Summary: Angel has some visitors on Christmas Eve
Notes: This is my response to a challenge on the Angelslash list and
I’ve also
tried to fix what Satan, I mean Joss, did in Heroes. I think I’ve taken
some
liberties with the layout of Angel’s apartment. Also, extra points to
anyone
who knows what the title means :)
**********
Angel absently rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to decide which
book to
reread that night. He needed something to do and for once he was
actually
lamenting not having a television. Not that he would have been able to
stomach
any programing on anyway. He had already given up on the radio. The
souled
vampire really didn’t understand why, just because it was
eleven-o-clock on
December 24, every station *had* to play Christmas carols.
“Go on, say ‘Bah Humbug’. You know you want to.”
Angel spun around, eyes wide. His jaw dropped at the sight of the
slight, dark
haired Irishman lounging on his couch.
“Doyle!?”
“In the flesh. . . well actually I’m not, but you get the idea.” He
smiled at
the befuddled vampire.
“You’re a ghost?”
A slightly wounded look crossed Doyle’s features. “I prefer corporally
challenged.”
“But how, why, what, how?”
“You already said how.”
Angel sank down into a thankfully close chair.
Doyle took pity on his obviously shell-shocked friend and began to
explain.
“Actually I’m not a ghost, I’m a spirit.”
“There’s a difference?”
“There’s a very big difference I’ll have you know. A ghost is a soul
that's
tied to the Earth plain for one reason or another. A spirit is a soul
sent to
Earth for a specific reason, usually to be a guardian or guide.” He
grinned.
“And you thought you had gotten rid of me.” He said playfully.
“Okay, that helps with the what and why, but there’s still the how.”
Doyle’s smile was replaced by a serious look. “I was offered a choice.
I could
either have ascended to. . . heaven, I suppose you could call it, or, I
could
return here. Eternal happiness or fighting the good fight.”
“And you chose to come back.”
“What can I say, I guess that hero stuff kinda gets inta your blood. .
. or
whatever it is I have now.”
Angel finally allowed himself to smile at his friend. “Cordy’s gonna be
happy.”
Doyle smiled again, a blush covering his dimpled cheeks. “Did she miss
me?” He
asked shyly.
Angel’s voice was very soft. “Yeah, she did.”
“Well, I guess I know where I’ll be headed tonight once my work here is
done.”
The Irish spirit said with a wink.
The vampire’s body tensed. “Work here? Is there evil?”
“You need to really think about laying off the caffeine bud.” Doyle let
out a
sigh. “No, there’s no evil, at least none that I’m aware of, and I do
have a
pretty direct line now.”
“Then not to sound rude, because believe me I’m glad you’re back, but.
. . if
there’s no evil . . .”
“I’m here to deliver a present.”
“A present?”
“A Christmas present, from The Powers.”
“The Powers are giving me a Christmas present.”
“Angel, boyo, stop repeatn’ everything I say, I really would like to
get over
to Cordelia’s before she’s too old to appreciate me anymore.”
“Sorry.”
“Thanks. Now, as I was saying, The Powers have been feeling a little
bad about
everything that’s been happening to you lately. . .”
“A little bad?”
Doyle scowled at him.
“Sorry.” Angel said again.
“May I continue?”
“Yes, please.” The vampire slightly bowed his head.
“Good.” He cleared his nonexistent throat. “It being Christmas Eve and
all, the
powers decided to get you something, a morale booster if you will,
after all
you are one of their best warriors. Anyway, they decided to let you
have your
heart’s desire.” He paused for a moment. “Done.”
Angel broke out of his silence. “Wait, what’s done. I didn’t say
anything yet.”
“You didn't’ have to.”
“But. . .”
Suddenly a new voice called out and stopped the bickering.
“Deadboy?”
The vampire and spirit both turned to face the teenager standing beside
the
elevator.
“Xander?” Angel glanced quickly between him and Doyle.
“Well, this is . . . unexpected.” The Irishman said, trying
unsuccessfully to
hide a smile.
“What the hell’s going on?” Xander asked, understandably perturbed.
To his credit Angel recovered his composure quite quickly. “I’ll
explain in a
minute.” He said to Xander. “Doyle, can I talk to you in the kitchen?”
He asked
in a tight voice, already heading out of the room.
Xander watched the shorter man give him an apologetic smile then float
after the
vampire. Wait, *float*. Xander raised his eyes to the ceiling. “Is it
really
too much to ask to have a normal holiday for once?” He muttered.
Angel was pacing around the small space between the counter and the
table.
“Doyle!” He tried very hard to keep his voice low.
“Don’t look at me!” He held up his hands. “That’s your doing.”
“No it isn’t. I didn’t even get a chance to say anything.”
“That’s not the way it works.” Doyle thought for a moment. “You ever
play that
word association game? You know the one where one person says a word
and then
another person says the first thing that pops into his head.”
“No.”
“Oh, well its the same basic premise. I said the words ‘heart’s desire’
and you
immediately thought of. . . him.” He gave Angel a sly grin.
“No I didn’t. Xander Harris is not my heart’s desire and that’s that.”
Doyle shrugged. “You can lie to yourself all you want Angel, but you
can’t lie
to Them. They know what’s in your heart, you soul, what you really need
to be
happy.”
“I’m not supposed to be happy, or did everyone else forget that pesky
little
clause in my curse?”
“That doesn’t apply to you anymore.” Doyle stared into his friend’s
eyes. “The
Powers are no longer afraid that true happiness would make you shirk
your
duties. Your soul is bound to you forever.”
Angel let that information sink in. “Are you sure?
“Yeah.”
“I want Buffy. Send Xander back. I’m happy with Buffy.”
“No, you’re miserable with Buffy.” Doyle rolled his eyes. “How thick is
that
undead skull of yours. You and Buffy had a supernova kinda
relationship, which
is all well and good if you want fast and fun, but not if you want an
everlasting kinda thing. Think about it man, would you rather have a
few white
hot years, or a slow, steady burn for the rest of your life?”
“But. . . Xander?”
“The Powers are not beings that make a lot of mistakes Angel.” Doyle
said
seriously. “And on that note, I have a certain ex-May Queen to
reacquaint
myself with. See ya.”
Angel watched as the spirit slowly faded until he was standing alone in
his
kitchen. He sincerely wished that he could have a few centuries to mull
over
everything that had been said, but the presence of the boy in his
living room
demanded that it be dealt with now.
He walked out of the kitchen. “Xander?”
“Angel, what’s going on? I mean one second I’m happily locked away in
my
basement, getting ready to spend Christmas Eve inside for the first
time in
nine years, then, all of a sudden I’m in the middle of your living
room, at
least I assume it’s your living room and if it is that means that I’m
in L.A.
so I think I have to repeat with more feeling, what is going on?”
Xander took a
deep breath and flopped onto the couch. “And who was the floaty guy?”
“That was Doyle.” Angel said tentatively sitting down on the other side
of the
sofa.
“Doyle? Oz didn't say anything about him being a ghost.”
“That’s because he wasn't when Oz was here. He only died a few weeks
ago. And,
technically he isn’t a ghost, he’s a spirit.”
“There’s a difference?” Xander tilted his head to the side. “Wait,
explain that
to me later, first fill me in on why I’m here.”
Angel gave him a big grin. “You’re gonna laugh.” The grin disappeared.
“Well,
probably not, but laughing is better then yelling or sobbing
uncontrollably.”
Xander raised an eyebrow. “Deadboy, you’re starting to worry me.
Whatever it
is, just spit it out.”
A certain mental image flitted through Angel’s mind.
“Angel?”
“Uh, what was the question?”
“Why am I here!?”
“Oh, right. Um, some of this may sound a little strange.”
Xander gave him a smirk. “Believe me Deadboy I can deal with strange. I
mean, I
can handle you, right?”
Angel shook his head before his traitorous subconscious could provide
him with
another mental picture. He took a deep, unneeded breath, and told the
teenager
everything that Doyle had told him, carefully gauging Xander’s reaction
to
certain bits of information. When he finished he stared expectantly at
the boy.
Xander was picking at the knee of his jeans. He finally looked up and
met the
vampire’s gaze. “Is it true?”
“Doyle wouldn’t lie to
“No, not that.” Xander let his eyes fall shut and Angel couldn't’ help
but
stare at the contrast between the boy’s dark lashes and pale cheeks.
“Me. How
you feel about me. Is that true?”
“I don’t know.” Angel said softly, suddenly finding the back of his
hand very
interesting. He didn’t even notice when Xander opened his eyes, or the
look the
boy gave him. He did, however, notice when Xander slid closer,
shortening the
distance between them.
“Would you like to find out?” Xander asked just as softly. He placed
one of his
hands on Angel’s knee and brought the other one up to gently rest on
the
vampire’s shoulder.
This time Angel didn’t mind when wondrous images of him and Xander
danced in his
head.
“Yes, I’d like that.” He and Xander leaned toward each other. Their
mouths met
and Angel immediately knew what Doyle had meant by a slow burn. He
could feel
that fire spreading through him as he wrapped his arms around the young
mortal.
The chime of the clock on the mantle broke the kiss, but not the
embrace. Angel
watched it until the twelfth bell had rung. He turned his head to find
Xander
staring at him, a smile playing on his lips.
“Merry Christmas Angel.”
**********
Summary:
Angel and Xander stress over Valentines Day. This is a sequel to
‘Nollaig Shona
Duit’
Notes: The names and descriptions of certain products below are real,
just
changed slightly to protect the innocent. . . shheeeyeaah right, like
there are
any of those here.
***************
February 8th -
*****
Xander yawned as he slipped a shirt over his head. Helping fight that
interdimensional goon squad had taken a lot out of him and the teenager
was
grateful Angel had let him sleep late, even if it did mean briefly
forgoing the
rapidly beloved tradition of waking up next to the beautiful vampire.
It had been almost a month since Xander had left Sunnydale and moved to
Of course Xander understood the practicality of a vampire having a
subterranean
apartment, but he was a bit chagrined that after all the changes his
life had
undergone he was still living in a basement. With a rueful smile the
mortal
made his way up the stairs and into the main office area where he found
Cordelia, seated behind her desk, idly flipping through a magazine.
“Hey Cor, Deadboy around?”
“Nope, he had to go meet Cop Lady about something. Said he’d be back in
about
an hour.”
Xander studied Cordelia for a moment. “Isn’t it a little early for you
to have
that shopping glow?” He asked plopping into a nearby chair. Cordy
glared at
him. “Right, sorry. What was I thinking?”
“You weren’t, that’s the problem.” With a very put upon sigh she
continued. “If
you must know I was picking up Doyle’s Valentines gift. Actually, if
you want
to be technical, I was picking up the wrapping for his gift.
“Wrapping?”
“Uh huh. Want to see?” Hazel eyes twinkled mischievously.
Xander knew he would be given a presentation regardless of what he
wanted so he
simply nodded his head.
Cordelia secretly glanced around the office. “Okay. I’ll show you, but
breathe
a word of this to Doyle and it’ll be the last breath you take, got it?”
Xander rolled his eyes. “I’m not gonna tell, now show.”
With a coy smile Cordelia reached into her large tote and pulled out a
small
bag, from that came a piece of stretchy red lace. Cordy held the
negligee up
and raised an eyebrow at her former boyfriend. “Well?”
Xander leaned back in his chair and briefly imagined the brunette’s
curves
covered by the sheer fabric. “I think it’s a good thing Doyle’s already
dead so
you don’t have to worry about his heart stopping when he sees you in
that
thing.”
Cordelia grinned at him then quickly stuffed the nightie back into her
bag.
“You think he’ll like it?” She asked almost shyly.
Xander grinned. “I think he’ll like the wrapping, but he already loves
the
present.”
Cordy tucked the tote back under her desk. “Now why couldn’t you have
been that
sweet when we were dating?”
“Because I was in high school, I would have been kicked out of the male
gender.”
He quipped.
“Ah.” Cordy gave him a knowing smile. “So, what are you getting tall,
dark and
broody?”
Xander scowled. “I have no idea. Do you know how hard it is to shop for
a two
hundred and forty five year old vampire? It’s hell. I mean, compared to
what he
is and what he’s gone through everything for this holiday just seems so
. . .
shmaltzy.”
“Huh. Well, maybe you should do what I did and get a pro-active gift.
Umm, what
do you think about a red, silk thong?”
Xander grimaced.
“Come on.” Cordelia pleaded. “You should get something that’ll make it
impossible for Angel to keep his hands off of you.” The brunette paused
and
studied her old friend. “What’s wrong?”
“Huh? Nothing.”
Cordy narrowed her eyes. “I *know* you Xander Harris and you just had
that
*look* on your face.”
“What look?” He asked innocently.
“*That* look.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Spill.”
Xander ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “It’s complicated.”
Cordy perked up. “I can do complicated. Talk to
“What?”
“If you’re having problems I want to try and help. Talk to me. You and
Angel
are my friends.”
“Are you sure, cause. . . “
“Gawd Xander, don’t take all day. I’ve got a salon appointment at two,
tick
tock!”
“Okay! Okay! Geeez.” Xander took a deep breath. “The problem, and I so
cannot
believe I’m doing this, is that Angel and I have been living together
for
almost a month now and we still haven’t. . . ya know, done *it*. I mean
we’ve
done things. . . just not *it*.”
“What kind of things?”
“Um, . . . certain oral things.”
“Huh. So basically you’ve sucked each other off but no one’s penetrated
anything yet.” Cordelia summed up with a succinct nod of her head.
Xander let his head thump down on the desk. “Just when I think my life
has
reached it’s weirdness quota, my ex-girlfriend says something like
that.”
“Xander.” Cordy admonished. “You should know by now that your life is
gonna get
way weirder then this. You’re dating a vampire - Hello!”
The teenager dejectedly raised his head. “You’re right, and I wouldn’t
change
that. I think I love him Cor, and I hate to complain, I mean, the whole
cuddle
thing is amazing, but sometimes . . . all I want is to. . .”
“Be thrown across the bed and ravished like a character in a trashy
romance novel?”
“Uh. . . well. . . Yes dammit!” He blushed indignantly.
Cordy began to tap a perfectly polished nail on her keyboard. “Have you
told
Angel about this?”
“How am I supposed to do that?” Xander’s brow creased.
“Duh! Try talking to him.” Cordy shook her head. “You know, I just
don’t
understand why there are so many male male couples out there. I mean
it’s hard
enough maintaining a relationship that only has one Y chromosome.” She
reached
across the desk and clasped Xander’s hands. “Okay, see, the thing about
men,
and you should know this since you are one, then again, since you are
one you
probably have no clue as to what I’m about to say. Anyway, the thing
about men
is that sometimes the only way to get something through to them is to
hit them
over the head with it. Not literally, just tell him.” A wicked gleam
formed in
her hazel eyes. “Or better yet, show him.”
Xander pulled away. “I’m amazed that after all these years that look
you get in
your eyes still has the power to scare me senseless.”
“Then it’s decided.”
“Decided? What? Who decided, when?” Xander valiantly fought against the
rising
terror.
The ex-May Queen rubbed her hands together in anticipatory glee.
“Tomorrow you
and I are going shopping, and Angel, will never know what hit him.”
***************
February 9th -
*****
Angel gave one last longing look at the dark haired figure curled in up
under
the covers before he turned away. The faster he got upstairs and
accomplished
his task the faster he could get back to his lover.
Once he was in the office area Angel settled himself into Cordelia’s
chair and
booted up the computer. He pulled up his favorite search engine and
with a few
choice keywords into the allotted slot the quest began.
A new screen came up and the vampire chewed his bottom lip as he
studied the
available choices. he scratched his head and decided to randomly pick
one. A
click of his mouse brought up another page and Angel found himself
staring at
more options. With a mental shrug he clicked on a product icon and the
corresponding image popped up.
The vampire’s jaw fell open slightly as he leaned forward in his chair
and
peered at the screen. “Weenie Babies?” What the hell kind of place had
he
stumbled onto.
“What ya looking at?”
Angel let out an undignified yelp and spun around in his chair to face
the
bemused Irish spirit which had materialized behind him.
“Doyle!” Angle hissed. “Could you not do that.”
The black haired figure ignored the hostility radiating off the older
man,
focusing instead on the image on the screen.
“So, it’s come ta this has it?” Doyle slowly shook his head. “Tha great
Angel
has fallen ta collectin stuffed phalluses.” He snickered as the vampire
hurriedly clicked on a different icon.
“N-no. I was just. . .” Angel excuses trailed off in defeat as the new
image
came up.
“What? Lookin fer. . .” Doyle leaned closer to the screen, reading the
product
description. “Sometin ta satisfy the hungriest a anal passions? Huh, I
learn
sometin new about you every day.”
The vampire pinched the bridge of his nose wondering how much it was
going to
cost him to keep the former half demon quite about this.
Doyle leaned against the wall and calmly regarded his friend. “Angel,
ya know
that yer personal life is none a my business. . .”
“Yet, you’re still here.”
“But, instead a lookin for trills elsewhere ya might want ta remember
that
handsome young ting ya keep in the basement.”
“I’m not looking for me, I’m looking for Xander.”
“Course ya are.” The spirit nodded conspiratorially.
Angel glared at him. “I am looking for something for Xander for
Valentines Day.
I thought I’d try the net before I resorted to actually shopping.
Needless to
say, I haven’t had a lot of luck yet. Are there any other questions?”
“Well, since ya asked. What exactly are ya looking fer?”
“I don’t know. I was hoping I could get some kind of idea online.”
Angel
sighed. “I just want to give Xander something. . . romantic.”
“Romantic? Keep lookin bud.” Doyle motioned toward the computer. “That
kinda stuff
aint fer Valentine’s. . . but, ya might want ta remember this site when
his
birthday rolls around.”
Angel growled at the Irishman. “Okay, oh great, wise, direct link to
the
powers, what do you suggest I get him?”
The Irish spirit shrugged. “It’s not fer me ta say, I’m not ta one
who’s in
love with him.”
These words seemed to soften the vampire. “I do, you know. Love him.”
“Does he know?”
“I. . .”
“Then, that’s what you should do.” Doyle interrupted. “Show him how
much he
means ta ya. If he’s tha center a your world now Angel, ya should make
sure he
knows it.”
“Well, what do you think I should do?”
“What?”
“I-i-it’s b-been a while. . . since I’ve. . . done the romance thing
with
anyone. . . you know, without bloodletting.” The vampire stammered.
The spirit chuckled. “I can’t believe you’re coming ta me fer romantic
advice.”
“That makes two of us.” Angel said with an inward groan.
Doyle’s face held a bright grin “Okay bud, first ting’s first, we’re
gettin
away from this site.” The spirit telenetically moved the mouse and
brought the
search page back up. “Ah, now here looks like an interesting place ta
check -
Lubes, lotions and oils. Oh my.”
“You had to say it, didn’t you?
“Ah, you’re just upset cause you didn’t say it first.”
***************
February 9th -
*****
“Are you sure about this?” Xander nervously glanced around the nearly
empty
bookstore.
“Xander, it’s a no brainer. Not even Angel can vague up the words
‘Karma
Sutra.” She began to leaf through the book. “I mean check all the info
and the,
oh my. . . color illustrations.” Cordelia tilted the book slightly and
peered
at the page. “Wow. I did not know that could bend that way.”
“Lemme see.” Xander peered over her shoulder. “Ouch.”
Cordelia pulled away from him and closed the book. “Come on, let’s get
this and
get going. I’m going to sign you up at my gym.”
“Your gym?” Suspicion was written clearly over the boy’s features. “I
know I’m
gonna regret asking this, but why?”
Cordelia knowingly thumped the hardcover. “You *really* need to limber
up
before next Monday.”
***************
February 13th -
*****
Angel anxiously puttered around the apartment, checking to make sure
everything
would be perfect when Xander got back. He had asked Cordelia to keep
Xander
occupied elsewhere while he set things up downstairs. With a huge
smile, that
told the vampire she knew more then she was letting on, the girl had
agreed and
suddenly Cordelia *absolutely had* to get to Bloomingdales before they
closed and
she *absolutely couldn’t* go alone. Xander had sputtered a bit before
he
finally accepted his fate and accompanied his ex-girlfriend to the
mall. That
was three hours ago, everything was now ready and Angel was driving
himself
crazy making sure of that fact.
Candles? Check. Wine? Check. Chocolate? Check. Strawberries and whipped
cream?
Check. Angel tried to suppress the wave of giddiness that suddenly
swept
through him. The thought of any of those tastes mixed with the unique
Xander-flavor of his lover’s skin made the vampire’s stomach flip-flop
in
anticipation. However, his composure quickly returned with the sound of
heavy
footsteps on the stairs.
“I can’t believe Cordy talked me into letting her drive.” Xander
grumbled.
“Never again. *NEVER* again. . .” The teen stopped short when he saw
the
transformed apartment. “Wow. What’s with all the candles Deadboy, we
doing some
kind of spell tonight?”
Angel smiled at the once hated nickname. “Nope, no spell.”
“They why. . .”
“Happy Valentines Day Xander.”
The teenager’s jaw dropped as full comprehension dawned. “Wait, you
mean. . .
all of this. . . is for me?” The last part came out with a bit of a
squeak.
“B-but Valentines Day isn’t until tomorrow.”
Angel glanced at the clock. “It is tomorrow.” He crossed over to his
lover.
“And this is definitely all for you.”
Xander let himself be wrapped in strong arms and pulled into a searing
kiss.
The mortal returned the hug and let his overworked synapsis rest for a
moment
while he floated on the sensations of being loved and loving someone
back.
Finally their mouths broke apart, allowing Xander to take a shaky
breath, but
if anything their hold on each other’s bodies grew even tighter.
“A slow, steady burn.” Angel whispered into soft, brown hair.
“What?”
Angel smiled. “I just remembered something Doyle once said. Something
about us.
It’s not important right now.” He stared down into the sparkling brown
eyes of
his young love. “What is important is you. . .” Angel let one of his
hands work
it’s way under Xander’s shirt and stoked the base of the boy’s spine.
“Me. . .”
His other hand deftly unzipped the teen’s jeans and slipped inside.
“And what
we’re going to do with all that whipped cream over there.”
Xander’s body shuddered under the assault and he uttered the only thing
his
poor, addled brain could come up with. “Kay.”
Angel chucked as he led the younger man over to their bed. “I think
this is
going to be a good holiday.”
***************
The End.