Disclaimer: Still don't own.
Bet you all thought this was abandoned.

Chapter 6

Xander screamed as his eye was destroyed. He could hear the man saying something about seeing but was focusing too much on trying to stay conscious. He felt someone grabbing him and pulling him from the vineyard. He was just grateful when he was eventually able to surrender and pass out.

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They stood at the edge of the crater that had once been Sunnydale. Xander shed a tear for Anya, Spike and all those who hadn't made it out. His eye was throbbing behind the patch but he ignored it. Spike and Anya had been the only ones to work out his other identity and had promised not to tell. Spike had actually taught him a few things and regularly joined him on the hunt. He listened as the others talked about moving on to Cleveland and restarting the Council in London but he wasn't really paying attention.

"Xander?" Dawn questioned.

"I'm leaving." He answered quietly.

"What?" Her yelled question got everyone's attention.

"Not permanently Dawnie. But I need a break."

"Xander, I really don't think this is the time."

"Save it Giles. I have some things that really need doing. I'll call you later." Xander walked away, it was a good thing he had a stash this far out of the actual town; it meant he had some transportation. A few minutes later he was headed down the highway headed for LA.

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Mulder froze and then pulled his gun as he entered his apartment, someone was already inside.

"Chill, its me." He relaxed and flipped the light on, smiling as he saw his son sprawled on the couch.

"I was getting worried, you haven't called in a while. Been busy?"

"Yeah, you could say that." Mulder frowned, usually he would have gotten at least a handshake by now if not a brief hug but Xander had kept his back to him.

"Xander?" His hand drifted closer to his gun, was it really his son on the couch?

"We screwed up, so badly. Anya, Spike they're dead. We were so stupid." Hearing the unshed tears Mulder moved around the couch to see Xander but the young man kept his head down. Mulder crouched and gently tipped his head up, he couldn't stifle his gasp as he saw the eye patch.

"Xander what happened? Your eye?"

"They had to remove what was left." Xander stated tonelessly. Not caring if he was being watched he pulled his son into a hug, offering what comfort he could.

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Mulder watched his son sleep fitfully, tears streaking his face as he mumbled, calling out to people whose names Mulder recognised from various phone calls. He moved further into the room and then froze as Xander started awake.

"It's just me." He watched Xander relax back against the pillows. Moving slowly since he was unsure as to how awake the younger man was he crossed the room and sat on the bed.
"You okay?" there was enough light for him to see the tear tracks and Xander's negative shake of the head.

"I'll live though."

"Want to talk about it?"

"I…not yet, please. There's a lot of stuff you don't know but I don't want to drag you in." Mulder frowned in worry. What had his son gotten messed up in?

"Okay. Just, is it something illegal?" He saw Xander shake his head again and relaxed slightly. He stayed where he was until he heard Xander's breathing deepen into sleep and then got up quietly. It was time to really look into Sunnydale.

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Alex froze. What were the odds? He doubted lex had seen him yet so he went to leave but then he paused. There was something very wrong with the way the younger man was sitting and he felt torn. Lex had helped him out, just by giving him a place to stay and asking no questions several times. He slipped into the crowd and picked a spot where he could keep an eye on Lex hopefully without being seen. It took a while for him to work out what was bothering him, Lex was protecting his left side oddly with the way he was sitting, was he hurt. And then he turned and Alex's eyes widened as he got a look at his face. Covering his left eye was a black eye patch, at least it explained why he was being so cautious, he now had a large blind side. Sighing he stood up and began making his way towards the bar, so much for his decision to never see Lex again.

"Lex?" He made sure to approach from his right side but he still jumped slightly. A single brown eye met his green ones and he felt his heart tighten at the dead look. What had happened to him since Baltimore?

"Hey Alex." Lex's voice sounded so weary. Alex slid onto the stool next to him and ordered a drink. They sat in silence, as they drank, neither needing to talk. Lex watched the way Lex didn't even bother watching the crowd like he used to and made up his mind.

"Come on." He said softly and Lex looked at him.
"Consider this my returning a favour." He held out his hand and Lex stared at it for a few minutes before taking it and letting himself be led outside.
"You have a place to stay yet?" Lex shook his head and Alex hailed a taxi, giving the driver directions. He stared in surprise as Lex fell asleep, using his shoulder as a pillow. Just what had he been through to relax like this? He'd never let his guard down this far before when they'd run into each other. Despite himself Alex found himself really worried for the younger man. He didn't know what he did exactly but he knew it was dangerous and his behaviour tonight could end up getting him killed. When the taxi stopped he managed to wake Lex enough to get him up to his room and into bed. Unfortunately there was no couch or second bed so he hoped Lex didn't mind sharing.

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Xander lay completely still. He could hear the gentle breathing of someone very close and he didn't recognise where he was. He cracked open his eye and then relaxed as he saw Alex sprawled half on him, a small smile tugging at his lips at the sight. He hadn't thought he'd see Alex again since it had been a while since they'd last seen each other and he figured the older man would be wary of him after that time. His hand seemed to have a mind of its own as he slowly began to run his fingers through silky dark hair. To his surprise Alex didn't wake but actually moved closer and snuggled into him. He smiled softly and kept up the motion. It was nice to just relax like this although he was sure his Dad was worried about him being gone all night.

Alex blinked blearily and then stiffened as he felt a gentle hand in his hair and the warmth of another body beneath him. He looked over and saw Lex smiling softly at him. The other man looked a lot better this morning. He smiled back slightly and decided not to move is Lex wasn't complaining.

"Thanks." Lex whispered and Alex nodded. He stretched slightly and then lay still content to stay in bed all day while he had the chance. He had decided that until Lex did something to prove him wrong he would believe that he meant him no harm. He sighed as Lex's hand moved slightly and started massaging his neck lightly, relieving tension that he hadn't even been aware of.
"What are we doing?" Lex asked, still whispering. Alex moved slightly so he could see Lex's face better.

"Whatever feels good." He watched Lex think about it for a few seconds before he smiled and nodded. He held still as Lex moved his head closer and then tentative lips met his. He returned the light pressure, letting Lex lead for now. They had just started to deepen the kiss when the both jumped at the sound of a cell phone going off. Lex fumbled around a bit before answering it.

"Giles? What's going on?" Alex lay still as Lex sat up.
"Are you sure?" Lex's voice held concern.
"I'll be on the next flight." Alex watched as Lex hung up and looked at him guiltily.

"You have to go."

"Yeah. There's some trouble with a friend so I have to get to London. I'm sorry." Lex darted in and kissed him again before handing him a card.
"My number and email. Call me?" Alex nodded and watched as Lex shoved his shoes on and headed for the door only to pause before opening it to look back at the bed and smile a blinding smile.
"Thank you, for everything. Please call."

TBC…