Saviors 2
I stretched, trying not to brush against the form next to me. We’d been watching movies for hours. At least three movies, interspersed with the usual girl talk. School gossip mostly. I had a lot of catching up to do. I’d missed most of the social triumphs and tragedies the past several weeks. The bowl of popcorn lay empty on the floor, scattered cans of soda adorned the table.
I laughed at some witticism Willow made that had Buffy sputtering indignantly. She lunged over me at the redhead, landing on my stomach. I laughed harder, tears coming to my eyes as Willow shrieked and dodged out of the way.
"Alex! Save me from her! She’s gone mad!" she managed to call out breathlessly.
I joined in the free for all and grabbed Buffy around the waist as she started to push of the bed, and me. She yelped in frustration as I held her back. Then she turned on me! I crowed with laughter as she descended on my sides and tickled unmercifully.
Giggling and squirming, I tried to free myself. Finally I just bucked my body and flipped her over, pinning her down with my weight. For half a second I let myself get lost in the feeling of her under me. And swore there was a responding pressure. But the moment passed as Willow stood up.
"Get her Willow!" I laughed as Buffy begged for mercy. "Vengeance shall be ours!" Buffy put up a good fight as she struggled to get free, but I held on, finally flipping one leg over and straddling her to keep her down. Willow launched herself across the bed and started in with the torture. Soon the three of us were a huge giggling, tickling pile of limbs. It became a free for all that only ended when we ran out of breath.
Collapsing weakly on my back, I let my head rest on Willow’s arm. Then grunted as Buffy landed on my stomach.
"Oof… I think you ate too much popcorn, Miss Summers." I winked at her.
She growled at me, then giggled. "Perhaps. But I know how to work it off."
I think my heart skipped a beat. She didn’t just… ‘Come on.. get a hold of yourself.. That wasn’t what you thought.’ But I couldn’t help hope. And the way we were tangled didn’t help. Willow was lying along the head of the bed, my head on her outstretched arm. While Buffy lay with her stomach on the bed, her head resting on her folded arms. Which happened to be on my stomach. I was suddenly aware of the softness that pressed against me, the steady beat of her heart against my side. I half swallowed and smiled back. I couldn’t stop what I said next.
"I bet you do." I froze, dreading the response. For an instant, it seemed as if a secret smile passed over her lips only to vanish behind her normal grin.
"Yup. But it’s a trade secret." She put one finger to her lips. "I can’t tell."
I nodded wisely. "Uh huh. Got ya. Well, you will let me in on it one of these days, won’t you?" I put on my saddest face.
She giggled. "You can count on it." She paused, almost as if that wasn’t supposed to have come out. I opened my mouth to say something I probably shouldn’t have, when Willow yawned. I looked at the clock. It was past one in the morning. And we still had school in the morning.
Buffy followed my gaze and groaned. "I suppose we should hit the sheets." She rolled over on her back then sat up and stretched. Willow sat up and yawned again. It was contagious. I yawned so widely my jaw popped. Buffy turned and laughed. "Someone’s tired."
I shook my head. "No I’m," yawn "not." I let my eyes close. A hand on my wrist tugged me into a sitting position. I grumbled and stood. Grabbing my sleep clothes I followed Buffy’s directions to the bathroom. Changing quickly, I came back into the room to find Willow stretched out in a sleeping bag on the floor.
Buffy was already in bed and patted the mattress again. "Come on. First time guest gets first dibs on the bed. After that, you have to fight for it." She winked. "And trust me, Willow may look frail, but she’s a tough one."
I laughed and crawled into bed, hoping I didn’t look as nervous as I felt. Buffy turned off the light.
"Night, girls."
"Night, Buffy" came Willow’s sleepy response. She was almost out.
Mine was softer. "Goodnight Buffy. Thank you for tonight. It means a lot to me."
I felt her shift and looked over. She was a dark outline against the window. She’d propped herself up on one elbow to look at me.
"You don’t need to thank me. I…" she stopped. "I just wanted you to know…" Another hesitation. "That I’m here for you."
My smile almost lit up the darkness. "I.. thank you. And.. I’m here for you.. if you ever need anything."
She laughed softly. "Thanks." And leaned down and hugged me. My arms went around her of their own accord. It felt so good to hold her. But I let go the second she drew back. But she didn’t lay down right away. To my utter surprise, and secret joy, she kissed my cheek.
"Goodnight, Alex."
My heart pounded so loud I thought it would wake up Willow. There was no way I could sleep now. I was too awake. ‘Well.. if I’m up all night, might as well get comfortable.’ I rolled over on my stomach, facing away from her, and drew my right leg up.
And fell asleep in minutes.
* * *
The Bronze was crowded. I stood up above, leaning against the railing overlooking the dance floor. My eyes slowly scanned the room. Nothing. I tried to control my impatience. She’d be here. She was always here. After getting a drink I returned to my spot. And my vigilance. It was rewarded. Her and the others had arrived and were currently dancing in the center of the floor. She was surrounded by her friends. She looked great tonight. Wearing a short black skirt and a white top that showed off her tanned skin, she looked beautiful.
I watched her dance, moving gracefully in time with the music. Watched her smile and laugh. Wanting to be part of the reason her face glowed with happiness. I made my way down the stairs, losing sight of her as I descended. I quickly moved to the edges of the room, hiding in the deserted shadows. From this vantage point I was able to observe her without being seen. There was no one to see the need in my eyes.
I memorized the way she moved, how she smiled. The way her eyes glinted in the strobe light that flashed overhead. My heart sped up when she began to dance with Willow. How I wanted to be the one she danced with. The one she moved against.
I let my eyes shut. Wishing wouldn’t help. Nothing would. I opened my eyes again.
She was gone.
I took a step forward, eyes darting around the room. Where had she gone? Surely I didn’t let myself drift for that long. I continued looking, taking another step forward when a voice stopped me.
"Going somewhere?" She sounded amused.
I turned. "Uh.. no.. not.. really." I flushed. "How long.." My brow furrowed. "How’d you know I was here?"
Buffy laughed softly. "I always know where you are." She shrugged slightly. "It’s a talent I have to know when someone’s watching me." She grinned as I gaped. "But don’t worry. It’s not a bad thing." She stepped closer. I was frozen as her arms slipped around my waist. Her face was inches from mine. She whispered, "It’s a good thing."
Our lips touched.
Electricity shot from that spot and ran through my body like a whip crack. My nerves felt on fire, my heart stopped then slammed into overdrive. My eyes shut tightly and I lost myself in the sensation. My arms went around her instantly, holding her to me tightly. Her hands rested on my hips. At the first hint of contact my lips parted of their own accord. Her tongue eagerly passed between them and touched mine. A sigh of pure ecstasy slid from her and passed into me. Tremors wracked my body as we kissed. A low fire burned inside me, coiling tightly between my legs.
It was soft, gentle. As I’d always imagined our first kiss to be. Her tongue glided along mine, danced along my teeth. Exploring, learning and memorizing. She spent what seemed like hours kissing me. Her hand came up and gently cupped the back of my head, fingers tangling in my hair. I let my arms drift around her waist, holding her to me.
Finally she pulled back and looked at me. I opened my eyes and she chuckled softly.
"What..?" I asked, still in shock.
"The look on your face." Buffy grinned and kissed me again. "It’s priceless.. Like you don’t know if you should stay or run." Her hand stroked my back.
I wasn’t sure if I could talk. "Why…"
She put a finger to my lips. "Because I wanted to." She looked into my eyes. "Because I’ve wanted *you* for a while now."
I blushed faintly. Tried to come up with something to say. "Oh."
She giggled softly, bending forward to brush her lips across mine again.
As a man dying of thirst runs to water, I let my eyes close and my lips part. Her tongue was silken, her touch was fire. Her hand ran up the back of my shirt, gently caressing my side. Shivers ran through my body at her feather light touches. She pulled my tongue into her mouth and sucked gently. A moan slid from my throat, echoed in hers.
Breath merging, bodies trembling we moved slowly backward. She turned me the second her back touched the wall, pushing me against it. Her body pressed against mine and I whimpered at the softness I felt. And the strength that lay beneath it. A leg fit between mine, hips moved against me. Desire flooded my brain, the need to touch what was touching me. I matched the rhythm she set. And increased it.
Her lips left mine and trailed up to my ear. My hands clutched her back as she nipped lightly at my earlobe. Her breath tickled my neck, causing me to giggle. Buffy chuckled softly, the sound low and seductive. Moving her mouth lower she slid her tongue along my neck.
Unconsciously I ground faster against her. One of my hands slid down and caressed her rear, pulling her a little tighter into me. Her mouth worked magic on my neck. Sucking, nibbling. Flicking against the pulse that raced at her every touch. Her hand moved from my waist up to my chest.
I arched into her palm as it brushed against my breast, pushing myself into her touch. Her fingers swirled around my nipple, causing it to harden and strain against the fabric. I gasped, groaning softly, as she slid her hand under my shirt. Slipping into my bra she gently caressed my breast. My nipple hardened even more at the heat of her skin.
I moaned. "Oh god.. I need you.."
Buffy moved her lips back to my ear. "I want you."
I was more than willing to rip off all my clothes and let her have me, but fortunately she was thinking.
She stepped back, tugging my shirt back into place. I stood there a moment, bewildered. Taking me by the hand she moved quickly for the exit. Understanding finally hit me and I went eagerly. So far we hadn’t been noticed. But surely our time was running out.
We walked the distance to her house quickly, close together. Holding hands with the occasional caress, we kept the tension high. She opened the door and led me in. As she closed it behind me she informed me that her mother was out of town again. The house was ours.
I moved forward, pulled her into my arms and kissed her. She melted against me. Her lips opened eagerly, tongue darting out to play with mine. After a moment she pulled me up the stairs and into her room.
Leading me to the bed, she slowly unbuttoned my shirt. Our eyes were locked, desire turning them dark. When the buttons were undone she slowly pushed it apart, eyes raking over my breasts. I could almost feel the heat from her intense gaze. She pushed the shirt back so it hung slightly over my shoulders. Leaning forward she kissed one, then the other. My head tilted back as she let the shirt drop to the floor.
Taking that as an invitation, she dipped her head and nuzzled my neck. Her finger traced lightly along my jaw line, trailing down to my shoulders.
"So beautiful," she murmured softly a second before she licked at the hollow of my throat. "So soft," as both her hands came up to my breasts. She caressed lightly, squeezing gently. I shuddered as she undid the front clasp and dropped my bra to the floor. Gasped loudly as she lowered her lips to my breast.
Her lips danced around my breast, her tongue leaving a trail of fire. She kissed around my nipple, under, above.. beside. Never quite settling where I so desperately needed her to.
"Oh god.. please." The plea was torn from my lips.
With a hungry sound she finally descended. Her mouth settled over my nipple and I groaned in reaction. Her lips wrapped around it, and she sucked hard. My hands came up and tangled in Buffy’s hair, pulling her closer. Her tongue was torture as it flicked rapidly against my sensitive flesh. Heat grew inside me, centering deep within. I needed her so much…
She pushed me back on the bed and gently stripped the jeans from my body. Her hands brushed over my stomach, smiling slightly as I visibly trembled. She looked into my eyes as she rested her hands upon my hips.
At my nod and pleading gaze she slipped off the last barrier. And stood there, looking at me. I couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably. She smiled.
"You really are beautiful." She began to take off her shirt, lifting it over her head. As it dropped I stopped her.
"Let me." I sat up and kissed her stomach, lips moving along it’s silken flatness. Letting my tongue dip into her navel once, I stood, trailing my tongue along her body. Passing over fabric I stopped and kissed between her breasts, my tongue flicking at the deep vee of her cleavage. I straightened and met her hungry mouth, kissing her deeply.
Her hands came around me, holding me, stroking my back. Mine followed the same course, stopping to unhook her bra. I kissed her one more time before moving back and gazing at her breasts as they fell free.
Perfection. Utter perfection. I caressed them gently, loving the way her back arched into my touch. Slowly I bent down and took a nipple into my mouth. Nipped lightly. She jumped, moaning deep in her throat and held me to her. I swirled my tongue around, feeling it harden. I moved to the other breast, treating it to the same loving care.
My hands went around once more, unzipping the skirt and pulling it down. Not once letting my mouth stray from her breast I removed the final article of clothing. I backed up slightly, lying down as I felt the bed behind me.
She lay upon me, settling her weight comfortably. She straddled my right leg, one of hers pressing against me. The ache roared inside me at the feel of her against my throbbing center. Exploded as I felt her wetness against my thigh. I moaned loudly.
Kissing me once more she let her hand trail down my body. My legs parted in anticipation. I had to feel her inside me soon. She seemed to hear my unspoken plea.
She slowly slid her finger along my folds, barely pressing past them. The tip of her finger grazed my throbbing clit, causing me to jump slightly. She captured the groan with a kiss and traced my opening, circling lightly but not pushing in. My hips moved against her, trying desperately to encourage her in.
Buffy moved against my leg as she slipped her finger inside. I moaned loudly at finally feeling her enter me. She curled her finger slightly as she pulled back out. My hips bucked, the need for more beginning to build.
Adding a second finger almost sent me over the edge. I held back desperately. After wanting this for so long I wasn’t going to rush things now. But I was sorely tested as she moved f aster within me. My eyes closed as my body tensed. My back arched, pushing my hips up into her hand. She curled faster, her thumb moving to rub lightly at my clit. I cried out, muffling it at the last instant.
"Oh gods.. Yes.. please.. don’t stop." I was close, I could feel it. I tried to hold off but my body demanded release. "Harder…" She withdrew completely. I whimpered with the loss, my eyes started to open, wondering what she could possibly be thinking.
Then she moved down my body, capturing my clit between her teeth. My head slammed back into the pillow, hands clenching at the sheets as my body arced against the bed. I pushed myself into her as she began to suck hard, tongue flicking madly. My hips moved rhythmically, meeting her pace and forcing it faster.
Suddenly she pushed three fingers into me, hard, fast and deep. She curled hard, pulling out and doing it again. I was pushed over the edge, hurtling into space as my orgasm washed over me. I cried out, shaking with the force of it. But she didn’t stop, she kept curling inside me. I felt myself tense again just before I called out her name with my second orgasm. I begged her to stop, pleaded that I was too sensitive. I tried to urge her up but she wouldn’t be rushed.
She lapped slowly at me, learning, tasting. Withdrawing her fingers she slid her tongue into me. I was helpless to do more than tremble at every sensation. Finally she had her fill and moved back beside me, cradling my still shaking form. She kissed me and I tasted myself upon her tongue. I kissed her deeply, my arms barely able to go around her.
She whispered to me soothingly. Calming me. I finally relaxed against her, my eyes closing. She kissed my forehead. I opened my eyes and looked at her.
"You’re so amazing. I’ve never felt anything like that before in my life."
She smiled at me. "Neither have I." She kissed me. "But I’ve wanted to."
I let my hand play over her back, feeling the way her breasts moved against me when she breathed. "I have a confession to make." I nodded at her chuckle. "I’ve…" It was hard to get the words out. "I’ve loved you for a long time now." I said it in a rush.
She looked at me, a new smile forming. A shy, almost vulnerable smile. "I’ve.. loved you too."
I kissed her again. I thought it was time for me to return the attention lavished upon me. I started to turn her over on her back.
"Well isn’t this a pretty picture."
The new voice spun us both around.
There was a man perched on her windowsill. I yelped and tried to cover myself. It was that guy I always saw her with. ‘Oh my god.. what’s going to happen now?’ the thought flew through my head as I curled up trying to grab something to wear.
Buffy seemed struck by fear. Some emotion paralyzed her so all she could do was gaze at him.
He chuckled softly, dropping into the room. I looked from Buffy to him, trying desperately to find some hint of how I should act.
"I knew this would happen eventually." He took a step closer. "With all the looks that were going around." He stood next to the bed. "All I had to do was wait. Work on my timing and ruin your fun."
With a lightning move he reached out and grabbed me by the throat, his face changing. I screamed and that seemed to wake Buffy from her terror.
"No! Angel! DON’T!" She crouched upon the bed.
He pulled me close to him, pushing my neck painfully to the side.
"What’s the matter? Can’t I play with her too?" He snarled, his breath like the fires of hell upon my throat. I felt a flash of pain and realized he’d bitten me.
Panic flooded me and I struggled to get free. ‘This can’t be happening..’ I repeated over and over. I looked over at Buffy pleadingly, but she seemed frozen again.
"Help me." It was hardly more than a whisper. I tried again.
"Buffy…" Fainter. I worked up the last of my strength….
*
…."BUFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!" I thrashed madly, trying to get free. I had to get away from him. I brought an elbow down and back and was rewarded by a grunt and a lessening of the grip. I broke loose and jumped up. I spun around to grab Buffy and pull her with me.
And stopped, confronted by a pair of frightened girls. I was shaking with the need to run, but this wasn’t the scene I was running from.
I looked at Willow and Buffy as they stared at me. I started to tremble with the reaction. My knees went weak and I slumped to the floor.
They immediately ran to my side and helped me to the bed, urging me to lie down. Willow spoke up.
"You were dreaming." She looked at Buffy, almost in askance. Buffy nodded her head. "You.. started mo—" a sharp nudge from Buffy stopped her. She started again. "Moving around, crying out." She flushed slightly. "Screamed Buffy’s name several times." They both flushed. "Like you were…" she seemed flustered.
"Fighting." Buffy spoke up. "Then, when I tried to wake you, you bolted up, terrified." She stroked my hair. "What could you have been dreaming of?"
"I was dreaming…" I stopped. This dream had a familiar ring. Like I’d had it before. "I dreamt of the Bronze… Meeting you…" I decided not to share the beginning of the dream and edited quickly. "We came back here to talk and… And.." I broke off.
This was the part I never remembered. Never wanted to remember. I closed my eyes tightly. "Oh gods." The darkness brought memories. I quickly looked at them. "I remember. I remember that night. Oh my god. What was he?" I began to shake again. My world view shifted violently and I scrambled for a grip. "Please tell me that I’m still dreaming this. Tell me this is all a nightmare.. That that.. Thing.. doesn’t exist."
Buffy stood up for a second and faced her window, her eyes revealing some sort of inner pain. Willow looked after her worriedly, then turned back to me.
"I.. It’s all true.. I’m so sorry, Alex. It’s true."
My head started shaking back and forth. "No. No.. it.. I.. he.. that can’t be true."
She nodded. Started to speak when Buffy spoke up.
"He’s very true. He’s a vampire." Her voice was emotionless. But her eyes held tears.
"Why.. What could I have possibly done?" I thought back to that night, forcing back the panic. To understand it, I had to face it. I remembered walking outside. Remembered him talking. But I couldn’t remember *what* he’d said. All that came into focus was the attack. And Buffy facing him without fear.
She sighed and Willow reached up to pat her hand comfortingly. "To hurt me. To cause me pain. To terrorize me." She still showed no feeling.
I was puzzled, trying to swim in a sea that just got deeper and deeper. "How does that involve me?"
"Because he knows I care about you…" She seemed to think a moment. "He takes delight in killing my friends. Killing you would.. Hurt me. A great deal." Buffy seemed to be hiding something. But I wasn’t together enough to even think about pushing for information.
"So…" I struggled to remain calm. "It was just a matter of being the wrong person at the wrong time?"
She nodded and turned away. "I am so sorry this happened. I never meant…" she broke off, her voice cracking.
I stood slowly, moving to stand next to her. "Hey.. I.. You didn’t know… Who could have known." I put my hand on her shoulder, feeling the muffled sobs wracking her body.
I still wanted to know the full story, but I’d had enough for one night. I’d find out what this all meant later. What this man.. ‘vampire’ I corrected myself.. Meant to her. And how I was involved. Right now all I wanted was to forget again. At least for a little while. I turned her around.
"I don’t blame you. For anything." I tried to smile. She just looked at me, her eyes filled with tears. I pulled her into a hug. "I swear. I forgive anything you think you’ve done." I hoped that I wasn’t lying. Her arms went around me tightly, clinging to me as she let out her guilt. I comforted her the best I could in my condition, but ended up crying with her.
Willow stood up, her arms going around both of us. We stood there until the tears stopped. I felt drained. Emotionally and physically. We all stumbled back to our beds. Once again I lay on my side.
Sleep was immediate, despite my racing mind.
I woke up in the night, muttering in my sleep. Arms went around me, pulling me into someone who held me gently. Someone I felt safe with. Words were whispered. Lips were pressed to my forehead.
"It’s ok Alex. I’m here. I’ll always be here. He’ll never get you. I swear…"
The words trailed off as I sunk back into slumber for the rest of the night.