'Til I'm Gathered Safely In

[baudown]

Title: 'Til I'm Gathered Safely In
Author: baudown
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Disclaimer:  Don't own them or make a profit
Written For:  open_on_sunday
Prompt: Accident
Word Count: 100

An accident, they'd said.  But when he finally tracked Spike down (spell, long-distance, courtesy of Willow) -- clearly, every injury had been inflicted with intent.  Spike had never looked this bad, not even after Glory.  Someone, some very special sadist, had made Spike his pet project.  

Xander took him home, bandaged the wounds, spoon-fed him blood.  Sat with him through the nightmares; waited for bones to knit.  Didn't ask questions, for which Spike seemed grateful.

Funny, how it was always him taking Spike in when he was damaged, or broken.

This time, it felt more like a calling than a curse.