The Arrangement

By Esmeralda

Part Eleven

A smoky haze curled around them as they made their way to the top of the stairwell. The dimly lit club was two-tiered, with the bar and dance floor on the lower level. Xander had to keep remembering to close his mouth as he stared around him. The music blaring out through the sound system was loud and heavy, with a deep thumping backbeat; it didn't stop a pair of demons slow-dancing to it. At least Xander *thought* they were slow-dancing. This was evidently an 'anything goes' kind of a club.

Some of Xander's tension dissipated as he picked out his lover amongst the crowd. Spike was bounding down the stairs heading for the bar. Angel and Xander followed him. With a distinct lack of subtlety, Spike got the bartender's attention and a slender copper-skinned demon hurried over to serve them. Spike ordered the first round. Angel - with an air of world-weary resignation - paid for them.

Xander accepted the glass handed to him and glanced around wide-eyed and wary. He was trying hard not to freak out, not that the clientele were paying him any attention, but rubbing shoulders with demons certainly got the old adrenaline pumping. Everywhere he looked there were horns, scales and slime. There were a handful of human faces, Xander assumed they were vampires. He peered past Angel to watch as a grey nobbly-skinned demon downed a glass of viscous red liquid.

"Please tell me that was a Bloody Mary," Xander whispered to Spike.

The blond vampire shrugged. "The blood parts right," he grinned evilly, "don't know about her name being Mary though." Xander paled. "Demon club, pet. Serves pretty much anything or anyone." Spike leaned in closer, his lips brushing Xander's ear. "Relax, luv. No-one will lay a finger on you." Xander gulped a mouthful of his drink, and blinked in surprise. As a rule he disliked alcohol - the smell was too reminiscent of his Uncle's sour breath. However, this wasn't like anything he'd tried before, it was sweet and extremely moreish. He took another large mouthful.

Spike smiled at him. "A 'Spike special'. You might want to sip it a bit slower, pet, it packs quite a punch. Two or three of them and you'll be ready for anything." The vampire's leer left no doubt as to what he meant.

Xander felt the tips of his ears burning with embarrassment. A feeling which increased ten-fold when Spike leaned in and kissed him. "What?" Spike asked, seeing Xander's expression. "There's a no necking in public rule? Sod that." The vampire grabbed Xander kissing him long and hard. Xander resisted....for about half a heartbeat.....then the cool seduction of Spike's kiss drew him in. Somehow, he managed to hold onto his drink. Spike finally released him and Xander sank back against the bar, still flushed, but now for a very different reason.

"Spike." Angel's voice was equal parts exasperation and mild warning.

"Piss off," said Spike cheerfully. "You could do with a good kiss yourself. I've known rotting corpses less stiff than you." He turned to look at Xander. "Kiss him."

Xander choked on a mouthful of drink. "Wha-what?"

"K i s s h i m," Spike repeated slowly, indicating Angel with the tilt of his head.

"Leave the youth alone, Spike." Angel looked irritated and uncomfortable.

He was used to his Childe's games. That didn't mean he liked them.

Spike's expression implied he was considering whether or not to push his luck. Eventually he gave an indifferent shrug and turned his back on them both. Xander stood unhappily between the vampires. These two were together? Bedtimes must be a whole lot of fun. That thought drew Xander's mind onto other related topics...such as where the night was heading. If he couldn't even bring himself to *kiss* Angel, what hope was there for the rest of the evening's plans?

Xander peered sideways at a glowering Angel. (Okay, time for a little honesty here. Do I find him attractive?) Xander gave his head a tiny shake in self-disgust. (Well, duh. Just a bit.) In truth, Xander was a touch alarmed by how eagerly his body was tuning itself into Angel's physical charms.

It wasn't so much that he was attracted to someone other than Spike. Xander knew that this attraction was different. He liked Angel, but this was lust pure and simple. With Spike there was still the lust factor - *was there ever* - but there were also other deeper forces at work. Xander hadn't yet found the courage to face them. Nonetheless, he knew that they were there.

No, the faint stirrings of panic arose from the revelation that another guy could turn him on. Xander could no longer put his attraction to Spike down to a one-off freaky occurrence. Xander let his gaze drift over to the one human-looking woman in the room. She was raven haired, with a red dress split down the back and the front and pretty much everywhere else. Whenever she moved she revealed a reasonable amount of creamy white skin. Xander focused on her and found to his dismay that while he could appreciate her...er...attributes, they did nothing for him. No fire hot flashes darted through his body, there was no sudden tightening in his groin. Nothing, zip, nada. It was like looking at a double chocolate fudge sundae - fantastic but not remotely erotic. In fact ice cream turned him on more than this.

Xander turned back to face the bar and downed the rest of his drink in one gulp. It seemed that his mind, body and emotions had finally meshed and it was going to be the guy thing that did it for him. The jury was still out over whether or not it was only a dead-guy thing. Okay, he could handle. He'd fought demons, battled vampires and even assisted in averting the odd apocalypse or two. He wasn't about to get all torn up over falling in love with a....

Xander's mind froze. He took a few deep shuddering breaths and ran through that last part again.

He loved Spike.

Strangely, it wasn't that much of a shock. Perhaps because on some level he had already known and accepted it. Xander tried to reassure himself. Was it such a terrible thing? At least now he knew that he *could* fall in love and that he wasn't missing some vital part. So, okay, he'd chosen to lose his heart to an evil soulless vampire......

Xander winced. This might be bad. What did he want to do about it? He looked at Spike. The blond vampire had turned to face the dance floor and was nodding his head vigorously in time to the music. Spike had shifted back into his human visage and his blue eyes gleamed with an intense energy. Xander felt a warmth settle in his chest. What did he want to do about it? - Nothing. *Not a thing*. He was the happiest he'd ever been and if he could avoid messing this up he'd hang on to it for as long as it lasted.

"What's the dozy grin for?" Spike asked.

"Hmm. Oh, nothing." (A few life altering revelations. No biggie.)

"Good. You can come and dance then."

"Wha-?"

Spike plucked the empty glass out of Xander's fingers and dragged him out onto the dance floor. Xander went reluctantly (Okay, now *this* is terrifying.) "Look, I'm really not much of a mover and a shaker. Maybe Angel-"

"-doesn't dance," said Spike. "Unless you count that slow nancy stuff." The vampire grinned wickedly. "Or a waltz. He does a great waltz."

Xander stood rigidly, feeling increasingly stupid as demons stomped and gyrated around him, arms, legs and miscellaneous appendages flailing wildly. Spike stepped up close. "You can dance," he said softly. "I saw you, at that place your lot hangs out in."

"The Bronze?"

"Yeah, that's the spot. You were dancing with the Slayer and the Witch, the first time I saw you."

"You noticed me?" Xander's voice rose in surprise.

Spike's eyes narrowed. "I notice lots of stuff." He indicated around them with a nod of his head. "They don't care what you look like. They don't care if I dance with you or tear out your living heart. They're lost in their own little worlds." Spike wrapped leather-clad arms around Xander's waist and pulled the youth hard against him. "So are we," he whispered softly.

Xander shivered and melted against his lover. The music seemed to fade around him as he inhaled the musky scent of leather, smoke and Spike. "Eau d'Spike," he said.

Spike rumbled in wordless approval and nibbled Xander's ear. They moved slowly, rocking against each other. Spike sought out his lover's lips and they kissed deeply. No one intruded into their private piece of the dance floor. Some recognised Spike for what he was and stayed well clear, the others tuned into their wariness and followed suit.

Alone and equally undisturbed, Angel marked out his time at the bar. He still nursed his first drink as he watched his Childe dancing with Xander. The depth and intensity of this unexpected union continued to surprise him. He wondered if Spike realised yet just how deeply he'd fallen. Angel recognised the signs, he knew his Childe well. Spike was in love.

Some might argue that such an emotion was beyond the capabilities of a soulless creature. Angel knew better. Vampires possessed all the emotions of their human counterparts - anger, hate, pain, suffering, longing and loneliness. They could feel love, albeit it a darker kind. Admittedly, some vampires had a limited capacity for such a complex sentiment. Most minions were little more than brutish killers incapable of any but the most stunted emotions.

Spike wasn't like that. He exalted in his demonic nature but he was much more than a savage killer. The blond vampire would be revolted by the very idea, but Angel often felt Spike was more 'human' than some of the so-called humans he'd encountered during his long existence. This didn't mean that Angel wasn't seriously worried about this current situation. Angel was concerned for Xander, but short of staking Spike - which he couldn't do - there was no way of making Spike surrender his claim.

As for Xander. Angel was pleased that the enmity no longer existed between them but he wasn't fool enough to think that this meant they were now best friends. Any suggestions he might make that Xander would be better staying away from Spike would undoubtedly be greeted with hostility and suspicion. Besides which, who was to say his fears were well-founded? Spike was in love with Xander and Angel had a pretty good notion that the feeling was mutual. It was bizarre and crazy and dangerous, that didn't mean it couldn't work. He'd borne witness to some pretty strange stuff in two-and-a-half centuries, maybe he should just stand back and let The Powers That Be handle this one?

He could still keep an eye on Spike, there was no harm in that; monitoring his wayward Childe was almost second nature. Angel watched as things heated up - the kisses growing increasingly frantic. Spike's hands disappeared beneath Xander's shirt and Angel turned away. He could keep an eye on Spike without being a voyeur.

--------------------

Angel wasn't alone for long. Spike and Xander finally returned from the dance floor. Xander was flushed, his shirt hanging half open.

Spike was clearly impatient to be under way. "Drink up, peaches. We're off."

Angel waved his empty glass and the blond vampire nodded and turned to go. As they prepared to leave a scaly demon with intensely bad breath barrelled into Xander, sending the youth hurtling back against the bar. He struck it with an 'oof' and fell to the floor. Angel helped him up. Spike was otherwise engaged, driving the demon's scaly face into the top of the bar. Spike's yellow eyes promised further violence. "Bethfer janog," he snarled.

Xander looked questioningly at Angel, who stood by dispassionately. "He's demanding an apology," Angel translated. The older vampire slipped into his true face and he looked down at the squirming demon. "Megesh naroc." (I suggest you make one.)

The demon eyes bulged as he realised the nature of his attacker. "Beja, beja," he cried in a muffled voice, his lips mashed against the bar.

"Pushka dejoina vampirae. Jula beja. Kindela mee."

Spike grinned savagely. "He says he's sorry, pet. He'd no idea you were the consort of a vampire."

Xander blinked (consort?)

"He's very sorry," Spike continued, "and he begs you to let him live." Spike looked wholly indifferent to the idea. "Up to you, luv. Shall I kill him?"

"What? No!" Xander exclaimed. He looked down at the demon who was beginning to turn a peculiar shade of orange. "Let him go. I..I accept his apology." It was surprisingly easy to be magnanimous when your vampire lover was grinding your 'attackers' face into the Formica.

Spike looked disappointed but he released the demon, spinning the creature around and using a well-placed boot to send it flying back toward the dance floor. "Right, let's go." He grabbed Xander's arm and walked off toward the exit.

A thoughtful looking Angel followed them.

Part Twelve

Spike watched Xander closely. He could feel the tension surrounding his lover and it bothered the vampire more than he cared to admit. Perhaps he should have let the lad have another couple of drinks? It didn't help that he wasn't exactly in a peachy mood himself. The incident outside the store had shaken him, serving as an unwanted reminder of his current vulnerable state. Spike shoved the thought aside. This was temporary. He would get this flamin' device out of his head and then the world had better look out. The lone wolf would be on the prowl and out for blood - literally.

Consoled by that thought and warmed by the memory of the fear on the demon's face, Spike's mood improved. He kept his gaze locked on his lover. Xander looked good. Dru had always looked great in red. Xander looked even better. Angel didn't look bad either. Spike smirked and complemented himself on his taste. Yep, the rest of the night promised to be a lot of fun.

His grin faded slightly. Except the night would never get off the bloody ground if he couldn't get these two to lighten up a bit. Brood-youth had that soddin' morose look which meant he was thinking hard about something and Xander looked like he might bolt at any moment. Spike was mystified. He'd never understood why any one bothered to get all worked up over sex. Why couldn't they just go with it?

The vampire moved closer to Xander, draping an arm across the youth's shoulders. "Alright, pet?"

"Fine," said Xander, sounding anything but.

Spike frowned. "You know you don't have to do this?" (...and I can't believe I'm saying this...) "We can call it a night if you want."

Xander's gaze flickered nervously onto Angel, who'd overtaken them and was walking several paces ahead. "I want to...I just.....I mean..." Xander's voice trailed off and he stared down at the ground miserably.

"You know, some people would give their right arm for a threesome with me and the poof," said Spike a touch peevishly. Here he was, anticipating an evening of explosive sex and his lover was acting as though he was about to go three rounds with a bloody Oenan.

Xander looked at him, wide-eyed. "Th-threesome?"

Spike snorted. "You don't think I'd let hair-youth 'have at you' all by himself do you." Spike looked hard at Xander. "Bleedin' hell you did!"

"I...I" Xander was lost for words.

Spike didn't know whether to laugh or kill something. He stopped and pulled the startled youth toward him. "You are *mine*. No one touches you without my say so," he said fiercely.

Xander's dark eyes glittered. Something about the way Spike said 'mine' sent a violent thrill shuddering through his body. He wrapped his arms around the vampire's hard body and slowly brushed his lips over Spike's. The vampire stiffened and then responded to the gentle assault, a cold tongue flickering across Xander's lips. Xander let the icy velvet probe his mouth, stealing the bloodheat from his body.

They ended the kiss by mutual consent, slowly drawing back to look at one another. Something unspoken passed between them and Spike silently took Xander's hand as they walked after Angel.

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Xander sat alone on Angel's couch trying to unravel the cold knot of fear coiled inside his stomach. He was apprehensive of what was about to happen but he was more afraid that he would somehow mess this up. He wanted this so badly. He wanted *Spike* so badly. It was an ache, a craving - one that haunted his every waking moment and pursued him relentlessly through his dreams. Now he was finally close to obtaining what he most wanted and he was filled with misgivings.

What if he couldn't do this? Would Spike leave him for someone he could have?....Someone like Angel, who wasn't human and for whom the implant wasn't a consideration.

He had accepted that his lover and Angel were intimate but Xander didn't know any more than that. In truth, he'd been afraid to ask and now he was terrified to find out. They undoubtedly had years of intimacy between them. What did they want with him? How could he possibly compete with several lifetimes of experience?

Spike and Angel had wandered off into the kitchen to feed. Xander had heard his lover complaining bitterly - presumably another rant about the disgusting nature of animal blood. He'd turned down Angel's offer of food, not sure that his stomach could handle it. The tension that had faded after the kiss in the alleyway was returning in force. Xander rubbed damp palms against his trousers.

He heard noises from the vicinity of the bathroom, evidently the vampires had decided blood breath was not a good idea. Xander's stomach lurched as they appeared and he leapt up from the couch - almost falling back down as his balance faltered. Spike was beside him in an instant. Angel slowly came over to stand by them.

Xander could feel his heart thudding against his rib cage, a tumultuous excitement doing battle with his nerves. Angel stepped closer. Xander felt suffocated, the air around him seemed thick and cloying. He pulled at his collar, tugging it away from his throat.

"It's alright, Xander."

Angel's voice startled him and Xander looked at the vampire blinking stupidly. Angel's expression was kind and understanding. "We don't have to do this," he said softly, echoing Spike's words.

Xander tried to find his voice. He wet his lips a few times - not missing how Angel followed the action with his eyes. "No," he forced out hoarsely. "I want to."

Angel's smiled and stroked a cold finger along the edge of Xander's jaw.

"Then relax, enjoy it." The vampire let his finger slip down to caress the delicate skin of Xander's throat. "I won't hurt you, Xander." It was a whispered promise, one that made Xander tremble with fear and longing. Angel's sibilant tones seduced him, the voice of a Master vampire. Xander felt a cold, hard body press against his back as Spike's arms encircled him from behind.

"He has a real sensitive neck," Spike informed his Sire. "For a human," he added.

"He does?" Angel sounded intrigued. The vampire lowered his head to Xander's throat.

Xander found himself tipping his head back, exposing the column of his throat to Angel's cold lips. His breath hitched as they nibbled lightly along his skin. It wasn't unpleasant, quite the reverse, Angel's lips were as cool and satiny as Spike's. Xander shuddered when an icy tongue fluttered against the pulse of his throat.

"Hmm, you like that, don't you, pet." Spike purred, and Xander felt a second pair of cold lips press against the nape of his neck, covering it in soft kisses. He swayed dizzily and two pairs of arms held him upright.The lips that teased the front of his throat moved up to nip his jaw playfully. They moved higher, placing a small feather-light kiss against the corner of his mouth. Xander moaned softly.

Angel drew back, his dark eyes held a silent question. Xander nodded. At the first touch of Angel's mouth against his own, a tremor wracked Xander's frame and he squeezed his eyes tightly shut. (I'm kissing Angel....) he thought dazedly. Then Angel's lips moved slightly and Xander hesitantly yielded to their gentle coaxing.

A cold tongue brushed his mouth, sending a further shiver through his body. Xander parted his lips slightly, jumping when the same tongue slipped inside and swirled around his mouth. Tentatively, Xander responded, brushing his tongue against Angel's. Xander tasted the tingling freshness of mint and a faint coppery tang of blood. Behind them lay the indescribable flavour of Angel - somehow warm and rich despite the unnatural coolness of the vampire's mouth.

Xander's fears faded as he lost himself in the kiss. He clutched Angel's shoulders fiercely, his fingers digging into the muscle. His eagerness fed the vampire's rising desire and the kiss became increasingly frenetic as they plundered one another's mouths.

Meanwhile, Spike was not an idle onlooker. Xander felt his lover's long cold fingers ghost beneath his shirt. The vampire's blunt nails scratched across his belly, moving upward to tug and pinch his nipples, teasing them into hardness. All the while Spike rubbed against him, like a cat demanding to be petted.

Suddenly, Xander found himself being torn from Angel's embrace. The older vampire drew his hands away instantly, as Spike spun Xander around and claimed his mouth in a bruising kiss. Xander's legs buckled beneath him and light-headed he leaned in toward his lover. As the kiss ended, he dimly heard a voice growl out "Bed", before he found himself being pulled along by two pairs of urgent hands.

Xander was half carried across the room, his legs scarcely able to support him. The vampires stripped him of his clothing as they walked. Xander almost whimpered with relief. A firestorm was raging beneath his skin and even the fragile silk of the shirt felt unbearable as it clung stickily to his chest. Spike simply tore the shirt apart, sending buttons flying across the room. Angel applied himself to the task of removing Xander's shoes, slacks and socks.

They stopped beside the bed. Xander stood, hot and dizzy, clad only in his boxers. He watched wide-eyed as the vampires removed their clothing with desperate haste. Xander's rapt gaze travelled over ivory skin and hard lean muscle, it faltered at a point just above Angel's waistline. Xander drew in a deep breath and looked down. He swallowed. It would seem that the vampire was impressively built everywhere.

Spike was through wasting time and he grabbed Xander, tumbling them both onto the bed.

Angel hung back, his hands clenched into bloodless fists.

Straddling Xander, Spike glanced over his shoulder at his Sire. The younger vampire growled softly. Angel responded to the wordless call, moving forward so quickly that to Xander's startled eyes he appeared to blur. Angel wrenched Spike's head back, devouring his Childe's lips in a savage kiss.

Pinned to the bed, Xander felt his erection twitch in response, there was something powerfully erotic in watching Spike yield to Angel's brutal claiming. Boldly, he stretched out a trembling hand and touched Angel's chest. He stroked it, fascinated by the perfect smoothness of that cold marble-like skin. He needed more.

As always, Spike appeared to anticipate what his lover wanted and the vampire loosened his grip, allowing Xander to wriggle out from under him. Xander stroked his lover's body, placing hard kisses and soft bites along the vampire's torso. He smiled as his lips tingled with the purr that resounded through Spike's body. Xander sat up and turned his attention to Angel, who was still hungrily kissing the younger vampire. Yet another advantage of not needing to pause for breath.

Xander let his gaze linger upon the broad expanse of milk-white skin. (Mine) The thought was tinged with awe. Okay, it was his....Now what to do with it? Impulsively, Xander knelt up and ran his tongue along Angel's collar bone, when he reached the fleshy muscle joint he sank his teeth in slightly.

The response was immediate. Angel released Spike with a growl and turned to look at an alarmed Xander. Gold gleamed behind the shadowed darkness of his eyes. "Again," the vampire hissed.

Xander blinked but quickly put his mouth back over the bitemark. He bit down slowly.

"Harder," Angel gasped in a strained voice.

Xander obeyed. He felt his teeth cut into the vampire's skin and he tasted salt and blood....and Angel.

When he'd bitten Spike, Xander had barely tasted the vampire's blood - diluted by the pool water it had been the faintest tingle upon his tongue. Now he kept his mouth pressed over the wound and sucked hard. Rich liquid heat burst across his tongue like an electric charge. Xander shuddered and drew harder upon the torn flesh. The blood seemed to call to him and he craved more.

Angel gave a throaty purr and gently pushed Xander way. Xander whimpered in protest. Angel silenced him with a kiss, stealing the blood back from Xander's mouth. When that kiss ended Spike initiated another, kissing Xander with such thoroughness that the youth knew he was trying to find the last traces of Angel's blood.

Finally, Spike withdrew and turned hopeful eyes upon his Sire. Xander watched as the older vampire beckoned his Childe forward. Angel stroked his finger across the already healing wound and offered the bloody digit to his Childe. It was clear that Spike would have preferred the original source. Xander had an idea that for a Childe to feed off their Sire was something of an event.

Spike didn't hesitate for long however, he darted forward and took the finger into his mouth. Cheekbones sharpened as Spike sucked upon it with evident enjoyment. Angel watched his Childe impassively, after a brief while he made to pull his finger free and Spike's lips curled back in displeasure. The younger vampire growled and Xander felt a cold chill sweep through his body as he recognised the threat in his lover's wordless utterance. Angel's eyes narrowed and he growled in response. Spike reluctantly let go and he sat back on his heels, his expression sullen.

Angel looked amused. Xander was slightly uncomfortable; Spike clearly wasn't too happy that he had been granted a privilege denied to the younger vampire. Xander looked at Angel, his eyes silently pleading. Angel frowned and then nodded. "Spike." The blond vampire hadn't seen the silent exchange and he looked up at the sound of his Sire's voice. Angel reached for Spike's hand and placed it against his chest. "Drink," he said softly. Spike's eyes widened but he quickly slipped into his game face and pressed his lips to Angel's chest.

Xander watched as thin rivulets of blood trickled down Angel's chest. He could hear the soft sounds Spike made as he fed. Spellbound, Xander dragged his finger through one bloody trail, smearing it across Angel's torso. He stared hard at the glistening scarlet coating his forefinger. It was different - actually *seeing* the blood - and it was with a vague sense of horror that Xander found himself putting the gory digit into his mouth.

Whatever revulsion he might have felt evaporated as he tasted the intoxicating elixir. It was all Xander could do not to push Spike away and drink from Angel himself. He wiped his whole hand over the thin bloody streams and eagerly brought it back up to his mouth.

Angel's eyes had drifted shut as his Childe fed from him. They re-opened slowly and he glanced across at Xander. Angel frowned and he quickly pushed Spike away. Spike made a disgruntled noise and fell back, his lips and teeth red with blood. Angel tugged Xander's hand down from his mouth and shook his head. "Best not," he said.

Xander frowned puzzled.

"There's power in it," Spike explained gently. "You can handle a bit, but too much can be dangerous, pet."

Angel brought Xander's wet palm up to his mouth and began to lathe away the remainder of the blood with his own tongue. Xander's frown vanished as a thrilled shiver stole through his body. Spike pushed back his vampiric visage and joined in, licking at the tiny droplets that dotted Xander's arm.

Even when the last of the blood was gone they continued with their impromptu tongue bath, licking his chest and belly. Xander gasped as Spike's cold tongue swirled around his navel and he was pushed back upon the bed. He couldn't have resisted if he'd wanted to.

Not that he wanted to. This was heaven.

Or perhaps it was hell? Since it was demons not seraphs who were leading him along the path of ecstasy.

Xander didn't much care at this point.

The bed proved amply big enough for three and Xander found himself placed in the middle facing Spike. Angel's tongue trailed across his back and shoulders; Spike had found his nipples and was suckling on them with the eagerness of a newborn. Xander was having difficulty breathing through the haze of pleasure that enveloped him; a myriad of sensations burning away his ability to act or think. He cried out when Spike slipped down his body and took his erection into that cold, skilful mouth.

Lost in his lover's ministrations, Xander didn't sense Angel's sudden departure, but he did feel the mattress dip slightly as the vampire returned. Cold lips covered his back and shoulders in a blanket of kisses. A voice caressed his ear. "...so beautiful. You're so beautiful. Don't be afraid, Xander..."

The voice wove a slow hypnotic spell around him as Xander thrust lazily into Spike's mouth, his fingers gripping the short blond waves. Hands smoothed over his back, gliding down to cup his buttocks. Xander tensed slightly and the hands moved upwards, coaxing the tension out of his muscles. The soft voice continued, though Xander could no longer make out the words. It formed a whispering chant, lulling him, and gradually he relaxed again.

Spike released his rigid length and suckled gently upon the velvet sac beneath, Xander uttered a sharp groan and curled his legs up toward his chest. He was too lost in the sensations Spike was creating to fully register the slick finger that slipped in between his buttock cheeks. It was only when it probed very gently at the opening to his body that Xander whimpered in protest.

Immediately Spike moved back up his body so they were face-to-face. "Here, I've got you. I've got you," the vampire murmured softly. Xander found himself being lifted and turned - cradled against Spike's chest as the blond vampire lay back against the bed.

The finger had withdrawn at Xander's small cry of alarm. Strong, oiled hands now rubbed his body, gliding over the backs of his legs, his arms, kneading his shoulders - drawing the tension out of rigid muscles. Spike found Xander's mouth and they engaged in a slow, deep kiss. This time when Angel's finger trailed down his crease Xander only wriggled slightly.

He stopped wriggling as the cold digit stroked along his perineum, unwinding soft coils of pleasure. Back and forth it whispered over the sensitive skin. Xander began to rock into the caress. He squirmed when the finger probed gently at the entrance to his body, but this time it didn't move away. The kiss broke for air and Spike's gaze held Xander fast, as Angel slowly eased his oiled finger past the tight, virgin muscle.

Xander shivered and Spike began to cover his face in tender kisses, showering them across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, tickling his eyelashes. Spike's sibilant voice joined Angel's and the vampires murmured to him soothingly, cold fingers stroking his skin.

Cradled against Spike's chest, Xander surrendered to the intrusion that pushed slickly into his body. He lay, open and exposed, but he wasn't afraid. Angel's touch was infinitely gentle, and though there was some discomfort, it didn't really hurt. The fullness felt strange as his muscles closed around the vampire's finger and Xander wriggled again - trying to decide if this felt good....or just odd.

Then the finger moved and Xander saw stars. He cried out, arching back, then thrusting forward, his hips grinding into Spike's. "A-again," he pleaded. Ribbons of ecstasy wound around him, tightening into bands that crushed the air from of his lungs. When Angel withdrew, Xander sank into his lover's embrace panting wildly. After a moment he lifted his head weakly.

Spike's face bore a wicked grin. "Good, pet?"

"Mmguph," said Xander intelligently. He was pressed harder into Spike's unyielding body as Angel leaned forward. A cold tongue traced moist patterns across his shoulder blades. Xander felt like purring.

"More?" a soft voice asked.

"Hmm," Xander murmured.

There was a brief pause. Then Angel warned - "This might be cold." (Wha-?) Xander gasped as the oil hit his skin, drizzling between his buttocks. He twitched and tried to squirm away.

Spike grunted as the full weight of Xander's body pressed down upon his erection. "Bloody hell."

Xander glanced worriedly at his lover. Gold reflected back at him, Spike had apparently enjoyed the punishing contact. As Spike kissed his neck Xander felt the vampire's teeth graze his skin. Spike froze then pulled back sharply. Xander could see the regret in those wide yellow eyes and he kissed his lover, cautious of the razor-edged teeth.

The initial shock of the cold oil had subsided and Xander willed himself to relax as Angel's finger began to ease its way back into his body. He was forced to break the kiss as the finger crooked inside him sending bolts of ecstasy up and down his spine.

Xander barely heard the low voice that told him to be ready. Then he felt himself being uncomfortably stretched as a second finger joined the first. This time it hurt, not a lot, but sufficient to drag a tiny whimper from him. The fingers remained still until he relaxed a fraction, then they moved again.

Spike nuzzled Xander's face as the fingers pushed deeper. Gradually the hurt faded and Xander was only aware of the fullness and the intensity of Angel's touch. Spike's arms stroked his back, calming trembling muscles.

"Alright, pet?" Spike sounded concerned, his voice rough-edged with desire.

Xander nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

"Can I move?" Angel asked.

Xander could hear the strain in the vampire's voice. He gave another terse nod and Angel moved his fingers cautiously. Xander felt a sharp twinge of pain which quickly melted into a burning warmth as Angel thrust slowly, the vampire's fingers sliding slickly in and out of the tight hot channel. Xander's body responded on an instinctive level, rocking back into each thrust.

Xander's breathing quickened and as he rocked he felt Spike take up the motion - the vampire's narrow hips driving up to meet his own. Xander felt his erection growing hot and heavy with the delicious friction. Spike benefited from the same and the vampire began to 'pant'. The pressure built and Xander moaned as he tried to hold back.

"Let go, luv. Let go," Spike urged him.

Xander shuddered - every muscle tensed - and he came, his seed shooting out between their bodies. He sank into Spike's arms, gasping and shaking. Spike tenderly stroked back the sweaty strands of his fringe. Darkness fluttered around the edges of his vision and he was only vaguely aware of Angel's fingers slipping free of his body. As the vampire moved to lay down, Xander turned his head to face him.

"You okay?" Angel asked softly.

Xander tried to get his brain and mouth to work in tandem....It proved difficult. He decided that if he was any more okay he'd be unconscious. "F-fine," he managed finally, still breathing hard. Xander was surprised by the intensity of the relief that flashed across Angel's face. He was even more surprised when the vampire leaned in and placed a quick but firm kiss upon his startled mouth.

"Ready for round two?" Spike teased.

"Need to... g-get my breath back," Xander mumbled, his face pressed into the vampire's chest. Spike laughed softly.

Angel stroked Xander's shoulders. "Sleep," he whispered.

It played around the edges of Xander's mind that neither vampire had come, but he was too drained to think much more of it and he succumbed to a sated sleep.

The two vampires remained awake, cradling the sleeping youth between them.

Part Thirteen

Xander's limbs felt lax and heavy but he was more-or-less awake and he forced his eyes open. He blinked blearily, rubbing his face against the smooth chest beneath his cheek. He was still cradled loosely against Spike's body, his lips next to a flushed pink nipple. Following an impulse, Xander let his tongue dart out to sweep across the sensitive bud.

It hardened as Spike moaned softly.

Emboldened by the wordless encouragement, Xander sucked hard upon the taut nub, grazing it lightly with his teeth. Spike's answering purr sent a coil of heat through his body. Xander teased the captured nipple a while longer before reluctantly relinquishing it. He slowly raised his head to meet Spike's golden-eyed gaze.

Xander placed his hands upon the bed, either side of his lover, and raised himself up. Spike made no attempt to restrain him, lowering his own arms to his sides. Xander moved up his lover's body until they were face-to-face. He held Spike's gaze for a moment, then wiggled up a touch higher so that his lips were level with the line of ridges marking Spike's brow.

Xander lowered his face to his lover's and with his tongue he slowly traced the outline of ridges around Spike's left eye. He followed the lines and creases across the bridge of the vampire's nose to the right eye. Xander travelled back along a similar path, this time placing soft kisses across the folds and furrows. Xander raised his head. Spike's mouth had fallen open and he was doing that strange breathless pant.

Carefully, Xander pressed his lips to the vampire's. He pushed his tongue into Spike's mouth and the vampire's tongue rose to tangle with his own. The kiss started slow and cautious but quickly grew more urgent. Xander caught his tongue upon a needle-sharp fang and the coppery tang of blood filled his mouth. Spike drank from him eagerly, sucking on the tiny wound to draw out more.

Xander broke the kiss, his lips stained with scarlet. He turned to look at Angel. The older vampire was watching them with an unreadable expression - though Xander thought he could see a growing hunger in those impenetrable eyes. Xander leaned toward the vampire, hiding a small triumphant smile when Angel eagerly came forward to taste his lips.

Angel's kiss was much more hesitant than Spike's. As the vampire tasted the blood, Xander felt the quiver that passed through Angel's frame. Fuelled by desire, Xander deepened the kiss, aggressively forcing Angel's lips apart. He felt the change as Angel shed the fragile veneer of his humanity, his features shifting into their coarser vampiric guise. Sure enough when Xander drew back, Angel's eyes were wide and golden.

"X-Xander," the vampire whispered brokenly.

Xander hushed him with another kiss. This time he deliberately sliced his tongue open upon a jagged tooth, letting the blood trickle into Angel's mouth. Xander knew that he was courting the vampires' blood lust and the implicit danger was a rush that went directly to his groin. He was already hard when Spike's cool fingers closed around his satin length, stroking it gently but firmly.

Despite having come twice in the course of the evening, Xander knew he was about to come again - and he wanted Angel inside of him when he did. He tore his lips from Angel's. "I'm ready," he gasped urgently.

He knew that Angel had understood his breathless declaration when those wide golden eyes opened even wider. There was a raw hunger in Angel's face that made Xander's heart quicken. Angel moved into position and Xander turned back into his lover's embrace. "Hold me," he whispered, a faint edge of fear to his voice. Spike's arms tightened around him.

"You're mine," the blond growled. "Remember, you're *mine*."

"Yours," Xander echoed fervently. They kissed as Angel's hands kneaded Xander's buttocks and rubbed the muscles of his back, readying him.

Oil-slicked fingers slid into him and Xander murmured wordlessly. They stretched and opened him, working some of the oil into his tight passage, then they withdrew.

Xander was unable to prevent the shiver of fear that shuddered through him as he felt the cold blunt head of Angel's erection nudge against the entrance to his body. He knew that both vampires had felt it when Angel froze and Spike cupped his face between both hands. "I have you," the blond vampire whispered tenderly. Xander willed himself to relax.

"Ready?" Angel's soft voice asked.

"Y-yes," Xander replied, cursing the tremor in his voice. However, Angel seemed to accept his answer and the vampire pushed forward slowly. Xander gasped sharply and buried his face into the crook of Spike's neck. It hurt, oh god it hurt. Far bigger than Angel's fingers, it burned as it breached the tight ring of muscle. The pain seemed to go on and on as Xander grit his teeth to stop himself from crying out.

--------------------

Xander had no way of knowing how hard it was for Angel not to simply force his way in. It had been a long time since the vampire had taken a living, human male and even longer since he had attempted to do so with any sort of care or kindness. The vampire's teeth cut his lips as he fought the urge to thrust too deeply, too quickly. Xander was virgin tight, velvet wetness and the heat...Angel had forgotten how blood warmth felt enclosed around him as Xander's muscles clenched his erection.

Halfway in he paused to let Xander catch his breath. The youth was trembling, but behind the sharp acrid smell of fear, Angel could detect a ribbon of desire slowly unwinding. That gave him the impetuous he needed and with one last thrust he eased his way fully inside, his loins flush with Xander's buttocks. Xander gave a tiny yelp and lay quivering beneath him.

Angel met his Childe's golden-eyed gaze. Spike's expression was wary as he held his trembling lover tightly, but Angel could see the acceptance in his face. Spike understood that some measure of pain was unavoidable - that was the only reason why he was allowing Angel to do this. Otherwise, Angel was pretty damned sure he'd never have got within hand-shaking distance of Xander.

Angel stroked his fingers across the youth's back, the strangeness of the moment suddenly striking him. Never had he dreamed that his pseudo-friendship with Xander would take this unexpected twist. He could only be grateful that it had. Angel suppressed a surge of sadness, it would be so easy to fall in love with this youth.....Something he could never let happen. He looked back up at Spike and knew that his Childe had read his thoughts.

Ashamed, Angel dropped his gaze away. Spike's foot nudged him and he glanced back up. Spike's eyes smiled at him, there was nothing cruel or mocking in their gaze. Just an understanding and perhaps even a faint trace of sympathy. Angel felt the muscles gripping his erection loosen minutely. "I'm going to move now, Xander. It will hurt at first, but don't tense up, okay?"

Xander nodded his face still buried in Spike's neck.

Angel pulled back slowly. He heard the hiss of Xander's breath escaping through tightly clenched teeth. Angel gripped the youth's hips and pushed back in again, Xander moaned. Angel struggled to ignore the youth's distress and pulled out again. When he pushed back in he adjusted the angle very slightly and Xander gave a very different kind of moan.

"Good?" he asked anxiously.

Xander nodded. "Y-yes." His voice held a touch of surprise.

Angel smiled knowingly, sliding his hard length almost all the way out and then thrusting deeply back in.

Xander cried out and bucked against Spike. "Oh god. More, *please* more," he begged.

Angel responded willingly, thrusting more easily now that Xander's tight channel had opened to him. He kept the rhythm slow at first but as Xander began to push back into each thrust he upped the tempo. Spike moved with them, driving his own erection up into Xander's belly. The scent of arousal hung heavily in the air and Angel felt his release drawing closer. Suddenly, Xander stiffened and Angel felt the youth's inner muscles tighten almost painfully around him. With a sound very like a sob, Xander came, collapsing heavily across Spike. It was evidently all that the younger vampire had been waiting for as he gave a long unearthly howl signalling his own release. Angel continued to thrust...once...twice more....and then he came silently, struggling not to fall forward across the other two.

He let his erection slip free of Xander and he dropped down beside them on the bed. Spike kept one arm firmly wrapped around Xander but his free hand sought out Angel's and he interlaced their fingers. Angel was surprised when Spike squeezed his hand, he squeezed back and heard Spike's soft purr. The younger vampire's sounds of pleasure echoed around the basement and summoned a response in Angel.

Xander was only semi-conscious but he turned a flushed face toward them.

"Cats," he mumbled. "Nice pussies." The youth giggled.

"Go to sleep, idiot," Spike rumbled affectionately.

Angel felt too replete to join the playful bickering and he closed his eyes, feeling the soft thrumming spiralling up through his chest as he continued to purr. Xander's soft snores were soon added to the vampires' sounds of contentment. The latter faded as Spike and Angel also succumbed to sleep.

Part Fourteen

Xander turned over and winced as several well-used body parts twinged in vehement protest. He hurt pretty much everywhere, his muscles ached, his skin felt tenderised, some bits actually throbbed.......and he had never been so blissfully happy in his life. He buried a self-satisfied smile into the pillow and sighed contentedly.

For five days he'd only left Angel's bed for necessary calls of nature and the occasional much needed shower. Xander had no idea where his clothes were; presumably his unpacked bag was around somewhere. (He *hoped* someone had brought it out of the car since he still wasn't overly optimistic about the vehicle's survival.)

If this was all some erotic dream Xander decided he wouldn't bother waking up. The role of 'willing sex-slave' to two Master vampires was a part he was prepared to play forever. He only hoped his body would hold out.

Xander envied Spike and Angel their recuperative abilities; in between lengthy sex sessions all he wanted to do was sleep. Even eating seemed too much of an effort. Spike had resorted to hand feeding him as he lay back against the pillows, struggling to keep his eyes open.

Yep, they were probably killing him....but what a way to go.

Xander stretched out a foot, it connected with a cold leg, provoking an unintelligible grumble from his lover. Spike had rarely left his side during the past five days. The vampire seemed more than happy to spend his time kissing, licking or sucking Xander. Xander for one, was not about to complain. Maybe Spike was somewhat orally fixated - it was only a good thing from his point of view.

Angel had taken Xander as frequently as the young man's body would allow. Xander was whole-heartedly enthusiastic and it was with a certain regret, that he acknowledged he did need a certain amount of recovery time between sessions.

Xander ignored the little voice in side his head that screamed at him - demanding to know what the hell he thought he was doing. So he'd discovered that he liked to be fucked - by a vampire. What of it? There
were worse addictions.

Xander poked his lover's leg sharply with his toe.

"Mmphzt?" Spike mumbled.

Xander continued to prod the vampire until, with an annoyed grunt, Spike turned around to face him. "What?!" the blond snapped.

Xander smiled suggestively.

Spike's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "Again?" A wide grin spread across the vampire's face. "Bloody hell, you're insatiable." He pulled Xander into his arms. "I like that," he purred. The heated kiss that followed was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. They shot apart and looked up startled - to see a sheepish Angel standing by the foot of the bed putting on his coat.

Xander suppressed a sigh. It didn't look like there would be any further threesome action for a while. Still, that meant he could have some fun alone with Spike. Xander brightened at the thought. Much as he enjoyed their... er....'group activities'....one-to-one with Spike remained uncontested for sheer explosive intensity.

"I have to go out," said Angel unnecessarily.

Spike snorted. "Let me guess. Vision-youth saw a damsel in distress and you have to go and save the stupid bint."

Angel looked apologetic.

Spike waved him away. "Go on. Do your bloody knight in shining armour bit. Just get a move on."

"Actually," Angel's tone was flat but he appeared to be trying to convey something with his eyes. "I might be a while."

"So?" Spike snapped, failing miserably to look unperturbed by this news.

"I'm sure that you can both get along without me." The older vampire placed a peculiar emphasis on the last two words.

"Too bloody right," Spike mumbled. He'd laced his fingers behind his head and lay stretched out across the bed. He was the picture of casual indifference - if one ignored the rigidly locked muscles and tightly clenched jaw.

"I mean you two can...." Angel's voice trailed off and he looked at them pointedly.

Xander finally clicked to what Angel was trying to tell them and he felt a frisson of nervous excitement.

Spike was none the wiser. "What?"

Angel was losing patience with his Childe. He shook his head despairingly. "Will, why did you come here?"

The younger vampire glared at him. "Cos I had no bloody choice. Not if I ever want to-" Spike stopped, blue eyes wide. Angel nodded wordlessly. Spike's gaze instantly focused on Xander and he tore back the bedsheets. Xander gave a startled yelp and lay shivering as Spike feasted upon him with gold-tinged eyes. He found himself wondering if he would survive this encounter.

Angel evidently shared his concerns. "Have a care, Spike. He's not like us."

Spike ripped his gaze away from Xander to stare scornfully at his Sire. "I know that you poof." Angel scowled and Spike's expression softened seductively. He crawled toward his Sire, leaning over the iron bedstead.

"Come 'ere."

Still frowning, Angel moved closer.

Spike knelt up and cupped the older vampire's face between long white fingers. The kiss was slow and deep. When Spike finally drew back he looked long and hard at his Sire. Angel evidently read something in his Childe's face as he nodded, the faint trace of a smile playing upon his lips. Xander guessed that in his own way, Spike had just said 'thank you'.

Angel glanced at Xander once before he walked away, his dark eyes shadowed with sadness. Xander had a sudden urge to call him back. Okay, so he wasn't in love with Angel. This new intimacy had forged *something* between them, something less than love but more than friendship. However he remained silent, lowering his gaze to the bed.

He glanced back up as Spike lay down beside him and couldn't help looking around for the older vampire, but Angel had gone.

Spike had evidently followed Xander's eyes. "You want to wait until hair-boy gets back?"

Xander hid a smile at his lover's failed attempt at nonchalance. Spike didn't share well, he was jealous and possessive by nature. Xander knew the vampire had only tolerated Angel's intrusion in their relationship because it was necessary. Now it appeared that was no longer the case and Spike was reverting to type.

This was the perfect opportunity for a little payback and Xander couldn't pass it up. He pretended to give the suggestion some thought. "Maybe we should." Xander stroked his fingers through Spike's hair, ruffling up the blond waves. "It won't be the same without him."

Spike's sullen expression wavered and Xander caught a glimpse of panic in those blue-gold eyes. He decided not to torment his lover any further. Sliding down the pillows, Xander lay face-to-face with the vampire.

"Idiot," he said fondly.

A puzzled look, a flash of surprise and Spike's eyes widened in admiration. "You bastard."

"Hmm," Xander agreed as he nipped Spike's nose playfully.

Spike was fighting a grin. "Brat," he growled.

"Yep," said Xander smiling.

Spike lost the fight and grinned back at him. "You, my pet, have a real evil streak."

"I'm learning from the Master," said Xander with mock solemnity.

"Master?" Spike rolled the word across his tongue. "Hmm. Yeah, I like that." The vampire grabbed Xander's wrists pinning him back against the bed. "Say it again."

"Master," Xander repeated, his voice thick with desire.

"Tell me what you want," Spike demanded.

"You."

"Ask me. I want to hear you say it."

Xander met his lover's gaze without a trace of embarrassment. "Fuck me. I want you to fuck me." The words had barely left his lips when Spike kissed him, drawing Xander's tongue into the cool recess of his mouth. The kiss was slow and deep; a sharp sweetness that made Xander forget every ache and sore spot. The vampire released his wrists and Xander reached for his lover, stroking his hands across Spike's shoulders and back.

Things rapidly became more heated, the kisses growing increasingly urgent as they thrust against one another. Blunt nails scratched down Xander's chest, making him gasp and arch upward. The same strong hands continued down his body. Xander whimpered as they skirted his erection and slipped beneath his hips. The whimper became a heated moan as Spike's long fingers cupped his buttocks and began to knead them roughly.

The slow burning heat was now a desperate conflagration. They had both wanted this for far too long to spend any further time on foreplay. Xander gasped out, "Oil," as Spike reached down to retrieve the bottle from the floor.

Spike handed it to Xander and lay back on the bed. "Get me ready."

His hands shaking, Xander opened the bottle and poured the oil into his palm.

"Hurry up," Spike hissed.

Xander quickly placed his fingers around the vampire's erection. Spike gave a strange choked growl and thrust up into his hand. Xander stroked his oil-slicked fingers up and down the cold satin length, feeling it swell and harden still further. He brushed his thumb gently across the weeping tip and Spike shuddered.

"Enough," the vampire growled roughly, snatching up the bottle of oil. "Come here."

As Spike knelt up and coated his fingers in the oil, Xander followed the vampire's lead and knelt facing him. Spike's arm encircled Xander's waist, while his free hand roamed across Xander's back and buttocks. Xander rested his head against the vampire's shoulder swaying slightly as long, cold fingers gently eased their way into his body.

"Alright?" Spike asked gruffly.

Xander offered a, "Hmm" of assent. He pressed hard against his lover as Spike's slick fingers slid in and out of his body. His breathing quickened, his erection rubbing against the vampire's belly. "Please, Spike," he whispered frantically. He was too close.

Spike withdrew his fingers. "Lay down."

Xander lay down - on his back.

Spike frowned. "Turn over."

Xander shook his head. Angel hadn't taken him this way but he knew what he wanted. "No, I want to see you."

Spike looked uncertain. "It might hurt this way."

Xander smiled at his lover. "It won't." His quiet confidence seemed to reassure the vampire, who moved to kneel between Xander's parted thighs.

Spike lifted Xander's legs and positioned himself. "Ready?"

Unable to speak, Xander nodded and Spike cautiously pushed forward.

Xander held his breath; he felt a burning ache as his lover's hard length pushed past the tight ring of muscle, but no real pain, just the incredible sensation of being stretched and filled. He moaned, releasing a ragged breath, and looked up at Spike. For once, the vampire's expression was totally unguarded and he wore a look of stunned wonder.

Xander stretched out a hand and Spike leaned in to catch his questing fingers, kissing and licking them. The vampire drew one into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it, eyes half-closed in ecstasy.

"Spike, please.." Xander begged, he needed more. A low moan was torn from him as the vampire began to move. (Oh god, *yes*!) Xander gripped Spike's arms, feeling the shudder that passed through his lover's body. Spike moved slowly, pulling almost all the way out, then sinking back in again - deep, so very deep. Xander's breath caught as he arched up, gently thrusting into Spike's downward stroke, taking the vampire in even deeper.

Spike hissed and Xander felt a thrill slice through him. The change was rapid, smooth human planes developing bold vampiric ridges, as wide eyes turned brilliant gold. Xander stared hungrily at his lover and his gaze fell upon the faint, thready veins blossoming beneath the vampire's skin. Xander tracked the violet web across Spike's chest. His tongue darted out to wet his lips - he knew what he wanted. He looked around him frantically and his eyes caught on the object nestling amongst the pillows. Xander stared urgently at the little glass vial. "B-break the.. b-bottle."

"Wha-?"

"Do it," Xander hissed, his voice low and urgent.

Spike grabbed the narrow vial and simply snapped it in two. Frowning, he held out the broken pieces. Xander snatched one and jabbed it into his hand. Tugging it across his palm he tore open a jagged gash. The oil clinging to the coloured glass sent a buzz of pain humming along the cut and Xander threw the shard aside. He clenched and unclenched his fingers, digging them into his palm until he felt a sticky warmth oozing out over skin.

Finally, he looked up at his lover, holding out a gory hand; Spike threw the bottle's shattered remains to the floor and reached for it. Xander squirmed with delight as his lover's tongue swept between his fingers. The cold, wet touch fluttered along the cut, delicately lapping up the blood as it rose into the wound. Impatiently, he thrust upwards and Spike released his hand and gripped his hips.

The time for slow and gentle was long past and Spike drove in with long, deep strokes. Xander met him thrust for thrust, struggling to drag enough air into his lungs as his lover pounded into him. Sweat prickled his brow. His hand felt hot and aching, rivulets of blood running down his arm. Xander licked it from his skin, the metallic tang sharp against his tongue. Through a haze of desire he heard Spike's growl and he gazed up at his lover.

The vampire arched forward and kissed Xander fiercely, keeping his fangs well away from Xander's soft lips. The angle of his thrusts changed and Xander cried out into the kiss. His body jerked as the sensations exploded through his body but Spike refused to relinquish his mouth, pushing his tongue against Xander's, tasting blood and saliva.

He felt Spike take his injured hand and put it down between their bodies. Xander instinctively curled his bloody fingers around his erection. The vampire placed his own hand over the top and Xander gasped, hot and cold cradling his flesh. Spike broke the kiss, panting, and stroked Xander's straining hardness in rhythm with his thrusts, drawing their hands up and down the velvet length. Xander stiffened....so close...so close....

Like a sheet of flame his orgasm tore though him and he cried out, his seed shooting over his belly. Spike continued to drive into him, the vampire's thrusts growing increasingly wild and erratic. Suddenly Spike threw his head back and howled and Xander felt his lover's cold seed rush into him. Spike hung suspended for a moment, every muscle rigid, then he collapsed forward shivering, burying his face against Xander.

After a while, the vampire shifted his hips slightly and slipped free; he remained draped across Xander. At that precise moment, Xander couldn't have moved if his mother and the entire 'scooby gang' had miraculously materialised at the foot of the bed. He felt boneless, floating in a sea of sheer contentment and satiated bliss. A smile spread across his face as he heard a deep rumbling purr. Then Xander felt a cold tongue brush across his skin. He forced his eyes open and looked down.

Spike was lapping the semen off his belly.

"Oh god," he murmured.

"Nice, pet?"

Xander opened and closed his mouth a few times before he could speak. "Oh *yes*, nice. Hmm. More than nice." He shut his eyes, a dreamy look floating across his face. "Don't stop."

"*Never*"

Something in the vampire's tone made Xander re-open his eyes and look at his lover. Spike's golden eyes stared back. There was nothing human in that ancient, unblinking gaze but Xander could read the promise it held. Spike would never let him go and Xander knew he should be afraid.

He wasn't.

This was what he'd wanted all his life.

Xander ran his finger through the pool of cooling semen, putting it to Spike's lips. The vampire's eyes never left his as Spike drew the finger into his mouth and sucked it clean. "Never," Xander whispered softly. He held out his arms and Spike moved into the embrace, turning them so they lay side by side.

The air felt cold against Xander's bare skin and he shivered. Spike quickly snagged the corner of a blanket with his foot and dragged it up the bed, carefully tucking it around Xander's body. Spike met his amused look with a mild grimace. "You're no good to me if you're sick," the vampire muttered.

Xander tried to hide his grin - he failed.

Spike looked unsettled. "I know what your bloody lot are like. You get sick all the time. I don't want you coughing and sneezing all over the soddin' place."

Xander kissed him. "I love you too," he said simply.

Spike went still, golden eyes very wide. Xander smiled a touch sadly. "I know you can't say-"

"Iloveyou."

Xander blinked. The words had been scrambled together but he had definitely heard them. "You-?"

"I am *not* saying it again."

"Okay." Xander didn't care. Spike had said it.

"Will you get that soppy look off your face."

"Hmm?"

Spike growled and kissed him hard. When he drew back, Xander looked dazed.

Spike looked smug. "Works every time," he boasted.

Xander's expression cleared a little. "Oh yeah?" He grabbed Spike's face with both hands and kissed the vampire until he had to stop to breathe. It was his turn to look smug at Spike's glazed expression. "I rest my case," he said, smirking slightly.

Spike shot him a pained look. "Go to sleep."

Xander was more than happy to follow the suggestion. He snuggled up against the vampire's hard chest and was asleep within minutes.

--------------------

Spike lay awake watching him. The vampire's expression was vaguely troubled. He tightened his hold around the youth. "I'm not letting you go, Xander Harris, " he whispered. "Not ever. You're mine now, and what's mine I keep."

Part Fifteen

Angel returned some hours later to find Spike applying a bandage to Xander's hand. The older vampire's face tightened with concern and he stalked over to the bed. "What happened?" he demanded, trying to take hold of the injured hand. Spike roughly elbowed him aside and finished tying off the bandage. Angel's jaw clenched and he glowered at his Childe.

Xander laughed nervously. "Hey, time out guys." He waved his bandaged hand at Angel. "It's nothing. Really. Just a scratch. I... er...caught it on something" (...and could I be any less convincing) he thought, giving his head a mental shake.

Angel evidently agreed. Velvet brown eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Caught it on *what* exactly?"

Xander chewed his lip nervously and struggled to meet Angel's gaze. The tension in the room crept up a notch as he remained silent. Spike stepped in. "Enough with the interrogation. The bottle broke and the clumsy brat fell out of bed and put his hand on it." The vampire smirked unpleasantly. "He's lucky it was only his hand." Xander shot his lover an irritated look which Spike ignored.

Angel seemed to be trying to gauge the truth from Spike's expression. His gaze returned to Xander for confirmation.

Xander tried to look suitably chagrined; he suspected that Angel knew he was being double-teamed - he just hoped the vampire would let the matter drop. After an uncomfortable pause, Angel nodded and the tension in the room eased slightly.

Spike gathered Xander into his arms and slouched back against the pillows.

"So," he drawled. "You rescued the screaming girl and saved the day...again."

"Guy," said Angel flatly.

"Uh?"

"The screaming girl was a guy," Angel explained. "Though he was screaming," the vampire conceded.

"Why?" Spike sounded amused.

"Agartofv demon."

Spike's eyebrows rose. "Nasty. I'm impressed, pet. You deal with that all by yourself?"

It wasn't really a question and Xander was disturbed by the underlying malice in his lover's voice.

"No," said Angel quietly. "Doyle helped."

"Doyle? Oh yes," Spike sneered. "That green-eyed, dark-haired demon boy you hanker after."

(Spike, shut up. *Please* shut up.) Xander willed silently as he instinctively shrank away from Angel. The older vampire looked extremely pissed.

Hackles raised, Angel addressed his Childe coldly. "I'll only say this once, Spike. Leave it alone. You don't want-"

Spike cut in. "I don't want to 'what'? Point out how soddin' pathetic you're being?" He shook his head in disgust. "It's bloody obvious you want him. I don't understand why you just don't-"

"No, you don't understand," Angel snarled, leaping to his feet. The sudden flare of rage was quickly subdued and his expression became tortured. "You don't understand," he repeated softly. "I...I can't...I-" He broke off suddenly and walked away without another word.

"Fuck," said Spike, slipping out from behind Xander. He got up, but hesitated by the bed, clearly uncertain whether or not to follow his Sire. He looked to Xander for help.

Xander smiled encouragingly. "Go on," he urged. "Go after him."

Spike flashed him a quick grin and left.

--------------------

Angel hadn't gone far; he stood in front of a cluttered bookshelf, his back to the room. Spike approached cautiously. "I... erm..." The younger vampire's mouth tightened. "I'm sorry," he forced out. Angel gave no sign that he accepted the ungracious apology and Spike turned to go.

Something pulled him back.

Slowly, reluctantly, Spike walked over to his Sire. He stopped when his body brushed against Angel's. A strained silence followed; Spike waited impatiently until finally, Angel looked at him. The older vampire's eyes were filled with pain. Spike felt a flash of something uncomfortably close to guilt. "I really am," he continued awkwardly. "I mean.. Well, you know what I'm like."

"All mouth and no brains?" Angel suggested harshly.

Spike's eyes narrowed. "We can't all be the strong, silent type," he snapped, turning to leave again. This time Angel's weary voice stopped him.

"I don't want to fight, Will."

Spike moved closer. "Then we won't," he said quietly. Angel gave him a faint, sad smile that destroyed what remained of his anger. He leaned against the bookshelf, effecting a casual sprawl not entirely at odds with his current unclad state. "This curse things a real bitch, eh, pet."

Angel reached out and ran a finger along Spike's jaw. "It does tend to cut into my social life." Despite the dry humour Angel's voice was thick with pain.

"You have me." Spike cursed as the words left his lips. Could he sound any more pathetic.

Angel merely nodded. "I know."

Spike couldn't stop himself. "But it's not enough, right?" Nor was he able to keep the bitterness out of his voice.

Angel didn't miss it. He tipped Spike's head back gently and met his Childe's troubled gaze. "Am I enough for you?" he asked.

Spike jerked free of Angel's touch. "Unfair," he muttered.

"But true," said Angel calmly. He placed his hands upon Spike's shoulders and waited until the younger vampire met his gaze. "We need each other, Will. We're bound together in ways no one else could ever understand." He put his face to his Childe's. "I'll never let you go and you'll never release me. I know that. So do you."

Spike remained silent. Angel continued. "But there's too much hate and pain between us for this to really work. Maybe one day we'll be able to let that go, I don't know. I do know we need someone who can love us for who we are now. Someone who doesn't care about our past and has no claims upon it."

"A nice uncomplicated shag," said Spike nastily. Angel's fingers tightened on his shoulders.

"*No*. You know that's not what I'm talking about." Spike stared at him sullenly. Angel prayed for patience. "Can you honestly say that what's going on between you and Xander is *uncomplicated*, because from where I'm standing it looks anything but." He felt Spike's muscles tense beneath his fingers and Angel knew he'd hit a nerve. "You know what will happen when the rest of them find out, and they *will* find out. No secret, however closely guarded, stays buried forever."

"How do you know they don't already know?" said Spike defensively.

Angel gave him a look. "Perhaps because you arrived in a battered green Taurus - not a small brown box marked 'Spike dust.'"

Spike looked vexed. "She won't like it, will she."

"That's pretty much a given," Angel agreed.

"You won't snitch on us?"

Angel didn't need to answer, his expression said it all and Spike had the grace to look slightly apologetic. "Loving someone is always complicated, Will," said Angel softly.

"I don't lo-" The denial died on Spike's lips and he glared daggers at his Sire. "You right bastard."

"Why? Because I made you admit to something we both already know? Did you think that I can't see how you feel about the youth? You're my Childe, and as much as that pains you, it doesn't make it any the less true."

"So?" said Spike sullenly.

"*So*, that means I know how you act when you're in love," said Angel.

Spike pushed the older vampire's hands away and stood up, pacing across the room. "I didn't want to. I mean - *look at him*. He's a human, a bloody useless whelp who hangs out with the Slayer." Spike stopped pacing and raised his eyes to the ceiling. "I mean - a friend of the Slayer. *What* am I thinking?" He turned his gaze back to Angel. "Course, it *could* be worse. At least I'm not stupid enough to shag the bitch herself."

Angel's glare would have broken lesser creatures; as it was even Spike wilted slightly and he meekly came back to lean against the bookshelf. However, he was far from crushed and he shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe I do love the brat. So what?"

The older vampire's eyes gleamed with gold. "Don't hurt him." The soft voice was very serious.

Spike met Angel's hard stare coldly. "I won't."

The two words formed a promise - one Angel heard and accepted.

Silence fell, but Spike was too restless to let it stretch out for long.

"So, what about you and..." He let his voice trail off.

Angel's face tightened in distress. "Nothing can happen."

"Does he want you?"

"I...I don't know."

Spike looked smug. "That means he does."

Angel glared at him.

"What?" Spike asked innocently. "Come on. We're the same, remember. We can taste it when they fear us...and when they want us. He wants you."

"Maybe," said Angel softly.

"Does he know about the Gypsy thing?"

"Yes."

"Well, that should make things easier-"

Angel cut Spike off. "Why? It doesn't change anything. He knows about the curse. Great. All that means is that he suffers too."

Spike fell silent again for a moment. Then he said," Maybe you should try fixing it."

"Fixing it?" said Angel slowly.

"Don't look at me like that," Spike snapped. "You know what I mean. Get it lifted or something. It's a curse. They can be broken you know."

Angel shook his head. "It's too risky-"

"Why?" Spike demanded. "Because if it goes wrong you're Angelus again?" The blond shrugged. "What of it? Then you can grab the half-breed and fuck him senseless." He flinched when Angel shifted into his game face and then hissed as the older vampire grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the floor. Spike instantly shifted into his vampiric visage, gold eyes bulging as Angel crushed his throat.

"So you don't care if I become him again. Why Spike, I confess I'm a little surprised. I mean the pain thing I understand, but I never thought that you got off on the humiliation. Should I be doing something about that? I'm sure I could bring it into our 'relationship'. That is, if you really want me to." Angel held onto his squirming Childe a second or two longer and then released him.

Spike hissed and drew away. "I hate you," he snarled.

The words drew away some of Angel's rage, and he nodded sadly. "I know."

Spike looked confused - and thoughtful. There was a weighty pause, then he walked up to the older vampire. Angel frowned, but before he could open his mouth to speak, Spike kissed him. The kiss was urgent and needy, Angel's resistance crumbled and he kissed his Childe back. Their fangs cut one another's lips and they both tasted blood - it only made the kiss more fervid. When it eventually ended Angel stared dazedly at his Childe.

"Want you," Spike growled.

"Bed," said Angel simply.

--------------------

Xander had been left alone with his thoughts - not an altogether comfortable arrangement. He was trying very hard to steer his mind away from troublesome topics...like Sunnydale...his friends....and what Spike was doing out there with Angel.

He wasn't jealous exactly, but the idea of his lover and Angel did leave him somewhat disconcerted. Xander was self-aware enough to know that it was his own insecurities that plagued him. The little voice that asked what *he* possibly had to offer a one-hundred and twenty-six year old vampire. Spike and Angel had a past. They were virtually related. (Eww, okay, do *not* go there)

No matter what, Xander couldn't avoid the obvious fact that Angel and Spike were both vampires, who shared a long and complicated history. While he was just a High School failure, living in his parents' basement, with no idea where he was going in life. He stared glumly at his bandaged hand; it itched. He was trying to push his finger underneath the bandage to scratch it, when Spike and Angel literally fell into the room and onto the bed. Spike was still nude and Angel was rapidly losing what was left of his clothing. They were both vamped out - emitting strange growls and mewls as they clawed at Angel's trousers. Xander hesitated, then tried to scramble out of the way as the two now fully naked vampires rolled across the bed. A hand snaked out and snared his leg. Xander looked down and met his lover's golden stare.

"Stay," Spike hissed. It wasn't a request.

Xander froze and moved back onto the bed. This was the first time he had witnessed Angel and his lover really 'going at it'. Up until now they had concentrated all their attentions on him and only spared each another fleeting touches, kisses...and bites. Xander stared wide-eyed as the two vampires really went for it. As he did so, he realised how much care they had taken with him - and how much they had held back.

No human would survive this kind of foreplay, if you could really call it that. It was more like watching an excerpt from the discovery channel. Both vampires seemed to be jostling for the upper hand, biting, scratching and wrestling one another around the bed. Xander struggled to keep out of the way. This very different to the earlier bloodplay - at one point when Angel sank his teeth into Spike's shoulder, Xander glimpsed bone.

He knew he should be sickened by this - Shouldn't he?

He wasn't.

Dark red blood smeared the vampires' pale bodies, tears and puncture wounds split their skin. The sounds they made were terrifying - deep growls and angry hisses. There was an animalistic frenzy to their sexual play and Xander's erection twitched with every grunt and growl. He was aroused beyond caring; he no longer tried to move out of the way and yelped when Angel's nails scratched down his leg. They left a faint bloody trail and a raised edge of broken skin.

Spike twisted in Angel's grip and grabbed Xander's leg, running his tongue down the graze. Xander whimpered softly. Angel seized Spike's hips and pulled the younger vampire up onto his haunches. Spike knelt on all fours, Xander lay half beneath him. Angel moved into position. It seemed that blood and saliva were acceptable vampire lubricants and Angel thrust forward savagely.

Xander didn't miss the way his lover's muscles tensed with pain, nor did he miss the stab of agony and ecstasy that passed across Spike's face. Golden eyes bore into him.

Spike was panting, his body shaking with the force of Angel's thrusts.

"Touch...yourself," he growled.

Xander didn't wait to be told twice, his hand found his erection and he curled too-warm fingers around his already heated flesh. His other hand boldly moved across his chest, teasing his nipples into hard peaks. Spike watched him with wide, unblinking eyes. Xander moved his hand faster, feeling the pressure building up through his body.

Spike's arms shook with the effort of holding himself upright as Angel pounded into him. Suddenly Angel leaned forward and sank his fangs into the back of Spike's neck; the younger vampire howled and arched his throat back.

Seized by an instinctive urge, Xander sat up and sank his own teeth into Spike's throat, tasting the hot salty blood as it flowed into his mouth. Spike howled again and Xander felt the vampire's cold seed upon his skin.

Angel thrust hard again and again, driving Spike forward as Xander tenaciously retained his bite-hold on his lover's throat. Finally, with a muted howl, Angel came. Xander felt the force of it through Spike's trembling body.

Xander sucked hard on the wound he'd created, while his hand continued to frantically pump his erection. Cold fingers joined his own and with a sharp cry he came. The three of them collapsed onto the bed. Xander gasped and squirmed in protest as the combined weight of the other two pushed the air out of his lungs. Thankfully, they realised his dilemma and moved off him before his ribs could break.

Shivering and bloody the three of them lay tangled together, one gasping for breath, the other two panting noisily.

A voice startled them.

"Angel? Hello, Angel are you down here?"

Xander stiffened (Cordy?!)

Angel cursed and leapt up off the bed. He was at the door when Spike's lazy voice called out.

"You might want to put something on first, peaches. Don't want to shock the hired help now, do we."

Angel looked down at his naked bloody body and cursed again. Spike chuckled.

"Angel?" Cordelia's voice was a little more strident this time. "Dammit. Where is he? I mean, is it too much to ask that the boss says something before he flits off to who knows where? No, I don't think so...." Cordelia continued to grumble to herself as she made her way down the stairs. Angel had found his robe and went out to intercept her.

Xander remained tense as Spike wrapped his arms around him and rested his chin on his shoulder.

"You bite bloody hard, pet."

"Oh...I.. er."

"*Don't* even think of saying your sorry," Spike muttered quietly.

"It was okay?" Xander whispered.

"Hmm," Spike murmured a wordless affirmative as he nibbled Xander's shoulder.

Xander let out a long shaky breath as he felt the vampire's fangs graze over his skin. Angel never bit him. Spike couldn't. Xander wondered what it would feel like to have those long, needle sharp teeth sink into his skin. He shuddered.

"You all right, pet?"

"Fine." Xander strained to listen to the voices outside. "What are they saying?"

Spike tilted his head slightly. "Something about a phone call and princess is moaning that she's not here to run around after peaches. Ouch."

"What?"

"He's unwisely pointed out that - as reception - it could be said to be in her job description."

"Ouch," Xander agreed. From the raised voices outside it seemed that Cordelia had also taken objection to it. The voices grew fainter as they moved upstairs. Xander turned around to face Spike and admired the imprint of his teeth in the vampire's throat. He stroked his finger over the tiny puncture marks, still oozing blood. "Does it hurt?"

Spike leered at him. "Only in a good way, pet." Xander looked troubled. Spike rolled his eyes. "Don't start getting all hung up about it. So you like blood and biting. Nothing wrong in that. It's not like you're hurting any one." Spike's expression turned wistful. "Though that can be fun too," he added.

Xander smacked him lightly on the arm. "I believe that comes under the 'places we don't go'. Yes?"

The vampire nodded reluctantly. "All I'm saying is don't go getting your panties in a twist about it. Who decides what's normal and what's not. What's good and what's bad."

"Well, I think I can safely say I'm good and you're bad," said Xander dryly.

Spike grinned. "You like me when I'm bad."

Xander didn't argue. "Maybe," he conceded reluctantly. "I'm not sure about the whole homicidal thing though."

Spike shrugged. "Comes with the territory, pet."

Xander stroked the vampire's hair, running his fingers through the soft blond waves. "We get this thing out of you and you'll kill again, won't you." It wasn't a question.

Spike's face shimmered, taking on his human guise. Dark blue eyes never wavered from Xander's as he caught hold of the hand and drew it down to his lips, placing a kiss upon the open palm. "Mine," he said softly.

Xander smiled a little sadly. "Yours," he whispered. He felt his chest tighten as he spoke. He knew now that there was no going back from this. He loved Spike and no matter what happened, he would stay with him.

The uneasy silence was broken by Angel's return. The older vampire didn't look too happy either. Xander felt a stab of anxiety. He managed a wobbly smile. "What's up? Cordy rewriting her contract?"

Angel didn't smile back. "The phone call. It was Giles."

Spike snarled something unrepeatable and Xander poked the vampire in the ribs. "So, what did the G-Man have to say?" he asked lightly. A cold, heavy lump had settled in his stomach.

"Your parents have been ringing him, trying to find out when you're coming back. It seems that some friend of your father's has got you a job. They want you to start Monday," said Angel quietly. He'd barely finished when Spike jumped up and stormed past him into the other room. Xander was left sitting, somewhat forlornly on the bed.

Angel came to sit beside him. "Will you go back?" he asked.

Xander's mouth twisted bitterly. "I'll have to. They'll only hound poor Giles until he coughs up where I am and I really don't want my Dad knocking on the door." He shot Angel an apologetic look. "I mean no offence or anything.. but-"

"-you don't want your father finding out about your two vampire lovers," Angel interjected.

Xander nodded morosely. "Something like that. I mean the 'guy' thing would freak him. The undead guy thing - " Xander shuddered "- doesn't actually bear thinking about."

"You can stay if you want to." The unspoken declaration was that Angel was prepared to do whatever was necessary if Xander did choose to stay. Xander drew in a deep breath. "No. I...I'd better go back." He looked urgently at Angel. "You'll see that Spike's okay?" He was surprised when Angel smiled and placed a cold hand against his cheek.

"Do you really think that he'll stay here without you." The vampire stated simply.

Xander was confused. "I don't...I mean I didn't think." He stared hard at Angel. "You and him-"

Angel cut in, "-are together, yes. But not in the way you seem to think. We're not *in* love with one another." Angel left unsaid the inference that Spike *was* in love with Xander. "He won't stay with me," the vampire finished.

"He's not safe in Sunnydale," said Xander worriedly. "The Initiative are still hunting him."

Evidently, Angel shared his concern, the vampire's gaze darkened. "I know," he said quietly, "and so does Spike. For all his mouthy bravado, he's far from stupid. You can be certain that he knows the score."

"Course I do, pet." Spike was slouched against the door frame. "I never play a game without knowing the odds." He wandered over to the bed and sat down next to Xander. "You'd better find some clothes, luv. The police are kind of funny about nude drivers around here."

"You're not going to try and talk me out of it?" Xander asked, surprised.

Spike shrugged. "Why would I want to do that?" Angel slapped his Childe across the head. "Ow!" Spike glared at Angel. "Alright, I heard what you said and I don't fancy having your bleedin' father breathing down my neck." (at least not until I can rip his out throat and tie his intestines in a bow.)

"You could sta-" Xander fell abruptly silent under the look Spike gave him. "I'll get dressed," he said quietly.

Angel went over to the wardrobe and retrieved Xander's bag. "You'd better have a shower," the vampire suggested gently.

Xander nodded mutely and took his bag with him.

--------------------

Alone, the two vampires sat together on the rumpled bed.

"I want to kill them," Spike hissed.

"I know," said Angel. Despite the calmness of his voice, the look in Angel's eyes implied that he shared his Childe's sentiments. He sighed and stood up. "But you can't."

Spike looked up at him. "You could."

"No."

"Why-"

Angel cut him off. "Because Xander has enough to deal with, without coping with the guilt of his parents deaths." He ran his hand over his face wearily. "It won't solve anything, Will. You know that. Xander has to find a way to face them on his own terms."

"They've got him whipped," Spike spat. "Eighteen years of abuse and he doesn't even know how to stand up to them."

"So show him," said Angel softly. "Teach him how to make a stand."

"Yeah, cos I'm so good at that," said Spike sarcastically.

"Yes," said Angel evenly. "You are."

Spike blinked.

Angel's gaze grew urgent. "You suffered decades of abuse. You still found the strength to turn against me."

"Not you," Spike mumbled, looking down at the floor.

"Whatever," said Angel. "You did it."

Spike looked back up, his expression pained. "I hit you on the back of the head with an iron pipe. Hardly my proudest moment."

"It doesn't matter," Angel insisted. "Can you honestly say it was easy?" Spike looked uncomfortable. "Or," Angel continued, "did it take everything you had to turn against me. To fight a lifetime's conditioning."

"You think Xander can do that?"

"Don't you?"

"He's strong," Spike admitted. "He's got guts too. Even if he does mouth off stupidly sometimes."

"Now who does that remind me of," Angel teased. Spike kicked out at him, Angel side-stepped it easily.

"Prick," said Spike good good-naturedly. The blond lay back on the bed, his arms stretched out above his head. "So, what about this bloody thing?" He tapped the side of his head.

"I'll keep looking into it," Angel promised. "It looks like it might have to be a spell."

"Bloody hell," Spike moaned. "I don't trust all that mojo stuff."

"Yeah well, unfortunately I don't know too many vampire specialists in the medical profession," Angel deadpanned. "Your only chance is probably some kind of Peresee incantation. That should short out the implant without us needing to remove it."

"So do it," said Spike, sitting back up.

Angel gave him a look. "It's not that easy. I'll have to narrow the field of the spell. It'll have to be very specific or I'll short circuit your brain along with the device."

"Oh, great."

"I can do it," Angel insisted. "But it'll take some time. I'll contact you when I've made all the adjustments."

"Right," Spike stood up and began to look around for his clothes. "Well, when you're ready I'll be at the Watcher's place."

Angel frowned. "You're not staying with Xander."

Spike paused fastening his shirt, a flash of pain darted across his face.

"No," he said quietly. "We couldn't come up with a good excuse for my being there."

"So you're living with Giles?"

This time the pain on Spike's face was of an entirely different nature.

"It seems the wanker thinks I'm too much trouble to be allowed to roam around the town, so he's taken it upon himself to be my keeper," the vampire muttered.

Angel wisely hid his amusement. Somehow he didn't think that the Watcher and his Childe would make particularly harmonious roomies. "I'll be in touch. If you need me-"

"-I won't," said Spike quickly. He snatched his jeans up from the chair. Angel turned to leave. "Course if I do," Spike called after him, "You'll be here. Right?"

Angel looked back at his Childe, who was wriggling into his jeans. He nodded. "I'll be here." He held Spike's gaze a moment longer, as a silent understanding passed between them. Then he went to see if Xander was ready to go.

--------------------

The parting was awkward - at least on Xander and Angel's part. Spike simply nodded once to his Sire and then jumped down into the sewer. Angel and Xander were left looking at one another.

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you around," said Xander lightly. Angel simply nodded. Xander hesitated a moment longer and then looked down the open trap door. "Spike?"

"What?"

"Catch," said Xander - throwing his bag down the hole. There was a muffled curse from below, but no splash, so he presumed his things were safe.

Xander gave Angel a shy smile and went to climb down the ladder. He gasped when Angel suddenly grabbed him and kissed him hard enough to make him see stars.

Angel held him for a moment when the kiss ended. "Look after yourself," the vampire whispered, and then released him and stepped back.

Xander's dazed look transformed into a broad grin. "You too - 'Deadboy'." Angel gave him a pained look that didn't quite cover his smile.

--------------------

Xander climbed down the ladder into darkness. "Spike?" Cold fingers found his - this time he didn't jump.

"Come on, pet." Spike began to lead him down the tunnel. "We have to get a move on and this time," said the vampire, "I'm driving."

"Oh no," said Xander vehemently.

"Why not?"

Xander could 'hear' the annoyed pout in Spike's voice. "Hmm, let me see. Perhaps because I'd like to stay amongst the living," he said sarcastically.

"I'm a bloody good driver," the vampire declared.

"You are," Xander agreed. Then he added, "For a dead guy."

"Oi, watch it."

"Or you'll do what? *EWW*!" Xander yelped as something cold and slimy was shoved down his back. "What *was* that?!"

An evil laugh was his only answer.

"That...that smells disgusting," said Xander. "Oh gross. You put sewer slime down my neck. You bastard."

"Now, pet. Language. Whatever would his royal Watchfulness say if he heard you talking like that," said Spike, his voice full of amusement.

"Sod Giles," said Xander succinctly.

"I don't- ughmph." Whatever Spike had been about to say was lost as Xander scraped the sewer sludge off his back and managed to rub it into the vampire's neck. It was quite an accomplishment, considering Xander could barely see anything. Admittedly, most of the muck came off on Spike's coat, but a small amount found its way into the vampire's ear.

Spike didn't bother retaliating - directly. He simply grabbed Xander up and swung him over his shoulder. He held onto Xander's bag with his other hand. "Okay, pet. Now you are going to say lots of nice things about me between here and the way out. Or I might stumble and drop you in the muck."

"You wouldn't dare-" Xander stopped. "I take that back," he said quickly.

"Now you've got the idea, pet. So you were saying?"

"Er..you've got great hair?"

"Careful, pet."

Xander squeaked as the vampire tilted him down toward the swirling filth.

"No really. You have great hair...and I...I love your accent...and that little patch of skin behind your knee. The bit where when I scratch it you purr-"

"I do not soddin' well purr."

"You don't- Please, be serious."

"I *don't* purr."

"You do.... aagh...Okay, you don't purr. Jeez."

"I might growl a bit."

"A bit?!?"

"Now and then. Any way, *you* snore."

"I don't!"

"Yes you do, pet. Wake the dead you could. Well, keep 'em awake."

"Ha, ha. Oh please, my sides are splitting."

"Really?"

"No.. No! Don't- *Umpgh*...........You did that on purpose."

"I slipped."

"I have slime in my hair. It smells. I have to drive back to Sunnydale smelling like something I scraped off my shoe."

"I'm driving."

"No, you are not-*Aargh!*" There was a heavy sigh. "Don't tell me, you slipped."

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