Ichabod woke in a semi familiar bed. Which was far better, in his opinion, than waking up in a strange bed. The only question was, why was he waking up? He could've sworn he was dying when last he knew. Perhaps he was dead. How would he know after all? He'd never been dead before. Maybe this was the afterlife. Huh, not what he'd expected. But who was he to be choosy? Odd though, that one could feel pain when one was dead.

An unfamiliar face on a familiar body peered down at him. He blinked, the Horseman, it must be. Dark hair, even more wild then his was. Pale, unearthly eyes, razor sharp teeth, and the magnetism Ichabod had come to associate with him. If anyone could tell Ichabod about being dead it was the Horseman. After he'd been dead for 20 years.

"Am I dead?"

"No, the Black Witch missed all your vital organs." responded a rich voice with a heavy German accent.

"Oh."

"But you are still hurt and I suggest that you not move for the time being."

Ichabod, who had been contemplating doing just that blushed and frowned. He hated being inactive. However, since the Horseman seemed bent on keeping him here perhaps he would be willing to answer some of Ichabod's questions. Cheered by this thought Ichabod settled himself in the bed (which was a surprisingly comfortable one) Best to start with the most important one, "What's your name?" then realizing with a flush that his own manners had been rather remiss he added hastily, "Mine's Ichabod, Ichabod Crane."

The Horseman seemed rather surprised. "My name was—" he frowned, trying to remember, "It has been many years since I've used it," he apologize, "Not since I entered manhood and became a Hessian. My name was–is....Albrecht. Yes that's it, Albrecht. Not exactly the fearsome name I craved in my youth."

"It's better than Ichabod." Ichabod pointed out.

"I like your name." Albrecht protested. "It's a lot like you, beautiful and strong." Ichabod blushed, surprised. "You– find me appealing?"

"You are the most gorgeous human I have met. Yet you are more than that. You have a hidden fire that powers you, and an amazing mind. But I'm sure many have told you this."

"No, no one," Ichabod told him, blushing, "I'm not you know, I'm too skinny, too pale, too serious. And people say my eyes are unnerving." Ichabod explained, embarrassed and slightly breathless.

"Then people are fools for nor appreciating your effortless beauty. You are slender, not skinny. Compared to me you are quite tanned." Albrecht pointed out. "You are a little too serious, but that is immaterial. You're beautifully sculpted, the epitome of male beauty."

Ichabod swallowed. He had to ask, now that the idea had occurred to him it would wiggle in the back of his mind until he gave into it. "Albrecht? Would you?" He hesitated, then mustered up his courage. "Would you–kiss me?"

Albrecht was shocked, "You truly want me to kiss you mien Liebling? Think carefully, for once I taste the sweetness of your lips I doubt I will be inclined to let you go again."

Ichabod understood and thought about what he had in the outside world. The scorn of his superiors, the contempt of his fellows. Everyone he met thought him a coward and an eccentric. Except for Albrecht. Despite what Albrecht might believe Ichabod knew it wouldn't be Albrecht who wouldn't be 'inclined to let go', but Ichabod. The feeling of being loved was headier than any drink, and far more addictive. "Yes." He said confidently, "I want you to kiss me— I want you to love me."

This was all the invitation the Horseman needed.

[censored]


Later (much later) Albrecht cradled Ichabod in his arms, lightly stroking his cheek. He chuckled and ran his fingers through his hair. "Now your hair's as messy as mine."

Ichabod chuckled, then yawned. "Albrecht."

"Hmm?" Albrecht regarded his sleepy lover with amusement. He thought the younger man would never wear out.

"What does Mien Liebling mean?"

"My love."

"Oh," Ichabod smiled and closed his eyes, snuggling closer to Albrecht.

"But I have another name for you as well now."

"What's that?"

"Mien Frühzeit."

"What does that mean?"

"Frühzeit is when the sun comes up."

"Oh, sunrise or dawn."

"Yes. Now sleep, you've had a long day."

"Ichabod chuckled, "I'll say."

For those of you at Fanfiction.Net the uncensored version can be found at my site