Notes: Thanks for reading, hope you enjoy the chapter! :-)


Abbie sat up in bed, grabbing her buzzing phone off of the night stand. She realized she'd just received a text message from Talum.

TB: What are you doing Miss. Not Boring?

AM: It's after midnight, I'm sleeping.

He doesn't text back right away, and she thinks he realizes it's too late to contact someone you hardly know. Then his next message comes through.

TB: Alone?

Abbie laughs out loud, he has a lot of nerve.

AM: That's none of your business.

TB: True. But I wish it was. What happened to that rain check?

AM: I got busy. And to be honest, I didn't think you would want to see me again.

TB: Why?! Because you jumped out of my car in the middle of the road, and took off with another dude? Lmao. I don't scare easy.

AM: lol, Pretty much. About that, I was a little drunk, and a lot of other things that night. I'm not the type to just go home with random guys, so if that's why you're texting so late you're wasting your time.

TB: I can tell that you're not that type. I want to see you. Let me take you to dinner.

Abbie sits her phone down on her lap, so she can have a minute to think before she responds. The first thing that comes to her mind is Ichabod, and she feels a little jilt of pain in the center of her chest. She's in love with him, and only him. The thought of spending time with another man, just doesn't appeal to her. But after he'd suggested that they talk about what transpired last week at Irving's party, she realized she wouldn't be able to hide her feelings forever. She hated lying to him, and he seemed to have an ability to tell when she wasn't being forthright, so there was no way she could ever talk to him about what happened. She could just hear him, apologizing for his actions, he probably didn't even understand them. How could he, he was high. What was her excuse, because she was there in the moment with him, allowing him to hold her as he did, leaning her body into him, holding her hands over his as they were wrapped around her belly. The difference was that she was completely aware of what was happening, and she let it.

AM: I'm a cop Talum, I'm on a special task force of sorts, so when I say I have limited time, I really mean that. I don't think it's a good idea.

TB: I'm a surgeon. I know a thing or two about limited time, but you have to make time for the things you want. And I want to see you.

He quickly sends another message.

TB: I wasn't saying that to impress you by the way.

AM: Don't worry bc I wasn't impressed. Surgeon Smurgeon, what's so impressive about that? What part of the body do you operate on?

TB: Lol. I'm a cardio thoracic surgeon, I'm kinda on a 'special task force' of my own.

AM: She sends him a blank face, then immediately follows it with a laughing face. He responds quickly.

TB: So? Can I see you?

AM: Good night Talum."

Just as she's placing her phone back on her nightstand, she hears Ichabod yelling out. Abbie jumps up, and runs to his room. She pauses briefly at the door, hesitant at first wondering if she's hearing things correctly, then she hears him yell "No!" so she continues opening the door. She finds him sitting in front of his bed with tears welling in his eyes. Immediately she's at his side kneeling next to him.

"Crane, what's wrong, what is it." He peered up at her through tussled strands of hair.

"It's Katrina, she" his voice broke, he swallowed and tried to still it.

"She came to me in a dream. Warning me that the power of her amulet grows weak, too weak to continue to protect herself from Moloch. She said…" He takes a deep breath, "She said that she devised a plan to escape purgatory, and she will execute it the eve of the next new moon."

"So she may have found a way out, that's great news Crane, this is what…" Abbie stopped speaking realizing that the look on Ichabod's face was not one of happiness or optimism, but dread.

"She said that the escape will be of grave risk to herself, and if I do not hear from her shortly after….then she is no more." He hung his head bringing the tips of his fingers to his lips, "She kissed me goodbye." Ichabod sprang to his feet with renewed determination. "I must save her."

Abbie could see that the inability to help Katrina was tearing Ichabod apart, they had a plan of action, it was just taking a little time to develop. She ran to her phone, and quickly called Seamus. He had been assisting them in tracking down a book they believed would ultimately enable them to free Katrina. He said that he would call them as soon as it surfaced, but Abbie decided such drastic times required an accelerated game plan. After apologizing for her intrusion upon him at this inconceivably late hour, she arranged for him to meet with them the following morning. They pulled up next to him into to the parking lot of the dealership a few hours before the sun was due to rise.

"Thanks for agreeing to meet with us on such short notice." Abbie said taking a seat in his office. "It's a matter of life and death."

"I told you before, anything I can do to help the two of you just let me know." Seamus replied.

Ichabod looked at him somewhat suspiciously "Why is that?"

"Crane" Abbie gasped.

"I don't want to sound ungrateful for your assistance in the past, particularly with Ro'kenhronteys, but I believe under the circumstances it is a perfectly plausible question. If you recall it did take some convincing before you were willing to lend a hand in that situation, so what has changed from then to now?"

Though Abbie didn't agree with the way Crane brought the matter to discussion, she'd be lying if she said she hadn't wondered the same thing. A few months back when she contacted him about the ritual, and the book, he seemed not only willing but almost eager to help.

Seamus glanced at Abbie, her inquisitive glare catching his eye. "My grandmother asked me to help you."

"Your grandmother, asked you to help us?" Abbie echoed.

"Yes. I was reading in bed one night, and she walked into my room. She told me that if you two required my assistance for anything, anything at all, I should help you." Seamus pointed over to a family photo on the wall.

"Only thing is my grandmother's been dead for over thirteen years, and she was right in front of me, so yeah, I'm at your service."

Abbie looked at Ichabod who nodded his agreement "Works for me" she said. "Let's get down to business. The book?"

"The Book of Realms?" Seamus questioned.

"That's the one." Abbie responded. "What's the last location you have on it."

"I believe it's in the hands of an ancient artifacts dealer in Rhode Island, but it's like I told you before, these things move quickly, there are no receipts or logs, I could be wrong, there are easily another half a dozen other places it could be."

"But this guy you told me about Pyrion David, you think he's the one who has it right now." Abbie asked.

"Yeah, possibly.

"Do you have an address for him?" she asked.

Seamus looked at her with widened eyes "Abbie, you can't just pop in on a guy like Pyrion, guys like that don't take to kindly to strangers. He deals with some serious black market merchandise, and who knows what other illegal activities he's into. You arrange a meeting. Even then the types of relics he specializes in require some serious coin, he's not just going to hand it over to you."

Abbie leaned forward. "The types of relics he specializes in, are stolen, and I'm a cop."

"—With absolutely no jurisdiction in Rhode Island, Abbie c'mon think about this, this guy keeps a lot of firepower around to protect his investments, he's not going to care that you're a cop." He turned to Ichabod.

"Do you want to talk some sense into her? You do realize that even with the Book of Realms you still need the Crystal of Siberia in order to perform the ritual."

"I've got a line on the crystal, in fact, if things go according to plan, we'll have it within the week."

"What?" Seamus questioned in amazement.

"Yep, it's what we do." Abbie stated gloating a little.

"What I need from you, is a location on that book. Seamus, we're up against it, and we're already spread thin. I need the list narrowed down to a minimum of three probable locations, so we're using our resources effectively. Out of all the places it could be, where does your gut tell you it is?" she asked.

"Pyrion."

"That's all I needed to hear."

Seamus walked over, and started rifling through a file cabinet slated against the wall. "This is everything I have on him" he said handing her a folder.

She and Ichabod stood thanking him. They made it nearly to the door when he called out.

"Abbie remember Pyrion can be dangerous, you two be careful. God's speed."

The witnesses nodded, and continued out of the door.


Just the week before, Jenny was able to successfully track the Crystal of Siberia, to a bed and breakfast in Oregon's wine country. Abbie, booked her plane tickets and made reservations as soon as Jenny discovered the location. The couple who ran the bed and breakfast had been making a killing for years selling and trading these "heirlooms". It was quite clever, the way they conducted their business, everything appeared legitimate, but for the elite collector, they were easy enough to find. Couples spent a weekend being wined and dined, and surveying the goods available for purchase, then on the final evening there was an auction. After doing some digging Jenny found that the way to get in on bidding for the collectables was to request that you stay in the Roosevelt suite. In reality there was no Roosevelt suite, so there was never any confusion. During auction weekends, the owners would simply tell regular perspective guests that they did not have any rooms available. Abbie and Ichabod set their reservation under the assumed names of Mr. and Mrs. William and Audrina Lippett. It seemed simple enough. They were to arrive at the bed and breakfast Friday afternoon, and would have in between then, and Sunday morning to switch the diamond with an exact replica they had created. Ironically the part that most worried Abbie was pretending to be Crane's wife. After months of trying to keep a safe distance from him, she now had to swing things in the other direction in order to believably appear as his blushing bride.

A few nights before they were set to fly out, Abbie, Ichabod, Jenny, and Irving all sat in the archives going over their game-plan.

"How long shall it take us to drive to Oregon? Ichabod asked.

"Just a few hours, we'll be flying." Abbie smiled.

Ichabod felt his muscles in his chest seize up. He had seen airplanes, many times, sometimes flying overhead, others on television, and the internet. He mused at how miraculous it all was, mankind travelling distances in moments that it would have taken months in his time. However he had also seen accounts of when such travel went woefully awry. Video of airplane wreckage traipsed through his mind reminding him that for all the good such technological advances had done in bringing people together, it was not without risk.

"Oh, I see." He said softly a bit of worry detectable in his tone.

Abbie gently squeezed his arm. "We'll be fine, I promise." She flashed him a reassuring smile.

A few hours later Abbie and Ichabod went up to her office to retrieve a few things they needed for the trip. As soon as she opened her door she was overwhelmed by an array of vases filled with beautiful floral arrangements. For a minute, she wonders if she's walked into the wrong office, she and Ichabod look at each-other curiously for a moment. Abbie peaks her head outside of the door, getting the attention of Judy, the desk clerk, who quickly rushes over.

"Oh I put them in here. I hope it's okay. I was going to hold them at the desk for you, but they just kept coming and coming. I counted seven of them in all, must be some guy." She smiled. Judy was an older woman, on the force. She was constantly pestering Abbie, asking if she'd met a nice man, and trying to fix her up with her lawyer nephew. She meant well, so most of the time Abbie overlooked it. Abbie was a little confused after checking one of the cards. It had only the word 'make' written on it, with a number two in the left hand corner. The second card she checked had the word 'please' written on it with a one in the left hand corner. She quickly realized that the cards formulated a sentence when placed in sequential order. Ichabod helped her put them all in order, and she read aloud.

"Please make time to see me." By the time she finished reading Abbie knew exactly who the flowers were from. Judy, who was still in the room swooning over the flowers pointed out that they'd missed a vase.

"This one was big so I sat it on the floor behind your desk." Ichabod walked over and picked up the final card. As soon as he read it, he turned his head away, he hoped the others hadn't noticed his disgruntled expression. He handed the note to Abbie, and watched her reaction.

"Talum" she said shaking her head, while the slightest hint of a smile curved her lips. It was subdued, but Ichabod could see in her eyes that it was a real smile. He'd become accustomed to being the man who did that for her, who made her smile. He pulled his hands behind his back as he felt them start to twitch. It was horribly disconcerting to see her reacting that way, knowing another man was responsible for it. He badly wanted to gather up the every vase and throw them out of the window, then turn to Abbie and demand that she never speak to him again. But he couldn't, not only for obvious reasons. He knew how things worked. Women choose. Of all the things that had changed throughout the ages, this one had not. When he'd told Miss Jenny the story of how his relationship with Katrina began, how she'd chosen him, and subsequently ignited a feud between him and Abraham, she informed him that by today's standard, Abraham would be deemed a hater. Ichabod had no intention of becoming such, even though his disdain for this Talum was growing exponentially. If Ichabod wanted to be chosen, he would have to show Abbie that he was worthy of being selected. So he made certain to compliment her on her beautiful flowers.

"We're leaving the day after tomorrow, they'll be dead when I get back, I'll have to give some of them away." She replied.

Abbie gave the largest vase to Judy, took one for herself, and then welcomed her coworkers to the others. On the way home Ichabod stopped off at Home Depot. When he pulled into the parking space he noticed Abbie chuckling softly looking down at her phone.

"Miss Jenny?" He inquired lifting an eyebrow.

"Uhh...Talum." She answered still typing. This time when he made a face he didn't care if she seen him, but he knew that she didn't because she was too busy looking at her damned phone.

"Are you coming in?" He asked stepping outside of the car. She looked up at him.

"Yeah, I'll catch up with you." Abbie returned to her phone, only to do a double take after hearing her car door slam.

"What the?" She mumbled looking after Crane. She finished up her message to Talum trying to explain why she couldn't have dinner with him. He had just threatened to send her flowers every day until she accepted his dinner invitation.

AM: Look, you seem like a really nice guy, but…

She sat for a moment thinking about how much about herself she wanted to reveal to this man before she finished typing.

AM: My heart is not my own, I'm in a weird place, and I don't think it'll be fair.

She quickly hit send before she changed her mind. She needed him to know that she couldn't give him what he was asking for, because she didn't control it. She didn't want to hurt him, or lead him on. How could she open heart to him when it was firmly entrenched in Ichabod's grasp.

TB: Oh. Do you have a boyfriend now?" He messaged.

AM: No.

TB: A husband.

AM: No.

TB: Is this about that guy who you left with that night?

AM: My life is complicated. I think we should just leave it at that.

TB: Or, you could come to dinner with me, and we'll see where things go from there. P.S. Don't worry about your heart. I'm really good at fixing them.

Abbie sighed, leaning her head back against the seat.

AM: Ok. To dinner. But it will be a few weeks before I can swing it.

He sent her a smiley face along with a message attached.

TB: I'll take it!

After searching all over the store Abbie found Ichabod in the garden center. He'd loaded his cart up with packages of soil, shovels, and plant food, and flowers seeds.

"What's all this?" She asked fingering the contents.

He turned around tossing a pair of gardening gloves into the cart. "I have decided to start a garden." He answered jubilantly.

"Oh wow, I didn't know you liked gardening."

"Oh yes, quite. I'm hoping to start it in a few weeks." He took her by the hand, leading her over to the fresh flowers.

"Show me the ones you most enjoy. I know these are your favorites," He said pointing to the lilies. "As well as these," He added selecting the tulips. "But what others do you prefer?" Abbie thought the flowers were beautiful, but she was much more focused on the fact that he hadn't let go of her hand. He was so busy picking out flowers she wondered if he even noticed. She released his hand, and drug her finger tips over a petal of the tulips.

"This is really sweet Ichabod, I think she's going to love which ever ones you decide on."

"She?" He asked quizzically.

"Katrina." Abbie smiled trying to be happy for him. "Isn't that who you're doing this for, when she's home?"

Ichabod looked at the flowers in front of him. He'd actually wanted to start the garden for Abbie. The flowers she was given today, would not last the duration, but a garden would be something she could enjoy for many years to come. Her words made him realize how foolishly he was behaving, he couldn't compete for Abbie's affections, he was married. He knew the reality of his situation, but no matter how he tried to remember he always seemed to forget. It was beginning to sink in that this is the way things would always be. They would rescue Katrina, and being the man he is, he would honor his vows. He would live and die this way, with his heart essentially hidden from the one who owned it. They would win the war, she would move on to an illustrious career in law enforcement, most assuredly fall in love, then marry, and become the mother of the most adorable children the world has ever seen. Children that by all counts, should be his.

"Hey, you okay." Abbie tapped his shoulder, noticing the tension in his face.

He brought his hand to his beard gently stroking it, "Oh, yes. I am well. To answer your question I believe a flower…to be a gift to us all." He stated finding her gaze. She smiled at him, and he was overly taken by the way the golden evening sun, travelled through the shelving and clung to her eyes. On the way out, he watched her in the parking lot as she smiled at the purple-pink, orange, and blue sky off in the distance. He knew then, he was cursed.

"So are we dropping this stuff off at the cabin?" She asked after buckling her safety-belt.

"The cabin?" He asked, uncertainty apparent in his voice. Abbie turned her eye's to the driver's side of the car.

"Oh I'm just operating in faith right now. I was assuming that after we rescue Katrina, you and she would, ya know, want your own space."

'My God! She means to throw me out!' "Oh…I…I must admit I have yet to consider our living arrangements."

"I mean you're both welcome to stay…if that's what you want, I just thought with the two of you being married, you really need…privacy. 'Jesus please don't let him accept, I can't, I CANNOT. Please don't let him try to move this broad in, because I can't do it. I was trying to be kind, and you know my heart, if they didn't have anywhere else to go, I would welcome them, you know that Jesus, but they do, so I am begging you, please do not let him screw her under my rooooof, PLEASE!' Abbie reached over and cracked her window to let some air in, she was literally sick just thinking about it. Ichabod could tell from the way Abbie presented his options which one she preferred. This was really happening. He would no longer rest his head, in the same home as her. Before he knew it that scurvy louse Talum Bradford, will move in for the kill. He will be sitting on my couch, watching my television, with my Abbie, EATING MY POPCORN. Well he will NOT be watching Citizen Kane, nor The Network, nor Fools Rush In, because I'm taking them with me, those were our special films, which we watched together. Oh and what of my lawn tools, and woodworking station in the garage.

Abbie was leaned all the way back against the window, staring at Crane like a crazy person. She'd called his name twice already. He was sitting in the parking lot with the key in the ignition, staring straight ahead, holding the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white.

"Crane."

"I do not want him in the garage!" Ichabod spit out, madly, before he realized what he was saying.

"What now?" She asked trying to lean even further away from him. 'He is tripping balls right now.'

"Have you been hanging around Marlo again, you don't want who in the garage?" Abbie asked completely perplexed.

"Uhh, apologies!" He said coming back to life, he turned to face her. "The cabin, yes, the cabin will suit us quite nicely thank you." He stated.

The next day, Ichabod stood at the foot of his bed quietly going through his luggage for the third time that evening. He and Abbie's flight was in the morning, and he wanted to make sure that everything went as smoothly as possible. He wouldn't be able to wear his jacket or any of the clothes he procured from the reenactment site he'd stumbled upon. He let out a heavy sigh. He knew that he stood out in them, and he knew that they drew attention to him when really he should aim to go unnoticed. Still he always felt more comfortable and in control when he was able to wear them. However they were Ichabod Crane's clothes, and this weekend he was not Ichabod Crane, but William Lippett, an independently wealthy entrepreneur, and husband to the suffocatingly beautiful Audrina Lippett. Ichabod ran his finger across the edge of his driver's license remembering fondly when Irving gave him the birth certificate and social security number he needed to acquire it. He had everything set.

Abbie reached into her luggage, and pulled out the lace nighty that Jenny had slipped inside for the third time.

"Will you please, stop it? I'm not taking that." She said through clenched teeth.

"Oh I get it, you wanna go commando, huh." Jenny teased. Abbie looked at her scornfully. "Hey no big deal, you're just trying to save him some time, I understand completely.

"You know what, for thee last time. We're going undercover."

"—Deep undercover" Jenny snickered.

"No just plain old fashioned undercover, its business, a job, nothing more. And wait a minute when did you become so pro Crane anyway, what ever happened to ( whiny voice) you're going to be a side chick, he's married, to a witch blah, blah, blah." Abbie teased. Jenny lightly giggled and sat crossed legged on Abbie's bed. In honesty, Jenny just wanted her sister to be happy, and she saw that Crane made her that way. But if she had to pinpoint the moment that she became pro Crane and Abbie, it would have been when he jumped out of the cab, and darted across four lanes of traffic, to ensure she didn't take off with Talum. After living with them, it was clear to her how much he cared for her, she wondered how Abbie hadn't picked up on it yet.

"I don't know, I just see how you guys are together."

Abbie shook her head. "What are you talking about now?" she asked looking up from packing.

"C'mon Abbie, I mean the way you guys are together, like you make his plate, he cooks for you, he rubs your feet, you do his laundry."

"I do your laundry." Abbie griped looking up from her suitcase.

"We're not talking about me right now. I'm just saying you two act more like a couple than friends anyway, this weekend should be a breeze for you guys. Jenny held up the nighty again. "You sure?"

"Positive." Abbie answered. You know what this is, right?" Abbie added.

Jenny tilted her head to the side. "What?"

"You're happy right now."

Jenny sighed dismissively, "Oh C'mon."

"—No, that's exactly what this is," she said taking a seat on the bed. "You're happy with Frank, and you just want to see everyone as happy as you guys are, so you're trying to couple us off, the only problem is, he's already part of a couple." Abbie smiled. "I know you mean well, because of", she looks toward the door to make sure Ichabod isn't anywhere around, "You know, because you know how I felt about him, but it just isn't in the stars for us ya know. And honestly I think things will be easier once Katrina is free."

"Umm, how do you figure, I was thinking like the exact opposite of what you just said."

"Because then, it will be there, right in my face," Abbie let the backside of her hand smack into her other palm.

"This constant reminder that he's unavailable, and it'll help me to pull my head out of the clouds, and keep my mind from going on these ridiculous flights of fancy. And I'm not looking for anything, but maybe when I'm not entertaining myself with this clearly unattainable romance, the real thing will come along." Abbie stood and resumed packing.

"Bells, you really think there's someone out there who will do it for you like he does? You guys are good together, you could be good together." Jenny argued.

Abbie laughed, "Are you kidding me, we fight, all the time."

"Exactly, that's because you guys have something that's worth fighting for. When was the last time a guy got under your skin the way Icky does? Never. You've always been apathetic during disputes, Ichabod is the only man I've ever seen get you all riled up, now ask yourself why that is." Jenny advised.

"Uhh I already know why, it's because he's annoying, pompous, opinionated, and glib." Abbie counted off on her fingers.

"And because you love him. Don't you ever think he might feel the same way about you? That maybe he loves you too." Jenny proposed.

"Of course he loves me, Jenny, I'm his partner in a war that he has no chance of winning without me. But he doesn't have the same type of feelings, I have for him…" Jenny can see the pain in her sister's face. "And he didn't choose me to be his partner…he chose her."

"I don't know," Jenny said standing up, "I just want you to be happy, look I gotta cut out, you be careful, and I'll see you guys in Rhode Island." She added.

"I love you, and you be more careful. Do not engage Pyrion, until we are all there. You have Dunn's number right?"

Abbie had given Jenny the number to an old friend of hers who worked as a private investigator in Rhode Island. She hoped that the two of them could start surveillance on Pyrion, while she and Ichabod were retrieving the crystal.

"I have it, I remember, you told me a thousand times already, don't engage just watch. I love you too, have a safe flight, and call me when you get there."

With that she was out the door. Abbie stood for a moment looking at herself in the mirror. "You can do this, you're going to do what you have to do help him save Katrina, and then you're going to suck it up, and stop pining away for Ichabod Crane." Her words increased with volume at the end of the sentence.

"What is it Lieutenant?" Abbie screamed and jumped nearly three feet as she turned to find Ichabod standing in her doorway.

"My deepest apologies, I've startled you" He said taking a few steps into her room.

"No." she gasped. "No you didn't startle me, I knew you were there." She lied nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. He noticed. It was her tell. Whenever she was nervous or frustrated about something she had a tendency to play with her hair. He found it utterly irresistible.

"Good then. I heard you call my name, did you want something?" He questioned making himself too comfortable in her room for her liking. In the beginning he refused to even cross the threshold, yet now he lurked and entered uninvited, and unannounced. Who was he anyway to just waltz into her room, and start asking questions when she was having a perfectly good conversation with herself.

"Oh um, I had to tell you that, I mean to…to uh…wear a light jacket in case it rains." She stumbled. She used to be such a good liar, why was it always so hard lying to him.

"Of course, I'll set one out immediately. Is there anything else?" He asked in a tone that in her opinion indicated he didn't believe that was truly what she wanted to ask him.

"No there's nothing else, just the jacket." she replied softly.

Very well then, I bid you adieu til the morning." He said bowing before taking his leave. After she closed the door behind him she let her body fall against it. This was going to be a long weekend.


Cranes eyes brightened as their cab pulled up to the four story Victorian style home. It looked so peaceful and inviting, a welcome departure from his dreadful experience at the airport. Twice Abbie worried that he would be detained and they would not be allowed to board their flight. Abbie making apologies only infuriated him further.

"As if we should apologize when they searched through our luggage and unfairly withheld my tea, and patching kit, without re-compensation I might add. Not to mention all that debauchery that ensued when I merely questioned the necessity of removing my shoes." He scoffed.

"I told you all of this before. Things have happened, the attacks on our country…unspeakable things. I know that it can feel a little invasive but they're just trying to keep everyone safe. Besides I told you to leave the patching kit home because it had scissors in it, and I'm sure there will be tea where we're going." Abbie replied.

"And if I should acquire a tear in my clothing, will there be a seamstress on hand as well?" He asked sarcastically.

"Nope but I'm sure there'll be a Target." She answered rolling her eyes.

"Still, they had no right to interrogate me in that room, and forcing me to remove my clothing was a clear violation and an egregious infringement upon my liberty."

"Welp maybe you should have listened to me, when I told you to take off your damn shoes. You're lucky they even let us on the plane, your antics nearly landed you on the no fly list."

Abbie and Ichabod took in the beautiful garden scenery as the followed the long path up to the door. The large door was open and an attractive, slightly heavy-set, woman warmly called them in through it.

"Hello we're William and Audrina Lippett, pleased to make you acquaintance." Ichabod said taking her hand, and bowing slightly.

"Likewise, welcome, so wonderful to have you." I'm Chelsea Roberts, and this is my husband Peter, he can help with your bags." She said motioning for him to take Abbie's bag.

"Did you have a pleasant flight?" Ichabod immediately frowned flashing back to being forced to strip, and spread his legs up against a cold wall.

"We did, it was quite a view on the way in." Abbie piped up. "What a lovely home, it's even more beautiful in person."

"Oh thank you." Chelsea gushed. "We've put a lot of work into it," she chimed.

"Well it certainly shows." Abbie said looking up to admire the painting on the ceiling of the foyer. Chelsea and Peter appeared to be in their late forties/early fifties.

"Let us show you to your room." Chelsea said linking her arm with Abbie's. "What a pretty dress, I used to have something just like it. Abbie was wearing a pale yellow summer dress with tan leather wedges with light wicker bottoms.

"So how long have you all been married?"

"A little over a year." Ichabod called up the steps.

"Oh practically newlyweds, how sweet." Chelsea gushed. "Any children?" she asked.

"No mam, not yet." Abbie replied.

"Well you're both young plenty of time for that, Peter and I never had any children, but we looked after my sister's children quite a bit when they were younger. That was years ago though they're all grown up now with children of their own."

When they reached the top of the landing Peter introduced them to Margaret and Steven Chambers who'd arrived earlier. There were five couples in all, with the addition of Peter, Chelsea, and their staff it was a lot of eyes they would have to watch out for when switching the diamond.

"And here we are, I hope everything is to your liking. Your restroom is right inside and to the left. Feel free to explore the house and the grounds, and make yourselves at home. Dinner will be served at six thirty prompt, afterwards we'll have a preview of some of the items we'll have available for auction."

"Thank you, that sounds wonderful." Abbie closed the door behind them and quickly started unpacking her bag. She removed her scanner, and started checking the room for bugs. There was a lot of money at stake and she didn't know what the Roberts were capable of. Twenty minutes later she was able to breathe a little easier when the scan came up empty. She stood on the balcony admiring the scenery, and boats in the distance while Ichabod used the bathroom. Before long she felt his hand slip against her shoulder.

"It's breathtaking isn't it?" Abbie said looking out from the balcony.

"I don't think I've ever seen anything so beautiful." He replied never taking his eyes off of her. He gently closed his eyes willing himself to commit the mental snapshot of her against the backdrop of the mountains to his memory.

"It's a little after noon so that gives us some time to explore before we need to dress for dinner. They're bringing the goods out before tomorrow's auction, so if we pay attention we can find out where they keep them. Are you ready to do this?" she asked turning to face him. He peered down at her and held his hand out.

"Of course, after you Mrs. Lippett." He said winking.

Abbie and Ichabod spent a few hours just tooling around town. It was a quaint little community a mixture of boating, vineyards, and lots of neat shops tucked away throughout the landscape. Though they were away from the home they still made it a point to hold hands and appear, at least loosely, as a couple. Abbie kept thinking how easy and natural it all felt, walking hand and hand with him, or the feeling of his arms wrapping around her as she watched the water. She remembered the feeling well all too well. After walking for a bit Abbie thought about renting bikes, but after Ichabod tested one out she realized it was a terrible idea. It was going to be hella hard to steal the diamond after he broke every bone in his body. A little bit later they stumbled upon a boat rental stand, which instantly drew a wide smile from Abbie.

He looked down on her, instantly excited by her interest in them. "Would you like to rent one, we could take a turn around the lake?"

"I'd love too, but I don't know anything about boating." Abbie admitted.

Ichabod smiled. "Well you're in luck, I know a great deal of boating, be it sailing, rowing, the lot. I spent a fair amount of time on ships as a young boy. Shall we" he said pulling her by the hand.

She'd taught him so much, he was always happy when he had the chance to teach her new things. This afternoon had been the most fun he'd had in a long while, he was absolutely delighted, and remained so up until he saw the rental fee. As soon as he had received his bonus he had insisted purchasing all of his necessities for himself. On top of what he spent purchasing Abbie's necklace, covering a few meals, not to mention his latest purchase of material for Abbie's garden, he didn't have enough to cover the rental fee. He stood hand in hand with Abbie, while his eye's sifted over the sign with the rental rates listed, he immediately felt a pang of embarrassment. He hated the thought of her financing leisure activities for him. He turned around and gently pulling her wrist.

"Actually I am rather fatigued, perhaps it is best we return to our lodgings." He said quietly.

Abbie excused them from the gentlemen working the rental booth, stepping just out of his earshot. "What are you talking about this is the most excited I've seen you all day, now you're tired?"

"Yes, it just suddenly fell over me. Perhaps it's related to this jet lag you described to me before embarking on our journey." He said trying to sound believable.

Abbie could tell there was a shift in him, and she had an idea that it was the money situation again, so she tried joking with him to lighten the mood.

"Well you are pretty old, so if you can't keep up." Whenever she joked with him about his age he usually laughed, but this time he merely nodded his head in agreement.

"You're correct, I think the day has taken its toll, we should depart." He said offering her his arm.

'Nope we're not doing this, we work too hard, when we have moments we can enjoy that's what we should do.' She thought. Abbie marched back to the rental area.

"We'll take one."

Ichabod looked at her with disbelief. "Ab" he started then corrected himself sharply.

"Audrina." He thought it foolish as they were away from the bed and breakfast, but Abbie mandated that they only refer to one another by their assumed names.

Abbie returned to him with their ticket in hand, "Coming?"

"I wish that just once you would actually listen to me, and take my desires into consideration." He stated following behind her.

"Believe or not that is exactly what I'm doing." She said stepping into the boat. Ten minutes into the ride they were sitting in silence.

Abbie threw her head back allowing the late afternoon sun to kiss the skin on her neck. She smiled to herself. "It's so calm and peaceful out here, I wish we could just stay this way."

She looked over at Ichabod who took a short break from rowing. "It is. This is one of the most blissful peaces known to man, but I'm afraid staying out here would be rather costly."

"Crane." She warned.

He shook his head back and forth. "William."

Abbie raised her palms up and glanced around. "Are you kidding me, we're in the middle of a lake. No one is going to hear us out here."

"All the same, back in the room you physically assaulted me when I called you Lieutenant."

"I pushed you that hardly constitutes—," Ichabod raised an eyebrow.

"You know what it doesn't matter, William, Lippett, Crane whatever you want to call yourself, I don't want to talk about money, or sit here and listen to you babble on about money. I just want to lay here and listen to the birds while I luxuriate in the sun. Okay?"

Ichabod resumed rowing. "Fine."

Abbie sank her head back, and closed her eyes.

He knew that he shouldn't say anything, that he should leave well enough alone, and just continue rowing but he felt the words chipping away at his insides so vigorously that he was compelled to them out.

"Just know, that I will return every dollar."

She opened her eyes and sat forward. "What did I just say?"

"Look at me." She ordered. In that moment he felt so ashamed that he couldn't bear to meet her gaze, so he kept his eyes upon the water's edge.

"Ichabod, look at me." She said again, but this time gentler, so sweetly that he had no choice but to obey. She responded by taking his hands into hers. She spoke slowly and deliberately the way he noticed she often did when she meant for him to not only listen but to truly hear her.

"You have. To stop. Beating yourself up about things that are 100%. Out. Of your. Control." He opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off.

You've already said yourself that given the chance you would do the same for me, so let me do this. Stop going into a shell every single time that I reach for my purse, it's a waste of time that we don't have." She pleaded.

Ichabod bowed his head studying their hands.

"It's only….this is the only me that you have ever known. I merely wish that you could have known me when I was…confident in the world around me, and earning a more respectable wage. I assure you that version of myself stood in sharp contrast to the bumbling, penniless, scoundrel who sits before you now."

Abbie can't help but laugh. "In what world are you a scoundrel Ichabod Crane?"

He raises both eyebrows, and gives her a devious look which instantly causes her heart to beat a little faster. She thought about how ironic it was the way God brought people into you life to teach you different things. Shortly, before she started dating Luke there was this gorgeous guy she had gone on a few dates with. On their second date, they stopped into a store to grab a few things and just as Abbie was checking out he came to the counter holding a pack of gum asking her buy it for him. It was only a dollar so she did, thinking nothing of it. She was irritated though, that he never offered her the dollar back, but decided to overlook it. The final straw came when he offered to cook her dinner. At first she was excited 'this is more like it' she thought. That excitement was short lived when she realized he wanted to make her steak and lobster, but he intended for her to purchase the steak and the lobster. She didn't give a fuck how fine he was, as soon as she caught her breath from laughing so hard, she disrespectfully declined, and hung up the phone. She wasn't that girl, the one who spent her hard earned money buying things for grown ass, able bodied, men. She worked too hard, had too many trust issues, and could never hold herself out there at the risk of being taken advantage of. But things were different with Crane. Not that he was like a boyfriend or anything, but they were a team, and she knew he would never take advantage of her.

"I'm happy with the guy you are right now." He looks away so she placed her fingers beneath his chin to redirect his eyes to hers. "This brilliant, honest, compassionate, albeit sometimes bumbling man who spends his days and nights working so hard, and doing immensely important work. Who cares if it's not reported in the gross domestic product, it shouldn't matter, it doesn't matter. Besides, you have a job lined up, starting at the end of summer." She brushes his beard one final time and withdraws her hand. He sighs a little wishing her cool fingers were still slipping through the whiskers on his face. He has this nagging desire to reach for her hand again, because he's spent most of the day with it inside of his, and he misses it now that it's gone. Because when her hand is in his, it feels as though it belongs there, and when it's there he can pretend that it does, even if it's only for a moment. He's happy when she places her tiny fingers over his knuckles, and he immediately seizes the opportunity to wrap his hands around hers again.

She smiles at him. "You are always there for me every single time I need you." She says with her eyes lighting up as if it's something she's only just discovered.

Ichabod arches an eyebrow, and inches forward so that he's just inches from her face. "What was that?" He asks teasingly.

She pulls her hand out of his and shoves him back. "Get outta here." She smiles stretching her limbs up towards the light. He'd never actually heard her say that she needed anyone or anything, however he had heard her speak of what she didn't need on multiple occasions. He'd made the mistake of telling Jenny to pause the video game one evening because Abbie needed him in the kitchen. As soon as he entered the kitchen a scowling Abbie made it a point to inform him that he was mistaken, even though she called him in.

"I would like for you to hand me the salad bowl above the cabinet, but I don't actually need you to get it, if you don't I can slide that chair over here, climb up on the counter top and get it down myself, but as you can see I'm a little busy right now." She stated much to his bewilderment. He had half a mind to slide the chair over to the cabinet for her, and instruct her to procure it herself, but he didn't. He simply took the bowl down, and let her know if she required, or wanted any further assistance he would in the living room. They'd had a few discussions about her inability to use this very phrase. She looked over at him and immediately knew he was pouting, actually pouting.

"Crane, come on." She cooed tilting her head to the side.

Ichabod sat rod straight and gazed at her from the corner of his eye. "Come on and what Lieutenant?" The words flung from his mouth with an incredible amount of salt, and he still refused to look at her squarely.

"Seriously, you know I…" she sighed and drug her bottom lip under her teeth. "You know how I feel about you."

Ichabod finally faced her directly. "Do I?"

Abbie's eye grow. "Yes Crane!" She scans their surroundings aware of how freely she's using his name, she lowers her voice and leans in closer.

"You know how much you mean to me, you're my partner, you're there for me hands down, no matter what." Her declarations win her a small smile from Ichabod, but he still hasn't forgotten what started all of this. He doesn't know why but he feels himself leaning into her personal space, he doesn't stop until he's so close that he can actually feel her body heat. On second thought he realizes that he simply wants to be close to her, because it makes him feel good." 'Why does it feels so indescribably good to be near her?'

"If you're affirmations are true, then why is it so difficult for you to admit that my presence in your life is need—a requirement, rather than mere desire."

Abbie is fighting for composure, and breath realizing if she leans just a few inches forward their lips would touch. The noise of their surroundings dissipates, and her ears seem to cloud over. The loud thumping of her heart is the only thing she hears clearly. Abbie angles her head downward, looking at his hands, which are once again surrounding hers.

"It's just…something…I don't say."

"Why?" He ask in a low voice somehow managing to move closer without their faces actually touching.

"When I" she sighs heavily fully aware of what he's asking for. They had drifted into a shaded area, but her face burned as if the sun was directly on it.

Abbie could feel the tears building behind her eyes but fought to still them. He heard her in ways that others didn't, at times little things she said or subtle omissions, could allow him a view into the deepest parts of her, everything unseen. She never imagined being in this position—ever. It was always her and Jenny, she was the only one she ever needed. At least that's what she told herself. She could hear echoes of her younger self, the one who forged the walls that protected her, pleading with her not to tear down the final remnants keeping him out. 'Don't let him any closer, you've already shared too much of yourself, he'll hurt you eventually, others always do.' Abbie ignored that part of herself, raised her eyes to Ichabod and slowly continued speaking.

"When I was a little girl, I thought my daddy was the most amazing person that ever existed. He was smart, and gentle, and funny, he was so, so funny. I was fascinated by him, Jenny and I both were. He worked hard, long hours, but he always found time to spend with us, whether he took us out, or just came in our room, and hung out for a few hours. He would put on these old records, and we'd just sing. And no matter what, every single Friday he took Jenny and I, for ice-cream cones. I always, always would get vanilla, and he and Jenny always got chocolate." Abbie eyes briefly reflected fond remembrance, before a backdrop of pain overtook them.

"Then one day I came home from school, and he was packing his suitcase. Jenny wasn't there thank God, she'd gotten three checkmarks on the board, and had to stay after for a half an hour, so I went ahead without her. When I asked him why he was packing all of those things, he just looked at me, and…he asked me if I remembered when he showed me how to dance. How he'd explained to me the reason we made such good dance partners was because we moved to the same beat. He said he, and my mama just didn't hear the same beat anymore, and…they would both be a lot happier dancing alone for a while. So he was moving out…and…I begged him. I begged, and pleaded with him not to go. Not to leave mama, or Jenny…and me. I told him that mama talked about monsters, and Jenny gets scared, and that she needed him. The more he packed the more I cried, and I wrapped myself around his leg, and begged him to stay. 'I need you Daddy, please don't go' was the last thing I ever said to him, and he left anyway, and that was the last time I ever told anyone that I needed them."

"Oh Abbie" Ichabod said tightening his grip around her hands. "I was woefully unaware." Abbie cast her tear filled eyes up at him.

"I know, how could you have known that? There was a moderate pause before she spoke again. "Ichabod."

"Yes." He answered looking into her eyes.

"I need you." Abbie felt a chill rush through her as she let the words go.

His mouth fell open, fully aware of what it cost her to say those words. She cringed because it hurt her just to say them, and she couldn't help but notice how terribly small she felt in the moment. Ironically as small as she was physically, she never felt that way inside. There was always this kind of underlying confidence that she could meet directly whatever life had to throw at her. Apparently everything except for this, whatever this was. Wanting him, and needing him. His eyes slowly closed as he rested his forehead against hers. He tried to draw a breath, but when he opened his mouth, a stolen one filtered out instead. Ichabod had waited so long to hear those words, to know that she couldn't do everything on her own, to know that his presence in her life that was a necessity.

"Once more, please, so I am certain of what I believe I just heard." He whispered.

The last of her barriers broke, and her expression was now visibly weepy. She swallowed softly and heard a small voice she barely recognized as her own.

"I need you," she repeated softly with tears spilling down her face. Their longing settled between them, hanging like a branch in the open air. They were only mere inches apart, but travelling even that short distance would inevitably lead them a thousand miles from where they were now. They both knew it. He softly trailed his fingers up her left arm, and shoulder leaving a tiny army of goose bumps in their wake. He wanted her so desperately. Her words sifted through his interior, and attached themselves to a place inside of him that he wasn't even aware of. He could take her right then, he thought. There was an eerie presence in that moment, the water slapped gently against the side of the boat, as what seemed to be a heavenly wind whirled around them, and in that moment he knew that she was his. He slid his hands around the back of her neck allowing his long digits to splay through her tresses. His other hand slipped possessively around her waist, and he couldn't believe how wonderful it felt to be touching her in this way. His thumb took a gentle stroll along her jaw line. He kept thinking how fragile and vulnerable she looked before him. A stark departure of how strong she usually appeared. He thought how beautiful she was exposed this way, the whole of what he had only caught glimpses of before. He thought of how her admission would change things between them, already he felt an increase in his desire to love and support her, to protect her. And then he stopped thinking altogether, and began moving his mouth towards hers. A soft, anticipatory, moan eased from the back of her throat as he tilted her head back.

"Yoohoo, William, Audrina, Lippetts! Hey love birds, we've been calling and calling you."

Abbie and Ichabod both realized that secluded paradise they thought they were in, was actually not so secluded after all. It was simply a boat in a small section of the lake, surrounded by walkways full of people. They had drifted back in without ever noticing. But they hadn't gone unnoticed. They looked up to find the couple they met at the top of the stairs just a few feet away from them on the walkway.

Ichabod spoke first as Abbie hid her face behind his back shoulder, drying her tears. "Oh hello Mr. Chambers, Mrs. Chambers, forgive us we did not see you there."

"I guess not" the stocky gentlemen piped up. "We actually started calling you two when you were down in that part of the lake." He said pointing downwind. Ichabod and Abbie realized they had become so consumed in each-other that it didn't register when someone called them by their assumed names. To be honest, the way they felt, someone could have been all of two feet from them shouting their real names, and they still wouldn't have heard them.

A while later, Ichabod sat on the bed reliving he and Abbie's near kiss as he waited for her to finish dressing for dinner. In that moment it was clear to him that had he kissed her, she would have kissed him back, and that realization seemed to change everything. Before his fascination with her was relegated to the confines of his head, but now, she knew, and he knew she did. Further, today in the boat he saw the same adoration he had so long felt for her, reflected back at him. In the interest of time, they had boarded a trolley back with the Chambers who were quite disposed to blathering about every detail of their day. On the ride home Abbie had conversed politely with them, but even through her smile, Ichabod could detect a certain sadness behind her eyes that wasn't there before, he worried he had pushed her too far. When they arrived back at their room, she seemed withdrawn, unwilling to so much as look at him. She'd gone directly into the restroom to bathe, and hadn't returned.

Abbie's mind was spinning out of control. Her mind, body, and spirit were overwrought with emotion, and the only thing she knew for certain, was that they needed to keep moving. To keep it moving. So that's what she did. Nothing happened she kept telling herself as she sat in the bath. She picked up the wash cloth and squeezed it over her shoulder allowing the hot water to trickle down her back. She let out a frustrated sigh, pulled her knees up, and hugged them tightly against her chest searching for some semblance of comfort.

Ichabod made short work of his suit and tie, and wondered anxiously what could be keeping Abbie. He worried that their intimate moment on the boat would cause a divide between them. He wanted to talk about it, clearly she didn't, and he couldn't force her. He glanced up to see the door knob began to twist, and out she came. His eyes locked on her and he found it nearly impossible to look away. Though he loved most the way she looked on the occasions when they were just home watching television, the vision standing before him was a most welcome deviation. Abbie, on the other hand, could never prepare for the way she felt when he looked at her that way. It was foreign to her, allowing another's viewpoint of her to sway the way she felt about herself one way or the other. But here he was again, looking at her as if she were the sun, and the moon all rolled into one. And there she stood simultaneously blooming and wilting under the heat of his gaze. Her hair was straightened, and nicely styled in loose flowing waves. Her eyes stood out to him, because her lashes somehow appeared longer and thicker than they already were, while her supple lips were just barely dusted over with a warm hue of pink. She wore a black, knee length v-neck dress that followed closely along the peaks and valleys, dip, and turns of her figure. He was awestruck, and completely lost for words.

Abbie stood there with her heels lifting her 4 inches off of the ground, but they way he looked at her made her feel like she was floating. "You look nice" she said breaking the silence.

"Oh, thank you" Ichabod replied glancing down at his attire, before quickly returning his eyes to her. "You're stunning," he said softly.

Okay this is weird and uncomfortable, and ridiculous. Look at him he doesn't know what to do, or probably what he's feeling. We're playing the happy couple, and he just got caught up in it, and of course I didn't realize anything because I've been feeling this way all along.

"Thanks, well with any luck we'll be out of here by nightfall." She smiled awkwardly.

"Yes" he said his face mirroring hers. He held his hand out towards the door. "Shall we?"

Abbie started walking towards the door then abruptly turned around to face him. "This is" she let out an exasperated sigh, while deciding how to say what she wanted to.

"This is crazy. We have been together… all the time whether we're working or not. All those hours, and then we," she took a breath, "We never get to see other people. Then we come here and we've been doing what we had to do to help Katrina, and, you know, all of that touching and holding hands, I think that's what happened." She reasoned.

"I'm not certain, I follow."

"I mean with, when we almost…" She struggled to find the right words. She shut her eyes tightly and settled upon. "The stuff that happened on the boat."

"Oh" Ichabod responded trying to mask his surprise, and delight at her willingness to speak about it. "Oh" he said once more when he fully understood her meaning.

"So it is your opinion that the moment we shared was due to our portrayal of husband and wife" His voice sounded deeper than usual.

"Exactly, and now, things are weird because there's been like this blurring of lines. I think the sooner we're done with this whole thing, the sooner things will be normal between us again, and we can go back to being ourselves. Don't you agree?"

Absolutely not. He thought. But you have made it clear that this charade we've been conducting, as well as your lack of superior company, is what guided your actions today. And though I wish it were not the case, it is.

Ichabod offered a weak grin "Yes Miss" he shook his head."I mean Audrina, I agree."

Abbie smiled as brightly as she could even though she felt as though she'd been kicked in the chest. "Good. Glad we got that cleared up. Well we can just…go back to being us, at least when we're alone." She said playing punching him in the arm. Oh God that was weird, can you just act like a regular earthling for two fucking seconds please.

"Certainly" Ichabod said lightly caressing his arm where she'd struck him. "Shall we", he extended his hand to her.

Abbie took his hand but immediately let it go.

"You know, I think we can ease up on the hand holding, and cuddling, and….pretty much all the physical contact." She stated, her words picking up speed at the end of her sentence.

"Oh" Ichabod said curiously, his eyebrows drawing together.

"Well I think we've done a good job, everyone here thinks we're married you know so…..we've done our job."

"No further explanation is required, I understand totally." Abbie swore she heard a hint of disappointment in his voice, but proceeded down for dinner.

Dinner was delicious but uneventful, and surprisingly bordering on the edge of boring. The conversation was monopolized by Mr. Chambers who spoke aimlessly about his thrilling career as a curator at an art museum. Of course he only worked in the spirit of community as his parents had left him a hefty fortune and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. When Chelsea and Peter went to retrieve the treasures they had no idea the Ichabod was following stealthily behind them. They walked down a long hallway, and he ducked into the room directly beside the one they entered. Technically all he needed was the location, and Abbie would do the rest. He started to rejoin the party, but paused as he overheard them talking.

"You've got it all wrong, don't you see the way he looks at her. Besides we've been in their company all of three hours, how can you suppose anything about them?"

"I'm telling you, it's a marriage of convenience, I can spot it from a mile away. They said they've only been married a year, don't you remember our first our first year of marriage Chelse, I couldn't keep my hands off of you, still can't." Ichabod listened as laughter rang out form the other room.

"Honey stop, we have guests that we need to get back to. But for the record you're wrong about that couple."

"Oh yeah, how about we make a little wager?

"Owww, that depends, what's your wager?" He heard Chelsea say.

"If I'm right you have to do whatever I want, and if you're right, which you aren't, I'll do whatever…you…please."

"Sounds interesting but we've got one small problem." Chelsea stated.

"What's that" he asked.

"How are we ever to determine who's right and who's wrong." She asked.

"Hmm… We'll watch."

"What?!"

"I'm talking about this evening Chelse, and the next, if there are no signs of affection, genuine affection, a prolonged embrace, kissing, then I'm right. After all, it is their first year of marriage."

"I'll take that bet, be ready to pay up."

Abbie had just swallowed the last of her wine, when she noticed Ichabod moving towards her.

"My love with such a fine night, would you care join me on the terrace for a spell?"

Abbie took his hand and walked with him out to the balcony.

"Well, did you find it?" she asked, her eyes curious.

"I did." He replied.

She flashed a small smile. "Well that's wonderful, why do you look so worried. Are you worried about the safe or something, because you shouldn't be, I haven't met one I couldn't crack."

"Miss Mi" Ichabod glanced around, "I have the utmost confidence in your ability to retrieve the stone. The problem is unless we take drastic measure you will have to do so under excessively watchful eyes."

Ichabod stood bringing Abbie up to speed on the conversation he'd overheard.

"So they'll continue to watch us until its proven one way or the other. This is …..ridiculous."

"Yes, the notion that such a thing can be determined from outside observation is madness."

"And yet" Abbie slightly tilted her head towards the glass patio door, through which she could see the outlines of Chelsea and Peter discreetly watching them.

"They will watch our every move unless we prove that they needn't." He finished her sentence.

"Okay" she said.

"Okay, what? He asked.

"Okay, come here" She beckoned. She slid her hands up the front of his dinner jacket. "Even with these heels, I'm not tall enough to reach you so…"

"You cannot be serious!" He shout whispered. I cannot allow you to—"

"—Hey" she said softly "I can't do what I need to with them the two of them hawking our every step, so please shut up, and kiss me."

Ichabod stood staring at her for a few moments, blinking between thoughts. It proved to be a few moments too long, at least for Abbie's liking but as soon as she opened her mouth to chastise him his lips fell over hers, literally swallowing the words that were on the tip of her tongue. Ichabod didn't even try to stifle the moan spread from the back of his throat when their lips collided. Upon hearing and feeling the vibration of it Abbie immediately let out one of her own. He would have eagerly traded every star in the heavens for the woman he held in his arms. The night was quiet and calm, the only noise to be heard was that of their lips, sucking and smacking together. The heat of it seemed to seep deep into Abbie's soul, as his fingertips dusted the skin on the nape of her neck. His strong hands instinctively found her waste and pulled her closer to him, increasing the prickly feeling she felt moving through her body. When she broke away for air, he followed up with a series soft kisses along her cheeks and the corners of her mouth. Her eyes remained closed enjoying the feel of his warm breath against her cheek as both of them stood fighting to breathe though the electricity in the air. Her head hung forward as she gathered her breath, saddening him a little because it deprived him the view of her beautiful face. He slid his finger under her chin, and raised her eyes to his. They looked into one another's eyes, both of them taking note of all the warning signs along this path they found themselves on, Stop, Danger Ahead, Wrong Way, Turn Back….and ignoring them completely. He angled his head and came back to taste more of her, but this time it wasn't quick, or test-like, it was slow and he was fully aware. He was aware that she had the softest lips that he'd ever felt, and that the shape of the bottom one was optimum for sucking and nibbling. He was aware of the soft silky feel of her skin as it lay beneath his fingers. Most regrettable he was aware of a bittersweet pain clenching the center of his chest, and the realization that his heart was hers and she could wholly undo him if she so chose.

He took his time with her, slipping his tongue between her lips, feeling her gently shudder as it brushed against hers. He encapsulated her frame in his arms, holding her as tightly against his body as he could. Abbie's hands had been resting upon his chest offering a slight protection, and aimed at keeping just enough distance between the two of them. The longer he kissed her, the more her hands, and correspondingly defenses came down. Finally the fingers that once pressed against his chest eagerly gripped his shoulders. She moaned as she allowed herself to fully indulge in her feelings for him, in tasting him, trusting him. A few moments later she felt a familiar craving in the pit of her belly, and a wetness seep into her panties He'd imagined this moment many times before but all of those musings paled in comparison to the actual event. Every cell in his body was awakened as his tongue delicately braised hers, and she suckled him with those luscious lips. He had no desire to stop kissing her, he couldn't imagine how he ever would.

"Hey" she said faintly, her hands once again coming between them, and pressing gently against his chest.

"Hmm" he hummed, once again sprinkling kisses against her the corners of her mouth before rejoining their lips. Abbie hungrily acquiesced, forgetting all about what she wanted to tell him in the first place. She was absolutely mesmerized by the feel of his fingers around her waist, her belly twitching as his firm thumb slid across it. That's when she felt him something else pressing firmly against her. She let out a soft moan which only caused his cock to flex against her even more. She knew if she didn't stop now, there would be no stopping it.

"Alright" Abbie said pulling back gasping for breath.

"Hmm" he bent, humming into her neck. Dragging his lips across it.

"Oh" she moaned, still trying to catch her breath.

"We, mmm…" She shook her head trying to shake off the dizzying effect of his kisses across her neck. "William, William, we umm, I think we can stop now." The sound of her calling him by another name, brought Ichabod out of his trance. He pulled back looking her in the eyes, but kept his hands around her waist.

"Abbie" he admonished with a low throaty growl, "Say my name." Her face displayed complete befuddlement, but he kept his gaze, knowing fully that she heard exactly what he asked her to do.

Abbie couldn't believe her ears, and yet the confusion on her face was as clear as the intent upon his. A million tiny questions flew through her head. What are we doing? Why are we doing this? Is..this…real? She tried in vain to swallow the lump that suddenly appeared in her throat. Abbie folded her arm across her chest wrapping her fingers around her upper arm. As vulnerable as she felt just then she would have folded both of her arms across her chest, but Ichabod had wrapped his hand around her other one. She gazed down at their hands joined against her side.

"Icha…" She paused casting her eyes to the side and finally upward as if she were drawing strength from a source above. After a brief moment of quiet she cleared her throat and found the nerve to return her eyes to his. "Ichabod" she said quietly.

Ichabod let out a broken breath, bringing her knuckles to his lips. He shook his head slightly looking at her as if every star he'd ever seen lived in her eyes. Abbie stared back at him, his lips were swollen, his eyelids hung low over his eyes, and she couldn't remember a time when he looked sexier.

She sighed softly. "We should get back inside."

"Oh, of course," He said remembering their mission. He took her by the hand and led her back inside to the party.