The re-education of Xander Harris

FANDOM: Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel the Series
TITLE: The Re-education of Xander Harris
AUTHOR: Willie J
EMAIL: wmj166@yahoo.com
ARCHIVE SITE(S): http://parrot.nearheralways.com/index.php; http://www.brain-insane.com/beyondcanon; http://www.adult-fanfiction.org
PAIRINGS:
RATING: R to NC-17 (to be safe)
WORDCOUNT: 10,214
DISCLAIMER: I don't own any part of Buffy et all, nor Angel the Series.
FEEDBACK: Oh please send me feedback, privately or through the list
DISTRIBUTION: List Archives
SPOILERS:
SUMMARY: Angel decides Xander needs to understand the truth about demons
A/N: Those of Buffyverse are naturally Joss' creations, however, any and all other characters mentioned are my own.
BETA'D BY: Elaine (thank you)

Chapter 2

Several painful weeks later, the boy ruefully admitted that he learned that teenaged males, demon or human, were a rowdy bunch. He winced as he touched the painful swelling under his eye; trying to avoid a head butt, he wound up with a black-eye.

Damn. Why the hell was he on kitchen duty anyway?! The food was nasty, anyhow, was his spiteful thought.

//"Liar, liar, pants on fire!"// chanted a small voice.

Well, those stupid boys were deliberately picking on him just because he was human. Xander paused, remembering that it was a human that gave him the shiner. Well, just because he didn't live permanently in this stinking cesspit that they called a home.

//"Oh, I don't know, they seem my kinda folks. What with all the hating and glaring at you. Hmmm, let me think...who do they remind me of?"// his inner self mockingly pondered.

Xander frowned unainlainly. I don't sound or act like that, he protested. Do I? But there was silence. Shaken, he headed to the bathroom to wash up and get ready for supper and bed. He sighed as he shucked his borrowed clothing. And their sleeping arrangement was another part of the stupid re-education plan of Deadboy's that he was so hating.

Standing under the water he thought about the one of the human boys that he had met. A older, very blonde boy named Skoal. He smirked maliciously, though anybody with hair that blonde obviously used industrial strength bleach. While not quite as extreme as Spike’s unnaturally white-gold hair, but Skoal came awfully close. He frowned, thinking about the older boy.

Every time he saw the other boy, he felt this skittering of…fear? he turned the word over in his mind, struggling to figure out why he was so uneasy around Skoal. It wasn’t fear...it the same feeling that of wrongness he had felt the first time Angelus showed up at the school. It looked like Angel, sounded like him so by all rights there was no reason why he should have felt so much fear when Willow started walking towards the vampire. No reason at all, just some unnamable emotion that almost that froze him in place.

That was almost how he felt when he looked at Skoal. There was something really…off. And it was really weirding him out that he couldn’t quite figure it out why. It wasn’t like Skoal was some crazy, deranged vampire demon that had a hardon for causing pain and suffering, and incidentally, sucking the world into hell.

Xander shook his head in confusion. Suddenly, he recalled hearing a couple of demons talking quietly about the older blonde. It sounded as if they were making betout out whether he was going to go postal about something. There was laughter, then mumbling from one of them, then something about Skoal being a half-breed sore loser…? Were they were saying that Skoal is half-human? If that’s the case, wonder what kinda of demon half is he, Xander mused idly. Maybe that was why he was tweaking out. Then he shrugged and shook his head, deciding to forget all about Skoal. ‘Sides, Angel would be back soon and got testy when his shower was delayed.


Angel entered the room with a slight creak of the door. Two plates, one of food; one of dessert was balanced precariously in one hand. The other grasped a mug of juice for Xander. Hearing the water running in the bath, he set one plate and cup on the tiny table. Then secreted the second plate in the dresser atop the clothing and removed a set of silk pajamas from the drawer. The only real luxury item that he allowed himself down here. That and the best styling gel. Hearing the water in the bathroom cease, he hurried to lock and bolt the door before waiting for his turn in the shower.

Exiting the bath, Xander frowned unhappily at the sight of the vampire; his look becoming even more morose at the bolted door. Only somebody pure of heart could unbolt that damn door. That or somebody waaaaay stronger than him.

This is no way to treat a pris, wa, was his indignant thought. With angry eyes he headed for his dinner. Xander halted abruptly at the suspicious lack of something vital missing from the table. He drew in a breath of pure wrath.

"Where's my dessert? It's chocolate cake today!"

Angel smiled blandly. "I don't know what you're talking about." With careful nonchalance he sauntered towards the bathroom; turning a blind eye to the livid black eye the boy was sporting.

"Yeah right, you big, fat-chocolate-cake-stealing bastard! I work in the damn kitchen, remember?! Where's my damn slice of cake?!"

The vampire merely smirked nastily before ducking into the bathroom to wash off the grit and dust. He and the others of Undervale were expanding the underground living area, laboriously creating additional quarters for the growing community.

Once in the shower, Angel allowed his smile to broaden into an amused grin. Xander and chocolate went together like...like...little boys and puppies. Idly he wondered how long it would take the boy to find the piece of cake he hid in the dresser.

Angel lost his amused expression and he sighed. He heard about the fight in the kitchen. It seemed like every week the boy was coming back to their quarters bruised or with some painful scratches peppering his body. But the teen was learning. Holding his tongue and keeping his opinions to himself. To Xander's credit, the fight today wasn't started by his sarcastic bon wits. Rather it was his very lack of reaction that spurred the other boys to attack him.

Standing under the hot cascading water; feeling his soreness easing from his muscles, Angel frowned thoughtfully. He wondered if his careful non-interference was perceived by the others as indifference to Xander's well-being. Tacitly encouraging the rowdy bunch of young men to 'teach the dumb kid a lesson'?

But he could see the thoughtful look settling on Xander's face. There was a look of self-awareness developing behind those glaring eyes. Now the boy was the outsider, the unwanted one.

His thoughts turned to another youtht wat was funny how Xander and Skoal reactions were decidedly different. The two young men were almost polar opposites in personality and appearance. Skoal was slender, underground pale, with neat blonde hair and green eyes. He looked as if he belong dancing outside, under the sky. He had an almost delicate, elfin beauty. He was almost always calm, quiet and in control. Except when he got angry. Then there was something…demonic about the extreme aggression he showed.

While Xander, on the other hand, was bigger than Skoal. His taller frame was stretched, giving him the appearance of being less substantial than he really was. Yet there was a definite sturdiness to the boy. Bend him, twist him…somehow he would snap back into shape. Dark, shaggy hair that looked perpetually disheveled, wide dark eyes hinting at vulnerability that was almost covered by the air of bravado and wise-ass remarks. Yet still, there was an almost infectious, bouncing energy about Xander that made you smile despite yourself.

He sighed. Those coulcould really teach each other something. Calmness and patience form one; zestful enthusiasm from the other. Maybe he would have quiet talk with the Skoal about Xander.

Another thought made him frown uneasily. An exaggerated tale was circulating of Xander's status as a Slayerette; a wanton killer of demons. Though how that particular tale wound its way down here, Angel had yet to figure out. But that fact was just one more thing that convinced some of the adolescents to standfast in their narrow view of Xander. That, and envy of the boy's seemingly normal life above ground.

An experience that very few of the youths had ever had.

Angel brooded for a few moments as he shut off the water and stepped out of the rough-hewed shower, nodding decisively. He would give the situation a few more days to resolve itself before he went down there breaking heads. While he knew Mama JessiKa, the head cook, would stop things before they escalated to something more serious, Xander was his responsibility. He was the one thirtuirtually threw the boy in this mess. Although he had to admit, not much escaped JessiKa’s eagle eyes; nor did she take any shit from anyone. Especially not in her Kitchen. That tiny, imperious old demon ran the vast kitchens and dining room with a fist of steel. Every undercook in the four enclaves walked on eggshells around her, and kowtowed shamelessly to the old bat.

While officially the seven Council Elders ran Undervale; unofficially, it was JessiKa that undisputedly shaped policy in the community. Not even the Elders would dare to tangle with her, especially not in the Kitchen. Or outside the kitchen, for that matter. The old demon had over forty kids; her kids had even more kids and her grandchildren had kids in their teens. And it was an army welded ruthlessly by one tiny old female. JessiKa the Terror, they called her affectionately, but with utmost sincerity.

Besides, the dining room was THE central gathering place for the entire underground community. And if you didn't want your food burned to a crisp, or undercooked you watched your step around Mama JessiKa.

To his amused disbelief, she actually liked Xander! Though she confided that the boy needed an old-fashion foot up his ass, but deep down she felt that he was a good boy. Misguided, true, dumb, yeah he was that alright. But a hard kick in the pants should straighten him out. That and a nice 'fuck him to a screaming frenzy' should do the trick, she had nodded sagely and slithered back to her domain before a dumbstruck Angel could sputter a horrified denial.


Xander, hearing the water stop, knew he had only a few precious minutes left. He hurriedly gobbled down the last bite of the huge slice of chocolate cake he just 'happened' to find in the dresser. The fact that he systematically tore apart the room looking for it was beside the point. If it was Deadboy's he was spitefully glad to be eating it. If it was for someone else then Fangface shoulda known better than to bring it in the room.

He jumped into the bed and pulled the covers over him. He was rigid, denying fiercely the shuddery feeling in the pit of his stomach. He stretched out on his side, with his back to the room. Xander eyed the stone wall, listening for the subtle clues that Deadboy had exited the bathroom.

Coming into the room, Angel ignored the boy lying tense and unnaturally still in the bed. Crouching, he quickly built up a fire in the hearth; it was for Xander's benefit since he wasn't really affected by the coldness that would invade the caves when night fell topside.

Satisfied, he grabbed the book he had been reading for the past couple of nights. One hour, then he would go to bed.

Settling on the trunk, he began to read aloud. He had started this in an unsubtle effort to show Xander who was in charge. However, to his amused wonder, he could feel the silent attention the boy gavm. Dm. Despite Xander's vocal, resentful muttering about a certain vampire shutting the hell up and letting people get to sleep, the boy listened.

He knew, they both knew the truth. But it was easier to pretend. And it allowed the boy some measure of dignity. He wasn't really interested in grinding all of Xander's pride in the dust, just enough so that the boy didn't try to run roughshod over him.

Xander reclined on the bed; gradually relaxis hes he listened to Deadboy quiet voice. He began visualizing the images as the scenes Angel's voice evoked. For the past three nights, Othello was the book of choice.

And at first, he had been impressed with that dude, Iago's way with words. But slowly he started feeling uncomfortable, growing angry and disgusted at how the man was playing his supposed friends. Lying, whispering one thing to one, then running back to the other and pretending he was their friend. And he was becoming aware of the too many parallels between him and good ol' Iago. It was not in a good, 'Ohhhh, I wanna be just like him!' kinda way. More like, 'Ewwww, what crawled up your ass and died?!'

He had tried arguing with himself that what he did was for the good of everybody; but for some reason that no longer brought him any measure of comfort.

Angel closed the book with a sigh, followed by a yawn. Getting up, he wearily stretched his massive frame. Instantly, tension filled the room. Walking around the foot of the bed, he climbed in and settled beside the now rigid boy with another yawn. Maybe in a couple of months, they'll have 40 additional quarters for the growing community, he thought with a weary sigh about the work he did during the day.

"I don't suppose there's any chance of me getting my own room anytime soon?" Xander asked miserably, with little hope of getting a positive answer. It was the same question he had been asking since day one. Actually demanded, ranted and raved on day one about sleeping with the dead. It just wasn't something he was into; Deadboy should have kidnapped Buffy instead. For that witty, snide remark, he received a hard blow that knocked him into the wall.

He learned quickly to leave Buffy out of any arguments that he had with the vampire. Once again, he was absolutely certain that he really wasn't liking this version of Deadboy; for one thing, Angel was hitting back.

Literally.

"You'll simply try to escape and get yourself in trouble," Angel replied mildly. He felt a faint amusement at the boy's ingenious methods of escape. All unbeknownst to Xander, he was entertaining quite a few of the community, especially the guards. Though Angel had his suspicions that the guards were deliberately allowing Xander to make considerable progress before hauling him back. The teen found some amazingly loose security holes in the community's perimeter; faulty equipment that permitted one very determined teen to try to wiggle his way to freedom.

Xander provided a source of excitement for the guards chosen to hunt the boy. Several had already propositioned him about keeping the boy 'prisoner' when he returned to the surface.

With a straight and solemn face, he gravely declined their generous offer.

"Angel...?

"Hmmm...?

Xander hesitated but forced himself to ask the question buzzing around in his mind. "That Iago...do you think he was a bad m I m I mean, maybe he had a reason for acting the way he did, ya know? Sorta misunderstood and all." He waited anxiously for the reply.

"Besides jealousy and spite?" Angel affected only mild interest in the topic of conversation. All he wanted to do was get some shut-eye. Four or five of them if he could manage it.

"NO! I mean...he was...he was..." Xander fumbled, trying to find something to justify the character's undisputedly lack of morals.

Angel stared up at the ceiliveryvery much NOT sleepy now. There was something strained in the boy's voice. Some depth of emotion that hinted at some painful feeling.

"Iago could have been jealous of Othello's good fortune at marrying the fair Desdemona. Othello was everything he wasn't; strong, brave and very much well liked. Plus there was the fact that Othello was a Moor," Angel said matter-a-factly. He was wide awake now.

Xander frowned, puzzled at the unfamiliar term. "What's a Moor?"

"Back during the time this play was written, a Moor was often used as a derogatory name for a black person."

"Sooooo, Iago was a racist...?" Xander said slowly. Then his eyes widened, a connection leaping in his mind. He gasped softly and swallowed hard.

Angel paused; he heard that soft sound and wondered. "I don't think Iago's motives were that simple. It could have been part of it; but remember, Iago had already said that he hated Othello in the first Scene. Then later when he was passed over for an important assignment. He was more envious and jealous of Othello than anything. He used Othello's race to try to turn others against the man. Even Desdemona’s own father. Iago felt that he was superior to everyone. And while everyone believed him honest and caring of the welfare of others, Iago was only interested in himself. He was motivated by a selfish desire; everything and everyone came second to his wants and needs."

Slowly Xander relaxed as he absorbed Angel's words. Iago was selfish; he didn't care about anybody.

Angel studied the back of the boy's head. "But it was his jealousy, spite and lies that ultimately lead to Desdemona's death."

Xander went rigid beside him. And long after Angel had fell asleep the teen's mind churned in vicious circles of doubt and self-disgust.


A few days later, standing in the shadows, a young blond male watched the dark-haired human with cold, blank eyes. All thoughts about the boy hidden behind a carefully neutral expression. Despite his bland exterior, Skoal was livid. Despite his best efforts, the blonde still hadn't found a way to permanently rid himself of the stupid, idiotic human. Somebody was always interfering. Either that old bitch JessiKa or those fuckin' guards coming along to rescue Xander. But he had faith; eventually he would find a way to get rid of the human, either fatally or otherwise. Because until that dumb fuck was out of the picture, his Angel wasn't having nothing to do with him.

He easily dismissed the various rumors floating around about Angel and the human. He sneered. That lunkheaded boy was as blind as a bat and unappreciative of the singular beauty of the vampire demon. Besides, Xander had far too much of a hostile attitude towards Angel for anybody to believe they were lovers.

Perhaps if he was to pretend to be the kid's friend he could get sufficient ammunition to stir the others up to a nice little bloodlust fury. If not, he was clever; he could concoct something suitable. Pushing off from the wall, Skoal formed his lips into a friendly smile. He was rather confident that along with his beauty and charm, the boy would be a pushover. He sauntered to where the human was busy sweeping up debris deliberately created by the other rowdy group of teenaged humans and demons.

Xander looked up, startled at hearing his name spokeInstInstinctively, he clutched the broom handle tighter. For what, he didn't know. Those fuckin' bastards still always managed to whoop his ass, was his bitter thought.

But at the sight of the half-human blonde coming towards him, instead of feeling more secure, his wariness increased. There was something just not right about the older boy. He wasn't exactly sure what it was, but he didn't survive Sunnydale nights all these years without trusting his instincts. And his instincts were screaming to stay away from Skoal. Like, half a world away would be of the good. Why take chances, ya know?

Xander's eyes narrowed; a mistrustful expression on his face as the elegant demi-human halted in front of him. Grudgingly he conceded that Skoal was beautiful, though in a unmanly kinda way, he hastily tacked on. Long blonde hair, not just skinny but he was one of those girly words...like willowy or slender. Flawless skin, and Xander spitefully told himself that the older boy probably used some kinda flowery lotion to keep his skin looking like that. And he obviously had connections ‘cuz the girly-man clothes emphasized the length of his long, slender legs and arms.

But it was those vivid bottle-green eyes that riveted his attention. He always had this nagging feeling of familiarity each time he saw Skoal's eyes. Somewhere, he had seen somebody with the exact same eyes.

“Yeah…?” he asked grudgingly. He kept a death grip on his broom, determined to get a couple of licks in before it was taken from him and used on his back. He became instantly even more suspicious when the blonde dude’s smile widened. Warm sympathy fairly radiating from the guy. Trickery! Trickery! Trickery! Especially not with all the other little assholes trying to jump him almost every chance they got. Like overly pretty Skoal would be any different, huh?

“I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot.” The blonde paused, gauging the success is ois opening remark. “I’m Skoal by the way,” he offered with an amused condescending smile.

“I know…now what do you want?” Xander asked impatiently. He wasn’t falling for THAT trick. And he was sure it was only a trick.

Skoal’s eyes narrowed fractionally; his pleasant smile never wavered. “As I said, I believe we got off on the wrong foot,” he said mildly. “So being a good ‘friend’ of Angel’s I simply thought I would make amends for my, for our, discourtesy.”

Xander snorted. There was a sullen look on his face. “Well, if you’re a friend of Angel’s then I just know we are so not gonna get along,” he stated firmly. But his eyes were still wary; the sense of familiarity about the blonde half-demon was driving him bonkers.

Skoal smiled sweetly, but there was a malicious glitter in his widening eyes. “Actually Angel and I are a little more than just…friends.” And there was something in his tone that had Xander floundering, quite sure that the other boy wasn’t implying what he was implying because that would imply that…ewwww.

“Uhm, you mean you guys are like buddies? Compadres? Really good friends? Sharing secrets and braiding each other’s hair kinda stuff?” His voice was uncertain. Though he had a sinking feeling that what Skoal was implying was so not what he wanted to think about. Not thinking here, he stated firmly to himself. Because I’m not gonna be doing that Larry thing again. Once was enough. Besides, I’m sleeping with the dead guy. I mean, not sleeping as in…in…SLEEPING but sleeping as in that’s all we do. Sleep. Snoring and all.

“No…” Skoal drawled, his smile glittering and bright.

But Xander recovered swiftly. Scowling, he snorted. “Ha! For a minute you almost had me going there! Cuz, Deadboy’s straighter than an arrow! Probably straighter, ya know,” he claimed insistently. “After all, he was dating one of my best friends. I’m sure you’ve heard of her. Sometimes she just goes by the title of…Slayer. Sweet gal but a short temper. She gets a hardon for bad, evilons.ons.” And he looked pointedly at the blonde half-breed, his meaning unmistakable.

“'Sides, I know you’re lying because like hey, no Angelus. See, that’s what happens when Ol’ Fangs and Ridges gets a happy. Or maybe you didn’t know about that little curse on his soul.” Xander was wildly triumphant; at last he had surer ground to stand on.

He shook his head with mock sympathy and feigned a dramatic shiver of dread. “Dude, I wouldn’t wanna ou wou when Deadboy finds out you’re spending rumors about him being down with the alternative lifestyle. Which will be about five seconds after I see him tonight.” He wore a look of demented glee at the thought of a two for one payback. Sweet!

Skoal had remained silent throughout Xander’s incongruous defense of the vampire. A brow arched in amused contempt. “Perhaps you were unaware that Angel’s curse parameters had been fulfilled when he fucked your precious Buffy," he sneered with haughty superiority. "He had his moment of happiness. And considering how long he had been without sex, I would presume that any willing body would have given him a perfect moment of happiness when he came. Don’t you know, while you can have many moments of intense happiness, you only get ONE perfect moment of happiness? Otherwise how could you possibly tell your times of happiness apart?” He shrugged as if it didn’t matter one way or the other to him. His lips curled upwards in honest amusement at the horrified look on the boy’s face. “And I can assure you, that Angel's soul is very, very secure.” With that parting remark, he turned and sauntered away. Leaving a very nervous and uneasy human struck silent.


Later that evening, Angel was reclining on the bed. A good book in one hand; a glassportport in the other. The soothing sounds of one of his favorite compositions played in the background on a portable CD player. He was enjoying his time of peace and tranquility.

He started, sloshing port down his shirt when the door opened noisily. Looking up, he regarded a breathless, goggled eyed Xander in the doorway. At the sight of the fresh bruises darkening the boy’s arms and face, he wondered if perhaps now would be a good time to remove Xander from the Kitchen. He didn’t want the boy dead; he just wanted the young man to acknowledge that good demons existed. Just like good and evil existed in humankind, the same was true for demons.

"Deadboy," Angel hid a wince at that stupid nickname. Of course, Xander had to say it again almost as if he could read the vampire's mind. "Deadboy..." Xander solemnly began and paused. He pushed the door partially shut with his foot as he tried to figure out a way to make HE HE was in the line of fire when Fangface went off on Skoal. The teen didn't exactly want the other kid beaten to death; just beaten old school style. He firmed his resolve. After all, Skoal had this coming to him. The Atomic blonde shouldn't go around spreading rumors about dead people.

"Xander..." Angel drawled with a raised brow. He sat up slowly; a little perturbed at the odd expression the boy was wearing. Besides that, Xander was ignoring his dinner on the table. That was indeed cause for some alarm. Slipping a bookmark in his book, he placed it gently on the nightstand before getting to his feet.

"Deadboy," Xander said again. Eyeing the vampire, he fidgeted nervously with the frayed edge of his loose blue tunic. "I...I don't know how to tell you this..." he paused again, his nervousness gone and good humor restored at the thought of the vampire dying of shock. "Actually I do; and I'm enjoying every minute of it."

"Anyway, you probably don't know him, but there's this demon dude, that works in the kitchen with me though personally, I ain't seen him lift a finger to do anything. I mean, all the rest of us work our fingers to the bone, but HE just swans around like he'll die if he gets his precious hands wet. God forbid he gets a speck of dirt on him." Becoming aware of the darkenlooklook of impatience on Angel's face, Xander hurried back to his original topic. "So, this Skoal...well he's going around, at the top of his lungs," he stressed, "Telling everybody that you and him are doing the nasty." Eagerly he watched the vampire, gleefully waiting for the loud explosion of rage he was sure to come.

5...4...3...2...1...uhm...0...-1...-2. Xander eyed Angel in confusion when the other didn't respond other than an exasperated roll of his eyes.

"Uhm...Deadboy, did you hear what I said or did your vampiric hearing go on the blink? I said..."

"I heard what you said," Angel replied. Sighing, he sat back down and picked up his book. For this, I had to stop reading? Maybe I can psyche myself back to mellow and tranquil land, he thought hopefully. And not for the first time, he wondered if the boy was going to get the best of him in this battle of wills. Simply by being more obstinate than he. Xander had an uncanny knack for instigating confusion and creating chaos in his otherwise orderly life. He always felt like he was on one of those crazy roller coaster rides around the boy; while it was strangely exhilarating, it wasn't for him.

He was a good vampire now; or at least he was trying to be good. But THAT BOY somehow made him feel a wild rush of emotions. Managing to bring out the demon in him. Raisine boe book to eye level, he tried determinedly to ignore the now fuming boy.

He found himself with newfound respect for Giles' even disposition. That man had to have the patience of a saint in dealing with not only Xander, but Buffy and Willow for the past few years.

Angel was abruptly reminded of the matters at hand with Xander's impatient, "Well?! Don't you hear me talking?!"

"I don't mind you talking so long as you don't mind that I'm not listening," he retorted with forced pleasantness.

But he was startled when the teen stalked over to the side of the bed and stood looming over him. Now he was annoyed; especially at that of of suppressed fury on the boy's face.

"What?" His voice was curt when he answered from behind the false safety of his book. Giving the clueless human the first clue that maybe he should back off now. Unfortunately, Xander didn't notice the early warning signs.

"Well, where's the BOOM? The gnashing of teeth, or in your case, the gnashing of fangs? Where's the jumping up with angry cries of outrage and denial, the manly indignation?! Which should be followed up by a furious chase and all around beat down on the dastardly Skoal? And being the good roommate h prh prisoner that I am, I feel it would be my civic duty to guide you to timpuimpudent lying fellow," he added generously. "For that matter, I'll even hold your duster for you."

Angel blinked. A hidden gleam of bitter amusement flickered in his eyes. When he lowered the book, he presented only a cool, bland exterior as he calmly waited for Xander to figure things out.

"Unless..." the boy's voice trailed off as dreadful suspicion reared it's ugly head again. Slowly he backed away. A vision of Larry confessing that he was gay flashing through his mind.

Angel couldn't help the harsh chuckle that escaped him at the kid's horrified look. One more thing for the boy to despise him for.

"Unless what?" In the blink of an eye, the vampire was standing in front of the startled youth. Angel smiled coldly. "Well, set your tiny, homophobic mind at ease, little boy. I'm not fuckin' Skoal." He watched relief blossom on Xander' face with close attention.

"Good...that's good," the teen managed to reply weakly. That look in Deadboy's eyes was setting off all the alarms in his body. Bypassing his brain, his feet knew enough to be prepared top speed flight. Far, far away. In a distant galaxy, he thought hysterically.

"But I was about two months ago," Angel said softly, cold fury burning at the look of nervous dread gathering in the boy's eyes.

"B…bu...bu...Buffy...Darla...Drusilla," Xander stammered. His eyes were riveted on the hardening look on Deadboy's face. He tried out a nervous, 'Hey dude, I'm just an idiot, don't mind me' look on Angel. But the vampire wasn't buying it.

The young man abruptly decided that what Angel did in his own bed was none of his business. Not unless it happened to be him in the bed, then it was his business to scream like a girl def defend his honor, he tacked on hastily.

"...and Spike and Penn and oh, yes, I even gave it up for the Master sometimes," Angel said mildly. But there was a dangerous light growing in his eyes. Now he was within touching distance of the boy; though Xander didn't know how Deadboy accomplished that particular feat, considering just how carefully he was watching the vampire for just such a move.

"Spike?! You fucked...no, no...I don't wanna know anything else!" Xander exclaimed squeakily. He wanted to put his hands over his ears, but that would be kinda like leaving him wide open to get a good smacking. That would hurt. Big time.

"What...don't you think my childer are beautiful? I do. That's mainly why they were Turned, for their beauty. I think I outdid myself, however, with Spike. All that beauty and passion contained within that lean, sleek body. There were many days when I was overcome with desire for him that I couldn't wait for a bed or privacy. We would fuck right in front of the girls. Again and again. And again." He shivered dramatically; his voice a husky purr in the room.

Angel lost his easy smile; dark menace glittered brightly in his amber gaze, in his fearsome toothed smile. "Or do you tell yourself it was only Dru that you ever found mildly attractive?"

Xander gasped then angrily sputtered a denial, his face paling almost to match the colorless state of the vampire. But Angel wasn't listening. He had had enough of the foolish, impudent boy daring to judge HIM! Looking at him as if he was beneath contempt, that look of disgust as if he was something foul and unclean. He, that existed before the boy's great-great-grandfather was a gleam in the undoubtedly slatternly woman that gave birth to the inbred yokels. He was descended from one of the noblest houses among the nosterfu.

He was a Master in the Order of Aurelius. And it was about time to show the silly boy just who the hell he was dealing with. He was tired of trying to get Xander to see beyond the narrow confines of the boy's tiny little world. So many times he held open the door, only to have it slammed rudely in his face.

Evil wasn't Black or White, demon or human.

Evil just...was.

The dark-haired vampire smiled queerly; he stroked the boy's cheek. "Do you remember what Dru called you? Her Dark Kitten...I wonder if I stroke you, would you purr for me?"

Before Xander had time to yell, he found himself soaring dizzily through the air. He landed on the bed with a muffled grunt; the wind knocked out of him. Fear and alarm screaming like an out of tune chorus; his only thought to scramble off the bed and find a safe spot to hide. When in fear for your life, hiding always worked. With that in mind, he tried to move. But a much heavier body was abruptly covering him, squishing him into the soft giving mattress; his hands grasped and anchored above his head.

The vampire angled his body across the writhing one of the mortal; effortlessly riding out the jerking and squirming movements as Xander tried futilely to free himself. Angel smiled coldly down into the rage-congested face.

Terrified, the boy struggled instinctively. Fear giving him unknown strength; he tried to escape a dangerously unstable vampire. But his best was no match for an enraged Master vampire, one that had been pushed too far. Angel held him to the bed with easy strength.

"Purr for me, little kitten..." Angel murmured softly. He eyed the boy's lips with narrowed, focus intensity.

"Angel, noo...umpf," Xander started to yell, but found his mouth ruthlessly seized and a tongue thrusting in his mouth. He tried to bite the unauthorized intruder. Angel was too quick for him and unfortunately he wound up biting his own tongue. Yelping in shock, he was momentarily stunned by the mind-numbing ripple of pain that arched through him. Xander whimpered as he tasted the sweet coppery tang of his blood.

Probing the interior of the boy's mouth, Angel froze as lightening flared through his body. The intoxicating taste of Xander's blood flowed across the highly sensitize buds of his tongue like a heated rush. Raising his head, he became very still as he stared down at the young man.

Dangerously so.

Xander scowled furiously up at the pale visage above him; his breath ragged and out of control from the harsh kiss. He blinked rapidly, trying to control his desire to cry.

"You fuckin' bastard!" Xander spat out weakly. Silently, he stridently denied the shocked awareness that made his dick stir. He arched upward, trying to throw the vampire off of him. And if sheer will was enough, Angel would have been thrown clear to China, but Xander knew he needed strength and pow Som Something he was sorely lacking. "Get the hell off me!" Then he trembled, growing even more alarmed at the arrested look in Deadboy's eyes.

"Sweet...tasty..." was all the warning he got before cool lips were covering his mouth again.

While the first taste of the boy's mouth was erotically tempting, it was the blood that captured his attention and defused much of his anger. The sweet taste had him feeling the most primal urge to conquer. To Claim.

Xander's mouth was so ripe, yet so arousing in its innocence. Wet, and scorching hot; the boy's taste was spiced with anger, the body stiff with outrage. Intoxicating.

Forgetting his wrath, all Angel wanted now was more. More of the scorching heat. He wanted to taste more of the almost virginal sensuality that lurked in Xander's body. He heard the slight gasp from the boy when he teased the softly parted lips. He could taste the tantalizing passion that lay hidden, almost dormant within the boy's warm succulent interior. Unleashing it suddenly became his obsession.

Xander never stood a chance.

Angel invaded the torrid heat, dipping then retreating quickly when vicious teeth attempted to sever the probing muscle. Time and again, he stole into the sultry mouth, stealing the very breath from the boy's lungs. Under his rough tutelage, lips parted helplessly for him. He swallowed the low moan the boy made when he nibbled at the sweetly tempting lower lip, teasing Xander's mouth with his before leely ely exploring the humid depths. He caressed the warm tongue, the roof of the soft mouth. Taking his time to thoroughly map the contours of the smoldering heat.

A razor-sharp phenomenon swept through Xander; his astonished gasp was muffled by Angel's mouth. His stomach clenched with agonizing pressure, a pleasurable ache that shot straight to his stirring shaft. God, he hated Deadboy!

He bit at the lips nipping at him; helplessly he tried to evade the sleek wet tongue that was doing a credible imitation of 'Hail the Mighty Conqueror '. He had to fight Angel; even in the midst of the way those provocative kisses set his pulse to racing and his cock to throbbing. He had to fight himself. Struggle against the sexual ingsings that sent his mind reeling. Xander tried to hold on, tried to fight. He held on to Angel, and felt the power in the big hands that cradled his head. Hands that could crush him an an egg; hands that held him tenderly, like something precious.

Hands that held him as if he was something to be treasured; something beautiful. He trembled at the thought.

Angel was so strong and felt so...so...good against him. Cajoling him, coaxing him with seductive kisses, he was battling against himself with the force of this tempting need. He groaned at the steadily increasing pressure until he was blindly following Angel’s lips. Desperately. Needy. Greedy for more of the incredible sensation. Whispering Angel's name like a mantra; pleading for more as fiery sensation shook his body.

He saw it; and knew it. Vaguely he even understood what was happening. But it was two against his one. His body and Deadboy were ganging up on him.

Xander moaned as he felt himself sinking, wallowing in the turbulent sea of desire washing over him. He was going under, drowning. All because of the softly suckling pull on his tongue and his body's traitorous response to that moment of tenderness. He felt himself giving in to the carnal seduction as Angel relentlessly stroked the fires to a raging inferno. He couldn't-- he just couldn't let Angel do this to him. He wasn't gay!

The young man cried out at the sharp flare of arousal burned steadily, consuming his denial like a wildfire. His back arched; his nipples puckering and stiff against Angel's hard chest. No longer sure if he wanted to get away from the pleasure that was slowly devouring him. He felt a broad cool hand on his back, hard and rough, supporting his spine while Angel continued to suckle on his tongue.

There was nothing gentle now about the kiss; Angel was bent on subjugating him and nothing less than his complete surrender would do. His hands, encased in the cool manacles of Angel's hands, flexed in the tight grip. He was pressed down into the mattress as the vampire conquered his lips, his tongue, the whole luscious inner recesses of his mouth and made him a slave to pleasure.

Angel had experience on his side, years and years of experience. He was too subtle for the boy to fight. It was like battling air. Fighting a war against your shadow. There was no way of winning. And so Xander surrendered with a soft mewling cry of need.

Angel lightly licked the lushly swollen lips, absorbing the taste and smell of the boy, deliberately imprinting Xander with the flavor and scent of his own body.

"Shhh, baby...I won't hurt you. I won't hurt you, no matter what. Just...just kiss me. Kiss me back, yes, like that...that's it, little kitten...suck my tongue, play with me. Taste me..." Angel moaned throatily into the boy's sweet tempting mouth.

To his aroused pleasure Xander finally did. Timidly, a moist tongue caressed his before darting back behind warm tender lips; again came the shy touch. Longer now, was the caress. Growing bolder, daringly the boy thrust into the cool interior of the vampire's mouth. Mapping the soft delicate tissues with a hesitant sweep of his tongue.

Angel freed the boy's hands. Bracing himself on bent arms on either side of Xander's head, he fisted his hand in soft tumbled locks of silky hair. Taking control over the sensual, heated mating of their mouths.

His mouth hovered over Xander's for one long breathtaking moment before he crushed his lips over the mortal's again. Once more seeking to imprint the boy with his growing need and urgent desire. He could play the seducer and lover if there was no other course for him. For them. At last acknowledging the burning sense of recognition he felt, now that he had tasted the youthful near innocence hidden within the boy supple frame.

He knew there was no way Xander could or would try to refuse him now; he was caught, just like the boy, in the sticky strands desire from the web he had carelessly spun. They were both prisoners

Willing. Hungry. Insatiable prisoners.

This spontaneous, unlikely, passion was lit like a long-burning fuse between them. There should have been signs saying 'To be lit with great care and undertaking'. Because there would be fireworks; there would be an earth shattering explosion. It would finally come. Xander would at last have his explosion. Just not the one he was expecting.

This young, untutored boy had an artless, yet eagerhusihusiasm for carnal pleasures. Xander had an incredible, amorous instinct for all the right moves. Those muffled, little sounds of pleasure, those expressive sounds set him on fire. Incited him to greater excesses.

Possession was everything; possession was nine-tenths of the law, they said. And he possessed this guileless, yet seductive creature now. Angel plundered Xander's h wih with a ravenous thoroughness that made the boy arch against him wantonly; made the eager youth seek his tongue with a wild hunger that was growing even greater than his own.

He released the ardent lips; and simple male pleasure seared through him at the passionately swollen fullness before he dipped his head again. Capturing the hungry mouth again, his greedy kisses were that of a voluptuous, hard-driving male statement of overwhelming need and desire. Pursuit and capture. Hunter and quarry.

The effect on Xander was swift and immediate. He was left breathless, mutely begging with his entire body for more of Angel's lips. And still more, deeper and more heated, more demanding. More lusty. Just more.

His hands free, but still his body was restrained by the bulk of the man above him, and his mouth---ooooh, his mouth; he was being ravished within a inch of his life. Kissing Ampata was fun; kissing Cordy and later on, Willow was even cooler. But this...this wasn't kissing, because he at last recognized the rhythmic thrusting pattern of Angel's tongue. Without words, teaching him what he had yet so far only fumblingly experienced with Faith...the age-old art of sex. His body tightened with a painful pressure; tension humming so loud he thought Angel could surely hear it. He gave in to the mindless pleasure, to the need that made his body shout a chorus of 'Halleluiah\ Ang Angel pressed harder, demandingly at the boy. Every movement of his mouth and tongue a silent command to surrender. He ate voraciously from the lush, trembling lips, nipping, licking with greedily sweeps of his tongue, drinking avidly from the intoxicating heat.

He moved his caresses down the arched, proffered neck, laving softly behind the soft shell of the warm ear. Licking, outlining the swirls and hollows within. Feeling the shudders of fitful need from the wantonly sleek body pressing against him. Coming back to Xander's mouth, he gently slid his tongue deep within, found the sleek muscle hiding and began sweetly to encourage it out to play. Sucking gently on it, so softly, so intensely that Xander was caught off-balance, floundering as his last remaining defenses came crashing down. His body felt boneless as a whole new range of arousing sensation rampaged through him. Something shifted, uncoiled in his stomach, stretching, reaching out for that something Angel was promising with every cajoling movement of his body.

No fight was left in him. He felt like he was burning up; there was liquid fire racing in his veins instead of blood. Clearly his body liked the feeling of having the vampire pressing against him. His lips gloried in the ravenous attention the vampire lavished on him. While he knew it was dangerous to feel this way about Angel, he yearned to feel more, to know more of this man's touch. His cock twitched, swelled to a painful aching state. His nipples, heated to a throbbing ache by the rhythmic brushing of Angel's chest, felt like two hard pebbles. His dick just wanted to get Full Monty. Experimentally, he deliberately writhed in the consuming embrace. Trying to get closer to the cool burning fire that was Angel.

Raising his head at the innocent sensual movement, Angel looked down into the feverish, bright eyes of the boy.

His boy.

Xander was like a child fascinated by fire; all smoldering heat and latent sensuality. The boy had no idea of a demon's desire weighed against his ripe, all too alluring body. Angel wanted to rip away the clothes that kept him from seeing all of the boy in his naked glory. He wanted to take him, naked and moaning to the floor, and fuck him like there was no tomorrow. Ride the boy to a scratching, biting, screaming white froth of sheer ecstasy. And when they came, take him again and again. Slake his desire in the silken, grasping core until he was drained. He wanted to see the boy lying sated, a lecherous smile of pure satisfaction on his face and sprawled with lewd abandon in a thick coating of his cum.

But for now, the hot honey of Xander's mouth would assuage his needs; and he took full advantage of the willing mouth with savage, ferocious desire. The rapacious drive of his hunger urging him on, he invaded the near virginal, permissive mouth with all the exquisite skill and experience at his command. Sucking at the carnal muscle the way he wanted to suckle at another, more potent, part of the boy's aroused body.

"Sugar...pure sugar," Angel muttered hoarsely between plundering Xander's mouth for more of the ambrosia nectar he found within. "The gods envy me..."

The wet, voracious violence of Angel's kisses goaded him, challenged him. Commanded him to open his mouth and deepen the endlessly, seductive kisses. So he did. With an aching cry of need, Xander opened wider and gave his tongue willingly to Angel to taste and explore. To suckle in a swirl of hedonistic caresses.

Previously he had known nothing of men's kisses; he didn't WANT to know. Now he knew almost everything or at least he would soon. And he wanted to know everything. And he wanted MORE. It was if his mind had simply disconnected from the avarice needs of his body. All it wanted, all HE wanted was to keep Angel’s lips pressed against his. To feel those deep hard kisses possessing his mouth.

And hands...

Omigawd, hands! He moaned at the feeling of a pair of cool, slightly rough hands sweeping under his shirt, fingering the hardened peaks of his nipples. He arched and squirmed at the electrifying touch that scorched a blazing path from his nipples to his dick.

Long, tapered fingers fondled his stiff nips with a delicate, yet a commanding touch. Angel's skill was so much, that he knew with a certainty the exact place to arouse the boy even further and reduce Xander to a mindless, writhing package of desire. He pulled the wiggling bundle of heat further into his greedy kiss, further into a world where nothing existed but the need for a mind-shattering release. A back-arching, gut-wrenching, screaming-til-you’re-raw release.

Hot, wet honey-kisses; deep, voracious ,wet taste of tongue; a warmngryngry body that squirmed and wriggled with a pure wanton instinctual need to entice more of the thick, luscious kisses. Xander begged for more with every lewd shimmy of his body. Arching against Angel, he simmered with dizzying excitement and need.

He didn't need anything more, just that endless mouth kissing him, overpowering him, thrusting deep within, feeling him, tasting him with a rapacious desire. As if Angel would never know the touch of another’s lips again. A kiss before dying.

Angel played with Xander's lips, loving the pliant yet masculine-y, hard softness of them. He loved the succulently wet, firm seeking tip of the boy's tongue caressing his mouth, begging for his.

"Sweet...so sweet..." he groaned throatily, hungrily dipping into the ardent warmth. T ton tongues twinned sinuously around each other; mating with the greedy frenzy of pure lust. "My sweet boy..."

"Yours..." came the panting moan before their mouths connected again, with a heady, ravenous fervor.

The ripping sound of Xander's shirt sounded loud in the room. It was followed by Angel's shirt ripping as well. But neither man noticed as they gazed intently upon each other's naked flesh. Then fell upon each other, lips consuming one another as their bared chests touched for the first time. Xander felt like a bolt of lightening had struck him, and he convulsed with a soft keening cry of scorching, aching need. Angel moaned at the sizzling contact of flesh against flesh.

Hungrily, Xander demanded more of Angel's mouth, his tongue, his everything. He undulated wildly, rubbing his nipples against the sleek, muscular chest above. Groaning at the electrifying sensation that pulsed straight to his stiff cock.

Angel pulled away from the all-consuming mouth. One hand, then his mouth began playing a delightful game of torment with Xander's already tight nipples. The boy arched upwards with a short scream of ecstasy when a spasm of glittery pleasure shot through him.

Now Xander's hands were on the move. Playing all over the sleekly, arched back, sliding down, all the way down to feel the smooth flex of muscles sliding under the silky cool skin. His questing, feverish hands traced the hard ridge of Angel's spine, and the sensual male dip that effortlessly led his curious fingers to the curve of the vampire's hard cloth-covered ass. His hands roamed restlessly up and down the shifting, flexing back, then back up to grip the hard muscles of Angel's arms. He felt teeth nip gently, greedily at his lower lip, and long fingers twist and flex in his hair. Grabbing handfuls of Angel’s hair, he dragged those cool, devouring lips back to his.

Toy woy was totally his now.

Angel's fingers and urgent mouth, exploring every inch of Xander that he could reach. That gave him proof beyond a shadow of a doubt. He held the silken head still with both hands as he ravaged for the sweetness within. With one hand at just the right angle, he delved even more deeply into the soft, erotic wetness. Tasting and feeling the plush contour of the licentious interior. He was so insensate with the sensual feel of Xander's response that he could think of nothing else than slaking his thirst in the boy's sleek, virginal molten sheath.

Angel was poised to settle himself over the wantonly squirming body. To give them both the release they were seeking...

"Uhm...Angel...ah..der.der...I...ah...just wanted to let you know that the door was open," came an embarrassed voice from the doorway.

The voice was like a dash of icy cold water on the two aroused men. Angel froze, staring down into Xander's lustfilled eyes. Seeing the fog of lust clear, and realization of who and what they were doing fill the boy. With a mortified, choked cry, Xander scrambled from under him and vanished into the bathroom. Seconds later the sound of the shower could be heard.

And very sharp vampire ears caught the sound of crying under the pounding noise of the shower.

Angel groaned and sat up with a sigh. Christ on a fuckin' stick! What the hell was wrong with him? That was Xander he was getting ready to fuck! Angry and frustrated he ran his fingers through his hair.

Looking up, he silently groaned agai the the sight of Tosh. That demon had to be the biggest gossiper.

He made short work out of getting rid of Tosh. Glumly he knew by morning it would be all over the community.

Shit!

Hesitantly, he approached the doorway. Only a thin dark curtain provided an air of privacy between the two rooms.

"Xander...? You can come out now, Tosh is gone," Angel called softly into the warm interior. There was no answer; not that he expected there to be one. But you never knew with the boy which way he would jump.

"Xander...I'm coming in. If you don't want me to come in, you better speak now or forever hold your peace," Angel warned softly; again there was no answer, but the heartbeat he heard increased dramatically.

Stepping into the tropical, warm bath, he frowned, glancing around at the enclosed space. There were not many places that the boy could hide, especially not in a room this size. Ignoring for now the running shower that filled the bathroom with billows of steam, Angel peered around, half expecting the kid to come out swinging at him. Which was probably more than he deserved, he thought with a wince. He had no business touching Xander like that. But damn, that boy was going to make somebody one lucky sonofabitch, he thought enviously.

"Xander...please come out. Would it help if I said I'm sorry?"

"no..." said a tremulous, shaky voice. It cfromfrom the roughly mined cabinets. Walking carefully, Angel crouched and was able to make out the boy burrowed in the tiny space. Xander was looking back at him, warily like a terrified animal brought to bay. Eyes glittering with suspicious moisture, a faint shuddering gasp as the boy tried to control his incept tears.

"Xander...please come out. We need to talk," Angel said gently. If anything, Xander's eyes got bigger and he hastily shook his head as he tried to retreat further into the shallow space.

Angel sighed; reaching out he pulled the wildly struggling boy effortlessly from within the storage recess. Allowing Xander to beat him furiously about his head and shoulders in a vain attempt to get free, he settled to the floor against the wall and pulled the boy into his lap.

"Shhh, I'm not going to hurt. Shhh, shhhh...settle down..." he said soothingly as he rocked the distressed teen in his arms. Exhausted by his futile efforts to get away, Xander collapsed against Angel, hiding his face in the cool crook of the vampire's neck.

"Shhhh, shhhh, I'm sorry...I'm so sorry," Angel whispered softly as he felt hot burning tears against his skin. He rubbed Xander's back, his touch tender and comforting.

There was a choked, mumble of words from the vicinity of his neck. He listened carefully.

"Yes, I know I should be sorry; and that you're not gay."

He listened sympathetically, and despite the seriousness of the boy's distraught state, his lips twitched in a smile.

"Yes, I am an agent of Satan. But my duties are largely ceremonial,” he said solemnly. But at the weak punch this received, he continued gravely, “Yes, I am a bad, evil vampire that needs to go to anger management classes."

Another shaky, rasp of words. "Yes, you did indeed mention that you weren't gay. And yes, it was all my fault. I did take advantage of you and I even made you forget to eat,” Angel responded comfortingly.

He paused and listened. "No! I swear I'm not laughing at you!"

Angel listened further to the watery choked words. "Yes, when we get back to the surface you can tell everybody what a evil, wicked vampire I am and that you were right all along about me,” he replied soothingly.

Xander rested wearily in the vampire's restful embrace. The warmth of the bathroom was acting on him like a sauna. The stress and confusion he was feeling, the jangling of his nerves from the mind blowing experience with Angel combined with the extensive crying that he had done was leaving him languid and drowsy.

At least until Deadboy whispered those fateful words, "Let's go to bed."

Then he was wide awake. Wiiiiiiddddde awake. Stiffening he pushed against the confining arms.

"Xander, stop," Angel ordered firmly. "We both need to sleep. Tomorrow, I'm back at the Southern corridor with the others; and you're back in the Kitchens. We need rest. Nothing is going to happen other than we both get into the bed and go to sleep."

More to the point, he just wanted the boy to stop wiggling in his lap. As a very predictable reaction was starting to stir. He was still very much on edge. Frustrated sexual energy was burning sweetly in his veins from the delicious morsel of the boy's too provocative body.

"C...ca...can I s...s...sleep on the f...floor?"

"No..." came the quiet, inflexible response. "Xander, I promise you, what happened in there won't happen again tonight. As Master of the Order of Aurelius, I give you my solemn word that you may sleep without fear of me tonight." He vowed carefully; he hoped the boy wouldn't pick up on his meticulously chosen words.

"You promise...?" Xander lifted his head high enough to gaze at the vampire with wet, suspicious eyes.

"I promise," Angel replied softly, his eyes gentle. "I know you don't think much of me, but I give you my word of honor. In my day, that generally used to be sufficient between gentlemen."

The boy thought for a few moments, then nodded his tousled head dubiously. Blushing, he now noticed exactly where he was sitting and hastily escaped Angellap.lap. Clambering to his feet, the boy dithered anxiously for a few seconds before darting out the bathroom.

"See if you can eat some of your dinner," Angel called after the fleeing figure. "I don't want you to go to work hungry tomo mor morning!"

He stayed in the bathroom long enough to give the boy some privacy and him time to composed himself. Shutting off the shower, he exited the bath.

Only to meet a pair of wide, brown eyes watching him with wary intensity. Did the boy actually think he was going to leap across the room and attack him? Probably. He already did it once. But Christ Almighty that boy was delicious!

Carefully keeping his amusement hidden, he went around and blew out the lanterns that lit the room with a warm glow. Tonight, he chose to forgo the warmth of a fire, deciding that the hot air from the bathroom would be sufficient.

In the darkness he retrieved and changed into his pajamas. Climbing into bed, he was a bit taken aback and amused at the thick pillow wedged between him and Xander. If the boy slept like he had been, Angel was sure he would wake up with the boy sprawled all over him.