******
Part 4:

((Faces moved around him like liquid. Features distorted and flowed as he reached out to touch his friends. There was no comfort there. Something brushed his ankle and he gave it a little shake.

An oozing blackness started to slowly mingle with the faces surrounding him. The darkness gave them all a sinister countenance. Seeking escape from the vision, he turned his gaze upwards.

Blood fell from the sky like monsoonal rain when a low hum assaulted his ears. His terror intensified and he began to tremble. The hum grew louder as individual sounds became clear. "Guess who just got mean, guess who just got mean, guess who just got mean," was mixed with the beat of tribal drums. Covering his ears against the chant, he closed his eyes and gave his foot another shake.

He spun around looking for escape and moaned. An expanse of grassland stretched ahead, but it was no longer golden. The blades of grass were stained with blood that had run from the bodies of his family and friends. Tears ran down his cheeks and he shook his foot. The rubbing sensation simply increased. Glancing down, his eyes widened in shock as the hyena pup bit into his ankle. His head snapped back and a piercing howl ruptured his vocal chords.))

Xander awoke with a gasp. Shallow breaths gradually deepened as he calmed himself. [Well, wasn't that just the *most* fun.] Running a hand through sweat-drenched hair, he stood up and began walking in the direction of the kitchen. He only managed two steps before stubbing his toe on a chair.

"OW!"

Lights flooded the room and Xander squinted. [Bright light, bright light.]

"Are you OK?" Kyle had been in the kitchen, getting a drink of water. Now he was at the door.

"Yep. I had kind of a funky dream, so I thought I'd get something to drink. I was doing fine until your furniture decided to kick me in the toe." Xander followed the other man back into the kitchen.

Kyle handed Xander a glass of water and said, "You too huh?"

******

They spent what was left of the night comparing notes. Kyle's nightmare had been virtually identical to Xander's but, after much deliberation, it was concluded that their previous discussion had triggered the dreams.

Neither man truly believed in the conclusion, it was too simple. So when plans were made for Xander to spend the next two weeks with Kyle working on different hyena control techniques, the relief was almost tangible. Relief and confusion at the growing desire they both felt not to be separated from the other.

*****

Xander's expression was grim. He had known that Anya would be upset when he told her he couldn't see her for a couple of weeks. He hadn't expected her to break up with him. She'd said that he wasn't giving her orgasms anymore and that she was trying to become a vengeance demon again. Her reassurance that he wouldn't be a target hadn't helped. Nor had her comment about getting a job before his savings ran out.

The conversation with Giles was a lot better. Apparently demon activity had been low, so it was fine for him to take time off. The thing was, that wasn't strictly the truth, demon hunting was part of the program. There was no way he could tell that to Giles. So he'd lied and said he would be out of town.

*****

Over the next few days he and Kyle divided their time between talking, meditating, yoga exercises and basic battle training. Xander still had trouble with the meditation, he wasn't accustomed to being still, but he was improving. Kyle was having problems with the training, his bullying had never really been overtly physical, but he was fit and Xander knew he would get it eventually.

They bonded further over hopes, dreams, physical pain, food and Playstation. Surprisingly, they had a lot in common.

Not everything was enjoyable. The nightmares were getting steadily worse, longer and bloodier, and neither man was sleeping well. Both had dark circles under their eyes and Kyle's face gained a haunted appearance. Despite all they were doing, the dreams made it harder to control the hyena.

On the fourth night Xander started sleeping in Kyle's bed. 'It was better that way' they had rationalized. One would be able to wake the other if the nightmares were too powerful. Neither mentioned the comfort they gained from holding the other.

*******

Two nights later Xander decided it was time to hunt demons. He'd become increasingly worried about Kyle. The hyena was threatening to take control. Small things caused him to snap and preventing it was exhausting Kyle physically. Xander wasn't sure why their hyenas were reacting differently. Although his hyena was growing stronger, there was a centre of calm that was new. He wasn't sure where it had come from, but he hoped it stayed long enough for him to help Kyle.

They went to one of Sunnydale's many cemeteries looking for fledgling vampires. Xander had reasoned that this was the least dangerous option. The vampires would still be disoriented from rising, stupid and hungry. He hoped Kyle was ready. Fighting was the only way Xander thought Kyle was going to release a lot of aggression.

"Alright, are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so." Kyle was scared, excited and angry at the same time. {I really need this to stop soon. This had better work or I'm screwed.}

Walking quietly through the grounds, both men watched carefully for any sign of movement. Xander hadn't been able to check for any vampire related deaths, so they were flying blind.

"Over there." Xander whispered.

Kyle looked to where Xander was pointing and saw arms reaching out from the earth. He checked that he had a stake, then ran to the grave. As the vampire sat up Kyle kicked it in the head. When it fell backwards he leant down and plunged in his stake. Dust showered everywhere. Kyle's hyena buzzed.

After a few more easy kills disaster struck. Two vampires attacked. Xander had a tough time fighting the large male and was tiring when he caught a break. The vampire tripped and fell flat on his face. Xander staked him in the back. Doubled over, he sucked in painful breaths in an attempt to recover. Seconds later he looked up and swore.

Kyle was losing. Exhaustion weighed him down and made the punches he was throwing clumsy. The holy water in his pocket was forgotten. His stake lay on the ground. The vampire grabbed his arm, pulled him into an embrace and sunk its fangs into his neck.

Xander took advantage of the situation. Powered by adrenaline he didn't know he possessed, he ran to the false couple and plunged his stake into the vampire.

Kyle collapsed.

"Come on man, let's go home."

******

After half carrying Kyle home Xander was worn out, but he couldn't relax. He helped Kyle to the bedroom and laid him on the bed. As he rushed to fetch the first aid kit he was dimly aware of something inside him screaming. He chose to ignore it.

Making soft, soothing sounds; he carefully patched up Kyle's neck and the grazes on his knuckles. He checked that Kyle's breathing and pulse were regular. Satisfied that he wasn't going to die, Xander stroked Kyle's hair and curled up around his back. [We are *not* doing anything else like that without backup.]

******

Stirring from sleep, Xander opened his eyes to find Kyle staring at him.

"Uh, hey. How are you feeling?"

"Better. My neck's sore, but it could have been worse."

A fist curled around Xander's heart as he agreed. "Yeah," he gasped.

Kyle was silent for a couple of minutes, then just as Xander was drifting back to sleep he said, "I really screwed up. The hyena was raging, but I was too tired and the vampire was so strong. Thanks for saving my life again."

"Don't mention it. Just make sure it doesn't turn into a habit, I'm bound to make a mistake sometime soon." Xander wanted to take the words back as soon as they slipped out. [Now *really* isn't the time to be flippant.]

"I'm not sure why we're bothering. I mean if some evil creature doesn't get me, the hyena will. I should give up. Let them have me." A renegade tear left the corner of his eye. {God, now I'm crying. This is so embarrassing.}

Xander's voice was harsh when he spoke his next words. "Is that really what you want? Because if it is I'll just leave now."

Ashamed, Kyle shook his head. "I don't know what I want. I haven't known for years. What do *you* want Xander?"

Sitting up, Xander stretched out his hand and cupped Kyle's cheek. He ran his thumb along the cheekbone and swallowed. "I think....I think I want you." He locked his gaze on Kyle's eyes and slipped his hand to the back of his head. Gently pulling, Xander leaned in and their lips met.

*****
Part 5:

Before the kiss went any further, Xander pulled back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Ah, I think I might sleep on the couch for the rest of the night." He grabbed a pillow and blanket while scrambling off the bed. "Sorry," he said again. Then practically ran from the room to the couch.

After making himself comfortable he threw his hands behind his head and started an internal rant. [OK, what the *hell* was that? I mean, I've had some weird encounters, but that was so far off the weird scale it's not funny. I just kissed a guy. A GUY! What was I thinking? I'm not gay. If I were gay I would have lusted after Deadboy or the bleached wonder. They're both good looking, buff,...MALE,...VAMPIRES! No, no, no, no, I like women. Nice, curvy, soft women. No broad shouldered, slim hipped, stubbly stud for this puppy. No sir. That's it; I'm going to sleep! It's time to dream of beautiful girls.]

It soon became obvious that sleep was impossible. His mind wouldn't be quiet and tension manifested itself in the form of a cramping stomach. He gave up and watched late night television instead.

******

Morning arrived sooner than expected, signalled by an eerie light filtering through the curtains. In separate rooms the two men were stretched out, tense and awake. Each scared to face the other.

Xander had made some decisions during the night. Kyle was a friend now, and he hadn't had a male friend since Oz left. Actually, if he was being honest, the last close male friend he'd had was Jesse. Giles was more of a mentor than a friend. So he planned on staying at Kyle's apartment. There was only a week left anyway. He would ignore what happened the previous night and focus on the hyena. The hyena was more important than the stuff in his head. Kyle needed to control his aggression and Xander had to help. [Super slacker to the rescue!] He didn't give his hyena a momentary thought.

Kyle stayed in bed until his stomach forced him to move. He stumbled to the bathroom and started the shower. He wasn't ready to see Xander yet. The other man's response to his question had left him stunned and angry. Stunned because the kiss, while not unwelcome, was completely unexpected. The anger stemmed from Xander's quick exit. He would have preferred that the kiss had never happened. Instead he was left with a tiny bit of hope that would eventually be crushed. Leaning against the tiles, he took a deep breath. {Stay calm, come on, stay calm.} The hyena whined and Kyle shuddered.

Half an hour later he entered the lounge room. Xander sat on the couch eating a bowl of cereal. His body stiffened visibly when he heard Kyle and Kyle clenched his jaw in response.

"Hey."

"Hey."

Kyle grabbed some breakfast and joined Xander in the lounge room. He avoided sitting on the couch. He didn't want to see Xander's reaction if he did. The sounds of cartoons and chewing were all that could be heard for the better part of fifteen minutes. Then Xander spoke.

"So, I was thinking, same schedule today and then maybe we hit the Bronze tonight. Fighting vampires on our own doesn't seem like a very good idea any more. It's too dangerous and super slacker here runs from danger whenever possible. I don't know what I was thinking before. We still need to find an aggression release though. I'd suggest a rifle range, but somehow I don't think that would be of the good." Xander was aware that he was babbling, however, it was impossible to stop. He *needed* to make sure everything was cool between him and Kyle.

"How's the hyena today? Can you feel it? Did you have nightmares? Are you going to kick me out, because I'd like to stay and help. I don't have much else to do. Ah I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I'll just shut up now." Xander gave himself a mental kicking.

Kyle smiled in spite of himself. "The hyena is still getting stronger. Sticking to the schedule sounds good and I think I can handle the Bronze. No I'm not going to kick you out, I like the company. I didn't really sleep so I didn't have any nightmares. I'm not too bothered about not being able to hunt vampires. It helped a little, but I don't think it was enough to make a difference."

*****

In the end they didn't stick to the standard schedule. After getting fed up with his attempts at meditation, Xander suggested they hire some videos and Playstation games. His theory was that they could work out aggression by competing with each other. The traditional male bonding cemented their friendship even more than their hyenas had done. By the time they reached the Bronze they were acting as though they'd been friends for years.

Playstation and the Bronze became a ritual. Neither of them mentioned the angst filled night that had scared them both. A subconscious decision had been made to ignore strange emotions and hyenas and just have fun. The situation was good if you ignored the fact that both men were avoiding sleep. The nightmares were almost too much to bear.

The night before Xander was due to return to his basement reality slapped them both in the face. Hanging at the Bronze, they were enjoying the band when a group of guys surrounded them. There were four in total; each looking as though they'd just stepped out of a time machine. To say their appearance was Cro-Magnon was an understatement.

"Looks like the fags are on another date boys." The largest man glared at Xander and Kyle.

"I think my old boss is selling caveman beer again," Xander joked. [Damn, when am I going to learn to keep my mouth shut?] A hand grabbed his collar and dragged him out of the chair. Trying not to squeal like a girl, Xander twisted and turned in an effort to free himself.

The hyena howled. Kyle launched himself at the man who had his pack mate. He landed one decent blow on the brute's chin before he was hit from behind. He and Xander were dragged through the crowd. Eyes avoided the scuffle as the Sunnydale oblivion kicked into gear.

Outside the Bronze Xander and Kyle strove to fight back, but it was two against four. The men took turns holding their victims while the others punched them. Obscenities and insults were spat at them as fists made contact with faces, chests and stomachs. Xander growled and lashed out with his feet. The man behind him hit his kidney then threw him to the ground. He tried to crawl away, but a boot caught him in the head. Blood ran down his face as he collapsed.

Kyle snarled as Xander fell. Throwing his weight to the side he managed to unbalance one of his captors. Freeing his arm he swung in the opposite direction and bit the other man's hand. Released, he ran towards Xander, only to be belted in the nose by another of the cavemen. He dropped his head forward allowing his opponent to crack it on an upraised knee. Kyle crumpled, exhausted. The thugs spat on them and left.

Kyle crawled to Xander. He laid his head on the other man's shoulder and whimpered. Coherent thought had disappeared; all he understood was that his companion was injured. Kyle lifted a hand and nudged Xander's face. There was no reaction. He continued nudging and whining until finally he heard a response.

"Giles. Need...to...go...to...Giles." Groaning Xander forced himself to sit up. His head spun and he swayed slightly. "Kyle," he shook his friend slightly, "help me stand. Please?"

At the sound of Xander's voice Kyle snapped out of his daze. Gently, he helped Xander stand and supporting each other they staggered forward.

******

An indeterminate amount of time later they stood outside Giles' front door. Xander knocked as loudly as he could and then slumped back against Kyle. Soon after the door was opened.

"Now listen here," Giles started and his jaw dropped. "Good Lord! Xander? Xander, what happened?"

"I'd...rather...chat...inside."

"Of course, how silly of me, do come in. I, ah, I'll just get my first aid kit." Giles walked briskly towards his bathroom wondering what was responsible for all that blood.

When he came back Xander and Kyle were sitting side by side on the couch. They leant into each other as if seeking comfort. Giles gave them an appraising look and then spoke softly.

"Let me see your face Xander." Giles dropped to his knees and hissed as Xander lifted his head. In all the time he'd been fighting vampires and demons, Xander had never looked this bad. Reaching out with a cloth to clean away the dried blood, Giles was astonished to hear a low growl emanate from Xander's companion. What have we here, he thought. This seems most unusual. "Xander, please tell your friend that I'm only helping."

"He knows Giles, don't worry about it."

It took Giles a long time to tend Xander's injuries. The boy was going to be covered in bruises. He was mildly surprised that he had been allowed to attend to the other boy as well. The nose was broken, but he generally seemed to be hurt less than Xander. Giles wanted both of them to go to hospital, but they refused. If they were still in a lot of pain the next day then they would consider going to a doctor.

Not willing to let them leave, Giles set them up in the spare room. "There's only the only one bed. You'll have to share I'm afraid."

"Don't sweat it G-man, we've shared before." The words slipped out before Xander could stop them. [When am I going to learn never to speak again?]

Giles raised an eyebrow and left without a word. There was something familiar about the other young man. He supposed he would find out all the details in the morning. All he knew at the moment was that humans had inflicted their injuries, not demons.

*****
Part 6:

An indeterminate amount of time later they stood outside Giles' front door. Xander knocked as loudly as he could and then slumped back against Kyle. Soon after the door was opened.

"Now listen here," Giles started and his jaw dropped. "Good Lord! Xander? Xander, what happened? I thought you were out of town?"

"I'd...rather...chat...inside."

"Of course, how silly of me, do come in. I, ah, I'll just get my first aid kit." Giles walked briskly towards his bathroom wondering what was responsible for all that blood.

When he came back Xander and Kyle were sitting side by side on the couch. They leant into each other as if seeking comfort. Giles gave them an appraising look and then spoke softly.

"Let me see your face Xander." Giles dropped to his knees and hissed as Xander lifted his head. In all the time he'd been fighting vampires and demons, Xander had never looked this bad. Reaching out with a cloth to clean away the dried blood, Giles was astonished to hear a low growl emanate from Xander's companion. What have we here, he thought. This seems most unusual. "Xander, please tell your friend that I'm only helping."

"He knows Giles, don't worry about it."

It took Giles a long time to tend Xander's injuries. The boy was going to be covered in bruises. He was mildly surprised that he had been allowed to attend to the other boy as well. The nose was broken, but he generally seemed to be hurt less than Xander. Giles wanted both of them to go to hospital, but they refused. If they were still in a lot of pain the next day then they would consider going to a doctor.

Not willing to let them leave, Giles set them up in the spare room. "There's only the only one bed. You'll have to share I'm afraid."

"Don't sweat it G-man, we've shared before." The words slipped out before Xander could stop them. [When am I going to learn never to speak again?]

Giles raised an eyebrow and left without a word. There was something familiar about the other young man. He supposed he would find out all the details in the morning. All he knew at the moment was that humans had inflicted their injuries, not demons.

******

Xander groaned. [Did anyone get the number of that truck?] Then he remembered what happened the previous night. Sitting up slowly he tried to ignore the pain that seemed to cover every inch of his body. He glanced at Kyle who was still sleeping and stood. Grabbing his pants, he pulled them on and walked quietly from the room. When he got downstairs Giles was on the couch reading a paper.

"G-man, what wacky stories are the Sunnydale press pushing this morning?" Xander forced his voice to stay light; he wanted to delay the heavy discussion that was coming up.

"Ah, I was wondering if I would see you before the sun set. How are you feeling?"

"Like I just went ten rounds with Mighty Mouse and lost. Thanks for asking. Hey, I don't suppose you could spare some food."

Giles laughed and gestured towards the kitchen. He was surprised the question hadn't come sooner. Xander most definitely wasn't himself. "So, do you care to tell me what happened to you and your friend? Not to mention what you are doing here when you told me you were going away?"

Xander stayed silent as he made a bowl of cereal and grabbed some donuts. Finally speaking as he walked back into the living room. "It's kind of a long story, we were jumped by some guys at the Bronze. They beat us up. OK, maybe it's not so long."

"Details Xander, give me details." Giles slipped off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. He had a suspicion that he would have to drag the information from the boy.

Taking a deep breath Xander proceeded to fill Giles in on current events. The truth was bent as he told of plans that changed at the last minute followed by a chance encounter with an old friend. The hyena connection was ignored. He skirted around the mistaken assumption that he and Kyle were a couple and attributed the attack to alcohol. While describing the beating Xander started a mantra. [Please don't ask about Kyle. Please don't ask about Kyle. Please don't ask about Kyle.]

Listening to Xander speak, Giles noticed the way he avoided certain things. He seemed particularly determined not to mention his companion's name for example. Giles opened his mouth to ask Xander directly, but was interrupted by a scream.

Xander was running up the stairs before Giles had a chance to blink. He followed at a more sedate pace, once again pondering on the nature of the boys' relationship. As he reached the bedroom door, he felt his jaw drop. Xander was kneeling on the bed, holding the other boy and rubbing his back gently. All that could be heard were ragged breaths and the rustling of fabric.

Giles was torn between two courses of action. He wanted to ask Xander what was going on, but felt that he was witnessing an intensely private moment. Speech would be an intrusion. Giles had yet to reach a decision when Xander spoke.

"We'll be downstairs in a minute Giles. Don't worry, it was just a nightmare."

Giles nodded and turned away. He barely caught Xander's next words.

"We have them a lot."

'Curiouser and curiouser' Giles thought, quoting Alice.

*****

Fifteen minutes later, Xander came back downstairs. He really didn't know what he was going to tell Giles; he had a suspicion that only the truth would do. Sighing, he walked to the couch and sat down.

"So, Xander, do you, ah, care to tell me about the young man upstairs."

"Not really G-man. How about I tell you how to clean a soft serve ice-cream machine instead?"

"Xander...."

"Ok, Ok." So Xander told Giles what he thought he needed to know. That the boy upstairs was Kyle, one of the other hyena-possessed kids. That they had become friends. That they both still felt the hyena. That they had nightmares. He skipped over their need to be together and his recent status as Kyle's guest. Kyle's rage was also omitted. Thankfully Giles was more interested in the nightmares.

As he came down the stairs, Kyle could hear a soft conversation. Two more steps and he realised Xander was describing the nightmares. His aching body tensed. The core of anger within him started to pulsate. {That's personal, damn it. I don't want everyone knowing what goes on in my mind.} Making his expression cold, he cleared his throat. "Thanks for your help, but I need to go home now." It was immensely satisfying to see them jump.

"Kyle! I was just.... Um. I didn't mean to.... I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"I don't care what you think Xander," ignoring the voice that told him he did care, "I'm going. I don't want other people knowing my personal business. I thought I could trust you. I thought you were my friend. Obviously I was wrong. Well that's fine because I don't need a loser like you anyway!" The louder Kyle's voice became, the worse he felt. He knew the reaction wasn't his, but he couldn't stop. When Xander touched his arm, the last vestige of control disappeared.

Giles watched in disbelief as Kyle's fist connected with Xander's jaw. He thought that they would have had enough of fighting last night. Disbelief then gave way to absolute shock.

Shaking his head, Xander growled. It was a menacing, guttural sound. He stepped forward and mimicked Kyle's punch. Before the other boy had a chance to recover, Xander stepped in and pushed him to floor. Kyle grunted as a knee pressed into his back and a hand squeezed his neck. The growling stopped and hot air tickled his ear. In a voice that rang with authority and power Xander spoke, "Never challenge my dominance again. You will obey me always!" The tableau remained frozen for several seconds, broken only when Kyle whimpered his assent.

Xander blinked rapidly and then stood slowly. Taking in Glies' astounded expression, Xander stood and pulled Kyle up with him. "G-man, hope you enjoyed the show. We'll be back tomorrow, but this was a one off performance. Sorry." With that he pushed Kyle out the door ahead of him. He knew his mate couldn't be around a stranger right now. [Mate? Mate? Damn, this is giving me the wiggins!] His control over the hyena was obviously an illusion.

Inside, Giles was still stunned into immobility. He had never seen Xander behave that way before. Obviously there was more to this than nightmares. Walking towards the bookshelf he resolved to have a thorough talk with both of them tomorrow. If they didn't show up, he would hunt them down.

******

The journey to Kyle's apartment had been silent. Emotions too strong to allow speech had overcome them both. Kyle was feeling a mixture of residual anger, shame and gratitude; for Xander it was a heady combination of power, frustration and unrealised desire. There had never been any doubt that they were both going to Kyle's and, as the front door closed, Xander took full advantage of the situation.

Grabbing Kyle by the hand, he pulled him into an embrace. [I don't care any more! I want this! I want Kyle!] Their lips met and Xander felt a tingling heat run from his toes to his fingertips. The kiss deepened. Their tongues collided and heat was followed by goosebumps. Every inch of Xander's body was aroused. He grabbed Kyle's arm, dragged him to the bedroom and pushed him to the bed.

Kyle watched Xander through glazed eyes. He didn't understand how it was possible to feel so connected and so detached at once. He smiled. {I can't believe this is happening. It's unbelievable.} A breath caught in his throat as Xander's body pressed on to him. A hand ventured under his shirt and trailed down his side. Their kisses intensified. Lips were sucked and nibbled. Tongues duelled and embraced. Teeth clashed and were ignored.

When the last fabric barrier was removed, leaving only skin, pain was forgotten. Bruises and cuts disappeared as nerve endings over-loaded with pleasure. Kyle and Xander surrendered to sensation.

*****
Part 7:

The stack of books was already wobbling precariously when the latest addition sent it crashing to the floor. "Oh, bugger!" It was the third stack to fall in the past ten minutes. Six-thirty in the evening and there was still no sign of Xander or his friend. He had spent a fruitless hour exhausting various methods to contact the boy, every minute increasing his irritation. In Giles' opinion the day just kept getting worse.

Crouching, he began to pick up the books. Demonic possession, tribal rites, prophecies, journals, even ecology, not one of the books contained anything useful. All he could find was what he already knew. Episodes of hyena possession, usually induced by African Primals, had been recorded, however, there was a distinct lack of information on post-possession side effects. Sighing, Giles almost had a heart attack when a knock sounded at his door.

When the door opened, Buffy and Willow bounded in trailed by Riley and Tara.

"Hi Giles."

"How's it going?"

"What's been happening?"

"Many demons around?"

How's the vamp. activity?"

"Where's Xander? We thought he might be here."

"We brought pizza."

Giles smiled at the enthusiasm in Buffy and Willow's voices. A break from Sunnydale had obviously proved beneficial. His tension began to dissipate as he gestured towards the living room. The rapid-fire questions slowed. Eventually Willow focussed a steady gaze on Giles.

"So do you know where Xander is? He wasn't at any of the usual places. Has he gone away?"

"Actually, I was expecting him earlier today." No one missed the strain in Giles tone.

Watching Giles closely, Buffy sensed it wasn't simply a case of Xander not showing. "Giles what's go-," she was interrupted by a brief knock and the front door swinging open. Xander walked in, followed by *Kyle*. Buffy's jaw dropped. It wasn't the bruises and cuts covering their faces. It wasn't the company Xander was keeping. It was, in short, Xander's outfit. A snug deep blue t-shirt was teamed with slim fitting black pants. Her mind flashed up a memory of Xander in Speedo's. How could she have forgotten that?

While Buffy was stunned, Willow was horrified. "Xander, what's going on? Why is Kyle here? You used to hate Kyle! Don't you remember what happened?" Fear and loathing coloured her voice and Kyle couldn't help but flinch when she turned on him. "And you, what are you doing here? I.I.oh why don't you just go away?"

"And I thought she didn't like Faith." Riley muttered.

"Hi guys, I'm good. How were your trips? Hey, pizza!" Disengaging his hand from where Kyle had grabbed it, Xander headed straight for the food. His mind was running over options to deflect the conversation. [Never gonna happen.] When he heard 'Principal Flutie', he knew there was definitely no chance. Buffy had taken over where Willow left off, and Kyle had backed up against the desk. He looked stricken, but Xander could feel the rage starting to build. This needed to stop.

"I feel awful about Principal Flutie. You have no idea how sorry I am, but I couldn't help it. I had no control!"

Oops, too late, thought Xander as Kyle walked out the door. He turned to his friend. "Buff, leave it. Kyle's my friend. He's here with me. He can't help what he did anymore than I can. I might not have eaten the Principal, but attacking you wasn't that nice either." His eyes went to the door and he slipped into his Arnie impersonation. "I'll be back." [Oh man, as if this day hasn't been hard enough already.]

******

Xander had woken in stages. He loved cuddling up to a warm body. Sometimes it was better than sex. Well not really, but he'd heard it was meant to be that way. He supposed the problem was that he'd never been in love with anyone he'd slept with. The feeling of a slender, firm body in his arms had been wonderful. He should never have opened his eyes.

The realisation that it was Kyle [naked Kyle!] in his arms had disintegrated the remaining sleepiness. Remembering what they had done caused a mild panic attack. Tremors and waves of nausea ran the length of his body. Rolling away from Kyle, he'd taken deep, sucking breaths to calm down. His thoughts were panicked and erratic. [Shit! What did I do? I'm not gay. But I had fun and it was nice. I like Kyle, but I'm not like that. Who am I kidding - I need Kyle. I've checked guys out before. Maybe it's the hyena? I like women. Sex has never been like that before!]

Unfortunately, Kyle chose that moment to wake up. He had turned towards Xander, reached out and smiled sweetly. Xander's heart had lurched. [Who knew it was possible to feel so many things at once?] Deja-vu then set in as he scrambled from the bed and hurried to the shower. He couldn't recall the excuse he'd used, but he knew he'd said something feeble.

When he'd finally emerged from the shower, Kyle was waiting for him - determination and disappointment written on his face. Xander had stifled a groan. How was he meant to explain what happened when he didn't understand it himself? Hours later, Kyle's words still reverberated in his mind.

"I'm not sure what your problem is, but I can guess. The thing is, I don't care. You're my friend Xander. I haven't had one of those for a long time. If you want to be more, that's great. But if you can't decide what you want, I'm not going to push it. I'm not going to risk losing my best friend!"

Xander thought again how nice it was to be needed, then racked his brain for a joke. He'd really wanted to lighten the atmosphere. Nothing came to mind, however, and he had had to decide on honesty.

In the end, they hadn't talked for very long. After Xander admitted his confusion, uncomfortable issues were avoided. The closest they came was when Kyle had asked him to be his new roommate. Xander still couldn't believe it. Kyle had said he was sick of being lonely and was willing to convert the study. There were no strings attached and Xander would have to pay rent. It hadn't taken long to decide. Despite any reservations, it was nicer than the basement, there were no parents, and, as a bonus, a Playstation. That decided, they'd re-formed bonds through games and junk food. Xander hoped he had done the right thing. He still wasn't sure. Especially after the mini drama starring Willow and Buffy.

Xander snorted. [I'll deal tomorrow.] "C'mon, let's go get some vids."

******

Inside Giles' apartment, the stars were still stunned. Buffy's head swung from the door to Riley and then to her old Watcher.

"OK Giles, just what in hell is going on? It's not like Xander to just leave. And how come he can remember what happened all of a sudden?"

Ignoring her, Giles hurried to his books. After shuffling through them, he found the volume he was looking for and flipped it open. "A-ha!"

"A-ha? What a-ha?"

But Giles was too busy congratulating himself on connecting Xander's behaviour with the passage in front of him to answer

*****