Flip The Script

by
BmblBee

Part Twenty-One

Xander didn't know what to say.

He fought against the instinct that screamed "say it back"

He wanted to buy candy and flowers.

He wanted to stand under William's window and sing to him.

He wanted to hire a hot air balloon and...... well, point made.

But he didn't..

By now the silence was echoing in the room and bouncing off William's eardrums. The water in the tub had cooled and the good mood seemed to have popped with the last bubble. William eased himself off Xander and out of the bath. Wrapping the towel around himself like a shield that could protect him from the hurt he was afraid was coming, William started backing away towards the bedroom.

"I'm sorry, Xander. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I shouldn't have spoken so. It's all right if you don't feel the same. I was just overtaken by the moment."

Xander felt like a total ass.

He felt like he had just kicked the kitten Willow was always threatening to buy. Grabbing his own towel he rushed into the bedroom behind Will. "No, Baby, you didn't say anything wrong. You only said what my heart has been wanting to say since last night."

William's face lit up, but just as quickly dropped as Xander put his hands up and continued. "I just think maybe we're moving too fast. You've been through a hell of a lot, and I don't want you thinking you feel one way now then find out later it's only gratitude or just the stress of the memories. Willow said....."

William began searching through the bed covers and piles of dirty clothes that were strewn around the room.

"Will, what the hell are you looking for?"

William stopped what he was doing and with his hands on his naked pink hips gave Xander the sternest look his face could manage. "I'm still looking for Miss Willow. I didn't realize she was in this room or this relationship with us. I'll have you know, Xander that I am very well aware of what love is. I was much loved as a child. My Mother, my Grandmum and Grandda, Mrs Wilcox, and even Mr. Harvey. As bad as the "after" was it could not erase the "before". My Grandda told me what to look for in a man, and Mister it is you." William was now wagging a slim delicate finger under Xander's nose. "Now if that doesn't set well on your plate you will just have to learn to live with it, because I love you and will not accept any argument."

With that William turned and walked away to dress. Xander stood speechless. He watched as the sweetest little butt cheeks in the world bounced away and he realized he had just been bitch slapped.

He smiled.

Deciding the day had been stressful enough William and Xander both dressed in sweats and settled in for a quiet afternoon. William poured the tea that Willow had made and Xander fixed some soup and sandwiches. Surprisingly the conversation at the table over lunch was relaxed and pleasant. It appeared the Gods of peace and quiet had finally smiled on them.

The Gods smiled for about ten minutes before the knock came at the door.

Jumping up and racing from the kitchen Will called back "I'll get it" Xander dropped the dishes in the sink and followed after. Opening the door, Will's eyes lit up. "Larry. Please come in, Xander will be right here."

Larry tried to check the pleased, surprised look on his face, but failed completely. "William? Well, looks like you found a use for that phone number."

William blushed "I can't thank you enough. Xander is just wonderful."

Coming in on the tail end of the conversation, Xander stopped next to William, put his arm around Wil's waist and laughed. "So, Larry what do you need to see me about and make it quick, I'm busy being wonderful."

Larry's eyes scanned William then settled on Xander. In a matter of seconds an entire unspoken conversation passed between them and an understanding was reached. Although both knew Larry had, in his own way, been in love with Xander for years, it wasn't something that either wanted to face or discuss. It would never have worked and would have destroyed a great friendship, and that wasn't something either of them wanted to risk.

Just as quickly the mood changed as Larry explained why he had come, and he fished a sheet of paper from his pocket. Handing it to Xander he knew the air in the room was about to change, but he needed to get to the real reason for his visit. "We got trouble on the site. Big trouble. As you can see from that lumber invoice Lindsey has stopped ordering first grade lumber. He's ordered us to use all seconds. Anyone who questions him is threatened with being fired.

"You know these are good men, Xan, but they all got families to feed and can't do that without a job. Even if they did quit, Lindsey says he can make sure no other contractor will hire them. I don't think he has the clout to do that, but nobody wants to take the chance. Shit, Xander, If you were the boss, the men would follow you anywhere."

Furious, Xander quickly scanned the paper then balled it up and threw it to the floor. "That fuckin' asshole! Putting up an unstable building like that anywhere is asking for trouble, but here in California near half a dozen fault lines and it's not if, but when will it turn into a death trap. It's bullshit that he's doing this to save money. I could think of half a dozen cost cutting steps we could take that would be both time and cost effective. He has got to be doing this to steal from the project accounts. Where the hell are the inspectors? Where is OSHA?"

"I think they're being paid off. Since all these changes they've stopped coming around. That's not all. The investigation into your accident has also apparently disappeared. What we need, Xander is to find a way to expose Lindsey's undercover dirt. If only there was another construction company that could take over the job and give the workers jobs, we would all walk off the site.

Standing there silent and attempting to process all the information, Xander didn't noticed that William had picked up the crumpled invoice and was staring at it.

"Xander."

"In a minute, Will" Xander turned back to Larry "Do you think Lindsey's uncle knows what's going on with his company?"

"Shit, man, who knows, I think....."

"XANDER!!"

"What?" That's when Xander finally turned and saw that Will's face was white as a sheet.

Handing Xander back the invoice William quietly whispered "That's the same handwriting. He wrote the note."

The look of blind fury that passed over Xander's face startled both Will and Larry. Then just as quickly it was gone. Kissing the top of his head, Xander aimed Will towards the kitchen and gave him a little nudge. "Will, Sweetheart, go make us a pot of coffee. The three of us have some planning to do."

Once in the kitchen, Will grabbed for the phone and checked the speed dial numbers till he found the one he needed.

"Xander, Sweety, is everything o.k?"

"It's me Miss Willow. Sorry to bother you, but there is trouble on Xander's job. Larry is here now, and I think we need all the help we can get. Can you come over?"

"Ten Minutes Will. You did the right thing to call."

After hanging up, William sat down at the table and again picked up the phone. After taking a deep breath, he sat up straight and started dialing.

Part Twenty-Two

Will sat patiently listening to the phone ring on the other end. Checking the clock and doing the quick mental math he knew it must be almost five P.M. in London. No too late.

Finally the curt voice answered "Good Evening, Mr. Rayne's office. How may I help you?"

"Good evening Gloria. It's William"

Immediately the cold detachment melted away. "Mr. William, How are you? We were so concerned. We haven't heard from you in a while."

"I am very well, thank you. In fact I am better than very well. I am standing on the borderline of bloody excellent. Is Mr. Rayne available?"

Gloria was delighted. She had been with Ethan Rayne's office for years, and had been witness to the tragic events that crushed the sensitive William. She thought of him often since his leave to the States and worried for him. Hearing the happiness and the strength in his voice was a very pleasant surprise. "He certainly is William, and I know he is anxious to speak to you." After a quick minute, during which William assumed he was being announced, he heard the phone connect.

"William, my boy. I am so glad to hear from you. We have been worried. Are you well? Do you need anything? Do you want to come home?"

Laughing, William knew if he didn't stop him, Mr. Rayne could go on forever. "No, No, Mr. Rayne. I don't need anything, and actually, I am home." The last was added with a definite tone of pride in his voice. "The reason I called is that I need to use some of my money. I want to invest in a new company."

"William, it is your money. You don't ever need to ask permission, in fact I am often concerned that you are able to live comfortably as you never touch any of the funds. Due to investments it has grown considerably. You know you have every right to its use."

William could hear the affection in Rayne's voice and he missed him very much. He was one of the few people who had never turned his back on William.

"Are you still employed at the University? What type of company is this? Have you researched it's potential? Are you taking care of yourself?"

"Mr. Rayne!" William laughed "Slow down. I am most comfortable. I went through a very bad time, but things are much better now. I think I will be moving soon, I'll send you my new address later. Yes, I am still employed, but might be seeking other employment. As for the company, it is very new. The money would assist in the start up expenses. I have researched the owner of the company, and have been working with him in depth. It is a construction company and I would be an equal partner. A proper businessman."

The silent pause at the other end of the line did not bode well. "Construction? As in building things? What do you know about such things, William? Why not give me the name of the person seeking financial backing and I will run a background check. Just to ensure his legitimacy."

"No, Mr. Rayne. I am a man now and I am not asking permission. I am calling to instruct you to set up an account in a financial institution here and transfer one million pounds into that account with access to any other funds I may require." Not wanting to end the call on a cold note William warmed and continued. "I love you like family, Ethan, but I know what I am doing. Please trust me. If it makes you feel better, the man involved is Alexander Harris of Sunnydale California. Now I have to go, but I will be calling again soon. I will look for the money to be on deposit in two days. Thank you, Ethan."

"You are most welcome. William. Please take care." As soon as the phone disconnected, Rayne picked it up again. "Gloria, we will be working late. I need some research done on a financial and criminal background check."

William hung up just as Xander and Larry entered the kitchen. Kissing him on the top of the head as he passed, Xander went to the counter and picked up the kettle.

"Who were you talking to?"

"Oh, Miss Willow is coming over. I thought she might be able to help us out. She is very smart."

"Yeah," Xander chuckled, "And she doesn't hesitate to remind us of that at every opportunity."

One hour later found them all still sitting around the table drinking too much coffee and bloated on too many of the donuts Willow had brought along. Several ideas had been tossed out and rejected. Most of which consisted of reporting him to the local authorities, rejected due to the fact that these were the same authorities who seemed to be turning their backs on the present investigation.

Next was the idea of going to Lindsey's uncle. General consensus was that he was either in on the cost cutting, or at least aware of it and intentionally turning his back.

So on it went. The same ideas bouncing around and no resolution in sight. William had been hesitant to enter into the conversation too soon. He decided the others would be more receptive to a new idea if they were totally out of old ones. He had processed the information and thought some of it was very workable with a little tweaking. Finally feeling the time was right, he spoke up. "Xander. I believe I may have the solution to our situation." All eyes turned his way.

The expressions of their faces only served to strengthen his resolve. Willow looked at him as though he was an adorable puppy that had just learned a new trick.

Larry's expression clearly asked "Why are you here again?" and even Xander's showed more strained patience than confidence. William was not discouraged. In fact he knew for the first time in his life, he was going to be the hero. He summoned all his courage and began.

"First, Willow is going to draft a letter of information to be submitted to the California Attorney General's office. I feel bypassing the local authorities is most necessary. We will obtain copies of all invoices Lindsey has written, especially anything with his uncle's signature as authorization. I also think it would be beneficial to enclose any photographs we could obtain as confirmation.

Next Xander will contact the owner of the building project with all of the information. He shall advise them that as the half owner of the Wilxan contract company, we will be preparing a bid for taking over the job. It will be your responsibility, Xander to have all of the facts and figures ready for our presentation. Larry, you will contact all of the workers. Any of them that want to come to work for us will be more than welcome. Anything I missed?"

The expressions on the faces of the other three had drastically changed and were now all variations of 'What the Hell,' 'Oh My God,' and with just a touch of, 'Who the hell is this person and where is William?'

"Will, Baby, I can't take your money."

"That's good, because I am not giving you my money. I am investing in a business opportunity in which I would be a full partner. If you are not interested I am sure I could find someone who is."

After a very short pause, Xander broke into a huge grin. "Well hell, looks like we're in business."

Equally thrilled, William held up his cup to Xander. "Xan, I really don't care for coffee. Would you be a dear and make me some tea?"

Part Twenty-Three

The brain storming session lasted long into the evening and was finally called to an end when everyone realized they hadn't eaten all day. The plan had been discussed and all the possibilities that go with a new idea were examined from different angles. The excitement was like electricity in the air.

Larry and Willow each went their own way with dozens of ideas relating to their end of the plan buzzing around their minds. Willow was anxious to get home to her computer to begin drafting a letter to the Attorney General and any other California authority that could help in their investigation.

Larry had the names and number of the other workers on site and would begin contacting them and encouraging them to refuse to engage in construction that was unsafe or unstable. He knew they would be more ameniable to the idea if they had the promise of another job to fall back on.

William and Xander were thrilled bordering on overwhelmed at the prospect of starting the new business. Each one in turn would think of another obstacle to overcome. They needed a building for an office. They needed a bookkeeper. Supplies,tools, all the legal requirements.

Finally William got up. Dumping his last cup of tea down the drain he turned laughing to face Xander. "Enough! I can't think anymore. We need to call it a day. Too much has happened and I think we need a break."

Xander went over to the sink and pressed himself against Will, trapping him between the counter and Xander's larger body. "What kind of a break do you want to take?"

Involuntarily thrusting his hips forward, Will could feel the heat rolling off Xander. "Actually I was thinking of a sandwich, but I kind of like where this is going better."

Without further comment Xander picked Will up by the waist and set him on the kitchen counter. "Lift your hips" Will did as he was told. Xander slid his sweat pants off and threw them to the side. Spreading Will's knees Xander stepped in between them. Leaning in he kissed Will. Deeply and passionately.

Throwing his arms around Xander's neck Will pulled him in even closer and met him tongue for tongue. Grinding his naked hard cock against the feel of Xander's cloth covered one was maddening. Reaching over he tugged till Xander helped by pulling them down. God how Will loved to look at Xander's cock. It stood hard and straight against his belly. It was big and dark. A man's cock. His man's cock.

Grabbing Will by the ankles Xander placed his feet up on the counter causing Will to lean back and rest on his elbows. Xander bent down and licked a strip from Will's sac up the length of his cock.

'Such a wonderful cock,' he thought. Slender, stiff and always ready. Xander studied the hood of skin. Kind of reminded him of a Sharpei dog. Well this is one puppy he was about to take for a walk. Without further hesitation, Xander dropped, sucking Will's cock to the root.

"Xander, you... I... yes." William was amazed at his ability to articulate so well under the circumstance. While he wasn't exactly sure what the protocol was in this type of situation, he was positive he should reciprocate somehow.

Then Xander swallowed around the head. With his tongue pressed against the bundle of nerves Xander slid his lips up and down snugly. Finally tasting the pre come oozing he licked it up greedily. All thoughts escaped Will's brain. Making sure the shaft was thoroughly wet with saliva he let his hand take over as he kissed and nibbled his way down to the sac and lower.

Leaning back the way he was exposed his hole to Xander's searching tongue. Licking and sucking the puckered opening soon turned to devouring. William felt like every nerve in his body was settled in his hole and firing like electricity.
He grabbed Xander's hand and pumped his cock frantically. Finally when he thought he could take no more, Xander rammed his tongue into Will and felt him explode in orgasm. Continung to hold Xander's hand tightly aroung his cock, Will pumped out his juices with his emotions.

Slowly coming back to himself, Will opened his eyes to see Xander smile and lick the white sticky cream off his fingers. Will's eyes roamed down Xander's body and parked themselves on Xander's still hard erection. "I believe you have a situation there." He lifted his gaze and looked Xander in the eye. "Would you like to bend me over and work off some of that tension?'

Xander groaned but never broke eye to eye contact. Easily Will glided down from the counter and bent over. Spreading his legs, he looked back over his shoulder. "So what do you think, Xan? Want to play? Want to show me who I belong to?"

Xander grabbed Will around the waist and pulled him back, pressing his throbbing cock against Will's ass. "Lube, Baby, we need lube, and a condom.

Jerking open a cupboard door, Will found what he was looking for and handed it quickly to Xander. Snickering, Xander read the lable. Virgin Olive Oil. And when had Will hidden condoms around the apartment?

"Excuse me. Back to business please, Mr. Harris."

Xander lined his oiled cock head up to Will's hole and prepared to enter. "Oh, a pushy bottom. That's why I love you."

When he heard those word, Will straightened up quickly, removing his ass from the target area. Turning around he held his breath. "Do you? Do you love me, Xander? You never said it before."

"God, yes, I love you. I love everything about you. If I didn't say it before it's because I was a coward. But I can't even remember now what I was afraid of." Throwing his head back, Xander yelled out "I LOVE THIS MAN!!"

Will smiled his biggest smile, threw his arms around Xander and kissed him soundly. He then turned back around and bent over with his legs spread wide. "Come on, Lover, show me what you got."

Xander lined himself up again and slowly pressed forward. When the head popped through the tight ring, Xander's grip on Will's hips tightened. He wanted desperately to ram in as deep as he could go, but knew hurting Will was something he could never do.

Feeling Xander enter his body caused an automatic reaction in Will. His heart rate kicked up and his own cock twitched to life. Bracing himself in anticipation of that incredible sensation of Xander's hot, thick cock pounding into that sweet spot in his body, Will held on. Working his way in, Xander was finally slapping his larger, heavier balls against Will's softer sac.

Reaching around with traces of olive oil still on his hands, Xander wrapped his hand around Will's cock and made a smooth slippery fist to pump into. Unable to restrain himself any longer, Xander slid back till only the head was still snuggly buried in Will's hole. He slammed home. Both men groaned and after a moment or two to adjust, began thrusting together. Xander hitting Will's hot spot just often enough to keep him on the edge. Soon, though, Xander knew he had been aroused too long and couldn't hold off much longer. "Come on, Will. Come with me,"

Feeling his balls tighten up painfully, Will jerked forward and came on the cupboards and Xander's hand, causing his inner muscles to grip and flutter around Xander's cock.

Xander let every muscle in his body tighten as his orgasm filled the condom. God how he wanted his come to fill Will's body. To drip out and smell like him. It was a conversation they would have later. Later when his brain resumed function. For now, a quick shower and bed.

Part Twenty-Four

Something was off. Lindsey couldn't quite put his finger on it, but it was there just the same. Ever since that fucking accident the men had been tense and challenging, some going so far as to question his decisions.

He knew who the ring leader was. It was that fucking Larry. Larry who thought that he was such hot shit cause Xander had fucked him once or twice. So now Larry was probably jealous. Jealous cause Xander and Lindsey were a real item. All summer they were. And they would be again. Larry just couldn't stand that so he was turning the other men on the crew against him.

Of course the threat of unemployment had shut them up, but it was still happening far too often for his comfort.

It had cost him a fucking fortune to pay off those union inspectors and convince them that the accident was Xander's incompetence. OSHA was still sniffing around him, and his uncle was breathing down his neck.

His cocksucking uncle was another thorn in his side. Republican pain in his ass had threatened to ruin him just because he caught him with that young boy from the gas station in town. Christ, the shit he had to do. Actually had to marry that stupid bitch, Sherry, and hire her idiot nephew just to shut them all up. But none of that mattered. In the end he would still have Xander, and fuck anyone who got in the way.

He just couldn't catch a fucking break. All that money he had skimmed and saved was gone in bribes and the quality of the materials he was ordering had gone from seconds to damn near scrap. This job should have been a money one. The one to make him a real pocket of change. Now he was broke and getting in deeper.

He couldn't wait till this job was done. He needed a vacation. Somewhere far away from here, at least till things were cool again. Funny thing was, all this could have been avoided if Xander wasn't acting like such a prick. He knew Lindsey was the only man for him. Why wouldn't he just admit it? But, no, he had to go panting after that little bitch-in-heat William.

Now he didn't have any money, he had the building authorities breathing down his neck for more kick backs, and worst of all, he hadn't seen Xander once in the two weeks since he had been off work. He missed him. Fuck! Why was life so unfair? He didn't deserve this.

But this morning it was something else. As soon as he arrived on the site he could feel it. The men were in a good mood. Laughing and joking. Acting like they used to. Like they didn't have a care in the world. 'Well if I'm the one they're laughing at I'll put a stop to that. I'm nobody's fuckin' joke. Maybe I just better remind them of a few things.'

"LARRY! Get your ass in here." The men who had just arrived on site had been contacted last night and though they were somewhat apprehensive, they were feeling better than they had in weeks.

When they heard Larry's named called the chatter stopped. They knew this could be the turning point. Would Larry really have the guts to stand up to him? Larry also knew this was a make or break time in their plan. The men would follow a strong leader, that's why they had always willingly followed Xander. Larry hoped he had the courage to do this. He couldn't let Xander down. He couldn't let the men down. He couldn't let himself down. Standing up tall and sucking in a huge breath, Larry reached the trailer and opened the door. "What do you want, Lindsey? I'm busy."

"Don't you fuckin' disrespect me. I told you to call me Mr. McDonald, and you're busy when I give you a job to make you busy. I'm the fuckin' boss here."

Giving off an air of slight boredom, Larry leaned against the door. "We all know you're the boss, Lindsey."

Accepting the faux pas of using his first name, Lindsey was starting to relax "I want to hear you say it."

"Say what?" Larry was unsure how far Lindsey was willing to take this show

"That I'm the boss" Lindsey's smirk was starting to make Larry's fists itch. His instincts told him the time was not yet right, so gritting his teeth he straightened up, "You're the boss"

"Good boy. Now, I have a load of supplies due in this morning, when they arrive I want you to sign for them and send them to inventory. That's all. You can go now."

Larry understood exactly what Lindsey was doing. By having Larry sign for the supplies Lindsey could deny knowlege of what was being done on site. Without argument he left the trailer and headed directly over to Eddie. "Wait one hour, then do it." Eddie nodded his understanding and both men went their separate ways.

With everyone's stupidity checked, Lindsey couldn't have been feeling more smug if he were wearing mink underwear. Confident he could regain control of this sinking ship, he sat at his desk and studied the books. There must be other ways of playing these numbers to send a little more cash into his pockets.

Studiously tapping away at the calculator Lindsey was startled out of his musings by Eddie shouting his name outside the trailer. "Now what the fuck."

Racing outside Lindsey saw all the workers running for the far end of the lot. "Foundations cracking!" Eddie waved his hands in the direction of the eastern wall "Were going to lose the wall if we can't sheer it up."

"Oh, Holy Fuck!" Lindsey took off with the crowd. Not noticing Larry who had previously gone to his truck for a camera and was now slipping quickly into Lindsey's office.

It took less than an hour for Lindsey to determine the crack wasn't serious enough to require structural repair. Most of that time was spent arguing with that stupid ass Eddie. It was almost like he was trying to keep him there just to fucking argue the point. No doubt just wanting to piss him off and ruin his day. Cocksuckers.

Returning to the trailer he passed Larry who was headed in the other direction. "Where the fuck were you?"

"Christ, Lindsey, you told me to go wait on those fucking delivery trucks. I can only be one place at a time. Get off my back!"

"Fuck you, Larry!" Lindsey stomped off back to his office.

Larry strolled smugly back to his truck, dropped off his evidence, picked up his lunch, and locked the doors. Whistling he looked up a bird singing in a tree. "Beautiful fucking day"

The next few days were a blur of activity. The massive amount of information Larry had collected was invaluable. It read like a blue print of criminal intent, and would spell out the charges against the McDonalds and their contractors company.

Willow set up camp in Xander's living room and organized it into understandable documentation. Towards the end of the week she brought several changes of clothes and began sleeping on the couch.

Larry kept things on the site low key. The men were getting antsy to make a move, but understood that the timing needed to be right. Xander had met with an accountant and lawyer and was beginning to find the paperwork involved in starting the contractors business overwhelming. Most of the confusion dealt with government regulations and tax prep forms.

Luckily Mr. Rayne had contacts in California and had set them up with an extremley competent attorney who understood business laws and regulations, and was helping them work their way through it much faster than they could have possibly done on their own.

During all this he and William had very little time together, and when they did, were unable to express themselves fully with Willow sleeping on the couch. William had discovered, much to both their surprise, that he was a natural screamer. Silent sex was simply not his cup of tea.

While Xander was not bothered by the strange looks he got from the neighbors, he really didn't want to share that part of his life with his little sister, so they had taken to grabbing afternoon encounters before she returned back home.

Will's part of the plan was to work with a realtor by the name of Joyce Summers. Xander had instructed him to find a building they could use to house their new business. They needed something with an office and possibly a large garage for tool storage. Will had met with Mrs. Summers each day for a week, but never reported any results, so Xander assumed he had not had any luck in finding something suitable.

Everyone involved agreed the time was near and had set a major planning session for Sunday afternoon. Getting up early that day, William seemed nervous and itchy. Breakfast was quiet and quick. William ate only toast, and most of that ended up in the trash. Xander, on the other hand, was relaxed and confident. Things were really falling into place, and it was beginning to look like this idea was actually going to take off.

Even if they were unable to cut through the red tape and corruption of the job site, Xander knew with Will's financial backing they could still start a successful business. He wanted nothing as much as making Will proud.

Part Twenty-Five

"For goodness sake, Xander. How long does it take to eat a plate of pancakes? You have been sitting there for hours."

Xander lifted his wrinkled brow and laid his fork down. Will was standing, fully dressed 'When did that happen?' and tapping his foot on the floor impatiently. "Well, first, I've been sitting here about fifteen minutes, and second, huh?"

Quickly pulling his chair over to face Xander, Will sat down and looked him in the eye. "I think I've found a place for our business and I want us to go look at it this morning"

Xander hesitated for a moment. Confused as to why this was so important to Will, Xander decided
to just go along. "O.k., Baby. Give me a few minutes to shower and dress. Do we need to go to the realtor to pick up the keys?"

Will let his eyes wander up the walls and across the ceiling, refusing to look Xander straight on. "No, actually I was given the key yesterday."

"Oh. Well great. Seems a little trusting, but I guess realtors will do about anything to unload some of these old warehouses and garages in town. So give me a mo and we'll be off."

After what seemed like an eternity, Xander emerged, dressed and ready to go. Grabbing the car keys William dashed out the door and down the walk. By the time Xander caught up with him, Will was already settled nervously in the passenger's seat.

As Xander put the key in the ignition, Will placed his hand on Xander's stopping him before he could start the engine.
"Xander, before you jump to a decision, promise me you will keep an open mind. Let me show you the property properly before you make up your mind."

Xander knew Will had very little experience in making major decisions and assumed that was why he was so nervous. Deciding to agree to what ever property Will wanted, Xander released the key and interlocked his fingers with Williams. Leaning over he kissed him softly on the lips. "Sweetheart, whatever you've decided on will be great. Even if it needs a lot of work, we're a construction company. We can fix it." Without another word Xander sat back in his seat, buckled his belt and turned the key. "You point the way, Will, and I'll follow."

Following Will's instructions they drove through the center of town, the university district, and past Will's old room. Neither of them commented, keeping their eyes on the road ahead they continued on. Reaching the city limits, Xander looked questioningly over.

"Just another mile or so," Will answered.

Xander could see Will getting excited. Xander often marveled how Will's face so clearly showed his every emotion. After all he had been through he could still be so unguarded. "Here! Turn here." Will was pointing frantically at a gravel road turning off to the left. The entrance of the road was guarded by two brick posts topped by stone lions.

The driveway wound around and soon led up to the front of a huge brick home. It was one of the expensive houses that had been constructed some five years ago when this end of town was sold off and divided into ten acre plots. They were often referred to as hobby farms and most had been purchased by bankers or businessmen who could afford the privacy and elegance of this type of secluded lifestyle.

Off to the right of the house was a massive barn style garage. Will pointed in that direction. "Park here." He jumped out before Xander had even come to a complete stop.

Running to catch up Xander found him inside the garage. It was huge, clean, and filled with storage shelves and equipment platforms. Before Xander could take it all in, Will had him by the hand pulling him toward the area walled off at the left side of the building. It contained an office. An office that was every bit bigger than the room Will had lived in for so long.

Whoever had set this up really knew what they were doing. It contained everything a small business could need. Phone and fax jacks in the wall by the built in desk, as well as outlets for computers and any other electronic equipment that was needed. Before Xander had a chance to really admire or inspect the room, Will had him by the hand again and was pulling him out a side door that led to a walkway to the house. "Now remember, you promised to keep an open mind. You are not allowed to say anything negative until you see the whole place." Will scolded.

Inserting the key into a side door, he opened it then stepped back to allow Xander to enter first. They had come into a small mud room and Xander automatically removed his shoes. Up three steps and they entered a huge kitchen.

Brick walled with an open hearth and old fashioned appearance that masked the ultra modern appliances. A butcher block island sat in the center with a pan rack overhead. The windows were tall and wide flooding the room with morning light. A swinging doorway led to an elegant dining room. Designed for large dinner parties, Xander couldn't even imagine how many people could eat here at one time. "Uh, Will, Baby..."

"No, Xander. Not yet." Taking his hand they rushed on. "We can go back and look at everything again, but right now I want you to see it all."

Xander had to admit Will's enthusiasm was infectious. He didn't know how he was going to break it to him that a new business just starting up could not afford anything like this. Hell they would be lucky if they didn't end up living together in Will's old place. No scratch that. Will would never go back there not if Xander had anything to say about it.

The livingroom and den were next. Both richly done in dark hard wood floors with wall shelves for all of Will's precious books. Each had fireplaces and Xander had to admit either one would be perfect for business meeting with prospective clients.

Before he could check the added amenities Will was pulling him on. Directly to the other side of the house, Xander became aware of something that was not at all obvious from the outside.

The entire left third of the downstairs of the house was a separate apartment. What was usually referred to as a mother-in-law suite. Done up like an old English cottage, it also contained every modern convenience needed for a comfortable life style. Obviously deflated, Xander looked around the apartment. "It's really nice, Will, but I kind of thought we would be living together. If you wanted a separate place, I could just stay where I am."

It took a minute for Xander's meaning to sink in before Will punched Xander weakly, with his best effort, in the arm. "This isn't for us, silly. This apartment is for Miss Willow. She is family Xander. She must live with us. And look, the apartment has it's own mud room for Miss Willow's cat."

"Will, Sweetheart, Willow doesn't have a cat."

Exasperated, Will put his hands on his hips and heaved a sigh. "No, but she has always wanted one."

In that moment Xander knew when these two ganged up against him he would never win another argument. "Also, as a plus, I had Mrs. Sommers do a little test with me. I went up to the master suite and yelled as loud as I could. You will be relieved to know the insulations are excellent. She could hear nothing." William had said the last part in such a businesslike manner, Xander could not help but laugh. "Well why don't you show me the master suite and we'll see what kind of scream potential it has."

Will turned and rushed back into the main house. Dashing up the stairs, Xander could barely keep up.

At the top of the stairs Will vaguely waved his hand in the direction of the left side of the hallway. "Three guest rooms with baths." It clearly did not have his interest.

Hurrying off to the left, Will opened the large double doors at the end of the hall. "This is the master suite."

Swinging the doors open with flourish Will waited for Xander's reaction. Xander was speechless. The room was larger than his present apartment. One wall held a wide stone fireplace on one side of which was the master bath, and the other side led into a closet large enough to hold every stitch of clothing they each owned.

It was all just too overwhelming. Xander knew he had to break the news to Will. He wanted to do it as easily as possible, but what the hell, they might as well have a few minutes of enjoying the house first. "Will, Baby, what say we run our own scream test."

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