~1~ Separate Journey
*Ichabod*
Ichabod began his sojourn in the one place that felt like home other than his home with Abbie. Netherbourne. He was surprised to see that Hannah Firth was already taking maternity leave. The new manager hired by the Angel Muriel was a very nice Middle aged woman named Amy Wong along with an assistant Isabel Torrent. Both were very happy to meet the owner for the first time.
Ichabod took Abbie's advice and spent the first day just clearing his head, and getting focused. Everything brought back memories... Wonderful memories of his mom, his youth and even of Abbie.
He took a walk across the estate grounds to the Basilica that he and Abbie created. That was the time that they had been most connected, raw open and honest with each other. He placed his hand on the Basilica wall knowing he would not be able to go through it. But when he touched it his mind was flooded with memories of his mother and then of Abbie. The time he spent here with his mother and Abbie was truly the happiest of his life. It was a precious moment that he would never have again, but he would treasure always. His heart began to ache for Abbie in a way that he could not explain. But instead of wallowing in pity, he decided to let it fuel his determination. He would do everything he could to restore their bond, and soon they would be together again... Stronger than ever.
His first stop was to his family Estate on the Northwestern coast of Scottland.
The next morning he woke bright and early. It would be at least a ten hour drive to the estate on the Minch Coast, north of Applecross but south of Ullapool. This was beautiful country in the Highlands. So little was known about the ancient history of his ancestors here. Research done in his youth showed that the small estate was originally Celtic, but it was rumored that a small group of marooned Vikings settled there as well. Whatever village was there, was now gone. The small castle was nothing but ruins.
Ichabod parked his rental vehicle a short distance from the tombs. He easily found the entrance but to his surprise it was sealed by a powerful barrier. Upon closer examination, he recognized the stoned that formed the barrier. They were from one of the Basilicas. Had the Angels sealed it to stop the Witnesses from learning about themselves?
"Damned!" Ichabod swore out loud. This was supposed to be one of his easier endeavored. Now he'd have to find a way inside the tomb before he could move on.
He went back to his car, pulled out a sketch pad and began making a hand written copy of the Tablet from his memory. Before it got too dark, he went exploring through the castle ruins. By nightfall he decided to just stay the night drive back to Netherbourne in the morning.
His thoughts were of Abbie as he drifted off to sleep. In the middle of the night he was awaken by a bright light. He peeked his eyes open to see the Aurora Borealis over the Sea. He immediately pulled out his cell phone and got out of the car. He took a minute to stretch then began recording.
"Good evening Lieutenant. It is nearing one in the a.m. here in the beautiful Highlands. I was dreaming of you when I was awaken by this..."
He panned the camera from his face to the sky across the Minch Sea. The colors from the Northern Lights eliminated the sky.
"I hope you fared well on your first day of training. I miss you Treasure. Profoundly Yours, Ichabod Crane."
He stopped the video and sent it. He doubted that it would go through, his location being so remote but it did. He smiled, hoping that she was all right and would soon get his message.
~O~
*Abbie*
You would think she would feel the pressure. Everyone knew that she was heavily recruited for over three years and a lot was expected of her. But Abbie was not one to crack under pressure. She embraced it and let it drive her. They took a tour, picked up their uniforms, got dorm assignments and then training began.
And from the first day, it was clear why the FBI had wanted her so bad. Her instincts were spot on and she was a tiny power house. Of course she was not the only over achiever in her class and shinning right from the start painted a target on her back. For them, Abbie was the one to beat.
Abbie was so excited when she got back to her room and saw there was a message from Ichabod. It was late, and the full day of training had been long.
She took a quick shower then hopped in bed to view the message from Ichabod. She couldn't help beaming from ear to ear. She missed his voice.
"Is that your guy?" Her roommate Lisa Conrad was nearly salivating, as she twirled her dark brown hair. "He is sexy as hell."
"Yeah he is," Abbie grinned. She looked at the time. It was after 10pm in Quantico which means it would be 4am for Ichabod. Even with daylight savings in a few days, she'd likely miss every call from him due to her training hours. She sent him a text.
:I got your video message. Thanks. It was beautiful. Things are good here. And I miss you too.
She didn't want to get too mushy, so she ended it there. She curled up under the covers and smiled. She was doing it. She was actually training to be an FBI agent, and she had the support of the man she loved.
~0~0~0~
~2~ Know Thy Self
*Ichabod*
Ichabod spent the next couple of months trying to find a way to translate his copy of the tablet. He made two trips to the Middle East to view & copy some of the oldest scrolls he could find. His thoughts always were of Abbie and at each destination he would buy her a gift. He was in Egypt when her birthday came. An extra effort was made to get her a video of the sunset over the pyramids as he recited a poem. He missed her desperately, but he was coping without her.
Now, he found himself back in England ready to tackle the task of solving the tablet's mystery. He enlisted the help of a Historian named Prof. Grimm from Oxford. After days of tireless research they loosely translated a few words to Latin, and hoped they were right.
They made out three symbols to mean Chronica quietem volae which loosely translated to the Chronicles resting hollow. Another sporadic three symbols translated to septem (seven), vinculum (Bond) and Testes (Witnesses).
"Ichabod," Professor Grimm pointed to his writings. "Notice that eight times when the symbols for Witness and bond appear together, it is followed by this symbol.
"What is it? I have seen similar symbols, but none quite like this," Ichabod was curious.
"A similar symbol can be found in many ancient text and runes from Ancient Arabic, Turkish Germanic, to old English or Frisia."
"So this symbol could mean anything from homeland or estate to angelic power." Ichabod traced the symbol with his finger. "Or perhaps it means that and more. What if this was the original symbol and the others derived from it."
"That would mean your tablet is more than four thousand years old," Grimm questioned the theory.
"True... Well it is possible that this symbol is derived from one or more of these runes and the difference was added to this text specifically."
"Either way, Ichabod, I'm afraid until I receive more resources, this is as far as we are going to get." The elderly man took of his glasses and sat down exhausted. "I won't give up my friend. I find this most fascinating."
"Thank you Prof. Grimm. For now I believe have enough to know how I need to proceed." The symbol that represented Seven surely had to mean the Seven Keepers. He was too far away from Sleepy Hollow to pay a visit to Seamus, but Bishop Donovan was a short trip away.
~0~
"Ichabod, I gave my word that I would leave you two be and not interfere with the process of your growth," Bishop Donovan explained.
"All of this information was prepared and made ready for us in the Fenistella. Had it not been destroyed we would already know everything we need."
"Yes but the Fenistella also provided an exact replica of Thomas Jefferson. His hologram was to guide you and prepare you."
Donovan was frustrated by the fact that his hands were tied. If it were up to him he'd just tell the Witnesses everything he knew. But the Angels believed it was important for the duo to go through this process of discovery on their own. This way they would truly understand the gravity of their responsibility as Witnesses.
"Bishop Donovan, I have done the research and what I have found has lead me here to you. I only ask that you enlighten me on the things that I have brought to you. You do not have to tell me anything more." Ichabod made a logical plea.
"But this is a hand written copy; you haven't actually found the tablet."
"But I have found the tablet. It is being sealed away from me with stones from the Basilica, and if I'm correct, an energy force created by the Angels. It is exactly like the one they are using to seal the tear in Purgatory."
Bishop Donovan looked confused. "I do not understand why the Angles would seal it away. Finding the scroll is part of your mission during this time."
"I do not know why either. But I do know that this will stand in the way of our moving forward."
"Very well," Donovan sighed. "I'll help you... But only with what you present to me."
"Excellent!" Ichabod said eagerly. "The tablet is actually two tablets put together made to appear as one. On the tablet appears an image of two people who arguably look like Lt. Mills and myself. These runes translated loosely represent Chronicles, Resting Hollow, Bond, Witnesses, and Seven. The seven is you and the Keepers. Resting Hollow is where we come from Sleepy Hollow. But this Rune has no known translation. It is similar to other symbols representing Home, Inheritance or Divine Power. I need to know what this symbol is. I believe it is key to answering many questions about myself and Miss Mills."
"This rune has no exact meaning, but other symbols are derived from it. And it means all of those things and more. It comes from the emblem of Thura."
"What does this emblem have to do with Lt. Mills and myself? Is this truly us on this tablet over four thousand years ago?"
"Tell me what you think it means?"
"I believe this is Lt Mills and I," Ichabod said as he pointed to his drawing of the people on the scroll "I also believe that this symbol has something to do with our bond and our ability to travel through time, and perhaps our ability to do so much more."
"You are exactly right Ichabod. One is your Thura, the other is Abbie's. I can't tell you exactly what the symbols can do."
"So then there are two of these emblems?"
"Ah... Not exactly... Well technically yes. There are four pieces. Two halves make one whole. Each piece has been passed through the bloodlines to the dopplegangers until the bloodline creates a Witness."
"So the Dopplegangers have our emblems, and we use them to time travel," The light bulb came on in Ichabod's mind. "That is how we make the connection to the past without the angels. Thura is like our link… a beacon through time."
"Yes, very much so," Donovan smiled.
"When Miss Mills and I were not able to travel in time using my cousin Jackson Darby and Abbie's ancestor, the Angels did it for us. So our relatives had one of the emblems when they went to the Colonies?"
"Yes! That's right."
"Well then I shall return to Sleepy Hollow to retrieve it."
"It's not there. Grace Dixon was supposed to bring the symbol to Reverend Knapp, but he was away searching for Katrina. Unfortunately Grace was killed before he returned and he spent two hundred years searching for it. If it were in Sleepy Hollow we would know."
"They are the only Dopplegangers I know of..."
When you were born we took the two halves of your Thura that were passed down for you and locked them away, it is waiting for you to be ready to handle it."
"Pray tell, where is it?"
"It was locked away by Swami Kamar after your birth. You will have to ask him to reveal its location. But he will test you to be sure you're ready for it."
"I am ready for the challenge. How will we find Abbie's Thura?" Ichabod asked.
"That I don't know. Perhaps once your bond is where it needs to be and you've earned your Thura, hers will call to her. But if it is lost forever you two may be able to share your Thura, and hope that it is strong enough for the both of you."
~0~
Ichabod was driving back to Netherourne when a text came in from Abbie. It had to only be 3pm her time. He was worried that something had happened, and couldn't wait. He immediately called back, putting her on speaker phone as he drove.
"Lieutenant, are you all right?"
~0~
*Abbie*
Those same couple of months seemed to fly by for Abbie. It was early mornings, late nights and finding any opportunity to study in between. But long days and insane time differences meant few opportunities for her and Ichabod to actually talk. They sent each other texts and video messages whenever they could. She received the sweetest video from him reciting poetry as the sunset over the Pyramids for her birthday. At the end he teased her with a box. It was another gift that she would have to wait to receive until they were together again.
As much as she missed Ichabod, the Academy was going extremely well. She continued to excel, while her class number began to dwindle. She made several friends including her room mate, Lisa. But she had a few clear rivals waiting to knock her off the top.
The stakes were high in the next challenge. The Director broke them up into groups of six and assigned a group leader. Unfortunately Abbie was in a group with two of her rivals, Heather McIntyre and Chris Sullivan. And Heather was the leader.
Each team member was given a piece of a puzzle to help the group solve a crime. They were to be guided by their group leader. The winning group would get bragging rights. The first person to correctly solve their piece of the puzzle and bring the information to the Director, would win a Thirty-six hour liberty for themselves and 10 classmates.
The class was excited they couldn't hold their cheers.
"That's right," the Director was pleased by their enthusiasm. "Now it could be more than thirty-six hours. Liberty starts when the exercise is done. The sooner you finish the sooner the liberty begins and the winner can pick anyone from any team. You get the whole day off tomorrow and don't have to be back until 9am the next morning for our Lecture. That means you have the option of skipping 7am PT. Now to keep you all honest, three people from the last two groups to finish will be going home. So don't slack just because you or your bestie doesn't come in first."
The prize was good. Too good. Everyone was going to put on their A game to win this for themselves and their friends. Also, nobody wanted to go home.
Abbie could tell from the start that Heather was misleading her. The directions she gave were vague at best. She clearly wanted Chris to be the first in their group to complete his puzzle. Then she'd be more cooperative so their group would still win.
After Abbie made a couple of attempts to get cooperation, Heather stopped taking Abbie's calls over the radio. It didn't matter, Abbie was not about to be cheated. She took the clues she had and methodically put the pieces together.
After an hour Chris and Heather walked back to the class room where the director was waiting. They knew from spying, that no one from the other groups had finished yet. They were cocky when they walked into the classroom, but the smug looks of satisfaction faded when they saw Abbie talking with the Director.
"Abbie what are you doing here?" Heather put on her fake smile. She hoped Abbie wasn't ratting her out to the Director. " I was just about to call you over the radio to see if you needed any further guidance."
"No, I'm good actually." Abbie kept a straight face. She wasn't one to brag.
"Well, you should hurry if our group is going to win." She brushed past Abbie before Abbie could tell her that she'd already won.
"I've solved my part of the puzzle," Chris clearly had his brag going on.
"You're group is well ahead of the others," the Director smiled. "That's two pieces so far."
"Excuse me... Two?"
"Mills solved hers fifteen minutes ago." The director smiled and gave him a pat on the shoulder as another groups first member entered."
It was another three hours before every group finished.
Abbie was a gracious winner offering five spots to her team mates, including Heather and Chris. She then offered one to her roommate, and three to her small group of friends. The last one went to a guy named Jake who was married with two little ones. He had mentioned the kids were always asleep by the time they finished their training day. This way he would hopefully have time to Skype or FaceTime them.
The group was excited as they started planning their night. It was almost four in the afternoon and They would not have to be back until a lecture at 6pm the next evening.
Lisa went to find Abbie who left right away instead of sticking around to make plans. She finally found her in their room packing an overnight bag, as she hung up her phone.
"Mills, we're all going out for drinks at this bar in D.C. You have to come." Lisa gave her a quick squeeze of a hug.
"I just made other plans." Abbie grinned. "I just booked myself a two night stay at the Mandarin in D.C." She'd had plenty of time to think about it while waiting for the other teams to finish. "I'm going to have a relaxing quiet night. Then tomorrow I'm taking a run through the Capitol, having a massage and I might even get a facial."
"Damn, you really do have this planned out. I am going to party my ass off!"
"Just be careful not to overdo it. You never know. We might get back and find out we'll be pulling a surprise all nighter." Abbie wanted to be prepared or anything. You should meet me tomorrow for a massage or a facial.
"I think I might take you up on that," Lisa grinned. "But you gotta at least let us buy you one beer before you disappear into the land of ooh la la. You're the reason we get a day off."
"Ok just one," Abbie smiled as she picked up the phone to text Ichabod.
:got the whole night off and all day tomorrow. Call me.
To her surprise he called her back immediately.
"Lieutenant, are you all right?" Ichabod's voice sounded worried.
"I'm fine. Did you read my text?
"No, I'm driving. This is rather early for you to be sending a missive so I was concerned."
"Everything is fine. Great even. I earned a thirty-six hour liberty." She went on to tell him everything that happened that day.
He smiled. He was so very proud of her.
"Crane, I want to hear how things went with Bishop Donovan, but I have to go. Can I call you back in a couple of hours?"
"Yes, of course!" Ichabod was just so happy to actually hear her voice. "I shall be back at Netherbourne by then and you will have my undivided attention. I love you Treasure."
"I love you too, Crane."
They got to DC just in time to kick off Happy Hour. It was 5 o'clock in DC and this group was ready to blow off some steam. Abbie enjoyed her beer with her new friends. They all secretly loved how she got one over on Heather. She'd been a total bitch to everyone in their class.
"You are better than me for letting her get liberty. She doesn't deserve it," Lisa wasn't one to mix words.
"I know. I had every right to be petty, but she was on my team, so..."
"So... I think it was pretty cool of you too," Heather came up behind her and offered her a second beer. How about we bury the hatchet, Mills?"
"Consider it buried, McIntyre," Abbie didn't take the drink.
"I got this for you as a peace offering," Heather gave her a huge sweet smile.
"Thanks, but I actually have plans and I don't want to be late." Abbie hopped up from the bar having just received a message that her Uber had arrived.
Her first stop was to a Lingerie boutique a couple of blocks from the Hotel. Then it was time to start her night of relaxing at The Mandarin.
~0~0~0~
~3~ Intimate
*Abbie*
Her room was gorgeous. There was an amazing water view overlooking the tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. She took a quick shower then pulled out the sexy little nightie she bought and put it on. She also bought a little something special. She was horny as hell and had not been daring enough to bring her special friend to the Academy. Dorm life wasn't nearly private enough, and it had been ages since she'd even needed it.
She looked at the time. Surely Ichabod would be back at Netherborne by now. It was a quarter to six-her time, and 10:45pm in England. This was perfect. She immediately called Ichabod as she lazily laid across the huge soft bed.
Ichabod had pulled out his laptop to check flights to India, before getting in the shower. He was just getting out of the shower in anticipation of her call. FaceTime. He wrapped his towel around his waist and answered.
"Hi, Crane." And there she was; A vision, laying across the bed smiling back at him.
"Abbie..." He actually felt a little choked up. Not only were they talking, but they were seeing each other.
She almost got a little teary eyed herself when she saw the soft expression on his face and the sparkle in his eyes. "It's so good to see you and actually talk to you. I've missed you."
"Oh Treasure I cannot tell you how I have missed you," he sat on his bed. His mind flooded with things he wanted to say.
"This is my room at the Mandarin. Look at the view." She panned the phone around so he could see the water and the monument. She told him all about her room, and her plans for her day off. She propped the phone up and turned on her side.
That's when he saw what she was wearing. Was she trying to kill him? "You look... too Divine for words."
"I picked this up on my way here. I thought you might like it."
"Indeed," Ichabod was starting to sweat a bit. It had been too long and he was getting turned on. He needed to calm down. "I am finding myself in desperate want of you."
"I feel the same." Abbie was now missing his touch. She wished she could reach through the phone and kiss him. Her level of horny was going through the roof.
"I wish I could hold you and kiss you at this very moment, Treasure." It was as if he were reading her mind.
"I want that so bad." Her voice was way softer and breathier than she had planned. She couldn't help it. Watching him talk to her shirtless was sending her mind into the gutter.
"I can remember the softness of your skin, the way I can hear your heart beat when I hold you in my arms," his heart began to race as he spoke.
Abbie could feel the warm fluttering sensation rising up inside her. She squeezed her legs tight to try and calm it down, but it wasn't working.
I long for you Abbie. I long to be ..." He stopped short when the tiny strap of her lingerie slipped off her shoulder. Her breast was nearly exposed.
He was hard as a rock. Abbie knew they needed to cool it. She knew better than to FaceTime themselves having what was clearly about to be phone sex.
"Crane... I'll call you right back." She hung up abruptly leaving Ichabod in quite a state.
He wondered if he should go to the shower and handle the situation of his cock throbbing under his towel. That's when she called him back. A regular voice call.
"Crane, you have your laptop?" she asked.
"Yes, of course." Ichabod was not sure what she was getting at.
"Remember the secret files we have stored... I mean one file in particular?" Abbie asked.
Ichabod knew she had to be talking about their "sex tape". The one they made for research purposes only. Well it was about to serve another purpose.
"Lieutenant, I know exactly the file to which you are referring and I am retrieving it as we speak."
"You want to watch it with me?" She bit her lip nervously. Where they about to try this?
"It would be my pleasure!"
They started the video. Ichabod sat back against the head board, while Abbie cozied back on a pile of pillows. She couldn't help but grin at the beginning of the video as she watched.
*x*
"Crane, it's good just the way it is. Did you press record?"
"Yes..."
"Then don't worry about anything else, ok," she kissed him gently on the lips. "I just want to focus on you."
"How are you so perfect, Treasure." Their eyes met and he knew it was true.
*x*
Abbie and Ichabod watched the split second pause remember the blissful feeling whenever they went to that special place. It hadn't happened since they returned from 1782. And it was a reminder of why they had to be apart for now. They continued to watch the video.
*x*
Ichabod's fingers gently stroked the length of her body, enjoying the sensation of her soft skin. She smelled so good, as he breathed her in. He wished that his seed would give Abbie his child. That it was her and not Katrina with his baby. He knew he shouldn't think of these things, but he did.
Abbie snuggled close letting herself get lost in the safety of his arms, enjoying the touch of his hand on her skin. She wished she had said yes when he asked her to marry him. Maybe he would feel differently about their situation, had she said yes. If he asked right now she would accept right away, but she knew it wasn't going to happen. Not with Katrina here and pregnant with his child. He was so quiet and She wondered what he was thinking.
"What's going on in that amazing mind of yours," Abbie asked giving him a quick kiss on his chest."
"I was thinking about us, Lieutenant; Pondering upon all that we have been through." he kissed her forehead. "I am so very thankful that you and I found each other, and that we take this journey together. My life is with you, and I would never want it any other way. I love you, Treasure."
"Aw, Crane. I love you too," she tipped her head up and kissed him.
"Mmm..." He hummed as if her lips were a savory treat. "You are perfection."
"I'm glad you think so," she teased. "And now that we have it on the record, we should probably turn the cameras off."
*x*
The video ended and they were silent for a moment.
"I Love you so much treasure," Ichabod was beside himself.
"You know I love you. I wish we could have more." The video had only partly done the trick. It was not the same as having the man she loved make love to her, though it would have to do.
But it wasn't enough for Ichabod. The two months apart was too much. He needed to hold her in his arms. He desperately wanted to make love to her.
"Treasure, it's terribly late here in England."
"Of course. It's probably already mid night there. When can you call me back?" She checked to see it was only seven o'clock her time.
"Allow me a quick respite and I shall call you when I wake." Ichabod hated to say goodbye.
"Ok, I'll talk to you soon."
~o~o~o~
~4~ All In
*Abbie*
After they hung up, Abbie decided to call the spa and see if they had any openings.
"We have you for a half day treatment tomorrow." The receptionist paused for a moment. "Are you looking for something different than what's in the package?"
"I'm not really picky so I'll take anything that's available now."
"Well the spa closes at nine. If you can be here at 7:30, Jasmine can get you a wax and have you done in plenty enough time for a 45 minute Hydrotherapy bath and some refreshments."
"Sounds perfect. I'll take it," Abbie needed to do something to quell the urges after her phone chat with Ichabod.
She was blowing the bank but it was worth it. Besides, she had no electric or water bills to worry about for at least five months. She could splurge this once. She took a 5 minute shower to freshen up, before going to the Spa. It was nice. The atmosphere was more than calming. The wax was painful but absolutely worth it. Especially now sitting in the Hydrotherapy bath, her skin felt amazing. She wanted to melt away. She sipped her green tea and closes her eyes.
After her spa treatment it was time to go back to her room. Her room service arrived right on time. She dressed down and put on only her robe. Her skin felt incredible and she wanted to enjoy it.
Her dinner was delicious. Salmon with pearl onions and lemon crust. Then Abbie cozied up in bed with her laptop to study. She was so relieved to get a chance to get away in the middle of the hectic FBI training
Her cell phone rang and she slowly eagerly reached for it. She smiled when she saw it was Ichabod. "Crane, you called me back. I honestly thought you'd be sleep. It's almost midnight here."
"I promised I would call you. Besides, sleep eludes me this night. My every thought is of you."
"I'm not gonna lie, I really enjoyed our phone call earlier," Abbie blushed a little just thinking about it.
"As did I Treasure," Ichabod smiled. His voice was calm and focused, but it was hard to hide that he was exhausted.
"You sound tired. It's ok if you need to go. It was just good to talk to you."
"Absolutely not, Lieutenant," Ichabod was having none of that. "I am dedicating the next few hours to you."
"Good," Abbie smiled. "Then you can tell me about your meeting with Bishop Donovan. Did you get any information out of him?"
"Indeed I did Lieutenant. Of course he helped me draw my own conclusions, but his input was highly valuable."
He told her all about Thura, or as much as he knew about it. His next trip would be to India to meet with Swami Kamar. His flight was already booked.
He then asked her about her retreat thus far. She was loving it. She told him all about the body wax and hydration bath, and how she was looking forward to more tomorrow.
"Sounds like the perfect time of leisure and repose."
She got a thrill up her spine just hearing the way he said it. He made the simplest of words sound so damn sexy. "It would be perfect if you were here to enjoy it with me."
"Nothing would please me more than to have a brief moment during our disengagement to hold you again." His thoughts drifted and he inadvertently let out a quiet yawn. "I beg your pardon, Treasure."
"No need to apologize. It's almost morning there. I can't believe we've been talking for two hours!" Abbie just noticed how late it was. You need to get some sleep."
"Yes. I fear the sands have dried my weary yes. Sleep beckons to me."
"Then you should sleep."
"Very well, Treasure. Perhaps if you were to sing to me, I should have a most pleasant rest ."
"Ok, just close your eyes."
"This is my last day without you.
This is my last song to cry to.
This is the time I make believe the truth
The Truth…
This is my last day without you."
It didn't take long for her sweet voice to entice him to sleep. She listened as she sang until his breaths became a slow even pattern. "Goodnight Crane."
~o~
Abbie woke early the next morning to room service knocking on the door. Morning had come far too quickly but she was ready to start the day. She tightened her robe around her bare body, and let the server in. The server brought her fresh fruit and coffee and took away her tray from last night.
She was just about to eat when there was another knock. She thought the server must have forgotten something. But she wasn't prepared for what happened next.
~O~
*Ichabod*
After their little tryst over the phone, Ichabod was in quite a state. He missed her. It had only been two months and one week without her, yet in one phone call he had come undone.
He closed the video and saw the flights from London to India. He pulled a new search for flights to Washington DC. It was crazy but if there was a chance he could spend just a few hours with her, he was going to take it.
Damn it! Why hadn't he looked sooner? A flight just left at midnight. It didn't matte, he would never have made it in time. The next chance was a seven hour flight at 3:05am straight into DC. Otherwise he'd have to wait until 7am. With lightning speed he did the calculations in his head. He'd arrive in DC just after five in the morning. With any luck he'd get to the hotel before Abbie took her morning run.
He booked the flight immediately. He didn't have a second to waist. He grabbed his casual pants and loafers, which he learned was much more conducive for passing through airport security than his boots. He just needed an overnight bag and his passport, wallet... And Abbie's birthday present.
It was a straight shot with little traffic, from Bedford to the airport in London. That was one good thing about the late hour. Ichabod was just happy to make it on time and be on the plane. Once they were in the air he called her up. They talked for two hours before he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore. She sang him to sleep, her voice was like an angel to him.
She had said it would be perfect if they were together. As he departed the plane and made his way to the exit, he hoped that was true. Nerves were starting to get to him as he flagged a cab.
"Where to?" The cabbie asked as Ichabod entered. His voice was low and gruff; definitely a former smoker.
"The Mandarin."
"Nice..." The cabbie nodded as he pulled off. He couldn't help but notice that Ichabod looked nervous as hell and was fidgeting like crazy. "Uh oh. I've seen that look before."
"I beg your pardon?" Ichabod tried to play it cool.
"That look. Someone special has you in a bit of a tizzy."
"Yes, my girlfriend... We've been separated for a couple of months and last night she said she missed me and wished I were here... And now here I am..."
"So this is a surprise?"
"Indeed. She has no idea I'm about to show up on her doorstep."
"Relax kid. You're brave. You're taking a chance for the woman you love. I admire that."
"Thank you. I just worry that she may have just been speaking in the moment. And perhaps I too was overcome from missing her."
"That may be true. Maybe you jumped the gun. If you did, don't be afraid to admit your mistake, and learn from it. But if your right, and she's wanting you as much as you're wanting her..."
Ichabod smiled, "Yes, I see you point."
Ichabod got off the elevator and looked down the hall. A servant was just exiting what he was certain was Abbie's room. The nerves overwhelmed him again. He took a deep breath and went for it. He knocked on the door and knew there was no turning back now.
Abbie opened the door and there was no describing the look of complete shock on her face. She was a vision. Her beautiful dark curls draped over the plush robe. She didn't have on a drop of makeup and she looked perfect. Ichabod's heart fluttered.
Then there was a pause as she shook her head, and Ichabod's heart sank.
"You aren't supposed to be here..." Her voice was soft and trailed off as her hand went from her forehead to her mouth. Was this really happening?
"I know, we are supposed to be on our own journeys. But I meant it when I said I missed you and wanted just one day to hold you in my arms again. And I..."
Before he could finish Abbie grabbed him, rustling her fingers through his hair, pulling him into a kiss. It was a full on, mouthed open, tongues colliding kiss that sent electricity piercing through them. He smelled so good... familiar like home; autumn with a hint of spice, and she drifted into it; into him.
Whatever he was going to say was lost forever. He kicked the door shut, and flipped his loafers off. They parted lips only long enough for Abbie to pull off his shirt. He was immediately upon her again, pushing her back against the wall. Her lips were so sweet and plump he could not resist tasting, sucking, delving into her.
"I... I still can't believe you're here. You're really here." Abbie shook her head.
"You're not upset with me?"
"No... Not even a little." She grinned.
"Well that's good then. I must be off, I have a flight to catch..." Ichabod started to get up.
Abbie's jaw dropped, " Oh hell no! Ichabod Crane, you did not come all this way just to turn right back around. I have the whole day."
Ichabod gave her a cheeky smile. "Do I derive that you desire me to stay, Lieutenant?"
Now she knew he was teasing. She swatted playfully at him. "You better!"
"Of course treasure. I wish for nothing more than to spend every possible moment with you."
He reached over and kissed her. This time it was soft and tender. He pulled her close, pressing their bodies together.
For the next couple of hours, the pair simply enjoyed themselves, making love and holding on to each other.
~O~O~O~
~5~ Forever Yours
At some point Ichabod and Abbie managed to get dressed and get out of the hotel room. They took a walk around the Capitol. The city was beautiful in the spring. To them everything was perfect. The trees were in bloom, the birds were singing, the sky was blue. They walked hand in hand. And selfies were taken in front of the monuments.
It was like something out of a movie. It almost felt too good to be true, but there it was... And it was as real as the sun and the moon. They were just two people in love; Really deeply in love. It wasn't just about fighting demons or Witness bonds. Take away all the crazy, and what was left was just a guy and a girl who were completely, truly, hopelessly in love.
Abbie changed her afternoon appointment for one to a couples massage treatment. Ichabod was skeptical especially when Abbie stripped down completely naked.
"Lieutenant, really?" Ichabod raised an eyebrow. "You do realize that this rather muscly young gentleman will have his hands all over you."
"That is the point, Crane," Abbie smiled. "I have been kicking ass and getting my ass kicked every day for the past nine weeks. I need those hands to fix me up."
"My hands could fix you up," Ichabod pouted.
"Your hands do fix me in a whole different way," she grinned. "My offer still stands. I can take Marie and you can have Stephan, if you prefer for me to have a lady."
"No, it is quite all right," he said, only to try not to sound chauvinistic.
He fiddled around with his linen underpants long enough for Abbie to notice. "You can leave them on if you want to."
"Oh thank heavens! It is a lot to ask a man to be laid bare before strangers who intend to grope at him."
They laid down covering up with their towels just before Stephan and Marie came in. They began their work and Ichabod had to admit it was nice. Marie was a solid woman with firm but soft hands and she seemed to know what she was doing.
Ichabod looked over at Abbie, who had her eyes closed, truly enjoying the experience. Stephan had Abbie's towel pulled all the way down. There was far too much of her double jug exposed for his comfort. And his hands were... Everywhere!
"Try to relax Mr. Crane," Marie said in a calm but firm voice.
Abbie peeked her eye open and took Ichabod's hand. "Relax." She smiled.
He took a deep breath and did as she asked. Looking into her deep brown eyes was all he needed.
Dinner was served in their room that night. They stayed in their robes, and dined on the fine cuisine. Ichabod paid close attention to the meal and critiqued it like a pro.
"You are becoming quite the foodie, Crane." Abbie smiled as she started on her desert.
"I believe you are referring to my growing enthusiasm for the culinary arts. And yes. It is a strange hobby I am coming to enjoy." Ichabod admitted. He gave her a sweet side grin as she fed him a bite of her sorbet. He in turn shared a bite of his cheese cake.
"Oh, I hope this is a good time to give you this," Ichabod went to his bag and pulled out a box.
"What's this?" Abbie asked taking the box.
"When I was in Egypt, I told you I would give this to you when we next were together." In his heart he wanted to ask her to marry him, but he remembered what she said before. It had crushed him when she said no to his prior proposal, but he loved her no matter what. He would have to respect her wishes. Maybe, he hoped this gift would begin to soften her heart to the idea.
Abbie began to untie the bow of the small box. "It's a ring... It's... It's beautiful..."
"I know that you and I have had our challenges but no matter what, Abbie, I love you..."
"Yes." She wasn't listening to anything he said. The word came out of her mouth without her even thinking.
It took a few seconds before Abbie realized he had stopped talking. She looked up from the ring with the sweetest smile on her face. Ichabod was staring at her wide eyed and slack jawed.
"Did... Did you just say yes?"
Abbie nodded still smiling.
Ichabod was flustered he hadn't asked her anything. But she thought he did. And if she was saying yes, he was not going to miss the opportunity.
"Are you saying you want to marry me?"
The smile faded from Abbie's face and a look of panic was in her eyes. Her mind was now trying to rewind and figure out what he had said.
"Are you asking me?"
~O~O~O~
~TBC~