Timeline/Spoilers: Some Season 5 Spoilers. Takes place right before “Into the Woods” – goes completely AU from there.
Summary: Cupid pays a visit to Sunnydale. Wackiness ensues. Worlds Collide…This is how it should have gone – the Spuffy way. *Kicks Joss in the shin and boots him away from the computer*
Pairings: Buffy and Spike mainly, with some minor Buffy/Riley (sorry but I had ta – it’s a plot thing), plus Xander/Anya, Willow/Tara and just a splash of Giles/Joyce (no naughty stuff, just light romance – relax.).
Rating: NC-17 This thing is rife with smut and dirty talk (yeeeehaw!) – consider yourself warned. Some angst, here and there, but look for the happy ending. (Cause I like it that way, dammit.)
Disclaimer: The entire Universe is run (and owned) by Joss Whedon – I just like to play with his things. And I, unfortunately, get no profit from this – just the extreme pleasure of my own lewd imaginings (Yum).
Feedback: C’mon – you know you wanna - you know I want you to…
Contact me at: souloftherose@fastmail.fm
Special Thanks: to Jill for being a goddess among betas. This fic could not have been written without her encouragement and friendship. Not to mention her hilarious editorial comments like “More smut please!” and “ I think it needs more naked Spike…” :p
Authors Note: If you are a Riley fan – DO NOT read this, you won’t be happy, I promise you. This was written for my fellow Spuffy shippers, with deep affection. Thanks for sharing my obsession y’all.
Love Comes to Town
By Soul of the Rose
“ Baby, I was wrong to ever let you down,
But I did what I did before Love came to town…”
- U2 & B.B. King
Prologue ~ What the World Needs Now
“What the world needs now, is love sweet love.
It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.
What the world needs now, is love sweet love.
No not just for some, but for everyone...”
~ The Pixies & Burt Bacharach
Who is that bright spirit there?
The god of Love gazed down from his perch above the cosmos, somewhere on the mystical plane of Mount Olympus. Through the portal he viewed the vast darkness of Earth - littered with billions of tiny dancing lights, a galaxy of campfires in the shadows.
I haven’t seen a heart shine so brilliantly in years, perhaps even centuries.
Eros was deeply intrigued and summoned the image closer with a wave of his hand. There, there was that heartfire, twinkling merrily in the darkness along side a million others. It stood out amongst the many because of its fiery intensity. The little light seemed to be radiating its own joy. Was it possible that Love was alive in that sorrowful place? He felt gladness fill him, it had been so long, so very long since he’d been inspired by Love. Lately he’d fallen to merely doing as instructed, shooting his arrows here or there to satisfy some god’s plan or simply doing the mindless bidding of The Powers. Time was he’d flitted among the mortals, wreaking havoc, making mischief. But just as often he would be inspired to grant a shining soul the gift of sweetest, purest Love. It had brought him such pleasure to watch those exceptional couples together. Most lasting well unto death - often finding themselves together in Heaven, then returning back jointly to play life after life.
Such was the bonds he could create.
Once.
He thought bitterly. It had been decades now since he last tried. The state of the world dismayed him, hurt his heart. So much bleakness and dark down there. He was more than uninspired by what he saw - he was repulsed. What are they doing with their gift of life? Throwing it away, squandering any little scrap of Love they were given. What happened to those that cherished Love, that tended their heartfires? For that matter where had all the true artists gotten to? The musicians? The dancers? They had always given Love its due.
Eros supposed the Muses were just as disgusted as he, abandoning their duties save for when specifically commanded. Truly it was a wonder there was any light down there at all. But wait – there it was again! Glittering in the darkness, beckoning him…
The miracle of a light and loving heart.
It seemed someone was alive down there after all.
Chapter One ~ Slave to Love
“ Tell her I’ll be waiting in the usual place.
For the tired and weary, there’s no escape.
To need a woman, you’ve got to know
how the strong get weak and the rich get poor.
Slave to love, slave to love.
And I can’t escape I’m a slave to love …”
~ Bryan Ferry
Spike was parked in his usual spot behind the tree in Buffy’s yard, cigarette in hand. Waiting. Waiting to see her, to catch just the slightest whiff of her scent, waiting to be noticed or simply to be needed. He loved it when she needed him, when she specifically asked for him. It filled him with manly purpose. And Lord knows she needed him now, what with Captain Cardboard ready to toddle off ‘round the bend at any moment. Couldn’t believe the sorry bugger would be so dim as to…but, wait – oh yes he could. Stupid git didn’t know what he had. So busy feeling sorry for himself he didn’t know he was about to lose the best thing he ever had. Would ever hope to have, he corrected. Spike sighed to himself.
Wanker.
But good riddance to bad rubbish ‘cause Finn wasn’t good enough for his Buffy anyway. Not by a long shot. Too busy playing GI Joe and standing up for truth, justice and the American way to have the slightest clue about…well, anything really. Hadn’t a bloody notion about what Buffy needed, or about what the world was really like – not everything was black and white y’ know. Life just wasn’t that easily defined – unless you were 22 years old and from Iowa that is. Still a young pup, hadn’t seen anythin’ yet. Not like Spike. A hundred and twenty odd years of unlife opened a man’s eyes – gave him some perspective. And the things he’d done in that time – the lives he’d led, the blood he’d shed - poetic really. In a twisted sorta way. He snorted to himself, smiling. Then dug in the pocket of his duster for his silver flask. Ah, yes – everything a fella needed for a proper stakeout.
No pun intended.
Spike snorted again. He had a million of ‘em. Where was he? Oh yeah – Finn, the wank.
Not a clue, and about to lose it all. He couldn’t help but grin. He was going to relish the boy’s downfall. Plus, his loss was Spike’s gain. Maybe then Buffy would realize what she really needed. It wasn’t a nice mid-western farm boy, or the soulful poof neither - she deserved better than that. She needed more than they could ever give her. But Spike could give it to her. He could fight by her side; he could love her good an’ proper (shag her good an’ proper too, eh?). He raised an eyebrow and smirked, toasting the thought with a deep draw from the flask. He could take anything she dished out. Unlike the boy – that she had to pull her punches on (don’t think Spike didn’t notice now), and Peaches who would never accept her as anything more than the virginal girl he’d known. A pretty princess on a pretty pedestal.
But I know you, Slayer. Know how you fight, know how you love. Know what you’re capable of.
They could be so good together. If she’d give him half a chance. She never would with Finn in the way. But fortunately the boy was gonna fix that little problem for him. He wouldn’t even have ta lift a finger, just wait for the right moment and show her everything. He closed his eyes and imagined the scenario. There Soldier Blob would be, some vamp slag suckin’ him dry... Buffy would be angry, tell the boy to get fucked. Then she would cry, and need comfortin’ of course. And Spike would be there, all strong arms and sturdy cryin’ shoulders. And he would show her that he could be a good man. That he’d changed. She would see what they could be to each other then; she’d have to wouldn’t she? That would be the beginning, just the beginning.
Spike imagined himself courting her day by day. Doing little things to help her and Joyce and the Bit, making himself useful like. Fighting by her side every night. Taking care of her every little need. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, that he’d have to earn her. But that was only right, being that he was what he was. He didn’t mind really. Because one day she would look at him, and she would smile that Buffy smile – the one that shamed the very Sun. And he would know that she wanted him, that she loved him, and they would finally be together. Like it was meant to be. His whole body warmed at the thought, and he smiled a singularly sweet and innocent smile. It was thus that Eros found his quarry.
A starry-eyed vampire in love.
Chapter Two ~ A Girl Like You
“Never met a girl like you before.
You give me just a taste so I want more.
Now my hands are bleeding and my knees are raw.
‘Cause now you got me crawling, crawling on the floor.
And I’ve never known a girl like you before.”
~ Edwyn Collins
You could have knocked him over with one of his own feathers at that moment.
A vampire?! The brightest heart light I’ve seen in a hundred years is a vampire?
Eros began to laugh. Of course – it would have to be someone (something?) unusual to give off that kind of radiance. Zeus works in mysterious ways indeed. He was still chuckling when he drew closer to look the “boy” over. (For what was 120 years compared to 2 plus millennia?) He winged his way round the elderly elm, eyeing Spike critically. Hmmm, comely enough lad. Seemed strong and capable. And this wouldn’t be the first vampire to be blessed by Love. There were few historically, but still there was precedent. It might be a challenge, but wasn’t he just itching for one? Something, anything to inspire him these days really.
Eros rubbed his hands together with relish, oh, how he was going to enjoy this! The god’s beautiful face was alive with excitement. His sea-green eyes sparkled and his golden hair and ivory skin seemed to glow from within. He felt the eternal power that was Love itself surge through him. He almost wept with the joy of it – it had been so terribly long. He was fulfilling his purpose in the Universe again, the protection and creation of Love. He was doing what he had been formed to do, nothing could be more satisfying.
He hadn’t felt this alive in centuries.
He set himself to the task at hand with relish. First things first; discover the object of desire…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy strolled home casually, enjoying the crisp evening air under the radiance of a full moon. Everything was lit in its creamy glow. It was rare for her to relax at all lately – with Mom being sick and Glory on their asses, getting closer every day. But just now, she was gonna enjoy it. She’d just left Riley’s after a very satisfying night of movies and cuddles. It left her with a warm comfy feeling in her belly. It was so nice to have something normal for a change. Movies and cuddles? Popcorn and kisses? For the Slayer? Why that was just plain crazy talk. Except it wasn’t. Riley had become her rock in a whole sea of crazy.
In a life where it was taken for granted that she would end the night with some thing’s blood on her hands (not to mention her own) Buffy needed normal. Badly.
She was so tired of feeling like a freak, like an outsider. It dragged her down, made her feel defeated somehow. In spite of her sunny good looks and Fashionable Miss wardrobe, in spite of Homecoming Queen trophies and cheerleader uniforms, she was still inescapably the Slayer. An unasked for, deeply unwanted gift. But that’s Destiny for ya. No “And what would you like Buffy?” Just wham, bam, thank you ma’am and there you were - all Chosen.
Although it did have it’s perks now and then. Like all night stamina with your boyfriend, fun ass-kicky bits and it had brought Dawn into her life. And that was a blessing (Mostly). She smiled as she turned onto Revello. Her little house looked so cheery in the dark. The windows were warm and golden with light seeming to welcome her in. She felt deeply contented as she approached her home. Now to enjoy some quality time with Mom and Dawn before heading out for the aforementioned fun ass-kicky bits. Buffy smiled happily.
This was turning into the nicest evening she’d had in months.
Uh oh.
She paused on her walkway, the smile rapidly vanishing from her face.
Dammit. Spoke too soon.
She smelled his cigarette smoke before she saw him.
“What do you want, Spike? ”
She managed to pack her tone full of every ounce of annoyance she possessed. It was intentional. Why was he hanging out here again? Lately he’d been acting like some weird whipped puppy-dog. Following her everywhere. Asking, yes asking, to help, to go out on patrol, to do things for her. He was beginning to get on her very last nerve.
Spike cringed inwardly at the irritated edge in her voice.
Shite. She crept up on me. Best act casual.
He’d been so busy daydreaming; she’d caught him off guard. He quickly pocketed the flask and stubbed out his cigarette.
“ Not on the tree, Spike! What’s the matter with you?!”
He brushed the ashes off the tree trunk hurriedly.
“ See? No harm done.”
“Except for that big burny hole, you mean.”
She was glaring at him, arms crossed with her head tilted to one side. Spike thought of this privately as her “ Holier Than Thou” stance. Her brows drew together in displeasure. It made him want to kiss her just between them and smooth away the knot. (But then again, what didn’t make him want to kiss her these days?) Oh, she was talking again,
Stop staring and listen, you bloody twonk!
“ I say again: What. Do. You. Want. Spike. ?”
“ Oh, well…I just wuz wonderin’ if you wanted to go patrol s’all.”
Excellent, sounding casual. Good job.
Buffy sighed and managed to add a whole ‘nother layer of put upon.
“ Fine. Wait here. I’ll be back in 5.”
She tromped up the steps to her house, her good mood evaporating like Spike’s cigarette smoke into the cool night air.
Spike was elated. He got to be with her, got to watch her fight, and he got to help. It didn’t get much better than that these days. He leaned back against the tree and lit up another smoke. He loved her best when she was fighting. She was a perfect feral beast, all hunt and kill. It was something a fella could relate to. He never saw her more alive than during patrol. She was on fire with purpose, doing just what she was made for. And she could whine about it all she liked – he knew she loved it. He could smell it on her.
That was another bonus of patrol. Wound up Slayer, putting off clouds of pheromones like perfume. Sweetest, most arousing thing he’d ever smelled. It made him hard as a rock every time, and gave him fuel for his growing Buffy fantasy collection. He had a small hope that one day she’d get so worked up she’d up an’ jump him right in the cemetery.
Hey, it could happen.
It’s not like he hadn’t imagined it enough times. In vast detail. (Ahem.) But best not go there just now. Buffy already seemed suspicious. Not to mention displeased. Though what he’d done he couldn’t begin to guess. He was only trying to help the girl after all. Probably just all the pressure she was under, what with her mum sick an’ all. She’d feel better after a good fight. She always did. And he’d get to watch her fight, and feel the heat come off her in waves during the fray. Then smell her sweet scent for a full twenty minutes while he walked her home. Spike sighed happily. Heaven. He leaned back against the tree and smiled with satisfaction. This was going to be the best night he’d had in weeks.
Chapter Three ~ She’s a Lady
“ She’s all you’d ever want.
She’s the kind you like to flaunt and take to dinner.
Well, she always knows her place.
She’s got style. She’s got grace. She’s a winner.
She’s a lady, oh, She’s a lady…”
~ Tom Jones
Eros watched with fascination as the boy’s heartlight sparked up.
Hark! She approacheth…
He thought with amusement. He turned to see the lady that had this young vampire so besotted. Pretty little thing, certainly. She had a radiance about her, a strength and passion. He could appreciate that. He stepped closer for a better look and his eyes flew wide with recognition. There was only one being on Earth that carried that signature heartlight – a fast burning firestorm that would incinerate anything in its path. The Slayer. He began laughing once again, his luminous wings fluttering in merriment. It took him three full minutes to stop.
Oh, this is too good! A vampire in love with a Slayer…
He had to contain himself before he started giggling all over again. Talk about a challenge. This was going to be a touch more difficult than he first thought.
Excellent.
He was going to enjoy this to the fullest. This was turning into the best day he’d had in decades.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eros decided to follow the odd pair out on their evening duties. He was observing professionally of course, but part of him was terribly curious to see an actual Slayer in action. The Slayer line was legendary, even among the gods. The First Slayer had been brought into being thousands of years before even his own time. It was certain to be something extraordinary.
Spike and Buffy hit Restfield first. The moon’s blue glow cast deep shadows among the tombstones and statuary. Buffy kept Mr. Pointy at hand, lest some nasty leap unexpectedly from the gloom. Or just in case Spike got anymore mouthy and irritating.
Y’know – either way.
She thought casually. She knew she wasn’t supposed to stake him, cause chip = harmless. But what if it was “accidental”? Would anyone actually miss him? She watched him swagger on ahead, smoking like a chimney all the way. Buffy rolled her eyes and sighed. She knew she wouldn’t. He’d been nothing but a pain in her ass since the day they met. Constantly making messes for her to clean up, one way or another. People to save, Apocalypses to avoid. And now that he was chipped, he didn’t even qualify as an enemy, but he still managed to make life messy (not to mention annoying) for her. At least back then he could be counted on for a good fight. She’d loved fighting him actually.
“ I’d rather be fighting you anyway.”
“ Mutual.”
Buffy smiled at the memory. Ah, the bad old days. She couldn’t believe she was feeling nostalgic for evil-Spike. But chipped-Spike was like a pit bull with his teeth removed, all bark and no bite. And the way he was scampering around all helpful and eager…God, pathetic much? It was just sad. Maybe she should just stake him and put him out of his misery…
“Oi, Slayer!”
Spike’s call pulled her away from her thoughts. She palmed her stake and prepared for a brawl, smiling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well this is interesting.
Eros thought, musing. It appeared the vampire’s beloved was not attracted to him. At all. She’d done nothing but ignore his attempts to make small talk, pull away from his slightest touch and had even gone so far as to put as much physical distance as possible between them. Hmmm…it’d been awhile since he’d watch the courtship dance, but this did not seem to bode well for the boy. Unless she was like those French girls; yes means no, no means yes – and the pouting? But no, she didn’t seem the type. Far too straightforward to play at being coy.
A woman of action.
He observed, as she sent a vampire flying across the graveyard. It was a shame Ares couldn’t be here to see this. He always appreciated a good roundhouse kick to the skull. He’d have to tell him about the Slayer later, the war god would certainly appreciate her considerable fighting skills.
Buffy was battling a fat, sloppy vamp wearing a flannel shirt with cut off sleeves and ratty camouflage shorts. She sent a solid left to his jaw, and watched his head snap back with satisfaction.
“Now, I realize that you’re a guy.” Smack. “ And also undead.” Wallop. “ But didn’t anyone ever tell you…” Kick. Kick. “ That plaids do not …” Right hook. “ Go with patterns?”
Knee plant. Stake. Dust.
Buffy sighed dramatically, and got up shaking vamp ash from her clothes.
“ Boys.”
Spike wiped the remains of two fledglings from his hands and smirked appreciatively.
“ I’m a right snappy dresser.”
Buffy rolled her eyes at him, a slight smile touching the corner of her mouth.
“ I’m not even gonna dignify that with a response.”
Eros watched them banter comfortably as they moved on to the next cemetery on their route.
Well, that’s something then.
At least they could trade jibes. There was camaraderie there. The Slayer seemed to accept him as an equal during fighting as well. Not a whiff of soul on the boy and there he was helping her. Love was truly a miraculous thing. He tapped into the vampires’ heartlight again, warming himself against the blaze. The boy almost had enough for the both of them. Now all he needed was just a spark from her. He looked at the mismatched pair before him and sighed.
This might take awhile…
Chapter Four ~ That Old Feeling
“ I saw you last night and got that old feeling.
When you came in sight, I got that old feeling.
The moment that you danced by, I felt a thrill.
And when I caught your eye, my heart stood still.
Once again I seem to feel that old yearning.
And I knew the spark of love was still burning.
There’ll be no new romance for me; it’s foolish to start.
When that old, old feeling is still in my heart. ”
~ Peggy Lee
Four more cemeteries meant four more fights. Between them they dispatched seven vamps and three demons.
“ Buffy 10, Bad Guys 0.”
She smiled cheerfully, her face glowing from exertion.
“ That’s Spike and Buffy 10, Pet.”
He reminded her between drags off his smoke. He was showing no signs of exertion of course.
The jerk.
“ Oh, you’ll have to excuse me. It was probably just my natural inclination to never link your name with mine. Ever. Under any circumstances.”
She grinned with vicious humor.
“ Oh really now.” He stalked closer to her, lip curling seductively in a half-smile.
“It wasn’t so very long ago that you couldn’t wait to have your name linked with mine,
as I recall.”
“ Whatever, Spike…you know that was just Willow’s freaky spell…” Buffy pushed him away, uncomfortable at his body’s proximity to her own. “ Plus that was like a year ago.
Get over yourself.” But he wouldn’t allow her to move him.
“ If you say so, Pet…” He leaned in further. “ But there was plenty of heat in those kisses of yours…not to mention the way you just insisted on cuddlin’ up to me. I could hardly get you out of my lap all night.”
Not that I wanted to, mind.
He pressed himself close enough to feel her body heat through his thin black t-shirt, letting his voice drop to a low purr.“ And then there were those hot little hands of yours…” He looked her up and down, eyes traveling rakishly over her body. “…Everywhere.”
A lovely crimson stain appeared at her neckline and burned its way into her cheeks. His sapphire eyes held Buffy’s smoky green ones for a hypnotic moment. She gulped audibly. Then a rush of her scent hit him. She was aroused! The damn Slayer was turned on - by Him! Spike’s eyes widened in shock, and the spell was broken. Buffy shoved him back brutally.
“ You’re a PIG, Spike!” She spat.
Then she turned on her pretty black boot heel and stalked out of the cemetery.
Spike just stood there, too stunned to move. His jaw hung open and his cigarette burned forgotten in his hand. The Slayer. Had been turned on. By Him.
“ By Me.” Wonder filled his voice.
A spontaneous grin appeared on his face, and he was beaming. He wanted to shout it to the world. He wanted to dance with glee. Since both of those things would attract unwanted attention (or possibly get his ass kicked if it got back to her), Spike settled for a drag from his smoke and headed back into town for a celebratory drink at Willy’s.
The unseen god of Love smiled with satisfaction.
Now this, I can work with.
Chapter Five ~ “I’m Not in Love”
“ I’m not in love, so don’t forget it.
It’s just a silly phase I’m going through.
I’d like to see you, but then again –
that doesn’t mean you mean that much to me.
So if I call you, don’t make a fuss.
Don’t tell your friends about the two of us.
I’m not in love, no, no...”
~ 10 CC’s
Eros decided to follow Buffy home to observe her further. The girl had ranted, stomped and stormed the entire way. He couldn’t have been more pleased. Here was the spark he’d been looking for. By Jove, she’d given him more than a spark. Watching that little exchange in the graveyard he’d seen her heartflame burst forth into a bonfire. It was marvelous. He was practically giddy. This was going to be the loveliest, fiery-est, most delicious match he’d made in at least a century. Wouldn’t the Powers be pleased?
Buffy stormed into the house, glad that everyone was asleep and out of her way for once. She barely kept herself from slamming the door in her fury. She whipped off her coat on the way up the stairs, practically stomping into her room to strip. What she needed now was a good shower. She’d get cleaned up and let the hot water relax her. And by the time she was done, she’d have forgotten all about that…that…disgusting, vile pig…
And if I ever see him again I swear…
“OoooooH!”
She growled in frustration, and stripped off her shirt viciously. Her clothes came off in a fury, her boots making satisfying angry thuds as they hit the wall. She was too mad to care if anyone woke up at this point. Buffy stalked naked into the bathroom in a perfect rage. Every motion done with extra violence while a monologue of irritation flowed non-stop under her breath.
“ Stupid…blonde…jackass….” Growl. Snarl. Rant.
“Not to mention the way you just insisted on cuddlin’ up to me…” she mocked in a whiny English accent. “ …Couldn’t wait to have your name linked with mi-ine…” She sing-songed nastily.
She cranked the hot water knob brutally, almost taking it off the wall.
Oops! Gotta calm down a little. Slayer strength plus aggression not good for Buffy’s bathroom.
She climbed into the shower only slightly calmer. Dumping a gigantic dollop of shampoo into her hand she began scrubbing her long, blonde hair vigorously – muttering all the while.
“ Pig…” Grumble.“ Bastard…” Gripe. “ And who does he think he is anyway?!” She yelled at no one in particular. She rinsed with prejudice, and grabbed the beauty bar out of the dish on the wall. Getting a nice, foamy lather going she proceeded to wash her arms and shoulders forcefully, mind still on Spike. That stupid mouth of his, always running on and on and on…and he smokes too much, and drinks too much. Stupid bleach blonde. Who even does that to their hair anymore? Who does he think he is, Madonna? She snorted. She’d have to remember to use that one on him later. And his stupid eyes, all big and deep and blue. What business does he have having eyes like that? Looking at her all sexy…
Hey! No sexy! Spike is not sexy. In any way. Ever. At all. Okay?
Yes, right – back to ranting…Stupid Spike with his…stupid eyes…
Yes, that’s better.
And who was he to just press himself up against her like that? Right, Exactly! Big giant pervert! All strong and loomy and… hard-bodied. With his voice all low… and … and…saying those…things to her. Those stupid …stupid…sexy… things…
Buffy looked down, and found her soapy hands circling her breasts over and over.
“Hey !!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was all down hill from there. She washed herself as quickly as possible and flounced out of the shower. She rubbed her skin pinkishly raw with the towel trying to erase any tiny smidgen of sexual feeling for Spike. And what was wrong with her anyway? This was the guy that had kidnapped her friends, threatened her life, mocked her boyfriend not to mention herself, and hey – try the fact that he’d attempted to actually kill her how many times now?
What the fuck?!
Buffy didn’t know what the hell was a matter with her, but she was damn well going to get over it. Now. She grabbed her most unsexy sleepwear from the closet; a soft flannel granny gown her mom had given her. This was the nightgown she always wore when she was sick or needed comforting. Tonight it seemed to be both. She sat herself down at her little vanity table and began pulling a comb methodically through her wet hair. Whenever she came to a tangle she yanked extra hard until she pulled through it. It gave her a sadistic sense of satisfaction. When her hair was neat and straight, she threw herself into her bed and shut off the lights.
The only thing that was going to resolve today was tomorrow’s sunrise. Thank God she had a new day to look forward to. It couldn’t possibly be as bad as this one was, no matter what happened. Buffy closed her eyes and took comfort in the small snuggly weight of Mr. Gordo. At least some things were still dependable (unlike her brain). Her anger had finally worn her out enough to surrender to sleep, and she did so gladly. No more icky thoughts of Spike, just sweet oblivion.
Eros chuckled with delight as he rubbed his hands together like an old-fashioned silent film villain. He’d been thrilled with the girls’ reaction, she showed all the proper signs. He’d hardly have to help it along at all. She was obviously attracted to the vampire, and had feelings for him, however deeply they might be buried. Now it was time to see if he couldn’t just bring those feelings to light. He set about his work with undisguised glee.
Fuel for the fire, My Dear – enjoy!
Buffy rolled over in her sleep, snuggling into her pillow smiling dreamily.
Chapter Six ~ All I Have to Do is Dream
“ When I want you in my arms, when I want you and all your charms –
Whenever I want you all I have to do is dream.
I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine
Anytime – night or day…
All I have to do is dream…”
~ The Everly Brothers
Mmmmm, that felt so good. What was he doing back there? It was just magical… His smooth cool hands stroked her back spreading the fragrant oil up and over her shoulder blades.
“ Oooo yummy! You got the ‘Sweet Papaya-Mango’…” Buffy breathed, catching her favorite scent.
“ I know, Pet. I remembered.” Spike’s voice was warm and sweet to her ears.
She wriggled contentedly under his weight. He chuckled and smacked her oily rump playfully.
“ Now, now, Kitten – keep movin’ like that and I’ll get distracted.”
“ Maybe I like you distracted.” She teased, writhing with new intent under his spread legs.
He lifted up off her thighs and pressed his hard length against her, leaning over her prone body to breathe seductively into her ear;
“ Careful what you wish for, Baby.”
She felt his erection slide up the slick crevice of her closed legs to prod her in a well-oiled cheek. She rewarded him with a humming little groan, and moved to turn over. He laid a hand on her shoulder and pushed her gently down again, setting back to his work.
“ Ah ah ah, I’m not done with you yet. ‘Sides you need this after the fighting you did tonight.”
“ Fine then. Be that way.” She flounced back letting her lower lip protrude.
He grinned down at her and laughed.
“ Oi! Not the pouty lip! You know I can’t resist that…”
She turned her head and smiled mischievously, then shot him her all-time best pouty face.
“ That’s it, yer gonna get it now!”
He pounced on her with a roar, flipping her slippery body between his legs while Buffy shrieked with delight. Spike set himself to tickling her and nuzzling her neck affectionately. She retaliated with digs to his sides and stomach, swirling her finger in the sweet divet of his belly button until he broke down giggling helplessly.
“ How cute is it that your belly-button is all tickley?”
“Hey, now – cute? I’m cute now?!”
“ Absolutely.” She said laying a solid kiss on his forehead. He snuggled into her embrace resting his head on her chest.
“ Pfft.” He dismissed. “ I am not cute.”
“ Are too. 100% Adorable.” She teased, toying with a platinum curl. Spike lifted his head and quirked a scowly eyebrow at her. This only made Buffy grin wider and stick her tongue out sassily. He lifted himself above her giving her his sexiest growl.
“ Hush up you.” He closed in, threatening. “I’m the Big Bad, and I can prove it.”
With that he captured her mouth and kissed her breathless. Buffy responded by wrapping her legs around him and pulling him in to her sweet, slidey little body. Spike moaned from behind his clenched jaw and ground himself into her inviting wetness. She writhed blissfully beneath him enjoying the feel of his delightfully hard erection and gave him a low moan of her own.
“ Bloody hell, Pet. You tryin’ to kill me?” He gasped. “ Keep it up and there won’t be time for foreplay.”
“ Hmmmm. Don’t know if I care right now.” She purred, continuing her seductive undulations. He leaned in to kiss her hungrily then licked a path from her neck to her nipples, enjoying the tasty mixture of Buffy and sweet papaya flavours.
“ I care.” He rasped, capturing a rosy bud between his teeth. “ You know how much I love to taste you.” She groaned at his sexy words, and thrust her hips towards him. Ignoring this lewd little gesture, he chuckled and began suckling her other nipple. He diligently worked both breasts with tongue and fingers until she was panting hotly. By the time he made his way to the crux of her thighs she was drenched with her own arousal. He breathed in her heady scent, enjoying himself to the fullest.
“ You are the most luscious woman I have ever seen.” He locked eyes with hers before delving in with his long, feline tongue. “ And the sweetest thing I have ever tasted.”
Buffy thought she could come from his words alone. He said the sexiest, nastiest things she’d ever heard in her life. God, how she loved him. But he wasn’t done with her yet, not by a long shot. He’d just begun his slow, delicious torture, and history proved he could go all night.
I am a lucky, lucky girl.
She thought happily. Then shuddered with delight as his tongue explored every little sensitive fold of flesh. She open herself further for him, delighting in his attentions, the way he was pleasuring her. There was no shame in this, she trusted him completely. It had never been this way with anyone else. She could say that about everything she had with Spike really. The way he loved her with out reservation, the way he was always, always there, the way he took care of her. She’d never had anything even close before. And she had never been so ridiculously happy in her entire life, even as a child.
Who knew life could be like this? Especially for her. She’d just about given up on happy endings before they got together. She remembered talking to Will about it, how it just wasn’t meant for her. Her life was about the slay, and love would probably just get in the way of her duties. That was just the way it was, nothing to be done. Hadn’t that fact been proven to her over and over again already? Angel, Scott, Parker…all debris on the Buffy highway. How could she know the Powers had one last little treat in store?
Or a really big treat actually…
She thought admiring his erection. Love hadn’t gotten in the way. In fact, his support only made her better. Not to mention the dynamic duo they made on patrol. They moved like synchronized dancers they were so in tune. Plus, there was the added bonus of watching him fight – yum. He was too divine – perfect milky skin, muscular but not bulky, beautifully sculptured face. And when he looked at her – wow. Talk about hypno-eyes. He could stun her in an instant with those eyes - steal her very breath. And she could feel them on her anytime he was near, even if she hadn’t known he was around. She’d turn suddenly, and there he’d be across the room smiling at her. Handsome Devil didn’t even begin to cover it. She smiled dreamily.
“ And just what are you grinnin’ about, missy?”
“I was just thinking that you’re my handsome devil.”
“ And you’re my sweet angel, now c’mere and kiss me.”
And she was lost in his kiss, the taste of her juices on his lips, yummy mango scent and silk bodies sliding. His fingers stroked deep to find the pleasure spot that sent her off like a rocket, as his mouth sought first her tender nipples, then her sweet, aching cunt. He lashed her clit hard as he fingered her, sending her off on waves of multiple orgasms.
“ SoooOOO good, Baby…”
Was all she could muster. There were no other thoughts. Only his mouth and hands making her come and come and come… And before she caught her breath or even began to recover he was above her and sliding home – deep inside where she liked him best. He hiked her thighs up over his arms and began a rhythmic thrusting – bringing on the most intense orgasm yet. The pleasure of it never stopped, coming in waves that rose and fell. His name was a mantra on her lips as he rained kisses everywhere and told her :
“ You are so beautiful, Buffy”
And
“ I love you so much.”
And
“ Come for me again.”
She always complied. He had her on her back – then above him, sideways – then on her knees, seamlessly shifting from one to another. Every position brought new sensations and new pleasures. And always, always he was touching her, caressing her, worshipping her. He spoke to her throughout; words both sweet and dirty, words that made her ache and tingle, and often pushed her over the edge into a deeper, more powerful orgasm. He fucked her and loved her by turns until she felt she couldn’t take one more moment’s pleasure. It was simply becoming too much.
Who knew such a thing could happen?
He seemed to sense her need, and turned her gently onto her back again. Looking into her eyes intently he said,
“ I want to see you, my beautiful girl.”
Buffy thought she would weep from tenderness. His love and devotion were overwhelming – so complete. How they could exist in equal union with his lust and desire she’d never know. But that was him – that was what he gave her: perfect love and perfect lust, all in a beautiful package. She hardly felt deserving of it all. She lifted herself to touch his face and kiss him gently. Then said quietly, sweetly ;
“ I love you, Spike.”
He smiled down at her glorious as a cathedral angel, painted in shades of blue and gold in the candlelight. He held her with his hypno-eyes as he began thrusting once more. Even when she thought she had nothing to give, he always managed to find a little more – wringing every drop of pleasure from her body. He saved the best for last. As he rocked gracefully above her, he slid his hand between them and found her slick, tender clit with his thumb. He pressed gently at first, finally grinding down in firm circles. That’s when her Universe unraveled…
“ Spiiiiiiiiiiiike! Oh, Fuck…Spike…”
She felt him join her in chaos shuddering with the pleasure of it, and calling out to her:
“ God! … Love you, Buffy…love you…”
She awoke quivering with Spike’s name still on her lips.
Chapter Seven ~ I Woke Up in Love This Morning
“ Do dreams come true? Well if they do then I’ll have you,
Not just for one night, but for all of my life.
I woke up in love this morning –
Went to sleep with you on my mind.”
~ The Partridge Family
She lay back into the pillow still trembling. She’d just had the best, most intense, incredible orgasm of her life. And she hadn’t even been touched – not by herself (she checked) or anyone else. It was from a dream…a fucking dream.
About Spike.
“Fuck.”
It all came flooding back to her. How he had looked at her, how he had touched her. What she thought. How it felt. She remembered everything as if it were an actual event. It certainly felt real. She was still sweating from exertion, and her whole body was sensitive to the touch – as if she’d been making love all night. Which she supposed, she had. With Spike.
Oh. My. God.
As far as her body was concerned she’d spent all of last night having the sex of a lifetime with her sworn enemy. (Formerly sworn?) And unlike most dreams, this one showed no sign of fading with the morning light. If anything it was growing more vivid, little details trickling back into her brain. Things she said. Things he said.
“ You know how much I love to taste you.”
Buffy’s face colored at the memory of his words. His sweet, dirty words. She felt the flush spread down her neck to her chest, followed by a warm tingle that went to her nipples and…further. She flashed to a memory of him on top of her, inside of her – his voice rough and low in her ear.
“ Come for me, Buffy…”
And she felt like she nearly could - right now, because it was so, so real. She could almost feel him sliding his hard length into her, could almost hear his voice commanding her. She gave a little involuntary moan and then cursed herself for doing it.
“ Fuck!”
I am so fucked. What’s the matter with me?
One crazy little sex dream (about Spike) and she was falling to pieces. It was the most intense, amazing (orgasm) dream of her life granted, but still. It was just (sex) a dream, and dreams could be interpreted in many ways. She’d read that in Cosmo. The sex might just represent something else…like…like…working something out with Spike or something. It could represent the stress that she felt about their changing roles in each other’s lives. Sounds good, right?
Yes, Dr. Summers – now tell me another one.
Her traitorous mind was far from convinced. ‘Cause dreams about “changing roles” didn’t make you come in your panties now did they? And they sure as hell didn’t leave you a trembling wreck that was hungry for more. Which is exactly what she was, if she’d just admit it to herself.
No I will not! I do not want Spike! I want a nice, normal guy…who…who can take me on picnics in the sun. And out for drives, and can meet my family and friends without terrifying them. I want Riley.
Not Spike. Riley, Riley, Riley!
Except that Riley, for all his wonderfully droll normalcy, didn’t make her feel even half of what Spike had made her feel in a dream. And didn’t even approach the neighborhood of making her come like that. In fact, if she were to be honest, half the time he didn’t make her come at all. And when he did, they were nice, polite WASP-y little orgasms that ended in a well-bred gasp. Not the toe-curling screamers that woke not just the neighbors, but the actual dead.
(Not like Spike)
“Fuck.”
She had no idea what to do with this new information. She was quite literally stunned. She’d never thought about Spike that way before.
Oh, yeah right!
Her mind scoffed at her.
Admit it, you know you’ve thought about him this way – since the beginning.
Well, maybe. Maybe she had thought he was kinda sexy. And intriguing. Maybe.
And this isn’t the first dream about Spike is it?
No, there had been other dreams – nightmares! She insisted to herself.
Oh, come on! This isn’t even the first sex dream you’ve had about him!
Hey! Since when did her brain get so argumentative anyway?
Don’t change the subject; you know I’m right. You’ve dreamed about him, you’ve thought about him and – be honest now – you’ve even gotten yourself off thinking about him. And last time you were with Riley-
No!
Yes.
No…
Yes, you want him. You want Spike. Admit it – at least to yourself.
“Fuck.”
Eros grinned mischievously, floating on a current of air just outside her window. He could see the look of consternation on her face. And feel the sexual heat and desire for the vampire just radiating off of her. She was so close. The dream he’d given her had obviously done its job. Nothing fancy, just a simple glimpse of what “could be ”. He was doing her a favor, really – look at what they could have together! Few mortals (or immortals even) ever experienced Love like that.
It was the boy really; his heart was capable of infinite Love. He had seen that clearly the first night. And really what better match for her? Who else but a vampire could survive the Love of a Slayer? Who could match her in strength, in stamina? Who could withstand the sheer heat of her affections? And frankly, who was man enough for the job? The Slayer herself was part demon; only another demon would be able to be her true partner. Any attempt with a normal man would be doomed from the start; her Slayer essence would either eat him alive or drive him away. For that matter, it would take a rather spectacular vampire to take her on. Not many would even dare.
He wondered if it had ever been tried before, if other vampires had loved Slayers. He’d have to look that up in the Akashik Records. He supposed not though, for surely he would have been called to create, or at least protect, such a union. If he wasn’t it must not have been ordained, something not meant to be which would therefore never last.
He shook himself from his reverie. There was still much to do. This union certainly was meant to be, and it would take time to build it before it could stand on its own. The girl still needed convincing. But looking at her, her face deep in thoughts of her intended, Eros thought it wouldn’t take much. A little push here, an elegant prod there and viola!
A coupling legends were made of.
Chapter Eight ~ Addicted to Love
“You can’t eat. You can’t sleep. There’s no doubt – you’re in deep.
Your heart beats, your teeth grind – Another kiss and you’ll be mine…
Oh, you like to think that you’re immune to the stuff.
But it’s closer to the truth to say you can’t get enough.
You might as well face it you’re addicted to love…”
~ Robert Palmer
Buffy dawdled on her way to the Magic Box. It wasn’t intentional; she just couldn’t seem to clear her mind of thoughts of Spike. All day she had been haunted by that damn dream. Doing the most ordinary things it would hit her, a vivid flashback of their night together. The kisses, the caresses, the tingling touches. Dressing, brushing her teeth – every little daily activity had been saturated with Spike-ness. It was a good thing she’d taken a shower last night, ‘cause Lord knows what that would lead to.
Very wrong naughty thoughts, that’s what!
And that was definitely bad. And wrong. Not to mention dirty.
And fun.
Bad Buffy Brain whispered.
“No, not fun! Really… I mean it…”
She protested weakly, while people walking by stared curiously at the girl talking to herself. Buffy caught their looks and blushed furiously, turning away.
Gah! Spike is making me crazy!
Okay, so he always made her crazy, but this was up to a whole new level of crazy. He was invading her dreams, making her feel all confused.
(Not to mention tingly)
Bad Buffy Brain piped up. Okay, fine tingly too – but in a very bad, very wrong way.
Oh, don’t act like you don’t like it. You like thinking about him that way.
“ I do not!”
She protested hotly, eliciting more nervous stares from the elderly couple passing her on the sidewalk.
Uh oh, better quit that before they decide to call out the men in white coats. She clamped her mouth shut and walked with purpose to the Scooby meeting, determined to put all thoughts of Spike to rest. Permanently, if possible. It was a gorgeous day – why not concentrate on that?
Yes, great let’s just do that.
Buffy plastered a perky little smile on her face (ala years of cheerleading practice) and focused on the beauty of the day around her. The fresh green grass, the autumn trees with their leaves just starting to turn, the sun shining brightly in the deep blue sky… She sighed and admired the dazzling azure expanse above her, dotted with sweet little bunny-fluff clouds, and her smile turned genuine. Taking a deep breath she allowed herself to relax and simply enjoy the day. Sunnydale was a pretty little town – if she didn’t know better she’d think it was downright idyllic. But there was something about that sky that bothered her. Somehow it kept drawing her eye. What was it that it reminded her of? She tried to ignore it, and strolled leisurely towards her destination. She hummed along to the song that had been buzzing around in the corners of her brain all day.
“ Babyyy, I think I love you…but what am I so afraid of…hmmm, hmmm, hmmm…”
What was that song, and why was it in her head anyway? She shrugged and kept up her tuneless singing, closing her eyes and tilting her face towards the sun, enjoying its warmth.
She opened them with her face to the sky and caught her breath. Spike. That’s what it reminded her of. The sky was the exact color of his eyes last night in her dream…
When he said he loved me.
Buffy froze, stunned. Her heart was pounding and her breathing was shallow and rapid. She brought her head back down, trying to draw a fresh lungful of air.
“Calm down it was just a dream, Buffy. No need to panic.”
She told herself quietly. He shouldn’t affect her this way! And why did he? Why did she let him? It was just a dream. A stupid dream and it didn’t mean anything. No sublimated desires, no representations, no Freudian slips
No thank you, I don’t wear one.
Her mind supplied nonsensically. Just a straightforward, ridiculous, run-of-the-mill dream. It was probably because they had that fight last night - that’s it! Spike had been taunting her and making with the innuendos – and she always got turned on when they fought anyway so…
“Dammit, I cannot believe I just admitted that – even to myself.”
She cursed her betraying mind under her breath, stalking angrily now towards the Magic Box. Thank God she was almost there. At least the meeting would provide her with some kind of distraction. Bad Buffy Brain had been on autopilot all day, dredging up thoughts of Spike at every turn. Didn’t Willow mention a forgetting spell once? Opening the door to the shop she resolved to look into that.
Immediately, if not sooner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turn me on. Even though my life before was tragic, now I know my love for her goes on…”
Spike soaped vigorously, singing with gusto. He was in a damn fine mood this morning. And why wouldn’t he be? After all these months of being on the ass-end of an agonizingly unrequited love, he finally had a reason to hope. He knew a sweet little secret, didn’t he?
“ I have to tell a story of a thousand rainy days since we first met. It’s a big enough umbrella, but it’s always me that ends up getting wet…”
He belted out, rinsing off his chest. He broke into an impromptu drum solo on the washboard of his abs, sending droplets of water careening off the cement walls of the makeshift shower. Oh yes, he knew a wonderful secret indeed. His Slayer had a thing for him. Even if she didn’t know it yet.
Just give her time.
He thought smugly. She was gonna come around sooner or later, and he was a very patient man. He could wait. He could wait a long time – and Lord knows she was worth waiting for. ‘Sides, he wasn’t gettin’ any older, was he?
Nope – still be this devilishly handsome for the next coupla decades at least.
Spike smiled to himself thoroughly pleased and turned off the water. He grabbed one of the pilfered motel towels off the steel hooks next to the shower and stepped out, still grinning. Drying briskly he sauntered naked into his bedroom in search of fresh clothes. He wanted to look extra sharp for Buffy today. This was the beginning of an all out campaign to wear her down.
“Gonna kill her with kindness, I am.”
He said jovially, and tossed his damp towel onto the bed. Rummaging through his dresser for fresh clothes he continued his cheery singing;
“ I resolve to call her up a thousand times a day and ask her if she’ll marry me, some old fashioned way. But my silent fears have gripped me before I reach the phone, and before my tongue has tripped me – must I always be aloooone?”
Not only did he have a spectacular night with Buffy. But he’d had the most amazing dream afterwards. Buffy was the star as usual, but there was something different about this one. It was Technicolor, 3-D in Dolby surround sound and THX. Bloody realistic it was. He could almost smell the scent of her silky skin slathered in sweet papaya, and feel her slick heat surrounding him right now. That’s how clear and strong just the memory of it was. Most nights he woke up with a stiffy and some lovely, but vague images of her naked body in his mind. Last night he felt like he’d lived it, like he’d made love to the girl of his dreams all night long. He’d kissed her sweet mouth, tasted her skin, spent a half an hour devouring her gorgeous cunny and then shagged her into oblivion for the rest of the night. Left him with sticky sheets, but it was well bloody worth it.
“Oh yeah.”
He grinned lasciviously. Then began pulling on his black jeans, pausing to adjust his growing erection comfortably before zipping up. He patted his bulge affectionately before putting on a skintight black tee and tucking it in. Spike selected a silk dress shirt the color of burgundy wine from the bureau. He rolled up the sleeves casually and left the rest hanging, as was his custom.
Even though the shagging was brilliant – best ever – in fact, it wasn’t even the best part. The best part was that she’d said she loved him. Sweetly, tenderly and with conviction. She said it like he had always wanted her to, looking right into his eyes and touching his face. Made his heart swell even now just thinking about it. It gave him hope, like it was a sign from the Powers themselves. And who knows, maybe it was? He stopped for a moment to sigh wistfully and then went on with his preparations. Spike grabbed his silver rings from the dresser and went looking for some industrial strength pomade to tame his wildly rioting curls. Palming a giant dollop from the bathroom cupboard, he began working it in.
“ ‘Cause that whole poodle thing just ain’t gonna cut it, Mate.”
Spike continued humming the love song he’d had stuck in his head all morning. Funny that – usually it was something more hardcore he’d find himself singin’. The Vandals or the Clash or somethin’. But today it was love songs. Oh well. At least it was the Police and not something truly horrible… like the bloody Partridge family.
I shudder to think…
Head thoroughly saturated with goop, he whipped his favorite black comb expertly through his slick hair. A few minutes manipulation left him sleek as a selkie, setting off his razor sharp cheekbones and the hard line of his jaw. Not for the first time, he found himself wishing he could have use of a mirror. Not having the Polaroid handy he’d just have to go with it, and trust it would do. He wiped his sticky hands on a Motel 6 towel and went back into the bedroom for some cologne.
He could still sense the sun – it must only be about 4 pm yet. Better hurry – he had a Scooby meeting to attend.
Gotta go see about a girl.
He thought smiling. Splashing his wrists liberally he brought them to his neck and chest. He could only hope to smell half as good as she did. Still, a fella had to make the effort, didn’t he? Spike grabbed his leather duster on the way out the door and entered the tunnels singing again;
“ Oh, I’ve tried before to tell her all the feelings I have for her in my heart…”
Chapter Nine ~ Love is in the Air
“ Love is in the air, everywhere I look around.
Love is in the air, every sight and every sound.
And I don’t know if I’m being foolish,
I don’t know if I’m being wise –
But it’s something I must believe in.
And it’s there when I look in your eyes. ”
~ Paul Young
Buffy was immensely relieved to see that Spike was not among the Scoobies assembled at the back of the magic shop.
Thank God for small favors!
She thought grumpily. All the Spike-ness permeating her brain was making her cranky. Why wouldn’t he just go away? She seated herself next to Willow, frowning. Well at least he wasn’t here – that was something. She could pretend he didn’t exist for a little while. And hey, if she avoided his cemetery she might not see him all night. That thought cheered her right up and she turned smiling to her friends.
Xander plopped himself down at the large, round table and leaned back casually in his chair.
“ Has anyone else had a brain-full of schlock rock lately? ‘Cause I can’t seem to get this one song outta my noggin – and it’s really, really bad.”
Willow looked up at him from the hefty leather tome in front of her.
“ How bad, Xand? Like Journey bad or like Air Supply bad?”
She made the universal gesture for gagging.
“ More like Bad Company bad – so not that bad I guess.”
He winked back at Willow, and she smiled at him mischievously.
“ Yeah – could be worse…”
He raised an eyebrow at her.
“ Wait a minute, what’s worse than Air Supply?”
She grinned.
“ I’m talking ‘Afternoon Delight’ bad.”
Tara moved to stand by Willow’s chair, giggling.
“Or If-you-like-pina-coladas bad.” She added with a sweet smile.
Buffy laughed up at Tara.
“Hey, I like that song. My parents used to listen to it all the time when I was a kid. I think my mom still has it on original vinyl.”
Xander chuckled at Buffy over the enormous pile of books in the center of the table.
“ That’s probably a collector’s item by now, Buff. You should get it from her.
We could sell it on E-Bay and make a killing.”
They were all giggling when Anya came out from behind the counter carrying a small portable radio.
“ This is clearly your problem.”
She set the radio down on the table and cranked a small silver dial on its face. A deep, melodious man’s voice filled the air.
“ You’re listening to K-LUV Radio, Sunnydale’s all love songs, all the time station.
Stay tuned for another all-request hour. We’ve got Barry White on the way…”
Anya turned the volume down again then stood up and putting her hands on her hips.
“ See? It’s been happening to me for the past two days. One schmaltzy song after another has been wedged in my brain, driving me batty. I finally realized it was this ridiculous station.”
Xander eyed his fiancée quizzically.
“I didn’t know you had a radio back there, An.”
“ I like to listen to the stock reports when I count out the register.”
They all nodded in unison, a silent “Oh” of agreement.
“Mood music to fondle money by, got it.”
He quipped, nodding in understanding.
“ And then sometimes I like to play to music while I clean.”
She shrugged.
“ It makes it …nicer.” Tara said smiling at Anya.
“Yes, exactly – nicer. But then this horrible new station came to town, and now my brain is ‘all love songs all the time.’ I should’ve stuck with my stock reports…”
She frowned petulantly, prompting Xander to pull her down into his lap and give her a squeeze.
“ It’s okay, Baby.” He whispered into her ear. “ I’ll show you what love songs make nicer later.”
Anya smiled brightly, instantly perking up. Nothing put her in a better mood than the promise of orgasms. Except perhaps the orgasms themselves.
Unseen, Eros chuckled to himself. He’d forgotten how his presence could affect the mortal world. Love was literally in the air now, working its magic on everything around it. Not bad as far as side effects go. But what he was really amazed at were the people in front of him. It was wonderful to find so much Love in one place. There was clearly a sense of community here. The witches made a beautiful couple, and their heartfires burned so brightly for one another. He was deeply touched by their tender feelings, so readily apparent in everything they did. He wasn’t as sure about the boy and the demoness, but it wasn’t his concern at the moment. They would just have to work it out on their own, as mortals usually did.
He had more pressing matters to attend to. The Slayer was still resistant. If she didn’t come around soon, he’d have to pull out the arrows. And he was loathe to do it. It was always the last resort. Or the first one, if he wanted to make mischief. There was the time he’d made Zeus fall in love with a cow…He chortled to himself remembering. He’d only escaped the god’s wrath by the grace of his Aunt Hera, Zeus’ wife. Tired of all his infidelities she’d been vastly amused at the young god’s prank. She’d told Zeus it was her doing, and if he didn’t like it he’d best keep his “mighty thunderbolt” to himself. Chastened, Zeus had relented. Hera was the only one he was actually afraid of.
In a true Love match, it was best to coax things along naturally. He only used the arrows when manipulation was needed. The Powers did have their plans, didn’t they? There were great lineages to found, heroes to birth. And sometimes that required two people who had never met to fall in love. Such had been the fate of the Lady Igraine and Uther Pendragon. They were mated to bear the hero King Arthur, though Igraine was married to another at the time. That had certainly caused its share of devastation. He hoped to avoid any such calamities with this pairing. Eros sighed and ran a hand through the golden waves of his hair.
He could feel the girl’s desire for the vampire. Why was she so damnably resistant?! The boy was quite handsome and certainly charming – if a tad rough around the edges.
But then again some girls seemed to enjoy the whole bad boy thing.
He mused, pacing. His wings fluttered irritably as he walked. Well, he’d wanted a challenge – looks like he got one. He was just going to have to go on the offensive here. It appeared that this was to be an uphill battle. Ah well, nothing worth having was easily won. The vampire would have to do his share as well. Eros wondered if he should appear to the boy. Also something he reserved for special circumstances. He preferred to guide rather than push. But this young lady might require some severe prodding. He scowled, thinking.
Looks like it’s time for Plan B.
He reached into the fall of his ivory robes and pulled out a drawstring bag made of heavy gold satin. Walking widdershins he paced out the diameter of the sacred circle three times, then moved to stand within it. He closed his clear blue eyes and raised his hands in supplicant prayer, holding the bag between them.
“Mother, I call on thee. I call on Aphrodite, on Venus. I call on the force of Love itself. On all the Powers That Be.”
He raised his hands to the Heavens, opening his eyes which now glowed with a radiant golden-white light. His melodious voice flowed;
“ See here these lovers. See them well.”
The light covered him now, flowing from the drapes of his heavy robes, from the waves of his flaxen hair, from every feather of his wings. He became an encapsulated sun as the power of the ritual overtook him. He lowered his hands and reached into the pouch casting a shower of glittering granules into the circle. The image of Buffy and Spike appeared superimposed on the cascading sparkles for a moment.
“ They know not their hearts. They know not their true desires. I call upon thee to assist them to their destiny. Find them their path and plant their feet firmly. Open their eyes and unlock their hearts.”
He shut his eyes once more, and felt the Powers flow through him. The benediction of his mother was sweet and strong; he felt her blessing like a kiss upon his brow. Then finally the eternal, infinite power that was Love itself possessed him. If he’d had a doubt about the nature of this union, it was erased in that moment. There was no question now - fate was at hand.
Eros opened his sea-blue eyes and reached into the satin bag, gathering a small handful of glittering particles. He turned toward Buffy, laughing all unawares with her friends. Gazing at her intently he whispered;
“ Know thy heart.”
And then blew the dazzling grains into a cloud swirling in her direction. As it left the circle it became a whirl of glowing pink and red smoke, dancing and curling around her until her body seemed to absorb it – soaking it in like a sponge. She sat up in her chair suddenly, as a warm tingling shiver went through her like a shock wave.
Whoa! What the hell was that?
She thought, looking around to see if anyone else noticed. No one else seemed affected, all busy reading or talking just as before. Buffy shrugged figuring it was just her. Whatever it was, it left her with a deliciously sensual feeling. Her skin felt sensitive to everything suddenly. She was all too aware how the lycra-silk blend of her camisole felt against her breasts, and the seam of her jeans seemed to be rubbing up against a very naughty place. She fidgeted in her seat uncomfortably.
Jeeze – get a grip, Summers!
She scolded herself. Buffy shook it off and diligently returned to her research.
Eros smiled radiantly;
“ So mote it be.”