"Cessation"

Distribution: CD as always. Anyone else please ask.

Summary: Will and Francie's burgeoning relationship takes a pause.

Rating: PG/PG-13

Classification: Drama/Angst/General.

A/N: Thanks to Robin, as always, for the wonderful beta, and not disowning me.  I don't know what I'd do without you. Some of this story refers to the story I did called Appat.

Feedback: YES!

Email: jch114@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: I do not own Alias.  I do not receive any royalties from Alias. Alias and all its elements are owned by ABC, Touchstone Television, JJ Abrams, Bad Robot Productions, and anyone else who gets a paycheck from the show. Alex Cooper is all mine.

****

"Will! Are you ready yet?" Francine called from behind his closed bedroom door, then, she giggled. "You're worse than me."

"Yeah, I'll be out in a second," he responded. Running his hand through his freshly cut hair, he looked down at his outfit: beige khakis and a white shirt.  I just hope that I don't look ridiculous.  She had told him to dress casual but not to wear jeans. The sales clerk told him that the khaki's brought out his eyes.  Whatever that means.

"Fran?" he called as he walked into the living room.

"I'm here," she replied, coming out of the kitchen holding two bottles of water. "You look great."

"You think so? Thanks," he said as he took the bottle out of her hand and took a sip.  He looked her up and down. She was wearing a short denim skirt that showed off her toned legs with a sleeveless camouflage top. He blushed when he thought of the last time that he saw her out of that skirt. "You look great, too."

"Thanks.  So, are you ready to try curry chicken?" She took a sip from the bottle in her hand.

"I don't know.  Me and spicy food really don't get along," he said teasingly, patting his stomach.

She shook her head and put the cap back on the bottle. "No, no.  A month ago, you dragged me to that sushi restaurant. I still like my fish cooked, thank you very much. You have to come with me to this place."

"Yeah, a month ago," he said as he walked over to her, "was one of the best nights of my life." He kissed her gently. "For the record, Francie, you ended up liking the sushi."

"Yes, I did," she replied. "So, you could have another great night if you come with me. I promise that you will." She started to nibble on his ear.

A chill went up his spine as her lips caressed his ear lobe. He placed his hands on her waist and pulled her closer.  If we don't get out of here now, we'll never eat. They had missed several dinners over the last few weeks because they never made it out of the front door.

He ran his fingers up the small of her back and smiled. "Ok, ok. I'll go with you."

"Good! I thought you'd see it my way," she mumbled as she kissed his neck. "Let's go."

***

As they walked into the restaurant, slow reggae music played softly through the speakers. There was a scent of cinnamon and something else that Will couldn't identify wafting through the air. In the center of the restaurant sat a glass bar that had tropical fish in it. A dance floor near the bar and a deck allowed people to mingle and drink. 

"Will, isn't this amazing?" Francie said as they walked in farther.

He took in all the surroundings: the wood grain floors and pictures of the Caribbean on the walls.  On the tables, the centerpieces were conch shells that had been polished to perfection. "It is pretty cool," he said, smiling at her over his shoulder.

"Table for two," Francine said to the hostess.

"Follow me," she replied with a hint of a Jamaican accent.

As they walked past the dance floor, she stopped.  "Is it possible to get a table close to the dance floor?"

"No problem, miss," the hostess responded.  She picked out a booth in the corner. "Follow me." She handed the menus to them as they sat down.

****

"What are you going to order?" Francie asked as she placed her menu on the table and watched the waitress walk towards them. She bit her lip as he poured over his menu.  She fought the urge to mess with his hair.  "Will?"

He looked up at the waitress.  "Sorry. I think I'll have the jerk chicken and some vegetables."

Francie's eyes widened in shock.  "I thought you and spicy food didn't get along."

"We don't. Usually," he said, winking his eye and grinning broadly at her.  "So, what are you having?"

"I'll have the curry shrimp and fried plantains," she said.

The waitress took their menus and walked away.

"We forgot to order something to drink," he said, turning around to catch the waitress' attention.

"Don't worry about it. I'll go to the bar and order us something.  A beer?" she asked, standing up. 

"Yeah, a beer.  Thanks," he replied. "I'll be here when you get back."

"You better be," she said, leaning down and kissing him on top of his head. "I'll be back."

***

She pushed her way through the gyrating crowd and went to the bar. "Excuse me?" she said loudly as the bartender rushed by her.

"Dammit," she muttered under her breath. She stood up on the foot rail and leaned over the bar.  "Excuse me," she shouted. 

"What'll ya have?"  The bartender looked young enough to be her kid brother but he had thin stubble on his jaw.  He appeared to be trying to scowl at her.

"Two Red Stripes," she responded, handing him some money.

He handed her the two beers and some napkins.  "Thanks," she called over her shoulder as she turned to walk back to the table. 

She held the beers over her head as she pushed her way back through the crowd. Someone bumped into her side, causing one of the beers to slip from her hands. 

"Watch it!"  She stumbled as the beer fell from her hand, drenching her skirt.

She was blotting her skirt when she felt someone come behind her.  "I'm sorry about that. Let me buy you another one."

"You know a simple 'excuse me' would have been good," she said as she turned to face the person who made her spill the beer.  Her eyes widened in surprise, and her mouth hung open. "Alex Cooper! What are you doing here?" She wrapped her arms around him.

"I could ask you the same thing," he said, returning her hug. "How are you, Francine?"

"I'm here with a friend, and I'm doing great," she said, smiling.  He looked at her strangely. "What? Am I not supposed to be doing great?"

"No. No. It's not that at all. I heard about what happened between you and Charlie," he replied.  "Being that I'm his cousin, I didn't expect you to even want to see me."

"Luckily for you, Alex, being an ass isn't hereditary. You were always okay with me, even after what had happened.  By the way, I thought you had a job in Philadelphia with a public relations firm."

"I do, rather I did.  I missed California too much, and there just happened to be an open position with their office here, so here I am," he said with a smile. "Now let me buy you a new beer."

***

From their table, Will searched through the crowd for Francie.  He felt a big smile coming to his face when he spotted her walking back holding two beers.  He stood up as she reached the table. "I was wondering what was taking so long."

"I'm sorry," she replied, sitting the two beers down. "I dropped one, and—"

"Francie, you know that I made you drop that beer," a deep voice said behind her.

She smiled and moved to the side. "Will, I'd like you to meet Charlie's cousin, Alex Cooper."

He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He remembered their first date a month ago at the sushi bar.  They had talked about her type that night. Charlie had been her type. Bastard.  This Alex was, too.

He was tall, a couple inches over six feet.  Short hair, light colored eyes.  The muscles in his arms and neck screamed "football" player.  His smile was friendly and confident. Yes, Alex, was just the kid of guy Francie had always gone for, even as an undergrad.

Will's smile froze on his face as he greeted Alex. He shook his hand, and the sinking feeling got worse when he saw Francie smile up at the other man. Why is she so comfortable with him? He's Charlie's cousin. He's probably an ass like him.

"Nice to meet you, Alex," he said.

"Same here," Alex responded.  Will realized then that Alex was sizing him up as well.

"I've asked him to join us. If that's okay, Will?"

He wanted to tell her no.  In fact, he wanted to scream it.  The way Alex looked at her bothered him. Bothered him a lot.  He looked over at Francine, who looked so happy about the other man joining them. He relented.

"Sure, it's fine," he replied. Sitting down, he moved to the center. "You should know, though, that we've already ordered."  Take the hint, Alex.

Alex motioned for Francine to sit down, and he sat across from her.  "I told her that I had, too, but she insisted, which meant that I had no choice.  The waitress is bringing my food over here."

The sinking feeling continued when he saw her smile broadly at Alex.  She said coyly, "Now, I wasn't that bad."

He chuckled and titled his head. "Your exact words were 'Alex, you have no choice.' If that's not insisting, I don't know what is."

Will tried to keep his eyes from rolling out of his head as he watched her giggle. He hadn't seen her this giddy since the night they had gotten drunk and watched Spaceballs.  A sigh of relief left his body when he saw the waitress walk over to the table holding three plates of food.

"This smells great," Alex said, taking a deep breath as the waitress set the plates down in front of them.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

****

As the waitress took their plates away, Francine stood up.  "I have to go to the ladies room. I'll be back; you guys try not to miss me too much," she said with a smile as she walked away.

Will watched her leave and felt his heart skip a beat. She swayed her hips as if she knew he was watching her.  She looked over her shoulder and met his gaze with a wink.  He shook his head and turned his attention to Alex.

"She said that you were Charlie's cousin.  How did you meet? Did he introduce you guys at a family function or something?" he asked, taking a sip of his beer.

"I met Francine before Charlie actually. I met her while she was shopping on Melrose," Alex said. He took his napkin out of his lap. "We went out a few times."

"You guys went out? What happened?" Will asked, trying to mask his curiosity.  That sinking feeling was back.

"I was too busy with school and other commitments," he responded matter-of-factly. "I introduced her to Charlie, and he was able to tell her how he felt.  The rest, as they say, is history."

"You introduced her to Charlie?"

"Yeah, I did. I feel like what happened with them was my fault. She doesn't blame me, but I still feel guilty."

As well you should, Alex. "Well, don't beat yourself up over it.  She's doing great."

"Yeah, she is," he murmured as they spotted her across the room, heading towards them. "One thing I did learn from that experience, Will, is that I won't miss that opportunity again."

"What opportunity?"

"To get her back," he responded, taking another sip of his beer. Will almost choked on his. Both men grew quiet as they watched her make her way back to the table.

"What?" she asked as she sat down "You guys seemed to be in deep conversation, please don't let me stop you."

Alex smiled slyly.  "We were just talking about how great you're doing, and how happy you seem to be."

Will watched as Francie grinned broadly. Her cheeks must be hurting by now.

"I've never been happier, Alex," she said.

"That's good to hear," he replied.  A slow reggae beat started to come through the speakers and a crowd was starting to form on the dance floor.

"Hey, Francie," Alex said as he stood up, "Would you like to dance?"

She looked at Will as if asking him if it was okay. "I don't want to leave you here sitting by yourself."

Will looked at Alex who was standing behind her, his face trying to hide his disappointment.

 "I'll be fine, Francie.  Really."

"If you're sure?" she asked with her eyebrow raised.

"I am. So, go."

***

Will watched as they danced together.  That sinking feeling he felt earlier had grown into simmering anger. He wanted walk over and snatch her out of his arms.  He took another sip of beer, and sank back in the booth.  He could feel heat coming to his face as he watched Francine rub Alex's arm, the way she would rub his arm when they would watch an old movie or after they--

No. He wouldn't think that.  Alex is just her friend. He may want her, but she doesn't want him. She wants me. He's just her friend.

He continued to watch them from his corner in the booth.  He almost choked again on his beer as he saw Alex pull her close to him and whisper something in her ear. She smiled and nodded.

He's probably asking her to spend the night with him.  He moaned and put his head down on the table.

"Will?" Francine asked. "Are you alright?"

No, I'm not okay.  This guy is all over you. He looked up from his position on the table. 

"I'm fine. Just a little tired," he said sitting up and rubbing his temples.

"Yeah, you do look it," she said, "I'm sorry that we've stayed so long."

No, I'm sorry that you ran into him.

"You know what, Francine? I'm feeling a little tired as well," Alex said.

She looked around at the dispersing crowd. "I guess you guys are right. I don't want to shut the place down. We should get out of here."

He should get out of here, Fran.

He watched as Alex pulled out a business card from his wallet and scribbled something on the back of it.  He handed it to her.

"My home number is on the back." He patted the front pocket of his shirt. "I have your number here. I'll call you tomorrow so we can set a time for me to pick you up for the reception." He gathered Francine up in his arms and gave her a tight hug. "I'm really glad to see you again."

"Me too, Alex," she said as he hugged her.

He held out his hand to Will. "Nice to meet you too, Will.  Maybe we'll see each other again sometime."

Will returned his handshake. "I look forward to it." Like hell, I do.

***

As they walked back to the car, she kept looking at Will. He kept his head faced forward, his eyes unblinking. 

She stopped and looked up at him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Fran," he said looking at his watch, "It's late. We should be getting home."

"It's only 11:30!" she exclaimed, pulling his arm. "Will, what's wrong?"

He stopped and stared down at her. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he looked up into the night sky. "Why did you agree to go out with Alex?"

"I didn't think it was that big of a deal, Will. Besides he's my friend," she said looking at him strangely.  He grunted.  "What?  Why are you grunting?"

"He said that you two dated for a while, Fran," he said as he looked over her head at a couple walking out the restaurant holding hands.

"We only went out a few times," she replied, tilting her head, "Why?"

"I'm just trying to understand why you would agree to go out with him when you and I have been seeing each other," he said, dropping his arms to his side.

She stepped back in shock. "Seeing each other, Will?" Disbelief coursed through her veins. "At least Alex isn't afraid to introduce me to his friends."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Why haven't you told Sydney about us?" She asked quietly looking at him.  Her shoulders tensed as she prepared to hear the answer that always came with that question.  Francie, it's not time yet.

She watched as he took a deep swallow, showing that he wasn't prepared for that question tonight.  Whenever she brought it up, he would smile and tell a joke.  She'd mess with his hair, he'd kiss her, and all would be forgotten.  Not this time.

 "Francie, we both agreed that when the time was right we would tell her."

"When will the time be right? After we get married and have a few kids?" she asked, her voice shaky. "I have this great guy, and I can't even tell my best friend that I found him."

Reaching the car, she turned to him.  "I have to drive over to your house so we can go out.  The only way I can see you at the apartment is if Sydney isn't there. We search for obscure restaurants so we don't run into Sydney. I can't even wake up with you next to me in the morning, and that kills me. I can't be with you the way I want, and I'm not sure if I can or if I want to keep this up, Will."

****

When they reached his house, she got out of the car before he turned the ignition off.

"Fran, wait a minute," he said, climbing out the car and walking over to her.

"What, Will?" she said, reaching into her purse for her keys.

"Will you look at me?" He put a hand on her shoulder.

She turned to face him, her eyes shining. "What?"

"Are you telling me that we're over?" he asked, biting his lip. He knew that not telling Sydney what was going on with them was going to catch up with him, he just hoped it wasn't now.

"What I'm telling you is that I can't be with someone who can't even tell his best friend about me."  She opened her car door and got in.  "When you are able to tell her, maybe we can try this, but until then, Will, I'm sorry." Closing the door, she started the car and backed out of the driveway.

He watched as she drove around the corner. A loud crash of thunder went across the sky as a drop of water hit his head.  He couldn't remember the last time it rained, but it seemed fitting that it was raining tonight. Just to match my mood.

He stood in the rain for a few moments, and then went into his house.