As rain fell outside, Mikael pulled the curtains open, and then poured himself a glass of whiskey before going to look outside. It wasn't a wild storm. Rain was just gently cascading down the window. But still...no matter how much rain there was, it would always make him think of Sybil, lost and soaked, standing in the hallway in front of his penthouse, begging to use his phone. Well, not begging. She would never beg, at least not unless they were in bed...but, asking with urgency and hating herself for it. She was a self-sufficient, independent woman and he liked that about her. Of course he also liked her lips, breasts, thighs, legs, hair...

"Damn!" He cursed under his breath and turned away from the window, taking a swig and setting the glass down on the table. She'd kept her word on their agreement and called him once to tell her how the classes were going, but other than that, not so much as a peep. Just seven minutes of the most toneless, obvious conversations about what she'd be learning, then, of course, a brief 'Goodnight, Mikael' at the end before she ended the call. It was something, of course. But it wasn't enough.

What he really wanted was to drive to her house, stride in, and have his way with her against the wall by the door because he knew that once he saw her, he wouldn't make it farther than that. His feelings for her were like a disease that had infected him, but he didn't hate it. In fact, in a way, he'd never felt better in his life.

He chuckled and indulged himself, letting images of Sybil flow through his mind until his phone rang, interrupting them and bringing him back to reality. He went to see who was calling and groaned. "Damn it, Malachai!" He cried. "What do you want? I'm busy!"

"Well, hello to you too, my good friend," Malachai returned with a chuckle. He knew Mikael too well to be offended by his brusk manner.

"Sorry, but...would you please make it quick?"

"Why?" Malachai questioned. "You don't sound like yourself. Are you ill? Do you want me to come over there?"

"What kind of stupid question is that?" Mikael asked and then lapsed into silence.

Malachai sighed. "You, my friend, are the most stubborn man I have ever met. You miss Sybil and I bet she misses you. But you aren't going to do anything to get her back, are you?"

"I never had her to start with!" Mikael cried. "It was all just a fantasy!"

"Right," Malachai replied. "That's why she agreed to be with you for twenty four hours."

"What's the point of all this?" Mikael growled. "You better have some good news about Sybil from Avery!"

"As a matter of fact, Avery confronted her sister about all the ghost business."

"And?" Mikael clutched his phone tight.

"We didn't really get anywhere. She was angry of course. Wouldn't even have a civilized discussion. Just disappeared right in front of our eyes." He paused. "But don't worry; Avery and I won't stop fighting for a solution."

Mikael scoffed. "No wonder she just ran off, with that father she has; She's acting just like him! And I bet the others do too!"

"Shhh! Don't say that! You know Steve hears everything, don't you?"

"I don't give a fuck, Malachai! Stop whimpering and tell me what I should do now."

"Well," Malachai swallowed. "It's important that she stays anchored to you; that you stay in contact. Please don't tell me you've burned that bridge."

"Not entirely; I told her she had to call me every once in a while to give me an update on how her classes are going."

"How romantic," Malachai drawled. "But I suppose that's enough for a connection."

"How are things between you and Avery?"

"Good, good!" Malachai said. "She and I, we even...we even...you know..."

"Yes, that, I get your point. You don't need to paint a picture of what went on between you and Steve's offspring between closed doors."

"All right, I won't. But are you happy for me, at least?"

"Yes, I'm happy for you, Malachai."

"Don't you think it's time for you to be happy too?" Malachai asked.

Mikael scoffed. "I've never been happy my whole life. What makes you think that would change now?"

"Because regardless of what you think, you have what you've been searching for for years. You have Sybil."

"Good evening, Malachai. Thank you for keeping me posted."

"My pleasure, my friend," Malachai said. "And think about what I said, would you?"

"Goodbye, Malachai." Mikael put his phone down without waiting for Malachai's reply and shook his head. There was no subtlety in Malachai; There never had been. He poured himself a drink, put a jazz station he loved on the radio, and rested on the leather sofa, trying to think of the music, not of Sybil. Eventually, he felt himself starting to drift off, so he put his drink on the table nearby. Then, the music stopped for an emergency news bulletin: A fire had broken out at an apartment building at 154 St-Bernard Street.

His eyes widened and he bolted up to sit. That was Sybil's street. And her building. His heart sank. But then, he told himself, he could do nothing to help her by just sitting here and worrying! He He put on his shoes, grabbed a sweater and his keys, and ran out to his car. Whether she liked it or not, he was coming for her.

Mikael reached the apartment building, the smoke and flames obvious even from a distance. he parked his car and walked as close as he dared while trying to think of the best way to get Sybil's attention without scaring her off.

He crept as close as he dared to the group huddled outside the building, breathing a sigh of relief when he saw Sybil standing nearby and clutching the hand of, an older woman. He was even glad to see the little cat carrier on the other side of her. He could even hear them speaking.

"I'm so glad you're all right, Miss Anderson!"

"Oh, don't worry about me, dear; I'll be all right. Are you?"

"Mostly. But I'd be lying if I said Princess Leia and I weren't a bit shaken up."

Miss Anderson smiled. "Oh, I'm sure you're going to be all right."

Sybil nodded. "They say we won't be able to be in our apartments for a few days, even though the fire was kept contained to the lower floor. Do you have any place to stay?"

"Oh, yes, I have a grandniece. She'll take me in. How about you?"

Sybil swallowed, not sure, but not wanting to worry the woman. "I'm sure I'll find a place; don't trouble yourself."

"Sybil!"

She turned at the sound of her name, setting the cat carrier down, running toward Mikael and jumping in his arms, kissing him deeply as he held her close and kissed her face repeatedly.

"Oh, my dear," he muttered over and over as his fingers ran through her hair and he held her as close to his body as he could. "Are you...are you all right? I hope you weren't frightened."

"A little," she admitted, locking eyes with him as he set her down. "But more for the others than myself. I grabbed Princess Leia and stuck her in her cage and then helped Miss. Anderson out of the building."

He shook his head and smiled. "So like you to be so kind and brave."

Then he looked at the older woman over her shoulder. "Hello," he said, inclining his head slightly.

"Dear," Miss Anderson was looking at Sybil and grinning because there was no way she could have ignored their greeting to each other. "Dear, is this the handsome young man you've been telling me about? I can see why you can't keep your hands off him."

Sybil blushed scarlet. "Miss Anderson, please!"

"You know," Mikael told the older woman as he pulled Sybil close and kissed her hair, even though she was still blushing. "You're my favorite person now for calling me young."

"Oh, dear," the older woman giggled. "What a flirt!"

Mikael shook his head. "I don't give out compliments lightly." Then he gave Sybil a severe look and picked her up. "Now, until they tell you that you can come back here, you're coming to the apartment with me."

"No, I-"

"No arguments," he interrupted, kissing her to shut her up.

"What about the fact that I have Princess Leia with me and you're allergic?"

"Oh, I don't care," Mikael shook his head, exasperated. "Bring the beast with us!"

"Mikael, she's not-"

He put her down and let her get Princess Leia's cage, which she promptly handed to him. "All right," she said. "Let's go."

Mikael then began to start sneezing as Sybil froze after a few steps. "Wait!"

"What?" Mikael sniffled. "Don't tell me you got another animal we have to go grab?"

"No, we have to take Miss Anderson to stay with her grandniece! We can't just leave her here!"

Sighing deeply, Mikael gave Sybil the cage and stomped back with her to the older woman and offered her his arm. "Come with us," he said. "We'll drive you."

"Oh, that's kind, but I don't want to be a bother."

Mikael sneezed. "Oh, it's not a bother at all."

Miss Anderson smiled. "What a nice young man you have, Sybil!"

"Oh, yes," Sybil was biting her lip and trying not to laugh. "I'm very lucky!"

"And by the way," Mikael told the older woman. "It's so nice to meet you in person; we talked on the phone before."

Miss Anderson's eyes lit up. "Of course! You're the nice man who called and asked if I would take care of Princess Leia while Sybil was away. So kind. Were you the one she was away with? It's good for her."

"Miss Anderson!" Sybil cried, blushing bright red.

"Oh, there's no need to be embarrassed, dear," the older woman replied. "I may be old, but I'm not a fool. You don't need to be ashamed, especially around me."

"I like her," Mikael whispered to Sybil as the older woman got in his car. "She called me a young man. Did you hear that?"

"Yes," Sybil replied. "I heard. I think you're young too; you're certainly don't look ancient, anyway. Although appearances can be deceiving."

He gave her a spank. "Keep this up and I'll let Miss Anderson live in my apartment instead of you," he winked.

"Yeah, right," Sybil chuckled and climbed into the passenger seat. "That's an idle threat and we both know it."

"Here we are," Mikael announced as he opened the penthouse door. "Come in; make yourself comfortable."

"I..." Sybil hesitated. "Really? Are you sure?" She looked down at her clothes. "Are you sure you want me sitting on all your fancy furniture? I'm a mess!"

"I don't mind," Mikael shook his head. "And I don't know why you're so hesitant; you've been here before."

"Well, all right," she said and gave him a shy smile. "Thanks!" She put Princess Leia's cage on a table and came to take Mikael's hand. "Thank you for taking Miss Anderson to her grandniece's house. I feel much better knowing she won't be alone."

"It's my pleasure," Mikael replied. "She's a very nice woman and I think she's signed on to be part of my fan club already." He shook his head. "That's something I never thought I would say."

Sybil laughed. "You know, you can be quite charming when you want to be. And...and thank you for stopping by the pet store so I could get Princess Leia more cat food; I'll pay you back, I promise!"

Mikael rolled his eyes. "For the tenth time, it was only thirty dollars. It's nothing you have to worry about and I don't want your money. Can you let that go? Please let that go. How many times do I have to say that I don't like it when you talk like that?"

Sybil sighed. "I know you hate it, but it would put my mind at ease. I like to be independent and not in anyone's debt. You know that."

"I've noticed," he drawled. "Fine. Pay me back, don't pay me back, I don't care. Whatever."

She put a bottle in his hand. "Now you take these. You're gonna be glad I made us stop at the pharmacy when you do."

"I don't think these will work on me," he said, eying the bottle doubtfully.

"Oh, I'm sure they will," Sybil nodded. "There are no side effects to male stubbornness."

"Very funny," he said as she burst out laughing at her own joke. "They'll work, you'll see." She went over to Princess Leia's cage. "Can I let her out now?"

"Oh, yes, by all means, let the monster out of the cage," Mikael shrugged.

Sybil hugged the cage. "Don't say that. She'll hear you and she's very sensitive!"

"Have you lost your mind?" Mikael asked. "Dear, that's a cat! You do remember that, right?"

Sybil opened the cage after putting it on the floor. "That doesn't necessarily matter; Animals are very sensitive to their environments and the people they live with."

"You're lucky I find this insanity of yours charming," he muttered.

Princess Leia didn't come out of the cage immediately. First she stuck her head out, then scampered out of the cage to rub against Mikael's legs.

"What is she doing?" Mikael yelled, trying to get away. "Make her stop!" He lapsed into a fit of uncontrollable sneezing and ran for the kitchen with the pill bottle.

"It's nothing to worry about," Sybil called after him, laughter in her voice. "I think she likes you."

"Well, make it clear to her that the feeling isn't mutual, would you?"

Sybil followed him into the kitchen, snatched the bottle out of his hand, poured him a glass of water, and took two pills out. "Take them," she insisted. "Now." She paused. "You'll probably be sleepy after, but you definitely won't be sneezing anymore."

"Make me sleep? The most powerful vampire of all time? I doubt it!" Mikael said. Then he took the pills.

"See?" Sybil pointed to the side effects on the box. "It says: may cause drowsiness!"

"To a common mortal, Sybil. But it won't touch me!"

"Gosh, you think you know everything, don't you?"

Mikael smirked. "I can't believe you're just noticing this about me!"

"Oh, and don't forget that you're an ass, too!"

They burst out laughing and he put a hand on her neck to pull her closer to him, nose to nose, forehead to forehead. "And you know," he said, "You have one of the nicest asses I've ever seen." He paused and swallowed. "I'm glad it's in one piece as well as the rest of you. I'm glad that you're all right, Sybil."

"I...I hope my asking this doesn't make me sound ungrateful, but...how did you hear about the fire?" She asked.

"It was on the radio. I just grabbed my keys and ran. I had to make sure you were okay. I don't care if it made you mad at me!"

Sybil's eyes widened. "Of course I wasn't mad. I was happy to see you. Would I have kissed you like I did if I was mad?"

Mikael grinned. "Ms. Anderson was more than happy to point out that you weren't angry."

"Yeah," Sybil nodded. "She did do that." She paused. "In all honesty, I was terrified; but I knew I had to stay strong for the others." She bit her lip and tried not to cry. "I always knew I would have to go back to the spirit world sometime, but I wasn't expecting the possibility to pop up so soon. I didn't think a fire would be the end of me."

"Of course you were strong," Mikael nodded. "That's a fundamental part of who you are, Sybil. And the fire would have had to go through me first to get to you; There was no way I was going to let you die. I wouldn't let the spirit world take you back...not when I've grown...you know what, this is silly. Never mind."

She opened her mouth, undoubtedly to get him to finish his sentence, but he kissed her lightly instead.

"Do you mean you would do that for me?" She asked as he took her hands.

"Don't you know by now that I would?" He asked, his eyes on her parted lips.

"Explain to me how you care for me so much?" Sybil said. "I...I don't have fashion sense worthy of you on a good day and here I am now, wearing a sweatshirt and old leggings and smelling like fire. I bet I'm dirty with horrible hair, too!"

"Well, luckily that's not permanent," Mikael told her. "You can take a nice long warm shower and then change into sweat pants and a t-shirt of mine...if you don't mind your clothes a little roomy."

"Thank you," Sybil nodded. "I appreciate it. And thank you for going to all this trouble for me."

"It's no trouble," Mikael shook his head and got close to her. It was then, breaths picking up and hearts pounding, that they realized how close they were standing together...and just how close they had come to losing each other.

Sybil bit her bottom lip, and then he pulled her to him. They clutched each other tight and began kissing furiously as their hands roamed each other's bodies. "Yes," she panted. "Oh, yes!" She moaned as he pulled her close and gently rubbed against her. "Yes," she whispered and began pulling off her sweatshirt.

Eventually, she just stood in his arms in her bra, pants, panties, and socks. Mikael would have removed more and taken her on the sofa if not for a loud meow from Princess Leia, which startled them both and caused them to separate.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, taking a breath and stepping away as they both wiped off their lips. "I made a promise to you that I wouldn't do that anymore and I intend to keep it."

"Thank you, but, I'm not mad," Sybil shook her head and blushed, keeping her eyes on the floor.

"I'll go find some clothes for you and leave them in the main bathroom," Mikael informed her. "That way, you'll have something to wear when you get out of the shower. I hope you don't mind if they're a little big."

"I don't," Sybil assured him. "It just means they'll be cozy. Thank you, Mikael."

He left and she stroked Princess Leia. "I don't know whether to be mad at you or happy with you," she scolded. "What do you say we get you some water and put some food in your bowl, hmmm?"

Princess Leia purred amiably and trotted after her. Apparently, that was a very good plan.

"Okay, here's the linen closet," Sybil said to herself. She then grabbed a towel and headed back to the living room. "Hey," she got out. "Mikael, I know this is a stupid question, but do you mind if I use this towel when I show-" She broke off. Mikael was asleep on the couch, just as she'd told him he would be. Coming closer, she kissed his forehead gently, just a touch of her lips to the skin so she wouldn't wake him. "I told you it would make you sleepy. I told you!" She whispered. Then she noticed the new blanket and pillows spread around the sofa. She picked them up, and put one against her cheek. Cashmere! He'd bought them just like she'd suggested! Then she froze as Princess Leia jumped ever so lightly onto his chest and settled herself down.

"Oh!" She threw the towel aside and reached out for the cat. "What are you doing there, missy? You don't want to be there. How about you go into the kitchen and get some lovely food from your bowl?"

But of course, being a cat, she wasn't in the mood to listen. She just yawned and stared back at Sybil, who rolled her eyes and growled softly. "All right, I didn't want to have to do this the hard way, but I will..."

Slowly and carefully, she leaned over Mikael and reached for her cat, but Princess Leia bounded away to another part of the sofa before Sybil could put a finger on her. Startled by the cat's sudden movements, Sybil lost her tried to brace herself on the sofa and stop her momentum, but Mikael, now half-awake, grabbed her and pulled her on top of him, then she rolled over so she was by his side.

"This is all your fault!" She hissed at Princess Leia, who was now walking toward the kitchen, even as his arms closed around her waist and his head rested in the space between her neck and shoulder.

"Sybil," he whispered, kissing down her neck as his hands roamed over her body.

"Oh," she breathed. "Oh, my gosh..." Then she paused. "I'm...I'm sorry for waking you, but Princess Leia was on top of you and I didn't want-"

"No need to be sorry," Mikael told her. "I'm not." He slid his hand under her sweatshirt and grinned. "Braless? Never would have guessed!"

"Well, when the fire happened, I was relaxing at home," Sybil explained. "And I see no reason why I should have to wear a bra in my own home if I don't want to!"

"I'm not complaining or chastising you," Mikael assured her. "I'm just making an observation."

"Anyway, I wanted to move her because the meds made you go to sleep, but she hopped away and I slipped." Sybil knew she was babbling, but his touches were making her warm and her whole body felt like it was on fire.

"I don't see what the problem is," Mikael mocked her. "And I wasn't sleeping!"

"Were so!"

"Was not!" He insisted.

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "You are so damn stubborn!"

"And?" He asked. "I love the way you're situated. It makes it very easy for me to roll you underneath me."

He did just that and she made a face. "Just what do you think you're doing?" She pretended to shame him.

"Really? A person who came to lie down next to me while I was sleeping is asking me that?" He joked.

"I told you!" She said in exasperation. "I tripped and fell and then you-" But before she could finish the sentence, Mikael silenced her by crashing his mouth on hers.

Sybil grinned and threw her arms around his neck while nuzzling him gently once the kiss broke.

He chuckled and then began peeling her leggings off, but when they were half way down, he stopped. "Oh, I'm sorry," he said. "I swore I wouldn't keep doing this to you and here I am breaking my promise again."

"Well, you haven't done anything to me yet," Sybil winked. "At least not this time."

"I don't know why it is that I can't stop touching you," Mikael told her. "I just can't."

"I guess I can't blame you," she shrugged. "Not when I was the one who came to rest next to you." Then she bit her lip and blushed for saying something so bold.

"I'm serious," he told her. "I don't want to get into any bad habits."

"I know that," Sybil nodded. "And thank you for considering my feelings, but...I need this. We need this. The fire made me realize how much I have to lose and I...when you look death in the eye, it makes you think about things. What you want. And I want to be with you. Even if it's just for a few hours."

He smiled, peeling off her leggings the rest of the way and throwing them on the floor next to the sofa as his breath picked up. He looked her over as his hands slid on her thighs, hips, and bottom, and the look in his eyes made her blush. "You've gotten under my skin, woman!" He whispered.

"I can believe that, she murmured, giving him a quick kiss, then pulling away. "And do you know why?"

"No, tell me."

"Because you're under mine, too. Even Miss. Anderson saw that I couldn't keep my hands off you. It's that obvious."

He laughed. "Right, I don't know why I didn't think of that." He kissed her again and when he pulled away, she made a face.

"What?"

"Well, I mean, do you want me when I'm all gross like this?" She asked. "I mean, if you'd wait just a little bit, I could run quick and take a shower, and..."

"Oh, there'll be time for that later," he said. "I have to make you good and dirty first!"

He pulled off her sweatshirt, a very obvious growl escaping his throat when he saw that all that she wore was a pair of tiny panties.

"Not much holding you back," Sybil grinned and bit her lip. "Go ahead. Take them off."

He began kissing her furiously, her panties soon joining her leggings on the floor. Then he got up and asked her to flip over onto her stomach as he undid his zipper and threw everything he was wearing below the waist into the pile.. "I'm never gonna catch a breath if I feel the urge to stop kissing you. Are you all right with doing it from behind?"

"Yes, but just for a little while," Sybil told him. "And be gentle."

He was, his hands sliding over her hips and bottom as he went inside her. But he didn't do it for very long, glad to see her eyes and smile again when she turned over onto her back. "That's more like it!" He said.

"Yeah," Sybil nodded. "I like this better too." She put her hands up over her head and winked. "I hope we're not done yet. Are we?"

"Oh, no," Mikael shook his head, grabbing her wrists as he climbed on top of her, burying himself inside her over and over again as her hips bucked upward, and every thrust pushed his name out of her beautiful lips.

"Oh, yes," she breathed. "I want more."

"All right," he said and picked her up. "But why don't we continue in bed? There's more space there and...well, there's just more space there."

"All right," Sybil nodded. "Works for me!"

"You should be ashamed of how dirty you made me!" Sybil winked after following Mikael into the shower and letting herself be soaked by the warm water. "Really and truly ashamed!"

"No," Mikael shook his head. "I will not be ashamed." He grinned. "I think it's good for you. But I will make it up to you another way."

"Oh? How?"

Mikael then squeezed some shower gel onto a loofah and began scrubbing her body.

"That smells like flowers," Sybil grinned. "Very you!" She put her hands against the wall and faced it, giving him a good view of her back and perfectly rounded bottom.

"You know, woman, if you weren't soaking wet and naked right now, I'd-"

"What? Spank me? Go ahead. My butt's in your reach! And go ahead and squeeze while you're at it. I don't mind."

"This gel came in the basket I got from the management of this place," he repeated stubbornly. "I didn't choose it." He did spank her then. "Be nice!"

Sybil stuck her tongue out at him, her eyes meeting his for just a moment. "You should know, Mr. Mikaelson, that I'm not the sort to be easily silenced."

Mikael chuckled and pulled her close, his lips against her ear. "You don't say!" He began gently scrubbing her with the soapy loofah, making Sybil moan. "Sorry," he apologized. "Did I hurt you?"

"Oh, no," Sybil shook her head. "I just...my eyes were closed and I was thinking about you rubbing me somewhere else...my brain got a little carried away."

"You a very dirty young woman," he told her.

She smiled and intertwined her fingers with his. "Well, it's not my fault; an older, wiser man made me this way."

"Older, huh?" He asked, kissing her soundly and then cupping her breasts, then gently squeezing each nipple, making her gasp. "Still the best you ever had."

She bit her lip on a smile. "Well, that remains to be seen, but I'm willing to give you a chance."

"Well, I'd be a fool not to take it then." He turned her around to face him. "But I'm curious. You could hardly stand not too long ago."

She bit her lip and shrugged. "You wore me out, but..."

He smirked. "The old man wore you out. Interesting." He reached her, his hands moving down her back to her bottom. She wrapped her legs around his waist and began humping him.

"He looks very good for his age," she said, biting her lip on a smile as his lips blazed a hot trail down her neck.

"Does he?" He asked, biting her neck gently and licking up a few drops of blood.

She rubbed her hips against him again. "Yes. And he has the most beautiful eyes."

He took her chin in his hand and locked eyes with her. "You be careful now, woman, or you'll be dirty all over again."

"Do you promise?" Sybil asked. "Cause that sounds good to me!"

He balanced her against the shower wall, kissing her furiously as he thrust inside her over and over. Finally, she reached back behind her and turned the shower off. "Bed," she whispered. "Please."

He carried her from the shower to the bed and after they toweled off as best they could.

Then he sat her down on the edge of her bed with her legs hanging off the end. He parted her legs and then entered her with his fingers several times before burying himself inside her over and over again, as he leaned down to gently suck on her breasts and kiss her.

"Good," she cried, squirming as her hips bucked. "Good! More, please!"

"Your wish is my command," he said, smiling wickedly before running his fingers through her hair and thrusting into her one more time.

"How's the hot chocolate?" Mikael asked as he and Sybil cuddled on a lawn chair by the fire pit, a blanket draped over them. "I hope it's not repulsive. I'm not the most domestic man in the world."

Sybil took another large sip and licked her lips. "Scrumptious!" She said. "And it's really helping warm me."

He winced. "I know it's a bit chilly. I thought with the fire that it might not be so bad...but if you're cold, we can..."

"No, no!" Sybil shook her head and snuggled up against him. "It's truly helping and the fire is too. That and our body warmth. I'm perfectly content."

"One more thing could make it better," Mikael told her and put the blanket over more of their bodies. "That is just perfect!" He chuckled and kissed her hair. "You know, you look very sexy in that sweatshirt-sweat pants ensemble. Actually, I think all my clothes would look good on you."

Sybil blushed. "Or they would look ridiculous. You're bigger than me; I would drown in them! And Prada sweatpants? Really?"

"I like my designer clothes," Mikael told her. And they would be cozy. You'd like that right?"

"Yes, they would be cozy. just like you." She paused and took a sip of cocoa. "I'm sure I don't blame you for dressing like a debonair gentleman, what with all the money that you have."

He kissed her gently. "Thank you, my dear."

She looked up at the sky. "I'm so glad it stopped raining. Look at all the stars." She reached for his hand and squeezed it tight.

"It has," he agreed. "And it feels like autumn is on the way." He took her in his arms and snuggled with her. "Even though it's not always the most pleasant, the rain is romantic to me; it feels like it's our thing."

She smiled. "I never thought of it that way, but you're right!" His eyes seemed to get even bluer as he smiled widely. "And I don't even think it's a bad thing."

"No, not a bad way." He shook his head and kissed her hand.

Sybil looked over his shoulder. "How come I never noticed you had a terraced roof before?"

Mikael chuckled. "Well, we were sort of busy before."

"Well, how's today any different?" Sybil teased.

"I suppose it isn't," Mikael chuckled and gave her a spank. "Now, onto another subject. How are your courses going? Any changes from last time? Any new developments?"

"No, not really," Sybil shook her head. "I've only had a few classes, but the coursework seems like it'll be very interesting. I really can't wait!" The passion was obvious in her eyes.

"Really?" Mikael questioned. "How long til you get to work with supernatural creatures?"

"Not for a while," Sybil shook her head. "They want us to start with a typical creature, like a dog or a cat. I would do Princess Leia, but..." she wrinkled her nose. "It just doesn't seem exciting."

Princess Leia let out a yowl from her spot by the fire and then stalked back into the house.

"I think you've offended her," Mikael said with a grin.

"If I've offended you, I didn't mean it, my sweet girl!" Sybil called through the open door.

"I have an idea," Mikael suggested. "If you're not sure what sort of animal you'd like to do, go visit my son Elijah at his farm. He and his wife have lots of animals around and I'm sure they wouldn't mind having you."

Sybil's eyes brightened and she clapped her hands. "Oh, Mikael! That's a wonderful idea! I could choose a horse for my project. I used to ride a lot with my father when I was a child, but...I wouldn't want to bother them."

"I promise you wouldn't be a bother," Mikael said. "Since Elijah built that house for Selina, they have friends and family coming out every hour of the day. It's like Green Acres!" He grinned, making her laugh. "You should call them."

"I will," she nodded, grinning widely.

"Sybil?" She asked, a lump forming in his throat.

"Mm?" She asked, her eyes meeting his.

"This thing between us, I want to assure you that at least, for me, it's not purely sexual." Tears filled his eyes as he continued to speak. "It...it's bothered me that you were so hurt after our encounter at the Council. It hurt that you believed I was just using you for your body. You...you bring something to my life that I-I never have gotten to really experience in my life. And the only way I know how to respond is...physically."

"Are you crying?" She asked as tears rolled down his cheeks. "Don't cry; I believe you. I believe you because...Because I feel the same." She grabbed his chin and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "But," she admitted, "I would be lying if I didn't say the sex was a nice bonus." She hoped that would make him smile and was very delighted when it did.

"Yes," Mikael grinned. "Quite nice indeed, my dear." They then snuggled together in silence and soon, he realized she was asleep. "Sybil? Sybil, darling? Are you asleep?" When she didn't wake up, but he was sure her breathing was steady, he picked her up and kissed her forehead. "All right," he said. "Let's get to bed then."

"And just where do you think you're going?" Mikael asked the next morning when he found her and her things, along with Princess Leia's cage, heading toward the penthouse door. He wore gray trousers, a blue shirt, and shiny black shoes.

She answered honestly. "I don't know; I have twenty dollars for a taxi and I'll go find somewhere else to stay until my apartment is fixed." She paused. "Thanks for letting me spend the night here. It was very generous of you."

"Oh, no you're not!" Mikael shook his head, grabbed Princess Leia's cage from her hands, and brought it back into the penthouse.

She growled in frustration. "Damn it, Mikael! Give me my cat back!" She stormed back into the penthouse and glared at him, hands on hips.

"No," Mikael shouted and opened the cage. As the cat scampered out, he began sneezing. "Fuck!" He cried. "It's starting again!"

"Look at what you did!" Sybil cried and stomped her foot. "Now that you let her out, it's gonna take forever to get her in her cage again. I would suggest you take more pills for your sneezing, but it's not necessary because I'm leaving and Princess Leia is too!"

"She didn't escape, I let her out," Mikael corrected. "And you're not going anywhere, woman!"

"I told you that I was grateful for your help, but the night is over and now I have to find another place to stay."

"You sit your ass, as perfect and round as it may be, in that seat," he pointed.

Sybil glared at him. "I'm not a child, Mikael. Or your property." She sat down and crossed her arms. "And I don't like being treated as such!"

"Well, you're acting like one! What's gotten in to you?"

"Why are you dressed like that so early in the morning?" She asked. "What's with the suitcase?"

Mikael sighed and passed his hands through his hair. "I forgot to tell you, but...I have an engagement in Toronto and it's almost time for my flight."

"Toronto?" Sybil asked, wide-eyed. "Like Canada?"

"Yes!" Mikael answered irritably. "Canada! I'm managing several enterprises and I have to be at a meeting for one of them. It was scheduled before the fire."

She shrugged. "Why should I care? It's not any of my business."

"Well, make it your business then!" He snapped. "What's gotten into you? I thought we had an understanding last night!"

"Like an idiot, I thought we did too, but once again, you probably meant to throw me out, so I thought I would leave before you had the chance to humiliate me." She turned her eyes to the terrace and didn't meet his eyes.

Mikael sighed and kneeled in front of her, taking Sybil's chin in his hand. "I wasn't going to throw you out. I'm no fool and I realize why you would think that's so, but...I would like it if you would be my guest here until your apartment is fit for habitation again. You and your...cat."

"Really?" She gasped. "Are you...are you serious?"

"Yes, really." He gently rubbed her bottom lip with his thumb. "Woman, when will you get it through your head that I only want what's best for you and I'm perfectly aware that it's not the best for you to be out on the street or in some cheap hotel?"

"And keeping away from me was for the best too?"

He lowered his eyes and turned his head away. "The thing is, dear, that if I'm so much as three feet away from you, I know I won't be able to control myself. I'll be overcome by your lips, your breasts, your legs, your eyes, and your..." He looked down and then back into her eyes. "Well...you understand, don't you? I believe with all my heart that you'll be better off without me. But that doesn't mean that we can't...talk about your studies and what's going on in your life, does it? Wish each other the best?"

"Screw you, Mikael!" Sybil lashed out. "And shame on me for allowing myself to be tricked into spending another night with you." She wiped tears off her cheeks.

"Darling, please don't cry; I hate to see you cry. It makes me crazy." He brushed her tears away until she ordered him to pull his hand away.

He stood up and handed her a credit card from his wallet. "Take this. You can use it to buy food, clothes, things for Princess Leia, whatever you want. Do your hair, buy yourself jewelry...I don't care, but take it!" He paused. "My fridge is full of food, drink, blood, whatever. And if you need to be driven to school, my driver is at your disposal."

"I don't want it! I won't take it!"

"Yes, you will!" Mikael ordered. "Take the damn card!"

She narrowed her eyes and snatched it out of his hands. "But I'll reimburse you every pennny when I...when I..." but she wasn't able to finish her sentence because he grabbed her quite suddenly and his lips crashed against hers.

She moaned and grabbed his wrists. He knew she couldn't resist his kiss. This was a dirty trick! She responded for a little while, then broke the kiss, turned her head, and snapped, "leave! I don't want you to miss your flight!"

"Right," Mikael nodded, as if he were just remembering this. He grabbed his blazer and suitcase. "I'll call you when I get back."

She crossed her arms. "Don't bother. I'm not going to answer you!"

"That's a lie and we both know it," he called before slamming the penthouse door.

Sybil shook her head, lay down on the sofa, and burst into tears. Princess Leia curled up beside her soon after. As Sybil stroked the cat's ears, she said, "this is all your fault, sweetheart. You are so lucky I love you!"