Safe

“When can we go? I’ve already been here four days. I hate hospitals.” Xander whined to Angel, pulling on his sleeve.

‘I don’t know why this new relationship, or whatever it is, with Angel doesn’t bother me. It’s just so new and different and I feel so safe when he’s around. Up until four days ago, I thought I hated him. Now, I don’t know what I feel really but I know it is not hate! I love kissing him and having him hold me. Whoa, I need to stop the mind babble!’

“We still have to tell you friends that you are coming to L.A. I don’t think they will be happy.”

“Yeah, I know.” Xander’s good mood started to falter.

“Don’t worry. We’ll tell them together. I’ll be right .” .” Angel leaned down and kissed Xander gently on the lips.

The room to Xander’s room opened and in walked Willow and Tara, followed by Giles and Buffy. Xander and Angel jumped apart like they were electrocuted.

Willow gave them a knowing look while Buffy just looked confused.

“Hey, Xan. How ya doing?” Willow walked over to the bed and gave him a peck on the forehead. When she turned around, she walked over the corner where Angel had fled. She looked him in the eyes and gave him a nod of approval. Willow pulled Angel into a tight hug and whispered in his ear, “Take care of him.” Then pulled away and walked back to Tara.

“Whoa, Wills, what was that for?” Buffy asked with mouth gaping like a fish.

“Oh, umm. I…I never thanked Angel for saving Xander from those vamps…”

Buffy seemed content with that explanation.

Xander’s doctor, Dr. Freed, chose that moment to come in, pushing a wheelchair. “Hello Xander, Angel. How’s the patient feeling today?”

“Good, real good. Good enough to go home even.”

“Well that’s good to hear, Xander, because I think you are ready to go, but first we have to go over your medications and how to take care of your stitches.”

“Finally, I can leave! Well out with it doc, I wanna hit the road!” Xander’s mood instantly lifted and Angel came over to the bed and took Xander’s hand in his.

“Settle down, Xander, you don’t want to pull any stitches and be stuck here for even longer.” Dr. Freed said with a smile. “Ok, now it is very important for you to take your pills as prescribed. The Demerol is for pain. Angel, he can only have 1 or 2 if he is in a lot of pain, every 4-6 hours. The Trazodone is for sleep, I know you have been having some nightmares, which is understandable. These pills will help. The Compazine is for nausea and vomiting. This you can take 3-4 times a day if needed. Now, this last one is only a precaution. Keflex is to be taken if your stitches become infected. You can take it 4 times a day and it should make the infection go away. I am going to give the bottles to Angel along with an information sheet. Make sure you take them.”

“Don’t worry, Dr. Freed, Angel won’t let me forgete sae said with a smile.

“Good. Now for your stitches. You are healing very well and will only need the stitches for about 2 weeks. Just come back here and we will take them out for you. In the meanwhile, you need to keep them dry and watch for infection. Signs of infection are swelling, tenderness, redness, heat, and drainage or pus. If you see any of those things, take the Keflex. This is an antibiotic cream.” He said, holding up a small tube. “This needs to be put on all of the stitches, including the ruptures. It will help them heal properly. Here are some extra gauze, tape, and alcohol. Make sure you use them!
Here is your wheelchair.”

Xander’s smile deflated and Angel moved closer and started to rub his back with one hand.

“Don’t worry, Xander, you won’t be in it for long, just until some of the swelling on your back goes away and you can walk without too much pain.” Dr. Freed continued, now speaking to Angel, “He will need to use this to move around, make sure he does or else he could cause more damage to his back. He will need help getting in and out of it but I am sure you will be able to handle that as well. Now if there are no questions, I will have a nurse bring your papers and you can get out of here. Good luck Xander.” With a smile to Angel, Dr. Freed left in search of a nurse.

“Hmm, that was weird; he just kept talking to Angel. Oh, well. Come on Xander, let’s get you dressed.” Buffy turned to the small dresser and started pulling out clothes.

“Um, actually, I want to talk to you guys first.” Xander’s grip tightened on Angel’s larger hand.

“Ok, go ahead but be speedy about it, I have class in 25 minutes and I still have to take you back to your parent’s house.”

Angel started to growl low in his throat at the mention of Xander’s parents.

With a quick glance at Angel, he started. “I’m not going back to my parent’s house, ever if I can help it. I’m moving in with Angel in L.A. He’s going to help me until I can get back on my feet and find a place of my own.”

“But what about We We can take care of you. You can’t just leave like this,” Buffy whined.

“I’m sure you can do without the donut boy for awhile. You’re all busy with your own lives and I’m not going to ask you to drop everything just to take care o. L. L.A. is only 2 hours away, if you really need me, I’ll be there. I’m sorry, Buffy, but I need to do this.”

“Why are you putting all this on Angel? I’m sure he doesn’t have time to play nursemaid to you,” Buffy said with a sneer.

“Actually, Buffy, I’m the one that asked Xander to move in with me. I feel he will be better taken care of by me.” Angel squeezed Xander’s slightly shaking hand in reassurance, as he faced off to his ex-girlfriend.

“Fine. Bye, Xander. Have fun with your new life,” Buffy huffed as she stomped out of the room followed by a muttering Giles.

Willow and Tara stepped forward. “I think this is great, Xander.” Willow had a wide smile on her face. “Tara and I will go back to your parent’s house and start packing your stuff. I’m glad you’re happy.” Tara just smiled at Xander and Angel as they left, holding each other’s hands.

Angel turned back to Xander. “Well, that didn’t go too bad…”

Xander’s eyes started to fill with tears as he started to shake. Angel sat next to him on the bed and pulled him into his arms.

“It’s ok. Giles and Buffy will come around. They were probably just shocked. It will get better.” Angel ran his hands over Xander’s back as the boy started to calm down.

“I’m sorry I’m such a cry baby, Angel.” He said, eyes downcast.

“You’re not a crybaby. You need to let it out. It’s ok. Now, let’s start getting you ready to go home.” Angel went to the dresser and picked up the clothes Buffy had dropped, a pair of sweatpants and a big T-shirt. He brought the clothes over to Xander and set them down on the bed. Xander started to pull the shirt over his head as Angel put his unresponsive legs into the sweatpants and pulled them up, trying to ignore the impressive package Xander had nestled warmly between his legs. Xander had a hard time getting his shirt over his head so Angel found him a button down shirt instead.

“Thanks,” Xander couldn’t look Angel in the face, afraid he would die from embarrassment.

“No problem.” Angel put two fingers under Xander’s chin and pulled his head up to look at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Why do you want me to live with you? I can’t walk, I can’t even dress myself.”

“You were hurt very badly, you just need to heal. I want you to live with me because I care a lot about you and don’t want you to get hurt anymore. I’d also enjoy the company. Its lonely brooding all the time.” This pulled a small smile from Xander as he let go of a huge yawn.

“Go to sleep, I’ll get everything ready to go.”

“Angel…will you hold me?”

Angel smiled, “Sure, scoot over.” Xander was pulled into strong arms and soon fell asleep.


TBC…