Rebellious Desire part 12

[jasonsnene]

Title: Rebellious Desires (12/?)

Author: jasonsnene

Pairings: Angel/Xander with Spike/Riley and Graham/Andrew

Rating: NC17

Betas: carinas_carinaeand aayesha_r

Warnings: AU, M/M, some violence , uh...maybe a bit of angst. Just a smidge really...kinda.

Banner by: purpledodah

Summary: Modern, slashy version of a historical romance novel I read recently. Just, you know, cause I wanted to.

 

 

Rebellious Desire part 12

 

 

Xander stared around the living room, watching everyone who was celebrating with Andrew and Graham. The ceremony had gone well. Giles had arranged for a large tent to be set up in the back yard for the ceremony itself and had the entire yard decorated for the occasion. Even the pool hadn’t been neglected, and now had flowers and candles floating happily in it, lighting the evening.

 

Around the pool, the patio furniture had been temporarily replaced with more elegant furnishings. The outdoor kitchen that Xander and Andrew had used on many occasions was decked out as well. Giles had made sure kitchen was fully stocked to serve its temporary function as the party’s bar, and had even staffed it with its own bartender.

 

The living room had been mostly cleared of furniture and was serving as the party site for the reception. The French doors were open, letting guests move freely between the dancing inside and the bar outside. Waiters walked among the guests, serving hors d’oeuvres and making sure everyone had what they needed. Andrew was nearly giddy with happiness, and Xander found that it was contagious. His own cheeks were starting to ache from smiling so much, and Xander realized that it had been a long time since he’d been this happy.

 

There were dark clouds though. He couldn’t escape that lingering fear that someone was really after him. It didn’t help that he knew Angel wasn’t telling him everything. Then there was Uncle Wesley, who had avoided him the past couple of weeks and who hadn’t even spoken to him since he’d arrived.

 

Xander’s eyes sought out his uncle, and his smile slipped a little when he saw the expression on Wesley’s face. Something was wrong and now that he was taking the time to really look, it was very apparent. He vowed to corner his uncle before the night was over and find out what was going on.

 

He continued his search around the room, checking for anyone who appeared out of place, watching for guests who were alone or unhappy, basically doing his duty as one of the hosts of the evening. It was silly, really, since he didn’t know half the people in attendance, but Andrew had made friends quickly since they’d arrived and several of Graham’s friends and family were there as well.

 

One of them caught his eye, and Xander waved and smiled before trying to locate his father. It was no surprise that he found him with Catherine Marshall. The woman had latched onto Rupert’s arm the moment she’d arrived and, if you didn’t know any better, you would think that the whole event was her doing.

 

It annoyed Xander, particularly as his father didn’t seem to see through the ruse. It was a tricky situation. He couldn’t exactly denounce the woman for a fraud when she’d never really done anything to him, and he still wasn’t really feeling confident enough in his relationship with his father to confess his doubts. In the end, it was just one more thing that Xander had to add to his growing list of worries.

 

Fortunately for Xander, he wasn’t allowed to focus on his concerns for much longer. Angel appeared by his side, just as the music slowed and the lights dimmed. They shifted out onto the makeshift dance floor, and moved closely together. Xander relaxed into Angel’s embrace, letting him sway them back and forth to the music.

 

He let himself drift for a few moments before realizing that Angel wasn’t relaxed against him. He lifted his head and realized Angel was still scanning the room, searching for possible threats. Xander stomped on his foot.

 

Angel yelped quietly and looked at him with a frown before catching the mischievous glint in Xander’s eyes. “You did that on purpose!”

 

“Who, me?” Xander couldn’t help but grin.

 

“I’ll get you for that.”

 

“Well, I would hope so. But hey, I win because now you’re focused on me instead of everyone else.”

 

Angel started to protest, but one look at Xander’s arched brow shut him up. He must have learned that move from Spike. It was damned effective. He just pulled Xander more tightly against him, pressed a quick, hard kiss to those pouting lips, and started moving again. This time, though, his mind stayed focused on the man in his arms.

 

By the time the song ended, Xander was feeling much more relaxed. “Angel, I’d like to go talk to Uncle Wesley for a little while.”

 

Angel frowned, but couldn’t really say no. “Okay, I’ll do a perimeter check and be back in a few. Stay put.”

 

“Yes, sir!” Xander mock saluted, and Angel pinched his ass. “Ouch!”

 

Angel chuckled and led Xander over to Wesley. He nodded to the guards, signaling them that he was leaving Xander, and went to make his rounds. Xander settled beside Wesley, who had tensed up at his approach.

 

“Hey, Uncle Wes.”

 

“Xander.”

 

“Did I do something to upset you?”

 

“What? No, no, of course not.”

 

“Are you sure? Because you haven’t spoken to me or returned my calls, and I couldn’t figure out what I’d done.”

 

Wesley opened his mouth to reply, but was caught up in a wave of coughing. By the time he was settled again, he was even paler than he’d been before.

 

“Uncle Wes, what’s wrong? Please tell me.”

 

“It’s nothing, really. Just, well, I’m sick, Xander. I’m going to be fine, though, so don’t you worry. The treatment is worse than the disease, I think. I was in the hospital for a few days, but didn’t want you to worry so I asked Lindsey not to call.”

 

Xander gasped and reached out to grip Wesley’s hand. “Uncle Wes, I know we’ve just met, but you’re family. Family doesn’t keep stuff like that from each other. I know my mother would have wanted me to be here for you, and even beyond that, I want to be here for you. Got it?”

 

Wesley smiled and squeezed Xander’s hand. “Got it. Your mother would be so proud of you, Xander. You have her heart, you know. Always looking out for everyone else, making sure everyone else was okay. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.”

 

“I won’t, Uncle Wes.”

 

“Well, I think I’ve had enough of the festivities. I’m sorry I worried you. Will you come see me in a day or two? We’ll have lunch and catch up.”

 

“I’d love to. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? Get some rest.”

 

“I will. Have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

 

“Well, bloody hell; that takes all the fun out of things!” Wesley and Xander both jumped when Spike spoke over their shoulders. Xander laughed, and Wesley just shook his head. “Come on, pet, let’s shake that ass of yours. Er, pardon, sir.”

 

“No pardon needed. If I had his ass, I’d shake it, too.”

 

Spike laughed, and Xander turned bright red. Spike grabbed his hand and pulled him back to the dance floor where the music had picked up pace again. Soon they were laughing and dancing, surrounded by a crowd of other dancers which included Graham and Andrew, who had made the rounds and were finally able to do a little partying themselves.

 

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Angel returned, wanting to introduce Xander to Kate, and found Xander twirling and laughing with Spike and his cousin. He stood at the sidelines, scowling, until Spike caught a glimpse of him and stuck his tongue out. He shooed Angel away, and Angel reluctantly went.

 

Kate laughingly followed. “Man, Angel, you’ve got it bad.”

 

“Don’t start.”

 

“Okay, okay. But Xander seems nice.”

 

“He’s more than nice.”

 

“Okay, more than nice. So, why is someone trying to kill him, then?” Angel tensed up and Kate waited. Angel told her all that was going on, hoping that Kate would pick up on some clue that he’d missed.

 

--------------

 

Xander saw Angel walking away and caught a glimpse of Spike’s face. “Spike, what did you do?”

 

“Nothin’, luv. I swear it.”

 

“Pfft. Do you think I’m an idiot?”

 

“Well…”

 

Xander pushed Spike away, and Spike spun around laughing and danced right back over to him. After another couple of dances, Xander realized that he was really warm and slipped away through the glass doors and past the pool to head to the bar outside.

 

It was quieter there, as most guests at this point had drifted inside towards the music. Xander took a few deep breaths of the night air. He felt someone grip his arm and looked down to see Amy Marshall’s hate-filled gaze. Xander looked around and saw that there were several people around, so he didn’t call out. He could handle her.

 

“What’s the problem, Amy?”

 

“You are. You have ruined everything, you bastard. Do you think I don’t know?”

 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

 

“Oh, that’s just perfect. Play dumb. Well, you aren’t fooling me. I’ll get you for what you’ve done, Xander, you just wait. You’ll pay.”

 

Xander was stunned by the venom in her voice and tried to back away. She just tightened her hold on his arm. Before he could decide whether to jerk away or try to be more diplomatic, he saw Angel coming up behind her with Groo right beside him.

 

“Groo, I’ve never actually hit a woman before, but I think I might have to make an exception if she doesn’t remove her hand in the next three seconds.” Angel’s voice was low and cold, and Xander winced, knowing Angel would probably do it.

 

Amy spun around and glared, then turned back to Xander. “Don’t forget what I said, Xander. I won’t.” Then she stormed away, going back into the party and slamming the door behind her.

 

“You okay?” Xander looked up at Angel and nodded his head.

 

“Yeah, I’m fine. What the hell was that all about?”

 

“I don’t know, but I’ll find out; don’t worry. Do you want to get a drink?”

 

Xander sighed. “I would love a drink. Something really cold. Lots of ice.” He didn’t notice the gesture Angel made to Groo, or the fact that the bodyguard slipped away, following Amy. Angel knew that Kate was somewhere close by too, trusting, like Riley, that his gut was never wrong. He only hoped that this incident was what had been gnawing at him.

 

Angel forced his attention back to Xander, where it should have been in the first place. “What’s the matter? Are you having trouble keeping up with Spike?”

 

Xander glared at Angel, but knew there was a hint of a smile showing through. “Oh, please. But, actually, yes. Hell, he doesn’t stop, does he?”

 

“Not nearly often enough.” They reached the bar and placed their orders, waiting until the bartender handed them both their glasses before moving out of the way and taking long drinks.

 

“Now that is delicious.”

 

“I still don’t understand why Andrew insisted on having fruit smoothies.”

 

“It was his and Graham’s first date or something. I think it’s kind of sweet.”

 

Angel rolled his eyes. Of course, Xander would think it was sweet. They finished their drinks quietly, each lost in their own thoughts.

 

“Angel…”

 

“Xander…”

 

They laughed. They’d spoken at the same time. Xander gestured to Angel. “Go ahead, you first.”

 

“Why don’t we head home? The party will last for hours yet, and everything is going great. Your dad is here to handle anything else that comes up, and we can just spend the rest of the night together.”

 

Xander frowned. “No, Angel. I’m not leaving. This is Andrew’s day, and I’ll be here until he’s ready for me to leave. Don’t ask me to let him down, Angel, because I won’t do it.”

 

Riley walked up between them. “He’s right, you know. Andrew would be crushed if Xander left.”

 

Angel scowled at them both.

 

“Look, Angel, I’m going to go back in and dance some more and make sure Andrew is having the night of his life. Then I’m going to talk to my dad for a while. You can come find me later.”

 

Xander walked away, leaving Angel and Riley standing outside. Angel knew he should go after him and at least apologize for yet again being too overprotective and insensitive. But he didn’t. He did need to talk to Riley after all.