He could feel it too. The muscles he'd tensed, trying to keep his balance, but also in worrying for both Fred's and Charles' lives. Even Angel's, for that matter. The adrenaline had spiked, but now, now they were in the chemical and emotional trough which had inevitably followed.

Fred's gaze was more direct than usual, and for a fleeting moment he harboured the idea that she was trying to impart to him something deeper and more profound than her words. But he dared not believe it. As much as he knew that she cared for him, she'd never ever displayed more than a deep friendship. To presume so now...

He just couldn't. Couldn't make that leap. He'd been burned too many times before. And presumed too much.

Still, that didn't prevent him from nodding and offering a slightly more intimate smile. One meant for her and her alone. He looked down at his tea immediately afterwards, though, taking another soothing sip.

There was something weighing on his mind. He wasn't sure if he had any place to bring it up. But the longer he stared down at his mug, the more he felt compelled to bring it up. He was certain, however, that her reception to his suggestion wouldn't be a warm one.

"I've been thinking that perhaps it might be time for you to take a vacation. To visit your parents in Texas. I know how much you miss them. I took a brief sabbatical myself and I highly recommend it."