Monday Morning 518/520

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe was slow to wake up and immediately wished she hadn't as her head felt like there was an entire marching band in there. She closed her eyes again, and started sinking back into the warmth she was feeling in the bed with her. There was an arm draped around her holding her close and she smiled as she placed her hand over the arm...

...and then she froze.

There should not be an arm in bed with her. Cole was gone and...

She turned her head to look at who was sleeping next to her and gasped.

Anders?!

Oh this was... oh... oh!

She didn't need to look under the covers to verify that they were both quite lacking in having anything on at all.

She closed her eyes and opened them again.

Nope. Still in bed with her friend.

She was confused.

What had happened last night? First there had been the Memorial Service which had been beautful, but it had served to remind her that Cole was gone and not coming back. And then, as promised, Anders had come to see her and had brought the Ambrosia and black space evil...

Oh dear god! They had...

Oh wow...

This... this was...

There were no words right now.


[[OOC: That Phoebe and Anders woke up together is okay for broadcast. That Phoebe is hearing Cole's voice? Not so much.]]

Comments

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"It definitely wasn't," Anders agreed. "I never would've wanted to . . . I mean . . . gods, I don't know what I mean. I just know I'm sorry."

[sensethevisions]

Okay, she really wasn't sure that sshe coulld take much more of the guilt that was permeating the room. So, she went to him and just hugged him silently.

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

Anders froze for a moment before relaxing and returning the hug. "We good, then?" he asked.

Not that he wouldn't be beating himself up for it later on, but that was best left for when he was alone.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe was relieved when he relaxed and hugged her back. "We're good," sshe said quietly. "We still take care of each other."

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"Yeah," he said, and laughed weakly. "Just not like that."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe smiled. "Just not like that."

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"This is weird," Anders admitted after a moment. "It would suck if I just left, but I feel kind of awkward sticking around."

[sensethevisions]

"I don't know, either, Anders. I don't know the protocol on things like this. How about, I need to get shower and therefore you need to leave? No hrd feelings and now awkwardness that way? But if you start avoiding me after this..."

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

Anders scuffed at the floor with his toes and nodded, "Yeah. I guess that works. Can't avoid you when I promised to help look after you though, can I? And especially if I'm gonna help you with this. Helping him."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe smiled and nodded. "Exactly. You can't look after me if you're hiding from me." She hugged him again. "And Anders? Don't beat youself up. I was there, too, okay. Next time we decide to drink? We don't mix all three of the evils."

She wanted to make sure he knew she still wanted him around.

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"Just one at a time," Anders agreed, keeping an arm around her shoulders, "and good lords, we're eating dinner first, next time."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Definitely dinner first. So... I haven't lost someone important to me again?"

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

Anders blinked, a little surprised that she thought of him as important to her, but set his jaw stubbornly. He was just as sick of losing people as she was. "No frakking way. I'm not gonna let that happen."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe looked relieved. "Alright. Then go and take something for the hangover and I'll see you later."

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"'kay." Anders squeezed her shoulders briefly and went to get his socks and shoes on. He paused in the doorway long enough to add, "Go on, grab that shower. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

[sensethevisions]

"I will. And promise. If I need anything I'll call you. Same for you, okay?"

[cantgetnorelief.livejournal.com]

"Okay." Anders gave her a tentative smile and slipped out the door as quietly as he could.