1
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers:
2 Pairing: Gunn/Fred, Cordelia/Angel
Summary: Flirting at a bar, and a walk home leads to death for a tall dark and handsome mystery man, while Cordy has a vision that seems to lead to no where.
3 Chapter: 1/?
4 Feedback: Please, send to Silver_Vixen_@hotmail.com
5 Disclaimer: What's the point everyone who isn't insane knows its not mine!
6
7 Two Sides To Every Coin
8 Chapter One
The Club
She stood at the vacant table, nervously playing with a pendant hung on a silver chain around her neck, thoughts coursing through her mind, what was she doing here, god she regretted it. Letting Sam convince her this was a good idea, argh! 'I shouldn't have come' she said aloud to herself, even thought the bustling club was full of people this was L.A. nothing short of a major Hollywood star with a megaphone would get their attention for more than a microsecond, never mind a small insignificant nobody. As she stood to leave, her purse clutched tightly in her hand she saw him.
He was stood alone no one spoke to him and he spoke to no one, he cradled a drink in his hands, his gaze focused on the crowd. Was he a bouncer? He didn't have a badge but he definitely had the physique. He wore a black cashmere sweater under a long black duster the tones brought out his eyes…. The crowd covered him from her view for a moment snapping her out of the trance she had been in. Even from this distance she could see he was perfect, out of her league but perfect. His deep soulful chocolate eyes seemed to pull her in, they penetrated the crowd as if all he could see was the one he was watching, she tried to follow his line of sight but saw no one that stood out to her. It was now or never, I promised Sam I would do this and I will, I'll try.
Drawing up all her courage she headed towards him almost fighting her way through the thickening crowd, her heart skipped a few beats and upped the pace adrenalin coursed through her veins. She had reached him, and he was still watching intently. She tried to talk to him but the crowd roared with applause as the song ended and the next began, why couldn't it be like in the movies when the girl is about to say something and the music stops…. But then the crowd stops and everyone hears her words, words that were only meant for him…. Oh god what am I doing. I can't turn back now what if he has noticed and…… oh what the hell… here goes.
She tapped him on the shoulder, and when he turned and looked at her she froze, the confidence melted away and she was left stood there. Say something…. Anything… come on mouth work! "umm Hi," she said slowly a weak smile on her face, "I don't usually do this sort of thing but well umm……can I get you a drink?" Oh God what had she been thinking he already has a drink, a full one, shit, shit, shit, why wouldn't the ground open up and swallow her! She braced her self for the snide remark she knew the Hollywood types made when the insignificant dared speak to them a somebody.
He felt a slight pat on his shoulder, gentle feminine, he knew about those pats from women so full of themselves. He turned slowly ready to politely decline whatever invitation was sent his way, usually an offer for him to buy them a drink. He looked down and saw her, a petite red head with twinkling green eyes, her cheeks were rosy, she definitely didn't do this a lot, he thought. He glanced quickly into the crowd at the girl he was meant to be watching, she seemed in no danger and not in a hurry to leave her entourage of male admirers. If she left and he didn't notice he had asked the bouncer to inform him, with a weighty tip for coming through for him. That's how it was in L.A. you didn't get anything for nothing, not even a gift. Even though he was working he couldn't knock her back, her eyes spoke tales of hurt and heartache. Her eyes, glanced at the ground and back up again, trying to measure his gaze. She really didn't do this a lot, he could feel her nerves. The art of flirting and the consequences of a bad move were no stranger to him, and he knew that one set back could put you off for a lifetime, however long that maybe….
She moved away slightly and he snapped back to reality, damn I really need to think more quickly he thought chuckling to himself.
"It's Ok, I understand" her smile faltered slipping from her face, the twinkle in her eyes faded slightly. Say something she thought, why hasn't he said anything oh god what was I thinking.
"How about I buy you a drink?" he said finally indicating his own drink, untouched. Oh God, he said yes! Now what do I do, god it was an ever ending cycle. Say yes go on make Sam proud of his starlet. "S….sure she said shyly.
The pair turned to the bar, with a quick glance over his shoulder at the girl he was watching. "What will it be then?" he asked her.
"A Blue Lagoon" she said "…if that's ok.." she said her nerves still frazzled from the initial conversation starter. It was the only drink on the expensive menu she had ever tried, and she knew to stick with what she knew. He hailed the bar tender "a Blue Lagoon for the Lady" he said smiling at her. The bartender went red, it was obvious to her he didn't know what a blue lagoon was she smiled at him, obviously he was new. "Grapefruit, lemon and lime juices mixed with a double vodka and a shot of blue curaco on ice" The bartenders face flushed with embarrassment and he headed off to make the cocktail.
"So…." The two spoke in unison they laughed. "You first" he smiled at her they were getting on well and he was surprised.
"I was just going to ask your name" she said a tint filling her cheeks
"That's just what I was going to ask you, are you psychic?" he joked
"Great minds think alike, or so were told" she smiled, the proverbial ice had broken and without further discussion of names they talked. He glanced at the dance floor and the writhing mass of bodies moving to the beat. Who was he watching, she was jerked from her thoughts by the bartender bringing her a not so blue, blue lagoon. She smiled and let it be not wanting to embarrass the young man.
After an hour he checked the floor again, she had gone, damn it, how could he have let himself be distracted, he excused himself "I…..umm just going to the washrooms" he said , via the bouncer he thought.
The Hyperion
The lobby of the Hyperion was quiet apart from the occasional page turning or sigh all was quiet for a change. The occupants were all half asleep after being up half the night, books were spread across the floor. They had given up on the constraints of a desk hours ago.
'Why did it never seem this hard when Wes was here?' Fred thought to herself helplessly looking down at the book cradled in her lap, and the four others spread before her. She glanced at Gunn, his face creased into a frown, he couldn't find anything either then. She looked over to where Cordelia was sat at the computer desk, tapping furiously at the keys going in circles.
"Morning all, and what a morning it is!" the host burst through the main entrance of the Hyperion with a spring in his step he slowed as he saw the faces of the group before him, "all-nighter was it" he said sympathetically
"Yes, we have been here all night" Gru said sorrowfully, he had hoped to spend his evening in a romantic atmosphere with his princess but her 'duty' to Angel had come first, it seemed to him that Angel always came before him on his princesses list of priorities.
Fred had had enough, exasperated she stood up "Its no good, there is nothing here!" Cordy moved to join them in the lobby, suddenly she began to float.
"Something tells me we may get some answers now" Gunn said his voice tired "finally"
********** Vision**********
In the darkness and medallion passes in front of Cordy's eyes, it swings back and forth hypnotising. On the medallion is the face of a snarling beast, with red eyes picked out with rubies.
**********End**********
"Well that was helpful!" Cordy shouted to no one in particular
"Obviously not then" Gunn said settling down again to flick through the book.
Cordelia took out a pad and began to draw the medallion she had seen, there had been no time frame to the vision so she didn't know when what ever it was, was going to happen but by the look of the beast it was going to be bad.
The Club
Kicking out time, how did the time fly so quickly. He checked the thinning crowd, he had found her in the washrooms. He had actually gone into the women's room and made apologies saying he had gone into the wrong one. She had been there, but he would have known that if he had been paying attention. He knew he should go back to work and call the woman he had been talking to all night a cab but he didn't want to and he didn't even know her name. "I'll be right back" he said standing.
"Ok" She said smiling, slightly tipsy from her blue lagoons, she had had four more of the cocktails and it was a little more than she could handle.
He headed towards the exit dialling his cellfone as he went, when it had connected he told the person on the other end to send some one to watch his charge, he was having the rest of the night off.
She searched through he purse for her lipstick and mirror, she knew she should go to the washroom, but didn't want to risk missing him if he came back. She touched up her lipstick and brushed her hair out of her face.
When he returned it was without he usual glance to the dance floor, she was glad not that she had felt she hadn't had all of his attention in the hours they had been talking, but the fact that he wasn't looking for someone else made her insides warm.
After a while the bouncer came up to the table and whispered to him. She couldn't hear what was said but he smiled and the bouncer left smiling at the two. "Come on, I'll walk you home." He rose as the bouncer returned with her jacket, he took it and helped her into it, "its cold outside, you don't mind walking do you?"
"No, It'll be nice"
They walked for what seemed like minutes but when she looked at her watch it was 4 am, Sam was going to kill her! At least it was before dawn she sighed. They eventually reached her apartment. He was the perfect gentleman, he planted a kiss on her cheek and watched as she closed the apartment door.
As soon as the door was closed she let out a squeal and looked at the number he had just slipped her. She headed to the living room and sank into the couch.
"It went well then" She jumped out of her skin.
"Sam don't scare me like that!" she sighed chucking a pillow in his general direction, missing completely he handed her a steaming coffee.
"Well tell all Maria." He prompted sinking into the couch beside her, she nestled into his side as he wrapped an arm around her hugging her close.
"It was…" she paused contemplating her response "wonderful"
"Wonderful" he repeated "Really, what happened to terrifying and no one being interested in you"
"Forget it" she said going into a huff
"And what about the hunk" he said tickling her
"shhh!" she said through giggles "don't spoil it, I'll tell you in the morning" She got up, kissed him on the cheek and headed towards her room.
The Alley
He walked down the alley, it had been a strange night. Usually he was focused on work, but tonight she has pulled him in. He had only meant to have one drink then excuse himself and return to his job. He was sure to regret it later, but he had enjoyed it and she had promised to call him.
He turned, he was sure he was being followed he had heard rustling behind him, like wind chimes when you first pick them up. He couldn't see anyone so he continued on his way home.
It snuffled through the garbage in the alley, tail swishing pushing paper around. It could smell its prey ahead of it, not far off now. Its skin shuddered, a golden sheen to it shimmering in the dim light. It preferred the dark where it could hind before it struck. It liked to play with its prey before attacking, its spikes clinked together as it rose upright and sniffed the air, its back claws scraped the concrete floor. It wanted to attack now but deep down it knew it would taste so much better filled with adrenaline from the fear. So it waited.
He was sure he was being followed now he had made several erratic turns in his route leading to no where, he decided he could take whatever it was and turned to face it "I know your following me" he said voice calm.
This was no fun, he wasn't afraid what fun was it if he wasn't afraid. The game was over, the primal urge within the beast was set loose. It leaped from its hiding place catching the side of a trash can as it leapt.
God what was it, he was in way over his head here. Its black gold skin was snake like in appearance and its hair matted, its knarled hands led to long razor sharp claws. He took a step back, fear flooded his senses.
Now his prey was afraid, it had forgotten how appearances could change the situation, it smiled showing its sharp canines. It took a step towards him and leapt. A powerful swipe to the neck cut the major arteries and severed his windpipe. He landed on his back unable to move or scream in pain as the beast dug into him. He could feel the blood draining from his veins soaking into his cashmere sweater until it was sodden, the world went black. Once the prey was dead the beast cleaned the corpse's face and finally it cleared the blood from a medallion around its neck. A snarling beast. It raised its head red eyes shining bright as it howled and ran from the scene.
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers:
2 Pairing: Gunn/Fred, Cordelia/Angel
Summary: Flirting at a bar, and a walk home leads to death for a tall dark and handsome mystery man, while Cordy has a vision that seems to lead to no where.
3 Chapter: 1/?
4 Feedback: Please, send to Silver_Vixen_@hotmail.com
5 Disclaimer: What's the point everyone who isn't insane knows its not mine!
6
7 Two Sides To Every Coin
8 Chapter One
The Club
She stood at the vacant table, nervously playing with a pendant hung on a silver chain around her neck, thoughts coursing through her mind, what was she doing here, god she regretted it. Letting Sam convince her this was a good idea, argh! 'I shouldn't have come' she said aloud to herself, even thought the bustling club was full of people this was L.A. nothing short of a major Hollywood star with a megaphone would get their attention for more than a microsecond, never mind a small insignificant nobody. As she stood to leave, her purse clutched tightly in her hand she saw him.
He was stood alone no one spoke to him and he spoke to no one, he cradled a drink in his hands, his gaze focused on the crowd. Was he a bouncer? He didn't have a badge but he definitely had the physique. He wore a black cashmere sweater under a long black duster the tones brought out his eyes…. The crowd covered him from her view for a moment snapping her out of the trance she had been in. Even from this distance she could see he was perfect, out of her league but perfect. His deep soulful chocolate eyes seemed to pull her in, they penetrated the crowd as if all he could see was the one he was watching, she tried to follow his line of sight but saw no one that stood out to her. It was now or never, I promised Sam I would do this and I will, I'll try.
Drawing up all her courage she headed towards him almost fighting her way through the thickening crowd, her heart skipped a few beats and upped the pace adrenalin coursed through her veins. She had reached him, and he was still watching intently. She tried to talk to him but the crowd roared with applause as the song ended and the next began, why couldn't it be like in the movies when the girl is about to say something and the music stops…. But then the crowd stops and everyone hears her words, words that were only meant for him…. Oh god what am I doing. I can't turn back now what if he has noticed and…… oh what the hell… here goes.
She tapped him on the shoulder, and when he turned and looked at her she froze, the confidence melted away and she was left stood there. Say something…. Anything… come on mouth work! "umm Hi," she said slowly a weak smile on her face, "I don't usually do this sort of thing but well umm……can I get you a drink?" Oh God what had she been thinking he already has a drink, a full one, shit, shit, shit, why wouldn't the ground open up and swallow her! She braced her self for the snide remark she knew the Hollywood types made when the insignificant dared speak to them a somebody.
He felt a slight pat on his shoulder, gentle feminine, he knew about those pats from women so full of themselves. He turned slowly ready to politely decline whatever invitation was sent his way, usually an offer for him to buy them a drink. He looked down and saw her, a petite red head with twinkling green eyes, her cheeks were rosy, she definitely didn't do this a lot, he thought. He glanced quickly into the crowd at the girl he was meant to be watching, she seemed in no danger and not in a hurry to leave her entourage of male admirers. If she left and he didn't notice he had asked the bouncer to inform him, with a weighty tip for coming through for him. That's how it was in L.A. you didn't get anything for nothing, not even a gift. Even though he was working he couldn't knock her back, her eyes spoke tales of hurt and heartache. Her eyes, glanced at the ground and back up again, trying to measure his gaze. She really didn't do this a lot, he could feel her nerves. The art of flirting and the consequences of a bad move were no stranger to him, and he knew that one set back could put you off for a lifetime, however long that maybe….
She moved away slightly and he snapped back to reality, damn I really need to think more quickly he thought chuckling to himself.
"It's Ok, I understand" her smile faltered slipping from her face, the twinkle in her eyes faded slightly. Say something she thought, why hasn't he said anything oh god what was I thinking.
"How about I buy you a drink?" he said finally indicating his own drink, untouched. Oh God, he said yes! Now what do I do, god it was an ever ending cycle. Say yes go on make Sam proud of his starlet. "S….sure she said shyly.
The pair turned to the bar, with a quick glance over his shoulder at the girl he was watching. "What will it be then?" he asked her.
"A Blue Lagoon" she said "…if that's ok.." she said her nerves still frazzled from the initial conversation starter. It was the only drink on the expensive menu she had ever tried, and she knew to stick with what she knew. He hailed the bar tender "a Blue Lagoon for the Lady" he said smiling at her. The bartender went red, it was obvious to her he didn't know what a blue lagoon was she smiled at him, obviously he was new. "Grapefruit, lemon and lime juices mixed with a double vodka and a shot of blue curaco on ice" The bartenders face flushed with embarrassment and he headed off to make the cocktail.
"So…." The two spoke in unison they laughed. "You first" he smiled at her they were getting on well and he was surprised.
"I was just going to ask your name" she said a tint filling her cheeks
"That's just what I was going to ask you, are you psychic?" he joked
"Great minds think alike, or so were told" she smiled, the proverbial ice had broken and without further discussion of names they talked. He glanced at the dance floor and the writhing mass of bodies moving to the beat. Who was he watching, she was jerked from her thoughts by the bartender bringing her a not so blue, blue lagoon. She smiled and let it be not wanting to embarrass the young man.
After an hour he checked the floor again, she had gone, damn it, how could he have let himself be distracted, he excused himself "I…..umm just going to the washrooms" he said , via the bouncer he thought.
The Hyperion
The lobby of the Hyperion was quiet apart from the occasional page turning or sigh all was quiet for a change. The occupants were all half asleep after being up half the night, books were spread across the floor. They had given up on the constraints of a desk hours ago.
'Why did it never seem this hard when Wes was here?' Fred thought to herself helplessly looking down at the book cradled in her lap, and the four others spread before her. She glanced at Gunn, his face creased into a frown, he couldn't find anything either then. She looked over to where Cordelia was sat at the computer desk, tapping furiously at the keys going in circles.
"Morning all, and what a morning it is!" the host burst through the main entrance of the Hyperion with a spring in his step he slowed as he saw the faces of the group before him, "all-nighter was it" he said sympathetically
"Yes, we have been here all night" Gru said sorrowfully, he had hoped to spend his evening in a romantic atmosphere with his princess but her 'duty' to Angel had come first, it seemed to him that Angel always came before him on his princesses list of priorities.
Fred had had enough, exasperated she stood up "Its no good, there is nothing here!" Cordy moved to join them in the lobby, suddenly she began to float.
"Something tells me we may get some answers now" Gunn said his voice tired "finally"
********** Vision**********
In the darkness and medallion passes in front of Cordy's eyes, it swings back and forth hypnotising. On the medallion is the face of a snarling beast, with red eyes picked out with rubies.
**********End**********
"Well that was helpful!" Cordy shouted to no one in particular
"Obviously not then" Gunn said settling down again to flick through the book.
Cordelia took out a pad and began to draw the medallion she had seen, there had been no time frame to the vision so she didn't know when what ever it was, was going to happen but by the look of the beast it was going to be bad.
The Club
Kicking out time, how did the time fly so quickly. He checked the thinning crowd, he had found her in the washrooms. He had actually gone into the women's room and made apologies saying he had gone into the wrong one. She had been there, but he would have known that if he had been paying attention. He knew he should go back to work and call the woman he had been talking to all night a cab but he didn't want to and he didn't even know her name. "I'll be right back" he said standing.
"Ok" She said smiling, slightly tipsy from her blue lagoons, she had had four more of the cocktails and it was a little more than she could handle.
He headed towards the exit dialling his cellfone as he went, when it had connected he told the person on the other end to send some one to watch his charge, he was having the rest of the night off.
She searched through he purse for her lipstick and mirror, she knew she should go to the washroom, but didn't want to risk missing him if he came back. She touched up her lipstick and brushed her hair out of her face.
When he returned it was without he usual glance to the dance floor, she was glad not that she had felt she hadn't had all of his attention in the hours they had been talking, but the fact that he wasn't looking for someone else made her insides warm.
After a while the bouncer came up to the table and whispered to him. She couldn't hear what was said but he smiled and the bouncer left smiling at the two. "Come on, I'll walk you home." He rose as the bouncer returned with her jacket, he took it and helped her into it, "its cold outside, you don't mind walking do you?"
"No, It'll be nice"
They walked for what seemed like minutes but when she looked at her watch it was 4 am, Sam was going to kill her! At least it was before dawn she sighed. They eventually reached her apartment. He was the perfect gentleman, he planted a kiss on her cheek and watched as she closed the apartment door.
As soon as the door was closed she let out a squeal and looked at the number he had just slipped her. She headed to the living room and sank into the couch.
"It went well then" She jumped out of her skin.
"Sam don't scare me like that!" she sighed chucking a pillow in his general direction, missing completely he handed her a steaming coffee.
"Well tell all Maria." He prompted sinking into the couch beside her, she nestled into his side as he wrapped an arm around her hugging her close.
"It was…" she paused contemplating her response "wonderful"
"Wonderful" he repeated "Really, what happened to terrifying and no one being interested in you"
"Forget it" she said going into a huff
"And what about the hunk" he said tickling her
"shhh!" she said through giggles "don't spoil it, I'll tell you in the morning" She got up, kissed him on the cheek and headed towards her room.
The Alley
He walked down the alley, it had been a strange night. Usually he was focused on work, but tonight she has pulled him in. He had only meant to have one drink then excuse himself and return to his job. He was sure to regret it later, but he had enjoyed it and she had promised to call him.
He turned, he was sure he was being followed he had heard rustling behind him, like wind chimes when you first pick them up. He couldn't see anyone so he continued on his way home.
It snuffled through the garbage in the alley, tail swishing pushing paper around. It could smell its prey ahead of it, not far off now. Its skin shuddered, a golden sheen to it shimmering in the dim light. It preferred the dark where it could hind before it struck. It liked to play with its prey before attacking, its spikes clinked together as it rose upright and sniffed the air, its back claws scraped the concrete floor. It wanted to attack now but deep down it knew it would taste so much better filled with adrenaline from the fear. So it waited.
He was sure he was being followed now he had made several erratic turns in his route leading to no where, he decided he could take whatever it was and turned to face it "I know your following me" he said voice calm.
This was no fun, he wasn't afraid what fun was it if he wasn't afraid. The game was over, the primal urge within the beast was set loose. It leaped from its hiding place catching the side of a trash can as it leapt.
God what was it, he was in way over his head here. Its black gold skin was snake like in appearance and its hair matted, its knarled hands led to long razor sharp claws. He took a step back, fear flooded his senses.
Now his prey was afraid, it had forgotten how appearances could change the situation, it smiled showing its sharp canines. It took a step towards him and leapt. A powerful swipe to the neck cut the major arteries and severed his windpipe. He landed on his back unable to move or scream in pain as the beast dug into him. He could feel the blood draining from his veins soaking into his cashmere sweater until it was sodden, the world went black. Once the prey was dead the beast cleaned the corpse's face and finally it cleared the blood from a medallion around its neck. A snarling beast. It raised its head red eyes shining bright as it howled and ran from the scene.