Forever, Always, and Then Some

Chapter 136

 

She begins to awaken and stretches her arms out. Her muscles flex under her smooth skin as she feels the emptiness of the bed. Her eyes open and look around for her missing vampire. She relaxes as her slayer instincts assure her he is nearby. She slips out of bed and pads across the floor and to the living room. She stands looking at the lights twinkling on the tree and the shirtless body sitting beside it. She moves slowly toward him. She stalks him as she has done any other demon prey.

As she nears, he turns and looks up at her and smiles. She places her hands on her hips and looks down at him sternly. The movement causes her breasts to move and attract his attention. All thoughts of his planned holiday greeting disappear as all the blood in his body rushes to his nether regions. He turns and rises to his knees. His hand raises to her shoulder and strokes down her arm. She relaxes and watches him under hooded eyelids. He flashes a smile as his hand wanders from her wrist to her hip and upward.

As his thumb flicks over her taunt nipple, his other hand slides between her muscular thighs. She places her one hand on his shoulder and the other on his head as he lifts her leg over his shoulder. She leaves crescent shaped marks on his skin as his tongue delves into her moist cleft. She bites her lips and throws her head back. Only her slayer muscle tone keeps her upright as he without notice shoves three fingers into her steamy passage. She begins rocking her hips in tandem with his fingers and tongue. It is only moments before she reaches her apex and tumbles into the pleasurable abyss.

Her leg wobbles and he quickly slides his hand up her back and lowers her to the floor. She looks up and sees his face still damp from her juices. Her hand snakes tight around his neck and pulls him into a searing kiss. Her legs open in invitation and he moves quickly to thrust his throbbing manhood into her awaiting hot flesh. She moans at the penetration and widens her legs more. He begins stroking deep and hard. Her hands grip his smooth white checks. Her nails dig in hard as she encourages him to move faster and harder. At the smell of his own blood he hooks her legs on his arms a spreads her even wider.

They writhe and bounce in a hard punishing animalistic mating. It takes only minutes before she is careening to her second orgasm. Her muscles clamping down on his erection drags him with her. The powerful sensations leave him weak and he collapses on top of her prone body. They both lay momentarily spent and sated. After a few seconds she pushes against his shoulders.

Faith: Get off me you big oaf.

He rolls off onto his back and sighs.

Faith: And you wonder why you never get top.

He props up on his elbow and looks down into her face.

Spike: You like top, cause you like the control and the power.

Faith: Well yeah.

Spike runs his hand over her naked breast and tugs at her nipple.

Spike: Merry Christmas.

Faith: You too.

She rolls over to face him.

Faith: You want to tell me why on the day I get to sleep in, you are out here.

Spike smiles at her.

Faith: I don’t like that look.

Spike: Nothing. I was putting your present under the tree.

He strokes her cheek.

Spike: And then I had planned on bringing you breakfast.

Faith: Breakfast? Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer not spilling cold cereal in the sheets.

Spike: Not cereal.

He stands up and moves into her small kitchen. He pulls out eggs, sausage links and hash brown mix. She moves up beside him.

Faith: When you get all this?

She looks accusingly into his face.

Faith: Let me try again. How did you get all this?

Spike: I bought it. I thought you might appreciate a nice breakfast.

He opens the refrigerator.

Spike: I got a turkey breast for dinner too.

Faith: You what?

She glances in the fridge and looks at the turkey and sees more including a can of cranberry sauce.

Faith: All right, I know you don’t have any money so where did all this come from.

Spike, angry at her accusations, stalks off to the bedroom. She follows and watches him jerk a pair of black jeans over his naked body.

Faith: You better tell me.

Spike: Don’t worry. I didn’t steal it.

He jerks a black t-shirt over his head.

Faith: You better not be gambling.

Spike: Damn it woman. Can’t you just appreciate what I do without treating me like a bloody criminal.

He turns even paler if at all possible as his words slam into her. She turns to walk back into the living room and he follows and swings her around. He easily blocks her punch.

Spike: Hold on a sec. I didn’t mean it like that.

Faith: Let me go.

He releases her arm and she stands staring at the tree and the packages at the base.

Faith: Please just tell me what you’ve done. Should I be expecting cops or demons to come to the door.

Spike: Neither. I didn’t steal anything. I didn’t gamble.

Faith: So your fairy godmother just gave you piles of cash? Is that it?

Spike: No. Just Willie.

Faith: Willie? Oh come on. You ‘re not threatening Willie. Wait. Willie is human or he was last time I knew.

Spike: Yes. He’s human and I didn’t threaten him.

He pauses and swallows hard.

Spike: I work for him.

Faith turns around and stares at him.

Spike: I have for over a month now.

Faith: Work? As in?

Spike: As in serving drinks and food.

Faith: What?

Spike: I work the lunch crowd during the week. Pays not great but the tips are good.

Faith stares at him.

Spike: Quit looking at me as if I have sprouted horns or something. I had to do something. Hell woman it’s all your fault. If you weren’t trying to be so damn proper, I would have just stole the stuff and be done with. But no. You have be the good slayer now.

Faith: You’re working?

Spike: Yes. Now can we move on to the presents?

Faith: Presents?

Spike: You think I worked for turkey and sausage? I wanted you to have a real Christmas.

Faith just stares at him for a moment before darting to the bedroom and slamming the door. He stares after her and then slowly follows. He opens the door and stares at her lying on her stomach on the bed.

Spike: Faith?

Faith: Go away.

Spike: Can’t do that.

Faith: Please.

Spike: Not going to happen.

He sits beside her and gently rubs her back.

Spike: I’m sorry. I just wanted to make you happy.

He pauses and continues to rub her back.

Spike: If you want me to throw it all away I will.

Faith rolls over and looks at him.

Faith: Why are you doing this?

Spike: Doing what?

Faith: Treating me like I matter.

Spike: Cause you do. You matter to me.

Faith: What about Buffy?

Spike: Buffy? How did she get into this?

Faith: She’s the one you really want.

She pauses and rolls back over. She feels her guts being ripped out.

Spike: What?

He sighs and curls up behind her. She lays stiff an unyielding.

Spike: I don’t want Buffy. I want you.

He buries his face in her neck and gently kisses her. His hands shake in fear.

Spike: I love you.

She holds her breath in fear. She grips the pillow in her fists.

Spike: I know you can never love me. I know I don’t have a soul. I’m no Angel. I can’t be him but I know what I feel.

He holds her close and listens to her ragged breathing.

 

 

In Alaska

Buffy walks out into the living room holding Connor’s hand. Angel follows holding Caitlin.

Dawn: Merry Christmas.

Buffy: Merry Christmas.

Willow steps out of the kitchen with a large tray of food.

Willow: Breakfast is ready.

Buffy glances down as Connor begins pulling at his hand clasped in hers. She squats down beside him.

Buffy: What is it?

Connor: G’up

Buffy: Oh my it is a horsy. Daddy look.

Angel: I see. Looks like Santa came.

Connor keeps trying to move toward the stuffed rocking horse. Buffy picks him up and walks over.

Connor: G’up.

Buffy: Wanna ride the horsy?

She lowers him down on the soft over sized pillow back. His little feet skim the floor as he wraps his arms around the neck. Buffy gently pushes down on the back of the horse and it rocks on its slightly curved bottom.

Connor: G’up. G’Up.

Buffy looks up at Angel.

Buffy: Hope you know getting him hooked on horses means you get to teach him to ride when he gets older.

Angel: Not a problem.

They watch the toddler for a few minutes as he plays on the horse.

Angel: Buffy, you go eat.

Buffy: Okay.

She kisses him on the cheek before joining the others at the table. Everyone glances over at Angel sitting on the floor talking to his son and daughter.

Fred: Isn’t that so cute. The three of them look like a Norman Rockwell picture.

Xander: If Rockwell was from Transylvania.

Buffy and Willow both give him looks to kill.

Xander: It was a joke.

Willow: No, jokes are funny.

Xander: You know I didn’t mean anything.

Cordelia: Xander, just sit down and eat. Maybe with food in your mouth you can keep your foot out.

Everyone quickly dispenses with the morning meal as they eagerly anticipate what lies beneath the tree. As they begin to move into the living room area, Giles begins carrying the dirty dishes into the kitchen.

Buffy: Let me help you.

Giles: No, you go. I can handle this.

Marvin: I’ll help. I want to do my part.

Giles: That would be nice.

Giles and Marvin quickly clear the table and begin loading the dishwasher.

Giles: So out with it.

Marvin: Pardon?

Giles: You want to ask something. I can tell.

Marvin: Am I that obvious?

Giles: Just to someone who has been around Buffy for years. You got that same look.

Marvin glances into the living room at the others.

Giles: Marvin?

Marvin: I’m sorry. I am just a bit confused. What I think I think can’t be. But nothing else is making sense either.

Giles: Now I am confused.

Marvin looks him in the eye.

Marvin: What is Angel?

Giles: Pardon me?

Marvin: He’s not normal. He doesn’t eat. He is stronger than a human. And he can’t go out in the sun.

Giles holds his gaze and waits.

Marvin: And I know it can’t be what I am thinking cause then he would not be married or having children. So what is he?

Giles: What do you think he is?

Marvin: No, you tell me.

Giles: I am still not sure why you are bringing your questions to me. Angel is sitting right over there.

The men both glance over and can see Angel watching.

Giles: And appears to be hearing everything.

Marvin: Oh god.

Giles: Marvin, I understand your concern. I do. But Angel is a unique person. He is a true warrior for the Powers That Be. He has proven himself to everyone here. And if you can’t tell, he adores his wife and children.

Marvin: So he is not a….not a vampire?

Giles: Oh he is but he has his soul.

Marvin: Pardon?

Giles: Yes. Has for quite a long time.

Marvin: But the children?

Giles: Are his.

Marvin: A vampire with a soul who can reproduce. Is there anything he can’t do?

Giles: Be happy.

Marvin: Pardon.

Giles: His soul was restored by a gypsy curse and the only way to break it is for him to achieve true happiness.

Marvin: Oww. And having a family does not making him happy.

Giles: It does but so far not that happy. He knows what to avoid.

Marvin: How come I am getting the feeling the curse has been broken before?

Giles: Cause it has. Now you are getting into some personal areas and I think if you have more questions you should speak to Angel or Buffy.

Marvin: I’m sorry. I did not mean to pry.

He turns to walk off and faces Angel.

Marvin: Hi.

Angel nods toward the kitchen and Marvin warily follows. Angel leans against the counter and crosses his arms. Marvin stands in the doorway watching him.

Angel: There is some reason the Powers sent Buffy to bring you back.

Marvin: I guess.

Angel: You have a role to play.

Buffy: We all do.

She saddles up beside Angel and he wraps his arm around her.

Marvin: I don’t know what.

Buffy: Well one day you will.

She glances up at Angel, smiling.

Buffy: The PTB does not just save anyone.

Marvin: Then I hope I don’t disappoint them.

Buffy: You won’t. Now let’s go open presents.

Buffy moves to walk toward the living room followed by Angel and Marvin. Everyone spends the next hours opening gifts until the ground is littered in paper and ribbons. Buffy glances from Connor on his horse to Willow rocking Caitlin. Then around to her friends and lastly lands on Angel and Xander arguing over how to assemble a child’s riding toy train.

Buffy sighs.

Buffy: This is perfect.

Wesley: I would have to agree. You did well.

Buffy giggles.

Fred: I think we all are pretty happy and content.

Cordelia: Well I hope not all of us.

Everyone looks at Angel.

Angel smirks.

Angel: With this little hell on wheels someone bought, you can all feel safe.

Anya: Besides, I thought only sex with Buffy made him that happy.

Everyone just shakes their head.

Dawn: Who wants to help me clean this all up.

Fred: I will.

Pike stands up and helps the girls clear away the debris. Buffy crawls beside Angel and looks over his shoulder.

Xander: We don’t need a slayer.

Buffy: I just came for snuggles.

Angel drops the parts to the toy and pulls her into his lap.

Angel: Your wish is my command.

Buffy (m): Think we can get the others to watch the kids and we can have a few moments alone.

Angel grins.

Angel (m): What do you want to do?

Buffy (m): Guess.

Angel smiles and looks over at Cordelia.

Angel: Cordy.

Cordelia: Yes?

Angel: You mind watching Connor?

Cordelia: Sure.

Angel stands up with Buffy in his arms and strides out of the room. Dawn watches them leave and frowns.

Dawn: Willow, have you ever tried to find out how to close that little loop hole?

Willow: I can’t. I don’t even know how I cursed him in the first place.

Cordelia: Yeah. Cause that was so creepy. That weird voice and all.

Willow: I just hope I never have to do it again.

Dawn: You won’t. They won‘t let it get that far.

Wesley: Besides they have a twenty-four hour binding amulet.

Anya: Yeah and it has been what four months already.

Fred: Yeah but it must be awful only making love only twice a year.

Cordelia: But on the good side they seem to breed like bunnies.

Anya squeals and glares at Cordelia.

Anya: How can you say things like that?

Cordelia just shakes her head as Xander motions Anya to his side.

Anya: So what do you think they are going to do in there anyway?

Willow: That is none of our business.

Marvin listens to the conversation closely and then glances around for Giles. He notices he is in the corner deep in conversation with Hannah and looks around at the others. He finds himself drawn back to the red head and replaying her words. He knew he felt something from her since he arrived and now he knows why. He closes his eyes and focuses his energy towards her and suddenly gasps. His whole being quakes.

Wesley: Marvin, you okay?

Marvin: The child.

Wesley looks at Marvin’s eyes focused on Willow and Caitlin.

Wesley: Caitlin?

Marvin: No.

Willow: My baby?

Marvin: He is powerful.

Fred takes Caitlin and Oz helps Willow to her feet.

Willow: What do you know?

Marvin: Nothing. I just can feel his power.

Willow: What do you mean?

Marvin: You are a wicca, correct?

Willow: Yes. But I no longer practice.

Marvin: Well you better start back. He’s going to need you. His power is immense. Greater than mine. Greater than my grandfather’s. When he matures he needs to be prepared to handle it.

Willow looks at Oz and he takes her in his arms.

Wesley: Willow, you knew some of this already.

Willow: I know.

Marvin: Knew what?

Wesley: The two children are prophesized to be crucial to an apocalypse.

Marvin: Two children?

Willow: Caitlin and our baby.

Marvin: Oh. The child of a slayer and vampire. I would think she would be special. And your child too. I am just surprised that a child from a wicca and a mortal could harness such energy.

Willow looks at Oz for approval and he nods.

Willow: His father is a werewolf.

Marvin: That explains it. He has both the magical energy and the animal strength.

Willow: So he will be a werewolf?

Marvin: I don’t think so. But I don’t know. What I feel is pure radiant magical power.

Willow looks at Oz.

Marvin: Willow, I’m sorry to upset you.

He looks around.

Marvin: Any of you. I just think you need to be prepared. He will need to be properly trained. He will need to learn how to use his powers.

Willow: But..

Marvin: Willow, I just met you but you seem very capable.

Willow: You don’t understand. I can’t control it. I’m not strong enough.

Marvin: I’m confused.

Willow looks down her stomach and then back up at Marvin with renewed courage.

Willow: I’m an addict. I got to the point that I could not do a simple daily task without relying on the magics. And I always was trying to find more powerful spells and charms. It took over and consumed my life.

She glances at Dawn.

Willow: And hurt those I loved the most.

Dawn: But it has been over a year. It is behind us.

Xander: That’s right, Will.

Marvin: I understand. So what did your mentor do?

Willow: Mentor?

Marvin: Yes? Your guide? Your teacher?

Willow: You mean who taught me magic?

Marvin: Yes of course.

Willow: No one taught me. I taught myself. Well except what Tara showed me but that was after I was already involved in it for a few years.

Marvin: My heaven. You had no mentor. No wonder you lost control.

He takes a deep breath.

Marvin: Would you feel comfortable talking to me while I’m here? Maybe I can help you find away to harness your own power.

Willow: So I can help my son?

Marvin: Yes.

Willow: I would be grateful for any help.

Marvin: Well I do not want to disturb your Christmas Day, so maybe we can talk tomorrow.

Willow: Marvin, I’m Jewish so we can talk today if you don’t mind.

Marvin: Fine with me.

She glances around.

Willow: I guess we can talk in my room. It would be more private.

Marvin: Lead the way.

She gives Oz a hug and then walks off with Marvin.

Dawn: Maybe this is a plan.

Wesley: The powers do move in odd ways.

 

 

Hours later.

Marvin sits holding Willows hands.

Marvin: You have come a long way on your own. I’m so amazed.

He glances at the paper on the bed.

Marvin: So before you did the curse you had no training.

Willow: None. I had only done a little glamour or two. Heck I couldn’t even levitate a pencil until later.

Marvin: Willow, I am still trying to understand all you have told me but I can’t get past the soul restoration to even begin to grasp the fact you resurrected the dead.

Willow: I know.

Marvin: Willow, I want to help you.

She smiles nervously.

Marvin: It may take some time. And it won’t be easy. Especially with me in New York and you in Sunnydale.

Willow: I just can’t leave Buffy or Oz.

Marvin: I understand completely. We can try and do this via phone and e-mail.

Willow: And telepathy.

Marvin: You can do that?

Willow: I’m not the only one.

Marvin: Huh?

Willow: Others in our group can too. Actually Buffy and Angel have both mastered the subconscious manipulation.

Marvin: What does that mean?

Willow: They can dream visit. Actually they can create the dream and draw the other in.

Marvin: You’re serious?

Willow: Yes. I think it gives them a way to alleviate their well uh sexual frustrations.

Marvin: Dream sex?

Willow: Yes. You know that is the one spell I wish I could accomplish.

Marvin: Removing the loop hole?

Willow: That or bind his soul.

She sighs.

Willow: Maybe one day.

Marvin: I am not sure there is a way to do it permanently. But from what you tell me of the amulet, it can be done temporarily.

Willow: So never permanent?

Marvin: His soul is not suppose to be here. I don’t think it can ever be permanently tethered.

Willow: But the curse.

Marvin: May only have succeeded if it could be broken.

Willow: Oh.

Marvin: Would you mind if I look at the curse for awhile.

Willow: I guess. We have a number of copies.

Marvin: So he can’t destroy them all.

Willow: We can hope.

Marvin: Can we talk again later?

Willow: Of course.

He picks up the copy of the curse and leaves the room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2005 Tara