Can anyone believe this story has been going on since September 29, 2013? Everyone's support means a whole lot. Thank you. And to think it's not even close to the end yet! XD

Dry Your Tears Chapter 32

No p.o.v

For the past week Shadow and Amy had been staying together in Xander's small apartment. Neither one dared to mention the kiss they had shared, nor the situation with aunt Jackie, nor Amy's conversation with Xander, and not even the events at Vera's funeral. Over the week's course, the two had cleaned the place to where it now looked like a completely different place. Admittedly, it was slightly awkward when they'd find themselves side by side. Tonight, however, Shadow assisted Amy with setting up a table for dinner. Xander would be returning not too long from now.

Amy fanned out a table cloth and laid it over the table. She then proceeded to get a candle or two to place on top. Shadow crossed his arms.

"I don't see why he has to have this fancy return ceremony."

Amy smoothed out the cloth and went to a drawer for more candles. "I dunno. I just want him to feel comfortable-"

Shadow chuckled sarcastically. "You want the man who made you uncomfortable most of your life to feel comfortable upon the return of his hospital visit from falling upon the blade he intended to make you feel very uncomfortable with? How ironic."

Amy balled up her fist and leaned on the table. She wasn't in the mood for another fit of Shadow's sarcasm. "Look I just want to have a peaceful dinner tonight. Can we do that please?"

"Sure I don't wanna take you out of your comfort zone", Shadow remarked as he sat on the couch. Amy rolled her eyes and finished setting the table. She just wanted things to go right from now on. No matter how uncomfortable her past may have been. Amy wondered what Xander would be like when he returned. Would he go back to the way he was? Amy's mind clouded with the images of Xander breaking down and holding her. Don't tell me that was all for nothing... Even so, Shadow was there to protect her if need be. The thought of Shadow jumping to her defense made Amy blush madly. She patted her cheeks in hopes of making the red fade away.

Her ears perked as the door handle began to jiggle. Shadow stood and took his seat at the table. Amy placed the lasagna she had baked and a bowl of salad on the center of the table along with hot bread sticks. After lighting the candles, she too took her seat and both watched as the door creaked open. Shadow had a frown on his face, and Amy smiled with raised eyebrows; signaling for him to fix his face. Xander walked in slowly, staring at his feet. He looked up and saw the two at the table. Amy waved weakly.

"I uh...made us a dinner. I'm sure it's been ages since you've had a decent...meal."

Xander looked at the food and nodded in somewhat approval. He placed his keys on the counter and sat down. Shadow and Amy were on opposite ends of the table while Xander was at the side. Without warning, Xander began to dig in; eating obnoxiously. Amy looked on nervously while Shadow grunted with disgust. Attempting to start a conversation, Amy cleared her throat.

"Everything okay...? Any medications to take?"

Xander grunted while he chewed. "Few pain meds."

Amy nodded. "Right..."

Xander stuffed his face and cleaned his plate. He slopped more lasagna on his plate, ignoring the sauce splattering everywhere. Amy leaned up and grabbed a towel to clean up after him, but Shadow clutched her wrist. He shook his head and took the towel from her. Shadow dropped the towel in front of Xander. "He can clean up after himself."

Amy leaned back slowly. It was simply natural instinct to slave over him. Xander looked up at Shadow and grabbed the towel, wiping the sauce off the table. Shadow glared at him, and Xander glared back. Amy took a bite reluctantly and smiled. She was determined to remain optimistic. Shadow kept his eyes on Xander as he ate. Xander pretended not to notice, but quickly grew impatient.

"Yeah...so any particular reason he's staying in my apartment?"

Amy's eyes widened. "Oh, Shadow? He um...he's been helping me out around here. Have you noticed the place?" Amy motioned her hand out for Xander to look at the now clean environment. It no longer smelled of drugs, alcohol, and rotting stench. Xander looked around and grunted. Shadow slammed his fist on the table.

"You know it wouldn't hurt to be even more appreciative than what you're so graciously showing. She's gotten this garbage can apartment cleaned up, cooked you a decent meal, and hell, she saved your fucking life."

Amy flattened her ears. This was becoming the exact opposite of the night she planned out in her head. Xander growled inwardly. "I do appreciate it. I appreciate everything she's done. In fact, now that I'm home you can go ahead and take your leave."

Shadow smirked. "And leave her with a rapist? I don't think so."

Amy whimpered. "Guys... Let's just eat. I worked really hard on the lasagna and-"

Xander cut Amy off abruptly. "I don't need to be reminded of what I've done in the past you bastard."

"Yes. I am a bastard. I can be a complete ass hole as a matter of fact. But let me tell you what you are. You are a rapist, you're a sicko, a twisted mother fucker who likes to beat on innocent young girls. You are a pathetic druggie and drunkard. And there is no way in hell I'm leaving. So you better get used to my face cause i'm not going anywhere any time soon."

Xander balled up his fist and looked at Amy. "What the hell were you thinking inviting him here in my-"

"And another thing", Shadow interrupted. "You're not going to curse at her. You're not going to degrade her. You're not going to touch her. And if she tells me that you do so much as look at her the wrong way I will personally break your face in. Now let's enjoy this dinner, shall we?"

Amy sighed and stood up from the table. "I need to excuse myself." Amy grabbed a coat and began walking to the door. Shadow asked where she was going. "Just...to visit Cream. We're long over do for a nice chat...goodnight."

Amy's p.o.v

I stepped outside and closed the door behind me. Leaning against the door, I slid to the ground. Shadow and Xander under the same roof was already a disaster. I don't even have an appetite anymore. Cream will know what to do.

I walked down the apartment stairs until I got to the bottom floor. I breathed out a breath of fog and looked up at the stars. "It's crazy mom..."

My ears perked at the sound of the door opening above. Shadow jumped over the railing and landed in front of me. I blushed and took a step back. "Don't worry about me. I really am going to see Cream. I-"

"I believe you. I'm just going with you. I mean unless you want to come home to a ruined apartment because I'm sure I would have winded up beating his ass", Shadow said with a shrug.

I smiled and tucked some hair behind my ear. "Thank you...for earlier. For standing up for me. I know he apologized, but I guess you can never tell what he'll do."

"Which is exactly why I'm not going anywhere, Rose."

I looked into his eyes and stepped forward. "Shadow...please don't act like you don't remember. Because I don't want to forge..."

Shadow stepped towards me as well. "Remember what?"

"This..."

I leaned up and kissed Shadow on the lips softly. It was definitely too cliché to say it was like fireworks, but it still was. His lips were cold but quickly warmed up to mine. Thanks to him, i'd never start to be as bold as I was becoming. I leaned back and touched his cold cheek. "I need you to stay here. I trust you'll be able to handle yourselves."

At that, I spun around on my heels and began headed to the hospital. Cream was sure to at least have some sort of good news for me.