Assistants' Lounge, Wed 18

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

With only one class to worry about, Angel had plenty of time to hang out and do nothing pay close attention to his studies.

Currently he was curled up on the couch and reading a large, old, dusty book.

For fun.

Weirdo.

Sean, possessed of a better sense of fun than his dad, was chasing a ball around on the floor.

There was fresh coffee brewing.

[Lounge is for TAs, library/clinic helpers, yadda, yadda, yadda...]

Comments

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"See, the thing is I know sex doesn't cheer you up, so it makes me wonder," Angel said. More seriously, he added, "How's Phoebe doing?"

[demonbelthazor]

Bel abruptly sobered. "She's all right," he said, gaurded. "She should be resting but she's determined to get back on her feet as soon as she can."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Was it some of your buddies doing the attacking?" Angel asked. His tone wasn't judgemental, just asking.

[demonbelthazor]

"Yeah," Bel admitted, after a moment's hesitation. "But they're not a problem anymore. It's been taken care of."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"You killed them?" Again, not judging. Just matter of fact.

[demonbelthazor]

Another hesitation, then he nodded slightly. "They're dead."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"That would take care of it," Angel agreed. "So are you quitting your job yet?"

[demonbelthazor]

"What's it to you?" Bel said, starting to grow defensive.

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Just saying I'd think the attack on your girl would only go to show how you really need to be self-employed," Angel said.

[demonbelthazor]

"You sound like Angelus," Bel said, mangaging a half-smile. Then he frowned again. "Unlike you, I just can't switch teams at the drop of a hat."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"That's not what your girlfriend says. Why not?"

[demonbelthazor]

"I knew if I gave you an opening you'd take it. Because that's just not how things work."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"You wish I'd take your opening. Is that how you want them to work?"

[demonbelthazor]

"You wish I'd let you. What's with all the questions?" Bel responded instead of answering.

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"I love it when you play hard to get I'm just saying this can't be making you happy."

[demonbelthazor]

Bel scowled. The last thing he needed right now was for Angel to try to seduce confuse him. "Unlike you, I haven't forgotten what I am," he said. He smirked. "But you'll remember soon enough."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

Angel's eyes narrowed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

[demonbelthazor]

"Nothing," Bel lied, cursing himself silently for making that slip. Not like they didn't expect him to try something else anyway.

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"And I should believe you because....?"

[demonbelthazor]

Bel shrugged. "Then don't. Because even if -- if -- I had something planned, I'm not exactly going to suddenly spill all the details of my villainous plans, am I?"

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Not without thumbscrews."

[demonbelthazor]

"I thought it was Angelus who was so fond of torture."

[notstakedyet.livejournal.com]

"Wouldn't be the first - or I'm guessing last - time you were wrong."

[demonbelthazor]

Bel smiled. "We'll see, won't we?"