A/N: Hey, guys! I'm back! So, the title inspired by both "At Last" by Etta James and the fact that I did drag this out a bit. But, hell, the show NEVER let it happen!

But... I gotta ask: Are you ready? Are you READY?! ARE YOU READY?! ARE?! YOU?! REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADY?!

Then get to reading!

Chapter 9: At Last

The drive back to Sleepy Hollow was somber and calm, desperately needed after the past few days. The subtle sounds of smooth jazz music played as Edom drove while Abbie stared out of the passenger side window. Edom had called Jenny as soon as they got in the car and let her know that Abbie was fine, alive, and that they were on their way back. Touching her pendant, Abbie stared at the street lights passing by and the stars in the clear, night sky as the past couple of years flashed through her mind. No subject came to her mind more than Ichabod.

"How'd you know?" Abbie asked Edom, still staring out of the window. "About how I feel about Crane?"

"Experience," Edom answered, never taking his eyes off of the road. "I've lived a long time, Abigail. A person in love is pretty easy to spot. Their smile is different. Something about it, no matter how terrible the events around them, still shines."

"And what makes you think that he feels the same way?"

"We've already talked. And, despite that, experience. I've seen that look in his eyes. He's only had it a handful of times in his life. And, if I can be this bold, this time is different."

Abbie smiled a bit. "Different how?"

"It's stronger. He's clearly ready for all of this." He smirked then sobered. "And you didn't find me attractive and I am quite the handsome man."

"Maybe you're just not my type."

Edom smiled. "Clearly, I'm not." He sighed. "I'm glad you're doing alright, Abigail."

"For the most part. A lot of what Desdemona said got to me."

"She has ways of doing that."

She looked at him, "She got to you?"

"It was a long time ago. Centuries."

Abbie looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I have plenty of faults of my own. A lot of failures. She turned them against me. All too easy, considering."

"Just a matter of overcoming them."

"Indeed. With that in mind, do you wish to talk about it?"

She looked back at him.

Edom looked at her, briefly, before focusing back on the road. "What she did to you?"

She looked away from him then back outside her own window. "If you don't mind."

"I'm all ears."

"She used my feelings toward Crane…" She stopped and decided to stop beating around the bush about this. "She used the fact that I'm in love with him against me."

"Was your admission of love for Ichabod just now to inform me? Because we already established that I knew that."

"I just want to stop lying to myself and say it out loud."

Edom chuckled, softly.

"She… said that Crane would never love me. That I was just a… patsy for him, I guess. A long line of people who just supported him and, in the end, I don't matter."

He took a deep breath. "Pardon my language but that bitch."

Abbie scoffed. "Yeah."

"I know she used that ridiculous accusation against you but, rest assured, you are much more than that to Lord Crane. You are worlds more, Abigail."

She nodded but took a deep breath and exhaled. "But… I can't help but feel she was right."

"How's that?" he asked, confused.

"I mean, I feel like that sometimes," she admitted. "That… I can't be with him." She exhaled. "Something always stopped me. Fear, I guess."

He took a few minutes to wrap his mind around that concept. "That you are nothing but a proxy for Ichabod? Just his guide and, in the end, you don't matter?"

She nodded, hesitantly.

He sat quietly for a while, scratching his chin. He lifted his hand up and opened his mouth. Then shook his head. "That is, easily… the stupidest thing I've ever heard. 1500 years on Earth for a single stretch, give or take, and that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Do you realize the implication of that?"

"When you put it that way…"

"You have to know how incredibly wrong that is! How ridiculous it sounds!"

She giggled to herself. "Well, now it is, yeah." She sighed. "I guess this is… this is me feeling like…" She shook her head. "This is gonna sound so stupid."

"Try me."

She took a second to completely gather her thoughts. "He had history with everyone else. Detailed history, storied history. I mean, Katrina, Betsy Ross, all they went through, all they experienced." She stopped and sighed. "I don't compete with anyone…"

"And you don't nor should you have to."

She smirked. "But… when it comes to Crane, I became content with… just being his backup, his best friend. It always seemed like too much to hope for. Seemed like it was never gonna be more than that."

"You settled for that role, the 'safer' role if you will, when you could be so much more?"

"We already have enough to worry about without putting a relationship in there."

"The two of you are already in a relationship. The way you tease, taunt, provoke, relate, and protect each other. All you're missing is an exchange of vows and rings."

"Pump your brakes there, angel man."

Edom smiled. "Just making my point."

Abbie looked back outside. "But it has been different since Pandora's Box. Me and him. Hell, even right when it all started. Things changed, ya know? I could feel it. We both could, I think. It's like… I can't stop myself from smiling around him. My heart actually does beat faster when he flashes that smile of his. I love to prove him wrong or frustrate him a little just to see the look on his face." She thought about all of those times. "I love that look."

Edom chuckled.

"Even when he's right, he's handsome when he gets that stupid, smug look on his face. And I hate that look."

"Or you love it."

"Or I love it."

Edom chuckled. "He feels the same."

"But I can't help but think that Desdemona had a point. What makes me different from the rest? Even you have a longer history with him than I do. What makes me… special? More… memorable than the others? Why should I matter more?"

"It doesn't matter how much time you spend with someone. The difference is what you make of it. For instance, I've known you a grand total of hardly a few months' time and I can say that there are few I trust more than you, Abigail. Your sister and Joe. I know, in my heart, you are people I can count on in times of need."

She looked at him. "Always."

He smiled. "The same rings true for you and Ichabod. Yes, your history isn't as long as he has had with others but that is hardly a concern. You two have done more in your 'short' time, and I use that term loosely, than many people have with their seventy-plus years. But here is the question: what will you do with your time with him? Will you worry and obsess over his past? Or will you simply enjoy the time you have been given? Love him on your terms, not based on the past. It's the love between you and him. Not him and Katrina nor him and Betsy Ross nor you and…" He stopped. "Huh. Who would I name there?"

Abbie looked away, embarrassed. "…Danny."

Edom shot eyes over to her, stunned. "Get out of town! You and Daniel! No!"

She shrugged.

He sat back. "Huh. Will wonders never cease." He shook his head, "Er! Regardless! Nothing about a past love matters to the love you have now unless you let it stop you." He looked at Abbie, "Will you let your past stop you from loving him?"

She looked at him. "Hell, no."

He smirked. "There you are."

She took all of that in. It made a lot of sense coming from another person. "You certainly have your way with words."

"Well, I'll be honest: I'm biased. I like you, Abigail. You've got a heart that's rare and a bravery that is unparalleled. Desdemona should've destroyed you by the time I arrived but you were simply struck down. Not destroyed. What makes you more special, memorable, or however you choose to phrase it, is you. There is no magic there except for the kind your own heart can create. It always has been when it comes to humans and it always will be. That's the difference. That's where your love for Ichabod and his for you is different. Because that's where it matters the most."

She sat back, feeling more at peace than ever about all of this. "Edom, thank you. For coming after me, for talking to me, for everything you've done since you got here, thank you."

"You're more than welcome. Oh! And for the record, the only reason Ichabod isn't here is because we had to make him stay in bed. He would've come for you, Abigail. No matter where you were."

She smiled. "I know. He always has."

He smiled then exhaled. "So, are you ready to make your life even more complicated?"

"Only one way to find that out."

"Want me to drive faster?"

"No. This could blow up in my face."

"We are still talking about Ichabod Crane, aren't we?"

"All the same, this speed is fine. It's a good calm before the storm. Quiet isn't always a bad thing."

Edom smiled. "Amen to that, dear lady. Amen to that."

The familiar city of Sleepy Hollow finally came back into view and Abbie couldn't have been happier to see it. Edom drove straight to the hospital, not even bothering to ask where Abbie wanted to go or head for any other direction.

When they pulled up to the hospital, Abbie got out and walked into the hospital with a hurried step; Edom followed behind her. Abbie saw Jenny, Joe, Sophie, and Ray sitting inside the waiting area; the Mills sisters locked eyes, rushed at each other, and hugged. Joe, Sophie, and Ray got up and greeted Abbie and Edom as well, all of them relieved.

"I'm seriously gonna kill you myself if you don't stop getting kidnapped," Jenny said.

"Well, we gotta keep things interesting," Abbie replied.

"Interesting is dangerous."

"A little."

Sophie sighed. "Glad to have you back, Abbie."

"Thanks."

"You okay?" Joe asked.

"Getting there." Abbie looked back at Edom then at Jenny. "Where's Crane?"

"Upstairs, room 354," Jenny pointed. "Follow me."

Abbie, Jenny, and Edom took the elevator up while the others stayed in the waiting room. They walked down the hallway and came to the door for Room 354. Jenny was about to put her hand on the handle.

"Jenny, wait!" Abbie said.

Jenny turned and looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"I need to talk to him. Alone."

"Alone?"

Abbie nodded.

Jenny smiled. "Sure. Go get 'im."

"Right." Abbie stared at the door. "Once I open this door, nothing is gonna be the same."

"Sometimes," Edom said, "a lot of times, life comes down to what door we decide to open. And change can be good. This change, I feel, will be fantastic."

Abbie looked at him. "You sure about this?"

"As sure as I've ever been."

She looked at Jenny.

"You already know."

Abbie nodded, "Okay." She thought for a second and looked at the door. "Can angels wish people good luck?"

"We would if believed in it but we don't," Edom said. "Even if I did, I wouldn't wish it here because you need no luck of any kind."

Abbie took a deep breath, "Last time we almost had a talk like this in a hospital, Danny walked in."

Edom smiled and motioned to himself and Jenny, "We'll guard the door."

Abbie looked at Edom, "Thanks, Ed."

"My privilege. Abbie."

She looked back at the door, took another deep breath, and opened it. She walked in and closed the door behind her.

Jenny looked at Edom. She threw arms around him, hugging him tightly.

"Oh!" Edom exclaimed, surprised at the action.

"Thank you, Ed. Thank you."

Edom smiled and hugged her back. "It's my pleasure."

She released the hug. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be."

Jenny looked back at the door. "You think this'll work?"

"I have no doubt."

"I knew it. He's gonna be my brother-in-law."

"That will be quite the wedding reception."

"Same thing I said."

Abbie closed the door and found Ichabod asleep. She found the similarities to just weeks ago after Pandora's Box very ironic. She walked over to and brushed his hair back. Her eyes fell to his lips again and the need to kiss him suddenly became very strong.

He moaned, lowly. He, slowly, opened his eyes, and looked at her, "Leftenant?"

"Good morning, sunshine," Abbie smiled.

He immediately lifted up and engulfed her into a hug. She wrapped her arms around him, a stray tear fell from her eye. She smiled brighter as a warmth just flowed through her body. It felt good to be in his arms again. It always did.

He came up with a million things to say since Edom left to rescue her and a million more since he found her standing in front of him but he found that nothing would come out of his mouth. He just wanted to hold her and never let her go again.

She exhaled. "We have to stop meeting like this."

He scoffed. "As long as I see you, I'll be alright."

"Same here." She separated from him and looked into his eyes. Every time she looked into them, she found something there she liked. Something she loved. This was no different.

He always saw something in her eyes as well. Fear always stopped him from admitting it to himself. He could also tell that she was thinking about something. "Is something wrong?"

"We'll see. We need to talk and we need to do this now before anything else happens. Is… that okay with you?"

"Of course."

She stood up and slowly walked around his bed, gathering her thoughts. She came to the foot of his bed and looked at him, "All we've been through… it would drive anyone else crazy."

"Most would question our sanity. And have."

"Most of the time, I wouldn't stop them. Talking about it out loud is almost crazy but…" She stopped and exhaled. "This… that isn't how I wanted to start this. My point is that… all we've dealt with, we've been through all of it, all of this insanity, we've been through it… together."

He smirked and nodded. "Yes. We have."

"When it comes to that… us, being together in those moments, no matter how dangerous or emotional or painful… I don't have any regrets."

"Nor do I."

"Because… I wanted to share those moments… with you. Even the painful ones. I wanted to share those. With you."

Ichabod slowly sat up and pressed his fingers together. "The one constant of any burden that seemed… insurmountable… has always been the simple fact that you have been there. You made every pain bearable."

"You've done the same for me." She exhaled, walked to side of the bed, then sat on the edge. "We've come so far from where all of this started."

He looked down at her hand and wanted to take it in his. He let go of a little more fear and did so.

She looked at their hands then at him and smiled.

"Yes. A long way from the beginning."

She looked at their hands and rubbed her thumb across his knuckles. "Nothing about this was ever easy."

"Not one bit."

"But, after all that, I'm sitting here, talking to you, about feelings I've been having for you. For months."

He looked at her, surprised. "Only months?"

"What? You want it to be longer?"

"It would make me feel better since I've been dealing with this for more than mere… months."

She smiled and exhaled. "Fine. Fine! You always win, don't you?"

"I do my best."

She scoffed. She thought it over. "It's been longer than that. It's been a lot longer."

He smiled. "That is a relief."

She laughed, realizing what they were finally admitting to. "How did we get here?"

He laughed as well, "I was praying you had the answer."

They kept laughing for a while.

Abbie stopped laughing but held her smile. She nodded, "I think I do." She looked at him. "When someone's been there, when they've been your strength when you feel like you don't have any, when someone who is always that shoulder to cry on, when you're out of reasons to go on… there's always one more person to go on for. Eventually, that person becomes more than a friend, more than a best friend."

"I don't think I could've articulated that any better at all."

She just stared at him, "Did you ever think this would happen?"

"When this all first began, of course not. It wasn't a thought and, even when it was… I thought myself ridiculous for even considering it."

"Why?"

"Because, despite all of my attempts to the contrary, I'm not a man who understands the world I woke up to, Leftenant. Not fully. I always imagine you would wish to have a love who was… more acclimated to the world around him, whose hand you didn't have to hold through every step. Figuratively speaking, of course."

"I don't mind helping you, Crane. Besides, I like being right and it's funny to see you, of all people, get things wrong."

He smiled.

"Plus… it's… something about those eyes of yours. Those damn eyes. Make things that I do every day that you're trying for this time look like something brand new. Even exciting."

"I'm glad I can make you happy."

"You do. In more ways than one."

He smiled. The smile slowly faded. "But, it's more than just my knowledge of the 21st Century or lack thereof. With all I have been through, all of which you've seen… it's left me… broken in many ways. I am… quite damaged, Abbie."

She raised an eyebrow, "And you think I'm not?"

He shook his head. "That doesn't matter. Not to me."

"And you think that… if I felt the same… if we both felt this… your damage would matter to me? Like you said, I've seen what you've been through, seen it firsthand. Who else gets you but me?"

"A true statement."

"And you know about my damage. All of it. I've loved. I've lost. I've had everything taken away. Except you."

He smiled.

She thought about that. "Except you."

"I'll go through it all for you. Again and again."

"I know. Did you want this to happen? You and me?"

"Yes."

She was surprised to hear that answer so bluntly.

"I just… couldn't bring myself to say anything to that end. It remained… a hope. Nothing more."

"Fortune favors the bold."

"But good things come to those who wait."

She smiled. "Can I tell you the truth?"

"Absolutely."

She exhaled and leaned closer, "I was… afraid. To ever say anything."

"Jenny explained to me that that may be your reason. And even still… it's a surprise."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Indeed. You don't seem to be capable of fear stopping you from doing anything. Years of evidence points to the contrary."

"Well, I was."

"Why?"

She exhaled. "Because you mean more to me than I ever wanted to admit. More to me than… than I even really realized. Until… Pandora's box and now with Desdemona and whatever's coming next. I wanted to do all I could… just to protect you."

"I would, happily… gladly, do the same for you."

"I know." She exhaled. "I don't want to be afraid anymore. I won't be." She took a firmer grip of his hand. "I'm not." She stared into his eyes. "I love you, Ichabod Crane."

"It would seem fear no longer has place within me, as well. I love you, Grace Abigail Mills."

She tucked her lips in for a second and decided to take one last leap of faith.

She placed her hand his cheek.

He never broke her gaze. He took hold of her hand and kissed her palm.

She felt a wave of electricity shoot through her body when his lips hit her palm. She liked it. She wanted more of it. She leaned closer to him and pressed her lips to his.

It should've been awkward for a first kiss. They had gone from friends to allies to best friends and, now, they had crossed the line to lovers. And it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

They kissed harder, enjoying absolutely every second of this. After another minute of kissing, they separated.

"That was…" Abbie said with a smile.

"…Remarkable?" Ichabod asked.

"Pretty damn amazing is where I was going to start."

"A welcome description, as well. Also accurate."

She stroked his cheek with her thumb, "I'm glad we talked. I'm glad this happened."

"As am I."

"Still ready to face demons with me?"

He placed his hand on her cheek, "Your demons, my demons. No matter the variety. I will face them with you. I will face them for you. I would face hell's gates themselves for you."

"You always did know how to sweet talk a girl."

"I've sweet talked you?"

"Took everything I had not to jump you." She shrugged, "More than once."

"I'll have to keep that in mind."

She looked him over. "I'm gonna kiss you again. I'm gonna kiss you a lot."

"I can find no reason to stop you."

"I didn't think you would."

Edom and Jenny stood by the door, leaning against the wall with Edom having his arms crossed and Jenny covering her mouth. They heard the entire conversation and they had huge grins plastered on their faces.

"I'm seriously about to cry," Jenny whispered.

"They're happy," Edom whispered back. "They…" He paused then started to frown. "They deserve it."

Jenny looked up at him. "What's wrong?"

Edom walked away from the door and sat down in a nearby chair, Jenny followed and sat next to him.

"Fear." He stared at the wall. "Without fear."

She looked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"The bravery of Abigail and Ichabod. To love one another despite all they have been through. That's true courage, Jennifer. That's bravery." He looked at her, "I've lived in fear for a very long time."

"I never would've guessed that."

He scoffed. "I guess I'm good at hiding it." He sighed. "Now that your sister is safe, other matters have returned to my mind."

"Migron and Golan?"

"Yes."

"Can we help?"

"Perhaps. I'm just not sure yet."

"Well, now that those two are fixed," Jenny pointed at Ichabod's door, "we can worry about you."

"No need to worry about me."

She put her hand on his shoulder. "Yeah, there is. After all, that's what family does."

He smiled at her. "Family. Yes. You're right."

A/N: AND THAT'S HOW SEASON THREE SHOULD'VE ENDED, YOU SO-CALLED SLEEPY HOLLOW WRITING SONS OF BITCHES!

Sorry. That is probably the last outburst I will ever have, seriously.

Anyway, YAY! WE HAVE ICHABBIE!

Alright, now, then: Golan and Migron will be returning soon. But first, we have a slight bit more to get to. We're going to learn a little more about our buddy, Edom. And, whoa, boy! It's a doozy! Be here... NEXT TIME for T2 Angel presents Sleepy Hollow: The Fated Ones.

REVIEWS PLEASE!