Sire

By KnightMare24

Kristin slowly regained consciousness, becoming aware of the feel of sheets on her body and the sound of footsteps on the floor. She rolled slowly onto her back, with her eyes still closed and stretched her body, making a small groan. “Sorry I fell asleep.” Kristin spoke as she opened her eyes, but where she’d expected a small smile of indulgence she got a concerned stare from the redhead on the side of the bed, a redhead that somehow was completely dressed, and hadn’t woken Kristin up taking a shower.

“Are you feeling okay?” Willow spoke so softly as she moved to sit on the bed, twisting so that she faced Kristin’s way. “Because there was the strangeness and the magic, and then we sort of passed out, but when I woke up you wouldn’t wake up. I tried to wake you up, but it was like you were dead, only a human kind of dead because you clearly weren’t dust.”

Kristin could sense concern and she stared at Willow for a moment, trying to remember this. Her last memory had been very pleasant and it ended with her still between her Sire’s legs. “Magic?” Kristin was feeling a little nervous as well. Her one experience with magic wasn’t a pleasant one. Her life nearly ended in that magical cage.

“I’ve been up for a few hours. I passed out too.” Willow’s hand moved to caress Kristin’s hair and it smelled of soap, not sex. That was a small disappointment, and it had Kristin’s easily distracted part of her mind wanting to put the scent of sex back on her Sire. She wanted her Sire marked as her own, but as a Pet did she have the right to want that? Kristin forced those thoughts away and focused on the discussion about Magic. “I didn’t do any spells, but I’ve been trying really hard to remember what I’ve learned about Virgin Blood, any hints of information I might have read. All I remember is it can be powerful, but not even why.”

“It was powerful and good.” Kristin licked her lips just a little at the memory. “It was amazing Sire, it was like power and sunshine and heaven all at once. I almost thought it would burn me it was so good.”

“Burn you?” Willow’s face looked so adorable when she was confused, Kristin thought.

“You’re pure in a way that I can’t even describe, it’s in your blood. It was in that blood much more powerfully than in the blood you’ve gifted to me before. It was a holy experience Sire, worshipping you. I was almost surprised it didn’t burn me, because nothing that good should touch my lips.” Kristin watched as Willow blushed and it made her smile a little. “I had an amazing time, and I loved your gift. That you would give that to me means everything to me Sire.”

“But what I gave you could have hurt you!” Willow’s voice rose. “I could have hurt you and I don’t even understand how yet! I thought I had.” Willow’s voice became shaky. “I thought I had hurt you. You wouldn’t wake up.”

“You didn’t.” Kristin sat up and pulled Willow into a hug. “It was amazing, and I don’t know about magic, but I don’t feel hurt. I feel better than ever.” Willow seemed to relax in her arms.

“None of my spells go right, but if my magic hurt you again, I just don’t think I could take that.” Willow whispered. “I wasn’t even doing a spell, but the magic was there. I could hear your thoughts right up until I passed out, and then I couldn’t hear anything when I woke up.” Kristin frowned as she considered this and started to wonder about what she’d been thinking that Willow might have overheard. Hopefully nothing that would be a problem. “Maybe it’s the Sire bond, but I didn’t read anything about this with a Sire bond, did you?”

“No.” Both of them had read all they could about it, trying to understand it. Kristin hugged Willow tighter, “but then we don’t really have a lot to read about it do we, just accounts from voyeuristic Watchers that don’t understand what they are seeing.”

Willow chuckled a little and that shook her body in Kristin’s arms a little. “Voyeur and Watchers, I’ll have to tell Giles that one.”

“Maybe we should have sex again, just to see if the magic is still there.” Kristin offered, but her grin was too wicked to not be noticed. Willow just gently hit Kristin in the arm, but there was a hint of a smile there.

“We missed lunch and dinner. It’s almost dark and I’m hungry.” Willow spoke and Kristin was a little surprised that she’d slept that long, or passed out, whatever it was.

“If you were a vampire we could eat each other and stay here.” Kristin teased, but she never wanted to see this woman as a vampire. “Maybe we still could.”

“That’s supposed to be adult naughty talk isn’t it?” Willow sighed. “Something I should understand and don’t?”

Kristin did her best not to laugh, because Willow might think she was laughing in a mean way. “I’ll get ready and we can go get dinner. I’ll corrupt you by explaining it later.” Kristin smiled gently and got up as she heard Willow’s stomach growl.

Kristin grimaced as she drank her blood, and felt a little guilty as she turned and saw a slightly guilty look on her Sire’s face. Kristin just sighed and cleaned up, it was an old discussion and she didn’t want to make her Sire feel bad about it now where nothing could be done about it. Maybe when they went back Willow would buy her human blood again, if Kristin was really good.

Even human tasted flat compared to Willow’s blood, but that was a dangerous thought. Kristin would never fully bite her sire, she just couldn’t risk it. A small cut or suckling at a wound were acceptable, but a full bite would demand control, and Kristin wanted to believe she had enough, but she’d never risk testing it in case she didn’t.

After brushing her teeth Kristin was treated to a passionate kiss and they left the hotel room hand in hand.

……………….

Willow still felt a bit nervous about the magic and she watched Kristin carefully for any sign that the vampire was affected by it. Willow also noticed that while she got a sense that Kristin was relaxed and content, she wasn’t hearing thoughts anymore.

They sat down at the restaurant and Willow watched her vampire look at all the people she’d rather have for dinner with a small smile. It was almost cute, in a hellmouthy way, how her vampire’s eyes followed the slow moving and drunk as if planning to pounce. With a mischievous smile Willow teased quietly. “I bet even I could take that one down.” Kristin’s eyes widened and her head jerked around to stare at Willow in open mouthed shock. It made Willow chuckle. “Stop drooling over the humans and pick something on the menu.” Willow caressed Kristin’s hand gently before turning her eyes to her own menu. “But I still think I could do it.” She teased again. “Don’t know what I’d do with him once I had him, but he looks easy.” It should feel wrong to joke like this, especially having seen people killed by vampires, but it was just play with Kristin, because her vampire would never do those things. Willow felt a warm rush as she considered how much her vampire gave up because Willow asked her to.

“You take down demons, humans wouldn’t be a challenge to you.” Kristin’s words shocked Willow and she looked up from the hamburger selection to stare at her vampy girlfriend. Kristin really believed that, Willow could see it in the vampire’s eyes. Kristin really thought Willow was all super Willow or something.

Part of Willow told her she should explain to Kristin that she wasn’t really all that powerful, the part that continued to nag her as Willow said nothing. Finally she opened her mouth. “Buffy does all the demon fighting, I just do research.”

“So you’ve never killed a vampire?” Kristin asked and Willow was surprised at the soft way Kristin spoke.

“Well, maybe a couple, but it wasn’t a big thing.” Willow admitted and Kristin just smiled at her as if Willow proved Kristin’s point for her. Willow would have rallied to object some more, but the waiter was suddenly at their table. They ordered and dropped the previous conversation, by switching to what their plans for the night could be.

……………

“I think that’s a vampire.” Kristin whispered while holding Willow more tightly to her body as she stared out the bus window. She wasn’t sure if she was holding Willow tighter so Willow could reassure her or so that she could protect Willow. As a pet it was a confusion, but she stared at the lanky vampire walking along the rather run down looking road between the strip and Freemont Street. That vampire didn’t even attempt to get on the bus, he just kept walking along the road and Kristin could see the prime hunting that this area could be with its dark areas and few scattered people walking around.

As they got out at Freemont Willow stared at something near the door of the bus, but Kristin was focusing her attention on her senses, and she didn’t sense any vampires nearby. When Willow’s body tensed a little before they stepped off Kristin turned to look at her sire in concern and saw a shocked expression on the redhead’s face as Willow looked from Kristin to the doorway. “It’s warded.” They stepped off the bus and Willow looked back at the bus driver who was giving Willow a strange look that Kristin didn’t understand. The other people on the bus walked around them and Willow moved closer to the bus driver, letting go of Kristin’s hand.

“A lot of powerful people make serious money in Vegas. Missing tourists are bad for business.” The bus driver spoke quietly and Kristin watched the conversation silently.

“Are there a lot of wards?” Willow practically whispered and the bus driver nodded.

“The Strip and Freemont here are no hunt zones, aside from Disney, Vegas takes the most precautions against monsters. Just always take the bus or a cab between the two, and you’ll be fine.” The bus driver closed the door and Willow stood still, before looking over at Kristin.

“It was warded against vampires, an uninvite spell was on the bus.” Willow stared at Kristin hard and Kristin’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. “You walked right on.”

“I followed you on.” Kristin knew enough about magic know to realize that she shouldn’t have been able to, but she had. “Maybe I can follow you anywhere.” She offered an idea, but they had no way to test it now.

It was a distracting thought as they watched the lights of Freemont and walked among the people and the booths. Kristin didn’t really understand how she was the only vampire able to see these things. Was this magic’s way of telling Kristin she wasn’t a proper vampire? It wasn’t like Kristin needed the announcement, she knew she was too different, too weak, to be like the others.

Willow would never have kept her if she was like the others, Kristin’s thoughts turned to the positive. Maybe it was Willow’s not being a normal Sire that granted Kristin access. It could be the type of sire she had, or her blood sire being from elsewhere. There could be a lot of reasons that weren’t just Kristin being made wrong, made weak.

Freemont street was like a smaller and more community version of the strip. It looked like a safe place to be and Kristin watched as Willow’s eyes searched every doorway for some symbol she was finding on them all. “Come here.” Willow spoke quietly as they approached one casino. “This is a rune meant to keep you out.” Willow spoke softly and caressed it gently with a finger, trailing over the rune. “I’m not going in.” Willow spoke and then just stood near the doorway, looking at Kristin meaningfully.

Kristin caught on, Willow wasn’t going to invite her into the doorway but Kristin was supposed to try anyhow. Kristin moved slowly so if she had to stop it wouldn’t be obvious to anyone looking as she took small step after step into the casino. Once Kristin felt the forcefield she stopped and looked down, seeing her next step would have taken her onto the carpet of the room. Kristin actually felt a little relieved to find her way barred and turned toward Willow.

“Sure you don’t want to go in, use the bathroom?” There were a few people playing slot machines near the door so she wasn’t being obvious. Kristin stood with her hand resting against the barrier and as soon as her Sire stepped inside Kristin found she was able to follow. She didn’t need to be invited if Willow was there first.

“I really want to research this when we go home.” Willow spoke quietly and then took a few steps into the bathroom, before waving Kristin in. Kristin followed her and was relieved to see just a few mirrors. It wasn’t fun having to try and hold it when people were around, and Kristin took the opportunity she had while she had it. Bathrooms weren’t always accessible.

“There’s a university near the strip.” Kristin spoke quietly, remembering seeing it on the map. She spoke through the stall walls, but she could sense a small wave of guilt from the stall next to her.

“I decided to go to UC Sunnydale.” Willow spoke and Kristin stood to flush, that sound covered her heavy sigh. Kristin’s shoulders had slumped a bit, but she forced herself to hide that before she stepped out. “It’s just, Buffy needs me.”

“I understand Sire.” Kristin managed a weak smile as she washed her hands, but the lack of a reflection had her jerking back again. She was embarrassed when she noticed Willow’s sympathetic expression when she looked over at the redhead. Kristin felt like she’d never get used to the reflection issue.

“I’m sorry, I know you like being the only one.” Willow started to talk, but when someone stepped into the bathroom, Kristin had to hurry up and leave, Willow trailing after her once she was done with her own hand washing. “Do you want to go back to school when I do? Maybe we could figure something out and you could take night classes.”

“I don’t know.” Kristin sighed and Willow took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Whatever you think is best Sire.” Kristin finally spoke. “But can we come here often? I like being outside.”

“I promise I’ll think of something. You don’t deserve to have to be locked up like that, and seeing you here. I want you to know I’m really tempted to just apply here for you, but I need to help Buffy. There is no here if she loses to some apocalypse there.” Willow’s words made sense, but Kristin just looked around the casino for the way out rather than reply just yet.

They only had a few more days and then they had to go back. Kristin hoped that Willow thought of something soon, because Kristin had tasted a little freedom and she wasn’t happy with the idea of staying inside anymore. She wanted the vampires in Sunnydale to just drop dead so she could go outside, it wasn’t fair.

“I promise you.” Willow’s voice was firm and she stopped walking. Kristin had to turn to look at her and Willow’s resolve face was out. “I will think of something. I’m not locking my vampy girlfriend up. I want to go outside with you as much as you want to go outside. And hey, mom and dad will come home eventually so we need to do a lot of planning.”

“I love you Sire.” Kristin leaned in and kissed Willow softly, and did her best to not grin and the smile her redhead had, before Willow’s eyes widened and she looked around nervously to see if anyone saw them.

When they got on the bus Willow made sure to be the first on one, and Kristin followed her easily. They still had hours of dark and knowing that it was safe, Kristin wanted to walk the strip as much as possible.

Of course the idea of going home and having sex with her Sire again was a tempting alternative. Willow’s gentle caress of Kristin’s arm while they stared out the bus windows made it hard to decide which was the better idea.

…………………..

While there was a lot to think about, what with Kristin’s ability to walk through warded areas, Willow found her thoughts after their walk on the strip on the fact that they’d had sex, and now their relationship was different. Somehow that seemed more important than a vampire that might develop the ability to walk into any home she wanted, or who knew what else. One strange thing that didn’t escape Willow’s mind was that while the sex had been amazing, it had ended up nearly hurting Kristin, and she didn’t know what to think about all the strangeness their sire/pet bond brought with it.

Willow felt a bit nervous as she stood in the bathroom, ready for bed physically, but not ready for the sight she knew was going to meet her when she opened the door. She’d almost killed Kristin with her magic last time, and Kristin was undoubtedly laying in bed expecting more than smoochies.

Willow stared at her own reflection, and found herself staring hard to see if there was a hint to the fact that she was no longer a virgin in her face, but aside from being a little too pale and clearly high strung, there was no visible change. Other than the hair she was still getting used to she looked like the same old Willow.

“Sire.” The gentle call from her vampire was a reminder she’d been in the bathroom too long. Willow took a deep breath and opened the door, wearing her pajamas. One glance at the bed showed she was the only one wearing pajamas. Kristin looked so amazing, and a little disappointed as well. “Should I be dressed?” Kristin asked and Willow didn’t like that look on the vampire’s face, that one that said her present was taken away from her, the disappointed child look.

“You don’t have to.” Willow turned away from the bed and bit her lower lip as she started to pull her pajamas over her head. Her heart hammered a little as she put the top on the dresser, and she found herself just standing there and not turning around.

The way her vampire could move so quietly was made very apparent when Willow found a hand gently touching her shoulder, and Willow couldn’t stop a small yelp of shock. “Sire, oh shh, Sire.” Kristin spoke so quietly. “Never hurt you, you know that. Are you regretting what we did? I’ll back off if you need me to, just don’t leave me.”

“No,” Willow felt a wave of pain that wasn’t her own and she turned to look into Kristin’s eyes. “I just don’t think we should, well, I hurt you last time.”

“No, you didn’t.” Kristin’s cool hand caressed Willow’s face. “Come to bed Sire, we can go as slowly as you need, but I think we really need to do it again. You need to see that you don’t hurt me.” Kristin pulled her into a hug and Willow slowly relaxed when it was just a hug. “You said it yourself, Virgin blood is powerful. But hey, you aren’t a virgin anymore. That makes you safe for the likes of me.”

Willow found herself led to the bed, and the soft caresses and kisses were so good and so gentle that Willow found herself relaxing. They moved so slowly it didn’t even feel like the same thing she’d experience for the first time the night before, but the ending felt familiar and wonderful. This time they didn’t pass out and Willow snuggled into her vampire before they fell asleep.

The next few days took on a wonderful pattern, where they woke up in the afternoon and Kristin taught Willow all sorts of new things before they left to eat. They’d catch a show, walk around, and then just before the sun rose come back to the hotel room to go over their lessons again before going to sleep. Willow felt naughty and wicked in such a good way. It made waking up their last time in Vegas disappointing. Sure Buffy needed her, and Willow needed to finish high school, but this week was easily the best of her life and she wasn’t happy to see it end.

Kristin didn’t look too happy either, Willow thought as she watched her vampire packing. They’d just managed to make the blood last and Willow watched as Kristin drank the last of it so they wouldn’t have to pack it. But after drinking, Kristin just stood so still, staring at the carpet. It looked so sad, and Willow became concerned. Willow put her own packing down and took a step closer to Kristin.

“Maybe you could go to the UNLV? It’s just a few blocks away.” Kristin spoke and Willow felt bad.

“I can’t.” Willow sighed, feeling like a bad Sire. “I’m needed in Sunnydale. I already decided to send in my acceptance to UC Sunnydale. Buffy’s fighting the good fight and I need to be there.”

“I see.” Kristin turned away from her and Willow stared at slumped shoulders.

“But I’m not going to make you stay inside for four years while I get my degree.” Willow reassured Kristin. “Just a little longer and I’ll think of something, I promise.” Kristin had been so happy to be outside, and Willow didn’t want to take that from her. They just needed to figure out how to vampire proof her vampire and how to keep slayers from hurting her.

………………..

It was so late on Friday night that it was Saturday morning when they landed at LAX. Kristin felt a sense of dread as she grabbed as many bags as she could carry without being suspiciously strong looking. Back to Sunnydale, it wasn’t her idea of a good end to the trip at all. She could kind of understand why her Sire felt she needed to be there, but Kristin really wished that someone else could take the redhead’s place on the team so that they could leave.

Kristin sighed as she moved to walk through the plane door behind Willow. Her Sire was never going to leave that place, never just go off and settle down in a nice safe place. Kristin was going to have to figure out how to survive in the middle of this good versus evil battle that she’d been dragged into.

“Do you want me to carry more?” Willow asked as they continued to walk into the airport and Kristin smiled just a little at the kind offer, but Kristin wasn’t having any trouble with the bags she had.

“I’d rather you save your strength. I want to ravish you on your own bed when we get back.” Kristin teased just a little and watched the blush. “We’ll toss all the stuffed animals to the floor and go at it like rabbits.” She continued in a quiet voice and watched the blush grow. It was starting to make her a little hungry so Kristin just smiled and stopped trying to embarrass her sire just a little. “Sire,” Kristin made sure her tone was gentler and more respectful. “Can we get more blood on the way home?”

“I can get some in the morning, but I really don’t know where to get it at this hour.” Willow reached out without asking and caressed Kristin’s hand, before taking the bag that hand was carrying. “Just a little longer. You can make it a few hours right?”

“As long as you stop blushing.” Kristin sighed and decided to behave herself so that she didn’t cause those blushes too much. “I’ll be fine Sire.”

They made it to the car rental desk and Kristin rented a sedan for the trip back. It was just safer than public transportation.

It was just an hour before sunrise when they pulled into Willow’s driveway and Kristin noticed that even with the radio playing rather upbeat music Willow had fallen asleep. Kristin turned the car off and just stared at the redhead. Willow’s head was resting on the window and she had partly curled up so more of her was on the seat. “Sire,” Kristin spoke softly while shaking Willow’s shoulder gently. “We’re home Sire.”

Willow didn’t really respond. Kristin sighed and glanced out the windows. She couldn’t sense any vampires nearby. With a small grimace Kristin unbuckled Willow, before she got out of the car and walked around to the other side of the car. She carefully and slowly opened the passenger side door and gently picked Willow up.

Her strength came in the very handy as she found she could support Willow’s weight with one arm as she unlocked the door. Kristin carried her Sire up the stairs and set her down on the bed, before turning to go get the luggage.

Once the bags were set inside the house Kristin closed the front door and went back upstairs. She found herself standing in the doorway to Willow’s room staring at the redhead, who was fully clothed and laying on the top of the sheets and blanket. “I came back to Sunnyhell for you Sire.” Kristin whispered before moving into the room. She gently and as quietly as she could removed shoes and socks. Kristin smiled just a little as she found that the week of sex and nightlife had left her Sire rather tired, tired enough to sleep through being stripped naked and then tucked into bed. Kristin didn’t bother with any pajamas for her, because she liked the warmth of her Sire’s skin against her own.

For the first time since she’d crawled onto her sire’s porch seeking help, Kristin slipped into the bed, banishing at least four stuffed animals to the floor. The stuffed rabbit was the only one that was allowed to remain, but Kristin did toss him up against the headboard so that she had free access to Willow.

………………

Willow woke up with a startled jerk as she realized she wasn’t in the car. Her eyes opened and she saw her closet door. As she shifted Willow blushed as she realized all that she’d slept through.

Willow slipped out of bed and found her way to the bathroom. Once that was done she stood in the doorway and grinned at the vampire in her bed who had a stuffed rabbit’s ear in her face again. “Are you biting Mr. Tibbles again?” Willow whispered to her sleeping vampy girlfriend. “You’re my vicious vampire.” Willow smiled at her girlfriend and just stood there for a few moments watching her. When Kristin’s hand moved out to grab the rabbit ear in her face and just hold it, well it was all Willow could do to not laugh. It was so cute.

A small patch of sunlight was creeping its way through the curtain, so Willow moved to adjust that so it didn’t hurt Kristin, and then Willow looked at the clock. It felt painfully, horribly early, but it was nine in the morning. While Willow would love nothing more than to get back into bed, the reason they hadn’t stayed right up until she had to go back to school was so that Willow could get used to a daytime schedule again.

Moving as quietly as she could Willow got dressed and then crept downstairs. After eating a quick snack Willow wrote out a grocery list, and then a short note explaining where she went if Kristin woke up.

The car was still in the driveway, but someone would be getting that today. Willow wished she had a license as she had to walk past it to start her trek down the street. Willow started to feel a little grumpy as she made her way towards the store by foot. She much preferred the routine they’d developed in Vegas, the routine that would have her still in bed leaning against the cool and soft skin of her vampire.

…………….

Willow was carefully walking with three bags hanging from her arms full or groceries and both arms carrying the heavy box of blood. Willow sighed as she considered that she’d actually looked to see if the butcher’s son was there so she could give her vampire the good stuff, but he hadn’t been.

Willow felt a little disappointed to not have human blood, and then a smaller part of herself considered the humans in the hospital that needed that blood. The fact that it was a smaller internal voice told her how important her vampire was to her, and Willow didn’t feel guilty about feeling this way. It wasn’t like she wanted to always feed Kristin human blood, but if there was a time that Kristin deserved it, well that was now. Kristin hated Sunnydale and she’d come back, she hadn’t caused a fuss. Kristin did that for Willow and Willow understood the sacrifice being made. Her vampire deserved human blood for that.

“Hey Wills.” Xander’s voice was a shock and Willow found her body tensing and her eyes widening as she looked up from the box she’d been thinking about to her best friend standing on the sidewalk. “I was on my way to see how your vacation went.” He grinned and when he stepped forward and reached out for the box Willow gripped the box more tightly.

“Take the bags, they’re cutting off my circulation.” She spoke before he could try and carry the heavy box for her. He’d be asking what was in it, and Willow felt her heart hammering a little as she struggled with seeing someone while she was carrying blood around. It felt like she imagined getting caught doing anything really bad would feel, and Willow hugged her guilty package to her chest as he untangled the bags and started to carry them himself.

“So, vacation?” His grin was partly a leer and Willow felt a bit irritated, but this was also her way to keep him from asking about the box.

“It was amazing.” Willow blushed as she turned a little and started to continue her trek home with Xander at her side. Her voice became a whisper. “We went to a show that I knew you would like. It had nearly naked women.”

“Did they dance on your lap?” He asked, sounding excited and Willow blushed.

“No, it wasn’t a strip club, it was a show.” Willow snapped at him.

“Did anyone else dance on your lap?” He teased and Willow blushed heavily. “Oh my god, you did IT!” He was staring and Willow did her best to not look over at him, but the small hint of a smile wasn’t something she could stop. “How good was IT?” He was moving around her and making sure he was in her line of sight. “Oh, is she as hot as I think she is?”

“Hey! That’s my girlfriend Mister!” Willow glowered at him. “I don’t want you imagining dirty things with my girlfriend, that’s just wrong, wrong, wrong.”

“Can’t help you there Will. Just hearing you say the word girlfriend starts all the thinking and fantasies. It’s unstoppable.” Xander’s words caused Willow to sigh heavily, and she readjusted her hold on the box as they finally made it to her street.

“Well, try. Or at least do it all silently, because I don’t want to hear you talk about her that way. She’s special Xander, really special.” Willow’s voice was resigned as she accepted that nothing she did or said would stop his naughty boy mind.

“If she’s so special, when is she going to join the scoobies?” Xander sounded a bit more serious and Willow looked over at him beside her. “Okay, so maybe some people will be weirded out to start, but I’ve got your back Wills, and they’ll all be happy for you after the whole, whoa a girl, who’d a thought, blows over.”

“I’m not so sure anyone would be happy for me Xander.” Willow turned back to look at the sidewalk. If anyone fully knew it would be messy and potentially very violent. “I don’t want anyone to hurt her.”

“Hey, I’ll even talk to Cordy and ask her to lay off.” Xander misunderstood and Willow didn’t correct him. “And hey, if anyone says anything about it I’ll be there.”

“I can’t do this now Xander.” Willow was tempted. If she said it, just put it out there, then she wouldn’t have to hide Kristin, but she may have to block access for stakes. “Not yet.”

“Okay.” Xander gave her a searching look. “Maybe the three of us could hang out, see a movie and catch lunch?”

“You just want to see our smoochies.” Willow accused him with a glare, but it hurt a little that she couldn’t even accept this. Maybe a late movie? Just to show Kristin that she could do it? If they stayed away from slayer routes and on brightly lit roads it could work. Willow shook her head, she wasn’t ready to risk it. She’d want it planned out in detail, and she hadn’t been around to see what was going on or if the patrol areas had been switched.

It would be nice if Xander liked Kristin, it would make this easier. Of course, right now Kristin wasn’t all that thrilled with him, but then Kristin was only seeing leering hormonal Xander. There was another Xander underneath that, the one that was Willow’s best friend. Maybe Xander could have dinner at their place and watch a movie. It might work.

At the door Willow fumbled with her keys and once again backed up so that Xander wouldn’t take her box. She stepped inside the darkened house with Xander right behind her. He followed her into the kitchen and Willow just stood there a moment, before deciding to just put the entire box in the fridge for now, and she slipped it in as smoothly as possible. Later she could unpack it and hide it.

Kristin had to be hungry, Willow thought with a frown as she went about putting groceries away while Xander filled her in on the fact that nothing at all happened while she was gone and that Cordy’s parents had taken her to Cancun, so he’d been rather bored.

She finally decided to have him pick out a movie for them to watch, and as soon as he left the kitchen she was ripping the fridge opened and getting a container of blood out. Willow was listening very carefully and was glad to be able to hear him opening the dvd cabinet, but with the way she could hear that she hoped he didn’t break it. Her parent’s were really upset if anything was broken when they got home, and Willow would have more than enough to deal with at that point she didn’t need a lecture.

“I’ll be right out.” Willow called into the living room where Xander was spread out, and Willow grimaced a little at the opened curtains. He’d made himself at home alright, but Willow refused to let sunlight limit her girlfriend’s movements in her own home.

“Hey,” Willow spoke softly as she entered the bedroom and saw her girlfriend sitting up, the sheets pooling in her lap and leaving her top uncovered. Willow just stared a moment. “Oh, I have blood.” Willow shook herself out of her daze and noticed the slight smirk Kristin had. “You are getting a big head missy, just drink your blood.” Willow handed it over and then watched her vampy girlfriend vamp out.

“Was so hungry. Thank you Sire.” Kristin drank quickly and Willow’s eyes widened at the proof that her vampire had been hungry. Part of her mind considered that she’d slept next to a very hungry vampire for hours, and it just didn’t scare her like she knew it would have scared anyone else.

“Xander’s here. We’re going to watch a movie.” Willow stood in the room, making no motion to leave yet. “Want to join us?”

“What are you watching?” Kristin took another deep drink from the cup and it was the last of it. “And is it really better than kicking him out and having your way with me?”

“Yes, well he was awake and you weren’t.” Willow managed, but a smile and a blush came with the words. “I want you to get to know my best friend, and I think that if he found out you were a vampire first it might never happen. He’s not open minded like that, but he is supportive of my having a girlfriend.”

“I don’t really like how he treats you.” Kristin’s words caused a strange combination of strong emotions to rise in Willow. Willow wanted to defend Xander and felt like he was being hurt, but then she felt amazingly loved that Kristin’s main complaint was that Xander didn’t treat Willow well.

“Please, give him another chance. He’s a boy, they aren’t great at not drooling.” Willow spoke softly and watched Kristin sigh heavily, that was all she needed to know. “Come downstairs carefully. I need to get the windows shut, he opened them.”

“Well that better not happen while I’m there, because I think my bursting into flames might clue him in.” Kristin got up. “I’ll be there soon.”

“Okay, I’ll go before he tries to come and get me.” Willow felt reluctant to leave, and for a moment she considered kicking Xander out and going with Kristin’s plan of sex, but she needed to be at least somewhat of a good friend. Sure she was lying to Xander, and if he knew that Willow wasn’t warning him about a vampire near him he would be upset, but she could spend some time with him.

……………

Kristin wanted to take her time getting ready, but since Willow was waiting for her she hurried. She just hoped that her hair looked okay, she normally spent a while touching it slowly to get some sense if it was laying right, but it took time. It took a good deal of time to get ready while being unable to see if you really cared how you looked. Kristin wanted to look good for Willow.

Kristin also button a few more buttons than she normally would, and was a bit resentful as she did it. She knew it would look better with a lower neckline, but that boy wouldn’t be able to speak. It was rather sad really.

As she opened the door she stared at the hall and listened. She could hear her sire’s voice in the living room, as she discussed movies with Xander. Now Kristin just needed to get down the stairs safely and hope the living room wouldn’t turn her into a ball of flames.

Grabbing an umbrella she’d found a little before they’d left on vacation, Kristin opened it and used it to protect her from the sunbeam that always seemed to hit the stairs. Once she was at the bottom of the stairs Kristin closed the umbrella and set it carefully to the side in case she needed to go back up the stairs. “Hey Willow, what movie are we watching.” Kristin called out, but silently she sent a feeling of nervousness to her sire. She got reassurance back.

“Come in and help us decide.” Willow spoke and that was all Kristin needed to hear to know Willow had come up with some excuse to close the shades. “It’s either the Xmen or Tomb Raider.”

Kristin stepped into the room to see Willow holding up a DVD in either hand. Neither were really Willow’s type of movie, so Kristin wondered who gave the redhead the gifts. Kristin’s eyes moved to the boy on the couch and she suspected she knew. “So either a group with hot women or a single hot woman with a lot more screen time?” she rephrased the question as she moved toward Willow. Kristin stared at her own hot woman and smiled gently. “Clearly we are catering to Xander’s hormones, so what was your pick?” Kristin turned in time to see the boy blush at her words. She did smile and try and seem friendly, but then again, neither movie were a Willow pick. Not a good sign, he was really pushing his own agenda. Kristin almost wanted to talk a bit about male privilege and her women’s studies classes at that moment, but instead she took one movie from Willow’s hand to look at the cover.

“I was thinking Tomb Raider.” Xander answered. “Don’t you think she’s hot? I mean do women see the same thing?”

“Our eyes are made of the same stuff.” Kristin said as she turned the Xmen movie over in her hand. She’d seen both movies before, and thought Xmen would be a better movie, it would have less drool out of the boy. “Oh, blue women. That’s a good sign.” Kristin glanced up and her smile was a bit fake. “You like your women inhuman right?”

“I’ll just get this one started.” Willow stammered and when Kristin turned to look at her she could see a stern look, a look that said play nice. Kristin sighed.

When Kristin turned back to the boy she did her best to feel friendlier. “I’m still hoping they do a Mystique movie, but chances are slim.” She grinned. “In the comic she was bisexual, and had a long term lesbian lover.”

“Really?” He looked like she’d gifted him something so Kristin just sat down and glanced at Willow. “In the comic?” She bet he would start collecting the comics soon. Well, if he did maybe Kristin could borrow them.

“As for your other question, women who can kick ass are hot.” Kristin looked up to see Willow looking at her as the DVD started. Kristin’s eyes widened a little for just a moment and she let her eyes travel over the redhead. “Definitely hot.” Willow blushed and Kristin sat down on the love seat, hoping her sire would pick the seat next to her and not next to her friend.

……………………

Willow was relatively happy with the way Kristin and Xander ended the moviethon. It looked like her vampire was a bit less hostile, was seeing some of Xander’s Xandery charm. Willow was relieved. She’d also been amused that Kristin had to point out Willow’s haircut to Xander when it was so obvious. Kristin had rolled her eyes at the boys surprise.

“You told her about the things that go bump in the night.” Xander whispered as they stood in the doorway. Kristin was still in the living room, because the door was going to open and there would be sunlight in the hall.

“I didn’t have to tell her.” Willow realized that telling people was an odd sort of taboo in their group. “Kristin was attacked by vampires.” It was part of the truth.

Xander’s eyes widened and he looked back into the living room where Kristin was watching the credits and most likely listening in to them. “She was?”

Willow bit her lower lip, considering her vampire’s pride, but also what would explain Kristin’s reluctance to go outside to Xander. Her pet was going to have to take the hit to the pride. Willow opened the door and stepped outside with Xander, into the sunny afternoon. “She’s afraid to go outside at all now. Maybe some night we could see a movie and show her it can be safe if you know what you’re doing.” Willow stared at Xander. “They hurt her Xander.” She felt tears in her eyes and had to look away for a moment, as her voice cracked. She flashed on the memory of how her double had left Kristin’s body laying so still, or how bloody her vampire had been when she found her. All of this and Kristin came back to Sunnydale with her. Willow couldn’t even begin to grasp how much Kristin was hurting to be with her.

“Oh my god.” Xander spoke quietly and Willow started to walk away from the house so he’d follow.

“She got away, but she’s still so nervous. Las Vegas was wonderful, they had runes around and no vampires could come anywhere near where we were.” Willow glanced back at the house. “She was so happy she didn’t want us to come back. She loved not having to be afraid.” A tear trailed down her check and Xander pulled her into a hug. “She came back for me Xander, for this fight we’re all a part of, but she can’t even leave the house.”

It felt so good to be able to talk about it, but it also hurt a bit because it wasn’t the entire truth. “Oh Willow.” Xander went quiet. “Sure, we can plan a movie trip, maybe bring Buffy to make her feel safe. In the middle of the day vampires aren’t out, she needs to see that too.”

“No, I don’t want Kristin to meet Buffy just yet.” Willow sighed. Normally that would be an excellent suggestion. Now Willow had to think about how to claim it wasn’t. “Just a little longer.” Willow couldn’t think of a single good reason to give as to why she was keeping Buffy out of this. She knew she wasn’t going to be able to do it much longer. “And I think we need to start with the night, if she can do that she’ll feel like she’s made progress.” They couldn’t do the day, and how long would it take even Xander to notice that?

“You know Wills, Buffy might wig a little, but she’d never hurt you.” Xander pulled back and let her go and Willow just nodded, but she wasn’t so sure. If Buffy hurt Kristin, well Willow couldn’t forgive that. She really didn’t want to have to choose between her vampire and her best slayer shaped friend.

“Hey, we could go see something this week.” Xander offered. “Maybe Cordelia could join us. She’ll be back by Sunday night.”

“Oh right, like I want to let Cordelia know I have a girlfriend. Xander, I still have to go to school with her for another month and a half.” Willow snapped at him a little, but then felt a bit bad about it.

“Look, I’ll talk to Cordy. She won’t tease about this.” Xander sounded so convinced. “And she has a car.” Willow glanced to where the rental car used to be. Someone came to pick it up during the movie, and now Willow really saw the need to have one. It would free them from Cordelia. “If Kristin’s nervous about outside, it is probably a good idea to not walk.”

Once Xander walked away Willow just stood at the end of her driveway and stared out at the neighbor’s houses. She had managed to get Kristin to give Xander a chance, but how was she going to explain to her vampire that Cordelia wasn’t on the menu? Oh, and if Cordelia was snarky with Willow the night would be a recipe for disaster. Kristin wouldn’t let Cordelia get away with it, which was nice, but she’d vamp out while angry, which was bad.

Willow sighed and turned to walk back to the house. In her mind she added something to her to do list, and that was get lots of human blood. Maybe if her vampire ate a lot before they left it would make it easier on her. Or at least she wouldn’t have room to consider another meal.

…………………

Okay, Kristin could admit that Xander could be amusing. And he appeared to care about Willow, Kristin had seen the hug he’d given her sire in the driveway. She’d spied and had to do it carefully, but now she was starting to understand.

Kristin caressed Willow’s hair and looked down at her reluctantly napping sire on the couch. Kristin smiled and did her best to control the desire to run her fangs all over Willow’s body while she slept. Her Sire was tired, but Kristin was wide awake and missed her sire’s touch.

Kristin sighed and looked at the clock, seeing that Willow’s nap had lasted almost an hour. Willow most likely needed longer, but she’d ordered Kristin not to let her have more than an hour. It was a soft order in Kristin’s mind, one that could be disobeyed, but she wasn’t sure she should. Willow trusted Kristin to wake her up.

Kristin’s fingers started to caress Willow’s pulse point in her neck, running over it slowly. The beat was steady and strong and Kristin stopped moving her finger just to hold that position so she could feel it. Licking her lips slowly, Kristin’s finger started to move to caress again, but she kept her touch near that pulse point. “Sire.” Kristin spoke quietly, seeing if that would wake up Willow. Willow just shifted, rolling her head more to the side. Kristin stared down at the redhead using her lap as a pillow and smiled.

Kristin had a few more minutes, so she indulged her desire a little. Kristin left her fingers over the pulse point and felt the blood rushing through her Sire. She could hear it as well, feel it. It was music and temptation, but it was also life. The move important life in the world to her and Kristin let the rush of blood in the body in her lap consume her attention.

“Sire, it’s been an hour.” Kristin finally spoke louder, while moving her fingers from the pulse point. Willow stirred a bit more then. Willow opened her eyes and Kristin noticed the blush when Willow realized what her pillow was. Kristin had evicted the original pillow as soon as she’d been able to. “You can sleep longer if you want.” Kristin offered, but Willow was already getting up.

“I need to get used to the daytime again. Before Monday would be best.” Willow yawned and Kristin felt the warmth that had been in her lap cool without Willow on it.

…………………..

Monday had arrived and Willow stood near the front door, feeling very corrupted indeed. It was school, the place of learning, and she didn’t want to go. Sunday had been sweet and hot at times, and while Willow had been uncomfortable at first having sex in this house, they worked through that issue over and over again until it wasn’t creepy anymore. The idea that her parents lived here occasionally stopped being a wet blanket.

Willow looked up the stairs and sighed heavily. She’d left out books to be entered into their database, but she’d also left out a few movies, so hopefully when her vampire woke up she’d understand Willow didn’t want her working too hard.

In the same way you rip off a bandaid so it didn’t hurt as much, Willow turned quickly and opened the front door, stepping out and walking away purposefully. After being gone for a week she knew that Buffy would want to do something today and hear about the trip. Willow had lies ready, but she didn’t feel good about that. She’d had a wonderful vacation and she couldn’t even share that with her best female friend. Thankfully Xander was somewhat in the loop or Willow would just go crazy wanting to talk about the good things happening in her life.

Willow was a two blocks away as she reminded herself to find more on pets, or any Witch/Vampire interactions. She needed to research what was happening to them.

As she stepped onto the school grounds Willow noticed Cordelia and her Cordettes were sharing stories about their spring breaks near some benches, so Willow made sure to give them lots of room.

“Willow?” It was softly spoken, and Willow stopped walking as she turned to face Oz.

“Hey Oz.” Willow smiled weakly at him. She’d managed to not see him for a while, ever since she turned him down. He was nice and everything, but it was all weird now, with a boy wanting her and her not wanting him. It wasn’t something Willow was comfortable with.

He was looking at her strangely and Willow’s hand moved self consciously to her hair. That made him speak. “Nice haircut.”

“Thanks.” Willow noticed his nose flair a little and she blushed. His werewolf senses were clearly being used and Willow worried about what he could sense. His eyes narrowed a bit.

“You okay Willow?” He asked slowly. Willow sighed and looked around for a way out of this, wondering how much he’d figured out but not wanting to talk about it. When she saw Xander she stood a little taller.

“I should go.” She told him.

“You into something Willow? Something dangerous?” Oz asked quietly, not taking her hint. “I smell vampire.” He finally spoke and Willow felt her breath catch.

“NO, I mean, no, I’m fine.” Willow stammered. “Probably should have washed these clothes, I wore them for patrol last time.” She hadn’t been on a patrol in a month. “Xander’s waiting for me, so I’ve got to go.”

“Yeah.” Oz just nodded, and Willow did her best not to run from him as she turned and started for the school doors. She wondered if werewolves could hear heartbeats like vampires, because hers was racing. She didn’t like how Oz just stood still, staring after her.

Willow’s jaw was clenched as she made her way to her locker, considering that Oz wasn’t the first person to sense something off. Maybe she shouldn’t go to the library just yet. Willow pulled some books out of her locker and sighed heavily as she considered that Buffy was in some of her classes as well. Buffy was sometimes a bit oblivious, but with Oz and Faith sensing something Willow was getting really worried. “What am I going to do?” Willow muttered.

“Well, I’d normally say you should start by getting new clothes Rosenberg, but you seem to have done that already.” A voice spoke from behind her and Willow turned around fast to see Cordelia in front of her. Willow glanced around and didn’t see Cordelia’s little fashion gang. “You’re looking rather acceptable, good haircut too. Tell your girlfriend she has good tastes, now if I could only do something about Xander.” Cordelia smiled and Willow was just waiting for the cutting remarks about being gay, but Cordelia just glanced around again. “Xander told me, and you don’t have to worry. My favorite aunt is batting for the other team, and I don’t tease about that.”

“Oh well, okay.” Willow felt it was surreal to have a truce called by Cordelia when Cordelia had some real ammo to use.

“I hope you bought more clothes like that.” Cordelia said and Willow felt odd having the girl look at her outfit and not sneer. “If not go shopping again, because Kristin has way better tastes than your mother did.” Cordelia just turned and walked away as Willow debated about whether or not that was an insult.