Here the moment you've all been waiting for: The aquaintence of two people who need each other desperatly, not only in love but also in life. Yes, these two will be very useful to each other and will need each other for future events that will shape who they are and will become. This is gonna be kinda a long story, so please be faithful. So now is the moment of truth. Enjoy!
"Is anyone here?"
Wesley searched the floor and was surprised by the confetti and banners that seemed to hide the red carpet. He had just arrived from LAX and decided to see if he was needed at AI.
"Cordelia? Angel? Anyone?" Then his eye caught the enormous Welcome Sophia ,with two exclamation marks, banner.
"Giles's daughter is here" He said to himself quietly
Angel and Gunn came out of the back both excited to see their old friend.
"Wesley! How are you?" Gunn hugged Wesley.
"Are you ok?" Angel followed his own hug with a concern look.
"I'm fine. It was a nice funeral. Nice and peaceful"
"It's nice to get that whenever you can" Gunn never actually knew what peace and quite was, but he heard it was nice.
"So, where is everyone?"
"Coredelia, Fred, and Faith went to get food for the homecomings and Lorne is at Caritas getting ready for --"
"Angel!"
"For what Angel?"
"For nothing. You know Lorne. Caritas can never be too perfect."
"Your throwing a party" Wesley could see that they gave off an 'surprise party' vibe.
"All the girls asked for was one thing and your big ass mouth just had to blab it" Gunn looked almost as annoyed as when Angel ate everything in the fridge when he first became human.
"I promise to act surprised. Like this for instance, Gunn why are you wearing a 'Welcome' hat?"
Gunn looked up and took it off in one swift movement .
"Fred made me"
"Ah, of course. A perk of being married I take it?"
"Yeah, one of the many"
"Another is being doused with confetti" Wesley looked at Angel utterly confused
"Long story."
"Cordelia? "
"Actually Sophia"
Wesley had seen and heard her name for a year. Ever since he had to skip the Wells's wedding, he had heard about Rupert Giles's newfound daughter Sophia Avila.
Although he had never seen her, he knew of her intelligence and beauty. Cordelia and Fred both spoke about her kindness and radiance. Faith told him she helped her open up and actually trust certain people, and this was something Wesley failed at. He, in a way, was jealous of her ability to help and guide people . He had that same ability but felt, had she grown up as Rupert's daughter, she would have beat him at the Watcher's Academy. He had low expectations about her. He thought she would look down on him because of what Giles told her. He probably told her stories of his incompetence and all his failures as Buffy and Faith's watcher.
"She already thinks the worst of me"
Wesley was also one to over-analyze.
"Sophia Avila? Rupert Giles's daughter is here?"
"Yeah she came about an hour ago"
"Angel? Gunn?"
Wesley saw a beautiful petite Spanish women in a white dress descend the stairs and walk towards him. He couldn't help but stare. Her hair was long and dark as midnight. Her smile was dazzling. Her eyes were piercingly dark brown, like a deep chocolate. All he could see was her light. All he could hear was her voice.
"That cannot be his daughter" He thought "It's not possible"
"Sophia Avila, this is Wesley Wyndam-Price. He's the brains and boss of Angel Investigations" Angel noticed the puppy-love way they looked at each other
"I finally meet the elusive Wesley." She thought.
" Hello Mr. Wyndam-Price. I've heard a lot about you" She couldn't help but smile
"Oh I hope I'm not blushing. I feel like a god damn twelve year old school girl. His eyes are amazingly blue. What Am I doing. Oh right, One day and I already have a crush. Gee, this is dandy. I need to relax and NOT think about what could happen. "
Hello Ms. Avila. Welcome, I'm glad you've join our team"
"I must sound like a pompous windbag. I hope she knows I do really want her here"
"Oh, he's British. Wait I knew that. Nice loosing the brain cells. It has to be from all those romantic comedies. All those damn mushy, lovey movies. But the truth is I did always have a thing for Hugh Grant, Guy Berryman, and Chris Martin. No, Soph. I know I need a relationship but not with my boss. Oh he's my boss. No No! I should slap myself. If I could at this very moment without looking like I should be in 'Girl Interrupted', then I would!
"I'm very glad to be here" She offered her hand and he took it gently.
They shook each other's hands and felt a surge. Then they let go quickly and looked at each other nervously.
"Must be the rugs"
"Of course"
And, again, they smiled nervously at each other and look away.
"Oh Fu--"
Cordelia was having a vision. But, something was different about this one. Ever since she was given the half-demon whammy, her visions had no pain and no joy. They were just like watching a movie with the screen turned off, no emotion. The complete 180 of this vision was odd to her. This vision was, dare she say, peaceful, as no vision, past or present was. She didn't understand it and she really couldn't explain it. All she could feel was peace mixed in with some anguish and then all happiness again.
Her eyes burst open to see Faith and Fred surrounding her. Somehow the force of the vision made her fall to the floor. Something she had not done since her out of body experience.
"Whoa, Cor you ok?" Faith was over her while Fred was picking up the bag she dropped that was overflowing with party favors.
"I'm not sure"
"Well, the cake is. Oh! But Cordy. Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I am now. It's just that this vision jolted me. I haven't been jolted in ages"
"Oh dirty"
"This vision was calming"
"That's odd. So you didn't see anyone we had to help?"
"No I didn't see anyone. I felt."
"Wait. You felt?"
"Yeah, just felt calm. Oh, and some pain, but it lasted only a second. Then, it was right back to the happy."
They helped her up off the street and helped her walk to the entrance of Caritas
"Can we not tell anyone else? I don't want Sophia and Wesley's party to be ruined"
"Oh lips sealed" Fred made the 'I won't tell a soul' motion
"No issue Cor" Faith opened the door to Caritas while staring at Cordelia
"I wonder what she saw"
"So now that we all know each other. I was thinking that we should go to Caritas."
"Lorne's club?" She had heard from Cordelia that Lorne was very proud of his haven that 'attracted creatures from all walks of life '
"Even though some don't really walk" Cordy had told her
"Caritas is a sanctuary for--"
"Good demons and humans alike?"
"That's right. Are you clairvoyant?" Wesley did not know the full extent of her powers and was pulled in by his curiosity about Sophia
"No. Cordelia told me. She also told me that it's a great place to relax"
"That it is" He couldn't help but be super smiley around her. He felt like a school boy again, but decided to try and forget about it.
"She's Giles's daughter and you new employee Wesley"
"Could they be more obvious?" Gunn saw the looks and knew something was starting between the two. Though he was happy for his friend. He hadn't had a romance since Virginia.
"Easy there Wesley. You'll have plenty of time to fall in love with her later" Angel knew this was long over due for Wes, he had to stand by as everyone had love and he had his books.
"We thought it was best to have a quick drink at Caritas and then come straight home. That sound ok?"
In actuality Lorne had closed Caritas for the day. The girls had spent the day fixing and making it suitable for two homecomings. It was Wesley and Sophia's joined party
Everyone knew Wesley needed to be reminded that they all loved him and would always support him. They all knew of the torment that Roger had put Wesley through. So, they thought it best to have a party for Wesley to relax and enjoy the company of his devoted friends. It just so happened that Sophia was coming on the same day. Then Cordelia's brilliant mind sparked an idea for putting together a joint party. This way everyone could get to know Sophia better and Wesley would be able to have some joy.
"Sounds good"
"They're planning a party" Maybe Sophia could read minds but just a little, she hadn't perfected it. Willow and Tara taught her how when Buffy needed help on the Jenvao demon.
It was a nasty little critter that could anticipate your move before you even thought if it. After two weeks of intense training with Tara and Willow, the three of them stripped the demon of its power with mind control and reading. As a result, Sophia studied more about mind reading and developed that power. She rarely used it, only when the vibes were extremely strong or she sensed she was in danger.
But this time, she had not tapped into her power. No, this was just woman's intuition and a good ear. She overheard Wesley mention it to Angel when she was walking down the steps.
"All right let's go."
Angel went to get the car while Gunn locked the hotel, and Sophia and Wesley walked together.
"Hotel is locked. You guys ready for a good night?"
"It's been a while since one of those" Wesley had his share of bad nights that month and, that soothing dream on the plane was the only decent sleep he had in weeks.
"Gunn? Can you come see the transmission?" Angel was yelling from the car
"What? I just fixed it!"
"Well, you did such a great job that it broke again."
Gunn rolled his eyes and ran to the car.
So there they left Sophia Avila and Wesley Wyndam-Price to try and have 'small talk'. As uncomfortable as the situation was, Sophia felt comforted. Here she was in a new town and she already had people throwing a party for her. Granted, it was also for Wesley, but she didn't mind sharing the crown of the ball with him.
Because of the winter days, the sun was setting earlier than usual at 5:30.
"Did you like Sunnydale?"
Wesley decided that he should start the conversation with a place that they both were familiar with.
"Aren't all Hellmouths fun though?"
"It was eventful. Crazy little town. But that occasional day where nothing attacked, it was a beautiful place."
"When did you not get attacked? If I seem to recall Sunnydale, everyday was a war field"
"Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter Sunday, Hanukkah. Once in a while a Flag Day, if there was a demon with a calendar. "
Wesley laughed at her sarcasm.
"Definitely came from Sunnydale. She's got the talk down right"
Sophia smiled at him and turned toward the front of the hotel.
"It's amazing."
Wesley turned his eyes from her and looked at the sunset. It was odd how he knew exactly where to turn when she spoke.
"Quite amazing indeed. It's hard to imagine that Angel went 200 years without seeing one of these."
"I could never do it. Ever since I was a child, I loved the sun"
"He doesn't need to know that"
"London isn't known for it's sunny hazes. So, whenever I could bask in it's warmth, I enjoyed it"
"Solstice" he whispered not thinking about what he said
"Winter solstice?" She looked at him and saw how his brown hair caught the lights of the reds and yellows of the setting sun.
Wesley was taken aback that she heard his most delicate whisper
"No, Well yes. The winter solstice is today. Also, my family's home in England is named Solstice. I was just thinking about it"
"Do you miss Solstice?"
"I will"
"I don't understand"
"I don't think I completely do either to tell you the truth"
"She thinks I'm insane"
"Really bad memories from Solstice. Wow, Wesley. You really hated this place."
"Then we're on the same page. About the whole understanding?"
"Yes"
She sighed and told herself to let it go. This was obviously not a good 'getting to know you' topic, and she didn't want to make Wesley feel worse than he already did.
"So what else about LA, besides the beautiful sunset, should I know about?"
"Are you sure you want to talk about this now? We're about to go a party."
Wesley cringed and realized he just ruined Sophia's surprise.
"Perfect Price. You just ruined everything for her. Lord now she'll think you're an ingrate"
She looked at him and raised her eyebrow. She then saw his face blush and saw this worried look come across him.
"Something tells me I'll see that a lot"
Wesley then looked apologetically at her.
"I'm incredibly sorry Ms. Avila. I didn't mean for the party plans to come out. "
Sophia then did something uncharacteristically like herself.
She touched a stranger.
She touched his shoulder, granted she had to get on her tip toes to reach him, but she gently touched his strong shoulder and told him the truth.
"First off. Please call me Sophia. Second, I already knew, so please don't blame yourself for my good hearing."
He turned towards her and smiled
"Well then, she already knew. Sophia, it's a beautiful name"
"How did you know?"
"Should I tell him that it actually was his fault?"
"I overheard Cordelia and Fred talking about it. I also know it's for you too, so you have to act surprised along with me, Mr. Wyndam-Price"
"Sophia, call me Wesley"
"Will do"
He smiled and continued
"I am fully prepared to make it seem as if I never had a clue to the festivities"
"All right, it just that I can already see how much effort they put into this party. I mean, look at Angel and Gunn load the platters"
"Pardon?"
She pointed to beyond the bushes where Gunn and Angel thought they had masterfully hidden the car from Sophia and Wesley. They were loading food into the trunk of the car.
"I was wondering about that. Gunn is particularly good at fixing various items"
"The transmission is fine, the husbands are freaking out though"
"At the risk of sounding redundant. How did you know?"
"Women's intuition. That and I sensed Gunn's anxiousness when he was talking to us.
"Sensed?"
"Long story"
"I understand. Tell me later?"
"Of course. Oh! he's gonna look at us to see if were watching. Angel's vibes are screaming"
Without thinking about it, Wesley put his hand on her lower back and led her to a nook in the garden where a stone bench was.
"Let's sit"
"All right."
She obeyed him and he sat beside her. They heard footsteps and Sophia started a conversation out of nowhere.
"Of course I believe that the ancient Babylonians did, in fact, know about demons and how to defeat them properly. Look at the- Angel ,Gunn"
"Wow she is quite good" Wesley was very impressed with his new colleague.
"How's the car?" Wesley and Sophia stood up in unison.
"Just a little engine trouble"
"I thought is was the transmission?"
Gunn gave Angel the death glare again.
"It was. It was the engine and the trans-. Hey it's getting late we should go"
"Right. Before the vamps get any ideas"
Angel and Gunn walked ahead of Sophia and Wesley.
"This is a good beginning for me. I'm going to love LA"
She smiled to herself and looked ahead. The sun was at the end of the setting period.
"There's nothing like an Los Angeles sunset, is there?"
Sophia heard the soft British voice next her and became breathless.
"Nothing like it" She looked at him and he smiled back at her.
"Nothing like LA…and the people in it"
She saw Angel and Gunn laughing and caught a glimpse of Wesley. She sighed and closed her eyes for a second. She smelled roses from the garden.
"Aroma of life, Sophia. Roses are a blessing, from your mother. She's glad you're here"
She saw the night sky twinkling with stars above her, seeming to invite her.
"Twilight. Maybe not exactly but it's enough night now to be happy."
Besides sunset, her favorite time of night.
Comfort was the only word in her mind now, well that and happiness.
"So that's what it feel like"
In The Next Chapter: An evening in Caritas. You know when everyonecan feel emotions that you don't seem to see?Say for instance-A connection orpossibly Kyrumption? Hmmm Ponder Ponder...