The Grand Hotel

Lindsay's POV

The lights in the hallway flicker on and off and there's a hollow feeling deep within my soul. The atmosphere around us begins to feel heavy and oppressive.

I look over to Melanie who is smiling at me encouragingly and I find myself moving along with her. A white mist begins to swirl around us and it feels as though I?m in a haze. I feel lightheaded and dizzy. My eyes flutter just before they close and then Melanie lets go of my hand. Her eyes glisten with an immoral blaze and my heart races rapidly as our hands part in slow motion. I feel my spirit fall into a dark mass as coarse hands reach out to me. My eyes start to water and I try to scream yet, my voice is silent. Panic washes over me.

My body hits the ground abruptly and I let out a stifled breath. I can feel the static electricity encircling me. Slowly I open my eyes and realize I am surrounded in a white haze where suffering and devastation reside. I hear Melanie's voice through the barrier and at first she seems panicked. "Lindsay, Lindsay are you okay?" I call out to her but my voice is still silent and I grab at my throat. All I can feel is the sticky residue of blood that is seeping from my neck. I start to choke on it. "Lindsay, I can't hear you. Are you okay?"

I am so frightened and I try to call out to her again, but again nothing comes out. I hear her voice. "I can't stay baby. I've got to go. I can't stay." I hear her laugh in a mocking tone and the tears begin to form in my eyes. I don't understand how can she laugh at me and why is she leaving me? Why the fuck is she leaving me here?

I can hear her feet retreating and finally I am able to gasp, "Mel." Of course there is no reply. The white haze then fades and I am engulfed in complete darkness. I let out a deep breath and shake uncontrollably when a cool breeze hisses around me.

Then suddenly the sound of wild wolves growling pierces through my soul. I am so scared of the shadows that are moving in the darkness. I cover my eyes in fear and scream. "Go away! Go away!"

The noise begins to fade and my body relaxes a little. Slowly I move my hands from my eyes. Just as I am about to open them I feel warm breath against my face. My body shakes inwardly as I clutch at the carpet in my hands. Opening my eyes I screech in horror as I see two beady red eyes staring back at. The nose of the creature brushes against mine and the icy moistness jolts through me like a cold iniquity.

I try to hold still as its coarse fur callously brushes past my skin. The creature pulls away with an iniquitous laughter in his eyes. I can still feel its breath burning against me. A small light flickers back on and I can see the creature before me is indeed a black wolf. I gulp in terror as it curls up it lips, revealing its sharp white teeth with hints of red splashed across them. I choke back a whimper when I see the blood dripping from it chin.

I gather up as much courage as I can muster. My voice sounds feeble and terrified even to my own ears, but I try to hold strong. ?What do you want??

The creature's malicious laugh vibrates through the atmosphere and my eyes grow wide as the creature changes form in front of me. I gasp in horror as I see my Melanie. My sweet, sweet love staring back at me with harsh coldness in her eyes.

She reaches out to touch the side of my cheek and her hand feels like ice as it caresses me. She smiles at me, but it is filled with cruelty. "You know what I want. You have always known what I want."

I shake my head, trying to remind myself this is not Mel; not my Melanie. I feel my lips quiver as I try to hold back my pain in fear. "No I don't. I don't know what you want."

She brushes her finger over my trembling lips. "I want you to suffer. Suffer like I did." Quickly her form vanishes and I am sitting there in complete desperation.

A harsh wind picks up around me and I stand up weakly grabbing onto the wall. I am startled when I can feel it rise and fall like it's breathing. I close my eyes again and feel the panic quake through me as a black mist forms around me. Out of the darkness I see a pack of black wolves moving towards me, growling viciously.

The loud rhythm of a beating heart echoes through the hallway. Quickly I take hold of my dread and begin running. I can sense the demons drawing closer. Turning a corner my breath hitches as I find myself face to face with a full length mirror. I glance around me suspiciously. I don't recall ever seeing this mirror in the hotel before. Brian's words echo through my mind. "Never look into the mirrors at night." He never told me why, but I always trusted his word.

I try to keep my eyes closed, but I can still hear the wolves around me. They have halted and I can feel their eyes watching me with hunger.

Blindly, I automatically feel my body being drawn to the mirror. I open my eyes and I am intrigued and almost hypnotized by the sight before me. I see the beauty of my hideous state. I see myself for what I truly am for the first time and I like the hideousness of it. I reach my hand out to the mirror. I am stunned as the glass ripples around my fingers. It pulls away like cool water tickling my skin.

I hear the wolves yelping in pain and I turn to see them retreating and gray smoke rising from where had been standing. I glance back to the mirror and I can see my reflection but I look like I once did. I smile, the mirror's reflection smirks back at me. I continue to move my hand forward when suddenly I am startled to feel a hand grabbing at mine. I pull back tearing my reflection from the mirror. I stand in fear looking at the being with my image.

She takes hold of my shoulders and I shriek in fright as my body is thrust through the watery substance of the mirror.

My breathing is rapid as I look around and take in my surroundings. It looks as if I'm in an old hospital ward. I walk through the white sterile ward trying to peer at everything in the dim light. I want to run away but for some reason I can't. I am so curious to know where I am and why this place is here.

I walk down the aisles of empty beds. I can hear coughing and moaning but I see no patients. I look at the beds again and I am shocked to see the sheets rising as bodies begin to form. I try to hold back the panicked dread that is beginning to get the better of me. I swallow hard when I feel depression, pain and agony in this room.

A woman with a clipboard moves toward me as though she is floating. She is dressed all in white and I realize she is a nurse.

She tilts her head and speaks softly. "Oh love, that is some gash you have there."

She reaches to touch me and her arm appears to be decaying. I pull back hastily. "What the fuck?"

"Oh dear, this thing?" she flops the arm like it has no feeling. "It's been giving me trouble for years. No need to be frightened." She wraps her other arm around me and presses her boney fingers into my lower back, guiding me down the hall. "Come, come dear." She smiles at me sweetly. "Why don't you lie down to die in bed 550."

I feel my eyes bug out. I'm taken off guard to hear that number. It's the number of the room Gus and I were murdered in. "What?"

"I said lie down on bed 550 and I will tend to your wound." She guides me to the bed and I feel as though I am on auto pilot as I follow her orders. She smiles at me wickedly and laughs. All of a sudden she's holding up a rather large knife. "Now don't worry, you wont feel a thing."

Suddenly my hands are pressed firmly to the bed. I look up to see Gus laughing at me. His little hands are tight around my wrist. "No worries mommy, it won't hurt a bit. See, I let her do it to me." He tilts his head back and I can see the gaping wound in his throat."

"No!" I scream at the top of my lungs. "No! God No! Not my baby!" I screech in misery and call out to my beloved Mel, and then to Brian. Anyone who might be able to help me.

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Emmett's POV

Gus falls asleep in Deb's arms where we all sit around the table. The sound of Lindsay's cries have slowly tapered off leaving an eerie silence. I hope she's okay, the poor soul. I study Gus.

"Who knew ghosts slept?" I say quietly to myself.

"It's his way of escaping everything." Deb says as she inclines her head down to the little boy in her arms.

I look up swiftly; slightly embarrassed that she heard me. "Oh, I guess that would explain it." I reply.

Vic, Deb and I sit for a few more moments in silence. The waiting to hear something of Lindsay and our friends is almost unbearable. I finally break the silence. "So, Vic," I smile sweetly at the older man. "You didn't happen to run into Natalie Wood, um, you know, there, uh, wherever there is? I'm dying to know what happened that night."

Vic smiles mysteriously at me. "Some secrets you aren't meant to know yet, Emmett."

My face falls. "Oh." Suddenly the door swings open and a very groggy Ted wanders into the kitchen. I jump up. "Teddy, honey, what are you doing up? You should still be asleep."

"Oh, um, I heard someone screaming and then crying." I lead him over to a chair. "I got up to see what was going on." Deb stands up, places Gus' limp form into Vic's arms and moves off to put some water into a tea kettle. Ted notices Vic and studies him curiously for a moment. "Do I know you?"he asks.

"No, I don't believe we've met." Vic answers kindly.

"I'm sure I've seen you before." Ted insists.

"It must just be one of those things." I chime in. I know where he's seen Vic before too, and I really don't want him to make the connection.

"I know!" he exclaims as he snaps his fingers and my heart sinks. "You're in that picture in Michael and Ben's apartment. You're his uncle." Well, shit. Here we go. Ted's face falls for a moment. "But Michael's uncle died, right?" he trails off.

"Yes, that's true." replies Vic calmly.

"So, you're dead?" Ted asks, his eyes as big a saucers. He turns to me. "Em, what in the hell is going on here?"

Before I can reply Deb bustles over with a steaming mug. "Here, Ted honey, drink this. It will help calm your nerves and then we'll explain everything."

He nods his head and takes a large gulp of the steaming brew. "Thanks, Deb." he says. "This is really good." He takes another drink and then his eyes roll up and he slumps down, his head resting on the table.

I blow out a breath. "Thanks, sugar." I say to Deb.

"You're welcome." she replies. "I feel bad, but it's just easier this way."

I nod my head in agreement and then I feel a little worried. "Do you think that stuff mixes okay with whiskey and Ambien?"

"Fuck if I know." Deb replies.

Suddenly the door swings open again and our friends pour into the kitchen and thank god Lindsay is with them.

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Brian's POV

We race up the stairs and through the halls, following the sounds of Lindsay's sobbing. Mel and I are in the lead and we stop short as we race around the corner and see Lindsay lying in what looks like shards of glass in front of the frame of what used to be a full length mirror. How in the fuck did that get here?

"Lindsay." Mel calls as she races to her wife's side and falls to her knees. "Baby, what happened? Are you all right?"

Lindsay struggles and pulls away from Mel. "Get away from me! You left me! You left me and then the mirror, and the hospital, and Gus, oh God, Gus." She starts wailing again.

"I don't understand." Mel looks confused. "Honey, I've been in the kitchen with Brian."

"Brian?" Lindsay asks in a plaintive voice.

I leave a shaken Justin in Daphne's arms and kneel on the other side of her. "I'm here, Linds."

"Oh, Brian! It was so awful! I was so frightened. Mel left me and I couldn't see. Then the black wolves were all around me. I know you told me about the mirrors, but I couldn't help myself. I couldn't stop! And Gus' throat was cut. Gus is dead!"

I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head as I rock her gently. I notice her throat has been bleeding again. Something that only happens when she's really distressed. "Gus is fine, Linds. I promise you, he's fine. Just like he always is."

She looks up. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, and Mel's telling the truth. She's been in the kitchen with Gus and the rest of us this whole time." I look up at everyone. "I don't know who that was, honey, but it wasn't Mel and it wasn't really Gus."

"Oh, God," cries Lindsay. "Thank God!"  With that she throws herself in Mel's arms. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

"Shh, it's okay now. Everything's all right." Mel coos into her ear.

Ben steps forward. "I think we should head back to the kitchen and let the others know she's all right."

I nod and stand up as Mel helps Lindsay off the floor as well. "Good idea, then maybe we should all turn in. You guys must be tired." I look at Ben and Michael. "It's your decision, but it may be a good idea to get rid of the other guests. This place isn't safe for anyone right now. " They both nod somberly and we all make our way back to the kitchen.

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Justin's POV

I stumble a bit as we approach the kitchen doors and I feel a strong hand at my back holding me up. "Are you all right, Sunshine?"

I smile hesitantly up at Brian. "I'm fine. Just tired I guess."

"You can rest soon." he states quietly.

I nod at him and we push open the kitchen doors. "Gus!" Lindsay yells from behind us.

"Oh my God! Gus! Is it really you?"

The little boy sleepily sits up on Vic's lap and looks at his mother. "Mommy! Mommy! Can you see me? I'm here, Mommy!"

Lindsay runs past us and scoops Gus into her arms. "Oh, I see you Baby. I can see you. I missed you so much! I could hear you and feel you."

"Mommy, look! Mama's back, too!"  He points at Melanie.

Mel comes over and pulls them both into her arms as she and Lindsay laugh and cry at the same time.

Debbie walks over to where the rest of us are still standing. "Is everything all right? What happened?"

Brian rubs a hand over his face. "The entity tricked her into thinking it was Mel and then she looked in a mirror."

"Oh, God."

"I know, and then it turned into Gus and scared the shit out of her. Somehow it kicked her back through the mirror and that's where we found her."

"Shit, she thought this thing was Mel? This is not good, Brian."

"I know, I already told Ben and Michael they should have the other guests leave."

"I think what we should do right now is go to bed. I think this can all wait until morning." says Michael's husband.  "It's late and we're all exhausted."  He eyes Brian and shrugs, "Well, I know we mortals are anyway."  Brian smiles and raises an eyebrow at him.

"Well, I don't think any of us should sleep alone tonight." states Debbie. "Michael, you and Ben help Emmett get Ted back to Em's room."

"Why is Theodore down here anyway?" Brian smirks.

Emmett sighs, "Oh, it's a long story, but let's just say Teddy won't be waking up for some time now."

"We're going back to Lindsay's room." states Mel as she hoists Gus into her arms. Lindsay beams at us as the three of them make their way out of the kitchen.

"Come on Daphne and Sunshine," says Brian to us. "I'll take you back to your room."

My heart sinks at the thought of leaving him. I know I don't remember, but something in my heart doesn't want to be separated from him. "What about you?" I ask him. "That leaves you alone."

He smiles at me wryly. "I'll be okay, Sunshine. I've been alone for a long time now."

"I want to stay with you." I turn to Daphne. "Maybe you and Deb could stay together so I can keep Brian company?"

"It's fine with me if it's okay with Debbie." replies my friend with a smile.

"That sounds great." answers Deb. "I've got a lot I want to pick your brain about."

Michael, Emmett and Ben manage to hoist Ted between them, but honestly it looks like Ben is doing most of the work, and carry him out. "Good night." they call to us.

Daphne links her arm through Debbie's and they each grab candles, just in case, and head out the door. "Vic! Are you coming?" yells Deb over her shoulder.

"Yes, I'm coming, sis." he sighs heavily as he trudges after the two women.

Brian pulls me to him and leans his forehead against mine. "Are you sure you want to come with me, Justin?"

"Very." I smile up at him. He gives me a quick kiss on the lips that sends shivers down my spine and it has nothing to do with fear.

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Brian's POV

I watch as Justin hesitantly undresses down to his briefs. Modestly he climbs into my bed and turns away from me. It tears me up inside knowing he doesn't remember me or what we shared. I was thankful he wanted to stay with me tonight. We still have a connection and I know he feels it too. I can tell by the way he looks at me, hanging onto my words like he's trying to remember something; anything.

I turn to my side and prop myself up on my elbow. My heart and spirit ache having him so close. I need him to be able to recall our most intimate moments. I need him to realize how important he was to me before. Back then I held such a strong front but now. now that I'm dead, everything has changed and the rules are different. Once I lost everything I realized how good I really had it.

Gently I brush my fingers through Justin's hair. I bring my hand down and caress his face and then I spoon up behind him, reveling in his warmth. He moves back slightly and I take that as a sign that he is starting to trust me. Justin reaches his hand up to mine and squeezes it affectionately. He turns his head to look at me and I feel my emotions stirring as I see the tears streaking his face. I can see the uncertainty, fear and remorse in his eyes.

"Brian?" When he speaks his voice shakes slightly. "Why can't I remember?  Why don't I remember you?"

He turns to face me. And I can feel the lump forming in my throat. I try to clear it out and then kiss him gently on the forehead. "I don't know," my voice sounds desperate and I hear myself say it again, "God, Justin, I really don't know."

A single tear escapes, running down my cheek and Justin tenderly brushes it away with his thumb. "I don't understand any of this." He shakes his head.

Taking hold of his hand I interlink my fingers with his, and speak softly. "What can I do to help you understand?"

He buries his head into my neck and I can feel his warm breath against my skin. "I don't know. None of this makes any sense. How am I able to touch you? You feel so warm and your tears are real, but you're a spirit. Spirits are not supposed to feel tangible and real."

I draw back to look at Justin. "Nothing is ever as it seems. I can't explain why some things work as they do. We just have to accept it. I, for one, am happy to be able to feel you." I run my hand down his side.

He swallows heavily and I feel his body tremble against mine. "So is it true? Everything that Daphne said?"

I nod my head. "Yes, everything is true."

Justin nods his head in understanding, yet I see the insecurity in his sapphire blue orbs. "If it's true." He hesitates for a moment, and then reaches up his hand to brush his fingers against my lips. I shiver under is touch, remembering how he used to feel; how he would make me feel. "Will you help me remember?"

I feel my tears overtake me and I feel insecure about letting him see my raw emotion. I have always been able to hold back and stuff my feelings down. Yet for some reason I am so happy that he wants to remember. Tenderly I wrap my arms around him and hold him close to me. "Yes, more than anything I want to help you." I pull back slightly then lean my forehead on his, softly touching his cheek with my fingertips. "Whatever I can do to help, just let me know."

I pull back a little and there is something in his eyes. I remember that look so well. In it is a hint of lust and desire, but this time it is different. This time I can also see the uncertainty in his eyes. He lets out a deep breath. "Brian, if it's true. I want..." He turns away from me and lies back on his side. I watch his slight body quiver and I can hear his stifled breath and gasps.

Spooning up behind him I softly caress his arm with the palm of my hand. He shivers slightly. "Justin, tell me what you want," I demand gently.

He speaks in a whisper so that I can barely hear. I lean down and kiss the side of his face. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you," he trembles even more forcefully.

"I...shit! You're going to think I am crazy."

I whisper in his ear. "I could never think that. Now tell me what you want."

"I want to feel you inside me. Help me remember the passion we shared. I want to feel the love that's in your eyes. I...I," he ducks his head in his pillow and then lifts it, turning to face me. "I know it must sound stupid or desperate but I know if we have sex I might be able to remember you. How could I not remember you."

I instantly feel my body responding to his words and there is nothing I want more. I am longing to be connected with him on that level again. Part of me feels like I'm taking advantage of him, but God, I want to be buried deep inside of him again. I want to help him remember and help me forget these years of loneliness. Before I can really rationalize it in my mind I ask. "Are you sure?"

He nods his head. "Yes, I'm sure. I've never been surer of anything."

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Justin's POV

Brian gently draws me in closer to his strong chest. I stifle a breath as a tingling sensation courses through my soul. Tilting my head back Brian brushes the back of his hand along my jaw line and down my neck.

My body shivers in pleasure when I feel Brian's warm breath just below my ear as he nuzzles his nose against me teasingly. I gasp when his lips finally meet my tender flesh. I wrap my arm around him and knead my fingers into the back of his neck. Brian leans down and captures my lips with his. I close my eyes and savor the sensation of pure ecstasy and the familiarly of the moment. Brian glides his tongue into my mouth and we both moan as our warmth fuses in passion.

Brian pulls away, panting slightly with desire. He smiles at me caressing the side of my face affectionately. "I've missed this," he says huskily. Sadness clouds his eyes and he smiles weakly. "But you're here now." He leans down and captures my lips again making my breath hitch.

I have never felt so much emotion for one person before and have them feel the same in return. So many questions whirl within my thoughts. How could I forget someone who made my soul soar this way? I try to push back those thoughts and give in to the moment, letting Brian's emotions flow over me

Brian caresses his hand down my arm and legs, sending shivers through my spine. He presses his body against my back firmly. There's an urgency in his groans of desire and I can feel his hard cock pressing against my ass. He trails his fingers up my chest, lightly tweaking my nipple. I gasp and moan, turning my head back to smile at him. Brian smirks playfully, his hand drawing down to my abdomen. My heart rate slightly picks up and glimpses of the past start to emerge.

I can hear the familiar tearing of a condom wrapper. Slowly I glide my hand down his legs encouragingly and a moan escapes his lips as he buries his head into my hair. Brian's warm breath tickles my scalp and he groans, pressing himself harder against me. Carefully he moves his hand between our bodies and I can tell by his movements he is putting the condom on.

I'm a bit confused. "Brian if you're a spirit why are we using a condom? Wouldn't we be safe?"

Brian chuckles softly in my ear and nuzzles his head against mine. "Yes, you would be, but it's for familiarity. To help you remember. This was our routine; we always wore condoms." he says slyly.

I stifle a startled breath. "Sometimes I wore the condom?"

He chuckles lightly. "Don't sound so surprised sunshine. You were good. Always good." I hear a hint of sadness in his voice. "Can you remember what I told you the night you asked me to fuck you raw?"  I shake my head. He whispers softly, "It's okay, I have faith you will."

I hear the sound of a cap popping, and I can feel a cool substance against my ass. Brian twirls his finger delicately around my hole. He repositions himself until his hard cock is slowly pushing inside of me. I gasp and moan throatily, enjoying his firmness inside me. The sharp pain instantly turns into pleasure and I can hear his words from the past echo in my mind. I let out a moan of contentment and let the words spill from my lips. "I want you safe. I want you around for a long time."

Brian sucks in a deep breath and I can tell he is trying to hold back his emotion. I hear him stifle a cry, yet his tears caress my skin. He tucks his head into my neck as he slowly starts to thrust inside me.

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Brian's POV

The words I spoke to him so many years ago now sound bittersweet to my ears. I hold Justin close thrusting gently, needing him to remember more. I know we have a long way to go, but he remembered something of our past. I hold on to that revelation.

Justin arches back, meeting me thrust by thrust. He groans and I hear my own moans escape my lips. Justin leans his head back and kisses me fervently. I feel him changing position and I smile and move along with him until he is on his knees with his elbows resting on the bed. Taking hold of his hips I thrust deep inside him and Justin lets out an animalistic cry as he reaches his hand behind us and firmly plants it on my ass with urgency.

I cover his body with mine and run my hands down his arms until I interlink our fingers. He pushes back into me demandingly. I lightly nip at his skin then lick at the small bruise I left there. I feel my own urgency, needing more than anything to take us over the edge and beyond to pure ecstasy. I can feel the aching in my balls that desperately need release. I cry out, and holding back my own orgasm I reach my hands around the front of Justin, taking his hard dripping cock in my hand. I stroke in unison with the movements of our bodies.

His sweet cries echo in my mind. He bucks back against me and I let go of his hand and firmly take hold of his hips, stroking him with the other, as I drive deeper and harder inside him. Echoes of our moans from now and from the past linger in the atmosphere. I feel my balls aching and my own cock pulsating as I feel Justin's ecstasy overtake him as his ass squeezes tightly around my dick. I arch back, letting my own release overtake me.

Justin breathes heavily underneath me and his body slumps as I pull out and drop down on the bed next to him. I wrap my arms tightly around him and bring him into my embrace.

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Justin's POV

I feel the rhythm of our bodies dancing in our heat and slowly the images of our past reveal themselves in my mind. After our release Brian spoons up behind me and I let my thoughts drift to my memory. Brian stood in front of the mirror, daylight sparkles through the room. He turns to me standing in his old fashioned suit. He smiles at me and cocks his head. "Aren't you going to get dressed?"

I smile at him and nod moving towards him seductively. I run my hands over his chest "Yeah, but not right this minute because I'll only have to take it off again."

He smirks then laughs lustfully. "Is that so?"

"Mmm, that's so."

I pull myself out of my thoughts and roll to face my lover. "Brian, can I ask you something?"

He brushes is fingers through my hair, gazing at me with contentment. "Yes, anything."

"I was wondering why you wore the old fashioned suit." I take a deep breath and speak bluntly "I remember you putting it on and you asked if I was getting dressed. Well, instead of getting dressed I seduced you."

He smiles and laughs. "That sounds about right." Then I see remorse flood through his hazel orbs.

"What is it?" I compassionately touch his hand.

"That memory you had was the last day we were together."  He chokes back his emotions. "That was Halloween five years ago. You, Lindsay, Daphne, and I wore these old outfits. Even Gus had his own little suit. He hated it." Brian smiles fondly. "We thought it would be fun to give our guests the feel of the 1800's. We wanted them to feel as though they had been taken back in time, and feel of the history of the hotel." He smiles down at me and kisses my forehead. "It was your idea and that's why I have never changed. Wearing that suit is like having a part of you with me."

I swallow heavily and trace his jaw line with my fingers and kiss him briefly on the lips. "I think a part of me was with you, even though I can't remember everything. I do know that this seems right."

He smiles sadly and holds me even closer.

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