No Angel
folder
BtVS AU/AR › Het - Male/Female › Angel(us)/Buffy
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
9
Views:
2,709
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
BtVS AU/AR › Het - Male/Female › Angel(us)/Buffy
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
9
Views:
2,709
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
No Angel
No Angel
Author: Tygerlily
Email: Angelusblood@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Joss & Co. own just about everything ::sniffles::
Summary: Total AU. Buffy is a fairly unknown but talented singer. I’d tell you more but that would ruin the story.
Spoilers: None its AU
Rating: Pg-13… (Nc-17 eventually)
Warning: Buffy/Lindsey close friendship, Abusive home situation and some Angelus bashing... if these offends anyone please turn away now! Though this IS a Buffy/Angelus Fiction… just bear with me for awhile
Author Note: Alright I know that I have many other projects in the works but my muse decided to smack me in the face with this and so everything else has to take the backseat for awhile. Also this is my very FIRST AU, so I beg you be kind and ANY type of feedback is welcome… as long as it’s constructive.
Author Note II: Also for my story Elizabeth a.k.a. Buffy can play the guitar and sing very well. A lot of the songs I’ll be using will be by Dido, Michelle Branch and Avril Lavigne. I know that these three very talented artists have three very different sounds but for the purpose of my story we’re going to meld and mesh them together. Just another thing I don’t own anything pertaining to these three talented young women so leave me alone.
Author Note III: This IS a very involved story and will take awhile to finish. But there should be weekly updates because this fiction has taken the driver’s seat and I refuse to work on anything else… except there might be work on my other baby… Bittersweet but other than that there will be NO updates on anything else for awhile!
Thank You to Claudia the author of Wicked Seduction for her permission to borrow a bit of her style of writing in the first chappie. So much to love to her! You can check out her fiction A Wicked Seduction of Vampire Slayer by clicking on the link
Chapter One – Here With Me
Elizabeth cringed again as she heard her father pull up into the driveway. It was already passed 11:30 on a Thursday evening; she knew that he’d been out drinking again. She just hoped that he wasn’t in one of his moods that evening. Though there was little hope of that happening. It was 5 years ago today that the police officer came to their door and told them that her beloved mother was killed in a car accident on the road between Sunnydale and Los Angeles.
Walking away from her window and toward the bed she then again picked up her guitar and continued to strum lazily as she worked on her latest song. The first few chords softly rang out into the quiet room followed by the voice of a fallen angel.
I didn't hear you leave,
I wonder how am I still here
I don't want to move a thing,
It might change my memory
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP
Elizabeth’s head shot up at the sound of her father’s heavy footsteps as they climbed the stairs. Searching frantically around her room for another way out and seeing none she slid the guitar under the bed to save it from her father’s oncoming rage.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
“Elizabeth opens this door right now!”
She knew that he was drunk out of his mind and with the evening being the anniversary of her mother’s death didn’t help things. Elizabeth prayed to god that the door would hold as she ran to her closet and grabbed a small duffel bag out from the bottom. Reaching up she pulled a few shirts out of the closet and shoved them into the bag. Striding as quickly as she could across the room she wrenched open the dresser drawers and pulled out a pair of jeans, a pair of sleep pants and some shorts.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
The pounding on her door continued relentlessly and just as she was throwing some undergarments into the bag the door began to splinter. Knowing that there wasn’t much time she shoved everything on her vanity into her bag. Quickly zipping it up and throwing it under the bed along with the guitar just as the rest of the door finally cracked and splintered under all the pressure her father had been putting on it.
“I thought I told you to open that door!” he bit out, the stench of alcohol rolling off of him in waves
Before Elizabeth could even begin to begin to offer an apology his fist came out of nowhere striking her in the midsection.
THWAK
“We’ve been over this before Elizabeth! You are to do what I say when I say it”
THWAK
“I swear ever since your mother died you’ve been nothing but trouble!”
THWAK
“You’d think that you’d abide my rules. But no you continue to do as you see fit!”
THWAK.
“It’s your fault she’s dead!”
THWAK.
“You killed her!”
THWAK.
“YOU KILLED HER!”
THWAK.
“SHE’S IN THE FUCKING GROUND WHILE YOU CONTINE TO LIVE THAT EXSISTENCE YOU CALL A LIFE. YOU SHOULD BE DEAD! NOT HER! YOU! NOT HER! YOU!”
From the moment Hank Summers walked in the room he’d been in a red haze. He was drunk out of his mind and missing his wife whom had passed on years before. Only a short time after Joyce Summers had passed he no longer spent time at home or even with his daughter. He tried to loose himself in his work and when that didn’t work he turned to liquor.
Somewhere inside himself he knew what was going on around him. And what he had become but he still couldn’t bring himself to care. All he kept thinking was that his Joyce would still be alive if it wasn’t for this waste of a daughter in front of him.
THWAK.
THWAK.
THWAK.
Large crystal like tears continued to roll down Elizabeth’s face as her father continued to beat her. Long ago she learned to deal with the physical pain he inflicted upon her when he became this way. It was all the horrible things he continued to say to her. At first she tried to tell herself that it wasn’t her fault that her mother was dead. Her friends around her had told her the same thing. But no matter how many times she tried to convince herself. Her father would come in and tell her otherwise.
THWAK.
THWAK.
THWAK.
Hank was beginning to tire and delivered one final blow to his daughter’s temple. This seemed to bring him out of his rage induced haze. He looked down at the broken and battered young women on the ground and the splatters of blood surrounding her; he then looked at the blood covering his hands. Stumbling out of the room then out of the house and into the driveway; Hank Summers climbed into his car and pulled out of the driveway. Tires squealing he pulled out onto Revello Drive and sped off into the night.
Elizabeth tried to pull herself up off the floor but was unsuccessful. As she felt her body fall back onto the cool wood floor her last thoughts as she let the darkness take over were…
Lindsey I need you… Here with me…
+ + + + +
Two hours and thirteen minutes later Elizabeth was starting to come to. Her entire body ached. She knew without having to see that her father was long gone. The silence within the house was a huge hint let alone the fact that this was the way it always happened.
Hank would come in go into her room in a fit of rage, beat her, then flee into the night.
Elizabeth cracked one eye open and glanced over at the digital clock that sat on her bedside table. The harsh glowing red numbers read 2:13 am. She knew that she had to get out of there before morning. Before the sun rose above the horizon because then she’d be confined to he house for the rest of the day until night came again.
Her only choice was to get up off the floor grab her things and make the short trek over to Lindsey’s place. Elizabeth just prayed to god that he wasn’t entertaining one of his many lady friends that evening. She knew how much Linds looked out for her and how much of his time he gave up for her. The tiny blonde always felt bad when she encroached on his personal time.
Struggling on to her hands and knees she was finally able to crawl over to her bed and slowly but surely she pulled out her small duffel bag along with her guitar. Throwing them on top of the bed she once again found herself struggling to stand upright. Eventually she was standing upright again though leaning heavily against the side of the bed.
Pulling the guitar across her shoulder Elizabeth then picked up the duffel bag off the bed and slowly made her way out of her room. Normally she wouldn’t run the risk of running into her father buy leaving through the front door but her entire body ached and was battered and bruised. Even she knew that if she was to take her usual route down the tree that she wouldn’t make it without a few more broken bones.
Elizabeth stepped out of her room into the darkness of the rest of the house. She slowly but surely descended the steps; careful to only take one at a time. Finally reaching the bottom of the stairs she quickly made her way to the door and slipped out into the night.
The night air was warm and humid as it began to stick to the young girl’s skin. Closing the door gently behind her she walked softly down the steps and continued on her path towards The Crescent Arms. It was the huge apartment complex downtown where most of the business and upper class Sunnydale citizen lived.
It being so late the streets were quiet and dark, the only light coming from the few lamp post that lined the small streets. The small blonde looked up at the only building to tower over the rest knowing that a soft warm bed and a caring hand awaited her within.
She entered through the double glass doors and greeted the night doorman with a warm smile, he just smiled in return and told her to go on up. After all of her late night visits the night staff had come to know her well. Entering the elevator she waited patiently as it assented into the upper floors. Eventually there was a soft ding and she stepped from the compartment and out onto the floor.
The stretch of hallway only contained to beautifully crafted doors with the numbers of 1500 on the one on the far right and the other with the numbers 1501. She headed toward the door with the numbers of the latter. Her long elegant fingers gently pressed upon the small button placed right next to the door. Not too long after she heard someone approach the door.
The door slowly opened revealing a petite brunette clad only in a shirt that hung well passed her knees, instantly Elizabeth knew that she was interrupting something.
“Can I help you?” the sultry brunette asked; a slight sneer of disgust on her ruby colored lips
‘Annabelle, who is at the door’ a strong masculine voice called from the background
Slowly but surely Lindsey padded up behind Annabelle to see a small and broken Elizabeth gracing his doorstep. Practically pushing Annabelle out of the way he ushered the tiny blonde inside with a fuming Annabelle following not too far behind.
“Lindsey what are you doing… with her?” the voluptuous brunette bit out
Sighing heavily realizing that his evening of pure pleasure was over he quietly asked Annabelle to leave. Her eyes grew wide in shock for half a second before they clouded over in anger and jealousy. She stomped out of the room and not too long after the loud slamming of the front door could be heard.
All the while Lindsey tended to the frightened thing in front of him. The man’s eyes clouded over in pain as he looked over the injuries this time. This had to be the worst he’d ever seen her. Her usually long silky blond hair that shone like the sun was now matted with sweat and dried blood. Her arms and legs were covered in scratches and dried blood. He was almost afraid to lift up her shirt and see her stomach.
Lindsey wasn’t a fool he knew what tonight was; he even called Elizabeth earlier to see if she wanted to stay with him that evening. But of course Elizabeth remembered his date even when he didn’t and insisted that he keep it and that she’d be fine. Now he was truly regretting listening to her in the first place.
“God Lizzy, why didn’t you call me?” the distress in his voice was clear as he brushed a lock of hair away from her face.
All he was greeted with was the soft hum of her breathing. Sighing heavily knowing that accusing her was going to get him no where he got up and went to retrieve the first aid kit. Returning shortly there after he went to work on the many cuts and abrasions marring her usually flawless skin, so far Elizabeth had been fairly lucky and only walked away with one scar over the last few years of abuse.
“I’m sorry”
It was so soft he was almost sure that he didn’t hear anything and then he heard it again…
“I’m sorry”
Looking up in surprise he studied her face carefully still trying to figure out what on earth she was suppose to be sorry for. Sighing softly Elizabeth covered his larger hands with her smaller ones to still his movements.
“I’m sorry… because I ruined you evening” she said softly
Closing his eyes almost as if he was in pain he opened them again and gently put aside the supplies he’d been working with and picked up the tiny blonde and pulled her into his lap. Wrapping his arms tightly around her he could feel her instantly relax against him. Both sighed softly at the feel of one another. Elizabeth let the comforting smell of bourbon, old leather and a spice that was uniquely his surround her while Lindsey just let the sweet smells of vanilla and honey engulf him.
Ever since both of them were very young it was known that all they had to do was touch and everything would be right with world again. Nothing and no one could ever come between them. When Lindsey looked down again and saw that the tiny bundle in his arms was fast asleep he slowly maneuvered them into the bedroom. After gently laying Elizabeth down on the bed he covered her up and then walked around to the other side and slid in behind her; firmly but gently he pulled her back against him and he himself finally allowed sleep to take hold of him.
+ + + + +
Lindsey rolled over in the bed and reached for the lithe little body that should’ve been lying next to him and all his hand came into contact with was more soft bedding. His eyes shot open and began to dart around the room in search of the little blonde that occupied the bed only a few hours earlier. Finally the smell of freshly brewed coffee and hash browns assaulted his senses and he knew that all was well and that Elizabeth was just in the kitchen.
Slowly rising from the bed he began to rub the remainders of sleep from his eyes. He padded into the kitchen still rubbing his eyes while letting loose a yawn from deep within his throat thus causing Buffy to look up from the skillet sizzling on the stove. She couldn’t help the small smile that came across her lips at the sight of him rubbing the sleep from his eyes with his bed tousled hair giving him that boyish charm she loved so much.
“Good morning” she said brightly as she placed a plate of bacon, eggs and hash browns in front of him with a cup of black coffee.
“Mmmm, looks good and someone sure is chipper this morning” he said as he took a sip of his coffee.
“Hmmm yep, I got up early and decided to take a shower and make you some breakfast. I know how much you like my cooking besides the fact I wanted to thank you for last night”
Lindsey looked up from his breakfast and gently put down his fork and opened his arms; needing no more of an invitation she walked around and settled herself comfortably on his lap while he once again picked up his fork. After a few more bites he spoke.
“First off yes I do love your cooking and second you don’t have to thank me. It’s what friends are for…right?”
At her small smile and slight nod he seemed satisfied and continued on with his breakfast with the tiny blonde still perched on his lap. Once he finished Elizabeth slid off his lap and picked up his dishes and placed them in the sink.
“So what do you feel like doing today Lizzy?”
“Don’t you have work today?” quirking on perfectly sculpted eyebrow
“Nope and I figured after last night you might want to do something. I mean I know you still have a few visible cuts but nothing to serious…” he trailed hoping that she wouldn’t want to stay locked up all day. It would only depress her further.
“Ummm, I guess we could go out. I mean Da… Hank was really drunk last night. He didn’t really get in too many good hits…” she trailed off and dropped her head to her chest trying to stop the tears she knew coming anyway.
Lindsey instantly left his seat and quickly wrapped the tiny blond in his embrace. In the end it was her undoing and she completely sagged against him sobbing. He picked her up and brought her into the living room, settling himself on the couch he rocked her and whispered nonsense into her hair until she calmed again.
“I know… why don’t we go to ‘Weatherly Park’. You always liked it there when we were kids and I noticed you brought your guitar. Maybe you could play something for me. That always made you feel better… hmmm?”
Sniffling softly Elizabeth nodded her head against his bare chest and slowly lifted her eyes to his…
“I’d like that” she said while offering him a watery smile.
“Okay, so it’s settled”
+ + + + +
The sun was shining brightly as the pair entered Weatherly Park hand in hand. Lindsey was caring a picnic basket and in one hand while the other held Elizabeth’s in a loving grasp. Elizabeth held the blanket in one hand while her guitar was slung over her back. The two were a striking pair turning heads as they crossed the green and headed toward to a hidden clearing not many people knew about behind some trees.
Lindsey was dressed in a pair of khaki pants, a loose dark blue button down shirt and a pair of Gucci sunglasses that shielded his eyes from the afternoon sun. While Elizabeth was clad in a pair of well worn low rider jeans and a soft t-shirt and a pair of Gucci glasses of her own were perched on top of her head pushing the soft blonde tendrils away from her face.
“So what do you think? Is here good?” Lindsey asked his companion
Elizabeth looked around at the quiet area with not another soul in sight. The trees rustled softly with the sweet end of summers’ wind and she knew that the spot was a perfect place to relax and just escape.
“Perfect”
So with that Lindsey placed the basket down on the grass and the two of them gently laid out the blanket. Linds then kicked off his shoes and settled himself comfortably as Elizabeth kicked off her own shoes and then began to lay out the food they brought with them.
After consuming the small lunch they brought with them Elizabeth was strumming lazily on her guitar while Lindsey dozed lightly underneath the trees. Eventually cracking an eye open he glanced over at his companion seeing that she was really concentration on what she was doing.
“What are you working on?” he asked softly
The question startled Elizabeth for only half a second before she continued to play.
“Oh… nothing really, just working on this new song I’ve had floatin’ around my head”
“Yeah?” this seemed to grab his attention as he propped himself up on to his elbows looking at her expectantly.
“Why don’t you play it for me?”
Biting her lip as she mulled over the idea she eventually smiled softly and slightly nodded her head.
“Okay well with my mom’s… with my mom being gone and everything. I just kinda came up with this and then I had a dream about her a few nights ago. I’m not even sure if its any good… it just made me feel better singing it… you know?”
Lindsey merely smiled and waited patiently as she took a deep breath and began to play. The soft melodic sounds of her acoustic guitar began to fill the air followed by a soft angelic like voice.
//I didn't hear you leave,
I wonder how am I still here
I don't want to move a thing,
It might change my memory
Oh I am what I am,
I'll do what I want, but I can't hide
I won't go, I won't sleep,
I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me
I don't want to call my friends,
They might wake me from this dream
And I can't leave this bed,
Risk forgetting all that's been
Oh I am what I am,
I'll do what I want, but I can't hide
I won't go, I won't sleep,
I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me
Oh I am what I am,
I'll do what I want, but I can't hide
I won't go, I won't sleep,
I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me//
The last few chords rang out into the air and then all was quiet again. Lindsey looked on at his life long friend with sad eyes. He knew that she was missing her mother terribly let alone the fact her brother was sent to live with their grandmother only a few months after the accident.
There were times that he’d sleep over and all three of them would stay up really late and watch some scary movie they weren’t suppose to be but that didn’t matter because it was fun. Then of course none of them could sleep and Aunt Joyce would come in and rest with them till all of them were asleep.
The soft sobbing of the girl in front of him broke him from his reverie. Crawling over to her he gently extracted the guitar from her hands he then pulled her into his lap and just held her while she cried.
Though it had already been five years since her mother’s death the wound was still fresh and the separation from her brother and the abuse from her father has done nothing to help the situation. As he continued to whisper and soothe her he knew already what had to be done.
“Lindsey” she whispered
“Yeah?” he asked just as softly
“Never go away… Okay?”
“Okay”
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me
End of Chapter One
Author: Tygerlily
Email: Angelusblood@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Joss & Co. own just about everything ::sniffles::
Summary: Total AU. Buffy is a fairly unknown but talented singer. I’d tell you more but that would ruin the story.
Spoilers: None its AU
Rating: Pg-13… (Nc-17 eventually)
Warning: Buffy/Lindsey close friendship, Abusive home situation and some Angelus bashing... if these offends anyone please turn away now! Though this IS a Buffy/Angelus Fiction… just bear with me for awhile
Author Note: Alright I know that I have many other projects in the works but my muse decided to smack me in the face with this and so everything else has to take the backseat for awhile. Also this is my very FIRST AU, so I beg you be kind and ANY type of feedback is welcome… as long as it’s constructive.
Author Note II: Also for my story Elizabeth a.k.a. Buffy can play the guitar and sing very well. A lot of the songs I’ll be using will be by Dido, Michelle Branch and Avril Lavigne. I know that these three very talented artists have three very different sounds but for the purpose of my story we’re going to meld and mesh them together. Just another thing I don’t own anything pertaining to these three talented young women so leave me alone.
Author Note III: This IS a very involved story and will take awhile to finish. But there should be weekly updates because this fiction has taken the driver’s seat and I refuse to work on anything else… except there might be work on my other baby… Bittersweet but other than that there will be NO updates on anything else for awhile!
Thank You to Claudia the author of Wicked Seduction for her permission to borrow a bit of her style of writing in the first chappie. So much to love to her! You can check out her fiction A Wicked Seduction of Vampire Slayer by clicking on the link
Chapter One – Here With Me
Elizabeth cringed again as she heard her father pull up into the driveway. It was already passed 11:30 on a Thursday evening; she knew that he’d been out drinking again. She just hoped that he wasn’t in one of his moods that evening. Though there was little hope of that happening. It was 5 years ago today that the police officer came to their door and told them that her beloved mother was killed in a car accident on the road between Sunnydale and Los Angeles.
Walking away from her window and toward the bed she then again picked up her guitar and continued to strum lazily as she worked on her latest song. The first few chords softly rang out into the quiet room followed by the voice of a fallen angel.
I didn't hear you leave,
I wonder how am I still here
I don't want to move a thing,
It might change my memory
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP
Elizabeth’s head shot up at the sound of her father’s heavy footsteps as they climbed the stairs. Searching frantically around her room for another way out and seeing none she slid the guitar under the bed to save it from her father’s oncoming rage.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
“Elizabeth opens this door right now!”
She knew that he was drunk out of his mind and with the evening being the anniversary of her mother’s death didn’t help things. Elizabeth prayed to god that the door would hold as she ran to her closet and grabbed a small duffel bag out from the bottom. Reaching up she pulled a few shirts out of the closet and shoved them into the bag. Striding as quickly as she could across the room she wrenched open the dresser drawers and pulled out a pair of jeans, a pair of sleep pants and some shorts.
BANG. BANG. BANG.
The pounding on her door continued relentlessly and just as she was throwing some undergarments into the bag the door began to splinter. Knowing that there wasn’t much time she shoved everything on her vanity into her bag. Quickly zipping it up and throwing it under the bed along with the guitar just as the rest of the door finally cracked and splintered under all the pressure her father had been putting on it.
“I thought I told you to open that door!” he bit out, the stench of alcohol rolling off of him in waves
Before Elizabeth could even begin to begin to offer an apology his fist came out of nowhere striking her in the midsection.
THWAK
“We’ve been over this before Elizabeth! You are to do what I say when I say it”
THWAK
“I swear ever since your mother died you’ve been nothing but trouble!”
THWAK
“You’d think that you’d abide my rules. But no you continue to do as you see fit!”
THWAK.
“It’s your fault she’s dead!”
THWAK.
“You killed her!”
THWAK.
“YOU KILLED HER!”
THWAK.
“SHE’S IN THE FUCKING GROUND WHILE YOU CONTINE TO LIVE THAT EXSISTENCE YOU CALL A LIFE. YOU SHOULD BE DEAD! NOT HER! YOU! NOT HER! YOU!”
From the moment Hank Summers walked in the room he’d been in a red haze. He was drunk out of his mind and missing his wife whom had passed on years before. Only a short time after Joyce Summers had passed he no longer spent time at home or even with his daughter. He tried to loose himself in his work and when that didn’t work he turned to liquor.
Somewhere inside himself he knew what was going on around him. And what he had become but he still couldn’t bring himself to care. All he kept thinking was that his Joyce would still be alive if it wasn’t for this waste of a daughter in front of him.
THWAK.
THWAK.
THWAK.
Large crystal like tears continued to roll down Elizabeth’s face as her father continued to beat her. Long ago she learned to deal with the physical pain he inflicted upon her when he became this way. It was all the horrible things he continued to say to her. At first she tried to tell herself that it wasn’t her fault that her mother was dead. Her friends around her had told her the same thing. But no matter how many times she tried to convince herself. Her father would come in and tell her otherwise.
THWAK.
THWAK.
THWAK.
Hank was beginning to tire and delivered one final blow to his daughter’s temple. This seemed to bring him out of his rage induced haze. He looked down at the broken and battered young women on the ground and the splatters of blood surrounding her; he then looked at the blood covering his hands. Stumbling out of the room then out of the house and into the driveway; Hank Summers climbed into his car and pulled out of the driveway. Tires squealing he pulled out onto Revello Drive and sped off into the night.
Elizabeth tried to pull herself up off the floor but was unsuccessful. As she felt her body fall back onto the cool wood floor her last thoughts as she let the darkness take over were…
Lindsey I need you… Here with me…
+ + + + +
Two hours and thirteen minutes later Elizabeth was starting to come to. Her entire body ached. She knew without having to see that her father was long gone. The silence within the house was a huge hint let alone the fact that this was the way it always happened.
Hank would come in go into her room in a fit of rage, beat her, then flee into the night.
Elizabeth cracked one eye open and glanced over at the digital clock that sat on her bedside table. The harsh glowing red numbers read 2:13 am. She knew that she had to get out of there before morning. Before the sun rose above the horizon because then she’d be confined to he house for the rest of the day until night came again.
Her only choice was to get up off the floor grab her things and make the short trek over to Lindsey’s place. Elizabeth just prayed to god that he wasn’t entertaining one of his many lady friends that evening. She knew how much Linds looked out for her and how much of his time he gave up for her. The tiny blonde always felt bad when she encroached on his personal time.
Struggling on to her hands and knees she was finally able to crawl over to her bed and slowly but surely she pulled out her small duffel bag along with her guitar. Throwing them on top of the bed she once again found herself struggling to stand upright. Eventually she was standing upright again though leaning heavily against the side of the bed.
Pulling the guitar across her shoulder Elizabeth then picked up the duffel bag off the bed and slowly made her way out of her room. Normally she wouldn’t run the risk of running into her father buy leaving through the front door but her entire body ached and was battered and bruised. Even she knew that if she was to take her usual route down the tree that she wouldn’t make it without a few more broken bones.
Elizabeth stepped out of her room into the darkness of the rest of the house. She slowly but surely descended the steps; careful to only take one at a time. Finally reaching the bottom of the stairs she quickly made her way to the door and slipped out into the night.
The night air was warm and humid as it began to stick to the young girl’s skin. Closing the door gently behind her she walked softly down the steps and continued on her path towards The Crescent Arms. It was the huge apartment complex downtown where most of the business and upper class Sunnydale citizen lived.
It being so late the streets were quiet and dark, the only light coming from the few lamp post that lined the small streets. The small blonde looked up at the only building to tower over the rest knowing that a soft warm bed and a caring hand awaited her within.
She entered through the double glass doors and greeted the night doorman with a warm smile, he just smiled in return and told her to go on up. After all of her late night visits the night staff had come to know her well. Entering the elevator she waited patiently as it assented into the upper floors. Eventually there was a soft ding and she stepped from the compartment and out onto the floor.
The stretch of hallway only contained to beautifully crafted doors with the numbers of 1500 on the one on the far right and the other with the numbers 1501. She headed toward the door with the numbers of the latter. Her long elegant fingers gently pressed upon the small button placed right next to the door. Not too long after she heard someone approach the door.
The door slowly opened revealing a petite brunette clad only in a shirt that hung well passed her knees, instantly Elizabeth knew that she was interrupting something.
“Can I help you?” the sultry brunette asked; a slight sneer of disgust on her ruby colored lips
‘Annabelle, who is at the door’ a strong masculine voice called from the background
Slowly but surely Lindsey padded up behind Annabelle to see a small and broken Elizabeth gracing his doorstep. Practically pushing Annabelle out of the way he ushered the tiny blonde inside with a fuming Annabelle following not too far behind.
“Lindsey what are you doing… with her?” the voluptuous brunette bit out
Sighing heavily realizing that his evening of pure pleasure was over he quietly asked Annabelle to leave. Her eyes grew wide in shock for half a second before they clouded over in anger and jealousy. She stomped out of the room and not too long after the loud slamming of the front door could be heard.
All the while Lindsey tended to the frightened thing in front of him. The man’s eyes clouded over in pain as he looked over the injuries this time. This had to be the worst he’d ever seen her. Her usually long silky blond hair that shone like the sun was now matted with sweat and dried blood. Her arms and legs were covered in scratches and dried blood. He was almost afraid to lift up her shirt and see her stomach.
Lindsey wasn’t a fool he knew what tonight was; he even called Elizabeth earlier to see if she wanted to stay with him that evening. But of course Elizabeth remembered his date even when he didn’t and insisted that he keep it and that she’d be fine. Now he was truly regretting listening to her in the first place.
“God Lizzy, why didn’t you call me?” the distress in his voice was clear as he brushed a lock of hair away from her face.
All he was greeted with was the soft hum of her breathing. Sighing heavily knowing that accusing her was going to get him no where he got up and went to retrieve the first aid kit. Returning shortly there after he went to work on the many cuts and abrasions marring her usually flawless skin, so far Elizabeth had been fairly lucky and only walked away with one scar over the last few years of abuse.
“I’m sorry”
It was so soft he was almost sure that he didn’t hear anything and then he heard it again…
“I’m sorry”
Looking up in surprise he studied her face carefully still trying to figure out what on earth she was suppose to be sorry for. Sighing softly Elizabeth covered his larger hands with her smaller ones to still his movements.
“I’m sorry… because I ruined you evening” she said softly
Closing his eyes almost as if he was in pain he opened them again and gently put aside the supplies he’d been working with and picked up the tiny blonde and pulled her into his lap. Wrapping his arms tightly around her he could feel her instantly relax against him. Both sighed softly at the feel of one another. Elizabeth let the comforting smell of bourbon, old leather and a spice that was uniquely his surround her while Lindsey just let the sweet smells of vanilla and honey engulf him.
Ever since both of them were very young it was known that all they had to do was touch and everything would be right with world again. Nothing and no one could ever come between them. When Lindsey looked down again and saw that the tiny bundle in his arms was fast asleep he slowly maneuvered them into the bedroom. After gently laying Elizabeth down on the bed he covered her up and then walked around to the other side and slid in behind her; firmly but gently he pulled her back against him and he himself finally allowed sleep to take hold of him.
+ + + + +
Lindsey rolled over in the bed and reached for the lithe little body that should’ve been lying next to him and all his hand came into contact with was more soft bedding. His eyes shot open and began to dart around the room in search of the little blonde that occupied the bed only a few hours earlier. Finally the smell of freshly brewed coffee and hash browns assaulted his senses and he knew that all was well and that Elizabeth was just in the kitchen.
Slowly rising from the bed he began to rub the remainders of sleep from his eyes. He padded into the kitchen still rubbing his eyes while letting loose a yawn from deep within his throat thus causing Buffy to look up from the skillet sizzling on the stove. She couldn’t help the small smile that came across her lips at the sight of him rubbing the sleep from his eyes with his bed tousled hair giving him that boyish charm she loved so much.
“Good morning” she said brightly as she placed a plate of bacon, eggs and hash browns in front of him with a cup of black coffee.
“Mmmm, looks good and someone sure is chipper this morning” he said as he took a sip of his coffee.
“Hmmm yep, I got up early and decided to take a shower and make you some breakfast. I know how much you like my cooking besides the fact I wanted to thank you for last night”
Lindsey looked up from his breakfast and gently put down his fork and opened his arms; needing no more of an invitation she walked around and settled herself comfortably on his lap while he once again picked up his fork. After a few more bites he spoke.
“First off yes I do love your cooking and second you don’t have to thank me. It’s what friends are for…right?”
At her small smile and slight nod he seemed satisfied and continued on with his breakfast with the tiny blonde still perched on his lap. Once he finished Elizabeth slid off his lap and picked up his dishes and placed them in the sink.
“So what do you feel like doing today Lizzy?”
“Don’t you have work today?” quirking on perfectly sculpted eyebrow
“Nope and I figured after last night you might want to do something. I mean I know you still have a few visible cuts but nothing to serious…” he trailed hoping that she wouldn’t want to stay locked up all day. It would only depress her further.
“Ummm, I guess we could go out. I mean Da… Hank was really drunk last night. He didn’t really get in too many good hits…” she trailed off and dropped her head to her chest trying to stop the tears she knew coming anyway.
Lindsey instantly left his seat and quickly wrapped the tiny blond in his embrace. In the end it was her undoing and she completely sagged against him sobbing. He picked her up and brought her into the living room, settling himself on the couch he rocked her and whispered nonsense into her hair until she calmed again.
“I know… why don’t we go to ‘Weatherly Park’. You always liked it there when we were kids and I noticed you brought your guitar. Maybe you could play something for me. That always made you feel better… hmmm?”
Sniffling softly Elizabeth nodded her head against his bare chest and slowly lifted her eyes to his…
“I’d like that” she said while offering him a watery smile.
“Okay, so it’s settled”
+ + + + +
The sun was shining brightly as the pair entered Weatherly Park hand in hand. Lindsey was caring a picnic basket and in one hand while the other held Elizabeth’s in a loving grasp. Elizabeth held the blanket in one hand while her guitar was slung over her back. The two were a striking pair turning heads as they crossed the green and headed toward to a hidden clearing not many people knew about behind some trees.
Lindsey was dressed in a pair of khaki pants, a loose dark blue button down shirt and a pair of Gucci sunglasses that shielded his eyes from the afternoon sun. While Elizabeth was clad in a pair of well worn low rider jeans and a soft t-shirt and a pair of Gucci glasses of her own were perched on top of her head pushing the soft blonde tendrils away from her face.
“So what do you think? Is here good?” Lindsey asked his companion
Elizabeth looked around at the quiet area with not another soul in sight. The trees rustled softly with the sweet end of summers’ wind and she knew that the spot was a perfect place to relax and just escape.
“Perfect”
So with that Lindsey placed the basket down on the grass and the two of them gently laid out the blanket. Linds then kicked off his shoes and settled himself comfortably as Elizabeth kicked off her own shoes and then began to lay out the food they brought with them.
After consuming the small lunch they brought with them Elizabeth was strumming lazily on her guitar while Lindsey dozed lightly underneath the trees. Eventually cracking an eye open he glanced over at his companion seeing that she was really concentration on what she was doing.
“What are you working on?” he asked softly
The question startled Elizabeth for only half a second before she continued to play.
“Oh… nothing really, just working on this new song I’ve had floatin’ around my head”
“Yeah?” this seemed to grab his attention as he propped himself up on to his elbows looking at her expectantly.
“Why don’t you play it for me?”
Biting her lip as she mulled over the idea she eventually smiled softly and slightly nodded her head.
“Okay well with my mom’s… with my mom being gone and everything. I just kinda came up with this and then I had a dream about her a few nights ago. I’m not even sure if its any good… it just made me feel better singing it… you know?”
Lindsey merely smiled and waited patiently as she took a deep breath and began to play. The soft melodic sounds of her acoustic guitar began to fill the air followed by a soft angelic like voice.
//I didn't hear you leave,
I wonder how am I still here
I don't want to move a thing,
It might change my memory
Oh I am what I am,
I'll do what I want, but I can't hide
I won't go, I won't sleep,
I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me
I don't want to call my friends,
They might wake me from this dream
And I can't leave this bed,
Risk forgetting all that's been
Oh I am what I am,
I'll do what I want, but I can't hide
I won't go, I won't sleep,
I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me
Oh I am what I am,
I'll do what I want, but I can't hide
I won't go, I won't sleep,
I can't breathe, until you're resting here with me
I won't leave, I can't hide,
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me//
The last few chords rang out into the air and then all was quiet again. Lindsey looked on at his life long friend with sad eyes. He knew that she was missing her mother terribly let alone the fact her brother was sent to live with their grandmother only a few months after the accident.
There were times that he’d sleep over and all three of them would stay up really late and watch some scary movie they weren’t suppose to be but that didn’t matter because it was fun. Then of course none of them could sleep and Aunt Joyce would come in and rest with them till all of them were asleep.
The soft sobbing of the girl in front of him broke him from his reverie. Crawling over to her he gently extracted the guitar from her hands he then pulled her into his lap and just held her while she cried.
Though it had already been five years since her mother’s death the wound was still fresh and the separation from her brother and the abuse from her father has done nothing to help the situation. As he continued to whisper and soothe her he knew already what had to be done.
“Lindsey” she whispered
“Yeah?” he asked just as softly
“Never go away… Okay?”
“Okay”
I cannot be, until you're resting here with me
End of Chapter One