4

Xander's eyes never left Charlie's face, drinking in the delicate features. His chest swelled, as if his heart would burst free.

A mix of emotions swirled within him:

Relief: After 500 years, his search was over.

Longing: To claim Charlie, to hold him close.

Wonder: At Charlie's ethereal beauty.

Gratitude: For this chance at love.

Xander's gaze traced Charlie's profile, committing every curve to memory. His fangs ached, longing to taste Charlie's sweetness.

Tenderness washed over him, a foreign yet welcome sensation. He yearned to shield Charlie from harm.

Possessiveness stirred, a primal urge to mark Charlie as his.

Xander's hands trembled, restraint necessary to prevent him from sweeping Charlie into his arms.

His eyes burned with unshed tears, gratitude and joy mingling.

For the first time in centuries, Xander felt complete.

Charlie's eyes met Xander's, and he felt the weight of the vampire's gaze. It was as if Xander saw beyond the facade, into the depths of his soul.

Charlie's heart skipped a beat. No one had ever looked at him with such intensity, such longing.

Fear and curiosity entwined within him. Fear of the unknown, of Xander's power and nature. Curiosity about the emotions swirling in those piercing eyes.

Charlie's breath hitched as Xander's gaze roamed over his face, lingering on his lips. He felt exposed, vulnerable.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, a spark of connection flickered to life. Charlie sensed Xander's loneliness, his deep-seated desire for connection.

For the first time, Charlie saw his new "daddy" not as a master, but as a complex, multifaceted being.

His thoughts swirled:

What drove Xander's longing?

Could he trust this vampire?

Would Xander's love be a prison or a sanctuary?

Charlie's eyes dropped, his lashes veiling his thoughts. But Xander's gaze remained, a gentle caress that left him breathless.

Xander's voice, low and soothing, broke the silence. "Baby, what's your name?"

Charlie's eyes fluttered up, meeting Xander's gentle gaze. "C-Charlie," he stammered.

Xander's lips curved into a warm smile. "Charlie," he whispered, the name rolling off his tongue like a prayer. He found Charlie's hesitant response adorable, sparking a deep affection within him.

As they spoke, their voices intertwined, creating a symphony of connection. Xander felt relief wash over him, knowing Charlie was beginning to open up.

"Your name suits you perfectly," Xander said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Charlie's eyes never left Xander's face. He sensed sincerity in Xander's words, and a fragile thread of trust began to weave between them.

"Charlie, you're safe now," Xander whispered, his breath caressing Charlie's skin. The promise filled Charlie with comfort, and he longed to believe in this vampire's words.

Xander's gratitude swelled, thankful for this chance at love. As he gazed at Charlie, adoration filled his heart, drawn to Charlie's vulnerability.

Charlie's curiosity piqued, wondering about Xander's emotions and intentions. Xander, too, pondered how to ease Charlie's fears and show him love.

Their shared gaze forged an unspoken bond, a connection that transcended words. Charlie's thoughts swirled: What does he mean by 'safe'? Can I truly trust him?

Xander's thoughts mirrored Charlie's: How can I ease his fears? How can I show him love?

As they stood there, the silence between them transformed into a gentle understanding.