The Choice
By Esmeralda
Part SixteenSpike was enjoying the fight, though his pleasure was slightly tainted. He was concerned for his lover. In between trading kicks and punches he did his best to keep an eye on the boy. However, he momentarily lost sight of him as he chased his prey into a classroom. Having snapped the creatures spine he hurried back out, just as a wall of fear crashed over him.
<*Xander*> He whirled around frantically, but the boy had vanished. Spike suppressed the rage and panic that threatened to choke him. Shoving away a nearby demon he concentrated on the link that bound him to his lover. With a snarl he turned and raced down the corridor to the library. His Sire would just have to manage alone.
He was met by two Kinalaa demons who he despatched in short order. As he dropped down under the library a third tried to rush him - Spike tore off its head. Releasing the corpse with a grunt of disgust he looked up, and froze.
"Drusilla?"
His beloved smiled at him, her dark eyes bright with madness.
"Oh, sweet, Spike. My sweet Spike. Have you come to join my little party?"
Spike was too stunned to answer her question. His alarmed gaze took in the tableau before him. Drusilla, in a diaphanous white dress, looking like some sort of demented spirit as her deadly nails stroked the smooth, bare throat of his lover. Xander - rigid with fear, barely even blinking as one nail scored a deep red line into his skin.
Spike gathered his wits. "Drusilla, baby. What are you doing down here, luv? There's a nasty man about. It's not safe for you here. Come on, let's go outside. Daddy's waiting."
Her reply was a peal of laughter.
Spike frowned. "What is it, princess. What have you done?"
She smiled beatifically. "I've been a clever girl," she told him proudly. "I found a lovely book, with lots of lovely spells in it. I've been practising, shall I show you-"
"*No*." It came out a little more sharply than he'd intended and he softened his voice quickly as her pretty mouth twisted into a displeased pout. "Look, baby. Why don't you come and show Daddy what you've learned? He's into all that hocus pocus, mumbo jumbo. You know me, pet. I don't get much of a buzz from all that book stuff."
"Oooh, but you'll like this one," she said with a gleeful smile. "It's a very special spell. I made it all by myself. Aren't you proud of me?"
"Very." He tried to sound sincere. If he was less than convincing she didn't seem to notice.
Her tone turned conspiratorial as she whispered. "I'm going to get the Slayer. I'm going to bring the bad ones and they're were going to tear her all to pieces."
Xander twitched. Spike warned him with his eyes and the boy remained still. "Well...that's... er....good, pet. I'm real happy for you."
She gave a happy sigh. "I knew you would be, cos you're my sweet aren't you."
"Always, pet," Spike promised, trying to ignore the look in Xander's eyes.
He took a step closer and held out his hand. "Come on, luv. Let's go tell Daddy your plan. He'll want to know all about it."
Still with her hand on Xander's throat, she stepped forward. Then she stopped and stepped back again. "He's yours," she whispered.
"What?" Spike watched his insane love warily.
Drusilla slowly turned her head toward Xander and inhaled him delicately.
"I knew he was yours. I've been having dreams. The dreams told me."
"That's clever of you, pet," said Spike encouragingly. He was worried by the faraway look on her face. He knew that look only too well, and it had never boded well for anyone.
"It was clever of me wasn't it," said Drusilla brightly. She closed her fingers around Xander's throat. The youth's face tightened in panic.
Spike hesitated. He could try and get the jump on her, but his Dru was quick and strong. She could tear the whelp's throat out before he got near. He held back.
"The dreams told me what to do," she continued nodding sagely. "I didn't want to at first, but they said I must, and now I know they're right."
"Right?" Spike tried to move a little closer. He kept talking to distract her. "Right about what, pet? What did the dreams tell you? Have they been hurtin' you again?"
She shook her head, ebony tresses dancing around her pale face. "No. They didn't hurt me. They were nice dreams. Nice, nicey, nice," she chanted in a sing-song voice. Then she stopped and looked at him. Her tone became girlish "I have to say goodbye now."
"Goodbye?" he echoed stupidly.
She took a step back, tugging Xander with her. "Say goodbye," she ordered the youth. Scared and stunned, Xander stayed silent. "Say it," she hissed.
"G-goodbye," the youth stammered.
She smiled in satisfaction. Then she jumped back.
Spike gave a howl as he realised her intent. He dived forward a fraction too late - as she and Xander disappeared into the Hellmouth. He slid across the floor and gazed down into the opening. What he saw was almost enough to make his heart start beating again.
Somehow during their descent the two had become disentangled. Now they hung, side by side, clinging to the wall. Spike's gaze narrowed as he took in the precarious nature of their positions. Xander's fingers clutched desperately at a rock jutting out of the earth. While his poor, deranged princess had dug her talons into the crumbling earth itself.
Spike drew his knife from his boot and without a thought he clambered down after them. Trying not to dislodge any stones or soil, he used the serrated blade to secure his descent, stabbing it into the sides to give him something to hold onto. Two pairs of dark eyes watched him. Spike heard his lover suck in a sharp breath, as the rock Xander was clinging to moved. Spike quickened his pace. He could see that both were beginning to lose their purchase on the crumbling walls.
He'd almost reached them....almost...
....When Xander gave a cry as the rock slid out of the soil. The boy scrabbled furiously for a fresh handhold, sinking his fingers into the dirt. A heartbeat after, Dru lost her grip. One hand succeeded in digging back in; the other failed. She swung, hampered by her long skirts as her dainty feet tried to wedge themselves against the sides.
Spike tried to move faster, struggling to keep from falling. He reached them already knowing the choice that lay before him. He couldn't save them both. He couldn't help them both up, and he wouldn't have time to take one to the surface and then make his way back for the other. They couldn't hold on any longer, one of them was going to fall into Hell.
Spike made sure the knife blade was buried deep and his boots were wedged firm. Then he lowered his hand. "Take it," he said softly. He watched the dark eyes widen and read the hesitation there. "For fucks sake, Xander luv!" he cried hoarsely. "Take my fuckin' hand." He gave a shudder of relief as the boy moved, reaching up to grasp his outstretched fingers.
Spike could barely bring himself to look upon his poor princess, dreading her look of betrayal. However, as his eyes met hers he saw only puzzlement and then a strange sort of understanding. She smiled, one of those rare sweet smiles, free of her usual wild insanity.
Then she fell.
Spike closed his eyes, but the image was already burned into his brain. Like a broken butterfly she tumbled, dark hair and pale skirts tangled together. He felt a shard of pain slice through his unbeating heart as he listened to the sound of her soft tinkling laughter. <Forgive me, Princess.> It grew fainter and fainter. He opened his eyes and watched as she disappeared from sight.
The weight pulling on his arm brought him back to his senses. Gritting his teeth, he began to climb. One-handed he struggled upward, carrying his precious burden. As he reached the top, welcome hands reached down to him, and a bruised and bloodied Angel helped him up. An equally battered Doyle stood by the vampire's side.
"What the hell happened?" the young man asked.
Angel unwittingly released his hold on the younger vampire - only to start forward as Spike crumpled to the ground. However, Xander was already there. Dropping down beside his lover, he wound his arms tight around the trembling figure. Spike collapsed against the youth, burying his face against the warm chest, keening softly. Mourning the love he'd lost, and reassuring himself of the love he had saved.
Gradually he became aware the boy was whispering something over and over. ".....I can't believe you chose me. You chose me.....I can't believe you chose me...."
Spike drew back and wiped the youth's dirt and tear stained cheeks. "Idiot," he whispered. "There never was no choice." His gaze was sad but peaceful as he kissed stunned lips softly.
He meant it. Drusilla was his princess, his dark goddess, his ripe plum. He loved her to eternity, and he owed her more than a thousand life times could repay.
But Xander........Xander was his existence. He couldn't have let the young man fall. He could cut out his own heart more easily.
No, there had been no choice, and he felt no sense of regret. Only a deep, aching sorrow for the woman who had been his guide, his companion, and his lover for more than a century.
He looked past the boy in his arms to the bewildered pair standing behind them. "It was Dru," he said simply. His voice cracking slightly on the name.
Angel closed his eyes as an expression of pain and guilt crossed his face. Slowly, he sank to his knees. Doyle looked confused but he knelt, laying a comforting hand on his lover's back.
Spike turned to look back at the jagged opening. Golden eyes glittered with tears as he threw back his head and howled his grief.
Part SeventeenShocked, Angel sank to the floor. The sound of Spike's anguish tore through his unbeating heart, and he clenched his fists - fingernails cutting bloody crescents into his palms. He thought of the innocent young woman whose life he had destroyed, and of the beautiful vampiress who had once shared his bed. He quickly closed down the tide of grief and focused on his youngest Childe. Spike had at last fallen silent, and Angel forced himself to meet the tormented gaze.
"Do you think she's really gone?" Spike whispered.
Angel knew what Spike was asking. He shared close links with those he'd sired. He had felt Penn's passing and he should feel Drusilla's loss, but he felt nothing. It was as if her existence had simply been erased. "I...I don't know," he admitted honestly. Spike nodded sadly and stumbled to his feet. Xander remained glued to his side and Spike was clearly grateful for the support.
They stayed long enough to ensure that Drusilla's spells could no longer be carried into fruition - carefully obliterating markings and breaking magical charms. They found a book, wrapped in a red silk stole, and brought it away with them. Angel rang Giles to let him know the situation was resolved, and that a clean-up operation would be required to remove the gym's minefield of spells.
Spike allowed himself to be steered toward the car, but once he was sat in it, he became churlish. "I wanna drink," he growled.
Angel turned round to face him. "Spike, I don't think-"
Spike fixed him with a baleful stare. "-Why don't you just fuck off. I don't need you fuckin' preaching at me."
Angel fell silent.
Spike continued, his voice hoarse with pain. "You just don't get it, do you? She...she's gone...and I...I...." Wide gold eyes hardened as Spike visibly tried to pull himself together. "So you can quit with the moralising crap, cos I'm gonna have a fuckin' drink. I'm gonna poison myself with the pissin' stuff."
Angel regarded him thoughtfully, then he nodded, softly adding, "We'll pick something up on the way home."
"Home?" Doyle asked. "You mean L.A?"
Angel nodded wearily. "Yeah, I've had enough of this town. Unless anyone has any objections?"
Doyle quickly shook his head. Spike was staring stubbornly out the side window and didn't answer. Xander only glanced away from his lover long enough to whisper a soft, "No, I'm ready to go home."
"Good," said Angel quietly. "Home it is."
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They returned briefly to the mansion, disconnected the generator, threw their belongings in the boot, and headed out of town. Angel surmised as long as they didn't make too many stops, they'd be back before sunrise. They pulled up outside a twenty-four hour liquor store, a block from the apartment, with time to spare.
He reached over the seat and hauled Spike back when the other vampire would have got out. "Stay," he ordered. "Doyle can get it." He glanced at Doyle, silently asking if that was okay. The last thing they wanted was a bloodless store-owner and Spike was in just that sort of mood.
Doyle caught on quickly. "Oh, yeah, sure. No problem. What'd'ya want?"
Spike gave a semi-hysterical laugh. "The whole fuckin' shop should do it, and see if he's hidin' any of the good stuff out the back. Absinthe would be good." He looked at Xander. "Enough of that'll make you go blind. Course, it tastes like crap, but it does the job."
Xander looked worried. Angel tried to reassure the boy with a slight shake of his head. He'd seen Spike in this mood many times before. The younger vampire would drink himself comatose and collapse for a few days, then be back to his normal sarcastic self. Though he wasn't sure how much alcohol it would take to burn the grief out of Spike's system this time.
He unwound a thick roll of notes and after a moments thought gave them all to Doyle. "Just tell him to fill up a few boxes. Whisky, brandy, anything."
Nodding numbly, Doyle took the proffered money and went into the store.
The others waited in silence. Spike kicked the back of Angel's seat until the older vampire gave him a warning look. Angel knew Spike was hurting, but he also knew how to handle his Childe. Spike was acting out. It was a cry for Angel, or someone, to try and rein him in - and by doing so[,] demonstrate that they cared enough to at least attempt to control him.
Angel was both concerned and curious to see how Xander would fit into this equation. His worries were eased when Spike turned away from the window toward Xander, nestling against the youth - who willingly opened his arms to receive him. Angel met the boy's dark eyes as Xander stroked the soft blond waves soothingly, and they shared a look of understanding. Together they would get Spike through this. Angel shuttered his own grief away. There would be time for him to mourn later. For now his Childe was all that mattered.
Doyle finally came out of the store, staggering slightly under the weight of a large cardboard box. Angel decided Spike wasn't going to bolt and got out to help his lover.
Doyle exhaled in relief when the vampire took the box off him. "There's another two comin'. I think we made the fella's night."
Angel had to agree with the young man's assessment as he followed him back into the store to get the last two boxes. The store owner was wearing a huge grin and thanked them enthusively for their trade. Angel deposited the boxes in the boot and drove back to the apartment. Xander herded a silent Spike inside while Angel and Doyle unpacked the car.
A short while later they were gathered uncomfortably in the main room. Spike was sat on the couch, drinking from one bottle while he nestled another two protectively under his coat. Xander sat beside him, Angel sat opposite, while Doyle sat on the floor at his lover's feet. All three of them watched the younger vampire in sombre silence.
Eventually it got to Spike and he set the bottle down with a snarl. "What?!" he exclaimed bitterly. "A bloke can't have a bloody drink?" He took one of the bottles out from under his coat and thrust it at Doyle. "Here, drink to my Princess. She....she was the most beautiful woman I ever knew."
Doyle accepted the bottle hesitantly.
"Go on," Spike persisted. "Drink." He handed the other bottle to Angel. "You can fuckin' drink too. We're gonna toast my baby out in style."
Angel took the bottle and unscrewed the cap. He met Spike's eyes - now a shadowed blue - and raised his bottle. "To Dru," he said softly.
Spike nodded solemnly, and chinked his bottle to Angel's; they both took a long slug.
Doyle watched them and then lifted his own bottle. "To Dru," he added. As he drank he saw a glimmer of approval in Spike's cold eyes.
Spike handed his bottle to Xander. The youth accepted it with trembling fingers. "To Dru," he whispered, and took a long swallow. The strong liquor burned his throat and made him splutter.
Spike waited until the coughing fit had passed, then he leaned forward and captured Xander's lips in a fierce kiss. "Mine," he hissed as he drew back.
Xander nodded. "Yours," he said hoarsely. Spike took the bottle back and drank deeply, before pressing his mouth back to Xander's. The kiss was hard and brutal. Xander tried to soothe his lover's desperate pain with gentle strokes of his lips and tongue, and gradually Spike's savage assault became a more tender exploration. Salt mingled with the taste of the whisky as tears ran down Spike's face. Xander cupped the back of his lover's head, rubbing softly as he continued the kiss, tasting Spike's grief and giving comfort.
Doyle shivered and took another drink. Angel slid down onto the floor to sit beside him, laying an arm around his lover's slender shoulders. He nuzzled Doyle's neck lightly. Doyle turned into the touch and they shared a whisky flavoured kiss.
"Love you," Doyle whispered against Angel's lips.
"Love you back," Angel murmured
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Some hours later they were all sitting on the floor. Xander had discovered yet another interesting side effect to his 'changing body chemistry'. He had apparently developed a high tolerance to alcohol - enabling him to keep up with two vampires and a half-demon, or very nearly. Of course he was drunk, but then so were they.
Two of the boxes were already empty; no-one seemed inclined to drag the third out of the kitchen. Spike had passed the tearful stage and the angry stage - which had cost Angel a rather nice lamp - now he was belligerent, glowering furiously as he recalled how Angel had 'taken' his precious from him.
Angel was duly apologetic, but eventually he lost patience. "It wazn't me!" he protested vehemently. Then he thought about it. "Okay...it was me, but I wouldn't do that now." Angel's voice slurred slightly, as he waved his empty bottle for emphasis.
"No?" Spike asked.
"No," said Angel firmly.
Spike grunted and took another drink.
"Look, fellas, izz...itzt done with. Can't we put the past behind uz?" Doyle pleaded. He'd had enough fighting for one evening - plus the room was starting to spin.
"What would you know 'bout it?" Spike snarled, leaning forward.
Xander put a hand on his lover's chest and shoved him back. "Down, boy." He blinked and shook his head, trying to clear it so he could speak. "Doyle'z a good guy, 'member?" He sank back against the couch and slung an arm around the half-demon. At some point in the evening he'd moved to sit at the foot of the couch beside Doyle, while Spike sat at the foot of the chair next to Angel.
Spike snorted.
Xander glared at his lover and gave Doyle's shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "I-ignore him....he'z....he'z just being a brat."Spike prodded Xander's leg with a booted foot. "Who'you callin' a brat?"
Xander stuck his tongue out at him. Spike responded in kind and Xander let out a drunken giggle, as did Doyle.
Spike rolled his eyes. "You're drunk," he accused.
"So am I," said Angel. He sounded surprised, which earned him a snigger and a pair of near identical giggles.
Spike tried to swat Doyle, who moved out of the way with surprising speed. Xander gave a small cheer. Spike immediately grabbed his leg, and pulling off his sneaker, began tickling his foot. Xander gasped and tried to squirm away. Laughing he kicked out at his lover with his free leg, but Spike didn't let go until Doyle poured beer down the back of Spike's collar. Even Angel sniggered as the younger vampire released Xander with an indignant holler.
Xander managed to sit up with some assistance from Doyle. "Th-thanksz," he gasped, trying to catch his breath. He turned his head to grin at the other man, just as Doyle turned to do the same. Their foreheads bumped, as did their noses... .and their lips. It was a clumsy kind of kiss, but it was a kiss nonetheless and they both jerked back as if stung.
Stunned brown eyes stared into equally dazed green ones. <Oh god> Xander thought. He suddenly felt terrifyingly sober as he turned to face Spike, but instead of the anger he was expecting he was stunned to see lust glittering in his lover's gaze. <Huh?>
"Again," Spike ordered, his voice low and husky.
Twin panicked gazed fell on Angel, both blinked when they found a mirror of Spike's heated look.
"A-Angel?" Xander stammered.
Angel's voice brushed over him, soft as a breath. "Do it, if you want to."
Xander felt like he'd slipped into the twilight zone and his drink-fuddled senses struggled to work out what the hell was going on. <I kissed Doyle>. He sucked in a deep, shaky breath. Okay, that wasn't good, but it had been pure accident, so no biggie right? Except Spike seemed to have come down with a case of spontaneous lust, and Angel's gaze was getting hotter by the second.
Xander decided it was time to consider the other party involved in this. He turned to face Doyle, warily peering at the older man from under his fringe. The green eyes that met his were warm, the pupils wide and inky black - dilated with desire. Doyle's fingers brushed the hair back out of his eyes. <He wants me...> Xander thought in disbelief. Hesitantly, he brought his own hand up to touch Doyle's cheek. He felt the slight friction of stubble covering warm skin. It felt....different, a little strange, but not unpleasant. He leaned forward, and when Doyle didn't pull away, he boldly brought his lips to touch the other man's.
Soft, wet heat and whisky. Xander let his mouth glide against Doyle's. He jumped as a tongue sought entrance, but granted it and let his own slip forward to tangle with the half-demon's. <Oh yesss> This was good, this was better than good, and he twisted his body to get closer. He felt Doyle's finger's thread through his hair, holding him. A low, rumbling growl brought him back to his senses. <Oh god, what am I doing?>
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Xander wasn't the only one reeling from the kiss. Doyle couldn't deny he'd entertained the occasional lecherous thought about those tempting lips, but lustful daydreams were a world away from blunt reality. Without question this was better, unbelievably better, as Xander's mouth yielded beneath his own - hot and honey sweet.
Doyle could taste the rich burn of brandy behind the kiss. He carded his fingers through tangled curls, coaxing the youth closer. He had almost forgotten their silent watchers.....until a growl made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. He released Xander at once and moved away - just as Spike pounced, pushing him down onto the floor. Flat on his back he opened his mouth to apologise, plead, pray.. anything....only to have Spike's lips clamp down firmly over his.
Cold, smooth, slick and persistent - Doyle didn't stand a chance against their single minded assault. Spike ravished his mouth with near brutal savagery. He tasted blood and felt a flare of panic as strong hands gripped his shirt. It faded as the kiss lost its violent intensity and the now strangely gentle hands drew his shirt up. They brushed over his chest, fingers grasping and teasing his nipples making him gasp. A tongue flickered across his own and then withdrew.
Doyle lay, breathing raggedly as Spike sat back. The vampire's eyes were edged with gold. They had a wild look about them, one that made Doyle swallow hard and look to his lover. His jaw dropped. Angel was sitting on the couch behind Xander, having drawn the youth between his thighs. Xander was the image of debauched innocence, his hair tousled, his neck arched back exposing his throat. He knelt, his shirt open as Angel's hands roamed over his torso.
Angel's eyes met Doyle's and the latter read the uncertainty in them - the unspoken question - 'Are you all right with this?'
Was he? Did he even know what he was doing? He had a psychotic vampire sitting on his lap. Now parts of him were undeniably happy about that fact - namely those reaping the benefits of pressure and friction. However, other parts were far less certain.
"We don't have to. Not if you don't want to."
The soft voice startled him out of his introspection. He was even more surprised when he realised it came not from Angel, but from Spike.
"You want me to move?" Spike asked.
Doyle looked into the vampire's face and shook his head. "No."
Spike cocked his head to one side and frowned. "So, you wanna do this?"
<Did he?> Doyle felt himself relax minutely and he nodded. "Yes."
Spike grinned. "Good."
Doyle barely had chance to draw a breath before Spike reclaimed his lips in a searing kiss. The vampire's groin rubbed against his in a maddening manner. The friction was delicious but not quite enough. He tried to arch up but Spike denied him and Doyle knew he was going to have to let the vampire lead this encounter. That was okay with him. He wasn't really sure where they were heading, so guidance was more than welcome.
Spike was still kissing him when someone began to remove his footwear.
Since Spike's hands were roaming underneath his shirt he figured it had to be either Xander or Angel. Spike finally relinquished his lips, and Doyle discovered it was both. Feeling somewhat light-headed he found himself being carefully, but urgently stripped by three eager pairs of hands. The hands didn't leave once he was naked. They stroked and kneaded skin and muscle, paying his legs, arms and chest the same diligent attention.
When lips followed the same path Doyle's moans became whimpers. Warm fingers wrapped around his erection and he sat up with a cry. His wide eyed gaze met Xander's - those tempting lips set in a sultry smile.
Somehow he managed to reach out and snare the youth, gathering him close for a deep kiss. Xander had lost his earlier hesitancy and kissed him back with equal aggression, his hand still gliding up and down Doyle's flesh.
Doyle was beyond rational thought and reasoned thinking - awash in pure sensation. Hands seemed to be touching him everywhere. Lips scattered light kisses across his back and sides. He twitched as he felt sharp fangs graze his skin. He was wrenched away from Xander by Angel, who knelt before him. Doyle let his lover plunder his mouth, as he ran his hands over Angel's chest, teasing the nipples into hard pebbles. He tore his mouth free to suckle on them, delighting in Angel's heated moans.
A voice whispered in his ear, a sibilant whisper that made him shiver with both fear and thrill. "I want you," was all it said.
Doyle licked his way up Angel's chest and bit his lover's throat eliciting a deep growl. This time when his eyes met Angel's the latter's had become golden discs, the pupils wide and fixed.
"You want to watch him fuck me." It wasn't a question and Doyle didn't attempt to frame it as one. Desire and shame warred for dominance on Angel's face. Doyle was having none of that. He cupped his lover's face gently. "Yes?"
"Yes," Angel whispered hoarsely. The answer torn from him.
Green eyes glittered. "Okay." Doyle took Angel's hand and guided it to where Xander still held his rigid flesh in an almost lazy grasp. Doyle shuddered as Angel slid his fingers over the tip, bathing it in glistening precum. "See," he whispered raggedly, "that's how much I want this."
Spike growled behind him and Doyle felt the younger vampire's erection poke him in the back. Oh yeah, someone else wanted this too.
Angel's expression was stunned and faintly wondrous. Doyle felt Xander's hand move away, and he watched as the youth gently guided the vampire further back. Dark brown eyes regarded him questioningly for a moment, then turned back to Angel. Xander moved slowly - giving both Angel and
Doyle time to protest or intercede. The youth kissed Angel's lips, and then moved down to take Angel's erection into his mouth.Doyle's hand moved automatically to his own member, stroking as Angel thrust slowly into Xander's willing mouth. Spike knocked his hand away. "You save that for me," the younger vampire growled.
Doyle sank back against Spike, who wrapped his arms around him. They both watched as Xander fellated Angel, his fingers gripping the vampire's thighs for support. Angel had collapsed back against the couch, his hands digging into the cushions. In full game face he panted - letting out a muted howl as he came. Xander didn't stop, swallowing every drop of Angel's chilled seed.
Doyle was so hard he thought he might explode. He suddenly found himself being thrust forward up against the couch, his belly hard against the seat cushions.
He didn't have chance to gather himself before long, slender fingers were working some kind of lubricant into him. He was too far gone to care what it was. He only knew it felt fantastic and if Spike didn't hurry up and fuck him he *was* going to come.
Spike hurried. Foreplay was over and done with. Doyle hissed as something hard and cool breached the tight ring of muscle. He reached out blindly - and found himself caught and held - his lover at one side, Xander at the other. They held his outstretched arms firmly as Spike drove into him, their gazes burning his skin - one obsidian dark, one unearthly gold. He couldn't turn away. He could feel the pressure - Spike's rigid length stretching and filling him - there was no escape from it. He was held fast by the couch, and by the hands that held him......and he was so aroused it hurt. He spoke in tongues, he prayed, he chanted. Then Spike nudged his prostate and he nearly climbed over the couch.
"Oh god."
"Like that, do we?" Spike's throaty whisper teased him.
Doyle's only reply was a choked sob. If he didn't come soon he was going to die he was convinced of it - but they wouldn't let him touch himself.
Spike rotated his hips slowly and Doyle saw stars. He was in heaven. Though if it should eventually prove to be Hell, he didn't much care at this point. Angel moved closer and Doyle felt his lover's tongue flicker along his shoulder blade. He purposefully tilted his head to the side, exposing more of his throat. Angel took his offering and Doyle felt needle sharp fangs sink through his skin, burrowing deep into his flesh.
He could smell the rich flood of copper as blood swirled up into the wounds. The soft sounds of Angel drinking from him. He felt dizzy and hot. Spike began to quicken the pace and Doyle jerked and cried out with each powerful thrust. He was scarcely aware of Xander leaning back to kiss Spike. All he knew was the fiery heat in his throat and the burning friction as Spike tore into him. The pressure built until he wanted to scream from it. It was too much.....too much......
Suddenly, Angel released his throat. The vampire swiftly sliced open his own wrist holding it out before Doyle. Their eyes met and Doyle knew what his lover was asking. He didn't hesitate. Burying his mouth into the ragged wound he used his lips and tongue to take as much of the rich hot fluid as he could. A hand came round to grasp his aching erection and Spike's thrusts were timed with the swift strokes.
Doyle bit deep into Angel's arm as he came, muffling his scream. He heard Spike's howl ring out around them and was dimly aware of the pulse of his own hot seed flooding out over Xander's fingers. Spike withdrew and he was drawn back against Angel's chest - his mouth still nuzzling the bloody gash.
The younger vampire practically fell onto Xander, driving the youth up against the couch. Spike swallowed the youth down to the root and proceeded to demonstrate how deep throating benefited from a century of experience. Xander came with a gasp and the pair collapsed onto the floor, biting at each other. Pale skin was quickly smeared with blood as blunt teeth and sharp fangs sliced deep and eager tongues lapped up the sticky fluid.
Doyle licked his own lips cleansing them of the blood he'd consumed and closed his eyes. Sleep claimed him within seconds and he was unaware of being gently laid down on the floor, cradled against Angel's chest. The others fell still a moment later, curled around each other like two contented cats. Angel hooked a leg over Spike's. Two pairs of golden eyes met and shared a look, before they closed and joined their exhausted lover's in rest.
The silence was broken a heartbeat later by the sound of soft, rumbling purring..........
Part EighteenXander opened his eyes and groaned as the weak lamp light poured into them. He raised his head - *very* slowly though it didn't stop the grinding ache reverberating through his skull. It would seem that the recuperative powers of a Consort only went so far in providing hangover relief. He felt as if any sudden movement would cause him to shatter into a million tiny pain-filled pieces.
Of course, he had probably consumed enough alcohol to poison most men, so perhaps his current fragile state was not wholly unexpected. Full sentience returned slowly, but gradually he was made aware of several worrying things. One, he was naked. Two, the body pressed against him was also naked. Three, said body did not belong to Spike. With a flicker of alarm he drew back, only to collide with another, much cooler naked form resting behind him. From the muttered curse that reached his ears, Xander
realised that *this* was Spike."Will you quit your bloody writhing around," the vampire hissed.
"S-Spike?" Xander stammered nervously. Last nights alcohol consumption seemed to have left a regrettable hole in his memory. Several factors were currently causing him concern - such as why he was naked and more importantly, why was he naked on the floor next to an equally naked Doyle.
His mind chose that precise moment to fill in some unfortunate blanks and Xander closed his eyes again as he recalled his actions of the previous night. Maybe it hadn't been an orgy in the strictest sense, but it was certainly closer than he'd ever considered.
Spike, as always, seemed to pick up on the sudden tension in his limbs. The cool body pressed closer and a soft voice asked, "You alright, pet?"
Xander forced himself to re-open his eyes and trying not to upset his decidedly queasy stomach he turned over to face his lover. He was somewhat comforted by the concern he read there. His mind was still struggling to assimilate all that had happened. "I....We....Did I....?"
Spike just grinned wolfishly.
"Oh," said Xander numbly.
Spike's playful look shifted back into a more concerned one. "You alright with it?"
Xander pondered the question carefully. He had no misgivings about sharing himself with Angel. He'd already come to accept the bond between the older vampire and his lover, and recognised that sex played its part. Also, he and Angel had shared a certain understanding since their 'arrangement'.
However, Doyle had always been Angel's lover - Xander had never thought of him as anything other than that, though he could not deny that he had felt an attraction to the slender green-eyed man. Things seemed very complicated all of a sudden.
"They don't have to be, pet."
Xander blinked, he hadn't realised he'd spoken the last part aloud.
Spike's arm encircled his waist and drew him closer. Cold lips nuzzled his throat and then moved up to his ear.
"See, this was more a one time thing," Spike explained. "Cos you.. you belong to me." Spike drew back to look into Xander's eyes. Gold circled the blue. "And I don't share," Spike finished. Then he kissed Xander, crushing his lips almost brutally.
The lingering pain of his hangover faded to a dull blur as the chilled pleasure of his lover's taste and touch filled Xander's senses. He murmured in wordless appreciation, pleading for more. Almost as if he'd read Xander's thoughts, Spike's hand slid down from his waist and stroked across his belly. Xander's groin twitched in anticipation. The abrupt withdrawal of both hand and lips left him bereft and he whimpered in protest, but Spike was only standing up.
He held out a hand to Xander. "Come on, love. Time to take this party somewhere more private." Spike inclined his head toward the bedroom.
Xander stood, somewhat wobbly, and allowed himself to be led around Angel's slumbering form. The short walk into the bedroom cost him more energy than he'd bargained and he collapsed heavily onto the bed.
Spike shook his head despairingly. "What you need," he announced knowingly, "is a little pick-me-up."
Xander wasn't about to argue with that line of reasoning.
Spike simply raised his arm to his lips and tore open the flesh, before pressing it, dripping stolen blood, to Xander's lips. Xander responded instinctively, opening his mouth to the crimson flow he drew upon the wound eagerly. He gulped down the hot, viscous fluid, feeling the strange tingle spread out through his body. Eventually, Spike prised him away.
"Better, pet?"
"Hmm, hmm," Xander mumbled happily, reaching for his lover.
Spike grinned and tumbled onto him. Limbs tangled, tongues duelled for dominance. Hips thrust against one another as their gasps and moans filled the room. Xander recovered the nearly empty bottle of oil from beside the bed. Spike snatched it and poured the rest of the contents over Xander's erection. Xander hissed and bucked as the cool oil trickled down his burning skin. Spike held his hips steady and shifted into position. Xander barely had time to draw breath before Spike had seated himself upon his rigid length.
Xander's eyes widened as he felt himself drawn deep into the tight, sleek channel of his lover's body - the passage gripping him with near painful force. Sucking in a ragged breath he looked up. Spike sat, head back, muscles standing out in stark relief against the eerie whiteness of his skin. Xander reached out and let his hand glide across the lean belly. Spike lowered his head to meet his gaze. Blue eyes turned liquid gold as Spike's face shifted into its true form.
Thin lips parted, revealing jagged fangs. Spike grinned and leaned back, gripping Xander's thighs. His legs took the rest of his weight and he began to raise and lower himself onto Xander's erection. He started slowly, almost letting Xander slide free of his body before dropping back down again.
Xander grit his teeth against the most excruciating pleasure he had ever known. He tried to thrust up into his lover, but Spike ruthlessly controlled the pace. Xander could only twist and writhe helplessly beneath him, his body held on the knife edge of release. Then Spike began to increase the momentum, allowing Xander the freedom to buck upwards as he rode the youth with rising frenzy.
Xander finally could take no more, with a choked cry his orgasm exploded through his body. Dizzy and drained he sank down into the tangled sheets. Spots of light seemed to flash behind his closed lids as he pulsed stream after stream of seed into his lover. Spike didn't stop, but drove on until with a howl he surrendered to his own release, the icy essence spilling out across Xander's chest.
Sticky and sweaty, panting for breath, Xander slowly opened his eyes.
"Wow," he croaked appreciatively. Spike shot him a smug look before collapsing down beside him. Xander fumbled for his lover's hand and grasped the slender fingers. He studied them intently, struggling to find the words he wanted to say.
Spike grew impatient waiting. "Spit it out, pet. What's going on in that head of yours?"
Xander pushed himself to meet Spike's gaze, watching as the bright gold slowly muted back to arctic blue. "Do you," he began hesitantly. "I mean, do you wish things were different?"
Spike stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "No," he snapped. "You saying you don't want this?"
"No," said Xander quickly, snatching at Spike's hand before the vampire could tug free. "I only meant....I mean....do you wish you were with someone else...?" Flustered he lowered his gaze.
"Look at me," said Spike brusquely. "Oi, I said *look at me*."
Unhappily, Xander lifted his eyes back to meet his lover's. Spike regarded him intently.
"I told you. There never was no choice. I want you. No one else. Not nancy boy out there, or his demon side kick, or..." He hesitated and his voice softened. "Or her," he added.
"You love her," said Xander quietly. He couldn't bring himself to put the words into the past tense.
"Yeah," Spike nodded. "I do. Always will." He brought his face closer to Xander's, until they almost touched. "But it ain't the same as what I feel for you. With you it's more....I...." Spike jerked back with a snarl of frustration. "Look, I'm no good at all this opening your heart stuff. If it's hearts and flowers you want you'd best go back out there." He nodded his head toward the closed bedroom door. "Me, I'm more 'show' than 'tell'." He looked back at Xander. "So make up your mind, pet. What do you want?"
Xander wasn't fooled for a minute into believing Spike would simply let him leave and rejoin the others. Not that he had any desire to do so. Any insecurities that had resurfaced were burned away by the possessiveness gleaming in Spike's eyes. He knew where he belonged, and it seemed that Spike wanted to belong there too. That was fine with him. He smiled and leaned forward to claim a kiss. "Yours," he whispered against Spike's lips.
He felt the shudder that passed through his lover's body.
"Mine," Spike agreed, deepening the kiss.
Xander sighed happily into the embrace. Allowing himself a wriggle of contentment as Spike rolled them over and round two began.......
Part NineteenIn the main room Angel was up and dressed. Doyle was sat on the floor clutching his head.
"Please tell me this pain comes from us fighting the good fight?"
Angel handed him a cup of coffee and some pain killers. "Let's just say it was in a good cause," he supplied softly.
"Yeah?" Doyle grimaced. "The paying kinda good, or the staying in one piece kinda good?"
Angel sat on the seat in front of him. "You don't remember?"
Doyle detected a hint of worry in the timbre of his lover's voice. He dropped his hand away from his eyes and gulped back a mouthful of the scorching coffee, choking down the tablets. "It'll come to me," he replied a touch defensively. "Just gimme a minute." He sat and thought. Slowly he lowered his cup to the floor. "Ah," he said slowly and looked up at Angel, pinkness tinged his cheeks. "That wasn't a weird hallucination brought on by the demon drink, then?"
Angel shook his head.
Doyle groaned. "Spike!" he exclaimed. "I had sex with *Spike*?"
Another wordless nod. Angel fidgeted anxiously. "I'm sorry. I....I didn't think you were that drunk...."
Doyle hastened to reassure his worried looking lover, before Angel descended into another angsty guilt trip. He staggered upright and shuffled over to take a seat by Angel. "I wasn't," he confessed. "It was all a bit hazy there for a minute or two, but I knew what I was doing." He pinched the bridge of his nose and rubbed it vigorously. "Now *why* is a whole other matter."
"You didn't want it?" Angel asked gently.
Doyle tried to read the expression in that sphinx-like gaze but abandoned the effort. He decided to go with honesty. He sighed. "No, I wanted it. I'm just not sure why I wanted it."
Angel's mouth twisted into a slightly wry smile. "Spike has his charms."
Doyle had to concede the point. "Yeah, I guess." Then he frowned again. "But he's like so...so..."
"-annoying."
"That's puttin' it mildly," said Doyle.
Angel just smiled again.
Doyle regarded his lover hesitantly. "You...I mean, you're not like mad or something?"
"Should I be?"
Doyle hissed in frustration. "Enough with the cool, calm and collected routine, okay. I need to know what you're feeling here. I...." He rested his hand on Angel's arm tentatively. "I don't wanna mess up what we have."
Angel lay his hand over Doyle's and squeezed the other man's fingers gently. "You haven't," he assured him. "Spike....Spike needed comfort. We gave it to him. You gave it to him. It was what he needed."
"So this was like a one-off kinda deal?" Doyle wasn't sure whether to be relieved or disappointed.
Angel nodded. "Probably." He regarded Doyle closely. "Are you going to be okay with it?"
Doyle nodded slowly. "Yeah, so long as Blondie don't make an issue of it."
"He won't." Angel's tone was very final, implying that if Spike did, he would have to answer for it.
"Then yeah, I can deal," said Doyle. "And we're still...you know...okay?" He tried not to cringe at the neediness in his own voice.
Angel responded by pushing him gently back against the couch - claiming his mouth in a kiss guarantied to get the blood singing in his veins. <Oh, yeah. They were okay. More than okay....> Doyle happily wrapped his arms around his lover and pulled Angel even closer, all his aches and pains forgotten and fading. Their muffled gasps and moans were soon accompanied by a back-drop of muted sounds from the bedroom. Neither pair of lovers paid any mind or heed to the other, each too intent and caught up in their
own cycle of pleasure to care.........--------------------
While somewhere in the depths of beyond, a woman's voice sang softly. Nonsensical words and half forgotten melodies of long ago..... echoing dreamily around the walls of Hell.........................