Dark Soul

"Angel," Xander sighed happily. "That's a beautiful name. Much better than Puppy." He could feel strong hands rubbing into his back, urging him closer as he gently kissed the smooth skin of Angel's shoulder. Purring against the pale flesh he moved his lips from Angel's shoulder, up his neck, and to his earlobe.

"It's gonna be OK now," he muttered." No more Sunnydale, no more Master, just you and me." Placing both hands on either side of Angel's head Xander lifted himself so he could stare at the vampire. Those soft brown eyes looking into his gave him admiration for the older vampire. Angel was more than just a vampire, Angel had depths, he had strengths and passions hiding under the surface. Every time he stared into those eyes he could see a glimpse of the real Angel, whoever the real him may be.

Xander had heard the stories, he knew that Angel was a strong master. The souled vampire had even held his own against The Master. Despite having lost the battle there was no denying the strength of the vampire. But in his current state Angel was just too afraid of the world to share any of himself with it.

The more Xander thought, the more he realized that Angel was truly like a puppy. Loyal, obedient, and starved for attention. His attention at least. It was hard to believe that this vampire was once the Scourge of Europe.

Angel's appearance even seemed harmless. And despite the bruises and battered flesh, the vampire was truly a sight of beauty. Looking at that face Xander could easily see why so many could mistake this creature for an angel.

"You're beautiful," Xander said softly. Angel's eyes shut and a small smile briefly crossed the older vampire's face. A shiver went down Xander's spine and he cupped Angel's cheek, balancing himself on one hand, while rubbing the vampire's soft pale skin with his thumb.

"I can't believe you can still smile after all of this," he murmured. Gently, Xander pressed his lips against the elder vampire's. He straddled Angel's waist and went limp as he placed both hands on Angel's head, intwining his fingers in the dark brown hair.

Angel's hands dug into the leather of Xander's jacket and the older vampire pulled him closer. Lips parted under the pressure of the younger vampire's and Angel accepted Xander's tongue into his mouth. For the first time they shared a passionate kiss. It was slow and undemanding. It felt real. It felt like a new beginning.

Xander closed his eyes and went on autopilot as he explored Angel's mouth. Through their cloths, he felt the older vampire's hard cock rubbing against his own. Neither of them had control over their actions and they rocked slowly together, tongues lazily thrusting against each other. Being a vampire definitely had it's up sides. They stayed locked together for minutes, enjoying the feel of being connected.

Xander was the one to pull back. Slowly he opened his groggy eyes and stared down at the beautiful vampire known as Angel. No longer his Puppy. But the vampire was still his.

His Angel.

Angel looked back at him and smiled. It sent another chill down Xander's spine and he felt the need to give them both release. To watch that beautiful body writhe in pleasure, making Angel feel things which he himself wanted so bad to feel at that moment.

"Angel," Xander moaned and lowered his head to the older vampire's neck, biting lightly into the smooth skin he found there. Angel shivered in pleasure and thrust his hips up, pushing his cock against Xander's.

"I'm gonna make you feel good Angel. I'm gonna make you feel so damn good," he repeated and slowly kissed his way down Angel's neck, to the vampire's broad chest. His mouth descended on Angel's nipple and he took the brown nub into his mouth. Lazily he swirled his tongue over the nub and bit lightly, continuously adding pressure until it hardened.

"Xander," Angel moaned as his back arched off the bed.

"Shh. It's OK," Xander muttered as he removed his mouth from the wet nub. Kissing his way down the toned stomach he slowly rubbed his hands over the smooth flesh of Angel's chest, rubbing lightly over the bruises. Reaching the vampire's sensitive nipples, Xander pinched the nubs lightly as his mouth descended on Angel's navel -- his tongue thrusting into the tiny hole.

"Xander," Angel continued to moan.

Xander's hands moved lower until they were at the waistband of Angel's slacks. Swirling his tongue around the older vampires navel he unbuttoned Angel's pants and slowly unzipped them, freeing the vampire's bulging erection.

Angel continued to moan Xander's name while thrusting his hips up frantically, searching for friction. Taking the shaft in his hand Xander stroked it a few times before lightly kissing a path to the enlarged leaking cock. He placed his tongue over the bulbous head he twirled the wet length in small, slow circles, tasting the older vampire. The action caused Angel to claw frantically at the mattress and arch his back further.

Xander hadn't had much experience with oral sex. He'd only done it for Willow a few times, and once with a said blond who he didn't want to remember. But he wanted to taste Angel. He wanted to suck, fuck, and do so many things to the vampire's body.

Taking the head into his mouth he sucked in earnest. Angel began to spasm and the elder vampire thrust his hips up, forcing more of his length into Xander's mouth. Xander nearly gagged, but managed to hold back. He wanted Angel to enjoy himself.

Playing with the waistband of Angel's slacks he slowly pushed them down the vampires legs until they were off his body. Xander threw them to the floor and placed his hands on Angel's naked thighs, trying to slow down the older vampires frantic thrusts into his mouth.

With a bit of concentration Xander managed to relax his jaw, allowing the throbbing length to slide to the back of his throat, engulfing Angel's cock completely. His own erection pulsed painfully against the leather of his pants. He used one hand to massage the elder vampire's balls and reached with his other to free his own erection.

Angel continued to moan and began to frantically thrust into Xander's cool, wet mouth. Xander allowed the invasion and took all Angel had to give, wanting the vampire to find pleasure and release within him. Several punishing thrusts later the older vampire climaxed in his mouth. The look of pure pleasure and lust on Angel's face as he found his orgasm was enough to send Xander over the edge as he jerked his own erection rapidly, before coming into the tight channel of his fist.

Xander suckled every last drop of Angel's dead seed before removing the softening length from his throat. He took one last look at Angel, and noticed the vampire had passed out into a happy slumber. Feeling his muscles cramp he collapsed his head on Angel's thigh.

His mind was soaring. It felt good to finally be able to release some tension and every thought, every worry, seemed to wash away in post orgasmic bliss. But his euphoric state ended when his ears caught the sounds of clapping from the doorway.

"Wow! That was hot."

"Oh, SHIT!" Xander jumped and quickly tucked himself back into his pants while covering Angel's nude body with his jacket.

"Don't get all dressed up on my account. I just came to say that I'm out of blood. I'll have to pick some up tomorrow."

Xander looked at the Angel once again, the vampire still soundly asleep, before rolling to the side and sitting up, facing the blond at the doorway.

"How long were you there?" he said flustered.

"Only long enough to catch the post orgasm cuddling, very cute."

Xander averted his eyes from her, he was completely embarrassed. The feeling seemed off because embarrassment was an emotion he'd never felt as a vampire. A perk of having a soul he guessed.

"Don't worry," Buffy rolled her eyes. "I didn't see anything. Well, maybe just a bit." Her lips arched into a smile and she stared at the ground, trying to hold back a giggle." Just... Wow."

"Wow what?" Xander looked at her, his eyes narrowed questioningly.

"Well I just thought..." Eyes meeting Xander's, Buffy shook her head. "Never mind. I don't really know what to think. I just thought you two were like, really close friends. But I guess this makes more sense. Maybe I should clap again, I feel you need a round of applause."

"No!" Xander responded quickly and placed a hand over his face." No need for that. I just... I'm a little embarrassed."

"Don't worry about it."

Xander took his hand away from his face and watched as a grinning Slayer approached the bed. He tensed, still unsure whether or not she was trustworthy. On the opposite side of the mattress she sat near a sleeping Angel, staring at him.

"I've seen much worse." Buffy reassured." I mean, at least you're both attractive. I still get nightmares from time I saw this greeny, slimy thing, bent over a sofa taking..." Lifting her head, she saw the look of confusion on Xander's face and sighed. "I'm talking too much aren't I? Feel free to shush me if I'm talking too much."

Xander shook his head. "No, it's fine."

"Well OK then." A moment of silence passed as Buffy stared down at Angel. Cupping the sleeping vampire's cheek, her lips curved into a sad smile. "I can't believe you got him to sleep."

Xander felt nervous. He nearly growled because she was touching his vampire. But decided against it because the scene was plain odd to him. Was she taking care of Angel? This was the Slayer right? He hadn't crossed into some alternate universe were she actually cared about a vampire, did he?

"What do you mean?" he spoke softly.

"Well," she sighed, eyes fixed on the sleeping vampire. "He hasn't really slept. The night I found him he was a bit of a mess. Well, he still is. But I haven't been able to get him to relax. He tosses, he turns, he screams, he cries, but he doesn't really sleep. I just can't believe you managed to do it."

"Do you... Care about him?"

"Kind of. Or, I think I do, I'm not sure. But I want to help him get better. The way I found him, I just can't believe anyone would want to hurt him. He's harmless."

She looked genuinely concerned. Maybe the Slayer wasn't as bad as Xander had originally thought.

"You're really not a cold hearted bitch are you?"

"Wow, that was a little harsh," she looked at him sternly.

"Sorry."

Her stern look broke into a humorous smile. "Oh, no problem. I am a cold hearted bitch. You just caught me on an off day. Go ahead, ask around, anyone will tell you."

Xander smiled at the Slayer's comment. So she didn't take herself too seriously. That was plus as far as he was concerned. However, her expression quickly turned into confusion the moment he smiled.

"You're not really what I had expected. I mean, from the way Angel described you I thought..."

"What did he say?" Xander interrupted.

"Not much. Just that the dark vampire saved him from hell. I didn't find out until later that your name was Xander."

"How?" He quickly replied. He knew he probably sounded like an eager child, but that didn't matter. Angel had talked about him, and what the vampire had to say he really wanted to know.

"I found him huddled in the corner of the room just, crying. I tried to comfort him but he wouldn't stop, he said he could feel him... Well, I guess that would be you. But he said he could feel you searching for him. He wouldn't stop apologizing, he kept saying he was sorry for leaving. That's when he told me what had happened."

Taking her hand away from Angel's face Buffy laid it in her lap. "You're not playing with him are you?" her tone became cold. "If this is some kind of game to you don't think for a second I won't kill you."

A warning snarl emitted from Xander. "I'd never hurt him," he growled. Having someone accuse him of trying to hurt Angel when he'd given up everything for the vampire made him incredibly angry."That's more than I can say for you. Don't think I don't know what you did. He told me. You hurt him you stupid..."

"Keep your voice down!" she warned. "It's not my fault. Can you really blame me? I'm the Slayer. He vamped right in front of me, what did you expect me to do?" Buffy sighed and took a deep breath to calm herself. "Listen, I wish I could take it back. But I can't. I hit him and... I just... I'm sorry OK. I feel really bad about it."

"What made you stop?" Xander said softly. He did need to keep his emotions under control. Seeing Angel sleeping comfortably made him feel happy, and he couldn't bring himself to wake the vampire over something as petty as the Slayer. She did seem to care about Angel, which made it easier for him to keep his anger under control.

"He told me he had a soul, but I wouldn't listen. I just kept hitting him. But he wouldn't fight back, and just couldn't bring myself to keep hitting him." Her expression saddened and she leaned down to kiss the sleeping vampires forehead. "I'm so sorry," she whispered.

Xander felt jealousy well up inside him. He'd always been very possessive, and he didn't like the way she had kissed Angel. Even if it was just a peck on the forehead.

"Was this before or after you found out about me?" Xander asked.

Sitting up straight, Buffy stared at Xander, their eyes caught each other.

"After."

He gave her an indignant look. "Wait a minute. You knew he was rescued, and waiting, for me, a vampire, and you had no clue he was one? That's really pathetic."

"Well sorry if I wanted to believe he was human, you'd rather I'd kill him?" she retorted angrily.

"I still think you're trying to kill him, and me. Or use him. I haven't decided."

"After all this I still can't believe you'd think I'm trying to kill you. I would have done it by now if that's really what I wanted. And what the hell does that mean, trying to use him?"

"I think you know what that means." He glared at her and she returned the look. Silence swept the room as they stared angrily at each other. With a growl Xander broke the tense moment. "Don't act like you don't know, I heard your little chat on the phone."

"And?" She shrugged her shoulders. "That was none of your business. Any conversation I have in the privacy of my home has nothing to do with you."

"What are you hiding?" Xander got off bed and made his way to the other side, invading Buffy's personal space. She stood to meet the challenge and they stared each other down, nose to nose. Even though he was taller than her, her presence dwarfed his own and he felt himself shrink under her glaring eyes. Damn, he wished she hadn't kicked his ass in the fight or he might actually have seemed intimidating.

"You want to know what I'm hiding? FINE!" She jabbed him in the chest with her index finger, pushing him slightly back. "But if I tell you all about me you have to tell your little story. No holding back. I want to know exactly what you sick vamps did to Angel," she huffed. "He wanted me to call him Puppy at first. Do you realize how sick that is?"

Xander narrowed his eyes. "OK, deal. You tell me your story, I'll tell you mine."

"Alright," she sighed. Crossing her arms over her chest she slumped her shoulders, her features softened. "I'm the Slayer. I have no watcher, and I live here in L.A. I call this hotel, the Hyperion, home. I've been active Slayer for a little over four years, which makes me the longest living Slayer in history. And I need that vampire's help." She stared at the bed, indicating Angel. "Any questions?"

Xander looked at her dumbfounded. Yes, of course he had questions. In those few little sentences he could think of easily a thousand questions to ask her.

With a sigh he asked the first thing that came to mind. "Why do you need Angel?"

Her eyes met his again and he felt a cold chill. The thought crossed his mind that maybe this was the reason she had lasted so long – she was strong. Physically and mentally. Easily scarier than any vampire or demon he'd ever met, and she had layers to her which he wanted to explore. The more he knew about this Slayer the better. He didn't want any surprises.

"To help with the fight against... Well, evil." She responded. "Although, Wes doesn't think it's a good idea. But I believe with the right training, and time to get over this... situation. Angel could be an asset to us."

Xander quirked an eyebrow. "Are you just using him? Do you even care? Because I heard that conversation on the phone. You just want a vampire fighter, a puppet, I don't think you give a damn about him."

"Sorry if I didn't sound like the most caring person ever, but Wes doesn't exactly think vampires should be referred to as people. He freaked when I told him that I was going to help Angel. He's not really keen to the idea of helping him. Even if Angel does have a soul." She shrugged her shoulders. "Did you know he was one of the worst vampires, like, ever? That's pretty heavy stuff. But he has a soul, so I'll trust him until he gives me a reason not to."

"Let me get this straight. All that talk on the phone was just you humoring this guy, Wes?" Nod. "OK, but who's Wes?"

"That's a long story. He used to be a Watcher, but he's not anymore. It's, complicated."

"Can you just give me the long version," Xander sighed. "The more I know about you the better. And I think it'll help me feel more comfortable with this situation."

"Are you sure? It's more of a life story really."

"Like I said, the more I know the better. And hey, if it makes you feel any better I'll give you the whole scoop on my life. Human and vampire." Not that it mattered but if she asked him to describe every sexual position him and Willow had done in the past, he would give up that information. So long as she kept her end of deal and told all. He wanted to get inside her head, know what motivates her. Anything to keep him and Angel safe just in case she went all Slayer on them.

"OK," Buffy sighed. "Long version it is. A few years ago me and my mother moved to Cleveland. Nice city. Good malls, good McDonald's, huge gapping Hellmouth. Just your all around fun place to live. And big surprise, I had a Watcher there. I don't know if you're familiar with Watcher customs or the stupid things they do to Slayers; but they have this review, sort of a right of passage deal. They drugged me and I lost my Slayer strength." Her eyes darkened as she recalled the events. "They pitted me against this insane vampire. They purposely took my strength away so that I could prove my skill against that thing. They set it loose and just expected me to find it and kill it. It got my mom. I got home and she was laying on the floor, completely drained."

"I'm sorry," Xander said softly.

"Don't be."

With a sigh she continued. "Anyway, that's when I had had it. I couldn't deal with the Watcher's Council, it was their fault she died. So after I killed the vamp, I ran. My Watcher followed me. At first I thought he was trying to take me back. But he wasn't. He apologized to me for not stepping in and allowing what happened to happen. He cared about me more than the Council, so he helped me stay hidden. He had a contact at the Council, Wesley."

Xander took mental note of the bitterness and anger in her voice when she mentioned Wesley's name.

"They were really close friends I guess. And if you didn't know, the Watchers Council is nothing without a Slayer, and they weren't going to let me leave just like that. And Wes was supposed to inform my Watcher of any danger, he was supposed warn us when the Council had pinpointed our location. But if you knew Wes then you'd know that he was a by the books sort of guy. Everything had to be by the Council's decision. He couldn't stand by and let me stay hidden, so he informed the Council of my location and they came for me. They sent their three best, fighters I guess you'd call them. Wes came with them, and tried to warn us. He said he didn't know the Council was going to employ the three Watcher's they had. Apparently they were extremely dangerous and would go to any extreme to complete a mission. I found out first hand when they killed my Watcher while he was trying to help me escape. They shoot him in cold blood and all he was doing was trying to help me escape the life of a Slayer. I was so angry, so I fought back. I killed them. All three, with my bare hands, and I enjoyed it. So you were right Xander, I am cold."

"I don't think that makes you cold."

"What?" She stared at him, surprised by his reaction to her confession.

"I just don't think you have anything to be ashamed of."

"Who said I was ashamed?" She said sounding offended.

"Well aren't you? You took human lives, not really something a Slayer does I'd think." She glared at him, but there was no denial of the claim. Xander truly didn't know why he was trying to comfort her. But she was sharing her life with him, and he could see things from her point of view. He understood her more clearly now. A normal life, he could tell that's all she wanted, and he could easily sympathize with that. "But you were just avenging a friend, a close one. When I was turned I killed my parents, my whole family in fact. And even now, with a soul, I don't regret it. You shouldn't either."

"How is that the same?"

"It's vaguely the same, but we were both avenging someone."

Buffy cocked an eyebrow. "Who were you avenging?"

"Myself."

Her face exuded sorrow and pity. Perhaps for him, but he really didn't care. His family was dead and there was nothing he could do about it. There was nothing he wanted to do about it.

"What about Wes?" Xander asked, changing the subject. "Why didn't you kill him?"

"Well... I was, but I couldn't. He was huddled over my Watcher's body, crying. I guess I can't stand to see people cry, because watching the anguish in his eyes as he wept over my Watcher gave me comfort. It's sick, but he was suffering and I enjoyed it. Because he knows that it'll always be his fault for what happened. He's going to live with that guilt till the day he dies, and as long as I live I'm going to serve as a constant reminder of the lives he destroyed because he couldn't push the rules aside and follow his own heart."

"So what happened after that? How did you end up here in L.A.?"

"After the incident with my Watcher, Wesley volunteered to help me run and stay hidden. At least that's what he said, but he couldn't go back. It was his fault that four Watcher's were dead. The Council would've had his ass for that. So, I decided to come L.A.. And lets just say trouble follows me wherever I go. It's the reason I need Angel's help, and yours if you're willing." Her features saddened. "I'm sorry if it seems like I'm forcing you to stay here but I need all the help I can get. I know Angel needs a lot of help, and with you here I really think he'll recover. But I don't know if I can let you two just leave."

She took one last look at Xander, the vampires face frozen in shock, before walking to the corner of the room where she stopped in front of a dresser. A small urn placed alone in the center, she picked it up and held it in one had.

"The reason I choose L.A., is because my father lived here."

Xander was almost afraid to ask the next question. But knew she was waiting for him to ask it.

"Where is he?"

"Right here in my hand."

"What..."

"Xander," She interrupted. Attention on the urn she set it down on the dresser, her back to the vampire. "Ever heard of Wolfram&Hart?"

TBC


A/N: Umm, yeah... I don't know...