volume 1

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

[ Peter has no idea how he ended up here, on a couch, listening to a bunch of middle aged women and a few other assorted people talk about Pride and Prejudice. He lost count of how many times he was nearly force fed a cookie by some woman claiming that he's too skinny, and this is starting to feel like all those dreams about showing up to class without any pants on.

He's barely said anything about the book since showing up, instead opting to just sort of listen, and nod every once in awhile. It's easier to just agree with everyone than to pretend he cares about a rich guy marrying some poor guy's daughter. Great, it's heartfelt and mooshy, he gets it.

Running a hand down his face, he flips through the book again for what feels like the hundredth time, stopping on some page to skim through a paragraph, while another woman starts to talk about the historical ramifications of things that Peter chooses to ignore. At this point, he's pretty sure he's forgotten why he even agreed to this in the first place. ]

So what do you think about the book? [ And it's the first question actually directed at him. Oh yeah, this is exactly like those pantsless dreams he used to have, and now he's just... at a total loss for words. ]

Comments

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

[ Peter doesn't think she needs to ask forgiveness for anything. She could have intruded more and he still wouldn't have minded. Especially since his own way out of the situation would have been a fumbled mess. ]

Thanks. Couple more seconds and I would've been found out. [ He breathes a sigh of relief, setting down the book on the nearest shelf, forgetting about it almost instantly. He smiles back at her, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the entire situation. ] I appreciate it.

[guiltapalooza]

Silly, this goes in the book return, [she mock-scolds him, picking the book up and tucking it under their arm as they make their way to the exit - where, coincidentally, the book return is.] But say no more. Thanks not required.

I just have one question... what were you doing there if you're so unthused about it?

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

... Right. [ Peter was really, just trying to get rid of the thing. And obviously shoving on the shelf was the best way to do it. But he follows along beside Willow, hands shoved into his pocket. ] Yeah, they are. It was better than I could've done.

[ He shrugs, waiting for her to drop the book off. ] Friend of mine thinks I need more hobbies.

[guiltapalooza]

And this friend of yours didn't have better suggestions for a 20-something guy than a Jane Austen book club? [She sounds amused as she slides the hardcover into the return.] Harsh.

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

Wasn't really his suggestion. [ And it's Peter's turn to sound sheepish now. Even if he wasn't really planning on ending up in the middle of his own stupid idea. ] I brought up Jane Austen jokingly. And it's where I ended up, I guess.

[guiltapalooza]

Ouch. Maybe this dream thing is a little sadistic. If I didn't already know not to use the W word... That is, 'wish'.

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

Be careful what you wish for, you mean?

[guiltapalooza]

Yeah. Some people might just be listening and decide to fulfill it. And that part? Not a joke.

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

... Who would be listening?

[guiltapalooza]

Vengeance demons. Again, not a joke. A cuddly after school special, they aren't.

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

[ A pause. ] Vengeance demons. Why would they care about anyone's wishes?

[guiltapalooza]

Who do you think they're taking vengeance for? [she asks rhetorically. I assume they aren't in the library anymore so they're just... walking aimlessly, or something.]

They look for wronged people, different types depending on their specialty, and chat them up all casual and try to get them to say the W word. I'm probably sounding pretty crazy, aren't I?

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

[ He shrugs, rhetorical question or not. He has no idea, man, this whole demon thing is weird. ]

Sounds weird, yeah, but it's not the craziest thing i've ever heard. What about the people who haven't been wronged but... still use the W word?

[guiltapalooza]

Still not a good idea. You never know what's out there looking for an opportunity.

Anya'd know more about this than I do - she used to be a vengeance demon, and I know she's hanging around.

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

Even if i'm not in that category.. I'll remember that.

Used to be? What is she now, just a regular demon?

[guiltapalooza]

Oh no, she's human. She gave up her wayward life of crime, or more like had her power center destroyed and was forced to figure out how to live as a human. It's... an ongoing process for her.

[Peter can figure that out for himself when he meets her, Willow is sure.]

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

Her power center? [ Staaaare.... ] I'll take your word for it.

[guiltapalooza]

Ask her about it sometime, [Willow says blithely.] I'm sure she'll tell you.

[askedtobe.livejournal.com]

I'll try to remember.