Xander practically leapt out of Angel's arms at the sound of Buffy's voice coming from the patio doorway. A flash of pain went through his arm and he bent over, cursing until the pain became an ache. Spike and Angel flanked him, worry on their face.

"I'm alright, guys. I'm fine, really, quit being such mother hens," Xander batted their hands away as he glanced up to see not only Buffy but Willow, Giles, Tara and Lindsey all looking at him. Buffy's eyes were flashing with anger and Giles had a stunned look on his face while Willow and Tara looked concerned and Lindsey appeared outraged. "Uh, hi everyone. How ya doing? Boy, am I glad you decided to come and see me. I really didn't want Thanksgiving Day to pass without seeing you guys. And Lindsey. What are you doing here in Sunnydale? I thought you'd be at some big dinner with your co-workers, or that you went home to Oklahoma. I was going to come see you as soon as I got to Los Angeles because I got all your messages. I left my cell phone at my parent's house and I just got it back so that's why I didn't return your calls. Well, that and the fact that I was in the hospital and everything. So, you want to join us for dinner? We were just getting ready to sit down and eat the traditional Harris feast of t.v. dinners and pot pies - turkey, of course because it is the season for turkey eating right? Gobble, gobble. As in let's gobble them up? And did I say how glad I was to see you?" Xander was babbling a mile a minute as the two groups faced off against each other.

Buffy totally ignored Xander's ramblings, fixing her angry stare on Angel. "You never answered my question, lover."

"Stop calling me that, Buffy," Angel winced at the name, remembering how he had taunted Buffy with it when he was Angelus.

"What? You don't like being called lover anymore, or is it because it's coming from my lips and not theirs?" Buffy pointed her stake in the direction of Xander and Spike, who was growling at the sight of his lover's former exes.

"Buffy, when I used that term for you I was Angelus. I really don't like to be reminded of that time."

"Why not? If what Lindsey has been telling us is true then you would be Angelus." Buffy pretended to think before continuing. "Oh, yeah, that's right - for you to become Angelus you have to find that moment of true happiness and you'd never find that with Xander or Spike so I'm guessing you three can fuck like rabbits without it affecting the curse. Am I right?"

"No, you are very, very wrong," Angel grew angry at Buffy's words about his boyfriends.

"Wrong about which statement? That you three have been having sex or the one where you can't find true happiness with those two?"

"I told you they've been having sex, Buffy. When are you going to believe that? I've already showed you the pictures - what more proof do you need?" Lindsey asked, staring at Xander who was boring a hole in the floor with his eyes.

Spike and Angel turned angry eyes on Lindsey. "You're the one who's been watching us," Spike said as Lindsey nodded his head.

"Damn right I have. Xander, what the hell were you thinking having sex with these two vampires when we're together? How could you do this? Do you have any idea how worried I was about you? Did you even care?"

Xander raised his head and looked at Lindsey. Everyone had expected to see pain, remorse, guilt or sadness in his eyes, but instead he fixed the lawyer with brown eyes filled with anger. "Of course I cared that you were worried. I told you I was going to come and see you as soon as I got back. The question I have for you is this - who gave you the right to spy on me? We may have been dating but you don't own me. No one does. Not you, not the Scoobies, not my parents, nobody. I own myself. I'm sorry that you found out this way Lindsey, I truly am, but if you or anyone else is waiting for me to fall on my knees and beg your forgiveness, you're going to be standing there for a very long time.Those days are long past and I'm ashamed at myself for rambling on when I first saw all of you standing there. Sometimes the old Xander Harris comes creeping through whether I want him to or not. A lifetime of conditioning will do that to anyone, I suppose."

The Scooby gang and Lindsey were shocked to hear these words coming from Xander. They had expected him to be guilt ridden and ashamed but instead he was standing in front of them with an air of confidence none of them had ever seen, his eyes daring them to say anything. Spike, Angel and the AI gang, who had come into the living room at the sound of Buffy's voice, smiled with pride at the stand Xander was taking.

Lindsey approached Xander, stopping in front of him as the two vampires growled a warning he chose to ignore. "I never said I owned you, Xander. I was worried and I thought you cared about me. Obviously I was wrong."

"I never said I didn't care about you, Lindsey. I did. But you know things weren't going well for us before I left Los Angeles, or at least you should have. I tried to talk to you time and time again about our problems but we always ended up in the bed. That was your answer to everything."

"It never seemed to bother you before, Xander. Not until Angel and Spike brainwashed you."

"Yes, it did. You didn't notice and that's what I'm talking about. I had decided to break off our relationship while I was driving down here. Whatever happened or didn't happen while I've been in Sunnydale had nothing to do with anyone other than ourselves.

"Xander, let's go outside and talk about this - alone." Lindsey glared at the others as he grabbed Xander's left arm. Before Angel or Spike could react, Xander wrenched his arm free and backed up.

"We're doing fine right here. I wanted to talk to you about this when we were alone, but since you've insisted on turning something that should be private between you and I into a public forum for my friends, let's keep it that way. And taking pictures? That's beneath you, Lindsey or at least I thought it was. Are you a lawyer or a reporter for the National Enquirer?"

"We are talking about Wolfram and Hart. Their morals are about the same," Doyle interrupted.

"I had to have something concrete to prove to your friends what was going on here. For some reason they refused to believe me when I told them about the situation."

"The situation?" Xander asked, making air quotes with his fingers.

Before Lindsey could reply, Buffy stepped in front of Angel. "Which brings us back to the question I asked you before."

"If you've seen the pictures, then I think you know the answer to one of those questions. As for the other, Xander and Spike do make me happy, happier than I've ever been in my whole life." Angel smiled at his lovers before facing Buffy again. "And no, I am not Angelus. My soul has been permanent ever since my time in hell."

"Oh, God, Angel why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know about it until Xander was in the hospital."

"You took a chance on losing your soul for those two when you never would with me?" Buffy looked totally shocked at the thought that Angel would take such a risk for the two men instead of her.

"Buff, it wasn't like that. When I was in that coma or whatever it was the Oracles told me---" Xander began.

"Shut up, Xander. This is between Angel and me." Buffy gave him a dirty look before continuing. "You are such a hypocrite. When I was with Angel all you did was put him down and call him names. I always thought you were jealous of Angel loving me but I guess you were really jealous of me loving Angel."

"For once I agree with you, Buffy. I can't for the life of me imagine what I saw in you. Or why I thought you were someone to be idolized. I followed you around like a little puppy dog begging for your attention, looking for any scrap of time you might allow me. Boy, was I dumb."

"Xander, that's quite enough! Buffy has saved your life on countless occassions and being the slayer is not an easy task." Giles reprimanded him.

"Yeah, I get that. But in case you've forgotten, Willow, Cordy, Oz and I were there too and we've helped Buffy save the world. We didn't have to be there. We did it because we cared about Buffy and because it was the right thing to do. And as for you mister, why didn't you ever bother to teach me how to fight? Or any of the others? Hell, I was only in L.A. for a month and Angel taught me more than you have in four years. I know your duty is to Buffy but don't you care about us?"

"Xander, of course I care about you and Willow. Oz and Cordelia, too. I guess I always assumed that you would learn from watching Buffy." Giles took off his glasses and started to polish them.

"Great idea, watcher. Ranks right up there with duck and cover. Did you ever stop to think that while they were watching the slayer some big, bad nasty could make a meal out of them?" Spike asked.

"Can we get back to the Angel, Xander, Spike trio for a moment?" Buffy turned to Angel. "Don't you remember all the things Spike has done to me?"

"Yes," Angel stated calmly.

"Don't you care?"

"Spike wants to change. He has a chance to."

"What? Without a soul? Spike's going to change because he loves you and Xander so much?" Buffy asked, sarcasm in her voice.

"Yes, that's right."

"Oh, this would be funny if it wasn't so unbelievable," Buffy shook her head. "So who made the first move? Was it Xander or Spike?"

"It just happened."

"Oh, it just happened. Right. One day Xander just decided to quit hating you and you quit hating him? What drew you to him? Was it playing the big, brave knight for the mere mortal? What got you? Did he tell you all of his sad, little stories about how badly he was treated by me? Did he cry? Pouty lips, big brown eyes?"

"Buffy, stop it," Xander pleaded. "Don't say something to Angel that you'll regret."

"The only thing that I regret is not seeing this coming. Angel, Giles tried to explain to me about the sire/childe thing so I can understand you wanting to protect Spike, maybe get close to him again. But Xander? He sent you to hell, admitted it and now you're punishing him with a severe cuddling?"

"Xander didn't send me to hell. You did. It took alot of courage for Xander to tell us what he had done. He didn't have to. I admire him for that. But you - you can't seem to forgive him. Is that why you're here? To continue punishing Xander for doing something he thought was right at the time?"

"Stop defending him, Angel. My God, don't you remember what it was like to be in hell?"

"I dimly recall, yes." Angel replied, sarcasm thick in his voice. "I also remember telling you that it was me that was there and not you. If I can forgive Xander why can't you?"

"Buffy--"

"Xander, you apologize to me and I will kick your ass." Spike and Angel drew closer to Xander at the girl's words. No way in hell were they going to let her touch their boy.

"Buffy, stop. I know you love Angel, but this is going too far," Willow rushed towards her friends. "Just step back, take a breath, remember that we love Xander and think about what you're saying."

"I don't need to do that Willow. I've already thought long and hard about this ever since Lindsey showed me those disgusting pictures, and don't include me in the 'I love Xander' club."

"Look, Buffy - if kicking my ass will make you feel better, then by all means go ahead. It won't be the first time I've been knocked around and it won't be the last." Xander told her as Angel stepped between them.

"This is not gonna happen," Angel told her.

"You going to stop me? Because you're going to have to."

"Xander, go outside or into another room - anywhere besides here," Angel told him.

"No, I'm not going anywhere." Xander set his jaw in determination.

"Xander, do what Angel said," Spike pushed Xander away from Buffy and Angel before taking his place next to the other vampire. Xander took one last look at the others before he went outside.

"I'm tired of the way you treat Xander. He's with Spike and I now and if you start something with him, you're going to have to come through us." Angel told her.

"I can do that," Buffy replied, landing a punch to Angel's jaw. She went to hit him again and he blocked her punch before knocking her backwards with one of his own. Buffy held her hand to her face as she looked at Angel with surprise. "You hit me."

"Yes, and I'll do it again if you even think about touching Xander. I don't want to fight like this, Buffy but you're not giving me much of a choice."

"You should have told me what was going on," Buffy told him, looking at Spike.

"I didn't think it was your business."

"Not my business?"

"We needed more time to be together before we told you about our relationship. No one wanted to hurt you."

"Speak for yourself, mate. I could care less whether the slayer gets hurt or not." Spike stated honestly, lighting up a cigarette and glaring at Buffy.

"Do you have any idea what it was like for me to see those pictures of the three of you? Especially you and Xander. Xander was supposed to be my friend and I thought we loved each other. You two went behind my back-----"

"Buffy, this wasn't about you. This was about the three of us. Saving Spike from those crazy people and helping Xander to find his way was only part of it. I've always loved Spike and that's never going to change. And watching Xander grow comfortable with himself made me see what a special young man he is. He helped me alot in L.A. and that's something you're not a part of, which by the way was your idea, remember? We stay away from each other."

"I came here today, because I was worried about you. I was afraid that you had turned back into Angelus and that I would have to kill you. I couldn't go through that again, Angel."

"See, there you go again. I came here, I was worried, I was afraid, I couldn't go through that again. Everything you just stated was about you. What about everyone else? What about our feelings, Buffy? You didn't come here because you were worried - you came to pick a fight with Xander and Spike."

"I have a right to do that if I want to. Spike's tried to kill me over and over again and Xander betrayed me."

"No, you don't have that right. Not in my house."

Buffy started to turn and leave before a sly look came over her face. She looked up at Angel and smiled. "I have someone new in my life now. You've met him. Riley. I love him. It's not what you and I had. It's very new." Buffy walked up to face Angel. "You know what makes it new? I trust him. I know him."

Angel just smiled at the girl. If she wanted to hurt him, this was definitely not the way to do it. Buffy could have Riley. He was perfectly happy with the men in his life and he was surprised at how easy it was to let Buffy go. Truly and completely let go. It felt good, he felt good. Better than he had in his life. Angel pulled Spike to him and kissed him thoroughly before turning back to Buffy.

"That's great. That's nice you've moved on. I know I have. You found someone new and yet you act like I'm not allowed to. You don't know me anymore, Buffy so don't come into my home and presume to tell me how to lead my life. Go home."

"It's really over then? You don't want me?"

"I have who I want and it's not you, Buffy. It could never be you," Angel told her as Spike looked down at the floor. Spike was looking lost and Angel thought that Buffy's come on to him had freaked Spike out. Angel knew Spike was almost as insecure as Xander - he just didn't have the expressive face that their boy did. Spike hid his insecurities behind cool, blue eyes and a smirk instead.

Angel stared into Spike's eyes before giving him a long, passionate kiss. He didn't stop until he and Spike had explored each other's mouths, tasting one another, not leaving one inch forgotten. Buffy gave them one last look before she headed for the door. She paused, turning to face him.

"See? Spike and Xander win again. As far as the going home thing, Sunnydale is my turf. It's you and your crew that needs to go."

"We'll be leaving in a few hours," Angel told her, not wanting Buffy near any of them anymore. He watched as Giles followed his slayer out the door before turning to the others. "Which way did Xander go?"

"He went outside," Doyle told him and flinched as both Spike and Angel let out long, low growls. "Don't worry - Willow, Tara and Oz went out after him."

"Where's Lindsey?" Spike asked, noticing that the lawyer was gone.

"Probably doing the same thing Willow and the others are doing - looking for Xander." Angel stalked over to the door and realized there was at least another hour before sunset. "Damn this sun. Why does Xander always go where we can't protect him? Why didn't he just go in another room or something?"

"You told him to go outside or another room and Xander always goes outside when he's upset. He's always loved the outdoors - it calms him down. Xander hates being inside for very long - I think it has to do with his parents." Cordelia told Angel as he and Spike stared out the door looking for any sign of Xander. The vampires hoped that Willow found Xander and not Lindsey.

Xander had gone around to the side of the mansion and watched through the window as Buffy and Angel continued to argue. He flinched when he saw Buffy and Angel exchange blows. Xander was so intent on watching the goings on that he failed to see Lindsey sneak up behind him until he was pressed between the wall next to the window and Lindsey's body.

"Lindsey, get away from me." Xander tried pushing back, but it only made Lindsey laugh.

"Enjoying the show? Two ex-lovers facing off against each other while the other two stand side by side just as they have for over a century?" Lindsey pointed at Angel and Spike.

"Angel and Spike haven't been together for years until recently Lindsey. If you're going to be a spy maybe you should get your facts straight."

"Oh, so that means they weren't lovers in days gone by? Xander, you're a very special person and I'm not going to stand by and watch you throw your life away on two vampires. You have to know that eventually this threesome thing will get old and they will leave you."

"What are you talking about, Lindsey? Is this another plot to get me back into your bed because I'm not falling for it."

"I always want you in my bed, Xander. Don't ever doubt that." Lindsey rubbed up against Xander as he squirmed to get away from where he was pinned between the wall and Lindsey. He wasn't at full strength because of his right arm, so his move was ineffectual, except for the fact that Lindsey was getting hard. "But I care enough to tell you the truth, show you the facts as it may be. Spike and Angel are vampires. They have a history together and they're sire and childe. Those two will always care for each other and that's a bond you can't possibly hope to come close to - not to mention break. Don't you see? You're an extra play toy in their bed, until they tire of you. When push comes to shove, they'll choose each other and you'll be the one left out in the cold."

Xander had heard Angel's words to Buffy - "I have who I want and it's not you, Buffy." Who he wants. Singular word not plural like 'the two I love' or 'those I love'. He watched as Angel looked at Spike, eyes brimming with love, and kissed him. Yes, they were definitely in love and even someone as blind as Buffy could see that.

Xander felt a sharp stab of uncertainty go through him at Lindsey's words. He had never looked at their relationship like that before. It had always been the three of them, not one mortal against sire and childe. Xander pushed his fears away as he glared at his ex-lover.

"You don't know what you're talking about. They love me. I love them, and they love each other. No one is going to be left out in the cold and I'm not anyone's sextoy, including yours." Xander turned and found himself face to face with a very horny Lindsey. "Get out of my way," Xander said as he tried to push past the man.

"Turn around and watch them together, Xander. Look at them and tell me you don't see what I'm talking about." Xander punched Lindsey in the face with his good arm. Lindsey wasn't expecting this and fell to the ground, holding his nose.

"You're not going to make me doubt their love no matter how hard you try, Lindsey." Xander's voice sounded more confident than he was. "Go home."

Xander walked away from the mansion and headed into the cemetary. He didn't know where he was headed, just that he had to get away from all the fighting and arguing. The Harris Thanksgiving Day tradition was still holding true, full of anger and bickering. The only difference was who was doing the arguing and Xander thought this was worse than his usual family gatherings. At least he was used to his drunken family arguing, not his friends.

Xander leaned against a crypt and propped his foot up on it. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't hear the noise behind him until it was too late. Lindsey grabbed Xander and dragged him into the nearby crypt, shutting the door behind him with a vicious slam as he threw the boy to the floor.

"What the hell ---" Xander began, finding himself pinned down by his ex-lover. Lindsey was smiling as he straddled the boy's hips and started rubbing against him. "Lindsey, what part of go home did you not understand?" Xander tried to push Lindsey off but the man was leaning on Xander's good arm while sitting atop of him.

"Don't fight me on this, Xander. I know you'll have a much better life with me than you would with Angel and Spike. You'll want for nothing, I promise." Lindsey leaned down to kiss Xander, but the boy moved his head to the side. Lindsey threaded his fingers through Xander's hair, pulling the long, silky locks until Xander was facing him. Lindsey kissed him long and hard and as Xander tried to protest he darted his tongue into Xander's mouth. Lindsey pulled back with a yell when Xander bit his tongue.

"Ow, what the hell did you do that for?" Lindsey rubbed his tongue while giving Xander an angry look. "I love you Xander and I need you to know that. I want you to remember what we had together." Lindsey slid his hand down Xander's body, reaching into his sweatpants and fondling his cock.

"Stop, Lindsey, please don't do this." Xander begged, feeling Lindsey's fingers wrap around his cock. Lindsey was laying on top of Xander's good arm and he leaned in and kissed along Xander's chest, lathing his tongue across Xander's nipples as he stroked at Xander's soft member, trying to get him hard.

"You were more than willing to have loads of sex with two vampires. I want you to look at me like that. I want you writhing underneath me like you were when you were with Angel. I want you hard and ready just like you were with them. Or are you just a whore when it comes to vampires?"

"I'm not a fucking whore, but you sure as hell are like my bastard father. You think that forcing someone like this is love. It's not. It's rape." Xander managed to get his good arm free and swung at Lindsey. The man ducked and punched Xander in the jaw, knocking the boy's head back against the concrete floor. As Xander lay stunned, Lindsey undid his jeans and pulled his hard erection out, rubbing it up and down Xander's body, leaving a trail of his pre-cum across the boy's stomach and cock.

"It's not rape, my love. I'm only reminding you how much we love each other. And once Spike and Angel smell my scent on you, they'll be disgusted. One way or the other - you'll be mine," Lindsey whispered into Xander's ear. Xander was petrified now. He was trapped in a crypt away from the two people he loved while a man he had once trusted and loved was about to rape him.

"How did you manage to get a law degree with twisted logic like that? Oh, wait, I forgot who you work for."

"Why do you keep lying to yourself?" Lindsey rubbed his erection against Xander's cock. "I know you feel like I do. Make yourself feel it," Lindsey continued his motions while kissing Xander's neck, his chest and his nipples.

Xander felt Lindsey bite him on the neck, and moaned. "Oh, fuck, Lindsey I do feel it. I've tried to fight it, but I want you. I want you so much." *There was more than one way to skin a cat*.

Lindsey sat up and looked at Xander, a self-satisfied smile on his face. "I know all I had to do was remind you how it felt to be with me." Lindsey leaned down and kissed Xander, moaning as the boy opened his mouth and their tongues met. He was so wrapped up in the kiss that he didn't notice Xander flip them over until he was on his back. Lindsey grabbed the boy and held him against his chest.

"You're not trying to sneak away from me, are you, Xander?"

Xander bent over and kissed his way down Lindsey's neck and chest before stopping to suck on one of Lindsey's nipples. "Lindsey, let me taste you. I want to taste every part of your body." Xander looked at Lindsey through long, dark lashes, taking Lindsey's cock in his hand and stroking it. "Please, let me suck your cock. I want to hear you scream my name as your cum fills my mouth." Lindsey groaned at the words and released Xander so the boy could do wicked things to his body.

Lindsey closed his eyes, a smile on his face as he writhed in pleasure. Xander's tongue moved towards his cock, stopping at his navel to dip in and out while his hand kept stroking Lindsey's hard erection. Xander sat up and nudged Lindsey's legs apart and the lawyer gladly complied, anticipating Xander's mouth on his cock. Instead, Xander kneed him in his groin and Lindsey screamed in pain, holding his balls as he rolled on the floor.

Xander jumped up, backing away from Lindsey with a smile on his face. He spat on the ground several times, trying to get the taste of Lindsey out of his mouth. "Was it good for you, Lindsey? Cause I gotta tell you, I thought it sucked. No pun intended, of course."

"Xander...how could you do....this to me?" Lindsey gasped out as he tried to ride out the pain.

"How could I do that to you? Is that some kind of trick question or something? You tried to fucking rape me, Lindsey. I told you over and over again that we were over, through, finished but you wouldn't listen. I'm telling you the only way I know how. I think you got the message, but just in case you didn't - don't come near me again." Xander started for the door and was almost there when he heard Lindsey's voice.

"I'll be wherever you are, Xander. I'll know everything you do, everywhere you go. You can't get rid of me, not now. I won't lose you to those two dead creatures. I'll give you a little time to think this over before I do anything, but if you don't come back to me - well, don't be surprised if you wake up to find two piles of dust one morning." Lindsey managed to say as he struggled to sit up, still feeling pain shooting through his groin.

Xander walked over and punched Lindsey in the face, knocking the lawyer backwards. Xander put his foot on Lindsey's stomach and leaned over, his face a mask of fury and hatred. "Don't ever threaten the men I love again. Is that clear? If you touch Angel or Spike I swear I will kill you and there won't be enough of your guards to keep me away."

Lindsey managed a small laugh. "You don't know who or what you're threatening, Xander. Wolfram and Hart is very powerful and I have plenty of resources within my reach to dispose of two vampires. Remember what I told you, because if I can't have you - no one else can. You will either come to me willingly or I'll have you brought to me. Makes no difference as long as I have what I want and what I want is you, Xander."

Xander lifted his foot off of Lindsey and stepped back, shaking his head in disgust. He backed towards the door, his eyes never leaving his ex-lover's. "You are one sick man, Lindsey. I don't know what I saw in you, but whatever it was, it's gone now." Xander opened the door and ran outside, hearing Lindsey's voice yelling at him.

"I mean it, Xander. I will have you. There's nowhere you can run or hide that I won't find you. Keep your eyes open and you'll see me everywhere you go. I'll dog you to the ends of the earth if I have to, because one way or another you will be mine again!"

Xander was shaking at Lindsey's words. He knew how powerful the law firm was and he had no doubts that Lindsey could make their lives a living hell if he wanted to. Xander ran towards the mansion as if the hounds of hell were nipping at his feet. He saw Angel and Spike rush out the door, waiting in the shade for him and he wanted nothing more than to be in their arms. Xander heard Willow, Oz and Tara yelling at him to stop but he never broke his stride. He raced onto the patio and threw himself into his lover's arms with such force that it took both vampires to keep them all standing.

Spike and Angel's emotions had been all over the place as they waited for Xander to return with his friends. They were still angry at Buffy and Lindsey for intruding into their home and they were nervous, worried, concerned and a little angry at Xander for running off. Everyone had moved into the kitchen and were talking about the situation in whispers, trying their best to stay away from the two vampires. Only Warren, Jonathon and Andrew had stayed in the living area and they were eyeing the men with nervous trepidation.

"You're English, right?" Andrew asked Spike, trying to strike up a conversation with the vampire. Spike gave him an annoyed look before answering.

"Yeah."

"I've seen every episode of Dr. Who. Not Red Dwarf though cause---"Andrew's voice trailed off as he nervously played with his Star Wars Figurine.

"Cause it's not out yet on DVD," Jonathon helped his friend out.

"Right, it's not out yet on DVD," Andrew agreed.

"Angel!" Spike yelled over at his lover. "Bloody hell, can I bite one of these nerds so they'll shut the hell up?"

"Calm down, Spike. Yelling at those three will not get Xander back any quicker." Angel told him. "Just ask them to be quiet."

"I have - at least fifteen fucking times." Spike watched Andrew place his figurine back on it's stand while he looked at it lovingly. Spike grabbed it from him as the boy yelped out in surprise.

"Give it back, Spike," he whined.

"Shut the hell up or I'll kill all of you and Mr.---" Spike looked down at the writing on the stand, "Fett here will be the first one to die." He held up his hands, fingers ready to snap the figure in two as he stared at the three.

"Hey, alright, let's not do anything crazy here," Jonathon told him.

"That's a limited edition 1979 mint condition Boba Fett," Andrew said.

"Alright, dude, chill. You can still make it right. You know you don't want to do this," Warren told him.

"What I want is peace and quiet, nimrod," Spike told them. "What I want is to have Xander back here with me."

"Right. But you don't want to hurt the Fett because you're not coming back from that," Warren told him. "You know you don't just do that and walk away."

"Is that right? Let's find out." Spike acted like he was going to snap the figurine in two.

"One second, one second," Warren pleaded. "I think we can work something out. We'll leave very quietly now and you give us back the Fett. Is it a deal? We scratch your back and you scratch---"

"I'm not scratching your anything. You do what I tell you, that's the deal. Deal?"

"Deal." Warren agreed.

"Then get out of here," Spike told them, throwing the figure at Andrew. Andrew caught it and petted it as the three boys walked towards the door. If Angel hadn't been so worried about Xander, he would have burst out laughing at the boy's words.

"It's okay, it's okay, it'll be fine."

Spike walked over and watched the three boys get in the van and drive away. Angel looked at him and smiled.

"You know that when Xander finds out you scared those boys off he's going to be very angry with you."

"Not any angrier than I am at him right now," Spike lit up a cigarette as he and Angel continued to scan the cemetary for any signs of their lover. "Xander knows better than to run off where we can't protect him."

"So what? You're going to take him back to Los Angeles and keep him under lock and key for the rest of his life, cause I've got to tell you - that's not going to happen. The reason Xander wants to get away from here is because the others think he's useless. Is that what you want to do? Make him feel the same way as Buffy does?" Doyle asked as both vampires growled at the mention of the slayer.

"Of course not." Spike muttered. "It's just that he's human and mortals break very easily. If Angel and I are around, we can protect him."

"You don't think Xander worries about you two? One quick stake through the heart and he's looking at two piles of dust. You may be immortal but you can still die, you know," Cordy added. Angel was about to protest when he spotted Xander running for the house.

"Something's wrong," he rushed out to the patio with Spike close on his heels. Both vampires were knocked backwards as Xander practically lept into their arms.

Spike and Angel were about to question their boy about what was wrong when they caught the familiar scent of Lindsey hanging all over Xander like a blanket. Both vampires started growling, their eyes flashing amber as they vamped out. Before they could stop themselves, Angel and Spike pushed Xander away, twin looks of disgust on their faces from the scent of the lawyer. They needed to get Xander as far away as possible so that they could regain some control. Spike turned to Angel and grabbed the older vampire, pulling him into a hug. Spike needed to feel Angel's arms around him, smell the scent of his sire as his mind cleared the angry fog from his brain. Angel hugged him back, doing the same as Xander stood to the side, tears sliding down his cheeks.

Lindsey's words from before ran through his mind. "Once Spike and Angel smell my scent on you, they'll be disgusted. One way or the other - you'll be mine," "Spike and Angel are vampires. They have a history together and they're sire and childe. Those two will always care for each other and that's a bond you can't possibly hope to come close to - not to mention break. Don't you see? You're an extra play toy in their bed until they tire of you. When push comes to shove - they'll choose each other and you'll be the one left out in the cold." Xander had seen the looks of disgust on Spike and Angel's faces when they pushed him away. The push had come to shove and he was out in the cold. Xander ran for the bathroom, determined to wash Lindsey from his body. Whether or not Spike or Angel ever accepted him again, Xander was feeling dirty, used and unloved.