The cartoons on the TV set chattered to themselves, a myriad of boinks, zooms, and whistles But for once the quick paced scenes and bright colors of Looney Toons failed to hold Xander’s interest. The boy was lost in thought, staring blankly off into space.

*Angelus…* He turned to the leather couch, touching the place where his vampire lover usually rested. Casting a glance over towards the bedroom, he smiled softly. *C’mon Harris, even a vampire needs sleep once in a while…* Staring forlornly at the empty leather cushion, he sighed under his breath.

*Even though you want every moment of his time.*

Wile E. Coyote was suddenly hit by an anvil, the tell tale " poof " of dust floating in his wake. Xander, however, failed to notice the coyote’s problems. He gazed longingly at his hands, hands that would love to be curling in the vampire’s hair at this moment.

*I want him.* But it was more than that. Xander felt the familiar tug at his groin, the lust for Angelus that was like his best friend these days. But there was something more.

*I think I… love him*

Looking up, his dark eyes troubled, Xander mulled on this thought. *But if I love him, then do I love ALL vampires? I guess that means I love Willow… and Spike.* Sitting up straight, he shook his head.

*Watch it, Xand-Man. Don’t go there.* Chuckling lightly, he ran his fingers through his dark locks. *Just… don’t.*

He leaned over, picking up a magazine, attempting to browse through the pages. But none of the words made sense, and the pictures were out of focus. All he could see clearly was Angelus’ face, looming large and bright in his mind. Throwing the glossy magazine to the floor, he fell back against the couch, his eyes imploring at the ceiling… as if it’s sullen whiteness could give him the answers he needed.

*I do love him. This I am sure of.* Seeing the pale skin, the manly brow, the chiseled muscles with the inner eyes of his mind, Xander smiled. *He is beautiful. And I love him.* Once the thought had been accepted by his mind, Xander couldn’t help but think it over and over.

*I love him*

Reaching under the couch, Xander pulled out an ax. Clutching it in both hands, he strode forcefully to the bedroom. As he stood over the sleeping vampire, he let out a yowl, and proceeded to hack his lover into bits—

" Angelus! "

Xander sat up in bed, sweat beading on his brow. His eyes darted around the room quickly, looking for the ax with which he murdered his lover.

" Xander? " Angelus’ voice, muffled with sleep, came wafting up from the bed. A cool arm lay on Xander’s lap. The boy touched it, reassuring himself that his love was still alive.

Shaking the arm gently, he brought Angelus fully out of sleep. " Angelus… I had a nightmare. " As the vampire awoke, Xander told him the details of the dream.

Chuckling, Angelus held the boy. " I’m glad you love me… " he said, smiling broadly.

Xander sighed in relief. *Must have been that three day old broccoli beef and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre that got to me… *