Chapter 8: Settling In
“This is your room.” Fred told her, showing her the guest room. “I know it’s kind of small, but Wesley and I don’t get a lot of visitors.”
“It’s fine, Fred.” Buffy smiled and set her luggage down on the bed. “Really. I could have stayed at a hotel.”
“Oh, nonsense.” Fred told her. “You’re Angel’s--Wesley’s--former charge. I really would be offended if you had.”
“Thank you.” Buffy told her.
Fred nodded once more and shut the door on her way out. She found Wesley reading some book on the sofa.
“Everything all right?” Wesley asked as Fred plopped down next to him.
“No.” Fred pouted. “Everything’s awful.”
“Why is that?” Wesley asked, tossing his book on the coffee table.
“Because our friends are in misery.” Fred sighed. “I thought that was pretty obvious, Wesley.”
“Buffy and Angel can handle themselves, Fred.” Wesley told her. “Remember the last time you tried setting Angel up?”
“With Cordy, yes.” Fred winced. “Please don’t remind me. Wes, this is different. They’re soul mates. And that’s true kye-rumption.”
“Let Buffy and Angel handle this one by themselves.” Wesley reiterated.
“Well, from what you’ve said, they’ll just fuck things up again if I leave them to tend to it alone.” Fred reminded him. “Come on. One little set-up and then I promise I’ll stop. I just don’t like seeing our friends in pain.”
“Fine.” Wesley caved in. “But if it doesn’t work out, you’ll stay out of it, okay?”
“Okay.” Fred agreed. “This is gonna be so great!”
“Yes, I imagine the effects will be quite…talk worthy.” Wesley told her as they cuddled.
***
“So, you just took off?” Willow asked.
“Yeah, just like that.” Buffy said into the phone. “Willow, he was groveling. Groveling.”
“But groveling’s good, right?” Willow asked, confused.
“Not in this case, no.” Buffy told her. “It’s not about the groveling, Will. He only came to New York because someone leaked the secret to my whereabouts.”
“Spike.” they stated in unison.
“I swear I am going to kill him.” Buffy cursed.
“Therefore, making your lover happy once more. You know how much he hates ‘Captain Peroxide’.” Willow reminded her.
“Not helping.” Buffy ground out. “And he’s not my lover.”
“Sorry.” Willow apologized. “On both counts.”
“Anyway, from what Riley said on the message he left, Angel assumed Ri and I were back together.” Buffy told her. “Moron. Then he went after Riley, I guess.”
“Was there fighting?” Willow pondered.
“I don’t know.” Buffy sighed. “I left though. Plus, Fred and Wes’ wedding is not that far from here. Honestly, I wonder how they can manage it. I know I’d want a long engagement.”
“They’re in love.” Willow smiled. “After all…”
“Love makes you do the wacky.” they grinned in unison at the memory of that conversation.
“So, how’s Kennedy?” Buffy asked her, steering off the subject of Angel.
“She’s good.” Willow chuckled. “She said your boyfriend has a hot ass.”
“He’s not my…Willow!” Buffy scolded. “She saw his ass?”
“Oh, yes. As he was heading off to the airport to catch a plane to Los Angeles.” Willow admitted. “She said his ass was all nice and firm, and swears if she wasn’t a big lesbo…”
“Hey!” Buffy yelled. “So, when are you guys coming here?”
“Well, we just have to finish up some loose ends for Giles here and we should be leaving by the end of the week.” Willow promised. “You be good now. Remember, refrain from the violence.”
“I don’t always use violence.” Buffy said. “Well, at least some of the time.”
“Very funny.” Willow smirked.
“I’m a funny gal.” Buffy told her. “You’ll call as soon as you arrive, right?”
“Yes.” Willow replied. “Now, go. I’ll talk to you later. Bye, Buff.”
“Bye Wills. See you soon.” Buffy remarked as she hung up the phone. “Not soon enough.”
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