Title: Picture
Author: Charmin
Rating: PG
Pairing: Spike/Xander
Summary: Spike and Xander had a tiff and spent some time apart.
Disclaimer: No, they aren't mine. I just like to play with them.
Feedback: Good for my soul and writer's block
Archive: Want, take, have.
Notes: Song-fic. Lyrics are from "Picture" by Kid Rock (featuring Sheryl Crow)

Spike sat up in the hotel bed, some nameless girl asleep beside him. He lit a cigarette and glanced at the girl, then out the open window.

Livin' my life in a slow hell
Different girl every night at the hotel
I ain't seen the sunshine in three damn days

He stood and crossed the room. Escape sat temptingly on the bureau. He quickly downed a shot.

Been fuelin' up on cocaine and whiskey
Wish I had a good girl to miss me
Lord I wonder if I'll ever change my ways

Spike looked at the picture in his wallet, then closed his eyes and put it down. Tears formed in the stormy blue eyes.

I put your picture away
Sat down and cried today
I can't look at you while I'm lying next to her

Xander sat at the Bronze. Buffy, Willow and Dawn danced to the house band, occasionally glancing at their friend with sad eyes.

I called you last night in the hotel
Everyone knows, but they won't tell
But their half-hearted smiles tell me somethin' just ain't right

He looked at his watch, glanced at the door and sighed. Refilling his glass from the third bottle they shared, he quickly downed his wine.

I've been waitin' on you for a long time
Fuelin' up on heartaches and cheap wine
I ain't heard from you in three damn nights

He got home with the blond he picked up at the bar after the girls left and quietly slipped a photo in a drawer.

I put your picture away
I wonder where you've been
I can't look at you while I'm lyin' next to him

While on patrol, Xander and Willow ran into Spike, talking with Angel.

I saw you yesterday with an old friend

"Spike."
"Xander."
"Angel."
"Willow."

It was the same ol' same, how have you been

"It's been a while."
"Yeah, it has."

Since you've been gone my worlds been dark and gray

"You're looking well. Healthy. Tanned."

You reminded me of brighter days

"Well, you know, construction. So, you movin' back to town, or just visiting?"

I hoped you were coming home to stay

"Dunno yet. Just testin' the waters. See if the old place wants me back. You off to slay something?"
"Yep, demons in the old Lutheran on Rosemont."

I was headed to church

"See you at the Bronze later?"
"Sure thing."

I was off to drink you away

Their lips met in a soft, unsure kiss. Along together again, ghosting touches over skin.

I thought about you for a long time
Can't seem to get you off my mind
I can't understand why we're living life this way

"I missed you."
"Me too, pet."
"Stay. Things will be different. Please stay."

I found your picture today
I swear I'll change my ways
I just called to say I want you to come back home

"The whole deal? I love you, I want the world to know."
"The whole deal. I promise, just stay."

I just called to say I love you, come back home