A/N: Well, folks, this is the end. You made an absurd plot into a joy to post, so thank you all. I really hope you enjoy it. It wasn't easy fixing such a daft thing, but I tried.

Chapter 11 - COOL

He stood there with his hands on her shoulders, pressing gently. Slowly, he took a step towards her, letting his cheek rest against the side of her head, and he could hear her breathing. His hands skimmed their way over the top of her shoulders and down her upper arms. Gently, smoothly, each of his hands moulded round her elbows and continued their parallel journey south. He paused with his hands just above her wrists. His body seemed to know what it was doing, but his brain was still catching up.

"Um…, " it didn't hurt to ask, "… so can I kiss you?"

He felt her nod.

"Yes. Please."

His hands moved further, reaching her hands, and the sensation of her skin on his was like a searing burn. His fingers slipped between hers, gripping tenderly. Moving his head, he caught her gasp with his mouth. The kiss was brief, but intense, and it left their senses ablaze.

Squeezing his hands, Elizabeth gulped, "I should have realised, talked to you…"

Rodney drew her hands up between them, and slowly kissed her fingers. "Making you happy is the only thing I've cared about that didn't involve wormholes. That goes for every minute since I met you."

"But… this year…?"

"I won't say it didn't hurt," he whispered, "but it never stopped me doing everything you asked of me."

Elizabeth bent her head forward, her lips resting on their entwined hands, "I am so sorry. Please forgive me. I… I…" she lifted her head to face him, blinking back the tears, "I need you to forgive me."

Rodney pulled his fingers from hers, and cupped her face gently. "You don't have to ask, Elizabeth. You know I will." He leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

"But… what about…? Did you want to go back to her?" Elizabeth could still feel the jealousy and fear running like rivers of fiery lava through her heart.

Rodney leaned back in for another kiss, smiling against her lips. "Elizabeth. I have a feeling she will be rather pleased for me. Amazed even. I'll tell her my charm worked wonders." He laughed, and nuzzled her hair. "I'll make this work, Elizabeth. We'll make it work. I want it more than anything. Then you'll see." He wrapped his arms around her again, hugging her tight.

Elizabeth dared to let a tiny smile cross her lips as she snuggled her head into his neck. "I know Rodney. I know you'll show me."

They stood there, just holding each other. As Elizabeth relaxed, she began to feel the lava ebbing into the ocean, steam rising in its place, leaving her heart reformed, and without fear.

fin

A/N: Well, there we go. If that didn't quite suit, There's a alternative ending that appeals greatly to me... just read the ch10 review from silverfox. hehe. Thanks again for reading and reviewing everyone!