::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. Both men 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; othwerwise he’d have joined in on 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?::