Warped Reflection
Part Four: Welcome to My Parlor
by Ruth Quist
SUMMARY: What would happen if you looked in the mirror and you weren’t there?
RATING: FRT [V] [L] [A] [AU]
DISCLAIMERS: This fan fiction is copyrighted (2004) by the author. No infringement on the rights of Mutant Enemy, Inc., Greenwolf Corp., Lazy Dave, Kuzui Enterprises, Sandollar Television, Twentieth Century Fox Television, UPN or The WB, or any other legitimate holders of copyright for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, or any other characters contained therein is intended. This material is produced entirely for the entertainment of fans. No profit is made.
SPOILERS: Spoilers for up to the end of Season 4 (In fact, it is assumed that you’ve seen Season 4. It will be hard to read this if you haven’t.). Minor spoilers for Season 5. Mostly related to characters introduced this season.
DISTRIBUTION: Please ask if you want it.
ASSUMPTIONS: (Spoiler warning!) They still haven’t explained how the Connor related mind wipe works. For the purposes of this fiction, it is assumed that all the events that happened are remembered exactly how they happened. Conner was simply edited from those memories. (i.e. Justine cut Wesley’s throat and he remembers that, but he doesn’t remember the baby being in his arms or her taking Conner.) As you can imagine, this leave’s weird gaps in everyone’s memory. People don’t question this because, as a part of the magical process to create the mind wipe, they were told not to question it. This also means that everyone’s emotional state is pretty much the same as it was before the mind wipe. Aren’t I nice to tell you? Now if Joss would just tell us!
Fred had gotten the whole Sunnydale crater/First Evil story from Willow and Xander. She explained about the possibility of eye replacement through Wolfram and Hart—once they made sure Evil Inc wasn’t killing someone for the part.
Xander seemed to be trying to remain blasé about the idea. The fact that he was obviously tired and saddened about their recent experiences helped to tamp down his response. However, she could tell he had an undercurrent of understandable excitement over the concept.
She was deeply involved in the conversation when the sound of Wes’s laughter caught her by surprise. She looked over and saw Faith and Wes smiling at each other, obviously getting on like gangbusters.
She frowned, what was it with him and bad girls! She’d seen some kind of spark between him and Faith when they were all fighting Angelus. She’d kind’a wondered then. Although he hadn’t elaborated, Charles had mentioned something in passing about some kind of bad blood between Faith and Wes. But you couldn’t tell it from here.
He’d seemed so sincere when he’d found out about her and Charles breaking up. Like she really meant something to him. But then she’d found out about Lilah.
She’d been so sure, back when they’d done all that advertising to build up business, that Wesley had no interest in her. When those creepy puzzle demons thought she was Wesley’s girlfriend, he’d nearly killed himself making it clear they’d gotten it wrong. And he’d always been so awkward around her, like he didn’t know what to say if it didn’t have a book attached. After all that humiliating business over her childish crush on Angel, she wasn’t going to go there again.
Even when Charles implied Wesley was…interested (when she and Charles first started dating), she’d known he was wrong. That kiss, and all that stuff about Wesley feeling something for her, didn’t mean anything. She felt an unaccountable sadness at the thought.
*******************************************************************
Giles was not happy. The helicopter clearly had a Wolfram and Hart logo on the side, and when he’d questioned the pilot, the woman had readily told him about Angel’s CEO status at Wolfram and Hart. He knew all about the corporation and it’s ties to supernaturally powerful evil creatures. Their leading role in organized evil throughout the world, and probably beyond, was infamous.
Giles scowled at Angel, who was laughing with Buffy and obviously bonding…again. However, at this point, everyone was exhausted and needed the safety and protection Angel was willing to provide.
After all, except for the Watcher’s Academy, there was really very little of the official council left. After that interesting call from the solicitors in Britain earlier this week, Giles knew his little group could manage their own affairs once they got on their feet. In fact, he needed to make a call as soon as possible. But first…he looked at Wesley and Faith.
If the former watcher’s outer change was any indication of his inner change, then the man was dramatically different. Giles’ eyes narrowed thoughtfully, the question was ‘different how?’
Faith vigorously defended Wesley’s abilities when the subject came up. Willow, overhearing the rather…heated conversation, also felt compelled to definitively agree with Faith’s assessment. However, Giles noticed Willow displaying a certain discomfort during the conversation. What exactly did she know about the ‘Rogue Demon Hunter?’
Oh yes, Giles had heard about Pryce’s poncy adventures playing ‘Road Warrior.’ He almost laughed out loud in the lobby. In fact he had laughed, long and hard, when he originally heard about it more than three years ago. Looking over the man today though, he had to admit, the title had more bite. Gone were the pompous geeky bumbler, the tidy suit, the glasses, and the clean-shaven look.
As he watched, Wesley laughed easily at something Faith said and they both grinned at the shared moment. But despite the more relaxed composure, Pryce had an edge, a dangerous edge. That wasn’t necessarily a recommendation considering the Wolfram and Hart angle.
Giles sighed. He was very tired. He gathered himself together, pushing away the exhaustion. His face hardened into determination as he moved over to the pair. Time to find out what was going on.
*******************************************************************
“So tell me Pryce, what exactly is Wolfram and Hart’s big plan for Faith?” Wesley turned at the older watcher’s overly calm voice.
He looked the man squarely in the eyes, “Wolfram and Hart doesn’t have any plans for Faith, or any of you. We simply stepped in and provided the help Buffy indicated your group of survivors needed.
“As far as Faith goes, I have a team of lawyers currently working on a plan of attack. They may be evil, but apparently efficiently so—as long as they understand the strict limits I expect them to work within. I anticipate a reasonably quick and successful appeal based on ‘new evidence’ that allows Faith the freedom to do her work without fear of reprisal. I should be able to brief you both with details tomorrow.” Giles frowned at Wesley.
Faith’s smile faltered when she heard the words ‘Wolfram and Hart,’ “What does Wolfram and Hart have to do with this, Wes? They’re the jerks that hired me to kill Angel! Aren’t they like evil central?”
Giles said grimly, “Yes Faith, that’s exactly what they are.”
Wes looked at both of them, “Yes, I quite agree. In the four years we’ve been working in Los Angeles, we’ve spent most of our time and energy fighting them and their nefarious plans. However, after we stopped the beast and the apocalypse, and then defeated Jasmine…,”
At the other two’s blank looks, Wesley shook his head, “It doesn’t matter. She was just another threat against the world. In any case, they offered us control of the Los Angeles branch of Wolfram and Hart as a…reward for stopping the unscheduled ending of the world. Apparently, they like to keep things on their own timetable.”
“And you think you can trust them?” Giles said incredulously.
“No, of course not,” Wesley replied firmly. “I have no illusions about the arrangement. But there’s an enormous amount of good we can do with their resources. And the fact is, if we are there we can ameliorate their methods and limit their operations.”
Giles looked unconvinced, “I would assume they could say the very same thing about you people.”
“Quite true.” Wesley looked very tired, “No doubt they are using us and we are using them. But there’s an old saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Perhaps we will only be working there for a little while. But we may be able to get a much better idea of how they work and what they’re planning in the time we’re there. In the meantime, they have tremendous resources that you might as well take advantage of.” Giles snorted at the idea.
“No, really. For example, I know the Council’s research materials are mostly destroyed. However, Wolfram and Hart has an extensive library and I plan to copy as much of it as I can while we’re there. It wouldn’t really be particularly more difficult to copy two as one.”
“Are you trying to bribe me?” Giles suggested sourly.
Wesley leaned forward emphasizing his message, “No, I’m just suggesting you take whatever you can from Wolfram and Hart, while we control it, with no strings attached. I guarantee there will be no ramifications for you. Someone may have to pay somewhere down the line. But if they do, it will be us, not you. And, no matter what, we will probably incur that price just by being there.”
“You said that team of lawyers was working by specific rules set by you. Exactly what rules?” Giles, by habit, reached up to remove the glasses he used to wear and, when he discovered they were gone, instead rubbed his eyes.
Wesley spoke like he was reciting from one of his books, “Not to kill or harm anyone, not to forcibly subvert anyone, and not to subvert anyone within the judicial, law enforcement, or political system not already within Wolfram and Hart’s control.”
“What!” Giles exclaimed incredulously.
Wesley put his hands up to forestall further argument, “There is no perfectly legal way to prevent Faith from going back to prison, Giles. This is the quickest and most efficient method for allowing Faith to remain free.”
Wesley put his hands on his hips and sighed, “I screwed up, Giles. Faith is in the position she’s in, at least partly, because of me. I have the means to rectify that mistake and I will if you let me.”
Wesley stopped talking and waited expectantly for an answer.
*******************************************************************
Giles, obviously conflicted, looked at Wesley and Faith and then down. He rubbed the back of his neck tiredly and said resignedly, “I don’t approve of your joining Wolfram and Hart and I don’t trust them. However, you’re correct. Faith’s problem isn’t going to go away by any conventional means. We’ll listen tomorrow. I’m going to go up to my room now.” Giles walked away slowly, his exhaustion apparent in every step.
“I’ll see ya’ tomorrow too, Wes. And hey Wesley, I don’t remember being in any position with you,” Faith smirked, “not yet anyway.”
“Faith!” Wesley sounded scandalized.
Faith’s smile grew broader, “I knew stuck-up watcher was in there somewhere. Don’t worry, Wes. You’re safe with me.”
She pressed close until their lips were only a breath apart, her hand on his chest. Wesley, his face perplexed started to speak, but Faith laid her finger over his lips, silencing him. “If you played your cards right, you could probably get that little girl over there to show a little jealousy.”
Wesley was momentarily startled, but then stepped back, “Thank you, Faith. But I’d rather conduct my own affairs.”
Faith chuckled and punched him lightly on the arm, “Wes! Affairs? That’s the spirit! And here I thought I you were the one-woman man kind of guy?”
Faith, without appearing to look, slid her eyes sideways to Fred. Fred was openly watching Wesley and Faith and looked fit to spit. “Oooh, too late. I think she’s gonna pop a blood vessel or somethin’.”
Wesley refused to look in Fred’s direction, “Faith, stay out of it! Fred has made it quite clear where she stands.”
Faith unexpectedly hugged his arm, moving her head up on his shoulder, she whispered in his ear, “Don’t look now, but I think she’s plannin’ on standin’ over here.” Faith snickered lightly, and then said more seriously, “You’re a good guy, Wes. You deserve a shot at the brass ring.”
She leaned back to look into his face and reached her hand up to gently caress his stubbled face, “Damn, Wes! Ya really got that whole rough and tumble look goin’ for you now.” She said brightly, “I sooo like it!” She patted his face and swayed away to the elevator, laughing.
Wesley chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
“What’s so funny, Wes?” Fred’s tight lipped look contradicted the idea that she might find the answer humorous. Wesley knew Faith’s attempt to make Fred jealous was useless. However, he had to admit, she was certainly feeling something.
He decided not to explain what Faith was doing, “Faith has a strange sense of humor. I don’t think it translates into words very well.”
Fred looked over at the elevator that Faith was just getting on. Fred started to say something and then apparently thought better of it. She looked down, shifted from one foot to another uncertainly, and then spoke, “So, you goin’ back out to look for your brother tonight?”
“Yes. In fact, I was just going to speak to Angel about it.”
“Is she gonna go with you?”
Wesley automatically looked over at the now closed elevator doors, “No, I hadn’t really given it any thought. All of this was just something to get done so I could get back to looking for Winston.”
Fred relaxed slightly, “Well, you remember to call if you need anything…I mean, to help you find your brother and all. Wolfram and Hart have a lot of resources and stuff and they could probably help if you know what you need help with, that is assuming you know what you need to know that is and you don’t trust them any farther than you can throw them, not that you’ll actually be throwin’ them or anything.” Fred looked up expectantly after she finished, her nervousness obvious in her speech.
Wesley marveled at her ability to speak continuously without breathing. He wondered, a rather spurious thought, whether a vampire (who didn’t have to breath after all) would be able to talk as long. He could, of course, ask Angel. But, and he smiled a little inside at this, he was pretty sure the vampire would agree that Fred would win hands down.
God, he loved her. He spoke gently, “Thank you, Fred. I will.”
He spoke softly, but his intense gaze seemed to burn straight into her. She felt something flip-flop inside her and lowered her eyes to stop the overwhelming emotion. She mumbled as she moved over to the elevator, “Okay. Well, I’m going up to see Willow about something we were talking about earlier. I’ll…uh…see you later.”
She stopped and looked straight at him, her words firm and fierce, “You be careful.”
Wesley replied lightly, “Yes, thanks, I will.”
Wesley watched Fred’s departure and then approached Angel and Buffy, his jacket slung casually over his shoulder, “I’m leaving now, Angel. I’m going to my flat to shower and change and then resume the search.” He tugged his shirt away from his chest ruefully, “These clothes are starting to feel attached.”
Buffy looked up, her face solemn, “Sorry to hear about your brother, Wesley.” Wesley replied quietly, “Thank you.”
Angel stood, “Are you sure you should go out? I mean, when was the last time you slept?”
“I don’t have a choice, Angel. Look, I put everything aside because of the emergency. But now it’s time for me to get back to the job I have to do!”
“Okay, right. Gunn needs to stay here; at least until the Sunnydale group gets some rest.” All three of them smiled at the thought of someone stupid enough to attack the group once they were on their feet again. “But I’ll go get some weapons and meet you in front of your place, Wes. I think I want to gear up a little better this time.”
Wes silently nodded his acceptance and turned to leave.
“So, want me to come with? I bet we could get Faith in on the action too,” Buffy asked, standing slowly.
Angel thought for a second, “I think we should find out where he is first. We may ask for some help later though.”
Buffy moved closer to Angel and said lightly, “Alright, just remember, Buffy’s slayer service, on-call, 24-7.” Buffy gently kissed Angel and then walked away.
Angel and Wes watched her moving toward the elevator. Wesley commented, “She’s quite a woman.” Angel nodded, “Oh yeah.”
*******************************************************************
Wesley took a deep breath as he unlocked the door to his apartment. He really was very, very tired. He slipped inside flicking on the light switch, spreading a soft glow over the open main room.
He saw his brother Winston standing in the middle, his foot on the body of Wesley’s landlord, Mr. Bugatti, like a hero standing over a vanquished foe.
Before he could react, something slammed into the back of his head creating
a kaleidoscope of
exploding light—and then nothing.
*******************************************************************
He was drowning. He sputtered and struggled to breath. Choking, he shook his head seeking an opportunity to get a clear breath. He stopped and held his head still at the violent pain each shake brought it. His arms were held in two vices. Water dripped from his face and as his eyes cleared, he saw Winston smiling, negligently holding an empty bowl dripping the remains of the water on his floor.
Wesley tried to jerk back involuntarily. But he immediately discovered he was on his knees with a grinning vampire holding each of his arms. He felt a little embarrassed when he realized one was a spindly teen who’d obviously had a raging acne issue before being turned and the other, reminding him a little of Buffy, was tiny and blonde and dressed like an 80’s valley girl.
His impression (valley girl, not Buffy), and embarrassment, was amplified when she giggled and rolled her eyes at his attempts to break free. Six other vampires were scattered around the room. Recognizing the uselessness of trying to break free, he stopped his struggles and focused on his brother.
Winston put the bowl on the coffee table next to the various weapons Wes normally carried about his person-all but one. Wesley kept his face carefully blank as he looked up at his brother.
Winston had discarded the glasses he used to wear and was dressed in clothes from Wesley’s closet. The beginnings of a five o’clock shadow covered his lower face. He smiled at Wesley and picked a dagger up from the coffee table.
Wesley knew if he was going to accomplish anything, he needed his arms free. The best way to accomplish that was to strike at Winston’s overweening ego. He commented sarcastically, “Are you really so afraid of me that you need to keep me on my knees? How many minions does it take for you to feel safe?”
Winston flared at the criticism, “I don’t need anyone else around in order to clip your wings, Wussley!” He took an angry step towards Wesley, but stopped, visibly trying to control his temper. He waved the other vampires in closer and then nodded to the two holding Wesley’s arms. The two minions let go.
Wesley slowly got to his feet putting a hand to a substantial bump on the back of his head.
Smirking, Winston clearly felt he held all the cards, “You haven’t asked how I got in? Your landlord was kind enough to let me in when I explained how I locked myself out.” Winston negligently waved the dagger to point at the body. Mr. Bugatti lay sprawled on a blanket, one hand reaching out as if he was asking for succor. His torn out throat and staring eyes confirmed he was past help.
“When I asked if we could come in, he said sure before he mentioned what a strange question that was.” Winston paused reflectively, “He was the owner after all. He seemed to have a fairly high impression of you, before all the violence of course, despite your appearance.”
Wesley stated angrily, “Don’t you have anything better to do with your time than look like me?”
Winston smiled, “Oh, but it’s such a challenge!”
It was such fun winding Junior up.
© June 2004
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