NO!  Save Me!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Xander flipped tv stations in his office.  "What will we call him?  The First Boyfriend?  Because he is the first boyfriend of any sitting president.  Possibly the First Husband?  We were prepared for that eventuality if a female had taken office," the reporter said, looking at her 'expert'.  "What do you think would be more appropriate?"

"Try his name and leave him alone," Xander muttered.

"I think until they make a firm commitment, that we should probably call him by his title and name.  When the General was dating, we didn't give his then girlfriend any cute names or official duties."

"That is true.  Do you think we'll see some sort of backlash from this?"

"I have heard that a few world leaders aren't exactly comfortable but they can talk to his VP.  President-Elect Harris has always been very blunt about taking him as he is or go talk to someone else as he usually puts it."  She smiled.  "I believe this will be more of the same.  Fortunately his VP is both military and has political ties to help him.  He can be more diplomatic where President-Elect Harris is blunt and straight-forward.  I think the people made a great choice O'Neilling him and future Vice President Lorne into office."

"Critics think he'll make a gay agenda.  Do you believe we'll be seeing gay rights legislation within the first hundred days?"

Xander nodded.  "Yup.  Plus strengthening the ERA."

Ezra quit lounging in the doorway.  "Are they still debating what to call me?" he asked dryly.

"They got that settled as 'we didn't call Buffy cutesy names so use yours until we're married'."  He looked at him.   "E! has a discussion on my past fashion and how you've helped me over the years, and wondering how you'll dress me for the swearing in."  He turned it to that.  "Has anyone gotten Evan off the flagpole on Atlantis?"

"Yes, just now.  He's already ranting at John, who said he had no idea.  The polls had no idea you were going to be elected."  He sat down beside him, watching the rerun of the fashion disaster documentary.  "When did you wear that?"

He looked.  "During that almost apocalypse in the Dakotas that we stopped for the Winchesters.  I was just getting back from Africa.  Later that weekend, I got stationed in Cleveland."  Xander sank down in his seat.  "I knew I should've went on a cocaine and bad boy binge."

Ezra patted him on the arm.  "Even that might not have helped, Xander."

"I know but it would've gotten the Republicans to fight harder."

"If there hadn't been a battle six weeks before the election, it probably would've helped more."

"Maybe I can get hurt in the next one and retire," Xander said, considering it.

"FDR served in a wheelchair," he said dryly.  He stared at one outfit being talked about.  "That one almost looks nice but a bit loose."

"That was at the swearing at the people for electing me ball.  I still had the liver damage and things.  I had a huge bruise on my side so I had to wear them lower."

"It does fit you otherwise and does look nice on you."  Xander smiled at him.  "I know, the O'Neill suit shop team."  Xander nodded.  "Have any of my team said anything today?"

"Just swearing at the people.  I taught Chris how to say mother fucker in Arabic so he'd quit making the people flinch."

Ezra snickered.  "I wondered what he was saying."

"The head of the ATF showed up already," he said casually.

Ezra stared at him.  "Do finish that nasty thought."

"He wanted me to dump you so I wouldn't be able to hurt your career.  I told him that was up to you, not me."

"That would explain the summons I received for lunch," Ezra decided.  He watched the teleplay.  "I would never let them dress you.  Their clothes would not fit your muscles properly."  Xander grinned at him. "What are we going to do about this?"

"Well, I have to go to one of the balls so I guess I'm going to ask you to come dance with me."  Ezra gave him a dirty look.  "Not like I'm taking anyone else.  We are dating, Ez."

"I know we are."  He gave his hand a squeeze.  "I have no idea what's going on.  Though I'm shocked I haven't heard from my mother yet."

"No, you have.  I heard Josiah tell Chris that he told Maude to call back some other day, that you were swearing all day today."

Ezra shook his head.  "I have no idea if she'll praise me for finding such an upscale, talented, and beautiful boyfriend or berate me for having one so open to the press attention."  He looked out the doorway.  Someone was swearing up the hallway.  "Josiah," he called.  "Or JD, please get Josiah.  I wish to know what my mother said."

"She said she'd call back next week when you were less giddy and had decided what you were going to do about being the poster couple for gay rights," JD said.  "Josiah said to tell you he swore at her about Xander being a good man who deserved someone brilliant like you."  He leaned in. "The White House Counsel is teaching Chris to swear in Afrikaans."

"I can teach Chris to swear in three different African languages," Xander said dryly.  "They're used to them around here because they asked me to switch to them and Latin whenever I ran into the doorknobs after that first one."

"I'll let him know, Xander."  He grinned and looked up the hall.  "The Speaker for the House is here."

"Yay," Xander said flatly.  He kissed Ezra.  "Go find Josiah and help him swear."  Ezra nodded, leaving him alone with the bigot.  "Let the bigot in, JD."  He nodded, letting him in.  He stared at him.  "Don't even start shit with me since I wasn't in the running until that damn battle."

"That's what I got from your new vice president," he said grimly.  "I will have to tell you that the House is much more conservative."

Xander nodded.  "I heard."

"We would like an agenda for your first hundred days?"

Xander considered it.  "Strengthening the Equal Rights Amendment bills.  It's a farce that women earn less and that men get promoted faster unless she's pretty and busty."  The man gaped.  Xander stared at him.  "Also strengthening Title IX and the push to teach sign language in schools as a legitimate language."

"Nothing gay related?"

"I'm going to edict the DOMA laws dissolved," Xander said bluntly.  "Because they're fucking stupid and the Supreme Court said I could for that reason."  He shuddered.  "They found a few states' unconstitutional.  I agree.  *IF* I choose to marry Ezra, then we'll see about the big, gay wedding of the century," he finished dryly.

"John said we need to look at strengthening Medicare and Medicaid again.  That it's got to have an audit for fraud.  That we need to look at the hate crime laws because what we passed is good but not great, especially after that thing in Arizona and that church that got burned with all the members locked inside it.  John suggested I look at immigration regs for the moment.  O'Neill wrote some good ones but it's been a decade so they need to be looked over.  That's about my single term."

The man nodded slowly.  "They're not unreasonable things.  Though, the Defense of Marriage Act won't go down easily."

"The Supreme Court found it unconstitutional."  He smirked.  The man shuddered.  "Yes it will.  I'll base it on that.  I did learn some from John's knee, Horace.  Plus I can lean on O'Neill and John when I need help."

"Good point."  He stared at him.  "Any other gay related things?"

"Personally I'd like to challenge Florida's stance on adoption by gay couples.  I'm not sure if we can do that or not."

"Fine.  So all the little things that gay couples whine that they don't have?"

"Horace, you'd bitch too if your wife couldn't see you in the hospital because your mother didn't like it," he said bluntly.

"My mother hates my wife," he reminded him.

"Yes but your wife can kick your mother out of the hospital.  Mine would kick Ezra out and he'd have no recourse.  That'll be coming in about five months.  I'm working on the language."  He found it on his desk and let him see it.

He read it over, nodding at some of the points.  "I see you just basically equaled it."

"I did.  It also equals it for those in common law marriages for those states that have them.  Times are changing, we must change with them."  He stared at him.  "And you can tell them to quit worrying, I'm not bringing the whole sword and artillery collection to my office."

"Thank you for that."  He handed it back.  "Needs to be in better language."

"I know."  He smirked.  "Like I said, about six months.  Right about the same time I can veto your budget."

"Understood, sir.  That big, gay wedding?"

"No clue.  I am taking Ezra to the ball."

"Fine.  My wife will complain."

Xander nodded.  "I heard her on tv.  I don't care if you don't screw her enough to get that out of her.  That's between you two."

Horace smirked at that.  "Fine, you won't be changing."

"Only suit shops maybe.  Ezra's not sure."  He grinned.  "He knows I don't care."

He walked off shaking his head to tell them about his proposed term's worth of laws.  It was mild compared to what he could try to push through.  It was all built on sound political and legal grounds.  He might actually get some of it, especially with the threat to the budget.  He had learned well to play hardball with Congress.

Xander leaned back to look out his door.  "JD, can I have the bottle of antacid?"

"Sure, Xander."  He tossed it to him.  Xander took two and tossed it back.

"Where's my assistant?"  He ate them.  "Thanks, I have heartburn from the fashion talk."

JD shrugged.  "She didn't show up this morning so Chuck asked me to perky everyone to death that called for you."

"If it's my parents, you don't speak English, same with my uncle.  If it's the slayers, I have a headache and if they nag I'm spanking."

"Yup, I can do that."  He grinned.

Xander went back to watching the bad news on tv.  Damn he almost wished he had died in Africa at the moment.  This was going to be horrible.

***

Ezra avoided the press by going in the back door of the nice restaurant, with their knowledge.  He was led to his table with his mother.  "Mother."  He sat down, picking up his menu.  He knew what he liked here but it was a good stalling technique.

"He'll have the same as I am."

Ezra looked at her then at the waiter.  "The seafood, sir."

"No, I had crabcakes for lunch."  He smiled.  "I'll have number six with a glass of Merlot."  The waiter nodded, writing as he walked off.  He put the menu aside.  "You wanted to meet, Mother?"

"Son, you've taken up with someone in a very...obvious way.  Why wasn't I told?"

He stared at her.  "I didn't know that I still had to ask your permission to date."

She cleared her throat.  "Does he treat you well?"

"Quite.  Xander does love to spoil and treats me like I'm precious."

"You have worked out a prenuptial?  That way you make sure you get something if he dies?"

"Mother, we've only been dating for about a year now."  She grimaced.  "I am not looking at him for that reason."

"Fine."  She sipped her wine.  "You should still make sure you'll get what's coming to you in the will."

Ezra shook his head.  "I have no doubts of anything like that or any need."

"Fine."

"I know I will get the dogs," he said dryly.

She rolled her eyes.  "Two large, slobbering beasts.  Just what your condo needs."

"They're very loving.  They also are quite protective of both of us."

"That's fine but they're not fashionable."

Ezra shrugged.  "Neither is he and he's more charming because of it."  He glanced around then back at her.  "Did you call this dinner to complain?"

"I did.  I think you should be going back to Denver.  It's not good for your career, which I still loathe, but you always considered it more important than I am."

"It's much too late for me to go back to undercover work, Mother.  Though, the whole team is presently here.  We have been."  He sipped the wine that got brought.  "Thank you," he murmured.  The waiter smiled and left.   He took another sip.  "Very good choice."

She stared at him.  "You're tossing away everything I ever taught you."

He got comfortable.  "I've used some of it to help him, but otherwise I'm not like you, Mother.  I don't plan on using multiple people for their purses."

"Fine.  I'm sure the politics are still using *some* of what I taught you."  He nodded, taking another sip.  Their dinners were brought.  "Thank you," she said.  The waiter left again.  "They are quite nice here.  I'm glad I picked this restaurant."  She sipped her wine before carefully cutting into her fish.

Ezra nodded.  "I brought Xander here for our second date.  They've always been very discreet and good at service and the food."  He ate some of his own pasta dish.  His phone beeped so he looked at it.  "Xander saying he's home safely."  He put it back in his pocket and ate another bite, looking at his mother.  "If you wish to meet him, I can arrange that, Mother."

"I saw about his own," she said with a grimace.

Ezra nodded.  "Quite.  They've tried to call once but his mother was slurring.  I talked them out of calling back."  He ate another bite, then wiped his mouth, putting his napkin back on his lap.  "I believe they'll leave him alone from now on."

"Hopefully.  If not, he could always commit them to an inpatient facility for their drinking."  He nodded that was true.  "When are you two marrying?"

"We have only been dating a year, Mother.  We've barely had any fights and nothing over something extensive.  Wait until we've had our first real fight to decide that."

She grimaced.  "I always knew within the month."

"You picked yours for different reasons."  His phone beeped so he looked at it again.  "Ah, Mr. Larabee said hello and that Xander's home safely after having to defend John Daniel against someone who tried to shoot at him.  Charming."  He typed out a message to each of them.  Xander's promised spanking if he got so much as a hair out of place.  He put his phone back with a sigh and ate another bite of his dinner.

She stared at him.  "Son, did I not teach you not to fall in love?" she asked quietly.

He stared at her.  "As I said, Mother, I'm not looking at him the same way you would."  She rolled her eyes and dug in again.  "Would you like to meet him for lunch later this week?"

"I would like to meet my future son-in-law," she decided.  "Before the wedding.  Which would be easiest done before his swearing in.  That way you could move in."

He shrugged.  "Having a domicile outside the White House has proved to be healthier for us both."

"Hmm.  Are you going to make an honest man of him?"

"It's not like I can impregnate him, Mother."

"Pity, then I could make sure you were taken care of."

He snorted.  "I'm doing quite well on that without his contribution."

"Fine."  She ate another bite.  "The food here is delightful.  Not heavy or overdone at all."

"Hmm, yes it is.  That's why it's a favorite of ours."  He ate another bite, glancing around them again.  "Ah, there's one of those nosy reporters so expect to be shown on tv tomorrow, Mother."

She looked then sighed.  "If I must.  I'm sure they'll find out that I'm your mother.  Which may hurt my present relationship."

Ezra shrugged.  "If he's that upset by me, then you don't need him anyway, Mother."

"Fine."  She ate another bite.  She could have a peaceful dinner with her son for a bit.

***

Chris called the news desk of the one that was reporting Ezra was on a date.  "It's Special Agent Larabee.  That's his mother he's with," he said bluntly.  "Not a date."  He hung up.  That would fix that upcoming problem.

Xander looked over from his seat on the couch.  He was pouty, but having a time out.  "He doesn't look much like her."

"No, he doesn't.  You should watch out for her, kid.  She's usually got an agenda and she's a barracuda."

Xander nodded.  "He warned me.  Can I go to the bathroom?"

"As long as you come right back to your seat," he said firmly.  Xander nodded, getting up to go to the bathroom then came back out once he was cleaned up.  Chris stared at him.  "JD is there to protect you, not the other way around."

"If I hadn't protected him, we'd be staring at the bits and pieces of him and the people I ripped the hell apart for firing an anti-tank rocket at my car."

"True, and thank you for that, but no more, kid.  You have to learn this lesson.  It's been four years and you had it down before.  You only revert when it's major trouble so relax and let us handle it.  Remember, you have all the investigative agents in the US now worried about the people who want to kill you."

Xander nodded.  "I know.  Fornell's message to my voicemail was full of swearing."

"Good!  I would've too!"  He called a check in to get an update and then got comfortable again.  The heads of the Secret Service, the ATF, the FBI, and NCIS were all meeting about the attempted use of artillery in DC to get Xander and JD dead.  The artillery had been Navy issue so they needed to join in.  Plus Gibbs would make sure the investigation got done right the first time and quickly by running over everyone else.

Xander stared at him.  "Are you plotting?"

"To rip some assholes into tiny pieces."

Xander grinned.  "Me too."  He changed the channel to one of the entertainment ones.  "Ah, E!.  News that rots your mind because it's got nothing to do with my job, outside of them wondering how Ezra and I are in bed and what I'm wearing."

Chris watched the 'news' and snickered at some of the mindless tramps and bimbos.  "You're right, that's much nicer than the harder news."

Xander nodded.  "Very mind clearing.  I'm hoping some starlette gets arrested soon so they quit trying to figure out which one of us takes it."  They moved to the 'first gay president' section of the show and he sighed.  "I hate their clothes," he said.  "Ezra tried to get me to wear some but no."

Chris shook his head.  "You and Ez are insane, Xander."

"Yup, and now we both have to fucking shop again," he sighed.  "I hate shopping."

"Take John."

"John's already back to wearing BDU's."

"Good for him.  At least he can disappear safely."

Xander nodded.   "The Secret Service has already signed up one of their guys for the teams in the Mountain."

"Even better.  Jack like that?"

"Nope.  Buffy laughed and said she did it so much better."

"She probably would."  He got comfortable.  Nathan walked in.  "No injuries beyond that small cut that I've already bandaged," he reported before he could nag.

"You sure?" he demanded.  "You stripped him down and all that?"

"No, but if he's injured, Ez will tell you later."

"Good point.  He knows not to hide those things from me."

Xander looked at him.  "I have to go see my liver doctor in two weeks."

"I can go."  He walked off to the kitchen to get some coffee then came back out.  "What're we doing?"

"The kid's grounded," he said bluntly.  Their lone female member walked in and stared at them.  "You okay?"

"I'm fine, Chris."  She shut the door.  "They still haven't realized I'm not Secret Service."  She rolled her eyes.  "I need to quit dressing so stuffy."

"Ask Ezra, that's what I did," Xander quipped.

"I might for the ball.  Where's JD?  Buck wanted me to check on him."

"Bed.  I forcefed him a sleeping pill," Chris said with a point upstairs.  She went up to look.  Maria had been with their team for over a year and she had fit in very well.  The guys had tried to protect her but she had kicked Buck's ass in sparring one day, then nearly beat Xander.  They trusted her to handle herself well enough and it was a good thing.  They kept her from any public duties.  They had a plan if she got too noticed to 'fire' her for 'going to the dark side' so she could still work undercovers.  Ezra had worked that out with her.  She was doing fine and someday soon she'd go on to form her own team.  They could appreciate mentoring her.

Xander yawned.  "How are my dogs, Nathan?"

"They're fine, Xander.  In the barn."  Xander hopped up and went to check on them.  Chris followed.  He smirked.  "Figures.  He'll probably do the same to Ezra."  He sipped his coffee and turned it off the trash channel.  Discovery-Health was showing an autopsy show.

Maria came down shaking her head.  "I think he's getting a cold.  He's snoring."

"He does whenever we sedate him."  He looked at her.  "You can find something nice for the balls I'm sure."

"I hope so.  Hopefully able to hide a holster or two too."  She left, going back to the White House for the night.  She was on John's guard detail right now.

***

Ezra found his boyfriend in his bed at Chris's house later that night.  He slid in next to him, cuddling him.  Xander snuffled him and shifted closer, purring at him.  Ezra smiled. "How did I get so lucky as to land you?" he whispered.

"Your accent gets me hot," Xander whispered.

Ezra laughed. "Is that all?"

"I like you even though you do take me shopping?"  Xander blinked at him.  "We're okay."

"Hmm.  I'll be making sure of it.  Up and strip for me, Xander."  Xander grinned, getting up to get naked for him.  Ezra watched the skin in the pale moonlight, reaching out a hand to run over a cut and a bruise.  "That was seen?"

"Yup."

"Good."  Xander straddled his lap, taking a kiss.  "I'm not sure if I should reward you for saving yourself and JD or be worried that you slipped again," he said quietly.

Xander stared at him.  "If I hadn't saved us, we'd be little tiny blobs of former people, Ezra.  They had an anti-tank missile.  JD didn't see it and when I pointed it out he was a bit slow to react."

Ezra nodded, giving him a cuddle.  "Then I'll reward you tomorrow before I punish you by making you shop."  Xander snickered, taking a kiss.  Ezra put him onto the bed and stripped down to cuddle nakedly with him.  Chris didn't allow them to have sex in his house until they were married but they could do anything below actual penetration.  It was much quieter as well so no one knew what they were doing.

***

Buck walked into Ezra's room the next morning, then backed out quickly and shut the door as quietly as he could.  "We have got to get them bigger sheets," he said as he walked down the stairs.

"Naked?" Chris asked.

"Yup.  And then some."  He and Chris shared a look.  JD was still groggy from the sedative last night.  He clapped him on the back.  "Are you sick?"  JD nodded, sniffling some.  Nathan got up to make him some tea.  "Wonder how it went with Maude."

Nathan handed over the doctored tea.  "Take today off, JD."  He looked at Buck.  "Do you think he was civil?"

"I think Ezra is always civil to his mother," Chris said.  "But I bet they had a few intense moments of clashing about her career and hobbies."  He sipped his coffee.  "JD, take the dogs and go back to bed."  JD nodded, taking his tea that way since he was half-asleep anyway.  The dogs followed because JD cuddled nicely.  Chris shook his head.  "Buck, did you get the armored limo to come this way?"

"It'll be here at ten."

"Ezra!  He's leaving at ten!" Chris bellowed.  Someone upstairs moved and went to shower.  "That's Vin."

"I'm not going to wake them up.  Ez will shoot me," Buck said dryly, sipping his own coffee.  "Maria, go wake up Ez and Xander," he called since he heard someone come in.  She was the only one not there.

"Of course I shall wake up my son-in-law," Maude said dryly.

Chris winced and called Ezra's phone quickly.  It would wake him up before she could.

Ezra threw his phone and sat up, looking at them.  He gently covered his boyfriend right as his mother walked in without knocking.  "Mother, that is dreadfully rude.  I could have been in the middle of intercourse."

"Not like I haven't seen it before, my son."  She smiled and slammed the door.  Xander threw a knife at her, making her squeak.

"He does not wake up well, Mother.  Especially after a trying night."  He leaned over to whisper in Xander's ear.  "My mother is here."

"Have the slayers make her go shopping.  She'll go insane," he mumbled.

Ezra laughed.  "I'm sure that would, yes.  Especially them shoe shopping."  Xander blinked at him, smiling.  He smiled back.  "You just threw a knife at my mother."

"Did I hit her?"  Ezra shook his head.  "Then I'm sorry but she woke me up."  He yawned then took a kiss, staring at her.  "I know I'm cute, lady, but even being his mother doesn't allow you to walk in on me with him in bed."  He glared.  "I beat the ass of each and every single slayer, I can spank you too."

She laughed.  "I see you do mirror my son's morning moods."

"No, mother, Xander is a very private man."

"Fine.  I'll see you downstairs in a moment."  She left.  She passed by Vin, pinching him on the cheek.  "Good morning, Mr. Tanner."

"Morning, Maude," he said, making sure his towel stayed in place.  "Ez up?"

"Oh, yes, and his boyfriend is a bit grumpy."

"Nearly shot me once," he said dryly.  He went to get dressed quickly.  He came out to find Ezra impeccable and Xander looking morning sloppy.  "You should probably dress, Xander.  You have to leave in about an hour."  Xander went to take a shower.  He looked at Ezra.  "Kept him up?" he teased with a grin.

"Quite, but it was a most generous reward for him saving them."  He walked downstairs.  "Mother, that was dreadfully rude," he reminded her.  "I know I locked our door."

"It was unlocked when I tried to wake you two up," Buck said.  "I'm going to put a little light there so you can turn it on when you're naked."

Ezra shrugged.  "If that would save your obviously exaggerated and lagging libido, do so."  Chris snickered, shaking his head.  "He's in the shower."

"You two are going at ten."

"That's fine."  He checked the clock and got himself some coffee.  Xander came down in jeans and a t-shirt of Ezra's.  Ezra stared, nearly dropping his cup.  "Xander, I believe we have to be seen in public today."

"It's one of my last days as a free man, Ezra."  He smiled.  "Let them drool.  They'll quit asking if you bottom or top."

"That would be nice, yes."  He got himself some coffee and sipped it, staying over there.  Buck got Xander some.  "What is the schedule today?"

"White House to hide, he has a speech to make to thank people for putting him in office at two," Nathan said.  "Dinner with the Namibian ambassador at the new African place downtown at seven."

"I think it'll be fusion cuisine," Ezra said.  "It's not going to be totally authentic."

"They do have cows and pigs in Africa," Xander pointed out.  "So they can use the same spices and just use American beef and pigs."  He sipped his coffee.  "Beyond that, the man hates me.  Why are we eating tonight?"

"I don't know," Nathan said.

"Was it made before or after the election?" Xander asked.

"After."

"Huh.  Okay, confirm that and the dress code for me.  Are you being my secretary today since Marian apparently ran away?"

"Until we get to the White House.  Then you have a secretarial pool person."

"Hmm.  Thanks."  He drank another gulp of coffee.  "Thanks for the coffee, Chris."

"How can you tell he made it?" Buck asked.

"Nathan tries to make me drink decaf and the stuff that tastes like dishwater.  Chris enjoys good coffee.  JD makes strong but overdone coffee and you make it too weak to compensate for JD's.  Ezra only makes gourmet coffee and Vin doesn't make coffee, he buys it instead since you guys said he made sludge."  He finished his cup and got some more, looking at the woman staring at him.  "It was still rude."

She smiled.  "I do have the right to know who my son is seeing and what they are doing."

Xander stared at her.  "If you look online, someone found tape from my post-graduation roadtrip when I stripped."  He sipped his new coffee, making Chris and Nathan choke.  Buck snickered.

Ezra patted him on the back.  "I saw that.  You didn't look too bad.  Clearly nervous and not as rhythmic as you are now."

Xander nodded.  "I got better."  He grinned.  Ezra smiled back.  He kissed him on the cheek.  "I'd mug you for real but Chris would complain if I nibbled on you for breakfast and your mother might be shocked."  He walked off.  "Shower's free for you, Ezra."

"Thank you, Xander.  Your dogs are with JD."

"That's cool.  Mamma, Pappa," he called, opening the door.  They came running down the stairs.  "Let's go play with Companion and then we'll play some fetch."  They followed him.

Buck went to follow him.  He was more awake and aware.  He had even eaten.

Chris looked at Ezra.  "Have fun today."

"Of course I shall.  Xander will have a good speech, even if I have to help him write it."  He went to shower and change then join Xander in the barn to take care of his gelding.  The horses had gotten out of their stalls and were cuddling around Companion.  "Did we decide we needed to herd up last night?" he asked dryly.

"Apparently," Xander agreed, still brushing Companion's side.  "The stalls are all cleaned so apparently the agent did it again."

Ezra went to check.  No explosives or anything else out of the ordinary.  They put the horses into the paddock for a bit.

Chris came out onto the porch.  "What are you doing?"

"The agent cleaned the barn for us and let the horses gather to huddle together," Xander called.

Chris came down to check over the barn himself.  After last night he wasn't going to be too careful.  "We can put them up before we head," he decided.  He went to baby his mare, making her happy.  The others came out to play with their horses.  It was a good stress break before they had to get back to the jungle river that was Washington DC.

***

Chris Larabee walked off the elevator and over to a desk.  "Special Agent Gibbs, I'm Special Agent Larabee."  He stared at him.  "I want a sit rep please."

Gibbs looked up at him.  "You're letting him out today?"

"He has a speech to a group of teenagers he likes to mentor."  He shrugged.  "He's right, the kids need it and the hope he brings."  That got a nod.  "It's low risk.  With the snow we've moved it indoors, have the Secret Service already looking over the site, and it'll be fine.  Getting there...."

"Good point.  We found the point of origin for the anti-tank rocket.  We've already arrested the person there who let it out to the conservative preacher that fired it off."

Chris nodded.  "So it is him being with Ezra."  Gibbs nodded.  "You can tell them to kiss my ass.  The kid deserves some happiness."

"I already have."  He smirked.  "Is he making any big changes in the military?  I know he's not one of us."

"He backed up the slayers for years and has combat against humans in Africa.  Apparently there were a few militias and things."  Gibbs shuddered.  "Exactly.  He's not a newbie to combat, Gibbs.  As for military things?  I think he said to ask Evan Lorne.  He's from Sheppard's project."

"I heard.  He sounds like a good man and a bit more political for the people who are worried."

"Some.  He's got distinguished service in Pegasus too.  He and Xander have an agreement that they hate the job.  Evan sat on a ledge no one could get to for six days and nights trying to get out of the job."

Gibbs smirked.  "I don't blame him."

"Xander's the same."

"That's fine.  If I hear, you will."  Chris put down his card.  "Have fun."

"No.  I have to make the boy go shopping later."  He walked off shaking his head.

"Do we have anything new?" Gibbs demanded.

"Two things.  The minister that fired on the car is former Marines.  He had went through that base during his training."  His senior agent handed over that information.  "His second in the church is married to the brother-in-law of that supply clerk."  He handed over that sheet as well.

"That explains how," Gibbs decided.  "Any links back to any other groups?"

"Yeah, boss," the other agent said, holding up a sheet and putting his screen on the bigger one that they all could see.  "The minister is part of the religious right group that was behind that protest in Alexandria that turned violent and a few others.  Their bulletin board today was full of praise for the action."  He let that go up to show them.

DiNozzo, the senior agent, pointed.  "Who's that?  He's got most of the 'I'd do it too' messages."

McGee searched out his profile, finding it.  "That.... is the minister that was on tv this morning denouncing the attack but calling for him to step down for being so immoral.  Said he was presently turning into a demon."

"Send that info to the Secret Service, see if they'll arrest him," Gibbs ordered.  McGee emailed the lead agent that, getting a 'thank you, we'll handle it' back.  McGee nodded.  "Anything else on our end?"

"Yup," DiNozzo said, changing the screen with the remote.  "Two military groups that are forming up militias to overthrow the government and the people since clearly they think they're stupid."

Gibbs got up to look at it more closely.  "Both active service.  One has some Army."

"It's mostly Marines."  He pointed at something.  "That's in the Mountain's forces."  He looked at him.  "Should I email Larabee so he can tell Lorne or Sheppard?"

"Do that."  DiNozzo moved to tell the higher ups about that.  They could stop that militia before it got started.  Gibbs stared at the information.  "I don't know why they don't like him, he's the same sort of gun nut they are."

"He is the toughest gay man I've ever met," McGee said.  "Even among the gay Marines and Rangers.  Not many of them would keep backing up the slayers after that injury he got a few years back."

Gibbs nodded.  "Me either but he feels it's his duty.  That's like being a priest to him."  He sat down, going back to the information they had.  This was not going to be allowed.  He might not like that his president was gay but it wasn't his choice now.   The people had spoken firmly.

***

Xander walked into his speech in the same outfit, smiling as he slid out of his jacket.  "Hey, guys."  They cheered for him.  He smiled.  "I'm glad I can be here with you guys today.  It's important that you, more than most kids, learn that you have a future. A bright, beautiful, loud future.  One that will someday make E! News quit asking about my relationship."  They laughed and a few nodded.  "I want every one of you in college, where we all belong.  Doing great things for the world and the universe.  Whether that's in the military, whether that's in academics, even if you become plumbers and construction people, that's fine, as long as you stand up for yourself and what you believe in.  Because that is what makes America great.  And got me elected."  That got another cheer.

Buck watched him work up the crowd.  Xander did have appeal, even though he wasn't sure why most of the time.  The convention for the GLSEN students was going along great.  There were no threats this year.  The hotel was on its toes for security.  No one had tried to make a move to get into the speech that wasn't part of the convention, outside of a reporter.  The kids were looking at him like an icon.  The tight jeans and thin t-shirt weren't making them do anything but drool.  Xander finally got to walk off the stage.  Buck smiled.  "They would've been hurt if you had went on that slut binge you wanted to do to stay out of office," he said quietly.

"I know.  I'm still not someone I'd consider presidential material.  I hate politics.  Things like this, yeah, I like."  They walked off, Xander grabbing his jacket.  The reporter cornered them on the way out.  Xander stared at her.  "What?"

"You're bothered by the reports on your relationship?" she asked, pointing her microphone at him.

"Do we ask *you* what you do in your bedroom?" he asked dryly.  "No one really needs to know what I do in mine.  Even being the president elect, I still deserve some privacy."

"So, are you two getting married?" she asked.

"We've only been dating a year.  We're taking things slowly and carefully so I don't scare him."  He smirked.  "Or the dogs don't upset him by drooling on his favorite suits."

"Who are you going to wear to the swearing in?"

"No idea.  Ezra hasn't made me go shopping yet."  He smiled.  "Any fashion things, ask Ezra, not me.  He makes me look hot instead of my usual plain clothes."  He walked around her and her cameraman.  "I'm hoping you won't be doing anything that might hurt the kids in there."

"No, sir, just a generic report on the convention," she assured him, chasing after them.  "Are the St. Bernards moving with you?"

Xander gave her a dirty look.  "I'm not the shallow sort who'll throw a pet aside because it doesn't match the decor.  They're my dogs.  Of course they're going with us.  Not like they're not used to that lawn."  He let Buck get the door.  "Anything else?"  He smirked at her.  "If not, I've got to eat lunch.  I never eat before speeches in case I get nervous."

"Sir, do you really mean those things you said?"

"Hell yes.  I want those kids in there to be the future of America, to do great things, and to take my place some day in this job.  I want every kid to be able to work up to their abilities."

"Because you didn't get to?"

"I learned what I needed to learn.  Though yeah, public education could be stronger so that no kid gets left like I did."  He walked outside since he saw Buck had the car.  "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go eat."  He jogged out, nearly skidded on some ice, but got into the back.  Buck drove off.  "Did the kids hear you?  They got really quiet."

"They were all walking out, Xander.  Relax.  Not like they don't know.  John quipped about it last year.  They know you said it."

"Fine.  I don't want to upset them.  For some reason they look up to me.  I feel like I'm their uncle or something."

"You'll do fine."

"I'm *so* going to screw up the White House."

"You will not," Buck said patiently.  "Even if you make some mistakes the kids will realize they can do it better when it's their turn."

"True.  I hope one of them does get to follow me."  He got comfortable.  "Ooh, Burger King!"

Buck snickered but drove through for him.  There was no way someone could've snuck in to poison their food since Xander picked a different fast food place each time he ordered.  He paused to pick up the order Chris had made.  He came back with the box.  "For the team."

"That's cool," Xander said around his fries.  He sniffed.  "Thai?"  Buck nodded, pulling away from the curb and going on.  Xander winced, holding his head.  He took a sip of his soda to clear his mouth.  "Buck, change streets.  Now."  Buck changed roads immediately.  "Shit," he moaned, holding his head as he called in.  "Chris, had a vision.  Ford Bank, sniper, more than a rifle but not quite artillery.  Yeah, one of those."  He took another sip. "Don't know, just had it and he just changed roads."  He hung up.

Buck toggled his walkie talkie, telling that to the comm officer.  He'd have people go meet that sniper.  He listened.  "Wrong bank."

"Sorry."

"They spotted him and managed to catch him."

"It looked like the Ford Bank."

"The one across the street.  You were probably looking from the top of there."

"Maybe."  He took another sip, relaxing.  "How long do you think this problem will last?"

"Until the swearing in.  Then they'd probably give up and just go militant."

"Yay," Xander said flatly, making Buck crack up.  "Can I go join one?"

"Nope.  Too much attention on you and most of them like to work in the shadows.  Oh, Chris said Buffy's waiting on you."

"She and Ezra can go shopping," Xander offered.

"I doubt they'd go without you."

"Damn.  I don't like shopping.  The slayers made me do it too many times."

"I know.  It's nice you put up with Ez's bad habit."

"Ez shops with me because he wants me to look hot."  He smirked.  "I can appreciate that from my boyfriend where I don't girls making me help them look hot."

"I understand that fully," Buck admitted.  "I couldn't shop with women either."

"Who's going to which ball with us?"

"No idea yet," Buck sighed.  "We should figure that out soon though so we have a tux."  Xander nodded.  "We'll see."  He pulled onto Pennsylvania Avenue.  "Oh, shit," he muttered, pulling up his walkie talkie.  "It's the VP's car, there's a blockade of military vehicles outside."  He listened.  "Sure, we can do that."  He hung up and turned the car onto another street and headed off.  "We're going to bug the hell out of Maude for a few minutes.  She's at Ez's house."

"That's fine," Xander agreed.  He finished off his burger and put the wrapper back in the bag.  He dug into his fries again.  "I wonder if Gibbs knows about them."  He pulled out his phone, finding the number at NCIS.  "Megan, put me through to Gibbs please?  Yes, but don't warn him. Military blockade of Pennsylvania Avenue."  He got put through.  "Special Agent Gibbs, Xander Harris.  Did anyone warn us about the military blockade in front of the White House?"  He smirked.  "I thought no one might have.  No, I'm going to see my possible future mother-in-law and let her bitch at me about having fries after my speech.  Yeah, please."  He hung up and put his phone back.  "He'll check into that."

"That's fine, but Maude will probably make remarks about you being lower class."

Xander nodded.  "Yay.  She can take me as I am, like everyone else."

"I'm sure she'll realize that quickly.  Just ignore her if she gets huffy or higher class."

"Sure, she acts like a senator and I'll treat her like a senator," he said dryly, cracking Buck up.  Xander was the queen of treating the senators who annoyed him like pet ferrets.

***

Gibbs sped up to the blockade and stopped, getting out with some other team leaders and their teams coming behind them.  He glared.  Those were current military issue vehicles.  "What the hell do you think you're doing!" he shouted.  A few flinched.  "Produce your ID!  Now!"  They all stomped over to arrest them.

This wasn't a 'show of military support' that they had put on their demonstration license with the city.  This was an attempted taking out of the White House and scaring the citizens of the United States.  CID, their Army counterpart, and JAG all showed up within minutes.  The people got arrested.  Those not currently military got handed to the FBI.  This was not going to happen again.  When the ATF agents on White House detail came out to confiscate and make all the weapons safe, a few of the idiots tried to run from Larabee but oh well.

The End.

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