Title: Bring Me Into the Light (27/?)
AUTHOR: Mistress Ace & Em
E-MAIL: rosewood@inreach.com & vicedragonv@msn.com
FEEDBACK: Is the butter on our bread. We write because the story begs to be told. Feedback lets us know if we struck a chord with you.
DISTRIBUTION: Our site, for the moment. When we post fully edited chapters, those can be posted elsewhere. RATING: NC-17
CATEGORY: Story: Romance, Angst
SPOILERS: As You Were
PAIRINGS: B/R/Sam, m/f, f/f
DISCLAIMER: Don't own the characters at all. (More's the pity) They belong to the Great God Joss Whedon et al. We are just borrowing them for a little bit. That's all. No BtVS characters were harmed in the writing of this fic. Well, maybe just a little.
SUMMARY: Not back for long enough. Not nearly long enough and there were too many things left up in the air. But isn't that the purpose of fan-fiction?
 

Chapter 27

No doubt in his mind what she needed and he was perfectly happy to provide it. Without saying a word, he rolled over on top of her. Rolled over, slid down the length of her body and buried his face between her legs. Riley still trembled, his breathing still labored but there was no way he was going to leave Buffy hanging.

"Oh, God, Riley... yess..." Buffy's breath hissed between her teeth, her hands finding their way into his hair almost by reflex. She hadn't intended to say anything, but Riley had taken that choice away from her. And she was damned glad that he had... she needed this, more than she had realized until now.

And God, did he feel good. Even if he was still shaking from his own climax, he dove right in, finding all the right places. He was incredible... how had she gotten so lucky?

Two fingers in and God... so open and so wet. Wet enough he could probably... Yes, three fingers in and no sign of pain. No hitch of breath that told him he'd gone too far. She filled his senses as she filled his mouth. Good, she still tasted so good.

Rocking into a fold in the sheets. Everything was going to have to be washed after this. He was still hard, hard and sore and the sound Buffy just made was driving him crazy. All consideration went out the window when she made that breathy little noise.

Sam watched for a few minutes, smiling to herself when Buffy's hands clenched in his hair. Ripples of pleasure were still coursing through her body as she was perfectly content to lie next to them. Lie next to them and close her eyes and just listen.

Lulled by Buffy's happy cries and the soft, wet sounds of Riley's mouth, Sam curled up on her side. Pulled a pillow down, tucked it under her head before reaching out to stroke Buffy's cheek and then her shoulder. Too far gone to notice the bed shifting, too lost in the after-glow to open her eyes when she heard Riley's soft curse or Buffy's gasp.

Out of the sheets, they weren't soft enough and he still ached. His hands on her breasts, then braced on either side of her body. Mouth parting from her sex, leaving her bereft until it was replaced with something else. Riley was inside in one thrust, all the way inside and moving fast. No thought to the consequences, just heat and wet and motion.

Soft gasp, soft moan... he was so hot inside her, he filled her so full. He was moving so fast it took her breath away. All thoughts of protection flew out of her head, though secretly she thought she wasn't capable of conceiving anyway.

Her hands slid down his arms, finding his hands, and slid underneath them carefully. Another moan, and a whisper of, "Yes, Riley... harder... God..." Eyes half-closed, half-watching him above her. He looked so good, so powerful... he glowed golden, almost looking like an apparition or a dream. But he was real, solidly real and moving deep within her.

Soft enough, finally something soft enough. Something that took away the sting, took away thought. Riley looked at Buffy, really looked at her and fell in love all over again. The voice in the back of his head, the one that normally screamed caution was long gone. Probably off on a vacation to Bermuda with his common sense and the rigid morality his parents raised him with.

Right now all that mattered was where he was and who he was with... and God, yes... pleasing her. Being worthy of her, being her lover... The law wouldn't let him marry her but that didn't mean he had to hold anything else back. Never been inside her like this, not naked like this... Nothing between them, not their pasts, not their fears, not their pain and certainly not a thin layer of latex.

Sam's eyes opened slowly and she smiled. Beautiful together, more beautiful than she and Riley ever were. Tiny Buffy, pinned to the bed by her husband's huge frame, her arms and legs wrapped around him as she hung on for dear life. She stroked them, both of them, encouraging their movements with soft little croons and murmured endearments.

Soft, breathy, mewling sounds escaped Buffy with every breath, every thrust of her hips up to meet Riley's strokes. Hot sparkles of pleasure followed Sam's fingers, a pleasant companion to the fire Riley was building deep inside her. She arched her hips just a bit more and cried out when he hit that place, deep inside her. So good, God, so amazing... she couldn't form the words, but her cries told him, told them, all they needed to know.

Buffy was flying, her senses nearing overload.

Wild, she was wild beneath him. Not quite Buffy and not quite the Slayer. Just like this wasn't quite making love and it was a helluva lot better than fucking. Riley turned his head to wipe sweat out of his eyes and she tightened around him. Nearly made him see stars.

He returned the favor with a series of harsh, staccato thrusts that shook the whole bed. Sharp sting of nails into the back of his hands and he was roaring at her. Not in pain. No. Never in pain. "God! Yes... Yes... Harder, Buffy. More."

Startled out of her post-orgasmic complacency, Sam raised up on one elbow. Watched in pure fascination as her lovers went wild again. Almost a repeat of the night before. Riley's gaze never faltered, never wavered from Buffy's face as he drove in again and again and again. Like he was trying to get as deep as he could before coming.

Harder he wanted, harder he'd get. Buffy lifted their hands, raised them until her elbows on the bed supported them, her strength supporting him. Using their strength together, Buffy used her extra strength to slam her hips harder against him. Her body used her arms as a brace and arched in a way that it almost didn't seem possible to move, but she did it.

Her inner muscles grasped him each time he was fully seated inside her, constantly clenching and releasing as they moved. He wasn't the only one seeing stars, and her breath came in breathy cries and harsh pants. She was getting close, so close...

God, he was going to be sore later. But he didn't care. Riley really didn't care. Each time she slammed into him, he was that much closer to ecstasy. That much closer to coming...

Pain mixed with pleasure. The good kind of pain, the burn that he got after a long run, after a hard workout. That's what was coursing through him right now. Knife edge of sensation, dulled only by the knowledge that when he came... Oh God, when he came it was going to feel so good.

Any other time, the expression on his face would have had Sam running for the med kit. His jaw was clenched tight, the muscle jumping with every thrust. In fact every muscle on his body was standing out, she could almost see the blood rushing through his veins. On the brink of explosion... both of them. The only question was... which one of them would go first.

"Riley!" A shrill scream emerged from Buffy as she convulsed, her climax crashing through her like a hundred fireworks. Not just one orgasm, but several, one right after another. She gasped, barely able to breathe as she was rocked to the core and back again. She kept moving purely on instinct, locked onto what she'd been doing before her system hit overload.

Her hands clenched tight in his, her nails biting into the back of his hands. Her knuckles turned white; probably both of them were lucky that she didn't squeeze tighter or they might both have ended up with broken bones.

How he kept his eyes open, Riley never knew. But he did it. Kept them open and locked with hers as she came all around him. The last tight squeeze triggered his own and he spilled inside her. White hot pleasure laced with pain, so strong that he almost blacked out.

His body jerked, still driving inward, biological imperative firmly in place. Deep, had to be deep to make sure the seed took. His mouth found hers, completing the circuit and sealing off the string of curses that were so ready to fall from his lips.

Caught up by the power flowing between them, Sam felt her mouth go dry. It was then she heard something pop and her eyes were drawn to their hands. Blood welled up, red against bronze, smearing over pale fingertips. If she said anything Buffy would be terrified about hurting him. But she was hurting him. "Jesus... Buffy. Buffy, let go."

Buffy blinked at Sam for a moment before she saw Sam's eyes on their hands; wide eyes, worried eyes. With him leaning on her to kiss her, she no longer needed to support him so she loosened her grip. She couldn't see their hands, his body was in the way, but even in her hazy state of mind, she knew Sam was worried.

When she loosened her hold and felt slick wetness under her fingers, her hazel eyes went wide and frightened. She let him go immediately, gently untangling their hands and lifting hers up over her head. Until she knew what she'd done, she didn't trust herself to touch them, either of them.

His hands stung and Buffy looked scared. Riley looked down at them, trying to get his brain to function. To connect the dots between Buffy's fear, Sam's concern and the marks on his hands. Perfect half-moons, blood welling in the center of each of them.

Like a movie out of synch, his brain stuttered and it finally registered Buffy had marked him again. Marked her territory. Which he really, really didn't mind. Her marks were much more welcome than the other scars his body bore. "It's okay... Honey, I'm fine. Buffy... shh... No harm done."

After a moment, Sam nodded. The wounds were superficial and could be easily cleaned up. Much easier to clean up than having Buffy come apart on them again. "You're right. It's fine... He's fine, Buffy." She slid an arm in between them and curled in as close as she could.

Buffy's body went limp and her eyes closed as relief washed through her. She took a deep breath and calmed the panic that had been stirring within her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, Riley. I'm so sorry..." She bit her lip, holding back tears. She never wanted to hurt them, either of them... yet it seemed that she was a danger to them, just by giving in to her own desires.

It wasn't serious this time... or last time... but what would happen next time? What if they somehow couldn't get through to her to make her stop?

"Buffy, look at me," soothing tone, serious but soothing. Riley waited until her attention was focused on his face. "Don't do this. Don't be sorry and God... don't worry if I get a little banged up. Sam's hurt me much worse. Almost broke my back once."

"Hey, I'm not the one who decided to have sex in an elevator. That was all your idea." It wasn't that she was defending herself. There was no need, Riley wasn't accusing her of anything. But by responding, she could inject humor into this. Lighten the mood and keep their lover from having... what was the term Riley used all the time? Keep her from having a wiggins.

Riley chuckled, glad that Sam caught on to his tactic. "Yep, that was my idea. But I'm not the one who hit the emergency stop."

Buffy caught on to what they were doing when she giggled. She relaxed and nodded, taking another deep breath. "Okay, guys, you can relax. I'm not wigging anymore. I do have to be more careful, though. You've seen what I'm capable of; there really isn't any excuse if something should happen to either of you."

"Careful's good. Not completely necessary but good." They'd had this discussion before, about her holding back. The end result had been his being slammed into the far wall of the UC Sunnydale gym with the breath knocked clear out of his lungs. That stung too but it had been worth it. Just like this had been so worth it.

Riley settled down on top of her, keeping most of his weight balanced on his elbows. Not that she couldn't bear his full weight but because it was the polite thing to do. She shifted underneath him and he groaned. Had no idea how hot she was down there or how good it would feel without... "Oh God."

"Ry? Ry, what's wrong?" Instantly alert, Sam checked his hands and then his face. Something was up, something pretty major.

"Shh, Riley. It'll be okay." Buffy glanced at Sam and sighed softly. A guilty look flashed across her face for not having stopped him. "We were a little careless, is all. It kinda just hit him." It was left unsaid that she'd known. And she had, but she hadn't wanted to stop him. It felt too good, to both of them.

And she really wasn't as concerned as they were, because she had always thought that there must be something in a Slayer's makeup that would keep them from getting pregnant. As far as she knew, there'd never been a pregnant Slayer before.

"Careless? Oh... careless." Straight disapproval in her tone that was softened by the sight of her husband's guilty flush. Now more than ever she needed to get Buffy on reliable birth control. Although how the usual hormonal based methods would work was anybody's guess. Very little was known about the physiology of a Slayer. On the outside, Buffy looked perfectly normal.

Well, actually she looked perfectly gorgeous. Especially with her hair mussed and her mouth bruised by hard kisses. Kisses that she'd gotten from each of them.

Distracted, Sam couldn't allow herself to get distracted. The damage was done. Now all they could do was deal with the consequences and use some of the methods available to handle this type of slip-up. "Morning-after pills. I'll add them to the list. We can pick them up at the grocery store. First, you need to get up and wash. That will help a little."

Riley nodded, glad Sam was being the sensible one. And not yelling at him for being stupid about something so basic. You never went out in the field without a weapon. Never had sex without some sort of protection. He planned on spending several minutes pounding his head against the wall for this particular bit of male brilliance.

Moving off of Buffy so she could get up, Riley rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. God, how could he have been so damn dumb?

"We got lost in it, Riley. And you're not used to needing them anymore. It's understandable." Buffy laid her hand on his arm as she stretched. She wasn't entirely sure that she could get up, yet. Even if she did need to.

"Sam? Is there any way to tell whether or not I actually need morning-after pills?" She bit her lip and dropped her voice, concerned about their possible reaction to her thoughts. "I mean, for all I know, I might not even be able to get pregnant. There's never been a pregnant Slayer before, that I know of. What if I can't? Then we messed with the drugs for nothing... I also don't know what hormones will do to my system; I think part of what makes Slayers different is the hormones in our bodies."

She sighed. "Maybe I do need an exam, but not for the reasons the military wanted."

"Buffy, if the morning-after pill doesn't work, then the regular pill won't either. We can probably get you tested, see how your body reacts." Sam reached out and ran a hand down the length of Buffy's body, coming to rest on the curve of her belly. "We can't be sure that Riley can get you pregnant, that's true. We're not sure he can get me pregnant. There's been some nasty side-effects from the Initiative tampering."

"Don't," his voice was quiet, muffled by the arm over his face but the warning was clear. "Only one case of that so far and it's not me. You even ran the tests, said my count was high enough. It's just not time to think about kids. Or to chance them."

Wealth of pain in his tone, Maggie's little experiments kept coming back to haunt him. No telling what else she did to him beyond the chip in his chest and the drugs he'd been fed 24/7 for almost three years. He wanted kids. Wanted them so bad... but not yet. Not yet.

"It's not Riley I'm worried about, Sam. It's me, honestly. In all the history of the Slayers - and trust me, there's a lot of it. There have been hundreds, maybe even thousands. And in the recorded history, no one has ever once mentioned a Slayer that got pregnant. Now granted that most of them never had lives either, but I can't be the first slayer to have a sexual relationship. How can we tell? Is there a way?"

Buffy's fingertips caressed Riley's arm and slid through his hair in a comforting manner. But her eyes were on Sam, wondering if there was any kind of answer. She honestly didn't know; none of them knew enough about a Slayer's make-up to tell. She mused to herself, "I wonder if Wes would know..."

"There are tests we can run. Standard fertility tests. I'll set up lab time as soon as I can." Another thing to add to the list which was growing by the minute. Not that Sam minded, she was equally as curious about the subject. Looking at the two of them, watching Buffy try to comfort Riley brought up an image she hadn't contemplated before. Their lover with a rounded belly, taut and full of life.

Bringing life into the world instead of taking it out.

"You aren't the only slayer who's had a sexual relationship, Buffy. Need I go any further?" If anything, there was even more pain in Riley's reply. Pain laced with bitterness and anger... and regret. Faith had driven a wedge between them with her little stunt. A wedge that had almost destroyed them.

Too easy to get lost in that. Water under the bridge. The past was the past and Faith was definitely in the past. There was something else she'd mentioned. A guy's name. "Wes... Wes?" Riley muttered, trying to dredge up where he'd heard that name before. He lifted his arm away from his eyes before rolling over onto his side to look at Buffy. "Wasn't he your Watcher? During your senior year of high school?"

Grasping Riley's desire to change the subject and not dwell on Faith, Buffy nodded. "Yeah, he was. He's still here, though. In LA, with Angel. Easier to ask him than Giles, who's several time-zone's away... among other things." She shook her head. She didn't want to dwell on Giles, either.

"He's the only one nearby that I can think of who might have information on past Slayers that I don't. And we can run the standard tests, Sam. See what it tells us. If we're going to rely on the pill long-term, it's probably better anyway. Hopefully it won't hurt me for a while, until we have a chance to check."

Riley nodded slowly as he fought down that instantaneous surge of jealousy brought about by the mention of Angel. Great. She wanted to call someone who was with her ex. Well, maybe he was with her ex. That thought made it easier to follow her suggestion. "Good plan. You got the number handy? Think we could call him now?" Hidden agenda which he wanted to stay hidden. It was broad daylight outside, the time when most vampires slept.

Hopefully Angel would be asleep right now and they could get the necessary information with a minimum of contact with the King of Pain. Much as though he wished he were over it, Riley hated Angel. Hated him with a passion that bordered on insane.

Sam was nodding too; thinking her way through the necessary steps to get Buffy tested. She could claim it as part of her entrance physical. Give the procedure full legitimacy because they would have to check her out before her signing up.

"Yeah, I could do that," Buffy agreed. She knew Riley was thinking that Angel was likely asleep right now, and he was probably right. She'd make this as painless as possible, for all of them. Reaching over to the nightstand, she grabbed the phone and dialed the number from memory. She'd made it a habit to memorize important phone numbers so they couldn't get lost.

An unfamiliar male voice answered the phone at Angel Investigations, identifying himself as Gunn. "Hi, is Wesley there, please?" She paused, and the voice asked her to hold on. "Sure." Sounds of a hand over the receiver, voices in the background, then Wes' familiar voice on the phone, sounding a bit strained.

"Hi Wes, it's Buffy. Sorry if I'm bothering you, but I need to ask you a question. It's about Slayers, past Slayers, and I was hoping that you could either give me an answer or tell me who might be able to?" Wes' answer came in a flattered-sounding voice, assuring her that he'd do his best. It made her smile; good old Wes. "Thanks, Wes. It's basically this: is there something in a Slayer's physical makeup that prevents them from getting pregnant? I've never heard of a pregnant Slayer before." Another pause, while he thought about it.

Buffy bit her lip as Wes told her that he honestly didn't know. But he could make some inquiries and do some checking for her, if it was important. "It's important to me, if that's good enough. It's personal, not save-the-world important. Would you mind, please?" She sounded so earnest that he couldn't disappoint her. He agreed. "Thanks, Wes. You're the best! Say hi to Cordy and the gang for me, please? Sure, you take care too. Thanks! Bye."

She hung up the phone carefully. "He's going to do some checking for me. Slayer hormones are different, but he doesn't know how it affects pregnancy issues."

"We'll check on our end too. Check you out from head-to-toe." Sam stated calmly as she got up. If Buffy couldn't move well, which she suspected was the problem, then she would have to handle the clean up. Better safe than sorry. "I'll be right back."

Riley mumbled something under his breath and when Buffy looked over at him, he blushed a little. Then repeated what he'd said for her benefit. "Here I was sure we've already checked you out pretty thoroughly." Quick smile and a laugh as something else struck him. Something he should keep private. What he wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall when Wes told Angel about Buffy's call. Wonder what the vamp's opinion would be about his ex thinking about babies?

"I guess Walsh didn't consider my reproductive abilities? Or maybe she didn't make that knowledge public? It doesn't really matter; this has never really been an issue for me before, you know? I never thought about it much." Buffy bit her lip and shrugged. It was true, she'd never really given it much thought before. Again, it was something she hadn't thought she'd live long enough to worry about.

"Wasn't talking about Maggie," Riley clarified as he reached out to touch her. Cup her breast, run one hand down over her stomach, stopping right above the beginning of her dark blond curls. His voice deepened, no mistaking his meaning now. "I think we checked you out."

Not much in the way of supplies for this sort of thing. Sam checked in the medicine chest and under the sink. It was pretty obvious that no one in this house worried about birth control. She'd have to make do with a warm washcloth and a bit of patience.

Buffy couldn't help but grin at that, even as her hand rested on top of his, pressing gently. "Mmm... yeah, I'd say you did. Come to any conclusions?" She joked lightly. It was a silly question, and she didn't expect an answer.

"I'd say you're perfectly healthy. And you feel good too." His hand slipped down a little further as he moved in for a kiss. This was not the time to be starting anything again and he was 99% sure he wouldn't be able to do anything serious but... God, she felt good.

The sound of Sam clearing her throat stopped him in his tracks. Riley lifted his head, looking at his wife who stood in the doorway, arms folded across her chest. For a second, he felt an irrational surge of panic. Was that jealousy he saw on her face? Was she angry with him for starting something while she was out of the room?

Deer-in-the-headlights look, something she'd rarely seen on his face. Like he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't. And while the idea of watching him with Buffy again sent a twinge of heat through her body, there really were some things they needed to deal with.

Buffy blushed lightly, looking up at Sam. "Sorry, Sam. Here, I think I can clean myself up. I didn't mean to trouble you... I'm just not sure I can walk that far yet." She smiled a bit. She really had no inclination to get up and move at the moment... that alone would take an effort to overcome.

"It's no trouble. If I thought Captain Can-do's legs would hold out, I'd have him carry you to the bathroom. But this'll work." A laugh softened her demeanor as she sat beside them on the bed. Sat beside them and swept Riley's hand out of the way.

The washcloth was still warm, fitting into her palm as she pressed it into place. Cleaned the outer lips, then the inner ones. Spreading them with her fingers, Sam performed the most intimate caress with a smile on her lips and with very gentle fingers. When Buffy tried to move, she pressed her back into the bed and continued her work.

Riley was honestly astonished as he watched his wife. Up until now, he'd though he'd seen everything. But this was outside his experience. Sam was tending to Buffy with such care, such grace... and yes, such love.

Buffy's eyes fluttered and closed, her head tipped back and she did her best to stay still. "Mmmm... goodness, Sam..." She knew it wasn't entirely on purpose, but Sam was making her feel good again. It surprised her that she could feel good again so soon, when she'd thought she was completely worn out.

Slow dip inside, pressed up against the inner wall as she sought more. Heard Buffy gasp and felt her rise up into the touch. Sam cast a quick glance at Riley, who nodded and leaned over. His mouth found her breast, warm and wet around the nipple. Might as well make the experience a pleasant one.

While Riley suckled, Buffy's hands found his hair and she rose up into Sam's next touch. Amazing just how responsive their lover was to just about everything. Sam was trying to remain detached and clinical about this but she was failing miserably. On the next pass, she thumbed Buffy's clit and was rewarded by a tightening around her fingers. Moments away from giving up and using her mouth instead, Sam managed to keep herself under control...

Barely.

Buffy moaned softly, fingers tangling into Riley's hair. She arched up against him, pressing close. She couldn't help her response, but her reactions were lower key than earlier. She didn't have the energy to go wild again. But she could and did respond, if gentler than before. Soft sounds, soft touches... gentle reflections of what she was feeling inside.

All he wanted to do right now was please her. Please her and distract her from what Sam was doing. Distract her from the necessity of what Sam was doing. There had been enough painful and humiliating experiences in Buffy's life, he didn't want this to be one of them. As he switched from one nipple to the other, Riley murmured, "Love you."

Almost done, she was almost done. A few more passes and most of what Riley had left behind would be gone. Thankfully, they'd had a lot of sex in the past twenty-four hours. Which meant the viable count would be low. Unable to shut off the clinical side of her nature, Sam kept working. Sweep inside, go deep and then pull out. Wiped her finger on the washcloth before going in again.

Buffy pregnant wouldn't be a full-on disaster, they'd certainly take care of her and the baby. But it would be inconvenient and would make for several very uncomfortable questions from the higher-ups. Questions about their recruitment tactics and about the wisdom of placing her on their team. It had been hard enough for Riley to keep her on his team once they'd gotten involved.

"Mmmm... I know, love," Buffy murmured back. Her hands slid down from his head to wrap around his neck and hug him gently. Just to have him close, both of them close, she was happy. She honestly wasn't thinking about the reasons behind their current actions... which was part of the point.

Done, or as well as she could manage with Buffy lying down. Sam balled up the cloth and wiped one more time, cleaning up the detritus before dropping the cloth over the side of the bed. Riley didn't move, just kept sucking gently and rolling the nipple between his teeth, tugging occasionally.

Thumb back in place, Sam rubbed and feathered the fingers inside her. She wasn't certain Buffy was capable of another orgasm but if she was, no reason to disappoint her. Plus, rediscovering that her skills hadn't slipped after years of disuse was... interesting. Nice to know there were things one never forgot how to do.

Hips arching, Buffy cried out softly. It felt good, really good, but she didn't think she could take it. Her body had taken as much as it could handle for the time being, and after only a few minutes she began to realize it. It only took another moment for her to give up. "Stop, guys, please... I can't... I need a break..." Soft voice, pleading with them.

They stopped immediately. Sam's fingers were gone and the sharp ache went with them. Riley's head lifted, an apology ready when he saw the look on her face. They'd pushed too hard and that was not good. The apology died away in favor of his caressing her cheek.

"A break would be a good idea," Sam's voice was just as soft as Buffy's. While it was difficult to keep from touching her, they really did need to take a step back or three. Give their bodies time to recover. "Why don't you rest while we get dressed? There's a couple of things down in the basement that we need to fix." Like turning on the water. She'd used up what little was still in the pipes to get the washcloth wet.

"Sure... if you want. Just let me know when you want to go to the store?" Buffy was grateful to them for understanding. Slayer stamina only went so far, it seemed. She was worn out, and a rest would do her some good. "Thanks, Sam... for wanting to fix things, too. I never really knew what went into keeping up a home... and I haven't had much of a chance to find out yet."

"Happy to help." She was already on her feet, gathering up her scattered clothes. Riley shifted away as well, rising from the bed even though he stumbled and had to catch himself with one hand braced on the wall. "You all right, Ry?" Concern colored her voice although Sam was fairly certain his problem was the same as Buffy's. Too much sex and not enough rest.

"I'm fine," His response was quick, his eyes closed because the room was spinning. After a moment, it righted itself and he was able to open them and search out his own clothes. Years, it had been years since he'd indulged like this. And even then, there had been mystical forces involved so the after-math had been nowhere near this intense.

"Lie like a dog, Finn. Sit down before you fall down." When he didn't obey immediately, Sam guided him back down onto the bed with one hand. His condition wasn't that surprising. Lot of activity, very little food or water. A lesser man would have passed out by now.

Buffy scooted over on the bed, making room for him at the side. "You okay, Riley?" Her hand lifted to rest on his arm, concerned. Maybe they'd all overdone it. Sam seemed to be fine, but she'd had longer to rest than either herself or Riley. Concerned hazel eyes peered up at both of her lovers, watching them intently.

Rather than letting him reply, Sam did it for him. "Blood sugar's probably low. You didn't get a lot of sleep last night, did you?" She knew the answer to that already. Sam had woken several times during the night and found her husband awake. Awake and watching the other occupant of their bed.

"No," he admitted, exhaustion coloring that single syllable. Sleeping had been a luxury he didn't dare indulge in. Afraid that when he woke up, Buffy would be gone. And all this would have been a dream.

"Riley," Buffy scolded softly. "You need to rest. Come here, lie down with me. To rest." She tugged lightly on his arm, shaking her head. He was like that; would rather stay awake and watch others sleep, or as he put it, stand guard. But he tended to regret it when he was tired the next day. "Sam, if you need help, I'll join you in a little while. Okay?"

"No problem. Rest. Both of you. Doctor's orders." Her husband looked like he was going to protest but she cut him off with a soft, "Please. You're no good to us exhausted."

Nodding, Riley settled down beside Buffy. Sam was right, he was no good to them if he was worn out. Best to grab some rest when he could get it. His eyes were already closed when Sam pulled the covers up over both of them. He was asleep by the time she kissed their foreheads and left the room.

Buffy watched Sam leave the room, a soft smile on her face. Then she closed her eyes and curled up beside Riley, getting comfortable before relaxing as completely as she could. Her mind began to drift and she dozed lightly, not completely asleep, but not truly awake either.

Sam left the washcloth in the bathroom and retrieved the wrench before descending the stairs. She made short work of the several trouble spots in the basement plumbing, turned the water back on, even started a load of laundry. Next were the dishes, piled high and unwashed in the sink. It seemed that the other occupants of Buffy's home needed to learn a little housekeeping etiquette. Mainly, the breadwinner shouldn't have to handle all the chores.

While she worked, Sam made note of missing items in the cupboards and the refrigerator. She made a list, which got longer by the moment when it became apparent that Buffy was missing even the most basic supplies for survival. A phone call later and she had the morning after pills ordered as well as a three months supply of both birth control and pre-natal vitamins. Another item off her checklist.

Riley moved closer in his sleep, automatically seeking out her warmth. He nuzzled her shoulder and then her neck. Dreaming, he had to be dreaming. Buffy was in bed with him. In bed with him in her mother's room which meant he was back in Sunnydale. Back in Sunnydale and back in time.

Buffy automatically snuggled closer to Riley when he came closer. She felt his arm wrap around her and leaned into his warmth. She was in a dreamy place where the edges of reality loosened their grip and she was able to fully relax, putting her cares behind her for a time. Her mind drifted further, nearer to sleep than not, full of images of safety and happiness, of Riley and Sam, Dawn and their 'family'.

Upstairs in that big bed were the two people she loved most in the world. More than her parents, more than her brother and sister back home. They were her family now and Sam was all right with that. Her parents already knew about Katja, knew about her leanings. In fact, her mother had a long serious talk with her when she'd gotten engaged to Riley. She wanted to make sure that Sam wasn't making a mistake, that she could be faithful and happy with a man.

Now that has been one interesting conversation. Not exactly the reaction a girl expected after telling her parents she was getting married. But she had a pretty unconventional family. All they really cared was that she was happy. And she was... more than happy.

*****

 
Go back to the UC-Sunnydale Library