September 10, 2002
For AJ, to cheer her up. Warnings: non-con.
* * *
Xander ran in the streets. It was dark, but he didn't really care. He just needed to get away. He had had enough. His dad was a complete jerk and it was time he ran from home. He looked around, suddenly realizing he wasn't on his way to Buffy's or Willow's. //Ok... why am I running to the mansion??// He asked himself puzzled.
He stopped dead in his tracks and started to turn around, intending on running to either of his friends' houses. He really didn't want to deal with Deadboy right now. Xander wouldn't be able to hide the fact from him. The vampire would know, and the young man didn't want that.
As he started to walk, he heard laughing and growling coming from where he was heading. "Well, isn't this a pretty one? What are you doing out here beauty? You got a death wish? Well, I think we can indulge you." The leader of the vampires said to him from where he had just appeared, out of the blue, a few feet in front of Xander.
//Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What am I gonna do now? They're blocking the way out!// He started panicking, but then took a deep breath. //It's death or Deadboy. I don't know which I prefer! Oh Well, dang! Deadboy, wait for me!//
He turned around and quickly started to run towards the mansion. He sprinted as fast as he could, pulling the last inch of strength left in his broken body. //Dammit dad! Why did you do this to me?// He screamed in his head as he could feel his legs starting to give up. He was only a few meters away from the mansion, he could see the door, but he knew he wouldn't be able to get in. He had been running too much on his broken feet, they wouldn't hold out.
"There pretty boy. Just let us take care of you. We don't want all that juicy sweet blood going to waste."
"Angel!" Xander screamed as he felt the hands of the lead vampire close on his arm, just as he fell to the ground, hissing in pain.
Xander could feel the vampire's fangs pressing against his skin and then nothing more. He turned to his side. //Ahhh! dammit it hurts!// and watched as Angel quickly dusted the four minions. Either the vampires were stupid or Angel was really pissed, cause it couldn't have taken more than a few seconds to dispatch them all.
"Xander? Are you all right?" Angel asked, concerned, as he knelt beside the young man.
"Does it look like I'm all right Deadboy?" Xander grumbled, as he tried to sit down. The bruises on his bottom made it too hard, so he just let himself fall back on the floor.
"Let me help." Angel said, taking the young man in his arms, making sure not to hit any of the visible wounds.
"Ow! Careful!" Xander yelped.
"Sorry. It's not like I can see where you're hurt can I."
"Sorry." Xander said, hiding his head in Angel's shoulder in shame.
"It's nothing. You're hurt. Who did that to you? It can't be those pathetic vampires, they were idiots." Angel grumbled. "They wouldn't even have bitten properly I'm guessing." Angel entered his bedroom and lowered the broken boy on the bed. "Here. I'm gonna get the first aid kit, don't move."
"Not like I can, is it?" Xander had no more strength in him. He had used all he had running here and now he didn't even have the energy to keep his eyes open.
"Sleep... if you trust me enough." Angel said, coming back with the first aid kit. "I'll patch you up while you sleep, that way it won't hurt as much." Xander nodded, not even able to reply.
Angel gently took off the boy's clothing, leaving Xander in his underwear. The young body was all kinds of colors, raging from dark red to a slight yellow. //Shit! That's been going on for a while!// The vampire thought, enraged. He gently traced the edges of the many bruises and cuts with his fingers. //I wonder who's been doing that to him?//
Shaking his head, he started to disinfect and patch all the cuts, going from Xander's neck to his feet methodically, trying not to miss any part of injured flesh. Strangely enough, the boy's face, as well as the part of his body hidden under his boxer shorts weren't bruised in any way. Not that Angel had looked, but the cuts and bruises seemed to stop at the upper edge of the young man's underwear and to start again a little above the knee. //Seems like the one that's been doing that to him knows what he's doing. And these cuts... just too well placed. The bastard knows how to use a belt. He must have a lot of practice.// Angel thought, shivering. The single thought of Xander hurting made him angry and he felt helpless.
And what about the boy's parents? They didn't see any of this? What if...
//Shit!// Why hadn't he thought about it sooner? //Son of a bitch!// He stood up in anger. How a human could do that this his own kid was beyond any rational thoughts the vampire had. //Son. Of. A. Bitch.//
Xander whimpered in his sleep and started moaning painfully. "NO!" He screamed as he woke up suddenly, sitting straight up in the bed. In a heartbeat Angel was at his side, gently stroking his back. "It's ok. You're not there anymore. I won't hurt you."
Xander looked at him, panting. He swallowed hard, tears welling up in his eyes. He buried his head in Angel's shoulder and started sobbing hysterically.
"Shhhh." Angel whispered in an attempt to sooth the human. He wanted Xander to calm down so he could finish patching him up, he still had to do the feet, but he knew the young man needed to let it out.
The vampire gently wrapped his arms around the boy's shivering form, hugging him to his chest, though not hurting him. "Shhh, it's all right." He might not have been very fond of the human before, but he found himself wanting nothing more than to soothe him and hug him until Xander felt better. //Why do I feel this way?// He wondered, closing his eyes.
He took a deep breath taking in the mixed smell of Xander's tears and blood, all sweet and pure. //Who would ever want to hurt you?// Angel understood so much now. //You hide. That's what you do. You hide behind jokes and insults because it makes you feel better, it makes you think you are worth something when they laugh at your jokes and they believe it, they believe in your funny self because that's what you want. No questions, no looks, just laughter and joy... but it'll never go away, you're just avoiding the fact.//
Angel didn't say any of it aloud, but at last he understood. And the last his anger towards Xander faded to nothing. "Shhh, it'll be all right, I'll protect you, no one will harm you ever again..."
"I didn't..." Xander took a deep breath through the sobs. "I didn't want anyone to know. It hurts." He said in a small voice.
"It's ok, I'm here. I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to. But you're not going back there. As Willow says: 'You see? Resolve face'."
Xander chuckled at that, looking up at Angel's face. "Thanks... Deadboy."
"Anytime... Now, I need to patch your feet up."
"I think... I think one is broken." Xander replied, as Angel untangled himself just enough to take a look at the young man's feet.
"Damn!" Angel exclaimed, taking the foot in his hand. "It is broken. I'll... I can fix it, but it'll hurt."
"You'll patch it up after? I won't have to go to the hospital will I?"
Angel looked up at Xander's fear filled eyes. //What is it with hospitals?// "No, you won't have to go, I promise. But it'll hurt."
"S'ok... I'm kinda so very much in pain right now, can't really be worse than I ever felt..."
Angel nodded. No, it probably wouldn't be worse. But the vampire still felt bad at the idea of hurting the boy more. "If it hurts too much, tell me. I'll think of another way if it does."
Xander nodded and Angel stood up, taking the feet in both hands. "Hang in there ok?" The boy nodded again and bit his lip, watching the vampire's every movement.
//Ok, the hard and fast way. It'll hurt more, but for a shorter time.// Angel thought, while gently putting his hands in place on Xander's foot. A big crack was heard and Xander screamed in pain. "It's done." Angel said, trying to sound encouraging.
"Thanks." Xander said, panting and his eyes watering. He gulped. "It hurt... but it's all right now."
Angel nodded, concentrating on his task. He quickly bandaged up the foot and helped Xander lay back down on the bed. "There, try to sleep again. I'll... I won't be far."
Xander nodded, letting the vampire tuck him in. He had never seen Angel so tender, but it felt good. "Thanks a lot Angel." He said, as the vampire went to leave the room. He didn't want to vampire to leave. "Don't go?" He whispered almost inaudibly.
Angel turned around. "What?"
"Nothing." Xander shrugged.
"I heard what you said. Just... why do you want me to stay?"
"I... I don't think I can sleep alone... it's... bad dreams... I'm..." He gulped before stating truthfully. "I'm scared."
Angel felt his heart melt at the words. He walked to the bed and lay himself down next to Xander, wrapping a protective arm around him.
Xander settled into the half embrace. He did not remember a time when he felt more protected. "Thank you." The young man's muffled voice drifted off to Angel's ears.
"Sleep Xander, you need it."
Xander felt himself begin to relax. Angel's solid coolness felt good against his overly warm body. Finally, soothed by the vampire's words and his warm embrace, the boy let sleep take over him.
***
The next morning, Xander awoke to the smell of fresh coffee. Just like when they'd be out patrolling late and he'd sleep on the couch at Buffy's. Her mom made the best coffee. He sat on the bed, taking in his surroundings. //Ok, not at Buffy's...// Suddenly, he remembered everything. He blushed in shame and took his head in his hands, not even registering the pain. //How am I ever gonna live that down?//
Angel chose that moment to enter the room with a tray. "Hey, you're up." He said, looking at Xander. He placed the tray on the nightstand. "Are you all right?" He asked, concerned.
Xander looked up at him. "I've been beaten up by my dad, almost bitten by a vamp and YOU, of all the people I know in this God forsaken town, patched me up. Of course I'm all right!" Xander laughed hysterically.
"Whoa! Calm down." Angel exclaimed. "I'm just trying to help. And I'm NOT going to tell anyone I promised you as much, so don't hide it with me ok? You don't have to hide."
Xander took a deep breath. "I don't know why, but I trust you."
"Might be all the cuts and bruises I patched up and the broken foot I..."
"All right. You are a great nurse... now I smelled coffee?"
"Here." Angel said, reaching on the nightstand to take the tray. He sat cross-legged in the middle of the bed, the tray in front of him. //So not Angel-y... Never seen him so... relaxed.// Xander thought. //He almost looks... happy.// He added in his mind as Angel looked up at him with a smile.
"I didn't know how you took your coffee so I brought everything here."
"Gee, thanks." Xander said simply.
Xander reverently put milk and sugar in his coffee and then took a careful sip. //Ya never know with him, it might be poisoned or something... or something!// "Wow. Never thought you'd be able to make good coffee."
Angel looked at him and smiled lightly. "Well... I learned."
"You had a good teacher because this has to be one of the finest coffees I've ever tasted." Xander exclaimed in wonder.
"Well..." Angel looked down at the bed sheet. "Thanks."
An awkward tension settled in the room and Xander looked at his cup of coffee. He drank in silence, as Angel was lost deep in his thoughts.
"I..."
"Well..."
They both started talking at the same moment, as Xander placed his empty cup back on the tray.
They looked at each other and smiles started to creep over their faces. A few seconds later, they were laughing harder than they had in a long time, just a look at the other starting the laughing back up again.
"Why..." Angel tried to speak between bursts of laughter. "Why are we laughing so hard?"
Xander just looked at him and smiled, before bursting into laughter again. "I don't know, but it's funny!"
After a while, the pain in Xander's back and belly started to become unbearable and he calmed himself enough to take deep breaths. He closed his eyes, and willed the pain to go away.
"Hey. Are you ok?"
Xander shook his head.
"Where does it hurt the most?"
Xander took a very deep breath and opened his eyes, to find dark chocolate ones looking at him, worried. "My back." He whispered his voice hoarse from the pain and laughter.
Angel nodded and helped Xander to roll onto his stomach. He looked at the angry looking wounds and sighed.
"It's gonna be all right, I'll just clean them again." //I hope they'll heal quickly, because he's gonna be in pain as long at they haven't...//
"Some might need stitches though... you trust me enough to do that?"
"You good with a needle?"
"I... I honestly don't know."
"All right... just don't try to experiment. Stitch them up, but no funny patterns or anything." Xander scolded the vampire playfully.
Angel laughed lightly and pulled everything he needed out of the first aid kit. An hour later, Xander was laying on his back, looking at the ceiling, as Angel was looking at his foot, making sure it was healing correctly.
"You should be ok for a while. I'll change the bandages later..."
"Angel?" Xander asked, interrupting the vampire.
"What?"
"Thanks. It means a lot to me."
Angel shrugged. "It's nothing."
"It is something to me... I'm.. no one's ever taken care of me."
Angel felt his melt at the words. He wanted to hug the young man tightly, but he knew better than to scare him.
Secretly, Xander had wished Angel would just take him in his arms, but he didn't think he would. The vampire would never do it, or want to do it. //But he did last night.// He thought. //Yeah, but you were sobbing... not really what you want now is it? Nah, but...//
Angel looked at Xander's face as a lot of emotion flickered. "Are you all right?"
Xander shook his head again. "I told you I wasn't..." Xander answered, looking at his hands.
Angel looked around the room, trying to avoid Xander. But he couldn't keep his eyes away. He tentatively reached a hand out and brushed it over Xander's in a tender gesture. "I wish I could make it all better." He said, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't believe he had even said that, but he couldn't take it back.
Xander's heart jumped in his chest and his breathing increased as he looked at Angel's hand on his. He heard what the vampire said and something must have squeezed his heart, because it felt so tight. He gulped and licked his lips, not knowing what to say. "You... you do make it better... yesterday... and today... you... you're the first one to ever take care of me. It means a lot and... thank you. I... I..." He stuttered. "I never thought you... you could be so caring. You..."
Angel placed the tray back on the nightstand and sat back beside Xander on the bed. He gently wrapped his arms around the warm human and laid his head on Xander's shoulder.
Xander sighed in contentment. "Why is it that this feels so good?"
"I don't know. But I have to agree with you, it feels much better than all the insults we used to throw at each other."
"Yup." Xander replied with a smile. "You..." //God! I can't believe I'm even gonna say this!//
"What?" Angel asked curious.
Xander took a deep breath. "You know, I think... I think I want to stay here. I feel good here and... I think... I think..."
"It's ok, you don't have to say it."
"No. I have to... I need to... it's something I need to say now, or I'll just store it up in my mind and never tell you..."
"Ok then... but you don't have to force yourself..."
"I know." Xander looked up in Angel's eyes. He breathed deeply once more before diving up for the big confession. "I love it when you... take care of me like that."
Angel smiled warmly, brushing the back of his hand over Xander's cheek. "I love taking care of you." He said simply before leaning in and gently laying a chaste kiss on Xander's lips.
The young man was shocked, but didn't push the vampire away. "What was that for?" He asked, as Angel broke the kiss.
Angel looked into Xander's eyes, shocked at is own actions. "I... I... umm."
Xander blushed and looked down, not able to sustain the heat of the vampire's gaze. He started babbling. "Not that I didn't like it or anything... I'm kinda curious, because, so not what I'd ever picture you doing, or me for that matter." He chuckled nervously. "Well, um, I guess I'll just stop talking then."
"No." Angel said warmly.
"What?" Xander asked looking up.
"Don't stop. I love to hear you talk." If vampire's could blush, Angel would be as red the silk sheet on his bed. Xander gaped at the vampire's words. "I'm... sorry." Angel said looking down.
Xander shook his head, trying to clear his head. "You like when I talk? I mean... that's... never thought you..."
Angel stood up nervously and took the tray. "I'll get that back in the kitchen... you... um, you just rest."
Xander nodded. //This was so weird. Angel... he's so weird... well weirder than he is habitually. And what is it with my heart beating so fast?//
He lay down on the bed and looked at the ceiling. //And his lips on mine. It... felt so damn good. But... ooohh so not going there. I DON'T want Deadboy to kiss me again. Oh no. Never. So not thinking about his wonderful cool lips on mine, strong... Oh damn. Shit. This is just getting to strange... I need to get away from here. It's this place... or I'm under some kind of spell...//
Angel walked down the stairs into the kitchen. He placed the tray on the counter and grabbed a hold of it with his hands, closing his eyes, he breathed deeply. //I shouldn't have... this is just too much. I can't... can't get into anything like this again. I... He needs me, but I can't. His lips... so warm and strong, but soft and... Oh God. This is not good at all. And... no matter how I feel, he'll never... he's not into guys. He's handsome and so nice. He's funny and he... needs me. Nothing else. Only needs someone to take care of him... to care for him. But I can't care! Not the way I... seem to want to. Xander Harris... who would've thought?// He shook his head. //I know what I want, but I also know I'll never get it, so I just need to get over it and go back in there. Treat his wounds, get him all tucked up, then...// He looked at the clock. //I have all afternoon to think. I'll ring Giles. Just to let him know Xander won't be there today... And tonight... he needs clothes. That's it, just need to organize everything and stick to it... this way, it won't get out of control...//
The day passed really slowly for both men. Angel cleaned the wounds again in the afternoon. Xander needed a bath, but the vampire didn't want to even approach the subject. It was clear the young man couldn't take one by himself and Angel wasn't quite ready to see him... not so clothed. He needed more time to build his resolve enough for him to avoid embarrassing situations. What had happened that morning couldn't happen again.
Xander didn't talk at all for the whole day. He answered Angel's questions, but that was it. He couldn't trust his mouth enough to start talking about anything else. He was afraid he might say something he would regret.
The sun was settling down when Angel returned to the room, after having paced in his living room for the last two hours. He looked at Xander, reading a book, and smiled slightly, before regaining his composure. //He likes to read. Who would've thought?//
"Xander?" Angel asked gently.
//Can't he be a little less caring? Ohh please?// "What?" Xander replied.
"I'll... I'll go see the gang at the library... You need anything?"
"Chocolate?" Xander asked hopeful. Chocolate could cure anything. Especially emotional mess.
"Sure." Angel grinned, proud of himself. //Already knew he'd want that!// "Anything else? Clothes?"
"Mmm... I suppose clothes are of the good, but... how are you gonna find some?"
"I could... I could go to your house and sneak in. Not like your parents can hear me if I make myself really quiet."
"You've never been invited in my house Deadboy. It wouldn't work."
Angel looked down. "You're right. You have another idea?"
"I could... maybe I could call Wills. She'd go for me."
"Wouldn't she ask a lot of questions?"
Xander shook his head in desperation. "It's your turn to be right. Damn!" He took his head in his hands.
"Well... we could try something. I'll go to the library... then I'll come back and take you there, you can invite me in and I'll help you get your things. I'll try and borrow Giles' car."
"Mmm... my parents will be there." Xander said, suddenly scared. This was probably the best idea, but...
"I know. Don't worry. I won't let them touch or even get near you."
Xander smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Thanks."
"I'll... I'll be going then. Have to put up an appearance at the meeting before I can come back here. Do you need anything before I leave?"
"Maybe something to drink. I'll read most of the time you're gone."
"All right, I'll bring you a glass of water."
Angel smiled slightly at Xander and left the room. He quickly brought a glass of water with some crackers before leaving the mansion and heading towards the library, where everyone was gathered to prepare the Ascension.
"Angel! there you are!" Buffy exclaimed when he entered the room. "You said you'd be here as soon as sun sets."
"Sorry Buffy. I got here as soon as I could." The vampire said, walking towards them.
"Well, now that you're here, we can start." Giles said, replacing his glasses on his nose. "Have you seen Xander?" The watcher suddenly asked out of the blue. "You called me earlier, and I tried to reach him but his parents... were quite.... er, well they said he wasn't there and that they didn't know where he was."
"I saw him. He told me he had something to do."
"That's what you told me on the phone, but I was hoping you might have seen him again since then."
"No. Sorry." Angel replied, looking down. He hated lying to them about Xander. He knew they all cared a lot for the young man, but he had promised.
"All right. If you are quite finished we could get to the matter at hand?" Wesley interrupted them, just before Giles could make another comment. Angel growled inwardly. He really didn't like the other watcher very much.
There was something about Wes that made Angel uncomfortable. Maybe it was because the young man was always so... tight. //He sticks to the rules too much. Like he's afraid of what will happen if he lets himself go.// Angel shook his head. He didn't have time to worry about that now. Graduation day was approaching and they had to be ready.
Two hours later, Angel looked at Giles and asked to talk to him privately. "Yes?" The librarian asked, taking off his glasses."
"Sorry to bother you Giles, but I... um, I'd like to borrow your car... if it's possible." Angel asked, stuttering and looking down. He hated to have to ask a favor of the man. He knew Giles hated him and that always made him uncomfortable.
"And why do you need it?" Not that Giles really minded lending it to the souled vampire, but seeing Angel so nervous made him want to play a little.
"I, umm... I need to collect something... I heard... that someone in LA might have a book of prophesies and I'd... like to check it out... it might help Buffy." Angel kept stuttering. He was so bad at lying. But he needed to.
Giles nodded and retrieved the car keys from his pocket. "When did you heard about the book?" He asked out of curiosity. Something about the vampire, probably his nervousness, was telling the watcher that he hadn't heard the whole story, but he chose to let it pass and trust Angel. Whatever it was, it must be important if the vampire needed to ask HIM for his car.
"I heard about it yesterday." Angel replied. "I think it might need a proper look." He added.
Giles nodded once again. "Bring it over here when you get it, I'll give it a good look too."
Angel nodded back and took the keys from the librarian hand. They headed back to the table and Angel waved goodbye and went out into the night.
Angel hurriedly drove back to the mansion and walked up the stairs to his room, where Xander was sleeping, snoring softly.
The vampire stood in the doorway, watching the sleeping teenager. //He looks so peaceful and innocent.// Quietly, so not to wake Xander up too abruptly, he walked to the bed and sat on the edge, near Xander's pillow.
He brought his hand up to Xander's face and tenderly started to brush the back on the boy's cheek. "Hey. Wake up." He whispered.
Xander groaned in his sleep and slowly turned around to lie on his back as he started to awaken. Angel's hand drifted to his lips and the vampire couldn't stop himself from gently caressing the warm flesh, before withdrawing his hand abruptly and standing up.
Xander felt the cool fingers on his lips and felt his heart tighten. //Oooh, it feels so good.// He thought sleepily. He felt Angel's nervousness as the vampire quickly stood up.
"Angel?" His voice was hoarse with sleep.
He tried to make it sound as if he'd just woken up and hadn't felt the vampire's gentle caresses.
"Yes." Angel replied. "You need to wake up if you want other clothes. I hate to wake you up like this but it's our only chance before tomorrow night."
Xander brought his fists up to his face and rubbed his eyes, trying to take the sleepiness away. He sat, hissing from the pain, but not laying back down, and blinked. Shaking his head, he pushed the covers aside. Angel stared at him. He was beautiful. His hair ruffled and his eyes sleepily looking around. The sight was priceless. Sexy.
The vampire took a deep unneeded breath and looked away.
//I shouldn't look at him like that.// Angel thought, trying to get himself together. "You need help?" He asked gently, almost too gently.
"Yes, please." Xander replied. "You think I could get crutches. I hate having to ask you every time I want to move." //Cause I must be so annoying. And as weird as this may sound, I don't want to annoy you.//
Angel thought for a second. "I think I could find something for you to use until we can find actual crutches."
"I know my dad keeps a pair of crutches in the closet of the living room." //Mom used to need them a lot.// He thought before adding. "We could get these while we're there." He felt stronger, almost unbreakable with Angel there with him.
"I'll get them while you pack." Angel said, feeling the little shiver of fear that swept through Xander at the mention of the living room.
Xander nodded and took hold of Angel's shoulder, the other man wrapping his right arm around the human and helping him up, making sure to take most of the weight on himself. He didn't want Xander to walk on his injured feet.
Carefully, they made their way downstairs and out of the door. Angel helped Xander sit in the passenger seat of Giles' car and then hurried to the driver's side and started the engine. Neither of them spoke all through the short ride to Xander's parents' house.
They stopped in front of the yard and Angel looked at the human. "Are you going to be ok?"
Xander shook his head. "No I won't. But I need to go." He pointed at the living room window. "See the light in there? It means that either my dad, my mom or both are here and probably drunk. The crutches are in that closet behind the couch. There's no way you can get in there. I'll go."
Angel shook his head. "No way." He said fiercely.
Xander glared at him. "I'm not going to send you in there only for a pair of crutches."
"Then you're not going either." Angel replied stubbornly.
"But I need them!" Xander whined.
"Yes you do. But with your feet and all the bruises, you won't be able to get away if your father tries to kill you this time. At least I'm strong enough to defend myself. You're wounded Xander. Let me go."
Xander bent his head and looked at his hands. //That can't be right? Dad won't try to kill me. He loves me too much doesn't he? He said so the other day.// Without realizing it, he started to whisper. "Said he loved my body too much to kill me. He'd make it hurt, because that was what I was good for, but he wouldn't kill me. And damn it did hurt."
Listening to the young man's rambling, Angel became angry. //Something tells me the bastard did more than beat him. Fucking Hell!// He swore silently before opening the door and quickly getting out. They needed to do it fast, or they wouldn't do it.
The vampire helped Xander out and they made their way to the basement door. Shaking, the young man took his keys out and opened the door. He looked at Angel, fearful, wanting to turn around and run. "It's gonna be ok." Angel whispered in the boy's ear. He released his hold on the young man's waist. "You have to go in alone, as soon as you're over the threshold, invite me in." Xander nodded. He carefully stepped through the doorway. "Come in Angel." He whispered, as if afraid his father could hear.
Angel entered and returned to his position at Xander's side. "All right, I help you over to the closet, and while you get your things ready I'll run upstairs to the living room to get those crutches. How do I get there?"
"Up the stairs there." Xander pointed as they quietly made their way in the dark room. "You turn left and head down the corridor. The living room's just there. The closet is on the wall on the right."
"Ok." Angel whispered. He helped Xander to the closet and lowered him into a chair. Before he could stop himself he gently kissed the young man's cheek before turning around and making his way up the stairs, almost running, but as stealthily as a cat.
The vampire made his way towards the living room, trying hard not to make any noise. He looked furtively in the room and realized with relief that only a sleeping woman was inside. Mrs. Harris, Angel guessed, was snoring loudly, having obviously fallen asleep while completely drunk, if the smell was any indication.
Walking on his toes, Angel reached the closet and opened it, shivering as it creaked. Rummaging quietly through the mess in there, while occasionally looking at the woman on the couch, making sure she wasn't waking up, a pang of fear started to grow in the vampire's stomach. Something was wrong. Where was Mr. Harris? The mess on the coffee table and the look of the couch was suspicious. Something was telling Angel that the man had been in there not so long ago. He looked up suddenly sure he had heard a muffled cry. Quickly, he grabbed the clutches and ran to the basement door.
Xander was shivering. He reached for a duffel bag and quickly grabbed every thing he could and shoved it in. He didn't want to waste time in deciding what was worth taking and what wasn't. He just needed clothes. He would take clothes. //I can't believe I could come back here every night. This is awful. I'm so scared.// He thought, concentrating only on the task at end. He didn't hear the door open.
//Maybe it's because I'm so broken. I couldn't even kick him right now. This is so bad. Please Angel.// "Hurry up." He muttered under his breath. He didn't know if he was asking himself to go quickly, or urging Angel to come back. Probably both.
"You're waiting for someone kid?"
Xander froze. //NO. Please no. This is just an hallucination. He's not there. Angel is going to come back soon and we'll leave. Dad will never know I was here.//
"Look at me when I talk to you son!" //Oh SHIT!// There was no doubt now. The drunken voice was too clear, too near to be an hallucination.
"No no no." Xander kept muttering under his breath as he slowly turned around and faced his dad. This was so bad.
"Ahhh! You're trying to run away, huh! And you thought I wouldn't hear you? Stupid, that's what you are. I keep telling you. Stupid son of a bitch. You know that's what your mom is, a bitch. And you are too, aren't you? A perfect little bitch. Just like your mom."
Xander watched, panting with fear, trying to stay still, maybe his dad would just ramble until Angel came back. If Xander could just stay REALLY still...
"Get up boy!" His dad yelled, suddenly. He took a last sip at his beer and threw the bottle on the bed. "I'm gonna show you what happens to a bitch when she tries to run away."
//No!// Xander yelled internally. He knew better than to say it loud, it would just piss his dad more. //Hurry Angel! Please, hurry!// He tried to get up, but winced at the pain and sat back down, before trying again. Bracing himself he stood straight and looked down. The submissive pose, that's what his father liked the most. //Stay like this Xan, don't move.//
"There you go. You know your place don't you? Now, get on your knees! Now boy!" The older man was fiddling with his pants, trying to get them open. Pissed, he looked at the still standing Xander and growled. "I said on your knees!" He pushed on Xander's shoulder and shoved him down. Xander let out a pained filled cry before closing his mouth. //You've just pissed him off more now! Way to go Xan.//
Xander gulped as he watched his dad, one hand still gripping the boy's shoulder, worked his pants down and started to stroke himself. "Open your mouth boy. I'm getting it all ready for you. You love that don't you? Have your daddy down your throat? Mmm. I know you do." The drunk man was not even half way hard when Xander heard the door open with a big bang and footsteps running down.
"Angel!" The young man sighed in relief.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HIM!" Angel growled, gripping the man's shoulders and sending him flying across the room. Landing in a heap on the floor, Mr. Harris tried to stand, but his pants we're still down on his ankles and he fell back, knocking himself out. Through alcohol, or with the blow to the head he'd just received, Angel didn't care. He glared at the man for a minute, then turned to Xander. The young man had let himself fall on the floor. He was on his right side, his hands on his face and he was shivering. Gently, Angel approached him and knelt at his side.
"It's ok Xander. He's out cold. He won't touch you again. I promise." He said, calmly, gently running his hand up and down the young man's back.
Xander slowly took his hands away from his face and looked at Angel. His eyes were soaked and swollen with tears. The vampire felt a tug in his heart as he saw the tears. He wrapped his arms around the shivering youth, sitting on his heels. "There... shhh, it's ok. Let me take you home. Ok?" He asked oh so very gently.
Xander turned around and looked at Angel. "Home?" He asked in a small childlike voice.
"For as long as you want to put up with me. It's gonna be home." Angel smiled.
Xander smiled back at him and tried to get up, showing the vampire that he really wanted to go.
Angel helped him up and gave him the clutches. He picked up the bag and together, they made their way out of the dreaded basement, without one single look at the man on the floor.
The end.