Backfire - Spander Files

Giles? It was something more than the attraction that the boy admitted he had
toward the vampire. The time that the two spent together alone seemed to be having
a positive effect on Xander. And while things looked to be fine now, how long
before that influence on the human would tip to something more dangerous?
Did Xander have a valid argument about not locking Spike up, or was he already
being negatively influenced, and were they all being fooled? Every time Xander
called on Giles, he made a point of not inviting the boy in. He would just stand
aside and let him walk in without the invitation. Giles did this…just in case. But
just because Xander hadn’t been turned yet, didn’t mean that Spike wasn’t overpowering
him in some other way.
And it was Giles’ job to keep an eye on the boy…just in case.
“Xander, I realize that this may be a rather pointless statement, but I would like you
to take extra special care around Spike. Remember that the things he says are
coming from the mind of an evil demon. He isn’t a good man, not like you. You
have the power to be in control of your life. And it will take all your strength to
maintain that control. Don’t forget that you have the support of all your friends and
we love you and will be here to help you with anything.”
Giles watched a smile spread across Xander’s face that frightened him a little. It
started as a complacent smirk. And as it grew, Giles saw, for just a moment, evil
flash across that innocent face. Then it was a Xander smile. That huge teeth-smile
that took up half of his face. Giles quickly deduced that he had imaged the middle
stage.
“I know, G-Man. I love you guys, too.”
*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*`*
Angel rolled off Xander, clearly exhausted and panting unnecessarily. Xander took
the slightly crusty towel they kept by the mattress and wiped off his stomach,
pitching the towel in the direction of the door as a reminder to throw it into the
wash.