Down Time
by Minion

RATING: FRC [AU]

SPOILERS: Up To "Players" Season Four

SUMMARY: Entirely set in Fred's point of view after the episode "Players" ends. Fred decides that it's time Wesley got a break.

DISTRIBUTION: Anyone who wants it.

DISCLAIMER: Don't own anything Angel related and don't make any money off of it.

FEEDBACK: Sure thing. Drop me and email good or bad at locutusminion@yahoo.com

It was rather funny when you think about it. I mean, one week I'm watching Angelus on the monitor saying all manner of things to set everyone off and now I'm watching Cordy or is it not Cordy? I don't have a damn clue. Least she's behind bars and not walking around with the knife ready to plunge it into another person.

Looking at the monitor I watch as Cordy lays down with that enormous protrusion. I feel bad for Lilah I really do. She may have not been the best person in the world but no one deserves to die like that. Mainly I feel bad for Wesley. He's hurting I know it and I just want to huggle him in the study. I don't know if he'll let me though.

Gunn is still out with Gwen somewheres. I hope that they are able to save that child. Adult games always ended up hurting the innocent, especially children. Angel was off trying to figure out what was going on with Cordy and Lorne was taking a little bit of a respite upstairs. Connor well, he ran I guess. Kids good at doing things like that.

Looking around the corner I can see Wes through the window. He's reading another book, trying to find something that could make sense out of all of this. God he looks tired, beaten up and drained. I can't help it, I have to go over there before I combust adding more stains to the poor lobby floor.

Once last look at uber Cordy and my unsure feet carry me to the study, plant me right beside Wesley. He didn't look up at first but when he did I swear my legs buckled. Leaning against the desk heavily I reach out lightly touching the scratches all over his noble face. God it felt good to touch him as if a connection was finally closed.

I give him one of my brilliant smiles and he leans into my touch with questioning eyes. I know he wants to know. I don't know if I'm ready, I've made so many mistakes. I know that I want to take care of him, want to protect him from all that's out there. I want to hold him and tend to his injuries like I've tended to the others.

I want to love him.

He blinks several times a hand slowly coming up to cover mine which is resting flat against his warm cheek. My heart sputters at such a gentle gesture. I can't help but stand up straight, turn his chair round and rest my hands on his arms tugging him lightly to his feet. He's not certain about what I'm doing, but he trusts me.

I lead him through the Hyperion lobby and up to the room I had taken over ever since Gunn and I fell out. Sitting him down on the bed without a word between us I kneel down pulling off his shoes, kickin' off my own. I push him backwards until he's lying on the bed. I crawl up to him kissing the worry lines marring his forehead. Gentle kisses across the superficial facial injuries.

I settle down at his side wrapping my arm around his waist. Gently I stroke his side reaching up to kiss lightly at his jaw. "Rest, Wesley, you need to rest." Knowing that he'd protest, want to go back to researching, to help everyone. With my index finger, I touch his chin turning his gaze to mine. "For me?" He nods with a soft smile. It's what I wanted, his nod. Leaning over to bestow a gentle kiss to his lips we settle down holding each other and for once we both had a dreamless sleep.

© March 2003

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