A Late Night Stroll
by Tracey
RATING: FRC [AU]
SPOILERS: General Season 5..
Silence invaded the air. He was alone, he was in bed and he couldn't get to sleep. He tried to, but his thoughts kept him awake. His life had taken a whole new turn in the last few months and he couldn't quite believe that he was working at Wolfram & Hart. He never would have thought of it a few months ago. They were their mortal enemy once.
Wes got out of bed and decided to make himself a whisky. He sat down mulling over his thoughts once more. He then saw a book on his table next to his laptop. A smile appeared on his face. Fred had given him that a couple of weeks ago, she thought it could be a nice compliment to the collection of books in his office. It was 19th century spells book. Fred said that he might need it one day.
He missed the team working together, it felt to him that they were separated now, all doing their own thing. The family were split. They were enjoying what they were doing and even though he would see them once or twice throughout the day. Fred seemed to be enjoying her work in her lab, Lorne was enjoying his work and so was Gunn.
Wes walked to his window and saw the moon staring back at him. He missed Fred a lot. More than she could ever know. He missed the talks they had, seeing her smile first thing in the morning. Wes sighed. "No good dwelling on it Wes" he said aloud, "You missed your chance". Wes put the book back on the table and went back to bed.
****
Fred made some coffee and settled back into bed, it wasn't the right drink in the middle of the night, but she didn't fancy anything else. She had been awake for about half an hour and wasn't quite sure why she couldn't get back to sleep. Nothing was on her mind or so she thought picking up her telephone she dialled hoping that he wasn't asleep.
****
Wes just got back into bed when the phone rang. Who could be phoning at this time, he thought. Maybe it's Angel with an emergency. Wes was surprised to find Fred on the other end of the line. "Pryce"
"Hi Wes" Fred said.
Wes smiled, his heart started to beat quicker. "Hi" he said softly.
"I didn't wake you did I?" Fred asked
"No, no." said Wes
"Oh that's ok then" Fred replied with a smile.
There was a silence for a moment
"Is there something?."
"I was just wondering.."
They both laughed as they both started their sentences together.
"What were you saying Fred?"
"No you go first Wes"
"Well I just thought, is there anything wrong?"
"Oh no Wes. I was just wondering really, erm, do you fancy getting some tacos, I know it's late and everything, but I thought we could have a chat as we haven't been doing much of that lately".
"I think that's a great idea, I'll be round to your apartment, in say about 20 minutes" Wes said.
"That would be fine, see you then"
"Bye Fred"
****
As Wes put the receiver down, a smile appeared on his face. He was going out for a walk with Fred and he was happy. He rummaged around in his wardrobe. He didn't know exactly what to wear, but in the end he went for something casual, shirt and dark blue jeans. He was quite a warm night, so he didn't bother taking a jacket.
****
Fred felt nervous, Wes was coming round in about ten minutes and she had decided to wear a summery red dress, since it was a lovely night. Fred looked at her watch again, and she felt the butterflies in her stomach, although she didn't know why, it's not like she didn't know Wes that well. He was her best friend after all. Don't be silly Fred "there's nothing to worry.."
There was a knock at the door. "About".
Fred opened the door and smiled.
****
Wes's breath caught in his throat as Fred opened the door looked beautiful. He didn't know what to say, he just returned Fred's smile.
****
"Hi" Wes said
"Hi, Let me just grab my jacket" Fred replied
****
Wes waited as Fred grabbed her jacket. He wanted to tell her how much he had missed her, but decided that could wait for another time, the time wasn' t right now.
"Ok I'm ready" Fred said as she closed her front door.
Wes held out his arm and Fred took, they both smiled.
"Tacos await"
Fred started to laugh, and then Wes did, her laugh was so infectious. They walked out into the open air. Fred was a bit surprised how warm it was. They walked for a couple of blocks making small talk and chatting about their day while walking to get their tacos. When they arrived at the take away, Wes had over his money and bought their tacos. They both got tucked into their midnight snack.
"Good" Wes questioned.
"Very" Fred replied with her mouth full.
Wes started to laugh. "I'm glad"
Once they had finished, they put their rubbish away, they decided to just have a walk and see where it took them. Fred looked up at the sky it was full of stars, twinkling down on her.
"It's a lovely night" Fred said.
"It is indeed" Wes replied looking at Fred.
Fred turned her head and saw Wes looking at her. His smile awakened her earlier butterflies and her curiosity.
"What" said Fred?
"There's a bit of taco on your cheek. Wesley smiled
Wesley put his hand on Fred's face. She felt the warmth of his hand on her cheek, so soft. She closed her eyes for a second. Wesley moved his hand away
"There, that's better" Wesley smiled.
"Thank you" said Fred
Wes and Fred entered a park, they were the only ones there it was so peaceful. Fred felt so safe with Wes. She felt nothing could harm her or Wes. It was the first time she felt like this in a long while. Not forgetting the feelings she felt for him as well. She didn't know when these feeling had started they just appeared and wouldn't let go. The two of them had become such close friends and she didn't want anything to spoil that. She would just have to wait for the right time, if there ever was a right time.
"Do you mind if we sit down?" said Fred
"No of course not" said Wesley
Fred walked up to a bench sitting together Wes relaxed and stretched his arm out. His arm just reached Fred's back. Fred sat on the edge of the bench. Wes could tell she was a bit tense.
"Are you alright?" Wes asked softly
Fred looked at him a strand of her hair falling softly across her face. She smiled as Wes tucked the stray strand behind her ear.
"Oh nothing, just thinking about the last couple of months, moving into Wolfram & Hart, I still can't quite believe it."
"Nor can I, In fact I was thinking about it tonight. Just before you rang in fact.", Wes looked at his watch. Things have definitely changed for us, well for all of us. How do you feel about it?" he asked
"To be honest, I'm not quite sure. I know in the back of my mind, I shouldn 't even be in their building, let alone working in their offices, but it feels right"
"I know how you feel, I feel the same way" Wes replied.
Fred sat back and looked straight into Wes's eyes. "Looks like we're feeling the same way" she said quietly
"Yes it does" Wes replied, just as quietly.
Both of them could feel the electricity between them. Their looks were saying what a thousand words couldn't. Silence surrounded them and they felt so comfortable. Wes felt so lucky, to be with this most beautiful woman.
"You look beautiful tonight." Wes said shattering the silence.
Fred blushed. "Why thank you".
They both smiled and silence returned for a second.
"I think I should be heading back to my apartment" Fred said looking into Wes's eyes.
"Ok then" he replied, never taking his eyes of hers.
Fred smiled as she stood up. Wes, still sitting on the bench, looked up at Fred knowing that the moment had gone. They both knew that. Wes rose from the bench. He moved his arm and Fred put her arm through his. Perhaps in future the moment would be easier to obtain
"Let's take you home" said Wes.
They walked back to Fred's apartment, hardly saying anything to each other, stolen glances while the other person wasn't looking neither knew what to say, their looks said it all. Wes showed Fred to her door. Fred entered her apartment, she turned and looked back at Wes. He looked into her eyes and was lost. All the things he wanted to say just disappeared. Fred's heart skipped a beat. Tell him how you feel Fred shouted to herself.
"Thank you for a lovely evening, or night should I say"
Wes smiled, "It was my pleasure"
Fred stepped nearer and stroked Wes's cheek, his heart was beating faster and faster. Fred then placed her lips on his cheek. They felt so soft to him, like silk. He closed his eyes and savoured the closeness between them wishing it was like this always. As soon as the closeness began, it slowly ebbed away. Fred it wanted it back and so did Wes, but the moment was again gone.
"Goodnight Wes" Fred smiled
"Night Fred."
© September 2003
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