Part nine
*-*-*
His heart beat at an incredible rate, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He was nervous, and his hands were sweating as he opened the door. He hesitated a bit before stepping in, but then his step became more and more resolved. He'd hesitated long enough, time to do some good.
He took a deep breath before walking down the stairs, entering the lobby of the Hyperion Hotel. He'd expected to find the vampire there, together with that pretty girl, his seer. Instead he got an empty lobby.
He looked again, then decided to leave again.
'Don't go!' a voice behind him called out, 'If you're here to see Angel...I'm sure he'll be back soon!'
It was a young girl. The same one he'd seen at the mall with Gilly. 'Or did you come to see Cordy? Of course you're here for her...Why else would a handsome man like you come down here?'
'I...Uhm...I'm here to see Gillian.'
'Gilly?' the girl said in a panicked voice.
'She's not in,' a man said, ' What are you doing here, Lindsey?'
'Gunn... I'm here to help.'
'You helping us? Now why is it that I don't believe you?'
'Fine...You solve it yourself, but don't blame me if he kills her off...' Lindsey said, walking back to the door.
'Wait!'
*-*-*
He just got under the shower when he heard it...the annoying ringing... the phone. He sighed, but remained where he was, enjoying the hot water running over his body, massaging his skin.
After four rings the phone kept silent as the answering machine started to play
'Hi, this is Richard. I'm not in right now, so leave a message and I'll get back to you ASAP!' Then the bleep followed.
'Richard, it's me,' a deep male voice ran though the apartment, 'I'm expecting you in my office in an hour. It's about the girl and my ring. Be there!'
He cursed as he turned off the water and reached for a towel. He wanted to quit it all right there, and for the first time in his life, he really hated himself. He hesitated a moment to call Cordy, or Lindsey, to apologise, but didn't. It was over... Probably already to late to save Cordelia... But it was also to late to quit.
He got dressed and combed his hair, then took Gilly's file and left to meet Big Boss once more.
*-*-*
They were seated in the lobby... Gunn, Fred, Wesley, Gilly, Lindsey and Spike with Connor on his lap. They all were silent, listening to what Lindsey had to tell them. Gunn and Wesley remained calm and very sceptic, knowing Lindsey's past. Gilly had started to cry, scared as she was, and was seated next to Fred, who was trying to comfort her
'So that's all?'
Lindsey nodded, 'I don't know what he's up to, but expect badness.'
'I still can't believe that Richard is involved.' Fred uttered, picturing the kind and handsome guy and how happy he made Cordy.
'Well, Angel's right in the end.' Gunn said.
'What do we do now?' Gilly asked as she dried her tears.
'I think it's best if we get you out of here, Gillian. The man knows where you are now, so...'
'I have to leave?' her voice was filled with despair.
'No, just leave the Hyperion...' Gunn said, getting Wesley's plan
'Oh...'
'You and Fred can stay over at my place.' Wesley said, getting a dirty look from Gunn, but the girls smiled happily, and nodded.
They went up to pack their bags, taking Connor, who had fallen asleep, with them.
*-*-*
'Yay, L.A.' Buffy muttered as she tossed the dust of her jacket and put her stake away. She'd only arrived in L.A about half an hour ago, and this was the second vampire she'd dusted. She continued her walk along the streets of the big city, moving towards the Hyperion Hotel. At least, that's what she planned to do when she left Sunnydale. Now, she wasn't so sure anymore. Last time she came to L.A, Angel had been angry with her, and the time they'd spent together after she'd came back from the dead had been intense to say the least. Besides, the chance that Spike had run off to L.A was quite small too.
'Why am I looking for him anyway?' she asked herself, 'It's not like...like I love him.No pointy teeth for me anymore!'
She stood still for a moment as she saw the large building appearing if front of her. The Hyperion Hotel....
She took a deep breath and stepped though the gates.
*-*-*
Wesley and Gunn pulled Lindsey into the office, ready to lecture him. They'd both grown pretty fond of Gilly and they didn't want to see her get hurt, not to mention killed.
Spike sighed as he looked around the empty lobby, and got up, heading for the kitchen
'Yuck, pigs blood!' he said, his face expressing utter disgust as he spat out the red substance, and poured the remaining liquid into the sink.
'Still craving on the humans, Spike?' a voice behind him asked, causing him to jump.
'Buffy?!' he said surprised as he saw the blonde girl standing in the door- entrance.
'So this is where you've been hiding out?'
'I'm not hiding...I'm...paying a visit to my sire...' he squirmed, heading back towards the lobby.
'Dru? I thought she dumped you?'
'I mean the poof,' he said, 'if you're here looking for him...He's not in.'
Spike went to sit down on the couch, lighting a cigarette.
'Oh...' she said, sounding more disappointed then she intended. She didn't come to see Angel. She came to see him...Spike. He'd left her, and Dawnie, behind after Sweet, the musical demon, had left, and he'd kissed her. She couldn't stop thinking about it, and it killed her.
'He's with the cheerleader.' He said indifferently as he inhaled from his cancer stick.
'Angel's with Cordelia?'
'Yeah...bummer, right? The big clad hunk is running off with the cheerleader, and you're left with me.' Spike said in a voice filled with sarcasm.
'Actually...I came looking for you.' She said as she felt a light blush creeping up her cheeks, but Spike didn't seem to notice.
'Well luv, you found me.' He said.
An uneasy silence fell between then, which was broken when Gunn, Wesley and Lindsey left the office.
*-*-*
'Hey.' He whispered as he saw her opening her eyes.
She forced a weak smile as their eyes locked.
'How are you feeling?'
'Like I've been hit by ten visions at the same time.' the smile kept on playing on her lips even though she still felt miserable, and he returned the smile. Filled with compassion he took her hand is his and pressed a soft kiss upon it.
'You look tired.' She said, taking in his pale features.
Although she was right he reassured her he was fine, and in a way he was, as long as he was with her, and as long as she was safe.
'You don't have to stay here.'
'I don't mind...'
'What about Connor?'
'He's fine...Spike's with him'
'You left him with Spike?'
'Fred's there too...' he gave her an apologising look
She just smiled, then dosed back off to sleep.
*-*-*
'Buffy.' Wesley greeted his former working partner, although he wasn't really happy to see the Sunnydale-resident. He didn't want to be reminded of his past... his father... his failures.
'Hello Wesley.' Buffy said.
Gunn cleared his throat, not wanting to be left out.
'Oh, sorry...Buffy, this is Charles Gunn, one of our associates...and this is Lindsey McDonald... an old friend of ours...'
'Hi.' the slayer said.
'So, what brings you to our merry little town?' Gunn asked
Buffy couldn't really think of an answer, and she felt a slight blush spread over her cheek.
'I'm here to see my fa...' she started
'She's here to see me.' Spike interrupted.
Buffy felt eyes burning... the gazes of the others, and her own eyes, fighting back tears. She wasn't the emotional type, but this was what Spike could do to her. She longed for him, and loved him too in a way, but her love for Spike was different from her love for Angel.
'Spike is still curse-free,' she thought, 'and he's not in the army...' she continued, remembering Riley as she summed up all the good things about Spike.
She could feel the blush spread over her face, and once more the Slayer was lost for words.
'We're done!' two girls came rushing down the stairs, providing the distraction Buffy wanted so badly.
'Fred, Gilly.this is Buffy.' Wesley said, slowing the two down.
'Buffy...like in Angel's old girlfriend? Oh, it's so cool to meet you!' Fred jumped up to Buffy, pulling her into a hug.
Gilly just smiled, shy as ever.
*-*-*
CORDY'S POV
I know they are worried, and to be honest I am too. Worried and scared. I can feel the life leaving me, dripping out like a leak in a pot. Angel and the rest are tying to help me, to stop it all, but they've got other problems too. Namely a guy who everybody calls 'Big Boss' and Richard. Yes, my Rich.
It's Lindsey McDonald who let us in on this one. Actually he just entered the office, and offered his help in Gilly's case. Richard had ordered him to find Gilly, but Lindsey smelled it was dirty and teamed up with us.
Angel wasn't too happy about it at first, but he's learnt to accept it and 'be friends'.
He doesn't know I know this all. He's told me everything when he was sitting by my side, thinking I was asleep or so. But I'm awake. I'm weak, but alive and awake. I know that, despite Gilly's problem, they're researching. Wesley even phoned Willow, although I told him not to. I don't want them to know. I'm sure they've got their own problems. Besides...me dying? I've been there before! We'll work it out...
Angel brought Connor along yesterday. He's grown so much, even though it was only a week ago since I last saw him. Of course I couldn't hold him, or come really near him, but it felt good just to see the little Angel. I'm thinking he's brought him over to let me say goodbye. I know I mustn't go there, but I have no other choice. I'm dying, or I will if they can't find a way to help me.
The Scoobies will arrive soon, helping out. Probably just Willow and Xander. The rest is needed in Hellmouthcity, taking care of the vamps and Dawn.
Buffy's already here in LA, in search of Spike.
She's in love with him, I can tell. Why would she follow that idiot otherwise?
Maybe I should talk to her. Ask her how it is to die, if it hurts...
A tear finds its way down my cheek and I sigh. I can feel a cool finger brush it away only to replace it with a soft kiss. It's Angel who has taken his place again next to me, holding my hand.
He 'ssht' me, and softly I dose off again, surrendering to the tiredness. I hear Angel whispering to me.
'Hang on, Cor, just hang on. We'll help you out... We need you back.' Then, just before I fall back asleep, 'I love you.'
Or was that already a dream?
*-*-*
A/N: first, as usual, a very very big thank you to my bèta Mel, and to my friends, for support etc And second. It'll take me a while to update this story (I'll try to hurry) due to this tiny, annoying writer's block. Sorry, maybe extra reviews will help ;o) Anyway, have fun, and I'll try to update asap.
Aset
*-*-*
His heart beat at an incredible rate, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He was nervous, and his hands were sweating as he opened the door. He hesitated a bit before stepping in, but then his step became more and more resolved. He'd hesitated long enough, time to do some good.
He took a deep breath before walking down the stairs, entering the lobby of the Hyperion Hotel. He'd expected to find the vampire there, together with that pretty girl, his seer. Instead he got an empty lobby.
He looked again, then decided to leave again.
'Don't go!' a voice behind him called out, 'If you're here to see Angel...I'm sure he'll be back soon!'
It was a young girl. The same one he'd seen at the mall with Gilly. 'Or did you come to see Cordy? Of course you're here for her...Why else would a handsome man like you come down here?'
'I...Uhm...I'm here to see Gillian.'
'Gilly?' the girl said in a panicked voice.
'She's not in,' a man said, ' What are you doing here, Lindsey?'
'Gunn... I'm here to help.'
'You helping us? Now why is it that I don't believe you?'
'Fine...You solve it yourself, but don't blame me if he kills her off...' Lindsey said, walking back to the door.
'Wait!'
*-*-*
He just got under the shower when he heard it...the annoying ringing... the phone. He sighed, but remained where he was, enjoying the hot water running over his body, massaging his skin.
After four rings the phone kept silent as the answering machine started to play
'Hi, this is Richard. I'm not in right now, so leave a message and I'll get back to you ASAP!' Then the bleep followed.
'Richard, it's me,' a deep male voice ran though the apartment, 'I'm expecting you in my office in an hour. It's about the girl and my ring. Be there!'
He cursed as he turned off the water and reached for a towel. He wanted to quit it all right there, and for the first time in his life, he really hated himself. He hesitated a moment to call Cordy, or Lindsey, to apologise, but didn't. It was over... Probably already to late to save Cordelia... But it was also to late to quit.
He got dressed and combed his hair, then took Gilly's file and left to meet Big Boss once more.
*-*-*
They were seated in the lobby... Gunn, Fred, Wesley, Gilly, Lindsey and Spike with Connor on his lap. They all were silent, listening to what Lindsey had to tell them. Gunn and Wesley remained calm and very sceptic, knowing Lindsey's past. Gilly had started to cry, scared as she was, and was seated next to Fred, who was trying to comfort her
'So that's all?'
Lindsey nodded, 'I don't know what he's up to, but expect badness.'
'I still can't believe that Richard is involved.' Fred uttered, picturing the kind and handsome guy and how happy he made Cordy.
'Well, Angel's right in the end.' Gunn said.
'What do we do now?' Gilly asked as she dried her tears.
'I think it's best if we get you out of here, Gillian. The man knows where you are now, so...'
'I have to leave?' her voice was filled with despair.
'No, just leave the Hyperion...' Gunn said, getting Wesley's plan
'Oh...'
'You and Fred can stay over at my place.' Wesley said, getting a dirty look from Gunn, but the girls smiled happily, and nodded.
They went up to pack their bags, taking Connor, who had fallen asleep, with them.
*-*-*
'Yay, L.A.' Buffy muttered as she tossed the dust of her jacket and put her stake away. She'd only arrived in L.A about half an hour ago, and this was the second vampire she'd dusted. She continued her walk along the streets of the big city, moving towards the Hyperion Hotel. At least, that's what she planned to do when she left Sunnydale. Now, she wasn't so sure anymore. Last time she came to L.A, Angel had been angry with her, and the time they'd spent together after she'd came back from the dead had been intense to say the least. Besides, the chance that Spike had run off to L.A was quite small too.
'Why am I looking for him anyway?' she asked herself, 'It's not like...like I love him.No pointy teeth for me anymore!'
She stood still for a moment as she saw the large building appearing if front of her. The Hyperion Hotel....
She took a deep breath and stepped though the gates.
*-*-*
Wesley and Gunn pulled Lindsey into the office, ready to lecture him. They'd both grown pretty fond of Gilly and they didn't want to see her get hurt, not to mention killed.
Spike sighed as he looked around the empty lobby, and got up, heading for the kitchen
'Yuck, pigs blood!' he said, his face expressing utter disgust as he spat out the red substance, and poured the remaining liquid into the sink.
'Still craving on the humans, Spike?' a voice behind him asked, causing him to jump.
'Buffy?!' he said surprised as he saw the blonde girl standing in the door- entrance.
'So this is where you've been hiding out?'
'I'm not hiding...I'm...paying a visit to my sire...' he squirmed, heading back towards the lobby.
'Dru? I thought she dumped you?'
'I mean the poof,' he said, 'if you're here looking for him...He's not in.'
Spike went to sit down on the couch, lighting a cigarette.
'Oh...' she said, sounding more disappointed then she intended. She didn't come to see Angel. She came to see him...Spike. He'd left her, and Dawnie, behind after Sweet, the musical demon, had left, and he'd kissed her. She couldn't stop thinking about it, and it killed her.
'He's with the cheerleader.' He said indifferently as he inhaled from his cancer stick.
'Angel's with Cordelia?'
'Yeah...bummer, right? The big clad hunk is running off with the cheerleader, and you're left with me.' Spike said in a voice filled with sarcasm.
'Actually...I came looking for you.' She said as she felt a light blush creeping up her cheeks, but Spike didn't seem to notice.
'Well luv, you found me.' He said.
An uneasy silence fell between then, which was broken when Gunn, Wesley and Lindsey left the office.
*-*-*
'Hey.' He whispered as he saw her opening her eyes.
She forced a weak smile as their eyes locked.
'How are you feeling?'
'Like I've been hit by ten visions at the same time.' the smile kept on playing on her lips even though she still felt miserable, and he returned the smile. Filled with compassion he took her hand is his and pressed a soft kiss upon it.
'You look tired.' She said, taking in his pale features.
Although she was right he reassured her he was fine, and in a way he was, as long as he was with her, and as long as she was safe.
'You don't have to stay here.'
'I don't mind...'
'What about Connor?'
'He's fine...Spike's with him'
'You left him with Spike?'
'Fred's there too...' he gave her an apologising look
She just smiled, then dosed back off to sleep.
*-*-*
'Buffy.' Wesley greeted his former working partner, although he wasn't really happy to see the Sunnydale-resident. He didn't want to be reminded of his past... his father... his failures.
'Hello Wesley.' Buffy said.
Gunn cleared his throat, not wanting to be left out.
'Oh, sorry...Buffy, this is Charles Gunn, one of our associates...and this is Lindsey McDonald... an old friend of ours...'
'Hi.' the slayer said.
'So, what brings you to our merry little town?' Gunn asked
Buffy couldn't really think of an answer, and she felt a slight blush spread over her cheek.
'I'm here to see my fa...' she started
'She's here to see me.' Spike interrupted.
Buffy felt eyes burning... the gazes of the others, and her own eyes, fighting back tears. She wasn't the emotional type, but this was what Spike could do to her. She longed for him, and loved him too in a way, but her love for Spike was different from her love for Angel.
'Spike is still curse-free,' she thought, 'and he's not in the army...' she continued, remembering Riley as she summed up all the good things about Spike.
She could feel the blush spread over her face, and once more the Slayer was lost for words.
'We're done!' two girls came rushing down the stairs, providing the distraction Buffy wanted so badly.
'Fred, Gilly.this is Buffy.' Wesley said, slowing the two down.
'Buffy...like in Angel's old girlfriend? Oh, it's so cool to meet you!' Fred jumped up to Buffy, pulling her into a hug.
Gilly just smiled, shy as ever.
*-*-*
CORDY'S POV
I know they are worried, and to be honest I am too. Worried and scared. I can feel the life leaving me, dripping out like a leak in a pot. Angel and the rest are tying to help me, to stop it all, but they've got other problems too. Namely a guy who everybody calls 'Big Boss' and Richard. Yes, my Rich.
It's Lindsey McDonald who let us in on this one. Actually he just entered the office, and offered his help in Gilly's case. Richard had ordered him to find Gilly, but Lindsey smelled it was dirty and teamed up with us.
Angel wasn't too happy about it at first, but he's learnt to accept it and 'be friends'.
He doesn't know I know this all. He's told me everything when he was sitting by my side, thinking I was asleep or so. But I'm awake. I'm weak, but alive and awake. I know that, despite Gilly's problem, they're researching. Wesley even phoned Willow, although I told him not to. I don't want them to know. I'm sure they've got their own problems. Besides...me dying? I've been there before! We'll work it out...
Angel brought Connor along yesterday. He's grown so much, even though it was only a week ago since I last saw him. Of course I couldn't hold him, or come really near him, but it felt good just to see the little Angel. I'm thinking he's brought him over to let me say goodbye. I know I mustn't go there, but I have no other choice. I'm dying, or I will if they can't find a way to help me.
The Scoobies will arrive soon, helping out. Probably just Willow and Xander. The rest is needed in Hellmouthcity, taking care of the vamps and Dawn.
Buffy's already here in LA, in search of Spike.
She's in love with him, I can tell. Why would she follow that idiot otherwise?
Maybe I should talk to her. Ask her how it is to die, if it hurts...
A tear finds its way down my cheek and I sigh. I can feel a cool finger brush it away only to replace it with a soft kiss. It's Angel who has taken his place again next to me, holding my hand.
He 'ssht' me, and softly I dose off again, surrendering to the tiredness. I hear Angel whispering to me.
'Hang on, Cor, just hang on. We'll help you out... We need you back.' Then, just before I fall back asleep, 'I love you.'
Or was that already a dream?
*-*-*
A/N: first, as usual, a very very big thank you to my bèta Mel, and to my friends, for support etc And second. It'll take me a while to update this story (I'll try to hurry) due to this tiny, annoying writer's block. Sorry, maybe extra reviews will help ;o) Anyway, have fun, and I'll try to update asap.
Aset