Part Seventeen
Two weeks later…
“Uncle Rupert, I hardly think that you need come to the Bronze with us,” said Iam tiredly.
“Please, please, please? We’ll be careful!” chimed Xander.
“Boys, you know I don’t like to leave you by yourselves,” sighed Giles.
“But…”
“And don’t try the eyes. They’re not going to work this time.”
Xander hung his head.
“Now, Xander…”
“You don’t love me anymore,” whispered Xander.
“Oh, for the love of, Xander, of course I love you. You’re my son now. I want to keep you safe,” said Giles guiltily. “So unless I’m with you, no.”
Iam pouted. “Willow’s going to be there.”
“Would you two stop? Xander, stop studying the floor.” Giles tried to keep his resolve, but failed miserably when faced with two pouting and sulking boys. “Fine, just this once. But you call every half hour, and I’m coming to get you at ten.”
“Ten?” “Every half hour?” came two indignant cries.
Giles crossed his arms and looked at the boys expectantly.
Xander and Iam glanced at each other, then agreed. “Every half hour,” said Xander. “And we’ll be outside at ten.”
“I see you boys have slipped your leash for the night,” said Cordelia haughtily.
Xander blushed, while Iam jumped up. “Hey, at least he cares about us. Does your da make sure you’re safe? Or does he even care?”
Cordelia huffed for a minute, then stormed off, her entourage following.
“Iam, you don’t have to be so mean,” said Willow.
“Why not? She’s quite the little bint. ‘Bout time someone gave her a taste of her own medicine,” said Iam, sitting back down.
“Hey, stop you too,” said Xander.
“Sorry,” said Iam.
“Xander, have you heard anything from Jesse?” asked Willow.
“Not since that one phone call two weeks ago,” said Xander sadly.
“I’m sure he’s just getting settled in,” soothed Willow.
“Maybe he doesn’t love me anymore.”
“Hey, we’re supposed to be relaxing and having a good time,” said Iam. “Let’s worry about that later, and just enjoy ourselves.”
“Wow, Linds, that’s cool,” said Jesse excitedly. “Your first case.”
“Yeah,” said Lindsey, happiness and worry both coloring his voice. “But only if I win.”
“You’re going to win, no problem,” stated Jesse firmly.
Lindsey smiled at the boy, “Well, if I do, it’ll only be because I have the best assistant.”
Jesse blushed. “No. I’m not that good.”
“Uh huh. You would be here if you weren’t.”
“Um, I don’t really know about that,” said Jesse, looking at the floor. He was still wary of getting involved with Lindsey. Vincent was insisting that he make the first move, since currently Lindsey only seemed interested in flirting. From what Vincent had told him and what he had managed to eavesdrop, Lindsey would be staying whether or not he won his first case. It was obvious that Wolfram and Hart had big plans for Lindsey.
“C’mon, Jesse,” said Lindsey. “You get perfect scores on all your schoolwork and everyone likes you, even Cheryl in reception. And, even though you’re Vincent’s, um, son, you wouldn’t get special treatment. So you’re here because you deserve it.”
“Okay, fine.” Jesse paused for a second. “There, see. That’s proof that you’re going to do well with your case. You convinced me I should be here.”
“You know, if you weren’t here, you never would have met me.” Lindsey grinned.
Jesse gulped nervously. Vincent had made what his punishment would be very clear, Jesse knew he wouldn’t be doing this. Slowly, he leaned over to Lindsey brushed his lips over those of the now speechless young lawyer.
Lindsey stared, wide eyed, at Jesse for minute.
“Why’d you do that?”
“I dunno,” said Jesse sullenly, staring at the floor. “I wanted to.”
“Look at me.” Jesse raised his brown eyes up to meet Lindsey’s blue orbs. Lindsey pulled the boy close and kissed him. His tongue sought entrance to the boy’s mouth, and Jesse parted his lips. Lindsey thoroughly explored Jesse’s mouth, moaning when Jesse tentatively responded. That caused him to pull back abruptly. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”
Jesse stared after Lindsey, worried that he had just ruined their friendship.
Lindsey stormed into Vincent’s office.
Vincent looked up from his work and took in sight of the panting, angry, young man before him. “Can I help you, Lindsey?”
“Did you set this up?” asked Lindsey furiously.
“Set what up? You seem a little upset. Why don’t you sit down and relax for a minute?” suggested Vincent, gesturing to a chair. “Now, what seems to be the problem?”
Lindsey stared at the man for a moment, confused. “Jesse kissed me.”
“And?”
“I want to know why you would make him do something like that,” fumed Lindsey.
“I didn’t tell the boy to do anything, Lindsey. He’s quite the independent.” Vincent settled back in his chair. It was about time this happened. If this didn’t work, the plans for Lindsey and Jesse were shot.
“You didn’t force him to do that?” Lindsey was confused, but as he watched Vincent, he realized what must have happened.
Vincent smiled at Lindsey, “Of course not.”
“Oh shit!” Lindsey paled. “And I left.”
Lindsey raced back through the building, back to the small research room where he had left Jesse. Jesse was still in the room, though he looked very lost and scared. “Jesse.”
Jesse looked up at the doorway, and turned away. “Go away,” he said thickly.
“I can’t. I’m sorry I ran. I thought your father was making you do that,” said Lindsey, walking into the room and standing next to Jesse.
“You didn’t believe me?” whispered Jesse.
“God, Jesse, I’ve been so paranoid lately. If I don’t win my case, I’m history. You know that,” Lindsey stroked Jesse’s brown hair.
“I know.” Jesse turned to face Lindsey. “Sometimes it’s better to forget, even for a little bit.”
Lindsey traced a finger down Jesse’s face. “I’m too old. You’re just a boy.”
“What does that have to do with anything? I’m sixteen in a week!” cried Jesse angrily. “If you don’t really want this, then leave. I’m sure Father can find something else for me to do.”
“Don’t you mean some*one* else to do?” asked Lindsey snidely. “Jesse, your dad was pushing you at me from the moment we were introduced. I can’t force you into something you don’t want. And I know he put you up to this. You never would have done this otherwise. What did he do? Threaten you? Or your friends?”
“Nothing! He’s not forcing me! I like you! I like spending time with you. I like it when you pick me up from school. And sometimes you get this look in your eyes, like I’m the most important thing in the world.”
Lindsey grabbed the now sobbing boy and pulled him closer. “You are. I don’t think I could survive this place if you weren’t here. But, if you don’t tell me, I can’t help you.”
“There’s nothing to tell,” sniffled Jesse. He hated lying to Lindsey, but Vincent would find out if he told Lindsey the truth. “I want you. Isn’t that enough?”
Lindsey hugged Jesse closer, “Yeah, I guess it is.”
“See, safe and sound, not dead, maimed, or even kidnapped,” said Xander once Giles had arrived.
“You’re a bloody idiot,” said Iam playfully.
“Yeah, well you’re blond,” came Xander’s retort.
“That hurts,” said Iam, trying not to laugh. “To judge me on the color of my hair. What’s next? Eye color?”