A/N: Woohoo! Thanx for the reviews! *dances happily* I'm just glad people read it, even if they don't like it or if they do. Better if they do, o' course, but still...teehee. me happy. Anyway, here's the final part. Have fun!
Hyperion basement
[Angel and Buffy are taking down a couple of swords from the weapons cabinet in the basement, and Buffy starts tying her hair back]
BUFFY: So, do you think that this Lila lawyer person has something to do with it, even if Wolfram and Hart doesn't?
ANGEL: Who wouldn't want the Slayer? We just gotta figure out where she's keeping Dawn. Ready to spar? [Buffy smiles a little weakly, and they get into a fighting fencing type stance. Their training fight goes into slow motion, and when Buffy starts to sing, Angel is oblivious]
BUFFY: [singing] I wasn't ready for you to leave.
I kept pretending not to grieve.
Fighting back the tears, trying to believe
That I...
In your arms I felt most at home.
Thought I was ready to go alone.
Twinkling songs turned into backward drones.
But I...
I thought I could be my own girl,
Make it in this land.
Thought I could survive this harsh world,
Even without a man.
Thought I could be a Slayer.
But now I understand,
Can't do it without a lay.
[They continue to fight, moves getting a little more desperate, but still in slow mo]
BUFFY: Frantic groping, knowing when to strike.
Writhing wildly, with someone I like.
If you can't be there, then all I have is Spike.
And I...
I thought that I could be independent,
Face this world alone.
Thought I didn't need a boyfriend,
I thought I could be strong.
Thought I could be a Slayer.
Didn't know that all along,
I can't do it without a lay.
Yeah, I can't do this without a lay.
[The fight goes back into normal motions, and Buffy's sword goes flying thanks to a swift move by Angel]
ANGEL: Did you say something?
Hyperion foyer
[Fred sits at a chair, looking at Gunn curiously as he heads over to Angel, the two start talking, both and everyone else oblivious to singing]
FRED: [singing] I'm under your thrall.
It could never be,
That I would be such a hussy.
It's not like me at all...
Are you possibly
Taking advantage of me?
You made me believe...
BUFFY: [stepping into the foyer, looking at Angel] Believe I wanna go astray.
BUFFY & FRED: And it grieves that I have to say
I don't need a lay.
BUFFY: I thought I could be my own girl
FRED: Thought I could try
BUFFY: Make it in this land.
Thought I could survive this harsh world
FRED: To find some peace of mind
Gave it all I had inside
Thought I could confide in you
BUFFY: Even without a man.
FRED: I tried it out but I see...
BUFFY & FRED: I don't need a lay.
Don't need a lay.
Don't need a lay.
Don't need a...lay.
[The doors slam open and Spike walks in, looking very pleased with himself]
SPIKE: Found her. Some lawyer named Lila's got Dawn in a warehouse east of town. The bird's probably working for the demon bloke. Or vice versa.
ANGEL: I knew it was her.
[Wesley walks out of his office]
WESLEY: And what do they want?
SPIKE: The Slayer. [He walks over to Buffy] Told you I'd find her.
XANDER: So we go, swords and machetes blazing. Fire upon with mortars, and whatever the saying is...Y'know, we really need bazookas, or a few hand guns, or something, 'cuz they'd be a hell of a lot more effective than-
WESLEY: Has anyone seen Cordelia?
[Fade to black]
Warehouse
[Lila walks through a door and into the top floor of the warehouse, looking slightly shaken. Behind her we briefly see the stairs that lead up to it. We see Sweet sitting on an armchair lazily, Dawn bound and gagged on the floor, looking scared.]
SWEET: What was all that?
LILA: An ally of the Slayer. He'll get the message to her.
SWEET: Excellent. But see if my men don't find her first.
LILA: If they survive. But once the Slayer finds out where her sister is, she'll be here soon. I know her kind: big hero complex. I work against one every night.
SWEET: Angelus.
LILA: The Slayer's ex. Think he'll be here?
[The doors from the stairway open, and a puppet minion walks in, dragging a kicking and screaming Cordelia along with him]
MINION: I have the Slayer.
CORDELIA: Let go of me, Pinocchio, or I'll see you don't turn into a real boy. Ever.
SWEET: It's not her. I've seen her. Petite blonde thing, cute lil' mouth.
LILA: I know this one. She works for Angel.
CORDELIA: [notices Lila as she struggles with the minion] You. You're so gonna get your ass kicked when Angel gets here.
SWEET: [to Lila] To answer your question, I think he'll be here.
LILA: Two birds with one stone, eh? [Minions start trying Cordelia up, and Dawn starts straining at her ropes] It's all going according to plan. [She and Sweet carry out an evil laugh - Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha type thing...]
Hyperion
ANGEL: She was outside last I saw. [He looks at Spike]
SPIKE: Didn't see her.
WESLEY: They have her.
XANDER: Okay, let's lock and load. Mortars aplenty and-
BUFFY: No.
ALL: No?
BUFFY: [to the Angel crew] It was stupid for me to come to you guys. This is my battle. My sister. I need to do this alone. I need to…be alone.
ANGEL: It's not just your fight. Lila's my enemy, for one thing. Cordelia's my employee and friend for another. It's my fight also. I'll go with you.
WESLEY: I care for Cordelia too.
WILLOW: I love Dawn, I can't just do nothing. Buffy, think about this-
BUFFY: No.
SPIKE: I'll come with you, I know where the warehouse- [Buffy hands him a pen and pad] -is.
BUFFY: Write down the address, I'll get there myself. [Spike looks at her sullenly before doing so, tearing off the piece of paper and handing it over]
ANGEL: This is stupid. I'm not going to let you-
BUFFY: My mission.
ANGEL: My town.
SPIKE: [to himself] My crush.
BUFFY: What?
SPIKE: Nothing.
BUFFY: I'm going alone. I have to get used to that. I'll be back with Cordelia and my sister. [She looks at Angel with much meaning] Trust me. [She starts towards the doors and stops where Giles is]
GILES: Good luck. [They exchange small, bitter smiles before Buffy leaves]
ANYA: She's so gonna die.
XANDER: Ahn...
SPIKE: Fuck this. I'll get there faster than she will.
[He starts to leave, but Angel blocks him]
SPIKE: Now what?
ANGEL: She wants to go alone, let her.
[Spike glares at him, but makes no other move towards the door. It's obvious he wants to get to Lila before Buffy does. Wesley walks over to the weapons cabinet and grabs a broadsword]
WESLEY: Angel? You're not coming?
ANGEL: If Buffy wants to go alone, fine. No wait, Wes-
[Wesley sighs and leaves, Gunn and Fred glancing at each other, unsure]
WILLOW: I'll cast a locator spell and anyone else can-
TARA: No! No magick. [The two witches exchange glances of confusion and sternliness]
XANDER: I say we follow her anyway.
GILES: No, this is obviously something she has to do on her own.
ANYA: Fine, we'll come later and play clean up crew. It's always been the same - follow the Slayer and help her defeat the baddy, or wait and perhaps risk the chance to scrape said Slayer off the walls, floors, ceilings and windows.
FRED: Actually, technically, she bursts into flames, not explode.
ANYA: Oh, well...that's practical of her.
TARA: I hope she's okay.
FRED: What if Wes doesn't make it?
Warehouse
[Cordelia is kneeling the floor, leaning against the wall, looking distraught. Unlike Dawn, she isn't gagged]
CORDELIA: I felt desire and I let it go.
Too scared of warmth, too scared of shame.
Go with undead or human warmth instead?
Can't it be all the same?
Now on the streets I call to them.
To cut these binds and save the day.
There's no more screams, saved by one of two extremes.
To lay or not to lay?
And I don't want this desire.
I never really did before.
So take away this desire.
Or give me...
[Cut to dark street, Wesley walking alone, swinging the ax]
WESLEY: This love I bear is killing me.
Wish it would go but it remains.
No compromise, a love that I despise.
It's driving me insane.
BUFFY: [on some other street] And I don't want this desire.
It's getting to be such a chore.
BUFFY & WESLEY: So take away this desire.
Or give me-
[Cut to Hyperion]
SPIKE: Has my past come pack to haunt me?
Does this so-called "bitch queen" want me?
Should I go away and just leave her behind?
XANDER: [looking at Anya] Will this marriage make or break me?
WILLOW: Should I let dark magick take me?
GILES: This isn't the retirement I had in mind.
HYPERION GROUP: We'll see it through
While singing loud and singing true
That we don't want this desire. [They start to leave for the warehouse]
ANGEL: So slowly she turns from me.
My soul plight keeps her away.
FRED: [background] What won't they do...
ANGEL: Wish it would go, it just ruins this show.
FRED: [background] ...if they are paid?
ANGEL: Can't I get in one quick lay? [Everyone around him looks at him strangely] [spoken] Heheh.
LILA: [background] So once again he'll come for me.
FRED: It's so strange my celibacy's lost.
ANYA: How much did this twinkling ring cost?
LILA: [background] Luring me in with lewd attraction.
SPIKE: My love life's getting too complicated.
ANGEL: [background] Going through the motions...
Fighting man to man...
LILA: [background] Angel's a dish, but he's not my foremost wish.
CORDELIA: Single life is my satire.
WESLEY: Silken sheets, loins on fire...[spoken] Gah...
LILA: [background] Hot blondes are so in fashion.
TARA: Can't we sing something that not sex-related?
ALL: [mumbled apologies]
LILA: [background] Could love...
WESLEY: These lustful ways
Are sending me into a daze.
LILA: [background] ...set me free?
ALL: And we don't want this desire.
Taking back what we came for.
So take away this desire.
Or give us-
More.
Give us more.
Give us more.
Give us more.
[Buffy and Wesley look at each other as they meet at the stairs. Together, they kick open the door, and they see Lila and Sweet standing over the bound and gagged Dawn and bound Cordelia]
SWEET & LILA: Show time.
[Fade to black]
SWEET: We meet again, Slayer.
BUFFY: Hm, maybe you won't run away this time. It gets so dull.
WESLEY: Unhand them. You have what you wanted.
BUFFY: Do I get a say in that?
LILA: Let's just wait for Angel, shall we? [to Buffy] Who's that nice blonde man that works for you? Met him briefly, didn't catch his name. A vampire, right?
BUFFY: Nice? Anything but. Vampire? Yeah. Why would you want his name?
LILA: [muttering] Something to scream while he gives me everything he's g-
BUFFY: What?
LILA: Nothing.
CORDELIA: Are you guys going to kick their asses already?
BUFFY: Cordelia, shut up. I'm getting there. [She eyes the puppet minions slowly surrounding the room]
WESLEY: You wanted the Slayer, she's here, now let them go! [Brandishes the sword for effect]
LILA: I want more than the Slayer.
WESLEY: Angel as well? Be satisfied with what you have now, Lila.
LILA: How can I ever be satisfied?
[She steps forward as the music comes on]
LILA: Life's a bitch.
It rains down on you hard.
It rips away your heart. [Takes off her suit-coat and undoes her top button of her blouse]
[Looks at the camera] It's been gone from the start.
It won't do
If something comes out wrong.
You pay so much for these songs
That go on far too long. [Dances as she sings:]
Where there's life
There's death.
Leaves you alone
Bereft.
Until there's no-
Thing left.
That's what
I get.
Sacrifice
Your life-
[Stops the dance, and paces as she sings the slower paced part. Everyone arrives, filing in behind Buffy and Wesley]
LILA: For someone you work for.
That makes you feel like a money whore.
Don't give me life.
Don't give me life.
[Tara and Buffy walk forward, singing the background vocals]
LILA: Give me something worth living for.
I need something worth living for.
[The three dance madly, Spike walking forward a little so he stands in front of the crowd of spectators, watching Lila closely]
LILA: Life's a drag,
It's a fact we can't ignore.
Breathing becomes a chore
When you fight against the law.
I haven't slept with a decent man for ages.
It's a book bereft of pages.
A priority drowned in wages.
[Starts dancing again, Tara and Buffy melting back into the crowd]
LILA: When you're rich
You slight
Little things:
Like life.
When things feel
So right.
To keep them
You gotta fight
This darkness
With light.
[She walks away from the group to stand next to the demon, running her fingers through her hair in frustration]
LILA: I'm just a pent-up whore.
Clawing for twisted lust more and more.
Don't get me wrong.
This is a fucked up song.
[She turns to Spike, tentatively walking up to him, stopping a few feet away]
LILA: You said you know
Just how I feel...
Is it that real?
I hate this.
Where can I go?
Am I a tart
For Wolfram and Hart?
I hate this.
Need to know what my fate is.
[Looks at him rather pleadingly]
LILA: Give me something worth living for...
Can you give me something?
[Taking his silence as rejection, Lila turns away, dancing insanely. She twirls 'round and 'round really fast, out of control, until Spike finally processes what the lawyer had just said to him, he leaps forward - only to be blocked by someone else who grabs her arms just as smoke starts emitting from her, flames singeing her expensive shoes. Strangely enough, it's Wesley]
WESLEY: Life's not a bitch.
Life's not so bad,
It's a game to be had.
Try and love it.
Your feelings are true.
I know how you feel,
It hurts but it's real.
Try and love it.
You'll never get above it.
If you try and shove it.
[They share a meaningful stare, and we can tell that the two characters have connected in a way they've never done before in their lives. But they're interest lies elsewhere, something that Spike's isn't sure of. We see him glaring at Wesley in jealousy, which lightens slightly as Wesley walks away from Lila to untie Cordelia and Dawn. Dawn runs over to Buffy, and they hug. Cordelia and Wesley glance at each other awkwardly. The silence is broken as Sweet claps]
SWEET: Now that was a show stopping number.
ANGEL: Get out of here.
SWEET: Sure thing.
CORDELIA: What?
BUFFY: That's it? Put on a show and walk out?
SWEET: Well, I was gonna take your lil' sister down to hell with me, but let's face it, she *is* underage. And I'm guessing Lila's not so interested in the Slayer and the souled vamp anymore? [He looks at the lawyer, who glances at him over her shoulder]
LILA: [bitter] Go. I don't care anymore.
SWEET: Then I'll just be on my merry way.
[singing] What lot of fun.
We're glad the words could...rhyme. [Author smiles with too much graciousness]
And there's not a one,
You can't say that wasn't worth a dime.
All those songs pent up inside your heartstrings.
Show a little lechery - with a dash of feelings.
Now I've gotta run, so see you all next time!
[He turns into a little ball of red light and zooms out the nearest window. The surrounding puppet minions dissipate. Silence fills the warehouse, until Fred sings]
FRED: [singing] Why hold lust so dear?
ANGEL & BUFFY: Why hold lust so dear?
WESLEY: The battle's done
And a new one's begun.
WESLEY & CORDELIA: It's this time round we fear.
So why hold lust so dear?
LILA: I'll just forget my career.
SPIKE: You've nothing to lose my dear. [They look at each other with a little more confidence, drawing closer and closer]
ALL (BUT SPIKE & LILA): Handcuffs and whips
Replace witty quips.
What a dreary end of year.
Why hold lust so dear?
[Spike and Lila start making out, hands groping and all that, and everyone looks on with envy disguised as pity and disgust]
ALL: Look at the way they sear.
All we can do is leer. [Spike and Lila give them looks of 'whatever' and leave the building]
A burning kiss
Isn't something to miss...?
Who are we kidding? The end is near.
Why shouldn't we hold lust dear?
[Anya leaps into Xander's arms and they make out. Tara and Willow smile shyly at each other, before becoming un-shy. Wesley leaves without looking at anyone, leaving Cordelia looking awkward. Angel and Buffy look at each other mournfully, and Giles just looks depressed. Fred looks at Gunn, conflicted, before her eyes widen.]
FRED: Now it is all so clear.
Sex isn't something to fear.
Gyrating hips
And lukewarm lips...
NC-17 fans give a cheer!
I hold lust so dear.
[She leaps at Gunn, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissing him deeply. Being the very strong tall guy he is, Gunn doesn't waver, but he wraps his arms around her and kisses back. Cordelia runs out. Tentatively, Angel and Buffy hold hands, looking at each other as they sing. Xander, Anya and Willow, Tara breaks up the kissing for a moment to sing as well. As they sing, we get a shot of outside, of Cordelia running out towards Wesley]
GROUP: Holding lust so dear.
Holding lust so dear.
Holding lust...so dear.
Outside
[Wesley, still holding his sword, walks away from the warehouse. We see Cordelia stop a few feet behind him, looking anxious.]
CORDELIA: Wes!
WESLEY: [turning around] You don't have to say anything. Just forget me. You should...you should get back in there with Angel.
CORDELIA: I don't want to.
WESLEY: [he sighs with frustration] Beep me when you find out what you do want, because I really can't-
CORDELIA: [singing] I felt desire and a let it go...
WESLEY: [a little surprised] I tried...
CORDELIA: ...too scared of warmth, too scared of shame.
WESLEY: ...so many years ago.
CORDELIA: Wicked ways, and now I want to play...
WESLEY: I know you want to play...
[They kiss, and the cast sings off scene]
ALL: We hold lust so dear!
[The end]
Phew, finished. R+R!
Hyperion basement
[Angel and Buffy are taking down a couple of swords from the weapons cabinet in the basement, and Buffy starts tying her hair back]
BUFFY: So, do you think that this Lila lawyer person has something to do with it, even if Wolfram and Hart doesn't?
ANGEL: Who wouldn't want the Slayer? We just gotta figure out where she's keeping Dawn. Ready to spar? [Buffy smiles a little weakly, and they get into a fighting fencing type stance. Their training fight goes into slow motion, and when Buffy starts to sing, Angel is oblivious]
BUFFY: [singing] I wasn't ready for you to leave.
I kept pretending not to grieve.
Fighting back the tears, trying to believe
That I...
In your arms I felt most at home.
Thought I was ready to go alone.
Twinkling songs turned into backward drones.
But I...
I thought I could be my own girl,
Make it in this land.
Thought I could survive this harsh world,
Even without a man.
Thought I could be a Slayer.
But now I understand,
Can't do it without a lay.
[They continue to fight, moves getting a little more desperate, but still in slow mo]
BUFFY: Frantic groping, knowing when to strike.
Writhing wildly, with someone I like.
If you can't be there, then all I have is Spike.
And I...
I thought that I could be independent,
Face this world alone.
Thought I didn't need a boyfriend,
I thought I could be strong.
Thought I could be a Slayer.
Didn't know that all along,
I can't do it without a lay.
Yeah, I can't do this without a lay.
[The fight goes back into normal motions, and Buffy's sword goes flying thanks to a swift move by Angel]
ANGEL: Did you say something?
Hyperion foyer
[Fred sits at a chair, looking at Gunn curiously as he heads over to Angel, the two start talking, both and everyone else oblivious to singing]
FRED: [singing] I'm under your thrall.
It could never be,
That I would be such a hussy.
It's not like me at all...
Are you possibly
Taking advantage of me?
You made me believe...
BUFFY: [stepping into the foyer, looking at Angel] Believe I wanna go astray.
BUFFY & FRED: And it grieves that I have to say
I don't need a lay.
BUFFY: I thought I could be my own girl
FRED: Thought I could try
BUFFY: Make it in this land.
Thought I could survive this harsh world
FRED: To find some peace of mind
Gave it all I had inside
Thought I could confide in you
BUFFY: Even without a man.
FRED: I tried it out but I see...
BUFFY & FRED: I don't need a lay.
Don't need a lay.
Don't need a lay.
Don't need a...lay.
[The doors slam open and Spike walks in, looking very pleased with himself]
SPIKE: Found her. Some lawyer named Lila's got Dawn in a warehouse east of town. The bird's probably working for the demon bloke. Or vice versa.
ANGEL: I knew it was her.
[Wesley walks out of his office]
WESLEY: And what do they want?
SPIKE: The Slayer. [He walks over to Buffy] Told you I'd find her.
XANDER: So we go, swords and machetes blazing. Fire upon with mortars, and whatever the saying is...Y'know, we really need bazookas, or a few hand guns, or something, 'cuz they'd be a hell of a lot more effective than-
WESLEY: Has anyone seen Cordelia?
[Fade to black]
Warehouse
[Lila walks through a door and into the top floor of the warehouse, looking slightly shaken. Behind her we briefly see the stairs that lead up to it. We see Sweet sitting on an armchair lazily, Dawn bound and gagged on the floor, looking scared.]
SWEET: What was all that?
LILA: An ally of the Slayer. He'll get the message to her.
SWEET: Excellent. But see if my men don't find her first.
LILA: If they survive. But once the Slayer finds out where her sister is, she'll be here soon. I know her kind: big hero complex. I work against one every night.
SWEET: Angelus.
LILA: The Slayer's ex. Think he'll be here?
[The doors from the stairway open, and a puppet minion walks in, dragging a kicking and screaming Cordelia along with him]
MINION: I have the Slayer.
CORDELIA: Let go of me, Pinocchio, or I'll see you don't turn into a real boy. Ever.
SWEET: It's not her. I've seen her. Petite blonde thing, cute lil' mouth.
LILA: I know this one. She works for Angel.
CORDELIA: [notices Lila as she struggles with the minion] You. You're so gonna get your ass kicked when Angel gets here.
SWEET: [to Lila] To answer your question, I think he'll be here.
LILA: Two birds with one stone, eh? [Minions start trying Cordelia up, and Dawn starts straining at her ropes] It's all going according to plan. [She and Sweet carry out an evil laugh - Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha type thing...]
Hyperion
ANGEL: She was outside last I saw. [He looks at Spike]
SPIKE: Didn't see her.
WESLEY: They have her.
XANDER: Okay, let's lock and load. Mortars aplenty and-
BUFFY: No.
ALL: No?
BUFFY: [to the Angel crew] It was stupid for me to come to you guys. This is my battle. My sister. I need to do this alone. I need to…be alone.
ANGEL: It's not just your fight. Lila's my enemy, for one thing. Cordelia's my employee and friend for another. It's my fight also. I'll go with you.
WESLEY: I care for Cordelia too.
WILLOW: I love Dawn, I can't just do nothing. Buffy, think about this-
BUFFY: No.
SPIKE: I'll come with you, I know where the warehouse- [Buffy hands him a pen and pad] -is.
BUFFY: Write down the address, I'll get there myself. [Spike looks at her sullenly before doing so, tearing off the piece of paper and handing it over]
ANGEL: This is stupid. I'm not going to let you-
BUFFY: My mission.
ANGEL: My town.
SPIKE: [to himself] My crush.
BUFFY: What?
SPIKE: Nothing.
BUFFY: I'm going alone. I have to get used to that. I'll be back with Cordelia and my sister. [She looks at Angel with much meaning] Trust me. [She starts towards the doors and stops where Giles is]
GILES: Good luck. [They exchange small, bitter smiles before Buffy leaves]
ANYA: She's so gonna die.
XANDER: Ahn...
SPIKE: Fuck this. I'll get there faster than she will.
[He starts to leave, but Angel blocks him]
SPIKE: Now what?
ANGEL: She wants to go alone, let her.
[Spike glares at him, but makes no other move towards the door. It's obvious he wants to get to Lila before Buffy does. Wesley walks over to the weapons cabinet and grabs a broadsword]
WESLEY: Angel? You're not coming?
ANGEL: If Buffy wants to go alone, fine. No wait, Wes-
[Wesley sighs and leaves, Gunn and Fred glancing at each other, unsure]
WILLOW: I'll cast a locator spell and anyone else can-
TARA: No! No magick. [The two witches exchange glances of confusion and sternliness]
XANDER: I say we follow her anyway.
GILES: No, this is obviously something she has to do on her own.
ANYA: Fine, we'll come later and play clean up crew. It's always been the same - follow the Slayer and help her defeat the baddy, or wait and perhaps risk the chance to scrape said Slayer off the walls, floors, ceilings and windows.
FRED: Actually, technically, she bursts into flames, not explode.
ANYA: Oh, well...that's practical of her.
TARA: I hope she's okay.
FRED: What if Wes doesn't make it?
Warehouse
[Cordelia is kneeling the floor, leaning against the wall, looking distraught. Unlike Dawn, she isn't gagged]
CORDELIA: I felt desire and I let it go.
Too scared of warmth, too scared of shame.
Go with undead or human warmth instead?
Can't it be all the same?
Now on the streets I call to them.
To cut these binds and save the day.
There's no more screams, saved by one of two extremes.
To lay or not to lay?
And I don't want this desire.
I never really did before.
So take away this desire.
Or give me...
[Cut to dark street, Wesley walking alone, swinging the ax]
WESLEY: This love I bear is killing me.
Wish it would go but it remains.
No compromise, a love that I despise.
It's driving me insane.
BUFFY: [on some other street] And I don't want this desire.
It's getting to be such a chore.
BUFFY & WESLEY: So take away this desire.
Or give me-
[Cut to Hyperion]
SPIKE: Has my past come pack to haunt me?
Does this so-called "bitch queen" want me?
Should I go away and just leave her behind?
XANDER: [looking at Anya] Will this marriage make or break me?
WILLOW: Should I let dark magick take me?
GILES: This isn't the retirement I had in mind.
HYPERION GROUP: We'll see it through
While singing loud and singing true
That we don't want this desire. [They start to leave for the warehouse]
ANGEL: So slowly she turns from me.
My soul plight keeps her away.
FRED: [background] What won't they do...
ANGEL: Wish it would go, it just ruins this show.
FRED: [background] ...if they are paid?
ANGEL: Can't I get in one quick lay? [Everyone around him looks at him strangely] [spoken] Heheh.
LILA: [background] So once again he'll come for me.
FRED: It's so strange my celibacy's lost.
ANYA: How much did this twinkling ring cost?
LILA: [background] Luring me in with lewd attraction.
SPIKE: My love life's getting too complicated.
ANGEL: [background] Going through the motions...
Fighting man to man...
LILA: [background] Angel's a dish, but he's not my foremost wish.
CORDELIA: Single life is my satire.
WESLEY: Silken sheets, loins on fire...[spoken] Gah...
LILA: [background] Hot blondes are so in fashion.
TARA: Can't we sing something that not sex-related?
ALL: [mumbled apologies]
LILA: [background] Could love...
WESLEY: These lustful ways
Are sending me into a daze.
LILA: [background] ...set me free?
ALL: And we don't want this desire.
Taking back what we came for.
So take away this desire.
Or give us-
More.
Give us more.
Give us more.
Give us more.
[Buffy and Wesley look at each other as they meet at the stairs. Together, they kick open the door, and they see Lila and Sweet standing over the bound and gagged Dawn and bound Cordelia]
SWEET & LILA: Show time.
[Fade to black]
SWEET: We meet again, Slayer.
BUFFY: Hm, maybe you won't run away this time. It gets so dull.
WESLEY: Unhand them. You have what you wanted.
BUFFY: Do I get a say in that?
LILA: Let's just wait for Angel, shall we? [to Buffy] Who's that nice blonde man that works for you? Met him briefly, didn't catch his name. A vampire, right?
BUFFY: Nice? Anything but. Vampire? Yeah. Why would you want his name?
LILA: [muttering] Something to scream while he gives me everything he's g-
BUFFY: What?
LILA: Nothing.
CORDELIA: Are you guys going to kick their asses already?
BUFFY: Cordelia, shut up. I'm getting there. [She eyes the puppet minions slowly surrounding the room]
WESLEY: You wanted the Slayer, she's here, now let them go! [Brandishes the sword for effect]
LILA: I want more than the Slayer.
WESLEY: Angel as well? Be satisfied with what you have now, Lila.
LILA: How can I ever be satisfied?
[She steps forward as the music comes on]
LILA: Life's a bitch.
It rains down on you hard.
It rips away your heart. [Takes off her suit-coat and undoes her top button of her blouse]
[Looks at the camera] It's been gone from the start.
It won't do
If something comes out wrong.
You pay so much for these songs
That go on far too long. [Dances as she sings:]
Where there's life
There's death.
Leaves you alone
Bereft.
Until there's no-
Thing left.
That's what
I get.
Sacrifice
Your life-
[Stops the dance, and paces as she sings the slower paced part. Everyone arrives, filing in behind Buffy and Wesley]
LILA: For someone you work for.
That makes you feel like a money whore.
Don't give me life.
Don't give me life.
[Tara and Buffy walk forward, singing the background vocals]
LILA: Give me something worth living for.
I need something worth living for.
[The three dance madly, Spike walking forward a little so he stands in front of the crowd of spectators, watching Lila closely]
LILA: Life's a drag,
It's a fact we can't ignore.
Breathing becomes a chore
When you fight against the law.
I haven't slept with a decent man for ages.
It's a book bereft of pages.
A priority drowned in wages.
[Starts dancing again, Tara and Buffy melting back into the crowd]
LILA: When you're rich
You slight
Little things:
Like life.
When things feel
So right.
To keep them
You gotta fight
This darkness
With light.
[She walks away from the group to stand next to the demon, running her fingers through her hair in frustration]
LILA: I'm just a pent-up whore.
Clawing for twisted lust more and more.
Don't get me wrong.
This is a fucked up song.
[She turns to Spike, tentatively walking up to him, stopping a few feet away]
LILA: You said you know
Just how I feel...
Is it that real?
I hate this.
Where can I go?
Am I a tart
For Wolfram and Hart?
I hate this.
Need to know what my fate is.
[Looks at him rather pleadingly]
LILA: Give me something worth living for...
Can you give me something?
[Taking his silence as rejection, Lila turns away, dancing insanely. She twirls 'round and 'round really fast, out of control, until Spike finally processes what the lawyer had just said to him, he leaps forward - only to be blocked by someone else who grabs her arms just as smoke starts emitting from her, flames singeing her expensive shoes. Strangely enough, it's Wesley]
WESLEY: Life's not a bitch.
Life's not so bad,
It's a game to be had.
Try and love it.
Your feelings are true.
I know how you feel,
It hurts but it's real.
Try and love it.
You'll never get above it.
If you try and shove it.
[They share a meaningful stare, and we can tell that the two characters have connected in a way they've never done before in their lives. But they're interest lies elsewhere, something that Spike's isn't sure of. We see him glaring at Wesley in jealousy, which lightens slightly as Wesley walks away from Lila to untie Cordelia and Dawn. Dawn runs over to Buffy, and they hug. Cordelia and Wesley glance at each other awkwardly. The silence is broken as Sweet claps]
SWEET: Now that was a show stopping number.
ANGEL: Get out of here.
SWEET: Sure thing.
CORDELIA: What?
BUFFY: That's it? Put on a show and walk out?
SWEET: Well, I was gonna take your lil' sister down to hell with me, but let's face it, she *is* underage. And I'm guessing Lila's not so interested in the Slayer and the souled vamp anymore? [He looks at the lawyer, who glances at him over her shoulder]
LILA: [bitter] Go. I don't care anymore.
SWEET: Then I'll just be on my merry way.
[singing] What lot of fun.
We're glad the words could...rhyme. [Author smiles with too much graciousness]
And there's not a one,
You can't say that wasn't worth a dime.
All those songs pent up inside your heartstrings.
Show a little lechery - with a dash of feelings.
Now I've gotta run, so see you all next time!
[He turns into a little ball of red light and zooms out the nearest window. The surrounding puppet minions dissipate. Silence fills the warehouse, until Fred sings]
FRED: [singing] Why hold lust so dear?
ANGEL & BUFFY: Why hold lust so dear?
WESLEY: The battle's done
And a new one's begun.
WESLEY & CORDELIA: It's this time round we fear.
So why hold lust so dear?
LILA: I'll just forget my career.
SPIKE: You've nothing to lose my dear. [They look at each other with a little more confidence, drawing closer and closer]
ALL (BUT SPIKE & LILA): Handcuffs and whips
Replace witty quips.
What a dreary end of year.
Why hold lust so dear?
[Spike and Lila start making out, hands groping and all that, and everyone looks on with envy disguised as pity and disgust]
ALL: Look at the way they sear.
All we can do is leer. [Spike and Lila give them looks of 'whatever' and leave the building]
A burning kiss
Isn't something to miss...?
Who are we kidding? The end is near.
Why shouldn't we hold lust dear?
[Anya leaps into Xander's arms and they make out. Tara and Willow smile shyly at each other, before becoming un-shy. Wesley leaves without looking at anyone, leaving Cordelia looking awkward. Angel and Buffy look at each other mournfully, and Giles just looks depressed. Fred looks at Gunn, conflicted, before her eyes widen.]
FRED: Now it is all so clear.
Sex isn't something to fear.
Gyrating hips
And lukewarm lips...
NC-17 fans give a cheer!
I hold lust so dear.
[She leaps at Gunn, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissing him deeply. Being the very strong tall guy he is, Gunn doesn't waver, but he wraps his arms around her and kisses back. Cordelia runs out. Tentatively, Angel and Buffy hold hands, looking at each other as they sing. Xander, Anya and Willow, Tara breaks up the kissing for a moment to sing as well. As they sing, we get a shot of outside, of Cordelia running out towards Wesley]
GROUP: Holding lust so dear.
Holding lust so dear.
Holding lust...so dear.
Outside
[Wesley, still holding his sword, walks away from the warehouse. We see Cordelia stop a few feet behind him, looking anxious.]
CORDELIA: Wes!
WESLEY: [turning around] You don't have to say anything. Just forget me. You should...you should get back in there with Angel.
CORDELIA: I don't want to.
WESLEY: [he sighs with frustration] Beep me when you find out what you do want, because I really can't-
CORDELIA: [singing] I felt desire and a let it go...
WESLEY: [a little surprised] I tried...
CORDELIA: ...too scared of warmth, too scared of shame.
WESLEY: ...so many years ago.
CORDELIA: Wicked ways, and now I want to play...
WESLEY: I know you want to play...
[They kiss, and the cast sings off scene]
ALL: We hold lust so dear!
[The end]
Phew, finished. R+R!