(Untitled)

[_wes_pryce_]

Finally I had managed to lure Fred out of her room for a few hours. We only drank some tea in the courtyard. I persuaded her to...redecorate the garden. She ran with that and fast too. Within no time her idea had every square inch of the garden covered in flowers, bushes or other plant live. I've promised to take her to a store so she can go look

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[_wes_pryce_]

"You are normal, Fred," I smile at her. "You just went though a traumatic experience and you're still going strong. Most people wouldn't have even made it out of Pylea alive." Oh yes, that was a wise thing to say. Let's remind her of that. Idiot. God, even Gunn is better at this socializing then I will ever be.

Walking over to the nearby park we stroll around a bit in comfortable silence. There aren't many people around and it's nice and quiet. Very peaceful. I wonder if I should try her one more time to call her parents. I'm sure they'd be very worried about her. And from what I can tell they love her very much. They probably think she's dead. After hoping for five year I guess it would come as great shock to find out your daughter is still alive.

"Would you like some ice cream?" I point at a cart in the park. Cordelia and I used to come here during our lunch break. We'd get an ice cone and then after ward I could listen to her complaining that she'd had to train double so hard to get the calories off. Which, of course, never stopped her from getting her favorite. "I hear strawberry chocolate is very good. I've it from a very reliable source," I wink at her.

[fredburkle]

We walked through the park and Wesley chatted softly while I looked around. It was so peaceful here, at least right now. I could almost feel that at some point of the day it was more crowded and full of activity. But right now, there were only a handful of people and I like that. It was just...nice.

I grinned shyly at the ice cream man and nodded at Wes, "Strawberry chocolate sounds really good." I watched as he went over and bought us each an ice cream cone. I sat down on a bench not far away and just looked around. Six months ago, if someone would have told me that I'd be sitting on a park in a bench in Los Angeles six months later, I would have laughed at them and then...well then I probably would have gotten my head chopped off. But either way, I wouldn't have believed them, but here I was.

I grinned and took the cone that Wesley offered, "Thanks, Wes." I licked the top and sighed happily at the flavors in my mouth. "It's been years since I've had ice cream, literally." I grinned, "There was this berry, a Kalla berry, that grew wild in Pylea that sort of had the same flavor as strawberries. But it's nothing compared to this." I grinned at him, "Even if this is artificial flavoring."

I smiled at Wesley, "Wes, what made you decide to ask me to lunch today?" I knew that the answer was because he felt sorry for kooky-Fred, hiding way in her room all day. But a part of me hoped that wasn't the answer and that he just might have wanted to spend time with me.

[_wes_pryce_]

I stop during the middle of licking my icecone and stare at her for a few moments. I quickly resume eating again once I realize that I must look like an idiot. Why had I asked her out to lunch today? To get her out of the room was the main reason. But quite frankly I've learned that I like spending time with her. She has the most fascinating stories about Pylea, herself, her live before Pylea.

"Well," I start, clearing my throat. I root around in my pocket for a handkerchief.I've forgotten how easy these things melt and stick to your hand. "Well, first to get you out of your room a bit more. And I thought Fresh air other then the garden might be good." After tossing away what little is left of the ice cone I wipe my hands clean, firmly looking at them. "And uhm...I...uh...li-like spending time with you." God, I hope I'm not blushing again. I really hate that.

[fredburkle]

He liked...spending time...with...ME? Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, who's distinguished and intelligent and handsome and not at all crazy, likes spending time with me. He likes spending time with off-her-rocker, taco-obsessed, stuck-in-her-room-like-a-hermit Fred. It was almost too much to handle, which is why I almost dropped my ice cream cone. I caught it in time...in my hand. I bit my lip, could feel how hot my face was and laughed a little, "Oh no...!"

I hopped up and tossed the rest of the ice cream in the trash and then rinsed my hand on the water fountain next to the bench. I grinned at Wesley and sat back down next to him, wiping my hand on my jeans. "I...I like spending time with you, too..."

I smiled and looked to my right, spotting the swings. My hand jumped and grabbed Wesley's as I said, "Will you push me in the swings?" I didn't wait for an answer as I jumped up and half ran, half skipped my way over to the swings. I settled into the middle swing and watched as he made his way over to me. Yes...he was very handsome.

[_wes_pryce_]

Oh good lord! She's very enthusiastic and I'm actually almost being dragged over to those swings. I watch as she rushes over there and sits down on one of those things. Sometimes she's like a butterfly. Graceful, elegant, beautiful. She was in her cocoon but I see more and more of that butterfly come out.

Smiling I walk over to her, pushing my hands in my pockets. I don't remember ever pushing anyone on a swing. Actually, I don't remember being much on a swing either. Always too busy to study, learn, study more, practice, train. Had to be the best Watcher and that took up a lot of time. My entire childhood and beyond to be exact. And look where it got me. Not as a Watcher.

Clearing my throat I go to stand behind her and pull my hands out of my pocket. "Now, let's see if I remember how this concept works again." I grab hold of the swing and pull her backward a bit before letting go. Giving her a push as she flies by again, I can't help but smile. She certainly seems to be enjoying herself.

[fredburkle]

I laughed and kicked my feet as Wesley pushed me higher and higher in the swing. I hadn't felt this free and relaxed in a long, long time. It felt so good to be able to have fun and laugh without that fear tugging at me. It was a consuming fear that told me something was coming for me and that I should run and hide. But here, in the park with Wesley, it was all but gone.

I smiled and closed my eyes, letting him push me, pumping my feet and loving the feel of the sun, not suns, on my face. And Wesley liked spending time with me! That was something I hadn't expected to hear come out of his mouth. That he wanted me to get out of the hotel more, sure, but not that he liked my company. I was floored by that and flattered all at the same time.

I laughed as I flew higher in the swing and then said, "Slow me down, please!" I giggled softly as he did, almost out of breath with happiness. I jumped out of the swing and pointed at the seat, "Now it's your turn, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce." I grinned at him and his almost shocked expression.

[_wes_pryce_]

Me. On a swing. I think not. "Uhh...errr...no, thank you. I'm quite content where I am right now." Which is with my two feet on the ground, thank you very much.

She looks like she's really enjoying herself. It's as if a weight has been lifted of her shoulders. I really enjoy seeing that. I had been worried that with Angel off to brood in his room, Fred would suffer the consequences as well. And for a while there she did. Luckily she's managed to pull herself together and go out of that room. That self made cave.

"No, no really," I insist. "I've no idea how to...uh..." I wave at the swing contraption. "Uh...S-swing." Good god, I hope she's not as persistent as Cordelia can be or I'm going to be in a lot of trouble. I have a feeling she's impossible to say no to.

[fredburkle]

I shook my head and grinned at him, "Now come on, Wes, you should have a turn, too." I tried not to giggle too much at his expression. He looked ready to bolt, but I wasn't going to let him. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him, reluctantly to the swing. I put both my hands on his shoulders, gave him a grin and a nod and pushed his butt into the swing.

I grinned and ran around to the back, pulled him back quickly yelled, "Hold on!" I let him go and I hear him yell, "Bloody hell!" I started laughing, but kept pushing him higher and higher in the swing. After a few minutes I was pretty sure he was smiling. I kept pushing him, enjoying his swinging as much as my own, and called out to him, "Having a good time?"

[_wes_pryce_]

"Bloody hell!" I didn't even get the chance to say no. I've just been dragged over and pushed on the damn thing. And before I know it I'm being pushed in the air. Apparently I'm a big push over. Snorting at myself, I try to remember how this swinging worked. Something with leaning forward and backward. Good lord, I hope I don't get sea sick, that would be entirely embarrassing.

I manage to mock glare at her as she giggles behind me. At least one of us is having fun. Alright, I'll admit it, we're both having fun. I can't remember the last time I had fun like this. Actually, I don't think I've ever amused myself in this manner. Nodding at her question I hold on tight to the chains of the swing and look up toward the sky as the small clouds come by.

We really should do this more often. Perhaps we can have a weekly walk in the park so to speak. Smiling at that I remember watching some of the other children doing something on a swing that I've always wanted to try. I'm afraid I'll land on my arse though and make a spectacle of myself. Oh what the hell. Waiting until the blasted thing slows down a bit, I push myself off the swing and jump off.

[fredburkle]

I saw Wesley jump off the swing and before I knew it he was rolling to a stop on the ground. "Wesley!" I ran over to him and knelt by him on the ground. I put my hands on his chest and said, "Wes, are you alright?" He'd jumped out of the swing and fell down and rolled to a stop in a patch of soft grass.

He groaned a little and I gently touched his cheek and then his arm, "Is anything broken? Can you wriggle your toes and fingers? Do you know what day it is? How many fingers am I holding up?" I held three fingers in front of his face as he stared at me. I gave him an encouraging smile, "Do you know who I am?"

[_wes_pryce_]

I knew I shouldn't have done that. Buggering hell, that was really embarrassing. Turning a bit red I glance around quickly and notice several people snickering. Marvelous. I'm just very glad Cordelia wasn't here. Or Gunn. Or...Angel for that matter. I'd never hear the end of it. Quite literally. Or Faith for that matter. Let's forget she's around as well shall we?

I stare at Fred for a while confused. The girls is a regular speech fountain. "Uhm...No, yes, Tuesday three and I do believe you're Winifred Burkle." Sitting up I wipe my hands off on my slacks. They're dirty now anyway. "How did I do? Did I win anything?" Returning her smile I look back at her. Damn, the last time my hands and knees hurt like that was... Well, actually a few weeks ago when I got pushed away by some demon or other and landed on the floor.

[fredburkle]

I grinned at him, "Oh good, you don't have a concussion. And you won my admiration for actually jumping from that swing. I was thinking about trying, but I knew I'd probably break my leg. And since I don't have any medical insurance, or money, it would probably be best if I didn't hurt myself real bad."

We stood up, dusting ourselves off and I grinned at him, "Today has been so much fun, Wes. I haven't smiled or laughed or been this relaxed in...forever." I smiled and flung my arms around his neck and gave him a big hug. "Thank you."

[_wes_pryce_]

Startled, I stand there dumbly for a moment. My arms half raised, unsure what to do before I tentatively return the hug. Good lord, this certainly is a day full of surprises. I can't say I haven't enjoyed myself though. I had a lovely time with Fred. Even though we've probably skipped work. Well, I have. But that's alright. I am the boss after all.

"You're welcome," I tell her. Pulling off my glasses I polish them, as if that is actually needed. But at least I can look down and hide my blush. Putting them back on my nose I smile at her. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Perhaps we could do this more often. Say, once a week...uh...if-if you like that is." Pushing my hands in my pockets I glance at her carefully. I hope I didn't push things.

[fredburkle]

I grinned and nodded, "That would be so much fun! I would...I would really love to!" I smiled and couldn't believe that my day had turned out so great. I usually spend all day in my room and today, I went out to eat, went for a walk in park, got ice cream, and played on the swings. Today couldn't get any better.

I didn't want the day to be over, but I knew Wesley probably had a lot of work to do back at the office. Plus, it was getting dark and I didn't really want to be outside at night...at least not yet. "Should we be heading back to the hotel?"

[_wes_pryce_]

I can't help but smile widely at her. It's very hard not so smile when she's in such a mood. Who would've guessed? I'm holding onto my butterfly analogy, it's quite accurate.

Glancing around I notice it's getting darker. Of course I've a stake with me and several other weapons, but I'd rather not walk around after dark with Fred. Things look very different after dark. Besides, I should catch up on the work. Probably going to be working very late again. Not that I mind. It sure is better then staying in my quiet, empty, lonely apartment.

"Yes, I think that would be wise." I check my watch, I see that we've been gone for hours. Not bad at all. "We'd better get you back home before dark." Smiling at her I hold out my arm. We still have enough time left, no need to hurry.