(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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[red_rosenberg]

I glanced towards the window as well, which dully lit up for a split second as lightning flashed. Cool. "Good thing we got in and made tea when we did," I said happily, sipping said tea. I liked curling up, especially with a warm drink and warm company. Which sounded corny and oh so optimistic, but hey, I liked it. At least there wasn't a cat curled up at our feet or something.

He mentioned those days. Kinda the first time either one of us really pointed it out. It was weird, but it easy to forgive and forget. Mainly because it had happened so long ago and he was so nice now and different and we'd all done stuff we weren't proud of. I wasn't anyone to preach.

"I guess Cordy has a big sister complex we never knew about," I said lightly. "I'll tell Xander when I get back. He won't believe me, y'know. It makes my brain squeak to think of how she was in highschool and how she is now, and I've only seen a bit of her." Eek, wasn't I meant to be reminding Wes of his meds? It seemed rude to sort of break the conversation with that - would have been better if I had forgotten, but now I remembered, so I have to or I'll feel bad. "Speaking of Cordelia," I said, though it was a bit of a lame segway, "my mission that I chose to accept was to remind you of medication, though you probably already got that bit."

[_wes_pryce_]

Hmmm, looks like we're in for quite storm. I hope that doesn't mean that Gunn or Angel wont be able to get here. The streets do have a habit of flooding around this part of town when it gets really bad. I suppose that's what you get for living in a not so good part of town. Well, it's not as though I can afford to pay anything better and it's not so bad. Besides, I've a guestroom should it be needed.

"Oh I think if Cordelia were to visit Sunnydale now, they'd be in for quite a surprise." I smiled at her and thought about that. They might be surprised with myself as well, maybe even Angel. Then again, we never did get along there. Willow was one of the few I did get reasonably along with. Or rather, she was polite, even if I did... Right well, lets not think about that now.

"What?" I raised an eyebrow at her when she mentioned the medication. Bloody hell, how does Cordelia get everyone to gang up on me when it comes to that? It's sodding unfair. And I'm scowling at Willow, when it's not really her fault. Sighing, I schooled my expression and gave her a small smile. "I'll take them before I go to bed. They make me drowsy and I don't like that." Not one bit. I looked up with a frown when the rain started to pelt against the windows rather hard. That does not bode well.

[red_rosenberg]

I cringed a little as he scowled about the medication. Well, that was stupid. Nodding, I sipped my tea, and felt the need to say something a.k.a probably put my foot in my mouth. "Sorry if I just morphed into Nag Girl but I remembered it, even though I was trying to forget it and I knew I had to say something or I'd feel sneaky and bad and I didn't want to judge whether you should take meds or not."

I was cut off (probably a good thing) by a clap of thunder that seemed to make everything silence to accomadate it. "Woah. it's really coming down in pails out there, isn't it."

Sipping my tea, I shook my head. "But anyway - drowsy bad, drowsy make for poor conversation and I'll probably sound like I'm talking way too fast." I tapped my fingers against the side of the mug sheepishly. "Anyway, sorry and all. Cordelia. Scary persuading lady," I added with an almost nervous chuckle.

[watcher_pryce]

"Yes, she can be," I agreed with a soft smile. Still, they really had to stop that. It was getting annoying and it made me feel as though I were five years old. Next thing she'd send Gunn or Angel over to glare at me until I took the damn things and went to bed. It *did* happen before. After that building explosion. I thought I made myself clear back then, but Cordelia Chase obviously has a hearing problem when it comes to that. You'd think Charles and Angel would be less intimidated by her.

"It's alright, Willow," I smiled at her. Automatically, I reached out and patted her knee. I blinked at my hand, gave her a sheepish look and quickly pulled it away while I cleared my throat. Wrapping my hands safely around the tea mug, I glanced at the window again where the rain wasn't showing any signs of getting any less.

"I hope Gunn or Angel will be able to make it here. The...uh...s-street has a habit of flooding and then no cars will get through." And hopefully Willow's car wouldn't end up with a wet interior either. Or Giles' I think it was. "Oh but don't worry about it," I added quickly. "I-I do have-have a guest...uh...room." Which was a mess, since I used it as a semi-library. Dammit.

[red_rosenberg]

Flooding? Well, that'd be an interesting turn of events. I glanced at the window, and was both amused and worried. The adult in me was telling me about the inconveniences that would come from having the street flood, but most of me was amused. Cordelia wouldn't be happy. Nyah nyah. "Well, they'll call if they have trouble getting through," I said, but I wasn't desperate for them to come and get me. It was nice here, good tea, good company, good... yeah, just good. It was easy to talk to him, unlike some people I could mention.

I blinked when he said 'guest room', proposing I could stay here. I'd... like that. A lot. I don't know why, and I like that he invited me, or wanted me to. Maybe he was just being polite, but still! He wasn't throwing me out on my ass.

"Oh, cool!" I said happily, maybe a little too eager, but it have been all the sugar from before and now the tea. "No point in getting Gunn and Angel and Cordy soaked to the bone for my sake, you know?"

[watcher_pryce]

Getting up from the sofa, I walked over to the window and peered out. The rain was coming down as though someone was throwing the proverbial full buckets out of the sky. And I could see that the sewers were already having a bit of trouble. "Well, she usually calls when it rains and we have to be somewhere or they have to be here." And then sometimes demand I'd get a rubber boat as long as I just *got there now*.

I doubt she'd do that this time. Though, if Willow were to stay here overnight, there will be a vast amount of teasing, innuendo's and not so veiled remarks. From both Gunn and Cordelia. Ah well, I'm used to those by now aren't I?

Turning back to the sofa I let a small smile slip out at her exclamation. Maybe we should put less sugar in the tea? Then again, she was Willow, this is what she was like. I'm not getting out the coffee though. "Oh no, absolutely. No point at all. And Angel can't come through the sewers since they'll be flooded." I never really missed the rain they had in England. But for some reason, I was quite glad with it now.

"So, want to watch some television? They've quite interesting documentaries on Discovery." I winced at that. Because as much as I knew Willow liked books and such, I doubt she'd want to waste her time watching discovery or some such as well.

[red_rosenberg]

I managed not to chuckle - the people that I would normally talk with wouldn't ever suggest documentaries. Buffy, Xander, both thought they were boring (though once Xander and I watched a thing about baboons and their matings habits, that was kinda funny), and I never watched TV with Giles. Dawn would look at me weirdly if I suggested it.

I didn't exactly socialise with Spike. Yup, this was a first alright. I was a little curious as to what Wesley enjoyed doing, though - I knew he was an ex-Watcher, that he read lots, studied lots, researched lots, got shot... and that he liked tea.

"What sort of docos do you watch?" I asked, sipping my tea, I'd have to get more soon. I wasn't exactly turning him down - I did want to know what he liked - but maybe I could get him to watch something on a movie channel. Apparently Donnie Darko was playing, which hey, would be a great opportunity to show him the bunny-man-monster guy I can make paperclips resemble.

[watcher_pryce]

Thank god, she wasn't laughing. I had really expected her to laugh at that, or at least snort. The way Cordelia usually does. She has this special way of snorting, make you feel five inches tall. Quite a talent that. I glanced over at the window where the rain was still stealthy pouring down and by now I had very little doubt there would be a flood. Maybe I should call Angel or Gunn, just in case. Or they can call me, since they're always so worried. Who knows, I might accidentally drown while fetching the paper.

"Hmmm?" My head wiped around at her question and I hastily had to use both hands to take hold of my tea. Lucky it hadn't fallen on my clothes or...worse. Just a little spill. "Bit clumsy or me," I said, giving her a sheepish look. Pulling out my handkerchief, I dabbed at the small stain.

"Uh...w-well. There are several on if I'm not mistaken." I pondered the day and nodded. "There's a documentary about egyptian mummies. And one about the ah, extinct Dodo and the question on whether of not it really is extinct." I looked over at her thoughtfully. "Oh! And there's one about the ancient wicca ways. M-maybe you'd find that interesting?"

[red_rosenberg]

Oh, hey, that actually could be cool. Maybe it wouldn't be misinformed, that'd be nice. Still, there were, what, many many many channels on cable - Xander could give you an exact number. Hmm. Maybe, the documentary first, and then I'll take control of the remote. That sounded good. I smiled. "That sounds cool, I've been meaning to look into witchcraft pre-1700th century, but-"

I stopped as the lights flickered, and there was a crash of thunder overhead. "Wow, it's, heh, it's really rocking out there, ain't it?" I said, completely forgetting what I was saying as lightning lit up the sky once, and twice, and- the lights flickered again, and there were a few seconds of peace. Even the rain sounded quieter. "Huh. Must have been a false alarm or something."

I speak way too soon. I reflected on this as the electricity died, startling me a little as the room was thrown into darkness. "Woah. Um." Eyes unadjusted, I reached out to feel the table before haphazardedly putting my tea down, and standing, trying not to wobble. I always feel unbalanced in the dark. "This is unexpected. Wes, you good?" I asked, taking a step towards him and reaching out instinctively.

[watcher_pryce]

Surprised is probably the word I'm looking for. She looked actually excited by the prospect of watching a documentary. A smile slid on my lips and I nodded at her as she said she'd been meaning to look into witchcraft of that century. Anyone else would've laughed at me, or called me an idiot, or called the insane asylum. But not Willow. It was...comforting.

I frowned when there was a suddenly loud crash outside and the light flickered. Oh no. No, no, not now. Not that again. "Bloody hell," I muttered. It hardly ever storms here, but when it does? It goes all out. As though it has to make up for all the time it's lost when it's not terrorizing the city. I swear, they even get demonic storms here.

And then... Just as I expected, the lights went out. "Yes, I'm fine Willow," I said, squinting into the darkness. I could see her shadow wobble around a bit and took hold of the hand reaching out for me. "It happens quite a lot when it's storming I'm afraid. I had no idea it was going to be so bad." I got up myself to get some candles, tripped on...something and fall backward on the sofa again.

Of course I was still holding onto Willow's hand and she fell right on top of me. I don't know what my first priority was. Wincing at the small weight which pressed on the wound, or the fact that she was on top of me. At the moment I was to busy blushing and stammering though. "Oh dear. I'm-I'm terribly s-sorry. I-I tripped and uh...well..." Clearing my throat, I just bit my lip, not really sure what to say.

[red_rosenberg]

"Oh fudge!" We fell and I landed clumsily on top of Wesley, hand managing to remain in his. And I was on top of him. Oh wow. And, you know what's sort of sad? This is as far as I had gotten with a guy I liked since Oz left town. Thanks, power outage, for getting me somewhere. Oh, bad thoughts, bad, especially because-

"Oh!" I gasped. His wound. Cordelia would so kill me for this. Maybe laugh and then kill me, because let's face it, it was ridiculous. I shifted, almost sitting in his lap, free hand landing on his shoulder out of wanting to know where to look - I need to eat more carrots or something. "You okay? Did I hurt you? Oh jeeze, I'm such a klutz." I glanced around the room, seeing nothing except the dim outlines of furniture and corners. "You got a lighter? Or-or matches?"

[watcher_pryce]

My hands automatically moved to her hips to keep her steady, and well, away from the healing wound. "No! Oh, no it's entirely my fault. I-I tripped and uh...p-pulled you along." And just when you think that blush couldn't get any worse. Thank *god* it's dark in here.

"I'm-I'm fine." I mustered up a weak smile. Why? I've no idea, it's not as though she can see that in the dark. "Just-just a little sore. Nothing to worry about. I've had worse when carrying around books." That is, when they let me carry around books. I'm not allowed to even do that. The moment they *think* I might, either Gunn or Angel comes running. Or Cordelia sends them after sending me a glare.

"Oh yes," I nodded, which again, she can't even see. "I've uh...c-candles in the cupboard in the kitchen. And some matches next to it. Just in case of...a power failure," I finished lamely. Because it made me sound so prepared and well, organized. "I'll just go get them." Which would require her moving, and me removing my hands from her hips. Uhm...

[red_rosenberg]

I would have moved. No, I would of! It was just that his hands were holding my hips a bit and he didn't move them right away. And I... sort of didn't want to move. Which was very, very bad. But no. I had to move, or else I'd be obvious and crass, right? Okay.

"Oh okay," I said, voice pitching up a notch or too. I moved my hand out of his to place on the couch - I didn't want to hurt him while I got up. But my hand on his shoulder shifted and suddenly my fingers could feel warm, bare skin of his throat and I just sort of froze. I could totally give myself away here, or I could just shift my ass so we could get some candles. Groping in the dark was very, very not good. Right? Um. Right.

But I didn't move. I'm an idiot and I didn't move. Instead, I moved a finger up, letting it travel up the side of Wesley's neck, feel the skin there - I could feel his pulse. Random observation.

[_wes_pryce_]

This was getting a bit awkward wasn't it? But for some reason I didn't feel like moving. And apparently, neither did she. My hands seemed to be frozen on her hips and I couldn't seem to get them to move. No matter how many times I ordered them too.

"Yes. Okay," I automatically responded to her. As though I were an idiot parrot. Maybe I was. Well, not an parrot, but definitely an idiot. I swallowed and peered into the darkness, my eyes slowly getting used to it. The rain was still coming down hard, beating against the window, but I didn't really hear any of it. Even the thunder had moved down to nothing of an annoying rumble.

I just heard my own breathing, and Willow's. And her fingers. I felt her fingers my neck. I swallowed again and froze for a moment. They were cool on my skin, and soft and...nice. I don't think I've had anyone so close to me since Virginia. And considering that Willow is still sitting on my lap, that's pretty bloody close.

"I..." My mouth opened several times while a thumb seemed to automatically rub up and down one of her hips. "Should get the candles." Anytime now. I swear. I'll go get the candles. Then there was a big flash, lighting up the room, followed by loud thunder which made me jump. "Oh! Uh..Oh dear."

[red_rosenberg]

I felt his thumb through my jeans, moving. Which shouldn't be a big deal, but it was. We were... we were flirting. Andand touching. Oh gosh. And then the room was suddenly lit as lightning crashed through the sky, and I felt Wesley jumped a little under me. Under me. Oh boy.

I just nodded even though we were swallowed in darkness yet again. "Candles are good. They, ya know, give light, and candle light attracts Skalsky demons." Me, dork. No idea what else to say though.

"You, er," I said, even as my hand got all exploring, fingers sliding to the nape of his neck, almost rubbing but mainly just... resting, feeling, tentative and unassuming. "You need me to move and... yeah, I should move. So you can get candles. 'Cause it's dark." There was a pause, and I squirmed just a little in his lap, out of comfort. "You, erm... want me to move?" I managed, knowing I was blushing in the dark.

[_wes_pryce_]

"Yes...errr...I-I should get the-the candles." I nodded at that, a little bit to much perhaps. And we still weren't moving. This was strange. If Cordelia were here she'd have something to say by now. What, she's have something to say long before now. Gunn too, no doubt. Twits. Lucky Angel would just glare at me for daring to even look at Willow. He seems awfully protective of her. Or maybe he'd glare at Willow? One never knows with him.

And...we're still not moving. Her hand had moved to my neck now, and I was subconsciously leaning into her touch. It was, strange, and new and...soft. And, so very different from anyone else who'd ever touched me. "Yes, dark. We-we should get some light." Light is good, darkness is bad. Though, at the moment, I really don't seem to mind al that much.

This is wrong. What are we doing? We barely know each other! You're the older one here, Pryce. Get a bloody grip. Prying my hands away from her hips, I shifted a bit underneath her, and I really wish she'd stop moving in my lap. I mean...really, stop. I'm only man for gods sake. They seem to come equipped with rather traitorous body parts.

"I should get the candles," I said firmly, nudging her a little and getting ready to stand up. Candles, and light. those are good things. Yes, they are.