Xander rolled over and found himself nose to nose with his lover. 
He drew back. The vampire was asleep, or at least doing a passable
impression of it, eyelids softly closed, features lax. Xander took the
opportunity to study the face before him. The warm, orangy glow of
numerous lamps slipped in through the open doorway, bathing Spike in
light and shadow.

Short, blond waves - closely cropped - framed fine boned features. A
slender face, but a strong one, with a cruel sensuous mouth and high,
sharp cheekbones. His lashes, like his brows were dark; incongruous
against the unearthly pallor. Xander mused what his lover's natural
colouring might be. Was it dark like Angel's, or fair ? He found it
difficult to imagine Spike any different to this. Occasionally he'd tried
to
picture Spike as human, but it just didn't seem to fit.

It was strange to think that if Spike had remained a living, breathing
being, he would now be a mouldering skeleton in some long forgotten
grave. The thought chilled him. Was it wrong - to be grateful that Spike
had been turned ? Xander looked at the scar bisecting one ruffled
eyebrow. He remembered the reason for it and snuggled closer. 

A felt a very familiar hardness brushed against his thigh and he smiled.
Sexually, Spike was far more demanding than Anya had ever been, but
this time it didn't bother him in the least. With Anya he'd grown
confused and resentful. With Spike he just wanted more. He knew why.
This time those 'interlocking parts' actually did interlock. There were no
doubts or hesitations on his part. Everything felt good, better than good. 

Caught up in fond recollections, Xander jumped when the vampire's
eyes suddenly flicked open. Spike's mobile mouth stretched into a lazy,
cat-like smile. Feline contentment oozed from every pore; his earlier
distress seemingly forgotten. Xander wasn't particularly surprised, Spike
wasn't one for wearing his heart on his sleeve. However, he doubted the
vampire had really rid himself of his fears. 

Xander recognized the display of uncaring indifference for what it was -
an act. He was willing to play along.

Spike must have read something in his expression. The vampire looked
at him closely "What's going on in that strange little head of yours ?" 

Xander offered him a secretive smile. "Interlocking parts."

"Huh ?" Spike spent about half a second trying to decipher the comment,
then he simply shrugged it aside. His smile came back at full wattage.
"Feelin' refreshed, pet ?" 

"Maybe," Xander teased. "Depends what you have in mind." The words
had barely left his mouth when Spike leaned in and kissed him.

The kiss had a strange, slow urgency to it. The desire was there but it
was restrained; coiled heat beneath the surface. Skilful fingers removed
the rest of Xander's clothing and he arched up against Spike's body. The
vampire gasped into the kiss and began to move against him. Like the
kiss, the gentle thrusting was slow and steady - a rocking of hips to a
silent rhythm.

Spike's tongue swirled around his mouth, stroking over his teeth,
beckoning his tongue forward to join the dance. Xander moaned softly
and answered the call, pushing his tongue into his lover's mouth, tasting
smoke and blood and Spike. It was intoxicating. He broke the kiss and
pulled back to stare into his lover's eyes. Blue orbs ringed with gold
looked back at him uncertainly. Xander smiled - oh *yes* he wanted
this; he'd die before he gave it up.

Eagerly he leaned in to recapture his lover mouth. This time Spike
pulled back, his expression playful. Xander answered with a mock pout
and Spike brought his mouth back down, nibbling Xander's bottom lip
before sucking on it gently. The kiss began again, slow and deep and
sweeter than Xander could ever have imagined. He knew Spike to be a
skilled lover, and a surprisingly thoughtful one, but still these little
glimpses of needy tenderness shook him.

He stroked his fingers along the vampire's spine, sweeping them out to
fan across Spike's taut buttocks. He tightened his hold and pulled Spike's
groin flush with his own. Their erections rubbed together, making them
both moan. Xander felt the vampire's fingers slip down between their
bodies. They encircled his hard flesh and began to slide up and down its
length with unhurried, leisurely strokes. 

Xander tore his lips from his lover's mouth and buried them against
Spike's throat. Spike arched his neck a little, granting him better access.


"Yes," the vampire hissed, rubbing his skin against Xander's lips.

Xander closed his eyes and sank his teeth deep into Spike cold flesh, the
hot spurt of blood spattered the back of his throat, almost making him
choke. Desperate not to loose a single drop he gulped hungrily, drinking
it down as the viscous fluid slid across his tongue.

He whimpered when, after what felt like the most fleeting of moments,
Spike pushed him away. The vampire cleaned the blood away from his
lips and teeth with deliberate thoroughness. Then he nudged at Xander's
jaw, trying to tip his head back. Xander felt a frisson steal through him -
part fear, part excitement. He arched his head back, exposing the column
of his throat.

His fingers wound tight around the sheets as Spike's lips touched his
skin, a cold tongue traced the path of his jugular and then moved away.
Spike lip's nuzzled lower to the nape of neck and shoulder. Xander felt
the first sharp prick of fangs and he held his breath. This was different;
this wasn't like the bites they had exchanged in the midst of frenzied
passion. There was a deliberate quality to Spike's actions that made him
tremble with anticipation.

Spike's right hand still stroked his straining erection; the vampire's
other
hand had slid underneath his back to raise him up. Xander had never felt
so fragile in his lover's embrace, as Spike supported him effortlessly.
The vampire's fangs still rested against his flesh. Then slowly - so slowly
Xander thought he might faint from it - they sank into his skin, tearing
slowly through the layers to reach the thick hot blood beneath. He felt 
it rushing up into the tiny wounds - like a serpent responding to a 
charmer's flute.

A wave of dizziness washed through him. Distantly, as though from a
long way off, he heard the soft suckling sounds as Spike drank. It
seemed to be going on and on........and he never wanted it to end. The
feeling was like nothing he'd experienced before. It was liking walking
the knife edge of release, and then holding on to it; the pulses of orgasm
rippling through him in slow motion. 

Spike drew back, and Xander sobbed in wordless protest. Golden eyes
paused inches from his own. Then Spike was kissing him again and his
mouth was filled with blood - his blood. The fingers around his erection
speeded up. The kiss grew more frenzied. Xander felt his lover's fangs
slice into his lips. When he came the cry was torn from his body and he
bucked helplessly into Spike's hand. Black spots shimmered around the
edges of his vision, and he passed out.

****************************************

Xander was having a very strange dream. A large white wolf was sitting
on his chest, licking his face. No matter how hard he tried to push him
away the wolf wouldn't go, so eventually he just laid back and let it do as
it wished. Gradually, Xander became aware that he was no longer
dreaming and that something was pressing down on his chest and licking
his face.

It was Spike.

"Umpgh," said Xander, as a cold tongue flicked across his lips. "What-
what are you doing ?" he asked, as the vampire drew back slightly.

"Just cleanin' you up, pet. You were kind of a mess." Spike grinned
wickedly and wriggled down so that he could lick along Xander's chest.

"Wha-oh..oh.." said Xander intelligently as a cold tongue swirled around
his navel. 

Spike came back up the bed and laid down next to him.

"You didn't have a wash cloth ?" Xander asked a touch breathlessly.

Spike shot him a disgusted look. "Where's the fun in that." He grinned
again. "Waste not want not." 

Xander swallowed hard as the vampire touched his softening erection,
collecting a small pearl of semen. He watched transfixed as Spike
sucked the digit into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it with
obvious pleasure. 

" 'Sides," said Spike when he'd done. "You taste delicious."

"Oh," was about all Xander could respond with. His mind felt numb.
Unlike his body which tingled all over. "I feel so...funky," he said.

Spike chuckled softly. "Good was it ?"

"Er, well, yeah," said Xander. He fixed the vampire with a slightly
unfocused gaze. "Can we do it again ?" he asked hopefully.

Spike just smiled at him. "Later, pet. Get your strength back. Too much
of that and you'll never be able to get out of bed."

Xander's expression clearly said - 'and this would be a bad thing 
because ?'

Spike's smile grew sly. " 'Course, if you're feeling a little bit energetic
you could do something for me ?"

Xander said, "Anything" without even thinking. Spike took his hand and
placed it between his own legs. Xander immediately felt the hardness of
the vampire's erection. Dismayed he looked at his lover. "I'm sor-"

Spike's glare silenced him. "Don't ever say that to me," the vampire
hissed angrily. "You have nothing to be sorry for. You passed out, no
shame in that." Spike's gaze softened, he looked vaguely smug. "In fact
I'm flattered. Now if you feel up to it you can do something, if not go
back to sleep. I can wait."

Xander took a firmer hold of the silken length beneath his fingers. He
brought his face close up to the vampire's. "I want to watch you come,"
he whispered huskily.

Spike trembled against him and then stretched back, legs open, arms
above his head - a casual, wanton sprawl. The breath caught in the back
of Xander's throat. "Come for me," he whispered again. "Let me see
you." Spike began to thrust up into his hand and Xander closed his
fingers forming a tight channel for the vampire to push into. Heavy
lidded, Spike watched him. Transfixed, Xander stared back. 

Blue veins bloomed beneath the pale skin, violet threads weaving across
the vampire's chest. His lips parted and he began to pant. Xander began
to stroke faster. He slipped his other hand beneath the stiff member to
cup the velvet sac, and gently rubbed the twin globes. Spike had been
close to the edge for too long to hold back. With a howl he came, his icy
seed spilling over Xander fingers. 

Xander continued to milk his lover until Spike pushed his hand away.
With a deliberate teasing action, Xander placed his cum-coated fingers
into his mouth and sucked them clean. 

Spike moved with vampiric speed, pushing Xander back against the bed.
"Mine," he growled.

"Yours," Xander agreed. His eyes reflected his contentment.

They kissed and then curled up amongst the tangled blankets.



Chapter XXIV

Doyle clutched his 'gift' and glanced nervously at the sealed door. "You
know. I really think it'd be better if you went in alone. I mean I'm not
supposed to-"

Angel pulled him over to the stone basin. "This concerns us both. We
both go. If they have a problem, I'll deal with it."

Doyle reluctantly pulled out a handful of something and shook his head
warily. "You don't want to be upsetting them. They get mad, you start
losing body parts." He shuddered.

Angel just looked at him. "I don't plan on upsetting them. I'm going with
my instincts here, and they say we should face them together."

Doyle gave the vampire a small nod of acceptance. "Fair enough. I trust
your instincts." He chanted and threw in the dust; flames flew up and the
door opened. "I just hope they're right," he muttered, following the
vampire through the shimmering doorway. He emerged on the other side
feeling slightly disorientated. The air was cool against his face, but
fusty
smelling, like wet newspapers. He was getting his bearings when an
imperious voice rang out. 

"What have you brought us ?"

Angel held out his gift. It flew from his hand, into the hand of the
Oracle's female aspect. She examined it very carefully. 

"Pretty." She sounded approving.

"It's-" Angel began.

"-Jade," she finished, smiling at him, "and old."

"It belonged to an Empress," Angel supplied.

"It pleases me."

Doyle let out a breath he hadn't been aware he'd been holding. Then he
remembered that he was holding something else. "Oh, right, yeah.
Er..this is for you." He addressed the bored looking male without making
eye contact. That cold, sneering expression gave him the creeps.The tiny
statuette was tugged from his fingers. 

The female went over to study it with her companion. "A dragon," she
said. Her voice held the pleased tone of a child.

"Yeah, an' it's Jade as well," said Doyle. "I don't know who it belonged
to though."

"We are pleased," she announced. 

Doyle offered her a weak smile and then took note of her companion's
icy stare, <Well, I'll take your word for it> he thought glumly.

"Where are you here ?" the male demanded. "You cannot buy our
favours-"

"-and we have no wish to," said Angel quickly. "They're simply gifts,
nothing more. We don't seek any kind of favour."

"Then what do you seek ?" the female asked, tilting her head slightly.

Angel swallowed hard. "Advice," he said softly.

"You seek guidance," she clarified.

"Yes," he answered. "I....I.."

"You are in love," she said.

Angel's eyes widened. "Y-yes."

She nodded. "It is clear to us." She looked at Doyle - who took an
involuntary step back. "You love this one, the feeling is reciprocated."

Doyle straightened and made himself meet her inhuman gaze. "Yeah, it
'tis."

"What concern is this of ours," said the Oracle's male aspect baldly. 

"My curse," said Angel. "If I-"

"If you love him, you will loose your soul." The male looked at them
both disdainfully. "This does not interest us. Now leave." He turned
away. His companion made to follow.

"Wait !" Angel lowered his voice, "Please," he begged.

She stopped and turned back.

"I...I know how to change my curse," Angel admitted. "I just want to
know if this is wrong."

"Wrong ?" She took a few steps toward him. "You are asking if you
deserve this as a reward ?"

"No," said Angel hastily. "That's not it. I..." he glanced across at the
half-
demon, his eyes bright with pain and unshed tears. "I just need to know
if it's wrong for me to do this. Should I even be thinking it..." His voice
cracked and Doyle was beside him, glancing fearfully at the Oracle.

"He wants to know if the Powers will even let him try," said Doyle, his
voice held a faint tremor. "Is he allowed to do this, or will they damn
him for it ?" The Oracle's expects exchanged a look - one that neither
vampire or half-demon could read - then the male continued forward. 

The female stayed.

Angel raised his eyes to hers. "Is this wrong ?" he asked brokenly.

Her expression was almost kind. "Who is to say what is right and what is
wrong."

Doyle couldn't help himself. "Well we were kinda hoping you would,"
he mumbled under his breath. Angel pulled on his arm sharply and the
younger man shut up.

"You must choose your own path," she continued. "We cannot guide
you."

Visibly distraught, Angel's gaze dropped away and Doyle felt a glimmer
of anger toward the Oracle. He quelled it quickly - he still had some
hopes of getting out of here alive. However, she turned to him as if she'd
heard his unspoken thoughts. When she leaned toward him he closed his
eyes in panic.

"You know the way, Seer," she whispered, her voice was like the touch
of the wind, caressing his cheek. "Remember, if you cannot have what
you want, sometimes you must use what you have." With this cryptic
utterance she drew back. Long, elegant fingers lifted Angel's head up
until she could meet his eyes. She smiled and gave the tiniest of nods. 

Then she rejoined her companion, who stood waiting with a bored
expression on his boyish face.

Doyle didn't waste a moment, as the Oracle moved away as one, he
walked Angel back toward the exit and plunged them both through it.
They landed in an untidy heap at the other side. 

Angel blinked, and looked at him dazedly. "She-"

"-I think she just gave us her blessing," said Doyle incredulously.

"What did she say to you ?" Angel asked, getting to his feet. He gave
Doyle a hand up.

Doyle was still staring at the now sealed doorway. He shook his head as
if to clear his thoughts. "I'm not sure. She said I knew and that we have
to use what we have, or something like that."

"Tell me exactly," said Angel.

Doyle repeated, word-for-word, what the Oracle had told him. "Don't
ask me what it means," he added, "Cos I'm flying blind here."

"They didn't say no," said Angel slowly.

Doyle looked at him urgently. "More than that, Angel man. They said
yes. They said *yes*. Not in so many words maybe but-" He was
silenced when Angel grabbed him and pulled him close. Doyle buried
his face against the vampire's leather coat and let the tension of the past
few hours drain out of him. 

They still had a lot to accomplish, but now it had the taint of 
possibility,
and he was savouring the moment - as well as the feel of Angel's
powerful body pressed tightly against his own. 

All too soon it ended, as the vampire reluctantly broke the embrace 
and stepped back. "We should go home," he said quietly.

Doyle just nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

Part Nineteen  

Xander prodded the twin puncture marks on his neck and wondered if a
plaster would be more or less obvious. They didn't hurt, but they did
look kind of icky - purplish and puffy. A pair of strong arms encircled
his waist and cold lips brushed his shoulder. Xander stared into the large
oval mirror (presumably a recent purchase by Angel) and shivered
lightly. It was just so....weird. He could feel Spike touching and nuzzling
him, but his reflection was trying to tell him he was alone.

He felt the vampire's head pause to rest upon his shoulder. He let his
gaze slip sideways, and realised Spike was also staring into the mirror.
"Does it ever bother you ?" he asked.

Spike stood back and looked at him. "What ?"

"That you can't-" Xander indicated the mirror with a slight shrug.

Blue eyes glinted with amusement. "Only when I'm doing my hair, luv." 

Xander poked the vampire in the ribs. "Seriously," he asked.

Spike looked past him, back toward the mirror. He slowly raised his
hand and brushed his fingers across the smooth, flat surface.
"Sometimes," he began softly, "sometimes I forget."

"What you look like ?" Xander guessed.

Spike pulled his hand back sharply. He schooled his features into an
indifferent expression. "Well, I know I'm a handsome devil, but yeah,
bits and pieces, I forget them."

Xander wasn't fooled. He took hold of Spike's fingers and held them as
he lifted his other hand up to the vampire's face. Spike flinched and then
permitted the caress. Xander stroked his fingers down one sharp
cheekbone. "You are handsome," he admitted quietly. "You're all angles
and pointy bits-" Spike grinned and bared his teeth - now normal
looking.

Xander shook his head. "I don't mean those." He traced the cheekbone's
path down to Spike's jaw. "Your face is sort of hard and-" he searched
for the word, "-angular," he said finally. "Your eyes are blue and cold,
but sometimes they have these neat little gold flashes, and they get kind
of glowy." He touched Spike's lips and smiled. "These are thin, but
extremely kissable." 

He moved his fingers up to a finely arched eyebrow. "You still have your
scar; it's sort of jagged." Xander's smile turned teasing. "It works with
that whole 'bad boy' thing you've got going though." His expression
turned serious as he ran his fingers through the soft blond strands above.
"I like your hair. It's soft." He didn't get the chance to elucidate any
further. Spike kissed him fiercely. Xander murmured into the kiss and
then surrendered to it.

After a moment Spike gentled the kiss and moved his lips away to rest
against Xander's cheek. "I love you," the vampire whispered - words so
soft Xander had to strain to hear them.

Xander felt a surge of happiness. "I love you too," he whispered back,
and felt Spike's arms tighten around him.

************************************************

When they eventually emerged from the shower, Spike raided Angel's 
wardrobe and found them both something to wear. Xander inhaled the
comforting scent from the jumper Spike had given him. It was warm, 
soft, and - surprisingly - a pale shade of cream. Unlike the pants, 
which were a much more typical black.

Spike had grumbled about his Sire's lack of 'decent clobber', i.e jeans,
and finally settled on a pair of dark pants and a grey shirt. He buttoned
it
hurriedly and joined Xander on the couch. "Hungry, pet ?"

Xander thought about it and was surprised to realise that he was, despite
the knot that seemed to have taken up permanent residency in his
stomach. "I could eat."

Spike jumped up and went through to the kitchen. He reappeared a
moment later. "It'll have to be take-out, pet. Peaches doesn't exactly keep
a well stocked fridge." Blue eyes gleamed and the vampire held up a
wad of notes. "But he does still hide his spare cash in the milk jug."

*************************************************

A short while later they were stretched out on the couch, head to toe;
Xander devouring his chicken chow mein, while Spike sucked noisily on
a portion of spare ribs. When they'd finished they licked and kissed each
other clean; this time Xander also insisted on the inclusion of a wash
cloth.

All that was left to do was wait. Xander massaged his lover's bare foot
and glanced nervously toward the staircase. "They've been gone a long
time."

"Hmm ?" Spike had his head back and his eyes closed.

"Angel and Doyle, they've been gone a long time." Xander listened
carefully. "It's very quiet up there. I can't hear Cordy any more. Do you
think she's gone home ?"

"Seen as how it's gone six, I would imagine so, pet," said Spike.

"Well, where are they ?" Xander failed to keep the worry out of his
voice.

Spike opened his eyes and sat up. "Demon-boy probably had a vision.
They'll be out rescuing some screamin' bint."

"Now ?"

"Yeah, well, he takes his 'job' seriously." Spike practically spat the
word.
He noticed Xander's sudden shift in expression. "What ?"

"Nothing."

Spike prodded Xander sharply with his foot. "Don't give me that. What's
up ?"

Xander sighed. "I guess I was just wondering what I'm gonna do." He
shrugged slightly. "You know, when this is all over."

Blue eyes widened in alarm. "Over ?"

Xander shook his head impatiently. "Not *us* idiot. *This* - Angel,
Doyle, the curse." He tugged a cushion in front of him and wrapped his
arms around it. "I mean, we don't even have any where to live. Where
are we going to go ?"

Spike looked relieved. "That's all that's botherin' you ?"

Xander's mouth tightened. "Hey, it may not be a big deal to you 'Mr - I
don't mind living in a crypt' but some of us have needs."

Spike drew himself up and crawled along Xander's body, laying on top
of him. "You don't think I'll satisfy your 'needs' ?" he asked smirking.

Xander tried to look annoyed but failed, his expression softened. "Not
just *those* needs. I mean food and clothes, and stuff. I need to get a
job." The corners of his mouth turned down. "Of course, my track record
in that department isn't exactly great."

Spike used his fingers to gently poke the down turned lips, trying tilt
them back into a smile. He succeeded when Xander giggled at his
efforts. "Much better," he said approvingly. "Look. I don't know about all
the stuff you've tried before, but this is a big city. If you really want a
job, we'll find you something." His gaze turned inward. "'Course, it'll
have to be part time. I'm not sitting around on my arse every day waiting
for you to come home."

Xander had a bizarre mental image of Spike lazing around in a flowery
house coat, waiting for him to get home. "It's a deal," he agreed. He
really didn't want to be separated from the vampire for any length of
time either. Maybe he could find another bar job ? Though his fake I.D
would probably need some more work. No, bar work was no good - too
many nights. What else was he qualified for ? He sighed. Not much,
unless you counted 'assistant demon-slayer' as an occupation.

"Gettin' gloomy again, luv," Spike chided him. "Now what's rattling
round that head of yours ?"

"Demon slaying," said Xander. "You think maybe Angel needs another
sidekick," he joked flatly.

Spike looked thoughtful. "Don't know about that, pet, but he might be
open to negotiations."

"What ?"

"How's about a partnership ?" Spike suggested, a wicked gleam in his
eyes.

"P-Partnership ?" Xander stared confounded at his lover. Then he caught
on. "You mean like 'Spike and Angel enterprises' ?" He grinned.

Spike grinned back. "Well, you have to admit, it has a certain ring to it.
Of course, I'd be needing an assistant."

"Some one with experience in the demon-bashing business ?" Xander
asked with mock innocence.

"That's the idea, pet," said Spike, kissing him gently. "But nothing-"

"-with horns or tentacles," said Xander smiling. "I remember." His
expression turned serious. "Do you really think Angel would consider 
it ?"

Spike shrugged. "Don't see why he wouldn't. He gets a kick out of
playing the big bad boss. This way he has more people to order about."

"And of course you'd obey his every word," said Xander. Knowing full
well *that* would never happen.

Spike grinned wolfishly. " 'Course I would. Very obedient I am; always
cum when I'm told."

Xander groaned at the bad pun and hit Spike with the cushion. Spike
responded by tickling him until they both rolled off the couch onto the
floor. A brief tussle followed; it ended when they heard the sound of
footsteps coming down the stairs.


Chapter XXVI

A pair of rather beaten leather shoes stopped beside Xander; he turned
his head, looking up.

"No offence, bud, but you look like shit," said Doyle, helping him to his
feet.

Angel didn't say anything; he tilted Xander's chin back and drew the
jumper aside to look at the bite mark scarring his neck. 

Spike slapped the older vampire's hand away. "I only took a little, not
that's any of your business," he muttered.

"You fed off'er him ?" Doyle asked in disbelief.

Spike growled.

Angel interceded quickly. "Not fed, it's ... er...thing...we...sometimes
do..when we..." his voice trailed off.

"I've heard stories," said Doyle. He looked flustered. "I mean, well, you
do, you know. But Jeez."

"Does it bother you ?" Angel asked. His voice was neutral but his eyes
were anxious.

Doyle seemed to consider the question carefully. "No," he said slowly.
"No it doesn't." He stared hard at Spike. "This doesn't mean it's open
season on my neck, mind you."

"Wouldn't touch you with a stick, mate," said Spike, dropping heavily
onto the couch. He reached for his boots and began putting them on.
"So, where've you been ?"

"We had to see someone," said Angel.

Spike glanced up at him. The look on his Sire's face told him he wasn't
going to get any more than that. "Right. You sorted then ?"

Angel sighed and sat down on the chair opposite. "We've been give
some....advice," he explained.

"Which we don't know how to take," added Doyle.

Spike's expression said '*so*, tell me'. Angel did - word for word -
without revealing the source. Spike finished lacing his boots and sat
back, looking thoughtful. "Use what you have," he repeated. "What's that
supposed to mean ?"

Angel shot him an exasperated look. "That's what we're trying to figure
out."

Spike's stare could have cut diamonds. "Well, besides a naff taste in
clothes and nancy hair. You don't have much," he snapped back.

Angel didn't feel up to sparring with his childe, responding with a
simple, "I know." His quiet acquiescence subdued the younger vampire,
who slouched back against the couch. The four of them sat in silence.
After a few minutes Spike got up and wandered through into the kitchen. 


He reappeared a short while later and stood leaning against the wall,
sipping a cup of blood. "There's one thing you do have," he said. 
Three pairs of eyes turned to him expectantly. He shrugged. "I was 
just thinking of your curse."

Angel's eyes narrowed. "Meaning ?"

Spike strolled back into the room and sat down beside his lover.
"Meaning, maybe you should use that." He was met with baffled looks
and he shook his head in annoyance. "You're trying to break this curse
right, knacker part of it ?"

Angel nodded.

"So don't," said Spike. "Use it. Make it stronger. Use the curse to 
wrap your soul so bloody tight nothing will ever prise the soddin' thing
free." 

There was a pause, as each of them thought this through.

Xander was the first to accept that Spike might actually have hit upon
the answer. He was impressed. "The man with the plan," he said,
nudging his lover; Spike acknowledged the praise with a slight smile and
a mocking tilt of his head.

Clasping his hands in front of him, Doyle leaned closer to Angel. "It
hurts to say it, but Blondie might just have something. We tighten the
loopholes in this thing and your soul should stay home for good."

"Use what we have," Angel murmured. He looked up to find the three
waiting on him expectantly. "It could work," he agreed cautiously. "I'll
have to do some checking." He stood up and looked down at his childe.
"I've only worked with the idea of weakening my curse. I should have
thought-"

"-didn't though, did you," Spike cut in boastfully. It wasn't often he out
manoeuvred his Sire in the mojo-stakes.

Angel allowed Spike his moment. "No, I didn't," he admitted. "Thank
you, Will." 

Spike seemed discomforted by the simple gratitude. He mumbled
something unintelligible and buried his nose back in his mug. 

Angel went over to the bookshelf and began browsing through its
ancient, tattered texts. After a few minutes he called out, his attention
still fixed upon the book in his hands. "Spike, come here, I need you to
take a look at this."

"Ask demon-boy, Latin's not my thing," said Spike, draining the last of
the blood from his mug.

"It's not Latin it's Phendoriyan, now get yourself over here," said Angel.
Muttering and grumbling the younger vampire wandered across to join
him. 

Xander turned to Doyle. "Phen what ?" he asked.

"Phendoriyan," said Doyle. "It's a very early demonic language. It
predates any human writing."

"Sounds kinda Gilesey," Xander mused. At Doyle's puzzled look he
explained, "He's a friend back in Sunnydale - he suffers from a sort of
book fetish."

Doyle smiled. "Yeah, Angel seems to have a bit of a that going on."

"Books are good," said Xander. "We research. Giles instructs, Buffy
slays. It's a team event." He saddened. "At least it was before...." His
voice trailed off.

Doyle regarded him sympathetically. "I'm guessing none of them know
you've got something going with Spike ?" 

Xander shook his head. "I couldn't work out how to tell them. I-" he
hesitated "-I was a bit of a jerk when Buffy was dating this guy once.
Plus there's the whole *Spike* thing."

"The 'guy' Buffy was dating, you mean Angel ?" 

Xander was surprised."You know ?"

"We've talked," said Doyle. 

Xander sighed. "I really used to lay into her, ragging on and on about
him being a vampire and stuff. How we couldn't trust him." Xander's
face tightened as he looked toward Angel. "I was wrong," he said softly.

"You cared about her," said Doyle. "You were just looking out for her.
Nothing wrong in that."

Xander snorted. "I was jealous," he corrected. "I had a major crush on
her and all she saw was him. I acted out of spite."

"Don't be so hard on yourself. We all do stuff we're not proud of," said
Doyle gently. "The main thing is you've made amends. You and Angel
are fri-friends," he stumbled slightly over the word, remembering that
Angel had been much more than friendly with this boy. He hurried past
it. "Perhaps you should give Buffy the same chance. She might surprise
you."

Xander laughed a touch bitterly. "I'll be surprised if she doesn't try to
dust Spike on sight."

"Is that likely ?" Doyle asked.

"She's a Slayer, he's a vampire, and then there's that little thing about
them hating each other's guts. I'd say it's pretty much a given," said
Xander.

"Even if she knows you love him ?" 

Xander tried to explain. "Don't get me wrong. Buffy's a really good
friend. I'd trust her with my life - I *have* trusted her with my life.
It's
just she's got this whole 'I know best' attitude going on supernaturally."

Doyle looked alarmed. "Maybe it's best she doesn't find out then."

Xander nodded. "I want to let them know I'm okay though. I thought I'd
write to Willow. We've been close since we were little kids. I owe it to
her to let her know everything's good, but I'm not coming back."

"Never ? What about your folks ?"

Xander grimaced. "We're not exactly close. They won't miss me."

Doyle didn't push. He recognized the look in Xander's eyes. For all his
youthful years this kid had suffered some tough breaks. "So you'll stay in
L.A ?"

"Probably." Xander shrugged. "I guess I'll go where ever Spike goes."

"It must be love," Doyle teased gently.

"Yeah," said Xander smiling as he looked across at his lover. "It is."

"It says *three* times you wanker." Spike's voice rose in annoyance.
"*That* is a three."

"I thought that mark meant it was a five ?"

Spike stabbed the book with his finger. "That's not part of the text. It's
not ink. Bloody scribe probably split his tea on it."

Angel looked uncertain. "I don't know-"

"Fine," Spike snapped. "Don't listen. Just don't come moan'in to me
when your parts turn purple and drop off."

Angel held the book out to him. "Okay, we'll go with your translation."

Spike took it, vaguely mollified. "We'll need some stuff. There's some
pretty fancy ingredients to this."

Doyle stood up. "Write a list. I'll get what yer need."

For once Spike didn't bait him, simply nodding and setting the book
aside while he looked around for something to make notes with. Angel
found him a pen and a pad. Spike sat and began scribbling down what he
needed, pausing now and then to check the translation. 

Doyle peered over his shoulder. "Zusst bile ?" He pulled a face. "I hate
that stuff, it eats through every'ting it touches."

"Except green marble," said Spike testily. "Which is why I've written -
'green marble pestle and mortar' at the top of the list."

"Oh, *that's* what that says," said Doyle.

Spike growled. Angel waved him went back his to writing. Glowering
the younger vampire obeyed. Xander silently thought that Doyle had a
point, Spike's writing was barely legible. He'd seen little kids who made
their letters better. Of course, the only time Spike had probably ever
been in school was when he'd gate crashed Sunnydale High's teacher-
parent evening, with a mind to dining out. 

Spike finished his list and tore of the sheet. "Here." He handed it to
Doyle with a warning. "You're gonna need pure Burrel blood, the good
stuff. None of that diluted crap."

"Got it," said Doyle. He scanned down the list. "How many mice d'yer
need ?"

"A round dozen should do it," said Spike.

Xander looked back and forth between the two. "*Mice ?*"

Part Twenty  

Less than three hours later, a restless Angel wandered through into the
kitchen. The dictates of the spell meant he was unable to handle any of
the ingredients and he hated standing around doing nothing. He found
Xander chopping mice entrails. The boy's face was screwed up in
disgust; nevertheless he was performing his allotted task admirably -
neatly slicing and dicing, before dropping the slimy pieces into a small
bowl.

He looked up as Angel entered. "This," he announced, flicking a bit of
sticky entrail off his finger, "is gross." 

Angel couldn't disagree. "Are you okay with it ?" he asked.

Xander scraped up some more straggly ends of flesh. "Hmm ?" he
murmured distractedly. "What ? Oh, yeah, sure. I've got it." He
continued chopping. After a few minutes he looked up again. "Can I ask
you something ?"

Angel nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

Brown eyes studied him seriously. "Okay. It's just, well...I understand
how you felt - about deserving the curse and not wanting to risk losing
your soul for good, but-"

"-why am I willing to risk this for Doyle when I wouldn't for Buffy ?"
Angel finished.

Xander flushed. "Yeah, that's pretty much it."

Angel hesitated. There was no hostility in Xander's tone; the question
clearly came out of friendship and loyalty to Buffy. Angel wondered
how he could possibly explain. "It's not because I didn't love her," he
began "There were just other...factors involved." It wasn't much of an
answer and Angel was surprised when Xander nodded understandingly.

"I guess her being the Slayer meant it was never gonna work between
you two."

Taken aback again by Xander's insightfulness, Angel didn't answer.

Xander poked his knife into the wooden chopping board. Keeping his
eyes averted he spoke quietly. "I just wanted you to know, I hope this
works." He looked up. "I mean, I'm sure it will," he added hastily. "I...I
just *really hope* it does." He looked away again.

Angel realised Xander was trying to offer his blessing. It meant a lot, but
Angel didn't know quite how to answer. This serious side to Xander
Harris still caught him off guard occasionally. He settled for reaching
out and gently squeezing the boy's shoulder.

Xander gave him a slightly wobbly smile and then drew in a sharp
breath. "Okay, I think I'm ready to take Spike his yummy mouse guts."
He wiped his fingers *very* thoroughly on a cloth, and picked up the
bowl, wrinkling his nose at the contents. His eyes widened. "You don't
have to eat this do you ?"

Angel laughed softly. "No."

Xander looked relieved. "Good, because that would be *way* beyond
gross."

They went into the next room. The furniture had already been pushed
back to the walls in preparation. Weapons and pictures had been taken
down; breakables had been removed. Spike and Doyle were sat, cross-
legged, in the middle of the floor. Spike was very precisely measuring
out the ingredients, while Doyle ground them up into a thick, gritty
paste.

"Your mouse parts, sir," said Xander handing Spike the bowl.

Spike looked at them approvingly and put the bowl next to Doyle. "Add
them before the Burrel blood. You'll have to watch 'cos it'll probably fizz
up a bit. Don't let it get on you or Angel'll have more holes than he
needs."

Doyle gave the vampire a tight, annoyed smile and carried on crushing
the mixture.

"How's it coming ?" Angel asked. His attempt at nonchalance was
slightly spoiled by his ram-rod posture and clenched jaw.

Spike was much better at feigning indifference. With a vaguely bored
expression he watched Doyle add the last ingredient, then he took the
bowl, examined the mixture, and got to his feet. "It's done. You ready
now ? 'Cos this stuff will go off real quick."

Angel stepped forward. "I'm ready. Let's get on with it." He took to the
centre of the floor. His hand brushed Doyle's lightly as the young man
moved past him. 

Xander watched Doyle's step falter at the contact and then quicken. The
half-demon joined him at the far side of the room. Doyle's misery was
tangible and Xander felt his own heart twist in sympathy. He couldn't
find the words to offer comfort so he stepped closer, giving what support
he could. Doyle leaned toward him and Xander put an arm around the
young man's slender shoulders.

Angel stood, hands held stiffly by his sides, while Spike slowly walked
around him. The younger vampire was very carefully sprinkling a
silvery-white powder in a metre wide circle around Angel's feet. Xander
knew this wasn't part of the spell; it was a security measure. Angel
couldn't cross outside the circle once Spike began, unless one of them
broke it. 

If Angelus did make an appearance this evening, he wasn't going
anywhere.

Unwillingly, Xander found his gaze drawn toward the slender wooden
stake lying on the floor behind his lover. His chest tightened. He knew
he had given his word; he also knew he wasn't at all certain he could
keep it. Five days of passion were burned into his memory. The
tenderness Angel had shown, the care he had taken, the touch of his
hands, the feel of his skin, the taste of his lips....

From disastrous beginnings a surprisingly strong friendship had been
forged. He didn't want to lose it now. Tears pricked his eyes and he
blinked them away angrily. As hard as this was for him he knew it was
countless times harder for the rooms other occupants. 

Xander hadn't missed the way his lover's hands had trembled when
Spike had taken the bowl, and as for Doyle - the young man's heart was
being torn to pieces by all this and it showed. Xander kept his arm
around the slender, shaking shoulders. His other hand formed a fist,
fingers furled, the nails cutting crescent moons into his skin. 

The pain was good, it cleared his mind, brought everything back into
focus. Xander drew in a ragged breath and realised if this went wrong,
*he* would have to be the one to destroy Angelus. 

Doyle was out of the question and Xander wasn't prepared to let Spike
suffer the agony of killing his Sire. He still only had the vaguest inkling
of what the Sire/childe thing was all about, but he knew its importance
to his lover. 

Xander kept his gaze pinned upon Spike, as though he could project his
strength and support across the room. No matter what the out come,
Spike needed him and Xander knew he had to ready. 

The blond vampire set aside the bottle of powder and picked up the
book, still cradling the marble mortar against his chest. Standing before
Angel, he gave his Sire a deeply worried look, the older vampire smiled
reassuringly and nodded. Spike began to chant. 

To Xander's ears the words sounded like they were being spoken
backwards at half-speed. Spike's voice had a faint tremor to it that he
was pretty sure wasn't part of the script. Spike was scared - and that
made Xander terrified. 

At first nothing happened. Then Xander felt the hairs on his arms and
the back of his neck begin to prickle. He tried to swallow but couldn't
summon the saliva. He glanced at Doyle and gasped as a gust of icy
wind suddenly seemed to blow into the room. The lamps along the wall
flickered and shattered, spraying them in broken glass; leaving the room
lit by the light from the kitchen. 

Xander ducked involuntarily as the 'wind' seemed to travel right over his
head. Doyle dived with him and the two exchanged wide-eyed, startled
looks. Then it was gone and they stood up again slowly. Spike was still
chanting, his expression strained, his features bathed in a brilliant blue-
white light. The light encircled Angel, mist-like tendrils wrapped around
his body. Angel was gasping, his face contorted in obvious agony. 

Doyle started forward; Xander pulled him back even as the half-demon 
stopped himself. They both knew there was nothing they could do.

Angel gave a choked sob and fell to his knees. Spike stood over him,
eyes narrowed with fear and sorrow. The younger vampire felt his Sire's
pain as keenly as if it were his own and he struggled to go on. As Angel
writhed in agony at his feet Spike chanted, his voice rising as he forced
out the final few passages. At last he was done. He flung the book aside
and dropped down beside his Sire.

With the last word of the spell the mist retreated; disappearing into the
air around them with a final icy blast. Angel was doubled over, his head
almost touching the floor. Doyle and Xander rushed forward, Spike
pushed them back. "Wait," he ordered, his voice rough with emotion.

Green eyes were bright with tears. "A-Angel ?" Doyle whispered, a
world of hope in one word.

Angel raised his head, slowly, painfully.

Xander tensed, his fingers instinctively reached out and grabbed Spike's
shoulder.

Spike looked carefully into his Sire's face. A concerned smile cut across
his weary features. "You all right, peaches ?"

That told the others all they needed. Angel was still in residence. 

So had the spell worked ?

Part Twenty-One  

Spike broke the circle and helped Angel to his feet. The dark haired
vampire swayed alarmingly. Doyle and Xander were by him in a
heartbeat; supporting him at either side, they guided him over to the
couch. He sank down onto it gratefully. 

Angel's normally pallid complexion was bone-white; even his lips
seemed bleached of colour, compressed into a thin, tight line.

"You all right ?" Spike repeated.

Angel nodded weakly. "I....I'm good," he assured them - sounding
anything but. He reached for Doyle, who grabbed his hand and sat
beside him.

Xander voiced the question they were all wondering. "How do we know
if it worked ?"

"Demon-boy 'ere, gives him a good hard shag," said Spike crudely. 
Xander punched him on the arm. Angel and Doyle glared. Spike glared
back. "What ? It'd work."

Angel's scowl settled into an uneasy frown. 

Doyle cleared his throat. "Maybe....maybe he's right....I mean, at least
we'd be sure...." His voice trailed off awkwardly.

Angel shook his head. "No." Seeing Doyle's expression he hastily added,
"Not because I don't want to. I do. You've no idea how much. But it's too
risky. If this hasn't worked and I lose my soul." He left unsaid what the
undoubtedly unpleasant outcome would be.

Spike smiled slyly. "I could always stay and supervise," he suggested.
"Or, you could put some of them chains you've got hangin' about to good
use."

Three pairs of eyes fixed on him. Xander's were wide and alarmed.
"Chains ?"

Spike addressed his lover. "No need to be so nervy, pet. I mean, think
about it. It's bloody obvious. We chain brood-boy to the bed, the mick
gives him a good going over. If it works fine; if it doesn't-"

"-I'm incapacitated," Angel finished. He looked thoughtful.

Spike grinned. "No offence, peaches, but if he's any good you should be
that any way." 

Doyle flushed. "How's this gonna work ?" he asked.

Spike cocked an eyebrow at him. "If you have to ask, mate. You might
be snuggling up to the wrong honey."

"Will !"

Doyle's flush deepened. "I can manage just fine thanks, *mate*. I meant,
what's the plan ? How are we gonna do this ?" He glanced at Angel. "Are
we going to do this ?"

Angel hesitated, and then nodded - they shared a shy, hopeful smile.

Spike smirked. "It's straightforward enough. Peaches gets his kit off.
Xander and I will do the honours with the chains. You just go make
yourself nice."

"Why do you get to chain him up ?" Doyle demanded without thinking.
"I...I mean..." He floundered, and eventually settled for glaring in
annoyance at the blond vampire.

Spike's smirk widened. "Because I know what I'm doin'," he looked 
at Xander and his smile became seductive, "and he's learnin' the ropes,
so-to-speak. Aren't you, pet."

"Uh huh," said Xander, not sure if he should be turned-on or terrified.

***************************************************

Xander handed Spike the second manacle and watched as his lover
expertly locked it around Angel's wrist before fastening the other end to
the metal ring embedded in the wall. The older vampire had looked
faintly embarrassed when Spike had pulled the bed forward to reveal the
heavy iron rings concealed by the bedstead. 

Spike had just grinned knowingly. In a stage whisper he'd confided that
since he and Angel had become 're-acquainted, they'd spent a fair
amount of time re-establishing the boundaries of their relationship.
Xander could only guess what that meant. Judging by the ease with
which Spike chained Angel to the bed, vampire sex clearly had more
facets than even his fevered imagination had conceived.

Spike double checked the chains and cuffs were secure. Angel's wrists
were locked tightly above his head, his arms extended. It didn't look that
comfortable to Xander, but Angel didn't seem to mind. The rest of the
vampire's body was unfettered.....and perfectly nude. Xander was having
trouble not staring. He was both disappointed and grateful when Spike
pulled up the tapestry bedcover.

"Comfy ?" Spike asked.

Angel tested the pull of the chains. "Fine," he responded curtly.

Spike nodded. "Well have fun, peaches." The younger vampire turned
away and then hesitated. Suddenly he turned back - darting forward to
drop a quick kiss upon his Sire's startled lips. He pulled back again but
only for a moment, returning almost immediately to plunder Angel's
mouth with second, fiercely desperate kiss. 

Xander saw Angel's fingers stretch out helplessly and knew the vampire
ached to hold his childe.

Abruptly Spike tore away. Turning on his heels he marched past Xander
without a word and left the room. Xander saw the anguish on his lover's
face and part of him instinctively wanted to follow; however he hung
back, needing to say his own goodbyes.

Up until this point it had been a case of - 'so far, so good'. This was
different; this was the final step. Spike had quietly told him since they'd
tampered with the original curse it would be unlikely to take effect again
should the worst happen. i.e. if Angel's soul slipped free of its shackles
now it wasn't going to hurry back. 

Xander took an uncertain step forward. It made him uncomfortable 
to witness Angel laid out like this, bound and vulnerable. The chink 
of chains as the vampire shifted slightly made him shiver. Angel's dark
eyes pulled him across the room and he sat down gingerly on the edge of
the bed. Angel offered him a wan smile; Xander responded with an even
fainter one. He ducked his head and began to fiddle unconsciously with
the hem of his shirt.

"Take care of them for me ?" Angel asked softly.

Xander's composure cracked. Tears welled up, burning his eyes and
clogging his throat. He raised his head and the tears fell - fat droplets
trickling hotly down his cheeks. He scrubbed at them harshly with his
sleeve. "I...I promise," he said hoarsely. "Angel...I...I.."

"Sssh," Angel soothed. "Sssh. It's okay, Xander."

Xander nodded, tears still blurring his vision. He lay forward and
wrapped his arms around the vampire's shoulders. There was a terrible
finality to all of this. He was ashamed at losing control but the stress of
the past two days had left him ragged. Angel's skin was marble smooth
against his cheek. He turned his head and pressed his lips to it, breathing
in the scent of the vampire's body, trying to store it away in his memory.
He cursed his own morbidity, but couldn't fault it. Born and raised on a
Hellmouth, he'd learned to expect the worst.

Eventually he pulled back. He wiped his face with his palm, feeling the
sticky salt of tears. He sniffled loudly. A blush swept his cheeks and he
stood up quickly. "I'd better go," he croaked. Angel merely nodded, but
Xander could see the vampire's eyes were bright. He moved toward the
door. As he reached it Angel called after him.

"Xander."

He turned back. Angel didn't say anything, his expression spoke for him.
Xander gave a terse nod and left before he lost it totally.

Part Twenty-Two  

When Angel had staggered to his feet and declared his intention to take
a shower, Doyle had occupied himself shifting furniture and sweeping
up the broken glass. He'd avoided looking at Spike and Xander as the
pair rooted thought a trunk full of chains and various 'tie me up, tie me
down' regalia. He had however, sneaked a glance at Angel when the
vampire exited the bathroom - gorgeously resplendent in a deep red bath
robe.

He'd waited until the trio retreated into the bedroom, then he'd made a
break for the bathroom facilities. He'd stripped and showered
mechanically, too nervous to take any pleasure in the piping hot spray.
Unhappy at the prospect of encountering Spike without his pants, 
Doyle dressed again afterwards, but discarded his shoes and underwear.

Wandering back through into the main room he'd paced up and down
before settling on the couch. He silently berated himself for behaving
like some skittish virgin. Okay, so maybe some of this was a little new -
he'd never had to worry about the possibility of his lover turning evil
after the act before - but it wasn't like it was the first time he'd ever
slept
with a guy.

Coming to L.A after things fell apart with Harry had opened his eyes,
and his mind, to a lot of things. Then he'd been full of questions - who
was he, *what* was he. He'd more or less stumbled across the answers.
Haunting the various underground clubs and bars had brought him into
contact with a strange, twilight world and the creatures that moved
within it. He'd taken chances, risks, accepted invitations. Sex in the arms
of a stranger was a shallow comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.

Course, he hadn't done that sort of thing for a while now. Not since this
vision thing had descended on him and he'd found himself trailing a lone
vampire back to it's lair. He still cringed at the memory of their first
meeting, Angel stand-offish and snappy, him blathering like an idiot.
The desire for a drink had consumed him the instant Angel had turned
around...and he'd found himself confronted by a demon with the face of
a seraph.

Doyle swirled his tongue around his dry mouth and wondered if a little
sip of something now might be a good idea. He slammed back the
thought as soon as it escaped. *NO*. There was no way he was going 
into that room smelling of drink. He didn't want Angel thinking he
needed to get liquored up to do this.

He looked up as a sudden movement caught his eye. It was Spike,
storming out of the bedroom with a face like thunder. Doyle's stomach
dropped - what was wrong ? The vampire barely spared him a glance as
he stalked past.

"I'll be on the roof, send the boy up when he comes out."

Doyle blinked but nodded. Spike was gone before his dazed brain could
formulate an answer. A minute or so later Xander appeared, his face
somewhat pink and blotchy, tear tracks stained his cheeks. Doyle stood
up, and almost fell back down as his legs trembled. "You all right ?" he
managed to ask. Xander gave him a wobbly smile and a quick nod.
"Spike went up onto the roof, he says you're to go up." 

Another quick nod and Xander turned to leave; he hesitated, dark brown
eyes searching Doyle's face. "Doyle, I..." he began. Then he stopped,
stumbling forward he enfolded Doyle in a brief, tight hug. Doyle
recovered from his initial shock wrap his arms around the boy and return
it. When Xander stepped back his face was even pinker than before. He
gave a small, embarrassed smile and hurried past, disappearing up the
stairs to the roof.

Doyle watched him go and then looked toward the bedroom. The door
was open, he could just make out the end of the bed, lit by the warm
glow of a lamp. Mood lighting. He smothered a half hysterical giggle
and began to walk forward. Each step seemed to take unreasonable
effort. This was what he'd wanted for so long, a fantasy he thought could
never happen, now he was afraid his nerve would fail him. Part of him
wanted to run. Fortunately the bigger part of him wanted to stay.

He had no doubts regarding his feelings. He'd told Angel he loved him,
and that was certainly true. However, there was more at stake here than
emotional exploration. If this all went right he would be the happiest
half-demon on the planet - *any* planet. If this went wrong.....? 

Doyle tried to push that thought out of his head. He wasn't going to be
able to do this if his mind was entertaining the possibility of losing
Angel forever.

Another shaky step took him across the threshold. Keeping his eyes
averted from the bed and its occupant, he closed the door. Drawing in a
deep breath, Doyle slowly turned around...and the ability to think of
anything at all momentarily deserted him.

Angel lay, bathed in the honey-glow of the lamp, his body concealed by
the tapestry bedspread. Doyle traced the form beneath the blanket with
wide green eyes. Following the outline of long, muscular legs and a lean,
hard torso. His breath caught when he reached the powerful arms and
shoulders that were stretched taut above the vampire's head. As he
continued to work his way up Angel's body their gazes met. Doyle
briefly registered deep brown eyes - then he blinked sharply and turned
away. 

He walked over to the tall chest of drawers and tried to kick start his
brain into functioning. Unfortunately, his blood supply seemed to have
travelled South for the evening. Quelling the urge to tear open the door
and run, he began to undo the buttons of his shirt. His fingers fumbled
the task and he stopped and stood, trying to calm the frantic beating of
his heart.

"Doyle."

The ghosted whisper brushed over his body like a caress and he was
unable to do anything but turn toward it.

Angel's expression held both fear and serenity. His features calm, his
eyes afraid. Doyle felt a pang, realising the vampire could detect the
wild pounding in his chest and the scent of panic clinging to his skin. He
crossed the room - his eyes asking permission to sit down on the bed.
Angel granted it with the tiniest of nods and Doyle sat.

He glanced nervously at the chains. "You know, I thought maybe we'd
wait a couple of dates before getting into the fun stuff." He offered up a
shaky smile with his words, to show he was teasing.

Angel smiled back slightly. Then his expression tightened. "Have you..."
His voice trailed off.

Doyle finished the sentence for him. "Have I ever made out with a male
vampire while he was manacled to his own bed ?" He grinned bashfully.
"That would be a no."

Angel looked concerned.

"But not to worry here," said Doyle. "I may not have the chains part
down pat, but I get the rest."

A surprised blink.

"What ? You thought I'd never..." Doyle gave a half-shrug.

Angel squirmed a little. "I...I wasn't sure. I mean I knew you'd...with
women...but I've never-" he lowered his eyes and his voice "-I've never
smelt another man on you."

It was Doyle's turn to be surprised. "You tried to check ?"

"No !" said Angel quickly. Then he looked guilty. "Not....exactly..."

Doyle's smile widened. "Ease up on the guilt. I'm not mad. It's kinda
flattering."

"It is ?"

"Yeah."

Pleased and relieved, they shared semi-shy, foolish grins. 

Doyle's expression suddenly turned serious. Without a word he slowly
raised his hand and stroked his fingers lightly down the vampire's cheek.
Angel closed his eyes and shuddered. Doyle drew his hand back and
dark eyes re-opened warily.

Doyle's gaze was wondrous. "You are so beautiful," he murmured. He
realised what he'd said and flushed, but had no desire to draw back the
words that had slipped out unthinkingly.

"So are you," said Angel quietly.

It was on the tip of Doyle's tongue to make some joky comment, but
then he looked at Angel and saw the truth in the vampire's steady gaze.
He took another deep breath. "Think maybe I could get a continuation of
that kiss we started ?" he asked nervously.

"Please," said Angel, his voice held the taint of desperation.

Doyle leaned forward slowly. He kept his eyes open, watching Angel,
until the moment their lips touched. Then he was lost and they drifted
closed as he fell blindly into the kiss. Angel's lips parted gently,
allowing him to steal between them, stroking his tongue around the
cool moisture of the vampire's mouth. He demanded more, the kiss
growing urgent as he forcefully took what he'd wanted for so long. Angel
first surrendered and then responded with his own fierce need, crushing
Doyle's lips with near bruising force.

Dizzy with longing, Doyle had to pull away finally to take a breath.
"Hmmzt," he mumbled as he licked his lips, tasting Angel on them. Oh
god, he was ready to come from one kiss. Muzzily he looked at Angel,
who was straining against his chains, eyes wide and lust filled. Fears and
reservations were forgotten, Doyle sat back and pulled his shirt over his
head. He heard Angel's soft little whimper and grinned.

"So," he whispered teasingly. "How we gonna do this ?" He stood up and
began to unbutton his pants. Angel watched him raptly. Doyle felt a faint
flicker of embarrassment as he stood nude before the vampire, but it
vanished with the look of longing in Angel's eyes. He reached for the
edge of the bedcover. "Can I ?" Somehow it felt right to ask.

Angel nodded wordlessly.

Doyle took hold of the cover and carefully drew it back, draping it
across the bottom bedstead. He looked up and his mouth went dry. "Oh,"
was the most intelligent thing that he could come up with. Suddenly
other parts of him were taking over and it was getting harder and harder
to think. 

"Doyle." From somewhere far off sounding, a breathy voice called his
name. "Doyle, please."

Doyle snapped out of his daze and responded to Angel's plea, sitting
back down on the bed. The skin of his thigh brushed Angel's body,
sending tingling sensations down his leg and up his torso. <*Oh god*>
He reached out and let his fingers stroke across the smooth, hard curve
of Angel's belly. The muscles jumped and twitched beneath his touch.
He placed the flat of his hand upon the vampire and stroked upwards;
along lean flanks toward well defined pectorals. A pale pink nipple
beckoned him and he rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger.

Angel arched up groaning. The response sent a trigger of desire rushing
to Doyle's groin, so he did it again, teasing the hard bud until Angel
writhed and whimpered. Doyle released the nipple, but only in order to
lower his mouth to it.

"Doyle !"

He suppressed a smile and swirled his tongue around the stiff little point
before drawing it between his lips - suckling hard. The taste of Angel
demanded more of his attention and he ceased suckling to lathe his
tongue wetly across the vampire's chest. Angel was gasping and
moaning. Occasionally Doyle caught his name amongst the wordless
utterances - it fuelled the fire raging beneath his skin.

The contact they had was suddenly no where near enough and he raised
himself up to straddle Angel's body. They both groaned loudly as at last
they lay skin to skin. Doyle rubbed himself across the vampire and
almost came on the spot. He held himself still for a moment, trying to
take back some measure of control. 

"D-Doyle..."

He raised his head. Angel was looking at him, dark eyes desperate and
near black with desire.

"Kiss me," the vampire hissed.

Doyle obeyed without hesitation, plundering Angel's mouth even as the
vampire launched his own ardent assault. Their bodies began to move
together, following a timeless rhythm. Doyle broke the kiss.

"Wha-?"

"Hssh." Doyle pressed his fingers to Angel's swollen lips. "I need
some'ting." He reached down to the floor and felt under the bed. He'd
glared at Spike earlier, when the younger vampire had told him what
he'd put there - now Doyle was prepared to promise Spike the unborn
sons he'd never have. He felt around blindly until his fingers connected
with the smooth chill of glass. He sat back up, holding a small vial of
oil. 

Angel's eyes widened. The vampire licked his lips feverishly, several
times, before he spoke. "D-Doyle..you don't have to-"

Doyle shut him up with a kiss. "Do yer want ta ?" he asked.

A wordless nod.

"So do I, so shut up." Doyle smiled. Wiggling back he sat on Angel's
thighs; the vampire's hard flesh brushed his buttocks as he moved and
they both paused a moment to collect themselves. Breathing hard, Doyle
uncorked the oil and poured a generous amount onto his hand. "Okay,"
he teased, "think pure thoughts." He wrapped his fingers around the rigid
length that strained toward him. 

Angel swore and slammed his head against the pillows. The muscles in
his neck and shoulders stood out in sharp relief as he battled for control.

He wasn't alone in his struggle. The feel of Angel's hard member sliding
slickly through his oiled fingers was leaving Doyle short of breath.
Dizzily he leaned forward and flicked his tongue across the slit, tasting
oil and bitter-sweet precum.

"*Oh god*, Doyle. Don't," Angel pleaded. Clearly the vampire was way
too close to the edge to take it.

Doyle sat back. There would be time to explore other avenues later...he
hoped. Such thoughts had no place here and now, and he dismissed them
brutally. Taking another palm full of oil he worked it over his fingers
and readied himself. Angel watched him silently. The vampire's lips had
furled back slightly, panting - gasping for air he didn't need.

Doyle didn't prolong the moment. They were both too close. Kneeling up
he shuffled forward and brought them both into position, he took a deep
breath, steadying himself for the initial pain and willed himself to relax.
Then slowly he lowered his body onto Angel's slick erection. The oil
soothed its passage, but it had been a while, and he winced as the thick
length breached the tight muscle. Pain washed outwards in ripples, he
gripped Angel's body fiercely, hard enough to leave bruises in the marble
flesh.

Then the pain began to fade, a deep intense heat stealing it away. The
feeling of being stretched and filled was overpowering and he closed his
eyes. When finally he was flush with Angel's groin, he re-opened them.
He regarded the vampire with a heavy lidded green gaze. 

"I want to touch you," said Angel, pulling helplessly on his chain.

Doyle moved, letting Angel feel the tightness that held him. "You are,"
he whispered. "Feel me ?"

Angel let out a soft moan. "Yesss." He pushed upward with his hips,
driving himself into the snug channel.

Doyle gave a sharp gasp. "Yeah," he breathed. "Just like that."

They began to move together, their gazes locked. The tempo built
between them and Doyle felt his control slipping. <*No*> He fought it
desperately. Then he watched as Angel's face shimmered and he found
himself tumbling into wide gold eyes. He understood. His own half
nature surfaced - the small spines scattering his face and shoulders. The
rest of his skin flushed blue and with a sharp cry he came, his seed
spurting out across Angel's chest.

Angel continued to buck upward, then with a deep growl he reached his
own release, his cold seed flooding the body of his lover.

Doyle stayed, panting as he gathered his breath. With a little shudder 
he shed his demonic visage and sank down across the vampire's chest.
He lay there for a moment, before whispering, "Angel ?" He froze as he
waited for the reply.

"Still here," a soft voice whispered.

Doyle forced himself to lift his head. Angel was still vampiric but the
golden gaze was gentle. As he watched the features shifted and he found
himself staring into dark eyes, wet with tears. "Maybe...Maybe it wasn't
'perfect' enough ?" he asked, only part joking.

Angel shook his head. A silver tear slipped down his cheek. "It was
perfect," he whispered.

Doyle held him as he wept; his own tears scalding the vampire's skin. 

It had worked.

Part Twenty-Three  

Xander found his lover sitting on the low wall surrounding the rooftop.
He walked over. "You okay ?" he asked quietly.

Spike took a long tug on his cigarette and then flicked it away. "Fine," 
he replied breezily. He swung his legs around to face Xander. "They at
it yet ?"

"I don't know," said Xander awkwardly. "Should we...erm...go back
down ?"

"What, and sit moping about listening to them bump and grind ? Not
bloody likely." Spike hopped down off the wall; his blue eyes gleamed
speculatively. "Me and you are gonna have a little fun of our own." He
drew something out of his duster pocket.

Xander's eyes widened as the moonlight caught a glint of metal.
"Handcuffs ? !"

"I thought we'd start small," said Spike. He looked around him until his
gaze focused on something behind Xander. "Go and stand against that
wall," he instructed.

Xander glanced over his shoulder at the small, square roof opening.
Numbly he walked over to it.

"Shuffle along a bit," said Spike, waving his arm to the right. The
handcuffs jangled in his grasp. 

Xander swallowed hard and stepped sideways until Spike held up his
hand.

"Woah." The vampire strolled up. "Perfect," he announced. "Now, arms
up, pet."

Wide-eyed gaze rivetted on his lover, Xander mutely raised his arms.
Spike reached up and snapped one bracelet around his left wrist. Xander
shivered as the cold metal embraced his skin. The vampire threaded the
cuffs around the pipe above his head and then clicked the other bracelet
shut round his right wrist.

Spike stepped back to survey his handiwork. "Hmm, nice," he purred.
Smirking appreciatively he ran his fingers down the buttons of Xander's
shirt. "Maybe you're a tad overdressed though, eh."

Before Xander could blink, Spike withdrew a switch blade - seemingly
from nowhere. He let out and undignified squeak. "Hey ! Wa-wait a
minute. What are you gonna do with that ?" Spike tipped the blade back
and forth. Xander's eyes followed it hypnotically.

"Don't worry, luv," said Spike reassuringly. "I'm just going to loosen
your clothes a bit," 

Xander was far from reassured. "Angel's clothes remember ! Angel's
clothes." His warning was met with an indifferent shrug. 

"Peaches, won't care."

Xander thought it was more likely a case of Spike not caring, but he
wasn't exactly in a position to argue - and he guessed that was pretty
much the point. He flinched back automatically when the blade
skimmed his shirt and then held his breath as it nicked off the bottom
button. "S-shouldn't we have a safe word ?" he asked hoarsely.

Spike looked amused. However his tone was serious as he asked, "Do
you want to feel safe ?"

Xander wet his lips. "No," he admitted honestly.

Spike's smile grew positively predatory. "Good," he said. Then he went
back to his task. Buttons fell like loose change with each careful flick of
the knife, pinging onto the flat roof and rolling away. Spike held one
half of the shirt open with the point of his blade. His eyes roamed across
Xander's bare chest.

<Touch me. Please touch me> Xander begged silently. As though
answering his unspoken plea, Spike reached out and stroked cold
fingers across his belly, moving up to wander casually across his chest.
Part of Xander's anatomy twitched in anticipation. He sucked in a sharp
breath when Spike retraced the same path with the point of the knife.
The vampire teased his skin with the blade. It was cold, but didn't cut~

~until Spike drew level with his left nipple. Then Xander felt a short
stab of pain and a thick, scarlet droplet welled up to kiss the knife.
Xander whimpered softly. The sound became a breathy moan as Spike
leaned in and swept the droplet away with a quick flick of his tongue.
Blue-gold eyes, smoky with desire, rose to meet dazed brown orbs. 

"Sweet, pet," Spike murmured. "You're so sweet." The vampire kissed
Xander tenderly, sucking gently on the boy's full bottom lip. When he
pulled away his face shimmered; ridges formed in sharp relief around
wide golden eyes. 

Xander stretched forward, wordlessly pleading for another kiss. Spike
granted the request. As they kissed, needle sharp fangs broke the delicate
skin of his lips. Rich coppery heat flooded his mouth. Spike lathed his
tongue across the tiny puncture wounds and then withdrew. Xander
murmured in protest and Spike hushed him.

"Sssh. Patience, pet."

Cold lips ghosted across his torso and fastened themselves around a
turgid nipple, drawing on it almost painfully. Xander closed his eyes and
arched up onto the balls of his feet. Fangs scratched the sensitized skin.
"Oh gods."

Spike responding to his cry by moving away from his nipple, sliding
sinuously down his body to crouch in front of him. The knife flashed and
the buttons of his pants danced across the roof. Xander opened his eyes
as the cold night air struck his skin. Spike tugged the pants down around
his ankles and nuzzled the black silk boxers (also Angel's), mouthing the
outline of his erection through the cloth.

Xander bit down hard on his cut lip, letting the sharp pain take the edge
off his arousal.

The switchblade made short work of his underwear and scraps of black
silk fluttered down like moths, settling silently at his feet. Xander was
hard and ready - if a little nervous. Spike gripped his thighs and licked
his belly, running a line of kisses down toward his groin. Then the
vampire placed a long, slow, wet lick along the length of his erection;
Xander's eyes rolled back and he grabbed at the pipe for support. The
blood had drained out of his hands and his fingers fumbled to hold it.

"Oh...oh...ahh," he murmured feverishly. English suddenly became a
foreign language as Spike deep throated him. He tried to thrust into that
cold, skilled mouth, but fangs grazed the head of his erection, warning
him that Spike was still in the driving seat. Instead he continued to moan
and whimper as the muscles of Spike's throat worked his rigid length,
drawing him closer and closer to his release.

The vampire toyed with him a little, bringing him to the edge and then
leading him away; until finally Xander begged to be allowed to come.
The words spilled from his mouth as nonsensical ravings but Spike
evidently understood. A tongue swept around his erection and then
suckled hard, while long, clever fingers caressed the sac beneath.

Xander came with a shout that rang out across the rooftops; frightening a
slumbering crow. It swept up into the night sky to find a more restful
roost. He sank back trembling against the cold, damp wall. His entire
body felt boneless and bloodless, the cuffs cut into his skin as he hung
from them.

"Easy, easy, pet."

Strong arms lifted him up and supported him. Xander lowered his 
head gratefully onto a leather clad shoulder. "Hmmzzt," he mumbled.
When his heartbeat gradually slowed to a more normal rhythm he 
raised his head to meet Spike's bemused gaze. "That," he managed
breathlessly, "was pretty good." Understatement of the century; his legs
had the standing power of boiled spaghetti.

"So, we can play again ?" Spike asked. The grin was wolfish, but the
eyes held an uncertain edge.

Xander quickly set his lover's mind to rest. "Definitely." He nodded
shakily. "We're ready and willing," he winced, "and one day soon we
will also be able."

Spike immediately looked concerned. "You all right ?" 

"Fine," Xander assured him. "Just feeling in need of a little horizontal
recovery time."

"Huh ?" Comprehension cleared Spike's frown. "Oh, right." The vampire
began to search through his pockets.

Xander watched him anxiously. "Do *not* tell me you don't have the
key to these things."

"Okay," said Spike.

"Okay," Xander repeated slowly. "That means no, right ? You don't have
it ?" His voice rose with alarm.

"Relax, it'll be downstairs somewhere. I'll nip down and look for it."

"Oh no," said Xander quickly. "You are not leaving me up here like
this."

Spike looked thoughtful, then he darted forward and hoisted up Xander's
pants. He stepped back. "Better ?"

"*NO!*" Xander looked around him wild eyed. "What if some sees 
me ?"

"You're on a roof top, pet. No one up here but the birds, and I think we
scared them off earlier."

Xander thought about it. "Okay, but hurry. No stopping off for a smoke
or a quick snack."

Spike saluted sarcastically and strode away.

Xander's pants slithered back down around his ankles and he raised 
his eyes to the night sky. Someone, somewhere was testing him - that
*had* to be it. A noise made him jump. "Spike ?" There was no reply.
He pulled uselessly on the handcuffs; wasn't there some other way of
getting out of these things ? A low growl to his left froze the marrow in
his bones. <Okay, not panicking here. Nope definitely *not* panicking>
Another growl, this time closer. <Okay, panicking. Panicking quite a 
bit.>

He yelped and jumped when something swung in front of his face. It was
a hand. A hand extending from a battered leather sleeve. It held a small
silver key. Xander sagged in relief. Then his mind prodded him sharply -
there was no way Spike would have had time to go downstairs and fetch
the key......Which meant.

"You bastard."

Spike grinned.

Xander tried to look pissed off with his lover. It didn't require too much
effort. "You absolute and total *git*."

Spike tutted gently. "Language, pet."

"Don't 'pet' me you...you...." Words failed him and he settled for
glowering at the vampire.

Spike dangled the key up again. "Maybe you should be nicer, pet."

Xander bit back a retort. He pursed his lips while he reined in his
temper. In truth he was still basking in enough orgasmic after glow to
forgive Spike just about anything. "You're not nice," he said finally.

Spike nodded. "True, but it was my turn to be 'not nice'."

The wheels in Xander's head whirled round at top speed. "So next
time..?"

Spike smiled slyly. "You get to be the bad man."

Xander grinned. "That sounds like a reasonable deal." Spike unlocked
the handcuffs and wrapped an arm around him when his legs wobbled.
As they turned to go back down the stairs he suddenly remembered what
was going on down there. "Do you think-"

Spike cut him off. "They're all right." There was no mistaking the
certainty in his voice.

Xander didn't question how his lover knew. He accepted there were
something's still beyond his understanding. Vampire ways took some
getting used to.

But he was learning.

THE END.