"This is it." Willow whispered to Spike as they approached the house. It was dark, no lights shining from inside as if it was empty. "Do you think he's in there?" Spike nodded.

"Definitely, Red. I can feel him...along with a few others." No sooner had Spike said that then ten men jumped from the bushes, attacking the small band of friends.

"We'll take care of these guys, Spike. You and Willow try to get Robin." Angel told him, turning to face the others along with Gunn. They had sent Lorne, Cordelia and Doyle back to the office and now it was just the four of them. Spike watched Angel and Gunn begin to fight before grabbing Willow's hand and heading towards the house.

"Red, don't take any risks. Get him out of there and then you stay back...no arguments." Spike warned before Willow had a chance to protest. He heard a man's voice calling out to him from the direction of the garage and both he and Willow turned to see Robin standing in the darkened doorway.

"What happened, mate? You never call, you never write."

"Just been waiting for the right moment." Robin saw Willow start to chant and shook his head. "There's no need for magics. Spike, you can come in." Robin invited before disappearing into the darkness.

"Go back and help Gunn and Angel." Spike told Willow, who shook her head.

"I'm with you. Spike this was too easy. This guy's set a trap and..."

"I'm walking into it. I know that. Promise I'll be careful. Go help the others. The quicker you get rid of those blokes the sooner all of us can concentrate on Robin." The thought of getting Gunn to help Spike convinced Willow to do what Spike said, stopping to place a kiss on his cheek and whisper "Be careful" before leaving. Spike ran over to the garage, slowly entering the building as he looked around the pitch black building.

"Vampire here, you soddin git. We bloody well invented afraid of the dark." Spike scoffed, thinking Robin was trying to scare him. "Bugger this. I'm not playing hide and seek for the rest of the night. Think you've been doing that long enough." Spike waited for Robin to respond and when he didn't Spike went further into the long garage. "Is this the part where I say 'who's there?' and something creepy happens?"

"This isn't a joke, Spike! You took my mother away from me. Made me live my life as an orphan, never having the love....."

"Oh, quit your boo-hooing and get your ass out here so I can kick it around a bit before I kill you."

"See? I knew you hadn't changed. Hadn't become the so called co- champion everyone at Wolfram and Hart seems to think you are."

"Never claimed to be a good guy much less a champion and I don't give a tinker's damn about what Wolfram and Hart thinks."

"Maybe not, but I see what you're doing. Trying to pile up your good deeds to impress your friends and oh, yeah...let's not forget Xander." Spike growled at those words. "But do you think any of that matters? The things you did...the lives you destroyed...it's all come back to haunt you." Robin started to laugh. Spike tried to hone in on where the voice was coming from but there were too many speakers in the room and he couldn't get a fix on where the real one was coming from. "Yeah, it was karma that I ended up at a place where the people seem to hate you as much as I do. I've been following you...watching you and your little gang. Seeing how you dote over Xander. That's why I went after him, you know. He's your weak spot...the weak link of the group."

"Xander's not a weak link, you prick. He doesn't hide behind darkness and drugs when he's faced with evil. The boy fights, no matter the consequences."

"What about you? Are you ready to die, because I plan on killing you just like you did my mother."

"Oh, no...empty threats." Spike mock shuddered. "That all you got cause it's gonna take a slice more than that to wet my knickers. I've already heard them. Not like hearing you say it again is gonna rattle my knobs." Spike's tone was flippant but his hands were by his side, clenching and unclenching, itching to get hold of the man who had hurt his boy. "Come on, then. No more games. No more hiding in the shadows. Let's do this, right and proper."

"If that's what you want." The lights flickered on and Spike stared at the walls surrounding him. They were filled with crosses, not an inch was left uncovered. "Just stay away from the walls and you'll be fine. Oh, and how about something to listen to...you know, set the mood?" Suddenly the large garage was filled with a high pitched noise that dropped both Angel, who had just arrived with the others, and Spike to their knees.

"What the bloody hell...." Spike's face changed, roaring in pain as he covered his ears. He barely registered the others yelling his name before Robin jumped down from the rafters, hitting him across the face.

"That's right, dog! Can't fight back!" Spike tried to ignore the noise as he lashed out, Robin easily deflecting his punch before landing one of his own. Spike continued to throw punches, Robin ducking them and landing a few of his own.

"Where the hell is that coming from?" Gunn asked Willow who was leaning down next to Angel. She shrugged her shoulders and Gunn rushed past them intent on turning the noise off. Robin kicked Spike, knocking him to the ground before grabbing Gunn. The two men exchanged punches but Robin was wearing gloves with studs on them and Gunn was knocked out.

"Help Spike." Angel managed to tell Willow, hands covering his ears to drown out the awful noise. Willow nodded and ran inside trying to find a way to turn the sound off. She had expended the rest of her energy on the men outside so she couldn't do it magically. It was going to have to be manually.

Robin blocked another one of Spike's punches before pushing Spike up against the wall, pinning him there with an arm to his neck. Robin placed his hand on the side of Spike's face, turning it towards the crosses. Angel lunged at the invisible barrier, all pain forgotten when he smelled the sizzling flesh of his lover.

"You are going to pay for that, mother fucker!"

"Somehow, I doubt that. The invitation was for Spike only." Robin was busy taunting Angel, not paying attention to Willow who had picked up a board and was sneaking towards him. Just as she raised it, Robin caught sight of her and lashed out, knocking her to the ground. "It wasn't enough that you caused Xander so much pain...now your friends are suffering as well? All this because they're trying to help a worthless vampire like you?"

Spike had seen Robin hit Willow and heard his words, anger and guilt washing over him. He growled, pushing Robin backwards before launching himself from the wall. Just as he got to the man, Robin turned and kicked him, knocking him into a shelf, wood splintering and falling all around him. He lay on the floor, lost in guilt and pain.

"Hurts, don't it?" Robin asked, standing over top of him. He leaned down, grabbing Spike by the collar and lifting him up. "Is this what it felt like?" landing a punch, "when you beat the life out of her" another punch, "toyed with her" yet another punch, "When you snapped her neck!" Robin screamed, landing another punch.

"Spike! Childe!" Angel was trying his best to get Spike's attention but the younger vampire wasn't responding. Gunn had regained consciousness and was silently looking for the major sound system. He found it and clicked the button, silence filling the room. Before Robin could do anything, Gunn picked up the board Willow had dropped and smashed the stereo, making sure it was out of commission before he smiled at Robin.

"Like that was so hard." He picked Willow up and made his way back to Angel's side.

"An animal like you never cared for anyone but yourself. No one else mattered." Robin was taking the gloves off and walking back towards Spike as he talked, confident that he had beaten the vampire. "just all about the hunt."

"Spike get up! Prove him wrong! You know you care...about us, about your family. Remember what Xander has gone through because of this asshole! Remember what you promised him! What you promised us both!" Robin was busy taking Spike's coat off of him, the one that Spike had nicked from his mother when he had killed her. Robin pulled a cross from the wall and was preparing to dust Spike when the vampire spoke up.

"I'm sorry." Spike half whispered, thinking about Xander. Somehow Angel's words had gotten through his addled brain. He had to do this...for Angel, for Xander and for the rest of their family.

"What?" Robin seemed surprised by Spike's words. After a moment he raised the cross and prepared to stake Spike. Angel yelled "NO" just as Gunn ran back into the garage but it didn't really matter...Spike had grabbed the man's hand midway and was holding on to it. His leg shot sideways and he kicked Robin, making him stumble backwards against the other wall. Spike got up, looking more like himself...the Big Bad.

"Thanks for the assist Charlie-boy but I've got it now." Gunn nodded and moved back to the doorway.

"Sorry? You think sorry's gonna make everything right?" Robin asked.

"I wasn't talking to you." Robin tried a roundhouse kick but Spike ducked, the man's leg going over his head. Robin swung and Spike grabbed him, holding his arm up as he delivered resounding blows to the man's stomach and face. He elbowed Robin in the head, knocking him backwards yet again. "I don't give a piss about your mum. She was a slayer and I was a vampire." Spike kicked Robin in the face and Robin fell to the ground, rolling before getting up to face Spike. Spike's right leg came up, connecting with Robin's face, sending the man hurtling across the room but again Robin rolled and got to his feet.

"That's the way the game is played."

"Game?" Robin lunged for Spike, attempting another punch but Spike stopped him, hitting the man in the stomach. When Robin bent over Spike hit him in the back before smacking him across the face.

"A game which you are so going to lose." Angel muttered. Gunn was helping Willow up and both turned to see Angel leaning back against the doorway, arms folded against his chest and a smile on his face. By now Spike had grabbed the light hanging in front of him, swinging a kick into Robin that knocked the man onto his back. Spike dropped down, giving Robin a disgusted look.

"She knew what she was signing up for."

"Well, I didn't sign up for it!" Robin was trying to get back up as Spike smirked down at him.

"Well, that's the rub, isn't it? You didn't sign up for it, and somehow it's my fault." Robin threw a punch which Spike easily dodged.

"You took my childhood. You took her away!" Punches were flying but Spike wasn't allowing any of them to hit him, Finally, he hit Robin in the chest, knocking him backwards. The two men glared at each other while Gunn looked at Angel.

"What is Spike doing? He could easily take the guy out."

"Spike doesn't want it to be that easy. He's playing with him...taunting him...God, I love watching this." Angel's voice was full of admiration for his beautiful lover...so graceful yet so deadly.

"She was my world." Robin was telling Spike as he advanced on the younger vampire.

"And you weren't hers. Doesn't that piss you off?"

"Shut up. You didn't know her!" Spike's words had just the effect he wanted. Robin tried another roundhouse kick which Spike deflected. He tried to kick the vampire again and Spike easily caught his leg, hitting him hard right above the knee and sending the man to the ground. Spike approached Robin who put his leg up to deflect the vampire but Spike grabbed it.

"Didn't want to know her. Slayer...vampire. Vampires kill Slayers." And with that being said, Spike picked the man up by his foot and threw him across the room. Robin landed against the wall with a thud and slid down it, a pained _expression on his face.

"Damn, I want to learn how to do that. Think Spike will show me how?" Gunn asked. Angel shrugged, his eyes never leaving Spike. There was no way he was going to miss this show.

"Got news for you boy. Nothing comes before a slayer's mission...not friends, not family, not even a son."

"No, Sh---She loved me." Robin gasped, holding his stomach, blood trickling down his face.

"But not enough to quit though, was it?" Spike slowly advanced on the man, stopping to pick his duster up and put it on. "Not enough to walk away. For you." Spike leaned down in front of Robin, staring at the man as he sighed. "Unlike you, I had a mother who loved me back." Spike stood up and paced across the floor, lighting a cigarette. "I doubted that for a time. She was sick, I turned her, she turned on me and I had to dust her. Kept remembering the last time I saw her, the words she spoke to me but it wasn't her. It was the demon. No, I was my mother's world. After she was gone, I never thought I would ever find anyone who would love me like that. But I was wrong. I have Xander and I have Angel. We have our friends. Funny how things work out innit? Me? Evil vampire and all ending up with everything and you ending up with nothing or no one to love. See you think you have all the answers but you don't know shit about me, my life or the ones I love."

"And look what it gets them, Spike." Robin taunted. "How is poor Xander anyway?" Spike's eyes filled with rage, all thoughts of taunting Robin gone. He threw his cigarette to the floor before hauling the man to his feet. He was just about to snap Robin's neck when he saw the look of relief that passed across his face. The same kind of relief mixed in with fear that he had seen on the two slayer's faces right before he killed them. Robin was trying to get under his skin so that his death would be quick.

"Oh, I get it. Trying to take the easy way out. Not gonna happen. You almost made me lose a huge part of my life and for that you're going to suffer, you stupid git." Spike pushed Robin across the floor, through the doorway and into Angel's waiting arms. Robin struggled, trying to free himself but it was no use.

"Different game now isn't it?" Angel asked, flashing him a vicious smile, fangs and all. "No high pitched noises to hurt us, no barriers to keep us out..."

"What...whatever you're going to do to me...I'm not afraid." Robin's scent belied the calm exterior he was working on and both vampires laughed.

"Thought you were raised by a watcher, Robin my boy. You should know that Spike and I can smell the fear coming off of you in waves." Robin opened his mouth to protest but Angel put a hand over his mouth. "Don't even bother trying to lie. Don't waste your breath...you're going to need it. For as long as Spike wants you to, anyway." Angel pulled the man to his car while Spike stayed behind with the others.

"Get on back home. I don't want either one of you involved in this...don't want you tainted by what you might see." Willow and Gunn nodded, slowly walking towards the truck. Spike started to leave and was surprised when he found himself with an armful of Willow.

"God, Spike I thought he was going to...and Xander would be...not to mention Angel and the rest of us. I don't know what I would have done if he had...I'm sorry I couldn't stop that noise but Gunn came through in the clench." Spike looked over Willow's shoulder and gave Gunn a grateful smile. "You were right. I used up too much energy earlier doing my magic. Guess I'm not as powerful as I thought I was. My ego got in the way and I almost lost a friend because I..."

"Stop, Red. Not your fault. Asshole wasn't playing fair." Spike hugged the redhead a little tighter before prying her fingers from him so that he could pull back and look at her. He saw the dark bruise on her face and reached out, lightly rubbing it. "Sorry you got hurt, Red." Willow gently ran her hand across Spike's burned cheek, eyes filling with tears.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop this. Does it hurt...of course it does, that was a stupid question wasn't it? Is it as bad as it looks because magical powers or not I can still hurt that bastard. I'll kick him...in his nuts...and then I'll pull his hair and scratch his eyes out and all that other girly stuff. I'll tell Angel to get him out..." Spike put a finger to Willow's lips, stopping her nervous babble.

"Shhh, luv. You're just as bad as Xander with that babbling, aren't you?" Willow smiled and took his hand.

"Guess we sort of rubbed off on each other through the years. I'll try to stop doing..."

"Don't you dare. It's part of your charm." Spike watched Willow's face turn red at the compliment. "On anybody else it would be downright annoying and I'd have to kill them on principle alone, but with you and Xander...well, it's special. It's part of what makes you...you. And don't worry about the burn. Just stings a little. It'll be healed before we get home. Vampire, remember?" Willow nodded as Spike turned to check Gunn out. "You okay?"

"Takes more than a little beating like that to keep me down. Just wish I could've helped sooner."

"You came through. I owe you one."

"Nah. Friends watch each other's backs. But if you really, really need to pay me back you can teach me some of those moves you did in there."

"Whenever you're ready." Spike promised. "Look, Xander's gonna want to kill Robin himself when he sees this bruise on Willow's face. Make him stay put...I don't care if Willow, Wesley or Tara have to use magic on him or you, Gunn and Doyle have to sit on him....just make sure Xander stays in bed. Tell him I'll make Robin pay for what he did to both of you, got it?"

"No problem...we'll sic Cordy on him."

"Good idea. The cheerleader's scary for a human."

"Are you sure you don't want us to follow you? This prick may have some guys we don't know about and they may try to pull another stunt like before on you and Angel."

"We'll be fine. Clem and Clarence are gonna meet us there."

"Just make sure you call us as soon as you get where you're going so we know you and Angel are all right. You may be vampires with all the super strength and years of experience at taking care of yourself but that doesn't mean we don't worry."

"Gotta agree with her, man. And that's something I never thought I'd say or do. Be worried about a couple of vampires." Gunn agreed.

"Yeah, but they're not like other vampires. They're special." Willow gave Spike another hug and Gunn patted him on the shoulder before they walked away. Spike watched, making sure they got into the truck safely and were pulling away from the curb before he went to join Angel who was standing by the car.

"Having trouble making them leave?" Angel asked, having been too busy locking Robin in the trunk to pay attention to the conversation.

"A little. Red was upset. Had to reassure herself that I was fine. And Gunn wanted to follow us but I told him we'd be all right. They want us to call as soon as we get where we're going. Bollocks, just when I think I understand humans they go and surprise me."

"What do you mean?"

"Red and Gunn were worried about me...about us. Not because of how our getting hurt or dying would affect Xander...they cared about us because we're us." Spike couldn't seem to get over that concept. "Willow was actually pissed enough to want to take on this wanker without her magics." Angel pulled Spike close, kissing him on the forehead.

"Of course she was. She loves you. She's told you that over and over. Damn, you're as bad as Xander, you know that?"

"Like you're not. Always brooding about your past sins, thinking you're not worthy of love." Spike leaned forward, giving Angel a kiss. Angel slid his hand up Spike's back, cupping his neck and deepening the kiss. When they were done, Spike grinned at him. "Three of a kind we are." Another kiss. "Are you trying to get me to shut up?"

"No. Trying to do the reassuring thing myself. I felt so fucking helpless...."

"But I'm fine."

"Yeah, you are. Gotta say, I really enjoyed the ending. I've missed watching the way you play with your victims." Spike gave Angel another kiss before heading to the passenger side of the car.

"You think you enjoyed that show...you ain't seen nothing yet." **********************************************

Angel drove out to the edge of town, following the directions Clem had given him. They pulled up in front of an old, what appeared to be abandoned building, double checking the address before getting out of the car. Angel opened the trunk, roughly hauling Robin out of it. Spike had to smile when he saw the fresh bruises on Robin's face. Angel noticed and grinned back.

"Couldn't help myself. He hurt you...wasn't about to let that pass."

"Didn't think you would." Spike told him, pulling out his cell and dialing the familiar number. Angel waited while Spike told Willow they had arrived and assured her that everything was fine.

"Where are we?"

"Somewhere no one can hear you. Go ahead and scream all you want, won't make any difference. You're all alone now, Robin...alone with your worse nightmares. No one to help you just like Xander had no one to help him when he was locked inside those hallucinations. Hallucinations you caused." Angel growled, pulling the man towards the door. Spike followed Angel towards the building where they were met by Clarence, Clem and Harmony.

"We got everything you asked for Angel...even the Iron Maiden of Nuremberg." Clem was boasting, giving Robin the evil eye.

"Yeah, that was a bitch to find but we did it." Clarence added.

"Thank guys. We owe you." Angel told them.

"Gonna torture him?" Harmony asked, causing Spike to roll his eyes at the blonde.

"That would be why we needed the toys, Harm."

"Can I help? I'm really good at it."

"Thanks, but this is personal."

"Why do you think I want to help? Because I've got some kind of bloodlust?" Spike raised his eyebrows and gave Harmony a knowing look. "Well, okay, that too, but Xander's my friend. Well, he wasn't back in high school because hello? I was popular and he was this big dork but now we're friends. Plus, even though we're technically over you're still my Blondie Bear and if that bastard...even a good looking, well built one like this...had anything to do with hurting Xander and coming after you then I'm in for a big, fat pound of flesh!"

"Very convincing argument, Harm," Spike's voice held a note of sarcasm, "but Angel and I have got it. Come on, Angel. It's Showtime."

"Any seats left?" Clem asked, wanting to see this guy get what was coming to him.

"If not, we'll stand in the back." Clarence agreed.

"Look, we appreciate everything you did for us but this is something Spike and I have to do ourselves." Angel told them, ushering the three of them out the door. When they were gone, he returned to Spike and Robin.

"Time for payback."

"Go ahead and have your fun...you'll never hear me scream." Robin's face held a hint of determination, determination that was soon shattered when he was led further inside. "What the...."

"Think you're going to have to rethink that 'never hearing you scream' bit." Spike looked around the room at the various torture devices the demons had acquired before smirking at Robin, who was shaking in fear. Angel was grinning as well, his gaze wandering to the man's pants which were now soiled.

"How many minutes did you tell Dawn it would take to..." Angel gestured and Spike laughed.

"Five minutes. Bloody fucking hell, I thought he would last at least a minute or two."

"You're...you're not going to use all of these on me...you can't...Xander would..." Robin's stuttering was stopped by Spike who backhanded him, knocking him to the ground. Before Robin could blink, Spike was in his face.

"Don't EVER mention Xander's name again. You played that card already and that's why you're going to die."

"But I didn't kill Xander." Spike hit the man again.

"You don't listen very well do you? You touched what was mine. Made Xander sick, delirious, in pain for hours. Xander's a better man than you could have ever hoped to be and you...." Spike stopped for a moment, swallowing hard before continuing, "You're nothing but a coward. If you had come at me in a one on one fight...well, you still would have died but it would have been quick. You brought this on yourself so quit whinging...although screaming is allowed. In fact it's encouraged." Both vampires yanked Robin up, dragging him towards the middle of the room.

"Please don't kill me. I'll do anything...I'll...I'll apologize to Xander...aaach!" Robin's breath was cut off by Angel's hand around his throat.

"You think an apology will take away what he went through! You know exactly what that drug can do to someone. How it might affect Xander for days, months...maybe the rest of his life!"

"No.no. I swear I didn't know it had any after effects." Spike rushed forward, pushing Angel aside as he started punching Robin.

"You knew bloody well what that drug would do! You're nothing but a fucking liar! Trying to save your sorry arse!" Both Spike and Angel could smell the deceit mixed with the fear. After a few moments, Angel pulled Spike away from Robin, the man crumpling to the floor.

"Spike, that's enough. We don't want the fun to be over before it's even begun." Spike bent down, putting his hands on his knees as he tried to calm himself. He knew Angel was right but he was filled with a blinding rage. Angel ran a calming hand up and down his spine and Spike closed his eyes, trying to regain control of his emotions.

"I know what you're saying but this arsewipe...I've been waiting so long to get my hands on him." Spike took hold of Robin's arm, pulling him towards the first torture device. "Angel, look at this. Clem must have remembered how I got the nickname Spike." Angel walked over to the large box, noticing the spikes protruding from the inside of the doors.

"I haven't seen one of these in years."

"Wh-wh-what is that?" Robin finally managed to say, his eyes never leaving the sharp objects.

"Like Clem said...The Iron Maiden of Nuremburg. We put our victim, which is you, inside and slowly, ever so slowly close these doors here. These spikes pierce along the length of your body." A small whimper escaped Robin. "None of that...it's not designed to kill you outright. The spikes go into your arms and legs..."

"Your stomach, chest, bladder..."

"Eyes, shoulders, ass and groin. You can last up to two days in this before you die." Spike finished.

"Oh, God...ohGod,ohGod,ohGod...."

"God can't help you now boy. You're in hell." Angel told him.

"Tell you what. We'll let you know what's coming...I think that's fair, don't you?" Robin shook his head, but Spike paid him no heed. "Seems we're a little more fair in that department than you were. You didn't give Xander a chance to prepare for his torture." Spike's fingers dug into Robin's arm, causing him to yelp in pain. They made their way to the next one. "Here's one that would suit you. It's called the 'Witches Cradle'."

"I-I-I'm not a witch." Robin was staring at what looked like a sack tied from the rafters. Maybe this wouldn't be too bad.

"True, but you like to mess with people's brains, right? Angel, want to see how well this wanker can handle this one?"

"Why not...we've got all the time in the world. Not getting any older and he's not gonna live long enough to age either." The two vampires tied Robin up, putting him into what appeared to be a sack. With vampiric speed and strength they sent the sack swirling and twirling, listening to the man's screams. After a few minutes they let him down. Robin's mind was muddled and he felt like he had been on the drug himself. Spike threw him into a corner and sat watching as the man tried to regain focus, puking several times. After a few minutes, Spike decided it was time to go to the next attraction. The two vampires pulled Robin over to a long rope dangling from the ceiling, the other end attached to a screw in the wall.

"The Strappado." Spike explained, putting the belt around Robin's waist. "We're going to bounce you around until both shoulders are dislocated." With that being said, Spike started to pull on the rope, lifting Robin in the air. Up and down, up and down, going higher each time until they heard Robin's screams and the sound of the man's shoulders popping out of place. Spike let go of the rope and Robin fell to the ground with a thud. Both vampires reached for him at the same time, dragging him to his feet and leading him to the next torture.

"Spike, this is nice. One of my favorites." Angel was standing next to two wedges placed together, alongside them a large hammer. "Love to hear the crunching of the bones when I drive the wedges through the legs and ankles."

"Wh-wh-what?"

"The boots...that's what they're called. Want to know why?" Angel had that evil grin on his face again and Robin quickly shook his head, wishing he hadn't when spots danced in front of his eyes and his shoulders throbbed. "Sure you do." Angel sat Robin down, placing his left foot into the device. He got on one side, Spike on the other. Before Robin knew what was happening the two vampires started hitting the sides with their palms, causing the device to close around his leg from ankle to knee. Robin screamed in agony as flesh was torn away and bones were crushed. Finally, they opened the boot and Angel, seeming pleased, pointed at Robin's mangled leg. "Seems I haven't lost my touch. Bone marrow mixed in with blood." Both vampires laughed as they drug Robin to the next contraption. "Don't worry asshole...it won't kill you, although you'll never walk again. That won't be a problem for you though since you'll be dead."

"Then why did you...oh, fuck...do this to me?" Robin gasped in pain when Spike spun him around to face him.

"Don't bring up the reason you're here or I'm likely to get REALLY VIOLENT!" Spike pulled Robin over to stand in front of a pyramid shaped block of wood. Robin's clothes were torn off and another belt, attached to three ropes, was placed around his waist. "This is the Judas Cradle. You go up there, mate." Angel yanked the rope and Robin found himself dangling above the wood. "Angel's gonna lower you down onto it. It's gonna pierce your ass and before you get excited, it doesn't feel good." Angel lowered the struggling man down onto the wood and screams again filled the air. "Now if you were anyone else, Angel would drive it further and further in until it stuck your liver or some other vital organ. But since you're special, you get to live. Lots of pain, but nothing that'll kill you." Angel continued raising and lowering the man, paying no attention to Robin's pleas to end his life as the blood began to flow down his legs. After several minutes, Angel finally stopped, pulling the belt off and leading the bleeding man to his next torture.

"Let's see...ladder rack or the usual? Which one do you prefer?" Spike asked. When Robin didn't answer, he grabbed the man's chin, yanking it up. "Which one?"

"Don't care." Robin whispered.

"What's that, mate? Can't hear you." Spike growled, digging his fingernails into Robin's face. When the man whimpered, Spike sighed. "Let's skip this one. Don't want him lying down...he might pass out on us. We'll skip the impaling rod, too."

"Are you sure?" Angel asked.

"Yeah. Might be fun to shove it up his arse and leave him dangling for two or three days," Both vampires smiled when they heard Robin's gasp of fear, "but I don't want to be away from Xander for that long. Now this is something to definitely be considered." Spike stopped and ran his hand along a board. "Could save this for last."

"What does it do?" Robin asked, fearing the answer. He could hardly stand the pain anymore.

"A saw...we tie you to this board, hang you upside down and saw your body in half. They say it's worse than being burnt at the stake with a small, slow fire or being dipped into boiling oil because the blood rushes to your head. Stops the flow of blood and you don't lose consciousness until we reach your navel."

"I've made it all the way to the breastbone before...remember that guy back in St. Petersburg?"

"Oh, yeah...forgot about that bloke. Stubborn and way stronger than Robin. Bet you fifty bucks this arsewipe will be unconscious at the navel."

"Are you kidding? He'll be passed out as soon as we turn him upside down." Both vampires reveled in the scent of fear coming from Robin. This was his worst nightmare come true.

"Another one of the classics." Spike picked up the very sharp object. "The Turcas. Angel, as I recall you were always fond of this one so why don't you have a go?" Robin began to beg and plead as they pushed him into a chair. Angel picked up the device and quickly tore every fingernail from Robin's right hand. Robin couldn't believe the pain and was hoping Angel was done but the older vampire picked up his left hand and repeated the motions, slower this time. When he was done both he and Spike began to drive needles into the quicks, making the man writhe in pain before passing out. Spike sat down and lit a cigarette, passing one to Angel who accepted. They sat quietly, waiting for Robin to wake up while their demons stirred with pleasure. ****************************************

Robin woke to pain. No, scratch that...agony. His whole body was throbbing with every beat of his heart which sped up when he saw Spike standing in front of him holding a pear shaped instrument with a screw at the end. "No more...please no more."

"We've just gotten started, Robin." Spike slapped his face in a gesture of a pat. "Guess you can tell what this is called by the way it's shaped." He held it up in front of Robin but the man didn't answer. "Come on, Robin, give it a go. What would you call it?" Still the man said nothing and Spike sighed. "Knew you were a brainless tit. This is a Pear. We shove it up your arse, turn the screw and stretch and mutilate you...but I don't think this should be an option. Too pleasureable for you. You seem to like having things stuck up your arse."

"You're...you're sick."

"Well, yeah. Vampire, remember? Thought you knew me...knew me enough to know how I love to torture anyone who hurts someone I love."

"Y-y-yes, b-b-but..."

"You thought you'd get me with your trickery. That it would be me suffering instead of you." Spike grabbed Robin's head, forcing the man to look into his amber eyes. "Miscalculated, didn't you? Not only can I be a brutal bastard when I'm in a rage but I have family who watches my back now."

"Ah you said it, lad. Robin was too confident for his own good, he was. Underestimated you. That's the biggest mistake a person can make." Spike nodded as Angel turned towards Robin. "Let this be a lesson to you, boy. A good kill, one to savor, is when you plan and never underestimate your opponent. Know everything about 'im afore ye try to take 'im down." Angel's voice had reverted to his Irish accent and Spike stared at him, pure lust in his blue eyes. He pulled Angel to him, giving him a hard passionate kiss. When they were done both of them turned to look at Robin, their arms still around each other. "My William here was always a bit too impatient. Took time to teach 'im the tricks of the trade." Angel gave Spike a hug before the younger vampire walked over to a sword, picking it up and swinging it around.

"A Headsman's Sword. One swift, neat slash through the neck is all it would take to kill you."

"Please just fucking do it."

"Oh you wouldn't be gettin' off that easily, boy-o. Perception isn't extinguished for a few seconds. While your head's rolling on the floor you'll know about it." Angel added.

"So how do you want to die?" Spike asked.

"I-I-I d-d-don't want..." Robin was shaking his head. He couldn't believe what he had gotten himself into. This was definitely not the way he had pictured his meeting with Spike going.

"Now don't be bashful, lad. You're day of reckoning is here." When Robin wouldn't answer, Angel strode across the room, picking up the impaling rod before coming back to stand in front of Robin.

"Speak up boy or I'll spend the rest of the night slowly shoving this stick up your arse."

"Better do what he says...when he's in one of these moods I can't control him and I'd hate it if I didn't get another turn."

"You're...crazy. You expect me to pick my own death?" Angel and Spike glanced at one another before answering in unison.

"Not willingly, no."

"It's going to happen, with or without your help. Tell you what. I'll decide for you." Spike dragged Robin over to the Iron Maiden, placing the man in the large tomb like device.

"No,nonononono, please..." Robin was begging and it was music to Spike's ears. He slowly began to close the door before suddenly slamming the doors shut. Robin screamed, tears running down his cheeks. He lasted a few minutes before passing out.

"Well, that was a slap and a tickle."

"Are you trying to turn me on?" Angel asked, taking Spike into his arms.

"Is it working?" Angel responded by giving the younger vampire a long, passionate kiss.

"That answer your question?" Spike nodded. "Loved the way you got inside his head," Angel gestured at the torture devices before giving Spike another kiss, "The way you talked, the way you moved...God, you're so beautiful." Another kiss, hand snaking up under Spike's shirt to twist his nipple. "Make me so hard." Angel slid Spike's duster off him and then ripped Spike's shirt from his body, throwing it into the corner before taking his mouth in another kiss.

"You stay hard." Spike teased, licking along Angel's neck as he mimicked Angel's actions. He reached down, quickly undoing Angel's belt and pants before sliding them down in one swift motion. Angel moaned as Spike took his cock into his hands, thrusting forward while quickly divesting Spike of his pants. He gently pushed Spike onto the ground, reaching for the lube that was in his duster pocket. Spike spread his legs, giving Angel a sexy grin that had the older vampire fumbling with the lid.

"Shit, Spike. I was already going crazy, wanting you but when you look at me that way I lose all control." Angel quickly smeared some lube on his fingers before gently sliding a finger inside Spike's waiting body. "My boy," another finger joined the first, "My childe, " another finger, "My William." Angel groaned, watching Spike arch his body so Angel's fingers would go deeper. Angel took in the sight of Spike's body, knowing he had to get inside. He quickly withdrew his fingers, Spike groaning in frustruation. Angel lubed his cock and lifted Spike's legs, entering him in one smooth motion. He leaned down, gently kissing Spike. "My Spike. My love."

"Angel, please...move...need you moving, now." Spike's fingernails were digging into Angel's arms, drawing blood. Angel smiled into the kiss, slowly moving in and out of Spike's tight, clenching hole. Tongues were dueling, Spike's fingernails leaving red marks down Angel's back as he thrust forward, crying out when Angel's cock hit his prostate. "More...faster....harder." Angel leaned down and gave Spike another kiss, his hips pistoning back and forth as he pounded into his lover. "Yes, God...yes."

"Need you...love you....feels so good." Angel murmured, never stopping his motion as his mouth made it's rounds, kissing Spike's mouth, down his neck, across his chest, biting each nipple as Spike shuddered with pleasure, one hand wrapped around Angel's neck holding him close while the other was on his hip, helping him push further in. Angel felt his orgasm building and licked Spike's neck before sinking his fangs into the pale neck, slowly sucking the blood and making Spike cry out as he came. An instant later, Spike's fangs were in his neck causing Angel to plummet over the edge, shooting his seed into Spike's spasming channel. They clung to each other as wave after wave of pleasure washed over them, Angel finally falling onto Spike, completely spent. They exchanged several kisses before Angel rolled off Spike, both of them sitting up to take in the room around them. Robin was still unconscious and Angel pointed towards a doorway. "I hope that's a bathroom."

"I'm sure it is. Don't think Clem or Clarence would want us going home to Xander all bloody and mussed." Spike got up, reaching down to help Angel to his feet. They walked to the doorway and were happy to see that not only was it a restroom but it was stocked with towels and washrags. "Gotta love those guys." ******************************************

An hour later, Robin awoke to find himself chained, his arms above his head, his body dangling. He tried to pull away but the chains were too tight and he stopped when he heard laughter behind him.

"Bout time Sleeping Ugly woke up." Spike walked over and stood in front of Robin and for the first time the man noticed that both Angel and Spike were naked.

"Oh, hell no. There's no way I'm going to have sex with..." Robin's protest was cut off when Spike backhanded him. He shook his head, trying to clear his vision and wished he hadn't when he saw Angel standing beside Spike, holding a leather riding crop in his hand.

"You think we would have sex with the likes of you? Not bloody likely."

"I wouldn't touch your ass with a ten foot pole, boy-o. That's not my plan. I'm going to use this on you." Angel held the crop up close to Robin's face. "I love the sound of the whip cracking against flesh, hearing you scream." Angel backed up, calculating the length of the whip.

"Please, no..." "Ah, yes. The begging. How I love to hear the begging, don't you Spike?"

"Not as much as I love watching you do this." Spike grinned at Angel before addressing Wood. "That's why we're naked. I know how fucking sexy Angel looks when he's meting out punishment. Always made me hard, always wanted to fuck him even when it was me he was punishing." Spike leaned over and gave Angel a kiss.

"You're a perv."

"But a happy one. So, Angel what's it going to be? Front or back first?"

"Front." Angel twirled the knotted cord through his fingers as Spike stepped back to watch. Robin closed his eyes, crying out as the first sting of the whip landed across his face and chest. With every slap of the whip, his screams got louder, reaching their peak when Angel hit him in his groin. He was relieved when the blows stopped but he began to cry and beg again when he felt them tearing the flesh off of his back.

Spike had been staring at Angel, watching the older vampire's muscles ripple as he cracked the whip. His arousal grew with every blow and every scream until he couldn't take it any longer. As fulfilling as it was seeing Robin get his punishment, Spike had to have Angel. He walked across the room, grabbing the lube from the floor and rubbing it over his own hardened shaft before making his way back to Angel. The older vampire was so engrossed in his work that he jumped when the first finger entered him. Angel never stopped, his ass pushing back to meet Spike's questing fingers as another and then another filled him, stretching him. When he felt Spike spread his cheeks and felt the tip of the younger vampire's cock at his entrance, Angel stopped, pushing backwards and impaling himself on Spike, both of them moaning in pleasure.

"Don't stop, Angel. You're beautiful like this." Spike whispered in his ear, his arms wrapping around Angel, his fingers twisting and pinching Angel's nipples. Angel turned his head, capturing Spike's mouth for a long, drawn out kiss. After a few moments they seperated, Angel resuming the beating while Spike fucked him.

"Yes...yes...harder...so good." Angel moaned, knowing this wasn't going to last long. Spike's hand trailed slowly down his chest to grip his hardened shaft, stroking it in time with his thrusts. Angel listened to Robin's screams and the sound of the whip tearing into the man's flesh, smelled the blood, felt the sensation of being filled by Spike while the younger vampire stroked his cock and all too soon he was falling into his orgasm. His semen exploded over Spike's hand as he cried out, clenching his ass around Spike's cock. That's all it took for Spike to follow. When their orgasms had passed, Spike stayed inside of Angel as the older vampire finished the beating. By now, Robin was once again unconscious. Spike gave Angel one last long kiss before pulling out of him. Together they walked hand in hand to the bathroom, preparing to clean up and get dressed before putting the final nail into the coffin of the man who had hurt their Xander. *********************************************

Two hours later Robin woke to find himself inside the tomb like structure yet again. Angel was standing on his left, Spike on his right and now the whole room was filled with various demons, including vampires. Clem, Clarence and Harmony were in the front, all three looking pleased with themselves. They had managed to round up quite a few of the demon population in record time after Spike's call.

"What...the...hell?" Robin gasped, flinching when he saw Spike's evil grin. "No, not again."

"Oh, yes. Time for the final act."

"No..please...no. I'll do anything...just don't....aaaaaah!" Robin screamed in pain as the stakes pierced his body. Spike smacked him on the back of the head, growling at him as he did so.

"You really thought you could talk your way out of what you did? That Angel and I had gone soft...so much so that we would put up with you touching our boy? You really must be fucking daft!"

"Let this be a lesson to all of you. Spike and I will not tolerate anyone harming Xander or any member of our family. If any of you touch one of them, hell, if you even look at them the wrong way you'll be dealt with just as this man has been. There will be no exceptions...no excuses. If I see you trying to kill any innocents I will kill you quickly...unless you happen to get very lucky. However, if you go after Xander or our family your death will not only be excruciating but it will be certain. Spike and I will track you down no matter where you go. There will not be any place on this planet that will be safe. Is that understood?" Angel watched as the demons nodded their heads, pleased that he had gotten his point across.

"Any of you wankers who have any dealings with Wolfram and Hart might pass this along to your bosses. I don't give a flying fuck whether they're human or not....I'll rip out anyone's throat who messes with my family." Spike added before turning to Robin. "Are you ready to die now?" Robin never answered, only staring at the vampire with unseeing eyes. Spike laughed as he snapped the man's neck. He stepped away, Angel beside him. "Take this piece of shit and dispose of him. I don't care how you do it...feed off of him, eat his flesh, throw him in the river, makes no difference to me. I'm through. We're going home to our boy."

Angel and Spike joined hands and made their way through the now quiet building, the demons parting to allow the two Master Vampires to leave. Angel heard the murmurs and frightened whispers and turned to see Spike smiling, knowing he had heard them as well. Neither one said a word as they got into the car and headed back to the office, eager to see Xander. ******************************************

Spike and Angel walked into the apartment, five pairs of eyes meeting theirs. Not a word was spoken, all the friends knowing that Robin had been killed. Anya jumped off the couch and ran towards the two vampires, throwing her arms around the both of them and giving them a hug before stepping back.

"I'm glad you didn't die." Spike and Angel couldn't surpress the grins that crossed their faces.

"Thank you, Anya. We're glad about that too." Angel looked around the room. "Did everyone stay?"

"Yes, we didn't want to leave Xander and we wanted to make sure you two were all right. Don't worry. We all managed to get a little sleep...we took shifts." Cordelia told them.

"How is Xander?"

"He's been resting mostly. He's had a few nightmares but Wesley said that's to be expected after what he's gone through." Doyle reassured them.

"Yeah, we've only had to sit on him a couple of times." Anya told them. "He wanted to go find you and then there was the really pissed off tantrum when he saw Willow's bruise."

"I didn't know he still had that much energy in him. Damn strong...took me, Wes and Doyle to hold him back." Gunn shook his head, remembering how angry Xander had become when Willow admitted Robin had hit her. "I mean, I get they're really tight but I never expected a reaction like that."

"I told you...he's very protective of me. Always has been, even when we were little kids." Willow said, her eyes searching the vampires for any signs of damage, pleased to see the burn had indeed healed. Spike caught her eye and grinned.

"We're fine, Red." Spike took off his duster, throwing it on the chair while Angel did the same. "So where are the others?"

"Alana's in the kitchen cleaning up, the others are in with Xander, keeping him company and trying to take his mind off you two. They're playing some kind of game."

"Need to see him," Angel muttered, crossing the living room Spike close behind. Doyle stepped in front of them, blocking their way.

"Need to eat." He pointed towards Cordelia who was bringing out two large mugs of blood. They downed them within seconds, handing the empty mugs back to Cordy before continuing their way across the room. They paused when they got to the door. Xander, and Wesley were sitting on the bed next to each other, Dawn and David on each side of the bed. They were busy playing their game while Lorne slept in the chair and Oz watched from his position on the arm. They took a moment to watch the interaction between the friends, happy to see their boy had color back in his cheeks and was actually smiling.

"Okay, I-I seem to be all turned around. You're here, right?" Wesley pointed to somewhere on the board and Xander nodded his head, twirling his finger around a small patch.

"By the pillar, yeah. Protecting this area."

"That puts me over by the door. Demons around the perimeter. Right. I open the door."

"You go through the door and are confronted by Tragdor the Burninator." Angel and Spike almost laughed at David. He had his cape on and was trying to look powerful.

"Oh, bugger it. A fight." Wesley rolled the dice and groaned as David read what had happened.

"Adios to five hit points. Trogdor has badly wounded you."

"Wait a minute. What about my, uh, 'bag of illusions'?" Wesley asked but David just scoffed at him.

"Illusions against a Burninator? Are you crazy?"

"I invoke a time flux on Trogdor." Dawn spoke up, moving a token on the board.

"Now wait just a minute young lady." David threw his cape back over his shoulders and practically glared at Dawn. "You can't just----"

"Ninth level sorcerer and I carry the Emerald Chalice. Trogdor is frozen in time. Deal with it." David seemed deflated by Dawn's words and Xander began to laugh.

"Smack down on the Caped Crusador. This could get ugly."

"How could it possibly get uglier? I used to be a rogue demon hunter and now I'm a wounded dwarf with the mystical strength of a doily. I just wish I could sleep." Wesley groaned, running his fingers through his hair.

"What kind of person could sleep tonight or this morning, whichever?" Dawn asked, worried about Spike and Angel.

"Only the green ones." Oz spoke up, patting Lorne on the arm.

"I just wish we'd hear something from Angel and Spike. Don't those two know what a cell phone is for?"

"We do, but we had them turned off. Didn't want any interruptions." Spike explained, walking into the room. Xander leapt from the bed, the game board and pieces falling to the floor.

"Oh, thank God." Wesley sat back in relief, pushing his glasses up to rub his tired eyes. "Now at least I can hang on to some shred of my dignity."

"Game's over. No one won." David pronounced as Xander swayed a bit, bumping into Lorne and waking him up before making it to Spike and Angel.

"Oh, hmm. Just, uh--just meditating on the whole situtation. Yeah, asking the inner Lorne for a little backup." Lorne rubbed his eyes while Oz rubbed his shoulders.

"It's okay, baby. No one's paying attention to the fact that you were asleep." Oz gestured around the room. Dawn and David were arguing over who did or didn't win the game while Xander was busy greeting his lovers.

"Why didn't you guys call me? I was worried." Xander was questioning, running his hands over Angel and Spike's bodies, reassuring himself that they were all right.

"Xander, tell David that the game was almost over and there was no way he was going to beat me." Dawn commanded.

"Sorry, David. She won. No way...blah-blah-blah and all that crap." Xander told him, never taking his eyes off Angel and Spike. He leaned closer, pulling Angel in for a long, slow kiss. After a few minutes, he broke the kiss, turning to give Spike one as well.

"So, did you kick that guy's ass?" Dawn asked, pausing in her attempt to pick up all the game pieces as she stared at the two vampires.

"Um-hmm." Spike answered, his lips never leaving Xanders.

"We took care of him, Dawnie. And we appreciate you entertaining Xander while we were gone but...."

"You want us to clear out so you three can have loud, hot sex." Dawn interrupted Angel, who shook his head.

"No, we just want to spend time together...you know, have quiet time...that sort of thing."

"He's not very convincing, is he?" David asked, picking up the last piece from the floor and standing up along with the others.

"Nope. That's almost as lame as Tara's 'we're going to play checkers' excuse that she gives me when she and Willow want to have sex. Geez, I am a teenager...I do know about these things." Dawn assured Angel as she passed. "I'm going to go talk to Cordy and Anya. They're the only ones that don't mind talking about anything and everything, including sex."

"Why am I not surprised by that statement?" Wesley asked, allowing David, Lorne and Oz to follow Dawn before he started for the door. Angel stopped him, giving his shoulder a warm squeeze.

"Thanks for everything you did. We really appreciate it. Now do us a favor and get some real sleep. You look exhausted."

"Sounds like a rather good idea." Wesley agreed, giving Angel a smile before closing the door. Angel turned his attention back on Spike and Xander who had finally broken the kiss, both of them breathing hard. "Why don't we get in bed?" Spike and Angel were already taking off their boots and socks when Xander's voice stopped them.

"First, I want to know what happened. Willow filled me in on most of it but I want to hear the details from you. And before you try to feed me the line that everything went fine remember that Will cannot lie to me." Spike and Angel glanced at each other before looking at Xander who was standing in front of them, arms crossed and a determined _expression on his face.

"We hit a few little snags but it ended up going the way we wanted it to." Angel told him.

"I see. So this guy's dead then?"

"Yeah."

"Tell me about the snags."

"Nothing big...sex now."

"Nothing big...huh. So Robin didn't almost, oh, I don't know KILL YOU!" Xander suddenly yelled, eyes snapping with anger at the thought of what this man had done and his lovers trying to simplify it.

"Luv, you need to calm down."

"Calm down he says. Don't be upset because this prick tried to kill you. Don't be mad because he used your guilt against you, not to mention some trickery to fuck you guys up so that he could beat the shit out of you....you're fine. Don't be angry that the mother fucker tried to have his little magical friends take out Angel as well, or that the piece of shit knocked Gunn out or touched my Willow. That he almost staked you! No, I'm supposed to stay calm."

"Xander, don't...."

"Don't what, Angel? Be angry, frustrated, worried, scared or all of the above? Too late for that. Do you know how scared I was when Willow finally told me what happened? How worried I was that that slime would pull something else? How fucking pissed I was when I heard what he had done? How frustrated I was because I couldn't help you kick his ass? How I was afraid that he'd send me your ashes in an envelope? Do you know what that would have...can you even begin to imagine how I would feel? Knowing that one or both of you were dead because of me?"

"Xander, it wasn't your fault...."

"No, Robin's plan wasn't my fault any more than it was Spike's. But letting you two go off to fight my battles was. I should have been there with you! Keeping Spike focused and kicking some ass! I let you down! I should have been right by your side instead of here. I swear to God, I would have killed him with my bare hands! The minute he started pulling that crap on Spike, I would've beaten him to death." Xander was shaking with anger and Spike slowly approached him, gently wrapping his arms around his boy. His eyes met Angel's over Xander's shoulder, the pride and happiness at being so loved clearly evident on both their faces.

"Xander, as much as I appreciate you wanting to protect me, you weren't in any condition to go traipsing off to face Robin. It was something we needed to do. It's over now."

"Is it?"

"Yeah, it is. No one is going to come after you again...we made sure we got the message out that anyone who touched you or our family would have to deal with us." Angel assured him, joining Spike. Both vampires were sure Xander was worried that more of their enemies would be lying in wait and they wanted him to feel safe.

"That's not what I was talking about. I can handle you two having enemies...hell, I have some of my own. And it's not like I'm a stranger to death threats...faced them plenty of times."

"Then what..."

"Nothing. You're right. It's over...let's have sex."

"As soon as we get some stuff because once we're in bed I'm not planning on----" Angel started towards the bathroom but was stopped by Xander's shout.

"No...don't!" Spike and Angel turned to look at him and saw that Xander was staring at the carpet.

"What's wrong? I was just going to get some---"

"While you were gone I went to the bathroom and I sorta made a mess."

"A mess?"

"Yeah...I-I pissed on the floor and the shower curtain. Got mad and tore them down...but I cleaned the floor up...and I'll buy another curtain."

"Xander, I don't care about that...what happened?"

"I thought I felt someone touch me on the shoulder. I jumped and turned around without thinking. Got mad, tore the curtains down and threw them across the room." Xander ran his hand through his hair. "Nineteen fucking years old and I can't even take a piss without making a mess. What a total loser, huh?"

"Xander..."

"Wes heard the noise and came in to check on me. I asked him if this was part of that stupid drug and he said yes. Said there's a chance I'll be like this for months, years, hell, maybe forever. That's when it really hit me. What if I'm never the same again? What if I spend the rest of my life being driven crazy by nightmares or jumping at the slightest noise. Feeling people touching me when there's no one there, seeing things out of the corner of my eye but then there's nothing there. I won't be able to fight....God, I might stake one of you by mistake or hurt one of our friends. Do you know how....I always thought I would be fighting the good fight until something killed me...but now..."

"Xander, don't...."

"That's when I almost lost it...but I knew I couldn't. So I started concentrating on worrying about you guys, pushed the rest to the back of my brain like I always do. Deal with it later, Harris. Don't think about it till later...I'm good at that you know. Shoving everything to the back, that's the way I deal. I spent the next few hours worrying about you guys and pretending to be okay for our friends. But now that you're back and I know you're okay...it's ...Damn it!"

"You'd rather we go back out so you can worry about us some more, luv?" Spike teased, trying to comfort his boy but Xander pulled away from him. "Xander, you're gonna be fine. Just had a lot of things happening to you is all."

"Yeah, you're right. I don't....I take what life has to throw at me, suck it up and move on. I refuse to turn into a sniveling, snot nosed little kid who's afraid of the dark. I'm not going to be some 'pansy ass'." Xander placed the palms of his hands over his eyes to keep from crying. Angel took Xander into his arms and the boy leaned against him, his breathing hitched as he fought to contain his emotions.

"What have we told you, Xander? There's nothing wrong with crying when you've been hurt. Pain is a natural emotion for all of us. I cried when I came back from hell." Xander's grip tightened on the older vampire, pulling him close.

"God, how could you forgive me for what I did?" Xander pulled away again, pacing back and forth not waiting for an answer. "Serves me right...I deserve this for what I did to you...tit for tat."

"Don't say that!"

"Why not? I didn't mind sending you to hell so why shouldn't I get a turn? Gotta tell you though, I didn't enjoy the trip. I want my money back." Xander tried to tease but they all knew what he was doing. "I'm not gonna let this get to me...not now...you're home, in one piece and I'm happy." Angel tried to pull Xander in for a hug, but Xander shrugged him off. "Don't Angel. If you or Spike start with the comfort thing I'll start crying and I can't...I'm afraid...I can't."

"What are you afraid of, Xander?"

"Of losing you guys because I'm too weak. If I'm going to be your consort, I have to be brave. I don't want to embarrass you or make you the laughing stocks of the vampire community and..."

"You're not gonna lose us, we still want you and where the bloody hell did you come up with us being laughing stocks?"

"From when I was sick. That's what you said...you didn't want to claim me because I wasn't good enough for you."

"It was just a dream...a bad dream." Angel reassured him.

"Had to be. There's no way I'd say something like that. I love you and I don't give a flip what anyone else thinks especially the vampire community, if there's even such a thing. You're beautiful and you're strong..."

"No...I'm not. I'm afraid...afraid to sleep because I'll have nightmares. Afraid to cry because if I start...I might not be able to stop." Spike joined Angel and Xander, embracing both of them. Xander tried to shield himself from their love and comfort but neither vampire would allow it.

"Give it a try, luv. Gonna drive yourself crazy if you don't let it out. Angel and I will stay with you for as long as it takes..." Xander heard Spike's words and the dam broke. At first it was only silent tears but soon Xander was reduced to sobbing uncontrollably. They held him for a long time before leading him back to the bed, taking their places at his side. "I'm...so....fucking...scared. Scared of...of being useless again....scared of being a burden to you....can't lose you...either of you."

"We're vampires, luv...not fools. Not gonna let you go." Spike gently ran his hand through Xander's hair while Angel rubbed soothing circles on the boy's back. Xander raised his head to look at him and Spike's heart broke. He had seen Xander's every emotion...anger, fear, happiness, sadness, passion but never this...never the _expression of utter despair that was on his boy's face right now. He leaned forward, gently licking the tears from Xander's cheeks. "You have my heart, my body...anything that I am....anything I can give you. Don't forget that." Xander nodded, shedding a few more tears at Spike's words before finally managing to get his emotions under control.

"And don't worry about us not wanting to claim you...I want it now more than ever." Angel told him. "You weren't the only one worried about losing....God, I don't want to think about losing you before I've even claimed you."

"Do it. Claim me now. Let's not wait any longer." Xander looked hopefully at Angel but he shook his head.

"No. As much as I want to, I won't do it like this. I don't want the claiming to be done out of fear of losing each other but out of love. I don't want any of us thinking about anything else. When we claim you Xander, I don't want a part of you to be worried about what's going to happen next or if you're not good enough for us. I want you to be totally focused on what we're doing. I want you to remember every caress, every word of love, every emotion. When I'm inside you and I sink my fangs into your throat for the first time I want to taste nothing but your desire and love for me. I want to hear you screaming my name, want to feel you writhing beneath me in nothing but pleasure. And I want the same for you and for Spike. Do you understand that, baby?" Angel waited for Xander to respond but the boy just stared at him. "Xander, did you hear me?"

"Uuuuh." Was all Xander could manage to say, his mind filled with the breathtaking images Angel had painted. Angel glanced at Spike, who was grinning at him.

"Seems like I'm not the only one who can render our boy speechless with pretty words." Angel noticed for the first time that the smell of phermones in the room was overpowering. He grinned at Xander, who was still staring at him as if he were a famous portrait hanging on a museum wall...or in Xander's mind a giant twinkie on a shelf in a store.

"Is that true, baby?"

"Uuuh. Practice now?"

"Practice is a good thing. Practice makes perfect." Angel leaned down and kissed Xander, smiling into the kiss when he felt Xander plaster himself against Angel's body. Xander's hands were under Angel's shirt, his hands running up and down the vampire's back as he rubbed up against him. Angel continued to kiss and nibble Xander's bottom lip, one hand playing in Xander's hair while the other found it's way under Xander's shirt, stroking the already hard nipple. Xander let out a long groan, practically taking Angel's head off in his haste to pull the vampire's shirt over his head. He threw it on the floor and reached for Angel's pants, hastily unbuttoning the jeans and pulling down the zipper. Xander pushed Angel's jeans down before doing the same to his pajama bottoms, kicking out of them until they went flying across the room, his mouth never leaving Angel's. His hand was on Angel's erection now, gently tugging at it as he spread his legs.

"Want this," Xander murmured against Angel's lips as he tugged at the vampire's cock, "in me now." Xander nibbled along Angel's neck, moaning with pleasure when he felt Spike's finger enter his ass. "Got me so fucking hard..." Now Xander's mouth was on Angel's nipple, gently biting and sucking on it. He felt a second and third finger enter him and he sighed with pleasure as he began to move up and down, slowly riding Spike's fingers. Angel rolled away to remove his jeans and when he turned back his cock twitched with desire. Xander was pleasuring himself on Spike's fingers, stroking his own cock with one hand while the other was playing with Spike's hair as they kissed. Spike had gotten undressed while Angel and Xander were kissing and his hard shaft was rubbing against Xander's thigh, both of them moaning in pleasure. Angel got on his knees, sideways on the bed before taking Xander's hand and moving it to his own throbbing erection. His moans blended with those of his lovers as Xander started to pump his throbbing shaft. He took Xander's cock into his mouth, letting it fuck his mouth as Xander moved against Spike's fingers.

Xander gasped in pleasure when Angel's mouth tightened around his cock. He threw his head back on the pillow, pushing Spike's fingers further into his ass and shivered with ecstasy when he felt Spike's mouth on his neck. He moved faster when he felt Angel swallow around his cock. "God, yes...feels so good."

Angel began to moan as Xander's hand started pumping faster, his thumb brushing across the tip where pre-cum was already flowing, Angel knew he wasn't going to last much longer and neither was Xander. He reached out and took Spike's cock in his hand, gripping tightly as he began to stroke it in time with Xander. Moans of pleasure filled the room as all three men headed towards their climax.

"Faster, Angel. Harder...oh, yes just like that. God, Xander taste so good." Spike twisted his fingers inside of Xander, making sure the boy would hit his prostate. He continued to lick and suck along Xander's neck, feeling the blood pumping under the skin. Xander's hand was around his neck, keeping Spike's face buried in his neck.

"Can't...oh, shit...yes." Xander moaned, his body going rigid as he came, spurting into Angel's mouth. Angel sucked harder, milking the boy dry as he swallowed every tasty drop. Before Xander's orgasm was over Angel was climaxing as well, his juices spilling over the boy's hand and onto the bed. A few seconds later, he heard Spike scream his name as his hand was covered with Spike's essence. When they were done, Xander turned to Spike offering him his hand that was covered with Angel's semen. Spike grinned before taking Xander's hand, his mouth sucking on each finger making Xander's brown eyes fill with desire. He was so busy watching Spike he didn't notice Angel who was using Spike's cum to lube his own ass. When he was done, Angel turned around, placing himself between Xander's parted legs. Angel put some lube on his cock before gently lifting Xander's legs, placing them on his shoulders. With one slow push he entered the boy, making Xander moan.

"Yes, oh, yes. Love having you inside me. Your big, hard cock filling me." Angel leaned down and kissed Xander, happy to be inside the boy at last. He slowly began to move inside Xander, enjoying the warmth surrounding him. His eyes widened when Spike ran his finger over Xander's thigh, collecting his semen. He smeared it across the boy's lips before bending down to lick it off. Angel continued to move inside Xander as he watched his two lovers share Spike's taste. When they were done, Spike turned and kissed him and Angel groaned at the taste of all three of them mixed together.

"Get inside me, Spike." Spike's blue eyes darkened before he moved behind Angel. Angel stopped and waited as Spike lubed his cock, entering Angel in one thrust. They began to move in time with each other, Spike's hands wrapping around the older vampire and playing with his nipples while Angel tasted every inch of Xander's mouth. They quickened the pace, once again heading for an early climax. Angel was the first to come, filling Xander with his seed while screaming Spike's name against Xander's lips. He stroked Xander's cock bringing the boy to a climax just as Spike shot into Angel, both of them crying out in ecstasy. Angel kissed Xander again while Spike lay against his back, placing gentle kisses along his spine.

"Angel, move forward." Xander told him. Angel looked at the boy in surprise. After everything Xander had been through and two orgasms Xander was begging for more.

"Are you sure?"

"Can't get enough. Need you both so bad. I want to taste you, Angel. I want to suck you dry while Spike fucks me." Xander's tone was weary but his eyes were pleading. Spike pulled out of Angel, Angel doing the same with Xander. Angel moved up the bed, straddling Xander as he propped the boy's head up with the pillows so that Xander didn't have to reach too far. "Thanks. That helps." Xander told him.

"We don't have to do this again, luv." Spike said, leaning sideways so he could see Xander's face.

"Never have to. Always want to." Xander quipped before his tongue flicked across the tip of Angel's already hard erection. He began to stroke Angel's cock as he talked to them. "Please...let me show you how much I love you...let me feel how much you love me." Angel and Spike nodded, neither one of them able to say anything. Xander began to lick along the underside of Angel's cock, knowing just how to pleasure his lover. Spike lifted Xander's legs and slid into his boy, relishing every stroke as he thrust in and out of Xander's hole. Moans of pleasure and words of love filled the room as once again they climbed toward orgasm. Xander felt Angel's climax approaching and slid two fingers into the vampire making him come. Xander drank every drop before licking the vampire clean. Angel moved off Xander, leaning down and giving the boy several kisses before allowing Spike to do the same.

Xander writhed underneath Spike, his body on fire for his lover. "Oh, Spike. Faster, please...I'm burning for you." Spike groaned when he heard Xander's words and he dove in for another kiss, his cock pistoning in and out of the boy. They both came at the same time, their mouths silencing each other's screams of pleasure. When they were done, Spike gently pulled out of his lover and rolled to the side. Spike copied Angel's position as he sat up, his head cradled in his hand, both vampires staring at Xander. Xander opened his eyes to see their concern and shifted uncomfortably on the bed.

"I'm fine."

"Didn't say anything." Spike told him.

"Just thought I'd let you know before you asked."

"That was right thoughtful of you."

"What can I say? I'm a thoughtful guy." A few more kisses were exchanged before Angel got up and went into the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth and wetting it before heading back into the bathroom. He gently cleaned Spike and Xander off before doing the same for himself. He threw the washcloth to the side and got back into bed, pulling Xander close. Xander laid his head on Angel's chest, letting Spike spoon up behind him. The two vampires watched Xander fall asleep, both of them exchanging a look when they were sure Xander was asleep. Angel bit into his wrist, holding it lightly over Xander's mouth. After a few moments, Xander instinctively started licking, taking a few minutes before Angel pulled away, licking the wound closed. Spike did the same before looking at Angel.

"Think that will help?" Angel shrugged.

"I hope so. We'll know tomorrow." Spike nodded and both of them lay down, quickly falling asleep.


Chapter Fifty-Two

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