Your Love Means Everything by Coldplay
25. Specter
Liz sat on the floor with her back against the wall staring listlessly across the sparsely furnished living room. She and Dembe had decided to close this one down since he hadn't been as fond of this one as he had been of Frederik's. He'd willed that one to her. She could see why. She had grown to love it just as much as he had.
Hudson whined sadly at the near emptiness of the apartment. Liz laughed when he titled his head at her, almost in question.
"I know buddy, I miss him too," she said stroking his head.
"Not for long," Liz froze at the familiar voice.
Hudson's head gave out from under her hand as he barked happily and ran towards the source of the voice.
"Hey boy. Are you taking care of Lizzie for me?"
Liz stared with a slack jaw as she watched Red kneel down and playfully push Hudson's head down.
But he looked...strange. He was wearing his usual beige vest and some pale slacks. But she could see through his body catching a good glimpse of the window and sunlight streaming in behind him.
"R-Red." She breathed weakly.
He looked up at her from his knelt position and smiled sadly. "Hello Lizzie."
"But-you died! I saw you," She cut her rambling off and tried to gather her bearings. She squeezed her eyes shut, thinking that perhaps all the grief was making her hallucinate.
When she opened them, he was still standing there, giving her that annoying amused look.
"Hello, Lizzie," He said again.
Liz felt her breathing hitch in panic. "Wh-what the hell are you doing here?" She burst out.
He stood up and walked over to her. Except, the way he approached her was different. He moved with so much more grace. He knelt in front of her and smoothed his palm over her cheek leaving a faint warmth. She reached out and put her hand over his translucent one. Tears prickled at the edge of her eyes.
"Red?"
"I'm sorry things ended this way, Lizzie. I had to do this for you. There was no other way."
She nodded. "What are you doing here? Am I going crazy? Is this real?" She mumbled in a wavering voice.
He barked out a laugh. "Yes. I'm a ghost, Lizzie. Surprisingly, I wasn't damned straight to hell. Lucky bastard that I am, I was given a second chance at redemption."
"How?" She breathed out.
"I've been assigned the task of being your guardian angel."
Liz's brain felt muddled while trying to take all of this in at the same time.
"So, you're staying?"
"No, sweetheart. I'll pass between worlds, yes. I've only been given the chance to present myself to you. And say goodbye."
Liz felt her face contort at his last words. A sob escaped her, she buried her face in his neck.
"Listen to me, Lizzie. Wherever I am, you need only say the word, and I'll be there to protect you."
A/N: I'm sorry...I can't help it with the angst! It's the prompts that do it, I swear! Special thanks to Jackandsam, as always!