Astrid had been deep in thought for the past half hour. She had a lot to think about, a lot to consider. She still wasn't absolutely positive all of that had just happened. True, her heartbeat had yet to slow down, and her eyes couldn't help but to stray to the man next to her. That had to mean something had definitely just happened. But what? What was all that about. Out of nowhere, so unexpected, just an intense bout of passion. Astrid commended herself on her self-control. What Walter had done was hot, almost too hot for a poor girl like her to handle. She still wasn't exactly sure how she managed to speak at a tine like that.

Once again, her eyes drifted to Walter, who was bent over his experiment. She realized then: she wanted him. Really, truthfully, desired him. She had never been the type that was into attracted to older men, but , somehow, Walter was an exception. She had to admit, it wasn't just physical, though. Astrid wanted to know him. She wanted to be able to call him her own; wanted to be able to know what he was thinking, how he was feeling, just by looking at him. She wanted to go places with him, do things with him, see thing with him. Just be with him. She wanted them to be friends, co-workers, lovers, and all else that he would offer.

But. no. You can't be friends with your lover. It never works out, as she had found out first hand. Was she willing to risk what they had for something that may not be right? Her heart told her yes... but her mind... her mind-

"Astrid?" Walter asked, staring up at her with concern evident on his face, " Are you alright, lamb?"

He broke her out of her train of thought, " What? Oh, yeah- I was just thinking."

"You've been staring at me for quite some time, Astrid. Are you certain you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sure."

He gave a slight nod, " What were you thinking about?" He straightened up and took a few steps closer to her.

"I was thinking what you said-"

She didn't back away. This is good, right?

Yes, Walter, this is good.

Good.

Yes, that's what I said.

I was thinking to myself!

Who do you think I am!

Oh, just shut it!

You don't own me!

For the love of god, Walter, do you have to start with this every. Single. Time?

Well, if you didn't treat me so poorly, I'd be in better moods.

I take good care of you!

You ignore me.

I can't ignore you!

Well, you try to!

Of course I do, you can be extremely annoying at times...

...

Walter?

...You hurt my feelings...

Ock, I didn't mean it like that.

Don't talk to me, I'm annoying.

Come now, Walter...

No, nope, don't speak to me.

Fine. I won't.

Good.

Good.

That's what I said.

Well, excuse me, Mr. Fickle!

"-about us. Well, I mean- there is no us."

"But there could be." Walter closed the short distance between them, to the point where any movement would cause them to rub against each other. An idea that he found quite appealing.

Astrid paused, " Well," she took a deep breath, "Yes, there could." She looked into his eyes, " Walter, do you really want to risk what we have for something that might not work out."

He stared back ardently, " Yes."

She looked down, " Why?"

"It will be worth it."

"How can you be so sure."

At this, he paused, and searched, "... Because...I-I can feel it. I've never felt this way about anyone else. It different with you, Astrid. I thought I knew how to feel before I met you. Then you made me really feel. You make me feel... whole. I thought I was complete when I was with Peter; because I felt the same as I had felt when Elizabeth, Peter and I were a family... But I can see now, that I was never whole.

"But you, Astrid," he placed his hand under her chin, and lifted her face to his. He met her eyes, "You make me happier than I've ...than I've ever been." He choked back the lump in his throat, as did Astrid.

Oh, you blew it!

What, how?

You don't bear it all, you idiot!

Why?

That's all women want, for you to show your weakness, then they can strike!

Not every woman is like Elizabeth.

Damn near.

But she has a right to know.

Says who?

Says me.

Who are you to say so?

I thought you weren't talking to me.

I can't ignore you.

Touché.

Astrid's eyes began to water, " Do you really mean that?"

"Yes."

"Then,"

Walter's chest tightened.

" My answer,"

His heart rate increased.

" is-"

The doorknob jiggled, then there was a knock at the door.

Walter let out an exasperated sigh.

Astrid wiped at her eyes as she walked to the door.

She opened the door to find peter, " Say cheese!"

The camera Peter was holding flashed brilliantly, he laughed, " Good picture, Astrid. You looked like a deer in headlights." Peter said, smiling. " Why was the door locked?" He handed her a duffel, " You're clothes are in there. I just grabbed what I could find."

"Thanks." Astrid said, grateful for a change of clothes, but slightly annoy that he had interrupted her.

"Oh, and there's someone downstairs to see you."

She looked surprised at this, " Really, who?"

"I don't know, some guy named Chester."

Walter froze where he was, his heart dropping to his feet, " Who, Peter?"

"He said his name was Chester."

"Yeah, I know a Chester." Astrid smiled brilliantly, " He's here?"

"Yep."

"Right now?" She forgot all about her predicament with Walter just then.

"Yes, Astrid, right now."

She trotted out the door, and down the hall to the stairwell.

Crap. Walter thought.

He felt his knees were about to give out. She had smiled so beautifully just at the mention of his name. This was bad news for him. He suddenly found it hard to breathe.

A/N: You're welcome!:D

I realize that some of you may be upset with me for being a tease, but you know you like it.

Btw, a little known magic trick, reviews make us write faster!

=D

Much love from a very "Grumpy Goy"

-Akasha