Sated

Title: Sated
A BtVS Erotic Drama in Novel Form.
Chapter 5
By: Ozmandayus


Summary: Sex and money fuel Buffy, Xander, and Faith's Sin City trip
until they make a horrifying discovery. Events in Sunnydale begin to
unfold for everyone.

Spoilers: Okay, end of season six, except Joyce never died in season
five. Everything with Glory happened. Buffy did die and was brought back.
Xander and Anya broke up in early 2001. They are friends only. Faith
was released from jail on parole in October 2001. Xander helped her get a
place to stay and a job. Spike and Buffy happened one time in November
2001. Willow did mess around with the dark arts. Xander and Buffy
secretly hooked up a month before this road trip. Did you get all that?

Rating: Extremely NC 17 for Violence and Intense Sexual Situations as
well as Alternative Sexual Encounters. This will contain F/F, M/F, and
F/M/F Three-Way Sex, Rough Sex, Sex Toys, Anal, and Light Bondage as
well. You have been warned!

Category: Drama/Romance/Angst/Violence/Drug Use/Erotica


Couples: B/X, F/X, F/B, B/X/F, W/T, and Spike/Anya UST eventual RST.

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns everything. Suing me would be such a waste
of time and money :)

Beta Read By: Lorificus the Great aka Lori Bush.

Distribution: Anywhere as long as you tell me first.

Feedback: sonicforlifebaby@yahoo.com

Author’s Notes 1: If this fic doesn't arouse you then I'm not doing my
job. And I intend to do my job!

Author’s Notes 2: As usual in my BTVS NC-17 fics, assume the Watcher's
Council provides 100% not-one-little-guy-getting-through birth control
to their Slayers. This is fanfic, not real life. Wrap it up every time.

Author’s Notes 3: I'd like to thank the following: Lori, Melissa, TC,
Dale, Brooke, C-Man, Anthony, Lesley, Zar, John McCarrick, Bruce, Ice
Wing, Joseph Tedeschi, Xandman 2000, Boulder, Andy, Wicked Raygun,
Socrates, Fulgour, Tony Convey, Jen (Saturn Girl), Calen, Angel Luv, Morgana
Carbrera, Stephen Howe, Queen Angel, Ta'al, Saffi, Xican, Manoverhall,
Duncan, Eric, Josh, Calen, Jellie Klunder, Mia, Rodz15, Rebecca, Mouse,
Mad Poetess, Reddygirl, Kris, Vahn ,
Tracey, and the wonderful Queen Angel.

~~~~~~~

"Her kisses left something to be desired -- the rest of her. " Unknown
Author

~~~~~~~


Club de Soleil
Room 523
Located west of the four corners of the Las Vegas Strip
Monday, June 6, 2002 6:34 PM
Las Vegas, Ne



Only the sound of soft breathing accompanied the hum of the air
conditioner in their bedroom as the transformation from day to night began in
earnest outside.

Earlier they had gone swimming in the hotel pool, then returned to
their room about an hour and a half before for a quick nap before their
first foray into the Las Vegas nightlife. Now with the air conditioning
turned up high and the curtains drawn their bedroom held a cool intimate
quality. They were all under the covers as the room darkened from the
fall of the sun. Xander wore only his pajama bottoms while both Buffy
and Faith wore T-shirts and panties, all resting up for what promised to
be a night none of them would forget.

Then all of a sudden a new noise entered the equation. One that was
most unwelcome.

"Buffy?" Faith whispered from her pillow. "Wake up, goldilocks."

The blonde Slayer who was resting facing Xander looked over her
shoulder, yawning, "Whaaaat?"

Her whiny voice made Faith frown in annoyance. "Does he always snore
like that?"

Buffy smiled before she knew it, her eyes now taking in the little boy
look on Xander's sleeping face. He was snoring. A true, loud,
animal-in-pain-like sound came from him. "No, not all the time," Buffy replied,
her voice having a sleepy quality to it. Her hand came to rest over his
shoulder as she gently nudged him. Xander rolled over on his back and
immediately stopped snoring, though still asleep.

"All better," Buffy grinned as she lay back down on her pillow, now
staring up at the mirror above their bed.

Faith followed her line of vision. "Kinda kinky, huh?" She wiggled her
eyebrows.

"A little," Buffy answered with a little shake of her head. "We haven't
been in Vegas even one whole day and I'm already loving it here.
Sunny-what?"

Faith shifted to rest on her back now, enjoying the comforts of the
kind size bed they all shared. "I'm so fucking sick of cemeteries and
construction sites and demons that ruin my clothes. I just want to have
some fun. Raise some hell, you know." Faith smirked when Buffy looked an
arched eye brow. "Okay, no raising anything from hell."

"Do not jinx us, Faith," Buffy warned playfully. "We do not have good
luck and you know it." She rolled her eyes when Faith moved under the
covers and straddled her body.

"I don't know, B." Faith leaned down, brown eyes meeting blue, oh so
teasing. "I'm feeling kind of lucky right now."

Buffy tried to look unfazed, but their bare legs were touching and the
sensation was immediate and sensual. Soft skin on skin contact with her
boyfriend right next to her made Buffy ponder the possibilities. "Do
you ever think about anything other than sex?"

"I'm young and I'm hot. What else am I supposed to think about?" Faith
fired back with a wink, her face right above Buffy's, dark locks
dangling down her beautiful face. "Sides, I haven't had much action since I
got paroled. I kinda want to make up for lost time."

"Aside from yesterday, you had me this morning and you took Xander
around the curves a few hours ago. Whatever do you want now?"

Faith licked her lips, then bit the bottom one, pouting. "I'm hungry,"
she purred like a lioness.

"Then call room service."

"They don't serve what I have a taste for."

Buffy could see the dare in Faith's eyes. The heat and the connection
between them were undeniable. Twin destines neither ever asked for, yet
both must face head on until death. But this trip was to get away from
all that. Not just work, responsibilities and family, but from
themselves as well. Vegas was their new world and no history resided here. No
past. No mistakes. No regrets. Only the present. Only the thrill and the
passion and the freedom to cross every boundary and lose themselves to
the unknown. "And what would that be?"

"Well....." Casting a glance at a still very much asleep Xander, Faith
reached her hand under the covers to the hem of the Buffy's t-shirt.
She kept her eyes on the Slayer, enjoying the soft moan that escaped
Buffy’s lips when her fingers began to push the shirt up, trailing softly
over her stomach, purposely avoiding her breast even as Buffy's nipples
hardened right before her eyes. "I have a taste for..." Faith pushed
Buffy's shirt up to her neck, exposing her breasts. One more little
maneuver and the shirt was on the other side of the floor, only to be
followed by Faith's. "This...."

Faith's breath touched Buffy's lips with feather soft kisses. She
closed her eyes; the moment making her senses so alert that she could
actually feel her own eyelashes brush against her cheek bones. Buffy inhaled
a shuddering breath as Faith's lips skimmed hers in a tantalizing
taste. So soft, she could almost convince herself it was nothing more than
draft of air brushing her lips. But she knew it was her kiss. The kiss
sent a rush of electricity through her body. She lifted her hand,
placing it on the back of Faith's neck, letting her feminine fingers tangle
in the soft baby hairs on the nap her her neck. Faith leaned forward,
trying to insinuate a deeper, harder kiss. She teased her, pulling back,
letting Buffy follow, chasing her lips in an impossible dance. Until
finally, Buffy became impatient, and applied firm pressure to the base of
Faith's neck, drawing the Slayer's mouth to hers in an almost bruising
kiss.

Faith sighed into her mouth, satisfied that their lips were now as
close as possible. She groaned, pressing the tips of her fingers to the
small of Buffy’s back, thrusting her hips against Buffy. Hard nipples
pressed together as the kiss deepened. Faith's tongue probed Buffy's mouth,
demanding entry to the warm moistness. She granted it, tilting her head
back and letting her tongue duel with Faith’s in the most erotic dance.

Buffy's hands, idle now, raked delicately over the tender, newly tanned
skin of Faith's back and shoulders, feeling the soft skin, and how her
toned muscles rippled beneath her finger tips as she twisted into her
touch. Buffy's touch was gentle, tickling her, unwittingly. Faith broke
the kiss, and cupped her shoulder blades, dipping her head to kiss the
hollow of Buffy's throat, lapping at the soft skin there. Buffy's head
tilted back, mouth open as she breathlessly tried to revive her
suffocated lungs. Buffy could feel her heart beating beneath Faith's lips as
her pulse points pounded - she was aroused, and Faith found it
incredibly arousing that she was the person who had done this to her.

"What are you doing to my girlfriend?"

Faith was now nibbling on Buffy's neck. She tilted her head a bit and
winked at him, then began lapping and kissing again. Xander turned on
his side, head still on his pillow. Buffy's mock of an innocent smile
made him scoot closer to her. "Are you just going to let her kiss on you
like that? Right in front of me no less?" He pretended to be hurt,
looking away, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. "I thought we had
something special."

Buffy pressed a finger to his lips, then traced it softly. He
understood and said nothing more. Buffy eased Faith off of her onto her left
side. Faith never moved her mouth from Buffy's neck. Her eyes remained
closed as she pressed open mouthed kisses all along her neck.

Buffy enjoyed the power now and felt like playing just a bit. She
reached out and began caressing the back of Xander's head, her fingers
weaving through his black hair. They stared into each other......

And just knew.....

Buffy turned her neck just enough and guided Xander to her. His warm
breath caused her to shudder the second he began kissing and lashing her
neck with his tongue. In this chilled dark room Buffy held her lovers
to her, eyes closed as they kissed and nibbled at every inch of her neck
that they could reach. They lay on either side of her, almost feeding
like a vampire would, biting and nipping. She could feel herself
becoming wet, could hear the kisses in the dark and the oddly pleasurable
connection this act held with those she was destined to kill.

"Bite me," Buffy ordered, her voice now thick with desire. Her body
arched off the bed when they began biting her neck, then soothing it with
wet tongues and warm breaths. "Yes.....again."

There was a hidden quality to enjoying the way they *fed* from her,
even without drawing blood. Buffy felt her nipples harden almost
painfully. Her legs parted just a bit as Xander and Faith moved against her,
skin touching under the covers. Hands moving all over her body.

Passion in the dark.

Buffy took Xander's hand into one of hers, then with the other Faith's,
and brought them to her breasts. She held her small hands over theirs
and forced them to squeeze, to mold to the shape and slope of her
breasts, then move just a bit, allowing her nipple to scrape against their
palms. "Yes...." softly came from her lips, half moaning.

The sensation of lips and tongue and kissing on her neck was now
accompanied by hands squeezing her breast with just enough pressure. "Pinch
my nipples," Buffy sighed, the covers still over all of them. She
clenched her teeth when Faith pinched her left nipple hard, then tugged it
gently back and forth. Xander followed suit as Buffy panted, loving the
twin prickles of pain/pleasure as her nipples were manipulated. They had
fallen into this power play mode so easily, so fast it surprised them
all. One person would at some point in the game become the master, while
the other two simply followed orders. And as drastically differently as
this pattern went against their individual personalities, none could
find one single thing to complain about.

"Suck my nipples." Faith grinned at Buffy, leaning in for a kiss. Buffy
shook her head. "Nipples, remember?" She said no more when Xander's
warm breath caressed the hardened nub as he took her right nipple into his
mouth. He sucked on it gently, lashing the tip with his tongue while
keeping it very, very wet. "Good boy." Xander responded by forcefully
sucking Buffy’s breast into his warm, hungry mouth. Buffy ran her fingers
through his hair, then tossed her head as Faith came in biting her
nipple, then soothing it by using wet tongue lashes, before finally
wrapping her lips around it, suckling like a baby.

They simply nursed from her. The sound of their mouths pulling on her
nipples sang in Buffy's ears. The sensation of two warm wet mouths and
tongues making love to her nipples had her so aroused she could barely
believe it. Buffy held her to lovers to her body, playing in their hair
while they sucked and bit and lapped at her nipples. Buffy could feel
her breathing grow heavier. Her sex felt swollen and wet, needing
stimulation.

Needing more.

"Make me come. Please make me come." This was not her and she knew it.
But *that* Buffy Summers was still in Sunnydale. This Buffy Summers
desired passion and lust with no rules. She needed the release of
responsibility, at least for a little while. Her eyes opened the second before
Xander's lips descend on her, even as two fingers trapped her right
nipple and began pinching. Buffy opened her mouth to catch a quick breath,
and within moments their tongues were touching against each other,
stroking and retreating, extracting a taste and then savoring it before
returning for more. Faith moved her hand over Buffy's thigh, enjoying the
shudder her touch elicited. Under the covers Faith slipped between
Buffy's thighs and pushed them apart, then moved the crotch of her white
panties aside. "Faith...God..." Buffy felt fingers dancing over the wet
folds of her sex, brushing quickly through the soft curls over her clit.
"Fuck me....please."

Faith sucked hard on Buffy's nipple, nipping and pulling while
positioning her fingers at the entrance of Buffy's pussy. Her touch had been so
soft, but turned fierce as she shoved her fingers inside hard, and
began twisting them around while fucking her fast. Faith's teeth tugged at
the nipple in her mouth as she drove her fingers in and out of Buffy at
frantic pace. Because of how wet she was Faith had no trouble fucking
her hard and deep. Raging heat greeted her fingers even as Buffy's
wetness cooled them. Faith could feel her rapid pulse in the swollen, slick
folds. The source of the wetness felt so snug around her fingers, while
her thumb traced circles around Buffy's clit. Rhythmic contractions
fluttered painfully around her fingers.

Xander captured Buffy's right nipple is his mouth again and lashed it,
then sucked hard. Buffy licked her lips, sighed and bit the pillow her
head laid on, eyes closed. Her hips were now in constant rotation,
tiny, tiny movements barely perceptible to the eye. Both Xander and Faith
sucked and bit at her nipples while Faith finger-fucked her. Buffy felt
her inner muscles contract around those fingers and a surge of moisture
followed; she knew that she was on her way to an intense orgasm. Faith
moved her fingers faster so that her strokes became less complete in
favor of the more frequent contact within. Buffy's hips responded to the
new tempo. Technique was replaced by instinct, and instinct told her to
find Buffy's release.

Faith hit just the right spot, applying pressure, and Buffy murmured,
"Right there, Faith," so that she knew Buffy wanted her to keep right on
doing exactly what she was doing. "I'm gonna
come...harder....please..." Buffy was beginning to pant, soft little exhalations puffing across
her face, catching every so often as her entire body stiffened, growing
taut as she felt the power building within her as Faith continually hit
that one spot, over and over.

And then she was there, releasing it, her breath catching, gasping for
breath, her back arching and her muscles clenching and undulating
around Faith's fingers as her blood pounded in her ears and in her toes and
everywhere in between as she came hard. Her entire body throbbed as she
laid there and collected her senses. Sensation came and left her body
in the moments between when she was able to once more catch her breath.

Shifting on the bed....

Sounds of moaning and panting....

Rocking next to her...

Xander....

Faith....

Fucking....

Relentlessly...

Buffy opened her eyes slowly, the vibrating next to her hard to ignore.
She could feel them. They were so close, connected -- magnetized.
"Xander....." she breathed, letting the letters form the word and evolve
into the call of a primal, carnal, demand/desirous need. A word, bundled
into two syllables - one name. The man she loved. The man who was making
love to another woman right next to her.

Lost in Faith, he heard her. Felt her as he always could, watching him,
wanting him. Neither ever imagined what they feel could be like this.
Xander could feel Buffy invading his skin, stealing his breath, all
while he dove into Faith again and again, both growling and fighting for
that hard, rushing orgasm.

In just the span of two days this new world of passion has been
created. A part of Buffy as she watched them feared this, even as she was
drawn to it. She knew they would never talk about it, this underbelly of
crashing, thrashing need that connected them in an invisible web of
gouging desire.

"Faith...."

She heard him, her senses riveted to his movements, his sounds, him.
He said it so softly. His body moved atop hers using slow, agonizing
withdrawals and fast, hard re-entries. Faith wondered if any small part of
Buffy was jealous that after she spoke his name he moaned hers. Faith's
arms wrapped around Xander's neck, holding him to her as fucked her.
She looked toward Buffy, her eyes shielded by the darkness in the room.
"Buffy...."

Xander heard his soul mate’s name and that only stoked the fire because
it came from a mouth other than his. His breath caught, trapped against
his lips, creating a low thrumming hum and he slammed his cock into
Faith with reckless abandon, twisting his hips with every thrust. His
hands crawled along her hips, gripping her, keeping her right where he
wanted.

"Stop, Xander."

His eyes found his beloved as he slammed hard once more into Faith,
causing her to cry out. He stopped as he was told, buried inside another
woman as Buffy surprised him. Pulling the covers up onto her shoulders,
Buffy crawled onto Xander's body, now resting spread-eagle on his back.
She melded her body and bent her knees to trap him in her embrace,
mixing heat and sweat. "Fuck her. Now!"

This was beyond intense.

Xander was sizzling, buzzing, shaking. His felt like he was on fire,
trapped in heaven. He slid his cock into Faith while Buffy mimicked the
motion on top of him, guiding him on how she wanted him to fuck Faith.
When Buffy moved her hips, he moved his. Faith gritted her teeth, the
added weight on top of her only adding to the burning pleasure of the
moment. Again and again and again Buffy and Xander moved together,
matching their swaying body movements. They were symmetry, burning perfection.
Animal, tender, demanding and loving. Oh yes, loving. He cherished her
even in this carnal act. This decadent encounter. They were attached, a
part of each other more thoroughly then words or thoughts could convey.

Faith arched her hips, moving with Xander now. Her legs managed to wrap
around his, even over Buffy's slim thighs. The heat was incredible,
beyond anything they had ever felt before. Words were useless. Looks,
sighs, moans, clenching, driving, touching, tasting, lashing, sucking, only
those things belonged here.

Buffy knew she couldn't come again from just grinding on Xander, but
she was damn aroused and very wet. She could feel the muscles in his back
and torso ripple with each and every thrust.

Xander tilted his head and Buffy shifted a bit for his lips to reach
hers, kissing with a hunger that was blinding. Faith erased the distance
between her and Xander, bringing her lips to his hardened nipples.
First one, then the other, kissing them, licking them. They were salt and
sweetness against her taste buds. Each move, each touch she played upon
him caused his chest to rise and fall with increasing intensity. Faith
released the nipple, only to have Xander's lips replace it on her
mouth. His kiss wet, torturously delightful. She felt caught in the
sensation as he manipulated her with his tongue, her mouth and her need. She
was nearly insane with the hitching and rising sensations. "Fuck me
harder." Faith's hands pressed greedily at the small of Buffy's back,
forcing Xander deeper even as she felt the first explosion begin to undo her.
He groaned aloud as he began to feel the first spasms through him,
through her. Burying his head in the pillow he grunted as instinct came
over him; his sharp breaths matching hers one last time, feeling the
release wash over him only seconds after her own.

Moments....

Minutes....

Buffy moved first, but only after placing a kiss on the back of
Xander's neck. "I need some dinner. How about you guys?" Now alongside them,
Buffy smiled as all Xander was able to do was nod.

Faith sat up a bit, stretching her neck. "I need some grub too, B.
Guys, there's this place I've always wanted to check out. I read about it
when I was locked up."

"Where?" Xander asked while lying next to Buffy.

Faith just smiled an innocent smile, looking away.

******

"Okay, what gives Faith?" Buffy asked as she exited the bathroom. "I
wanted to wear jeans tonight. Why do you want me to wear a skirt?"

Dressed in leather pants and a tight sleeves black top, Faith combed
her hair in front of the mirror in their bedroom. "Just because," she
answered, saying no more. She saw the curious look on Buffy's face
reflected in the mirror. She threw a devilish grin her way, conveying that
there indeed was a reason and all would be revealed later. Buffy wore a
white shirt with a blue jean skirt. Comfortable, casual and light,
exactly what one needed in the desert heat.

"You ladies ready to win big bucks in the casino? I intend to leave Sin
City with enough money to retire myself."

Buffy smiled when Xander walked into the room. "Or so broke you'll have
to live on the street."

"You wouldn't take me in, sweetheart?" Xander wrapped an arm over
Buffy's shoulder. His printed gray shirt hugged his large muscular frame,
just the way Buffy knew it would when she bought the shirt for him.
"Would you really let me live on the street?"

"Maybe Spike would let you bunk with him." Buffy knew no fear of
bringing up anything with Xander, even painful reminders.

"I'd rather bunk with you," he whispered into her ear.

"You love to bunk me, don't you?"

Faith grabbed the car keys off the table by the bed and hit the lights.
"Let's hit the road, kids. I'm starving over here. A hungry Slayer is
an angry Slayer."

"I could not agree more," Buffy added as she took Xander's hand. "Did
either of you pick up that odd odor in the car today?"

"What odor? I didn't smell anything," Xander replied as he locked the
door behind them.

Buffy stopped for a moment in the hallway. "I can't say what it smelled
like, but it was......musky." She shrugged. "I don't know."

"B, I thought I smelled something to. But I figured Xander let one
fly."

Xander pressed down for an elevator. "You two are nuts. Let’s go."


******


******

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino
King Arthur’s Tournament
3850 Las Vegas Blvd.
Monday, June 6, 2002 8:00 PM
Las Vegas, Nevada

"YOU'RE HOLDING THAT SWORD TOO FUCKING HIGH! YOU'RE LEAVING YOUR
MID-SECTION WIDE OPEN! ARE YOU DUMB?!" Faith shouted from her seat, drawing
attention from the other tables around the one she sat at with Buffy and
Xander. "What?" she asked her friends, sitting back down, truly
wondering what all the fuss was about.

"Leave the actors alone, Faith," Xander tried to mimic Giles, his fake
British accent coming off so bad Buffy asked him to never, ever do it
again.

Performed in King Arthur’s Arena section of the Excalibur Hotel and
Casino, the Tournament of Kings Dinner/Theater spectacle provided great
food and an amazing display of Old World Mystical English lore, complete
with lavish costumes, theatrical jousting and sword fighting. The
Tournament of Kings was a fantastic excursion into the intrigue and
excitement of medieval Europe. Set amidst the backdrop of a fanciful feast
filled with magic and might, this colorful romp of dancing and celebration
delighted the eye as the food pleasured the stomach.

According to the promos handed out the showroom had recently been
completely renovated, with new décor, new lighting, and a new sound system.
The audience entered the arena across a marble and stone floor and was
greeted by a full-size shining suit of armor. Large icon chandeliers
and glimmering sconces lit visitor’s paths as they made their way to
their seats in one of eight sections, one for each "country" represented by
the battling kings. Standing guard over each section was an illustrious
suit of armor. Stone and harlequin-patterned wallpaper adorned walls of
the arena.

The opening sequence featured the entire cast in a procession of
marching and syncopated drumming, setting the tone for an incredible evening.
The story began when King Arthur gathered his fellow kings of Europe
for a no-holds-barred competition to honor his son Christopher. The rival
kings begin the games, riding their faithful steeds through rounds and
rounds of medieval sport, testing their skills of agility, strength,
and endurance.

"Wow!" Xander spoke, almost in awe of the sights before him. Expert
swordsmen choreographed fights throughout the arena as torches gave the
display a truly magical feel. With a wink and a sexy smile Faith was able
to get them a table in the Camelot section, easily the most revered of
all the dining areas. Xander couldn't help but to feel proud. Not only
did he have the best seats in the house, but two of the most beautiful
woman as well. "Buffy, I want to be a knight."

"You're already my white knight," Buffy complimented, earning herself a
kiss.

"And you're my demon-fighting, vampire staking,
witch-best-friend-loving, mystical-energy-key-of-a-sister-having,
amazing-construction-guy-boyfriend-adoring, superhero best girlfriend of all time." Buffy blew an
exaggerated kiss at Xander, who acted as if it was trying to fly away
form him, causing Buffy to giggle.

"Gag me, tie me up and span." F." Faith's off-hand remark about the
sappy display she’d just watched drew curious looks from both Xander and
Buffy. "You know you both want to," she winked, her attention now back
on the show.

Wicked indeed.

Daring stunt riders were toppled from steeds to a sod-covered stage.
Battles mixed with barefooted dancers, tumblers, wizards, and a prince's
quest for a lovely maiden to share his throne, played out before them.
On the arena floor a spectacular two-on-one sword fight was taking
place with all of the kings standing around them. At one point a swordsman
tapped the wrist of one of the men he was fighting, causing his sword
to jump from his hand, and somehow the other swordsman caught it, now
wielding two.

Faith pounded her fist on the table. "Did you see that B?" she
exasperated. "That guy must want to get his head cut off. What the fuck’s wrong
with him? Who taught him to use sword, Mel Brooks?"

"Calm down, Faith. It's all pretend, remember?" Buffy shook her head
while digging into her shrimp platter. "It's just a show. Right Xander?"
Buffy looked up when she got no response. She followed his line of
vision and noticed one of the actresses wearing a princess costume was
staring right at him, smiling. "XANDER!!""

"Huh? What?" he stumbled quickly around his words, noticing Buffy's
glare. "I think she was looking at you." His tease was not well received.
"I'll just go back to eating my chicken now."

Buffy nodded, "Good boy," then gave the smiling princess the look of
death. She got the picture.

"Do we need to jump down there and teach 'smiley' a lesson, B?"

While pleasantly surprised by the backup from Faith, "No, that won't be
necessary. Right Xander?"

"I'm eating my dinner and paying no attention to the show whatsoever.
Furthermore, I have no ideas what you are talking about." Faith made a
whipping sound effect, then pointed toward him. "And proud of it."

He was instantly back in Buffy's good graces as the intermission began.

"This steak is fantastic. I don't care how much it costs, it's worth
it." Faith chewed with her eyes closed, then heard laughter. "This sure
beats the hell out of prison chow."

Xander wiped his face with a napkin, thoroughly enjoying his meal as
well as the atmosphere in general. But even more important than that was
observing Buffy happy, wearing makeup out in public, just enjoying an
evening out with her boyfriend and their mutual friend. "This
steak is not the steak found in the Hungry Man TV dinner, that's for
sure."

"Is it better than my steak?" Buffy asked, almost daring her boyfriend
to say the wrong thing.

"Xander told me your steak was a tough as rubber. It was like trying to
chew a used tire," Faith just blurted out, then stuck her tongue out at
a glaring Xander.

"A tire?" Buffy questioned, staring at Xander while smiling on the
inside, but pouting on the outside. She loved it when he felt like he was
backed into a corner. He was adorable to her that way.

Shrugging with his trademark grin, "I wouldn't say a tire...."

"What would you say, dear?"

Xander thought long and hard on his answer. "It was more like the hide
of a rhino." Xander looked on as Buffy held her angry face as long as
she could before her lips started curling and she had to look away.
Seconds later she burst out laughing. "But it tasted like good rhino. Not
some of that cheap stuff at the corner market. I'm talking ‘bout pure
African Rhino hide." They all laughed now, with even Faith covering her
mouth.

Xander scooted his chair closer to Buffy as Faith looked through the
guide to the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. While thumbing through the pages
she saw Buffy fork shrimp into Xander's mouth. In times like these she
felt the difference between how they were in the bedroom and how they
are in public. That was fine by her, and she even smiled a bit on the
inside at how nice they looked together. She liked that they seemed real.
They argued and fought like cats and dogs, yet loved just as intensely.
Here in public Buffy and Xander were a couple and she was their friend.
Behind closed doors Buffy and Xander were a couple, but she was their
lover as well. The difference was the small ache in the pit of Faith's
belly while watching them. An ache born not of wanting them
romantically, something she feared, but because there was no one to hold her hand
or feed her food or simply brush against her arm for no reason other
than the need to touch the person you loved.

It was the little things.....

They finished their dinner and watched the rest of the show. At one
point Faith almost jumped down into the arena when one of her shouts of
"Lift your damn sword higher," was met with the middle finger. Buffy held
her back while Xander spoke of her parole officer. A few glasses of
wine smoothed things over as they laughed it off and prepared to hit the
casino.

******


******



Xander's Apartment
908 North 2nd Ave.
Monday, June 6, 2002 8:15 PM
Sunnydale, Ca

Tara shook her head as she walked down the hall toward Xander's
apartment. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. But Yoda would kick Spiderman’s ass. The
minute Spiderman would try to punch Yoda he would get his arm cut off.
Yoda is the greatest Jedi ever."

"Yoda walks with a cane. He's 2 feet high." Willow remained defiant as
she fumbled for Xander's house keys. "Sweetie, Spiderman's reflexes
would allow him to doge anything Yoda did."

"Yoda could force-push Spiderman away anytime he got near. And you saw
how he fought that guy in Attack of the Clones. I wish I was as agile
as he was." Tara lowered the bag of groceries she carried to the floor,
calmly disagreeing with her girlfriend. "Yoda could make Spiderman kill
himself. Mind control, remember." The minute that comment left her
mouth she regretted it. "Willow, you know I didn't....."

"I know, I know." Some subjects were still very sore between them. Mind
manipulation being chief among them. "But Spiderman can resist mind
control," Willow said with a straight poker face.

The tone of her voice and her sweet smile expressed to Tara that
everything was fine, even as she assigned a power to Spiderman that he did
not posses. "Open the door you witch."

"I love it when you start ordering me around," Willow winked, then
turned the key in the lock and opened the door a bit. She quickly stopped
moving, placing her palm in the air because something caught her
attention. "Can you hear that strange noise? I think someone’s in there. Plus
the light is on," she whispered.

Tara nodded and stood back. Willow spoke a few words under her breath
that Tara repeated. Willow silently counted to three, then shoved the
door open. "I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE, BUT YOU BETTER GET THE HECK OUT OF
MY BEST FRIENDS HOUSE RIGHT NOW!!"

"What in the hel..."

"Astra Phalen," Willow pointed with her finger at the first thing that
moved when she stepped into the living room. A light blue energy bolt
erupted from her fingertips and struck something.

Spike barely had time to open his eyes when the beam hit him as he sat
up from the couch he was sleeping on. "Damn Wankers!!" he shouted as
his body instantly became weightless. He quickly floated to the ceiling
face first and is now pressed there. "Is this how you treat vampires
with souls? Hello, souled vampire here? Hello?"

"Spike?" Tara noticed first. "What are you doing in Xander's apartment?
You don't have a key."

"Yes he does. I'm here," Dawn joked as she walked in from Xander's
bedroom. "Spike fell asleep on the couch and started snoring so I decided
to camp out in the bedroom. His snoring is unbelievable. I thought I was
going to die."

"Hey, I'm not that bad," Spike defended himself from the ceiling.

Willow smiled as she shut the door. "Mastra Solen," she called out as
Spike's body dropped back on the couch like he was a thrown sack of
potatoes. "Why are you guys here?"

Spike shook his head from the fall, blinking a few times. "Remind me
never to get you witches mad." Stretching his neck, he stood to face
them, a bit nervous, but in the Spike way, which meant not looking as if he
was nervous. "I kidnapped the Niblet out of school today. Wanted to
share my good news and a box of chicken wings. Things got deep, but we are
on the mend." He looked toward Dawn who nodded. Things weren’t perfect,
but the truth was out there and that was where you started. "Dawn used
one of Buffy's spare keys and we let ourselves in. Oh, and Dawn ate all
the Doritos."

"No I didn't," Dawn quickly stepped in. "You ate them all. Look, you
even have the crumbs on your black shirt."

Tara laughed at the evidence Spike now wore on his clothes. "Busted."

"Oh If I didn't have a soul and a chip," he half warned, half laughed.
"So what’s' for dinner ladies?"

Tara walked past him on her way to the kitchen. "Pasta, some fish, and
we bought a cheesecake. Plus, Anya will be by soon and she's bringing
some baked chicken and dinner rolls."

"Any booze?"

Willow walked out to the coat rack and grabbed Spike's duster, then
handed it to him. "The booze is on you."

Spike mumbled under his breath the usual string of insults, took the
coat and left, with Willow yelling. "Good wine, too. Don't bring back
that stuff in the purple bottle that makes us see things!"

Dawn and Willow took a seat on the couch while Tara began preparing
everything. "We'll be eating in about an hour or so."

"Okidoke," Dawn replied grabbing the remote and turning on the TV.

Willow wondered about the comment that Spike made about him and Dawn
getting into something deep. "How are you today, Dawnster?"

She shrugged. "My vampire babysitter has a soul and can walk in the
sunlight now. He also told me he killed children and raped women. I also
got a free hot lunch."

Deadpan humor was really something else.

Willow put her arm around Dawn. She could see some of the light in her
eyes had dimmed, especially after learning of Spike's past. "He was
honest enough to tell you himself and I feel that counts for something."

Dawn sat with her hands in her lap, still reeling from all she had
learned today. "You're defending him now?"

"No," Willow corrected her. "I'm just saying he could have said nothing
and you could have just looked it up in one of the books at the Magic
Box. Now tell me, wouldn't that have been worse?"

"Yeah," she spoke softly. "He raped women." Dawn couldn’t wrap her mind
around that fact, even if that was in the past. "That's the worst thing
in the world you could do to a girl."

"Yes, it is."

"I don't know if I can forgive that."

"It's not about you forgiving him. It's what you can live with. I have
chosen to forgive Spike for the things he has done to me for my own
sake as well as his, due to the fact that he appears to be making a
genuine effort to change his life. As for his past, I hate it. It's
disgusting. But he seems to understand things now. He stayed away from Buffy
like she asked him to, and still went on patrol. He asked to have his soul
returned without one of us asking him to do it. He's making some
progress. Is he totally trustworthy? No. But each of us has to decide what we
can live with. If he continues to patrol and kill vampireile ile
helping us protect Sunnydale then that is a good thing. Every demon or
vampire he kills saves one life. That’s what we do. We save lives. And now
Spike is doing it too."

Dawn knew the voice of experience when she heard it. "Tara, is that how
you feel too?"

"Hell, no. I say stake his ass."

Dawn and Willow sit there with their mouths open. Tara grinned from ear
to ear. "What, I can't say the unexpected? I can be spontaneous too,
you know." They all got a laugh out of that. "Seriously Dawn, Spike is a
vampire and even with the soul we should all watch him. But this year
has taught me to be open-minded about second chances." Her eyes locked
with Willow's, kissing her without touch. "He has a soul now and is
doing everything we ask of him. I'm ready to give him the benefit of the
doubt. But let’s never overlook his past or act like it didn't happen."

"Tara's right," Willow agreed from next to Dawn. "With what we have to
contend with on a day to day basis, we need Spike. He's working now and
is helping us whether it involves Buffy or not. I'm simply ready to see
what becomes of him. He knows now he has no excuses and if he messes up
it's over. No more chances."

"I still feel somewhat uneasy around him. I know he wouldn’t hurt me,
but...." Dawn took a deep breath. "I can never look at him the same
again."

"Welcome to the wonderful world of growing up," Tara said. "We just do
the best that we can."

******

30 minutes later

******

".....she bought nineteen Shurian candles for $24.95 each. I purchased
a twenty pack for $120.00 a few days ago. I made a very nice profit
today. Capitalism at it's finest. I love the American way." Anya smiled on
the couch with her feet up on the inn table. "Oh, and a I bought new
shoes too. Look," she lifted her foot, twisting her ankle about.

"I'm happy to hear business is going so well," Tara complimented. "And
those pumps are to die for."

"That means so much to me coming from you, Tara. Gay people have the
most amazing fashion sense."

Willow, Dawn, and Tara stared at Anya for a moment, then shrugged,
smiling, knowing that was just her way. All eyes looked up when the front
door opened and Spike walked in carrying a bag. He was talking to
someone.

"I didn't steal it. You just didn't seem me pay for it. I think you've
got a few layers of skin overlapping your eyes. You ought to get that
checked out, pal." Spike said as he strolled in, with Clem right behind
him.

"Maybe I didn't see it. No biggie." Clem smiled, waving his hand. "Hi
everybody." He lifted a bag in the air. "I hope you don't mind me party
crashing. I picked up a superb chicken salad with ranch dressing."

"It's no problem at all, Clem," Willow added, easing the mind of the
gentle demon. "You're more than welcome. And love chicken salad."

Tara took Clem's jacket as Anya passed her to stand in front of Spike.
"Did you pick up the wine? And if you did is it the same kind as those
hookers on Rush street drink? I know the type of women you associate
with. I would prefer to not drink hooker wine."

Spike just snarled at her. "Must you annoy me the second I walk in the
bloody door."

"Yes."

"At least you're honest," Spike quipped, side stepping her for the
kitchen. He pulled two bottles out of the bag and held them up. "See, it's
not the cheap stuff. I might be evil but I have class."

"Clem picked it out, didn't he?" Willow teased from the couch next to
Tara.

"Noooooooooooo." Spike didn't see Clem nodding behind him. "A little
back up, pal."

"Spike did carry the bottle form the back of the store to the front,"
Clem added as he took a chair into the living room. "Sorry, Spike. I
don't lie."

Anya smirked, clearly enjoying Spike's dismay. "Thank goodness for you,
Clem. Hopefully some of your class, however scaly it may be, will rub
off on old vampy over there."

"If your glass of wine tastes funny, pay it no mind. It won't be
poison."

"I would expect no less from a chipped, soulless vampire who believes
black is the only color clothes come in." Anya was proud of her
comeback, but faltered a bit when Spike walked over to her, looking anything
but angry.

"You haven’t heard the good news yet, luv? Don't worry. You're gonna
love this." Spike saw Tara and Willow grinning out of the corner of his
eye. Dawn looked away, still getting used to everything. "I've changed."

"What the hell is going on?" Anya asked, noticing the amused looks
around the room.

"I got soul, Anya."

"Are you stalking James Brown now? Did you kidnap him?"

Crossing his arms, Spike prepared to thoroughly enjoy this. "No. I mean
I have a soul. I got me a brand spanking new one last night." Oh how he
loves throwing this in her face. He's standing right in front of her
now, enjoying the slightly shocked look on her face. "Tara worked some
Wiccan mojo and now I'm full of soul and sunlight friendly. I might open
up a lemonade stand this summer. You know, for the kids. Spike loves
the kids."

Anya continued to stare at him, almost as if she was in a trance. She
doesn't know why her mind instantly replayed that night she caught Spike
having sex with some woman she didn't know. The passion with which they
were going at it, the sheer intensity, made her body throb. She felt
flushed all of sudden at the memory. What once looked like simple lust
for wrong guy now appeared a bit more plausible. "I don't care if Jesus
st hst himself walked through that door and redeemed you in this living
room you would still suck."

"I bet you know allot about sucking, Anya." Clem cleared his throat
behind Spike, gesturing toward Dawn. "I meant sucking up to customers.
That's what I meant."

"Really?" Dawn began. "I thought you meant oral sex. But then again,
what do I know. I'm only sixteen and have never been outside of my home
or watched any TV shows that weren't on PBS." Both Spike and Anya had to
crack a smile at that line, though they remained close to each other.
Tara high-fived Dawn, congratulating her on setting them straight that
she wasn't a little kid anymore.

Willow caught Anya and Spike looking at each other. Really looking at
each other. Willow thought to herself.
"Let's eat,
guys. I'm starved."

Everyone moved to the kitchen, with Spike and Anya still exchanging
curious looks.

******
One hour later
******


The sound of the front door closing coincided with the splash of water
Anya doused on her face in the
bathroom. She needed to clear her mind and she just couldn't seem to do
it. Tara and Willow were giving Dawn a ride home, while Spike and Clem
were watching TV in the living room, waiting for the Wiccans return for
a night of poker.

Her reflection in the mirror still looked flushed, a condition she
hated. All Spike did was caress her thigh under the table one time after
dinner and she was practically undone. Spike invaded her personal space all evening, practically taunting
her. The normal razor sharp at at her disposal turned into biting
insults, hoping to ward him off. All it did was amuse the others.

What she felt was need, not love. This was need and desire of a bad boy
by a woman who had not felt the touch of another in quite some time.

This was about sex, plain and simple.

Spike annoyed her to no end. He was rude, arrogant and obnoxious. He
was so completely unapologetic for every single thing that came out of
his fowl mouth she wanted to shut him up by running him over with her
car.

Or shoving her tongue down his throat so far she could taste his new
soul.

"What the hell is wrong with me," she whispered to herself in the
mirror. Anya has never been one to be ashamed of her sexuality. But to
desire......him. That was something she was having a hard time handling.
She blamed her ex boyfriend for this new way of looking at the
world she has adopted.

But Spike has made serious strides toward being a better person in
recent months. And with him wanting a soul because of his love for Dawn,
that told her that things were not the way they used to be. Anya began
pacing the small bathroom. She stopped in front of the
mirror again.

Anya stared into the mirror, shook her head, then exited the bathroom.

And walked right into Spike. "What's wrong? You look a
bit....disturbed." She tried to side step him once, then twice, but he matched her
moves each time, not letting her pass.

"Dead or not you have testicles and if I knee them you will go down."

He leaned toward her, practically pinning her to the closed bathroom
door in the dark hallway. "I go down very well."

She didn't need to hear that. Didn't need to picture that head of
blonde hair between her thighs, lapping at her like a kitten at a bowl of
milk. "Will you go to hell?"

"I'm in it half the time I'm in your presence."

"Then why are you still here?" He moved closer, if that was even
possible. Her heart began beating wildly, despite her efforts to calm it
down.

"Cause I like a bit of the hell every now and then."

The heat between them has been growing ever since she hired him at the
Magic Box. With things back to normal, or as close as they ever were in
Sunnydale, they've been spending a lot of time together. Since Spike
lives above the Magic Box he's there when Anya is closing. They argue
constantly. They insult and banter and work and occasionally joke with one
another. But most of the time they fight.

The question is, what exactly have they been fighting lately. Each
other or something much more personal; than either of them had ever dreamed
of.

"What is Clem doing?" Her voice actually quivered and she immediately
hated that. Her eyes focused on his lips and would not let them go.

"Sleeping the sleep of babes."

******
30 seconds later
******


Anya knew she made the first move.

She knew even his long, cool tongue gave her the deepest French kiss
she ever had, she started this. Pulling him backwards into the bedroom
she once shared with Xander. Kicking the door shut. Dragging him to the
floor with her. Gnawing at his lips with hers.

Hungry wet kisses spoke what words could not. Grasping hands and
panting breathes accompanied the shoving of clothes out of the way. This was
pure need.

Heat.

Passion.

Her hands hitching her skirt up on her hips.

His hand urgently unbuckling his belt.

Her hands cupping him through his jeans.

Growling as he was released just enough to.....

Panties her pushing sideways....

Spike pulled her legs over his waist, positioned himself, and slammed
into her in one hard stroke. Despite her experience she was tight and
hot and felt different than he imagined.

It felt emotional.

Anya locked her ankles behind his back and clutched her legs more
tightly around him, urging him deeper. The sensation of his thick, cool
shaft felt unbelievable, stretching her, offering the most unique feeling
she had ever felt before. They didn’t actually remove any clothing at
all. Anya arched her hips and bit her lip as Spike dove into her again
and again, hard and fast on the floor. They kissed and fucked, rutting
hard, grunting and moving together.

This happened so fast.

So quick.

Flirting turned into need, then an out of control fire.

And now it burned.

Anya moaned his name as Spike began pounding into her faster. Anya
could feel her orgasm building and her hands began to squeeze Spike’s back
as she tried to hold her climax off. Both wanted to get off hard and
fast, to just loose themselves in the moment.

The pressure of her nails spurred him on more. He drew her hands from
his back and attached them to the floor above her head. Anya arched her
back up and Spike responded by grinding his body into hers. He brought
his lips down on her own. The only sounds in the room were of teeth being
knocked together and their bodies pushing against each other while they
built up to their release.

Spike continued sliding in and out of Anya with all the pent-up energy.
Anya began to continually moan and rock against him.” Spike, I'm gonna
come." Anya said as she closed her eyes and drew her hands away from
his so she could grab onto his back while she rode out her orgasm. Her
fingernails clawed Spike's back through his shirt while her inner walls
tightened and spasmed. She clenched her teeth to keep from screaming as
her orgasm ripped through her body hard and fast.

Spike felt her muscles against his cock throb and his orgasm came
speeding up on him. His head dropped to her neck and began kissing it. But
when his own orgasm came, his teeth bite down into her neck, drawing
her life blood.

Anya's eyes blazed open as he fed from her. Her body stilled, and then
exploded into a massive orgasm so strong all she could do was hold onto
him and shake, crying out softly. Her orgasm was intensified by Spike
feeding from her while still thrusting hard inside of her.

They rode out their orgasms and laid still while their breathing got
back to normal. Spike reluctantly pulled out of her, but wouldn't let her
go. They stared into each other eyes, anger having finally give way to
release. But there was something else.

Something unexpected.

A connection.

Spike felt something for her. Something a bit more than simple
attraction. Simple lust. And that scared him.

"We... I...they will be back soon."

Spike nodded, moving away as Anya rose to her feet and left the room,
saying not another word.

And for some reason he did not like that.

*******


*******

The Mansion owned by Manny Simeon
900 Crest Drive
Monday, June 6, 2002 9:00 PM
San, Diego, Cal

Some people had things handed to them on a silver platter.

And some people have to fight tooth and nail to get anything in life.

Manny Simeon fell into a third category. One that shaped the man he was
today. Sitting outside in the backyard of his estate, he had no
regrets. How many men owned multi-million dollar mansions? Perhaps that number
was greater than the average person thought. Athletes and entertainers
garnered millions each year. Politicians certainly pinched off the top
to live the life normal people expect them to live.

But how many accomplished this with no higher education than a G.E.D?

Never mind that. The size of a mans home meant no more than the size of
his penis in the grand scheme of things. But a mans name. Now that held
untold worth.

It was priceless.

A man would rather watch his home burn to the ground than to have his
name spoken ill of. And in the history of those who work in the world of
organized crime, ones name meant everything.

The name Manny Simeon was known by a select few people in California.
It held no special meaning. Just one name among millions.

But in the world of organized crime the name Manny Fresh was known as
the Don of the West Coast. There were two others that often were
mentioned in the same breath as his name, but at the end of the day California
belonged to Manny Fresh.

He started out as no less than a street punk. He dropped out of high
school at age 17 and sold dime bags of marijuana on the streets of L.A.
With no interest in working a 9-5 and a lack of education the drug game
called to him like a moth to a flame. He stayed with, learned how to
make it work for him. While others joined gangs he chose to move
silently. At age 26 he over heard a cop tell another cop that a gang was
considered disorganized crime. That statement struck him and would not let
go. It wasn't that he ever sought out organized crime, but he had to
admit it sounded like the smarter of the two paths.

Manny didn't drive a nice car or dress very well. His sole focus was
money and his name. He carved out a small area of business for himself. A
four block radius that he was able to build into a $10.000 dollar a
week business by age 30.

What caught the eye of the Salano family was the fact that he was able
to operate in the tougher neighborhoods predominately run by gangs, and
yet not be in one himself. He commanded respect with a gun. Crossing
him meant he would personally kill you. That is how respect is won in the
drug game. Your name meant everything.

Manny joined the Salano family and began distributing drugs for their
organization. They thought he would take their product to the streets.

Manny had other ideas.

He took it to the colleges. Using their money he bought apartment
buildings in nice affluent neighborhoods near universities. That was where
the true money was, he told them at the time. Rich kids from influential
families with money that would never run dry. With connections that
would benefit them if relationships could begin.

Manny had a plan. Go where the clean money was. It was really that
simple. College students told other students. Drugs were purchased in
higher quantities. But college students from influential families eventually
became influential themselves. Manny made friends over the years. Lots
of them. And these friends through the decades opened up different
avenues of business.

These avenues helped Manny rise through the ranks the Salano family.

At age 59, Manny has grown weary of the life. Grown weary of the petty
squabbles and the constant hounding of the Feds. He said nothing as he
stared up at the stars with Vinny Salvatore by his side. He would often
do that when he summoned someone and wanted them to truly think about
why. He was bald, about 5'10, 178 pounds. A pudgy man, with piercing
green eyes and a face that told stories of the life he has led more than
anything his mouth could ever utter. He looked experienced.

His gold shirt and black pants were simple. He never wore jewelry, save
the gold cross around his neck. The weather was a brisk 79 degrees
tonight. Manny sat with Vinny Salvatore and his great Dane, Stalin. "Thank
you for waiting. I had other business to attend to."

Vinny took a long drag from his Newport, needing the nicotine to give
him the edge to not show just how nervous
he was. "I will always alter my schedule to fit your needs, sir. It was
no problem."

With a curt nod, Manny looked to the night sky. "What happened on
Saturday?"

Vinny took a deep breath, composing himself. "The pickup and delivery
went off without a hitch."

"Then where is the product?" Manny heard the sigh alongside him.

Honesty bred trust and that lived between the two men here. It has for
quite some time. But dishonesty was usually followed by death. Vinny
has lived by this code for a long time now. It was his life. "The product
was stashed in one of the cars from our lot. That car is now missing."

Clearly Manny was not pleased. He began cracking his knuckles, a habit
he's formed over the years while talking business. "How could something
as stupid as that happen? You are not new in the ways of how we work,
Vinny. I trust you."

"And I value that trust, sir," Vinny added quickly, turning in his seat
to directly address him. "My brother Tony was supposed to lock the car
up at his place and we would bring the product to where it needed to
be." If any individual used the words drugs or cocaine or the name of any
of the substances they moved for a living, Manny would have them beaten
in public. They played a dangerous game and were constantly hunted by a
force with unlimited resources, man power, and new technology. The
Government. They were always careful. "My brother did not go home Saturday
night like he was supposed to. Instead he hooked up with a new
secretary at the dealership. They stayed the night there." Vinny leaned in
close as Manny looked straight ahead. in the distance. He could see his
granddaughter chasing lightening bugs in the garden. "While Tony slept in
his office the car was rented out and gone. By the time he awoke it was
to late and the person who rented the car had left."

"I respect the courage you show in telling me exactly how your brother
screwed up, " Manny began softly, never a man to raise his voice. "But
this is beyond ridiculous. Tony knows better than this. He's a grown
damn man with a wife and he's still skirt chasing. Does he have so little
respect for me?"

"No, sir," Vinny interjected immediate, hoping to cut off the rising
anger he heard in Manny's voice. "Tony has always been weak to women.
That is his vice, unfortunately. But he knows where the person is who took
the car and is in route to retrieving it as we speak."

"Where is he?"

"Las Vegas."

"When will he have the car back?"

"I cannot see him needing more than another day, tops. Finding one guy
can't be that hard."

"What if this guy discovered your drugs and turns the car over to the
cops? That car leads a trail back to you aour our brother.
Investigations breed problems we don't need, Vinny," he finished strong, his green
eyes hard.

"I know sir."

Manny now gestured with his one finger, pointing at Vinny. "You haven't
spoken with your brother, have you? You pieced together this story
yourself, right?"

"Sir, I did not lie to you..."

"I know that. But your brother is a coward. This is a well known fact.
He would leave you to deal with his fuck up rather than face me and
handle this like a man. What if I decided to have your daughter killed
over this, huh?"

Vinny wanted to choke the older man to death where he sat. But he would
damn all those he loved. And this was their way, only it looked vastly
different when those he cared for were on the other side of the threat.
"He has completely destroyed my faith in him as well, sir."

"Listen to me, Vinny," Manny tapped his thigh with a long slender
finger. "You have until tomorrow at this time to find the product and fix
this situation. I ordered Tony to kill Ritchie because of his
transgressions. Do not force me to order you to kill him. This is our way. Go and
do what you have to do."

Vinny rose and exited the backyard as fast as he could. His heart was
racing and his blood boiled.

******


******

The Excalibur Hotel and Casino
3850 Las Vegas Blvd.
Monday, June 6, 2002 10:05 PM
Las Vegas, Nevada


A casino in Las Vegas was another world onto itself. As Buffy, Xander,
and Faith walked in the entrance of the Excalibur Casino they just
stopped and took it all in.

Flamboyance and excess ruled here. Lives could be forever changed on
one single roll of the dice.

Plush red carpet, glass chandeliers everywhere, so well lit you think
it was daytime. The sounds of music and cheering greeted them as there
I.D's were checked. The atmosphere was simply electric. Show girls and
security moved through the heavy crowds, as did those who came with
their own security. No one recognized any celebrities yet, but you just
knew there were some high rollers in the joint tonight.

Up ahead were at least seven rows of slot machines. An indoor waterfall
added to the whole experience as games of all types were being played
on the tables spread out everywhere. Fortune hunters moved about like
sharks in the water after a boat wreckage.

"We need chips now!" Faith said as her eyes searched for where to
purchase them.

Buffy followed an obviously overjoyed tourist as he ran up to a booth
just ahead. "Over there," she pointed
out. Buffy barely got the words out before Faith began pushing people
aside on her way there.

"Outta my way, Grandpa!"

Spotting a few obvious...ahem....women of the night eyeing Xander,
Buffy cleared her throat loud, turning them away immediately. When she
turned around she found Xander grinning at her. "Not a word out of you,"
she smiled at him.

Xander made the universal sign of zipping his lips.

Buffy grabbed his shirt and pulled him down for a quick kiss. "The
quest for my Porsche begins."

He loved that spark of life in her eyes. That the fact it looked bright
as it ever did meant everything to him. "Don't you mean our Porsche,
dear?"

She pulled away, smiling. "Oh yeah, right. *Our Porsche."

Xander walked behind her, almost running into a returning Faith, who
had her chips and was headed to the roulette table. "Faith, hold on a
second."

"Xander, money is calling me. I'm ready to pick up the fucking phone."

She looked so beautiful to him now, grinning like a little kid.
"Remember the rules?"

Faith looked away with her hands on her hips. "You and your damn
rules." She smirked when he trued to give her a serious expression, one he
hasn't mastered yet. "Don't punch, kick, throw, threaten, beat, choke,
stomp, throttle, man handle, knee, body slam, stab, or rob anyone here.
Yeah, yeah, I know."

"Just enjoy yourself without violence, okay."

Faith took a few steps toward him, then pressed her lips against his,
lingering for just a bit. "I'll be around. You and B take some time to
yourselves."

The kiss was a bit unexpected, and sweeter than he thought she'd ever
do in public. He kissed her back, cupping her cheek. A small tingle of
fear moved up his spine. He didn't knoy. "y. "Thanks. Be good."

"I couldn't if I tried," Faith tossed over her shoulders as she walked
away with attitude.

Xander turned to catch up with Buffy.

******

Buffy took another sip of Xander champagne as she sat at the slomachmachine. "Dammit, I lost again," she snarled, kicking the bottom of the
machine and leaving a small dent.

Xander shook his head when he heard her kick the machine, ever mindful
of her lack of patience. "Sweetheart, don't break the machine and get
yourself arrested. You may not win. These things are rigged.re are are
probably some mafia guys watching us right now, laughing to themselves.
Mostly laughing at you, but laughing nonetheless."

"Xander?"

"Yeah?"

"Shut up." She spun around in a flash when a chip hit her in the back
of the head. "You're never gonna drive my Porsche. You know that right?
"

Xander stood in front of his slot machine. He held out his ha