(Untitled)

[_wes_pryce_]

Continued from HereIt was... refreshing, to have a conversation with Willow Rosenberg. Especially if one considers our history. This is after all, the girl I condemned to death once. Her or thousands of others. But we didn't talk about that now. We talked about...normal things

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[_wes_pryce_]

She said yes. I was torn between being oddly happy about that and suddenly very nervous and afraid. And I had no idea why. I'd had other people over to my flat before. Why Willow being there suddenly felt like a big deal, I had no idea. But I couldn't seem to stop smiling like an idiot. Which, no doubt, I was.

"Pardon? Oh!" Toilet. Right. Toilet, these things happen. "O-of course." I automatically got up when she did and then sat down to wait for her. Mentally I was trying to go over several options to explain the rather large mess in my flat. And the was just the living room. At least the kitchen... No wait, no. It's not, there are dishes there from two days. Well, just a place and a cup for the tea. It's not as though I eat an awful lot.

Waving back at Willow, I stood up and retrieved my coat and hers, before getting up to join her. I'd already payed Sybil and she had given me this very strange grin I couldn't place. And to be quite honest, I didn't really want to place it. I just seemed as though she was seeing things that weren't really there.

"Well, if you're ready to go?"

[red_rosenberg]

Taking my coat, I smiled at him and shouldered it on. "I'm good to go," I said with a slight salute. Waving to Sybil who was watching us leave, I tentatively linked my arm with Wes's again, both to help him and because I could, as we started outside. The night was a little cooler than I remembered.

In the car, Wes started up the engine, and I couldn't believe myself. I came here for a book, and now I was going to dinner with someone and then going back to their apartment. If it hadn't of been Wes and I, people would think we were dating. Which we weren't, because... we weren't. I'm Willow, he's Wesley - we don't date, unless it's for real, like Oz and I were for real, but look how that ended. No, Wes and I weren't staying power material, if that makes any sense. Or at least, I wasn't. I bet Wesley would make a great boyfriend. Realiable and lovely and sweet. Now, a couple of years ago, I would have recommended to myself a beating. The man did vote for my sacrifice. But that was too long ago to think about. Besides. He bought me dinner.

"That was nice," I said as we drove out onto the road, as I did up my seatbelt. "I should show you my favourite diner in Sunnydale. Not as nice, but they make a mean spider sundae."

[watcher_pryce]

We both walked outside to the car, and drove off into the direction of my flat. It wasn't until I was actually driving that I felt a small twinge in my stomach from where that fellow had bumped into it. It wasn't anything like I was used to though, which was a relieve, and therefor easily ignored. I was, however, very glad that Cordelia wasn't here. She seemed to have developed a radar when it comes to things like that. Be it me, Gunn or Angel. Though lately only I for some reason.

"Yes, it was nice," I agreed with her, turning a little to give her a smile. Because it had been nice. I'd been going out and having a social live. Much like Cordy and Gunn always insisted Angel and I have. Though, why they had felt the need to include me in that lecture escaped me and still does. But...it's nice to have a drink with someone and not having to grope blindly for a some subject to talk about.

"Spider sundae?" I gave her a confused look while we had to stop for a red light. And...going to Sunnydale? That wasn't really my first choice of town. At all. Not after the many mistakes I've made there. Though I talk a lot with Mister Giles, and apparently Willow, now. That doesn't mean the rest will be as welcome. "That sounds interesting. I doubt they'll be happy to see me there though," I muttered, glancing over my shoulder before pulling into my street.

"Here we are," I announced, quickly changing the subject. I parked the car in my open space and glanced up toward the building. Balls, I really wish I had cleaned up a bit more. I really don't want her to think I'm some messy...slob, as Cordelia would say.

[red_rosenberg]

Stepping out of the car, I glanced up and down the apartment building. He had changed the subject too quickly for me to really give any decent explanations, but I decided to give one as we started towards it.

"See, with spider sundaes," I started, "there's this one diner that makes it extra yummy. You get the tall glass and then you put cherry cola in it, then two scoops of vanilla icecream, and then chocolate syrup. It's so good." I paused, thinking. Yeah, okay, so, I'm sure the others wouldn't be so pleased to see him. "And, you know, it's not like you'd have to see the rest of the gang," I added, with a shrug. "We could just make a day of it, go down, do stuff, then you can drive back and you don't have to see the rest if you don't want to."

In theory, this worked, save for the fact Sunnydale was so small that we had only one main street and it was possibly for him to bump into any one of the others. But I liked the theory.

I noticed him looking at me, like someone might look at something that both confused and fascinated them. Gak. I blushed a little. "I do teh talky thing too much, huh?" I said sheepishly. "Sorry. It just sorta starts then happens and keeps happening like now." Shut UP, Willow, let the man open the door first.

[watcher_pryce]

That actually sounded... Cherry cola? What on earth? They had cola with cherries in them now? Good grief, normal cola was horrible enough. But Cola with cherries? And then with ice cream and chocolate. And I'm probably over-thinking this too much. No doubt. Again. Still... Cherry cola.

"Do they have things to do outside of Sunnydale?" I asked with a shrug as we made our way upstairs to my flat. I was actually considering visiting her there. Which, I'll have to admit, came as somewhat of a surprise. I'd have never thought I'd go back to Sunnydale. Not even if Angel needed some book only Giles had. He could go get it himself, or send Gunn. Since Cordy wasn't about to set foot in Sunnydale either. But here I was, actually thinking about going to visit Willow.

My, how things change.

Sliding the key in the lock, I gave her a bemused look as she kept on talking. It was just very Willow like and quite frankly it was reassuring. "I don't mind," I said softly, swinging the door open. I narrowed my eyes and peered into my flat. Didn't look to bad, all things considered. I just was going to to have to be quick in getting rid of the laundry.

Waving my hand in and unspoken invitation, one did learn fast knowing about vampires and such, I walked into the flat. I dashed over to the laundry basket, tossed in some books and other things and then slid it quickly into my bedroom while I waited for her to get in.

"So...Tea?"

[red_rosenberg]

I stepped into his apartment as he getsured me in, and stopped to look around, shutting the door myself. I had been expecting immaculate, like, British pristine organisation. I was half-aware of him putting a few things away quickly, but I was impressed. It had that level of clutter and disorganisation that was my dorm on a good day. I knew tat Wesley would have rathered it be cleaner, but it wasn't scaring me with frightening cleanliness. This was a good thing - rooms with no clutter made me uneasy.

"So...Tea?"

I smiled as Wesley walked back in, looking a little flustered but otherwise bright. "Tea!" I agreed happily, and walked over towards the kitchen area of his apartment before he could. There were a couple of unwashed dishes but I hardly noticed them as I went to grab stuff necessary for tea making.

I wasn't intuitive in the kitchen, but I wanted to be helpful, so I found myself opening a few drawers in search for, like... teaspoons and stuff. Besides, I'd dragged Wesley all over L.A. and he was injured so I may as well do some good. "Mugs, mugs, where be the mugs," I murmured to myself as I searched.

[watcher_pryce]

Good lord, the place was a bloody mess. And now she's on route to the kitchen where it's even bigger mess. Letting out a sigh, I followed her, though not as fast as I'd have liked. Bloody pain, I probably should take one of those pills again. And call Cordelia to reassure her. As much as her motherhenning annoys me, I don't really want her to worry. Which is what she'll do if she doesn't hear from me soon.

"I'm-I'm terribly sorry about the mess," I muttered again, having a feeling that I was repeating myself. "Here, let me." I blinked at her as she seemed to know just how to make tea *without* the teabags. Which his how they normally make tea here. Then again, she'd been around Rupert Giles, so I suppose she picked up a few things. I was quite impressed, I'd not even managed to get Cordelia to make tea correctly.

Holding on hand over my side, I reached up and pulled open a cupboard. I rooted around a little until I found some half descent mugs and put them on the sink. "You really do know how to make real tea," I said softly and more then a little impessed by now. Wincing, I pulled down the sugar as well. Not because my side hurt, because it had been doing that for some time now, but because I thought she'd like sugar in her tea.

Sugar. In the tea. Sighing at that, I shook my head. "I suppose we better give Cordelia a ring when we've our tea."

[red_rosenberg]

"Yeah," I agreed, though half-heartedly. Cordelia was being all sweet with the mothering... but, to rhyme, smothering too. Wesley was a grown man, totally mature and capable. If he wanted helped, he'd ask, right? Well, maybe not, considering stuff like integrity and testosterone and stubbornness. Maybe Cordy had the right idea. Still, I wasn't gonna break him. Maybe. Heh.

"She's probably worried," I added. Hopefully, I didn't sound like I was pressing him to call. What if she came around here to pick me up for her place? She wasn't that bad, was she? I didn't know. Cordelia seemed to have changed an awful lot.

Smiling, I took the mugs, and let the water boil. "Yeah, well, Giles does it tons and I just sort of got the hang of it. I've made tea for us before, so I guess it's up to standard." I moved to perch on the bench in the kitchen - kids, this is rude, don't do it. But I wasn't thinking, just... perching. I crossed my ankles. "I like good tea," I continued. "Sort of like the difference between canned asparagus and the fresh produce, you know? I've been spoiled for teabags."

[watcher_pryce]

"Yes, she-she probably is. Yes," I agreed softly, feeling a little bit guilty for getting rid of her so Willow and I could have a quiet dinner. And Gunn. And Angel. I got rid of all three. Though I was certain Gunn, at least, understood. Angel and Cordelia might actually be hurt and very worried by now. Especially since I've not called back yet Damn, I'd better make that call soon.

"That a very odd, but also vey astute comparison," I smiled at her, glancing at the kettle with boiling water. Then I glanced back at Willow and blinked at where she was perched on against the table. It was...cute, somehow. Quickly scolding myself for even thinking about her that way, I reached out to get the kettle of the stove when it started to whistle.

"Well, while you're making tea, I suppose I'd better call Cordelia." Sighing, I gave her a reassuring smile and walked over to the phone. Cordy's number was so very familiar by now, I didn't actually need to think before punching in the numbers.

"Wesley?" her voice came over the phone before the fist ring was even finished. "That had *better* be you!"

[red_rosenberg]

I could almost hear Cordelia from the phone, and I glanced sympathetically at Wesley. He did seem genuinely concerned over Cordelia... kinda weird, they almost had a sibling thing going on there. What with the bickering and the snarking and the glaring and then the endless amounts of concern and protectiveness. It's sort of sweet. Maybe Cordelia's motherhenning was needed and wanted, for both of them.

Maybe I should quit stepping in. I frowned to myself a little as I set up tea. Was I stepping in, doing damage? I'd sorta kidnapped Wesley twice now, and from what I could hear, Cordelia sounded worried. Eek.

Putting a spoonful of sugar into my tea, I stirred it around patiently as I half-listened to Wes talk on the phone. Okay, fine, I was unashamedly eavesdropping, but he was only a few feet away, I was allowed to.

[watcher_pryce]

I winced at the tone of her voice. She sounded quite worried. Glancing over at Willow, I heaved a sigh and shrugged my apology toward her. She'd probably be able to hear her shrieking all the way over there. "Yes, Cordelia. It's me," I sighed.

"Is Willow with you?" She was tapping her nails on the table where she kept the phone, I could practically hear them.

"Yes she is. Where else would she be?" I asked rather confused.

"Oh, I don't know," Cordelia huffed. "Here?! Where she was *supposed* to be?"

"We-we thought we'd go for some t-tea after dinner. And well, we lost you in traffic and..."

"Yeah yeah," Cordelia said. And it's quite a talent but you can actually hear the eyeroll in her voice. "Did you take you medication? Did she make sure you didn't overdo thing? You're not in pain are you? That's why you didn't drive her here!"

"No, no, Cordelia," I quickly said, "I'm fine, honest. I'm...about to take my medication and I'm fine."

"Let me talk to Willow," she said, obviously not believing me, though I've no idea why. Sighing, I looked over at Willow with a small apologetic smile. "She wishes to talk to you," I said softly, holding my hand over the speaker.

[red_rosenberg]

I was just taking a sip of tea when Wersley turned back to me, holding out the phone, looking a little apologetic. Me? What did Cordelia want with me? Oh gods, she was gonna yell, wasn't she. She was gonna... well... probably just check up on Wes. Sheepish, I set my tea down and hopped off the bench, taking the phone and putting it tentatively to my ear. "Hello?"

"So, you guys got lost in traffic."

Heh. I could almost hear this disbelief and sarcasm drip through the phone line. "Yeah, it was, ya know, busy and I was talking his ear off and we got sidetracked," I said in a rush. I heard Cordelia talking to someone, Angel by the sound of it. There was a rustle, and Cordelia was back.

"Wesley's okay, right?"

"He's fine, Cordy."

"Make sure he takes his medication, he was meant to take it with food, but I doubt he had it with him when you guys took off to who knows where."

"Okay." Yeah, I could do that, and it sounded all important and... yeah. "Sure thing, I'll get right on it."

"Well, okay. Call me when you wanna get picked up, okay? Gimme Wesley."

I blinked. Oh, right, Wesley's phone, Wesley's conversation, me staying at Cordelia's and not Wesley's... right. I handed the phone back with a tight grin.

[watcher_pryce]

I was trying not to listen in on their conversation, but I had a good guess as to what it might be about. No doubt double checking and making certain I hadn't been lying to her. Twit. She's like a sister to me, but sometimes she's a real twit. No doubt she was talking Willow into a guilt complex and drilled her on medication.

Picking up my tea, I sighed and sipped it. The hot liquid flowing down my throat didn't do much to soothe me this time. I was getting tired and my side was starting to ache. I'd take my medication right before bed though, they tend to make me rather drowsy. I hated that feeling, which is why I tended to avoid taking those as much as possible.

I looked up when Willow handed me the phone back and sighed again.

"Don't sigh so much. You sure you're okay? You sound like you overdid it." I could practically hear the accusation in her voice.

"I wasn't sighing, Cordy," I sighed and then frowned. Dammit. "I'm fine, alright? Willow is fine, I'm fine, we're both fine. We're having a nice conversation and some hot tea."

"Yeah well," and there was that mental eyeroll again. "Just gimme a ring when Angel or Gunn need to pick her up. You are not, I repeat *not*, going to drop her of yourself. Ya hear me?"

"Yes, your Majesty," I did my mental version of an eyerol. Which was just as good as Cordelia's.

"Damn straight. Now go, have your tea, be merry and all that. And don't you run away from us without warning again."

"Yes, I'm sorry. I won't do it again." I glanced over at Willow and rolled my eyes at her.

[red_rosenberg]

I giggled into my teacup as he rolled his eyes into response to whatever Cordelia was saying, which was probably something about medication or Wesley stealing off into the night for dinner elsewhere. I smiled as Wesley hung up the phone.

"Wow, she's really motherly since I last saw her," I giggled, picking up my tea and feeling it warm up my hands. "It's kinda sweet, though, and unusually... not self-centred of her. I bit perdantic but hey, what can you do. Wanna sit?"

I didn't wait for an answer before I walked over towards the sofa. The table and chairs may have been more appropriate, but I was comfort-girl. I folded my legs under me, snuggling into the corner of the couch happily.

[watcher_pryce]

When I was finally able to hang up on Cordelia, I was exhausted. Which was fairly normal after on got a Cordy Scolding. At least I wasn't the only one who'd had that feeling. Gunn and even Angel were right behind me. Mostly Angel, since he seemed to be the one who got scolded the most. Though, Gunn could do pretty well there too. Cordy and I mostly just...bickered.

"Yes, she's changed a lot," I agreed with her, smiling softly at the phone. As exhausting as Cordelia could be, it was also quite warming to know there were at least three people who cared. Well, four, since Willow has been awfully attentive as well.

"What?" I looked up, her words tearing me out my thoughts and watched as she made herself comfortable on the sofa. I had to smile at that. It was almost as though she felt at home here in my meager apartment. I moved over to the kitchen to pick up my tea and then sank down beside her on the sofa carefully.

"I guess we all changed a lot since...those day's." Of course I didn't need to explain to her what 'those day's' were. Just as I was about to sip my tea, there was a loud crash outside, followed by lightning and thunder. "Summer storm," I muttered, looking at the window with a frown.