Safe and Sound, an angel fanfic

Title: Safe and Sound

Summary: This is a cut scene from "A Hole In The World" in which Fred and Wesley think about their relationship. I used lyrics to Sheryl Crow's "Safe and Sound" because it, I think, describes their relationship and last moments together.

Disclaimer: these characters belong to Joss Whedon and Co. The lyrics I used were written and performed by Sheryl Crow.

Characters: Fred and Wesley

Genre: Drama

Rating: K

Wesley held Fred close, her cold, weak fingers twisted in the buttonholes of his shirt. She knew she was dying, and the thought that this relationship, which she had so looked forward to, would never have a chance to grow or develop, killed her even more. She looked into Wesley's eyes. Maybe this is a bit clichéd, but she couldn't help but wonder what could have been. He could have been her soul mate, the one for her. Now there was no way to know.

Maybe this is forever,

Forever fades away,

Like a rocket descending,

In to space.

Fred could see the tears threatening to send a salty river down his cheeks. "No," she whispered, touching his cheek. "Don't do this. Don't cry."

"I'm sorry," said Wesley. "I'm trying to be strong but…" he trailed off, sadly. He kissed her forehead. "I'm sure Angel and Spike are making headway. I'm sure…" He drifted again.

Fred snuggled her head under Wesley's chin. "I know… just don't…don't get upset. I'm going to – to hold on. Hold on until A-Angel comes. I'm not gonna let go. I promise not to let go. I'm gonna fight." She clung to Wesley, trying to stay up. "Please don't cry." She held him tightly, sobbing herself. "Please."

Could you not be sad?

Could you not break down?

After all, I won't let go,

Until you're safe and sound.

Wesley squeezed her tight. "It's okay. It's okay," he whispered.

Fred took a deep breath. She took Wesley's hand in hers. "It's just us now. No one to lie to. Nothing to hide. Just us." She looked up at him. "Just you and me."

Tears fell from Wesley's eyes as he held her close and kissed her lips passionately. Fred moved her arms, placing a hand on Wesley's tear stained cheek.

Until you're safe and sound,

There's beauty in release,

There's no one left to please,

It's you and me.

Wesley and Fred lay back on the bed, Fred's head on Wesley's chest, his heartbeat humming her a sweet melody.

Wesley watched as Fred's eyes closed and she dozed off her fingers laced between his as she finally let go and slept.

Wesley watched her sleep. Though she was the one dying, Wesley felt that Fred was the stronger of them. He knew she couldn't hold on too much longer. She would let go, soon. She was already slipping.

I don't blame you for quitting,

I know you really tried,

If only you could hang on,

Through the night.

'Cause I don't want to be lonely,

I don't want to be scared,

And all our friends are waiting there,

Until you're safe and sound.

Wesley held Fred's hand, wanting to hold on to this moment. Not wanting to let go. He couldn't go on with out her. Neither could Gunn or Angel, or even Spike.

He felt the weights on his eyes, but he couldn't sleep, not until he knew she was safe. Not until he knew he wouldn't loose her as he slept.

Until you're safe and sound,

There's beauty in release.

There's no one left to please.

It's you and me.

He laid his head beside hers, kissing the hand that was laced in his. "I love you," he whispered, knowing she couldn't hear. "I wish I could save you."

I think I really loved you.

I think I could have saved you.

Safe and Sound.