Fred opened her eyes and smiled at the visitors in her hospital bed. "It's my boys. I haven't had this many big, strapping men at my bedside since that night with the varsity lacrosse team."
None of the men laughed, or were even able to crack a smile.
"That was a joke," Fred clarified.
"Well, you sure gave us all a big scare, Freddles," Lorne told her.
"Yeah, you just need to rest. The lab is doing some blood work," Angel spoke up.
"I'm a mummy, aren't I?" she sighed.
"I've fought plenty of mummies, and none of 'em were as pretty as you. Almost none," Spike said.
"Now y'all are being too comforting. What's really up?" Fred asked.
"You're sick, and you're making it worse by worrying," Gunn said, eyes worried.
"We've got that sarcophagus under the scope. If it gave you anything, we'll isolate it in a few hours," Knox explained.
"So, you don't know what it is?" she asked.
"Yet," Angel replied firmly.
"Ok." Fred nodded.
"We're gonna work this. Shouldn't take long." Angel touched her hand gently.
"Handsome man saves me," Fred smiled.
"That's how it works," Angel said, smiling back at her. He turned to the other men. "Let's get cracking."
Gunn, Lorne, Spike, Knox and Angel all turned to leave, while Wesley moved closer and sat down on the chair beside the bed. He took Fred's hand in his.
"Hmmph. Get cracking. He's such an old fogey," Fred said. "I know you gotta go be book man."
"Yes," Wesley replied quietly. "Just hit that line, I'll be here in a heartbeat."
"Assuming I still have one."
"Hush." Wesley leaned over and kissed her forehead.
Spike and Angel stood at the door, waiting for Wesley and watching the pair.
"Wes and Fred?" Angel asked softly.
"You didn't know?" Spike replied.
"I didn't know..."