AB/BtVS FF: Nightmares in Waking Life 22/?
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, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12, 13, 14-5, 16-7, 18-9, 20-1
PART TWENTY-TWO
She did, in fact, get plenty of rest. The red-haired witch had tried to seduce Asher into some pleasant pre-morning activities, but he had politely declined. He claimed he would rather hold her and discuss the day's events.
Willow hadn't been pleased with Asher's decision, but after a few minutes of cajoling and receiving nothing for her efforts she decided to yield to him. She slipped into comfortable pajamas and joined him in their bed. He wanted to know more about the young woman who had left her outside of Guilty Pleasures; he also wanted to know how the first day with Buffy had gone.
"Oh, just peachy," she said on a sigh. "I'm sure she thinks I'm insane. Or a slut---"
Asher put his fingers to her lips. "You are not," he insisted firmly.
"She watched me have a... a... an aftershock!" Willow said, nearly spluttering. "She watched Patrick come in, screw up, and then lick my lip in submission! She saw me curled up with you and Nathaniel... and I still don't know what happened with Jean-Claude tonight!"
"He shared power with you."
Willow flushed. "He kissed me! And what is going on with Anita, because she didn't flinch! And then I kneeled down and---oh, god, I don't know what's going on with me!"
"Shhh, mon colibri," Asher murmured. "You are not promiscuous."
"Next to Buffy, I probably am!"
His eyes looked into hers. "Non," he said in a very firm voice. He cupped her chin in one hand and forced her to look directly into his eyes. "Feel the truth of my words, mon colibri. You are the human servant to a vampire of Belle Morte's line. You are a human servant to a vampire in a kiss ruled by a vampire who has l'ardeur, one of the most potent forces of seduction. You are a powerful witch and you have gathered two intelligent, beautiful familiars.
"And if that weren't enough, you've become Lupa for Richard. You have had more thrown at you than you had probably expected. You aren't entirely human anymore, and I do not mean than in a bad way, mon colibri, because I am very proud at how you've grown and adapted."
"But---"
Asher pressed his index finger to her lips. "But, you, I believe, are comparing yourself to the slayer, who is more 'normal' than our world." He paused and moved his hand so his fingers could caress her cheekbone before
traveling into her hair. "There isn't nothing wrong with following instinct," he said quietly. "Our lives are dangerous... passionate. There are many ups and downs and a repetoire of protocol few fully grasp. Is it wrong to
celebrate as much life as you possibly can?"
"But, I'm..."
"Enjoying yourself?"
"It's not right to---"
"If you were breaking the law or hurting people, I would say it is not right," Asher interrupted. "However, you are not hurting anyone... you are bringing us together." He kissed her forehead. "Without you, I fear my life would not have improved," he whispered.
"Asher..."
He pulled her close, pulling her into his lap as he lounged against pillows. "Why suddenly so concerned about how you are perceived?" he inquired.
"Well, Buffy keeps looking at me like I have four heads or something---"
"Did you enjoy yourself upon the stage?"
Willow nodded.
Asher smiled. "Did you enjoy yourself when you cuddled with Nathaniel?"
She nodded again.
"Did you enjoy mon corbeau's kiss?"
Willow felt her cheeks burning. "Asher, don't ask me that," she insisted.
"Why not?"
"Because... he's... we're not... I mean, Anita would---"
"She allowed it because it was a share of power," Asher told her, explaining the necromancer's actions, "and because Jean-Claude has been very well behaved. They have been... discussing the issues between them."
Willow frowned. "Oh... I didn't know that," she mumbled.
Asher kissed her temple before kissing her lips. "I must admit I enjoyed seeing you in his arms," he whispered. "Does that make me a bad person?"
"No... I understand how important it would be to share human servants. I know you guys wish you could do it," she replied. She rubbed his arm. "You guys have different standards than---"
"Than you do?"
"No, I didn't mean that."
He looked into her eyes; she felt like wriggling away from him. "What did you mean?" he asked as he tightened his grip on her, as if he could sense her desire to flee. "Because I am a vampire, I have different standards?"
"No, Asher," she told him. "I didn't mean it like that. I just... you've lived for a hundred years... you've done more. You... I don't know. There always seems to be a bit of a double-standard where guys' reputations are concerned."
"Jean-Claude's reputation---as well as my own---takes many hits, almost constantly," he reminded her.
"You know what I mean, though, right?"
She felt a little relief when he nodded.
"I just... part of me is still... I mean... my life is so far outside of 'normal,' and I usually love it and you and everyone else, but you're asking me if I enjoyed kissing your lover, who is also Anita's lover, and what is Richard going to think about this?"
Asher frowned. "Are you channelling Richard?"
Willow sighed and rested her head upon Asher's shoulder. "I don't think so... I don't know. I just..." she closed her eyes and inhaled.
She could smell Asher's cologne, the cool, clean scent of his skin, and a faint odor of cigarette smoke. She reminded herself how much she loved the smell of him---and how the smell of Jean-Claude on him was never much of a problem---and she felt a smile curving her lips. She had changed---but even in the beginning, there were some things that transcended those changes. More than she had changed, her situation had changed. When her situation changed, she was allowed to explore the parts of herself that she had denied existence or avoided because she felt it was safe to do so.
"Mon colibri?"
"I think I'm reacting to Buffy's reaction," she whispered.
"Vraiment?" Asher asked. Willow thought he didn't do a good enough job of hiding his sarcasm. "And how did you come to this conclusion?"
"I liked these things before... I mean, before we even... I liked the cuddling and I didn't have a problem with you and Jean-Claude," she reasoned aloud. "I thought I was embarrassed---or shamed, I guess is better---when I was explaining everything. I don't feel ashamed. A little weird, but..."
When she trailed off and fell silent, Asher tipped her head towards his. He kissed her lips, using his tongue and teeth to separate them enough to deepen the embrace. Willow whimpered but she didn't pull away; his shields were slowly lowering and she could feel how proud he was of her and how happy he was with her. She felt as if she were drowning in emotion and even though she had fed a lot earlier that day, she felt her metaphysical hunger begin to crave the emotions he was offering her.
"May I?" she asked quietly as his lips blazed a trail to her neck.
"Oui," he replied.
Willow reached out. She slipped her powers through his lowered shields and she strummed through those feelings he presented to her. She didn't dig deeper. She wanted to stay on the surface with the emotions he was offering her and she drew them into herself as she, too, lowered her defenses and surrendered to him.
"I thought you didn't wanna," she whispered as he nipped her shoulder. She shuddered when he laved the same place with his tongue.
"I enjoy feeling this," he whispered back. "When you feed from my better emotions, it enhances them," he said as he nibbled back to her mouth. "And I could enjoy feeling pleased with and hungry for you for hours," he added.
The witch shivered and rocked her hips against his as the emotions seeped through her and filled her empty places.
She had never fed from him while he was feeding from her---deliberately, anyway---and the instant after he pierced her neck she felt a wave of pleasure that she had never encountered before. She whimpered and moaned and clung to him as he tasted her blood while giving her a taste of his own powers.
There wasn't penetration but anyone who thought what they shared wasn't 'sex' would have been crazy to think so. Willow's climax, brought on by Asher's power, released some of the emotions her version of the ardeur had been absorbing; those feelings of excitement and happiness washed over him and she wasn't surprised to hear him growl and thrust his hips against hers when the feelings became too strong.
Once the intensity of the moment had passed, Willow started to snuggle up to Asher but was stopped by a cool wetness between them.
"Hmm," she murmured. "I think a cloth and a change of pajamas are in order."
Asher chuckled gruffly. "I apologise," he said after pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I do not often lose control like that."
"I didn't mean to feed so much," she admitted. "Maybe that was it. When I feed from you or near you... wow."
He chuckled again. "I think I am meant to be flattered by that?"
"You make it... more, somehow," she said, not directly answering his question. "Do you do that for Jean-Claude and Anita?"
"I do not know," he replied.
"Maybe you are our catalyst... or something."
He smiled and brushed his fingers through her hair. "I am yours, for certain," he whispered before kissing her forehead again in almost exactly the same place. He sighed softly---but not in disappointment or frustration. "I will clean up," he told her. "You should change. I suspect that mon corbeau and his pomme de sang will be here soon."
Willow nodded. "Yeah, you're right."
"You do not sound so sure."
She smiled. "I'm still feeling a little lazy," she murmured, still smiling.
"What will I have to do to set a fire under your---"
"Do it and... and I'll... well, I don't know what I'll do, but it won't be pretty, Goldilocks."
Asher laughed. "Everything you do is 'pretty,' mon colibri," he teased. He kissed her forehead one more time and then he pushed himself up and off of the bed.
Once he disappeared into the bathroom, Willow forced herself to get up and change her pajamas. She didn't look into a mirror until she had traded her two-piece outfit for a simple, but somehow elegant, nightgown. When she did check her reflection in the glassy surface, she saw that she had a few bloody lip prints on her skin, near her hairline.
Years ago, she would have been troubled by that. In that moment, in that stage in her life, she simply went into the bathroom and asked Asher to clean the marks away.
He didn't do it with a cloth; he opted to lick the blood away. He then trailed his mouth to her neck and licked the seeping blood from his bite mark.
"Delicious," he whispered.
Willow blushed a bit and took the cloth from his hands. She finished rubbing it over his abdomen and then she tossed it into the small hamper underneath the marble countertop.
"Let's go back to bed," she murmured.
Asher nodded and took her hands in his before guiding her out of the room.
&&&&
Willow was snuggled against Asher's body when Jason and Jean-Claude came into the bedroom to join them. She managed a sleepy smile and she pulled the bedding back to allow Jason into the bed next to her.
He flopped down and looked at her through his lashes. "I meet Buffy tomorrow," he told her quietly.
"She'll like you."
"After she saw me dancing on stage?" he asked. "I mean, under the lights... with the glitter and stuff, I look different, but still... what if she... y'know..."
The witch eased away from Asher and pressed in close to Jason. She kissed his shoulder affectionately and she brushed her fingers through his hair. "First, you're not doing anything wrong," she murmured. "Second, it's a job... not the whole sum of your parts and personality. Third, you're a great person. Fourth... her sister really likes you. Just be yourself, Jason. It's gonna be okay."
Jason sighed. "I hope you're right," he mumbled.
"Be the guy Dawn likes," she advised.
"Dawn likes a complete goofball," he reminded her.
Willow hugged him. "Yeah, but we all know that's just a disguise," she told him. "How many cookie cliffs have you talked me down off of now?"
He chuckled and snuggled into her embrace.
Jean-Claude, sitting on the bed in his robe, leaned towards the three figures and said, "He is special to all of us, and ntore aube sees his value. Mademoiselle Summers will see how special he is to her."
"Guys, stop, you'll make me blush," he mumbled.
Willow playfully nipped at his ear before rolling back into Asher's body---just as Jason decided to pounce on her. Asher playfully scolded Jason---in his tone of voice that was frequently used on Nathaniel, when he needed to be scolded or reprimanded---and Jean-Claude gathered the wolf into his arms.
"Il est seulement un chiot!" Jean-Claude exclaimed, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
(Il est seulement un chiot! = He is only a puppy!)
"I either resent it or represent it," Jason muttered.
Jean-Claude smiled. He brushed his fingers affectionately through Jason's short hair before hugging him. "Do not resent it," the Master of the City murmured, "because I am very fond of you and mean no harm by it."
"Promise?"
"Oui," he whispered.
A huge grin broke out across Jason's face. "I love it when you love me," he said, nearly purring.
"Go join your Lupa," Jean-Claude said after nuzzling his neck, "before I decide to have a bedtime snack."
Jason turned in his arms. "I don't mind... if you wanna eat."
"Non, I am fine for now," he said, gently tweaking Jason's chin. "I will need you back here by four, though, mon loup. D'accord?"
Jason nodded. Jean-Claude smiled.
"Perhaps mon chardonneret would like a snack before bed, though," the Master of the City said as he released his pomme de sang and shrugged out of his robe. He stretched out next to Asher and put a hand on the blond vampire's chest. "If you wish for a taste from my pomme, you may... taste him."
Asher smiled and put his hand over Jean-Claude's as it rested upon his chest. "I do not yearn for blood," he murmured. "I appreciate the offer, mon corbeau."
"Aw, c'mon. I always sleep well after a---"
"The bathroom is that way, mon loup," Jean-Claude teased, "should you wish to relieve yourself."
Willow felt a shiver of desire travel over her spine when the Master of the City used his voice to its full effect. She tucked her face against Asher's shoulder and waited for it to pass.
It didn't pass. Asher had taken to stroking his fingers over the places her nightclothes did not cover, which caused more shivers along her skin. Willow guessed he was acting deliberately; she found herself torn between wanting it to stop and pressing him to continue. But, in light of recent events and the changes among, she decided that it would be best to put a little distance between her and more enjoyable (and sometimes embarrassing activities). She lifted her head and found everyone looking at her.
"I'm okay."
Jason smirked. "I know you are," he teased. "Maybe you'd like the bathroom first."
Willow reached out and gently cuffed the back of his head. "Stop talking, or I'll tell Buffy about some of your less-than-stellar moments," she said, threatening him.
His eyes widened. "Please, don't," he begged.
The witch softened. She reached for him but she didn't strike him. Instead, she pulled him close for a warm hug. "I wouldn't... not really," she assured him. "I want this to work out for you," she added as she rubbed her hands over his bare shoulders. After a pause, she promised him she'd support him by saying: "I'm in your corner."
"Thanks," he said, his voice smothered by her neck and shoulder. "I'm pretty worried about the official meeting," he explained as he lifted his head. He smiled a bit. "I don't usually get to meet the family, y'know?"
Willow nodded. "I know," she murmured. "It's gonna be okay, though," she added.
"You're in my corner?"
"Of course," she replied.
Jason flashed her a smile---an echo of his usual grin---and he leaned in to lick over her lip. Willow spluttered for a moment before she realised what he was doing; once she realised he was enacting werewolf politics, she relaxed and squeezed his arms affectionately in wordless reply.
They parted long enough to find comfortable positions on the bed alongside the two vampires, who were watching them with amused smiles on their faces.
"What?" Willow asked.
"Nothing, mon colibri," Asher assured her. He put an arm around her as Jean-Claude inched closer. "If I have never said it before, I do enjoy our time together before the morning arrives."
"Me, too," she admitted. "I grew up... without family. I've never had a ton of friends. But... I like this. I don't like being alone."
"We are not solitary creatures, either, ma chérie," Jean-Claude commented. "We are not pack or pard... but it is much more difficult to be one instead of one of many." He adjusted his position so his hair was on the pillow behind him. "Some say it is strategic planning... a good defense," he continued, "however, it is for more than those things."
Willow nodded. "Well, that makes sense," she murmured. She reached out with one hand and traced over some of the scars on Asher's torso. He moved to stop her and to cover his chest with the blankets, but she stopped him. "Don't hide from me," she whispered. "I just wanna touch you."
"You make it difficult to... resist," he confessed as he sighed unnecessarily.
"Good," she shot back before pillowing her head on his shoulder and snuggling up to him as Jason snuggled up to her.
"So, ma chérie," Jean-Claude said once everyone was comfortably settled, "you wish to have a pomme de sang?"
Willow nodded. "Maybe. Or maybe just someone around a while until I can get a grip on---" she stopped short. She knew Anita had said the same thing about Nathaniel; but the ardeur had been too much to deal with and then the wereleopard had grown out of pomme de sang status and had become her animal to call. "Yeah. Maybe I do," she said, finishing her response to Jean-Claude's inquiry.
"It is not admitting weakness," Jean-Claude told her, "to admit that you need a regular meal."
"Yeah, but up until a few weeks ago... this wasn't one of my many issues," Willow reminded him.
"Do not see it as an issue," Asher advised. He kissed her forehead. "It does not change how I see you."
Willow sighed and smoothed her palm over the centre of his chest. Before she could say anything, Jean-Claude spoke next. "Ma chérie, I apologise for this," he said, sounding rather sincere, "I did not expect for you to be cursed the way ma petite has been."
She shook her head as best as she could, rubbing her cheek against Asher's scarred skin as she did so. "I don't see it as being cursed, Jean-Claude," she assured him. "I've been sort of dealing with how Buffy sees me... tonight, I wasn't exactly 'normal.' I see the potential this could bring to us. I know if Richard and I manage it, we could be stronger. I've been okay with everything so far... or as okay as anyone can possibly be and still be considered sane, but tonight was harder than usual.
"I mean, I got down on my knees in front of you! I begged... for what? Forgiveness? I don't even really know what I was doing!" she said, her voice increasing in volume as she continued to share what was on her mind. "The only other time I did that was when you made me... but this time, I was torn between wolf and vampire and I didn't know what to do... and Buffy was watching and... we kissed! In front of her and in front of Anita! I don't think it was particularly romantic, but they were there and---"
"Why are you starting to worry again?" Asher asked.
Willow sighed. "I don't know. This day has just been up and down and... stuff." She sat up a bit and saw Jean-Claude's eyes sparkling in her direction. "You're not at all bothered, are you?"
"I choose to see the moment as one in which I was given a gift... and one in which I was able to share my power with someone under my care," he told her in a calm, but pleasant voice. "Ma petite has been more agreeable as of late and I am glad for that."
The witch's lips twitched. "Yeah, I bet," she murmured. She stifled a yawn as her exhaustion finally seemed to settle completely upon her. "It's been quite a day."
"It has," Jean-Claude agreed. He paused and then smirked. "Will you dream of our kiss?" he teased.
Willow snorted and rolled her eyes. "Not if I have anything to say about it---no offense," she replied. "I just don't think we need anything else complicating our lives right now. And I care about you... you care about me... but we aren't... y'know, to each other."
Jean-Claude chuckled. "Oh, you have such a way with words," he said, his voice tickling her most invisible and metaphysical of places.
"Um, thanks," she said wryly. Her comment earned a brief laugh from both vampires. She sat up completely---unseating Jason in the process---and she rubbed her hands over her face. "I'm just gonna go to the bathroom," she explained. "I'll be back in a bit."
Everyone nodded and excused her. It had been a drastic change in the conversation but Willow didn't care about that so much. Jean-Claude's question about the subject of her dreams had triggered something inside her head. She realised she hadn't taken her dreamless-sleep potion and that she had put a dose from the newly-made batch in her purse. If she put it where she thought she did, it would be hanging from a hook in the tiled bathroom.
It was easy to find the purse. It was easy to find the small vial of potion. She drank it quickly and tossed the resealed vial back into her purse.
She didn't emerge from the bathroom until she had rinsed out her mouth with water and taken a few deep breaths. No one had moved from their previous positions but their heads had all turned so they could watch her approach the bed.
"Are you alright?" Asher asked.
Willow nodded. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Mon corbeau was teasing you and you seemed to become... uncomfortable."
The witch smiled a bit. "I get uncomfortable just fine on my own," she assured them. She smirked. "I'm not gonna get down on my knees, but I'm sorry for freaking out."
"It has been a difficult day," Asher agreed. "Come join us. We will take care of you now."
"How?" she asked skeptically.
He smiled at her. "As I have said earlier... you are no longer just a young woman. You are a witch. You are Lupa. You are my human servant. Who else would know what you need than your familiar, a pack member, your master and his?"
"Since when did you get so smart?" she said before she crossed the room and flopped down on the bed.
Jason moved her so she was back in her regular spot. "What'd you eat?" he asked as she snuggled up to her.
"Eat?"
"I can smell something?"
Willow tried not to blush too much. "I just had a candy... from my purse," she lied.
"And you didn't bring me one?" he mumbled, pouting.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. She kissed his forehead before turning back to Asher, to use his chest like a pillow. "Sorry for the freak out," she said softly, to the vampires, "I thought I had it under control, but... the thought of having a pomme sort of... stirred everything up again." She paused and sighed. "I need to get used to the idea, I think."
"Do not let your friend's opinions colour your opinions, ma chérie," Jean-Claude advised. "You see the world differently than she sees it."
"My world's different than hers," Willow said, agreeing with a nod.
"Exactement," Asher agreed. He rewarded her with a kiss to the top of her head. "We will find someone suitable for you... to feed from," he assured her. "But, only when you are ready to take that step."
Willow nodded. Then, she smiled. "Who is Richard gonna take?"
Jason both groaned and chuckled. "Can you honestly see him with a pomme?" the young werewolf asked. "God, I don't know what he'd do with one!"
"Why?" Willow asked.
"He's a lot more stable since you showed up on our radar, but still... he gets so angry and... if he's an incubus of moods, then he needs someone who's strong enough to... y'know... not get swept up in that after the feeding."
Willow sighed.
Jean-Claude chuckled. "As you stay undaunted after I have finished with you?"
Jason grunted and tucked his face into Willow's back and shoulder. Jean-Claude only laughed more. That laugh pulled at places only Asher's powers had ever touched before and she shivered, pressing closer to the blond vampire.
"Still, he makes a good point," Willow said, in Jason's defense. "Being turned on or... um, satisfied... that's one thing. But, being stuck with Richard's rage? Or his fear? We all felt it before. Could a pomme, someone not so strong... someone more submissive... could they survive it unscathed?"
Asher shrugged. Jean-Claude sighed. "I do not know," he confessed. "I have been concerned about that. I have expressed concern at him feeding from Anita's leopards. I do not know if there are any under Raphael's care that would be strong enough to feed him. Narcissus' clan is nearly all male. He would take a pack member, but I do not wish a wolf to agree to be his pomme de sang out of obligation."
"Lions?" Willow asked.
"Peut être," he said with a shrug of his own. "I had thought you might prefer to take a lioness, ma chérie. I do not know how many women Haven has under his care... but he has provided much already, guarding the students."
Willow sighed and resumed tracing Asher's scars. "I can talk to the pack, can't I? I mean... I'm Lupa."
Jason nodded. "Yeah, you can. You can do little meetings, find out who's interested," he told her. He paused, then added: "Richard can't have a swan, either. Donovan's a good guy, and he'd help out, but... his girls are all victims."
"What other groups are there?" Willow asked. "I've heard of weretigers, but Micah made it seem like we don't have many here---"
"One. Christine." Jason hummed for a moment. "She's not unfortunate looking. She likes to stay under the radar... she's never really been anyone's food before, though. She doesn't make alliances."
"What does Richard think of her?" Willow asked.
"I do not think he despises her," Jean-Claude said. "But, we only see her from time to time. She has a regular job and is attempting to live a regular life."
"But, she's not regular."
"Non, exactement," Asher agreed as Jean-Claude nodded. "I do not know if she would be willing to put herself in such a position, but I have heard that she respects the Ulfric much more than she ever respected Marcus."
Willow frowned slightly. "But... if the Mother of All Darkness is coming... whatever that means... then, her animal to call is sort of a tiger. Shouldn't she be... y'know, lookin' for protection? If the one who made the rules is coming... I'd like to make sure I'm protected under those rules."
"And you are," Asher promised, "as much as you can be."
"She makes a good point," Jean-Claude reasoned. He frowned for a moment before schooling his face into an expression of calm. "I must make some arrangements in the coming months, it seems."
"Arrangements?"
"Notre aube," Asher said, by way of explanation. "Additionally, Augustine's wards should not attract her attention, since they are not vampires or felines. But, Faith... Damian will be safe because he is Anita's vampire servant. But, what of Faith and their child?"
"Morning's almost here," Willow insisted. "Let's not worry about that."
"If you insist."
She smiled at the blond vampire. "I do. Y'know... Faith'll be able to look after herself. If not... she can say she's his pomme. If he can take a human servant, then... they'll have to talk about that. But, really... we don't need to worry about that right now."
"Why not?" Jason asked. "Mommy Dearest was in your dream."
Willow nudged him with her elbow. "Yeah, but you guys chased her away. Of all the things I have on my plate to worry about... her waking up is the one thing I can't control. I can only worry about so much right now... and I'd rather worry about things I can fix or change."
"So wise," Asher teased, "considering you were running and hiding a few moments ago."
"Oh, shut up," Willow muttered.
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, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9-11, 12, 13, 14-5, 16-7, 18-9, 20-1
PART TWENTY-TWO
She did, in fact, get plenty of rest. The red-haired witch had tried to seduce Asher into some pleasant pre-morning activities, but he had politely declined. He claimed he would rather hold her and discuss the day's events.
Willow hadn't been pleased with Asher's decision, but after a few minutes of cajoling and receiving nothing for her efforts she decided to yield to him. She slipped into comfortable pajamas and joined him in their bed. He wanted to know more about the young woman who had left her outside of Guilty Pleasures; he also wanted to know how the first day with Buffy had gone.
"Oh, just peachy," she said on a sigh. "I'm sure she thinks I'm insane. Or a slut---"
Asher put his fingers to her lips. "You are not," he insisted firmly.
"She watched me have a... a... an aftershock!" Willow said, nearly spluttering. "She watched Patrick come in, screw up, and then lick my lip in submission! She saw me curled up with you and Nathaniel... and I still don't know what happened with Jean-Claude tonight!"
"He shared power with you."
Willow flushed. "He kissed me! And what is going on with Anita, because she didn't flinch! And then I kneeled down and---oh, god, I don't know what's going on with me!"
"Shhh, mon colibri," Asher murmured. "You are not promiscuous."
"Next to Buffy, I probably am!"
His eyes looked into hers. "Non," he said in a very firm voice. He cupped her chin in one hand and forced her to look directly into his eyes. "Feel the truth of my words, mon colibri. You are the human servant to a vampire of Belle Morte's line. You are a human servant to a vampire in a kiss ruled by a vampire who has l'ardeur, one of the most potent forces of seduction. You are a powerful witch and you have gathered two intelligent, beautiful familiars.
"And if that weren't enough, you've become Lupa for Richard. You have had more thrown at you than you had probably expected. You aren't entirely human anymore, and I do not mean than in a bad way, mon colibri, because I am very proud at how you've grown and adapted."
"But---"
Asher pressed his index finger to her lips. "But, you, I believe, are comparing yourself to the slayer, who is more 'normal' than our world." He paused and moved his hand so his fingers could caress her cheekbone before
traveling into her hair. "There isn't nothing wrong with following instinct," he said quietly. "Our lives are dangerous... passionate. There are many ups and downs and a repetoire of protocol few fully grasp. Is it wrong to
celebrate as much life as you possibly can?"
"But, I'm..."
"Enjoying yourself?"
"It's not right to---"
"If you were breaking the law or hurting people, I would say it is not right," Asher interrupted. "However, you are not hurting anyone... you are bringing us together." He kissed her forehead. "Without you, I fear my life would not have improved," he whispered.
"Asher..."
He pulled her close, pulling her into his lap as he lounged against pillows. "Why suddenly so concerned about how you are perceived?" he inquired.
"Well, Buffy keeps looking at me like I have four heads or something---"
"Did you enjoy yourself upon the stage?"
Willow nodded.
Asher smiled. "Did you enjoy yourself when you cuddled with Nathaniel?"
She nodded again.
"Did you enjoy mon corbeau's kiss?"
Willow felt her cheeks burning. "Asher, don't ask me that," she insisted.
"Why not?"
"Because... he's... we're not... I mean, Anita would---"
"She allowed it because it was a share of power," Asher told her, explaining the necromancer's actions, "and because Jean-Claude has been very well behaved. They have been... discussing the issues between them."
Willow frowned. "Oh... I didn't know that," she mumbled.
Asher kissed her temple before kissing her lips. "I must admit I enjoyed seeing you in his arms," he whispered. "Does that make me a bad person?"
"No... I understand how important it would be to share human servants. I know you guys wish you could do it," she replied. She rubbed his arm. "You guys have different standards than---"
"Than you do?"
"No, I didn't mean that."
He looked into her eyes; she felt like wriggling away from him. "What did you mean?" he asked as he tightened his grip on her, as if he could sense her desire to flee. "Because I am a vampire, I have different standards?"
"No, Asher," she told him. "I didn't mean it like that. I just... you've lived for a hundred years... you've done more. You... I don't know. There always seems to be a bit of a double-standard where guys' reputations are concerned."
"Jean-Claude's reputation---as well as my own---takes many hits, almost constantly," he reminded her.
"You know what I mean, though, right?"
She felt a little relief when he nodded.
"I just... part of me is still... I mean... my life is so far outside of 'normal,' and I usually love it and you and everyone else, but you're asking me if I enjoyed kissing your lover, who is also Anita's lover, and what is Richard going to think about this?"
Asher frowned. "Are you channelling Richard?"
Willow sighed and rested her head upon Asher's shoulder. "I don't think so... I don't know. I just..." she closed her eyes and inhaled.
She could smell Asher's cologne, the cool, clean scent of his skin, and a faint odor of cigarette smoke. She reminded herself how much she loved the smell of him---and how the smell of Jean-Claude on him was never much of a problem---and she felt a smile curving her lips. She had changed---but even in the beginning, there were some things that transcended those changes. More than she had changed, her situation had changed. When her situation changed, she was allowed to explore the parts of herself that she had denied existence or avoided because she felt it was safe to do so.
"Mon colibri?"
"I think I'm reacting to Buffy's reaction," she whispered.
"Vraiment?" Asher asked. Willow thought he didn't do a good enough job of hiding his sarcasm. "And how did you come to this conclusion?"
"I liked these things before... I mean, before we even... I liked the cuddling and I didn't have a problem with you and Jean-Claude," she reasoned aloud. "I thought I was embarrassed---or shamed, I guess is better---when I was explaining everything. I don't feel ashamed. A little weird, but..."
When she trailed off and fell silent, Asher tipped her head towards his. He kissed her lips, using his tongue and teeth to separate them enough to deepen the embrace. Willow whimpered but she didn't pull away; his shields were slowly lowering and she could feel how proud he was of her and how happy he was with her. She felt as if she were drowning in emotion and even though she had fed a lot earlier that day, she felt her metaphysical hunger begin to crave the emotions he was offering her.
"May I?" she asked quietly as his lips blazed a trail to her neck.
"Oui," he replied.
Willow reached out. She slipped her powers through his lowered shields and she strummed through those feelings he presented to her. She didn't dig deeper. She wanted to stay on the surface with the emotions he was offering her and she drew them into herself as she, too, lowered her defenses and surrendered to him.
"I thought you didn't wanna," she whispered as he nipped her shoulder. She shuddered when he laved the same place with his tongue.
"I enjoy feeling this," he whispered back. "When you feed from my better emotions, it enhances them," he said as he nibbled back to her mouth. "And I could enjoy feeling pleased with and hungry for you for hours," he added.
The witch shivered and rocked her hips against his as the emotions seeped through her and filled her empty places.
She had never fed from him while he was feeding from her---deliberately, anyway---and the instant after he pierced her neck she felt a wave of pleasure that she had never encountered before. She whimpered and moaned and clung to him as he tasted her blood while giving her a taste of his own powers.
There wasn't penetration but anyone who thought what they shared wasn't 'sex' would have been crazy to think so. Willow's climax, brought on by Asher's power, released some of the emotions her version of the ardeur had been absorbing; those feelings of excitement and happiness washed over him and she wasn't surprised to hear him growl and thrust his hips against hers when the feelings became too strong.
Once the intensity of the moment had passed, Willow started to snuggle up to Asher but was stopped by a cool wetness between them.
"Hmm," she murmured. "I think a cloth and a change of pajamas are in order."
Asher chuckled gruffly. "I apologise," he said after pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I do not often lose control like that."
"I didn't mean to feed so much," she admitted. "Maybe that was it. When I feed from you or near you... wow."
He chuckled again. "I think I am meant to be flattered by that?"
"You make it... more, somehow," she said, not directly answering his question. "Do you do that for Jean-Claude and Anita?"
"I do not know," he replied.
"Maybe you are our catalyst... or something."
He smiled and brushed his fingers through her hair. "I am yours, for certain," he whispered before kissing her forehead again in almost exactly the same place. He sighed softly---but not in disappointment or frustration. "I will clean up," he told her. "You should change. I suspect that mon corbeau and his pomme de sang will be here soon."
Willow nodded. "Yeah, you're right."
"You do not sound so sure."
She smiled. "I'm still feeling a little lazy," she murmured, still smiling.
"What will I have to do to set a fire under your---"
"Do it and... and I'll... well, I don't know what I'll do, but it won't be pretty, Goldilocks."
Asher laughed. "Everything you do is 'pretty,' mon colibri," he teased. He kissed her forehead one more time and then he pushed himself up and off of the bed.
Once he disappeared into the bathroom, Willow forced herself to get up and change her pajamas. She didn't look into a mirror until she had traded her two-piece outfit for a simple, but somehow elegant, nightgown. When she did check her reflection in the glassy surface, she saw that she had a few bloody lip prints on her skin, near her hairline.
Years ago, she would have been troubled by that. In that moment, in that stage in her life, she simply went into the bathroom and asked Asher to clean the marks away.
He didn't do it with a cloth; he opted to lick the blood away. He then trailed his mouth to her neck and licked the seeping blood from his bite mark.
"Delicious," he whispered.
Willow blushed a bit and took the cloth from his hands. She finished rubbing it over his abdomen and then she tossed it into the small hamper underneath the marble countertop.
"Let's go back to bed," she murmured.
Asher nodded and took her hands in his before guiding her out of the room.
&&&&
Willow was snuggled against Asher's body when Jason and Jean-Claude came into the bedroom to join them. She managed a sleepy smile and she pulled the bedding back to allow Jason into the bed next to her.
He flopped down and looked at her through his lashes. "I meet Buffy tomorrow," he told her quietly.
"She'll like you."
"After she saw me dancing on stage?" he asked. "I mean, under the lights... with the glitter and stuff, I look different, but still... what if she... y'know..."
The witch eased away from Asher and pressed in close to Jason. She kissed his shoulder affectionately and she brushed her fingers through his hair. "First, you're not doing anything wrong," she murmured. "Second, it's a job... not the whole sum of your parts and personality. Third, you're a great person. Fourth... her sister really likes you. Just be yourself, Jason. It's gonna be okay."
Jason sighed. "I hope you're right," he mumbled.
"Be the guy Dawn likes," she advised.
"Dawn likes a complete goofball," he reminded her.
Willow hugged him. "Yeah, but we all know that's just a disguise," she told him. "How many cookie cliffs have you talked me down off of now?"
He chuckled and snuggled into her embrace.
Jean-Claude, sitting on the bed in his robe, leaned towards the three figures and said, "He is special to all of us, and ntore aube sees his value. Mademoiselle Summers will see how special he is to her."
"Guys, stop, you'll make me blush," he mumbled.
Willow playfully nipped at his ear before rolling back into Asher's body---just as Jason decided to pounce on her. Asher playfully scolded Jason---in his tone of voice that was frequently used on Nathaniel, when he needed to be scolded or reprimanded---and Jean-Claude gathered the wolf into his arms.
"Il est seulement un chiot!" Jean-Claude exclaimed, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
(Il est seulement un chiot! = He is only a puppy!)
"I either resent it or represent it," Jason muttered.
Jean-Claude smiled. He brushed his fingers affectionately through Jason's short hair before hugging him. "Do not resent it," the Master of the City murmured, "because I am very fond of you and mean no harm by it."
"Promise?"
"Oui," he whispered.
A huge grin broke out across Jason's face. "I love it when you love me," he said, nearly purring.
"Go join your Lupa," Jean-Claude said after nuzzling his neck, "before I decide to have a bedtime snack."
Jason turned in his arms. "I don't mind... if you wanna eat."
"Non, I am fine for now," he said, gently tweaking Jason's chin. "I will need you back here by four, though, mon loup. D'accord?"
Jason nodded. Jean-Claude smiled.
"Perhaps mon chardonneret would like a snack before bed, though," the Master of the City said as he released his pomme de sang and shrugged out of his robe. He stretched out next to Asher and put a hand on the blond vampire's chest. "If you wish for a taste from my pomme, you may... taste him."
Asher smiled and put his hand over Jean-Claude's as it rested upon his chest. "I do not yearn for blood," he murmured. "I appreciate the offer, mon corbeau."
"Aw, c'mon. I always sleep well after a---"
"The bathroom is that way, mon loup," Jean-Claude teased, "should you wish to relieve yourself."
Willow felt a shiver of desire travel over her spine when the Master of the City used his voice to its full effect. She tucked her face against Asher's shoulder and waited for it to pass.
It didn't pass. Asher had taken to stroking his fingers over the places her nightclothes did not cover, which caused more shivers along her skin. Willow guessed he was acting deliberately; she found herself torn between wanting it to stop and pressing him to continue. But, in light of recent events and the changes among, she decided that it would be best to put a little distance between her and more enjoyable (and sometimes embarrassing activities). She lifted her head and found everyone looking at her.
"I'm okay."
Jason smirked. "I know you are," he teased. "Maybe you'd like the bathroom first."
Willow reached out and gently cuffed the back of his head. "Stop talking, or I'll tell Buffy about some of your less-than-stellar moments," she said, threatening him.
His eyes widened. "Please, don't," he begged.
The witch softened. She reached for him but she didn't strike him. Instead, she pulled him close for a warm hug. "I wouldn't... not really," she assured him. "I want this to work out for you," she added as she rubbed her hands over his bare shoulders. After a pause, she promised him she'd support him by saying: "I'm in your corner."
"Thanks," he said, his voice smothered by her neck and shoulder. "I'm pretty worried about the official meeting," he explained as he lifted his head. He smiled a bit. "I don't usually get to meet the family, y'know?"
Willow nodded. "I know," she murmured. "It's gonna be okay, though," she added.
"You're in my corner?"
"Of course," she replied.
Jason flashed her a smile---an echo of his usual grin---and he leaned in to lick over her lip. Willow spluttered for a moment before she realised what he was doing; once she realised he was enacting werewolf politics, she relaxed and squeezed his arms affectionately in wordless reply.
They parted long enough to find comfortable positions on the bed alongside the two vampires, who were watching them with amused smiles on their faces.
"What?" Willow asked.
"Nothing, mon colibri," Asher assured her. He put an arm around her as Jean-Claude inched closer. "If I have never said it before, I do enjoy our time together before the morning arrives."
"Me, too," she admitted. "I grew up... without family. I've never had a ton of friends. But... I like this. I don't like being alone."
"We are not solitary creatures, either, ma chérie," Jean-Claude commented. "We are not pack or pard... but it is much more difficult to be one instead of one of many." He adjusted his position so his hair was on the pillow behind him. "Some say it is strategic planning... a good defense," he continued, "however, it is for more than those things."
Willow nodded. "Well, that makes sense," she murmured. She reached out with one hand and traced over some of the scars on Asher's torso. He moved to stop her and to cover his chest with the blankets, but she stopped him. "Don't hide from me," she whispered. "I just wanna touch you."
"You make it difficult to... resist," he confessed as he sighed unnecessarily.
"Good," she shot back before pillowing her head on his shoulder and snuggling up to him as Jason snuggled up to her.
"So, ma chérie," Jean-Claude said once everyone was comfortably settled, "you wish to have a pomme de sang?"
Willow nodded. "Maybe. Or maybe just someone around a while until I can get a grip on---" she stopped short. She knew Anita had said the same thing about Nathaniel; but the ardeur had been too much to deal with and then the wereleopard had grown out of pomme de sang status and had become her animal to call. "Yeah. Maybe I do," she said, finishing her response to Jean-Claude's inquiry.
"It is not admitting weakness," Jean-Claude told her, "to admit that you need a regular meal."
"Yeah, but up until a few weeks ago... this wasn't one of my many issues," Willow reminded him.
"Do not see it as an issue," Asher advised. He kissed her forehead. "It does not change how I see you."
Willow sighed and smoothed her palm over the centre of his chest. Before she could say anything, Jean-Claude spoke next. "Ma chérie, I apologise for this," he said, sounding rather sincere, "I did not expect for you to be cursed the way ma petite has been."
She shook her head as best as she could, rubbing her cheek against Asher's scarred skin as she did so. "I don't see it as being cursed, Jean-Claude," she assured him. "I've been sort of dealing with how Buffy sees me... tonight, I wasn't exactly 'normal.' I see the potential this could bring to us. I know if Richard and I manage it, we could be stronger. I've been okay with everything so far... or as okay as anyone can possibly be and still be considered sane, but tonight was harder than usual.
"I mean, I got down on my knees in front of you! I begged... for what? Forgiveness? I don't even really know what I was doing!" she said, her voice increasing in volume as she continued to share what was on her mind. "The only other time I did that was when you made me... but this time, I was torn between wolf and vampire and I didn't know what to do... and Buffy was watching and... we kissed! In front of her and in front of Anita! I don't think it was particularly romantic, but they were there and---"
"Why are you starting to worry again?" Asher asked.
Willow sighed. "I don't know. This day has just been up and down and... stuff." She sat up a bit and saw Jean-Claude's eyes sparkling in her direction. "You're not at all bothered, are you?"
"I choose to see the moment as one in which I was given a gift... and one in which I was able to share my power with someone under my care," he told her in a calm, but pleasant voice. "Ma petite has been more agreeable as of late and I am glad for that."
The witch's lips twitched. "Yeah, I bet," she murmured. She stifled a yawn as her exhaustion finally seemed to settle completely upon her. "It's been quite a day."
"It has," Jean-Claude agreed. He paused and then smirked. "Will you dream of our kiss?" he teased.
Willow snorted and rolled her eyes. "Not if I have anything to say about it---no offense," she replied. "I just don't think we need anything else complicating our lives right now. And I care about you... you care about me... but we aren't... y'know, to each other."
Jean-Claude chuckled. "Oh, you have such a way with words," he said, his voice tickling her most invisible and metaphysical of places.
"Um, thanks," she said wryly. Her comment earned a brief laugh from both vampires. She sat up completely---unseating Jason in the process---and she rubbed her hands over her face. "I'm just gonna go to the bathroom," she explained. "I'll be back in a bit."
Everyone nodded and excused her. It had been a drastic change in the conversation but Willow didn't care about that so much. Jean-Claude's question about the subject of her dreams had triggered something inside her head. She realised she hadn't taken her dreamless-sleep potion and that she had put a dose from the newly-made batch in her purse. If she put it where she thought she did, it would be hanging from a hook in the tiled bathroom.
It was easy to find the purse. It was easy to find the small vial of potion. She drank it quickly and tossed the resealed vial back into her purse.
She didn't emerge from the bathroom until she had rinsed out her mouth with water and taken a few deep breaths. No one had moved from their previous positions but their heads had all turned so they could watch her approach the bed.
"Are you alright?" Asher asked.
Willow nodded. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"Mon corbeau was teasing you and you seemed to become... uncomfortable."
The witch smiled a bit. "I get uncomfortable just fine on my own," she assured them. She smirked. "I'm not gonna get down on my knees, but I'm sorry for freaking out."
"It has been a difficult day," Asher agreed. "Come join us. We will take care of you now."
"How?" she asked skeptically.
He smiled at her. "As I have said earlier... you are no longer just a young woman. You are a witch. You are Lupa. You are my human servant. Who else would know what you need than your familiar, a pack member, your master and his?"
"Since when did you get so smart?" she said before she crossed the room and flopped down on the bed.
Jason moved her so she was back in her regular spot. "What'd you eat?" he asked as she snuggled up to her.
"Eat?"
"I can smell something?"
Willow tried not to blush too much. "I just had a candy... from my purse," she lied.
"And you didn't bring me one?" he mumbled, pouting.
"I'm sorry," she murmured. She kissed his forehead before turning back to Asher, to use his chest like a pillow. "Sorry for the freak out," she said softly, to the vampires, "I thought I had it under control, but... the thought of having a pomme sort of... stirred everything up again." She paused and sighed. "I need to get used to the idea, I think."
"Do not let your friend's opinions colour your opinions, ma chérie," Jean-Claude advised. "You see the world differently than she sees it."
"My world's different than hers," Willow said, agreeing with a nod.
"Exactement," Asher agreed. He rewarded her with a kiss to the top of her head. "We will find someone suitable for you... to feed from," he assured her. "But, only when you are ready to take that step."
Willow nodded. Then, she smiled. "Who is Richard gonna take?"
Jason both groaned and chuckled. "Can you honestly see him with a pomme?" the young werewolf asked. "God, I don't know what he'd do with one!"
"Why?" Willow asked.
"He's a lot more stable since you showed up on our radar, but still... he gets so angry and... if he's an incubus of moods, then he needs someone who's strong enough to... y'know... not get swept up in that after the feeding."
Willow sighed.
Jean-Claude chuckled. "As you stay undaunted after I have finished with you?"
Jason grunted and tucked his face into Willow's back and shoulder. Jean-Claude only laughed more. That laugh pulled at places only Asher's powers had ever touched before and she shivered, pressing closer to the blond vampire.
"Still, he makes a good point," Willow said, in Jason's defense. "Being turned on or... um, satisfied... that's one thing. But, being stuck with Richard's rage? Or his fear? We all felt it before. Could a pomme, someone not so strong... someone more submissive... could they survive it unscathed?"
Asher shrugged. Jean-Claude sighed. "I do not know," he confessed. "I have been concerned about that. I have expressed concern at him feeding from Anita's leopards. I do not know if there are any under Raphael's care that would be strong enough to feed him. Narcissus' clan is nearly all male. He would take a pack member, but I do not wish a wolf to agree to be his pomme de sang out of obligation."
"Lions?" Willow asked.
"Peut être," he said with a shrug of his own. "I had thought you might prefer to take a lioness, ma chérie. I do not know how many women Haven has under his care... but he has provided much already, guarding the students."
Willow sighed and resumed tracing Asher's scars. "I can talk to the pack, can't I? I mean... I'm Lupa."
Jason nodded. "Yeah, you can. You can do little meetings, find out who's interested," he told her. He paused, then added: "Richard can't have a swan, either. Donovan's a good guy, and he'd help out, but... his girls are all victims."
"What other groups are there?" Willow asked. "I've heard of weretigers, but Micah made it seem like we don't have many here---"
"One. Christine." Jason hummed for a moment. "She's not unfortunate looking. She likes to stay under the radar... she's never really been anyone's food before, though. She doesn't make alliances."
"What does Richard think of her?" Willow asked.
"I do not think he despises her," Jean-Claude said. "But, we only see her from time to time. She has a regular job and is attempting to live a regular life."
"But, she's not regular."
"Non, exactement," Asher agreed as Jean-Claude nodded. "I do not know if she would be willing to put herself in such a position, but I have heard that she respects the Ulfric much more than she ever respected Marcus."
Willow frowned slightly. "But... if the Mother of All Darkness is coming... whatever that means... then, her animal to call is sort of a tiger. Shouldn't she be... y'know, lookin' for protection? If the one who made the rules is coming... I'd like to make sure I'm protected under those rules."
"And you are," Asher promised, "as much as you can be."
"She makes a good point," Jean-Claude reasoned. He frowned for a moment before schooling his face into an expression of calm. "I must make some arrangements in the coming months, it seems."
"Arrangements?"
"Notre aube," Asher said, by way of explanation. "Additionally, Augustine's wards should not attract her attention, since they are not vampires or felines. But, Faith... Damian will be safe because he is Anita's vampire servant. But, what of Faith and their child?"
"Morning's almost here," Willow insisted. "Let's not worry about that."
"If you insist."
She smiled at the blond vampire. "I do. Y'know... Faith'll be able to look after herself. If not... she can say she's his pomme. If he can take a human servant, then... they'll have to talk about that. But, really... we don't need to worry about that right now."
"Why not?" Jason asked. "Mommy Dearest was in your dream."
Willow nudged him with her elbow. "Yeah, but you guys chased her away. Of all the things I have on my plate to worry about... her waking up is the one thing I can't control. I can only worry about so much right now... and I'd rather worry about things I can fix or change."
"So wise," Asher teased, "considering you were running and hiding a few moments ago."
"Oh, shut up," Willow muttered.