Chapter 13
Outside the Bronze - 9:15 p.m.
At the mention of the potential of turning Xander and Willow, Buffy's demon comes to the fore.
Angelus likes what he sees. "I thought you weren't all grrr-argh my dear. Did you change your mind?"
Buffy shakes her head. She is too overwhelmed by the urges suddenly running through her to speak. Maybe she spoke too soon earlier. The half- formed thoughts and impulses are exciting, primal. It was what she felt on patrol magnified a thousand times. For some reason the thought of turning her friends is incredibly arousing. That - along with the thought of hunting with Angel - was too much to take in. "So the lady is up for the hunt." He had thought she would be, he is pleased.
She was very attached to her human pets and whether he admitted it or not - both had their strengths. The girl was a strong psychic though her skills were largely untapped and he recalled the boy's sudden fierceness when possessed by the hyena spirit last fall. He had been surprised to see such bloodlust in the boy's eyes. It assured him that there was more there than was immediately apparent.
To function comfortably and happily, Buffy and he both would need seconds and both children seemed more than adequate for the tasks. He was enjoying seeing the changes in Buffy and the changes in these two meek ones would amuse him as well.
He had no plans of drawing an army but rather a new family for the new century.
He could see the eagerness on the girl's face. Before they went further, he needed to tutor her just a bit. They needed to go in with a game plan. Until now, he hasn't pulled rank on her at all but if they were going to move forward, she was going to need to listen to Papa.
Stroking her face, he soothes her. "OK, baby, you're going to get to play but right now I need you to listen and listen good. In this case, I'm the boss, you got it."
She nods whether she actually likes being a follower for once, or whether she is enthralled by him herself she can't sort out, but she breathes deeply and listens.
"You are going to go in first and stake things out. Have a chat, order a coke, make nice - business as usual. Just like always. I'm going to come in later and lurk around the far corner of the bar - just like always. After one of them spots me and points me out to you, I'll join you."
"When I come up to the table just follow my lead. After we have some fun, I'm going to say that I think I've found something at some old place and that I need to leave to check it out. You say that you want to go too. I'll say no, it's too dangerous and then I'll leave."
"Once I leave, tell them you are going anyway and they'll follow you like always. Take them out to the house but take them in the front door. Once you're in, we're home free. Are you Ok with that?"
"Sure. Are you sure they won't notice. Me, I mean."
"Buffy, you have always looked like a god to them, now won't be any different. Give me a kiss and go on."
The kiss turns hot quickly. When they pull apart their eyes are glowing in the darkness. He growls and rubs his face in her neck like an animal marking his mate. His teeth graze her ear and she moans. The sound pulls him back to reality. "Go, go now, or we will never get this done."
She jumps out of the car and practically skips into the Bronze. The couple of vamps hanging out in front split when they see the Slayer coming in.
She can feel the deep beat of the music all the way to her bones as soon as she walks into the room. The sound somehow gives her confidence, like she is a lioness stalking her prey. Like a hunter, she narrows her eyes and scans the room.
Willow is waving frantically and kind-of jumping up and down eagerly in an attempt to get Buffy's attention. She is wearing a fuzzy orange sweater with a pink turtleneck under it. Buffy can't find help but hope her earlier observation about vamps and fashion will have a positive effect on her friend.
Buffy gives her a buffy-type smile and winds through the crowd to join her friends at their usual table. Navigating the dance floor she hears the heartbeats of so many, it kind of makes her drunk. She thinks that she would rather be out in the night like before or alone with Angel in his new place. She remembers his pep talk and goes about her task. He told her to have fun.
As she nears the table she spots Xander. He looks good enough to eat suddenly. At this novel thought she giggles happily. As she nears the table she scoots in between her two friends verses taking her usual place across the table from them. She suddenly realizes that the deep bass of the music goes a long way to cloak her lack of a heartbeat. No wonder so many vamps dine here nightly.
Once at the table, she realizes that she has already done what Angel cautioned her against - going against character. She tries to cover by looping an arm through each of theirs and greeting them with a group hug. "Hello all."
"Wow, someone has a huge happy, huh?" Willow responds.
"As much as one can have with a creepy, icky, undead creature of night" Xander adds.
Buffy takes his ribbing with a good natured giggled. If he only knew the half of it! "Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it" she says as she pouts prettily.
Willow comes in closer and in a conspiratal tone asks, "So, it's true? You have - tried it, I mean?"
Buffy nods solemnly, "Yes, it is true I have and I am here to say it was good."
Willow immediately sets off again, "Skipping-school kind of good! We missed you yesterday. When I called Angel, he seemed kind-of distracted. I didn't interrupt anything good, did I?"
"Nope, just sleeping in. A girl needs her beauty rest."
Xander chimes in again; he can't stand it anymore. "OK, this is more than my virgin ears can take. You girls want a drink?" and he walks off.
Buffy watches his retreat, he does look good. Maybe if Angel gives her permission.she jumps at the thought. Where did that come from?
From his vantage point in the corner, Angel surveys the interaction taking place. It looks like his little lady is having more fun than she was prepared for - well, what's good for the goose. He is thinking that he is looking forward to welcoming Red into the family himself.
While Xander is gone, Willow asks tons of Willow questions. She is so preoccupied with the idea of Buffy sleeping with Angel and God forbid, missing school - that she has hardly given Buffy a second look. Xander returns with three cherry cokes. As Buffy plays with her straw, Willow elbows her and points to the corner. "Look Buffy, it's Angel."
Right on cue, Angel sulks over to stand across from Buffy. Buffy giggles and puts her head down. This is just too good. He is just way too good at this. There he stands the picture of his previous self - hesitant, careful to give everyone their space, least he scare someone unintentionally. His head and eyes are downcast. He looks up and softly says "Buffy?" as if he is ready for rejection.
She smiles shyly and falls right into the rhythm of his game. "Angel! Please sit down. We were just visiting."
He shyly takes a seat across the three of them. Willow is looking at him with awe and Xander is simply staring at him. He had promised Buffy that they would have some fun before they left and even though he is in Angel- mode, he decides to give it to her. He knows that she loves to dance and she only managed to get Angel out on the dance floor one or two times in the last year. And on those occasions, he practically stood still as she rocked back and forth to a slow song.
He catches her eye across the table and she wonders what he has up his sleeve. A Sarah McLaughlin Mix comes on, as he looks across at the three of his companions. His eyes are so dark they are black. "Buff, you want to dance?"
She responds quickly "Sure, I'd love to." As she stands she can't help teasing him a little, "So what's the occasion, if I might ask?"
He suddenly stands to his full height and his facial expression changes to one of cool confidence. If it's possible he is that much more attractive to her suddenly - a male predator at the top of his game. Better yet, he is hers. She catches herself and she realizes that she has started to purr - luckily the music is loud. He catches the sound and grins at her. Oh, this is good - baby likes to play.
He remembers their query and speaks to the two curiously watching their interchange, "You two, I know you want to dance too. Let your inhibitions run wild so to speak."
Buffy recognizes the compulsion hidden in his voice. It strikes a cord in her too. She wonders at what it will do to Willow and Xander. Hey, live a little.
Willow and Xander rise directly behind her and follow her to the dance floor. Angel has walked ahead of her and she can't help but notice that the dancers part to give him his way.
Now in the middle of the floor, he turns and holds a hand out to Buffy. As she grasps it, and is pulled toward him, she feels the purring sensation increase. Once she is against his chest, she can feel him purring too. Again, she has that feeling that she wants to wallow up against his body. She immediately indulges in the desire, wrapping one high-heeled leg around a muscular thigh as she moves to the music.
Angel moves seductively against her. His centuries-old sensibilities still find it arousing to be so intimate in public. He moves his lips to her ear whispering for her to look at her companions.
Somewhere along the way, Willow has lost her hideous, fuzzy orange sweater and is now wearing the pink turtleneck that was underneath. Who would have guessed that the turtleneck was actually a halter with no back! Good for you Willow! She must have worn it and chickened out at the last minute. Willow is dancing to the beat of the music, her hands raised over her head. She is looking up at Xander who seems mesmerized by her. He is looking intently at her like she is going to be his next meal. His hands are grasping her hips firmly and pulling her into him. At the touch, Buffy sees Willow gasp and begin to grind her hips into his.
She is both amazed and aroused by what she is seeing. This coupled with the sensation of being in Angel's arms is almost too good to be true. She wants to share her happiness with him and she turns her head to draw him into an openly carnal kiss. She intentionally pricks her tongue as she kisses him and is immediately rewarded by his own ardent response. The fact that no one near them realizes the blood play going on between them is like a drug to her. She has never felt this way before.
Buffy hears the song finishing with regret. The brief silence allows her to hear Angel's whisper. "Want to play with our food a little bit, might be fun?" She doesn't immediately grasp what he is suggesting but when Angel moves them closer to Willow and Xander, she does. Unbelievably, she is filled with more excitement.
Once more she hears the compulsion in his voice as he speaks just as the next song starts up, "Lets trade partners." With that he reaches for Willow, happily surprised by the warm, soft flesh under his palm. Another bonus he thinks. He smiles down into her upturned eyes, "Hel-lo Red" he drawls and he pulls her into the curve of his body.
As soon as Angel pulls Willow into his arms, Buffy moves to Xander. Xander has fantasized about this moment more times that he can count but right now that's a fleeting thought. It's like he's in a dream. Her boyfriend - the fiercest creature he has ever known - seems to be willingly allowing her to dance with him.
If you can call this dancing? She puts her arms around his neck and presses the juncture of her thighs against him and sways to the music. Even in heels she only comes to the bend of his neck right where his neck meets his shoulder. When he feels her mouth there, he is sure that he is dreaming, but the feelings she is invoking are too strong not to be real. He feels one of his own hands firmly grasping her bottom as he begins to pump against her through their clothes.
The faux pas actually seems to spur her on and he feels her tongue lick up his neck. At this, he looks over at Angel. - kind of like in slow motion, not in an anxious way. He catches Angel's eye and Angel winks at him. This is definitely a dream. Angel is dancing close to Willow, tracing random patterns over his bare, ivory back.
Angel watches as Buffy licks at Xander's neck like it's so much ice cream. Hell, the kid's never had it so good.
Finally the music start to speed and Angel pulls back from Willow and touches Buffy's shoulders, "Honey, lets' go sit down."
They all head back to their table. Buffy and Angel are holding hands like nothing extraordinary has happened. Both Willow and Xander are breathing heavy and are looking terribly dazed. Angel announces to no one in particular, "Now that was fun, no harm done."
The pronouncement seems to calm them and it's as if nothing has happened. Buffy thinks that she is definitely going to have to learn this trick. Angel was right that they were going to have some fun. In fact that 'fun' has wet her appetite for some more intimate fun and soon.
As Buffy watches, Angel seems to withdraw back into himself - somehow becoming smaller, more human. She instinctively knows that he is gearing up for the next step of the night. "Aha, Buffy?" he broaches the subject hesitantly. "I think I've come across what might be a nest. It's in this old place on the outside of town. I'm going to go check it out before daybreak."
Buffy plays along, starting to get up, "Sure, I'll come with."
Angel, his eyes downcast and serious, says "No, I'd rather you just stay here have some fun with your friends, I'll catch you later."
Buffy responds with a pouty face but accepts the kiss on the cheek he gives her before he heads off.
Once Angel is away from the group, things seem to clear even more. Both Xander and Willow look much more alert and as always, seem to be looking to her for their next move. She doesn't want to appear too eager so she nurses her now watery coke a little longer before brightly announcing, "Well, who wants to go with me to back up Angel?"
TBC! This is my longest chapter yet. Is anyone still enjoying this? Am I moving too slow?
Outside the Bronze - 9:15 p.m.
At the mention of the potential of turning Xander and Willow, Buffy's demon comes to the fore.
Angelus likes what he sees. "I thought you weren't all grrr-argh my dear. Did you change your mind?"
Buffy shakes her head. She is too overwhelmed by the urges suddenly running through her to speak. Maybe she spoke too soon earlier. The half- formed thoughts and impulses are exciting, primal. It was what she felt on patrol magnified a thousand times. For some reason the thought of turning her friends is incredibly arousing. That - along with the thought of hunting with Angel - was too much to take in. "So the lady is up for the hunt." He had thought she would be, he is pleased.
She was very attached to her human pets and whether he admitted it or not - both had their strengths. The girl was a strong psychic though her skills were largely untapped and he recalled the boy's sudden fierceness when possessed by the hyena spirit last fall. He had been surprised to see such bloodlust in the boy's eyes. It assured him that there was more there than was immediately apparent.
To function comfortably and happily, Buffy and he both would need seconds and both children seemed more than adequate for the tasks. He was enjoying seeing the changes in Buffy and the changes in these two meek ones would amuse him as well.
He had no plans of drawing an army but rather a new family for the new century.
He could see the eagerness on the girl's face. Before they went further, he needed to tutor her just a bit. They needed to go in with a game plan. Until now, he hasn't pulled rank on her at all but if they were going to move forward, she was going to need to listen to Papa.
Stroking her face, he soothes her. "OK, baby, you're going to get to play but right now I need you to listen and listen good. In this case, I'm the boss, you got it."
She nods whether she actually likes being a follower for once, or whether she is enthralled by him herself she can't sort out, but she breathes deeply and listens.
"You are going to go in first and stake things out. Have a chat, order a coke, make nice - business as usual. Just like always. I'm going to come in later and lurk around the far corner of the bar - just like always. After one of them spots me and points me out to you, I'll join you."
"When I come up to the table just follow my lead. After we have some fun, I'm going to say that I think I've found something at some old place and that I need to leave to check it out. You say that you want to go too. I'll say no, it's too dangerous and then I'll leave."
"Once I leave, tell them you are going anyway and they'll follow you like always. Take them out to the house but take them in the front door. Once you're in, we're home free. Are you Ok with that?"
"Sure. Are you sure they won't notice. Me, I mean."
"Buffy, you have always looked like a god to them, now won't be any different. Give me a kiss and go on."
The kiss turns hot quickly. When they pull apart their eyes are glowing in the darkness. He growls and rubs his face in her neck like an animal marking his mate. His teeth graze her ear and she moans. The sound pulls him back to reality. "Go, go now, or we will never get this done."
She jumps out of the car and practically skips into the Bronze. The couple of vamps hanging out in front split when they see the Slayer coming in.
She can feel the deep beat of the music all the way to her bones as soon as she walks into the room. The sound somehow gives her confidence, like she is a lioness stalking her prey. Like a hunter, she narrows her eyes and scans the room.
Willow is waving frantically and kind-of jumping up and down eagerly in an attempt to get Buffy's attention. She is wearing a fuzzy orange sweater with a pink turtleneck under it. Buffy can't find help but hope her earlier observation about vamps and fashion will have a positive effect on her friend.
Buffy gives her a buffy-type smile and winds through the crowd to join her friends at their usual table. Navigating the dance floor she hears the heartbeats of so many, it kind of makes her drunk. She thinks that she would rather be out in the night like before or alone with Angel in his new place. She remembers his pep talk and goes about her task. He told her to have fun.
As she nears the table she spots Xander. He looks good enough to eat suddenly. At this novel thought she giggles happily. As she nears the table she scoots in between her two friends verses taking her usual place across the table from them. She suddenly realizes that the deep bass of the music goes a long way to cloak her lack of a heartbeat. No wonder so many vamps dine here nightly.
Once at the table, she realizes that she has already done what Angel cautioned her against - going against character. She tries to cover by looping an arm through each of theirs and greeting them with a group hug. "Hello all."
"Wow, someone has a huge happy, huh?" Willow responds.
"As much as one can have with a creepy, icky, undead creature of night" Xander adds.
Buffy takes his ribbing with a good natured giggled. If he only knew the half of it! "Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it" she says as she pouts prettily.
Willow comes in closer and in a conspiratal tone asks, "So, it's true? You have - tried it, I mean?"
Buffy nods solemnly, "Yes, it is true I have and I am here to say it was good."
Willow immediately sets off again, "Skipping-school kind of good! We missed you yesterday. When I called Angel, he seemed kind-of distracted. I didn't interrupt anything good, did I?"
"Nope, just sleeping in. A girl needs her beauty rest."
Xander chimes in again; he can't stand it anymore. "OK, this is more than my virgin ears can take. You girls want a drink?" and he walks off.
Buffy watches his retreat, he does look good. Maybe if Angel gives her permission.she jumps at the thought. Where did that come from?
From his vantage point in the corner, Angel surveys the interaction taking place. It looks like his little lady is having more fun than she was prepared for - well, what's good for the goose. He is thinking that he is looking forward to welcoming Red into the family himself.
While Xander is gone, Willow asks tons of Willow questions. She is so preoccupied with the idea of Buffy sleeping with Angel and God forbid, missing school - that she has hardly given Buffy a second look. Xander returns with three cherry cokes. As Buffy plays with her straw, Willow elbows her and points to the corner. "Look Buffy, it's Angel."
Right on cue, Angel sulks over to stand across from Buffy. Buffy giggles and puts her head down. This is just too good. He is just way too good at this. There he stands the picture of his previous self - hesitant, careful to give everyone their space, least he scare someone unintentionally. His head and eyes are downcast. He looks up and softly says "Buffy?" as if he is ready for rejection.
She smiles shyly and falls right into the rhythm of his game. "Angel! Please sit down. We were just visiting."
He shyly takes a seat across the three of them. Willow is looking at him with awe and Xander is simply staring at him. He had promised Buffy that they would have some fun before they left and even though he is in Angel- mode, he decides to give it to her. He knows that she loves to dance and she only managed to get Angel out on the dance floor one or two times in the last year. And on those occasions, he practically stood still as she rocked back and forth to a slow song.
He catches her eye across the table and she wonders what he has up his sleeve. A Sarah McLaughlin Mix comes on, as he looks across at the three of his companions. His eyes are so dark they are black. "Buff, you want to dance?"
She responds quickly "Sure, I'd love to." As she stands she can't help teasing him a little, "So what's the occasion, if I might ask?"
He suddenly stands to his full height and his facial expression changes to one of cool confidence. If it's possible he is that much more attractive to her suddenly - a male predator at the top of his game. Better yet, he is hers. She catches herself and she realizes that she has started to purr - luckily the music is loud. He catches the sound and grins at her. Oh, this is good - baby likes to play.
He remembers their query and speaks to the two curiously watching their interchange, "You two, I know you want to dance too. Let your inhibitions run wild so to speak."
Buffy recognizes the compulsion hidden in his voice. It strikes a cord in her too. She wonders at what it will do to Willow and Xander. Hey, live a little.
Willow and Xander rise directly behind her and follow her to the dance floor. Angel has walked ahead of her and she can't help but notice that the dancers part to give him his way.
Now in the middle of the floor, he turns and holds a hand out to Buffy. As she grasps it, and is pulled toward him, she feels the purring sensation increase. Once she is against his chest, she can feel him purring too. Again, she has that feeling that she wants to wallow up against his body. She immediately indulges in the desire, wrapping one high-heeled leg around a muscular thigh as she moves to the music.
Angel moves seductively against her. His centuries-old sensibilities still find it arousing to be so intimate in public. He moves his lips to her ear whispering for her to look at her companions.
Somewhere along the way, Willow has lost her hideous, fuzzy orange sweater and is now wearing the pink turtleneck that was underneath. Who would have guessed that the turtleneck was actually a halter with no back! Good for you Willow! She must have worn it and chickened out at the last minute. Willow is dancing to the beat of the music, her hands raised over her head. She is looking up at Xander who seems mesmerized by her. He is looking intently at her like she is going to be his next meal. His hands are grasping her hips firmly and pulling her into him. At the touch, Buffy sees Willow gasp and begin to grind her hips into his.
She is both amazed and aroused by what she is seeing. This coupled with the sensation of being in Angel's arms is almost too good to be true. She wants to share her happiness with him and she turns her head to draw him into an openly carnal kiss. She intentionally pricks her tongue as she kisses him and is immediately rewarded by his own ardent response. The fact that no one near them realizes the blood play going on between them is like a drug to her. She has never felt this way before.
Buffy hears the song finishing with regret. The brief silence allows her to hear Angel's whisper. "Want to play with our food a little bit, might be fun?" She doesn't immediately grasp what he is suggesting but when Angel moves them closer to Willow and Xander, she does. Unbelievably, she is filled with more excitement.
Once more she hears the compulsion in his voice as he speaks just as the next song starts up, "Lets trade partners." With that he reaches for Willow, happily surprised by the warm, soft flesh under his palm. Another bonus he thinks. He smiles down into her upturned eyes, "Hel-lo Red" he drawls and he pulls her into the curve of his body.
As soon as Angel pulls Willow into his arms, Buffy moves to Xander. Xander has fantasized about this moment more times that he can count but right now that's a fleeting thought. It's like he's in a dream. Her boyfriend - the fiercest creature he has ever known - seems to be willingly allowing her to dance with him.
If you can call this dancing? She puts her arms around his neck and presses the juncture of her thighs against him and sways to the music. Even in heels she only comes to the bend of his neck right where his neck meets his shoulder. When he feels her mouth there, he is sure that he is dreaming, but the feelings she is invoking are too strong not to be real. He feels one of his own hands firmly grasping her bottom as he begins to pump against her through their clothes.
The faux pas actually seems to spur her on and he feels her tongue lick up his neck. At this, he looks over at Angel. - kind of like in slow motion, not in an anxious way. He catches Angel's eye and Angel winks at him. This is definitely a dream. Angel is dancing close to Willow, tracing random patterns over his bare, ivory back.
Angel watches as Buffy licks at Xander's neck like it's so much ice cream. Hell, the kid's never had it so good.
Finally the music start to speed and Angel pulls back from Willow and touches Buffy's shoulders, "Honey, lets' go sit down."
They all head back to their table. Buffy and Angel are holding hands like nothing extraordinary has happened. Both Willow and Xander are breathing heavy and are looking terribly dazed. Angel announces to no one in particular, "Now that was fun, no harm done."
The pronouncement seems to calm them and it's as if nothing has happened. Buffy thinks that she is definitely going to have to learn this trick. Angel was right that they were going to have some fun. In fact that 'fun' has wet her appetite for some more intimate fun and soon.
As Buffy watches, Angel seems to withdraw back into himself - somehow becoming smaller, more human. She instinctively knows that he is gearing up for the next step of the night. "Aha, Buffy?" he broaches the subject hesitantly. "I think I've come across what might be a nest. It's in this old place on the outside of town. I'm going to go check it out before daybreak."
Buffy plays along, starting to get up, "Sure, I'll come with."
Angel, his eyes downcast and serious, says "No, I'd rather you just stay here have some fun with your friends, I'll catch you later."
Buffy responds with a pouty face but accepts the kiss on the cheek he gives her before he heads off.
Once Angel is away from the group, things seem to clear even more. Both Xander and Willow look much more alert and as always, seem to be looking to her for their next move. She doesn't want to appear too eager so she nurses her now watery coke a little longer before brightly announcing, "Well, who wants to go with me to back up Angel?"
TBC! This is my longest chapter yet. Is anyone still enjoying this? Am I moving too slow?
