Waking Up

[_fredless]

[At first there's just the rustle of bedding, following by a distinct thud as a journal is knocked off the nightstand and lands open-ended on the floor. Then there's a quiet hum -- that warm, wakeful sound that always seems to come out of a body after a good bit of sleep. It elongates as Fred does the same, stretching out and then curling to one

Comments

[Action! + Dictated]

[demonologist]

[Wes' been checking in on her frequently, keeping a mostly silent vigil. At the sounds of her stirring, he closes his book and stands up, moving towards the bed.]

Fred...you're awake. Finally!

[There's intense relief in his voice and he goes to hug her.]

You had us all worried.

[Action! + Dictated]

[_fredless]

[She hears the words, but they don't quite connect. When did Wesley come to her room?]

Finally?

[Had she done something or other to warrant a hug? Fred does her best to sort it out]

Wesley, what's going on? When did you get here? What... am I wearing?

[If he doesn't stop her soon the questions will just keep piling up]

[Action! + Dictated]

[demonologist]

Actually, you were asleep for a very long time, ten days, in fact.

[He pulls back to look her over. To make sure that she's fine. Which is ridiculous because she obviously seems fine and none the wiser as to what's happened.]

But first things first, how are you feeling?

[Action! + Dictated]

[_fredless]

Ten days...

[Fred blinks, then frowns. As much as she wants to argue with the statement, she also knows Wesley's wouldn't be saying so otherwise. The downward tilt to mouth triggers a thought]

Like I need a toothbrush. [Looking around her room Fred notices her journal open on the floor. She reaches down to close it] And a shower.

[Action! ]

[demonologist]

Harmony's changed your nightwear, in case you wondered.

[There's a faint air of embarrassment at the choice of outfits, but obviously it would have been inappropriate for him to make suggestions as to what Fred wore.]

You've been in a deep sleep the entire time, but we haven't been able to find anything else wrong with you. I had Willow come and check, and Harmony called in a doctor. But it appears the castle was at fault.

[He shifts to lend her support if she needs it in getting to her feet.]

Take things slowly, you might be a bit weak.

[Action! ]

[_fredless]

She changed my clothes? Harmony?

[Fred glances down again and fully takes in the fact that not a single stitch of what she's wearing belong to her. The skinny jeans and fashionable top were exactly the think her roommate was always trying to encourage her towards. There's an obvious amount of care involved.

And? The obvious next question]

Were you in the...[Her voice trails off as Fred moves to stand. All suggestions aside, she'd never been the sort to take things slow. And sure enough, there's a half stumble as she stands before Fred manages to catch herself. Even tries to cover up the sense of not right at losing ten days with an attempt at humor]

Why do I think I'm going to have the hardest time falling asleep tonight?

[Action! ]

[demonologist]

[Wes hastens to reassure her.]

Good heavens, no! I think both Harmony and Elektra would have respectively killed me had I attempted to stay in the room while that was happening.

[Offering an arm, should she need it, he hovers close.]

There are a lot of meals you'll be needing to catch up on, too.

[_fredless]

[She doesn't immediately take his arm. Fred's still too busy sorting out her own -- arms and legs and their proper uses]

Elektra was here too?

[There's a distracted note to her voice, just how much had she missed? It all trails off in a sigh as Fred presses a hand flat against her middle. It is already protesting]

And don't go reminding me about food. Not at least until I'm clean...

[demonologist]

Are you surprised? Quite a few people came to check up on you and keep you company.

[As stubborn as she is about certain things, Wes has no doubt she'll probably be able to handle taking herself to the bathroom, but that doesn't stop him from remaining within reach.]

While you get yourself sorted out, I could always fetch you something to eat. Anything in particular that you're in the mood for?

[_fredless]

...no? I guess not? It's just that... [Pulling into wakefulness, some of her words feel a bit behind her too. They're not always there when Fred reaches for them]

I don't remember any of it. Shouldn't I remember something? A voice or -- I don't know. Even a dream?

[It's nothing, really, in the larger scheme of things. But Fred clearly still isn't overly happy at the idea. She does her best to recover, and a smile flickers briefly]

I think I'd just settle for edible at this point. I guess just whatever's left in the kitchen?

[There's an unspoken message there Fred trusts Wesley to interpret -- as little wishing as possible. She's not especially pleased with the castle a the moment. If that's really was what happened]

[demonologist]

Hmmm. I'm not sure how it works. Sometimes people remember what happened to them and other times they don't.

[He gives her a small, hopefully bracing smile]

All right, then. I'll go and see what I can rustle up with my limited skills. Let me know if you need someone to scrub your back.

[It's a tiny little reminder of how much he's missed her, just a tease really, not serious at all.]

[_fredless]

Of all the interesting and different and yes, alright -- scary things that can happen to people here and I just get to sleep.

[It's an aside really, one addressed to the room just as much as Wesley. Fred isn't certain she even knows exactly what is bothering her. She releases a long breath, then starts to close in on the bathroom door.

Until Wesley's words, brief but teasing, earn another glance from over her right shoulder]

After ten days? I'm thinking it's not just my back that needs attention. I'll be sure and fold my clothes. Especially since they're so... new.

[She purposefully keeps her words light and teasing as well. There's more to say, of course. Despite what she can't remember, it's clear Wesley's been there most of the time. She saw the pile of books that didn't belong to her in the corner. But that could come after a shower. It's not long before the sound of running water can be heard coming from inside the bathroom]

[demonologist]

[Wes heads off to the kitchen to investigate what's there. In the end, after some rummaging, he makes a peanut butter and jam sandwich for her. It's nothing elaborate but it should help quell those initial hunger pangs. Hmmm, actually, he'd better make two sandwiches just in case. He finds a can of soda as well. It doesn't take him long and so he also puts the kettle on for tea. Presumably they keep tea. He goes to check.]

[_fredless]

[As the water heats in the shower, Fred sets her self to the task of peeling her clothes away. It takes longer than it should, none of the zippers and fasteners belonging to her bank of memories. And she can't help but admire Harmony's determination at getting her in them.

She let's go of another stale breath, slipping under the near-scalding water. Fred's always help firm to the notion that hot should be hot, and cold should be cold.

Surprisingly, she's cleaner than originally accounted for. But that doesn't prevent Fred from lingering long after she's done washing her hair and skin. As if the water can somehow slough away whatever it was that put her to sleep in the first place]

[demonologist]

[Wes makes himself a cup of tea and tries to keep himself relaxed. He's half tempted to jump on the journals and let everyone know Fred's awake, but they've probably heard it by now and besides, it feels more like something she might like to do herself. So he sips at his tea and ponders if he should add something else to the plate of sandwiches he's made for her.]

[_fredless]

[It takes a while, but eventually Fred makes her way down the stairs and towards the kitchen. She's glad that Wesley's chosen to wait for her there, and not brought the food upstairs. Honestly? She's had enough of her room for a while, even if it's just from pure principal.

Fred's still in her robe, hair towel-dried and gathered loosely with a clip. Coming to a stop in the kitchen doorway, she just watches him]

I see you managed to find the tea.

[It's just words, mostly. After all, they were all locked in here for a week together. Wesley knows his way around by now]