Ghost in the Room (Not Dennis) ((RP for _freaksrus))

[prodigalwatcher]

Wesley stared at the door to his apartment, the apprehension that tightened his shoulders making him feel not only on edge, but utterly ridiculous for being tense in the first place. He was a grown man, an adult in an adult relationship with a smart, self-assured and reasonable woman. There was no logical reason for him to feel this kind of pressure simply discussing with Gwen the fact that Fred was back amongst them all. It was what he had told himself over and over since Gwen had said she would be over.

But Wesley wondered if what he and Gwen had was as strong and sure as he had been hoping. Every time they met, things had seemed that much more comfortable and familiar with her for him, and it became just that much easier to stop wondering when the other shoe would drop, and they might just be able to keep going as they were going.

He cursed himself a fool for thinking momentum lasted forever.

One thing Wesley knew was that he was not about to tell Gwen that he was leaving and taking back up with Fred. The simple and undeniable fact that the hadn't already told him that he had made his choice. He hoped that was what it meant. Still waiting, Wesley heard the sound of the cupboard in the kitchen opening and glasses being set on the table, followed by the more solid sound of a bottle. "Thank you, Dennis," Wesley said, smirking despite his nerves, "I think you're right."

The knock came immediately after, and Wesley answered, letting Gwen's presence put a genuine smile on his face. "Hello, there."

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[http://users.livejournal.com/_freaksrus/]

Gwen had always thought that her time with Wesley was temporary. Whether it would be due to her emotional baggage or LISA had been up in the air. That he would leave her one day, for her, had been written in stone. It's what everyone did eventually. She planned to enjoy her time with Wesley as much as possible and she'd meant what she said. It was the benefit of truly liking the person that you were lovers with. Her feelings for him wouldn't change. Was it love like Buffy said? Maybe. If it had been anyone else at any other time in her life she would have walked away.

"Naked in the sun and sand, sipping drinks with little umbrellas. I think that can be arranged very easily." She didn't think about the fact that they were making plans for a future. She didn't want to jinx it, but she liked that they were. If it turned out to be an illusion, so be it.

"I'll put you to work as my cabana boy."

[prodigalwatcher.livejournal.com]

This was good. This was familiar. This, he and Gwen could keep up forever without a thought or worry. He sighed with relief that they would be able to find their way back to this kind of place. Of course, he was under no illusion that nothing had changed. But those new depths could be explored later.

"That sounds absolutely wonderful." He gave her a warm smile. "What would we be looking at in terms of compensation for such employment?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_freaksrus/]

"Compensation? You mean being my cabana boy wouldn't be compensation enough?" Gwen smiled at Wesley, then tilted her head to the side as if contemplating something. "I supposed I could think of something to make it worth your while. Let's see. How about a topless sunbather to bring the drinks to? Or if it's secluded, I've been known not to have any tan lines."

She winked at him, "I'd have to make sure that you have the proper ... qualifications first though. Maybe a trial basis for drink service before the trip to Tahiti. You did do very well pouring the wine. Shirtless would have been nicer."

[prodigalwatcher.livejournal.com]

"Well, even the most pleasant of employment does need to have its perks, you know." Wesley leaned back and joined Gwen in letting his mind wander off to a secluded corner of tropical nowhere very far away from the rest of the world. His smile widened at her suggestion. "See? I knew you'd be a more than reasonable and generous employer."

Inwardly, Wesley sighed in relief. Gwen had not gone, and to all appearances, had no intention of going any time soon. And whatever he could do to ensure that was fine by him. He grasped the wine bottle and slid closer to Gwen. "Yes, miss," he said with a smirk.

The evening was sure to end a great deal better than Wesley had hoped.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_freaksrus/]

Gwen's smirk matched Wesley's and she reached over to her wine glass and held it out for him to fill it. "I think I could get used to this. I should probably be wearing more leather for the yes, miss part though." She winked at him.

She still wasn't sure what the outcome would be while Wesley sorted out his feelings, but Gwen was planning on making the most of whatever time they had. If it was a month, which never in her dreams had she thought that she would even think about, then it would be. Gwen had never thought more than a day ahead, sometimes only an hour, when she was with someone and now she was looking to months ahead. It was a very different experience and one she was still getting used to.