Good Afternoon, All,
Here is chapter three of The One. I do hope you enjoy it. It's mostly fluff, because that is what I was in the mood to write, but there is some development of both the primary and secondary plot. Still, what I was looking for was a little escapist Spike/Buffy love. So this is what I wrote! Hope you enjoy it. The story will begin heating up shortly.
Thank you all for your support during this hard time. The emails and cards have truly meant the world to me. I cannot thank you enough.
The funeral for my grandfather is this evening, so I cannot promise when I will release the next chapter. Sort of depends on how I react. But I will attempt to do so either Sunday or early next week. Bear with me. I will be back to a schedule soon.
Again, thanks. And definitely give me feedback. It makes me feel worlds better to know if my story makes you smile!
*Cheery Vibes* , Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Sundae Saviour (Chapter Three of The One)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Christmas day in Sunnydale. The Scoobies enjoy one last day of peace before their world is thrown into chaos again. But then again, with several families mixed, even this gathering is a bit chaotic on its own. Not to mention, an unexpected guest. Meanwhile, Draconius and Luke continue their plan to weaken the One.
Sundae Saviour
It was something akin to the field of battle. Wrapping paper lay like colourful skins strewn about the floor. Pajama covered warriors battled with plastic Knight in Armour kits on stuffed horses. William thought himself quite dapper in his new little leather coat that Auntie Dawn had bought him. It was too big. Came down to his feet and he tripped over it as much as he wore it, but he was proud. Tara had commented to him that it went so well with his blue fuzzy footies and that maybe his dad should dress like that more often. That got a groan from Spike.
Emma was the princess to be saved. Except that she had her mother's drive and was no weeping damsel. Yet she sat on her "throne" made of boxes with her pretty crown atop her head nearly as queenly as her mother had felt last night.
Giles and Anya had come early to share the festivities. Randy was too young yet and something about watching Emma and Will opening presents and acting out what life should have been like made everyone feel all right. The end of the World, for the millionth time, was a distant memory. Giles was the older step father with his step grandchildren and a new young life. It made Buffy smile the way he fawned over her kids and his own. Made Buffy wish that he had been her father all along.
Despite Spike's grumblings all morning, it didn't take more than a few minutes from the time the plastic swords came out until he was on his knees in the sea of wrapping paper, dueling with William over the heart of the fair Princess Emma. Emma batted her suitably long eyelashes and cooed at the display as wobbly legged William thrust his plastic sword at Spike, catching him firmly in the shoulder. Spike's face went blank, a look that scared Buffy even in jest, and he toppled to the floor. William looked down at him for a moment, nervous that his sword had magically become real and Spike winked up at him. William giggled, jumping up on his back.
"I'm da bi ba!" The little boy proclaimed, tossing miniature arms in the air and looking too much like his father for words.
"What was that, Will?" Giles asked, as Anya chuckled. Buffy slapped a hand to her mouth, her eyes laughing for her.
"I'm da bi ba!" William repeated, giggling. Buffy could see a shudder course through Spike's body and then hear a strangled laugh from his defeated position under his son.
"Did he say what I think he said?" Tara asked, smiling. Willow just chuckled.
"Sorry," Giles said. "Not sure I'm getting the joke."
Buffy moved her hand from her mouth, biting her lip. "I think that translated into 'I'm the Big Bad'," she clarified, chuckling, her eyes almost watering.
Giles blushed, lowering his head. "Quite funny, really."
Emma stood from her throne of honour and walked towards the heap of men on the floor. "You're not the big bad," she said, taking the sword from William. "You're like daddy. You're the handsome Prince. Now save me already."
Spike couldn't control it anymore and rolled over on his back, eyes watering. "Mite's too much like her mum," he chuckled. "Can't even wait for a good saving."
"That's enough out of you, Big Bad," Buffy snapped, her eyes still dancing with amusement.
"What d'you plan to do bout it, oh great Princess Buffy?" Spike mocked, still lying on the floor. William had run off to let Emma show him how to save her.
Buffy stood, stalking towards him, trying to control the smile. "Kick your butt," she answered. "I get saved well."
Tara chuckled. "You're not good at getting saved, Buffy. Saving, you're a pro."
"I am too," Buffy pouted, grabbing a discarded plastic sword and tossing it to Spike. "So, get on with it and save me already," she joked, watching the look in his eyes change from laughter to something closely akin to desire.
"Don't need this to do that," Spike asked, tossing aside the sword and sweeping under her feet with one leg. She stumbled, not ready for the move, but he caught her mid air and pulled her gently down next to her. "Wasn't so hard, was it?" He asked as her warm body, settled in next to his.
"You saved me from the floor?" Buffy quipped, looking over at his beautiful blue eyes. The look behind them was always the same, even when their expression changed. No matter how or when or why, in battle or in bed, his eyes always loved her. Worshipped his Queen.
"Among other things," he said, leaning over to kiss her cheek softly.
Dawn stumbled down the stairs, yawning, still in her little girl flannel pj's. It was funny to see her that way now. Like she was caught between child and adult. "What's going on, down here?" She asked, sleepily, making her way to the couch.
"I believe it's Christmas," Giles answered, finally finding words again. Dawn stopped next to his chair and kissed his cheek. Again, he blushed.
"Can I?" Dawn asked, gesturing at Anya. Anya shifted, handing Randy to her. Dawn liked them that age. Spike had a theory that once they got to Emma's size, they reminded her too much of the years she spent stuck in the land of whining.
Dawn settled down into the couch, cradling Randy, and looked at Buffy and Spike on the floor like overgrown versions of Emma and Will. "Whatcha doing?"
"I believe I was saving Princess Buffy from the floor," Spike answered, looking up at her. "Morning, Niblet. Home a little late last night?" The paternal tone amused Buffy. He'd be ready for Emma when she got to her teens. Nah, she corrected in her head. Nothing would prepare him for that.
"Least, I beat you," Dawn snarked, folding her legs under her. "What did you two *do* last night?"
The rest of the crowd looked at the two on the floor intently, an eyebrow raising, a brow furrowing. "And that would be worlds of none of your business," Buffy responded, pushing herself up on her elbows. "Get all nosey and I'll take your presents back."
Dawn smiled. "Plan went well then, Spike?" She asked, looking at him with amused eyes.
"You knew?" Buffy gasped, her eyes following his to Spike.
He sighed. "Only bout the beginning part," he answered. "Helped me with the set up?"
Buffy's eyes grew wide. "But not about the..?"
Spike chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Love. Not that."
Dawn smiled again, devious and true. "You have two kids. I think I can figure out where they came from," she joked making Giles blush yet again. This time Tara joined him.
"Dawn!" Buffy snapped, throwing a wadded up ball of wrapping paper at the girl's legs. She would have pegged her harder, except she was holding Randy. "Not talking about this."
Again, her sister smiled. "Gee, Buffy, is that a rose petal in your hair?"
Spike had to laugh as Buffy ran her hands through her golden locks and came out with at least three rouge rose petals. "Spike," she sighed.
He nuzzled her ear in response. "I think we've been found out," he whispered, nipping her softly.
Just then, an onslaught of a now organized attack from the two mobile tots came running at them, little voices giggling out game plans as they thundered across the room. Spike looked up, just in time to see Will trip over his new leather coat and grabbed him with one hand, the other pulling Buffy out of the way of the now new and improved Warrior Emma.
Emma fell in a giggling heap next to her mum, laying her head over Buffy's lap. The others looked at them. It was odd how it had all worked out. Two mortal enemies. Natural enemies. But, when all was said and done, they had fit together more perfectly than anything else in existence. And this is how it should be. These moments were what made the rest of what they lived through every day worth it.
And this is what made the Slayer the best Slayer that had ever been. Her Vampire had taken away her death sentence and commuted it into life with benefits.
It was almost time. Buffy stood, leaned against the counter in the kitchen, stealing cucumbers from the salad. Spike slapped her hand as he moved past her, setting rolls on the counter behind her. "Stop doing that, Pet," he sighed, grabbing her fingers and pulling them to his lips. He kissed each one softly. "Going to spoil your supper."
"Me? Never," Buffy said, moving closer. Deliciously close. Her body pressed against his, conforming to his every muscle. "Besides, I want some more desert."
A wicked smile spread across his features. "Quite the appetite, Love."
"Ummhmm," she hummed, as he pressed her back into the counter, his mouth finding hers with a hunger that made all others seem pale and wan. She melted, holding herself up with her white-knuckled hands clutching the countertop. Damn, he's still sexy, she thought, visions of all the naughty things they had gotten away with last night, dancing through her head. "Think it would be impolite if we went somewhere a while?"
Spike smiled into her lips. "What itch you need scratched might take a bit longer than five stolen minutes," he whispered, sucking her pouty lower lip into his mouth and nibbling down on it. She sighed, completely lost in him. "Got guests," he continued. "Don't think you'd want them to hear the racket."
"Don't care," she sighed, nearly putting her hand in a pumpkin pie to steady herself. "Want."
"Greedy girl," Spike answered, running his fingers through the edge of the whipped cream and then tracing her lips. She lapped it up like a cat with a bowl of milk, cleaning off his fingers as well. "Keep doing that, Love and I'll tell them all to leave now."
Buffy sighed, trying to regain control. "It's Christmas," she whispered. "Not very holly jolly for me to tell everyone to get out while I act out another little fantasy." She stopped, considering it. "Not to say it wouldn't be worth it."
He smiled, licking the last of the whipped cream from the corners of her mouth. "That's the beauty of it, Pet," Spike whispered, his lips trailing lazily over her cheeks. "Not going anywhere. Happy here. With you. Never leaving."
She smiled. That was the one thing that had made him so different from everyone else. He never left. He never gave up. No matter what or who came between them. She knew he never would. Not then. Not now. Not ever. There was plenty of time to steal moments, although the thought wasn't all that consoling as her heart pounded in her chest and her knees felt like jello.
"Tell you what," Spike said, his voice a low purr. "I will hang onto this," he continued, holding a can of Ready Whip up in front of her, pairing it with a deliciously wicked smile, "And we'll bribe your sister into staying home tonight. All right?"
Buffy nodded, a wicked grin of her own forming. "Don't forget the cherries," she chimed, her voice low and sultry. "And I think there's some chocolate sauce in the fridge." She pulled herself away, walking towards the door. "I think I might just be in the mood for a Vampire Sundae."
His eyebrows raised, a sumptuous smile of anticipation lying on his lips. "Don't fill up on supper then," he commented as she sauntered out into the living room.
A knock came at the door. Buffy looked around, surveying who was there. Takina, Xander and River were sitting on the couch, Tara and Willow on the floor below them, chatting away. Dawn was sitting Randy as Anya helped Spike in the kitchen. She'd become quite the demonic homemaker since her son had been born. Although they had had to hire a permanent nanny to stay with him as Anya's job was a bit unpredictable.
Giles was gone during normal business hours now. The Watcher's Council had decided to form a branch office in Sunnydale, as it seemed to be where most of the action was anyway. Buffy had wondered why they hadn't done it years ago. The good thing about this incarnation was that Giles and Cyrus were in charge and they often called Spike and Buffy in and actually *asked* what would be the best course of action when facing a foe instead of just making up a plan and having their muscle fight the battle.
Buffy opened the door to see the other Watcher standing before her, a mountain of presents shadowing his face. "Sorry I'm a bit late, Buffy," Cyrus said, shifting the gifts to see his hostess. "Had to accept a call from the Council this morning."
"Anything going on?" Buffy said softly, taking the top of the mountain for Cyrus and letting him through the door.
He thought for a moment. "Nothing," he answered, deciding that discussions could wait until after the holiday. "Normal Council buggery."
Buffy sighed relief. "Good."
Just then, Emma streaked in, finding her Watcher like a moth to flame and tackling his knees. If Buffy hadn't been standing next to him and caught his shoulder, he probably would have been knocked to the floor. "Hello there, Emma," Cyrus chuckled, trying to pat her head with the back of his hand. "Let me put these down and then we can see what I found that Santa left at my flat for you."
"For me?" Emma squealed, letting go. Her smile then dropped. "But. but what about Will?"
Cyrus smiled. "Think he left some for your brother as well."
Buffy sat the gifts down just in time to hear another knock. She scanned the room again, thinking that she had everyone. Apparently not. She jogged back to the door, trying to avoid the mass of toys on the floor, and swung it open.
In front of her stood a familiar face. Buffy had almost forgotten seeing him last night as the rest of the evening had sort of overshadowed rational thought and memory. He stood before her, barely taller, his face friendly and warm. A bottle of wine was in one hand and two stuffed animals in the other.
"Hey, Buffy," Oz said softly.
"H.hi," she stuttered back.
He handed her the bottle of wine. "For you," he said. He took the two stuffed animals and held them up. Two little wolves, one pink and one blue. "Spike said you guys had kids. Congrats."
Buffy chuckled, taking the toys and realizing the irony. "Yeah, Emma and Will. Can't miss 'em." She paused a moment. "Come in." She didn't move from the door. "Um, before that, does. does Willow know you're back? In town, I mean?"
Oz smiled. "No," he said quietly. "I mean, I know about her. And Tara. It's cool. Spike and I talked. I helped him out with the Bronze last night. Music and lights and stuff. He filled me in. I'm not here to screw things up for her." He paused a moment, looking at the cheery welcome mat on the front stoop and smiling. "Actually, I'm kind of here to help."
"It's about bloody time," Draconius reprimanded as Luke strode into the room, carrying a small silver bracelet in his hand. "Did they have to send out for silver?"
Luke cringed. "Well, the smiths were in this dirty poker game with the guys who torture the new souls and I couldn't just interrupt it. Poetry in motion when they get going," he said, musing about the game where the stakes were generally fire branding the newly dead evil.
Draconius thought about the million ways he'd like to torture Luke, but decided they were already behind schedule. "Give it to me," the older man said, his voice edged in steel. Luke dropped the bracelet into Draconius's hand and took a long step back. Draconius walked over to a tall, raven haired woman, standing against the wall.
"Is this the charm?" She asked, her voice purring from her ruby red lips.
Draconius nodded. "You have taken her soul, already?"
"We can only borrow it," she corrected, fingering the amulet around her neck. She pulled it off of her chain and fastened it to the bracelet. "As soon as the spell has been broken, it will return to her."
"But she will remember what she has done in the meantime?" Draconius asked, smiling. The Witch nodded, taking the dragon charm in her hand.
"Fire of Hell and Spark of Night. Torture, Darkness, Death and Fright. The One will Cross and Chaos will Rule. Peace will come to be our Tool."
The Witch dropped the amulet back into Draconius's palm.
"That's it?" Luke asked, staring over the Old One's shoulder. "Sing a little ditty and poof, evil plan in action?"
Draconius spun on a heel, staring at the hell god. "You truly are a moron," he spat, walking towards the woman still chained to the wall. "My Witch is part of me. She is made of the original evil. The most potent of all. She does not even have to say the words, merely think them, and the spell is done."
Luke looked back at the raven haired woman. She stood, staring at him, a smirk on her pretty lips. "Wow," Luke sighed, lust in his eyes.
"She is mine, Lucifer," Draconius snarled, affixing the bracelet to the woman's arm. "Now, when this one arrives back in her dimension, she must take on human form. Can you do that?"
Luke looked at him a moment. "As long as she doesn't have a soul, I can make her into Queen Elizabeth, including the wave."
Draconius sighed. "She must remain in this form to have impact. You can control her, correct?"
"Sure," Luke said, pulling out what looked like a palm pilot. It had a small video screen. "Just have to tell her what to do and we can even watch her do it. Ooh," he continued in childlike happiness. "We can even watch her naked."
The Old One shook his head. "This is not a game, Luke. We must weaken the One and retrieve the Peacemaker. Is that clear?"
The hell god stomped his foot. "You are no fun," he complained, walking to the woman and unchaining her. She slumped to the floor in a dirty, defeated heap. "At least let me clean her up before we send her out. No use watching her like this."
Draconius nodded, watching Luke pick up the woman from the ground. She was tall and looked as if she had been quite beautiful when she was among the living or floating along in Heaven. Now she was dirty and frail, clinging to existence for some reason foreign to Luke or Draconius. Love? Determination? Even without her soul, she was not one of them. She never would be. But she also would not be able to fight them anymore.
Luke gave the woman to his elfish minions, quietly ordering them to make her presentable. They spoke back to him in a language Draconius did not recognize. They scurried quickly from the room, taking the defeated woman with them.
"She will be ready to go tonight," Luke said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Work for you?"
Draconius smiled. "Perfect."
To be contd.
Here is chapter three of The One. I do hope you enjoy it. It's mostly fluff, because that is what I was in the mood to write, but there is some development of both the primary and secondary plot. Still, what I was looking for was a little escapist Spike/Buffy love. So this is what I wrote! Hope you enjoy it. The story will begin heating up shortly.
Thank you all for your support during this hard time. The emails and cards have truly meant the world to me. I cannot thank you enough.
The funeral for my grandfather is this evening, so I cannot promise when I will release the next chapter. Sort of depends on how I react. But I will attempt to do so either Sunday or early next week. Bear with me. I will be back to a schedule soon.
Again, thanks. And definitely give me feedback. It makes me feel worlds better to know if my story makes you smile!
*Cheery Vibes* , Nimue
"As sick as it sounds, in my little head, there's a little Sunnydale, and a widdle Spike and a widdle Buffy and Spike wubs Buffy." James Marsters 14 July 2002
Title: Sundae Saviour (Chapter Three of The One)
Author: Nimue
Rating: PG -13
Pairing: Buffy/Spike. Most major characters included.
Feedback: Yes, please
For instant notification of fic releases, straight to your mailbox, please visit Always_Everyday@yahoogroups.com
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, Fox... Just Borrowing. (With, of course, the exception of Emma and William, who belong to Buffy and Spike)
Summary: Christmas day in Sunnydale. The Scoobies enjoy one last day of peace before their world is thrown into chaos again. But then again, with several families mixed, even this gathering is a bit chaotic on its own. Not to mention, an unexpected guest. Meanwhile, Draconius and Luke continue their plan to weaken the One.
Sundae Saviour
It was something akin to the field of battle. Wrapping paper lay like colourful skins strewn about the floor. Pajama covered warriors battled with plastic Knight in Armour kits on stuffed horses. William thought himself quite dapper in his new little leather coat that Auntie Dawn had bought him. It was too big. Came down to his feet and he tripped over it as much as he wore it, but he was proud. Tara had commented to him that it went so well with his blue fuzzy footies and that maybe his dad should dress like that more often. That got a groan from Spike.
Emma was the princess to be saved. Except that she had her mother's drive and was no weeping damsel. Yet she sat on her "throne" made of boxes with her pretty crown atop her head nearly as queenly as her mother had felt last night.
Giles and Anya had come early to share the festivities. Randy was too young yet and something about watching Emma and Will opening presents and acting out what life should have been like made everyone feel all right. The end of the World, for the millionth time, was a distant memory. Giles was the older step father with his step grandchildren and a new young life. It made Buffy smile the way he fawned over her kids and his own. Made Buffy wish that he had been her father all along.
Despite Spike's grumblings all morning, it didn't take more than a few minutes from the time the plastic swords came out until he was on his knees in the sea of wrapping paper, dueling with William over the heart of the fair Princess Emma. Emma batted her suitably long eyelashes and cooed at the display as wobbly legged William thrust his plastic sword at Spike, catching him firmly in the shoulder. Spike's face went blank, a look that scared Buffy even in jest, and he toppled to the floor. William looked down at him for a moment, nervous that his sword had magically become real and Spike winked up at him. William giggled, jumping up on his back.
"I'm da bi ba!" The little boy proclaimed, tossing miniature arms in the air and looking too much like his father for words.
"What was that, Will?" Giles asked, as Anya chuckled. Buffy slapped a hand to her mouth, her eyes laughing for her.
"I'm da bi ba!" William repeated, giggling. Buffy could see a shudder course through Spike's body and then hear a strangled laugh from his defeated position under his son.
"Did he say what I think he said?" Tara asked, smiling. Willow just chuckled.
"Sorry," Giles said. "Not sure I'm getting the joke."
Buffy moved her hand from her mouth, biting her lip. "I think that translated into 'I'm the Big Bad'," she clarified, chuckling, her eyes almost watering.
Giles blushed, lowering his head. "Quite funny, really."
Emma stood from her throne of honour and walked towards the heap of men on the floor. "You're not the big bad," she said, taking the sword from William. "You're like daddy. You're the handsome Prince. Now save me already."
Spike couldn't control it anymore and rolled over on his back, eyes watering. "Mite's too much like her mum," he chuckled. "Can't even wait for a good saving."
"That's enough out of you, Big Bad," Buffy snapped, her eyes still dancing with amusement.
"What d'you plan to do bout it, oh great Princess Buffy?" Spike mocked, still lying on the floor. William had run off to let Emma show him how to save her.
Buffy stood, stalking towards him, trying to control the smile. "Kick your butt," she answered. "I get saved well."
Tara chuckled. "You're not good at getting saved, Buffy. Saving, you're a pro."
"I am too," Buffy pouted, grabbing a discarded plastic sword and tossing it to Spike. "So, get on with it and save me already," she joked, watching the look in his eyes change from laughter to something closely akin to desire.
"Don't need this to do that," Spike asked, tossing aside the sword and sweeping under her feet with one leg. She stumbled, not ready for the move, but he caught her mid air and pulled her gently down next to her. "Wasn't so hard, was it?" He asked as her warm body, settled in next to his.
"You saved me from the floor?" Buffy quipped, looking over at his beautiful blue eyes. The look behind them was always the same, even when their expression changed. No matter how or when or why, in battle or in bed, his eyes always loved her. Worshipped his Queen.
"Among other things," he said, leaning over to kiss her cheek softly.
Dawn stumbled down the stairs, yawning, still in her little girl flannel pj's. It was funny to see her that way now. Like she was caught between child and adult. "What's going on, down here?" She asked, sleepily, making her way to the couch.
"I believe it's Christmas," Giles answered, finally finding words again. Dawn stopped next to his chair and kissed his cheek. Again, he blushed.
"Can I?" Dawn asked, gesturing at Anya. Anya shifted, handing Randy to her. Dawn liked them that age. Spike had a theory that once they got to Emma's size, they reminded her too much of the years she spent stuck in the land of whining.
Dawn settled down into the couch, cradling Randy, and looked at Buffy and Spike on the floor like overgrown versions of Emma and Will. "Whatcha doing?"
"I believe I was saving Princess Buffy from the floor," Spike answered, looking up at her. "Morning, Niblet. Home a little late last night?" The paternal tone amused Buffy. He'd be ready for Emma when she got to her teens. Nah, she corrected in her head. Nothing would prepare him for that.
"Least, I beat you," Dawn snarked, folding her legs under her. "What did you two *do* last night?"
The rest of the crowd looked at the two on the floor intently, an eyebrow raising, a brow furrowing. "And that would be worlds of none of your business," Buffy responded, pushing herself up on her elbows. "Get all nosey and I'll take your presents back."
Dawn smiled. "Plan went well then, Spike?" She asked, looking at him with amused eyes.
"You knew?" Buffy gasped, her eyes following his to Spike.
He sighed. "Only bout the beginning part," he answered. "Helped me with the set up?"
Buffy's eyes grew wide. "But not about the..?"
Spike chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Love. Not that."
Dawn smiled again, devious and true. "You have two kids. I think I can figure out where they came from," she joked making Giles blush yet again. This time Tara joined him.
"Dawn!" Buffy snapped, throwing a wadded up ball of wrapping paper at the girl's legs. She would have pegged her harder, except she was holding Randy. "Not talking about this."
Again, her sister smiled. "Gee, Buffy, is that a rose petal in your hair?"
Spike had to laugh as Buffy ran her hands through her golden locks and came out with at least three rouge rose petals. "Spike," she sighed.
He nuzzled her ear in response. "I think we've been found out," he whispered, nipping her softly.
Just then, an onslaught of a now organized attack from the two mobile tots came running at them, little voices giggling out game plans as they thundered across the room. Spike looked up, just in time to see Will trip over his new leather coat and grabbed him with one hand, the other pulling Buffy out of the way of the now new and improved Warrior Emma.
Emma fell in a giggling heap next to her mum, laying her head over Buffy's lap. The others looked at them. It was odd how it had all worked out. Two mortal enemies. Natural enemies. But, when all was said and done, they had fit together more perfectly than anything else in existence. And this is how it should be. These moments were what made the rest of what they lived through every day worth it.
And this is what made the Slayer the best Slayer that had ever been. Her Vampire had taken away her death sentence and commuted it into life with benefits.
It was almost time. Buffy stood, leaned against the counter in the kitchen, stealing cucumbers from the salad. Spike slapped her hand as he moved past her, setting rolls on the counter behind her. "Stop doing that, Pet," he sighed, grabbing her fingers and pulling them to his lips. He kissed each one softly. "Going to spoil your supper."
"Me? Never," Buffy said, moving closer. Deliciously close. Her body pressed against his, conforming to his every muscle. "Besides, I want some more desert."
A wicked smile spread across his features. "Quite the appetite, Love."
"Ummhmm," she hummed, as he pressed her back into the counter, his mouth finding hers with a hunger that made all others seem pale and wan. She melted, holding herself up with her white-knuckled hands clutching the countertop. Damn, he's still sexy, she thought, visions of all the naughty things they had gotten away with last night, dancing through her head. "Think it would be impolite if we went somewhere a while?"
Spike smiled into her lips. "What itch you need scratched might take a bit longer than five stolen minutes," he whispered, sucking her pouty lower lip into his mouth and nibbling down on it. She sighed, completely lost in him. "Got guests," he continued. "Don't think you'd want them to hear the racket."
"Don't care," she sighed, nearly putting her hand in a pumpkin pie to steady herself. "Want."
"Greedy girl," Spike answered, running his fingers through the edge of the whipped cream and then tracing her lips. She lapped it up like a cat with a bowl of milk, cleaning off his fingers as well. "Keep doing that, Love and I'll tell them all to leave now."
Buffy sighed, trying to regain control. "It's Christmas," she whispered. "Not very holly jolly for me to tell everyone to get out while I act out another little fantasy." She stopped, considering it. "Not to say it wouldn't be worth it."
He smiled, licking the last of the whipped cream from the corners of her mouth. "That's the beauty of it, Pet," Spike whispered, his lips trailing lazily over her cheeks. "Not going anywhere. Happy here. With you. Never leaving."
She smiled. That was the one thing that had made him so different from everyone else. He never left. He never gave up. No matter what or who came between them. She knew he never would. Not then. Not now. Not ever. There was plenty of time to steal moments, although the thought wasn't all that consoling as her heart pounded in her chest and her knees felt like jello.
"Tell you what," Spike said, his voice a low purr. "I will hang onto this," he continued, holding a can of Ready Whip up in front of her, pairing it with a deliciously wicked smile, "And we'll bribe your sister into staying home tonight. All right?"
Buffy nodded, a wicked grin of her own forming. "Don't forget the cherries," she chimed, her voice low and sultry. "And I think there's some chocolate sauce in the fridge." She pulled herself away, walking towards the door. "I think I might just be in the mood for a Vampire Sundae."
His eyebrows raised, a sumptuous smile of anticipation lying on his lips. "Don't fill up on supper then," he commented as she sauntered out into the living room.
A knock came at the door. Buffy looked around, surveying who was there. Takina, Xander and River were sitting on the couch, Tara and Willow on the floor below them, chatting away. Dawn was sitting Randy as Anya helped Spike in the kitchen. She'd become quite the demonic homemaker since her son had been born. Although they had had to hire a permanent nanny to stay with him as Anya's job was a bit unpredictable.
Giles was gone during normal business hours now. The Watcher's Council had decided to form a branch office in Sunnydale, as it seemed to be where most of the action was anyway. Buffy had wondered why they hadn't done it years ago. The good thing about this incarnation was that Giles and Cyrus were in charge and they often called Spike and Buffy in and actually *asked* what would be the best course of action when facing a foe instead of just making up a plan and having their muscle fight the battle.
Buffy opened the door to see the other Watcher standing before her, a mountain of presents shadowing his face. "Sorry I'm a bit late, Buffy," Cyrus said, shifting the gifts to see his hostess. "Had to accept a call from the Council this morning."
"Anything going on?" Buffy said softly, taking the top of the mountain for Cyrus and letting him through the door.
He thought for a moment. "Nothing," he answered, deciding that discussions could wait until after the holiday. "Normal Council buggery."
Buffy sighed relief. "Good."
Just then, Emma streaked in, finding her Watcher like a moth to flame and tackling his knees. If Buffy hadn't been standing next to him and caught his shoulder, he probably would have been knocked to the floor. "Hello there, Emma," Cyrus chuckled, trying to pat her head with the back of his hand. "Let me put these down and then we can see what I found that Santa left at my flat for you."
"For me?" Emma squealed, letting go. Her smile then dropped. "But. but what about Will?"
Cyrus smiled. "Think he left some for your brother as well."
Buffy sat the gifts down just in time to hear another knock. She scanned the room again, thinking that she had everyone. Apparently not. She jogged back to the door, trying to avoid the mass of toys on the floor, and swung it open.
In front of her stood a familiar face. Buffy had almost forgotten seeing him last night as the rest of the evening had sort of overshadowed rational thought and memory. He stood before her, barely taller, his face friendly and warm. A bottle of wine was in one hand and two stuffed animals in the other.
"Hey, Buffy," Oz said softly.
"H.hi," she stuttered back.
He handed her the bottle of wine. "For you," he said. He took the two stuffed animals and held them up. Two little wolves, one pink and one blue. "Spike said you guys had kids. Congrats."
Buffy chuckled, taking the toys and realizing the irony. "Yeah, Emma and Will. Can't miss 'em." She paused a moment. "Come in." She didn't move from the door. "Um, before that, does. does Willow know you're back? In town, I mean?"
Oz smiled. "No," he said quietly. "I mean, I know about her. And Tara. It's cool. Spike and I talked. I helped him out with the Bronze last night. Music and lights and stuff. He filled me in. I'm not here to screw things up for her." He paused a moment, looking at the cheery welcome mat on the front stoop and smiling. "Actually, I'm kind of here to help."
"It's about bloody time," Draconius reprimanded as Luke strode into the room, carrying a small silver bracelet in his hand. "Did they have to send out for silver?"
Luke cringed. "Well, the smiths were in this dirty poker game with the guys who torture the new souls and I couldn't just interrupt it. Poetry in motion when they get going," he said, musing about the game where the stakes were generally fire branding the newly dead evil.
Draconius thought about the million ways he'd like to torture Luke, but decided they were already behind schedule. "Give it to me," the older man said, his voice edged in steel. Luke dropped the bracelet into Draconius's hand and took a long step back. Draconius walked over to a tall, raven haired woman, standing against the wall.
"Is this the charm?" She asked, her voice purring from her ruby red lips.
Draconius nodded. "You have taken her soul, already?"
"We can only borrow it," she corrected, fingering the amulet around her neck. She pulled it off of her chain and fastened it to the bracelet. "As soon as the spell has been broken, it will return to her."
"But she will remember what she has done in the meantime?" Draconius asked, smiling. The Witch nodded, taking the dragon charm in her hand.
"Fire of Hell and Spark of Night. Torture, Darkness, Death and Fright. The One will Cross and Chaos will Rule. Peace will come to be our Tool."
The Witch dropped the amulet back into Draconius's palm.
"That's it?" Luke asked, staring over the Old One's shoulder. "Sing a little ditty and poof, evil plan in action?"
Draconius spun on a heel, staring at the hell god. "You truly are a moron," he spat, walking towards the woman still chained to the wall. "My Witch is part of me. She is made of the original evil. The most potent of all. She does not even have to say the words, merely think them, and the spell is done."
Luke looked back at the raven haired woman. She stood, staring at him, a smirk on her pretty lips. "Wow," Luke sighed, lust in his eyes.
"She is mine, Lucifer," Draconius snarled, affixing the bracelet to the woman's arm. "Now, when this one arrives back in her dimension, she must take on human form. Can you do that?"
Luke looked at him a moment. "As long as she doesn't have a soul, I can make her into Queen Elizabeth, including the wave."
Draconius sighed. "She must remain in this form to have impact. You can control her, correct?"
"Sure," Luke said, pulling out what looked like a palm pilot. It had a small video screen. "Just have to tell her what to do and we can even watch her do it. Ooh," he continued in childlike happiness. "We can even watch her naked."
The Old One shook his head. "This is not a game, Luke. We must weaken the One and retrieve the Peacemaker. Is that clear?"
The hell god stomped his foot. "You are no fun," he complained, walking to the woman and unchaining her. She slumped to the floor in a dirty, defeated heap. "At least let me clean her up before we send her out. No use watching her like this."
Draconius nodded, watching Luke pick up the woman from the ground. She was tall and looked as if she had been quite beautiful when she was among the living or floating along in Heaven. Now she was dirty and frail, clinging to existence for some reason foreign to Luke or Draconius. Love? Determination? Even without her soul, she was not one of them. She never would be. But she also would not be able to fight them anymore.
Luke gave the woman to his elfish minions, quietly ordering them to make her presentable. They spoke back to him in a language Draconius did not recognize. They scurried quickly from the room, taking the defeated woman with them.
"She will be ready to go tonight," Luke said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Work for you?"
Draconius smiled. "Perfect."
To be contd.