She asked, I answer

[thebratqueen]

"It's all right," Wesley said. He knelt down, trying not to make too much of a show out of it. "Angel, it doesn't matter."

"Wes, I can't," Angel said. His back was to Wesley. His shoulders, such as they were, slumped. "It's... it's too much."

"Nonsense," Wesley said. "Angel, how is this any different from what we had before?"

"How is this any different?" Angel asked. He turned back to Wesley, his eyes - well, still the same but Wesley imagined that they blazed with anger. "You actually ask me how this is different?"

"Angel - "

"I'm made of felt, Wes!" Angel snapped. "I lost one of the fingers on each of my hands! My coat is made of plastic! I'm three feet tall and you actually ask me how this is different?"

Wes drew himself up. "Did you think me that shallow? That superficial? I'm in love with you, Angel. Vampire, children's toy - it doesn't matter to me. I've stood by you before. I'll do it again now."

Angel wavered. "People will laugh at you."

"I don't care."

"People will laugh at me."

"Let them," Wesley said. "I'll shoot any who dare mock you."

One eyebrow lifted. "You would?"

"I would."

Angel thought about it. Then cleared his throat. "I'm not..."

"What?"

Angel scuffed a tiny foot against the floor. "I..."

"Yes?"

He coughed, looking out the window. "I don't know if I'm anatomically correct."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Well it's not as though I've had a chance to check!" Angel snapped. "I've been busy."

Wesley raised his hands to placate him. "Yes, yes, I imagine you've had enough on your mind today."

"Oh, ya think?"

"Angel, being cross with me is hardly going to help matters."

"Sorry," Angel sighed.

"It's understandable," Wesley said. He reached out, offering his touch to Angel if he wanted it.

Angel stayed back, uncertain. "It's just... I don't want to know if there's, you know - "

"What?"

"A place to put a hand."

"Oh," Wesley said. He pondered it. "Well that could have its advantages."

Angel stared him down. "What? Like this way I always know where I left the remote for the TV?"

"I was actually thinking of your anatomy worry but if you must be vulgar about it -"

"Sorry," Angel said again. He put his hands to his eyes. "God I miss being able to blink."

"I could try fetching you some eye drops," Wesley offered.

Angel peered up at him. "You're serious about all this."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Wesley asked.

"Just going off the top of my head," Angel replied, "there'd be the fact that I'm a puppet."

"I already told you I don't care," Wesley said. He sat down on the floor, finally placing himself at eye level. "I love you. Man, vampire, sock - "

"Now you're getting derogatory."

"A poor choice of words," Wesley conceeded. "I only meant no matter what. I love you no matter what."

"What if they can't change this?" Angel asked. "Wes, what if I'm stuck?"

Wesley smiled at him, leaning in. "Then I'll just have to get used to spending a great deal of time on my knees, won't I?"

Angel's eyebrows came together in a leer. "Really?"

"Really."

"Place for your hand, huh?"

"Considering what that feels like for humans," Wesley said, "imagine what kind of sensation it creates in your species."

"Wouldn't need as much lube too," Angel pointed out. He came closer, his mouth close to Wesley's own. "You really think we can do this?"

"I think," Wesley said, trailing a single finger down the side of Angel's face, "that felt feels absolutely wonderful against bare skin."

"Your door locked?"

"My door's locked."

"Then help me get these buttons undone. I've lost all ability to use my thumbs."

"Yes, Angel."

Fin.