An hour later Angel sat reading as Spike smoked and watched Xander. The boy opened his eyes, a weak smile on his face as he took in the sight of his lovers.

"We finally get the bedroom all to ourselves and all you can do is read and smoke?" Both vampires made their way to the bed, each taking a side.

"You dozed off. Were we making too much noise?" Angel asked.

"Not enough. I need noise to keep me here...keep me grounded." Xander's brow furrowed. "Is it today? I mean----"

"You only slept for an hour or so."

"Huh. Seems longer...much, much longer."

"Been out of your head for the past 30, luv."

"Sounds more like it. Well, that's a day and a half I'll never get back." Xander reached up, trying to straighten his hair. "Is it really girly of me to be worried about how crappy I must look?"

"You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"So the bed head look turns you on?"

"What can I say? It's my curse." Xander turned his head to grin at Spike but groaned, covering his eyes as the light from the lamp hit him. "What's wrong?"

"The light. It hurts my eyes." Spike went to turn it off but Xander weakly caught his arm. "I don't want you to turn it off. But it hurts my eyes. Everything's so blurry but so bright. Why is everything so blurry?" Spike shifted so he could massage Xander's temples, trying to ignore the question.

"Close your eyes, luv. I'll make it better." Xander sighed in relief and snuggled closer to his vampires before falling back asleep. Spike gave Angel a worried look.

"Do you think...remember what Wes said...what if...."

"He's going to be fine, Spike. We'll make sure of it." Both vampires lay back, taking this time to sleep. They were awakened a short time later by Xander who was thrashing around on the bed, moaning and whimpering with pain. Angel and Spike held him down, trying to soothe him with calming words, kisses and touches.

"Oh, God! I've done something wrong again and I'm being punished. I'm sorry, Dad. Whatever I did this time, I'm sorry. Make him stop, please someone make him stop." Xander whimpered as Spike held him up and started rocking him, tears falling down his cheeks.

"You've done nothing wrong, my sweet, beautiful boy. You have nothing to be sorry for. It was your father...he's an arsewipe." Xander jerked away, falling between them and gasping in pain.

"Why is this happening? Why did I think I could beat this? I can't do it anymore. I can't keep fighting." Angel grabbed Xander by the shoulders as he bent down to look at his lover.

"I don't believe that. You can do this Xander. You're strong." Xander lay still, drawing a few shaky breaths before trying to smile at them.

"That was bad. Bad, bad nightmare. It's better now." Xander looked at Angel. "You won't leave me?"

"I won't." Xander turned to Spike who kissed him on the forehead.

"Before you ask, I will never, ever leave you." Xander let out a happy sigh, caressing both vampire's cheeks.

"My vampires. I'm in love with two vampire heroes. Me, I-hate- vampires Xander Harris. The lame ass of the Scoobies..."

"Don't say that." Angel warned.

"You're a hero too, luv."

"A superhero?" Angel and Spike nodded. "Like Batman or Spiderman?" Xander's voice sounded childlike and Spike gave him a hug.

"Every last hero rolled into one." Spike assured him.

"If I'm a hero...what kind of power do I have? Can I shoot lightening out of my eyes or webs from my finger...."

"Nothing like that. Xander, you're power is being you. You never give up no matter what's thrown at you."

"I'm trying, Spike. I'm trying so hard, but I'm scared."

"We know you are, baby." Angel told him.

"I won't give up this time either. Won't because I have you two, right?"

"Body, mind and heart." Spike agreed.

"Always."

"I'm so lucky. I never thought...will you kiss me?"

"Not a problem." Angel leaned down and gently kissed Xander's lips.

"So you love me? No matter what I've done to you in the past...you love me?"

"I've cared about you since I've known you. And it's only grown with time." Xander gave him a smack on the arm.

"Now I know you're lying. You hated me...loved Buffy."

"Yes, I did love Buffy. And I thought you were an obnoxious kid but looking back now...I see I've always cared about you. At least a part of me did. Admired your courage, your strength, your loyalty. Liked your weird sense of humor even if it was directed at me more often than not. I didn't want to admit that I was attracted to you. I think that's the reason I always picked on you." Angel had been giving this a lot of thought during Xander's sickness and had realized that a part of him had always been attracted to Xander...more so than he had allowed himself to feel.

"You mean like when you're little and...and you like someone...you pull their hair, tease them and make their lives a living hell to get their attention. Like that?"

"Yeah, something like that." Xander ducked his head before looking back at Angel.

"I have to confess...I think I felt the same way. I was as jealous of you being with Buffy as I was of her being with you. I wanted to be like you..."

"So Buffy would notice you." Angel interrupted but Xander shook his head.

"No, so that you would." Angel's eyes filled with surprise before he leaned down and kissed Xander again. Xander turned to Spike. "Love me, Spike?"

"Ever since I saw you dancing in the Bronze and helping the slayer in the alley. It grew when I saw you tucked under the poof's arm, giving him a hard time even when you thought you might die." Spike laughed before turning serious again. "We were destined to be together."

"But you were in love with Dru back then."

"Yes, she was my Dark Goddess and I loved her...wanted to protect and take care of her just like I do you. But I could never love her like I do you. See, she was too fickle. I forgot that when she was sick. I spent all my time trying to make her well so we could be together forever and when that happened it all fell apart. Dru always had a wandering eye and loved to make me jealous, especially with Angel. Wanted us two to fight over her. Don't like to admit this but I guess I am a romantic. When I fall in love, I fall hard and fast...just like you. We're a lot alike in that respect. That's why I know I can give you all my love...why I can show you this side of me...because you understand. Besides, Dru always said there was someone out there for me. Said she saw it in the stars. A dark haired, dark eyed beauty."

"Me?" Xander couldn't believe his ears.

"You."

"And Angel."

"Already knew I loved him and so did Dru. No, it was you she was seeing in the sky."

"Wow. I was in the stars. Do you think if I die I'll come back as a star cause that would be cool. I could look down at you and Angel every night and you could make wishes on me." Spike and Angel both sat up, Spike squeezing Xander's arm.

"Don't say that...don't ever..."

"You're not gonna die, Xander. We won't let you. We're going to give you our strength and our love and..." Angel's words were interrupted when Xander tensed, feeling the fear creeping up on him yet again.

"Oh, God...I'm not scared, I'm not scared, I'm not scared. I can beat this...I can."

"Yes, you can Xander." Angel glanced nervously at Spike. Both vampires could hear Xander's heart racing, his pulse pounding with the fear.

"I have to...I have to stay focused. I'm tired of these crappy dreams, awful memories and hurting so bad I want to die. I was so happy with you...why do I always end up hurting like this? Oh, fuck it hurts....and it makes me feel weird. Make it stop." Xander begged, suddenly going into convulsions...these much worse than before. Angel and Spike tried to hold him down but the convulsions were so bad Xander knocked them onto the floor. They got up and hurried back to the bed, Spike screaming for Wesley, Gunn and the others. *********************************************

"And you're sure it's over? That the drug is out of his system and Xander's only sleeping?" Spike asked Wesley for what seemed like the millionth time. The ones who had been researching had come running when they heard Spike's screams for help, each of them dreading to see what was going on behind the closed doors. They had helped to hold Xander down and after what seemed like forever the convulsions had stopped. When Xander had been sleeping peacefully for over an hour, Wesley had drawn more blood, finding no trace of the drug. Tara had checked Xander's aura and was happy to see that it was returning to normal...only tinged now with a gray. For the past couple of hours they had been trying to reassure the two vampires that Xander was only resting.

"The drug is definitely out of his system, Spike." Wesley told him. "And yes, Xander's sleeping. His body and mind have been through quite an ordeal and it will take time for Xander to fully recover if..." Wesley couldn't finish the sentence. "If he's going to do that, he needs all the rest he can get."

"His aura looks better...no black and only a tinge of the brown." Tara added.

"I know this has been hard on you...but if you use your vampire senses you'll know what we're telling you is right." Wesley finished. Angel and Spike tried to calm themselves enough to do what Wesley had suggested. That last set of convulsions had been terrible and both of them, especially Spike had been unnerved by the experience. They closed their eyes and listened to Xander's heart beating, the blood pumping through his veins, the sound of his breathing and knew that Wesley was indeed telling the truth.

"You're right. Sorry we questioned you both."

"That's quite alright, Angel."

"Besides, it should be me that's doing the apologizing." Doyle spoke up. "I let this happen."

"We both did, man. They trusted us to take care of Xander and we let them down. I can't believe I was bitching about the kid throwing up on me and he was...." Gunn couldn't finish the sentence. Both he and Doyle had spent their time in the living room discussing how they could have stopped this from happening, while Wesley and Willow tried to hack into the Council's archive and Wolfram and Hart. The rest of the girls, Oz, Lorne and David had tried to console the two of them but nothing had seemed to work.

"How were you supposed to know Xander was drugged? You were in a bar and the most logical thing to assume was that he was drunk." Angel said, before adding, "Spike and I don't expect you to be Xander's bodyguards...just his friends."

"That's what we've been trying to tell them." Cordelia said as Wesley and Willow came into the room.

"Did you find anything out about Robin Wood?" Angel asked, taking a drink of the human blood. Cordelia had finally gotten Angel and Spike to take a break and they were now sitting in chairs, getting their nourishment. They knew they had to do this, especially Spike, if they were going to kill this man.

"I'm sorry to say that even though Willow did manage to hack into the Watcher's files everything on Nikki Wood, her son and Bernard Crowley have been deleted. We weren't able to access Wolfram and Hart's security."

"Yeah, their system is sealed up tight. Tara and I tried a locator spell but it fizzled as well."

"It was like something was blocking it...Wesley seems to think this man must have some kind of protection spell so we're researching ways to break the barrier...it might take some time." Tara added nervously, seeing Spike fidget.

"We need to find out where this bastard is living. I'm tired of waiting...I want to find him and kill him." Spike set his empty mug down.

"And exactly how are you planning on doing that? By standing outside his doorway, making threats and throwing insults at him? In case you've forgotten, you two are vampires which means you can't enter someone's home without an invitation." Cordelia pointed out.

"They can't go in but we sure as hell can." Gunn told her, everyone else nodding in agreement. "We'll pull the son of a bitch out of there and..."

"No! He's all mine!" Spike yelled, leaping from the chair. "He wanted my attention and he's bloody well got it."

"If you can't get to him, I will." Spike and Angel both turned in surprise to look at Willow who was sitting next to Xander, her eyes black with anger.

"I'll be the one doing the killing...I deserve that much." Spike argued. "It was me he was gunning for cause of his mum and it's me that's gonna kill him."

"Don't I deserve to have a say in this?" Xander asked, having awakened during the argument.

"Xander!" Spike and Angel hurried back to the bed, Xander reaching out for the two of them. They enveloped the boy in their arms, all three of them holding on for dear life. "Tell me you're back with us for good, luv."

"I think...can you just hold me?" Xander burrowed further into his lover's embrace, enjoying the feel of Angel's arms wrapped around him and Spike's gentle kisses on his face. "Missed this. I kept reaching for you guys but you left me...needed you so bad. Is this real or are you gonna be gone when I let go? Can't let go." Xander whispered, using all his strength to hold on to Angel and Spike. He leaned back into Angel's arms while he pulled Spike closer, as if he wanted to meld the three of them together. Spike put his finger under Xander's chin, gently tipping the boy's head back and placing a soft kiss on his mouth. The kiss became more urgent, Spike slipping his tongue into Xander's mouth while Xander's hand weakly played with the vampire's hair pulling him even closer still. When it was over, both of them were trembling with need.

"Never want you to let go, Xander." Spike whispered against his lips, giving him yet another kiss. Xander smiled at Spike before glancing over his shoulder, finding Angel's lips ready and waiting. Warm lips met cool, Angel's hand moving up to cup Xander's chin as Xander's tongue tasted and explored his mouth.

"You're real, too." Angel nodded, his face next to Xander's.

"We're real." Another kiss. "This is real." Another kiss, this one longer and more passionate before Angel broke it, remembering what Xander had gone through. Xander stared at the two vampires, hands desperately clutching their bodies, fear in his eyes. "You're here with us now Xander. It's okay, baby."

"Just hold me. I don't want that feeling to come back."

"What feeling?"

"I'm scared. I know that makes me sound weak but I can't help it. Need to feel you touching me...near me." Xander couldn't think of anything else but staying grounded, not wanting this to be one of his dreams that he would be jerked out of at any moment. Angel kissed the top of Xander's head.

"There's nothing weak about you, Xander. Hell, everyone in this room was scared." Those words made Xander snap out of his panic. He had heard the pain in Angel's voice, had seen it in Spike's eyes and as those words registered in his tired brain he knew he was hurting not only his lovers but his friends as well. It had to stop. Xander sat up and tried to focus on the others in the room. Xander still couldn't make out their expressions but he felt it...how they must have suffered right along with him. Knowing it was time to do what he did best, Xander tried to reassure them as he smiled.

"I'm okay now. I'm good. Just a temporary freak out and a lame attempt at sympathy." He turned to Willow. "You know how I always liked to be babied when I was sick. Old habits are hard to break."

"Xander...."

"I came in late on that last conversation so what's the sitch?" Angel and Spike filled him in on what they knew, all the while gently rubbing their hands across his arms and giving him gentle, reassuring squeezes.

"So this Robin guy decided to play a game of scrabble with my brains and now everyone wants a piece of him?" Xander tried to make light of the situation but inside his stomach churned. This man had violated his body...not physically but mentally and that shook him to his core. However, he was determined not to let everyone else see how bothered he was by this. Spike nodded and Xander turned to Willow. "I don't want you killing him."

"But...."

"No buts, Willow. I mean it. I know Angel and Spike will be gunning for this guy and I'll be worried enough about them. I don't need to worry about losing you, too."

"You're not gonna."

"I will if you do what you're talking about doing. And so will Tara. You won't be our Willow anymore...you'll be a killer and I can't take responsibility for that. I know what it's like to kill a human...it's not something that you can forget...it changes you. For whatever reason, for however right it might have seemed...it changes you. I did it myself."

"That was self-defense, Xander."

"No, it wasn't. I hated Walsh. Hated her for what she had done to Spike. What she was going to do to Oz, Clarence and Clem. She was a threat to the people I cared about and I had to stop her. I've tried to tell myself that I did it to protect the world cause she was a nutcase but in truth I did it because she hurt Spike and others that I cared about...that's why I aimed straight for her heart. I wanted her dead and I'm glad she is."

"No..."

"I've crossed the line, Willow. I'm not the same Xander anymore. Angel and Spike can deal with that because they're vampires. They don't look at the world and see black or white....they see gray. But your significant other, she's different. Tara hates violence. I don't think she could look at you the same way if you killed someone. She would still love you, but she'd be scared of you. Your magic together is special right now...don't fuck that up. Nothing is worth losing your soul mate over. Not power, not revenge, not even your very bestest friend." Willow turned to Tara who was smiling at Xander, appearing grateful for his words.

"Is that true? Would you be scared of me...cause I would never want you to be...."

"I wouldn't want...but yes, it would change things between us. Not the love but the trust wouldn't be there. I know how much you love Xander...I love him too. And if Spike, Angel or even Xander wants to get revenge on this man I'll understand. I'll still love them, that won't change. But I don't think I could stand you doing it. I'd be afraid that the magic would take over...make you lose control and turn you into someone I didn't know. Can you understand that?" Willow nodded before giving her girlfriend a hug.

"Alright, mister. You win again. I won't kill him...but I'm in the front row of the cheering section and if they need help I'll turn the asshole into a frog."

"She can do that?" Gunn asked Tara who nodded with a smile.

"Damn, remind me not to piss her off."

"So glad you gave in quick cause I don't have the strength to argue with you." Xander told Willow, weakly patting her hand.

"Xander, maybe you should rest....."

"Rest sounds good." Xander yawned, sleepily rubbing his eyes. Everyone started for the door but Xander stopped them. "Thanks guys...for being here, for caring. I couldn't have made it through this without you and I won't forget what you did...not ever." Xander yawned again, closing his eyes before drifting off to sleep. Spike listened to the others leave the room as he stared down at his boy, grateful that he was sleeping peacefully. After a few moments, he felt another presence in the room and glanced up to see Dawn standing in the doorway, looking sad and uncertain.

"What's going on in that head of yours, niblet?" Dawn shrugged as the tears began to fall. Angel and Spike glanced at one another before Angel helped Spike slide his arm out from under Xander's head, replacing it with his own. Spike sat up on the edge of the bed, no words needed as he held his arms out to the girl who quickly ran into them. Spike held her close, stroking her hair as she cried. Finally she pulled away from him and he wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumbs. "There now. Feel better."

"A little." Dawn gave him a teary grin before glancing at Xander. "Are you sure Xan's gonna be okay?"

"I think he's gonna be fine. Stubborn git never gives up." Spike gently rubbed Xander's arm, giving him a fond smile before turning back to Dawn. "How about you?"

"I can handle it. I'm not a little kid."

"Never said you were. But you don't have to be a little kid to hurt or be scared. I'm over 100 years old, Dawn. Seen a lot of things, been through a lot of experiences...but none of them as scary as watching Xander and not being able to help him. So I'm thinking if it was that bad for me it had to be terrifying for a girl your age...no matter how strong she is." Spike touched Dawn's cheek and she looked up at him, her eyes full of admiration for the vampire. If Spike, the Big Bad, could admit how afraid he had been, then so could she.

"Okay...I admit it. I was terrified. I've never lost someone I loved before, Spike and I really, really, really didn't want Xander to be the first one to...." Dawn couldn't finish the sentence but she knew Spike understood. "I mean, it's bad enough he moved away from Sunnydale but at least I can visit him, you know? And I'm glad he's happy here with you guys but sometimes I wish he would come home so I could see him every day. Does that make me selfish?" Spike shook his head.

"No, niblet. It makes you human."

"It's just...Xander used to come over all the time and we'd talk...well, mostly I would talk and he would listen. I'd tell him about my day...all the gossip going around the school or I'd complain about how crappy the teachers were...whatever. It didn't matter. He always acted like he was interested in what I was saying even if he wasn't and...and when I'd had a bad day or someone had said something mean or made fun of me he wouldn't tell me to get over it or not pay any attention to them like Buffy and Mom always do. He'd take me out for a chocolate milkshake, one of those really big, thick ones and then he'd tell me stories about being in high school. Some of them were sad but mostly he told me the funny things the gang had done. Had me laughing and completely forgetting about how crappy I had been feeling within an hour. No one else has ever done that for me except Tara and she's busy with Willow a lot."

"Then we'll just have to fix that. More phone calls, more coming out to visit us and that means anytime."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For listening...caring...understanding. For making me feel better. For...for just being you. And I'm sorry about your mother. That must have really sucked...wanting her to be with you and then losing her again."

"You don't think badly of me for...."

"Loving your mother enough to kill her? Of course not. If it was mom, I would've done the same thing. Just proves what I've always told Buffy." Spike gave her a questioning look. "That even though you don't have a soul, you're a good vampire. Even after you were turned you were still trying to help someone you loved. I admire that...it took a lot of courage for you to try to help her and I'm sure she understood...you know, in the end." Dawn gave Spike a kiss on the cheek before placing one on Xander's and Angel's as well. "You better take good care of both of them, mister." She mock warned Angel. He gave her a salute. "And you have to take care of yourself as well."

"Yes, ma'am." Spike and Angel watched as Dawn made her way to the door. When she got to the entry she turned around. "Guys, if you want me to take care of Xander while you go after that man and the others are busy, I won't say a word about where you've gone. Just let me know, okay? I'll help you sneak out...I'm good at that."

"We appreciate the offer. Why don't you come back down in about an hour. If the gang hasn't found out anything by then we'll find him ourselves. Right now, we just need a little rest." Angel told her.

"Yeah, I want to be up for the fight cause it's gonna last a while. Not the fight, the torture afterwards. Angelus taught me well...we'll show him tortures he's never even dreamed of...he'll be pissing himself before the first five minutes is up, screaming in agony within ten minutes tops. Within twenty he'll be begging to die, but I don't plan on ending his life so quickly. No, it's gonna be brutal, bloody and twice as painful as anything Xander felt. I'll make sure he knows what a bloody fucking coward he was to use my boy against me. And just as he thinks he can't take anymore, I'll smile as I send him to hell, bit by bit, piece by bloody...."

"Spike, I think Dawn gets the picture." Angel's gentle but warning voice made the younger vampire snap out of the bloodlust he was feeling. Spike realized he had vamped out and he tried to contain his anger so that he could look at Dawn with his human face. When he looked up to apologize for making her squeamish he was surprised to see her smiling at him.

"It's okay. I'm not Buffy...I'm Dawn. The one who doesn't care whether this guy is human or not...or what laws we're supposed to live under. I say give that creep the death penalty, with a capital D. I know you won't let me go so I can watch but I want to hear every detail when you get back. And don't worry...I won't tell Buffy cause she's such a wimp about this kinda stuff. Oh, I promise to take real good care of our guy while you're gone. You can trust me."

"We know that, Dawn." Angel managed to say, completely in awe of the young girl's glee over a man's death...even this bastard.

"Tell you what niblet. When Xander's up to it, we'll go out somewhere together...just the four of us. How does that sound?" Spike asked, pleased that he had found someone who enjoyed vengeance almost as much as he did.

"Really?" Dawn squealed. Spike nodded. "Oh, my God. We have to go somewhere very, very public. I want all the girls to be green with envy when they see me walking around with you three. And I want to take pictures, too so I can show them to all the girls at school. Between that and those concert tickets you guys gave me I'll be as popular as Cordelia was...won't that be great? Speaking of Cordy, I'll have to get her to take me shopping before we go. We can take her new car." The cars had arrived during Xander's illness and none of them had felt inclined to try them out yet.

"Uh, Dawn...we bought you clothes for Christmas. Didn't you like them?" Angel asked.

"Of course...I loved everything. But you guys forgot..."

"Is Xander okay? What's going on?" Cordy asked, she and Doyle appearing in the doorway. They had heard Dawn's squeals and had come to investigate for the others who were still researching.

"Xander's fine. He's still sleeping." Angel indicated the young man in his arms who was peacefully dozing, oblivious to everything.

"Wes was right...Xander must be awfully tired. We heard Dawn screaming and going on all the way upstairs." Doyle snuck a peek at Xander, reassuring himself that his friend was really okay.

"I'm sorry...I'll try to be a little more quiet." Dawn apologized before turning to Cordy. "Guess what? When Xander's better, the three of them are going to take me out...by myself. I get them alone for the whole day...anywhere I want to go. You have to help me pick out an outfit to wear and can you take me to the mall?" Cordelia nodded, completely understanding Dawn.

"As I said before...we bought you new clothes. Why do you need to go shopping?" Cordelia and Dawn turned to look at Angel as if he had grown another head.

"Shoes." They spoke in unison, Cordelia adding, "Dummy" before giving her attention to Dawn. "Are there going to be pictures?" She asked, putting her arm around Dawn's shoulders as they started to walk off.

"Lots and lots. Gonna show them all over school." Both girls giggled, their heads together as if in a secret conference.

"Good thinking, Dawnie. You'll be a shoe in with the popular kids...Dawn and her three older guys." Cordelia assured her.

"Yeah, isn't it cool. I might even be more popular than you were."

"Don't push it, girlfriend." The men heard Cordelia say as they ascended the stairs still chattering happily.

"I think Dawn's turning into a mini-Cordelia. Don't know if the world is ready for two of them." Doyle shut the door and followed the girls, leaving the vampires and Xander alone.

"Try to get some rest, Spike. You'll need it for what's to come and so will I." Angel gave Spike a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before snuggling next to Xander. Spike nodded and did the same, the three of them asleep within minutes. **********************************************

Angel and Spike had been asleep for an hour when they were awakened by Xander's mumbling. The boy was reaching out as he said their names over and over again. Both of them quickly sat up, each taking a hand.

"We're here, Xander.

"Right next to you, luv." Xander opened his eyes and smiled when he saw them.

"Looks like it's just the three of us...alone again...in the bedroom..." "Don't be getting any crazy ideas, pet. You need your rest and..." Spike's voice wavered when he saw Xander giving him the puppy dog look he was infamous for. "Nope, not gonna work." Now a pout was added to it. "Put that lip back in before I sit on it."

"Promises, promises."

"Xander, no. You need..."

"I need you. Both of you." Xander's words were softly spoken. "And I think you need me too."

"Always." Angel told him, cradling Xander in his arms. "But you've been through so much..."

"That's why I want the vampire loving, duh. Best medicine in the world. Besides, I'm the patient here. You're supposed to baby someone when they're sick. I think it's a rule or something."

"Really?" Spike smirked before kissing Xander's ear. "Never heard that one before, luv."

"Oh, yeah....it's a rule...definitely a rule." Xander groaned as Spike nibbled at his neck. "You probably never heard of it before because you're a rulebreaker and a hearttaker...in a good way."

"Is that right?" Spike pulled Xander close, his tongue entering Xander's already parted lips. Xander's hand came up to rest on the back of Spike's neck, his thumb gently tracing a circle as he responded. "Have I taken yours?"

"Absolutely...positively...most certainly and any other descriptive words that mean yes. More, please." Xander whispered against his lips. Spike gave him another kiss, his hand sliding up under Xander's shirt to find the already hard pebbles. Xander moaned, loving the feel of Spike's fingers playing with his nipple and the taste of Spike's mouth. They broke the kiss, Xander panting for breath, his eyes almost black with lust.

"Are you sure about this, Xander?" Angel asked, gently stroking the boy's stomach. Xander grinned at him, covering Angel's hand with his own and leading him further down...under silk pajama bottoms until they reached his erection.

"Is that answer enough for you?" Angel nodded and smiled back before giving Xander a kiss of his own. His hand pushed the pajamas down to Xander's thighs. Never breaking the kiss, his hand traveled back up Xander's thighs, across his balls and up the underside of Xander's hard shaft.

"Is this what you want?" Xander shook his head, making Spike and Angel back off a little.

"I want...I want you to fuck me while...while I taste Spike." Low gutteral moans were heard as Spike and Angel seemed to agree. "Then...then I-I want you two to change...positions so we can...do it again." Spike had already thrown his shirt to the side and was now taking off his pants while Angel continued to stare at Xander, his hand never stopping.

"You strong enough for this?" Xander started to unbutton Angel's shirt, his eyes roving hungrily over the now exposed chest.

"Try me. Please, Angel I need...."

"You heard the boy Angel. It's a sodding rule and I've never known you to break the rules." Spike told him before giving Xander another kiss and removing the boy's shirt.

"Never known you to follow them." Angel retorted.

"First time for everything now innit it?" Spike threw back over his shoulder as he straddled Xander. He gently lifted the boy's head, fluffing the pillows up until Xander was facing Spike's hardened shaft. Angel watched for a moment as Xander's tongue flicked out, running across the tip of Spike's cock. That was all it took. He never saw Xander's hand come up to wrap around Spike's length...too busy divesting himself of his clothes and finding the lube to notice anything but Spike's groans of pleasure as Xander started sucking his cock.

Xander pumped the base of Spike's cock, his tongue licking along the slit. After a few minutes, Xander's hands moved around behind Spike, hands grabbing pale, firm asscheeks, mouth prepared to take the hard cock in as he urged Spike forward. Xander pursed his mouth, making a tight entrance for Spike's length to pump in and out of. He heard Spike gasp, felt the vampire's hand at the back of his head, the bed jerking as Spike's other hand grabbed the headboard. Xander groaned with pleasure, loving the taste of Spike's precum and hungrily seeking more. Another groan escaped him when he felt Angel's finger circle his hole, not having noticed when Angel pulled his pajama bottoms off. Xander opened his legs, silently begging for more.

"Oh, God...Xander, you're so beautiful like this," Angel murmured, watching the boy open up for him. He quickly prepared Xander and then himself before taking his place between the boy's legs. He gently lifted them to his shoulders holding onto them as he slid his thick cock into Xander's waiting hole. Another groan and Angel didn't know if it was him, Xander or Spike...maybe all three. All he could focus on was the warmth of Xander's channel surrounding him, muscles clenching, ass begging to be fucked. "Damn, this is gonna be over too soon."

"Fuck, yes...feels so good," Spike agreed, watching the _expression on Xander's face as his cock slid in and out of the boy's mouth. Xander's brown eyes were burning with hunger and need, never leaving Spike as the vampire fucked his mouth. Spike's grip tightened on the headboard as he fought to control the orgasm he knew was coming closer.

Xander licked and sucked on Spike's cock, eagerly awaiting the taste that was Spike. He groaned and gripped Spike's ass tighter when Angel started to move inside him, slowly at first and then faster as the burning flames of desire fueled the vampire's lust. Xander felt like he was heading towards heaven...Spike's cock fucking his mouth while Angel's hard, thick length filled him, hitting his prostate with every thrust. He heard the words of love and need coming from the two vampires, felt his own orgasm building and knew he needed just a little more. Xander pushed a finger into Spike's hole, taking the vampire all the way in and quickly swallowing around the head.

Spike was trying to hold back his orgasm, desperately wanting this never to end when he felt Xander's finger slide into him. He gripped the headboard tighter, putting a small crack in it as he fought for control. What little he had left was lost when Xander swallowed around him. He closed his eyes, screaming Xander's name, enjoying the rush of his orgasm as it washed over him. Spike threaded his fingers through Xander's hair, holding the boy still while he sent spurt after spurt of cum down Xander's throat. Spike rested his head against the bed, trying to regain control of his senses while Xander's tongue licked up the remaining semen that was still trickling out.

"Xander...fuck, the things you do to me, luv." Spike finally managed to roll off of Xander, his half hard cock exiting Xander's mouth with a pop. He rolled onto his side, enjoying the sight of Angel pistoning in and out of Xander, his hand stroking Xander's cock in time with each thrust while the boy writhed beneath him.

"More, Angel...fuck me harder...oh yes, like that...God yes." Xander half whimpered, his hands now clutching the bedsheets. Spike reached out, caressing one of Xander's nipples while his mouth descended on the other. He gently nipped at the hardened bud, causing Xander to cry out in pleasure.

"Liked that did you?"

"Yes, oh, yes...loved it...more, please again...oh, feels too good...gonna explode." Xander groaned. He was at the gates of Heaven now...Spike's taste in his mouth, his hand on Xander's nipple while his mouth was gently nipping the other...Angel's hand stroking his full to bursting shaft while his cock filled Xander. Too many sensations...too much pleasure and his orgasm was overtaking him. "Don't stop...don't stop...oh, yes...never stop." Xander begged, one hand now clutching the back of Spike's neck as he rode out his climax.

Angel had been trying to keep his desire at bay, but watching the look of ecstasy cross Xander's face, hearing his words, feeling him writhe underneath him and now he was coming as well, gripping Xander's hips tightly as he shot into the boy.

"So beautiful...so fucking beautiful." The mantra continued until Angel was done. He gently placed Xander's legs back on the bed and leaned forward, taking the boy's swollen lips into his mouth, nibbling and sucking before giving Xander a passionate kiss that had Xander's toes curling and his cock itching to respond. Angel's tongue explored every crevice of Xander's mouth, moaning at the taste of Xander and Spike combined and his own cock sprung to life once more. Xander broke the kiss, his hand reaching down to hold Angel's hardened shaft so he could give it a couple of gentle tugs.

"Ding, ding. Time for round two." Angel and Spike laughed at their boy's playfulness, glad that he seemed to be doing better. The laughter soon turned into moans stopping Gunn and Dawn who had approached the door.

"How's about you and me get something to drink?" Gunn asked, leading the girl away from the door.

"And food, too...cause I've got a feeling it's gonna be a while." *********************************************************************

"Spike?" That one word stopped the vampire dead in his tracks and he turned to see Xander watching him dress.

"Thought you were asleep, luv." Angel and Spike had lain with Xander for a bit after their lovemaking, watching him sleep and monitoring any signs of bad dreams, discomfort or after effects from the drug or the exercise. When they were reassured that Xander was sleeping normally they had risen, cleaning themselves and Xander. They had gently put the boy's pants back on, trying not to wake him before starting to get dressed. They wanted to leave as soon as Dawnie appeared.

"I was...and I promise I'll get some more soon but I need to ask you something." Spike walked back to the bed, taking a seat next to Xander while Angel paced back and forth talking to someone on his cell phone. "Is the gang still trying to find that Robin Hood guy?" Spike nodded, he and Angel having to smile at Xander's reference. "Gonna exact some revenge?"

"Xander, if you're gonna ask me not to kill him then you can save your breath." Even though Spike loved Xander, this was one time the boy wasn't going to dissuade him from doing what he knew needed to be done.

"Are you kidding? I'm 110 percent behind the idea. Especially for putting all of you through hell."

"You mean putting you through hell." Spike pointed out.

"No, I got it right the first time. You guys stayed awake for hours worrying, knowing there was nothing you could do for me. All I had to do was sleep and have nightmares. Piece of cake for me...I'm used to it."

"Don't go feeding us this bunch of bollocks about it not being bad when I sodding well know it was." Spike was angry now as he remembered all the long hours of pain. Angel quickly ended his call, snapping his cell phone shut before walking over and sitting down next to Spike and Xander.

"Spike, don't you think you need to take some time, calm down?"

"I am calm." Spike's tone said otherwise and both Xander and Angel knew he was lying.

"I don't want you worrying about me. I'm fine, see?" Xander pointed at himself. "Well rested and thoroughly fucked thanks to you two. Feeling tip top."

"You're just saying that...and I'm not fine. Not until I get my hands on that bastard and send him to hell." Xander looked into Spike's blue eyes and saw nothing but guilt and anger. That was definitely not what he wanted to see...at least the guilt part. Spike was preparing to fight this guy and while the anger was good, the guilt could end up getting him killed. Spike needed to focus. Xander glanced at Angel and saw the same look of concern on his face. When he turned back to Spike, the younger vampire's face was filled with sadness. "Xander, I'm so sorry that...."

"Stop it, Spike. You don't get to go there." Xander snapped just as someone knocked on the door.

"You can come in." Angel called out. The door opened and Dawn and Gunn entered the room, Gunn shutting it quietly after looking around. "What's going on?"

"I'm going with you guys. I'm not helping up there and I'm dying to throw some hurt around." Before Angel could protest, he heard Spike talking to Xander, neither one of them paying attention to the others in the room.

"What do you mean I don't get to go there? Don't need your permission, luv. I'm over 120 years old...I come and go as I please." Spike was saying, deliberately misunderstanding Xander's message.

"That's not what I was talking about and you know it."

"What do I not know?" Spike asked, causing Xander to sit up and glare at him.

"Guys...what's going on?" Dawn asked.

"Nothing." Xander, Spike and Angel answered in unison. Dawn turned to Gunn who shrugged his shoulders.

"You're the Big Bad...the one who wants to take the blame for all the problems in the world, huh? Then explain to me why you had Hitler annihilate all the Jews. What did they ever do to you? And why did you have that Booth guy shoot Abraham Lincoln? Cause his hat was too tall and you couldn't see the play? I can hear you now. "You got a gun? Good. Shoot the bloke in front of us...soddin' rude it is to leave that bloody hat on...blow the wanker's head off." Xander's tone was sarcastic as he mocked Spike's voice.

"That doesn't sound anything like me and....

"Oh, and let's not forget the curse you put on Alfalfa and the rest of 'Our Gang'. Why'd you do that? Because that piece of hair that stuck up on Alfalfa's head irritated you?"

"Huh? Are these friends of yours?"

"Don't play innocent with me. Alfalfa gets killed by one of his 'friends'," Xander air-quoted in full rant mode, "Waldo is killed by a hit and run driver while he's on the freaking sidewalk, Froggy dies in a bicycle accident and someone poisoned 'Pete, the Pup.' Coincidence? I think not. Wasn't that a bit of overkill?" Gunn and Dawn started to laugh and Angel was grinning as Spike stared at Xander, utter confusion on his face.

"Have you gone completely daft?"

"Me daft? You were the one that started this whole thing."

"What whole thing? I don't even know who this Alfalfa bloke was and I killed a lot of people because I didn't like the way they looked. Not gonna apologize for it now, especially the ones that wore bell bottom pants."

"Geez, Spike you missed the whole point. I was talking about you making me feel guilty for making you feel guilty when all I wanted was for you not to feel guilty over a situation I knew you would end up taking the guilt for anyway. Well, guess what? I'm fucking tired of feeling guilty about making everyone else feel guilty when really I shouldn't feel guilty at all. Do you get that?"

"Get what?"

"God, Spike...don't you listen?" Xander threw his hands up in the air, totally flustered.

"I was trying but it's hard when you go completely Carrot Top and start babbling some soddin' shit about Adolph Hitler, Abraham Lincoln and his fucking hat. Bloody hell, Drusilla sounds sane next to you."

"Don't compare me to that nutsack. I love you, Spike but I'm not going to listen to you doing what you're doing. If you're still doing what you were doing before we started doing this then I don't want you doing it around me. Go do it around the others cause I'm done doing it. Understand?"

"You don't want to be compared to Dru and you love me?" Spike asked. That had been the only parts he had managed to understand. When Xander rolled his eyes at Spike, the vampire quickly added, "And I love you, too." which was followed by Xander slapping his forehead with his hand before pulling the pillow over his face with a groan.

"Xander, are you okay?" Angel asked, hesitating before heading towards his lover. When Xander was in this kind of rant mode it was best to stay as far away as possible but he didn't want Xander to hurt himself. Xander took the pillow from his face and threw it at Spike.

"Hey! I didn't ask the question...Angel did."

"Why do I even try to explain things? Like it's so hard to understand me when I'm talking in simple English. And everyone says I'm the slow one." Xander stared at Spike who turned to Angel.

"So what exactly is it I'm supposed to be doing? And please tell me in King's English."

"Xander's pissed because you're blaming yourself for what happened and he's afraid you're going to go into the fight unfocusy." Angel explained as Gunn and Dawn grinned at him.

"Watch it, Angel. You're beginning to talk like Xander." Gunn teased before Spike started again.

"Why didn't you just say that? And exactly what does all that have to do with Abraham Lincoln and Adolph Hitler?"

"That was me being sarcastic. You have heard of the word before, haven't you, Spike?"

"Of course I have....I invented sarcasm." Spike smirked, heading towards Xander. Now that he knew what the boy was actually talking about, he was ready to play this game.

"Oh, oh, I see. Not only are you the one single cause for all the problems of the world but you invented everything, too? Man, you have been busy." Xander was still upset, lying on the bed with his arm thrown over his eyes so he didn't notice Spike slowly stalking towards the bed. "Guess you invented fold up beds that fold up at the very most wrong time, dryers that eat your socks, reality television and....various other torture devices."

"Yes, torture devices. That was right fun. Cock rings, spiked collars, dildos...." Now he had Xander's attention. The boy gulped as he watched Spike approach, an evil grin on his handsome face.

"And don't forget...uh...batteries for the uh...dildos. What's a dildo without...uhm, batteries? It just lies there like it's flaccid or something."

"Unless you have someone around who knows how to use it. Someone who knows how to make his victim scream with pleasure. Someone who's adept at using lots of play toys...whips, chains, ball gags," Xander shivered when Spike sat down on the bed, gently running his hand along the boy's mouth suggestively. "Ever tried any of those, Xander?" Xander gulped, shaking his head. "Lots of fun...if you know the proper way to use them."

"Oh, I'm sure they're very...uh, f-f-fun..and..and educational."

"I could definitely educate you, luv. Want me to teach you sometime?" Spike leaned down, his lips barely inches away from Xander's. "You would look so pretty all trussed up, laid out for me to...torture." The last word was said in a tone that suggested it would be anything but. Spike smiled when Xander gulped again.

"I love being teached...uh, taught. If I had, uhm, taughters...I mean, teachers like you in school I would've listened more." Spike's eyebrow raised. "Then again maybe not. But I would've enjoyed school a lot more, attended classes more often and would've been very open...to that suggestion, about being taught. Uh, when I say open I mean open...about education because education is good. You can never get enough of good old education. Nope. Sure can't. Always room to learn...things. Good things. And I'm a very quick learner." Xander was babbling.

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah. Sex-ed was my best subject...next to lunch. I think I managed to get a D."

"Huh...D, eh? What's that stand for? You a dom? I picture you more as the submissive type." Spike's lips were brushing against Xander's now, his hands roaming the boy's body.

"I'm submissive...very submissive...for the right person." Xander whispered back, eyes glazed with lust and desire. Spike leaned in the rest of the way and captured Xander's mouth. Xander pulled Spike closer, his lips parting, tongues playing as the world fell away and there was only the two of them and the images of cock rings, whips, chains.....

"Excuse us but there are other people in the room." Dawn admonished, bringing the two of them back to reality.

"Yeah, what she said." Angel added, having gotten caught up in the ideas himself. Spike pulled away, Xander objecting rather loudly.

"God, Spike how do you do that?"

"Do what luv?" Spike voice was innocent.

"Manage to melt my brain when I'm mad at you. Can't even remember what I was saying."

"Talent, my boy. Think about our lessons while I'm out torturing this man and when I come back..."

"That's it. The fight. Spike, listen....I'm fine, okay. Really, really fine except for," Xander's eyes flickered towards his hardened shaft. "you know, but I want you to stay focused in the fight. I don't trust this guy....he's a sneaky bastard. Sneaky bastard plus distracted, pissed off Spike leads to stakeage and I don't want to lose you or Angel."

"Not gonna happen, luv. I promise I'll pay attention to the fight...and the torture. When I get back maybe...."

"You're not gonna torture him like that are you?" Xander's voice was filled with jealousy now and both Angel and Spike had to grin at their lover's jealousy.

"Oooh, you're a possessive boy aren't you?" Spike gave Xander another kiss. "Did you hear him, Angel? He actually thought we would waste our expertise on that piece of shit." Angel closed the gap, sitting on the bed and giving Xander a passionate kiss of his own.

"We only save the good torture for the one we love. No, this man will be screaming with pain...no pleasure involved whatsoever...well if you don't count mine and Spike's. Which reminds me, Spike it's time to go. Clem and Clarence found us a place to take Robin when we have him....someplace with all kinds of nasty things." He started to rise but Xander held his arm.

"I mean it guys. Be careful." Spike gave him another kiss as did Angel before they prepared to leave. Dawn came over and stood beside the bed.

"I'm here to take care of you while Spike and Angel are gone."

"Nurse Dawnie reporting for duty. I've got to warn you..." Xander yawned, his argument with Spike taking it's toll. "I'm not a very good patient," Another yawn, "Especially when I'm worried," A tiny yawn, followed by drooping eyelids, "about Spike and Angel." Xander finally managed to finish the sentence.

"They wore you out didn't they?" Gunn asked. Xander nodded his head, trying to keep his eyes open.

"His idea not ours." Angel said, before quickly adding, "Not that we put up a fight."

"Bet you didn't." Gunn took Xander's hand and held it for a moment, reassuring himself that his friend was alright. "Don't worry about them, Xander. I'll take good care of your guys while I'm playing guardian angel." Xander gave Gunn's hand a little squeeze as he smiled at the man.

"Thanks. Feels good knowing they're in good hands. I won't be able to sleep until it's over." Xander yawned again before closing his eyes, finally losing his fight to stay awake.

"Yeah, I see that." Gunn raised the covers, putting Xander's arm underneath before tucking him in.

"Hey, that's my job." Dawn protested, sitting down on the bed next to Xander.

"Sorry. Kid just brings out the 'big brother' in me." Gunn admitted before turning to the two vampires. "You guys ready to go."

"We are...you aren't. Already had Xander get hurt over this man's vendetta. Not going to put anyone else in danger." Spike pulled on his coat and reached for his pack of cigarettes, lighting one as he watched Gunn.

"You're not. I'm volunteering." Before either vampire could protest, Gunn continued. "Wolfram and Hart have vampire detectors. You're gonna need some serious backup and I'm feeling the need to get my violence on."

"Gunn..."

"Don't make me out to be a liar. Promised Xander I'd be your guardian angels, remember?" Angel and Spike glanced at one another before Angel nodded.

"Okay, but stay to the back."

"Not much of a follower but I'll try. Besides, three heads are better than two."

"And I make four. In case anybody feels like singing." Lorne's voice came from the doorway.

"I'll stay here with Xander and keep Dawn company." Oz told them, giving Lorne a kiss good-bye and a warning to be careful.

"We'll go through the sewers. And people...we're not coming out of there until we have an address on Robin Wood." Spike's voice was full of determination as he led the group to the exit. Angel stopped, taking one last glance at Xander before turning his attention to Dawn and Oz.

"Take care of Xander." With that said, Angel turned and followed the others, his long, black-leather coat swirling about his legs.


Chapter Fifty

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