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:: Winifred - Chapter 3 ::
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Spike lay sprawled on the round couch in the centre of the lobby, the only one up so far. The rest had lumbered off to bed hours ago, and hadn't resurfaced yet. Including Angel.
Sissy, he snorted to himself.
A sound drew his attention upwards and a few minutes later Fred appeared, eyes darting around the place, a robe wrapped tightly around her. Eventually she spotted him and smiled nervously at him.
"Spike, hi." She sat down beside him and curled her legs under herself.
"Science girl."
"I didn't think anyone would be up this early, especially after last night."
"Didn't feel much like bed pet." He admitted taking a cigarette out of a pocket and patting his pockets for the lighter.
"Must you?" Fred asked wrinkling her nose and looking pointedly at the offending object dangling from his lips.
"Not to worry love. I've no fear of the big C." he replied lighting up.
She sighed rolling her eyes. "It wasn't you I was worrying about."
"Gimme a break love, it's been a long night."
"Uh yeah, it has." She flushed and started fidgeting, ducking her head but not before he saw her change of colour and raised a curious eyebrow.
"Had a good time last night did ya now?"
She fidgeted even more with the ends of the ties of her robe. "Well yeah, I-I mean sure. Who wouldn't want a welcome home like that? A-a big party with all my friends and making new ones." She smiled up at him. "It was fun. Didn't you think it was fun?"
He chuckled. "Yeah. 'Specially liked the part where Mr Macho sat on the glasses. What a twit. Who sits on champagne glasses? Really?"
"Spike! Poor Charles. You've seen him? Is he alright?"
"Fine. Nothing a little bed rest and thinking won't cure. Probably his ego more then anything that was hurt. You shoulda seen him, lying there like a plank, his head in the cushions. Best laugh I've had in a while." He admitted blowing out a cloud of smoke.
Fred bit her lip. "I-I should see him. I mean, he's sick and probably bored outta his mind."
Spike snorted. "Got it bad for the street kid, eh?"
She remained silent but blushed.
"You want my advice pet, you stay away from him. Faith isn't the kinda girl you cross, 'specially when it comes to getting her jollies. Besides you could do a lot better then him love. A lot better. At least I think so, and I've not even known you a day."
She frowned and twisted so that she faced him properly. "I love Charles. I've loved from the moment I first saw him." She smiled at the memory. "It's always been Charles and I never thought he could love me. I always wanted him to but I just…I thought it would never happen. And now it has." She raised determined eyes to his. "And I'm not going to let it go, not now."
He shrugged and took another drag of nicotine. "Think you're making a big mistake kid, but I suppose it's yours to make."
"It is." She said forcefully. "I think, maybe, I'll go up and see how he is. I haven't seen him since before… the accident." She said quietly and beside her Spike snorted with laughter.
"Off you go pet." He called after her as she ascended the stairs. "Hope you really know what you're getting yourself into." He muttered to himself and she disappeared from sight.
"A blow-up doughnut?!" Gunn looked agape from the rubber ring in his arms to his friend who was opening another window.
Wesley walked back over to where Gunn sat sprawled in the middle of his large double bed on top of plush cushions and pillows.
"Yes, I thought it would help with your…predicament."
Gunn looked from the ring to Wes unconvinced but then sighed and shook his head. "Alright. Help me up man."
Wesley pulled him up off the bed and Gunn puffed out a breath crouched over, his dressing gown lightly brushing the carpet while Wes disposed of all but two of the pillows and placed the rubber ring on top of it. Carefully, and with much effort and groaning, he managed to lower Gunn back down.
"Better?" He asked straightening up.
"You know what? This ain't half bad. Thanks English."
"Think nothing of it. I promised Fred I'd do what I could to get you back to normal."
"Can you believe it? Here I am stuck in here sitting on a child's swimming aid when I should be out with the most beautiful woman in the world." He smiled dreamily and Wes raised an eyebrow.
"You've decided for definite then?"
"Oh yeah. Fred's the girl for me, always has been I just wasn't able to see it."
"I see." Wesley crossed his arms, his lips in a thin tight line.
"Wes man, you gotta look after her for me. You and I both know what men are like, especially when they see a hot little honey like my Fred."
"Of course. In fact I'm taking her out this afternoon to the park and the observatory."
"Observatory?!" Gunn gave him a weird look, "How you gonna look at stars in the middle of the day?"
"Let me worry about that. You just concentrate on getting better."
"Man, what a friend."
"Knock knock," Faith opened the door and poked her head in before walking in one hand held behind her back. "How's the patient?"
"Tired." Gunn grumbled looking to Wes to get rid of his new visitor.
Faith pouted, walking towards him and crouching down whispering seductively in his ear.
"That's a pity, cos I've got a surprise for you."
He seemed to perk up at that. "Tell me that's a little nurses outfit behind your back cos baby you know I need you to treat me."
She laughed, her voice like deep velvet. "Not quite lover." She took a box from behind her back and rattled it before placing it in his lap.
He looked at it for a minute, blinking, before slowly raising incredulous eyes to her.
"Monopoly?!"
"Yeah. Everybody plays Monopoly when they're sick. Right Wes?"
"Oh definitely. That and Scrabble." Wesley replied.
"Scrabble?! I'm not playing Scrabble and I sure as hell ain't playing no Monopoly."
"What's the matter Gunn, scared I'll beat you?" Faith challenged.
He guffawed, "Baby you are talking to the King of Monopoly."
"Oh really? You know a few minutes ago you didn't wanna play. In fact it seemed pretty clear you were shaking in you little red slippers that you'd be beaten by a girl."
"I'd have to agree." Wes interjected.
"Alright that's it, you're asking for it. Bring it on!"
"Sure you can handle it?" Faith teased.
"Girl you'll be ruing the day you ever heard of Monopoly."
"You talk the talk, but we'll see if you can walk the walk. You wanna play Wes?"
"Uh no, thank you. I'm going out with Fred today."
"Oooh. You're going out with the cute little Texan belle. Gotta say I couldn't blame you, she is hot and you two seemed to be rather cosy last night." Faith smiled smugly. "That's right watcher boy, I saw you outta the window in the yard."
Gunn glanced sharply at Wesley but he smiled coolly, "Yes we get along alright I suppose."
"Well, have a nice time."
"I'm sure I will," he replied leaving. He closed the door on the two of them squabbling over who would be the silver dog. Sighing he walked around the corridor and bumped into Fred.
"Fred! What are you doing up here?"
"I was just gonna go see how Charles is," she smiled.
Lightly he grasped her arm and steered her around in the opposite direction. "I'm afraid that's not such a good idea Fred. He's still resting from the medication the doctor gave him, in fact he spends most of his time sleeping. Faith's with him now and really he can't take many visitors or too much excitement and you fall into the latter category I'm afraid."
"Oh?" she frowned a little dejected.
"Fred, how do you feel about astronomy?"
"Astronomy?" her eyes lit up, "I love it, why?"
He smiled, "I've a great day planned for us, what do you say?"
"I dunno," she glanced back at Gunn's door biting her lip.
"Please come. He wouldn't want you just moping around here because of him, especially since you haven't been here in so long."
"Well," she placed an unruly strand of hair behind her ear, "alright. But only if I can see Charles when I get back."
"Of course," he smiled, "Well, shall we be off?"
“What’s going on?” Cordy asked, palms planted on her hips as she stood at Wes’s office door.
“Yes Cordelia, please do come in.” Wes replied dryly rummaging through his drawer.
“Weeees,” Cordy whined finally closing the door and sitting down casually on the chair in front of the table. “You’re bringing Fred out.”
“Yes, is she nearly ready?” he asked still intent on flitting through papers and drawers.
“She’ll be down in a few minutes. She’s talking with Spike. Wes, what are you doing?”
Cordy’s concerned voice finally made him stop and look up at her. “We have a problem Cordelia and I’m taking care of it.”
“Fred’s not a problem! She’s a person and a friend. My friend. Our friend.” She said heatedly before crossing her arms across her chest her eyes narrowed as they focused on him. “At least she’s supposed to be.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” Wes snapped. “I care about Fred as much as anybody else here Cordelia. That’s partly why I’m doing this. After all Fred’s been through, after everything that’s happened to her, do you honestly think it’s best to allow Gunn’s infatuation with her to continue? Besides the obvious ramifications with regards to Faith and her violent tendencies, we both know what will happen in the end. Within a few months, maybe even a few weeks, Charles will tire of her or find some other pretty girl that turns his head and he’ll break her heart Cordy.”
Cordy closed her eyes dipping her chin and Wes sighed. “Gunn is one of my closest friends Cordy, but I can’t pretend he’s something he’s not. And neither can you. If…when he bores of her she’ll be left with a broken heart, feeling like a fool, and a slayer on her tail intent on revenge. Tell me I’m not doing the right thing by preventing this?”
“There must be another way Wes.” She replied tiredly.
He smirked, leaning back in his chair. “Unfortunately I can’t just write her a cheque. Fred’s looking for love Cordelia, all I have to do is convince her she hasn’t found that with Gunn.”
“And what if she has? I’m serious Wes, what if this thing with Gunn really is the real deal, what then?”
Wesley shook his head. “Fred has been infatuated with Gunn ever since we rescued her and brought her back. But I don’t believe it’s love. Do you?”
Cordy stood up growling in frustration. “I don’t like this Wes, there has to be something… this could all end so badly. I don’t want to hurt her, I don’t want to loose her, I don’t…” she shook her head in defeat. “Don’t hurt her Wes, God, please don’t hurt her.” She knew it was a desperate plea, one that probably wouldn’t be granted no matter what was done, or not done.
Wes looked down at his desk before looking back up at her. “I promise I’ll do my best to make sure it’s minimal.”
“Wes-”
“Hey guys!” Fred smiled as she walked in the door followed by an angry looking Spike.
“Fred.” Wes smiled tightly at her. “I’ll be with you in just a moment, once I find my car keys.” He muttered to himself looking through his drawers again.
“There on the counter Sherlock.” Spike told him dourly.
“Ah. Thank you. That vampire hearing is very…powerful.”
“Yeah, you’d be surprised what a vampire can hear in a hotel this size.” He replied looking between Cordy and Wes.
Cordy’s eyes widened and Wes moved quickly out from behind the desk and towards the door.
“Fred, shall we go?”
“Sure. See you guys later.” She called over her shoulder as Wes lead her out the door.
“Wow, it sure was a beautiful day.” Fred said grinning as she lay back on the blanket smiling up at the sky as dusk started to settle.
The whole of Los Angeles Basin lay spread out below them from their high vantage point on the Southern slope of Mount Hollywood. People were milling around the vast grounds but somehow they had managed to find a secluded spot in the park.
“Yes, a bit of a change from the dreary weather of England I imagine.” Wes leaned down beside her, his head resting on his hand.
“It wasn’t that bad, it was nice to get a break from the constant sun. I loved Oxford. It was great. Thank you.”
“No need. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
They had spent the day in Griffith Park, walking the grounds and visiting the nearby zoo. Fred couldn’t remember the last time she’d been to the zoo; she was thoroughly relaxed, and enjoyed every moment. Her happiness had only been increased when Wesley had seemed to magically produce a picnic basket from the trunk of the car.
They had walked around Griffith Park for a while before deciding on the secluded slope of green they now resided.
“Did you know Griffith Park was a gift to the people of Los Angeles?”
Wesley shook his head smiling. “No, I didn’t.”
“A man named Colonel Griffith gave it to the people of Los Angeles as well as the Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theatre. It’s run by the Department of Recreations and Parks now, but he must have really loved the people of LA to just give them something like that, don’t ya think?”
“Undoubtedly. I somehow doubt you’d find anyone doing the same nowadays.”
“No, I guess not.”
They sat in silence for a few moments just drinking in the atmosphere and their surroundings.
“This is strange.” She admitted sighing.
“What is?”
“You and me. Here in the park. It’s just…weird. I dunno.” She sat back up and smiled down at him. “Don’t take this the wrong way Wesley, but when y’all brought me back it was…difficult. But you were all there for me and helped me. I thought, well I still do think of you as a friend, but it’s just…”
“What?” he pressed curious.
“You always seemed to be working, you know? There was always some prophecy that needed translating or some demon that had to be researched. You never seem to just have fun. I guess I always thought you saw clubbing or going out to the park as a waste of time. Sometimes I wondered if you weren’t the real vampire. I have a hard time remembering you being out in the sunshine.”
Wesley chuckled self deprecatingly. “Ah yes. The workaholic, aristocratic, rich English man with ice blood running through his veins. His belief that he is better then those of other nationalities or wealth and has the right to rule over those beneath him, like his ancestors, so typical of the English higherstock.”
“Wes, I didn’t mean…” she sighed again and shook her head. “You’re putting words in my mouth.”
“Am I?” he teased.
“Yes!” she punched him lightly on his upper arm. “I don’t think just because you’re rich and English that you’re a snob!” She smiled and looked down at the blanket playing with dark wool. “Greg was pretty well off but it didn’t put me off being with him.”
“Greg? Oh, the psychologist?”
Fred nodded a small smile on her face. “He’s great fun, I think you’d like him. He reminded me a bit of you.”
“Me?” Wes’s eyebrows rose inquisitively.
“Yeah, he was all cultured and could speak like a gazillion languages! He used to bring me to the opera and museums and all the Big Houses with their big estates.” She smiled fondly at the memories until pursing her lips. “He was going to bring me to the ballet but then we…we broke up.”
Wesley regarded her carefully. “And then you came here and found Gunn.”
She giggled. “I found Charles a long time ago, it’s just that this time he found me. How is he, really?”
Wesley shrugged. “A little uncomfortable, the drugs take care of any pain he may feel but he misses you.”
“I miss him too.”
Wes glanced at him watch before standing up. “Come on, it’s time to go.”
“Go?”
“Yes, the show starts in a few minutes.”
“What show?” her eyes lit up with enthusiasm as she scrambled up from the ground.
“The Griffith Observatory’s Sky Show.”
Her eyes sparkled brightly in delighted and she grinned happily.
“The Observatory Sky Show? It was one of the things I never got to see before I left. I could never convince Cordy it was interesting enough to see.” She admitted quietly.
“Well now’s your opportunity.”
They were lead into a small circular room with a dark, domed ceiling. Fred’s quick eyes darted around the room taking in her surroundings. They sat quietly in one on the rows of seats near the middle, Fred’s excitement making the smile on her face shine enticingly.
She had been completely unaware of the admiring glances she had gotten from different men as they hurried towards the meeting point for the show. Her full attention had been focused on the enjoyment ahead and of his companionship. She had grinned and laughed while they waited. Her eyes expressing her delight at such a simple surprise making him smile in open pleasure with her. She was truly a delightful creature and her time away in England had obviously served her well. She had somehow grown in Oxford, something he felt she’d been robbed of during her captivity in Pylea. Her eyes glowed and her figure was fuller and more becoming then before, not that anyone would have complained about it of course. She was more confident in everything she did, from the way she talked to the way she walked into a room, and men couldn’t helped but be attracted to it, especially when she herself seemed so totally oblivious of it.
The lights dimmed as the guide walked towards the podium. Fred’s delight increased and she flashed Wes amazing smiles making his chest tighten.
If he were honest, Wes would admit he didn’t hear a quarter of what the educated woman at the top of the room was saying as highlighted different portions of the domed roof overhead and explained about the various constellations. Instead, his attention was focused on the young woman beside her. Her childlike enthusiasm entranced him as did the slender, unblemished column of her neck. More then once he caught himself staring at her and had to force himself to look away. It was unnerving to find he could be so unsettled by such a slip of a girl. Especially this one.
When the lights finally returned he was amazed at the amount of time that had passed. Outside the lights of LA twinkled below them, muted by the ever present fog that blanketed the city. Fred’s arm was looped with Wesley’s as they made their way back to the car. Fred chattered happily all the way back to the hotel and Wesley was happy to listen to her, she was a breath of fresh air in his world and he felt an uneasiness form inside of him, a voice in the back of his mind warning him to be careful, to remember why he was embarking on this…what he tenuously called a relationship.
He was doing this not only for her sake, but that of most of the Los Angeles population, he could not afford to get emotionally invested in this.
When he stopped outside the hotel she unsnapped her seatbelt and turned to him an ethereal smile on her face.
“Well this is me then. I guess I'll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course. There's actually an ancient scroll I'm translating at the moment...I, I know you were interested in learning some of the basics before you left, so if you're still interested..."
“I'd love to!” Her eyes lit up at the prospect and he could feel himself grinning like a fool back at her.
“Good, well I've had a lovely time today. Thank you for your company. I hope we can repeat this again sometime.”
“Oh yes! I’ve had such a wonderful time Wes, it’s just been amazing. Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure.” He smiled back at her squeezing on her hands.
She continued to smile as she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. His astonished eyebrows rose but she merely smiled all the more.
“Goodnight Wesley.” She whispered softly opening the door.
“Goodnight Winifred.” He replied watching as she disappeared behind the large doors of the Hyperion with a final grin in his direction.
He felt that brief interlude disappear s he chastised himself once again. What was he doing? He had a plan and he must stick to it. Such diversions as these could not be allowed to happen. He grimaced as he made his way back to his apartment, Fred was a friend and while they may not have seen much of each other during the past two years he could not ignore the fact that the growing affection he had felt for her from the time he had met her in Pylea until the time she left for England, was still there, and he feared that it may in fact only succeed in growing if he spent much longer at this project.
He jammed the key determinedly in the door and collapsed on the couch rubbing a weary hand over his eyes. He had to get this done as soon as possible. The sooner she went back to England the better for all of them.
“Morning,” Fred called out cheerfully as she settled stuck her head in the fridge and investigated the contents.
“Morning,” Spike replied, an eyebrow cocked suspiciously, “didn’t hear you come in last night. Must have been pretty late.”
“Oh, we had such a great time,” she chimed off excitedly, “Wes brought me to the park and we had a picnic and just talked.” She sighed as she settled down at the table and started eating a fat free yoghurt. “Then he brought me to the observatory and we got to see a show on astronomy and all the stars in the sky. Oh, Spike it was so great, you would have loved it!”
“Yeah, stars ain’t really my cup of tea, pet. All look the same to me.”
“We’d a great time.” she admitted, smiling softly.
“Oh, yeah? Not too great I hope. What about lover boy upstairs with his arse in a doughnut?”
Fred shifted uncomfortably. “Just because I had a good time with Wes doesn’t mean I still don’t love Charles. Men and women can be friends.” She finally raised her eyes to his and he snorted.
“Yeah, right.”
“What?” she said defensively, “they can. You and I are friends aren’t we?”
“That’s different love.”
“How?”
“Well for one thing, I’m a vampire. Not technically human, so I don’t count.”
“Really? That didn’t seem to stop you having some sort of a relationship with Buffy. From what I hear.”
“Well yeah, but… but that’s not the same thing, pet. Vampires and slayers, it’s complicated.”
Fred rolled her eyes, smirking at him. “If you say so, but I don’t particularly wanna go into some long convoluted debate on male-female friendships.”
“No need to, love. Doesn’t work, nothing else to say.”
She sighed shaking her head, “You know that’s ridiculous, right? I’m still friends with Greg.”
“Completely different situation,” Spike interrupted, “ex’s don’t count. You already done the nasty.”
Her nose wrinkled in disgust, “Do you have to talk about it like that?”
“Better than that namby, pamby stuff they flatter you with, just cos they wanna get in your pants.”
“Spike!”
He shrugged, “well, it’s true.”
She shook her head, a smile playing on her face, “you’re incorrigible.”
“Thank you,” he grinned satisfied with himself.
“Is Wes here yet?” she asked tentatively, her attempt at nonchalance not fooling either of them.
“Not that I know of. Should be along later though. Been pretty quiet around here lately, doncha think? Thought this was meant to be a beehive of activity, fighting against evil in all its forms and all that.”
“All the bad guys must be at some outta town conference.”
He snorted and released a silent sigh, “yeah, that must be it.”
“Have you seen Charles yet?” Fred asked, digging into a bowl of cereal.
“No, for some reason they don’t think it would be a good idea. Me bursting out laughing when I see him isn’t exactly what they think will make him better.”
Fred shot him a reprimanding look, “You shouldn’t laugh at him, he must be in a great deal of pain.”
“Wounded ego more than anything, I’d guess. You should have seen him,” he chuckled at the thought, “what a plonker. Who sits on glasses. Not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, is he?”
“Maybe not, but he’s the sweetest, nicest, most charming man I’ve ever met. You shouldn’t make fun of him like that. He must be in a lot of pain.”
“All right, all right, no need to get out of your pram love.”
They sat in silence for a few moments before Cordy slouched sleepily into the kitchen. “God, is it morning already?”
“You slept in.” Fred told her.
Cordelia rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms above her head, sending Fred a confused look. “What the hell time did you get in at last night? I gave up waiting up for you guys and headed on to bed.”
Fred blushed under their scrutinising gazes. Sliding off the chair she carefully rinsed out her bowl, her back to them, “I got home a bit later than I’d thought. I’m not sure what time really…it’s all a bit of a blur. We had such a great time, I, I lost track of time.”
She turned back towards them, shrugging her shoulders, “I’m sorry, I didn’t think anyone would be waiting up for me.”
“It’s okay,” Coredlia’s eyes narrowed as she looked at her friend. “So you and Wesley got on well then?”
“We get on great, Cordy. We always have, but he’s been pretty wonderful lately. Especially with all this stuff with Charles and, and everything. He’s been a …truly great friend.”
Spike frowned, shooting Cordy an annoyed look.
“Oh, well that…that’s great, right?” she eventually said, “we all need friends like that.”
“Yeah, I, I gotta go get dressed. Don’t think it’d be really appropriate if anyone else were to see me in ducky pyjamas.” Fred called out as she waltzed out of the room.
“Looks like your plans working then,” Spike commented as Fred left earshot.
“It’s for the best,” Cordy snapped back at him, biting her lip, “It’s for the best,” she repeated wondering if she was trying to convince Spike as much as herself.
Wes sat down behind the desk and after throwing his car keys into the top drawer, slammed it closed. He scrubbed a hand down his face. He knew what he was doing with Fred was right, but it didn’t mean he had to like it.
“Hey, how’d it go last night?” Wes leaned back in his chair as Angel stealthily entered and closed the door behind him.
"It went fine. According to plan."
“Are you sure?” Angel slumped casually in the chair opposite Wes, his fingers steepled in front of him.
Wesley’s eyes flashed angrily at him, and he stood up in an agitated manner. “Of course I’m sure. I’m doing your dirty work for you, Angel. You’ve left it in capable hands, don’t worry. I won’t disappoint you.”
Angel regarded him silently for a few moments while he calmed down. With a tired sigh Wes sat back down on the chair and rubbed his forehead in weariness.
“Are you getting to close Wesley?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Wes snapped quicker than he would have liked.
Angel straightened in his chair and waited until he caught the other man’s eye.
“I know you were fond of her before she left Wes. I don’t expect you to be emotionally indifferent to her…I understand it may be difficult. However, if you’re too close to it, or if it’s too difficult for you-”
“I said I’d take care of it, Angel, and I will. You have nothing to worry about.”
“If you’re sure.”
“I am,” he replied defiantly.
Angel stood up and nodded, “good. Don’t forget why we’re doing this Wes.”
“Believe me, Angel, I know exactly why we’re doing this. I’ve the scars to remind me.”
“Good, I’ll see you later then.”
Wes sighed when he left and threw a pencil across the desk. He had to get over this and deal with the situation in hand. And he had to do it soon.
To Be Continued .....
© 2003, 2004, 2005 Copyright held by the author.
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