xander/sam nibblets

[zarahjoyce]

i.

She caught sight of her husband in the kitchen, in the midst of preparing what undoubtedly would be the best meal she'd ever partake in her entire life.

And that's high praise considering it came from Samantha Del Mundo-Guerrero, who'd been to the most expensive restaurants in the country and abroad - and then some. 

Except of course, the meals she'd eaten before weren't made with a lot of care and affection.

Mine's made with love, Xander had said himself before, smiling in that way she adored. 

Well, she thought giddily, leaning against the doorway and taking her sweet time appreciating the view her husband presented. Hopefully this is something he'd love as well.

"Hungry already, Sam?" Xander asked, seemingly able to sense her presence even without having to check. "Give me a few minutes. I'm almost done here."

"No," she replied softly, watching with eagle eyes just in case he did look behind him. "It's okay. Take your time, Xander. I'm sure I'll very much enjoy whatever dish you've prepared for me, anyway."

She heard him chuckle. "I know you said you don't like vegetables, but you can't not eat them, especially since they're very healthy and good for the body." Here, Xander turned to glance at her. "Besides--"

And he got no further than that.

Samantha tried her best to look nonchalant, even as she ran her finger down the neckline of her robe rather... suggestively. "Hmm?" she prompted, making sure to pull at the gap ever so lightly. "You were saying something about... bodies?" 

"I--" Xander blinked, then blinked again, unable to look anywhere else but at her. "I--"

"What is it?" she asked, moving away from the doorway and gliding her way towards him. "Are you okay?"

"S-Samantha," her husband choked. "What are you wearing?"

"Oh, this?" she asked, looking down at herself as though she had absolutely no idea that he was referring to the partially open night robe she had on - as well as the partially transparent night gown underneath it. "I saw them when I was unpacking my stuff. I tried them on because I was so scared they won't fit - and all because you've been feeding me so much good food ever since we got married."

The last thought slipped out unbidden, but her fear was sincere - that if she gained weight, then maybe Xander would no longer love her as much. Maybe he'd start looking elsewhere.

Even if it would be all his fault in the first place. 

"They--" Xander swallowed his words, then tried again with, "--they seem to fit you well." As if an afterthought he added, "Really, really well."

She smiled. "I thought so, too. And I'm--" Samantha stepped closer to him to run her hand down his chest, relishing the way his breathing seemed to hitch at her touch, "--so, so glad we agree."  

Then, because she was feeling extra playful, Samantha patted Xander's cheek and turned to walk away from him. "Anyway. I guess I'd better let you get back to cooking--"

Only to squeal in delight when he suddenly pulled her back towards him.

Her straitlaced, almost puritanical husband - suddenly unable to keep the evidence of his desire for her from her, and acting like he had no plans or reason to, in the first place.

It was enough to make her weak in the knees.

"Samantha Del Mundo," he said, his mouth planting itself on her neck and his hands raking her nightgown up, up, up, "I swear to god, you're going to be the death of me."

Once upon a time, she'd pulled these antics for Gael - and always ended up feeling desperate and cheap, even as she rationalized that she did them shamelessly and out of love.

This time, however, with Xander--

She laughed, leaning back to grant him access to almost every part of her he wanted to explore. "Don't worry. I'll make sure you'll get to enjoy your last moments on earth with me, then."

Then Samantha turned to face him. "And that's Samantha Del Mundo-Guerrero to you," she added primly - making her husband grin.


ii.

He didn't know why he sought her out, to be honest.

Just that after he became acutely aware that she was longer in the viewing room, his feet automatically moved to look for her, without him thoroughly examining the reason for it - or even acknowledging that the reason existed in the first place.

At the back of his mind, however, Xander suspected that it was because the path of her pain had so strongly echoed his own - from having to deal with unrequited feelings, to watching their beloved be happy with someone else, and now... this familiar, all-consuming grief of seeing them die.

Had someone told him that he'd have some things in common with Samantha Del Mundo, of all people... he'd probably have scoffed at them and called them insane.

But now here he was, comforting the very person who'd caused Ana - and by association, him - so much pain in the past.

Funny how things could turn out.

"Thank you," Samantha said softly, holding on to his handkerchief like it's the only thing keeping her unbroken. "Y-You didn't have to do this." She sniffed, and it took all of him not to reach for her hand to squeeze it. He'd contented himself by patting her arm, instead.

Her display of vulnerability made him ache in ways he didn't understand - but he knew that, above all else, he wanted to soothe her tears away.

Xander saw no reason to fight that, too.

"I'm here if you need a friend," he replied - surprising even himself at just how much he truly meant it.

Her answering smile told him, however, that he'd made the right call.


iii.

"You are not the boss of me, okay?" she sniped at him. "Don't tell me what to do because I'll do whatever the hell I want." 

Xander breathed through his mouth, fighting to remain calm - even as every part of him wanted nothing more than to throw this infuriating woman over his shoulder, march towards his own vehicle, and lock her inside - all in the name of her safety.

Which of course she'd misconstrued as to him not trusting her enough.

Oh he trusted her enough, all right. Trusted her enough to do the opposite thing of what he'd said, even if earlier she'd agreed that she would follow his every word.

He should've realized it earlier. Should have stood his ground and demanded that she just stay home, where she was safer.

Well. No use fretting over that now.

"Fine," he snarled. "Fine. Have it your way. But you will have to stay behind me at all times, do you understand?"

Xander then grabbed the gun she held, checked it, and asked, "Do you really know how to use this?"

"Of course!" she scoffed, snatching the weapon back. "What, you think I'm an idiot?"

Instead of answering that he replied, somewhat defensively, "I'm just worried about you, okay?"

"Well you don't have to worry about me because I can take care of myself," she replied, boldly rebuking his concern. Samantha tugged his arm and said, "What are we waiting for? Let's go."

Xander exhaled loudly, glared at her - but did as she'd asked.

God give him enough patience for risking his life for Ana.

All while in the company of the most stubborn woman in the face of the planet - who happened to be Ana's sister. 


iv.

They haven't even walked out of the Del Mundo household before Xander whirled to face Yvonne to ask, "Was I wrong? I mean, did I-- was I out of line?"

Yvonne rolled her eyes. "No, of course not. We all know that if it weren't for you, those two would have spent the night in jail - or worse."

"--right," he said, nodding. "Right."

Still, the feeling that he'd somehow overstepped his bounds nagged at him, made him uncomfortable and agitated. 

Seemingly sensing his discomfort, Yvonne placed a hand on his arm. "Samantha owes you, Xander. She's probably just too arrogant to admit it. That-- or too stupid."

Despite his annoyance, Xander felt the urge to correct Yvonne on Samantha's behalf. "No. No. She's anything but stupid, Yvonne. But she is... very stubborn. She and Ana are sisters, after all." He paused. "The arrogance probably comes from her not being able to rely on anyone else for so long, so now she doesn't really know how to ask for help, even when she desperately needs it."

"Whatever you say," Yvonne said, sounding doubtful. "Still, all I know is that someone needs to bring her down a peg or two." She smirked. "It would do her good to realize just how far she'd fallen, after all."  

Xander raised a brow at her. "You really think reuniting with her true family is considered 'falling?'"

Yvonne looked surprised at the rebuttal. "Well--"

"I believe she's better off as she is now than when she was still in Salvador's side," Xander continued, crossing his arms. "In that way--"

"Wait, wait. I'm confused," Yvonne said, frowning up at him. "You're mad at her, right? So why are you defending her all of a sudden?" 

Xander blinked. "I'm not defending her, I'm just--"

Yvonne waited for him to continue.

He found he had no explanation to that right now, so he just said, "We're wasting time around here. Let's go back to looking for Ana."

And they did just that.


v.

"--wait," Xander breathed, pulling back and resting his forehead against her shoulder. "Wait."

"What?" she asked, brows knitting together. She gently pushed him away until she could look at his face again. "What's wrong?" 

"We're--" He swallowed heavily, though his eyes remained fixated on her mouth. "Are we-- am I moving too fast?" Xander cupped her cheek and asked, all while meeting her gaze, "Are you okay?"

Samantha's heart thudded in her chest in an almost painful manner. God, why did he have to be so... so sweet and considerate? Instead of answering him she smiled, then leaned closer to pepper kisses at the side of his mouth. She then dragged her hands down his chest before coming to rest at the top of his jeans, stopping herself from unbuttoning it at the last possible second. "Take me to bed, Xander."

She could feel his sharp intake of breath. "Sam--"

"What?" she asked again, kissing up the side of his face until she could breathe in his ear, "This is what you wanted, right?"

Just as quickly, Xander caught both her hands and trapped them behind her. "No," he said roughly.

Samantha could feel his lie, however. "Oh really?" she replied, pointedly looking down between them and smirking.

"Samantha," he snarled, tightening his hold on her. "Don't test me. Not right now."

"What if I want to test you?" she asked, inching her chin up, watching in fascination how his jaw clenched in response. "What if I want to see how far I can push you before you break?"

"Sam--"

"What if--" 

Here she moved quickly to catch his bottom lip in between her own. "--what if this is what I want, too?"

To her eternal annoyance, he pulled away from her again and asked, more urgently this time, "Are you sure?"

God.

Why did he have to be so sweet and considerate?

"One more question, Xander," she replied, pouting. "One more question and I'll definitely walk out on you."

The sides of his mouth quirked up in a way she found devastatingly... sexy. "And we don't want that, do we?"

"Well I certainly don't, but--"

That was as far as she was able to go before he hauled her up to him again, kissing her like he had no intention of ever letting her go.

And honestly, Samantha vastly preferred that he didn't.


vi.

Xander waited until Samantha was sound asleep before he left her room to go to Ana's.

The idea had already been playing in his mind ever since Samantha had told him, point blank, that all he needed to do was to meet the right woman - and then he could start building the family he'd always dreamed of. At that moment, it was at the tip of his tongue to tell her that he didn't have to meet anyone else, because the right woman was already there, speaking to him. At that moment, Xander was already convinced that Samantha Del Mundo was the one.

And that was before she'd told his family about him - paving the way for him to get the acceptance and forgiveness he'd craved for so long. That was before they'd become lovers.

That was before she almost died right in his arms.

So now that they have a second chance, Xander realized that he didn't want to risk it, risk losing her again, without doing something to prove just how much he loved her.

Which brought him now - to Ana's room.

"Is everything okay, Xander?" Hillary asked, trading alarmed glances with Ana before setting the baby back in his crib.

"Is it Ate?" Ana asked right after. "Is she okay?"

"She's fine," Xander assured them. "She's resting well. Her wounds are healing nicely, according to the doctor. They'd probably be able to release her by next week."

Relief visibly flooded Hillary's face. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll drop by her room later, when she's awake."

"Sorry, Mommy," Ana said. "You've been taking care of Baby Jr. so much that you haven't had enough time to visit Ate."

"It's not your fault, Ana," Hillary was quick to reassure her. "And, well, I didn't want to disturb Samantha anyway. She needed all the sleep she could get. Besides, with Xander there, I doubt she'll be missing me."

He didn't miss the teasing looks he got from both women. So, before he lost courage he said, "That's... partly why I'm here, Ms. Hillary, Ana." 

Ana frowned at him. "What do you mean?"

"If you would allow me," Xander asked, feeling nervousness creep up to him, "I would like to ask Samantha to be... my wife."

Both Hillary and Ana wore identical looks of shock on their faces.

"I know this is sudden," he explained. "I know you may think this is out of the blue. But I am decided to marry Sam as soon as she says yes." Here he bowed his head. "I hope you'll both permit me to propose to her."

"Xander," Ana said, moving up from her bed to grab his arms. "Xander, you're not kidding, are you? Because if you are--"

"No, I'm not kidding." He grinned at her. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

Here Ana teared up completely and hugged him. "Ate is going to be so happy about this." She pulled away and added, "You're going to make her so happy, I just know it."

Xander laughed and rubbed his nape. "I'll do everything I can to make that come true. You can count on it, Ana."

"I will," she replied, grinning. "And if you ever hurt her, know that I'll hurt you."

"I know," he said, grinning right back at her. "I expect it. It's a good thing then that I have no plans of hurting her."

Then Hillary came closer, and he could feel his nerves heighten. If she opposed his plans, then... "Ms. Hillary--"

"You've been a constant source of comfort and strength for my daughters, Xander," she said, taking his hands in hers. "I always knew I can count on you to help us however you can - and you did. And, well, I've seen how happy you've made Sam, and how much you loved each other." Hillary smiled softly at him. "I'll be more than glad to welcome you into our family as Samantha's husband." Here, she patted his cheek. "As my son."

Xander released the breath he didn't even realize he was holding in. Here, again, Samantha was giving him something without even trying.

A family.

And all for loving her.

"Thank you," he replied, trying his best to keep his happiness from overflowing. "Thank you, Miss Hillary, Ana."

Ana nudged his shoulder and said, "Should I start calling you 'kuya' from now on?"

Xander laughed.

Now, if only Samantha would say yes to him, then his joy would be complete.


vii.

He'd be lying if he said he'd missed the scowl his wife wore for most of the afternoon.

Which in itself was odd, as Xander knew he'd done nothing wrong to upset her.

Unable to help himself, he pulled their car to the side of the road and killed the engine, prompting Samantha to glare at him. "What are you doing? I want to go home."

"Sam," he said with a sigh. "What's wrong?" 

"Nothing!" she snapped, crossing her arms. "Nothing, okay? I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're upset," he pointed out. Xander found out long ago that the best way to handle her tantrums was to be as calm and as soothing as possible. Here, he took one of her hands and held it in his. "I'd like to know why."

Her lips - always her best and his most favorite feature, if he was asked - remained pouty. He considered repeating the question when she responded, "Why do you have to be so charming, anyway?"

--huh.

Of all the things he'd think would upset her, this was something he wouldn't even consider. "What do you--"

"Don't pretend you don't know," Samantha cut in, pulling her hand away and crossing her arms again. "Most my staff are crushing on you, Xander! Even Gracia's halfway to being in love with you already." She scoffed. "It's so annoying."

Honestly, all his combat training couldn't have prepared him for the whirlwind that was Samantha Del Mundo-Guerrero - and oddly enough, he preferred it that way. Fighting to keep the smile off his face, he said, "Ah. So my lovely wife is jealous?"

She rolled her eyes so hard he could almost hear it. "As if! I'm just concerned about their productivity, okay? I mean--" She waved her hands and said, "--they won't be focused on doing their jobs if they're too focused on looking at you. That's why I'm annoyed. I'm not jealous, okay?" Samantha glanced at him and reiterated hotly, "I'm not!"

Xander cleared his throat. "How should we fix it, then?" he asked, sounding serious now. "Do you want me to stop coming by your office to bring you food?"

"No!" she replied quickly, her eyes widening. "Of course not. I'd rather eat your cooking than someone else's. You know that."

That, he did.

And it never failed to warm his heart. 

"Besides," she added, all while still pouting, "I'll miss you if I don't see you during lunch time."

...God couldn't have made a more frustrating, more contradictory, more adorable woman than Samantha Del Mundo even if he'd tried.

And she was his wife.

"Well," he said, taking her hand in his again, "I wasn't going to agree with it, anyway."

"Then don't suggest it in the first place," she snapped - but didn't pull away.

"So," Xander said, rubbing his thumb against her palm. "We're back at square one."

Samantha sighed. "Can't you just... you know." Here she looked at him dead in the eye and said, "Stop being charming to my staff?"

Unable to stop himself, he laughed and replied, "That's like me asking you to stop being so beautiful, Sam. I guess it's just... part of who we are."

She exhaled loudly. "Well I hate it, okay? I don't want them to look at you."

"Don't mind them," he urged her, leaning closer. "Because while they may be looking at me, all I'll be looking at is you." Xander brought her hand up to his mouth to kiss the back of it. "I love you, Sam. Only you."

"Well--" she said, clearly fighting the urge to be moved by his gesture. "Well. Just so we're clear."

Xander grinned.

Another crisis averted, then.


viii.

What made Xander more worried about Samantha was that she never stirred, not even when he'd laid her at the back seat of his car and secured her with a seat belt.

"Sam," he said, gently tapping her cheek in an attempt to rouse her. "Samantha. Wake up!"

She groaned - but didn't open her eyes.

The next few minutes were probably the slowest that Xander had driven in his entire life. He kept looking behind him to check Samantha's condition - to see if she was awake, or seconds away from rolling off the seat. The ride should have taken him thirty minutes at most, but now, it took him considerably longer than that - all because his attention was half on the road, and half off it.

Later on he was parking near the driveway of her home. Xander jumped off his seat, hurrying to the back to see if there were any changes in her situation, even if he had been keeping an eye on her as much as he could. Finding her still unconscious, he unbuckled her seat belt, then gently pulled her towards him.

For a few seconds, he allowed himself to hold her, keeping her nestled against his chest. Xander could feel how high her fever was, as unbridled warmth suffused off of her skin and seeped into his. Still, he placed his palm against her cheek, intending to tap it again--

--except he found himself staring down her face, his thumb resting along her bottom lip, and feeling something in his chest stir.

At the back of his mind, he knew that Ana's situation should have been his priority. After all, their efforts to locate her would soon pay off - they could bring her back home safely tonight. Xander could help the police rescue her, could even be the one personally saving her from Salvador's clutches--

Except all he could think of doing right now - the most important thing to him right now - was to bring Samantha home, keep Samantha safe, help Samantha get better. 

Xander rationalized that Ana had a squadron of police about to save her now, anyway.

Samantha had no one but him, this very moment.

Except--

His hold on her shifted - tightened.

Except that was not the only reason for his evolving priorities, was it?  

"--Kuya Xander?" 

Xander looked behind him, saw Ana's brother standing there. Acting as though there was nothing odd about him holding Samantha like this, he said, "Tantan, good, you're here. Keep the doors open for me; I need to bring her upstairs."

"Is that Ate Sam?" the boy asked, opening the door wider. "What's going on? Is she okay?"

"She will be," Xander said, hefting her up in his arms, "after I'm done looking after her."

And he would. Until she got better.

Or even after that.


ix.

"I know I'm not the right person to talk to you about this," Samantha started, feeling foolish and out of line and brave, despite everything. "Maybe it will be better if Xander's the one in front of you right now. But..." She took a deep breath. "He's one of the best, most noble people I know, and yet he's afraid to face you. I'm afraid that, because of it, he'll be content not to let himself get closer to you, even if he wants to - so, here I am, taking that initial step for him." Self-consciously she added, "He'll probably kill me for this, though."

"I've... known about him ever since we were little, to be honest," Carmela Galvez said, after a long bout of silence, "but I never knew where to start looking to see him after he left. We were so young back then. I was afraid that maybe he's-- he's no longer--"

"Xander's alive and well," Samantha assured her. "You should know that all his life, he's dedicated to fighting for justice for your father, and now, with Dad-- I mean, Governor Del Mundo-- in jail, now he has it. Now he can focus on something else in life he's wanted, which is to have a family of his own. " Here, she looked at the older woman and said, "I know he's Senator Galvez's illegitimate son, but that still makes him your brother, doesn't it? He deserves to be known by his family - the only ones he has left."

Then, Samantha scribbled something on a napkin - and handed it to the woman. "This is his current address. You can find him here. Please, please go to him."

"T-Thank you," Xander's sister said, taking the napkin. "But may I ask... why are you doing this?" 

Samantha hesitated.

She'd directed the same question to herself multiple times, truth be told. And honestly, she came down to only one response:

"Because I'm his friend," she said, smiling. "And I want what's best for him."

Shouldn't we always do what we think will make our loved ones happy? 

Xander had told her that once, while they were on stakeout.

And well, here she was, doing just that. 


x.

"Here," Yvonne said, offering him a glass of juice. "Drink this."

"I don't want it," Xander replied testily, pushing it away.

"You haven't eaten anything, Xander. At least drink something," Ana said, after sharing a look with Yvonne. "I know you're worried about Ate--"

"I wasn't fast enough," he said, looking down at his hands - now curled to fists. "I should have grabbed her before she reached Salvador. I should have--"

"If you did that, then he'll have both Mommy and Baby Jr. with him," Ana said, sounding grim. 

"He would have everything he wanted," Yvonne added. "He would've won."

"What Ate did was reckless, but she did save Mommy. Honestly I don't expect anything less from her," Ana added. 

Here Xander looked at her, then at Yvonne. "But... what's to stop Salvador from hurting Samantha? From disposing of her? I can't-- if something happens to Samantha, I can't--" He rose to his feet, exhaled loudly. 

"Nothing's gonna happen to her, Xander. I won't allow it," Ana replied - sounding hollow, despite her words.

"Salvador won't hurt Samantha for as long as Ms. Hillary's not with him anyway," Yvonne reminded them. She placed a hand on Xander's arm. "For now, focus on staying calm. Samantha needs you to think straight, Xander. She needs you focused at the task at hand - which is saving her."

"Right," he murmured, after some moments of mulling it over. "You're right, Yvonne. Thank you." He took the glass she offered, drank deep from it.

 "Try to eat too, if you can," Ana said, patting his shoulder and turning away. "You'll need your strength if we're to rescue them."

Xander nodded, not finding the will to argue the fact that Ana, herself, hadn't eaten anything at all.


xi.

For several moments, Xander just held Samantha, silently listening as her hysterical sobs slowly died down to pained cries. Her whole body seemed to shake, and he absorbed each tremor into his own.

At that moment, he knew he'd do anything for her. 

"Shh, shh," he soothed, rocking her gently. "I'm here. I'm with you, Sam, always. Shh."

"X-Xander," she sobbed, gripping the front of his jacket with her hands and burying her face at the crook of his neck. "M-Mom, we need to s-save her--"

"I know," he replied, kissing the side of her head and rubbing her back. "We will. We'll save Miss Hillary."

He could feel her nod against him. After a few moments she'd quieted down, and he took that opportunity to step away, take a handkerchief out of his pocket and study her--

The blooming bruise at the side of her mouth caught his attention, and he cupped her cheek, feeling unbridled anger rock him. The nerve of that man to lay a hand on Samantha, who'd wanted nothing but love from him! "Sam--"

"I'm fine," she said, leaning to his touch a bit, despite herself. She took his offered handkerchief to wipe her tears away before adding, "D-Don't mind me, Xander. I-I'm fine."

"How can I not mind you?" he asked her, leaning closer. "I just got you back. I was so afraid--" Xander paused, then added, "I don't want to lose you, Samantha, after just having found you."

"I'm okay," she reiterated, placing a hand over his and meeting his eyes. "I'm okay."

"Did Salvador-- did he hurt you elsewhere?" he asked, already dreading the answer.

"Natasha stopped him before he--" Samantha bit her lip.

"Before he...?" Xander prompted her.

She shook her head. "It's not important. What's important is that he finally admitted the truth to me, Xander," Samantha whispered, fresh tears coming up to the surface again. "He killed Ellie. He m-murdered my beautiful daughter. I knew he's not above killing family, with Gael and Ellie and--" Anger marked her features now as she added, "I'll never forgive him. Never."

Xander drew her in his arms again. He couldn't imagine what it felt like, losing a child - especially for someone like Sam, who despite her prickliness, hid a soft, gentle heart.

It must hurt like holy hell, for her.

"We'll make him pay, Samantha. I promise you. We'll make him pay for every hurt he's caused all of us - today."

He just wished they could end this day - alive.


xii.

After much cajoling, Samantha had finally convinced Xander to let her shop a new wardrobe for him. 

"See, I know you love your shirts," she told him earlier over breakfast. "But being Mom's - no, Mayor Del Mundo's - Official Security Consultant, you need to look your best every time you report to the City Hall. Which means--"

"Samantha," her husband warned. 

"Just three dress shirts," she insisted, placing a hand over his arm. "Please? I promise I'll buy you only three dress shirts."

Xander raised a brow at her. "Just three?"

She smiled at him. Then, as if unable to control herself any longer, she added, "Of every color, obviously. And you'll need dress pants, too." Samantha looked him up and down. "And shoes. And probably a new watch or two--"

He sighed. "Sam--"

She batted her eyelashes at him and said, "Pretty please? I promise I'll do anything you want in return."

That obviously piqued his interest. "Anything?" he asked, looking wickedly amused.

"Well--" Samantha said, thinking quickly. "For as long as I consent, obviously."

Xander laughed.

That had been this morning.

And now--

Now her darling of a husband was patiently trying on the shirts she'd picked out for him, each one making him look more dashing than the last.

Not that she'd admit it to him out loud.

"What about this one?" Xander asked, coming out of the changing room. "I think this is comfortable." He looked at himself in the mirror. "It's easier to move around in, too."

"Hmm," Samantha said, coming closer to study how well the blue shirt suited him. Just from the reflection in the mirror alone, however, the dress shirt looked as though it was tailor-made for Xander - especially with the way it made the muscles of his arms pop out, and how it highlighted how fit he truly was. Unable to control herself, she ran her hands down his arms and sighed appreciatively. "It looks fine, I guess."

He noticed the smile on her face, however, and said, while buttoning the sleeves near the wrists, "You know, I hope you realize how lucky you are that your husband is very handsome."

Samantha rolled her eyes at him, then slapped his hand away so she could finish buttoning his sleeves. "Whatever--"

And that's when they heard the giggling.

The very female giggling.

From two or three women.

Samantha whirled around to see the source of the laughter - three salesladies who were peeking through the outer portion of the changing room, to be more precise. She marched towards them and demanded, "What's so funny?"

Two of the salesladies looked at each other and blushed, while the third said, "Nothing, Ma'am. It's just that... your husband is really good looking."

"Really sexy, too!" the first said.

"Yes Ma'am," the second said. "You're really lucky."

She heard Xander laugh behind her, making her frown and feel annoyed, all of a sudden.

Well!

Seemed like someone's enjoying the attention!

"What, you all think I don't know that?" she snapped, crossing her arms and glaring at them. "Why do you think I married him in the first place? As if I'd fall for someone who isn't handsome and sexy."

Instead of feeling suitably chastised, however, the salesladies giggled even more. The first said, "You do make a very striking couple, Ma'am, since you're very pretty, too."

"That's true!" the third said. "You're very beautiful, Ma'am."

"Very beautiful!" the second repeated. "Like a model!"

"Your children would look so good, I'm sure!" the first gushed.

Samantha glanced behind her, saw the Xander had disappeared - probably to change back to his usual shirt. Facing the women again she asked, "You really think so?"

"Yes!"

"Of course!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Well, then." Here Samantha smiled at them, feeling her irritation finally abate. "I'll be taking all available colors of that shirt my husband just tried. Also, all available designs of that brand in that size, too. I'll be expecting them to be at the counter by the time we step out of this changing room, okay?" She walked away, then added over her shoulder, "And the three of you can expect a hefty tip for being so helpful." 

The three salesladies looked at each other, squealed, then scampered off to do Samantha's bidding.

That dealt with, she got back to the changing room, only to find Xander leaning on the doorway - apparently waiting for her and grinning all the while.

"What?" she asked, already feeling defensive.

"Nothing," he said, taking her hand and pulling her closer to him. "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are when you're jealous, Sam?"

"Excuse me, I wasn't jealous!" she snapped, even as they both know she actually was.

"Is that so?" he said, sounding amused. "It's okay. I guess I should be happy to hear that you really do think I'm handsome. And, what's that other word - sexy?"

Knowing that there was no use refuting that, Samantha placed her hands on his arms, gave his muscles an affectionate squeeze, then told him, "Well, maybe a little."

Xander laughed.


xiii.

"I feel like I'm craving for something - but I don't know what, exactly," Ana told them, not less than ten minutes after they've taken their lunch.

"Then let's narrow it down," Samantha suggested, placing a hand on her sister's arm. "Do you want something salty?"

Ana wrinkled her nose.

"Something sour?" Hillary asked.

"Or sweet?" Samantha inquired.

Ana frowned, mulling that over. "Something sweet... and sour, I think?"

Samantha and Hillary looked at each other. "Fruits can be sweet and sour. Healthy, too," their mother commented. "What fruits do we have in the pantry?"

"Just apples, I think," Samantha said. "You want an apple?" she asked Ana.

"No," Ana replied, looking vaguely ill. "I've had enough of them when Miranda had me."

"Oh! How about oranges? I just remembered, I have oranges in my room," Samantha said, getting to her feet. "Wait, let me get some for you." 

When she returned downstairs with a whole pack of the fruit, Samantha noticed the odd look her mother was giving her and asked, "What?"

"Nothing," Hillary said, her brows knitted together. "It's just... don't you hate oranges, Sam?"

"Oh," she replied, taking two out of the pack and handing them to Ana, then putting the rest on top of their kitchen table. "I don't really hate them. I just... don't get them personally, myself." She paused. "And well, I didn't buy these ones, actually. They're from Xander."

"From Xander?" Ana echoed, eagerly starting to peel one.

"Yeah," Samantha said, waving her hand. "He's been bringing me some lately. Said I should eat them often so I won't get sick."

"Well, that's very sweet of him," Hillary noted, smiling. "Remind me next time to thank him for looking out for you, Sam."

"Xander is very kind, Mommy," Ana affirmed, grinning right back at her. She turned to her sister sitting beside her and said, "I'm very glad you two are getting along, Ate. He's a good friend to have."

"I know," Samantha said, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I mean-- I guess he's... you know, okay."

"I should tell you, Ana, that Xander seemed to be very fond of Samantha lately," Hillary said, taking one of the oranges from Ana and peeling it for her.

"Mom!" Samantha squealed immediately.

"Really?" Ana asked, her interest obviously piqued. She glanced at Samantha - found her red in the face - then asked Hillary, almost gleefully, "Why do you say that, Mommy?"

"Oh nothing," Hillary said, seeming innocent of how embarrassed Sam was fast becoming. She handed Ana the peeled orange and added, "It's just... I've noticed that he's become very protective of your sister, these past few days. And now here he is, bringing her oranges--"

"Come to think of it, he never brought me fruits lately," Ana said, already enjoying herself. "And I'm the one pregnant!"

"Oh my gosh please, let's not make this an issue, okay?" Samantha pleaded. "I mean you said so yourself, he's just being kind and all that--"

Just then someone knocked at their front door, and the three women turned to look - only to find Xander there.

Holding a brown paper bag.

Talk about perfect timing!

"Good afternoon, Miss Hillary, Ana... Samantha," he greeted them as he stood by their door. "I was just in the area, and I thought I'd drop by to see how you're all doing." 

Ana glanced at her sister - who was obviously not looking at Xander - and said, "Come in, Xander. You know you're always welcome here."

"What's that you're holding?" Hillary asked.

"Ah," Xander said, coming closer. "Just some oranges I bought for--"

"Ana!" Samantha piped up suddenly. When the other three looked at her, she said, "I--I mean Ana's craving for oranges, so your timing is good, Xander." She stood up from her seat and said, "Anyway, I have to go."

"Go?" Xander repeated, frowning.

"Up," Samantha elaborated, still refusing to look at him. "To my room. I have, um. A headache." She gestured blindly at her head. "I guess I just need some rest to get rid of it." 

Xander was still frowning. "Do you need medicine, Sam?" he asked, stepping closer to her. "Because I can--"

"No!" she replied, glancing at Ana and Hillary, then at Xander - and blushing, of all things. "I have, um, I have some upstairs so there's no need for you to-- you know. So... bye." And Samantha practically fled up to her room. 

Poor Xander looked flummoxed as he stared at her retreating figure. "Did I do something wrong?" he asked Ana, obviously sounding worried.

Ana grinned at him. "Don't worry. Ate's fine." She took the bag from him and said, "These are for her, right?"

"Uh--yeah," he replied absently, glancing at the stairs again - and missing the gleeful look Ana and Hillary exchanged, as a result. 
"But, Ana, you're sure she's fine?" he asked earnestly. "Because if Sam needs anything--"

"Xander, you're sweet," Hillary said, smiling at him. "Thank you for looking out for Sam. I appreciate it."

"Of course, Miss Hillary," Xander told her. "I always look out for my friends."

Ana coughed. "Right. Friends."


xiv.

Red.

Of course she was wearing red.

Xander frowned, watching as Samantha came into the pool area while wearing a red bathing suit that showcased so much of her skin. The flimsy black sarong she wore didn't do much of a good job hiding her legs, to be honest - and even her neck was exposed, as her hair was loosely piled on top of her head.

All in all, Samantha looked--

"Sam, why are you all covered up?" Miss Hillary inquired, making Xander glance at her in surprise.

--covered up?

Samantha wrinkled her nose and said, "I didn't bring much of my clothes from the house when I left, Mom. This was the only bathing suit I had packed in my suitcase. Besides," she added, pouting, "I really wasn't planning on coming along, anyway."

Well. At least someone else shared his sentiments.

"Still, it's a good thing you're here," her mother said placatingly. "We all need to relax, and this gift from Gael and Ana is really a good opportunity for us to do that."

Right, Xander thought sardonically, helping with laying out their snacks onto their table. A weekend resort accommodation for Ana's family and friends, including free buffets and use of facilities all throughout - a thoughtful thank you present from the newly-married couple.

All while the two of them consummated their marriage.

Xander really didn't want to think about it.

And yet--

"Nice shorts, Xander," Samantha commented, looking pointedly at him and smiling.

Instead of feeling embarrassed, he just laughed. "Is it obvious that they're not mine?" Xander asked her. "They're Tantan's. I don't own anything of this sort; I usually don't go out swimming, anyway."

"We're the same then," she replied, coming to stand closer to him - close enough that he could see how her arms were quickly becoming red from being exposed to the sun and heat. "I guess I never really liked the thought of getting sunburned voluntarily."  

"Do you have sunscreen with you?" he asked.

"Why?" she asked back, a sly look appearing on face. "Are you offering to put some on me?"

Xander blinked. "What? No, I--"

She laughed and patted his arm. "Jeez, I'm kidding. Yeah, I brought some with me. Thanks." And then she moved away to join her mother. 

Oddly enough, the red of her swimsuit kept him glancing at her, even when she wasn't doing anything except sunbathing. This time, she'd removed her sarong - revealing even more of her skin - and it annoyed him that he couldn't seem to look away.

Which, of course, was a sentiment shared by most red-blooded men in the pool area at that given moment.

That annoyed him even more.

And so here he was, silently looking out for Samantha, and basically glaring at any man who dared come her way.

"You okay, Kuya Xander?" Tantan asked, pointing at him with his barbecue stick. "You don't look like you're enjoying yourself."

"--uh," Xander enunciated, after just having silently driven away a potential suitor of Ana's sister by way of blocking their view of her. "What's that?"

"We all know why, don't we?" Emy said, patting Xander's arm.

"...We do?" Xander asked.

"Well... I mean, it is Ana and Gael's honeymoon and all," Emy said, looking uncomfortable yet sympathetic at the same time. "You don't need to pretend around us, Xander."

"--right, right," he said, finding it easier to agree to that instead of admitting what he was really feeling - and doing. "Honestly though. If Ana's happy then I'm... I'm happy for her. Her happiness is all that matters to me."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Samantha straighten herself up.

"Mom, I'm going back to our room." Thankfully she grabbed the sarong and wrapped it around her waist. "It's too hot here." 

"Are you sure?" her mother asked.

"Yeah. I'll probably just... go take a nap or something."

"I'll go up with you, Sam," Xander said, stepping away from Emy and Tantan and coming towards her.

"Why?" she asked, her brows furrowed. 

"I'm--" he replied, thinking quickly. "I... forgot the charger of my phone. I need to get it from my room."

"Oh, okay," she said, already moving towards the pool area exit - with Xander right at her heels.

They were both waiting for the elevator in the lobby when Samantha leaned towards him and asked, "So. When's your birthday, Xander?"

"My birthday?" he repeated, frowning. "Why do you ask?"

"Well." Here she glanced at his shorts again and said, while sounding amused, "I might just buy you something by then, so you won't need to borrow anything from Tantan. Something..." She gestured at his chest and added, "better fitting."

"Sam," he said, after a few moments of just gaping at her. "I appreciate the thought, but--"

"But nothing," she cut in, looking smug. "I've already decided, and you can't change my mind."

"But... why?" Xander asked, truly curious at hearing the answer.

Samantha rolled her eyes. "So you'll look better, obviously. Who knows, maybe it can help you meet someone else, and then you can move on from Ana." She winked at him. "All thanks to me."

"Well." He thought about it and said, teasingly: "If that's the case, then I ask that you get me something in red."

"In red?" she repeated, blinking.

Here, he leaned closer to her, allowed himself to look her up and down. "So we can match. Obviously."

That seemed to fluster her, but only for a moment. Soon she was grinning at him.

"It's a deal."


xv.

Let's just... forget it ever happened.

Sam's words rang in his ears repeatedly, making him even more confused as to what caused the sudden change on her part.

Last night had been perfect, if Xander was asked. He'd watched silently as Samantha finished her meal - which she admitted was very good - and that comment buoyed his already lifted spirits even more. They had a good time laughing and reminiscing, and when their talk turned to more serious future plans, she'd suddenly threatened to leave because she'd misconstrued that he was the one who wanted to leave and change everything between them in the first place--

Except he did want the change, which was why he pulled her to him and kissed her - as if every encounter they've had led up to that moment. She'd looked at him with that soft, wide-eyed expression of hers, and then unable to help himself he'd kissed her again and again, and her responses enflamed his until-- 

--until all he knew, all he wanted, was her heat and warmth and passion, which she freely gave.

She was Samantha Del Mundo and last night, she'd been his. 

God, but last night was perfect.

She was perfect - like he'd known she would be.
 
Then he awoke to find her missing from his bed, from his house, and his first instinct was that something must have happened, which was why she just... up and left. Without waking him up, without saying goodbye.

But then she refused to answer any of his calls, which led him to calling Ana, who responded to his panicked inquiries with a simple, "Ate? Yeah, she's in the house. No, she's fine, Xander - I just talked to her earlier. Why?"

And then-- 

Let's just... forget it ever happened.

Perhaps he ought to have demanded that she explain what the hell she meant by that, and how she could call last night a mistake, when all the while-- 

God.

Samantha Del Mundo was slowly driving him insane. 

But then that part, he thought sardonically, was nothing new. 

 

xvi.

"So, how did you two meet?" Carmela Galvez asked them, just when Xander was busy ladling some food on Samantha's plate.

Samantha glanced at Xander, who seemed dumbstruck at the question. Honestly, she couldn't blame him; their love story didn't exactly begin as a love story, anyway.

So Xander's out for revenge on my adoptive father, Salvador Del Mundo, because of the crimes he's committed, and he worked with a bunch of people, including Ana Dimasalang, whom he eventually fell for. However, Ana's already in love with Gael Del Mundo, who by that time was married to me - except he's also in love with Ana all the while, which caused him to annul our marriage. So, long story short, Ana and Gael fought for their love and ended up getting married, except Gael was eventually killed by my father's henchmen. Oh, and Ana and I turned out to be real sisters! And then in our quest for justice, I ended up working with Ana and Xander even if I didn't want to at first, and then Xander and I got to spend a lot of time together doing surveillance and combat training and other stuff when Ana got kidnapped, and eventually we ended up saving her and then falling in love and now... here we are. Married to each other.   

God, it sounded so horribly complicated.

Xander cleared his throat. "We, um--"

"We met through mutual friends," Samantha smoothly cut in, placing a hand on Xander's arm before smiling at Carmela - not missing the way her husband exhaled in relief.

"Is that so?" their mother, Marissa Galvez, said. "I didn't realize Alexander here's already connected to some powerful people. Your mother's the current Mayor of San Sebastian, isn't she?"

"Yes," Samantha replied easily. She took a sip of wine before adding, "And honestly Tita, if I were you I won't be surprised at all that my husband's like that."

"Why do you say that, hija?" the elder asked, her brow raised.

"Well--" Samantha looked at Xander - who by then was staring intently at her - and said, "Let's just say he has a natural gift for talking to people regardless of their situation in life, and for making them realize their true worth. That's why it's easy for him to gain friends. I'd say anyone who ever talked to him would walk away feeling better about themselves. I know I did." She turned to Xander, squeezed his arm, and smiled brightly at him. "He's really amazing."

Wordlessly, Xander took her hand and kissed the back of it - all while meeting her eyes.

Marissa looked very soft as she observed them, before commenting, "That's wonderful to hear." She cleared her throat. "You must have gotten that talent from Gregorio, Alexander."

"I'd--" Xander paused, glanced at Samantha, then continued gently, "--I'd like to think so, Tita. Thank you."

To Samantha, Carmela asked, "Is that why you fell for my brother, Sam?"

"Oh--" Samantha said, looking as though she was thinking hard how to reply, "--I guess? Or part of it, anyway. Mostly I fell for him because he's really cute." Here she squeezed his cheek, making him and those partaking dinner with them laugh.

Not done with that, Samantha turned to Marissa and Carmela and said, "I guess he got that from Senator Galvez too?"

"That's true!" Carmela replied, smiling. "Papa is very handsome."

Marissa scoffed affectionately. "You know, I wouldn't have married him if that wasn't the case."

Samantha placed her hand on top of Marissa's and told her, "I guess good taste in men is something we share then, Tita."

"That we do, hija," Marissa said, smiling at Samantha. "That, we do."  

-

Xander watched Samantha say something that made Marissa Galvez laugh.

All in all, their first family dinner was really a success - despite his nerves, despite his worries.

All because of Samantha.

What an amazing woman his wife was.

Someone placed a hand on his arm. Xander turned, and caught Carmela also looking at Samantha and their mother while they talked. After a few moments she said, "I think Mama really adores Sam, Xander. You did well in marrying her - even if we haven't been invited to the actual wedding." She sniffed.

Xander looked down at his feet. "Sorry about that, Ate. I wasn't thinking straight. I was such in a rush to marry her, you see," he replied, "before someone else can come and snag her away from me."

"I don't know if such a person exists," Carmela said, squeezing his arm. "She seems to really love you too. I can tell by the way she looks at you."

"You really think so?" he asks, feeling abashed, all of a sudden.

"Well she married you, didn't she?" Carmela replied, chuckling.

Xander smiled. "I guess I'm just really lucky that despite everything we went through in life, all the hardships and pain... we eventually found our way to each other." He turned wistful as he remembered. "It's funny how life works, sometimes."

His sister turned to him, frowning slightly. "What do you mean? I thought you met through mutual friends?"

"Well, yes but..." He laughed. "Honestly it's... a little more complicated than that."


xvii.

How dare him!

Samantha tossed and turned on her bed. The feelings of agitation and annoyance pulled at her, made her restless and, ultimately, unable to sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, Xander's stark disappointment - and his even sharper words - echoed in her ears, which only served to further heighten her anger.

I can't always be looking out for you, so stop acting like a child, Samantha. Stop being so reckless!

She sat on her bed and hugged herself.

You really think you'll be able to save Ana? You can't. You would have only made trouble for yourself - and Tantan, too! 

Samantha bit her lip. It was always better to be mad than to be sad, she thought. Anyway she had every right to be angry now; they misconstrued that afternoon's events to be solely her fault, when all the while it was Ana's brother who thought of searching for Ana by themselves in the first place. But did they ever blame Tantan? No, of course not! Xander and Yvonne only looked at her as the person responsible. They only focused on her, painted her as thoughtless and good-for-nothing.

A tear rolled down her cheek and she wiped it away, fuming.

Xander had been so supportive of her these past few weeks during moments when she least expected him to be, and now--

Now it seemed that the truth was out. He - like every one else - really thought she was useless. Pathetic.

A burden.  

Samantha stood from her bed, approached her window, and looked out - without really focusing on anything.

Why do you seem to be so affected, Miss Samantha? Before you really didn't care about what others would say about you, but now, with Xander--

She took a deep breath. 

Because other people didn't really try to talk to her, did they? Never made the effort to reach out. They didn't make her feel encouraged, like she could be someone dependable or useful or capable like Ana was--

But that was also a lie. Xander never really did think she was any of those things. He'd said so himself:

You really think you'll be able to save Ana?

You can't.

She steeled himself.

Fine, then! Let that man think whatever he wanted about her. Not like she cared.

It was easy to fall back to her old habits of not caring for others, anyway.

Except for her mother, and her sister obviously.

And Xander?

Well.

He can just go to hell.  
 

xviii.

She was about to get herself some water when someone knocked on their front door.

Thinking it was the police bearing updates on the situation, Samantha hurried to open it - only to find Xander there.

"Sam," he said before she could even greet him. "Why are you up?" He stepped closer, placed a hand on her forehead as if checking her temperature. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine," she replied, gently removing his hand before stepping back. "I'm okay. I took some medicine before I slept last night so I'm feeling much better."

"Are you sure?" he asked, still looking concerned.  

"Yes, I'm sure," Samantha said with a slight smile. "Anyway, knowing that Ana is back home and safe again really helped my recovery, too." She crossed her arms and said, "It's weird, isn't it? After all our efforts, it's still Ana who managed to come home by herself. My sister's... really something else."

She couldn't help the pride and awe in her words. After all, had it been her in Ana's situation, she was certain she would've already ended up dead - or even worse than dead, given Salvador's history.

"Well, she did get help from Miranda," Xander pointed out. "So that's something we should be thankful for."

"Yeah," she said. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Every part of her rebelled against working with Gael's mother, but if that was what her sister wanted...

Then she noticed that Xander was carrying a bag and said, "Wait, I'll call Ana."

"What for?" he asked, before she could even turn away.

"Because you're here to visit her," Samantha said, frowning at the thought that she had to state the obvious. "Right?" She gestured at the paper bag and said, "You even brought her something."

"--Ah," he said, blinking at his own gift. "This... isn't for Ana, Sam." After a beat he said, "It's for you."

Samantha stared at him, feeling something inside her stir. "For me?"

"Well I didn't want yesterday to happen again - with you fainting on me," Xander said. "So I brought you something to make you... healthier." He lifted it higher and said, "It's a bit heavy, though, so I'll carry it for now. Where do you want me to put it?"

"O-Oh," Samantha said, still unable to reconcile that despite how badly she'd treated him in the past few days, here he was, still trying to make her feel better. "Um--"

Come to think of it, maybe she was the one who should make amends with him, in the first place?

"Xander, let's have coffee?" she asked him, feeling nervous all of a sudden as she looked at him. When he merely raised his brows in response to her offer, she added, "I-I mean not outside. Just here, in our house. Gracia brought me cake yesterday, so we can have some dessert, too. I mean, if-- if you want."

Xander smiled easily at her - and something inside her soared.

"I'd like that, Sam."


xix.

"Xander?" she called.

Odd. His car was in its usual parking spot near his house, which told her that he was home. But he wasn't at his usual place in front of the store when she arrived, nor was he responding to any of her calls or texts. So, not wanting to go back home and miss their combat training, Samantha decided to walk by her lonesome to his house, which wasn't that far off, to be honest.

"Xander, are you home?" she called out when she was already in front of his house.

Considering she was already here, Samantha decided to let herself in. The gate was open, which wasn't unusual - but then she turned the knob of his front door, and found it unlocked.

Weird. Xander was usually more careful than this. He had to be, considering how dangerous their common enemy was.

Her heart began beating erratically in her chest. Could this mean-- what if...?

"Xander?" she called out again, pushing his door open and stepping inside. His sala and kitchen seemed untouched, so that meant no sort of commotion occurred there - thank goodness. Samantha exhaled in relief, then turned to see that his bedroom door was closed.

But what if-- what if...?

Trying to calm herself down, she turned the knob again, then opened the door. "Xander?"

And there the man was. Lying on his bed. Seemingly asleep.

But something seemed... wrong, about him. 

"Xander?" Samantha called, more urgently this time. She placed her bag down on the side and approached him, noticing that he had yet to give any indication that he actually heard her. From her vantage point though, it was clear as day that he wasn't feeling well.

Far from that; he was actually shaking as he slept.

"Oh my gosh," she whispered, coming to sit on his bed and checking his temperature. Finding it to be abnormally high, Samantha began feeling the first stirrings of panic. Looking around, she saw that his blanket and some pillows were haphazardly lying on the floor on the other side of the bed - he must have kicked them off himself without being aware of it, which didn't help his condition at all. Quickly she picked them up, then spread the blanket over him - the way he did when she was the one sick, just a few days ago.

But the blanket was threadbare and flimsy, and she suspected that that alone wasn't going to help warm him up. Thinking quickly, Samantha went through his closet and his drawers, but found no extra blanket or bed sheets she could lay over him.

She really ought to buy him some, Samantha thought absently, turning to study Xander again.

Maybe she should go and get him medicine? But that would mean leaving him - something she didn't want to do. Besides, giving him medicine would mean waking him up, and given his situation, he would be probably better off resting.

Samantha bit her lip. There was one thing she could do, though...

Steeling herself, she quietly removed her heels and approached the bed - then slipped right under the blanket to lie down beside him.

Immediately, as if his body knew it now had a source of warmth, Xander scooted nearer and pulled her close to him.  

With her head at level with his, she could see how fitful his sleep was. Deeply worried about him, Samantha placed her hand on his cheek - then almost withdrew it when he immediately covered it with his own.

"Xander?" she whispered. "Xander, are you awake?"

"...Sam?" he replied, his voice small and raspy. He didn't open his eyes, though - but he did turn his head to kiss her palm.

"You should have told me you weren't feeling well," she said, tears springing up to her eyes without warning. "You should have called me the moment you felt sick. I could've--"

"...cold," he said low. "S-So cold." As if to prove his words, he trembled in her arms.

Samantha pulled him even closer.

"I'm here, okay?" she told him, moving her free hand and rubbing his arms and chest vigorously. "I'm gonna help you stay warm."

"...stay?" he repeated, leaning further into her.

Knowing he wouldn't be able to understand what was happening anyway, Samantha kissed his forehead and said, "Yes. Of course."

-

The first thing he became aware of was that his head was throbbing.

The second was that he was nestled against... something. Warm and fragrant and soft.

And that apparently, his arms were wound snugly around someone.

Feeling the first stirrings of alarm, Xander opened his eyes, lifted his head - and found himself staring into Samantha's sleeping face.

He blinked.

Samantha?

Samantha was here?

How?

The last he remembered was feeling awful last night, and deciding to sleep earlier than usual so that he could be fully rested in time for their combat training today. Judging from the light streaming through his window, however, he could tell that it was very well past noon already - which meant that he missed his assignment of fetching her from the store.

Did this mean she came by to check in on him?

And that somehow she ended up on his bed, without him remembering how that could have happened?

He must really be out of it, then. 

Xander couldn't help it; this close he could study her quietly, and realized, not for the first time, just how distractingly beautiful Samantha was.

He'd always known it; but because she had been an enemy, he didn't dwell on the fact for long. But finding out that she was Ana's sister, and having spent time with her - having first hand experience of just how stubborn and loyal and protective she could be--

Xander's gaze dwelled on her mouth. Lately he'd find himself glancing at it, all while wondering what could happen if he'd just give in to his base urges and kiss her without warning.

He'd suspected she wouldn't appreciate it, as hung up on Gael as she was.

But now in her sleep, they were slightly agape; if he moved a bit forward, he could already--

He closed his eyes, angry with himself for thinking such impure thoughts. 

Samantha did not deserve to be thought of that way, he told himself.

Especially not by someone who'd called himself her friend.

He must really be sick, Xander thought, if he couldn't even control himself like this.

Careful so as to not disturb her sleep, Xander began pulling his arms away. Except he must really be holding on to her tightly, because by then she started to stir.

Xander halted his movements, but now she was turning to the other side and burrowing her back deeper into his front - still very much asleep.

...Ah, he thought, placing his head back on the pillow. It'd be a shame to wake her up now. Besides, with her in such deep slumber, it might not hurt for him to go back to sleep himself. Deciding to forego his earlier decision to pull away, he put his hands on top of her arms - a relatively safer location - before she pulled them and placed them over her stomach herself.

Xander sighed.

All in all he was... feeling much, much better, thanks to Samantha's efforts - whatever they were. 

He just wished he could explain this to her without causing any discomfort between them, when she awoke.  

But, for now--

He placed his forehead near the crook of her neck, inhaled deeply. His hands stroked her stomach through her blouse - as if of their own accord. 

For now he would rest well - with her in his arms.

Explanations between them could wait, anyway.


xx.

Despite her response, Xander still felt the urge to check whether or not she was truly fine. He placed both hands on her shoulders and asked, "You're sure?"

"We need to find Ana," she told him, even as her eyes strayed towards the man who moments ago was just pursuing her - the man Xander had just killed. "She's-- she went after the other guy and we-- we--"

"Breathe, Samantha," he said gently, noticing that she was beginning to tremble. The urge to draw her into his arms was strong, but he fought it; she might not appreciate the gesture, anyway. "It's okay. I'm here. I'll protect you." He squeezed her shoulder. 

A part of him regretted putting that much bullet into the man now dead by their feet, and letting her see his own brutality; but knowing that the goon was armed, and literally seconds away from harming Samantha--

Well.

There was no use mulling over that now. 

"Should we--" Samantha said, already looking away. "Should we separate s-so we can cover more ground? Or--"

"No," he said swiftly. Letting her out of his sight was out of the question, and a suggestion he wouldn't even entertain. Instead he told her, "Stay with me. We'll look for Ana together."

"Okay," she replied, looking relieved. "Okay."

Giving her a one last lookover - more to assure himself that she was truly fine - Xander took her hand and began leading her forward.

Finding Ana was their shared goal, he knew.

But protecting Samantha, to him, came first.


xxi.

"Kuya Xander, you're really the best at cooking," Tantan said with a grin - and, as if to punctuate that statement, he burped out loud.

Those around the dining table laughed.

Emy hit him upside the head and said, "Jeez, Tantan! Where are your manners?"

"It's fine," Xander said, slinging his arm over the back of Samantha's chair. "Knowing that you all enjoyed the meal I brought means a lot to me." 

"I didn't know you can cook!" Ana mock-scolded him. She wiped Baby JR's mouth before spooning some baby food into him again. "How come you never cooked for us before?" 

Samantha shot a fond look at her husband before grinning at her sister. "He really doesn't look like he could. Right?"

"Your sister's been enjoying everything I've prepared for her for a while now," Xander told Ana, "and still she seems really baffled that I'm great at it." After a pause he added, "It's a good thing I love her, or else--"

"Or else what?" Samantha demanded, lifting a brow.

Xander mimed zipping his mouth - then winked at her.

Samantha rolled her eyes and said to the group, "Anyway. I couldn't let him be the only one bringing food over for today, so I baked us some desserts." 

"You can bake, Ate Sam?" Tantan asked, his expression halfway towards horrified. 

She stood from her seat and replied airily, "Duh. As if it's hard?" And she headed to the kitchen to retrieve the dessert.

"They're delicious. I guarantee you'll enjoy them." And Xander stood to assist his wife.

"It's a good thing Sam hasn't burned their house yet," Emy joked, after making sure that she couldn't be heard by the couple. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if in the near future, she does."  

Tantan turned to her and said, "That's what I'm thinking, too!"

They exchanged hi-fives.

Ana shook her head at the two and said, "Don't be too harsh on Ate. It seems like she's just trying to be a good wife to Xander, at any rate." 

"I still find it weird that they got married, honestly," Emy said, wrinkling her nose. "Especially considering just how different they are."

"Well, they did say opposites attract," Tantan said, crossing his arms. "Although Ate Sam did change a lot, I'll give her that. Remember just how awful she was before?"

"I try not to, for my own peace of mind," Emy replied magnanimously. "But, yeah, she was the worst."

"Stop that. It's all in the past now," Ana admonished them. "Anyway, it seems like they're happy together, and that's all that should matter to us." Smiling a bit at her child, she added, "They deserve it."

Just then, Samantha came into the dining area - with Xander close behind her, as always. "Here they are," she said with a flourish, placing a plate in front of Ana and the others. "My specialty - coffee cupcakes with creme brulee topping."

Tantan frowned at what - to him - seemed nothing more than burnt bread molded to look like cupcakes, with some sort of lumpy liquid covering it. "What's this?"

Emy hit his arm and said, "Weren't you listening? They're-- uh, cupcakes. Expensive sounding cupcakes, too." But even she was looking at the desserts with more trepidation than interest.

"They look good, Ate." Ever supportive, Ana took one and placed it on her plate.

"Thanks, Ana," Samantha said, looking very pleased. "You all should get one immediately before Xander finishes them himself. He already swiped one when we were in the kitchen even when I told him to wait." She took a napkin from the table, then reached up to wipe something off the side of his mouth.

Xander laughed. "Can you blame me? They're my favorite."

"Such a slob," Samantha teased him, shaking her head. "It's a good thing I love you, or else."

Emy and Tantan exchanged glances. Then, they each took one from the plate - and bit into them.

They were all quiet for a solid ten seconds.

"Well?" Samantha prompted.

"They're--" Tantan abruptly choked, and Emy took it upon herself to hit his back repeatedly to help him.

"Good!" Emy said, forcing out a smile Samantha's way. "They're... um, different from my usual taste? But in a... good... expensive way."

Samantha leaned back on her chair and grinned at them. "Thanks."

"See?" Xander said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I told you they'll love them. You didn't have anything to worry about, after all." He then took another from the plate and bit into it without choking - much to Tantan and Emy's disbelief.

In fact, he really did seem to enjoy it.

"You're not eating any, Ate?" Ana said, taking some of the cupcake and feeding it to JR - who abruptly spat it out. 

"Oh," Samantha said. "No. I'm on a diet. I mean I have to be, or else I would've gained like two hundred pounds by now - all thanks to Xander." 

"So that's why you don't know how bad they taste..." Tantan said under his breath.

"What's that?" Xander asked.

"N-Nothing!" the boy replied quickly. "I said the cupcakes taste as good as they look. Right, Ate Emy?"

"Suuuuure," she replied faintly. "They're so yummy I might just need to wrap mine and take it home with me to... savor later."

"Oh, there's no need," Samantha said. "I've left another batch of cupcakes in the refrigerator so Mom can also enjoy some later, when she gets home."

"...yaaaay," Tantan said, exchanging sullen looks with Emy.

Just then, Samantha's phone rang. Glancing at it, she said, "It's Gracia. I need to take this. Excuse me." And out into the gardens she went.

"Business?" Ana asked Xander. 

He shrugged. "Most likely. They've been trying to get more investors as far as I know." Absently, Xander took another cupcake and bit into it.

Unable to stand it any longer, Tantan said, "Kuya Xander, are you seriously eating more?"

"Yes?" he replied, brows knitted together. "Is there any problem?"

"Well it doesn't really taste go--"

Emy covered Tantan's mouth and said, "Tantan means to say that it tastes really... unique. Right, Tantan?"

Tantan removed Emy's hand and said, "No, I meant to say it doesn't taste good!"

"Tan," Ana admonished her brother with a frown.

"What?" he replied defensively. "It's true."

Xander stared at Tantan long enough to make the boy squirm. Then, "You know, Tantan, I believe one day you'll find a woman you'll love, and then you'll learn to appreciate everything she'll do for you - because you'll know she does them out of love."

Tantan crossed his arms. "I'd rather not if it means I get as sappy as you and Ate, or even Ate Sam who suddenly does baking!"

Xander and Ana grinned at each other. 

"Whatever you say, Tan," Ana told him.


xxii.  

"Oh, by the way, Ate Sam - Gavin left this cake for you." Tantan then slid her a plate with a piece of cake on it. 

"Gavin?" Samantha asked, her brows raised. "Natasha's son? That Gavin?" 

"Why would he be giving Sam any cake?" Xander asked, sounding equally confused. 

Tantan shrugged. "I don't know. He brought a whole cake for us yesterday, saying that he baked it himself. And then when he learned that you'd be visiting today, he told me to save you a slice, and then to tell him what you think of it."

"That's weird," Samantha commented. "I mean, it's not like we talk much. Why would he care about my opinion on anything?"

Emy suggested slyly, "Maybe he has a crush on you, Sam?"

"What?" Samantha replied. "Seriously?"

Xander grimaced. "I do hope he's aware that Sam's already married."

Ana laughed. "Easy, Xander. Even if it's true, he's just a kid with a crush."

"Just a crush on a married woman," Xander insisted, crossing his arms. "It should be illegal."

Samantha rolled her eyes at Ana. "Well I think it's cute," she said to her husband. "And harmless. Besides, if this means I get free cakes, then I don't see any harm in it."

Xander grunted. 

She pulled the plate closer to her. "Red Velvet, though," Samantha said. "In fairness, he knows what my favorite flavor is."



xxiii.

"Tita Carlotta texted me," Xander said, just after they've eaten their dinner.

Samantha paused. Now there's a name she hadn't thought about in a long while. "Oh? What did she say?"

Xander lowered his cup of tea and said, "She's inquiring if it's true - that we're married."

She looked away, feeling embarrassed. "Tita must feel completely surprised by that, considering the last time she saw us in the same room, it was when I brought the news that she's suing Ana to you."

As always, the depths of how low she went just to hurt Ana continued to haunt her, make her feel ashamed of herself - even if she'd rationalized before that her actions were all because of her love for Gael.

What a selfish, cruel person she had been.

Samantha shook her head slightly as if to ward off those thoughts. "What did you tell her?" she prompted him.

"That it is true - that we got married because we fell in love." Xander took her hand and smiled at her.

"Oh my god, Tita must be in shock by now," Samantha told him, only half-kidding. "I mean, you're you and I'm-- well. She only knows me as the spoiled, self-entitled, bratty daughter of Senator Del Mundo, who demanded a lot of things from her for my own benefit, regardless of its effects on anyone."

"Then take this opportunity to change her mind," Xander replied, stroking her palm with his thumb. "Show her that you've become caring, responsible, and kind - the complete opposite of who you were as a Del Mundo."

"I doubt she'll want to hear that," she said. "Maybe she'll try to tell you that you've made a huge mistake by marrying me. That you'd be better off without me."

Here she started to pull away, but Xander held on. "Then she'd be wrong," he told her, cupping her cheek with his other hand. "Sam, everyday I spent with you has been nothing but amazing. And I don't need to prove that to Tita Carlotta - or to anyone else."

Samantha covered his hand with her own. "How do you do that?" she asked him softly. "How is it that you can make me feel instantly better? Like I can do anything because you believe in me."

"Because you can," Xander told him. "You've already changed so much, Sam - and all for the better. And I can't wait for everyone to realize just how beautiful you truly are."