2. Inside Out [Video]

[_fredless]

[The camera flips on to reveal a brunette, settled on to her bed with a single braid trailing down her back. Her knees are drawn up against her chest, and it's clear that instead of sleeping? She's been thinking. Her chin tilts, and she addresses the screen directly]So there's this thing I do. In new places, or situations or when I don't exactly

Comments

video;

[breakmychest]

I'm glad to hear it, love. Been wondering where you were hiding out.

video

[_fredless]

[Spike gets his own smile. He should know the one]

Well, you know how I get. I didn't go far, though.

[Only mostly he didn't. It's too easy, somehow, to forget just how little they go back. Still, he knows enough of the story to understand]

video

[breakmychest]

[It's not something he's ever viewed for himself, so he can't help but be a bit worried about her when he hears it, but he hides it pretty well. Especially as she seems to be coming out again.]

Want to take a stroll on deck with me?

video

[_fredless]

[It's far from her intention to worry anybody. Especially him]

I'd like that.

action

[breakmychest]

[A few moments later, there's a knock on her door.]

and more action

[_fredless]

[She's there, waiting. And when the knock comes the door swings open immediately as Fred steps outside]

action forever!

[breakmychest]

[And Spike, yet again, is overtaken by sheer happiness at her being alive. He doesn't think he'll ever get used to it. He hopes he doesn't. He doesn't want to take her life for granted ever again. His thoughts flash towards his inmate for a moment. He should go work with her a bit more, see if they can't get closer to graduation. He wants Fred back in the present as well as the past.

He smiles at her and pulls her into a quick hug.]

Hullo, love.

[_fredless]

[She gets lost in the hugs for a bit, realizing once again how she'd shied away from contact. Fred wonders if she'll ever fully be free of that]

Hey there, yourself.

[breakmychest]

[He steps back after a moment.]

Glad to see you out and about.

[_fredless]

[She actually smiles]

Well, I couldn't stay hidden forever, now could I?

[breakmychest]

Apparently not. [He offers her an arm.] Have you been to the CES?

[_fredless]

[She loops her arms easily through his own, suddenly hopeful for the evening]

...the CES?

[breakmychest]

Yeah, it's... well, the holodeck, I guess. It looks like outside.