If Spike ever asked, the soft sob Xander let out at the sudden hug was from surprise rather then relief. And it didn't stop him from returning it, just as strong. Spike was grounding him, allowing him for the first time that morning to become anything close to calm, instead of continuing to bawl his eyes out.

It was amazing how much one hug from a previous feared, okay still somewhat feared, enemy who happened to love your best friend as much as you did could do.