SPOILERS: Extremely minor for
"Billy"; very much an AU fic as I don't mention or acknowledge the
'baby plot' in this fic. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This is all the fault of a rabid plot bunny tossed at
me by an online friend. First in a series of holiday fics. Special thanks to
Teleflora for providing inspiration and to Regina, Annabelle and Tony for the
betas. DISCLAIMER: These are not mine. I lay no claim to them. Joss & co.
own all... I am merely a mom. AUTHOR'S PREQUEL: Quoted within the text of this story is one song, two
poems, and a classical letter. They are, in order of appearance: The Lady in
Red by Chris Debarge; Sonnets from the Portuguese XLIII by Elizabeth
Barrett Browning; Sonnet XVIII: Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? by
William Shakespeare; and Philostratus: Letter xxiv. For those who are
wondering a complete list of the meanings of the flowers that Fred receives from
Wesley is at the end of the story. I don't want to spoil it for you by telling
you in advance. FEEDBACK: Much appreciated, please send to: meribeth@aesiraven.com
Chapter One: Lady in Red
Wes crossed the lobby and slipped out into the shadowed courtyard. Descending
the stairs, he allowed the night to comfort him. He wanted to be the one that
brought that lively sparkle to her eyes. He sighed and stripped off the suit
jacket that he had worn at Cordy's insistence. Tossing the jacket over the
bench, he began to pace the courtyard. Almost midnight and he was alone, again. My
own choice this time, he thought, I just can't do it, watch her with
someone else. My sweet girl.
Wes settled onto the brickwork surrounding the fountain, listening to the music
and sighed, his mind going back to when he had arrived at the hotel and first
seen Winifred, standing so uncertain on the stairs. It had been all that he
could do to keep from going to her and sweeping her into his arms, she'd been so
beautiful. Her burgundy brocade dress had brought out these wonderful red lights
in her hair. And that smile, tentative and unsure; shy and almost childlike; he
had wanted her smile to be because of him, not that it ever would be now.
The music had changed, slowing, and Wes sighed again. Only Cordelia would
want romantic music at such a time. Wes thought, trying to place the song.
Shaking his head, he started to rise when the music suddenly became louder as
someone else slipped out into the courtyard. He quickly sat back where he was,
hoping the shadows would conceal him and whoever it was would return to the
party.
"Wesley?" Fred's soft voice echoed in the courtyard, barely louder
than the music. "Are you out here?" She sighed, and Wes tensed as he
heard it. Fred continued, in a dreamy, half-audible whisper, "Of course you
aren't. Why would you be out here in the dark when you could be flirting with
the pretty girls inside? I'm not pretty or flirty or even comfortable with all
this."
"I'm here, Fred." Wes rose, the sadness he had heard in her voice
called to him, kept him from hiding from her. "What is it? Is something
wrong?"
"No... Nothin's wrong." Fred leaned on the railing, looking down at
him. "I was just wonderin' where you were." She ducked her head, her
hair veiling her face. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she continued,
"Why didn't you dance with me? Are you angry with me?"
"No, Fred." Wes came closer, resting a hand on the railing. "I'm
not angry with you." He stood there for several long moments, just watching
her. He took a step to one side, and held a hand out to her, "come
here." As he watched, she raised her head, staring at him with her still so
innocent eyes. "Please, Fred."
Fred stared down at Wes, then drew a shuddering breath. Descending the stairs,
she placed her hand in his, stepping around to face him. "Yes,
Wesley?"
Wes smiled, drawing her deeper into the courtyard. Once he was sure that they
couldn't be seen from the lobby doors, Wes carefully drew her into his arms,
swaying slightly in time to the faint music from the lobby. He was surprised to
see Angel carefully prop the door open a crack so that the music filtered out a
bit better, which also allowed Wes to recognize the song. Fitting, he
thought.
Wes rested his hand on her back, just above the edge of her dress, his other
hand clasping hers just above his heart. He hoped that the darkness was deep
enough to conceal his expression, the love for her that was becoming so hard to
hide. Without really thinking about it, he began to softly sing along to the
song, in a quiet husky whisper.
I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight
I've never seen you shine so bright you were amazing
I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side
And when you turned to me and smiled it took my breath away
And I have never had such a feeling such a feeling
Of complete and utter love, as I do tonight
Fred stilled, listening to Wes's soft voice, his accent slightly more
pronounced. She shifted slightly, resting her head on his chest and curling her
free arm around his waist. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to dream that
he meant it, that he did care. Slowly, she turned her attention from listening
to his heartbeat next to her ear to the words he was still singing in that soft
purring tone.
There's nobody here
It's just you and me
It's where I wanna be
But I hardly know this beauty by my side
I'll never forget the way you look tonight
Wes smiled down at Fred, cuddled against him like she was, right where he had
wanted to have her for so very long. He released her hand, pulling it up to rest
on his shoulder and used that hand to tilt her chin up so he could look into her
eyes. "I love you." He leaned down, kissing her gently, tentatively.
He pulled away slowly, smiling at her and brushed his hand against her cheek.
Fred stared at Wes, afraid to say a word and break the spell that seemed to have
been woven around them and yet, she had to know. Do you mean it Wes? She
thought and started to open her mouth to say something when the mood was broken
for them.
"Wesley? Fred? Are you out here?" Cordelia's voice came from the doors
to the lobby. "It's midnight. Come in for the champagne."
*****
Chapter Two: How Do I Love Thee? Wesley leaned against the counter,
smiling softly as Cordelia and Winifred gossiped. It was these quiet times that
he enjoyed the most, when the girls could be just be girls. He flipped a page in
the book he was supposedly reading while waiting for the delivery to arrive. It
had been a week since he'd given away his feelings or so he had thought. Fred
had never said a word, so Wes had decided to see if she cared at all. Sneaky,
but a tradition I suppose, Wes thought. As he watched, the door opened to
admit the delivery man with a rather large bouquet of flowers. Wes ducked his
head to hide his smile as the man approached the girls.
Fred blushed as she accepted the flowers, allowing Cordy to sign for them as she
wandered in a daze over to the counter. Setting the bouquet on the counter, she
buried her face in the flowers. After a moment, she lifted her head, hunting
about for the card that should have been in them. It took a few minutes, but
hidden amongst the daisies was a small white card. She stared at it for a long
moment, then smiled a bit teary-eyed.
"Who are they from?" Cordy was almost bouncing as she joined Fred at
the counter.
Fred shook her head at Cordelia. "It doesn't say. It just has a quote on
it." Fred looked across the counter at Wes, sighing softly. "Could you
find it for me?" She asked him, laying the card on the counter.
Before Wes could reach for it, Cordy snatched it off the counter and read it
aloud. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth
and breadth and height My soul can reach." Cordy dropped the card back in
front of Wes, shaking her head. "Pretty. So what is it?"
Wes chuckled, leaning across the counter to brush a finger across one of the
daisies. "It's from the 'Sonnets from the Portuguese'. Someone must care
very much for you." Wes rose to his feet, closing the book he'd been
reading and heading into his office. Returning a few minutes later, he laid a
thin leather-bound book before Fred. "It's in here, if you want to read
it."
Fred smiled at Wes, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you,
Wesley." Fred tucked the book under her arm and carefully picked up the
vase of daisies. Cradling the vase in her hands, Fred carefully started climbing
the stairs, heading for her room where she could enjoy the flowers and the poem.
Without worrying about Cordelia's remarks about my admirer, she thought.
She had just made it to the upper landing when she met up with Angel. She
sidestepped him, intent on reaching her room with the vase when he stopped her.
"Fred, you carry that vase any tighter and it'll shatter." Angel
watched the girl clutch the flowers even tighter against her chest and glare at
him. "I was just kidding. Here let me make it up to you, I'll help you take
it to your room"
Fred shook her head, vehemently denying his request and waited, staring at him.
She didn't want to be rude and walk off, but she also really wanted to go read
the poem that her admirer had quoted. I wonder how Wesley knew it so well
that he could find it right away? Fred thought, Maybe it's just one that he
likes as well.
"Well are you at least going to tell me who they came from?" Angel
asked softly, trying to reassure Fred that he wasn't going to do anything. Fred
was still a bit jumpy from the 'Billy Incident' even after all these months.
Fred shook her head again. "It didn't say. But they are pretty." She
gave him a careful smile and started moving away from him to her room.
"So a secret admirer, huh? Sounds like fun for you," Angel called
after her before continuing on his way down the stairs. Reaching the bottom of
the stairs, he was treated to the rare sight of Wes and Cordy arguing,
apparently about Fred's flowers.
"Cordelia!" Wesley slammed the book onto the counter. "Let it go.
So someone sent Winifred flowers. There's no reason to think there is anything
nefarious about it."
"She never gets things like that," Cordelia whined, "I'm the one
who has admirers, who should be getting flowers. It's not fair!"
"Life's not fair, Cordelia!" Wes glared, picking up the book and
heading for his office. "If life was fair, she wouldn't have spent five
years as a slave in an alternate world." Wes slammed the office door behind
him, leaning back against it and sighing heavily.
*****
Chapter Three: Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day? Wesley watched
through the courtyard doors as Fred and Cordy had a low-voiced argument. He
leaned on the railing to the stairs and watched the girls, I wonder what this
is about. After several long moments, complete with shouting, Gunn had the
misfortune of entering the courtyard from the street entrance. Cordy snapped
something at Fred, who folded and nodded. The grin that came across Gunn's face
disturbed Wes, though he wasn't really sure as to why it did.
Wes quickly descended the short stairs to the lobby, opening the weapons cabinet
and rummaging about as cover for the fact that he'd been watching the girls.
Gunn held the door for the girls as they came in, Cordy chattering away about
how much fun they were going to have. Wes closed the cabinet, leaning against
the doors, "Fun?"
"Yeah, nothing you'd like Wes." Cordy brushed off Wes's query, all but
dragging Fred towards the stairs. As Wes watched, Fred jerked her arm out of
Cordy's grasp, her eyes on the counter.
"Oh my..." Fred wandered slowly across the lobby. "Who are these
for?" Fred asked quietly, one hand reaching out to tentatively brush a
finger across one of the white roses in the vase.
Wes watched her with a half-smile, secretly loving the innocent joy she took in
the flowers. He chuckled, "They're yours. Arrived just a little while
ago." Wes crossed the room, joining her at the counter. "There's a
card in there for you."
Fred dragged her eyes from the small vase of pink roses and white lilies to look
at Wes. "Really?"
"Yes, really." Wes leaned one arm on the counter, gesturing at the
flowers. "I think they're cute."
"I love it." Fred carefully removed the white and pastel pink teddy
bear from where it was hugging the vase, cradling it in her arms as she hunted
though the flowers for the card. Finally finding it, she opened it and gasped
softly. After a long moment of staring at the card, she returned it to the
bouquet, picking it up to take it upstairs.
***
"What's it say?" Cordy asked, as she followed Fred up to her room.
"Come on, tell me."
Fred set the vase on her nightstand, removing the empty daisy decorated bowl
from the last bouquet. She set the teddy in one corner of the bed, nestling it
in the corner by her pillow. She handed the card to Cordy as she crossed the
room to her dresser. Carefully opening the heavy book she had there, she checked
the daisy that she was pressing for her scrapbook.
"What are you doing?" Cordy asked, as she opened the little envelope
containing the card.
"I'm pressing one of the daisies for my scrapbook. No one's done anything
like this for me and I wanted to keep one of the flowers."
"Oh." Cordy shook her head, clearly not understanding Fred's logic.
She looked down at the card in her hand. "Shall I compare thee to a
summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate," She read. Cordy
smiled, "That's pretty."
"Yes. It's Shakespeare." Fred smiled at Cordelia. "Do I have to
go out?"
"Yes, you do." Cordy handed the card back to Fred, turning to face her
closet. "You're going out with Gunn and I tonight and are going to have
fun!"
***
Wesley glowered at the lobby doors that the trio had just departed though, It
isn't fair. He shook his head, storming into his office and slamming the
door behind himself. I won't be able to rest until I know she's safe. And
why, why now did he have to pursue her. Even my best friend seems out to betray
me. Wes flipped off the lights, leaving only the small lamp on his desk lit
and staggered across the room to drop into the chair behind the desk.
Snagging a book off the desk, he leaned back in the chair and propped his feet
on a corner of the desk. My sweet girl. May all the powers protect you for
you aren't ready for this. Wes laid the open book in his lap and leaned
back, closing his eyes and wishing he had a drink of some kind. Anything to take
his mind off the fact that the woman he adored was out for a night on the town
with his best friend. I suppose that I should be happy, at least it's someone
we know, not some stranger off the street The sound of the door opening made
Wes look up. He didn't even make a pretense at civility, snapping,
"What?"
Angel crossed the room to set an unopened bottle of bourbon on the desktop,
plunking a glass beside it. "I thought you could use this," he said,
as he settled into one of the other chairs.
Wes closed the book, laying it on the desktop and reached for the bottle. If
Angel knows enough to realize I need this then there's no need for pretense.
Opening it, he poured a generous glass of the aged liquid, sipping it slowly,
once again leaning back in the chair, and closed his eyes.
"Good stuff huh?" Angel leaned back in his own chair, steepling his
fingers in front of him and considered Wes for a moment. "I don't really
drink much myself anymore but sometimes when I am really confused I pull this
out."
"I'm not confused Angel." Wes opened his eyes, tilting his head to
look at the vampire. Reaching for the bottle, he refilled the glass, "I
know exactly what the problem is and I can't do a damned thing about it."
"Wesley, for as long as I have known you there hasn't been a problem you
haven't been able to work out." Angel paused and considered for a moment,
"okay, that is not really true but you have the whole brain and book thing
going for you. You will figure it out."
"Not this Angel." Wes downed the glass, looking into it for a moment
and shrugged, pouring himself another.
"What's the problem, Wes?"
"What do you think, Angel? You of all people should understand!" Wes
growled at the vampire, the bottle of bourbon in one hand and the half-full
glass in the other. He finished what was in the glass, sighing heavily.
"Yes. Fred!" Wes glared into the now empty glass for a moment, then
flung it across the room where it made a satisfactory crashing noise as it
shattered against the pocket doors. "She's out with my best friend! I
finally tell her what she means to me. She ignores it. Now she's out with him! I
can't even get her to pay attention to me, not since that... she treats me like
I'm just there. A friend." Wes took a good stiff drink from the bottle.
Angel flinched as the glass shattered, then spoke softly, not really wanting to
interrupt Wes's train of thought, "You told her how you felt?"
"Yes, fool that I am." Wes grumbled softly, when he continued his
voice had dropped to a soft musing tone, "I had her right where I'd wanted
her for so very long. Alone, soft music and moonlight. So I told her... and
kissed her. The way she deserves to be kissed, not like I had on that
night." Wes drank more of the bourbon, then shook the bottle to see how
much was left. He shrugged, there was enough for his purpose, forgetting that
she was out with Gunn. "She was so very beautiful that night. How could I
not tell her? So I did. Told her the one thing I had managed to hide for so very
long. That I loved her."
Wes paused again, finishing off the bourbon and staring at the bottle for a long
moment. "She's never said a word, Angel. Never asked, never said a thing.
And now she's out with him. My best friend and he flaunts that she's willing to
go out clubbing with him. I can't even get her to talk to me about anything
other than our cases, but she'll go out with him!" Wes glared at the
bottle, then slammed it onto the desktop. "It hurts, Angel. Like they
ripped my heart out, ground it into little pieces and left it for the
birds." Wes allowed his eyes to close again, hoping that Angel wouldn't
remark on how close to tears he was, "How could he do this to me? With
Cordy's assistance at that? Cordy knew... knows... and she helped him." Wes
took his glasses off, dropping them onto the desk and rubbed his eyes.
"Does it get any easier? Seeing the woman you love with someone else?"
Angel leaned forward, concerned about the sudden silence from the other man. He
had only passed out, Stress and too much drink. Angel moved cautiously
around the desk, glad for once that his vampire strength would allow him to
carry Wes to the sofa. There was no way that he was going to allow Wes to sleep
in the desk chair. He'd no sooner gotten the Englishman settled and covered with
the light throw off the back of the sofa, then the creak of the door hinge had
him turning. Cordelia! Angel grabbed the girl's arm, dragging her back
into the lobby.
Angel ignored all the questions in Cordy's eyes, anger over her recent behavior
making that easy. "Why Cordelia? You know but you still pushed? Tell me
what was going through your head because I sure as hell can't figure it
out!"
*****
Chapter Four: Drink To Me Only...
Wes winced as Cordelia dropped the painkiller bottle on his desk.
"Problems, Wes?" She chirruped as she plopped down in the chair in
front of his desk. "I mean, yeah, you and Fred would be cute together, but
she needs to get out more. Why don't you ask her?"
Wes glared across the desk at Cordelia and shook his head at her. "I'm not
in the mood for this Cordelia." He turned his attention back to the book on
his desk, determined to ignore both Cordelia and his pounding headache. Bourbon.
I should kill him for giving me that last night. Wes ducked his head,
concentrating on his book and trying to ignore Cordelia. Before Cordelia could
remark on his slightly rude actions, there was a high pitched squeal from the
lobby.
"Bet she got more flowers," Cordy stated as she rose. "You
wouldn't happen to know anything about that would you?"
Wes opened the door for Cordelia, waiting for her to exit and ignoring her
question. He was really curious as to what Fred thought of her flowers. Two
more days. If she hasn't said something by then, I'll quit. Wes leaned
against the counter, absently rubbing his temple and watching Fred as she
bounced in front of the counter.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" Fred waved a hand at the flowers. "I love
roses. And the carnations." She leaned forward, smelling the flowers as she
looked for the card in it. "And the pot, it's beautiful!"
Wes ducked his head, hoping no one noticed his smile. She's so happy and it's
such a little thing. Wes watched her defend her flowers and the card from
Cordelia, as the other woman attempted to get her hands on it.
"Come on, Fred!" Cordy reached around the older girl, trying to grab
the card, "What's it say?"
Fred dropped the card, reaching for the teapot that held her flowers as Cordy's
flailing for the card almost knocked it off the counter. "Cordelia! Be
careful!" Fred carefully set the teapot in the center of the counter.
"Drink to me with your eyes alone.... And if you will, take the cup to your
lips and fill it with kisses, and give it so to me." Cordelia read the card
and snorted in disgust. "Yesh! Someone needs to start signing these things.
All these quotes are boring!"
"I think it's sweet," Fred picked the card back up off the counter,
smiling at Wes and Gunn who were watching the girls' antics with tolerant
smiles. After a moment, as Fred gathered up the card and the teapot holding the
flowers, Gunn tapped Wes on the shoulder.
"Your office?" Gunn nodded that way, "I gotta talk to you."
Wes nodded, turning to lead the way into the office. Once inside, he dropped
into his desk chair, returning to his rubbing of his temples. How long will
it take for those pills to work?
"English I thought we were tighter than that, if you liked the girl you
should have just said something to me" Gunn leaned against the now closed
door, staring down at the small pieces of broken glass still littering the
floor.
"I.. I..." Wes shook his head no. "It doesn't matter."
"You know for a smart man you can be real dumb sometimes. I'm not buyin'
what you are sayin', no one you talk to would buy it. You love her, so why are
you still sittin' in here talkin' to me?"
"I already told her," Wes snapped, glaring at Gunn, "and she
hasn't said a thing!"
"Ya told her?" Gunn tilted his head, thinking for several moments.
"She didn't say nothing?" Gunn crossed the room, dropping into one of
the chairs facing the desk. "Are you sure she heard ya?"
"Pretty sure, since I kissed her too." Wes sighed, leaning back in his
chair and resting an arm over his eyes. God, my head hurts.
"You told her and you kissed her," Gunn chuckled, "did she kiss
you back?"
"Gunn!" Wes glared at the younger man, the smiled shyly. Ducking his
head, he remembered that brief kiss in the courtyard over a month ago.
"Sorry, well look man you are gonna have to up the stakes. You know Fred
ain't all that, well... normal. I mean she ain't exactly big on human
interaction. It has been five years the girl is a little rusty"
Wes gave Gunn a rather thoughtful look, "I thought I was obvious
enough."
"You remember how long it took her just to eat with the rest of us. Come
on, use that brain of yours, obvious ain't gonna cut it, you got to do other
things too"
"Like what, Gunn? Since you seem to have all the answers."
"Man I don't have the answers, just suggestions, what you do is up to you,
just one more thing Wes, I wouldn't give up on her, it may take time, but it'll
be worth it." Gunn rose, heading back out of the office and missing Wes's
answer.
"Yes.. She would be. . . " Wes spoke in a bare whisper, thinking
rapidly about things that he could do for Valentines for Winifred.
*****
Chapter Five: Valentine Sweets
Wesley exited his office with a smile on his face for the first time in days. That
was rather productive. I have to see how she reacts to this. Wes thought
phone call he'd just completed. This should let her know, and they promised
that it would be here within the hour. Wes leaned on the counter, reaching
across it to grab the book that he'd been working with the previous night,
trying to translate yet another prophecy.
Wes watched Cordy and Fred as they gossiped about what they were going to do for
Valentines tomorrow. Actually it's more like Cordy gossips and Fred agrees in
the right spots. Wes thought, as he flipped pages trying to locate the spot
where he left off. Finding the page, he leaned an elbow on the counter, dragging
a notepad closer and picking up a pen. He started taking notes while watching
the girls.
Fred tried to look interested in what Cordy was saying, but she was much more
interested in watching Wesley. He was smiling, something he hadn't done in the
week since her 'date' with Gunn. What's going on Wes? Fred thought, her
mind cataloguing how adorable he was with that smile on his face and looking
relaxed. Am I going to get more flowers today? Valentines is tomorrow.
Fred turned her gaze to the door, curiosity getting the better of her.
Wes chuckled softly as Fred started watching the lobby doors while trying to pay
attention to Cordy. You're failing miserably sweet. He flipped a page in
his book, jotting away on his notepad as he did so. He was paying so much
attention to the girls, anticipating Fred's reaction that he didn't pay one whit
of attention to what he was writing until Gunn's quiet laugh drew his attention
to it.
"Strangest prophecy I've ever read, English." Gunn pointed at a line
on the notepad. Wes dropped his gaze to what he'd been writing and blushed, then
hit Gunn with the pad of paper.
Written on the pad, in Wes's ever so proper English public school handwriting
was Lady Winifred Wyndham-Pryce and I love you, Winifred. Wes glowered at Gunn,
then flipped the page. "You will forget you ever saw that," he hissed
at Gunn.
Gunn continued to chuckle as he held his hands up in front of him,
"Forgotten. I never saw you acting like a high schooler."
Wes glared again before attempting once again to get back to work. After a long
moment, he sighed and gave up, watching the girls instead. He dropped the pen
into the book, marking his place. Tucking the pad of paper into the book, he
closed it and leaned on it. Glancing at his watch, he was just about to reach
for the phone when the lobby door opened to admit the delivery guy.
Fred jumped to her feet as the delivery guy came in and asked for her. She
carefully took the packages from him, walking over to set them on the counter.
Cordelia, who'd jumped up when she had, signed for them before following Fred to
the counter. Fred set the vase she was carrying down on the counter, removing
the wrappings from it. As the vase was revealed, Cordelia gasped, reaching out a
hand to flick the glass, listening to it chime.
"That's Waterford," she almost whispered. "Who would give you
Waterford?" Cordelia stared at the vase again, envious that someone would
spend that kind of money on Fred.
"What?" Fred asked as she hunted through flowers for the card that
should have come with the flowers. She couldn't find it and it was frustrating
her.
"The vase. It's Waterford crystal." Cordelia said, again. "So
this time the card has to be signed. No one gives a girl Waterford without
signing the card."
Fred shook her head, turning her attention to the other package. This one was
gift wrapped in red satiny paper. Glancing up at the others, she shrugged and
ripped the paper off the box. As she did so, a compact disc clattered onto the
counter. Gunn picked it up, turning the case in his hands.
"What's this?" Gunn looked at the back, then the front. "It's not
labeled."
"Doesn't matter," Fred said, "It's mine." Fred took the disc
back, tucking it into the waistband of her jeans so that Cordy couldn't play
with it. She opened the box that she'd unwrapped and immediately smacked
Cordelia's hand. "These are mine too."
"But it's Godiva!" Cordelia whined.
Wes chuckled, reaching under the counter and pulling out a smaller box of
chocolates. "So it is," Wes dropped the box he'd retrieved into
Cordy's hand. "So are these. Leave Fred's candy alone."
Gunn cast a sharp look at Wesley, then nodded at the flowers. "Nice. Hard
to find now too."
Without thinking about it, Wes answered Gunn's remark, "Not if you know who
to call. Roses are easy enough, everyone wants them for Valentine's, but the
rest are harder. Camellias and gardenias are summer flowers but it was the
meaning that was important." Wes shut up quickly as he caught the look that
passed between Cordy and Gunn. Shaking his head, he snatched the book off the
counter and headed into his office.
"Meanings?" Fred asked softly, watching as Wes closed the office door.
"What did he mean by that?" She shook her head, realization dawning on
her and she quickly circled the counter, tossing the cd onto Cordy's desk so
that she could sit down. Fred dragged a small pad of paper closer, writing and
muttering as she did so. "Daisies; Pink Roses, White Tiger Lily and Stock;
White Roses and Carnations; a Red and White Rose, Red Roses, Red Camellias, and
Gardenias."
"Fred, what are you doing?" Cordy asked as she came to crane over the
other woman's shoulder. Gunn nodded as he too joined the girls at the computer.
The trio had their heads together, Cordy and Gunn providing suggestions as Fred
started a search.
Wesley slipped out of the other door of his office, crossing the lobby as
quietly as he could to slip out the doors to the hotel. You slipped up, Wes.
Now she's going to know. He thought as he mounted the bike, And if I'm
going to get yelled at it's not going to be here
.
*****
Chapter Six: Happily Ever After...
Wesley reclined on his sofa, tormenting himself by listening to 'Lady in Red'
and remembering that single dance he'd shared with Fred. Even now, a month and a
half later, he could still remember how wonderful her skin had felt under his
hand and how sweet she had tasted in that simple kiss. I should have known
better than to hope she'd ever care for me. Even half as much as I care for her.
He reached out, snagging the drink he'd poured for himself when he'd arrived at
home, wondering once again how long it would take for Fred to discover what he'd
done. How long, sweet? When are you going to come to me demanding answers.
Sipping the scotch, he sighed and closed his eyes.
The sound of knocking on his door woke Wes from the almost sleep he'd fallen
into while waiting to see what was going to happen. Shaking his head, he debated
ignoring the summons but his own innate curiosity compelled him to rise and open
the door. "Winifred?"
"Hey Wes. Can I come in?" Fred blushed and quickly looked at the
floor. "Please?"
Wes backed up a step, opening the door enough for Fred to enter the apartment.
She slipped past him, heading for the living room and stood there for a moment
before settling on the very end of the sofa. He closed the door, absently
locking it before crossing the apartment to join her.
"Do you mean it?" Fred blushed a bright pink, looking at her hands
where they were clasped in her lap. "Tell me Wesley. Do you?"
"Mean what, love?" Wes asked, the endearment an unconscious addition
to the question. He settled on the sofa, half turned so that he could look at
her while they talked. Fred's squeal as she all but flung herself at him
surprised him. It was automatic for him to catch her to prevent her from
tumbling off the sofa.
"That." Fred asked, cuddling against him, "You really love
me?"
The soft tentative question almost broke Wes's heart. He stroked her hair back
off her face so that he could look at her. "Yes, sweet," he whispered.
He continued the motion, caressing her cheek before he shifted her a bit so that
he could wrap both arms around her. Wes stared down at Fred, where she lay on
his chest. "What about you, do you love me?" He tried to keep his
voice level, hoping she wouldn't catch just how important her answer was to him.
Fred rubbed her cheek against Wes's chest, listening to his heartbeat. She had
heard the slight tremor in his voice as he asked her about her feelings. This
is important. Very important. She thought for a moment, trying to sort out
just how to tell him. "I.. I.." Fred stammered for a moment, then
blushed again. She hid her face in his shirt.
Wes closed his eyes, drawing a deep breath. "It's alright. I do
understand." He sighed, shifting a bit so that she was a comfortable weight
against him. He stroked his fingers through her hair, absently twinning a few
stands in his grasp. "I won't.." He trailed off, refusing to give into
the urge to cry in front of her.
No, Wesley. Fred thought, as she squirmed about in his arms. After a few
minutes, she had managed to situate herself so that she was all but in his lap.
"Wesley, look at me." Fred spoke very softly, hoping that he'd
cooperate. She raised a hand and brushed a few strands of his hair off his face,
waiting until he opened his eyes to look at her. She stared down into Wes's
eyes, the blue reminding her of summer skies in Texas. Summoning all her
courage, she very tentatively kissed him, barely brushing his lips with hers.
"You're wrong, Wesley. I do love you. Very much." She blushed again,
ducking her head as that little bit of courage deserted her.
Wes tangled his hands in her hair, tugging on it gently to get her to look at
him. "Fred?" As she looked up, he searched her eyes, seeing the love
she confessed to have for him. "Stay with me?" He asked the question
softly, smiling at her. "I'd like to hold you tonight, please?"
She snuggled into him again, nodding her head against his chest. She started
tracing patterns on his shirt, doodling more than anything else and he went back
to stroking her hair. "Wesley?" Fred tilted her head back to look at
him.
"Yes, love?"
"Happy Valentine's Day." she whispered and Wes chuckled, craning his
neck so that he could kiss her, a gentle kiss full of longings and dreams.
"And to you, my sweet girl."
AUTHOR'S EPILOGUE:
Winifred's Flowers were:
Daisy Bouquet:
Daisies: Loyal Love & Innocence
Teddy Bouquet
Pink Roses: Joy
White Tiger Lily: 'It's heavenly to be with you'
Stock: everlasting beauty
Solidaster
Teapot:
Pink Roses: Joy
White carnations: Pure Love
Baby's Breath
Stock: Everlasting Beauty
Waxflower
Valentines:
Red Camellia: 'You're a flame in my heart'
Gardenia: You're lovely; Secret love
Rose, White and Red Together: flower emblem of England
Red Roses: Love; Respect
