Title: The Rules Have Changed - part 6
Author: Michelle
Rating: FRAO
When Buffy woke, her first thought was of Giles and of making love with him again, but the need to go to the bathroom overwhelmed her. "I'll be right back," she mumbled as she scooted off the bed and almost ran down the hall.
A short time later, she walked back into the room and stopped dead in her tracks. Giles was still lying on the bed, but there was a small trickle of blood running from his nose. She rushed to his side. "Rupert! No! Not again!" She shook him gently.
He groaned and opened his eyes. "Buffy," he said weakly. "Call Wesley and Angel." He reached for a bottle on the nightstand. Buffy found it and opened it.
"How many do you need?" she asked. He held up two fingers. She handed him two pills and helped him drink from the water bottle that he kept beside his bed.
"Call Wesley and Angel," he repeated. "There's a list of things I need and others to call. It's in my wallet."
"I'll take care of everything. Don't worry."
"I'm sorry Buffy, I thought we'd have more time."
"Don't apologize. Just rest while I make phone calls."
"I love you," he whispered.
She kissed his forehead. "I love you, too."
* * * * * * * * * *
The phone rang several times before someone answered. "Hello?"
"Wesley?" Buffy asked.
"Yes, who is this?"
"It's Buffy. I know it's really early in LA. . ."
"Is something wrong?"
"I need you and Angel to come to Rome. Right away."
"Buffy, we can't leave on such short notice."
The tears she'd been trying to hold back finally broke free. "He's dying, Wesley. They killed others; now they're killing him. You have to help."
"Who's dying?" Wesley asked.
"Rupert. He thinks you and Angel can help him, but you have to come now. He doesn't have much time. Please," she sobbed. "We can't let him die."