Buffy turned to Barinthus in the car and asked, "Why'd Kitto say that? This place's strange."
"He's part Sidhe and part snake goblin. The Unseelie considers the goblin the lowest in the court structure. The way you treated him was a great honor to him."
"Why would I treat him badly? He hasn't done anything wrong."
The others listened on in fascination. "Many don't see the goblins that way. Anyone not Sidhe are looked down on, expendable. Much the same way the Seelie look at the Unseelie."
"I learned a long time ago that you can't think that way. There aren't too many things written in stone, particularly in my life." Knowing where her thoughts had wandered, he tilted her head back and kissed her. "Can I have that in stone please, sir?" Barinthus pulled her onto his lap, holding her close while Buffy played with his hair absentmindedly.
"Buffy, what type work did you do in your world?" Merry asked from the front seat.
"Well, several different things, really. You could say we're in the same line of work. I did more on the protection and investigation side though," she hedged.
Barinthus squeezed her. She might have some Sidhe in her after all.
"There should be something for you at the agency," Merry reassured her.
While loading their purchases into the car, Buffy felt like she won a huge shopping spree. She tried to protest, but Merry wouldn't hear of it. She found a beautiful long golden dress that Merry convinced her to buy, although she didn't know where she would wear it. Buffy felt something behind her, turning swiftly she threw a man over her shoulder while kicking another away. Looking to the left, she observed that Barinthus fought off two more. Merry and the others came running to help. "Doyle, throw me your daggers," Buffy yelled. She captured them mid-air, turning back to stab one man while fending off the other. Merry's eyes widened at Buffy's skill. She kicked the man in the head before placing the dagger at his throat.
"Who sent you, and what do you want?" The gold in her eyes sparkled; the 'Slayer' peered out at the man.
"We're only supposed to escort you to court," he told her.
"Who sent you? I want a name now!" Buffy applied pressure to the blade, blood leaked down his throat.
"The King wanted to meet you. I don't know anything else. Let me go. I told you what you wanted."
Barinthus came up beside her, hearing what the man said. "Buffy, he'll go back to Taranis."
"What is he?" Looking into her lover's eyes for an answer.
"What do you mean?"
"Is he fey or human or mixed," she growled.
"He's a foot soldier of the Seelie court."
"Then do whatever you want with him." Buffy picked him up throwing him at Barinthus.
He easily caught the flying body, put his mouth close to the soldier's and blew before laying him on the ground. Barinthus walked over to Buffy, picked her up and carried her to the car. "Doyle, take care of this mess," he commanded over his shoulder. Opening the car door, he crawled in with her. "Look at me, Pixie. Are you okay?" His voice was heavy with concern.
"Yes, I wasn't ready for this to start. That's what my life was like before, someone or something always trying to kill me. I guess the honeymoon's over and it's time to get to work." She curled into him closing her eyes.
He grabbed her face, kissing her deeply, easily lighting their passion. Buffy moved on his lap, feeling him harden against her hip. The door opened as the others got in, forcing the lovers to pull apart. They looked into each other's eyes and smiled.
"What'd he say to you, Buffy?" Merry asked in a worried voice.
"Your uncle sent a real warm invite to come and visit," Buffy deadpanned.
"Taranis was behind this. He just told you when you inquired. How'd you get him to do that?" Meredith asked in shocked surprise.
"I can be very convincing when provoked," she replied.
Doyle looked at her not saying a word. This woman has many hidden skills. What else is hidden?
When they arrived home, Buffy and Barinthus went to put her purchases away. She felt him watching her. "You think I should tell Merry what's going on, don't you?"
"It's up to you, Pixie, but Merry's a good ally to have. Plus, it would help the others understand what they might be up against. I'll support whatever you want to do."
Buffy continued putting away her new clothes while she thought about what he'd said. "What if I'm not supposed to help Merry? How will she feel about that? I like her and think we could become good friends. If I tell her, won't I be throwing away that chance?"
"Everything's a chance, Pixie. Do what you think's best, for yourself and them. Now, are you going to show me what you have in that bag?" He pointed to a lingerie bag.
"Oh, no, that's for later if you're a very good or a very bad boy, depends. Let's go down and talk to the others." She strolled by brushing a hand across him and then ran out the door.
Buffy hurried down the stairs with Barinthus running after her. She laughed as she plopped down on the couch next to Kitto. "Did you have a good day, Kit?"
Kitto saw her smiling face and smiled back. Barinthus leaned over the couch to whisper in her ear. She giggled, pushing him away. She turned her attention back to Kitto, waiting for an answer.
"Just watched some TV and went swimming," Kitto explained simply.
"There's a pool, cool. I can work on my tan. Glad, I got that bikini Merry picked out."
"Do you like to swim, Pixie?"
"Yeah, love the water. Well, except for the time I drowned. That sucked."
"You drowned?" Kitto's large blue eyes got even bigger as he stared at Buffy.
"Yeah, when I was sixteen but I got better. Where's Merry?"
"Her and Frost should be out in a minute."
Just then, the two came from the bedroom. Merry's face glowed and her cheeks were rosy. Frost and her smiled softly at each other. Buffy looked up at Barinthus a question in her eyes.
"Buffy, we didn't expect to see you for a while. How are you feeling?"
"Not as good as you but I'll work on that later. I need to speak to you about something. Where's everybody else?"
"Kitto, could you round everyone up, please?"
The small half-Sidhe went to do as asked. Buffy paced the room while Barinthus watched her. Everyone came and sat down waiting for her to speak. "Okay, let me get through this, and I'll try to answer your questions. You already know I'm from a different world. I'll start there and work forward." Buffy started to speak about her life as a slayer, her friends, family, enemies and the final battle that brought her here. She then explained what Whistler told her about her new destiny.
"Then you can make sure Merry has a child," Galen exclaimed.
"No, I can't. It doesn't work that way. I'm not sure how it'll work exactly, but I do understand that I can only help whoever I have prophetic dreams about. They'll show me who to help. I don't know how I'm supposed to make it happen, leave it to the Powers to give me a destiny with no instructions. Kinda like that funky blue light. I don't know how that works; remote or whatever. It just repels any magic thrown at me. I just hope the batteries don't run out," Buffy said pouting.
"Maybe, the dreams will tell you how," Barinthus told her.
"Guess we'll have to wait and see. Can we go for a swim? I just don't want to think about this anymore. I'm sorry I didn't tell you everything right away Merry. I just needed time to figure it out in my head."
"I understand, Buffy. You two go relax. You've dealt with enough today."
Buffy came down the stairs dressed in a tiny green bikini with a gold sarong tied around her hips. Barinthus followed her in a pair of black trunks. They walked down the drive arm-in-arm.
"Man, they sure did get together fast. They're joined at the hip." Rhys watched them out the backdoor.
"They seem so comfortable with each other. Almost like they've known each other forever," Merry agreed, wondering if Buffy and Barinthus had found true love.
Buffy raced to the pool, pulled off her sarong and dove into the cool water, with Barinthus right behind her. She thought he must be what mermen looked like under the water. He turned to grab her, rolling them under the surface before shooting up from the water. Pulling her to him, Barinthus kissed her neck while standing in the water the same way he would on dry land. He held onto Buffy as they floated like a cork.
She looked down at them smiling. "Mmm, you have many hidden talents. So, tell me are there other things the fey like? I know what my old world expected, but what about yours? What do you enjoy, Bar? What pleases you the most?" She looked up at him from under her wet lashes.
Seeing the water drops on her face, he licked them off. "I've lived a long time, Pixie. There's more to sex, for the Sidhe, than just the act. The pleasure found on the edge of pain is wonderful with the right person. Blood's important to us. It makes it that much brighter, harder for us. But, I don't want anything from you that you can't offer. The queen hasn't allowed her Ravens to know another's touch for over 600 years. Everything with you is new and wonderful, to me," he said, kissing her nose.
"Bar, I want to do everything I can to fulfill your dreams, your fantasies. The way you make me feel's so wonderful, I wish that for you. Anything we do together's good. If it doesn't feel right, we'll change it, until it does. Blood's part of sex for you and I can understand that. It was the same for Angel. Let's see about some of those fantasies, shall we."
Buffy moved her hands down his stomach, playing with the hard abdominal muscles before moving to the string on his trunks. She untied them, pushing the trunks down with her feet. She dipped down to take him in her mouth, causing him to harden when she nibbled the length. She sucked him in again, using her teeth while she moved under the water. Barinthus' head rolled back onto his shoulders and his eyes closed. Buffy bit her way up his torso, coming up for air. She continued her path up his body until her teeth nibbled on his neck. Buffy settled his cool hardness inside her. Her hips rocked as she teased the head of his cock. Buffy suckled on his neck, worrying the flesh with her teeth. He pushed against her and when she bit him, he slammed into her, screaming her name. Barinthus held her hips, pumping furiously into her moist heat. At his command, the water held them cushioned upright. She mewled as each stroke hit her clit. Wrapping her folds tighter around him, she leaned back, offering him her neck. He leaned in to bite into her tender skin as a hand moved to tease her rosette. Buffy moaned as he overloaded her senses. One long slender finger entered her, joining the rhythm of their bodies. She gripped him close, screaming his name as she orgasmed again. Barinthus drank her rich, pure blood, as he pumped into her. He felt his body tighten with the first sweet drop then explode when she tightened around him. He leaned back into the water, holding her on top of himself. They drifted as if they weighed nothing.
Buffy sat up, rocked her hips and grinned down at him. "You did say six hundred years didn't you?" He chuckled up at her, more than happy to let her drive.
Walking back several hours later, Buffy cleared her throat. "Bar, if I tell you something, promise you won't run away?"
"What is it, Pixie?" He stopped walking to turn and look at her.
"I feel like you're mine. Not like, I own you, but that you're part of me. I don't know if I can explain it. It isn't just sex, not that the sex isn't wonderfully mind blowing. Well you get the picture; it's as if I know you somehow. You make me feel safe, not all alone here. Isn't that crazy? We hardly know each other. I ordinarily wouldn't have been with anyone this quickly, or this way, or..." She quit speaking to look up at him, like a lost little girl.
He plucked her up so that she could see his face. "I understand, Pixie. You do own me, all of me, whether you wished to or not. It's the same for me; maybe your Powers planned it that way. I don't know nor do I care. All I know is for the first time in a very long time, I'm happy, here with you. So, yes Pixie, I understand."
He drew her to him, kissing her tenderly. Buffy wrapped her arms and legs around him kissing him back. She put all the feelings, she still hadn't expressed, into the kiss. "Listen, Pixie, I'm a very old man, even I need a rest." He laughed and his eyes twinkled with happiness.
"Oh yeah, well you should tell that to the rest of you, cause someone isn't listening."
He set her down and they walked to the house holding hands. They knew better than to touch each other or the sparks would explode between them.
"Did you have a nice swim?" Merry smiled at Buffy and Barinthus as they entered the house.
Buffy's skin had darkened from the sun, and her face glowed. "Yes, the water's amazing. I'm glad you talked me into getting a suit, Merry. Are we going to talk to your boss tomorrow?"
"I called Jeremy and he said that after he has an opportunity to meet you, a job shouldn't be a problem. You'll like him, I promise. I also told him that you two were a package deal."
"That we are Merrygirl that we are." He nipped Buffy's fingers, causing her to laugh.
Merry noticed the marks on their necks. Seems Buffy was adjusting to a Sidhe lover quite well from the looks of things; she had never seen Barinthus so relaxed before. "Dinner should be ready soon. We're having steaks. The guys have the grill flaring, so you better tell them how you like your steak cooked," Merry stated, figuring they might be a bit hungry.
"I like mine medium rare." Buffy called to Barinthus as he stepped outside.
Just as he was about to close the door Sage flew in, causing Buffy to jump. "Merry, there's a huge butterfly in the house or is it a bird?" Buffy stammered out, as she got over her shock.
"That's Sage. Sage, come here; so, that you can meet Buffy." Merry ordered the little demi-fey. He landed on the table, in front of them. He stood there proudly, his butter yellow wings moving steadily. They were marked like a Monarch butterfly. The yellow matching his hair and the kilt he wore. "Buffy, this is Sage. He's a demi-fey and my blood surrogate."
Buffy put her finger forward to shake the little person's hand. Before Merry could stop her, Sage landed on her finger and Buffy brought him closer to her face.
"Buffy, don't move any closer. Sage, she's my guest. She isn't inviting you for anything, merely planned to shake you hand and you know it. She's merely going to shake your hand and you know it. Barinthus' her guard and lover. Do you really want to duel him for insulting her?" Merry's voice became hard and commanding.
Sage's wings fluttered rapidly. "Merry, I was only going to say hello. Wasn't going to hurt her. Do you think he would allow me have just a taste?" Sage asked with a huge smile on his face, showing the small pointed fangs in his mouth.
When Barinthus entered the house, he immediately took in the situation. "Sage, if you back away from her, I promise not to kill you."
He flew rapidly over to Barinthus' ear. "She smelled utterly tasty, like honey and sunshine. How's she taste?" He asked, with a grin on his face.
"Better than you can ever imagine." Barinthus looked at Buffy, who blushed profusely.
"Mmm, she smells even better now. You're a lucky man." Sage flew off.
"Yes, yes I am," he whispered.
The next morning they went to the agency, and Buffy liked Jeremy Grey the minute she met him. What occurred next wasn't exactly what anyone expected. Buffy's entire body stiffened, going on alert as she moved away from the door. The ground seemed to vibrate under her feet, as a huge creature came through the door. Bad vibes came off him in waves; he was immense, with a pig's head and tusks. Buffy launched herself at him feet first, knocking him flat on his face. She placed her knees on either side of his head, and grabbed both tusks, pulling his neck back until he squealed.
"Whhaaaat iissss thisssss?" Uther tried to ask.
"Buffy, please, let Uther go. He works here, and isn't a bad guy, well, he won't hurt anyone. Let him up," Jeremy insisted.
Buffy trusted her spidey sense and bent down to talk into Uther's ear. "Can you hear me?" He squealed loudly. "I recognize what you are. I'll be watching you and won't think twice about killing you. Do we understand each other?" He squealed again. "Jeremy, is pig man trustworthy?" Buffy inquired not drawing her gaze away from Uther.
"No fey will break an oath, Buffy" Jeremy's eyes filled his entire grey face. This tiny woman took down a Jack-in-Irons.
"Do you offer your oath? Slap your hand on the floor twice. Jeremy's a witness and so is Bar."
A large hand slapped twice, echoing against the floor. Buffy bounded off, withdrawing from him, and was across the office in a flash. Barinthus came to stand beside her. Uther stood up, searching for who had downed him. He looked around the office but saw only a small blonde woman, standing by Barinthus. Uther knew the sea god well.
"You bested me," he uttered looking at Buffy.
"I'll be watching you. I'm not sure why Jeremy allows you to work here; that's his business. If you hurt an innocent, that's mine. Are we clear?" He nodded silently before quickly leaving the office
"You're hired. When can you start?" Jeremy asked eagerly.
"We'll start tomorrow. Good afternoon, Mr. Grey." Barinthus pulled Buffy out of the room, walking them quickly down to Merry's office.
"Merry, you wouldn't believe what she just did." Barinthus marched into Merry's office, pulling Buffy behind him.
Buffy stared at the man in Merry's office. "Merry, what type clients do you help here?"
"People with supernatural problems," Meredith answered, distractedly.
"So, say a non-person, non-fey, would be off your client list?"
"Yes, but that is everybody, Buffy."
Buffy pulled a dagger from her pants, strolled up and beheaded the man, who burst into dust. "Thought so." The dagger disappeared to its hiding place.
"What's that? I don't know anything that turns to dust." Merry stared at the place where a man once stood
"Vamp," Buffy stated matter-of-factly.
"They aren't real, Buffy," Merry explained, still a bit off kilter about having a client dusted.
"Oh really, like trolls, pig men, and butterfly boys."
"But how? Why?" Merry sputtered.
"Breathe Merry; my guess is he was a present for you. Someone wanted you occupied and secluded. If you don't know what you're dealing with, you could run around in circles. So, who do we know that would want you off your game?"
"Cel or Taranis," she answered without a second thought.
"What happens if they decide to work together? That's what I'd do. Count Chocula wants you out of the running. Trainwreck wants me. If they work together, they both get what they want. How do we stop them in their tracks?"
"What if we make them believe they're getting what they want?" Barinthus said. They looked at him waiting for him to continue. "I know a place that we can disappear to. Later, we let Taranis know where he can find Buffy."
"How will that help us?" Buffy asked.
"If we prove that Cel worked with the Seelie against Merry, Andais will have no choice but to levy treason on him."
"How can we prove it though?" Merry asked curiously, wondering how the plan would work.
"By telling Cel where I'm at right," Buffy answered for her lover. He nodded, worry in his eyes. She walked over, taking his hands. "I say, when do we leave and what do I need to pack?"
Barinthus held her close, looking over her head at Merry. His heart in his eyes, with the fear for Buffy showing clearly. "I'll call the others, and let Jeremy know what's going on. Hopefully, it won't take us a long time." Merry left the office to walk down the hall.
Uther stepped out, in front of Merry. "Hello Uther. Did you need something?" Meredith asked, distracted slightly by Barinthus' plan.
"The little golden warrior, who is she princess?"
"Why?"
"She bested me, Merry," he confessed.
Her eyes went wide. That must've been what they came into my office about. Why Barinthus was so upset with Buffy. Oh my, she's full of surprises. Merry knew she could fight. Her duel with Cel proved that not to mention the kidnappers, but this was beyond imagination. "Uther, she's my friend and Barinthus' lover. I have to go talk to Jeremy excuse me." Merry moved away from him.
She soon returned to her office. "Jeremy understood but wasn't happy about it. He practically danced with joy to have Buffy working for him." Merry thought he was going to cry when she told him she was leaving too.