a snack to distract

[feigenbaum_fred]

Who: Fred open
Where: Wolfram & Hart- Practical Sciences laboratory
When: Afternoonish
Status: Incomplete

Comments

[watcher_pryce]

While he was on his way to the laboratory with some new technological weapon that had gotten returned because it wasn't functioning properly, Wesley had ran into Spike. An evil smirking Spike, which while this was the norm, it has a certain edge to it which made even Wesley curious. Who usually stood above that sort of thing, mostly due to the fact that he wouldn't notice it anyway.

"You wont tell me?" he asked for the last time, amused to see Spike shake his head. "But you'll tell us when we find Fred?" A nod from the bleached blond and Wesley found himself even more amused. For being such a notorious killer of Slayer Spike could be remarkable childlike at times.

"I'm assuming this has something to do with Angel," Wesley continued on as they walked through the doors of the place. "Otherwise you wouldn't be quite so gleeful, Spike. You really ought to not pester him so much," he gave the other vampire a stern look and was met with incredibly innocent blue eyes.

"Don't give me that look," he snorted, "we both know you thrive on it. He's having a difficult time right now, trying to get accommodated here and there are plenty of other people around for you to-- do whatever it is you do." Or course the vampire wouldn't do that since he seemed to enjoy insulting and pestering Angel the most.

"Fred?" Wesley called out lightly and politely when they entered the woman's domain. She probably was in her office working far to hard. Maybe he'd ask her out for lunch, no doubt they could both use some fresh air and time out of the office. He was about to call her again, or go check the office, when Spike nearly made him jump while roaring her name. Good lord, sometimes he and Angel were *so* alike.

[xspikex]

Not tellin' the other Watcher anythin' was hard. This wasn't some big fat secret he was supposed to keep, the kind Dawn had sometimes told him. This was actually somethin' he could enjoy quite a lot. For a moment he thought about tellin' Wesley the news about Gwen, but since they was close to Fred's place he could tell them both at once. Double the fun too in a different way.

And then he could watch them both too. Since Angel seemed to know this Gwen, Wes and Fred might as well. Perhaps he could glean more about the this weirdo girl from their reaction that he could from Angel. Kinda hard to get a good reaction from someone who knew only four point two facial expressions. And even then Angel usually only used one or two.

Stupid poof. Two hundred or so year, you'd think he'd learned by now.

“Now why'd you think that?” Spike said at Wesley's assumption. He pulled out the innocent wide eyes look which had worked so well on the girls back in Sunnydale. Least it had worked on Dawn, Willow and Tara. Sometimes he found he missed them. A lot. Fred reminded him a bit of Willow in that geeky babbly sorta way. And a little bit of Dawn, in a 'trying to keep standin' and going in a grown up world'.

Cause if you thought about it, not somethin' spike did often, this dangerous firm was *very * grown up world.

“I'll give em a rest when he stops actin' like a dumb drama-queen,” Spike muttered under his breath-- if he'd have any breath that was, now it was just mutterin'. “Fred!” he hollered, smikin' when Wesley jumped and gave him a glare. “ Wot?” He shrugged, “not like you scholary type would notice anyway. Spend an hour floating through your desk the other day before you noticed, wanker.”

[feigenbaum_fred]

Fred jumped just slightly at the sudden, loud exclamation of her name. She twirled in her desk chair ‘til she faced the two who had just walked in. Quickly, she crunched on her last bite of taco and set the rest aside.

“Hi, Spike. Wesley,” A little smile blossomed on her face at their entrance. Fred liked the friends she had at the firm. And Wesley... Well, she liked him a whole lot more than she would a friend. She just wasn’t the best at expressing it. Numbers were Fred’s thing - not words.

“What’cha guys doing?” She cocked her head to the side just slightly, looking like a curious little puppy in doing so. With Spike’s expression as it was she didn’t think that it could be bad news, so she was more intrigued than worried.

[watcher_pryce]

"I noticed you," Wesley assured Spike, "but you looked like you were having such fun I didn't want to interrupt." Truth of the matter was that the ex-watcher *hadn't* noticed Spike ghosting around. After the many times the bleached blond had shown up in his office, Wesley assumed he'd gotten used to the 'haunting'. Though he wasn't entirely certain if this was a good thing.

One thing Spike's hollering produces was one missing scientist. Wesley smiled when Fred appeared. It was almost like magic, whenever the girl smiled he had to smile. And smiling wasn't something that came easy to Wesley. At all.

"I uh--" What was he doing here again? The weight of the device in his hand brought the reminder back to him. Holding it up to show Fred, he shrugged. "This came back from the field," he said, "it seems to need some more work. It malfunctioned."

Probably due to something this Knox chap did. Wesley didn't like Knox. The way the git *hovered* around Fred with his stupid inside jokes and-- he just didn't like Knox. "And Spike here seems to think he has some very important information we ought to be subjected to."

[xspikex]

A scowl made his way to his face at Wesley's words. "Berk," he muttered to the other English man, even if it lacked malice. Spike was able to differentiate friendly teasin' from mean sarcasm. Neither or which he knew Angel possessed. Either friendly teasin' or sarcasm. One day he was gonna teach the wanker, which was *one* of the reasons he kept pesterin' Angel.

And, well, cause it was familiar. Spike felt more then a little lost here. Not knowin' anyone *but* Angelus. Not knowin' why he was here, why he was brought back, why he hadn't died, where Buffy was... Okay that was a lie, he knew where Buffy was. But he'd meant it when he'd told her he knew she didn't really love him.

Not the way Fred apparently loved the toffy nosed Watcher. The man needed to wear his glasses for somethin' other then his books, Spike figured. He was gonna watch this for a little while longer and if the dumbarse still wouldn't buy a clue he was gonna do somethin'. For Fred, of course, Spike liked Fred.

"So," the ghost vampire started, brushin' aside Wesley's stupid artefact thingy problem. "Last news? Seems some bint with a perchance for very little clothes hired *herself* as head of security. Poof probably thought you did it again," he said of-handed with a wave toward Wesley.

"Really weird bint, and I know weird when I say that. Full of herself, great body though," he took some time to smirk when picturing the great body, "name of Gwen something or other. Angel seemed to know her and he didn't toss her out. Somethin' 'bout her returnin' his heartbeat or some shit."

From Wesley's blank look he gathered that this was all news to the Brit and that he didn't know who this chit might be. So, with a hopeful look, Spike turned to look at Fred.

[feigenbaum_fred]

“Oh,” She frowned a little as she took the device from Wesley’s hands. Fred had a kind of relationship with the gadgets they created for use in the real world. She felt a kind of responsibility for them and when they didn’t work like they were meant to she felt let down and kind of like she was the one who had failed. “I’ll see what went wrong. A little examination and I’ll have it working like it should.” She smiled a little, gingerly setting it down on her desk near to the keyboard of her computer.

Fred perked up slightly hearing that Spike had something to tell them. She felt very in the loop. She sat up straighter and leaned in just slightly and hoped that it was good news.

“Gwen...” Fred wrinkled her eyebrows in thought for only a moment before she figured out who Spike was speaking of. “Gwen Raiden? Charles said some things about her.” She sighed a little bit.

[watcher_pryce]

"I'm sorry," Wesley offered at Fred's look. "I'm sure it's nothing you did," he added, and then feeling a little childish for saying, "probably something Knox messed up," but couldn't help himself. Wesley believed it too, he couldn't imagine it was something Fred had done.

The woman would work things out to the finest detail and then test, test, test it until she was certain it worked properly. Had to be Knox's fault.

"No doubt that you will," he said, giving her a small smile before turning his attention to Spike and the vampire's great news. Something about a Gwen? And Angel thinking he'd hire her? Why would he hire-- Alright, there had been Harmony. But it was far better to know ones enemy, keep them close and all that.

"Gwen?" No, Wesley drew a blank at the name. That is, until Fred volunteered her last name. "Isn't that the-- electricity girl? Didn't she have a thing with... Gunn?" he wondered. He *vaguely* remembered that Gunn had something going on with her, after he broke up things with Fred? But-- where had Wesley been at that time? Sleeping with the enemy.

That was-- odd.

And so was this vibration in his pocket. “What's---” he muttered, pulling out his cell phone to check the message he'd just received.

[xspikex]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Blah, blah and more blah, none working apparatus. So not interestin'! Seriously, Spike thought, get two nerds together and they'll be even bigger dorks. As much as he liked Fred, and Wesley to a lesser extent then Fred, they *were* big nerds.

Spike rolled his eyes at the googly eyes from the other side this time and vowed to himself that maybe, just maybe, he should get with the interferin' a bit sooner. Cause he so wasn't gonna be able to watch this for long time. Talk about captain oblivious.

"Electric girl?" Wut? What was that about? Now it was Spike's turn for a blank look, though he so did catch the tone of Fred's voice. Wow, old hurt there? Looked like Electric girl made none friends here. Heh. Oh this could be fun. And she used to have a fling with Charlie boy? Oh even better.

Who needed passions? All Spike hadda do was sit back and watch the shenanigans at Wolfram and Hart. "Well, you're gonna be workin' with the girl," Spike pointed out, "Big poof didn't say no when she told him she hired herself kinda sorta. Pushover drama queen that he is," Spike scoffed, standin' on his toes to look over Wesley's shoulder to take a peek as the message. Not that he was curious or anythin'.

[feigenbaum_fred]

Fred’s lips curled into a tiny smile at the mention of Knox. “Knox? Aw, he’s just new to these things. I mean, not really completely new. He was working for Wolfram & Hart before we came along, but...” She let out a small huff, frustrated that she was unable to find the right words to defend her subordinate. “Well, I just cut him some slack. It’s kinda hard to be angry with him.” She said with a light little laugh.

Upon hearing the quiet buzzing of Wesley’s phone, Fred raised her eyebrows just slightly and looked at it. Spike was far less subtle about his curiosity, actually looking at the phone’s screen to read the message.

“What is it?” Fred asked in a small voice, taking off the glasses she wore for work in the lab.

[watcher_pryce]

Fred's defense of Knox only set Wesley on edge more. He knew Fred was being Fred but did she have to defend someone who was actually so obviously still evil? The former watcher couldn't help but wonder if the git had sang for Lorne yet. Because he was rather certain that if he would, the man would be fired for having satanic thoughts.

Or something.

A look was shared with Spike when Fred chose not to elaborate on Gwen Raiden, nor the thing his other friend might have had with this girl. It was obvious that Spike, despite his curiosity over the phone call, was disappointed his news hadn't cause more of a stir.

Wesley, however, had other things on his mind. His far to quick and over thinking mind had summarized that if Fred didn't want to talk about it, she still must have feelings for Gunn. Which mean that Wesley shouldn't interfere in whatever was going on between his friends. Perhaps asking Fred out for lunch later wasn't such a good idea.

He'd have tea in his office. Again. Not as though it was the first time he'd do so. He could have lunch later, or not at all, the latter of which wouldn't be the first time either.

"Hmm, message from Lorne to--" he frowned when he realized the demon had send a message to all *but* Fred. That was rude. "Apparently he's found something out and wants to have a meeting?" he said, holding up the phone so *Fred* could read it.

[xspikex]

The way Fred was talkin' about this Knox git made Spike frown. If the guy had been workin' for this very firm before the big poof and his merry Muppets took over, then he was bound to be evelish. And thus not suited for Fred accordin' to Spike. He cursed inwardly and wondered just when he'd become such a soft egg. Geeze, this was not good.

Even more disapointin' was the lack of response to his great news. You'd think when someone was told that there was new head of security, of all things, and she had kinda hired *herself* there'd be more of an uproar. But no, instead Fred withdrew kinda into herself at the mention of the bint.

Seems lots of old hurt there. Spike glanced over at the watcher and realized that Wesley had already drawn his own conclusions. Spike had to wonder how true they were since *he* hadn't noticed the googly eyes between Fred and Gunn. Heck, if he hadn't been told he'd have never guessed there had been somethin' goin' on between Fred and Charlie boy.

"Meetin' huh?" Spike said, making no secret of the fact that he was readin' the message. Of course he aint got none since he had no cell phone. Otherwise the green demon would so have sent one to Spike as well. Yeah, and he should keep on dreamin'.

"There's always sometin' going on," he scoffed and then shrugged as he patted down his coat for smokes he could no longer use. Force of habit, it wasn't about to die. "I'm guessin' we'd better hurry up then eh?" he added, invitin' himself to this meeting.

[lornes_place3]

Lorne walked downstairs to Fred's lab, lips pursed in thought. He wondered if any of this meant anything, and then hoped he wasen't -bothering- Fred by his visit. He didn't want to distract her in her work, trying to make Spike well...back to normal. For the Vamp, who was to say was normal for him. He'd not sent the message to Fred, as he was worried she was allready thinking too many things at once- the girl was a genius, but didn't take heavy stress all that well. She tended to melt into a sobbing bit of distraught- he remembered the whole thing with Jasmine, and the torn and bloody shirt. He tuned the corner into the lab, and was surprised to see Spike and Wesley there, as well.

"Hey gang, hope you don't mind a visit from the entertainment side of Wolfram & Hart! I was hoping to chat with Fred, but glad you're here too, Wesley. I'm wondering if we might be having something weird going on, and should tell Angel." He stopped for a second, and added "Okay, weird for this place might mean NORMAL, what with all the craziness that gravitates to this happy piece of L.A. There's been a bit of activity OUT of L.A, for a change. Anyone have anything coming out of New Orleas lately? I've had a few odd koinki-dinks that seem to give me the feeling something might be down there." He smiled at Fred, and looked at Wesley, concerned. "Maybe it's nothing..But, I'm concerned"

He waved the files. "Care to hear it all?"

[feigenbaum_fred]

“A meeting?” The way she asked the question sounded like a happy little chirp. Fred liked the Practical Sciences lab. She liked the ambience and having access to so many nifty pieces of equipment, but she also liked being around her friends and, for that reason, she liked meetings. Fred opened her mouth to inquire further, but stopped herself upon Lorne’s entrance.

The way he spoke didn’t leave room for a proper greeting so she just smiled in her way and raised a hand as a ‘hello’.

“New Orleans?” Fred shook her head. “I... I don’t think so. I mean, I haven’t been watching very carefully. Should I have?” She scrunched her eyebrows together. “What have you heard, Lorne?” She unconsciously leaned in a little closer, waiting for the news eagerly.

[watcher_pryce]

Surprised to hear Lorne's voice, Wesley looked up and smiled at the green demon. He and Lorne went way back, even longer then any of the others. Wesley had been the one to find Lorne and his bar, visiting the place before he even considered bringing his friends over there. Though, he still felt guilty for what had happened to the bar, even if it hadn't been his fault. If Wesley hadn't brought Angel Investigations over there it may not have happened.

Still, early on the former watcher had recognized the potential help the green demon could be for them, so he when the need arose he hadn't hesitated to bring Angel, Cordelia and Gunn there. Even Fred later, since he considered Caritas a safe haven and trusted Lorne like he trusted his friends.

Wesley considered him a very good friend and someone who, like Fred, always seemed to smile. It was hard *not* to smile when both Fred and Lorne were in the room, though Angel seemed to manage it. And-- Spike. Must be a family trade.

"What's going on, Lorne?" Wesley asked his good friend, giving the man a smile, unaware that the green demon thought that the ex-watcher was boring and didn't consider the man such a good friend at all. Lorne, if anything, was apparently a very good actor. No doubt he got on well with his clientèle.

And, although being a linguist by nature, Wesley also sometimes needed a translation book or Lornian dictionary when talking to the chap. He shot Spike a puzzled glance but was met with the same blank expression there, so he turned to Fred, who did seem to understand the demon.

"Why don't we find a more-- private room so you can tell us everything," Wesley suggested, earning him a snort from Spike.

[feigenbaum_fred]

Fred’s forehead was in wrinkles as she tried to follow what Lorne was saying. She felt kind of bad for not being in the loop regarding the Queen of Louisiana and she felt terrible about not knowing anything at all about property being divided into areas and ruled by Sheriffs. Instead of asking questions she just shook her head and moved on.

“Angel knows all of this?” She tilted her head, looking up at Lorne.

She had learned over the last few years that Los Angeles was a busy hub of activity, but from what Lorne was telling them it sounded like Louisiana was pretty active, too. Vampires were everywhere. It was no wonder, then, that they would come out of the coffin, so to speak.