It had been three days since the Deevak situation and the AI group had been spending most of their time helping Gunn and his crew get situated in their new homes. There had been a lot of work to do, so Gunn had accepted their offer. They had spent most of their time in the apartments fixing holes in walls, flooring and plumbing problems, etc. and even the AI gang had been amazed at how much Xander knew about general repairs. They knew he worked well with his hands ...had witnessed it by seeing their gifts but this was new territory. After being questioned several times, Xander admitted that he had had to fix quite a few holes in walls due to his father's temper. Plumbing had been learned when his father didn't have or wouldn't spend the money to fix their house. Gunn was just as good at the work, saying he had had to learn how to do things after his parents were killed.

Spike and Angel had moved most of the furniture in themselves and the boys in the crew, not to mention quite a few of the girls, had admired how the two vampires had so easily lifted heavy pieces of furniture by themselves, moving them in and around until the occupants of said apartments were happy. Because of this, it had taken them hours in the girl's apartments. Every time they would attempt to arrange the furniture in the apartments one of the girls would ask them to move it around. Spike had started complaining about bloody women and their wanting everything to be perfect but Xander and the others knew what the real problem was. Spike and Angel had removed their coats and shirts so they could move around more easily and all thoughts of being scared of the two vampires were gone as the girls marveled at the beauty of the men, all of them enjoying the view...especially Angel and Spike's muscles rippling when they picked up the heavy furniture. It had been amusing to watch the young girls scramble to bring Angel and Spike a beer as they took a rest, each of them trying to outdo the other. One of the girls had even admitted that if all vampires looked like Angel and Spike she would never stake another one. Gunn had promptly given her a lecture about falling prey to vampiric seduction and hypnosis tricks like Dracula used which had in turn caused Spike to launch into a lengthy rant. He told them that neither he nor Angel needed to rely on any of those wanker's tricks to get a woman or man...they were naturally appealing. Xander and the girls had whole heartedly agreed, causing Spike to smirk at Gunn as the man rolled his eyes. And while Xander was a little jealous of the attention the girls were giving his lovers, he couldn't help but feel proud. They were his...and he was theirs...a point they had made every time one of the girls paid any attention to either of them or to Xander.

Xander, Wesley, Doyle and Oz had earned appreciative stares while doing the carpentry and plumbing work. Spike and Angel had teased Xander about it but the boy had laughed, saying he was nothing compared to the two of them. Both vampires had watched while a few of the girls flirted with Xander, exchanging a smile at how oblivious Xander could be sometimes. Usually, they would've been growling with jealousy or kicking some ass, but both knew that Xander was paying no attention to the girls. Besides, they had made it quite clear that the three of them were together. Alana and Cordelia had not been as tolerant as the threesome, shooing the girls out of the room and away from Wesley and Doyle.

Now, after spending daylight to dark working, they were finally done. Xander, Wesley and Gunn were just finishing the last of the flooring when three of the girls came in offering refreshments. One glance at their bare chests and the girls were babbling about what a great job they had done. Xander and Wesley exchanged small grins as Gunn pushed them out of the room.

"If you guys had kept your shirts on we could have finished a long time ago." Dawn told them, crossing her arms and admiring the view herself. "On the other hand, it was much more fun this way. Which reminds me...when are Spike and Angel getting here? It's almost time for our self-defense classes." Spike and Angel had been teaching the women how to take care of themselves and while there hadn't been much learning going on the girls seemed to be enjoying themselves...quite a bit in fact.

"From what I hear from Spike and Angel it's the other way around. Their defense classes..." When Xander's statement was met with questioning looks, he smiled. "You know. All the trying to grope, fondle and touch my vampires. I swear, both of them have come home from these classes with bruises on their bodies from the pinching. Sometimes it takes me all night to kiss them and make em better."

"Yeah, and I bet that's such a hardship on you, man." Gunn teased as Xander grinned.

"It's a dirty job but someone's gotta do it. Still, I think I've been pretty nice about all the...stuff the girls have been doing. In fact, if they were guys...well, maybe there are some guys...who knows...but the point is I've been pretty laid back about all the flirting and little touches here and there...don't you think so?"

"Oh, absolutely. Very grown-uppy." Willow agreed.

"That's what I was going for...grown up, mature. I know Spike and Angel love me. Still, I gotta tell you, Gunn...if you don't do something about those girls I'm gonna....I'm gonna sic Dawn, Cordy and Willow on them."

"Damn manly of you, Xander."

"I can't do it myself...that wouldn't be right. No man should hit a woman...not ever. Unless she's a vampire or demon that's out to kill you." Xander thought for a moment. "Hey, Gunn...maybe you could have a talk with them and tell them...."

"I've got a pretty good idea who the culprits are. Maria, Julie and Whitney. Those three have it bad for Angel and Spike. I'll get Alana to talk to them."

"Now who's the manly one?"

"Hey, we both agreed a long time ago...you keep the girls in line and I do the same for the boys."

"Thanks. As for when my guys will be getting here...it should be soon. It's almost dark." Xander looked out the window of the apartment as he put on his shirt, noticing the new curtains the girls had put up. "Hey, these are really nice." He held one out to inspect it and yelped when Willow smacked his hand.

"We had them hanging perfectly and now you've messed them up."

"Damn, you're as bad as Cordy." Xander grumbled, taking a swig of beer. "So you men up for a guys only night on the town?" Wesley, Doyle and Gunn nodded their heads while Oz shook his.

"I'm...helping Lorne tonight."

"I just bet you are." Cordy retorted.

"We haven't had much time together. Me working here...Lorne running the club."

"I'm just glad it's done. Isn't this great, Gunn?" Alana's eyes were sparkling with tears. It was the first real home they had had since their parents died. Gunn nodded, also trying to supress his emotions. He couldn't believe how nice everyone had been, never asking for anything in return. This was definitely a new thing for Gunn to experience and he found himself enjoying being around the others. "I just wish...."

"Bobby could be here." Gunn finished, pulling his sister close. Xander was happy to see that Gunn had settled down a little in the past few days, spending more time with his sister and trying to help her get through the loss of their little brother. "He would have loved this place."

"Maybe we can plant some flowers outside in front of the building....have like a little memorial garden or something for Bobby. Willow and I have one for Jesse back in Sunnydale." Xander put his arm around Willow, noticing the girl's hand reach up to caress the locket Xander had given her. "I can make a plaque with his name on it if you'd like."

"What do you think Gunn?" Alana was clearly okay with the idea.

"If you want it little sister....go for it."

"What were Bobby's favorite flowers?" Willow asked.

"He loved all of them but I think his favorites were carnations."

"Tara and I can pick some up tomorrow...all different colors and we'll plant them....the five of us." Willow pointed at herself, Tara, Alana, Dawn and Cordelia. Cordelia shook her head.

"I'd like to help but I have rehearsal for the play." Cordelia had gotten a part in a play and was sure this was her stepping stone to stardom. "Besides, dirt and I don't get along very well." The girls began to chatter about the garden as they made their way to the basement of the building. David had supplied Gunn and his gang with punching bags, mats and everything they needed for their classes and they had fixed up a space that was large enough for training. David had even attended a few of the work outs, determined to become a real 'demon fighter'. Xander was happy to see most of Gunn's crew had already found their way to the basement. The AI group had decorated the place party style tonight to christen the slightly new apartments. They had soda for the younger kids, beer and plenty of potato chips lined up on a table against the wall and Willow and Tara had magically placed streamers and balloons around the room.

"This is great...we haven't had many things to celebrate." Alana told them, taking in the decorations.

"We know how that can be....that's why we wanted to do this." Willow told her. "Demon fighters don't get many nights off so when we can it's time to...."

"Let your hair down and go wild." Dawn added, stopping to take in Gunn's bald head, "or in some people's cases...just go wild." Everyone laughed as Gunn rubbed his head.

"Yo, quit riding me about my head would you?"

"I like it. A lot of people can't pull off the look but on you it fits." Dawn assured him, giving the man a hug. Gunn's first response was to pull away but after a moment his _expression softened and he hugged her back. He couldn't help but like this kid...she reminded him a lot of Alana...full of spunk.

"Everybody grab something to drink so I can make a toast." Xander called out, everyone doing as they were told. "First of all, I'd like to say welcome to your new home...you deserve it. I know most of you haven't had easy lives, yet you risk those lives every day trying to make this world a better and safer place for others. You've had to grow up much too soon and I think I can speak for my family when I say we know how that feels." The AI gang nodded their heads in agreement.

"David...what can I say about you? You found this place, gave us the funding we needed and as if that weren't enough, you've worked your ass off along with the rest of us. These kids aren't faceless tax write offs to you...they're human beings. People that you've taken the time to get to know. You're a good man and l'm proud to call you my friend." David's eyes misted over as the others agreed and Anya gave him a kiss on the cheek. Xander turned to Gunn who gave him a warning look.

"Don't go making no sappy speech on my account or I'm gonna have to smack you."

"Wasn't going to."

"Good, cause I don't want to have to hurt a friend."

"All I was gonna say is....to Gunn."

"Whoa! Hold up a minute. All I get is 'to Gunn'? That's pretty lame."

"You were the one that said you didn't want no 'sappy speech', right?"

"Yeah, but you could've at least said...."

"A great guy." Xander grinned, making sure Gunn knew that he was only playing him. Gunn got the message and returned the smile. "To finish up, I want to say...eat, drink and be merry." Everyone raised their glasses before taking a drink and heading for the food. Xander set his beer down and put a CD into the portable player. Music filled the air and Gunn groaned, plugging his ears up with his fingers.

"More of your lame ass music?" Xander pulled Gunn's arms down, making him listen to the music.

"It's not country."

"Thank God."

Spike and Angel had entered the basement as Xander was making the toast and was standing in the shadows, not wanting to interrupt. They remained there, unnoticed, watching the interaction between the kids. Both of them were ready to enter when they heard Xander and Willow yell as a song came on.

"Bronze song."

"Is that like a rating or something?" Gunn asked.

"Nope, it's a place we used to go to back in Sunnydale." Xander grabbed Willow's and Tara's hands, pulling them out onto the floor and Spike and Angel were both reminded of times they had watched Xander, Willow and Buffy dancing at the Bronze. The only difference was this was Tara instead of Buffy and Xander was much more confident in his dancing....very confident. Spike grinned, remembering the words to the song. He knew just when to make his entrance. Spike stalked towards Xander, putting his finger to his lips so Tara and Willow wouldn't warn the boy who was dancing with his back to the approaching vampire. Spike took his coat off, throwing it back to Angel.

I'tll tell you something, I am a wolf but I like to wear sheeps clothing

Spike put his hands on Xander's hips and the boy jumped before turning and seeing Spike's face. He smiled and leaned back, baring his neck to Spike as he pressed against him, both of them moving to the music.

I am a bonfire, I am a vampire I'm waiting for my moment.

Spike turned him around, Xander's arms coming up to wrap around the vampire's neck as their bodies rocked against each other. Spike slid his arms around Xander's waist pulling them closer as the music continued.

You come on like a drug, I just can't get enough I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more And there's so much at stake, I can't afford to waste I've never needed anybody like this before.

Gunn and his gang watched as Spike vamped out, nuzzling against Xander's neck while the boy leaned into his touch. They couldn't believe the trust Xander was showing. Even though they had worked beside both Spike and Angel during the past few days they didn't know whether they could be that close to a vampire's fangs and not cringe...not even one as good looking as Spike.

I'll tell you something, I am a demon Some say my biggest weakness I have my reasons call it my defense Be careful what you're wishing

Spike inhaled the scent of his boy, lightly licking up the side of Xander's throat to taste the boy's sweat. Xander threaded his fingers through Spike's hair, pulling him close before giving him a kiss, tongue entering the vampire's mouth to sweep along the back of Spike's fangs. Spike groaned, pulling Xander closer both still dancing to the music but in a world of their own.

You come on like a drug, I just can't get enough I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more And there's so much at stake, I can't afford to waste I've never needed anybody like this before.

Xander broke the kiss, smiling at Spike as he raised his hand to gently trace the ridges along the vampire's face. Spike remembered where he was and immediately returned to his human visage, hoping he hadn't freaked anyone out. He couldn't help himself....Xander was intoxicating.

Everyone watched, mesmerized by the two of them. Both Spike and Xander were moving gracefully to the music, seeming as if they knew exactly what the other one was going to do. They danced as one, never taking their eyes off of each other while Spike addressed the others.

"Get your arses out here and dance...limber up for class." Some of them hurriedly paired up while others made their way to the table to get something to eat.

You are a secret, a new possession I like to keep you guessing You come on like a drug, I just can't get enough I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more And there's so much at stake, I can't afford to waste I've never needed anybody like this before. When I'm not sure what I"m living for When I'm not sure what I'm looking for When I'm not sure what I'm living for

"Keep dancing till Angel and I tell you to stop." Spike took Xander by the hand, leading him towards the door. Before anyone could say anything, all three of the men had disappeared. Alana knew she should be freaked out at the sight of two vampires leading Xander from the room but she wasn't. She had grown to like Angel and Spike and for some reason she trusted them implicitly. She glanced over at Cordy and Doyle who were dancing beside her and Wesley.

"Where are they going?"

"Don't ask." Cordy replied and Alana's eyes widened...getting the picture. Cordy smiled at her. "Don't worry. You get used to their quick exits after a while."

"All I got to say is they better not be using my bed." Gunn mumbled as he passed the dancing couples. Alana laughed and turned back to Wesley.

"Is it me or is the room suddenly very hot?" Wesley stared into Alana's brown eyes.

"Oh, it's very hot. Very hot, indeed." ********************************************

Half an hour later, Angel, Spike and Xander re-entered the room. They approached their friends who were standing in the corner watching the kids have fun. Xander gestured towards David and Gunn who were standing by the table, seemingly in the middle of a very intense conversation.

"What's up with those two?"

"Gunn's running down a list of shelters and organizations that David might want to get involved with." Alana told him. "It's been nice having David around, seeing that not all rich people are uncaring and selfish. Gunn's vision of the world has changed since meeting you guys. He's beginning to realize that there are people out in the world that truly care. And I have to admit...I was beginning to lose faith myself. I felt like we were the only poor kids in town." Xander laughed at her words.

"Hell, you wanna talk poor? When I was a kid I wore the same pair of tennis shoes for five years. Wore them out up to the name on the ankle. You know those shoes they had called Keds? I wore mine until they said K..ssss."

"You wore Keds?" Cordelia asked. "Why am I surprised by this?"

"So clearly a fashion disaster."

"Duh. Keds were so...and I'm sounding like high school Cordy aren't I?" Doyle gave her a hug.

"I love them both." Dawn reached over and pulled some leaves from Xander's mussed hair.

"God, you guys will go at it anywhere won't you?" She scolded while plucking some leaves out of Spike and Angel's hair as well. "Hope there wasn't any poison ivy in those bushes." Xander's smile was quickly erased as he thought about the possibility of getting poison ivy on every part of his body.

"Oh, shit. What if there were....." Spike patted the boy on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, luv. We'll scratch all your little itches."

"I'll have you know some of those itches might not be so little." Spike raised his eyebrow and Xander's face flushed. "Okay, changing the subject now. I have a philosophy about the world. Know what it is?"

"Give me sex or give me death?" Anya asked.

"No, Ahn I believe that would be yours."

"What is it, Xander?" Alana asked.

"Yeah, let's hear it." Gunn said, him and David reaching the group.

"The way I look at it is there's two groups...the haves and the have nots. Now, if the have nots could get something from the haves, say the haves gave the have nots half of what they had then the haves would still be the haves and the have nots would be the have somethings."

"Say that again?" Gunn was scratching his head, clearly confused. "Or maybe I'm better off if you don't."

"Gunn still has a hard time with the Xander speak, luv." Spike wrapped his arms around the boy, giving him a kiss.

"Share the wealth and everyone's happy." Oz explained.

"Now why didn't you just say that?"

"Wouldn't be as much fun." Xander shrugged. "Not to worry. Stick with me and I'll teach you appreciation for babble talk and great music...I'll have you listening..."

"Don't even say it, bro...ain't gonna happen."

"Never say never, Gunn. He's taught us the merits of country music." Angel confessed, taking Xander's hand and giving him a kiss as well.

"Wouldn't want him teaching Gunn how to appreciate it like he did us, would you, Angel?" Spike's question reminded Angel exactly why he had come to tolerate Xander's taste in music.

"You're right. Keep on hating it, Gunn." Gunn opened his mouth to ask the question, but Angel held up his hand. "Don't ask."

"I second that." Cordy raised her hand.

"Why?" Dawn asked.

"Because if they start explaining we'll never have our class tonight. You don't want that, do you Dawn?" Dawn shook her head.

"Can we start now?"

"Is everyone ready?" Angel asked. The girls in the room nodded eagerly while the boys rolled their eyes.

"That's our cue to leave." Doyle told the others, the groups breaking off. Most of the boys went back to the apartments while some stayed to take the class. The girls were warming up, David and Anya left for their date, Oz said his good-byes on his way back to Lorne's and Xander eyed the others, rubbing his hands together.

"This is gonna be fun."

"What's going on?" Angel asked suspiciously, wondering why Xander was so eager to leave.

"We're having a guy's night out."

"Which includes?"

"We're going over to that bar on Preston...toss down a few drinks, play some pool...guy relaxation time." Doyle explained.

"How are you getting there?" Spike asked.

"We're taking my truck and no, I ain't gonna leave the keys in it." Gunn told them, giving Xander a punch on the arm. Xander gave his boyfriends a quick kiss before starting to head out. Spike grabbed him, pulling him in for another longer kiss.

"Be careful and try not to get attacked for once."

"I think you two are the ones who should be worried about that." Xander pointed at the excited girls before addressing Gunn.

"Am I ever going to live the car fiasco down?"

"Nope."

"Never." Doyle added.

"I think it's fair to say never and also no way, no how, not in a million years." Wesley agreed as they exited the room, leaving Angel and Spike to deal with their adoring group of females. *******************************************

Wesley and Gunn were playing a game of pool, Doyle waiting to play the winner when Xander came hurrying over to join them, excitement in his brown eyes.

"Hey Doyle, want to play a game of poker?"

"With who?"

"Those guys." Xander pointed at two very shady looking characters.

"I don't know, Xander. They look like con men to me." Doyle took in Xander's crestfallen face and relented. "Okay, but on one condition. You have to follow my rules."

"Which are?"

"Number one...never make an _expression no matter how good or bad a hand you're dealt...."

"I know that."

"Xander, come on. Your face is so readable. I'm just saying supress it for the rest of the night." Xander nodded, "Second rule is watch how the others react to their cards. Third rule....don't lose too much. Fourth...you can drink but don't get drunk, always bad when you're trying to think. And last but most importantly...don't let me lose too much or Cordy will kill me."

"Got it." Xander gave Doyle a thumbs up sign and they went to the table, Xander taking a seat as he introduced everyone.

"Doyle, this is Chet and Norman."

"Hey." Doyle shook their hands. "Xander, I'm gonna get a cold one before we start. Want me to buy you one too?" Xander nodded and Doyle headed to the bar for some drinks. .

"I'm having second thoughts about playing cards with this kid, Norman. He's a little wet behind the ears. Can't even buy his own liquor." Chet said.

"Yeah, I'm young so? I can still play poker...been doing it since I was eight." Xander piped up before Norman could respond.

"Okay. Sorry, we didn't mean to offend you." Norman apologized as Doyle returned. Doyle gave Xander his beer before taking his place at the table. The poker game started, Xander and Doyle both losing more and more money as time went on. After a while, Gunn and Wesley decided to break the game up.

"Xander, Doyle don't you think it's time to go?" Wesley asked. Xander shook his head.

"Can't. It's just a matter of time before we get ahead." Xander seemed determined to win his lost money back.

"Yes, well, it's getting late and we really should be leaving." Wesley tried to help Doyle up but the man shrugged away from him.

"We're playin' here, go away." Doyle made a shooing gesture with his hands.

"Xan--" Wesley tried but the boy shook his head.

"What Doyle said."

"Fine, we ain't gonna say another word." Gunn told him.

"Good."

"Yes, we'll stay out of it." Wesley assured him.

"Great."

"We're gonna keep quiet." Gunn said.

"Thank you."

"You two are gonna lose your shirts." Gunn muttered before taking a seat at the bar, leaning towards Wesley. "They're gonna take Xander and Doyle for everything they got...they're cheatin'."

"Yes, and not very well, either. Chet is clearly dealing from the bottom of the deck. Doyle must be very drunk not to see that happening. I think we need to get them out of this situation, otherwise I know three people who will be very angry."

"Three? I thought Cordy was the only one who loved money."

"You are joking, aren't you Charles?" Gunn shook his head. "You've never been around when Angel gets the bills for the agency then. Back in my day, we read by candlelight, drew water from a well and walked or rode a horse wherever we went." Wesley mocked Angel while Gunn laughed. "Spike won't care about the money....only the fact that Xander let himself be conned." Wesley finished in a whisper as they approached the table.

"I'll call you. Full house." Xander set his cards down with a smile.

"I got a flush. Straight flush." Norman started raking in the chips.

"Flush is right. Your money is going right down the toilet." Gunn snorted from behind Xander.

"Well that cleans me out."

"That's a good balance ain't it? Nothing in your pocket and nothing in your head." Gunn pulled the boy to his feet. "Come on, Doyle."

"But I've still got fifty dollars."

"Which you're gonna keep in your pocket or Cordelia will kick your ass." At the mention of Cordy's name, Doyle quickly stood, ready to follow Gunn who was leading Xander. When Gunn noticed Wesley wasn't following he gave the man a questioning look.

"I'll be along shortly, Gunn. Why don't you take Doyle and Xander to the bar and buy them a beer." Gunn started to protest but Wesley gave him a sly wink. Figuring Wesley knew what he was doing and since the bar was only a few steps away Gunn did as he was told. Wesley turned back to the two men. "I beg your pardon but do you think you might have time to play a few hands with me? Maybe I can win some of my friend's money back."

"You want us to play poker with you?" Chet asked, looking the man up and down. "I don't think so. You don't look like the poker playing type and we don't like to take advantage of people."

"Of course you don't." Wesley's voice was filled with sarcasm.

"Besides, the stakes are a little high." Norman agreed.

"Oh, I see. You're under the mistaken impression that I don't have money?" The men nodded. Wesley reached into his pockets, pulling out several items and placing them on the table. "Handkerchief, keys, breathmints, we won't mention these," Wesley's face flushed when he accidentally pulled out some condoms, "....oh, here we are...the kind of mint that should interest you gentlemen...government." Wesley pulled out a wad of money. "Is this enough to impress you?"

"Maybe we do have time for a few more rounds." Chet motioned at Wesley to sit down.

"Now this is the first time I've played poker in a few years....since my days back at the academy in England...so I hope you'll be patient and remind me how you Americans play this game." The two men smiled as Chet dealt the cards, both of them figuring they had met another easy mark. Wesley sat back, knowing he had the men right where he wanted them.

Gunn ordered the beers and turned to watch his friend. Doyle was watching as well when he felt a tap on the shoulder. He turned to see Xander walking off.

"I'm hitting the bathroom...be right back." Doyle nodded and Xander turned running straight into a handsome, 30 something black man with a goatee. Beer splashed over both of them and Xander gave him a wan smile. "I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean..."

"It's okay. Happens all the time in bars, especially when they're this crowded. Besides, I bumped into you."

"No, really it was my fault. Can I make it up to you...buy you another?" Xander pointed at the empty glass.

"Are you old enough to..."

"No, but my friends are."

"I see. Then I accept."

"Great. My name's Xander." Xander stuck his hand out and the man shook it.

"Robin." Xander led the man over to Doyle who grinned at the sight of Xander's wet shirt.

"They having a wet t-shirt contest tonight? I hate to tell you this, Xander but I think that blonde chick over there is gonna win with this crowd." Doyle pointed at a buxom girl across the room.

"Ha, ha, Doyle. I bumped into Robin and spilled his drink all over us. Would you buy him another one and I'll pay you back later."

"You're one high maintenance friend, Xan. Just kidding...course I will." Doyle turned to Robin. "What's your pleasure?"

"Beer." Robin sat down at the bar and watched Xander wade through the crowd.

"One beer coming up." Doyle got the beer and slid it over to Robin.

"Seems like a nice kid." Robin nodded towards where Xander had gone and Doyle nodded.

"Yeah, he is."

"You guys come here often?"

"Nah. First time actually. We live across town. Just helping some friends move into their apartments near here."

"Oh, so you two live together?"

"We're friends...family actually. Kinda adopted the squirt. We work with my girlfriend and Xander's boyfriends."

"Boyfriends, plural?"

"Yeah, as in two. Two very possessive and jealous boyfriends." Doyle stressed, his answer coming out in an edgy and very meaningful retort.

"It's a wonder they let him out for the night. You'd think they would be worried that someone would snatch him up."

"Angel and Spike trust Xander. Besides, he's here with me and our friends and we take care of each other." Doyle glowered at the man, making it clear he didn't trust him. Robin raised his hands in a 'give up' gesture.

"Don't have to worry about me. I'm not out to bother anyone."

"Good. Cause I've been known to...bother anyone who bothers my friends. We understanding each other?" Before Robin could reply, Gunn tapped Doyle on the shoulder.

"You have to watch English in action. Damn, I never pegged him as the cheating kind...and he's good at it."

"Just a minute." Doyle raised his hand, gesturing for Gunn to be quiet as he waited for Robin's response. When the man didn't answer, Doyle spat, "Do. We. Understand. Each. Other."

"I. Think. We. Do." Robin answered as Gunn's gaze flickered back and forth between the two men.

"Anything wrong here?"

"No, not anymore." Doyle turned to Gunn. "So what were you saying about Wes?"

"Watch him, man. He's good." Doyle's interest was on Wesley now so he didn't notice when Robin poured something into his beer. When Doyle or Gunn still didn't turn, Robin pulled out a vial and poured something in Xander's drink as well. He had just finished when Xander returned, placing himself between Robin and Doyle.

"How's it going? You getting to know Doyle?"

"Was for a few minutes but him and that other guy seem pretty interested in the poker game that's going on."

"Is Wes winning, Doyle?"

"Hell, yeah. Shouldn't be long before he's won our money back with more to spare. I'll be grateful if he can get me out of hot water with Cordy."

"I know what you mean. I'll be Wes' slave for life if I don't have to tell Angel and Spike what happened. Especially Spike...he's always getting on to me for being so trusting."

"Sometimes he's right." Xander noticed the tension between Doyle and Robin.

"Oh, I get it. Doyle's pulling the big brother act on you?"

"Something like that."

"It's cool, Doyle. Not everyone we meet has an ulterior motive." Doyle gave Xander a look that clearly showed he didn't believe that. "Lighten up and pray that Wesley wins some money." Doyle shot Robin one last warning glance before turning back to watch the game. "Sorry about that. My friends...well, since I'm the youngest of the guys they tend to be a little protective."

"No problem. I think it's nice you have friends watching your back. But I'm not hitting on you like he seems to think. Just making friendly conversation." Xander shook his head before taking a long tug of his beer.

"Angel and Spike must've rubbed off on him. They've got this ridiculous idea that anyone who even talks to me is flirting. As if."

"Don't sell yourself short, Xander. If I actually swung that way your friend might be right." Xander's face flushed at Robin's words. "I have nothing against guys dating guys it's just I like the women too much to give them up."

"So where do you work?" Xander asked, trying to change the subject.

"Around. I'm sort of a free lancer. I move from place to place quite a bit. What about you?"

"Angel owns his own business....Angel Investigations. I help him, Spike and the others when I'm not busy working construction. So where are you from? "

"New York."

"Wow, big city guy."

"You said your boyfriend had a detective agency?"

"Yeah, you need some help?"

"I've been trying to find a guy I knew a long time ago but no one has been able to find him. It's like he disappeared off the face of the earth."

"Friend of yours?"

"An acquaintance. Actually, he took something from me and..."

"You want to get it back."

"Something like that."

"Oh." Xander searched in his pocket for a card, digging one out and handing it to Robin. "Here's our number. Give us a ring if we can help you out."

"I just might do that." Robin put the card in his shirt pocket. "Maybe it was fate that we bumped into each other." Before Xander could reply, Gunn grabbed his arm.

"Xander, it's time to go. Wes is done taking those guys to the cleaners." He glared at the man sitting next to Xander. "Who's this and why is he still hanging around?"

"Robin meet Gunn." Gunn stared at the man, never taking his hand off Xander. He had come in on the end of the conversation and between Doyle's words with Robin and the man's mysterious attitude Gunn didn't like him. "And he's here because this is a public bar, you know."

"Let's go."

"Okay." Xander drank the rest of his beer and set it down. "If you have a problem getting that stain off your jacket let me know. I'll pick up the dry cleaning bill."

"Thanks. For the offer and the beer."

"No problem....and I hope you find that guy....with or without our help." Gunn pulled Xander out of the bar and Robin watched, an evil smile on his face.

"Oh, I'm sure I'll see him soon. Very soon." He fished his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed a number. "Mission accomplished."

"Doyle?"

"The potion should last a few days. All visions from the Powers that Be will be blocked."

"That's good to hear. I don't want Doyle warned about my plans for Spike and Angel before I have time to set things in motion. And Robin, if anything goes wrong...if I'm implicated in any way, I swear I'll have you buried next to my house so I can hear your screams all the way from hell, no matter how good you are in bed."

"I love how you talk dirty to me. Gets me all hot. Listen, I promise it was a complete success. Believe me, they don't know where I work or anything about me."

"Don't underestimate them."

"I'm not. Besides, if they did find out I worked for Wolfram and Hart they'd automatically blame Lindsey now wouldn't they? No worries, beautiful...they never saw it coming."

"Knew I put my best man on the job." Robin heard the click on the other end of the line and hung up, silently praying the potion would work and hoping that Lindsey never found out what he had done to Xander. The surprise he had slipped in Xander's beer would probably hit the kid within the next hour or so...just in time for Xander to make it home to Spike. Robin smiled a vicious smile. Everything was working out perfectly from volunteering for this mission Lilah wanted carried out against Doyle to getting the ultimate payback on one blonde vampire. *Let's see how Spike enjoys the show.* He knew he couldn't kill Xander...Lindsey had already warned everyone off the boy but he had never mentioned anything about pain. *By the time this trip to hell is over the boy's gonna wish he were dead*. Xander had seemed like a nice kid but he had made a mistake when he had hooked up with Spike. To Robin he was a means to an end. What better way to hurt Spike than through the boy he loved so much. And that's exactly what he wanted to cause Spike...pain. The kind of pain he had felt when the blonde vampire had killed his mother so many years ago.

Robin hadn't lied to Xander when he told him about his difficulty in finding Spike. He had been searching for Spike for years, never being able to catch up to the vampire no matter how hard he searched or how many vampires he killed. Robin had finally been ready to throw in the towel when he had taken the job at Wolfram and Hart. Rumors had started circulating around the office about Lindsey having lost his young lover to two vampires, one of whom had a soul. Intrigued, Robin had done some research and when he had found the photos taken during Lindsey's surveillance of Xander he had known the blonde vampire with the boy was indeed the one who had killed two slayers...one of them his own mother. Robin had worked his way up the corporate ladder any way he could...even sleeping with Lilah to get more information about Spike. Now his revenge was almost complete. All that was left was for Spike to find out about Robin and fall into his trap. He would kill Spike and enjoy each and every moment of it. Robin only hoped that Lindsey never found out what he had done to Xander. He had been fighting vampires for years, had been trained to carry out the mission at a young age...but a pissed off lawyer with a powerful company like Wolfram and Hart backing him was a totally different subject. He had no doubt that if Lindsey found out about this the lawyer would use every resource available to have him killed and Robin had no intention of dying young like his mother. *************************************************

It was almost midnight when Gunn pulled up outside of Angel Investigations. He helped Doyle out of the truck while Wesley jumped out of the back, practically having to carry Xander. They made their way to the door, Xander fumbling with the keys. After a few minutes of playing 'find the keyhole' and amid several loud shhh's, an annoyed Gunn took them from him, opening the door.

The girls had been sitting in the dark telling scary stories per Dawn's request. They had heard Gunn's truck pull up outside, heard the many shh's followed by 'don't want to wake the girls' and curious to find out why the men were trying to be so sneaky, the girls had decided to fake being asleep so they could eavesdrop on the men's conversation. They had just entered the bedroom and shut the door, leaving it open a crack when they heard the men enter the living room. Three sets of eyes peeped around the door, ears perked up ready to hear the gossip as Tara stood back and watched.

"The girls must be asleep and I didn't see Spike's car outside so I assume he and Angel are still out." Wesley half whispered, turning on the lights and depositing Xander in a nearby chair. "I'm still amazed that Angel let Cordelia drive his car after what occurred when Xander took it."

"Yeah, how did that happen?" Gunn asked.

"Coin toss. Angel lost." Doyle explained. "Won't need to worry about it after tomorrow. The new cars are supposed to be here."

"Just in time for Angel and Spike to take the keys away from me or lock me in our room." Xander's voice drifted to the bedroom. "I promised them I wouldn't get into trouble but it seems like every time I walk out that door, phhht my plans get blown all to hell."

"Wonder what Xander did?" Willow whispered. Dawn shrugged as Tara spoke up.

"Do you really think we should...."

"Oh, we totally should." Cordelia answered the question before it was spoken.

"You need to learn not to get yourself into those types of situations, Xander." Wesley told him.

"And how to hold your booze." Gunn added.

"I didn't have that much, honest. I only had...." Xander couldn't remember how many beers he had drank. "Not that many."

"You had enough to let those guys talk you into some action."

"Yeah, that was humiliating." Gunn sat down on the arm of the chair and patted Xander on the shoulder.

"You're in L.A. now, bro. Gonna have to learn that there are men lying in wait for a young guy like you so they can take advantage of him. Especially when you make it so easy on them by getting drunk. I could tell Chet and Norman got off on it."

"Well, I didn't...especially when Chet hit me with those doggie balls of his after....oh, God I think I'm gonna be sick." Xander stumbled for the bedroom, covering his mouth with his hand.

"Do you need assistance, Xander?" Wesley asked, but Xander shook his head and waved him off. Wesley was about to follow anyway when Doyle grabbed his arm and pulled him back down onto the sofa.

"Let him go. Xander's embarrassed enough...watching him pray to the porcelain God won't make it any better."

"Doyle's right. I'll go check on him in a few minutes...after the barfing is over. Gunn assured him. "How does Xander manage to get himself into trouble everywhere he goes?"

"Too friendly...or as Spike puts it 'gullible'." Doyle answered. "Plus, those guys were smooth talkers and they had the moves."

"Oh, my God. Xander cheated on Spike and Angel." Cordelia whispered to the other girls, totally misinterpreting the conversation after hearing about Chet's balls..

"What? No...not Xander. He would never..." Willow started to say before turning red at the _expression she saw on Cordy's face, both of them remembering Willow and Xander's kiss. She leaned closer, trying to hear better but it was hard from where she was standing. The girls missed Gunn teasing Doyle about how 'he ought to know' and came in on the next bit.

"Gotta say I was pretty impressed with how you handled the situation, Wes."

"Yeah, you sure surprised me. I never thought you were into that kind of thing." Doyle added.

"Oh, we did it all the time at the Watcher's Academy for Boys. We didn't have much spare time but when we did we liked to get together and play. It was either that or watch the underclassmen dress up like girls and..."

"I'd rather you didn't finish that sentence, English."

"Yes...well, I must say every young man at the Academy, even the upperclassmen said I was the best. Still, I wasn't sure if I could remember how to do it. I suppose it's much like riding a bicycle...once you've done it you never forget how to."

"Man, I'll say. You were like an animal....didn't show those guys no mercy."

"Wham, bam, thank you ma'am." Doyle added.

"Straight for the target...coming and going before they knew what was going on. Hit them where it hurt the most." Gunn finished, giving Wesley a high five as Cordelia's jaw dropped further. She couldn't believe what she was hearing and from the expressions on Dawn's and Willow's face they couldn't either.

"Did you see the _expression on Norman's face when you pushed all in and hit him with your nuts? Man, that was priceless."

"No, I was busy at the time. Too bad, actually....I would have enjoyed seeing it." Willow and Dawn stared at each other in shock. Had they just heard what they thought they had heard? Judging from Cordelia's _expression they had.

"So how did you convince them to stay? I thought they were gonna leave after...." Gunn's voice trailed off, he and Doyle watching as Wesley reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a large wad of money. From the girl's angle, all they could see was Wesley's hand reaching down towards his pants and Gunn's and Doyle's expressions. Gunn seemed in awe of what he saw while Doyle had a smile on his face.

"They were...until I showed them this."

"Damn...that's one big...."

"That's what I said when he showed it to me at the bar." Doyle agreed.

"What the hell kind of a bar did they go to?" Cordelia whispered. Willow shrugged while Dawn pressed closer to the door.

"Chet and Norman were quite impressed." Wesley thought for a moment. "Do you think Xander would be offended if I offered to share this with him?"

"Are you crazy? He'll probably jump all over it." Gunn assured him, Doyle nodding in agreement.

"Yeah...it might relieve the stress he's feeling over Angel and Spike finding out." Doyle remembered how grateful he had been when Wesley had given him his share of the money at the bar. Wesley had intended to do the same for Xander but he had been busy talking to Gunn and another man. Later in the truck, the boy had gotten ill and Wesley had forgotten all about it until now. "He might want to keep it a secret, though."

"No worries. I can be discreet. Angel and Spike need never find out about..." Wesley was assuring them when Cordelia burst out of the bedroom, followed closely by the other girls.

"Don't even think about it, Wesley!" Cordelia wasn't about to let Angel and Spike be made a fool of, or be hurt like she and Oz had been. Willow and Xander had only been kissing but this was so much worse and Cordelia was irate at the betrayal she thought Angel and Spike were going to be subjected to.

The three men jumped as Wesley fumbled with his pants, trying to get the large wad of cash back into his pocket. Doyle stared at his girlfriend, puzzled by how angry she seemed. He noticed Willow and Dawn were just as angry while Tara seemed to be ashamed.

"Princess, why are you...were you spying on us?" .

"Don't Princess me and it's a good thing we were." She turned back to Wesley, arms crossed. "Do you want to get yourself killed? And why were you two encouraging him?" As upset as she was at the men she didn't want to see them get hurt, which they would if Spike and Angel heard about this.

"Wasn't encouraging nobody...just trying to be helpful. Think I'll check on Xander." Gunn stood, making sure to keep his distance from Cordelia as he made his way to the bedroom. He shut the door behind him and the girls turned their attention on the two remaining men.

"This is crazy. Are you guys under a spell or something?" Willow asked, not believing the way they were acting. She was having a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that Xander would cheat on Angel and Spike, Wesley was having sex with men and now he was wanting to....

"Get killed? Under a spell? Of course not...on both counts. I was merely suggesting giving Xander..." Wesley reached down to pull out the money and was shocked to see the three girls turn around, covering their eyes before Tara realized Dawn hadn't moved. She reached out and spun the girl around, blushing profusely.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Cordelia yelled, only making Doyle and Wesley more confused.

"We could ask you girls the same question."

"Yeah, what's the big deal?" Doyle asked.

"The big deal? The big deal? Evidently the big deal is what Wesley's pulling out of his pants." Cordelia pointed backwards towards Wesley. "Just keep it in your pants, buddy. We don't want to see your...."

"But I was under the impression you loved...."

"Don't say it." Cordelia warned Wesley. Now Doyle was totally confused.

"Princess, you know you're always getting some off of me."

"Ego, much. If I recall, you want it just as much as me."

"Well, it's nice to have from time to time but I don't obsess about it like you do." Doyle practically jumped backwards when Cordy turned to glare at him.

"Nice! That's all it is to you...nice. You can just sleep on the couch for the next gazillion years! Or better yet, why don't you sleep at Wesley's seeing as how you like his...." Cordelia suddenly noticed the large wad of money in Wesley's hand. "money. You were talking about money?"

"Yes, Cordelia this is money. A rather large amount, I might add that I won while playing poker." Wesley pointed out as the other girls turned back to face the men, all of their faces red with embarrassment.

"Of course. What did you think we were talking about?" Doyle asked, noticing Cordelia, Willow and Dawn's red faces while Tara stared at the floor. "And why am I sleeping on the couch again?"

"Uhm...well...you're not. I misunderstood what was...from what we had heard and...and from where we were standing...it looked like....uh..." Doyle and Wesley had never seen Cordelia at such a loss for words. They sat waiting for her explanation which was interrupted by Gunn.

"Hey, Wes can you get Xander a glass of water?" Wesley nodded and headed for the kitchen while Gunn went back into the bedroom.

"Maybe I should go see how Xander is doing." Willow tried to escape but was stopped by Cordelia.

"Oh, no. You're not going to leave me out here explaining how we thought Xander had cheated on Angel and Spike with those men and Wesley had had sex with them, too and...and...how Wesley was showing Doyle and Gunn his penisandofferingtoshareitwithXander." Cordelia finished in a rush. Wesley's timing was perfect, coming into the room just as Cordelia explained and now both he and Doyle were staring at the girls in complete shock. Angel and Spike entered the apartment at that moment, talking to each other and not noticing their stunned family.

"Since when does 'pull your opponents hair out' mean 'run your fingers through his hair'?" Angel was irritated as he tried to fix his mussed hair. He hated when anyone other than Spike and Xander played with his hair.

"You tell me. I told that Julie bint to straddle her attacker, which was me and smash him in the nose. Somehow it turned into her rubbing against me like a cat. I thought I was going to have to hit her. And really, some of those lines they were using on us were as old as you."

"I can't believe they actually thought we would fall...." Angel stopped talking when he noticed the others in the room. "What's going on?"

"Been turned into statues have you?" Spike teased. When none of them answered he started to snap his fingers to get their attention. "Hello...anyone want to fill us in on..." He was sorry he had asked when they all turned as one and began talking at the same time.

"Angel man, can you believe the girls were spying on us and Cordy was going to make me sleep on the couch for no reason?" Doyle.

"Spike, they actually thought I had sex with two men..." Wesley.

"We were only trying to find out what you guys had been up to." Dawn.

"I had a reason. I thought you were more impressed with Wesley's penis than you were in me." Cordelia.

"We really shouldn't have listened in...." Tara

"I told Cordy that Xander wouldn't cheat on you guys with total strangers." Willow. It was Willow's statement that caught their attention, both of them immediately changing into game face as they started to growl. Total silence filled the once noisey room. "Uh- oh. Did I say that out loud?"

"Somebody better tell us what the bloody hell is going on and right now." Spike yelled, causing everyone to flinch.

"Please calm down, Spike. I assure you Xander is completely innocent. There was no sex or talk of sex tonight until the girls barged in." Wesley explained what had happened at the bar and pulled the money out of his pocket, placing it on the coffee table. Doyle took up the story, telling how the girls had listened in and gotten a very wrong impression.

"Can I ask how you girls came up with the conclusions that you did?" Angel asked. Both he and Spike had calmed down as Wesley related the tale and were now struggling not to laugh after Doyle's explanation.

"Well what were we supposed to think? And you got all 'grrr' and jealous...." Cordelia made a 'grr' face at them.

"Weren't jealous. We thought someone had..never thought Xander would willingly cheat on us." Spike protested.

"We couldn't believe it at first either, but Xander kept talking about you guys being mad at him for what he had done, Gunn was talking about older guys taking advantage of young men like Xander. And there was mention of some guy's doggie balls. What were we supposed to think?" Cordelia tried to defend herself as Angel and Spike completely lost it. Doyle and Wesley turned their attention to the two vampires.

"Angel, Spike it isn't funny." Both vampires tried to stop laughing, nodding in agreement. "Cordy was going to make me sleep on the couch for a gazillion years....by the way how long is that?" Angel and Spike glanced at each other before shrugging and then bursting into laughter once again.

"Would you two please stop laughing! How would you like it if someone accused you of having sex with two men?" Wesley asked, not realizing what he was saying until Spike and Angel stopped laughing to give him a 'duh' look. "Oh, yes...bad example."

"You four shouldn't have been eavesdropping in the first place." Angel tried to appear stern.

"Should've trusted your friends." Spike added.

"We do but...but...Gunn was talking about Wesley pushing all the way in," Willow spoke up.

"And...and...how Wesley hit them with his n.n.nuts," Tara stuttered out the last word, her face red from blushing.

"Doggie balls is a pair of eights. And the other was poker talk for Wesley betting all his chips and waiting until the others thought they had won the pot before he put his cards down." Spike explained before losing it again.

"I can't believe you girls would think Wesley would want to...to..." Angel couldn't finish the sentence because he was laughing so hard. He saw the frown on Wesley's face and immediately tried to stop, as did Spike. "Sorry, Wes." The laughter returned when Spike and Angel glanced at each other.

"Wesley said the boys at the Watcher's Academy thought he was the best and there was talk of underclassmen dressing up like girls." Dawn pointed out, making Angel and Spike stop laughing. They both raised their eyebrows and looked at the man in question.

"What? It was what Americans would refer to as hazing. Besides, I don't have an interest in having sex with other men...Dear Lord. I would never offer to share my...my manhood," Wesley gave the two vampires another warning look as the laughter began again, " with Xander, much less show it off to Doyle and Gunn."

"Seems to me you girls owe the guys, especially Wesley an apology." Angel tried to admonish them as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He hadn't had a good laugh like this in forever.

"Wesley...Doyle...God, I feel so ignorant." Willow groaned before giving the men a sweet smile. "Can you forgive me?"

"Can you forgive all of us?" Cordelia added as Tara and Dawn nodded. "Especially me. I should have known better."

"Damn straight, especially you. How could you think I would want anyone else?" Doyle's _expression was a mixture of hurt and anger.

"How could you think those things about any of us?" Wesley agreed, enjoying watching the girls squirm. After a few moments, he decided to let them off the hook. "I'll forget this ever happened if you promise never to eavesdrop again."

"Me too. That's just a barrel full of wrong." Doyle added.

"We promise." The girls chorused.

"I think they've learned their lesson, Wes. And I can almost understand how they got confused...not knowing anything about poker and with all that goes on in this apartment...hell after all those years of celibacy my mind's always on sex." Angel and the others studied each other for a long moment before everyone started to laugh uncontrollably at the misunderstanding.

"Now that everything's been cleared up I suppose I should do what I was going to in the first place." Wesley picked up the money and handed Spike some of it. "I believe this should cover Xander's losses."

"Thanks, mate." Spike pocketed the money.

"Aren't you going to give that to Xander?" Angel asked. Spike shook his head.

"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment. Xander needs to learn a lesson from this."

"I totally agree...so does Doyle." Cordelia agreed, sticking out her hand. Doyle grabbed it and pulled her down on his lap. He made a show of reaching into his pocket and pulling out the money Wesley had given him earlier.

"As much as I appreciate the fact that Wesley won the money back for me I think he deserves it after what you put him through." He deliberately passed the money in front of her face before handing it back to Wesley. Cordelia opened her mouth to protest but Doyle covered it with his hand. "Before you start ranting at me for losing our money, remember how angry I could be at you for spying on me. It could be you sleeping on the couch." He removed his hand, giving her a gentle kiss before Cordelia turned to smile at Wesley.

"Doyle's right. Keep it." Wesley returned the smile, knowing how hard this must be for Cordelia....she hated apologizing for anything and loved money almost as much as she did Doyle so he knew Doyle had picked the perfect punishment for her.

"Thank you." Wesley put the money into his pocket before turning to Angel and Spike. "So you two had a long night did you?"

"God, yes." Angel sighed. "No more lessons...we're finished."

"Thought you liked attention, Spike." Dawn teased, poking the vampire in his ribs.

"Don't mind them looking. Just don't like all the touching. I'd bend over they'd find a reason to grab my ass...try to show them a move and they'd try to climb all over me. Bloody bints can't get it through their head that we're taken." Spike noticed the glass of water in Wesley's hand. "That for Xander?" Wesley nodded. "What's wrong with our boy?"

"A little too much of this," Wesley made the motion of drinking before heading for the bedroom. Spike started to follow but Wesley shook his head. "I wouldn't follow if I were you Spike. Vampire senses may not be an asset at the moment." Spike nodded and turned to Angel and the others, an 'euw' _expression on his face.

"I love Xander but I think I'll take my shower in the other bathroom. You coming, Angel?" Angel nodded, and the girls laughed.

"I can't believe you guys. You drink blood, you rip demons guts out all the time and you can't help your own boyfriend when he's throwing up?" Dawn asked.

"Ripping demons apart is fun...trying to get vomit out of your duster, not so much." Spike told them, he and Angel exiting the room.

"Well, I don't know about you guys but seeing as Gunn and Wesley are taking care of Xander and Angel and Spike are doing God knows what in the bathroom...I think I'll fix some popcorn and watch t.v. Anyone else up for it?"

"Might as well. I'm wide awake." Willow answered. Cordelia stood up and looked at Doyle.

"What about you, sweetie?"

"Only if you feed me." Doyle teased, giving her a swat on the butt.

"Don't push it buster." She said before following the others into the kitchen. ***********************************************

Spike barely made it past the doorway to the bathroom when Angel grabbed him, pulling him into a long, slow kiss. "How about a nice, very long, very hot shower?" Angel asked and Spike nodded, quickly taking off his clothes while Angel did the same. Angel kissed Spike again, the younger vampire arching into his embrace, rubbing their erections against each other. Angel made his way up Spike's neck, stopping to worry the skin between his teeth and enjoying the hitch of Spike's unneeded breath before taking his mouth in a passionate kiss. When the kiss was over, Angel turned the faucets on, adjusting them until steam was filling the air. Angel got into the shower, reaching out to pull Spike close. He soaped his hands, running them over Spike's gorgeous body as he whispered in his ear. "I want to fill your sweet hole with my cock while I taste every inch of your mouth. I want to hear you say my name over and over again as I pound into you. I want to hear that sexy voice of yours beg for more." Spike's blue eyes darkened with lust as he smiled at Angel.

"Only if I get to return the favor." Angel nodded and bent down to capture Spike's lips. True to his word, his tongue traced ever inch of Spike's mouth while his hands roamed up and down Spike's body. Spike broke the kiss, turning towards the tile and spreading his legs before giving Angel one of his sexy expressions that clearly said 'come and get me'. Angel wrapped his left arm around Spike's chest, squeezing and rubbing the vampire's nipples while his right hand slid down Spike's body, coming to rest on his ass. He slowly worked one finger into Spike's welcoming hole, watching as Spike leaned his head against the tile and pushed back clearly wanting more. Angel continued to play with Spike's nipple, kissing down his lover's back while a second and third finger were inserted into the cool channel.

"Please, Angel...more." Spike began to beg, causing Angel to shiver with lust. He had always been addicted to Spike's voice, especially in the throes of passion. Spike reached behind him, finding Angel's cock. He stroked it several times before guiding it towards his ass. "Fuck me, Angel. Pound this big, hard cock in me...love having it inside me." Angel groaned and removed Spike's hand from his erection before soaping it up and taking the younger vampire in one swift motion. Angel's head came to rest on Spike's shoulder as both of them enjoyed the sensation of filling and being filled. When Spike started rocking backwards Angel joined in, pushing forward as they easily found a rhythm familiar from years of being together. "Angel...don't ever stop. You're making my cock soooo hard. Bout ready to explode, I am. Feel what you do to me." Spike guided Angel's hand to his cock, letting the older vampire feel how much he wanted this...needed it....craved it. Angel lovingly stroked Spike's erection, his own cock pistoning in and out of Spike's ass, delirious with arousal from Spike's words.

"Spike...love being with you, in you. Love holding you and fucking you. Love what I do to you and you to me...want to stay inside you forever...oh, shit." With that Angel erupted, shooting his seed into his lover's body just as Spike screamed his name, his cum spattering against the tile. It was several minutes before either one of them moved, both relishing the pleasure of the moment. Spike turned his head, giving Angel a long, slow kiss.

"My turn." Angel pulled out of Spike, his cock still half hard as he took in the sight of Spike's body. Spike was soaping his hands and before Angel could say a word, Spike's hands were slowly rubbing his body, admiring Angel's broad shoulders and muscular build. Spike drank in the beauty of his lover, marveling at the fact that he had never gotten tired of looking at the other vampire, especially when he was naked. Angel's body was a work of art and Spike was treating it as such, gently stroking and admiring every inch of it. Angel fell back against the shower wall letting Spike have full rein of the situation which only aroused Spike more.

"Love when you give yourself to me like this." Spike bent down, licking along the engorged shaft, tasting the first drops of pre-cum as his tongue entered the older vampire's slit. Angel moaned, his hands threading through Spike's wet curls.

"Yours, Spike. Always yours. From the first time I saw you." Spike slid up Angel's body, pulling the older vampire's head down until they were forehead to forehead. "Even though I was with Darla, it was you I dreamed about owning...possessing. No one could ever make me feel as good as you do." Spike was overwhelmed by Angel's words and he gave Angel a kiss that showed the older vampire exactly how he felt. Angel's arms came around him, pulling him close as his lips parted. Tongues met in a dance of ecstasy. Bodies melded together as one. "Tell me you felt the same, Spike. Tell me I didn't misunderstand how you felt about me." Angel was begging now and Spike thought he would come just from hearing those words.

"You don't know how many times I dreamed about you when you were gone. How many times I wished it were you in my bed instead of Drusilla." Spike answered truthfully, his eyes filling with tears. "Always loved you Angel...even when I thought I hated you. Never gonna stop loving you. You didn't misunderstand." Spike's heart almost broke when he saw the emotion in Angel's eyes. He gave him another kiss before turning Angel around. "Want to feel you surrounding me. Letting me take what I need from you." Spike quickly prepared Angel and was soon inside him, pushing in as far as he could. All he wanted at that moment was to be completely inside of Angel...heart, body and mind filling the other man. He began thrusting in and out of Angel, his hand rhythmically stroking Angel's cock.

"Take what you need, Spike. Give me what I crave." Angel moaned, loving how Spike's cock seemed to fit perfectly in his ass.

"Love you, Angel. You've possessed me, had me since the first moment I felt your fangs pierce my neck." With that said, Spike vamped out, his fangs entering Angel's shoulder. The taste of power and lust filled his mouth and he came with a muffled cry as Angel screamed his name over and over, bucking underneath him. Finally, Spike removed his fangs and cock from Angel, turning him around for another kiss before licking the wound and sealing it shut. Spike presented his neck to Angel and the vampire drank, savoring the taste of his childe. When he was done, they stood underneath the shower, letting the water hit them as they held each other, enjoying the moment...both of them thankful for this second chance. However, the moment was broken when they heard pounding on the door and Dawn's voice screaming for them.

"Angel! Spike! It's Xander! He's sick...going crazy...help!"


Chapter Forty-Eight

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