Hyperion hallway - one of the many
[Giles, Willow and Tara are walking down a hallway, talking]
WILLOW: What kind of a demon sends a lackey to go tell his enemy that 'hi, I've got your sister, come and get me' and then hightails it to LA?
GILES: A demon that wants his enemy in LA.
TARA: But why? What's in LA?
WILLOW: Sunnydale, sure, Hellmouth-y and all, but LA is nothing but a big city full of-
GILES: -all sorts of people that might want their hands/paws/tentacles on the Slayer.
TARA: That's true. There has to be heaps. So how do we know where to go?
GILES: We'll ask Angel when he returns, maybe that's where he's headed with Buffy. [The three stop at a door] This is Cordelia's room?
WILLOW: I thought she had an apartment?
GILES: Wesley mentioned something about her staying in the hotel once and a while. [He knocks] Cordelia? Wesley said that you may be- [He stops when he hears singing]
CORDELIA (off scene): I've been having a bad, bad day.
Slayer comes and takes my hero away.
I wish that she would go!
'Cuz my sex-life's awfully bare.
The Curse thing is so threadbare.
Worn to death, doesn't she care?
Can't believe he doesn't know!
I'd make a really great screw!
Just ask Xander, he's had a few.
I'm out of practice, this is true...
[Giles, Willow and Tara share looks of horror and disgust]
GILES: She'll be down, I'm sure.
WILLOW: Don't want to interrupt her or anything...
TARA: I'm just going to go down and check out a few books.
GILES: We've checked all of the... [Trails off at the anxious looks the witches are giving him] Ah, yes, books. Let's leave. Quickly. [They power walk towards the stairs, glancing back worriedly at Cordelia's door]
Hyperion
[Gunn and Fred are both supposedly reading a book on magic spells at the couch, the book in Fred's lap, Gunn holding onto the spine. Or at least, that's what a normal person would assume, until they see Fred's squeak and giggle, and see Gunn's smirk of satisfaction. Wesley keeps glancing over with obvious annoyance, and then glaring at Xander and Anya who are doing something similar, Anya on his lap. The ex-Watcher can't ignore the way Xander's eyes keep glazing over if Anya wiggles a little bit, apparently to get more comfortable. Behind him, Tara and Willow hold hands, kissing when they think no one's looking. Wesley bristles a little more and tries to back to his work, when some other gasp, squeak, giggle or kiss sound interrupts the silence. Giles doesn't seem unsettled as he pours over a book, writing notes down occasionally. Cordelia tromps down the stairs, and Wesley locks his eyes on her rather mournfully, as she walks past to get a cup of coffee.]
WESLEY: Hello.
CORDELIA: Hey Wes. Is Angel and Buff back yet? [She takes a sip of coffee] Blech. [Heaps in about an average sized mountain of sugar]
WESLEY: [bristles, returning to his book] No.
CORDELIA: [looks at him] What's wrong?
WESLEY: [gritted teeth] Nothing. Nothing at all.
CORDELIA: [glances over to Fred and Gunn] Is it Fred?
WESLEY: [glances up, unnerved] Not her, personally.
CORDELIA: Fine, be cryptic. Just tell me when Angel gets back. [She starts to walk away, when frustrated, Wesley stands, tearing his glasses of his face in annoyance]
WESLEY: [singing] I tried [Cordelia whirls around, surprised. Everyone else remains oblivious]
So many years ago,
To make a good impression,
But it wasn't so.
And where your male-preference lies,
I think I finally know.
Mm mm.
[Walks around the desk, slowing coming towards her]
WESLEY: I know,
Exactly what you feel.
It's like you can't tell the one you love,
That they're not able to deal.
And now this ache in my heart,
It just seems way too real.
It's great,
I now know what to say.
Too complicated for you,
Angel's soul keeps him at bay.
But I have just what you need,
I know you want to play.
[Rock music comes in, Cordelia looks at him with wide eyes, coffee mug still in hand.]
So give up on the deceased.
Give up on the deceased,
Let me step inside.
Let me take you on a journey
That's one hell of a ride.
If you want any chance to dance,
Give me credit at least.
And give up on the deceased.
[Wesley takes her wrist rather roughly, leading her over to the counter, twirling her so her back's against it. She quickly puts the mug down, just as Wesley presses in on her. He places a hand not remotely subtly on her thigh, steadily but slowly moving up as he sings]
WESLEY: We all know,
Just what I crave.
Wouldn't it be ironic,
If I became your slave?
With all this lust I could combust,
I've some energy I saved.
Give up on the deceased.
[He backs away, turning and walking in the opposite direction. Slightly enchanted, Cordelia follows him]
WESLEY: I know
I should go.
Because what chance I have
Against Angel's pace?
He may be abstinent,
In chastity's embrace.
But who really cares,
If his heart can't race?
You obviously don't,
But there's still a trace
Of one last hope...[whirls around to face her]
Give up on the deceased,
Let me step inside.
Let me take you on a journey
That's one hell of a ride.
If you want any chance to dance,
Give me credit at least.
[Wes takes a run and goes down onto his knees, skidding and stopping at Cordelia's feet]
WESLEY: And give up on the deceased.
Why can't you give up on the deceased?
[Music stops and Wesley and Cordelia are left staring at each other, Cordelia speechless, Wesley panting slightly from the song. He stands up]
WESLEY: Ahem. [He walks past her to pick up his glasses he left on the counter. He doesn't look at her] Sorry about that. [He quickly picks up a few books including the one he was "reading" and heads to his office, shutting the door. Baffled, Cordelia starts slowly walking outside, obviously absent mindly wandering, lost in thought (unfamiliar territory?). We see Fred look up and follow her. ]
FRED: Cordy?
CORDELIA: Fred, hey.
FRED: So, does it come as a surprise that Wesley's all hot and bothered over you?
CORDELIA: [processes the OOC-ness and answers] How did you hear the song? No one else seemed to even hear it.
FRED: Call it a woman's intuition, call it post-sex magick. [Cordelia blinks] What? I can grow, I have layers. But either way, I heard the song.
CORDELIA: [gestures to nowhere in particular] This whole musical thing. It's so bazaar. Wesley serenading his love to me accompanied with uncharacteristically cool electric guitars and organs, Buffy and Co. coming here and messing things up, you and sex scenes...
FRED: [uncertain] It is a little weird.
CORDELIA: It's a lot weird! It's like you two took this whole musical thing as an excuse to get laid. [Fred frowns, just as Angel and Buffy arrive. Fred leaves] Any news?
ANGEL: Dawn's not there, but neither is Lila. And why is it I very much would not be surprised if she were involved?
BUFFY: Nice building. Kinda flashy though. It was fun watching Angel beat up the receptionist for information, whatever good that did us, no idea. They all knew who Angel was. [mumbles] They didn't know who *I* was though. Hello, Slayer-comma-The...
ANGEL: I don't know what they'd want with Dawn though.
CORDELIA: We'll figure it out.
ANGEL: So, anything unusual happen?
CORDELIA: [the proverbial deer-caught-in-head-lights look] Um...no?
[Clueless, the Slayer and the vampire walk inside, Cordelia left to ponder about Wesley. She steps out onto the street, arms wrapped around herself.]
CORDELIA: [singing] Could I have ever noticed?
Had no idea how much he cared... [She shakes her head and starts to go back inside, when a puppet minion grabs her and she screams, ending the scene. Fade to black]
Outside a warehouse-y type deal - well, it has broken, boarded-up windows, so....
[We see Lila walks the path towards it, looking a little nervous, stiletto high heels clicking sharply. Twenty or so feet behind, we see Spike following her, walking alongside a demon we don't recognize. The demon's points at Lila and Spike hands over a couple of money notes, and the demon takes off. Spike speeds up, almost catching up. The 'Dawn's Ballet' music wells up, and he's just about to grab her when she spins around, having been used to being followed by Angel. They play a little bit cat and mouse for a bit out the front and down alleys, Lila trying to get away, all in time with the music, not too unlike the evil minions and Dawn. As the music picks up, Lila opens the doors and runs in. Spike follows and they do a quick little tap number, before Spike quickly sweeps her off her feet, spinning and not to gracefully placing her down...well, more like throwing her down. She trips and falls, looking pissed as only classy, evil lawyer bitch queens can when dignity leaves them bereft.]
SPIKE: [singing] Why'd you run away?
I hear it's not your...style. [She stands, looking wary]
I haven't come to play.
I don't mean to stay a while.
I come to get what I came for.
I don't have time to abide the law.
Now you've been warned,
You know you wanna make me smile.
[They start to circle each other, Spike singing all the while]
SPIKE: You're the victim, dear,
And I'm here for you.
I know Dawn is near,
And I know that you know too.
I got info from a demon bar.
I have to say your vague allies go pretty far.
Hand over Dawn
Or you'll be dead real soon.
[He starts advancing on her and she walks back]
SPIKE: 'Cuz I know what you have planned.
[She turns away, he puts an arm roughly around her waist and they walk backwards together]
SPIKE: I know just what you have planned.
LILA: [pushes him away] [spoken] So what, you're an agent of the Slayer?
SPIKE: I'd like to admit,
That you're dead wrong.
It's not like I submit,
Though Buffy does come on fairly strong.
When you start to think about it
You remind me of her, no doubt about it.
She's strung me out and it's gone too long.
[He sizes her up thoughtfully, walking behind her, a hand on her waist]
SPIKE: You brought us down into this town.
But before Joss ends this scene.
Hand over the girl and I could rock your world.
Yeah you could be my queen. [Makes her face him, putting a hand on the back of her neck, keeping the other on her waist. They sort of dance]
I think I know how you feel, girl.
LILA: Don't you see,
You and me
Would be very surreal.
SPIKE: I will make it real, girl.
LILA: Possibly-
But it can't be,
I'm evil, I can't feel.
SPIKE: I've been evil for centuries and decades.
I still fit in touching sexual escapades.
LILA: I like the view,
Of me and you.
Could you make me scream for more?
SPIKE: I could make you fall to your knees,
Make heaven crumble and hell freeze.
LILA: I'll be pissed,
If I missed
All this [spoken] she's on the top floor.
[Spike let's her go, and gestures 'tell me more']
LILA: I'm not working with Wolfram and Hart for this. But there's a huge bounty on the Slayer, and I want a slice of it. But...forget it now. Take her sister back. [They glance up when they hear many footsteps on the floor above them]
SPIKE: [spoken] I'll be back with friends, count on that. I'll try to stop 'em from killing you. [He smirks at her panicked look and his eyes narrow as puppet minions come rushing down the falling apart stairs] See you soon, luv. [singing] Now we're partying and that's what it's all about. [He runs out, door slamming shut behind him. Fade to black]
Da-da! How was that?
[Giles, Willow and Tara are walking down a hallway, talking]
WILLOW: What kind of a demon sends a lackey to go tell his enemy that 'hi, I've got your sister, come and get me' and then hightails it to LA?
GILES: A demon that wants his enemy in LA.
TARA: But why? What's in LA?
WILLOW: Sunnydale, sure, Hellmouth-y and all, but LA is nothing but a big city full of-
GILES: -all sorts of people that might want their hands/paws/tentacles on the Slayer.
TARA: That's true. There has to be heaps. So how do we know where to go?
GILES: We'll ask Angel when he returns, maybe that's where he's headed with Buffy. [The three stop at a door] This is Cordelia's room?
WILLOW: I thought she had an apartment?
GILES: Wesley mentioned something about her staying in the hotel once and a while. [He knocks] Cordelia? Wesley said that you may be- [He stops when he hears singing]
CORDELIA (off scene): I've been having a bad, bad day.
Slayer comes and takes my hero away.
I wish that she would go!
'Cuz my sex-life's awfully bare.
The Curse thing is so threadbare.
Worn to death, doesn't she care?
Can't believe he doesn't know!
I'd make a really great screw!
Just ask Xander, he's had a few.
I'm out of practice, this is true...
[Giles, Willow and Tara share looks of horror and disgust]
GILES: She'll be down, I'm sure.
WILLOW: Don't want to interrupt her or anything...
TARA: I'm just going to go down and check out a few books.
GILES: We've checked all of the... [Trails off at the anxious looks the witches are giving him] Ah, yes, books. Let's leave. Quickly. [They power walk towards the stairs, glancing back worriedly at Cordelia's door]
Hyperion
[Gunn and Fred are both supposedly reading a book on magic spells at the couch, the book in Fred's lap, Gunn holding onto the spine. Or at least, that's what a normal person would assume, until they see Fred's squeak and giggle, and see Gunn's smirk of satisfaction. Wesley keeps glancing over with obvious annoyance, and then glaring at Xander and Anya who are doing something similar, Anya on his lap. The ex-Watcher can't ignore the way Xander's eyes keep glazing over if Anya wiggles a little bit, apparently to get more comfortable. Behind him, Tara and Willow hold hands, kissing when they think no one's looking. Wesley bristles a little more and tries to back to his work, when some other gasp, squeak, giggle or kiss sound interrupts the silence. Giles doesn't seem unsettled as he pours over a book, writing notes down occasionally. Cordelia tromps down the stairs, and Wesley locks his eyes on her rather mournfully, as she walks past to get a cup of coffee.]
WESLEY: Hello.
CORDELIA: Hey Wes. Is Angel and Buff back yet? [She takes a sip of coffee] Blech. [Heaps in about an average sized mountain of sugar]
WESLEY: [bristles, returning to his book] No.
CORDELIA: [looks at him] What's wrong?
WESLEY: [gritted teeth] Nothing. Nothing at all.
CORDELIA: [glances over to Fred and Gunn] Is it Fred?
WESLEY: [glances up, unnerved] Not her, personally.
CORDELIA: Fine, be cryptic. Just tell me when Angel gets back. [She starts to walk away, when frustrated, Wesley stands, tearing his glasses of his face in annoyance]
WESLEY: [singing] I tried [Cordelia whirls around, surprised. Everyone else remains oblivious]
So many years ago,
To make a good impression,
But it wasn't so.
And where your male-preference lies,
I think I finally know.
Mm mm.
[Walks around the desk, slowing coming towards her]
WESLEY: I know,
Exactly what you feel.
It's like you can't tell the one you love,
That they're not able to deal.
And now this ache in my heart,
It just seems way too real.
It's great,
I now know what to say.
Too complicated for you,
Angel's soul keeps him at bay.
But I have just what you need,
I know you want to play.
[Rock music comes in, Cordelia looks at him with wide eyes, coffee mug still in hand.]
So give up on the deceased.
Give up on the deceased,
Let me step inside.
Let me take you on a journey
That's one hell of a ride.
If you want any chance to dance,
Give me credit at least.
And give up on the deceased.
[Wesley takes her wrist rather roughly, leading her over to the counter, twirling her so her back's against it. She quickly puts the mug down, just as Wesley presses in on her. He places a hand not remotely subtly on her thigh, steadily but slowly moving up as he sings]
WESLEY: We all know,
Just what I crave.
Wouldn't it be ironic,
If I became your slave?
With all this lust I could combust,
I've some energy I saved.
Give up on the deceased.
[He backs away, turning and walking in the opposite direction. Slightly enchanted, Cordelia follows him]
WESLEY: I know
I should go.
Because what chance I have
Against Angel's pace?
He may be abstinent,
In chastity's embrace.
But who really cares,
If his heart can't race?
You obviously don't,
But there's still a trace
Of one last hope...[whirls around to face her]
Give up on the deceased,
Let me step inside.
Let me take you on a journey
That's one hell of a ride.
If you want any chance to dance,
Give me credit at least.
[Wes takes a run and goes down onto his knees, skidding and stopping at Cordelia's feet]
WESLEY: And give up on the deceased.
Why can't you give up on the deceased?
[Music stops and Wesley and Cordelia are left staring at each other, Cordelia speechless, Wesley panting slightly from the song. He stands up]
WESLEY: Ahem. [He walks past her to pick up his glasses he left on the counter. He doesn't look at her] Sorry about that. [He quickly picks up a few books including the one he was "reading" and heads to his office, shutting the door. Baffled, Cordelia starts slowly walking outside, obviously absent mindly wandering, lost in thought (unfamiliar territory?). We see Fred look up and follow her. ]
FRED: Cordy?
CORDELIA: Fred, hey.
FRED: So, does it come as a surprise that Wesley's all hot and bothered over you?
CORDELIA: [processes the OOC-ness and answers] How did you hear the song? No one else seemed to even hear it.
FRED: Call it a woman's intuition, call it post-sex magick. [Cordelia blinks] What? I can grow, I have layers. But either way, I heard the song.
CORDELIA: [gestures to nowhere in particular] This whole musical thing. It's so bazaar. Wesley serenading his love to me accompanied with uncharacteristically cool electric guitars and organs, Buffy and Co. coming here and messing things up, you and sex scenes...
FRED: [uncertain] It is a little weird.
CORDELIA: It's a lot weird! It's like you two took this whole musical thing as an excuse to get laid. [Fred frowns, just as Angel and Buffy arrive. Fred leaves] Any news?
ANGEL: Dawn's not there, but neither is Lila. And why is it I very much would not be surprised if she were involved?
BUFFY: Nice building. Kinda flashy though. It was fun watching Angel beat up the receptionist for information, whatever good that did us, no idea. They all knew who Angel was. [mumbles] They didn't know who *I* was though. Hello, Slayer-comma-The...
ANGEL: I don't know what they'd want with Dawn though.
CORDELIA: We'll figure it out.
ANGEL: So, anything unusual happen?
CORDELIA: [the proverbial deer-caught-in-head-lights look] Um...no?
[Clueless, the Slayer and the vampire walk inside, Cordelia left to ponder about Wesley. She steps out onto the street, arms wrapped around herself.]
CORDELIA: [singing] Could I have ever noticed?
Had no idea how much he cared... [She shakes her head and starts to go back inside, when a puppet minion grabs her and she screams, ending the scene. Fade to black]
Outside a warehouse-y type deal - well, it has broken, boarded-up windows, so....
[We see Lila walks the path towards it, looking a little nervous, stiletto high heels clicking sharply. Twenty or so feet behind, we see Spike following her, walking alongside a demon we don't recognize. The demon's points at Lila and Spike hands over a couple of money notes, and the demon takes off. Spike speeds up, almost catching up. The 'Dawn's Ballet' music wells up, and he's just about to grab her when she spins around, having been used to being followed by Angel. They play a little bit cat and mouse for a bit out the front and down alleys, Lila trying to get away, all in time with the music, not too unlike the evil minions and Dawn. As the music picks up, Lila opens the doors and runs in. Spike follows and they do a quick little tap number, before Spike quickly sweeps her off her feet, spinning and not to gracefully placing her down...well, more like throwing her down. She trips and falls, looking pissed as only classy, evil lawyer bitch queens can when dignity leaves them bereft.]
SPIKE: [singing] Why'd you run away?
I hear it's not your...style. [She stands, looking wary]
I haven't come to play.
I don't mean to stay a while.
I come to get what I came for.
I don't have time to abide the law.
Now you've been warned,
You know you wanna make me smile.
[They start to circle each other, Spike singing all the while]
SPIKE: You're the victim, dear,
And I'm here for you.
I know Dawn is near,
And I know that you know too.
I got info from a demon bar.
I have to say your vague allies go pretty far.
Hand over Dawn
Or you'll be dead real soon.
[He starts advancing on her and she walks back]
SPIKE: 'Cuz I know what you have planned.
[She turns away, he puts an arm roughly around her waist and they walk backwards together]
SPIKE: I know just what you have planned.
LILA: [pushes him away] [spoken] So what, you're an agent of the Slayer?
SPIKE: I'd like to admit,
That you're dead wrong.
It's not like I submit,
Though Buffy does come on fairly strong.
When you start to think about it
You remind me of her, no doubt about it.
She's strung me out and it's gone too long.
[He sizes her up thoughtfully, walking behind her, a hand on her waist]
SPIKE: You brought us down into this town.
But before Joss ends this scene.
Hand over the girl and I could rock your world.
Yeah you could be my queen. [Makes her face him, putting a hand on the back of her neck, keeping the other on her waist. They sort of dance]
I think I know how you feel, girl.
LILA: Don't you see,
You and me
Would be very surreal.
SPIKE: I will make it real, girl.
LILA: Possibly-
But it can't be,
I'm evil, I can't feel.
SPIKE: I've been evil for centuries and decades.
I still fit in touching sexual escapades.
LILA: I like the view,
Of me and you.
Could you make me scream for more?
SPIKE: I could make you fall to your knees,
Make heaven crumble and hell freeze.
LILA: I'll be pissed,
If I missed
All this [spoken] she's on the top floor.
[Spike let's her go, and gestures 'tell me more']
LILA: I'm not working with Wolfram and Hart for this. But there's a huge bounty on the Slayer, and I want a slice of it. But...forget it now. Take her sister back. [They glance up when they hear many footsteps on the floor above them]
SPIKE: [spoken] I'll be back with friends, count on that. I'll try to stop 'em from killing you. [He smirks at her panicked look and his eyes narrow as puppet minions come rushing down the falling apart stairs] See you soon, luv. [singing] Now we're partying and that's what it's all about. [He runs out, door slamming shut behind him. Fade to black]
Da-da! How was that?