Part 26<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cFred?\u201d<\/p>\n
The young brunette looked up from the bundle of clothes in her arms. \u201cHi. You\u2019re back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos is upstairs reading, Gabby is upstairs pouting thank goodness, not the necessarily the pouting part but she is upstairs, not in the lobby that\u2019s a plus. Duncan, Angel and Cordelia are down in the basement training.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Angel is in a small room with Duncan with sharp weapons?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, I imagine they both have their swords, Cordy had hers- they\u2019re training.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn looked towards the basement door. \u201cDoes this make you twitchy? Angel, Duncan, swords, it makes me twitchy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley nodded. He started to speak but was distracted by the dresses Fred was lying out on the lobby sofa. \u201cFred? Are you moving?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course not.\u201d She smiled. \u201cCordy said she’d help me pick out what to wear tonight. We\u2019re all going to out tonight, even Gabby.\u201d Fred rolled her eyes for a moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are?\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred nodded. \u201cTo celebrate Angel\u2019s homecoming. We\u2019re going to Caritas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhose idea was this? Yours?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, no.\u201d Fred bit her lips. \u201cHonestly, I\u2019m not sure. Duncan, Cordelia, Angel and Gabby were talking about it first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow odd.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat that we\u2019re going out?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. That the four of them would all be in the same room together discussing party plans. Why is Gabby pouting?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho cares?\u201d Fred waved the question away. \u201cDid the information I found help?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, ghost gone with a minimum fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat. Where\u2019re you going?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just think I should head to the basement see how the training is going.\u201d Wesley headed to the basement.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou mean see if Angel has speared Duncan yet,\u201d Gunn mumbled following.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, uh, that\u2019s why we\u2019re both going down to make sure, right? Haven\u2019t gotten the warm and fuzzy vibes from the vamp towards Mac, can\u2019t tell me you have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley shrugged going into the basement.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d Wesley stood next to the young woman.<\/p>\n
She looked up. \u201cAnother wasted attempt at training.\u201d She nodded to the Immortal and vampire engaged in a sword battle. \u201cOne minute, Angel\u2019s showing me a move, then Duncan corrected it, then Angel growled, Duncan repeated his instruction, next thing,\u201d she held out her hand to the obvious result.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow\u2019d the case go, Dennis or Mommy Dearest?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely evil and definitely gone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood.\u201d Cordelia narrowed her eyes back towards the fighters.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho\u2019s winning? No low blows or anything, I hope\u201d Gunn nodded in Angel and Duncan\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan\u2019t really tell. One minute Angel\u2019s got the advantage, then Duncan, then back to Angel and so forth. It\u2019s been like this forever.\u201d Cordelia shrugged. \u201cI guess I\u2019m learning something, though I\u2019m not sure what. I think Angel might be holding back though, I\u2019ve seen him move faster.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, there\u2019s no reason for Angel to exert his full strength, it\u2019s just a practice fight.\u201d Wesley said hopefully.<\/p>\n
Duncan pushed in harder using a complicated swing to get under Angel\u2019s blade. The Immortal was disgustedly impressed. He had hoped that the vampire wasn\u2019t so good. He had wanted to convince Cordelia that the vampire wasn\u2019t skilled enough to teach her.<\/p>\n
Angel had no illusions that the Immortal would be a challenge; he just had hoped he wouldn\u2019t be as much as one. Angel wanted to show Cordelia that he could beat the Immortal without resorting to his vamp abilities. But, it looked like that wasn\u2019t in the cards. Well, Angel refused to lose. Angel sped up, slamming his sword with full force countering Duncan\u2019s artful swing.<\/p>\n
Duncan staggered a bit as Angel\u2019s blow pounded against his weapon causing the blade to vibrate. The Immortal quickly regained his balance and danced his feet into a more secure stance as he fought off Angel\u2019s increase in speed and strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooks like the vamp is letting loose.\u201d Gunn commented.<\/p>\n
Cordelia frowned. \u201cHe shouldn\u2019t use the vamp stuff it\u2019s not fair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFighting for survival is not a fair game, Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho’s fighting for survival, this is just practice, just like you said.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d say Mac is beginning to fight for his.\u201d Gunn shook his head. \u201cEnglish, are you getting worried.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA little. Angel.\u201d Wesley called trying to stop the fight.<\/p>\n
Cordelia glanced from Gunn and Wesley. \u201cWorried? You don\u2019t think Angel would actually hurt Duncan do you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel,\u201d Wesley called louder. Damn the vampire was ignoring him.<\/p>\n
Duncan was starting to get concerned. He was managing to counter all of the vampire\u2019s moves but he didn\u2019t know for how long. The vampire wasn\u2019t weakening or slowing down; in fact, he was just getting more aggressive. Duncan again tried to combat Angel\u2019s strengths with his more masterful techniques.<\/p>\n
Not working. Duncan twirled placing a high kick into the vampire\u2019s chest, knocking Angel back, attempting to gain a moment to regroup and rethink his strategy.<\/p>\n
Angel was back in the fight in an instant. He arches getting wider and stronger. Angel pushed down Duncan\u2019s leg as it came up for another kick. Duncan dodged and struck out with his fist.<\/p>\n
Angel fell a little with the punch, only to steady his stance for an even more aggressive attack.<\/p>\n
Duncan barely saw the blade searching for his neck, the steel a blur in its swiftness. He thrust up his arm, not having time to meet the steel with his sword. The Immortal winced and staggered back as Angel\u2019s blade made a deep gouge in his flesh almost severing the his arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cANGEL,\u201d Cordelia ran to the fight her sword immediately in the air, blocking Angel\u2019s next swing towards Duncan.<\/p>\n
Cordelia was knocked to the floor her blade crashing to the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel. Angel.\u201d Gunn and Wesley yelled running up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the hell are you doing?\u201d Cordelia dragged her shaky body up between Angel and Duncan.<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy?\u201d Angel suddenly dropped his sword. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d He reached for her arm to help steady her.<\/p>\n
Cordelia angrily knocked away his hand. \u201cI asked you a question\u2026OH, nevermind. Stupid.\u201d She turned quickly to Duncan helping him up. \u201cMac?\u201d She rushed to examine his wound.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll heal.\u201d Angel studying the ground as his sword knocked at the cement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt still hurts, you dumb ass.\u201d She yelled over her shoulder. \u201cWes, towel.\u201d<\/p>\n
She caught the material, wiping at the blood. \u201cDuncan, are you all right?\u201d She studied the injury. It was starting to close but the injury had been deep. Cordelia swore she saw the whiteness of bone.<\/p>\n
Duncan winced again and slowly nodded, bringing the towel tightly around his arm. \u201cI\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy, I\u2019m okay.\u201d He said lowly.<\/p>\n
Cordelia swirled around to face Angel. \u201cYou could\u2019ve killed him. What were you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe still has his head.\u201d Angel grumbled again.<\/p>\n
Cordelia glared too mad to respond. She ignored the vampire and put her arm around the Highlander. \u201cCome on, Duncan, you should lie down, you\u2019ve lost a lot blood. You should rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMac, rest won\u2019t hurt. It will speed things up. Come on.\u201d She said gently leading him up the stairs.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust what were you thinking?\u201d Wesley asked the vampire.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026he\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Angel yanked a rag over his sword, wiping off the Immortal\u2019s blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat last blow was to his neck, Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t even close.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf he hadn\u2019t blocked it with his arm, his head would be on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe just got sloppy, I wasn\u2019t trying to kill him.\u201d Angel refused to meet Wesley\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou better hope Barbie saw it the same way or your butt will be sitting in the sun going up like a torch.\u201d Gunn shook his head.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to kill him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn\u2019s right, I do hope Cordelia sees it that way. I\u2019m not sure though that Duncan will.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAfraid he\u2019s going to kill me too?\u201d This time Angel did look at his friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t underestimate him, Angel. I\u2019ve fought at his side for over three months now. He\u2019s very good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI beat him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, well, I don\u2019t imagine he thought you would actually try to kill him, especially in front of Cordelia.\u201d Wesley shook his head and left the basement.<\/p>\n
\u201cMan, that wasn\u2019t smart. Even if Cordy does believe that you didn\u2019t mean it, she\u2019s pissed. Great job of impressing the little woman with a big ass sword and the know how to use it.\u201d Gunn followed Wesley out.<\/p>\n
Angel growled, his arm gathering all the materials on the workbench, smashing them to the floor. He sat on the low bench near by, his head falling in his hands. He really fucked that up.<\/p>\n
Part 27<\/b><\/p>\n
Methos stood in the hallway watching as Cordelia and Duncan approached. The pretty young immortal switching from sweet concern for Duncan and the violent flaming of Angel\u2019s character and vampires in general, completely ignoring Methos\u2018 presence.<\/p>\n
Methos shook his head; he could have easily lived another 1000 years without seeing Duncan cuddled in Cordelia\u2019s arms, his arm wrapped in a blood soaked towel, and the pathetic helpless pained look on his handsome face. From the amount of blood, it had to have hurt like hell, but Methos knew for a fact that Duncan had suffered worse and despite his injured expression, Duncan\u2019s pain was less if not gone by now. Hell, all he needed was an aspirin and ten minutes, if that.<\/p>\n
But it seemed that Cordelia had forgotten and Duncan had just decided not to remember that he was perfectly fine, willing to let Cordelia baby him.<\/p>\n
Methos was having a hard time believing Duncan MacLeod, a man who could pretty much gain the undivided attention of any woman he wanted during any age, was resorting to such obvious tactics.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m assuming that Angel\u2019s not dust.\u201d Methos commented dryly.<\/p>\n
Cordelia flashed around. \u201cGive me a minute. That damn bully stupid bossy idiot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCordy,\u201d Duncan said weakly.<\/p>\n
Oh. That was beautiful. Methos rolled his eyes. \u201cCordelia, you do realize that Mac\u2019s fine, little bloody but fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan glared at his friend.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, he’s pretty much healed. But it hurt and he lost a lot of blood. And it shouldn\u2019t have happened, stupid vampire. I\u2019m going to kill him. Come on, Duncan you need to lie down.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Cordy, but I\u2019m okay and I\u2018m sure that Angel didn\u2018t mean anything. He just got a little carried away.\u201d Duncan said nobly.<\/p>\n
Cordelia laid a gentle hand on Duncan\u2019s face. \u201cThat\u2019s sweet of you, but he could\u2019ve killed you with his\u2026what was he thinking, damn him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos decided that he wasn\u2019t going there. Angel and Cordy\u2019s relationship wasn\u2019t his business, though he did have opinions on the subject, but stating them would mean he was getting involved in the melodrama that descended the Hotel since the vampire returned and he really didn\u2019t want to do that. But, he couldn\u2019t help but shake his head at Duncan\u2019s performance. \u201cCordy, I seemed to remember you purposely getting yourself injured just to beat Angel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was different.\u201d She glared.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can see that, this time it didn\u2019t seem to work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis wasn\u2019t Duncan\u2019s fault.\u201d Cordelia defended righteously. \u201cIt\u2019s all the fault of that damn, stupid bully.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Methos smiled with a sardonic snort. \u201cCordy, how about I take it from here. I\u2019ll make sure that the helpless, sweet, healed, Immortal gets all better.\u201d Methos deadpanned.<\/p>\n
\u201cHmmph. Weren\u2019t on your way somewhere? Come on, Duncan.\u201d Cordelia led Duncan past Methos towards his room.<\/p>\n
Methos shook his head. Just wonderful. When things were just starting to look really bad they just got worse. He should\u2019ve stayed in London.<\/p>\n
Part 28<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cFred, I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be going to Caritas tonight.\u201d Wesley said apologetically.<\/p>\n
Fred was still in a little bit of shock. She wasn\u2019t sure if it was from the sight of Duncan\u2019s arm all bloody, the fact that Angel caused the bloodiness, or the mean words Cordy used threatening the life, limb, and testicles of the vampire. Fred blinked. If she had to choose, she\u2019d have to go with Cordy\u2019s language and threats. She never heard Cordelia so mad and loud…and descriptive.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe that Angel actually did it on purpose. I\u2019m sure Cordy\u2019s wrong.\u201d Fred bit her lip. \u201cShe wouldn\u2019t really do that, you know that thing she said, to his you know, you know.\u201d She glanced nervously back and forth between Gunn and Wesley.<\/p>\n
Both men gave an involuntary winced look at their crotches and shivered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m SO glad I\u2019m not the vamp right now.\u201d Gunn shook away the vicarious image of irreparable damage afflicted on his scrotum.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2019s Cordelia?\u201d Angel came up from the basement.<\/p>\n
\u201cTending to your wounded.” Wesley’s cough signaled displeasure and warning.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe doesn\u2019t need tending, he\u2019s an Immortal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I would suggest trying a different line of reasoning when Cordy deems to speak to you again.\u201d Wesley instructed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t trying to kill him.\u201d Angel shuffled his feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt ain\u2019t us you needed to be worryin\u2019 about. Worry about your family jewels.\u201d Gunn shivered again.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s really mad, isn\u2019t she?\u201d Angel shifted from foot to foot.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be a very fair assessment of the situation.\u201d Wesley agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe you could apologize.\u201d Fred said hopefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2026\u201d Angel took a breath and sighed. \u201cI\u2018ll apologize to her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, I should think an apology to Duncan would be more appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glared up. He didn\u2019t want to apologize to the Immortal. He wanted him\u2026. Christ, it was his desire for MacLeod\u2019s head to be rolling around on the ground that got him in this mess in the first place.<\/p>\n
Fuck. Angel really did love Cordelia but he wouldn\u2019t be able to tell her and have her actually listen, if he didn\u2019t come to some sort of d\u00e9tente with MacLeod. Angel reluctantly nodded, wondering if there was anything he wouldn\u2019t do for that woman.<\/p>\n
Part 29<\/b><\/p>\n
Methos\u2019 eyes followed the vampire as he stalked past him. Methos shrugged; it didn\u2019t look like he was carrying any weapons, but then again there was that ripping off of the heads thing vampires could do. Methos shrugged again. He had confidence that Cordelia could prevent any further demonstration of male testosterone.<\/p>\n
Angel spared a long hard glance at Methos. The Immortal held the vampire\u2019s gaze and gave an innocuous smile in return.<\/p>\n
The Immortal was Death, Death<\/i> as in one of the riders of the Four Horsemen. He had been a ravager of villages and families, one who kept slaves for his own amusement. Methos had been evil by choice and now they were supposed to believe he wasn\u2019t. It\u2019s not like Methos suddenly got a soul and a mission. There was no great burden of guilt in his eyes.<\/p>\n
Angel wanted him gone. Angel didn\u2019t want Methos near Cordy or his family. He could still be evil. It\u2019s not like evil disappeared overnight. Angel frowned and looked back at the Immortal still standing on the bottom step. Except it wasn\u2019t overnight, it was 5000 years. Still, what did the old Immortal do with all the guilt? Angel shook his head. First things first. Angel\u2019s priority was making up with Cordelia and dealing with MacLeod.<\/p>\n
Methos sighed and moved into the center of the lobby once Angel disappeared up the staircase. \u201cWhat did I do to him? I\u2019m not the one Cordelia is doing her Florence Nightingale routine on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley looked up at Methos. \u201cExcuse me? Angel didn\u2019t say anything to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEver hear the saying \u2018actions speak louder than words\u2019, well a murderous glare from a vampire practically shouts at you- Danger, Will Robinson, Danger.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have taken you for a \u201cLost in Space\u2019 fan.\u201d Gunn chuckled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile most of the flower power generation spent their time on love ins and drugs, I became a slave to the TV. Did that, done the other in the 1800\u2019s with Byron.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLord Byron?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, he was creative genius, but Duncan had to kill him a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cByron was an Immortal?\u201d Wesley asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd here I thought you had been studying the chronicles that Joe sent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are thousands and the living Immortals are my immediate concern, they are the ones that can pose a threat to Cordelia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did read the Councils\u2019 motto didn\u2019t you, \u2018No Interference\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKnowledge isn\u2019t interference, it\u2019s necessary for Cordelia’s safety.\u201d Wesley said firmly.<\/p>\n
Methos inwardly groaned. Duncan needed to realize that if he wanted to be Cordelia\u2019s protector he had others in line in front of him, none of which showed any signs of budging.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t know about wanting to kill you,\u201d Gunn interrupted bringing the subject back, \u201cbut if I was you I wouldn\u2019t be raising swords with Angel.\u201d Gunn flopped on the couch, scooting quickly at Fred\u2019s squeak of alarm and wild gestures to her few dresses.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, girl.\u201d Gunn patted at the soft material. \u201cNo harm.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fred bent down to straighten out the wrinkles. Cordy had picked those out for her and said that they looked pretty. She wanted Cordy to choose the best for tonight. Fred sighed as she looked longingly at the clothes. She guessed it wouldn\u2019t be tonight though. She had been actually getting excited rather than scared at the idea of a night out. Oh well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wasn\u2019t planning on it. I avoid injury and death when at all possible. Duncan can stick to the heroics and saving of the not to be saved damsels. I\u2019m just company. Which doesn\u2019t explain why the vamp wants my head.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMethos, you\u2019re over-acting, Angel doesn\u2019t want\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, when self-preservation is at issue, I tend to think over-acting is preferable than death.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel isn\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Methos halted Wesley\u2019s statement. \u201cI think today may have shown the vampire that killing Duncan wouldn\u2019t be in his best interest. Unless, he\u2019s as stupid as Cordelia has been grumbling and yelling.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel isn\u2019t stupid.\u201d Fred shot up from the floral material she had been fondling.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m counting on.\u201d Methos glanced at the book in his hand. He was already disinterested in the conversation. He studied the book turning it over in his hands. If he made his request there could be hell to pay, hell from Duncan and from the vampire.<\/p>\n
There was a reason Methos never wanted to get involved. Yet, if the kernel of suspicion that he had been forming was in the least bit true then the possible danger reached beyond these strangers, which made it his concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley, have you translated this.\u201d Methos held up the book. Regardless of his instinct to avoid conflict, his instincts also begged for confirmation or the negation to his burgeoning worry.<\/p>\n
Wesley cocked his head at the Immortal, holding his glasses in front of him. \u201cI glanced at it, but haven\u2019t had the opportunity to fully explore the text.\u201d Wesley held off mentioning that even if he had the opportunity in between legitimate work and reading the massive material regarding Immortals he had received once he became Cordelia\u2019s watcher it would\u2019ve been impossible, as Methos had confiscated the book for his own personal perusal.<\/p>\n
What was it with these Immortal\u2019s they move right in and take over. Wesley bit back the thought. He was beginning to sound like Angel. The Immortals had been nothing but helpful even Methos with his reluctant attitude jumped in when an extra sword was needed to fight the visions.<\/p>\n
Yet, Wesley couldn\u2019t help but empathize with Angel\u2019s anger. While, Angel had been gone it was easy to accept their presence and be grateful, but now, Angel was back and, no matter how helpful they had been they were no longer needed and were disruptive.<\/p>\n
\u201cWesley.\u201d Methos repeated.<\/p>\n
\u201cExcuse me, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d Wesley pushed his glasses up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI asked if you could translate this spell for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley blinked. \u201cI thought you would\u2019ve translated all of it by now.\u201d Did he sound testy? Wesley didn\u2019t want to sound testy, that would be akin to adopting Angel\u2019s defensive and jealous attitude towards the Immortals. Wesley appreciated their contributions. He, just also, empathized with Angel.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know the language. I know a lot of languages, but spells I\u2019ve avoided. Magic is not really my thing. I may have missed something. Been literal when I shouldn\u2019t have and vice versa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wesley took the book, glancing at the spell. \u201cAnd it is important because.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease, just do it. We’ll compare notes when you\u2019re done.” Methos didn’t want to take the chance of influencing Wesley’s interpretation of the spell by telling him his own concerns. Methos respected Wesley’s intelligence and talents and wanted to hear his thoughts untainted by outside theories.<\/p>\n
Wesley took a longer look at the spell. The cadence of the old language was an unfamiliar pattern to most known spells. Wesley\u2019s interest was piqued, especially in light of Methos\u2019 interest. The arguably oldest Immortal in existence was immensely knowledgeable as well as intelligent.<\/p>\n
If Methos had been studying it for the last few months and was unsure of the spell\u2019s meaning and concerned maybe Wesley should also be concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, well it does seem that tonight\u2019s plans have fallen to the wayside.\u201d He nodded.<\/p>\n
Fred sighed at the additional confirmation that the party was cancelled.<\/p>\n