FIC: High Noon, Part 2, Anya/Giles
Title: High Noon
Author: houses
Universe: Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Anita Blake
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Characters: Anya, Giles and a few old favorites
Pairing: Anya/Giles
Rating: R, hints of smut and graphic violence
Timeline: Slightly before Incubus Dreams in AB, after Yesterday’s Sunrise in an AU BtVS.
Notes: This is the second in a series of fics that begin with Dawn’s wish to Halfrek in Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the first fic, Yesterday’s Sunrise, Dawn’s wish created the Anita Blake universe with some devastating consequences. I suggest you read that fic before continuing here, though this features Anya rather than Dawn. The next fic of the series will be Tomorrow’s Sunset, which focuses on Dawn again, thought back in St. Louis.
Word Count: ~13,000
Part 1
It was time to revisit the past-propositioning horny teenagers in their basements seemed like a better and better idea. At least that way she would know exactly where she stood.
Currently she was standing at three weeks, six dinners, two coffees and one peck on the cheek. Giles was so tantalizingly close, but not close enough. He kept their meetings to very public places, never alone. She wasn’t an idiot: she’d cursed enough men to know when they were interested in a woman. And Giles was most definitely interested in her. The accidental touches, the looks, hell-the way he smelled.
It was driving her mad. She knew he wanted to her but at the last moment he always sent her away. Yet each time she departed he always asked for another date-what was wrong with him? Anya’s hormones were doing the tango and she just didn’t want to wait anymore. She was tired of waiting, of watching, of refraining from asking annoyingly personally questions in public.
Didn’t he know how hard this tact thing was?
So she decided to take matters into her own hands. It didn’t matter that this wasn’t her Giles; he was still a Giles with all those qualities that made her stomach flip-flop. A phone call to Dawn helped clarify things, at least on the to slay or not to slay front, but Anya had a few more questions before she decided to either jump his bones or obliterate him for wasting her time.
On their last date, she was sent packing in one of those neat black taxis with nothing but a hungry glance from Giles. The next day, Anya waited in his alley until the dark-haired assistant closed up for the night and teleported herself into the main part of the shop. It was quiet as she picked her way around lamps, ottomans, and suits of charmed armor to the room behind the sales counter. It was lit by a low lamp but unoccupied. She thought she heard noises from above as well through the door Giles had entered from with the box the first day.
Unsure of which way to proceed, she picked up a large book, threw it to the floor and waited.
She could hear the person upstairs stop and cautiously creep across to the stairwell. When Giles popped his head around the doorframe, revolver cocked and ready, she could only smile. Finally, answers.
“Hi there. You can put down that silly firearm. We need to talk.”
“Anya?”
“Yes, it’s me. You’ve been avoiding me. Well, not me, but being alone with me. I want to have sex with you, and you obviously want the same, so what’s stopping you?”
“Anya!” Giles’ jaw dropped and edged to the same armchair he sat in when they first met. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”
Narrowing her eyes, Anya snapped, “I’m not an idiot, Giles. Tell you don’t want me.”
He opened his mouth to respond but at her glare relented. After a moment of silence, he answered, “No, I can’t say I don’t want you. But you have no idea what you’re talking about. Things just aren’t that easy.”
She arched an eyebrow and moved lean over him, sliding her hands up the arms of Giles’ chair. “Things are as easy as you want to make them. What’s stopping you?”
She caressed his thigh, causing him to groan. He grabbed her wrist as she was about to tug on his belt. With a grimace, he said, “There are things you don’t know about me-“
“Oh, please, what a cop out. Everyone has secrets; yours can’t be that devastating.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose with his other hand and Anya knew if he were wearing glasses he’d be polishing them right about now. She leaned closer, lips mere centimeters from his ear.
“Besides, if the big secret is that you’re some vampire’s human servant, I already figured it out.”
His reaction was explosive. He stood fast enough to knock Anya tottering on her heels. The look on his face was one of fear and loathing. He remained half standing for a moment while he regained his breathing then he stood and walked calmly to the corner of the room.
“You know nothing,” he murmured, turning his face away.
“Come on, Giles. You’re 20 years younger than you should be, you’re not wearing your glasses, everyone in this neighborhood treats you like you’re made of glass and that perky assistant of yours has to be a were-animal of some sort; my guess is a rodent. It’s obvious.”
She didn’t want to upset him, but if they didn’t get this cleared up she would be orgasm free until she could find someone to match her memories of her Giles which pretty much meant joining a convent.
Anya hated to settle for second best.
“NO! No, it’s not obvious. It’s not true.” His hands trembled as he smoothed the sleeves of his sweater down. “It’s not…it’s not…” he trailed off.
“Oh come now, Rupes, tell the lady the truth, or are you still ashamed?” a low voice rumbled from the darkness of the second doorway. “After all these years, you’re still bent out of shape about how we ended up together.”
The voice slid around the room like oil, seeping out the bodiless shadows. “Tut, tut; you know how much that hurts me-and you know how much you hate making me unhappy. It always puts you in such an uncomfortable…position.”
Giles remained looking resolutely away from the dark corner, body stiff with suppressed rage. He jammed his hands into his pockets and flashed Anya a look she couldn’t decipher.
“If she wants to know, tell her. After all, it’s not every day such a charming woman hunts you down, damn the consequences,” the vampire drawled out, voice resonating with the trace of an accent Anya couldn’t place.
He continued speaking as he circled the room in shadow until he stood right behind Giles, one hand tracing down the back of the furious man’s neck. The movement was gentle, as if he were petting a fractious horse. “And such manners. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your lady-friend? After all, I was so generous letting you visit with her.”
The broad shouldered shadow stepped into the firelight, dark hair just brushing the top of his collar. He smiled, showing pointed teeth, and said, “M’ name’s Angelus, and who might you be?”
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Anya started laughing. She didn’t mean to, not really, but it was just too funny. It wasn’t funny. It really wasn’t. She knew this, but somehow she was still laughing until tears ran down her cheeks. The two men stared at her like she’s lost her mind but seemed too confused to do much of anything.
Eventually, Anya got a hold of her self and dug around in her purse for a Kleenex to wipe her face. “I’m sorry, this is just…” She snorted.
“It’s really nice to meet you, Angelus. My name is Anya Jenkins. I’m here to sleep with Giles.” She held out her hand and watched Angelus’ eyebrows shoot up.
He stepped closer and swept her hand up for a kiss. “Charmed. You don’t seem particularly frightened.” He bared his fangs again and pushed at her with his charm.
Anya didn’t flinch or swoon which seemed to startle the vampire. “That tickles. Why should I be frightened of you? You’re just a vampire.”
The hand holding hers tightened and Anya sighed. She didn’t really want to get into her little secret just yet; they’d had enough share time between them today. Irritated, she said, “Push all you want, bucko.”
With a snarl, Angelus released her hand and waved at Giles. “Isn’t this an interesting twist? Not afraid of the scary vampire, wants to boff the human servant. Either she’s very stupid or she’s very brave. And something tells me she’s not an imbecile. What followed you home? You know I don’t like surprises.”
Giles seemed to get over his impotent fury, curious about this little development. “Interesting. Anya, why are you here, and why aren’t you running for the hills screaming bloody murder?”
Behind him, Angelus muttered, “Bloody murder is the best kind, you know.”
She rolled her eyes. “Everyone’s got secrets, Giles, I said that before. But believe me, I’m no threat to you.” She cocked her head to one side. “Is it true what they say about vampires and their servants, you know…” She wiggled her fingers.
Giles grimaced and said “No,” at the same time his master said “Yes.”
Anya brightened a bit and leaned forward. “So, it’s like two for the price of one?”
Angelus laughed, flopping down on the end of her sofa with inhuman grace. “You know, I think I like this one. She’s got a set on her, that’s for sure. Too bad she’s completely nuts…in a delicious way.”
The demon smiled encouragingly at Giles and straightened her dress before swiveling to face Angelus. He was watching her with the same intensity that Giles had on their first night, a hungry searching.
They stayed that way for a moment, stuck in a test of wills before Angelus steepled his fingers and murmured, “You say you’re no threat, but yet here you are, bargaining with me-something that’s generally a very stupid thing to do. You’re unafraid of vampires but Rupert tells me you’ve exhibited no preternatural tendencies. You don’t feel like a were-animal, nor a necromancer. You, my sweet, are a mystery. Not the least for wanting to pursue a relationship with a human servant.”
He clapped his hands and Giles flinched. “You’ve been so very chivalrous trying to keep her at arm’s distance to make sure she’s safe from me. It’s so cute it’s pathetic. Here she is, wanting you, you wanting her. I do so love to make my human servant happy. Would it make you happy to have Anya, Rupert?”
“Er.” Giles looked between the vampire and demon carefully before nodding. “Yes, she’d make me happy, I think.”
Angelus snarled, baring fang, and his brown eyes glowed with caramel light. “Be careful, Rupert, be very careful.”
Giles glared right back, hands clenched on the hard wood chair back. “I always am, Master,” he spat out.
Anya rolled her eyes. “This is ridiculous. Can I have Giles or not? It’s not like I’m trying to steal him.”
“But you still want something that belongs to me,” the vampire purred, drumming his fingers on the arm of the sofa.
Giles spat out, “I am not something to be bartered over like chattel!”
“But aren’t you? My precious little sorcerer, you belong to me flesh, blood, and soul. Forever.”
The two men rose to stand nearly toe-to-toe, magical electricity cracking in the air. Anya stood as well, breaking their concentration. Giles glanced at her first and made an aborted movement to grasp her arm.
Angelus backhanded him, sending Giles sprawling. Before he could land another blow, Anya leapt between them squawking, “Hey! No damaging the goods!”
The vampire stopped mid-strike and started laughing. He stepped away from the pair crouched on the floor and poured a glass of amber liquid from a decanter on the shelf, swirling it under his nose.
“There are many advantages to being me,” he breathed deep, “but not everything. A vampire’s got to want for something or he’s just not trying hard enough, is he?”
Giles stood carefully, edging Anya behind him. No one spoke for a moment, letting the violence settle like dust. Angelus stood with casual chaos, still swirling the glass.
Anya cocked her head at him, arms crossed. From what she knew of the old Angelus, which admittedly wasn’t much, he was a schemer. He wasn’t content to play second fiddle, and Anya knew he wasn’t the current Master of London. Maybe they could come to an arrangement. After all, he already suspected that she was more than she appeared. She’d just have to make him want the possibility of what she could bring more than he wanted to punish Giles.
“You know, Angelus, you’re a smart vampire. I think that you and I could find some way to work together don’t you think?” Anya asked, walking slowly around Giles until she was only a foot or so away from the vampire. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and gave what Hallie said was her best salesman’s smile, all teeth and golden opportunities. It never failed, and judging by the disconcerted squawking noises Giles made, it was working.
Angelus breathed deep, closing his eyes and weaving his head a bit. “I can see why he thinks you sweet. You smell like power, money, and utter and complete practicality. But what you don’t smell like is a liar.” He opened his eyes with a slow grin. “Yes, I think we can work together. Come seal our deal with a kiss.”
Anya titled her head up as he leaned down, but he didn’t kiss her lips, instead brushing his lips to her collar bone. He then kissed her throat over the pulse point before kissing along her jaw line. She shivered and used one hand to grip the vampire’s arm. He paused for a moment before dipping his head to kiss her firmly on the lips, using his tongue to part her lips.
Despite one part of her brain screaming this was just utterly bizarre, the other part decided she finally knew what Buffy whined on and on about after Angel left. The man could kiss. Just as Anya was getting into it, Angelus sliced her lip with his fang. The demon yelped.
He released her and stood up with a look of rapture on his face. “Well, boyo, I think we’ve come to an arrangement. Oh, yes, you taste like nothing I’ve ever drank before. There’s darkness in you, something terribly wrong, like death on my doorstep.”
“It’s wonderful.” He licked his lips, eyes glowing. “I’ll leave you two to your games. Requiem and I have a bet to settle. Here I thought that Giles’ chippie would run screaming when she found out what he was.”
With that, Angelus put the glass on the counter and stalked back through the door. He gave Anya one more lingering look, more considering than violent, and went down the stairs.
“Finally!” Anya turned to Giles and pounced, landing a very enthusiastic kiss on his lips.
After a few minutes, Giles pushed Anya up. “My dear, I really think we should talk.”
Anya, slid her hands down his ribcage until they rested on his hips. “Less talking, more smootching. Do you know what I had to go through to get you all to myself? Well, relatively speaking?”
She licked his bottom lip before biting it gently. She pushed him backwards until he fell onto the couch. Giles groaned as she moved to straddle his hips.
“Anya, wait. Mrph.” He managed to untangle himself and push her upright. “Yes, I saw what you went through, but what I don’t understand is why. Why me? Why would you put yourself in a debt to that creature? You don’t know what he’s capable of.”
Anya huffed and pushed her hair out of her face. If explaining herself would get her more kisses, she was willing to answer a few questions. “What do you want to know?”
“Well, why me?” Giles rubbed her arms lightly. “We had a few nice nights, I know, but no one in their right mind would get involved with a vampire, much less Angelus.”
“Yes, yes, he’s a cruel bastard, prone to nailing puppies to doors.” She rolled her eyes. “Big bad vampire. I know.”
When Giles opened his mouth to protest again, she shushed him with a finger across his lips. Her tone now more serious than flippant, she said, “Yes, I do know he’s a vampire. And you’re a vampire’s servant. And if I want to have you for myself, I’m going to have to play ball with the undead. I know this.”
She leaned in to lick his neck, trailing her tongue along his jaw line. “I also know you’re worth it.”
“No, no you don’t! You don’t even really know me.” Giles moaned as Anya’s hands returned to his belt buckle. “It’s not that I’m not enjoying myself, because I am.”
She ran her fingers lightly up his inner thighs and kissed his lips gently. He tasted like cognac and wood smoke. Giles wrapped his hands around her ribcage and pushed her back again. “But I’m not worth it.”
Anya stopped her attentions and tilted her head. “Of course you’re worth it.”
They looked at each other for a moment and when Giles looked as if he would protest again, Anya pushed herself off his lap. “I am an adult, Rupert. One who is perfectly capable of making her own decisions. And my decision is you. When the consequences show up, we’ll deal with them. But for now, just relax.”
He opened his mouth to speak but changed his mind. She smiled at him, a brilliant smile full of possibilities, and he caved.
“Come here, then,” he said, and he held out his hand.
The demon wasted no time launching herself into his arms. He felt like she remembered from all those years ago, hard and lean with just a touch of softness around the middle. A man with some age on him, yet strength in his touch. She pushed at his shoulders, leaning him back.
“So, now that we’ve gotten all that pesky talking out of the way, care to show the lady how to have a good time?”
“Oh, I think I can do better than that. Good times, that’s all you want? What about great times, splendid times-“
“Naked times. I don’t care what it is as long as we’re naked. So, get on with it,” she chirped, stripping her shirt off to reveal a lacy bra beneath. Giles groaned and grabbed her wrist.
“As charming as Angelus has been this evening, I don’t fancy him joining us.”
Anya’s breath caught at the thought and Giles gave her a discontented look. “I’m beginning to think you’ve got plans for us that I’m not going to be happy with at all.”
She followed him up the stairs to a neatly appointed bedroom done in dark colors. A large mahogany four poster bed took up most of the space and when he led her to the soft sheets, she licked her lips.
Nuzzling his neck, she said, “On, no, Giles, I think you’ll be very happy indeed.”
TBC...
Author: houses
Universe: Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Anita Blake
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Characters: Anya, Giles and a few old favorites
Pairing: Anya/Giles
Rating: R, hints of smut and graphic violence
Timeline: Slightly before Incubus Dreams in AB, after Yesterday’s Sunrise in an AU BtVS.
Notes: This is the second in a series of fics that begin with Dawn’s wish to Halfrek in Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the first fic, Yesterday’s Sunrise, Dawn’s wish created the Anita Blake universe with some devastating consequences. I suggest you read that fic before continuing here, though this features Anya rather than Dawn. The next fic of the series will be Tomorrow’s Sunset, which focuses on Dawn again, thought back in St. Louis.
Word Count: ~13,000
Part 1
It was time to revisit the past-propositioning horny teenagers in their basements seemed like a better and better idea. At least that way she would know exactly where she stood.
Currently she was standing at three weeks, six dinners, two coffees and one peck on the cheek. Giles was so tantalizingly close, but not close enough. He kept their meetings to very public places, never alone. She wasn’t an idiot: she’d cursed enough men to know when they were interested in a woman. And Giles was most definitely interested in her. The accidental touches, the looks, hell-the way he smelled.
It was driving her mad. She knew he wanted to her but at the last moment he always sent her away. Yet each time she departed he always asked for another date-what was wrong with him? Anya’s hormones were doing the tango and she just didn’t want to wait anymore. She was tired of waiting, of watching, of refraining from asking annoyingly personally questions in public.
Didn’t he know how hard this tact thing was?
So she decided to take matters into her own hands. It didn’t matter that this wasn’t her Giles; he was still a Giles with all those qualities that made her stomach flip-flop. A phone call to Dawn helped clarify things, at least on the to slay or not to slay front, but Anya had a few more questions before she decided to either jump his bones or obliterate him for wasting her time.
On their last date, she was sent packing in one of those neat black taxis with nothing but a hungry glance from Giles. The next day, Anya waited in his alley until the dark-haired assistant closed up for the night and teleported herself into the main part of the shop. It was quiet as she picked her way around lamps, ottomans, and suits of charmed armor to the room behind the sales counter. It was lit by a low lamp but unoccupied. She thought she heard noises from above as well through the door Giles had entered from with the box the first day.
Unsure of which way to proceed, she picked up a large book, threw it to the floor and waited.
She could hear the person upstairs stop and cautiously creep across to the stairwell. When Giles popped his head around the doorframe, revolver cocked and ready, she could only smile. Finally, answers.
“Hi there. You can put down that silly firearm. We need to talk.”
“Anya?”
“Yes, it’s me. You’ve been avoiding me. Well, not me, but being alone with me. I want to have sex with you, and you obviously want the same, so what’s stopping you?”
“Anya!” Giles’ jaw dropped and edged to the same armchair he sat in when they first met. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”
Narrowing her eyes, Anya snapped, “I’m not an idiot, Giles. Tell you don’t want me.”
He opened his mouth to respond but at her glare relented. After a moment of silence, he answered, “No, I can’t say I don’t want you. But you have no idea what you’re talking about. Things just aren’t that easy.”
She arched an eyebrow and moved lean over him, sliding her hands up the arms of Giles’ chair. “Things are as easy as you want to make them. What’s stopping you?”
She caressed his thigh, causing him to groan. He grabbed her wrist as she was about to tug on his belt. With a grimace, he said, “There are things you don’t know about me-“
“Oh, please, what a cop out. Everyone has secrets; yours can’t be that devastating.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose with his other hand and Anya knew if he were wearing glasses he’d be polishing them right about now. She leaned closer, lips mere centimeters from his ear.
“Besides, if the big secret is that you’re some vampire’s human servant, I already figured it out.”
His reaction was explosive. He stood fast enough to knock Anya tottering on her heels. The look on his face was one of fear and loathing. He remained half standing for a moment while he regained his breathing then he stood and walked calmly to the corner of the room.
“You know nothing,” he murmured, turning his face away.
“Come on, Giles. You’re 20 years younger than you should be, you’re not wearing your glasses, everyone in this neighborhood treats you like you’re made of glass and that perky assistant of yours has to be a were-animal of some sort; my guess is a rodent. It’s obvious.”
She didn’t want to upset him, but if they didn’t get this cleared up she would be orgasm free until she could find someone to match her memories of her Giles which pretty much meant joining a convent.
Anya hated to settle for second best.
“NO! No, it’s not obvious. It’s not true.” His hands trembled as he smoothed the sleeves of his sweater down. “It’s not…it’s not…” he trailed off.
“Oh come now, Rupes, tell the lady the truth, or are you still ashamed?” a low voice rumbled from the darkness of the second doorway. “After all these years, you’re still bent out of shape about how we ended up together.”
The voice slid around the room like oil, seeping out the bodiless shadows. “Tut, tut; you know how much that hurts me-and you know how much you hate making me unhappy. It always puts you in such an uncomfortable…position.”
Giles remained looking resolutely away from the dark corner, body stiff with suppressed rage. He jammed his hands into his pockets and flashed Anya a look she couldn’t decipher.
“If she wants to know, tell her. After all, it’s not every day such a charming woman hunts you down, damn the consequences,” the vampire drawled out, voice resonating with the trace of an accent Anya couldn’t place.
He continued speaking as he circled the room in shadow until he stood right behind Giles, one hand tracing down the back of the furious man’s neck. The movement was gentle, as if he were petting a fractious horse. “And such manners. Aren’t you going to introduce me to your lady-friend? After all, I was so generous letting you visit with her.”
The broad shouldered shadow stepped into the firelight, dark hair just brushing the top of his collar. He smiled, showing pointed teeth, and said, “M’ name’s Angelus, and who might you be?”
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
Anya started laughing. She didn’t mean to, not really, but it was just too funny. It wasn’t funny. It really wasn’t. She knew this, but somehow she was still laughing until tears ran down her cheeks. The two men stared at her like she’s lost her mind but seemed too confused to do much of anything.
Eventually, Anya got a hold of her self and dug around in her purse for a Kleenex to wipe her face. “I’m sorry, this is just…” She snorted.
“It’s really nice to meet you, Angelus. My name is Anya Jenkins. I’m here to sleep with Giles.” She held out her hand and watched Angelus’ eyebrows shoot up.
He stepped closer and swept her hand up for a kiss. “Charmed. You don’t seem particularly frightened.” He bared his fangs again and pushed at her with his charm.
Anya didn’t flinch or swoon which seemed to startle the vampire. “That tickles. Why should I be frightened of you? You’re just a vampire.”
The hand holding hers tightened and Anya sighed. She didn’t really want to get into her little secret just yet; they’d had enough share time between them today. Irritated, she said, “Push all you want, bucko.”
With a snarl, Angelus released her hand and waved at Giles. “Isn’t this an interesting twist? Not afraid of the scary vampire, wants to boff the human servant. Either she’s very stupid or she’s very brave. And something tells me she’s not an imbecile. What followed you home? You know I don’t like surprises.”
Giles seemed to get over his impotent fury, curious about this little development. “Interesting. Anya, why are you here, and why aren’t you running for the hills screaming bloody murder?”
Behind him, Angelus muttered, “Bloody murder is the best kind, you know.”
She rolled her eyes. “Everyone’s got secrets, Giles, I said that before. But believe me, I’m no threat to you.” She cocked her head to one side. “Is it true what they say about vampires and their servants, you know…” She wiggled her fingers.
Giles grimaced and said “No,” at the same time his master said “Yes.”
Anya brightened a bit and leaned forward. “So, it’s like two for the price of one?”
Angelus laughed, flopping down on the end of her sofa with inhuman grace. “You know, I think I like this one. She’s got a set on her, that’s for sure. Too bad she’s completely nuts…in a delicious way.”
The demon smiled encouragingly at Giles and straightened her dress before swiveling to face Angelus. He was watching her with the same intensity that Giles had on their first night, a hungry searching.
They stayed that way for a moment, stuck in a test of wills before Angelus steepled his fingers and murmured, “You say you’re no threat, but yet here you are, bargaining with me-something that’s generally a very stupid thing to do. You’re unafraid of vampires but Rupert tells me you’ve exhibited no preternatural tendencies. You don’t feel like a were-animal, nor a necromancer. You, my sweet, are a mystery. Not the least for wanting to pursue a relationship with a human servant.”
He clapped his hands and Giles flinched. “You’ve been so very chivalrous trying to keep her at arm’s distance to make sure she’s safe from me. It’s so cute it’s pathetic. Here she is, wanting you, you wanting her. I do so love to make my human servant happy. Would it make you happy to have Anya, Rupert?”
“Er.” Giles looked between the vampire and demon carefully before nodding. “Yes, she’d make me happy, I think.”
Angelus snarled, baring fang, and his brown eyes glowed with caramel light. “Be careful, Rupert, be very careful.”
Giles glared right back, hands clenched on the hard wood chair back. “I always am, Master,” he spat out.
Anya rolled her eyes. “This is ridiculous. Can I have Giles or not? It’s not like I’m trying to steal him.”
“But you still want something that belongs to me,” the vampire purred, drumming his fingers on the arm of the sofa.
Giles spat out, “I am not something to be bartered over like chattel!”
“But aren’t you? My precious little sorcerer, you belong to me flesh, blood, and soul. Forever.”
The two men rose to stand nearly toe-to-toe, magical electricity cracking in the air. Anya stood as well, breaking their concentration. Giles glanced at her first and made an aborted movement to grasp her arm.
Angelus backhanded him, sending Giles sprawling. Before he could land another blow, Anya leapt between them squawking, “Hey! No damaging the goods!”
The vampire stopped mid-strike and started laughing. He stepped away from the pair crouched on the floor and poured a glass of amber liquid from a decanter on the shelf, swirling it under his nose.
“There are many advantages to being me,” he breathed deep, “but not everything. A vampire’s got to want for something or he’s just not trying hard enough, is he?”
Giles stood carefully, edging Anya behind him. No one spoke for a moment, letting the violence settle like dust. Angelus stood with casual chaos, still swirling the glass.
Anya cocked her head at him, arms crossed. From what she knew of the old Angelus, which admittedly wasn’t much, he was a schemer. He wasn’t content to play second fiddle, and Anya knew he wasn’t the current Master of London. Maybe they could come to an arrangement. After all, he already suspected that she was more than she appeared. She’d just have to make him want the possibility of what she could bring more than he wanted to punish Giles.
“You know, Angelus, you’re a smart vampire. I think that you and I could find some way to work together don’t you think?” Anya asked, walking slowly around Giles until she was only a foot or so away from the vampire. She flipped her hair over her shoulder and gave what Hallie said was her best salesman’s smile, all teeth and golden opportunities. It never failed, and judging by the disconcerted squawking noises Giles made, it was working.
Angelus breathed deep, closing his eyes and weaving his head a bit. “I can see why he thinks you sweet. You smell like power, money, and utter and complete practicality. But what you don’t smell like is a liar.” He opened his eyes with a slow grin. “Yes, I think we can work together. Come seal our deal with a kiss.”
Anya titled her head up as he leaned down, but he didn’t kiss her lips, instead brushing his lips to her collar bone. He then kissed her throat over the pulse point before kissing along her jaw line. She shivered and used one hand to grip the vampire’s arm. He paused for a moment before dipping his head to kiss her firmly on the lips, using his tongue to part her lips.
Despite one part of her brain screaming this was just utterly bizarre, the other part decided she finally knew what Buffy whined on and on about after Angel left. The man could kiss. Just as Anya was getting into it, Angelus sliced her lip with his fang. The demon yelped.
He released her and stood up with a look of rapture on his face. “Well, boyo, I think we’ve come to an arrangement. Oh, yes, you taste like nothing I’ve ever drank before. There’s darkness in you, something terribly wrong, like death on my doorstep.”
“It’s wonderful.” He licked his lips, eyes glowing. “I’ll leave you two to your games. Requiem and I have a bet to settle. Here I thought that Giles’ chippie would run screaming when she found out what he was.”
With that, Angelus put the glass on the counter and stalked back through the door. He gave Anya one more lingering look, more considering than violent, and went down the stairs.
“Finally!” Anya turned to Giles and pounced, landing a very enthusiastic kiss on his lips.
After a few minutes, Giles pushed Anya up. “My dear, I really think we should talk.”
Anya, slid her hands down his ribcage until they rested on his hips. “Less talking, more smootching. Do you know what I had to go through to get you all to myself? Well, relatively speaking?”
She licked his bottom lip before biting it gently. She pushed him backwards until he fell onto the couch. Giles groaned as she moved to straddle his hips.
“Anya, wait. Mrph.” He managed to untangle himself and push her upright. “Yes, I saw what you went through, but what I don’t understand is why. Why me? Why would you put yourself in a debt to that creature? You don’t know what he’s capable of.”
Anya huffed and pushed her hair out of her face. If explaining herself would get her more kisses, she was willing to answer a few questions. “What do you want to know?”
“Well, why me?” Giles rubbed her arms lightly. “We had a few nice nights, I know, but no one in their right mind would get involved with a vampire, much less Angelus.”
“Yes, yes, he’s a cruel bastard, prone to nailing puppies to doors.” She rolled her eyes. “Big bad vampire. I know.”
When Giles opened his mouth to protest again, she shushed him with a finger across his lips. Her tone now more serious than flippant, she said, “Yes, I do know he’s a vampire. And you’re a vampire’s servant. And if I want to have you for myself, I’m going to have to play ball with the undead. I know this.”
She leaned in to lick his neck, trailing her tongue along his jaw line. “I also know you’re worth it.”
“No, no you don’t! You don’t even really know me.” Giles moaned as Anya’s hands returned to his belt buckle. “It’s not that I’m not enjoying myself, because I am.”
She ran her fingers lightly up his inner thighs and kissed his lips gently. He tasted like cognac and wood smoke. Giles wrapped his hands around her ribcage and pushed her back again. “But I’m not worth it.”
Anya stopped her attentions and tilted her head. “Of course you’re worth it.”
They looked at each other for a moment and when Giles looked as if he would protest again, Anya pushed herself off his lap. “I am an adult, Rupert. One who is perfectly capable of making her own decisions. And my decision is you. When the consequences show up, we’ll deal with them. But for now, just relax.”
He opened his mouth to speak but changed his mind. She smiled at him, a brilliant smile full of possibilities, and he caved.
“Come here, then,” he said, and he held out his hand.
The demon wasted no time launching herself into his arms. He felt like she remembered from all those years ago, hard and lean with just a touch of softness around the middle. A man with some age on him, yet strength in his touch. She pushed at his shoulders, leaning him back.
“So, now that we’ve gotten all that pesky talking out of the way, care to show the lady how to have a good time?”
“Oh, I think I can do better than that. Good times, that’s all you want? What about great times, splendid times-“
“Naked times. I don’t care what it is as long as we’re naked. So, get on with it,” she chirped, stripping her shirt off to reveal a lacy bra beneath. Giles groaned and grabbed her wrist.
“As charming as Angelus has been this evening, I don’t fancy him joining us.”
Anya’s breath caught at the thought and Giles gave her a discontented look. “I’m beginning to think you’ve got plans for us that I’m not going to be happy with at all.”
She followed him up the stairs to a neatly appointed bedroom done in dark colors. A large mahogany four poster bed took up most of the space and when he led her to the soft sheets, she licked her lips.
Nuzzling his neck, she said, “On, no, Giles, I think you’ll be very happy indeed.”
TBC...