Page 69 of Pain

"He told you that? Hmm, did he mention how much he likes it too?" Xander laughed.

"Don't give away my secrets," Matt suddenly said from behind Xander.

"I didn't know loving ice cream was a secret." Xander turned.

"It is when Faith wants it all the time and I have to tell her no. If she knows how much I love it, she'll use it against me."

Xander winked at Faith. "You wouldn't do that, would you?"

"Maybe." Faith laughed.

Xander glanced back at Matt. "You had to come in?"

"For a few hours. Carter had an issue he needed help with on the computer. I think we know what we need to do, but it's going to be a few more hours. You got any plans?"

Xander shook his head.

"Do you mind keeping Faith company for a bit? I know Becca has to get into work soon."

Becca nodded. "In an hour."

"I don't mind at all, if Faith is okay with it. I can take her downstairs and show her the game room."

Becca laughed, looking at Faith. "Don't get him started on video games. You'll be there all day."

"Is there a lot of games?" Faith asked.

"Tons, from pinball, to arcade games, to pool, and then a collection of video games they've all collected."

"I want to see. Can I, Dad?"

Matt grinned. "Are you okay alone with Xander?"

"Of course." She rolled her eyes as if it was a stupid question.

Xander was shocked how easily she trusted him. They'd talked a lot, but he'd seen how she reacted around other people. She clung to Matt and withdrew the moment anyone else tried to interact with her, especially men.

"Then, by all means, go play. I'll be right down the hall if you need me. You can come up and knock on the door anytime." Matt bent and kissed Faith on the head.

"Thanks." Faith stood up.

Matt gripped Xander's shoulder. "Thank you."

Xander met his stare, holding it for a moment. "You're welcome." He got up, ignoring the urge to hug Matt, and turned to Faith instead. "Come on. Let's find out what kind of gamer you are." He led her downstairs.

He was glad they kept the place clean. Usually, it was just the guys down there, having a few beers and playing Mortal Kombat. Oddly, Bryon had a bunch of games for younger kids too. He'd never thought about it before, but as he turned on the lights and glanced at the game cases on the bookshelf, there were a lot that would be perfect for Faith.

"So, did you have fun on your trip?" Faith flopped down in a beanbag.

"I did," he lied, not about to tell her how fucked up the whole thing had been. "I went with a couple of guys that work here with your dad and me. You'll meet them soon."

She nodded. "Dad says everyone here is really nice. I like Becca."

"Me too." Xander turned on the TV. "Do you want to look and see if there's a game you like or know how to play?"

"Sure." She went over and looked through the cases, finally pulling one out and setting it on the coffee table before stepping back.

Xander didn't miss how she kept her distance from him. She might be okay with his company, but she wasn't okay with contact or closeness. He made a mental note to keep his distance, so he didn't freak her out.