Star Gazing

Star Gazing
By: Tazzy
Rating: PG
Summary: Spike finds himself in an unusual place under unusual circumstances.
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone. Only the plotbunny.
Author's notes: This is part of a larger story that I'm debating on writing and is another challenge answer.


Spike stared up at the white stars, twinkling like diamonds on the velvet blue background of the night sky. The sun warmed stones radiated their warmth through his cooled body even as the two humans curled against him added their own warmth to him. His duster was rolled up under his head like a pillow while the two robes had been spread out over the trio like a blanket, the Slytherin and Griffindor crests apparently glaring at each other, revealing the housing rivalry even in the simple mix of cloth and stitches.

He shifted slightly, wincing at the sharp reminder that not all of his injuries were healed yet, no matter how improved his diet had become. He had just stumbled free of the Initiative's subterranean base and the free-for-all slaughter going on down there when he found himself staring stupidly at a class full of teenage humans in robes. His only clue as to his arrival had been the fading fountain of sparkling light and the smug man sitting on the desk, reeking of Fey magic. Being the smart and injured vampire he was, Spike did the only thing he could at that time. He passed out cold.

It had been a shock to him to wake up in a room lit by some candles and a nurse fussing over him before a severe man dressed all in black had arrived with a large goblet of hot blood. The smell of it, fresh from the human body and oh so alive, brought his demon out with a whimpering growl. It had been so long since he had tasted blood so fresh, and he wanted it so bad it hurt. To have that crimson cascade over his tongue, infusing him with strength and warmth before mixing with his own demonic blood. He had nearly lunged at the dark man in his haste to get that goblet but the pain from his injuries kept him from moving.

The brunette boy whimpered slightly in his sleep, and Spike ran his hand over the tense back, talking in a hushed murmur until he calmed again, the nightmare eased for now. The vampire shook his head at himself and held the boys closer. He had been surprised to find out where he was exactly, but to find himself attracted to two boys who had just barely grown their short and curlies was a shock out of left field.

Yet here he was, a Master Vampire, curled up on top of the Astronomy tower with Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in his arms. It had been the pain and loneliness in emerald and moonstone eyes that had called out to him. Over a century of nurturing had made him an easy target for an aching heart, but neither boy trusted easily. Harry, Spike was learning, had a long past with abusive guardians who had starved him physically and emotionally, while Draco had never been taught or shown the more gentle emotions, leaving him bereft of the affections that all living beings craved. Both those problems Spike knew he could solve with time and a gentle hand, and while it wouldn't be Eden, it would be an improvement in their lives. No matter how mulish they were.

After all, he didn't have anything waiting for him in Sunnydale, save for maybe a staking for how the Slayer and her groupies would no doubt want to give him for trying to break them up for Adam to pick off. When will they learn that not everything is black or white? Had it even crossed their little minds that there was a *reason* why he had made a deal with Adam, or did they just think it was revenge on his part for their actions and leave it at that? Here he had safety, possible friends and a pair of boys who needed him more than anyone on the Hellmouth did.

Smirking, he pulled the boys closer and settled down on the stones, enjoying the heat. Yeah, his life was good now.

The End.