Wes was having a very similar thought. It happened naturally: the shifting of balance, intent and gravity all combining to create a fall towards the comfort of the bed. It could have been a graceless, awkward tangle of limbs for all the lack of care in the execution. But it wasn't at all. The shock of the soft impact, the collision of bodies, the warmth of bare skin finally contacting against bare skin only served to heighten the thrill of what was happening.

Wes took advantage of the breathlessness of the moment, claiming a deeper kiss. Robbing Fred of breath and hopefully of reason too. He wanted her so much, and didn't have to hold that back from her any longer. The subtle roll of his hips and gentle stroking caresses down her side and along her thigh made that very plain indeed, but he wasn't about to rush things. He was determined to draw out each new discovery. To celebrate what they'd waited so long to enjoy.

He'd start by placing reverent open-mouthed kisses to her throat and collarbone. To the parts of her which had once been shackled by a slave's collar. Fred was free of that now. But he knew that the memories lingered on. The pain of her ordeal in Pylea having dulled over time but never completely forgotten.