and said, “Hello. I hope you can help me. You see, I already got my boarding ticket yesterday. But just a few minutes ago, I saw a good friend of mine going through the security. It looks like he’s on the same flight as me. You really would do me a favor if you would change my seat to the one next to him.” He was begging, placing a look of despair in his eyes for good measure. “I haven’t seen him for a long time and would love to catch up with him. Please.”

“Well, sir, can I take a look at your boarding ticket, please?”

Will handed it over.

“I’ll see what I can do for you.”

“I knew it was a good thing to choose this airline. The service is really the best.” He exaggerated a bit.

The woman laughed, shook her head and replied, “Normally, we’re not allowed to do this. But in this case… I need to know the name of your friend.”

“Xander. Oh, sorry, Alexander Harris.” Will answered, his smile never wavering.

“You’re lucky. One seat next to Mr Harris isn’t taken. I’ll change your boarding ticket. A moment, please.”

Will was excited. He couldn’t wait to see Xander’s face when he sat down next to him.

“Here you are, sir.” She handed him a new ticket.

“Thank you very much. That was really nice of you.” His smile widened to a grin.

“You’re welcome and have a nice flight.”

Will went through his security check in a trance. Everything around him faded in his excitement. Hoping Xander wouldn’t see him before, he stayed in the background.

Xander was one of the first, when their flight was called for boarding, while Will waited until only a few people were left with him.

It was time for his surprise.

Will saw Xander, already seated, putting a magazine in the security net before him. He sat down on the seat beside him, leaned over and whispered, “Fancy meeting you here.”

Xander froze. He turned his head and stared unbelieving in Will’s blue eyes.

“Wh..what are you doing here?” He stammered.

“Well, same as you. Flying home.” Will replied with a big grin.

“But this plane is going to LA.” Xander gestured around him, his eyes owlishly big.

“Yes, I hope so. I live there. At least for the next few months.”

“You live in LA?” Xander repeated still a bit shocked to see Will next to him.

“I do.” Will said softly.

Slowly, a bright smile appeared on Xander’s face. “That means I don’t have to wait three months to see you again.”

“God, I hope not.” Will replied, thinking for the first time about the fact, that he nearly lost Xander again, after just having found him. His stomach knotted at that thought.

How could I fall this hard in just one day?

He looked in Xander’s smiling face. Well, it’s easy enough to fall for him.

“Good.” Xander said. He’s so mine. I’ll make sure he won’t want to leave me ever again.

Xander pulled Will’s head to his and kissed him soundly on the lips.

“More,” Will murmured against Xander’s mouth.

They resumed kissing with more vigor. Lips smashed together, tongues dueling.

Both forgot everything around them until the flight attendant broke in on them saying, “The plane is ready for take off. Would you fasten your seat belts, please?”

Xander and Will pulled apart, grinned sheepishly and did as told.

THE END

Part 4

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:20:18 GMT

So, here is the next one. Only one left, hopefully up on monday.

Between Two Flights part 4 of 5
Author: taruma
Pairing: William/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: The Story is based on the film Before Sunrise just a different town and plane instead of train. Spike and Xander meet at the airport and spend the day in Berlin, Germany.
Authors notes: It’s a fluffy, romantic little fic, human AU. Yes, I do know that there are no direct flights from Berlin to the west of the USA, but I need it for the story
Beta: blinding_sight

The other parts can be found here

It was already late. So, there were only a few people waiting in line before them. A short time later they were on the roof of the Reichstag, after they passed security.

“You can see all around Berlin from here.” Will said, looking down on three sides.

Xander’s eyes scanned the glass dome. “Let’s go inside first. I want to go up there.”

He showed Will the small way, that was spiraling around inside the dome up and then down again. “When we go the way all along, we can see all around the town, too.”

“I heard this down there is the hall where the government meet for their discussions.” Will explained, when they were at the highest point and looked down.

“Really? Are they meeting now? Maybe we can see them talking,” Xander asked, surprised.

“I don’t think so. It’s past nine. A bit late for discussions if there’s no emergency.” Will chuckled.

Xander grinned back, shrugging.

When they were outside the dome again, the sun was near the horizon.

“We can watch the sunset from here.” Will looked westwards and stepped to the edge of the building.

“Romantic much?” Xander teased with a grin.

Will turned back to him, one hand still on the small wall around the roof for safety. He gazed in Xander’s eyes. “Romance is a good thing, with the right person to share it.”

Xander heart was racing again and he moved to stand beside Will.

“You’re right, it is.” He whispered in Will’s ear, laying his hand on Will’s.

Leaning torwards Xander, Will whispered back, “I want to kiss you.”

“Why don’t y…” Xander couldn’t finish the sentence because Will’s lips sealed his own.

Will moved his right hand to Xander’s back and his left rested at the base of his neck.

Returning the touch, Xander’s right hand gripped Will’s hip and his left arm went around his shoulder.He felt Will nibble at his bottom lip and opened his mouth in invitation.

Will didn’t hesitate and slipped his tongue inside. Their tongues met and slid together playfully. They tasted the other for long moments, before slowly pulling away.

“Wow,” Xander rasped, still holding onto his grip on Will.

“You can say that again,” Will replied, still a bit breathless.

Xander leaned to his ear and nipped playfully. “Wow,” he murmured.

“I’ve wanted to do that the whole day.” Will sighed content.

“Me, too.”

They looked at each other in the twilight, before taking in their surroundings again.

“We could go in that restaurant to have a drink.” Will recommended, gesturing towards it.

“Good idea. A beer, maybe?” Xander grabbed Will’s hand and pulled him to the restaurant.

A waitress stopped them, before they could go inside.

“Tut mir leid, wir schließen gleich,” she said.

“Sorry, but we don’t speak German,” both said in unison.

“Oh. Hm, I’m sorry. But we close in five minutes. I can’t let you inside,” The waitress declared.

“We only want something to drink. Just one beer, then we’re out again.” Xander tried to convince her.

“We’re only in Berlin for one day. We just met each other. We may never see each other again.” Will explained pleadingly, pointing to both of them.

“Please,” Xander added, taking her hand in his, the lost puppy look back in place.

She looked at him, then at Will.

“They wouldn’t let you stay. I’m really sorry.” She apologized with a sad smile.

She let go of Xander’s hand. “But wait a moment.” She went back inside.

Will and Xander looked at each other inquiring, both shrugging. They waited hand in hand.

When the waitress appeared back outside, she handed each of them a bottle of beer.

“There are a lot of bars and clubs just half an hour away. You can go there with the bus that comes by at the side of the Reichstag. But for now, you can have these.” She smiled again at them and turned around to go back inside.

“Wait. What about payment for the beer?” Xander asked, holding up his bottle.

She looked back and said, “It’s ok. A little present. Have a nice night here in Berlin.”

“Thank you,” both replied, grins on their faces.

Will put the bottles in his duffel bag. With the elevator they went down again, still holding hands.

Outside, Will and Xander considered their options. Neither of them wanted to go to a loud club.

“Well, what about the park here?” Will gestured towards the park, which still could be seen in the twilight. “We could go there. It’s warm outside. Sitting in the grass, drinking our beer, alone.” He suggested.

“It could be fun, spending the night out in a park, alone with you.” Xander replied, eyes full of mishief and laughter. He tightened his grip on Will’s hand.

As both had hoped, they were all alone in this part of the park. They wandered around for a while, before sitting down in the lawn leaned on a big tree next to each other.

Will pulled both bottles back out of his bag. He dug back in, searching for his keys.

He found them and used them to open the bottles, handing Xander one of them.

“What shall we drink to?” Xander asked, holding his bottle up.

“Hm… to the time between two flights which has never been more fun,” Will said after a short consideration.

“Great.”

They clinked their bottles before taking a swallow.

A comfortable silence settled between them. The only sounds heard came from a few cars in the distance. With a happy groan, Xander laid down on the grass on his back, hands behind his head. He could still see Will clear enough in the moonlight shining through the trees.

“I’ve never thought it would be warm enough to spend the night outside. The last time I did something like that, I was a kid. I spent the night camping in the backyard with Jesse and Willow.” He turned to his side, fully facing Will, his head rested upon his hand.

Will smiled at Xander. This smile was not soft and warm like the ones before. It had a predatory touch to it. He had never been this forward, not even with Wesley.

It was different with Xander. He wanted him. His eyes were full of desire and they were focused on Xander.

Xander didn’t have time to think because Will’s head came down until their lips met.

His tongue demanded entry and with a groan, Xander opened his mouth in response. Their tongues tangled together and played with each other, more forcefully this time.

Xander pulled Will down on top of himself, one arm around Will’s back the other around his neck. Will responded by pushing one hand through Xander’s hair to play with it. His other hand was busy snaking down to stroke Xander’s side. All the while, they explored each other’s mouth with their tongues.

The muffled moans and groans from both of them blended with the sounds of cars from afar.

They pulled apart for breath, both panting hard.

The look they gave one another was full of desire and lust and they resumed their kissing.

Part 3

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:19:47 GMT

Here is the third part of my little fic.

Between Two Flights part 3 of 5
Author: taruma
Pairing: William/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: The Story is based on the film Before Sunrise just a different town and plane instead of train. Spike and Xander meet at the airport and spend the day in Berlin, Germany.
Authors notes: It’s a fluffy, romantic little fic, human AU. Yes, I do know that there are no direct flights from Berlin to the west of the USA, but I need it for the story
It’s five parts now. I broke the last it two parts.
Beta: blinding_sight and realtsunamigirl, many thanks to both of them

The other parts can be found here

Their tour began east of Potsdamer Platz, wandering along one of Berlin’s bigger streets.

“Did you always want to be a writer?” Xander asked, breaking the silence.

Will turned towards Xander, eyes seeming to search for something in his face. He thought for a moment, then sighed and replied, “Yes, I’ve written since I was a teenager. God, I was pathetic. I wrote poetry, horrible stuff. Most of the other pupils laughed at me. I was a proper git then, still wearing glasses.” He shook his head at himself mockingly.

“I was the class clown,” Xander said softly. “I thought I was too stupid for school. My father made me believe that. Then Jesse, my best friend, died in a car accident. He always told me that was better than I thought, that I was smart. After his death, I thought I owed him. I started learning in school. Showing the others, y’know, my father especially, that Jesse was right. I graduated second in my class, after my other best friend, Willow. I even got a scholarship.”

“Looks like both of us had a lot of fun in school, huh?” Teased Will to loosen the mood.

“Yeah, we were the stars.” Xander added with a smile.

They wandered down some streets, occasionally stopping to look at different store windows.

After walking down a way, they got to an open square. There were two identical looking churches on each side of the place.

Going around both churches, they showed each other things that caught their eyes or that they simply liked. The similarity in their taste came as a nice surprise for both of them.

“I wish we could have more time to look at the inside of them.” Xander sighed.

“We can if you want to.” Will looked questioningly at Xander, who shook his head.

“No, I want to see the other stuff we marked too. And a bit of daylight would be helpful.” Xander replied with a playful tone in his voice.

They continued their sightseeing through the streets.

“Do your parents know that you’re gay?” Xander asked curiously, hoping he wasn’t overstepping.

“My mother died when I was eight years old. She had cancer.” Will’s voice was low, just above a whisper.

Flashes of memories washed over him. The grey, rainy day, when she was buried. The sobbed question to his father for a reason. The devastated look of his father answering *I don’t know, William.*

Then the strongest memory. The bright smile of his mother that lit her whole face.

“I’m sorry. I know how hard it is to lose someone you love.” Xander said saddened at the thought of loosing his mother at such a young age. He wished he could take Will in his arms.

Will smiled to reassure Xander that he was ok before he added, “It’s ok. It was a long time ago. I try to remember the good times when she was still healthy.”

“Well, back to your question. My father and my stepmother know that I'm gay. The first thing my father said was, *So, does that mean you won’t have any children with that crazy girl, you dated in school. Thank you, Lord.* My dad is great. He’s got a really dark sense of humor.” Will chuckled.

Xander had to grin, when he heard that before a sad smile appeared on his face. “You’re lucky. My parents don’t know. My father would go crazy if he knew that I’m bi.”

“You had a difficult homelife, huh?” Spike asked softly, his eyes showing compassion.

Xander took a deep breath. He hesitated to tell Will something this personal. In his relationships, none of his partners were interested in his past, but Will seemed to be. “Yeah, something like that. My father is an alcoholic. The worst part was that he made me feel worthless. There was a time when I believed him.”

“Only someone who feels worthless wants others to feel the same. It makes them feel better about themselves.” Will felt the urge to console Xander in any way.

They went across a bridge over the river flowing through Berlin and Will mentioned. “You see, now we’re crossing the island of museums. I think we could spend a few days just here. But we’ll come across it when we go back. I mean, if you still want to go to that TV tower.”

“Hm, I’m not sure. Maybe, we just go around a bit here on that little island in the river and than go back on that route we picked out.” Xander mused.

“We can take a short look inside the Berlin Cathedral instead. If we had a day more we could also see the different museums. They’re all right here and I have heard they’re great.” Will said.

“You’re the first person who’s interested in these things like me. Not even my best friend Willow really likes it. She’s more a science kind of girl, but she’s very patient with me. She only rolls her eyes a bit, when I drag her to different museums and exhibitions.” Xander smiled fondly as his mind formed an image of her and added, “She’s really the best friend you could wish for.”

“Sounds like she’s always there for you. That’s important, having someone you can count on. Do you have brothers or sisters?” Will asked.

“No, I’m an only child. I wish I’d had a brother or a sister, maybe it would have been easier at home.” Xander looked away trying to hide the hurt expression in his eyes.

“Never good enough or ignored or both.” Will murmured.

Xander’s look turned back to Will in surprise. “You felt that way, too?”

“No. Oh god, no! But you, right?”

“How do you know that?”

“From what you told me about your dad.” Will’s voice was full of anger. “Parents are supposed to love their children, but some just seem to take out their fights and their problems on their children’s backs.” He sighed and smiled at Xander. “Let’s chase these dark thoughts away with something nice. Let’s look inside this cathedral.”

The sadness in Xander’s eyes slowly disappeared. “Right.”

After the brightness of the sunny daylight outside, it took a few moments before their eyes acclimatized to the darker interior of the church.

They strolled quietly around, their looks gliding from the windows to the ceiling.

Seating themselves on a bench in the middle, they took in the whole atmosphere.

“I love the quiet in churches.” Xander whispered leaning further towards Will. “So different than the arguments and fights we had at home.”

Will’s hand found Xander’s and took hold of it.

Both felt a flutter in their stomachs at the touch. What was meant as a reassuring gesture, felt like more for both of them.

They sat a few minutes in silence, content, still holding on to each other’s hand.

A muffled growling sound was heard and both looked at Xander’s stomach.

“Sounds like you’re pretty hungry.” Will grinned. “I’d like something to eat, too.”

Xander smiled sheepishly, stood up and answered, “Well, what are we waiting for. We need to find a restaurant or at least a cafe.” He turned to leave the cathedral.

Will followed. “I’m sure we’ll find something on our way back.”

On their way back, they crossed the river on a different street, walking along one of the biggest streets in the city and stopping just to look.

“Wow. I’ve seen avenues way wider than that, but look at the trees in the middle. This is beautiful.” Xander’s voice was full of admiration.

“I know what you mean, Xan.”

The nickname excited Xander and he ducked his head to hide it.

They continued their stroll until they found a little restaurant and went inside. Choosing a table they liked, they took a seat.

“I can’t quite get used to not waiting to be seated. They hardly ever do that at home.” commented Xander. “I like it.”

“It’s like this in little restaurants like this one. In the famous ones you get to be seated, like in the States.” Will explained.

Going through the menu, both ordered pasta and beer.

“Thank you.” Xander announced suddenly.

“What?” Will sounded astonished. “What for?”

“For convincing me to come with you, today. I’ve had so much more fun today than on my whole vacation.”

“My pleasure. I’m happy that you decided to join me.”

“To the coincidence that brought us together and to a great day in a foreign town.” Will declared. They clinked their glasses of beer.

“So, you told me that you ex-boyfriend is now your friend.” Xander began.

“Well, one of my two best friends, actually.” Will interrupted him, “My stepsister, Buffy, is my other best friend.”

“You have a stepsister?” Xander couldn’t hide his surprise, “You didn’t say that before.”

“Yes, well, my stepmother, Joyce, was married before and has a daughter, Buffy. She’s two years younger than me. When my father married Joyce a couple of years ago, Buffy and I fought like cats and dogs all the time, about nearly everything. One day our parents locked us in the bathroom, saying, *You are not allowed to leave the room until you two worked it out.* We were in there for about four hours before we actually talked. Then we figured out that we were both okay.” Will grinned at the memory.

Xander chuckled, imagining the two in the bathroom.

They were both really hungry and attacked their pasta. A comfortable silence settled between them, only disturbed by occasional appreciative grunting and the clicking sounds of their cutlery.

When they finished, Xander sat back with a sigh. “That was good. Man, I was hungry.” Looking curiously at Will, he added with mischief in his eyes, “Tell me something. If you called one of your friends right now, what would you tell them about today?”

“Wow. Good question. Ok, let’s say, I call Buffy.” Will said amused, leaning back comfortably. “Hi, Babysis, I’m on my way back and thought I’d give you a call. Oh, I know you hate it when I call you that. Why do you think I do it? What I’m doing? Well, right now, I’m sitting in a restaurant in Berlin with a hot brunet, enjoying some pasta and good conversation.”

Xander blushed, his eyes moved from Will’s face down to the table.

Will grinned and continued. “Oh yes, he’s got a great ass and you, my dear, are so superficial.”

The blush on Xander’s face deepened, creeping down his neck, too, while he listened to Will’s pretended call.

“Yeah, we have time. The flights are postponed until tomorrow. So, we’re in town sightseeing. He’s great. Intelligent, great sense of humor, good listener and very good-looking. Yes, of course, I’ll tell you more next time. Call me the day after tomorrow, we’ll talk then. Bye, sweetheart.” The whole time Will’s eyes never left Xander’s face, taking in his reactions.

Xander’s heart was racing. He likes me. Score for the Xan-Man. He felt like a teenager, wanting to bounce around.

“Now, it’s your turn. You call a friend and tell them about today.” Will grinned. But inside, he felt a bit vulnerable. He had said more than he’d intended.

“Ok. That’s only fair.” Xander took a deep breath and willed his heart to slow down a bit. “Hi Wills, it’s me. Yes, vacation is over. No, I’m not back, yet. I’m stuck in Berlin, because the flights were postponed. I’ll come back tomorrow late afternoon. Well, I’m doing a little sightseeing. What? No, not alone. I met a guy at the airport and he had the idea to look around town while waiting. He asked me to come with him. Wills, I’m sure, he’s not a mass murderer. You see, he’s checking out buildings with me and he doesn’t even think, it’s boring. At least, I think, he doesn’t.” Xander added with a little smile and continued, “He’s really great. Wonderful sense of humor, intelligent, great to talk to. Hm,? Oh yes, he looks very good. You should see his eyes. Like the ocean on a sunny day. I’ll tell you more, when I get back. I’m kind of busy right now. Bye Wills. Say hi to Tara for me.” Xander watched Will for his reaction, whose face was lit by a bright smile.

They left the restaurant, continuing their tour.

“Look. I think, I see it.” Will pointed ahead.

“You’re right. There it is, the Brandenburg Gate with the Quadriga on top.” Xander was excited and walked faster.

Will followed, sharing Xander’s enthusiasm.

Nearing the gate, both took in every detail.

“Are we really allowed to walk through it?” Xander asked, his eyes still glued to the Quadriga above.

“Oh yes, and that’s what we’re gonna do now.” Will declared, taking Xander with him through it.

“Wow. I felt like was stepping through history.” Xander said, when they were on the other side.

Will grinned at Xander’s joy and thought for the hundredth time. It was a great idea, to do this together. I’m really lucky to have met him.

“Where to, now?” Xander’s voice pulled Will back out of his thoughts.

Will looked around until his eyes found the Reichstag on one side. “There. The Reichstag is pretty near. Do you see the glass dome on top?”

“Yeah. We’ll be up there soon.”

Part 2

tabi16@freenet.de — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:18:55 GMT

Ok, here is the second part of the sappy story.

Between Two Flights Part 2 of 4
Author: taruma
Pairing: William/Xander
Rating: FRT
Feedback: yes, please
Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant
Summary: The Story is based on the film Before Sunrise just a different town and plane instead of train. Spike and Xander meet at the airport and spend the day in Berlin, Germany.
Authors notes: It’s a fluffy, romantic little fic, human AU. Yes, I do know that there are no direct flights from Berlin to the west of the USA, but I need it for the story
Beta: blinding_sight and realtsunamigirl

The first part can be found here

The bus ride only took 20 minutes and took them through streets lined with apartment houses and trees.

The whole time, they argued about music. Xander defended country music-- especially Patsy Cline-- while Will favored the old punk classics like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

“But you can’t honestly say punk is a good choice when you’re heartbroken. When my girlfriend left me four months ago, I listened to Patsy all the time. It was like she was singing what was in my heart, she expressed my feelings.” Xander said, looking out the window, trying to hide the sadness that flooded him for a moment.

Will felt all hope regarding Xander crushed with the word ‘girlfriend’. He took a deep breath, said an inner goodbye to wishful thinking.

Doesn’t mean we can’t have a good time together.

He placed a hand on Xander’s shoulder, squeezed a bit and said softly, “You still miss her, right?”

Xander tried a small smile and answered. “Yes and no. Anya and I would have never worked out. She was furious when I stopped studying in order to work construction for a year. I earn good money there, but she only saw that it would take longer to be a famous and, most importantly, rich architect.”

Shaking his head, Xander continued, “Money, money, money, the whole time. No, I don’t miss her. What I miss is someone in my life. Somebody to share my life with. Someone I love and who loves me the way I am, not some image she has, of the perfect man.”

“Who doesn’t want that, to be loved the way you are. It’s not so easy to find the right one.” Will replied, suspiring.

They got out of the bus at the final station, only a few stations from their start and just walked along the street.

“Yeah, not easy at all. My first girlfriend in high school thought I was a loser and kept me hidden, just to make sure none of her friends found out about us.” Xander snorted bitterly.

“Or this one girl who just wanted sex and threw me out afterwards. Oh, and not to mention my boyfriend in college. He thought one lover wasn’t enough for him.” Xander took a deep breath and glanced at Will. “Great track record of love, right?”

Will’s thoughts had drifted at the word 'boyfriend' and his hope flared up again. “Boyfriend?” He asked.

“Well, yes. I like both, men and women. Do you have a problem with that?” Xander asked defensively. He stopped walking, crossed his arms over his chest and regarded Will cautiously, waiting for the verbal blow.

Oh great. Here it comes. I’m spending the day with a gorgeous homophobe. Way to go, Xander. He mentally slapped himself.

“No. Not at all. I’m gay. There was a girlfriend in school. She was pretty different, a bit crazy.” He smiled fondly at the memory. “But something was missing. I loved her, but I wasn’t in love with her. There was no passion, no butterflies in my stomach and all that.” Will grinned and put a hand on his stomach and rubbed it teasingly.

Xander had to grin back at that and they continued their walk.

“Oh, look. That’s the the church with that hole in the tower, that I read about. It was destroyed in the Second World War. I want to take a closer look.” He pointed down the street.

“Good idea. That’s why we’re here, right?”

“Is that how you knew you were…umm…are gay?” Xander blurted out. “I mean, the not being in love with her.”

Will looked confused for a moment then laughed.

“You mean the butterflies?” He shook his head.

“Not really. I didn’t know until college. There I met Wesley and I felt the butterflies. He was all I could think about. That was when I knew I was gay.”

“Are you two still together?”

“No, we had different plans for our lives. He’s been living in America for two years, now. It hurt like hell, for both of us. But he got a great job there and I couldn’t leave London because my grandmother was ill. It would have meant months of separation and we didn’t want that. He has a new lover, a great guy.” Spike looked at the church with a sad smile and shrugged. “Bad timing. But we’re still friends.”

They walked around the church, taking in the details and sat down on a bench between it and a big fontain.

“Hey, we should take a look at the map. What do you want to see, Xander?”

Xander grinned at Will, thought for a moment and answered. “What about the Sony Center. Did you hear about that one? There are all kinds of new buildings in that area.”

“Ah. The architect in you is calling.” Will teased. Xander tried to look innocent. It made him look like a lost puppy.

Will fought back a moan and pried his eyes off Xander, back to the map. He began to search for the Sony Center. Moments later, he put his finger to a point on the map.

“Here it is, at Potsdamer Platz. Looks like there’s an underground station near.”

Xander lowered his head to Will’s to have a better view.

“Where are we now?” He asked turning his head to Will and they were nose to nose. God, I want to kiss those lips. His hand was halfway up to Will’s face, before he forced it back down.

“Huh? Oh, ehm, let me see. Well, we’re here, Zoologischer Garten. I saw an underground station just a few meters away. Shall we go?” With effort Will broke the gaze between them.

He folded the map with shaking fingers, feeling nervous like a teenager on his first date.

I nearly kissed him. I’ve known him how long, two or three hours? Will took a deep breath and stood up.

Xander was still in his inner world. I really thought we would kiss. Talk about frustration. How am I going to spend a whole day with Will without throwing myself at him?

“Xander?”

“Hmm?” Xander was brought back from his inner monologue.

“Shall we go?” Will asked again.

“Yeah.” Xander stood up, too.

In the underground, Will asked the first person they met. “Excuse me. Do you speak English? We want to go to Potsdamer Platz.”

“Oh, that’s easy.” The young man replied. “You just go with the train right from here to Potsdamer Platz. It’s only six stations or so.”

“Thanks very much.”

“No problem.” The man smiled and left them.

It didn’t take long for their train to come.

“There are a few other buildings at that place to see.” Xander said relaxing. He was beginning to have fun. This is so much better than sightseeing alone.

“I think I would have had more fun in Prague with you there.” He admitted to Will.

“Oh, we would have had much more fun together.” Will whispered, than his eyes widened. He wasn’t normally this forward.

Xander felt a little shiver down his back and closed his eyes, blushing a bit.

He turned to Will, opened his eyes halfway and whispered back, “But how much more fun could we have had on a beach in Greece?”

Xander heard Will’s breath hitch, saw a little blush on his cheeks, and grinned.

“Touché. But I know what you meant. Both would have been more fun together. Sharing new experiences and seeing other places. Talking about it.”

“Yes, exactly. And I wouldn’t have stayed in the hotel every evening.” Xander said, blushing again.

“Why didn’t you go out?” Will asked, his brows raised in astonishment.

“Well, most of the people I met didn’t speak any English and I sure don’t speak Czech. I walked through the city all day. In the evening I only wanted to go out and have a beer or just hang out.”

“I had more luck. There were some tourists, where I stayed in Greece, I went clubbing with them a few times. But it’s not the same.” Will commented, with a small smile.

They got out at their station and went toward the area.

Walking around slowly, they looked at the buildings. Occasionally, Xander pointed at something, showing Will parts of buildings he liked or disliked, what he would have made different.

Will listened, enjoying Xander’s enthusiasm. Even though his thoughts were often more focused on the man talking, than with the things he said.

Suddenly Xander stopped, looking up.Will stopped as well, turning his eyes to the same building.

“What do you think of the Sony Center? Do you like it?” Xander asked Will, without taking his eyes from the building.

“Hm, I’m no expert like you. There are lots of windows. I like that. It’s important for me to have as much sunlight in a house as possible. For an office building, it’s alright. But honestly, I never would live in a house like that. I prefer much smaller ones. Houses with character or buildings with a history. I love to look at the insides of churches.”

“Oh yeah, me too. The Sony Center lacks character in my opinion. You know that church by Gaudi in Barcelona? I so want to go there and see that one. I’ve only seen pictures of it, but it’s incredibly beautiful. I bet you can go there again and again and always find something new, something you didn’t see before.” Xander nearly bounced with excitement.

Will smiled, “I was in Barcelona last year for a few days and you’re right, the cathedral is beautiful. The inside was in construction and it still was wonderful. I like all of Gaudi’s buildings. They seem so full of life.

“I’m so jealous. Maybe if I have time next year, I’ll go to Barcelona. The architecture is so great.” Xander sighed.

They walked in a mall, where Xander found a cafe above them. Coffee and ice cream sounded good to both of them.

“There are a few things I want to see here in Berlin. Maybe they’re not that far and we can reach them walking around.” Will said, pulling out his map.

“That would be great. The flight home will take ten hours. I’d love to walk a little before I’m stuck on a plane.” Xander replied, sitting back with a sigh.

“Ok then, let’s take a look at the map. See what we can find.” Will placed the map between them on the table.

Will marked their starting point with a pencil he had found in his duffel bag.

Xander pointed to places he thought looked interesting and Will marked them as well.

A lot of them were within walking distance. Based on that, they planned their tour.

“Oh, look. Here’s the Reichstag, it’s not that far. That’s where the government is. You can go up there and there’s a glass dome on top. There must be a good view over the town from there.” Will pointed on the map.

“It’s still early afternoon. We can go there on our way back before sundown.” He added with enthusiasm.

“Great idea.” Xander answered. “I saw it once on tv. Interesting piece of architecture,” he added before sipping from his coffee.

“Oh, architecture isn’t just your chosen profession, but your main hobby too, right?” Will teased, grinning.

They sat in silence eating their ice cream. But there was no awkwardness in that silence. They felt comfortable with each other, like they had known the other a lot longer then a few hours.

When they finished their coffee, they left the mall and began their sightseeing tour through this part of Berlin.