AB/BtVS Fic: Alive at Last 18/? (Willow/Asher)
TITLE: Alive at Last
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii overall
PAIRING: Willow/Asher
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the series for BtVS, even though I don't really remember much of it, since I haven't watched the last seasons in ages.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone. I'm just having a little fun.
NOTES: This story is AU, since it's a crossover; because of that, I've taken a few creative liberties with explaining why the BtVS vampires are different than the AB vampires, and so on.
Previous Chapters: 1-3, 4, 5, 6-7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 17
PART EIGHTEEN
Willow didn't know what time it was when she woke up. Her body ached, but in a good way; she and Asher had spent a couple of hours at Danse Macabre and her muscles were reminding her of every dance they shared in the club. She stretched and yawned and then slowly made her way out of the bed and towards the bathroom.
As she walked, she waved her hands over the candles that Asher kept around the bedroom, lighting the chamber for when Asher would wake up---even though she was pretty sure he didn't need the extra light.
After she showered and dressed, she saw that Asher still hadn't moved. She spent a few minutes admiring his form; he was a perfect statue, as if the gods themselves had sculpted him. Even the scars didn't detract from his beauty.
Her stomach rumbled. She wondered what time it was. If Asher hadn't woken up, she guessed it wasn't dark yet; but she rarely woke up before the sun disappeared beneath the horizon since she was invited to stay at the Circus of the Damned. She stifled a yawn and slipped into her sandals, before giving Asher one more glance and before leaving the suite.
Jason and Nathaniel had shown her where the kitchen was one evening. Asher never seemed too concerned; he would simply find someone who worked for Jean-Claude and would ask him or her to bring Willow something to eat. But, Willow didn't want to get too spoiled; she liked her independence and she liked doing things for herself.
The kitchen was like a restaurant's kitchen, white and clean and large and well-organised. But, unlike a restaurant's kitchen, the Circus' kitchen was pretty empty. Jason was there, sipping coffee and reading a newspaper; other than Jason and Willow, though, no one else was in the brightly lit room.
He looked up and smiled at her. She smiled back at him and opened her mouth to say something---but he stopped her with a raised hand. Jason turned, grabbed a clean mug off of a shelf, and filled it with coffee from a french press.
"Coffee first, then speak," he advised teasingly as he handed her the mug.
Willow smiled and accepted the coffee. After a few slow sips, she sighed and smiled more. "That's better," she murmured.
Jason laughed and turned so he was leaning his lower back against the counter. He wasn't wearing much but a pair of shorts and a mesh tank top---and a fresh bite mark on his neck.
"Jean-Claude's up?"
"Oh yeah," Jason replied. "Awake and all bitey and stuff."
Willow frowned. "Asher was still out cold... so to speak... when I left to come here."
"You sure he wasn't just playing possum?"
"Why would he do that?"
Jason laughed. "You've never faked being asleep to watch someone move around your bedroom? Perhaps a boyfriend... or girlfriend you liked to watch?"
Willow rolled her eyes. "You're too much sometimes, you know."
"I like to think I'm too much all the time," he replied with a grin.
She laughed. He could always make her laugh and she was glad she had someone in her new life that could brighten her day with humour.
"How does Jean-Claude put up with you?" she inquired.
Jason shrugged. "Most likely with a grain of salt. But, sometimes he uses threats... they're empty, but still---surprisingly---rather effective," he replied. "Although, I prefer it when he uses bribes."
"Bribes?" Willow asked. "Like what kind?"
"Good ones."
She pouted after a sip of coffee. "I don't get bribes... why don't I warrant vampire bribes?"
"Because you probably behave... and because you don't get on Asher's nerves the way I can pounce on Jean-Claude's," Jason pointed out with a grin.
Willow laughed again. "Good point," she conceded. She sipped her coffee and leaned back against the counter, next to Jason. "So... you think he was just watching me."
"Like he was at Guilty Pleasures a few nights ago," Jason said, nodding. "He's kind of easy to figure out once you've got the signs all memorised." Willow turned and looked at him. He smiled. "Oh, they like to think they're all complicated and stuff, with their fangs and their fancy clothes, but they're just guys."
"And you're a guy."
Jason grinned again. "God, you're so smart," he teased. "Did you go to university for that higher education?"
Willow laughed and shoved him. He laughed and gently nudged her in response. "You're so snarky," she commented.
"And you're so---hey, how was Danse Macabre last night?"
"You know you just switched trains pretty fast, there, right?" Willow asked. After Jason nodded and told her that his attention span was often shorter than one's attention span should be, she smiled, stifled a chuckle, and answered his question. "It was fun. Lots of weird people there. Someone kept trying to cut in on us... she wanted to dance with Asher, but it was only to tempt him to bite her, I think," she said. She leaned in and lowered her voice. "She had a lot of bite marks on her neck and arms and I think I saw one on her breast, but I wasn't really looking."
"She's a freak," Jason said.
"Freak? Do you really think you should use terms like that... when you turn all furry?"
He laughed. "No... I mean, it's what people here call those who like to be bitten---a lot," he explained. "They have these 'freak parties' where some vampires like to go because they get free food and free sex."
"Huh. Odd. Kind of interesting... and kind of a frightening slice of society," she mused. "I mean, not that being bitten is... is bad or anything... but, it sounds sort of like these people get addicted to being bitten or something? And that sort of behavior scares me a little."
"Me, too," Jason agreed. "I enjoy being Jean-Claude's pomme, but he respects me... and takes care of me. And the vampires that go to those parties aren't really into returning the favour, if you know what I mean."
Willow nodded. "I think I get your drift," she said quietly, before taking another sip of her coffee.
"But, you had fun?" Jason inquired. "And Asher danced?"
"He did," she murmured, smiling at the young man. "I had a good time... Damian was there, too. He's a pretty good dancer. He took me out on the dance floor a couple of times." She rolled her shoulders and felt the muscles there aching. "I mean, I'm stiff now, but it's nothing a bath later won't cure." She smiled again. "Are you working tonight?"
"Got the night off," he replied. "You got plans?"
She shrugged. "I was going to go to one of those computer cafés for a cup of coffee and some time on a computer," she replied. "You?"
"Was thinking maybe of going to the library... or maybe the video rental place. Maybe I'll go to Anita's and use her TV for a few hours," he told her.
"Fun stuff," Willow commented.
"Micah's working at the Coalition and Nathaniel'll be at work," Anita said from the doorway. "Help yourself."
Jason looked up and smiled. "Hey, Anita," he said happily. "Whatcha doin' here?"
"Picking up a purple shirt I left here," she replied. She smiled. "Bert's complaining about my clothes again." She turned and looked at Willow. "My boss, at Animators, Inc. doesn't like that I wear so much black."
Willow tilted her head. "Well... black is pretty... easy to wear," she said quietly, hoping her tone of voice was polite enough.
"Yeah, but it spooks the clientele," Anita pointed out. "And, I'm too tired to fight with my boss tonight," she added.
"Oh. So, purple shirt, it is," the redhead said unnecessarily.
"Exactly," Anita agreed.
An uneasy silence fell over the trio. Willow wanted to say something, but she didn't know what the appropriate thing to say was; she had said several mean things to Anita, and she didn't want to be the type of girl who only had mean things to say to other people. She knew that Anita was an important part of Asher's life and as upset as he was, Willow knew he didn't want to lose Anita from his life.
"So... how about the Dodgers?" Jason asked with a quirky smile.
Willow looked at him and before she could curb the impulse, she burst into giggles. Jason and Anita laughed, too.
"Sorry," Willow murmured, "Asher warned me not to encourage you."
"I try not to," Anita said, "but I always get sucked back in."
Willow smiled at the other woman. "So, basically, you're telling me that I'm just... always going to be fueling his witty sense of self."
"Pretty much full time," Anita admitted.
Jason snorted. "Oh, c'mon guys, it's not sooo bad." Anita looked at him, arching an eyebrow. His pleasant, and somewhat self-assured, expression crumbled. "Seriously?" he asked. "I thought you liked having me hang around. I'm the... the bringer of good morale. Positive outlook guy. And, I'm a nummy treat."
Willow tried to look at Jason with a stern expression upon her face, but she couldn't do it. She smiled and reached out to ruffle her fingers through his short hair. "We love having you hang around," she murmured. "Don't worry. I wouldn't make it through the day without my regular dose of Jason."
"So, you love me? You really love me?" he asked teasingly.
"Of course," Willow assured him.
Anita smiled and helped herself to Jason's cup of coffee---two creams, one sugar, which meant it was his first cup of the day---and then she touched his arm. "You're my Jason," she murmured.
"Okay, so my ego is stoked and ready to go for the day," Jason said, puffing his chest out a bit.
Willow laughed and playfully slapped the back of his head. "I can resize your head to hold all of that ego, if you want," she offered.
Jason's eyes widened. "I'll behave."
"Good," she chirped.
"God, you magical power types are so... so... scary sometimes!" Jason exclaimed, nudging Willow. "You and your threats and Anita and her raised zombies... and the freaking ardeur!" He laughed softly. "Makes a guy feel sort of... well, inadequate. Even a guy who has fur."
Willow smiled. "Ego... deflated?"
"Perhaps," he admitted.
"Good work, team magic, then," Anita said quietly.
The redhead turned her head and looked at the other woman. Anita offered her a small smile. Willow worried her lower lip with her teeth for a few seconds and then she returned the expression with a small smile of her own.
"I've got a raising at midnight, if you'd like to join me," Anita offered.
Jason cleared his throat. "You're bringing chickens, right?"
Anita rolled her eyes. "I don't do human sacrifice!" she said in an exasperated tone of voice. "How many times to I have to tell everyone that?"
Willow smiled. "I'd offer my blood, but witch's blood in a protective circle... not always the best course of action," she advised. "Especially if it's not the blood of the one casting the spell. Weird things tend to happen, and if you're pulling a zombie out of the ground..." she trailed off and sighed. "I'll come cheer you on, though... I mean, if you don't mind me tagging along."
The black haired woman shook her head. "Ask around. I rarely say things I don't mean."
Willow looked at Jason. He nodded. She looked back at Anita. "Um... well, sure, then. Just tell me what cemetery, and I'll be there."
"I can't promise that we'll get along," Anita added, "but, I'll make an effort."
"Me, too," Willow offered.
"Group hug?" Jason suggested.
AUTHOR: 38gnihsurc
RATING: en.sea.xvii overall
PAIRING: Willow/Asher
SPOILERS: Up until Micah for AB; the series for BtVS, even though I don't really remember much of it, since I haven't watched the last seasons in ages.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anyone. I'm just having a little fun.
NOTES: This story is AU, since it's a crossover; because of that, I've taken a few creative liberties with explaining why the BtVS vampires are different than the AB vampires, and so on.
Previous Chapters: 1-3, 4, 5, 6-7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 17
PART EIGHTEEN
Willow didn't know what time it was when she woke up. Her body ached, but in a good way; she and Asher had spent a couple of hours at Danse Macabre and her muscles were reminding her of every dance they shared in the club. She stretched and yawned and then slowly made her way out of the bed and towards the bathroom.
As she walked, she waved her hands over the candles that Asher kept around the bedroom, lighting the chamber for when Asher would wake up---even though she was pretty sure he didn't need the extra light.
After she showered and dressed, she saw that Asher still hadn't moved. She spent a few minutes admiring his form; he was a perfect statue, as if the gods themselves had sculpted him. Even the scars didn't detract from his beauty.
Her stomach rumbled. She wondered what time it was. If Asher hadn't woken up, she guessed it wasn't dark yet; but she rarely woke up before the sun disappeared beneath the horizon since she was invited to stay at the Circus of the Damned. She stifled a yawn and slipped into her sandals, before giving Asher one more glance and before leaving the suite.
Jason and Nathaniel had shown her where the kitchen was one evening. Asher never seemed too concerned; he would simply find someone who worked for Jean-Claude and would ask him or her to bring Willow something to eat. But, Willow didn't want to get too spoiled; she liked her independence and she liked doing things for herself.
The kitchen was like a restaurant's kitchen, white and clean and large and well-organised. But, unlike a restaurant's kitchen, the Circus' kitchen was pretty empty. Jason was there, sipping coffee and reading a newspaper; other than Jason and Willow, though, no one else was in the brightly lit room.
He looked up and smiled at her. She smiled back at him and opened her mouth to say something---but he stopped her with a raised hand. Jason turned, grabbed a clean mug off of a shelf, and filled it with coffee from a french press.
"Coffee first, then speak," he advised teasingly as he handed her the mug.
Willow smiled and accepted the coffee. After a few slow sips, she sighed and smiled more. "That's better," she murmured.
Jason laughed and turned so he was leaning his lower back against the counter. He wasn't wearing much but a pair of shorts and a mesh tank top---and a fresh bite mark on his neck.
"Jean-Claude's up?"
"Oh yeah," Jason replied. "Awake and all bitey and stuff."
Willow frowned. "Asher was still out cold... so to speak... when I left to come here."
"You sure he wasn't just playing possum?"
"Why would he do that?"
Jason laughed. "You've never faked being asleep to watch someone move around your bedroom? Perhaps a boyfriend... or girlfriend you liked to watch?"
Willow rolled her eyes. "You're too much sometimes, you know."
"I like to think I'm too much all the time," he replied with a grin.
She laughed. He could always make her laugh and she was glad she had someone in her new life that could brighten her day with humour.
"How does Jean-Claude put up with you?" she inquired.
Jason shrugged. "Most likely with a grain of salt. But, sometimes he uses threats... they're empty, but still---surprisingly---rather effective," he replied. "Although, I prefer it when he uses bribes."
"Bribes?" Willow asked. "Like what kind?"
"Good ones."
She pouted after a sip of coffee. "I don't get bribes... why don't I warrant vampire bribes?"
"Because you probably behave... and because you don't get on Asher's nerves the way I can pounce on Jean-Claude's," Jason pointed out with a grin.
Willow laughed again. "Good point," she conceded. She sipped her coffee and leaned back against the counter, next to Jason. "So... you think he was just watching me."
"Like he was at Guilty Pleasures a few nights ago," Jason said, nodding. "He's kind of easy to figure out once you've got the signs all memorised." Willow turned and looked at him. He smiled. "Oh, they like to think they're all complicated and stuff, with their fangs and their fancy clothes, but they're just guys."
"And you're a guy."
Jason grinned again. "God, you're so smart," he teased. "Did you go to university for that higher education?"
Willow laughed and shoved him. He laughed and gently nudged her in response. "You're so snarky," she commented.
"And you're so---hey, how was Danse Macabre last night?"
"You know you just switched trains pretty fast, there, right?" Willow asked. After Jason nodded and told her that his attention span was often shorter than one's attention span should be, she smiled, stifled a chuckle, and answered his question. "It was fun. Lots of weird people there. Someone kept trying to cut in on us... she wanted to dance with Asher, but it was only to tempt him to bite her, I think," she said. She leaned in and lowered her voice. "She had a lot of bite marks on her neck and arms and I think I saw one on her breast, but I wasn't really looking."
"She's a freak," Jason said.
"Freak? Do you really think you should use terms like that... when you turn all furry?"
He laughed. "No... I mean, it's what people here call those who like to be bitten---a lot," he explained. "They have these 'freak parties' where some vampires like to go because they get free food and free sex."
"Huh. Odd. Kind of interesting... and kind of a frightening slice of society," she mused. "I mean, not that being bitten is... is bad or anything... but, it sounds sort of like these people get addicted to being bitten or something? And that sort of behavior scares me a little."
"Me, too," Jason agreed. "I enjoy being Jean-Claude's pomme, but he respects me... and takes care of me. And the vampires that go to those parties aren't really into returning the favour, if you know what I mean."
Willow nodded. "I think I get your drift," she said quietly, before taking another sip of her coffee.
"But, you had fun?" Jason inquired. "And Asher danced?"
"He did," she murmured, smiling at the young man. "I had a good time... Damian was there, too. He's a pretty good dancer. He took me out on the dance floor a couple of times." She rolled her shoulders and felt the muscles there aching. "I mean, I'm stiff now, but it's nothing a bath later won't cure." She smiled again. "Are you working tonight?"
"Got the night off," he replied. "You got plans?"
She shrugged. "I was going to go to one of those computer cafés for a cup of coffee and some time on a computer," she replied. "You?"
"Was thinking maybe of going to the library... or maybe the video rental place. Maybe I'll go to Anita's and use her TV for a few hours," he told her.
"Fun stuff," Willow commented.
"Micah's working at the Coalition and Nathaniel'll be at work," Anita said from the doorway. "Help yourself."
Jason looked up and smiled. "Hey, Anita," he said happily. "Whatcha doin' here?"
"Picking up a purple shirt I left here," she replied. She smiled. "Bert's complaining about my clothes again." She turned and looked at Willow. "My boss, at Animators, Inc. doesn't like that I wear so much black."
Willow tilted her head. "Well... black is pretty... easy to wear," she said quietly, hoping her tone of voice was polite enough.
"Yeah, but it spooks the clientele," Anita pointed out. "And, I'm too tired to fight with my boss tonight," she added.
"Oh. So, purple shirt, it is," the redhead said unnecessarily.
"Exactly," Anita agreed.
An uneasy silence fell over the trio. Willow wanted to say something, but she didn't know what the appropriate thing to say was; she had said several mean things to Anita, and she didn't want to be the type of girl who only had mean things to say to other people. She knew that Anita was an important part of Asher's life and as upset as he was, Willow knew he didn't want to lose Anita from his life.
"So... how about the Dodgers?" Jason asked with a quirky smile.
Willow looked at him and before she could curb the impulse, she burst into giggles. Jason and Anita laughed, too.
"Sorry," Willow murmured, "Asher warned me not to encourage you."
"I try not to," Anita said, "but I always get sucked back in."
Willow smiled at the other woman. "So, basically, you're telling me that I'm just... always going to be fueling his witty sense of self."
"Pretty much full time," Anita admitted.
Jason snorted. "Oh, c'mon guys, it's not sooo bad." Anita looked at him, arching an eyebrow. His pleasant, and somewhat self-assured, expression crumbled. "Seriously?" he asked. "I thought you liked having me hang around. I'm the... the bringer of good morale. Positive outlook guy. And, I'm a nummy treat."
Willow tried to look at Jason with a stern expression upon her face, but she couldn't do it. She smiled and reached out to ruffle her fingers through his short hair. "We love having you hang around," she murmured. "Don't worry. I wouldn't make it through the day without my regular dose of Jason."
"So, you love me? You really love me?" he asked teasingly.
"Of course," Willow assured him.
Anita smiled and helped herself to Jason's cup of coffee---two creams, one sugar, which meant it was his first cup of the day---and then she touched his arm. "You're my Jason," she murmured.
"Okay, so my ego is stoked and ready to go for the day," Jason said, puffing his chest out a bit.
Willow laughed and playfully slapped the back of his head. "I can resize your head to hold all of that ego, if you want," she offered.
Jason's eyes widened. "I'll behave."
"Good," she chirped.
"God, you magical power types are so... so... scary sometimes!" Jason exclaimed, nudging Willow. "You and your threats and Anita and her raised zombies... and the freaking ardeur!" He laughed softly. "Makes a guy feel sort of... well, inadequate. Even a guy who has fur."
Willow smiled. "Ego... deflated?"
"Perhaps," he admitted.
"Good work, team magic, then," Anita said quietly.
The redhead turned her head and looked at the other woman. Anita offered her a small smile. Willow worried her lower lip with her teeth for a few seconds and then she returned the expression with a small smile of her own.
"I've got a raising at midnight, if you'd like to join me," Anita offered.
Jason cleared his throat. "You're bringing chickens, right?"
Anita rolled her eyes. "I don't do human sacrifice!" she said in an exasperated tone of voice. "How many times to I have to tell everyone that?"
Willow smiled. "I'd offer my blood, but witch's blood in a protective circle... not always the best course of action," she advised. "Especially if it's not the blood of the one casting the spell. Weird things tend to happen, and if you're pulling a zombie out of the ground..." she trailed off and sighed. "I'll come cheer you on, though... I mean, if you don't mind me tagging along."
The black haired woman shook her head. "Ask around. I rarely say things I don't mean."
Willow looked at Jason. He nodded. She looked back at Anita. "Um... well, sure, then. Just tell me what cemetery, and I'll be there."
"I can't promise that we'll get along," Anita added, "but, I'll make an effort."
"Me, too," Willow offered.
"Group hug?" Jason suggested.