(A/N: This might be borderline M….but I'm not sure. There's nothing explicit but maybe I should up the rating just in case…ugh I don't know…)

"Stein…I love you so much…" Marie whispered, looking into his eyes.

He looked at her with a shocked and amazed face. "I love you too, Marie." He said finally.

They were in her room; the lights were low. No, actually there was almost no light at all…just candles. It gave a bizarre but pleasant feel to the room. One that was soft and sweet but sexy and intimate at the same time.

Finally Stein stepped forward and closed the space between them with a tight embrace. He held her like that for so long…until finally…

"Marie…" he whispered as he cupped her cheek and pressed his lips firmly against hers.

She made a small sighing sound against his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck passionately. She laced one of her small hands in his hair. In response, Stein laced one of his hands in her golden locks and wrapped the other arm around her waist.

After some time, both were in desperate need for oxygen and pulled away. After some deep breaths the two looked into each other's eyes and smiled.

"I love you. I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner." Stein said slowly.

Marie shook her head. "I'm just glad you return my feelings…"

There was a silence. "Stein?"

"Yes?"

"I've always wanted to take a modified version of that stress reliever bath we took together." Marie said silkily.

Now he was curious.

"What did you have in mind, Marie?" Stein asked, rubbing her back.

Instead of answering, she giggled and her eyes became half lidded as she began to walk backwards into her bathroom. Stein attempted to follow, but Marie closed the door and locked it.

He could hear water running…..after waiting about five minutes her heard the door lock click.

"You can come in now…" Marie's voice breathed out just loud enough for him to hear.

When he stepped in his eyes widened at the site before him. Marie in nothing but her lacy bra and underwear.

She smirked at his expression and swiftly reached behind her back to unclasp her bra. Stein heard a small popping noise and watched as the bra straps slipped from Marie's shoulders and the entire garment fell to the ground.

Oh…..

He wanted to touch….he took a few steps but Marie held out her hand as a signal for him to stop. He begrudgingly obeyed.

She smiled at him again and reached down to toy with the elastic of her underwear. She pursed her lips into a small O shape and ran her finger tips along the inside of the garment. Stein was about to lose it. Before he could act, Marie too action. She began to slide the garment down her body at a painfully slow rate. He watched it all…the fabric's removal now exposing more and more of her legs…until it was finally off.

Once again, before Stein could regain control of his body, Marie took action. She swung one of her smooth shapely legs over the side of the tub, followed by another before sinking into the hot steamy water. She sighed in pleasure at the feel of the bath. She looked at him mischievously and held out a beckoning finger.

"Are you going to join me Stein? No need for a swimsuit…" she said.

He took in a deep breath. Wow….could this really be happening?

"Please? It would make me happy…I love you…" Marie cooed.

Finally caving to his internal and more carnal desires, Stein began to strip himself of his clothing piece by piece. However, despite him not being a shy person, he went through the process rather unsurely. He wasn't used to people seeing him…umm…bare…and it made him feel rather vulnerable; a feeling he despised.

"You've only taken off your shirt…what about the rest Stein? Or do you plan to take a bath with your pants on?" Marie teased, allowing her breasts to rise from the water a bit.

THUMP THUMP THUMP THUMP.

Stein could hear the beating of his own heart…

Unable to form words to answer Marie's question, Stein simply reached down to remove his pants and finally his boxers.

Marie giggled a bit at Stein's somewhat sheepish expression.

Then finally he joined her. His insecurity was gone. All that was left was desire, love, passion, lust, and confidence….just what he needed.

He eagerly pulled Marie's nude frame up against his and kissed her powerfully.

This was getting to be too much so fast. His body was burning up and his heart was about to beat right out of his chest. He knew what he needed.

"Stein…" she said sweetly, stroking his moist, muscular chest.

"I love you Marie…" he said touching her hand.

"Stein…"

"Yes?" he asked.

"Stein." She repeated.

?

"Stein!" she said even more loudly. "Wake up!"

What?

Stein's eyes shot open and he sat up in bed quickly, panting heavily.

"Stein are you alright?" Marie asked, rubbing his shoulder.

Stein looked over to Marie and much to his disappointment, she was fully clothed.

"Yeah…I'm fine…" he said breathily.

"I was so worried. You were thrashing about and making all sorts of odd noises. Her face was heating up and I thought you were having a terrible nightmare!" she exclaimed. "But I'm glad you're alright…" she whispered, before hugging him. "You're much better now that I've woken you up; aren't you?"

You have no idea…I much preferred my dream…