Very impressive essay. I'm actually half-way through one I'm writing about why Fresley shippers ship. I've got a bad case of writers block, although your wonderful piece has got me wanting to write again.

I started watching Angel late in its run (end of fourth season. whoops!) But I remember seeing Fred and Wesley together (before I even knew who either of them were), adn thinking "Huh. They look cute together."

Valid points all around. I hope one of the 'Angel' writers happens to see this and will feel like apologizing for all they have put us Fresley fans through (two and a half years of heartache for three minutes of on-screen happiness. But I'm not bitter).

Good job. You should write more shipper-centric essays.