The Divine Comedy: A Series of Drabbles pt 3

[redeem147.livejournal.com]

Paradiso

*

There are people standing on the sidewalk. He doesn’t see them. Not since he’s seen her.

She’s beautiful, as always. Her blonde hair gleams in the glow of the streetlights. Her body is lean, muscled, more honed than ever if her arms are an indication. Her face.

She’s been hurt, by the look in her eyes. She’s hurt now, seeing him. Realizing.

He can’t look in her eyes. He’s afraid of what else he’ll see. The recrimination. The hate? Does she hate him?

Not contacting her made so much sense. Until now.

He’s expecting a slap. A punch.

Not this.

**

She was sure Faith was lying when she’d said she’d seen him. Lying, or mistaken.

But it’s true. He’s standing right in front of her, looking just like he did the last time she’d seen him. The time she’d lost him. The time he hadn’t believed.

He’s beautiful.

She grieved for him. She threw herself into her work. She moved on.

She has a million questions. Where has he been? Why didn’t he tell her? Does he hate her now, for leaving him?

The hell with questions.

She throws herself into his arms and holds him tight.

Never letting go.

***

His body is as cool as she remembered. Hers is burning.

This is the dance they could never quite get in rhythm. Now they’re in perfect synchronization.

For the first time, they’re together. Two becoming one.

They can’t get enough. That was true before.

They can’t get enough... of each other.

She always took. Now she gives. He takes everything she offers and returns it.

They explore every inch, every centimeter, every atom.

Every smell. Every taste.

They whisper words like ‘love’ and ‘darling’ and ‘never leave me again.’

When they finally sleep, they sleep wrapped in each others’ arms.

****

She’s glad to see her sister happy. She never thought it would be with Spike, what with him being a vampire and dead and all.

It will never be like it was when she was a kid and he was her babysitter. Too much has happened, but things are good.

She likes to come over and watch old movies with them. It’s fun, because Buffy gets all weepy at the sad parts and Spike remembers them from when they were new.

She really likes it when they fall asleep on each others’ shoulders. She never thought she’d call them ‘cute.’

*****

People really don’t blink anymore when they see an older woman with a younger man. What makes them take a second look is how attractive they are, and how right they look together.

If people saw them working together, they would really understand.

They know each other so well, every step, that the big bads never stand a chance.

Until the day a bigger, badder bad takes them both out. Leaves her body covered with ash.

If people could see beyond this reality, they would see two bright souls dance together as they rise, going where no one can follow.

Comments

[fraidycatx3.livejournal.com]

Colleen, I've read them all and these are wonderful!
An excellent reminder as to why I loved Spuffy as much as I did/do.
I've never been as vested in any fictional relationship. Not before, and not now several years after the show has been off the air.
Excellent drabbles! Bravo.

[timeofchange.livejournal.com]

Ah, you speak my thoughts.

I've never been as vested in any fictional relationship. Not before, and not now several years after the show has been off the air.

Yes.

[fraidycatx3.livejournal.com]

There might be a few of us out there. :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[debris4spike]

That was lovely - how positive - even to the end!

I love the hint of her saging - not many writers dare to do that - Thanks for that

[auntiero.livejournal.com]

*stands and applauds*

Very nicely done without getting clichéd and schmoopy.

:D

[randi2204]

Bravo. The Divine Comedy indeed. Dawn's pov was very poignant, especially her realization that it would never be the same. The image of Buffy aging while Spike, of course, does not makes it even more real. This was excellently done. Thanks so much for sharing!

[ayinhara.livejournal.com]

Until the day a bigger, badder bad takes them both out. Leaves her body covered with ash.

I like the idea that they are together till the end.

[brunettepet.livejournal.com]

Spike being sure that Buffy is going to throw a punch, but instead receiving a tight hug and warm welcome was lovely. Thank you for the happy reunion we were all hoping for, and you gave them a lovely, long life together, too. This was a wonderful series of drabbles.

I loved Spike's observation here: "Her body is lean, muscled, more honed than ever if her arms are an indication." Of course he'd notice if Buffy's fighting fit.

Dawn watching them in a quiet moment was lovely here: "She likes to come over and watch old movies with them. It’s fun, because Buffy gets all weepy at the sad parts and Spike remembers them from when they were new."

Thanks for sharing these.

[cindergal.livejournal.com]

A lovely vision of their future and such a poignant ending. ::applauds::

[dusty273.livejournal.com]

*happy sigh* These were divine, a true reminder of why I love Spuffy so much. Thank you so much for sharing these. :D

[mere-ubu.livejournal.com]

*wails* Why isn't there any kleenex in my desk! These are just so touching, and the imagery at the end undid me. I think this is the first thing I've ever read that actually deals with how they might face death together. Thank you so much for these.

Dawn's voice is perfect here: "She never thought it would be with Spike, what with him being a vampire and dead and all." Made me smile.

[fredsmith518.livejournal.com]

thank you for this exploration

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I have no words... *sniffles*
(http://photobucket.com)

[tangwstyl.livejournal.com]

Holy . . . damn these are really good. Made me cry in less than an thousand words. Beautiful. And they end as they should.

[timeofchange.livejournal.com]

These really are divine.

[oracleholly.livejournal.com]

The last one really hit me - the idea of them still together, still fighting 'til death, and even then going on together. Lovely.

[jamalov29.livejournal.com]

Absolutely lovely and poignant.

[pfeifferpack.livejournal.com]

Happy contented sigh....YES that is how the future should go. I'd quote favorite pieces but would just be copying the entire text. Lovely and hopeful. *melts*

Kathleen

[louise39.livejournal.com]

She never thought she’d call them ‘cute.’ Dawn's voice was perfect.

Lovely future and end together.
:sighs: