AB/BtVS FF: Nightmares in Waking Life 57/?
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, 22, 23, 24-5, 26-7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-3, 34-7, 38, 39-40, 41, 42, 43-44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51A, 51B, 52, 53, 54, 55-6
PART FIFTY-SEVEN
Willow shivered as she thought about her latest nightmare and the way she dreamt of the heat burning into her body at the end.
Richard reached across the car and put his hand over hers. "What's wrong?"
She gave him a small smile. "I... I've just been thinking about the last couple of days," she told him.
"Me, too," he mumbled. "I hate this."
"You couldn't have known there was a false-bottom in the locker, or that someone had drilled a hole up into the floor below," she said, weaving her fingers with his. "I'm so sorry we didn't get any information on who's blackmailing you."
"I just hope it's over for now," he admitted. "I know it's naïve to think that, but I can't stop myself from hoping."
Willow kissed his knuckles. "I'm hoping, too, Richard," she murmured.
"Jamil and Sylvie are pretty pissed with me, still."
The redhead nodded. "Yeah. When Sylvie came over on Thursday, she pulled me aside and told me as much."
"She agrees with Jamil. With you."
"I know."
Richard sighed. "I'm afraid to be outed, Willow."
"I know," she repeated in a tender voice. "I'm afraid for you. But, I know how strong you are. I know how good you are. I know that together, with me and the others, you can survive this."
"You have always thought I'm stronger than I think I am."
Willow smiled. "Yep. That's because I'm your mate."
"Even before that, Willow. When I attacked you... you... you embraced me and the change and you helped me through so much---"
"A lone wolf eventually needs a mate," she murmured. "I'm just your perfect fit."
"Don't I know it," he agreed easily. "So, you think we'll get through this?"
"I do," she assured him. "It might not be easy, but I know that you're going to get through this. We're with you---as long as you don't shut us out."
"I went to Asher!" he protested as he drove through an area that was unfamiliar to Willow.
Willow squeezed his hand. "I know... I know. And the fact that you went to him... it means a lot to me. Like there's hope for you two getting along, in the long term." She kissed his hand again. "I just don't want to be shut out, Richard. I'm your lupa. I need to be there for you---no matter what. It may not have been legally binding, but we took vows on the throne and I fully intend to keep them."
Richard's sad expression melted into a small smile. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too," she whispered back.
He pulled his car into a driveway where a few other cars were parked. When Willow whimpered, he chuckled.
"Do you think we'll get through this?" she asked him.
He laughed again. "God, I love you," he murmured. He leaned over and kissed her temple. "Yes, we'll get through this. It's just dinner."
"Dinner with your family!" Willow exclaimed. "What if they don't like me?"
"Tough luck because I love you," he assured her. "I need you. You, as you've just reminded me, are my mate and I'm not letting you go." He turned her head and kissed her mouth. "I'm never letting you go," he promised quietly, brushing his nose against hers. "So, if you want out, you better run pretty far away---and even then, I'm coming after you."
Willow smiled and kissed him again. "You're stuck with me."
"Good. Now, let's go eat."
&&&&
Willow sat between Richard and Daniel. She liked his younger brother a lot---he reminded her of Richard in so many ways, and they seemed to hit it off easily enough. Aaron and Glen were sitting opposite them, with their parents at each end of the table.
All of the men in the family were tall and solid specimens of their gender. Willow had been amazed during introductions because they all looked so similarly broad-shouldered and handsome. She felt like she was meeting a perfect catalogue family because even Charlotte was perfect in her own way that complimented her husband and sons, although she terrified Willow a little bit. She had kind of hoped that Richard's sister, Beverly, would have joined them, but Daniel said her kids were sick so she decided to stay away so no one else caught the bug from which they were ailing.
Aaron was talking about something that happened at work and Willow was listening. But, she kept glancing at Charlotte because the older woman was looking at her with a rather intense expression on her face. It was not a positive expression; the witch wasn't sure what she had done between meeting the woman over the phone and then again in person.
Richard brushed his hand against her elbow.
Everything okay? he asked along their bond.
I'm pretty sure your mother hates me, she replied.
He coughed quietly, barely concealing a chuckle. She's just sizing you up.
Oh, I feel so much better now, she shot back.
Richard couldn't hide his second chuckle.
"Richard?" Charlotte asked. "Is something Aaron said---"
"No, sorry, Mom," Richard said, cutting her off as politely as he could. "Willow and I were just... sharing a thought."
"You can do that?" his father asked.
Willow nodded. "I'm... well... I'm not just a regular girl," she admitted. "It's not public knowledge how strong I am, but---"
"She's a pretty awesome witch," Richard said, interrupting again.
"But, I thought you said she was your 'mate,'" Charlotte said. "Is this vampire stuff? Because I remember seeing her in a newspaper picture with that blond vampire... that friend of Anita's---"
"She's part of our pack. But, she doesn't shift," Richard said patiently. "It's kind of complicated, but we're telling the truth. She's kind of like the queen for our pack. They've all accepted her, and I'm pretty nuts about her, so please, Mum, just try to accept her, too... okay?"
When Richard's phone beeped, he pulled it off of his belt and sighed. "Sorry," he said quietly. "It might be pack business. I need to take this."
He stood up, squeezing Willow's shoulder as he walked behind her towards the door to the kitchen. She heard him talking but she didn't eavesdrop. She listened as Daniel started talking about some sort of sports game and tried to keep up, but was prevented from doing so when Glen asked her about her abilities in witchcraft.
"I don't abuse it," Willow assured him. "Not just because of the laws. I mean, I'm not that kind of person. I just... I just want to protect those under my care. I want to help. That's it."
"But, you can do stuff?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I mean... sure. But, I try not to do unnecessary things. Without getting too wishy-washy-hocus-pocus about it, there's kind of a balance that needs to be kept. Karma, kind of. Everything's connected and when someone taps into that power too much or without paying a price for it, there's usually a nasty side effect or two to deal with."
"What goes around, comes around?" Daniel asked.
She nodded again. "Pretty much," she replied, smiling at him. "When I was younger, I got into some trouble. I lost control. It took a lot of help from people more experienced than me... and a lot of support from friends and family to really rebuild my inner balance. And since being here, I've been able to find a place in the bigger picture that I haven't had before. I've made peace with my mistakes... and all I can do is learn from them, every day."
"That's really all any of us can do," Glen commented.
"Since being here, with Richard and the pack... and the others in the coalition, it's been mind-blowing," Willow continued, smiling a bit as she thought about her new family. "I had a family before, but I never felt like I was so much a part of something... so connected. I love being a part of them. I have purpose."
"So, you haven't been too pleased with all that's been happening," Richard's father said to her. "With the schools and other places putting silver detectors in place?"
Willow frowned. "I think it's appalling. We're hardwired to be afraid of things we don't understand. I've been guilty of that, too, but this is keeping children from going to school... keeping others from supporting themselves. It's just another way to single out and hurt people."
"Ah, Willow?" Richard asked from the doorway. "It's Dawn. She was talking to Giles... and she has some information for you that she needs to tell you before she forgets it."
"She can't write it down?" Willow asked, amused.
Richard shrugged. "She said something about not being allowed to write it down."
"Oh, what a cryptic web we weave," Willow muttered, making Daniel chuckle.
She put her napkin on the table next to her plate and excused herself from the table. When she reached Richard, he put the phone in one of her hands as her other one patted his stomach gently. As she greeted Dawn, Richard followed her into the room.
"Dawnie, what's up?"
"Giles was really, really cryptic. More than any of the most vague codexes we've ever come across."
"Really? Why?"
"Well, first, he said he couldn't tell me anything. That he was bound by some sort of unspoken law that Asher would understand. What the hell does that mean?" Dawn said quickly. "And then, when I asked him why he was in New Zealand, he said he wasn't on New Zealand soil. I asked him about the whole back door into the Deeper Well, and he told me to tell you to look at a globe and figure out how deep the well can go. Something about your friend, the siren, too. He hoped that if there was a way, that he or others of his kind could be called upon to help if things become as dire as he fears they may."
Willow frowned. "That really doesn't sound good."
"No, definitely not," Dawn agreed. "Oh, and he hasn't heard from Xander lately. Neither has Andrew, apparently... but Andrew has always been more loyal to Xander than to Giles---but that's me talking, not Giles."
"He said he couldn't tell me yet if a door can be drilled into the Well. I asked. But, he refused to tell me. He said, oddly enough, that Asher would understand the predicament he's in."
Willow looked at Richard as she spoke to Dawn. "What does that mean? Asher will understand why Giles can't talk unless it's in a riddle of some kind?"
Richard leaned against the counter and shrugged.
"I don't know. But, you'll have to talk to Asher, I guess," Dawn replied. "I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner with the in-laws, but I just talked to him and he stressed that it was important I call you, like, now, so I don't forget how he worded anything. I would've left the message with Richard, but y'know how we used to play that telephone game when I was really little and Buffy was off saving Sunnydale? Nothing ever sounded right at the end and I like and trust Richard, but just in case---"
Willow interrupted her rambling. "I know, Dawnie. It's okay. Thank you for getting in touch with him. I really appreciate it. I guess... I guess I'll talk to Asher about it tonight and see if he can give me a straight answer that'll clear all of this up."
"And don't forget to find a globe."
The redhead smiled. "Right. Better go look up my southern Pacific---ohhhh."
"What?"
"Okay, some of that kind of made sense," Willow told Dawn. "How about we meet up at school tomorrow afternoon and I'll tell you what I think then?" she suggested. "I finished looking at some of those books you loaned me and I want to dig up a few more if I can, get more information for that protection-cloaking-thing."
"Because magic's based in chemistry?"
"Some of it, yeah. Physics, too," Willow reminded Dawn. "When's your last class?"
"I think I get out around two-thiry."
"I'll meet you at the library, then?"
"Can we get burgers after?"
Willow smiled. "Sure. It's a date. Thanks again, Dawn, for passing that stuff on."
"Talk to you tomorrow!" Dawn chirped before she turned off her phone.
Willow put the phone back in Richard's hand. "What's going on?" he asked quietly as he returned it to the clip on his belt.
"Giles is somehow not allowed to tell us everything," she explained. "But, he told me some things. I need to talk to Sampson soon... but first, I need to look at a globe to confirm what I think he said without saying."
Richard's phone rang again. He answered it on a reflex, quietly speaking into the device once he brought it to his ear. "Hello? Hi, Bobby Lee," he paused and listened. He frowned. Then, he sighed. "Okay... yeah. I didn't really expect there to be anything there. This is my first experience with blackmail, but it seems like this is both too polished and not polished enough at the same time."
Willow frowned and wrapped her arms around Richard's body. He returned the embrace with his free arm, slowly tracing circles along her side with his fingers.
"I just mean that the note didn't sound like a pro wrote it... but then this guy disappears without a trace after you guys track him through a sewer tunnel," Richard said quietly. "Why blackmail me? Why not just rob a bank if this guy's so stealthy?" He paused. Then, he sighed again. "Yeah, personal. That's what I'm afraid of... Did it smell like one of our guys? No? Well, that's something..."
Richard stroked her hip with his hand as he thanked the man on the phone and then ended the call.
He tightened his hold on Willow after putting the phone down on the counter. "This really sucks," he mumbled.
"I'm sorry this is happening," she whispered. "What did Bobby Lee say?"
"He had some of his team shift and try to track the blackmailer by scent. He drilled into the floor through the sewer, so they started down there. He said they lost the scent after a few turns, couldn't pick it up again," he replied.
"Weird. Magic?"
"Maybe. He said it smelled like a shapeshifter. Not reassuring."
"Did you tell your family?"
"No."
"You should," she murmured. "They want to be understanding and supportive of you. I can tell."
He chuckled quietly. "You can tell all of that?"
"And that your mother thinks I'm a bad seed," Willow added quietly, jokingly.
His chuckle turned into a laugh. "You are," he teased, rocking her back and forth very slowly. His laughter faded away and he kissed the side of her head. "I couldn't get through this without you. Not without Anita, Jean-Claude, or Asher, either... but especially you."
"Is this where you tell me you love me?" she asked teasingly.
"Absolutely," he whispered before kissing her lips. He pulled back and smiled at her. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Richard... Ulfric," she whispered back.
"Let's go rejoin the group," he suggested quietly, "before I decide to take you up to my bedroom and have my wicked way with you."
Willow smiled but she felt her knees buckle a little as she contemplated his suggestion.
&&&&
"Thank you," Willow murmured as Charlotte handed her a glass of iced tea, as the older woman joined her on the back veranda. "You have a wonderful home and family. I'm glad Richard brought me to meet you."
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "What's going on with my son?" she asked. "I saw you two talking in the kitchen. I saw how upset he looked."
"I... I can't tell you. Not without Richard's permission," Willow said quickly. "I'm sorry. I want him to tell you. He didn't tell me right away and I was so mad that he tried to protect me from what's been going on. So, I kind of get it. But---"
"Is this vampire business?" Charlotte interrupted. "Did you get him mixed up in something? I know you're with Asher, too. I've seen the photos in the papers. You and Anita with your vampires. I don't know why you keep stringing Richard along---"
"Mom!"
Both women turned to see Richard standing in the doorway. He shook his head a little as he approached them.
"Well, I have to know! You look so sad!" his mother insisted. "I know when Anita started dating Jean-Claude, you were upset, but---"
"I knew Willow was with Asher long before she and I fell in love. She loves both of us, luckily, and we don't mind that the other one's in her life, too. We're pretty sure that we're both better for having her around," Richard explained to Charlotte. "Please don't be mad at Willow. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, and Asher's not that bad a friend to have when things go wrong."
"Are you with him, too?"
Richard blushed, eyes bugging out of his head. "Mom, no. Asher as a friend is about all I can handle."
Willow smiled at him, amused with how he worded his response and how true it was.
"What's going on, then?" she asked. "Why won't you tell us?"
Richard sighed. "I'm being blackmailed, Mum. Someone's threatening to tell my secret to the school... to the world, I guess," he explained, frowning. "I didn't want you to worry about me. Asher and Jean-Claude are helping me manage the situation, and I have Willow by my side for support."
"Blackmailed?" Charlotte said quietly. "What on earth... how are you paying... why are you paying? There is nothing wrong with you and nothing for you to be ashamed of! You don't encourage terrorism, which is basically what this is, and that's exactly what you're doing!"
"Uh oh," Daniel said from the door. "What'd you do this time, Richard, to get her so riled up?"
"Nothing on purpose," Richard muttered under his breath.
"Willow---"
"I'm... well, I guess I'm on your side, Mrs. Zeeman. But, I'm being a little nicer about it," Willow interjected quietly. "If they try to blackmail him again, I want him to stand up for himself. But, I know that if they make good on their threat, his life will be changed forever. And it won't be easy."
"Holy... blackmail?" Daniel asked his brother. "What... why? Is your furry problem such a big deal?"
"I'm a teacher," he reminded his sibling. "Of course it's a big deal. I might get hungry one day, shift, and snack on my class."
Daniel snorted. "People really believe that?"
"Apparently." Richard sighed and looked at his mother. "I didn't tell you because I don't want you to worry. We tried to catch the person responsible and pretty much failed, but I haven't been contacted again. I might never be contacted again. We don't know what's going to happen. And until we do... I didn't want to get you guys riled up."
"How did you pay---"
"Asher helped," Richard told Charlotte. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off. "I know, you don't trust him, but I do. Willow does, too. There's so much going on that I can't really explain, but we can trust him and we do."
"Do you have any idea who's doing this?" Charlotte asked.
He shrugged. "So far, we think another wereanimal's involved, but it doesn't smell like a local. That's all we learned today."
"Richard..."
"I know, Mom."
"Damn it, that sucks," Daniel mumbled. He clapped a hand to Richard's shoulder. "If you need anything, you know you can call, right?"
"Yeah, I do... thanks."
"Does Dad know?"
"Mom just weaselled it out of us now," he told his younger brother.
Daniel chuckled. "Well, she does have superpowers," he teased.
"No kidding."
Willow sipped her drink as the tension faded away. She smiled at Daniel, glad Richard had his support. When the Ulfric's brother suggested that they go inside and talk to the others before their brothers head home, Willow nodded encouragingly to Richard. She wanted him to have his family behind him and it seemed like the were willing to be the strength the human side of his life needed to persevere through the stressful situation looming over them.
"You'll be okay out here?" Richard asked her quietly.
"Yep. Plus, I know Shang-Da and Patrick are lurking around here somewhere."
The words left her mouth before she could think them over. She gasped; Richard smiled.
"You're more in sync with the pack now," he murmured as he approached her.
"I also know Shang-Da and Jamil weren't going to let us come here alone without some sort of guard," she replied quietly. He wrapped her up in his arms. She smiled and shook her head slightly as she returned the embrace. "I didn't even think about it. I just know they're here."
"Your wolf's stronger than Raina," he whispered. "And you don't have to think so much about being a part of the pack, do you?"
She shook her head a bit.
"You're becoming a better lupa for us," he said quietly, near her ear. "I love you."
"Just for knowing those two are out in the yard somewhere?"
Richard laughed softly. "No, for feeling them without thinking about it," he murmured. "For being as strong as you've been for me and for the rest of us. For loving me through all of this crazy stuff."
She smiled a bit. "The loving you stuff, I'll pretty much always do. But, the first stuff is because I've had a good teacher lately. And because I know how pissed Jamil's been over the last few days, but mostly because I can feel them here like it's second nature."
"I love you."
She chuckled. "I know. Go talk to your dad and brothers, okay? I'm going to sit out here and enjoy my iced tea."
"If you're not back inside in twenty minutes, I'm coming out looking for you," he promised.
"Okay, Boss," she teased before kissing him again and releasing her hold on him.
When she and Charlotte were alone, Willow tried to wipe the smile off of her face as she looked into her glass but would she couldn't.
"How new are you to the pack?" Charlotte asked her.
"It's... well, it's been a few years, I guess," she replied. "I was infected in an accident, but I don't really change. I think it's because of my ties to Asher. We don't really discuss it much because we're all different enough here, compared to a lot of other places."
Charlotte frowned. "What do you mean, your 'ties' to Asher?"
"I'm his human servant. He took me in when I arrived in St. Louis and became a good friend when I needed one," she said honestly. She didn't want to tell the older woman everything but she knew the truth was better than an outright evasion or a lie. "The binding thing didn't happen right away, but there was a situation... and it was beneficial to us both. I don't regret it. I love him. He loves me. And he accepts my relationship with your son easily. He respects my position with Richard at the head of the pack."
"But, Richard... he and Richard aren't together. Right?"
Willow smiled a little. "Richard doesn't like Asher enough for that."
"But Asher likes Richard."
"Asher appreciates beauty and strength and intelligence," Willow said quietly, as she thought about the blond vampire. "And your son is all three. And more."
"But---"
"Richard is his own man and has decided who he's attracted to," Willow reminded his mother. "Plus, Asher's a gentleman. He would want the attraction to be mutual."
"And the guards and stuff," Charlotte said, motioning towards the yard as if signalling to the guards watching over her and Richard, "don't bother you?"
"Sometimes," Willow admitted. She smiled. "A girl likes to have her privacy. I haven't had much of it lately."
"You're always welcome here, you know, if you need a place to hide."
Willow felt as if she'd said something in the last ten or twenty minutes to finally convince the woman that she wasn't the worst thing in the world for Richard. She smiled again. "Thank you. I don't think that Richard and Asher will let me go anywhere alone for the next little while, but I really appreciate the offer."
"Is something else happening?"
The witch shrugged.
"Willow..."
"I would love to tell you everything but I have a lot of responsibilities to the Master of the City and to our pack. And I want to keep you safe, too," Willow said solemnly. She sighed and looked out over the yard. "Bad things are happening. Silver detectors, lawsuits, expelling students... and I think there's something influencing the bad changes," she said in a serious tone of voice. "We don't know what yet. It's just... probably going to get worse before it gets better."
"And the blackmail thing?"
"I think it's a symptom of larger events," Willow told the older woman. "Something more magical than regular is... causing problems."
"Is there anything we can do?"
"Asking to help is enough," Willow assured her. When Charlotte tried to protest, Willow spoke again. "No, really. People are becoming more negative and are trying to isolate those who are different. You offering to help... offering to be kind and true and supportive of good people despite their status... that's what's important. And, that's what'll help."
"If you need anything... one of you will let me know?"
Willow smiled. She had no intention of dragging Richard's very normal and nearly perfect family into their world more than they had been already, but she knew that Charlotte wanted to feel as if she were useful. She nodded and then she found herself in an unexpected hug.
"I thought you were just playing with Richard, but I can see I was wrong," Charlotte confessed quietly.
"I love him."
"I know."
Willow motioned towards the house. "You should probably go in and see how they're doing," she advised.
"You should, too."
"I'm going to give you guys a few minutes, and then I'll come looking for Richard," Willow explained.
Charlotte nodded and went into the house through the open patio door. After she pulled the screen across, Willow turned her attention to the yard. She concentrated for a moment and then felt Patrick's presence closer to her; she looked into the darkness and saw him emerge from the shadows.
"It wasn't so bad, was it?" he asked her.
Willow shook her head. "No... I thought it might be, but... something changed her mind."
"Once she figured out that you weren't taking advantage of Richard," Patrick said, "she softened. She's tough, but she's just looking out for him."
"He's lucky to have such a supportive family."
"What about yours?"
Willow snorted. "Not so supportive."
"I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for," Willow said quietly as she leaned on the railing of the veranda. She looked down into her guard's face and smiled a bit. "We were never really close. When Sunnydale was destroyed, I knew my parents were out of town. I don't know if they've even been looking for me. They probably think I'm dead."
"You could always find them."
"I could," Willow agreed. "But not right now. I have a family."
Patrick smiled up at her. "You do," he agreed.
&&&&
"Are you coming inside?" Willow asked. "Or do you have to pick up Emily?"
"She's staying at her sister's tonight. No classes tomorrow because of a continuing education thing," Richard explained as he parked the car outside the employees' entrance to the Circus of the Damned. "If you don't mind me staying over with you and Asher?"
"I don't mind and I'm pretty sure Asher won't mind, either," she murmured. She reached out and touched his leg. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, now that I've talked about this stuff with my family," he admitted. "I didn't want to involve them, but it does feel better with them knowing what's going on. Glen and Aaron think I should call the cops, but what can they do except expose me? Anita's said that some of the cops on the preternatural squad are getting harder to deal with. That Dolph guy nearly clocked a witness because he carelessly flashed his fangs. I... I don't want to get mixed up in that. I believe in the law... but it's not on my side."
"I hate that you feel like you have to say that," Willow said quietly. "And I hate that it's true."
"Me, too."
She opened her shields and tried to sense Asher's presence. It felt like he was close, but when she tried to sense more of him, she could not. She didn't feel any fear or anger coming from him, but he was being purposefully vague through his own shielding. She wanted to let him know that Richard was joining them for the rest of the night, but as she tried to convey that message, she received no sign of acknowledgement from Asher. With an internal sigh, she turned her focus back to Richard.
"What time do you have to be at your meeting tomorrow?" she asked.
"Ten," he replied.
She smiled. "So you can stay up late?"
"I wouldn't be here if I couldn't," he told her. "Maybe we can unwind with a movie... or a bath..."
"Or something more athletic?" she asked with a grin curving her lips.
Richard laughed. "Maybe. Let's see what Goldilocks is doing first, okay?"
"I tried to talk to him," she admitted, "but he's not responding."
"Vampires and their silly games," Richard said quietly. He kissed Willow's cheek and unlocked the car doors. "C'mon, let's go in. I promised Patrick and Shang-Da that we wouldn't dawdle outside."
Willow chuckled and followed his lead, getting out of the vehicle when he did. Once they were around the car and walking side by side, Richard put his arm around Willow's shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
"What's that for?" she asked.
"Coming to dinner with me tonight," he replied. "I know Mom can be intimidating."
"She's quite something," Willow said as she leaned against his body.
He knocked on the door once and Willow smiled as she recognised one of the wererats on Jean-Claude's security detail. "Hey guys," he said in an easy, laid-back tone of voice. "How was your night?"
"Alright," Richard replied. "Thanks."
"Is Asher working?" Willow asked the guard.
"I think he's off tonight," the other man said. "He should be around."
"Thanks," she murmured. She reached out and squeezed his arm as she passed by him to descend the oddly-sized stairs that would take them to the underground residence. Richard kept his arm around her body as they walked; when they neared the bottom of the stairs, he kissed her temple. She smiled. "Behave," she whispered.
"No, ma'am."
Willow laughed a little, but then she sobered and looked up at him. "You don't have to pretend to be happy if you don't---"
"I want a happy ending to this miserable week," he told her. "I want to spend time with you... maybe even Asher. I want to feel normal for a few hours."
"We make you feel normal?"
"Yeah."
"Even Asher?"
Richard nodded. "Yeah... as much as it kills me to admit it."
Willow put her arm around his lower back. "I love you," she whispered.
"All because I've decided Asher isn't entirely evil?"
She chuckled. "Yep."
"He's... he frustrates me, sure. But, lately, he's been kind of supportive. Friendly, in his own way. And even he and Jean-Claude stepped up to help me this week. I couldn't have gotten through it without them. Or you and Anita. I still need help---especially if this escalates," Richard said, continuing to explain his thoughts. "For a while, I've been thinking that this is kind of a family thing---the five of us, I mean---but I didn't really realise it until this week. And tonight, when I thought I'd actually feel better at the Circus instead of going home..."
"We take care of each other," she murmured as they walked towards the door to Willow's and Asher's suite.
"Yeah."
"We're all standing beside you on this."
He nodded. "I know," he said quietly. "Thanks."
Willow pushed the door open and studied the outer room for any signs of Asher's presence. Finding none, she shrugged and welcomed Richard inside. He toed out of his shoes and put his jacket on the hook behind the door as Willow went over the coffee table and glanced over the books and things on its surface. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, she headed towards the bedroom, thinking Richard would be behind her.
When she saw Asher on the bed she stopped suddenly, using her hand on the doorframe to balance herself as she took in the sight before her.
"Oui, mon colibri?" Asher prompted her. "Is something wrong?"
"I... wow."
Asher was reclining on the bed, wearing silk pajama pants and nothing else. His hair was mostly over the scarred side of his face, but his eye was exposed. He appeared to be reading by candlelight; the flickering flames did wonderful things to the gold tones of his hair and also made his skin seem sun-kissed even though it had not seen the sun in a long time. There was a bottle of scotch on the bedside table, with two glasses, and that sight led Willow to believe that he was accommodating Richard's presence in their bedroom that night.
As much as that touched her, it was his appearance, coloured by firelight, that took her breath away.
"Nothing wrong, then?"
"N-no," she whispered.
"What is it?"
"I... I'm trying to find the words," she admitted. "It's like watching living art or something."
"What's wrong?" Richard asked as he came up behind her, putting his hands on her hips. "Oh," he said once he looked into the room. "Hi, Asher."
"Hello, mon ami," he replied with a casual wave. "How was your evening with your family?"
"Fine," he said. "Willow worked her charms on them all."
"I bet," Asher commented. He closed his book and set it on his stomach. "Would you like me to leave you two alone to celebrate your success?"
"No," both Willow and Richard said at almost the same time.
Asher blinked, surprised by their reaction to his presence. "I have not changed in appearance, mon ami, nor have I changed my gender," he reminded the werewolf. "You do not mind my being here?"
"You always question my motives," Richard commented.
The vampire nodded. "Oui, because I need to be careful around you," he said, explaining his actions. "I do not want to overstep any boundaries or assume liberties previously taken may be taken again. We are bound together and our sharing mon colibri can sometimes become a precarious situation. I do not want to make you uncomfortable."
He spoke without any hard emotions in his voice. He did not sound frustrated. His voice was calm and sincere and Willow smiled at him as she felt Richard relax further behind her.
"Stop or go, Richard?" Willow asked.
"No games," he replied.
Willow smiled and looked at Asher as Richard wrapped his arms around her body and slowly guided her into the bedroom. He released her to close the door behind them and that's when Willow took the opportunity to cross the room and climb onto the bed. She crawled up Asher's body and kissed him.
"Mon colibri," he whispered. He smiled and kissed her again. "I do not know why you find me so appealing tonight, but I am not complaining."
She laughed. "So, you didn't know you set quite the stage?"
"I have no idea to what you are referring," he said with a slight wink.
She laughed again and eased off of his lap. "Right," she murmured. "Well... you look very handsome tonight," she purred.
She leaned down and stole another kiss before turning her attention to Richard. She noticed he had approached the bed, still appearing to be comfortable with where the evening was taking him, and he was watching both of them---which surprised her more than she expected it would. He gave a slight shake of his head and sat down on the edge of the mattress, sitting on Willow's other side; he did not shy from the vampire's touch when he carefully put his pale hand over the Ulfric's tanned fingers.
"Who's first?" Willow asked.
Richard chuckled. As his laughter faded, he leaned down and kissed Willow's shoulder. He eased her sweater open and down her back and arms before Willow helped him by lifting her hands free of the pools of warm material so he could throw the garment onto the floor. Then, he kissed her bare skin and toyed with the strap of her tank top.
"May I suggest a course of action for us this evening?" Asher asked in a quiet voice.
"Go ahead," Willow prompted him.
"Sure," Richard said in agreement.
"I would very much like to watch Richard take you, Willow... and then, if I could feed from him, I would like to take his place once he is finished."
Richard frowned. Willow was certain that he would refuse.
After a long pause, the Ulfric spoke. "You can use your power, but I don't want you to bite me until I'm nearly finished," he stipulated. "I don't want you to use your powers on me to hurry things along."
"I will easily agree to that," Asher said.
Willow blinked and glanced from one man to the other. "Seriously?" she asked. When they both nodded in agreement, she exhaled slowly. "Wow. I'm in Neverevereverland or something, aren't I?"
"Perhaps you are dreaming," Asher teased.
The witch shivered and shook her head. "No, I haven't had many good dreams lately," she admitted.
"What was your last?" he inquired, turning suddenly serious.
"Xander and I were running through the woods," she whispered. "Edward was hunting both of us. It felt like we were finally back to the way we were... it felt... it felt like we were both lycanthropes, both running the way Richard would---the way the trees almost seem to bend to his will when he runs with the pack. If that makes sense. It was terrifying. It was thrilling at the same time. And then, as we rested for a minute... and Edward blew us up."
Asher sat up and kissed her. "He will not hurt you."
"You can't promise that," she whispered.
"If he tries to hurt you, he will have five strong opponents to deal with," he murmured. "He is a skilled hunter. But, I do not like his chances if he has to come up against the five of us."
"Good point," she conceded.
"Why was Xander with you?" Richard asked.
"I don't know. Maybe because I hate not knowing where he is or what terrible thing he's doing now," she replied. "Maybe because I miss our friendship. Maybe because I've had nightmares most nights this year and this is just the next one I'm supposed to deal with."
Asher brushed his fingers over her cheek. "Do you want to start taking that sleeping potion again?"
"I've been nervous to," she told him. "After Lillian told me about the build-up of it in my system... I haven't been too eager to jump back into using it. The nights with wolves are usually dream-free, so I do get some uninterrupted snooze-age. And I've been able to fall asleep again." She felt her cheeks flush as she spoke again. "It's actually better if I can share them, instead of hanging onto them."
The vampire in front of her nodded. "Then, trust us with them every night?"
"I will."
Asher turned his gaze on Richard. "Are you having nightmares, too, mon ami?"
"Well, yeah, but most of mine are related to---"
When he broke off and looked away from them, Willow turned her body and looked at him. "Richard, what?"
"I've been having awful nightmares about... having my secret identity made public," he mumbled. "Well before I was given that letter... as well as after."
Willow frowned. "Richard... I... really? Do you think they're prophetic?"
"How would I know that?"
She shrugged. "Buffy couldn't always tell, either," she said, rubbing his arm. "But we're both having nightmares about some of our biggest fears. Either to warn us or to throw us off of our collective game."
"It's either a prediction or an attack?"
"Well, usually, I'd say no," Willow replied. "But, they're happening too frequently. The subject matter's too consistent. I'm terrified of frogs for reasons passing my understanding, but I haven't had a frog nightmare in months. Don't you think that's weird?"
"Hellmouth-weird?"
"This kinda falls under that category," she said, voicing her concern.
Richard kissed her forehead. "So, we just pay attention," he suggested. "We trust each other and we pay attention."
"Okay," she agreed. "Sounds like a plan."
Asher slid one of his hands under Willow's tank top and stroked the skin over her spine. He pulled her hair off of her neck and kissed behind her ear when she shivered. Willow closed her eyes and tipped back against him.
"Speeding through to main event?" she asked quietly.
"Merely helping things along, mon colibri," he murmured. "Unless you wish to rethink---"
"No," she said quickly. "I'm still---" she broke off as Asher nuzzled the back of her neck. "Oh... okay, that feels good," she whispered. "Asher..."
He chuckled and repeated his actions. She shivered in his arms and surrendered to his touch.
It didn't take them too long to rearrange themselves, undressing as they went. Willow barely noticed that Asher kept his pants on, but when she did, she thought he was being awfully considerate of Richard's discomfort with same-sex relations. She made a mental note to show some appreciation of his actions later before Richard kissed her most coherent thoughts away.
She eased back into the cradle of Asher's arm and side of his body. Richard stroked between her legs confidently, demonstrating how well he knew her body, and made sure she was ready for him before he positioned himself and sank into her depths. He collapsed forward with a groan. He barely caught himself on his hands, but recovered quickly. When Willow leaned up and kissed him, he growled. She saw a trace of amber in his eyes and whimpered as she felt her own wolf rise to meet his.
"Richard," she whispered into his mouth. "More. Please."
He nipped at her lower lip and responded with thrusts of his hips. Willow tried to tip her head back to let loose a long, low moan, but Richard caught her lip in his teeth and bit down with enough force to draw a little blood.
The pain made her cry out but she didn't stop moving with him. She didn't use her safety word, either. She could feel how aroused both Richard and his beast were; she could feel how Asher's arousal hit a new height when he smelled her blood. The vampire had taught her plenty about the fine line between pleasure and pain and she used her experiences (and enjoyment of them) to embrace what she was presently feeling.
Richard leaned away from her mouth and released her. Asher pounced. He kissed her until she couldn't breathe, licking up all traces of the blood Richard had drawn.
They moved together as if they had been choreographed. Asher pushed a pillow under her lower back as Richard moved back up onto his knees and lifted her hips onto his thighs.
She felt him filling her completely. Each time he pulled her onto his erection, while thrusting into into her a little with every pull, she let out a noise ranging from a gasp to a shriek depending on the force Richard used and on if Asher was already kissing her. After a few minutes, though, he moved onto her breasts; he alternated between licking them and grazing them with his fangs.
Between the two men, she was getting very worked up---very quickly.
"God, you're both---" her voice hitched as Richard filled her completely again "---at this," she muttered. "Good thing we don't do this often. I might never survive."
Asher chuckled and licked his way to her neck. After lifting his head and kissing her lips, he said: "You flatter us every time we are together."
"I mean it," she mumbled.
"Soon, Asher," Richard groaned.
"Mmmm, bon," the vampire purred. He kissed the witch once more and then said, "I have been summoned, mon colibri."
Willow laughed weakly. The sound died away as she watched Asher kneel behind Richard and wrap an arm around his body. The werewolf stopped thrusting into her as Asher found a comfortable position. He brushed Richard's hair off of his neck and whispered something into his ear. Richard closed his eyes and stiffened. Willow watched his face flush. She wanted to know what Asher said to him but refused to ask. She used one of her legs to caress Richard's side and watched as he tipped his neck to one side for Asher's bite.
"Oh, fuck," Richard groaned when Asher's fangs sank into his neck. "Ash---Asher---"
The redhead could feel the power leaking off of the vampire and she closed her eyes. As much as she wanted to watch them together she knew she wouldn't last much longer.
The tension in the cradle of her hips was building. She moaned and tipped her head back into the pillows behind her. An orgasm was building but it wasn't until she felt someone's fingers press down on all of her most sensitive nerves that she cried out and stopped fighting the sensations washing over her.
Richard didn't last too much longer, either. Willow felt him slump forward when he growled her name for a final time; she expected to feel the weight of his body on her but when she opened her eyes, she saw that Asher was supporting him from behind. Richard looked extremely sated and close to drowsy. Asher appeared as if he were inflamed; his body was flush with blood and passion and his eyes were alight with his powers.
Willow was drawn to the vampire but she knew she needed another minute with Richard. He was strong, but Willow knew from experience that he often had frayed nerves from dealing with Asher; she wanted to make sure he was alright. She kissed her Ulfric and nuzzled his nose with hers. He responded by pulling her onto her side and into his arms.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked quietly.
"Did I use my safety word?" she asked in response.
"No."
She kissed him again. "Then, no," she murmured. She watched as his eyes fluttered open. Then, she smiled. "You okay?"
"Yeah," he whispered. "Goldilocks is kind of good at that biting thing."
Asher snorted. Willow let out a small laugh.
"Thank you, mon ami," Asher said quietly as he pushed himself off of the bed and stood to remove his pants. "You are most delicious, as well."
Richard groaned. Willow leaned into him and kissed his lips. "You are pretty yummy," she whispered teasingly.
"Indeed," Asher agreed, "but there is someone else whose wares I would enjoy sampling."
Willow looked up as Asher's pants fell down and she grinned at him. "Who, me?" she asked.
"Do not be so thick, mon colibri," he replied playfully.
She laughed softly and reached out for him. As she moved, Richard moved; he ended up behind her, supporting her body as she drew Asher to him.
He rested on his knees, between her legs, but moved down until he could kiss her stomach. Willow sighed and lifted her head from Richard's shoulder to see Asher peeking at her through his long, curly hair.
"Asher, I'm pretty well primed," she whispered.
He brushed his fingers against her core. He grinned when she whimpered and wriggled---and even more when Richard reached around her midsection with both of his arms to hold her still.
"No fair, no fair!" she protested. "Guys!"
"Hold her still for me, mon ami," Asher ordered. "I do not want her to squirm away from us."
"I did not say you two could gang up on me!" Willow cried out. She laughed a little as Asher's hair tickled her thighs. "Oh, c'mon! No fair!"
Asher kissed her hip and then made his way over Richard's arms to her breasts. His fingers continued to stroke between her legs and she continued to try to wriggle against Richard's hold on her. They usually didn't act in tandem; Willow had been with them both before, but they never really ganged up on her like they had been doing. She was surprised that Richard was so pliable to Asher's participation and direction. She didn't dislike it---but she was a little confused by it.
She tensed when Asher's fingers slid inside of her, working through the slippery mess of fluid from her coupling with Richard. He rubbed against her hidden hot spots at the same time as he drew one of her nipples into his mouth.
Asher! she cried into his mind.
He laughed around her flesh. When she reached down and grabbed his wrist, he stopped laughing and looked into her eyes. "Qu'est-ce qu'il y a?" he asked.
Willow smiled and shook her head as she pulled his hand up to her face. She wrinkled her nose as she looked at his well-coated fingers; feeling the evidence and seeing the evidence could be two different things in her mind. Asher's eyes widened in surprise as she enveloped two of his fingers with her mouth and opened her shields to him at the same time.
His hips flexed into her, rubbing her sensitive flesh with his, and he moaned loudly.
"Tasty?" she asked before moving onto his other two fingers.
Asher groaned and rolled onto his back. He closed his eyes. Savouring the taste of the two next to him, he hummed quietly.
Richard licked Willow's neck. "We can't taste that good," he commented.
"Asher seems to like it," Willow said on a chuckle.
When she licked his hand clean, she eased out of Richard's arms and leaned over Asher to kiss him. He responded by lifting her so she was straddling his waist, but still kissing him.
A minute later, he was slowly pushing his erection inside her wet folds and groaning into her mouth. Willow whimpered and broke their kiss. She rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes.
"Mon colibri?"
"I'm okay," she whispered. "Both of you might be too much for my nerves to handle."
"We'll have to train you then," he murmured playfully. "Endurance exercises."
Willow cursed. He laughed and guided her hips into a rocking motion. He sought another kiss when she started to lean back. He followed her, propping himself up onto his elbows to maintain the kiss.
Asher helped her move when her thighs began to tremble. He fell back and moved his hands to her waist where they could help her rise and fall with every thrust of his hips.
"Do you want to bite?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Non, your Ulfric has filled me," he whispered.
Willow nodded and leaned back further. Asher raised his knees so his legs could support her and she took advantage of the slight change in position. She leaned against him and closed her eyes. She tipped her head back and followed Asher's guiding hands on her waist.
When Richard's fingers wormed their way to the sensitive and throbbing bundle of nerves between Willow's legs, she whined. Unable to hold out any longer, her muscles spasmed and she cried out loudly. She vaguely heard Asher growl and then she felt him stiffen underneath her.
"Oh... holy hell," Willow breathed.
Richard wrapped an arm around her waist and helped her to the mattress. She slumped between both men; Asher curled up behind her, adjusting her position deeper into Richard's arms.
"Good thing we don't do that very often," she whispered. "I don't think I'd survive."
"To think, there was a time you wanted it frequently," Asher murmured.
"Only so I could pass out and sleep dreamlessly," Willow reminded him. "I don't want to pass out tonight."
"Non?" he asked.
"No," she whispered. She snuggled into his body. "I want to be awake for a little while. You guys don't always play so nicely, and I have you both here."
"I could read to you, if you'd like," the vampire suggested.
"You'd read to us?"
"If you'd like," Asher replied.
"What were you reading before?" Richard asked.
"A novel from mon colibri's collection," Asher told him. "It is about spies. Mon corbeau enjoyed it immensely. He suggested I read it."
"Alright," Richard agreed. "But, would you mind starting at the beginning?"
"Not at all, mon ami," the vampire replied.
Willow and Richard adjusted their positions so Asher could retrieve the book from the bedside table. The vampire also pulled the covers of the bed up from its foot; the other two slipped underneath the warm blankets. Willow pulled the blankets up over Asher, too, and then sat back against Asher's body. He put one arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head as he propped the book against his bended leg. Richard inched closer to Willow and pillowed his head on her stomach, lying semi-prone.
She reached down and stroked her hand over his back. Richard sighed and closed his eyes.
"On est prête?" Asher asked.
"Oui," Willow told him. "Read."
Asher chuckled and started with the first chapter.
Willow sighed happily as his accented-voice washed over her, introducing the characters and the scene of the earliest part of the story. She wanted it to be like this every night, even though she knew that was impossible. She caught a series of fleeting images as Asher imagined Jean-Claude and Anita with them in a variety of poses and settings. She sighed again and rubbed Asher's arm with one of her hands.
"What are you two thinking about?" Richard asked.
"Spending time together as a pentumvirate," Willow replied.
The Ulfric sighed. "I don't see that happening any time soon."
"Me, neither," Willow agreed. "But, that's okay, too."
"Did you decide what you're going to do about Valentine's Day?" Richard askd.
The witch looked down at him through her lashes. "How did you... I was going to talk to you about it, but the timing's been kind bad, so---"
"Anita told me," he said, cutting her off. "She's never cared about bad timing."
Willow snorted. "I'm sorry, Richard. I wanted to---"
"I know."
"I'm not going to make a decision until I talk to you and Asher."
Asher set the book, pages side down, on his thigh. "I have already made my position clear, mon colibri."
"I thought you wouldn't have to," Richard commented. "You and Jean-Claude have been trying to get around Anita's rules for a long time."
"I told Willow that I would only agree to it if she was comfortable with it," Asher told him. "If she has any reservations, I will support her decision to not participate. Even Jean-Claude has not easily agreed. There are many things to consider."
"No offence, but I'm impressed."
Asher sighed loudly. "Richard, we are not slaves to our passions."
"I know."
"We love Anita and Willow---we do not want to destroy the tentative peace between them and we definitely do not want to do anything to jeopardise our current relationships with them," Asher explained. "I do not want to hurt Willow, or Anita, either."
"I know... I just... I expected... Anita told me about how Jean-Claude's always wanted her and Jason together---human servant and pomme de sang with their vampire---and I know you and he have fantasies of sharing both of them without reservations," Richard said quietly. "I'm surprised you haven't jumped onto Anita's decision. That's all."
"If I want to feed Jean-Claude... like that," Willow said as diplomatically as she could, "would you be okay with it, Richard?"
The werewolf sighed. "Well, you've fed him already."
"This would be more intimate," she reminded him. "No nudity, but definitely more romantic."
"I know."
"I don't love him the way I love you and Asher," she murmured. "But, I do care about him. Jean-Claude would say that's love... maybe I'm just too young to know all that love really is. I don't know." She paused and brushed her fingers through Richard's long hair. "But, Anita's really trying by offering this, so I'm seriously considering her offer. I don't mean I'm almost completely decided on going for it. I mean, I'm considering it, seriously. Just in case you thought I sounded biased already or---"
Richard chuckled, cutting her off. "I get it, Willow."
"I still don't know what you said to her to make her come up with this crazy idea," Willow added.
"I didn't tell her to invite you and Asher over for a meal, if that's what you're thinking."
Willow laughed. "No, I didn't think you would."
"But, if you think you want to do it, then I'll do my best to be alright with it," he told her.
She looked down at him. "Really?"
"Really," he assured her. "I know the last few years have been difficult for Jean-Claude and Asher, and this could be a step in an easier direction. It might make things more complicated for you and Jean-Claude, but it could ease some of the tension between you guys, too."
"Tension?" Willow echoed.
"I'm not an idiot. I see how he looks at you. I see how you respond to him."
"Richard---"
"You're my lupa and nothing will change that," he interjected. "I see things. And that's okay."
"So, it's all on me?" she asked.
"Non, mon colibri, it is on all of us."
She smiled a bit upon hearing Asher's words. She still hadn't decided what to do about Valentine's Day, but she was relieved in hearing that Richard would try to accept her decision if she went along with Anita's plan.
"I'm having a hard time deciding if I can stand to watch Anita in Asher's arms," Willow admitted to them both. "It makes me sound so hypocritical and petty and---"
"How I feel for her does not change how I feel for you," Asher reminded her.
"I know," she whispered.
Asher kissed the side of her head. "You are my human servant," he murmured. "And I will always love you. I've loved you since before you became mine to love and I know these feelings will not fade away."
"I find that funny," she commented. "I know I love you, too, and I can never imagine those feelings changing... but..."
"I am older than you. I have a different sense of time in accordance with my emotions."
"I know."
"When you are as old as I am, you will understand."
She chuckled. "That's going to take some getting used to," she admitted.
"What will, mon colibri?"
"I never really think about the fact that some day, if all goes well, I'll be a hundred years old and still look the way I do now."
He chuckled. "I, too, once thought that was puzzling," he confessed. "Jean-Claude and I will help you adjust---and Richard and Anita, if they are as bound as we are."
"I never think about it," Richard said quietly. "It kind of blows my mind."
"I hope you are bound to us," Willow whispered. "I couldn't imagine living without you, too, Richard."
"If that's what happens, I know you'll deal with it," he assured her. "Someone else will take over the pack and I trust you to advise and guide them if they ask for your help."
"Richard---"
"But, I'm not going anywhere any time soon," he said to interrupt. "So, don't get sad now."
Willow smiled and nodded. "Yeah, okay. If you say so."
"I do."
She gave a soft little laugh and kissed the top of his head. "So, you're okay with me deciding to join in on this little Valentine's Day thing?"
"Absolutely. On one condition."
"Name it."
"You make plans to spend a weekend away with me."
"Doing what?"
"I was thinking we'd go to Tennessee," he replied. "I want you to meet Marianne and Verne. And, I want us to have some time away in a place where our day to day lives can't quite catch up to it."
Willow craned her neck to look at Asher. "Is that okay with you?"
"Jean-Claude will have to make arrangements, but I believe it can be done with a minimum of fuss."
"But, is it okay with you?"
He nodded slowly. "Oui," he told her. "I would not be opposed to you taking such a trip as long as you are both careful with your diplomatic tactics."
"Thanks," she murmured. She squeezed his arm with his hand. "I love you both."
"We both love you," Richard said before yawning.
"Sleepy?" Willow asked.
"Getting there..."
"Asher?"
"Oui, mon colibri?"
"Could you keep reading?"
He chuckled. "Oui, I can do that," he said before he picked up his book. "Richard, shall I resume the story?"
"Knock yourself out."
Asher snorted. "Very well," he said before launching back into his job of reading aloud to his other two bedmates.
TBC...
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, 22, 23, 24-5, 26-7, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-3, 34-7, 38, 39-40, 41, 42, 43-44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51A, 51B, 52, 53, 54, 55-6
PART FIFTY-SEVEN
Willow shivered as she thought about her latest nightmare and the way she dreamt of the heat burning into her body at the end.
Richard reached across the car and put his hand over hers. "What's wrong?"
She gave him a small smile. "I... I've just been thinking about the last couple of days," she told him.
"Me, too," he mumbled. "I hate this."
"You couldn't have known there was a false-bottom in the locker, or that someone had drilled a hole up into the floor below," she said, weaving her fingers with his. "I'm so sorry we didn't get any information on who's blackmailing you."
"I just hope it's over for now," he admitted. "I know it's naïve to think that, but I can't stop myself from hoping."
Willow kissed his knuckles. "I'm hoping, too, Richard," she murmured.
"Jamil and Sylvie are pretty pissed with me, still."
The redhead nodded. "Yeah. When Sylvie came over on Thursday, she pulled me aside and told me as much."
"She agrees with Jamil. With you."
"I know."
Richard sighed. "I'm afraid to be outed, Willow."
"I know," she repeated in a tender voice. "I'm afraid for you. But, I know how strong you are. I know how good you are. I know that together, with me and the others, you can survive this."
"You have always thought I'm stronger than I think I am."
Willow smiled. "Yep. That's because I'm your mate."
"Even before that, Willow. When I attacked you... you... you embraced me and the change and you helped me through so much---"
"A lone wolf eventually needs a mate," she murmured. "I'm just your perfect fit."
"Don't I know it," he agreed easily. "So, you think we'll get through this?"
"I do," she assured him. "It might not be easy, but I know that you're going to get through this. We're with you---as long as you don't shut us out."
"I went to Asher!" he protested as he drove through an area that was unfamiliar to Willow.
Willow squeezed his hand. "I know... I know. And the fact that you went to him... it means a lot to me. Like there's hope for you two getting along, in the long term." She kissed his hand again. "I just don't want to be shut out, Richard. I'm your lupa. I need to be there for you---no matter what. It may not have been legally binding, but we took vows on the throne and I fully intend to keep them."
Richard's sad expression melted into a small smile. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you, too," she whispered back.
He pulled his car into a driveway where a few other cars were parked. When Willow whimpered, he chuckled.
"Do you think we'll get through this?" she asked him.
He laughed again. "God, I love you," he murmured. He leaned over and kissed her temple. "Yes, we'll get through this. It's just dinner."
"Dinner with your family!" Willow exclaimed. "What if they don't like me?"
"Tough luck because I love you," he assured her. "I need you. You, as you've just reminded me, are my mate and I'm not letting you go." He turned her head and kissed her mouth. "I'm never letting you go," he promised quietly, brushing his nose against hers. "So, if you want out, you better run pretty far away---and even then, I'm coming after you."
Willow smiled and kissed him again. "You're stuck with me."
"Good. Now, let's go eat."
&&&&
Willow sat between Richard and Daniel. She liked his younger brother a lot---he reminded her of Richard in so many ways, and they seemed to hit it off easily enough. Aaron and Glen were sitting opposite them, with their parents at each end of the table.
All of the men in the family were tall and solid specimens of their gender. Willow had been amazed during introductions because they all looked so similarly broad-shouldered and handsome. She felt like she was meeting a perfect catalogue family because even Charlotte was perfect in her own way that complimented her husband and sons, although she terrified Willow a little bit. She had kind of hoped that Richard's sister, Beverly, would have joined them, but Daniel said her kids were sick so she decided to stay away so no one else caught the bug from which they were ailing.
Aaron was talking about something that happened at work and Willow was listening. But, she kept glancing at Charlotte because the older woman was looking at her with a rather intense expression on her face. It was not a positive expression; the witch wasn't sure what she had done between meeting the woman over the phone and then again in person.
Richard brushed his hand against her elbow.
Everything okay? he asked along their bond.
I'm pretty sure your mother hates me, she replied.
He coughed quietly, barely concealing a chuckle. She's just sizing you up.
Oh, I feel so much better now, she shot back.
Richard couldn't hide his second chuckle.
"Richard?" Charlotte asked. "Is something Aaron said---"
"No, sorry, Mom," Richard said, cutting her off as politely as he could. "Willow and I were just... sharing a thought."
"You can do that?" his father asked.
Willow nodded. "I'm... well... I'm not just a regular girl," she admitted. "It's not public knowledge how strong I am, but---"
"She's a pretty awesome witch," Richard said, interrupting again.
"But, I thought you said she was your 'mate,'" Charlotte said. "Is this vampire stuff? Because I remember seeing her in a newspaper picture with that blond vampire... that friend of Anita's---"
"She's part of our pack. But, she doesn't shift," Richard said patiently. "It's kind of complicated, but we're telling the truth. She's kind of like the queen for our pack. They've all accepted her, and I'm pretty nuts about her, so please, Mum, just try to accept her, too... okay?"
When Richard's phone beeped, he pulled it off of his belt and sighed. "Sorry," he said quietly. "It might be pack business. I need to take this."
He stood up, squeezing Willow's shoulder as he walked behind her towards the door to the kitchen. She heard him talking but she didn't eavesdrop. She listened as Daniel started talking about some sort of sports game and tried to keep up, but was prevented from doing so when Glen asked her about her abilities in witchcraft.
"I don't abuse it," Willow assured him. "Not just because of the laws. I mean, I'm not that kind of person. I just... I just want to protect those under my care. I want to help. That's it."
"But, you can do stuff?"
She nodded. "Yeah, I mean... sure. But, I try not to do unnecessary things. Without getting too wishy-washy-hocus-pocus about it, there's kind of a balance that needs to be kept. Karma, kind of. Everything's connected and when someone taps into that power too much or without paying a price for it, there's usually a nasty side effect or two to deal with."
"What goes around, comes around?" Daniel asked.
She nodded again. "Pretty much," she replied, smiling at him. "When I was younger, I got into some trouble. I lost control. It took a lot of help from people more experienced than me... and a lot of support from friends and family to really rebuild my inner balance. And since being here, I've been able to find a place in the bigger picture that I haven't had before. I've made peace with my mistakes... and all I can do is learn from them, every day."
"That's really all any of us can do," Glen commented.
"Since being here, with Richard and the pack... and the others in the coalition, it's been mind-blowing," Willow continued, smiling a bit as she thought about her new family. "I had a family before, but I never felt like I was so much a part of something... so connected. I love being a part of them. I have purpose."
"So, you haven't been too pleased with all that's been happening," Richard's father said to her. "With the schools and other places putting silver detectors in place?"
Willow frowned. "I think it's appalling. We're hardwired to be afraid of things we don't understand. I've been guilty of that, too, but this is keeping children from going to school... keeping others from supporting themselves. It's just another way to single out and hurt people."
"Ah, Willow?" Richard asked from the doorway. "It's Dawn. She was talking to Giles... and she has some information for you that she needs to tell you before she forgets it."
"She can't write it down?" Willow asked, amused.
Richard shrugged. "She said something about not being allowed to write it down."
"Oh, what a cryptic web we weave," Willow muttered, making Daniel chuckle.
She put her napkin on the table next to her plate and excused herself from the table. When she reached Richard, he put the phone in one of her hands as her other one patted his stomach gently. As she greeted Dawn, Richard followed her into the room.
"Dawnie, what's up?"
"Giles was really, really cryptic. More than any of the most vague codexes we've ever come across."
"Really? Why?"
"Well, first, he said he couldn't tell me anything. That he was bound by some sort of unspoken law that Asher would understand. What the hell does that mean?" Dawn said quickly. "And then, when I asked him why he was in New Zealand, he said he wasn't on New Zealand soil. I asked him about the whole back door into the Deeper Well, and he told me to tell you to look at a globe and figure out how deep the well can go. Something about your friend, the siren, too. He hoped that if there was a way, that he or others of his kind could be called upon to help if things become as dire as he fears they may."
Willow frowned. "That really doesn't sound good."
"No, definitely not," Dawn agreed. "Oh, and he hasn't heard from Xander lately. Neither has Andrew, apparently... but Andrew has always been more loyal to Xander than to Giles---but that's me talking, not Giles."
"He said he couldn't tell me yet if a door can be drilled into the Well. I asked. But, he refused to tell me. He said, oddly enough, that Asher would understand the predicament he's in."
Willow looked at Richard as she spoke to Dawn. "What does that mean? Asher will understand why Giles can't talk unless it's in a riddle of some kind?"
Richard leaned against the counter and shrugged.
"I don't know. But, you'll have to talk to Asher, I guess," Dawn replied. "I'm sorry to interrupt your dinner with the in-laws, but I just talked to him and he stressed that it was important I call you, like, now, so I don't forget how he worded anything. I would've left the message with Richard, but y'know how we used to play that telephone game when I was really little and Buffy was off saving Sunnydale? Nothing ever sounded right at the end and I like and trust Richard, but just in case---"
Willow interrupted her rambling. "I know, Dawnie. It's okay. Thank you for getting in touch with him. I really appreciate it. I guess... I guess I'll talk to Asher about it tonight and see if he can give me a straight answer that'll clear all of this up."
"And don't forget to find a globe."
The redhead smiled. "Right. Better go look up my southern Pacific---ohhhh."
"What?"
"Okay, some of that kind of made sense," Willow told Dawn. "How about we meet up at school tomorrow afternoon and I'll tell you what I think then?" she suggested. "I finished looking at some of those books you loaned me and I want to dig up a few more if I can, get more information for that protection-cloaking-thing."
"Because magic's based in chemistry?"
"Some of it, yeah. Physics, too," Willow reminded Dawn. "When's your last class?"
"I think I get out around two-thiry."
"I'll meet you at the library, then?"
"Can we get burgers after?"
Willow smiled. "Sure. It's a date. Thanks again, Dawn, for passing that stuff on."
"Talk to you tomorrow!" Dawn chirped before she turned off her phone.
Willow put the phone back in Richard's hand. "What's going on?" he asked quietly as he returned it to the clip on his belt.
"Giles is somehow not allowed to tell us everything," she explained. "But, he told me some things. I need to talk to Sampson soon... but first, I need to look at a globe to confirm what I think he said without saying."
Richard's phone rang again. He answered it on a reflex, quietly speaking into the device once he brought it to his ear. "Hello? Hi, Bobby Lee," he paused and listened. He frowned. Then, he sighed. "Okay... yeah. I didn't really expect there to be anything there. This is my first experience with blackmail, but it seems like this is both too polished and not polished enough at the same time."
Willow frowned and wrapped her arms around Richard's body. He returned the embrace with his free arm, slowly tracing circles along her side with his fingers.
"I just mean that the note didn't sound like a pro wrote it... but then this guy disappears without a trace after you guys track him through a sewer tunnel," Richard said quietly. "Why blackmail me? Why not just rob a bank if this guy's so stealthy?" He paused. Then, he sighed again. "Yeah, personal. That's what I'm afraid of... Did it smell like one of our guys? No? Well, that's something..."
Richard stroked her hip with his hand as he thanked the man on the phone and then ended the call.
He tightened his hold on Willow after putting the phone down on the counter. "This really sucks," he mumbled.
"I'm sorry this is happening," she whispered. "What did Bobby Lee say?"
"He had some of his team shift and try to track the blackmailer by scent. He drilled into the floor through the sewer, so they started down there. He said they lost the scent after a few turns, couldn't pick it up again," he replied.
"Weird. Magic?"
"Maybe. He said it smelled like a shapeshifter. Not reassuring."
"Did you tell your family?"
"No."
"You should," she murmured. "They want to be understanding and supportive of you. I can tell."
He chuckled quietly. "You can tell all of that?"
"And that your mother thinks I'm a bad seed," Willow added quietly, jokingly.
His chuckle turned into a laugh. "You are," he teased, rocking her back and forth very slowly. His laughter faded away and he kissed the side of her head. "I couldn't get through this without you. Not without Anita, Jean-Claude, or Asher, either... but especially you."
"Is this where you tell me you love me?" she asked teasingly.
"Absolutely," he whispered before kissing her lips. He pulled back and smiled at her. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Richard... Ulfric," she whispered back.
"Let's go rejoin the group," he suggested quietly, "before I decide to take you up to my bedroom and have my wicked way with you."
Willow smiled but she felt her knees buckle a little as she contemplated his suggestion.
&&&&
"Thank you," Willow murmured as Charlotte handed her a glass of iced tea, as the older woman joined her on the back veranda. "You have a wonderful home and family. I'm glad Richard brought me to meet you."
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "What's going on with my son?" she asked. "I saw you two talking in the kitchen. I saw how upset he looked."
"I... I can't tell you. Not without Richard's permission," Willow said quickly. "I'm sorry. I want him to tell you. He didn't tell me right away and I was so mad that he tried to protect me from what's been going on. So, I kind of get it. But---"
"Is this vampire business?" Charlotte interrupted. "Did you get him mixed up in something? I know you're with Asher, too. I've seen the photos in the papers. You and Anita with your vampires. I don't know why you keep stringing Richard along---"
"Mom!"
Both women turned to see Richard standing in the doorway. He shook his head a little as he approached them.
"Well, I have to know! You look so sad!" his mother insisted. "I know when Anita started dating Jean-Claude, you were upset, but---"
"I knew Willow was with Asher long before she and I fell in love. She loves both of us, luckily, and we don't mind that the other one's in her life, too. We're pretty sure that we're both better for having her around," Richard explained to Charlotte. "Please don't be mad at Willow. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, and Asher's not that bad a friend to have when things go wrong."
"Are you with him, too?"
Richard blushed, eyes bugging out of his head. "Mom, no. Asher as a friend is about all I can handle."
Willow smiled at him, amused with how he worded his response and how true it was.
"What's going on, then?" she asked. "Why won't you tell us?"
Richard sighed. "I'm being blackmailed, Mum. Someone's threatening to tell my secret to the school... to the world, I guess," he explained, frowning. "I didn't want you to worry about me. Asher and Jean-Claude are helping me manage the situation, and I have Willow by my side for support."
"Blackmailed?" Charlotte said quietly. "What on earth... how are you paying... why are you paying? There is nothing wrong with you and nothing for you to be ashamed of! You don't encourage terrorism, which is basically what this is, and that's exactly what you're doing!"
"Uh oh," Daniel said from the door. "What'd you do this time, Richard, to get her so riled up?"
"Nothing on purpose," Richard muttered under his breath.
"Willow---"
"I'm... well, I guess I'm on your side, Mrs. Zeeman. But, I'm being a little nicer about it," Willow interjected quietly. "If they try to blackmail him again, I want him to stand up for himself. But, I know that if they make good on their threat, his life will be changed forever. And it won't be easy."
"Holy... blackmail?" Daniel asked his brother. "What... why? Is your furry problem such a big deal?"
"I'm a teacher," he reminded his sibling. "Of course it's a big deal. I might get hungry one day, shift, and snack on my class."
Daniel snorted. "People really believe that?"
"Apparently." Richard sighed and looked at his mother. "I didn't tell you because I don't want you to worry. We tried to catch the person responsible and pretty much failed, but I haven't been contacted again. I might never be contacted again. We don't know what's going to happen. And until we do... I didn't want to get you guys riled up."
"How did you pay---"
"Asher helped," Richard told Charlotte. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off. "I know, you don't trust him, but I do. Willow does, too. There's so much going on that I can't really explain, but we can trust him and we do."
"Do you have any idea who's doing this?" Charlotte asked.
He shrugged. "So far, we think another wereanimal's involved, but it doesn't smell like a local. That's all we learned today."
"Richard..."
"I know, Mom."
"Damn it, that sucks," Daniel mumbled. He clapped a hand to Richard's shoulder. "If you need anything, you know you can call, right?"
"Yeah, I do... thanks."
"Does Dad know?"
"Mom just weaselled it out of us now," he told his younger brother.
Daniel chuckled. "Well, she does have superpowers," he teased.
"No kidding."
Willow sipped her drink as the tension faded away. She smiled at Daniel, glad Richard had his support. When the Ulfric's brother suggested that they go inside and talk to the others before their brothers head home, Willow nodded encouragingly to Richard. She wanted him to have his family behind him and it seemed like the were willing to be the strength the human side of his life needed to persevere through the stressful situation looming over them.
"You'll be okay out here?" Richard asked her quietly.
"Yep. Plus, I know Shang-Da and Patrick are lurking around here somewhere."
The words left her mouth before she could think them over. She gasped; Richard smiled.
"You're more in sync with the pack now," he murmured as he approached her.
"I also know Shang-Da and Jamil weren't going to let us come here alone without some sort of guard," she replied quietly. He wrapped her up in his arms. She smiled and shook her head slightly as she returned the embrace. "I didn't even think about it. I just know they're here."
"Your wolf's stronger than Raina," he whispered. "And you don't have to think so much about being a part of the pack, do you?"
She shook her head a bit.
"You're becoming a better lupa for us," he said quietly, near her ear. "I love you."
"Just for knowing those two are out in the yard somewhere?"
Richard laughed softly. "No, for feeling them without thinking about it," he murmured. "For being as strong as you've been for me and for the rest of us. For loving me through all of this crazy stuff."
She smiled a bit. "The loving you stuff, I'll pretty much always do. But, the first stuff is because I've had a good teacher lately. And because I know how pissed Jamil's been over the last few days, but mostly because I can feel them here like it's second nature."
"I love you."
She chuckled. "I know. Go talk to your dad and brothers, okay? I'm going to sit out here and enjoy my iced tea."
"If you're not back inside in twenty minutes, I'm coming out looking for you," he promised.
"Okay, Boss," she teased before kissing him again and releasing her hold on him.
When she and Charlotte were alone, Willow tried to wipe the smile off of her face as she looked into her glass but would she couldn't.
"How new are you to the pack?" Charlotte asked her.
"It's... well, it's been a few years, I guess," she replied. "I was infected in an accident, but I don't really change. I think it's because of my ties to Asher. We don't really discuss it much because we're all different enough here, compared to a lot of other places."
Charlotte frowned. "What do you mean, your 'ties' to Asher?"
"I'm his human servant. He took me in when I arrived in St. Louis and became a good friend when I needed one," she said honestly. She didn't want to tell the older woman everything but she knew the truth was better than an outright evasion or a lie. "The binding thing didn't happen right away, but there was a situation... and it was beneficial to us both. I don't regret it. I love him. He loves me. And he accepts my relationship with your son easily. He respects my position with Richard at the head of the pack."
"But, Richard... he and Richard aren't together. Right?"
Willow smiled a little. "Richard doesn't like Asher enough for that."
"But Asher likes Richard."
"Asher appreciates beauty and strength and intelligence," Willow said quietly, as she thought about the blond vampire. "And your son is all three. And more."
"But---"
"Richard is his own man and has decided who he's attracted to," Willow reminded his mother. "Plus, Asher's a gentleman. He would want the attraction to be mutual."
"And the guards and stuff," Charlotte said, motioning towards the yard as if signalling to the guards watching over her and Richard, "don't bother you?"
"Sometimes," Willow admitted. She smiled. "A girl likes to have her privacy. I haven't had much of it lately."
"You're always welcome here, you know, if you need a place to hide."
Willow felt as if she'd said something in the last ten or twenty minutes to finally convince the woman that she wasn't the worst thing in the world for Richard. She smiled again. "Thank you. I don't think that Richard and Asher will let me go anywhere alone for the next little while, but I really appreciate the offer."
"Is something else happening?"
The witch shrugged.
"Willow..."
"I would love to tell you everything but I have a lot of responsibilities to the Master of the City and to our pack. And I want to keep you safe, too," Willow said solemnly. She sighed and looked out over the yard. "Bad things are happening. Silver detectors, lawsuits, expelling students... and I think there's something influencing the bad changes," she said in a serious tone of voice. "We don't know what yet. It's just... probably going to get worse before it gets better."
"And the blackmail thing?"
"I think it's a symptom of larger events," Willow told the older woman. "Something more magical than regular is... causing problems."
"Is there anything we can do?"
"Asking to help is enough," Willow assured her. When Charlotte tried to protest, Willow spoke again. "No, really. People are becoming more negative and are trying to isolate those who are different. You offering to help... offering to be kind and true and supportive of good people despite their status... that's what's important. And, that's what'll help."
"If you need anything... one of you will let me know?"
Willow smiled. She had no intention of dragging Richard's very normal and nearly perfect family into their world more than they had been already, but she knew that Charlotte wanted to feel as if she were useful. She nodded and then she found herself in an unexpected hug.
"I thought you were just playing with Richard, but I can see I was wrong," Charlotte confessed quietly.
"I love him."
"I know."
Willow motioned towards the house. "You should probably go in and see how they're doing," she advised.
"You should, too."
"I'm going to give you guys a few minutes, and then I'll come looking for Richard," Willow explained.
Charlotte nodded and went into the house through the open patio door. After she pulled the screen across, Willow turned her attention to the yard. She concentrated for a moment and then felt Patrick's presence closer to her; she looked into the darkness and saw him emerge from the shadows.
"It wasn't so bad, was it?" he asked her.
Willow shook her head. "No... I thought it might be, but... something changed her mind."
"Once she figured out that you weren't taking advantage of Richard," Patrick said, "she softened. She's tough, but she's just looking out for him."
"He's lucky to have such a supportive family."
"What about yours?"
Willow snorted. "Not so supportive."
"I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for," Willow said quietly as she leaned on the railing of the veranda. She looked down into her guard's face and smiled a bit. "We were never really close. When Sunnydale was destroyed, I knew my parents were out of town. I don't know if they've even been looking for me. They probably think I'm dead."
"You could always find them."
"I could," Willow agreed. "But not right now. I have a family."
Patrick smiled up at her. "You do," he agreed.
&&&&
"Are you coming inside?" Willow asked. "Or do you have to pick up Emily?"
"She's staying at her sister's tonight. No classes tomorrow because of a continuing education thing," Richard explained as he parked the car outside the employees' entrance to the Circus of the Damned. "If you don't mind me staying over with you and Asher?"
"I don't mind and I'm pretty sure Asher won't mind, either," she murmured. She reached out and touched his leg. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, now that I've talked about this stuff with my family," he admitted. "I didn't want to involve them, but it does feel better with them knowing what's going on. Glen and Aaron think I should call the cops, but what can they do except expose me? Anita's said that some of the cops on the preternatural squad are getting harder to deal with. That Dolph guy nearly clocked a witness because he carelessly flashed his fangs. I... I don't want to get mixed up in that. I believe in the law... but it's not on my side."
"I hate that you feel like you have to say that," Willow said quietly. "And I hate that it's true."
"Me, too."
She opened her shields and tried to sense Asher's presence. It felt like he was close, but when she tried to sense more of him, she could not. She didn't feel any fear or anger coming from him, but he was being purposefully vague through his own shielding. She wanted to let him know that Richard was joining them for the rest of the night, but as she tried to convey that message, she received no sign of acknowledgement from Asher. With an internal sigh, she turned her focus back to Richard.
"What time do you have to be at your meeting tomorrow?" she asked.
"Ten," he replied.
She smiled. "So you can stay up late?"
"I wouldn't be here if I couldn't," he told her. "Maybe we can unwind with a movie... or a bath..."
"Or something more athletic?" she asked with a grin curving her lips.
Richard laughed. "Maybe. Let's see what Goldilocks is doing first, okay?"
"I tried to talk to him," she admitted, "but he's not responding."
"Vampires and their silly games," Richard said quietly. He kissed Willow's cheek and unlocked the car doors. "C'mon, let's go in. I promised Patrick and Shang-Da that we wouldn't dawdle outside."
Willow chuckled and followed his lead, getting out of the vehicle when he did. Once they were around the car and walking side by side, Richard put his arm around Willow's shoulders and kissed the top of her head.
"What's that for?" she asked.
"Coming to dinner with me tonight," he replied. "I know Mom can be intimidating."
"She's quite something," Willow said as she leaned against his body.
He knocked on the door once and Willow smiled as she recognised one of the wererats on Jean-Claude's security detail. "Hey guys," he said in an easy, laid-back tone of voice. "How was your night?"
"Alright," Richard replied. "Thanks."
"Is Asher working?" Willow asked the guard.
"I think he's off tonight," the other man said. "He should be around."
"Thanks," she murmured. She reached out and squeezed his arm as she passed by him to descend the oddly-sized stairs that would take them to the underground residence. Richard kept his arm around her body as they walked; when they neared the bottom of the stairs, he kissed her temple. She smiled. "Behave," she whispered.
"No, ma'am."
Willow laughed a little, but then she sobered and looked up at him. "You don't have to pretend to be happy if you don't---"
"I want a happy ending to this miserable week," he told her. "I want to spend time with you... maybe even Asher. I want to feel normal for a few hours."
"We make you feel normal?"
"Yeah."
"Even Asher?"
Richard nodded. "Yeah... as much as it kills me to admit it."
Willow put her arm around his lower back. "I love you," she whispered.
"All because I've decided Asher isn't entirely evil?"
She chuckled. "Yep."
"He's... he frustrates me, sure. But, lately, he's been kind of supportive. Friendly, in his own way. And even he and Jean-Claude stepped up to help me this week. I couldn't have gotten through it without them. Or you and Anita. I still need help---especially if this escalates," Richard said, continuing to explain his thoughts. "For a while, I've been thinking that this is kind of a family thing---the five of us, I mean---but I didn't really realise it until this week. And tonight, when I thought I'd actually feel better at the Circus instead of going home..."
"We take care of each other," she murmured as they walked towards the door to Willow's and Asher's suite.
"Yeah."
"We're all standing beside you on this."
He nodded. "I know," he said quietly. "Thanks."
Willow pushed the door open and studied the outer room for any signs of Asher's presence. Finding none, she shrugged and welcomed Richard inside. He toed out of his shoes and put his jacket on the hook behind the door as Willow went over the coffee table and glanced over the books and things on its surface. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, she headed towards the bedroom, thinking Richard would be behind her.
When she saw Asher on the bed she stopped suddenly, using her hand on the doorframe to balance herself as she took in the sight before her.
"Oui, mon colibri?" Asher prompted her. "Is something wrong?"
"I... wow."
Asher was reclining on the bed, wearing silk pajama pants and nothing else. His hair was mostly over the scarred side of his face, but his eye was exposed. He appeared to be reading by candlelight; the flickering flames did wonderful things to the gold tones of his hair and also made his skin seem sun-kissed even though it had not seen the sun in a long time. There was a bottle of scotch on the bedside table, with two glasses, and that sight led Willow to believe that he was accommodating Richard's presence in their bedroom that night.
As much as that touched her, it was his appearance, coloured by firelight, that took her breath away.
"Nothing wrong, then?"
"N-no," she whispered.
"What is it?"
"I... I'm trying to find the words," she admitted. "It's like watching living art or something."
"What's wrong?" Richard asked as he came up behind her, putting his hands on her hips. "Oh," he said once he looked into the room. "Hi, Asher."
"Hello, mon ami," he replied with a casual wave. "How was your evening with your family?"
"Fine," he said. "Willow worked her charms on them all."
"I bet," Asher commented. He closed his book and set it on his stomach. "Would you like me to leave you two alone to celebrate your success?"
"No," both Willow and Richard said at almost the same time.
Asher blinked, surprised by their reaction to his presence. "I have not changed in appearance, mon ami, nor have I changed my gender," he reminded the werewolf. "You do not mind my being here?"
"You always question my motives," Richard commented.
The vampire nodded. "Oui, because I need to be careful around you," he said, explaining his actions. "I do not want to overstep any boundaries or assume liberties previously taken may be taken again. We are bound together and our sharing mon colibri can sometimes become a precarious situation. I do not want to make you uncomfortable."
He spoke without any hard emotions in his voice. He did not sound frustrated. His voice was calm and sincere and Willow smiled at him as she felt Richard relax further behind her.
"Stop or go, Richard?" Willow asked.
"No games," he replied.
Willow smiled and looked at Asher as Richard wrapped his arms around her body and slowly guided her into the bedroom. He released her to close the door behind them and that's when Willow took the opportunity to cross the room and climb onto the bed. She crawled up Asher's body and kissed him.
"Mon colibri," he whispered. He smiled and kissed her again. "I do not know why you find me so appealing tonight, but I am not complaining."
She laughed. "So, you didn't know you set quite the stage?"
"I have no idea to what you are referring," he said with a slight wink.
She laughed again and eased off of his lap. "Right," she murmured. "Well... you look very handsome tonight," she purred.
She leaned down and stole another kiss before turning her attention to Richard. She noticed he had approached the bed, still appearing to be comfortable with where the evening was taking him, and he was watching both of them---which surprised her more than she expected it would. He gave a slight shake of his head and sat down on the edge of the mattress, sitting on Willow's other side; he did not shy from the vampire's touch when he carefully put his pale hand over the Ulfric's tanned fingers.
"Who's first?" Willow asked.
Richard chuckled. As his laughter faded, he leaned down and kissed Willow's shoulder. He eased her sweater open and down her back and arms before Willow helped him by lifting her hands free of the pools of warm material so he could throw the garment onto the floor. Then, he kissed her bare skin and toyed with the strap of her tank top.
"May I suggest a course of action for us this evening?" Asher asked in a quiet voice.
"Go ahead," Willow prompted him.
"Sure," Richard said in agreement.
"I would very much like to watch Richard take you, Willow... and then, if I could feed from him, I would like to take his place once he is finished."
Richard frowned. Willow was certain that he would refuse.
After a long pause, the Ulfric spoke. "You can use your power, but I don't want you to bite me until I'm nearly finished," he stipulated. "I don't want you to use your powers on me to hurry things along."
"I will easily agree to that," Asher said.
Willow blinked and glanced from one man to the other. "Seriously?" she asked. When they both nodded in agreement, she exhaled slowly. "Wow. I'm in Neverevereverland or something, aren't I?"
"Perhaps you are dreaming," Asher teased.
The witch shivered and shook her head. "No, I haven't had many good dreams lately," she admitted.
"What was your last?" he inquired, turning suddenly serious.
"Xander and I were running through the woods," she whispered. "Edward was hunting both of us. It felt like we were finally back to the way we were... it felt... it felt like we were both lycanthropes, both running the way Richard would---the way the trees almost seem to bend to his will when he runs with the pack. If that makes sense. It was terrifying. It was thrilling at the same time. And then, as we rested for a minute... and Edward blew us up."
Asher sat up and kissed her. "He will not hurt you."
"You can't promise that," she whispered.
"If he tries to hurt you, he will have five strong opponents to deal with," he murmured. "He is a skilled hunter. But, I do not like his chances if he has to come up against the five of us."
"Good point," she conceded.
"Why was Xander with you?" Richard asked.
"I don't know. Maybe because I hate not knowing where he is or what terrible thing he's doing now," she replied. "Maybe because I miss our friendship. Maybe because I've had nightmares most nights this year and this is just the next one I'm supposed to deal with."
Asher brushed his fingers over her cheek. "Do you want to start taking that sleeping potion again?"
"I've been nervous to," she told him. "After Lillian told me about the build-up of it in my system... I haven't been too eager to jump back into using it. The nights with wolves are usually dream-free, so I do get some uninterrupted snooze-age. And I've been able to fall asleep again." She felt her cheeks flush as she spoke again. "It's actually better if I can share them, instead of hanging onto them."
The vampire in front of her nodded. "Then, trust us with them every night?"
"I will."
Asher turned his gaze on Richard. "Are you having nightmares, too, mon ami?"
"Well, yeah, but most of mine are related to---"
When he broke off and looked away from them, Willow turned her body and looked at him. "Richard, what?"
"I've been having awful nightmares about... having my secret identity made public," he mumbled. "Well before I was given that letter... as well as after."
Willow frowned. "Richard... I... really? Do you think they're prophetic?"
"How would I know that?"
She shrugged. "Buffy couldn't always tell, either," she said, rubbing his arm. "But we're both having nightmares about some of our biggest fears. Either to warn us or to throw us off of our collective game."
"It's either a prediction or an attack?"
"Well, usually, I'd say no," Willow replied. "But, they're happening too frequently. The subject matter's too consistent. I'm terrified of frogs for reasons passing my understanding, but I haven't had a frog nightmare in months. Don't you think that's weird?"
"Hellmouth-weird?"
"This kinda falls under that category," she said, voicing her concern.
Richard kissed her forehead. "So, we just pay attention," he suggested. "We trust each other and we pay attention."
"Okay," she agreed. "Sounds like a plan."
Asher slid one of his hands under Willow's tank top and stroked the skin over her spine. He pulled her hair off of her neck and kissed behind her ear when she shivered. Willow closed her eyes and tipped back against him.
"Speeding through to main event?" she asked quietly.
"Merely helping things along, mon colibri," he murmured. "Unless you wish to rethink---"
"No," she said quickly. "I'm still---" she broke off as Asher nuzzled the back of her neck. "Oh... okay, that feels good," she whispered. "Asher..."
He chuckled and repeated his actions. She shivered in his arms and surrendered to his touch.
It didn't take them too long to rearrange themselves, undressing as they went. Willow barely noticed that Asher kept his pants on, but when she did, she thought he was being awfully considerate of Richard's discomfort with same-sex relations. She made a mental note to show some appreciation of his actions later before Richard kissed her most coherent thoughts away.
She eased back into the cradle of Asher's arm and side of his body. Richard stroked between her legs confidently, demonstrating how well he knew her body, and made sure she was ready for him before he positioned himself and sank into her depths. He collapsed forward with a groan. He barely caught himself on his hands, but recovered quickly. When Willow leaned up and kissed him, he growled. She saw a trace of amber in his eyes and whimpered as she felt her own wolf rise to meet his.
"Richard," she whispered into his mouth. "More. Please."
He nipped at her lower lip and responded with thrusts of his hips. Willow tried to tip her head back to let loose a long, low moan, but Richard caught her lip in his teeth and bit down with enough force to draw a little blood.
The pain made her cry out but she didn't stop moving with him. She didn't use her safety word, either. She could feel how aroused both Richard and his beast were; she could feel how Asher's arousal hit a new height when he smelled her blood. The vampire had taught her plenty about the fine line between pleasure and pain and she used her experiences (and enjoyment of them) to embrace what she was presently feeling.
Richard leaned away from her mouth and released her. Asher pounced. He kissed her until she couldn't breathe, licking up all traces of the blood Richard had drawn.
They moved together as if they had been choreographed. Asher pushed a pillow under her lower back as Richard moved back up onto his knees and lifted her hips onto his thighs.
She felt him filling her completely. Each time he pulled her onto his erection, while thrusting into into her a little with every pull, she let out a noise ranging from a gasp to a shriek depending on the force Richard used and on if Asher was already kissing her. After a few minutes, though, he moved onto her breasts; he alternated between licking them and grazing them with his fangs.
Between the two men, she was getting very worked up---very quickly.
"God, you're both---" her voice hitched as Richard filled her completely again "---at this," she muttered. "Good thing we don't do this often. I might never survive."
Asher chuckled and licked his way to her neck. After lifting his head and kissing her lips, he said: "You flatter us every time we are together."
"I mean it," she mumbled.
"Soon, Asher," Richard groaned.
"Mmmm, bon," the vampire purred. He kissed the witch once more and then said, "I have been summoned, mon colibri."
Willow laughed weakly. The sound died away as she watched Asher kneel behind Richard and wrap an arm around his body. The werewolf stopped thrusting into her as Asher found a comfortable position. He brushed Richard's hair off of his neck and whispered something into his ear. Richard closed his eyes and stiffened. Willow watched his face flush. She wanted to know what Asher said to him but refused to ask. She used one of her legs to caress Richard's side and watched as he tipped his neck to one side for Asher's bite.
"Oh, fuck," Richard groaned when Asher's fangs sank into his neck. "Ash---Asher---"
The redhead could feel the power leaking off of the vampire and she closed her eyes. As much as she wanted to watch them together she knew she wouldn't last much longer.
The tension in the cradle of her hips was building. She moaned and tipped her head back into the pillows behind her. An orgasm was building but it wasn't until she felt someone's fingers press down on all of her most sensitive nerves that she cried out and stopped fighting the sensations washing over her.
Richard didn't last too much longer, either. Willow felt him slump forward when he growled her name for a final time; she expected to feel the weight of his body on her but when she opened her eyes, she saw that Asher was supporting him from behind. Richard looked extremely sated and close to drowsy. Asher appeared as if he were inflamed; his body was flush with blood and passion and his eyes were alight with his powers.
Willow was drawn to the vampire but she knew she needed another minute with Richard. He was strong, but Willow knew from experience that he often had frayed nerves from dealing with Asher; she wanted to make sure he was alright. She kissed her Ulfric and nuzzled his nose with hers. He responded by pulling her onto her side and into his arms.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked quietly.
"Did I use my safety word?" she asked in response.
"No."
She kissed him again. "Then, no," she murmured. She watched as his eyes fluttered open. Then, she smiled. "You okay?"
"Yeah," he whispered. "Goldilocks is kind of good at that biting thing."
Asher snorted. Willow let out a small laugh.
"Thank you, mon ami," Asher said quietly as he pushed himself off of the bed and stood to remove his pants. "You are most delicious, as well."
Richard groaned. Willow leaned into him and kissed his lips. "You are pretty yummy," she whispered teasingly.
"Indeed," Asher agreed, "but there is someone else whose wares I would enjoy sampling."
Willow looked up as Asher's pants fell down and she grinned at him. "Who, me?" she asked.
"Do not be so thick, mon colibri," he replied playfully.
She laughed softly and reached out for him. As she moved, Richard moved; he ended up behind her, supporting her body as she drew Asher to him.
He rested on his knees, between her legs, but moved down until he could kiss her stomach. Willow sighed and lifted her head from Richard's shoulder to see Asher peeking at her through his long, curly hair.
"Asher, I'm pretty well primed," she whispered.
He brushed his fingers against her core. He grinned when she whimpered and wriggled---and even more when Richard reached around her midsection with both of his arms to hold her still.
"No fair, no fair!" she protested. "Guys!"
"Hold her still for me, mon ami," Asher ordered. "I do not want her to squirm away from us."
"I did not say you two could gang up on me!" Willow cried out. She laughed a little as Asher's hair tickled her thighs. "Oh, c'mon! No fair!"
Asher kissed her hip and then made his way over Richard's arms to her breasts. His fingers continued to stroke between her legs and she continued to try to wriggle against Richard's hold on her. They usually didn't act in tandem; Willow had been with them both before, but they never really ganged up on her like they had been doing. She was surprised that Richard was so pliable to Asher's participation and direction. She didn't dislike it---but she was a little confused by it.
She tensed when Asher's fingers slid inside of her, working through the slippery mess of fluid from her coupling with Richard. He rubbed against her hidden hot spots at the same time as he drew one of her nipples into his mouth.
Asher! she cried into his mind.
He laughed around her flesh. When she reached down and grabbed his wrist, he stopped laughing and looked into her eyes. "Qu'est-ce qu'il y a?" he asked.
Willow smiled and shook her head as she pulled his hand up to her face. She wrinkled her nose as she looked at his well-coated fingers; feeling the evidence and seeing the evidence could be two different things in her mind. Asher's eyes widened in surprise as she enveloped two of his fingers with her mouth and opened her shields to him at the same time.
His hips flexed into her, rubbing her sensitive flesh with his, and he moaned loudly.
"Tasty?" she asked before moving onto his other two fingers.
Asher groaned and rolled onto his back. He closed his eyes. Savouring the taste of the two next to him, he hummed quietly.
Richard licked Willow's neck. "We can't taste that good," he commented.
"Asher seems to like it," Willow said on a chuckle.
When she licked his hand clean, she eased out of Richard's arms and leaned over Asher to kiss him. He responded by lifting her so she was straddling his waist, but still kissing him.
A minute later, he was slowly pushing his erection inside her wet folds and groaning into her mouth. Willow whimpered and broke their kiss. She rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes.
"Mon colibri?"
"I'm okay," she whispered. "Both of you might be too much for my nerves to handle."
"We'll have to train you then," he murmured playfully. "Endurance exercises."
Willow cursed. He laughed and guided her hips into a rocking motion. He sought another kiss when she started to lean back. He followed her, propping himself up onto his elbows to maintain the kiss.
Asher helped her move when her thighs began to tremble. He fell back and moved his hands to her waist where they could help her rise and fall with every thrust of his hips.
"Do you want to bite?" she asked.
He shook his head. "Non, your Ulfric has filled me," he whispered.
Willow nodded and leaned back further. Asher raised his knees so his legs could support her and she took advantage of the slight change in position. She leaned against him and closed her eyes. She tipped her head back and followed Asher's guiding hands on her waist.
When Richard's fingers wormed their way to the sensitive and throbbing bundle of nerves between Willow's legs, she whined. Unable to hold out any longer, her muscles spasmed and she cried out loudly. She vaguely heard Asher growl and then she felt him stiffen underneath her.
"Oh... holy hell," Willow breathed.
Richard wrapped an arm around her waist and helped her to the mattress. She slumped between both men; Asher curled up behind her, adjusting her position deeper into Richard's arms.
"Good thing we don't do that very often," she whispered. "I don't think I'd survive."
"To think, there was a time you wanted it frequently," Asher murmured.
"Only so I could pass out and sleep dreamlessly," Willow reminded him. "I don't want to pass out tonight."
"Non?" he asked.
"No," she whispered. She snuggled into his body. "I want to be awake for a little while. You guys don't always play so nicely, and I have you both here."
"I could read to you, if you'd like," the vampire suggested.
"You'd read to us?"
"If you'd like," Asher replied.
"What were you reading before?" Richard asked.
"A novel from mon colibri's collection," Asher told him. "It is about spies. Mon corbeau enjoyed it immensely. He suggested I read it."
"Alright," Richard agreed. "But, would you mind starting at the beginning?"
"Not at all, mon ami," the vampire replied.
Willow and Richard adjusted their positions so Asher could retrieve the book from the bedside table. The vampire also pulled the covers of the bed up from its foot; the other two slipped underneath the warm blankets. Willow pulled the blankets up over Asher, too, and then sat back against Asher's body. He put one arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head as he propped the book against his bended leg. Richard inched closer to Willow and pillowed his head on her stomach, lying semi-prone.
She reached down and stroked her hand over his back. Richard sighed and closed his eyes.
"On est prête?" Asher asked.
"Oui," Willow told him. "Read."
Asher chuckled and started with the first chapter.
Willow sighed happily as his accented-voice washed over her, introducing the characters and the scene of the earliest part of the story. She wanted it to be like this every night, even though she knew that was impossible. She caught a series of fleeting images as Asher imagined Jean-Claude and Anita with them in a variety of poses and settings. She sighed again and rubbed Asher's arm with one of her hands.
"What are you two thinking about?" Richard asked.
"Spending time together as a pentumvirate," Willow replied.
The Ulfric sighed. "I don't see that happening any time soon."
"Me, neither," Willow agreed. "But, that's okay, too."
"Did you decide what you're going to do about Valentine's Day?" Richard askd.
The witch looked down at him through her lashes. "How did you... I was going to talk to you about it, but the timing's been kind bad, so---"
"Anita told me," he said, cutting her off. "She's never cared about bad timing."
Willow snorted. "I'm sorry, Richard. I wanted to---"
"I know."
"I'm not going to make a decision until I talk to you and Asher."
Asher set the book, pages side down, on his thigh. "I have already made my position clear, mon colibri."
"I thought you wouldn't have to," Richard commented. "You and Jean-Claude have been trying to get around Anita's rules for a long time."
"I told Willow that I would only agree to it if she was comfortable with it," Asher told him. "If she has any reservations, I will support her decision to not participate. Even Jean-Claude has not easily agreed. There are many things to consider."
"No offence, but I'm impressed."
Asher sighed loudly. "Richard, we are not slaves to our passions."
"I know."
"We love Anita and Willow---we do not want to destroy the tentative peace between them and we definitely do not want to do anything to jeopardise our current relationships with them," Asher explained. "I do not want to hurt Willow, or Anita, either."
"I know... I just... I expected... Anita told me about how Jean-Claude's always wanted her and Jason together---human servant and pomme de sang with their vampire---and I know you and he have fantasies of sharing both of them without reservations," Richard said quietly. "I'm surprised you haven't jumped onto Anita's decision. That's all."
"If I want to feed Jean-Claude... like that," Willow said as diplomatically as she could, "would you be okay with it, Richard?"
The werewolf sighed. "Well, you've fed him already."
"This would be more intimate," she reminded him. "No nudity, but definitely more romantic."
"I know."
"I don't love him the way I love you and Asher," she murmured. "But, I do care about him. Jean-Claude would say that's love... maybe I'm just too young to know all that love really is. I don't know." She paused and brushed her fingers through Richard's long hair. "But, Anita's really trying by offering this, so I'm seriously considering her offer. I don't mean I'm almost completely decided on going for it. I mean, I'm considering it, seriously. Just in case you thought I sounded biased already or---"
Richard chuckled, cutting her off. "I get it, Willow."
"I still don't know what you said to her to make her come up with this crazy idea," Willow added.
"I didn't tell her to invite you and Asher over for a meal, if that's what you're thinking."
Willow laughed. "No, I didn't think you would."
"But, if you think you want to do it, then I'll do my best to be alright with it," he told her.
She looked down at him. "Really?"
"Really," he assured her. "I know the last few years have been difficult for Jean-Claude and Asher, and this could be a step in an easier direction. It might make things more complicated for you and Jean-Claude, but it could ease some of the tension between you guys, too."
"Tension?" Willow echoed.
"I'm not an idiot. I see how he looks at you. I see how you respond to him."
"Richard---"
"You're my lupa and nothing will change that," he interjected. "I see things. And that's okay."
"So, it's all on me?" she asked.
"Non, mon colibri, it is on all of us."
She smiled a bit upon hearing Asher's words. She still hadn't decided what to do about Valentine's Day, but she was relieved in hearing that Richard would try to accept her decision if she went along with Anita's plan.
"I'm having a hard time deciding if I can stand to watch Anita in Asher's arms," Willow admitted to them both. "It makes me sound so hypocritical and petty and---"
"How I feel for her does not change how I feel for you," Asher reminded her.
"I know," she whispered.
Asher kissed the side of her head. "You are my human servant," he murmured. "And I will always love you. I've loved you since before you became mine to love and I know these feelings will not fade away."
"I find that funny," she commented. "I know I love you, too, and I can never imagine those feelings changing... but..."
"I am older than you. I have a different sense of time in accordance with my emotions."
"I know."
"When you are as old as I am, you will understand."
She chuckled. "That's going to take some getting used to," she admitted.
"What will, mon colibri?"
"I never really think about the fact that some day, if all goes well, I'll be a hundred years old and still look the way I do now."
He chuckled. "I, too, once thought that was puzzling," he confessed. "Jean-Claude and I will help you adjust---and Richard and Anita, if they are as bound as we are."
"I never think about it," Richard said quietly. "It kind of blows my mind."
"I hope you are bound to us," Willow whispered. "I couldn't imagine living without you, too, Richard."
"If that's what happens, I know you'll deal with it," he assured her. "Someone else will take over the pack and I trust you to advise and guide them if they ask for your help."
"Richard---"
"But, I'm not going anywhere any time soon," he said to interrupt. "So, don't get sad now."
Willow smiled and nodded. "Yeah, okay. If you say so."
"I do."
She gave a soft little laugh and kissed the top of his head. "So, you're okay with me deciding to join in on this little Valentine's Day thing?"
"Absolutely. On one condition."
"Name it."
"You make plans to spend a weekend away with me."
"Doing what?"
"I was thinking we'd go to Tennessee," he replied. "I want you to meet Marianne and Verne. And, I want us to have some time away in a place where our day to day lives can't quite catch up to it."
Willow craned her neck to look at Asher. "Is that okay with you?"
"Jean-Claude will have to make arrangements, but I believe it can be done with a minimum of fuss."
"But, is it okay with you?"
He nodded slowly. "Oui," he told her. "I would not be opposed to you taking such a trip as long as you are both careful with your diplomatic tactics."
"Thanks," she murmured. She squeezed his arm with his hand. "I love you both."
"We both love you," Richard said before yawning.
"Sleepy?" Willow asked.
"Getting there..."
"Asher?"
"Oui, mon colibri?"
"Could you keep reading?"
He chuckled. "Oui, I can do that," he said before he picked up his book. "Richard, shall I resume the story?"
"Knock yourself out."
Asher snorted. "Very well," he said before launching back into his job of reading aloud to his other two bedmates.
TBC...