(Untitled)

[stoic_angel_]

((Jumping threads from hereI watched as Faith and Cordelia retreated up the steps, Faith helping Cordelia. They went up to one of the rooms, and I was glad to see that Cordy was able to walk okay, although Faith was guiding her by the elbow

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[_wes_pryce_]

Finally the damn doctor left, taking that blasted nurse with him. I'd seen the looks they were both giving me. No matter how hard I tried to pretend I hadn't, tried to ignore it, I'd seen the looks. They were pitying me. I didn't need anyone's pity, I didn't want anyone's charity either. But it seems I was getting it anyway.

Why was Angel helping me? Was he pitying me too? Or was he just doing it to make him feel better. To have a more clearer conscience for helping out Faith. I don't know, but he's certainly not doing it for my sake. Probably because Cordelia would kick his arse otherwise. My stomach clenched a little again when I thought of Cordelia. Alone in that hotel, with Faith.

At Angel's words my head shot up again and I gave him a hard stare. "Why are you apologizing?" I demanded to know. "None if this is your fault. Well, besides the fact that you dragged me over here against my will when I made it perfectly clear that I wanted to go home. Why are you apologizing? Why are you doing this?" Part of me was starting to get angry. Angry at everything, the whole situation, at how helpless and useless I felt.

[stoic_angel_]

I rolled my eyes at him, and sat down in a chair across the room, folding my arms so I could still look at him.

"I'm apologizing because I didn't get there sooner to try and help you and Cordy," I said flatly. "Besides, you look like hell; you need the damn medications, even if I have to force feed them to you myself..." Then, smirking ever so slightly, "I'm sure that nurse would like to help me with that..."

I was aware I wasn't helping his mood any, but did I have to explain myself to him? I was sorry that I hadn't gotten there sooner, and that I had let Faith get Cordelia in the first place.

"Besides, I don't care if you think I'm doing this because I pity you; I don't. I'm doing this because I know much a pissed off Slayer can hurt you." I gave him a Look, and sighed. Yeah... a great way to make him open up; snap at him.

I ran a hand through my hair, and sighed again. "Look. I'm sorry; I'm apologizing for being a jerk, and for Faith, okay?" I shifted in my chair, uncomfortable with this. I wasn't really a talker, more a do-er. Not that there was anything to be doing right now, except wait for the doctor to come back, before I dug myself anymore of a hole.

[_wes_pryce_]

Automatically flinching, I recoiled visibly at his words and the tone of voice he used. I could feel the blood draining from my face and quickly looked down. He certainly had a very strange way of apologizing. By shouting at me and smirking at me. And then point out what a weakling I am. I don't know, for some reason it's not really making me feel any better.

Cradling my arm, I just keep staring at the floor, unwilling to meet Angel's eyes. I think I've seen enough pity and accusation for today. It was bad enough knowing what the doctor and that nurse thought by looking in their eyes. I don't think I want to see Angel's after his little 'pep talk'. I just want this to be over already, what's keeping that blasted doctor so long?

"You can't apologize for Faith," I mutter, still not looking up. Pulling my glasses off, I let then dangle from my numb fingers and sigh. "That's not your apology to make." And it one apology I doubt I'll ever get. Not in this life time. "You were a..." I grimaced at the word, "jerk however," I added softly, not really sure if he heard me.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I yelped, belatedly realizing it had connected hard with a poker, resulting it to break only a few days ago. Quickly wiping away the tears which had sprung free from that little action, I cursed myself inwardly. Yes, now Angel will really think your such a capable man, Pryce. I was relieved when the door opened and the doctor came back. I hope we're bloody done here now.

[stoic_angel_]

"I know," I said, flinching inwardly as I realized how much I had just... hurt? Something, him, with what I had just said. "I know it's Faith's apology, but... anyway, mine is there too."

I watched, concerned as he yelped when he touched his nose. I got a few steps closer, before the doctor came back in. I shot Wesley a look, before I backed off.

"Here you go," the doctor said, handing me a white paper bag, with a slip stapled to the side. "There are two kinds of pills in there... he should take the bigger ones three times a day, one at a time... and the other kind twice a day. They'll help with the pain, as well as any infection he might have..."

The doctor went over to Wesley, and frowned. "The pain medications should help with the nose as well, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce. Just... try to avoid touching it, for another week, okay?" The doctor looked almost sympathetic, which, judging from Wesley's look, wasn't what he wanted.

Obviously, the doctor understood that too, because he backed off. "You're free to go now," he said, and I nodded. "I expect to see you back here in two weeks, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce," he added.

"Thanks," I said, shooing the doctor out with a look. Then, I held up the bag of medicine. There were a few tear treks down his cheeks, from after he had pinched his nose, as I stepped one step closer to him.

"Okay... now we can go to Cordy's," I said hesitantly. "Are you... are you okay?"

[_wes_pryce_]

I'd never thought I'd say this but I was very glad the doctor came back in when he did. I noticed the look of concern on Angel's face and I had no idea how to react to that. I'd been taught to hate his kind, stake them on sight, loath them, look down on them. And I'd tried very hard to give Angel some benefit of doubt. Not that attitude was helping me much there. But concern? From a vampire? Even with a soul. I had no idea how to react to that.

Pulling my hand into the sleeve of my sweater, I quickly wiped my face and just nodded dumbly at the doctor. Go back here in two week, I don't think so. I can get those stitches out myself, even on the back of my head. I've done it before quite a many times. I'm not ever going back here no matter what. And I wish to god everyone would stop giving me that look.

"Thank you," I muttered, dragging my eyes up toward the doctor. Shaking his hand, and noting how careful he was, I sighed and moved carefully down from the bench. Wearily I glanced at the bag of medications. Pills, I'm not taking any pills, especially not those big ones. Angel can jump high and low, I'm not taking them. End of story.

"I'm fine," I said through gritted teeth. The whole prodding and poking made my ache again. More importantly however, I was so bloody tired of everything. The spell, Faith, Cordelia, Angel, the bloody hospital, everything. I just wanted to go back to Cordy's and drop dead or something. Opening the door, I shuffled out and as fast as I could made my way toward the exit. Which, granted, wasn't very fast at the moment.

[stoic_angel_]

I watched as Wesley left the examination room, and I glanced at the doctor, nodding briefly, before following Wesley down the hall, albeit slowly.

I remained silent, not sure what to say to him. I wasn't sure he even wanted me to talk just now, and I was fine with that. When we got to the car, I silently unlocked it and got in, waiting for Wesley to get in and get settled.

As I began to pull out of the parkinglot, I glanced over at Wesley, and sighed. Then, I quietly asked, "So, is Dennis any good at chess?"

At his startled look, I said casually, "Cordelia's mentioned it before, and... you strike me as the chess-type, as compared to the fashion-show-in-front-of-the-mirror type." I smiled slightly at him, inviting him to share the joke and smile a little.

[_wes_pryce_]

I let out an audible sigh of relief when the doors closed behind us and resisted the urge to grab the medication from Angel's hand and throw it into the nearest trashcan. There was just no possibility I was going to take those. I refused to walk around like some imbecile zombie, even if only Dennis was around. He couldn't very well keep an eye on me at all times, what if I walked out the door? No, I wasn't going to take that medication.

Sinking down in the seat of his car, I put my elbows on my knees and dropped my head in my heads. My thumbs began to rub my temples, willing away the headache that had steadily gotten worse while being in there. I don't think this entire visit has done me much good. Other then practice polite conversation toward Angel. Alright, maybe a little more then just polite, maybe even friendly. I still feel like a charity case though.

"What?" I looked up startled at the sound of my voice, I'd been once again lost in thought. He blinked when I noticed his smile a little. That was...a very strange sight. "He-he's not bad," I said softly, still looking a the smile rather dumbstruck. "You should do that more often," I blurted out. Turning read, I quickly leaned back in the seat and looked out the window as though the dark street was fascinating.

[stoic_angel_]

I watched as Wesley doubled over in the passenger seat his face resting in his palms which were braced on is knees.

I asked, "You okay?" He didn't look so good, and I wondered if he was even going to take the medicine... he struck me as a guy with some pride left, and I wondered vaguely if I had insulted that.

"Do what more often?" I asked, confused. He leaned back, looking out of the window, trying to act casual. I could see the slight tense to his pose now, and I wondered what he had meant.

I turned the car around a corner, getting closer to Cordelia's place. I knew the way to Cordelia's pretty well by now, although the route there from the hospital was different. Hopefully, I would never need to go from one place to the other directly...

I looked over at Wesley again, still confused as to what he had meant. "Wesley?"

[_wes_pryce_]

I think my headache just got impressingly worse, and the fact that my head was about to explode didn't have all to do with said headache. God, I'm so embarrassed. First he drags me over to the hospital, then he pays the bills, then he apologizes and what do I do? Mention he should smile more and confuse him. Well, he confuses me too.

Why can't he be like the vampire's I've learned about? The ones they mentioned at the academy, the ones I've been trained to kill all my life. No, instead he has to be understanding and kind and...Angel. I have no idea how to react to that kind of thing. Let alone from a vampire, who is supposed to be mean, and a killer and vicious and...everything Angel doesn't appear to be

Leaning my head against the cold window, I closed my eyes and sighed. I was quite relieved to have recognized the houses near Cordy's apartment. Which meant we were almost home. Where I can stumble into the house and die of embarrassment. So bloody tired, I think that spell drained more energy then I thought it would. Probably because I was still healing.

"What?" Opening my eyes, I turned to look at Angel tiredly, he still had that question in his eyes. Well, he already doesn't think much of my anyway, can't make it worse. "Smile," I mumbled, turning back and lean my forehead against the window again. I'll die off embarrassment now, thank you.

[stoic_angel_]

"I... what?" I asked, confused. I glanced over at Wesley, as he leaned against the window, avoiding looking at me. I smiled slightly again, wondering what had brought around that comment.

After a moment, I offered, "Um, thanks, I think..." I shrugged, and pulled to the curb outside of Cordelia's house, parking the car.

"Well, we're... here." I pointed out, as if he wouldn't have noticed that himself. Yeah, I was on a roll today... make some kind of connection with the man, maybe, then fall back to making stupid comments, which he would probably take as me insulting him with my luck.

I got out of the car, again waiting for Wesley to get out so I could lock the doors before we went inside. I really didn't want to end today by having my car stolen... knowing LA, I would never see it again. And as much as I hated to admit it, I liked this car... it was cool, not to mention, it was a convertible, to help me deal with the sun in the day, but still allow freedom at night.

No, definitely didn't want that stolen.

[_wes_pryce_]

"Yes. Yes, here we are," I repeated meekly, as though that much wasn't obvious to both of us. Bringing up my numb hand, I bump it against the doorhandle before it finds my face to rub. Hard. Barely avoiding my nose. One would think that if it hurt so much, you'd avoid said organ. But for some reason I seemed to only bump into the damn thing.

I looked up startled when I noticed Angel was already out of the car and waiting for me to do the same. Well done, Pryce. Annoy the vampire even more. You've already made him think you're an idiot with your stupid remark. You should do that more often, what the bloody hell was I thinking when I said that? I really ought to stop trying to make small talk.

Fumbling for the doorhandle, I open the door and stumble out. I cleared my throat and limped toward the door of Cordy's apartment. I had left the bag with medications in the car. He'd payed for them, he could keep them, I was not going to take those. I pushed my hands into my pockets and fumbled for the key Cordy had given me, only to have the door being thrown open by Dennis. He'd obviously been worried.

"Oh, uh. Thank-thank you, Dennis."

[stoic_angel_]

I followed Wesley to the door, then into the apartment itself. I glanced around, shutting the door behind me quietly. Dennis had opened it, although from all the times Doyle and I had come over, it was familiar action. He must get lonely around here...

"Hey, Dennis," I said quietly. I smiled slightly, then sat down on the couch in a familiar gesture. I looked at the pills in the bag Wesley was still carrying, pointedly. He might not want me here, but I was going to make sure that he took the medicine that we'd gotten.

I spotted a chessboard out on the table, and realized that maybe Dennis had been waiting for company all day... kind of sad, really.

"So," I said, rising slightly, and coming over to Wesley. "You going to actually take any of those pills?" I could see a familiar look in his eyes, stubborn... he didn't look like he was just going to take the pills because I had paid everything for him... in fact, that was more likely to make him just ignore it. I knew how pride was that way... not to mention, I had tried helping people out before, with the same results.

But then, most of them hadn't had any reason to trust me, especially if I offered them medication after I had tortured them.

[_wes_pryce_]

"I'm terribly sorry, Dennis," I started when I noticed the chessboard on the table. "I would've been back sooner but *someone*," I glared over at Angel, "found it necessary to drag me over to the hospital again." And what a waste of time that was. Well, except for the...what? Bonding?

I narrowed my eyes and scowled into the air when Dennis waves a chess-piece around to indicate that he didn't mind and he actually agreed with whatever Angel did. Git. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it a conspiracy. Wait, I *don't* know any better. Maybe they are all plotting together and having their laugh at me.

Sighing, I moved over to the kitchen to make some tea, I'm dying for some tea. I looked up at Angel and then back at the small bag with medication. Was I going to take those pills? Of course not. "I'll take them later, before I go to bed," I told him, putting some reassurance in my voice. Anything to get him out of here. I just want have some tea, curl up and die in peace.

[stoic_angel_]

"Yeah, well, 'someone' thought you might like to go a few hours without hurting everytime you breathe," I told him matter-of-factly.

I pulled a chair out from the table as Wesley moved into the kitchen, and I watched him. As Wesley made the tea, the chess piece that Dennis had been playing with was in front of my face, bobbing wildly as Wesley told me he'd take them before bed.

"Just take one now," I called to Wesley. "The sooner you start taking them, the better." Not to mention, he looked like he really needed the sleep to begin with. Well, if he took them now, maybe he would sack out earlier.

Dennis kept the piece in front of my face, and finally I raised a handm touching the piece and gently pushing it away. Dennis waved it once more, before letting it drop. Yeah, fine, I'd make sure he took the medications. Otherwise, I could always tell Cordelia that he was refusing... see how well he handled Cordelia when she was determined about something.

[_wes_pryce_]

"I was *fine*," I insist, giving Angel a scowl. Christ, if it weren't for him I wouldn't be in new pain thanks to the prodding and poking. It's not as though he actually cares. He's only doing this because he's afraid Cordelia will kick his arse. Speaking of Cordy, the vampire git should get back to that sodding hotel. She's still there with...Faith.

Narrowing my eyes, I glanced over at the chess piece Dennis was waving in front of Angel's face. "Dennis, stop bothering Angel." With a sigh, I grab the kettle from the stove and pour the boiling water in the teapot. There's nothing like a nice cup of hot tea to make me feel better. With honey. Oh. "Thank you Dennis." I smile up into the air as a pot of honey floats by. He certainly seems to know me by now.

"I will take one when I go to bed," I insist, clenching my jaw. I which he would just go away so I can lay down somewhere and die in peace. While playing chess with Dennis apparently. I had promised him I'd play a game with him. "You need take them on a full stomach and I'm not hungry right now." Or ever since that night. "I'll have a little snack before bed and then take one." Not. "You should get back to the hotel."