Title: Of Slouching On Couches
Summary: Response to a personal challenge from the lovely Victoria P, to make
Fred & Gunn bond.
Notes: Written a little before the first episode of Angel's third season aired;
so it's set a little *after* that.
Disclaimer: Not mine. Please don't sue me. Please.
Thanks to: Vic, obviously; Jen, Dot, and Pete, as always.
Fred liked Gunn.
Angel was handsome and compassionate. Wesley – well, Wesley was the same, really. Cordelia was lovely. They all cared about her. It eased something deep inside to have people who cared about her, who asked how she was, who included her in their plans.
But sometimes, they all talked too much.
Gunn was simpler.
Fred accidentally walked in on Gunn watching TV one day. He hadn't made a fuss. Hadn't looked at her funny, like he expected her to cry. Just smiled and patted the couch next to him. Unsure of him – and of herself – she crept over and sat down. Eyes on the TV, he indicated the bowl of popcorn on the low table. "No, thanks," she said softly. Her lips curved in a smile as she took in what was on the TV.
"You like Looney Tunes?" he asked.
Fred said, "Yeah, I do. Good and wacky." Nothing that had to be explained to her. No new science, new twists, or new characters – just the same old Looney Tunes. She settled back.
They didn't speak for ten minutes.
"How many different ways can a cat get a white stripe on her back?" Fred wondered. Gunn grinned.
Another fifteen minutes.
"Be vewy, vewy quiet. I'm hunting wampires," Gunn said.
Fred flashed a quick smile at him, surprised at how comfortable she felt.
Five minutes.
Gunn said, "Ol' Bugs looks good in drag."
"I wish I had a dress like that."
Gunn shrugged. "Hell, I wish *I* had a dress like that, too."
They snickered.
Wesley opened the door. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. Have you seen Angel?"
Gunn pointed downwards. "Try the kitchen, English. It's feedin' time."
Wesley nodded his thanks and shut the door.
Fred snorted. "I wonder how *he'd* look in that dress." They chuckled, then laughed.
Ten minutes later, it was all over. Fred stood, suddenly shy. Gunn rose. They left the room. Gunn smiled, then turned towards the stairs. "It's on weekdays at five," Gunn said over his shoulder. "See ya tomorrow?"
"Okay."
Fred liked Gunn.
Fascinating information about me
