She stands looking out the bedroom window watching the light of the moon reflecting off of the lake. It's been nearly six hours since the ceremony started, and now she's waiting for him to come out of the bath. She's waiting to finish what was started a year and a day ago.

No more interruptions, no more accidental walk ins, and especially, no more stupid warning claxons going off. The phone's been unplugged, the cat has been moved to the BPRD and everyone has been told to stay far away. They don't care if the end of the world is coming tomorrow; tonight is theirs, just the two of them enjoying each other fully. She's waited a year and a day for this, and now she's frightened out of her wits.

She tries not to think about all the times that they tried to be together only to be disturbed every single time. It's been a frustration marathon, and she's exhausted. She doesn't want to be frustrated any more, and she's scared that this time will be like all the others. She's terrified that they'll be so close, only to have happiness torn away from them again.

"Not this time, my love," she hears him say quietly from behind her.

She gives a little jump and a gasp, but she doesn't turn around. She just closes her eyes. He steps up behind her and places his hands on her shoulders. He can feel her fears and he shares them

"Is this a dream?" she asks.

Moving closer, he whispers in her ear, "No."

"Then make it real," she quietly begs as she turns to him.

He stands there with only a towel on. The soft golden glow of the candles lighting the room make his skin look green. He smiles as he gently cups her head in his hands.

"As you wish," he breathes just before he kisses her.

The tip of his tongue touches her lips. Her lips part to allow him access. Their tongues touch and her mind goes blank. Her hands start tracing his fins, finding the ones that are the most sensitive. His hands start caressing her, running across the silk robe she's wearing. She feels his hand sneak in between them as he unties it.

Soon the robe is in a pile at her feet and he's running his hands over her bare arms and back. She feels him starting to play with the straps of her night gown. She pushes back, breaking off their kiss. He gets a good look at the new night gown and she sees his eyes get a bit bigger. He starts to pull her toward him again and she stops him.

She reaches over and pulls off the towel. She can see he's already at half mast. Beginning at the base of his neck, she starts kissing her way down his chest and then his stomach finally stopping at his waist. She slowly stands up straight again, rubbing herself against him as she does. Carefully reaching in between them, she cradles his manhood in her hand and starts to stroke it, bringing him to full arousal. He lets out a low deep moan.

He takes her hands into his and pulls her to him. He reclaims her lips as something very hard pushes into her stomach. As he slowly traces his nails up her arms, she feels goose bumps forming on her arms and her nipples hardening. He gets to her shoulders and pushes the straps off.

Half way down, the night gown gets caught on his upright member. She reaches over and runs her hand along the length of his organ and gently disentangles the night gown from him. As she goes past the tip, she hears a sound resonating in his chest that sounds something between a moan and a growl.

He picks her up and carries her to the bed. He lays her down, sandwiching her between him and the mattress. She opens her legs so he can be closer. His lips leave hers and he starts to work his way down. He stops at her chest. His tongue circles and plays with her hardened nipple as his hand gently fondles the other one. She gives a cry of pleasure as her back arches and her groin gets hot. She feels his free hand reach her hip and starts trying to pull off her panties. His other hand joins its brother, and the last article of clothing finally disappears. She caresses his head with one hand as she gently strokes his gills with the other. She can feel them flutter under her hand.

Suddenly, his lips are on hers again and he's sliding into her. She gasps and moans in response to the sudden discomfort. He waits patiently for her to adjust to him. Finally, her hands grab his hips and he knows she's ready. He pushes his hips into her and she curves her pelvis in response. He drives his hardness into her faster and faster. She can't kiss him any more because she's too busy crying his name in ecstasy. Then she feels herself reaching the edge.

Suddenly, all the barriers are down. The two of them are now one in soul, body and mind as every thought, feeling and memory is shared. Each knows what it's like for the other and that makes it even more erotic.

He gives one final thrust as she arches her back and screams his name. They lay there, wrapped around each other, panting at first and then gently kissing. Neither one of them wanting to believe it's truly over. After what seems to be a short eternity later, Abe rolls off of her, and lies down beside her, pulling the covers over them. He's lying on his back so his gills can move freely. She manages to snuggle up to him and lay her head on his chest. She closes her eyes and listens to his heart slowing down back to a normal rate as he starts to stroke her hair.

"I love you," she says quietly. She finally notices that the candles have all been blown out. "Who blew out the candles?"

"You did, my Air Mage," he quietly chuckles as he cranes his neck to kiss the top of her head. "Go to sleep."

That's all the invitation she needs. She relaxes into him, and just before sleep takes her, she hears one last sweet sound.

"I love you."