A/N: This chapter is the reason for the "M" rating. Enjoy.

If Only

She had not been taken by Illyria

(alternate to A Hole in the World)

"But, that doesn't make any sense." Fred said to Lorne, pondering the hypothetical that Angel and Spike had spent the entire morning arguing about.

"I just call it like I see it." Lorne reciprocated, now thoroughly bored with this subject.

"But the cavemen have fire. That's what they live with in their caves. The astronauts should at least have some sort of weapon…" Fred stopped her diatribe when she saw Wesley walking up the stairs toward them, looking dashing in a black turtle neck and black slacks, his blue eyes twinkling.

"Hey there." Fred said, smiling at Wesley broadly. She had been doing that every time she saw him lately. It was a reflex.

"I was just on my way to thinking of an excuse to come and see you." Wesley said, smiling.

"And how is that working out?" Fred asked coyly, still grinning.

"Really great. Where are you coming from?" Wesley asked.

"Oh, medical. This old sarcophagus opened in the lab when I was checking it out. Fortunately, I backed away before it expelled any old mummy air. Still, best to make to make sure I didn't discover any new germs." Fred explained.

"You alright?" Wesley asked, concerned.

"They shooed me right off. Mummy free." Fred said, smiling.

Wesley smiled and took a step closer to Fred. "Good. I was hoping to take you out tomorrow night, and I don't feature you wrapped in bandages."

"Take me out where?" Fred asked, grinning widely.

"Can it be a secret?" Wesley said wryly. Fred raised her eyebrows.

"Oh, sheesh." Lorne said suddenly, stepping between them to walk down the stairs. "Get a balcony, you two, huh?"

"You'll still find me for lunch, though, right?" Fred called after him.

"I'll just look where the sun shines." Lorne said, grinning at her. He started down the stairs singing, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..."

"You make me happy, when skies are grey." Fred finished quietly, smiling at Wesley. Lorne stopped at the bottom of the stairs, grinning. If what he just saw in Fred's aura came to pass, Wesley and Fred were in for one heck of romantic evening tomorrow. Lorne turned his head and looked at Fred. She caught his stare out of the corner of her eye and turned to look at him. Lorne winked at her mischievously, then went on his way.

"I wonder what was that was about?" Fred said.

"Maybe he saw us having a fantastic time tomorrow and didn't want to spoil the surprise." Wesley said.

"Well, I'm definitely intrigued." Fred said.

Wesley looked around surreptitiously before leaning in and placing a short, but passionate kiss on Fred's lips.

"See you later?" He said, pulling away and brushing an errant strand of hair out of Fred's face.

Fred nodded, smiling. "Definitely." She said.

Wesley placed another quick kiss on her cheek, then continued up the stairs. Fred watched him walk away… she liked the view of his rear end.

Fred was up with the sun on Saturday morning, too excited about that evening to sleep. She needed to go shopping. Wesley still had not told her where they were going, but when she pleaded with him to at least tell her if she should dress up, he nodded slyly. He was going to pick her up at five, which she figured was too early for dinner, but she knew he knew her well enough to feed her sometime that evening so she gathered there was going to be some pre-dinner activity –though what, exactly, she had no idea. She wondered if Wesley was going to take her to a movie, but that seemed so cliché. And he would not have told her to dress up if it was just dinner and a movie.

Fred busied herself cleaning her apartment that morning, racking her brain with guessing games of what could be in store for that night. She dusted and vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom and changed her sheets, putting on her best Egyptian cotton ones. She blushed a little knowing why her subconscious chose that set.

After the apartment was perfectly spic and span, Fred ate a breakfast of instant waffles, eggs, a low-fat strawberry yogurt and a banana. Then, she hopped in the shower, taking extra time shaving her legs, underarms and bikini line (again, blushing because she knew why she was taking such extra care). After she was squeaky clean and smooth, she threw on some yoga pants and a t-shirt, hopped in her civic (which, thankfully, was running today) and headed for the mall.

Not since her death was Cordelia's absence so pronounced. Fred was at an utter loss as to which dresses were too fancy and which were not fancy enough for a surprise date. After a few hours and several dozen dresses, Fred finally deferred to the expertise of a sales girl in a small boutique specializing in evening wear. It was a simple, burgundy, open back slip dress that fell just above her knees. A vine of black embroidered roses worked its way up the fabric from the hem to the spaghetti straps which slipped gracefully over her shoulders. It was a very pretty dress, a little sexier than Fred would have pictured herself buying. But the dress was extremely flattering and it brought out her eyes.

After finally finding her frock, Fred splurged and bought a pair of strappy black heels, a matching shawl, and a new clutch purse, as well as a pair of very pretty imitation garnet earrings that matched her dress perfectly. She inwardly chastised herself for spending so much money for a date. But, this isn't just any date, she reminded herself, this is Wesley. Wesley, who had had feelings for her for so long but did everything he could to suppress them so she would not feel pressured or uncomfortable while her heart figured out what it wanted.

Fred's thoughts turned to Gunn for a moment. She had loved him, of course, but it was different – young somehow. They did fun things together – went to cheap diners and Dodger games, and the sex was good, but they really had very little in common. Moreover, he didn't stimulate her intellectually. Wesley did. She could talk to Wesley about physics theorems and complex mystical equations, and he got it. He was older – only a few years in age but much more in experience. This had been a rough year for him and she knew he was still haunted by the recent past. But, underneath, he was still Wesley – smart, funny, attractive Wesley. He respected her, admired her mind, and brought out the mature, intellectual side of Fred that she felt she had to keep stifled while dating Gunn. She just wished she had realized it sooner.

Her wallet quite a bit lighter than when she had left her apartment that morning, Fred returned home to start getting ready (after a quick stop at Tito's Tacos for a bit of lunch). Fred hung her dress from her bedroom door frame and deposited her other purchases on her bed. Then she went to her bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror.

"Oh no." Fred said, staring at her straight brown hair in the mirror. Panic hit as she realized she had bought a dress that practically necessitated an up-do, yet, other than a ponytail, she really had no idea how to do one. She thought back to the lovely, intricate curls Cordelia had fashioned on Fred's head when they went to the ballet. She seemed to recall a lot of bobbypins and hairspray, and a curling iron – but she didn't really remember how Cordelia wielded those tools to produce the finished result. Panic rising in her throat, Fred began digging through her bathroom drawers, digging out bent bobby pins and unearthing bottles of hair product that had long since congealed closed. Fred put her hands up to her cheeks in exasperation and glanced at the clock. It was already 1:30.

Fred bolted for her purse and grabbed her cell phone. She began thumbing through the numbers, but other than her mom and a few girlfriends back in Texas, there were decidedly few female names in there. She came across Harmony's name but decided to keep scrolling. Sure, Harmony was 'reformed', but Fred was still uncomfortable with the idea of inviting a vampire (without a soul) into her home. Fred continued scrolling through the list of names… her desperation mounting.

"Lorne!" She exclaimed, coming upon his name. Of course! Lorne! If anyone could help her with this desperate venture, it was him. She dialed his number and held the phone up to her ear.

"Hello?" Lorne's groggy voice said from the other end after three rings.

"You're sleeping!?" Fred exclaimed in exasperation.

"Well, not anymore." Lorne said grumpily. "It was a late night last night. Anyway, what's up Fredikins. I seem to be detecting a slight shrill of desperation in your voice."

Fred quickly explained the situation and practically begged Lorne to come over and help.

"Easy, kitten. I'll be over in twenty minutes, curling iron in hand." Lorne said before he hung up.

Fred spent those twenty minutes lying out her dress, shoes, and jewelry on her bed, then digging through her underwear drawer looking for the pair of lacy black panties she had bought on a whim a few weeks before but never had an opportunity to wear.

When Lorne finally arrived at two, bags of styling tools in hand, she practically dislocated his shoulder pulling him into her apartment.

"You gotta calm down, peaches. Your aura is all abuzz." Lorne said, rubbing his arm.

"I know, I know, I'm just excited. I mean… it's my first real 'date' with Wesley! Wesley, Lorne!" Fred said.

"Yes… it's Wesley… the guy who has been totally smitten with you since day one. So it's not like you need to impress him – he's already plenty impressed with you and I'm willing to bet that if he showed up at your door tonight and you were wearing your oldest sweat pants with your hair in curlers, he'd still think you were beautiful." Lorne said, putting an arm around Fred's shoulders. She took a deep breath, feeling instantly calmer.

"Thanks, Lorne." She said.

Lorne placed a kiss on her forehead. "Now… go put on a button up shirt that you won't have to lift over your head and leave the rest to Lorne." He said. He began rummaging though the bags he had brought, extracting bobby pins, curlers, and various products for shine, curl, hold, and everything else you could imagine. Feeling confident in Lorne's capable hands, Fred threw on an old button down shirt that once belonged to her dad and took a seat at the kitchen table where Lorne had set up his mini salon. He worked fast and precisely, twisting Fred's hair up into an elegant french twist, allowing some tendrils to curl around her face and neck. When he was finished, he went the extra mile, doing Fred's makeup for her – keeping it light and natural, but using different shades of brown shadows to bring out her eyes. At quarter to five, Fred's transformation was nearing completion.

"Ok Cinderella, time to slip on the gown and slippers." Lorne said, pulling Fred up from the chair by her hand.

"Lorne, I have no idea how to thank you!" Fred said, embracing him.

"Just let me be here when Wes walks through the door." Lorne grinned.

"Of course!" Fred exclaimed. Just then, Fred's phone chimed. She picked it up to check the text she had just received.

Be there in ten, it read.

"Ah!" Fred squealed. "I gotta get dressed!"

"Well, go peaches, go!" Lorne said, scooting Fred toward the bedroom. "I'll let in Mystery Man when he shows up."

"Lorne." Fred said, looking at him sincerely. "Thank you."

Lorne smiled.

"My pleasure, Fredels." He said.

Fred closed her bedroom door and dashed over to her bed. She quickly took off her yoga pants and the button up shirt. She changed her underwear, replacing her cotton bikini's for the sexy black thong, and stepped into her new dress, enjoying the feel of the soft fabric as she pulled it up her body. Once in place, she stood before the mirror and turned around so her back was facing it, craning her neck around so she could see the effect of the up do on her naked back. Fred smiled happily. The hairstyle Lorne had picked complimented the plunging back of the dress perfectly. Fred turned around and placed her new earrings in her ears and slipped on the strappy heels. Then, she stood before the mirror and admired the end result. Fred couldn't help but feel pretty. More than that – she felt sexy. She placed her hand up to her neck and stroked it gently with her fingers. She closed her eyes and imagined it was Wesley caressing her, causing a heat to flare within her. She really hoped Wesley liked the dress.

A knock at her front door broke her lustful reverie. Fred took a deep breath.

Lorne opened the door to a dashingly dressed Wesley holding a bouquet of fresh white roses tied with a pink bow. The smile slipped off Wesley's face and was replaced with one of utter confusion.

"For me? They're lovely." Lorne said, throwing up his hands in mock astonishment.

"Umm." Wesley said.

"Don't worry, Prince Charming. I'm just here helping Cinderella get ready for the ball. Los Angeles is decidedly low on Fairy God Mothers this time of year." Lorne said, stepping aside and gesturing Wesley inside.

"Is she alright?" Wesley asked, looking toward the closed bedroom door.

"Oh yeah… she's fine. I think you'll be pleased with just how fine she is." Lorne said.

"I'll be right out, Wesley!" Fred called from the bedroom.

"Well, look at you!" Lorne exclaimed, admiring Wesley. Wesley was wearing a deep blue silk shirt that brought out his eyes, a black blazer and black slacks. He had shaved and looked cool and confident. "Mmm, mmm, mmm… James Bond has nothing on you." Lorne said, shaking his head. Wesley blushed slightly.

Just then, Fred opened her bedroom door and stepped out.

"Hi, Wesley." She said.

Wesley stared at her, so taken with how beautiful she looked that he was momentarily unable to speak. He walked over to her smiling, drinking her in.

"You look… stunning." Wesley said. He leaned in and kissed Fred lightly. She smiled, then noticed the white roses he was still holding.

"Are those… for me?" She asked, emotion in her voice.

"Of course." Wesley said, handing her the bouquet. She held them up to her nose and inhaled deeply, eyes closed, letting the smell bring back a thousand happy memories from her childhood.

"How did you know?" She asked, opening her eyes which were now glistening with tears.

"You told me." Wesley said. "Last April. We were out on a job and the house had the flower bed filled with white roses. I remember you stood there smelling the blossoms. You said they reminded you of springtime at home when the roses in your family's backyard would bloom."

"I can't believe you remember that." Fred said, trying not to let her eyes overflow. She didn't want to ruin her makeup. She leaned in and kissed Wesley deeply, completely forgetting that Lorne was still in the room until his applause drew her attention.

"Oh, Bra-vo." Lorne said, clapping and smiling widely. "That was more romantic than Casablanca, Titanic and Gone with the Wind rolled into one." Fred and Wesley pulled apart and she giggled. "Alright, I got what I wanted… I'm off. You kids have fun! Be good… but not too good." Lorne said winking, opening the front door.

"Thanks again, Lorne!" Fred called after him. He gave a little bow, waved, and closed the door.

"I got what I wanted?" Wesley said, eyebrow raised. Fred laughed and walked to the kitchen where she pulled a vase out of a cupboard and filled it with water.

"He wanted to be here when you arrived. I guess he wanted to see your reaction." She said, blushing a little as she set the vase on her dining room table and put the roses inside. Their sweet aroma was already filling up the room.

"Of course he did. Lorne loves the dramatic and he knew I would be completely awestruck when I saw you. Which I am." Wesley said. Fred turned toward him and smiled softly. Wes placed the back of his hand gently against Fred's cheek. "My God... Just when I thought it wasn't possible for you to be any more beautiful." He whispered. He wrapped Fred in his arms and captured her lips with his, kissing her deeply and passionately now that Lorne was gone.

Their kiss lasted several minutes, growing in intensity until Fred found herself pressed against her front door, her leg snaking up Wesley's.

"We should go." Wesley said breathlessly, his lips dropping to Fred's neck.

"Are we going to be late?" Fred asked, not actually caring in the least.

"Probably, but a more pressing concern is that I don't think we're going to make it out of the apartment if we keep this up." Wesley said. Using every ounce of will power he possessed, he pulled himself away from Fred, breathing heavily, a very obvious erection under is slacks. She sighed in disappointment, blushing at her nearly unquenchable lust.

She giggled.

"Maybe I should have met you… where is it we are going again?" Fred asked, trying to sneakily uncover their date location. Wesley shook his head and smiled.

Fred grabbed her shawl and clutch bag from her bedroom, applied a fresh coat of lip gloss, and followed Wesley out the door. He had parked in front of her building and he opened the car door for her – an old-fashioned gesture that she loved.

Fred's hands shook slightly in anticipation as Wesley drove West on the 101. They chatted comfortably on the way, mostly about work and the Caveman vs. Astronaut argument Angel and Spike had been in all day (both Wesley and Fred came down on the side of Cavemen). After about twenty minutes, Wesley exited the freeway at Kanan Dume – a windy canyon road that led directly to Pacific Coast Highway.

"Ah ha… so I'm guessing our location is the beach." Fred teased. Wesley smiled.

Twenty more minutes down the winding road and another ten on PCH before Wesley made a right turn onto small private road. An ornate, wrought-iron arch framed the road and a weathered wooden sign that said "Malibu Botanical Garden" swung from the peak. Fred's interest was piqued.

A few minutes later, Wesley parked in a small parking lot atop a hill among many Mercedes, BMWs, a Bently and a Ferrari.

Fred smiled at him. "I'm intrigued." She said. Wesley kissed her gently and opened his car door. He walked around to her side and opened her door for her again, this time putting his hand down to help her out.

It was a lovely evening, but Fred was happy she had remembered her shawl as the ocean air was brisk and chilly. Fred looked around. A number of other couples were walking up a short path toward what Fred assumed was the entrance to garden. Wisteria hung lazily from the wrought Iron gate.

Wesley popped the trunk of his car and extracted two blankets and a small picnic basket. Fred felt her heart going pitter patter in her chest, the romance of the scene totally overwhelming. Wesley walked over to Fred and held out the arm in which he wasn't cradling the blankets and picnic basket. Fred laced her arm through his and together they walked toward the entrance.

As they got closer, Fred distinctly heard the sound of string instruments being tuned. She squinted her eyes and looked at the flyer pinned in the glass case next to entrance. She could make out the words Malibu Chamber Orchestra and an Evening with Bach. They got to the entrance where they were greeted by a friendly young docent wearing a black skirt and white shirt. Wesley let go of Fred's arm momentarily and extracted two tickets from his jacket pocket which he handed to the docent. She thanked him and stepped aside. Wesley looked at Fred and put his hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her through the entrance to the gardens.

The scene before Fred was breathtaking.

"Wesley." She breathed, taking in the indescribably beautiful scene before her. The botanical garden was much bigger than it looked from the outside. Yards of lush green grass lay before her, ringed on each side by paths which led to distinct gardens of roses, jasmine, Azaleas, daffodils and every other flower imaginable. The air was permeated with the sweetest aroma of early spring. Off to her right, Fred could see a crop of cherry trees edging a coy pond, their blossoms just opening. Before her, cutting through the grass where a number of people had set up picnics, a stone walkway led to gazebo entwined with hundreds of sparkling lights. These lights also illuminated the numerous blossoming pear trees that dotted the lawn surrounding the gazebo. Underneath these whimsical trees, small wrought iron tables and chairs for two were set up, complete with white tablecloths, white place settings, real silver cutlery and candle lit lamps. It was to one of these tables that Wesley was leading her.

When they reached a table with a direct view of the gazebo where the chamber orchestra was setting up, Wesley stopped and held out a chair for Fred. She sat down, surprised that the chairs were cushioned and quite comfortable. She looked at the table and saw a small reservation card with gold calligraphy that read Reserved, Wyndham-Price. Fred grinned. She felt so elegant.

"Do you like it?" Wesley asked, taking a seat across from her and putting the basket and blankets on the ground next to the trunk of the tree.

"This is amazing." Fred said, her voice barely above a whisper. Wesley smiled. He leaned down and opened up the picnic basket. He produced a bottle of Pinot Noir and a number of small white boxes which he opened to reveal a variety of different sushi and sashimi from Fred's favorite Sushi place. Fred could not stop smiling.

Wesley pulled a wine opener out of the basket and uncorked the bottle of wine. He poured a glass for Fred and himself, then lifted his glass to toast. Fred lifted hers as well.

"To our first date." Wesley said.

"It's long overdue." Fred finished. Wesley clinked his glass delicately against hers and they both took a sip. It was delicious.

Silence fell upon the gazebo and Fred glanced up to see the musicians getting in the ready position. With a signal from his body, the first violin led the Orchestra into the Brandenburg Concerto, movement one. Fred smiled. She remembered her mom playing this on the piano when she was a little girl.

Fred and Wesley spent the next hour enjoying the chamber orchestra's homage to Bach as they ate their fill of sushi and sashimi. At intermission, Fred excused herself to the restroom to freshen up. She was literally glowing with happiness. This had, by far, been the most romantic evening she had ever spent and it wasn't even close to being over (in her mind, at least).

When she returned from the restroom, Wesley had moved the table aside and laid out the blankets under the tree – the wine glasses resting against the trunk. Fred knelt down on the blanket and Wesley handed her her glass of wine.

"Are you having a nice time?" Wesley asked.

Fred shook her head, no. The smile slid from Wesley's face.

"I'm having the most incredible night of my life." Fred said sincerely. Wesley smiled again. As the orchestra started up their music, Wesley leaned back against the trunk of the tree and gestured for Fred to join him. She tucked herself between his legs, lying back against his chest. Wesley wrapped his arms around her and closed his eyes – breathing in her scent. It had been a very long time since he felt so happy and at peace.

A chilly coastal breeze had begun to blow lightly across the garden and Fred shivered a bit, her dress and shawl not providing much protection against the night air.

"You're cold." Wesley whispered, rubbing her goose-fleshed arms with his hands.

"I'm alright." She said, refusing to let anything get in the way of this magical night.

"Here…" Wes said, gently pushing against Fred so he could remove his jacket. He placed it around Fred's shoulders. Wesley's warmth instantly enveloped her and she breathed deeply, enjoying the subtle scent of his cologne that clung to the fabric. Wesley leaned over and folded the edges of the blanket over Fred's bare legs. She smiled appreciatively.

"Better?" He asked, catching her eyes.

"Much." She said. Wesley sat back against the tree and opened is arms to her again, which she instantly scooted back into. He wrapped his arms around her and held her to him, her back resting against his chest, his cheek resting gently against her hair. The chamber orchestra had resumed their performance, playing Bach's slower and more romantic compositions. Fred allowed herself to become completely engrossed in the moment, all her senses heightened, experiencing a thousand wonderful things at once – the feel of Wesley's arms around her, the smell of his skin mingling with the night-blooming jasmine, the hauntingly beautiful sound of Air on the G String coming from the gazebo, the hundreds of twinkling lights draped in the trees which gave the garden a fairytale feel in the darkness. Fred smiled softly and closed her eyes, turning her head slightly so her cheek was resting against Wesley's neck. Wesley tightened his hold on her and kissed her softly on the cheek, his lips lingering against her skin. Fred opened her eyes and turned her head so she could look at Wesley. He was gazing at her, his eyes full of love. Fred raised her hand to Wesley's cheek, guiding his lips to hers. He kissed her softly and sensually. Fred pulled herself into a kneeling position and turned her body so she could wrap her arms around his neck. She placed her lips to his, kissing him fully and with abandon. Wesley's hands snaked beneath the coat she was still wrapped in and connected with the bare skin of her back. She gasped, her body tingling like a live wire at his touch. She wanted to feel his hands all over her. Fred pressed herself closer to Wesley and parted his lips with her tongue. She could not bring herself to care that they were still in public (albeit, concealed by shadows now) and Wesley obviously didn't either. He pulled his lips from hers only to work his way down to Fred's neck and collarbone. They were both breathing heavily, completely consumed in the moment.

"Take me home." Fred whispered breathily in Wesley's ear as the last notes of the concerto were played and applause broke out.

Wesley pulled his lips from Fred's neck and looked at her, his eyes intense with want. She smiled slightly and nodded, reassuring Wesley that he had heard correctly and was not misinterpreting what she wanted. She wanted him, ached for him.

Fred stood up and picked up the picnic basket while Wesley quickly gathered the blankets, holding them strategically in front of the bulge in his pants. They joined hands and walked quickly to his car where they spent several more minutes entwined, their lips pressed together and tongues dancing. It was only due to the constraints of their public location that they did not pull each other's clothes off right there. Instead, Wesley opened the car door behind Fred and she collapsed into the seat, her body aflame.

It took much less time to arrive at Fred's apartment then it would have had Wesley driven anywhere near the speed limit. Instead, he skillfully raced down the canyon to the Freeway, where he confidently tipped the speedometer past ninety. Fred slipped off Wesley's jacket and cracked her window, allowing the cool night air to rush over her face in an attempt to quell the fire that raged within her. It was completely useless, especially when Wesley put his hand on her thigh and ran his fingers gently to her knee. Fred bit her lip in ecstasy, willing herself not to beg Wesley to pull over. Instead, she fished her house key out of her purse, ready for a speedy entrance.

When Wesley pulled up in front of Fred's apartment and threw the gearbox into park, they exited the car simultaneously and were wrapped in each other's embrace before they were even halfway to her front door. Wesley kept his arms around Fred's waist, kissing her neck while she fumbled to unlock her door, her hands trembling with anticipation. When she finally got it open, she and Wesley stumbled inside, their lips finding each other's again as he kicked off his shoes. Not breaking their kiss, Wesley lifted Fred up in his arms and carried her to her bedroom, setting her gently upon her quilted bedspread. Fred pulled off her heels and threw them next to the closet. She then kneeled on the edge of the bed and worked at the buttons on Wesley's shirt, wondering how much he'd mind if she just ripped it off him. She stemmed the temptation, finally working the last button loose and slipping his shirt off. She was surprised at how firm and muscled his chest was. His work clothes left a lot to the imagination and Fred had not imagined Wesley was so… toned. She smiled and ran her fingers over the planes of his chest, dropping her lips to his shoulder and pectoral muscle. Wesley closed his eyes and wrapped his arms gently around Fred, sighing with pleasure at her gentle touch.

While she kissed his exposed flesh, Fred's fingers worked their way down to Wesley's belt, which she deftly unbuckled before finding the button and zipper on his slacks. Wesley opened his eyes and found Fred's. He gazed at her with unbridled desire as she pushed his slacks off his waist and they fell to the ground, leaving him in only his black boxer-briefs which could not quite contain his bulging manhood.

Wesley took Fred's hand and gently pulled her into a standing position. He kept his eyes on hers as he pulled the spaghetti straps of her dress off her shoulders and allowed the garment to fall to the floor, pooling at her feet. His eyes roved her body, drinking in her slight curves and milky flesh.

"You are so very beautiful." Wesley said, closing the gap between them with a small step and placing the back of his hand to her cheek. He placed an excruciatingly tender kiss on her lips, her neck, her collarbone, her breasts before he knelt before her and, while kissing her stomach, hooked his fingers in her black lace underwear and pulled them from her body.

Fred was breathing fast now, her body on fire again. Wesley continued to kiss her abdomen, his lips going lower and lower while his fingers traced a path from her ankle, up her thigh, to the warm wetness between her legs where he caressed gently.

"Wesley…" She whispered, his name a plea on her lips. Her legs felt weak under the intensity of his gentle touch.

Wesley stood up and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body to his. Fred ran her hands down the sides of his abdomen until she found the waistband of his boxer-briefs. She hooked her thumb in them and gently worked them down, careful not to hook his very prominent erection in the process. Now naked, Wesley placed another tender kiss on Fred's lips before he cradled her in his arms and slowly laid her back on the bed, his eyes locked on hers. He came to rest on top of her. She could feel his manhood at her entrance and ached to feel him inside her.

"You have no idea how long I have wanted you – how long I have loved you." Wesley whispered, his eyes still locked on hers. There was such sincerity in his gaze and his words that Fred's eyes filled with tears.

"Make love to me." She whispered, her voice catching with emotion. A tear escaped from her eye and Wesley kissed it away before placing his lips to hers again. As Wesley kissed her, he slowly guided himself into her.

Fred gasped in ecstasy and pulled Wesley close, wanting to become one with his flesh. She placed her lips to his feverishly and moved her hips in time with his movements to deepen the sensation. Wesley moved slowly, deeply, while he looked in Fred's eyes, only breaking his gaze when he leaned down to kiss her lips, her neck, and anywhere else that his lips could reach. He was so much better than Fred had hoped or imagined – an exceptionally skilled lover. He treated her body like it was a precious treasure, kissing her and caressing her in all the right places while he worked inside her and brought her to climax once, twice, three times before finally allowing himself release.

Afterward, sweaty and blissfully exhausted, Fred and Wesley collapsed next to each other, Wesley on his back, Fred on her stomach, her arm draped over Wesley's chest. They were both breathing heavily. Fred glanced at the clock on her nightstand. It was nearly one in the morning.

"Wow." Fred said, recovering her breath enough to speak.

"I agree." Wesley replied, turning on his side to face her.

"If I had known we're that good together, I would have gone out with you a long time ago." Fred teased.

"Now you tell me." Wesley laughed, leaning in and placing a kiss on her lips, then threading his hand with hers.

They lay in the dimly lit room, gazing at each other, both of them savoring the passionate high of what had just taken place.

Fred looked at Wesley inquisitively, remembering something he had said.

"You told me you loved me." She said softly. Wesley smiled a little.

"I did." Wesley replied, taking his free hand and stroking her hair which had fallen out of it's delicate twist.

"I didn't say it back." Fred said.

Wesley furrowed his brow a little.

"That's alright." Wesley said, though his eyes betrayed slight disappointment. "I don't want you to feel pressured or…"

"I love you, Wesley." Fred whispered, cutting him off. He smiled and so did she, scooting over so she could lie atop him. She rested her head against his chest, her leg draped over his lap. Wesley put his arms around her and closed his eyes. They fell asleep in each other's embrace, feeling more alive then either had in a very long time.

Next morning, Fred awoke to a knock on her front door. She was lying on her back in bed next to Wesley, who was lying on his stomach, his hand resting gently on her forearm. She smiled and decided to ignore the door. After all, it was Sunday and it was not even nine yet. Fred closed her eyes and snuggled a little closer to Wesley – careful not to disturb his slumber. He looked so peaceful.

The knock sounded at the door again, this time a little firmer. Wesley stirred, but his eyes did not open. Fred furrowed her brow and slid out of bed. She threw on Wesley's button up shirt which was lying in a heap on the floor, and grabbed a pair of panties out of her dresser before exiting the room, closing the door behind her. Another knock sounded on the door and she could hear voices arguing softly just outside. Fred glanced out the peep hole and saw Angel's profile. He was arguing animatedly with Spike.

"What the…?" Fred said quietly, undoing the deadbolt and chain. She opened the door a crack.

"Fred! Oh good, you're up! We need a scientist's rational immediately. Can we come in?" Angel said.

"Oh… I, ummm…" Fred stuttered, glancing at her bedroom door, beyond which Wesley was sleeping and where she longed to be again. Spike and Angel looked at her expectantly.

"Yes, fine, come in." Fred said reluctantly, holding the door open for them. They pushed against each other as they entered through the threshold, evidently in some sort of battle of wills.

"Alright, Fred. You gotta answer this once and for all!" Angel exclaimed as Fred closed the door quietly.

"Answer what?" Fred asked. "And why are you yelling?" Spike was looking at her suspiciously, then his eyes grew wide as Wesley's smell reached his hyper sensitive nose.

"You know what, Angel… I'm thinking this might not be the best time." Spike said, a guilty expression coming over his face.

"Oh, of course not, Spike… because you know you're WRONG." Angel said. He turned his attention back to Fred.

"Cavemen or Astronauts?" Angel said.

"What?" Fred asked, annoyance seeping into her voice. Did they really interrupt her first morning with Wesley for this?

"Who would win in a duel? We need to know once and for all." Angel said.

"You come over to my apartment at nine o'clock on a Sunday so I can settle a hypothetical debate?" Fred asked.

"Angel, I'm telling you, this isn't the best time!" Spike said a little more forcefully.

"No, we need to have this settled. I can't handle your childish, thoughtless arguments for Cavemen anymore!" Angel said.

Spike smacked his hand over his eyes in exasperation and shook his head.

"You git… take a whiff." Spike said quietly. Angel looked at Spike in puzzlement, then inhaled deeply. His eyes grew wide as he picked up Wesley's scent all over Fred.

Just then, the bedroom door opened and Wesley strolled out wearing his slacks, but no shirt as Fred had commissioned it as her own.

"Sorry, Angel. I tend to agree with Spike. If the astronauts don't have weapons, the Cavemans brute strength would inevitably overpower the astronauts." Wesley said rationally, coming over to stand behind Fred. He placed his hands gently on her arms and she instinctively leaned back into him.

"Oh… I… um…" Angel stuttered. "Hey, Wes… and Fred. Wes and Fred?"

"You didn't know?" Spike asked in disbelief.

"I didn't know." Angel affirmed, shuffling his feet in embarrassment.

Fred tilted her head and looked up at Wesley, a small, affectionate smile on her face.

"So…" Angel said, still shuffling his feet. Fred and Wesley looked at him expectantly. "We'll just get out of your way then." Angel said, stumbling over his feet as he backed toward the door where Spike was waiting. "Sorry to have… just… sorry."

He turned and exited. Spike shook his head and gave Wesley and Fred a sly smile.

"Good on you two. It's about bloody time." Spike said. With that, he left the apartment.

Fred giggled and turned around so she was facing Wesley. Smiling, she wrapped her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist.

"Good morning." She said.

"Good morning." Wesley replied, a genuine smile on his face. He leaned in and kissed Fred passionately on the lips.

When they broke apart, Fred rested her cheek against Wesley's chest, enjoying the feeling of being in his arms.

"How did you sleep?" Fred asked. "I know it's not the most comfortable bed in the world."

"Wonderful. But I think even a bed of nails would be comfortable if I were sharing it with you." Wesley said. Fred smiled and lifted her head. She met Wesley's eyes, which were a bright beautiful blue this morning – reflecting the sheer happiness Wesley felt inside.

The smile slipped slightly from Fred's lips as she looked at Wesley intensely.

"I love you, Wesley." She said, her eyes on Wes's. Wesley returned Fred's sincere gaze.

"I love you, Fred. I have loved you since I've known you. I think maybe even before." Wesley said.

Fred smiled and her eyes welled with tears at Wesley's words. Never had anyone said anything so romantic to her.

Fred raised an eyebrow slightly and gestured toward her bedroom. She entwined Wesley's hand with hers and led him to the bed where they made passionate love again. After, Fred lay on Wesley's chest, quite content to spend the rest of the day in that spot. Wesley's eyes were closed, but he was running his fingers slowly up and down her spine so she knew he was awake. They did not speak… neither felt it was necessary. All they really needed was the other by their side…

For the rest of forever.