Wes and Eric belong to Disney/Saban. I am using them without permission, however I have not and don't expect to make money from this.
Any others you don't recognize are mine.

Rated R : Strong and descriptive but not explicit sexual content, including m/m contact; language; violence.

This is slash, it includes sexual situations between two men. If you're uncomfortable with the idea, don't read this.

Slightly revised and reduced version, I think more in keeping with the rest of the story. For anyone who didn't see the original announcement, see my website or email me with disclaimers if you'd like to see the NC-17 version. As before, thanks to Dagmar and Rach for various inspirations, and to Cecilia for beta'ing, and to all who read and especially those who reviewed.

Reviews are always appreciated.

Red Fire

The Touch

It still seemed like a dream as he stood at the window, watching the rain fall. Eric turned to look at the bed again, just to reassure himself. Wes was still there, sleeping, covered by an extra blanket, his breathing deep and even, his face peaceful. He had been asleep when Eric returned from the bathroom, obviously still weakened by his injuries.

Leaning a shoulder against the window frame, Eric closed his eyes, remembering what had happened in that bed only minutes ago. They hadn't been able to do much because of Wes's injuries, but it had been good. Very good. The memory of the first time in the clock tower had returned for a moment, echoes of both the joy and the pain he had felt then and the bitter loneliness of the time since. But it had been only an echo, fading before the bright reality of Wes's blue eyes.

"No regrets this time?"

"No. Just that we didn't do this years ago."

So many years, so many turns in the road that had finally led them to this moment. As if it was fate. Eric smiled in amusement at himself. He didn't believe in love at first sight. Lust, maybe, but not love. And yet, that was exactly what had happened. Ever since that day when Wes had introduced himself, had been so friendly to the lonely new kid in school, there had never been anyone else. And it seemed there had never really been anyone else for Wes, either.

It might not last. There were no guarantees in life, and especially in love. There would be problems, challenges, people who would have to know and might not like it, Wes's father... But after all they'd been through, he found it impossible to believe they wouldn't work it out together. Together... an unfamiliar thought. But a good one.

Another glance out the window showed that the rain was stopping. There might even be some sun. He turned away, moved back to the bed, and sat on the edge. Reaching out, he very gently stroked Wes's cheek, and brushed his fingers through dark blond hair, not intending to wake him, but he must have been sleeping very lightly.

Wes stirred, blinked, opened his eyes, and smiled at his lover's touch.

- End -