The Dirt And Dust of Countless Ages by Jen (R)

[hermitsoul]

Fandom:  BUFFY
Pairing: Xander/Andrew
Author on LJ: jenoofer
Author Website: subdued
Why this must be read: 

If you only read one Xander/Andrew fic this should be the one.  You may have seen it recced elsewhere because really - it is that good.  In this fic we get to see the mature, weary adult Xander has grown in to.  His feelings for Andrew start off mired in anger and hate but slowly grow into a kind of friendship and then possibly more.  It isn't until the world doesn't end that he realizes it is time to figure out where things go now. 

When they were kids, Willow gave Xander a kaleidoscope for his birthday. He’d hold it up to the light and keep turning it, so the colours kept changing and cycling. Watching Andrew is like watching a human kaleidoscope. It takes just the slightest distraction to turn him and make him change. It’s probably just a short attention span, Xander decides, but it’s like meeting an entirely different Andrew.

Xander remembers the hunted-look he saw on the guy’s face earlier, the punished figure standing awkwardly in just a green towel, and thinks Andrew is either the greatest actor he’s ever seen, or just far too used to punishment.

The Dirt And Dust of Countless Ages: chapter one
Jen's memories: chapters two - epilogue

Comments

[justaminuteaway.livejournal.com]

Oh man, I so forgot about this fic! Thanks so much for reminding me, it was one of the first ones I read in Buffy fandom. Andrew and Xander are just...aw.

[hermitsoul]

In a way they really are perfect for each other aren't they? This is the story that convinced me the pairing could actually work. I love finding old favorites again so glad I could be of help!