Regrets

"Perhaps we shouldn't have danced." Ichabod said quietly.

It is New Year's Eve— or is it morning already?—and they had partied together with the entire, except for those who had to guard it, police station. At first, it had just been dancing, but that had turned into slow dancing. Very slow…

It had been so good to be in a man's arms again. It had reminded Abbie of being with someone, anyone. She had realized with a jolt that she had been lonely, although she'd always fervently fought that notion.

They were standing, hidden in a corner, together. He'd placed his hand on her upper arm, stroked it, but it seemed he was so lost in thought that he hadn't been fully aware of the gesture.

"It seems to have unleashed all manner of…"

"feelings?" Abbie whispered.

"longings.." he affirmed.

Suddenly, he did take notice and quickly removed his hand. Abbie stretched hers simultaneously out to him. He took it without question.

"Let's go somewhere quiet, so we may.. talk," she said.

He followed her into the night.

"It is lovely here," he began. They'd walked to a nearby park in silence. It was so cold that they moved a little closer. He stood opposite her, as if they were still dancing.

"Yes," she replied. A involuntary shiver betrayed precisely how cold she was, yet she did not feel the cold at all.

He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you cold, Miss Mills?"

"Abbie, please," she answered. "We've know each other for quite a while…"

He hesitated. "Abigail, it is then," he compromised. She smiled.

His hand reached to her hair and he softly caressed it. Before both of them fully realized, their heads reached out to each other too. And their lips met.

It was much softer than she'd imagined. Soft, but strong. The kiss seemed endless, but unexpectedly he pulled away.

A sad look crossed his face and met her eyes. It was guilt. "Katrina," he whispered.

She tried to caress his face with her hand, saying: "It is all right. It was just a kiss…"

He swallowed hard and shook his head. It wasn't merely a kiss. This wasn't who he was supposed to be, nor who he wanted to be. "I'm sorry," he stated and left determinedly.

Abbie stood there alone. The cold catching up with her… However, the coldness inside was stronger than any winter could hope to provide.

Abbie had been working for two days already but Ichabod hadn't shown yet. Captain Irving had already inquired after him the day before, but as Abbie walked into the station this morning, she noted he'd actually been waiting for her arrival.

"Let's talk in my office, shall we?" A demand, posing as a question.

"I don't know what has happened between you two.." he began, as soon as she had closed the door behind her. She tried to interrupt but he wouldn't let her.

"Nor do I particularly want to know or even care. What I do care about is your investigation… The investigation of the both of you!"

"I don't know why he hasn't come in." She said, pretending to look honest.

"I don't believe you," he stated bluntly. "You seemed quite… Well, since you're making me say it… enchanted with each other on New Year's Eve.. Perhaps something happened? I take it, it has…"

"I.. I don't know what to say… we had a… misunderstanding…" she stammered.

"And he left? Was he angry, upset? And you haven't spoken to, or seen him since.." Irving inquired.

No, she hadn't. She'd been afraid to. Too worried about what he might say.

"I figured he would come in, though…"

"But he hasn't and, now, we don't even know if something happened to him or if he's just put out…"

"That's right," she said.

"Fine, you're coming with me… Let's check it out, shall we?"

"You're coming…?" Abbie was a little shocked.

"Yes, in case one of you needs to be restrained…" He laughed at his own joke and Abbie wasn't sure if she should be relieved or annoyed at this turn of events.

"Crane… Crane!" Abbie banged on his motel door, but no-one replied. "Come on, are you in there? Are you okay?" she shouted.

"Let me," the Captain said. He banged a lot harder than she did. "Open the door, Crane! This instant!" When nothing happened, he shouted: "That is an order!"

A soft click and there he was. He looked disheveled, like one would after a great battle.

"May we come in?" Irving said, already stepping inside.

"If you please," he gestured at two rackety chairs. Abbie snuck in behind the Captain.

"You might have called in sick.." the Captain began. "We were wondering where you were… Although you are not officially linked with the station in any formal capacity, it would only be considered polite to let me know of your whereabouts…"

"I apologize," he stated. "I didn't feel well."

"I understand. A touch of the flue, perhaps?" Irving said with one eyebrow raised, throwing him a life line.

"Yes, I think so. It has been quite cold lately…" He was pacing around the room, his hands folded behind his back.

Irving agreed. "So it has. Will you report for duty in the morning? Are you well enough for that?"

"Yes, sir. I will."

"Good." The Captain stood up and clasped his hands together with a clap. "That's settled then. 'Till tomorrow."

He walked out, leaving Abbie the choice to come or stay behind. She hesitated.

"Crane.."

He didn't reply.

"We'll be all right, won't we?" she continued.

He finally looked her in the eye. "I do hope so, Lieutenant Mills."

Lieutenant? Now, she was a Lieutenant again?! Very well, if it pleased him…. She was a little disappointed though.