"So how are we going to do this?" Xander asked Wesley. The three men were standing in the living room, ready to practice using their newfound abilities.

"I believe we should start by sitting down and sorting through everything we already know about the Altenalium," Wesley suggested. "That seems considerably more logical than simply attempting to find out on our own through trial-and-error."

"Safer, too," Spike murmured. Xander nodded and flopped down on the sofa. The other two men joined him sitting shoulder-to-shoulder.

"Ah, cozy," Xander said. "So I guess we."

::Relax, close your eyes, and think about the Altenalium,:: Wesley ordered. He began at once and found that it wasn't very difficult at all. As soon as he started to think about the thing, all sorts of images, information and warnings came to mind. It was as if everything all the other holders of the Altenalium had ever thought about had been amassed into one file, all for his benefit. He felt Spike and Xander in the corners of his mind, doing the same thing, playing through memories of successes and failures, trials and practices.

::Remind me to never, ever let you sing along to anything,:: Xander thought. ::'Cause Wes, man, you've got a hell of a voice.::

::I believe we've already established that,:: Wesley said. ::Remember, we've been through much of this information before.::

::But that was just to get enough so that we'd be left alone,:: Spike reminded the others. ::Don't know about you, but I wasn't exactly paying attention to all these hints about how to focus my hearing on the growth rate of Fyarl demon stomach cilia at nine hundred meters.::

::Not sure you should be paying attention to it now,:: Xander replied. ::Because that's just gross.::

::You're the one who gets to watch skin flaking off of people at ten miles,:: Spike shot back. ::And you think the Fyarl thing is disgusting?::

::Could you please focus on the task at hand?:: Wesley inquired. ::For a few minutes, at least? I think we've well-established our sensory abilities. What I am concerned about is learning to channel the raw energy.::

"Yes, dad," Xander muttered, returning to his thoughts.

...

::We're out of milk,:: Xander thought as he realized his stomach was growling. ::And just about everything else too.:: His food supplies were plenty for one, but with three adult mouths to feed it just wasn't enough.

"Then we shall go shopping," Wesley stated. "I believe we can do that."

"And look funny doing it, too," Xander grumbled. "Three guys who never get further from each other than across the aisle?"

"I refuse to live on takeout," Wesley insisted.

"Haven't ever been grocery shopping," Spike murmured. ::Why would anyone care that we shopped together anyway?::

Xander glared at the blonde. ::Just you wait.::

They somehow found shoes and cleanish clothes enough to be presentable and piled into Xander's car. By mutual agreement they stopped by Spike's place, buried underneath the school, and picked up some clothes for him. They also knew they'd have to pick up something for Wesley; the man hadn't packed for an extended visit.

::How am I supposed to work?:: Xander asked the others. ::You two can't just tag along all day. I'm supposed to be supervising all the time.::

"Do you have any personal time coming?" Wesley asked as they parked at the huge discount and grocery store on the outskirts of town.

::I can get maybe a week, two at the most,:: Xander thought. ::But this is a long term thing, and right now I'm the only one of us with an income. Spike's broke, you're permanently non-pensioned from both the Council and Angel.::

::I think we've found something that the others who've been the Altenalium haven't had to deal with,:: Spike told Xander and Wesley. ::Can't find one memory on this one.::

::How to find gainful employment for joined-at-the-hip triads,:: Wesley snorted. ::The ins and outs of group work.::

"Grab a cart," Xander told Wesley as they passed the elderly greeter.

::Produce first,:: Wesley insisted. ::We are not living on frozen pizza and Swanson's dinners.::

Xander shrugged. "Fine, whatever you guys want's fine with me." He followed Wesley down the aisles, watching as Spike retrieved bags and held them open for the ex-Watcher.

"Radishes are looking rather nice," Wesley murmured. "But Xander hates them."

::He likes parsnips fine,:: Spike said, picking up a bunch. ::And I remember them.::

"Yes, Xander, we can get a watermelon," Wesley said over his shoulder. "But not the caramel sauce. Apples are just fine by themselves."

"As if you'd eat tomatoes without salt," Xander shot back. ::You can't stand them without at least a little of the stuff. Look, peaches!::

::That is different,:: Wesley insisted. "And yes, peaches are fine as well."

Spike peered into the lush garden that was the lettuce and cabbage display. He was wondering why anyone would eat something that looked like lichen.

"Because it tastes like weeds and has that classy, stringy look. It's a fad thing, or one of those image issues," Xander replied. He reached around Spike to grab a head of iceberg lettuce. ::Sort of the same reason why people buy that new glow-in-the-dark Gatorade.::

"Which is why we shall be buying milk," Wesley stated. He took the iceberg lettuce from Xander and traded it for Romaine. ::I would rather eat the radicchio than this flavorless plant.::

"Says you who eats porridge," Xander retorted.

Spike saw a movement in the corner of his eye and turned to see an older couple staring at the three of them. The lady was frowning and shaking her head. When she saw Spike watching her, she grabbed her husband and trotted off, talking in a low hiss. "Move, Henry! It's those psychotic homosexual-types. Did you hear them? Completely crazy!"

"What on earth were they talking about? What does radicchio have to do with milk?" Henry asked his wife as they rounded the corner. Spike frowned and let his hearing go back to normal, his impromptu test of his abilities over.

"Spike?" Xander murmured. "Don't let them bother you."

::They didn't hear most of the conversation anyway,:: Wesley added. ::Besides, people expect to see odd strangers in places like this.::

"Right. We're out of bread," Spike replied, starting to push the cart again. Xander and Wesley followed along, content to weird out the other customers as they argued, both mentally and verbally.

::Do we need anything besides food and clothes for Wes?:: Xander asked. ::I think I might need to get more soap and stuff, if we're gonna keep using my place.::

::Yes, that is a good idea,:: Wesley replied as they headed for menswear. There was a brief struggle when Xander and Spike disagreed on whether Wesley should wear bright orange or solid black shirts. Wesley simply grabbed three of the garments in blue, maroon and green, ignoring his bickering companions.

"Personal hygiene, here we come!" Xander cried as they wheeled towards the toiletries. They started down the first aisle, Xander tossing in things as the three men thought of what they needed.

::I need deodorant?:: Spike asked as Xander picked out a stick of the stuff for the blonde.

::You sweat now, Spike. Deodorant is a must.::

"As is a toothbrush and paste," Wesley murmured.

::What kind of razor?:: Xander asked the older man. ::I'm thinking he's got more sensitive skin than we do.::

::Very true,:: Wesley said. ::Here,:: He tossed in a rather nice razor and a package of blades. Xander got a can of shaving gel.

::Dental floss?:: Spike asked. ::You've got that. I saw it.::

"Mine's grape flavored," Xander warned.

"Right. Mint for me, if you will."

Wesley grabbed a box of mint floss as they turned the corner. Xander restocked the shampoo and conditioner while Spike found a tube of hair gel-something he did know a bit about. ::Dove, Zest, Dial, Lever, or what?:: Xander asked when they hit the body soap.

::Dove,:: Wesley replied instantly.

::That's nancy-girl soap,:: Spike protested.

"We'll get unscented," Xander assured him.

"Still girl soap," Spike muttered.

::Spike, Xander's usual soap is why your skin itched this morning. You've got very sensitive skin now; apparently becoming whatever we are brought back some of your human tendencies,:: Wesley explained. ::We may not be truly human now, but you at least are far closer to what you were before you were turned.::

::Bloody hell,:: Spike groused. He'd been a sensitive mess in more ways than one; soft, delicate skin and hair, tender eyes, and an easily upset stomach.

"I'm sure we can swing a bottle of Pepto Bismol," Xander assured the former vampire.

The next aisle turned out to be hair dye. "You need a touch up, blondie?" Xander asked, looking pointedly at Spike's varicolored locks.

Spike tugged self-consciously at an overlong curl. ::Need more than that,:: He muttered silently. ::Put that back, Xander.::

Wesley grinned. ::Oh, I don't know. It might look very nice on you.::

"No," Spike said out loud, drawing the attention of other shoppers. "I'll just get it cut and let it grow out or something."

"Oh, it's a great color for you," A young lady said, butting into their admittedly odd conversation. "With your skin tones? You'll be beating them off with a stick."

Xander frowned fiercely, not liking the idea of people hanging off Spike like that. Then he straightened, wondering why he would care about that at all. ::It's natural to,:: Wesley told Xander. ::You're supposed to.::

::Oh, the Altenalium gets to decide who I care about now? I don't even get a choice; I'm gonna have to feel this way about Spike from now on?::

::You know that isn't true,:: Wesley countered. ::It simply makes your preexisting emotions more salient.::

"I don't think the color's right," Spike said, pointedly ignoring the silent conversation going on next to him.

"Try this one," The girl said, picking up another box. "A bit more dramatic, but better, I think."

Spike frowned. "It's very.there."

She grinned. "That's the point. I'd say you should streak it, but with the blonde-and-dark thing you've got right now, it's gonna streak a lot on its own."

"Maybe I should stick to blonde," He murmured. "This is rather." ::I sound like a bleeding idiot.:: He scowled and tossed the box in the cart. "Damned twinkling nancy boy."

The girl laughed and began to walk away. "Hey, if the shoe fits."

::Can we go now?:: Xander asked. He was suddenly not having a bit of fun.

...

"Alright, let me get this straight," Xander said, ignoring Spike's snigger at the word 'straight.' "You want me to channel energy to move things around the room? This is so Star Wars."

Wesley sighed. "You know this is important, all science fiction references aside. We have access to an incredible amount of power, Xander. It is imperative we learn how to control it."

"By moving furniture?" Xander said dubiously. "It's the only couch I've got."

"It's lumpy," Spike muttered.

"And what are you two going to be doing while *I* do this Karate Kid meets Luke Skywalker, wax on, move couch, these droids are not the ones you're looking for thing?" Xander asked.

"Spike's hair," Wesley retorted with a smirk. "And Spike will work with you while he sits." A sharp glare from the ex-Watcher prevented any verbal comment from the semi-blonde.

"Can we get on with this?" Spike asked irritatedly. He wanted to get his over with, get on with the practice, and maybe get in a

"No, you are not masturbating in my shower!" Xander squawked. The sofa turned and flew sideways about five feet, stopping right alongside Wesley, with about an inch to spare.

"Very nice," Wesley murmured. "Dare I ask what will happen if I consider"

Xander glared. The sofa moved back towards the center of the room. "No, you dare not ask. I don't appreciate being made fun of." The sofa shifted again. "Spike, pick your own furniture." He didn't need pictures of a naked Spike dancing through his head. Now he had equally disturbing pictures of Wesley, in the shower, covered in soap and wet and. suddenly Spike and Wesley were together in the shower and so was he and that wasn't *his* mind and.

"If you do not wish for us to make innuendos, perhaps you shouldn't let your mind wander," Wesley murmured. "You never know where it might end up."

Xander shuddered. He tried to banish the image of them together like that, with limited success. He couldn't even tell which other men had created it. And it kept coming back, glimpses of flesh and "Please stop?"

Wesley relented and thought about hair dye for a while.

::Wish this was just bloody telekinesis,:: Spike thought as he focused on the easy chair. If it was, he could've just focused on lifting or pushing the furniture. Instead, he had to learn how to push the energy he was channeling, like an invisible extension of himself. He could feel the chair, feel it slipping and unbalancing as he tried to lift it. ::Damn it!:: The chair hit the wall with a loud thump. ::Telekinetics don't have to balance things. I read about it once. Why us?:: Wesley laughed at his failed attempts as he shook up a peroxide bottle.

"Hold still," Wesley ordered. He'd mixed the dye and was poised over Spike's head. The man stilled instantly.

"Reconsider?" Spike wasn't sure about this hair thing, but he knew it wasn't really about color. This was his way of letting the others play 'build the human,' even if he wasn't entirely human. They got to explain the potentially embarrassing things like gas and belching and digestion, and body odor-things he'd forgotten about. Yeah, he knew they existed; as a vampire he smelled them much more acutely than a human did. However he wasn't used to dealing with them.

The dye job was also some sort of odd bonding thing. He gave up a bit of who he was, letting Wesley and Xander change him a bit. The color was their mark on him, their 'he's with us' signal. It was also the closest thing Xander would ever do to actually admitting that he looked at Spike, really *looked* at him. Which was odd, considering that Spike knew that already. There were some things they still needed to work on.

"Are you going to move the chair, or do I have to piss in the sink?" Xander growled. Spike jerked; he'd been woolgathering and had left the chair in front of the doorway. The chair slid aside and Xander stomped off to the bathroom. Spike and Wesley immediately stood and followed him.

::What's gotten into him?:: Spike asked Wesley.

The ex-Watcher paused in his dyeing, which he'd managed to continue even as they relocated . ::What were you thinking about?::

"Fuck. Sorry," Spike said. He felt Xander grunt some sort of incomprehensible mental reply. The young man returned, glowering but not as angry as before.

"S'ok," Xander muttered. "Just try not to do that a lot?"

Spike nodded slowly, not disturbing Wesley's ministrations. When the man was done, Spike leaned back and rested his spine against the chair. "I think Wes should work with the pole lamp."

"Yup," Xander agreed. They'd both get a kick out Wesley struggling with the thing. After all, he'd been amused by their efforts. Why couldn't they do the same?

*****
Part 11:

::This is pointless,:: Xander thought as he, Wesley and Spike made yet another pass through downtown Sunnydale. ::There aren't any Vraiyl here; hells there aren't any in the whole town!::

::I tend to agree with you,:: Wesley replied. ::We cannot seem to find even the one that Buffy saw before. It does seem somewhat suspect.::

"An' it's just a matter of time before Angel starts asking for us," Spike muttered. "Sooner once he hears that there aren't any Vraiyl in Sunnydale." They had been the Altenalium for a week now and five days of patrolling had turned up nothing. On the bright side, they'd gotten in a lot of practice and were now considerably more adept at utilizing their skills.

::Can we call it a night?:: Xander asked. ::It's early, but we still haven't figured out what we're going to do about work. :: He'd quit his job without ever going back in; what else could he do? They had enough between the three of them to live for a while, but unless someone stumbled upon a sudden windfall, they were going to be scraping by before long.

::We aren't having much luck, are we?:: Wesley thought. ::I agree; we should go home.:: Spike nodded and followed the others. He was more than happy to get off the streets.

The trip back to Xander's apartment was uneventful, save for the few unlucky vampires Wesley dusted with his voice as they walked by. "What's for dinner?" Xander inquired. "The Chinese place is still open."

::Mu shu,:: Spike thought reverently. ::Plum sauce.::

Wesley grinned, still amused by the former vampire's newfound addiction to food. "I am amenable."

The Chinese restaurant never knew what hit them. Xander ordered enough food for a dozen people, saying that it kept well and was good for breakfast. Spike agreed heartily.

...

"So I'm guessing that the wonderful world of fast food is out," Xander said around a mouthful of sesame chicken. He tapped his chopsticks against a paper box, testing to see if there was anything left in it.

::Manners,:: Wesley thought. ::Don't speak out loud with your mouth full.::

::Sorry, Dad,:: Xander muttered silently. ::So, no McDonald's. How about newspaper delivery?::

::A bit odd, three men in one car, hmm?:: Spike replied. He was on his second box of mu shu shrimp, and was still relishing every bite.

::Janitorial work?:: Xander thought hopefully. ::Or maybe stocking shelves?::

::I would prefer a job that.:: Wesley began cautiously.

::Paid better and wasn't so bloody demeaning:: Spike finished. ::We know that's what you're used to,:: He continued, ::But three of us aren't going to do well at Taco Bell.::

Xander scowled. ::Yeah, well you two have those dandy college educations, even if Spike's is a bit dusty. I'm the Zeppo.::

::We've discussed that,:: Wesley growled mentally. ::You have far more talent than that.::

::For getting fired,:: Xander shot back. ::And when I finally find something I do like, I have to quit because I can't drag my new best buddies with me!::

::I'm sure there's something we would all agree to do,:: Spike said. ::And we do have some time. A few months at least.::

"Besides, at the moment, the Vraiyl should be the focus of our attention. We need to find them, and soon," Wesley stated. "So far there haven't been any reports, but."

"Yeah, I know," Xander said. It wasn't easy to forget why they were in their current predicament.

Spike stood up, carrying his dishes into the kitchen. It was only due to their diligent practicing that he could do so, since the others were still on the couch. ::You wanted a shower, Xander? I'm gonna go on to bed,:: He thought as he put his now-clean dishes in the drainer. ::Tired.::

::I as well,:: Wesley murmured. ::Perhaps we do not need to rise before dawn tomorrow?::

"You've got my vote," Xander said. "Sleeping until noon is a good thing."

Spike and Wesley got ready for bed while Xander took his shower. It hadn't taken long for them to develop a pattern to their evening's activities; Xander preferred showers before bed while the others did not, so he bathed while they dressed and got situated. Much to Xander's dismay, Spike ended up being the one in the middle all the time; he seemed to be addicted to having warm bodies surrounding him. They all knew it was a lingering trace of the vampire, who would've felt the body heat rather acutely. The only reason Xander was uncomfortable was that they invariably ended up twisted around each other, waking up pressed tight and unable to move without disturbing one another. If it wasn't for the fact that he kept waking up holding Spike, Xander probably wouldn't have minded.

::He'll calm down,:: Wesley thought as Spike climbed into bed.

::I'll what?:: Xander thought. ::Look, we all know I will, ok? Just drop it!:: Spike winced.

::Sorry,:: He said to Xander. Wesley shook his head and reached for the now-redhead. Spike went willingly, enjoying the warm soft-hard comfort. They'd given up on trying to maintain any sort of difference and were happier for it; sleeping like they did was an excellent remedy for loneliness. Neither man missed having someone in their beds-of course, they did have bedmates now, even if they weren't lovers.

::Yet,:: Wesley murmured. Xander squeaked mentally.

::Please, no?:: Xander thought. ::Just for a little while? Until I get out of the shower?::

::Sorry,:: Spike said.

Wesley frowned. He wished that Xander would retire the last of his childish fears and face up to the attraction that permeated their odd situation. Ever since they'd become the Altenalium, there had been a low thrum of heat and want running between the three men. The longer they remained together, the more powerful it got. The physical and emotional distance Xander wanted to keep simply wouldn't last; they were not meant to be apart in that manner. It was getting to be a distraction-like always being in the presence of your biggest crush. Even when they wanted their minds to focus, their eyes wandered and their bodies tensed in anticipation.

In short, it was only a matter of time before they became lovers. Wesley had been the first to admit it, with Spike soon thereafter. It wasn't that the two men simply decided that they wouldn't mind being intimate with each other and Xander; no, having their feelings partially dictated wasn't a very good feeling. However, it was a part of the Altenalium, as unavoidable and inevitable as their sharing of senses. Xander did eventually admit that they would become lovers, but he was working hard to make that day be in the distant future.

Unfortunately for Xander, the distant future wasn't very far off. It had only been a week and they could barely keep their eyes off each other. They stared, tracing the lines of face and body, paying too much attention to showers and exercises, replaying memories of the other men's past relationships. many times they didn't even realize what they were doing until someone else pointed it out. And all of them had been equally embarrassed at one point or another.

::Tired. Need sleep,:: Xander insisted as he got into bed a few minutes later. Maybe if he kept up the mantra, he'd make it through another night. He was scared of what would happen between them, he'd have joined in one the cuddling. Yeah, he wasn't completely straight, but some things freaked him out.

::You've seen our memories,:: Wesley told Xander. ::Why does it scare you so much?::

::He thinks he'll like it more than women,:: Spike offered. ::Doesn't want to be a-::

::Don't even start,:: Xander growled, turning to face the door. ::When I want to and not before.::

::We weren't trying to push you,:: Wesley assured him.

Xander flipped over again. ::I know. It's just that.I'm not used to it, ok?::

::Ok,:: Spike echoed. ::We should sleep.:: Xander silently agreed and closed his eyes. It was going to be a long night.

...

Xander woke up in his usual position, enveloping Spike in his arms. He breathed deeply, not really bothered by the lingering hair-dye perfume in the man's hair. Besides, the violent, dark red had been his idea. It contrasted beautifully with Spike's naturally porcelain skin. Definitely droolworthy. ::Glad you think so, pet.::

To his credit, Xander managed not to jump. ::Hey, I'm man enough to admit it,:: He replied. ::Sleep well? Oh yeah, I already know you did. Dreaming of.did you have to dream of that?::

::It was your dream too,:: Spike said. ::We share most of them these days, remember?:: It was just another side effect-shared dreams. To Spike's amusement, and amazement, Xander was considerably bolder when he was asleep.

::Yeah,:: Xander murmured. Spike had been unusually.flexible in his dream; people probably couldn't really do that without a lot of pain involved.

::Wanna bet?:: Spike shot back. ::I'm game.::

Xander coughed. ::Uh, no. I'll pass; it looks like it hurts.::

::I assure you it does not,:: Wesley chimed in. ::But perhaps we should leave such things for later.::

::Thank you, thank you, thank you,:: Xander chanted. ::Do we have to get up now?::

::I'm already up,:: Spike said, shifting slightly. Xander felt the redhead's erection pressing against his middle.

::As am I,:: Wesley agreed. ::And so are you, Xander.::

::Yeah, but I can take care of myself,:: The young man retorted.

::Can we watch?:: Spike asked hopefully. ::It'd be fun.::

::Watch? Eck! Why?:: Xander inquired. Spike and Wesley sent him memories of watching. Really, really watching carefully. ::Oh,:: He said weakly. ::*Watching.*::

::So, can we?:: Spike pressed.

::No,:: Xander said, even as an evil thought crept into his mind. ::I want another shower. Later, gators!:: With that he rolled out of bed, almost taking Spike with him, and ran into the bathroom. He knew just how to get to the two men.

::Well, that was a complete wash,:: Spike thought.

::So it was,:: Wesley agreed. Xander was in the bathroom, thoroughly enjoying a hot shower and they were in bed, wishing he was with them. An odd tingle caught Wesley's attention and he focused on it. After a moment he was able to recognize the sensation.

::Is he.:: Spike began, rolling onto his back.

::Yes, he is,:: Wesley murmured. Xander was jacking off in the shower, obviously not trying to block their minds. They could feel every pull, every twist. Wesley reached for Spike just as the redhead turned towards him. Their eyes met and questions were asked. There was much they refused to do without Xander present, but if he was hell-bent on playing with them.

Spike hissed when Wesley's hand drifted between them, brushing against his erection. ::Please,:: He whimpered, bucking his hips. It had been so long, so very long since someone had touched him with affection. Wesley smiled and obeyed, letting his open palm drag hard against Spike's cock. Spike did the same, putting delicious pressure on Wesley. They felt the echoes of Xander's pleasure in their own bodies and minds, and knew that he could feel what they were doing.

Xander was just getting going, relishing the odd tingle of recognition and surprise he got from the others. Yeah, it had been a while since he'd done this; having a couple of guys living in your head had a tendency to make masturbation a bit awkward. He stepped under the water, still stroking idly. They were fully awake now and feeling the side effects of Xander's impromptu session.

::Wonder what will happen.:: Wesley thought as he wrapped his hands around Spike's cock and began a slow, pumping motion. A high-pitched squeak from the bathroom confirmed his suspicions, as did the sudden shot of pleasure he'd felt running down his erection. Their bodies truly were linked. They could feel the full effects of each other's pleasure.

::Wes,:: Spike moaned, thrusting into Wesley's hands. ::Let me.::

::Next time,:: Wesley told the redhead. He twisted his hand suddenly and began to move faster, letting Xander's now frantic pace determine his.

Xander staggered out of the shower and into the bedroom. Wesley had Spike pinned to the mattress and was jacking the redhead almost frantically. Xander made it to the bed and tumbled down, not caring that he was getting the sheets wet. Wesley looked over with a smirk, noting Xander's raging erection. ::Nice shower?::

::You don't play fair,:: Xander accused. Spike moaned and bucked, barely coherent in his arousal. ::It's bad enough with one cock to think about. but three?::

Spike's eyes slid open. ::Dunno, feels nice actually. Like a ghost hand.:: He reached over tentatively, letting his fingers drag along Xander's thighs. Wesley slowed his movement on Spike's erection, letting the ex-vampire gain back a measure of control. The redhead waited for Xander's response before moving again.

Xander groaned when Spike touched him. He wanted more, more of that wonderful skin rubbing against his, more of that lovely texture. He arched against Spike, deciding that maybe sex was a good enough reason to toss his concerns out the window. Spike grinned and dropped his hand again, caressing Xander's abdomen before moving lower.

Wesley pumped Spike harder, letting the echo of his hand on Spike and Spike's hand on Xander bring him closer to the edge. He was close enough that the touch of Xander's hand on him was too much and he came, arching back as he convulsed. Ecstasy rang in his head, echoing and reverberating. Wave after wave pounded into his body, buffeting him this way and that. Just when the incredible sensations began to fade, something made them start again-Spike.

Spike felt Wesley start to come. The ex-Watcher froze momentarily, brought down by a breathtaking climax. Then Wesley's pleasure really began to flood Spike's mind. He was coming, without coming, feeling seed that wasn't his spurt out, muscles he'd never used tightening and relaxing. It was more than he could handle; deep in his belly, at the base of his spine, something began to unfold. Then Xander's response to all of that incredible, mindbending pleasure slammed into him.

Xander quaked and thrust helplessly into Spike's hand. He couldn't tell if he was coming, or if it was Wesley; the feeling went on and on. He closed his eyes and started moving faster, driven to fulfillment. He couldn't take much more; Spike's hand alone was almost enough to kill him, adding the pleasure of others was more than he'd ever felt before. A single warning twinge was all he got before Spike fell still as a statue, eyes wide and unseeing as he came. Xander cried out and climaxed, shuddering as he burrowed into the redhead's side.

Wesley, Spike and Xander's minds fused together as an incredible, shared orgasm flooded their beings. The fierce rush of sensation flattened their individual defenses, tearing down what few walls they'd tried to erect. Xander let Wesley draw him into a tangled heap with Spike. He couldn't seem to find anything to say; if the incredible pleasure didn't stop soon he was going to pass out.

Finally the euphoric assault faded away, leaving a bed full of surprised, pleased, and already-planning men behind.

::That was intense,:: Xander murmured. ::Very there.::

::Mm hmm,:: Wesley murmured. He didn't bother opening his eyes; he knew that Spike was shifting around underneath him.

::So why is it you want to wait, Xander?:: Spike inquired muzzily.

::Dunno,:: Xander admitted. ::If everything is half as good as this was, I'm not seeing us get out of bed anytime soon.:: He was still a bit freaked over the whole two guys thing, but the sex itself had been nothing short of phenomenal. Who'd have thought a simple hand job would end up being so damned incredible?

::May have to watch it, though,:: Spike warned.

::Why?:: Wesley asked.

::'Cause if that's a hand job, I wonder what a good coring will be like?:: Spike replied.

::That scares me. Really, it does,:: Xander stated. ::When can we try it?::

*****