Complicated discussions.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Continued from here.

"I'd imagine that's true," Wesley said. "I would like to point out that there are plenty of people -- with souls -- who do horrible things. Mass murderers, serial killers. The presence of a soul isn't an indication of inherent goodness, and it's not the part of you that prevents you from doing evil. That comes from within." Spontaneously, he moved his hand to Spike's chest, feeling it, cool and strong, beneath his palm.

Comments

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"I don't want to stop telling you how I feel about you," Spike said after a moment's hesitation. His instincts were most likely wrong and unquestionably had the selfish component of hating to bottle up his feelings, but he felt certain that Wesley needed more praise and not less.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"You shouldn't," Wesley said. "And I shouldn't have asked you to. As long as you don't mind dealing with whatever fall-out there might be... and I suppose in time there might be less and less."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

"I already said I wouldn't talk that way in public," Spike reminded him. "But when it's just the two of us I want to be able to tell you. I want to say it, and I think you need to hear it." He watched Wesley's face, hoping that he would agree with Spike's assessment of the situation.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

Wesley looked at Spike, reassured by Spike's expression and tone of voice. "You're probably right."

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Relieved that he wouldn't have to hide his feelings or have them rejected like he had experienced with Buffy for so long, Spike smiled and hugged Wesley a bit closer. "I want you to see what I see in you. You're too hard on yourself."

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"So are you," Wesley said, turning his head and brushing his lips over Spike's ear. "God." He closed his eyes, trying to relax now that he had Spike in his arms.

[flaming-muse.livejournal.com]

Spike considered arguing that he apparently wasn't hard enough on himself, but it didn't seem worth the energy. "I criticize everyone else, too, so you should believe me when I point out all the good things about you. I know what I'm talking about." He finally let himself put his other arm around Wesley, worried about holding on more tightly than he should but needing to give and receive tangible comfort.

[wesleysgirl.livejournal.com]

"I'll try," Wesley promised. The fear that Spike might leave -- perhaps not at that moment, but at some point -- made him tighten his arms around Spike.