A/N So Faith shows up soon. Xander was a bit distracted by her wild stories in this episode. He won't be in this story. Things are progressing differently, not to mention he and Cordelia have declared their feelings for each other. On the other the hand, Cordy may still be annoyed, just not at him, was it my imagination or was Faith a little flirty in that episode?

Saturday after Cordelia's transformation cycle had completed, Xander headed over to her place. He was feeling a little, ok, a lot nervous. They scheduled this as their time to discuss actually taking their relationship to the next level. In other words, they were going to talk about sex. As in actually having sex. With each other. Something he had been dreaming about since puberty hit. And quite often with Cordy at the center of those dreams long before they got together. So he was sure he wanted this and he was sure he was eager, but would he able to you know, figure out what to do? Theory was one thing, practice was another. As he pulled into the drive and punched in the code for the gate, he was trying hard to keep his mind on driving and not on Cordelia's Playboy Centerfold figure.

Once he had parked, Xander took several deep breaths and got himself under some semblance of control and headed inside. He took the stairs two at a time as usual and knocked on Cordelia's door. A soft "come in" answered his knock. Pushing open the door, he froze at the sight in front of him. Cordelia in a Victoria Secret outfit, dark blue, lacy and hot. His brain stuttered to a stop.

"Wow," was all he could manage as Cordelia stepped forward and put her arms around his neck. Xander leaned down and kissed her, his arms reaching for her.

"Are you sure," he whispered as he came up for air.

"Yes," she answered.

They undressed each other, caressing and figuring out what the other liked, slowly and gently making love to each other. In the end, it wasn't nearly as difficult to figure out as Xander had been afraid it would be. And so very much what he had hoped it would be.

Afterward, they lay in each other arms, occasionally caressing each other, not quite working each other up, yet, but more enjoying the wonder of holding each other and reveling in the freedom to do so.

"Any regrets?" Xander asked quietly.

"No, you?" Cordelia answered.

"No, guys dream about sex and their first time too, you know. And I can safely say, that was everything I hoped it would be. Most especially because it was with the girl I hoped it would be with. I love you, Cordy."

"I love you, too, Xander. And yes, that matched my hopes and dreams too."

Monday dawned warm and bright. Xander headed for school, hoping the weekend hadn't been an amazing dream. He spotted Cordelia just arriving and pulled in beside her. When she saw him, she smiled, a soft, but brilliant smile, just for him and he knew it had been real. He slipped his arm around her waist and she leaned into his side, drawing in his scent. Then she said softly, "Your scents changed, it's now mixed with mine." Her expression went fierce, "anyone smelling you, will know your mine."

He should have found that statement disconcerting, instead he found it... satisfying. "I am yours and your mine, I don't mind if people know that." he answered.

"Good, because I don't plan to let you go."

Xander just smiled. Months ago, when Cordelia had publicly dumped her popularity and chosen him, it had come as a big shock. Now, though, it seemed natural. Maybe he should have questioned his easy acceptance, but it just didn't occur to him. Like he told Cordelia when she had commented that he was in Alpha mode, this felt familiar, without feeling like something else was in control. He was hers and she was his. It didn't warrant any further thought. It just was.

When Xander's free third period rolled around, he headed for the library. It was time to implement the next stage of the 'Keep Cordy Safe' plan.

Keeping her condition secret was Cordelia's right, and choosing when and how to reveal it was also her right. Keeping her secret, as long as she wasn't in danger, or a danger to anyone, fell under the 'boyfriend rules', as far as Xander was concerned. He knew the others probably wouldn't agree, but wah, some things came first and loyalty to ones girlfriend was one them. That being said, Xander was equally certain, it just was not long term feasible, to keep it a secret. Eventually, wether Cordy was ready or not, it could and likely would come out. Under not very controlled circumstances. Which meant contingencies needed to be implemented. No way was he going to let Buffy go into 'slay now, ask questions, never' mode. So he was ready to talk to Giles about some things that could possibly cause issues in the group. On the other hand, everything he was going to discuss was something practical that could save lives. He just hoped Giles was receptive, because if he wasn't, Buffy sure wouldn't be.

He took a deep breath and pushed open the doors to the library. Time to get this over with.

Giles was working at the circulation desk again. Xander walked up to it and said. "Giles can we talk, privately? I have some concerns I want to discuss and yes I am being serious and not clowning around. It's important. I just ask that you hear me out and try to take me seriously, ok?"

Giles eyed him curiously, taking note of what he was wearing. A decent shirt and good jeans, nothing flashy. If Xander had taken the time to present a cleaned up image, it must be something that was important to him. Giles decided that hearing him out couldn't hurt and motioned Xander towards his office. "We can speak privately if you like."

"Good idea, especially since what I want to talk about involves Buffy's night job."

They entered the office and Giles motioned Xander to the chair next to the desk and locked the door, curious about what Xander's concerns might be.

"Giles, I don't know if you realize this, but I still have a lot of that Soldier Boy stuff from last Halloween in my head, and I've got some concerns based off the information in my head. There are some things I think we should be doing as a standard operating procedure. Things that could keep us from constantly playing catch up, things that could prevent problems in the first place."

"Like what?" Giles asked, even more curious now.

"Well, let's start with the fact that both Buffy and I have been possessed twice and there was never any check to see if there was anything harmful left over. Magic is unpredictable and you already know the Halloween spell had leftovers, for me anyway. Leftovers that have come in handy a time or two. And could be more so, if you would let me use some of that knowledge more often. But that's not the part I want to discuss right now."

"I think doing mystical diagnosis on any of us who have been possessed should be done, just in case. I also think Willow should be checked. Giles, prior to her doing that soul curse, she couldn't float a pencil and afterward that was about all she could do. Both Oz and Cordy said she looked like she was possessed. She went black eyed and spoke a foreign language she'd never heard, let alone spoken before. And what are the possible consequences of channeling that kind of magic?"

"Something else that concerns me is that your books mention demons and supernatural beings that aren't a danger to humans. But how do we know who they are? How do we recognize fairies or werewolves or nonviolent demons before we accidentally harm one? Shouldn't that be important to know information? And what about if someone casts a malignant spell, one that's subtler than what Catherine Madison did I mean, shouldn't routine checks be done for something like that? And is there a way to shield a public area like this library where we spend so much time? And if there isn't maybe we should relocate to a more private place for our meetings. We could maybe rent somewhere where we could store your books so no one casually finds something they shouldn't. That would also give Buffy a bigger place to practice and speaking of that. Giles in my head is the knowledge of how to do Judo and Aikido, Maybe with a little work and some help I could turn that intellectual knowledge into practical knowledge, if you were willing to help me that is. If not I could get a membership at the Y and see if they have martial arts classes, it's just you're willing to help Willow learn stuff and I'd like to learn too. Giles, I'm not stupid. Did you know I take some of the same classes Willow does? And some she doesn't. I'm not great at math, but I read Giles, a lot. AP Literature was one of my favorites. Just give me a chance, Ok? That's all I ask."

Giles considered Xander's questions and realized he had valid points. Magic often could be harmful and harmful could be subtle and progressive. The fact that Xander had retained so much from that spell on Halloween should have been investigated and the description of Willow and that spell was definitely concerning. Not to mention, his Slayer was supposed to know how to identify nonviolent supernatural and demonic beings. He hadn't been teaching her because she was so resistant. Maybe Xander could help him figure out how to approach it with her so she would be willing to learn.

"You make several valid points, Xander and I agree, diagnostics should be done and immediately, just to be on the safe side. Also the preventative checks should be done. As for protecting something like the library, it's just too open for that. But finding another place is also a valid idea. So is your wish to learn more and yes I am willing to help you with that. About teaching about other supernatural and nonviolent demons, that actually is something I should be teaching Buffy. She's just so resistant to learning anything, I don't know how to get her to be willing to learn about them."

"Giles that's because she resents feeling like she's being forced into anything. Just try a different approach. Appeal to her humanity, tell her if she doesn't learn about the nonslay ones, she might accidentally hurt an innocent. Which could lead to angry relatives wanting a piece of her. I know if someone hurts Cordy or Willow I'd want to cause some damage. Cordy's my girlfriend, the girl I love. Willow's the closest thing to a sister I have. I once put Kyle Defours and Jack O'Toole in the hospital, Giles. They thought it would be funny to harass Willow and Cordy. Both girls got hurt. It took two adults to pull me off Jack and Kyle. I don't lose my temper often, but when I do, I cause damage. I was thirteen. You could say, I have my own Ripper aspect."

Giles stared at him for a moment, remembering an argument between Xander and Buffy in regards to Angelus and realized that Xander must have been holding back, wanting to get his point across without causing too much pain.

"Xander, what are your objections to the soul curse really about? I know the girls think jealousy played a big part in it, but I'm not so sure."

"Giles, making a soul into a cage for a demon is insane. The soul suffers far more than the demon. Beyond that, no one thought to ask where the soul was. Was it in Heaven? Did it reincarnate? Without checking, how do we know? What are the consequences for using a soul like that? I know Buffy wanted Angel back, but Angel should never have been in that situation in the first place. The Kalderash should have just staked Angelus and been done with it."

"More valid points, very logical and well thought out. I wish we had been willing to listen to you at the time. Very well, I will check to see if I have the ingredients for diagnostics. I will also begin putting together a presentation on the supernatural and nonviolent demons. As for finding another place to meet, that too, is a valid idea. As is teaching you. Would you be willing to talk to the others about the presentation?"

"Giles, word of advice? Don't look at it like a college professor presenting a lecture. Skip the background, just give us a picture and summary of strengths/weaknesses and likelihood of meeting them. I'd suggest starting with fairies because they've got a cute and cuddly reputation and werewolves because they're classics. They'll grab everybody's attention which will make it easier to get them to listen."

"Very well, how about we all meet after school and discuss everything, I should be able to do some of the diagnostics then."

"No problem, we all have lunch together so I'll just let them know then. Giles, thank you for listening to me and taking me seriously, it matters to me, not to mention, it helps me feel like I'm contributing. Who knows, maybe that's why I remember all that soldier stuff in the first place." Xander said as he headed out the doors to meet the others for lunch.

Giles looked thoughtful at that statement and said softly to himself, "You maybe right, my boy."

Xander made a beeline for the cafeteria after noticing that it was already lunchtime and figuring everyone would already be there. He was right and Cordy had his Lupe prepared lunch waiting for him. He slid into his seat and leaned towards her for a kiss. Then eagerly dug into his lunch.

"So where were you, Doofus, you're late," Cordelia asked.

"In the library talking to Giles. I had some concerns. The Soldier Boy knowledge in my head is telling me there's some things we should be doing, but aren't."

"Like what?" Buffy asked.

"Well, you and I have both been possessed twice, we already know Halloween left an imprint on me, what's to say there wasn't some leftovers from the other possessions. It should be checked to be on the safe side. Also, Oz and Cordy both said Willow looked like she was possessed when she did the soul curse. We don't know if that's how she should have looked. What if it wasn't? Also, channeling that much magic, especially in the condition you were in might have caused unforeseen issues. Giles agreed it should all be checked, just to be on the safe side. Also, I suggested that he check to see if any malignant magic had been cast. Something like what Catherine Madison did. It wasn't obvious at first what she'd done. Doing routine checks could catch stuff like that so it can be dealt with before it becomes a problem. Also, Giles books mention other supernatural beings besides demons," he felt Cordelia tense slightly beside him, "and nonviolent demons. I asked why he hasn't taught us about them and he said it was because you were so resistant to learning anything. I told him that's because you don't like feeling like you have to. I suggested we look at this way, if we know ahead of time about other kinds of beings that aren't a threat, we avoid accidentally hurting or killing an innocent, which you know would lead to family and friends wanting a piece of us over a mistake. I used what I did to Jack and Kyle back when we were thirteen as an example of willingness to retaliate."

"What did you do?" Buffy asked curiously.

"Xander beat them both up," Cordelia said nonchalantly.

"What?!" Buffy screeched.

"Yah," Willow said, "Jack and Kyle were bothering me and Cordelia and then they pushed us, hard."

"We both ended up hurt, not badly, neither of us needed a doctor or anything, but we were both bleeding." Cordelia said.

"Xander jumped them and just whaled on them both, it tooks two adults to pull Xander off them and both of them had to go to the ER. Kyle had a broken nose and both Jack's eyes were swollen shut." Willow continued. "Xander never has liked bullies."

"I told you I could handle Larry last year, Buffy, your intervention was unnecessary. And embarrassing."

"I guess I never thought of you that way."

"Why, what is it that makes you think I need protecting, because I don't see you treating Willow or Oz or Cordy like they can't take care of themselves. And you too Willow, I mean you saw me deal with Jack and Kyle and yet somehow you think I can't handle myself, why?"

"Well it's because of how you were when we kids, how you were always sick and getting hurt. I just want to help you, that's all."

"Willow, I don't know what you talking about, I was never sick when we were kids."

"Yes you were, you were always having dizzy spells and falling down the stairs."

"Really? That's the explanation you came up with instead of just asking. Dizzy spells and falling down stairs."

Cordelia reached for his hand and held it tightly, glaring at Willow. "For a supposed genius, Willow, you can be really not smart. Everyone knew why Xander kept ending up like that and it had nothing to do with dizzy spells."

"Well than, what was it, if wasn't dizzy spells," Willow said, annoyed.

"My drunk off his ass father," Xander said quietly. "I thought you were aware of that Willow, you saw him in that condition often enough, I didn't realize you failed to connect the two facts." He got up, gathering his stuff and putting it in his bag.

"By the way, Giles wants us in the library after school."

Cordelia got up as well and followed him out.

Willow sat there stunned as Oz reached for her hand. "I didn't know, I just always thought he was sick."

"Willow it's not your fault."

"But I should have known, he's my friend."

"Willow I didn't notice and I'm his friend, too. Obviously not everyone knows, right Oz?"

"I thought it was kinda obvious, actually."

Both girls stared at him, stunned.

Xander and Cordelia sat on the bleachers, she was leaning into his side, while his arm was around her. "Xander, I know that was hard for you and I know it only came out because you're trying to protect me, but maybe it's a good thing, if it changes the way Buffy and Willow treat you. Plus your suggestions, could find or prevent other problems. You're willingness to go to the lengths you're going to, well I don't want you hurt, but if they stop Buffy and Willow from treating you like you're fragile, that too can prevent future pain."

"Cordy, if reveling that keeps you from being hurt, it's worth it, I'm secondary to that, as far as I'm concerned. But if it does help me too, in the end, maybe it's doubly worth it."

"You're not secondary to me Xander, not ever."

After school, the Scooby Gang converged on the library. Buffy and Willow not yet willing to discuss the personal revelations made at lunch, had decided not to mention them. Xander was happy to let that subject drop. If Oz was feeling uncomfortable, his expression didn't show it. Cordelia, for Xander's sake was also willing to let it drop, but had decided that a conversation between her and the other girls was necessary. They didn't see Xander how she saw him, it was time they did.

Giles was prepared to do the diagnostics when they arrived and said, "Willow, let's start with you, the description Oz and Cordelia gave of your casting of that soul spell is most concerning, I honestly don't think you should have gone black eyed for it. You weren't born to magic, you didn't have any in you before that spell, so that needs to be checked. So if you could step into the diagnostic circle, I will cast a simple spell to check your aura and health and we'll go from there."

"Ok."

With a few words, Giles soon had Willow's aura lit up. What he found was surprising and frightening. A large dark spot with lines radiating out from it was clearly visible. "What is that?" Xander exclaimed, "it looks like some kind of spider."

"I'm afraid, it's the consequences of casting that spell," Giles said, "Willow it cost you a piece of your own soul and now you have the equivalent of mystical gangrene. This is beyond my ability to help you. I will need to call in some professional assistance. There's a coven in England, white magic practicioners, they helped when I was recovering from Eyghon. I will give them a call and see if they can send some help. In the meantime, Willow, no magic, of any sort. Everytime you do any magic, you'll just make that thing grow. It'll eat away at your sense of morality, your goodness, until it consumes it."

Willow broke down crying and Oz and Xander both rushed to her, each grabbing her in a hug. Xander let her go and stepped back, letting Oz lead her to a chair, and grabbed Cordelia's hand, scared for the sister of his heart. "God, Giles, is it even fixable?"

"Yes, I was able to recover from Eyghon's possession and that went on for a much longer time before I sought help, so yes, it should be recoverable."

"Willow, I'm so sorry, you did that spell to try to help me. I didn't know it would cause any problems."

"None of us did, Buffy, but that's why we're doing these checks and why we need to make them routine, not to mention doing more though research in the future. To avoid things like this happening." Xander said. "And if we're going to blame anyone, let's start with the people who came up with that abomination in the first place."

Willow was starting to calm down as Oz rubbed her back and held her hand.

"After that, I'm almost afraid to check you, my boy, but I suppose we should get on with it. Please step into the circle."

Xander moved into the circle, a little apprehensive of what would be found. Again, Giles spoke a few words and Xander's aura lit. "Well, that's unexpected," Giles sounded strange.

"Giles what's wrong, am I sick too?"

"No Xander, quite the opposite, you're extremely healthy, more than you should be actually, it looks like the Hyena may have made you stronger in some respects. We'll have to test the extent of that and it looks like you probably have heightened senses, we'll also need to check those, but the part that is most surprising is that you have an inherent mystical potential. I have no idea what it might be and I see nothing to indicate it is demonic. At some point, in the future, you will manifest an ability of some sort. I can't tell you what kind or when, just that it will happen eventually."

Xander moved out of the circle and shakily reached for a chair himself. "Really not expected, Giles. I was hoping to prevent issues or minimize potential ones. I'm not that surprised the Hyena had an effect, but finding I've got some kind of mystical ability is a shocker."

"Yes, I imagine it is. True mystical ability is rare, most people aquire it, as practiononers. We'll just have to keep an eye out to see what develops. In the meantime we'll test you to see what physical effects the Hyena left. We'll set that up for later. In the meantime, it's your turn Buffy."

Buffy moved to the circle and stood, waiting to see what her results would be. Giles cast his spell again and then said, "Well it looks like your clean, Buffy, nothing of any note, no malignancies or left over magics. That's good and it gives us a base for future checks to make sure you stay healthy."

"Oz, if you could step into the circle, please we'll make sure you're alright as well." Oz's diagnostic was also clean.

"Cordelia, your turn," Cordelia carefully stepped into the circle, hoping that the knowledge that she was now a werewolf wouldn't show up. "Well, this is a surprise as well," Giles said, "it seems you also have a potential mystical ability that hasn't yet manifested."

After the surprising revelations, everyone decided they needed a break. Giles told them he would do a presentation on fairies and werewolves on Saturday and in the meantime he would begin checking for a new location for them to meet at. Everyone headed for their respective homes to deal with homework and supper before meeting back up at the Bronze. Each thinking about the results of Giles diagnostics. Xander called Cordelia once he arrived home and the two of them talked about their newfound potential and the relief that her condition hadn't shown up as part of the diagnostic. Afterward, Xander called Willow to check on her.

"I'm scared Xander, I never thought anything like this could happen. I gathered all my supplies and books and I'm going to take them to Giles tomorrow. I don't want to risk any more damage."

"That's a good idea, Willow. Try not to worry, Giles was sure his friends would be able to help. Maybe it's like a bad injury where they cauterize it and then do the mystical equivalent of antibiotics. Regardless, in the short term it's not getting any worse."

"Yah, you're right, I just need to stay positive."

Later, Xander drove over to Cordelia's to pick her up, she looked particularly scrumptious in a short clubbing dress and heels that raised her height a couple of inches. They kissed for several minutes before getting themselves under control and heading to the Bronze. Once they arrived they made their way to their usual table, with Xander and Cordelia relaxing on the cough nearby. Cordelia curled into Xander's side and his hand rested on her hip as they talked about everything except the school day revelations.

After a time they became aware of an oddly dancing couple. The guy looked like he was still living in the seventies and danced like it. The girl was more modernly dressed. Buffy said, "I think that guy may be sunlight challenged," as they saw the two move toward the back door. The group got up and followed them. They followed the sounds of fighting and saw the girl seemed to be dealing well with the vampire. "I'm gonna go out a limb and say there's a new vampire slayer in town," Oz said dryly.

Xander pulled a stake from his pocket. "Hey, new girl," he called out. She glanced in his direction. "Catch." And tossed her the stake. She caught it easily and with one quick move drove it into the vampires heart. She strutted towards them and held out the stake to Xander, "Thanks, stud, couldn't of done it without you."

They followed her back into the club and headed back toward their table. Xander and Cordelia resuming their seat on the couch. Faith introduced herself and the others did likewise. She began entertaining them with her stories. Before commenting on her and Buffy being Watcher free. Then she said "I heard you took out a big nasty with a rocket launcher, what made you come up with that idea."

"She didn't, Xander did," Cordelia said, "it was his plan, but we helped get ahold of it and Xander let Buffy fire it as a birthday present."

"Some present."

"Well Buffy's birthday hadn't gone so good, so an extra present, not something one turns down."

Things were about to change yet again for Scoobies.