ēdu | [Dictated]

[demonologist]

[Wesley is outside by the pond, throwing bread at the ducks in the water. It's an idle activity which would have been frowned upon if he'd been back at home. He's enjoying just sitting, watching the birds squabbling over the crumbs he tosses at them. His journal is open on his lap.]

I've read about how people are stranded here and want to return home to their family and friends. I'm supposed to be going away soon. I don't understand why others are stuck and can't go, even if they desperately wish to, whereas I'm not, apparently. Or, at least, not for long.

But what if I don't want to go home and would prefer to stay here? Is there a way to ask the Castle if that would be all right?

Comments

Action

[fredless]

[Fred happens to be taking a walk, taking advantage of one of the first spring days to try and clear her head. She's always loved the break in the seasons, the way that each one feels different against her skin.

Somehow it makes sense that she'd stumble across Wesley, and for once Fred doesn't spend too much time questioning things.

He doesn't want to go home.

The why's of that makes her chest hurt. Leaning against a tree, Fred finally speaks]

You can ask the castle for whatever you want. But it's got this habit of not always listening.

Action

[demonologist]

[He notices Fred when she approaches and pauses in his duck feeding. He gazes over at her solemnly, although with a warmer regard than when he first met her. He has questions, so many questions. But he knows it's impolite to ask too many at once.]

Do you know why I have to go back, while others can't, Miss Burkle?

Action

[fredless]

[She feels impossibly tall, and it bothers Fred more than it possibly should. After a moment, she moves to settle herself down on the grass before actually attempting to answer that question]

I don't think there's really any hard and fast rules about when anyone comes or goes. [After all, there was no saying if or when the Wesley she knew would return. She'd seen more than most in Paradisa, but for all that she's never found a pattern] Did somebody tell you otherwise?

Action

[demonologist]

When I first got here, Miss Elektra seemed to think it might only be a week or so. But it's been twelve days now.

[He looked down at his closed journal and smoothed his hand over the cover for a moment. He had another book next to him on the grass. A book of latin poetry.]

People have been so kind to me here. They ask me what I think. And I never have to go to bed without any supper. I was even allowed cupcakes in the middle of the day.

[Such a strange and wonderful place.]

Action

[fredless]

[Fred's well aware of how long it's been. She glances over at Wesley again. She's somehow unsurprised by the Latin, despite how young he is. She'd always enjoyed learning too, even at that age. Of course, her type of education had tended to involve days outside from sun up to sun down -- climbing trees, flipping over rocks to study the worlds underneath and generally ruining whatever clothes she set out in that day. Did Wesley even like Latin?

She looks back out at the ducks at the thought of him being sent to bed without any dinner]

You do have thoughts Wesley. I think that's the point worth remembering Even if...[he]...people don't always remember to ask what they are. Them main think to remember is you have them.

Action

[demonologist]

I know. Sometimes I write them down.

[Which reminds him...he looks down at the journal again.]

It goes back before the 1st. There are entries before I came. But it's a man's voice recorded. But people still call him Wesley. It's me, isn't it. I'm in this book, but much older.

Action

[succubitch]

[Lilah has yet to have the opportunity to interact with small Wesley, so she doesn't realize it's him as she passes him on her way back towards the castle. She pauses in her steps at his words, rolling her eyes a little.]

Hate to break it to you kid, but the Castle doesn't tend to do anyone any favors.

Action

[demonologist]

[Wes accepts her words and gives her a respectful nod.]

It's what I suspected. I suppose it wouldn't be fair to everyone else if it did give favours to some people and not others. Would you go home if you had the choice, miss?

Action

[succubitch]

[Lilah doesn't hesitate to answer.] Yes, I would. [Though she's adjusted to here, she'd still rather be in Los Angeles, back in her life at Wolfram and Hart.]

Action

[demonologist]

I'm sorry. If I could trade places with you, so that you could go home instead, I would.

Re: Action

[succubitch]

[Strange. Very unselfish for a child.] You know I wouldn't even remember that you had did it for me once I was there. So what would be the point?

Action

[demonologist]

It wouldn't matter if you didn't remember. I would still know that I helped. Besides, father says I shouldn't do good things for praise or reward, I should do it because it's the right thing to do.

dictated;

[luthored]

...You can ask. It never hurts to, I suppose. [ Unless you believe in jinxing. Wesley, did your childhood blow that badly? ] Why do you want to stay?

dictated;

[demonologist]

[Yes, it did, Miss Lana.]

Because the people are nice here. I get to go to parties. And eat cake earlier than I'm supposed to. I can explore the library and read whatever I want and not get growled at. I can do things which aren't just studying and not feel guilty. And I don't have to be afraid of the dark. Miss Elektra takes care of me, but she isn't mean about it. I want to stay with her. At least for a while longer.

dictated;

[20thcentury]

Who's told you that you'll be leaving soon?

dictated;

[demonologist]

Miss Elektra. She told me I'd be here for just a week or two.

dictated;

[20thcentury]

Did she, now? And how did she know that?

dictated;

[demonologist]

She didn't say. But she seemed fairly certain of it.

dictated;

[20thcentury]

Curious.

You're sure she wasn't just pulling your leg, then?

dictated;

[demonologist]

No, Miss Elektra would never joke about something like that.

Action

[likethetragedy]

[Elektra intended to give him some time alone. Kids always enjoyed that. She's certain she would get a vision if he was in some kind of danger. Hearing him on the journal made it seem like a good time to head over so she does. Elektra offers a small wave before taking a seat at his side and staring out at the water.]

It's not so bad here. [Does she mean the castle or pond? Elektra will let Wesley decide that one.]

Action

[demonologist]

I like it.

[He decides that it can mean both. Picking up the bag of bread he holds it out to her.]

Would you like to feed them too?

Action

[likethetragedy]

I would. [She takes some of it and tosses it out.] You know it's been nice having you around. I'd like you to stay too.

Action

[demonologist]

[It's a bittersweet thing to hear her say that.]

Does it make me a bad person that I don't want to go back. I do want to be a Watcher and help people. But...sometimes it's very hard. I try my best but it's never good enough. I wish--

[What's the use of wishing? Wesley can wish for objects here, but he can't have what he really wants. He wipes at his dangerously moist eyes with his sleeve and scrambles up and away from her, closer to the pond's edge. He starts to toss the bread into the pond with more agitation and force behind his movements.]

Action

[likethetragedy]

[Elektra watches him for a good moment. She recognizes his anger just the same as her own. It was always easier to retreat into than hurt. After that bit she stands up and goes to stand with him. She keeps her eyes focused on the water.]

It's okay to be upset. What you want is fine too. You can help people anywhere you go Wesley.

[She glances back at him.] I know you feel like you're not good enough, but I believe in you. I can see your strength. Others will too someday.