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Welcome to the First Annual . . .


Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or the Merry Gentry books nor do I intend to make any profit off this fan fiction.

A/N: This is a repost of the one shot that was previously in “A Series of One Shots”. I don’t know how I did it but I accidentally deleted it and it’s just easier for me to post them separately in the mental state I’m in right now.

A/N: This is set after the series finale of Buffy and nowhere in particular for Merry Gentry. I think I wrote it before the last book came out though. Also, I know Andais is being really generous and that she wouldn't really offer this in the books. I guess that makes this fic AU.


Ever since destroying the hellmouth in Sunnydale, some of the less malevolent creatures in the world had started coming out of the closet. One of the kinds that went more mainstream were the fey. They actually had quite a bit of power and were self governing which was kind of nice. They generally kept themselves in line as far as the Watchers Council was concerned which made Buffy’s job a lot easier.

It was, therefore, unsurprising that one of the fey came up with the idea of a ‘Freaks R Us’ coalition so that communication between the species became easier, resulting in less conflict. That was why Buffy and Faith were in the middle of Hicksville USA at the moment. Giles had received an invitation for himself and Buffy, but issues with the new Watchers Council in Rome made it impossible for him to go. Since everyone else had pressing matters to attend to, Faith volunteered to go.

“I heard that the fairy guys have been in some kind of forced abstinence for a long time, B. How long do you think it’s gonna take for me to make one of ‘em blow?” Faith asked while they were getting out of their rental car.

They had just driven up to the ‘fairy mounds’, which just looked like a bunch of hills to Buffy. Now all they had to do was wait for someone to escort them to where they were supposed to go.

It didn’t take long before Buffy noticed someone walking toward them. She sensed him before she actually saw him; he was the color of the darkest night and fit into his surroundings perfectly. His aura, which should have seemed sinister to Buffy, just intrigued her.

“Can I have two to go please?” Faith said when she saw him.

Buffy turned her head swiftly away from him, trying to hide her reaction.

“Relax B. And try to stop drooling, you can have him. I don’t think he’s what I’m in the mood for tonight.” Faith smirked.

“Behave Faith. Giles said we’re here to make an impression, but I don’t think that’s what he’s talking about. Besides, they’re forced to be celibate, remember.”

The dark fey finally reached them and overheard the last part of their conversation.

“Actually, there are a few of us who the Queen has graciously lifted the geas for. My name is Doyle, follow me to the meeting.” he said matter of factly and started walking ahead of them.

Buffy and Faith followed behind him from a distance.

“Well, no one said the fey were nice. I bet he’d be great in bed though. Look at those buns; you could bounce a quarter off ‘em.”

Buffy looked at Faith for a moment in disbelief. She never stopped being shocked by her.

“You are the most embarrassing friend I have, you know that? He’s right in front of us, Faith!”

“Just tryin’ to help out, B. He should at least think one of us is interested in his buns.”

That was all they had time to discuss before Doyle turned around, a slight amused grin on his face, although Buffy had a feeling that was the closest he had to a smile.


In the beginning of the evening there was a big meet and greet. No matter what Buffy did, she couldn’t help the fact that her eyes always seemed to search for Doyle.

What is wrong with me? He couldn’t care less about getting to know me, he didn’t even ask for my name before. I am so acting like a post-pubescent teenager right now. Ughh.

While Buffy was talking to Princess Meredith, the one who came up with this grand scheme, Faith went over and spoke with Prince Cel. It turned out the two cousins had a rivalry or some bone of contention between them and didn’t get along but that didn’t bother Faith. She just said something about loving guys with long dark hair she could get a good grip on and left.

After a little while, everyone was seated and the business part of the evening came to a head. Having no particular qualms with anyone, Buffy thought about Doyle. That pleasurable experience was interrupted every now and again by Faith whispering something about how she at least got to squeeze some buns tonight if nothing else. Buffy mentally rolled her eyes every time Faith felt the need to over share.

It really wasn’t as bad as they thought it would be. The important stuff they were there to listen to only took a couple of hours, but the bomb Queen Andais was about to drop would be present in their lives for the next couple of days. If they were lucky.

“Now that we have finished speaking about political matters, I would like to inform you all that I am lifting the geas of celibacy for the duration of your stay here. I’m sure you all know that the fey are in danger of extinction and instead of having our kind breed with the humans, I would have them extend our line through the likes of you. I am aware that some of the people here are not capable of procreation but the fey can achieve magnificent things. This is relevant for all the guard, including my dear nieces’. Every opportunity counts.”

Once Queen Andais was finished with her speech, the men who were standing off to the side went in separate directions. Princess Meredith’s guard scattered as well, all except the silver haired one. Buffy looked over at Faith who was eyeing Prince Cel predatorily.

“You know, this isn’t just a one night stand she’s talking about here. If you get pregnant within the next three nights it’s a future of dirty diapers and marriage to a guy you hardly know.”

“I won’t get pregnant, that’s what birth control’s for. And honestly Buffy, when was the last time you heard of a slayer getting pregnant?” Faith saw that she was about to mention Robin’s mother and held a hand up to stop her.

“One out of how many thousands of slayers? Nice try. Besides, now the floor is open for this lowly slayer to make a Prince squirm. You can’t ask me to give that up, B.” Faith said as she started to make her way towards Cel.

It was then that Buffy noticed Doyle walking toward her. With a grin, she threw her head to the side and decided to meet him half way.

Why the hell not?