AUTHORS: Salustra and Malea

E-MAILS: Salustra: goddess_salustra@juno.com ; Malea: justmalea@tmail.com

TITLE: As Flame to Smoke, 2/7

RATING: FRAO, Adults only,

PAIRING: Liam/William eventually, none this chapter

SUMMARY: In Answer for Ghostsforge's challenge #13 for Forging_Ghost- While investigating a series of brutal murders, Vice Detective Liam meets, and becomes infatuated with a prostitute called Spike...

Distribution: Various lists, Wierd Romance Yahoo Group- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WierdRomance ;

My livejournal - http://www.livejournal.com/userinfo.bml?user=salustra ; and the website Weird Romances- http://www.salustra.vague-disclaimer.org . Anyplace else is fine, just let us know where it's going.

This chapter- Liam saves Spike and takes him home.

SPOILERS: None. Completely human AU.

WARNINGS: pre-slash.

DISCLAIMER: We adore playing with the pretties, but we're just having fun. No money made, don't sue us!

FEEDBACK: Yes please.

Length: 6,793 Words.

Link to worksafe manip by Salustra-

http://weblogimages.com/static/clP476413sF4.jpg

"One sin, I know, another doth provoke.

Murder's as near to lust as flame to smoke."

-William Shakespeare, Pericles

"Well back to Ennis, then." Lindsey drives back over and they cruise slowly up the street. There's no sign of Spike on the street. "You see him anywhere?"

Liam looks hard, looking down the alleys and in any other places people could be. "No, I don't. Maybe check the motel?"

"Might as well." Lindsey turns and starts driving towards the motel.

Liam's knee jerks up and down as he grows more nervous. He can't help but feel like something is wrong. When they pull up to the office, Liam jumps out. He walks up to the desk and shows Spike's picture. "Is this man here?"

The woman looks up from her magazine. "Yeah, came in a little while ago."

"What room?" Liam asks firmly.

She thinks. "Ummm...." she looks over at the board. "121. Back building, far corner."

"Fuck, thanks," Liam says, running out. "He's here, let's go!" he shouts to Lindsey.

"Where?"

"Back building, room 121, figures he'd want to be away from everyone else."

Lindsey guns the car, pulling around back. They park near the room; there are no other cars around.

"Doesn't look good," Liam says. "You ready?"

Lindsey pulls his gun. "Ready when you are."

Liam pulls his gun as well, nodding. "Let's go," he says as he gets out of the car. He leans his ear against the door, listening closely but he doesn't hear anything. For rough trade, that's a bad sign. He holds up his fingers, counting down three, two, one, kicking the door open.

Inside Spike is naked, bound to the bed and gagged in the same way the other victims were. The only difference is that he's alive and struggling, apparently unhurt. Beside the bed, on the nightstand, are some surgical instruments. Spike looks up with wild eyes and then his expression turns pleading.

Liam walks over to the bed and pulls the gag out of Spike's mouth. "Where is he?"

"Left, a few minutes ago. Said he'd be back."

Liam looks over at Lindsey. "Move the car, this may be the only way to catch him," he says putting the gag back in Spike's mouth. "I won't let him hurt you."

Spike screams into the gag and struggles, eyes wide.

Liam looks down at Spike and touches his cheek softly. "Trust me," he says, looking into his eyes.

Spike stops struggling and pants through his nose. Lindsey goes outside and moves the car.

"Thank you," Liam says to Spike, hiding in the bathroom to wait for the man to return.

A few minutes later a car pulls up. Footsteps approach the door, stop, then move away rapidly, and the car fires up again.

"Fuck!" Liam yells, running out the door and firing his gun at the tires of the speeding car. He manages to catch the majority of the license plate and hits the back of the car a few times. He walks back into the room and takes the gag out of Spike's mouth, untying him from the bed. "I'm sorry about that, obviously my plan was shit."

"Guy flashed a badge. Said he was FBI." Spike rubs his wrists, obviously shaken. "I wouldn't have gone with him otherwise."

"Dammit," Liam says. "I'm sorry. Are you okay? That's a stupid question, are you injured?"

"No. Some bruises and scrapes from him wrestling me onto the bed before he tied me up." Spike shivers and pulls his knees up to his chest. "He said he was going to get some blood. So he could keep me alive longer." He looks over at the surgical instruments.

Liam shakes his head and wraps his arm around Spike. "You're okay now," he says softly. "Have you ever seen him before?" he asks gently.

"No. Never. Big guy, about as big as you. Sandy hair, brown eyes."

"Think you could pick him out of a line up or work with me on a sketch?" Liam asks softly. He knows this has been traumatic and doesn't want to push Spike too far too fast.

Spike nods, shivering harder. "Y-y-yeah. Can we get out of here?"

"Of course, I'm sorry," Liam says. He pulls out his cell phone and is about to call for back up when Lindsey rushes in.

"I saw the car speeding away. Wanna give me the license plate, if you got it? I'll call in some back-up and put out an APB," Lindsey says.

"Great minds, partner. I got a partial, all but one. Q82F9A, I missed the last digit. Should have a few holes in it from me though." He stands up and pulls Spike with him, wrapping his coat around Spike's shoulders.

Lindsey starts calling it in. "Go ahead, take him outside." Spike huddles in close against Liam, still shaking. His clothes, cut in pieces, lay in the floor.

Liam guides Spike out the door, luckily his coat is long enough to cover Spike's body. "I'm going to make sure you're under police protection. I'm not going to let him hurt you," Liam says, his arm wrapped protectively around Spike's shoulders.

"W-why are you being so nice?" Spike asks.

Liam looks down into Spike's eyes, "It's my job," he says softly, but his eyes show there's more than that. "Spike, no matter what your profession is, you're the victim here." Spike nods, holding on to Liam.

A few minutes later some marked units pull up. "Detective O'Donnell," one of them says. "What's the sitch?"

"Our guy tried to strike again, MacDonald and I got here before he got very far. Unfortunately, we didn't catch him; he must have seen the door kicked in. Try to lift some prints from the room, there's a bunch of instruments in there that he brought with him," Liam explains professionally, but trying to be sensitive to Spike.

"We'll get CSI in, you want us to cordon off the area?"

Liam nods. "Make sure to mark off the tire tracks too, we're not letting this bastard get away, boys. You think you can handle this?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good, tell MacDonald I'm taking him with me," Liam says, motioning to Spike. "He can catch a ride with you guys, right?" Spike looks gratefully up at Liam. He's still shivering but getting a little better now that he's outside the room.

"We'll take care of it Sir."

"Thanks, tell CSI I expect a full report from them in the morning," Liam says, helping Spike into the passengers side of the car before getting into the drivers side. "Do you have some place safe to go?" he asks as he drives away from the motel.

"No. Bastard has my wallet and keys. He knows where I live."

Liam curses under his breath. "I can't get you protective custody at such short notice." He thinks for a few minutes and then sighs, realizing it's the only way. "I'm taking you to my place."

"Y-your place?" Spike asks with a pause, but then nods as he thinks it through. The only other safe place would be in a jail cell and Liam's apartment would be better than that.

"It's the only safe place I can think of right now, and I gave you my word I'd keep you safe. Well, I could take you to County if you prefer, but my place is a little nicer. Not much but a little."

"No. Rather go with you." Spike tries to put on a smile even though he's still in shock. "Hell of a way to get me to your place."

Liam blinks then laughs softly. "Yeah, I set the whole thing up," he teases, but then realizes how it might sound. "You know that's a joke, right?"

Spike nods. "I know. We going straight there or to the precinct?"

Liam shrugs. "It's really up to you, what you're feeling up to. I can do the sketch at my house if you're feeling up to it later, but if you want to go in, we can do that too."

"You can do the sketch?"

Liam blushes slightly. "Yeah, I've always been a pretty good artist. It comes in surprisingly handy in this line of work."

"Awright. Your place then. Rather not go naked into Vice if I don't have to."

"Oh damn, I'm sorry, I didn't even think of that," Liam says, mentally kicking himself. "I'll get you something of mine to wear, I just want you to feel safe and comfortable. You've had a hard enough night."

"Thanks. I just..." Spike turns his face away, looking out the window. "I've given a lot of freebies to cops."

Liam gives him a sympathetic smile even though Spike's face is turned away. "I'm not expecting anything like that," he says softly. "And besides, I'll kick their asses if they have anything to say about you, you're not the bad guy."

"Yeah, well to most vice cops I'm just another hooker." Spike sounds even younger than usual, and he huddles under the coat. "Normally I can dish it out and take it, but not tonight, awright?"

Liam pulls into his driveway and looks over at Spike. "Not any night. I told you, I'm not like them, okay?"

Spike looks back at him and nods. "Awright."

Liam nods and climbs out of the car, opening Spike's door for him. "Welcome to my humble abode," he says, his arm around Spike's shoulders as they walk to the front door. "Sorry about the mess," he says as he opens the door. There's mail and empty pop and beer bottles, along with random socks and boxers strewn across the place. "I wasn't exactly expecting company," he says, locking the door behind Spike and setting his alarm.

Spike smiles a little despite himself. "I can see. Definitely a bachelor house."

"Yeah, well," Liam blushes. "Come on, let's get you some clothes," he says, leading Spike into his bedroom. It's surprisingly clean compared to the front room. The bed is made and everything has a place. He walks over to his dresser and pulls out a pair of flannel pants and a T-shirt. "Sorry I don't have anything better, but this is probably the best I have that might fit you, you're so slender."

Spike nods. "Yeah, thanks, they should be fine." He shrugs off the coat and Liam blushes and turns away. Spike pulls the T-shirt over him and it falls about mid-thigh. He steps into the flannel pants and pulls them up, tightening the string-tie waistband on it as tight as he can to keep them on. He notices Liam's blush and smiles. He honestly hadn't expected that. He figured Liam at least deserved a little free show for being a decent guy, more decent than he thought, apparently. "M'all dressed now," he says.

Liam nods and turns around. "Can I get you something to eat or drink? You could probably use a beer, I mean, if you drink."

"A beer would be good." Spike says.

"You are over 21, right?" Liam half teases. He wouldn't say no anyway, but it's a way to get a little more information about Spike.

Spike actually blushes. "No. I guess that means no beer then."

"How old are you then?" Liam asks, wanting to make sure the impure thoughts he can feel forming in the far back of his brain won't get him thrown in jail.

"Seventeen," Spike sighs. "I've been turning tricks since I was fourteen."

Liam touches Spike's shoulder. "I'm sorry," he says honestly. No fourteen-year-old would turn to prostitution without it being pretty much the only way. "I tell you what, since we're not going anywhere, let's have a couple of beers."

"Really? Thanks." Spike looks almost pathetically grateful.

"Hey man, you've had a fucked up night," Liam shrugs. "Make yourself comfortable, just throw the papers or shit on the floor. I'll grab the beer. Sure you don't want anything else?"

"No. You already bought me dinner," Spike adds with a little smile. He heads back into the living room, clearing off a spot on the couch.

Liam grabs four beers and a bag of chips, going back into the living room. "Wanna watch a movie or something?" he asks, putting the chips and beers on the coffee table.

"Whatever you like is fine." Spike takes one of the beers, taking a long gulp out of it. "I don't usually watch a lot of television."

Liam picks up a beer and takes a drink. "Well, movies or we can just talk or I've got a bunch of books. Or, you know, the normal guy thing, video games."

"Don't think my hands are up to video games. They keep shaking. Movie would be good, I guess."

Liam leans over and touches Spike's hand softly. "Do you want to talk? I'm here, as a friend, not as a cop," he says softly and Spike jumps as the phone rings. "Sorry," Liam says softly, flipping his cell phone open. "O'Donnell here."

"O'Donnell!" Captain Giles voice barks over the phone. "MacDonald tells me you left with an eyewitness to our little serial killer, and yet I don't see you in here!"

Liam flinches, holding the phone away from his ear a little. "Sorry Captain, I'm, uh, laying low. The perp got his wallet and keys, can't take him back to his house and he didn't have any clothes, Cap. I couldn't just bring him in like that."

"You've still got him in custody, though?"

"Of course, I'm not a fool. I was going to bring him in first thing in the morning. He's been through enough tonight."

The captain sighs. "All right, I suppose tomorrow morning is early enough. But you should have called in!"

"I just got home! I swear, that was the next thing I was going to do," Liam says, hoping his lie is convincing.

"Yes, yes, all right. You just make sure you don't lose him! He's the only witness we have."

"You've got my word, Sir. We'll come in first thing in the morning, this fucker is going down, Captain," Liam says with a confident tone, almost a growl.

"Good to hear. Goodnight, O'Donnell." There's a click as the Captain hands up.

Liam lets out a hard breath as he flips his phone shut. "The Captain gets his panties in a bunch," he explains with a chuckle.

"Hope you didn't get in trouble over me."

Liam picks his beer back up and shakes his head. "Nah, if I'd have brought you in, I'd have been yelled at for not getting you some clothes first. He just likes to yell." Spike chuckles a little at that and takes another gulp of beer. "So, what were we saying?" Liam asks softly, giving Spike an out if he wants it.

"You said you were here if I wanted to talk." Spike smiles a little.

Liam looks into Spike's blue eyes. "I meant it," he says honestly.

"I thought I was going to die. When he tied me up and took out those...things. He told me how he was going to do it. Calmly. That I deserved it for being such a dirty whore."

Liam slides over closer to Spike, wrapping his arm around Spike's shoulders. "Do you want to tell me what he said?" he asks kindly. He's not being the cop, not interrogating a witness, this is his true self, the self he doesn't show.

"He said he was going to take off my skin. Make it so I couldn't tempt anyone into sin anymore, not even when I was dead. That the pain would purify me." Spike starts shaking again, violently, and has to set down the beer.

Liam actually trembles a bit as he sits his own beer down. He moves over closer, hugging Spike tightly. "It's okay, he can't touch you, ever. You're safe here," he says softly against Spike's ear.

Spike presses in against Liam. "You promise?" He asks, his voice very young and frightened.

Liam nods and strokes one hand through Spike's short hair, the other caressing his back comfortingly. "I promise," he says confidently.

Spike rests his head on Liam's shoulder. "I don't even know why you care. No one ever has."

"Maybe everyone else is an extreme fuckhead," Liam says softly. "You're a good boy."

Spike chuckles a little despite his shaking. "Extreme fuckhead. I like that phrase."

Liam blushes slightly. "Sorry, I've got a dirty mouth," he says with a grin.

Spike wraps his arms around Liam. "It's ok. I like your mouth."

Liam feels his breath catch in his chest. "Um, thanks, I guess," he says as he feels his ears turn red.

"You make me feel safe."

Liam pulls Spike onto his lap and holds him closely. "I want you to feel safe," he says softly.

Spike moans softly. "You don't seem much like a cop."

Liam cocks his eyebrow at Spike and gives him a grin. "From you, I'll take that as a compliment."

"It was meant that way." Spike says with a little chuckle.

Liam moves his hand softly over the small of Spike's back. "Good, as long as you're not going to make fun of me for being all soft," he says half jokingly.

"Never." Spike relaxes. "You have nice hands too." He hardly ever is touched like this. His clientele generally are the 'beat him, fuck him, pay him and get out' type.

Liam smiles as Spike relaxes against him. He holds up his other hand in front of their faces. "These things? They're like paws."

Spike takes one of his hands and strokes fingertips over it. "Nice and strong, long fingers. I notice hands. You can tell a lot about people from them."

Liam moans softly despite himself. "Really? What do mine tell you?" he asks softly, his other hand moving up under his own shirt that Spike is wearing, his fingertips traveling over the smooth skin.

"Right here, here's where you hold your charcoal for sketching." Spike strokes along his index finger and middle finger, near the tip. "Then down here, that's where your gun grip rests." He strokes some calluses on the palm. "No cooking burns or anything, so I'm betting you eat out a lot." He looks up into Liam's eyes. "And from the feel of your hand on my back I'm betting you're a really fantastic lover."

Liam smiles and looks into Spike's eyes. "I don't know about the last part, but you're right about the rest," he says. He wants to kiss Spike so badly, he can feel his heart melting, but he promised Spike he was not like the others and he will prove it with his actions and not only his words.

Spike sighs happily and leans against him. "It's kinda nice, just being held like this. No one ever just holds me."

Liam drops his hand, his thumb softly caressing Spike's knee as his other hand traces the lines of Spike's muscle and bone. "I know the feeling," he admits.

Spike moans softly again. "Really?"

Liam nods. "Yeah, it's been longer than I'd like to admit since I had anyone I've felt close to," he says softly. "And even then, it's generally the other person looking for something from me, you know? It's not about any kind of a connection, it's about getting something without giving anything back."

"Yeah. I'm familiar with that." Spike looks up at him. "I don't expect anything, either, you know. I know this is just 'cause I almost died tonight."

Liam looks into Spike's eyes and thinks for a few moments, just looking. He finally takes a deep breath and speaks. "Do you really think I bring home witnesses and hold them on my lap just because something bad happened to them?"

"I didn't.... I didn't think about it like that." Spike looks very confused. If Liam didn't want sex and this wasn't out of pity, what else could it possibly be?

Liam smiles kindly at Spike. "Good," he says, moving his hand from Spike's knee to lace his fingers with Spike's. "You look a little confused," he says gently.

"I just...I don't understand why you're doing all this, then. You don't even know me."

"Maybe I'd like to get to know you," Liam says softly. "I mean... I don't know what I mean," he says as he blushes softly.

"God, Liam... you shouldn't say things like that to me." Spike looks down, biting his lip.

Liam moans softly as he hears Spike say his name for the first time. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"I...It's just this will be over and I'll have to go back out there, and..." Spike squeezes his eyes shut.

Liam places a finger under Spike's chin, lifting it to look at him. "You'll never have to go back there, I won't allow it," he vows. He doesn't care what he has to do; he's not letting Spike go back to that life.

Spike looks into Liam's eyes for a long moment. "Awright," he whispers softly. He's not sure why he's letting a cop he just met tonight decide this for him, everything may seem different in the morning, but for tonight he just wants to believe things can be all right.

"Good, it's settled then," Liam says, not exactly sure what's been settled. Did he just tell Spike to stop prostituting himself? Did Spike agree? How exactly is he going to make sure all this happens? He shakes his head and takes a deep breath, pushing those thoughts out of his head for the moment, just enjoying this feeling.

"My name is William," Spike whispers.

Liam smiles and looks into Spike's eyes. "William," he says softly. "That's a much nicer name than Spike."

Spike smiles. "Not for the streets."

Liam chuckles. "Well, you're not on the street anymore," he says, his hands gently moving over Spike's body.

Spike nods and moans softly. "That feels so good."

"I want you to feel good, to feel safe," Liam says softly.

"I don't deserve this," Spike says in a tiny quiet voice.

"You deserve so much more than I can give you," Liam says softly.

Spike leans into Liam. This is too good to be real, he knows that, but he wants it so much.

Liam wraps both of his arms around Spike, just holding him tightly, leaning his head against Spike's.

Spike moans again. "I could stay like this forever."

"Me too," Liam says softly. "Listen, you've had a hell of a night, why don't we try to get some sleep?" he suggests gently.

Spike nods. "Awright. Where should I sleep?"

"In my bed, of course, you're my guest," Liam says as he stands with Spike still in his arms, cradling him gently.

Spike chuckled softly. "Don't usually have handsome men sweeping me off my feet."

Liam blushes. "I'm not that handsome," he says softly, carrying Spike to his bedroom.

"Really, you are." Spike reluctantly lets go of Liam as he is set down on the bed.

Liam looks down and blushes deeper. "Thanks. You going to be okay in here? I can sleep on the couch, or on the floor if you are still feeling shaken," he offers gently.

Spike turns and puts his feet on the floor. "I don't wanna put you out of your bed."

"I insist," Liam says firmly, pulling the covers down for Spike. "Really, I want you to feel comfortable."

"Well you sleep wherever you are comfortable."

Liam walks to the closet and pulls out a blanket and spare pillow, putting them down on the floor beside the bed. "This will be fine," he says with a smile. He really would prefer to sleep in the bed with Spike, but he doesn't want to give the impression that he wants anything from him.

Spike nods. "Awright." He hates putting Liam out, but he doesn't want to push either, so he lays down as he's been told and pulls up the covers.

Liam takes Spike's hand and lifts it to his lips, kissing the back softly. "I'll be right here, okay?"

Spike shivers a little and nods. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Liam says as he takes off his clothes, only leaving his boxers on.

Spike can't help but watch Liam as he undresses, looking at his powerful muscled body. He was so obviously strong but he had been so gentle with Spike. He's a little surprised to see a tattoo on his shoulder, a large and intricate one. Despite not wanting Liam to know he'd been staring at him like that, he had to comment on it. "Nice tat. I didn't expect to see one on you."

Liam chuckles, "Didn't think I was so daring, did you? It's Icarus," he says, absently rubbing it.

Spike grins. "When did you get it? That's a lot of ink, really well done."

Liam can't help but smile, not many people get to see it, much less appreciate it. "I got it when I was in the Academy. Bunch of the guys went out, most of them were trashed, and then we all decided to go get tattoos. I think I'm the only one that got something with some meaning."

Spike looks fascinated. "What does it mean to you?"

"Do you know the story of Icarus?" Liam asks, not trying to be condescending, a lot of people don't know Greek myths.

Spike nods. "Flew too close to the sun, the wax melted. Loved that stuff when I was in school."

Liam smiles. "I did too, Greek mythology has always fascinated me. I'm sure you remember, then, that his father was an inventor, he made the wings for Icarus but warned him. Icarus didn't listen, obviously, and it was his death. I guess it's my way of remembering to always do what is right, even when I want to do something that I think is more fun. If that makes sense? No one has ever asked me about it before," he says with a small blush.

"Thank you. Thank you for telling me." It makes Spike feel...trusted. Just that little confidence between them. His fingers itch to touch it, but he pushes down the impulse.

"Have you ever thought about getting one?" Liam asks, sitting down on the bed beside Spike.

"Sometimes. But tats cost money, and besides, I get most of my trade looking sweet and innocent and sinful all at once. Can't spoil the illusion." Spike gives a little rueful smile.

Liam takes Spike's hand gently, holding it between his. "Well, I can hook you up with my guy if you ever change your mind," he says with a smile. He can't help but wish that Spike would touch the tattoo, just trail his fingers over the solid black lines.

Spike looks up into Liam's eyes as he takes his hand. "Thanks. Your guy is a real artist." He summons up his courage and decides to ask. "Can I touch it?"

"Oh, well, sort of. I drew it," Liam admits. "But yeah, you can, I mean, if you want to," he says softly, almost blushing.

"You drew the tat? More surprises." Spike lifts his hand, running fingertips along the lines of the tattoo. There's something compelling and electric, just in this simple touch.

Liam closes his eyes, concentrating on keeping his breathing steady even as his heart is racing. "I could draw something for you sometime, I mean, if you wanted," he offers.

"I'd like that," Spike whispers. He thinks, down deep, he'd really like to get a tattoo for Liam. Something to remember him by. Because he knows this little refuge, this breath of safety, can't last. He's not really meant for this.

Liam opens his eyes and looks into Spike's bright blue ones. "I'd like that too," he admits. He feels himself leaning in, his body telling him to kiss the boy and he stands suddenly, hoping his intentions weren't obvious. "So, can I get you anything else?"

Spike shakes his head. "No, I'm fine." The spell is broken, he could feel the moment slipping away. He snuggles down into the covers, looking up at Liam.

Liam nods his head and watches Spike, just looking at him. "Good, if you need anything, just wake me up, okay?"

"I will." Spike smiles and closes his eyes.

Liam smiles and nods, leaning on his elbow to just look at Spike. His face is so young, so innocent when he's relaxed. Liam feels his heart melting; he wants to show the blonde how decent life can be, to show him he's worth loving.

Spike drifts off to sleep. His breathing becomes slow and relaxed. His whole body language changes as he curls up on the bed.

Liam watches as Spike falls asleep, feeling a tear slip from his eyes as he sees the innocence, the vulnerability showing through in his slumber. "Good boy," he says softly, finally falling asleep himself.

Spike's been asleep a while when he starts sweating, kicking the covers off, twisting on the bed and whimpering softly.

Liam jumps up, ready for a fight, but realizes his alarm isn't going off. He looks around and notices it's only Spike having a nightmare. He kneels beside the bed and strokes Spike's face. "William, wake up William. You're okay, you're safe with me."

Spike wakes up, wide-eyed, jerking as he wakes. His breathing is coming in quick pants.

"William, shhh, you're okay. I'm here," Liam says as he sits on the bed, hugging Spike protectively to him.

Spike pulls in close to him. "Please...stay with me. I keep seeing him."

"I'm not going anywhere," Liam says softly, stroking Spike's back. "It's okay, I swear, you're safe here."

Spike nods and clings tightly to Liam, shivering again as the sweat cools on him.

Liam slides into the bed beside Spike, pulling the blankets up over them. "You're okay," he says, stroking Spike's back, his arms wrapped around him protectively.

Spike snuggles in, and buries his face in Liam's neck. "Sorry to be so much trouble."

"You're no trouble at all," Liam says honestly, pulling Spike's slender body against his.

Spike squeezes Liam tight, clinging to him. He almost afraid to sleep but he closes his eyes again. "You'll stay?"

"I promise, I'm right here," Liam says, sliding his hand underneath the shirt Spike is wearing, tracing small designs on Spike's back.

Spike sighs and nods again, relaxing a little, slowly letting himself drift back to sleep.

Liam watches Spike drift back into sleep, holding him protectively. He finally allows himself to fall asleep as well, still holding Spike tightly.

Morning comes too soon, the alarm going off with a jarring buzz, and Spike jerking awake in Liam's arms. Liam groans and slaps the snooze button on his alarm clock, sleepily pulling Spike tightly against him, mumbling softly. Spike stirs a bit and smiles, looking up at Liam. Liam takes a deep breath, inhaling Spike's scent. "You smell nice," he says, his eyes still closed and half-asleep.

Spike chuckles a little. "And you look really good in the morning."

Liam smiles and runs a hand through his hair. "Oh yeah, I'm really sexy with my severe bed head," he says as he gently traces his fingers over Spike's back.

"You are, actually." Spike leans in and plants a soft kiss on Liam's neck.

Liam moans and writhes gently against Spike's body. "Thank you," he says softly, stroking his hand over Spike's sharp cheekbones.

Spike sighs and presses against Liam's hand. He seems about to say something when the phone rings. Liam sighs heavily and reaches for his cell. "I'll bet you a Benjamin that's the Captain," he says as he flips the phone open. "O'Donnell," he says, trying not to sound sleepy.

"Where are you?" Captain Giles barks. "I want to see you and that witness in here before I go home for the day."

"Fucking hell, Captain, what time is it?"

"Eight A.M. I've been here all night and so has your partner, dealing with the scene and following up on that car."

"Oh, uh, okay," Liam, stutters. He didn't think about them being there all night. "We'll be there in 20."

"See you then." The Captain hangs up.

Spike stirs. "We're going in, eh?"

Liam scrubs his hand over his face and nods. "Yeah, they've been there all night working on this shit. Want to shower or anything? It's probably going to be a long day."

Spike nods. "If you don't mind."

"Not at all, make yourself at home. I'd offer to make you breakfast, but that would pretty much involve throwing something in the microwave, so I'll wait till you're out."

Spike smiles. "Aright." He gets up out of the bed, stretching. "Which way to the bathroom?"

"Well, you can use the one in here," Liam says, pointing to the small door, "Or there's another one down the hall. Totally up to you."

Spike heads into the one adjacent to the bedroom, peeling off the borrowed clothes. He can see the bruises formed on his body from the struggles of the night before, and the scratches. He switches on the shower, waiting for the water to heat, then stepping inside and starting to scrub. He knows it needs to be quick but the water feels really good on his body and he moans softly.

Liam smiles and walks to the other bathroom, hoping in the shower and scrubbing his body quickly and then getting out. He wraps a towel around his waist, messing with his hair. He finally gets it decent and then goes to the kitchen, popping frozen waffles into the toaster and a several pieces of precooked sausage into the microwave.

Spike gets showered and dries off, pulling back on the oversized clothes. He pads out into the kitchen, seeing Liam in the towel and letting out a little wolf whistle. Liam laughs and blushes slightly, pouring coffee into a couple of mugs. "Don't tease, William," he says with a smile.

"You are handsome, what can I say?" Spike pours sugar and cream into his coffee and stirs it up.

Liam lifts his hand and touches Spike's cheek. "So are you," he says honestly.

Spike blushes and drops his eyes. "God, the way you look at me..."

Liam moves his hand to lift Spike's chin gently. "Is it a bad thing?" he asks, feeling insecure.

"No. It's just no one ever looks at me like that. Like I matter."

"William, you do matter," Liam says, looking deep into Spike's eyes.

Spike shivers and sees the expression on Liam's face. It's so sincere. He wants to believe, he's just afraid to. The microwave dings and the toaster pops up, and Spike turns, putting the waffles on the waiting plates. "Breakfast's done."

"I know it's nothing fancy, but hey, like you said, I don't cook," Liam says with a smile.

"It's great. Maybe I can cook for you later." Spike pulls the sausage out of the microwave. He slathers some butter on the waffles and drizzles some syrup, carrying his plate to the little dining table.

"I'd like that," Liam says honestly, pouring syrup over his waffles and sausage, grabbing his large coffee mug and sitting down across from Spike.

Spike grins. "Good. I'm a fair cook, mostly self-taught." He looks down and blushes. "I watch a lot of cooking shows."

"That's kinda sexy," Liam says with a grin. "I couldn't cook if my life depended on it."

"Well at least there's something I can do for you." Spike tears into the breakfast, hungrier than he realized.

Liam smiles as he watches Spike devouring his food. He wonders idly how regularly the slender teen gets to eat. He takes a long drink from his coffee and then leans over his plate, shoveling the syrup covered waffles and sausage into his mouth.

Breakfast goes fairly quickly. Spike picks up the dishes, taking them to the sink and starting to rinse them. "Umm, Liam...I hate to ask, but do you have anything I can wear for shoes? My boots were left in that motel room."

"Oh, I'm a moron," Liam says, shaking his head. "What size do you wear?"

"Umm...ten. Probably a lot smaller than you."

"Eek, yeah. Hold on, lemme check something," Liam says, walking to his bedroom. He gets dressed while he's in there, walking back out with a pair of size ten sneakers. "Today is your lucky day, my friend. I bought these for my nephew for his birthday, they were on sale, but I'll just get him something else."

Spike smiles at that, pulling on the sneakers. "These are really nice." He ties them on, walking a bit in them. "Fit perfect."

Liam chuckles. "You know you can get a pair of socks from me, right?"

Spike blushes a little. "I didn't think about it."

Liam smiles. "That's okay, it's my job," he says with a wink, leaving the kitchen and returning with a pair of low cut white socks.

Spike blinks a little at that, not sure what he means by it. But he takes the socks and pulls off the shoes, pulling on socks and then shoes again. He looks almost like a regular teenager in the oversized clothes and the sneakers, hair soft and curly after the shower instead of gelled down.

"You look really nice," Liam says with a wide smile.

Spike looks up. "I'm sure I look like a dork."

Liam steps forward and places his hand on Spike's hip. "Well, maybe I like dorks," he teases.

Spike grins and that and hugs Liam. "That's good to know."

"Is it?" Liam grins, hugging Spike tight. "I guess we should head out, huh?" he says, not pulling away from the hug.

"Yeah. I'm sure your Captain is blowing a blood vessel about now."

Liam laughs. "He's always about to have an aneurysm. He's a little high strung," he says with a smile.

Spike chuckles as they head out the door. He's smiling as they leave, but by the time they get to the precinct, he's not smiling. His walls are up, defenses in place, and it's like a little transformation. Liam can see the cocksure street prostitute he met the night before, despite the clothing and soft curled hair.

Liam parks the car and looks over at Spike. "We're gonna be okay, I'm not letting you out of my sight, okay?"

Spike nods. "Awright." He slides out. His whole walk has changed; it's that prowling strut that says he owns the ground he walks on.

Liam sighs a little sadly, feeling like he's lost something that was precious. He opens the door for Spike, leading him through the precinct. There are stares, mutters, and soft chuckles as Spike walks through. Spike ignores them, continuing to follow Liam as he scowls at the other officers, giving them looks that could kill. He reaches the Captain's office and knocks on the door.

"Come in," the captain shouts.

Liam clenches his teeth and takes a breath, opening the door for Spike, following him in.

Spike glides in and drapes himself onto a chair, leg thrown over the arm.

Captain Giles raises an eyebrow. "This the witness?" he asks Liam.

"His name is Spike, Captain," Liam says, gracefully sitting in the other chair.

The Captain sighs. "Spike. You willing to cooperate to get the nasty bugger that messed with you?"

Spike nods, glaring back defiantly. "I can do whatever you need."

"He's not a child, Captain," Liam says in defense of Spike. "We were already talking about working on a sketch, we'll get a description and get a line up. Did you guys get anything off the plate?"

"Stolen car. We found it abandoned about a mile from the motel. But we also need him to go get photographs of all his wounds. We need to match ligature marks to the others. Plus, of course, we need his full deposition on what happened." Spike tightens a little, imperceptibly, at the mention of the photographs.

Liam looks over at Spike, seeing the walls up high in his eyes. "I'll take care of it personally, Captain."

"Good. Okay, I'll leave it in your hands. What do you intend to do about protection?"

"He's my responsibility, he can stay with me," Liam says confidently. "I don't feel comfortable letting him go with anyone else, so I'm keeping him in my home court."

The Captain looks at Spike. "You all right with that?" Spike nods and the Captain sighs. "Ok, it's terribly irregular, but we're short on staff as is right now. I'll leave it to you, Liam."

Liam nods. "Thanks, Captain, you know I won't let you down."

"You'd better not, O'Donnell, or I'll have your arse."

"Yes Sir," Liam says. "We'll get on the pics and start a sketch."

"Get to it."

Kerri/Salustra. Slash ho, especially for Spike

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