Miami’s Good Boy

Horatio looked around the small shopping center.  Something was off.  It was a pretty spring day.  It had rained the last few days and now people were out doing things and chatting in the sunshine.  As he was.  He checked, his badge was on straight.  It was fairly new to have the gold shield.  He had only made detective six months ago.  He heard a quiet sniffle and tracked it to a child staring around.  "Hey," he said gently, squatting down.  "What's wrong?"

The boy, all black mop of hair and big brown eyes with a few freckles across his nose, gave him a stare.  Then he grinned.  "My bodyguard is lost."

"He is?  How did he get lost?"

"He was chatting to some guy and it was boring so I went to pet a puppy dog and he never came back," he said.

Horatio smiled.  "What's your name, so we can see if we can find him for you?"

"Xanner."

"Xanner?  Or Xander?"

"Xanner," he said, nodding proudly.  He turned and showed him the name on the inside of his shirt.

"Okay, Xander.  I'm a police officer."  He showed him his badge.  "Let's see if we can help you find your lost bodyguard.  I know sometimes adults get lost and get panicked if they can't find their kids."  Xander took his hand when he stood up, letting him walk him off.  "Where were you petting the dog?"  He pointed so Horatio went that way.  After an hour there was still no adult looking for him.  "I tell you what.  Let's go back to my police station and we'll see if he's there waiting on you?  That's a good place to look for lost adults."

"Okay," he agreed, beaming at him.  "Do you always carry a gun?  My bodyguard doesn't.  He said I'm mean and might touch it again."

"I have to, it's part of the job," Horatio said patiently, walking him to his car.  "Okay.  You're still little so I'm going to put you in the backseat, okay?"  Xander nodded, crawling right in.  He looked around with a frown.  "I know, there's no booster seat but I think it'll be okay for the ride to the station to find your lost bodyguard."  He buckled him in and then closed the door gently, walking around to get in and drive.  He smiled back at the boy before starting the car, heading to his desk in the homicide division.  He parked and got out, walking Xander inside.  He saw a few familiar faces.

"Couldn't stay away on your day off?"

"He's helping me find my lost bodyguard," Xander said politely.  "He wandered off when I went to pet a puppy dog."  His grandfather would be proud about how polite he was being.

The man who had spoken smiled at him.  "You're very smart.  How old are you?"

"Five."

"You're very smart for five," he said, handing him a breath mint.  "There, it's all the candy I have, kid."

"Thank you, Officer."  He stuck it into his mouth, following Horatio to his desk.  He let Horatio sit him in the spare chair and kicked his feet, watching him sit down to make some calls.  "Did he report himself missing?"

"Not yet but I wanted to ask you some questions.  Maybe we can try your house, see if he went there.  Would that be okay?"  Xander beamed and nodded.  "Okay, do you know your last name?"

"Benis."

"Benis?  Good."  He wrote that down.  "What's your father's name?"  Xander sniffled.  "Hey, it's all right."  He touched his hand. "It's all right. You can tell me."

"Grandpa made Daddy go away 'cause he was bad and mean and evil and nasty," he said firmly.  "Mommy too.  She's stupid too."

Horatio nodded, looking very solemn.  "That can happen sometimes.  It sounds like your grandfather takes good care of you, Xander."  He beamed and nodded again.  "What's your grandfather's first name?"

"Father."

"Father?" he asked, looking at him.  "Is your grandfather a priest?"  Xander nodded.  "Okay.  Do you know where he works?"

"The study."

Horatio blinked a few times, hearing a female laugh somewhere nearby.  "Yelina?" he called.  She came over, smiling at the young boy.  "This is Xander Benis.  His bodyguard got lost when he went to pet a dog."

"He was making chocolatey gooey eyes at his boyfriend," Xander said. "It was boring."

Yelina smiled, stroking over his hair.  "I'm sure you were very good and tried to wait," she said gently.   He beamed and nodded, then petted her stomach.  "I'm not pregnant, Xander."

"Yes you are."

"No, I'm not."

Horatio looked at her.  "Then define what you ate for lunch, Yelina?" he asked.  He looked at the boy.  "Does your grandfather live with a man or a woman?"

"Sire," he said proudly.  "He's pretty neat.  He spoils me and he plays with me and he lets Grandpa read to me when Grandpa should be taking a nap so he takes one.  I make a very good bedtime helper."

"Hmm.  Okay."  He found a phonebook, looking up the last name of Benis.  There was only one.  "Is your grandfather's first name Patrick as well as Father?"

"How'd you know?" he asked.

"A lucky guess," he said.  "Why... why doesn't Yelina take you to look out the window for a minute while I call him?"

"Okay."  He hugged her stomach then climbed down and let her walk him off.

Horatio dialed the number.  "Is this the Benis residence?"  He smiled.  "This is Detective Caine down in homicide.  I was out and ran into a young boy by the name of Xander who seems to have a lost bodyguard.  He said his bodyguard got lost when he went to pet a dog."  He smiled at the screaming going on in the background.  "He's safe, he's here at homicide with us, sir.  I would need his legal guardian to pick him up, yes, sir.  That's the law.  Thank you.  Of course we'll be here.  Thank you, sir."  He hung up and went to find them.  He found Xander staring at someone, his head tipped to the side.  "Do you know him, Xander?"

"Yeah, that's my poor bodyguard's boyfriend.  Sire made him send him away.  He said he was a shitbag."

Yelina coughed. "That's a bad word, Xander.  Only adults can say it," she said firmly.

He blinked up at her. "Okay," he said quietly.  She picked him up to hug him.  "You smell nice.  Ooh, a kitty."  They both turned and saw a small kitten.  "Where did yo come from?  Is your mommy lost like my bodyguard is?"  He wiggled his way down and went to pet the kitten, crawling after her.  He crawled back under the nice detective's desk, heading to the hole she had went in.  "Ewww!"

"What's back there, Xander?" Yelina called.  "And come out of there!"

"There's kitties and a napping guy!"  He crawled back out.  "The kitties are all curled around the mommy.  The napping guy stinks."

Horatio blinked.  "Frank, move please?"  He got out of the way and Horatio got down there to look with Frank's flashlight.  "See the plastic bin there?"  Xander looked where he was pointing and nodded.  "Can you put the kitties in there and push it out to me please, Xander?  That way we can find them a very good home.  The mother should follow them."  He nodded, going to do that for him.  The mother hissed.  "Hey," Horatio snapped.  "Don't hiss at him."  The boy smiled shyly and went back to placing the kittens into the tub.  He pushed it out so Horatio could catch it.  The mother followed so he stuck her in there and handed the bin off.  "Okay, Xander.  Do you see another doorway?"

"Um...."  He looked around and pointed.  "There's a piece of wood here that doesn't look like a door but it's propped up."

"Go ahead and push on it.  Let's see if we can find a bigger hole."  Xander did that and he heard the crash so he went to get him out of the utility closet.  "Thank you, Xander. That's a very good boy.  Now, go play with the kittens for a few minutes, okay?  Let me make sure he's okay."  Xander nodded, going to do that with Yelina at Horatio's desk on the other side of the room.  He checked the body.  "Frank, we have a stabbing victim."

"I'll call the ME.  You want it?"

"It's my day off, Frank."

"Fine, I'll take it since it led to my desk.  Any idea if he's one of us?"

"I think he's maintenance."  He got out, letting him see it.  Horatio called Dispatch. "This is Caine in homicide.  We found a dead body in our utility closet.  Need an ME, yes.  Thank you."  He hung up and went to wash his hands then help Xander do the same since he was dancing around.  "Need to use the bathroom?"  He nodded and ran that way, making Yelina and Horatio both smile.  It was cute.  He helped the boy into the lone working stall, him listening for the young boy to need help.  Xander came out and only needed his pants zipped.  "Can't quite get it?" he asked.

"It's stuck.  It hates me.  I hate these pants."

Horatio smiled, zipping him up.  "There you go.  Let's wash our hands, okay?"  Xander nodded, doing that with him.  "Good boy."  He walked him back out, running into the back of a frantic man.  "You are?"

"Xander!" he said, picking him up to hug him.  "You are in such deep shit for wandering off."

"I went to pet the puppy because you were making chocolatey gooey eyes at the mean guy Sire made you send away.  But I found Horatio.   He wasn't lost like you were and we found kittens together and a smelly, napping guy."

The young man looked at Horatio.  "Thank you.  He's got attention problems and likes to wander off when he's bored."

Horatio shook his hand.  "It's not a problem but the law does say that only his legal guardian can claim him."

"He's on his way.  I've already gotten an earful."  He hugged Xander again.  "You're going to be spanked when you get home, young man."

"Why?  You're the one who got lost."  He got free by kicking him in the stomach then went back to playing with Yelin and the cats.

Horatio helped him up off the ground.  "We do still need to have his legal guardian down here to claim him."

"His grandfather's ill, he doesn't get out of house much anymore," he said quietly.

"Then we'll need documentation from his grandfather or whoever has custody saying that you or whoever can take him home."  He looked over as the body was taken away.  "He'll be safe here if you need to go home to get that."

"Ahhh."  He looked at the kid then shook his head.  "I'm sorry he came to you."

"I found him looking around by himself," Horatio said, staring him down.  The man flinched back.  "He said you were busy and didn't see him wander off."

"He likes to wander.  He's a pain."

"He's a very smart little boy."

"Who uses it to smart off," the bodyguard complained.

"He's very good," Horatio told him.  "He has been for me all the time I've had him."

"He's a holy terror, Detective.  You have no idea what he's like at home.  His grandfather should beat the crap out of him to make him quit wandering off."

"Perhaps it's more that he needs things to keep his attention," Horatio said, staring him down.  The man wilted.  "We need either his legal guardian or a document authorizing his release."  He walked back over there, finding Xander talking to her stomach.  "Hmm.  You're very careful with her baby, Xander."

"I'm not pregnant," Yelina said with a sweet smile.

"You had tunafish with pickles for lunch," he told her.  "On mac'n'cheese, Yelina."  Xander made a grossed out face.  "Take a test.  It's not that hard."  He picked Xander up, standing him on the desk.  "Your bodyguard is going to have to get some paperwork so he can take you back to your grandfather.  He will be back in a few minutes."

"Okay.  Can I play with the kitties?" he asked happily.  "All we have is a puppy dog at home and she's all slobbery and icky.  I can't really play with her because Sire's afraid she'll slobber on me or I'll make her quit working."

"Sure.  If you want," he agreed, putting him back down.  "Stay here in this cubicle.  Don't wander off, Xander.  You wouldn't want to make us be lost too."  He nodded, sitting down to play with the kittens and mother cat very gently.  He looked at her.  "Test?" he suggested.  She huffed off.  She came back ten minutes later scowling.  "Was there a reason for the disgusting lunch?"

"Yes," she complained.  Xander beamed at her.  "You are a very smart little boy," she said, patting him on the head.  "How did you know I was pregnant?"

"The baby said so."

"Okay."  She smiled and gave him another pat.  "I'll go see if anyone has anything good for you to drink or nibble on."  He beamed and bounced a bit but nodded.  "Good boy, you stay here."  She walked off, heading outside once she asked the receptionist to find him something to nibble on.  She looked up and let out a shriek of anger.  "I'll kill my husband."  The nearby officers glared at her so she glared back.  "If you see my spouse, tell him he's a dead man."

"Pregnant?" one guessed.  She gritted her teeth but nodded.  "Congrats, Detective."  He fled inside to call her husband's desk in patrol.  He was going to be doing some very major sucking up tonight.

Yelina waited, spotting a limo pulling in.  That wasn't the usual car you saw at homicide.  An older man got out once the driver had an umbrella over his head to block out the sun. She smiled at him.  "You're here for Xander?" she asked.

"I am.  Where is my grandson?" he asked quietly.

"Inside at Detective Caine's desk playing with some kittens he found."

"Thank you, Detective."  He walked inside, the umbrella being put up.  Another man hurried inside after him and the bodyguard as well.  "Detective Caine?" he asked.  He got pointed in the right direction, smiling at the man and the boy playing together.  "Xander, how did you make your bodyguard lost?"

"SIRE!" he squealed, hugging him.  "Hi!  Hi, Gordon!" he said cheerfully, waving at him.  "Come see the kitties I found."  He led Sire over to the kitties so he could see them.

"They are quite adorable but just babies, Xander.  I'm sure they have a home."  Xander pouted.  "Sonya would eat them.  She doesn't like cats."

"She stays out in the gardens and around the walls," he pouted.  "The kitties could live in the house.  Grandfather could play with them with me."

"Xander," the bodyguard snapped.  "No whining."

"Shut up, poopie head."  He looked at Sire.  "Pretty please, Sire?  Just one kitty?"  He held up his favorite.  "He likes to give my fingers kitty baths."

Horatio coughed.  "As far as we know they are homeless," he said quietly.  The older man looked at him.  "Animal control will be here once he goes home."

"That's reasonable."  He looked at Xander and sighed.  "Fine.  You can take the cats home.  If you can talk your grandfather into it they can stay."

"But...that's a reward and he wandered off," the bodyguard complained.  "Again!"

Sire glared at him.  "Shut up."  He slunk back, shrinking down behind Gordon.  He looked at the redheaded man next to him.  "Detective Caine I presume?"

"I am," he agreed, shaking his hand.  "I think we should talk for a minute.  If you do have the paperwork?"  He snapped his fingers and Gordon handed them over.  "DA Prescott.  He didn't say he knew you or I would've called you directly," he offered, looking it over.  He smiled and put it aside.  "That'll do nicely.  Now, Xander, can you and Gordon take the kitties to the car?"

Xander gave him a strong hug.  "I'll miss you.  You're neat."

"You're neat too," he agreed, smiling at him.  "If you need help or if you get lost again you can have them call me here, okay?  Have them ask for Detective Horatio Caine."

"I will."  He gathered the escaping mother cat.  "Come on, kitties, we'll go see if Grandfather will play with you too."  He beamed at Gordon.  "Hi.  He was lost."

"That happens now and then," he agreed.  "Thanks, Caine."

"Not a problem.  He was a great help."  He waited until they were gone before standing up and helping the other man up.  "Xander's bodyguard yelled at him," he said quietly.  "Not that I think he should be wandering off, but it was fairly clear that the boy has attention span problems.  He indicated it wasn't the first time?"

Sire shook his head.  "We know the boy has ADHD, Detective.  We're working on it at home.  He's got medicines but they're not working right at the moment."

"Then I would suggest an identity bracelet," Horatio offered. "With his grandfather's or your name and a phone number.  If you put his name on it someone can use it to get too friendly with him.  Frankly, I found him in the middle of an outdoor shopping center about three hundred meters from where he said he wandered off to because his bodyguard was apparently having ...congress with his boyfriend.  He did say some mean things about him as well."

"Oh, he's getting spanked for that.  His bodyguard knew better.  We told him to dump the idiot last month."  Horatio smiled.  "The ID bracelet is a good idea.  Did anything happen?"

"He told one of our detectives she was pregnant.  He was right."  Sire groaned.  "He followed the cats into the now-open crawl space and found a dead body as well.  We let him believe he was napping and stinky as he put it."

Sire smiled.  "Thank you, Detective.  We'll deal with the little hellion."

"Honestly, he was a good boy for me.  He talked to me once he saw the badge.  He told me what his name was and showed me the name in his shirt.  He gave me very good descriptions."

"The boy's smart."

"He is.  Very well spoken for his age too."

"That's Patrick's thing," he admitted with a small smile.  "I'll tell him you said he was a good boy.  Thank you."

"Not a problem.  He can call me if he gets lost again.  This way I know who to call."  That got a nod and the other man walked off with Horatio escorting him.  He waved at Xander, who was standing on the seat and hanging out the window of the limo.  "You be a good boy, Xander.  I'll miss you."

"Miss you too!  Thank you for finding the lost one for me!"  He waved and got back inside when his sire and his umbrella holder came back.

Horatio smiled at Yelina.  "I hope my nephew is as smart as he is."

"I can only hope so too."  They both waved as the limo pulled out, smiling at it.  "He was a good boy."

"He was."  He gave her a pat on the arm. "Tell me when to come pick up his mutilated corpse so we can celebrate."  He walked back inside to write the short report and hand it to his boss with the release form.  He hadn't heard the name before so he did a search through the old, junky computers they had, finding out more about the family.  No wonder the boy had bodyguards.

***

Xander walked into his grandfather's study.  "I'm home."

"You're also grounded," his grandfather said firmly.  Xander gave him a hurt look.  "You know better than to wander off, grandson."

"But..."

"No," he said firmly.  "You know better than to wander off."

"He was being stupid with his boyfriend!  It was gooey and sickening.  They were kissing and groping and stuff.  I only went to play with the dog.  He could still see me if he looked."

"Xander," he said quietly.  Xander broke down in tears, running up to his room.  Patrick sighed, leaning back in his favorite chair.  "Sire?"

He walked in with the cats.  "We need to fix his attention problem and his bodyguard. We've both said it.  With him taking the dirtbag back, we definitely do not want him around Xander," he said quietly.  He pointed at the bin.  "He found them at the station and thought you'd like to play with them with him."

"I would like that.  Bring him back down here?"  He nodded, going to grab the boy from his room.  He smiled at the cats, letting the mother sniff his hand.  She hissed.  "I know, they're precious to you.  The same as Xander is to me."

"Really?" Xander sniffled.

"Yes, really.  Come here, grandson."  He came over and crawled into his lap, ignoring the bodyguard's protest that he shouldn't be crawling all over him since he was ill.  "Sire, please."  He led him off to talk to him.  He smiled at his grandson.  "You know why you should not ever leave your bodyguard's side, Xander."

He pouted, resting his head against his shoulder.  "Bad guys might take me," he said pitifully.  "But it was a puppy.  They were doing icky stuff and I didn't want to watch.  It took *forever*!"

"How long was forever this time?" Sire asked as he came back in.

"The guy playing the banjo played six whole songs."

"That is a long time," Patrick agreed, smoothing down the wild dark hair.  "You still should have stayed by him, not wandered off."

"I wandered for a long time.  He got me a cheeseburger and we were going to eat before I wandered off."

Sire checked his watch.  "It's five.  How long did Caine have you?"

"Long time but not as long," he pouted.  "We looked in the park first.  I couldn't find the puppy again to show him."

"That's okay.  You did a good thing trusting the policeman, Xander.  You're still grounded to the house for the next three days for wandering off however," Patrick told him.  Xander gave him the most pitiful look.  "You're not supposed to wander off."

"His boyfriend told me to go 'way."

"Then I'm going to spank him," Sire promised.  "You're still grounded."

"Can't I be spanked instead?  I can take spankings."

"You need to learn this lesson, grandson.  Last time it didn't help.  This time I want you to remember it."

"He told me to go 'way.  I was doing what I was told, which makes me a good boy," he reasoned.

Patrick smiled.  "He's in trouble for saying that and you still knew better than to follow that order."  Xander nodded, hanging his head.  Sire handed him one of the kittens, which got petted listlessly.  "It's all right.  We still love you even though you did wander off again."

"The nice detective suggested an ID bracelet, Patrick," Sire said quietly.  "Plus looking into something to help his ADHD."

"I don't like the idea of drugging him."

Xander frowned at him.  "No more pills," he begged.  "I'll be extra specially good if I don't have to take more pills, Grandfather.  Please?"

"Who's been giving you pills?"

"Cook does at breakfast, then Gordon does at lunch, and then the idiot does when he takes me out.  They make me feel funny and my head hurts.  I get confused."

"Okay.  No more pills," Patrick assured him.  "Not until we find a way for you to be less confused."

"I'll gather them and yell," Sire promised, going to do that.

Patrick smiled.  "Now, you're still grounded but we still love you."  Xander nodded, giving him a hug.  "Good boy, Xander."

"Can we still play with the kitties?" he asked in a tiny voice.

"I think we should.  All God's creatures need love, kitties and puppies more than most."  The boy beamed and helped him get down to pet and play with the cats.  "Do you think Gordon would like a cat, Xander?"

"Yup, and maybe Cook too?" he asked hopefully.  "She could use someone to spoil and fuss over since you won't let her fuss over you."

Patrick laughed.  "That she could.  When they're a bit older and their mother doesn't have to feed them anymore, we'll let those two and the other nice ones pick out a cat, all right?  We'll keep one or two out of the nine?"  Xander beamed and nodded, hugging him again.  "That's my good boy."  Sire came back in.  "We will need litter boxes until some of them are adopted out among the staff."

"But not the poopie head," Xander ordered.  "He's stupid and he does gooey things in public like grope."

"Not him," Patrick agreed.  "Quit calling people names."

"Yes, sir."

"Good boy."  He patted him.  "We've reached an agreement.  We'll play with the cats tonight and then Xander's going to be grounded for three days for wandering off again."

"That sounds fair."  He came over to help.  "Xander?"  The boy looked at him.  "Repeat the detective's name so you remember it?  Just in case someone gets lost on you again?"

"Detective Horatio Caine."  He beamed proudly.  "Did I get it right?"

"You did," Sire praised, stroking over his hair.  "Good boy.  Cook, we need something for the cats," he called.

"She needs someone to fuss over since Grandfather won't let her fuss over him," Xander said seriously.

"You're a very smart little boy, Xander."  Sire patted him again, earning a beaming smile. "The detective was very good.  Xander told one of the female detectives she was pregnant."

"And I was right," Xander said proudly. "The baby said so and I told her that."  He went back to dangling a string in front of the kittens, making them try to pounce it.  "I saw the kitties and I chased one down since I didn't think detectives played with kitties at work.  They have to arrest mean people who would hurt the kitties so I didn't think they kept them there.  When I chased them into the wall there was a smelly, napping guy by them.  The nice detective was very helpful.  He told me how to make sure the kitties weren't hurt by him when he rolled over in his sleep and how they wouldn't get stinky like he was and then we went back to his desk to play with them with the nice mommy detective."  He beamed at the older men.  "She even found someone who gave me an apple."

"That was very nice of her, grandson," Patrick said happily.  "Did anything else happen?"

"The big guy detective I met first when we got there gave me a breath mint.  It was minty and cold in my mouth and he had the kitties behind his desk and the wall.  I had to crawl under there to rescue them from the stinky, sleeping guy."

"I'm sure you did a very good job," Sire said.  Xander grinned and went back to playing.  Cook came in with a bowl of milk, one of water, and one of chopped up meat.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  We'll get a litter box set up in about an hour.  We had to run to the store.  I sent the stupid one."

"See, she agrees with me," Xander said.

"It's still not polite, grandson," Patrick said firmly.  "You must be polite or else people can be mean back."

"Yes, grandfather."  He sighed and went back to playing.  "Even if he is a stupid head."

"Xander," Sire warned.

"Yes, Sire."

The cook shook her head, heading back to the kitchen.  She smiled when she found one of the kittens had followed her shoelaces.  "Aren't you smart?" she teased, picking it up to cuddle.  "You're very smart."  She smiled when Xander came looking.  "She followed my shoes."

"Wow.  You're very smart.  Nearly as smart as Willow is," he praised, walking her back to the study.  "Someday I'll be as smart as a kitty cat."

"You're already smarter than the cat, Grandson," Sire said patiently.  "I wish you would believe that."

"It takes time," Patrick said quietly.  "We've only had him for six months, Sire."

"Point."  He smiled when Xander brought over a book.  "I thought you wanted to play with the cats."

"The cats can have a story too.  I'm tired," he complained.  "The headache came back and I feel confused headed again."

"Okay," Patrick agreed.  He let the boy into his lap with the book while Sire went to see what he had been given in what strengths. "We need to write your rescuer a thank you note tonight too."  Xander beamed and nodded.  He liked to write.  "Good boy."  He opened the book.  "Curious George?"

"Kitties are curious.  They should like George."

"They should," he agreed, smiling at that bit of reasoning.  Sometimes his grandson was far beyond his years in reasoning.  Even if he didn't like to watch people kiss.  Even het couples.

***

Two weeks later Horatio got a frantic phone call.  "Horatio."  He listened.  "No, I haven't seen him yet, Father Benis.  I'll ask Dispatch if he's been sighted.  Let me put you on hold."  He did that and switched lines to call Dispatch.  "It's Detective Caine in homicide.  Has anyone found a five-year-old boy wandering and looking for me?"  He smiled.  "That would be perfect, thank you.  Yes, I'm at my desk.  Thank you."  He hung up and went back to the prior line.  "Father, he's on his way down to me right now.   The officer who found him reported no sign of an adult near him and no answer at the number on his ID bracelet.  Dispatch is routing him to me.  It should be about half an hour.  That would be fine.  Should I assume it'll be a different bodyguard?"  He smiled.  "That's fine, I've worked with Gordon on cases in the past.  I have no problem with that since you told me that.  Thank you.  I will.  I'll be right here."  He hung up and went to watch for the boy outside.  The cruiser pulled in and Xander got out of the front, running for him. "Xander."  He beamed up at him.  "What are you doing out?  Thank you, Officer... Speedle?" he said after a look at his ID tag.  That got a grin.  "He was okay?"

"He was lost.  Well, he said his bodyguard is lost."  Horatio smiled and nodded.  "He flagged me down and said that his bodyguard was lost and I was supposed to find a Detective Horatio Caine for him.  He didn't know you worked here."

"That's fine.  His ID bracelet?"

"It went to an answering machine, I left a message."  That got a nod.  "He was a good boy.  He answered all my questions."

Horatio looked down at the tired boy.  "Xander," he said, squatting down in front of him.  "Did you wander off again?"  He yawned and shook his head.  "Where did your bodyguard go?"

"His boyfriend.  He told me to sit on the bench and wait."  He rested against his shoulder.  "I hate the confused head feeling."

"What confused head feeling?" Speedle asked.

"He's got a fairly severe case of ADHD," Horatio said quietly.  That got an understanding nod.  "I'm assuming they gave him some medicine."

"Some of that stuff is toxic on the body."  He saw a car pulling in at high speed and looked over.  "I should ticket them," he muttered.

"That is one of our rising prosecutors, Officer.  He'd have it fixed.  He's here for him so a bit of panic is good."  Speedle laughed.  "I would like to know where."

"Canal Park, near the ducks.  There was no adult matching his description and no car nearby that I found.  I looked for a good twenty, Detective."  He nodded at the man who came up.  "He was abandoned.  Does this happen a lot?"

"No but when I find his bodyguard I'm going to kill him," he said.  "He's worn out?  Usually he's bouncing."

"He said he had a confused head feeling," Horatio said quietly.

"That mother fucking bastard!" Gordon shouted.  Xander flinched at that.  "Not you, Scott," he said, taking him to hold and pat the back of.  "Where?"

"Canal Park, by the ducks," Speedle told him.  "Xander said he told him to sit on a bench and wait for him.  I couldn't find him or his car, sir."

Horatio stood up.  "I would be more than happy to do the paperwork charging him with endangering the boy's life.  Especially since he's so lethargic and it sounds like he got drugged."

"I'm going to kill the bastard and I'll do the paperwork, Horatio.  Thank you."  He walked Xander off.  "We're going to the ER if anyone calls."

"I can tell them that," Horatio agreed.  He looked at the officer.  "Thank you."

"People like that suck.  They should be beaten before their arrests," Speedle said simply, going back to his car.  "I'll make notes."

"Thank you.  I will be too."  He went to do that.  He did think to call out to the boy's house.  "Father Benis please?  Horatio Caine.  Yes it is important unless he's running out the door.  About his grandson."  The phone was handed over.  "Gordon has picked him up but Xander was incredibly exhausted and Gordon thought he might've been drugged.  He's taking him to an ER.  Sinai's the closest," he offered.  "That would be a good idea, yes.  Also, the Officer said he found no sign of his bodyguard this time.  No car, no body, no living person.   Gordon did say he'd file the paperwork but if you need me to I can.  I hope he's all right," he said.  "No, the officer said he flagged him down.  The bodyguard told him to wait on a bench near the ducks in Canal....  Exactly.  Thank you."  He hung up, hanging his head for a minute.  "If there's a third time I'm going to beat the bodyguard myself," he muttered.  Yelina came over to give him a hug.  "This time he outright abandoned the boy in a park," he said grimly.

"They'll handle it.  His grandfather has a reputation for handling people who hurt his people."  He nodded, smiling at her.  "Has your brother been on your couch?"

"Twice.  He's hidden somewhere else the other nights.  I know he's at his desk today.  I asked his commander to ground him to it so you could find him and tell him the good news."

She smiled and went to find the father of her child.  When she did, she took off her shoe and beat his head and shoulders until he begged.  His commander grabbed her but she got free and went after him with her nails for making her pregnant.  They had agreed, no children for another five years.  They finally locked her in the office while they got an ME to make sure he didn't need the hospital.  The other guys congratulated him and promised her they'd deal with him if he upset her again when she got released.  You did not upset pregnant Brazilian women.  They would kill you.  That particular one would enjoy it and she probably knew how to hide bodies since she was in Homicide.

***

Patrick smiled at his grandson as he was brought back in by Gordon.  "Is he all right?"

"No," he said bluntly.  "Scott was giving him a full day's dosage at once.  They found at least three others had been dosing him too."  He handed over the boy.  "Cook!"  He walked into the kitchen, making her give him a scared look.  "Did you dose Xander today?"

"Scott said he wasn't going to.  They told me to.  We decided I would."  She came closer.  "Why?"

"At least three people dosed him today.  He OD'd after the cop found him.  I just brought him home after Scott abandoned the boy in the park."

"Excuse me?" Sire asked as he came in.  "He did what to my grandson?"

"He told him to wait on a bench and watch the ducks," Gordon told him.  "Horatio's even livid about this.  He offered to arrest him for us."

"They had better pray that they find his mutilated corpse then."

"When the doctor asked Xander, the boy said he had the sniffles," Gordon said.  "If he's not dead, he's going to jail, Sire."

"Agreed.  Where is he?"

"I handed him to Patrick.  At least three people drugged him by the hospital's bloodwork.  Full day dosages."

"I'm supposed to give him one pill every morning," Cook reminded him.

"You are.  That's all he's supposed to have all day."  He went to find the pill bottle and count them.  He checked the fill date and groaned.  "We have eighteen pills missing.  It was only filled last week," he announced.  He went to find Xander.  "Xander, baby, who gave you the other pills?"

"Scott gave me them crushed in cocoa.  Peter gave me them before we went out in a brownie.  They tasted nasty.  It made the brownie unholy."  Patrick smiled at that. "Chocolate is holy.  Cook said so.  The drugs made it not holy."

"That's a good way of putting it, grandson.  Anyone else today?"  He thought then nodded slowly.  "Who?"

"Abigail."

"Who?"

"Abigail."

"Who's Abigail?" Sire asked, looking at Patrick.

"Rooney's mommy."

"The dog next door's mother?" he asked.  Xander nodded, beaming at him.  "Why did she give you medicine?"

"She said Peter didn't 'cause I was bouncing.  She was talking to Peter but he had to chase down Sonya for a minute so she gave me the pills in the car."

"I'm going to go kill people," Sire said, sliding off the boy's bed and heading downstairs.  "Peter!"  He came running in with the dog.  The dog saw one of the kittens and growled but a yank on her leash made her quit.  "You gave Xander his medicine?"

"Scott said he hadn't had any," he defended.  "They were going out and the boy likes to wander if he hasn't had them."  Sire vamped out, making him cringe.  "Oh, no.  Oh please tell me he's okay?" he begged.  "I love the little guy, you know that, Raphael.  Please?"

"He was ODing on it when he was picked up in the park," he said grimly, going back to his human face.  He heard Xander giggle.  "You, bed."

"Kitties?"

"In a few minutes.  Peter can carry them up to you."  Xander ran back to his bedroom.  He looked at the guard.  "Cook is the only one allowed to dose him.  Make sure *everyone* knows that.  She gave him some, you gave him some, the nice lady next door you were talking to got into the car to give him some when you were chasing the dog, and then Scott gave him some.  Also, if you see the walking pile of ash, I am to be told *immediately*.  Am I clear?" he demanded.

"Yes, Sire.  I'm so sorry," he begged.  "Scott said...."

"He's a dead man when I see him," Patrick said as he came down the stairs.  "Sonya, don't lick the cat.  You'll get hairballs."  He stared at his guard.  "Cook and only Cook is to administer any and all medicines in this house from now on.  Mine, yours, everyone's."

"Yes, Father.  I'm sorry."

"I know, Peter.  You didn't mean to harm him.  We're lucky the nice detective and Gordon caught it."  That got a swallow and a nod then he went to get sick, the dog following him.  "Sire, go find the walking dead man.  I want a word with him."  Raphael nodded, heading out to do that.  Patrick gathered up the cats, taking them and the dog up to Xander's room.  He loved the animals.  He felt comfortable with them.  They could help him nap.  He did slide in a litter box as well, just in case so they didn't have to clean up a mess on his carpet.  Then he went to wait.  Peter came out of the bathroom.  "She's upstairs with Xander and the cats since she doesn't seem to want to harm them."

"One of the kittens got her tail last night.  Thought it was a great toy," he said with a small grin.  He sat at his feet.  "I'm so sorry, Father.  You know I love Xander.  Hell, I offered to adopt him for you if you needed me to."

"I know.  We've got to work out something other than those pills anyway.  They're not working."  He patted him.  "We need to find someone to put in Scott's place as well," he said quietly.  "I cannot believe he abandoned my grandson in a park."  Peter hopped up, staring at him in open-mouthed shocked.  "Told him to sit on a bench and wait on him.  Xander said he was sniffing a lot."

"You made him send away his ex for his drugs," he reminded him.

"Yes and apparently the boy took him back," Patrick said grimly.  "That's the second time Xander has run into him."

"I'll help you kill him if you need me to," he promised.  "How dare he hurt the boy!"

"What did Miss Manester want?"

"To talk about Sonya not getting over near her prize pit bull again," he said grimly.  "I told her it's not Sonya since she's female.  I even showed her.  He said she did...."  Patrick nodded.  "It was probably in retaliation for the ugly puppies her purebred just gave birth to.  Looks like the Lloyd's dog really."

"That is an ugly combination.  Not even Xander could find them pretty."  He shuddered.  "A Chinese crested and pit bull cross?  That's got to be hideous."

"Big heads, scrawny bodies," Peter agreed.  Sonya came back down the stairs with a kitten attached to her collar and one in her mouth.  "What are you doing, Sonya?"  He got them both free.  The cats ran off to hide.  He glared at his dog.  "No more.  I mean it."  The dog sat down next to Patrick, letting herself be soothed.  "Those kittens are mean."

"They are.  They were guarding a dead body at the police station inside the walls," Patrick agreed.  Peter laughed.  "Xander saw one and followed.  He called him the stinky, sleeping person."

"I wondered who that was."  He sat down to pet his own dog.  "He all right?"

"Now."

"I'll never do it again, Father.  You know that."

"I do."  He patted him too.  The dog barked and crawled closer to get her attention back, earning a smile.  "Jealous of your master, dear?"  He went back to petting her.  "Maybe Sire would like a new dog," he mused.

"Don't do that.  It's mean to poor Raphael's nerves," Peter complained. "He'll feel honor bound to look at the ugly thing until it dies."

"True.  I don't want anything that ugly here. Those dogs have got to be hideous."  He heard a noise and got up to look, finding the front door open.  He rushed as fast as he could in his weakened state, finding Xander's bedroom door open. "Peter, find him!" he yelled, coming back down the stairs.  He and Sonya were already headed out.  He called Raphael.  "The boy wandered off.  Yes, from here!"  He hung up and went to check the rest of the house.

Peter let Sonya track the scent of the boy to the next door neighbor's house, grimacing at the gate guard.  "Xander over here?  He seems to have escaped and he's sick."

"How sick?" he asked, letting him inside.

"We all gave him his ADHD medicine today, including Abigail from the other side of us," he admitted grimly. "He's just back from the ER.  He's in his pajamas so probably super heros again."  That got a nod and he called the others on the security detail.  Sonya pulled so he followed her.

The guard caught up, catching him by the arm.  "Mistress hired someone with a sex crime record," he said quietly.  "He's a gardener."

"Show me."  He nodded, leading that way.  The dog seemed to agree for most of the way.  She pulled them toward some trees and they found Xander in there talking to the gardener about the kitties.  "Xander," he complained, picking him up.  "Why are you over here?"

"Grandpa said I was ugly," he pouted.

"No, not you, Abigail's puppies are ugly.  They're the Lloyd's dog and hers mated together."

"Eww," he complained, putting his head down.  "He was keeping me company."

"I can see that."  He smiled at the guard.  "Thank you."  He walked him off, Sonya following behind.  He walked into their gate and up to the house.  "Tell him we were talking about the puppies, Father."

"Yes, we were talking about the puppies, Xander.  There is no way you will ever be ugly."

"Momma...."  Patrick growled and vamped out.  "You're all growly," he said timidly.

Patrick calmed himself down until he went back to his human guise.  "Xander, your mother was very wrong. You are a beautiful little boy."

"The gardener said so too," he admitted.

"Their gate guard heard that he had a sex crime record," Peter said quietly.  "He was talking with Xander in their little bit of woods.  I have the feeling that's going to be fixed soon."

Patrick smiled.  "Good."  He sat down with Xander, putting him in his lap.  "You have a beautiful soul, Xander.  Even if you were horribly disfigured you'd still be beautiful."

"Like the bellringer?" he asked, giving him the big eyed look.

"Yes, even if you looked like him you'd still be beautiful," he promised.  Xander smiled.  "You're not hurt like he was though so there's no reason for you to be thinking that you're ugly."  Raphael stormed in.  "He heard us talking about the ugly puppies next door and thought we were talking about him."

"I will ...."  He stomped off before he traumatized Xander by describing how he wanted to kill his parents.  He called Gordon.  "I want them destroyed," he said quietly.  "I don't care how."  He smiled.  "Yes, them.  They told Xander he was ugly as well."  He just nodded.  "Thank you.  Yes, he was next door on the other side."  He listened to the quiet conversation.  "With a sex criminal.  I'm sure Peter told their guard or he already knew.  No, he's fine.  Still in his pajamas."  He hung up, going to pound his fist through one of the stone walls until he felt better.  He felt little arms go around his leg and looked down.  "I'm not mad at you, Xander, but your parents have a lot to answer for."

"They're stupid heads," he said.  "Grandpa said so."

"I agree, they are."  He picked him up.  "Come on, you should be in bed."

"Can I have a cookie?  It was scary.  It's all dark outside and they scared me when they came to find me."

"Sure."  He went to grab a cookie for the boy and take him back upstairs.  They had to make the cats move so he had room to lay down but he stayed with him until he fell asleep this time.  He looked over as Patrick came in.  "I ordered Gordon to do his worst."

"Good.  They'd taste funny or I'd have them eaten as a favor to us."  He came in to kiss Xander's head, making him sigh in his sleep and smile.  "Good boy.  You sleep tonight, Xander."  He looked at his sire.  "Bed?"

"Please."  He got up, going with him.  They were woken by screaming four hours later but Raphael finally got to take some anger out on someone.  The stupid bodyguard had come back and was yelling at Xander.  "I've had enough," he snarled, grabbing him by the throat and dragging him off.  "He's very wrong, Xander.  Go climb in with Patrick until I've dealt with him."

"Yes, Sire," he said weakly, heading to the bedroom.  Patrick held up the comforter and Xander crawled underneath, getting cuddled.  "What was his problem?"

"He's an idiot and he's blaming you for him being a bad guy."

"Oh.  A stupid head."

Patrick kissed him on the top of the head.  "Quit calling people names, Xander."

"Willow taught me."

"I'm sure she did but you can't do that down here."

"Can we bring Willow down?  She'd love to play in the house with me.  She likes kitties too."

"I'll see what I can do this summer."  He smiled at him. "Okay?"  He nodded, snuggling in again.  He fell asleep like that but Patrick waited up.  Raphael brought him up some fresh blood, making him smile.  "Do I have to cover up something?"

"No, he did it to himself.  We simply gathered."  He laid down once his childe had drained the cup and put it aside. He looked at the little one then at Patrick.  "He needs a new doctor.  One with a clue."

"Agreed," he said quietly.  "I'll look tomorrow."  That got a nod and Raphael settled in behind Xander to hold both his boys.

***

It was almost seven months before Xander ran into his big protector again.  He saw the redheaded detective and squealed, taking off running to pounce him.  "Xander!" Raphael yelled, chasing after him.

"Horatio!" he said happily, beaming at him.  "Hi."

"Hi, Xander."  He gave him a hug and smiled at the older man.  "You have a very good pounce on you."

"He's also incredibly fast," their bodyguard of the day noted.  "Detective."

Horatio smiled at him.  "I believe I could say the same thing."  He smiled at Xander.  "What have you been doing?"

"Playing mostly.  I start icky school again next year.  Why are you out tonight?"

"I am out buying a new shirt."

Xander grimaced.  "We're buying me a suit because I have to watch the stupid horsies run up and down the field and up and down the field over and over again until I'm really bored and then I have to hang around with all the older, boring people who make me want to take a nap even though I'm not that little anymore."

Horatio chuckled.  "It's not the suit's fault that you're bored."

"Yes it is, whenever I'm in one I'm bored.  It's the suit's fault."

"I wear suits every day."

"Do you have to watch the stupid horsies run back and forth and deal with the boring people?"

"No, when I wear suits I have to talk to the bad people."

"Can I come talk to the bad people instead?  At least they'd be more fun and I wouldn't be bored."

"Maybe when you get older you can."

"Okay."  He wiggled so Horatio let him down.  "I suppose we should go buy me another ugly suit I'll hate."

Raphael looked down at him.  "If we leave you at home you get into trouble."

"Grandfather said it was nice I was trying to paint your bedroom and he thought it was a good idea to switch some of the flowers around when I started that," he said with a small pout.

"You know, you could read."

Xander looked at him.  "Not for that long.  They take *forever* when they go to watch the stupid horses run back and forth and talk to the boring people.  Last time I went I wanted to go lay down on the field so the horsies would run me over.  At least then someone would have some fun and the horses would quit running back and forth."

Raphael picked him up, shaking his head.  "You know your grandfather wants you to get used to your new life down here, Xander, and that's what he does most of the time."

Xander put his hands on both sides of his face, staring him in the eyes.  "Grandfather doesn't get bored.  He said so," he said slowly and clearly.  "I'm not Grandfather.  I'm Xander," he said, shaking his head, earning a smile.  "Xanders get bored easily.  Even you said that."

"I did," he agreed, kissing him on the forehead.  "Would you like to invite the nice detective along?"

Xander beamed at him. "Would you like to come ugly suit shopping?  Maybe then I won't have to get an ugly one so it won't make me so bored.  Then Sire's taking us out for pizza and ice cream and donuts."

"I am?" he asked, looking amused.  "Why am I taking you out for food when we have all those things at home?"

Xander looked at him.  "Because then you have to go watch Grandfather be more stubborn and pout at you.  Besides, I deserve a treat in advance if I have to deal with the people who make me want to take a nap, even though I'm not that little anymore."

"I suppose, since I have to get a new shirt, that we could shop at the same store and then your Grandsire can take you out for treats, how about that, Xander?"  He nodded and leaned over to give him a hug, letting Horatio take him back.  "Good boy.  Come on, let's let your Grandsire pick the store."

"His grandfather likes Armani," he complained.  Xander spit.  "I know.  He hates them, claims they make him feel like he's wearing a diaper."

Horatio snickered and nodded, pointing at a store.  "I usually shop there.  They do have a children's line."  That got a nod and they went in there, him letting Xander down since he was anxious to not be seen as that young.

Xander looked at the amused salesman.  "I have to watch the stupid horsies run back and forth and then talk to the people that give me headaches and make me wanna nap even though I'm not that little anymore."

"I think we can handle that, young man.  Horatio, I didn't know you had a son."

"I don't.  His grandsire was behind us," he said, nodding outside.  He was on the phone calling someone.  "That's his grandsire."

"Ah.  Then you would be Xander," he said knowingly.  Xander beamed and nodded.  "I think we can find you something adorable that would make the women cuddle you instead of talk to you.  How about that?"

"That might be nice.  Some of them are kind of nice."  He followed him and Horatio found his shirt fairly quickly.  His grandsire came in and Xander held up one he liked.  "How about this one?"

"That is for a nighttime event," he said plainly.

"Actually, it's made of a looser weave of cotton so it will breathe during the day, plus hold up to an active child's lifestyle, Father."

"I'm Raphael, the other one in the family."  That got a knowing smile and a nod.  "Are you sure?  You could have one of the nice tan ones."

"I look silly," he complained.  "Horatio?"  He looked over, smiling at him.  "Don't you think I'd look pretty in blue?"

"I think," he said, handing over a green one.  "That one might look better on you."  Xander beamed and went to try it on with the bodyguard's help.  "He's been a good boy?"

"Most of the time," Raphael admitted.  "Now and then we still have problems.  Usually that's solved by grounding.  It seems to work with him.  He hates having to sit still."  Xander came back out.  "You do look very good in that."

"It doesn't really play up to his eyes," the salesman said, frowning a bit.  "Hmm.  You do have very big eyes, Xander."

"Which light up when he sees food," the bodyguard quipped, handing Xander something.  "Try that one on."  He nodded, going to do that, keeping on the same shirt.  This one was black and the jade green shirt went well with it.

"I like that," Raphael decided.  "Get one your Grandfather will coo over you in too, Xander."  He found another one and tried it on, coming out waving his arms.  "That'll work," he agreed.  The chocolate brown outfit with the black shirt did look adorable on him.

"I like that one too," Horatio agreed, smiling at him.  "Good choice."   The boy beamed and went to change out of the suits, letting his bodyguard take them.  He smiled at the salesman.  "Easy sales tonight."

"I do like it when they're easy.  I've had some people who have tried on everything four and five times before making a decision."  He led them to the registers, ringing up the young man first, then watching as Horatio said goodbye and told Xander to write him letters since it would help with his reading and writing abilities.  The boy agreed, threw out a promise to write soon, and then left with the two adults.  "He is very active."

"He is."

The salesman gave him a look.  "You do know that they're gay?"

"Yes and I know that they're better parents than a lot of straight ones I see at work," Horatio said.  "Xander's a good boy most of the time."

The salesman gave him an odd look.  "You two hang out?"

"I had to help rescue Xander a few times when his bodyguard got lost."

"Ah. Good to know."  He rang him up and handed over the bag and the change.  "There you go, Detective."

"Thank you.  I'll see you in a few weeks when I ruin another one at work."  He walked out, heading home much happier now.  Xander did lighten one's spirit incredibly well.  He even decided to stop in to see his nephew for a bit, making his mother more than happy because it meant she could rest while he watched him.

***

Xander looked around the police station.  It hadn't seemed so big the last time he had been there.  But like a big boy he walked up to the reception desk and smiled at the woman who leaned down to see him.  "Is Detective Caine in please?"

"He's not at the moment, but let me call him to see where he is, sir."  She called.  "Detective, there's a young gentleman here to see you.  Yes, that about describes him."  She looked down.  "He wanted to know what was wrong."

"I was with Gordon when he passed out so they dropped me off here while they went to the hospital with him."  He shrugged.  "I'm only six, they don't explain things to me."

She smiled.  "Adults are sometimes silly that way," she agreed, putting the phone back up to her ear.  "I can do that, Detective.  I know she's here.  She's on desk duty.  Thank you."  She hung up.  "He will be back in about an hour but do you remember Detective Yelina?"  He beamed and nodded.  "She's here if you wanted to wait with her."

"Thank you.  Which way please?"

"I can escort you, young man."  She came around to walk him that way, earning a few smiles since the boy was nearly strutting.  "Detective Salas?"  She smiled at her then at the boy.  "Someone dropped him off here for Detective Caine but he's on a scene for about another hour."

"I heard."  She looked at him.  "You're Xander, right?"  He smiled and nodded.  "It's good to see you again, Xander."  She sat him in her interview chair.  "Who dropped you off?"

"The guys going with Gordon to the hospital.  He fell down and didn't want to breathe right.  They said he collapsed.  I'm six so they never tell me anything," he finished dryly, making her chuckle.  "Did you have a baby?"

"I did.  I had a little boy we named Ray Junior," she said, letting him see the picture.  "That's him last week."

"He's adorable," he cooed, grinning at him.  "I hope he ends up smarter than I am."

"I think you're very smart, Xander, and I think that my son will be just as smart as you are."  He gave her a sheepish look but she looked at his hand.  "What happened to your wrist?"

He looked then covered it with his other hand.  "Accident."  She stared at him.  "It was."

"Yours or the adult's?" she asked.

"His."

"Did you tell your grandfather?"

"He's been really sick and Sire's out of town because Grandfather being really sick upsets him and he growls at people all the time, even me."

She got up and picked him up.  "Come on, we'll go talk to them.  I want to talk to the person who had the accident to make sure it will never happen again."

"Then can I see Horatio?"

"I think we can arrange that."  She grabbed her purse, gun, and keys, walking out with him.  She got him into the back. "You're big enough not to need a booster seat now."  He nodded, looking so proud.  "Soon you'll be as big as Horatio is."  She got into the front once he was buckled in, starting the engine and backing out.  She took him home, pulling up to the gate.  The intercom was pretty standard so she pressed the button.  "Detective Salas to see Patrick Benis please."

"Detective, is there a problem?" a male voice asked.

"Yes."  The gate opened and she drove through then parked, smiling at Xander.  She walked around to get him out, carrying him inside.

"Don't yell at him, he didn't know," Xander whispered against her neck.

"He's not the one I want to yell at, Xander.  You know that."  She kissed him on the temple as they walked inside.  The man waiting on them gave them a look then groaned.  She hauled off and slapped him. "How dare you let someone hurt this precious little boy!" she spat.  He backed away.  "Now, where is his grandfather?"

"This way, Detective."  He hurried on and she followed more sedately, smiling at the boy.

She walked in there and nodded.  "Apparently Gordon collapsed so they brought him to Horatio while they were taking Gordon to the ER?"

"I'll have someone spanked," he agreed.  "Who hurt my grandson?"  She sat down on his footstool, settling Xander in her lap while she rolled up her sleeve.  "Xander, dear, who did that?"

"It was an accident," he said quietly.

"Xander, he needs to know who had the accident,"  Yelina said gently.  "Then I can go yell at them so they never hurt you again."  He looked at her.  "Really."

"Can I come play with your son?"

"If your grandfather agrees I think it would be good for you to help take care of something smaller and more delicate.  It's a good set of lessons for a young man to learn."  He gave her a shy smile.  "Now, who hurt you?"

"Paul," he said weakly.  "And Timmy."

"Timmy?" Patrick said, looking confused.  "The boy in school?"  Xander nodded.  "Did he do your wrist?"  Xander tugged off his shirt, letting him see the bruises.  "Oh, dear.  Xander, did he get in trouble for that?"

"No and he said if I tell anyone I'm a big baby and he's going to make me puke next time and then lick it up with my tongue like a kitty would.  He said I'm a baby anyway, Grandfather."

Yelina made the boy look at her.  "Just because you're six doesn't mean you're a baby.  Ray Junior is a baby.  You are not."  He gave her the most blinding smile and she had to give him a hug.  "That boy is a bully and needs his mother to spank him until he begs for mercy for hurting you that way.   Is he in your grade?"

"Fourth grade," he admitted.

"Detective, I will be having a long talk with that young man, as well as his current caregiver when I'm unable."  He gave her a gentle smile.  "Thank you for bringing it to my attention."

"It's not a problem.  Though I was wondering why they dropped him off for Horatio?"

"I like Horatio.  He's a good man," Xander said quietly, looking at her.  "I want to grow up like him because he helps people and he does neat things and he doesn't have to wear ugly suits or listen to boring people talk about boring things, like their surgeries.  Who cares if you had a penis implant put in?  I certainly don't."  Patrick laughed so hard he choked.  People rushed in.

"Xander!  You need to leave your grandfather alone, he's fragile!" one man snapped.  "Go to your room."

"Shut up," Yelina ordered coolly, making him flinch away from her.  She stood up.  "Are you the one who bruised his arms?"  He shook his head.  "Xander, was it him?"

"No, he's just mean.  He needs a new boyfriend so he'll be happy again."  He climbed onto his grandfather's lap, looking at him.  "Don't make me call Sire on you if you get worse."  He got a cuddle, letting him sink into the loving arms.  "He won't like it if I have to call him."

"No he won't," he promised.  "Get Paul in here.  Laurence, please get me something for Xander's bruises?"  He nodded, rushing off to do that and to get away from Yelina.   He smiled at her.  "Trust me, Detective Salas.  I will be stopping this issue.  I will be paddling someone later."  Xander's 'ooh' made the watching bodyguard crack up.  Patrick looked down at him.  "Did you ask to go see Horatio or did you demand?"

"I said making me wait in the ER was trouble so I suggested we let me go see Horatio since I hadn't seen him in a few weeks.  Not since he helped me pick out those not ugly suits."

"That's fine," Yelina promised, smiling at him.  "I'm quite sure that Horatio will stop by tonight to see you since we had to leave before he got back.  Would that be all right, Father?"

"It would be most acceptable," he assured her, smiling a bit.  "I do believe he's more than a good role model for my grandson."

She pinched Patrick on the cheek.  "Good.  Now, I'll be checking on him periodically and if I find another person has hurt him, they will be getting the full force of my temper unleashed on them and you will hear about it when I send you the dry cleaning bill."

"I would be delighted to pay for it if you do find something like that.  Let me know so I can watch."

"It's good we understand each other."  She stroked over Xander's hair.  "You should write to Horatio more often.  He saves your letters.  They make him smile."  She gave him a hug.  "Now, I have to go back to work before someone worries about me finding trouble."  She tweaked his ear.  "You be a good boy and I'll make sure Horatio comes to see you tonight."  He nodded and she left, leaving it in very good hands.  As the door closed behind her she heard someone yelping in pain.  She got back to the office and found Horatio pulling in.  "I told Xander you'd stop by to see him tonight."

"What happened?"

"Gordon apparently collapsed so his bodyguard dropped him off here."

"You took him home?"

"I found a few bruises.  I went to beat someone," she said honestly.  He smiled at that, nodding a bit.  "His grandfather is beating his own people for me and the bully that's been picking on him."  She patted him on the arm.  "He said you're a good role model, Horatio, and I have to agree.  I did tell him that you save his letters since they make you smile."

"Thank you.  I'll pop around before dinner.  How is his grandfather?"

"Curled up in a chair looking pasty.  He was still very much in charge however."

"Good to know. Thank you, Yelina."

"You're welcome.  It was good to go make someone scared."  She walked inside, heading back to her desk.  The receptionist gave her an odd look.  "I took him home to talk to his grandfather about a bully he has."

"That's a good reason to see Detective Caine," she agreed.  "He's going to make a fantastic father some day."

"If God is kind," Yelina agreed.

Horatio just smiled.  He liked that compliment.

***

Xander was ten the next time he ran into Horatio for more than a quick visit or a letter.  He looked around the alley he was in, being a bit scared.  It was dark, he was alone, the alley smelled funny, and he had no idea what was going on.  He was sore and starting to ache.  He heard a noise and squealed, turning to look.  "Not good.  Not good.  Very not good."  He found the phone the person who had shoved him in here had given him, dialing 911.  "I need help.  Can I please talk to Detective Caine?  He knows me.  Xander."  He waited while they connected him.  "Detective, it's Xander.  Yes, that Xander.  I have no idea where I am," he said, starting to tear up. "It's an alley.  Some big guys in a van shoved me in here and handed me a phone. I don't know."  He looked around.  "I can't even see the end of the alley and it's dark and it's scary."  He nodded, heading for the brighter lights.  "Um, there's some women hanging around.  Sure, I can do that."  He walked over to one, getting a confused look.  "Where am I?"

"Baby, you're much too young to be out here."

"Some men dropped me off... here, he's going to help me get home."

"Okay."  She took the phone.  "Hello?"  She listened to the authoritative voice on the other end.  "He's still really little.  Yeah, that's him.  Okay.  We're on West.  I'm Holly, we'll be at Krump's Diner.  You come get him."  She listened.  "Okay."  She handed the phone back.  "He said he's in the middle of doing something dangerous to save someone."  Xander started to sniffle.  "But he knows someone who can come get you.  Someone you've met before, okay?"  Xander nodded.  "Good boy.  Come with me, honey, we'll go sit down in the nice, warm diner.  It'll be soon."  He nodded, taking her hand to walk off with her.  Her pimp glared.  "He's got a cop coming to pick him up.  He was kidnaped.  I'm taking him to the diner.  I can do that and if you don't like it, shove it."  She walked off with him, taking him to the warm, bright spot.  The woman behind the counter gave her an odd look.  "Someone dropped the poor baby off in the alley.  Someone's coming to get him."

"Good."  She got the boy a small bowl of ice cream and the hooker some coffee with a smile and a wink.  "Gotta have a good reason to hang around if the boss shows."  She went back to her reading, keeping an eye out for the kid.

Holly smiled at the boy.  "Xander?"  He looked at her, eating listlessly.  "Why did they snatch you, baby?"

"I don't know.  I was at school and two of my friends and I were talking to some older kids and they said they'd give us a ride home.  Then I woke up when they shoved me out and one of the guys handed me a phone and then they left."

"I saw the van leave," the waitress admitted.  "We'll talk to the officer when they get here."

"Okay," he said weakly.  "I hope my friends are okay."

"I hope so too," Holly said, patting his hand.  A young man walked in and looked around then smiled.  "You here for Xander?"

"I am."  He walked over, squatting next to him.  "Xander, you might not remember me."

It took him a minute.  "You saved me from the park."

"I did," he agreed.  He grinned.  "Are you okay?  Did they hurt you?"

"I don't know.  I was asleep," he said miserably.  "Where are my friends?"

"We'll find that out.  Thank you, ma'am," he said, taking the boy with him.  "He owe anything?"

"No but the van I saw peel out was a green panel van and it had something lighter stenciled on the back.  Looked kinda blurry, even at the stoplight."

"Good to know.  Did you get a plate?"  She shook her head.  "Thank you.  I'll put that out too."  She smiled and nodded and he smiled at Xander.  "Come on.  Horatio will meet us back at the lab when he's done with the bomb."

"Bomb?" Xander asked.

"Yeah, a few months back he got moved to bomb squad instead of homicide."  He walked him out to the hummer, letting him get inside.  "I know it's a big step."  He walked around to get in and drive, looking at him. "Buckle up."  Xander did that and they took off, heading back to the lab.  "Okay, first of all, my name's Speed, okay?"

"Did your mother name you that?"

He smirked.  The kid was just as much a smartass as he was.  "No, it's a nickname."

"I get called Xan," he offered shyly.

Horatio had told him this kid was smart and pretty cool.  So he'd be extra nice to him.  He still looked terrified.  "That's a cool nickname," he agreed, smiling when he turned a corner.  He turned on the lights.  "I hate traffic."  Xander giggled.  "What I do is I investigate crime scenes.  I'm the guy who takes the pictures, collects the evidence, that stuff.  Horatio is the guy who used to go question the suspects.  Got it?"  The boy nodded.  "So what we're going to do is go back to the lab.  We're going to talk about what happened after I look you over to make sure you're okay and to see if they left anything on you.  Things like hairs and stuff."

"He dusted me off before he shoved me out."

"That's okay.  Some stuff clings better than others.  Now, while I'm doing that, we'll be waiting on Horatio to get back and we'll call your family, got it?"

"Thank you, Speed."

"You're welcome, Xan."  The boy gave his wrist a squeeze.  "This is not your fault."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He pulled onto the Causeway and sped up.  Traffic here was lighter.  Xander giggled as they had to swerve around someone.  "Drunken idiot."  He looked in the mirror as he grabbed the radio.  "Dispatch, this is CSI Speedle. We have a drunken moron on the Causeway who's going to cause a wreck soon.  He's weaving pretty bad.  Black Caddy, John Tango Charlie 389.  Scare the piss outta him please?"  He let go of the button.

"I'll send cruisers, CSI Speedle."

"Thank you."  He hung the radio back up and watched as a few cruisers headed their way and the nighttime chopper spotlighted him.  Xander 'ooh'ed and he laughed. "Serves him right.  Plus it's good practice for the chopper crew."

Xander grinned at him.  "You're neat."

"Thank you.  So you're how old now?"

"Ten."

"The last time I saw you you were about five."

"Uh-huh."

"Did they fire that guy who left you in the park?"

"Yup, he came back to yell at me then cut his own throat.   Grandsire was not happy."

"He probably wanted to hit him a few times. I know I did."  He pulled into the parking lot and turned off the lights and sirens.  "Okay.  Let's go into the lab."

"Sure."  He unbuckled and hopped out, walking around to let Tim walk him inside.  He smiled and waved at someone.  "Hi, Detective Yelina!" he called.  She looked over and stared, storming their way.

"He was kidnaped, Yelina.  I'm going to process him now.  Horatio's on his way."

"Good!"  She looked down at Xander. "You're very brave, Xander."

"I was asleep," he said miserably.

"It's okay.  You're still very brave and it's not your fault but I'm sure Tim is going to find a lot of information.  He is very good at what he does."  Xander grinned and nodded, letting Tim take him to the lab.  She went back to her desk to call someone.  The number was now unlisted but they had the special database.  She found the number and called.  "Father Benis please.  Detective Yelina Salas.  We've found his grandson after he got kidnaped."  She listened to the spluttering.  "Really?  Then why is here?  Where are his grandparents?"  She grimaced.  "Who is his caretaker?  Thank you."  She hung up and called another number.  "ADA Prescott, get your ass to the lab this instant," she ordered.  "You mean like the boy in your charge was kidnaped and found?"  He growled.  "Speedle is processing him and I expect to see you in ten minutes or less.  Am I clear?"  She nodded and smirked.  "Good."  She hung up and went to help.  The boy could talk to her.  She tapped on the door.

"I'm nearly naked, you can't come in," Xander squeaked.

"It's me, Xander," she called.

"You're a girl, you can't see me naked, Grandfather said so."

"Okay, I'll wait until you're not nearly naked.  I called Gordon."

"Is he still working?"

"Not anymore.  He's on his way over."

"Okay.  He said he'll be done in a minute."

"That's fine, I'll wait out here."  She walked off, finding Horatio coming off the elevator.  "He's fine.  He said I couldn't go in since he was nearly naked."

"He's ten, that's normal from what I understand."  He walked over to the room Speed liked to use, tapping on the door. "Xander, Speed?"  The door opened and Xander stared at him.  "Hey."  He walked inside. "Let's let Tim finish the processing stuff, okay?"  Xander closed the door and nodded, letting Horatio help.  They gave him some sweats and the boy slid into them, then they sat down with Yelina while Speed went to start things running.  "Okay, buddy, what happened?"

"Me, Tom, and Barry were at school.  I was waiting to be picked up and Henry," he pronounced it in the French manner, "was running late, like always.  Barry's neighbor is a junior and he and his buddies showed up.  They were talking to us, they were pretty cool.  Barry knew him pretty well so we thought it'd be okay if they gave us a ride home."  Yelina snapped her pencil. "I didn't see them when they woke me up, Horatio.  I want to make sure they're okay."

"I'm going to do everything in my power to see that they are, Xander.  Do you remember the driver's name?"

"Tommy.  He was a junior like Barry's friend Kurt."  Yelina used her half pencil to take notes.  "Kurt lives on Barry's block and he's in a band.  He's pretty cool.  He doesn't smoke weed or so Barry said but they said he's pretty cool anyway.  Tommy drives a really hideous shade of puke green van without windows.  The lady at the coffee shop we, Holly and I, were waiting at said it had something painted on the back but it looked blurry."

Yelina smiled.  "Did you see the license plate?"

Xander shook his head.  "No, it was in the back window.  I noticed the spot there before the funny taste came and I took a nap."

"Okay," Yelina said.  "What are Barry and Tom's last names?"

"Barry is a Jacoby.  Tom's..."  He frowned.  Then he took her pencil to write it.  "He said I say it funny."

"Do you know their home addresses so we can check with their parents first?"  Horatio asked.  Someone knocked then walked in.  "Gordon, nice to see you again."

"You too, Horatio.  Xander."  He gave him a hug.  "What did you do?"

"One of his friend's neighbors offered to give the boys a ride home since their rides were running late," Yelina said.  She pushed the notes over.  "Do you know them?"

"I know the senior Jacoby.  He's a judge."  He sat down to call him, finding his number in his cellphone.  "Judge Jacoby...  This is and I know it's not your night on-call.  I'm here with one of your son's friends and he was kidnaped earlier.  I'm doing a wellness check for the Police."  Xander took Horatio's hand to hold.  "Please."  He smiled.  "Barry, it's Gordon Prescott.  I'm with the District Attorney's office and I'm taking care of Xander while his grandparents are out of town."  The boy burst out crying.  "He's next to me, Barry.  He's okay.  We need to know what happened.  Go ahead and give him the phone.  Your Honor, we're down at the CSI labs.  We would like to know so we can prosecute the scum sucking bastards who hurt Xander."  He smiled.  "Yes, that Xander."  He looked at the notes then at the boy.  "His neighbor?"

"Yeah, the one in the band," he said quietly.

Gordon listened.  "Please.  I'll be here.  There's a detective here, and also it looks like Tom Decca-Hovanith was involved too.  Please.  I don't have their number.  Thank you, sir."  He hung up.  "Barry was very worried about you."  Xander looked at him.  "We'll find out why, Xander."  He nodded, relaxing, squeezing Horatio's hand.  He looked at Horatio.  "They're out of town for a funeral this week.  An older acquaintance died," he said quietly.  "I left him with his caretaker."

"Do I need to hit that one too?" Yelina asked.  Xander giggled.

"No, I'm sure they're going to be eaten when his grandparents get home."  He looked over as Speed walked in.  "Anything?"

"Running it now."  He looked at the notes.  "Xander, what time do you get out of school?"

"Two-thirty.  It was nearly three-thirty when the boys came."

"I'll be having a talk with the school about added security as well," Gordon promised.  Xander patted him with his free hand.  "Want to trade places so you're closer to Horatio?"  The boy nodded so he let him.  He looked at Speed.  "Should we be thinking about a trip to the ER?"

"No.  Nothing suggested he was hurt that way," Speed said.  Yelina let out a sigh of relief.  "Though I did scrub the words off him after I took pictures."  He handed them over to Gordon.

Gordon handed them back.  "It'll be dealt with," he said quietly.  "They dropped him in an alley?"

Xander nodded. "They woke me up and dusted me off before shoving me out of the van.  Tommy handed me the cellphone and then they sped off.  It was really dark and really creepy."  Horatio gave him a gentle hug around the shoulders.  "So I called Horatio.  That's what he said to do when I was younger and I'd wander off when I was bored."

"It was the right thing to do," Horatio promised.  Xander gave him a gentle, loving smile and a hug.  "He said he couldn't find an alley opening so I had him go toward the brighter lights.  He found a working girl and asked her where he was for me.  She took the phone and we talked.  She took him to a diner to protect him until Speed got there for me since I was on a scene."

Gordon nodded, looking at Speedle.  "I want her name so we can reward her."

"Her name was Holly and she's by this really nice smelling dinner named Krump's," Xander told him.  "Did I have the phone?"  Speed nodded.  "Shoot."

"It's okay, Xander.  We'll give her a good reward for helping you," Gordon promised.  Xander smiled and nodded, yawning a bit.  "Did we need to draw blood?"

"Alexx, our ME, is coming up to do that," he promised.  "She needed to find a needle."

"Ow," Xander said in advance.

"She's very gentle, Xander," Horatio promised.  The boy gave him a trusting look then rested against his arm again.  Someone knocked and walked in, a thirtyish African- American woman.  "Alexx."

"Horatio."  She gave him a hug around the neck.  "Who's this?"

"This is Xander.  He is the grandson of Patrick Benis.  He was kidnaped earlier," Horatio said quietly.

"I'm here to take some blood from you then, sweetie."  She knelt beside him. "Can I have your arm?"  He held it out but didn't look.  "I'm very gentle, Xander."  She found the vein and popped in the needle without more than a small flinch.  She got her vial of blood and pulled it out, laying it on the table while she put on a bandaid.  "There you go.  I only had Snoopy but my kids like it."  Xander gave her a smile and she winked, grabbing everything. "Let us go run this, precious.  We'll see what happened while you were sleeping."  He nodded, standing up when she left.  Then he sat down and cuddled up again.

"You have very good manners," Horatio praised.  Xander smiled at that. "Speed?"

"They're running, it'll take about a half hour.  Do we have witnesses?"

"They're on their way down," Gordon promised.  "I called Judge Jacoby myself."

"Thank you."  He went to check, finding one pulling in and another one signing in.  He looked at the boy then at the father.  "Here about the Benis case?"  The father pressed his lips together.  "Okay, let's go find a room so we can talk.  I'm CSI Speedle.  You can have me or Detective Salas.  Whichever your son would feel more comfortable with.  She's in with Xander right now."

"I think he'd do better with her," he said calmly.

"Sure."  He let them into a room and went to get Yelina.  "Two."  She nodded, going that way, stopping to get a new pencil.  He went to get the other family, nodding and shaking the judge's hand.  "Sir.  This way.  Sign in please."  He did that and Speed walked him into another interrogation room, sitting across from the young man.  "Barry, Xander's fine.  He's up the hall.  We need to know what happened."

"I don't know," he sighed.  He held his head.  "My neighbor Kurt and his buddies...."

"The stupid little brat up the street who thinks he can play a saxophone?" his father demanded.  Barry looked at him and nodded.  "Didn't I say to stay away from him?"

"Your secretary wasn't there yet.  We'd been waiting an hour, dad, and they offered us a ride home."

"Do you know the third guy's name?" Speed asked, starting to take notes.

"I wanna say Jesus but I'm not sure," Barry admitted.  "I've only seen him a few times at Kurt's.  We were bored stupid and wanted to go home.  We all have some massive homework due tomorrow."  He yawned.  "We got into the van.  The one I don't know the name of put something over Xander's mouth and started to badmouth his grandparents.  Tom protested but they thumped him around the back of the van a bit, just shoving, until he quit.  They dropped us at Tom's house since it was closer and drove off."

"Why didn't you call someone?" Speed asked.

"Tom told his mom and she took another drink," Barry said bluntly.  "Apparently it wasn't important enough to get between her and her scotch and soda."  His father moaned.  "Tom tried to tell his father but he was busy day trading.  I wanted to tell my parents but my father was in a royal shitty mood earlier thanks to a trial and you guys."

"Night shift was unclear on the evidence they collected and it's a pedophile," the judge said weakly.

"We heard," Speed assured him.  "Megan went to the morgue and swore."  He looked at the boy.  "I need all the details you have on the boys, what they were wearing, and on the van.  Can you do that?"  He nodded, taking the pen to start writing.  "For future reference,  you call 911 if something like this happens.  Even if the adults aren't listening.  Am I clear, Barry?"  The boy nodded, looking miserable.  "It's a good thing Xander's okay.  We don't want anyone else to have to go through this though."

"Yes, sir."  He finished writing and handed it back.  "Kurt took orders from the guy I didn't know.  Tommy, the driver, sounded a bit drunk or something.  Not slurring drunk like Tom's mother, but that happy stage of tipsy after the first few.  He was cheering.  Our Tom suggested he get pompoms and got smacked on the head for it."

"That's good to know as well," Speed said, making that note.  "Let me talk to Detective Salas to see what she got from your friend."

Barry looked at him.  "Get rid of his father.  He's probably huffing.  He doesn't believe smart women exist and none of them should have any power over him."

"I'll see if that helps," he agreed.  "For now, stay in here.  If we need an excuse for the homework I'll write your school myself."  He walked out, going to listen to Yelina's.  The father was protesting so he walked inside and closed the door.  He handed Yelina the note.  "Tom, why didn't you tell anyone besides your mother?  Call the police, tell the housekeeper, anyone?"

"I tried to tell my father, he was busy trading Sony," he said bitterly.  His father gaped at him.  "He could've died because you didn't listen."  He got up and walked around to sit next to Yelina.  "Can we talk without him?"

"I need someone who can act in your best interests," she said gently.  "That's the law and we do have to do that or else these boys won't go to jail."

"Don't scare him," the father sneered.

Speed picked him up and walked him out by force, sending him back into reception.  He saw the receptionist call someone to come get him.  "You can stay out here, sir.  We have a judge in, we can use him since he's a father."  He went to get him, nodding up the hall.  "His father's been ejected.  Can we have you act as loco parentis?"

"Of course.  Come on, Barry."  He got up, heading that way.  The boy gave him a scared look.  "I'm disappointed one of you didn't call the cops but you're only ten.  Next time, you'll know to start screaming at someone, kids."  He sat down.  "I'm Barry's dad, Tom.  I'm here to act in your best interests so you don't get pushed into saying things you shouldn't.  Understand?"  He nodded, bucking up again.  "Good boy.  Now, please tell Detective Salas and CSI Speedle what happened and everything you remember about what happened today.  I know my son Barry says that you have a fantastic memory."

"Is Xander okay?" he asked.

"He's up the hall and he'll be fine," Speed promised.  "They only roughed him up a bit."  They nodded and Tom started to talk, letting them have a lot more detail than Barry had given.  The boy had an artistic touch and he knew what the drawing on the back of the van had been.  They took pictures of his bruises and they were released.  Speed went to talk to Gordon and Horatio, both of whom agreed that arresting them at the school would make a better impact and get things happening faster.  The school would be notified of a problem without a parent ranting.  The boys could be found there easier.  And they could let them know Xander wouldn't be back for a few days.

***

Horatio looked up from his reading as the front door opened two nights later, walking out to meet the returning grandparents.

"Oh, God, please tell me Xander's all right," Patrick said, gripping the rail to the stairs.

"He's fine.  A bit shaken up.  Having some nightmares.  I thought you might want to hear it from me since Gordon got pulled to the capitol to deal with an appeal.  He's had me staying with him since Xander didn't want to let me go."  They dropped their bags and followed him back to the study.  "The three boys...."

"Start from the beginning," Patrick said, getting comfortable.  "Is he asleep?"

"He is.  He should be waking up in about an hour with the new nightmares," Horatio admitted.  "We've worked through a few of them.  Your grandson was gay bashed."   He leaned forward.  "The driver Gordon assigned to pick him up was very late.  According to Xander this has happened in the past.  Not passing any judgements.  I'm not Yelina to smack someone around."

"That sister-in-law of yours has a lot of fire," Raphael praised.

"She's also the one who filed the arrest report," Horatio told him.  "Xander and his two friends were stranded at school for over an hour waiting on their rides.  One of Barry Jacoby's neighbors showed up and since Barry was one of the boys the three agreed to let the older boys drive them home."  Patrick moaned.  "They cowed the other two into submission after gassing Xander.  They dropped the boys off and then got to work bruising and painting on Xander."  He handed over the pictures.  "Tim Speedle, the CSI I called when Xander called me on a bomb scene, wiped it off after taking pictures.  A few hours went by but that's the extent of his injuries outside of the nightmares."

"The two boys didn't say anything?"

"They tried.  Their parents weren't all that interested," Horatio said bluntly.  "Judge Jacoby would have been if his son had dared to talk to him while he was in a foul mood.  Tom's mother was told and she just took another drink according to him.  His father was day trading and sneered about you two anyway.  He got ejected from the room when they were talking to his son.  The boys knew enough information to give CSI Speedle their identities.  They were arrested the next day at school in front of everyone."

"What else happened?" Patrick demanded.

"The boys woke him and dropped him in an alley.  They gave him a toss-away cellphone to call you two.  He called me.  I got him out of the alley and he found a helpful prostitute who took him to a nearby diner and waited with him until Speedle got there. I was on my way to disarm a bomb so I called him.  He's the one who rescued him from the park years ago," he finished.

"Where was Gordon?" Patrick asked.

"A neverending case briefing by his boss, who tried to keep him even when Yelina called."

"That man is out of office as soon as I get my hands on the Mayor," Patrick vowed.

"He didn't want to charge the boys either but another DA stepped in to help Gordon," Horatio said quietly.  He looked up.  "That's Xander."  They rushed up to comfort him and Horatio smiled.  He went back to his reading until they came back down.  He put down the book properly and looked at them.  "I said I'd see him at breakfast if you don't mind."

"We have twelve guest rooms, Horatio, use one," Raphael said bluntly.  "How has he handled it?"

"We didn't tell him about the gay bashing part. He was already scared enough without it.  Their parents were wiser than their children were.  They all took deals, basically got four years probation and three thousand hours community service.  Judge Margolis gave them a two hour lecture on their stupidity.  One son was publically disavowed by his parents in the courtroom on the transcripts.  One son was screamed at in Spanish and Italian and had to duck before he got beaten to death by his parents.  The other got a very quiet 'we'll speak at home' but the father didn't look too affected by it.  Xander hasn't been back to school since then and Gordon was thinking about making him switch."  He stood up.  "I'll let you two catch up with your staff.  Xander should have another nightmare in about an hour.  He usually has three a night and that was his second.  Have a better night, gentlemen."

"You too, Horatio, and thank you for watching out for him for us," Patrick said, giving his wrist a squeeze.

"It wasn't a hardship.  Xander's very easy to love," he said, heading up to his borrowed room.

Raphael looked at him.  "Do you want the school or the Mayor?"

"I believe I want the Mayor tomorrow at the luncheon," he said, standing up.  "I'm going to go sit with Xander for a while.  Deal with the house please."  He went to do that while Raphael got all the information they needed to deal with the children if it should become a bigger problem. He did like that Gordon had rewarded the prostitute.  She deserved it.

***

Xander came down to breakfast the next morning, giving Horatio a hug.  "Hi."

"Good morning."  He smiled at him.  "Hurry up and eat.  Your grandparents are back."

Xander gave him a shy grin.  "Grandfather slept around me," he admitted.  "It helped."  Horatio smoothed down his hair.  "So I guess you're going home, huh?"

"I probably should," he agreed gently.  "That doesn't mean you can't still write me.  Even though I'm not in homicide I can still answer letters."

Xander perked up and nodded.  "I can do that," he agreed.  "Thank you for staying with me.  Gordon was giving me pitiful looks and I can't stand that."

"I understand, Xander."  He patted him on the hand.  "Eat."  He dug in, eating like a preteen boy would.  Horatio finished his bagels and coffee, then gave Xander a hug.  "Remember, if you need me, call me, Xander."  That got a nod and a hug back.  "I'll write to you soon.  Try to keep up the science grade, okay?"

"I try but it's really hard and I don't understand," he admitted.

Horatio smiled.  "You can't be good at everything but you can try your best. That's all we expect."

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you.  Should I walk you out?"

"No, it'll be fine.  You eat.  You need to eat.  If you change schools you've got to go shopping."

"Eww."  Horatio walked out chuckling, heading to check in with his boss.  He had a very understanding boss who agreed someone who gave a damn should stay with the child.  Gordon didn't understand children at all.  Horatio liked the young boy.  He was smart, a bit sarcastic, but he held his own.  "Maybe one day he'll follow me into the force," he said as he drove off.  "It'd be nice, almost like having my own son there."

Xander looked up as Gordon strode in.  "Horatio just left."

"I saw.  You okay?"

"I'm better.  Must I really go shopping if I change schools?"

"For uniforms, yes.  Where's the grandparents?"

"I woke up Grandfather when I got out of his crushing grip and Grandsire was on the piano the last time I heard him around four."

"Thank you, Xander.  Eat up, it's going to be a tiring, hugging day."  He nodded, letting out a small sigh.  No boy his age liked to be hugged.  It made them feel like little kids again.  Gordon went to find Sire, finding him asleep on a love seat.  "Your neck will cramp and then you'll be fussy."

"All the better to eat the school with," he complained, sitting up.  "Xander?"

"Breakfast.  Horatio ate with him and then left a few minutes ago."

"That's fine.  It's better he got his goodbyes out in private."  He looked at the family's legal counselor.  "No offense but we're not leaving Xander with you again."

"I don't understand children," he agreed.  "I can make some suggestions.  Xander needs his own personal driver, not the family one.  That way we don't have to worry about Henry being late."

"I can see that happening," Raphael said quietly, nodding outside.  "You're old enough to have some say, Xander.  Get in here."  He walked in and cuddled up next to him.  "You okay?"

"A bit sad.  I like spending time with Horatio.  He listens to me."

"Some day a lot of people will listen to you, grandson.  What else, Gordon?"

"Xander should have his own bodyguard," he said.

"I had one of those.  He abandoned me in the park," Xander reminded him.

Raphael looked down at him.  "We can assign David strictly to you, Xander."

"Um, no thanks.  Rather not, he's got a temper.  I'm still ten."

"How about Mortran and DiRosa?" Gordon suggested.

"DiRosa's Sire's bodyguard," Xander reminded him.  "I wouldn't mind Mortran though.  He's nice.  Quiet.  Steady.  Likes my jokes."

"Okay, we'll assign him to you.  How about Black as a driver?"

"Why can't Mortran?  It's not like I'm going to be out and about for a few more years.  Give him the keys to one of the family cars and he can hike me all over like he's my Special OPs nanny."

"I can see that," Patrick agreed as he walked in.  He kissed Xander on the head.  "Did you eat?"

"Yes, Grandfather, did you?"

"I'm going to do that now," he said, smiling at him.  "We also need to see if there's anything like an after-school activity you want to participate in."

"I suck at sports," Xander reminded him.

"You could take up fencing, riding lessons," Gordon offered.  "Diving since you're very good at that and swimming.  Speaking of, Krems has a swim team."

"No way in hell am I going to the psycho Christian academy from Hell," Xander said bluntly.  "I'd rather be eaten by the big, slimy thing that crawled out of the ocean last year."

"Goodacre?" his grandfather suggested.  He got a look like he was insane.

"Holliwell?" Raphael suggested.  "It's a good school but not religious."

"I like that part but they're snobs," Xander reminded him.  "Even though I should be one I'm not.  Pace?"

"It's decent educationally," Gordon agreed.  "Non-religious since that's been bothering you."

"I don't need some nun telling me that my grandparents are going to hell," Xander told him.  "Unless you want me to become one of those behavior cases that show up in the press?"  They all shook their heads.  "Pace is good enough for me.  Let's face it, I'm not a brain.  Sending me to a brain trust school will only cause me stress.  It'll also make me feel really dumb next to most of my class.  Sending me somewhere like Pace means I'm the middle of the road academically.  Plus they offer three martial arts clubs and an anime guild."

"I think you're a bit young for anime," Patrick said.  "I don't mind Pace.  Isn't it less expensive?"  Gordon nodded.  "Then we'll schedule a few hours this week to talk to them."  He gave Xander a cuddle, earning a grin.  "Anything else?"

"Can I quit going to social events?  I'm so stupidly bored by the ugly folk who can't get over a hangnail as a child.  I'm about ready to snap back at some of the matrons who think I should be enthusiastic that some of the girls there are trying to hit on me when I'm only ten.  I don't care about a political marriage and I'm sure as hell not marrying one of those society cows.  I'd cut my dick off first."

"We can let you ease back to some of the charity events," Patrick agreed.  "Remember, some day you'll have to run all this, Xander."

Xander looked at him.  "If I'm under a hundred you're in deep shit."

Patrick looked stunned but Raphael burst out giggling.  "Yes, he is definitely your blood, Patrick," Sire giggled.  "That was something you'd say to me."   He got up, going to find the boy's new bodyguard.  "Mortran!" he called from the back doorway.  He jogged in.  "We're reassigning you."

"New York?"

"Xander's bodyguard and driver."  He found the keys and looked, plucking off the stylish Caddy.  He tossed them over.  "They're yours.  You're to be on Xander's behind the whole time he's out of the house.  You drive him, you pick him up, you watch him in public."  The man gaped.  "No?"

"That's one hell of a job, Sire!"

Sire just shrugged and grinned. "Not really.  He doesn't really like to go out.   He asked to cut back his social obligations too."

"Okay.  We'll try," he decided.  "If it won't work then I'll go to New York to guard the nephew?"

"That's reasonable.  We've got to tell him someday soon."  He walked off, going to make more plans.

Mortran leaned into the sitting room.  "Are you sure, Father?"

"Xander and I agreed on you," he said with a smile for his grandson.  "Gordon decided it would be better and easier to have someone dedicated to his life."

"You can be my very own Special Ops nanny," Xander quipped.

Mortran smirked, shaking his head.  "Nanny I am not, kid."  He looked at Patrick again.   "If you want, Father.  We'll try it."  He went to change clothes.  Casual jeans and an Army t-shirt weren't good enough for anywhere but around the house.  The kid was perking back up again and it meant he'd have to follow him somewhere soon.  Xander still couldn't sit still.

***

Xander found his way around the luncheon that afternoon.  He hated them.  He watched his grandfather walk up to one of the kids who had hurt him's mother and slap her, growling at her that it was for her son, to pass it on.  He shook his head, finding the Chief of Police.  He had a request to make.  He walked over there.  "Chief, may I have a moment to talk to you?" he asked politely.  The older man smiled and nodded, walking him away from his wife.  "I have a request to make."  He turned to face him.  "Detective Caine has protected me from the first day he met me at five.  I had managed to walk away from a groping and kissing bodyguard and got lost.  He took good care of me then, even standing up to the rabidly overprotective family members at that point," he said quietly.  "He did it later on when I was hurt.  He and Detective Salas have always been there for me.  Especially with this last incident three months ago."  He sipped his water from his water bottle.  "Horatio has always spoken out for the victims, even me.  He came straight from a scene to help me last time."

"You want him to get a reward?" he asked.

"Actually, I want to see the man happy and I'm not sure he is," Xander said gently.  He moved closer, looking up at him.  "He seems sad now.  I know it's been a while since I've seen him in person but we do write about every week.   He hasn't been as happy in bomb squad as he was before.  Yes, I do want him rewarded but I want it to be something other than a shiny certificate to hang up.  That would insult the man for taking care of me.  He even stayed with me because Gordon has *no* idea what to do with me."   That got a smirk.  "He even took days off to stay with me so I wouldn't be surrounded by the guards and everyone but no one to talk to.  I don't know what I'm asking but I know that it'll come up sometime in the near future."

"If something comes up that I think will be a suitable reward, I'll see what I can do," he agreed.  He held out a hand.  "He is a good detective."

Xander shook his hand.  "He's a great detective, a good friend, and very kind to a scared kid.  Then again, Yelina once slapped some of Grandfather's people around because I was being bruised by them."  That got a laugh and the Chief walked off.  Xander went back to finding a place to get away from the people.  He was starting to seriously hate people.  His bodyguard gave him a look.  "What?"

"He might pout that you did that."

"He deserves it.  The good people who change society are never acknowledged until after they're gone.  Look at saints."

"Good point."  He sat beside him.  "You could be hanging with the other kids."

"Not if I want to stay out of trouble."  He looked then pointed.  "That one's already drinking.  Her bigger sister is into cocaine and her oldest sister is into the lawn boy, who's about two years older than I am."  He looked then pointed at one of the boys.  "He likes to hack computers, which I don't mind, but he was trying to hack the Pentagon the last time I knew so he could paint everything a cherry red smiley face.  That way he could prove he'd been there."  He pointed at another one, this time slightly older.  "Her parents are really weird and I think Yelina would like to slap her parents around too.  I think she'd have fun."  He pointed more discreetly at one.  "She's about ready to snap and kill everyone.  Her parents expect her to be God.  They want all 'A's.  They want her to do three sports and at least two other extra-curricular activities every week.  They're trying to push her to go to their college choice and they're also pushing her to date who they want her to date.  She's going to kill them soon."  He finished his water and put the bottle down.  "Her and strange girl could use the help."

"Girls like her have shrinks.  If you get involved it could cause more problems."

Xander looked at him.  "No one deserves to grow up in a family like my natural parents," he said quietly.  "I'm glad Sire had them eaten."  He looked again, studying the one girl.  "She's gained weight again.  Her mother must be freaking out."  He looked at the other girl, the one who was studying him, and nodded her over.  "Chill, relax.  We're in a safe zone here," he said when she got there.  "I don't want to make small talk but you were looking like you were going to gouge some eyes out."

She sat down delicately beside him on the windowsill.  "It's been a long day," she admitted.

Xander's bodyguard looked at her.  "You look like you could use a nap."

"I could use about ten naps.  I was up late last night writing a thirty page paper on the reasons for the overthrow of the Tzarist states in Russia."  Xander whimpered.  "It's an additional paper on top of my homework that my mother wanted to show off."

Xander patted her on the wrist.  "You can come hide at our place now and then if you want.  It's not like I'm going to be interested in you but we're not like that.  I've got two near failing grades no matter how hard I try."

She smiled.  "Thank you, Xander.  That's a kind offer.  I may take you up with that after I stab them."

Xander leaned closer. "Before you do that, see if they can be fixed."

"No one would ever believe me.  They'll say they're giving me a better life."  She stared.  "Bethany gained weight?  I thought she had been sick."  Mortran coughed and walked over to talk to Patrick.  She looked at him.  "You hate being here."

"Grandfather said some day I'll have to run all his stuff.  He does charity work."  He found a marker in his pocket.  "Got paper?"  She found a piece in her purse and he wrote out a number.  "That is the line to Detective Salas in homicide."  He capped the marker and put it back into his pocket, looking up at her.  "She found out that one of my bodyguards had been bruising me and came to slap the hell out of everyone in the house until Grandfather promised he'd do it for her."

She smiled.  "I"ll keep that in mind, Xander.  Thank you."

"Welcome.  Remember, we have guest rooms and low expectations.  We only expect you to do your best."

"I'll remember."  She kissed him on the top of the head and wandered off, running into her mother.

"Ah, there you are.  I was just telling Kelly about your paper on Venetian customs."

"You had me do it on the Tzarist overthrow, mother."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did."  She looked at 'Kelly' and shrugged.  "Maybe that's a future unnecessary paper she wants me to write.  If you'll excuse me, I need some caffeine. I was up late last night writing about overthrowing Russia."  She walked off, grabbing some coffee.  She found Patrick watching her.  "If I beg, would you uphold Xander's offer of a quiet place to actually get some sleep now and then?"

He smiled and nodded.  "Of course. I've noticed it as well.  Better hiding than stabbing or something equally unsavory."  She walked off smiling.   "I have to watch that one.  She has a bright future."  He watched his grandson hover on the edges and talk to those who walked over to him, who were mostly older women who wanted to make sure he wasn't feeling left out by his face.  One was clearly upsetting him so he walked over there.  "Xander?"

"I was just telling this nice matron that I wasn't ready to meet daughters. That I'm only ten and I could care less about daughters or sons for at least three more years."

"I think that's reasonable," he agreed.

"It would give him someone to hang out with."

Xander looked at her.  "I have plenty of people to hang out with," he promised. "I have friends from school and a lot of others.  Frankly, your child is scary.  She was talking about wedding dresses the last time I saw her two years ago.  I doubt she'd have anything to play that I'd want to play."

"She does like video games.  We've recently gotten her interested in them since so many of her peers are."

Xander blinked.  "While that's nice, it's not me and you do know that my grandfather runs *gay* charities, right?"  She went pink and walked off.  He looked at his grandfather.  "I'm withdrawing from polite society for at least two years.  Do you mind?"

"No, Xander, I think it's a reasonable decision," he said, smiling at him.  "Go ahead and escape."

"Sure."  He got up, summoning his bodyguard back from his new helper friend.  "Bring her," he mouthed.  "We're escaping."  He walked over to her mother, smiling as he touched her hand.  "Your daughter's a bit tired so I was going to give her a ride home since I'm escaping," he said quietly.

"Thank you, Xander.  That's very kind of you."

"I was going to see if she could help me in science.  Would that bother you?"

She beamed.  "I think it would do her good to tutor someone else.  We'll work on arranging her schedule."  He nodded and walked with her and his bodyguard.  Her daughter did look like she was out on her feet.  She smiled at Patrick.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome and she can use our extensive library for research for her school papers as well," he agreed.  "That would let her gracefully bow out of some things that haven't been making her very happy as activities.  After all, colleges like tutoring more than they do sports from what I heard.  You should ask her."  She looked stunned.  He walked her away.  "Xander noticed something," he said quietly, nodding at the one girl.  "Wasn't she just ill?"  She grimaced but nodded. "She's gained ten pounds since she was ill?"  He looked at her.  "Also, how did she get the flu since none of us have been sick and she's a virtual prisoner in her home?" he asked quietly.

"You think something's going on."

"I think someone needs to have her parents talked to by CPS," he agreed quietly.  "I don't want to start a scandal but I think someone more subtle could help her and get her away from them if we're right.  She's not covering the bruise on her cheek very well according to my bodyguard."

She looked around and walked over to a nearby older woman, whispering in her ear.  She got a regal nod and the woman walked over there, smiling at the children.  The one girl gave her a panicked look but she gave her a gentle smile and walked her off, taking her to talk to her in private.  "Thank you," she said as she walked past him.

"Of course.  No one should be scared of their family," he agreed.  He went back to his snubbing the parents of the boys who had hurt his grandson.   He knew his grandson was plotting how to keep the other one from snapping and killing her whole family and if she could help Xander understand science he'd be all the more enthusiastic about it.

***

Six months later Xander came off his final dive and felt content.  If he had gotten anywhere near a good score he had won the state championship in his age group of about twelve other kids.  He got out of the pool and cramped, grabbing his hip, going to one knee.  His coach ran over to help him up.  "Cramp," he explained.

"I'm hoping it's a growing pain," he complained, walking him over to the bench.  He looked him over.  He smiled at the scores.  "Congratulations, Xander."

Xander looked at the board and smiled, nodding.  He looked at his coach.  "I came out content."

He looked at him.  "Then you cramped?"

"A few minutes later."  He looked at his hip. "That hurts."

"We'll have it checked over by your doctor after the podium.  Think you can stand?"  Xander tried and wobbled.  His bodyguard came over.  "He cramped."

"He's had a few pains there," Mortran said quietly.  He looked at the kid.  "Get your medal and we'll have someone check."  Xander nodded, biting his lip as he stood up.  Then he suddenly shivered and stood straighter.  "The pain stopped?"

"A small pop....."  He was picked up and walked off.  "What?"

Mortran handed him to one of the waiting paramedics.  They had to have them at each sporting event.  "He had cramps around his right hip that ended with a sudden pop."

"Does he still have his appendix?"

"Yes," Mortran agreed.

"Okay, let's check."  He pushed and Xander whimpered.  "I think you're right."

"I'll get your medal and we'll be right there, Xander."  He nodded, letting himself be loaded and taken off.  He walked back inside, talking to the coach and confused judge.  "His appendix just popped," he announced.

"I'll get you his medal," the judge agreed.  "I hope he's okay."

"Us too.  The kid never complains unless he's in a lot of pain."  He looked at the coach, giving him a small smile.  "Thanks."

"Welcome.  I'll check on him later tonight.  Did you send someone else after him?"

"We had another one here with us."  He took the medal and shook their hands.  "Thank you, I know he was happy he won."

"He said he had that suddenly content feeling," the coach admitted.  "Go."  He watched the overprotective bodyguard walk off and looked at the judges.  "Sorry."

"It's okay.  Not his problem."  He walked back there, smiling at the others gathered.  "His appendix burst."  They got some groans.  "So we'll let him off accepting his medal this year.  Let's continue on."  They nodded, getting into position for the official ceremony.

***

Xander woke up in his hospital room, blinking at his grandfather.  "It was just an appendix."  His grandfather pointed so he looked at his medal.  He took it off and handed it over.  "I was content when I completed my last dive," he said quietly.

"Are you taking some time off?"

Xander considered it then nodded.  "I am.  The world's a big place.  The coach said I've been having growing pains again so that does give me a good excuse to wait until after I'm no longer gangly and stupid looking."

"You won't be stupid looking," he promised, stroking over his hair.  "You did very good, grandson, and we are all very proud of you."  Xander beamed.  He handed him something.  "It came for you today."

Xander opened the letter, smiling at Horatio's neat handwriting.  It was so much better than his own scrawl.  He giggled. "He got a promotion."  He kept reading and smiled.  "Can I...."  He got given his box of stationary and got to work writing back to him.  A very long letter this time since he told him about the diving and deciding to take some time off and said he deserved the promotion even if Horatio did think he had asked the Chief for it.  Which he'd never admit to.  You couldn't do subtle good works if you got outed.  He reread it and sealed it, letting his grandfather mail it for him.  He snuggled down in the bed, turning on the tv.  There was nothing on but he tried.  His grandfather went back to a station he had passed over.  "What's coming on?"

"In about twenty minutes there's a show on how they build race cars," he offered.

"That could be cool."  He moved the stationary box off to the side and took his hand to hold.  A nurse came in to check him over and he stared when she stared at him.  "What?"

"Your father?"

"Grandfather.  My father's gone from life."  She nodded, making note of that.  "The other guys were my bodyguards.  I'd appreciate them being able to get in when they need to.  How long am I in here for anyway?"

"At least tomorrow, possibly the next day to make sure your incision isn't infected and the fluid from your appendix isn't infecting your intestines, Grandson," Patrick said.  The nurse nodded.

"If I must.  Can I have real food?"

"Nope," the nurse said.  "That's why it's called spoiling when you get home."  She finished fluffing his pillows and checking him over, heading back to her desk.  "His grandfather has custody?"  The floor supervisor nodded.   "Okay, I didn't know that.  The bodyguard?"

"Getting dinner for a while," she said, looking at her.  "That's Father Benis.  He's big in gay rights."  The nurse gaped.  "That's his grandson, Xander.  He came off a dive earlier and his appendix burst."  She giggled.  "Seriously.  I'm sure they're anxious to get back to Miami but it'll be fine.  His bodyguard is the quiet, big type."  That got a nod and they got back to work.   She smiled when the bodyguard came back and went to sit with the family.  He was good about hovering without hovering.

***

Xander walked into the house and saw Sire pacing.  "I wasn't in that much danger," he said, looking confused when he got hugged.  "What happened?"  He made the vampire look at him.  "Did I screw up?"

"No, grandson, I did."

"Is Grandfather going to spank you?"

Sire smiled.  "Maybe."  He sat down, making the boy look at him.  "I didn't have your parents eaten."

"They probably would've tasted funny according to Mortran."

He nodded. "Probably made the one eating them drunk too," he agreed.  He straightened his shirt out.  "You made national news with your appendix bursting."

Xander just nodded.   "So now they're back?"

"They are."

"It's crass but can we pay them off?" Mortran asked.

"I've tried.  They claim they want him back."

"Which means they want a continued allowance," Mortran pointed out.  "Strategically that's all they can want."

"Maybe.  His wife wants him brought back into the family."

Xander shook his head.  "No thanks."  He walked off, heading for the kitchen.  "Cook, can I have some cocoa?" he called as he walked in.  She squealed and hugged him, getting him a cup of cocoa and a cookie.  "Thanks."  He grinned and headed back out, finding the adults in his grandfather's sitting room.  He sat on his grandfather's lap, getting comfortable.  "You know, he's still going to have to accept the gay things.  There's no saying I won't be."  He nibbled on his cookie, weathering the shocked looks.  "Not like I'm finding a reason for girls to exist other than to annoy the crap outta me."  He took a sip.  "Plenty of the older spoiled brats have an allowance system that they get from a lawyer as well.  Though, if he tries to push it in court, you did remove me for a very good reason.  I'm sure you had paperwork and evidence, all that stuff that Horatio said Melody needed to get away from her parents."

They all smiled and nodded.  They did have that.  "We don't want this to go too public," Patrick said.  "It could hurt you."

Xander looked at him.  "I can snub with the best of them," he said dryly.  "Let it get to a judge.  I'll let him see my back."  He finished his cocoa and gave him a hug.  "Why would I want to go back to Sunnydale?"  He looked at them.  "Find the biggest, meanest, bastard of a lawyer and sic him on them.  Making them cry might be pretty."

"Xander, your violent urges are coming out again," Mortran said dryly.

Xander shrugged.  "It happens."  He looked at his grandsire.  "Or invite them here.  Show them I'm not leaving."

"They'll try to claim our lifestyle is detrimental to you and why you have violent urges."

"What did I do the second day I was here?" Xander asked.

"You went after me with a shoe for trying to get you dressed," Mortan said.  "And Cook.  We can prove he was violent before we got to him.  It's under much better control now.  Personally I like his idea.  Get someone who makes God cry with his meanness and make him deal with the parents."

Xander looked at him.  "Does this mean we can finally meet my cousin in New York?"

"It could," he admitted.  He gave him a hug.  "All right.  We'll do that as an opening move.  It'll look good to consult an attorney over that matter.  They'd have to file locally."

Xander made his grandfather look at him then grinned. "Then call Jennifer.  Ask her opinion, Grandfather.  She just went through a messy divorce.  See who her lawyer was and call him for a recommendation."  He slid off his lap, stretching.  "I'm going to take a nap.  I'll see you guys at dinner."  He headed up to his room, letting them make plans together.

Patrick pulled out his society phone book, finding the number he wanted.  "Jennifer," he said when the phone was answered.  "Patrick Benis.  No, we're good, Xander's fine, dear.  He's napping off the strain of coming home and having cocoa.  No, I have need of a recommendation.  His winning the State meet brought his parents back into his life," he said quietly.  "Exactly."  He wrote down a number on the paper Mortran gave him. "Thank you, dear.  Of course.  I'll see you then."  He made a note of that as well as he hung up, dialing the new number.  "This is Patrick Benis, I need to talk to a Mr. Henry about a custody matter.  If he could that would be good.  That is our number.  Thank you."  He hung up and looked at his Sire.  "We'll do everything we can short of having them killed."

"It'd look bad anyway," Mortran offered.  "Do it in a few months when you can give them a satisfied 'you lost' as well."  He walked off to get some coffee and check in with the head of security.  "I'm back, Thomas.  Xander's napping."

"We're getting a new guard dog this week," he said with a smile.

"That'll be nice.  Xander likes them.  I'll have to remind him guard dogs aren't pets."

Sire walked in with a new name.  "He called back and said that the constraints of the case would be better handled by this one, and Patrick did say he said he was very tough and mean.  Make sure?"  That got a nod, Thomas going to call around about him.  He looked at Mortran.  "You're good with him."

"He's a good kid.  If he was one of the society hellions I'd have quit by now, Raphael."  He walked off laughing.  "Are we going to talk about pets?" he called after him.

"He has two cats somewhere."

"Good point."  He went to get more coffee and settle in to help Thomas with a background check on the new lawyer and a new guard Patrick had adopted.

***

Xander looked at the people across from him, feeling a bit disgusted.  He clearly got his looks from his grandfather.  He looked at his bodyguard, who nodded for him to turn back around.  They had been over this already a few times.  "Why was I forced to meet with you?" he asked calmly.

"You're coming home, where you belong," his mother said.  "They've taught you to be snotty and too good for your parents."

"Actually, I was too good for you when I was born and you walked off and conveniently forgot me at the hospital," Xander told her.  She flinched.  "I'm also too good for the people who beat a child bad enough to scar them before they were able to walk."  He leaned on the table.  "I'm not going anywhere with you, I could care less what sort of ploy this is.  You have nothing you can blackmail Grandfather with."

"I know what he is, boy," his father sneered.

Xander shrugged.  "So?  From what I've heard about the town you live in, there's a lot of them there."  His father gaped.  "In preparation for this meeting I did some research.  It's what school taught me."  He looked at his mother again.  "Even if you did, you wouldn't have access to any of my money.  It'll all be put into a trust that only paid my schooling expenses.  Grandfather would have to approve every single transaction and I'd still have a bodyguard."  He pointed at him.  "Him."  He saw the hatred.  "You're not the first to try shit, that's why I have him.  Someone took me from school."

"Liked it?" his father sneered.

Xander stood up.  "Meeting over.  You're not getting me.  Even if the judge ordered it I can escape."  He walked off, his bodyguard going with him.  "Can I talk to the judge over this idiocy?"

"Not yet."  He patted him on the shoulder.  "We'll work on it, Xander."

Xander looked at him once they got outside.  "Teach me how to escape."

He stared at him then nodded  "Agreed."  The current idiot judges had an equal chance of handing him to his birth parents even though they were violent alcoholics thanks to the gay issue.  He took the boy to where he hung out in his off-times, making the other former military guys smirk.  "His parents showed up again, guys.  He needs to know how to get away from them if necessary.  It's time to start his training in how to take care of himself."  They nodded.  "He's got a good hand at simple strategy so far."

"We can work with that," one agreed.  "How would you think about getting out?"

"They're violent drunks.  So either the window or sneaking past them once they're unconscious," Xander said quietly, staring at him.  "That's why I need taught."  That got a smirk and a nod.  "Just don't press on my side please.  I had my appendix taken out two weeks ago and I'm still a bit sore there at the moment."

"We can do that," another one agreed, leading them back to the training simulation area.  Mortran followed to teach him what he knew as well.

***

Xander looked at the judge, standing tall.  "I'm not going with them," he said when the judge said he was.  "I'm sorry but if I wanted to be killed, I'd run away from home and live on the streets."  The judge gaped.  "Not only does their town not offer any sort of decent education, I refuse to be hurt by anyone.  The first time someone hits me, they'll be getting it back."  His father tried to grab him and he ducked, then kicked him in the side.  His martial arts clubs had paid off.  His father went down and he sneered at him.  "You are so beneath me.  You deny what you are, you walked away from Grandfather for grieving for Grandmother, your own mother.  How dare you."   He looked at the judge.  "If you'll excuse me, I have homework I'd rather be doing."  He walked over his father's body, heading out.  He could hear the lawyers screaming.   He stayed to listen then nodded when the idea of a psychological evaluation.  "That'll do."  He walked off to meet his bodyguard, who hadn't been allowed in the courtroom by order of the judge.  "I kicked him."

"Why?"

"To make the judge change his mind and hold off on sending me today like he wanted.  I've got a shrink coming up."

"It's a weak ploy."

"It gives me more time."

"True."  He walked him outside to the limo, getting into the back and heading back to the house.  The lawyer got there shortly after them and he held up a hand.  "It was a weak ploy but it worked."

"It did, but now they're going to say you've been training him."

"I'm in three martial arts clubs at school," Xander told her.  "I'm actually a black belt in two."  She gaped.  "Besides, the day I got here I was trying to beat people.  I've calmed down a lot.  Let the shrink come.  I'm a darling of local society.  Which isn't such a bad idea," he said thoughtfully.

"True, it's not," she agreed.  Someone knocked on the door and a guard opened it.  "Yes, Officer?"

"Ma'am, he's supposed to be with his parents tonight as supervised visitation?" the officer said, holding out the order.  "I was told to pick him up."

"Can I kill him this time?" Xander asked.

"No, son.  It looks bad," Mortran said.

Xander nodded, walking out with him.  He did stop to grab his backpack and keys, plus some cash from his bodyguard's wallet.  The officer gave him a sideways look.  "Violent alcoholics versus my grandparents, who're together."

"I heard.  It's been in the papers."

"I kicked his butt just now in the courtroom," Xander admitted.  "Why did the judge decide I had to be with them?"

"To apologize probably."

"Never.  Are we going to the courthouse?"  That got a nod.  "That'll do."  He relaxed in the front of the cruiser, making mental plans.  He was walked into the judge's chambers.  "You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Son, you're very violent."

"I was when they took me away from them.  I learned it from the source."  He stared him down.  "You know very well that I'm not usually violent.  You've seen me for years growing up in polite society.  I'm the best kid there is until someone attacks me."  That got a nod.  "After being gay bashed a few years back, I got the bodyguard.  He keeps me out of even more trouble."

"How did you know how to hurt him?"

"I'm a black belt in two martial arts and a brown in another."  The judge gaped.  "It's offered at school.  I forced grandfather to let me take them to help me control the urges they gave me."  He lifted his shirt, turning around.  "Those scars on my back weren't done after I got to Miami."  He put down his shirt and turned around.  "The only scars I've gotten since I've been here are my appendix and two on my knees from rollerblading."

"The one on your shoulder," the judge reminded him.

"Oh, yeah, when what's-her-name's exotic cat decided to knead me and got my shoulder."  He tucked his shirt back in.  "I'm sorry but if I have to go there I'm going to learn how to defend myself better and some day soon it'll end up in a tragedy," he said quietly.  "I'm happy and content where I am."

"There's a worry that you'll be turned gay."

Xander gave him an odd look.  "What makes you think that *uncle* out there isn't his gay lover since they're both single children?" he said.  The judge gaped.  "It could be genetic, at which point in time I was already that way.  At this age, what do I care about sex?  If I am gay Miami's probably a better place for me too."

"You could be straight."

"I could puke on girls too.  Mostly because they keep getting shoved at me in social circles.  Why do you think I cut back?"  The judge stared in shock.  "Yeah, me.  They kept trying to push and force the girls onto me.  If I take on a girlfriend some day it won't be because I'm forced into it by some society matron with ideas of my grandparents' money.   I'll be gay first and proud of it.  He knew very well Grandfather was gay before he huffed off.  He left because Grandfather went into the church when my grandmother, his mother, died.  He huffed off because Grandfather refused to give him his inheritance before he went into the church."  The judge nodded.  "So, no.  Also, did you do any checking on their town?  I did.  It's got a *very* high death rate.  Twice Miami's.  I'm safer down here and I'll be damned if I'm going to let some drunk, slobbering, greedy person kill me.  If you send me back there, I'll be back in Miami within a month, Mr. Jacoby.  You know that.  You knew that when Barry and I were friends."

"I do, Xander.  Calm down."

Xander gave him an odd look. "I am calm."  The judge smirked.  "I am.  It's amazing, the first thing they did when I got here was take me to see someone about my hyperactivity. My parents didn't even know I was more than stupid.  As they told me repeatedly.  And ugly and never going to amount to anything.  I'm sorry but my grandparents are thousands of eons better than my birth parents.  Just because they're snuggled together most nights doesn't mean anything.  Yes, Grandfather's ill.  He's been hanging on for years.  I hope he continues."

"So do I," the judge agreed.  "You still have to apologize and I want to have some supervised visitation."

"The last time I sat with them they called me snotty and sneered that I'd be brought back to my place.   They asked me if I liked it when I was kidnaped.  That was with my bodyguard in the room."

"There'll be an officer there with you all night," the judge said firmly.

"Can I specify which ones?"

"Possibly."

"Can we see if Detective Salas would like dinner with me?"  He smiled.  "She beat the last person who hurt me."

The officer laughed, turning around.  "Good one, kid."

"She did," the judge admitted.  "He's got close ties to the lab."  He looked at him. "Regular officers, Xander.  They're tied up in a very bad case.  We need them to solve it."

"I saw the sniper on tv," he admitted quietly, staring at him.  "Fine.  As long as the officer knows that they're violent."  The judge nodded.   "I'd come armed actually."

"We're always armed, kid.  I'll take the next few," the officer said.

"That's reasonable.  I'll make sure you're reimbursed for dinner, Officer."  That got a nod so he looked at Xander.  "You could get to know them."

"No I can't.  I might get filthy from their greed."  He grabbed his backpack.  "I'm going to go ignore them before I suddenly become very rude."

"That's up to you."  Xander nodded, walking out with the officer once he had the address.  He watched him go.  The kid was older than his years.  Having a sick grandfather was making him take on some adult responsibilities.  The kid did his grandparents proud but you could see he was going to snap soon.

***

Xander sat down on the couch, looking at his parents, who were already sneering.  "Just because I got ordered to sit with you tonight doesn't mean you won."

"You're ours," the mother said.  "We'll get you fixed yet."

Xander blinked at her.  "Fixed?  Excuse me?  I don't need children, woman."  He rolled his eyes, pulling out his history textbook.  At least it was something to do.

"You're *studying*?" his father sneered.

"Yes, I have to keep up my grades to stay in Judo club," he said blandly.  His father slapped at him but he used the book to block it.  "The officer is here to tell the judge you do things like that."  He glared at him.  "You do know I loathe you, correct?  Just to make that perfectly clear."

"Someone will fix this attitude.  Then you'll see they're wrong."

Xander blinked.  "Oh, don't tell me you're going to one of those supposedly fixing the gay people places.  How trite!"  He sneered.  "If I'm gay, it's because I was born this way.  Thank you anyway.  After all, from what I understand *Uncle* Rory serves much the same function in your house."  She went pale.  He stared her down.  "At this point in time I can't say whether or not I'm gay.  I have girls shoved at me all the time and I can't stand them.  I can't see much use for any sex at the moment.  Then again, I'm only ten."

"You're eleven."

"I won't be eleven for six days," Xander said.  He got back to his history homework.  He found his notebook and got to work making notes with a small sigh.  "Officer, is there any soda?  I could use a drink.  I can hit the machine if I need to."

"None in here, kid."

"Thank you."  He grabbed all the money and keys out of his backpack, heading out to get a soda, coming back to find them going through his things.  "Feel better?"  He sat down with his homework, sipping his soda while he made notes.

"Why do you have money?" his father said.

Xander looked at him.  "So I can get to school tomorrow.  That way my bodyguard can sleep in and finish the in-depth background checks on you guys."  They both went pale.  He went back to his studying but his book was snatched and thrown.  He sighed and looked at him.  "I'm trying to do what I need to do so my grades don't fall.  Do you mind?"  He got up to get it but his father grabbed him by the back of the neck.

"You're a snotty little kid.  Your attitude will be fixed when you come home."

Xander elbowed his stomach, making him groan.  He looked at him.  "No, I'm not.  Actually I'm not usually like this.  It's only when I'm put into danger that I'm not a nice, sweet, good kid.  For some reason I see you both as threats.  Therefore I'm acting to protect myself."  His mother sniffled.  "Oh, shut up!  You locked me in a closet for four days once.  Then you got angry when I screamed in hunger."  He walked to get his book, coming back to do his homework.  He heard them move and got up, going to sit by the officer.  "I think it's safer if I'm over here," he said quietly.  That got a nod.  He settled in on the table, getting back to his homework.  He patted himself down and concentrated, making the keys fly back to him.   His mother shrieked.  He looked over.  "What?  It's a magnetic retrieval system."  He stuffed them back into his pocket and got back to work.  The officer coughed so he showed him.  "See, matching magnets. It works up to ten feet."

He looked at it, smiling a bit.  "I could use that."

"It's a tester system."  He grinned and put it back.  "Mortran got tired of me losing my keys around the house."  That got a laugh.  "Seriously."  He shrugged.  He got back to work.  He sighed a few minutes later and ran a hand through his hair.  "I hate history."  The officer laughed.  "I do.  I don't like school."  He got back to work anyway.  He knew he needed to keep his grades up.

"What else do you besides dive, Xander?" his mother asked.

He looked over.  "Martial arts.  I help with the new guard dog's training now and then so I don't play with her and ruin it.  I've got a few social obligations with charity events.  The pound, the children's hospital, things that a boy my age should care about.  I've got a friend I'm helping save from her parents because they're driving her insane.   Mostly I'm a normal kid with a few after school activities.  By the way, I'm not diving this upcoming season.  I'm in the middle of a growth spurt.  The coach agreed I should let it settle first."  He took another drink of his soda.  "And there's no endorsements of underage sports people.  It's against the law."  He got back to work.  "I hate the American Revolution.  At least ancient history had interesting customs."

"Puritans had some pretty strange customs," the officer told him.  Xander perked up at that.  "Really.  They often shared the same room.  New England's cold in the winter and they didn't have central heat back then.  Just a fireplace or something.  So the whole family shared the same bed."  Xander looked at him.  "Plus they had some pretty strict rules and a double standard for women."

"I knew about that part.  My teacher's a strong one about pointing out how women were treated.  My next report's going to be on the female soldiers during the Revolutionary war."   That got a smile.  "I know, it's a bit of sucking up but my grades suck this year and I need to keep them up if I want to stay in my clubs.  School rules."  That got a nod.  "Thank you."  He grinned and got back to work.  "I'll research that when I get home.  We've got a few huge, boring books on colonial history in the library."  The officer ruffled his hair and he straightened it out.  "Gotta look good.  Otherwise the matrons fuss and ask me if I'm sick."  That got a laugh.  "They do, then they force their daughters on me."  He shook his head.  "If they keep it up I'm never going to be around women."  He finally got done with his chapter and went to get the other books and start on the next subject.  He grimaced.  "Chemistry, yay me."  He tapped his fingers and got on with it.  Might as well, nothing else to do.  His stomach grumbled and he looked at the officer.  "Dinner?" he asked quietly.

"That's a good point.  Where are we going for dinner?  I can get my own but it's almost eight and kids his age need to eat on a set schedule.  Plus I'm sure he's got a bedtime soon?"

"Ten," Xander lied.  The officer looked at him.  "Nine-thirty to be in my room but I can stay up and read until ten."

"Fine."  He looked at the parents.  "You've got to feed him too."

"We can go through a fast food place," Xander said quietly.  "I won't care as long as it's not poisonous."

"We've already eaten, we expected him to as well," the mother said.  "He got here at four."

"He was in court until three-thirty," Xander said dryly.  "Not like I had any time to eat."  He looked at him.  "You have to have someone switch out with you, right?"  He nodded.  "Can he bring it?  I'll pay him back."

"Sure, kid.  I can do that.  My partner's coming in about an hour.  Want anything in particular?"

"No onions on the burger?"  That got a nod and he called him from the room phone.  Xander handed him a ten from his pocket.  "Thank you."  That got a nod and he watched as the kid got back to work.  He tapped something.  "I remember this from college.  You have to balance things.  Chemistry is like karma.  It needs a balance to come out right."  Xander smiled and nodded, working on that problem again.  "Tutor?"

"It was  a consideration.  Last quarter of physical science was physics and I'm not the best in math.  My grades are a bit low and the headmaster had to warn me about them.  I pointed out I'm doing my best but I'm not getting physics or any other science.  I'm better at hands-on things.  They're arranging my schedule next semester so I've got a different gym and a more project oriented set of classes.  I only have to endure through this one for another three weeks."  That got a smile.  "As long as I pass."  He got back to work.  He finally got done, even though he knew half of it was wrong.  "I guess I can claim the stress is making my grades slip," he decided, putting that book back and pulling out his English workbook.   "Oh, gee, diagraming sentences."  He grimaced but got on with it.  Someone knocked on the door and the officer went to see who it was.  He smiled at the officer coming in, taking his dinner.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome, kid."  He talked to his partner in the hall then came back.  "Want to go over your science homework?"

Xander looked at him.  "Would it help?"

"Probably.  I've actually got a science degree."  Xander pulled it back out, nibbling on a fry while he let him see.  "Ah, here it is."  He took the pencil to circle something.  "When you add this to this one, you get bubbles. When you add this to that," he said, pointing at something else, "you get an explosion.  If you add those three together, you get brown stuff that smells bad."  Xander frowned, going back to it.  "Let's break it down from the start."  He took some clean paper and wrote out the first one in the more expanded chemical formula.  "Do you know what those are?"

"Vaguely."  He looked at him.  "I hate science."  That got a smile.  "Let's see, that's chlorine, and that's oxygen and hydrogen.  Wouldn't those two combine to make water?"

"Too many atoms in the hydrogen spot."  He let him see.  "If they did that then you'd have this," he said, rewriting it.  "The stuff inside the brackets wouldn't combine.  It makes a sulphur."

"Eww."

"Basically."  He let him see.  "Look at how they're combining and in what order, Xander."  He nodded.  "Group it like you do math."

"Another subject I'm not fluent in."  He did it anyway, reworking that problem, getting a nod.  "So I'd end up with smelly stuff anyway?"

"You would," he agreed.  "Try the others."  He nodded, getting to work on the rest of them.  He looked at one, frowning.  "I don't know why she gave you that formula.  It's the start of making something bad."

"Maybe to see who knew," Xander offered.  That got a smile and a nod.  He finished it and let him check it, getting a nod.  "Thank you.  I might pass tomorrow."  He put it back and got back to his dinner and grammar assignment.  By the time he was done he was yawning.  "Where am I crashing?" he asked, looking at the hissing parents.  They were having a conversation.  "Am I sleeping on the couch?" he asked a bit louder.  That got a nod.  "That's fine."  He looked at the officer.  "Let me give you my backpack," he said quietly, emptying his pockets and handing them over to him under the table.  He got a knowing look.  "Thank you.  You can borrow my science book if you want.  Or I have history in there."  He looked.  "And _The Jungle Book_ for my next English paper."

"I'll sit over here and go over your science textbook," he said, tucking the things into his shirt pocket.  Xander nodded, heading to the bathroom then he came out to steal a pillow from the closet and settle down on the couch.  He watched the family conspire, making mental notes.  When the parents went to bed he made formal notes, handing them to his replacement in the morning.  Along with the cash, keys, and debit card.  "They're the kid's.  He didn't want the parents to have access to them," he said quietly in the hallway.

"That's fine.  How much of a brat is he?"

"He's not.  He's a sweet kid but I have the feeling if they threaten him they're in trouble.  His backpack has his brown belt for his gi."

The new officer nodded in appreciation.  "Can't be too careful," he agreed.  "He asleep?"

"He was.  On the couch.  He did his homework last night.  I had to pick up his dinner."  That got a nod and he left, letting the new guy take over while he went to hand the judge's assistant his notes.  She looked then at him.  "I had to pick up his dinner.  The boy's a good boy."

"He attacked his father in the courtroom and walked over him like he was garbage."

"They were threatening him," he said.  "We're lucky that's all he did."

"I'll let him know, Officer Wolfe.  Thank you.  Have a good day."

"You too."  He headed off, going to check in before he left for the day.

The new officer woke Xander up at six.  "When do you have to be at school?"

"Seven-thirty," he moaned, sitting up.  He held his head.  "I need to shower and then change.  Did I remember clothes?"  The backpack was handed over.  "Apparently not but I have spare clothes in my locker for after practice."  He smiled.  "I'll be right out.  Are you taking me to school?"

"I can."  Xander nodded, going to take a shower.  He looked over as the parents came out of the bedroom.  "He's showering so he can get to school.  Where are we going for breakfast so I can plan my later route to get him to school?"

"He's staying with us today."

Xander came out without his shirt on.  "No I'm not.  I have to be at school.  I don't have an excused absence and I'm not tanking my grades by skipping for this exercise in...."  He shook his head and went back to his shower.  He came out clean and grabbed his backpack, making sure it was packed.  "Are we having breakfast together?  If not, I need to eat before school."

"I said you're not going, boy.  The judge said...."

"No he didn't.  He said last night, not during school."  He walked out with the officer behind him.  "Did he give you my money and stuff?"  The officer handed it back.  "Thank you.  I go to Pace Academy."

"I know where that is, Mr. Benis."

"Xander, please.  This is going to give me an ulcer.  I'm too young for ulcers.  It'd be easier to just kill them and bury them somewhere."  The officer gave him an odd look.  "They taught me that before my grandfather took me from them.  That's only one reason."

"I saw your back."

"Him.  I was four with the higher ones.  Two with the lower."  He looked at him.  "I'm sorry you're getting dragged into their plan for greed."

"It's Miami, we get people like that."  He let him into his cruiser and Xander slid in, buckling up.  "Your bodyguard?"

"Doing a deeper background check I'm sure.  I'll be picked up by him after school."  That got a nod.  "It's easier with Mortran being assigned to me and only me."

"Want fast food or right to school?"

"Oh, please, sweet, merciful Goddess, at least get me a soda?"

The officer smiled.  "Sure, kid."  He drove them through a place on the way and Xander paid, then nibbled on the way to the school.  He got a hug and the boy got out, heading inside.  He watched until he was in there then pulled off, going to tell the judge what had happened.

Xander came out of changing and ran into his Judo instructor.  "I had mandatory supervised visitation last night," he said grimly.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm at that vibrating with a need to do something or destroy the threat stage, but otherwise, no."  He walked around him.  "I'll see you later.  I'm trying to keep my grades up.  I won't even use this as an excuse because that would make me whiny and take advantage of the situation."

"That's fine, Xander.  Why don't you go do katas for an hour or so?  It's only seven."  Xander looked at him.  "I'll excuse you from home room."  Xander nodded, going to do that in the gym.  He went to talk to the Headmaster.  "Benis is here."

"Already?"  He checked his watch.  It was ten til seven.   "He's early."

"He had supervised mandatory visitation according to him.  I caught him changing clothes."

"How is he?"

"Vibrating with anger.  I had him go do katas.  I said I'd excuse him from home room."

"That's acceptable," he said, looking out his window.  "This is going to drive him nuts."

"He said he wasn't going to use it as an excuse for his low grades.  That'd make him whiny and taking advantage of the situation."

"It's a good trait," the headmaster agreed.  "I know he sucks at science and math.  That's why I switched him next semester to business math and physical geography instead of science.  I doubt his grandfather would mind."

"Probably not."  He walked off, going to monitor the boy.  He was in the right mental spot and his bodily control was perfect.   He let him go until the bells brought him out.  "You better?"

"More rational.  Now I'm thinking.  Thank you."  He grabbed his bookbag, heading to class.  The teacher gave him an odd look.  "I was in the gym calming down.  The Judo coach said he'd excuse me, ma'am."

"That's fine, Xander.  Sit please."  He sat down, putting his head down.  "No sleeping."

"I'm not."  He looked at her. "I'm steeling myself for next battle with my biological parents."  She gave him a horrified look.  "Sorry but truth."  He went back to his planning, following one of his classmates to his next class.  He dug out his science homework.  "The officer supervising the visitation last night checked it for me."

He looked at it.  "It's better," he agreed, giving him a gentle smile.  "Are you okay?"

"Can you teach me to make explosives so I can blow them up?" he countered.

"No, nor am I allowed to let you ask.  I'll forget it this time."

Xander shook his head.  "I need to get it out.  I'm sorry."  He handed two others his other homework.  "Hand that in for me please?  I need to go blow off some stress."  He walked out, heading to his locker.  His debit card and keys were gotten and he went to see the headmaster.  "I'm having violent urges.  I need to get them out.  I'm going to skip today.  You can tell my grandparents but tell them I'm going to go wear it out."  That got a nod.  "Thank you.  Tell Mortran I've got my keys?  He's got a GPS to them."  He held them up.  "Plus my debit card.  I'll be fine and safe.  I promise."  He headed out, dodging and sneaking around the guards to leave the school.  He went to meditate in the park, getting down into the proper mental spot about the same time he heard someone screaming up the way.  He got up and went to help.  He was that sort of kid.  The guy attacking the woman had his back to him so he viciously attacked, getting him down.  "Ma'am, are you all right?" he asked.  She just cried.  "Someone get her some help!" he yelled.  A cop came riding up on his bike.  "He was trying to stab her," he told the officer.  "I stomped his ass and I feel better now."  The officer gaped.  "She was attacked, dude!  Ambulance, those sort?"  He called it in and came over to cuff the guy.  Xander came over to hold the woman, making her cry on him.  "Shh, it's all right, ma'am.  It'll be fine."

"You saved me."

He grinned.  "It's the sort of kid I am."  He smoothed her hair off her forehead like his grandfather did to him.  "Here's some paramedics," he said gently.  "He was trying to stab her.  I think she's just shaken."  They nodded and let him untangle her.  He looked at the officer.  "I was meditating and heard her scream."

That got a nod.  "How did you bring him down?"

"I have two black belts and one brown belt," he said.  "And I'm in the middle of the worst custody battle in the universe at the moment.  He's better than a heavy bag and more socially acceptable."  He walked off, going back to his spot.  He found his keys still there, checking for his debit card.  They both got buttoned into his shirt pocket so he couldn't lose them again.  He went back to his meditation.  It was easier now.  He'd have to talk to Sire about that later.  Around lunch he heard a cough and looked over.  "Hi, Horatio."

Horatio sat beside him.  "Why are you skipping?"

"I was going to be violent in the school.  I don't need expelled.  It'd look bad in the middle of the custody horror."  He leaned against his arm.  "Am I in trouble for helping that lady?"

"No," he said, giving him a hug.  "You're in trouble for skipping school.  Your grandparents are frantic."

"I told him to tell them I have my keys.  Mortran has a GPS on it."

"Good to know."  He smoothed down his hair.  "Are you calmer?"

Xander looked at him.  "Is wrong to defend myself when they try something if someone gets hurt?"

"You don't ask the easy ones."

Xander shrugged. "It's bound to happen, Horatio."

"Try to incapacitate.  You're good enough for that."

"I am, but they were making plans last night while the officers were watching me."  Horatio nodded.  "You heard?"

"I did.  I was called as a reference about your character and how you're growing up."  Xander grinned.  "Come on, I'll let you pick where I drive you through for lunch on the way home."

Xander nodded.  "That'll work.  I'll go do katas in the garden all afternoon so I stay calm."  Horatio gave him a look.  "They're going to try something.  I'm their goose."

"They might give up."

"He's been poor for a while, Horatio.  They're violent alcoholics.  There's no giving up on their dream of being rich.  They'll do something stupid first."

"Are you sure?"  Xander nodded.  "Then why leave the protected spot of the school?"

Xander grimaced.  He knew his other reasons.  "Because I'm not so sure they wouldn't hurt someone else.  Not that they'd care.  I doubt they'd pay money to have someone good do it for them, someone like my bodyguards who'd care that about innocents."

"You've been training with him?"

"Since they showed back up.  It's safer if something happens."  Horatio nodded, walking him off.  "I'm not sure why the judge kept it since his son and I used to be best friends."

"I remember."  He gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.  "Maybe he thinks he has your best interests at heart."

"He's getting a lot of pressure from his political buddies to hand me to my parents.  It's the gay thing," he said quietly.  "For how liberal we are, Florida's got tight ass syndrome about that."  Horatio frowned.  "It's a quote."

"I'm sure it was, Xander."  He got him into the hummer, walking around to get in and take him to lunch.  "Are you okay?"

"I'm so angry I'm cold.  I'm not numb, which is good but I'm cold.  Why didn't Sire have them killed or something?  It would've been easier."

"Perhaps," Horatio said.  "But good people don't think in those terms."

"Point," he agreed, calming himself again.  They drove though somewhere and Xander paid.  He even got Horatio lunch.  Then they went back to the house.  "Maybe you should teach Sire how to track me?" he teased.

"It might help," he agreed, smiling at him.  "Come on.  You could talk to them."

"They've got their own issues at the moment.  They don't need mine on top of it."  He slid out, walking inside.  "I was only in the park," he called.  "Now I'm going to the gardens."  He walked that way, taking off his shirt and finishing his lunch as he stretched, then he calmed himself and moved into the first kata.

Raphael walked into the garden room, finding Horatio watching him.  "Thank you for finding him."

"It's not a problem."  He looked at him.  "You do know that he's making emergency plans and that he's so angry he said he's cold?"  Raphael groaned.  "He thinks they're going to try something."

"I wouldn't be surprised.  We're on guard for it."

"So is he.  He asked me if it was wrong if he had to hurt someone to protect himself."

"Not in my eyes."  He shook Horatio's hand.  "Want to come back for dinner?  That's the calmest he's been in days."

"No, I've got a horrible case at the moment."  That got a nod.  "Thank you anyway."  He put on his sunglasses.  "Have him come find me if he's going to explode.  It'd be easier if he didn't have to help save a young woman again.  One might not come in time."

"He did what?" Patrick asked as he walked in.

"Earlier there was a young woman who was attacked in the park.  Xander heard and went to help her.  He's still groaning in the ER."  That just got a nod.  "It probably helped."

"I'm sure it did."  He came to look, sighing at his grandson.  "He's had to grow up so fast thanks to my illness."

"Sometimes children have to, but who said it was that reason?" Horatio asked gently.  Patrick smiled at him.  "Have him call me if he needs to talk."  He walked out, heading back to work.

The two vampires pulled chairs over to watch over their grandson.  They could see when he finally got it out of his system.  The motions became smoother and almost hypnotic instead of looking controlled.

***

Xander looked at the judge from his seat at the table.  "I was feeling angry and it was better if I wasn't in the school that day.  I went to meditate in the park after handing someone else my homework.  I also told my headmaster and I had ways of having people find me."

The judge looked at him. "You still skipped school, young man."

"The first time in four years," he reminded him.  "I even told my headmaster why.  This is putting me under an undo amount of stress that's making me have urges to do things I should not do.  I wanted far away from anyone who could set it off.  School stress plus this stress is too much stress for me."

"How is school?"

"Sucky, the same way it was when I was younger.  I'm a hands-on learner, not a lecture person.  They're arranging my schedule next month when we change over."

The judge nodded.  "That's good.  What about Sunnydale?"

"All they have is a public school and a high death and disappearance rate," Xander's lawyer told him.  "No decent schools and their school is so far under the state's standards I'm not sure how it wasn't taken over.  They have a twenty-eight percent graduation rate, Your Honor.  Xander's best interests are not served by being there."

"I like most of the teachers at Pace," Xander said quietly.  "I have friends there."

"You can make friends, son," the judge complained.

"No I don't," Xander said.  "It took me nearly three years to make friends at my first school.  Fortunately I knew some of the kids when I changed to Pace.  I still don't have *friends* there but I have people I can hang out with."   He leaned forward.  "I am a  bit solitary by nature."

"I checked, your teachers said you  liked to joke around and things."

"Pure reflex," Xander told him.  "The school psychologist's reports all said that I was a loner and using defense mechanisms.  I broke into her office to read them."

"Why?" the judge asked.

"Because she was hitting on me and I wanted to know if there was proof.  So instead I taped one and turned it in to the headmaster there."

"I remember that incident."  He looked at the parents.  Then at Xander. "I know your grandfather's ill."

"Sire would be here but he got called out of town suddenly last night to handle a situation with a more distant family member."

"You have other family?"

"From Grandfather's second marriage there's a nephew and niece.  The niece he doesn't like, said she's a heathen bitch with rabies when I'm not supposed to be listening, but the nephew's nice."  That got a small laugh from his lawyer.  "I'm told my cousin, or whatever, is an officer with the NYPD.  I haven't gotten to meet him yet.  They haven't told him we're related."

"Interesting.  Any idea why?"

"I think it had to do with his job."

"It could impact him with the department," the judge agreed.  He looked at the parents.  "I got notes from all the officers who sat with Xander," he announced.  "I was not happy.   You didn't offer him dinner?   You didn't want to talk to him?  You didn't want to see what he was doing in school?"

"He attacked me," the father said.

"I got that note as well.  It says you tried to take his schoolbooks and threatened to have him fixed?"  The father sneered.  He sighed.  "I don't find that an acceptable attitude if you want your son.  If you want him, you'd better want all of him, not just the nice parts.  I doubt you're going to see the nice parts for years."

"Your Honor, we have strong objections to two drunks taking the young boy to a town that has a forty-five percent death rate."  The judge blinked at that.  She handed over the information.  "That is definitely not a suitable place for the young man.  He would most certainly die when their attention went back to the alcohol."

He looked it over then nodded.  "Federal statistics."  He put them aside.  "I don't like that figure either."  He looked at the parents. "So I'm going to make a decision.  Unless you move closer this subject is shelved.  There's too much risk to the boy's life.  Now, if they move," he said when he saw Xander sigh in relief, "they can have it reopened, Xander."  Xander nodded at that.  "If they do move we would start making you have visitation with them."

"I can understand that but it won't change matters," Xander pointed out.  "They're still heavy drinkers with violent urges.  That's where I learned mine from."

"Fine.  Whatever as my son says."  Xander nodded at that.  He looked at the parents.  "I think that's more than reasonable.  If you want your son you have to move somewhere more accessible and better for him. Somewhere with good schools.  Somewhere it's easier to get visitation to you.  I would prefer Miami so social services can oversee the visitation but we can arrange it wherever.  I would also suggest that you find treatment for your addictions before you move."  He banged his gavel.  "That's my decision.  Xander, I would like you to talk to someone."

"I'm only like this when I'm threatened," he pointed out.  "If they come back I'll think about it."  He stood up.  "Thank you, Your Honor."  He walked out.

The judge looked at the parents.  "That's one strong boy, he always has been.  Every single judge in this and the surrounding counties has seen him at social events since he was six, helping his grandfather.  He's always been a very strong boy.   If you want him back, I would expect to make some changes in your lives.  He does have needs and a child's needs come first.  His schooling, his upbringing, and his moral education must come first and above your desires.  If you decide to reopen it, file with me."  He got up, heading back to his office.  They had given him a good reason to turn down the petition.  Not even the most forceful anti-gay zealot would want the boy to live somewhere with a forty-five percent death rate.  He filed it and typed out an email to someone so they'd know.  That way he covered his political career as well as the boy's hind end.  He was in trouble.  Even he knew something was coming.  He hoped his grandparents did.

***

Xander came out of school two weeks later, looking around the yard.  He saw a strange car waiting and looked at the guard.  "New kids?"

"No," he said, looking at the car.  "I have no idea, Benis.  Mortran said he's running late thanks to the engine breaking down on the street here.  You can hang out in sight."

Xander nodded, going to the swingset.  It was just off to the side of the school.  He was swinging when he felt someone come up behind him and felt himself be grabbed "SHIT!"  He bit them, then spat the blood, struggling.  He got in a good kick, making his grabber stumble.  He got away from him and headed for the school.  The guard was unconscious.  "HELP!" he screamed.  He pelted inside, going into the first classroom, math.  The teacher gave him an odd look, she had been getting up.  "The guard's down, someone tried to grab me."  She pointed at her closet and made a call while he hid.  Then she went to check.   Xander calmed his breathing so no one would find him.  He listened.  Someone was in the room with him.  He hid behind some boxes when they came closer.  One of the teachers opened the door.  "Mr. Greer," he said, coming out.  "Are they gone?"

"They are, Xander."  The judo coach pulled him out, looking him over. "You've got a nasty bruise there, kiddo."

"I'll be fine.  I was swinging when they grabbed me."  He showed his hands.  They were scraped from the chains.  "Is the guard okay?"

"He's still unconscious.  Come on."  He walked him outside.  Both teachers were down.  Xander started to move but he incapacitated him.  "You've been a good student but you need to go home, Xander.  Your parents were right, you need to be with them."  He waved the kidnapers over, letting them take him.  "Protect him.  He's a good kid.  He's a good student of mine too," he warned.

"Sure, teach.  You should disappear."  He nodded, going to finish packing his things and leave.  They got the kid into the back of the van and took off.

***

Horatio got the call.  "Horatio....  When?"  He snapped his fingers.  "I'll be there personally with a CSI.  Wait on me, Mortran."  He hung up.  "Frank, they just snatched the Benis heir from school."  He nodded, following him from the scene.  "Get me Speedle!" he called.  "I know he's on the other kidnaping but I need him. He's used to Xander.  He helped him last time.  The family will trust him."  He climbed into his hummer and headed there, letting Frank call.   He got there and found officers already taping the area.  "What happened?"

"Someone knocked out a math teacher and the guard," one officer reported, looking at him.  "The guard's started to wake up and he asked about Xander first thing, Lieutenant."  That got a nod.  "He was on the swings.  We've got the tapes rerunning.  We had to air out the school.  Someone set off a smoke grenade in the air conditioning system.  Math and the gym aren't connected at the moment due to some faulty pipes."  He handed over what he knew.  "The math teacher was starting to come around.  Xander was in her closet.  He came in running and screaming for help."

"So someone he knew," he said grimly.  "Which teachers aren't here?  Get someone to call them back."  The officer nodded, going to do that.   He went into the classroom that also had tape on the doorway, looking around.  Speedle walked in.  "He was in here when he was removed by someone."

"Okay, I'll start here and then hit the playset so we can get his DNA as a match.  You think it was the family?"

"I know it was the family," Horatio said grimly.  "I'm going to make sure they know not to let him out of the area.  They live out of state."  He went to make that call from the hummer and then came back, taking the materials he'd need to collect from the swingset.  It was clear which one he had been on.  There was blood on the chains from his hands.  Horatio tracked around, looking.  "Blood," he said, gathering it.  "Gravitational but spatter pattern.  Speed, he bit one!" he called.  Speed called the local  hospitals.  The officer whistled and waved him back so he went that way.  "Something new?"

"The Judo coach left his letter of resignation on the desk and the tape's ready for you to see, Lieutenant."

"Thank you, Officer... Wolfe."   He went to do that with Speedle, and Frank since he stomped in.  "He bit one, Frank."

"I already alerted the transit guys."  He looked.  "They look like pros, Horatio."

"That's because they are," he agreed grimly.  "Get me his guard.  He's somewhere stranded on the way from the house here."

"I had someone go get him," Wolfe said.  He watched the screen.  "That's the Judo coach.  The headmaster showed me his picture for reference."

"I want him found, Officer Wolfe."

"I'll have Dispatch put out a BOLO," he agreed, going to get the picture and do that.  Speed came out to send the picture from the back of the hummer for him.  "He'll be fine," he said quietly.  "I sat with him.  He's a strong kid."

"Yeah but his parents are drunks, there's no telling what they'll do," Speed complained.  "This makes two today."

Ryan nodded.  "It'll be okay.  We'll find them both."  He walked off to talk to the officer pulling up.  "Inside to the office if that's his bodyguard.  We know who took him."  Mortran got out and jogged inside.  "Where was he?"

"Someone had shot his engine about eight blocks from here.  He said he called the school to warn them."

"Good.  It can only help."  He looked at Speedle.  "Would the car that got shot help?"

"Yeah, it would," he agreed.  "The bodyguard's car?"  The officer in the car nodded.  "Where?"  The address was handed over.  "I'll be there if Horatio asks."  He headed to do that.  There wasn't anything more he could do here. He could help prove the conspiracy and track down *all* the members.  He would have to ask where the grandparents were later.  It was odd they hadn't run to the school.

***

Horatio and Speed went to the house that night, barely having the time to knock before Raphael opened the door.  "He's safe so far but they did get him out of the city."

"He's injured."

"He's a strong boy, Raphael."  He let them inside.  "He bit one of them.  We have the kidnapers."

"Thank God," he prayed.  "Did they send him back to Sunnydale?"

Horatio shook his head.  "They transferred him to someone else.  They were transporting him by car but they weren't sure what car."

"Okay," he agreed, leading them to the office.  "Thomas, help Horatio.  He's out of the city."

"Damn it," he muttered.  "Okay, what do you know, Horatio?"  He handed over the file.  He sat down to look at it, nodding.  "I have some contacts in the FBI who can help.  DEA also."  He looked at Speedle.  "Thank you for helping him the last time he got kidnaped."

"Not an issue.  He's a nice kid."

"We hope they can't hurt him," Horatio said.  He looked at him.  "I know you wondered, but they can't go out in the sunlight, Speed."

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh," he said, nodding a bit.  "At all?"

Raphael shook his head.  "Not since the Middle Ages."  He looked at Thomas, arms crossed.  "Patrick needs news."

"I'm working, Sire.  Give me a few more please."  He called someone.  "It's Thomas Kincaid."  He listened then smiled.  "Yeah, long time no hear.  No, I'm still working for Father Benis.  His grandson just got taken from school about two hours ago.  They've handed him to a transporter.  Local guys have the guys from here. What I have you have," he promised.  He hung up and went to fax it.  He ran into Patrick coming back.  "He's out of the city."

"I heard."  He walked into the office.  "Horatio, they will be paying?"

"Kidnaping with intent to transport across state lines, two counts of attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnaping and murder," Speed told him.  "Father Benis."

"Detective Speedle.  Thank you for helping us."  He looked at Thomas.  "Anything?"

"They're tracking the likely routes.  They think they're taking him north and then flying him out like he's a sick kid."  He looked at him.  "I called Jorge, Patrick.  Let us do our job while you try not to fret.  Remember, Xander can kick ass in many ways.  He knows what to do and Mortran has had some of his buddies helping train him since they showed up."  Patrick frowned at that.  "At the boy's insistence, Father.  To escape."

"Good.  I'll trust that then."  He looked at Horatio.  "I want to be at their arraignments.  When?"

"Tomorrow morning.  In front of Judge Pellis."

"I'm there," he said, heading to make arrangements.  He ran into Mortran.  "What have they been teaching him?"

"Escape, some strategy.   He's good at it, Father.  He'll be okay until he can get to a phone."

"I hope so.  Horatio's here."

"I've been eavesdropping.  I'm so sorry."

"They took you out, Mortran.  It's not your fault," he said gently, giving him a kiss on the cheek.  "It's not your fault.  They were more prepared and they had more than one man.  Most likely trained like you were."

Horatio came out of the office.  "Three former Marines who used to do extractions and a Navy SEAL planning," he admitted.  "I don't know where they got the money but they were paid up front."

Patrick frowned. "I'll find that out for you.  Give me a few hours, Horatio."  He nodded, heading off with Speedle.  "We'll call you when we find him," he called after him.

"Thank you."  He smiled and walked out, looking over at Speed.  "That's why."

"It's odd."

"Very but it works for them."

"Whatever.  They're clearly protecting the boy better than his natural parents are."  He looked at him.  "You two still talk?"

"Xander sends me letters all the time," he said with a smile.  "Ever since I found him after he had let his bodyguard get lost as a five-year-old boy.  Yelina slapped a few of them for letting Xander be hurt too."  He put back on his sunglasses.  "Let's get back to the lab.  Maybe they came up with something from the handover site or Eric or Frank got something on him."  That got a nod and Speed got into the hummer, letting Horatio drive them back.  It was a silent drive but Speed was a deep thinker.

"So, Xander's not turned, right?"

"No, he's not.  He's very doted on and they try to spoil him all they can.  Patrick's still ill."

"How?"

"From what Xander's told me, there's some sort of cancer that's still spreading.  It's making him weak.  Raphael is his sire and lover.  Xander's very adult about most things but he's still grossed out by kissing and things."  Speed laughed.  "We need to find where the money came from."

"We will, H.  One of us will.  They have deep intelligence ties?"

"They do.  Thomas used to be a senior FBI agent until he was outed.  A few others in the house have similar ties or ties back to special forces, like his bodyguard."

"Good.  Then hopefully they'll share so we can hurt them too.  Yelina said she wanted a good kick.  Frank had to make her leave before Stetler heard."

"He'll stay out of it.  A kidnaping this high profile and rules get bent," he said quietly.  He turned onto the Causeway.  "They'll have to redrug him soon.  It's been six hours."

"Hopefully the boy can escape then."  They got back to the lab and headed inside.  Now it was a waiting game, waiting for information to come in.  After they exhausted all the tests Horatio went to wait in his office for information, pulling out an old shoe box from his bottom desk drawer.  He sat in his chair, going over all the letters he had saved through the years he had known Xander.  All but one, which had gotten blood spilled on it.

***

Xander got out of the car, looking around the city.  "This is not Miami," he muttered.  The guy with him gave him a poke.  "Don't poke."

"Shut up," he sneered.  "You'll be picked up from here."  He walked him to a door but Xander tripped him and ran.  "Get back here, you little snot!"   He chased after him.

Xander ducked into an alley to hide, watching him go past.  He looked at the cuffs he had on, grimacing.  He didn't have anything to pick them with.  The guy had made sure after the last time he nearly got away.  He looked around then snuck back to the end of the alley.  He jogged across the street, heading for a more populous area.  He found a police station up the street and saw him lurking near there.  "Crap."  He slunk into the shadows.  Then he saw a woman getting out of a cab.  "Help me," he said, stopping her.  He held up his cuffs.  "I was kidnaped.  Please get a cop, lady?"

"How do I know you're not dangerous?"

Xander looked at her. "I'm eleven.  How dangerous can I be?"

"Point."  She walked him inside.  "Stand there, just in case."  She grabbed the phone and called someone.  "Hi, I'm up the street from the twelfth precinct.  I have a young boy who said he's eleven and has been kidnaped.  He's in cuffs.  He asked for an officer instead of an escort inside."

"He was waiting."  He looked outside, pointing.  "That's the guy who took me from Miami."  He took the phone.  "Ma'am, my name is Xander Benis.  I was taken from Miami, Florida.  You can call Lieutenant Horatio Caine in the crime lab down there to verify that.  I'll wait with her, the guy who took me is outside.  He was dropping me off up around the corner."  He hung up, looking at her.  "Got a bobby pin?"

"Not until the cops get here, just in case, son.  I don't want to get in trouble."

"I understand.  Thank you."  He sat down, watching the guy.  A cop came out of the precinct over there and he frowned.  "I've seen his picture."

"He's a good cop."  She went outside and flagged him down. "Don?  Can you come over here for a minute please?"  He nodded, smiling and walking over.  "Did someone get called about a kidnaped boy who found me?"

"Yeah, they said we should come out and see if someone flagged us down."  She pointed.  "Who's that?"

"The guy who had the kid according to him.  He's in my foyer in handcuffs."

"Okay."  He looked at the guy, noticing he realized he was being watched.  "Get him!" he ordered, pointing.  The officers waiting ran after him and got him within a few houses.  "Where is he?"

"Inside."  She led him that way, finding Xander watching out the window.  "Xander, this is Detective Flack."

"Hey, buddy."  He squatted down to look at the cuffs.  "Come on, I've got a way to open those at my desk.  It was smart to get someone since he was watching you."

Xander looked at him. "I'm eleven, Detective.  I've got a bodyguard who was Special Forces."  He laughed and smiled, helping him up.  "Thank you, ma'am.   Have a better night."  He walked off with the detective, spotting the guy.  He kicked him in the side, breaking something.  "Good," he sneered.  "You might wanna tell them who you were going to give me to."  He tipped his face up.  "Or else my grandparents are going to have you tortured and I'll get to cheerlead."

"You're not from up here, right?" Flack asked, walking him off before the kid hurt him again.

"No, I'm from Miami."

"Then why drop you off up here?"

"I don't know," Xander admitted.  "Can I go to the bathroom?"

"Sure.  Let's get the cuffs off first."  He walked him to the desk. "Got a universal key?"  One was found and handed over and he let the boy go.  "There you go, kid.  C'mon."  He walked him into the bathroom, letting him use a stall.  Don checked his hair while he waited.  He looked back, frowning when he didn't hear anything.  "Xander, you okay?"

"Yeah," he said, trying to calm himself down.  He flushed the toilet and came out, looking at him.  "I'm fine now."

Don looked at him.  "It's all right if you want to break down, Xander.  It's normal."

"I'm not sure if I want to cry or kill."

"That's normal too.  You in martial arts and stuff?"

"I've got two black belts and a brown belt," he said quietly.  "School clubs."

"It's good for you."  He gave him a hug.  "You're safe.  You can relax."  The boy nodded, letting it out.  "Shh, I've got you.  Come on, we'll get you cleaned up and go find his car and figure out why he was going to drop you up here."  Xander nodded, cleaning himself up and blowing his nose.  He followed him out.  "Good boy."

"Not a dog."

"Sorry."  He grinned.  "You're at that strange age."

"I've been here for years," he admitted. "I grew up in polite society.  Treat me like I'm a really smart teenager if you want."  Don laughed and nodded, making a few people look up.  "Yes, I'm fascinating," Xander said.  "And free.  Thank you."  He sat down in the chair Don pointed at.  "Wow, the ones in Miami are all glassed in and a lot brighter."  He looked at him.  "Did anyone call the lab?  I have a friend in the lab who watches out for me."

"We can do that.  You know the number?"

Xander nodded, dialing it for him.  "Horatio Caine please?  Xander Benis.  New York.  I'm with a detective."  Someone snatched the phone.  "And you would be?  Because Horatio's always watched over me, sir.  Just hand it over please.  I know he's worried and my grandparents would be waiting with him."  He was hung up on so he dialed it again, getting the receptionist again.  "Please?" he asked politely.  "Thank you.  I know it wasn't you."  He waited for a few seconds.  "Horatio?"  He smiled.  "I got away.  New York.  Here, the detective who got me."  He handed it over.

"Detective... Oh, Lieutenant Caine.  Don Flack, I work with Mac a lot and he mentioned you."  He ruffled the kid's hair.  "He looks okay so far.  He's a bit shaky, but he got away from him and found someone to call us for him.  Sure, I'm at my desk and I'll have Mac come do the processing stuff personally.  Good deal.  See you soon."  He hung up.  "You know some nice guys."

"He found me when I managed to wander off a few times as a little kid," Xander told him.  "I have *really* bad ADHD.  Got any caffeine?"

"Coffee."

"Can I bum fifty cents for a soda until my family gets here?"

"Sure, I can do that.  Cap, can he bum a soda from your fridge?" he called.

"Sure," he called back, bringing one out.  "You okay?"

"Now."  He smiled.  "Thank you.  I need it to keep my attention and it's been days."

"It's all right, I've seen others.  We expecting lab people?"

"Yeah, we need to find out where he was going to be dropped off.  He's not native," Don said.

"Around the corner, three blocks back that way," Xander said with a point.  "Just past the really gross smelling alley to the place with the stone stairs."

"You're good," Don praised.  Xander smiled.   Mac came storming in.  "Mac, this is Xander Benis."

"Horatio called," he said, looking at him.  "You're safe."

"I'd hope I didn't have to hurt anyone else.  They had to switch out kidnapers in North Carolina because I nearly killed the last one trying to get away."  He sipped his soda.  "Do you need to know where he was going to drop me?"

Mac looked at him then smiled.  "Horatio said you were very smart.  We'll go see."  Xander nodded, following him out, Don behind them.  Xander led them back.  He pointed from across the street.  "There?  You're sure?"

"I'm sure.  I tripped him.  His nose bled and I hid in the alley when he rushed past to find me."

Mac went to look, gathering the blood drops.  Don made a call and nodded at him.  "Warrant?" he asked.

"Yup."  He looked at Xander.  "You think you can play along?"

"Scared?"  Don nodded.  "I want all the assholes who did this to suffer.  If you need me to, I'm there."  He walked up beside Mac, who knocked on the door.  He clutched to Mac's arm, looking very scared as he glanced around. And the theater teacher said he couldn't act!

"You were waiting on this one?" Mac asked when a man opened the door.

"I was.  I heard he had problems with the last transporter."  He smiled at Xander.  "It's all right, it's going to be a fun game, Xander, and then your parents are going to take you back.  It'll be like it is at home."  He let them inside.  "It took two of you?"

"The boy's got self-defense training," Don said.

"Some good spankings will help with that, I'm sure," he said with a fond smile.  He tipped Xander's face up. "You'll look so pretty in your new pictures."  Xander got free of him.  "Ah, a bit of spirit."

"That's because no one down there molests me," Xander smarted off, backing away from him like he was still scared.

"Really?  Your parents were so sure."  He hummed.  "I don't usually deal with the pure but we'll be very gentle with you.  Come on.  I've got a nice bedroom for you."

"I don't think so," Don said, pulling out his badge.  The man gaped at him.  "Mac?"

"More than enough for me," he agreed.  The man tried to move but he slammed him into the wall.  "Don, cuffs?"  He handed them over.  "Xander?"

"I'm fine but we're not alone in the house."  He looked up.  "Yo, we're with the police, yell so we can find you!" he called.  He heard a yell and Don took off to find them.  He looked at the man, sneering.  "I will see you castrated and have fun serving them to you," he said coldly.  "My parents too."  He walked out, going to wait outside.  He nodded at the officers pulling up.  "Hi.  Detective Don is inside."

"Are you okay, kid?"

Mac walked out their suspect.  "He's part of the kidnaping plot.  Xander was a kidnaping victim.  We let him help us."  That got a nod and they took the man to their car.  "We need an ambulance.  Don found another kid."

"One's coming," an officer said.  "Want us to watch the kid?"

"I'm pretty sure Don and I can," he promised.  "Let me get more CSI here."  He called.  "Setlla, Mac.  I'm at..."  He looked at the house.  "Twenty-first.  Get here.  Yeah, by the twelfth.  We found where they were going to drop him and another child victim in the house."  He hung up.  He smiled at him.  "Stella will fuss over you."

"Why?"

"She's like that.  Some people are."

"Grandfather is."  He hopped up to sit on the railing, watching as the paramedics pulled in.  "They're here."

"Upstairs, third floor," Mac told them.  "Flack's with her."  They nodded.  He walked Xander off.  "Come on, we'll go back to Don's desk to wait on him and I'll process you to see if we can find the other guy."

"We were in North Carolina.  He opened the trunk to stick me with a needle.  I kicked his nose into his head.  He wobbled back screaming and clutching it, nearly stuck himself, so I got out and took off running.  He caught me.  I kicked his ass," Xander said, grinning at him.  "I've got two black belts and a brown belt."

"You sound like you used it well, Xander."  Xander nodded.  "Are you okay?  Need medical?"

"No, my wrists are sore but I'm fine.  I'll be okay.  I'm a tough little guy."

"Okay."  He led him back inside and to Don's desk, finding the Captain had dropped off another soda.  "Thanks, Captain."

"Welcome."  He looked at the boy.  "Caine's on his way up with your grandparents and personal guard.  They called."

"Okay."  He smiled.  "Thank you.  I'll be really nice and polite and all that stuff."

"Thank you."  He walked off, going back to his office.

Mac sat down behind Xander's desk.  "Let's get to work on your statement, Xander."  Xander nodded, pulling over a pen.  "We can type it.  I can type pretty fast."

Xander looked at him. "I'm eleven, Detective, not six."  He laughed.  "I met Horatio when I was five."  He opened the soda and took a sip.  He knew he was babbling.  "How far back do you want to go?"

"Let's start with your parents."

"Hellish custody battle.  Drunken stupid people versus my gay grandparents."

"I saw something about that in the news."  He opened a new report form and got to work on it.  "I'm guessing your grandparents won?"  Xander nodded.  "So what happened?"

"I was at school...."

***

Horatio walked into the lab and Xander smiled and waved from Mac's office.  "Xander," he said, giving him a hug.  "You had us worried sick."

"I'm okay.  Did you get the one I nearly killed?"

"The FBI did," Mac assured him.  "We told them and they were going to have a lot of fun with him."  Xander grinned.  "Horatio.  No grandparents?"

"One's ill and the other's got a light problem."  He called.  "Mac's lab isn't near as light as ours.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "They'll be here in a few minutes.  They're in the car."  He sat down, hugging Xander.  "Are you all right?"

"I'm okay.  I'm a bit sore and hungry but I'm okay.  They even got the person they were going to hand me over to.  My parents decided that my grandparents or someone was molesting me so they sold me to the guy to pay for my kidnaping.  That way they could fix me better."  Horatio let out a small growl.  "Mac got 'em."

"We did," Mac agreed.  "He showed us where they were going to drop him off and we asked, he let us use him to get inside the house.  The man did say he was going to be very gentle with him and we found another victim in the house.  He'll be gone for a very long time."

"Good.  Thank you.  Detective Flack too."

"It's not a problem, Horatio.  He even broke the ribs of the guy who had him up here when we had him in custody.  You're right, he's very smart.  He hid when the guy came to the police station to stop him.  He got someone else to call and told Dispatch who he was."  Horatio nodded and Mac stood up as two older men walked in with a bodyguard behind them.  "Gentlemen, Xander's fine."

"Grandfather," he said, switching over to hug him.  "Sit your silly butt down before you fall over."  His grandfather laughed and sat down, letting him have a hug once he sat down.  He hugged the others.  He looked at his bodyguard.  "Did they knock you out too?"

"Shot the car."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm just glad you're okay, Xander."

Xander gave him an extra hug.  "You couldn't have been there.  It's all right."  He went back to hugging his grandparents, making both CSI smile.  "What now, Mac?"

"Now, they'll be arraigned tonight.  Did you get the links down in Miami, Horatio?"

"With prejudice," Horatio agreed.  "His parents?" he asked Raphael.

"Don't ask.  You don't want to know, Horatio."

"I knew you should've had them eaten when you took me from them," Xander quipped. Raphael smiled and nodded, taking another hug.  "Can Mac and Don come to dinner with me?  Stella's nice but she plays with my hair and it makes me feel strange."

"Stella's the departmental mother," Mac offered.

Raphael smiled at him and nodded.  "We should bring her but we'll make sure she can't play with your hair.  How about that?"

"Okay.  Can we bring Danny too?  He tried really hard to relate to me but I don't like sports like he does."  Horatio laughed.  "I don't.  He played guy sports and I play softer sports like diving."  He looked at his grandfather.  "Please?  They deserve it for putting up with me when I was pacing and babbling.  I hadn't had caffeine for two days."

"We can do that," Patrick agreed, taking him back to hug.  "Arrange it please, Sire."  He nodded, walking off to do that. "Thank you, Detective."

"It's not a problem.  Xander got away and he's a very smart little boy.  He helped us a lot."  They smiled and nodded, Horatio taking the boy back to hug.  "He said you've known him half his life."

"A little over," Horatio agreed.  Xander grinned at him.  "He had this bad habit of wandering off."

"Some kids do," Don agreed as he walked in.  Patrick got up and hugged him.  "He's okay, really."

Patrick looked at him.  "It was good it was you, Flack."

"Do I know you?"

"I married one of your aunts years ago," he said quietly.

"Wow.  Small world."

"So that's the cousin you keep saying I would meet some day?" Xander asked.  Horatio laughed and nodded. "Wow."  He waved at Don.  "Hi.  Welcome to the family.  You can help me fuss over Grandfather's health too."

"Sure, we can do that."

"We're going to dinner."

"I can do that too," Don agreed, grinning at him.  "He's okay."

"Good.  We'll talk later, Don."  He patted him on the cheek, watching as Sire came back with the others.  "Are we set?"

"We are.  That very nice Italian place you liked so much.  That way Xander can have one of the neverending plates and finally get full."  Xander gave him a sheepish look.  "It's a stage all boys have to go through, Xander."

"Okay.  As long as it's not a problem."  He shook his head.  Xander stood up.  "Come on, Mac.  You need to hide before the paperwork morphs into an anime style monster and you have to slay it."  They all laughed, walking out with them behind him.  He had his grandfather's hand, smiling at the umbrellas that came out once they got to the door.  He ran over to open the door to the limo, letting them get in first.  He climbed in and the others got in as well at the bodyguard's urging.  They took off and Xander leaned over to hug Mac.  "You'll have things back to normal soon.  Stella won't have to play with my hair.  Danny will be unfreaked by mouthy kids.  It'll be fine."  Mac smiled and laughed, giving him a squeeze.

"Not like you were a problem, kiddo," Danny said, grinning at him.  "You behaved a lot better than some we've seen."

"I made sure he'd have good manners," Patrick said, smoothing down Xander's hair.  "You need a trim."

"When we get home," he complained.  "You always get it cut too short and I'll look like a dork in front of the new friends."

"Of course."  He smiled at him.

Xander looked at Horatio.  "The Judo coach?"

"In jail.  He wasn't granted bail," Horatio told him.

"The math teacher?  I hate the woman but not that much."

"She's fine.  Her and the guard both, Xander.  How are you hands?"  He held them up. "Good.  Do they hurt?"

"A bit but their ME is a lot like your Alexx and he came up to fuss over them."

Horatio smiled and nodded.  "It's good to have someone like that."  They stopped and got out, heading inside.  Raphael looked at the greeter, who nearly bowed himself off his hips as he led them back to a private room.   Xander took it all in stride.  It spoke of his upbringing.  He was polite to the servers, that spoke better of him.  Xander ended up on one of Horatio's sides with Mac on the other.  Don was on Xander's other side.  Xander was pelting him with questions.  The two vampires were against the back wall watching.  Mortran was beside them but away from the table.  Stella was on Don's other side next to Patrick and Danny was next to Raphael and Mac. Raphael ordered in Italian and a lot of food came from the kitchen.  Xander's eyes lit up and he dug in, eating like a preteen boy would.  It let his grandparents and bodyguard calm down.  He was fine if he was guzzling pasta and meatballs.

***

Patrick got up to get the door, letting the two men into his townhouse.  "Don.  Don." He looked outside then closed the door.  "No wife?"

"No, this should be us," Don Flack Senior admitted, looking at him.  "I remember you being about the same age."

"Sometimes things do happen," he said bluntly.  He waved a hand.  "Please, come sit."  He went back to his seat and throw that Xander had tucked around him.  "Xander worries."

"The sprout in bed?" Don asked.

"With Sire next to him to make sure he doesn't have nightmares.  He did the last time he was taken," he said quietly.  He looked at the older Flack.  "Yes, I am what you think."

"And you raise a boy?"

"Very well," Patrick promised.  "He knows.  He shrugged it off years ago.  He picks on Sire for growling at people."  That got a nod.

Don settled into his seat.  "He said you're sick?"

"The cancer I had before I was turned is still around and it does grow a bit each year," he admitted.  "We think I'll make it to around Xander's twentieth at the moment."

"That's got to be rough on him," Don Junior said.

"He knows," Patrick admitted.  "He asked why I was so pale most days."  He smiled.  "He's always been a very smart little boy.  Even if he can't stand school most of the time."  That got a grin from the older Flack.  "Sit, Don."   He sat.  "What did you want to talk about?"

"What happened to my sister?"

"She caught the flu and the local hospitals couldn't get her fever down," he said honestly.  He sighed, looking at his hands then at him.  "I loved her, Don.  Just as much as I did my first wife, my third wife, and Sire.  I was with her the whole time.  I helped by sponging her down and all that I could do.  I know you were about Xander's age when she died.  I'm sorry we lost her."

He stared at him then nodded.  "I'll accept that.  Now what?"

"Well, someone has to take over for me," he admitted.  "You are both family, though your daughter and I will never get along.  She does not like gay men."

"No, she's a bit loud about that," Don agreed.  He looked at his father then at the vampire.  "So we're family?"

"We are," he agreed, smiling at Raphael as he came down with Xander.  "He all right?"

"Couldn't stay asleep."  Xander curled up against his grandfather's side, sharing his lap throw and fell asleep there.  "Boys," he greeted.  "Yes, we're family.  That means you can come down for the holidays and visit for no reason.  All that good family stuff."  Don Junior grinned.  "Xander could use more good role models.  He's got Horatio and us, plus Mortran.  He could use more since he treats the other guards like silly uncles most of the time."

"Especially since the boy was freaked out by Stella huggin' and pettin' him," Don Junior told him.

"He's at the age where he shies away from women," Raphael admitted.  He sat down, putting his feet up.

"He's always had a problem with women.  A lot of the matrons have been trying to force him to like their daughters," Patrick told him. "It's one of the major reasons I let him cut back on the luncheon schedule during the summers."  He looked at Don.  "He's a good boy and he does well but he doesn't really like people all that much.  He likes animals."

"Maybe he'll be a vet," Don Senior offered.

"Perhaps on the side," Raphael admitted.  "He'll have his hands full sitting on the boards Patrick sits on.  He works with a lot of gay charities."

"I'm hoping he'll enjoy some of it," Patrick said, looking down at the little warm body.  "I know I don't always enjoy the meetings."  Don Junior grinned and nodded.  "You would be equally welcome to help him, Don.  We didn't tell you sooner because I know how the NYPD can be.  Even if it's not you being gay it can lead to strife and tension."

"It can but the old man gives me worse," Don said, nodding at his father, who cuffed him on the head.  "Gee, thanks, Dad."  Xander yawned and blinked at him.  "Go back to sleep, sprout.  We came ta talk to the old guys."  Xander grinned and snuggled in again, covering them both better.

"He's so much like Patrick some days," Raphael sighed.  "He can fuss over someone until they run screaming from him but doesn't let anyone fuss over him.  That's probably what bothered him about the lovely Stella."

Patrick sighed.  "If I could still woo a woman, I would definitely woo her."

Don Senior laughed.  "She was a lot like my sister.  Mouthy, a bit loud, caring, and will smack you around if you're being stupid."  His son snickered.  "Isn't she?"

"Yup."  He grinned at him.  "I would like to get to know you two better while we have time."

"We'd appreciate that too," Raphael admitted.  "We'll have to be up here for a while thanks to the trials.  Then you can come visit our beaches and sunshine."

"Bikinis," Xander added.  "School?"

"You can have it mailed to you," Patrick told him.  Xander grimaced.  "It's mostly project based, Xander."

"Thankfully.  Maybe I'll get to have some fun?" he asked, looking at him.

"Of course."  He smiled.  "Horatio will have to go back in two days but he used to live up here.  You could ask him if he wants to go with you tomorrow to look around the city."

"I could like that."  He yawned and put his head back down, waving at Don.  "If I don't fuss he'll never go to bed."  They smiled, watching as he fell back asleep.

"He's a great kid," Don Junior told him.  "He handles himself well.  Someone snarked at him and he smarted back at Aiden.  Politely but made her laugh at it.  Danny told her he was a smartass.  She proved it pretty well.  He was a good boy for me and Mac.  He sat there and watched people.  He offered to go kick someone who needed it."

"Now and then he does get violent urges," Raphael admitted. "They come from his parents."  He looked at Patrick.  "The state police out there arrested them this afternoon their time and they're staying in jail."  That got a smirk and a nod.  "I expect them to die in jail from wanting booze.  Someone already attacked him for daring to hurt his kid that way."

"Good," Patrick said firmly.  "We'll have years of pleasure watching that."  He looked down at Xander then at him. "School?"

"I like his present school.  It wasn't their fault.  The guard did try.  They seem to understand Xander very well and they don't coddle him like Holliwell does to their rich kids.  They'll make sure he doesn't turn into a society brat like some of them."

"Agreed."  He looked  at the two natives, smiling at them.  "He's a very special little boy."

"We'll let you guys talk and rest," Don Junior said.  "Call us up for lunch and stuff and we'll try ta come.  Okay?"  Patrick smiled and nodded.  "Good.  Think you can give me some blackmail on the old man?"

"Some," he admitted, grinning at the vivacious young man.  "Go play and find a good woman, Don."  He walked out beaming, his father behind him.  He looked at Raphael.  "It is strange how things work out."

"I'm glad he could get away.  Mortran?"  He leaned in.  "Continue his education with your friends.  Don't make him violent but I want him able to handle anything that could happen now or in the future.  It can take the place of his martial arts since the clubs were closed down for now."

"I can do that."  He walked off.  "I'll start tomorrow."

"He wanted to have some fun tomorrow," Patrick called after him.  He smiled at Raphael.  "Horatio might as well be family."

"He is."  He leaned over to kiss him.  "Come on, let's put him back to bed and then you."

"He can sleep with us."

"If you want," he agreed tolerantly.  He knew Patrick would fuss and have nightmares if he couldn't check on the boy.  He carried the boy up there, letting Patrick get himself up to the bedroom.  They did try to keep normal hours for appearance's sake.  Even if they did get to bed at three in the morning and got up at about noon.

***

Horatio walked into his office and smiled at Speedle.  "They're fine.  They're having to stay up there for a few more weeks.  Xander got on well with the lab up there.  Mac said a lot of very nice things about him."  Speed smiled and nodded.  "They met Xander's cousin Don, Detective Flack.  They've been hanging out and settling old family disputes.  He's the son of the brother of Patrick's second wife.  Patrick has a crush on Stella."

"She's one hell of a woman," Speed agreed.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine.  He's good.  He only let me go at first when the older two got there."  Speed grinned and nodded.  "How were things while I was gone?"

"Stetler and the Chief both want to talk to you."

"I'll get with them later."

"I can hear Stetler stomping this way."  He looked.  "He's still got his jacket on."  He got out of the way.

"What is your connection to that family?"

"I found Xander wandering around when he was five and a few other times.  I've let him call me when he was in trouble," Horatio said patiently.  "Yelina and I both have the same sort of connection to them.  She went to slap someone when she found the boy bruised."

"Nothing else?"

"I'm one of Xander's favorite mentors.  He writes me every few days," Horatio admitted.  That got a single nod.  "Speed, Yelina, and I were all helping him the last time he got kidnaped and gay bashed.  This time was worse."

"The parents?" Speed asked. "And the pedophile they sold him to?"

"They found enough evidence in his house that he made a deal for forty years," Horatio told him. "If he survives that long in prison.  The parents were both arrested by CHP.  They're in jail as well."  That got a smirk and Speed left them alone.  "Why the wonder, Rick?"

"You've never been married and you hang out with a well-known gay couple.  People are drawing conclusions."

"I'm divorced," Horatio told him.  Rick snorted.  "I know it's not common knowledge but I am divorced.  I'm the boy's mentor.  If they want to think that about me, that's their problem.  You know I don't play politics."

"Fine.  The Chief wanted a word."

"I was about to call him when you stomped in.  Speed only told me a minute ago."

"Good."  He walked off, going to make notes.  He would catch him taking bribes or something soon he was sure.

Horatio called his boss.  "Sir, you wanted to speak to me?  I am back.  He's fine.  They're going to have to stay up there for a few more weeks while pleas are accepted; those sort of things."  He listened to him.  It was a good reason to sit down.  "No, sir.  I found Xander wandering when he was five and he's looked up to me since then.  We talk all the time.  We write letters back and forth."  He smirked.  "I was not aware that he asked you to reward me after the last kidnaping."  No wonder he had gotten jumped up on the Lieutenant's scale.  He had wondered but now he knew.  Not that he minded.  It was a sweet gesture from the boy.  Him saying he wanted him to be happy made it a good reward.  "I think the boy looks at me like an uncle, sir.  Yes, I'm well aware of the full details of the case.  I'm also aware that no one hurts that young man at home.  Or else I would let Yelina handle it."  He laughed at his assertion that was a good incentive.  "They're not like that, sir.  No one out there is.  They do thorough background checks on their people.  They have a lot of links to people in the intelligence community.  No, sir, they're very close friends, not sources.  Thank you for your support, sir.  You have a good day too."  He hung up and shook his head.  "Politics," he muttered.  He got up and went to check on the others.

***

Horatio walked into his boss's office the next Monday.  "You wanted to talk to me, sir?"

"I did, Horatio.  Certain grateful individuals have given your lab a grant."  He tossed over the envelope.  He grinned, watching him read it.  "They're very grateful."

"We helped them find their grandson," he said, looking at him.  "Did you want me to turn it down?  We could use it."

"No, they'd be hurt and I'd never hear the end of it in social circles.  Patrick can rant worse than any pregnant woman now and then.  He also slaps like one."  Horatio nodded at that.  "Do you have any intention of leaving the lab for this office?"

"I'd rather die, sir.  I hate paperwork."

"Good."  He smirked at him.  "The boy also called me in person to suggest that the lab itself be praised for helping find him.  He's got very good reasoning skills for his age.  He talked me into giving you enough of a raise to hire someone."  Horatio gaped.  "As I said, he talked me into it.  Don't make me regret listening to such a young boy?"

"I won't, sir.  Thank you."  He stood up and shook his hand.  "I'll put out the notice today and tell you what I used the grant for."   He walked out, still stunned.  He found his phone and the number in it, calling Patrick's office.  "Can you connect me with Patrick?"  Gordon said 'no' and told him why.  He smiled.  "I didn't need it but ....  Okay, the lab could use it.  Thank Xander for me as well.  He talked the Chief into giving me a new CSI."  He laughed as he got into the hummer.  "Exactly.  Thank you, Gordon, and I'll write a very nice thank you letter when I get done spending it."  He hung up, heading to HR.  He walked in.  "The Chief has given me permission to hire a new level one CSI."  The secretary smiled and helped him fill out the form.  He went to deposit the check into the lab's account and headed back to the lab, going to announce it.  He walked in and found Rick hovering.  "Before you say anything, the worried grandparents gave us a grant for helping save their grandson."  He walked around him, going up to the lab.  He ran into Frank, Yelina, and Hagen.  "People!" he called.  People leaned or came out of their labs.  "The Chief has given me permission to hire a new level one CSI.  If you know someone who wants it the announcement goes out tonight."  They nodded.  "Also, I need a list of what needs fixed or updated.  We've just got given a small grant."  That got a lot more smiles and they went back to work.  He smiled at  Yelina.  "Xander talked the Chief into giving us a new CSI."

"That's one hell of a reward," she said.  "He's all right?"

"He's fine.  A bit scraped up,  a few nightmares.  About as bad as last time.  We talked about him having to hurt the one he got away from.  He's better now."

"Good.  When is he coming back?"

"A few weeks.  They're trying to push for deals up there."

"Less mess than a trial," Hagen agreed.  "Do I know this kid?"

"Xander Benis?" Yelina asked.

"Seen him in the paper, and that custody thing.  He got away?"

"Twice," Horatio said proudly.  "One was coming out of the intensive care unit when they arrested him. The other he managed to get away from and ran for help in New York."  Frank beamed at that.  "Now, why are you up here?"

"Cases," Yelina said grimly.  "They decided to prove you right while you were gone."

"It'll slow down again soon," he reminded her.  She smiled and they left again, leaving him to gather a goodie list.

***

The next school year was a lot more quiet.  Xander didn't have martial arts anymore so the school's coaches were all eyeing him.  The gymnastics coach found him first.  "Xander," he said, sitting across from him at lunch.

"Coach Bradley."  He put down his fork.  "What's wrong?  Am I doing something wrong in gym?  I know Coach Forette hates me."

"He doesn't, he thinks you're violent."  He grinned.  "I think your experience diving could be a great help on my gymnastics team."

"You know I'm off diving because I'm still growing?"

"I do and it'd help you.  The tumbling would help if you went back to it and it'd keep your arms and legs strong, plus give you an active outlet to play with.  I don't expect you to lead us to a Nationals competition, Xander, but it would help you and I've got a spot open."

Xander looked at him.  "I'll talk to Grandfather about it tonight."

The coach smiled and nodded.  "Thanks, Xander.  I think you could do a lot of good for the team.  Most of my boys are playing around. They've never known what it was like to win."

"It's this feeling of contentment," Xander said quietly.  "I had it right before my appendix burst."

The coach laughed.  "I know, kid.  Come see me when you've decided."  He got up, letting him go back to his lunch.

Xander went back to eating, thinking about it.  Gymnastics did look like playing on a playset most of the time.  Which was fun.  He'd get to do all sorts of flippy things and the tumbling would help him with his diving moves if he went back.  He finished his lunch and went to look up more of the specific events.  The library had stuff on girl's gymnastics but not men's so he went with what they had.  It couldn't be that much different.

***

Xander looked at his Grandsire that night at dinner.  "Coach Bradley came to see me at lunch."

"The gymnastics coach?" he asked, looking confused.  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"He wants me to join the team."  Raphael's fork paused mid-travel down to the plate.  "He thinks it could help me a lot if I decided to go back to diving and it'd help with the balance stuff.  Plus he said the guys on the team are slackers.  He thinks I'll give them a good incentive to win."

Raphael considered it.  "If that's what you want we'll let you try it, Xander.  You know that."  Xander grinned.  "Do you want to?"

"It looks like a lot of fun."

"You said the same thing about diving and walked in a great number of times complaining your coach was mean."

"True, but all coaches have to do that now and then."

"Very true," he agreed, smiling at him.  "Okay.  If you want to try it."  He patted him on the head.  "Clear the table before Cook worries you're getting sick."  Xander inhaled the rest of his dinner and all the rest of the food on the table, including his spare roll.  "Tell Mortran before you head up to do homework."

"Can I have a tv in my room?"

"After your thirteenth birthday, Xander.  We agreed on that."  He nodded, kissing him on the cheek before going to find his hiding bodyguard.  Xander had asked him something earlier that had embarrassed him.  Raphael went back to eating his remaining dinner.  "He'll look good," he decided.

***

Six weeks later, Xander hopped into the house.  "If I ever have to take a physics class on aerodynamics I'm going to ace it," he called.  He hopped into his grandfather's study, weathering the horrified look.  "If you're going too fast and you release you tend to have a trajectory."

Mortran walked in.  "You know how they have the really thick padding underneath the equipment and then a lesser pad a bit farther out?"  Patrick nodded.  "Xander landed three feet past that."  He patted Xander on the back.  "It's only a sprained knee and some bruises.  This time."  He walked off, going to giggle in the backyard.  Thomas gave him a 'go on, share it' look when he found him.  "Xander's been learning the high bar.  That's a seven foot high single bar.  They have release moves."  Thomas snickered.  Mortran held up a hand.  "No, no.  Xander flew off three times today.  He's going too fast when he releases.  He gets a really pretty trajectory.  The last time he went about five feet before he hit the bare floor and sprained his knee."  Thomas walked off laughing.

"Xander, perhaps you should give up on gymnastics," Patrick said gently.

"No, I'm going to conquer that stupid bar and win a damn medal in it," he said stubbornly.  "It's not going to beat me."

"Yes, dear, but it could *kill* you," Patrick complained. "Next time it could be your head."

Xander hopped off shaking his head.  "Cook, I'm going to go soak in a hot bath.  Can I have dinner upstairs?" he called, hopping into the kitchen.  "For obvious reasons, stairs suck."

She looked at him then nodded.  "I can do that.  Ankle?"

"Sprained knee."  He hopped off grinning. "I'm going to conquer that and I'll be at the States next year," he called as he walked past the study.  "But you can come eat dinner in my room with me if you want."

"I'll mark it on the calender," Patrick sighed, doing that.  Xander was stubborn, he'd do what he said.  "Mortran!"  He walked into the study.  "Don't they have safety straps and things?"

"His waist is too small for the guys' set and he's too heavy for the girls'.  They had a spotter but that was the third hit."  Patrick put his head down.  "He's doing okay.  It's only these release moves."  Patrick looked at him.  "You spin, you release the bar, do something, then catch it again."

"He's not in a circus act!" Patrick complained.

"It's a standard move, Father.  Maybe you should get a tape of an event.  I'll show you what he was trying to do.  He's good at the tumbling.  He's been working with the ladies on that."  He grinned.  "By the way, all the skimpy leotards in the world won't make your grandson look at their butts."  He walked off, leaving a happier grandfather.

***

Two weeks later Xander looked up from his bed in the ER, waving weakly at Raphael.  "Hi, Grandsire."

"Xander," he said calmly, walking in.  "What did you do?"

"I proved Xanders are not meant to fly."  His grandsire sighed, shaking his head.  "I nailed my whole routine.  I just was going too fast for my dismount.  If I had realized I would've added another flip.  Instead I kinda landed really hard because I was going too fast and had too much momentum.  But the good news is that I understand physics so much better now."

"Not funny, Xander."  He looked over as the doctor came in.  "I'm his Grandsire.  How broken is his leg?"

"We'll be putting in pins later tonight."

"Multiple?"

"Yes," the doctor said.  "I'm thinking five by the x-rays."  He held it up for him to see.  Raphael whimpered.  "At least it's only on one side, sir."  Raphael sat down, holding his head.  "We'll need permission to do the surgery."  He held out a hand and signed the paperwork.  "We'll be keeping him tonight and it's going to be a full leg cast.  He'll probably want comfortable shorts for the next few weeks, if not a month."  That got a nod.  "His shoulder's only a bit pulled.  He did a good job with that one."

"Next time, I'm rotating more," Xander told him.

The doctor looked at him.  "Most kids would give up, Mr. Benis."

Xander looked at him. "I will beat this thing and I will win a medal," he said bluntly.  "Can I have a soda before I go in?"

"No, you can have some water but only a little bit."  He went to tell the nurse and have it scheduled.

Xander looked at his Grandsire.  "Do not say it.  I'm going to beat this sucker even if I do give it up right after that."

"Diving?" he asked.

Xander shrugged. "I don't know.  I've still got a year of growing to do, Grandsire."

"Point."  He stood up, looking at him.  "You keep getting more and more injured.  Next time you could break your neck."

Xander kissed him on the cheek.  "I'll be fine.  I'm very stubborn, just like Grandfather," he said proudly.

"I've had to tie him down a few times for his own good," he warned, fighting not to smile.

"I'll be stuck in bed for the next month anyway," Xander said dryly.  "Can I have the tv early since I'm going to be *really* bored?"

"We'll see."  He went to call Patrick.  "Your stubbornness has passed down undiluted through two generations.  Are you proud?"  He listened to the whimper about it being multiplied, he would've given up. "They're talking five pins."  He pulled the phone away from his ear when Patrick screamed.  "He did say he understood physics so much better now."  He hung up on more screaming, going back to sit and wait with him.  They had obviously given Xander the good drugs since he didn't say anything about aching.  He did send up a silent prayer to weather this new sport.  Only God could be as stubborn as Xander.

***

Horatio looked up as someone walked into his office late that night.  "Patrick, is Xander all right?"

"He'd like a visit.  He has eight pins in his leg."

"Eight?" he asked, staring.  "Car crash?"

"Human crash.  He's doing gymnastics and didn't stick his landing."  He flopped down, looking at him.  "He's more stubborn than I am.  He's determined that he's going to beat this apparatus and win a medal."  Horatio smiled, shaking his head.  "I know, it's a very Xander thing to do.  He would like a visit soon however.  He'll be in bed for the next six weeks.  We've decided to let him have a tv in his room early and a laptop to do his homework on.  His tv is small but has a VCR player attached if you wanted to bring him a movie or something.  I'm trying to blot out the thought of the whining coming up from the itches.  His cast is ankle to hip."  Horatio winced.  "Five pins in his calf, one in his ankle, and then two in his knee.  My grandson is too stubborn and bordering on stupid."

"He's a passionate young man," Horatio reminded him.  Patrick nodded at that.  "Having those problems?" he teased.

"We think he's going to be gay.  He doesn't try to look at the girls in the skimpy leotards."

Horatio smiled.  "That'll be better.  You won't have to try to describe how a hetero couple have sex."

"True.  Not that I'm ready for that talk yet."  He stood up.  "Tell that nice Detective Salas as well.  He'd love to have visitors.  He's going to go insane with only his homework and daytime tv."

Horatio nodded. "I can do that.  Did you tell Don?"

"I did.  He choked all over Mac on a scene."  He grinned.  "How's the lab?"

"Doing well, Patrick.  Thank you for the grant last year."

"You deserved it."  He walked out, heading back to his car.

Horatio went to find the others.  They had a late night tonight thanks to a late afternoon case.  "Speed?"  He looked over with Ryan - the one Xander had gotten him to hire.  "Xander's doing gymnastics now."

"You told me that with his last letter," he reminded him, getting back to his test.

"He's out of surgery."  Speed moaned, putting things down.  "Eight pins in one leg."

"Eight?" Ryan whimpered.

"Knowing Xander he made a smart remark about understanding physics better now," Horatio said.  "He said he'd like phone calls or visits from his friends.  He'll be confined to bed for about six weeks.  He has an ankle to hip cast."

"That poor kid," Ryan said, shaking his head.

"He's stubborn.  He said he's going to beat this apparatus and win a medal, or so Patrick said," Horatio told them.

"That sounds like Xander," Speed agreed, shaking his head.  "I'll stop by on my next day off.  Tell Yelina yet?"

"Not yet.  You two were closer."  They smiled.  "Though Patrick did say he thinks Xander will end up being gay also.  Apparently he's not hitting on the ladies team."

Speed nodded.  "That's a good indication.  Let us do this and I'll find him something to do on his back."  Horatio walked off smiling.  "If I ever have kids that stubborn, have me get Xander to coach me in how to avoid these situations, okay?"

"Sure," Ryan agreed.  "It's a good idea."  Speed snickered.  "Eight pins?  He's got to be in pain."

"Had any?"

"Two in my arm when I was eight.  I was miserable."

"Fell out of a tree?"

"Pushed out of a tree."  He got back to work.  "My mother said I was so pitiful I lived on milkshakes."

"I'm sure he'll be thoroughly spoiled by the family."

***

Xander looked up, grinning when the cab stopped.  "Thanks, man."  He handed over the money and slowly got out with the guard's help.  He waved and hopped inside to the office.  "Medical excuse and pills.  Because I ache and I need my drugs now and then."  He hopped off, heading to hand in assignments.  "Watch out!" he snapped.  The kid who nearly ran him over whimpered.  "Thank you!  Trying to hop here."  He went to his home room, sitting down with a sigh of relief.  The teacher gave him an odd look.  "Eight pins."

"Ow," she muttered.  "Okay, take a breather and head to your first class.  You'll get to leave a few minutes early so you don't get run over, Xander."

"Thank you."  He got up and hopped off again, going to accounting.  He waited until all the students had run out then hopped in and flopped down, looking at the lack of seat in front of him.  The teacher gave him an odd look.  "It's easier if I can put my foot up.  Otherwise I swell from the hanging weight."  She got him an empty box.  "Thanks, teach."  He handed in his accumulated homework.  "Here you go."

"Thank you, Xander."  She sat down to grade it.  "You even remembered the state rate of tax this time, I'm impressed."  Xander beamed.  Someone coughed from the door.  "Yes?"

"Xander should still be in bed," Horatio said dryly.  "Xander."

"I need to be in school."

"Not with eight pins in your leg, Xander.  Come on, I'll drive you home."

"But...."

"You proved your point.  You're not helpless, come on."  He came over to grab his backpack, helping him up and steadying him until his crutches were in place.  Xander handed over the rest of his homework, getting a smile.  "Thank you."  He walked him out, smiling at the headmaster.  "He's stubborn."

"We know," he agreed, handing Horatio the pills.  "We'll send your guard your homework for the next few weeks, Xander.  Don't worry about it."  The boy pouted but let the redheaded cop walk him off.  He shook his head.  "That boy," he sighed.  He went to file an extension on the excuse and make note of who took him out of school.

Horatio walked Xander into the house with a small treat, helping him up to his room, where he tucked him in.  He kissed him on the head.  "I'm coming to visit this weekend.  Be a good boy."  Xander pouted but nodded.  "Look at it as an opportunity to make some plans, maybe draft a new routine, and work it out in your head before you go back."

"Yes, Horatio.  Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He smiled and walked out, heading back to work.  Raphael met him at the door, looking sleepy and confused.  "Xander went to school.  One of the guards called when he realized someone had snuck out."

Raphael walked off shaking his head.  "I knew he was stubborn," he said.  "Thank you, Horatio.  Did you spank him?"

"Got him some chocolate and told him I'd be back this weekend."  He left, going out to the hummer, sliding back into his sunglasses.  He drove back to the lab, smiling when he got out.  Speed and Yelina were outside arguing about something.  "Xander decided to go to school today."

"What?" Speed demanded.  "With eight pins that're only a week old and he hopped to school?"

"Um-huh," Horatio hummed.

Yelina sighed, shaking her head.  "That is one stubborn young man.  Nearly as bad as you, Horatio."  She walked inside, her fight with Speed forgotten for now.

Speed walked off shaking his head.  Eric Delko stopped him. "Xander Benis."

"I remember him.  He's a nice kid from what you guys have said.  He looked pretty good at State a few years back too."

"He's doing gymnastics at the moment."  Eric grinned at that. "Last week he broke his leg.  He has eight pins.  He hopped to school today."  Eric gaped.  "That's the sort of kid Xander is."  He walked off much happier.

"I thought Horatio was stubborn."  Speed snickered when he heard that but he kept going.

***

Xander finally limped back into his first practice, waving at the coach.  "I'm back!" he called as he limped into the dressing room.  He came out to find the coach looking confused.  "Was I kicked off?"

"No, but don't you need physical therapy for your leg?  If you land like that it's going to break again, kid."

"No it won't.  I asked the doctor.  He cleared me."  He handed that over.  "My knee aches like shit but oh well.  My appendix burst after my last dive and I still won gold."  He went to stretch with the girls.  "Ladies, can I have help stretching?  My knee aches."  They cooed and helped hold his foot straight.  "Thank you."  When he was done he stretched back, rolling into a handstand then to his feet.  "Better.  My knee doesn't ache as much."  He went to chalk his hands and get back onto his bane.

"No!  Do the pommels today, Benis!" the coach yelled.  "We don't need you to fly off again."

"I figured out what I did wrong."  He hopped up there, flipping around the bar a few times to build momentum.  He did a perfect release move and caught it again.  He grinned and did a backward one too, the one where you catch it between your legs.  Then he did a simple dismount.  He had to bend his knees for an extra second this time then he straightened up.  He winced.  "Knee's going to ache for a while, coach.  We'll have to figure that part out."  He went to work out on the pommel horse.  He managed not to get knocked down the by the girl tumbling off course, he caught her and flipped her onto her back instead, looking down at her.  "Don't knock me over," he pouted.  "Grandfather will make me leave and then you won't have me to help spot."  He helped her up.  "You're dizzy.  You're off line."

"I saw."  She gave him a hug.  "It's good to have you back, Xander."  She jogged back to her spot, following the tape line better this time.

Xander redusted his hands and took his bounce off the board onto the pommel horse.  He was still learning what he should be doing on this one.  It was awkward.  The coach came over to show him.  Getting a nod he did it himself.  He kept on that until it was time for the guys to practice tumbling.  He was as good as nearly any of the girls.

***

Xander looked up at his cheering section at his first meet, grinning and waving.  He got ready for his first event, the vault.  He adjusted his hand grip and rolled his shoulders, wincing a bit.  That stupid pull came back last week and he was still sore.  The guy in front of him cleared and he paused for scoring.  When it came up he took a deep breath and ran for the horse, bouncing off the board and planting his hands.  He flipped, he turned, he landed, only taking a miniscule hop.  He put his arms up and walked off.  Now his knee was aching.  He flopped down beside the coach, taking the insta-heat pack and snapping it open, planting it on his knee.  He got an odd look.  "Residual soreness."

"Stretch more.  That seems to help."  Xander nodded, pulling their alternate over to help him with that.  They did that until he got called to the floor exercise.  There he was like a bouncy spring.  His knee still hurt but it was fine.  He got a good mark there too and went back to wait his turn with the heat pack.  One of the guys was wincing and rubbing his wrist so he handed it over. "Here.  Sprained?"

"Just twisted wrong when I landed my back handspring," he admitted.  "Thanks, Xander."  He got a nod and Xander watched their competition go through the rest of their pommel exercises.  They got that one next while the other team got the vault.  Xander got to go first since he was highest scorer at the moment.  His wasn't that difficult but it stuck all the high points and he did it well.  He dismounted with a simple spin and off landing.  He held up his arms and walked off.  He got a good score so the other guys tried to follow.  The parallel bars were halfway between the pommel horse and the high bar and he did okay there, it only made his shoulder hurt more.  They didn't have to do the rings with this school since they couldn't for insurance reasons.  The last one was the high bar.  Xander looked at the coach, shaking his head.  He didn't want to go first.  The other guy looked at him.  "You sure?"

"Yeah.  I need time to work on my shoulders."  That got a nod and he psyched himself up to go.  Xander stretched his shoulders and worked his arms, then chalked his hands.  It was his turn so he took a running start at the spring board, leaping up at the bar.  He moved around the bar a few times to gain momentum then got to work on his routine, mentally chanting it to himself.  His second release move was a near non-catch.  His landing was stuck perfectly and he beamed, jogging back to sit down and grab the heat pack back.  His knee was really throbbing now.  The coach looked at him.  "I ache," he said quietly.  His score went up and he beamed.  "I thought they were going to count me down for that near not-catch."

"No, they didn't," the coach said.  They went to shake hands with the other team and get their awards.  Xander got first on floor and the high bar and second overall.  He held up his one for the bar with a smirk.  "Benis, practice, two days," the coach ordered, giving him a look.

Xander considered it then nodded.  "Okay.  As long as I quit aching."  That got a nod and they walked off.  Xander got hugged by his grandfather, who was sniffling. "I'm fine."

"You nearly didn't catch the bar.  You would've been badly hurt," he complained.  Horatio gently pulled the boy away from him.  "You did very well.  Now, we'll go tell him you quit."

"At the end of the season," Xander said from his Horatio-given hug.  He grinned at him.  "See, I did good."

"You did very good, Xander.  Much better than I could ever do."  Xander beamed and walked out with the others.  It was dark outside so they went back to dinner.  Xander pulled Horatio inside with him.  "Fine, I'll stay for dinner," he agreed, smiling back at the amused look.  "I can't disappoint him."

"Go shower, Xander, then we'll eat," Patrick ordered.  Xander nodded, heading up the stairs slowly.  "His knee is aching."

"Yup," Raphael admitted.  "You make a good cane, Horatio."

Horatio shook his head.  "Bad pun."

"Sorry, couldn't resist.  Cook, Xander invited Horatio back for dinner.  He's showering."  He went to place the new medals and pictures on Xander's shelf in the study.  They came back and found Xander in a ratty pair of jeans and a t-shirt.  "We do have company."

"Horatio's family, not company," Xander told him, sitting next to his guest.  "So, did I really look okay or are you just being nice?"

"You looked very good but I think your grandfather clawed Raphael's hand when you nearly missed the bar."

"I nearly crapped myself," Xander said dryly.  Patrick moaned.  "I did.  I learned my aerodynamics lessons very well."  He looked at him.  "The first week I was working on release moves I'd let go and I was going so fast I'd get a really nice trajectory."  Horatio winced.  "Sprained my knee that day too.  I managed to land all the way off the padding from the waist down."

"Ow.  That was one long trajectory," Horatio complained.  Xander nodded.  "The same leg?"  Patrick nodded.  "No wonder you ache."

"Oh, I do," Xander agreed.  He looked at his grandfather.  "My old coach called yesterday.  Told me I was going to break myself for diving."

"Are you going back?" Patrick asked.

Xander shrugged.  "I don't know.  I can't get much higher."

"You can dive in college and make it all the way to the olympics," Horatio told him.

Xander gave him an odd look.  "I'm not that great."

"You won tops in your age group in the state."

"Yeah but that was when I was eleven, Horatio.  There weren't that many of us.  All I had to do to win was be a bit more athletic than some of the younger kids.  The college people are really fierce."

"You could try," Patrick offered.  "It'd give you something else to do after school.  It'd also keep you away from that girl that's trying to nail you to a doorway as you put it."

"Yeah, it would," Xander agreed.  "I only have gymnastics practice twice a week after school.  I could spend that much time in the pool I guess."  Horatio smiled. "You seriously think I could make it to the college leagues?"

"I do."

"Huh."  He frowned and nodded, digging in when Cook brought food out.  "Love you, Cook.  I'm starved."

"You're welcome, Xander.  Patrick, eat something," she ordered, going back into the kitchen.

Xander snickered.  "She's nearly as good at nagging as Grandsire is," he teased.  "Stella asked about you in her last letter.  I told her you were okay and still pining over her beauty and brains."  Raphael snickered and nodded.  "I told her to come down with Uncle Don the next time."

"That's a nice gesture," Patrick agreed, smiling at him.  "I'm too ill to woo a woman, Xander."

"No you're not.  If that old guy who couldn't do anything got that super model, you can get Stella."  He ate another bite, liking how Horatio's giggle sounded.  He didn't often laugh out loud but that was a giggle.  He grinned at him.  "He did."

"He did."  He gave him a shoulder squeeze.  "It'll be okay, Xander."

"Well, maybe they could arrange a surrogate so I'd get a sibling to protect and teach."

Patrick spluttered, choking.  Cook rushed in to help him since Raphael was on the floor cackling.   Horatio just let out a quiet moan at that, smiling at Xander.  "That would be a bit more difficult to arrange, Xander," he said gently.

"I know but dreams are good to have.  Even unreasonable ones."  He ate another bite.  "Grandfather, you need to eat and not choke."

Patrick got up to give him a hug.  "You have a very strange mind, Grandson."  He walked off, going up to bed for the night.  Raphael brought him some blood and tucked him.  "He would be an excellent big brother."

"I know but some year he'll be a wonderful father instead."  He patted him and went back downstairs.  "It was the idea of colic, Xander.  Not of your idea."  He gave him a hug.  "A new baby in the house would give Patrick something more to live for than you and I."  He kissed him on the head.  "Having that wonderful woman be the mother would be outstanding."  He sat down, smiling at Horatio.  "He's fine.  He's pouting.  For some reason both Benis men have low self esteem."

"I don't see why, they have no reason to have it," Horatio said, smiling at the awed look Xander gave him.  "You don't.  Eat."  Xander nodded, inhaling his dinner and limping off to get seconds, which made Cook yell at him for limping.  "They would be adorable children."

Raphael nodded.  "They definitely would.  If we had been able to store some of his natural seed I wouldn't care to make the arrangements.  Instead we'll have to wait until Xander's a father."

"Xander hates girls," Xander called from the kitchen.   He came out with a full plate and smelling like liniment.   "Sorry, she put goop on my knee again."  He sat down, digging back in.  "It'll be a while before I make him a great-grandfather.  What about that cloning stuff?  Can we use a cell and split it like they did on the Discovery channel?"

Horatio looked at him.  "That's a very advanced area of study.  I thought you didn't like science."

"I don't, but it was on all day and I had to do something while I was stuck in bed."  He ate another bite.  "I need to get my arms and hands stronger."

"We'll figure out how to do that, Xander."  Raphael gave him a gentle smile.  "Good boy, now eat."

"I should say the same thing," Xander said, waving his fork.  "Now.  Please."  Raphael dug in, smiling at Horatio.  "Do you really think I looked okay?"

"I think you looked very good.  Especially on the floor exercise."  Xander beamed and wiggled as he finished up, running upstairs to get something.  "Raphael, I know you have arrangements for feeding and things."

"It's a nice offer, Horatio, but we only feed off family."

"You told me I was as near as."  He stared him down.  "Do you need it?"

"I could use it but Patrick needs it more."  Xander bounced back in with a photo album. "Is that your baby book?"  He nodded, sitting down next to Horatio to let him see the pictures.  It was adorable.

***

A few months later Xander came out of his pool center's changing area, looking at the man standing there with a gun pointed at him and his coach.  "What is your damage, dude?" he asked calmly, thinking hard.  "What do you want?"

"You."

"Me?  You're trying to kidnap me?"

"No!" he sneered.  "You took my son's spot!"

Xander looked at the coach, then at him.  "I don't care if he joins us here.  The coach can handle us both."  His bodyguard was off renewing his pass.  The center's security was wandering around somewhere.  He shifted away from his coach.  "I could use a training buddy really.  It'd give me someone to compare myself with besides tapes."

"Not here," he sneered.  "On the gymnastics team for the state!"

"I made the state team?"  He looked confused.  "Since when?  No one told me."

The man growled. "Don't play innocent with me, kid."  He cocked the gun.  "That's my son's spot."

"Will he really want it given to him like this?" the coach demanded.  "Any athlete would hate getting a spot this way."

"I didn't try out for the state team," Xander told him.  "I don't qualify, I had to miss a few matches due to a broken leg, dude.  Besides, ratings don't come out for another two weeks!"  The gun wavered.  "It wasn't me.  Really.  I never even considered trying out when I found out I wasn't eligible.  They can't pick me without me having tried out."

"I saw you."

"I doubt it.  I was in New York that weekend with my uncle, who's a cop.  You're going to be in deep shit.  Uncle Don's going to roast you over an open fire."

"Shut up."  He fired at him and the kid tried to duck.  He got him in the upper shoulder area.  He sneered.  "Let's see you flip with that," he said, kicking him into the pool.  He ran off.

The coach dove in after Xander, pulling him back to the side.  The guards ran in.  "There was a guy with a gun.  Get him some help!"  They ran to call an ambulance and to find the center's physician.  Mortran helped him out.  "The guy said that Xander had taken his kid's spot on the state gymnastics team."

"He was only eligible for the tumbling team."  He held pressure on the wound until the doctor ran in.  "It's a high gunshot wound, doc.  It's not bleeding too badly."

Xander poked the arms holding him down.  "I hurt," he said, sounding a bit hazy.  "Grandfather's going to freak."

"I'll call him when we know you're okay."

"If I can go home, we'll tell him when I get home so he can check me over himself," Xander ordered.  "They won't keep me for this."  The doctor gave him an odd look.  "Tough!"  He got him bandaged until the paramedics got there.  The hospital gave him something for the pain that let him drift on a happy mental cloud.  When he came down he was looking at Speed.  "Hi," he said weakly.  "Did you find out which one his son was so we could send him a sympathy card for having a dad like that?"

"Your coach knew who he was," he promised, stroking over his hair.  "You awake?"

"Yeah, just floaty headed."

"Good painkillers," Speed said with a grin.  "Come on, sit up."  Xander sat up.  "We have the tape.  We need a statement."

"He was psycho but I can do that."  Speed smiled, pulling out a tape recorder and a chair so they could go over it.  Xander looked at his shoulder.  "I'm going to scar, huh?"

"Yup," he agreed.  "They usually have a small pucker.  Not like the ones on your leg."

"Maybe I should give up sports for a while."  Speed shook his head.  "It's not me?"

"No, it's them.  They're jealous because you're so good."  Xander nodded, leaning on his knees to go over what happened.

***

Mortran opened the door, finding Thomas coming up the hall.  "Go find Sire, have him sit on Father Benis," he ordered quietly.

"Why?"

"Xander got shot," he mouthed.  Thomas opened his mouth.  "He's fine.  Have him sit on Father Benis."  He went to do that.  A quiet word to Raphael and he walked Xander into the room to find them cuddled together.

"Xander," Patrick said.  "What happened?  You smell like a hospital."

"A jealous father of another athlete," Mortran said.  "I was off renewing his pass."

"You haven't felt the urge to date, right?" Raphael asked.  Xander looked confused but shook his head.  "Good.  Are you all right?"

"It went through the upper part of his shoulder.  It's already been closed.  It's a clean wound, we've got some antibiotics and mild painkillers," he offered.  "The jealous father was yelling that Xander took his son's place on the state team."

"Which I'm not eligible for," Xander said.  "I pointed that out a few times.  He didn't want to listen."  He sat down, letting them cuddle him.  "I'm sorry they're drawn to me this year."

"It happens to the best of us, Xander."  Patrick kissed him on the head, looking at his sire.  "No wonder you wanted to cuddle when you've been in a bad mood all day."  He nodded.  "Good idea."  He looked at Mortran.  "Is he under arrest?"

"Speedle said they have him identified through Xander's gymnastics coach.  Apparently his son's been around the circuit for a few years now.  They're hunting him."

"I want to send his kid a sympathy card for having a dad like that," Xander said quietly.

"Let's not be mean."

"It's not his fault, Grandsire."

"You can send him a card saying you don't blame him for his father's actions.  It's more tasteful," Patrick decided.   He hugged Xander tighter.  "It's all right, Mortran.  That center has security and he got past them too."   He nodded, leaving them alone to comfort the boy.

"Do people want to shoot you when you date?" Xander asked a few minutes later.

"There's a family curse," Patrick told him.  Xander looked at him.  "After you find a true mate, you'll be tempted for four years.   Some will fete you, some will court you.  Some will want to steal you.  It's to prove that you have a strong relationship."

"I growled through most of the first three years," Sire agreed.  Xander grinned at him.  "We hope we're here to help you through that, Xander."

"Better be or else I'll drive Horatio nuts having people arrested."

"I'm sure you will," Patrick agreed, giving him a hug.  "We'll help you change the bandage later, dear.  For now you rest.  You've got to be tired."

"They gave me floaty headed drugs."  He snuggled in, getting comfortable with his grandfather holding him and his grandsire patting his back while playing guard dog.

***

A few weeks later, Xander had to give Raphael a sheepish look as he walked into the Headmaster's office.  "I don't know what I did wrong."

"Was he fighting?" he asked as he sat down.

"No, he was in Home Economics and managed to poison eighteen students and a teacher.  We're not sure how since the teacher was working with him.  He's never seen a stove in operation so she was using him as an example."  Raphael moaned.  "Do we know something?"

"His mother is poisonous in the kitchen," he said, looking at him. "We thought it was just her, not something genetic."

"I'm really sorry," Xander begged.  "Please don't let them sue me?  They're stingy on allowance."

"If we need to, we'll cover the ER bills," Raphael promised.  "Are they going to live?"

"Yes, it caused the usual vomiting and stomach cramps."  He looked at Xander then back at him.  "How poisonous was his mother?"

"She could look at food and ruin it."

"Is she dead?" Xander asked hopefully.  Raphael looked at him oddly.  "You used the past tense."

"She's in jail, Xander."  He looked at the headmaster again.  "She did poison the whole jail with instant potatoes."  He moaned at that.  "Are we removing him from there?"

"I'm going to go ahead and excuse him," he agreed.  That got a smile.  "That will give him an extra study hall."

"Can I take the computer stuff?" Xander asked.  "I know it's a next year class...."

The Headmaster nodded.  "Fine, Xander.  You can take the computer class this year."  Xander beamed.  "He's released early today so no one beats him for making their sibling sick."

"Thank you.  We're very sorry.  Have them route the ER bills to us."  He got up, walking Xander out to where the car was parked under the school's awning.  They got into the back and he sighed, looking at him.  "We didn't even think about that."

"Maybe I should offer some to Uncle Don and Horatio so they can feed it to the bad guys.  It'd make them confess faster."

"It's probably not ethical," Raphael decided after some thought.  They headed home, the tinted windows in the back protecting him.   He walked him into the house from the garage.  "Patrick, do you remember Xander's mother's ability to cook?" he called as they walked in.

He came out of his office.  "I heard about the instant potatoes incident."

Raphael gave Xander a pat on the back.  "The teacher was even working with him in Home Ec."  Patrick moaned, clutching the doorframe.  "All eighteen students and the teacher."  He gave him another pat and walked off.  "He's excused from Home Ec.  He'll get to take a computer class instead.  Tell him your idea, Xander."

"Can I give something I make to Uncle Don and Horatio to feed to the bad guys?"

"Even the worst of the bad people in the world don't deserve to be tortured, grandson.  Torture is wrong.  I had hoped I had gotten that point through to you by now."

"You did but it's not really torture.  It won't kill them."

"It could.  Go to your room and do something."  He went back to his office, taking something for his new headache.  Gordon peeked in when he paged him.  "Expect nineteen ER bills."

"Why?"

"Xander's in Home Ec.  He got all eighteen students and the teacher.  Who was working with him."

"He has his mother's talent?"  Patrick looked at him and nodded. "Well, maybe Horatio could use something."  He walked off to tell the ER nearest to the school to send them to him personally.

Three years later Xander had reached his full growth.  He was a man now.  He was sixteen.  He was bored as hell.  He slipped away from the black tie event, heading off into the night.  He waved at his bodyguard.  "Going for a drive," he called, sliding into his car.  His bodyguard could follow him.  As he usually did when he went for drives.  Xander found a club he liked more, parking and heading inside.  The tux he was wearing got an odd look.  "I got tired of the society event," he said, taking off the bowtie so it could go into his pocket.  Then he opened the top few buttons on his shirt.  "Better?"

"Much," the bouncer said, taking the fee to let him inside.  He nodded at the silent bodyguard.  "He paid for you too."

"Thanks."  Mortran walked in, watching Xander get down and funky on the floor with some pretty coed.  "For a gay boy he does seem to draw bad girls," he muttered.  Xander was making the all girls hot.  A few tried to drag him off but he shook his head, grinning at them.  He had learned how to be a gentleman from his grandparents.  Too bad one of the girls got insistent.  He timed it and Xander came back out looking a bit rumpled but she wobbled out and came for a drink.

She glared at him.  "He's straight," she sneered.

"I'm his bodyguard, ma'am.  He's also only sixteen," he said quietly.  She went pale. "Shoo," he said just as calmly.  She fled and he went to get Xander, nodding.  Xander pouted.  "Now," he ordered.   Xander waved 'bye' to his dance partners, letting him lead him out.  He shook his head at the bouncer.  "Can't go anywhere without the whore patrol," he told the bouncer, who laughed.  "One decided to bounce him into the backroom."  He got Xander to his car.  "If you need to go out that bad, we'll hit somewhere on South Beach or one of the higher class places.  Not somewhere you'll pick up every disease known to womankind."  Xander sighed and nodded.  "Where are you going?"

"Picture?"

"That'll work.  It's a good mixed club and it's got a decent floor upstairs."  Xander smiled and got into his car, heading that way.  "Why did I let him convince me to tell his grandparents he needed a car for his sixteenth?" Mortran walked over to his car to follow the young guy.  The bouncers at Picture were a bit more picky and tried to check his ID.  "It's this or he'll go get into trouble.  He's not going to drink.  I'll make sure of it.  All he wants is the music."

"Fine.  We've heard you're a good boy, Xander."  He let him inside the VIP entrance, watching as the bodyguard got him a water and walked him to the dance area.  He shook his head.  The kid was old enough to go out on his own.  Too overprotective of parents.  The kid would end up breaking out in bad fun.

***

Xander wobbled in that night, grinning at his grandfather.  "Hi."

"Where did you go?"

"Clubbing.  I was bored stupid," he said bluntly.  He winced as he moved.  "Sorry.  Had a small crash."

"Are you high?" he demanded.

"No," he said patiently.  "I cramped, thank you."  His grandfather glared at him.  He walked outside, dragging his bodyguard inside, cigarette and all.  "Tell him."

"The ER did drug and alcohol test him after he ran into the curb and the mailbox.  It turns out he's got some minor intestinal cramping from whatever he ate earlier.  He had a cramp and it was bad enough that he lost control of the car."  Patrick scowled.  "He's fine.  A bit sore where he hit the airbag."

"Need I remind you guys that I'm drug tested after each and every single meet?" Xander said dryly, leaning against the banister.  "Yes, I'm going to fix the car myself.  Out of my allowance.  Before you ask, no, I didn't eat my own cooking.  The shrimp at that stupid party got to me.  I ended up puking it back up in the ER.  They're the ones who figured it out.  I've already called the local Vo-Tech.  The car's waiting there.  The night teacher agreed to call me later today with an estimate so I can make payments and it'll stay there while I make payments, but I am not going to apologize for not wanting to be hounded by the heathen bitch patrol who wants in my panties!" he finished.  Patrick backed off.  "I know they're important to you.  I could care less about their petty lives, Grandfather.  It's like a soap.  I'm sorry I couldn't deal with it tonight but maybe I'm not built for polite society events."  He went up to his room, slamming the door.

"We went to a club.  He was dancing and having fun.  One girl enticed him to give handjobs in the bathroom.  I asked later.  Then I took him to a better club, Picture, and he got down on the floor.  He was feeling nasty so we came back early, which was when the cramps started apparently.  I noticed he wobbled a few times and then he crashed within about a block before I could get him pulled over to see what happened.  The ER heard he had been driving a Jag and had him tested for every drug and alcohol, Father.  You know Xander's a good boy."

"I still needed him there."

"He didn't need the people who're trying to force their daughters on him again," he said bluntly.  Patrick winced.  "Sorry but the truth.  Xander doesn't like people that much.  He never has.  He's not going to suddenly like people because he's sixteen.  He might like sex but he doesn't like being surrounded by people, especially not those hunters you were with earlier. As he put it, he's not a prize to be hunted down and mounted."  Patrick nodded.  "Let him cut back to charity events.  You don't need him at those."

"It's growing again," he said quietly.

"Then make Don go," he said.  "At least he likes people.  Xander's very wary of people and their motives for getting close to him."  He walked off, heading to his room.

Xander came back down the stairs in boxers, leaning on the banister railing.  "He's right.  Those hunters in there creep me out.  I'm not going to marry one of them.  I've made that pretty clear.  Most of the time I can't really stand the people in the circles you run.  I'm polite because I have to be.  It'd look really bad on you if I wasn't.  It's always the same discussion.  Nothing I do is interesting to them.  Nothing in their lives is interesting to me.  I could care less about Cara's heroin crop of the year.  Or about the Morgan's horses.  Or about how pretty Sophina was at her prom.  I'm not going to my prom.  What do I care?"

"It still has to be attended now and then, grandson."

"Hey, I suggested a sibling," he said dryly.  "You decided not to take it."  He gave him a look.  "I'll go to what I have to go to.  I'll be pulled out of my room to schmooze at polo.  I'll go to my charity events.  I'll go to the gay charity events.  I won't go to anything less than those or something that'll create a social snub.  I'm sorry, I hate people.  I hate sitting in the small classes of people I have because ten is too many.  Especially in a room as small as tonight's was."  He walked off again.

"You're right, it was too small," he admitted, following him.  "Didn't I say to wear clothes downstairs?"

"I was changing, Grandfather."

"Fine."  He followed him into his room.  "We'll work on what events you have to go to, Xander."

"Thank you.  Just try to keep me away from the Morgans and those people."

"Did you turn in Cara?"

"Yeah, I texted Horatio.  He sent back an 'I'll check into it'.  I left it there."  He looked over at him as he pulled on a pair of pajama pants.  Then he turned around.  "I'm sorry as hell I crashed the car.  Next time I won't eat shrimp."

"As long as it wasn't drugs or alcohol I'll pay for it," he promised.

"Why?  It's my car," Xander told him.

He pulled his head over so he could kiss him on the forehead.  "We'll talk about it after school tomorrow."  He walked out, finding Raphael in the doorway looking confused.  "Xander had some stomach cramps due to some bad shrimp tonight and had a small wreck," he said quietly.

"He okay?"

"He's fine.  The girls were hunting him again."

"He's a good looking boy."

"I'm never going to date!" Xander called from his room.  "People suck and I don't like them enough to sleep next to the same one for more than ten minutes!"  He slammed his door.

"Ah, one of those nights."

"They're getting more frequent," Patrick said quietly.  Raphael looked at him.  "I will need someone to take over for me, Sire."

"True."  He gave him a hug.  "We'll have his car fixed."

"I told him I'd pay for it and he said it was his car."  He smiled at him.  "Do you think we should consult someone?"

"I don't know what normal teenager behavior is."  They walked back inside together, closing the door and heading to talk to someone who would.  Mortran answered his door in a bathrobe.  "Cute look," Raphael said.  They walked inside.  "This hatred of people...."

"He's had it since before you got him," he said quietly, sitting on the foot of his bed.  "Xander's never liked to be surrounded by people.  Tonight's event was claustrophobic even to me.  Watching over him means that you see him hating to be cooped in.  Not that he wants to be outside, but he wants to be in a bigger space and not crowded.  Also, those girls are going to make sure he never touches another one and maybe start to hurt them if they don't leave him alone.  They're making him pull out his hair."

"They want him because he's cute," Raphael said.

"No, they want him because they're gold digging brats and they have mothers who have an agenda.   Xander may be bi but he's not going to date any of them.  They're princesses and he's not like that.   He's never been a prince of the realm.  They can only deal with minor things and Xander thinks and does and does more than drugs.  They don't understand more than he's cute.  Their mothers understand that some day Xander's going to take over for the Father.  That gives him a hell of a lot of money but he wants a lot of deeper things."

"He said he hates people enough to never have sex."

"He can't stand being cooped in by people.  He likes to cuddle when it's his idea.  His ideal mate is going to have a long haul up a very steep hill.  They're going to have to understand him, they're going to have to like him, they're going to have to appreciate him.  He knows that none of them will ever do it and those are his dating pool.  You guys told him no meaningless sex."

"Would him getting out of the city for the rest of the summer help?" Patrick asked.  "I can send him up to Don.  He can live in the townhouse."

Mortran considered it.  "As long as he didn't have to do more playing socialite."

"There's one event I was planning on flying us up for," Patrick admitted.  "He can do that one in my stead.  It would also give him the opportunity to do some shopping and find a style we all appreciate."

"You're going to fund that?" Mortran asked.

"I can," he decided.  "At a reasonable level, not at a debutante level."

"If he has to spend ten grand on a single piece of clothes I'd stop him unless it was made of spun gold," Mortran assured him.  That got some smiles.  "He might appreciate it.  The last of his makeup days for the jocks is tomorrow.  He stayed extra hours," he said at the confused look.

"Take him and go," Raphael agreed.

"I can do that.  You might want to call and warn Don."

"We will," they promised, heading to send him an email in warning. Patrick also wrote the group holding the opening for the new 'gay' high school and told them he couldn't attend but his grandson would be attending in his place, and gave them his address for the invitation.  He finished up and went to glance in at the boy, finding him sprawled out in just his boxers.

***

Xander looked around the city his first day free.  Mortran had a family emergency.  He was free!  He nearly danced up the street.  He decided to pop in on his 'family' up here, going to see his uncle.  He was even nice enough to bring him a snack.  He smiled at the sign-in desk. "Is Detective Flack in please?"

"At his desk, kid.  He order lunch?"

"I'm his nephew.  I'm up for a visit so I'm saying hi quickly."  That got a nod and he went that way, finding Don nearly face down on the desk, looking like he had a headache.  He put the food and coffee in front of him, moving to work on his neck. "Want to hit dinner, Uncle Don?"

Don smiled and looked back at him.  "I could stand dinner sometime soon.  I thought you were coming up in a week or so."  He looked around then pulled him around.  "Bodyguard?"

"His brother's wife just walked off in a huff taking their six-month-old daughter but leaving the other three kids."  He sat down in his interview chair.  "I promise I'm a good boy in Miami and I can keep doing it up here."  He smiled and stood up when Stella walked in.  "Stella."

"Do... Xander!"  She beamed and hugged him.  "Not a problem, right?  We've had a bad week."

"No, I'm up to escape the hunting bitches of Miami's society," he said honestly.  "Before I plug them all."

She smiled.  "You're nicer than that."

"No I'm not.  They see dollar signs and they see cute or they see someone they think they can taint.  Their mothers see discrediting Grandfather.  I'm going to plug every single last one of them.  Either that or would the stuff you use on the tub seal body orifices so they can't use them?"

"Probably not for long."

"Pity."  He sat down.  "I brought Uncle Don some cruelers.  You can have one if you want."

"Sure, I'm always up for sweets."  She plucked one out, smiling at him.  "You're going to behave, right?"

"Of course.  I don't drink, I had bad examples, and I don't do drugs.  I'm not the wild one in the family, that's Raphael."  Don laughed.  "I might club now and then but not really."  Someone walked in and he waved and smiled.  "Hi, Danny."

"Xander."  He came over to give him a pat.  "Visiting or problems?"

"Visiting until late August."  He looked at Stella.  "I was ordered to find a sense of personal style that wouldn't upset anyone in Miami."

She smirked.  "I'll see when my next day off is, Xander."  She ruffled his hair and walked off.  "Don, suspect was found.  When you're done."

"Go," Xander said, grinning at him.  "I'll pop around to say hi to Mac and then head to window shop."

"Let me call first.  He was growling at Sheldon," Danny said, dialing Don's phone.  "There's someone who wants to say hi.  You too busy for him to pop around?"  He grinned.  "Sure."  He hung up.  "He said go ahead but it has ta take less than thirty minutes."

"I can do that."  He got up and skipped that way, signing in over there.  "Just saying hi.  He's expecting me."

"He said someone was coming to brighten his day."  She gave him a visitor's pass. "His office doesn't move."

Xander went that way, going to lean around the door.  "Hi, Mac."  Mac smiled at him. "I give killer shoulder rubs if you think it'd help."  He walked in, coming around to give him a hug and do that, earning a small moan. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Xander.  Thank you.  Who's up with you?"

"Me."  He beamed and quit working on his shoulders since he was patting his hands.  "I was told to find a personal sense of style and I'm avoiding the hunters with an agenda and usually drugs in Miami before I plug them one way or another.  Do you think the stuff they use on the tubs would seal body orifices?  Stella said not permanently.  Rubber cement?"

"That's mean, Xander.  Your grandfather taught you torture was wrong."

"That wouldn't be torture.  They could still pee."  Mac laughed.  "They could.  I'd be nice about it.  I just don't want them near me.  They're disgusting."  He gave him a smile.  "Wanna talk it out?  I'm a good sounding board.  Yelina did the last time I saw her and she had a bad case."

"It's fine, Xander.  Do you remember Aiden?"  He nodded.  "She was found dead earlier this week."

"I'm sorry.  When's the funeral?"

"Yesterday."

"Then I'll go pay my respects."  He gave him another hug.  "I'm sorry you lost her, Mac."  He pulled back.  "Remember, I'm good at hugs.  Gymnastics and diving do great things for my arms."

"They do."  He gave him a gentle smile.  "That's Lindsay.  She replaced Aiden when she left a few years back.  Aiden, this is Xander Benis.  We helped save him from a kidnaping a few years ago."

Xander waved, grinning some. "Hi."  He looked at him.  "Wanna come to dinner some night soon?  I won't cook and poison you."

"I can probably do that," he agreed, smiling at him.  "I heard about your cooking, Horatio warned me when you sent him those cookies."

"I figured he could figure out what I was doing wrong and the asshole was trying to crawl into his suit with him," he said dryly.  "That's why I sent Horatio the professional cookies too."  Mac laughed.  "I'm going to go browse, see if I can find something I like to wear that won't make Grandfather shudder in horror.  He hates my t-shirts."  He waved.  "Laters."  He smiled at Lindsay.  "Nice to meet you too.  Have a better week."  He walked out, frowning at someone.  "I haven't seen you since you bandaged my hands."

The guy looked at him.  "You look familiar."

"Xander Benis.  Kidnaping about five years ago?"

"OH!"  He smiled and hugged him.  "New problem?"

"Saying hi.   I'm up on a vacation."

"Good.  I'll see you around then, Xander.  I've got to get back to work."

"Of course, I don't want to keep you."  He grinned and walked off, heading out to hand back his pass then go shopping.   They had decided he'd have two thousand a week and he could call for more if he found something he absolutely had to have.  He strolled around, looking in the nearby shops.  Everything was so...boring!  He walked on, taking a bus to the Village.  They had to have hipper clothes.  They were an area for hip-ness.  He found a few stores that had things he liked to look at but when he tried them on he looked crappy.  He handed them back and walked on, frowning as he found a store.  "Vampires," he said dryly.  "Interesting."  He knew about the goth movement.  Raphael liked to giggle about it.  He walked inside to browse.

"Dear, you're a bit nice for us."

Xander looked at her. "I doubt it since I live with two vamps."  He smiled at the shocked look.  "Thanks though, just browsing.  I was ordered to find a non-offensive personal sense of style."  He went back to looking.  He gave the leather pants a puppy eyed look.  "Grandfather would have kittens."  He wobbled but she handed them over, giving him a nudge toward the dressing room.  He went in there to try them on, coming out in them.  "Do I look like a dork?"

"No," she aid, blinking at his ass.  "Let me get you something else."  She went to find something in the back, bringing it out.  "Try those on.  They're more expensive but they'll look better."  Xander came out in them and she nearly melted.  "They're three hundred," she said weakly.

"The others?"

"A hundred."

He smiled and paid with his debit card, letting her bundle his old pants and the other set into a bag.  "No pockets."  She got him something and handed it over.  He looked a the small leather pouch.  "Okay."  He hung it around his waist, off to the side, and stuffed thing into it.  Then he grinned.  "How much more?"

"Nothing.  I'm having plenty of fees from watching your butt in those.  Too bad you're wearing boxers."

"I have to try on other things."

"Come back when you're not on a shopping mission, Xander."  He grinned and nodded, heading out.  She leaned on the counter, moaning a bit.  "Ooh, Goddess.  Thank you for that vision of the future."

Xander kept going.  He found a nice place to get a haircut.  They were showing some hipper fashions.  He walked in and sat down, politely waiting.  He got an odd look.  "I was taught manners."

"What'cha need, fishie?" he asked, his accent pretty heavily Queens.

"A new do to make me pretty."  The guy blinked.  "I'm from Miami.  I'm sixteen.  I'm all alone in the city," he said happily.  "I'm shopping."

"I can get you in a few."  He went back to his current client.  The guy paid him and Xander got up, walking over.  "Slow it down when you walk.  We all hurry; it'll set you apart."   Xander slowed down.  "Better.  Need to be commando."

"I found them twenty minutes ago and I'm supposed to be finding non-offensive clothing."  He sat down in the chair.  "I dive and I do gymnastics.  I need something that's easy to care for but that looks kinda hip."

"You a club boy?"

"Now and then I manage to slip the bodyguard and go out."

The guy looked at him.  "Your daddy a CEO?"

"No, my daddy's a drunk and in prison for trying to kidnap me."  He grinned.  "My grandfather's big in gay rights."

He ran a hand through his hair.  "You want to be pettable?"

"I'm not sure.  I'd rather be pettable only when I offer instead of everyone and their mother doing it.  Matrons are horrible about that."

"Okay."  He ran his hands through it again.  It was thick and heavy hair.  He had some good length.  He picked up his comb/scissors and got to work on the back.  "I'll give you something that's more polite down but you can spike it up when you want or wear it as messy bed hair."

"That'll work," Xander said, slumping some so he wouldn't have to wiggle.  "Sorry, wedgie."

"That's why you don't wear boxers under those.  A thong maybe."

"Grandfather would definitely have kittens but I guess that means I'd get lap cuddling siblings."  The hairdresser laughed and got back to work.  At the end Xander looked.  He had left it at the messy bedhair look.  "I like that.  Use any sort of gel?"

"If you want soft spikes, you use anything.  You want harder spikes you use a super hold.  You want this look you use mouse."  Xander grinned and paid him, including a tip.  Then he grabbed his bag and headed out.  "Wow, haircuts are more expensive than they are here.  Not that I'll complain."   He pocketed the thirty dollar tip and cleaned up all the excess hair.

Xander found another shop that had some richer, softer looking shirts, going in to look.  He found a few he liked and bought them, then headed back to the house.  He did stop somewhere that sold underwear.  A thong would make the boxers quit riding up his butt.  He got home and sighed, closing the door behind him.  "I'm back," he told himself, heading upstairs.  He sent Don an email with his temporary cellphone number and changed into the thong and one of the brown shirts.  It was a shiny-ish dark chocolate brown silk shirt, but it was a bit loose on his skinny frame.  The pants came back on and so did the pouch.  He looked at his shoe choice.  "No sneakers."  He found his shoes in his bag and looked.  He decided on his dress boots.  He hated dress loafers so his grandsire had suggested those.  They also helped when his ankles hurt from too much standing.  He slid into them, sitting down to do them up.  "Hey, no wedgie."  He bopped back down the stairs.  A quick trip to the deli up the street and he was ready to go have some fun.  He found a few loud clubs but nothing he wanted.  He walked up to one bouncer.  "Is there a good mixed club around here?  I don't want to wander too far tonight."

He considered it then nodded.  "Mixed as in gay and bi?"  Xander nodded.  "Penguin.  Up the street.  To the left.  Or the Pony down in the park."

"Thank you."  He grinned and headed off, going to check that club out.  It was loud.  It was playing a lot of techno music.  The bouncer let him in without checking his ID as long as he had the cover in his hand.  He slid into the crowd, feeling the music pounding though him.  He slid into the middle of the floor and got down to it, smiling at his dance partner when someone joined him.  He lasted a few songs and then someone else came over. It was good.  He was getting appreciated for being skinny, geeky, but muscled and cute.  The new haircut was definitely a good purchase.  One of the guys nodded at the back and Xander winked but shook his head.  He muttered about virgins and Xander nodded, smirking now.  That got a nod and he bowed out.  Someone else came to get Xander, leading him back to the bar.  "Hi, can I have something fruity and virgin.  No alcohol."  The bartender gave him an odd look.  "I'd get my ass killed.  Besides, liquor tastes nasty."  He paid for it and grinned at the guy who had pulled him out.  "Hi, Xander."

"I'm Paul."  He shook his hand.  "Do I know you?"

"You could've seen me somewhere.  Now and then I make it into the papers for my school's gymnastics team or my diving."

"College boy?"

Xander grinned.  "No comment."  That got a splutter.  "I'm on my first solo vacation."

"Should you be in here?"

"I'm not drinking."  He sipped his fruity drink, smiling at the bartender, getting a grin back.  "Thank you."  He strolled off.  "Coming again?"

"Probably a few times," he admitted, following him back onto the floor.  The cups here had lids and straws so the kid's drink was safe.  "Kid, you chosen a side?"

"I'm bi," he called.  "But I'm tired of stupid women who only want me for being cute and having relatives."

That got a nod.  "Then why aren't you up with the pretty people?"

"I wanted to stay closer to home tonight."  He turned, dancing back against him. "Besides, first day in town.  Wouldn't know where to go."

"C'mon, I'll show you."  He walked the kid out, taking him to the cab and up to the club.  Xander finished his drink by the time they got there.  He walked him out, undoing another button on his shirt.  "Better."  He walked him up to the door.   "Tell him who you are, Xander."

"Hi, Xander Benis from Miami.  Grandson of Patrick Benis."  The man gulped and let him in.  "Cover?"  The guard shook his head. "Thanks, man.  Come on."  He drug his friend inside, going to the bar.  "Got anything cold, virgin, and fruity?" he asked.  The bartender nodded, fixing him one.  He paid the ten for the drink and got his friend one like his then went to wander around.  He found someone he knew and paused in front of her table.  "Marry."

"Xander!"  She stood up.  Her look of shock was very pretty but he was unsure if it was a bad or a good thing.  "What are you doing in New York?"

"I'm on vacation.  Mortran had to go help his family.  Grandfather was thinking I was little.  Again.  The women down there were using me for target practice."  She whimpered so he sipped his drink.  "Before you start to nark, no alcohol.  You know how I am.  Can you help me shop sometime this summer if you're up here for a while?  Grandfather said my t-shirts were disgusting again."

"Sure," she said, sitting down.  "Guys, this is the grandson of Patrick Benis.  He sits on the boards of a lot of gay charities.  Your friend?"

"Oh, um...."

"Paul.  I just met him at a club far uptown.  He said relatives like it was a bad thing in relation to hunting women so I thought he should probably be up here."

"He's one of us.  He's actually one of the darlings of Miami society," she said happily.  "Come squeeze in, Xander.  You can too, Paul."  Xander wiggled next to her.  "How long are you up for?"

"Before school.  Uncle Don's up here so he's watching over my shoulder."

"You have another relative?"

"Yeah, Grandfather's second wife had a little brother and he's got two kids.  We don't like the daughter but both Flack men are really nice.  I'm taking Uncle Don to dinner sometime soon."  He finished his drink and relaxed.  "Is it always this quiet?  I expected a lot more life in New York."

"It's early, Xander."  She gave him a pat.  "Staying with your uncle?"

"Grandfather's townhouse."  That got a grin.  "I can cab back later."  Someone came in and the press went wild.  "Eww.  I don't want that."

"I know, dear."  She looked at her curious friends.  "Xander's grandfather got custody of him at five?"  Xander nodded.  "We've seen him around the right circles in Miami since he was eight or so.  He's grown up with us."

"Which is why I'm avoiding the hunting matrons and their daughter," Xander agreed dryly.  That got some giggles.  He shrugged.  "It's just not my thing.  I like deeper women or men who can think."

"Thinking is good," Paul agreed. "Most boys your age go for trophies."

Xander shrugged. "I could've had a lot of those.  Why bother."  The starlette stopped in front of them.  "Mistress," he said dryly.   She shivered and he looked at her.  "I'm jail bait by city standards," he said sweetly.  She walked on.  He looked at her.  "Do you want to hang with people like that?"

"Not really.  They do stupid things.  You get into the press for the wrong reasons."  She looked at him.  "Aren't States soon?"

"I hit my head during my last match so they said I can't go.  I didn't score high enough."

"You all right?" one of the friends asked.

"I'm fine.  I had a concussion.  I'm better now."  He grinned.  "I'm a two sport guy but it's not polo, which is the Miami sport of choice."

"You dive and do what?" one of the guys asked.

"Gymnastics."  He grinned.  "I'm on my school team.  We've went State all but one year since I joined and I've made the all-state team for nationals last year."  They gaped.  "I'm a lot better than when I started.  I learned physics really fast by realizing how fast I was going and what it meant to my trajectory when I did a release move."  They all laughed at that.

"Oh, no.  I've heard he's went three feet once," Marry said dryly.

Xander nodded. "Sprained my knee too."  They all laughed at that.  "You missed the time I dismounted and broke my leg in fifteen places.  Eight pins, six weeks later, and now my knee aches most of the night."

She gave him a hug.  "You're a good boy, Xander."  She looked at his present clothes.  "You look adorable."

"Thank you."  He beamed.  "Grandfather said to go find clothes that weren't disgusting and t-shirts."  Someone stared at them and he looked over.  "Do we know her?"

"She's some huffy model type," one of them dismissed.  "None of us are that pretty."

Xander grinned. "I'm very pretty," he quipped, cracking her up.  He pouted.  "You don't think I'm pretty."

She reached over to swat him. "Behave, Xander."

"I try so hard now and then."  They all laughed.  He looked at Marry. "That last event, wasn't that your mom's?"  She grimaced and nodded.  "How many others got sick?"

"About half the event.  You?"

"Yeah, I cracked the Jag," he said grimly.  "I had a stomach cramp and ran into a mailbox.  It's still being fixed."  The model came over.  "Yes, Miss?"

"Do I know you?"

"Probably not since I'm on vacation from Miami's social circles."  He sat up, holding out a hand.  "Xander Benis.  Grandson of Patrick Benis."

"I've head of some of your grandfather's work," she said, shaking his hand.  "Do you model or act?"

"No, I dive and tumble."  She gave him an odd look.  "Diving and gymnastics."

"Oh."  She looked him over.  "I know someone you should meet.  Come on."    He looked at Marry, who nodded.  "I promise I won't hurt him."

"Ma'am, I have two second level black belts and one third degree black belt.  I don't think you could," Xander said honestly, making her gape.  He walked off with her.  The women he was leading them over to stopped gossiping to look at him.

"Emma, this is Xander Benis.  He's from Miami's circle of friends."

"Pleasure, ma'am," he said, shaking her hand.  "Are you in polite society as well?"

"Benis....  Do I know that name?"

"My grandfather's Patrick Benis.  He sits on the board of a number of gay charities," he said quietly.

"Oh, that's where. You went to the nationals on your state's junior gymnastics team."  Xander beamed and nodded.  "You are adorable.  Have you ever thought about modeling?"

"No.  Is it hard?"

"Not if you're any good at it," she said.  "Sit, dear."

"I can but not for long.  I brought a date here and I don't want to abandon him with some friends from Miami."

"That's fine."  She pushed out a chair with a foot and he sat down, staring at her.  "You're very intense," she said, staring at him.  "You have beautiful eyes and a very nice haircut."

"Today," he admitted sheepishly.  "My grandfather told me to come up and go shopping."

"I can see why.  You have a wonderful body, Xander.  You're how old?"

"Sixteen three weeks ago."

"A good age."  She wrote something.  "Meet me here tomorrow.  Be on time."

"Of course," he said, looking a bit confused. "Doing otherwise is rude."

She smiled. "Good boy."

"I hear that a lot," he said with an impish grin, making her beam.  "I'll see you then, Emma."  He got up, heading back to his friend, tucking the address and time into his shirt pocket.  He sat down again.  "I got an interview tomorrow," he said proudly.  They all congratulated him and bought him a drink of his choice.  He stuck with the fruity things and they all smiled at that.   Yes, Xander was a good boy.

***

Xander bounced into the station the next night, pouncing Don when he ran into him.  "I've got a modeling job," he squealed, hugging him.  "I get to be in pretty pictures and people will stare at me and tell me how cute I am beyond the ones who like to pet my head."

"Whoa!" Don said, holding him down.  "Slow down the babble, Xander.  You have a modeling job?"  Xander beamed.  "When?"

"Earlier today."  He beamed, bouncing around again.  "I met her while I was out last night.  Her name is Emma.  She does fashion shoots."  Don smiled. "She said I'm a good boy too, very, very good boy, bordering on goody goody boy, but I have pretty eyes and an ass of doom."  He hugged him again.  "So I got pictures taken today and they're going in a magazine next month."  He beamed.  "Dinner?"

"I was gonna go with the guys to Sullivans.  It's a cop bar."

He nodded.  "Okay.  Tomorrow?"

"If you're not busy," Don teased.

"Not as far as I know.  Did you get my cellphone number?"

"I did."  He gave him a hug, walking him outside.  He saw the limo waiting.  "Yours?"

"Emma's.  She said I should tell you on the way home."  He beamed.  "I'll go home and be a good boy.  Call when you have time.  I've got to tell Horatio.  He'll be green!"  He got into the back and the driver walked around to get in and drive.

Don smiled, looking over as Stella came out of the other entrance.  "Xander got a modeling gig today."

"Wow.  Already?  Some kids try forever."

"Apparently someone spotted him out last night."

"Isn't he in town alone?"

"Xander doesn't drink," he said patiently.  "Horatio gets a lot of tips about the society drug circuit from him too."  He took her arm.  "He's going home and we're going to Sullivan's."  She nodded, walking off with him.  "He was bouncy and babbling."

"Good!  It's good he's happy!"  She smiled.  "I caught the national's match.  He looked really good on the high bar."

Don smirked at her.  "You missed his first few months of gymnastics.  He found out the law of speed and trajectories in person."  She moaned.  "Went three feet one time."  That got a snicker and a head shake.  "Then about a month later he stuck a dismount from a high bar thing.  He had too much momentum and kinda sunk into the floor.  Broken leg in fifteen places.  Eight pins.  Six weeks in bed."  Stella winced.  "Yeah.  That was Patrick's feeling."  He got her into his car.  "C'mon, I'll drive."  He walked around to get in, taking them to the bar.  A few minutes later he got to park and walk her inside.  "Hey, Mac, Xander got a modeling gig today," he called as he went to get them drinks.  He heard Mac splutter.  That deserved a smirk of evil from him.  He walked their beers over.  "He got seen last night while he was out somewhere and got to do some magazine stuff today with someone named Emma."

Mac shook his head.  "Maybe we should put a GPS on Xander?"

"His keys have one," Don told him.  "Mortran told me in case it ever came in handy."  He saluted him.  "My nephew, one day in the city and already getting the hotty looks."  They all laughed at that.

"I can see why.  He wears spandex for gymnastics stuff," Stella admitted, punching him on the arm.  "That boy's butt is granite."

"Runs in the family," Don quipped.  That got more snickers and Mac spluttering again. "It does.  Wanna see?"

"No thanks," Mac said with a smirk of his own.  Danny walked in and flopped down. "Xander did some modeling today."

"As long as it's not porn, I'm happy for the boy," he said.  He went to get them a pitcher since technically he owed them all a round.

***

Patrick stormed into Horatio's office three weeks later.  "Someone has got to go calm Xander down."

"What did he do?" Horatio asked calmly.  A magazine was put in front of him.  He blinked at the picture.  "He's definitely not ten anymore."  He looked at the fuming grandfather.  "Is he in any danger?"

"No," he said, starting to pout like his grandson would.

"Then he's getting positive attention from people who don't want him for your money, Patrick.  Xander is one of the most sensible boys in the world."

"He's only sixteen.  He said modeling, not wearing his diving suit and a watch!"

"I'm sure it's not going to his head."  The magazine was flipped and a picture of Xander on a dance floor in leather pants that were probably more revealing than the spandex bathing suit was handed to him.  He blinked at it.  "He's still very level headed.  He doesn't drink and you know that."  He looked at him.  "He's not running that wild and working is a good experience for him.  Most boys his age have some sort of summer job if their parents are wise."

"He has a drink in his hand."

"Speed?" Horatio called. "Eric?"  They came in together.  "What's that drink Xander's holding?"

Eric looked, blinking at the picture of him. "He's well built from sports."  He took Horatio's magnifying glass.  "Something like a fruit slushy."  He handed it back.

"The kid drinks those down here but he does it virgin," Speed agreed.  He looked at the picture.  "He looks good in those pants."  Horatio flipped back to the other one.  "It's good attention for him.  Every boy needs to have someone who wants him for his body."  He looked at Eric. "He looks better than you did when you dove."  Eric punched him on the arm.  He grinned at Patrick.  "What did Don say?"

"That he's been mostly good.  A bit of wild shopping with another model.  They've went to dinner at least once a week and he's taken Mac and Stella a few other times.  I should send one of the other bodyguards."

"Let him be," Horatio advised.  "He's a young man and he's having fun.  Only send someone if he gets into trouble.  Which I'm sure you'd hear from him or Don."

"He's nearly naked."

Calleigh leaned in, smiling.  "Something happen to Xander in New York?  I saw the pictures last week in Time."  Patrick whimpered.  She went to find it and brought it back.  "See?"  He looked and handed them over, looking miserable.  She gave him a pat.  "It's all right.  He's a smart boy."

"His last email did say he was having fun," Horatio admitted.  The one he was staring at was for the same watch.  It was Xander pouting at it like his date was late.  He was dressed in a higher class suit and tie, leaning against a wall, legs crossed at the ankle.  "I like the new haircut.

"Me too," Patrick admitted.  He took them to look through.  He stopped at one and handed it over.  That one had him lying practically naked in a tree, only one strategically placed branch in front of his pubic area, and him reaching up to play with a cat, smiling at it like it was his baby.   The caption said 'discover the naked joy of owning a pet'.

Speed looked.  "He does like animals and the ASPCA will definitely get some better attention with that campaign."   He took them and walked out.  "We should start a scrapbook for him."

Horatio smiled.  "It'll be fine, Patrick."

"Sire doesn't know yet."

"Hand him the watch picture," Calleigh offered.  She smiled and walked out.  She wanted that one back.  She liked the suit picture.

"Want to call Don and check on him?" Horatio suggested. "Or even Mac?"

"No, I'll call when I get home," he decided.  "Thank you for calming me down, Horatio."

"Not a problem."  He smiled as the older man walked off.  He did call Don himself.  "How many times has Xander posed?  We've seen four and one club picture.  Watches and the ASPCA."  He heard the shudder.  "Seen that one?  Patrick was worried about him."  Don told him the boy was having fun and being good.  The club picture he was actually across the room from him.  Xander wasn't picking up loose women, he wasn't drinking, he wasn't doing drugs.  He was being a good boy and he'd call Patrick himself.  "I'd wait.  He said Raphael doesn't know yet.  He was panicking in my office," Horatio admitted.  "Give him my love, Don.  Tell him I'll see him when he gets back and nothing too risque or his grandfather will have a heart attack."  He hung up, leaning back, smiling at some of the information.  Xander was young, he should be off having fun at his age.  Even if it did mean he had thoughts he shouldn't have about his friend.

***

Xander looked at Stella.  They had just bought him a few new good shirts and were browsing pants.  "Should I plan on getting bling?"

She looked at him. "I didn't know you were artistic that way."

"I'm not," he said with a shoulder nudge.  She smiled.  "It seems like the thing to do."

"Maybe something subtle, Xander."  He nodded.  "No body piercings this trip.  We'd get in trouble.  Your Grandfather called Don at two this morning about the cat ASPCA ad."

"Gee, he'd really be freaked if he saw the one of me playing with the puppy on the billboard, huh?"

"Yeah, putting it mildly," she agreed, giving him a head nudge.  "Where are all your checks going?"

"Into the bank."  He grinned. "I'm responsible that way."  He held up a pair but she shook her head.  "Huh.  The model I got sent out with suggested a pair in that color with a black shirt or a darker purple."

"Light eggplant and then darker eggplant?  I'd have to see it on  you, Xander."

"It's at home."

"We can do that when we make it back there."  She handed him a few more.  "Go try on."  He nodded.  She smiled at his back, shaking his head.  "He went shopping with a model?"

"Yeah, they wanted me to have better slutty clothes," Xander called.  "So they sent me out with Her Buxomness."  He came out in one pair, getting a nod.  He looked then smiled and went to change, letting her have those.  "I need new underwear too.  They want me to wear thongs and I've only got the one."

"Sure," she agreed.  "I know a good place."

"Any with good sales?"

"A few."  She turned and found someone there with the cashier being held hostage.  Xander came out before she could warn him.  "Call someone."

He gave her an odd look.  Then he strolled that way, leaning on the guy's back.  "What'cha doin'?" he asked in a mimic of Danny's accent.  "It looks like you want to play."  The man shook him off and pointed the gun at him.  Xander kicked him in the stomach then grabbed the gun and tossed it back toward Stella, kicking his ass very well.  When the man was down and sobbing he looked at him.  "I was right, you are a fun playmate," he said with a wicked grin.  "Stella, these are too tight when I'm kicking.  Do they make my butt look big?"

It took her a minute to process what he had said but she looked.  "No, Xander.  Not at all."  She called it in.  Don came in with the patrol guys while he was still trying on.  She pointed at the changing room.  He rolled his eyes and Xander came out with his selections.  "I'm going to go look for more," she said, taking the clothes.

Don backed Xander back into the changing area.  "Repeat after me.  I am not a cop, Uncle Don."

"I know I'm not a cop, Uncle Don."  He gave him a hug.  "He had a gun.  He was mean and Stella shouldn't have to get sweaty.  Besides, I haven't had a good workout in weeks.  I'm getting slow."  He grinned.  "I gave him a chance to freak out and run."

"You're in so deep when I tell Uncle Patrick."  Xander pouted.  "Don't even try."  Xander turned up his miserable knob.  "Uh-un.  Not working on me.  They taught us to withstand that at the academy."  Xander shrugged, looking sheepish.  "You're not a cop."

"I know that."

"You're not even fully trained in self defense."

"Yes I am."

"No you're not."

"Yes I am.  Mortran's former Army Special Forces and he's been training me with his buddies.  Plus I've got two second degree black belts and one third degree black belt.  Yes I am."  Don gaped.  "I had to do something.  I'm hyperactive, Uncle Don.  It was offered at school until the Judo coach was involved in that little kidnaping thing then I went to private lessons."

Don gave him a hug.  "Don't be so stupid again.  Stella's a cop.  She can get sweaty and we appreciate and pay her for it."

"Then she'd have to do paperwork all day and I wouldn't have anyone to have fun with."

Don pulled back to look at him.  "You need fun?"  Xander nodded, resting against his shoulder.  "Okay, we'll go have fun tomorrow.  I've got it off.  We'll go have good boy fun."  Xander squealed and hugged him.

"No sex in there please," a female voice called.

"He's my uncle, woman, EWW!" Xander shouted back.  He walked out, glaring at her.  She gaped then backed away.  He pointed. "That's my Uncle, Detective Flack.  I can squeal and hug him when he promised to take me out to have good boy fun if I want to.  I'd appreciate not being accused of incest!"  She whimpered and nodded, slinking to the other side of the store.  He grinned and went to help Stella.  "We're going to go out tomorrow."

"Good."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Be a good boy, Xander.  No more clubs where you end up on the pole."

"Someone gave me liquor and I never realized," he muttered.

"EXCUSE ME!" she demanded.  Don came over.  "Someone fed him liquor while he was out and he didn't notice?"

"I was hoping that was the reason he was go-go dancing in a cage and stripped," Don told her.  He looked at Xander.  "Fortunately it was too low brow for cameras."  He walked the ladies out to the car once Stella had let Xander pay.  He waved as they drove off, then relaxed against the building.  "I want a smoke," he decided.  The saleswoman leaned out. "He forget something?"

"No.  Who is he?"

"Xander Benis.  Grandson of Patrick Benis.  He's from Miami."  She beamed.  "Yeah, that guy on the billboard with the puppy and the bare butt.  Him."  She giggled and went back inside.  He shook his head.  He decided he was going to get Mac and him lunch before going back, bringing it to him in the office.  "I saw the shopping twins."

"They okay?" he asked, taking his coffee and lunch.

"After Xander kicked the ass of the guy who was trying to rob where they were shopping."  He flopped down at the stunned look.  "Did you know he has three upper level black belts?"  Mac slowly shook his head.  "Me either.  I knew his body guard was special forces but not that him and his buddies had been working on Xander's self defense either."  Mac whimpered.  "So apparently he *can* take care of himself."  He saluted him with his coffee.  Danny walked in and stole his chips, walking off.  "Hey!  Messer, I'm hungry!"

"Come over for dinner tonight."

"Can't, I'm eating with Xander.  You can come with us."

"Sure, we can talk about his naked butt above Times Square," he called back, walking off nibbling the chips.

"He's naked above Times Square?" Mac asked.

Don nodded.  "Another ASPCA ad.  I thought about sending it down there but Patrick's freaking out about the modeling stuff.  His first one was the diving watch ad."

"That was tastefully done.  I haven't seen that billboard."

"It's cute.  He's playing with a puppy on a lambskin rub.  Like a baby picture only he's cuter 'cause he's family.  Dad about shit purple elephants when he saw it.  Oh, I'm going to take him to do fun stuff tomorrow."

"Sure, I'm sure he could use it."  He dug into his lunch.  He would definitely have to look at that ad.  "Who was he seen shopping with in the Post?"

"Some model.  Xander claimed they wanted him to have more smutty clothes so they sent her since she's got big hooters and dresses to show them off."

"Ah," he said weakly.

"She made him get more leather pants."

"Patrick's going to yell."

"Nah, Stel was getting him real clothes before the butt kicking and the girl fit he threw after that."

"Good!"  He ate another bite.  His phone rang and he answered it.  "Detective Mac Taylor."  He smiled.  "Just talking about you two, Stella.  Don brought me lunch and he said he's eating with Xander tonight and possibly Danny."  He looked at him.  "You can but he'll be late.  His last pictures turned out bad so they want to reshoot."

"As long as it's not too late."

"He said as long as it's not too late.  Sure, bring Stella with you, Xander.  She could use the fun and it'll give her a better idea of how to dress you."  He smiled.  "He'll see you then."  He hung up.  "He said it shouldn't be later than seven.  As long as they don't get eaten this time for being ugly."  He dug in again.  "Any other ASPCA ads?"

"Yeah, him in a bathing suit and goggles with koi around him in a tub.  I think there's one of him in spandex jogging shorts in a hamster wheel with a picture of one for him to stare at like it's an idol."  Mac smiled.  Those sounded cute.  "He said there had been a snake one but they decided it looked evil.  It didn't go with the theme of 'discover the naked joy of owning pets' they were using.  He's got it in his portfolio."

"Good."  He finished his lunch, sitting back.  "He's not running wild."

"No, he's been a good boy," Don agreed.  "I'm happy he's been such a good boy.  Obviously I'm not paying enough attention to him but he's been a good boy."

Mac smiled.  "It'll be fine.  Patrick can't blame you."

"Yes he can."

"No he can't.  He's a fair man.  He can't blame you."  He stole one of Don's cookies to nibble.  "Didn't bring me dessert," he said at the upset look.   That got a snort and a grin.

"I'll know better next time."  He finished his lunch and his cookies, getting up.  "Gotta go back to slave for the department.  See you later."  He walked off, heading back to his desk.

Mac decided to go look at that billboard.  He was clear and being there was probably closer to his next case.  He parked and stared up at it.  Then he burst out giggling.  It was very cute.

***

Xander walked into the house lugging his four suitcases.  "I'm home!" he yelled.  He dropped things and went to find people.  He smiled at his grandfather napping just out of the sun but close enough to feel the warmth.  He gave him a gentle hug.  Patrick yawned up at him.  "I'm home."

"I can see that.  Did you remember to leave those evil leather pants up there?"

"No."  He grinned. "You said no t-shirts."  He gave him another hug.  "I had fun.  Thank you."  He got a back pat.  He pulled back.  "Now I can pay you back for fixing the car."  He bounced off, finding the guys hiking his luggage.  "I can do that.  Not all at once but I can do that."

Gordon grabbed him by the ear and walked him off.  "Come talk to me, Xander."

"OW!" he complained.  "I was good!   Someone slipped me liquor that one time.  I made sure it couldn't happen again!"

Gordon stopped to look at him.  "You drank?"

"Not of my own free will.  I couldn't taste it."  He rubbed his ear.  "That's not what this is about?"

"No," he said patiently. "It's about your twelve foot naked behind in Times Square."  He walked him off again.

"I like supporting the pound," he defended.  "Their pet adoptions went up nearly thirty percent with the new ad campaign.  Other cities are going to use it too."  Gordon went pale and grabbed his chest.  "Guys, I think he's having another heart attack!" he yelled.  Guards came running to help him.  His bodyguard pulled him away.  "Hi."  He hugged him.  "I had fun.  How's your brother doing?"

"Better."  He looked at him.  "Were you good?"

"One time someone slipped me some evil liquor I didn't taste.  I ended up cage dancing.  Don was not happy when I called him to come pick my semi-naked butt up.  Other than that I was good.  I modeled watches and for the ASPCA, which is a charity I support, and two other things."

"I saw the runway show on tv."

"I made tv?" he asked, looking stunned.

"Oh yeah.  What happened to Gordon?"

"He wanted to talk about the pound ads and I told him that they gave other cities permission to use them since their adoptions went up thirty percent."

Mortran moaned.  "Is this the same ad as the one in Times Square that Don faxed down a picture of?"

Xander beamed and nodded. "Probably.  I love the pound.  They're great people.  I've always supported the pound."  He gave him another hug and went to see his grandfather.  "Gordon's going to be okay.  They said so."  His grandfather reached over and smacked him on top of the head.  "Ow.  I didn't deserve that."

"Will I have to look at your naked behind on a billboard down here?"

"I don't know.  They're going to LA next."

"Sire's out there," he moaned.  "Someone warn him!"

"Tooo late," someone said in a sing-song voice from outside.  He brought in a book.  "Your portfolio, Xander?"  He nodded, so he let Patrick see it.  "That's a better view than Don had of the billboards."

Patrick looked at them, letting out a small whimper at the one of him in the hamster wheel.  The others did get a faint smile.  They were cute.  He only had to swat him for one of the pictures.  The book went onto the table.  "Well, you're very pretty, Grandson."  Xander beamed.  "But I do wish they wouldn't focus so much attention on your hind end.  You have other good qualities."

"It's visual art," Xander reminded him. "They can't see my personality."

"True."  He closed his eyes.  "I'm going to go back to my nap so I have energy for dinner."

"You can nibble me."

"I will for dinner, Xander.  Go put up your clothes and hide the leather."  Xander gave him a hug then went to do that.  He sighed, shaking his head.  "Someone invite Horatio for dinner?" he suggested.  He let himself drift off, making sure he didn't have dreams about Xander's butt coming out to attack him again.  He did not want to watch it devour billboards.

***

Horatio smiled at Xander when he flung open the door and gave him a hug.  "Did you have a good trip?"

"Yup."  He drug him inside, walking him to the dining room.  "Here he is.  Only a bit late," he said.  He sat down.  "Grandsire hasn't called about the ASPCA ads yet.  They got sent to LA too."

"I'm sure they're very cute, Xander."  Xander bounced out to get his portfolio, bringing it back.  He smiled as he accepted it.  The thought that kept hitting him was 'Xander's not ten anymore'.  He got done and smiled. "I'd like to see the fun pictures too."

"They're on the laptop.  I splurged and bought myself a digital camera."  He handed down the food.  "Tell him the hamster one and the one with me in body paint isn't that bad."

Horatio looked down.  "It could've been pornography."

"That's a worse thought," Patrick agreed, saluting him with his glass of blood.  "Eat, Horatio.  You too, Xander.  You're both growing boys."  They grinned and dug in, talking about where Xander had been in New York.  Apparently Stella had made him go shopping with her a few times to counteract the leather trend he was starting.  "Uniforms, Grandson?" he asked.

"Um....  I need at least three new ones," Xander admitted.  "It's a free clothes day the first day, I'll wear something and then go shopping that afternoon."  He grinned at him.  "Don't worry so much.  It makes you feel older.  We need to go have fun so you remember being my age and you feel my age.  Before I have to ask and bribe Ethan into making you a youth potion."  He got a snicker and a head shake.  "Ethan?"  He came out of the kitchen.  "Can you make a youth potion for Grandfather?"

"I can.  I can make a permanent one or a temporary one.  I used a delightful one on Ripper."  He looked at him, getting a shiver.  "It won't cure the tumor but it might make it smaller.  That's not a bad idea, Xander.  Thank you."  Xander beamed.  "Behave."

"I try so hard," he teased.

"Yes, we heard."  He walked off, taking the portfolio with him.  He wanted to look at a few of them and so did some of the other guards.  Patrick had this habit of confiscating anything with Xander's pictures in it.

***

Xander walked into his first day of school in his favorite dress pants and shirt, looking very good.  He had went for messy bed hair today.  He strolled to his locker.  He had learned the art of hurrying without looking like he was hurrying.  "Hi, guys," he said when walked past most of his gymnastics team.  They all stared.  He turned and grinned. "What?  I kept in shape all summer."

"We saw you in the watch ads," one of the guys said.  "Coach wanted to spank you.  You missed two practices."

"Oops.  I didn't know we had any before school."  He went to his locker, getting what he needed out of the stack he was carrying.  He went to home room and waved.  "Can I track down the coach?"

"Do it during lunch, Xander."  He strolled in and sat down, earning a look.  "What are you wearing?"

"We were told it was a free clothes day."

"It is, but what are you wearing?"

He looked at himself then at her.  "Clothes.  Unlike a few ads."  She blushed.  He grinned. "I had tons of fun doing those."  He sat up straighter when the headmaster came in, giving him a look.  "I've been good."

"I doubt that.  I saw your billboard in Times Square in person."

"I've always supported them.  They're one of the charities I'd do anything for."

He let out a small growl.  "Any more upcoming shoots?"

Xander shrugged.  "Emma didn't do more than pout when I said I had to come back for school."  He walked off shaking his head.  "Tell the coach I'm sorry and I'll see him at lunch!" he called after him.  "I didn't know we had practices over the summer."  The others trooped in, not looking that happy to be back.  "Come on, guys.  It's not that bad.  We all need recuperation time from our vacations.  This week of school is that."  He got a few evil looks and a few of them turned appreciative.  He grinned.  "I had fun."  The bell rang and they were given their schedules.  He frowned, waving his.  "No way in hell."  The teacher gave him an evil look.  "I can't take Advanced Chem.  I haven't had a science class since eighth grade."

"See the headmaster, Xander."

"Going."  He went that was, waving his schedule as reason for the secretary to let him in. "Advanced Chem?  Me?  You do remember which one I am, right?"  The scheduled was taken and frowned at.  "I'm hoping it's a printing error.  Though I don't mind Accounting Four and Five or the two gym classes.  I need the practice time.  I've got State in a few months for diving."

"You have to take one more science before you graduate."

"Why?" he asked, looking miserable.

"State rules.  Geology?"

"Okay.  Whatever's easiest."

"Geology."  He fixed his schedule.  "What's this elective?"  Xander shrugged.  He looked then groaned.  "You took a research elective?"

"I did?  Okay.  Is it hard or can I write papers?"

"You would have to write papers."

"That's fine then.  I can do those on trips to State.  This is my last year in the Junior class and I've got to decide if I want to go on."

"Up to you, Benis."  He printed it and handed it back.  Along with a note saying he had changed it.  "Here."  He handed it over.  "Go.  Shoo.  Wear pants that don't look like that tomorrow."

"I'll try really hard."  He bounced off, going to grab a soda on his way to class.  The teachers all knew he needed them.  He waved the slip in explanation to the teacher, who sighed.  "Someone put me in Advanced Chem."

The teacher burst out laughing.  "No, you're better in here, Xander.  Sit please.  No soda on anything."

"Just like always," he agreed, accepting his copy of the book.  The teacher looked at his schedule so Xander shoved it closer.  "Research?"

"Math teacher."

"Ah, the pussy cat."  He shook his head.  "We'll deal."  He took the worksheet and filled in what he remembered from his other physics and science classes:  the faster you're flipping around the bar the further out your trajectory is, if you're going too slowly and miss you're a law of gravity, the sudden stop at the end of inertia hurts, the force to slice cleanly into the water seems to burn from friction, the force to put a pin into a bone chunk is directly proportional to  how big the chunk used to be, chemistry and Xander do not get along, he and cooking are in similar disassociated states commonly referred to as an alternate reality.  The teacher came back to look over his shoulder, snickering quietly.  "They are," he said quietly.  "Do I get to cook stuff in here?"

"Hell no!" one of the students in the front proclaimed.

"Sing it, sister," another one agreed.

"I doubt your grandfather wants to rebuild this classroom like he did the chemistry classroom, Xander," the teacher said, patting him on the back.  He took the paper.  They were practical application of some of the laws of the universe.  "What's the sudden stop at the end of inertia called?" he asked his favorite student, who looked clueless.

"Ow," Xander told him.  The other students cracked up at that.  "It's translatable into any language too."  The teacher gave his soda a nudge and he took a sip as ordered.  He went to collect the other papers.  Xander looked at the science nerds.  "I know someone, or two, who work in forensics if you guys wanted to see if you wanted to go that way," he offered.  "I can ask if either would be willing to talk to you."  They smiled and one nodded. "Let me know.  I'll call later tonight."  The teacher coughed so he looked at him again.  "It's a good field."

"It is, and a growing one.  For now let's work on Geology.  That's the study of the earth and the parts that make it up."  Xander's hand inched up.  "Not too much physics, Xander, and you already quoted most of them."  His hand went back down.  It was going to be a fun year.

***

Xander walked in that night.  "I made two teachers make passes at me and one wasn't gay before he did.  He's not sure why he hit on me but apparently I'm recruiting.  When do I get my toaster oven?"  Someone in the house choked, another groaned.  He grinned at his guard.  "I did."

"I know you did.  It's because of those ASPCA ads."

"They did bring them down here?"

"They did and they left a message for your continued support, grandson," Raphael said as he came down the stairs.  "Close the door so he can't escape this time."

"I love the pound."

"I know you do.  You're still in deep for the twelve foot high ass that went up across from my apartment in LA."

"I didn't tell them to put it there."  He got motioned closer so Xander fled the house, snatching his keys out of Mortran's hand on the way around him.  "I'll be back at curfew; I have to do some school clothes shopping since leather's not on the allowed list!"  He dove into his car and headed out again.

"Remind me to spank him later," Raphael complained, heading for the study.  He turned and looked at him.  "Two teachers?"  Mortran nodded, looking a bit smug.  "Why?"

"I'm not sure why the math teacher hit on him.  Or why the other one did since he's been married for twenty years to his high school sweetheart and they have three kids."  He shrugged. "He's not sure so I guess it's good Xander's recruiting and showing how many bi men there really are."  He walked off.  "I've got his debit card."

"I'm sure he'll go to the bank itself," Patrick said, coming out of his study.  "Did he ask when he got his toaster oven for recruiting men?"  Mortran nodded.  "Uh-huh.  What's his schedule like?"

"They took him out of Advanced Chem, put him into Geology.  He's in there, a research class, two accounting classes, and two gyms.  The gymnastics coach chewed him a new one.  There were summer practices.  He got to show off today to prove that he hadn't lost any fitness by posing in lewd positions with animals."  He went to get a drink and go to bed with his headache.  Sometimes being Xander's bodyguard was fun.  Sometimes it wasn't.  Today it had been tiring scaring off the people who wanted the boy.

***

Xander grinned at Speedle as he came out.  "If I begged really prettily do you think you could arrange for someone to come talk to our science geeks?"  Speed frowned, pausing on his way to the hummer.  He handed over the list he had made earlier.  "They wanted to know what you do and they're all science geeks."

"I'll have Eric go.  He'll charm them into it."  He grinned.  "Cute picture with the hamster."

Xander grinned.  "Thanks.  I got really sweaty doing that.  Well, I'm off to find school clothes since I can't wear leather.  Or spandex."  He grinned.  "I said I'd ask.  Be safe."  He gave him a look but grinned and walked off, heading to go shopping.

Speed tucked it into his case.  He got into the hummer with his scene kit, calling Horatio while he started the engine.  "Just saw Xander.  He said he'd ask us to come talk to a few of the science geeks at his school who wanted to know what we did.  I've got the list in my kit, Horatio."  He frowned.  "The engine won't start."  He got out, taking his kit with him.  He looked.  "Um, bomb," he said, hanging up.  "BOMB!" he yelled.  The area cleared out and he was pulled back.  "It wouldn't start.  I'm not sure if that means they didn't hook it up right or not."  Horatio came jogging out, getting down to look.  He sighed, slumping against the front of the building.  "Okay, I need a ride to a homicide," he announced.   One patrol nodded, leading him over to his car he had already checked over.  "H, going to work."  He got the list and handed it over.  "Here, Xander's list."  He went back to the cruiser and got in, checking his case.  "Okay, we can go."  He handed over the address, getting a nod and them backing out.  "I'm hoping it was at the lab and not me," he muttered.

"Everyone likes you, Speed."

"No they don't."

"Okay, most everyone likes you.  It wasn't aimed at you."  He pulled onto the main road, heading off.  "You know everyone who hates the lab is aiming at Caine's hair.  That's why he's the only redhead in the lab."

"I'll tell him that's the common consensus."  He thought.  "We might have a witness."  He called Eric's phone.  "Tell Horatio that Xander was waiting on me when I came out.  He might be a witness and therefore in danger."  He hung up, relaxing.  "Horatio got it off and disarmed.  A wire wasn't connected."

"This Xander...."

"Benis?"

"Never mind.  We all know he's a goody goody."

"Now and then but you should've seen some of the pictures he did this summer while he was modeling."  He looked at him.  "When the pound gets new ads down here, look really closely."

"I heard," he said with a grin.  "His grandfather must've had cows."

"Possibly."  They pulled up at his scene and he got out, waving a hand.  "Thanks."  He walked up to the tape, holding up his badge.  "CSI."  He signed in and was let in, letting him put down his case and put on gloves so he could get to work.  "Be careful.  We had a bomb on one of the hummers at the lab itself."  That got a shudder.  "They didn't connect it right thankfully."

"I'll let the others know," he said, pulling down his radio to call.  "Do we have an update on the bomb at CSI?" he asked.  The dispatcher screeched.  "Speedle said one was just found.  Any new ones or are they missing a hummer?"

"Negative.  No new bombs found.  We do have a witness possibly.  BOLO a silver Jaguar SE.  Plate "Flippr"."

Speed shook his head.  "I still say that plate was a bad idea.  He's going shopping.  He's a possible witness."

"Speedle reports that the witness may be heading shopping."  He let go of the button.

"Got it."  She told the others.

***

Xander was led into CSI, waving.  "What?  Did I do bad things?"

"Guys, he's a witness, not a suspect," Frank said calmly.  They let him go.  "The bomb?"

"I cut one of the wires.  It was stupid and mean to put it on the hummer but I couldn't figure out how to get it off."

"You couldn't tell anyone?" he shouted.

"No, because if I had it'd have been worse.  You guys didn't see the sniper?"  Frank's jaw fell open.  "I saw him come out of his nest when I disarmed it and the hummer.  I did try to point out that a guy was running off with a gun shaped object from the park and they ignored me."

Frank took a deep breath.  "Who did you tell?"

"The dark haired guy that I accidentally poisoned with cookies.  He scoffed and walked off."

"Stetler!" he bellowed.  He came up the hall looking confused.  "He said something to you about a guy with a gun?"

"He's a punk brat."

Xander looked at him. "No I'm not.  Who do you think I am, man?  I'm known as a good boy."  He looked at Frank.  "I thought it better to disarm and then tell, as well as disable the hummer in case since he had slapped and run.  I wasn't sure it wasn't going to restart, if there was a backup, whatever."

"How did you spot the sniper?"

Xander moved closer.  "My bodyguard is former special forces," he said very quietly.  Frank shivered.  "As soon as my parents showed up I asked him to start training me in case anything should happen.  That's also how I knew which wire to cut."  That got a nod.  "On both things. As for the guy, he was wearing huge 'bug' sunglasses and a cap.  He walked up casually, whistling and glancing around.  He bent down and came up suddenly then walked off a lot faster.  I heard a small magnetic sound.  I went to look; two slices with my pocket knife and it was safe.  The sniper started to run when I straightened up.  I pointed him out and I'm not really sorry I accidentally poisoned you anymore."  He looked at Horatio.  "Nobody listens to guys my age.  You know that."

"I do.  What did he look like?"

"Big, bug eye sunglasses.  Tan cap.  Medium brownish hair.  Looked like bad highlights or a sun-in job gone wrong.  His shoulder came up just past the sticker on the hummer's window.  He was whistling off key.  He acted like he dropped something and I heard the magnetic connecting sound.  I looked.  Two slices of my pocketknife and it was disarmed and so was the hummer, just in case there was a backup or if they had some other way I hadn't seen him plant.  When I straightened up I saw a guy running with a rifle shaped object.  I told him," he said, pointing at Stetler, "and he proved my hypothesis right.  No one listens to guys my age.  Even good ones."

"Can you work with a sketch artist?"

"I can try but I'm not the best at art stuff.  I have a horrible eye for form.  Didn't the cameras catch him?  There was a cruiser that pulled in as he was hiking off."

"Get me that tape," Frank ordered.  A patrol officer nodded, going running.  "How long was his hair?"

"Brushing the tops of his ears.  Looked like a bowl cut all the way around.  The same length really."  That got a nod.  "The shirt was a tan with a really small pattern.  Looked like spots maybe.  I was on the other side of the hummer.  I think he had on dark pants and sneakers."

"That does help, Xander."

"You're welcome.  I knew it wasn't going to hurt Speed.  That's why I felt comfortable leaving."

"Who has been training you?"

"Some of Mortran's friends.  Former work buddies."   Horatio stared at him.  "You know where he served?"  Horatio just nodded and walked off.  "I still need to get school uniforms."

"You can go in a while," Horatio called back.  "I'll arrange to have someone go to your school to talk to those kids."  He went to calm himself down.  He wouldn't tell Patrick or Mortran.  It was a skill Xander was clearly trying to hide.  Eric gave him a look.  "Xander disabled it and the hummer."

"How?  He's a society kid."

"His bodyguard is former special forces."

"Ah!" he said, nodding.  "That makes more sense.  He learned stuff."  Horatio nodded.  "Why didn't he tell Speed and why did he leave?"

"He told Rick and Rick did not listen."  Eric gave him a look.  "He said he disabled the hummer so he wouldn't be hurt."

"That'll work," he decided.  He went to call Speed and tell him.  "Xander disabled it and the hummer," he said then he hung up.  Speed called back a minute later - after he had gotten done yelling and screaming.  "He did.  He told Stetler.  He said he disabled the hummer so you couldn't get hurt."  He smiled.  "He probably decided we wouldn't believe him."  Horatio nodded as he walked past him.  "He's here.  We got him.  We may have him do a sketch."  He smiled.  "Sure."  He hung up.  "Speed said he sucks at art stuff and has horrible depth perception now and then.  It's why he learned the laws of physics by falling in gymnastics."

Horatio smiled.  "He did learn them very well," he agreed, going back to Xander.  They had the film processed and he was handed photos.  "Okay, Xander.  Who was it?"

Xander looked at them and pointed.  "That's the guy who slapped and ran."  He kept flipping.  "The guy who ran glanced back and I think it looked like him."  He handed those back and the rest to Frank so they stayed separate.  Frank looked through the rest and held up another picture.  "Same guy?"  Horatio looked the nodded.  "Can I help any more, Lieutenant?"

"You're staying," Stetler growled.

"If you had listened it wouldn't have mattered," Xander shot back.  "Next time get off your high horse.  Actually, you know what, next time I'll tell a real cop who has an idea how to do his job."  Stetler turned purple and Xander stepped up to him.  "I'm not scared of you, you fucking pussy.  Even a kid can tell a gun.  You willfully ignored information that endangered the station.  You didn't even ask me how I knew or where.  You scoffed and walked off *grinning*.  Yes, I disarmed a bomb.  Oooh, go me.  You put hundreds of lives in danger because you're too stupid and stuck up to listen to a teenager.  Congrats, man.  I wonder if there's a Razzie award for bad cops."  Stetler took a swing and Xander casually grabbed it and rammed him into the wall.  "Next time maybe you should listen, even to teenagers.  We do have a reason to talk now and then."  He looked at Horatio, dusting off his hands.  "Do you have somewhere I can wash my hands?  There's no telling what sort of skin diseases he might carry," he said quietly.

"He assaulted a police officer," Stetler said.

"You threw the first punch.  I was simply defending myself," Xander said, flicking a hand up.  "What did you want me to do, let you hit me so I can sue you and the department?"  Stetler stomped off.  He looked at Horatio.  "Do you need me further?" he asked calmly.

"We should talk.  Your violent urges are coming back out, Xander."

"I hate being threatened, Horatio. The same as the last time."  That got a head tipped in a nod.  Other officers came back.  "Are you going to arrest me for not letting him hit me?"

"No, sir."  He looked at him.  "You're still young and cocky."

"And so far I haven't been wrong in what I can do.  I'm realistic about my skills, Officer."  That got a smirk.  "I am."  He shrugged.  "I've had to protect myself for a while now.  My bodyguard can't always be with me.  By the way, what was your time through the sim since I saw you there the weekend before I left for New York?"

He narrowed his eyes.  "You're Mortran's duty."  Xander tipped his head.  "He took a swing at you?"

"After I pointed out that I had told him about the sniper and he didn't listen.  He scoffed and walked off grinning.  I ended up in his face about it when he sneered back.  He took a swing, I propelled him into the window."  That got a smirk.  "I'm sorry I hurt his ego.  I'm really not sorry I accidentally poisoned him with my cookies when I was younger."  Horatio coughed to cover up a smile.   "I'll gladly apologize but if I'm arrested I will defend myself then too."

"Nope, but you're telling your guard yourself."

"Must I?  He'll nark to Grandfather."

"Yeah, you must, Xander."  He smirked at him. "Or else I tell the Captain."

"I'll tell the Captain," Xander said dryly.  "Not a problem there, but if I have to tell my grandparents I'm going to hide."  He looked at Horatio.  "Need me?"

"No, go.  Behave.  Tell whoever.  If we need you more...."

"You have my cell number.  Call!  I'm a teenager, of course I have it with me."  He walked off, being escorted out.  The officer handed over his phone and he looked at the number.  "Captain, sir.  Xander."  He smiled.  "Yup.  He's making me tell you myself so my guard can't tell my grandparents.   Well, I disarmed a bomb on a hummer and the hummer.  I told an officer there was a sniper and he didn't listen.  He scoffed and grinned.  Then he got into my face when I pointed that out.   He took a swing and I shoved him into a window with that move your son taught me a few years back.  Yeah, that one.  No, Bob's here.  He said I had to tell you or Mortran.  Telling you means he can't tell my grandparents.  School shopping.  Yeah, I do.  Uniforms.  No, I got leather and stuff in New York.  Did you like the animals?"  He grinned.  "Thank you.  I'm free until curfew.  Someone put up the one of me with the puppy in LA across from Sire's house.  He woke up to a giant image of my butt.  Hell yes I ran, he spanks really hard!"  He grinned.  "Let me pick up my school uniforms."

He checked his watch. "I can probably do that."  He hung up and handed it back.  "I'll see you sometime soon I'm sure," he said, heading to his car.  He walked into the uniform shop and sighed.  "Pace?"  She pointed.  "I need to do this quickly."  He wrote down his sizes.  "That's me at the moment."  She nodded, going to grab things.  He grimaced at the tie.  "Must I?  I still have the others I bought since I hate wearing them.  Half the time they end up in my jacket pocket or not worn at all."  She handed them over and he paid, walking out with the bag.  He went to get some new shoes.  That took longer.  A few more stops and he was at the Captain's shop.  He parked and locked the car, heading inside.  He was grabbed and he flipped the guy, looking down at him.  "Hi," he said, grinning and waving.  He walked over his bodyguard, going to talk to the guy who was over his training.  "Sorry. All I ever said when asked how was Mortran was former special forces and he was teaching me with a few of his friends for my own safety."

"Fine," the Captain said.  "I got a report on what happened."  He held it up.  "Including a transcript of the tape."  He smacked him on the head.  "Smartass does not suit you."

"Actually I do it very well," Xander said, shrugging a bit.  "He got in my face first, Captain."

"What was the first rule we told you?"

"No exposing the group and I didn't.  I did not mention anyone by name except my bodyguard.  I told Horatio, who knew he was special forces.  All I said was some of his friends.  That I had asked after my parents had shown up."

"I heard."  He put the transcripts down.  "I should spank you."

"If you feel you must," he said grimly.  "I tried to tell him."

"You disarmed the bomb first?"

"I don't know if it had a counter!  I couldn't get a clear view without crawling under the hummer; if I had done that I would've spent the night in jail before anyone listened to me.  Possibly with it exploding anyway!"

"Point.  Are you free?"  Xander nodded.  "How did you know Bob?"

"I saw him doing a sim run.  I asked him what his time on the sim run was.  That's how he knew where.  Since I recognized him...."

"That's reasonable," Mortran said.  "Your shoulder still hurt?"

"Today.  There's a storm coming in and the bullet wound hurts."  He rubbed it, looking at the Captain again.  "I had no options other than to scream like a little girl and I didn't know about the sniper until I was done.  My instincts said to handle it and then talk."

"Caine may not be able to cover for these things forever," Mortran said, coming over.

Xander looked at him.  "I didn't call him. For that matter, I left before Speedle found the bomb."  He bit his lip, looking at the older man then at him.  "I don't go to Horatio to cover up what you taught me.  I talk to Horatio all the time without this stuff ever coming up."

"You called him after your first kidnaping."

"I was scared, alone in an alley, ten-years-old, and he's a police officer.  They're supposed to help you when you've been taken and now you're lost.  The same as I only told the NYPD dispatch to call him because I knew you'd have called him for the case.  That led to a direct link they could trust and I didn't know which detective had it."

"Point," he decided.  He looked at him.  "You're not telling me stuff, Xander."

"Duh!  You'll worry Grandfather by telling him."  He looked over as Horatio walked in, then at the Captain.  "It's not my fault."

"No it's not.  Lieutenant."

"I wondered who taught him the easy way to disarm that.  Captain."  He looked at him then at Xander.  "He taught me when I was on bomb squad."  Xander let out a small chuckle.  "Your grandparents are blocked on your phone?"

Xander looked and groaned, then got into his ringer setting.  "No, I put them on vibrate a few days back at the movies and I didn't turn it back up."  He called them.  "I'm okay."  He hung up and looked at Horatio.  "Because I missed dinner?"

"That and your bodyguard got called out to talk to someone.  I did tell them it was because someone had planted a bomb at CSI and you may have seen him.  I didn't tell them you disabled it."

"Thank you.  I hate to worry Grandfather.  He'll die faster if I do.  Grandsire will follow because I'm not enough to hold him.  Half the guards will follow," he said grimly.

Mortran gave him a hug.  "It'll be fine, Xander.  I promise it will be."

Xander looked at him.  "No it won't.  You know damn well I'm going to be left alone in that house within a day of Grandfather dying.  Do you really think I'm ready to do that?  I don't think I'm going to be ready for a hell of a long time, Mortran.  If I have to keep stuff from them to protect Grandfather's health I will.  That's why I don't tell you things.  You nark because you're supposed to."

"Then tell me," Horatio offered.

"See, my beloved guard here has decided I run to you for cover.  I don't want to do that to our friendship, Horatio.  We're friends, you're not my manhole cover."  That got a small smile and he took off the sunglasses.  "The only way to keep Grandfather from worrying is to not tell anyone.  Remember, I asked to be taught so I could handle things if I was in trouble and no one was there.  I knew even back then that I'd be alone someday."

Horatio walked closer, pulling him into a hug.  "You'll still have some of us," he reminded him.

"You're not family, Horatio.  You're a friend.  A damn close one, but you're not blood."

"Sometimes family isn't about blood."

"If they die I'm an orphan with friends.  Does that make more sense?"  Horatio nodded.  "I don't want that.  Not for a very long time.  I need some sort of connection to who I am and who I was.  With them gone I'm stuck without that and doing a lot of shit I don't want to do.  Including tapdancing about how he died."

"Alexx knows about their kind, Xander," he said quietly, staring him down.  "You don't have to take all this on yourself."

"If I rest on someone then they're burdened too.  Maybe if I was married that'd be easier to do but I'm not."

"No, you're sixteen," Horatio agreed, patting him on the cheek.  "You can rest on me."

"A lot of others do.  You don't need my weight.  You'll collapse some day soon because of all the weight on your shoulders."  He gave him another hug.  "For right now I'm handling it."

"Xander, do you remember the girl who you said was going to snap?"

"Yeah.  Hers was too much from her parents.  I'm not anywhere near that stage.  When I am, I tend to point it out loudly.  Right now I'm not anywhere near that point.  I'm very good at leaving the past behind.  Probably too good at it."  That got a mass nod.  "This isn't that.  This is the fact that Horatio already carries a lot of my secrets.  He doesn't need to hear about the lady in New York who wanted to own me.  She offered Emma a hell of a lot of money for me.  Emma laughed and walked away then had security arrest her.  You notice Uncle Don didn't say anything about that?"

"Sire found out.  We all do a lot of protecting of Patrick," Mortran assured him.  "We've all hid a lot of stuff from him.  I didn't tell him that someone tried to run us off the road on the way home today."

"They were drunk.  I texted that to the dispatch number."  He looked at Horatio.  "I don't ever want you to think that I'm using you.  You're my friend.  That's the third most important relationship in my life.  Right after the grandparents and that lunk," he said, nodding at his bodyguard.  "I'm not.  I swear I'm not, Horatio."

"I know, Xander.  I never thought that.  I've always been like a favorite uncle of yours."   He smiled at him.  "Now, tell *me* what you've learned here.  Please.  That way I know who I can come to if I need something."

"Assault and retrieval.  Minor bombs and weapons work.  Strategy.  Lock picking for handcuffs and cell doors."  Mortran looked at his boss, who shrugged.  "He does need to know."

"I've learned a bit of hacking off one of the kids in school," Xander said.  "I'm not very good at it."

"That's fine.  It's a dangerous thing to know."

"Not if I don't use it for shits and giggles."  He smiled and pointed at a nearby gun case.  "I have one of those hidden at home."

"Sire found it," Mortran told him.  "Threw a fit until Thomas covered and said that we had authorized you to have one in case something bad happens."

"How many times do bad things happen?"

"Horatio, Patrick's very public about being involved in gay rights.  There's all sorts of people who would want him to shut up," Mortran pointed out.  "They get weekly hate mail from those groups and sometimes individuals.  Xander is a very sweet target for them.  The same as half the society matrons want Xander to be straight to correct the issues Patrick brought out into the open.  He gets his own hate mail."

"That guy from South Dakota wrote back.  He wants me to be his wife."  Xander grimaced.  "Not my favorite way of bonding to a future husband."   Horatio looked at him.  "I'm technically bi but I hate women.  The society matrons have turned me off ever being around women.  I loathe women most of the time.  With very few exceptions, like Stella.  Even if she does mess up my hair.  She's a good shopping buddy and she's easy to talk to.  She answered all sorts of questions about sex this summer."

"Question, how far have you went?" Mortran asked.

"Blowing, fingers."  He shrugged.  "Stress relief, not sex."  He looked at Horatio.  "Grandfather hammered in the point about casual sex being bad for me very hard."  Horatio smiled and nodded.  "So I haven't.  Some day I'll find someone I want to *date* and then it'll be okay."

"Prom's year after next," Mortran reminded him.

Xander gave him an odd look.  "And?  That's for girls!  I may be half gay but I'm not a girl!  Besides, even if I was dating I couldn't bring a guy with me.  Especially with how my tastes run toward older men since they don't discount me and what brains I've managed to keep through all the falling off the high bar and hitting my head on the board."  The Captain swatted him again.  "I have.  Concussions have to lessen your intelligence."  He looked at Horatio, who swatted him too.  "It does."

"It doesn't."  He stared him down.  "You never said you preferred older men."

"They'd actually talk to me and appreciate me for more than my body.  I'm not meant to be a boytoy.  If and when Grandfather dies I've got to take over for him.  Do you know how vast that empire is?  Especially if everyone else dies too?  Even with Uncle Don helping I'm going to be lost in a sea of boards and social events I don't like, and paperwork, and legal matters, and all that stuff.  I need someone who can help me, not play with me.  I'm a good toy and I like the attention I get from modeling, but I need more than that from my future lover."  Horatio nodded.  "The same as you need someone who understands about the weights you wear on your shoulders, so do I."

"I'm sure you'll find one, kid," Mortran offered.  He looked at Horatio.  "Speedle all right?"

"He's fine.  He agreed with Xander when he found out why.  Though he did say he would've liked to be warned and then he would've yelled.  Finding it is going to give him nightmares."

"I'm sorry.  Can I make it up to him?  Send him cookies or something?"

"I'll tell him you didn't want to worry him, Xander."  He stroked his back.  "You needed the attention?"

"I like it when people see more of me than Grandfather's wallet or my skills in sports.  Yes, I want someone to pay attention to how well I've kept my body.  It's selfish but that's the first step to finding someone who might want to hold it every night, even though I snore and I'm a bed hog."

"How would you know?" the Captain asked.

"I fell asleep on Don's shoulder and ended up running him off the couch."

"Ah."  He nodded. "Bed hogs are usually cuddlers."  Mortran nodded.  "He is?"

"If you sat on the bed when he was younger you had a lapful of Xander."

"Cuddles are nice.  I don't want to be a pet but cuddles are nice."  He let Horatio cuddle him.  "You're a great cuddle."  He grinned.  "Thank you for putting up with me all these years."

Horatio smiled.  "It's never been a problem, Xander."  He kissed him on the head.  "Now, you should probably go home."  He heard a noise and looked around.  "Check your phone."

Xander did that, looking at the number.  "Sorry, Mac, dialed in my pocket."  He hung up and turned the phone off.  "Oops.  At least it went to someone who'd understand."  He looked at Horatio.  "Did you know Aiden died?"

"I did hear that," he admitted, smiling at him.  "Come on, we'll go home with you.  I want these threatening letters."

"We handle them in-house, Horatio.  Always have.  That's why so many of us are in intelligence work.  Thanks, Captain."  He walked them back outside, finding Detective Tripp against the hummer.  "Is he in trouble after all?"

"Making sure Horatio's not in trouble."

"Were they aiming for him or Speed?" Xander asked.

"Speed.  It's about a case he's about to testify in."  He looked at Horatio again.  "I didn't tell Speed that.  Don't wanna make him panic."

"Thank you."  He smiled at Xander.  "Did you pick up everything you need?"

"I did.  Do you have the list?"  He patted his pocket and nodded.  "A few were looking really interested.  The teacher agreed it'd be a good thing too."

"You're in science?" Horatio asked.  "After your grandfather had to rebuild the other classroom?"

"I had to take another one before I can graduate.  I'm in geology."

"Rocks for jocks," Mortran agreed.  "Though his has a high concentration of science geeks who needed an easy year before pre-college classes."  He looked at the kid then at Horatio.  "If you want him he yelled he'd be back at curfew when Sire tried to spank him for the naked butt that went up across from his apartment in LA."

"I didn't pick where it went and it helped the pounds," Xander said.  "It's not my fault they put a billboard there."

Horatio looked at him.  "It's not something you want to see every day."

"Adoptions went up thirty percent."

"I'm sure they did," Tripp agreed.  "I saw them putting one up down here.  The fish one's going up near the Causeway."  He grinned.  "Good work.  It's very cute."

"It is," Xander agreed happily.  "I like the watch ones."  He looked at Mortran.  "Emma thinks she found someone down here who could use me."

"That might be nice," he admitted.  "But you've got to clear it with Grandfather and your schedule."

"I'm not sure if I want to dive next year or not.  I'll be out of the junior bracket and in with all the college kids."

"Which is a good reason," he admitted.  "At least until college."

"Must I?  I've suffered through ten years of education so far.  Do I have to go on and torture another school with my presence?"  Horatio burst out laughing.  "It is!"  He looked at his guard.  "Please?  I'll even play *polo* if you don't make me go to college.  I've already taken most of the business classes I'd get there and I'll have to hire an accountant and all that stuff anyway!"

"We'll see.  Sire was hoping."

"Not like I'm a rocket scientist, no matter how much he might want me to be.  I'm sorry but I'm not.  I can't be.  I hate disappointing either of them but I'm not.  I learned physics by falling off the gymnastics stuff."

"What about that one?  You'll be out of the junior class there too," Horatio said.

"The coach said I'm good but I'm not olympics good.  I might be in diving but most of the guys in the older age group are *older*.  They're college age or just after.  Besides, my coach is retiring and moving to a college next year.  I'll think about it in a few years, after I graduate.  Right now I'm at the right age to be and have fun.  I want to have fun.  I want to sneak off and go to amusement parks.  Go make out in the park.  That stuff.  Fun."  Frank smiled.  "I'm shallow now and then.  I want to be appreciated and liked for who I am, not how well I twist and flip.  I want someone who pays attention to me and lets me cut loose now and then but not always and tries to keep me from doing stupid shit.  I need someone who keeps me from having those recurring problems.  Especially after I have to take over."

"I gotta ask, how did you start modeling?" Frank Tripp asked, coming over to join their group.

Xander grinned.  "I went out clubbing my first night up there.  I had found this really great pair of leather pants and a few nice shirts.  Grandfather said to find a personal sense of style that didn't offend anyone.  The salesgirl drooled so it wasn't offensive.  I went to the nearest mixed, gay and straight, club by the townhouse.  I met a nice guy and we were talking.  I said something about those society hos who hunt me for my relatives.  He figured out I was in the wrong section of town."  Mortran moaned and Horatio nodded. "He got us out into a cab and up to the brighter section.  He put me in front of the bouncer, told me to introduce myself. Apparently someone had heard of me up there because we got in without any cover.  I ran into Marry there, Mortran."

"I know.  She's the one who told Father you were modeling.  Got him the magazines she knew about."

"Can you imagine what would've happened if he had only seen the billboards?" Horatio asked.  "At least Patrick had *some* warning."

"Yeah, the watch ads," he said dryly.  "But yes, I can see Father Patrick finding out his beloved grandson was modeling by first seeing one of the billboards.  Especially the one with the puppy or the kitten."  He took Xander's phone to turn it back off.  "Someone's forcing it on."  He called Thomas from his.  "If that's you guys, stop it."  He hung up and looked at Horatio.  "Patrick was ranting that if he had heard that way he would've skinned Xander and then bathed him in holy water."  Xander nodded.  "You could've told him."

"I did, he was half asleep."  He looked at Frank.  "Anyway, while we were there this model sort came over, said I was cute, introduced me to Emma.  Who took me in hand the next day and made me do watch ads.  One of them was shown to the ASPCA people because they were going through the same ad agency.  An offhand remark about the naturalness and innocence of having pets got the ad campaign started and they liked my looks.  I wasn't known but I was good.  I was clearly a wide-range guy because  I could do more than pout and grin.  I was still young so I could do the silly pictures like the fish.  I was adult enough to do the others without a parent or some social group screaming.   It worked out well.  I'm very proud of them.  I've always supported the pound.  Even when I refused to go to events, had to be drug out nearly in handcuffs, I still went to the stuff for the pound."  Mortran smiled and nodded.  His phone rang and he answered it.  "Quit turning my phone on, Thomas.  I was talking with Detective Tripp.  He wanted to know how I got hooked up with Emma."

He listened, then nodded.  "A goth place?"  He considered it.  "I'll have time this weekend if they can do it then.  Oh, tell him my diving coach is quitting to move to a college next year since I'll be out of the junior rankings and I wasn't sure I wanted to compete with guys nearly twice my age."  He nodded.  "The gymnastics coach said I'm college level but not olympics level.  No, I'm not planning on going to college.  Because school is a torture to me and any college will be very frustrated trying to get me to learn anything.  Remember my first school down here?"  He grinned as he hung up.  "I have a modeling assignment this weekend. There's a goth place that needs someone to look evil.  Apparently someone thinks I'm good at evil."  He grinned sweetly.  "Even though I am known far and wide as the good boy of Miami society.  Even in New York they knew I was the good boy of Miami society."  Horatio laughed, giving him a hug.  "You hug better than nearly everyone I know," he praised.

"You hug very nicely yourself, Xander."  Horatio smiled at him.  "You should probably be doing homework."

"You know, if I'm not on the team, I don't have to try as hard."  Horatio gave him a look. "Please?"

"Xander, you'll still have to try your best," he said gently.

"Yes, Horatio."  He rested his head on his shoulder.  "Do you want to see the new pictures when I get them?  Or do you want to wait?"

"I'd like to see them.  Some of the places you got chosen for were very interesting.  Especially the body paint one."

Xander gave him a wicked grin.  "It was fun too, even if the brush did tickle."  He let him go and walked over to his car.  "I'm going to get dinner."

"I have your debit card," Mortran said, holding it up.

"That's okay, I had them remove one of my CD's from rotation since it was nearly up."  He slid into his car and waved, starting it and backing out.

"He hasn't calmed down much since he was five," Frank said.  Horatio shook his head, putting back on his sunglasses.  "We caught the idiot and his friend.  No word on the sniper.  They claim they didn't know."

"It's probably that dweeb from South Dakota," Mortran said grimly.  Horatio looked at him.  "If we need police help, we'll call."

"Thank you.  I do like protecting the boy as much as you do."

"He's not a boy anymore," Frank said.  "You're not after you've disarmed your first bomb."

"No, that was a few years back," Mortran admitted.  "In practice anyway."  He went to get into his car.  "I'm going home to nap.   I watched Xander at gymnastics practice and he wore me out."  The two cops waved so he left.

Horatio looked at Frank.  "You would've called with that news.  What else is going on?"

"The sniper wasn't aiming for Speedle from where we found his nest.  It was your office window."

"What do we know about him?"

"Jack."

"We'll figure it out.  We always do."  He walked around to get into the hummer, heading back to the lab.  Being with Xander had lightened his mood considerably.  It always did.  Though he couldn't imagine the boy looking evil.  He was going to have to sit down tonight and make himself see that Xander wasn't a boy anymore.  He realized he was reacting differently to some of his photos and he didn't want to upset the friendship they had.

***

Mac turned off the tape recorder and called Don's desk.  "Are you busy?"  He heard the irritated grunt. "Xander's phone dialed in his pocket while he was talking to someone and I think you should hear it.  In my office.  Thanks, Don."  He hung up and rewound it, hitting play once Don had come in and closed the office door.  Don sat down, leaning on the desk while he listened.  He finally turned it off.  "It's nice that he thinks Stella's a nice woman and not worthy of destruction."

Don looked at him.  "We're all guilty of that, Mac.  I didn't tell Patrick anything about what Xander did up here.  If he worries he'll die sooner and then the kid's stuck."

"You're a relative too, Don.  Some of it would be on your shoulders."

Don nodded. "I haven't wanted ta ask," he admitted.  Stella tapped then walked in.  "Come on in.  Talking about Xander."

"Did the little bouncy goofball get into trouble?"

"No," Mac said.  "His phone dialed while he was talking to someone and I recorded it when I heard the topic."  She nodded, taking the tape recorder to rewind and replay. "I thought Don should hear it."

"I like the guy.  He's a neat, good kid.  He's right, I did answer a lot of sex questions."  She sat down.  "Are you going to talk to them?" she asked Don.  Who nodded.  "Patrick?"

"No," he said, shaking his head.  "He doesn't need to know that Xander's feeling pressure to destroy his legacy.  I doubt he realizes that Xander gets hate mail or that he's got what sounds like a stalker."  He called down there on Mac's desk phone.  "Hey, Thomas, it's Don.  Is Sire around?  No, just him.  Not grandfather.  No, nothing Xander related.  Just something I overheard and it's been nagging me."  The phone was handed over.  "It's me."  He grinned at the happiness to hear from him.  "Xander's phone dialed Mac while he was talking to someone.  Did you know some of the society wenches were trying to make him straight so they could destroy Uncle Patrick's legacy?  Or that he's getting hate mail?  Oh, ask Thomas about the guy from South Dakota if you don't know."  He did that and Thomas growled something.  "I'm with what Xander said about not worrying Patrick.  That's a lot to put on his shoulders.  Or both of our shoulders.  Yeah, I do need to talk about it.  What part does Uncle Pat want me to play when he finally fades?  Because if he doesn't make those plans it all lands on Xander.  The kid deserves some life and you know his society stuff's going to drive the kid nuts."  He smirked.

"Exactly.  So yeah, if he wants me to I'll take a role.  It might have to be small since I'm in New York, but if he wants me to I can.  I need ta know so I'm prepared.  Springing it on me one day out of nowhere means I'll need time to catch up and things could happen. All I know about what he does is that he sits on boards.  I'm guessing that's like taking in meetings?"  He nodded.  "Exactly.  Does Xander know what he does beyond doing that and going to social events?"  He sighed.  "Listen, Xander had a valid point.  No, he was talking with Mortran and Horatio.  Xander won't have hardly anyone but me, Mac, and us up here, and Horatio and them down there when Uncle Pat dies.  He knows he's not enough to hold you.  The other guys are going to follow he thinks.  That's going to leave him stranded.  Which is hurting him.  He doesn't know what to do.  He won't have anyone at his back to smooth the first few weeks over.  He's going to be deep in grief and having to handle things that most adults never have to.  Or hope they don't have to.

"Someone needs to make plans soon.  Or now, even better.  I need ta know what you want me ta do.  Do you want me to help Xander with that stuff?  Do you want me to take over a board position if there's one up here?  Are you setting up some sort of trust for the kid and will I have to watch over it?  Yeah, I do.  Even if Uncle Pat is a procrastinator of the highest order and he doesn't want to think about it, he's got to.  The same as the guys who're gonna follow need ta make some ahead plans.  Wills and stuff.  That way we know where ta bury 'em and all that."  He leaned his head on the desk, letting Stella pat his shoulders.  "It's not something fun ta think about, Sire, but it's got to be thought about.  Can you imagine Xander, sensitive little Xander, arranging your funeral, Uncle Pat's funeral, and everyone else's funerals all at once?  He'll have ta if we don't make plans.

"At least some plans.  I'm all for not worrying Uncle Pat.  Please don't worry Uncle Pat.  I want him to stay around as long as possible, the same as Xander does.  No, I'm honestly worried that Xander might follow.  Accidentally but he might follow.  Who's going to support him, Sire?  Beyond me who's going to support him?  It's going to take me a day to get down there when it happens.  That's going to be a day of dealing with the ME, the funeral homes, all that stuff.  Remember, Xander's not that organized.  There's days when he's good to match clothes, his words.  Not every day and even he admits that but sometimes."  He smiled.  "Thank you!  Yes, that's what I wanted. I need a clear cut set of orders to follow for when it happens.  What do I tell Xander.  What do I do with Xander.  What do we do with the bodies.  What do we do about the house.  The wills.  All that stuff.  Make us some rules of what we're doing.  Tell us what Uncle Pat needs us ta do.  We don't have a clue what sitting on a board means.  Unless Xander learned it in school since he's in a place where other kids' parents do the same thing."

He nodded.  "That's what I wanted.  He told Horatio he was feeling some pressure but not totally yet.  That'll change.  Also, he doesn't want to go to college.  He told me Uncle Pat told him torture was wrong so torturing him after twelve years of torture is really wrong and it means he's got a dirty soul."  He laughed.  "Exactly.  No, he was a good boy.  Beyond that one time someone gave him liquor without him knowing he had a lot of fun.  We went to visit an amusement park upstate.  We did a few things.  Stella answered a lot of sex questions.  I guess she's as close to liking boys as he's gonna get up here."  She hit him.  "Ow!  Wench."  He grinned at her.  "He said Xander suggested that Patrick marry you and have a surrogate donate sperm so he could have a sibling to do all the nasty social stuff."

"No thanks.  Not ready for kids."

"They'd be pretty," Mac told her.

"So?  I'm not ready for kids."  She took the phone from Don.  "Raphael, no more bad thoughts.  Yes that was.  No, I won't give Xander a sibling.  Within ten years he'll have his own kids to spoil and torture by making them go to school."  She listened.  "I think it's a good idea.  Otherwise no one has any idea what to do and the people he helps will be lost in the shuffle of the tax people and the state and the ME.  All those sort that come when there's the scent of death.  Especially if more of them go with him.  Can you imagine Xander having to deal with that if a lot of you went at once?  The police would hold him for days and hound him until they found out who had killed who."  She smiled.  "Exactly.  So make some plans.  Even if Patrick doesn't like it, he's got to see some sense.  I'm sure he's got a will somewhere.  Add to it."  She hung up and looked at Don.  "It was a good choice."

"I know."  He stood up.  "I should get back to the paperwork."

"Go home, Don. It's been a long day," Mac said quietly.  He nodded, heading to do that.   He looked at her.  "They would've been very pretty kids.  Xander would've spoiled them rotten and protected them from everyone."

"He'll have that some other day with his own kids," she said wisely.  She stood up.  "Any other traumas?"

"A long day of Danny and Lindsay fighting."

"I saw.  It's not even him this time.  It's her.  I'm about to smack her."  She walked off, going to interrupt the latest fight, getting them both.  "It's been a long day.  Shut up, go back to work or go home."  They stared.  She glared and Danny backed off quickly.  Lindsay didn't know to do that yet.  She started in on her attitude, backing her against a counter in the breakroom.  Hawkes and Mac finally came in and pulled her off, Mac walking her off and putting her into a cab so she had to go home.  Danny fled once it was clear.  Lindsay sniffed and went back to work. She still had another six hours.

***

Xander winced as soon as he hit the water on his last dive.  He came out, looking at his coach.  "I'm sorry," he mouthed, taking his towel.

"What was that?"

"That was sport dissonance," he complained.  The judges motioned him over.  "I'm sorry.  I forgot which one I was doing.  Though, it was kinda like some older ones."  He found the dive grade book and flipped.  "Not that one."  He kept going, scanning the pages. "See?"  He handed it over.  "I'm sorry."

"It's all right, Benis."   The judges looked then at the replay, then nodded.  "It is.  It'll be a variation of that one."  The coach walked Xander off.  "It was harder than his planned one."

"We could make him do his original," one offered.  "That way there's no complaints."  They replayed it.

Xander flopped down. "Sorry, guys, forgot which sport I was doing," he admitted at the heated glares.  "I've got a big gymnastics meet next week and my mind was there since I had this one done."

"Whatever," one down the row of divers sneered.

Xander looked down at him.  "Just think, I'll be out of this class next year and taking a few years off until I get to be college age."  He sat back, blinking when his scores came up.  "Damn," he said in awe.  His coach looked then smiled.  He looked at him.  "So I'll call when I'm of about college age?  We'll talk about who's going to coach me then?"

"We can do that."  He shook his hand.  "You're one hell of a guy, Benis."  The last few people went and second got a tie.

Xander bounced up with a loud 'whoo-hoo' and danced around, getting a few hand shakes on his way to the podium.  Xander skipped up the few steps, shaking the hands of the guys around him.  "Just think, next year only one of us up here is going to be eligible."  That got some nods.  The judges came over with the medals and he bent down to let them put his on him.  He shook their hands.  "Pleasure diving for you guys.  Hope to see you in a few years when I join the regular rank," he said politely.  At the end of the ceremony he walked down, grabbing his bag, his water, and his coach.   One of the reporters stopped him.  "Erica, I didn't know they had you covering sports."

"You're one of our up-and-coming socialites, Mr. Benis."

"Xander, please," he said with an easy grin.

"Xander then.  How do you feel?"

"Content.  Winning gives me this feeling of inner peace because I proved to myself that I could best myself."  He took a sip of his water.  "Sorry, missed breakfast.  Nauseous."

"Hangover?" she teased lightly.

He looked at her.  "Wrong kid for that."  He took another drink.  "Grandfather had a bad night and I was worried."

"I noticed most of your family wasn't here."

"Some of them couldn't make it, Grandfather really couldn't.  I did have someone who taped it for them. And of course I'm going to have a huge dinner waiting on me when I get home tomorrow."  He grinned.

"You're phasing out of this group, right?"

"I'm aging out," he agreed.  "I'll be taking a few years off because I don't think I'm ready to compete against guys who're college aged.  Diving's one of the rare sports where you get sixteen and seventeen-year-olds competing against guys in their late twenties and early thirties and I don't think I'm ready for that."  He grinned at his coach.  "Plus he's taking a job at one of Miami's college's."

"Congratulations.  Are you going to recruit him when he's graduated?" she asked, tipping the microphone his way.

He grimaced.  "Benis doesn't want to go to college right off.  If he does he'd better apply for my team."

"I'm not a school person.  Lectures make me sleepy.  Besides, I'd hate to put a college through the stress my present teachers have."

"What was your last dive?" she asked.

He giggled.  "Sports discordance.  I was going over my gymnastics meet next week and got confused," he admitted, shaking his head.  "I expect to be spanked later."  His coach nodded.  "Still it worked out okay.  If it hadn't I wouldn't have minded.  I should've had my head on the dive not on the match next week."

"You've won this event four times since you started diving."  Xander grinned and nodded.  "When are you coming back?"

"Probably not before I'm eighteen.  I need to graduate."

"What about your other sport?" she asked.

"I'll be out of the junior class there too, but I'm on the school team so I can compete on that level.  Which is where I'll stay.  I know I'm not olympic quality there."  He grinned and walked off.  "See you back in Miami, Erica."  His coach followed.  He walked outside, smiling when his coach got called over to talk to someone.  The next thing Xander knew a baseball bat went across the back of his head and he was out.

The coach heard something and looked outside.  "Someone get a paramedic!" he yelled, heading out there.  "Xander?"  He checked him over, frowning at the injuries.  "He got the crap beaten out of him," he told the paramedics.  "Why didn't you fight back this time?" he complained.  Xander moaned, trying to lift his broken arm.  "No, don't move."

"Toes," he mumbled.

"Your toes?  Can you feel your toes?  Try to move them for me, Xander," he ordered.  He shook his head but his feet moved.  "Good boy.  You rest, I'll call everyone."

"'R'tio?"

"I'll call him too," he promised.  He grabbed the bag and followed the guys into the ambulance. "I'm his coach.  His family's not up here this meet."  He went off with him, not caring that Erica had that film now too.

***

Xander blinked awake, looking at his Grandfather. "Gay bashed?" he asked tiredly.

"No, this was about where you were born."

"Dead?"

"Them?  They got away.  We'll deal with it, Xander."  He smiled at him.  "I am incredibly proud."  Xander gave him a small smile.  "The doctor said you got hit on the head."  He nodded slowly.  "First?"  Xander nodded.  "Did you see them?"  He shook his head, letting his rest on his grandfather's hand.  "That's fine, we have other ways to figure it out."

"Why?"

"Your former town."

"I researched when the 'rents showed up," he said quietly.

"The hellmouth.  Someone there needed blood from a pure hellmouth baby," he said quietly.  Xander just nodded once.  "We know why; we're finding out who.  Let us handle it."

"If I have to go kill someone can I visit Willow?"

"Of course," he agreed.  "I tried to get her out."  He tucked him in better.  "There you are.  Your things are already at home with Sire.  You are going to have to miss the meet next weekend."

Xander shrugged.  "I can petition if it takes too long."  He yawned.  "Good drugs."  His grandfather smiled.  "Tell Horatio?"

"I did and I'll tell him you're fine.  That you asked about him.  You'll be home in a few days."  Xander nodded, curling on his side, falling back asleep, trapping his hand under his head.  He shifted his seat slightly closer so it wouldn't hurt but that was fine.

***

Xander walked up to his gymnastics coach when he got back Tuesday.  "Preliminary?"

"Cheeper beat your score."  He looked at him.  "I filed your petition.  Will you be healed in time?"  Xander nodded.  "Fully healed?  Able to perform?  This year is another junior national team."

"My arm's not broken, it's sprained.  The concussion will be fine by then.  The ribs may be sore but I've worked with worse."

"I filed it, we'll see."  Xander nodded, heading off.  "What about next year?"

"I'm still on the school team," Xander called back.  "I can stay at the state school championships."  He patted his award case as he walked past it, getting a few grins.  "What?" he asked dryly.   He walked into home room.  "I'm back and I'm magnificent."

"You are," one girl laughed.  "You're also high."

"No, no pain killers.  I haven't had any since I got out of the hospital.  I did make sure it's nothing that could get me into trouble with the drug tests."  He sat down, getting comfortable.  The teacher for home room came in and he waved.  "I'm back."

"Excuse?"

"Faxed from the hospital."

"Thank you.  Congratulations.  Eighteen?"

"It's unfair to make thirty-year-old guys compete with kids my age.  We're still really flexible."  That got some giggles.  "We are."  He grinned.  "Oh, I've got a meet this weekend I've got to go to."  She nodded, making note of that.  "Even as a mascot I'm part of the team.  We'll probably leave around fourth on Friday."

"That's fine."  She looked up, taking roll once the bell rang.  "Three announcements.  There's a pep rally this afternoon for the soccer team.  It's after school if you wanted to stay.  You have to stay, Xander.  I was told to tell you.   There's a free clothes day Friday."  That got some talking.  "Please remember the rules.  Also, there's a career fair coming up for you sophomores and up.  It'll be in the gym next week.  It was suggested that day you wear good clothes to make a good impression.  They will remember you in two years when you're out.  They can also answer questions about college classes."

"Is the PD coming?" Xander asked.

"They are.  CSI Delko was here last week to talk to a few of the kids who wanted to.  You were in the hospital."

"Well, yeah," he admitted.  The bells rang so he walked off, looking at his next teacher.  "No one ever sent me homework?  Was I kicked out of class?"

"No, Xander  I've got it on my desk.  The headmaster should have."  Xander shrugged, sitting down at his desk.  "We're still going over minerals.  Xander, you're going to have to catch up.  We started this last week."

"Of course," he agreed dryly, taking his assignment sheet to look over.  He wouldn't need books until third so he pulled out a pen and got to work on the pop test he had missed.  He handed it over on the teacher's next pass by his desk.  He went back to listening.

***

Xander looked at his team.  "Okay, guys.  We have two meets before those of us who're going to State have to qualify or go home.  Then we've got one more meet and the school championships.  Then State, then Nationals if we're lucky.  I know I'm injured.  If at all possible I'm going to State."  He looked at the coach as he came in.  "I need to practice.  My shoulder's stiff."  He looked at them again.  "Even when I'm not eligible for State next year I'm still going to be pushing this team for the school's honor.  Are we clear?"  They all nodded.  "Good.  This weekend we have Holliwell for the girls and we boys have Tristan from upstate.  We beat them into the ground last year."  The door opened and he looked over.  "Come on in.  We're having a pep talk."  He looked at his team again.  They all had the same gym by design.  "We can smash Tristan into the ground again this year.  It's fun to make them cry.  They're all soft little rich boys who might as well have their butlers do their routines for them.  We are smarter.  We are better.

"They haven't had a kid going to State in seventeen years.  We've had at least me and one other every single year since I joined and the ladies have had one or two every year before that.  We will be making the guys from Tristan cry.  I like seeing them cry.  If at all possible I'm going to at least play alternate.  So make *me* proud.  Remember, they can cry and be babied by their butlers.  They still don't have the skills or style we have.  Go stretch and warm up.  Ladies, I wish you luck.  It's  a hard team but I know some of my style, sass, and attitude have rubbed off.  They can cry too."  That got some smiles and they wandered off.  He smiled at the coach then looked at the new boy.  "Hey, you just transferred in from Texas, right?"  He nodded.  "Xander Benis."  He shook his hand. "Sophomore."

"Chad Rocker.  I'm a freshman."  He looked at the coach.  "I wanted to try out, sir."

"You do know this is gymnastics?"  The boy nodded, toeing off his shoes and chalking his hands, moving to the rings.   He hopped up  with Xander's help and did a few turns.  He watched.  "We're low on rings and you could use some work.  You're in this gym?"  He nodded.  "Good.  Lets get you the uniform, Chad.  Good talk, Xander.  Go change?"  Xander held up his arm.  "You need the practice."  He stripped down to his t-shirt and shorts.  "Jogging?"

"Next period.  If I can't get excused."  He took off, doing a tumbling run when the girls paused.  He winced as he landed, rubbing his wrist.  "I may need to wrap it, coach."  A bandage was tossed over and he let the females help him wrap it.  Then he did another pass.  It was better.   Since he was warmed up he took his turn on the high bar, going into  a gentle practice.  He still ached and his head was giving him a headache.  He landed, stumbling some.  "It'll be better by Friday," he decided.  The coach motioned him over, smacking him on the back.  "Ow!"

"You have a concussion.  No getting dizzy.  It's Tuesday, we'll work you all day Thursday if we can."  Xander nodded, going to do something that wouldn't make his head hurt.  He was good on the high bar, he could skip a few days of practice there.  He still sucked on the pommel horse.  The coach watched the teams work.  "Marigold!  Watch your back, tuck that butt!"  She changed her position, trying it again.  He nodded.  "Start on the vault, Chad."  He nodded, going to do that.  "Boys, let's work on the vault.  We were weak during the last match."  Xander moaned.  "You too if you can."

"Why were we weak, guys!  We've nailed our vaults for months now!  Do I need a whip even if I'm not there?"  They laughed, going to show off.  Xander gave them a look then snorted, shaking his head and taking his turn.  He did something very showy, sticking the landing, even though he did hold his forehead.  "Brain bouncing."  He walked off, going to go back to the pommel horse.  He needed work over here.

Chad gaped at the coach.  "We do those?"

"We do those.  We've had Xander since he was thirteen."  Xander waved  "Even though he used to fly off the high bar."  Xander simply grinned at him and kept going. "Benis, back."  He straightened it and winced.  "Tough!"

"Trying, coach."  He hopped down and got back up, going over that part of his routine again.  Leaning over was a deduction.

***

Xander walked in that Friday wearing his new favorite leather pants and a t-shirt that showed he did situps every day.  The Headmaster gaped.  "Sorry, had a very early call for a photo shoot.  I got up at four."  He went to get a soda and headed for home room, waving at the teacher.  "Early photo shoot, no time to change if I didn't want to be late."  He opened the soda, taking a drink and putting the can in front of him. "I got up at four."

"I'm sorry.  It must be rough standing around being stared at."

Xander nodded.  "They wanted sunrise pictures on the beach.  That new goth place."  He took another drink.  "I'll nap on the bus ride there."

"Your grades?" she prompted.  He frowned. "You're behind."

"No I'm not.  Not now."  He grabbed his backpack and went to hand things out.  He looked at the source of his lowest grade.  "If you flunk me I can't go to State."

"If you do well on today's test...."

"Um, gymnastics meet today.  We're leaving during third."   He groaned.  "Gimme."  He held out a hand and took the pop test, grimacing at it.  "I'm still a few days behind but let's see what I can do.  Why am I low?  Did I miss something?"

"A paper."  Xander pointed at the stack.  "You went missing it before the swim meet, Xander."

"I know, you gave me an extension due to the swim meet.  Or don't you remember saying 'yeah, give it to me the day you get back'?"  He finished the quiz, only leaving two blanks.  He handed it over.  "We went over those two?"

"It was in last night's reading," he said patiently.

"Chapter six?"  He pulled out his book to look, then looked in the index.  "Uh-uh.  That's in chapter nine."  He let him see.  The teacher pointed at the additional reading on the syllabus.  "That's not in here?"

"No, that's in the small book."  Xander gave him a clueless look.  "I didn't give you one?"

"No," he said cautiously.  "What small book?"  The teacher moaned and held up his copy.  Xander looked.  "Misty has a copy but that's the only one I've seen.  Do the others have it?"

The teacher sighed.  "Maybe not.  I'll adjust your grades."  Xander beamed.  "Go away."

"Okay."

"Change too."

"Didn't have time.  They wanted sunrise pictures for the new goth place's ads."  He walked back to home room.  He looked at Misty since she was in there.  "We have a tiny book in Geology?"

"I have a tiny book but I thought it was suggested reading."  Xander shrugged.  "Okay, I'll talk to him soon."  The bell rang and they filed out.  "Have fun and good luck,"

"Thanks."  He headed to his research class, he had that first today.  "Hey, teach."

"Xander, leather is not on the approved list."

"I didn't have time to change.  They wanted some sunrise pictures for the new goth place's ad."  He flopped down.  "Did I just hand you things?"  She nodded.  "Please don't tank my grades until after State."

"I'm not.  It looks well written this time."  She looked at him. "You have one more paper due."  He gave her an odd look. "This semester."

"It ends in three weeks."

"I know that."  He whimpered.  "I expect an eight to ten page paper, properly annotated, and all that, by the time the final bell rings on this semester.  Am I clear?"  Xander nodded.  "Write it on something historical."  He nodded again.  "Good.  That should help you in the history class you'll have to take next semester."  He shook his head.  "No what?"

"I'm not due to take another history until next year."   She nodded.  He shook his head.  "No I'm not.  An english.  A language.  I'm a sophomore."

"You are?"  He nodded.  "You should be a junior by your age."

"I got taken out of Sunnydale's schools when I was five and had to start over down here because of the cutoff rule.  So I got a half-year free to learn how not to be a heathen brat."

"Then you shouldn't be in this class."

"They originally had me in Advanced Chem.  Whoever did my schedule screwed the pooch.  Up to you."

"I only accept juniors and seniors in here."

"Hey, talk to the headmaster," he said dryly.  "He kept me in here."

"Come on."  She walked out with him.  The headmaster was having some breakfast in his office.  "You put a sophomore in my research class?  I thought Xander was a junior."

"No, he's a...."  He looked at the leather.  "You can't change here?"

"I could but I don't have any clothes."  He looked at him.  "All I've got is the gymnastics uniform and you told me if I did that again and the janitor tried to pinch me I couldn't hit him."

"Fine, you're leaving soon for the meet."  He looked at her.  "Someone screwed up his schedule at the beginning of the year."  He ate another bite.  "That was the elective chosen."

"I don't know how."

"Unless it went on age," Xander said dryly.  "Or do I have extra credit hours from the diving stuff maybe?"

"No," the headmaster told him.  He looked at her again.  "Are you kicking him out?  If so, he's screwed on grades this semester."

"No," she complained.

"Well, there's one way," Xander admitted.  "Count my diving as another gym."  They all looked at him. "Not like I haven't been in the pool all semester.  Even though I'm done now it doesn't mean you can't count it.  I spent five hours a day there until the meet.  The state knows I'm a jock.  The team gym isn't counted as a gym class, that's why I had to take the other one twice now."

"You should've been given a pass on that," the headmaster said.

"Someone hates me.  I did take it."  He shrugged. "I don't care if I look like a football player who can't read.  Let's face it, I'm probably not going to be going to college.  I hate school.  I really hate lecture classes and that's what college is."  They nodded at that.  "So arrange it as a special topic class or whatever and transfer this class's grade to next year.  I'll probably need it to stay on the gymnastics team."  The headmaster smiled.  "I can't hit the nationals match most likely but I can still do it for the team."  He shrugged.  "It gives me something to do after school besides get into trouble or watch Grandfather get sicker."

"I'll talk to the board, Xander.  That's not a bad idea."  He called someone.  "It's ...  It is.  The Benis boy."  He smiled and then sighed.  "No, whoever did his schedule screwed up.  We didn't realize he was in a junior/senior elective."  He ate another bite.  "The teacher's adamant."  She nodded, sitting down.  "Right now, he's suggesting we use his diving as a special topics class.  He did win the junior championships yet again this year," he said patiently.  "We can ask his coach about his hours.  He's not going to college.  He doesn't like lecture classes.  We've had this problem his whole time here.  Also, whoever does his schedule didn't let him out of gym even though he's on a school team.  Exactly.  That's what he's suggesting then using this grade for next year.  That way he can claim the hours and not have the extra class."  He nodded.  "That'll work, thank you." He hung up.  "We can do that.  Finish whatever you still owe her.  Next year you'll have a blank study hall."  Xander nodded, standing up.  "No more leather in the school, Mr. Benis."

"I'll try."  He walked out, going to his next class.  The bell had rung while he was in the hall.  "Hey, Prof," he said, sitting down.  His clothes got a look.  "Early shoot, I didn't have time to change.  I got up at four."

"If the Headmaster hasn't grounded you...."

"I was just in his office about a scheduling screw up.  I got a warning."

"Good."  He sighed.  "Which english did you want next time?"

"Do I care?" Xander asked.  "It's all boring.  Not like anything we read will appeal to me."

He held in a sigh of disgust.  They all knew the boy was bright, he simply couldn't stand learning in a classroom environment.  "We have one with classics and one with modern classics."  He looked at him when he shrugged.  "Do you read anything in your family's huge library?"

"I've read most of it," he admitted.  "What's on which?"  The syllabi were handed over.  He counted.  "The classics one I'll only need to read one."  He handed it back.  "It's what period?"

"Third."

"Gymnastics gym."

"Damn."  He nodded.  "Well, there's fantasy lit.  That's sixth."  Xander perked up at that.  "I've seen some of your reading but I don't like to lower myself that far."

"I'll take that.  I have two years to take tax and payroll accounting."  That got a nod.  "This is reading for jocks?"

"Unfortunately.  Half the soccer team will be in there with you."

"Prof, I don't like lecture classes.  Can you seem me torturing some college by attending?" he asked dryly.

"Unfortunately I can.  Never mind, we'll stick you on the jock and business track."  Xander nodded.  "How many years?"  Xander held up two fingers.  "You're seventeen at the end of this year."

"When my grandparents got me I couldn't enroll in Miami because of the birthday cutoff rules.  I had to start over since I only took two months there.  They wouldn't skip me into first where I belonged.  The examiner thought I was odd."

"So you're a sophomore?"  Xander nodded.  "Then why are you taking this class?"

Xander snorted.  "Ask the idiot who did my schedule the last time and put me into Advanced Chem!"  The teacher shuddered.  "Exactly.  Right now I'm taking a mix of sophomore and junior classes.  I'll catch up next year."  That got a nod.  "Still eligible?"

"Fine."  Xander wrote that down.  "History?"

"Next year," he said dryly.   "I'm almost thinking costuming to get away from Middle European or Asian history."

"That's a jock's class," he admitted.   The others finished coming in.  "You're late."

"We were letting you two work out his schedule."

"Gee, thanks," Xander said, waving back at them.  "What's on for today that I can do on the bus?"

The teacher looked at him.  "Go away."  Xander grinned and skipped out, heading to warm up in the gym and make sure he had everything he needed for the meet.  "Sorry, he's tired."

Xander walked into the gym, finding the coach in there with the new boy.  "Hey, coach, I got told to go away," he called as he walked past him.  He walked into the locker room, finding them all open.  He came out and looked, pointing.  "Drug search?"

"Yup."

"Mine?"

"Nope."  He looked at him.  "We'll be down a senior."

"I knew he was an idiot.  Okay.  We can do that.  We beat Tristan by nearly sixty points last year."  He looked at Chad, then at him.  "I can handle it."

"You sure?"

"Yeah.  I can handle it.  Bring tylenol and remember to bring the forms from the hospital this time."  That got a nod and a pat to the folder.  "Then I'm going to pack.  Can I have a new uniform since mine's not in my locker?"  The equipment room was pointed at so he went to get something to wear during the meet.  He came out changed and put his clothes on top of his gym bag.  "Come on, Chad.  Let's see where you can do the best good.  We have some time to warm up."  He came out.  "Let's start easy.  Floor?  We need you showy and point heavy."  He nodded, going to do his favorite routine.  "Make that a double," he called at a single flip.  The boy went to do that, making him nod.  "Use the floor better, sway or something.  Entice them if you have to."  He did that and Xander nodded.  "Good!" he said at the next tumbling run.  The third got the same nod.  "Good.  Keep that, add to it, use the floor better.  Vault."  He went to do his favorite one.  Xander grimaced.  "No."  He did one to show him.  "Do that."  He grimaced.  "Now!"  He nodded, letting Xander and the coach spot him.  "Even if you hop it's still higher," he said more gently.  "We need the points."  He nodded, doing it again.  This time without spotting.  He stumbled on the landing.  "Arch your back when you layout."  He tried it again, getting a nod.  "Good.  Rings are your speciality, right?"  The boy nodded.  "Do your best there, it's one of my weak areas.  Pommel?"

"Silver in the Texas juniors.  Gold on rings."

Xander grinned.  "Even better.  High bar?"  He went to do what he normally did.  "Can you add in another release move?"   The boy came down and started over, adding in another one.  "Good!"  He stuck the landing.  "More difficult one?"

"Not if I don't want to fall.  It's a weak spot."

Xander considered it and made him move, hopping up there.  He spun around a few times, then dismounted.  "Try that one."  He helped him up there, spotting him when he came down.  "Helps?"

"It does."  He smiled.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  That's the first one I learned.  I broke my leg in fifteen places the day I screwed it up."

"He had eight pins," the coach agreed.  "Go change, boys."  They went to change back to street clothes, Xander coming back out in the leather.  "You're wearing underwear, right?"

"Thong.  Anything else rides up and I have a panty line.  People don't want to see my magnificence spoiled by a panty line."  He sat down, lounging really.  The other guys came in.  "We are missing a stupid person," he announced.  "They did a drug search!"  One of the other boys moaned.  "Don't make us miss you too."

"No, you won't have to," he said.  "I wondered why I got a random drug test.  You didn't?"

"I'd never take drugs and I was given pain killers in the hospital," Xander reminded him.  "I have an out for that."  He leaned forward.  "Straight talk, guys.  We're going to have Chad and no alternates.  We lost our best vaulter.  We need you guys to pullout the 'tude tonight and make them sorry."  That got nods.  "So pull out your point ho sides and let's make them cry."  They smiled.  "Go pack."  They went to do that and a few others needed uniforms.  He looked at Chad.  "Maybe some day I'll be a motivational speaker."  The new kid laughed.   "Hey, Coach Bradley, the point has been coming up today.  You know I'm a sophomore, right?"

"I can count," he agreed.  "Who couldn't?"

"Headmaster, math teacher, english teacher...."  That got a small groan.  "By the way, I'm going to the jock track since I'm about out of business classes."

"You might do good in a college but you'd be hell on the team's tutors."  He checked outside.  "Okay, bus is here!  Let's go!"  They walked out, him counting heads.  Xander slumped in his usual seat, closing his eyes.  "Long night?" he taunted.

"Got up at four for a sunrise shoot," he said grimly.  "Hence the leather.  It was for the goth place."

"I figured you wanted to be pinched," one of the guys teased.

"No, if the janitor pinches me again I'm going to pop him one.  You can drool if you want.  I don't mind drool as long as it doesn't warp the leather."  They all laughed.  "Let me sleep, guys.  Please."  He put on his headphones and yawned, drifting off against the window.

Chad ended up sitting next to him and squeaked when he got grabbed.  "Um...." he said, trying to wiggle free.

"Awww, you're a Chad bear," the teasing kid teased.  "Relax.  He's bi but he thinks you're a pillow right now."  The coach came back to get him free, making Xander grumble in his sleep.

"The rest of us know not to sleep next to Xander," the coach told him.  "Also if he's babbling, grumbling, sleepy, or violent, hand him caffeine.  Soda works best."  He let the kid have his spare seat and got comfortable.  It was a long trip.

***

Xander walked in Saturday afternoon, slamming the door.  "I'm amazing," he called.  He heard the laugh and headed that way, backing out to give his grandparents time to cuddle.  "I'm going to go do a shoot."  He went to do that, sliding his score sheet under the door.  He went to change and called his photographer.  "Okay, I'm back and I'm actually rested.  What am I wearing and to where?"  He nodded, finding something that fit that.  He headed out again, finding the spot they were using.  He walked in and took off his shoes.  The pants were part of his fees for doing the ads.  He took his spot, running his fingers through his hair to make it messy and more sexy, taking the apple the prop guy handed him.  "Bare hand, flat?"  He got a nod and did that.  The others came in and he practiced his look, making the photographer give him an odd grin.  "You wanted enticing or evil?"

"Evil.  Temptation, Xander."

He gave him a come hither look and it got snapped.  The ladies got arranged around him and he gave them a smug, sexy look, staring down the camera.

***

Horatio saw the pictures in his mail a few days later, smiling at the return address.  He took them back to his office to open them, which was a good idea considering the Xander inside was stirring some very inappropriate thoughts.  Now he knew what he meant by evil.  The official ad was included.  It was a shirtless Xander holding an apple on his open hand, his free hand stroking his stomach and side, and his expression smug while his eyes were drawing you in.  The ladies behind him were all kneeling and facing away from him.  He shivered, turning it over so he could look at the others.  Some were just as enticing and one was clearly too evil even for a goth leather place.  One was almost cute looking.  He was dangling a cherry above a mouth.  All you could see were the lips and tip of the nose.  Xander had another of those 'beg me for it' looks but he was almost smiling down at him like he was a good pet.  He found the note.  //Grandfather would freak so I'm showing you first and hiding when he sees this in the local paper.  Use them to taunt Speed about me being so little since he called me a kid the other day.  Lovies, Xander.//

Speed came in when Horatio paged him, getting handed the pictures.  The ad was the last one.  He had rearranged them so they went from cute to breath-stealing.  Speed gasped at the next-to-last one.  That one had Xander wearing a snake around his waist, stroking the head gently as it moved up his chest and two women kneeling at his side petting it too.   The ad got a whimper.  Horatio handed over the note, earning a sad look.  "He is still a kid.  He's only sixteen."  He handed them back.  "His grandfather's going to scream and rant."

"It does him good to get excited," Horatio said with a small grin.  "Do you remember being sixteen and sure you weren't a child anymore?"

"Yeah," he admitted.  "Which means I nearly turned into my parents.  I'll have to thank him for making sure I stay hip and cool.  Think we can see if Wolfe and Eric drool at those?"

"I want to see them when they see it in the magazine."

Speed snickered.  "I knew you had a mean streak now and then, Horatio."  He walked off smirking because he knew something.  Wolfe gave him an odd look.  "Xander got a new spot."

"Really?  Another pound ad?"

"No, this time for a goth shop."

"So, eyeliner?"

"Not that you could see.  Definitely didn't need it."  That got a nod and he went to find reports.

***

A few days later Xander strolled in with a big box, smiling at the receptionist.  "Is Speedle or Caine in?  It's a birthday present."

"For which one?"  She knew neither one had a birthday anytime soon.

"Detective Salas."  She smiled and nodded, paging Speed since he was in.  He handed over the box carefully.  "For Yelina.  It's edible so don't smoosh it, Speed."  He kissed him on the cheek.  "Did you like the ad?" he asked with a grin.

"It made me realize I was saying the same things my parents used to when I was your age.  Did your grandparents see it yet?"

"Nope," he said smugly.  "Because I'll hide."  He nodded and waved.  "Give that to her.  No peeking either.  It's not dirty."  He winked and walked off, heading out to his car to go home.  His bodyguard shook his head from the gate.  "No what?"

"He saw.  Go hide.  Call later."  Xander nodded, backing out and heading off again.  He went back inside, going to calm Patrick down.  "You know Xander's not like that usually.  It's a photo, Father.  He's not really evil."  He got given a glare.  "He hasn't been since he was seven and he wouldn't sleep for three weeks."  That got a small smile.  "Really.  He's a good boy.  It's for a goth shop; of course they wanted him to draw people to him.  You should see the other pictures."

"Do you have copies?"

"I think Don does.  He told me that you'd be screaming.  I think Horatio does too."  He grinned.  "You could call Don."

"I could."  He got up to do that, his guards going back to their posts.  Now that he wasn't screaming and throwing things they could get back to their usual jobs.  "Don?" he asked gently.  "Do you have copies of the other photos that were taken for Xander's latest set of ads?"  He smiled.  "Only Horatio had them all?  That bad?"  He smiled. "I saw.  I wailed for almost an hour about my poor grandson being tempted to the wrong side."  He laughed.  "Yes, we can do that.  Of course.  No, Xander has a meet in two days.  He won't be able to.  We think he got into State."  He smiled.  "Thank you, Don."  He hung up and looked at Mortran.  "Where did you send him?"

"I told him to call in a while from a good hiding spot.  Remember, you still have to tell Sire.  Then he'll have to go to bed with a headache so you can fuss over him."

"I would like that," he admitted. He called Horatio.  "I would like to see all the pictures, Horatio.  No, he's hiding.  Thank you.  That would be fine."  He hung up, shaking his head.  "Xander's playing in a park.  He saw him drive past and called to ask him."  He went to wait on Speedle since Horatio was going to send him with them.  Horatio was on his way to court so he couldn't come until later.  Speedle pulled up on his bike, earning a smile.  "That looks very fast."

"It is," he agreed, dismounting so he could pull the envelope out of his shirt and hand it over.  "In the order Horatio gave them to me."  He smiled at the guards.  "I take it you saw the ad?"  Patrick moaned and nodded.  "Wolfe gaped and nearly choked.  Eric whimpered and drooled then had to remind himself he's straight."  That got a wicked grin.  "Your boy does good recruiting work."

"He once asked when he got his toaster oven for recruiting."  He smiled.  "Are you off, want some tea?"

"I wouldn't mind."  He followed him inside.  "Hey, guys.  Patrick, Xander even bought Yelina a cake for her birthday.  A picture cake of Ray Junior being a boy in the park.  It was cute."  He smiled at that.  They were served tea by Cook and he sipped while Patrick looked over the pictures.  The last few got a whimper.  "Eric made that same sound," he teased.

Patrick put them into the envelope.  "That was for all the fussing I'll get in when Sire sees because he'll take to bed with a headache.  That snake one...."

"The title of the ad campaign was 'temptation'.  Xander is."

"Yes, Xander is surely a temptation to many.  Thomas, Gordon, Mortran?"  They came in and he let them have the envelope.  "Make us copies and one for Don please?  That way Horatio can have his back?"  They nodded, going to do that. Speed grinned.  "I never told him Xander was modeling at first.  I was worried about what he'd say.  Then they put that billboard of the puppy across from his apartment.  He woke up to it."  Speed snickered.  "Xander ran before he could spank him for making him stare at his twelve foot rear end."  He sipped his tea, shaking his head.  "I love my grandson.  At least he's not getting into frivolous trouble."

"No, not your grandson.  He's one of the straightest kids ever, Patrick."  He finished his tea.  "It'll be okay."  More was poured.  "Keeping your temper?"

"Yes," he admitted.  "Otherwise we'd have to hunt the boy down in the park and have him baptized again."  He handed over a plate.  "Cookies?"

"Sure."  He took one to nibble.

***

Don got handed an envelope as he walked in two days later, looking at the return address.  "Hey, Xander's new spot."  The guy at the desk gave him an odd look.  "The one on the ASPCA billboards is my nephew."  He went to Mac's office, finding him having a meeting.  He walked in and sat down, opening the envelope to look over.  What he saw made him gape, eyes wide.  "Damn," he said finally.  Stella snatched them.  "Xander's new photo shoot for a goth place.  I only saw the top one so pass them back."

Stella whimpered, weakly handing the top one on.  They kept getting more and more... bad.  "They named it right," she aid when she got to the ad.

"Isn't that the Xander boy that showed up this summer?" Lindsay asked.

Mac took them, nodding.  "He's Don's nephew."  He looked and blinked.  He stared.  "Definitely different than the innocent ones for the ASPCA."  He got handed the others from Sheldon, who was rubbing his eyes.  The ad gave him a pause.  He looked at Don.  "Stalkers?"

"Not that I've heard.  Only this one guy in South Dakota who saw him in a gymnastics meet and decided he wanted him."  He took them back to look through, whimpering some.  "I'd say it ran in the family but I can't look like that in leather pants.  If I could, I'd have a harem."

Danny looked over at Don.  "Remember, he's gay and doesn't believe in meaningless sex."

"Oh, yeah, that'll work," Don said, putting them back into the envelope.  "Thought I'd share.  Anything for me in this meeting?"  They all shook their heads.  "Then...I'm gonna go take a cold shower."  He headed to do that, stuffing the pictures in his locker.

"Hot love letter?" one of the other homicide detectives teased.

"No, my nephew Xander's new pictures for a goth place."

"Isn't he the one on the billboard?"

"Yup," Don agreed as he walked into the shower area.  "Go ahead and look."  He heard the whimper and smirked when the other guy joined him.  "He doesn't believe in casual sex either."  That got another whimper.  "Yup."  He stepped under the cold spray, cooling himself down.  He was sure that place's sales were going through the roof soon.  He came out and dried off, going back to his desk once he was redressed.  He sat down at his computer.  Xander had sent him two pictures he was trying to decide between for his portfolio.  He looked at them.  Xander as Cinderella on the hearth and then a closer shot.  He flipped back and forth between them, then sent his opinion.  "At least Uncle Patrick won't scream at those."  His captain gave him an odd look.  He called up the website of the place, watching the new graphic.  It was Xander.  It was zooming from the apple back to his face and that half-smirk and the eyes.  Then it went to a full view of the ad's picture.  He reloaded it for him, turning his laptop so his boss could see.  "That's only one of the ones that won't make you take a shower."

"That's your nephew?  The one with the dog?"  Don smirked and nodded.  "He looks different there."  He walked off rubbing the back of his neck.  He came out.  "Isn't your uncle gay?"

"He's on a number of boards for gay rights charities."

"So your nephew is recruiting?  When does he get the Mary Kay car?"

Don shrugged.  "I don't know.  If he actually wanted to use it to get tail, he'd never get out of bed.  Thankfully he's a good kid who doesn't want casual stuff."

"Wish my kids were that way."  He went back to his office, getting one of his sodas to drink.

Don played around on the site, finding a 'dress me' button.  It led to a Xander lying on a pale cream silk bed in a very seductive pose.  He had on a thong that was either stuffed or his nephew would scare a lover some day.  He saw the clothes on the side.  He dragged one over, watching as it popped onto his nephew's body.  The cyber Xander purred.  He put an ugly shirt with it and got a pout.  So he double clicked on the shirt to remove it like the instructions said.  Xander gave him an interested look.  He put on a better shirt and the Xander moaned, stroking his stomach.  That's all it was programmed to do but it was fun.  He sent that link to Stella with the remark 'at least you taught him to pout at the ugly clothes'.

Danny came up an hour later and smacked him on the back of the head.  "From Mac for distractin' Stella and Hawkes, who still says he's straight."  He walked off again while Don laughed.

Don sent the link to Miami.  His phone rang and he could hear ranting in the background. "At least it's a good picture of him.  Play with it, it's cute.  He pouts if you put him in an ugly combo.  He purrs or he moans and strokes his stomach if he likes it."  Thomas did that and Patrick went on another rant.  "Remind him Xander's still pure too.  Maybe we should encourage him to end that problem?"  He laughed at the 'it'd make it worse' before Thomas hung up.

***

Xander leaned into the headmaster's office.  "What did I do this time?"

"Your ad and that website, Xander.  We had to block it."

"I'm sorry but I was paid to advertise their clothes and get clients for them.  It did."  He grinned.  "Besides, I've never been evil before.  It was fun.  They gave me the pants too and a dark blue pair that make my ass look holy."  He closed the door and went back to class.  "Sorry, the headmaster complaining he had to block the website for my newest ad."  He sat down, looking at the teacher.

Who shook his head.  "I saw it in the paper."

"The website has a 'dress me' doll of me."

That got a nod from the teacher and a few giggles from the girls.  "Let's get back to the numbers, shall we?"  He pointed at the board.  The glances at Xander continued.  "Ladies, keep it up, get a pop test."  They quit.   He would be complaining to the headmaster that the boy was a disruption to his classes.  Especially since he couldn't get the picture of Xander as one of those cutout dolls out of his head.

***

Horatio picked Xander up that day, giving him a look.  "We had to block the website from the PD servers," he said in greeting.

"They had to do it here too."  He grinned.  "I've got gymnastics practice or I can skip."

"I can watch.  I'm off today."

"Yet you came to watch me flip around?"

"I did.  I haven't seen you at one in a while."  He walked him back that way, nodding at the headmaster. "You do know that a set was sent to Don?  Who showed it to everyone in the lab.  Apparently they had to block it up there.  Stella giggled while playing with the doll and Lindsay wouldn't quit staring."

"I like making Stella happy."

"As do I," Horatio agreed, holding the gym door open.  "But making Lindsay stare for four days is not a good thing.  Neither is making half of Miami doubt their sexuality."  Xander blushed but giggled.  "It was uncomfortable for some."

"I'm sorry but I did what I got paid to do.  I made people want to shop there."

"You made people want to steal you, Xander."  Xander gave him a sheepish look.  He nodded politely at the coach.  "We've uncovered three different plots to steal Xander."

"Why?"

"The ad for the goth place," Xander said. The coach looked at him oddly but one of the girls' team pulled it out to show him.  He squeaked.  "They wanted evil and temptation.  I like the one with the snake or the one with the cherries."  He went to change quickly, coming out in his spandex pants.  He chalked his hands, taking a running leap onto the spring board under the high bar.   He went over his new routine, which was flashy and awe making in one spot according to Chad.  He decided right before he went off to change his dismount, sticking the two backflips.  He held up his hands and two of the girls clapped.  "Thank you, ladies.  Need help?"

"Come tumble with us, Xander," one begged.  "Please, Coach?"  He waved a hand weakly.

"Okay.  What're we doing?"

"Back and forths."  Xander nodded, taking off at a small run to start off with a forward flip into a twist midair into a back handspring and then a look over his shoulder when he landed before he back handspringed into another series of flips, landing on the edge of the mark.  "Oooh, nearly out of bounds," she teased.

"You do one," he panted, resting against the wall, grinning at Horatio.  "Try a cartwheel on the way back," he called.  She amended it on the way back to finish with a cartwheel, which ended up in a split.  He grinned.  "Good!  I like that one!"  He patted her on the head once she was standing, turning around to start off backwards.  Three back handsprings across the floor then into a flipping, twisting move mid-air, then down into a split, which he moved out of to a handstand then sprung from there to gain momentum to finish off again.  He gave her a smug look.  "Your turn."

"Bitch," she complained, trying to outdo him.  On her return pass he had to catch her because she nearly ran him over.  "Sorry."

"Not a problem.  That's why it's called practice and I'm so strong," he quipped.  "Ladies, like to join us?" he called.  They shook their heads.  "Okay but remember, State championships for the schools does have that show off period for each school.  Chad, Macy, we're using you two.  Uppers and freshmen."  They nodded.  "Floor or bars?" he asked the girl next to him.

"Bars, ours."

"Okay.  I haven't played on your bars in years.  That good with you, Coach?"  He waved weakly, going back to staring at the ad.  "Cool."  He chalked his hands and  took off running, using the board to vault over the bottom bar to grab the higher bar.  He did things the girls usually do with his usual moves, going down to the lower bar then back up with a release move.  He spun faster, doing a release move up there from one hand, then he caught it and did another release move on the next spin, then two more spins before a challenging dismount.  "Beat that," he challenged with a wicked smirk.

"Bitch," she said in awe.  She took off to do the same thing.  She couldn't do the one- handed moves but she put some flash into her own routine, dismounting and landing beside him, leaning on his arms.  "Now the next generation can match us and overcome us or they aren't worthy of our places," she said with a wink for those two.  They got out of the way, watching as the girl did her own routine, then Chad did one, landing beside her with a courtly bow for her.  "That'll do for our show off time," she agreed, grinning at Xander, getting a wink back.  "Who's your friend?"

"Lieutenant Caine of the crime lab.  He's my best friend."

"Ooh."  She went to introduce herself.  "Hi. Sheila Cotton."  He shook her hand with a smile.  "It's good someone understands Xander.  We don't."  He laughed so she walked off.  "Coach?"

"Huh?" he asked, looking up.  "Xander, go away.  You can practice tomorrow since you've got a friend."

"You sure?"

"Go away."  He nodded, going to shower and change quickly, coming out with damp hair.  "Remember, we're leaving at ten tomorrow morning."

"I know, I brought my uniforms with me so I can do laundry," he called as he walked out with Horatio.  "Sorry.  At the state school meet we all get a show off period.  It's a taunt to the other schools.  They often snarl at ours."  He grinned.  "I like watching them snarl.  It puts them off balance."

"Hopefully it works again this year."  He walked him out to the hummer.  "I heard your car was in the shop."

"Yup.  The engine was sounding the like the geology teacher when I got a problem right the first time on the board."

"I'm proud."

"Me too, but it was a trajectory problem."  That got a laugh while Xander got into the hummer and buckled up.  "So why else are you here?"

"We did find three officers who wanted to kidnap you."

"They'd have to date me for a long time before I gave in, Horatio."

"You do need to date more often."

"I'm surrounded by shallow kids for the most part and the ones here think I'm a mascot.  Who would I date?"

"Point."  He drove him off.  "Are you going right home today?"

"I'm free if you wanted to do something.  Did Yelina like the cake?"

"She did like the cake," he said with a smile.  "Who took it?"

"We were shooting in that park for part of the ad that wasn't used on the website.  I saw him and asked the photographer to catch him for his mother.  He did say Ray Junior was very cute and could someday take my spot."

"I'd hate for him to have stalkers."

"I have stalkers?  I thought I had stalker, singular, that guy from South Dakota."

"Not from what I've heard."  He glanced at him, heading out toward the beach.  Xander gave him a confused look.  "My place."

"Okay."  He smiled at him.  "They're moving me onto the jock track since some people couldn't count years of school on me.  I've taken most of the business stuff for Grandfather's things so I'm running out of things.  I do get to count one class I'm taking this year for next year.  She only allows juniors and seniors."

"You're a sophomore."

"Yup, whoever did my schedule got that wrong too.  We only found out before the match at Tristan."  He got out once he had parked, following him up to the door.  "The grades will count for next year with the hours and they replaced it with a jock special elective from my diving."  They got inside and he closed the door, locking it behind him.  "Now what's really up?"  He looked at the man coming out of the kitchen.  "Hi, Speed."

"Hey, Xander.  We're guarding you since one of the police officers is determined to steal you."

"Did they hurt someone at the house?"

"No, but we're dealing with it in-house and not telling Patrick."  He handed him a soda.  "Has your Grandsire ever seen those?"

"Not that I've heard.  Oooh, did you see the billboard with one of the other pictures?"

"I did," Horatio agreed.  "It's on my commute."  He smiled at Xander.  "How much are you making?"

"That one I made a six grand gift certificate and another two hundred per hour."  They gaped.  "It was worth it and the top guys get more.  They can get two or three grand per hour."  He sat down, opening the soda.  "Do I know this cop?"

"No, not yet," Horatio said.  He sat beside the boy on the couch.  "How have things been at home?"

"Good.  Grandfather's getting a bit stronger again.  Ethan figured out something new to try on the tumors.  Sire's back in LA so I'm calling him all the time.  Ooh, I got one that I did the other day.  Same company but an angelic line.  No one will be able to complain about them or think I'm too tempting, I think."  He dug into his backpack, handing them over to Horatio.  "That's my copy of the good shots for my portfolio.  I sent the link to Don.  Online it's me being changed from Temptation to Sacred."

Horatio looked through the pictures.  It had another young man and a young female model taking the apple from him and his clothes bleaching back to white pants a few pictures later.  Then Xander looked up and grinned that same wicked grin with his hands on his white-clad hips, the wings just starting to sprout from his back.  The next picture they were fully out and the other two were stroking them while he looked like he was moaning, head tipped back slightly in pleasure.  The last one had him surrounded and above some angelic figures.  He looked at him.  "Very nice."  He handed them to Speed.  "Does it end with that elevated picture?"

"No, it ends with those angels taking off their robes to show clubbing clothes and them bowing to me."  Horatio just nodded.  "I'd show you but I don't have my laptop on me.  It's got another 'dress me' doll too."

"No new apple?" Speed teased.

"We thought about cherries or grapes but it didn't work right."  He grinned as he took them back, putting them back into the envelope.  "I'm going to use the wings one in my portfolio I think."  He shifted, dropping his bookbag on the floor.  "Are we expecting him to attack me here?"  Speed nodded.  "Why?"

"He was at the school," Horatio told him.

"The new janitor?"  They both nodded. "Huh."  He nodded.  "Okay."  He smiled at Speed.  "We need to go have good boy fun."

"I'm not a good boy," he teased back.  "Horatio is."

"He won't ride the roller coasters with me."  He grinned at him.  "I'll go with you if you want to come with me.  I'd like that."

"If I can, Xander.  You still have school."

"I have a whole week coming up when I'm off."  Speed looked confused.  "The school's doing a contract renegotiation so we're having the week off.  That way the teachers don't feel like walking out or snapping at us for making them work for crappy pay.  The Headmaster announced it.  The weekend proceeding it is State."

"How did you do in States last year?" Speed asked.  "I know it's your last year in the junior class?"  Xander smiled.  "All around our just high bar?"

"My only gold for all around," he said proudly but quietly.  "Highest in three events."  Horatio patted him.  He smiled.  "Grandfather cheered himself hoarse.  My shelf in the study got expanded to include that one and a great picture of me doing a release move behind it.  He even agreed that I should stay on the school team so we had a chance at staying higher in the state's standings.  Though he doesn't like that I don't want to go to college.  He thinks it's a good thing for me.  I'd rather travel with him."  Horatio smiled at that.  "I know our time together is precious but I can't simply take off now and go to Europe.  I have too many obligations.  When I graduate I won't and hopefully we can spend a good portion of his remaining life making some good memories for me to hold onto."  Horatio stroked over the back of his head.  "Thanks, Horatio.  I know you'll be here."  Someone knocked on the door and he looked at him, getting a nod.  "Want me to answer it?"

"No, I will," Speed said, going to get the door.  "Hey," he said, looking at the officer.  "What's wrong?"

"I'd like the boy please," he said, pulling his gun.

"Rude people do not get my virgin ass," Xander said firmly, standing up to glare at him, arms crossed over his chest.  "I'm sorry but no.  I intend to only date and sleep with people who have some manners.  They'd also better take *good* care of me and pointing a gun at a very close friend does not do that."  The man's face fell into a pout.  "Now, put it away and come in here."  He trudged in. "What makes you think that taking me is the thing to do?  This isn't the old days where you'd ride through a village and snatch a bride."

The man looked at him.  "Virgin?"  Xander nodded.  "With those pictures?"

"My grandfather was a priest," he said dryly.

"Oh.  So you need a ring?"

"I need a commitment," Xander corrected.  "Someone I've dated, been wooed by, and who likes *me* not just the pretty face.  I'm more than my hot ass."

"Yes, Temptation."

Xander glared hotter, making him flinch.  "That is a picture," he said coldly.  "Not who I am and not my name."  He swallowed and nodded, bowing his head.  "You're definitely not worthy if you don't know that."  He walked off, heading for the bathroom.  "I'll be in here, Horatio."

"Sure, Xander."  He looked at the man, shaking his head.  "He was happy until you got here."  The man let out a sob.  Speed hung up his cell, nodding.  "When the officers get here I expect you to cooperate to make it up to Xander," he said quietly.  "He will appreciate that."  The man swallowed, letting Speed walk him outside.  "He's gone, Xander."

Xander came back out with a damp cloth.  "Here, to wipe your hands off."

"I didn't need to hit him."

"You got a bit dusty in the gym."  He grinned and went into the kitchen to look around.

"Oh, no!" Speed called, coming in to drag him out of there.  "You're toxic.  No going in the kitchen."  He went to check on the prisoner, nodding at the patrol guys.  "Yeah him.  Tell them, now."  The guy mumbled something.  "Louder."  He recited his sins louder, including wanting to take Temptation and help him turn angelic.  "Someone already did that.  It'll be on the site soon."  The man swallowed, nodding a bit.  They took the guy back to the cruiser and off to book him.  He came back in, finding Horatio and Xander staring at each other.  "Seeing who blinks first?"

"Wins the rights to order dinner," Xander told him.  Horatio blinked and he grinned. "Middle Eastern or Thai?  I need a bit of spice tonight."

"Middle Eastern," Horatio said with a smile.  That got a nod and the boy went to call from his cellphone on the back porch.  "He's asked if we wanted to go to his meet tomorrow night."

"A whole lab road trip?" Speed suggested, flopping back down.  "Did you tell him about the other one?"

"I said three at the school."  Xander came back in.  "How long?"

"Forty minutes.  Who's the other person?"  He settled in beside Horatio, not quite cuddling but close.

"A female."

"Eww.  Unless it's Stella?"

"No, not Stella.  I will tell her to look at the new section to see if she likes it better."  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Mac did groan and whimper at the first set."

"I looked good," Xander said modestly.

"They should've named it Lust or Sin," Speed told him.  "What else is going on tomorrow?"

"They're announcing who made it to State as individuals."  He grinned.  "I had to petition but I think I did.  Only one person beat my score that I know.  Tomorrow's the deciding match.  Any ties are broken by tomorrow's scores."

Horatio stroked over his hair again.  "I hope you make it, Xander.  You've worked very hard to get there."

"I'm still hyperactive. I have to do something to take my extra energy."

Horatio swatted  him.  "Don't put yourself down again."  Xander gave him a sheepish grin.  "You have put a lot of energy into gymnastics and your training.  It shows."  Xander grinned.  "You've come a long way since you were proving laws of physics," he teased.

"Thankfully.  Broken bones hurt.  So does hitting the mat."  Someone knocked and he checked his watch.  "Huh."  He got up to answer it, frowning at his bodyguard and the food he was carrying.  "Did my card decline?"

"Yup."  He handed it over. "Your grandfather said you're grounded."

"Horatio said I've got a possible kidnaping.  But I have new pictures he'll like more."  He brought the food inside, going to hand the pictures to him.  "I'll be home in a few hours or when it's done?"

"That'll work. I've got DiRosa sitting on the house."

"Sire's back?"

"Yes, for some reason he saw the Temptation ad," he said dryly.

"Grandfather babying his headache?" Xander teased.

"Oh, yes.  He stormed in nearly screaming and panting in anger."  He walked off shaking his head, nodding at DiRosa.  "We heard right.  Speedle and Caine are inside with him.  New pictures."  He leaned on the car so they could share them, smiling at the innocent ones.  "Those might calm down the huffing Sire's doing."  He took them back to the house, handing them to Patrick.  "From your grandson, who's being protected from a possible stalker.  Those are much sweeter.  They go full circle."

He took them out to look, smiling at them.  "Those are much closer to the sweet boy we have."  He went to show his sire, smiling as he curled next to him on the bed.  "The rest of the series."

He looked through them.  "Is he back yet?"

"Horatio has him, he's got a stalker."

"Crap."  He handed them back and yawned.  "I'm tired, childe."

"Let me take care of you for a change," Patrick soothed, pulling out his finest fussing rituals.  When he was down he logged onto the website to look at this new one.  Now you got a front page of 'temptation' or 'sacred' as gold words in the middle of sacrificial altar fires.  He clicked on that one, watching the movie transformation to angelic.  The end scene was nearly as bad but he cleared it off his computer and decided it was that shop.  He knew his grandson was sacred.  Mortran leaned in.  "Did it go off yet?"

"Nearly but Xander's finishing dinner.  You do remember State is tomorrow?"  He nodded.  "Good."  He grinned at the computer.  "I looked at it too.  That shot of him looking up when you get to the main clothing page is a great one we should get a copy of."  Patrick went back there, skipping the intro movie.  There was a picture of Xander with the wings and low riding white leather pants looking up through his lashes, a small, shy smile on his face.  He moaned and Raphael looked over his arm.  "I like that one.  He should have that one in his portfolio."  He left them alone, closing the door behind himself.

Raphael huffed.  "At least he looks angelic."  He put the laptop onto the bedside table, kissing him.  "He's not naked either.  I suppose it's all right."

"Did you see the other movie?  He does live up to the temptation name."  They heard the main door close but no one came upstairs.  Xander did come up a half hour later, climbing in on Sire's other side to cuddle him.  "Bad night?"

"Both of them thought I was the picture.  I feel like pouting."

"It was visually stunning, Xander," Raphael said.  "Where are the others?"  He went to get them, both sets, and let him see.  He climbed back in.  "We liked that one of you looking up."

"I'd use that one but that's proprietary.  I only get the ones they're not using."  He put his head on his shoulder, curling up beside him but on top of the covers.  "The wings itched."  Patrick laughed.  "When I graduate, if you're both still with me, what do you think about doing some traveling to spend some time together?" he asked quietly.

"I think it's a grand idea," Patrick said, smiling at him.  "Where did you want to go?"

"Yes."

Raphael handed them back, kissing him on the head.  "We'll see what we can plan for becoming globetrotting vampires, Xander."  Xander beamed and snuggled in.  "Still no boyfriend?"

"No.  I should pout.   The teachers are drooling over me.  The coach got stuck on that picture in the magazine.  I got to cut practice short."  That got a soft chuckle from Patrick.  "Horatio was there.  Then two people decided to call me Temptation even though they wanted to love me like I deserved according to them."  He nuzzled his cheek then looked at him.  "Is it just the pictures or some other reason for me to draw them that way?"

"It's you, grandson. You are very alluring.  That innocence sheathed in a body that speaks of sin and desire," Patrick said, reaching over to stroke over his hair.  "Didn't fix it after practice?"  He shook his head.  "What's coming up?"

"There's another pound ad.  They want to do a new one with a dog going back to the innocence thing.  Individual State if I make it right after that.  Figuring out how to spend the other four thousand of my gift certificate I got for modeling."

"They gave you what?" Raphael asked.

"Two hundred an hour and a six grand gift certificate."

"Why is the car in the shop?" Patrick asked.

"It spluttered like you do when I hit on someone in public."

"It's supposed to be a good car," Raphael complained.

"It is," Xander agreed. "It simply hasn't been the same since I got food poisoning and ran into a mailbox."  That got a small laugh.  "It hasn't.  I thought about replacing it with some of my recent earnings but I don't know what I want.  If I get something low and sporty it'll seem like I'm bragging or compensating."

"Not with that picture of you as the doll," Patrick said dryly.  Raphael gave him an odd look so he pulled them up.  This new doll did the same thing as the other one so he let him play with it.

"I thought your diving suit was tiny," Raphael complained, but he smiled at the pouting reflex the doll did.  "Did you keep the white leathers?"

"Yup and I got a pair of baby blue ones."  He selected them to put them on him.  "Those."

"What's the cutouts?"

"Netting.  I look holy in them."

Raphael patted him on the back.  "You look holy in many things.  Except your school uniform, grandson."

"Yeah but they're to make us all look like dorks," Xander complained. "That's why my tie ends up hanging out of my jacket pocket like some strange hankie code for 'I'm bored and not uptight'."  Patrick laughed so hard he choked, letting them help him.  "Anyway," he sighed once both vampires had calmed down.  "I need to get to sleep tonight.  It's going to be a long day and I've got the show off spot again this year.  We are coming, right?"  They both nodded.  "Good."  He climbed out of the bed.  "Commence with the squeaky, squealy, comfort noises."  He went down to his room.

Patrick kissed his sire.  "Do you need to make those?"

"I could like that."  He pulled him down to kiss him properly.  It was good between them.

***

Xander finished his routine for the show off portion of the event, waving a hand at his female counterpart. "Prove it or bench it," he teased just loudly enough to be heard, getting some laughs from the crowd.  She hopped up to do her routine, landing facing him.  She leaned against his arm, motioning the new kids over. "Oooh, newbies.  Better be good to be on *our* team."  Chad jumped up to do his routine, then she did hers, smirking back at him before walking off.  Xander did trip on the way off the mats, but that was fine.  He sat down.  "Can I have a bandaid?"  One was handed down for his scrapes.  "Pants tore too.  These new ones are cheap, coach."

"I know."  He got some needle and thread from someone, letting Xander patch his own knee.  One of the other coaches gave him a worried look.  "When the mat bit him he scraped his knee and tore his pants."  He took it back once Xander broke the thread, going to hand it to the original owner.  "Thank you."

"Welcome."  She shook his hand.  "May the best team win."

"Of course we will," he agreed smugly, making her laugh.  The rotation order was announced.  Rings first.  "Chad, you're our best, go."  He nodded, going to get himself ready. He chalked his hands, let himself be spotted. He grimaced and shifted his hands but got to work on his routine.  He was flawless until the dismount, then something happened and he fell on one shoulder.  He rushed out there.  "Chad?"  He got a moan and a point.  He felt along the injury.  "It's dislocated.  Get us someone."  One of the judges went to do that while he looked at him.  "It'll be okay, Chad.  We all slip."  He shook his head.  "It's all right."  Paramedics came with him.  He walked back there, looking.  Xander nodded for him to go.  "You sure?"

"I'm sure.  His family's not in.  What was it?"

"Dislocated.  You're next."

Xander nodded, heading out there.  He dusted his hands and let himself be helped up.  He hopped back down.  "We need an equipment check please?  One of the grips is loose."   The spotter came over to check, nodding he was right.  Some tape was used and Xander grimaced, going back up.  He tried to shift and ended up leaving his hand grip up there.  "Nope.  Please fix it?" he requested, pointing at his grip.

"We'll have that one replaced," the judge announced.  "Do you want to wait or come back to it?"

Xander looked at his team.  "Whichever's better for the other coaches."  That got a nod and they were asked.  The judges announced there was a problem and the rings were being switched out, that they were pulling all the teams until that Pace could complete their rotation.  The other teams finished theirs with Xander watching.  "Delian?"  He looked over.  "See the redhead?"  He nodded.  "He got an 8.7 on the floor.  His teammates all got in the mid-nines.  The one on vault got high nines.  The ones on the pommel got low nines.  That's the grading curve."  He stood up, moving the kids closer together.  "The coach is with Chad.  He got a dislocated shoulder.  You guys are going to win this one for him since he can't be here.  Am I clear?"  They nodded, grinning at him.  "Good.  Coach'll be back in a few.  His parents aren't here.  Do not do things that will make me yell at you in front of the other schools or parents.  We're mature beings, even those of us who're fourteen."

He counted noses and sighed, heading to find the other two.  He found one girl under the stands, pulling her out by the back of her neck.  "What part of 'do not embarrass the school' did you not get!"  She flinched.  "I don't care if you haven't seen him in years.  You can wait until after the match.  Use the match to impress him but you are not allowed to make out here.  Especially since your parents are watching."  He gave her a shove.  "Go sit down.  We're waiting to complete our round."  She slunk that way and Xander glared at the boy.  "You know better.  Keep it up and I'm reporting you for being over twenty and sucking face with a fifteen-year-old."  He walked into the back hall, finding his other player, Chad, and the coach.  "Chad, how's the shoulder?"

"Sore," he said grimly.  He grinned at the other boy.  "Thanks for coming to see if I was okay."

"I was trying to figure out what was going on."

"If you had waited I would've told you," Xander pointed out, pointing at the bench.  "Go sit on Tiffany since I caught her sucking face with an older guy."  He followed the coach out.  "The grip was loose."

"That's what he said.  We're on hiatus?"

"Until the ring's changed out.  They taped it on me and my grip stuck."  He counted noses and groaned, going to get both girls this time, walking them out by their ponytails.  "We seem to be having girl issues today."

"Yes, you have PMS," one of them told him.  He smacked her on the shoulder.  "Hey!  Coach!"

"No hitting the girls even if they deserve it, Xander."

"You sure?  I'm told I spank very well."  They all stared at him.  "One of the shoots for the watch."  He grinned and shrugged.  "Okay, Delian, since Chad's injured he's our alternate.  I know you're new.  You'll handle it well because we know you will.  We have confidence in you doing great things today.  Don't try to be me, but at least try to be as good as Mercy is."  That got a grin and a nod.  "Good."  The ring was put up and he walked out there.  "Test?"  He was handed his grip, letting him check it.  "It's sticky.  Coach?"  Another one was tossed over.  Thanks."  He chalked it and hopped up, giving it a test.  Then he nodded and got down.  "It'll do."  The judge nodded.  "I guess I'm up next."  He centered himself and got back up there, testing the grip first.

Then he started off, aware everyone was staring at him.  It was good staring, he hoped.  Like when he dived.  He finished up with a good, solid dismount and nodded, holding his arms up as was proper.  He walked back to the bench, taking out some water to sip.  "The new ring's got a stiff line, the older one's looser," he said quietly.  That got passed down and the next kid went, his scores good.  It was their low score for the match, they hoped.  Their next one was vault.  The others went first.  Xander went last because last place people got higher scores.  He could vault very well.  He winced when Delian almost fell, giving him a pat as he walked past.  "We'll work on it next week," he promised. That got a smile and a nod.  The kid in front of him went and he watched the scores.  Low.  Not good.  It had been a decent vault.  Xander upped the one he wanted to do, looking at the coach, leaning over to talk to him.  "Show my ass or not?"

"Not.  You can't stick that landing."

"It's higher anyway."

"Not."

"You sure?"

"Not.  We can place second."

Xander snorted.  "No we can't.  It'll waste a pep talk."  He stepped up into position, checking his hands.  He took off at a run, gauging it.  At the last minute he sprung forward, using his hands on the board to launch himself.  He hit the horse right, then flipped and landed, wobbling a bit but didn't step, hop, or fall.  He grinned and waved, heading back to the coach.  "Told you so."  He watched his scores, nodding.  "Not bad."  Delian gave him an awed look.  "What?  You should try doing a handstand dive off a ten meter board."  He sipped his water, it had his mark on the top so it was his.  Then he coughed.  "That wasn't orange flavored before."  He put it down, shaking his head when the coach looked.  "Someone made me koolaid."  He looked at Chad, who shrunk down.  "Have it if you want.  I don't have bad mouth germs."  He took it to drink and Xander got another one.  "We mark the caps, Chad."  He nodded.  The team's cumulative scores were put up.  They were in second.  "I hate having to come from behind, guys.  What's our next one?"  The pommel horse was pointed at.  "Okay, I suck here.  Someone else lead the pack.  I'll go second."  Their third best pommel person went to do his first.  He got a decent score.  Xander went and he got a semi-decent score.  Their others went and the next best after Chad went last so they got the best score there.  It put them two points behind the top team.  "Come on, floor," Xander muttered.

"Do your own routine, not the girls'," the coach warned.  Xander nodded.  He knew what he meant.  "You go last, Benis."

"Got it."  He finished his water, watching their team go.  The girls were waiting on their turn so they were watching and cheering at the moment. When it was his turn he walked out there, avoiding the spot he had tripped on earlier.  He stretched up, checking his hands.  A bit more chalk and he stepped into the square, nodding at the judges before moving into his first move.  He concentrated on making it like a kata, moving like water, rushing like rapids over a waterfall when he tumbled, then going for a calm spin underneath.  He stopped when he was done, nodding again and walking off.  He flopped down.  "Tell me I didn't do four?" he asked the coach, who smacked him on the head.  "Sorry I got lost!  It's better than me doing a dismount for a dive."

"Not by much."  Xander's score went up and he was very high.  It put them in the lead.  "I'm going to drill you for weeks, Benis."

"Yes, coach."  The high bar came up and he grinned.  "Oh, can I?  Please?" he begged.

"No."

"Pretty please?  It's my last year to make State.  This is the deciding one."

"No."

"Come on," he begged.  "I need the score if I'm going to State.  You enjoy me going to State, it gives you time to schmooze with the college guys.  Plus, it's a national team year.  Please?  The one I do in practice when I'm goofing around?"

"Hell no," he growled.

"The other one?  It's even higher."

He sighed.  "I don't know how you're not spoiled with as much as you beg."

"My grandfather used to be a priest.  Why do you think I don't have a harem.  Pick between the two or the new one."

"Do the new one.  It's safer."

"Only if I don't fall on the landing.  Can I do the one I goof off with?  It's more fun.  It's a lot better."  Their next-to-last person walked up to do his.  "Please?"

"Let him do the second one," one of the girls said.  "If he falls on his face again, oh well."

Xander glared at her.  "Gee, thanks.  Really."  He looked at the coach.  "Please?"

"Do the new one."

"I'll have to improvise, it's only three moves long."

He sighed.  "Do the new one, add in the goofing off moves at the end, then do your hardest, fastest, meanest dismount and I'm spanking you when we get back, Benis."

Xander grinned. "If you want," he said with a cheeky grin, going out to take his spot.  He looked at the bar, then at the board, shifting it back.  "Need the air space."  The spotter gave him an odd look so he backed up and took his usual running start.  He hated a dead start at the bar.  He never got up good momentum fast enough.  It made the first release move harder.  Xander caught the bar with both hands, swung twice, went into the move where you're passing your legs between your arms, then popped a switch of direction.  He swung a few more times.  A one-armed swing and a release at the high point from that.  Then one more swing and a release from the middle of that.  He felt it.  He moved onto a release backflip and caught it again.  He did it frontways, then caught it, swung twice, did the last move he knew he had forgotten to put in, then he dismounted from that, sticking it barely.  He held up his arms and gave them a smug look, seeing the shock.  He looked at the coach, who was tapping a foot.  He walked back there.  "Did I forget an element?"

"No, you showed off."

"It's the school championships, I'm supposed to show off here."  He shrugged, grinning at his score.  "Yes!" he hissed, beaming proudly.  He looked down at the captain of the girl's team.  "I want that score on at least yours."

"I do try to please."

"And I heard you do it well," Xander teased back, earning a swat from the coach.  "Her teachers all say she tries very hard to please them."  The girls took the floor for their sections, letting the guys cheer.  They even had small pompoms.  The girls had lost their alternate to a car wreck and a concussion/broken ankle mixture.  They couldn't afford mistakes.  Someone came over and Xander looked at them.  "Judge Phillips.  Is it about my petition for State?"

"You showed off very well, Xander."

"It's the championships, of course I did.  This is the place for it."  He grinned.  "Am I going to pout all the way home?"

He sat down next to him, letting him see the score sheets.  "You're tied with Cheeper.  There's only one open spot by scores."  He looked at him.  "I should make  you an alternate.  Are we going to have problems with your drug tests?"  The coach handed over the records of what Xander had been given. "Someone showed some sense then."  He looked at him.  "I want to talk to you and Cheeper.  This is the last year for you both."

Xander looked then pointed.  "He was in the car with our alternate," he said quietly.  "It's her boyfriend.  I'm not sure he's alive.  I know she's got a broken ankle and a concussion."  He looked stunned.  "Go ask his team but I'll gladly work it out with Cheeper if I must."  He nodded, going to check on that.  The coach looked at him.  "I'm fair.  You know I'm fair."  That got a nod and he cheered on the girls going onto the floor exercise.  "Kick their asses like I did!" he yelled.  The coach swatted him again.  "What!  We get a day off if both teams win."  The judge came back and he looked at Cheeper.  "Was I wrong?"

"He says he can compete but he's sick and has a concussion.  We called," Cheeper admitted.

Xander nodded, nodding for the coach's benefit while he walked out.  "I heard he had died."

"We did too but he was in the ER for a long time."  He looked at him.  "Showoff," he said smartly.

"Well, yeah," Xander agreed.  "This is the place for it."  He grinned.  "So we're down to one spot and an alternate?"

Cheeper looked at him then at the judge.  "What's our chances of making it to the nationals?"

"Only if you compete," Xander said grimly.  "Can we have a competition among us?  That would be fair.  Get the top ten and weed us down?"

"We like the average scores method.  It accounts for bad weeks."

"Like it was my fault I was in the hospital after being attacked."  He looked at Cheeper.  "You have a rivalry with Tyron.  I have a rivalry with Rocko and then there's the new guy, Juan."  That got a nod.  "That leaves out the sick alternate and a few others.  Want to call him?"

"I can do that."  He called his buddy's house.  "Hey, it's Cheeper.  We're talking about States.  Benis and I are tied for the last open spot and alternate.  We're making sure you're going to make it."  He looked at Xander.  "You've rubbed off on him.  He said if you could do it with a concussion he can do it with a concussion."  He listened.  "Yeah, that's what we're doing."

"He could be the alternate," Xander offered.  The judge shook his head.

Cheeper listened then nodded.  "That'd work."  He hung up.  "He agreed with Benis.  Make him the alternate.  He's not sure what they gave him in the ER but he was floating and he said it was morphine good."

"We'd have to drug test him anyway," he pointed out.  He walked off.  "Let me talk to the others, boys.  Go back to your seats.  We'll announce it."

Xander looked at his old rival.  "May the best gay man win?" he joked lightly.

"Even with that ad I still wouldn't let you do me, Benis," he joked back, walking back inside smiling.  The coaches were together.  "Hey."  They both looked over at them.  "Carl's thinking he might need to be an alternate due to some medication issues and his head's still throbbing.  As of right now, one of us will be on the team and one of us will be alternates unless they move him back.  He did agree it would be okay.  Which would solve some bad rivalries we both have."  That got smiles and nods.  "They'll announce it."  That got nods and the two teams split, though Xander did go under the bleachers and walked one of the guys and his girlfriend out, handing her to her coach on the way to their bench.  Cheeper laughed.  "Goody goody."

Xander sat their boy down, staring at him.  "Didn't I yell at the girls for that?"  He nodded, looking miserable.  "Your parents are watching."

"They want me to marry some future CEO."

"Dude, do what makes you happy.  If they're that uptight, they'll die of it before it becomes an issue."  He sat down to watch the girls going, looking up at his section, smiling and waving.  Horatio gave him a look so he pointed at his wrists and to the bracelet he used to wear from States.  That got a nod.  He understood.  Xander looked at the scores and sighed.  "I did want that extra day off, guys.  Come on!  You do better than that in practice."

"People are watching," one of the new girls said.

"Duh!" Xander shot back.  "You're in sports, people are going to watch you.  You don't want individual attention, join a team sport not an individual sport."  She blushed but nodded.  "Even if they're watching they're staring in awe because they can't do what you do."

"I feel like they're staring at my ass," she muttered.

He moved over to sit next to her.  "They're not.  If they are they're doing it to make sure you're staying tiny.  Remember, female gymnasts are supposed to be tiny little skinny dolls.  You are one."  She smiled at that.  "Now, whet's the problem?"  She mumbled something and he sighed.  "Even with *that* finally starting they're not staring at you unless you're bleeding through, okay?  Go out there and use all the conflicting hormones to push it back in their faces.  Yes, you're a real woman, you can be delicate and gentle, and still spike a release move that makes jaws drop.  Then we'll get you chocolate on the way home, like we will me in celebration.  Okay?"  She nodded, going to take her place in line for the vault with the others.  He looked at the coach and shuddered.  He got the point.  It was a guy code for female cycle issues.  He grabbed another water and settled in to watch and cheer, smiling when the girls did as he said and pushed it back in their faces.  The girls ended up taking second place, which wasn't bad with most of them only being on the team a year.

The teams moved to get their medals, Xander accepting the trophy as captain for their team, shaking hands with the judges.  Pictures were taken, school theme song was played, and then the girls got their turn.  Everyone packed things and stared at the judges, who were conferring.  One judge tapped on a microphone until it came on.  "We're going to announce the athletes going to State in all the classes."  The first list went up.  "This is the senior class going to State for the men's."  A cheer went up.  A new list came up.  "This is the ladies' senior division."  The crowd hushed.  Most of the people here were in the junior division.  A new list came up.  "This is the ladies' division."   It paused and the new list came up.  Xander let out a squeal.  He had made the team.  Cheeper was the alternate.  "This it the list for the men's junior division.  We wish all the athletes luck and I hope that some of you make the nationals bus as well.  Have a good day and thank you for being sportsman about things.  Congratulations to all of you for getting this far."  The microphone went off and the crowd clapped.

Xander got pounced by his family, hugging everyone.  "I made it!  I made it!  My last year and I made it!"  He hugged Horatio.  "Are you coming?"

"If I can," he promised, smiling at him.  Speed got his own hug then both grandfathers again.  "How are you getting back?"

"School rules state he has to ride back on the bus," the coach called.  "Benis!  They can dance you around later."  Xander wiggled free of his grandfather, winking at him, grabbing his bag on the way back.  "He'll see you in an hour, people.  Plan the party on the way home."  He clapped him on the back on the way to the bus.  "You're still being spanked for showing off."

"Yes, sir."

"Work on the new high bar routine, kid.  You need it."

"Yes, sir."

"Good boy."

Xander barked and grinned, getting a mild swat.  He piled into his seat, getting comfortable.  He looked around.  "Who's got Mercy?"  She ran onto the bus and he did another head count.  "Who are we missing?"

"The coach?" the girl next to him suggested.

"No, there's a teenager missing."  He stood up when the coach came on.  "Are we missing someone?"

"Sit down, let me count."  He did that, groaning.  "Xander, go get her.  She's clearly making out somewhere, again."  Xander sent her a text message, bringing her running.  "Sit!" the coach snapped.  "We will be going over those rules tomorrow, children."

"Does this mean we get the day off they promised Xander?" one of the girls called. "We did come in second."

"I'll ask the headmaster," he sighted, nodding at the driver to go.  He sat down holding his head.  Sometimes dealing with Xander was a pain.  Sometimes it was nice.  Today it was just weird.

***

A few days later Xander was called down during the pep rally.  "Xander has done more to revive our athletic tradition than a lot of teams," the headmaster announced.  He waved at the other two going to State, one on and one alternate.  "These two are joining him this year in going to the State Individual gymnastics competition in the junior class."  The crowd mostly cheered but a few booed from the soccer team.  Their coach got them with a folder in his hands.  "I know we wish them all good luck and new precious metal for their collections."  He smiled at his team.  "As long as they don't show off."  Xander gave him a wicked grin, getting more laughs.  "So congratulate them, they're leaving Friday!"  The crowd cheered and the pep rally ended, letting the kids go work out at the gym.

Xander walked in and found Horatio.  "Pleasure, personal, or family?" he asked. "I've got to work on my new high bar routine."

"Pleasure," he said, smiling gently.  "Congratulations."

"Thank you.  Want to help me pick out a new car?  The Jag's never coming out of the shop.  The insurance company said to total the sucker this time.  It's a twelve thousand dollar repair."  Horatio gave him an odd look  "Someone decided to gay bash my car when I got it back."

"I'm sorry."  He sat down.  "Go ahead and change, we'll talk between routines."  Xander nodded, going to change into the uniform then coming out to stretch and work on his hand grips.  "New?"

"Yeah, I had to replace one when it stuck," he reminded him.  He finished getting it just right and grinned.  "Be right back.  Tell me what you think."  He mounted and got to work, enjoying the movement but something didn't feel right.  He hopped down and started over, changing that move.  It flowed now and he finally did a layout flip dismount.  He looked up.  "Easy?"  He looked at Horatio who waved his hand back and forth. "Easy."  He got up and did another one.  "So, what car?"

"Pay attention."  Horatio watched him go through that one.  "Do what you did at State, Xander."  He got down and bounced up to do that, making him smile.  "Now release, the backward one!"  He did that, moving into a new element.  Then he dismounted.  "Is that long enough?"

"No.  I'm missing three things.  I'll work it out on paper," he decided, coming over, then he turned back and did it again to set it in his mind.  This time he worked them in.  He dismounted and climbed up again to do it exactly the same way.  It felt good.  He dismounted and nearly stumbled.  "Ankle's bad today," he quipped, coming over to rest.  The coach came in.  "I think I worked out a new one.  I'm resting my ankle."

"Sure.  Caine."  He headed to his office.

Xander looked at him.  "So you came to see me?" he asked with a shy smile.

"I did.  I haven't seen you in a few days."  He patted him on the arm.  "What do you want to get?"

"I'm torn.  I don't want to get a hormone alarm car or anything but something small and sporty would be nice.  If not, I was thinking something like a luxury ride.  Maybe a pimp caddy?" he teased.

"Eric would steal it from you," he teased back, giving him a nudge.  "No hummers?"

"I'm not tough enough to drive a hummer, Horatio.  Plus it won't fit in the garage."  He laughed about that.  "Caddy?  Mid-sized?"

"Sports car.  Something that handles well at all speeds, says your personality, and you look good getting out of."

"I'm not that fast."

"You're not usually but when you forget to take caffeine...." he let it trail off with a smile.

"Good point.  I'll have to get the bouncy, hyperactivity car."  Horatio laughed, giving him another nudge.  "Let me do that again, make sure I have it right.  Coach?"  He came out and Xander went back to it.  He did it for him, landing facing him.  "Well?"

"Do a flip for the third release.  Front or back.  You'll need the points.  Also, work on your rings, Xander."

"I will tomorrow."  He got back up there, trying that move.  He heard Horatio's phone ring and finished, dismounting before he could hang up.  "Body?"

"Wolfe."  He hung up.  "Not a body."  He smiled.  "You looked rushed."

"He did," the coach agreed.  "That's a good way to refind his trajectory again."  Xander stuck his tongue out.  "I should still spank you."  Xander took his usual running bounce up onto the bar, going full speed for the routine.  The release move went well.  The second one too.  The third he almost didn't make the bar but he did catch it.  He had to add an extra spin before the dismount and it was a bit more showy.  He landed with a wince.  "Knee?"

"Ankle.  I'll be fine."  He walked back over there. "Let me change."   Horatio nodded, relaxing while he did that.  He came out, looking at the coach.  "Which one?"

"The last one.  It looked good.  Pause longer at the apex.  Do it technically correct, you know that."  Xander nodded, heading over to walk Horatio out.  "Full practice tomorrow during gym, Benis."

"Yes, sir.  I know that and after school too."

"Good."  He went back to his office.  He'd have to replace some of the team next year when three graduated.

The happy duo ended up back at Horatio's office so he could pick up something that Ryan had left him.  There, Xander found a guy who decided to kiss him.  "Wow," he said, blinking at him.  The guy backed up at Horatio's growl but Xander pulled him closer to kiss him again. "I'm an ice prince, my love.  You have to do some wooing before we go past this stage.  Am I clear?  Because if you're mine we're going to date and you're going to have to earn my trust," he said quietly, staring into his eyes.  "I'm not just the pictures."

"I know."  He grinned.  "Do you think picnics are romantic or, um, dinner out?"

Xander smiled and nodded.  "I do.  Either's fine."

"Do you have somewhere you like?  I mean I can splurge...."

Xander pinched his lips shut.  "Find somewhere you like and take me.  I don't get out to eat that much," he said with a small grin.  "Okay?"  He nodded and beamed, dancing off.  Xander frowned then looked at Horatio.  "Was it just me or did he forget something?"

"I'm sure he'll get your number off one of us," he said patiently, shaking his head.  "I think he's a bit old for you, Xander."

Xander gave him a hug.  "I like older guys.  They try to understand me.  They want more than sex."  He let him go.  "So, dinner tonight?  I'll buy if I can get my debit card to work.  If not...."  He pulled out his wallet.  "Yup, I've got money."  He grinned.  "So, dinner?"

"Dinner's nice," he agreed, walking out with him.  "Are you sure?  I mean, he's Eric's age."

"That means he might actually get to know *me* and not the pictures.  Not just the sports stuff.   The actual funny, shy, sometimes scared me."

Horatio stroked his back as they walked back out to the hummer.  "I find no reason for you to be scared, Xander.  You're fairly worldly."

"Um, Horatio, still pure," he said dryly as they got onto the elevator.  That earned a smile.  "You know Grandfather would beat me."

"I do."  He smiled at the officer in there with them.  "Where did you want to eat tonight?"

"I didn't know your nephew was that old," the officer said.

"I'm not his nephew, I'm a Xander.  We're friends," Xander said with a smirk.  "It's my honor to be his friend."  They walked out together, heading to the hummer.  "So, where for dinner?"

"How about that one place you showed me."  Xander looked at his clothes then at him.  "Fix your hair on the way over.  You can use your celebrity status to get us in," he teased.

"I can," he agreed, fixing his hair.  "Then again I could've done that at ten, Horatio.  Want me to drive?"

"Not a department vehicle.  I'd never hear the end of it."  He started the engine and backed them out, heading to the place they both liked to eat at.  It was upscale but good food, decently priced, and they didn't allow cameras inside the restaurant.  Xander smiled at the hostess, who moaned.  "Just us," Horatio told her.  "He doesn't need to be seen either."

"Are we talking date, gentlemen?"

"Friends," Xander told her.  "But if you want to put us into a date nook you can.  I wouldn't care.  We've got to figure out what sort of car I'm getting next."  He looked inside.  "Horatio, your boss.  Mandatory sucking up?"

"No," he said, shaking his head.  "The man got on my last nerve earlier."  He followed the hostess, watching as Xander casually brushed some lint off his boss's shoulder, smiling at him and getting one back.  One of the women in there dropped her wineglass but that was fine as well.   He and Xander sat down, looking over the menu.  "How much do you have on you?"

Xander looked at his wallet.  "Three-eighty and the credit card only Thomas knows I have."  He put it back.  "So we can have dinner."  Horatio smiled and nodded, deciding on what he wanted.  "You think a sports car?  I don't want to look like I'm compensating."

Horatio looked at him.  "I saw the dress up doll, Xander.  Anyone who saw that won't think you're compensating."  Xander grinned.  "Eric does tell everyone that's stuffed."  Xander shook his head.  "No?"

"No, you can tell him it's good camera angles if you want but no.  The only enhancing they did was to remove scars.  The coverup I use on them still leaves a small pucker over the old gunshot wound."  Horatio patted his hand, getting a smile.  "It's okay.  I'm good at dropping the past."

"You are," he agreed, giving his hand another pat.  "Diet?"

"Is a horrible, dirty, nasty swear word, Horatio," he teased.  He finally found what he wanted and smiled at a nearby waiter, getting him over to them.  "Can we order?"

"Of course, sir.  For your date?"

Horatio smirked.  They got that a lot when they were out, it was an ego stroke for people to think he could get a gorgeous young man like Xander.  "Friend.  I'd like the number twelve, medium.  Baked potato, no sour cream."  That got a nod.  "Water to drink."

Xander looked again then at the waiter.  "I'll be good tonight," he complained.  "Number eight, baked instead of fried please."  That got a nod.  "The coach will yell if he smells grease on me tomorrow.  The fries are fine however the chef wants.  With the bacon."  He handed it over.  "Coke?"

"Pepsi," he said quietly.

"No ice."  That got a nod and he went to place their orders.  "Did you get to hear one of the matrons decided I was retarded because I didn't want to drink at her party?"

"No I hadn't heard that.  Did you get to snub her?"

"Forever more," Xander agreed happily.  "She's the one who dropped her wineglass.  I told her I didn't need to be an alcoholic at my age, or any age; I cared for my body."  He grimaced.  "Sports car?"

"Sports car," he agreed.  "Fast, lithe, attention getting.  Just like you."  Xander grinned.  "I'm sure we can find you something."  His boss came over.  "Yes, Chief?"

"Horatio.  Xander."  Xander smiled at him.  "Business or pleasure?"

"Horatio's helping me decide on a new car since the Jag got gay bashed at school."

"Was it reported?"

"Yes and I'm very lucky the headmaster didn't expel me when I took care of the soccer playing problem.  I was nice about it, I only bloodied his nose for him.  He still went whining to mommy and mommy made him buy me a new car once I decide what I want."  The Chief walked off laughing at that.  He shrugged.  "He did."

"Are you going to bankrupt him?"

"He's not that rich.  I need to keep it under sixty thou or pay the difference.  That was what my Jag was worth to replace it."

Horatio sipped his water when it came, shaking his head.  "Any other problems you haven't admitted to?"

"One of the classmates is a wannabe stalker.  The headmaster knows.  He's the one who pointed out she was following me to class instead of going to hers.  She's a senior too."  Horatio shook his head.  "Sorry.  Not a big problem just an annoying one now and then.  Her teachers yelled at me for distracting her.  It's not my fault I'm distracting."

"You wore those midnight blue leathers to class from what I understand."

"Well, yeah," he admitted.  "I had a sunrise shoot and didn't have time to change.  I left after third period too."

"That's probably all that saved you from being kidnaped, Xander.  I know a few officers stared when you walked around Saturday after the shoot.  One was on traffic duty and nearly got written up but he tracked you down and made his boss stare at you too."

Xander gave him a sheepish look.  "Sorry."

"It's not your fault you're pretty," he teased.  The waiter brought their food and disappeared again.  "I like that about them."

"The last time I was in here in a bad mood I had to write a letter of apology for snapping at the waiter who totally goofed.  The owner sent back a thank you note."  He dug into his dinner, eating heartily.  He looked at Horatio.  "That blue/silvery one at the lot by the station?  I'd have to make up some difference but I do have the money in savings."

"I don't know how it handles but that could work," he said, considering it.  "It'd be fitting since your billboard went up there."  He gave him a look.  "Even the angelic picture."

"There's a mixed one going up above the shop.  They did a lot of wing maintenance so it looked like I was teasing myself with them."  He ate another bite while Horatio gaped.  "It'll be going up Thursday."

"I'll have to see."  He smiled.  "And warn traffic."  Xander gave him a sheepish grin.  "As advertising it's a great idea.  It's very alluring.  Have their sales went up?"

"Yup.  Way up.  Website hits too."  He grinned.  "Stella liked the angelic me but wanted the second doll to do different things.  She wanted to know if I I got the 'sinfully soft lambskin' leathers."

"Did you?" he asked.

"Yeah but I can't wear them out of the house."  He took a drink of his soda.  "If I did, you'd have to rescue me from a riot.  They wouldn't even let me into the good clubs, said I'd be stolen.  Even with Mortran there."

"Did he fall back?"

"Yeah, I don't need him as much anymore so he's got a general distress setting on me."  He grinned.  "Which is how I knew my car had been gay bashed.  The alarm went to him and he got there before the kid was finished."  Horatio smiled.  "He picked him up by his arms and carried him and his bat inside.  The headmaster was quite amused."  He ate another bite, waving at someone when they came in.  Then he went back to eating.  "You think something that light?"

"That color does look very good on you."

"I know.  The other pair of pants I can't wear in public is that color."  He sighed and stuffed his mouth again.  "If my black and midnight blue ones make me look holy, those two make me look unholy according to Grandfather.  Grandsire said he got inappropriate mental images of me in them."  Horatio snickered.  "Then he pounced Grandfather to take it out of his head.  So I got an extra fifty on my allowance for the good deed of the week."  Horatio snickered louder, shaking his head.  Someone stopped beside their table.  "Jacque.   Out tonight?"

"I am.  Date?"

"Best friend."

"I see."  He smiled, holding out a hand. "Jacque Delian."

"Lieutenant Horatio Caine," he said, shaking it.  "You're on his team?"

"I am.  I'm one of the new boys," he said with his version of Xander's impish grin.  "I thought I'd say hi since I'm with the 'rents."  He waved and went back.

"If he keeps at it he'll probably be captain in his year if we lose Chad.  I talked to him earlier.  His shoulder's totally messed up for the time being.  They're talking a surgical solution at the moment.  I'm hoping he can come back.  He's got the skills in the areas I lack and we need them."

"You do wonderfully as the captain, Xander."  Xander beamed.  "I think they all look up to you.  Even if you did have to keep dragging the girls' team from under the bleachers."  Xander nodded, taking another drink.  "Is everything else all right?"

"Grandfather's finally starting to make plans and it's a bit depressing.  He told a few guys to watch out for me and they pointed out they might be following too."  He took another drink of his soda.  "He broke down crying because they love him so much," he said quietly.  Horatio gave his hand a squeeze.  "I know.  It's well past time to do this but it doesn't mean I want to deal with it this week.  This week is a happy week.  I made State my last time in. My rival didn't make State at all."  That got a smile.  "Cheeper made State and he's a good guy.  His rival made it too but his rival's kinda slow.  Then there's the new guy Juan that no one likes.  It's not that he's good or that he shows off or anything.  It's that he has to shove it back in your face. I heard he walked around his school for weeks with his last medal like he was the whole team.

"That's not how it's done and it's not low self esteem before you say it.  He's a smug bastard.  I show off but I have fun.  Most of us have fun.  He does it to have something to show off.  He pushes a lot of stuff back into everyone's faces.  He even thought about trying to transfer down to Pace since we win so often but the Headmaster said he couldn't stand him.  He and the coach were talking.  The headmaster was back on his hippie 'I like everyone' kick; Juan broke him out of it and made him have a bad month."  He ate another bite.  "So I'm hoping I can knock him out of nationals at the very least.  The others of us are agreed, he's not going."  Horatio smiled.  "He'll make the rest of us look bad.  The girls are going to go.  Mercy is good.  She'll make it.  The senior I showed off with is going too.  I think she'll hit the higher levels this year.  She's worked her ass off for it."

"Are you going to support her?"

"Hell yes I'm going if she does.  I'll bring signs and Pace's school colors on pompoms."  He grinned  "We'll have a lot of fun."

"You can send me postcards," he teased.

"Nationals are in New York, want me to send them from there too?" he teased back.

"If you want."  He smiled.  "Say hi to Mac and all of them for me."

"Sure I can do that."  He finished up and looked at his plate then at Horatio's plate.  "Dessert?"

"Only if you don't bounce," he ordered.  "Get something sinful that'll make your coach complain you're getting fat."

"He said I'm twenty pounds underweight."  He looked at the dessert menu they had on the table, frowning.  "I know."  He stared at him.  "Eat.  You're too skinny and I know you probably missed lunch."  He nodded, digging in.  "Then we'll go see Mistress Elvra and her sinful fingers of dessert holiness."  Horatio moaned and hurried up, letting Xander get the bill while he got the tip.  They did stop by to look at the car and Horatio agreed, Xander looked good next to it.

***

Ryan came out of the station and nearly got pounced by a kissing patrol officer.  "I've got a date with Xander and I forgot to get his number," he said quietly, glancing around.

Ryan gave him an amused look.  "We saw you kiss him, Peter."  He pulled out his phone to find it, letting him have his phone so he could write it down.  "What're you doing?"

"Picnic or something more fancy?" he said.  "I don't know what the kid likes."

Ryan laughed.  "Xander's really a good, simple guy most of the time.  As long as it's good food he won't care if it's hamburgers."  The guy relaxed.  "Before you ask there's very little he won't eat and that's usually a daily issue.  He doesn't feel like eating that day.   It means he's worried about the sports stuff or his grades."  He took his phone back, getting out of the phone book.  "You do know that if you treat him wrong, you're going to be beaten, killed, and then most of the lab will hide your body?"

"Yeah.  Caine growled at me."  He glanced around again.  "Is there anything he absolutely adores?"

"Chocolate but he gets bouncy," Ryan said.  Eric came out.  "Ask him for tips.  I don't date that often.  Delko?"  Eric walked over, grinning at them.  "He asked Xander out."

"Good luck.  He's not high maintenance in the least.  Feed him, rub his back, and he's a happy boy."

"Still a virgin too," Ryan said.  "His grandfather used to be a priest; it's not going to be on the first through tenth dates, Peter."

"He is?" Eric asked.

"Yeah.  Speed and he were talking about going farther than hand jobs."  He shrugged. "We're not buddies that way and I was walking past where they were sitting."

"Wow.  If I drew like him, I'd have harem," Peter sad.  "He's really the good boy he presents, huh?"  They both smirked and nodded.  "I'll try to be very nice to him, guys.  I promise.  You think a picnic, Delko?"

"I think it's a good plan. Then maybe a walk or something to burn off some of his energy.  He won't have an outlet for it after next weekend for a whole year."  That got a nod and the officer walked off.  He looked at Ryan.  "He was asking you?"

"He forgot to get his number.  I guess Xander sucked his brains out in that second kiss."

Eric grinned.  "It shows promise, even for a pure little kid."  He walked off, going to his car.  If the guy hurt the kid, they'd have fun watching Horatio destroy him.  It was going to be a good show.

Ryan went to his own car, heading home grinning.  His former partner needed someone to calm him down and make him focus.  He'd definitely be focusing on Xander.  After nearly getting fired for screwing up a traffic spot by watching Xander, he'd figure it out.

***

Xander walked into school the next Monday, smiling at the secretary.  "Can I have the keys to my trophy case?"  She stared at him and he nodded.  She handed them over and followed him, the Headmaster coming out to follow as well.  The home room bell rang while Xander was getting the case open.  He placed the three medals next to the year's state cup.  Then he placed three very nice photos of them accepting them.  He locked the case and turned to look at the people watching him.  "Sheila's is going to Nationals!" he announced, getting a cheer.  "I made alternate.  We're only sending two and me, guys."  That got a louder cheer.  He grinned at the headmaster.  "Sheila's off destroying her diet in celebration with her grandparents and aunt.  Mercy's not coming in today either.  She sprained her ankle getting off the bus last night."

The headmaster smiled.  "We should rename this trophy case as yours, Benis.  Go to class."

"I need work.  I'm going to gym."  That got some laughs.  "There's some scary guys at nationals who make me look like ... Julian when he was screwing around last year."  He grinned at his teachers.  "So can I have the day off too?"  They nodded and he headed to practice.  He walked into the gym, smiling when his coach came out of his office.  "How's the new baby?"

"Good.  Healthy.  How did it go?"

"Sheila made second on the team."  He about did a happy dance.  "I made alternate.  Mercy sprained her ankle getting off the bus.  She came in fifth overall so she's an alternate."  He got hugged and danced around.  "Now, I need to blow those suckers out of the water.  We're only sending two guys and me as the alternate.  Sheila's destroying her diet with her family.  Mercy's pouting.  Put me down?"  He got put down.  "Let me change.  I need something spectacular if I get called.  One of the guys ahead of me is concussion boy and you know that kid from Utah is great."  He went into the changing area, coming out in the school's pants and his own t-shirt.  He chalked his hands, going to his weakest start, the rings.  "How's Chad's shoulder?"

"He went in for surgery this morning."  He watched him.  "Hold it.  You have to hold that one.  You're too impatient, Benis."  Xander nodded, starting over, letting him correct the bad faults.  State was one thing, he could win state easily.  Nationals was a whole new ballgame.  "Why did you get alternate?"

"Phillips was judging floor and he hates my playful side."  He looked at him.  "Also the gay thing came up and the drug issues.  I had to fight to get onto the team at all.  They had to call in someone to make sure what I was given wasn't what he was thinking and illegal.  They verified it wasn't and he said something about 'you gay boys give us all a bad name'.  I nearly killed him.  I did flick him on the forehead so I'll take alternate.  We're only sending two and an alternate this year."

"Good point.  You, Henders got good?"

"Pity points."

"And...."

He looked at him.  "Doug."

"Damn.  At least it's not the hotshot."

"No, that's me," he said happily.  "Henders might not make it.  He's still dizzy.  He spent the whole meet trying not to puke from the dizziness.  I talked to him and told him about my last one.  He said it helped a little bit but man he looks rough.  Like bender that ended up in Tijuana rough."   He dismounted, then looked up.  "I suck."

"You do not."

"I do so.  At least at this and the pommel."

"You'll do fine, kid.  Are you calling your relatives?"

Xander grinned. "Haven't even told Grandfather yet.  They went on vacation with my blessing."  He found his cellphone and called a number he had.  "Fair warning, Mac Taylor.  I will be in your neck of the woods for Nationals as an alternate."  He heard the soft congrats.  "Thank you.  You can tell Don so he squeals and dances around.  It's my last year in my age group.  I'd be on the team but one got pity points for his concussion."  He smirked.  "Thanks, see you in a few weeks.  Working my ass off in the gym.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "Oh, can you email the headmaster to tell the idiot on the soccer team I found the car he's buying me?  Horatio helped me pick it out."

"I can do that.  Do that again.  Concentrate.  You know what you're doing."

Xander nodded.  He got helped back up there and then the coach went to send that email.  He heard the thump and looked out.  "You okay?"

"Grip slipped."  He got up and dusted his hands again, coming back to it.

***

Don met him at the airport, grinning.  "Welcome back."

"Thanks."  He gave him a hug.  "Let me get my bag.  Guys, this is my Uncle Don.  He's a detective."  They both waved.  "Let's get our bags.  Are we all riding with you or just me?"

"All of you."  He smirked.  "I arranged it with your coach, Xander."  That got a nod.  "No coach for you two?"  They pointed at someone.  "I'm giving the boys a ride to their hotel.  You need one?"

"I'm going to wander.  I have a few friends locally," he said, smiling at him.  "I'm sure they'll be good for you, Detective.  Two of the three went last time so they know how to behave."

"I'd hope so.  Xander spanks really hard," Don quipped back, getting a giggle from one of the guys.  "He does."  He walked the boys out once they had their bags, taking them to his car.  "The hotel, right?"

"Yeah, we've got to check in," Xander agreed.  "Then we're going to the Garden.  We'll get to sightsee the day before we head home, guys."  They nodded.  Xander turned around and buckled up.  "So, how's people?"

"People are people.  Mac's been tired recently.  Things have come up with a crappy case for Danny.  He could use a hug when you see 'im."

"Of course."  They headed off once a clear spot in traffic opened up enough for Don to pull out.  Xander turned on the radio, smiling.  "Even preset to something we listen to."

"Of course.  I'm not that old," Don said, reaching over to ruffle his hair.

"Hey!  The hordes of women who drool on him will mind," one of the guys in the back teased.

"They like the messy look," Xander quipped back with a grin.  Don snickered, nodding.  "We had one last year that got me with some GHB after a society event and the officer who pulled me over was very understanding when I passed out on him.  Don had a lot of fun going to beat people to death."  They smiled at that.  "So, are you coming?"

"We all are, Xander.  Uncle Pat an' them?"

"If they can. Grandfather got some bad food.  He's been puking for days.  Sire's with him to take care of him.  Mortan will be.  Horatio and Speed said if they could they'd be in late tonight for it."  Don smiled and nodded.  "Even Lindsay's coming?"

"I think she's going for the girls' events.  Lost dreams and all that.  So, new judges?"

"Olympic judges," Xander agreed.  "Really tough ones."  He looked back at Henders.  "Tell me early if you can't do it, okay?  That way I can rack up the point ho side."

"If I can," he promised.  "I think I'll make it."

"If you're sure."  He got a nod.  "Okay.  Remember, don't die in front of a national audience.  No one will ever follow in our hallowed footsteps."  That got a smirk. "I'm already working on my follower.  Someone's got to follow me."

"You're Captain, right, Xander?" Don asked.

"Yeah, I am."

"You're a sophomore," the other guy said.  "No seniors?"

"Three, they voted me in," he said with a grin.  "I get the girls motivated too."

"Kisses?" Don teased.

"Not those girls."  The guys laughed.

"At the States for the schools each school has a warm up period they use to show off to the other schools, Detective.  Xander's school decided to play on the girls' uneven bars.  Xander came out and looked around then jumped on them like he was goofing off.  He landed and gave a cheeky wave at one of the ladies, who did hers.  Then they dared the new kids to beat them.  Our school did the parallel bars.  We didn't have those at State."

"Three of the schools won't do them so they removed them to be fair," Xander said.  "We'll have 'em tomorrow and I'm still fantastic."

That got smiles.  "We're sure you are," the two in the back agreed.

***

Xander jogged out when the guy who wasn't with concussion fell.  "Hey."  He looked at him.  "You okay?"  He shook his head slowly.  "Paramedics please," he ordered a judge.  They summoned them.  They got him loaded and Xander looked at the judges.  "As alternate do I step in since he wasn't anywhere near finished?  He'd barely mounted the equipment."

The judges conferred then nodded.  "You may," they agreed.  "We'll wipe his score."

Xander nodded. "Let me get my grips and take off my jacket."  He went to do that, taking his grips from Henders.  "Wish me luck."

"Luck, princess."

Xander grinned.  "We'll see."  He went to chalk his grips, looking up.  It was his bitch.  He loved the high bar.  He looked at them.  "Running starts?  I don't like flat starts."

"It's allowable."

Xander moved the spring board and took his running start, doing his new favorite routine.  It had all the right pauses to show off his skills.  It had release moves that made people gape in awe.  He nearly didn't catch the bar again after a turn release move but it happened.  He finished with his showiest dismount, barely wobbling.  He put his arms up and gave them a smile, going back to his seat.  He sat down, taking his water back.  "Do that," he challenged to the guy next to him, who punched him on the arm.  "Ow."  He rubbed his bottle over it.

The guy glared at him.  "I hate you."

Xander blew a kiss. "No you don't, it's the repressed lust you have for me, baby."

Henders burst out laughing.  "If you say so, Benis.  At least we got one of your good events."

"I've been kicking my butt on rings," Xander told him.  "Plus we've still got the unevens and the vault.  It'll be fine."  That got a nod and their next event was called.  They took their stuff over there and waited their turn. The parallel bars were fun but just above the pommel horse for him.  Then again, he had been practicing his weak areas.  His turn was called and he went up there, checking his grips before mounting.  He got off and chalked then got back on.  "Sorry, sweaty," he called.  That got a grin and he got to work to the beat of the music someone's floor exercise was playing.  He dismounted and landed, putting his arms up as was proper.  Then he nodded and went back to his seat. He heard his cheering section go off at his 9.8 score.  It was good.  He looked at Henders, waving a hand.  "Go for it."

"Smug bastard," he complained, heading out to play on the bars.  His score was slightly lower but he came off clutching his head.  "We're not winning gold this year," he complained as he sat down.

"Bite your tongue."  Xander finished his water, looking at him.  "If I can do it with a fractured arm, while lying to my coach, so can you."

"You did?"

"Hell yes!  Last year at State."  He grinned and they prepared to move.  He watched their state's score, frowning.  "We're in fourth by two points. Vault's next.  Can you?"

"I can if you can."

"I can pull something outta my butt," Xander agreed as they headed over.  They didn't have to move this time.  It was next to them.  Henders went first this time and he watched.  He wobbled a little bit.  So Xander pulled up his inner extrovert and did the one he did at State, getting some blinks when he stuck it.  "What?" he asked a staring coach.

"Guys aren't supposed to be able to do that one."

"I dove.  I can do better."  That got a nod and he let his 10.0 score stand.  It didn't get any better.  One other tied with him and he nodded at him, shaking his hand. "Good form."

"You too."

***

Xander walked into school on Monday and the Headmaster handed over the keys.  He could see the three medals he was wearing.  He called the others to release the students for a pep rally in the halls, following him out.  Xander hung up two pictures on the wall.  State went onto the shelf, National went onto the wall.  One was of him.  One was a team shot.  One was of him getting his individual.  Xander carefully hung the medals on the pictures.  "Let's hope we don't have an earthquake sometime soon."  He locked it and turned around, smiling at the expectant looks.  "We started out low ho on the totem pole this year.  Florida only got to send two and an alternate, me."  That got some claps.  "One of the guys fell early on into his second piece of equipment so I did get to play."  He smiled.  "Henders still has a really nasty concussion.  He spent last night in the ER."  That got some laughs.

"Seriously.  He shouldn't have been up there.  Yet, Florida took bronze in the Nationals and I, personally, kicked ass in the vault and the high bar."  That got a lot of whoops.  "Next year, gymnastics needs a bigger case."  That got a loud cheer and they headed to go play in the gym for a while.  He bowed to the coach.  "Henders is going to have to retire.  His skull is cracked.  He's been doing this with a pretty good skull fracture."  He moaned.  "The other guy nearly broke his neck.  He got flown back earlier.  I deserve a *great* candy bar for this so I'm going to go find the band."  He grinned and went to do that.  "Yo, I need some chocolate.  Who's doing candy sales this time?"  Two of the band kids grabbed their boxes, letting him buy a few for himself.  They'd put up with him being bouncy today.

The headmaster looked at the coach.  "Want us to store some of it?"

"Not until a year after he graduates.  That's the standard we use."  He walked off smiling, giving Xander a pat on the back.  "Sheila?"

"She can do her own."  He smiled as Sheila walked in from the outside gym entrance, taking the keys from his hand.  The crowd cheered and followed her.  The girls had taken gold in Nationals and she had a few for individual events and one silver around her neck.  It was definitely a party day.  Even the cheerleaders were happy.

***

Xander walked in that night.  "I'm home!" he yelled from the door.  "Should I hide?"

"Get in here!" his Grandsire yelled.  Xander closed the door and strolled that way.  "They're at the school?"

"Yup.  They need the incentive.  I need someone to follow in my hallowed footsteps."  He hugged them.  "I so rocked Nationals."  They smiled and took him to dinner that night, including a very nice present.  He looked at the ring of keys.  "Am I going to regress so you have a baby in the house again?"

"Bite your tongue," Sire said, shuddering. "Colic."

Xander grinned. "But I was adorable."

"Perhaps," Patrick agreed.  "Those are to the other houses, Xander.  We think it's time you knew what you were inheriting."  Xander sniffled.  "It'll still be a few years, grandson."  He stroked over his hair with a smile.  "This way you can finally find a boy who takes you out and does naughty things with you."

"I have one of those coming up this weekend," Xander said happily.  "I've already warned him I'm an ice prince and he ain't getting more than kisses for a good, long time."  They both smiled at that.  "Where are the houses?  Beyond the townhouse in New York."

Patrick pointed at the box.  "You have the addresses. Including the emergency plans."  He gave him another pat.  "Are we celebrating your next birthday?"

"We could.  Now that I can slack for a while."  Both vampires laughed. "Up to you guys.  Do you really want to throw me a birthday bash?"

"Do you want it to be a social event or a school event?" Sire asked.

Xander looked at him.  "I don't know."  They smiled.  "Let me give it some thought."  They nodded.  "We are talking about my one in four weeks, right?"  They both nodded. "That's what I thought.  Society events are horrible to put together and I'd have to stipulate there will be no drinking and drugs.  Or I could throw a bash for my buddies and half the school over the age of sixteen and stipulate the same thing."

"If you do a society event you can consider it a coming out party," Sire offered.

"I thought girls did that.  Guys were just there."  He shook his head quickly.  "Sorry, the picture of me in the big white dress."  They laughed.  "Let me think for a few days."  They smiled.  "So, why doesn't Uncle Don live in the townhouse?"

"He's stubborn," Patrick said.

"Ah.  That reason.  You should've heard him snarl at Henders for endangering his life by doing gymnastics with a skull fracture.  Then he called his coach on him.  He went home to be spanked."  They all laughed.  "It was great that Horatio got to come up.  He took us sightseeing the next day.   He and Mac had a great dinner and some games of pool.  He finally got a weekend off."

"He does work very hard," Patrick agreed.  He stroked over his hand.  "I do not want to bring this up, Xander."  He got a look from his sire.  "We need to arrange for you to have helpers when something finally happens to me.  People to take care of the taxes, the accounts, all that."  Xander nodded once.  "I would like for you to start thinking about who you'd like.  Perhaps give us a list before you go to cheer on your teammate in Spain?"

"Okay, I can start that list.  Basically to give me someone like Thomas, Gordon, Mortran for me?  One accountant to deal with my trust?"  That got a nod.  "I can start that list.  My new car will be mine in a week."

"You finally picked one?" Raphael asked.  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Horatio help?"

"Yup.   He wants to see me in the leather pants that match it too."

"No, then we'd have a riot, grandson," Patrick said blandly.

"Mortran might be happy to go get you when you're kidnaped," Sire said, looking at his childe.

Patrick bopped him on the arm.  "Hush."  He looked at Xander again.  "Around the house only, dear.  You know the rules."

"I do.  Can we invite him over to dinner to show him what I look like when I'm unholy?"

They both smiled and nodded.  "Soon," Raphael agreed.  "Now, you still have food on your plate?"

"I was chatting and it's rude to talk with my mouth full."  He gobbled the rest, and they ordered dessert.  He did deserve to break his strict diet.   Xander held up his glass of wine.  "To me, because I do not have to train again until next August and it won't be critical training any longer."  They laughed and clinked their glasses with his, digging into the sinful cake they had been served.

***

Xander walked up to the crime scene a few days later, frowning at the people working.  He looked at the hummer and opened the back door, sliding in the box, closing the hatch again.  Horatio turned so he shrugged.  "Our band is selling candy bars.  One of the guys looked at me like I'm a God of Gymnastics.  I'm a sucker but there's a case of chocolate in there in the four flavors.  Share it around.  Let the little, blonde, squealy one have some too so she's happier today.  This way no one has to save others when I eat them all."  He walked off, heading back to the house.

Horatio went to look in the box, shaking his head.  He closed the trunk, looking at the officer.  "He's a friend."

"I noticed that," he said dryly.  "Candy bars?"

"That's the Benis heir," Ryan called.  "He's at Pace Academy."  He looked around.  "Cal, Xander just dropped some chocolate one of the band kids begged him into buying by sucking up to him.  He said to make sure you get some."

She looked over at him.  "I heard what he said. Thanks."  She got back to work.  "The crisps are mine," she called.

Horatio laughed, nodding.  "That's fine, Calleigh.  You can share with Frank."  He came back to get to work.  He'd be taking half the caramel ones himself.   Speed would be stealing the rest.  Eric and Ryan could fight over the plain and the ones with almonds with the rest of the lab.  Plus Frank, Yelina, and John Hagen.  A few of their favored patrol officers.  Then he got a thought.  How many had Xander bought?  He called.  "Xander, how many did you buy?"  He winced.  "No, Xander. That's cruel.  You can have *one* case, not four.  Bring me the other three and we'll give them to the department. I insist.  No, dinner tonight isn't possible.  I'm eating with Yelina and Ray Junior.  She's been off today and has probably cooked all day so I can't insult her or make them come with me.  I can try tomorrow, yes.  Thank you.  Yes, bring me the other three cases, Xander."  The officer snickered at that. "Before you can destroy the house.  Thank you. Yes, I'll be here for another twenty minutes."  He hung up, hanging his head.  "We'll have to share, people.  The boy who looked at him like he was a god of gymnastics talked him into buying five cases."  Ryan whimpered.

"The last time he was hyper from chocolate didn't they do it for a shoot and he destroyed half the building?" Calleigh asked.  Horatio nodded.  "Sure, we can share very well so Xander doesn't have five cases of candy."  Ryan looked at her.  "Last time it took three candy bars.  We're doing an important public service."

The officer guarding the tape walked off laughing, helping Xander get the boxes out of the trunk when he got there.

***

Horatio showed up the next night for dinner, getting a smile.  "Xander invited me."

"That's fine.  We like you, Horatio.  I'm going to eat the boy that made him buy a hundred candy bars but we like you."  Patrick let him inside, closing the door behind him.  Sire came out of the study.  "Xander invited Horatio."

"When you go, take the rest of the chocolate with you."

"I took the first four cases," he said dryly.  "Calleigh's still on a sugar high."

"So's the boy," Sire said grimly.  "Come into the study for a minute?"  Horatio nodded, following him, letting Patrick get the door.  "We've asked Xander to start making lists of people he wants us to put around him when Patrick finally goes," he said quietly. "He will need someone like Thomas, someone with intelligence ties, and he will need a private bodyguard.  Mortran's ill."

"AIDS?" Horatio asked quietly.

"His liver's failing.  Something he got exposed to way back when and he's been getting sicker since then," Patrick admitted, sitting down.  "I've heard Xander has been talking to people but we need and want him to have good people, people he can trust."

"Me?"

"If he wanted you for his personal bodyguard we wouldn't mind but he said he wants you doing great things for the world.   I would like you to advise him."

"I can gladly do that.  So can Mac."

"He's one I'd like to see in Thomas's job," Patrick told him.  "We're also going to be setting him up a new house.  While we've been making plans Sire's talked to most of the guards.  To be blunt, half of them said that they'd likely follow me."

"Xander wouldn't be able to live in the house," Horatio said.  Raphael nodded.  "I know he's got some training in that area but I'll gladly advise him if he comes to me.  Plus put out feelers for the type of person you need.  Are we thinking within a year?"

"When he turns eighteen he'll get the foundation we've set up," Raphael said quietly.  "He will need board members.  We are going to ask Don to co-chair it with him.  It's good practice for the other things.  Then we'd ask Mac and Stella plus your Timothy and possibly Ryan to sit with you down here."  That got a nod.  "After dinner we also have to go over the emergency plans we have, Horatio.  He's got a true stalker.  Not one we can stop by scowling or getting them subtly arrested.  This one is in society and she's going to be a problem."

"Xander would naturally come to me so I need to know," he finished.  They both nodded.  "I can do that as well."  Someone knocked and Thomas leaned in.  "Good evening."

"Horatio.  Good to see you again.  I've drawn up a short list of names for my job, Father.  Xander won't care if they're gay or straight, right?"  They all shook their heads. "Then I've got four names and two are from the same agency."  He closed the door, going to find Xander.  He took the candy bar from him.  "That's number what this afternoon?"

"The same one you tried to take earlier," he complained, taking it back.  "They're not asking Horatio to give up his career, right?"

"No.  They're asking him to advise you in who you need."  That got a small smile.  He sat down.  "Also, we're going to be going over the emergency plans with him tonight.  You have a real, pitiful, untouchable stalker in local society."  Xander sat up, looking at him. "Sociopathic and rich, Xander.  We can't touch her because of her family and she's been subtle.  She's the one who rearranged your schedule.  She paid a hacker."  Xander growled.  "Exactly.  So all of us, including Horatio, are going to go over it."  He patted him on the leg.  "Also, think about your own home."

"Why?"

"Xander, when Father dies, it'll probably be here since he doesn't go out much," he said gently.  Xander's face fell.  "Along with a few others.  Do you want to stay here?" he asked gently.

He looked at him.  "This has always been home.  I'm sure others have died here."

"They have but can you stand the pain of knowing that spot right there was where whoever died every single day?"  He shook his head.  "Then we'll be setting you up your own household when you're eighteen.  So start thinking about houses.  Make a list of what you want.  How many rooms, how much entertaining you'll be doing.  A gymnastics capable room and a pool for diving practice."  Xander let out a small grin.  "Also, Gordon and I have been going through everyone we know to give you lists of who you should interview for our jobs for your household."  Xander nodded.  "You can ask Horatio's advice if you want.  He said so."

"I know.  Thank you, Thomas."  He gave him a hug around the throat.  "I know we have to make the plans but I hope we don't have to use them for a long time."

"We all hope that, Xander.  You know that."  He nodded.  "Good boy.  Now, get ready for dinner."  He swatted his leg as he got up, heading back down to his office to gather what they'd need for the after dinner meeting.

Horatio looked up the stairs when Xander came down, gaping at the silvery leather pants.

"Must you?" Sire asked.

"He said he wanted to see me in them."  He grinned.  "See, I do match my car," he said proudly.

"You definitely do, Xander."  He gave him a gentle pat on the back.  "Come on, we should eat."  That way he couldn't fit into them anymore.  The boy had been right.  The pants went past sinful and lust-creating to unholy.  He had to stomp on the inappropriate thoughts he was having.  He saw the smug look and shook his head.  "Thank you for not letting him out of the house in those."

"We don't want to have to retrieve him from some far off land," Patrick said dryly.  He leaned closer.  "If you two did make a go of it I would expect you to treat my grandson very well, Horatio."

"I know his age."

"As do we.  I would still expect him to be treated like the priceless gift he is.  We wouldn't mind."  He let him go and took his seat, looking at the crying woman in the kitchen.  "Cook, did you hurt yourself?"

"No, my favorite character died."  She brought out food, sniffling a bit.  "Sorry, I'm being silly."  She put blood and food down in front of both vampires.  "Don't make me make Xander spank you.  Don said he spanks very hard."  She went back to the kitchen while they looked stunned.

"I do," Xander agreed dryly, sipping his milk.

"When did you spank Don?" Horatio asked.

Xander grinned.  "I spanked Lindsay for staring at me and nearly getting shot."

"Good," he decided.  Xander grinned and dug in once Patrick had said Grace.  They made it through a few rounds of dinner and then went back to the study to go over the problem female.

***

Xander walked into the New York lab, signing in.  "Is Mac here?"

"He's in a meeting.  I can get Stella."

"No, I need Mac.  I can wait.  Have him call me when he's free?"  She nodded, making that note into his system.  His phone rang a few minutes later.  "It's not a problem but I was referred to you for some advice, Mac.  Sure, when you're done.  I can do that."  He hung up.  "He said Danny needs some gymnastics help?"

She paged him, getting him coming out of the lab.  "Detective Taylor said for you to get help from him?"

"You needed gymnastics help?"

He looked at him then nodded. "I could, yeah.  Give 'im a pass."  He brought him back to where he was working on the recreation of something.  "Okay, we have this guy who did this Lara Croft stuff."

"Which isn't that hard," Xander agreed, looking at it.  "What path did we take?"

"Trying to figure that out."

"I'd need to see the room unless that's to scale?"  Danny nodded.  "All the wall art, all that?"

"It's all there.  It's marble and wood.  The wood was the art looking stuff."

"Okay."  He looked then considered it.  "Do we know point of entry?"  Someone coughed and he looked.  "Yes, Lindsay?"  He got back to work once Danny pointed out point of entry.  "Going through the skylight would've been easier.  Pressure sensors are in red?"  Danny nodded.  "Okay, you can ..."  He took the stylus to trace the route.  "You'd have to have a way to get around this spot.  Either off the wall in a Kim Possible move or go this way and then detour back."  He let him have it.  "It still would've been easier to go through the skylight ala Mission Impossible."

"Yeah but they went for flash."  He looked at him.  "Think you could do it in person?"

"Yeah, I do.  It's not that hard.  I need markers to show where things are in the room."  That got a nod.  "Then probably within a few minutes of studying things."  He straightened up with a grin.  "He's like Juan down in Florida, who's on another school's team.  He's there to show it off.  He wears his medals for *weeks* after each win to prove he could do it.  It's all about getting recognized but it's not low self esteem."

"So he's a glory hog?" Danny asked.  Xander nodded.  "Huh.  We'll see after you talk to Mac.  What's up anyway?"

He leaned down closer to his ear.  "Grandfather's only got a few years left.  We're setting up the after plans," he said very quietly, getting a nod.  "Including replacing some key people like our head of security and those for me since most of them will probably follow Grandfather."  He straightened up again.  "So I got told to come get good advice on the list Thomas made me.  I'm also getting my own house when I turn eighteen because they set up a foundation thing for Don and I to run until Grandfather succumbs."

"Does he know?"

"That's the other reason I'm here."  He shrugged. "I'm getting an excused absence and I'm clear for the year anyway."  He smiled when Stella walked in.  "Beauteous one, why will you not come down and give my grandfather a new lease on life?" he teased.

"I doubt your Grandsire would like to share," she teased back. "Problem?"

"Got sent to Mac for practical advice," he said.  "Then to Don because Grandfather has set some things up but I'll see him later."

"He's got a date," Danny said.

Xander looked at him.  "Serious, like sex date?"  Danny shrugged.  He pulled out his phone to call him.  "We've got to talk and I'm only in town for two days.  Setting things up for later," he said bluntly.  "I just heard that from Danny.  No, I have to be at school Monday.  Finals start then.  Not that I have one Monday but I'll be brained by the headmaster.  Are we talking like 'going to get some' date or just dinner?  The townhouse.  Sure."  He hung up.  "He'll come over after his date."  He grinned at Danny.  "I can do that tomorrow if you want.  Or possibly later this afternoon; I'm not sure yet."  Mac walked up the hall and he waved.  "I need to do it in person to make sure but I think I figured it out for him."

"Thank you.  That was driving him nuts," Stella said.

Xander grinned.  "Sometimes it takes someone a bit flexible and bendy."  He patted her on the arm.  "I have no doubt you're going to see me tomorrow night."

"We are?" she asked.

He looked at her then nodded.  "Probably.  Depends on what Don says tonight."  Danny gave him an odd look and he looked at him.  "We're thinking."  He looked at Mac.  "Got time for me?"

"I do.  You got me out of a boring staffing meeting."  He walked him to his office, Stella following.  "Stella, this is about some plans his grandfather has to make."

"So why might I be involved?"

Xander pulled her into the office.  "When I turn eighteen Grandfather is turning over the greater minority of his good works to me in the form of a foundation.  Which will need a board of people with sense."  She gaped.  "You have sense and we all like you.  We trust you not to have a hidden agenda against gay groups, all that stuff.  Yours is one name that was suggested to sit on the board."

"Wow.  I'm honored.  So Don?"

"He has no clue yet.  I'm talking to him after his date."

"Ah.  So after plans."  Xander nodded.  "Then Mac...."

"My bodyguard's sick, Stella.  It's his liver.  That along with the fact that at least half the guards and staff is going to follow Grandfather, including Grandsire, means I've got to make some of my own."  She just nodded and gave him a hug then left him alone.  He closed the door again, handing over the lists from his pocket.  "From Gordon and Thomas."

"How many are thinking about following?"

"I'm going to count myself very lucky if the guard dog and Cook don't follow," Xander said honestly.  He sat down.  "Along with the foundation we're setting me up in my own house.  There's also a complication of a very highly placed and nearly untouchable stalker I've now got in polite society down there."

"Crap," he muttered, sitting down to look at the lists.  "The new house?"  Xander shrugged.  "You don't have it yet?"

"Not yet.  Right now we're finding it.  Plus my future staff of helpers.  I would suggest either you or Horatio for the head of security role but I know you need to do what you do to help people."  Mac nodded.  "But, half the people on the list are people you'd know or have heard of according to Thomas.  His qualifications are on the back of each sheet.  The third page is the plans we've got outlined so far."

Mac glanced it over, looking at him.  "How long?" he asked gently.

"I'll be lucky to make it to graduation," he said quietly.  That got a nod.  "So two years.  That should be plenty of time to find people and a house."

"Horatio?"

"Is doing a lot of advising and he suggested I come to see you about the head of security role.  You'll be honest with them about what a shit I am sometimes and how active I am, what I do in my spare time, the social roles I have to play now and then."

Mac nodded, looking at that list.  "I do know about half of them."  He looked at him.  "Are you thinking about me interviewing them?"

"I don't know what Thomas was thinking.  Maybe weeding it down?  Not a clue, Mac."

"Okay."  He looked them over, making notes around them.  "You want people you can count on, right?"

"I'd like people I can get along with and it'd be easier if they understood me.  Can you see someone who doesn't understand me on a chocolate high dealing with me on a chocolate high?"

"Unfortunately," Mac said with a small smile.  "Foundation?"

"Yeah.  You're on the board.  You, Stella, maybe Danny or Hawkes but I haven't really interacted with either of them the way I have you two.  Don and I would co-chair.  Then Horatio, Speed, and maybe one other.  Stella's our token woman."

Mac snickered.  "I'm sure she'd have fun with that."  He went back to looking.  "Okay, I can call around, make some discreet inquiries.  Some of these will know someone to suggest if they don't feel like they can."

"Which would be acceptable.  I'm looking for the best fit.  They've got to keep up with me.  I won't be in school but I'll have to do society crap, I might be going back to diving, and the foundation stuff, plus some modeling now and then."

"Agreed."  He looked at the next list.  "Lawyers and accountants?"

"Yeah.  People who can chew asses if I need it.  Especially right after the death.  There's some who will suicide.  Which is the other reason I'm going to have my own house when I graduate.  Thomas pointed it out to me, I won't be able to look at the house no matter how many good memories I had there," he said quietly.  "I know Horatio had a talk with someone about the after scene being like Jonestown when they went back to find survivors."

Mac nodded.  "We'll help you through it, Xander.  You know that."  The boy nodded, looking at him.   "You're handling this pretty well."

"What's my option?  Sitting down to cry about it?  I do that when no one sees.  Too many people count on me to be calm and know what I'm doing.  Including Grandfather."

"Give me a few hours, Xander."  Don stomped in.  "Don."

"About what?" Don asked, looking at Xander.  He took the envelope the boy handed him, sitting down beside him to read.  "Excuse me?"  Xander looked at him.  "This...."

"We'll be doing it together, Don; I'll take most of the administrative duties.  This is the beginning phase of the after plans."  Don groaned.  "We're down to counting down months instead of years.  Even Ethan said so and he's been draining the tumors again recently."  That got a single nod.  "So yeah, I was going to go over that tonight."

"Why come see Mac?"

Xander looked at him.  "Do you really think most of the staff won't follow Grandfather?" he asked quietly.  Don hugged him and he choked up but forced it back down.  "Thanks."  He sniffled and looked at him.  "We'll go over that later."  Don nodded, handing it back.  "Plus who'll get to come down for vacation board meetings and the other emergency plans that're in place."  Don frowned.  "You have some too.  Oh, I've got a real stalker.  One we can't touch."

"How bad?" Mac asked.

"Mayor's daughter and her mommy's a senator," Xander said bluntly.  Mac moaned.  "I'm figuring if he goes early it'll be her doing."  He looked at Don again.  "We'll go over it later."  He nodded, leaving it there.  Xander got up to close the door again, sitting back down.  "I need to give myself a cushion to lean on for a while."

"I'll talk to the top three on the security list," he said.  "They might have other names for the other list too."  That got a gentle smile.  "Go cheer yourself up, Xander.  What're you doing tomorrow night?"

"Cranky people event."  He stood up.  "I'll be at the townhouse with the ice cream."  He shook his hand. "Thanks, Mac."  He walked out, handing in his visitor's pas at the desk, heading home.  He sat down in front of the tv with some ice cream, spacing out while he thought.  He still wanted to travel if he could after graduation.  It'd be good for the family to go together.  He ate a bite of ice cream, watching a show about some ancient tribe.

Monday Mac decided to take matters deeper.  The one he had called had almost laughed at the suggestion.  He went to see some people in DC.  He walked into the building the top one on the list was at, showing his credentials.  "Gibbs in?"  That got a nod.  "Thank you."  He got through security and headed up there.  He looked at the man who had been leading his unit when he first joined, nodding at him.  "Got a few?"

"Why?  We're in the middle of a case."

"Something that I need advice on and your name was mentioned.  Among others."  That got a nod and Gibbs got up with his coffee, taking him to the elevator, turning it off right after they started to move.  "They don't mind when you do this?"

"Do I care?" he countered.  "Case or otherwise?"

Mac handed over the folder he had rolled into his inner jacket pocket.  "An heir."  Gibbs snorted.  "To the Benis legacy."  Mac got glared at.  "The heir is almost seventeen.  Next year he'll get his Grandfather's legacy, probably about a year before his grandfather dies.  Along with most of his staff who'll follow to protect him in death."  The older man gaped.  Mac nodded, leaning against the other side of the car.  "Xander's a good kid.  He's the only seventeen-year-old virgin I know.  You know the guy his grandfather's got as head of security.  Xander has this unfortunate draw for stalkers.  He's got one now.  He'll have some social obligations, some modeling stuff, he's an athlete in two sports presently but he only mentioned one, and they're going to need someone with federal contacts to do the work they do.  You know how Benis runs his things, Gibbs.  I got asked to look at his list."

Gibbs looked over the list then the qualifications.  "He doesn't need someone like me."

"His stalker's the daughter of a senator and Miami's mayor," he said quietly.  He handed over a small envelope.  "His uncle's one of our homicide detectives.  Those are from Xander's portfolio.  He's bi but he's had women shoved at him for so long he loathes them about half the time.  The kid doesn't really seem to get people if that makes sense.  He can glad-handle them, he can schmooze like a lifetime politician but he hates it."  He popped his neck, smiling at his indrawn breath at some of the pictures.  "Hence the stalkers.  And one other issue.  There's some sort of family curse or something according to his grandfather.  When he finally marries someone good, everyone and their mother will be after the boy to take him away from his mate for about four years.  Presents, kidnaping attempts, all that.  I'm helping him decide who will be taking over as head of security of the Benis legacy.  You'll have help down in Miami.  Xander's best friends with the head of the lab."

"Caine?" he asked, looking confused.

Mac smiled.  "Xander was five and his bodyguard at the time was apparently making out with his boyfriend.  Xander has ADHD.  He went to pet a dog."  Gibbs let out a small grin at that.  "Horatio found him a while later; Xander told him his bodyguard had gotten lost.  They've written each other for years.  He and Horatio have dinner at least once every two weeks, even during the bad weeks.  Horatio came up when he came to the junior nationals in gymnastics.  They're very tight friends.  If I didn't know Caine better I'd say he was waiting on Xander to finish growing up because they're a lot alike now and then.  Though, Xander has an expediency switch.  He offered to give me something he cooked to help me question the bad suspects.  He sent his whole Home Ec class to the ER.  All eighteen and the teacher.  His teacher was working with him.  He's *toxic* in the kitchen."

Gibbs snickered quietly.  "Sounds like fun.  Can he eat his own?"

"Not always."  He shifted some.  "As you can see, your name's on the list.  When his grandfather dies we're going to need to cushion him.  He's going to be devastated."

"They have custody?"

"Since he was five and his parents abused him.  They showed up when he was eleven trying to milk the golden cow.  Had him kidnaped and paid for it by selling him to a pedophile up in my country.  Xander's bodyguard is former Army Special Forces.  He's been working with Xander since his parents showed up at eleven.  Though he does claim he hates school the kid's good.  Danny used him to prove how someone got into a room since he's a great gymnast.  He's not dumb by any means even if he is on the jock track."

"College?"

"Lecture classes don't do it for him.  He gets frustrated and throws things.  Usually the books from what I was told.   If he goes it'll be for the sports stuff."

That got a nod and he looked it over again.  The qualifications were high.  "I see my name, my senior agent's name, and one I recognize."  He wouldn't mention the crossed out name.

"I know you could do the job and be there for the kid.  I know DiNozzo could do the job and be there for the kid.  I think he and the kid would be very scary when they got along.  He'll need a new head of security and he'll need them to staff his security staff.  Including a personal bodyguard and driver.  I know you're as high as you want to go into admin here, Gibbs.  Out of that list you're the top two I'd suggest."

Gibbs turned back on the elevator, going back to his floor.  The door opened. "DiNozzo, conference!"  He came walking over and got in, and he shut the elevator down again.  He handed the head of security page over.

Tony looked it over, humming. "Xander Benis."  He looked at Mac.  "Detective Taylor.  Nice to see you somewhere other than a conference.  They're setting him up on his own?  Expelled?"

"His grandfather's terminal, Agent DiNozzo.  Xander's going to be lucky to make it to graduation with him.  When he graduates he gets a foundation to continue his grandfather's good works.  I'll be on the board of it because Xander asked very nicely."  That got a smile.  "He also has a stalker."  Gibbs handed over the pictures.

"I saw the goth ads, Abby adores them," he said, handing them back to Mac.  "So why come to me?"

"Your name came up as a possible Head of Security."  Tony stared at him.  "He's in the life you were trained to live.  He's an athlete.  He'll be in deep grief since this is his only family.  You'll have the lab's support down there.  He and Caine are best friends.  But he does get stalkers, he does have an upcoming family curse that'll apparently hit when he marries or finds the right mate to be with."

"I heard about that one."  He leaned against the other wall.  "How bad?"

"They're making final plans," Gibbs told him.  "He'll be getting his own house when he graduates."

Mac nodded.  "Most of Patrick's staff is planning on following to guard him in the afterlife.  They love him that much.  Xander inspires the same sort of loyalty; we need him to have good people he can count on around him.  Personally I'd like to say one of you two.  He has been trained by his bodyguard - he was Special Forces.  The boy is rated fairly high on shooting skills.  Horatio said he's disarmed a bomb but he didn't tell anyone he had done it before leaving the scene.  He has an expedience switch in his head.  He does what he has to and then apologizes."

"So we'll have a newly rich kid?" Tony asked.

"His grandparents have raised him, Tony.  He's been raised rich but he's never been one of the brats of society.  Down there he's known as the good boy.  That rep followed him last summer when he came up to New York for a vacation.  He drank once when someone slipped it to him.  No drugs.  No alcohol.  He's still a virgin."  Tony grinned at that.  "He's also bi.   You'd have to be comfortable dealing with gay issues.  He's going to have stalkers.  He's got one now who's the daughter of a senator and the mayor down there.  He's gotten hate mail since he was a child.  You'd be staffing his household with guards and running that part, plus doing backgrounds for the foundation and being on the senior staff for the kid."

"I like being here," Tony said quietly.

Mac nodded.  "I know that.  We're doing the pre-interviews.  He'll get his own house when he graduates after next year."

"He was held back?" Tony asked.

"His grandfather got him when he was five.  He said Miami wouldn't let him restart immediately, the birthday cutoff rule."

"Oh."  He nodded.  "Okay.  So he had to start over.  Is he going on with the gymnastics stuff?"

"Diving probably.  He said he's not olympic quality for the gymnastics.  He may be for the diving.  I do know his house will have a private practice space.  Xander does like to go club for the attention he gets.  That's why he models.  He needs to be appreciated and tease now and then.  The time someone slipped him liquor he ended up go-go dancing and stripping.  He made about two grand."  Tony snickered at that.  "Honestly.  He was sixteen then.  He's seventeen next week and he'll be a junior this year.  He wants to do some traveling after graduation with the family.  You'll have the original head of security until Patrick succumbs.  He's going to need a cushion, not a handler.  He's not a bad kid by any means.  I love him like a nephew."

Tony handed it back.  "I'll think about it."

Mac nodded. "If something happens abruptly, can we count on you at first at least?"

Tony nodded.  "Yeah, you can.  What's the salary like?"  Mac handed over a card.  "Their present guy was FBI?"

"Yup," Mac agreed.  "They do a lot of background checks, they do a lot of helping Horatio with cases now and then, and they are very strong in the gay rights movement.  The foundation will be scholarships and research to start then everything else once Patrick is gone."

Tony tapped it a few times.  "Is he a good kid?  I mean nice, all that?"

"Stella likes to tease Xander and he teases her back because Patrick has a crush on her.  Now and then he can be a bit of a hellion and a tease.  Now and then he's very serious.  Underneath it all is steel.  His parents were horrible, that's why they lost custody.  Two years ago at State he was there with a fractured arm and didn't tell his coach more than it was sprained.  The kid's been shot, gay bashed, had minor stalkers that Horatio could solve with some intimidation.  Especially after that goth campaign.  Recently, one of the kids in band was sucking up so well that Xander bought five cases of candy bars."  Gibbs snickered.  "He drove up to where Horatio's hummer was at a crime scene, opened the back of the hummer, slid a box in, and told Horatio to have it and keep him from eating it.  Horatio made him hand over three more before he destroyed Miami on his sugar high."  That got laughs from both of them.  "Stella calls him a hyper little goofball with the occasional violent tendency.  When he's threatened, he'll go cold and he'll solve it then walk away.  He would like someone he can get along with.  Someone who tries to understand him.  He's a nice kid."

Tony nodded.  "Let me think, Detective.  Any others?"  The list was pointed at.  "Gee, competing with the boss?" he teased.

Gibbs shook his head.  "I don't think he needs me growling at him when he has a wild day.  You have the background, the upbringing, and the training to deal with his life.  Plus you two sound a lot alike."

Tony smiled.  "We'll see."  He handed it all back.  "Anything else?"

"Not unless you know good lawyers to advise him."

Tony wrote down a number, handing it over.  "Talk to him, Detective.  He's a spook but he's got a clue.  He's used to it and his department's had a radical budget cut from what I heard."

Mac looked at it then at him. "Simms?  The guy who used to gopher at the CIA?"

"He's now a covert agency head," Gibbs told him.  "Runs a pretty tight ship but he's got the qualification and the political backing if the kid needs it."

"I'll talk to Xander about seeking him as a paid advisor."  That got a grin from Tony.  "Their present lawyer used to be a prosecutor."

"Can't get much more nasty than that," Gibbs agreed, turning back on the elevator.  "You don't know anything about radiation, do you?"

"A lot actually.  That's why I head my lab, Gibbs."

"Good, come look at our case, see if you can help us in return."  He got them off, taking them back to his desk.  "Here's what we have."

Mac looked at it then pointed.  "It came from there.  That's the sort of radiation that machine uses."  Tony smacked himself on the head and walked off.  Mac smiled.  "Tired?"

"Very."  The director came down to give him an inquisitive look. "Detective Taylor, Manhattan Felony's lab.  He heads them," Gibbs said.  "He came to talk to us about a job he's heard about that needs good people."

"Marines?"

Mac nodded.  "It's a consideration but not the only one.  It needs to be someone with federal service and contacts."  He looked again.  "That much radiation had to come from at least one machine, probably more like four," he said.  "Those are tracked when they're sold.  Only two companies make them."

"That's a lead we needed," Gibbs said, shaking his hand.  "I'll keep it in mind too.  Have a good trip back."

"Good luck," Mac agreed, nodding politely at the redhead. "Director.  Tell me soon, Tony?"

"Of course.  That list is pretty short already," he agreed.  "Have a good flight.  Steal the peanuts for lunch."  Mac walked out smiling.  Tony found the manufacturer and called them.  "Hi, this Special Agent DiNozzo, NCIS.  I need to track some equipment purchases please.  No, not to us, one ended up at a homicide without the radioactive material."  He got the serial number from Gibbs, reading it off to him, making notes.  "And was that the only unit they bought?"  He nodded and made notes. "What about to that address?"  He smiled and made another note of those names.  "Thank you for your cooperation.  You have a good day."  He walked it over.  "Those four people have bought that particular machine over the last year for that address saying it was a clinic.  They paid on a corporate card and one of them matches the name of our dead Lieutenant."

"Have Abby track down any other purchases they've made."  Tony nodded, taking it down to her.  He looked at the director.  "Problems?"

"Who was he recruiting for?"

"The upcoming Benis foundation.  The heir's got a federal level stalker, hate mail, they'll be doing background checks, and he needs a good bodyguard."

"No wonder he came to you.  Some of your former team members might do good if they could stand the gay angle."

"Plenty of people won't care one way or another, Director.  Some of us aren't biased that way."  She walked off so he sat down.  McGee gave him a small look.  "What?"

"The Benis heir is the one Abby drools over, boss?"  He nodded.  "He's only got *one* stalker?"

"Who has a mother up on the Hill."  McGee winced.  "He's starting to take over when he graduates.  Know anyone who can help him?"

"Actually I do know a lawyer who would love to work for him. He is gay and he likes his grandfather's stance on things.  I can give you his name if you want."

"Please.  I'll pass it back to Taylor.  The kid asked his advice first."  That got a nod and McGee wrote it out for him, letting him email it to Mac.

***

Xander looked at Horatio, smiling.  "Are you going house hunting with Mortran and I?"

"I am."  He smiled and stroked over his back.  "How did the picnic go?"

"It went pretty good."

"Are you going out again?"

"Probably," Xander agreed with a shy grin.  "He was nice.  We talked a lot.  It was...nice.   He didn't even think about pressuring me for  more than another kiss at the end of the date."  He gave him a sideways look.  "We did talk about sex stuff.  He said he's a top and I've went there once so I understood what he was saying but he didn't seem too put off by me not being near ready yet."  Horatio smiled at that.  "We'll see.  Not too bad for the third time I've dated."

"Not at all," Horatio agreed.  He looked at the patient bodyguard.  "Where are we looking?"

"We have a list of ten places and a realtor having hissy fits because Xander wants a lot," he said, handing over the list.

"I told her if the house was perfect but missing a few things we could have them put in," Xander reminded him.  He got into the limo, pulling Horatio in beside him.  Mortran got into the front so Xander leaned against Horatio's arm to look at the list.  "I picked out those online."

"What are you looking for, baseline?"

"Ocean view but also other views.  I've got to have some space to wander.  I'd like some productive trees.  I don't want to have to travel forever to get to events.  I need safety but not a fortress.  I want a gym and a pool."  Horatio smiled at that.  "I'm still considering the diving stuff.  I might go back," he admitted.  "After everything's over it might even be a good haven to get my head on straight."  That got a nod and Horatio stroked over his arm.  "It'll be fine.  I know it will be, but I'll be pitiful for years."

"We'll handle it with you, Xander.  Remember, you won't be alone."

"The plans made Uncle Don cry."  Horatio gave him a hug.  "I know, we'll handle it and I'll make him proud.  Or else he's promised to haunt me forever and ever.  He might even pop in to make fun of my lover if I disappoint him."

"He's not that mean," Horatio assured him.  "Have you asked around your society circles?"

"I told one of the upper matrons I was going to be moving out when I graduated, that way I could run Grandfather's things for him without it vexing him while he got worse.  She said she'd ask around and warned me to get good security."

"I know Mac talked to two on your list.  He also ended up with name of someone who could advise you without being on the staff."

"I talked to him.  He had to suggest a few changes with the upcoming rule problems coming from Congress.  Grandsire wanted to cuddle him."  Horatio smiled at that.  "He agreed to do that for me too but he didn't want to quit his agency.  I agreed if we had to my guys could help him."

"That's nice."

"He runs an important place with seven agents, Horatio.  He's on so small a budget their electric got cut while we were talking." Horatio winced.  "Gotta love Congress when they give themselves a forty percent pay increase and do that because our security isn't important."

"He sounds like a decent man," Horatio offered.  "If he asks for our help we will."

"One of Mac's friends knew him, he's a former Marine."  He took his hand to hold as they went past a building, turning his head.  "I hate that place."  Horatio stroked over his hair.  "I really can't stand them."

"I know.  They're bad people," he agreed gently.  Xander relaxed against his arm, eventually falling asleep.  He pushed the button for the driver.  "Xander's out, Mortran.  How far out are we going?"

"We're trying to find which house the realtor is at since she's not answering the phone," he admitted.  "Let him sleep.  He hasn't been.  Finals were rough on him."

"I can do that."  Horatio hung up.  He shifted slightly, moving Xander to his chest instead.  It was more comfortable than his arm.  They finally pulled through a gate and he blinked at the sight of the mansion.  He had worked a case here once.  It was enormous.  Xander would rattle around in it.  Xander woke when they stopped.  "We're at the first one."  Xander nodded, yawning and stretching.  Horatio opened the door, holding it for Xander.  They walked up to the door with the bodyguard, noticing it was open.  "Hold on," he ordered, hand going to his gun.  He opened it slowly.  "Hello?" he called.

"Girabaldi," Mortran said quietly, pulling his own gun.  "Stay, Xander."  He nodded, getting out of the way. "I've got your back, Horatio."  He nodded, walking inside cautiously.  "Mrs. Girabaldi?  It's the Benis household."

They found her dead in the pool.   Horatio called it in and went to find Xander leaning against the limo, shaking his head.  "We'll be seeing Ryan in a few," he said quietly.

"Cool.  I'll tell him Peter said hi."  That got a smile.  "She okay?"  He shook his head.  "Huh.  Any idea why?"

Mortran came out.  "She's not wearing her wedding ring, Horatio.  I only looked, did not touch, and I did it from the diving board, which won't hold shoe prints.  I have learned a bit about your field," he joked.

"Thank you.  Ryan's getting called.  He's up for the next one."  The gate opened automatically.  "That's a bad feature."  Ryan pulled in and parked, getting out with Eric.  "In the pool area, gentlemen."

Ryan looked at the house then at Xander.  "Bit huge."

"I'll be running the new foundation when I graduate," Xander said quietly.  "Plus have my own security staff."

"If I need to moonlight, I'll come to you," he joked, grinning at him.  "Who was in there?"

"Horatio and I," Mortran said.  "She's our realtor."  He walked them that way, showing them.  "I did look from the diving board.  She had a gorgeous four carat emerald cut diamond with two rubies around it as her wedding ring and it's not on there.  She also wore a necklace with a cameo on it when we met with her the first three times."

Ryan nodded.  "That'll help."  He looked around.  "Eric, do you see a pole?"

"Nope," he admitted.  Xander walked in something. "What's that?"

"Weapon from the trunk," he admitted.  He looked at Mortran.  "Horatio wanted to know if you needed him or either of us.  They found the door open when they got here."

"We've got it," Ryan promised.  "Thanks, guys.  I'll get the staff back to you."  That got a nod and Mortran followed Xander out carefully, walking around the edges.  "He's good."

"He probably learned off H," Eric said.  "He wants somewhere this big?"

"I think it was the pool," Ryan told him.  "He's thinking about going back to diving in a few years."  He looked around.  "I'll take this door then the front door?  You get the body?"

"I can do that."  Ryan took his kit to the open side door, going to dust it for prints while Eric started with the pool area for footprints.

***

Xander walked in that night, shaking his head.  "We had no luck."

"I did like that one house," Horatio offered, following him inside.

"I'm not sure I like the idea of having the security guys having a bunk house. The guys here live here in their own wing.  Is it rude to make them live in a bunkhouse?"

Horatio considered it.  "I don't know.  That might depend on personality.  I'll ask Mac.  I don't do much security work."  He texted him, getting back a groan and an answer.  "He said it would be fine as long as it was fully equipped for them.  Either that or let them live in town.  If they were in the house you'd trip over them."

"That's why we have a separate wing," Mortran said as he walked around them.  "No joy, Sire."  Raphael nodded.  "Some very nice estates but nothing that even felt close to right or good."

Xander looked at him.  "That one house with the ocean view was nicer."

"It was tiny, Xander.  You'd end up rebuilding the house by the time you were done."  He patted him on the head.  "I'm going to go to dinner."  He grinned at Patrick.  "We did see one hideous house with pink paisley wall paper."

"Bad taste should be eliminated with prejudice," Xander said dryly.  Horatio laughed.  "You can't tell me that house wasn't hideous."

"No, I cannot lie that way.  Not with a straight face."  His phone rang and he answered it.  "Horatio.  Yelina.  Xander said hi.  I am.  What's going on?"  He rolled his eyes.  "He wanted my opinion, Yelina.  We're not dating.  He's dating a very nice patrol officer who is still fearing for his life if he upsets him.  One of Wolfe's friends.  You can tell the gossip harpy I said that."  He hung up.  "There's now a rumor *we* were house shopping."

Xander looked at him.  "Sorry."

"Not a problem, Xander."  He followed him into the dining room.  "The last two were too far out."

"They were on the list," Xander admitted. "I specified fifteen miles from a certain point in the city."  He sat down.  "Grandfather, the bigots are massing tonight for a rally.  They had signs out and all that.  I had the childish urge to moon them from the limo."

"They would probably hate themselves for liking it," Patrick said dryly, scooping out food for the boys.   "Will that rumor cause you problems, Horatio?"

"I can point out I'm helping Xander set up a foundation for you.  It's the truth and would get people off his back.  Everyone important knows we know each other and we have dinner out often."

"The Chief still thinks I'm dating you," Xander said, adding some vegetables to Horatio's then Patrick's plate.  "Eat."  They both smiled at him.  "You did know your boss wants to retire, right?"  Horatio shuddered.  "Hey, Thomas?"  He brought the file he had been compiling.  "I can either hand that information file to your boss or to you.  It will remove the next three people in line and possibly a fourth if he's linked.  We couldn't figure it out."

Horatio took it to glance through, shuddering at a few things.  "You hand it to my boss.  It'll look better.  Less like I'm being pushy."

Patrick smiled.  "You could...."

"If you finish that statement I'll make Xander pout," Horatio warned.  Patrick laughed at that, giggling really, leaning against Sire's arm.

Sire grinned at him.  "We used to feed Xander sugar and sic him on people who had pissed us off.  That's one of the reasons the anti-gay league hates us.  I sicced a hyper, stuffy Xander on him when he had the flu."  Xander beamed proudly.  "You did puke wonderfully on him, grandson."

"Three times," Xander agreed. Horatio giggled.  "After eating orange jell-o all day.  He was wearing tan, so it didn't quite go."  Horatio's cackles got louder.  "Those were the fun days."

Patrick smiled.  "They were and I will be watching over your future children."

Xander gave him a look.  "That requires me to find someone I want to knock up."

"Or find a surrogate," Sire reminded him patiently.

"The state's trying to ban that," Xander told him.  "Said it's bearing babies for money."  He ate a bite, waving his fork.  "Don't make me pout."  They both dug in, Horatio as well.

***

Xander got slipped an address during his last day of school.  He looked at it then at the female.  "What's this?"

"A house.  I heard it's nice."

"Cool.  I'll check."  He tucked it into his shirt pocket, buttoning it closed.  The teacher gave him an odd look.  "What?  She found a possible house."  He slumped down.  "Why are we having the summer homework for the first time in seven years?"

"Because you lowered our test scores," the teacher shot back.

"Just me?  Wow I'm good," Xander said dryly.  "They can take out statistical minority scores to compensate.  I'm sure he can find a way to weed out me and most of the soccer team."  That got some laughs.  "It's the truth!"  He looked at the teacher again.  "Besides, I'm going to be busy this summer.  I'm also going to a different class than what you put on the board.  Want me to read comics all summer instead?"

The teacher growled, pulling out the new syllabus to look at, then sneered at him.  "You can go away now."

"Really?"  It was handed over.  "If I work really hard and get all these to you at the beginning of school can I have a free period?" he asked with a grin.

"You do that, you go into Classic Lit."

"And then I'm off the gymnastics team," Xander shot back.  "The board would be pissed about you taking away their bragging rights with the other people in their in-group."

"Whatever.  Go away."  Xander whooped as he escaped.  "Two more years," he reminded himself.

"Then some year he'll have kids," one of the other jocks shot back.  He had to stick up for his fellow jocks.  The teacher glared at him.  "He will.  He'll need an heir."

"I'll quit," he said firmly.  "All of you have your assignments.  Go away."  They ran out too.  It was last period, they were done early.  It was time to party!  He sat down, holding his head.  The Headmaster came in.  "If and when Benis has children promise me they won't come here?"

"You'll be retired by the time they get here," he soothed, patting him on the back.  "Summer homework?"

He looked at him.  "He's moving to the jock track.  I'll gladly let him go as long as he does all the book reports I want."

The headmaster smiled.  "Good, he can rebuild the gymnastics team.  We're losing six to graduation."  He walked out happier.  That was two classes Xander wouldn't have to attend if he worked this summer.

***

Xander walked around the house with the new realtor, ignoring her hopeful look.  "Okay, three things.  I want an ocean view.  I like to stare at the water sometimes.  Sometimes I want to watch trees.  We can plant trees, we can't move the ocean."  She laughed but nodded.  "I can put in a pool but it's going to suck here because the water table's already flooded.  Also, not big enough.  I'm going to have a security force, Delilah.  They're going to have to stay here.  Plus I'll have to do some entertaining."

She grimaced.  "The only place you haven't seen of the size you want is a former school."

"What school shut down?"

"One of the older ones."  She nodded and he followed her out to the cars.  If he wanted to look at it....  She led him over there, watching while he slowed down to look at the walls.   They pulled up the two mile driveway and parked in front of the old school.  "This used to be a house but it was renovated into a finishing school for girls in the late 1930's."  She led him inside, letting him see.  "It needs some serious updating, that's why they closed it."

He walked around, getting a feel for it.  The gym was beautiful.  It had a pool that only needed some cracks repaired.  There were fantasy murals on the walls done in mosaic.  He walked out back, taking a breath.  No smog.  He couldn't hear the city.  He walked her around, finding an old stables and polo field for matches.  He found trees, actual real trees not stunted scrawny decorator trees.  He looked at the school then at her.  "Let me call someone," he said with a happy smile.  She gave him a shocked look.  "It's got the room.  We can renovate it back.  The dorm is more than huge enough for the guards if they want it.  It has everything I want except for the ocean view."

She pointed.  "Remove six trees and have them replanted.  It's right on an inlet."  Xander jogged over to look, letting her catch up.  She checked the price, it was in his price range.  "Are you serious, Xander?"

He beamed and nodded.  "Yeah, I am."  He called.  "I found it!  Well, you're going to be horrified," he said.  "It's huge, old, and used to be a school that used to be a house."  His grandfather spluttered.  "Can they come see it after dark?"

"I can do that.  I also know a contractor I can get to give you an estimate on how much it'll be."  Xander nodded, saying that as he went back to watching the water.  She supposed the boy needed something to do beyond hand out money.  Renovations on this place were going to give him something to do for a long time.

***

Horatio answered his phone.  "Horatio," he said tiredly.  He smiled.  "Where?"  He nodded.  "I can slip away long enough for that.  That's reasonable."  He hung up, a bit happier now.   Xander's boyfriend leaned in.  "Xander thinks he found his house."

"I'll congratulate him later.  Did he call off our date?"

Horatio called him back.  "Peters's here.  You had a date tonight?"  He laughed and nodded.  "He did say he'd be meeting with a contractor."

"Where did he find?"

"A very old house that needs work.  I'll be going to see it later if you wanted to join us, Peter."

"That's okay.  He'll show it to me and gush about all the work he'll have done in a few days.  Tell him to call and we'll reschedule."  He left, not minding.  He'd had a bad day.

Horatio told him that and hung up, getting up to go join him.  It wasn't that hard to find.  Xander was still wandering around the grounds.  "I thought you hated school," he teased in greeting.

"I do but it has everything.  Including the ocean a bit away from the house."  He led him around.  "It used to be a house but they renovated it."  He showed him around, including the outbuildings and the stable.  "I don't need a horse. We'll figure out what to do with it later."  They ended up by the water.  "I was thinking a gazebo or somewhere to sit out here," he said quietly, looking at him.  "What do you think?"

"I think it's huge and grandiose but if it's what you want it's good," Horatio said, earning a smile.  "Will you have a problem with the historic society?"

"Nope, I called the head of that.  Mrs. Yearns said she was surprised it wasn't torn down. She said as long as it's tasteful and we don't turn it into a techo palace no one will mind."  Horatio shook his head.  "I'm not like that.  I like Grandfather's study, especially his chair."  He walked him back, smiling at the family pulling in.  "Was Peter upset?"

"He had the bad day look.  Call to reschedule."  Xander nodded, going to kiss his grandfather's cheek.  He gave them the same tour, listening to the comments they made. Thomas had come too to make notes on the future security risks.  Horatio looked at him.  "Bad, good?"

"Not half bad.  It's got a long perimeter but we can put discreet cameras around to help us there.  A few guard dogs.  They can have the stable if they want."  He smiled at Xander.  "I like it."  Xander beamed.  "How much are the renovations going to cost?"

"There's someone coming to tell us."  He looked at his grandparents, giving them the hopeful puppy look.  "Plus I can have my own guard dogs, and a real dog too."

Sire smiled, kissing him on the forehead.  "It's very quiet out here.  Are you sure?"

"I can get cable and radio signals.  It's even got a pool with boards."

"I saw."  He looked at Patrick, who was smiling and running a hand over a wall.  "It's no worse than some British manor houses I've seen.  Probably used to be one."  The realtor came in with another woman. "The contractor?"

"She is.  This is Mirin Achilles.  This is Xander Benis and his family."

"Hi, all.  What were we thinking?"  Xander and Thomas walked her around to tell her what was going to be needed, watching her make notes.  It was going to be steep but they could afford it.  Patrick sat down to sign the papers with Xander, making him a happy boy as he danced around with Horatio, who was smiling at his joy.

Sire looked at her.  "How long?"

"Most of a year if we want to do a *good* job.  If we want to be quick?  Eight months."

"I want it ready by the time he graduates," Raphael told her.  "He's going into his junior year this fall."

"More than able," she promised.  "I will have to find a good security firm to do the security upgrades."

"We can find you that," Thomas promised.

"Thank you."  She smiled.  "That takes one headache.  Now all we've got to do is find some good materials to go with it and make a lot of choices."

"I'm here all summer," Xander said happily, beaming at her.  He hugged her.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Xander."   She patted him on the back.  "Let me find you some samples to look over, okay?  Are you going to be at the main house this summer?"  He nodded.  "No trips?"

"If I do I'll tell you.  I'm shooting more modeling stuff down here this summer."  She smiled and nodded.  "Good."  He squealed and pounced his grandfather.  "I love you even when you don't indulge me but thank you for indulging my quirky nature."

"I want you to be happy, Grandson.  Come on, let's go celebrate.  Horatio?"

"I still have a few hours of work coming up.  I'll be out for Saturday dinner?"  That got a bunch of smiles and a nod from Xander.  "Don't forget to warn Don," he teased, giving him a gentle pat to the arm.  He went back to the office, smiling when he ran into Ryan.  "Xander has found a house.  It'll be renovated in about a year."

"Where did he find?"

"The Broussard School for Genteel Ladies," he said.

Ryan snickered. "I remember when they were still open.  There were a bunch of snobby twits in there.  It's nice?"

"It needs updating.  The dorms are being renovated for the guards.  He's going to add a gazebo and update the kitchen.  It'll take a year but it is very nice.  It's quiet.  It's far enough away from downtown that the air is clean.  You could hold a scout jamboree on the lawn."  Ryan laughed at that, walking away.  Horatio emailed Mac.

***

Mac looked up as Stella walked into the break room.  He was trying to figure out what he wanted for dinner from the bad selection they had in the machines.  "Your email is still forwarded to mine," she said, bopping him on the arm.  He gave her a look.  "Horatio emailed.  Xander found a house.  Well, a school that used to be a house and will once again be a house."

"We'll get to pick on him about his brains?" he suggested.

"Possibly.  Horatio said it'll take a year then we'll be invited down for the open house.  It was switched over in the thirties.  He said it's a huge estate, has grounds and a former stable plus a polo field.  The contractor's made an initial estimate and they signed papers tonight.  He found it earlier.  He said the grounds are bigger than some state parks he's seen.  It used to be a finishing school for girls."

"Another oddness in Xander's life," he said with a smile.  "I'll congratulate him later."  He decided and pushed the buttons, getting his dinner.  "I'll fix the email problem too."

"That's fine.  Who's Gibbs?"

"One of the applicants for Xander's head of security," he said quietly.  She nodded and left it there.  He went back to his office to fix the email forwarding issue and to write Xander, then Gibbs.

***

Gibbs looked at the new email then at Tony.  "Benis picked a house," he said quietly.  Tony came over to look over his shoulder, both of them smiling at the description of the new house.  It sounded peaceful.  He looked at him.  "Up to you, DiNozzo."

"I need to meet with him first.  I won't take it if we can't get along."  That got a knowing nod.  The director came down the stairs.  "So far I like the idea."  He went back to his desk.  "Forward that to me, boss?"  He smiled at the email beep that came as soon as he sat down.  "Thanks."  He opened it to do a search for the school to see if he could find maps or pictures.  "Some weddings have taken place there."

"Thinking about the job offer?" the director asked.  Tony looked up and nodded.  "You do know that NCIS can withhold benefits from you since we are technically under the banner of the Navy for outing yourself?"

"I don't have to be gay to work for a gay rights group, Director."

"His grandfather only hired gay men, DiNozzo."

"No, his grandfather adopted and mentored gay men," Gibbs corrected while he worked on something else.  "He took them in, gave them love and acceptance, helped them find careers that they liked and some came back," he said, looking up at her.  "That was his grandfather, not the grandson.  The heir has stated in many interviews he's bisexual.  That means he'd have no problem working with straight or gay people.  DiNozzo's well qualified for the position.  It pays twice what we get here for team leaders with nineteen years of experience.  It's also a lot more relaxed.  Doing backgrounds, handling complex security arrangements, and dealing with hate mail is a lot less demanding than solving homicides.  Where is McGee?" he asked.

"Helping Abby crack that computer, still, boss. They had some funky system encrypting it, something neither had seen."  He looked at the director.  "The young man is trying to make a difference in the world.   He's already started making a difference since he's been supporting the ASPCA for years.  Including doing some ads for them."  She rolled her eyes as she walked off.  "Boss?" he asked quietly.  "I have time off, right?"

"Get hit in the head again, then you can take it without notice," he said, looking at him.

"I think it'll probably be soon."

"It usually is.  Go hurry up McGee."

"On it, boss."  He went to do that.

***

Tony walked into the warehouse where Xander was shooting today, looking around.  He had heard about the house two weeks earlier and now he had the time to come down and meet with his prospective boss.  "Lax security," he muttered.  He saw someone watching from the shadows, giving him a polite nod.  "Current bodyguard?"

"Yup.  His actual one is at the doc's today.  Xander?"  He looked over from getting body powdered.  "C'mere for ten?"

"Can't it wait?" the photographer complained.

Xander looked at him.  "That's the applicant for my head of security job," he said quietly.  That got a single nod and he was released.  He walked over.  "Hi.  Xander Benis."

"Tony DiNozzo."

Xander frowned.  "You're not like your father, right?  I met him once."

"No, he kicked me out for being a free thinker."

"Good, then I won't apologize to you for puking on him."  Tony snickered at that.  He grinned.  "I know, we have lax security here but this is the one point where having a stalker has helped.  She's killed three other rivals for my attention but they can't prove it."

"The local guys can't?"

"The lab can't and I know Horatio *very* well.  We're best friends."   Tony nodded at that.  "Most guys would've remarked about the age difference."

"Why?  I've never seen age as a hindrance to anything."  Xander beamed and hugged him, bouncing off again.  "When are you getting off?"

"Two hours if I'm lucky.  Four if I'm pouty or too pissed.  I'm supposed to be mad, not pissed," Xander called from the powdering helpers.

"Okay.  Who's handling the security upgrades for the new house?"  He followed.  He didn't mind a hugger.  It was nice to have positive contact with someone.

"Thomas has two companies he's interviewing.  He claims he can get past both of them.  So he's calling the guy you gave to Mac to see if he knows someone better."

"I can think of four or five right off the top of my head."  He smiled at him.  "What else are you doing today?"

"Taking you to lunch? Or dinner if we run late?  We can talk there, make sure we click well?"

"That'll work," he agreed, watching him go be angry.  The other guard came over to talk to him, pulling him aside to go over the kid's summer schedule.   It wasn't too hectic but not a vacation either.  He also put him on with the present head of security so they could talk security companies.  DC had a lot of paranoid people.  Xander needed to be like one now and then but not feel like part of their club.  Xander got done in an hour and a half, making Tony smile.  "Did you drive?"

"Limo.  You?"

"Rental car.  I can follow."

"Don, take his rental back to the house please?"  He nodded, taking the keys.  "Thanks."  He grinned.  "Let me get dressed.  If I go out like this, someone's going to squeal and take the clothes off me.  Again."  He ducked behind a divider to change into street clothes.  Which were a pair of jogging shorts and a loose t-shirt.  "I got called in from my morning run but I know somewhere they'll let me in."  He walked out with Tony to the limo, smiling when he was allowed in first.  He settled into his usual spot, middle of the back.  "Paul, we're going to Hacienda," he called.  "Text ahead, tell them I'm in running clothes and I'm having dinner with a new work friend."  The driver nodded and put up the screen.  "That way we can have the back room if it's not busy.  They have *great* food and I have a huge credit there from my birthday."

"Teenage hangout?"

"No, I don't do much of that.  Now and then with my team but not really."  That got a smile and a nod.  "I would but most of the society brats are just that, brats.  I had to specify my birthday was drug and alcohol free.  The guards still got to carry some of them out to toss into the street.  Very few of my classmates got that treatment."  The dividing window went down. "Problems?" The driver nodded.  Xander patted himself down but Tony found his wallet.  "Thanks, man."  He checked it over.  "I've got eighty, pick somewhere nice we can talk privately."  The window went back up.  "Sorry."

"He doesn't speak?"

"His jaw's broken. We had one of the local anti-gay league break into the house and kick him in the jaw when he was trying to make them go away.  My usual guard has a broken arm.  I nearly killed all three of them."

"You do know self defense?"  Xander grinned. "Martial arts club?"  He held up three fingers.  "Three?" he asked, looking impressed.

"Second and third degree black belts.  I'm hyper and it was a good way to wear out energy.  Did you see the new house?"

"I did on the way to meet you.  It's beautiful."  Xander beamed.  "You're going to have dogs?"

"Yup."

"You do know guard dogs aren't pets?"

"I've had at least one at the manor since I got there."

"Good.  Regular pets?"

"There's two cats who live in the garden. Gordon sneezes on them and they hate that so they don't come in except to eat and suck up to Sire now and then.  I do plan on getting a dog or cat.  I'm a firm supporter of the pound."

"I saw those ads."  Xander grinned a goofy grin.  "They were cute."

"They were and one of the first I did," he said proudly.  "I like them as a charity.  Them, the children's hospital, and a few others are my main support, plus the gay charities.  There's very few events I can't duck out of.  Like polo.  It's always the same discussion.  I didn't like it as a kid.  I used to complain to Horatio about horsies running back and forth with boring people talking about their surgeries."

Tony laughed.  "Yeah, as I remember it, that about sums it up."  They stopped and the driver got out, letting them into a back door.  Xander kissed the cook on the cheek, earning a swat.  Tony followed him to a back room where they were seated.  Xander ordered something light and he decided on a somewhat heavier dish.  Xander leaned on the table.  "What can I tell you?"

"I know your qualifications, Tony.  You wouldn't be here if you weren't qualified.  It's more important I get along with my people.  You're going to be there to help, protect, and cushion me now and then.  If you don't like me you won't protect me as well."

"That can happen.  What can I tell you?"

"You do sports?"

"Used to.  I went to Ohio University on a dual football and basketball scholarship. Until I broke my leg I was tops in the team."

Xander nodded. "I've been captain of my school gymnastics team since I was fifteen."  Tony nodded, sipping his water.  "I do a lot of encouraging.  I'm out of the junior rankings and the coach is sure I could make a college team if I wanted to go, which I don't, but I'm not olympic caliber.  I may be in diving if I can get back into the rhythm again."

"Why did you stop?"

"I aged out of the lower age group and diving's one of those sports where you get guys up into their forties sometimes.  Definitely college aged guys.  Being sixteen while competing against guys that old freaked me out," he said honestly.  "I didn't feel I was ready.  It was also because my coach got offered a job at Miami University to be their top dive coach."  That got an understanding nod.  "If I go back it'll be on my own.  I cant's stand lecture classes."

"Yet you're going to live in a school?" he teased.

"Yes.  I am.  I'm going to have a huge suite.  I'm going to have a gazebo for the ocean view.  I'm going to have quiet and security and the ability to do things without people staring at me."

"Which is more important to you?" Tony asked.

"I'd like to not live in a prison.  The quiet will be relative to the tv and music going on but it won't be traffic or anything else not of my own making.  At first I'm going to need the quiet to heal.  I'll need the space to roam.  I'm still hyper, I didn't age out of it like most kids do.  I do take a lot of caffeine for that."  Their food and drinks were brought, the waiter kissing him on the head.  "Thank you," he said in Portugese.  The waiter smiled and left.  "The family who owns this has a daughter on my gymnastics team.  We're going to see her later this summer at the olympics.  The whole family's going."  Tony nodded, smiling a bit.  "I promised I'd bring pompoms in the school colors and everything."

"That won't affect her in the school standings?"

"Nope.  Not until college."

"I'm more used to NCAA edibility rules."

"Don't apologize because you don't know something.  I get smacked on the head when I do that.  Usually by Horatio."  He ate a bite and hummed.  "Oh, she's still good."

"Was that her mother you kissed on the cheek?"

"Aunt.  Her mother died a few years back."  He ate another bite and glanced around then at him.  "She was going to commit suicide and I found her, talked her out of it."

"That's a good friend," Tony said, looking at him. "But that's the sort of guy you're said to be."

Xander nodded.  "I try.  It makes Grandfather and Sire proud."  He ate another bite, waving his fork.  "Eat, Tony.  It's a while until dinner."  Tony nodded, digging in.  "So you work where?"

"NCIS."

"Hmm.  Navy, right?"

"And Marine crimes," he agreed.

"That's cool.  Mac said good things about you."  That got a nod.  "Are you going to freak out on me dating?"

"Nope.  Not unless they're hurting you.  I will be doing a background check on whoever you end up with.  That'll keep the golddiggers off you."  Xander relaxed at that.  "Had them shoved at you?"

"Since I was eight years old," Xander admitted.  "The matrons trying to force their daughters on me to get the money or to discredit Patrick by making me straight."  He ate another bite.  "You do know that some year soon I'll have to have an heir?"  Tony nodded.  "Do kids give you hives?"

"Not really.  Then again it won't be my duty to deal with them all the time.  That's what parents are for.  I'll be like a fond uncle, right?"  Xander beamed and nodded, shifting some and getting back to eating.  "What are you hoping for?"

"A way to get some peace.  Get away from the stalkers.  I don't want to be scared of someone breaking in anymore.  I know that's unrealistic...."

"You should feel safe in your own home," Tony said gently, patting him on the hand.  Xander smiled and nodded.  "We can do that without turning the new house into a prison.  There's lots of subtle ways of doing that and they can go in during the renovations too.  I'll call around to see who's available, get you the paranoid special packages to go over."  Xander smiled and nodded.  "The stables?"

"Are going to be for the dogs and handlers.  That way I don't have to worry about someone using them as lap pets, breaking their training, or being allergic."  He finished his salad with meat, then his soda.  "Go ahead and eat.  I'm not rushing around now.  I'm done for the day really.  I was going to check on the renovations but that's about it."  He looked around. "Can I have some more soda please?" he called.  The waiter brought in another glass, taking away his plate and the old glass. "Gracias."  He looked at Tony again.  "I'm learning languages.  I'm not bad I think."

"Your accent isn't bad," he agreed.  He ate, finishing up fairly quickly.  He put his plate out of the way so he could lean on the table.  "How many background checks am I going to be doing?"

"We're going to start smaller, with scholarships for college.  I'm not seeing you having to do incredibly thorough ones but enough to find a criminal history on the winners.  I will absolutely not support pedophiles.  A former addict maybe if they've got their life turned around and this will complete that."  His phone rang.  "Excuse me.  Xander."  He listened, then nodded.  "Are you okay, Horatio?"  He scowled.  "What can I do to help?  Horatio, let me help.  I like Madison.  So let me help.  What does she need?  I'll get tested today.  Not an issue.  Sweetie, I co-hosted their last fundraiser, Horatio.  Consider her having the best doctor there.  She's your niece and I love your niece.  She's a beautiful little girl who gives me hope that my future kids won't be like me."  He hung up, looking at him.  "Give me a second."  He looked up another number in his phone book then called it.  "Helena, Xander Benis.  A small favor actually.  A friend's niece is in oncology," he said quietly.  "Please.  Madison.  Yeah, that one.  Horatio's.  What does she need?"  He listened while she looked up the records.  "I can get tested.  Give me a day to talk to Grandfather about her care.  Okay?"  He smiled.  "Thank you."

He hung up and called home.  "Gordon, Xander.  Can you divert some of my funds in the retirement and traveling fund to Horatio for his niece's care?  Madison has leukemia," he said.  He nodded.  "That's what she needs.  Thank you.  Also, schedule someone to come take blood for a typing test.  I'm in jogging shorts.  That's fine.  Talking with Tony DiNozzo.  Thank you."  He hung up and called Horatio back, he was on speed dial.  "Her care's going to be upped to a very good, internationally known doctor.  He's coming in next month and this is his speciality.  He comes in monthly and he has a doctor here he works through.  Him, yup.  I talked to the head of the hospital, she'll be put into his rotation.  He comes in on the second, which is in a week and a half.  Also, if you argue with me, I'm going to have to pout at you.  Remember, I love Madison.  Now, do you need help holding Yelina down when you tell her?"  He grinned.  "Okay.  Come see me afterward.  You'll need comfort and I'm good at that.  You can help me pick out cabinets and bathtubs.  Having lunch with Tony DiNozzo.  Horatio said hi, Tony."  He waved.  "He said hi back.  Find me, Horatio.  I'll be tested as soon as I can.  Just let us help you.  Remember, you're like family and she is your family."  He hung up on his protests.  "The man has pride like I do."

"Some people are like that.  It won't bother him?"

"He'll find a way to pay me back," Xander said honestly.  "Horatio's been through some of the best and worst things in my life to date.  I think I still owe him even after that."  His phone rang.  "Grand Central station.  I'm not even that sort of teenager."  He answered it.  "What's up?"  He listened.  "As long as I have clothes.  I was out for a jog when I got summoned for the shoot, Gordon.  I can do that.  Sure."  He hung up.  "Come on, we've got to hit the house so I can change."  Tony nodded, following him out.  He found the waiter in the back, handing him a fifty.  "Enough?"  He beamed and nodded.  "Good service."  He walked out, getting into the limo, Tony behind him.  "I have to slip into debutante mode," he called.  "Then I'll drive him in my car."  That got a nod.  "That way he can rest," he told Tony.

"Why did you take him out today?"

"They refused to let me go jogging without two bodyguards.  He got stubborn and decided we were taking the limo.  I didn't care.  He likes driving it."  That got a grin.  "I'm pretty easy on most things.  I'd like it if you explained things to me instead of just saying 'this needs to be done'.  I'm not really dumb, I just suck in lecture classes."

"I think we can work something out," Tony agreed, smiling and relaxed.  He liked the young guy.  He treated his people well, he treated others well, and his friends were clearly closer than friends to him.  Twenty minutes later they pulled through a gate and Xander hopped out, heading inside.  Tony smiled and waved at the guys in the foyer.  "Hi, Tony DiNozzo.  I came down for an interview."

"You put up with him for three hours already.  I'm pretty sure if you want it it's yours," Gordon said.  "Xander inspires a lot of loyalty but if you don't like him you know pretty fast."  Xander bounced back down the stairs dressed in dress pants and a button-up shirt.  "You're going to roast."

"No I won't.  If Horatio gets here before I get back, make him eat cookies.  It'll make him feel better.  Keys?  Wallet?"  He accepted the envelope from Gordon, checking it and nodded.  "More than enough.  Thank you."  The others were handed over.  He looked at the keys then at Gordon.  "What happened to my car?"

"It appeared in the paper yesterday," he reminded him. "You're going to a hospital.  Someone will start to spread rumors."

"A hospital that I support with my charities of choice," he reminded him.  "Won't matter anyway.  Most photographers don't haunt the Children's Hospital."  He took his keys from Thomas's hand.  "Tony, did you want to stay and talk to them or come with me?"

"I'll come with you," he decided.  "I can talk with Thomas tomorrow?"

"Dinner," he agreed.  "I don't eat with Father.  We've got our own area to eat and play in."  Tony nodded, following Xander out the door.  He looked at him.  "Who's sick?"

"Horatio's niece.  Leukemia," he said quietly.

"Poor Madison.  You think he'll last?"

"If he lasts until dinner?  Definitely.  Xander's in hyper-protective mode."  He smiled at him.  "Remember when Father used to go into those?"

"All the time," he moaned.  "But it'll be fine.  Xander's a good boy and he'll make Horatio take the help.  He can pay him back if he needs to."

"Xander probably said something mushy about it being payback for all the times Horatio helped him when his bodyguards used to get lost on him."  They walked off smiling to tell the others.

***

Xander walked out of the lab, holding the small cotton ball to his arm as he walked.  He checked then tossed it into a pink bag on one side of a nurse's station, heading off to the oncology ward.  He ran into his friend down there, kissing her on the cheek.  "Thank you."

"You're most welcome, Xander.  I know you've supported us for years.  We got a lot of donations from your crusade a few years back.  The whole knight's event was a big hit."  She patted him on the cheek.  "She's down in 3-6."  He handed her the envelope, letting her look.  "That'll more than cover her expected costs."

"Then let's help another kid who needs it," Xander told her quietly.  That got a nod and she walked off.  Xander walked down there, finding Horatio and Suzie staring at each other.  He coughed and hugged Suzie.  "You don't have to worry, Suzie.  I'm a major contributor at this hospital.  I've raised millions of dollars for them."  She stared then sniffled.  "Shhh, baby girl.  Let it out on me.  I have good shoulders to cry on.  Your baby will be fine."  He sat down, letting her curl in his lap, patting her gently on the back until she calmed down.  "I've got you."  She nodded, wiping off her face.  He tipped her face up.  "Horatio's like family and Madison gives me hope that my future kids won't be hellions."  She smiled at that.  "Go clean up, she doesn't need to see you like this."  She nodded, going to do that.

He looked at Horatio, not wiping at the dampness.  "You're family," he said quietly.  "Even if I do feel like the Godfather at the moment."  Horatio cracked a smile so he gave him a hug as well.  "It'll be okay.  We can lean on each other while we cheerlead her back to health.  I got blood drawn just now.  I'm sure you did too."  He nodded.  "Then we'll do all we can to help those two. All right?"  He got a nod.  "You've helped me through tons of shit that could've destroyed me, Horatio.  This is miniscule in relation to my health, my life, and my sanity.  If you feel you must you can pay me back by cooking dinner when I move."  Horatio nodded, relaxing.  "Now, let's go kiss the princess and see if she needs anything."  He walked him that way.  "Horatio, this is Tony DiNozzo.  He came down for an interview."

"Hey.  I hope she gets better."

"Thank you."  He gave him a weak smile.  "Following the hurricane?"

"He hasn't been that bad yet.  I work with Abby.  That's a hurricane and she thinks he's hot."  Horatio laughed, nodding at that.  "Go ahead, I can wait out here."

"Thank you."  He walked in there, giving his niece a hug.  "Madison, how are you feeling?"

"A bit sick but I'll be okay.  The nurses said so."  She smiled at Xander.  "He said I could mess up his hair if I got better."

"You can," Xander agreed.  "Plus you can go to the pound with me when I move into the new house to help me pick out a pet."  She smiled and nodded.  "That's a good girl."  He gave her another hug.  "I want you to concentrate on getting better.  You're going to show me how to be a good daddy when I have kids some year.  That way I don't mess up really badly."

"Okay," she agreed.  She smiled when her mother came in.  "Xander said I could help him when he had kids."

"I'm sure he'll welcome your help."  She sat on the foot of her bed.  "Thank you, guys."

"It's not a problem.  Tell Horatio or I if you or she need things," Xander told her.  "I mean it.  Or else I will spank you then pout."  Suzie giggled and nodded.  "Horatio said I spank hard."

"He does," Horatio agreed, cracking Madison up.  "He spanked Eric when he was being a brat one day."  The nurse came in to look at her.  "Making her laugh."

"Laughing has always been lauded as a wonderful medicine," she promised, checking her over.  "You look like it's helping already, dear."  She walked out, going to fuss over some of the other patients.

Horatio stroked over her hair.  "I have got to talk to someone about a case but I will be back tonight.  How about that?"  She nodded.  "That's my good girl.  I'll see you then.  You as well, Suzie."

"Thank you, both of you."

Xander looked at her.  "Remember, family is important to both of us.  Even if I do feel like the Godfather now and then."  She giggled, hugging her daughter while they left.  "Sorry it took so long, Tony."

He smacked him on the head.  "Family is more important than that."  Horatio smiled.  "Is he coming for dinner?"

"If he wants.  He knows he has an open invitation."

"After I talk to Yelina."

"Need duct tape?"

"I carry handcuffs," Horatio quipped, feeling much better.  "Thank you."

"You saved me how many times?" Xander shot back.  That got a nod and a smile.  Xander nodded for Tony's benefit.  "New house?"

"Sure."  He followed him down to the car.  "So she's Horatio's niece?" he asked once they were in the car.

"His brother was undercover in Narco," Xander said, looking at him, not touching the keys.  "He was using Suzy to get closer to others while he himself got hooked."  Tony hissed.  "She showed up about a year ago.  He had a wife and son legally as well.   Detective Salas is a fiery Brazilian woman who once smacked around some of the guards when she found out I was being abused.  The first time I saw her I told her she was pregnant.  That was the same day I met Horatio actually."  He smiled.  "They're my made family.  Even if Yelina will scream and rant for a few hours.  She'll calm down.  I might go visit her later but that would be a personal nagging session so I'll go while you and Thomas talk."  He started the engine and checked behind them.  "Something's there."  Tony opened the door to look then nodded.  Xander opened his to look.  "Sweetheart, are you lost?"  She sniffled and nodded.  "Okay."  He turned off the car.  "Be right back."  He got out, smiling at her.  "Come on, I'll take you inside so someone can call your mommy to find you."  She nodded, taking his hand.  Some woman screamed so he looked.  "Yours, ma'am?  I was taking her inside to the desk so they could page you."

"Thank you!  Where was she?"

"Behind my car."  She nodded, walking her daughter off.  He caught a guard's eye, nodding at her.  That got a nod so he smiled and headed back to the car.  "Her mother thought I was stealing her."  He got in and started the engine again.  He checked then backed out, heading for the new house.  It was a nice drive through some older neighborhoods.  "That's my school," he said when they passed it.  He pulled up to the gates, having to get out to open it.  Then he drove through, leaving it open for now.  "The construction crew is still here so I don't mind yet.  When we've done more than gut it I will."

"That's logical," Tony assured him.  "Even photographers won't want a picture of a gutted house."  He looked around as they went up the driveway.  "This is very nice, Xander."  They pulled up in front of the house and he fell in love with the old stonework.  "This is beautiful."  He got out to look, letting Xander show him where everything was.  "What about the guards?" he asked when they got to the kitchen.  Xander walked him out there, letting him see the dormitory.  "Individual rooms?"

"It's being turned into twelve individual apartments and a community room so you guys can hang out.  If *you* wanted to you could live at the main house.  That way I'm closer.  I leave that up to you because I don't know which is preferable or how many guards you'll have."

"Twelve is a good number.  Two or three dog handlers out in the stables," he said, considering it.  He nodded.  "I'll think about which one I wanted to go to."  Xander smiled.  "My habit is movies."

"Mine's ice cream at the moment."  Tony patted him on the back.  "Come see."  He led him around the grounds, showing him the view.  Tony moaned at that.  "I'm going to put a gazebo out here among the edge of the trees so it's sheltered and looks more natural."  He smiled at him.  "I figure you're the only senior staff we'll have to have living here," he said quietly.  "The lawyer can come and go.  The accountant can come and go.  You need to be here."  Tony smiled and nodded.  "I'm not hiring a PR person.  I can do it on my own unless something catastrophic happens with the stalker bitch.  If so, then I'll roast her publically and take the fallout.  She attacked me."  That got another nod.   "So, this is the real me.  Do you think you can stand me?"

"I think we'll get along very well, Xander," he said with a smile.  "How soon?"

"I get the foundation at graduation.  If something happens before then I'll need you before then.  I'll try to give you some warning but she's very blunt, very frontal assault.  We're all on alert in case she attacks the house to get Grandfather or Sire."

"We'll handle it."  He walked him off, taking a look at the fence.  "I'll be out here tomorrow taking pictures to bring back with me."  Xander nodded. "Then we'll work on the security details."

"Are you going to need to pay anyone beyond them?"  Tony gave him an odd look.  "I don't expect anyone to work for free, Tony, and we budgeted about eighty grand for the security upgrades and consultants.  Thomas will go over that with you later I'm sure."  That got a nod and a grin.  "This is one problem that a little bit of money fixed.  Normally I don't use the limo.  When I was younger Mortran would drive me himself.  Everywhere.  He was my personal bodyguard and semi-nanny.  He used to hear me complain a lot about girls being forced on me.  He's been my personal bodyguard since I was kidnaped and gay bashed at ten.  Before then he was one of the neat guys who would play or read to me if he wasn't on shift."  That got a smile.  "It's going to hurt like hell when they go," he said more quietly.  "At that time, your main job is to see I don't follow."

"I'll do what I can to ease it for you, Xander.  I won't be able to replace him but I can be like Horatio is, non-blood family."  Xander smiled and nodded.  "Good boy."

"I hear that a lot.  Now and then I bark."  Tony laughed.  He also swatted him gently on the head.  "Is that a Marine thing?"

"It's a Gibbs thing.  He's my boss.  He does it to us all the time."

"I don't mind.  I've spanked others."  Tony smiled at that.  "Come on, let's head home.  It's time to eat again.  I'm starving.  I worked very hard being pretty earlier."  Tony nodded, getting in with him.  "If we're lucky, Cook even made dessert.  She's been in a baking mood recently."

"Sugar's always a welcome addition to any meal."  He slid into the passenger's side.  "I would've figured you for something faster or something more mature."

"I had a Jag.  It got gay bashed."  He started the engine.  Then he frowned.  "Out!"  They rushed out and the car exploded.  "Huh."  He tapped a foot, scowling at the car.  "Someone's going to die a very messy death."  He looked around.  The construction crew was gone.  "Well, shit!  Do I have my phone on me?" he muttered, patting himself down.

"I called dispatch," Tony called.

"If I don't call Horatio he'll worry."

"Back pocket, Xander."  He did that, sighing when he found his phone.  He walked inside to talk to him while Tony examined the wreck.  His phone rang.  "DiNozzo.  How did you get my number already?"  He smirked at the 'contacts' answer.  "We're fine.  He heard or sensed something and got us both out.  He walked inside to call Horatio."  He listened to the 'we like them together if you don't mind'.  "It doesn't bother me.  Who am I to say something?" he said dryly.  A patrol car pulled up and he flagged them down.  "There's a patrol unit."  He looked.  "Yeah, he is.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "Hey.  Special Agent Tony DiNozzo.  Xander's probable future head of security."

"Peter, his boyfriend.  I came out to look at the house.  Xander?" he yelled.  He came out of the house.  "Are you all right?"  He went to check him over, smiling when he hung up on the Lieutenant for him.  "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay.  The engine sounded funny so I got us out."  He gave him a hug.  "Did you meet Tony?  He's my future head of security unless I make him run away screaming."

"I did.  Do you think it was the stalker?"

"No, I think it was the anti-gay league.  Hey, Tony?"  He jogged over.  Xander pointed behind him.  "Drawing room.  Pretty clear who it was."  Tony went to look, coming back muttering.  "Dial one and it's home."  He did that from Xander's phone, going to talk to Thomas.  Xander looked at his boyfriend.  "Coming out to see the prettiness?"

"I am," he agreed, smiling at him.  "This will be fantastic when it's done."  Tony came out, handing Xander his phone back.  "Are you all right, Special Agent DiNozzo?"

"Yeah, I'm good.  How did you know?"

"The engine didn't sound right when I revved it.  It was weak."  They walked out to see CSI rolling in.  "Hi, Ryan.  Hi, Calleigh."  He walked Tony over.  "This is Special Agent DiNozzo.  My future head of security unless I run him off in the next few days.  Inside in the drawing room, Ryan.  They tagged the house too.  Can I bomb them now?  Or feed them my cooking maybe?"

"That's mean and sadistic, Xander," Calleigh chastised.  "Officer Thomalson.  You responded first?"

"I'm, um, dating Xander, ma'am."

"OH!" she said, smiling at him. "Never mind then.  Fire department not here yet?"

"Nope but it won't be too much longer," Xander said dryly.  "It was a small car."  He looked at his boyfriend, then at Tony.  "Pine in the kitchen?"

"I like light maple.  Pine in the gym."

"There's a gym?" Peter laughed.  Xander looked at him and nodded.  "Like a real one?"

"And a real pool with real diving boards too so I can practice," Xander agreed happily.  "It had everything I wanted, including fresh air.  It's quiet here.  Oh, yeah, I planted a self- downloading camera above the door after I signed, and one on the back door too, guys.  Thomas should have that.  Tony can get it for you if you need it."

"Please," Calleigh agreed.  A pumper truck pulled in and she pointed.  "Blew up, boys.  Get it cool enough for us please?"  The firemen got out, putting on jackets so they could come work on the wreckage.  Another hummer pulled in.  Xander bounced over to talk to Horatio, earning a smile.

One of the firemen looked at Calleigh.  "I didn't know Caine was gay."

"I don't know whether or not he is but they're best friends.  Have been since he rescued Xander as a five-year-old losing his bodyguards because they were being boring," Ryan told him.  "That's how he met Speedle too.  He saved him when he was abandoned in the park by his bodyguard."  He looked at Tony.  "We won't have to threaten you, right?  A lot of people would be very upset if something happened to Xander."

"It's not a problem, Officer...."

"Wolfe.  Ryan Wolfe.  I met Xander when his parents showed up.  I did some of the supervision for a visitation."  He shook his hand.  "So, agent where?"

"NCIS.  Formerly homicide in Baltimore, Philly, and an officer in Peoria, Illinois."

"So you're really qualified and you do the same things we do," Calleigh said, nodding.  "Welcome to Miami when you move, Tony."  She shook his hand.  "Calleigh Duquesne, Ballistics.  Ryan does our trace stuff with Speed.  You'll meet him and Eric sometime soon."  Horatio walked Xander over.  "He said they tagged the house too, Horatio."

"I heard."  He let Peter have Xander back.  "Anything of the bomb yet?"

"Smoke and more smoke," Ryan said.  "We're waiting, boss."  That got a nod.  "I'll go do the drawing room."  He went to do that, doing the whole house to see if any other nasty surprises were waiting.  He came out.  "Xander, do you really need a master suite that used to be four rooms?"

"That way I have a sitting area," Xander called back.  "So I can hide if I want to."

Peter looked at him.  "No hiding that pretty face, Xander."  He smiled and put his head on his shoulder.  "How many more years?"

"Eight more months," Xander said grimly.  "They decided it wasn't as bad as it could be and they didn't have to dig into the walls to run wires.  Only a few for pipes.  My contractor's a blessing.  She even found a stonemason."  He looked at Tony.  "There was talk about repaving the driveway.  Did it need it?"

"It was a bit rough.  What was it originally?"

"They paved over the cobblestones."

"Put back the cobble stones," Tony ordered.  "It's easier to hear if someone's coming.  It won't hurt a sports car as long as the shocks are good and they can fix it so it's nearly as smooth as new asphalt."  Xander beamed, going to call his contractor and tell her that and about the cabinets and the gym.  "How long have you and Xander been together?"

"Four dates," he said dryly, making Tony smile.  "He's an easy guy to love but a hard guy to get to know sometimes."  Tony kept his opinion to himself.  "So you do CSI stuff?"  Tony nodded.  "For the Feds?"

"For the Navy and Marines.  I work out of the DC branch."

"Wow.  So you play politics."

"Not if I can help it.  My team makes other agencies cry.  My boss was up for this job too but he gets too much fun making them cry."  Horatio walked off laughing.  "Met Gibbs have we?"

"Twice now, and you're right," he called back.  He looked back at Tony.  "There was another agent who was a smoothing influence."

Tony looked at him.  "Terrorist.  Sniper."

"I'm sorry," he said, meaning it.  Tony nodded.  "Recently?"

"Almost seven months now," he admitted.  "We got someone from the Mossad put onto our team by the director.  We've been busy sanding down her edges."  That got a nod.  "She has the worst luck finding words sometimes.   Cracks McGee up."  That got a gentler smile.  "Where was I?"

"Out sick.  Head injury one time and the other was at a convention.  I do know your Abby."

"Which is why following Xander around is pretty easy.  She's a lot more hyper."

Horatio nodded.  "I remember a flash of pigtails and black clothes, plus the smell of gunpowder."

"It's her perfume.  She makes it."

Calleigh looked over.  "Did you say she makes gunpowder perfume?"  Tony nodded.  "How much does she sell it for?"

"I don't know, I'll ask when I get back to DC."  She smiled and nodded.  He looked at Horatio again.  "Home after this, right?"  He nodded.  "Okay.  Are we being picked up?"

"I can drive you back when Peter has to go back to shift."  Peter checked his watch, jogging off.  "I'll tell him you had to go," he called after him, getting a wave.

"Doomed?" Tony said when he was gone.

Horatio nodded.  "Probably.  He still sees Xander as a trophy in some ways.  Also as gentle and sweet, which he can be but now and then he turns into a hellcat.  Especially when he's threatened."

"He offered to blow them up or send his cooking," Tony offered.

Horatio looked at him.  "The bomb would be kinder."  He went to find Xander.  He was making evil plans and had to be stopped.  "I'll drive you and Tony back to the house. Come on."  Xander nodded, hanging up to follow him.  "Who was that?"

"Yelina.  I called her to warn her since they're up the street from her."

"Is she still huffing?"

"Yup, and I reminded her that her husband was the bastard, that the little girl didn't deserve to die for her husband being an asshole.  That Suzy was still pretty young and she could use a mom too.  Yelina quit huffing at that and decided to go see her tonight.  She did say she'd let Ray Junior be tested."  Horatio relaxed.  He paused them a bit away.  "Do you like him?"

"I like him a lot, Xander.  He'll be good with you."  Xander smiled, relaxing some.  "Come on, let's let Patrick fuss."  He nodded for Tony's benefit, walking Xander to the hummer.  "I want to know as soon as you do," he called.

"Of course," Calleigh agreed.  She looked at Ryan.  "No date tonight, right?"

"Haven't had one in weeks."

"Good."  They got the all clear a half-hour later and dug into the wreckage to find the bomb.

***

Tony walked in early Monday morning, looking around.  "We alone?"  Gibbs looked up and nodded.  "Good.  Would you be willing to consult to help me set up the security perimeter?  While we were there his car got blown up in his new driveway.  They tagged the house.  His stalker is pissed and attacked them, blowing them up but they can't find a realistic link back, nothing more than cotton webbing."

"What do you have?"

"I have layout sketches, house plans from the contractor, overhead views of the land from a survey helicopter that the contractor did for when I find a good security company to go do the work, and I have pictures of the walls and trees."  He handed over the file, pulling his desk chair over to sit across from him.  "I want cameras here, here, here, and here," Tony told him.  "I know that's going to leave a blind spot but there's no road there, it goes to woods on the other side of the wall."

"You can get over it."

"It's ancient stone, boss.  We can't do much to it and Xander doesn't want it to look like he lives in a prison."

"Budget?"

"Eighty grand including your paycheck for helping me.  I figure a good two, three grand for your help?  More if it runs over a week?"

"That'll work," he agreed.  He studied everything, nodding at something.  "Gazebo?"

"He's nestling it into the trees.  He's removing a few to make room and because they're on shaky roots that're coming up.  They're talking about replanting them by the stables, which are going to be guard dog and handler housing.  Separate apartments for each handler."

"It's well designed," he admitted.  "Staff cameras?"

"He said he'll have to trust us.  If something happens it'll be my job to find out and spank someone, his words."  Gibbs smirked.  "He's good, boss.  He heard the difference in his engine and got us out.  The remains of the anti-gay league are scared of him now."

"Good.  It'll solve some problems for a while."  He picked up a pencil, circling areas.  "Rotating exposure on those spots.  You can hide them or not.  That'll leave three blind spots.  Mostly inaccessible.  Is that a ditch?"

"Yeah, drainage.  There's a high water table in Miami.  The house is beautiful, boss."

"I saw."  He looked  it over, adding a few things.  "Posted signs at the gate.  What's the driveway made of?"

"He's having them strip and redo the cobblestone.  It's noisier when someone's coming."  Another few places were circled.  "You sure?"

"I am.  It won't catch the staff but it will catch a thief trying to break in.  The house?"

"Every window and orifice will be alarmed.  Xander agreed with me on that.  We talked about a pass system like DHHR uses here in town, wearing one gets you past the alarms, not having one alerts the system that someone without a passcode is in the building."  That got a nod.  "What about here?  There's technically beach access if you want to hike down.  Should we put a camera there too?"  That got a nod.  "Okay.  Put a circle there.  What about on this edge?"

"What's over there?"

"Vacant lot with weeds.  The house burned about five years ago according to the officer I stopped on patrol to ask.  You have to go through a lot of older, higher class neighborhoods to get to there."

"That'll help.  Fire department response?"

"Painful," Tony admitted.  "Ten minutes.  Xander agreed we could put in a water tank as long as it wasn't really ugly, his words."

"Where?"  Tony pointed.  "Good spot for it, easy access for the trucks too."  He shifted the camera there and marked the water tank.  He studied the weak spots.  "Will he let you mine the top of the wall with broken glass?"  Tony pulled out a small foam case and handed it over. "What's this?"  He opened it, smiling at the small, mostly unnoticeable gray metal spikes that would match with the stones.  He touched one tip and winced as it pierced flesh.  "Those'll work.  All along the top."

"I know.  I've got room for eleven guards and up to three dogs and handlers."

"You can do four on a shift and do that.  One dog per shift."

Tony grinned.  "That means I have to live in the house."

"Will he mind?"

"No, he offered me the back suite.  The housekeeper's going to have her own room if she wants.  It'll be here," he said, finding the house plans to show him.  "If I want to live in the house, this'll be my area."  Gibbs smirked and nodded.  It was a nice size.  In DC he'd be paying a few grand a month for an apartment that size.  "I'll even have a guest room," he said proudly.  "So you can come down on vacation, boss."  Someone was coming so he bundled things up.  "Morning, Probie," he said casually.

"Morning, Tony."  He handed over a card.  "For some reason that ended up in my mailbox.  I don't know why spooks are sending me cards for security companies but I figure that was meant for you."  Tony grinned.  "How is it?"

Tony pulled out the house pictures.  "It's beautiful, calm, peaceful, quiet.  It's far enough away that you don't hear any traffic, even sirens if you're by the house.  You're too far away for the smog.  It's got great views.  I'll be able to use the gym or the pool when they're fixed and he is putting in a regular gym for the guys in the guard house.  We're getting top notch accommodations.  He's giving the guys their own one bedroom apartments in the old dorm building plus the dog handlers are getting their own in another building.  I've got free reign as long as they won't be bothered by him, aren't homophobic, have experience, and can do the work.  Xander wants to keep it feeling like a family, like his present one is.  He's used to bodyguards so it'll work smoothly once we have it set up."  He tucked the card into his pocket.  "For society events I can go with him or assign someone if I'd rather.  I'll be making sixty a year from the foundation for being the head of security.  Xander and I get along great.  We joked most of the weekend, before and after his car got blown up.  He even introduced me subtly to his stalker as a new bodyguard."

"Hopefully that means she won't try to kill you right off," Gibbs offered.

"Probably not.  She hasn't tried his new boyfriend.  Xander and I came to an easy agreement.  Whoever he's dating I'm doing background checks on and mine too."  That got a smirk from McGee.  "There's some of the world's most beautiful women down there, McGee.  If I want time off I'm on call but I can do that.  He's on good terms with the local PD.  He's on great terms with the local crime lab.  It's not going to be a piece of cake but it's going to be a good job.  Very rewarding.  I can walk around in anything I want as long as I'm covered according to Xander.  He said now and then he wanders around in boxers if his grandparents aren't home.  He can't cook, he's literally toxic.  I saw what happened when he made one of the bigots cookies."  He snickered.  "They're still probably getting sick."  He pushed his chair back to his desk, gathering up the file and letting Gibbs keep it.  "Let me know later, boss?  Do we have a new case?"

"Wrapped one up yesterday," McGee said happily.  "Any ghosts?"

"Nope, but that does remind me.  Going to see Abby, boss.  Someone down there wanted to know if she'd sell her some of her special perfume."  He went to do that, sneaking up on her to hug her.  "Hi, pretty one."

"Tony!"  She smiled as she turned to hug him. "Are you staying?"  He shook his head.  "How long?"

"Six months unless something drastic happens."  He kissed her on the tip of the nose.  "I ran into a ballistics tech named Calleigh Duquesne."

She squealed.  "Bullet girl!"

"Yup, her.  She wanted to know if you would sell her some of your perfume."

"I'd be honored!"  She bounced some.  "Do you have her addy?  Or I can look it up through the MDPD server."  He handed it over.  She beamed and handed him a card.  "This got dropped in my mailbox."  He compared them, putting them both into his pocket.  "Who else got one?"

"McGee.  Different people."  He smiled.  "You would love Xander.  He's a lot like you only male and bi and a sports guy."  She laughed.  "It's a good match.  We'll work well together.  I'm not fond of his present boyfriend but that's okay."  She nodded.  "Sixty grand a year, Abby," he said quietly.  "Yearly raises.  The foundation pays for it.  I get full run of the security protocols.  Xander's used to those sort of things.  It'll be good."  She smiled.  "Oh!"  He went back to his desk, coming back with an envelope.  "This is yours," he said, handing it to her.  "From him."  She opened it and gaped, giving him an adoring look.  "He heard you were nice and thought it'd be cool when I asked."  She hugged him, sniffling a bit.  Her new picture of Xander went onto the console in front of her.  It was from the temptation campaign but it wasn't one of the ones in the ads.  "That's from his personal portfolio.  I watched him sign it."

"I'll be down to visit."

"I'll have my own suite with a guest room," he promised with a grin.  She nodded, looking much happier.  "Ocean views.  He's promising to go lighten the pound's load by a few animals.  We've got a lot of lawn."  She laughed, giving him another hug.  "It'll be okay.  You can visit, I can visit, we can write."  She nodded.  "Six months so don't take me for granted.  I'm a limited edition now."

"You're an original anyway, Tony."

"He told me he puked on my father once," he said.  She cackled. "Exactly."  He walked off happier.  He sat down at his desk, finding Ziva staring at him.  "What?"

"Are you gay?"

"No, why?"

"You're going to work for a gay rights foundation."

"They're making a lot of difference in the world, Ziva.  Any sort of intolerance and bigotry is wrong.  The only bigotry should be against bigots.  Even if I didn't feel that way, the kid needs me.  Someone against gays blew up his car over the weekend.  Both of his cars have now been gay bashed.  So was he when he was younger.  Someone shot him once."  She looked disgusted.  "That was before he was old enough to even consider liking sex.  So no, I'm not gay, but I'm very tolerant.  Xander doesn't care if I am or not.  He said he didn't care as long as it wasn't kids or the guard dogs, or his future dogs or cats."  She shuddered.  "It's a great job and Miami's full of beauty to be discovered."

"Maybe I'll go visit."

"I'll have a guest room but you'll have to put up with the boss since I'll be living at the house," Tony told her.

"I'll get a hotel room.  I don't understand gay men.  They dress up as women?"

"No, those are drag queens," Tony said tolerantly.  "Not all gay men are drag queens, Ziva.  Not all drag queens are gay either.  Some are guys who like to dress up in women's clothes.  It makes them feel like they can be delicate, pretty, let go of some emotions they can't as guys."  She looked confused. "I'll find you a good reference.  I'm sure Xander would know."  She nodded so he sent that email to him, getting a site back from Thomas, who also sent a nag for him to eat.  "I like this.  They're already telling me to eat, boss."

"Did you miss breakfast?"

"No, it's a pet peeve of Xander's.  He doesn't like to eat in front of people who aren't."  He sent the link to Ziva.  "There you go."  She nodded, settling in to read it.  "We do run into gay service members now and then, even if they can't admit to it."  He looked at Gibbs.  "Am I short on reports?"  He looked then shook his head.  "I didn't think so."  He decided to surf the internet for good moving specials.  If he had to leave suddenly someone was going to have to pack and ship his stuff for him.  Then again, he had gotten a signing bonus from the kid's grandfather.  McGee left for a few, coming back smirking.  "Picture?"

"She's humming and petting it."

"It's from his portfolio.  Horatio remembers you, boss.  And her.  Said he remembered a blur of black and pigtails but he does remember her."

Gibbs snickered.  "That sounds like her at a convention.  How is he?"

"Doing okay.  Some personal issues but doing okay.  That's the one Benis claims is his best friend."  Gibbs looked over so he grinned back.  "He's on good terms with the PD," he mouthed.  That got a smirk and a nod.  "Think I could hit Fornell up for agents who had a clue?"

"You can try," Gibbs offered.  "I'd go with someone tougher than his wimpy pink girls over there."

"I won't tell him you said that, boss."  He sent him an email saying he was switching jobs in about six months and was looking to hire guards.  Twenty minutes later he got back a list of names.  "Hey, he sent me names.  He's apparently heard too."

"His stalker was up visiting her mother when his car got blown up," McGee said grimly.  "She shrieked about it on national tv because a camera crew was stalking them coming out of a store.  She stomped off to the limo to leave for Miami right then."  He looked at him.  "Good luck."

"Thanks.  Might need it for that one."

Gibbs nodded.  "Yes, you will.  Or a sniper."

"Gee, boss...."

"Wasn't an offer, DiNozzo.  Ask Taylor, see if he knows one."

Tony grinned.  He knew Thomas knew a few.  He had threatened to send one after her.

***

Tony checked himself in the mirror, smiling at what he saw.  He looked good in this suit.  Brand new, tailored to fit him by Xander's tailor.  Not off the rack by any means and cheaper than most of his off the rack stuff.  He finished smoothing himself out then put in his new earpiece.  He could hear the guards fussing.  "Guys, calm it down," he ordered over it.  "I want it to be professional tonight.  Let's make it smooth.  Remember, Xander said he spanks hard."  That got some laughs.  "Sections check in?"  He listened, nodding.  One was a bit late and panting. "Problems, Todd?"  He smiled.  "That can happen.  Shoo her inside to the hot young men.  I'm going to mingle with the boss."  One guy said he was lucky.  "You want to trade places and make small talk?"  The guy whimpered and said no.  "Didn't think so.  Remember, no making out, we watch for drugs, Tommy; Xander's a bear about that."  Xander said something and he smiled.  "Good to have you on, boss.  Coming right now."  He walked out, pocketing his door key.  The only ones who had the special magnetic key for his room was him and Xander.  They both had universal keys.  He walked out, finding Xander fussing with his hair in an ancient mirror.  He pulled his hands down.  "Deep breath, the first one is here.  You've done this for years, Xander.  Calm down.  Now, go be pretty, pleasing, and charming.  Let us handle the small details."  Xander nodded, letting Tony remove the earwhig from his ear so he didn't have to worry about every little thing.  Tony followed him to the front door, smiling at the first guest.

"Xander, it looks wonderful.  Thank you so much for the invitation to your open house," she said, kissing him on each cheek.  "No music?"

"They're setting up right now," he said with a smile.  "There's a small instrumental group in the ballroom in here and a tent outside for dancing with another group."  That got a smile and she went to browse on the buffet.  "Before you ask, I didn't cook," he joked.

"I saw the sign, dear.  It's a good thing.  Oh, Mary Ellen had to bring her daughter."

"If she had to, she had to.  I can count her as a date," Xander said, smiling at the incoming couple and their daughter.  He smiled at her, she was an eighth grander at his school.  "If you go to the library, there's more trendy music preset on the stereo and books."  She beamed and went that way.  "That way she doesn't get bored.  I know I did at that age."  The parents gave him a grateful look and went to browse.  He continued to greet guests until his hands were sore.  The special ones got hugs.  Then again, the special ones had been out last night for the family's open house event.  He smiled at Mac, who had Stella on his arm.  "You finally made it," he teased.

"We did," she teased back.  She gave him a hug.  "You look great.  You too, Tony."  He smiled and nodded his thanks.  "You didn't cook, right?"

"All catered."  He shook Mac's hand.  "There's a tent outside with dancing.  There's minor music in the ballroom, and a kid's room in the library with the books."  Mac smiled. "You can hide."  He slipped him something.  "Yours.  The new number's on the back," he said quietly.  Mac nodded, putting it into his pocket.  "You two have adjoining ones and the door's open.  Her key is up there.  I didn't figure she'd have a place to hide it."  Stella smirked and shook her head, walking Mac off.  Don came in ten minutes later, getting a hug.  "Hi, Uncle Don."

He grinned back.  "Hey, kiddo."  He smiled as he looked around. "This is fantastic.  Your contractor did a great job in the renovations.  If I ever buy a place, remind me to get her."  Xander laughed.  "I'm staying at the other house."

"I heard.  Mac and Stella will have a room here."  That got a nod.  "Anyone else come down?"

"Nope, not from us.  Family's behind me."  Xander perked up and he went to look around.  They hadn't gotten in until that morning due to court yesterday.  He ran into Mac and Stella.  "Whoever decorated did a great job.  It highlights things so well."

"Xander said he picked out everything," Mac told him.  "He called Stella at four one morning angsting over which throw rug to get for the guest bathrooms."  That got some cackles from nearby people.

"I've not seen you around here," the elderly woman next to him said.  "Patricia Yearns.  Matriarch of local society."

Don smiled.  "Don Flack Junior, ma'am, Xander's uncle, kinda.  We're from the second marriage, he's from the third," he said at her confused look.  She smiled at that.  "For all purposes I'm his uncle.  This is Detective Stella Bonasera and Detective Mac Taylor, both from New York's finest with me and on the foundation's board."

"Pleasure to meet you all, darlings."  She shook their hands.  "Come, you must meet some others." She hauled Stella and Don off, leaving Mac to follow.  "You too, Detective."

"Yes, ma'am."  He grabbed a bottle of water before following.  That ended up in his pocket for a while but that was fine.  They were getting all sorts of stories about Xander as a young boy running amok at events.

Xander strolled in with Tony behind him.  "The dance music is finally tuned up if anyone wanted to heard through the conservatory and out to the tent to dance."  That got a few, including Mac, who was feeling a bit claustrophobic.  He saw Xander doing a headcount and gave him a look. "Twenty more than I expected.  About usual," he admitted quietly.  He went to get the door, smiling and hugging his grandparents.  "You made it."

"I did make it," Patrick agreed, walking him back inside.  "Tony, we'll guard him if you want to help Horatio carry in our present?"

"Sure, Patrick."  He went to do that, finding it was in the back of the limo.  "Books?" he guessed.

Horatio nodded.  "Half the library from the old house."  They carried it in together, putting it in there with the few children.  "New books, we'll let Xander shelve them later."  He walked off with Tony, getting a hug and a whispered 'take me outside, I'm going to snap' from Xander.  "Show me around?"

"Of course."  He looked at Tony, taking back his earwhig.  "Call if someone else shows up, especially family."  He walked him outside.  "Did Peter have a shift tonight?"  Horatio nodded with a small hum.  "I'm sorry."  He showed him to the tent, which allowed him to get some fresh air.  "Sorry, pushing their daughters on me," he said quietly.  He smiled at Stella being pawed.  "Let me go save her.  I'll be back in a few?"  Horatio nodded so he went to cut in.  "May I, Mr. Dupruis?"

"Of course, Xander.  The host always gets to cut in on the pretty ones."  He backed off with a bow and Xander took over.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

"I look hot in spandex too," he quipped back, making her giggle and swat him on the shoulder.  He grinned smugly.  "I do.  I have pictures to prove it with medals even."  He dipped her, pulling her back up, staring her down.  "Shall we scandalize them?"

"You'd never hear the end of it."

"Maybe."  He went back to dancing her around, making her smile.  He saw his grandparents dancing and moved them closer to them.  "I do not care what anyone says.  You two look hot together."  He danced her off once his Grandsire had grinned at him for that.  He finally let her go, twirling her off toward Mac, who was escaping and trying valiantly not to rub his pinched behind.  He caught her, making her laugh and dance off with her.  He went back to Horatio's side, beaming at him.  "The lessons came in handy."

"I saw that.  Are you going to dance with me as well?"

"If you want, sir."  He bowed.  "Shall we dance then?"

Horatio smiled, letting him lead even.  They switched halfway through and Xander smoothly followed his lead.  "You're good."

"As I told her, I look good in spandex too."

"You certainly did at your last meet," he agreed.  "How many more this school year?"

"Four more then States.  We're already ahead in the point standings," he said proudly.  "I may have also found my future replacement.  He's in seventh grade and shows some interest and some skill.  He came to see what it was about.  We can get him on next year and I'll train him personally to show off in my stead once I'm gone."  That got a happy nod.  "Meeting tomorrow for brunch, right?" Horatio nodded. "Good, I'm not forgetting anything."  Tony said something over the system and he sighed.  "Reporters are here.  Excuse me for a few minutes, Horatio.  Lovely dance," he said loudly enough to be heard.  He went to intervene, smiling at her.  "Erica.  I didn't know I had invited the press."

"I'm here as someone's date.  Has Jess gotten here yet?"

"Actually I think he has," he said, going to find him.  He found him at the buffet.  "Jess, your date was incredibly behind because of her hair, right?"  He nodded and walked out with him.  "Was that her?"

"It does look like my star reporter."

"Who shall not work tonight," Xander ordered sweetly, staring Erica down.  She nodded her agreement.  "A small article is fine.  Gossip is not.  I won't have my house profaned or else I'll need a priest."  He went to greet the other two guests coming in.  "Ryan and I see you did find my wayward boyfriend."

"He gave me a ride when my car broke down."

Xander came out to kiss him, getting pressed back against the door.  "You get off when?"

"Long after this is over," he said with a grin.  "Tomorrow?"

"Board meeting for brunch, family stuff after that if you wanted to come."

"We'll see."  He gave him another kiss and strolled back to his patrol car, heading back to work.

Xander walked in, finding Ryan had made himself at home already. "There's dancing in the garden," he said as he walked past him.  He frowned at the notice, tapping his earpiece. "No, she's not allowed in here.  If she tries, she's trespassing, you can have her arrested.  There's a restraining order in place."  He nodded.  "Her father can, she can't.  He knows that."  He turned off his vocal to listen, nodding at the agreement from the gate.  He walked around, talking to his guests, reminding a few looking bored that there was dancing.  He wasn't going to let them snoop and they could be as upset as they wanted to be about that.  He escorted one of the elder dames of society out there, dancing with her, then with each of his grandparents.  One of the other gay members of society gave him a wink so he grinned and offered him a dance when he was done with Sire.  After that he danced with one of the teenagers who had escaped from the library on her mother's orders.  A few more friends and it was nearly time to cut the party off.  He danced with Horatio again, earning a bright smile.  "Nearly time for them to go," he hissed.  Horatio laughed and nodded.  "Did you break your jaw too?"

"No, trying not to snap at a few suspects," he said quietly.  He dipped Xander, pulling him back up, giving him a smug look.  "Turnabout and all that, Xander."

"Cool."  He laughed and let a gorgeous blonde woman cut in with Horatio, going to take Ryan out.  "Relax, quit looking at your feet, Ryan," he ordered, making him look up.  "Engage your partner, let the feet do their own thing, like with walking."  He danced them off, letting Ryan follow along.  "Good.  Much better."   Ryan gave him a sheepish grin.  "It was a gym elective.  It was that or having stuff with the soccer team."  He handed Ryan over to one of the judge's wives and went to find something to drink.  He ran into Tony, who took the earwhig back.  "We okay?"

"We're fine.  She stayed in the car.  Go mingle, you're ignoring half the room."  Xander nodded, going to talk to them.  Tony smiled, going to help a few matrons to their cars.  "Good night, ladies.  Thank you for attending.  Xander would be here but he's begging someone to make him some cookies."  That got some laughs and the matrons quit being upset that the host wasn't walking them out.  To their way of thinking, he was the help.  Not that he minded, this stuff would drive him nuts eventually.  He decided he'd have to tutor one of the other boys or girls.  Xander walked out a few more couples and people started to stream out.  It was getting late.

Xander walked into the tent area, smiling at the people still dancing.  "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm not going to close this down.  As long as the musicians are willing to play you're more than welcome to stay out here.  The buffet is still up but most everyone else has gone home."  He clapped his hands, finding his grandfather to take him out for another dance.

The woman dancing with Horatio grimaced.  "He's finding a rich sugardaddy?"

He looked at her.  "That's his grandfather."

"Oh, I'm sorry."  Horatio just hummed and let her go at the end of that song.  Tony came out and he smiled.  "Done?"

"House is locked up except for the buffet and we're moving that out here.  Everyone else is gone.  The card key Mac has will open the side door."  That got a smile.  "Are you staying over tonight?"

"I expect his boyfriend would be over tomorrow.  He seems a bit jealous."

"Just a bit," Tony agreed.  He looked at him.  "You might want to offer some counsel," he said quietly.  "Xander's dates have not had happy endings recently."

"I'll do that the next time we dance," Horatio promised.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  I'm going to do a turn through the security system."  He walked off, going to do that.  One of the interior temporary cameras caught a young lady napping in the study.  "Crap," he muttered.  He checked, there was only the one.  He went to find Xander.  "Someone forgot their child," he said when he found him.

"Blue dress, I danced with her earlier?"  Tony nodded.  "They've done that a few times. Check for their car."  He went to do that while Xander went to wake her up.  "Hey, Beth?" he called from the doorway, making her snap awake.  "It's nearly midnight, sweetie, your parents are gone.  Do you want to call them or sleep on a couch and then call CPS tomorrow?"

She yawned, then shrugged.  "I don't know.  When did they leave?"

"I didn't see them go."   He pointed at the knob.  "It locks, there's a small bathroom behind the blue bookshelf.  There's also a pillow under the desk.  I've had a few naps in here during the furniture arranging so I'd suggest moving off the divan to the other couch."  She smiled and got the pillow, going to do what he suggested.  He locked the door before shutting it, making sure the handle had stuck before going back to the tent. He found the grande dame still out there and took her out for another swing to tell her.  Those sort of things were best left to the fierce, quiet army of society.  When he was done with her, he walked her back to her table, winking at her before going to get a drink from the moved buffet.  He found Horatio there.  "Next dance in ten minutes?"

"If you want."  He walked him over to his table, sitting down with him.  "What's going wrong with Peter?"

Xander grimaced.  "He doesn't like me making time for the family or the board.  He ..."  He glanced around then leaned closer.  "He knows I'm not ready yet, Horatio, but he says I should trust him more by now.  It's only been a year."  Horatio patted his hand gently.   "He won't let me top and I'll do anything up to sex with me on the bottom but he says it's not enough.  It's not that I don't trust him...."

"It's that it doesn't feel right," he finished.  Xander nodded.  "Do you know why it doesn't feel right?  Is it the circumstances or the person?"

"I'm not sure.  He's even tried to be romantic once, for a guy, but it was one of those nights where I got interrupted by billions of things, including some of the team worried about one of the girls' team who had just had a very bad breakup.  I'm the one who drove her to the ER when she accidentally fell down the stairs and he still...  It was like he was jealous that I cared about her well-being.  She's a friend."

"We've all had some doubts about how good Peter was for you, Xander," he said gently.  Ryan flopped down next to him.  "Danced out, Mr. Wolfe?" he asked, offering him some of the stuff he had picked out to nibble.

"Pinched to death," he said, taking a piece of carrot to nibble.  "I love what you did with the house, Xander.  It's a great restoration and the furniture fits it perfectly."

"Thank you," Xander said with a smile.

"So, are you going to get a horse to ride around the lawn?" he teased.

"The jogging's good for me."  He grinned at Horatio.  "Even he says so."  Horatio nodded.  "You should see the sunrise or sunset from the gazebo.  It's a stunning view."

"I'll have to come out some night to watch."  He leaned forward.  "If he's pressuring you we did promise to mutilate his corpse and hide the body as only a CSI team could," he said gently.

Xander shrugged.  "He wants me to be a trophy wife, Ryan.  I'm not ready to be a wife.  Plus he doesn't really understand that I do genuinely like my family and want to spend time with them."

"Then we won't mutilate him when you two break up," Ryan said.  He stood up.  "Think the older lady over there would give me a dance?"

"I think it'd be scandalous and they'd think you were her now boytoy," Xander teased.  "Thank you."

"Welcome."  He went to ask the older grande dame to dance, getting a titter and her accepting his hand.  He wasn't perfect but it was fun.

Horatio looked at Xander.  "You don't need the pressure of him pushing you or him being jealous," he said quietly.  Xander sighed and nodded.  "Now, I should go home."

"You're staying."

"He definitely wouldn't like that."

"Then he can kiss my ass. Your my best friend, you can stay in the guest room in my suite."

"You have a guest room in your suite?"  Xander smiled and nodded. "If you want."

"I insist."  He got up, going to take him out onto the floor, then dancing with Stella, making her giggle and laugh at the story of one of the new guards bowing at his feet when he said he was giving him an apartment as well.  He let her go, offering to Mac, who shook his head.  He shrugged and grabbed Don from his grandparents, taking him out to talk to him about something that had been bothering him.  Don gave good advice and he wanted his take on the Peter problem.

***

Xander led Horatio into his suite.  "Welcome to my private haven."  He waved a hand around.  "The tv's behind the maple doors.  The other stuff is my computer desk."  He grinned at him.  "That way I can hide up here if I need to.  I'm in the night colored room over there," he said, pointing, walking him to his room.  "This is the guest room up here.  When they were redoing the walls they even found an extra old bathroom that wasn't on the original plans.  It had been boarded up since it didn't work."  He opened that door to show him the white ceramic pedestal sink and toilet, plus combo bath/shower that had a shower curtain that matched the blue/cream decorating scheme of the other room.  He opened the closet.  "I figured some day you might need to stay over for me or for your own safety so I got you your birthday present early," he teased.  "Even through your usual suit shop."  He turned, running into him.  He accidentally ended up kissing him, moaning into it.  He pulled back slowly, staring at him.  "That was different."

Horatio smiled.  "It won't change things, Xander.  It was an accident."

"I'd hate to ruin our friendship," he agreed.  He looked at him.  "You like female lawyers."

"Not always."  He tipped his face up again.  "Our friendship would remain."

Xander smiled, kissing him again.  "If you're sure."

"I'm very sure," he promised, taking a third kiss.  He pushed him back slightly.  "I won't be hidden, Xander, and I don't want to do anything until you've broken it off with Peter.  It's not fair to any of us.  If you're mine, you're mine.  If you're his, you're not mine."

Xander nodded, resting against his chest.  "It was different kissing you.  It felt better. You're like that first few gulps of water after a long run."  He looked at him again.  "He's like the water you snatch in the center of your run."  That got a smile.  "I'll break up with him tomorrow."  He snuggled into his arms again.  "This feels like comfort to me."

"It feels good to me too," Horatio promised.  He pushed him back gently. "No more than this until you can be mine."

"Yes, Horatio."  He smiled.  "I'm going to change."  He went to change into his usual boxers, bringing back some pajama pants, finding Horatio down to his own boxers.  "Here, this way you can change."  He handed them over with a small blush.  He knew he was staring and he couldn't quit.  Peter definitely didn't make him feel like this.  Peter was nice to look at but Horatio was magnetic, especially the sparse red chest hair.   Horatio let him kiss him again but gave him a gentle push away.  He walked over to the phone, sitting down to dial his boyfriend's cell.  "Peter, it's Xander.  Are you busy?  Can we talk?"  He listened to him quip that he was only driving around looking for miscreants to threaten.  He smiled.  "Good.  I don't want you to crash or anything, okay?"  He listened to him.  "No, I've got a problem.  Or we do really.  Because you seem jealous of my time with my family, Peter."  He listened to him defend it.

"Peter, my grandfather's dying, probably within two years.  I love the man."  He held his forehead.  "No, that's not the only problem.  Because I don't want to be some trophy wife."  He nodded.  "I think that would be best, yeah.  I do still like you as a friend, you're great to go places and do things with.  I'd like for us to still keep that part, just not the deeper stuff."  He nodded.  "Thank you for understanding.  Yeah, I'm done for the night.  Mac and Stella are."  He smirked at the jealous nature.  "I'm not sleeping with them.  Mac helped me when I was kidnaped and Stella thinks I'm goofy.  She likes artistic guys, which I'm not.  See, that's one of the problems, they're friends and you're jealous of them being my friends.  Exactly.  Maybe.  Goodnight, Peter."  He hung up, sighing.  "He said he'd let me go, for now."

Horatio laid down behind him, letting Xander snuggle against his chest.  "If you want, you will keep the friendship but him being that jealous is wrong.  It's a bad sign."  He stroked over his cheek.  Xander nodded, snuggling in against his chest.  He got nipped and hissed, spanking him.  "Not tonight, Xander."  Xander looked up at him.  "The first time we make love you're going to enjoy it and it's going to be sometime other than the night you broke up.  Some night when you're not emotional and neither of us are tired," he said gently.  Xander nodded, resting against his shoulder again.  He stroked over his back.  "I should put on the pajama pants so you don't attack me," he teased.

Xander looked up at him.  "Wouldn't stop me."  He grinned a bit wickedly.  "Even a locking chastity belt won't stop me for long.  I learned how to pick locks."  Horatio laughed, giving him a squeeze.  "You...don't mind?"

"No, I don't mind.  I am normally a top and I prefer that but I have been on the bottom more than once in my life.  I know how vulnerable that can make you feel.  Especially since first times should be special."  He stroked down a bare arm.  "You never told me you had broken part of it."

"I was kinda at a club and one guy wanted to rub off.  Which I don't mind doing.  So I was behind him rubbing and he kept begging me to slide it in until he did it for me.  It was good.  It was nice, but it wasn't all that special."  He grimaced.  "Then he went to have most of the men in the club.  I primed the pump.  He sat down in there with his pants down and got used before I finished washing my hands."  Horatio stroked through his hair.   "I came back later and one big, hairy guy was having him. Then these three guys came in.  Said he was a crap blow so they had him while I was standing there shocked.  The bouncer came in to throw them out and he attacked the bouncer to have him.  When he was done had him clean up and sent him somewhere he could all he wanted.  I think it came out on video a few weeks later."  Horatio hummed, giving him a cuddle.  "That one I don't mind not being that special."

"The night you do bottom for me, we'll make it a full event.  Dinner, some dancing, then come home to cuddle and keep going," Horatio assured him.  Xander smiled.  "It should be special and mean something."  Xander nodded.  "Good boy."  He pulled him closer to kiss him, arching into the body that arched into him.  It felt too good to not go on.  "Xander," he moaned.

"This is only a taste of what I'm like, Horatio.  I'll stop if you want," he promised, thrusting gently into his hips, nibbling on his neck and shoulder until Horatio pushed him onto his back, getting on top to stare down at him.

"This is still sex.  I'm not your toy."

"No, that's green," he said sheepishly.

Horatio shook his head.  Only Xander.  "I'm not going to be used like a toy."

"I'm not trying to.  I'm trying to make you feel better and help you rest."  He pulled him down to kiss him.  "I'd never use you, Horatio. You know that."  He took another kiss.  "If you want I'll go back to my own bed."

Horatio sighed, letting himself go.  "This time."  Xander pulled him back down.  "This position doesn't bother you?"

"I know you won't make me feel trapped."  He nibbled on his earlobe, earning a growl.  Horatio stroked over his chest.  "I'm sorry about the scars."

"The scars are proof that you've lived, Xander.  That you're not some cardboard cutout person like the house was full of earlier."  Xander sniffled and nodded, holding him.  Horatio held him, dropping off the sex.  Xander kept it up.  "You don't have to."

"I want to."  He kissed him again, going back to rubbing against him.  It was good.  Horatio didn't make fun of his funny rhythm like some people had.

"You do this in the clubs?"

"Only clothed.  With that guy I was using a condom.  I'm like that.  I saw way too much..."  Horatio stopped him with  a kiss.  "Thank you."

"You're a great man, Xander.  Don't apologize for doing the smart thing."  Xander flipped him back over, getting on top so he could play while he thrust against him.  "How far do you go in the clubs?"

"Fingers, this.  Blows I only accept, I don't give.  Then again I'm told I have more enthusiasm than skill in that area," he admitted, taking another kiss then moving down to play with the chest hair.  He shaved his for sports. Peter had been nearly hairless too so he wasn't used to chest hair.  It was crinkly and made pretty sounds when his tongue was dragged through it to the hidden treasures.  The nipples were teased and bitten, making Horatio yelp lightly.  He licked it to soothe it.  "Didn't mean to make you yelp, just enjoy it."  He switched sides and Horatio moaned, holding his head down.  He found a few more good spots and Horatio made such pretty sounds for him.  He kept going further down, making Horatio stop him.  "I want to."

"No condoms?"

"Well, no, I don't have any here," he admitted, considering it.  He looked at him.  "Would it bother you if I didn't gag at the taste of latex this time?"

Horatio considered it, then shook his head.  "No, I'm not going to complain about a naked blowjob.  I know you're clean."

"The same as I know you are," he agreed, winking at him, going down to tease and taste him.  Horatio moaned but he liked what he was doing.  Licked all over and then he moved down to taste the balls.

"Gently," Horatio ordered quietly.  Xander was still a bit more firm.  "More gently, Xander.  I'm very tender there."  Xander eased off and it was better.  Then Xander came back up to feast on him.  "Slow down, I'm not going anywhere."  Xander slowed it down, still feasting on him.  It was a good job - very technical, but very enthusiastic.  "Slower, draw it out, Xander.  Make me beg."

Xander looked up at him.  "I can't imagine you begging."

"A good lover can make anyone, even the strongest man, beg."  He pulled him up to kiss him.  "Slowly worship him.  He's not a feast, he's a holy object."  Xander shivered.  He kissed him again, stroking his cock slowly for him.  "Treat it like a first course, not the whole meal.  It'll be more fulfilling for both of us."  Xander nodded, working his way back down, which he appreciated.  He wasn't simply giving him a blow, he was making love to his body.  He arched up when the warm mouth came back.  It was much better this time.  A lot better.  Still very technical but he was getting better.  He came with a moan, panting as he went limp.  Xander licked him clean, kissing back up his body.  He accepted the kiss, holding Xander in place.  "We should please you."  Xander blushed.  "I have no problem pleasing my dates, Xander."  He rolled them to the side, teasing his boy gently.  It was clear Peter was the sort of top that didn't like to please his mate.  Definitely not what Xander needed.  Xander finally came against his hand, burying his face in Horatio's neck.  He kissed his temple, making Xander wrap himself around him.  "We should go out to dinner later this week."

Xander looked up at him.  "I've got a test on Thursday so after that?"

"I have a late meeting Friday. Saturday?"  Xander smiled and nodded.  "Good."  He took a gentle kiss.  "Sleep, Xander.  It's almost three in the morning and I still have to make it to work."  He started to move but Horatio kept him there.  "Sleep with me, Xander.  You can sleep with me.  You're not a concubine to be sent back to your own room."

"I've never slept next to anyone."

"Then it's more than time you learned."  He took another kiss, letting Xander snuggle in again until he got comfortable on his shoulder.  He smiled down at the warm, soft octopus he ended up with.  He was definitely cuddly.  He smoothed over the hair then let himself drift off.  For the first time in a long time he didn't wake up from nightmares.  The alarm barely got his attention when it went off.  He looked over.  "That wasn't there last night," he said quietly.  He reached over to tap the snooze button.  It shut off for ten minutes and he got to work waking Xander up.  He got a sleepy mumble from under the sheet.  Somehow Xander had ended up completely hiding while still wrapped around him.  "Sheet monster," he called, smiling when Xander blinked up at him.  "Are you being a sheet monster?" he teased.  Xander nodded, putting his head back down, covering it back up.  "Time to get up.  I've got to go to work."  Xander grumbled but let him go, only taking a kiss in payment.  "Have breakfast with me?"

"If I get in the shower with you you'll be late," he mumbled, flipping onto his back, stretching out.  "Go shower so I can't pounce."

"You too.  We'll meet in the kitchen when we're dressed?"  Xander smiled and got out of the bed, giving him a full bodied kiss/cuddle that left him gasping for breath.  Xander strolled off, giving him a very good view.  Horatio went to shower and shave.  Plus to take care of the new hard-on.  It was very tempting to join him in the shower, but he was right, he would be late to work. He came out once his hair was dry, looking at the suits.  He picked out a light blue one that would go well with his eyes, sliding into the underclothes that had been sitting in the drawers.  He came out once he had on his shoes, finding Xander lounging in leather.  "Playing today?"

"Yup.  Only the board meeting today.  You're bringing Speed and Eric, right?"

"I am."  He pulled him up.  "Come on, we need to eat."  He walked him downstairs, finding Tony talking with Mac and Stella in the kitchen.  "Am I cooking for us?"

"The housekeeper cooks, Horatio.  She's banned Xander from the kitchen," Tony said with a look for his boss.  Who just shrugged.  "Food's on the counter.  Dish it up."  He sipped his coffee.  "Hey, boss, could those be any tighter?"

"They're comfortably broken in," he teased back.

Stella looked at the forest green leather pants and black shirt.  "It's a good thing your boyfriend isn't here.  We'd have to see pouncing."

"He is here," he said, waving a hand at Horatio's back.  He gave her a wicked grin and bounced over to sit next to her so he could eat.  "Did Beth get home, Tony?"

"She called her parents this morning to complain about being abandoned.  They're not home."

"Really?" Xander asked, looking at him.

"Really."  He looked at him.  "I've alerted the local department to do a wellness check.  If they're home and not answering they're going to be mortally embarrassed."  He smiled at Horatio.  "I remember him asking my opinion on that one.  I made a good choice."

"You did.  Thank you."  He sat down with his own breakfast.  "Morning, Mac, Stella."

"Morning, Horatio," Mac said, smiling at him.  "Apparently we missed things last night?"

"His boyfriend was a jealous top who didn't believe in pleasuring him," Tony told him.  "We like Horatio and him being friends."  He looked at Horatio, seeing the small blush.  "He complained a few times."

"He was doing the subtle 'you should dump him' about the third day he got here," Xander agreed.  "Horatio is much better for me and is a lot hotter too."  Horatio smiled at that.

"Aww," Stella said, grinning at them.

Mac shook his head.  "Too much sap, Stella."  He finished his current cup of coffee.  "Working before the meeting this afternoon?" he asked Horatio, who nodded since his mouth was full.  "What did you have planned for this morning, Xander?"

"Go play, Mac.  Be back by two."  He waved a hand.  "There's a few spare cars laying around here for the guys to use.  Borrow one."  That got a smile and a nod from Stella. "Then we'll do the meeting at two, break for an early dinner, then you guys can go have more fun or wander around the grounds tonight."

"That works for me," Stella agreed, smiling at Tony.  "Is it as hard a job as you thought?"

"Not really.  His stalker has the anti-gay league cowed at the moment.  She's taken out another rival for his attention.  She's my main problem.  Sometimes some kids sneak onto the grounds to get peeks and to stare at the view.  This was apparently the house they used to dare each other to go into or to bring their dates to make out at."  He gave her an evil smile.  "It's been a lot of fun going out to scare the kids.  It's almost like a treat."

"I've only got one call from a complaining parent and I told her I had moved out here, it should've been clear since there were guards and alarms.  He did stop two of them to see how they got in to shorten that gap."

"Threatened him with an officer," Tony said smugly.  "He was *very* helpful after he quit pissing over being arrested."

Horatio laughed, putting down his fork.  "We got a call from his parents asking if he was still in trouble since he had cooperated.  She called Frank since she couldn't get me personally.  It made his day."

"Always happy to help," Tony said smugly.   He looked at Xander.  "Are you putting in pool time today?"

"I should spend time in the gym.  We've got school states coming up."  That got a nod.  "It's tough lording over a greatly new team on the guy's side.  We lost six from last year's full team.  I've got two newbies and Chad.  He's recovered amazingly.  I've got a newbie I'm going to start working with later this year and all summer.  He'll need it to take my place.  Chad's got a quiet grace, not the flashy, awe-inspiring, moves I do.  We need those to keep us higher in the point standings."

"Anyone going further?" Stella asked.

"Chad might next year.  This year he's still a bit low because of how much time he had to put in rebuilding his shoulder after the surgery. The newbie might.  Not sure yet."  He finished his soda, looking around.  "Cook, I adore you," he called.  He heard a giggle.  "I see Susan took the early shift."  Tony smirked and nodded.  "If that works for her, I'm all for it.  How's her daughter?"

"Good.  She's started school down here.  I arranged her shift so she could take her to school and pick her up since no bus comes anywhere near out here.  She sleeps most of the school day."  Xander nodded, accepting that.  "I am going to be training another person to deal with some of the social situations so you don't have to rely on just me."  Xander shrugged.  "Okay, just a head's up."  Xander shrugged again.  Tony smiled.  "I like that you're so easy, boss."

Xander winked.  "Only in some things. Otherwise that guard wouldn't have to stare when he sees me out tanning."  Stella spluttered but Tony cackled, nodding.  "I'll let you guys go do whatever.  I'll see you guys, Don, Eric, and Speed at two."  He got up, putting his plate and glass into the dishwasher, heading for the gym.  He settled in to stretch.  He decided to change, finding the spandex jogging shorts he kept in there to change into.  He came out of the bathroom, going back to his stretching.  Horatio walked in, making him bounce over to kiss him.  "Be careful today and I'll see you later as well?"

"Probably not tonight.  I'm eating with Yelina."

"Then I'll see you later this week and I'll have good dreams until then."  He took another kiss.  "Have a safe day."

Horatio smiled at him.  "You too."

"I'm not doing anything today."  He took another kiss.  "You should go before I pounce and you're late."

"I should."  He gave him a deeper kiss, then stepped back, sliding into his sunglasses.  "Be a good boy."  He walked out smiling, heading for his hummer.

Xander went back to his bar to stretch.  It felt good to do this first thing in the morning.  When he was fully loosened up he went to work out on his weaker areas.  He used the high bar at home as a reward for not slacking off because he got to play.

***

Tony looked over as Xander came in for lunch.  He was grabbing a sandwich on the go but his boss looked rough.  "You all right?"

"I became a law of physics on the rings," he said, sitting down to hold his head.

"Need the ER?"  Xander shook his head slowly.  Tony got the tylenol and handed it over.  "Need that?"

"Milk?"

"Sure." He got him a glass of milk, watching as he took a few.  "You'll be fine."

"I've had worse," he agreed.  "My first month and a half of gymnastics I was constantly a law of physics."  He looked at him.  "Then I broke my leg in fifteen places, got eight pins, and six weeks in bed."  Tony shuddered.  "Yeah.  I learned a lot about aerodynamics."

"Makes my plague look about equal."

"You had the plague?" Xander asked.  Tony smirked but nodded, sipping his coffee.  "Damn."

"Sent to the office.  I opened it."  He patted him on the back.  "You're tense."

"I cramped, that's why I became a law of physics."

"What caused the cramp?"

"Twisted wrong when the ring shifted with my swing."

"Is that an equipment problem?"

"No it's why I hate the rings; they sway and you're supposed to try to hold them still while you're doing things that would make them sway."  He looked at him.  "It's makes it a lot harder than you think."  He put his head back down.  "Am I foraging or are we nibbling during the meeting?"

"Nibbling during the meeting.  Go rest, boss."  Xander nodded, going to find a couch and do that.  He shook his head, going to check the gym.  He tossed Xander's pants on top of him on his way past the office.  He answered the door, letting Don inside.  "He's down for a nap."

"What did he do this time?" Don asked tolerantly.

"The rings made him a law of physics.  He has a headache."  Xander leaned out of the office, waving Don that way.  "We're nibbling during the meeting."

"Your cook called ours," he agreed happily.  "Go enjoy the sunshine, Tony."  He went to check on his nephew.  "Head?"  Xander nodded, relaxing again.  "Fell?"  Xander nodded again.  "You poor thing."

Xander looked at him through slitted eyes.  "Love you too, Uncle Don.  Why aren't you out scoping bikinis?"

"Uncle Pat said it's time to do something about the people who took your blood."  He sat across from him.  "I don't know what he's talking about."

"After my last State in diving, that assault was so someone could get my blood," he said quietly.  "It had to do with my former hometown.  What am I doing about it?"  A book was handed over from his pocket.  "Hmm.  When I don't have a headache.  I'm assuming I'm not flying out tonight?"

"Few weeks," Don told him.  Xander nodded, closing his eyes again.  "I'm gonna go use the pool."  Xander waved, getting a grin.  "Suits?"

"Go bum one of mine.  They won't be that tight on you, Uncle Don.  Second drawer in my bedroom."  He nodded, going to do that.   He heard someone come in and looked at Tony.  "Don't ask.  It's strange crap that you can't help me with.  I get to go kick some ass while I visit some old friends I haven't seen since I was five."

"If you're sure."

"It's strange things like what Grandfather and Sire are," he said, curling up on his side. "That world."

"Then I'll be listening for you to need me and I'll lurk nearby."  Xander smiled and nodded, closing his eyes again.  "You rest."  He left, going to talk to Don.  "How strange?"

Don looked at him before diving in, surfacing to look at him.  "I'd rather not think about a town where demons run loose and try to take over the world," he said.

"Ah.  One of those.  That's fine, I'll make sure he's able to be protected."  Don grinned swimming off.  "He keeps it low chlorine," he offered, heading back to the kitchen.  Hopefully he wouldn't have to deal with a lot of that.  He called Thomas.  "How often am I going to have to deal with things like this new threat?"  He smiled, relaxing again.  "Thanks, man.  Yeah, that's what he and Don said.  Swimming.  Thanks."  He hung up, getting more coffee and deciding to call DC.  "Hey, boss.  I'm good.  We had the open house.  Things went well.  The guards didn't joke around *all* night.  They're doing the foundation's first meeting today.  Asleep, he fell practicing his rings.  Said he became a law of physics."  That got a laugh.  "Tell Abby he's very cute when he's sleepy.  He mumbles and walks around like he's looking for his teddybear."  He told her that, you could tell he was in the lab by the music in the background.  "So far it's okay.  My apartment's great.  The food's fantastic.  Cook likes to fuss over us."  She swatted him, giving him a look. "You do."   The transsexual went back to work.  "Anyway, it's been good so far.  Thought I'd check in, tell you I'm settled in.  All my movies are unpacked."  Xander wandered in, giving him a confused look.  "Go back to sleep, Xander."

Xander grunted, sitting down next to him to put his head on his shoulder.  "Hate nightmares."

"I know you do."  He patted him on the back, watching as he fell asleep.  He smiled, shaking his head.  "Yeah, that was him, boss.  He's having some nightmares.   Yeah, he is."  He told Abby she was right and she giggled.  "Anyway, we're okay but I thought I'd check in.  How's McGee doing?"  He smiled at the 'tolerable, barely'.  "It could be a lot worse."  He laughed at the 'the new probie is terrible, the director picked him'.  "You know you're more than welcome to come down here and be part of my guards, boss.  We could use you."  Xander looked at him. "Gibbs."  Xander shrugged.  "I know, you leave that up to me."  He nodded, putting his head back on his shoulder.  "Want to try your bed instead of my shoulder?"  Xander shook his head, making the cook laugh.  "No, he's very cuddly, Abby.  We're good.  We make a good team."  Xander nodded.  "Even if I do have to complain about the new sports car."

"Horatio said I should get something fast and sleek."

"He did but that's a bit of a dangerous car, especially with the way you drive when you're mad."

"I'll buy a horse and ride to school then," he said with a yawn.  "Cook, do we have any..."  A chocolate chip muffin was put in front of him.  "Love you, Cook.  Tell the husband I'm stealing you."  He nibbled, slowly drifting off again.

Tony took the rest of the muffin for himself.  "Thanks, Cook.  Yeah, we have one on staff.  Not like I'm going to let Xander cook, boss.  I'd hate dying already."  He laughed at the shocked silence.  "Yes he can poison us all.  Very easily."

"He warps food by being in the kitchen," Cook said next to the phone.

"See?" Tony said happily.  "Hey, Cook, Don's in the pool."  She nodded, going to take him a glass of juice.  "So, anything you need me to consult on?  You know you can still call me.  This job is pretty easy at the moment."  He smiled at the 'McGee is filling in all right'.  "If you're sure.  Remember, you can come down on vacation too.  I'll let you get back to work.  Have a better day, boss, and remember how long it took you to slap McGee into a decent agent."  He hung up, looking down at Xander, then around the kitchen.  "You and Gibbs would probably be pretty scary together," he soothed, patting him on the back.  Horatio, Speed, and Eric walked in.  "We're early?"

"We're on call in case something comes in," Speed said, looking at Xander.  "He looks comfy."

"He fell off the rings."

"Ah," Eric said, nodding.  "Want help?"

"He can go to Horatio if he wants to change."

Horatio sat down on Xander's other side, stroking over his cheek.  "You should be in bed."

"Meeting?" he mumbled.

"Not yet.  We're here to suck up and use the pool," Eric teased.  Xander flopped a hand and yawned, switching over to lay on Horatio's shoulder.  They all smiled at that.  "We'll let you nap, Xander.  Show us around, Tony?"

"Sure, guys."  He refilled his cup, bringing the rest of the muffin with him.

Horatio sat there with Xander cuddled against him, enjoying the peaceful moment.  Xander had chosen comfortable chairs for the kitchen table.

***

Xander looked at the complete board.  His head was still throbbing but that was normal after falling that way. "Okay, this is the first meeting of the Patrick Benis Foundation's board.  It's mostly the informational meeting.  We'll have stuff to do next year around this time."  He put a folder onto the table.  "This is the foundation's startup paperwork.  Don and I are co-chairing it."  That got a nod from Don.  "The foundation was started with fifteen million for the intention of scholarships.  Technically Tony and all the guards here work for the foundation.  The money is set into an interest bearing, safe account.  We'll be able to run for the next eighty years without any more additions to the current fund.  We're here to hand out about ten scholarships a year to worthy college students.  Tony's to do the background checks."  That got a group of nods.  "The only rule I've set down with him was that there will be *no* grants awarded to pedophiles and if they had drug crimes they had to be making a good effort to get over it and move on with a better life."  He pushed it over.  "There's also paperwork in there for each of you to file with your tax people since you each earn a very small salary for being on the board."

"Dollar?" Speed asked.

"Ten grand a year," Xander told him.  That got some appreciative looks.  "Not that much but it pays for the travel expenses for these vacation meetings," he said with a small grin.  "We also have some other paperwork in there.  Grandfather handed over one of his local condos, a former emergency plan place, for the board's use when you're down here for any reason."  He found that paperwork and tossed it to Don.  "I doubt the local guys will need it outside of an emergency so that's your copy and the key's on the back."  Don nodded, looking at it.  "It's a four bedroom condo."  He looked at Stella.  "That means you don't have to sleep with the snoring ones."

"It's not that bad.  Duct tape cures that," she assured him.

"Good to know."  He looked at the others.  "Horatio, for your information because I know you know, the other emergency plans are still in place.  For all members of the family.  That's one of the reasons Tony works for me and the foundation both.  Don, if you wanted it you are more than welcome to have a guard hired for you on the foundation's funds."

"I'm good," he promised, handing Mac the information.  "I've got the whole department around me if something happens, plus the emergency plans Sire made up there for me.  You know you have ones too, right?"

"Yup, the same as you have an equal one down here," Xander agreed.  That got a nod.  "Next door to mine, Don.  I have the keys if you ever need them."

"That's fine.  I got a set for both of mine, you should have the same."  He leaned back.  "Okay, so we'll be getting scholarship applications?"

Xander pulled out a form.  "This is the application.  It's got an information section, a grade/college section, and an essay.  I say we grade it mostly on the essays.  I'm not sure if we should make it tipped toward those who have more financial need or not. That'll be the board's first vote.  Technically the foundation starts upon my graduation.  We'll be deciding about February or early March of next year on who gets the scholarships and announce them that May.  After that we can announce them sooner.  We'll decide on that and doing it personally or in the press or not.  That's a later discussion."  Eric nodded, making notes.  It was his job to take notes from the meeting.  "The last point of this meeting is to let you know that when my grandfather does die, there will be an increase in the foundation's funds.  Also in the duties.  We'll be handling research grants, grants to places like shelters, both gay and straight, male and female, and we'll also be meddling mildly in political affairs in New York and Florida for things like adoptions, civil unions or marriages, those things.  I'm not foreseeing a lot of meddling but making our position clear, possibly endorsing a candidate sometime soon.  Things of that nature.  I would be the louder one on that since strong emotions are meant for the young.  That way if I get into trouble you guys can publically spank me for it."  That got a small smirk from Mac.  "Or possibly in person, not really sure about that."

Don smirked at him.  "Oh, you'll get it if you get arrested for anything other than protesting a very good cause, nephew."

"Gladly."  He handed over paperwork to those it needed to go to.  "First vote is are we tipping the scales in favor of those with financial need over those who can get more financial aid?"

"I think we'd naturally tip it that way so adding additional tipping would be unnecessary," Mac said.  "I know Stella and Speed probably would.  I would."  That got a nod. "So I'd say no."

"I'm going to agree," Stella said.  "I'd naturally tip it that way.  We'll all tip it toward those who need it to get out of bad situations."

"Then can we declare it defeated?" Eric asked.  "Anyone in favor?"  No one said anything.  "Okay."  He wrote that down.  "Next point was....  When we have the meetings?"

"Most schools need you to have funding in place by March or April," Horatio said.  He considered it.  "I'd say we meet late February or early March.  Pre-spring break.  I know that's a rush time for those of us locally but I'm sure we can spare one afternoon."

"Hopefully," Speed agreed.  "How about we get to look them over before the meeting?  A few weeks before we gather them all together.  Whichever city they're gathered in can get them first, then ship them down to us, who'll read them over.  We'll make a list and argue about it at the meeting?"

"That'll work for us," Mac agreed.  "Which city are they going to?"  Xander pointed at Don.  Mac looked at Don, then at Stella.  "That work for you?  We start that a month in advance?"

"Cutoff date for submissions is December," Xander told them.  "The last day of the year, has to be postmarked by then. That'd give you a month to read them over.  I'm not expecting that may applications.  Maybe thirty or so."

"Which could conceivably be a day off's reading," Stella agreed.  "Who's gathering?"  Xander pointed at Don again.  "Okay.  You have a PO Box set up?"  Don nodded.  "Did you know this before that?"

"I got told last night and got given the keys and address," he admitted dryly.  "I'll collect, read, hand 'em on after the cut-off date, you guys read, hand off, whichever has it last sends it down here.  Or hand it over if there's a crossover case about then.  You guys read, we all get together for lunch and discuss, then Tony does background checks?  If there's a problem with one, we do a quick phone vote or something?"

"That was my idea," Xander agreed. "I asked, he said it'd take him a week at most to do ten to fifteen not-terribly deep background checks.  I don't want to delve into their personal life.  Just check the status of being a criminal, if they're immigrants that status, those things.  Two of the guards on staff have similar experiences so if something happens they can fill in for him."  That got nods.  "Is that a reasonable plan?"  Everyone nodded. "Then Don's idea stands.  Hey, Cook, is lunch done yet?"  She brought out the rolling cart full of plates.  "Lunch for those who didn't get it yet," he said with a grin.  She handed it over.  "Thank you, dear."  She went back inside.  "When's a good time to meet statistically speaking?  Do you guys get heavily hit during the first of the month or the last week of the month?"

"Last week of the month is better on our end," Mac said, looking at Don, who nodded at that.  "Horatio?"

"That would work for us.   Take a weekend off to do this. You guys can fly down, we'll pop over."

"Xander can blow off his fans for a weekend," Eric teased.

"I'll be doing some work during spring break this year.  I'm hoping to tempt a lot of the kids to buy leather so my taint spreads," he said happily.  Horatio gave him a look.  "I've been asked to do a new campaign and we are doing it outside.  He's already arranged it with the Chief's office.  He thought it'd be a nice, calm place during spring break so the kids wouldn't be drunk.  Someone was also thinking about a charity street fair down by one of the beaches for the kids to go to.  My friends at the ASPCA and a few other places liked that idea.  I'd be on the ride selection committee.  That way nothing would be *too* lame or too outrageous for the local parents."

"That would drive the department nuts," Speed complained. "We're already going into overtime during most spring breaks."

"They were thinking private security," Xander told him.  "No drugs or alcohol sales allowed.  No being drunk there.  As far as I know they'd let officers moonlight for extra cash as well.  That would be up to whoever they hired to do security.  We'd only ask for a few officers to oversee and they could be on the injured or desk job list."  That got a small smile from Horatio.  "Those guys get bored and need the cash too."

"They do.  The pound and who?"

"The Children's hospital, another hospital, the foster care shelter.  Nothing too risque or that could polarize the audience.  So far the pound's the most controversial one there because they do put animals down but we've invited the local no-kill shelters to join us as well."

"Didn't we shut down one of those?" Eric asked Horatio, who nodded.

"They were living in filth, a few were starving. The other shelters are *much* better," Xander told him.  "Speaking of, I'm getting pets next weekend," he called.  He dug into his lunch, eating a few bites.

"I'll make sure you have a big car and an escort so you don't bring them all home," Tony called from the kitchen, leaning out.  "Are we funding that one guy's allergy pills?"  Xander nodded.  "Thanks, boss."  He went back inside.  He came back out.  "Dogs, cats, or otherwise?"

"Probably a few dogs, maybe a few cats," Xander offered.  Horatio gave him an odd look.  "I like animals."

"Indoor or outdoor cats?" he asked.  Mac snickered quietly.  He probably had the 'scared boyfriend' look but it was one of those things they'd have to work out.

"I'd be okay with outdoor cats as long as they were well taken care of, had their flea medicine, and were tagged and collared.  It's nice to have lap cuddlers though."

"One dog, two cats?" Horatio suggested.

"If I must."

"To start, please.  Remember, you do have the guard dogs."

"I can't jog or cuddle with the guard dogs," Xander said, smirking at him.

"We'll see," Horatio told him.  "I'll go with you."

"Okay, we can do that," he agreed happily, making Tony walk inside happier as well.  "Okay, back to business.  The meeting is set for the last weekend in February, right?"  Eric nodded.  "Anything else to decide on that?"

"If Uncle Pat's still around I'll be with him that year," Don offered, looking at Mac and Stella.  "You two can have the condo or crash here."

"Want us to move tonight?" Stella asked.

"No," he scoffed.  "It's too quiet sometimes.  I'm still getting used to living on my own."  That got some smiles.  "I don't have Sire complaining about things or Grandfather trying to sweet talk him into doing things with him.  I don't have anyone complaining about me being evil or my naked butt in ads or anything.  You two are staying."

"If you want us to," Mac promised.  "How are you doing?"

"We've been here a week.  I've already preset all the radios in the house that're mine.  Had the family party, had the party last night.  Next weekend it'll be the gymnastics team since our gym's being sprayed and we'll need practice before the school championships. That brings up a point, am I announcing the foundation and the scholarship or just sending out a letter to colleges across the US and putting it on scholarship finder sites?"

"Would announcing it look bad?" Horatio asked.

Xander shrugged.  "Everyone knows Grandfather's been in ill health and basically everyone thinks he's been holding on until I could take over.  I would say it was because his health is getting more precarious.  I've got the scholarship announcement Gordon and I worked up in there somewhere," he said, nodding at the folder.  He ate another bite.  "Eat, people; she'll cry and I hate eating in front of others."  They dug in.

Mac found the announcement.  "Only gay men?"

"I wouldn't be adverse to extending it to the entire GLBT community but Grandfather only worked with gay men."

"Let's be inclusive," Stella agreed.  "Anyone mind?"  No one said anything and Eric made notes.  Xander found another copy and handed it over.  "He didn't mind?"

"No, he said I'm much more involved than he had been when he first came out.  Back then lesbians had their own organizations and so did gay men.  They still do but there's more crossover now.  He was considering making another scholarship fund for abused men to go back to school.  That may come after his death and may or may not go through this board.  He hasn't divulged that secret yet.  Or where he gets the really good bakery cookies he pulls out when I win gold."  He ate another bite, weathering the laughter.  "If we can approve that one today I'll have it sent out with an announcement to the various colleges and universities across the country plus all the grant finder sites."

"I know you were talking about research grants?" Horatio asked.

"That's a later application, right now we're focusing on scholarships.  That's what Grandfather wanted.  It's a gentle introduction into the good works he does.  Later on we'll get into the abused men/shelter stuff he does, the research, all that stuff.  I'm told he's got plans but I do not know what.  It's part of his will."  That got nods.  "That's one I asked him about too."  He finished his lunch.  "I do spank hard if you don't eat lunch, people.  I hate to see either Cook cry."  They went back to eating, passing on the informational blurb.  "Anyone not like it?"  No one said anything.  "We can take a head nod vote."  Everyone nodded.  Eric made notes.  "Okay.  Do we make a formal announcement?"  That got a mass shrug.  "Don?"

"I'll let you do it.  I've got to handle a few idiots first.  They're gonna say something so I'm gonna stick my foot up their asses first."

"I can wait for a week if you need me to," Xander offered with a grin.

"Should be more than enough time," he agreed dryly, smirking back.

"If you do have to kick tail, let me know," Mac ordered.  "That way I can help."

"Ooh, me too," Stella said with a sweet, gentle smile.

"Sure, guys.  We can gather Danny to cheerlead and all that."  Xander snickered.  "He'll look good in the uniform, won't he?"

Horatio moaned, holding his head.  "I did not need that mental image, Don."

"Sorry," he said, not meaning it.

"According to Gibbs, apologizing is a sign of weakness," Tony called from the kitchen.

"No, that one he needed to apologize for before we tell Danny," Stella called back.  "You can advise us, Tony.  You don't have to hide."

He came out with folders. "I'm looking over the K-9 applications," he admitted.  "We've only got the one right now.  I'm hiring two more, one for each guard shift."  Xander looked over his arm.  "We don't need drug, right?"

"Not unless someone sneaks shit in," Xander agreed.  "People sniffing.  Reporter, thief, bigot sniffing preferably."

"Reporters and bigots smell like normal people, Xander," Speed pointed out.

"I know and it's a pity," he said dryly.  "Can't I go blow up the local office again?  They're trying to reform and they got the house's number.  They had someone across the road taking pictures last night."

"We had them arrested," Tony promised. "Peter did it."  He looked at him.  "Remember, that's why you have me."

"That and the stupid bitch," he agreed.  He looked at them.  "By the way, my stalker's death count is at least sixteen now.  She blew up ten in the first explosion at their headquarters and gutted a young woman who said I was cute and was drooling over my picture.  Horatio?"

"We can't prove it was her personally, Xander.  She could be hiring someone."

"Her mother has got to know," Tony said.  "I had Gibbs go talk to her.  She said it's a harmless little crush.  He pointed out she was linked to, but we couldn't formally prove fully enough to charge, fifteen deaths at the time.  She insists it's a harmless crush."

"Can the FBI have her?" Mac asked.

"Not enough proof they were linked," Horatio admitted.  "I checked to see since we have such close ties to Xander.  They've got too many already and with the lack of proof it's going to be an open case for them."  That got an understanding nod from everyone.

"Gibbs suggested a sniper," Tony said, shrugging a bit.  "Now and then I think it's not such a bad idea.  Oh, Horatio, did you want us to handle hate mail and those things in- house as we have been or did you want us to hand them over?"

"If you can handle them in-house, go ahead," he said, looking at him.  "Already?"

"The guy from South Dakota started again from his hospital room in the mental hospital."  He got back to work separating out what he needed.  He did hesitate over a few.  "Bomb would be good to have."   Xander nodded.  So he put them into the 'maybe' pile.  He looked at one and put him into the 'no' pile.  He knew him, he didn't take orders well.  "We'll work on the wording for the press announcement later," he told them.  "That way he can fax or email it to you guys for authorization.  What else is in the folder?"

Speed finished his lunch and opened it to see. "Information packets?"

"Oh, website," Xander said, looking at Don.  "It was suggested by the foundation's lawyer?"

"I don't know jack about websites," he admitted.

"Me either.  Really.  Only a little bit from class now and then."  Tony smacked him on the head.  "And a bit of hacking I learned off a guy I was tutoring in Latin."  He looked at Tony.  "Gee, thanks."

"Welcome," he said with a bright smile, making Stella giggle.  "We had to have a *long* talk about what he actually knew how to do so I could trust him to take care of himself now and then."  Xander gave him a look.  "Otherwise you'd be wearing the bodyguard suit every single day, even in class."

"If she breaks into my school I'm siccing the girls' team on her," Xander said dryly.  "They're all rabid this week.  Oh, they're coming over next weekend."

"I heard.  Told Cook.  She'll make a good, diet conscious, but tasty lunch for them.  They can play in the pool later and all that stuff probably."  Xander nodded.  "Good."  He finished his sorting, leaning back to go through his maybe pile.  "Guys, eat.  He'll nag if you don't," he said without looking.  They finished up and stacked the plates and glasses off to the side.  "Cook?"  She came out to gather them, bringing dessert and Cuban coffee.  "Thanks, love," he said when he got given some.

"You're much too skinny.  No wonder no woman holds onto you for long.  You slip through her fingers like butter."  She went back inside.

"Can you do that to my stalker?" Xander asked.  "I'll lose some weight."

Tony looked at him.  "I've had one, no thanks."  He went back to looking, eating bites of his cake.  "Do you guys want an informational website put up?"

"Soon but not at this time," Don decided.  Everyone nodded.  "Let's wait.  It'll be plenty of places."  Xander crossed out the 'see ...(link) for more information' line in the web briefing. "Maybe Xan can use the designing for credit in a class or something."

"No computer classes this year or next," Xander said happily.  "I love being on the jock track.  I have a lot less homework."  They all laughed.  "I do.  I did all my English book reports for this semester over the summer.  It means I get a nap right after lunch."  He looked at Horatio.  "Anything you were thinking of adding?"

"No, that covers all the points I remember you outlining to yourself the other night during dinner."  That got some smiles and Speed gave him an odd look.  He coughed. "Xander and Peter broke up last night," he announced.

"Can we bury him now?" Eric asked.  "That way he doesn't try to play dominant top for anyone else?"

"Some people need that sort of treatment," Tony pointed out.  "Xander's not one."  He finished his cake and started on his coffee.  "Cake's very sweet and the icing is starting to melt, guys."  They dug in, eating their desserts while he read.  "Modeling schedule, Xander?"

"Spring break."

"Yours or the city-wide one that lasts a month?"

"Near the street fair."  He grinned.  "We're doing an outdoor shoot."

Tony looked at him. "I'll make sure the PD is augmented by your own people.  That way you're not snatched to Saudi Arabia or somewhere in Asia."  He went back to reading, making a mental note to call someone about that.  "When was I going to know?"

"When the details were finalized.  That's the thing we've got to go to after school on Tuesday."

"That's reasonable."  He looked at him, handing him one of the applications.  Xander looked and laughed, handing it over to Horatio, who let out a small laugh, handing it to Mac.  "I think it's good they want to come guard Sacred personally to make sure he stays that way.  I'm wondering if that's why she submitted two."  He took that one back, handing off the new one.

"Either she's got a good sense of humor or she's a mini-stalker," Eric said, handing it on, making Horatio growl.  "Sorry, H.  We know you like the kid."

"Yes, he does," Stella agreed, taking it from Speed, bypassing Don.  Who snatched it with a frown.  "Do we have any information on his personal stalker?"  Tony got up and came out with a folder.  "Ours?"

"That's a copy, you guys can make your own in the office."  That got nods and they passed it around.  "Don, do I need to hire you a guard?"

"No, I'm okay with the department around me," he said, taking the information to look over.  "She was at some social event in New York last month.  I saw her in the paper."

"Probably looking for one of us," Xander said grimly.  "Any idea if she's at the snapping point yet, Tony?"

"Not yet but it's getting closer to an all or nothing campaign.  Which we will catch her for."

"The more she works the more likely it is we'll catch her," Horatio reminded him.

Tony looked at him.  "We hope so.  Xander's had to have some special 'don't come near me' arrangements made for his next social thing."

"A bodyguard should help," Xander agreed.  "Want to go, Horatio?"

"Those things bore me."

"Me too but I have to go now and then.  So does Don," Xander reminded him, getting a grimace.  "You can go be admired for being pretty, Don."

"Yay me.  Monkey suits suck," he said grimly.

"I'm taking Xander and you both where I got my last one, the local store," Tony told him, looking over the forms.  "They made me look very hot and I get drooled on all the time. That'll make it more fun."

"Some of the older women down here pinch," Mac warned Don.

"Yes, they do," Stella said dryly, sipping her coffee.  Horatio snickered.  "They didn't pinch you?"

"They didn't want to insult Xander."  That got a knowing smile.  Speed gave him another look, Eric too.  "We decided to make a go of it last night," he admitted quietly.

"We're definitely taking a copy of that file back with us to brief all the detectives and the Chief," Speed decided.  Eric nodded.  "Just in case she decides you're a rival."

"She doesn't often pick on the guys," Xander told him.  "There's been any number of male admirers in society but she's only picked on the women so far.  If she goes after him I figure we'll be getting closer to the snapping 'mine or nothing' point."

"It's being a proper society wife," Tony agreed.  "You can have a male lover on the side but it's her job to bear the heir and be on your arm at events."  He looked at him.  "Speaking of heirs...  Do you think you could store some sperm somewhere, just in case?  It got suggested by Gordon last night."

"I did when I was sixteen," he said, looking confused.

"She broke it out, Xander.  Please?  That's coming from the fussy elder couple."

"Sure.  I'll make an appointment if they haven't," he agreed quietly.  That got a smile and a nod.  "We're still waiting a while on heirs."

"Thank you," Horatio said.  Xander grinned.  "At least until you're twenty-one?"

"If I can.  Grandfather's been jonsing for baby loves and cuddles again," he admitted, giving him a sad smile.  "He was staring at my baby book last weekend.  He didn't get to hold me until I was five and I was a little shit by then."

"His original plan was hiring a surrogate to carry it and giving you partial custody," Tony said, looking at him again.  "I convinced him it was better to wait until after you had graduated or else your grades would plummet and then you'd be kicked off the team, which he would hate with how he brags about you," he finished quietly.  Xander nodded.  "You knew?"

"Yeah, I talked him out of it too.  I reminded him doing it that way meant I'd kill her and take my child."  That got a grin.  "So he'll wait until a better time for me to have a great- grandchild for him and he'd better be around to see it."

"Xander," Don started.

"He's got a few years left, Uncle Don."  He stared him down.  "He wants a baby, he can wait until I'm at least twenty.  That's what we decided.  Barring the stalker doing something stupid and evil, it'll happen.  It might not go far past that but I'll have him that long.  Though, if I'm in a non-bearing relationship at the time I would be asking to use a professional surrogate and mommy.  Sire suggested I get drunk and go sleep with the society hos.  That way they'd have better kids."  Horatio coughed, shaking his head.  "I told him no.  I'd never sleep with the disease patrol.  I couldn't be sure what I'd pick up from them."

"That...that is a much later discussion topic," Horatio told him

"I know.  How's Maddy?"

"The new treatment is working much better," he said, smiling at him. "Her doctors are much more optimistic at the moment.  Yelina has decided that Suzy needed adopted as well.  Ray's happy he has a sister in both of them."  Tony tossed over a diskette.  "What's this?"

"The background I did on you came up with something you should see," Tony said, still reading.  "I'd do that today and then call the number I have for you."

"I'll do that in a few minutes.  Was it related to Suzy?"

"Nope," he said, looking at him.  "Not quite."  Horatio nodded, getting up to go read it in Xander's office.  "So, guys.  How are you enjoying your first board meeting?"

"So far it's been okay," Speed said, shrugging a bit.  "Eric?"

"It's been good so far.  I'm wondering what Wolfe and Calleigh are up to since they're both clear."

"If they needed us, we'd hear about it," Speed assured him.  He looked at Mac.  "How's your city?"

"Good.  Same as usual.  Loud, crowded, messy now and then."

Don looked around then at Xander.  "Are you getting a horse to ride around here?"

"I need to jog.  Otherwise I'll get a big butt from all the sweets I eat and no one will want to stare at my prettiness," Xander quipped, grinning at him.  "Besides, I can ride, I can ride pretty well, but I loathe polo."

"That's a good, romantic date," Speed said, looking at Xander.

"Polo?  How is competing a romantic date."

Eric bopped him on the arm.  "Riding, Xander.  A long ride, a picnic, some cuddling?" he prompted.

Xander beamed.  "I know.  I have that planned for his next weekend off if he wanted to go."  Horatio stomped out.  "Problems?"

"Many but not with you."  He looked at Tony.  "Number?"  He pulled it out of his pants pocket, handing it over.  "Thank you." He looked.  "Fornell?"

"Deputy Director Fornell.  He and Gibbs piss each other off repeatedly."  He looked at him.  "I figured you'd want to know first so you can figure out what to tell the scary ones."

"I'll buy them bats and let them have him," Horatio said bluntly, heading back inside.

"Use the house phone," Xander called.  "Not like I can't afford a phone bill."  He looked at them.  "He likes the food of the place I'm thinking of and it'll be a good weekend, Eric.  I promise," he said with a smile.  "Okay? I'm not going to be mean to him."

"Good.  We'd hate to make Don take over," Speed said bluntly.

Don nodded.  "I'd hate that too.  Uncle Pat would sob and make sure there was an heir to be raised, probably by giving me incentive to marry Stella here since he's got a crush on her, still, and would think it'd be good for the baby."  Stella gave him an odd look.  "He'd try.  He already suggested it."

"I'm not ready for kids yet, Don."

He grinned.  "Wouldn't be you having it."

"Yeah, that still won't work."  Horatio came back out to hand Tony the number back, heading back inside.  "Do we need to help?"

Tony looked at her.  "The Feds have been messing in Miami again, and I found out about their plans.  He's going to eat someone.  But hey, maybe Patrick or Sire could use a good meal or six.  The one I'm thinking of is bloated and probably has enough for six meals.  After Fornell guts him we can probably gather a lot of blood for them."  He patted Xander on the back.  "He'll be growling soon."

Xander walked inside, getting into the sacred candy bar stash.  He walked out to where Horatio was listening and pacing, getting in his way, offering him the chocolate.  "Because you need it."  Horatio smiled and kissed him, making him grin back.  "Can I help?"  He shook his head.  "You sure?"

"Protect my family if it comes down to it."

"If it comes down that far, you can have Tony and the whole staff here.  We'll kidnap the entire family here.  Ray Junior might do good in gymnastics or diving."  Horatio smiled at that so he left.  "Tony, do we need emergency plans for Horatio?"

"We can amend yours or kidnap his whole family here," he said, grinning at him.  "Already worked it out, boss.  The same as we have for everyone else here in the family.  Relax, that's my job."  Xander nodded, sitting down again.  "Did you give him more of the band candy?"

"No, I broke into the holy store of Swiss stuff."

Tony smiled.  "Holy?"

"The other Cook always told me chocolate was holy," he said with a grin.  "When a bodyguard gave me drugs in them once I told them it had made it unholy because it tasted bad."

"How old were you?" Don teased.

"Six.  They had made me OD on my ADHD drugs that day."  That got a wince.  "Four days of dosage later and after being abandoned in a park, which Speed found me during, I said it was unholy."

"What did happen to him?" Speed asked.

Xander grinned.  "He came in that night screaming and ranting in my room until Sire forced him out of the house, kicked him out of the family.  He ended up cutting his throat."

"So that's how you met him," Eric said, grinning at Speed.  "I wondered."

"His bodyguard told him to wait on a bench in the park.  He flagged me down when he got bored," he said, smiling at the boy.  "Horatio handled it and called Gordon.  He got taken to the ER."  Xander nodded.  "Four doses?"

"Yeah even one of the neighbors dosed me."

"I'm sorry."

"So was she when Sire went to chew on her," Xander said dryly.

"Literally?" Don asked.

"Not sure but she never accused our female guard dog of knocking up her bulldog again."  That got a few laughs. "They were ugly too.  Some Chinese crested up the street mated with it.  They were ugly puppies.  Not even Grandfather could find something nice to say about them."  Horatio came back out.  "Can I help now?"

"No, it'll be worked out," he promised, smiling at him.  "Thank you, Tony."

"Welcome, Horatio.  Oh, Ducky's coming down on a vacation in a week.  Expect him to come see your ME to check in with her.  He knows all the ME's in the world it seems like."

"I'll tell her, see if she knows him," he agreed, smiling at Xander.  "Thank you for breaking into the Swiss stash for me, Xander."

"You needed it."

"Do you still have band candy from last year?" Eric asked. Xander nodded.  "I'm proud."

"I made myself sick," Xander admitted.  The others laughed.  "He looked at me like I was gymnastics God, of course I bought candy from him.  I'm susceptible to that sort of adoration."

"We all are," Horatio agreed.  He looked at Mac.  "He drove up to a scene some of us were on and parked, got out, walked over, glanced at us.  Then stuck a case of chocolate bars in the back of my hummer before walking away and telling me to share."

"H made him hand over another three since he bought five cases," Eric said.  Mac snickered at that.

"Uncle Pat told me to take some with me," Don said, leaning back some.  "So, we done or are we handling more issues?"

"Not if we're not doing the website this year," Xander said, checking his mental agenda.  "Nope.  I'll be done with gymnastics for the year by then since I'm not going to individual states."

"Why not?" Speed asked.

"Because we all agreed I'm not good enough to make the olympics so why take the spot of someone who is?  I'm a good gymnast.  I'm not a great gymnast."  Horatio gave him a look.  "The guys who're great are tons better.  I can't compete with them.  I'd rather lead the team to two more state championships and quietly train my replacement for next year."

That got a nod.  "I can understand that but you could try."

"Even the coaches at Nationals last year told me that, Horatio.  They should know.  We had two olympic judges there."  That got a nod.  "I asked."  He got a pat on the back.  "So, if we're done, go have fun, come for dinner.  Don, the grandparents are coming over for dinner so you might as well go back to playing in the pool or go look at the ocean.  I'm going to go back to my post-crash headache."  He got up, heading inside.

"He did what?" Stella asked.

"Crashed while working on the rings," Tony said. "Around noon."  He put another profile back into the folder. At this rate he wasn't going to find anyone to fill the two remaining spots.  "Any local K-9 officers retiring with their dogs, Horatio?  Or you, Mac?"

"I can ask," he promised.  Tony smiled and nodded.  "No one?"

"No one who's going to work *with* the rest of us.  A lot of loners, which I guess is typical, but we need a cohesive family sort of team around here.  Gibbs told me it was slim pickings."

"Can you train one or two of the other guards to go into K-9?" Horatio asked.  "That's how we pick ours."

"That's a lot of training.  I'd rather do that for the second round," Tony admitted.  "Even one more would be helpful.  Then they could help train one of the others."

"What about the dog breeders?  They might know someone," Stella offered.

"That's who Gibbs got the list from," he said, grinning at him.  "I'll figure it out."  She nodded, smiling at his sureness.  "Before then I've got to take both Don and Xander where I go shopping for tuxes so they can look as hot as I do in mine."  He stood up.  "Want to wake him?"

"Nope," Don said smugly.  "He bites."

"I know," Tony said dryly.  "Had to wake him up for class Thursday."

"Everyone else calls from the doorway," Horatio advised.

"I'll do that next time and duck the clock."  Horatio looked at him. "Not me.  Thomasin."  He walked off happier.  He really was going to have to fix Xander's wardrobe.  Otherwise he'd go to social events in leather and then he'd be taken by his stalker...or someone.  Plenty of those matrons wanted Xander from what he had seen.  He didn't want to create one of those mass panics or an event that would make the PD have to shut down society.  It would get their funding and donations cut horribly if he did that.

***

Xander walked down into junior high territory, finding his replacement sulking at a test he had taken. "You have to keep your grades up if you're going to be me, Ricky."  He looked then nodded.  "Jock average is 'C'.  You can do that with that."

"My parents will kill me."

"Then do better.  The whole team and you are coming to my place this weekend.  That way we can work on the school championships and you can get a head start on practice for next year."  The boy gaped. "Yes, I have one at the new house.  You're coming.  Unless you don't want to be on the team?"  He nodded quickly.  "Good.  Then you bring yourself.  We'll hold tryouts for the others after championships since only a few girls are qualified to go individual this year.  Come over Saturday morning at ten."  He walked off.  "If you need directions, see me Friday."  He went to his gym, looking at everyone.  He whistled, getting looks.  "Due to the spraying going on this weekend, we are *all* meeting at my place this Saturday, ten o'clock, for team practice.  I have the full set up there, even for you ladies since I like to play around with your uneven bars.  Well, everything but a balance beam so someone bring it.  My cook will do lunch so don't worry about it.  I did invite Ricky so we can get him a head start on dealing with being my replacement since Chad's so quiet.  Any complaints?"  He didn't pause.  "I thought not."

"I have a wedding this weekend," one of the senior girls noted.

"Yours?" the coach asked.

"My sister's.  I'm maid of honor.  Can I come over Sunday instead, Xander?  Or just late since it's at noon?"  He nodded.  "Thanks."  She went back to her stretching.  "When are we doing tryouts?  I got asked earlier."

"After state," the coach said.  "Only some of you girls are eligible for individual this year."  That got a nod.  "How big is your gym?"

"I renovated a former school back to the house it used to be," he said smugly.  "I kept the old gym and simply updated.  I did the same thing to the pool so if you guys wanted to goof off after practice in it, bring suits."  They smiled and nodded.  "Good.  Now, who'm I torturing today since it looks like Chad's sitting out?"

"Work on our show off portion, Benis.  After you change."  Xander went to do that, coming out in jogging shorts and a t-shirt. "No uniform?"

"In the wash," he said dryly.  "I forgot to do anything but sheets.  Sorry, coach.  They'll be done this afternoon."  He looked at the girls.  "Too bad Mercy's graduated.  Who's my bitch this year?"  Two of the girls waved.  "Come on then.  What're we doing?"

"Floor," they said.  They were twins.

Xander grinned.  "That'll work.  How showy do you two want to make it?"

"A double routine with simultaneous tumbling runs?" one suggested.

"If you two crash I'm going to kill you both," the coach assured them.

"We'll work on it," they giggled.  They ran over to the floor mat to get to work, letting Xander watch and help.  They liked to show off, they were fifteen-year-old girls.  He could match their brilliance.  Or join in to play with them.  He came out to challenge them, walking them off when they beat his moves, one on each side of him, making most of the girls' team coo.  "We'll work on it Saturday."  They nodded, going back to their practice while he went to deal with the rings.  "I hate these things."  He let the coach help him up and hung there until his shoulder gave then he winced and dropped.  "I hate that injury."  He walked off, going to get an ice pack.  "It's only a strain."

The coach gave him a stare.  "If you're that injured, you're sitting out next weekend."

"No I'm not.  I went a few years back with a fractured arm and made nationals.  I won't need it for diving the same way I do in here.  It's only a sprain."  Chad reached over to smack him hard on the good shoulder.  "Hey!"

"They can't have us both injured."

"They won't.  I'll be fine."  He stared him down.  "I'm not that badly off, Chad.  I've sprained this shoulder so many times it's not funny.  I sprained it back when I was diving.  I sprained it when I first started to learn.  Every time I sprain my shoulder it gets me cranky to prove I'm not getting that old.  I know this is a sport for young teens and I'm not one anymore.  It'll be fine until I go back to diving.  Okay?"  He nodded, still frowning.  "Now, what's wrong with yours?"

"One of the pins shifted."

"Docs said what?"

"One of the pins shifted," he said grimly.  "To rest it for a bit."  Xander gave him an odd look then went to the office to call someone.  He came out with a number and a date.  "Who's this?"

"An orthopedist Grandfather put through college.  He's one of the best in the city.  Take your records over for a second opinion.  If it's giving you that sort of trouble, you'll have to retire.  You have a brighter future than I do, even injured."  Chad sniffled and nodded, going to call his parents in the office.  He sat down with his ice pack again.  "Give me a few, coach.  Let the pain die.  Oh, during spring break," he announced. "I'm doing an outdoor shoot.  Also, there's talk of a street fair during that time.  I'm on the entertainment committee.  It is a charity event for a few hospitals and the pound.  It will be alcohol and drug free so it'll be a safe place for the college kids and you guys."  That got some smiles.  "So if you know any rides...."

"Bands?"

"There's a surge of bands in the area during that time," Xander pointed out.  "Since it's a charity event we were going to go during the day into the early evening.  We're talking about some fireworks maybe.  There will be security officers and PD people present to make sure it's drug and alcohol free."  That got some smiles.  "It's to give the college kids something to do besides screw and drink.  It's for a few good causes so I'll be putting up announcements soon.  If you'd like to join us it's a small entrance fee and ticket fees are going to be reasonable.  Like the knight's event I hosted a few years ago," he finished with a grin, making some of them laugh.  "Please tell others.  It does benefit the pound, a few no-kill shelters, and a few hospitals, including the children's hospital."

"We've seen you going in there recently," the coach said, staring him down.

"A friend's niece is up on oncology," he said quietly.  That got a smile.  "I was tested but didn't match for donating to her."  That got a nod and he walked off.  The swelling went down and the pain stopped eventually so he got back to practice.  He really hated the rings.  They were quickly getting higher on his shit list than his stalker was.

***

Xander looked over as Ricky was let into the gym by Cook.  "You're early.  Come stretch."  He nodded and the kid came over.  "Go change.  The bathroom's marked, Ricky. You can leave your bag on the risers."  That got a nod and he went to do that.  He looked over as someone else came in.  "Hi.  You are?"

"Ricky's father."

"That's fine.  I'm Xander, captain of the gymnastics team, both sides since they didn't pick a female head this time.  Ricky's changing and we're going to work on him so he can make the team.  I need replaced."

"I don't want him exposed to any funny stuff."

Xander stared at him then stood up.  "Sir, I hate to tell you this, but most pedophiles say they're straight when asked," he said bluntly.  He looked stunned.  "So said the FBI.  I can also tell you I'm dating someone.  I'm in a very serious relationship with him.  He's a great guy who's often helped end a few pedophiles' careers.  Your son has more chance of being molested by a scout leader than he does in an organized sport.  Also, most gay men are gay men and are after other gay men.  The ones who aren't aren't *gay*.  They're sick, depraved beings who prey on innocence.  I've worked a long time to put that theory to rest.  For that matter, what makes you think he's not as likely to be abused by a female since more boys are statistically speaking?"

The father swallowed.  "You hear these things."

"Ninety percent of all pedophiles still identify themselves as straight," he said firmly.  "There's a big difference, no matter how much NAMBLA and those sort try to say that they're gay.  We hate them.  We want to kill them.  I've got my own personal vendetta against them.  Your son is perfectly safe here.  Besides the fact that he's straight, and therefore more likely to be abused by a *female*.  Like the regular gym teacher for the junior high.  We've all had doubts but no evidence.  That's why she's got cameras in her room," he said more quietly.  "You're still more than welcome to watch.  I don't care.  My cook can feed you lunch too."  Ricky peeked out.  "Come on, stretch.  It's important; otherwise you get injured."

"Yes, Xander."  He came over to look at the bar then at him.  "You use ballet stretches?"

"It helps with my knee.  When I was about your age I broke my left leg in fifteen places.  I learned how to stick a dismount and judge my relative speed much better."  That got a wince from the father.  "It happens.  Shoes off on the mats.  Only gym shoes in here."  He waved a hand.  "You can use the floor if you want."  Some of the girls bounced in.  "Ladies, you remember Ricky?  The one I'm turning into the next me?  Help him stretch please."  He walked over to check the chalk stash, getting another box out.  The coach and Chad carried in a small beam.  "Put it over there, there's accessory pads," Xander called, pointing.  "We can rearrange the bars later for the girls."  That got a nod from the coach.  He pointed at the seats and the parent went to watch from there.  He looked around, frowning and moving something.  "Sorry, I had to move that earlier to shift a mat.  Now we have a vault runway and the wall behind it is padded in case you stumble."  That got some laughs.  "Everyone else?  I will beat my boys if they're not here."

"They're coming," Chad called.  He smiled.  "Thanks for the rec, Xander."

"Did it help?"

"He said he can have the pin shifted back or replaced.  My doc didn't think so.  So I'll be off again this summer."

"Do it this spring.  The homework will give you something to do in the hospital.  I always needed something to do."  He looked around then up.  "Stretch."  The others were let in, all but one senior.  "Where's Ty?"

"No clue," the coach said.  "I tried his house, no answer."

Xander went to call him from the foyer.  "Hi, Ty's mom.  Where's Ty?  We're holding practice at my house today since the gym's being fumigated."  He listened then blinked.  "Really?  Huh.  Thanks for telling us that.  Tell him I hope he does well there."  He hung up, walking back into the gym area.  "Whoever was smoking crack and meth with Tyler, I'd get clean before they test us for State.  I will kill if we lose our medals due to that."  The coach gave him a horrified look.  "He's in rehab as of last night, when his mother found him smoking meth.  She just got up."  That got a nod.  "Maybe we should have the 'no necking at state' speech again this time too?"

"On the bus up," he agreed.  "Go practice.  How's the shoulder?"

"Fine."  He went to his bitch, the high bar.  He deserved a treat.  He finished his favorite routine and landed, grimacing.  "REBECCA!  QUIT MOVING THE PADS IN HERE WHEN YOU CLEAN!" he bellowed.  He shifted the equipment with help and moved the pads back into place.  "Check the other stuff, guys."  They did that, shifting a few more pads back into place.  He sighed in pleasure, getting up to dismount again.  This time it felt right.  "Okay.  Ricky, my clone, where do you want to start?"

"That looks ...hard."

"It's not.  I learned physics falling off a few times.  You're better in science than I was so you won't fall as often as I did."  The coach walked off snickering while Xander got him up there.  "Okay, how's your grip?"  He winced.  "Come down.  Just drop."  He dropped.  Xander got him his spare hand grips, letting him see how they went on.  "Chalk them like you would a pool cue."  He did that, then Xander helped him back up.  "Now, swing."  He gave him a push.  "Go all the way around."  The kid did.  "Good, that's the first, basic move.  Everything else comes off that one.  Do it again, keep going until it feels right."  He did that, letting Xander coach him until he got him to the point where he was switching directions overhand while doing a handstand on top of the bar.  "Good!  Now, flip around the bar twice then let go and aim your feet at the floor."  He did that and he caught the kid when he stumbled.  "Congrats!  You did a baby gymnastics routine and a dismount."  He beamed.  "Give it a year and you'll be doing complicated, senior team routines and dismounts."  He got him out of the way, showing off a bit.  He landed on his feet then held his arms up.  "This way the judges know you're done.  Got it?"  He nodded.  "Good."

"Do we get to play on the balance beam?"

"No, we get the pommel horse instead and it's a lot less fun," Xander told him, walking him that way.  He patted it.  "You use the whole thing but you do use the grips.  Get up there, straddling it for now, until you get used to how it feels."  He did that, grimacing at the width.  "Jeremy?"  He came over.  "Let him show you how it's done.  I'm sucky here.  I want you to be better rounded than I am."  He helped the kid down, letting Jeremy show him what you do on a pommel horse.  The kid looked awed.  "It's not that hard.  It's all upper body strength and inertia."

"I heard you had an answer about that last year," one of the girls called.

"The geology teacher asked what the stop at the end of inertia is called.  I said it was called ow.  Which it is."  That got a lot of laughs.  "Okay, Ricky, go up there, let's see if you can do the same sort of handstand on the handles."  He helped him back up, watching as he went up, but his arms were shaky.  "It's all right, we all build the right sort of muscles as we move on."  He helped him down.  "Now, mount like Jeremy did."  He did that, resting on the end, hands braced.  "Stretch backwards, going parallel to the horse."  He did that, holding himself up.  "Good!  Very good.  Took me weeks to make it to perfectly parallel.  The judges like that and count you off if you're not.  That's a refining thing.  Around here we expect you to learn the moves then practice perfection, okay?"  He nodded.  "You want to try the rings?"

He looked up then shook his head.  "Not yet.  Let's stick with the easy stuff.  Those look scary."

"They are," he admitted.  "They're really hard too but Chad excels in there.  I'll let him work with you while he's healing from his next surgery."

"What happened?"

"He was on the rings at the school championships last year and the grip on the ring came free as he dismounted.  He fell on it," Xander said honestly.  "It was a freak accident.  Like me finding out what trajectory was because I was going too fast during my first few attempts at release moves on the high bar.  You'll find you're more likely to sprain an ankle, jar your knees or shoulders, or sprain a wrist in here than anything else."  That got a nod.  "Now, you said easy so let's start on the most basic of skills.  What you learn there helps in other areas.  Ladies," he called.  They looked over. "You're doing the floor, teach Ricky."  He gave him a nudge.  "They're scary but they won't bite you here.  Off the mats, that's a different matter."  The boy nodded, walking over there for the ladies to help him.  They giggled and talked with him like he was one of them, teaching him how to tumble.  The kid had good rhythm.  He'd make it.  He looked at the coach, waving a hand.  "See, I said I'd find you another point ho."  He grinned and went back to work on his pommel skills.  "Can I skip the rings this year?"

"No, Benis."

"Please, coach?"

"No, Benis.  We'll let you be the score they eliminate."  He watched him work.  "Slower.  It shows better control when it's slower."  He rolled his eyes.  "Why do I have to keep telling you that?"

"I'm ADHD," he called.  "Feel lucky I'm not bouncing."  He landed. "Crap, Tyler going to rehab means we're a man short with Chad out on the DL."  The coach stared at him.  "Double crap!"  He walked out muttering 'crap crap crap' over and over again, going to make a phone call he hated.  He found the number in the school's phone book.  "Diego Morales please?  His former team captain.  Tell him we're a man short and I'm calling in a favor please."  He waited until the angry voice came on.  "You know I wouldn't call, Diego.  Tyler went to rehab for meth and crack.  Chad's going back to surgery.  All we've got is one new kid whose learning tumbling today.  Please?  Just for the championships?  You're a senior.  You're allowed.  Your grades are up, right?"  He nodded.  "I know you're clean.  Your other sport demands it too.  The coach keeps you listed as an alternate member of the team just in case we all fall and break things.  That's all I'm asking.  We're at my house.  I've got a gym.  No, the new house.  Your mom was here for the open house, she has directions.  Please.  All of us.  They're fumigating the gym this weekend and states are next week, man.  Please?"  He nodded.  "Thanks.  We're here and I've got a pool so we can horse around in it later."  He hung up, walking back there.  "Coach, I talked Diego into coming back."  He relaxed at that.  "He's not a happy baseball player either."

"I know.  It sucks that we lose you guys when you age our of the junior class if you're not good enough."  Xander nodded. "I'll make sure he's cleared all week to come to us and talk to the other coach.  He'll understand."  He went to make the call from the foyer, letting the boy in when he got there.  "Diego.  Thank you."

"How could Tyler be that stupid?"

"Xander got his mom.  They caught him smoking it last night.  He went into rehab last night."

"Good!  Gym?"  He walked him that way.  "Are you taking me out of math?"

"I can or you can get ready after classes.  I cleared it with Coach Bernard."  That got a nod.  "If Chad wasn't going in for new surgery we'd leave you there.  You're happier there."

He looked at him.  "Thank you for understanding."  He looked around.  "Who's the little kid?"

"Ricky.  Xander picked him to take his place when he was gone.  He's getting him an early start so he's ready for next year.  He's in seventh."

"Poor kid.  Having to be Xander's shadow will drive him nuts."  He went to change, coming out with his grips on.  He found the box of chalk and dusted himself off.  "Where do we need me?"

"Rings, please God do the rings," Xander called, dismounting.  He looked at him.  "As long as you can get higher than me, I'll applaud, I'll put on cheerleader gear, I'll kiss you.  Not sleep with you but I'll kiss you."

"No thanks.  My girlfriend would mind."  He got spotted up and adjusted his grip, nodding.  "Good equipment, Benis."

"Thanks.  Not like I was going to use the cheap stuff to practice.  'Cause I need it too."  The coach nodded as he walked past him, going to help Ricky with a tumbling run since he had fallen for the second time.  The girls were cooing over him and that was probably a bad trend to start.  "Ladies, he's not a teddy bear," Xander called.  "I want him as competent as we can make him by next year's season."  They nodded, getting back to work with him.  Xander went to work on his parallel bars.  Just in case he did somehow make it to Nationals.  His scores had been high all year.  The coach gave him an odd look.  "Where am I in the state standings?" he mouthed.  Three fingers got held up and he got a nod.  He got back to work on them, working out a routine he could do, even though his arms were aching and his sore shoulder was throbbing again.  He was very grateful when his cook came in to call lunch.  "Two hours in the pool goofing off then we're back at it, everyone," he called as they ran out.  "Coming?" he asked the adults.

"Let me talk to the coach, Xander."  Xander nodded, leaving them alone.  "How many times do you expect my son to fall?"

"Until he either quits or gets it right," the coach said.  "The same as any other sport. Come on, I like Xander's cook.  She does really well."  He walked him out, letting him sit with the girls' team.   He looked around. "Benis hiding?"

"Talking to his yummy head of security," one freshman girl said, smiling at him.

"He's too old for you," the coach reminded her.

She shrugged. "I can still look," she said dryly, stuffing her mouth again.  "I want this recipe for my mom.  She only makes me salads.  I'll never be constipated again."

"Ask his cook," the coach said patiently.  "I'm sure she'd share."  He dug in, eating while watching his kids.  "We did bring suits?"  They all nodded.  "Good.  Stay off the higher diving boards, kids.  I mean it."  They nodded, sighing a bit.

Xander came out with his plate.  "There's two spring boards they're free to use," Xander said as he sat down next to the coach.  "Don't use the top board, it's got a crack," he ordered.  "I found that out last night when I stepped on it.  I'm having someone in to repair it."  He ate a bite.  "Misty, she's willing to share recipes and she's copied it down for you.  Anyone else who wants it can use the copier in my office."

The father looked at him.  "You live here alone?"

"I'm seventeen, not seven," he said dryly. "My grandfather has terminal cancer.  He doesn't need my hyperactivity infecting him.  I only moved in this month if it makes you feel better."  He ate another bite and chewed.  "Don't choke, Prentiss Hill, or I will tell your mother.  You know she's so hyper OCD she'll have you fumigated."  She quit trying to swallow her tongue.  "I'm very responsible for my age.  I've been in society since I was six.  I don't drink, do drugs, and I have plenty of adults around here to smack me around if I start to screw up something.  That was Tony reminding me to put on something bigger than what I wear when I dive."  The girls all laughed.  "He did."  He shrugged and finished up.  "Give yourselves time to finish and change so you make the half-hour mark, kids.  I'll see you in there.  I've got to sign papers," he sighed, going to do that.  He hated details.  He hated his lawyer.  He loved the guy but he brought him paperwork that made his head hurt.  "What's this for?"

"Sperm storage and usage?"

"At my discretion for future use."

He nodded, making that note.  "House taxes?"

"Didn't we already pay those?"

"They get paid every six months, Xander."

"My account?"

"I'll do that with the accountant," he decided.  Xander nodded.  "I'll put that on auto- draft so he can deal with it."

"You're doing oversight on him?"

"I am.  I get your bank statements as well.  He doesn't know that but that was what I had you sign about four months ago when you found him.  The scholarship board's meeting?"  Xander found a copy of the notes and handed them over.  "No website?"

"Not yet.  Next year maybe."  That got a nod.  "Did we get those things out?"

"We did.  You're doing an announcement tomorrow?"  Xander nodded.  "Good.  We've already listed it and the end date of December 31st on all the grant search sites and sent out a notice to every college across the US, no matter how small.  Including the military ones.  Even though they can't admit it, we'll see what happens."  Xander nodded.  "We also have three other forms for you to sign.  One is terminating Tony?"

"Like hell.  Tony!"  He came jogging in.  "Why are you quitting?"

"I'm not."  He took the paperwork, shaking his head. "Not us.  I like it here.  Xander likes me here?"  Xander nodded at that.  "Oh, I had the pool topped off."  He handed it back.  "Shred that please?"  He did that.  "Anything else?  Two of the kids are wandering off."

"Please stop the groping.  The coach will shit elephants," Xander said patiently.  He grinned and went to do that.  He looked at the other papers then shredded them as well.  "Unless you hear it from me, Grandfather, Sire, Gordon, or Horatio do not believe it."

"That's what I thought but I wanted to cover my own rear end if I had to," he said.

"Good thought but I'm not like that.  If I'm that huffy, you'll know.  Something will explode."  That got a nod and he took the other things back, going to make notes in his daily log.  Xander went to change in the pool area, coming out in a pair of swim trunks that were more modest.  He looked at the diving platforms and got up onto his usual one, moving into a handstand, then pushing off to twist and then land in the water properly.  He came up, looking up.  "That was easier before."

"You need to practice," the coach reminded him.

"Still thinking about it, coach.  Changing areas," he said, pointing.  "Both sides.  With lockers."  He went to tell the others while Xander got out and did another one.  It was easier on his back but it was harder to move as fast.  "Damn it, I hate growing," he complained, going to talk to Tony.  "I hate growing."

"Diving not as easy as it used to be?"  Xander nodded.  "That's why it's called practice, Xander.  You'll get back there."

"Do you think I should talk to my old coach?"

"Up to you.  Or maybe a new one who's more used to adult bodies."  Xander nodded, going to send him an email at the college.  Tony stretched out in his desk chair, smiling at his poor boss.  He was so confused sometimes.  It made you want to cuddle the kid, but if he did that he'd be breaking him and Horatio up plus lose his job.  He went back to watching the kids frolic in the pool.  The new kid would fit in just fine.  The girls were doting on him already like they did to Xander.

***

Xander walked out of the gates of his grandparents' house the next afternoon, looking at the gathered reporters.  "Thank you for coming.  I'll make it short since I don't like giving speeches."  He opened the papers in front of him.  "Due to my grandfather's continuing failing health, we've decided that I'm going to be taking over some of his duties from this point forward."

"Is that why you moved out on your own?" one reporter called.

"Yes it is, but don't interrupt, that's rude," he said, scowling at her.  He looked at the rest when she shrank back.  "To help him, my grandfather and I have set up a foundation in his name.  Right now I'm starting slowly, with college scholarships for people in the gay, lesbian, transgendered, and bisexual community.  This was going to happen after I graduated but his health concerns made it harder for him to get out to events and to support the people we both work with."  He cleared his throat.  "We've decided the Patrick Benis Foundation's first set of scholarships will be awarded for next year.  We have a wonderful board of people who have supported me through the years when I needed it, mostly officers who have helped me.  The scholarship is a ten thousand dollar scholarship once in your college career for up to ten people per year.  That may be expanded at some later point but for right now it is for up to ten qualified applicants.  We have listed it with colleges across the country and with the usual grant finder sites.  I do hope that we get a lot of worthy applicants, ones who want to change the world and to uphold my grandfather's legacy of doing good works and promoting tolerance and acceptance.  The deadline for it is December thirty-first of this year.  We'll meet by the first week of March to decide on who gets them."  He folded up the paper. "It is our hope, once I've graduated, that we can expand from college scholarships to research grants and other grants to help promote tolerance and acceptance of the GLBT community.  I know my grandfather would love it if we suddenly woke up in a tolerant world.  Thank you."

"Xander!" one reporter called before he could move.  "The board is who?"

"There's three Miami officers and three from New York, including my Uncle, Detective Flack.  My grandfather married his aunt for his second marriage but we're basically nephew and uncle.  He co-chairs it with me and a few of his friends sit on it as do some of mine."

"That guy who follows you around?  New bodyguard?" another called.

"That would be Tony, mine and the foundation's head of security.  In case you didn't hear I seem to have drawn a stalker," he said grimly.  That got some 'ooohs'.

"Are you giving up modeling?"

"No," he said, grinning at her.  "I like to feel appreciated.  That's one way I can do that.  Tony knows how to minimize the risks for me.  There will be an upcoming shoot during spring break actually.  Also, I'm on the board for the street fair coming up during that but we won't be announcing that for about a month, once all the plans are finalized.  Any other questions?"

"Are you seeing someone?" the rude woman from earlier called.

"Yes, I am," he said with a shy smile, turning around and walking back into the gates.  Someone followed him in and he looked at him.  "I don't recognize you."

"I hate to do this, sir, but you've been served."

"What now?" he asked, taking the papers.  He read it over and burst out laughing.  "You're joking!"

"No, sir.  Unfortunately she wasn't.  Have a better day."

"You too."  He let him back out.  "Leave him alone, guys.  My stalker sent a legal love note through him."  The process server ran for his car before they could ask questions.  He locked the gates and walked inside.  "She filed to have herself added to the list of people who could use the sperm I have stored," he called once the door was closed.

"Excuse me?" Tony asked, taking it from him.  He muttered while he read.  "Gordon?  Thomas?  You'll laugh at this one," he called, heading back to the security office.  Those two and the two grandparents met back there.  Xander gave them a hug then winked and slid out the back door to the garage, heading out through the emergency back gate since he had a date with Horatio.  "She filed so she is the only authorized person to use his sperm."

"What?" Gordon demanded, snatching it to look at.  "That stupid bitch."

"This is moving her closer to that point of stupidity," Thomas said grimly.  Tony nodded.  "Gordon, who do we have on for legal for this move?"

"She sent Xander's lawyer a fax trying to fire me, get access to his sperm, and to add her name to his accounts," Tony said bluntly.  "The woman's already snapped, guys.  I'm wondering if proving her that wrong won't snap her fully."

"We've got to stop her.  I do not want her to be the mother of my great-grandchild," Patrick told them.  "I don't care how, just stop the loony bint."  He walked off, Sire following to comfort him.  "Where did Xander go?"

"He has a romantic date planned with Horatio," he said smugly.  "He checked it with me to make sure I thought it was romantic.  He even had to call in some favors with some social contacts.  They all cooed over his idea."  He tucked him into his chair, getting him some blood.  One of the guards came in to donate, it was better when it was directly done.

***

Xander pulled up in front of the stable, smiling at the man waiting on him.  "Am I late?"

"No, I got done a bit early.  It was a nice day for a drive.  Why are we meeting here?"

Xander smiled and got something out of his trunk, carrying it over.  "I am going to spoil you rotten."  Horatio smiled, following him into the stables.  "Jacques?" he called quietly.  He came out of a stall.  "Is it ready for us?"

"Yes, Mr. Benis.  The mistress was quite pleased with your plans.  Is that the basket?"  He nodded, handing it over.  "I'll tie that on for you."  He went back into the stall, coming out with a horse already geared up for a ride.  He got another one, bringing her out.  "Lieutenant, how well can you ride?  He wasn't sure so we got a docile mount and one that's a bit more hyper."

"I'll take the docile one," he said, mounting up with help.  "I haven't ridden since summer camp."

Xander grinned.  "Gym elective in sixth grade."  The groom laughed.  "We'll try to be back right around dark."  That got a nod and he walked his horse out, mounting up on his bumper.  "Not my best skill," Xander admitted, giving him a sheepish smile.  He pointed.  "We're going that way."

"If you want."  He followed behind Xander, watching how he moved.  "You do have a very good seat."

"Doesn't mean I understand polo," he quipped, moving back to ride beside him once they were through the gates.  He reached over and Horatio reached back to hold his hand.  "One of the reporters asked if I was dating someone special.  I left it at yes and a shy smile."

"Thank you."  He smiled as their horses went on but Xander didn't let go of his hand unless he had to.  "How did it go?"

"Pretty good until the process server came."  Horatio gave him an unamused look.  "The stupid brat filed to be the only one with access to my sperm."

"Ah.  Charming."

"I left it with Gordon and Tony.  They can be mean and Thomas can cheer them on."  Horatio laughed.  "They will."  He gave the hand a squeeze.  "I tried some dives yesterday."

"How did they go?"

"I can't get around as fast as I used to.  It was kinda depressing and it made me feel really old, even though I'm only the age I am, but I felt like a geezer."

"Did you talk to your old coach?"

"Yeah, he told me if I came back I couldn't do it as a hobby.  Apparently he thinks that's what I was doing before.  I wasn't but he wants me to put more time into it than I would a normal job and to quit the foundation."

"Then we'll see where a bit of practice lands you, Xander."

"There's new dives to learn."

"No one said you had to go back to that coach.  He does have a conflict of interest.  You'd be diving against any of his team that made it to State."

"True."  He gave the hand a squeeze, smiling.  "I was trying for relaxing."

"It is very relaxing."

"Did you have a busy day?"

"Paperwork.  I spent most of it bent over my desk."

"I give good backrubs."

"I know you do.  I'll let you give me one later."  His phone rang.  "Yes, Mr. Wolfe?" he asked.  "Is it critical I be there?  Well, I'm in the middle of the woods on a horse," he said.  "With Xander."  He got a chuckle and Ryan hung up.  "He doesn't need me after all."

"That's good of him.  Maybe he'll take Eric away from the black hole of doom he's dating this month."  Horatio gave him a look.  "The girl he's dating has had ...experience.  I'm betting porn stars have less experience than she does.  Yet, her mother wants me to be straight and marry her."  Horatio shook his head.  "That was my reaction too."  He gave his hand a squeeze.  "I got food from a place you like."

"I'm sure you did.  You've shown me around a lot of restaurants I've liked," he said, smiling at him.

"It's rude to poison your date," Xander said, giving him a look over the top of his sunglasses.  "It's also boyfriend abuse according to Tony when he reminded me I couldn't cook you breakfast the last time you stayed over because you fell asleep watching movies with us."

"It is."  He smiled.  "There are days I almost asked you to cook for me."

"Those days you come over, you use the pool, get a backrub from me, and it'll be better."

"It will be," he agreed.  "How far are we going?"

"This hidden lookout point the horses' mommy suggested.  I asked where when I asked her if we could borrow a few horses for a quiet late afternoon ride.  She thought it was sweet."

"It's very sweet and very romantic," Horatio assured him, giving him a smile.  Xander moved his horse closer to steal a kiss then went back to riding their usual distance.  He had to move around a tree but he came back and took Horatio's hand again.  He did enjoy the woods.  It was quiet and Xander respected that by not talking for a bit.  He looked happy being there with him.  Xander finally pulled them up to the spot he had chosen, handing over the basket behind his saddle so he could get down.  Then he helped Horatio down, letting them work together to spread out the blanket and china, plus the stemware.  Xander had gotten them a bottle of very good red wine to go with the lasagna he had adored the last time.  They even had real silverware.  He smiled and fed him a bite, getting a smile and fed back.  It was good.  Xander unwrapped the bakery cookies when he was done, sharing them with him, settling in against his side while they watched the sun set over Miami.  The horses came over to nuzzle, getting petted and some treats from the basket as well.  When the light was going toward dusk he got them repacked and helped Xander back into his saddle, remounting his own horse.  They let the horses lead the way back to the stable.  They knew where home was better than either of them.  They got back there and the groom took the horses with a smile and a wink at Xander, handing him something.

Xander looked inside the envelope and laughed, hugging Horatio.  "Grandfather said he's going to blow her up for us."  He kissed him, then smiled.  "Home?"

"Yours or mine?"

"Mine?  It's more private.  Or we could go to yours but I have to tell Tony.  You're off tomorrow, even if I do have school.  We can go watch the ocean?"

"We'll go to yours," he decided, getting into his hummer.  He followed Xander back to his house, parking in the garage.  There was a spot for his hummer, it was always like that.  He got out, taking Xander's hand as they walked out to the gazebo, settling in to watch the night come up over the water, just cuddling close by and not talking for now.  Horatio nuzzled the dark hair.  "Where am I sleeping tonight?" he asked quietly.

"I'll leave that up to you.  I didn't plan this to seduce you, Horatio, just to spend good time with you."  He looked up, seeing the smile.  "If you want to pounce me I'm all for it but that wasn't why I planned this date."  He snuck a kiss and went back to cuddling in with him.  "This is one of my favorite views.  I eat breakfast out here some mornings."

"That's because you sleep out here, sir," the guard coming their way said dryly.  "Tony said the house is locked as of ten minutes from now if you don't have your keys.  He's off to bed.  Cook's in bed too."  He nodded at Horatio.  "Fair warning and all, sir."  He walked off again, going back to his patrol route, which was not nearby.

"Tony made him detour from the fence," Xander said quietly.  "There's no guard out here usually."  Horatio gave him a squeeze.  "Want to head back inside?

"Do you have your keys?"  Xander held them up.  "Then we'll be fine."  He nuzzled him again, getting comfortable to share the night with him.  It was a beautiful, romantic view. He looked down when he heard the soft snore, settling in with a smile.  The boy had the benches out here padded very well.  He was nearly asleep too.  He let himself drift off.

***

Tony checked the cameras when he got up the next morning, calling the school first.  "It's Tony for Xander.  He fell asleep in the gazebo.  He's still asleep in the gazebo."  The secretary laughed.  "Give me an hour to wake him."  He hung up, calling Speed.  "It's Tony.  They fell asleep in the gazebo watching the water.  Still are," he agreed.  "Heading there now with coffee.  Thanks."  He hung up, going to the kitchen.  "Cook, Xander's out in the gazebo."

"I'll make sure he has clean clothes laid out," she said, going to do that.  Tony carried out the thermos and two mugs, smiling at the cute picture they made.  Xander was on top of Horatio's chest.  One hand had made it into his shirt and was crinkling the fingers in and around his chest hair.  The other was fastened around Horatio's belt on his side.  He coughed politely, making Horatio look at him.  He held up the thermos.  "He has an hour to report to school.  He's already late by two.  It's almost ten," he said quietly, putting them just out of reach so Xander wouldn't fall on them when he got up.  He walked off smiling.  It was very cute how Xander had been petting his Horatio kitty's stomach.

Horatio looked down at his chest, smiling at the young man there.  "Xander?" he asked quietly.   He got a hum.  "Xander?" he asked again.

"No mermaids."

"No, no mermaids.  School."

"Bugger."

Horatio kissed his hair.  "That's for a later time."  Xander gave him a confused look.  "We fell asleep out here."  Xander smiled and put his head back down.  "It's nearly ten, Xander.  You're late for school."

"Bugger."

Horatio laughed.  "You said that already.  Tony said you had an hour."

Xander used the hand on Horatio's belt to pat himself down until he found his cellphone  "It's Benis.  Is it really important I don't skip today?"  He blinked.  "Why do I need a career fair?  I have a career."  He listened to the headmaster.  "I still have a career.  I have a foundation.  Didn't you see the paper? Or didn't it make it in there?"  The headmaster said it had.  "Want me to be honest?  I'm on top of my boyfriend sleeping in the gazebo after watching the stars come out last night.  No, I'm dressed.  Comfortable but dressed."  He scratched his chest again, getting a small moan.  "I can be undressed if you want me to.  Is it really going to impact my grades to skip today?  He's got today off work."  He looked at Horatio, who shrugged.  "Because he's with the lab and I'm his favorite specimen to examine," he said bluntly.  The headmaster spluttered.  "Can I please have today?  I'll tell the coach myself.  Thank you.  No, no tests that anyone told me and they usually try to tell me anymore.  Thanks."  He hung up and hit a speed dial button, getting his coach.  "I'm on top of Horatio, I was napping on top of Horatio in the gazebo.  I'm giving my shoulder the day off to rest."  He hung up, tossing it onto the floor, going back to cuddling him, turning his head in the other direction.  "Comfy?"

"Very," Horatio admitted.  "I could use a bathroom break sometime soon."  Xander groaned, getting up with a grimace.  "What hurts?"

"Shoulder, knee, the usual," he admitted.  "I swell in the humidity sometimes."  He took a kiss and poured him coffee, handing it over.  "Since I have today free, what should we do with the day?"

"Tell me when you're going back to Sunnydale?"

"Two weeks after State."

"Should you go to State?"

"One of the guys is in rehab for meth and crack.  His parents found him smoking."  He took a sip, moaning in pleasure.  "The good stuff even.  I love Cook."  He grinned.  "Chad's going in for more surgery.  We're down to no alternates at the moment. I had to call Diego to come back, Horatio.  I have to go to State or we're a man down.  Then I've got six months before I have to strain my shoulder again.  I can spend all that time diving even."  That got a smile.  "I have to go to State and I have to go back to Sunnydale to stop a nefarious plan."  He finished his cup of coffee, taking another kiss. "But I can see a potty and shower break in the near future if you want."

"I wouldn't mind changing.  Then what?"

"It's your day off, you pick.  I picked yesterday."

Horatio smiled and nodded. "I'll think of something while we're in the shower."

"Ooh, we?" Xander asked, wiggling some.

Horatio took another kiss. "If you're a good boy and get me more coffee?"  Xander poured him more, taking some for himself too.  "Thank you, Xander.  For this and last night."

Xander smiled.  "I love spoiling you.  Besides, you looked very manly on the horse.  Made me all hot and I wanted to pounce but I can't break Grandmother's glasses."

"I'll keep that in mind when I pounce later."  He picked up the thermos, walking back while they finished their coffee.  He did button up his shirt but Xander only winked at that.  He walked them in through the kitchen, handing over their empty mugs and the thermos with a kiss to Cook's cheek.  "Thank you."

"Welcome, Horatio.  Xander, I did the glasses and things in the picnic basket and sent them back to your grandfather."

"Thank you.  We're going to shower and I'm going to skip school.  My shoulder aches."  He walked past Tony, giving him a hug.  Though he did wince when he put his arm down.  "I need to rest it," he said quietly.

"I've been there.  Have a good day playing hooky."  Xander smiled and nodded, going to shower with Horatio.   "I'm calling your doctor," he called after him once he was out of pouncing range.

"Don't you dare," Xander called from the upper hallway.

"Too late," he said as he dialed.  "Hi, it's Tony DiNozzo for Xander Benis.  Shoulder," he said when the older man asked him what was wrong.  "Sore, stiff.  He sprained it a few times in the last month.  The usual again.  Please.  He's playing hooky today."  He smiled.  "Well, his boyfriend has the day off too...."  He smiled.  "Thanks."  He hung up, sending a text message to Horatio's phone to expect the doctor at lunchtime.  It was the only way Xander would go.  It'd take both of them to force him to admit he was having a problem.  Or Horatio could distract him while the doctor worked on him.  That worked too.

***

Xander got out of his rental car, straightening out his suit on the way inside City Hall. "Is the Mayor around please?" he asked, giving the receptionist his most charming smile.  She nodded, buzzing him in.  "Thank you."  He walked in, closing the door behind himself at the horrified look.  "You so screwed up," he said quietly.  "You have no idea who I am, do you?"

"You're the Harris brat," he said bluntly.

"I'm the grandson of Patrick Benis and his Sire, Raphael DeLaurentis."  The man went pale.  "And you sent someone to Miami to take blood from me.  At least they waited until after I won the state meet again," he said, sitting down, getting comfortable while staring at him.  "You see, I've done research about why you needed it.  It was particularly flashy to find mine since you could've used anyone here's blood.  Particularly stupid as well.  It let others know about your plans."

"You can't stop me."

"Yes I can," Xander said.  He tossed something onto the desk, then calmly leaned forward and stabbed it with the dagger he had on his waist.  The wish demon clouded into view.  "Hi.  Xander Benis."

"I know."  He looked at him.  "You're here?"

"He had me assaulted to take my blood.  That's your calling, isn't it?  Protecting those who were assaulted?  Innocents especially, Phil?"

The wish demon nodded.  "I am over those who were attacked."  He looked at the mayor, freezing him so he could look at Xander.  "Lots of us have been wondering when someone would call."

"Here I am," Xander said.  "Let's see what we can do."  He looked at him.  "The spiders were after my attack.  I can't change that because too much happened, but let's make it so the spiders either didn't work or he couldn't eat them," he told the demon, looking at him.  "Up to you as to whichever is easier."

The demon considered it.  "We can do that."  He smiled.  "Tell Anya I said hi."  Xander looked confused.  "You'll be seeing her soon."  He winked.  "I do like the koi ad by the way.   It's adorable."  Xander beamed at that, standing up.  "Go be a good boy."

"I'm going to visit the friends I haven't seen in a while.  Be safe and well.  Many happy hunts."  He walked off, heading back out to the car.  The Mayor screamed and he stopped the receptionist.  "I wouldn't.  I just pointed out the fallacy of having people come attack me in Miami a while back.  He's not happy."  He walked out to his car, driving it over to the school he had passed on the way in.  He parked in visitor parking, smiling since the parking lot was nearly empty.  Apparently they got out earlier than his school did.  He got out and walked into the office.  "Hi, I was wondering if you could help me.  Is Willow Rosenburg still here?" he asked the secretary.

"She's around here," she agreed.  "Who're you?  I don't recognize you."

Xander grinned.  "We used to be best friends so I needed to catch up to her."

"Sure.  She's in the library."  She pointed.  "Up the stairs to the left."

"Thank you."  He looked at the pouting student in there, noticing she gave him that same twitch the other demon did.  "Anya?"  She nodded, frowning at him. "Phil just said hi.  I just ran into him at City Hall."  She gaped so he walked off, heading up the stairs at a jog.  He found the library, it was noisy.  He walked in and turned down the noise, making everyone look at him.  "I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet."  He grinned at the redhead.  "Don't remember me?"  He grinned brighter.

"Xander!" she breathed, hopping up to hug him.  "Why are you here?"

"I had to come make a point to someone.  I thought we should catch up."

"Wow!  Your grandfather offered Jesse and me the chance to come down to Miami for the summers but our parents decided not to let us go.  Jesse!" she yelled.  "Xander's back!"  He came jogging out of the stacks, pouncing Xander for a hug.   She sat down with him.  "So, how's Miami?"

"Bright and pretty," he said smugly.  "Grandfather and Sire have been great to me through everything."

"Wow.  Hold on, sire?"   She gave him an odd look.

He pulled out an envelope, holding it up.  "I was told to give this to a Mr. Giles and you would know who he was?  Grandsire said some of the Chronicles were crap."  A male coughed from the desk so he looked over.  "That'd be you?"  He nodded so Xander walked it over there.  "Xander Harris-Benis," he introduced, getting an awed look.  "I grew up with Jesse and was Willow's best friend until my grandparents saved me.  Sire said that the Chronicler who did Grandfather's was a moron."  He looked at Willow.  "We should go catch up."

"We're, um, kinda in the middle of a problem, Xander," Jesse said.  "Maybe in about an hour?"

"Would that problem be why the Mayor had me attacked for hellmouth baby blood a few years back?" he asked bluntly.  "Because Phil and I just talked and Phil made it so the spiders weren't quite as effective as they should have been.  If he got to eat them at all."  They all gaped.  "It's a lesson many people have had to learn.  Fucking with me pisses me off and I react.  I've snuck ways to train myself for those odd moments I have to react.  So, now that the ascension's over with, since he can't turn without the spiders having worked, pizza?  Tacos?  I'll treat since I'm earning a paycheck.  I'll even drive if you two don't."

Giles spluttered.  "What did you do?"

Xander looked back at him.  "I talked to a vengeance demon named Phil.  He's over those attacked unfairly," he said quietly.  "He also said to tell Anya hi but I saw her in the office when I stopped to check in and ask for directions."  He grinned happily.  "Can I take them to dinner?"

"Go ahead," he said, staring at the odd young man.

"Come on, guys, I even rented the good sports coupe."  They nodded, gathering their stuff to follow him out.

Giles read over the information, including the note of what Xander had just done.  Someone had helped the boy.  He relaxed and smiled.  The other Watcher assigned to the hellmouth stomped in with Anya.  He held out the notes.  "Father Benis said the information we have on him is shite," he said blandly.  The younger man squeaked and read over the notes, waving the top one.  "The mayor decided to go after a young man who used to be Willow and Jesse's best friend.  Father Benis' grandson."

"Oh, God," he said weakly.  "Are we done?"  Giles smirked.  "We are?"

"I think so.  Look over the note on what Xander just did."  He looked then smiled.  "So we may not have as many problems as we thought."

"Thank God for the others having sense.  So, what was the boy like?"

"Very strong yet a bit calm.  He stood like he's had some self-defense training.  The boy clearly had a clue.  Father Benis sent that to me."  He took it back, going to send it to the people who wrote the Chronicles with the note that said it had been delivered by Father Benis' grandson.

***

That night, Xander was walking Jesse and Willow home when they ran into vampires.  Not all that unexpected on a hellmouth really.  "What do you want?" he demanded calmly.

"Xander, you...."

"I'm not going to stake them.  Two of my favorite people are vampires."  He grabbed one and snapped his neck.  "Doesn't mean I won't defend myself," he said, staring down at him.  "That was very stupid."  The others looked restless so he looked at them.  "Not like it'd kill them."

A blonde girl walked through the crowd of vampires, staking as she walked.  "Gee, he's cute and all....  Didn't you do a watch ad?"   Xander grinned and nodded.  "Wow.  Willow knows hotty guys."

"Thank you, miss," he said, bowing to her.  He grinned at Willow and Jesse.  "So, should we continue walking you two home?"

"I can do that, but you should probably go," the blonde girl said.  "They get upset when you do less than stake them."

"Buffy, my grandfather and sire are both very nice vampires who don't hunt.  I'm not going to stake them unless I have no choice.  I can snap their necks since it won't hurt them and they'll be down for a few hours."

"That's reasonable.  You should still probably go.  We've got big, bad problems around here."

"Xander made it so he couldn't eat the spiders after all," Willow said proudly.

"He really shouldn't have sent thugs to Miami to beat me after a meet," he said simply.  He grinned.  "But I wouldn't mind walked back to my car, ma'am."

Buffy nodded.  "Sure, we can do that.  Guys, want to say goodbye here or there?"

Jesse gave Xander a hug.  "I'll come visit your bikinis soon, Xander."

"Of course. We have some great bikinis."  He hugged Willow too.  "You can write. You taught me."  She laughed and swatted him on the arm.  "You did."  He took Buffy's arm.  "Shall we?"

"Okay."  She waved.  "I'll see you two soon."  She walked Xander back to where his car was parked.  "So you live in Miami?"

"I do.  My grandparents took me from my parents when I was five for abusing me."  He looked at her.  "They got arrested about five years ago."  He pointed his keychain remote at the rental car, turning off the alarm since it was going off.  "Hmm.  Petty jealousy."

Buffy looked then at him.  "We don't get tow trucks out here after hours."

Xander grinned.  "I live around some minor gang violence now and then.  Plus they have plans for that."  He went to the trunk, getting the cans of 'fix a flat' that were in the trunk and the automatic air pump.  He got both the popped tires reinflated.  "That will get me out of town."  She beamed.  "I thank you for the charming escort, Buffy."

"Not a problem."  Someone came out of the school.  "Troll alert," she said grimly.

Xander gave his best politician's smile to the principal.  "Yes?  I was just getting ready to leave."

"Who are you?"

"Xander Benis."  He smiled.  "I came to see some of the friends I used to have when I lived here."

"You were at City Hall."

"I know I was.  He made a severe tactical error by having me attacked.  Pity."  The principal sneered.  "I've seen society matrons do that look *so* much better," he sneered back.  "Including teenage girls.  Now, is there anything else, Mr...whoever-you-are?  Because not introducing yourself is rude."

"I am the principal of this school."

"Good, then I'll be filing the papers with the rental company to have you charged for someone vandalizing my car while it was on your lot."  He gaped.  "There is the expectation that somewhere like a school would have, oh I don't know, security to stop things like that."  Someone else came huffing up.  "Ah, Mr. Mayor.  How are you enjoying your day?  It was a glorious afternoon, wasn't it?  And the sunset was beautiful as well, I thought.  Didn't you?" he asked with a pleasant, fake smile.  Buffy coughed, turning away to laugh.

"You won't get away with this.  I can work around that *injunction* you created," he sneered.

"As I was telling the principal of this...mediocre educational establishment, if that really since I had to do research on their graduation rates and things, I've seen teenagers and matrons sneer so much better."  He stared him down, moving closer.  Then he got something out of the trunk.  "Ah, this was what I forgot earlier.  Buffy, be a dear?  Knock him down and hold him for me please?  This won't hurt you."  She shrugged and did that while he poured the solution over the mayor, making him scream and kick.  He shook it to get the last out.  "Ah, there we are.  Now all the demon taint is leaving."  He handed her the beaker. "Sire was thinking about buying the whole town in a FEMA move and then destroying it.  He really does loathe this place."  He looked at the principal, noticing he was backing away.  He glanced at the man on the ground, watching as his true age started to show.  "Problems?"  He turned and looked at the other person.  "Angelus."  The man looked stunned.  "Xander Benis.  Grandson of Patrick."

"I've met your grandfather," he said, nodding from a safe distance.  "What did you do to him?"

Xander smiled.  "That potion will take the demon taint off him.  Removes all the markings, makes the taint flow out.  It's really not that hard to make.  Only works on humans who've made deals."  The vampire shuddered.  "Now."  He clapped his hands and kissed Buffy on the cheek.  "I should get back to Miami.  I have to work on my diving to see if I want to go back to it when I graduate and I have a boyfriend to woo and coddle until he quits being so noble and gives into my wicked desires."  He smiled.  "Do come down to see our bikinis.  You'll adore them.  We're all about the pretty in Miami."  Buffy smiled.  "Let me get out of your hair.  I'll call the rental company from out of town.  Do have a good celebration, my dear."  He waved and got into the car, starting it so he could back out and drive slowly.  Once he got past the city limits and his skin quit crawling with the demonic energy he used the on-star button on the car.  "Hi, I just had to reinflate two of my tires.  They got popped while I was visiting a friend," he told the person on the other end.

"Are you still moving, sir?"

"Yeah, I'm leaving Sunnydale now.  It's not that big of a town and doesn't have a garage."  He heard a bad noise, sighing.  "One just went.  I can stay here and wait.  Do you have my GPS?"

"We do and we can send you a tow truck," she promised.  "Wait in the car please.  That area's listed as dangerous."

"I will.  I'll be talking with my bodyguard the whole time.  Thank you."

"You're welcome, sir.  The tow truck is on it's way.  It is a platform truck from George's Towing."

"It'll be needed," he agreed.  "Thank you."  He hung up and called Tony.  "Tell the hovering ones I'm fine.  Still human, all that.  The cars tires got popped.  I met the principal.  He's got Napoleon syndrome and a 'tude but he saw me dose the mayor with the potion when the mayor decided to come bother me.  I left the beaker with Buffy and Angelus.  Tell them he said hello again."  He smiled.  "Willow and Jesse were great.  We got caught up.  They'll try to come down next year for spring break.  They're very cute.  Buffy was about armpit height on me.  Kinda gave me a few confused looks.  No, I'm waiting on the tow truck.  Two of my tires got popped while the car was sitting at the school.  Oh, tell them the principal sneered like a little girl.  I've seen matrons and teenage girls do it *so* much better."  Tony snickered at that.  "I have.  I do it better.  Buffy thought it was cute I was coming home to woo my boyfriend.  She gave me the 'awww, it's a kitty' look.  What do you think?  Dinner at the office?  Dinner at the house?  Or just pouncing this next time when I get home?"  Tony said dinner was a good start, then pouncing.  "True, he will need the energy."  He checked behind him.  "That may be my tow truck."  He rolled down a window when a guy got out of the truck.  "Did the rental company send you?"

"They did, sir," the driver said.

"That's my tow truck, Tony.  Of course I am."  He gathered his things from the car, packing them back into his bag before getting out.  He handed over the keys.  "I'm going back to LA so wherever they said to bring us is fine.  I can cab or whatever back."  Tony said something.  "Yes, Tony, I'm being safe," he promised.

"Step-parent?" the driver asked.

Xander looked at him.  "Bodyguard."  The man gave him an odd look.  "I was catching up with some old friends when two of the tires got popped.  I used the cans of fix-o-flat in the trunk and the air pump.  It got me out of town.  There wasn't a garage."

"I know.  Better not to stop in Sunnydale anyway, sir.  Go ahead and sit in the truck if you want."  He went back to arranging the truck so he could pull the car up onto the bed.

"See, I'm fine, Tony, and I'll be home in a few hours, by tomorrow night.  You know that.  Well, I could stop off in Vegas," he said as he got into the cab of the tow truck.  He kept himself from grimacing.  There was a lot of grease.  "Do you think the white meal at that one place?"  He smiled.  "That's what I was thinking.  Sure, we'll see.  Love you too, dear.  When can I get the dog?"  He laughed.  "That'll be fine.  I'll be back by then definitely."  He hung up when the driver got in.  "I know it's a bit late."

"We have guys working the night shift for a reason," he said, vamping out.

Xander smiled.  "Hi, Xander Benis.  Grandson of Father Patrick Benis and his sire."   The vampire went back to human face, giving him an odd look.  "So, how close to LA are you taking me?" he asked, smiling a bit.

"Probably most of the way.  There's not too many garages that're authorized this way."  He started the engine, getting them going.  "You know vampires?"

"I've been raised by two."

"Where?"

"Miami."

"I hear they've got a formidable couple down there."

"That would be Sire and Grandfather," Xander admitted.

"Big in gay rights?"  Xander nodded.  "Then you're like vamp royalty.  Are you going to be turned?"

"Probably not," he admitted.  "It's painful having to watch those you love die.  I'm already doing that with them," he said quietly.  "I don't want to go through that pain when my boyfriend dies."

"That's reasonable.  I guess.  It's not too bad.  Usually you move on and make new friends."

"I get along better with animals.  Maybe my future children."

"Sure, I get that.  I'll have to tell the guys I met you."

Xander smiled. "Tell them I'm cute too."

He laughed.  "Sure, I can do that.  You mind music?"

"Anything but country?" he suggested.

"I can do that."  He switched the station on the radio, going to something more pop oriented.  Xander relaxed, popping his neck, watching the scenery.  He was a nice kid.  The guys would get a kick out of this one.  He dropped him off outside the garage, letting him go inside to fill out the forms for the insurance company then call a cab.

***

Tony smiled when Xander came out of the security area of the airport, taking his bag.  "Long layover?" he teased at the yawn.

"There was a casino in the airport.  I stayed in there and had sodas."  He grinned at him.

"Are we broke?" he asked.

"Hardly."  He handed him something.  "From them."  Tony looked then at him, pausing to stare at him.  Xander turned and smiled.  "What?"

"You're so bad."

"I know.  James Bond marathons come in handy, huh?"  He beamed.  "I'm going to use it to spoil my baby horribly.  You can help me decide what I'm getting him."

"You could...." he said, starting to walk again.  "Spoil the department a bit.  They could use it."

"They could?"

"They're having budget issues for things like cruisers and an additional hummer.  Horatio was looking over grant applications the last time I popped in on him to update the brat's file.  Speaking of, you do remember you have court tomorrow?"

"Yup."  They got into the limo, letting him hug his grandparents.  "The vampire tow truck driver was very nice and he said hi.  He had heard that there was a very strong couple lording over Miami's society."  Raphael choked and Patrick spluttered.  "He was very nice to me."

Tony got in, shutting the door.  "We're in."  The driver took off.  "Vampire tow truck driver?"  Xander smiled and nodded.  "Uh-huh."  He looked at the two elder vampires.  "Well, at least he wasn't eaten."

"No, he wasn't."

"I told him I wasn't even thinking about it.  It's too painful watching people die.  Maybe my kids would want to be turned some year."  That got a smile from Raphael.  "Oh I met Angelus, said you said hello.  He looked very scared."  He beamed.  "He had that 'hovering over the pretty blonde girl' thing going."

"He's dating a slayer?" Raphael demanded.

"Maybe," Xander agreed, giving him another hug.  "Borrowed blood pressure's getting a bit high," he quipped, getting a swat for it, making him laugh.

"I have got to straighten that boy out when I run into him next time," Raphael complained.  "Either that or torture him again."

"Torturing vampires is still wrong," Patrick said calmly, giving Xander another hug.  "Why the layover?"

"I was gambling in the airport with my fake ID."

"How much did we lose?" Patrick said, giving him a look.  Xander handed over the form they had given him for his winnings, making him blink.  "Really?"

"I suggested that he spoil the department instead of just Horatio," Tony said from his corner seat.

"They could like that," Patrick agreed, smiling at his grandson.  "You are quite a spoiler."

"Yes, I am, because I learned from you two."  That got happier smiles and they hugged him again.  They would forget about the vampire tow truck driver and Angelus for now.

***

Xander walked into Horatio's office with a bag and a card.  "Lunch?"

"Long meeting in about an hour," he said, smiling at him.  "But I could use something to fortify me."

Xander kissed him on the forehead.  "You look like you have a headache too."  He put down the bag in front of him.  "Chinese, what you like."  That got a brighter smile.  "Grandfather said my ability at baccarat was unholy so therefore I had to spoil you with it to make myself clean again."  He put down the card.  "Open it at the meeting, not before."  He moved around to work on his shoulders, making Horatio moan while he ate.  Speed leaned in.  "He has a headache."

"I can tell."  He grinned, leaving a report and walking off.  He shook his head at Calleigh.  "Xander brought him lunch and is doing the stress knots in his shoulders good."

"Awww.  That's good spoiling."

"It is.  Xander is a fusser, just like his grandfather is," Speed said happily.  Horatio let out a loud moan, making them both giggle.  "Xander's working on his shoulders," he announced at the others staring up at the office.  "He brought him Chinese food and is doing a shoulder rub.  I was just up there."  Horatio came to the door, giving him a look.  "Got a bit loud, H."

"The knot on the back of my neck finally released."  That got some clapping.  He shut the door, going back to letting himself be pampered. "What's in the card?"

"You'll see."

"Is it a personal present?"

"You'll see at the meeting.  It'll make it shorter."  He kissed him on top of the head.  "There you go."  He took a proper kiss, smiling at him.  "Eat and no peeking at your birthday present."  He strolled off, heading back to the courthouse.  His stalker's complaint was being heard today.  He strolled inside, getting through security easily enough.  A few reporters gave him an odd look.  "Stalker brat," he said dryly, waving a hand.  "Trying to claim the sperm I have stored."  That got some groans.  "That was my feeling.  That and a lot of swearing," he agreed.  He met up with his attorney, smiling as he shook his hand.  "My other mission was accomplished.  Horatio can move his head again.  All the knots are gone from his neck.  He has a good lunch with him.  His birthday present is in front of him with orders not to open it until the meeting.  Is it time?"

"Nearly."  He walked him inside, sitting down with him, blocking her view of Xander.

The judge came in and they both stood until she sat down then they sat again.  She banged the gavel.  "I see we have a petition here to stop Mr. Benis from using his stored semen with anyone other than his current lover?"

"No, Your Honor," Xander's attorney said.  "They're not dating."

She looked at him then at the other attorney.  "They're not?"

"My client insists that they are," he said.  "She said they have been dating since Mr. Benis was ten."

"That's a bit young," the judge noted.  She looked at Xander's attorney.  "Did they perhaps break up?"

"No, Your Honor, they've never dated.  Mr Benis is gay.  We have substantiated reports from the local police department," he said, putting each one in front of him. "The FBI, the local crime lab, and sixteen different society matrons saying that they are not dating and she is in fact stalking him.  That along with the protection order he has against her," he added that to the stack.  "Plus the fact that he does loathe her because she has now been linked to seventeen homicides but the local crime lab can't find a concrete enough connection to arrest her, even though they do know it is her."  He handed the stack to the bailiff so he could hand them to the judge.  "I also have in here statements from Mr. Benis's present boyfriend, his grandparents, his head of security, his grandparent's head of security, and another officer out of the New York labs saying that she has been stalking him now for months.  I do not know where the ten-year-old figure came from but I do know it has been months since she's made herself known."

Xander raised a hand.  "There have been uncorroborated blips in my life since I was about fourteen.  Hackers messing with my school schedule and things, but we can't prove who it was."  He put his arm down.

The judge nodded at that, looking over the statements.  She looked over at one.  "You're dating him?"  He nodded.  "Interesting.  Good taste, young man."

"He understands me," Xander said quietly.  She smiled at that.  "Your Honor, I would like to have my attorney file a mental health petition as well against her.  It's clear she's not stable.  Would we do that through you?"

"I can consider that motion," she agreed, going through the other statements.  She finally looked at the lawyer for the young woman.  "Do you have any proof they're together?"

"We have statements saying they have appeared in public together.  Not always as a date but at the same events."

Xander's lawyer shook his head.  "Both of them are in society, Your Honor.  Of course they were at the same events.  Her mother claims she has a crush on him.  Her father knows there's a problem but can't seem to fix it."

"Why do you have semen stored already, Mr. Benis?"

"My grandfather is very ill and asked me to," he said honestly.  "That way if something happened to me I could still have an heir down the line.  He wishes before he dies but I've still not graduated yet."

"At your age?"

"He had to claim me at five and Miami's birthday cut off rule left me not starting until six," he said calmly.  "I get that a lot."  She smiled and nodded, going back to the other lawyers.  "I can find someone to substantiate who I came to which event with if it would help.  I can call one of the society reporters.  They do keep track of those things."

"Please," the judge agreed.

Xander pulled out his phone and personal phone book from his shirt pocket, finding a number.  "This is Xander Benis.  I need a society reporter's help.  Please.  Marigold, dear, I'm in court.  My stalker has decided that we've been together since I was ten.  The judge needs to know who I came to certain events with since then.  Can I count on you?  Right now actually.  Well, it would give you the scoop on my stalker, who is also in society.  Try the mayor's daughter," he said dryly.  She gasped and babbled.  "It does make sense, doesn't it.  We're here now and the judge would need that, yes.  Thank you, dear."  He hung up.  "She said let her gather a few notes and she'll be right over."

"I'll have Tony wait and escort her up," Xander's attorney promised, texting that to him.

"Who is this Tony?"

"My personal bodyguard and head of security for the Benis Foundation, Your Honor," Xander told her.

"Ah.  I see.  That's ...reasonable."  Xander nodded.  "Have there been other issues?"

"She's tried to get Tony fired, tried to get my lawyer to put her name on my legal affairs, trying to get my parents out of jail recently for *some* reason."

"They'll agree with me," she hissed.

"They tried to have me kidnaped and sold me to a pedophile to pay for it," Xander said bluntly.  "If I wasn't as good as I am at escaping, I'd be horribly dead by now."  He looked at the judge again.  "That's how I met most of the New York lab actually.  All I want is for her to be far, far away from me and to leave me the hell alone forever.  I don't care how it happens at the moment.  Frankly, she scares the crap out of me.  She's killed seventeen people, Your Honor.  The FBI is even starting to get interested in her."

Tony walked a harried looking brunette woman in.  "Here you go, Your Honor."

"Thank you...."

"Tony DiNozzo.  Formerly a Special Agent with NCIS."

"He chose well for a head of security."

"He needs me."  He sat down behind Xander, patting him on the back.  "Stay calm," he said quietly.

"I am.  Thank you, Marigold."

"You're most welcome, Xander.  You know we adore you.  You're the one who gives us the least work and stress.  I don't get to get gleeful about your downfall but that's better for humanity anyway."  She handed over notes.  "Those are all the notes I have from my database about who he came to each event with and what sort of event it was.  I pulled what I have on her as well, Your Honor. If I can answer further questions, just ask."

"Thank you."  She looked it over, smiling at all the entries of 'grandfather Patrick' in the spreadsheet report.  She finally looked over.  "I can't see a single event where it was reported you two were together."

"They're not," Marigold said.  "Xander's very gay, Your Honor.  He's always said bi but with the pressure some of the females in society put on him he shies away from women.  I do know he's dating at the moment...."  She smiled at him.  "Can I know?"

"If you don't out him," Xander agreed.  She shrugged.  "Think...best friend."  She gaped then squeaked and nodded.  "Which is why you cannot out him."

"I won't.  Oooh, that's going to be juicy though."  She smiled at the judge.  "Sorry, professional interest.  I'm nosy, it's part of the calling."

"I'm sure it makes you good at your job."  She looked at Xander.  "He does know your age?"

"He's known me since I was little.  He helped me celebrate my last birthday.  It's a very recent development.  Since I moved actually."

"Good."  She looked at the young woman then at her attorney.  "Do you have any proof that they were together secretly?"

"I'd have seen that, Your Honor.  We follow Mr. Benis around most of the time.  He is a person of great interest in the local news and we want to know what and who he's doing all the time.  We have more photographs of him at rest than we do of some stars being naughty.  I have not seen him even talk to her in three years."

"I talked to her once last year, told her to go away," Xander admitted. "I was in the bathroom though."

"Would you deign to do an interview?" Marigold asked.  He pointed at Tony.  "I'll talk to him," she agreed happily. "There's things your fans want to know."

"I get approval," Tony ordered calmly.

"Of course.  Aren't you so adorable!"  She pinched him on the cheek.  "He chose very well.  I did a background on you, Mr. DiNozzo."  He smirked back.  "Beauty and brains."

"He's mine!" the girl snapped.  "He has been mine.  I don't care about his little gay affairs.  A good society wife can overlook those since there's no issue, but Xander is mine and he will be staying mine.  All issue from him should be mine."

"I don't see proof that you're together," the judge told her.  "I'm seeing overwhelming proof you're not together really."

Xander looked over.  "If you were mine, you'd know what my middle name in, what one thing I will not eat ever again and why, and what shape the birthmark on my inner thigh is."  She gaped at him.  "Can you answer any of those?"

"I can answer two," Marigold said.  Xander smiled at her but his eyes told her to quit being so flamboyant so she quit.

"Those are things I would expect a close lover to know," the judge agreed.  "Can you, miss?"

She sneered. "I don't have to prove it.  He is mine and he's staying mine.  I've made sure of it."

"Your Honor, we'd like to have her put in for a mental health exam at this time since she's clearly just made a threat against the family," Tony said, standing up.

"You won't save them.  He'll be mine and only mine," she sneered.  "The whole family but him is going away.  They won't keep him and I will have him!  No one is going to keep him from me!"

"Your Honor?" Tony said.

"Go call someone," she ordered.

He nodded going to do that.

"Your Honor, we would like to her to have a psychiatric evaluation," her lawyer agreed.  "Please.  I think it would solve any reluctance they had on their part about her suit."  He gave her a panicked look.  His client had just went psycho and he had no idea how to deal with it.

The judge nodded.  "I think that's an excellent idea.  Bailiff?"  He came over to handcuff her but she knocked him down.  Xander got across the table and pinned her down, handcuffing her while she shrieked and complained.  "You're good."

"Martial arts," he said dryly.  "I'm also hyperactive."  He grinned sweetly.  "I'm going to go save my family now.  Marigold, sometime next week providing I don't have a funeral to attend?"  She nodded, getting out of his way.  "Thank you, Your Honor.  Excuse my hasty retreat."  He walked outside, jogging down the stairs to find Tony already had the car started.  "Who's where?" he asked, putting the car into gear and backing out, then speeding off.  "Call Dispatch to make sure I don't get stopped?"  He sped up, taking the next corner at closer to eighty and still going faster.

Tony did that.  "Horatio, please call Dispatch and have them not stop us.  She's done something to try to take out the family.  No, Xander's driving the porsche a bit fast," he admitted, clutching the bar over the door.   "He makes Gibbs' driving  look sane at the moment."  He squeezed his eyes shut.  "We just went around cruiser 1420.  Thank you."  He looked back as lights came on behind him.  The car followed.  "Good.  It got through.  Don't kill us."

"I'm not."  He shifted up again, putting the accelerator all the way down.  He fingered the remote for the gate.  "Call?"

"Calling."  He called the house.  "Stay inside, do not move, open the gates," he ordered.  "Xander's driving.  Open the gates.  She threatened the family, Thomas.  We're doing about one-fifty.  Open the damn gates."  He hung up and Xander shifted down suddenly, spinning around a corner and then going back up.  "Where did you learn how to drive like this?  You never said you took high speed pursuit driving classes."

"Video games," he said dryly.  He shifted back down when he spun into the gates, parking with a screech of tires.  He got out, looking at the officer.  "The family was threatened.  With me."  He walked to the door, looking at it.  Someone shot at him.  "Fucking sniper," he said, pulling his gun, but Tony took it from him. "Hey!"

"I'm still a better shot and your head of security," he said firmly, covering him.  "Inside. That was a warning."  Xander walked inside with the officer while Tony called in the shot fired.  He ran a hand over the doorway.  "Xander?"  He leaned out.  "Feel this."

He felt along the same area, then came out to look.  "Fuck me," he growled.  Thomas backed away.  "Out the back gate, people.  Someone mined the house with explosives!"  They all ran.  "Take the important papers and baby books too!" he called.  "Go with the evacuation plan!"  He looked at Tony.  "Call Don or Mac.  Have Uncle Don drug to the safe house one way or another.  I just found a trigger."  Tony backed off, doing that.  He called Horatio too.  Bomb squad got there first.  Xander nodded them over.  "Under my middle finger is a depression trigger.  There's wires running all over the doorframe that should not be here.  We had a sniper try to hit me with a warning shot."  The officer nodded, moving around him.  "We're not sure if the rest is mined but they're using very thin wires."

"I can see."  He looked it over.  "I'm not seeing the payload."

"We had to have the front steps repaired recently thanks to the anti-gay league," Tony offered from a safer distance. The fence was shielding his position from the sniper but he was still close enough to react.  "Check there.  Or even is it the grout between the stones?"

He looked then nodded.  "Yeah, that is.  Good eye."   He looked at him.  "I heard you were a Fed."

"NCIS under Gibbs," he admitted, waving a bit.  He ducked at another shot, getting out of sight.  "Officer?"

"I'm fine," he promised.  "Just in pain."

Xander looked then leaned down.  "Inside.  Tell the others."  Tony came over to get him evacuated and Xander took a deep, calming breath.  "I'm going to kill her," he noted.  "Anyone mind?"  Tony only gave him a look.  "Thanks.  Do we have another bomb tech?"

"They're at another one.  She planted another one," the tech said, letting the officer call it in and hold pressure on the new hole in his arm.

Xander used his free hand to find his phone, calling someone. "Captain, I've got my finger on a depression trigger on the doorframe at Grandfather's house.  There's explosives in the front step.  Please.  She set another one.  Tony's here.  The bomb guy's injured from a sniper.  Please."  He hung up, looking at their escorting officer who had been making sure everyone else was out of the house.  "Get him help.  Get him safely away.  Whoever she hired won't hesitate.  Am I clear?"  He nodded, going to evacuate the injured tech.  Tony looked over from his protected spot.  "Not how I envisioned today going," he decided.

"No, I thought you'd be planning dinner with Horatio tonight.  Finish spoiling him for his birthday."  A jeep pulled in and parked.  "The sniper?"

"Found 'im," the older man said, coming over.  "Shit, boy.  You do get into trouble."

"I try very hard not to.  This was the stalker bitch," he said dryly.  "She's put a contract or something out on the whole family."

"Ten mil.  Your grandparents and all their staff.  The local lab.  The New York lab and your uncle.  If they have to do you they have to do you."  He looked at him.  "She's where?"

"Mental help.  I handcuffed her myself.  She got the bailiff."

"Good.  Hopefully she stays."

"I got the rest of everyone out," Tony said.  "We've got evacuation plans already set up.  I'm taking Xander to his as soon as you can get him free."

"Agreed."  He looked.  "Well, this is pretty."  Horatio's hummer pulled in and he hopped out as soon as it stopped.  "Get me my tool kit, son."  He did that, coming over. "Morning."

"Morning," Horatio said grimly.  He looked at Xander. "You made the Chief dance."

"I thought I'd spoil you rotten for your birthday," he quipped.  Horatio smiled.  "Dinner later while we're all in protective custody?  Speaking of, Tony, dear?"

"Already calling.  Keep getting a busy signal."

"Son, your whole lab is part of the hit," the Captain said grimly.  "Ten mil to take out his family, your lab, Taylor's lab, and his uncle."

"I told Mac to drag Don to safety even if he has to knock him out," Tony promised.  "Calleigh, Tony.  There's a hit on the lab.  No, not the Mala Noche idiots.  Xander's stalker put out a ten million dollar contract on your lab, Taylor's lab, his family including me, and his uncle.  I told Mac.  I'm telling you.  Horatio's here and I'm evacuating him as soon as we get Xander's hand off the bomb trigger.  Yes, I mean now.  Thank you.  We had a sniper here trying to shoot the people helping Xander off the bomb.  It's a real threat."  He hung up.  "Okay, we'll see what we need to do to help them."  He came closer.  "Need me?"

"Out of the way," the Captain ordered.

"Yes, sir."  He stepped back.  "Horatio, Calleigh said I am taking you into protective custody as well.  Do not argue.  Am I clear?"  He nodded at that.  "Good."

***

Mac hung up with Tony and stormed out of his office.  "Everyone!"  Everyone came out of their labs, looking at him.  "Someone has placed a hit on this lab.  We are part of a ten million dollar contract.  This is a credible threat that has already been acted on.  You are staying here until I can get the PD to move you and your families to safety.  Am I clear?"  They all nodded, Danny biting his lip.  He looked at him.  "A stalker," he said bluntly.  Stella swore.  "Exactly.  I'm going to take Flack since he's named specifically.  We're named as accessories.  Do not move from the lab.  Get whoever's out back here.  Cases are hereby handed over to non-felony or one of the other felony labs.  Do it now, Stella.  You're in charge."  She nodded, going to make that call.  He stormed over to Don's desk, opening his desk drawer to get the keys.  "Let's go."

"What did I do?" he asked, looking confused.

"His stalker put out a contract on the family, Don.  All of you and us.  Ten million.  You're going or you're going drugged unconscious.  We're going now."

"I can..."

Mac knocked him out.  He nodded at his captain.  "You were briefed on his nephew's stalker.  She put out a ten million dollar contract on my lab, him specifically, and all Xander's family so she could have him.  Xander's presently on a bomb and there was a sniper.  I'm taking him to safety.  There's an emergency procedure set up.  Stella's already covering who I didn't call.  Get patrol outside my lab, lock it down."  He nodded, going to do that while he walked the unconscious man out.  He handed one of the guys at the desk his keys.  "Go get *my* car.  Start it, bring it around.  He tried to argue with me and there's a contract out on him.  It's already been tried this morning we think."  Don's car hadn't wanted to start and he wasn't sure it wasn't related.  They nodded, going to do that.  Don groaned so he knocked him back out, dragging him outside and into the car.  He walked around to drive.  "Thanks."  He headed off, taking him to the emergency condos they had set up.  He got them there after driving around for a while to lose any tails, then inside.  "Hey, this is Detective Flack."

The guard looked then at him.  "Keys, sir?"  He held them up.  They got a nod.  "He's in 2-B.  Threat?"

"Contract out on his life."  He walked him to the elevator.  "If anyone authorized calls, he's here, he's safe, I did have to knock him out."

"I was hoping it was something like that," he agreed, making that note in the system.  His boss sent back a note and he responded the detective had been unconscious but it had been another detective who had brought him in.  That was fine with his boss so it was with him.  He called the number he had in Miami, getting a tired sounding voice.  "Father, Neil with the condo's security force.  Detective Flack was just dragged in unconscious by another detective, sir.  They wanted you to know."  He smiled and nodded.  "Yes, sir, very safe.  Wasn't bleeding.  Apparently he argued."  He laughed.  "That does describe the one who carried him in, yes, Father.  Thank you, sir."  He hung up and made another note of the threat.  This building was a secure building.  No one was getting in without the proper keys.

***

The Captain cut the last wire, backing off.  "Okay, boy.  Let's ease off the switch slowly.  Come this way."  Xander nodded, coming outside.  "Good boy."  He got him out of the way.  "Okay, we're clear.  Horatio, tell the young pups to come check the rest of the house.  This was very sophisticated."  He looked at Xander.  "Your family?"

"Safer.  I'm going to kill her if they let her out."

"I need the information on the contract," Tony said, pulling Xander over to look at him.

"I've got it at the shop.  Come get it tonight once you've got them to safety."  He looked at him.  "Nice driving."

Xander gave him a sheepish grin.  "It's a powerful engine.  Good thing, huh?"  He pulled Horatio over, checking him over.  "Okay, Tony.  Come on, Horatio."

"Xander..."

"Don't make me knock you out like Taylor did to Flack," Tony ordered.  "You're going at least for tonight, Horatio.  Until we can have the contract canceled people would take it to get rid of the two labs even if they didn't care about the family.  We're going, you included.  Get in the car."  He nodded, getting into Xander's car.  He looked at him.  "Straight there.  Got the keys?"  He held up his.  "Good.  Straight there.  I'll be there in about an hour, let me coordinate and get that information."  He nodded, getting in to drive them there.  "Captain."

"Agent DiNozzo.  I know your boss."

"A lot of people do, sir."  He shook his hand.  "I need that information file."

"Meet me at the shop, kid."  Tony nodded, letting him go, waiting on bomb squad to get back there.

Tony looked at the person getting out.  "They disarmed the one on the doorway with the explosive in the front step," he noted calmly.

"Who?  Caine?"

"The Captain did," he said quietly. That got a shudder.  "Caine was here helping."

"Oh, damn," he said, looking around.  "How does this family know him?"

"Xander's former bodyguard was one of his.  He helped train Xander in how to escape."

"Makes sense," he decided.  "Okay, show me."  He walked him over to show him what had been done.  "That's a pretty snake.  Boys, get the dog!"  A dog was brought over to sniff that.  "Do the entire house?  Other soft targets?"

"Hiding," Tony assured him.  "We have emergency plans set into place due to the anti-gay league and others."  That got an odd look from the dog handler.  "This is Father Benis's house.  His grandson Xander had a stalker in society.  She can pay for the best.  We were told a ten mil contract."  That got a nod and they went to check everywhere.  He looked at the guy in charge.  "There is a ten million dollar contract out on the lab, this family, and the Manhattan Felony lab.  They all know."

"Caine?"

"Didn't want to be hidden.  Tough shit."

He smiled.  "You're a lot like your boss."

"Learned from the best," Tony quipped.  "Though Xander is as stubborn as a son of Gibbs ever would be."  That got a laugh.  "Drives like he's in F-1 too."  He got out of the way.  "Anything that's found I can pass on.  I'm the only one out in the open."

"Agreed."  He went to help, finding a few more devices like the one out front, and a few in the cars.  He came out when they were all disarmed. "Who in the hell did they piss off?"

"The mayor's daughter is Xander's stalker," Tony said quietly.  "She's having a 'if I can't have him no one will' snap."

"I'm so sorry.  You okay?"

"So far.  She was put under mental eval today by the judge she tried to convince to give her Xander's stored sperm."  That just got a nod.  "Yeah, fully snapped.  Be careful, guys."

"Oh, we are.  Fingerprints will hopefully curse our names."  He watched as the last box was carried out.  "Get it to the lab, boys.  They're in lock down.  Go check his house, Agent DiNozzo."

"Already did have it checked, sir.  Our primary guard dog is bomb sniffing."  That got a smirk.  "Kinda necessary."  He walked off, going to call a cab.  He knew where the shop/training facility was.  Had since he had hired on as Xander's protection.  "Gibbs is going to shit about this one," he muttered as he climbed into the cab.  He handed over the card he had been given, getting a nod.  When the cabby detoured he had his gun out.  "On whose order?"

"Captain's orders, sir," he reported.

"Thank you.  Going where?"

"Back of the facility, Agent DiNozzo."  He pulled into a parking garage, letting him out. "Blue door.  Boy's birthday is his code, use it."  Tony nodded, heading that way.

***

Tony walked into Horatio's lab, whistling.  "Speedle!"  He came out of the office. "Info on the contract, get me Taylor on a conference call?" he asked as he walked, getting a nod.  A few others came jogging to be in on it.  He settled in to fax it to Mac's present address.  "It's with security, Mac.  That's the full information file on the contract itself."  He let the detectives have it.  "She was sure you guys would shield Xander from her.  It was taken by a fairly disreputable syndicate who wanted to eliminate both labs for the good of the criminal underground.  She's managed to escape from the hospital.  They didn't drug her fast enough.  The contract still stands and she may be trying to increase the bounty."  He looked at the detectives.  "Did you get the information file on her?"  They all nodded. "Today?" he asked dryly.

"I got it last week," Frank admitted.  "Links back to her parents?"

"Her mother increased her trust fund late last year but we can't prove she knew what she needed it for.  If she ups it now we'll be sure."  That got a nod.  "Also, we have tracked her back to a hacker.  I pulled a favor with a hacker I know in DC.  She got into the school and came up with her hacker's name and address.  Feds are going after him.  The FBI wants this case very badly since it's going to hit a mayor and a senator, plus it goes across state boundaries.  I told them to growl that at Horatio.  He's in hiding with Xander."

"Similar setup to up here?" Mac asked over the phone.

"Exactly the same setup.  Patrick had the buildings built."  He looked at the others.  "They are safe.  Nothing short of a military strike or it being demolished will get anyone into the building they're in.  Patrick and Sire have their own hiding spot and they're safely there with all the family.  We have the guards at Xander's house on high alert.  I figure she'll go over there looking for him.  Xander has offered to come out to play bait to end it sooner.  Is your lab safe, Mac?"

"We're shut down and everyone's in hiding," he promised.  "Stella got shoved onto one of the transports by Danny and he was the last one out.  Everyone in the lab is safe and being guarded by the department.  Don, did you get the file?"  He heard an irritated grunt and took it.  He looked it over.  "We busted them last year."

"So did the FBI," Tony agreed.  "We've got to decide our next move.  Xander wants to bait and lure.  I want him to stay safe.  Even if he wasn't my paycheck he's still a young guy.  I don't want to see him have to kill someone.  She does know that he and Horatio are dating," he admitted. "So does Marigold, one of the local society reporters, but she did promise in front of the judge not to out him prematurely."  The detectives gaped at him.  "Recent," he admitted.  "Xander has good taste.  Horatio understands him."

Mac was smiling you could hear it.  "He does and Horatio has known all his faults for a very long time.  They're as stubborn as anything.  I'm sure they're fighting about Xander's idea."

"Well, yeah," Tony admitted.  "I've got an ear in their place.  They're having a very loud fight.  Complete with noble 'I will not let her kill you' talks on each side.  What's our next move?"  Someone walked in.  "Fornell," he said, waving.  "Come on in.  This is Detective Hagen, Detective Tripp.  CSIs Duquesne, Speedle, Delko, and Wolfe."

"Your boy and Caine?"

"Hidden," he said bluntly.  "I can call if you want to talk to Caine.  They're arguing about Xander's plan for fishing."

"That might be our only plan.  She's hiding."  He looked around.  "We want to take over this case."

Calleigh looked at him, then shook her head.  "I'm sorry, I trust my fellow officers to protect me better than you guys.  No go."  She looked at Tony.  "Fishing hook would be?"

"The house," Tony said.  "We know she's had someone get the house plans, no matter how much we've hidden them.  Her hacker is pretty good according to the one I asked."

"Abby was growling," Fornell agreed.  "Water tank?"

"Ten minute fire department response time," Tony explained.

"That's reasonable then.  The house won't burn but it's a reasonable reason.  We want to lock down this lab fully and move you all into protective custody.  We don't know who they've got dirty down here."

Tripp dialed his phone.  "Get to Caine's office, now."  He hung up.  "We'll see."  Stetler came jogging in.  "Who do these people have dirty in the department?" he asked, handing over the file.

Stetler looked at it then at him.  "That's blunt."

"His stalker put out a contract, they took it," Tony said.  "Any ideas, Stetler?"

"Three that I know of."  He wrote down the names, handing them to the guy who was clearly an agent next to him.  "We can handle the lab.  We have precautions in place.  Caine draws trouble."

"It means we're doing our job," Wolfe reminded him.  "Mac, are you sure all your people are okay?"

"They're fine.  I know my people.  If someone breaks in, Stella's going to kill and then maim.  The boys won't be far behind her, Lindsay either.  It'll be fine, Ryan.  Tony, I'm staying with Don to protect him.  I'd only draw attention to the others' location."

"That's fine.  If you want into Xander's place, there's a sliding door," Tony told him.  "In the closet area somewhere."  That got a snicker from Don.  "He okay?"

"Fine, I carried him in here unconscious because the stubborn family nature got him too."

"Xander gets it from us," Don said dryly.  "Anything new?"

"Just this," Tony told him.  He looked at Fornell, then Tripp and Hagen.  "Up to you guys.  Who's in charge when this happens?"  Hagen held up his hand.  "What do you want to do?"

"The FBI can do outer ring surveillance.  We'll be moving our lab in about an hour to safety.  We had to scout it for bombs first since we brought in fourteen from their house."

"Thirteen," Tony said.  "They couldn't bring in the door frame."  He stood up.  "Okay, you guys do that.  Let me handle Xander.  Do we bait or not?"

"Bait," Fornell said.

Hagen considered it then nodded with Tripp.  "Bait," he agreed.  "Caine'll shit but oh well.  It's the fastest and safest way.  The kid's got you and a few others behind him."

"Oh, he's got more than DiNozzo," Fornell said, looking at him.  "Gibbs is on a flight down."

"Good, I could use him."  He looked at the others.  "Then I'll let you do that."  He hung up on Mac, calling there.  "It's me.  Put me on speaker."  There was a pause.  Tony did the same.  "We're here in a meeting; all of us, Stetler, and DD Fornell of the FBI, Horatio.   We agree with Xander's plan.  She's out of the hospital and hiding.  We'll be laying it at his house.  I've got Xander's back, you're staying there.  I've got the boss coming apparently so he'll be very well guarded.  Your people are being evacuated in about an hour."

"I'll have someone pick up those three dirty cops.  If the FBI would like to accompany me?" Stetler suggested.  That got a nod and Fornell motioned to someone outside.  "Come on.  We've got to hit two precincts.  We've been playing them for information."  He walked out with the agent following him.

"I do not like this plan," Horatio said calmly.

"Tough," Hagen told him.  "We need to draw her out before she bombs the building, Horatio.  They pulled apart fourteen bombs at his grandfather's house.  I'm doing the lab evacuations like we planned.  We're clearing it for bombs now."  Horatio sighed.  "Are you okay?"

"It's a nice condo," he admitted.  "It's got good security.  Short of a military strike team blowing up the building I'm safe.  I want Xander to stay safe.  He's still only seventeen."

"And I've trained for a very long time to protect myself, Horatio," Xander pointed out. "This bitch touched my family.  She's going to go down one way or another.  Tony, when?"

"Home for dinner.  I've evacuated everyone but the guards.  Ricky came over to practice too.  I told him someone had sent you a death threat.  He agreed it was a good idea to go back to the school's gym for now.  I got a call from your coach who I said I'd call when it was all clear.  Come out for dinner.  Work on your exit strategy with Horatio."  He hung up, looking at Fornell.  "The boss didn't think I could handle it?"

"This dovetailed with his case."  He handed over something.  "A fax from him.  I'll have him picked up and taken to the house."  He walked off.  "Boys," he said.  "Get with Detective Hagen.  You're providing backup support for the local PD during the evac."  They nodded.  "You fail me and I will eat you in small chunks I cut off while you're living.  Am I clear?"  They all nodded, rushing to find Hagen even though he was in the office.  It made him feel good to have them jump that way.  They weren't even his usual agents to threaten and they knew to obey.

Hagen looked at Calleigh, then at Speedle.  "Shut the lab.  Now."  They nodded.

Speed walked out onto the walkway.  "Yo!" he yelled, hitting the emergency power button.  Everyone come out complaining.  "There is a ten million dollar contract out on this lab.  I will have all of you removed to a safe location.  Clean your desks, close any last samples, gather the last few reports.  We're moving in an hour, people.  If you argue, I'm letting Cal work her stress out on you.  Am I clear?"  They nodded.  "Good!  Horatio's already in hiding.  He went with Benis when he went.  We hope it'll be solved tonight. We do have a long-standing plan in place.  We will get your families as well.  Do it now, do it orderly.  Agreed?"  They nodded. "I'll tell Alexx myself.  Just get ready to move."  He went to the morgue, walking in.  "Alexx, we're moving you and the family to safety.  There's a ten mil contract on the lab thanks to Xander's stalker."

She gave him an odd look.  "Excuse me?"

"Argue and I'm spanking, Mom.  Get your jacket.  Close it up.  You've got about forty minutes to clean her up."

She nodded, going back to work.  "I'm nearly done with her.  Why?"

"Xander's stalker.  We'd shield hm from her.  It's us, Taylor's lab in New York, and his *entire* family.  We'll use the evacuation plan H and Hagen set up.  They're getting your family too."  She nodded at that, going back to work.  "H is with Xander."

"Good.  He needs someone to keep him calm."

"Alexx, the kid was the one who disabled the bomb on the hummer that time," he told her.  She gave him a horrified look.  "His former bodyguard is Special Forces.  His present one is NCIS and a former detective.  Hurry up."  He left, going back to make sure everyone was doing what they should.  "No new samples," he told Valera.

"I have to.  His hearing's tonight and they'll let him go if I don't.  It'll be done by then."  He nodded.  "Natalia has my jacket."

"That's fine.  Do it as fast as you can.  It can print while we're leaving if it has to."  She nodded, getting it spinning.  He walked on to check the other labs.  "If you're done, close up, head to the break room.  Delko?"

"It's clear," he called.

"Get to the break room if you're clear," he announced.  Most everyone went.  A few were cleaning up their last samples.  They trailed out and Valera handed Frank her last report with a post-it for who it went to.  That got a nod from him.  Stetler came in nodding.  "Transport's here.  Ryan, go gather Alexx in person.  I don't care if you drag or carry her."  He nodded, jogging off to get her.   He followed the lab techs out, hand on his gun.  They weren't cops, he was.  Ryan came out carrying a complaining Alexx.  "I told him to.  Do not smack him, Alexx.  Into the van."  Ryan put her down and helped her inside, then followed.  He looked around.  "Calleigh?"

"I've got last."  Speed nodded, getting in with Ryan.  Eric got into the other one with Hagen.  Calleigh and Stetler headed to the unmarked patrol cruisers riding escort.  It looked like an important prison transport.  "Alexx's family?" she asked the officer.

"Already gathered, ma'am.  Headed there with other officers.  We grabbed the father from work and had him get the kids under our watch."

"Thank you.  She'll worry if they're not there.  The other families?"

"Already there."  She nodded and he pulled out, following the two vans.  "How long have you guys had this one in effect?"

"Two years.  We change it every time we have to use it."  He just nodded.

***

Xander pulled into his driveway, nodding at the older man waiting on him.  "FBI?"

"Don't insult me like that, Mr. Benis."

"Xander.  I respond faster to it."  He walked inside.  "Brief me, Tony?"  He handed over the information, following him to the kitchen.  He grabbed some soda and walked off, Tony following him.  "Okay, where am I setting up?"

"Wherever you feel most comfortable, Xander."

"Backyard too open?  I don't want her in the house or the gazebo."  He handed it back. "I'd push her over the cliff."

"Garage?"

"If that'll help."  He nodded.  "Or the garden room?  It's glass."

"That'll work," he agreed, radioing that.  "The glass room with all the plants, Gibbs."  He followed him.  "They didn't get her drugged fast enough.  That's how she got away.  She's got some skills, Xander."

Xander looked at him.  "So do I."  He shrugged.  He flopped down in a chair, sipping his soda.  "Here?"

"Here's fine."  He lowered the lights, getting a nod from someone outside. "There, better in case they have to shoot her."  Xander smiled.  "Horatio?"

"I knocked him out.  He's going to be fairly pissed when he wakes up handcuffed on the bed.  I called Sire up from downstairs."

"That'll work."  He looked at him.  "Are you sure?  I can do a body double."

"She's probably spied on me and she's seen me in my bathing suit, Tony."

"Here."  He handed over his earwhig.  "Stay calm.  Let us handle it."

Xander smiled.  "I'm not ten.  Trust me to know my training, Tony."

"I do, I don't want you to have to use it."

Xander nodded, sticking the earbud in.  "Can I have another soda?"

"Sure."  He went to get him one, looking in the control room.  "Anything?"

"Someone's out by the fence but it's too big to be her," the guy in there said.  He looked at him.  "He let you have the big toy budget."

"I deserve it."  He grinned, bringing Xander his soda.  "Here.  Quit bouncing."  He walked outside, looking at Gibbs.  "Thanks, boss," he said quietly.

"Not a problem.  This stinks.  She really tried to have reproductive rights?"

"Yeah, tried to say they've been together since he was ten.  We're tracking down what event started it with the society reporter from earlier.  Any word on her mother?"

"She's under arrest.  She added to her trust fund and the price on his head went up to fifteen."

"Damn."  He took a deep breath.  "He calls them brats."

"They are."  He heard the demand.  "Another soda?"

"That's a code.  He can see the guard outside.  Xander uses soda as his personal anti- bounciness drug, boss."  He tapped his earpiece.  "Guys, hidden in plain sight," he ordered.  "Let's not tip her off."  He listened, nodding.  "Check in."  He did that, smiling.  "Thank you, boys.  And ladies."  He hung up, looking at him.  "Xander's got one too.  He does during events."

"He did train?"

"He did.  He doesn't keep it up all the time or his martial arts.  He's not the perfect form boy either.  Someone taught him to fight."  That got a smirk.  "It'll be fine.  Caine's handcuffed down so he stays safe."  He sipped his coffee.  "I told you the house was beautiful."

"It is.  Very calm feeling.  Will he be able to live here?"

"If he has to he'll destroy that room and have it replaced," Tony said with a shrug.  "They pulled fourteen bombs at his grandparents' place, Gibbs."  He looked around, holding his earpiece.  "Who, McGee?"  He nodded.  "Agreed.  Paul, you're there.  Who?  Do you have a visual?"  He smiled.  "That'll work.  We thought he was tied down.  Give him stuff and put him on."  He hung up, looking at him.  "Caine is very resourceful."

"So I've heard.  His people?"

"They've got evac plans.  They're good so it draws trouble.  Taylor's team is hidden too.  He's personally staying with the kid's uncle in their hidden area. He had to drag him out unconscious."  He grinned.  "You'd shake your head at his second, boss.  She's a spitfire and she will break your head open while sneering and calling you names in Greek.  She likes Xander like a nephew."

"Good.  It's good he's got family."  He listened, nodding at Caine when he walked past.  "How long did it take you to follow?"

"Long enough to get out of the handcuffs."  He looked at Tony.  "Give me a hidden spot."

"He's in the conservatory, Horatio.  You want inside the house?"  He nodded, heading in there.  "Stay out of sight."

"I am."  He went to take up a position where he could see into the other room but they  couldn't really see him.  Xander came out and opened a hidden door, getting a smirk back.  "Original?"

"Yeah.  They had it in the original house to protect them from Union soldiers."  He went back there after getting another drink, going back to flop down on his couch, holding his head.  He popped it open and grimaced.  "Eww.  Grabbed the wrong can.  Gotta yell at someone about keeping beer in with the soda."  He poured it out, sitting down again.  He heard someone walking outside and listened.  It wasn't one of the guards or the guard dog.  He made himself relax, going over his skills.

She walked in, staring at him. "See, you're mine."

He shook his head.  "No I'm not."

"You are.  You're here. I knew you would be."

"I'm here to kick your ass for doing this to my family, Annamarie.   No other reason.  Tony, stay.  This is my fight."  He stood up.  "You think it's yours, try me."

She sneered.  "I made myself into your perfect mate.  I doubt you can beat me."  She attacked and he responded, keeping it at the level of professional fighting.  She even tagged him, then he moved and grabbed her neck, nearly snapping it when he twisted it.  She shrieked, getting away from him.  "How dare you!"

He shrugged.  "Of course I do.  I don't want you.  You're a skanky little bitch.  Who'd want you?"  She shrieked and lunged again, going back to it.  She got him in his perpetually sore knee, making him stumble.  She got him down and cuffed, sneering at him.  "You haven't won."

"I have so.  No one else is going to come save you, Xander.  You're mine.  Tony will find that out or he'll die."

Xander moved, getting himself undone.  "One thing, Sheila, I'm more trained than you think.  Do you think I didn't take lessons from my other guards?" he asked, attacking her again.  "I got away from professionals and you're nowhere near that level."  He got her down, pulling his personal sidearm to point it at her.  "Move, please.  I beg you to move," he sneered coldly.  She gave him a horrified look.  She tried to wiggle back and he blew a hole in her knee.  "That's for picking on my poor knee.  A lot of people like that one."  Tony came rushing in, Horatio calmly walking over.  "Please let me end this," he said.

Horatio walked around him, taking the gun.  "No, Xander," he said quietly, kissing him.  "You can't kill her."

"You sure?"

"I am."  He stared into his eyes.  "You'd have to leave me if you killed her.  Your grandfather would lose you."  Xander nodded, letting him walk him off.  "Deal with her, Tony.  Before I do."

Tony smirked at her.  "Hi.  How are you?"  She tried to get up and he pointed his gun at her.  "Don't think I won't.  You wouldn't be the first."

"DiNozzo," Gibbs said.  "Let Fornell."

"Why?  She'll buy her way out with an insanity plea."

"Not with the forethought she put into it."  He took his gun.  "Clear, come get her, make her quit bleeding in here."  The agents with them rushed in.  He looked at him.  "Looks like you retired in time."

"Xander and his grandfather both inspire that sort of loyalty, boss.  Not too many people who aren't anti-gay don't like him."  He grinned.  "Besides, I'd say it'd be a good use of the forty-cent bullet."  He looked at her then at him again.  "You sure you can make it stick?"

"She couldn't have snapped, not with that contract.  That'll take us a few more days.  Get your boys to safety."

Tony listened to his earwhig.  "Xander, get back to safety.  Now.  We still have the contract.  Do it now.  Disobey and I'm going to lock you out of both gyms and keep Horatio out of the house for two weeks."  He smiled at the pout.  "Tough.  Do it anyway.  Horatio, take him back to safety.  Wherever.  There if you want, not there if you don't want.  She upped it before coming over."  He hung up, looking at him. "They're very cute together," he said dryly, following her limping body out.  "How long does Fornell need to end the contract?"

"He's saying a week.  He's got a few links back for us since they're involved in a military drug ring.  The director is snarling at this case."

"I'm sorry, boss.  She come over to snarl in person?"  Gibbs smacked him on the head.  "You know, I almost miss that."  He smirked.  "You ever retire, you can retire down here. Captain Assinger said hi."  He walked off.

"This is where he's hiding?" he demanded.

"Yep, downtown.  He's who helped train the boy."  He turned and grinned. "Trained Caine in bombs too when he was bomb squad."  He smirked and trotted off to check the guard who was unconscious.

Gibs shook his head, walking back inside to gather his people.  They had been offered the new guest house Xander had built on the other edge of the property.  "What's the guesthouse look like, McGee?"

"Furnished," he said, showing him that picture.  "Well furnished but a bit more techno than this house, boss."

"It'll do.  It's got beds.  Clean up and hit it."  He got nodded at by the people in there.  Gibbs looked.  DiNozzo had set up a good system.  Tony came in and flipped the alarm switch to 'notify me' and walked out again.  "That's all you have to do?"

"That and the night shift of guards.  Yeah."  He grinned.  "Need walked over there?"

"No, it'll be fine."  He shook his head, following his people.  This was the most cherry assignment he had ever seen.  Especially when he saw the bakery delivery truck pull in and Tony accepting a small red box.   He smirked, shaking his head when Tony pulled out a cookie to nibble.   The boy was so spoiled by his master.

***

Xander walked into his house two days later, looking around.  "Good, we're still standing.  I'm not hiding anymore!" he yelled.  "I'm tired of missing my equipment!"  He headed to get a soda, smiling when Horatio followed him.  "You can come spot me," he offered.

"I think someone should.  You keep falling, Xander."

"I try really hard not to become a demonstration of laws of physics but my shoulder's killing me."

"You're seeing someone tonight," Tony called from the office.  He came out to look at him then at Horatio.  "How about a lounge in the pool or a hot bath instead?"

"I've been trying," Horatio complained.

He looked at his boss.  "Go to the pool to do gentle laps or go take a bubble bath with your man."

"I'm fine."  He walked off.

"I swear he's more stubborn than anyone but a son of Gibbs could be," he complained, going back into the office where Gibbs was laughing.  "He is."

"Caine will stop him."

"It took both of us to hold him down so the doctor could check him over."  Horatio came in and dialed a number.  "Again?"

"His knee's still swollen.  I'll distract him.  You sneak the doctor in."  He listened to the genteel old voice.  "I was calling Doctor Palmer.  Ah, Ducky.  My ME knows you.  This is.  Gibbs is here, Ducky.  Please.  Tell him Xander's knee is still swollen and he's barely able to move his shoulder.  Thank you."  He hung up, shaking his head.  "Your ME's are visiting one's father?" he asked before walking out.

"I'm sure they get along pretty well.  Palmer senior's nothing like his son."  He checked the phone.  "The autopsy gremlin's definitely not like his dad."

"Maybe that's why he went to Ducky to train," he said grimly.  "You don't have a lot to do."

"Actually, I do.  Beyond her, Xander does stupid things like do an open air shoot for a new leather line during spring break."  Gibbs shuddered.  "He's also on the board of a street fair coming up.  He'll want to go.  He's very active and still hyper."  Someone rang the bell, letting him listen to the guard.  "Let him in," he called.  "Ducky, Palmer Junior, and Palmer are all here, boss."  He walked out, smiling.  "They're in the pool, Doctor Palmer."

"Of course he is."

"He decided he was too stubborn and would be doing a bubble bath with his boyfriend later."

"That sounds like the boy," he agreed dryly, heading that way.  He smiled at Horatio, who was distracting Xander by kissing him.  He looked at his shoulder and knee.  "Dear boy," he sighed, coming over to look at him.  Xander pouted.  He smacked him on the side of the head.  "You know better."  Xander gave him a sheepish look.  "Have you been wrapping it?"

"His stalker and he got into it physically," Horatio said.  "She kicked him in it.  I have been wrapping and using heat treatments on them both."

"Good, that means you have sense."

"He's stubborn."

"I know.  Trust me.  I've seen him since he was six and his bodyguards overdosed him on his medicines."  Xander shrugged then winced.  "Let me check."  He moved it gently then smacked him again.  "Stupid."  Xander gave him a sheepish look.  "Do you want me to do surgery on it, Xander?"

"No thank you," he said weakly, looking down.

"Horatio, he needs x-rays.  Today please.  On both of them.  His knee looks to be swollen but with the former break I want to make sure.  His shoulder's probably screwed for months."

"A sling?" he said hopefully.

"Only if you leave it on this time," he said, staring him down.

"Yes, Doctor Palmer."

"Thank you."  He straightened up.  "Go ahead, Horatio.  Get him dressed.  He's got crutches around here somewhere.  Adjust them for his present height.  Either that or get him a cane.  I want as little weight on that knee as possible.  Am I clear?"  That got a nod.  "Thank you."  He walked off shaking his head. "Tony, he needs x-rays."  He handed over the phone.  "Thank you."  He dialed the local hospital.  "It's Palmer.  I'm sending Benis in for shoulder and knee x-rays."  He nodded, taking something down.  "Thanks.  Sure, I'll have him do that."  He hung up, going to hand Horatio the appointment and the instruction to come in the back way.  "There's a starlette who collapsed.  They don't need more press attention."

"Agreed.  Thank you, Doctor Palmer.  Would you like to introduce them to Doctor Woods?  I can call her."

"That's a fine woman, Horatio.  I'd hate to tempt myself."  He smiled.  "But I wouldn't mind.  Ducky, have you met Alexx Woods?"

"At a few conventions.  I know she's down here.  I didn't get to see her the last time I came down for a few days with Mother."

"She's in protective custody," Gibbs called.

"She'll be here in thirty," Tony called.  "Cook, can you cook for both Palmers, Ducky, and Alexx?"

"Of course!  Don't be silly, Tony.  Not like you two keep me slaving in here."  She went to start something for lunch.  "Did you want fish or beef, Doctor Palmer?"

The younger one blinked.  "I'm only a resident."

She pinched his cheek.  "That still makes you a doctor, stupid."  He grinned.  "Beef or fish?"

"Whatever you feel like cooking, ma'am."

"Beef it is.  I've been meaning to try out this new orange beef recipe."  She hummed as she worked, turning up the radio when Ricky Martin came on.  "Go make sure that cutie Gibbs is going to eat too.  He cannot live on coffee in this house.  If Tony can't he can't."

"Yes, ma'am."  He went to find him. "Agent Gibbs, the cook said you're eating too.  You can't live on coffee if Tony can't."  He disappeared before he could be growled at.  He helped Horatio out to the little sports car by the front door.  "That's cute."

"Thank you," Xander said with a grin.  "She handles very well too."  He climbed in with a groan, wincing and holding his knee.

"I told you to rest it," Horatio chided gently. "If you can fuss over me, I can fuss over you."

"Did you get to open the card?"

"The Chief opened it for me."

"You should see it."

"I'll see it later, when I check in, Xander.  Once you get x-rays."  He drove them off, smiling at the easy handling.  "No wonder you made it over one-eighty."

"Video games," he said seriously, making Horatio laugh.  "Speed helped me pick it out."

"I remember."  He drove them through the older neighborhoods, honking when they passed by Alexx and Calleigh.  "I'm sure she's going to freak out some of Gibbs' people."

"Calleigh's sweet and gentle until you threaten her," Xander protested.

"Yes, but she's got that 'wanting to shock someone' look again," he said wisely.  He pulled into the back lot of Dade Memorial, getting Xander out and inside.  "He needs a wheelchair," he told the guard there.  That got a nod.  "Thank you."  He helped Xander into it and rolled him to the front desk area.  Xander was kept out of sight of the press crowding the front lobby.  "Doctor Palmer sent Xander Benis for x-rays.  He's in protective custody."  He tapped his badge.

She looked then nodded, letting him have the forms.  "Thank you," she said quietly.  "Can we get them out of here?"

"You can.  They do constitute a public menace."  He handed the orderly the forms.  "He's around the corner," he said quietly.  That got a nod and he went to take Xander to radiology for him.  He walked that way.  "Ladies and Gentlemen!" he called.  He moved into his usual 'staring you down/hands on hips' pose.  Everyone stopped babbling, looking at him.  "You are causing a public menace.  We are going to stick you somewhere out of the way of the other patients in this facility; that way new ones don't get denied services due to you being in the way.  Please get out of the way?"  They moved for the officer dragging someone in.  "Thank you."  He looked at the receptionist, who was calling.  She nodded and someone came over to lead them off.  "Please follow this security officer.  Do not sneak off or you can and will be arrested.  Am I clear?"  They nodded, following along.  One stayed to stare at him.  "Marigold."

"When do you think you're going to go public?" she asked quietly.

"Not until after I've told my family.  Why?"

"Graduation?  Wedding?" she asked hopefully.

"We've only been on six dates, Marigold."

"Oh.  Why did they call you?  You're supposed to be in protective custody."

"Xander's knee."

"Poor baby."  She took notes.  "Thank you."

"We snuck him in and we'll be sneaking him back out."

"Of course.  Sports related?"  He walked off smirking.  She jogged to go to where the reporters were being stuffed, sitting down next to one of her fellow gossip columnists.  "Xander Benis *is* dating but it's a new thing and he's not out.  He did ask that we not out him until he was ready and had told his family."

"I can agree with that.  It's a good request.  How do you know?"

"I got called to the trial," she said.  "She claimed she had been going to events with poor Xander."

"Hold on, trial?"

She smirked, handing over her column for the day.  "The story before her arrest."

"You sat on something this juicy?"

"He agreed to give me an exclusive if I did."  She whimpered, looking it over.  "He is here."

"Why?  What happened?"  She gave her a look.  "Caine brought him."  She nodded.  "Why?"

"Knee.  Again.  Wouldn't verify the cause."

"Damn it.  I hate missing those things.  Think we could ask about his grandparents?"

"You should call Tony.  He's handling Xander's PR at the moment too.   I hear his former team came down about the contract and to help him protect our dear little injured chick."

"Interesting."  She found her phonebook, calling him.  "Tony, dear, Helen from the Daily.  Do you have a statement for us about your team being down to help you and dear little Xander with his stalker problem? Or what's wrong with his knee this time?"  She made notes, nodding.  "Thank you.  Is that prepared?"  She laughed.  "Of course Gordon did.  I would assume the rest of the family is all right as well?"  She smiled and took notes.  "Marigold told me he's here for his knee.  What's wrong this time?"  He quipped something and she wrote it down.  "Thank you, dear.  We do adore you.  Are you going with him to the polo match today?"  She laughed and nodded.  "Of course not.  That doesn't really constitute hiding.  Is that nice Horatio Caine hiding with him? I know he's very good friends with him.  How does his boyfriend feel about that?"  She beamed.  "Thank you, dear."  She hung up and smacked her friend on the arm.  "Brat.  You kept the good gossip from me.  Caine likes his new boyfriend?"

"Quite a lot," she agreed happily.  "They are best friends."  That got a smirk.  "His last one was an officer as well.  Didn't you know?"

"I had heard they broke up after the housewarming party."

"Hmmm.  It seems he was a bit ...controlling.  Xander was asking Horatio's advice during the later dancing from what Erica overheard.  Sykes is a very big gossip."

"It's good for the rest of us," she said, making notes.  "They've got a prepared statement saying everyone's fine.  The stalker was caught on the grounds there.  You don't think his  knee...."

"Xander?  Sweet, gentle Xander?"

"With three black belts," someone up front called back.  "You two done?"

"We *are* gossip columnists," Helen shot back dryly.  "He does?"  He looked back and smirked.  "He's competed?"

"He has, once.  He's got two third degree and one second.  He stopped there."

"So he could have helped apprehend his stalker," Marigold said.  He nodded.  "Wasn't she in martial arts?"

"Probably trying to make herself a better version of a spouse in her deluded mind," Helen said, making notes about that.  "Should I put in he was escorted by the police?"

"No, use his name.  They are friends and everyone knows that.  Even the Chief," she pointed out.

"The Chief thought they were dating," another male called back.  "He's since decided Xander likes someone else in the lab but they're still very close friends."

"Hmm.  That's probably who he took on the romantic ride," Marigold agreed, making notes.  Helen gave her an odd look.  "A recent date was to borrow someone's horses and take a picnic dinner out to watch the sunset.  He did skip the next day as well."

"Really?" she asked.  "So our good little boy may not be a pure little angel anymore?"  They giggled and made their notes.  "Do we think they have?"

"Not yet," she admitted.  "Though maybe after this is done.  Stress is a great reason to break and have sex after all."  That got a few laughs.  "He's here by the way.  His knee is messed up again."  A few other made notes of that.  "Horatio brought him in from his hiding spot."

"That's an odd pairing," one complained.

"He's known Xander since he was ten," another guy complained.

"Younger," Helen called.  "Horatio found him wandering when he was five.  Xander told me he told the poor man his bodyguard had gotten lost when Xander went to pet a dog.  That would be the one who later committed suicide."

That got some interested looks.  "Maybe we should ask Caine about him."

"Caine never talks," another one complained.  "Even Erica has to get around him now since he put his foot down about her bothering Wolfe and making him blurt stuff by accident."

Someone came in and moved to the front of the room.  "Thank you for being so patient, ladies and gentlemen.  We do have a small update.  It does appear she'll be fine."

"What happened?" Helen called.  She was known as a pit bull terrier of stories.

"It appears her appendix burst.  She's been rushed up to emergency surgery to remove it and clean  up the mess it left.  Her people will be giving a statement once she's out of surgery.  They'll come in here to do that.  Then she'll be here for two days.  We do ask that you not hound her during her recovery.  After all, surgical incisions are very delicate things.  You can pounce her when she goes home in a few days.  I'm sure they'll announce it."  That got a nod.  "Thank you for your patience.  The commissary is open to you as well.  It's the next floor up in the back."  He pointed.  "Please don't bother the other patients."

Marigold raised her hand.  "Any idea what's wrong with the Benis heir's knee?"

"From what I understand the pain his knee has on and off is from when he broke it at thirteen or fourteen.  He's here?"

"Lieutenant Caine brought him in."

"That's fine.  I'm sure he's got his security well in hand.  It's probably some new inflamation.   Doing gymnastics is hard on the joints after all."  He left them alone, going to get an update on that.  He found Xander holding his protector's hand.  "No bodyguard?"

"I'm not robbing Tony of lunch for x-rays," Xander said grimly.  He winced as the technician moved his knee.  "Don't make me yelp, I'm loud and it'll draw attention."  She nodded, moving his foot where she needed it.   He panted through the pain until he was calm again, letting Horatio go.  They went behind the lead panel to take it.

"Gymnastics?  Someone asked."

"That's a good reason," Horatio agreed.  "We'll be sneaking back out soon.  This is the last one."

"Thank you."  He went to give them an update on that.

Horatio came out and helped Xander back into the wheelchair, letting him sign the forms he needed to.  He snuck him back to the car, taking him back home.  By the time they got there the doctors had orders.  He helped Xander inside.  "They had to maneuver his knee.  He's in a bit of pain," he told Tony.  He got handed the tylenol bottle.  "Thanks."  He helped him onto a couch, handing him the pills and the soda another guard gave him.  "Here."

"Thanks."  He smiled weakly.  "There was a collapsed starlette.  Horatio had to shoo the press off."

"They asked about you too," Tony told him.  "Helen called.  I gave her the prepared statement."

"I told the hospital's PR person to use the gymnastics excuse," Horatio said.  He looked at Xander.  "Rest and I'll take you upstairs after your doctor tells me what to do for you."  Xander nodded, closing his eyes, snuggling down under the throw Tony put over him.  "Who was it?"

"The one doing the action film.  They're reporting her appendix burst."

"Mine did that after a dive," Xander said grimly  "Hurt like hell for weeks."

They left him alone, going to talk to the doctor.  "He can't even walk now," Tony complained.

"If his shoulder was better I'd suggest crutches.  His shoulder's starting to separate, Tony.  I want him to rest it."

"Want him off school?"

"I want him in bed," he agreed, writing out a note for the school.  "Here, have it sent over.  Horatio, sit and eat, man.  You've got to be exhausted taking care of the fussy one."

"He's been trying to fuss over me," he admitted, sitting down.  Alexx got him a plate.  "Thanks, Alexx.  Thank you, Cook."

"Welcome, Horatio."  She smiled.  "He okay?"

"His knee's ready to rip itself apart," Doctor Palmer told her.  "I want him to not move it or I'm putting him in  traction."

"Please don't make him whine at me that way," Tony complained.  "You know he will.  I would."

Gibbs nodded.  "He came back after only a week's recovery after having the plague."

"Then he probably understands the boy's complaints very well," Ducky offered.  "I heard Anthony got cookies that same night?  An admirer of your own perhaps?"

"His grandparents," Tony said modestly, digging into his lunch.  "Do you want him here, doc, or at his grandparent's place?  Here he's got the temptation."

"They'll be coming here for a few days," Horatio said.  "Some damage needs to be undone."

"It was nearly brilliant to mix the explosive in with the grout," Tony agreed, taking another bite.  Their guard dog came in and sniffed him.  He handed over a treat, getting a bark and she headed back out.  "She's pregnant."  Gibbs snickered.   He looked outside.  "She bite a reporter?"

The handler leaned in, smiling at him.  "No, she defeated the evil squirrel who wakes Xander by running over his back when he's sleeping in the gazebo."  She smiled and took a mug from Cook, heading back out.

Gibbs laughed louder.  "You've got one tough staff here, DiNozzo."

"I didn't like the squirrel either, Gibbs.  It ran across me the other day when I was watching the sunset out there."

Alexx patted him on the arm.  "The next one will be a reporter, baby."

He grinned.  "Promise?"  He looked at Horatio.  "While you were driving back Margiold wanted to know if Xander was still a virgin.  I told her I hadn't slept with him, it wasn't professional."  Horatio snickered and nodded.  "I don't care one way or another, Horatio."

"Where's Calleigh?"

"Using the pool with McGee and Abby," he  said.  "Ziva's out in the gazebo talking to someone in Hebrew. The guard out there thought it was cute she was swearing at someone in it too."  He heard shuffling and looked.  "Sit your scrawny butt down, Xander."

"I can't sleep."  He sat down next to Alexx, giving her a hug.  "How are the kids?"

"They're fine, dear.  They don't know why they're being warehoused.  I told them it was a hurricane drill."  He smiled at that, resting on her shoulder.  "You should probably be in bed."

"Going to the pound tomorrow," he said with a  yawn.

"Xander, I want your knee propped up or I'm putting you in traction," Doctor Palmer told him.  "Unless you want to limp forever?"

"Are we going to have to go in and redo the knee?  I know you left a pin in for stability."

"That's a thought but not until your shoulder's better, son.  You can't hop when your shoulder's ready to dislocate.  We've got to work on strengthening it."

"Exercises?" Tony asked.  That got a nod.  "We can do that."  He looked at Xander.  "They're not that hard.  We'll get your coach to do them with you."

"Sure.  What about next year's team?"

"We'll see,"  Palmer told him.  "Dad said your shoulder looked like a guy his age's shoulder after a lifetime of hard work."

"The team counts on me to be a point ho and flashy," Xander said.  "I'm training my replacement too.  We picked two alternates for next year.  We basically only turned down one guy.  He didn't want to do the team and he had a private coach.  We pointed out we do work as a team, I'm still captain, and he had to live up to working with the team.  His coach said he'd be better on his own."  That got some nods.  "The girls need another member if you know someone who can transfer in.  We will be going gold this year in the school championships on both sides.  It's my last year, I said so."  He sipped the soda Cook put in front of him.  "Thanks."

"Welcome, Xander.  What about that delicate little one?"

"She won't be eligible until the next year because of her age.  It leaves the girls' team without an alternate."  He took another sip and yawned.  "You're very comfy, nearly as comfy as Grandfather," he told Alexx, who patted his cheek.  "Not that I mind but how long before criminals can be scared of my redhead there?  He complains when I fuss."

"Another two days to  make sure we've got all the links closed down and the contract was removed," Gibbs told him.  Xander nodded.  "Hit the bed, kid."

Xander groaned, getting up and taking his soda to the hidden elevator.  "I wasn't sure about him putting in an elevator before but now I see why," Tony said.  "What did the director want when she called, Gibbs?"  He ate another bite, nodding at Horatio's plate.  He sighed but ate.  "You know he'll nag."

"Yes, he has," Horatio agreed dryly.  "I find feeding him something stops that."  The others laughed.  "Xander hates to eat alone or eat in front of others."

"It's a  polite thing," Alexx pointed out dryly.  "You need to eat anyway.  You'll need the energy to baby him."  Horatio hummed, digging in and getting seconds, making them laugh.

"She didn't say," Gibbs told him, giving him a look.

Tony just nodded. "Well, if it's bad news remember you can come join us here, boss.  It's a fairly easy job.  We've got contacts to get Ziva and McGee jobs too.  Abby too."

Horatio looked at him.  "I think I can find her a satellite lab for her use," he said.  That got some smiles.  "Less crimes but more range of cases."  He dug in again.  "If I can't, Mac certainly can."

"Good to know," Tony said happily.  "How is Mac doing with Don's growling?"

"He took the feeding cure when he started last night.  Shoved a bite of steak into his mouth to make him quit.  It worked."

Gibbs shook his head.  "I've never had it this good when I was in protective custody."

"Xander's grandparents dote on him and Don," Tony reminded him.  "They're the only heirs until they talk one of them into having kids.  Or Patrick nails Stella and finds a surrogate sperm donor."  He scraped his plate, leaning back.  "Great lunch, Cook.  Thank you."

"Welcome, Tony.  Go watch the frolicking ones."

"I might stare.  Calleigh would shoot me."

"Speed would shoot you," Horatio reminded him.  "She would make you sorry in other ways."

Gibbs shook his head.  "I've never seen such a girly ballistics tech, Horatio.   She's definitely one I'd be wary of.  Most female ballistics techs look like an East German shotputter."  He stuffed his mouth at the laughs.

"There's nothing wrong with being a big woman," Cook said.

Ducky smiled at her.  "I'm sure you'll make a lovely woman," he agreed genteelly.  His british accent just make it seen more of a compliment because she blushed and swatted at his shoulder, giving him an extra muffin.  "Thank you, my dear.  Lovely lunch."

"It wasn't anything hard," she said, clearing off the empty dishes, serving the rest of them muffins for dessert.

"Thank you, Cook,"  Horatio said.  "Did you have problems with Xander and the beer again?"

"He gave me the nicest order to please put it in the wine refrigerator because it was not something he wanted to pick up by accident.  It wasn't his breakfast of choice, or brunch, or middle-of-the-night snack of choice either," she said, making the others laugh.  "Though he does still call it the wine cooler fridge thingy."  Tony nodded.  "Someone has to take him in hand, Tony."

"He's had wine tasting lessons," he told her.  "He doesn't like the taste unless it's with a great dinner and it goes very well."  He looked back at her.  "We've got to go over his spring break schedule too."  He looked at the doctors.  "He's due to do an outdoor modeling shoot during spring break, Doc."

He considered it.  That was in three weeks.  "As long as he can be propped up or he can ice it between."  That got a nod.  "You'd have to tell the photographer.  Maybe arrange it so he was sitting?"

"It could work.  It's for that goth shop.  A new line."

"Which sin this time?" Horatio asked.

"Lust."

"Then being laid out somewhat could fit," Ducky offered.

"We hope."  He looked at Gibbs.  "There's a street fair too."

"We'll see."  He sipped his coffee, groaning when his phone rang.  "Gibbs."  He listened.  "We're not done yet, Director.  We're making sure it's all wrapped up and then we'll be home."   He hung up on her complaints.  "Not like it's costing us anything this time."

Horatio looked at him.  "Should we worry about your stalker attacking too?"

"I'd hope not," he complained.  "If so, I'll come down to fill in that open spot."

"Glad to have you, boss," Tony quipped.  "Or you could go fill in for Flack's protection.   He hates that he has one but he does.  His captain asked him if  he was his stalker a few times."  He finished his coffee and stood up.  "Let me go check in.  Paul just complained about a pony."  He walked off, going to check.  He came out, motioning them to come see.  They went into the control room.  There was a miniature  horse nibbling on the guard dog's neck in a friendly manner.  The dog was sniffing its tail.  "That's so cute, Deborah.  Snap us a  picture?"  He laughed at her comment.  "Please?  For the boss?"  She did that and shook her head.  The dog went with her, the horse following.  He called upstairs.  "Who locally has miniature horses?"  He smiled.  "I'll check."  He hung up and found her number, calling her.  "Mercy, Xander said your family has miniature horses?"  He smiled.  "Tony.  One showed up on our lawn to get friendly with our guard dog.  That's what I was wondering.  It's a light tan mane with a medium brown short, manicured looking coat and no white marks I can see in a side view.  Can you check?  Please?  Thanks, dear.  He's in bed.  His knee looks like a watermelon."  He nodded.  "I know.  Thanks."  He hung up.  "She'll call around to check.  As far as she knows no one does nearby."

"They're supposed to be very smart," Horatio said.  "Maybe it wants trained."

Tony looked at him.  "Don't joke about that.  Patrick would see if we could."  He walked off, going to check the thing.  The dog growled at him so he scowled back.  "I can pet him too.  Ease off, Carpenter."  He looked.  "No tags?"

"Not that  I could see."

Gibbs came out.  "Her family was burned out," he called from the back porch.  "She got away before animal control could come get her."

"The family okay?" Tony called back.  Gibbs shook his head.  "Damn.  We'll see what Xander wants to do.  He likes animals.  Thanks."  He looked at the handler.  "They are supposed to be smart and Horatio joked about training him."  He got out of the way of the swat, smirking at her.  "He said it."  He jogged back inside, closing the door behind him.  "Horatio, expect Deborah to swat you next time you run past her."

"I can do that."  He nodded.  "I'm taking Xander lunch.  He's feeling pitiful in his bed."

"He probably should feel like crap.  His knee's got to be throbbing.  You know, he did put the good tub in his room instead of the guest room in his suite."  Horatio smiled, heading up there with a tray.

"He has a guest room in his suite?" Abby asked.

"Yeah," Tony agreed. "The contractor even remodeled the bathroom they found during the ripping out phase.  Some day I'm sure it'll be a nursery.  For now it's Horatio's room because there's no room in Xander's closets."   She giggled.  "He'd play with you but his knee is aching."

"It's all right.  I'm sure I can visit sometime to play with him."  She bounced off, going back to the pool.  "Horatio took spoiling stuff up to Xander."  She dove in, giggling when McGee splashed her.  "He did."

"They both spoil very well," Calleigh promised. She checked the clock.  "I should probably take Alexx back before her kids worry."  She got out, heading to the changing room to shower off and change back, coming out redressed with her gun and badge on, her swimsuit in a plastic bag.  "Nice meeting you guys.  I  hope we can work together again soon."  She winked at Abby.  "Next time you're down we'll go watch boys play volleyball."

"Oooh, cute boys in skimpy clothes."  Calleigh walked off smiling.  "Tim, you should lay out in the sun.  You're paler than I am and that's not right."  He laughed, going to do that.  There were some loungers right outside the gym.  She went back to her laps.  She loved this house.  If Xander even sold it she'd have to try to buy it.

***

Gibbs walked in and the guard opened his mouth.  "I already heard; I'm to report upstairs immediately.  I don't know what her problem is."  He walked through the sensors, scanning his ID.  That got a nod and he headed up there.  The director stormed out when he walked in.  "You wanted to chat, Director?"

"My office, Agent Gibbs."

He walked that way, standing in front of her desk.  When she stomped back in he tossed own a report.  "Ten drug dealers selling to various bases, including Homestead down there.  Plus connections onto a few ships and a few reserve bases.  We've alerted the bases and intelligence over there.  The syndicate who took the contract is also gone.  They're behind three of the latest political assassinations as well.  Both labs are back at work as of last night.  The only loss of life was the young woman who started the contract.  Her mother had her shivved."

She cleared her throat. "You have filed for no expenses and there was no notice of you flying back on the company card or on a military flight."

"We borrowed the initial victim's private plane.  His family was most grateful so they flew us up free of charge."

"The Benis family?" she sneered.

He nodded.  "Yup. Them.  The daughter took out the contract so no one would shield her obsession."

"New  York's lab?"

"Board members in the lab and his uncle is in their associated homicide department.  The Miami lab holds his boyfriend, other friends, and members of the board.  Since they took fourteen bombs out of his grandparent's house the day we found out...."  She grimaced.  "Are you really complaining because they let us stay in Xander's guest house?"  She nodded. "Why?"

"Who knows what immoral things  you participated in, Agent Gibbs."

He snorted. "I'm sure Fornell and I had an orgy, Jen.  Especially since most gay men aren't like that.  Benis is in a committed relationship with an officer.  DiNozzo runs a very tight ship."  He stared her down.  "Besides, even if I wanted to dip my wick in every single hole in Miami it wouldn't affect my judgement at work."  She gaped.  "Anything else?"

"You were consorting with  known gay people, Jethro.  Questions are being asked."

"It was for an assignment, Director," he said grimly.  "That violates federal law as well."  She went pale. "Now, anything else?"

"I want to know what you did!"

"I helped arrest a deranged young woman who was a danger to society and many lives. We helped bust a very massive criminal syndicate that had ties into multiple bases for drug running and the possibility of information exchanges.  Other than that?  I ate a lot of very good food.  We got to use the gym and the pool at the house to relax when we weren't working.  I got to talk to the guards DiNozzo hired to make sure there wasn't a gap since I was the security consultant on his new house.  We went over the evacuation plans because it was necessary.  We watched Benis hop around for a few days because he's as stubborn as I am.  We held a mini convention with the techs down there to go over some new ideas.  That was a very good dinner as well."

"No drugs?"

"That kid doesn't drink beer," he snorted.  "He doesn't  put up with drugs.  He turns them in to the crime lab when he hears or sees it.  A lot of society types don't use publically or found rehab because of him.  Including one on his gymnastics team right before the school championships from what I heard."  She sneered at that.  "Men's gymnastics takes a lot more strength than I have, Director.  I applaud anyone who can do a handstand on a set of rings seven feet above the ground and hold it steady and still, plus the rings, for over a minute."  She stood up.  "Anything else?  I've got to carbon that to the FBI so they have our copy.  Fornell's team is still working on theirs."

"I think you were doing things you should not have," she said firmly but quietly.

"Want me to bend over so you can check?" he asked, staring her down.  "Anything else?  You can ask Ziva.  She was there the whole time."

"Go away."

"Gladly."  He walked off, heading back to his desk.  "McGee, we're going to be asked what we did in Miami."

"I monitored the security system, suggested a computer upgrade to Xander and his school, ate some of his chocolate stash so he wouldn't bounce when Tony told me to.  I ate a lot of really good food and had some excellent wine that night we ate with the local techs down there.  What did we supposedly do?"

"She's worried we did immoral things," he said dryly.  He looked at Ziva.

"Don't look at me.  I've already told her all we did was eat, work, and play in the pool.  She's worried you're going to be conscripted to the wrong side."

McGee smiled.  "It's Abby who thinks Xander's recruiting with his modeling career.  I thought he was a nice, goofy kid."

"He was," Gibbs agreed.  "DiNozzo has his work cut out for him following that one."  McGee laughed.  "I saw him before he had caffeine both mornings.  He's still hyperactive."  He looked at him.  "Anything new come in your email?"

He looked then shook his head.  "No, boss.  Nothing new."  He reloaded it.  "Wait, I take that back.  The director just called a mass staff meeting about inappropriate conduct while on away assignment."

"Next time we won't eat good food," Ziva said dryly.  She went up there, looking at her.  "What do you think he did?"

"I know he did something."

"He ate, he swam a few times.  He watched the boy be stubborn and work out against doctor's orders until Tony knocked him out and carried him back to bed to tuck him in.  We ate some very good food, had some great wine during one meal with the local techs.  The only person who was even remotely interested in him was their ballistics tech, Calleigh, and she was more interested in talking artillery with him."

"That's it?"

Ziva nodded.  "Yes.  We worked, we had dinner.  We borrowed a guest house.  I got to stare at the sunset a few times.  We borrowed the pool to play in.  We used the guard's workout room a few times.  McGee gave some advice  on some computer upgrades for the boy's personal system and the one at the school.  He went in to talk about NCIS at the boy's urging.  There's a few in there who are thinking about forensics.  He answered a lot of questions about other sorts of investigative agencies.  I answered a few about the Mossad to one young Jewish woman.  I was very honest and she agreed it wasn't for her.  She is still going to Israel for vacation as a pilgrimage. That's all we did beyond work.  Just because they're gay doesn't mean they drew us into orgies or anything.  They're not like that.  His grandparents are older and one's ill.  His staff is very professional yet they fuss horribly over the boy's grandfather.  Tony's team does the same over Xander.  Tony has a lot of fun following him around defeating evil reporters.  As far as I know the boy's still a virgin and he's with a very nice older man at the moment.  They're taking it slowly but they went to pet the tiny  horse that showed up to play with the guard dog.  Xander took him lunch when he went back to work, I overheard him saying he was going to treat the whole lab since they had gotten involved in his problem, and he was going to send food to New York as well.  Nothing stranger than the transvestite cook happened and she's very good at it.  I brought home a few very good recipes."

Sheppard gave her a horrified look.  "A transvestite cook?"

"Why should he discriminate because she's turning into a woman?  She treats the boy like her son."  She smiled.  "She's very nice and an excellent cook.  I swear I gained five pounds.  My pants don't fit anymore."

"What is Agent DiNozzo doing?"

"He's head of security and when he's done at night he goes back to his private apartment to watch movies.  Abby stayed with him most of the time we were down there.  They were planning on what to spend the gift certificate Xander got him for his birthday.  Two hundred dollars for new movies was very generous.  His collection now takes up most of two walls in his apartment.  I think he's got about every movie ever made.  Xander spoils him horribly in appreciation for protecting him."

Sheppard shook her head.  "Nothing happened?"  Ziva shook her head.  "At all?"  Ziva shook her head again.  "I heard he was hobnobbing and had been seen walking off with a fairly well known gay man."

"That was probably the senator.  He came to see Horatio, who was being guarded at the house with Xander.  He and Xander are best friends.  He protected Xander a number of times as a child when things happened.  The senator came to see Xander to get something back to Patrick, his grandfather, and to ask Horatio about some budget things.  Xander had gifted the department with three new cruisers and a new hummer for the lab for Horatio's birthday because he knew they needed it and couldn't afford it this year.  That way the department that protects him was at peak effectiveness.  Xander was off planning some shelter and hospital charity street fair for during spring break most of the time. Giving the stupid young who go down there to drink and party something sober to do basically."

"I see.  The senator?"

"I don't know what he and Gibbs talked about.  I know he was a Marine.  It could be they talked about that stuff.  I wasn't eavesdropping.  I was rolling myself back to the pool while we waited on confirmation on getting all the links.  It was a very nice bust.  Very heavy.  You should see all the reports.  It closed a major drug pipeline and we think some intelligence leaks that were because people were using it to buy drugs."  She smiled.  "Xander was an excellent host.  He yelled at Tony once for trying to baby his sore knee.  Tony smacked him on the head like Gibbs did him and he quit complaining and let Tony fuss for a bit.  He's very stubborn.  Even Gibbs said he was more stubborn than him."  The director moaned, shaking her head.  Her secretary walked in with a small box, making Ziva smile.  "An admirer?" she teased.

"No.  Thank you, Cynthia."  She nodded, leaving again.  "Nothing happened?"

"No, nothing happened.  Tony did offer Gibbs a job.  Half the guards were very straight.  Amused by the boy but very straight.  He and Horatio talked about forensics a few times.  I don't know what you think happened but it clearly didn't.  Abby was more likely to get into trouble.  The local department down there came to fete her.  They wanted her badly and offered her a choice of interns, lab assistants, and moving reimbursement."  She walked out, heading back down to her desk.  "Your talk with the senator got noted," she said quietly.

He snorted.  "He and Ducky talked for days."

"Yes but she's not his stalker."  They watched as the director went running.  "Hmm.  I wonder if her admirer sent her bad cookies or whatever."

Gibbs gave her an alarmed look.  "An admirer sent her food just now?"  Ziva nodded so he went up to check, finding the nice note from Tony.  'Xander made these for you in thanks for letting Jethro and his team come help during this vile incident'.  He groaned, going to find Ducky for her.  They had all been warned not to eat Xander's cooking by Tony.  "Ducky, the director got sent muffins from Xander's hands," he called into the morgue.

"I'll make sure she doesn't need my professional services.  Thank you."  He went to find the bottle of pepto, taking it up to her.  She was back at her desk, taking a careful nibble.  "Director, don't.  Xander doesn't cook very well.  It's why he has Rebecca."

"I heard," she croaked.  She nibbled another bite.  "What did he do?" she asked, tasting it.  "It tastes off."

"He's rather a bad cook.  Even bollixes up boxed and mix recipes I'm afraid."  He handed her the pink bottle.  "Take some of that and a nap.  You should be fine."  He took the box of muffins, going to throw them out in the biohazard bag in the lab.  "Xander sent her muffins."

Abby looked over, taking one from the box to test.  "Tony wanted to know what happened when he cooked."

"Don't inflict them on anyone else."

"I won't."  He smiled and left.  "Today," she said once he was gone.  The tests didn't come out with anything wrong.  No known toxins, food poisonings, or anything like that.  "Odd."  She delved deeper into the Xander cooking mystery.  It wasn't right.

***

Mac looked up when someone walked into his office with a few large bags right before lunch time.  "What's that?"

"A thank you present, Detective."  He handed over the card.  That got a smile and a nod.  "Here?"

"Sure.  Thank you."

"Welcome."  He left, going to hand over the other lunch he had.  "Detective Flack?" he asked one of the men in the squad room, getting a point.  "Thank you."  He walked the smaller bag over there.  "Sir?"  Don gave him a confused look.  "Your nephew said he's very sorry the problem happened and since she got stuck on him when he had chicken pox it wasn't his abs of doom's fault so he's going to continue showing off the family buttocks to the world."  He handed over a bag.  "He said you had to eat to match his prettiness."  Don cackled, leaning back.  "Have a good day, Detective."  He loved cheering people up.

Don looked in the bag, sniffing.  "He got me lunch.  I love my goofball nephew."  His captain gave him a look.  "He said it wasn't the modeling that got him the stalker.  She latched on when he was ten and had chicken pox."  He dug out the food, sniffing before starting to inhale it.  He was starved.  He called Stella, grunting at her.  She grunted back so she had food too.  He hung up, taking his lunch over there, nodding for his boss's benefit since he was eating while he walked.  He sat down among the other nibbling people, grunting in greeting since his mouth was still full.  Mac shoved over the note, but Don shook his head.  He finally took a break.  "He said since she got stuck when he had chicken pox he was going to keep showing off the family's abs and butt of doom."  He ate another bite, looking at Stella's.  He offered her a bite and stole some of hers in return, getting a grunt of appreciation.

Mac finished chewing, shaking his head.  "It's a good gift of appreciation," he decided, eating another bite.  Whoever did this had a *fantastic* hand with spices.  Just right, not overpowering by any means.  He'd have to order from there again if it wasn't terribly expensive.

Danny looked at the note on the card, smiling.  "We love the little goofball, right?"  Everyone nodded.  So he ate another bite.  He looked at Lindsay and Hawkes, both of who were stuffing their faces.  "Just think, you two got to miss all the fun stuff."  He ate another bite at their dirty looks.

"I got stuck with Mac," Don told them.  They both shook their heads at that.  "He can cook too."

Mac smirked, nodding.  "Someone has to."  He finished his lunch, groaning as he leaned back.  "Oh, that was good."

Don grunted, his mouth was full again.

***

Horatio looked over as someone paged him from the desk.  He walked back the ten feet, looking at the bags he was handed.  "Who ordered and how much do they owe you?"

"Prepaid, sir.  He did say to tell you he did not cook anything so it's all safe.  He said it was a small gesture of appreciation so all the mother hens could nag."  He nodded, handing over the other two bags and heading off again.

Horatio looked at the boxes then did a quick count.  He walked them to the break room, calling the others.  Including the detectives.  The impromptu meeting confusion turned to smiles when he put the bags onto the tables.  "Xander said he didn't cook anything."

Speed came over to take out boxes, laying them off to the side.  "Come pick what you want.  There's a good selection here and only a few have our names on them."  He took his to sit down.  The receptionist walked in with a box, earning a mass of smiles.  "Chocolate?"  She nodded.  "Thanks."

"Welcome, Speed."  She watched as the detectives and everyone else dug in.  There were a few extra but she supposed that was for those who were very hungry and Alexx.  She called down to the morgue.  "Someone sent a lot of food up here."  She hung up and got back to manning her station.

Alexx walked in a few minutes later.  "Did we save me any?"  Speed pointed behind him.  "Thank you, sugar."  She sat down beside him, smiling at the one in her box.  "That's so nice.  Why did those other two get treats too?"

"Because one complained he had missed his favorite show and we forgot to pick up the other's dog," Eric said, paging them.  They both walked in and he pointed.  "Those have your names on them."  They looked, laughing, taking them off to save for their lunch time.  "I feel like a pig," he complained, eating another bite.

"It's good food.  It should be appreciated," Speed pointed out.  Alexx nodded.  He looked at hers then at her.  "You needed a salad?"

"It's better for me than the spareribs Eric had," she said, giving him a look.  "What's in the other box?"

"A treat," Hagen said, eating another bite.  He looked around then at Horatio.  "How's Maddy?"

"Doing much better," he said, looking happy.  "Her treatments are going well and she's regaining strength at the moment.  They're saying she should be out in about a month."

"Good," Frank said, scraping the bottom of his box.  "I want to know where he got them from."  Horatio pointed at the empty bags.  "Have to remember that, take the wife there."  He leaned back, undoing his pants button.  "Someone slice the cake?"

"You sure you have room?" Calleigh teased.

"Always.  I live on sugar and caffeine.  You know that."  Tony strolled in with a pan, putting that down in the center of the table.  "The boy already fed us."

"Those are *my* special double chocolate brownies that have gotten me through many a bad case.  Xander only watched in awe and inhaled the two missing ones."  He handed Horatio an envelope.  "From Patrick and that branch of the family."  He walked out much happier.

"Someone cut the cake and give me some of the brownies too?" Speed said.  Everyone laughed, Yelina getting up to do the cake for them.  It was already sliced, which was nice, and there were some extra paper plates in the bottom of the box.  There were just enough brownies to go around to those eating in the break room.  Quite a few of them walked out moaning about their diets, but oh well.

Xander knew how to spoil cops very well.

Horatio smiled at the birthday card and the check inside with the instruction to do something he wanted to do with it.  So he went to order something new for the lab.

Xander got his diploma, hearing a bunch of teachers saying their 'finally's.  He gave one a smug look and walked off the stage, going to sit down.  He smiled back at his family, getting a smile from his grandfather.  They finished the ceremony and Xander got up, going to bounce into his family to hug them all.  "I made it, finally!"  He looked at the coach.  "When can I pick up all my medals?" he called.

"Next month," he said, smiling at him.  He shook his head.  Xander came over to say his goodbyes to his team, heading out to the limo afterward.  "That award case is going to look very bare," he complained to the team.  "We'll have to fill it again."  They smiled, going to have their own parties.

Xander snuggled into his grandfather's side.  "See, I even made it with a decent GPA," he told him.

"You did."  He stroked through his hair, giving him a weak smile.  Xander kissed him on the cheek, giving him a hug.  "I do wish we could take that trip."

"We can, we have to go slower," Tony told him.  "He's only got one meeting with Emma and I'm sure he can tell her he's going with you."

"She said there's a new campaign, it's not until this fall," Xander told him.  "We can do that one month and then go back to it after everyone's rested."  Everyone smiled at that, shaking their heads.  "That way I have great memories for the last year or so I have him."  He looked at his grandfather, who nodded.  "You're sure?"

"I am.  What are you going to tell Horatio?"

"I don't know.  I was going offer him the chance to come with us if he wanted to take some of his multi-billion leave hours."  They all smiled. "But not make him.  This should be family time and he'll understand that."  They all nodded and he snuggled in again.  He texted Don and Mac, plus Horatio telling him they were done, he had graduated, and now they were going to go party at the house.  "Mine or yours?" he asked.

"Ours," Sire said patiently.  Xander typed that in too, then sent it and put his phone back into his pocket.  "Where did you want to go?"

"Where does Grandfather want to go?"

"Patrick?" he asked.

"I'd like to spend Halloween in Ireland," he said.  "Other than that, I'm not picky."  That got some smiles.  "Xander?"

"It's traveling and spending time with you.  For all I care we can hitch a train car to a train and go wherever."

"That's not a bad idea.  I know someplace you can rent one," Sire said, thinking about it.  "That would give Patrick a comfortable resting spot."  They all nodded and he decided to make arrangements.  "We'll start in main Europe, boys."  They both shrugged and hugged each other.  He smiled.  He loved the long-separated twins.  Truthfully Xander had never really moved out.  He lived at home but he was over all the time to play with Patrick and make him stay alive.  He smoothed Patrick's hair down, getting a content smile.  "We'll bring Ethan," he said quietly.  That got a nod.  They settled into the house a few minutes later, having a quiet dinner in celebration.  Horatio came over later and got fed by Xander, and then they discussed the upcoming trip plans.  Horatio decided he'd join them for a week of it in Italy.  The rest would be Xander and Patrick's time together.

***

Xander looked at his agent, smiling as he kissed her cheek and sat down across from her at the table.  "What's up and why aren't we in the chatty section?"

"I wanted some privacy, Xander.  There's a new campaign."

"I heard that.  It cannot interrupt my trip with my grandfather."  She looked stunned. "We're going around together.  He's getting too weak to move most of the time.  We're going by train once we get to Europe."

"That's..."  She smiled.  "Very important," she decided.  "When are you going to be back?"

"Next year but I can take *a* month off for this."  She smiled at that.  "We agreed August would be a good one.  It's intolerable everywhere unless we're in Greenland.  He doesn't want to go to Greenland so...."  She laughed and nodded, sliding the pamphlets over.  He looked at it.  "Like I do for the goth shop?"

"Pretty muchly.  Just ads.  More like you did for the watch."  Xander nodded, looking it over.  He pointed at something.  "I know, I wasn't sure if it would bother you."

"I'm not doing the liquor ads."  He looked at her.  "I can't stand the stuff and I don't drink."

"Agreed.  He'll agree to that."  She patted his hand.  "Where are you going?"

"We're starting in Istanbul and going from there.  Horatio's joining us for the week in lower Italy."  She gave him a gentle smile.  "Sorry but I need the time with him."

"I understand.  He's very important to you."  Two of her other models came in.  "Come sit, dears."  Xander looked up and waved.  He passed on the brochures.  "Xander said he can do his part in August but he does not want to do the alcohol parts."

"I don't drink and I hate the stuff," Xander said.  "I'm not going to promote something I can't stand."

The female shrugged.  "We can do those parts."  Emma smiled.  "Why only August?"

"I'm going on a long trip with my grandfather," Xander said quietly, looking at her.  "We're going to be traveling by train over most of Europe and parts of Asia."

"Wow.  So why August?"

"It's unbearable wherever you are in the world," he said blandly, getting a laugh.  "Exactly."  He looked at his agent.  "Is he going to be fussy?"

"I don't know.  I can check.  He's off at the bar waiting on us to talk.  Do you two have any reservations?"

"I really don't like the plans to model animal fur," the female said.  "I'm not Cruella DeVille."  She handed that to Xander, who shook his head at that.  "Didn't think you had seen that part."

"No, if I had I would've turned it down.  Sorry, I'm an adamant supporter of the pound."

"Still?" Emma asked.

"Of course.  Why would I switch?"

"That's a common children's charity."

"Just because I've graduated doesn't mean I don't like animals anymore.  They're some of my favorite people around the house.  Especially the miniature horse that helps the guard dogs."  They all stared.  "She wandered up and she helps.  She's very smart.  She likes to bite reporters."  He was watching someone come in with the press trying to get her to turn around.  "Damn."  He looked at her again, then down at the bark.  "Speaking of animals.  Hi, Burkie.  What's up?"  He picked the tiny dog up, letting him rest in his lap.  "How are you today?  Is Mommy here?"  She barked and whimpered.  "I'm going to take her back to her mommy.  Excuse me for a minute."  He got up and walked her into the other room, smiling at a few familiar faces, most of whom smiled at him.  "She came to find me," he explained.  He found her slumped in her chair.  "Petunia?"  He frowned, checking her neck.

"Crap."  He looked around, waving a waiter over.  "Do not touch anything here," he hissed.  "She's dead."  He went pale.  "Get me the manager.  I'll tell someone.  You're taking her out like she passed out.  Tell him *I* said so."  He nodded, heading to get the manager.  He walked over to another table, handing off the dog.  "Hold her for a few please?" he whispered.  "Her mommy's not taking a nap."  She stiffened.  "They're going to take her out like she's passed out."  That got a nod and he went to tell the other senior matron in the room, getting a nod.  He walked back to the manager's side, nodding the paramedics in.  "She passed out," Xander said firmly.  "Do not let the press know anything different.  It'll hurt her family."

"We can do that," the lead one agreed.  He checked her over, nodding at the other to get the gurney.  They came back and gently lifted her onto it.  "Who do we call?"

Xander handed over the purse.  "A true lady never leaves without her purse.  Her phone book is in there.  Her daughter is Amanda ... what's Amanda's last name?" he called.

"Dupont," someone called back.  They looked and blinked.  "Oh, tell me...."

"She's been sick for ages," Xander said gently.  "As far as anyone outside is concerned, she passed out."  He followed them out, catching the dog when she ran out.  "Hey, Burkie."  He looked at the matron, who waved him off.  "You sure?"

"She left you the dog, Xander.  She even left you his things so you could upkeep him."

He kissed her on the cheek.  "Thank you," he said quietly.

"No, dear, thank you.  Now go clean up."

He nodded, going to wash his hands, bringing the dog back to the table.  "Sorry.  One of the grande dames just passed out.  It's her dog and I'm puppy sitting."  That got a smile from Emma.  "Any other jobs?"

"If you'll be in New York in August it'd be nice."

"We can arrange that," he agreed happily.  She smiled and nodded.  "I've got to go.  We're pretty sure we'll have a funeral soon for her."  He got up, taking the dog home to his grandfather.  Sire gave him an odd look.  "Petunia was at lunch when she died," he said quietly.  "I'm told she left me Burkie."

"Okay."  He let him into the study, letting him see Patrick was napping.  "How did it go?"

"They do liquor and wanted us to model in pet furs.  Not mink but dog.  Not a chance.  She did ask if we were going to break for August that we spend it in New York.  Just in case.  That way you guys could spend time with Don and Stella."  That got a smile from his grandfather, who waved at the dog, getting a bark.  "Petunia died at lunch."

"I'm sorry."  He smiled at him.  "I know she was going to leave her to you.  Plus money for her expenses."  He yawned.  "How's the new shoot looking?"

"Crappy which is why I'm not going to be attached to it.  They do liquor and wanted us in animal furs.  I'm not going to wear a dog."

"Good boy."  He reached over to pet the dog, letting her curl up in his lap.  "Shh, we'll nap together, Burkie."  She turned around a few times then settled in, snoring gently into his stomach, letting him pet her while he fell back asleep.

Xander and Sire shared a look, letting him get the guard who did sketches to capture this moment while Xander went to look at their itinerary and look an idea up in the library.

***

Xander walked into the small hotel in Istanbul, looking around.  "I'm looking for Drega," he told the manager.  "Where is she?"  A shaky hand pointed at the table in the corner.  "Thank you."  He walked over there, nodding politely when he was stared at by a few.  He stopped in front of her.  "Drega?"

"I do not do things for cash.  It's evil," she said with a small sneer.

Xander sat down across from her.  "If I was offering you money it'd be different.  My grandfather is ill."

"I would care why?"

"Your sire and his is worried."  She stopped drinking at that, staring at him.  He grinned a bit.  "I know, I look a lot like Grandfather."

"Patrick?" she whispered.  He nodded.  "Why?"

"The cancer he had continues to grow  no matter how often Ethan works on it.  We're here doing some traveling and he sent me to find you so you two could see each other again."

She finished her drink.  "Walk me home, Alexander."

"If you wish."  He stood up, helping her to stand.  "Which way?"  She pointed and he strolled beside her, letting her think while they walked.  She finally made it to her house, walking inside, holding up a hand.  "I'll wait."

She nodded.  "It's best."  She disappeared, coming out an hour later with a smoking vial and him sitting on her stairs like a little boy.  "Show me to Patrick."

"Of course.  We're in a train car."  He led her that way, smiling when she took a few shortcuts.  He tapped then walked in with her behind her.  "Sire sent for her," he said in greeting, getting out of the way.

"Naomi," Patrick said, smiling and holding up a hand.

"Patrick."  She came over to look at him then at Xander.  "I need your blood."

"All of it?"

"A few drops would do."  He pulled out a knife and made a small slice on his forearm, letting her gather it.  She sniffed.  "Virginal?"

"Not fully," he admitted.  "I ended up buggering someone in a club one night."  His grandfather frowned.  "He slid it inside, I was content with rubbing.  Then he went to do everyone else in the club."  He moved closer.  "He can clean it off in a few minutes."

"Of course he can."  She fed him the potion, making him drink it.  "Now, finish his arm off."  He did that, making Xander smile.  "Good."  She looked at him.  "Would you turn if it would save him?"

"I don't want to be turned but I'd hate to lose him more," he said honestly.

"No, he's not being turned," Sire ordered from his couch.  "Why would he need to be?"  He turned the page on his book, looking like he was reading. "That will make him better, correct?"

"It should."  She checked him then frowned at Xander.  "Where were you born?"

"Sunnydale."

She gaped.  "A hellmouth baby," she said in awe.  "I know those who would pay good money for your blood."  Patrick smacked her hard on the arm.  "Sorry, I will not harm your grandson."  She looked at him then at the boy. "We need more.  It's powerful blood and can cure him."

"So can a slayer's blood," Xander said, opening up a box and taking out a small vile.  "I asked Willow to ask her and she said she heard you were a good cause."  He handed it over to Sire, who smiled and handed it to Patrick. "There's another two in there.  She sent it by magic with someone named Ripper's help?"

"Riper was one of my boys," Patrick admitted. "Ethan's love.  The very stout and uptight Mr. Giles, dear."  He sucked down the blood, moaning at the taste.  The other two were handed over and he sighed, slumping down.  "I need a nap."

"You do," she agreed, tucking him in.  She found something in her pocket, putting the small doll over his chest, starting to chant.  The doll distorted, Patrick moaned and wiggled, and then the doll burst into flames.  She checked him over, smiling.  "Much better."  She looked at the two staring men.  "It shortened them to nearly nothing."  Sire relaxed and smiled.  She looked at Xander.  "He will live to see your children."  Xander beamed and nodded, giving her a hug.  "Two still remain at an increased size.  It can be taken out however.  Ethan can keep the others from swelling with pus again."  She patted Xander on the back, smiling when he wiped off his cheeks.  "There, boy.  Rest with him."  Xander climbed in to rest next to Patrick, getting comfortable with him.  She looked at her Sire.  "Did you not think to call?"

"Xander pointed it out.  I had forgotten," he said quietly.

"As can happen in old age," she teased.  She kissed him on the cheek.  "I will see you in a few days."  She left them alone to celebrate and get used to the fact that he was going to get better and stronger now.

Sire smiled at Xander.  "Thank you."

"It was an idea that I thought I had seen."  He hugged his grandfather tighter, snuggling into his chest.

***

Horatio smiled when he was picked up by the bouncy Xander at the airport in Rome.  "Has it been a good trip?"

"It's been the best."  He gave him a hug.  "We found a temporary cure," he said quietly, leading him out to pick up his luggage.  "He's better."

"How temporary?"

"He might live to see my grandchildren," he offered.  He walked him out to the car once he had his things, letting him put things into the trunk of the cab.  Then they got into the front, him leaning forward to give him an address.  He got a nod and hurried off.  Xander leaned back, smiling at him. "Grandsire said that his daughter could help once.  That she could do amazing things.  She's made him stronger."

"I'm glad."  He gave his hand a squeeze.  "Where are we going?"

"Grandsire's house."  He beamed.  "He has a small condo here."  He pointed.  "Look, ancient places.  We can go sightseeing while you're here.  We only got in last night."

Horatio smiled, taking his hand to hold.  When they got to the condo it was miraculous.  Patrick hadn't looked that well since Xander had been a child.  He hugged the vampire, making him smile.  "You are better."

"Mostly.  There's still a few but it did give me at least a few more years.  Though I will not be going back to my old schedule and I will not be going near any other Watchers."  He smiled at Xander, giving him a hug.  "He's been fussing over me worse than he ever has.  Make him have fun, grandson-in-law."

"We're not at that stage yet," Horatio said sheepishly.

"Rome is very romantic," Sire said as he walked in.  "Go play, boys.  I'm going to take Patrick to some of the places we used to roam."  Xander gave him a hopeful look.  "You'll be making your own favorite places, grandson.  Shoo.  Now."  Xander beamed and bounced out with Horatio, coming back to grab his wallet and keys before leaving again.  He shook his head.  "He's still in need of those medicines."

"They never worked right on him," Patrick said gently, taking his hand so they could watch the sunset through the special windows.  "Why have they not consummated things?"

"Xander's scared he'll be driven off by his inexperience and he won't be as worthy of him.  Not that Horatio doesn't feel the same way on his end.  They're very alike.  They both fear that first lover's quarrel that could destroy the relationship.  Besides you did tell Xander to wait for a commitment," he teased.

"If it were legal I'd have picked up a shotgun long ago," Patrick said happily.  "We still have to tell Don."

"We'll see Don in a month, Patrick.  He'll hug you then.  Until then you're mine."  He nipped him on the throat.  "You taste odd.  Like cleaning herbs?"

"I did a purification ritual," he admitted, looking at him.  "Some of Naomi's spells can taint what soul I have left."

Raphael kissed him.  "As long as it didn't hurt you."  He drug his childe outside once it was dark enough, making sure he had his wallet and keys as well.  They had some old haunts to find again.

***

Horatio smiled, catching Xander when he jumped off the side of the fountain.  "You're happy."

"I'm very happy.  Actually, I'm more than happy, I'm not worried and I'm happy."

Horatio smiled, nuzzling his cheek.  "Then we'll see what we can do to keep that trend going."  Xander beamed.  "This is not the most liberal city, Xander," he said, avoiding the kiss.  Xander pouted. "They've stoned gay men in recent memory."

Xander kissed him on the tip of his nose.  "We'll see what we can do about that."  He took his hand to walk off with him, going to dinner.  "Do you still have my wallet?"  Horatio nodded, patting that pocket.  "Good."  He smiled.  Their phones rang so Xander answered them both.  "What's up?"  He listened.  "Are you two okay?" he asked.  He nodded.  "We'll meet you back at the train car."  He hung up and grinned at Horatio.  "Stupid Watcher," he said quietly, dragging him off to a taxi that had a multilingual set of prices.  He said something in Spanish, getting a nod.   Horatio settled beside him.  "Your things are going with us."

"That's fine.  What happened?"

Xander shrugged.  "I don't know.  Yet."

"Where's Thomas and Tony?"

"Miami.  Where they should be," Xander said with a grin.  "Tony's put himself on-call for your team if they need him."  He smiled at that.  "We'll figure it out.  Remember, I'm partially trained and  you're better trained."  He gave his hand a squeeze, paying the cabby when they got back to the train yard.  He got them out, heading for the car they had rented.  Someone yelled at them and he glared.  "I'm with them."  That got a nod and he pulled Horatio on board.  "We're here," he called.

Sire came out of the back.  "One of the Watchers decided he was a threat for being happy and gay," he said quietly.

"He okay?"

"He had sucky aim," Sire said blandly.  "Hit him in the stomach and not too deep, boys.  Horatio, your bag's being brought.  Ours as well, Xander."

"As long as I get it back sometime soon and his passport wasn't in there, I've got mine on me," Xander said.  "We can shop tomorrow if we have to."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Are we going out into the countryside or on to Switzerland?"

"Countryside.  We'll be connecting with a train in a few minutes."  He patted him on the cheek.  "Let me worry about the mundane.  I've had to leave a few areas quickly."  He went back to babying his childe.  He was going to be fine and he knew that but it was too soon after they had gotten him back for him to not worry himself sick.

Xander looked at Horatio, sitting him down.  "Well!"  Horatio snickered.  "Wanna kick me an ass."  He sat down next to him, cuddling in.  "It'll be fine."  Someone knocked and he went to open the door.  "Yes?" he asked in English.  One sure way to mark them as tourists.  The obvious official said something in Italian.  "I know enough Italian to ask for directions, can you slow that down?"  He repeated it.  He held up a finger, sitting on the stairs so they were the same height.  "How about I give you whatever you probably want to know?  We rented the train car.  We're going on a vacation to celebrate my grandfather getting better and me graduating," he said slowly and clearly.  That got a nod.  "We're American."  That got a grimace but another nod.  "Is this about us moving or our papers?  Passports?"  He nodded at that and Xander showed him his, getting it looked over.  "It was stamped at the border.  We came from Istanbul."  That got a nod and he handed it back.  "Do you need the others?  One of us just flew in today and the other two have been on the train the whole time," he said slowly.

He shook his head.  "No.  Check," he said.  Xander beamed at that.  "Problems?"

"I'm gay," Xander told him.  "Someone complained so we're going a few days early."  That got a nod and he walked off.  Xander got back into the car, closing the door behind him, making sure he had his passport.  "Okay."  He smiled at his sire.  "It's apparently not the first time."

"Hopefully not," Sire agreed.  Someone else knocked so he went to open it.  "Yes?"

"You're the Benis party?"

Xander looked at him,  nodding.  "Yes, and you sound suspiciously like Mr. Giles did in Sunnydale."  The man went pale.  "Hi, Xander Benis, formerly of Sunnydale.  What did you need?"

"Your grandfather."

"Tough shit," Xander said coolly.  The man stepped back.  "My grandfather is resting after someone unwisely pissed me off by attacking him."

"Now see here....."

Xander pulled him into the car, making him squeak.  "My grandfather has never felt the need to kill to hunt," he hissed in his face.  "He was a priest.  He's a very good man who sticks up for people who need it.  You're indiscriminate."  He wet himself.  "Pity about that."  He stared him down.  "You leave my grandfather alone."

"He...he's sick."

"He's still sick, he's just more energetic now," Xander assured him.  That got a fast nod.  "Anything else you absolutely fucking needed to know?"

"No," he squeaked.  Xander let him go, stepping back.  "All my trainee knew was that they were ones."

"Hmm, and still with the pissing me off," Xander told him.  He went pale.  "By the way, since I can see out the window you might wanna call off the person with the can of gas.  It'll look really bad when you tell the cops you tried to burn us out because you think we're vampires."  The man backed up.  "No.  If they light it on fire, you're staying."

Patrick came out.  "They won't care to burn him too," he said quietly, stroking his grandson's back.  "Sire?"

"Xander, go hand that person to someone."

Horatio coughed, pointing.  "Too late.  Let's get out of here?"  Xander took his and Patrick's hands, leading them off the car.  He kicked someone in the jaw and they quit standing there with a stake.  "Thank you."

"Welcome.  Sire?"  He came out with the Watcher, dropping him onto the ground.  "Couldn't let him die?"

"No.  I couldn't.  It's unfortunate."  He glared at the skinny, little, preteen girl.  "You can only get hurt, young lady.  Not all of us are the monsters he told you about."

"You are.  You're one of *them*," she sneered.  Xander pulled her over his lap, spanking her until she bawled and screamed for help.

The official came back with the fire department.  "What's going on?" one of the firemen translated.

"She and her buddy there set the car on fire saying we were vampires," Xander said, handing her over, wiping off his hands.  "I thought she needed corrected."  He stared her down until she hid behind the official.  He looked at the fireman again.  "All of us got out.  We're sorry they torched the car."

"We have had such recently," he said, handing her to someone with some rapid Italian.  She was put into handcuffs and someone else came to get the other guy.  "Thank you.  You are staying locally?"

Patrick nodded, leaning on his sire's side.  "We have a vacation place nearby."  That got a nod.  "We'll be leaving tomorrow since this is the second problem."

"I understand.  I hope your next trip is better," he said.  That got a nod and they headed off to get a ride back to the condo to pick up their things and then to hide at a better hotel.  "Vampires," he told the official.   He said something and he laughed.  "Gay vampires?  Not from the stories I've heard.  They'll put them where they belong."  He went to order his people around to make sure nothing else burned.

***

Xander led Horatio around the next city on their tour, giving him a smile.  "See, so much nicer."

"It is."  He gave his hand a squeeze.  "Are you sure this is all right?"

"If they like us they'll think we're cute.  If not, they'll think you're trying to hold me back while I pull you along."  Horatio laughed, letting Xander lead him into the shop he had been aiming them for.  He sniffed and moaned.  "This is nice."  He smiled at the saleswoman, who squealed and came over to fit them with things.  The 'temptation' ad was on the wall behind her.  It was a lot cheaper than it should have been too.  Even Horatio got dressed in some leather.  Xander walked them and their bags off, going to one of the plazas to stroll around and look at the architecture and sculptures.  Florence was a great city.  He saw a reporter and swore, making Horatio laugh.

"Who?"  He looked where Xander nodded.  "I wonder who else is up here.  Aren't you on good terms with her?"

"Your boss?"

"May mind but I'm on vacation."  They smiled at the reporter, who gaped and pointed her camera at them.  "Not unflattering ones," he called, walking Xander on.  "Who else is here?"

"Shiva and her daughter."

"Tell her I said hi," Xander called, waving a hand.  "Grandfather's having a good day."  He walked Horatio off, going to look at a few other things.  He looked back, finding a native reporter following them.  "Huh."

Horatio turned to look at him.  "Why are you bothering Mr. Benis?" he asked in poor Italian.  He said something, pointing back at the other reporter.

Xander looked at him.  "I think he said Helen sicced him on us."  He looked at him.  "Society reporter?"  He shook his head.  "Fashion?"  He nodded, beaming, snapping a picture of him.  Xander smiled, shaking his head.  "We're going shopping.  It's boring.  I'm on vacation."  That got a shrug.  "Whatever."  He walked Horatio off.  "Ignore him.  We'll lose him soon."  Horatio gave him a sideways look.  "I will."  He winked and walked them into an upscale shop, nodding at the manager.  "Hi.  This one is my very best friend and needs something spectacular for dinner out tonight.  My treat."

The manager looked at him then nodded.  "New York society?"

"Miami," Xander said with a grin.  "Xander Benis."  The man blinked.  "Wow, I have an international following?"  The man babbled something and Xander frowned, looking at Horatio, then at him.  "English?"  He whispered something in his ear, getting a nod.  "I am.  Grandfather's taking a trip with me so we have good memories.  He's feeling a bit better with his new treatment too.  I'll tell him you said to feel better."  That got a smile and he led them to a few wardrobes to look at the things inside.  "He knows about Grandfather's works."

"It's funny how the world keeps getting smaller," Horatio said with a smile for him.  Xander grinned back, holding up something.  "I...."

Xander tapped a foot.  "Complain, watch me spoil you rotten, Horatio."  He called home.  "What's the balance on my card?"  He smiled.  "Horatio's complaining that I'm buying him something for dinner."  He laughed.  "That's what I was thinking.  Thanks."  He hung up.  He looked at the manager.  "I have ten thousand to spend on this stop."  He gaped then nodded, hauling Horatio to another closet.

"The others were fine," Horatio told him.  "They felt like my suits at home."  They went back there and a few were pulled out.  He gave Xander a look, getting a grin and a wiggle of fingers.  "You should be spending this on yourself."

"This is the rest of my allowance from my trip to New York a few years back, Horatio.  Quit fussing.  I look strange in suits."  He sat down, crossing his feet while Horatio was made to try on the new suits.  He came out and Xander nearly drooled.  He wiped his mouth to make sure, earning a blush.  Horatio studied himself then nodded that he liked it.  The fitter came out to fix the tailoring for him.  They walked out four hours later with them promising to deliver everything tonight.  "You didn't have to....  Where's your bags?"

"Back there.  They said they'd deliver them too."  He beamed.  "Now, we were going to look at paintings, right?"  Horatio nodded, giving him another look.  "You need spoiled."

"You do a lot of that."

"I like to spoil.  You're not sick so I can't fuss.  I learned from Grandfather."

"I noticed.  Less spoiling, more personal attention, Xander."  Xander smiled and nodded, taking his hand to pull him into a museum that was up the street, holding onto his arm like a proper escort as they looked at things, talking quietly about what they were looking at.

***

Sire looked at the bags that had been delivered then at Patrick.  "The boys are where?"

"Xander used the last of his allowance from New York to spoil Horatio so they could have a romantic dinner tonight."  He smiled.  "He has good taste.  The one he came out in made him glow like a pregnant woman."

"I hope he's not, yet.  We'd have to move our primary residence to a country where it's legal to marry or get Horatio a job in Massachusetts."  Patrick snickered.  "We would."

"He's not.  The special silk was gorgeous on him."  He took a kiss.  "Dinner?"

"I'd like a good dinner with you.  Where are the boys?"

"They are staying in another room tonight," Patrick said with a wink.  "I do believe our grandson has decided."

"Which means we'll be inundated with problems if it's a good match," he said dryly.

"It's a great match.  Horatio does understand him.  Even when they're having future fights they'll still be all right.  Xander will win half of them at least because he's stubborn and can pout."

"Just like you do to me," Sire said dryly, pulling him up.  "Go change."

"What am I picking out?" he asked as he walked.

"Something to have a dinner of our own, Patrick."  That got a wink and he went to put on something that would make his sire pounce.

***

After dinner Xander led Horatio back to their hotel room for the night.  "Sire said he needed time with Grandfather," he explained as they checked in, taking the keys.  "Thank you."  He headed up the stairs, smiling as he let Horatio into their room.  He turned to look at him, smiling when the door was closed and Horatio leaned against it.  "You act like you're the virgin," he teased.

Horatio looked around then at him.  "I thought we were going to wait until we got home."  He came over, undoing Xander's tie and then his own, putting them onto the dresser next to them.  "Are you sure?"

Xander kissed him.  "I'm sure but if you want to...."

Horatio kissed him again.  "I still have some worries about our age gap and what would happen if something happened to me, or to you."

"I have worries about our first few fights," Xander said.  "Our last one nearly had me not coming out of my room."

"I heard.  Tony called to chew me a new one.  He threatened to have someone egg the hummer until I apologized."  He kissed him again.  "Are you sure?" he asked again.  Xander beamed and nodded.  "Okay."  He finished stripping them both down, taking Xander in to shower with him.  It was one of their favorite games to date.  They had gotten as far as blow jobs but never any farther because they were both concerned how the relationship would affect their lives.  Xander was still a bit pouty to his mind but that was looking like something that wouldn't be changed.  Not unless he was in constant danger.  Horatio's own career was dangerous and more than one of the criminals he caught had been tempted to deal with Xander to make him hurt.

Then again, they understood each other perfectly.  It was those minor flaws that created the occasional fight, and like any couple they eventually worked them out.  Not that Tony hadn't offered to put him out of Xander's misery a few times but Tony was Xander's head of security and friend.  He should do that.  He ran his hands over the damp skin, soaping it slowly, making Xander moan and let him do whatever he wanted.  Horatio stepped back and Xander pouted but took control of their shower.  Horatio did like that.  The 'pleasure boy' Xander was a fun toy but not for tonight.  He groaned when the cellphones rang, going out to answer his.  "Horatio.  Tony?"  He listened to the complaint.  "Why?"  He nodded once.  "We can.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "Xander?"  He came out, handing over the spare towel.  "The Watchers."

"Can't I blow them up or something?  They keep getting in the way."  He called Patrick's cellphone.  "Tony called Horatio about the Watchers.  Sounds like it.  Meet you there in ten."  He hung up, putting back on his clothes, walking out with Horatio once he was dressed as well.  He handed over the keys, getting an odd look.  "Family emergency.  Blows all sorts of plans."  She gave him a sorry smile and he shrugged, walking outside to catch their ride.  He climbed into the back, Horatio beside him.  "So, what happened?"

"The one in Rome finally got bail," Sire said, sounding grumpy.

Xander looked at Horatio then at his grandparents, then back at Horatio.  "You go back when?"

"Three days."

"Fuck."

"Xander," Patrick chided.  "He does have to work."

"Still sucks.  I had some very nice plans for tonight.  Our things?"

"Being handled by Desmond.  He's been shadowing us to make sure we're safe," Sire admitted.  "Thomas sent him and Tony threatened to pay Gibbs to follow you."

"Then I'd never get cuddles."  Horatio gave him one anyway, earning a gentle smile.  "Rain check until August?"

"Where will you be in August?"

"Bothering Uncle Don."

"You have to decide around then if you're going to the Christmas Lights ball," Sire reminded him.  Xander grimaced.  "You could bring Horatio."

Xander looked at him.  "It's an all white event that's for a few decent charities.  The last time I went we had kidnapers and robbers."

Horatio shook his head.  "Only you could consider that fun."

"No, that was part of the event," Patrick said dryly.  "The planning committee always has something happen in the center to liven it back up.  Plenty of young ladies will be hitting on him if they think he's single."

"Eww."

"Sorry," Patrick said, smirking at him.  "You could pick a good surrogate..."

"I haven't even had sex with Horatio yet," Xander complained.  "Not ready for kids yet.  Besides, now I can wait until I'm twenty-five," he said with a cheeky grin.  "Even if I do have to bop every single Watcher on the head."  He looked out the window, pointing.  "Wasn't that the airport?"

"I've been wondering that myself," Sire admitted.  "Driver?"  The window went up. "Xander?"

Xander sighed and looked then tapped politely once.  No answer.  He shrugged and pulled something out of his pocket, putting it onto the window.  "Dear, shift about a foot please?  Don't want you dented."  Horatio shifted and he blew the window, reaching through the remains to grab the driver by the hair.  "Where are we going?" he asked blandly.   The man stuttered.  "Now, try it in English since you sound British.  Yours or ours please.  Better yet, stop the car.  Before I blow your head next."  The car was stopped and Xander wiggled through the hole to get him out of the car.  "Thank you.  Needed the new ride, even though it does have a pitiful engine.  You might want to tell the others that Grandfather is feeling much better."

"We heard you had one of the girls drained," he sneered.

"Actually, we asked nicely and she donated.  After all, Grandfather does many good things in this world.  Pity you're not."  He started the engine and drove them off, heading back to the airport.  He parked it in long-term parking and got out, opening the back door.  "Here we go.  And there's Desmond.  Did you get everything?" he called, getting a nod.  "Our room too?"

"Of course," he said as he walked over, handing over the luggage trolley.  "Tony said you can't hurt the Watchers."

"Pity," Horatio muttered.

"He's having fun.  He sent Gibbs to talk to them," the guard said, making Sire's eyes go very wide.  "It's a fun trip from what I've been told.  Shall we, Father, Sire?"  That got a nod and they headed inside, buying tickets to go to their next destination.

***

Horatio made it back to his desk on time, flopping down with a groan.  Yelina leaned in.  "Long flight?" she asked.

"A few."  He smiled.  "I got in at midnight."

"I thought you were coming back at eight."

"I would have if we had been in Italy.  Unfortunately that didn't quite seem to happen.  The other people trying to hurt Patrick decided to keep trying to interfere."

"Is that why Tony was so happy when I saw him last night?"

"Probably.  He sent Gibbs to deal with them."

"So where were you?" she teased, coming in.  He handed over his passport, getting an odd look.  "You went to four countries in a week?"  He nodded.  "Them?"

He nodded.  "Them."  He took it back, putting into his inner jacket pocket. "Xander spoiled me rotten while we traveled and we did get to do some sight seeing at each spot.  It was more frustrating.  We'd be out and they'd come up and do something.  Xander was vowing to blow them up the next time."

"I think that's why Tony sent his old boss," she said delicately.

"Hmm.  They hadn't been bothered in Morocco that I know of.  Xander emailed me this morning from the hotel."  She smiled again.  "It's been a good trip but a bit frustrating."

"Did you two get in any naughty cuddles?"

"We started to and then they showed up."

"That would be frustrating," she agreed.  "Speed's out on a scene with Frank and Eric. Everyone else should be on their way in.  Did you get to shop?" she hinted.

"I did.  Yours is at home, the same as the others are."  She pouted a bit.  "I have pictures too."  She nodded, walking out.  She could be a bit patient.  Horatio called his boss.  "I'm taking some time off during August as well.  Yes, for that reason, sir.  How did you know about the Watchers?"  He laughed.  "I didn't know that.  No, Tony sent Gibbs.  So far they're being left alone in Morocco.  Xander sent me an email."  He smiled.  "They'll be in New York in August.  Thank you.  Whenever's good for you, sir.  Thank you."  He hung up, shaking his head.  "What did you bring me?" he muttered.  "That's all I'm going to hear all day."

Calleigh squealed and came in to hug him.  "We thought you might be calling off today because of the jetlag."

"No, I collapsed at midnight," he admitted, giving her a squeeze.

"How was Italy?"

"Good until someone tried to burn us to death," he admitted.  She gaped.  He nodded.  "There's another group who doesn't like Patrick and his sire so they kept trying to run us out of Europe."

"I wondered why Tony was cackling."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Did you take a lot of pictures?"

"They're at home so as long as someone brings over food you can come see them."

She beamed and bounced out.  "Eric,  tell your mother she's cooking for Horatio and all of us tonight so he'll share pictures!" she bellowed as she walked.

"Beef or chicken?" Eric called a few minutes later.

"I don't care!  You know that."

Eric leaned into Horatio's office.  "Beef or chicken?"

"Whichever she feels like," he said, smiling at him.  "She doesn't have to."

He snorted.  "I've got a present coming, yes she does."  He walked off telling her that, making her giggle.  He did say he had a lot of pictures as well.  She was delighted at that.  She never got to travel and loved to hear about traveling.

***

Xander came off the plane in New York, seeing someone waiting on them.  "You haven't suddenly turned into an idiot Watcher, right?" he asked Mac, who shook his head.  "Have they bothered you?"

"Twice, I gave them to Stella."  Patrick smiled at that and Mac gaped.  "You look a lot better."

"I ran into an old friend who had a temporary extension to my energy," he admitted, giving him a hug.  "Sire?"

"Grabbing your book, Patrick."  He brought it out, handing it over.  He nudged Xander and handed him his bag.  "Not the maid, boys."

Xander frowned, looking in the bag then at him.  "It's Desmond's."  That got a groan.  "We'll mail it to him in Miami."  He took Mac's arm to walk him out.  "How is my adopted second city?  And where is my uncle?"

"He's got a headache for a case," Mac admitted.  "A double homicide with very little evidence."  He stroked over Xander's hair.  "You grew it out?"

"I'm having it trimmed tomorrow."  He grinned, sliding on his sunglasses as they walked out of the private terminal.  Flashbulbs went off.  "Get out of my face, I just spent ten hours on a plane!  My grandfather is still very ill and I will beat anyone who hurts him." Xander ordered.  They backed off.  "Thank you."  He nodded for them to go on, leading them a bit away. "Usually I don't get this sort of press so what happened?" he asked, taking off his sunglasses.

"How was your vacation, Xander?" one of them called.

"So far it's been a bit weird.  Someone tried to burn us in Rome.  We nearly got kidnaped in Switzerland.  Other than that it was great."  They snapped a few more pictures.  "Now, what else happened?  I never get you guys stalking us this way."

"Earlier today the Princess Sophia asked you to come have dinner with her tomorrow," one of them said.

Xander frowned.  "Who?"  Someone gave him a picture and he shrugged.  "Why?"  They all shrugged.  "Let me get with Tony and we'll see what's going on.  For now, we're visiting family and resting before we go back on vacation."  He smiled.  "Can we escape?"  They nodded, letting him go.  "Thanks, guys."  He turned on his cellphone as he walked, dialing home.  "Princess Sophia is who?" he asked as he caught up to the family.  Sire nearly dropped the bag he was carrying, giving him a shocked look.  He listened to Tony read it.  "Here, tell Sire."  He handed it over.  "I got invited to dinner tomorrow."  He shrugged.  "We'll see."  He smiled at Mac.  "Horatio call recently?" he asked.

"Twice.  He'll be up this weekend."

"Cool."  He beamed, walking outside with his family, getting into the limo they had up here. "Oooh, not plane seats," he said in pleasure.  Patrick laughed, settling in beside him to cuddle him.  "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine, Grandson.  We'll stop and pick up Don on the way home."  Mac and Sire got in, Mac closing the door for the driver.  "What's going on?"

"Princess Sophia is thinking about sponsoring a gay charity event and she asked for Xander to come to dinner with her tomorrow to advise her.  I did say you were feeling a bit stronger and offered you instead but she said she'd rather ask him since she's younger and so's he."

"As long as I don't get hit on," Xander muttered.  That got smiles.  "What?  Horatio's up this weekend," he said happily.

"You can use the emergency condos, grandson," Patrick ordered.  That got an evil smirk.  "Any shoots?"

"I haven't heard from Emma in two weeks."  He dialed her as soon as the limo started to move.  "It's Xander.  I'm in New York but I'm busy tomorrow night and this weekend, all weekend.  Did anything come up that you wanted me to do?"  He laughed, shaking his head.  "You know I'm not going to model for liquor.  Anything else?"  He grimaced, looking at his sire.  "When do they want to know?"  He nodded once.  "Then have them come see us in Miami, that way I can clear it with Tony helping make plans for my security.  Anything other than the bachelor stud calendar?"  He blinked.  "Excuse me?"  He covered the mouthpiece.  "Emma got an offer for me to do porn."

"Hell.  No," Mac ordered.

"Sorry, dear, I got horrified looks and a hell no.  Besides, still mostly pure.  Not going there.  Anything else?"  He laughed, leaning against his grandfather.  "Sure.  When do you want me to return to working for you?"  He grinned. "That'll work.  Thank you."  He hung up.  "I may end up being asked to host a gay comedian's thingy but there's a host in place and he should be able to handle it.  He did say if he got beaten or something to get me instead since he heard I'd be up here around then.  If not, want to go?"  They all nodded.  "Cool."  He beamed.  "She got us free tickets."  That got a smile from Mac.  "And Lakers versus Knick's tickets for Don and I next weekend for his birthday as long as I go looking cute."

"He'll love it," Mac promised.

"I thought Don liked hockey," Sire said.

"He'll adore going out for his birthday.  It'll mean Stella can't throw him another surprise party where he ends up drunk."

"We'll throw him a tasteful party this year," Patrick promised.  He patted Xander on the knee.  "Nothing else?"

"I got offered a vodka ad on tv but she knows I don't drink so she turned it down.  The porn was from one of the other models who wanted me to break her underaged butt in."  They all gave him an odd look.  "Remember the little redheaded minx in the fur coat ad?"  They all shivered but nodded.  "Her."

"No," Patrick said, shaking his head.  "No, no way in hell."

"She knew that and told her no but she's going to ask again.  I'll tell her I can't act," he whispered, kissing him on the cheek.  Patrick shook his head.  "I can't.  She's not my redhead."

"Who'll be up all weekend; he's getting up here early Friday," Mac told him.  Xander beamed.  "How was the rest of the world?"

"Interesting and pretty," Xander said. "Plus a bit grimy in places but so's New York."

"True."  He relaxed.  "Pictures?"  Xander pulled them out of his bag, letting him see them.  "You have a good eye."  Xander pointed at Sire, who smiled back.  "Okay, you have a great eye for that one statue."  He kept going.  "Stella's going to pounce you for pictures."  They pulled up in front of the station.  "I'll get Don."

Xander waved a hand, getting out and walking inside.  The desk guy blinked and stared.  "Getting my uncle.  He's got to come to dinner or else I'll pout."  He walked up there, finding Don ready to beat something so he did the simple thing.  He hauled him up, then put him over his shoulder, carrying him off.  "Say night, Uncle Don."

"Put me down!" he complained.

"Nope.  You were scowling and making people hot.  You can't be more alluring than I am. I'll get jealous," he teased.  He walked him out, putting him down next to the limo.  "Inside, hug Grandfather."  He gave him a nudge, climbing in after him.  He shut the door and they went on.

Don was scowling. "Mac, he carried me out."

"You needed dinner anyway, Don.  You can go back later."

"He *carried* me out!  I'm going to hear princess jokes for weeks!"

"Tell them I'm the family's princess," Xander said dryly.  Sire laughed, nodding.  "He agrees.  Sometimes the beautiful princess has to kidnap a prince."  Don gaped at him then burst out laughing.  "See, I knew you needed dinner.  You're hysterical."  He gave him a hug then made him look at Patrick, who had moved next to Sire to go over the pictures with Mac.  "Look."

"Uncle Pat," he said, looking stunned.  "You're better?"

"A bit more time, not fully," he said, giving him a smile.  Don hugged him.  "Thank you, nephew.  I would've missed you too."  He gave him a gentle pat.  "It's all right.  I'll see you having children some year soon."  Don laughed, pulling back, wiping off one cheek.  "Now, we're going home and then we'll order dinner, Xander."  Xander beamed and nodded.  "You can have all of us tonight.  Xander has a present for your birthday, and Horatio's coming up this weekend."

"I heard about the princess," Don said, looking at him.

"One princess to another," Xander quipped, making Don laugh.  "See, knew you needed the break."  Don's phone rang.  "You should probably tell Danny you're all right."

Don pulled out his phone, answering it.  "Flack.  No, Captain, that was my nephew Xander," he said, swatting at him.  "He said I needed dinner and they're just now in.  He said he's a princess who felt the need to kidnap a prince.  No, Mac's here with us.   Sure."  He handed the phone over.  "Captain Gerard."

"Hello?" Mac asked, listening to him rant.  "I'll remind Xander not to steal personnel," he agreed, shaking his head.  "I did tell him Don has had a bad case these last few days.  He's been ready to snap and scream for the last day and a half.  No, he's much happier, Captain.  I'm sure.  Possibly tomorrow, maybe later tonight.  I'll make sure he gets there."  He hung up, tossing the phone back.  "He said you're not NYPD royalty.  You need another three generations for that."

"I'll get right on that tonight," Don said dryly.  Patrick smiled.  "Yes, I'm dating someone nice, but it's not gonna last.  She gives me funny looks when I talk about work."  He let Xander cuddle against his side.  "So, you're a lot better?" he asked, sounding hopeful.

"I'm a lot better," he agreed.  Don beamed.  "Xander and Sire conspired to get me to someone who could help and some other things that have healing properties.  Then the Watchers showed up to complain.  Repeatedly."

"Now they're looking for information," Don told him.  "I actually talked to the one I didn't punch.  He said they're looking to verify some information and not to hurt you any longer since it was a voluntary blood draw?"

"Slayer's blood helps cure vampires," Xander said quietly.  "I asked the one I kinda have a connection to and she agreed to donate.  Oh, sent Willow many postcards.  She's squealing in joy at home according to Jesse's email."  He snuggled in again.  "How about a basketball game for your birthday?  All I have to do is be my pretty self."

"How close to the floor?"

"Sixth row.  Far enough away in case they end up in the audience but close enough to be hit with sweat."  He grinned.  "Emma snatched them for me."

Don gave him a squeeze.  "I love you."  Xander laughed.  "No party," he told Mac, who held up a hand.  "You either, guys."

"Fat chance," Patrick told him.  Don gaped.  "I make Xander celebrate his, so can you. We won't let you get drunk."

"Gee, thanks."  He looked down at the sleepy boy.  "Bad flight?"

"Long flight from Russia," Sire admitted.  He looked at his childe.  "Do you still want to go to Ireland for Halloween?"  He nodded.  "Fine, we'll go hide in their backyard."

"I told the one who only wanted information to give me a list of what he wanted to know in writing and I'd hand it over," Don said.  "He said he'd get it to me in a few days."  He shifted, letting Xander cuddle up better.  "So, Horatio and him?  Still together?"  They smiled and nodded.  "How was he when he came over to help you three party?"

"Good.  A bit frustrated now and then with the Watchers.  One of the Miami reporters had followed a debutante tennis star to Italy for a match and spotted them out shopping.  She sicced a local counterpart on them so we have some wonderful pictures of Xander spoiling Horatio with a few new suits and a good dinner out.  It would've been more but we had to leave Florence."

Xander looked at him.  "We went to a leather shop too."

"We saw the new unholy leathers, dear," Patrick assured him.

"They had the temptation ad on the wall.  Horatio giggled the whole time she was gushing over us.  So he got some leather pants too."  He grinned, putting his head back down.  "Are we driving around?"

Mac looked then nodded.  "We're in the park."  He looked at Don, who sighed and pulled his gun, putting it under his thigh.  Mac did the same thing.  Sire did the same thing.  Mac looked at him.  "Been a bad trip?"

"Only with Watchers."  Sure enough they paused and two men got in, one on either side.  "Yes?" he asked dryly.

"We wanted to talk to you."

Xander blinked at him then casually kicked the one behind him.  "You stink.  Get out of the limo now before you make us all stink."  The man looked stunned, nearly ready to cry.  "Some of you have tried to kill us and you expect me to be *nice*?"

"We only wanted to talk," the one he had kicked assured him.  "Rupert has said some things that made us reevaluate how we treat the older ones of your kind."  He looked at Xander.  "That was fairly rude."

"I could've kicked you harder and broken ribs," he offered, sitting up.  "Talk fast.  We've been on a plane for the last ten hours."

"Grandson," Patrick chastised, growling at him.

"They're rude!"

"I do not care.  You may not be rude no matter who is rude to you.  I taught you better."

"Fine."  He glared at the other one but he didn't seem like a threat.  He looked at him.  "We're going to the townhouse for dinner.  If you wish to you can accompany us.  The first threat and *I* deal with it.  Am I clear?"  They both nodded.  "Then let's go."  Mac tapped on the window and the driver went on.  "Ambushing is very dumb with the way we've been attacked by your kind."

"The others wouldn't have let us do it less subtly," the younger one said calmly.  "I am sorry about the precipitous visit."

"Are we in more danger?" Don asked.

"No.  They've decided to leave you alone after two nearly died."  Xander shrugged when everyone stared at him.  "You do protect your family very well."

"They're my family, of course I do.  If I lose them all I have are friends."

"Most of us truly don't want to bother you but we do need some things cleared up.  Including how you knew what to do in Sunnydale."

"I told the one to write out questions," Don pointed out, pulling Xander back against him.  He looked at him.  "What did you do?"

"Made a few take a flying leap," Xander admitted. "You don't grab me and try to drag me into an alley and you don't try to kidnap me coming out of lunch either.  Tony would be proud of me."

"I'm proud," Sire promised, smiling at him.  "You've been an excellent guard for both of us the whole trip, Xander.  For now, relax.  Let Mac and Don do it."  Xander nodded, relaxing again.   They pulled up in front of the townhouse a few minutes later, getting out to head inside.  They dropped their things and came down to find both Watchers waiting patiently.  Xander went to answer the door, smiling at the delivery guy.  "Who ordered already?"

"Tony," Xander said, taking the food.  "Prepaid?"  It got a nod and he signed the slip, letting him have it back once he had put a modest tip on it.  The delivery guy ran off.  He walked in the food, handing it over.  "Forged your name, Grandfather."

"That's fine, Xander."  He took his own small box of food to nibble on, waving a hand.  "What do you want to know?"

"How did your health improve?  Was it simply slayer's blood?" the younger one asked.

Patrick shook his head.  Sire coughed. "One of my other children is a witch and she helped," Raphael told them.  That got a nod and he made notes.  "She removed or shrank most of the tumors beyond what we had been able to do."  He opened his box and looked at Patrick's changing with him.  "Thank you, childe."

"Welcome, grump," he teased.  Raphael gave him that special 'you're getting spanked later' look.  Then he ate a bite of food.

Xander leaned back.  "I asked Willow if she would ask Buffy for some blood.  She and Rupert explained why I was asking and they sent it to us."

"Any special preservatives?" the second watcher asked.

"Magic," Xander told him.  "Faster than UPS any day."  He ate another bite at Don's odd look.  "It is."

"I'm sure it is but that stuff scares me."

"I can barely summon the remote, Uncle Don."

"That makes me a lot happier."  He stared at him.  "Who're we gonna see on my birthday?"

"Lakers," he said smugly.

Don blinked.  "That game's been sold out forever!"

"I know.  Emma got offered them."  He grinned.  The house phone rang and he answered it.  "House 'o Xander lovin'."  He snickered.  "Hi, Emma.  Just talking about you.  What's up?"  He ate a bite, nodding.  "Not this weekend.  Horatio's coming up.  No, I'm not going to dump my best friend or boyfriend for a few hours.  I won't see him again until the holidays."  He smirked when she made shocked noises.  "What?  We've been dating since I moved.  After the open house."  He ate another bite.  She asked something.  "No, that's why I'm a bit frustrated, dear.  Things keep getting in the way."  He frowned.  "We have hidden areas set up in the city for emergencies.  We were going to hide in one.  Why?"  He ate another bite.  "That's really nice.  Why?"  He choked.  "Excuse me?"

Raphael took the phone.  "What do you want our grandson to do this time?" he asked.  He blinked, looking at him.  "Wasn't the bathing suit small enough?"  He sighed, looking at Patrick.  "She wants him to model a new underwear designer's stuff."  He shook his head.  "She's offering them a honeymoon weekend in payment."  Patrick shook his head again.  "Patrick said he couldn't stand to see him in anything that skimpy, Emma.  Dear, we know he's modeled in less.  The first I knew about his second career was when I woke up to a twelve-foot ass across from my apartment in LA."  He smirked.  "Yes, that ad.  I'm sure it was very good for the pound.  As long as he's at least somewhat clothed this time, dear.  Remember, our Xander is more than really great abs."  He smiled.  "Exactly."  He sighed, looking at Patrick.  "One very skimpy thong?  Xander with his hands on his hips or whatever, giving them a 'I'm good and comfortable' look."

"Thongs aren't that comfy," Xander said.  He took the phone back.  "Why me and not someone more famous?  Well, I'd offer Uncle Don....."  Don choked.  "But he's modest."  She cackled.  "He is.  Anything else come up?"  He sat up, listening.  "I can easily do that.  Thank you.  No, not this weekend.  Thank you.  Sure, let me know Monday."  He hung up and looked at them.  "The pound needs me again."

"Am I going to have to shoo more people away from your ad in Times Square?" Don asked.

Xander shrugged.  "Only if I'm very good.  It's good for them.  Did you get the pictures of the horse?"

"I did.  It's so cute I let Montana hold 'em for me for a few days to lighten her mood," Don said, stuffing his mouth again, looking at the Watchers.  "Yes, it's like this when the family gets together.  What're you wearing to dinner tomorrow?"

"My dark gray armani?" he suggested.  Patrick nodded it would be appropriate.  "Can I get a nipple ring?"  Both grandparents shook their heads.  "Please?"

"No," Raphael said. "Or any other extra holes, grandson.  It could limit your career."

"I can take it out for shoots if I have to," Xander complained.  "The one with the fake one went very well.  I looked drool-worthy."

Patrick looked around his sire at him.  "What shoot was this?"

Xander beamed.  "When Emma talked me into not going to the chocolate factory.  On Lake Zurich."

They all shook their heads.  "For who?" Mac asked.

"A jeweler locally.  He was looking for a hipper audience appeal.  I looked damn hot in the emerald ring and all the other stuff they put on me."

"Does that mean you're already pierced?" Don asked.

"No, he laid it overtop of my nipple.  That way he could draw those who had one but wouldn't offend those who didn't.  A bit of titillation for the older crowd. I got to suck on the sixty carat ruby too."  He ate a bite of his grandfather's food, then went back to his own.  "Next question?"

The Watchers blinked, then smiled.  "You're a normal, average family aren't you?" the younger asked.

"Pretty muchly," Patrick agreed with a smile.  "We've raised Xander since he was five."  He stroked over his hair.  "I want to see those."

"They'll be in the magazine you subscribe to starting month after next."

"Your copies?"

"I only got one for the portfolio.  He kept the others."  He leaned against his side.  "Before you ask, I'm not going to be turned.  I don't think I can stand watching the people I care for die.  I was having enough problems watching Grandfather die slowly through the years.  You know, Don could go to the ball this year."

Don shook his head. "No way in hell, kiddo."

"It's an all white ball, there's always a planned distraction, and it's usually fun," Xander offered.  Don gave him a look.  "It'd look good.  You are family and on the board.  I'm sure Mac's been asked."

"Stella was," Mac admitted.  "I'm going to be out of town for the holidays."  He looked at Don.  "The Christmas Lights one."  Don gave him a horrified look.  "You would look good."

"Xander could go with you," Patrick suggested.  "That way he could find you a mentor when you needed it, Don.  After all, he'll be too busy to fly up for all the gay charity events New York has soon," he said at the pout.  "That would be a help to him."

"I hate those things.  They're boring, people talk about stupid stuff, and lie about their mistresses' beauty."

"Beats polo," Xander said dryly.  "That's tailgating and listening to the same things while watching horses run back and forth with riders knocking around a small ball.  Now and then you get to get up and stomp down the field again."

"Sounds ...boring," Don agreed.  He shook his head.  "Can't I let Stella do those?  Or Mac?"  Patrick gave him a look and he sighed. "They'll pick on me.  You know that."

"Then go to the PD events," Mac suggested.  "Go to the major gay events up here or the ones Xander can't get to.  That way you're with the department but doing your family duty."

"Until he has to bear heirs," Xander quipped.

Don gave him an evil look.  "You first.  I'm an heir by marriage, you're the real heir."

"Unlike you, who deal with people who want to make you a fun toy to destroy, I have sperm in storage in case I do something stupid.  I've even been asked how high my stud fees were," he said smugly.  Patrick gave him another look while Don and Mac both choked.  "Prentiss's big sister has a boyfriend who kinda looks like me but he's got little blue pill problems from a motorcycle crash last year," he said dryly.  "I told her I wouldn't care but she'd have to share custody with me.  She didn't like that and went to ask Tony."

Don finally gasped.  "Excuse me?"

"We made him put some  in when he was sixteen," Raphael told him.  "He does stupid things like disarm bombs on crime lab hummers and then not tell anyone."

"When I was coming to save you guys I hit one-eighty," Xander said proudly.

"I'm taking the keys to the porsche," Don said.  He sipped some  of the water Mac got him.  "I might consider storing some.  Dad'll say stuff but it's a wise move.  He's still the heir so it's more important he have kids."

"I'll arrange it while we're up here," Raphael said happily.  "How much do we have of yours, Xander?  I know the stalker took out the first set."

"Six vials.  The doc said it should be enough for at least two kids."  He snuck a bite of his grandsire's food, smiling at the Watchers.  "What else did you need to know?"

"Any new stalkers?" Mac asked.

"Not until the family curse hits me," Xander told him.  "Then I'll hide.  I'll hide a lot."  Both grandparents nodded.  "See?"

"Family curse?" the younger Watcher asked.

"It's on my family," Patrick told him.  "When we've found a good, true mate, male or female, any son of the line is feted for four years to make sure the relationship is strong.  Sire called it 'that annoying money making scheme for the family' a few times when I had mine."  He looked at him.  "It should have already started."

"No sex yet.  Your grandfather's journal said his didn't start until they had sex."

"I'll warn Tony," Raphael promised, putting down the empty box.  "Xander, why don't you call Horatio and make him want to go home?"

"He's got a society kidnaping."  They all looked at him.  "The Lorens daughter.  Not so sure she didn't run off but they're trying hard to find her.  I texted him when we landed."

"Good to know," Patrick said. "He does know...."  Xander nodded.  "Is Tony helping?"

"Yup and he thinks she ran away."  He snuggled into his grandsire's shoulder.  "What else was wanting to be added?"

"We got his account of his turning," the younger one said.  "I read it when it came to Sunnydale.  I was sent to take over for Rupert when he got fired.  Unfortunately."  They all nodded at that. "I did have some questions from that."  He pulled out an envelope, opening it to look over his questions, also taking out a pen.  Patrick took it and the pen, smiling at him.  "You're sure?"

"I can answer them, young one.  Anything else?"  The other one handed over another envelope.  "I'll do that.  Come back Sunday afternoon for tea and we'll talk some more.  All right?"  They  nodded, heading out to go home.  He looked over the questions.  "The young one's questions are much more worthy.  Better thought out, more grammatically correct.  Ripper said he was a young, cocky bastard."

"Probably inexperience in the field," Sire agreed.  He looked down at Xander.  "You should go to bed.  It's been a long day."  He yawned and nodded, going up to his room.  He looked at the two native ones.  "We'll be fine, Mac."

"I've asked the local patrol to do a half-hour check on you while you're here because of Xander's problems.  They agreed it would be better after hearing about his former stalker."  He stood up.  "Don, give you a ride home?"

"Sure."  He grinned.  "I'll be back tomorrow while he's out being a princess with the princess," he teased.  That got a set of smiles and he hugged them, whispering in Patrick's ear before leaving with Mac.

"He is such a sweet boy,"  Patrick said happily.  "They'll be adorable children if we can help him find a worthy woman."

"Xander's will treat you like a jungle gym," Raphael said, putting an arm around his shoulders so he could read the questions too.  He looked at one and snorted.  "That's a bit rude to ask."  Patrick smiled at him.  "It is rude to ask if we can still have sex."

"There's contradictory information."

"Uh-huh."  They kept going, writing out the simpler answers tonight.  They'd do the longer ones tomorrow before Don came over while Xander was getting pretty.

***

Horatio came off the plane, smiling at the boy meeting him.  "Are you all right?"  His hair was messy in a bad way and he looked like he had been mobbed.

"Boy band up the hall.  I accidentally got between their fans and the waiting area for them."  Horatio gave him a hug.  "Bag?"  He patted it.  "Cool."  He walked him off, smiling at the guard who gave him an odd look.  "The girls."

"Security risk," he complained.  "They wanted it and got the airport to agree to letting their fans in."

"They'll be gone soon," Horatio promised, going on with Xander bouncing beside him.  "You might want to straighten out your hair.  I can smell perfume and cameras."  Xander did that, walking him into the exit area of the airport.  They were pounced by two reporters.  "What's going on this time?" he asked dryly.

"I don't know.  Guys?  What's going on?"

"You're all messed up," one said, taking another picture.  "Snogging session?"

"Groupies," Xander said.  "Not even mine, I got between them and the doorway."  He led Horatio off to his rental car, letting him get in first then walking around to drive, waving at them.  He slid in and locked the doors, looking at Horatio.  "Do I look like we've been kissing?"

"A bit messy but otherwise no swollen lips or any other obvious signs."  Xander smiled, starting the car and pulling out.  "I'm going to have to deal with that at work soon."

"Have you told Yelina?"

"I'm fairly certain she knows but she's not admitting it.  I did tell Ray Junior and he snickered the whole time.  He thought it was cute I was dating a model."  Xander snickered, shifting up as they moved onto the main road.  "No speeding."

"Wasn't planning on it.  Traffic's too bad," he quipped.

"Xander."

"It is."  He grinned.  "So, who hit on you?"

"Everyone," he moaned.  Xander took his hand to hold, giving it a squeeze.  "Thank you.  I got asked when you were coming back."

"The holidays."

"Early or late?  I know there's a number of events you usually hit in December."

"We'll be back the week after Thanksgiving.  Of course, if you'd like to spend it in Sri Lanka with us you're more than welcome to."

"I'll spend it with Yelina."

"How's the other Ray issue going?"

"I told Yelina.  She's a bit huffy.  She wants to fill his grave."  Xander nodded at that, moving around a driver who had his hazards flashing.  He moved back into the proper lane once they were past him.  The driver behind them started to honk.  He looked back.  "What is his issue?"

"I don't know," Xander admitted.  "I passed legitimately.  He's going slower than the minimum speed."  He shrugged, taking the next exit.  "A bit too soon but if he follows us I can lose him in traffic."  He looked at him.  "I have a new ad to show you."

"You got preview copies?"

"I did.  Grandfather thought they were alluring but tasteful."  He grinned, driving them to the house with a small stop for ice cream.  They got out with their cones, Xander taking the bag inside with him.  He had to come back out to turn on his alarm but that was fine with him.  He closed the door and went inside.  "We're back!"

"They're at the museum," Horatio said, holding up a note.

"Good."  He stole a kiss with a smile.  "They're in the folder on the table."  He sat down beside him, letting him look at the ads.  He saw the shiver at the one of the emerald hoop earring circling his nipple.  "I asked, I can't get a real one."  He took another lick of his ice cream cone, cleaning up the dripping.  Horatio gave him a look.  "A few of the others said they feel nice."

"I'm sure they do."  He stole another kiss, finishing his ice cream while Xander finished his.  He carefully put the ads down again and pounced once he had eaten the last bite of cone.

"I've missed you."

"Missed you too," he panted between kisses, his hands going into the red hair to pull him closer.  Horatio ended up on top of him, grinding gently against him.  "Dinner?"

"With the grandparents and then we're disappearing all weekend."  He took another long, deep kiss.  At least until the door opened.  Then he looked at the person standing there.  "Hey, Stella.  No one else is here."  He went back to kissing Horatio, making her blush.

"Okay.  No idea where Don is?"  Xander flailed a hand at the cabinet so she went to look, finding a GPS monitor with his name on it. "Thanks, guys.  His phone's broken and he's broken down."  She scurried out, closing the door behind her.  Lindsay gave her an odd look.  "His boyfriend's down."

"Ooh.  Okay."  They got into the car, going to save Don from the Bronx.

***

Horatio looked around the emergency condo, smiling at his boyfriend.  "Someone came in to decorate."

"I did that yesterday," he said sheepishly.  He nodded.  "Shower?  I believe that's where we were going to start last time."

Horatio moved closer, pulling him back against him.  "I think I want  you dry tonight."  He kissed him, walking him into the bedroom.  The sheets on the bed were very soft cotton ones.  He lit the two candle jars on the side tables, turning off the overhead lights.  It was barely enough light but he did find the things he'd need later, plus a few other things.  "Xander, were the sex toys part of the emergency plan?" he asked.  Raphael was a bit kinky....

"Not really, not unless I get trapped here without you."  He came over to help Horatio out of his shirt. "I figured we could play sometime later if I wore you out."  Horatio groaned, letting Xander do whatever he wanted for now.  He was definitely good at what he was doing as he nipped his way down to his belt line.  He got his pants undone and off, tossing them into the chair with his shirt.  Xander moved to his knees, gently nuzzling and then sucking on the hard cock in front of him.

Horatio moaned, wrapping his fingers in the soft hair.  "I taught you to do that very well."

"You did."  He moved them, making Horatio lay down so he could strip off for him.  He finally tossed his last piece of clothing onto the chair then pounced, making Horatio laugh until he cut off his oxygen by sucking him straight down again.  Horatio let himself arch up.  They'd done this enough that Xander knew what he was doing even if he thrashed around some.  Xander did something he hated, leaving him hanging, but this time it had a better reason than the phone.  He pulled him up to kiss him, stroking down his back.

"Sure?"

"Please?"  Horatio smiled and nodded, pulling the lube closer.  Horatio stopped there, making him stare down at him.  "Did I forget something?"

"Waiting to make sure the phone won't be ringing."

"My cell's back at the house.  Yours?"

"My bag and they all know I'm out of town this weekend."  He opened the bottle of lube, letting some slide out onto his fingers.  "Did you want to play with the toys?"  Xander growled, pouncing him to kiss him.  "It's a good way to stretch you."

"Plastic after the real thing.  Nothing's going to compare to the real thing so why would I want to expect less?"

"That almost made sense," he teased, sliding one finger into him.  Xander squeezed around it then let him do whatever he wanted.  "How do you want to do this, Xander?  Any fantasies?"

"You're on top?" he panted, squeezing again.  "More, please?"

"Impatient," he said, but he did slide in a second finger once it had more lube.  Xander was shifting on his fingers even before he found his prostate.  Horatio kept it slow and gentle even though his boy was losing his mind.  He finally flipped them over, having to hold him down before he wiggled his way off the bed.  "Deep breath," he said quietly.  Xander inhaled and held it, making him smile.  "You can let it out."  As he did, Horatio added another finger.  Xander winced a bit but that eased after a few seconds.  The boy definitely wanted and was ready.  He looked at the condom then at him.  He decided to put it on but Xander threw it.  "Xander...."

"You know very well I'm so clean I squeak and I know you don't have anything.  I know you're not cheating on me.  You haven't been exposed to any funny blood or anything."  Horatio moaned.  "This one time?"

"This one time," he promised, moving into a better position.  He pulled Xander's feet up over his shoulder and shifted a bit closer.  "Push out when I start to push," he instructed, sliding into the carefully prepared hole.  Xander squeezed so he stopped but Xander whimpered and shifted, trying to get him deeper so he finished sliding in slowly, gently making each thrust deeper until he was all the way in.  He paused and Xander gave him a look that said he was going to knock him onto his back and ride him if he didn't keep going.   He laughed and smiled.  "Good?"

Horatio found himself on his back with Xander looking down at him.  "Yes, but I'm bouncy.  Remember, I had pudding."  He slowly shifted his hips, getting a feel for this.  Horatio braced him and he made it most of the way up, letting himself drop again.  Horatio grunted in pain so he calmed himself down a little bit.  Not much but enough so he wasn't going to bruise his boyfriend too badly.  His arms.... well, Xander was holding on there.  He had long sleeve shirts.  He hoped.  He kept going, making himself happy.  At least until he got close and Horatio put him back onto his back, earning a pout.  Horatio kissed him and went back to thrusting into him, making him shriek in pleasure when that little spot was hit again.  "Needed that!" he panted, arching up into the next thrust.

"You'll find out how to hit that on top too," he promised.  "In all the other positions," he panted, speeding up.  "Love me?"

"For years now," Xander said, pulling him down to kiss him.  "Mine?"

"Yours," he promised, smiling at him.  "Ready?"

"Not yet."

"Xander."

"I know but later?"

"You'll be sore but we'll play in the tub."

"With the toys?"

Horatio thrust in extra-hard for the impish grin he got with that suggestion.  "We'll see."  He went back to making Xander brainless.  He loved the moaning, squealing, and shrieking he was doing.  Someone might've knocked on the wall or something from the noise but oh well. Your first time should be great.  He finally came and Xander whimpered but a few good pulls on his cock and he came too, going limp on the bed.  Horatio laid down beside him, stroking over his stomach and chest.  "You okay?" when they had both returned to normal breathing and heart rates.

"You're right."

"About what?"

"Being sore."

Horatio kissed him, smiling at him.  "That'll ease the more you do it."  Xander flipped onto his stomach to kiss him.  "We'll be gentle the next time."

"Hmm.  Why?"  He kissed him again.  "More?"

"I still need recovery time.  We talked about this the second time we played," he teased.

"Pity."  He got up with a wince, pulling Horatio up with him.  "Blow out the candles.  We'll go soak?"  Horatio did that on the way to the tub, finding Xander was even putting in bubbles.  They slid in together, getting comfortable with Xander against his chest.  Xander fell asleep on his chest and Horatio shifted in the deluxe tub.  No jets or anything like that in this tub, unlike the one at the house, but it was comfortable enough.  He yawned, drifting off too.  He loved being Xander's pillow.  It was one of the best ways to combat both their nightmares.

***

Xander woke up in the morning, looking at Horatio.  "Did Tony call?"

"Thought the problems would start automatically?"

"From a few of the journals?  Yeah."  He snuggled in again.  "No calls?"

"No.  We haven't been out yet.  I'm sure they'll start when we do."  He stroked over Xander's back, making him shiver and give him a squeeze.  "Did you want to order or did you want me to cook?"

"I bought groceries."

"I'll go cook breakfast while you change the bed.  It's sweaty."  Xander smiled, nodding at him.  He got another squeeze.  "That means we both have to get up," he said dryly, smirking at him.

"Tough.  Comfy."  He yawned and shifted his hips, wincing some.  "I think I need the stiff muscle cure again, Horatio."

"Using it again won't make it any less sore."

"Does my shoulder."

"It won't with those muscles."  He gave him a gentle swat, getting a grin.  "Behave."

"Nope."  He wiggled into Horatio's lap, planting himself back down onto him.  He felt Horatio finish hardening as he rode him.  Horatio shifted his hips for him, letting him hit that spot.  Xander let out a shriek of pleasure, hitting it repeatedly until he came.

Horatio kissed him.  "Greedy."  He put him onto his hands and knees, getting behind him to 'punish' him for going off without letting him come.  He slid back in, making sure the muscles didn't look torn or inflamed. A bit too pink but Xander wasn't complaining.  He moved slowly at first, building up to a good, hard, fucking rhythm that was shaking the whole bed.  The sounds were muffled by a pillow but he didn't care.  He could hear enough to make him growl.  He leaned down to bite him on the shoulder. "Mine?" he growled.

"Yours," Xander panted. "Please yours?"  Horatio slammed in, making him come again.  "Horatio!"  Horatio came, he could feel it.  Xander went limp, his lover following to tongue-bathe the mark he had put on him.  "Hmmm.  Nice," he said quietly.  Horatio chuckled.  "Nap now then breakfast later?"

"Nap now, breakfast later," Horatio promised, yawning a bit himself.  He cuddled the strong back, nibbling on the back of his neck until he heard the first snore.  He smiled, adjusting his position so Xander wouldn't have to bear all his weight.  He let himself fall asleep on his back, holding him.  Breakfast could wait until lunch or dinner.

***

Xander gave the guards staring at them a shy grin, waving some.  "Hi, guys."  It was late Sunday night and it was time to go home for dinner.  Neither one had the energy to cook and Horatio had to leave in the morning.

"Mr. Benis," one greeted.  "Your grandparents wanted you to call when you returned to the rest of the city."  Horatio snickered.  "Going sightseeing?  We can get you a cab."

"I drove," Xander admitted.  "Thanks anyway."  He walked out with Horatio, going to the parking garage.  He knew they were snickering about how he was barely able to walk but that was fine.  He gave Horatio his keys, sliding into the front seat to sit on his hip this time.  Horatio gave him a gentle kiss.  "I can be sore, it was worth it."

"It was," Horatio agreed, starting the engine once they were buckled up.  He drove them back to the townhouse, letting Xander get out but coming around to help him up the few stairs and inside to a softer couch.  Xander hissed as he sat down but Horatio let him cuddle to take the weight off his poor, abused backside.

Patrick looked in.  "Did you spank him?"

"Spankings are a punishment, not fun," Xander said tiredly, yawning.  He fell asleep there.

Horatio gave him a sheepish look.  "I tried to stay gentle."

"Horatio, I remember my first time and being that age.  I'm sure you two had more than one bout of sex.  At that age it's all about the stamina you can show off.  Which I'm sure he has a lot of."  Horatio nodded quickly, blushing now.  "Is he torn?"

"No, I made sure earlier," he admitted quietly.

"Good.  I'll let Tony know to start expecting the problems and presents."  He walked off, smiling at his mate.  "Xander cannot sit," he said quietly.

"Really?"  He smiled, taking a kiss.  "Torn?"  Patrick shook his head.  "Then Horatio's his personal sex god and it'll be cute to watch."  He took him back up to their room to tease his poor childe again.  If Xander had a sexual appetite like Patrick, Horatio would need recovery time.

***

Tony walked into the crime lab, smiling at Eric.  "Horatio said to tell you he called off today."

"He's coming back tonight?" he asked.

"Next Monday.  Mac ended up with a crossover case and the Chief said to stay up there to help him."  He handed over the information file.  "Speed here?"

"Office growling at the paperwork."

"I've done much of that," Tony said dryly, heading up there.  He tapped before walking in.  "Horatio's taking care of the crossover case."

"Thank God.  He able to walk?"

"Xander can't," he admitted with a grin.  Speed smiled.  "Fair warning, the press caught them out this morning.  Xander was looking at nipple rings according to him."

"Uh-huh."  He smirked.  "Did the family curse hit yet?"

"I'm not so sure the crossover case wasn't."  He nodded.  "Need help?"

"Please."  He let him have a few of the forms. "When is he coming back?"

"Next Monday."  Someone stomped in.  "Morning, Stetler.  Horatio's dealing with the new crossover case.  He sent it to me so I came to hand it over and help Speed."  He filled out a few more boxes, then handed it back.  The next one he had done many times at the federal level so it was quickly done.  "I almost miss doing all Gibbs' paperwork for him," he sighed, shaking his head.

"I'll hire you to do this while he's gone," Speed offered. "Out of pocket even."

Tony grinned. "I've got word from Fed Ex that they're bringing something from Paris today."  That got an odd look.  "From Xander for the house.  Which means it's probably a statue of some sort.  This way the guards don't feel like I'm supervising."  He got back to work.

"How do you know Miami's paperwork?" Stetler asked.

"Not much different than NCIS paperwork," he told him.  "Gibbs hated paperwork.  Whoever looked bored usually got it and I looked bored a lot on paperwork days."  He kept going once Stetler had shaken his head.  He handed back one.  "Can't fill out manpower for you."

"Crap."  Speed filled that out, putting it into the box.  "Any other good news from New York?"

"Don's going to store some sperm too in case something happens to him.  Xander taunted him into it.  Patrick's feeling a lot better since whoever they ran into in Istanbul is better at the healing stuff than Ethan is."  His phone rang.  "DiNozzo," he answered.  He listened. "Is it pretty?"  He nodded.  "Put it in the garden room.  Screw with the potted plants to highlight it."  He hung up.  "Bronze male nude figure, nearly life-size.  Uncut.  No head.  Not solid thankfully."  His phone rang again.  "DiNozzo."  He blinked.  "Huh.  Remember, something that can't get in the way," he said quietly.  "Look around, find something that says the right things to you."  He smiled.  "If he agrees.  Ask him."  He laughed.  "I'm happy, boss.  Oh, the bronze statue is here."  He blinked.  "Nude, uncut male without a head?"  He nodded.  "Conservatory.  Where did you want it?"

He nodded.  "That'll look beautiful.  I'll tell them.  How many more?"  He winced.  "Sure, boss."  He hung up and called the house.  "I was wrong.  The boss overruled me.  He said the big nook in the hallway.  The one we pulled the armor out of for him.  That one.  There's more coming.  Some paintings, some not.  The other bronze one goes into the ballroom and the marble one too.  No, I'll let him arrange it when he gets home at the holidays.  Put them out of the way but in the right room.  That'll work.  Thanks, guys."  He hung up.  "Xander went on a thief's dream shopping trip in Paris apparently."  Speed snickered.  "He's got good taste. I'll have to get the insurance guy out to look at everything."  He shook his head.  "He's not going to be happy when he sees the new premiums."  He looked at Stetler.  "Want to help us move things?"

"No thank you.  You're closer to menial labor than I am."

"The boss can arrange it when he gets home," Tony assured him.  "He's very strong."  Rick walked out snickering.  "And Horatio would probably help," he said dryly but quietly.  Speed nodded.  "By the way, Xander can't walk."

"It's been two years," he complained quietly.

"They both had some worries so they did everything *but* that."

"Wow.  I knew H had self-control."  Tony nodded.  "How badly can't he walk?"

"Sire said he can't walk, can't sit, and had soup for lunch.  It's going to be a few days before he can sit."  Speed snickered, nodding at that.  The phone rang.  "Grand Central Station, smut desk, which pro can I direct your call to?" he answered.  He smiled.  "Hey, Gibbs.  What's wrong?"  He laughed.  "Really?  Why did you get given a diamond choker?"  He blinked.  "That was fast.  Sure, send it down.  Or better yet, send it back.  To the store is fine.  Tell them to call me directly since you're not on staff.  Thanks, man.  The family curse has begun," he said happily.  "Sure."  He hung up.  "Someone sent Xander jewelry."

"That's nice.  H will growl."

"He'll probably sell and donate half of it each year," Tony said, waving a hand.  "He's like that."  He got back to work.

"Sure you wouldn't rather be moving artwork?"

"Yup.  Statues are heavy and paperwork only makes me sleepy.  Sleepy is better than sore for bad reasons."

"True," Speed agreed, putting another form aside.  "No wonder H never makes it home."

Tony leaned over and looked.  "Check the second box, the fourth box on the next page, and then find the one that fits best on the last page.  Sign and date."  He leaned back, going back to his form of the moment. Speed did as ordered and put it aside.  "By the way, I'm forging your name."

"That'll work. I'm using mine too.  That way they know why things were screwed up if they were."  He finally cleared the desk right before lunch, letting Tony go home to look at the pretty new artwork.

***

Ryan came in the next morning.  "Remind me to resist Tony's charm," he complained to Calleigh.

"Why?"

"I went to help move things.   Tony had to call in favors.  I'm surprised you didn't get a call."

"I had a date.  My phone was off.  How many statues did he buy?"

"Two and four small ones for on top of tables.  Unfortunately nine arrived and an extra six paintings."  He hobbled off.  "Going for the tylenol to empty the box."

"Sure, I'll put you on for last case today," she promised.  She went to find Speed, who was groaning in Trace.  "Did you help Tony too?"  He nodded without looking up.  "Did he forget he bought some?"

"Family curse," he said blandly, looking at her.  "Ryan and Eric?"

"I haven't seen Eric and Ryan went for the box of tylenol."

"He'd better not call off," Speed complained, calling Eric.  "Why are you in an airport?" He blinked. "Why are you in the ER and who's arriving?"  He listened then nodded once. "When you can.  Bring me the papers."  He hung up and called Tony.  "Only ask us to break ourselves on our day off, okay?  Eric's in the ER.  Sure.  Thanks, man.  Tell Xander."  He hung up and put his head back down.  "Eric threw his back."

"I'll take first case.  You and Ryan can flip for the next one."  He nodded once so she went to ballistics to grab her phone. She called Xander herself.  "What family curse?"  He told her and she stared at the wall.  "Really?"  He said something else and she snorted. "Is that why you got the extra artwork?"  He groaned at that but told her about the person who had stolen a park horse and carriage to take him on a romantic ride.  "Tell Horatio Eric's in the ER....  He's actually working?"  She smiled.  "Sure.  Tell him to call me then."  She hung up, getting a call from dispatch before she could put on her labcoat.  "Going on a call," she called as she walked out with her kit.

Ryan looked up at the ceiling.  "I will beg if you make it the only homicide today," he prayed. "Please?  I'll even go back to church soon."   He finished swallowing another tylenol and brought Speed a few.  "Where's Delko?"

"ER.  He threw his back.  They've got him knocked into tomorrow on pain killers."

"Charming.  Head's or tails?"

"I'll go but I'm going to make someone miserable."  He looked at him.  "Four years of this family curse."

"We'll get to sit back and watch Tony go insane."

Speed nodded, looking at his phone when it rang.  "Front desk."  He walked out there slowly, looking at her.  She pointed at the delivery guy.  He looked at the form then at him.  "This is a police station.  He doesn't live here.  We're not a delivery service either.  Send it to his home or to his grandparents' home."  He turned and walked off.  "Tell the any others that show up the same thing," he ordered.

"Yes, Speedle."  She shrugged at the delivery guy.  "Long night moving stuff."  He smiled at her.  "Do you have the address?"

"No, that's why it got sent here.  They knew his best friend worked here."  She wrote it out on a post-it, sticking it on top of the box.  "His?"

"Grandparents' house. He'll stop there first."  That got a smile and a nod then the delivery boy left.  She made a note and taped it on the front of the desk.  Stetler paused on his way past, then gave her an evil look. "Speedle said so.  Someone tried to deliver it to the Lieutenant to get it back to him.  By the way, he's in a *bad* mood because they were moving things last night."

"Who moved this time?" he demanded.

"Xander got sent more artwork than he bought," Ryan said as he came out.  He glanced at the note, smiling.  "If it helps.  Gibbs got sent a few things too.  Freaked out his director badly when the diamond choker came in his name to his desk."  He pushed the button for the elevator.  "I'm on for the next case. Take messages if someone calls?"  She nodded.  "Thanks.  What sort of delivery?"

"The type a girl would love in a velvet box."

"Someone sent Xander a two-thousand dollar painting," Ryan told her.  "A really hideous two-thousand dollar painting of a scruffy dog."  He got onto the elevator.  "Keep track for Horatio if you can."  The doors closed and he headed off.

"Why send them to Caine?"

"He's Xander's best friend.  He'd know how to get it to him," she said simply.  She started a new sheet of what had been sent.  "What should I do if it's food?"

"Send it to DiNozzo."  He walked off shaking his head.  This was already ridiculous.  He went to complain to the Chief, who called Horatio, and they had a long talk about why they were sending Xander things to him.  He agreed with Speed, send it to one of their houses.

***

Tony was leaned back in his chair with a warm compress over his eyes when someone knocked on the office door.  "I'm going to snap and kill people."

"Abby would be very disappointed," Gibbs said, coming in to lift up the cloth.  "Bad day?"

"Family curse," he said grimly.  "Xander got sent some really ugly artwork and about half a mil in jewels."

"Make it closer to two."  He dropped a few boxes onto the table.  "Including a girly piece."  He looked at him.  "Why am I getting it?"

"They don't have the home address so they send it to someone who would know how to get it to us.  I told you to send it back.  Abby would have fun with that.  Ziva too, boss."

"She did.  The person sent it back after killing herself."

"Huh.  Ziva okay?"

"Abby's pouting.  She said she wasn't that mean, only told the woman Xander was gay."  He gave him a look.  "The director is pissed about this."

"They sent them to the crime lab down here too.  Caine's on a crossover case in New York and they sent it to the crime lab here.  They have a 'go give it to his grandparents' thing going."  He put the cloth back.  "Any idea who sent them so I can send the others back and give that one to her heirs?"

He put down the folder.  "Any idea what's going on?  What family curse?"

"Started back when time was running backwards," he said, sitting up, putting the cloth aside.  "Anytime a male heir of the line finds a good and true mate, by all the journals going back as far as Patrick could find, which is the Middle Ages, their relationship is tested to make sure it's strong and will stand.  Because apparently all Benis men need that sort of relationship to stop them from doing stupid things.  Women have to pick carefully or theirs die within a year if they're not strong enough.  Usually right after she got pregnant."  Gibbs stared. "It lasts for four years.  Before you ask, yes I was told what the family curse was.  I laughed.  I'm so stupid."  He put his head down.  "Who?"  The folder was pushed over.  "You know, if you retire, I can hire you to handle this problem.  You can growl, threaten, and all that good stuff."  He opened up the folder, looking at it. "The director bought him a what?"

"Meal.  Sent it up there to him.  Where is your boy?"

"Today he's on a modeling shoot.  Tomorrow he's going to go back to hiding."  He looked at him.  "He could use some advice on wedding rings if you wanted to."

"For....."

"His boyfriend.  Horatio."  Gibbs gaped.  He nodded.  "Yeah, finally.  Been dating for a few years now.  The family curse started on consummation and vows.  Patrick is giggling and Raphael is having bad flashbacks.  Someone gave Patrick a tattooed elephant during his.  Raphael calls it the family's income generation method."  He put his head back down.  "Want to go to New York?"

"Put someone in front of you, give them one address to send it to in case there's explosives," he ordered.  Tony waved a hand.  "Beyond you.  He can't lose you, he can lose a guard."

Tony looked at him.  "He and I talked about hiring a detective to do that.  Probably someone who had retired.  So, how about it?"

"Fat chance.  Those sort give me hives."

"Half of them wouldn't really want him.  It's like a compulsion.  I sent some things back and got apology letters, boss."  He put his head back down.  "I have a headache."

"Hangover?" Gibbs asked with a smirk.

"Yup.  Drank myself stupid last night after staring at the hideous artwork."  He got up, taking him out to make him look too.  Everyone deserved a headache for that one.  Gibbs shuddered.  "Some have been really good.  That bronze statue in the hall was one of the gifts that was sent.  We have *no* idea who bought it.  It was purchased online and they sent a money gram from an anonymous name and this address."  The doorbell rang so he went to get it.  "Hi," he said, looking at the man standing there.  "What's wrong, Chief?"

"What is going on?"

"The family curse."

"Crap," he muttered.  "I heard about that.  Someone broke into Caine's house to leave him things."

"I'll sit a guard on it until he gets back."

"Thank you.  How bad?"  Tony let him in, taking him back to the room he was hiding the hideous things in.  He looked and shuddered.  "That's ...bad.  I'm sure Xander did better in first grade."

"Looks like someone puked pea soup on a painting of a woman," Gibbs told him. "I'm still saying hire one person and put them in front of things."

Tony looked at him. "Feel like retiring, boss?"

"Not on your life, DiNozzo.  Not for this.  I'll keep sending Abby and Ziva to threaten the people I get."  He walked out shaking his head.

The Chief looked at Tony.  "That's a good idea."

"We talked about hiring a former detective."

"That'd be a good idea.  I'll get you some names from Stetler.  People who can sneer?"  He nodded, earning a smile. "When is he coming back?"

"The week after Thanksgiving."  That got a smile and a nod, then the Chief left.  Tony went back to his hangover, locking that door.  He didn't want to make anyone else look at the ugly things.  He remembered to blindly type in a text message and one of the guards apparently understood whatever he wrote.  He got a cup of cocoa and someone left the house to go watch Horatio's.

***

Xander leaned out of the changing area when someone called his name.  "I'm stuck.  The pants are too small."  He pulled back, letting the photographer come in.  "See?  I know I haven't gained weight."

"Not since yesterday when we fitted them."  He looked them over, finding a few pins.  That let them go back to the unfitted state they were yesterday.  "Crap.  We need these."

"We need *these* or we need dark blue leather pants?" Xander asked.  "I can call the house and get my leathers."

The photographer looked at him.  "No wonder they called you.  Dark blue or black."  Xander nodded, calling the house.  He walked out shaking his head.  "The fitter left in pins and didn't do anything else," he announced.  "We'll be getting some of his own pants."  That got some nods.  "Take lunch."  He went to his car to call the person who had sent the fitter to chew them a new one.

Xander came out when he got called to the perimeter, smiling at their driver.  "From home?"

"And one of your presents, sir."  He handed them over.  "They said you ordered that and your grandfather wanted to know."

Xander looked then at him.  "I did.  Thank you."  He looked inside the bag.  "Perfect.  Thank you."  He walked back to the changing area.  "Skin tight, tighter than skin, or looser?" he called as he walked past the assistant photographer.

"Try on the tightest and we'll see," she decided, going to get her boss.  "They're here."  He came out, going to check on the boy.  He drooled.  "He has some that are slightly looser," she offered, peeking over his shoulder to see.  "Those are tighter than skin.  Are they cutting off the circulation?"

"Nope, won't for an hour," Xander told her.  He looked at the photographer.  "Up to you."

"Looser?"  Xander shimmied out of them, his back turned to them, sliding into the other pair.  He moaned at them.  "I like those.  Those'll work."  The black leather pants were God's Gift to his mind.  "What's the box?"

"Something I ordered for my boyfriend," he said with a grin.  "It got delivered to the house."  He stuck it into his bag, locking it after they left.  He walked out, taking the shirt the prop person gave him.  He checked the slogan, smiling at 'come have fun in NYC'.  Then he went where pointed out.  "Against the tree or standing.  Did you decide yet?"

"Tree first.  We'll do both."  Xander leaned against the tree, looking like he was watching people.  He snapped a few pictures.  "Now at me, Xander."  He 'watched people' in his direction.  "Good.  Other side?"  Xander did that.  A few more pictures and he had the boy standing in the middle of the park.  "Okay, repeat that."  He watched him for a minute.  "Less wariness, kid.  We want them to visit the city, not fear for their lives.  You look like an avenging superhero."

"You know, most Marvel characters are set in this city," he said dryly, getting a laugh.  "And I do look hot in spandex, as my turn on the gymnastics team showed."  The photographer smiled and snapped the picture when Xander looked at him. They moved him to the playground, snapping pictures of him having fun there.  Then another one in front of a world class restaurant, where Xander got fed without having to ask.  The photographer gave him an odd look.  "Grandparents are inside."  That just got a nod.  He nibbled and they took another few.  Then they wrapped up the 'come to New York for the pleasure' shoot.  He skipped inside to kiss both grandparents, then took the ride back to the site.  He grabbed his bag, checking the present.  He walked out, waving.  "Need the shirt?"  They shook their heads.  It was a cheap tourist t-shirt.  He could have it.  Xander headed out, hitting a cab, taking it to the lab.  He walked in and signed in, smiling at the receptionist.  "Checking in with my dutiful yet tired bodyguard."  She smiled. "Mac?"

"Office, Xander."  He headed that way once he had the visitor's pass.  She shook her head.  "Young and goofy."

Xander hugged Danny.  "Hi, I'm done for the day."

"Good for you.  I'm on the bad end of a double moving to a quad."

"I'll send you dinner," he said.  "Sleeping pills too?"

"Please don't.  Dinner might be nice.  Nothing too spicy this time?"

"Sure.  Meat?"  Danny nodded.  "I'll do that on the way home then."  He grinned, going to Mac's office.  "Am I sending you both dinner too?"  Mac nodded. "Okay."  He smiled, sitting down to get into his bag.  "I'm done for the day."  He gave Mac a look, making him smile and leave them alone. "The grandparents are safely nibbling real food."  He found the box, glancing inside.  He got up, walking over to look at him.  "I wanted to give you something," he said quietly, handing it over subtly.  He hated glass walls.  He wanted to go down on one knee, do this right, but then someone would say something and Horatio would get rumors started.  His career didn't need that problem.  "I planned on doing this a lot differently but you're here and there's too much glass to be too mushy."  He took a deep breath.  "I know you can't wear a ring or another visible marking that could get you in trouble or get in the way."

"Are you proposing?" he teased.

Xander gave him a serous look and nodded.  "Yeah, I am."  He opened the box, showing him the bracelet.  He took it out, putting it onto his wrist.  It was a strong style that wouldn't catch on his clothes, was fairly manly, and the small diamonds and sapphires were set into the chain itself.  No way to fall out or catch either.  "Someday it'll be legal and at that time I'd like you to consider marrying me.  Or moving to Massachusetts, your choice."

Horatio looked at the bracelet then at him, smiling, nodding slightly.  "I accept."  Xander squealed and hugged him, kissing him on the ear.  "We'll tell them later."

"Sure."  He smiled at him.  "Can Tony burn the ugly artwork he can't find the buyer on?"

"We'll sell it and donate the money," he ordered.  Xander nodded.  He looked at the bracelet.  It wasn't too loose, but loose enough to give it some movement.  "I love it."  Xander beamed.  "Thank you.  Yours?"

"You'd be my husband," he teased.

"That means you should have a ring."

"We'll talk about that when I get home this winter."  He winked.  "That way you can figure out where you want it to go."  Horatio moaned.  "I'll send you meat and good stuff for dinner with Mac and Danny."  He glanced around then gave him a quick kiss.  "Be safe.  I'm heading home."

"Where are the clothes you were wearing?"

"The fitter didn't fix the costume so I had to bring stuff from home."  He zipped his bag closed and winked.  "I'll be waiting when you finally get done.  That way you can celebrate and find some soul's ease."  He walked out, bag over his shoulder.  "Okay, Mac.  Want cow, chicken, lamb...  Name a meat bearing beast?"

"Ox," Danny called.

"I know somewhere I can get that," he called back.

"Please don't feed me ox," Danny said, coming to the door.  "Something normal and not that messy."

"Sure."  He smiled and headed out, going to one of his favorite places.  His wallet was a bit light but he had more than enough to buy them thick, heavy calzones for dinner and then hop the subway home.  He had to take his bag back from someone who tried to grab it and run but his head being smacked into a pole was good for him.  He'd learn better or to be more subtle next time.  An older woman looked at him.  "Martial arts."  She just smiled and nodded, appreciating the view.

Mac came back into his office, spotting the small sparkling thing.  "Anniversary?"

Horatio played with it, shaking his head with a smile.  "He proposed for when it's legal.  Or else we're moving to Boston."

"Congratulations.  It's clear you love him; he drives you insane the way my wife did me."  Horatio smiled at that, nodding.  "Did you dress him this morning?"

"Not in that.  The fitter didn't fix what he was supposed to wear so he got clothes from home."  That got a smirk.  "The t-shirt was new."  They settled down to work.

***

He got home that night, smiling at Raphael.  "Morning."

"It is, barely," he admitted, looking at him.  "Solve it?  You look happy."

"Not about the case."  He let him see his wrist, getting a beaming smile.  "When it's legal."

"Grandson," he said proudly, hugging him.  "Welcome to the family officially.  Remember, even if you fight you'll make up.  All Benis men are stubborn, strong willed, and do what they feel is necessary.  Patrick's nearly sacrificed himself three times so I wouldn't be beaten."  He let him go.  "Keep us up tonight.  You could use the relief."  Horatio blushed but went upstairs to see his man.  Raphael went to call home.  "Thomas, I know it's early.  No, great news!  My grandson has beautiful taste in engagement bracelets.  No, don't announce it yet.  When it's legal.  I'm not sure if he's officially out or not," he admitted.  "We'll see when we get back.  Thank you.  Platinum, small sapphires and diamonds built into the weave so they can't fall out and nothing will catch on his suits.  Beautiful against his skin," he praised.  "How are things?"  He smiled, nodding a bit.  "That'll work.  Thank you."  He hung up, going to tell Patrick the good news.  He'd be so happy!

***

Tony grumbled as he answered the phone.  "Emergency or otherwise?" he mumbled.  He sat up, blinking.  "He took my advice?" he asked happily.  "Then it's going to be beautiful.  Thanks for the head's up, Gordon.  Did Thomas like any of them to front for the family problem?"  He nodded.  "Thanks, man.  No, he wants to burn them with me but Horatio wants us to sell them and donate them.  There's always people like my mother who would buy them," he said dryly.  "Thanks for the head's up."  He hung up and laid back down, much happier.  Xander had taken his advice about engagement rings.  He'd have to tell Xander's attorney in the morning, get him working on the prenup.  Just in case they didn't want to wait.

Xander was still young.

He'd want something subtle but spectacular that would be a security nightmare.

Horatio's life was in danger from cases.

He'd want something subtle that hopefully wouldn't be more than family.

They'd have sex to see who won the right to plan the guest list.

Unless he got a bit sneaky if he could get Horatio on his side....

***

Speed looked at Horatio as he came in his first morning back.  "Solve it?"  He got a nod.  "Tired?"

"Not fully."   He smiled, taking off his sunglasses.  Speed caught his wrist, looking at the bracelet they had sealed on his wrist yesterday then at him.  "From Xander," he said quietly.

"Is that like a ...ring perhaps?" he pressed, moving closer.  Horatio smiled and nodded.  He looked at it again then at him.  "I'm letting him pick out mine when I need it."  He let his hand go. "Congrats, H."

"Thank you, Speed.  How big is my stack on my desk?"

"A few.  Tony escaped the present patrol to come help."  He gave him a look.  "You're telling Yelina and Frank.  She'll squeal and he'll cry on me."  He walked off.

"Probably the other way around," he decided, going to check his office.  Then he went to talk to his family.  Calleigh was easily gotten.  So were the other field CSI and the detectives.  He locked them in a room, leaning against the door.  "There is news."

"We figured something major happened since the family curse activated," Eric said, kicking back.  Horatio pushed up his coat sleeve, letting them all see the bracelet.

"Whoa," Frank said, staring.  He looked at him then suddenly grinned.  "It's a cute engagement ring, Caine."   Horatio nodded.  Yelina sniffed and Frank gave him a back- slapping hug.  Calleigh squealed and pounced him for a hug.  Ryan sniffled a bit but offered a good hug as well.

Eric looked at it then at him.  "As long as it's not contagious," he joked, giving him his own hug.  "Do we have a date?"

"Xander proposed for when it's legal."

"You should be turned sometime soon then so you'll still be pretty," Frank told him.  Horatio glared at him.  "It'll be a while, even your boy knows that."

Calleigh nodded.  "He's right."

Yelina coughed.  "We'll have to help him see it should be sooner.  Otherwise it looks like he's playing with my brother-in-law."

Ryan looked at her.  "It took them two years to finally have sex, Yelina."  Horatio gaped.  "Tony was complaining that Xander told him *way* too much detail, Horatio.  Sorry."

"We had our reasons for waiting."  He looked at Yelina.  "Don't threaten him."

"Only if he treats you wrong."  She smiled.  "When are you telling the son?"

"Tonight?"

"Tonight's wonderful," she promised.  "We'll have dinner."

"So, which one gets to wear white?" Frank asked him.  Horatio swatted at him, scowling.  "You get to tell Alexx."

"I was going to tell her in a minute.  Speed caught it first."  He smiled.  "It will probably be within a few years.  We won't expect presents.  By the way, the note on the front desk?"

"We got about thirty attempts to deliver here," Eric told him.  "Your house got broken into."

"I saw what was left," he admitted.   "Who did the report?"

"Speed," Calleigh said with a smile.  "He had a headache for two days because of it.  What got left?"

He blushed and coughed.  "You don't want to know."  He smiled.  "Due to the department we are keeping this quiet, people."  They all nodded.  "Thank you."  He opened the door so they could leave, him going last to talk to Alexx.  He found his boss down there and smiled. "Sorry, small meeting about something I heard in New York."

"Caine, you know very well society is a sponge for gossip.  Some of the oldest matrons remember Patrick's family curse activating."  He looked at him, finally spotting the bracelet.  "Tasteful.  When?"

"We haven't, um, set a date yet," he admitted.  Alexx dropped her scalpel, staring at him.  He let her see his bracelet.  "He made a joke about me moving to teach forensics at Harvard."

She squealed and pounced him to hug him. "I'm so proud!"  She smiled and looked at it closer.  "That's beautiful work.  Custom?"  Horatio nodded.  "Sealed I see."  She patted him on the cheek.  "As soon as you know I will know the date.  I'll have some shopping to do."

"No presents, Alexx.  He's being annoyed by the present givers he's already got."

"I heard."  She smiled and pinched him on the cheek.  "You can't take our fun, Horatio."  She gave him another hug.  "Pass that on."

"He's leaving New York in a week and a half," he complained.  "I won't see him until after Thanksgiving.  Unless I wanted to go on unpaid leave to go to India, Japan for some anime festival, and then to Sri Lanka and Tibet to visit temples."

"Speed would kill you," she said seriously, making the Chief crack a smile and nod.  "After Thanksgiving?"

"There's some festival in Sri Lanka Patrick wanted to see.  They'll be in Ireland for Halloween too."  He smiled at his boss.  "How was it?"

"Not entirely smooth.  Close enough though.  The case?"

"Her husband."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Us too.  Thank you."

"From what we saw in the paper and heard from various relatives up there, it was necessary."  He gave him a look, earning a blush.  "I heard about your weekend out of sight."

"His first," Alexx chided.  "Xander waited until it was special."

"It would've been in Italy but they tried to kill us," Horatio agreed quietly.

"Huh."  He walked off smiling.  He liked the Benis boy more and more.  He'd treat his favorite headache very well when he retired.

Horatio smiled at Alexx.  "I'd better clear my desk.  I'll send him your love."  He went to hide in his office, shrugging off Stetler being in there.  "Problems?"

"How was New York?" he asked dryly.

"Wonderful except for the case."  He looked at him.  "Why?"

He tossed down a picture.  "I didn't know you had other brothers, Caine."

Horatio looked then at him.  "It's Ray," he said quietly.  "The Feds took him to work for them.  They arranged for his death.  Before you ask, Yelina does know.  This was taken down here?"  He nodded, sneering some.  "I had no idea until Tony told me.  One of his contacts let it slip."

"Wonderful," he said, his voice dripping ice.  "Now what?"

"Yelina said she's buying a new bat and getting Ray Junior his choice of weapon," he said honestly.  Rick gave him an odd look.  "They deserve to hit him first, Rick.  Then me, then you can have him."  He stomped off.  Horatio sighed, studying the picture.  He knew the building behind him.  He'd search his idiot brother out later, though he did call Yelina.  "The people in DC were right.  He's in town," he said quietly.  "Of course.  If you find him first drag him back in cuffs and we'll beat him at your house."  He smiled. "It's not necessary, Yelina. Really.  We won't need anything."  He hung up, staring at the picture for a few more minutes before turning it over and getting to work on the files sitting there.  Speed had cleared his desk until Saturday.  He deserved a reward and a medal for doing some of that paperwork.

***

Xander felt that 'someone's following me' feeling and stopped to look at a news stand, scanning around him.  Someone looked slightly familiar but he wasn't sure why.  He bought a magazine that had his newest ad and walked on, flipping until he got to his ad.  The person was still following him. He paused again.  It was the almost-familiar man.  He fingered his emergency switch but decided against it.  No need to worry Don and Tony if he didn't have to.  He leaned against the front of a building next to an alley out of the way, pretending to read an article.  The man walked up to him, giving him a better look.  "I know you from somewhere."

"That's funny, I've never met you."

Xander smiled.  "You're Horatio's brother.  You sound like him."

Ray scowled.  "Who are you to Horatio?"

"He's my best friend.  Why?"

"You gave him some expensive jewelry."

"I'm not talking about my relationship with someone who could be one of the asshole bigots who try to blow me up now and then."  Ray blinked then gaped.  He shrugged.  "What did you want, Ray?"

"For you to leave my brother alone.  He doesn't need the stigma of dating someone your age or of being gay."

"Again, that's between Horatio and myself.  We've been best friends since I was a child."

"You're still a child."

"No, I'm an adult.  I can even vote," he assured him.

"You can't drink?" he sneered.

"I *don't* drink," he sneered back, moving off the front of the building.  "You know, that threat could be turned around on you.  He doesn't need a dead person to come make him or his sister-in-law and nephew ache.  Ray Junior especially doesn't need to deal with you suddenly being alive and all the shit you did undercover coming out."  Ray gaped.  "I would *kill* to protect Horatio, Ray.  Am I clear?" he asked calmly.  "Before you say anything, yes I can.  Just because I have a bodyguard doesn't mean I didn't learn very well how to protect myself."  Ray took another step off.  "If you wanted to get to know me as your brother's fiancee, that's up to you.  It might make him happy before Yelina takes a bat to your head.  I offered her some of the antique weapons we've got around the house.  It's your choice."

Xander turned and walked off, but Ray grabbed him, making him flip him.  "Don't touch me.  You're not family yet."  Ray gave him a horrified look so he stared down at him.  "What did you think was going to happen?  I was going to cry and stomp off, break it off with him?  Fat chance."  He strolled off again, getting into a cab and heading home.  He called Horatio once he got inside.  "Your brother was up here."  He sat down, holding his head.  "He said you didn't need the stigma of me.  Tried to get me to leave you.  No, he's fine.  He grabbed my arm so I judo flipped him."  He sighed, nodding.  "That's what I told him.  I offered to let him get to know me as family even, Horatio, but I'm going to help Yelina beat him if you don't mind.  Up here.  Yeah.  I'm sorry, baby."  He smiled.  "I know.  Thank you.  If I see him again I'll refer him back to you.   Thank you for not being mad at me, Horatio.  Love you.  Have a better day?"  He smiled.  "That'll be fine.  We'll talk the next time I call.  Grandfather's coming this way and I don't want to worry him.  Miss you already."  He hung up, laying down, handing over the magazine.  "Here the newest ad."

"You don't want to worry me about what?"

"Horatio's brother."

"I thought he was dead."

"Tony found out the Feds stole him."

"Ah, one of those.  Did you run into him?"  Xander nodded, giving him a pitiful look.  "Some families can't be accepting, Xander.  It'll be all right.  He'll grow to love you like everyone else has."  Xander nodded, cuddling up to him.  "That's my good grandson."  He stroked over his hair and back.  "We'll let Horatio handle his own family unless we have to step in." Xander nodded.  "Good boy."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He kissed him on the head.  "Go upstairs and find some chocolate.  Make Sire play with you."  Xander gave him a small grin, going to do as ordered.

***

Horatio looked up from his dinner on his back porch when his brother stomped around the house.  "You're bold for a dead man," he said blandly.

"Your *fiancee* is snuggling up to an older couple?  You're sharing suddenly?  You never used to, even as children, Horatio."

"They're his grandparents, Ray."  He ate another bite, watching his face as it went to mortified and then embarrassed.  "Before you ask, I adore his grandparents.  They've raised Xander since he was five.  They've supported both the lab and me personally when I needed it.  They've always been there for Xander as well."  He carefully put down his fork and took a drink of his water, putting it down as well.  "I will tell you this *once*, Raymond.  You are to leave Xander and his family alone. They are as close to me as you once were and Yelina still is.  I do not care if you can't accept that I'm with him.  As of this moment I think you have bigger things to worry about."  Ray gaped.  "Yelina?"  She came out, putting down her plate, then she hauled off and slapped him.  "Want my cuffs?"

"I have my own," she reminded him, knocking him down so she could cuff him.

"Way to go, Mom," Ray Junior said happily.  "Want me to get my cleats?  You can probably fit in them."

"I have heels," she said with a smile.  "Such a good son."  She stroked his cheek.  "Sit and have seconds, dear."  He sat down beside his uncle, digging in.  "Why did you come back?"

"He came to tell me he saw my fiancee cuddling with his grandparents after he accosted Xander," Horatio told her.

"Excuse me?"  She kicked Ray again, making him groan.  "Xander is the sweetest, most uptight young man I know.  I'm hoping Ray picks up good habits from him."

"He showed me a home movie of his natural parents," Ray told her.  "I know why drinking is a very bad idea."

"Good," she said, smiling proudly.  She kicked her husband without looking, making him groan a bit higher this time.   She did it again.  "This is very therapeutic.  Do you want some of him, Horatio?"

"I'll have him after you two are done and before Hagen," he offered.  She smiled as she dragged the man inside to make him scream and cry.  Horatio called Hagen.  "It's Horatio.  I have someone you need to see.  No, not Xander, John.  I know you heard."  He smiled. "Thank you.  No, you are the last to know," he admitted.  "Sorry, I forgot.  No, there's a Raymond problem here.  It is Raymond, that's the problem," he told him bluntly when he started to complain.  John made a screaming noise.  "I hope you're not in public?"  He smiled at the 'in the car, be there in twenty'.  "We're on the back porch.  I'm sure Yelina will let you in.  Save me some when you get here."  He hung up, looking at his nephew.  "We should probably talk about girls sometime soon."

"Do you know about girls, Uncle H?"

"I do," he admitted, smiling gently.  "I had one once."

"Was she so bad you went to men instead?"

Horatio laughed.  "Not quite.  I found someone who understood me."

"You trained him to understand you," Ray teased.  Horatio nodded.  "Good.  I get to at least be the ring bearer, even though I'm not cute."

"I'd like that."  Ray smiled and dug in.  "Did you want to help?"

"I hate the sight of blood."

"That's a good reason."  He got up to let John in when he showed up, watching as he walked in and picked up Ray by his cuffs, looking at him before punching him.  "Leave him living so he can explain things," he said gently.  "I know many people who are looking forward to this story."

"You do know we're practicing in case Xander ever hurts you?" Yelina asked.  Horatio smiled, walking back outside.  "Give him back, John.  I was married to him, I get to damage him more.  Especially since I have a stepdaughter and her mother that I've adopted because the poor thing was so young."  He handed him over, getting out of the way.

***

Horatio parked in the driveway, walking around the hummer to get the groaning man out of the hummer.  He walked him to the door, smiling at the man who gave him a very confused look.  "Here, you wanted Ray when Yelina, John Hagen, and I were done with him."  He handed Ray over, then walked back to the hummer.  "Do have fun, Rick."

"Gee, thanks, what do you want for the wedding present?" he sneered.

"No presents but you can donate to any of his charities or any of the PD charities in our names if you want," he shot back with a smile, getting into the hummer to head home.  He felt evil but better.  By the time he got home he had decided to call Xander.  Phone sex wasn't fulfilling by any means but as close as he'd get for another two months.  That would be after he and Ray Junior went over the things that had been delivered to his house so they could be indexed and sent back, if possible.

Stetler looked at the man leaning against him.  "They should've finished you off."  He let him drop, walking over him.  "Get in here before I have you arrested, Raymond.  We've got to talk about how happy your wife was with me after you left her."

Ray glared at him.  "I know she faked it."  He made himself get up and stomp in there to attack him.  No one touched his wife!

***

The Chief walked into Horatio's office the next morning.  "What happened to Stetler?"

Horatio put the call on hold.  "It turns out Raymond was undercover for more than us," he said quietly.  His boss sat down hard, staring at him.  Horatio nodded.  "The agents set up the death and all that," he explained.  "When he showed up last night to sneer about me having Xander, I let Yelina and John have him.  Then Rick Stetler wanted a word with him so I dropped him off after our talk.  What happened to Rick?"

"He looks like he went three rounds with Tyson."

"The chicken?"

"Not funny," he said, staring at him.  "You're picking up bad habits from your fiancee, Caine."  He stood up.  "You know I'm retiring in a few months?"

"I do and I know that everyone loathes the person you chose even with knowing how much of a racist he is," he said.  The Chief glared.  "You didn't get the folder from Xander?"

"The mayor did.  He picked him."

"Ah, then *he* picked the racist with the fifteen-year-old Cuban girlfriend?"  The Chief groaned.  "The moment he takes office, that file is coming to light.  It's already in SVU, Chief.  I can't keep that information to myself.  It's against my oath."

"The others?"

"I'll get you a copy of the folder," he promised.  That got a nod and he walked out.  Horatio took the call off hold.  "Tony, the mayor kept the information file on the next chief from the current one.  He had no idea he had an underage lover.  Can I get a copy?"  He smiled.  "Thank you. I don't know about the wedding.  I don't want to shove him.  I know he would cry and agree if I gave him a nudge. Where?"  He smiled.  "I can do that.  A small, family only affair?"  He beamed. "That's more than reasonable.  No, Patrick might but he can throw a party for the reception.  Thank you for telling me that.  Anywhere you think he'd want?"  He smiled and nodded. "I've always liked the gardens at the main house," he said happily. "Thank you.  Make preliminary plans.  We'll go over them tonight.  Thank you."  He hung up, relaxing again.  It made more sense that Xander was giving him time to get used to the idea.  Xander still had the idealistic 'bound into things' idea of youth.  If he had been female they'd have been in Vegas within a day of him proposing he was sure.  This way all they'd have to do was call in the orders.  Tony had a good bridal checklist and had checked with Calleigh and Yelina for help.  Plus one of the matrons to make sure it wouldn't snub anyone.  He'd checked with her about timing before making any other plans.

***

Tony moaned as he ate another bite of dinner.  "Xander goes to the best places."

Horatio smiled.  "He has to.  He'll never be able to cook."

Tony nodded.  "True."  He smiled as the Chief and Mayor stomped over.  "Sirs."

"Agent DiNozzo, how did you find that out about them?" the mayor asked.

He grinned.  "Contacts.  Which is why Xander hired me."

"Fine.  You win."

"Actually, sir, I think you'll find Miami will win," Horatio said gently.

Tony nodded.  "We don't care who it is that takes the current chief's spot as long as he's not going to damage everyone.  On the list was another fairly anti-gay person that we'd still support; as long as it wasn't those first three it's a decent enough choice.  Even though that one has suggested in the past that the gay officers all retire, has stuck up for them being beaten, and those things, both parts of the family agree he'd be better than the member of the Aryan Nation who's blackmailing a child into his bed, the one causing intentional harm on his three lovers, two of whom look a lot like my boss - which is my primary worry, and the guy who's been hiding his four wives and two husbands.  I almost liked him but he's an asshole who reminds me of my former director, a lot, and she made a lot of bad command decisions, sir."

"I heard," the mayor admitted, looking a bit grim.  "Is your boy going to my wife's trial?"

"No, sir, he's in India this week, Japan next week, Ireland for the holiday, and then going to upper India before Thailand and then Sri Lanka."  They both gaped.  "He's spending time with his grandparents, making good memories," he said gently.

"Clearly," the mayor said, smiling.  "So you wouldn't care if we did hire the anti-gay one?"

"Better him than Xander's next stalker or the violent racist.  We'd be more than happy to start an educational campaign for him so he understood things but we can tolerate him if you can."

The present Chief coughed.  "Don't worry about him.  He's retiring next year, Tony."  Tony grinned.  "You saw about his son?"

"And we figured that's why he went after the gay officers that year," he agreed.  "Since then he seems to have calmed down."  He looked at the Mayor.  "Pick whoever you choose, sir, and if you want me to I'll gladly do a background on them too.  I, we, simply couldn't let those three first horrible choices stand without complaint.  They would've sullied the department and I used to be a cop myself.  I don't want that for my newly adopted city."

The mayor nodded.  "Thank you.  What do you have on Burton?"

Tony pulled out his PDA, accessing the home computer.  "Nice guy, clean record, no open stance on gay officers or the quarter of the city that is gay. Seems to have a good working relationship with various ethnicities."  He looked at them.  "We have no trouble with any of the other Chiefs as they stand, sir.  Most of the captains, except for Hodgekiss or Hollingsworth, or was it Hall, Horatio?"

"Hmm.  No, Hall was the one who hit Hollingsworth for sneering at you for going from agent to head of security.  She had a pretty good swing.  It was...  It was the new one, Chief.  The one you gave the badge to the other day."

"Helen," he said dryly.  Horatio nodded. "She's a strongly opinionated woman."

"A quarter of Miami is still gay and another sixth to third is immigrant, depending on your statistic of choice," Tony said dryly.  "She's in the wrong city for her opinions."   The mayor laughed at that, nodding. "The family has said that they would support anyone as long as it wasn't those three.  Even the anti-gay one because we can handle him.  We can't handle the bastards in the the top three spots.  That's probably how they got so high up."  The Chief nodded.   "I'll gladly run a comprehensive background if you want me to."

"I'll take you up on that," the Chief promised, smiling at him.  "Business or pleasure, Horatio?"

"Personal, going over some of the problems Xander's present givers have created.  Like them sending things to the lab."

"Oh, yes, I did promise to give you a list of former detectives who might be willing to help you with that."  He patted himself down until he came to it.  "I was going to give it to Horatio later after the budget meeting."  He gave him a look.  "You *will* be attending?"

"If at all possible," he agreed.

"No skipping off to watch at scenes, Caine.  Remember, you got shot at earlier.  You'd hate for me to assign you a bodyguard of your own."

"I still have one following him around," Tony admitted.  The two higher ups walked off laughing.  He took the list to look over.  "Huh.  A few very tough people."  He tucked them into his shirt pocket, digging in again.  "This is almost sinful.  No wonder Xander comes here."

"His next shoot for them will have to break laws of physics," Horatio complained, digging in again.   "You're sure she said you can't do it that fast?"

"She did have a suggestion."  He pushed over the invitation.  "They need a good thing in the center.  Last year's kidnaping alarmed some people.  Doing a wedding...."

Horatio smiled.  "Don has to go.  Stella got asked already."

"It's not a hardship to get the whole family there, except yours in the lab."

"I think I can arrange that.  Hand off control, claim there's a power failure or something for a weekend."

"Bribe the new boss?"

"Hmm.  Possibly."

"Think he'd like some ugly artwork?"

"His wife would mind.  She has very good taste."

Tony smiled.  "I'll see what I can do for you."

"I'll....  I'll talk to him after the meeting.  You make sure it's possible."

"I've checked, everything's set up.  The reception will make a nice second half.  All you have to do is pick the cake and find a white suit."

Horatio smiled.  "I think I can do that.  Chocolate?"

Tony hummed, pulling out something and handing it over.  "I loved them when I ran into them at a convention.  It's moan worthy cakes the last time I knew.  They need to know within two weeks.  Have Mac taste test for you.  He could use some sweets."

"I can do that.  Thank you."

"Hey, you and the boss being happy is a good thing.  We like the boss being happy.  Even if I do think I'll be losing some of the guards.  They're fine with the gay stuff as long as it's a concept but now and then they look very uneasy when you come over," he explained. "Including Deborah, our dog handler."

"Does that mean you'll lose the horse?"

"No, the miniature horse is staying," Tony promised, shaking his head.  "Gibbs has K-9 experience though.  So maybe he'll come down to do that."  He ate another bite, waving his fork.  "Eat.  Please.  If you get too skinny Xander will have to fuss and you'll hate being tied to the bed while being force fed."

"I would, yes," Horatio agreed, taking a bite.  It was excellent food.

***

Xander finally came home, smiling at the sight of his house.  "Bed," he said, parking and wandering in.  "Bed," he said, smiling at Tony, giving him a hug.  "Presents in the trunk.  Got you Bollywood and anime film noire since you like the genre.  Something new to try.  Bed."

"It's turned down," he said, smiling at him.  "Go sleep.  We'll talk in the morning."  Xander nodded, wandering up the stairs, weaving the whole way.  Tony laughed once he was out of sight, going to unload the trunk of the car.  Xander had one rolling trunk of clothes he had packed when he had left and three more bags.  He brought them up to his room, coming back to close the car and make sure there wasn't anything else.  There were bags in the back, making him glance inside.  He shrugged and walked them upstairs too.  He'd figure out which one was his in the morning.  He found Cook going through the clothes, sorting them into laundry and dry cleaning piles.  She grimaced at a few things.  "That bad?"

"A bit sweaty, not horrible."  She shook out one shirt.  "Ashes."

He went to call the main house to tell them Xander had gotten home all right, finding a small party in progress.  He nodded at her, getting a smile back.  He went to gather what Xander would need in the morning.  "Gift list and what couldn't be sent back.  Ugly artwork list and the appraisal for an auction.  Current household list," he mumbled.  His phone rang.  "DiNozzo.  Hi, Marigold.  What's up?"  He sat down, listening to her.  "He's back, just wandered in and collapsed with jet lag.  He walked in mumbling 'bed' over and over."  He smiled.  "Really?  I hadn't heard anything about the Christmas Lights ball having a wedding in the center.  Do you have any idea who?"  He smiled at her 'only that it's a gay couple'.  "Well, if so we'll certainly be attending in force.  Thank you for letting me know.  I'll tell Xander in the morning and spread that back to the elder couple. Anything else you've heard?"

He beamed and made notes.  Some of their plans had leaked out.  "Thanks, dear.  I'll tell him you want an interview tomorrow about the trip.  No, we're dealing with the sudden influx of presents actually.  He'll be moving statues tomorrow."  She giggled while hanging up so he added that to his stack for the morning.  His phone rang again.  "DiNozzo.  Hey, boss."  He smiled.  "If you want it's still open.  What happened?"  He blinked.  "Um... didn't hear you correctly?" he asked.  Gibbs repeated it tersely.  "Sure.  We'll be here.  If and when, come jogging down here, boss.  Especially if you can work with a K-9.  Yeah, I've got room for you.  I'm losing between three and five when Xander gets married.  See you then."  He hung up, making another note.  They'd figure that out tomorrow. He added it to the meeting list.  He looked.  Everything on his desk was in one pile.  That was a good job.  Xander was going to kill him for such a long meeting.

***

Xander looked up from his morning meal and soda, grunting at Tony.

"Wake up more.  Meeting time, boss."

"Fuck," Xander mumbled.

Tony messed up his hair.  "Not all bad.  Gibbs might be coming down."  Xander gave him an odd look.  "The Director tried to tell him he was going to have to retire next year, he had twenty years in."

"Does that mean Ducky's going to come down to work with Alexx?"

"Possibly.  Not sure if she'll succeed yet or not.  He's not at mandatory retirement age yet."  He leaned on the table, smiling as his cup of coffee was put in front of him. "Thanks, Cook. You're taking off in one week, right?" She nodded.  "That's fine.  I'll take over and if we have to we'll have a temp come in."  She pinched his cheek, going back to her fussing over things.

Xander finished breakfast with a belch.  "'Scuse me."  He looked at Tony, then put his dishes in the dishwasher.  "Thanks, Cook.  Great job and I hope the surgery goes very well.  I'll drive you to the airport myself, dear."  She smiled and kissed him on the cheek.  "My office or yours?"

"Yours."  He followed Xander that way with his coffee and Xander's new soda.  He sat down across from him.  "What do you want first?  The staffing, the present situation, or the Christmas Lights ball itinerary?"

"I thought Don was going."

"They're doing a gay wedding in the center.  You're all going."

"Oh.  Okay.  I need a new suit then."  Tony nodded.  "That's in two weeks?"  Tony nodded again.  "I can do that in that amount of time.  Anything I have to know otherwise?"

"Go as hot as you can.  Horatio's coming up for it."  Xander beamed.  "Okay?"  Xander nodded.  "No leather."

"Yes, Tony.  Any other restrictions?"

"No putting tinsel in sexual spots.  It's on the invitation this year."  He tossed it over.

"That wasn't me last year.  It was Fred.  It was hanging out of his pants wrapped very tightly around his cock, which was also hanging out his pants.  He couldn't get it undone and it was cutting off the blood supply.  They had to send him to the ER."

"Poor, stupid, drunk man," Tony sighed, shaking his head.  "He okay?"

"Now.  After rehab."  He put it off to the side.  "Okay, what's the bad news?"

"Gibbs' director is trying very hard to get him out of her way.  If so, he's coming down here.  We'll try to get him to bring the whole team and help them set up locally.  I told him he could use the guest house for a few weeks until he could sell his place up there."  Xander nodded.  "Good."  He crossed that off on his list. "Let's see.  We have ... one social event for the new Chief, who was unnamed.  I'm not sure if that's going on or not."  He made a note beside that one.  "That would be the Wednesday after next.  Right before you'd leave to go back to New York."  He made a note of that as well.  "It says luncheon but with someone new being named there's every chance that'll change."  Xander grimaced but nodded.  "That leaves us with ... Captain Turner doing the present patrol thing for you.  Gibbs came down to drop off some he couldn't send back.  He sent Abby and Ziva to hand it back.  Abby told one you were gay.  She sent it back and then committed suicide."

"Abby?"

"No, the present sender."

"Damn."

"Yeah, no heirs.  I offered it to the state tax authority but they said they couldn't do that."  He handed over two lists.  "The first is the good artwork list.  It's mostly in the ballroom at the moment.  The other is the hideous shit and how much it'd bring at auction so you could donate it to charity.  Captain Turner has instructions to find who sent things and send it back.  If not, she's keeping it stored and is doing a list that Horatio made up the form for."  That got a nod.  "Unfortunately she's got a few things, boss."

Xander grimaced, handing it over.  "Is it polite to auction it off?"

"Do it quietly.  Do it in London but do it quietly.  We have someone who can get in touch with someone else who handles those things for heirs who need a sudden influx of cash for various problems."  Xander nodded, putting down the second list.  "The hideous list is just that, Xander.  I had to lock the door before it mutates anything else in the house.  It literally gave Gibbs a headache when I let him see for a few minutes.  After I got done cataloging I went to give myself a hangover it was so nasty."

"I'm sorry.  Did we get him something?"

"Yeah, I did.  Don, Horatio, Mac, and Gibbs have all set up a protocol with their people to send things to Captain Turner.  You'd like her.  She's a squat, rock formation woman sort of woman.  She's very gruff.  She can swear better than you can in three languages.  She used to be Army.  Gibbs thought it was cute she was as growly as he is."

"Um, tact?"

"She tries very hard if they deserve it."

"Good.  That's fine then.  Any people repeat?"

"Twice now. She nearly cried, thought she was losing her touch.  She's nice enough the first time, the second she chews butt and spits it out because it usually tastes fake according to her."  Xander snickered and nodded.  "Your insurance agent has an ulcer and he did suggest a subtle, quiet sale out of the Miami area.  Maybe in LA since nothing's come from there yet."  Xander leaned back, groaning a bit.  "Sore?"

"Long flight.  Still recovering."

"That's okay, I'm sure you'll wake up later on when you move some of the statues."  He grinned.  "We put them all in the ballroom, boss."

"Gee, thanks."

"Not a problem.  We also paid Eric's visit to the chiropractor and tylenol and lunch for Speed and Ryan."  Xander groaned.  "I'll help but I'm not doing it all."

"Anything like a wheeled platform?"

"Yup, that'll help too.  A few are too tall to use it though."

"On the side?"  Tony held up a  finger.  "Lumber to lengthen the platform?"

"That we can probably do.  We'll figure it out or leave those in there."  Xander nodded.  "A few went into the hallway nooks and a few went into the conservatory to highlight the plants.  Captain Turner did giggle at some of them.  There's an eight-foot baby without a diaper for one of them.  Looks like a Nirvana cover."

"Some are going to Grandfather," Xander said grimly.  Tony smiled at that.  "He can use them in the garden since we don't have one."

"You could plant one."

"I'd never take care of it."

"They have gardeners, Xander."

"Another person for me to pay for," he said dryly.  "I already pay for Rebecca and the two part-time housekeepers she uses her riding crop on."

"Point."  He changed the list.  "What do you want to do with the jewelry?"

"Did Horatio like any of it?"

"A few for Calleigh, otherwise no."

"Damn."

"So I'll mark those as probably going too?"  Xander nodded. "When do you want to hold the auction?"

"Would it be crude to say before tax time?  This is my first year paying."

"You're only paying about two grand according to the accountant.  That's including all this stuff.  All your work expenses and donations offset it."  Xander beamed at him.  "Welcome."  Xander got up and gave him a hug then sat back down. "Thanks, boss, I liked that."  He grinned.  "I did like your choice."

"You helped."

"I only suggested a bracelet.  That was a beautiful design.  Custom?"

"Yeah.  He had to set the stones."  He gave him a shy smile.  "He accepted too."

"I noticed it was welded on," he teased.  "Okay, for today, moving stuff, then haircut for the ball?"  Xander nodded.  "Good."  He stood up.  "Then we'll work on things later.  Come get me when you're ready to tackle the problems."

"Later.  Let me get another nap."  He grabbed his pillow and went to the couch to lay down, yawning a bit.  "Night, Tony."

"Night, boss."  He walked out, closing the door behind him.  A few of the guys gave him an odd look.  "He's still got jet lag.  What's wrong?"

"The rest of the statues?"

"Later.  I told him I'd help him."  That got  nods.  "If we need more muscle, we'll call."  They walked off to get coffee and go back to their lounging around.  It was their off-time.  Tony got some more coffee too, heading to check the security monitors and then to his office.   Xander would get up later and they'd figure out where some of them were going.  Even if he did call Ethan to come magic some of them to the main house's garden for him.

***

Patrick looked out at his favorite view of the gardens, frowning.  "Sire?" he called.  He came walking in with a mug of blood, standing behind him.  "Is that something you bought?"

He looked at the extra-large, naked, crawling, marble baby and shook his head.  "No, I think that's Xander's version of a tattooed elephant, my childe."  He patted him on the back and walked off cackling.

"I didn't ask him for the elephant," he complained.

"It still showed up."

Gordon walked in.  "He still having flashbacks to your own income-generating curse years?" he teased.

Patrick sighed and nodded.  "He is.  He still thinks it's cute I got given a house in Bavaria that was filled with beer barrels too."  He pointed outside.  "Who gave my grandson the naked baby?"

Gordon consulted his PDA then looked at him.  "It was sent anonymously but Captain Turner talked to the artist and found out it came from Marigold's husband.  You know, the society reporter," he said at his boss's confused look.

"Uh-huh.  Well, I suppose I'll let her know that Xander leant it to me for my garden collection since he doesn't have one of his own."

"If you do that, someone will go plant one on him and he doesn't want to have to pay for a gardener, Patrick.  You barely got him able to not kill the plants."

"Oh, I do remember," he said dryly, sitting down shaking his head.  "Did they deliver the baby here?"

"No...Tony and Xander called Ethan to donate some of it to your garden so you could landscape a bit more and make interesting places to sit and look at during the long nights."  He walked out before Patrick could do more than shake his head or mumble the rare curse word.  "Wait until he sees the snake one," he told Ethan when he walked past him.

"I did pick the most tasteful ones I could.  I figured the infant would bring back good memories of Xander and his own children."

"Is Janus laughing?" Patrick called.

"Only half the time," Ethan called back, still smiling.  "Someone got inspired by the Temptation ads.  I picked that one for you too, Father.  It's in the back, by the trees and the emergency gate."

"I'll walk outside tonight," he said, going to get his own mug of blood and take something for his headache.  It couldn't be worse than the baby, right?  He came out and looked at Ethan, seeing the smirk.  "Will I need to bring a bottle of tylenol with me?"  Ethan went into the study and grabbed a bottle of whiskey, handing it over before going back to the kitchen.  "I see.  Sounds like Sire and I need to take a walk together," he decided.  "Sire?  Get the umbrellas.  Ethan picked more than one statue for the gardens."

"Can't it wait?"

"No, I think we should do this now," he called.

"Fine."  He came down the stairs with their special wide umbrellas, handing Patrick his.  "Let's go look at the hideous monstrosities."  They walked out the garden door together, both under the careful shelter of their umbrellas.  They stopped to look at the baby, who had been arranged so it looked like it was crawling to play with the new nymph and fairy statues back there.  Sire walked on at Patrick's giggle.  They were cute little stone creatures.  They came to a granite tree, which was pretty nice as well.  It fit well with the trees around it and the bench around the bottom was useful.  They kept going. The next one was a male nymph that had been placed behind a set of higher bushes so it was peeking out behind it.  They nearly walked into that one so they stopped to look.  Patrick took a small drink from the bottle he had carried out.  "It's male," Raphael pointed out.

"He's built like a child.  No adult male is that small and undeveloped.  Even back in Roman statuary.  Not even _David_ is built that small, Sire."  He walked on, going to find the others.  He found another nymph, this time on his back, legs spread, anatomically correct down to the shaping of the pucker.  "Someone did very detailed bronze work," he said, taking another drink.  "Ethan!"  He came trotting out.  "You couldn't find a better spot for this one?"

"Your next crop of the purple flowers will mostly cover it, Father.  That way it's hidden for about nine months out of the year."   That got a nod and another drink.  "Did you see the other one?"

"And how small he was," Raphael agreed.

Ethan looked at him.  "No, not that one."  He pointed.  "The three that Xander's gothic ads inspired are all grouped back by the back fence.  There's a few more useful benches as well by the fountain."  He walked off grinning.

The couple walked that way, finding the first one.  It was a large snake, coiled and staring at them, an apple in the center of the coils with a hand pushing it up.  It looked like an oversized bracelet really with the hand there.  Raphael took a drink and they walked on.  The next one was, basically, phallic in nature.  It was propped between two trees.  The balls looked like women's breasts.  The penis was highly detailed in the marble.  Patrick and Raphael both took a longer drink. They sighed and went to look at the last one, gaping at it.  It was their grandson, done in copper it looked like.  It was him naked in the same pose as the ad, down to the same little smirk on his face.  Only in his hand this time was a very well endowed sex toy.  Raphael touched it and found a knob, turning it on.  It vibrated, making the whole statue hum.  Patrick shut it off and walked off drinking.

Raphael stared for a moment longer then went to lock Patrick out of the liquor cabinet.  "They did a good job on his body," he offered.

"He's not Priapus."

"Well, no, he's not.  He's better than average but not *that* big," Raphael soothed.  "The statue wasn't either."

"It was a foot long and able to be used!" Patrick complained.  "Yes it was, Sire."

"Calm down."  He gave him a hug but Patrick got free, going to sulk and write their grandson an email about not modeling anymore.  Raphael got up, following him back to his office.  "Ask him if the baby one was inspired by the ads for the pound?"  Patrick threw something at him, making him duck and go hide.  Yes, that infamous temper was back.  He'd have to do something very nice to calm him down later.

Patrick finished his email and sent it.  Tony sent back a list of who had sent what.  That way he knew who he would be getting back for their bad, disgusting tastes in artwork.

***

Horatio looked at Xander, then at the building in front of them.  "Why are we at the yacht club?"

"I'm borrowing someone's for the weekend," he said sheepishly.  "I wanted to see if I liked boats or not."

"Were we thinking about buying a boat?" he asked, looking at his usually motion sick lover.  Xander shook his head quickly.  "Were we *given* a boat perhaps?"  Xander gave him that same sheepish smile.  "Are we taking it out?"

"I'm not sure I want to look at it.  Tony walked off swearing and calling Gibbs to see what the name of his favorite bourbon was so he could send Captain Turner some."  He grinned.  "But it did come with a membership to the club and I called.  They said I could keep the membership even if I didn't want the boat, and they did laugh about the boat," he admitted in a babbling rush.

Horatio kissed him, then looked at him.  "Let's go see this boat, Xander.  Then we'll see about going for a sail, and then maybe dinner?"  Xander beamed and nodded, getting out with him, walking him back to the gated entrance.  "Xander Benis and Horatio Caine," he said quietly.

The guard looked at him.  "It's good someone came to deal with that party boat you got sent, Mr. Caine."

"I got sent?  I thought Xander got it sent to him."

"No, sir, the card on the bow was in your name.  I'll have you escorted.  Are you going out tonight or staying for dinner?"

"I've never driven a boat," Xander said, looking at him. "Is it harder than the porsche?"

"I know enough to sail around the harbor," Horatio admitted.  "For right now, we're probably going to look."

"That's fine.  I know Misty said Mr. Benis might be taking her boat out for the afternoon.  We can easily move the basket we had prepared to the other one."

"Thank you," Xander said, smiling as he walked in.  "Which way?"

The guard called someone over his radio.  "Xander Benis and Horatio Caine are here about the boat they got given.  They need an escort.  Then they'll see if they're taking that boat out or another one he was planning on borrowing."  He released the button.

"Be right there," a female voice said.

He smiled at them.  "It's all right, we don't bite."

Xander snorted.  "Misty does too bite.  She did me three different times when we were younger at society events."  The guard laughed.  "Really, she does bite.  Well, probably down to nibbling now but she did bite."

The guard smirked, nodding at the young woman who came out to meet them.  "This is Xander Benis and Horatio Caine."

"Xander," she said, kissing him on the cheek.  "I haven't seen you since the pound's event."

"I was out of town for a long time.  Traveling with Grandfather."

"That's wonderful.  Lieutenant.  Nice of you to escort Xander."

"He said we were coming here to sail.  I just learned the boat was in my name?"

She nodded.  "Indeed."  She walked them on with a smile for the guard.  "Do brace yourselves."

"Is it pink?" Xander asked.

"Not outside."  He shuddered.  "It'll be fine.  I promise it will be."  She led them to a slip at the end of the dock, waving a hand and handing over keys, taking the basket from a waiting waiter.  "There you go, Horatio.  Your own boat."  She smiled.  "Can you sail?"

"I've learned some from the Coast Guard," he said, looking at the nice sized yacht.  He looked at her over the rim of his sunglasses.  "Do we have any idea who sent me a yacht?"

"No, but they did purchase the membership in Xander's name."

"So someone knows," Xander said dryly.  "New, used?"

"New, newly painted as well," she admitted.  That got a nod.  "Plus they left you things."  She patted him on the shoulder.  "We've all heard rumors of the dreaded family curse Xander's under.  Do try to enjoy this one and remember, it can be repainted if you want."  She and the waiter walked off.

Horatio walked up to the gangplank, taking a deep breath before walking onboard.  He looked around the deck.  It looked normal.  He nodded Xander to come up.

"Permission to come aboard?" he quipped.

"Permission granted, you never have to ask," he said dryly.

"Aye, Captain."  He walked up the plank, noticing it had an automatic switch.  He tripped it, watching as it pulled itself up.  "That's handy."  He grinned.  "Do I get to tease you when you make it to Captain?"

"You can if we keep the boat."  He led him into the wheelhouse, looking at the controls.  "Someone set it up with all the automatic pilots we could ever need," he decided.  It was very technical and he only knew what half of them were.  Xander opened the door down to the cabin area, letting him follow.  He paused at the bottom of the stairs, right behind Xander's back, looking at the room.  He took off his sunglasses to rub his eyes, then looked around again.  There were still pink marble cherubs with bows at all four corners, bows pointing to the center rug.  Which looked like a lion skin.  The couch was in pink and white tiger striped fabric.  So was the chair.  There were two other doors.  One led to a bedroom, which was in black and white at least.  The bathroom was the other one.  It was black and white marble.  He carefully moved around Xander and the lion skin rug, going into the galley.  It had....  Well, treats would be a bad way of putting the three cases of Cristal champagne in the wine cooler area.  It was stocked with a six-pound box of Godiva chocolates.  It was also stocked with something in a jell-o looking mixture.  He sniffed.  "Jell-o shooters with things."

Xander came over to look, digging one out to rinse off in the sink.  He held up the emerald.  "They matched the jell-o.  How easy is that to do?"

"I'm not sure I want to know," he admitted, putting the bowl down.  He looked in the cupboards. There were many wrapped boxes on top of and between the dishes.  There were a few practical boxes of food as well.  He looked at Xander, who was staring in horror at something.  "What?"  Xander held over the package he had unwrapped.  "Is that human?"

"It's a finger, I'd say."  He carefully put it down and backed out of the way.  "That's your area, I'll watch your brilliance."

"Thanks, really," he said grimly, going to look through the other presents.  "Go get someone?"  Xander put down the basket carefully and went to do that.  The person who had walked them out came back with Xander, letting him show her the contents of a few boxes.  She hissed.  "Let me get someone out here quietly?"

"Of course.  Please do so quietly."

"If at all possible.  It'll look like he's carrying my presents off."  She nodded at that, smiling gratefully.  Xander handed over his phone, already dialed.  "Frank, Horatio.  I need you at the yacht club.  Someone sent me a yacht with treats and body parts, Frank.  Quietly.  Like you're carrying off my presents.  Bring me a kit as well please.  Thank you, Frank."  He hung up and tossed the phone back.  "Is anyone missing?"

"No, Lieutenant.  Not that I'm aware of."

Xander shrugged. "Not that I know of either.  Other than a missing daughter who was snuck off to have the baby quietly."  He looked over as someone came down the stairs.  "Hi, Speed.  Did Frank send you?"

"Yeah, he did since I was out for a ride."  He handed over his kit, looking around.  He looked at Xander. "You didn't decorate, right?"

"I decorated my house.  This is *not* my taste.  This is like Aphrodite from that Hercules show got drunk on ale and decorated."

"Good."  He looked at Horatio.  "I'm assuming you didn't either?"  Horatio shook his head quickly.  "So, should I call Turner?"

"I will," Xander promised.  That got a nod from Speed.  "Are you taking away the icky presents?"

Speed looked at the box then nodded.  "Yeah, I can do that."  Xander emptied out the basket, handing it over.  "That'll work," he decided, lining it with a plastic bag before laying all the presents in there.  Horatio handed over the bowl of jell-o and the cling wrap, dropping the emerald back into it.  "Who dug in to get one out?"

"I did," Xander said.

"Good idea in this case."  He covered it and carefully laid it in there so it wouldn't slosh out if the plastic didn't hold.  "Any others?"  Horatio showed him the wine cooler and the fridge.  "You can dust those."  He walked off with the basket.

Xander looked at her.  "Can I still borrow Misty's boat?  This is kinda giving me a headache.  The small blue and pink paisleys on the wallpaper are hideous."

"Of course, Xander.  There's another basket under the sink there, Horatio."  He checked, dusted it for prints, then handed it over.  "She's on the other pier, slip 12."  He nodded at that, letting her walk Xander off.

Horatio pulled out some more powder to get to work on the bottles first.  You had to touch those to slide them into the racks.  Then he'd make Xander tell him about any other presents he hadn't been able to send back.  Apparently someone needed to oversee this situation more than Tony was.  He called him while he dusted the countertop.  "It's me.  Who sent me a boat?"  Tony looked it up and reported it.  "No, I'm on here now.  Xander told me today.  We found wrapped fingers and things in the cabinets."  He heard the shudder.  "I'm doing that at the moment, Tony.  I would like a list.  Thank you."  He hung up and got back to work.  The sooner he got done, the sooner someone could be arrested and the sooner he could go back to his picnic with his fiancee so Xander could take the hideous decorating out of his mind.

***

Horatio walked into the current present warehouse, looking at the former Detective next to him.  "This is...."

"Tacky?" she supplied dryly.  "Yes, it is, Horatio."

He nodded.  "I can call it that."  He walked around the carefully separated out things.  There was a large shipping crate with a sign marked 'jewelry' that had boxes inside.  He shook his head, moving on to the next one.  That one had 'clothes' on the sign.  He saw a few names he recognized on the various bags and boxes.  He was led past the 'artwork' section and the 'treats' section, pausing to look at he one large shipping crate in there.  "Do I want to know?"  She opened the panel she had loosened so he could see the marbleized chocolate statue of Xander as Michelangelo's David, making him shake his head again.  "Never mind."

"It's tasty," she offered with a grin.  "One of the fingers fell off so I nibbled."  She led him back to the back section.  "This is the problem section.  Well, this and the jewelry box.  Did you know that the price of diamonds went up last week?"

"I didn't.  Xander's fault?"

"That and wedding season is coming up."  She pointed at the three cars sitting there.  "They're pretty."

"They are.  We can't send them back?"

"No.  They were driven over.  The others I managed to send back to the dealership since they were delivered without being driven.  These were driven.  That means they're used."  She looked at him, seeing the horrified look.  She looked where he was looking.  "Oh, that's Trix, like the cereal."  Horatio sighed, shaking his head.  "I've asked Tony to call the local riding clubs.  I've taken her on daily strolls, she's a good ride."

"He and Patrick belong to the Hollycrest Country Club," he said quietly, feeling that dreaded migraine feeling coming.  "Is it just Trix?"

"No.  Trix has a familiar of her own but she won't sleep without him.  Cocoa?"  The dog barked and looked out, coming over to sniff Horatio, who squatted down to pet him.  The sheepdog lapped his face then went back to his buddy's stall.  She made a note of which country club he belonged to.  "I'll call Tony today to see if he's found Trix a home."

"I'll talk to some people to see if they want a new horse."

"You can't.  She came from a local matron."  She handed over that information sheet.  "She said if we sent Trix back to her or sold her she'd be killing herself in public and would give Xander the rest of her estate."

He looked at her.  "You're joking?" he asked, trying not to sound like he was pleading.

"Wishful thinking," she assured him, pulling out another sheet.  "She said the same thing.  She's the one who gave him a good quarter of the stuff in the jewelry box.  By the way, she'll be at the ball on Saturday."  He sighed, shaking his head.  "I slipped her into the wedding conspiracy.  She said to consider it a wedding present and if he sold it before she died next year she was going to change her will to give him the rest of her estate.  Which means you'd have a good lawn for Trix."

He looked at her.  "Not funny."

"Sorry, Horatio."

"Debra, is there anything we can do?"

"Find Trix a good stable.  I'm working on them.  The other things, the IRS has already been called about.  Tony and I briefed the agent who came.  Now, the three cars we couldn't send back?  They're open for whatever.  Don sent down the Barracuda.  It got sent to him for you and Xander by that tag."  He growled a bit.  "The Benz is just yours and the other ones out back that came today came for you and you alone," she said happily.  "You can probably donate them if you want."   She gave the horse a pat on the way past her.  "She's a good mare.  Very good listener."  She walked him out back.  "These came today," she announced, showing him the four hummers with boxes.  "I'm tracking down their dealerships but again, driven over.  The boxes I haven't gotten into yet.  I had an unfortunate body part sent to me earlier and I had to wait on Alexx to come pick it up."  He nodded once, going over to open the back hatch and see what the top box was.  He looked then pulled out his phone to call someone.  "Alexx again?"

"Yes," he sighed.  He showed her the note that said, //you can catch me if you want, handsome// written in blood.  "Alexx, Horatio.  Captain Turner got sent a few hummers with boxes in them.  At least one has a taunting note written in blood.  Please.  You might want to, yes.  They're full of boxes."  He hung up and looked at her.  Then he shut the hatch and looked at her again.  "Send them to CSI?"

"I can do that.  I'll let them know what I can find on the buyer as well."

"Thank you.  Anything else I should know?"

"Did you get his ring yet?"

"I did.  I'll be picking it up on the way to the airport," he admitted.

"Good."  She punched him on the arm.  "Thank Tony for the bourbon for me.  Have a good honeymoon, Horatio."  She smiled.  "Remember, it only lasts about four years."

"Four years," he said, nodding, walking off sliding back on his sunglasses.  "Xander's worth four years of insane misery," he told himself over and over all the way to pick up the ring.  He walked into the store, seeing the smiling people.  "I'm here to pick up my fiancee's ring?" he asked quietly.  "Caine."  A whole stack of tied boxes was handed to him.  "I only ordered one ring."

"These are wedding presents, sir," the saleswoman told him.

"Those go to Captain Turner.  All I need is the wedding ring.  I'm on my way to the airport."

She pouted.  "Are you sure?"

"Captain Turner is sorting out all the presents for us," he assured her.  An older man walked out.  "You did get the memo?"

"I did, Lieutenant."  He handed over a simple midnight blue box.  Horatio checked, it was Xander's ring.  He got smiled at.  "The other things will be sent to Captain Turner.  When is the wedding?  We hadn't seen the announcement."

"We'll be married publically but it's a surprise when," he said with a small smile.  "Thank you.  Make sure the others get to Captain Turner please."  He nodded so Horatio walked out, going to the airport.  His bag was in his trunk.  He parked and got out, grabbing his bag, but he turned and ran into Ryan.  "Flying up with me?"

"I'm the only one staying," he admitted grimly.  Horatio handed over the keys.  "Thanks.  I'm on my way to see Captain Turner?"

"There were four hummers sent to her earlier today," he admitted quietly.  "They are full of boxes."  Ryan nodded once at that.  "The one I opened had a taunting note written in blood.  Alexx said to bring them in that way and sort them out in the garage."

"I can do that.  I ordered auto pool to join me there.  I'll take good care of your hummer, Horatio."

"Thank you, Mr. Wolfe.  Try to have an easy weekend."

Ryan smirked.  "You too.  Remember, Monday morning is the announcement meeting for the new chief and we've all got to be there."  He got into the hummer, heading back to the warehouse.

Horatio walked his bag inside, making sure the ring was in his pocket.  He had an e-ticket so he didn't have to check anything, just head to the terminal.  He bypassed security quickly enough, getting a few smug looks when they saw the ring on x-ray.  He shrugged one-sidedly.  A quick stop for coffee while he waited for his flight and he was a happier man.  As long as he forgot that his mate had been given a horse and a sheepdog.

***

Xander strolled into the Christmas Lights ball on Horatio's arm, smiling at the people around them. "There's Mac, Stella, and Don's hiding behind Mac."

"There's Speed and Eric," he agreed, smiling at them.  "Looks like Speed brought Calleigh and somehow John and Frank came together."  Xander gave them an odd look then him.  "We were having that upgrade to the phone lines.  They had it off.  How often do you get to go to one of these if you're not born to the life?  I thought it would be a thrill for them and the sponsors didn't mind when I asked."

"Good point."  He walked over to greet the ones he knew, including a few matrons, who gave him a coo and a smile.  He pulled Horatio with him.  "Ladies, this is Horatio Caine.  He's mine.  I will bite if you pinch him," he teased one, who tittered before shaking Horatio's hand.

"Charmed, ladies," Horatio said, shaking the other hands.  "I should catch up with the rest of the board."  He left Xander, stroking over his shoulder.  He did look very fine in the white silk suit and cream open necked silk shirt.  He smiled at Frank, who nearly squealed and pounced him.  "Calm down."

"Does the kid know?" John asked.  "He looks way too calm."

Horatio smiled but shook his head.  "No."  They all smiled, gathering around to talk when Mac and Stella came over, then Don scurried over for cover.  "Don, they won't hurt you."

"Yes they will.  Mac said they pinch."

Xander came over, walking Don off.  "Come on."  He brought him on his rounds with him.  "Mrs. Yearns, this is my Uncle, Detective Don Flack.  Grandfather married his aunt for his second wife."

"Hi," Don said, smiling at her.  She shook his hand.

"You'll learn, Don.  Relax.  Be calm.  The only bouncy one allowed around here is Xander."  He laughed and nodded at that.  "Now, do you know the curly haired goddess over there?  She's not a trophy wife I've met yet."

"That would be Detective Bonasera.  She's Mac Taylor's second in the lab and on the board of the Benis Foundation with us," Don said.  "She's a great friend.  Likes to fuss and spoil.  I'm hoping she either meets someone very nice very soon or she knocks Mac down and drags him off."

Mrs. Yearns burst out giggling at that.  "We will adore you, Don.  You're very blunt but cute."  She pinched him on the cheek.  She looked around then pointed.  "Come along, boys.  This way you have someone you can check things with if you start getting invitations.  That way you know which ones you have to go to and which you don't."

"PD related events and anything Xander throws," he told her.

Xander looked at him.  "I only host one or two things a year and they're in Miami, Don.  There's two big gay events," he said, walking him over there, "someone in the family has to go up here.  There's three people in society you *never* snub.  Mrs. Yearns is one of them in Miami."  He looked at her.  "I do see a lot of us up here."

"Tony got on the phone and reminded us all it's a beautiful event for a great cause.  The local hospitals really do need the funds this year thanks to budget cuts."

Xander nodded.  "I'm on the board to do the next one for our Children's Hospital," he admitted.  "Patrise."  She turned, smiling at them.  "Mrs. Rockerfeller, this is my uncle, Detective Don Flack Junior.  Don, this is one of the latest in a long line of founding matrons of the city.  Of course she's too young to be a matron but she claims she is one."

"Oh, do stop, Xander."  She swatted him gently.  "He's such a suck up now and then."

Don smiled.  "You should see him when he eats chocolate."

"I have.  Used your handcuffs?"

"Only the once and it was so he couldn't go model something obscene.  Uncle Pat asked me to."  He shook her hand.  "Pleasure to meet you, ma'am."

"Patrise, Don isn't really looking forward to joining us but now and then Patrick or Xander will need him to fill in.  Can I have you mentor him when necessary?"

"Of course!  My own daughter's nearly thirty now and has two children.  I'd love to get him sorted out."  She looked around.  "Who are the group of people I don't know?"

Xander looked then smile.  "The redhead is my fiancee, Horatio," Xander said quietly, earning a squeal and a hug.  "Thank you.  The blonde on his arm is his ballistics expert, Calleigh Duquesne.  She's from New Orleans.  There's a few detectives, his sister-in-law is the Brazilian goddess whose giggling and leaning on her coworker.  The rest of the board's members, both Miami's and the local ones.  I can introduce you if you want."

"Just wondering, dear."  She stroked his cheek with a smile.  He gave her a confused look.  "Relax, Xander.  It's all right."

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, dear.  You did something very right and we do adore you with Horatio.  We always have adored your best friend."

"He understands me," he said quietly, giving her a kicked puppy look.  "I know someone will care but I don't."

"Good.  That's how it should be."  She took Don from him.  "Let me have my new stepchild and we'll see you in a little while, all right?"  He nodded, heading back over there.  She smiled at her Miami counterpart.  "He doesn't know?"

"Horatio and his head of security, Tony, set everything up," Mrs. Yearns said quietly.

"Ah.  No wonder he's not nervous but he's feeling the anticipation going up."  She smiled and walked Don off.  "Relax, Don.  My father was once Inspector Kingsbrook."

He looked at her.  "You're old Marty's daughter?  I thought she was older."

She pinched him.  "I am older.  I aged gracefully.  Your father is quite a pain in my ass too, always picking on me," she said quietly, earning a smile.  "That's one reason why you were given to me to mentor, dear.  So I can make sure you don't step on the wrong person's ego."  She patted him on the arm, taking him out to a balcony to talk to him about what events he wanted to go to.  They came back in when everyone was rounded up.  "Who's walking Xander?"

"Uncle Pat."  He escorted her to her seat then went to find his, collapsing next to Stella.  "Hi."

"Hi.  You found a new friend?"

"She'll be helping me when I get called on to do this stuff."  He looked at Mac.  "Did you know she was Inspector Kingsbrook's daughter?" he asked quietly.

"I didn't but she's a very nice woman.  I've met her socially before."  He smiled as Yelina and Ray Junior walked Horatio down the aisle.  The wedding march started and Patrick walked in, pulling Xander up out of his seat.  Xander made squeaky, frightened noises.

Patrick smiled at him.  "Do you love him this much?"

"Hell yes."

"Don't swear," he chided, earning some laughs.  "Come on, Grandson.  We set this up for you."  He walked him up there, staring at Horatio for a minute.  "It's a good thing we already love you like family.  Now I can dote on Ray Junior."  He smiled at the boy, handing Xander's hand to Horatio, then taking his spot next to him as his best man.

The justice of the peace, the mayor, smiled at them.  "It's not often I'm called on to do an untraditional ceremony but I think this time it's my pleasure and perfect for them."  He opened the program.  "Horatio Caine, do you take this young man, Alexander Benis, to be your semi-legally lawful mate?"

"I take him as my husband and mate," Horatio told him.

The mayor smiled.  "Do you, Alexander Benis, take this man, Horatio Caine, to be your semi-legally lawful mate?"

"He is my husband and my mate," Xander agreed, smiling, even though he wanted to sniffle.  Horatio gently wiped at his cheek, letting Xander rest against his hand.  "Yours?" he asked quietly.

"Mine," Horatio agreed.  He looked at Yelina, taking the box from her.  "This is also yours."  He slid the ring onto Xander's finger, getting a sated, content smile.  "All mine."

"Yours," he agreed. "I...."  Horatio stroked him with the hand wearing the bracelet.  "You're sure?"

"No spoiling me with another ring.  The bracelet is more ring than I'll ever need."

"Then I'll pronounce you as close to married as we can get at this point in history," the mayor announced.  "We'll leave the sappy speeches about what marriage should be until later."  That got a loud round of applause from the audience and he stepped down.  "Kiss him, Xander," he prompted.  Xander pounced, nearly driving Horatio into Yelina.  "Ahh, newlyweds."  He smiled when Patrick forced them apart and back down the aisle to the buffet table.  The others followed while Xander looked around.

He smiled. "I should have realized something was up.  I know too many of you here."  That got some laughs and he smiled at Horatio.  "I'm so happy, and proud, and a bit scared.  Marriage is scary."  Horatio smiled and nodded.  "But I'll be the best spouse he could want."  He took a gentle kiss.  Then he smiled at the others.  "For the obvious reasons, we're going to cut the cake and then dance, people.  Anyone mind?"  They all smiled and shook their heads. "Thank you all for coming to my wedding.  Wow."  He beamed at Horatio then at his grandfather.  "I'll spank you later for being so sneaky."

"Horatio and Tony planned it, Grandson.  Get on with the cutting so you can dance and then disappear on your honeymoon."

Xander gave him a wicked looking smirk.  "Forgot about that part."  The others laughed at that so he and Horatio grabbed the knife, cutting into the cake, feeding each other little pieces.  He was tempted to smear the icing but he knew Horatio would spank him for it.  Horatio...  He did dot his nose first with a smirk of his own before feeding it to him.  Then they kissed again.  The crowd cheered, letting them go out to dance the first dance of their married lives.  Horatio was even nice enough to wipe the frosting off with his finger, letting him suck it off.  "No wonder Tony wouldn't let me get the white leather."

"Mm-huh," Horatio agreed, smiling at him.

"When are you moving in?"

"Yesterday.   I had all my clothes packed and Tony hired someone to bring them over for me.  The rest of the house, I'll deal with soon."  Xander beamed, giving him a squeeze.  "That's my boy."

"Husband," he teased.

"Husband as well," he agreed, kissing him.  "Very naughty husband since I can tell you're not even wearing a thong."  Xander blushed, putting his head on his shoulder.  "We should escape."

Xander looked around, nodding for someone's benefit, getting a nod.  "We'll see the others tomorrow I'm sure."

"Brunch," Horatio agreed.  "They're at the house."  He walked off, Xander tucked under his arm, heading out to their honeymoon suite.  The hotel treated them like royalty.  They had champagne up there, the good stuff, and a small plate of chocolates as he had requested.  They had their bag already up there and unpacked.  Horatio turned on some music, dancing with him.  "Much better.  No one's giving you teary eyed looks now."

Xander rested his head against Horatio's shoulder.  "Much better," he agreed.  "Thank you."

"You are very welcome."  He took a kiss, smiling at him.  "But I'm still spanking you for going commando to a social function."

"I, um, was kinda sore from earlier," he admitted.  "The thong hurt when it rubbed the wrong spot."

"I'll have to kiss it and make it better," he promised, earning a shiver and Xander stealing another kiss.  Yes, this was much better.  Xander was still his good boy, even if he did drive people insane with lust.

***

Epilogue:

***

Tony looked outside, frowning as he opened the back door.  "Gibbs, use the dog to herd the terrors," he called.  "One's heading for the cliff again."

"Fetch the kids," Gibbs ordered, sending his dog out to catch the running toddler, who thought it was a great game to be the fetched item.  The dog carried her back by the back of her shirt, letting him take her back.  "Thank you.  Good girl.  Drag the other one inside."  He handed Tony that one, rescuing the other giggling one from the dog.  "Where is your father?"

"In bed with the flu," Tony reminded him.  He put them both inside.  "Go ask Rebecca for cookies for Daddy."  They ran that way, getting the baggies handed over.  "Now, up the stairs!"  They ran that way too.  He leaned against a counter, shaking his head.  "It's hard work watching those two today."

"Their mothers will come steal them in a few hours," Gibbs assured him.  "Where's the other father?"

"In bed with the flu," he said grimly.  "Horatio caught it off Xander."  They shared a look then a smile.  "Did you hear?  Calleigh asked to give them another one.  She's missing being spoiled rotten by Xander."

"I didn't."  He walked the dog off smiling.  It was a cherry assignment being one of the senior guards on staff.  Even if his dog did have to fetch the kids now and then.

***

Xander woke up when he was pounced, smiling at his little girl.  "Hey, princess."  He kissed her on the forehead.  "Such a good girl."  He took the smooshed cookies she held up.  "Thank you.  I needed cookies to feel better.  Should we watch a movie, Gretchen?"  She beamed and nodded, settling in beside him.  He nudged Horatio.  "Pick Ivy up.  She brought you cookies."

Horatio picked up his daughter, putting her between them, taking the bag of slightly less smooshed cookies.  "Movie time?"

"I think it is," Xander agreed, turning on the DVD system.  He had a 200 disc DVD changer courtesy of his last birthday and Tony.  "Hmm.  Let's see.  We have... Cinderella on the kid's menu.  We have Sleeping Beauty."

"You, daddy," Ivy said, beaming at him.

"That's right, I have been a sleeping beauty," he agreed happily.  "Your Papa and I both."  She stroked over his arm.  "Thank you, precious."  She beamed and fed him a bite of cookie with a giggle.  "Thank you for that too."  He looked.  "How about...  Flubber?"  He looked at Horatio.

"I could stand that."  It was turned on and they settled in to nibble on the bits and pieces of cookies while the girls fell asleep.  He smiled at his husband.  "Gretchen looks so much like you when she sleeps," he teased.

Xander looked down at the little arms and legs that had went around his side.  "Only the best genes," he teased back.  He snuck a kiss over Ivy's head.  "Calleigh called last night."

"I talked to her yesterday."   He took another kiss.  "They are going to their own bed later, no matter how nasty I feel."

"That's why you two have bubbles," Tony said as he walked in.  He looked at the tv, then at the knocked out toddlers.  Yelina had carried Ivy for Horatio, giving him a beautiful redheaded daughter with very dark skin.  She was going to look exotic when she grew up.  Gretchen was going to be pale and dark haired.   Somehow she was as pale as Horatio was, or as Abby was really.  She'd make a stunning goth daughter some year soon.  Both mothers had been bribed by Raphael to give them grandchildren before their first year of marriage was up.  He gathered them up.  "Calleigh's home."  He walked them to the nursery, putting them into their beds.  Calleigh came in to peek in on the kids.  "Flubber."

"Works like a charm," she agreed happily.  "Bed?"

"Bed, probably cuddling."

"I've seen it before," she promised, heading down there.  She had a guest room in the house from when she had been carrying Gretchen.  This time, she wanted her boys.  She walked in and smiled at the cuddling, crawling in behind Horatio, giving him a hug.  Xander looked over the pale shoulder, getting a smile.  "I'm going to do it again."

"John still won't marry you?"

"No, but he growls so prettily when I'm pregnant," she teased.  John Hagen had worked up the most possessive growling routine the last time.  It had been fun to watch.  It had made Xander nervous but Horatio had helped him see it'd be okay.  "I went to the doctor's today."

Xander pulled her over Horatio's shoulder to kiss her.  "I'm going to spoil you so rotten John'll have to marry you to get you away from me."  She laughed and pinched him, giving Horatio another hug.  "I will," he told Horatio.

"I'm sure you will," he agreed.  "We both will.  He even growled over Yelina."

"So did Frank," she teased him.

"Frank decided her having Ivy for Horatio meant that she'd draw Horatio-sized trouble," Xander reminded her.  He sniffed her, then beamed.  "Already?  After one try?  I'm very potent."

Horatio spanked him.  "Bad thoughts.  If you had married her, you'd have ten children by now, Xander."

"Grandfather would ecstatic," he reminded him.  He beamed at her.  "When can I tell him?"

"Tonight.  If we can verify it."  He nodded, crawling over his spouse to hug her between them.  Horatio smiled.  "You're not jealous?"

"No, but if you make Yelina have more mood swings I'm going to spank you," he said dryly.  "Frank's promised to ship her off to one of Xander's former stalkers."

She pinched him again.  "Behave.  It was baby envy.  Ray Junior's getting very old and she wanted a new one."  Yelina strolled in with Tony behind her.  "Hi again."

"Hi.  He said you had some news?"  Calleigh beamed and nodded.  "Got homesick for the spoiling?" she teased.

"Of course.  Who wouldn't want me to spoil them," Xander teased back.  Yelina snickered at that.  "You liked it too."

"I did.  It was very good spoiling."

"Mommy 'Lina," Gretchen said, smiling at her.  "Hi, hi.  Doggy fetched me."

"Again?  We'll have to tell Sheppard that you're not a ball."  She gave her a hug.

"Shouldn't you be napping?" Tony asked.

She beamed at him then nodded. "So?"  Xander snickered.  "See, make daddy happy."

"It was an answer that was one of his originally," Horatio said dryly.  "Go back to your nap and we'll have a family dinner later if we can talk Rebecca into it, dear."  She ran back to her room once Tony let her down.  He smiled at his sister-in-law.  "Did Ray come back again?"

"Yes and he's sober and better this time.  Has been for over a year.  The missionary trip you two sent him on seems to have worked."  She came over to lay against Horatio's back. "Tony, you won't mind a new baby Xander, would you?"

"Not in the least.  When it's born a boy I'll even make sure his future head of security understands what the family curse is really about.  That way he'll be prepared for the hostage taking zombies. Or the  local matrons who'll die and leave him everything, royally pissing off any remaining family they had. Or the suicidal Saudi family.  Or the small, conservative Christian college campus that got together to send the Foundation a donation and named a new math principle and a star after him.  Or even the embezzling Swiss banker who used it all to buy him pretty things so he could launder the money when they got sent back."  He strolled out, closing the door behind him, checking on the girls on his way past.  He would broach the subject of a nanny in a few months.  Even though Xander was the *most* hands-on parent ever seen he'd have his hands full with the new one. He called a quick staff meeting in the back garden, looking at his people.  Gibbs' dog barked at him.  "Hi, Jen.  People, Calleigh has decided she's giving them another one.  She started to try earlier today."  That got some smiles.  "So far Yelina hasn't thought about it."

"That was one strong woman," Jethro said dryly, shaking his head.  He looked at his dog then at Tony.  "She okay?"

"So far.  Just a head's up.  No selection this time so it might be a boy."  They all groaned.  "We've got at least sixteen years after he's born before the family curse comes back.  Remember that."  They all nodded. "Sports should start within a year however. We've caught Xander getting both girls into the pool and teaching them how to tumble.  That means we'll be appointing the girls their own bodyguard as soon as they're going out to things without their fathers.  Also, let's work on the idea of how to fence in the cliff without spoiling the view?" he asked Gibbs.  "That way your dog doesn't have to keep treating the girls like sticks."

"She seems to like that game too," he pointed out, petting his dog.  She barked and he smirked.  "Behave.  You can fetch the girls later."  He looked at his boss.  "New guards?"

"Three new ones start next week," he reminded them.  "Only mildly haze the rookies, guys.  One's a former Feeb and he's probably a bit scared."  That got some nods and laughs.  "Good.  Go back to whatever.  Rebecca's cooking dinner by now I'm sure."  He went back inside.  "Rebecca, dear, Yelina and Calleigh are both here.  Calleigh went to visit the special doctor today."  She squealed and hugged him, dancing him around.  "Plus the guys look starved."

"I'll make a huge meal."  She got back to work, adding more meat to the frying pan.

***

Eleven Years Later:

***

Tony smiled at the kids going off for their first day at Pace Academy, waving at them.  "Behave today.  Do not make me spank.  Your fathers won't like it when they hear it from me, kids."

The four kids all waved but shook their heads.  Gretchen and Ivy were now fourteen.  Gretchen looked a lot like her mother, only with her father's hair and stunning brown eyes.  Ivy looked like Yelina in skin tone and overall body shape but had Horatio's features, eyes, and hair.  Their little brother, Patrick Raphael Benis, looked like a blond version of his father at his age.  Same messy hair, same slight slouch, same face.  The youngest one at five waved again at Tony before climbing into the car, closing the door behind her.  Tony loved Elizabeth.  Someone had done some genetic manipulation so she was Horatio's daughter on the maternal side and Xander's on the paternal side.  She had Horatio's eyes and stare and Xander's facial features and hair color.  She had been carried by Yelina at her instigation - as had been the genetic flip - and was the darling of everyone.  She got all the nice, sweet, and evil genes in the family.  She could talk you into anything and then smile sweetly at you when you realized you shouldn't have given in so you felt bad about not wanting to after all.  She was why they had four dogs, two miniature horses - in case the one got lonely, two outdoor cats, and fourteen fish after one had committed fishicide this morning.  Her father was the reason they had two more dogs and one more cat, plus the original miniature horse. He turned and looked at Yelina, who was wiping off her cheeks.  "House is free!" he called.  "Let's party!"

"Whoo-hoo!" Xander called from his office.  Yelina shook her head, walking off, going back to her patrol.  She and Gibbs had worked out...an arrangement while she had been carrying Elizabeth.  They were cute together. She even helped him when he worked on toys for the kids.  She was also training with the next generation of guard dogs from Jen's last litter.  Gibbs was working on training them so he'd have one to replace her when she had to be retired and fell back to breeding bitch status.  Tony smiled as Horatio came down the stairs.  "Kids are off."

"Thank God," he muttered.  "They've been fussing for weeks."

Tony smiled.  "It's a big thing to change schools.  Their two bodyguards have already given me their schedule for later.  Patrick's meeting with the gymnastics coach after school.  Ivy's doing the same thing and Gretchen's going to play with the horses."  That got a smile and a nod.  "What's Xander going to do if she plays polo?"

"Cry but make himself go," he admitted.  "No after school plans for Liz?"

"Grandparents."  That got a smile.  The original Patrick was starting to go downhill again and had been demanding equal time with his grandchildren recently.  Not that anyone minded or would stop the kids from going over.  "They're all staying over there tonight on their orders.  So we've got a free house if you wanted to be noisy."  He walked off smiling. "Board meeting next weekend."

"Thank you."  He went to find his spouse for a kiss, getting a grin in return from Calleigh.  "Need a ride?"

"Please."  She got up, heading out with him.  "John's still growling at me."

"John needs tied down and screwed into heaven," Xander called after her.  "You carry cuffs, Calleigh.  Use them."

She giggled, leaning on Horatio's arm, shaking her head.  "Maybe later."  She smiled at her boss, who was now over all the labs while she had the daytime felony lab and Speed had nightshift.  He had been saved by Raphael a few years back when he had nearly died trying to save Liz from a kidnaper.  He and Danny from Mac's lab were both doted on children by Patrick and his sire.  "Are you redoing your vows?"

"It has been fifteen years.  Next year, when it's legal in this state too," he promised, letting her into his personal hummer.  It had been his first anniversary present from his mate.  Xander had also helped him christen it that night.  Needless to say he hadn't made it to work for a week from the back injury.  She hopped in and they headed off.  Miami still hadn't closed and Xander's good boy reputation was being carried on by their kids.  At least until Patrick started to date.