Living as Lenore: Chapter 21: "Family Reunion"
Title: Living as Lenore
Author: Luna (aka Luna_del_Cielo on lj)
Fandom: Supernatural/Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Cast of Characters: Tara/Lenore McLeod, Fergus McLeod/Crowley, Loki/Gabriel, Anya, Castiel, Kali, Eli, Angel, Darla, Spike, Drusilla, Dean, Sam, Scoobies
Rating: T
Summary: Willow tried to bring Tara back…and she did. Unfortunately, she was brought back to life in 1672. Now 'Lenore' has to deal with witches, demons, pagan gods, and even angels, as she struggles to find the red-haired woman she sees in her dreams.
Pairings: Multiple pairings that will include the characters: Anya, Gabriel, Kali, Tara/Lenore, Willow - at least.
Spoilers: BTVS S6E19 ‘Seeing Red’, SPN S2E3 ‘Bloodlust’. Spoilers for Crowley's past in S6 “Weekend at Bobby’s” and Trickster/Loki's past in S5 ‘Changing Channels’
Warnings: Character death, Femslash (nothing explicit)
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If I did then fewer people would have died in each of those shows :)
Read specific chapters here: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 |
Or all of the entire story here: Living as Lenore
December 25, 1849
Rome, Italy
“So tell me about yourself, Lenore. I am curious if all the rumors are true,” the Immortal stated casually as he led her through the immaculate grounds of his `villa.
“Oh, I’m not really that interesting,” Lenore replied shyly. She wasn’t a fan of talking about her own deeds - especially if this man was who she thought he was. Her arm was laid over his as he escorted her and already she was feeling slightly warm at his touch.
The Immortal smiled warmly at her and lightly stroked her arm. “No? I think not,” he disagreed in a soft accented voice. “I have heard many stories of you.”
Her lips curling into a wry grin, Lenore glanced up at him. “Yes, it seems so, if your sister’s response was anything. I did not know that people knew I was once a Prophetess.”
“Oh, let’s just say that some of Aurelius’ men stumbled into Rome one night a few decades ago,” the Immortal shrugged with a devious smile.
“A-Aurelius’ men?” Lenore questioned with a slight shudder at the name of her former captor.
“Yes. It seems they were hunting for you whilst their master slept. Fools were on their way to Egypt, where I believe you were at the time.” Dark blue eyes analyzed her reaction and he smirked. “Curious man that I am, I invited them over and learned what I could. Then I killed them.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I’ve never been a fan of Aurelius and I didn’t want you killed before I had a moment to meet your lovely self.”
Lenore rolled her eyes at his sweet talk. “Really?” she asked in disbelief.
“Of course,” he grinned. “You were already well known by that time and I daresay, I was quite curious about you - even more so after I head from Aurelius’ men. A witch and prophetess turned into a vampire, then abstaining from human blood and creating her own cult of vampires? Quite intriguing.”
Lenore didn’t know how to respond to that so she shrugged.
“Not to mention I’ve heard you to be a paramour of Kali and Loki. Although, I apologize for my sister taking him from you tonight - she has that way with all males.”
“What? Oh no, I don’t mind,” Lenore laughed - even if, okay, maybe she did a tad. “Kali and I were lovers, yes. That is well known. But Loki is just my friend and confidant.”
The Immortal’s dark blue eyes gleamed with interest under the light of the moon. “Indeed? I must say, I was hoping you were unattached.”
Lenore giggled under the effects of his penetrating stare and a part of her wanted to smack herself for giving into her hormones while being around this man. “Yes, I am quite unattached…but you do realized I’ve only, by choice, been with women, yes?”
He smirked at her and pulled her closer. “Life is made up of hundreds of choices - thousands for those who are immortal such as us. Tell me, could you ever see yourself making a choice that involved a man?” he asked huskily.
She shivered a little at his tone and found herself pressing close to him. His looks, her persona…it was all very attractive. The mystery that surrounded him only increased it.
Besides, stupid Loki was off with Aphrodite so shouldn’t Lenore get to have some fun as well?
“As you know I am a prophetess,” Lenore smiled slyly as she lifted her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. “And I do believe I see such a choice being made in the very near future.”
Letting out a low chuckle the Immortal bent his head low and captured her lips in a kiss. Lenore pressed her hands against his broad and muscled chest; a tiny part of her brain marveling at the difference in kissing a man compared to a woman. The Immortal was all hard lines and taut muscle, his arms a safe haven as he gathered her against him. Lips that were thin but felt soft and heavenly pressed against hers and her body involuntarily pressed tightly against his waist. The sudden pressure there and hardness surprised her for a moment - it had been a very, very long time since she had felt such a thing - but Lenore found herself rather enjoying the firmness of the Immortal’s body.
“Lenore,” he rasped after he pulled back from a prolonged spell of kissing. “Perhaps I should show you my bedroom during this tour?”
She laughed at his words but her stomach twisted at the same time. What was she thinking kissing this strange man…the same man who Loki said just loved to sleep with all the ‘infamous chicks’? Lenore didn’t want to get used but at the same time she felt a strong ache for the man. A part of her was curious as to what it would be like to make love to a man (not be forced to have sex as she was by Connor and Aurelius), especially one who would be as skilled as the Immortal. Of course, what if she was horrible? And he laughed at her?
With that thought Lenore felt herself pulling back. “N-not that I d-don’t want to see your bedroom,” she stammered, “but I don’t want to pull you away from the party for too long. I’m sure you have many other guests to greet.”
A distressed look crossed his face before he shrugged. “I suppose you are right…but please know the invitation is always there,” he winked before kissing her lightly on the lips.
“I-I’ll remember that,” she answered breathlessly.
They spoke casually during their walk to the party and the entire time Lenore was second-guessing her decision. The Immortal was extremely good-lucking and just possessed this ‘zing’ that made her want to take a chance with him. But no, she had made the right decision…she hoped.
The ball was in full swing by the time they returned with at least a hundred guests present by now. The Immortal was quite polite and introduced her around the room as he greeted his guests. Some of them knew of her, some did not, but all appeared quite interested in her after the Immortal’s introduction - which was quite unnerving. Lenore hated the spotlight.
Finally they came to two ‘gentlemen’ whose introduction had Lenore almost spitting out her otter blood. One was a dark-haired man with a pale face and seductive air and the other was a demon with bluish-grey skin, a white beard tied with a hair band, and two horns sticking out of his head.
“Lady Lenore, this is Count Dracula.”
“A pleasure, my striking beauty,” he murmured as he pressed cool lips to the back of her hand.
“You too,” she managed to say in a dazed voice. When Dracula came to Sunnydale Tara had never seen him and she had been slightly surprised that Willow had found him attractive. But now…goodness, now she completely understood.
“And this is D’Hoffryn, Lord of Arashmaharr.”
The demon smiled at her and gave a gallant bow. “Lady Lenore, how lovely to meet you. I hear you are associated with the trickster god Loki?” She nodded and his smile brightened. “I do love his work. He gets in the way of my girls sometimes, but he truly is an artist when it comes to vengeance.”
Recognition hit her. She knew his name sounded familiar. This was Anyanka’s boss and the demon that had tried to recruit Willow during college!
“Lord D’Hoffryn, it is a pleasure to meet you. You oversee the vengeance demons, yes?”
“D’Hoffryn, please my dear. And yes. I’ve got a lovely set of girls. Just yesterday one of them, Anyanka, managed to get the pope to sell his soul!” he told her in a chipper voice that contrasted greatly with his appearance.
“Oh, well that’s, um, very nice,” Lenore told him as Dracula and the Immortal gave their congratulations to the demon.
“Isn’t it?” D’Hoffryn smiled.
“That Anyanka of yours is a spitfire,” Dracula smiled knowingly. “It has been some time since our fling. It is good to hear she is excelling in her work,” he said in his smooth Eastern European accent.
“Oh she’s here actually,” D’Hoffryn said as he pointed to a darkened corner of the room. Anyanka was there kissing a strange man with fervor. Her hair was perfectly coiffed and her dress was a vivid green that reminded Lenore of the bridesmaid dresses that Anya had forced her, Willow, and Buffy to wear.
“Oh, Immortal, I vanted you to meet some of my acquaintances from Russia. Are you busy?” Dracula asked suddenly as several men in capes waved to him from across the ballroom.
“Not at all. Do you mind, Lenore?” the Immortal asked her in a considerate voice.
“Oh, no. You’re fine,” she smiled as the three males excused themselves and then she was all alone.
Stupid Loki. If only he weren’t with that dumb goddess maybe she’d have someone to talk to.
Although, she supposed she did know Anyanka in this timeline. Although she seemed awfully busy at the moment. But still…she was feeling like her insecure self standing her alone in the middle of the party. She watched Anyanka carefully and waited for the woman to catch some air. Finally, once her lips departed from her dark-haired companion to take a sip of wine, Lenore walked over there.
“Hi Anyanka, how are you?” The vengeance demon turned and gave her an odd look. Her body effectively blocked her companion’s face, which was a shame because Lenore was curious to know if tall, dark-haired, and handsome really was Anya’s type.
“Hello. Are we friends?” she asked matter-of-factly. She gave Lenore a perplexed look and turned her head slightly to get a different look at her.
Lenore let out a choking laugh. “Um, well you showed up in a rescue attempt once and later saved me from a rampaging angel. So…maybe?”
“Hmm. Usually I become friends through some sort of bloody massacre - that is how Hallie and I became friends, after all. I suppose we could always engage in a massacre together later this evening, but not if your pet god is around because I am still angry at him for cursing this group of samurai that I had completely called dibs on.”
Laughing, Lenore shook her head. “He’s with Aphrodite. And as much as I wouldn’t mind being friends, could we skip the massacre? I don’t kill humans.”
“Pfft,” Anya rolled her eyes as the man behind her wrapped his arms around her waist and began kissing the back of her neck. So engrossed in his kissing, he didn’t bother to look at Lenore so she still couldn’t really see his face…but there was something about him…something that tugged on her mind in the strangest of ways…
“What is your name, anyway? On account of being almost killed by that avenging angel, I don’t even remember your name."
“Lenore,” she informed her patiently. Anyanka was a struggle to speak to, but at least she was someone to talk to.
Anyanka’s companion’s head jerked up and he gazed at her with wide eyes and dilated pupils. He stared into Lenore’s face with an amount of intensity that left Lenore feeling quite uncomfortable. That tugging was still there, that insistence that there was something about this man, but he wasn’t familiar to her at all.
“Anyanka, my bella, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” he asked in a husky voice right into her ear.
“Why? I was just about to tell her to leave so you could give me orgasms in a back bedroom,” Anyanka rolled her eyes.
Lenore let out a silent groan. No, being the insecure girl alone at a huge party would definitely be better than befriending Anyanka.
“Come now Anya, we should be polite.” He approached Lenore and clasped her hand. Something sparked in his eyes and for a moment Lenore felt a wave of sadness wash over him. “Aren’t you pretty as a picture?” he murmured.
“Ah, thank you,” she responded awkwardly. Her hand buzzed with energy from him holding it, but not the sexy-kind of energy she felt from the Immortal or even (not that she liked to admit it, but she did feel it occasionally) Loki. No, this was something different…old yet pure.
Lenore gulped. He felt like family.
…Was this one of her descendents? After all, who else could it be? And if so, why on God’s green earth was he with a demon?
“And just what is your name, sir?”
“Crowley,” he said with a charming smile that faltered for a moment. “And you are friends with my dear Anyanka?”
“Something like that.” Lenore laughed as Anyanka rolled her eyes and said, “Maybe if we shared in a slaughter together.”
Crowley smirked. “What say you, Lenore? Care to join us for a slaughter? We just took the Pope’s soul yesterday, on Christmas Eve of all things, and are still celebrating my promotion. I think there is a convent not too far from here - there’s nothing like the taste of Vatican nun, after all.”
“No thank you,” she said in revulsion. “I don’t kill humans.”
“Why not?” he asked quickly. “Aren’t you a vampire?”
“Well, yes,” she answered with an uncomfortable shrug. “But that doesn’t mean I need to kill humans to live. I live off animal blood.”
Crowley started laughing and Lenore glared at him. “What’s so funny?”
He forced himself to stop laughing and raised a quizzical eyebrow. “You were joking, weren’t you?”
“No,” Anyanka rolled her eyes. “Can’t you just smell the do-gooderness wafting off of her?”
Jerking back in shock, Crowley stared at her. “So…you managed to stay good, even after all these years?”
Lenore didn’t like this. He felt so familiar, like she should know him and he just spoke to her like she should know him as well. “Excuse me, but do I know you?”
A wall slammed into place and she was unable to read his emotions. “I don’t believe so darling, unless I ever happened to take your soul. Although,” he added thoughtfully, “I suppose it’s the other type that lose their souls. Hmm. I’d love to get my hands on a vampire’s soul someday though. Quite a gem in the rough!”
“Yeah…okay,” she mumbled awkwardly. “Um, well I’m going to get a drink. Nice seeing you Anyanka…and nice meeting you, Crowley.”
The light dimmed in his eyes. “It was nice meeting you as well…Len.”
She stiffened and swallowed heavily. No…it couldn’t be. “Len?” she repeated.
Crowley shrugged casually. “What, would you prefer Eleanor?”
Lenore took a closer look and peered behind the Maya and into his aura. It was black, darker than the night, but a sallow stripe of grey pulsed within it. It struck her that she knew this soul, even if she didn’t know the body it belonged to. “What are you?” she whispered.
“Demon, darling,” he smirked knowingly.
“But not a very cool one,” Anyanka snorted. “Stuck in hell unless the King of the Crossroads lets you out to play and buy up pretty souls, and even then you have to find a new human host. It’s frustrating trying to figure out who you are every decade I see you.”
Not even thinking about her actions, Lenore walked up to him and lightly brushed the pads of her fingers over his cheek. “You are a true demon,” she whispered. “One that’s been twisted by the horrors of hell.”
A dark look rolled like thunder through his eyes. “I told you I am a cunning bastard,” he said with a sly smile. “They couldn’t keep me strapped to the rack forever.”
Lenore swallowed heavily and let out a shaky breath. Her fingertips memorized his face, the one he borrowed, and she stared into his eyes to memorize his soul. “I’ve thought about you often. I’ve dreamt of your torment…dear God Fergus, how are you?”
He frowned, clasped her hands, and lowered her arms. “God had nothing to do with it, Len. I fought through the ranks, tooth and nail and spleen and kidney, to get promoted to being a Crossroads Demon, just to get out.”
“A Crossroads Demon?” she frowned. “But…isn’t that what took you?”
Fergus - or Crowley or whoever! - shrugged carelessly. “Yes.”
“So you…you take people’s souls?” she asked in a horrified voice.
“Ah, I like to think of it as being in the ‘sales’ business,” he smiled with a wave of his hands.
“My God Fergus, you steal souls? What on earth are you thinking?” she asked in an angry, hushed whisper - she didn’t want to cause a scene after all.
“What are you two, exes?” Anyanka interjected. “Listen Lenore, I had him first.”
“He’s not my ex,” she refuted in annoyance. “He’s my-”
“-Acquaintance,” Fergus finished swiftly. “Could you give us a moment, bella?”
Anyanka glared at Lenore. “Fine,” she huffed as she went to replenish her wine glass.
“What was that about?”
“No one can know my true heritage. Not to mention it wouldn’t help my reputation at all to have a vampire sister who doesn’t kill humans,” he rolled his eyes. “I’m trying to work my way up, Len, so don’t spoil it for me.”
Sighing heavily, Lenore pressed her hand against her throbbing temple. “What the hell, Fergus? How the hell did you get to be a demon and why are you acting like one?”
Fergus scoffed angrily and folded his arms. “My, aren’t you understanding. Gee, when you told me you were a vampire you didn’t see me giving you the third degree, you hypocrite.”
Feeling ashamed, Lenore lowered her eyes. “Look, I’m sorry. But hearing my brother talk about slaughtering nuns and taking the freaking Pope’s soul is pretty intense.”
“I know,” he smirked. “Things do change. Quite exciting though. Anyanka understands the demonic sales industry so we’ve been screwing like rabbits for a while now. Last night some slighted nun wished that the Pope would sell his soul so Anyanka recruited me and now I am one of three Crossroads Demons who have procured a Pope’s soul.” Fergus leaned in dramatically. “Very exciting, I assure you.”
Lenore took a step back and stared at him in shock. “Fergus…I know you’ve always been rough around the edges but this…? How can you enjoy this type of work?”
Fergus gave her an endearing smile. “How can I not?”
Frightened by this twisted version of her brother, Lenore took another step back. “No…this can’t be true. No.”
“Honestly Lenore,” Fergus rolled his eyes. “Did you think I’d climb out of hell shitting rainbows and knitting baby booties? So my interests are a bit…unconventional. I’m still glad to see you.”
Her heart softened at the sincerity of his voice. “Well, I am glad that you aren’t being tortured anymore. But…can’t you try to be good? There is some good in you, I can see it. Please Fergus, don’t…” Lenore could barely even wrap her head around the concept, it made her sick to her stomach “…please don’t take anymore souls.”
“If I don’t take souls I get demoted. Trust me when I say that would be a bad thing and taken quite literally in hell. Besides Len, I’m good at what I do. Don’t worry about me.”
Anyanka’s voice carried through the ballroom as the band began playing a waltz. “Crowley, come dance with me!”
Her brother…if she could even call him that anymore…gave her an unreadable look. Bending down, he kissed her on the top of the head and cupped her cheek. “No matter what, I will always love you little sister.” Then he was off and Lenore was left speechless and heartbroken.
Ten minutes later she found the Immortal and asked him, quote, “I want you to fuck me senseless right this moment”, to which he adamantly agreed.
And that was how Lenore tried to forget the evil in her beloved brother and learned all the many ways of having sexual relations with a man.
Author: Luna (aka Luna_del_Cielo on lj)
Fandom: Supernatural/Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Cast of Characters: Tara/Lenore McLeod, Fergus McLeod/Crowley, Loki/Gabriel, Anya, Castiel, Kali, Eli, Angel, Darla, Spike, Drusilla, Dean, Sam, Scoobies
Rating: T
Summary: Willow tried to bring Tara back…and she did. Unfortunately, she was brought back to life in 1672. Now 'Lenore' has to deal with witches, demons, pagan gods, and even angels, as she struggles to find the red-haired woman she sees in her dreams.
Pairings: Multiple pairings that will include the characters: Anya, Gabriel, Kali, Tara/Lenore, Willow - at least.
Spoilers: BTVS S6E19 ‘Seeing Red’, SPN S2E3 ‘Bloodlust’. Spoilers for Crowley's past in S6 “Weekend at Bobby’s” and Trickster/Loki's past in S5 ‘Changing Channels’
Warnings: Character death, Femslash (nothing explicit)
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If I did then fewer people would have died in each of those shows :)
Read specific chapters here: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 |
Or all of the entire story here: Living as Lenore
December 25, 1849
Rome, Italy
“So tell me about yourself, Lenore. I am curious if all the rumors are true,” the Immortal stated casually as he led her through the immaculate grounds of his `villa.
“Oh, I’m not really that interesting,” Lenore replied shyly. She wasn’t a fan of talking about her own deeds - especially if this man was who she thought he was. Her arm was laid over his as he escorted her and already she was feeling slightly warm at his touch.
The Immortal smiled warmly at her and lightly stroked her arm. “No? I think not,” he disagreed in a soft accented voice. “I have heard many stories of you.”
Her lips curling into a wry grin, Lenore glanced up at him. “Yes, it seems so, if your sister’s response was anything. I did not know that people knew I was once a Prophetess.”
“Oh, let’s just say that some of Aurelius’ men stumbled into Rome one night a few decades ago,” the Immortal shrugged with a devious smile.
“A-Aurelius’ men?” Lenore questioned with a slight shudder at the name of her former captor.
“Yes. It seems they were hunting for you whilst their master slept. Fools were on their way to Egypt, where I believe you were at the time.” Dark blue eyes analyzed her reaction and he smirked. “Curious man that I am, I invited them over and learned what I could. Then I killed them.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “I’ve never been a fan of Aurelius and I didn’t want you killed before I had a moment to meet your lovely self.”
Lenore rolled her eyes at his sweet talk. “Really?” she asked in disbelief.
“Of course,” he grinned. “You were already well known by that time and I daresay, I was quite curious about you - even more so after I head from Aurelius’ men. A witch and prophetess turned into a vampire, then abstaining from human blood and creating her own cult of vampires? Quite intriguing.”
Lenore didn’t know how to respond to that so she shrugged.
“Not to mention I’ve heard you to be a paramour of Kali and Loki. Although, I apologize for my sister taking him from you tonight - she has that way with all males.”
“What? Oh no, I don’t mind,” Lenore laughed - even if, okay, maybe she did a tad. “Kali and I were lovers, yes. That is well known. But Loki is just my friend and confidant.”
The Immortal’s dark blue eyes gleamed with interest under the light of the moon. “Indeed? I must say, I was hoping you were unattached.”
Lenore giggled under the effects of his penetrating stare and a part of her wanted to smack herself for giving into her hormones while being around this man. “Yes, I am quite unattached…but you do realized I’ve only, by choice, been with women, yes?”
He smirked at her and pulled her closer. “Life is made up of hundreds of choices - thousands for those who are immortal such as us. Tell me, could you ever see yourself making a choice that involved a man?” he asked huskily.
She shivered a little at his tone and found herself pressing close to him. His looks, her persona…it was all very attractive. The mystery that surrounded him only increased it.
Besides, stupid Loki was off with Aphrodite so shouldn’t Lenore get to have some fun as well?
“As you know I am a prophetess,” Lenore smiled slyly as she lifted her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. “And I do believe I see such a choice being made in the very near future.”
Letting out a low chuckle the Immortal bent his head low and captured her lips in a kiss. Lenore pressed her hands against his broad and muscled chest; a tiny part of her brain marveling at the difference in kissing a man compared to a woman. The Immortal was all hard lines and taut muscle, his arms a safe haven as he gathered her against him. Lips that were thin but felt soft and heavenly pressed against hers and her body involuntarily pressed tightly against his waist. The sudden pressure there and hardness surprised her for a moment - it had been a very, very long time since she had felt such a thing - but Lenore found herself rather enjoying the firmness of the Immortal’s body.
“Lenore,” he rasped after he pulled back from a prolonged spell of kissing. “Perhaps I should show you my bedroom during this tour?”
She laughed at his words but her stomach twisted at the same time. What was she thinking kissing this strange man…the same man who Loki said just loved to sleep with all the ‘infamous chicks’? Lenore didn’t want to get used but at the same time she felt a strong ache for the man. A part of her was curious as to what it would be like to make love to a man (not be forced to have sex as she was by Connor and Aurelius), especially one who would be as skilled as the Immortal. Of course, what if she was horrible? And he laughed at her?
With that thought Lenore felt herself pulling back. “N-not that I d-don’t want to see your bedroom,” she stammered, “but I don’t want to pull you away from the party for too long. I’m sure you have many other guests to greet.”
A distressed look crossed his face before he shrugged. “I suppose you are right…but please know the invitation is always there,” he winked before kissing her lightly on the lips.
“I-I’ll remember that,” she answered breathlessly.
They spoke casually during their walk to the party and the entire time Lenore was second-guessing her decision. The Immortal was extremely good-lucking and just possessed this ‘zing’ that made her want to take a chance with him. But no, she had made the right decision…she hoped.
The ball was in full swing by the time they returned with at least a hundred guests present by now. The Immortal was quite polite and introduced her around the room as he greeted his guests. Some of them knew of her, some did not, but all appeared quite interested in her after the Immortal’s introduction - which was quite unnerving. Lenore hated the spotlight.
Finally they came to two ‘gentlemen’ whose introduction had Lenore almost spitting out her otter blood. One was a dark-haired man with a pale face and seductive air and the other was a demon with bluish-grey skin, a white beard tied with a hair band, and two horns sticking out of his head.
“Lady Lenore, this is Count Dracula.”
“A pleasure, my striking beauty,” he murmured as he pressed cool lips to the back of her hand.
“You too,” she managed to say in a dazed voice. When Dracula came to Sunnydale Tara had never seen him and she had been slightly surprised that Willow had found him attractive. But now…goodness, now she completely understood.
“And this is D’Hoffryn, Lord of Arashmaharr.”
The demon smiled at her and gave a gallant bow. “Lady Lenore, how lovely to meet you. I hear you are associated with the trickster god Loki?” She nodded and his smile brightened. “I do love his work. He gets in the way of my girls sometimes, but he truly is an artist when it comes to vengeance.”
Recognition hit her. She knew his name sounded familiar. This was Anyanka’s boss and the demon that had tried to recruit Willow during college!
“Lord D’Hoffryn, it is a pleasure to meet you. You oversee the vengeance demons, yes?”
“D’Hoffryn, please my dear. And yes. I’ve got a lovely set of girls. Just yesterday one of them, Anyanka, managed to get the pope to sell his soul!” he told her in a chipper voice that contrasted greatly with his appearance.
“Oh, well that’s, um, very nice,” Lenore told him as Dracula and the Immortal gave their congratulations to the demon.
“Isn’t it?” D’Hoffryn smiled.
“That Anyanka of yours is a spitfire,” Dracula smiled knowingly. “It has been some time since our fling. It is good to hear she is excelling in her work,” he said in his smooth Eastern European accent.
“Oh she’s here actually,” D’Hoffryn said as he pointed to a darkened corner of the room. Anyanka was there kissing a strange man with fervor. Her hair was perfectly coiffed and her dress was a vivid green that reminded Lenore of the bridesmaid dresses that Anya had forced her, Willow, and Buffy to wear.
“Oh, Immortal, I vanted you to meet some of my acquaintances from Russia. Are you busy?” Dracula asked suddenly as several men in capes waved to him from across the ballroom.
“Not at all. Do you mind, Lenore?” the Immortal asked her in a considerate voice.
“Oh, no. You’re fine,” she smiled as the three males excused themselves and then she was all alone.
Stupid Loki. If only he weren’t with that dumb goddess maybe she’d have someone to talk to.
Although, she supposed she did know Anyanka in this timeline. Although she seemed awfully busy at the moment. But still…she was feeling like her insecure self standing her alone in the middle of the party. She watched Anyanka carefully and waited for the woman to catch some air. Finally, once her lips departed from her dark-haired companion to take a sip of wine, Lenore walked over there.
“Hi Anyanka, how are you?” The vengeance demon turned and gave her an odd look. Her body effectively blocked her companion’s face, which was a shame because Lenore was curious to know if tall, dark-haired, and handsome really was Anya’s type.
“Hello. Are we friends?” she asked matter-of-factly. She gave Lenore a perplexed look and turned her head slightly to get a different look at her.
Lenore let out a choking laugh. “Um, well you showed up in a rescue attempt once and later saved me from a rampaging angel. So…maybe?”
“Hmm. Usually I become friends through some sort of bloody massacre - that is how Hallie and I became friends, after all. I suppose we could always engage in a massacre together later this evening, but not if your pet god is around because I am still angry at him for cursing this group of samurai that I had completely called dibs on.”
Laughing, Lenore shook her head. “He’s with Aphrodite. And as much as I wouldn’t mind being friends, could we skip the massacre? I don’t kill humans.”
“Pfft,” Anya rolled her eyes as the man behind her wrapped his arms around her waist and began kissing the back of her neck. So engrossed in his kissing, he didn’t bother to look at Lenore so she still couldn’t really see his face…but there was something about him…something that tugged on her mind in the strangest of ways…
“What is your name, anyway? On account of being almost killed by that avenging angel, I don’t even remember your name."
“Lenore,” she informed her patiently. Anyanka was a struggle to speak to, but at least she was someone to talk to.
Anyanka’s companion’s head jerked up and he gazed at her with wide eyes and dilated pupils. He stared into Lenore’s face with an amount of intensity that left Lenore feeling quite uncomfortable. That tugging was still there, that insistence that there was something about this man, but he wasn’t familiar to her at all.
“Anyanka, my bella, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” he asked in a husky voice right into her ear.
“Why? I was just about to tell her to leave so you could give me orgasms in a back bedroom,” Anyanka rolled her eyes.
Lenore let out a silent groan. No, being the insecure girl alone at a huge party would definitely be better than befriending Anyanka.
“Come now Anya, we should be polite.” He approached Lenore and clasped her hand. Something sparked in his eyes and for a moment Lenore felt a wave of sadness wash over him. “Aren’t you pretty as a picture?” he murmured.
“Ah, thank you,” she responded awkwardly. Her hand buzzed with energy from him holding it, but not the sexy-kind of energy she felt from the Immortal or even (not that she liked to admit it, but she did feel it occasionally) Loki. No, this was something different…old yet pure.
Lenore gulped. He felt like family.
…Was this one of her descendents? After all, who else could it be? And if so, why on God’s green earth was he with a demon?
“And just what is your name, sir?”
“Crowley,” he said with a charming smile that faltered for a moment. “And you are friends with my dear Anyanka?”
“Something like that.” Lenore laughed as Anyanka rolled her eyes and said, “Maybe if we shared in a slaughter together.”
Crowley smirked. “What say you, Lenore? Care to join us for a slaughter? We just took the Pope’s soul yesterday, on Christmas Eve of all things, and are still celebrating my promotion. I think there is a convent not too far from here - there’s nothing like the taste of Vatican nun, after all.”
“No thank you,” she said in revulsion. “I don’t kill humans.”
“Why not?” he asked quickly. “Aren’t you a vampire?”
“Well, yes,” she answered with an uncomfortable shrug. “But that doesn’t mean I need to kill humans to live. I live off animal blood.”
Crowley started laughing and Lenore glared at him. “What’s so funny?”
He forced himself to stop laughing and raised a quizzical eyebrow. “You were joking, weren’t you?”
“No,” Anyanka rolled her eyes. “Can’t you just smell the do-gooderness wafting off of her?”
Jerking back in shock, Crowley stared at her. “So…you managed to stay good, even after all these years?”
Lenore didn’t like this. He felt so familiar, like she should know him and he just spoke to her like she should know him as well. “Excuse me, but do I know you?”
A wall slammed into place and she was unable to read his emotions. “I don’t believe so darling, unless I ever happened to take your soul. Although,” he added thoughtfully, “I suppose it’s the other type that lose their souls. Hmm. I’d love to get my hands on a vampire’s soul someday though. Quite a gem in the rough!”
“Yeah…okay,” she mumbled awkwardly. “Um, well I’m going to get a drink. Nice seeing you Anyanka…and nice meeting you, Crowley.”
The light dimmed in his eyes. “It was nice meeting you as well…Len.”
She stiffened and swallowed heavily. No…it couldn’t be. “Len?” she repeated.
Crowley shrugged casually. “What, would you prefer Eleanor?”
Lenore took a closer look and peered behind the Maya and into his aura. It was black, darker than the night, but a sallow stripe of grey pulsed within it. It struck her that she knew this soul, even if she didn’t know the body it belonged to. “What are you?” she whispered.
“Demon, darling,” he smirked knowingly.
“But not a very cool one,” Anyanka snorted. “Stuck in hell unless the King of the Crossroads lets you out to play and buy up pretty souls, and even then you have to find a new human host. It’s frustrating trying to figure out who you are every decade I see you.”
Not even thinking about her actions, Lenore walked up to him and lightly brushed the pads of her fingers over his cheek. “You are a true demon,” she whispered. “One that’s been twisted by the horrors of hell.”
A dark look rolled like thunder through his eyes. “I told you I am a cunning bastard,” he said with a sly smile. “They couldn’t keep me strapped to the rack forever.”
Lenore swallowed heavily and let out a shaky breath. Her fingertips memorized his face, the one he borrowed, and she stared into his eyes to memorize his soul. “I’ve thought about you often. I’ve dreamt of your torment…dear God Fergus, how are you?”
He frowned, clasped her hands, and lowered her arms. “God had nothing to do with it, Len. I fought through the ranks, tooth and nail and spleen and kidney, to get promoted to being a Crossroads Demon, just to get out.”
“A Crossroads Demon?” she frowned. “But…isn’t that what took you?”
Fergus - or Crowley or whoever! - shrugged carelessly. “Yes.”
“So you…you take people’s souls?” she asked in a horrified voice.
“Ah, I like to think of it as being in the ‘sales’ business,” he smiled with a wave of his hands.
“My God Fergus, you steal souls? What on earth are you thinking?” she asked in an angry, hushed whisper - she didn’t want to cause a scene after all.
“What are you two, exes?” Anyanka interjected. “Listen Lenore, I had him first.”
“He’s not my ex,” she refuted in annoyance. “He’s my-”
“-Acquaintance,” Fergus finished swiftly. “Could you give us a moment, bella?”
Anyanka glared at Lenore. “Fine,” she huffed as she went to replenish her wine glass.
“What was that about?”
“No one can know my true heritage. Not to mention it wouldn’t help my reputation at all to have a vampire sister who doesn’t kill humans,” he rolled his eyes. “I’m trying to work my way up, Len, so don’t spoil it for me.”
Sighing heavily, Lenore pressed her hand against her throbbing temple. “What the hell, Fergus? How the hell did you get to be a demon and why are you acting like one?”
Fergus scoffed angrily and folded his arms. “My, aren’t you understanding. Gee, when you told me you were a vampire you didn’t see me giving you the third degree, you hypocrite.”
Feeling ashamed, Lenore lowered her eyes. “Look, I’m sorry. But hearing my brother talk about slaughtering nuns and taking the freaking Pope’s soul is pretty intense.”
“I know,” he smirked. “Things do change. Quite exciting though. Anyanka understands the demonic sales industry so we’ve been screwing like rabbits for a while now. Last night some slighted nun wished that the Pope would sell his soul so Anyanka recruited me and now I am one of three Crossroads Demons who have procured a Pope’s soul.” Fergus leaned in dramatically. “Very exciting, I assure you.”
Lenore took a step back and stared at him in shock. “Fergus…I know you’ve always been rough around the edges but this…? How can you enjoy this type of work?”
Fergus gave her an endearing smile. “How can I not?”
Frightened by this twisted version of her brother, Lenore took another step back. “No…this can’t be true. No.”
“Honestly Lenore,” Fergus rolled his eyes. “Did you think I’d climb out of hell shitting rainbows and knitting baby booties? So my interests are a bit…unconventional. I’m still glad to see you.”
Her heart softened at the sincerity of his voice. “Well, I am glad that you aren’t being tortured anymore. But…can’t you try to be good? There is some good in you, I can see it. Please Fergus, don’t…” Lenore could barely even wrap her head around the concept, it made her sick to her stomach “…please don’t take anymore souls.”
“If I don’t take souls I get demoted. Trust me when I say that would be a bad thing and taken quite literally in hell. Besides Len, I’m good at what I do. Don’t worry about me.”
Anyanka’s voice carried through the ballroom as the band began playing a waltz. “Crowley, come dance with me!”
Her brother…if she could even call him that anymore…gave her an unreadable look. Bending down, he kissed her on the top of the head and cupped her cheek. “No matter what, I will always love you little sister.” Then he was off and Lenore was left speechless and heartbroken.
Ten minutes later she found the Immortal and asked him, quote, “I want you to fuck me senseless right this moment”, to which he adamantly agreed.
And that was how Lenore tried to forget the evil in her beloved brother and learned all the many ways of having sexual relations with a man.