Dawn ran into the club searching for her friends. All the couples had paired off to dance while Wesley was putting the finishing touches on the clean up job. They all stopped, turning abruptly at the sound of her screams. Wesley reached her first, putting his arm around her in a calming gesture while he searched for Xander.

"Dawn, what happened? Where's Xander?"

"Vampires...lots of vampires....big, crazy vampires." Dawn managed between gasps. The men pulled their stakes from their pockets while Cordelia searched her purse, coming up with her own. "Xander's..."

"Come on guys. Time to get dusty." Doyle started to lead the way, hoping Xander was alright. Angel had left Xander with them, knowing they would watch his back. Why had they let him go out in the dark alley like that without expecting trouble? Dawn put a hand out stopping him.

"Let me finish. The vampires are dead...killed by a bunch of guys in suits. One saved me as I ran into the club."

"Guys in suits?" Doyle asked, putting his stake back into his pocket. Dawn nodded. "Wolfram and Hart?"

"Lindsey," Wesley said, making for the door. When the group of friends got outside they came to an abrupt halt at the sight in front of them. Lots of men dressed in look alike suits, backs to them as they surrounded Lindsey and Xander who were on the ground further down the alley. Lilah was also there, bending down to look at the boy as Lindsey held Xander close, talking to him as he placed a kiss on the boy's face. Doyle heard Willow begin to chant, preparing to make with the magic and he shook his head.

"No magic...not unless we need it. Okay?"

"But I can help and I so want to." Willow's voice was full of anger. She knew her best friend was unconscious and the thought of the lawyer taking advantage of Xander made her blood boil, especially after what had occurred in Sunnydale.

"I know that and I completely understand. But this fight has been coming for a long time and I really want to kick some Wolfram and Hart ass. If you start making with the magics I won't be able to do that."

"Doyle's right, Willow. As much as you want to help Xander we've been the ones who have watched Lindsey torment not only Xander but Angel and Spike as well. I don't know about the others but I think it's time to stop observing and start acting on our frustrations." Wesley's hands balled into fists as he looked at the others.

"I'm coming down on the side of kicking ass," Oz agreed, putting his stake back in his pocket. "Lorne, take the girls over to the side so they won't get hurt."

"Hell, no. I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines. It's time to get into the game and use what Angel and Spike have taught me. Girl or no girl, I'm with you guys." Cordelia's eyes were full of anger and determination. Doyle had to smile...she was beautiful when she was angry...as long as the anger wasn't directed at him. His girl...so very brave. He hugged her close for a moment, letting her know that he wasn't going to argue with her. None of the others said a word, knowing that protesting would do no good once Cordy's mind was set on something.

"Just be careful, Princess."

"I'm Hellmouth born and raised. I've seen much worse than a bunch of men in suits....tacky suits at that."

"I'm sure you have." The AI gang walked towards the men, Doyle's loud voice making them turn. "Alright, you stupid asshole ..take your hands off Xander and back away."

"Not going to happen. I'm staying with him till he wakes up."

"You really should be thanking Lindsey instead of calling him names. He rescued Xander and that little girl." Lilah pointed out.

"I'm not a little girl, I'm a teenager." Dawn stuck her tongue out at the woman, not liking her one little bit.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Lindsey set this all up just so he could come running to the rescue," Cordelia told her. Lindsey had a stunned expression on his face. Whether or not it was real was anyone's guess.

"You think I would risk Xander's life like that? Are you crazy?"

"Lindsey's telling the truth. He cares about Xander more than I ever thought he was capable of caring about anyone...other than himself of course." Lilah half defended her colleague.

"Save it. We're tired of Lindsey's pathetic attempts to get Xander back. This ends now. Got it?" Cordy was advancing towards the others, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides.

"Miss, you don't want to come any closer. Someone might end up getting hurt." One of them told her. Cordy smiled, setting her gaze on the man.

"Actually, I'll let you in on a little secret," she crooked her finger at him and he smiled, leaning closer. *This pretty girl was flirting with him*. He didn't see her hand come up to hit him in the face. As he hit the ground, he heard her say, "That was the plan."

Now the fight was on, Wolfram and Hart's security team against the AI group and while there were more of them, the gang had learned their lessons well from Spike and Angel and had the momentum of their anger behind them. Doyle was punching them left and right like a kangaroo on speed, jabbing and bouncing with glee. Wesley was more smooth motions, taking the men's legs out from under them, getting them on the ground and then knocking some sense into them...or rather out...as the case may be. In a British accent much like Spike's he told them in no uncertain terms that he was 'bloody well fucking tired of you wankers'. Oz was quiet but just as good at putting the men in their place with a series of ducks, punches and kicks and Willow noted he hadn't even turned into the wolf. Cordelia was holding her own, ducking and swinging until she made connections with stomach, legs and heads. Willow shook her head in amazement.

"I don't know about you girls but I'm going to have Angel and Spike give me lessons before I head back to Sunnydale."

"Me, too." Dawn was just as excited. She wanted to be a kick ass fighter and what better teachers than two hunky vampires. Dawn was immersed in her fantasies of having Spike or Angel's arms wrapped around her while they taught her the various moves when she heard Tara's voice.

"Xander's awake." They kept their eyes on the fighting in case their friends needed help and made their way slowly towards Lindsey and Xander. By the time they had gotten there, Lindsey had managed to give Xander a kiss before the boy realized exactly who he was kissing.

Xander had woken to the sounds of fighting....that wasn't right was it? Hadn't his friends already killed the vamps before he blacked out? He looked up, vision still blurry, to see a pair of blue eyes staring down at him.

"I thought you said you took care of the vamps." Xander tried to sit up, but the world began to spin and he fell back with a groan, his hand automatically reaching for his swollen nose. "Damn that hurts." He took his hands down, seeing the blue eyes inches away from him. Spike. Yet something was wrong....these blue eyes weren't as beautiful...maybe it was the head trauma. Warm lips met his and he suddenly realized what was wrong. The arms holding him were warm, not cool like Spike. Who would be...oh, fuck.

Xander quickly pushed the man backwards, rolling out of his lap while he wiped at his mouth. He managed to stand up before the dizziness threatened again. He wobbled but was held upright by his girls who had come over to lend a hand. The rest of the AI gang were clearly handling the last remaining guards so they put their full attention on Xander and Lindsey.

"Damn it, Lindsey. What the fuck were you doing?"

"Rescuing you. Remember the vampires?"

Xander put his arm around Dawn. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"So you thought what? That I would be so grateful I'd fall into your arms?" Xander asked Lindsey, finally managing to see clearly now despite the throbbing of his face.

"Pretty much what you did." Lindsey answered, a small smile on his face. "And we had the beginnings of a very, very nice kiss going on before you ended it."

"I couldn't make out who was holding me. I saw blue eyes and I thought it was Spike." Xander explained to his friends, all of whom were now grouped around him.

"Yeah, I can see how you would mistake Lindsey for Spike. Not only do they dress differently but---" Lilah began.

"Spike is so much cuter, smarter, tougher and way cooler than Lindsey." Dawn piped up, interrupting the woman.

"I guess you guys did this?" Xander gestured at the guards lying on the ground.

"Yep. Tired of this bullshit." Doyle held Xander's face as he began to look him over, hoping there wasn't too much damage. He didn't want his friend hurt and he certainly didn't want to face two really, really pissed off vampires on Christmas Eve. "Damn, you took a few good ones to your face."

"Why is it always the face?" Xander rubbed his nose before giving his friends a thumbs up sign, not waiting for an answer. "Good job, by the way."

"Thanks. Now, about Lindsey...." Doyle glared at the man, who was beginning to look uncomfortable, as was Lilah.

"Lindsey's my problem." Xander turned to look at the man. "You helped us fight the vampires. And for that I'm grateful...that is, if it wasn't your plan from the very beginning." Xander raised his hand to stop Lindsey's intended protests. "I know you're going to deny it so don't even bother. Just know this...if I find out you had anything to do with the vamp attack and putting Dawn's life in danger, I will make you pay." Xander's voice was cold now as he stared at his former lover. "What were you doing here anyway? I thought you and the dragon lady left a long time ago."

"Now Xander, let's not be rude. I thought we were friends." Lilah cooed.

"In what reality?" Xander asked her as Lindsey stepped closer.

"We did leave. But Lilah and I came back to talk to Lorne about our annual New Year's Eve party for the firm. The front door was locked so we came around back...then I heard your voice. I heard those vampires saying they were going to kill you over Spike." Lindsey explained before addressing the gang. "If you want to blame someone for getting Xander into trouble, blame it on your good pal, Spike. If he hadn't been showing off none of this would have happened." Now Xander was furious. How dare Lindsey blame Spike...Spike who had been so romantic with no ulterior motives other than to make him happy, who had suffered because of it. Before anyone could react, he had Lindsey by the collar and pinned up against the wall.

"Don't you fucking dare blame Spike. Do you hear me? YOU were the one who started trouble. And why? Because you hate to lose. I've got it figured out now. This has nothing to do with me...you're not obsessed with me, you're obsessed with winning the game. I'm just the prize." Doyle, Wesley and Oz ran over, intent on stopping Xander from killing Lindsey. They hated Lindsey but they didn't want Xander to get arrested for murder. It took all three of them to pull Xander away from Lindsey and when they did they were surprised to see Lindsey smiling at them. Lilah seemed to be enjoying the scene as well.

"You really do have Lindsey pegged don't you, Xander. Well about the winning anyway. He really is a sore loser."

"Shut up and stay out of this Lilah." Lindsey told her.

"Xander, I'd like nothing more than to watch you choke the life out of this bastard but you can't. Too many Wolfram and Hart types here. Plus there is a witness." Wesley pointed at Lilah, who smiled back flirtatiously. Xander backed down, not because he was worried about himself but because he didn't want the others to get into trouble. Lindsey's words about Spike had made him angry enough to kill the man he thought he used to love...but not at the expense of his friends.

"Hey, guys. Don't stop him. It was fun being pinned between Xander and the wall. Just like old times, right Xander?"

"God, Lindsey you are sick. I wanted to kill you, not fuck you!"

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Xander. I know we still love each other. I love---"

"If you say you love me one more time I will kick your ass." Xander threatened. "You don't. Maybe you did at first but now it's turned into trying to hurt Spike and Angel....to make them pay for losing me. But Angel and Spike didn't break us up. We were having problems before I became involved with them. You know it and I know it. I didn't like the man you became when you were around Wolfram and Hart. Yes, you told me you worked for lawyers who didn't always play by the rules but you didn't tell me they were fucking evil. Or that you turned into a monster when you were around them. Suddenly, it was nights of parties and schmoozing with people I would rather kill than make small talk with."

"Don't judge all of us because of Lindsey. Some of us are very fun to be around." Lilah stepped closer to Wesley, batting her eyelashes at him. "How about it, Wesley? Would you like to take a walk on the wild side."

"That's Mr. Wyndham-Pryce to you and no I would not. I'd rather walk through London Square barefoot in the winter time than have anything to do with you. Now please kindly unglue yourself from my side before I have to-----"

"You wouldn't hit a lady would you, Wesley?"

"No, Willow I wouldn't hit a lady." Willow relaxed for a second until she heard Wesley add, "But I'd hit her." Cordelia and Dawn started to giggle while Lilah looked put out.

"I should have known anyone in this group of misfits wouldn't have the sense to appreciate me." Lilah gasped when she felt someone push her backwards.

"I'm offended and you don't want to see me offended." Cordelia glared at the woman.

"You really don't." Doyle agreed.

"We're not a group of misfits...we're family. And I don't appreciate my family being called names by a bitch like you. Now back off before I knock you right out of those Minola Blohnicks which are stunning by the way."

"At least you have good taste in clothes. Too bad I can't say the same thing about your choice of friends...or boyfriends."

"That's it! I'm throwing down!" Cordelia punched Lilah in the face, knocking the woman to the ground. Everyone watched in surprise as the two women started rolling on the ground, pulling each other's hair. They gathered around to watch Cordelia and Lilah fight while Xander rolled his eyes. How had his and Lindsey's argument turned into a chick fight? He felt someone touch his arm and jumped, turning to see Lindsey. Xander shrugged Lindsey's hand away, moving away from the man.

"Don't Lindsey."

"Xander, I know Lilah can be tactless but she is right about one thing. Hanging around two vampires is crazy. You're being an idiot if you think Spike and Angel are capable of love. Hell, Spike doesn't even have a soul."

"Spike is more capable of love WITHOUT a soul than you will ever be WITH one! And he would never try to hurt me like you did in Sunnydale."

"Why do you keep throwing that in my face, Xander? I was upset...I wanted you to realize how much you still loved me."

"You tried to rape me." Xander hissed, making sure Dawnie wasn't paying attention to them. "I said NO Lindsey and when someone says no that means no. Believe me I know the definition of rape."

"Oh, I'm sure you do. Look who you're with.

"What are you talking about?"

"Ever read up on your lover's past? Angelus and Spike were two of the most vicious vampires ever recorded in history. There are several stories about how they lured their victims to their deaths by having sex with them. Vampires have a way of...getting what they want, if you know what I mean. You can walk around with blinders on if you want, Xander but that's exactly what's happening to you. I wonder...how many times have Angel and Spike raped...I mean, seduced you?" Xander's eyes flashed with anger and he was on Lindsey within seconds, fists flying with vicious speed. Now there were two fights going on in the alley. Willow, Tara and Dawn seperated the two women while Oz, Doyle and Wesley went to do the same to the men. They were stopped by Xander's harsh voice.

"Stay the hell away. I don't want to hurt any of you because of this bastard." Xander turned his attention back to Lindsey. He started choking the man, determined to end his life once and for all. Lindsey's face was turning red from lack of oxygen and still Xander refused to let go. Finally, he was pushed backwards by some unseen force, landing on the ground with a thud. He tried to get up but something was holding him down. "Will, stop it! Let me up.... right fucking now!"

"Nope, not until you promise me that you won't kill him." Willow gestured at Lindsey, who was sitting up rubbing his neck. Dark bruises had already started to form and he was coughing. She had managed to help Cordelia up only to turn and see her best friend trying to murder another human being. She couldn't allow that...no matter how much she wanted him to...hell, she even wanted to help.

"Personally, I think the world would be a much better place without Lindsey in it." Doyle said, wrapping his arms around Cordelia who was trying to straighten her hair. "

That bitch pulled some of my hair out and I broke a nail. Sissy fighter." Cordelia yelled at Lilah, who was getting up.

"You people are in serious need of psychiatric help, do you know that?" Lilah asked, brushing the dirt off her dress.

"What did you say to Xander to bring the killer instinct out of him?" Willow asked Lindsey, noticing Xander shaking his head at her. "Never mind. That's between you and Xander. Bottom line...Xander doesn't love you. Leave. Him. Alone."

"I can't do that." Lindsey's voice was hoarse.

"You have to. Don't keep pushing this Lindsey. Leave Xander, Spike, Angel and the rest of my friends alone. All of you." She glared at both Lindsey and Lilah. "Otherwise, you're going to end up in a hell dimension worthy of your status. And don't think about trying anything after I leave because I'll still find out and you won't like the results." Willow turned to face Xander. "Have you gotten control of that temper of yours?"

"Enough to keep myself from killing Lindsey....if we leave quick enough." Xander muttered. Willow smiled and removed the spell, allowing Xander to move again. Xander stood up, giving his friend a mock glare. "You could have warned me before you threw me on the ground."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to use that much force, honest." Willow's voice had taken on a soft tone as she gave Xander her best apologetic face.

"I think I liked it better when you tried to get my attention by kicking me in the knee or pulling my hair."

"We all have to grow up someday, Xander." Willow took her friend's hand, leading him and the others out of the alley way.

"I'll be sure to pencil that in on my to-do list." Xander's smile was gone as he stopped in front of Lindsey who was now flanked by two of the Wolfram and Hart guards that had woken. "I love Spike and Angel and they love me. Get that through your head because you're never going to win. There is nothing you could possibly do to tear us apart. And that's exactly what I'll do to you...limb by limb... if you ever talk about Angel and Spike like that again." Xander's voice was deadly calm like Angel's when he was angry, yet he had one of Spike's 'pissed off' looks on his face. One of the guards stepped forward, placing himself between Lindsey and Xander. Uh, oh....Xander was imitating the trademark smirk Spike always used when he was teasing or just about to do something-----

The guard opened his mouth to speak but he never got the chance. Xander swung his right arm, connecting with the man's face. The guard crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from his mouth. Lindsey and the other man stared at Xander, mouths open.

"Lindsey, if I were you I would tell him not to try the same thing." Xander gestured at the other guard. "Otherwise, you and Lilah will be standing in an alleyway without any protection. You never know what might come crawling out of the dark. I hear there are all kinds of demons, not to mention vampires, that are attracted by the scent of blood." Xander took Dawn's hand, leading the group to the van, never giving Lindsey a second glance. Lindsey watched them leave, a smile on his face.

"Oh, Xander if you only knew how wrong you were."

"Lindsey, why don't you just give up on Xander." Lilah sighed.

"Never. Angel and Spike aren't going to win...I'll get him back. They better enjoy their relationship with Xander while they can." Lindsey had a lot of different ideas that would break the three of them up....it might take some time but Lindsey was sure he would not lose this battle. ************************************

"Bloody fucking hell. Do you know what time it is?" Spike stopped his pacing to glare at Angel who was lying on the couch. Angel opened his eyes, holding his arm up to look at his watch. "It's 10:30 that's what time it is." Spike answered himself, not giving Angel a chance to respond.

"Really? I've got to get a new watch...this says it's 10:35." Spike grabbed Angel's arm, glancing down to read the time.

"Sod this. I'm gonna go find them." Angel put his hand around Spike's wrist, pulling the younger vampire down on top of him. "Angel, stop it! How can you be so bloody calm? It's been hours and hours since...."

"It's been one hour and fifteen minutes since we left the club, Spike. There was a lot of cleanup work to be done and Xander said they'd probably have a few drinks afterwards. I'm sure they'll be home any minute now." Angel's hand rubbed slow circles on Spike's back and the younger vampire sighed, resting his head on Angel's shoulder. Angel thought he had managed to calm Spike down so he leaned down to kiss the top of his lover's head just as Spike raised it. Instead of a kiss, Angel's mouth connected with Spike's head. "Damn it, Spike that hurt!" Both of them sat up, Angel still rubbing his mouth as blood oozed from it.

"Maybe we should call them."

"And have Xander pissed off because we're treating him and the others like children. No thanks."

"What if they had too much to drink? What if they had a wreck on the way home? What if----"

"You shut up and help me stop this bleeding." Angel said through his fingers, leering at his partner. Spike couldn't help but smile at the playful expression on Angel's face. He took Angel's hand in his, slowly licking the blood from the older vampire's palm before snaking his tongue between the fingers. Angel shifted on the couch, clearly aroused. "I've got some on my lip too."

"Yeah, I can see that. I'm not daft, you know." Spike placed Angel's hand on his thigh and leaned forward to lick the blood away from Angel's lips. His tongue slowly traveled across them, savoring every drop. Angel moaned, parting his lips as he pulled Spike closer. The hand on Spike's thigh made it's way to his crotch and Spike pushed forward, his erection begging for attention. Angel's hand slid upwards, never breaking the kiss as he unbuttoned Spike's jeans before slowly lowering the zipper. Spike sighed into the kiss as a cool hand started to stroke his hard shaft. He broke the kiss, shifting slightly so he could return the favor.

"Don't think for a minute that you've got me fooled. I know what you're doing, Angel." Spike's hand closed around Angel's cock as he leaned forward again. "You're trying to take my mind off Xander and our family." Angel gently tugged on Spike's erection and he groaned, resting his head on Angel's shoulder.

"Is it working?" Angel's tone was gentle and Spike raised his head to see his lover grinning at him. A shiver of desire went through him as he met Angel's gaze. There was so much love in those dark brown eyes. Both of them stared at each other for a long moment, their hands doing wonderful things to each other's bodies. After centuries of off and on lovemaking both vampires were adept at pleasuring each other and Spike knew this wasn't going to last long. He could already feel the familiar tingle at the base of his spine spreading towards his balls.

"For a few minutes, anyway." Spike kissed Angel, both of them lost in their desire. There was no sound in the room except for their groans as they brought each other nearer to completion. Spike finally broke the kiss, feeling his orgasm nearing. "Yes, Angel...touch me...oh, fuck just like that."

"Love your cock, Spike. Love your body. Love You." Angel managed to say just before he erupted over Spike's hand, the younger vampire following seconds later. They rested against each other before both of them brought their hands to their mouths, each of them flicking their tongues out, savoring the taste of one another as they gazed into each other's eyes. When they were done, they kissed again, their tongues mixing the tastes. They were so into the kiss that they never noticed the approaching voices until it was too late.

"I still say you should ...." Xander stopped his speech, taking in the sight of his lovers sitting on the couch, cocks hanging out of their pants as they kissed. He tried to shut the door but Dawn and Cordelia stopped him, both girls giving him an irritated look before turning to see what Xander was staring at. Cordelia quickly put her hands over Dawn's eyes, the younger girl struggling to remove them while Xander finished his sentence. "Zip your pants up for fuck's sake."

Angel and Spike broke apart, both of them hurrying to do just that before their other friends entered the room. By now Dawn had removed Cordy's hands from her eyes and she was disappointed to see that the two vampires had fixed themselves. *Damn vampire speed*.

"So not fair. Why don't I ever get to see the good stuff?"

"Cause you're waaay too young to see....stuff. Even though the....stuff may be really hot and beautiful you're still too young for.....stuff seeing." Xander lamely finished, his eyes never leaving his vampire's bodies. He fought to control his arousal as he tried to keep a stern expression on his face.

"You really do have a way with words don't you, Xan?" Doyle teased.

Angel was ready to apologize to everyone when he noticed Xander's face and the condition of their friends. Spike's welcoming smile was gone as he too got a glimpse of their family. They started forward but Xander held his hand out, pointing at the very wet spot on the front of their pants.

"Go change. Now." Xander crossed his arms over his chest, taking on Cordelia's patented annoyed expression. "I'm not talking to you until you do." Spike and Angel exchanged a glance, both of them trying to decide what to do. The answer came to them in the form of three women who were standing in front of Dawn, all of them mocking Xander's stance.

"Shooo. Go do what Xander said." Willow's resolve face was on as she gestured towards the bedroom. "Don't make me have to use magic on you." Spike and Angel turned and walked towards the bedroom, Spike grumbling under his breath as they hurried to comply.

"Why did she have to threaten us? I hate bloody mojo." **************************************

Angel and Spike exited the room in less than five minutes and were surprised to find that the gang had already managed to make a large dent in the assorted snacks they had set out for them earlier. Willow was trying to apply an ice pack on Xander's nose but the boy was protesting, trying to turn away from her as he reached for another handful of chips.

"Will, stop! I'm fine. You know I hate it when you put ice on my bruises."

"It's not a bruise, Xander. You're nose is swelling...could be broken."

"No, it's not, cause if it was I would be talking like this," Xander said, sounding like a stuffed up little kid.

"Oh, so now you're a doctor? When did you go to medical school?" Willow had her 'resolve face' on so Xander turned pleading eyes on the only person in the room that could help him.

"Tara make her stop. I know a broken nose when I feel one and it's not....OW!" Xander yelped as Willow poked his nose. "What did you do that for? Nothing like having someone hit you when you're already hurt."

"I barely touched you, you big baby. Now hold still." Willow placed the ice pack on Xander's nose, holding it there as she tilted his head back to rest against her body. She stroked his hair, continuing her lecture. "I know I love your Snoopy dance but that doesn't mean I want you to look like him. If you don't let this stay on your face for a while your nose is going to be as big as his."

"Yeah, but Xander won't have the droopy ears." Oz pointed out, feeding Lorne a handful of popcorn.

"Or the tail," Dawn agreed, running her chip through the dip. She placed it in her mouth and began to loudly crunch on it, drawing a frown from Xander.

"Okay, guys. This is so not fair. All of you get to eat and I can't." Xander pouted at them and Willow sighed in mock exasperation. She quit playing with his hair, snagging a chip and placing it in Xander's mouth.

"Better?" Xander grinned up at his best friend.

"Muchly. Except you forgot the dip...and you used the wrong hand. I thought---"

"You could get the ice pack off your nose when I reached for the chip? Sorry, Xan. I've had a bit of experience in patching you up and I know you too well to be fooled by that trick." Angel and Spike wondered just how often in the past the two of them had had similar arguments.

"Something else. You quit playing with my hair. You know I like it when----"

"I baby you?" Xander nodded while everyone laughed. Willow went back to carding her fingers through Xander's hair while Dawn started to feed him. "Ah, yes....this is the stuff."

"Don't get too used to it, Xan. I don't want you falling asleep..." Cordelia told him, brushing her hair as she tried to get the knots out.

"Not going to go to sleep." Xander protested, his eyes closed. "I've got a lot of explaining to do, I'm thinking."

"Where's the movie? If we put it in and start it up then Angel and Spike won't be able to----" Doyle was interrupted by Angel clearing his throat. He glanced over, seeing the the two vampires leaning against the wall, watching the goings on. Doyle sat back down in his chair, giving them an innocent smile. "Never mind."

"No one's going to watch anything until we find out what happened." Angel's voice was commanding as he and Spike made their way over to Xander. Willow stepped back to allow the vampires access to their boyfriend. Angel took the ice pack off Xander's face while Spike crouched down in front of Xander, turning the boy so he could look at him. His fingers passed gently under Xander's eyes, noticing they were beginning to darken.

"You look like a raccoon." Xander tried to touch his face but Spike swatted his hand away, his fingers tracing along his boy's nose. Halfway down Xander flinched, a pained expression on his face. Spike's touch was a little harder this time, trying to feel the bone. Xander bit his lip and Spike stopped, turning to Angel. "It's gonna be sore but it isn't broken."

"Are you sure?" Willow asked. Spike nodded his head while Xander gave his best friend an irritated look.

"How come he doesn't get a snotty 'when did you go to medical school'?"

"Spike's a vampire, Xander. He's broken enough bones to know if....it's broken." Willow finished, giving Spike a sweet smile. Even though she could do magic pretty well she didn't want to upset Spike by pointing out his past misdeeds. Willow knew both vampires were going to be pissed off when they heard what Lindsey had done and she didn't want to add fuel to the fire.

"Fine, whatever." Xander took Spike's hands, looking his lover over carefully. "Are you doing okay?"

"You're the one sitting here with a swollen nose and you ask me if I'm okay?" Spike asked, squeezing Xander's hands.

"Noses heal pretty fast....emotional wounds, not so much." Xander's voice was quiet as he stroked Spike's cheek. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for you but I thought it would be better if it was just you and Angel cause I didn't think you'd want everybody crowding around you while you were....you know....upset."

"You're not everybody, Xander." Spike leaned into Xander's caress.

"I know. It's just...I'm not a vampire so I didn't think I could understand like Angel could. Not that he went through what you did...but he sorta knows how you felt what with the chip and his curse. I mean, I know what it's like to have bad memories....but not the other stuff, you know? And even if I wasn't physically here, I hope you know my heart was with you the whole time." Xander waited for Spike to say something but the vampire just kept staring at him. Thinking he was making a mess of things, Xander shifted a little before continuing. "I know I'm not the most gifted person when it comes to telling people how I feel but I want you to know something. You and Angel make me feel like I'm somebody worth falling in love with and I want you to know that you're worth falling in love with, too. That's all I'm trying to say."

Xander ducked his head, sure he had made a fool of himself. He stunk at this relationship stuff. Xander was so busy berating himself that he didn't notice everyone's reaction to his words. Tara, Oz and Doyle had wrapped their arms around their respective lovers and all of them were teary eyed at the emotional scene playing out in front of them. They all knew how wrong Xander was...he was so open emotionally that they could see the love he felt for not only his lovers but for them as well. He didn't have to say anything..it was in his actions, the way he was always there for them when they needed him and in the way he looked at them. Xander was an open book for anyone to read. They turned their attention to the two vampires, none of them able to believe that the two men that stood looking at their friend with such love were once known as half of the 'Scourge of Europe'.

Spike held Xander's hands as he watched his boy drop his head. He wanted to reassure Xander that he knew how the boy felt...he felt the same way but he couldn't get the words past the lump in his throat. He glanced at Angel, noticing the tears in the older vampire's eyes. Neither one of them had ever been loved or trusted so much by anyone before in their entire existence and for Xander to say they were worth loving meant the world to both of them. Spike leaned down, wiping his eyes with his arm, not wanting to let go of Xander's hands. Xander raised his head and their eyes met right before Spike leaned forward and kissed his boy, putting all his emotions into it.

"You said it perfectly, luv."

"I did?" Spike nodded his head as Angel bent down and kissed Xander as well, also trying to show the boy just how much he loved him with that one simple gesture.

"Yes, you did." Xander smiled at them while Dawn wiped the tears from her face.

"Okay, I just want to say that we were all worried about you Spike." Spike grinned at her.

"Thanks little bit."

"That being said....enough of the mushy feelings. It's time to party." The gang nodded their heads before Wesley spoke up.

"What shall we do first? Finish eating, watch the movie or eat while we watch the movie."

"I vote for the last one." Cordy said, raising her hand. Everyone but Angel and Spike raised their hands in agreement.

"Not so fast." Angel turned his attention on everyone in the room. "No one has answered my question."

"What question was that, Angel-cake?" Lorne asked, not wanting to break the cozy, warm feeling in the room. This was the best it got as far as an empath demon was concerned.

"What happened after we left? Xander's sitting here with a swollen nose, Cordelia's brushing bits of hair out of her head..." Angel ignored Cordy's squeak of horror, "some of you are dirty and your clothes are torn. It appears you've been in a fight that for some reason no one is wanting to talk about." Xander gave Angel and Spike one of his best 'I'm so cute' smiles.

"Yeah, there were vampires. The usual 'grrr' followed by sounds of dusting...you know same old same old." Angel and Spike stared at Xander, knowing the boy was leaving something out. "Uh...thanks for fixing the food for us. We're reaaally hungry, aren't we?" Everyone nodded, adding their thanks while adding a few 'this is greats' for good measure. Xander grabbed the bowl of chips, holding it out to Spike. "Want some?" Spike shook his head, taking the bowl from Xander's hand and placing it back on the table, his eyes never leaving the boys. Xander looked up at Angel. "Angel, didn't you want----" Angel shook his head. *Damn, divert the vampires tactics weren't working.* "I love you. We all love Spike and Angel, don't we?" Again everyone nodded, smiling at the two vampires. "Course they don't love you as much as I do...okay, maybe they do but not in the same way...no, they can't love you as much as I do...but they still love you just not in the same way." Xander's babbling stopped as Angel crouched down beside Spike, his eyes taking in their family.

"That's nice to know. And we feel the same way. And no matter how much we care about everyone in this room, if someone doesn't tell us exactly what happened tonight we're going to get....as you guys like to say....cranky."

"Okay. Dawn...you tell them." Xander sat back, waiting for the proverbial shit to hit the fan.

"Why me?"

"You did say you wanted to be the one to tell them. Remember...in the van...on the way home." Tara reminded Dawn who sighed.

"You guys are such wimps. Fine, I'll tell you everything."

"Why don't we go into the living room." Angel pulled Xander out of the chair, leading him to another more comfortable one. He sat down, pulling Xander onto his lap. Spike sat down on the arm of the chair, putting a hand on Xander's shoulder so that he could rub it while placing his other arm around Angel. Angel put one arm protectively around Xander as the boy nestled against his shoulder making sure to lean his back against Spike's side. He sighed as Angel's other hand came up to card his fingers through Xander's hair. Xander loved being close to his vampires....this was the best spot in the whole world...between Angel and Spike. Doyle took the other chair, Cordelia in his lap while Oz sat down on the floor in front of them, wrapping his arms around Lorne who sat down in front of him. Wesley, Dawn, Willow and Tara took the couch, setting the food on the coffee table. When everyone had gotten situated, Dawn began.

"Okay....there's a plus side and a down side to what happened tonight. On the plus side we managed to clean up Caritas, nothing was broken...including Xander's nose and Willow and Tara made with the magic and put the protection spell back up so that was of the good. Also, no one got hurt....well, except for a few bruises and again Xander's nose, and...and oh, Spike, guess what? You have a fan club. How cool is that?" Angel and Spike had been quietly listening to Dawn's story but at her last words they both spoke up in surprise.

"I have a what?"

"Spike's got a what?" Dawn gave them a 'duh' face.

"A fan club...as in 'We love Spike' signs, t-shirts and people wanting your autograph." Xander started to snicker as he pictured the vampires he had fought wearing 'I heart Spike' t-shirts'. Lorne grinned at the astounded vampire.

"You made quite an impression, Spikester. I wouldn't mind having you sing at Caritas every now and then...just give me time to hire some bodyguards. Even with the protection spell, I don't want a repeat of tonight."

"Think I'll pass on that offer, mate. And by the way, how come everyone could mob me but I couldn't fight back without getting zapped by your little spell?"

"Intent. They only wanted to express their....appreciation for your singing. You wanted to hurt them."

"Bloody well right, I did. They could have crushed Xander."

"Yeah, sorry about that, Spike. I didn't mean to cause a riot by goading you onto the stage. I just wanted everyone to hear you sing because I know how good you are." Angel apologized, receiving a smile from Spike.

"You think I'm good?" Angel nodded as everyone else in the room agreed. Spike preened for a few moments, enjoying the compliments and attention from his family. "People really wanted my autograph?" Spike asked Dawn, thinking about how he had always wanted to be a famous poet...to have people admire and respect him for his talent. Well, if he couldn't be a poet....

"Not really. Your fan club was a little...different." Dawn's words brought Spike back to reality land. "They weren't so much into signs, t-shirts and autographs...more like let's kill the President of the Fan Club so we can take his place."

"They were vampires." Angel said before Spike could ask. Dawn nodded.

"And guess who the President of the Fan Club was." Xander mumbled rubbing his nose. Angel and Spike were beginning to get the picture now.

"Yeah, they thought if they got rid of Xander, Spike would want one of them. They didn't like the fact that air quote Master Spike was paying attention to a human." Dawn told them.

"Said I was only a fucking human and not even a handsome one at that." Xander grumbled, still pissed off by the vampire's words.

"Well, that was spiteful and so rude." Cordelia piped up, her voice full of sympathy. "They can't have the star so they call the person who's dating them bad names out of jealousy. I know exactly how you feel, Xander. You should have heard some of the things the other girls called me when I dated Devon."

"And then there were the really bad ones they saved for when you weren't around." Oz agreed, realizing his mistake when Cordelia looked down at him.

"Like what? Oz, what did they call me?" Oz was saved from answering by Angel.

"I think we're getting a little off-topic here. This is about what happened tonight." Oz silently thanked Angel as the older vampire turned his attention back to Dawn.

"They said Xander wasn't worthy of Spike and he told them off." Angel rolled his eyes.

"Xander, how many times have we told you not to play 'piss the vampires off'?"

"Can't help it. It's ingrained...besides it's fun. And they were talking about taking Spike away from me. I couldn't let them get away with that. You guys are mine." Both vampires smiled...they liked the sound of that.

"So we're yours are we?" Angel asked, hugging Xander closer.

"Damn straight. I know we haven't done the claiming yet but you're still mine and nobody is going to try to take you away from me. Not as long as I have anything to say about it." Spike kissed Xander on the forehead.

"So what did you say to piss them off, luv?"

"Oh, they were already pissed off...I just raised the piss level is all. I told them that even with me out of the way there was still Angel, that they weren't good enough to lick your shoes, that they were butt ugly....you know the usual. And then I tried the classic 'if I don't kill you my friends with the loaded crossbows standing behind you will'. They didn't fall for it, though."

"Told you that wouldn't work on all vampires, Xan."

"It was worth a try. I had to get Dawn out of there."

"So you guys heard the arguing, came out and saved the day." Angel guessed, thinking he knew the rest of the story. He watched as everyone started to look around guiltily. "That's what happened, right?"

"Not exactly, Angel." Doyle sighed, knowing he was going to regret telling this part of the story. "Dawn came and got us but when we got outside all the vampires had been dusted....by Lindsey and some guys from Wolfram and Hart."

"I thought Lindsey had already left....in fact, I made sure he had before I took Spike home."

"Well, he came back and he was trying to be all heroic to impress Xander." Spike sat up and Xander felt Angel's body tense underneath him. Spike's eyes were changing color....this was not good.

"Yeah, but the funny thing was, Xander was knocked out. He didn't hear Lindsey being all sappy, saying stuff like he was always going to take care of Xander, blah, blah, blah...kissing him and..." Dawn's voice trailed off as Spike jumped up, beginning to pace back and forth, arms flailing as he ranted. He was furious at the thought of Lindsey taking advantage of Xander.

"Son of a bitch. That bastard KISSED you? I'll rip his arms off and beat him with them. I'll tear out his spleen and do a bloody dance on it while I pop his eyes from their sockets. I'll pull his entrails out and make him eat them." Willow dropped the handful of popcorn she had been ready to eat back into the bowl.

"So not hungry now."

Xander watched Spike pace, listening to him relate in further details what he was planning on doing to Lindsey. Spike's face had changed and everyone was sitting back afraid to say anything to the very pissed off vampire. Xander turned towards Angel, ready to ask him to calm Spike down and froze when he saw Angel had vamped out as well, a deadly expression on his face.

"Angel?" At Xander's softly spoken mention of his name the older vampire snapped out of thoughts of what he himself would do to the lawyer, tightening his embrace on the boy as he pulled him into a kiss. Angel half expected Xander to pull away but instead Xander's lips parted allowing him to slip his tongue into the warmth of Xander's mouth. His tongue mapped out the boy's mouth, making sure he touched every inch of it so he could wipe Lindsey's kisses away. Xander was his and Spike's.

Xander felt the urgency behind the kiss and he parted his mouth further, allowing Angel to do what needed to be done. Xander knew he should be freaked out....not because of Angel's demon face but because the vampire was angry....but for some reason his lover's possessiveness was arousing him that much more. Xander's hand moved up to play with Angel's hair while he pulled the vampire closer, his own tongue joining in. It was weird to feel fangs instead of human teeth, yet it was erotic as well. Xander ran his tongue along the inside of Angel's fangs and felt the vampire's cock twitch beneath him. *Ah hah, a vampire kink*. His tongue moved to the other side of Angel's mouth, doing the same and Angel groaned, stopping Spike's ranting. Spike watched his two lover's caught up in the kiss and he was hypnotized. When they broke apart, Xander was panting from lack of oxygen and arousal.

"Ours." Angel growled, his touch gentle as he ran his hand down Xander's cheek. Xander leaned into the caress, dark eyes filled with love.

"Yours." He kissed Angel's cheek, feeling Spike sitting back down on the arm of the chair. Xander leaned backwards, placing his head in Spike's lap so he could look up at his lover. "And yours."

"Oh, fuck." Spike half moaned, half growled the words. He knew Xander had no idea how beautiful he looked like this, his head lying on Spike's lap, dark eyes filled with desire, tan neck stretched out for the taking. Spike wanted nothing more than to sink his fangs into Xander and claim him right then but he fought off the urge. When he and Angel took Xander for their own, he wanted it to be about the three of them...not because of something Lindsey had done. Spike leaned down, pulling Xander up towards him. Xander closed his eyes, parting his lips as he waited for Spike to close the distance. Spike took an unneeded breath, the trust Xander was showing filling him with a warmth like he had never felt before. God, he loved the boy.

Spike's mouth met Xander's, his tongue working the same magic Angel's had earlier and Xander was lost in the moment. When he tried licking Spike's fangs as he had Angel's he found Spike was just as aroused as Angel had been. *Something to remember*. The kiss went on for several minutes and when they broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily. Knowing he could make Spike breathe when he didn't have to made Xander smile. His hand slid from around Spike's neck, tracing the ridges above Spike's eyes and he noticed he could still make out the scar on Spike's eyebrow even when he was vamped out. "Always yours."

"Are you guys finished with the snogging session?" They had to laugh at Dawnie's question. Xander sat up, all three of them returning to their positions from earlier while trying to get control of themselves as Willow mock glared at Spike.

"See what kind of an influence you are on Dawnie?"

"A right good one, I think. The niblet is a fast learner." Dawn sat back, happily basking in Spike's praise. She gave him her sweetest smile.

"Speaking of learning, Spike....do you think you and Angel could teach me how to fight?" The question caught Spike off guard.

"Uh...sure, little bit. Whatever you want. It would be good for all of you to learn while you're here seeing as how no one in Sunnydale sees fit to teach you."

"Why are you asking now, Dawn?" Angel asked, seeing the sad expression on Dawn's face when Sunnydale was mentioned.

"We saw how well the others fought and we wanted to be able to do that too."

"Yeah, it was pretty cool." Willow added. "Tara and I know magic but it would be nice to have some fighting skills to fall back on, you know, in case the magic doesn't work...which happens a lot actually." Angel and Spike shook off their vamp faces, returning to normal as they eyed their family.

"If the vampires were dust, I assume you fought with the men from Wolfram and Hart."

"Before we answer you have to promise not to go all 'grrr' on us again. And no more hot kissing scenes or we are so out of here." Cordelia warned, leaning back against Doyle. Spike gave her an impish grin.

"Liked it did you? Made you want to take Doyle home and----"

"Spike! Stop right there." Xander warned, putting his hand over Spike's mouth. Spike nipped playfully at the palm of Xander's hand before kissing it, reveling in the low groan he heard coming from his boy as he jerked his hand away.

"I'll be a good little vampire. Not gonna promise I won't get angry but I'll try."

"It was my fault we got in a fight but damn it, I was sick and tired of watching Lindsey play his little games with my friends."

"It wasn't just you Doyle. We all agreed we were sick of his manipulations." Wesley told them. Angel and Spike fought the urge to smile at their family. While they were proud of their friends for taking a stand they didn't want anyone taking unnecessary risks. Angel tried to look stern as he questioned them.

"So who won?"

"We did." Dawn filled the two vampires in on what had happened in the alley. They laughed at the imagery of Cordelia and Lilah having a 'chick fight' and Wesley's comments to Lilah.

"So the bitch has the hots for our Wesley." Wesley's cheeks turned red at Spike's words.

"I rather think not after what I said to her. I'm sure I made my feelings perfectly clear. If I didn't, then Cordelia most certainly did."

"I just wish she hadn't started pulling hair. And I broke a nail." Cordelia glanced down at her hand. Doyle took it, placing a kiss on finger.

"You're still beautiful, Princess."

"And you totally beat her up," Dawn added. "Just like Xander did Lindsey...only I thought Xander was actually going to murder him until Willow did her magic. That's what Lindsey gets for trying to blame Spike for everything." Dawn was angry now.

"How could it have been Spike's fault?" Angel asked.

"Because of my fan club, innat right?" Spike stood up, starting to pace again, this time looking dejected. "I put us in the spotlight." He turned towards Xander. "I wanted to show my love for you but I shouldn't have taken you up there with me. If they had hurt or killed you out of some kind of twisted...Xander, I'm----"

Spike never got to finish his sentence. Xander had crossed the floor and was standing in front of him, one arm around the vampire's waist. He put a finger to Spike's lips, stopping the apology.

"If you say you're sorry for doing one of the most romantic things anyone has ever done for me I will have to hurt you...and not in a good way. The song was perfect and your voice was beautiful...better than Elvis. But that wasn't the best part. Know what was?" Spike shook his head. "You were singing it to ME and you were looking at me like I was...I was....someone special. You weren't singing for the crowd, you weren't even singing for Angel cause he's already heard your voice. You were singing because I asked you to. You were giving me a piece of you. I'll never forget it. Every time I hear that song I'll get......" Xander stopped himself, fully aware of the others in the room. Spike leaned close to whisper in his ear.

"Hard? Will your breath start to hitch like it does when you're aroused? Will your eyes turn a darker shade of brown like they do when you want us? Will you let out one of those little moans I love to hear when I'm touching you? Will you touch yourself or will you just imagine that I'm inside of you, making you writhe in ecstasy as you near completion? Will you scream my name?" Spike punctuated every question with a kiss and a nibble on Xander's ear, sending shivers through the boy's body. Spike held him closer, enjoying the way his words were affecting Xander. "Oh, yes...will your body quiver just like this? So warm, so hot for me...can you feel what that does to me, Xander?" He pulled back a little, staring into his boy's eyes. Yes, there it was. Dark eyes even darker, lips parted as Xander tried to breathe. Spike prepared to kiss Xander but was stopped.

"Need you, Spike. If I kiss you now everyone is going to get a floor show. Grab Angel and get to the bedroom...now." Spike smiled, leaning in to kiss Xander. He started walking the boy backwards towards the bedroom, reaching his hand out to pull Angel to his feet. Everyone watched as the three men started to make a hasty retreat to the bedroom, all of them shaking their head.

"You better be back out here before 12:00 mister. I'm not missing the Snoopy dance...not even for your sexcapades." Willow reminded them.

"Give us twenty minutes..." Angel started to shut the door, opening it again as he poked his head out. "no make that a half hour." Angel shut the door but not before he heard Dawn protesting.

"The spell is still up, right?" Cordy asked Willow who nodded. "On both rooms?" Willow knew what was on Cordy's mind....she had been thinking the same thing. Their eyes met and both of them grinned. "Flip a coin?" Willow and Tara won the toss but Doyle had other ideas.

"I've never made love on a desk before. Could be fun."

"Okay...as long as it's not mine. Let's use Angel's...after all, Spike started this whole thing." Both couples made mad dashes for their respective hideouts. Oz leaned forwards whispering into Lorne's ear.

"My van is free."

"Lead the way." Both men exited the room in record time, leaving Dawn and Wesley alone together.

"Well that was rude." Dawn pouted.

"Yes, quite. How about you and I fix more food, get the covers arranged and pop the movie in so it'll be ready." Both of them got up, starting on the chores.

"I can't wait till I get older so I won't have to be the one out here doing this stuff instead of having hot sex."

"Don't feel bad, Dawn. I'm much older than you and I'm out here." Dawn hugged Wesley, surprising the older man.

"Don't worry, Wesley. You'll find someone to love. You're too hot not to." Wesley blushed, pleased at Dawn's words. She thought he was hot.


Chapter Forty-Two

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