Disclaimer: I don't own Angel
A/N: After watching "Sleep Tight" on, I felt so bad for Wesley and, being the avid Fred/Wes shipper that I am, came up with this.
Chapter 1Wesley stared straight ahead as he lay in the hospital. Much to his dismay, he'd survived and was being released that afternoon. The doctors had asked him if he had friends or family who could pick him up, reminding him yet again that he had no one and no place in that world. He had betrayed them all. Angel had entrusted his son to Wesley, and he messed up royally. Wesley now knew his father was right. He was nothing but a screw-up who made too many mistakes in his life.
The door to the room opened and Wesley turned his head to see Fred walk in with a change of clothes for him.
"Hi there," she said, smiling half-heartedly. She set his clothes down on the bed and looked down at him. "The doctors told me you were being released today. Of course it took me a while to convince them I was your sister so they'd give me the information. How are you feeling?"
"I don't know," Wesley whispered hoarsely. "Very bad."
"Um, maybe you shouldn't talk yet," Fred said. "But do you feel like going for a drive?"
"I've got nowhere to go," Wesley said quietly. "I'm in no hurry to leave here."
"Go on and get dressed, okay? I'll wait here for you," Fred said gently. Wesley looked at her before getting up and going into the bathroom. Fred seated herself on the bed and looked around at the medical posters adorning the room.
"Nice place," she said. Wesley came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, all dressed, but he wouldn't look Fred in the eyes. She felt a pang of sympathy at the big white bandage on his neck.
"Ready to go?" she asked. He nodded. Fred held open the door and they walked out into the hall. When they got into the parking garage, Wesley was surprised to see his car there. Fred unlocked the doors and climbed into the driver's seat.
"Well, get in," she said with a smile. Wesley climbed into the passenger seat and buckled the seat belt, still not looking at her. She put on her sunglasses and started the car. They drove a ways in the opposite direction from Wesley's apartment and the hotel. After awhile, Wesley saw a sign that stated "You are now leaving Los Angeles." He stole a glance at the backseat and saw a few suitcases of his own there as well as Fred's stuffed backpack.
"Uh, Fred?" he asked.
"Hmm?" she asked, not taking her eyes off the road.
"What's going on here?" Wesley asked. "We just left Los Angeles."
"I think it's time we left LA behind," Fred said. "You and I should have a fresh start for our new life together."
"What about Angel and everyone?" Wesley asked.
"They made it without us before," Fred said, "and they can do it again."
"Fred, why are you doing this?" Wesley asked. "After what I did?"
"You had good intentions," Fred said, still not taking her eyes off the road. "You just made a mistake. It means you're human."
"I stole Angel's son," Wesley said. "I betrayed you all. I betrayed you."
"Sometimes love can overcome things like betrayal," Fred said. "That's what makes it so great."
Wesley remained silent after those words. He knew exactly what Fred meant. Love was strong in that way. He had now what he had desired the whole time. Fred. After a while, Wesley spoke again.
"So, where are we going?" he asked.
"I don't know," Fred said. "What do you think of Chicago?"
"Never been," Wesley said.
"Chicago it is then," Fred said, smiling at him.
"Okay," Wesley said. He looked out the window at the passing buildings and trees as he realized that he had truly found a place in the world.