AB/BtVS FF: Nightmares in Waking Life 5/?
TITLE: Nightmares in Waking Life
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii overall
PAIRINGS: All the pairings from the previous two stories---and some new ones, too
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the whole TV series for the Buffyverse; Alive at Last and Living Underground.
WARNINGS: A little bit of fur... bdsm... the usuals for Anita's crazy, crazy world.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone---except for any original characters that I whip up to do my bidding ;)
NOTE: This story is a sequel to Living Underground.
Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4
SLIGHT WARNING: The next few chapters are going to have a little bit of silly. I've been writing at work and I've been bored out of my mind. So, I'm having a little fun. I'm sorry if it's OOC, but, I've been writing this series for a while and I want to break from reality for a minute, kk? ;)
PART FIVE
Upon entering the underground residence, Willow caught bits and pieces of conversations from vampires and shapeshifters.
Rafael was alright, Claudia had told Bobby Lee, and no one in the rodere was injured. Caleb had told Byron that Noah had to get Gina out of her apartment building because a couple of pipes burst and the place was being sealed off until that, and some windows, could be repaired. Graham had said that most of the wolves he spoke with were alright, but he heard from Bobby Lee that Doctor Lillian had to ask for Cherry's help in the clinic to deal with some more serious bumps and bruises---a couple of werewolves and werelions, apparently.
Requiem had reported that one of the caverns sustained some damage but they could not explore all of it until the danger of earthquakes was behind them. No coffin chambers had been damaged. Anita's house was still standing, apart from a few broken windows.
Faith had been the first to rush Willow and Dawn. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide.
"I was worried about you guys!" she exclaimed. "Jean-Claude said you were okay, but---" she stopped short and looked around. "Where's Richard?"
"He went home to see if anything's wrecked," Dawn said, before Willow could reply. She smiled a bit. "We're a little shaken up... but okay. How's Momma and baby?"
The slayer's hand instinctively went to her abdomen, where a slight swell was beginning to show. Willow still had trouble believing that Faith was pregnant---that Faith was going to be a mother---but she was thrilled for the slayer and her lover. Damian seemed to be paler, lately, if that was possible, and he was usually found hovering around the brunette as if trying to guard her from any unforeseen danger.
"We're both five by five, and so is the vamp daddy," Faith assured Dawn. "Hungry, though."
"Well, I could use a non-fat yogurt," Dawn said. "Some comfort food, y'know, so... I could join you for a snack." She turned and looked at Willow. "You wanna come, too?"
Willow smiled and shook her head. "No, thanks. I better go see Asher before he sends a search party for me." She quickly, impulsively hugged Faith. "I'm glad you two and Damian are okay," she murmured. She pulled back. "I'll see you later?"
"Most likely," Faith agreed. She threaded her arm through Dawn's and turned towards the direction of the kitchens. "C'mon, kidlet. Let's go eat. The security team ordered pizza last night... I wonder if there's any left."
"Doubtful," Dawn muttered as they walked away. "They never leave any leftovers at my place."
Willow smothered a chuckle as she watched them leave. Then, she concentrated and tried to sense where Asher was. It didn't take her long to realise he was in Jean-Claude's room with him and the Executioner. She frowned. Even though they weren't in the throes of passion---as far as she could tell---she didn't want to interrupt them, but she really wanted to see the blond vampire.
Her desire to be with Asher won out in the end. She didn't barge into the room. Instead, she hesitated. She brushed her fingers over the door and tried to listen to what was going on in the other room, but the door was too thick and it muffled everything but the loudest of noises.
Asher opened the door, though, and startled Willow in the process. She looked up into his face and knew she was smiling a little.
"Why didn't you knock or come inside?"
Willow's smile faltered as her face flushed. "I wasn't sure if I'd be interrupting... I knew you'd be in here with---"
Asher put a cool finger over her lips. She stopped talking.
"You interrupt nothing, mon colibri," he assured her. "I was going to leave to look for you, if you hadn't arrived just now."
"Yeah?"
"Oui."
Willow's smile returned and she kissed his finger before putting her hands on his hips, then sliding them to his back as she inched closer for a hug. The vampire returned the embrace and then asked, "Did notre aube come with you?"
"She's with Faith, looking for food."
"Ah, bon. Come inside," he murmured. He kissed her forehead and then slowly guided her inside the room.
Anita was sitting in the middle of the bed, crossed-legged, and Jean-Claude was lounging on his side behind her. His body curved around hers and his free arm was drawing a pattern on her jean-clad thigh. They both looked up when she came closer, when Asher closed the door behind them.
"Hi," Willow said quietly.
The necromancer looked up and smiled a little. "Everything okay?" she asked.
"Yeah. Some windows broke... a bookcase fell. A lamp or two died. But, other than that... we're okay. You?"
"My place is in about the same state," Anita told Willow. "Micah's gone to check on some of the others."
"Good... good. I, uh... I didn't mean to intrude or interrupt or---"
"Mon chardonneret already told you that you have not interrupted anything," Jean-Claude interrupted gently. He smiled. "Did you bring Richard with you?"
"He's coming back after he checks his place. He wanted to make sure Emily could get her school books and clothes... and then he wanted to check in with his pack, too, I think," she told the Master of the City. "He wanted us here, first," she added with a little shrug. She wasn't sure what else she should add.
"Sounds like Richard," Anita agreed, both quietly and with a smile. "Damian was trying Faith's nerves a little while ago. She wanted to go with some of the others to check on the businesses..."
"Daddy-to-be put his foot down?"
"Both feet," Anita said with a nod. "I'm trying to stay out of it. He's my vampire, but he's her boyfriend, and a baby... wow. So out of my league. But, he's beginning to stress me out."
"He simply wants to be the best father he can be," Jean-Claude reminded her. "Our own examples are not always so shining, not always so recent that we can recall their memory---or want to recall their memory." He kissed Anita's bare, scarred arm. "He is doing what he thinks he needs to be doing to protect them both. He is probably more afraid than he's ever been before. All the war and destruction he's faced, and it is this that threatens to undo him." He paused, then added: "They will work it out. They will reach a point where it will have to work out."
Anita craned her neck to look at him. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Very sure, ma petite," he told her. "They love each other and they would not see that ruined in the face of their love's creation." He smiled a bit. "She loves him, and accepts his part in your heart and soul. She accepts the warrior in him as he accepts the warrior in her. They are a well-suited pair."
"So, because of that, they'll work it out?"
"Oui."
Anita sighed. "Love isn't always---"
"Do not fight me on this tonight, ma petite," he interrupted in a quiet, purring voice. That voice always left Willow wondering why Jean-Claude could only call wolves. He always seemed to be more feline than canine at heart---but then, Willow also knew that some powers didn't always fit their owners' personalities. Jean-Claude sat up slowly and kissed Anita's shoulder. "Love is always many things," he whispered.
Willow hadn't been aware that she was staring at the couple until Asher came up behind her and kissed the back of her neck. She shivered and closed her eyes. Jean-Claude was still whispering to Anita but that was secondary, once her lover started showing her how pleased he was to see her.
"Asher," she whispered. "What are you---"
"Hush," he cut in, quietly but firmly.
"Love is always many things," Jean-Claude repeated, as if he were a narrator for a story that Anita was absorbing. "As with our Asher and his hummingbird. Concern, worry... possession... hope... desire..."
Willow opened her eyes, sighted on the Master of the City, and then narrowed her eyes as her brow furrowed. "Are you going to do a running commentary or something?"
He laughed openly and the sound tickled over both Anita's and Willow's bodies.
The witch shuddered against Asher and his hands tightened on her hips.
"Mon corbeau, perhaps the theatrics should be saved for another night."
"We have already had theatrics, true," he reasoned, "but, the scare of the shaking earth has passed and now, I feel it is time for something more enjoyable."
"I could go for some food," Willow suggested. She saw the nervous look in Anita's face and she didn't need their bond to tell her the necromancer was uncomfortable with it being the four of them in a private bedroom. When the witch spoke, Anita relaxed a little. "Is Nathaniel here? He always has the best recipes---"
Asher brushed his fingers under the hem of her shirt, and with a shiver, she stopped talking. "There are some things we could throw together," he told her.
Willow smiled. "Good. Anita, let's go get something set up. Let everyone else fend for themselves. We'll let the guys get dressed, and then we'll have a quiet meal."
"Are you sure I should be the one to help you in the kitchen?"
The witch grinned. "I'm not a pro either, but I think between the two of us we can manage something edible."
After chuckling, Jean-Claude stood up. It looked as if he were going to his wardrobe, but he changed direction and ended up in front of Willow and Asher. "What will you be preparing for us this evening, ma chérie?"
Willow's mind brought up images of her most recent dream-turned-nightmare. She flushed as she recalled how it felt to be sandwiched between the two vampires and then she struggled against her mind's and body's reactions.
"Don't come any closer," Willow whispered.
The Master of the City tilted his head. His smile did not fade---and it wouldn't, because he would not have sensed any fear coming from her. "Why not?" he inquired.
"I dreamed of... a birthday party," she admitted. "You and Asher and... Juliana were there. The prince's birthday."
"Ah, but instead of Juliana, you found yourself there?"
She nodded.
Jean-Claude's dark blue eyes sparkled as they darted from her gaze to that of the vampire behind her. She felt Asher's body hardening in enjoyable ways and she flushed more.
"What am I missing?" Anita asked from behind them.
The black-haired vampire turned around. He chuckled and Willow didn't feel the full effect of his laughter but she guessed Anita did by the way she rubbed her forearms.
"She has been dreaming about events in our shared past, ma petite," he told her. "I had shared that one with you, once... and then you took me to a more modern setting."
Willow's brow furrowed as Anita retold the story---how she had tried to control the dream and at least take him somewhere more modern, and a bit more comfortable. They had ended up at Danse Macabre, not Narcissus in Chains, but still... Willow couldn't shake the sinking feeling that she had borrowed parts of the dream from the necromancer.
"Yeah, I never knew you could dance like that," Anita admitted on a little laugh. She leaned to one side so she could see Willow. "Did he dance for you?"
"To the... clavichord thing, I think. Or whatever it's called." Willow smiled. "Only these two could make it look good. Everyone else looked... a little goofy. Including me."
"You? Goofy? Never," Asher whispered in her ear, just before he drew her earlobe into his mouth.
"Ah... ah... watch the tongue, Asher," she scolded quietly. "I'm supposed to be---"
Asher made a tsk-ing sound as he trailed his mouth away from her flesh. "But, how else can I show you that you were missed?"
"Later."
She didn't need to look at him to feel the grin that was curving his lips.
&&&&
Anita shooed Jason's hands away from the pan of sizzling meat and then she looked at Willow, as the werewolf wandered away. "So, when is Buffy's plane getting in?"
"In five days."
"The third," Anita confirmed.
Willow nodded and slapped her hand into Jason's bare chest to try to push him away from the salad she was making. "Back off," she scolded, with a small smile in her eyes. "This isn't for you. You got the leftovers with Dawn and Faith."
"Please?"
"No."
Jason pouted. He swiped a carrot stick from the cutting board and then he said, "So, what are you guys doing for New Year's?"
Willow frowned. "Hmm?" she asked wordlessly as she transfered vegetables to the large bowl.
"New Year's Eve," Jason repeated. When neither woman took the bait, he sighed and drummed his fingers against the counter. "Y'know, there's a party... everyone hangs out and dances and drinks themselves into oblivion and then there's a countdown and everyone cheers and makes out?"
Willow smiled and rolled her eyes in Anita's direction. Anita was listening, but she was also watching the pan; her lips curved into a discrete smile.
"We hadn't made plans, Jason," Anita said as she stirred some of the chopped vegetables into the sauce and meat. She glanced at Willow. "Am I doing this right?"
The witch fought against the urge to laugh. She found it hard that the woman who had more vampire executions to her name, who dealt with zombie raisings, lycanthropes, and more vampire politics than most people ever had to deal with, couldn't cook a simple pasta meal. Christmas dinner never would have happened without Nathaniel and Micah to help her.
"It looks fine," Willow assured her. "Just don't let it burn."
"But, then, we'd know it was done."
"Asher doesn't like it when I burn things," Willow pointed out. "I can't imagine Jean-Claude likes the charred taste, either."
Anita stopped stirring the sauce as she looked at the witch again. "You're going to open your shields for this?" Willow nodded. Anita's brow furrowed. "Why? It's not special food or anything."
Willow's smile put the necromancer on edge; the witch knew it, so she tried to tame it a little. "It costs me nothing, and it includes Asher," she said with a little shrug. "It's nothing fancy, but he likes tasting the things I eat... and I like seeing him happy."
"Someone's in luuuuuuurve," Jason teased as he took the spoon from Anita's hand. He resumed stirring the sauce. "She doesn't eat things for me..."
"Because you have a digestive system that can handle food," Willow shot back as she returned to chopping vegetables for the salad. "Anita, I'm going to toss a light dressing on this, if that's okay."
Anita didn't respond right away. Willow had to look over at her to make sure she was still in the room, even though she could feel the woman's presence along their bond.
"Anita?"
"Even now, you're not shielding... not from any of them," Anita said quietly.
Willow nodded slowly. "Right..."
"Aren't you afraid of getting hurt?"
The witch nodded again. "Yeah, of course. But, I trust you guys not to hurt me. So, I shield from the outside world, but not you guys. Not usually. I mean, during private moments, sure... sometimes when I sleep, too. Not during the day or night, though." She shrugged. "Are you going to metaphysically attack me?"
"No..."
"Richard and Asher wouldn't hurt me on purpose. Jean-Claude wouldn't attack me... well, unless he couldn't protect us from something, and
that's if he's facing it alone, which he probably wouldn't be... and it wouldn't be an attack on me, it'd be an attack on all of us," Willow reasoned aloud. "What have we got to be afraid of?"
Jason opened his mouth, moved to speak, but Willow shot him a quick, magical and mental shhh, and he promptly closed his mouth again.
Anita crossed her arms and shifted her weight. She huffed twice---once quietly, once loudly---and then she made herself look up into Willow's eyes. Willow willed herself to be calm and she willed her magic to not react to Anita's anger, since sometimes she would find herself getting preemptively defensive. That never worked well.
"I guess you're right," she said quietly. "I'm just so used to shielding altogether or not at all... or poking little holes and having the walls torn away---"
"Imagine a fortress," Willow suggested. "We're on the inside. We can each be buildings inside the high walls and batteries, so we can choose to have our gates, windows, and doors open, while the drawbridges are drawn shut."
Jason smiled. "That's actually a pretty good analogy," he said quietly.
Anita nodded. "Yeah... he's right, it is."
"It kills her to admit it," Jason teased, smirking at Willow.
"Usually."
Willow chuckled. "You don't need to share more than you're comfortable with, Anita. You can have the windows open, but the curtains drawn. You can have your doors open, but the garden gate closed. You can decide how much access everyone gets. It can be on your terms," she advised gently.
"So, in theory... if the windows were open, but the curtains drawn... then you could still reach me, and I could still reach you or anyone else, if I had to, but it would make it clear to everyone that I need a little privacy."
"Or something like that, yeah," Willow agreed. "It would be neat to see if we could all imagine the same place. I guess Jean-Claude doesn't really need to picture these sorts of things, with all the practice he's had at shielding between you and Richard, but... there could be value in knowing we can all imagine the same thing."
Anita shrugged. "Marianne's always said it doesn't matter... whatever the substance is, as long as we can all block out external forces."
"But, does she understand the complexity of a pentumvirate? I mean, Dawn's only found a mention of one in a book, and it was pretty lacking on details," Willow reminded the necromancer. "It's not just animal to call, vampire, and human servant. It's kind of weird and complicated."
"No kidding."
Both women smiled at Jason after he spoke. He grinned at them, then he turned the stove off. "It'll keep for a little while," he told Willow. "What else can I do?"
"Now that you've refereed us through the tricky spots?" Willow asked.
"Well, yeah."
Willow hugged him and rubbed her hands over his bare back. "Go have fun or something," she suggested as she pulled away from him. "Dawn and Faith are around here somewhere."
Jason grimaced. "Yeah, they were swooning over ultrasound pictures and then they rushed off when Damian came in with catalogues of nursery stuff."
Anita smothered a laugh and then she looked from Willow to Jason with wide, amused eyes. "Seriously? Damian?" she asked. "I had no idea he was so... excited." Her smile faltered. "He's been living here so much, with Faith, and I barely see him... I guess... we've been a little distant since... the baby news."
"They've been wrapped up in their own world, too," Jason reasoned. "It's not your fault. Everyone's been pretty busy." He cleared his throat and leaned against the counters at Willow's side. "He's going to ask you something serious, though, soon, and it'd be great if you'd agree and... and show some interest."
"Interest?" Anita echoed.
"Well, he wants your support, and it'd kill his manly-man side to have to ask you for it," he explained. "And, maybe, if they decide to have a party similar to the basement cleaning party..."
"He wants his own place?" Anita asked.
Jason shrugged. "All I know is that they've been talking about it," he told the shorter woman. "Faith isn't sure the Circus is the best place for a baby, and Damian is torn between agreeing with her, his fear of being too far from you, and the certainty that the Circus is a fortress that could keep his child safe from outsiders."
Anita sighed. "Yeah, fair enough," she agreed. "That's got to be tough." She pushed her dark hair behind her ears. "Complicated. But, he has to know I wouldn't stand in his way if he wanted to try a new place to live, right?"
"He doesn't want to weaken the triumvirate."
"But... he practically lives here all the time now."
"And a couple nights a week he's at your place. With Faith, usually."
Anita's shoulders tensed before they relaxed. "I don't mind Faith being over. She doesn't get in the way... she doesn't trash the place any more than Zane does on a good day, and she gets along with everyone. Plus, if the shit ever hit the fan, I know I wouldn't need to worry about protecting her. She can take care of herself."
Willow nodded. "Yeah... that's true." She tilted her head. "Would you want a baby at your place?"
Anita tensed. "Um, not so much... but, I couldn't turn Damian's kid away. I don't know how everyone else would react... I'm not sure how we'd handle the extra responsibility, and my life isn't really safe enough for a child, but..." she trailed off and sighed. "I guess we've all got some thinking to do." She glanced at Jason. "What does Jean-Claude think?"
"He's excited there's going to be a baby among us," Jason said with a cheeky grin. "I think he's looking forward to extravagant gifts and I'll bet he's already discussed wardrobes with his tailor." He snorted. "The only baby in the city that'll have sexy leather pants and frilly shirts," he joked.
Willow couldn't prevent herself from grinning, so she didn't bother trying to fight the smile.
"Probably green silk shirts," Anita agreed, a smirk on her lips.
"Fancy cameos," Willow added.
"Cufflinks. Thigh high boots."
The three were giggling when Asher stepped into the room. He arched an eyebrow, looked from one to the next, before returning his gaze to his human servant.
"Hi," Willow croaked as she tried to control her laughter.
"And what, dare I ask, is so amusing?" he inquired. "Is it our meal?"
The witch shook her head and leaned up to kiss Asher's cheek. He turned his head and caught her lips with his, instead. She sighed and leaned against him, losing herself in the simple touch of lips on lips. She slipped her hands up to his shoulders before she could control the impulse to touch his body; it felt right to hold him, to press her body to his, and to enjoy the warmth their contact created.
"Not our meal," she murmured as she looked up into his eyes, after brushing his hair off of his face enough so she could see all of him. "We were wondering what outfits Jean-Claude's tailor has been ordered to make for Damian's and Faith's baby."
Asher rolled his eyes. "Oh, honestly, as if the child will be dressed for nights at Guilty Pleasures," he scoffed. "Do you think mon corbeau has lost all sense of practicality?"
Anita snorted. "Asher, you know how he is with clothes. And you know there's a closet of stuff with my name on it... stuff I'll never wear because it's all completely impractical."
The blond vampire smirked at that. But, his smirk flickered when Willow's hands started to travel over his body again. She slid her fingers into the waistband of his slacks, to untuck the shirt he was wearing so she could touch his back.
"And what are you doing, mon colibri?"
"Touching you."
It was his turn to snort. "Non, vraiment? I had not noticed," he commented wryly. "But, may I ask, why?"
"Because I want to?"
"Since when do you act so besotted?" he inquired.
Willow didn't realise what she was doing until he had commented on it so plainly. She blinked and looked into his eyes, but she didn't pull away from him---she didn't want to. "I don't... I didn't know I was," she murmured as her cheeks flushed. "I... is it bothering you?"
"Non, but I am wondering why all of a sudden, you are glued to my side," he replied, smiling at her. "Is it this talk of offspring?" he asked quietly. "Or is it simply that you've been thinking of me while preparing your meal?"
The redhead's smile flickered. She tried not to think about herself having children---and losing the one child she hadn't known she was carrying---but when Asher pointed it out to her, she couldn't ignore it. Did Faith's child bother her? Would it bother her when the child was more real, no longer a swollen belly?
Asher must have sensed her thoughts. He cupped her face with one hand and slowly caressed his lips over hers.
"Perhaps," he whispered, "it is the latter."
"Maybe," she whispered back, glad he was giving her an exit from her---no, their---emotional baggage. "Dinner's almost ready. I just need to put the pasta in the pot."
Jason whirled around, saw the water was finally boiling, and then he did the last job. He took the measuring cup of dried noodles and emptied it into the bubbling water.
"Nevermind," she murmured, smiling at her familiar. She glanced at Asher and then rested her head against his chest. "Where are we eating?"
"Since it is late, Jean suggested our suite. Then, Anita and the kittens can take his suite, and we can retire for the day," he replied. He looked at Anita. "If that suits you?"
Anita nodded. "Sure, if you guys don't mind---"
"I've never minded Jean-Claude there with us," Willow said honestly. "He doesn't hog the covers, and---" she paused and smiled a little at Asher "---I like seeing how happy those two are when they wake up together."
"Plus, she likes cuddling with me," Jason added with a grin.
Willow smiled back at the werewolf.
"And then, we can talk about New Year's!" he added.
Willow's smile faded a little as Asher tightened against her body.
&&&&
"So, why did you react that way when Jason brought up New Year's Eve?"
Willow watched as Asher opened his eyes and looked at Anita, after she asked the question. He hesitated. It could have been the aftereffects of the delights of sharing food, or it could have been an attempt to better prepare a suitable response, but either way, he hesitated against Jean-Claude's body and looked at the necromancer in silence.
The black-haired vampire was leaning back on the sofa. Asher's blond head was in his lap and his bare feet dangled over the edge of the piece of furniture. Willow was sitting opposite them, on the other side of the coffee table. Anita was in the armchair. Jean-Claude's eyes were open, but until Anita asked her question, they hadn't been focused upon anything. When the necromancer spoke, he blinked twice, and was decidedly focused on a piece of carpet a few inches from Anita's feet.
"React which way, ma belle?" Asher said in his most charming voice.
Willow shivered under its thrall. Anita didn't so much as twitch.
"You got stiff and quiet."
"I am a cold, dead body. Stiff and quiet are natural for me, n'est-ce pas?"
Anita rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant. And I stopped thinking vampires are dead bodies a long time ago," she shot back.
The witch watched Jean-Claude's lips curve slowly into a smile. She didn't understand what was so funny. She opened her mouth to ask the dark vampire to explain himself, but Anita beat him to it.
"You two have a date or something? I mean, I know we haven't celebrated the new year because I tend to get called out on cop stuff, and two years ago, you had that thing at Guilty Pleasures, but... is there a reason you haven't brought it up yet? Micah asked if I had plans, but I didn't know if I should ask you, or---"
Jean-Claude chuckled. "Are you afraid of not having a date to the prom, ma petite?"
Asher laughed, as Anita shook her head. Willow looked from one vampire to the other, and she was sure that both women were missing a joke.
"What's going on?" Willow asked quietly.
The Master of the City sighed and shrugged, as his chuckles died away. "Ah, ma chérie, we had a vote among the employees and residents here. We decided to close the Circus for the night and offer a party for those who wish to adhere to a chosen theme. No press to worry about, for those who do not wish to reveal their true selves. We will keep the place closed with security for that."
"What was the chosen theme?" she asked.
Asher's laughter resumed as Jean-Claude tried to compose himself. "There were several people involved in creating a short list of themes. Byron, Jason... Requiem... Claudia... and your friends Faith and notre aube."
"What's the theme, Jean-Claude?" Anita asked.
Jean-Claude laughed for a moment, and then he said, "The prom, ma petite, but with a twist." He held a hand up. "The men shall dress as the belles of the ball, and the women shall be their escorts."
Willow giggled. She could feel Asher's amusement as well as her own, and its presence in her mind tickled her. Anita glared at her, obviously expecting some sort of support against the idea, but Willow thought it could be fun. "Oh, c'mon, Anita," Willow murmured as her laughter subsided. "It'll be fun. We can wear suits and flat shoes, and they can dress up. It'll be harmless fun."
"You want to see Asher in a dress?" Anita asked.
The witch's laughter faded---not because she was appalled, but because she was seriously contemplating her response. "Want? Not exactly. It doesn't turn me on or anything. But, I think it'll be fun. I think we all need a little shake up... a little role reversal. And, Asher has great legs," she finished with another little laugh.
"And mine?" Jean-Claude inquired teasingly.
"You're both probably going to be wearing layers of silks and skirts and boning in the corsets," Willow pointed out. "But, I'm sure you'll be a very pretty girl, Jean-Claude."
"No boning," Asher decided as the Master of the City laughed quietly. "I do not have the curves for it."
"But, it's prom..."
Asher smirked at her. "I thought you would like easier access to my legs and body."
"Fluffy skirts sort of go with the prom theme," Willow told him. She smiled and blushed. "But, I'm not opposed to easier access," she confessed.
"Are you two serious about this?" Anita asked.
"Oui, ma petite," Jean-Claude replied. "As serious as we can be. The votes have already been cast." He shrugged. "We held the vote over the holidays at the coalition office. Anyone who wished to participate could do so, from any of the animal clans and from our kiss. The vote closed on Boxing Day, an hour after sunset."
Anita's eyes widened as she put a few things together. "That was why Micah worked late that day... and why every time I ran out to do Christmas shopping with someone, they had to stop at the office."
He nodded. "Oui."
"Why didn't you tell me about it?"
He shrugged again. "Some of the themes were tame, and you would not have had any problems with them," he said. "However, there were several ideas that would have inflamed you---possibly to the point of wanting us to cancel our private event. I thought it would be best to surprise you with the event, and perhaps spend a day or two luring you with whispered sweet nothings and promises of favours."
"Plus, you figured the suit and flat shoes idea would appeal to me."
"Exactement."
Anita looked at him through narrowed eyes. "Richard doesn't know about this."
Jean-Claude hesitated.
"He doesn't, does he?"
After a moment's pause, he smirked slightly. "Of course not, ma petite," he replied, his voice almost a purr. "But, if he wishes to attend, he may do so. I'm sure we can help him find something to wear."
Anita shook her head slightly. "The theme almost suits everyone else. Even Micah wouldn't look incredibly masculine in women's clothing, but... Richard... it's... it's not going to look good."
Asher lifted his head out of Jean-Claude's lap and rolled onto his stomach. "It is not about looking good," he told her with a smile. "We are not all aiming to be sexual objects or looking to spark desire. It is for amusement."
"You'll find this fun?"
"Absolument."
Anita blinked, very slowly, and her head tilted to one side. She frowned, but then she smoothed the confusion off of her face. "Why?" she asked. "Is it a bisexual thing? Is that why I'm not getting it?"
"Do you think kissing another woman would make you want to dress up like a man?"
The necromancer blushed. "Well, no, but... if you want me to go, I sort of need to understand."
"You have never minded how we dress before, ma petite," Jean-Claude reminded her as he stroked his fingers through Asher's hair. Willow smiled inwardly as Asher closed his eyes and rested his cheek against the other vampire's thigh. She could feel how comfortable he was, and when he opened his eyes, she could see how aroused he was becoming. She pursed her lips together, as if to discourage him from leering at her, and he smirked briefly, before Jean-Claude resumed speaking. "I have been in a number of styles of outfit, some of which I thought even you would frown upon, but you have always found me to be alluring."
"It isn't just your clothes," Anita reminded him.
Jean-Claude's smile spread slowly. "That, I know. Just as I know it is the same with the other men in your life, for you do not indulge in more casual lusts, if it can be avoided." He tilted his head to mirror Anita's earlier gesture. "Alors, why would it be different this time? Would you think my masculinity challenged by a dress? By raised heels? I have worn them before, as has mon chardonneret. Is it long hair? Non..."
Anita huffed, but a small smile was curving the corners of her lips. "Okay, you've made your point. I think it'd just freak me out."
"Jeanne D'Arc dressed as a man. Actors upon the stage played both the male and female roles," Asher said quietly, his eyes closed again as Jean-Claude's fingers moved to his temple in slow, circular movements. "They had higher aspirations... but we would enjoy such role reversal, such amusement, for a short while."
"Really?" Anita asked.
Both vampires nodded.
Anita sighed and shrugged. "Fine, but I get to wear comfortable shoes." She paused, and then quickly added, "And I don't know how you're going to get Richard to go. Damian, too, for that matter." She smiled and rolled her eyes. "This is ridiculous."
"Completely, ma petite, but it will be entertaining, nevertheless." He turned his head slightly and glanced at Willow. "We shall work on Richard, later, ma chérie."
Willow chuckled and shrugged. "We'll try... but you know how he is..."
"Too well," Jean-Claude assured her with a smirk.
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii overall
PAIRINGS: All the pairings from the previous two stories---and some new ones, too
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the whole TV series for the Buffyverse; Alive at Last and Living Underground.
WARNINGS: A little bit of fur... bdsm... the usuals for Anita's crazy, crazy world.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone---except for any original characters that I whip up to do my bidding ;)
NOTE: This story is a sequel to Living Underground.
Previous chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4
SLIGHT WARNING: The next few chapters are going to have a little bit of silly. I've been writing at work and I've been bored out of my mind. So, I'm having a little fun. I'm sorry if it's OOC, but, I've been writing this series for a while and I want to break from reality for a minute, kk? ;)
PART FIVE
Upon entering the underground residence, Willow caught bits and pieces of conversations from vampires and shapeshifters.
Rafael was alright, Claudia had told Bobby Lee, and no one in the rodere was injured. Caleb had told Byron that Noah had to get Gina out of her apartment building because a couple of pipes burst and the place was being sealed off until that, and some windows, could be repaired. Graham had said that most of the wolves he spoke with were alright, but he heard from Bobby Lee that Doctor Lillian had to ask for Cherry's help in the clinic to deal with some more serious bumps and bruises---a couple of werewolves and werelions, apparently.
Requiem had reported that one of the caverns sustained some damage but they could not explore all of it until the danger of earthquakes was behind them. No coffin chambers had been damaged. Anita's house was still standing, apart from a few broken windows.
Faith had been the first to rush Willow and Dawn. Her face was pale and her eyes were wide.
"I was worried about you guys!" she exclaimed. "Jean-Claude said you were okay, but---" she stopped short and looked around. "Where's Richard?"
"He went home to see if anything's wrecked," Dawn said, before Willow could reply. She smiled a bit. "We're a little shaken up... but okay. How's Momma and baby?"
The slayer's hand instinctively went to her abdomen, where a slight swell was beginning to show. Willow still had trouble believing that Faith was pregnant---that Faith was going to be a mother---but she was thrilled for the slayer and her lover. Damian seemed to be paler, lately, if that was possible, and he was usually found hovering around the brunette as if trying to guard her from any unforeseen danger.
"We're both five by five, and so is the vamp daddy," Faith assured Dawn. "Hungry, though."
"Well, I could use a non-fat yogurt," Dawn said. "Some comfort food, y'know, so... I could join you for a snack." She turned and looked at Willow. "You wanna come, too?"
Willow smiled and shook her head. "No, thanks. I better go see Asher before he sends a search party for me." She quickly, impulsively hugged Faith. "I'm glad you two and Damian are okay," she murmured. She pulled back. "I'll see you later?"
"Most likely," Faith agreed. She threaded her arm through Dawn's and turned towards the direction of the kitchens. "C'mon, kidlet. Let's go eat. The security team ordered pizza last night... I wonder if there's any left."
"Doubtful," Dawn muttered as they walked away. "They never leave any leftovers at my place."
Willow smothered a chuckle as she watched them leave. Then, she concentrated and tried to sense where Asher was. It didn't take her long to realise he was in Jean-Claude's room with him and the Executioner. She frowned. Even though they weren't in the throes of passion---as far as she could tell---she didn't want to interrupt them, but she really wanted to see the blond vampire.
Her desire to be with Asher won out in the end. She didn't barge into the room. Instead, she hesitated. She brushed her fingers over the door and tried to listen to what was going on in the other room, but the door was too thick and it muffled everything but the loudest of noises.
Asher opened the door, though, and startled Willow in the process. She looked up into his face and knew she was smiling a little.
"Why didn't you knock or come inside?"
Willow's smile faltered as her face flushed. "I wasn't sure if I'd be interrupting... I knew you'd be in here with---"
Asher put a cool finger over her lips. She stopped talking.
"You interrupt nothing, mon colibri," he assured her. "I was going to leave to look for you, if you hadn't arrived just now."
"Yeah?"
"Oui."
Willow's smile returned and she kissed his finger before putting her hands on his hips, then sliding them to his back as she inched closer for a hug. The vampire returned the embrace and then asked, "Did notre aube come with you?"
"She's with Faith, looking for food."
"Ah, bon. Come inside," he murmured. He kissed her forehead and then slowly guided her inside the room.
Anita was sitting in the middle of the bed, crossed-legged, and Jean-Claude was lounging on his side behind her. His body curved around hers and his free arm was drawing a pattern on her jean-clad thigh. They both looked up when she came closer, when Asher closed the door behind them.
"Hi," Willow said quietly.
The necromancer looked up and smiled a little. "Everything okay?" she asked.
"Yeah. Some windows broke... a bookcase fell. A lamp or two died. But, other than that... we're okay. You?"
"My place is in about the same state," Anita told Willow. "Micah's gone to check on some of the others."
"Good... good. I, uh... I didn't mean to intrude or interrupt or---"
"Mon chardonneret already told you that you have not interrupted anything," Jean-Claude interrupted gently. He smiled. "Did you bring Richard with you?"
"He's coming back after he checks his place. He wanted to make sure Emily could get her school books and clothes... and then he wanted to check in with his pack, too, I think," she told the Master of the City. "He wanted us here, first," she added with a little shrug. She wasn't sure what else she should add.
"Sounds like Richard," Anita agreed, both quietly and with a smile. "Damian was trying Faith's nerves a little while ago. She wanted to go with some of the others to check on the businesses..."
"Daddy-to-be put his foot down?"
"Both feet," Anita said with a nod. "I'm trying to stay out of it. He's my vampire, but he's her boyfriend, and a baby... wow. So out of my league. But, he's beginning to stress me out."
"He simply wants to be the best father he can be," Jean-Claude reminded her. "Our own examples are not always so shining, not always so recent that we can recall their memory---or want to recall their memory." He kissed Anita's bare, scarred arm. "He is doing what he thinks he needs to be doing to protect them both. He is probably more afraid than he's ever been before. All the war and destruction he's faced, and it is this that threatens to undo him." He paused, then added: "They will work it out. They will reach a point where it will have to work out."
Anita craned her neck to look at him. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Very sure, ma petite," he told her. "They love each other and they would not see that ruined in the face of their love's creation." He smiled a bit. "She loves him, and accepts his part in your heart and soul. She accepts the warrior in him as he accepts the warrior in her. They are a well-suited pair."
"So, because of that, they'll work it out?"
"Oui."
Anita sighed. "Love isn't always---"
"Do not fight me on this tonight, ma petite," he interrupted in a quiet, purring voice. That voice always left Willow wondering why Jean-Claude could only call wolves. He always seemed to be more feline than canine at heart---but then, Willow also knew that some powers didn't always fit their owners' personalities. Jean-Claude sat up slowly and kissed Anita's shoulder. "Love is always many things," he whispered.
Willow hadn't been aware that she was staring at the couple until Asher came up behind her and kissed the back of her neck. She shivered and closed her eyes. Jean-Claude was still whispering to Anita but that was secondary, once her lover started showing her how pleased he was to see her.
"Asher," she whispered. "What are you---"
"Hush," he cut in, quietly but firmly.
"Love is always many things," Jean-Claude repeated, as if he were a narrator for a story that Anita was absorbing. "As with our Asher and his hummingbird. Concern, worry... possession... hope... desire..."
Willow opened her eyes, sighted on the Master of the City, and then narrowed her eyes as her brow furrowed. "Are you going to do a running commentary or something?"
He laughed openly and the sound tickled over both Anita's and Willow's bodies.
The witch shuddered against Asher and his hands tightened on her hips.
"Mon corbeau, perhaps the theatrics should be saved for another night."
"We have already had theatrics, true," he reasoned, "but, the scare of the shaking earth has passed and now, I feel it is time for something more enjoyable."
"I could go for some food," Willow suggested. She saw the nervous look in Anita's face and she didn't need their bond to tell her the necromancer was uncomfortable with it being the four of them in a private bedroom. When the witch spoke, Anita relaxed a little. "Is Nathaniel here? He always has the best recipes---"
Asher brushed his fingers under the hem of her shirt, and with a shiver, she stopped talking. "There are some things we could throw together," he told her.
Willow smiled. "Good. Anita, let's go get something set up. Let everyone else fend for themselves. We'll let the guys get dressed, and then we'll have a quiet meal."
"Are you sure I should be the one to help you in the kitchen?"
The witch grinned. "I'm not a pro either, but I think between the two of us we can manage something edible."
After chuckling, Jean-Claude stood up. It looked as if he were going to his wardrobe, but he changed direction and ended up in front of Willow and Asher. "What will you be preparing for us this evening, ma chérie?"
Willow's mind brought up images of her most recent dream-turned-nightmare. She flushed as she recalled how it felt to be sandwiched between the two vampires and then she struggled against her mind's and body's reactions.
"Don't come any closer," Willow whispered.
The Master of the City tilted his head. His smile did not fade---and it wouldn't, because he would not have sensed any fear coming from her. "Why not?" he inquired.
"I dreamed of... a birthday party," she admitted. "You and Asher and... Juliana were there. The prince's birthday."
"Ah, but instead of Juliana, you found yourself there?"
She nodded.
Jean-Claude's dark blue eyes sparkled as they darted from her gaze to that of the vampire behind her. She felt Asher's body hardening in enjoyable ways and she flushed more.
"What am I missing?" Anita asked from behind them.
The black-haired vampire turned around. He chuckled and Willow didn't feel the full effect of his laughter but she guessed Anita did by the way she rubbed her forearms.
"She has been dreaming about events in our shared past, ma petite," he told her. "I had shared that one with you, once... and then you took me to a more modern setting."
Willow's brow furrowed as Anita retold the story---how she had tried to control the dream and at least take him somewhere more modern, and a bit more comfortable. They had ended up at Danse Macabre, not Narcissus in Chains, but still... Willow couldn't shake the sinking feeling that she had borrowed parts of the dream from the necromancer.
"Yeah, I never knew you could dance like that," Anita admitted on a little laugh. She leaned to one side so she could see Willow. "Did he dance for you?"
"To the... clavichord thing, I think. Or whatever it's called." Willow smiled. "Only these two could make it look good. Everyone else looked... a little goofy. Including me."
"You? Goofy? Never," Asher whispered in her ear, just before he drew her earlobe into his mouth.
"Ah... ah... watch the tongue, Asher," she scolded quietly. "I'm supposed to be---"
Asher made a tsk-ing sound as he trailed his mouth away from her flesh. "But, how else can I show you that you were missed?"
"Later."
She didn't need to look at him to feel the grin that was curving his lips.
&&&&
Anita shooed Jason's hands away from the pan of sizzling meat and then she looked at Willow, as the werewolf wandered away. "So, when is Buffy's plane getting in?"
"In five days."
"The third," Anita confirmed.
Willow nodded and slapped her hand into Jason's bare chest to try to push him away from the salad she was making. "Back off," she scolded, with a small smile in her eyes. "This isn't for you. You got the leftovers with Dawn and Faith."
"Please?"
"No."
Jason pouted. He swiped a carrot stick from the cutting board and then he said, "So, what are you guys doing for New Year's?"
Willow frowned. "Hmm?" she asked wordlessly as she transfered vegetables to the large bowl.
"New Year's Eve," Jason repeated. When neither woman took the bait, he sighed and drummed his fingers against the counter. "Y'know, there's a party... everyone hangs out and dances and drinks themselves into oblivion and then there's a countdown and everyone cheers and makes out?"
Willow smiled and rolled her eyes in Anita's direction. Anita was listening, but she was also watching the pan; her lips curved into a discrete smile.
"We hadn't made plans, Jason," Anita said as she stirred some of the chopped vegetables into the sauce and meat. She glanced at Willow. "Am I doing this right?"
The witch fought against the urge to laugh. She found it hard that the woman who had more vampire executions to her name, who dealt with zombie raisings, lycanthropes, and more vampire politics than most people ever had to deal with, couldn't cook a simple pasta meal. Christmas dinner never would have happened without Nathaniel and Micah to help her.
"It looks fine," Willow assured her. "Just don't let it burn."
"But, then, we'd know it was done."
"Asher doesn't like it when I burn things," Willow pointed out. "I can't imagine Jean-Claude likes the charred taste, either."
Anita stopped stirring the sauce as she looked at the witch again. "You're going to open your shields for this?" Willow nodded. Anita's brow furrowed. "Why? It's not special food or anything."
Willow's smile put the necromancer on edge; the witch knew it, so she tried to tame it a little. "It costs me nothing, and it includes Asher," she said with a little shrug. "It's nothing fancy, but he likes tasting the things I eat... and I like seeing him happy."
"Someone's in luuuuuuurve," Jason teased as he took the spoon from Anita's hand. He resumed stirring the sauce. "She doesn't eat things for me..."
"Because you have a digestive system that can handle food," Willow shot back as she returned to chopping vegetables for the salad. "Anita, I'm going to toss a light dressing on this, if that's okay."
Anita didn't respond right away. Willow had to look over at her to make sure she was still in the room, even though she could feel the woman's presence along their bond.
"Anita?"
"Even now, you're not shielding... not from any of them," Anita said quietly.
Willow nodded slowly. "Right..."
"Aren't you afraid of getting hurt?"
The witch nodded again. "Yeah, of course. But, I trust you guys not to hurt me. So, I shield from the outside world, but not you guys. Not usually. I mean, during private moments, sure... sometimes when I sleep, too. Not during the day or night, though." She shrugged. "Are you going to metaphysically attack me?"
"No..."
"Richard and Asher wouldn't hurt me on purpose. Jean-Claude wouldn't attack me... well, unless he couldn't protect us from something, and
that's if he's facing it alone, which he probably wouldn't be... and it wouldn't be an attack on me, it'd be an attack on all of us," Willow reasoned aloud. "What have we got to be afraid of?"
Jason opened his mouth, moved to speak, but Willow shot him a quick, magical and mental shhh, and he promptly closed his mouth again.
Anita crossed her arms and shifted her weight. She huffed twice---once quietly, once loudly---and then she made herself look up into Willow's eyes. Willow willed herself to be calm and she willed her magic to not react to Anita's anger, since sometimes she would find herself getting preemptively defensive. That never worked well.
"I guess you're right," she said quietly. "I'm just so used to shielding altogether or not at all... or poking little holes and having the walls torn away---"
"Imagine a fortress," Willow suggested. "We're on the inside. We can each be buildings inside the high walls and batteries, so we can choose to have our gates, windows, and doors open, while the drawbridges are drawn shut."
Jason smiled. "That's actually a pretty good analogy," he said quietly.
Anita nodded. "Yeah... he's right, it is."
"It kills her to admit it," Jason teased, smirking at Willow.
"Usually."
Willow chuckled. "You don't need to share more than you're comfortable with, Anita. You can have the windows open, but the curtains drawn. You can have your doors open, but the garden gate closed. You can decide how much access everyone gets. It can be on your terms," she advised gently.
"So, in theory... if the windows were open, but the curtains drawn... then you could still reach me, and I could still reach you or anyone else, if I had to, but it would make it clear to everyone that I need a little privacy."
"Or something like that, yeah," Willow agreed. "It would be neat to see if we could all imagine the same place. I guess Jean-Claude doesn't really need to picture these sorts of things, with all the practice he's had at shielding between you and Richard, but... there could be value in knowing we can all imagine the same thing."
Anita shrugged. "Marianne's always said it doesn't matter... whatever the substance is, as long as we can all block out external forces."
"But, does she understand the complexity of a pentumvirate? I mean, Dawn's only found a mention of one in a book, and it was pretty lacking on details," Willow reminded the necromancer. "It's not just animal to call, vampire, and human servant. It's kind of weird and complicated."
"No kidding."
Both women smiled at Jason after he spoke. He grinned at them, then he turned the stove off. "It'll keep for a little while," he told Willow. "What else can I do?"
"Now that you've refereed us through the tricky spots?" Willow asked.
"Well, yeah."
Willow hugged him and rubbed her hands over his bare back. "Go have fun or something," she suggested as she pulled away from him. "Dawn and Faith are around here somewhere."
Jason grimaced. "Yeah, they were swooning over ultrasound pictures and then they rushed off when Damian came in with catalogues of nursery stuff."
Anita smothered a laugh and then she looked from Willow to Jason with wide, amused eyes. "Seriously? Damian?" she asked. "I had no idea he was so... excited." Her smile faltered. "He's been living here so much, with Faith, and I barely see him... I guess... we've been a little distant since... the baby news."
"They've been wrapped up in their own world, too," Jason reasoned. "It's not your fault. Everyone's been pretty busy." He cleared his throat and leaned against the counters at Willow's side. "He's going to ask you something serious, though, soon, and it'd be great if you'd agree and... and show some interest."
"Interest?" Anita echoed.
"Well, he wants your support, and it'd kill his manly-man side to have to ask you for it," he explained. "And, maybe, if they decide to have a party similar to the basement cleaning party..."
"He wants his own place?" Anita asked.
Jason shrugged. "All I know is that they've been talking about it," he told the shorter woman. "Faith isn't sure the Circus is the best place for a baby, and Damian is torn between agreeing with her, his fear of being too far from you, and the certainty that the Circus is a fortress that could keep his child safe from outsiders."
Anita sighed. "Yeah, fair enough," she agreed. "That's got to be tough." She pushed her dark hair behind her ears. "Complicated. But, he has to know I wouldn't stand in his way if he wanted to try a new place to live, right?"
"He doesn't want to weaken the triumvirate."
"But... he practically lives here all the time now."
"And a couple nights a week he's at your place. With Faith, usually."
Anita's shoulders tensed before they relaxed. "I don't mind Faith being over. She doesn't get in the way... she doesn't trash the place any more than Zane does on a good day, and she gets along with everyone. Plus, if the shit ever hit the fan, I know I wouldn't need to worry about protecting her. She can take care of herself."
Willow nodded. "Yeah... that's true." She tilted her head. "Would you want a baby at your place?"
Anita tensed. "Um, not so much... but, I couldn't turn Damian's kid away. I don't know how everyone else would react... I'm not sure how we'd handle the extra responsibility, and my life isn't really safe enough for a child, but..." she trailed off and sighed. "I guess we've all got some thinking to do." She glanced at Jason. "What does Jean-Claude think?"
"He's excited there's going to be a baby among us," Jason said with a cheeky grin. "I think he's looking forward to extravagant gifts and I'll bet he's already discussed wardrobes with his tailor." He snorted. "The only baby in the city that'll have sexy leather pants and frilly shirts," he joked.
Willow couldn't prevent herself from grinning, so she didn't bother trying to fight the smile.
"Probably green silk shirts," Anita agreed, a smirk on her lips.
"Fancy cameos," Willow added.
"Cufflinks. Thigh high boots."
The three were giggling when Asher stepped into the room. He arched an eyebrow, looked from one to the next, before returning his gaze to his human servant.
"Hi," Willow croaked as she tried to control her laughter.
"And what, dare I ask, is so amusing?" he inquired. "Is it our meal?"
The witch shook her head and leaned up to kiss Asher's cheek. He turned his head and caught her lips with his, instead. She sighed and leaned against him, losing herself in the simple touch of lips on lips. She slipped her hands up to his shoulders before she could control the impulse to touch his body; it felt right to hold him, to press her body to his, and to enjoy the warmth their contact created.
"Not our meal," she murmured as she looked up into his eyes, after brushing his hair off of his face enough so she could see all of him. "We were wondering what outfits Jean-Claude's tailor has been ordered to make for Damian's and Faith's baby."
Asher rolled his eyes. "Oh, honestly, as if the child will be dressed for nights at Guilty Pleasures," he scoffed. "Do you think mon corbeau has lost all sense of practicality?"
Anita snorted. "Asher, you know how he is with clothes. And you know there's a closet of stuff with my name on it... stuff I'll never wear because it's all completely impractical."
The blond vampire smirked at that. But, his smirk flickered when Willow's hands started to travel over his body again. She slid her fingers into the waistband of his slacks, to untuck the shirt he was wearing so she could touch his back.
"And what are you doing, mon colibri?"
"Touching you."
It was his turn to snort. "Non, vraiment? I had not noticed," he commented wryly. "But, may I ask, why?"
"Because I want to?"
"Since when do you act so besotted?" he inquired.
Willow didn't realise what she was doing until he had commented on it so plainly. She blinked and looked into his eyes, but she didn't pull away from him---she didn't want to. "I don't... I didn't know I was," she murmured as her cheeks flushed. "I... is it bothering you?"
"Non, but I am wondering why all of a sudden, you are glued to my side," he replied, smiling at her. "Is it this talk of offspring?" he asked quietly. "Or is it simply that you've been thinking of me while preparing your meal?"
The redhead's smile flickered. She tried not to think about herself having children---and losing the one child she hadn't known she was carrying---but when Asher pointed it out to her, she couldn't ignore it. Did Faith's child bother her? Would it bother her when the child was more real, no longer a swollen belly?
Asher must have sensed her thoughts. He cupped her face with one hand and slowly caressed his lips over hers.
"Perhaps," he whispered, "it is the latter."
"Maybe," she whispered back, glad he was giving her an exit from her---no, their---emotional baggage. "Dinner's almost ready. I just need to put the pasta in the pot."
Jason whirled around, saw the water was finally boiling, and then he did the last job. He took the measuring cup of dried noodles and emptied it into the bubbling water.
"Nevermind," she murmured, smiling at her familiar. She glanced at Asher and then rested her head against his chest. "Where are we eating?"
"Since it is late, Jean suggested our suite. Then, Anita and the kittens can take his suite, and we can retire for the day," he replied. He looked at Anita. "If that suits you?"
Anita nodded. "Sure, if you guys don't mind---"
"I've never minded Jean-Claude there with us," Willow said honestly. "He doesn't hog the covers, and---" she paused and smiled a little at Asher "---I like seeing how happy those two are when they wake up together."
"Plus, she likes cuddling with me," Jason added with a grin.
Willow smiled back at the werewolf.
"And then, we can talk about New Year's!" he added.
Willow's smile faded a little as Asher tightened against her body.
&&&&
"So, why did you react that way when Jason brought up New Year's Eve?"
Willow watched as Asher opened his eyes and looked at Anita, after she asked the question. He hesitated. It could have been the aftereffects of the delights of sharing food, or it could have been an attempt to better prepare a suitable response, but either way, he hesitated against Jean-Claude's body and looked at the necromancer in silence.
The black-haired vampire was leaning back on the sofa. Asher's blond head was in his lap and his bare feet dangled over the edge of the piece of furniture. Willow was sitting opposite them, on the other side of the coffee table. Anita was in the armchair. Jean-Claude's eyes were open, but until Anita asked her question, they hadn't been focused upon anything. When the necromancer spoke, he blinked twice, and was decidedly focused on a piece of carpet a few inches from Anita's feet.
"React which way, ma belle?" Asher said in his most charming voice.
Willow shivered under its thrall. Anita didn't so much as twitch.
"You got stiff and quiet."
"I am a cold, dead body. Stiff and quiet are natural for me, n'est-ce pas?"
Anita rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant. And I stopped thinking vampires are dead bodies a long time ago," she shot back.
The witch watched Jean-Claude's lips curve slowly into a smile. She didn't understand what was so funny. She opened her mouth to ask the dark vampire to explain himself, but Anita beat him to it.
"You two have a date or something? I mean, I know we haven't celebrated the new year because I tend to get called out on cop stuff, and two years ago, you had that thing at Guilty Pleasures, but... is there a reason you haven't brought it up yet? Micah asked if I had plans, but I didn't know if I should ask you, or---"
Jean-Claude chuckled. "Are you afraid of not having a date to the prom, ma petite?"
Asher laughed, as Anita shook her head. Willow looked from one vampire to the other, and she was sure that both women were missing a joke.
"What's going on?" Willow asked quietly.
The Master of the City sighed and shrugged, as his chuckles died away. "Ah, ma chérie, we had a vote among the employees and residents here. We decided to close the Circus for the night and offer a party for those who wish to adhere to a chosen theme. No press to worry about, for those who do not wish to reveal their true selves. We will keep the place closed with security for that."
"What was the chosen theme?" she asked.
Asher's laughter resumed as Jean-Claude tried to compose himself. "There were several people involved in creating a short list of themes. Byron, Jason... Requiem... Claudia... and your friends Faith and notre aube."
"What's the theme, Jean-Claude?" Anita asked.
Jean-Claude laughed for a moment, and then he said, "The prom, ma petite, but with a twist." He held a hand up. "The men shall dress as the belles of the ball, and the women shall be their escorts."
Willow giggled. She could feel Asher's amusement as well as her own, and its presence in her mind tickled her. Anita glared at her, obviously expecting some sort of support against the idea, but Willow thought it could be fun. "Oh, c'mon, Anita," Willow murmured as her laughter subsided. "It'll be fun. We can wear suits and flat shoes, and they can dress up. It'll be harmless fun."
"You want to see Asher in a dress?" Anita asked.
The witch's laughter faded---not because she was appalled, but because she was seriously contemplating her response. "Want? Not exactly. It doesn't turn me on or anything. But, I think it'll be fun. I think we all need a little shake up... a little role reversal. And, Asher has great legs," she finished with another little laugh.
"And mine?" Jean-Claude inquired teasingly.
"You're both probably going to be wearing layers of silks and skirts and boning in the corsets," Willow pointed out. "But, I'm sure you'll be a very pretty girl, Jean-Claude."
"No boning," Asher decided as the Master of the City laughed quietly. "I do not have the curves for it."
"But, it's prom..."
Asher smirked at her. "I thought you would like easier access to my legs and body."
"Fluffy skirts sort of go with the prom theme," Willow told him. She smiled and blushed. "But, I'm not opposed to easier access," she confessed.
"Are you two serious about this?" Anita asked.
"Oui, ma petite," Jean-Claude replied. "As serious as we can be. The votes have already been cast." He shrugged. "We held the vote over the holidays at the coalition office. Anyone who wished to participate could do so, from any of the animal clans and from our kiss. The vote closed on Boxing Day, an hour after sunset."
Anita's eyes widened as she put a few things together. "That was why Micah worked late that day... and why every time I ran out to do Christmas shopping with someone, they had to stop at the office."
He nodded. "Oui."
"Why didn't you tell me about it?"
He shrugged again. "Some of the themes were tame, and you would not have had any problems with them," he said. "However, there were several ideas that would have inflamed you---possibly to the point of wanting us to cancel our private event. I thought it would be best to surprise you with the event, and perhaps spend a day or two luring you with whispered sweet nothings and promises of favours."
"Plus, you figured the suit and flat shoes idea would appeal to me."
"Exactement."
Anita looked at him through narrowed eyes. "Richard doesn't know about this."
Jean-Claude hesitated.
"He doesn't, does he?"
After a moment's pause, he smirked slightly. "Of course not, ma petite," he replied, his voice almost a purr. "But, if he wishes to attend, he may do so. I'm sure we can help him find something to wear."
Anita shook her head slightly. "The theme almost suits everyone else. Even Micah wouldn't look incredibly masculine in women's clothing, but... Richard... it's... it's not going to look good."
Asher lifted his head out of Jean-Claude's lap and rolled onto his stomach. "It is not about looking good," he told her with a smile. "We are not all aiming to be sexual objects or looking to spark desire. It is for amusement."
"You'll find this fun?"
"Absolument."
Anita blinked, very slowly, and her head tilted to one side. She frowned, but then she smoothed the confusion off of her face. "Why?" she asked. "Is it a bisexual thing? Is that why I'm not getting it?"
"Do you think kissing another woman would make you want to dress up like a man?"
The necromancer blushed. "Well, no, but... if you want me to go, I sort of need to understand."
"You have never minded how we dress before, ma petite," Jean-Claude reminded her as he stroked his fingers through Asher's hair. Willow smiled inwardly as Asher closed his eyes and rested his cheek against the other vampire's thigh. She could feel how comfortable he was, and when he opened his eyes, she could see how aroused he was becoming. She pursed her lips together, as if to discourage him from leering at her, and he smirked briefly, before Jean-Claude resumed speaking. "I have been in a number of styles of outfit, some of which I thought even you would frown upon, but you have always found me to be alluring."
"It isn't just your clothes," Anita reminded him.
Jean-Claude's smile spread slowly. "That, I know. Just as I know it is the same with the other men in your life, for you do not indulge in more casual lusts, if it can be avoided." He tilted his head to mirror Anita's earlier gesture. "Alors, why would it be different this time? Would you think my masculinity challenged by a dress? By raised heels? I have worn them before, as has mon chardonneret. Is it long hair? Non..."
Anita huffed, but a small smile was curving the corners of her lips. "Okay, you've made your point. I think it'd just freak me out."
"Jeanne D'Arc dressed as a man. Actors upon the stage played both the male and female roles," Asher said quietly, his eyes closed again as Jean-Claude's fingers moved to his temple in slow, circular movements. "They had higher aspirations... but we would enjoy such role reversal, such amusement, for a short while."
"Really?" Anita asked.
Both vampires nodded.
Anita sighed and shrugged. "Fine, but I get to wear comfortable shoes." She paused, and then quickly added, "And I don't know how you're going to get Richard to go. Damian, too, for that matter." She smiled and rolled her eyes. "This is ridiculous."
"Completely, ma petite, but it will be entertaining, nevertheless." He turned his head slightly and glanced at Willow. "We shall work on Richard, later, ma chérie."
Willow chuckled and shrugged. "We'll try... but you know how he is..."
"Too well," Jean-Claude assured her with a smirk.