Page 42 of Pain
It took nearly ten minutes for the first police car to arrive, but the moment it pulled in front of the house, Xander quietly pulled back out of the driveway and headed to the lake.
Once there, he climbed out, taking several deep breaths before tossing the phone and tools into the lake. If anyone ever searched it, they would find a stash of things. He and the others used the location for years, only deviating a few hundred feet every few months so things didn't pile up too much in one spot.
Needing a minute before he drove, he quickly sent another text to Bryon.
On the way home. STK
A few seconds later, Bryon responded back.
Victim secured. Check in tomorrow when you're up. STK
Xander was glad the victim had been found, but he wasn't excited to have to check in. He'd worked with Bryon long enough to know what that meant. He didn't need Bryon or anyone on the team psychoanalyzing him and making sure he was okay. This wasn't his first rodeo. He was able to handle things, even if it was hard in the immediate hours after. He didn't bother responding to Bryon, but texted Matt instead.
Can I come over?
He didn't want to be alone tonight. He didn't know what he needed or wanted, but Matt was the one he wanted to be with.
Of course. Will unlock the door. Ice Cream?
Xander grinned.
Yes, please.
He got back in the car, sure that going to Matt's wasn't the wisest idea. It wasn't like he could talk to Matt about what he'd seen tonight. It was too close to home for Matt to hear about. All he did know was that he needed to be in Matt's arms. It was the one place he could let down his walls a bit and not have to hold the emotions back like he did when he was with the others on the team.
He'd spent several nights with Matt since the first time they'd had sex. He enjoyed whatever it was they shared. The sex was great, but even more, it was when they were laying there after, talking about nothing important, but just being together. They talked about things from their past, hopes for the future, and Matt spent hours telling him all about Faith.
Even though he'd never met the young girl, he felt like he knew her. Through Matt's love for her, Xander had slowly fallen in love with her too. He loved the way Matt's face would light up when he'd talk about her and share stories.
Xander sighed. What the fuck was he doing? He was letting himself get close to someone, and other than Dyson, that was something he didn't do. Even Dyson he kept far enough away that he never really had to talk about his feelings and emotions, but now, in his current mood, all he could think about was getting to Matt and holding him in his arms.
He pulled into Matt's driveway, glad to be done with the job. He'd planned on just going home after, but he just didn't want to be alone. He made his way up to the door, surprised when Matt opened it a second before he was going to knock.
"Hi." Matt arched his head. "Long night?"
Xander nodded as he stepped inside. "Horrible."
"Everything went okay? As planned?"
Xander shook his head. "The team is safe, but there was a hiccup."
Matt pulled him into a tight hug.
"I needed that." Xander clung to him, letting Matt's scent wash over him. "I need a shower."
"Go grab one. You can steal a pair of sweats out of my dresser if you want after. I'll scoop up some ice cream and meet you in the kitchen."
"Thanks." Xander kissed him softly, then headed down the hall.
It was the first time he'd showered there without Matt showering with him. Even though he was glad they didn't shower together tonight, there was a distinct feeling that something was missing as he stood in the stall, letting the water wash over him, rinsing the night away.
Once he was out, he found a pair of sweats, and quickly pulled them on. They were tighter than his own, but would work for the night. He didn't bother with shoes or a shirt as he made his way out to the kitchen.
"Coffee?" Matt asked as he pushed a bowl of ice cream across the counter to him.
"If it's hot already, yes, but don't make some just for me." He took the spoon and dug into the ice cream. "How'd you know I needed ice cream?"
"You never come over after a sting. You send a quick text telling me you're headed home and safe. Something had to have gone wrong."
