TITLE: A Love Less Ordinary
BY: Zorya
RATING: NC-17
DISCLAIMERS: Joss and company, Mutant Enemy, WB, and the lovely Sarah McLachlan for "I Will Remember You"
CATEGORY: B/A
EMAIL: LunarMyth
FEEDBACK: Love it, crave it, gives me a big happy.
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Buffy sighed. For ten days she'd been holding on to the letter. Ten days. And today she would mail it. At least, she thought she would. She'd been standing in front of the post office for the past four hours. First she'd "needed" to get stamps. Then she'd "needed" to go to the bathroom. Lunch time came and went and she'd "needed" to run over to Jack's for a quick sandwich. But it was two in the afternoon now and she still hadn't done the deed. All she had to do was slip the envelope inside the slot and leave. It wasn't a big deal.
So why did it feel, on some level, like the end of the world?
Buffy took another deep breath and looked around. The sky was like blue topaz with nary a cloud to blemish its purity. The sun was shining down with warmth and abandon. A slight breeze blew through the emerald green tree tops. It was one of those perfect days when the world seemed right. It almost felt as if she had nothing to fear. But Buffy knew differently. Come night fall the picture created in the peaceful little town would turn bleak and dim and the monsters of everyone's childhood nightmares would pour forth from the shadows. And she would be the one to dispatch them back to the hellish realm in which they belonged. She was the Slayer, after all.
She sat down on the steps outside the post office. Sunnydale University. It was hard to believe her four years of college had passed so quickly. She was a senior and in two months she'd graduate -- right alongside her best friends in the world. Willow, Oz, Amy and Xander were so excited about graduating. They all had plans for their lives. Willow had given in to her parent's pleading and was going to attend med school at Stanford in the fall. Oz, ever faithful to his witchy woman, was going to move on to grad school there as well where he could pursue a music degree. Amy had majored in Chemistry and she planned to become a New Age alchemist and move to northern California where there was a growing Wiccan community. Xander, who'd gone to summer school to catch up, had majored in film. His dream was to move to L.A. and make movies. However, after they graduated, he planned to join the Army for a bit. He'd never forgotten his experience from Halloween years ago. Only Buffy remained. Where could she go? Nowhere. Her life was on the Hellmouth. She couldn't just leave that behind. Two years into college she'd finally decided to major in Psychology after finding she was very good at interacting with and understanding people. Of course she'd never have need of the degree. But it felt nice to have completed it. It felt like an accomplishment.
With a resigned look at the envelope in her hands, Buffy stood up. Before she could think about it yet again, she slipped it inside the mail slot and turned away. Halfway back to her apartment she had to consciously squelch the urge to run back and tear the mail box apart in an attempt to retrieve the letter. After a few deep breaths she calmed herself enough to continue her walk to the apartment. She had a thesis to complete and Willow's off hour was now. Maybe she could get some help on it.
===============
"So you think he's gonna ask you?" Willow asked from behind her desk in her bedroom. Buffy had toted her lap top in and was reclining on Willow's bed while they each worked on their thesis papers.
"I don't know," Buffy said as she typed. "Seems that way, doesn't it? I don't know if I'm looking forward to it or not." Her dainty fingers flew over the keys as she expanded the thoughts from her notes.
They both looked up at the same time and smiled. Buffy was in awe every time she saw Willow these days -- which wasn't often. The red head had lost her shyness over the past four years and was now a sweet, but bold, beauty. She was no longer afraid to speak her mind or show her intelligence. Willow had won the student body over, or at least those she came into contact with. She was popular, but not in the cheerleader, sorority girl way. She had the respect of every student and faculty member in the school.
Willow let her green-gray gaze wander over her best friend. Buffy had matured so much since they'd come to college. Her hazel eyes were always so much more serious, though Willow secretly thought that could be attributed to something else entirely. Much to her surprise, Buffy's academics had soared once they reached the university. Gone was the girl who seemed so blasé with her studies. Her brassy attitude had softened into a grace and light that encompassed everyone who came near her. *Except the demons* she thought with a grin. But Buffy held a part of herself away from the rest of the world. She was
unattainable. Buffy was no longer a reigning May Queen, but that didn't stop the masses from wanting to be near her. In truth, Willow thought Buffy might be the most sought after woman at SU -- by men and women alike.
"Are the guys coming over tonight?" Buffy asked.
Willow nodded as she returned her attention to her paper. "Yeah. Xander's bringing the pizzas. Oz's coming equipped with music. Amy and Adam are bringing this week's pick flicks. You and I are providing the place. All Riley and Spike have to do is get their hot tushies over here and we can jam."
"Oh, I have to run by Giles's place before I can settle in for the night," Buffy remembered as she closed the lap top and jumped off of Willow's bed. "He needs an account for the demon of the week, as always."
Willow nodded absently as she typed. "Okay. If you're not back by the time the food gets here, I'll give your love muffin the memo."
"Ha, ha, Wills. Don't work too hard. I'll get wolfie to pull you away from the 'puter if I have to," she warned.
Willow wiggled in her seat. "Don't tempt me," she shot back at Buffy with a suggestive grin.
"You're horrible!" Buffy called out to her friend as she walked down the hallway to her own room. She picked up a light jacket and her keys and headed out.
==============
"Giles? You here?" the twenty-two year old blond Slayer called out as she stepped into his office. After the Ascension and blowing up the Sunnydale High library, Giles had been fired. So he'd taken a position at the university and was now a highly acclaimed professor of demonology.
"He's in the little Watcher's room, Slayer. What do you need?"
Buffy narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here, Spike?"
"I'm a teacher's assistant. Where else should I be? This is my bloody job." His gaze raked over her. "Unless you want me to go out and bite a few necks, which I'll be more than happy to do. I know you've been having a slow go of it lately, luv."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Spike. At least I know I can always count on you to come through for me in a bind."
"Anytime," he offered smoothly.
"Well, while you're here you can put yourself to some use and tell Giles that all unusual Hellmouthy creatures have been dispatched. Though unusual and Hellmouth pretty much go hand in hand."
Spike looked at her. "Okay. I'm just going to say I got that."
"You are going to be at my place by seven, right?" she asked as she turned to walk out the door.
"Yes, Princess. I'll be at your place by seven," he mimicked her.
She grinned sweetly at him over her shoulder. "Oh goody. I so look forward to it." Buffy shot him a warning glare. "This time *don't* forget to pick up Riley."
Spike grinned innocently and raised his hands. "Hey. The last three times were an honest mistake."
Buffy walked out in a huff and he laughed as he heard her mumbling something about "soulless jerks".
"Did I hear Buffy?" Giles asked as he walked back into his office.
"Yeah. She just wanted me to let you know that she went, she saw, she slayed."
"Ah yes. I can always count on Buffy for details," he sighed.
"Well, Watcher. I'm off. I promised the Princess I'd be at her place on time and she's making me pick her little boy toy up on the way."
"Oh? How is Riley?"
"The same little sniveling pansy..." Spike trailed off as he caught Giles staring at him. "I suppose he's peachy. He and the Slayer seem to be getting along very well."
"Really? Do you believe it to be....serious?"
Spike smirked. "If you're asking me if they've shagged, well, I'd have to go with yes. It's been four years, after all. The Slayer may be wary after her last bit of action, but she's no nun."
"I see. Well, ahhh, I actually was merely contemplating the possibility of a somewhat normal life for her. You know, husband, children, house with a picket fence. I will be the first to admit that it is not usually a probable factor in any Slayer's life, but Buffy is different. She deserves to have her dreams come true."
Spike eyed his Slayer's Watcher. The fact that he'd begun to think of the Slayer as *his* Slayer hadn't gone unnoticed. The past four years had given him a greater understanding and appreciation for the petite blond bombshell. He didn't fool himself into thinking she could love him. If she'd been so inclined she would have realized it years before now. But he did care for her. He'd promised to look after her and he meant to make damn sure nothing bad happened to her.
Spike walked to the door and turned back to Giles, unable to hold his thoughts back. "You're right. The Slayer does deserve to have her dreams come true." He raised his gaze steadily to the aged man. "I just wish someone would have realized that when the Slayer still had dreams."
===============
They gathered in Willow and Buffy's apartment and curled up on the furniture around the TV. Buffy and Riley were sitting together in their oversized Lazy-Boy. Willow and Oz had taken over the loveseat. Amy and Adam were snuggled together on the floor and Xander and Spike sat on opposite ends of the couch...alone.
Buffy stretched against Riley as the movie ended. "Well, that was certainly a blast to the past." They'd just finished watching "My Best Friend's Wedding".
"Ahhhh," Amy said. "I always wanted them to get together. Julia's so much prettier anyway."
"Looks aren't everything," admonished Xander. "But she is pretty hot. Still, Cameron Diaz is no dog."
"I kinda hoped her editor would turn out to be not gay. He's such a cutie. And I just love when they all sing in the restaurant," Willow gushed.
Oz grinned down at her. "You really are quite the odd little witch."
"And you really are quite the sexy little werewolf. Well, maybe not so little," she blushed.
"Okay," Buffy sang out as she stood up. "I'm thinking that's enough talk of *that* sex life for tonight."
"Not gettin' any, Slayer?" Spike asked.
"Spike," Buffy hissed. "That's not any of your business."
"Uh-huh. You know, I could find out if I really wanted to."
"But you don't really want to, so it doesn't matter."
Riley grinned at Spike from his seat in the chair. "Jealous? Why don't you have a little vampire love hidden away, anyway, Spike?"
"Maybe I do," the blond vampire growled. "Maybe I just keep her locked away because she eats twerps like you for breakfast."
"Boys!" Buffy quickly intervened. "I know there's no lost love, but can you please behave while you're here?"
Both men nodded and settled down. Amy and Adam stood up at the same time Oz and Willow did. Willow was going to leave Buffy the apartment for the night and spend some quality time with Oz. Buffy walked the two couples to the door and they said their good-byes.
"Well," she said turning back to the three guys in her home. "I was thinking I might go ahead and hit the sack myself," she said meaningfully.
Xander stood up. "Well, I can give Riley a ride home. I know how hard it's been since his car was totaled," he said innocently.
"That's okay, Xander. You're such a sweetie, but I don't think that'll be necessary," Buffy said with a grin.
"Suit yourself," he said with a sigh. Spike grumpily followed him out of the apartment.
"Well," Buffy said, turning to Riley as she shut the door. "Wasn't that interesting?"
"Mmmmm," he murmured. "Yeah. But I have something a lot more interesting in mind for us to do now."
"Really?" she asked coyly. "Like what?"
Riley growled as he lunged forward to pick her up in his arms. "Why don't I just show you?" he asked as he carried her to her bedroom.
==============
It was two days later when Angel received the letter. He stepped outside of his condo that night and gathered his mail on his way to the office where Doyle and Cordelia were waiting for him. He tossed his keys up in the air as he walked to his car. The night was thick with expectancy. He'd hoped for a slow time of it, but it seemed as if he might not get his wish.
His home was only a few blocks from the building, so he reached his destination before he knew it. As he rode the elevator up he glanced through the envelopes. If his heart had been beating it most assuredly would have stopped when he saw her curly, bold script leering up at him. His fingers itched to tear the paper open, but he stifled the feeling. It probably wasn't even a letter from her. How many times had he felt the same way, only to find out it was merely another client sending a "thank you" note or some other form of communication?
His good mood was soured by the time he stalked into the office.
"Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the coffin," Cordelia muttered as he walked by her in a flash of black leather.
Without even looking in on Doyle, Angel walked into his office, throwing a careless, "Don't start with me, Cordelia," over his shoulder. He tossed the mail onto his desk before settling down into his cushy black leather chair and staring at the last remaining letter. His long, powerful fingers ran gracefully over the coarse paper, and he imagined he could smell her fragrance on it -- like a subtle blend of strawberries and champagne -- light, but unmistakable.
Carefully he slipped his letter opener under the flap and opened it. Dread raced through his veins as he slid the thin sheet of paper out. With trembling hands he unfolded it and began to read.
Angel,
I know it's been a long time since we've spoken to each other. I'm sorry I haven't written or called or visited. It's just that after the last time we were all in L.A., I didn't think I could be near you in any way again without everything coming back to me.
I'm graduating in a few months. Wow, graduation, huh. It almost seems like yesterday when we went through a whole different graduation ceremony. I think that will be embedded in my memory for all time.
I'm writing this to tell you that I'm moving on. I don't know where I'll go after graduation, but I can't stay here. I'm not leaving forever; I couldn't. But everything will be too raw emotionally after this. Everyone is going their own ways. Nothing stays the same. And of course I'm happy for them all, but I've just got to get away.
I'll probably be going away with my boyfriend, Riley. You remember him, don't you? I know Spike must have told you something about him. Yes, I know you're having Spike watch over me. I thank you for the thought, odd as it is.
I'm not bitter. Not anymore. It just doesn't seem worth it. You were right. This is the way things had to be. I'm thinking I might marry him, if he ever asks. This is the normal life you always wanted for me.
If you were to come to my graduation, I would not mind. I'm sure the Gang would be glad to see you. Even Xander. Either way, I'm sure Spike will be calling to give you the details.
Love,
Buffy
He folded the note back up and rested his hands on his desk. Hurt and anger swam though him, as well as peace and understanding. She'd finally found a man she could be with. A man who could give her everything he himself could not. It was good. It was what she deserved.
But he was still bothered by the fact that she was leaving. He wouldn't know where she was. And what if she got in trouble and needed him? Angel slammed his hands on the smooth glass. Dammit! It wasn't any of his concern anymore. She'd said it herself. She was moving on.
===============
Buffy and Willow were sitting on a pair of matching tombstones as they watched, with a horrific sense of fascination, the fight unfolding before them. Spike and Riley were going at it, and to anyone it would appear they meant to kill each other.
"Aren't you going to do something to stop this?" Willow asked.
"What would that accomplish?" Buffy shot back. "If I interrupt them now, they'll just start up again another time. I know Spike won't kill him and I really don't think Riley could."
"Don't start with me, Slayer. You could be next," Spike called out, having heard their conversation with his advanced hearing.
"Bring it on. I'm always ready."
Her words caused both men to falter and they turned to look at her.
"What?" she asked innocently.
The men looked at each other, both tired. Spike had ten times the stamina of Riley, but Riley was an excellent fighter. He could practically intuit the next move his opponent would make.
"Truce?" Riley asked, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Spike nodded. "For now. But believe me, in the end, I'll win."
"Dream on, Spike," Riley grinned as they shook hands.
The vampire could feel the honesty in the other man's handshake. Riley was solid. He wasn't dishonest or a demon or any other kind of being that would end up causing the Slayer pain. No, he'd be a good husband. Damn the Watcher for bringing up the thought! It wasn't supposed to go down like this. Sure, the boy was a good match for her, appearance-wise anyway. He was tall next to her small form, broad and muscled, with short sandy brown hair. In truth, he looked like the boy next door, Mr. All American. He fit nicely beside her Homecoming Queen type beauty. But beneath all of that...he was no match for her strength or bravery. As a mortal he could be admired. He had twenty times the balls that wuss Xander
did. But there was something so...common...about Riley Finn. The Slayer wasn't normal, why should she have to settle for regular? Sure, the boy was human; he'd be able to spend his life with her in the sunlight, give her children, watch her grow old. Spike just didn't think that's what his Slayer needed. Not in her heart.
Buffy walked up behind her boyfriend and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Ugh, you stink," she chided him.
Riley looked over his shoulder, down at his petite girlfriend. It amazed him every time he looked at her, just how strong she was. "Well...I've got an idea on how we can fix that."
"Hmmm. I'd like to take you up on that, but you know Spike and I are teamed up for tonight. Why don't you go back to my place and wash up? I might not be in 'till late, but you could keep the bed warm for me," she murmured.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "As always, your wish is my command." He blew her a kiss as he loped off with Willow.
"I must say that was a most sickening sight," Spike commented to her.
"Get over it. You know, Riley's right. Why *don't* you have a little vampire ho locked up and pleading for your kisses? I thought that was your style?"
He glared at her, his blue eyes icy. How did you tell the woman of your dreams that she was the only one you wanted? "Like I said, maybe I do. You don't know me, Slayer. You have no idea what goes on in my life," he ground out.
"Uh-huh. I see. Just like I don't know why you're really here, right? Just like I don't know you report my every action back to HIM?" She looked at him, unabashed. "Well. Is it that you can't get a date since you're hangin' with the Slayer?"
"Shut up," he said and turned to continue patrolling.
"Afraid you don't have the fangs enough to play with the big boys anymore?" she taunted.
"Leave it alone, Slayer," he warned. If she didn't stop her foolish yapping he was just going to spin her around and kiss her until she couldn't breathe, let alone speak.
He heard the moment she paused behind him. "Is it..." she whispered. "A....'down cycle'?" Buffy could barely keep the grin from her voice.
"Bloody hell!" Spike yelled as he turned on her. "You just don't know when to stop, do you? No, it's not a bloody 'down cycle'! Vampires don't HAVE 'down cycles'! And..and certainly not a vampire like ME!" he roared.
Buffy stared up at him, wide eyed. "I'm sorry, Spike. I can see you're touchy about this. Really, I was just kidding. I didn't know it was true -"
"It's not true. It could never be true. I've never had a down period in my entire life -- dead or alive!"
Buffy couldn't hold back the small twitch of her lips. "What about that time you were in the wheelchai-"
"I said NEVER!" he yelled at her.
"Down boy, you'll wake the dead," she mumbled placatingly.
Spike ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't know why I even try. Why do I care? It's none of my business. Why am I even here? Not because of him. It's me. My own stupidity..." he rambled on to himself.
"Ummm....Spike...?" Buffy ventured.
"What now, Slayer?" he asked in irritation.
She shrugged. "I just thought you might like the opportunity to stake those vampires behind you before they have their way with you. They certainly don't seem to be in a 'down cycle', if you know what I mean -"
"Shut up, Slayer," he grumbled as he turned again, letting his frustrations out on the "unsuspecting" vamps.
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