Fic: The Boy Next Door: Judgment Day, Xander/Spike, BtVS, Prompt - Rule Number Seven

[strickens-girl.livejournal.com]

Written for the tamingthemuse prompt of "Rule Number Seven".


Title: Judgment Day
Series: The Boy Next Door
Pairing: Spike/Xander, mentions of Ethan/Giles
Rating: Mature/Adults Only
Prompt: Rule Number Seven
Spoilers: None, all human AU
Warnings: Underage, manipulation, dark!fic, daddy!kink, child abuse, overall dirty!bad!wrongness.
Summary: Xander needs some help but Spike decides to help himself to Xander.
Word Count: 1,089


And, due to the LJ Boldthrough, I am sporting a new disclaimer for this fic, thanks to _sharvie_:

Disclaimer: No childrenz were hurt in teh making of this fanfic! *g*

Previous Parts.

Thanks to _sharvie_ for the lovely banner beneath the cut.





The Boy Next Door: Judgment Day


They sat in the courtroom, waiting for the judge to return from his deliberations. It was only minutes, but to Spike, it felt like an eternity. He'd been trying to take care of his boy in that awful house but it was getting increasingly difficult, what with those awful people screaming at each other all the time. Every time they fought, Xander would retreat into himself and it would take hours for the older boy to coax him out again.

The three men surrounded the young boy, trying to shield him from the looks being thrown his way. Spike glared and all but threatened the man who fathered his boy. The man didn't dare approach them, keeping his distance and sending fearful glances at the Englishmen who all but disregarded him. Jessica Harris tried to catch the boy's eye once or twice, but Spike makes sure to place himself before his boy, protecting him from her now like he couldn't before.

Finally, the door to the judge's chambers opened and the bailiff called, "All rise. The honorable Malcolm Reynolds presiding."

As the judge sat in his seat, he waved to court to sit as he called, "You may be seated."

The judges eyes swept over the courtroom, looking at group of men huddled together, waiting for his decision before glancing at the parents wanting to hear about their son's fate. Slowly, he sat back, his fingers steepled before his lips. He sighed before leaning forward to address those assembled before him.

Spike held his breath as he waited to hear the judgment.

"The petition for emancipation is always a difficult one," Judge Reynolds began. "It is a judgment that is rarely granted due to its implications. A minor is protected under the law, needing guidance and security in a world they don't yet understand. It is only under special circumstances that any judge would grant such a request."

Warm fingers tightened around Spike's as Xander trembled beside him. He squeezed back and stared at the judge, fearful and hopeful at the same time.

"This appears to be one of those circumstances," the judge continued. "I've heard some horrible stories in my career and family court seems to have some of the worst. This time, I've been moved by an unusual tale. Neglect and abuse of a child is inexcusable. The fact that Alexander has turned out to be such a well adjusted young man is remarkable. I believe a lot of that has to do with the influence of the Rayne family taking him into their home.

"Thus it is my judgment to grant the petition for emancipation for Alexander Lavelle Harris. You will be considered an adult as of this day forward. I expect you to take that responsibility as you would at the age of eighteen. Don't make me regret that decision. Court is adjourned."

With that the judge stood and left the bench. People began to stand, to move from the courtroom. The social worker left without a word to anyone and the Harris' followed closely behind her with only Jessica whispered an apology before leaving.

Once the courtroom had cleared, Xander finally spoke.

"That was it?"

The other men chuckled. Ethan stood, holding out a hand to the shocked boy. "Come," Ethan said, a wide smile gracing his face. "We have to go give our thanks."

Spike watched as Ethan helped Xander stand before following them out of the courtroom with Giles by his side. They made their way through the halls of the courthouse before reaching an unmarked door. Ethan pushed a button next to the door before a voice called through the intercom, "Yes?"

"Ethan Rayne here to see Judge Reynolds."

The door buzzed to allow them entrance and Ethan opened the door to usher the others inside. Down the hall and around the corner, Spike followed the others until they reached a small office at the end of the hallway. Ethan knocked lightly before a muffled "Come in," was heard.

Spike watched in awe as the father walked forward to hug the judge from their proceeding. They laughed as they hugged, then Ethan pulled away slightly.

"I don't know how to thank you, Mal. I really appreciate you getting us a court date so quickly."

"Not a problem," Judge Reynolds drawled. "Anything I could do for an old friend like you. So, this is the family?"

Ethan turned quickly, looping his arm around Spike's shoulders. "Sorry, Mal. This is my boy William, although he likes to go by Spike these days. This Rupert Giles, my partner. You probably read his report in Xander's file. And of course, this is Alexander, the newest addition to the family."

Malcolm smiled at the men assembled around him before reaching out to shake each of their hands.

"So, you set this all up?" Xander asked Ethan, confusion coloring his face.

Mal chuckled before motioning them all to sit. "Ethan called me when the petition was filed and the court date was put off for nearly three months. It's just the way the court system works sometimes. Justice can be a little slow. So I called the clerks and got a new date set a bit sooner. Ethan said it was an emergency and he was right. I was glad to be able to help."

Spike smiled as Xander's hand automatically slipped into his own, needing the reassurance.

"So, you did this for Ethan?"

"No, Xander," Mal smiled as he leaned forward to make his point. "I got the earlier court date on Ethan's request, but the judgment was based upon the facts and the law. You were emancipated by the circumstances around you Xander, and what you can achieve, not who you know."

Xander sighed in relief, sagging back against Spike, who easily took the boy in his arms and snuggled him against the back of the puffy couch.

"Remember who you are and who your friends are," Spike whispered, smiling at his father.

"Rule number seven," Ethan replied.

"What are the first six rules?" Xander asked.

The judge smiled as he leaned against his desk. "If you really want to know, we could tell you over lunch."

"That would be great," Xander remarked, returning the smile. "As long as I can pay."

"Why would you pay?" Giles asked.

"Well, I suppose I should now that I'm a responsible adult."

The other men in the room laughed as Spike cuddled him close. "That you are, pet. That you are."

Tbc...