"It was right here," I say, glaring at Gunn when he enters the office. "Right where I left it...err...the uh, other day." And for *once* can I not turn red with that implication?
"Yeah," Gunn snorts. "I'm sure it was, English. I seen it right there too." He points a the desk and then frowns. "Okay, I seen it right there this morn--" his voice trails off and he gives me an odd look and then snorts even louder, hiding a smirk behind his hand.
"What?" I demand, "What's so funny? We've got a job to do here, Charles." Giving him a stern look, I lean forward, putting my hands on the desk.
"Man," Gunn shakes his head at me. "What the hell did Angel do with you? Never seen you this distracted."
And the moment my hands touch the desk, I know why he was snorting at me. My glasses were in my hand the entire time. I must've picked them up automatically when I entered the office. "That-that...I...uh...That's none of your business," I say quickly, trying to ignore the blush which has crept up my neck and is currently flushing my face. "I've work to do." Putting my glasses on, I let out a long suffering sigh. Well, this certainly looks very promising for the rest of the day.
Gunn laughs as he exists the office, but it quickly stops. Wonder what that's about. Can't wonder for long, I'm already pulling out two heavy tombs, ignoring the twinges in my back as I stack them on my desk. Right, now I just need to find the correct sub-species of that demon. Slowly moving back, I grab the arms of the chair and ease myself down.
Finishing off my mug of blood as Cordy closes her eyes, I walk over to the sink and rinse out my mug. I notice Wes's mug is in there already. He finished that quick, I guess. He still needs some food, though. Glancing around for the usually box of pastries, I take a quick 360 of the office.
"Angel? You okay?" Cordy gave me a weird look.
"What? Yeah, fine. No donuts?"
"Nah, we've been getting other stuff for breakfast. Fred on sugar is a little scary, so we switched to other stuff. Depends on what Gunn picks up. Sometimes he gets breakfast burritos, sometimes bagels. Donuts only if he's feeling adventurous, or if Wes whines enough."
"Did you guys get anything this morning? Wes hasn't eaten since yesterday." I kind of run my hand through my hair, but try not to look like I care.
"Aha! So you *were* busy," she says smirking at me. "You are so whipped."
"What? We haven't-" Her eyebrow shoots up. Oh, not that kind of whipped. "I am not!" I glare at her, not pouting. He didn't ask me to find him food...I just know he needs to eat.
She looks at me knowingly. "Uh-huh." She rifles through one of the bags on her desk. "Here. Take him this. It's his usual. Tell him I told him he needs to eat."
I smile at her. She can be nice when she wants to. "Thanks."
The wrapped up burrito smells like egg and cheese and maybe something else as I walk into Wes's office. I knock on the door jamb. "Hey, brought you some food. Cordy wanted you to eat. Any luck?" He looks so studious with his glasses back on and his hair still a little rumpled from last night. It's cute.
Tailzal demon? No, no, that wasn't it. It sounded similar though. Frowning, I pushed up my glasses and thumbed through the texts I had gathered from the shelves. I hoped I had the right ones, I wasn't so sure I was ready to get up and walk over there to get some others at the moment. There were faint voices outside. I recognized Cordelia and, of course, Angel. I think I'd recognize that voice anywhere.
Lidzal deamon! Yes, that's it. Nodding to myself, I pulled the other book toward me and frantically started to turn the pages. When I stumbled upon the very thing I'd been looking for, I peered down at and scribbled some of the information on the pad. Right, there were three species. The first one wasn't it though, I summarized from Cordelia's description. The second and the last could be, they were very similar.
Pulling a third book closer, I started to cross reverence them. Spikes, they both had those. Sharp claws, check on that as well. Teeth, hmmm, they were different. My frown deepened and distantly I realized someone had entered the office. I wasn't focusing on that though, I needed to get to the bottom of this and fast. Look at this. The second one had slightly longer teeth then the third species. Now that was interesting and perhaps a clue.
"Hmmmm." Pushing my glasses back up again, I rubbed my eyes while my hand was there anyway and suppressed a yawn. It's a good thing I'm used to late night research sessions. Alright, we've not been doing research, but it was late anyway. "Lidzal deamon," I muttered, turning another page. "Narrowed it down to two species." No idea if I was talking to myself or if someone might've asked how things were going.
He doesn't acknowledge me at all when I speak. Smiling, I snag one of the chairs, and have a seat, knowing I'll have to wait it out until the research demon gets its claws out of him. He turns page after page, flipping back and forth between a few intermittently.
It's that determination on his face, and the set of his shoulders that makes me admire him so much. He's always got the answer as long as it's in one of these books. And he always *knows* its in there.
Hmm. Lidzal. I don't think I know those. Obviously, Wes does. I prop my chin on one hand, and blatantly stare at him. I'd love to try to distract him, but I know we need the answer and he's not going to get to it if I bug him.
Distractedly, I hear Cordy talking to someone...Gunn. They're whispering...something about.. Moping? Sloping? Roping? I don't know. They're going too fast. And I'm kind of looking at the way Wes has rolled up the sleeves of my shirt so they don't get caught on the pages as he works.
I really like how he looks with his glasses, although without is nice too. Hmm. With or without? I can't decide. It's not like with or without clothes or something easy like that. He's got a different attitude with and without the glasses. More comfortable with the glasses on, like he's got something to hide behind. Without them though, he looks more innocent, but also more experienced. I can see all the laugh lines around his eyes without them. Musing to myself, suddenly I realize he's finally looking back at me.
"Err...Found it?" I try, wondering if he's asked me anything or not.
Aha, I think it's this one. Has to be, the other one doesn't have the right scales it seems. "Cordelia?" I call out, putting my hands on the arms of the chair to get up and show her the picture. A pain shoots up my back and I'm forced to slump back down again. Damn. It's then I see Angel sitting there, looking rather dreamily. What the... I suppose I should be lucky he didn't catch that.
"What?" Cordelia's voice comes from the doorway. She glanced over at Angel and a smirk plays on her lips. "Oh yeah. So whipped. You got him tied around your little finger without even trying." There's a sense of awe in her voice even though I've no idea what she's talking about.
"I beg your...never mind." Sighing, I hold up the tomb to show her the picture of the demon. "Was this what you saw?" My own eyes are darting to Angel again, who's still lost in...whatever he's lost in.
"That's it," Cordelia nods, holding onto her head while doing so and probably vowing never to nod again. She sighs and turns around to go back out again.
"Thank you," I call after her and then turn back to look at Angel over the top of my glasses. "Angel, I've found it. We can get ready to go." Nothing, I'm half temped to snap my fingers in front of his face. "Angel?"
He blinks and seems to come back to himself, asking me what I just told him mere seconds ago. "Yes," I say, giving him an incredulous stare while I push the tomb toward him. "Where were you?"
Huh? Wes is looking at me with that 'Did you just get your brain removed' look that he gets when he's in research mode and I wasn't paying attention. We can't all be that smart. He pushes a book across the desk at me kind of raising his eyebrows like I should have already seen this by now. Like he's repeating himself or something. I'm pretty sure he wasn't saying anything before, though.
"Oh. Okay. Good." No way I'm telling him I was busying watching his nicely slender wrists, and imagining him with and without his glasses. It was a nice daydream while it lasted. His wrists really are nice. I can see why he's so good with a crossbow. Strong, agile wrists that would probably also look great tied to my bed. Okay, stopping. Now.
"Right. I was, uh, just admiring your work. So Lidzal," grasping for the name he mumbled earlier, and glancing up at him for confirmation. "How do I kill it?" I ask, efficiently moving back to Help the Hopeless mode, though, right now, I'm thinking I might be one of those hopeless who needs helping. I listen carefully as he rattles off a few key points. Sounds about right.
"Okay, Gunn and I will go get this Lidzal, and then you and I can go get some of your stuff just the two of us, okay. Here, you should eat." Setting the food in his hand, I get out of my seat, in the zone now and ready to get this thing off the streets. I'm totally focused, heading for the weapons cabinet and to grab my duster from the office. "Gunn, let's go." I yell, taking smooth strides through the office.
Admiring my work? Both my eyebrows shoot up now as I give him an odd look. Admiring my work? What work? What's he on about? He was most certainly distracted by something, though I've no idea what. Maybe he was already making plans on how to dismember this demon? I'll never know I guess.
"Yes," I say slowly, "Lidzal demon, sub-species Blanea ah..." I trail off, realizing that he's most probably not at all interested in the different kind of species. I'd learned that lesson years ago when all that earned me was bored looks from both Cordelia and Angel as I tried to explain the difference between certain demons to them.
Angel gets right to the heart of the matter and I sigh. I quickly point out several ways to kill it and press on the fact that they shouldn't forget the salt. "Salt, Angel," I tell him at his blank look. "They're allergic to it." Not that Gunn or Angel would go about the simple way. Heavens no, they need to hit something.
I start to move out of my chair when Angel's up and about already. Blinking, I stare at the burrito he shoves my way and then at his retreating back. Hold it. What just happened here? He's out of here, yelling for Gunn before I can even utter a word. He's leaving me behind! Not even *considering* taking me along. What the hell?
"Hey..." I call out weakly, my mouth opening several times. Nothing sensible comes out though, much to stunned to actually say something meaningful. By the time I make it out of the office, only Cordy is left while Gunn and Angel have already left for the mission.
"What's up, Wes?" Cordy asks, giving me a worried look. "You look like someone ran over your baby books again."
Annoyed, I look at her while I straighten up, putting a hand in the small of my back. "Nothing's up," I grumble, giving the closed door a withering look. Alas, it didn't seem inclined to wither. And neither did Cordelia. "I'm going to head home."
Cordy gives me the 'eyebrow' and snorts. "Uhm, no you don't."
"Yes I am. I need fresh clothes and a shower."
"Drowning in Dark Avenger look not your style?"
"Cordelia," I warn her, still stung that Angel just ran off without me. Not even bothering to ask. Hmpf.
"Wesley," she replies in the same tone. She gets up from where she was sitting and gives me that...look again. "Think you can actually drive a car?"
"Why shouldn't I be able to drive a car?" I ask her incredulously, not even noticing the way I'm leaning on the counter.
"Men," is all she says with a roll of her eyes. She grabs her purse, *my* keys and starts to drag me alone. "You got your cell?"
"Well uh, yes. Where are we going?"
"I'm going to drive you to your place, dump you there and then go over to my place. I have a hot bath and lots of chocolate ice cream waiting."
"What? I can drive you to your place. I can drive!"
Cordelia just looks at me and then presses on a point on my back which makes me yelp and growl at her. "Uh huh. God, Angel's rubbing of on you already. You're getting there with the growling, keep trying."
"Very funny."
"You know it. Now come on, we can talk while driving."
I don't know what the salt is for, but I grab the little shaker next to the microwave and put it in my duster pocket and head for the weapons cabinet, where Gunn is poking through the weapons.
"Angel, catch," he says as he tosses me my broad sword, which I catch easily. Wow, there's no way I would have found that in there. Everything's turned around. What did they do to my weapons cabinet? Have to bug them about it later, I guess. Where's my wrist stakes? Gunn's already got his weapon and is heading out the door to the car. Okay, so not like I need them right now. Maybe Wes knows the story. Boy, you leave for a few months and they totally overhaul your weapon's cabinet. Jeez.
Running after Gunn, I meet him at the car and get in. "Ready? Wes said we needed salt, you know anything about that?"
"Not a clue, bro, but we better get moving, not much time left." Crawling under a blanket in the backseat, I tell Gunn to go ahead and listen as he starts the car and pulls out on the street, heading out to the highway. Okay, so Sunday morning, you'd think traffic wouldn't be so bad, but it's like all the crazies are out. Gunn's yelling at people left and right. It doesn't leave much room for conversation, what with me under the blanket, too.
Finally, things quiet down when we hit the warehouse district along the docks. Gunn pulls up close to the location so I only have to go a short distance under the blanket, and conveniently no burst into flames. God, I hate these daytime visions. What are The Powers thinking when they send these things?
We both go into stealth mode and look around back to back, getting a lay of the warehouse. There's stacks of stuff everywhere, in no particular pattern, it could take us forever to find this thing... Suddenly, I hear a whimper and it's definitely not Gunn. I nudge Gunn and motion for him to follow, as I head toward the tiny noise.
"Shit." I hear whispered next to me when we turn the corner and find the soon to be headless guy about to be devoured by this *huge* thing with scales and claws and too many teeth. I mean, I'm a guy that can appreciate teeth, but this thing was...nasty looking. Whispering to Gunn, "I'll get the arms, you get its head when I'm done. Get that guy out of here while I get its...arms." They're arms...sort of. More like tentacle swim fins or something. Gunn nods and mutters "Always gotta have the claws and the big pointy teeth, don't they." I hope Wes said dismemberment when he was talking. I think that's what he said... Damnit, maybe I should have Gunn get the details next time.
“Hello? I saw your face just now. What’s up with that? What’s going on with you and Angel? Talk!”
“I don’t need to tal- Ow! Cordelia!” Rubbing my leg where she just pinched me, I glare at her with narrowed eyes. “What was that for?”
“Oh come *on* , Wes. I’m like your best friend. I can tell something’s wrong. So start talking wooly boy.”
Sighing, I turn my head to stubbornly glance out the window. “Nothing,” I mumble again. Cordelia lets out a frustrated growl which is a very fair warning that she’s very close to moving from pinching to actually do some damage. “He just..you know, left.”
“Left?” I can hear the confusion in her voice.
“Yes, left. To fight. Didn’t even ask me.” Rolling my eyes at the obvious, I turn to look at her again.
She blinks at me, blinks again and then frowns. “And what were you going to do? Stagger in there and wither in agony in front of the demon as a distraction?”
My glare gets a bit more intense at that. “No,” I bite out. “I can shoot--”
“Wesley, you’ve thrown out your back--”
“--I don’t *need* my back to shoot a crossbow!”
“--*again*. How is it going to heal if you keep pushing? Did you tell Angel?”
I mutter something under my breath, distinctly *not* pouting. Children pout, I do not. Well, Cordelia and children pout, I do not. A Cordy who’s still looking at me with that glint in her eyes. “No,” I sigh, “I didn’t tell him. What’s the point? It’s over with and done and there’s nothing he can do anyway.”
“I swear, if this keeps up I’m going to convince Angel to tie you to the bed.”
“Cordelia!” I squeak, looking at her mortified.
“Though, I doubt it’ll take much convincing,” she thunders on as though I didn’t just interrupt her. “And here we are. Do you need help getting up stairs?”
“No,” I grit out, getting out of *my* car. “I do *not* need help. And how am I supposed to get into work tomorrow?”
“No worries,” she grins at me far to smugly. “I’m gonna call Angel when I get back home. I’m sure he’ll know something.”
“But---wait! What….hey!” She’s already slammed the door shut though and is on her way. Sagging a bit, I sigh and glance up at my apartment building. Only three stairs, shouldn’t be that hard. Should’ve been with Angel and Gunn. I *really* don’t need my back to shoot a bloody crossbow.
Okay. I brace myself, and try to get centered. We can get this thing, no problem. Pointy teeth and 2 foot claws, no big deal.
Giving the signal to Gunn, we both race out. Gunn shakes the guy and tries to get him to move, but he's pretty much in shock. And I'm left with big, ugly guy. My first swing only hits a claw, and slams me back into a pallet. The thing is so damn tall! He's about to go after Gunn and the guy, but I get back up and take a flying leap at the arm closest to me.
I get the arm this time and now the thing's flailing in pain, dancing all over the place. At least this gets victim guy to move, jumping up, screaming, and then running away. Okay. Not even a thank you. Some people.
Then that arm is lashing at Gunn, but I can't reach it to hack it off. Just before it comes in contact with Gunn, I remember the salt. Hopefully, just throwing it on the thing will do the trick. I shake the bottle and only a little comes out.
"A litte help here, Angel!" Gunn yells with a scared note to his voice. The thing is definitely close now. Frustrated, I break the top off, slamming it into the shelves next to me and toss the whole contents on the demon. Cordy's just going to have to get a new shaker.
The demon stills, howls and then starts to melt in front of Gunn. Running to the other side, I hack at its arm as Gunn does a nice slice to its neck. There's a bit of gurgling, and we both chop off a leg before it stills.
"Right on. We kicked some serious demon butt." Gunn smiles and holds his hand up for a high five. I smile back, and smack his hand. It's good to be back. Just then my phone rings. I shake my pockets, and fumble with the phone, as Gunn sighs. "Hey!" Gunn takes the phone from me impatiently and answers it smoothly.
"Hey, Cordelia. Yeah, we're done. You want me to drop Angel off at Wes's. Sure. Yeah, I can do that. Nah, won't take me long." Gunn gets a big grin on his face and hangs up soon after.
"Okay, Angel man, you are going to English's, and I'll bring your car back by later, since its not really your time of day for driving." I nod. Wes went home without waiting for me? I hope he didn't drive...
The drive to Wesley's is somewhat shorter than from the hotel. From under the blanket, I try to grill Gunn about Cordy, but he ignores me, or honestly can't understand me from under the blanket.
Finally, we get to Wes's and I stumble out of the car, yelling "Thanks," over my shoulder. Beating out a few singed spots, I head up to Wes's apartment, and knock.
Cordelia and her meddling, gets on my nerves. Bloody women. Should’ve just needled her about Gunn. Ever since they started ‘dating’, though neither of them admits to this ‘dating’, they’ve been all secretive. And then they have something to say about Angel and I. Bloody stupid if you ask me, the pair of then. Why in the hell is the lift broken again? Bugger, I need to find a better place to live. It wasn’t really unexpected.
Sighing, I moved over to the stairs and glared up at them. Well, isn’t that just what I needed right now. Another sigh gets out, since that seems to help so god awful much, before I grab hold of the railing. By the time I reach the third floor, cursing under my breath, Angel’s clothes are soaked in sweat. Good bloody god, who knew stairs could be such a challenge? I never had much trouble with them before, I guess Cordy may be right. About my back that is. I should probably get some rest, but when on earth are we capable of getting that in our line of work?
“Never, “ I mutter to myself, fishing my keys out of my pocket. “That’s when… ah, Hello, Mrs. DeBoer.” Flashing my far to nosy neighbor a smile, I nervously try to get the door open. Go away, you old hag, there’s nothing of interest going on here.
“Y’know,” the old hag in question starts and I curse mentally to myself. “In my days, we didn’t party like you do.”
“Oh,” I nod weakly, the polite smile still on my face. “I…guess so, yes.”
“Not like you youngster today. No sense in decorum! Low lives, the lot of you. Just lazing about all day long, watching the television and--”
“Yes, yes, of course,” I nod politely, rattling the key in the hole and sighing in relief when it finally opens. “Have a nice day, Mrs. DeBoer!” She’s still ranting on as I close my door and I push my glasses up with a sigh. Could this day possibly get any worse? Ah, now that I’ve said that? Of course it can. Dammit.
Pushing myself away from the door, I trudge over to my bed and look at it wearily. I could lay down for a few minutes. That’s all it takes really. Falling face down on the mattress, I wince, groan and then decide that not moving for the next decade actually sounds like a *good* idea. Bloody brilliant if you ask me. And it's not actually my back that's the problem, it's the fact that I'm so bloody *tired*.
What is that infernal knocking sound? “What?” I groan, not really inclined to move. “I’m trying to die in peace here. Go away. Unless you've got a merciful shotgun. In which case come in.” As if anyone can actually hear me from here. Well, Angel could, but he's out fighting.
I keep my eyes fixed on Wesley's door as his neighbor eyes me. I hope she didn't see me dousing the tiny flames on my pants. I'm just about to knock again when I hear Wes's voice.
I hear a groan, but no movement. Trying to die in peace? God, he probably did drive home...but I didn't see his car. I hear him say come in, but shouldn't his door be locked? I test the handle and feel it give. Turning it, I open the door and slide in just as it looks like his neighbor is about to talk to me. God, it sounds like he's in a lot of pain, just from the sound of his voice.
Quietly closing the door behind me, and locking it this time, I head towards the bedroom. The scent of sweat is heavy in my nose, and I realize it must have taken a lot of effort for him to climb all those stairs that took me less than a few minutes.
Knocking softly on the door to his bedroom, I see him sprawled on his stomach, limbs totally askew. Wes... Jesus.
"Hey you." I say softly. "No shot gun, but a faithful vampire at your service, if you want one." He turns to look at me and I give him a small smile. God, he looks awful. What happened?
I keep my distance in the doorway, not sure if it was the right move coming over here without calling first. Cordy may think she knows best, but that isn't always the case with Wes. Who knows what mood he's in. For all I know he could be mad at me.
"Mind if I come in?" I say trying not to look too hopeful. It's tempting to curl up next to him and just hold him, whatever the problem. ...If there is a problem.
Must’ve been imagining things. Such as knocks on the door, or even a cat outside. No wait, that was real. Stupid cat from upstairs again, yowling for his friend from down under. I love animals, I really do. But next time I’m tossing some cold water at them. Once I get from this bed that. But the knocking must’ve been… was that my door? I didn’t lock my door? Good grief, this is going well.
Sighing, I wait for whomever to come find me. Doubt it’s a demon or a thief, unless they are really polite before they eat you or mug you. And that’s not possible in this day and age. I can hear quiet footsteps approaching and then there’s a knock on the bedroom door. *Really* polite thief, or demon. Oh, it’s Angel.
Angel?
Frowning confused, I turn a bit to glance at him, giving him a rather disbelieving look. How long did it bloody take me to get up here? Or had I actually been sleeping here? I guess anything is possible. Maybe it was a quick victory? Not as though I’d know, I wasn’t asked along. Oh, that memory causes me to glare at him, suddenly reminded why I was so keen on going home. Other then sleep that is.
“You’re already ‘in’,” I point out grumpily, wondering if I should roll my eyes as well. But I’m not Cordelia, oh to late, I’ve already done it. Sucking out my breath, I let it out slowly while moving around to look at him from a less awkward potion. Oh sod it, he’ll have to deal, it takes to much effort to move. “Did you and Gunn slay the demon?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. “Have a good fight? Got rid of all that pent up adrenaline? Did some nice team work?” Watch it there, Pryce. No need to get nasty.
He frowns, looks confused, and then glares at me. Alright. Grumpy watcher it is. *And* I get an eyeroll. Wow, it's like he and Cordy had a little mind melding session and swapped gestures.
Seeing that he can't, or possibly won't turn further to face me I go over to the bed and sit next to him. It takes me a few minutes to decide whether or not to touch him, but finally I figure if he's annoyed enough that touching him is a bad idea then, a few punches or stinging words are going to be the least of my troubles. Reaching out a hand, I massage his neck lightly, feeling the tension beneath my fingers as they slide up into his hairline and back down again.
I nod, and then realize he might not have seen that, "Yeah, we got it. Thanks for the salt thing." Man, he's as prickly as cat protecting its territory. Did I miss something?
"It was a pretty good fight. Would have been nicer if you could have been there so we could have done a three pronged attack. As it was the thing nearly got Gunn, and it knocked me around a little." My fingers keep kneading lightly as I talk. I've got no idea what's got him so wound up. What's with the sarcasm? Gunn and I *do* make a good team. I frown a little, hoping Mr. Grumpy here will let me in on the joke.
"Why didn't you wait for me? I was going to come back here with you... How'd you get here?" I keep my tone even and patient, as I talk, hoping to actually get information, and not more grumping. He certainly knows how to be surly when he wants to be. I am a little hurt that he just left without me. If Cordy hadn't called, I would have been really worried when I got back and he was gone.
Oh. So he *was* actually listening when I explained a few thing to him. Wasn’t really certain to be honest, he was so hoped up on going to fight. I’m guessing a sabbatical for an x-number of months isn’t doing much good for the violence craving. And I don’t mean that in a nasty way. Well, not much anyway. He’s a vampire, I’m well aware that he needs it from time to time. Violence, I mean. Though, that doesn’t explain Gunn’s, but I’m not going there. That’s Cordy’s problem.
“You’re welcome,” I say in a clipped tone of voice and then stare at him when he starts about the fight. Alright, it’s a bit of a glare. “Yes. Wouldn’t that have been nice. Unfortunately, I wasn’t asked along for this three way turned two way pronged attack.” Pronged attack? What the hell is a pronged attack? “It’s probably not as though my crossbow would’ve come in useful was it?” Oh, careful with the sarcasm there. It’s practically oozing now. Sighing, I let out a little growl, annoyed at myself that his touch is calming me down.
I don’t want to be calm! I’m angry dammit!
“What?” And it’s back to the staring. I’m torn between feeling guilty because I’ve worried him and being pissed off because he thinks I’m some sort of child that needs coddling. Of course then he asks me that particular question. Pissedness, game, set and match. “How did I get here,” I repeat in a natural voice. I walked! That’s how! How’d he think I got here? “Cordelia was kind enough to give me a lift in *my* car. Which she then took to get home to pamper herself with a hot bath and something with a loofah. I’m sorry, should I have called you and asked for permission?”
Pushing my hands under me, I start to get up and think better of it when I feel my back staging an anarchy against me. Bloody hell, the whole world seems to be in cahoots against me. It’s just not my day. And it started out so nicely. Slumping back down on the bed, I sigh and give Angel a helpless look. An Angel who looks worried. Can’t even stay angry at him when he looks like that. I’m such a fluke.
He seems to be calming down. At least I think so, but then he practically bites my head off about the fight. I keep touching him in the hopes that maybe it will calm him down, but he keeps going on about being involved in the fight. He would have hurt himself, or one of us trying to watch out for him! What was his crossbow going to do during a dismemberment? He can barely stand on his own, let alone get out of the way, I don't care how far away he stood with the damn crossbow.
He growls then for reasons unknown to me, and stares at me as if I'm some particularly nasty, species of demon. I stop touching him then. I'm apparently not getting anywhere, and he just keeps attacking me, only this time it's with that condescending tone, that I just hate.
Quietly seething, I'm about to get up, but see him trying to struggle to move, which he obviously can't. That sigh and totally helpless look has me looking worried again, but I'm still not feeling kindly toward him and his little outburst. Does he think he can just snap at me for being concerned?
"Maybe I should go." I look at him straight in the eye, and walk towards the door. "You seem to need some time to yourself, am I right?" I say over my shoulder, ready to go sit in the other part of the apartment. It's not as if I can leave, since it's pretty damn sunny outside, but I don't have to put up with this sniping when I've been trying to be nice to him. Even if he does look helpless and sorry.
Stopping before leaving the room, I turn back. "If I had been in your position would you have asked me to go along? Do you honestly think it would have been a good strategy, regardless of our relationship?" I ask quietly. I lean against the doorway, with my arms crossed. I'm not about to acknowledge the other part where he was just lashing out for no good reason. He needs to apologize for all of that crap he just threw on me.
"Yeah," Gunn snorts. "I'm sure it was, English. I seen it right there too." He points a the desk and then frowns. "Okay, I seen it right there this morn--" his voice trails off and he gives me an odd look and then snorts even louder, hiding a smirk behind his hand.
"What?" I demand, "What's so funny? We've got a job to do here, Charles." Giving him a stern look, I lean forward, putting my hands on the desk.
"Man," Gunn shakes his head at me. "What the hell did Angel do with you? Never seen you this distracted."
And the moment my hands touch the desk, I know why he was snorting at me. My glasses were in my hand the entire time. I must've picked them up automatically when I entered the office. "That-that...I...uh...That's none of your business," I say quickly, trying to ignore the blush which has crept up my neck and is currently flushing my face. "I've work to do." Putting my glasses on, I let out a long suffering sigh. Well, this certainly looks very promising for the rest of the day.
Gunn laughs as he exists the office, but it quickly stops. Wonder what that's about. Can't wonder for long, I'm already pulling out two heavy tombs, ignoring the twinges in my back as I stack them on my desk. Right, now I just need to find the correct sub-species of that demon. Slowly moving back, I grab the arms of the chair and ease myself down.
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"Angel? You okay?" Cordy gave me a weird look.
"What? Yeah, fine. No donuts?"
"Nah, we've been getting other stuff for breakfast. Fred on sugar is a little scary, so we switched to other stuff. Depends on what Gunn picks up. Sometimes he gets breakfast burritos, sometimes bagels. Donuts only if he's feeling adventurous, or if Wes whines enough."
"Did you guys get anything this morning? Wes hasn't eaten since yesterday." I kind of run my hand through my hair, but try not to look like I care.
"Aha! So you *were* busy," she says smirking at me. "You are so whipped."
"What? We haven't-" Her eyebrow shoots up. Oh, not that kind of whipped. "I am not!" I glare at her, not pouting. He didn't ask me to find him food...I just know he needs to eat.
She looks at me knowingly. "Uh-huh." She rifles through one of the bags on her desk. "Here. Take him this. It's his usual. Tell him I told him he needs to eat."
I smile at her. She can be nice when she wants to. "Thanks."
The wrapped up burrito smells like egg and cheese and maybe something else as I walk into Wes's office. I knock on the door jamb. "Hey, brought you some food. Cordy wanted you to eat. Any luck?" He looks so studious with his glasses back on and his hair still a little rumpled from last night. It's cute.
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Lidzal deamon! Yes, that's it. Nodding to myself, I pulled the other book toward me and frantically started to turn the pages. When I stumbled upon the very thing I'd been looking for, I peered down at and scribbled some of the information on the pad. Right, there were three species. The first one wasn't it though, I summarized from Cordelia's description. The second and the last could be, they were very similar.
Pulling a third book closer, I started to cross reverence them. Spikes, they both had those. Sharp claws, check on that as well. Teeth, hmmm, they were different. My frown deepened and distantly I realized someone had entered the office. I wasn't focusing on that though, I needed to get to the bottom of this and fast. Look at this. The second one had slightly longer teeth then the third species. Now that was interesting and perhaps a clue.
"Hmmmm." Pushing my glasses back up again, I rubbed my eyes while my hand was there anyway and suppressed a yawn. It's a good thing I'm used to late night research sessions. Alright, we've not been doing research, but it was late anyway. "Lidzal deamon," I muttered, turning another page. "Narrowed it down to two species." No idea if I was talking to myself or if someone might've asked how things were going.
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It's that determination on his face, and the set of his shoulders that makes me admire him so much. He's always got the answer as long as it's in one of these books. And he always *knows* its in there.
Hmm. Lidzal. I don't think I know those. Obviously, Wes does. I prop my chin on one hand, and blatantly stare at him. I'd love to try to distract him, but I know we need the answer and he's not going to get to it if I bug him.
Distractedly, I hear Cordy talking to someone...Gunn. They're whispering...something about.. Moping? Sloping? Roping? I don't know. They're going too fast. And I'm kind of looking at the way Wes has rolled up the sleeves of my shirt so they don't get caught on the pages as he works.
I really like how he looks with his glasses, although without is nice too. Hmm. With or without? I can't decide. It's not like with or without clothes or something easy like that. He's got a different attitude with and without the glasses. More comfortable with the glasses on, like he's got something to hide behind. Without them though, he looks more innocent, but also more experienced. I can see all the laugh lines around his eyes without them. Musing to myself, suddenly I realize he's finally looking back at me.
"Err...Found it?" I try, wondering if he's asked me anything or not.
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"What?" Cordelia's voice comes from the doorway. She glanced over at Angel and a smirk plays on her lips. "Oh yeah. So whipped. You got him tied around your little finger without even trying." There's a sense of awe in her voice even though I've no idea what she's talking about.
"I beg your...never mind." Sighing, I hold up the tomb to show her the picture of the demon. "Was this what you saw?" My own eyes are darting to Angel again, who's still lost in...whatever he's lost in.
"That's it," Cordelia nods, holding onto her head while doing so and probably vowing never to nod again. She sighs and turns around to go back out again.
"Thank you," I call after her and then turn back to look at Angel over the top of my glasses. "Angel, I've found it. We can get ready to go." Nothing, I'm half temped to snap my fingers in front of his face. "Angel?"
He blinks and seems to come back to himself, asking me what I just told him mere seconds ago. "Yes," I say, giving him an incredulous stare while I push the tomb toward him. "Where were you?"
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"Oh. Okay. Good." No way I'm telling him I was busying watching his nicely slender wrists, and imagining him with and without his glasses. It was a nice daydream while it lasted. His wrists really are nice. I can see why he's so good with a crossbow. Strong, agile wrists that would probably also look great tied to my bed. Okay, stopping. Now.
"Right. I was, uh, just admiring your work. So Lidzal," grasping for the name he mumbled earlier, and glancing up at him for confirmation. "How do I kill it?" I ask, efficiently moving back to Help the Hopeless mode, though, right now, I'm thinking I might be one of those hopeless who needs helping. I listen carefully as he rattles off a few key points. Sounds about right.
"Okay, Gunn and I will go get this Lidzal, and then you and I can go get some of your stuff just the two of us, okay. Here, you should eat." Setting the food in his hand, I get out of my seat, in the zone now and ready to get this thing off the streets. I'm totally focused, heading for the weapons cabinet and to grab my duster from the office. "Gunn, let's go." I yell, taking smooth strides through the office.
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"Yes," I say slowly, "Lidzal demon, sub-species Blanea ah..." I trail off, realizing that he's most probably not at all interested in the different kind of species. I'd learned that lesson years ago when all that earned me was bored looks from both Cordelia and Angel as I tried to explain the difference between certain demons to them.
Angel gets right to the heart of the matter and I sigh. I quickly point out several ways to kill it and press on the fact that they shouldn't forget the salt. "Salt, Angel," I tell him at his blank look. "They're allergic to it." Not that Gunn or Angel would go about the simple way. Heavens no, they need to hit something.
I start to move out of my chair when Angel's up and about already. Blinking, I stare at the burrito he shoves my way and then at his retreating back. Hold it. What just happened here? He's out of here, yelling for Gunn before I can even utter a word. He's leaving me behind! Not even *considering* taking me along. What the hell?
"Hey..." I call out weakly, my mouth opening several times. Nothing sensible comes out though, much to stunned to actually say something meaningful. By the time I make it out of the office, only Cordy is left while Gunn and Angel have already left for the mission.
"What's up, Wes?" Cordy asks, giving me a worried look. "You look like someone ran over your baby books again."
Annoyed, I look at her while I straighten up, putting a hand in the small of my back. "Nothing's up," I grumble, giving the closed door a withering look. Alas, it didn't seem inclined to wither. And neither did Cordelia. "I'm going to head home."
Cordy gives me the 'eyebrow' and snorts. "Uhm, no you don't."
"Yes I am. I need fresh clothes and a shower."
"Drowning in Dark Avenger look not your style?"
"Cordelia," I warn her, still stung that Angel just ran off without me. Not even bothering to ask. Hmpf.
"Wesley," she replies in the same tone. She gets up from where she was sitting and gives me that...look again. "Think you can actually drive a car?"
"Why shouldn't I be able to drive a car?" I ask her incredulously, not even noticing the way I'm leaning on the counter.
"Men," is all she says with a roll of her eyes. She grabs her purse, *my* keys and starts to drag me alone. "You got your cell?"
"Well uh, yes. Where are we going?"
"I'm going to drive you to your place, dump you there and then go over to my place. I have a hot bath and lots of chocolate ice cream waiting."
"What? I can drive you to your place. I can drive!"
Cordelia just looks at me and then presses on a point on my back which makes me yelp and growl at her. "Uh huh. God, Angel's rubbing of on you already. You're getting there with the growling, keep trying."
"Very funny."
"You know it. Now come on, we can talk while driving."
"I don't need to talk."
"Uh huh."
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"Angel, catch," he says as he tosses me my broad sword, which I catch easily. Wow, there's no way I would have found that in there. Everything's turned around. What did they do to my weapons cabinet? Have to bug them about it later, I guess. Where's my wrist stakes? Gunn's already got his weapon and is heading out the door to the car. Okay, so not like I need them right now. Maybe Wes knows the story. Boy, you leave for a few months and they totally overhaul your weapon's cabinet. Jeez.
Running after Gunn, I meet him at the car and get in. "Ready? Wes said we needed salt, you know anything about that?"
"Not a clue, bro, but we better get moving, not much time left." Crawling under a blanket in the backseat, I tell Gunn to go ahead and listen as he starts the car and pulls out on the street, heading out to the highway. Okay, so Sunday morning, you'd think traffic wouldn't be so bad, but it's like all the crazies are out. Gunn's yelling at people left and right. It doesn't leave much room for conversation, what with me under the blanket, too.
Finally, things quiet down when we hit the warehouse district along the docks. Gunn pulls up close to the location so I only have to go a short distance under the blanket, and conveniently no burst into flames. God, I hate these daytime visions. What are The Powers thinking when they send these things?
We both go into stealth mode and look around back to back, getting a lay of the warehouse. There's stacks of stuff everywhere, in no particular pattern, it could take us forever to find this thing... Suddenly, I hear a whimper and it's definitely not Gunn. I nudge Gunn and motion for him to follow, as I head toward the tiny noise.
"Shit." I hear whispered next to me when we turn the corner and find the soon to be headless guy about to be devoured by this *huge* thing with scales and claws and too many teeth. I mean, I'm a guy that can appreciate teeth, but this thing was...nasty looking. Whispering to Gunn, "I'll get the arms, you get its head when I'm done. Get that guy out of here while I get its...arms." They're arms...sort of. More like tentacle swim fins or something. Gunn nods and mutters "Always gotta have the claws and the big pointy teeth, don't they." I hope Wes said dismemberment when he was talking. I think that's what he said... Damnit, maybe I should have Gunn get the details next time.
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“So…what.”
“So talk Dork!”
“ What about?”
“Hello? I saw your face just now. What’s up with that? What’s going on with you and Angel? Talk!”
“I don’t need to tal- Ow! Cordelia!” Rubbing my leg where she just pinched me, I glare at her with narrowed eyes. “What was that for?”
“Oh come *on* , Wes. I’m like your best friend. I can tell something’s wrong. So start talking wooly boy.”
Sighing, I turn my head to stubbornly glance out the window. “Nothing,” I mumble again. Cordelia lets out a frustrated growl which is a very fair warning that she’s very close to moving from pinching to actually do some damage. “He just..you know, left.”
“Left?” I can hear the confusion in her voice.
“Yes, left. To fight. Didn’t even ask me.” Rolling my eyes at the obvious, I turn to look at her again.
She blinks at me, blinks again and then frowns. “And what were you going to do? Stagger in there and wither in agony in front of the demon as a distraction?”
My glare gets a bit more intense at that. “No,” I bite out. “I can shoot--”
“Wesley, you’ve thrown out your back--”
“--I don’t *need* my back to shoot a crossbow!”
“--*again*. How is it going to heal if you keep pushing? Did you tell Angel?”
I mutter something under my breath, distinctly *not* pouting. Children pout, I do not. Well, Cordelia and children pout, I do not. A Cordy who’s still looking at me with that glint in her eyes. “No,” I sigh, “I didn’t tell him. What’s the point? It’s over with and done and there’s nothing he can do anyway.”
“I swear, if this keeps up I’m going to convince Angel to tie you to the bed.”
“Cordelia!” I squeak, looking at her mortified.
“Though, I doubt it’ll take much convincing,” she thunders on as though I didn’t just interrupt her. “And here we are. Do you need help getting up stairs?”
“No,” I grit out, getting out of *my* car. “I do *not* need help. And how am I supposed to get into work tomorrow?”
“No worries,” she grins at me far to smugly. “I’m gonna call Angel when I get back home. I’m sure he’ll know something.”
“But---wait! What….hey!” She’s already slammed the door shut though and is on her way. Sagging a bit, I sigh and glance up at my apartment building. Only three stairs, shouldn’t be that hard. Should’ve been with Angel and Gunn. I *really* don’t need my back to shoot a bloody crossbow.
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Giving the signal to Gunn, we both race out. Gunn shakes the guy and tries to get him to move, but he's pretty much in shock. And I'm left with big, ugly guy. My first swing only hits a claw, and slams me back into a pallet. The thing is so damn tall! He's about to go after Gunn and the guy, but I get back up and take a flying leap at the arm closest to me.
I get the arm this time and now the thing's flailing in pain, dancing all over the place. At least this gets victim guy to move, jumping up, screaming, and then running away. Okay. Not even a thank you. Some people.
Then that arm is lashing at Gunn, but I can't reach it to hack it off. Just before it comes in contact with Gunn, I remember the salt. Hopefully, just throwing it on the thing will do the trick. I shake the bottle and only a little comes out.
"A litte help here, Angel!" Gunn yells with a scared note to his voice. The thing is definitely close now. Frustrated, I break the top off, slamming it into the shelves next to me and toss the whole contents on the demon. Cordy's just going to have to get a new shaker.
The demon stills, howls and then starts to melt in front of Gunn. Running to the other side, I hack at its arm as Gunn does a nice slice to its neck. There's a bit of gurgling, and we both chop off a leg before it stills.
"Right on. We kicked some serious demon butt." Gunn smiles and holds his hand up for a high five. I smile back, and smack his hand. It's good to be back. Just then my phone rings. I shake my pockets, and fumble with the phone, as Gunn sighs. "Hey!" Gunn takes the phone from me impatiently and answers it smoothly.
"Hey, Cordelia. Yeah, we're done. You want me to drop Angel off at Wes's. Sure. Yeah, I can do that. Nah, won't take me long." Gunn gets a big grin on his face and hangs up soon after.
"Okay, Angel man, you are going to English's, and I'll bring your car back by later, since its not really your time of day for driving." I nod. Wes went home without waiting for me? I hope he didn't drive...
The drive to Wesley's is somewhat shorter than from the hotel. From under the blanket, I try to grill Gunn about Cordy, but he ignores me, or honestly can't understand me from under the blanket.
Finally, we get to Wes's and I stumble out of the car, yelling "Thanks," over my shoulder. Beating out a few singed spots, I head up to Wes's apartment, and knock.
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Sighing, I moved over to the stairs and glared up at them. Well, isn’t that just what I needed right now. Another sigh gets out, since that seems to help so god awful much, before I grab hold of the railing. By the time I reach the third floor, cursing under my breath, Angel’s clothes are soaked in sweat. Good bloody god, who knew stairs could be such a challenge? I never had much trouble with them before, I guess Cordy may be right. About my back that is. I should probably get some rest, but when on earth are we capable of getting that in our line of work?
“Never, “ I mutter to myself, fishing my keys out of my pocket. “That’s when… ah, Hello, Mrs. DeBoer.” Flashing my far to nosy neighbor a smile, I nervously try to get the door open. Go away, you old hag, there’s nothing of interest going on here.
“Y’know,” the old hag in question starts and I curse mentally to myself. “In my days, we didn’t party like you do.”
“Oh,” I nod weakly, the polite smile still on my face. “I…guess so, yes.”
“Not like you youngster today. No sense in decorum! Low lives, the lot of you. Just lazing about all day long, watching the television and--”
“Yes, yes, of course,” I nod politely, rattling the key in the hole and sighing in relief when it finally opens. “Have a nice day, Mrs. DeBoer!” She’s still ranting on as I close my door and I push my glasses up with a sigh. Could this day possibly get any worse? Ah, now that I’ve said that? Of course it can. Dammit.
Pushing myself away from the door, I trudge over to my bed and look at it wearily. I could lay down for a few minutes. That’s all it takes really. Falling face down on the mattress, I wince, groan and then decide that not moving for the next decade actually sounds like a *good* idea. Bloody brilliant if you ask me. And it's not actually my back that's the problem, it's the fact that I'm so bloody *tired*.
What is that infernal knocking sound? “What?” I groan, not really inclined to move. “I’m trying to die in peace here. Go away. Unless you've got a merciful shotgun. In which case come in.” As if anyone can actually hear me from here. Well, Angel could, but he's out fighting.
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I hear a groan, but no movement. Trying to die in peace? God, he probably did drive home...but I didn't see his car. I hear him say come in, but shouldn't his door be locked? I test the handle and feel it give. Turning it, I open the door and slide in just as it looks like his neighbor is about to talk to me. God, it sounds like he's in a lot of pain, just from the sound of his voice.
Quietly closing the door behind me, and locking it this time, I head towards the bedroom. The scent of sweat is heavy in my nose, and I realize it must have taken a lot of effort for him to climb all those stairs that took me less than a few minutes.
Knocking softly on the door to his bedroom, I see him sprawled on his stomach, limbs totally askew. Wes... Jesus.
"Hey you." I say softly. "No shot gun, but a faithful vampire at your service, if you want one." He turns to look at me and I give him a small smile. God, he looks awful. What happened?
I keep my distance in the doorway, not sure if it was the right move coming over here without calling first. Cordy may think she knows best, but that isn't always the case with Wes. Who knows what mood he's in. For all I know he could be mad at me.
"Mind if I come in?" I say trying not to look too hopeful. It's tempting to curl up next to him and just hold him, whatever the problem. ...If there is a problem.
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Sighing, I wait for whomever to come find me. Doubt it’s a demon or a thief, unless they are really polite before they eat you or mug you. And that’s not possible in this day and age. I can hear quiet footsteps approaching and then there’s a knock on the bedroom door. *Really* polite thief, or demon. Oh, it’s Angel.
Angel?
Frowning confused, I turn a bit to glance at him, giving him a rather disbelieving look. How long did it bloody take me to get up here? Or had I actually been sleeping here? I guess anything is possible. Maybe it was a quick victory? Not as though I’d know, I wasn’t asked along. Oh, that memory causes me to glare at him, suddenly reminded why I was so keen on going home. Other then sleep that is.
“You’re already ‘in’,” I point out grumpily, wondering if I should roll my eyes as well. But I’m not Cordelia, oh to late, I’ve already done it. Sucking out my breath, I let it out slowly while moving around to look at him from a less awkward potion. Oh sod it, he’ll have to deal, it takes to much effort to move. “Did you and Gunn slay the demon?” I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. “Have a good fight? Got rid of all that pent up adrenaline? Did some nice team work?” Watch it there, Pryce. No need to get nasty.
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Seeing that he can't, or possibly won't turn further to face me I go over to the bed and sit next to him. It takes me a few minutes to decide whether or not to touch him, but finally I figure if he's annoyed enough that touching him is a bad idea then, a few punches or stinging words are going to be the least of my troubles. Reaching out a hand, I massage his neck lightly, feeling the tension beneath my fingers as they slide up into his hairline and back down again.
I nod, and then realize he might not have seen that, "Yeah, we got it. Thanks for the salt thing." Man, he's as prickly as cat protecting its territory. Did I miss something?
"It was a pretty good fight. Would have been nicer if you could have been there so we could have done a three pronged attack. As it was the thing nearly got Gunn, and it knocked me around a little." My fingers keep kneading lightly as I talk. I've got no idea what's got him so wound up. What's with the sarcasm? Gunn and I *do* make a good team. I frown a little, hoping Mr. Grumpy here will let me in on the joke.
"Why didn't you wait for me? I was going to come back here with you... How'd you get here?" I keep my tone even and patient, as I talk, hoping to actually get information, and not more grumping. He certainly knows how to be surly when he wants to be. I am a little hurt that he just left without me. If Cordy hadn't called, I would have been really worried when I got back and he was gone.
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“You’re welcome,” I say in a clipped tone of voice and then stare at him when he starts about the fight. Alright, it’s a bit of a glare. “Yes. Wouldn’t that have been nice. Unfortunately, I wasn’t asked along for this three way turned two way pronged attack.” Pronged attack? What the hell is a pronged attack? “It’s probably not as though my crossbow would’ve come in useful was it?” Oh, careful with the sarcasm there. It’s practically oozing now. Sighing, I let out a little growl, annoyed at myself that his touch is calming me down.
I don’t want to be calm! I’m angry dammit!
“What?” And it’s back to the staring. I’m torn between feeling guilty because I’ve worried him and being pissed off because he thinks I’m some sort of child that needs coddling. Of course then he asks me that particular question. Pissedness, game, set and match. “How did I get here,” I repeat in a natural voice. I walked! That’s how! How’d he think I got here? “Cordelia was kind enough to give me a lift in *my* car. Which she then took to get home to pamper herself with a hot bath and something with a loofah. I’m sorry, should I have called you and asked for permission?”
Pushing my hands under me, I start to get up and think better of it when I feel my back staging an anarchy against me. Bloody hell, the whole world seems to be in cahoots against me. It’s just not my day. And it started out so nicely. Slumping back down on the bed, I sigh and give Angel a helpless look. An Angel who looks worried. Can’t even stay angry at him when he looks like that. I’m such a fluke.
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He growls then for reasons unknown to me, and stares at me as if I'm some particularly nasty, species of demon. I stop touching him then. I'm apparently not getting anywhere, and he just keeps attacking me, only this time it's with that condescending tone, that I just hate.
Quietly seething, I'm about to get up, but see him trying to struggle to move, which he obviously can't. That sigh and totally helpless look has me looking worried again, but I'm still not feeling kindly toward him and his little outburst. Does he think he can just snap at me for being concerned?
"Maybe I should go." I look at him straight in the eye, and walk towards the door. "You seem to need some time to yourself, am I right?" I say over my shoulder, ready to go sit in the other part of the apartment. It's not as if I can leave, since it's pretty damn sunny outside, but I don't have to put up with this sniping when I've been trying to be nice to him. Even if he does look helpless and sorry.
Stopping before leaving the room, I turn back. "If I had been in your position would you have asked me to go along? Do you honestly think it would have been a good strategy, regardless of our relationship?" I ask quietly. I lean against the doorway, with my arms crossed. I'm not about to acknowledge the other part where he was just lashing out for no good reason. He needs to apologize for all of that crap he just threw on me.
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