Restoration

[jasonsnene]

Title: Restoration

Author: jasonsnene

Pairing: Angel/Xander

Rating: NC17

Warnings: Human AU, Historical, M/M slash
Beta:  mistress_tien

 

Written for AU Round at maleslashminis. My assignment was this request from silentflux:

The pairing you want:  Angel/Xander
The setting/scenario you want:  Angel is an affluent businessman in turn of the century America.  Xander is a man applying for a job (whatever job you want) on his estates.  A snarky and fun relationship and romance commences.  This sounds like a Harlequin novel...but whatever  :D
Two things you don't want:  Unhappy endings
Preferred maximum rating:  any

 A/N: I've never attempted an AU Historical before.  Actually, I don't think I've ever written an all human before either, but I really liked this challenge and wanted to give it a try.  I hope it's not too terrible for a first try.  Special thanks to my pals ash and purps for the read throughs and for telling me I wasn't terribly off track.
 

The coach ride was long and dusty. Four men filled the interior and none were speaking.   They were nearly at their destination, the new Louisiana estate recently purchased by Liam Angelus Jackson, one of the occupants of the coach. The other occupants were his businessman, Wesley Wyndam Price, his secretary, William Aurelius, and his groom, Frances Doyle.

 

All of the men were ready for the ride to be over. Liam, or Angel as he was known to his friends, was looking forward to a nice hot bath to wash away the road dust, followed by a hot meal and a nice tall glass of whiskey. His newest business venture may have brought Angel out of the comfort of his New England estate but he wasn’t leaving behind the luxuries to which he had grown accustomed.

 

The coach drew to a stop and Doyle immediately jumped out and lowered the steps for Angel. Angel stepped quickly down, followed by Wesley and William. Angel stared in horror at the shambles of the estate he had purchased. There was no way that he was stepping one highly polished boot into that ramshackle house. He looked over at his assistant, William, who was also viewing the house with a look of abject horror.

 

Doyle directed the unloading of their baggage and waited for the tirade that was sure to come. Wesley assured them that the house was ready for occupancy and Angel was not one to take such assurances lightly. Doyle spared a quick glance for Wesley. Sure enough, the Englishman was very pale and his mouth was set in a grim line.

 

Angel turned to Wesley, his fury very apparent. “Wesley, what is the meaning of this?”

 

Wesley looked back and forth from Angel to the house, knowing that nothing he could say would get him out of this. “Sir, the estate agent assured me that the house was in satisfactory condition. His last letter said he would send out a cleaning crew to get everything up to your standards. I have no explanation.”

 

Angel’s scowl deepened. “Then I suggest you get back into the carriage, find the estate agent and find out what the hell I’m supposed to do with this box of timber he had the audacity to call an estate.”

 

Wesley shivered, the force of Angel’s fury very apparent in his clipped tone. “Yes, Sir.”

 

Angel turned next to William. “William, accompany Wesley and see what you can do about hiring someone to, hell, I don’t know, torch the place and start fresh.” He then looked into the coach at the waiting Wesley. “I’m going to assume that the staff wasn’t hired either. Damn it, Wesley, I pay you to make sure I’m not inconvenienced like this!”

 

Wesley lowered his head, knowing just how furious Angel was at his slip up. And there was no doubt in his mind that this was his fault and his job to fix it. Of course, he had no idea exactly how he was going to manage to do it on the timeline Angel would require.

 

William waited for Angel to step out of the way and followed Wesley into the coach. The driver waited for Angel’s signal before turning the coach towards town. Angel then turned to Doyle. “Please tell me that my horses will have better accommodation.”

 

Doyle just chuckled. He was used to Angel’s outbursts by now and his boss’s anger didn’t faze him. “Well, I don’t see how it could be any worse.” He gave Angel’s shoulder a slap. “Come on, let’s shake the wrinkles off those fancy pants of yours and take a look around.”

 

Angel looked down at his pants, conscious as always of his appearance. At Doyle’s laughter, he looked up and scowled. “That’s not funny, Doyle.”

 

“Yes, Angel, it is. Never met a man so concerned with his clothes as you are. Now come on.” Doyle started off towards the house and Angel followed reluctantly. The closer they came, the more Angel realized that the house really was in utter ruin. But if he squinted his eyes and used a copious amount of imagination, Angel could see that it could be something special. It just needed some tender loving care from the right set of hands. 

 

Hopefully between Wesley and William they would find someone in town to make it into a showplace again. Angel had business associates arriving in a three months time and could not greet them like this. He would be appalled for anyone to know he was living this way. It was simply not acceptable.

 

Following Doyle towards the house, Angel tried to categorize the damage. As he tripped over a wayward branch in the, well, he supposed it was a yard, but really it was more like undergrowth, Angel knew he needed to get a team of gardeners in here as soon as possible. 

 

Looking back towards the house, his eyes were drawn to the curved staircases leading up to the second story balcony that covered the entire front of the house.   Even from this distance, Angel could see that the stairs were warped and rotted in places. He hoped that the balcony had fared better in its neglect.

 

The columns supporting the front of the house were cracked and peeling but as he moved closer Angel could see that the damage was mostly superficial. There was some good news at least. If the columns were badly damaged, Angel didn’t think they would be able to save the place and he suddenly realized just how badly he wanted to.

 

Doyle was waiting by the front door and Angel stepped up beside him. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and crossed the threshold. Doyle moved behind him, ever watching Angel’s back.  Angel groaned when he saw several mice skitter their way across the floor and rush away to hide.

 

The interior was filthy but not too badly damaged, at least what he had seen so far. They walked quickly through the remainder of the house and Angel began to keep a mental tally of all the work that needed to be done and in what order. 

 

Unfortunately, the master bedroom was badly damaged from a roof leak which had also caused the floor beneath it to warp. With a sigh, Angel realized that this was going to take a lot more work than he’d anticipated.

 

By the time they’d finished going through the house, Angel was more frustrated than ever. Doyle patted his shoulder and went to check out the stables. Angel just stood and stared, hoping that Wesley and William would have very good luck in town.

 

Deciding he needed a breath of fresh air, Angel stepped out to the front of the house just as the coach returned with Wesley and William. Angel bit back the remainder of his anger, knowing that Wesley had done what he could from long distance. Lesson learned, Angel determined to send Wesley ahead should he make any further investments like this one.

 

Wesley climbed from the coach and from the expression on his face, Angel could tell that the news wasn’t good. He waited until Wesley and William walked the distance to him, swallowing again any remarks he wanted to make on Wesley’s performance.

 

William looked back and forth between them quickly before taking the lead. “Sir, I have hired several townspeople to come and clean and I have scheduled several interviews for a full time housekeeper. They will all be arriving this afternoon for you to make your selection.”

 

Angel smiled grimly at William. “Thank you. You will handle the initial interviews, I presume?” William nodded and Angel turned back to Wesley. “Wesley? Spit it out, man. You’re looking green.”

 

“I’m sorry, sir. It’s just, nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I’m a bit flustered.” Angel simply stared, waiting for more of an explanation. “Well, the estate agent passed away the afternoon after posting the return letter. He apparently did not leave any instructions regarding the estate so his successors did not know what their obligations were.”

 

Angel sighed. “Wesley, there’s nothing you could have done. I’m sorry for biting your head off earlier. Calm down, and tell me you found someone to fix this place up, and fast.”

 

“Well, sir. That’s the other problem. Everyone I spoke to recommended the same gentleman for the repairs but, well sir, he turned me down. Said he wasn’t interested. I’ve asked the new estate agent to assist but they all say that this Alexander Harris is the man to get for this type of restoration. I didn’t know what to do sir! I offered to double his rate! He laughed!! Then he went to sleep!!” Wesley finally stumbled to a halt, his shock and horror at being unsuccessful for Angel nearly making him tremble.

 

“Did he give a reason, Wesley? Is he committed to other work? Breathe, damn it, Wes! I’m not angry but if you don’t stop this nonsense I soon will be.” Angel waited for Wesley’s breathing to return to normal and his color to come back slightly.

 

“No, Angel. He was just sitting on his porch and he just laughed. I didn’t know what to do!”

 

Doyle rounded the corner of the house in time to hear Wesley’s lament and he chuckled at the drama the man could produce. Wesley was talented at the business end of things, and in fact was helping Doyle with his own investments, but he was easily flustered by some of Angel’s demands.

 

Angel saw the twinkle in Doyle’s eyes and knew he was going to start on Wesley again. “Doyle? The stables?”

 

“In good condition. They need a bit of work on the roof and a couple stalls but nothing I can’t handle. Maybe William here could give me a hand.” Angel laughed at William’s outraged expression.

 

“Thanks for the suggestion, Doyle, but I think William would be better suited for other work.” William let out a sigh of relief and looked at Angel expectantly. Angel waited for him to speak and realized that William was waiting to be acknowledged. “Yes?”

 

“Sir, may I take a look around inside? I’ll need to make a list to direct the staff when they arrive.”

 

“Go ahead, Will. But be careful.” William moved towards the house before he paused at Angel’s next words. “Oh, and Will? Watch out for the mice.” 

 

All three of the men still outside laughed at William’s shriek of terror. Angel turned back to Wesley. “So, Wes, where can I find this Alexander Harris? I would like to speak to him myself and see if I can persuade him to come to work for me.”

 

Wesley stuttered out the directions and Angel readied himself to go into town. Climbing back into the coach, he decided that the first thing he would do was rent a few horses. There was no way he was going to continue riding in this thing until his own animals arrived in a week.

 

Angel arrived in town and quickly took care of procuring several horses. After arranging to have all but one delivered immediately to his new home, Angel mounted the horse he kept back for himself and followed Wesley’s directions to the Harris household. 

 

The house was outside of town a ways but Angel found it quickly enough. As he approached, he couldn’t help but admire the obvious care that was taken with the property. His eyes were drawn to the porch railing and the pair of feet he could see propped up on it. 

 

It was all he could make out of the man. The rest of him was covered in baggy clothes and a filthy hat that covered his entire face. He was leaning back in a chair and appeared to be…napping? He didn’t move as Angel pulled up to the house and drew back on the reins to halt the horse. He dismounted and stepped onto the porch. Nothing. He cleared his throat. Nothing. 

 

Just when he was getting ready to go shake the man by his boots, a voice emerged from under the worn out hat. “I already told you boys I wasn’t interested. Now run along and leave me to my nap.”

 

Angel bristled under the tone.   “Excuse me?”

 

“What? You deaf or somethin? I said: I. Am. Not. Interested. Now shoo.” Angel couldn’t believe this, this, person was speaking to him this way. No one shooed him. He was Liam Angelus Jackson. People respected him, nearly jumped to do his bidding. They did not shoo him.

 

Gritting his teeth, Angel decided to go the nice route. Wesley swore it worked better than his usual abrupt demands. “Mr. Harris, I’ve been told that you are the only person in the area who can handle the kind of restoration project I require. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the matter with you. I am in quite a bind, you see.”

 

A long and drawn out sigh emerged from under the hat and one at a time the boots dropped to the porch floor. They thumped dramatically, but the man stayed balanced on the chair legs, as if he wasn’t entirely convinced he could be bothered.

 

After several moments, the chair legs dropped and the hat was pushed back slightly. “Well, I suppose I could use a glass of tea. You talk while I drink and we’ll see what we can do. But just remember, I’ve already told you I’m not interested.”

 

“Thank you Mr. Harris. I appreciate your time.” Angel was surprised to hear a snort from under the hat before it was pushed back to reveal a much younger man than Angel was expecting. He was very young, possibly no more than 20 and his dark eyes were very expressive, especially now as they danced in laughter.

 

“Name’s Alexander, but my friends call me Xander. None of this Mr. Harris stuff. You sound like you’re talking to my grandpa.” Angel was beginning to doubt the wisdom of this venture. Surely this man, this young man, was not the same person everyone in town recommended. 

 

Angel followed him into his home though and tried to think of a fall back plan in case this idea was a bust. Before he could start planning though, he was distracted by the mantelpiece. It was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. The carvings were spectacular and the animals looked so real Angel ran his fingers over the wood to make sure they weren’t. 

 

He heard another chuckle and jerked his hand back to find Xander staring at him. “That’s one of my older pieces. It’s not so good but I can’t bear to part with it.”

 

‘Not so good’? Angel let the words roll around his read. This masterpiece was not so good? He’d never seen anything like it before in his life, and he’d seen some pretty impressive homes in his day. Angel was already picturing the work Xander could do in the master bedroom, replacing the damaged mantle with one like this. Oh, and his library. He would need some work done there as well.

 

Xander cleared his throat and Angel pulled his attention back to him. He was holding out a glass of tea and Angel accepted it gratefully. He was surprised by how sweet it was and nearly choked. He was used to Wesley and William’s idea of tea and his English friends did not put this much sugar in theirs.

 

It was surprisingly good though, once he got over the sweetness. It was refreshing after being outside for so long. Xander tilted his head back for another long swallow and Angel’s eyes watched his throat working. He quickly jerked his eyes back to the mantel before Xander caught him staring.

 

“Listen, I’m almost done with my tea, and you ain’t even started yappin. If you’re gonna do this, get to talking. I’m really in need of a nap.” Xander continued drinking his tea and Angel turned back to him.

 

“Sorry, your work is amazing and I found myself planning where I could place a mantle like this one.” Angel took a deep breath, ready to begin his request. “I have recently purchased the Evergreen House and…”

 

“Whoa! Stop right there! You’re gonna be fixin up that old place? We talking the same one. Double stairs out front, leading up to the balcony? Real run down?”

 

Angel sighed. “That’s the one. I was lead to believe it was in better condition.”

 

Xander’s eyes had taken on that gleam again and Angel wondered what he was thinking. “Well, damn. I may just be interested after all. I’ve always wanted to get my hands on that place.”

 

Angel went through the problems he’d noticed and after negotiating a rather steep price, Xander finally agreed to do the work. Angel remounted his rented horse and headed back to the house. 

“See you tomorrow, Xander.” He turned to look, but Xander was back in his original position on the porch, feet propped up and chair reclined. 

 

 

Angel returned to Evergreen to find William in the midst of interviews while Charles directed a group of young men to clear debris from the yard. He gestured toward the stables, giving Angel a grin to know the horses had arrived. 

 

Doyle gathered his reins as Angel dismounted. “Any luck?”

 

“Of course. He’ll be here in the morning.” Doyle chuckled and started walking his horse away. “Doyle?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“I’m going to need your help with this one.” Angel didn’t wait for Doyle’s reaction. He simply turned and walked towards the house. Doyle was standing in the yard, frozen in surprise. “Well, hell. This isn’t going to be good.” 

 

Angel woke early the next morning and told himself it wasn’t because he was already anticipating Xander’s arrival. He let himself believe it was because the mattress was atrocious and he’d felt inclined to sleep on the chair, which was so dusty it created a cloud in the air any time he moved. Yes, that was the reason he was up and ready to go after one of the worst night’s sleep of his life.

 

William heard him stirring and entered his bedroom, looking as exhausted as Angel felt. He took one look at the unmade bed and Angel’s blanket on the chair and let out a groan. “I’m so sorry, sir. I should have made sure your sleeping arrangements were more suitable.”

 

Angel sighed. William was always trying to look out for him. “Not a problem, Will. I suspect we were all miserable last night.”

 

William nodded, his exhaustion plain on his face. “I’ve brought you up some fresh clothes. I pressed them as well as I could.”

 

Angel felt the desire to give Will a hug for his troubles which he quickly suppressed.    He couldn’t keep giving into his feelings like this, even though Will brought out every protective instinct he had.

 

He accepted the clothes from Will and dressed himself quickly. Will waited until he was ready and adjusted Angel’s tie, making sure it was exactly the way he liked it before gathering up Angel’s dirty clothes.

 

“Will, you don’t have to clean up after me.” Angel watched him pause in his actions, before he straightened his shoulders and moved again.

 

“I know, sir.”

 

Following William down the stairs, Angel paused at the bottom and took a look around at all the work that had been accomplished so far. It was truly amazing what a good housekeeper could do in a short period of time. The woman herself emerged from the kitchen area and Angel could smell coffee and something else that made his stomach growl in hunger.

 

Ms. Henderson, Angel’s housekeeper, stopped in front of him with a smile. The woman was old enough to be his grandmother but Angel was convinced she had more energy that he, Doyle, Wesley and William combined. 

 

Reaching out, she patted Angel’s stomach. “Woo! A strapping man like you needs to keep that belly full! Let’s get you some breakfast young man, before you fade away on me!”

 

Angel chuckled. “Yes, Ms. Henderson.”

 

She swatted his arm. “Now, none of that from you. This other whippersnappers have to call me by that name but you’re the boss. You can call me Sally.”

 

Angel smiled at her as she filled his coffee cup. “Yes, Ms. Sally.” She scowled at him before joining him and laughing. 

 

“You just eat and hush that smart mouth. We’ve got a bundle of work to do around here and we’ll need you at full strength.”

 

“Yes ma’am. Speaking of that, I’d like for you to put my men’s rooms at the top of the list today. Will looks exhausted and I can’t imagine the other two fared any better.”

 

Sally placed a heaping pile of food in front of him and Angel paused to wonder where she’d gotten it all before the smell hit his nose and he didn’t care anymore. As he dug in, Sally directed the maids they’d hired the day before up to the bedrooms.

 

“Now, Mr. Jackson, we need to get your room done first. It’s not right that yours not be done.”

 

Angel’s eyes narrowed. “First, it’s Angel. Anyone who can cook like this is a friend and doesn’t have to call me Mr. anything.   Second, Ms. Sally, I don’t get comfortable until my men are. Understood?”

 

She smiled at him in approval. “Yes, sir, Mr. Angel.” Angel shook his head when she turned his own teasing back on him. Then he realized she was just testing him. “Not nice, Ms. Sally. Not nice at all.”  

 

She chuckled and continued her evaluation of the kitchen. The moment he was finished his plate disappeared and his coffee cup was refilled. Angel was just settling in to enjoy it when she cocked her head to the side as if listening.

 

“That’ll be lil’ Xan getting here, sir. You may want to go on and get him started. He’s a bit impatient in the mornin’.” 

 

Angel wondered what exactly that meant but then he realized that Ms. Sally was right and he could hear a wagon approaching. He grabbed his coffee and started for the door, avoiding the swarms of dust being stirred up by the extra maids working on the downstairs.

 

Xander was just climbing down from the cart and two other men were with him. Angel tensed up as one put his hand on Xander’s lower back and leaned in close to him. He could feel his jealousy growing, and Angel stomped it down and schooled his expression into one of neutrality before approaching.

 

“Good Morning, Xander. Glad to see you made it out okay.”

 

Xander looked over his shoulder at Angel and raised a brow. “Yeah, good morning. I brought along some help. I figured the way you were talkin’ you could use a few extra hands. This here is Jesse and that’s Daniel, but everybody calls him Oz.”

 

Angel nodded at them both, his eyes growing slightly cold when he looked at Oz, the man who had his hand on Xander a few moments earlier. “Why don’t I show you around a bit so you can get an idea of what we need to do?”

 

Xander gestured towards the wagon and Jesse hopped up and began passing tools down to Oz. “Lead the way.” Xander followed Angel into the house and Angel was very pleased that Oz didn’t follow.

 

The tour went quickly, Angel not having to say much as Xander picked out the work he would need to do as soon as he entered a room. He stopped in the library and studied the plain mantle their before looking over at Angel.   He didn’t comment though and Angel kept going. He wanted some woodwork in the library but the damaged areas were more important right now.

 

They ended up in his bedroom and Angel found himself embarrassed at the state of the room. He didn’t want Xander seeing his private space this way, covered in dirt and without any of the elegance he usually maintained.

 

Angel tried to push down the feelings though as Xander rattled off the improvements needed for the damaged areas. Then he turned to the mantle again and looked back over at Angel. 

 

“This one is crying out for something.” Xander waited for a response but Angel simply stared, imaging Xander crying out for him. Frustrated with his traitorous thoughts, Angel finally nodded. 

 

“I was hoping you’d be able to work something in here and in the library.” Angel was surprised when Xander chuckled. 

 

“Oh, I’d be happy to work something in both here and in the library.  A few other places too.” Xander raised his eyebrows at Angel and Angel could feel himself blushing. He obviously didn’t mean what Angel was thinking he meant. He was just reading into things. Xander did not want to get anything into him.

 

Angel repeated the phrase to himself several times, declaring it his new mantra until the man was finished with his work on the house. Xander stepped closer and Angel froze. “So, where do you want me to start?”

 

Angel stopped breathing, just stared into those dark eyes that seemed to bore into him, knowing his secrets and testing them. “The library.   Start in the library.” Xander chuckled and stepped away from Angel and out of the room.

 

Angel let out a sigh of relief and looked down at the rather prominent tent in his trousers. “Damn.” Deciding to just ignore it, Angel hurried down the stairs and out the back door before anyone, especially Xander, realized what condition he was in.

 

He heard hammering as he approached the stables and realized Doyle was already hard at work. Needing the distraction, Angel stepped inside and waited for Doyle to realize he was there.

 

Doyle paused to wipe his sweaty brow and saw Angel standing in the doorway. He raised a brow, waiting for his boss to speak. “Angel? You okay there man? You look a little flustered.”

 

Angel stepped further into the stables and plucked the hammer from Doyle’s hand. “Xander’s here.”

 

Not needing any further explanation, Doyle waited for Angel to loosen his tie and unbutton the first few buttons on his fancy shirt before he handed over some nails and picked up the shovel to start clearing the next stall. He listened to the hammer slam into the nails repeatedly as he continued his own task. 

 

When the stall door was repaired, Angel picked up a shovel and moved to the next stall. One thing Doyle admired about the man was that he wasn’t afraid to do hard work when it was required, even when it did mess up his clothes.

 

Together they cleared the muck from the stalls and were finishing up when they heard a bell ringing. Angel wasn’t quite sure what to make of it but Doyle let out a whoop and started for the house. 

 

“What? Is something wrong?” Angel hurried after Doyle, worried that there was a fire or something.

 

Doyle stopped when he heard the concern in Angel’s voice. “Angel, that’s the lunch bell. Ms. Sally rings to let everyone know to head towards the house.”

 

Angel looked at his friend in disbelief. “What? She rings a bell? And everyone comes in? Why isn’t there just a set meal time?”

 

Doyle patted Angel on the shoulder and shook his head. “Angel, we aren’t in New England anymore man. Things are very different here. I grew up having my Granny ring the lunch bell. Let’s just go eat, okay? I’ll explain it all later.”

 

Doyle started back towards the house and Angel followed. They arrived in time to see Ms. Sally handing out plates to everyone. She shooed Angel into the house and he went up to his bedroom to clean up. Doyle stayed behind, but did give his hands a thorough cleaning before accepting a plate.

 

Angel entered his room and shut the door quickly. He had his dirty shirt unbuttoned and was working on his pants when he realized he wasn’t alone. Xander stood from where he was measuring the ruined floorboards in Angel’s bedroom and let his eyes roam over Angel’s bare chest.

 

Angel fought the urge to tighten his muscles and just stood there while Xander’s eyes roamed over his body. Xander started walking towards him and Angel took a step back before forcing himself to remain still.  

 

Xander smirked and reached out a hand, running one callused finger down Angel’s chest and stomach. “Very nice.” Angel let out a burst of air, not realizing he’d been holding his breath. 

 

Xander gestured towards Angel’s open pants. “Don’t stop on my account.”

 

Angel hesitated for a moment before continuing to work on the fastening to his pants. His eyes were locked on Xander’s as they fell down his hips and pooled around his ankles. 

 

Xander gestured towards the material. “Take them off.”

 

Angel kicked his feet and the pants went flying. He waited for Xander’s next instruction.

 

“Now the rest.”

 

Angel looked down at his body, covered only by his underclothes. His hand moved to the tie. He looked back up at Xander, locking his eyes on him as he pulled the tie and his last remaining covering dropped to the ground, revealing his hard cock.

 

Xander walked in a slow circle around Angel, looking but not touching, until he was back in front again. He stepped closer and Angel’s erection jumped in anticipation, growing even harder. 

 

Xander leaned closer and his lips brushed Angel’s ear. “Do you know what I want to do to you?”

 

Angel nodded. 

 

Xander grabbed Angel’s hand and placed it on his still covered cock. “Feel how hard you’ve made me?” Again, Angel nodded. 

 

“Why don’t you take care of that?” Xander pressed gently on Angel’s shoulders and he dropped to his knees. Using his teeth, he pulled at the fastenings on Xander’s pants and slowly slid them down. 

 

Xander’s cock fell free and hit Angel in the face. Both men groaned. Angel went to work on the flesh in front of him, sucking it slowly into his mouth and using his tongue on the tip. 

 

Xander gripped Angel’s hair and held on tightly as Angel’s talented tongue pulled reactions from him, his hips jerking and his stomach muscles clenching. Xander’s mouth fell open as Angel opened wider and pulled Xander all the way into his mouth and down his throat. 

 

Both men heard the footsteps approaching and tensed. Angel started to pull away but Xander held him lightly and Angel froze. Xander continued thrusting gently until Angel began sucking again. Then he picked up the pace. Moments later he was shooting his release down Angel’s throat. 

 

The footsteps stopped just outside the door. “Mr. Angel? I have your lunch ready.” Ms. Sally waited for a response. Angel pulled away from Xander for a moment, looking up into dark brown eyes as he answered.

 

“I’ll be down in a few minutes, Ms. Sally. I need to finish cleaning up.” Angel then bent and began licking Xander’s twitching cock clean. Xander’s hands fisted in Angel’s hair, his stomach jerking as his sensitive cock was tasted and gently sucked clean. 

 

Angel released his cock and leaned back. Xander pulled him to his feet and they stared at each other, each surprised by the other’s attraction and the experience they had just shared. 

 

Xander leaned forward slowly, his eyes still locked on Angel’s. Their first kiss was tender, tentative and Xander coaxed Angel’s mouth open slightly and slipped his tongue inside. Angel moaned into Xander’s mouth and opened wider, allowing the younger man more access.

 

Xander accepted the offering and tasted every part of Angel’s mouth before backing away again. They were both panting a bit, breath stolen by kisses, and Angel looked a bit shaky. Xander couldn’t resist another quick kiss. 

 

Angel didn’t want another quick kiss and pulled Xander tightly against him again.   Xander reached between them and wrapped his hand around Angel’s hard cock, giving it several quick strokes before releasing it.

 

Angel groaned and pulled away from Xander’s lips. Xander grinned mischievously at him. “I like knowing you’re hard for me. I want you hard for me all afternoon. I want to come back up here later and find that you’re still hard. Think you can do that?”

 

Xander’s words were sending shocks through him and Angel was as hard as he had ever been. “I need to come, Xander. I need to come now.”

 

Xander shook his head. “Wait for it. I know you can. You’re a patient man, you know things get better with time. Just imagine, me spread open over there on your bed, waiting for that hard cock to be inside me, pounding into me. But you can’t have that now. That will come later. Can you wait for it?”

 

Angel felt dribbles of precome leaking from his cock at the image of Xander, naked and open for him on the bed. “I can wait for it.”

 

“Good, now let’s get back to work. My boss is a pain in the ass when he thinks people are lazing around.” Xander smirked at him and Angel couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“A pain in the ass huh? I’ll show you a pain in the ass later, mister.”

 

Xander slid his lips quickly over Angel’s again. “I hope so.”

 

Then Xander straightened his clothes and slipped from the room.

 

Angel took several more minutes to calm down and finished cleaning up before dressing in fresh clothes. His arousal was pretty obvious in his form fitted pants, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. Angel hurried to his office and sat down with a sigh behind his desk. 

 

Ms. Sally came in several minutes later carrying a tray. “Don’t think I don’t know that you were gonna skip lunch and start workin again mister. Not on my watch. You’ll be eatin every meal and likin it. Got it?”

 

“Yes, Ms. Sally.” Angel grinned at her and she smiled back and winked before leaving the room. He eyed the fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans for a moment before digging in. 

 

Doyle found him there minutes later, plate nearly clear and letters in hand. Doyle rolled his eyes. Only Angel could eat the heaven that was Ms. Sally’s chicken and read some boring business letter at the same time.

 

Doyle cleared his throat. Angel looked up, chicken half way to his mouth. “What?”

 

“Horses are here. I’ll be going down to get them this afternoon. Want to come?”

 

Angel looked at the pile of letter’s both Wesley and Will had left for him. “I better not. Take Wes though. He needs to get out of here for a while.”

 

Doyle turned to leave and paused, looking back over his shoulder. “Took you a long time to get cleaned up for lunch.” His smirk wasn’t hidden from Angel.

 

“Not as long as it could have.”

 

Doyle laughed. “Good to know. I’ll let you know when we’re back.”

 

Angel smiled and nodded before turning back to his correspondence. Of course, now he had the image of Xander back in his head and his cock was reminding him that it still needed relief. 

 

Xander found his way back to Angel’s bedroom after lunch and started repairs on the damaged floor. Of course, his eyes kept drifting to the door and the image of Angel walking through, undressing and kneeling in front of him. His thumb reminded him why it was important to concentrate when swinging a hammer.

 

Later that afternoon, Xander gathered up his tools and climbed in his wagon with Oz and Jesse. Both of his friends were tired after their day but thankful that he’d, once again, found work for them. They lumbered away and Xander couldn’t help looking over his shoulder. His eyes were drawn to the window where he knew Angel was still working. The curtain moved and he gave a small wave before turning focusing on the road again.

 

Angel went to bed just as hard as he’d been all afternoon. Every time he heard the damn hammer hitting wood, his cock twitched. He’d never be able to be near a construction zone again without getting hard. Who knew the idea of a hammer would bring to mind such erotic images?

 

Then he’d heard the heavy footsteps on the stairs and Angel knew it was Xander. Even though Wesley was still speaking, he went to the window and watched Xander’s wagon pull away. He saw Xander turn and the slight wave. Angel dropped the curtain and moved back to the desk and the mountain of work that Wesley had prepared for his review.

 

The entire afternoon and evening was just one arousing event after another. Angel seemed to be taking Xander’s request to stay hard for him very seriously. By the time he was in bed, his hand drifted automatically to his aching length, desperate for some relief. 

 

His eyes drifted shut and he didn’t notice the shape drift out of the shadows until he felt a presence and his eyes flew open. Xander leaned over him slowly and moved his hand away. “I told you to wait for it.”

 

Angel groaned and Xander laughed and climbed onto the bed and straddled Angel’s body. He kept his eyes locked on Angel’s as he unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off his shoulders. He ran his hands down his chest, pausing to tweak his nipples into hard peaks. 

 

His voice, when it came again was a whisper. “I’ve wanted this all afternoon. Wanted you, wanted to see you naked again. Wanted to be naked for you.” His hands drifted to his pants and he flipped them open and knelt up slightly and shimmied them down his hips. He wasn’t wearing anything underneath.

 

Angel couldn’t not touch and reached his hands up to run down the hard chest. Xander raised his own hands and covered Angel’s, guiding them over his chest and down, over his taunt stomach and further, down to the trail that led to his cock.

 

Xander whimpered when Angel’s hands grew closer and with a growl Angel flipped them over. His hands shoved Xander’s pants down further until Xander used his legs to kick them the rest of the way off. 

 

Angel slid between Xander’s thighs and pressed his cock against the one beneath him. They both groaned. Angel leaned forward and did the other thing he’d been thinking about all afternoon. He claimed those lips again as his, relishing in the feel and flavor of the man under him.

 

It quickly deepened and they were both writhing and trying to get more and harder and faster until Angel finally broke away panting. Xander tried to catch his breath as Angel shifted his legs up further, pushing his knees back towards his chest and lifting his hips off the bed. 

 

He was open and exposed to Angel’s gaze and Angel was staring, unblinking. Xander was awed by the look of yearning on Angel’s face and it made him even harder. He twitched and clenched his ass and Angel groaned and buried his face there, using lips and teeth and tongue to taste Xander’s offering.

 

At the first swipe of Angel’s tongue, Xander arched off the bed, trying not to scream with the pleasure and then Angel tossed his shirt at his head and Xander stuffed it into his mouth while Angel continued to lick and suck and devour every inch of him.

 

Xander could feel how wet he was and Angel shifted up his mouth drawing over Xander’s hard length, teasing there for what felt like hours to Xander’s sensitive body. Then he shifted further and tucked Xander’s ankles on his shoulders before pulling the shirt from his mouth and licking and teasing his now dry lips.

 

“Angel, please.”

 

Angel smiled and Xander knew he was tormenting him on purpose, his own form of erotic payback for his afternoon of torture and Xander was ready to beg, to plead, to swear never to leave Angel wanting again if he would just do it already but then Angel held his face with one hand and used his other to wet three fingers before dragging them down Xander’s body. 

 

The first one was so longed for, so needed that Xander nearly came from the pressure but Angel stilled when he realized how close Xander was and they kissed again. After a few minutes, Angel started sliding his finger in and out, twisting and stretching and carefully avoiding Xander’s bundle of nerves, not wanting this to end too quickly.

 

The second one burned a bit and Xander held his breath as his body was stretched and opened. Angel waited for him to be ready for more and Xander shifted his hips, sliding Angel’s fingers in further, letting him know he wanted more.

 

Angel complied and his fingers burrowed their way inside, stretching and twisting, making Xander ready for him. Xander helped as much as he could, sliding his hips up and back before moving them down again, moving with Angel’s motions. 

 

The third finger filled him so full that he was ready to scream again for release of the pressure but Angel stilled again, waiting for him to calm before continuing. Thankfully he didn’t tease Xander much longer, pulling his fingers out and spit-slicking his cock before settling back over Xander.

 

Their eyes locked as Angel guided his cock to the stretched pucker, and the first breach caused Xander to gasp and arch his back trying to draw Angel further inside. Angel slid slowly in, trying to ease the passage and not let Xander hurt himself in his rush.

 

Finally though he was buried as deeply as he could get and his arms wavered as the tightness of Xander’s body squeezed him and the heat made him ache for more. They kissed and Angel slowly pulled back before sliding back in and the rhythm was started. Slow and steady, deep kisses and deeper thrusts until they both started to loose control.  Angel’s pace picked up and their lips parted to let the moans and gasps escape into the night air.

 

Angel knew he was close, the afternoon of want shortening his stamina, and he reached down and grasped Xander’s cock in a firm grip, pulling it in time with his thrusts, faster then harder as they both approached the brink. Xander’s body arched and tightened and he grabbed the abandoned shirt and shouted into it as his body exploded with pleasure. 

 

Angel stilled, watching and feeling the moment, awed by the look of pure joy on Xander’s face when he came. Then he couldn’t wait any more and thrust again and again until he was ready. He pulled out and his fluids coated Xander’s chest and stomach, joining the offering Xander had left there moments before. 

 

Collapsing onto Xander’s chest, Angel fought to catch his breath. Xander’s arms crept around him and squeezed and Angel couldn’t resist the temptation of those lips again. This kiss was calmer, forming a connection and giving thanks for the pleasure given and received. 

 

After a few minutes Angel climbed up and gathered a wet cloth to clean them both up. He tossed it aside and curled next to Xander pulled the blankets over them both. Xander scooted closer and linked his fingers to one’s Angel had draped over his stomach. Moments later, they were both asleep.

 

*************************************

 

Three months later, Angel stood in awe at the vision that was his home. Thinking back on those first moments, stepping from the coach and seeing the ruins he’d purchased, Angel could hardly believe the changes time had brought.

 

No longer was the house dilapidated. No longer was it crying out for someone to bring it back to its former glory. It was everything he’d every wanted it to be and more. And the man standing beside him had made it happen.

 

Angel looked over at Xander and saw his partner’s eyes glowing with pride. It hadn’t been easy but the finished product was worth all the hard work and frustration. He slid his arm around Xander and they stood there together before the familiar bell rang and they moved automatically towards the kitchen.

 

Realizing that they’d both moved, both men laughed. Ms. Sally ran a tight household and no one dared show up late. Although she didn’t say much to the few meals they’d dared to skip when they slipped up to Angel’s room and spent the noon hour feasting on each other. 

 

Today was a day for celebrating though as the house was completely restored, roof and floorboards mended and a family to make it a home.